A Broken Warrior

Chapters

A New Life
Old Faces, New Ponies
Trouble in Canterlot
A Dance with Fate
Song and Dance
Old Friend
Better Beginnings
Finish Lining
Quest Line
Tell me, how does one... "Party"?
Open Mind
Part of the Job
Confrontation
Right a Wrong
The time we have left.
Picking up the shattered pieces
Time passes by
Paranoia
Sleep walk
Departure
Taking Flight
Lion's Den
Mind Games
Revelation
Time Well Spent
Coming Changes
Snapshot in Time
The Start
Nightmare Moon
Rest for the Wicked

A New Life

34 was mad. He was tricked, put simply. When he agreed to go with the tall one, he didn't, however, expect to be put in handcuffs, a muzzle, and all limbs chained to the ground. Four heavily armored guards stood at attention outside his cell. Where was said cell? Canterlot dungeons. Echo stayed silent, told to do so by 34 so they wouldn't take him away. Thankfully, they didn’t try to remove the collar on him. It’s been about three days since they brought him down here, and he had memorized the guards routine so far.

A new squad of guards came to replace the current ones, quickly switching places in a matter of seconds. Two unicorns, two pegasus. One of the unicorns used their magic to take off the muzzle on him, then floated over a meal. A simple bowl of soup. Best food that they’d give him right now. The other guards stood ready for any attempt at escape as the unicorn spoon fed him. Once finished, the muzzle was clamped back on and the guards resumed their post.

No small talk, with him or between each other. Just doing their duty. Something in him made him angry at this, but he couldn’t exactly say what. He sighed as he sat back down. He figured he’d try again.

“So, I still don’t know exactly what you all are…” He started. The guards stayed silent. 34 continued nonetheless. “It’s making me tired just calling you all by ‘you’.” They continued their stoic standing. “...Look. It’s the same thing every day. No way you all aren’t bored too.” They gave no response. He sighed and began to rhythmically pull on the chains out of boredom.

After a few minutes of clanking metal, the guards began to side eye each other. They were clearly annoyed at the sound. A few more minutes went by as the sound continued. Then it stopped. 34 sighed and spoke. “You all got like five seconds to say something or you won’t like what I do next.” The guard ignored him, as usual, assuming it was an empty threat.

It was not.

All the guards snapped their heads to him after hearing a loud ‘BOOM’ from behind them. They saw 34, his metal arm free and in the form of a rifle. The ponies raised their weapons at him. “Call for backup!” One said.

“Oh, so you can talk.” 34 stated as he used the same method to break the rest of his chains. He stood up for the first time in a while and stretched. “So, I have some questions. Any takers?” 34 looked to see not the normal 4 guards, but a dozen or so, weapons pointed at him.

They stood at a standstill for a few moments, staring at each other. Neither side moved until 34 spoke. “Are you guys gonna say something? Oh my gosh!” He started to get annoyed.

“Put away your weapon!” One spoke. 34 did so. The guard blinked. “That was… easy.”

“Yeah, almost like if you all spoke, none of this wouldn’t happen.” 34 frowned at them.

The guard blinked. “...You’re saying you broke your chains-”

34 cut him off. “I said if they didn’t say something they wouldn’t like what I did next.”

The guard looked around to his colleagues for confirmation. “...he did say that…”

“Doesn’t matter anymore. Bring me to the tall one. I’ve been here too long.” 34 demanded. He was growing more annoyed with each passing moment with these beings.

“...Or wh-?” A guard began to ask before 34 sighed.

“I just broke those metal chains, and I think those metal bars in the window are about the same. I am a moment away from freedom and each passing second is tempting me more.” He pointed to the window behind him. The guards looked at eachother, not sure what to do. 34 sat back down.

“And then, I came to you, Princess…” The guard finished recalling what was said by the creature in the dungeon. “To be honest, I don’t think we should take the chance. It’s been growing more agitated the longer we keep him down there. I don’t know how else to say it, but it just… feels wrong.”

Celestia sat on her throne and thought for a few moments. She’s spent the last few days dealing with the damage done, as well as making sure the creature wasn’t seen by anypony else. Lucky for her, most residents evacuated before it emerged, leaving only the guards and a single filly to see it. On top of all this, now said creature was threatening escape. She sighed, wondering what she was going to do.

After the moments passed, she realized she had to do at least something. “Guard. Call for Iron Armory. He talked with it for a little while. I’d like his opinion.” She ordered. The guard bowed before going to do so. A few minutes later, he came in.

“Iron Armory, reporting!” He saluted.

“At ease, my little pony.” She smiled at him.

Iron Armory dropped his salute. “Yes ma’am. What do you need me to do?”

She thought before she started. “You… you’ve talked to that creature, correct? Tell me about him.”

Iron Armory nodded. “He didn’t speak much. He seemed more concerned for the safety of the filly I found with him. Going so far to carry her on his back.” He paused, thinking back on the day before continuing. “He implied that he was some sort of lab experiment, saying he was some number. Also, I get some feeling of… sadness from him, if that makes sense.”

Celestia nodded, taking in what he said before asking further. “...Do you think he’s dangerous?”

Iron nodded again. “If I may speak frankly, just from looking at his arm alone, he’s dangerous. Let alone the rumors that he’s the source of the attack. But at the same time, if he wanted to cause harm, he had more than enough chances to do it.”

Celestia sighed. “You spoke of a filly. Is she ok?”

“Yes ma’am. We’ve found her family and returned her safely after a health check and a few questions.”

“What did she say about it?”

“Well… all good things. From my understanding, he landed in the same tower she was in, saved her from it, then went to help her find her parents before I found them.”

Celestia blinked. “...It what?”

Iron chuckled a bit. “We all had the same reaction. He only acted hostile when we first attempted to restrain him… I… pity him. Just from the looks he gave, he has some sort of past he wants to keep quiet about.”

Celestia hummed before asking her final question. “Do you think it’s our enemy?”

Iron Armory shook his head. “Not unless we give him a reason to be.”

Celestia nodded. “Thank you, Iron Armory. I’ll let you get back to work.” He returned the nod before exiting. She sighed again, thinking on what to do next. Negotiation with the unknown can turn out dangerous, and from the earlier report, she had no way to reliably contain it either. Hell, she didn’t even know what it was.

She leaned back in her chair, as if it would wave off the mental exhaustion. Celestia decided to enjoy the brief moment of silence while she had it. Nearly an hour had passed in bliss before she sat up straight, knowing what she had to do. “Guard.” She called, hearing the echo of her voice through the large room. A guard came in by her order, pushing the door open and saluting. “Send word to Sergeant Lance. Have him and two squadrons under him transport the creature to me. I’d like a word with it.”

34 was lying on his back, hands under his head as he waited. The guards still stood there, wary of him. They were at least talking to him. Made the time pass by quicker. “So, this place seems fancy. Never seen a castle in my life, and now I’m in one! What’s this place called?”

“...We’re in Canterlot.” A guard answered.

“Oh, like in the fairytales I read…” Not that he thought about it, these beings were also present in some of those tales. “...What species are you all?”

“The guards looked and chuckled between each other. “What? Never seen a pony before?”

“No.” 34 answered rather quicker than the ponies expected.

“Really? Where are you from? And what are you anyway?” One asked.

“Oh, uh… I don’t really know. I’m a human.” 34 answered.

“Hue-man… alright. How many more of you are there coming here? And are they all like you?” Another asked.

“Um… our total population is in the… billions? I think? And no more should be coming after me. I made sure I wasn’t followed. How many of you all are there?”

They blinked. “Just around half a million in this country. And you said… billions?” 34 nodded. “I don’t believe you. No way you hue-mans can survive in the billions. That’d have to be a massive planet!”

“Oh, well, it’s not just one planet. We’ve traveled space and colonized other planets, and have orbiting colonies. It’s really cool to think about!” He smiled at them, who returned the gesture by laughing. “...what did I say?”

“You’re telling me that your race went to other planets and lived there? That’s just a fantasy! Science fiction!”

“Like me, some alien, coming from a portal from another world?” He asked rhetorically. The laughing stopped abruptly, the guards pondering to themselves. “Yeah… anyway, how about you ponies? How spread out are you?”

Another guard answered him this time. “Well, we mostly just stay in this part of the world. We’re in Equestria, but we have some ponies in other places out there. All the races just stay to ourselves.”

34 sat up. “...Other races? There isn’t one dominant species?”

“Oh. No.” The guard answered before listing off other races. “So, we have ponies in Equestria, griffons in Griffon Stone, Dragons in the dragon lands, Changelings in their kingdom to the south that we’re on bad terms with, Diamond dogs where ever, Hippogriffs in Hippogriffia, but they’ve closed their borders. Kelpies, Zebras, and Abada in Zebrafrica. Then there’s the unexplored east.” She smiled, then shrunk a bit noticing the looks of all the ponies around her. “Heh… sorry, kinda my hobby.”

“That… helps a lot more than you think. It’s interesting how all these beings can live relatively peacefully on one planet. I want to learn more about it some time. 34 smiled back. The mare almost got a sense of comfort from it.

A colleague of the mare pulled her ear to him so he could whisper. “Take what it says with a grain of salt. We don’t know what it’s planning. That naivety could be a trap.”

The mare looked back at him. “How… how old are you?”

34 thought. “Um.. eight I think?”

“EIGHT!?” She shouted in surprise. “Oh Celestia, we’ve been keeping a child in a dungeon!” She covered her face.

“Oh, that’s not normal here?” 34 asked nonchalantly. The other guards gave an uncomfortable laugh, while the mare he was talking to fell over. “...Are you ok?”

She regained her balance and stood back up. “...I’m fine, and no, it’s not normal!” She put a hoof against the bars of his cell. “What… how did you live like that?”

“I’m… not sure what you mean by that. I, along with my brothers and sisters, were told what to do, and we did it. By following orders, we were fed, and we lived… Well… I… lived.” He sighed.

One of the guards' ears perked up. He stepped in front of his colleague. “Brothers and sisters? How many? And you said ‘I’... what happened to them?”

34’s mood fell as he thought back. “There were fifty of us. I’m the only one that survived.”

The stallion inched closer. “Survived what?

“...I don’t want to talk about it.” 34 said as he put a hand on his metal elbow. “Let’s just say that this arm isn’t natural to humans.”

The guards stayed silent at that, not sure how to respond. One spoke up. “I’m sorry.”

34 shook his head. “You didn’t do anything. Nothing to be sorry for.” He said before they returned to silence.

“You’ve had a hard life, huh?” A guard asked rhetorically.

34 didn’t notice. “...you know, wasn’t until recently that my way of life wasn’t normal. Definitely changes some things.”

Right when he finished, another guard came in. 34 noticed that this one stood out from the rest. They all had the same white fur, but this one was different. In place of the golden armor, this unicorn had a steel color, as well as some insignia on his chest and a mantle that covered his back. Following behind him was a group of five guards with their normal armor. The same blank expressions on their faces. 34 Looked through the door behind them, seeing a bigger group of guards waiting.

The guards already in the room turned to salute the unicorn. “Sergeant Lance!” They greeted.

The unicorn didn’t say anything to them, walking past them and stopping in front of 34. He looked up at the unicorn, staring him in the eyes. More guards came and stood on either side of him. The unicorn spoke first. “So, you’re the creature that’s been causing trouble for us, is that right? State your name.”

“34.” He stated.

“Not your age, your name.” Lance furrowed his brow.

“Sir, his name is-” A guard from earlier tried to speak up.

“I wasn’t talking to you, Corporal.” Lance cut the guard off. He turned back to the human. “I will not ask again, state your name.”

“34.” He stated again.

“Oh, so you’re a joker?” The sergeant smirked. He drew the sword on his hip and poked it through the bars and at his neck. “Tell me another one.”

34 looked at him and sighed. He moved his metal arm to grab the blade and shattered it in his grip. “I am designated as P.R.O.W-0034. Threats will get you nowhere. Next question.” 34 dropped the pieces of shattered blade from his hand, looking back up to see a once smirking face now one of anger.

Lance turned to the other guards. “Why hasn’t he been contained!?”

“They tried. They failed. Not their fault.” 34 pushed himself off the ground. “More on you, since you haven’t checked my report, but that is besides the point. What do you want?”

“Listen here, creature… you’re in our cell! You’ll listen to what we say, got it!? I’ll be asking the questions!” Lance pointed a hoof at him.

34 exhaled through his nose. This Lance guy was annoying, but he didn’t have much of a choice. “Then ask.” He said with as little anger as he could.

“That’s better.” Lance smirked. “Now, before we transport you, I’m going to have to take that weapon on your arm off.”

“This is my arm. You can’t just take a part, and I am not giving it to you either.” 34 explained.

Lance grew annoyed. “Did you not understand the 'listen to what we say’ part? Are you stupid?”

“Are you?” He asked back. “I was the one who destroyed part of your city, which is the only reason I’m in this dungeon. Understand that?” 34 furrowed his brow and stood up. He put his metal arm on one of the bars and bent it slightly. “I am here by choice, not because you all are keeping me here. Threatening and insulting me is to your detriment.” He continued to push on the bars, a few guards raising their spears at him. “This is getting us nowhere. Tell me what you want from me.” 34 demanded angrily.

Lance was about to say something before the guard he was talking to earlier began to speak. “Sir, we should be able to answer any questions you have. We’ve had time to ask him questions of our own.” The mare said with a salute. “He’s made it clear he can break out. From the broken chains and the damage outside, I think we can both agree it’s best to not provoke him.” She said in the nicest way she could.

Lance grit his teeth and reluctantly agreed. “Fine…”

While they gave the sergeant the information he needed, the remaining guards decided to stand in front of his cell. Glaring at him. 34 didn’t like this. Their judging stares. He could tell just by the look in their eyes what they thought of him. They were the same gazes as the guards… the doctors… the numbers. ‘Creature.’ ‘Demon.’ ‘Monster.’ He grit his teeth as his eyes flashed white. A few of the guards took a cautious step back at this before 34 contained himself.

He sighed. He loosened his fist and sat back down, waiting for them to be done with their talk. It went on for about half an hour. From the little he heard, they were going over nearly everything they’ve talked about. Name, origin, background, age, and how he got to Canterlot. Interestingly, the only part that was left out was his siblings. He’d have to thank them for that later.

Once finished, Sergeant Lance turned back to him. “Well… 34, I got the info needed. Now, what I’m actually here for. You’ve been called by the Princess for an audience.”

“I don’t know who that is.” He looked up at him.

“You’ll figure it out. Now, I don’t want any sudden movements from you, got it?” He demanded. Lance didn’t even wait for a response before turning to the guards at his command. “Alright, listen up. Once it’s out of the cell, I want two wedge formations! Unicorns, get the locks on him before he leaves the cell! We’ll be transporting him to princess Celestia! We can’t afford to mess this up!”

34 blinked. He wasn’t told anything about locks. He reasoned that it made sense, given his less than perfect track record so far. He groaned as he stood up and put his arms out to his sides. He knew the drill. Four of the unicorns unlocked the cell door and quickly floated a new pair of cuffs to him. They snapped around his legs first, not making him able to move faster than a shuffle. Then, another pair around his wrist. What made these different from the last pair was that these covered his hands, forcing him to ball them into fists. Finally, another muzzle was put over his mouth. Each unicorn used their magic to pull a chain on each limb, forcing him out the cell door.

It was humiliating. Dehumanizing, being treated like some animal. Some of the ponies gave him looks that said ‘sorry’, but it was overshadowed by the looks of disgust coming his way. He tried his best not to growl in annoyance.

“Alright! Form up!” Lance ordered as 34 was pulled out of the cell. “Start walking.” He gave him a push. 34 did so, albeit reluctantly. He tried to take his focus off the dozen clopping hooves around him, and instead focused on the pathway he took. Up a set of stairs. Past a hall on his right. Past another on his left. Up another flight of stairs. Down another hallway. Finally, a large set of double doors on his left, nearly reaching the ceiling. Lance used his magic to push open the doors, and the guards transported him in.

34 looked around the room. The first thing he noticed was the rather lush throne room. Red carpet, stained glass windows, white marble floor, and a large, golden throne with the sigil of the sun. On that throne was that alicorn he saw a few days ago. She stood up and spread her wings. As she took steps down from her throne to approach the human, the guards spread out in a defensive formation, making sure they had him completely surrounded.

The alicorn stopped in front of him, looking down at him. Now that 34 got a better look at her, she was just about twice his size. She took a deep breath. “I am Princess Celestia. Ruler of Equestria. I... wish we could’ve introduced ourselves under better circumstances.”

34 looked up at her. “I am called 34. Don’t really have a name, so that will have to do. I wish the same too. I am sorry about the damage I’ve done. Hope nobody was hurt.”

Celestia blinked in surprise at the apologetic nature of it. She smiled a bit. “Thankfully, no pony was hurt. While the damage is done, it can be repaired… I did hear from Iron Armory that you protected a filly before he found you. I must thank you for that.”

“It was my fault in the first place. Didn’t know where I’d end up before the portal collapsed in on itself.” He explained. “I’m sorry.”

“Tell me more about this ‘portal’ you mentioned. How did you get here exactly?”

34 sighed. “It’s a very long story. Summarizing it, I escaped my containment, ended my captors, then found an escape route. Coincidentally, their power source for mana was from a portal that led to here. The portal collapsed in on itself, taking me onto this side… I figured out where the portal ended up after I came though, then I crashed. You know what happened after that.”

She nodded. “Yes. Though I do have a few questions. First, what is mana?”

“It’s…” He looked for the words to explain it. “After ‘The Awakening’, mana was discovered within every person. It’s hard to explain. It’s like… a form of energy that each of us have. We can focus on it and use it, like the unicorns here do, though not exactly.”

She grew a bit worried, yet kept her same posture. “...Can you use magic?”

“Yes.” He answered. “Though I don’t want to hurt any of you. No reason to.”

She shook her head, as if to shake off the worry. “Moving on… what is ‘The Awakening’?”

“‘The Awakening’ was an event that caused a massive change in human society. One day, every being awoke with mana, though with different amounts. It caused a complete revolution on everything we’ve ever known. Animals evolved differently, weather changed, and humans did what we do, and found a way to use it to our benefit.”

“...and what is that benefit?” Celestia asked hesitantly.

34 sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to like it. “Greed. Conquering the stars, other alien races, then eventually, each other. Humanity decided that they would be the ones to rule the cosmos. I’m a product of that greed. They trained me to eventually use my power for whatever they deemed fit.”

“And what do you plan on using that power for?” She asked the boy. She wanted an answer. Needed one that would make sure he wouldn’t be a threat.

34 stood in silence before he spoke. “Can I ask a few questions first?”

Celestia was taken aback by the ask, but if it helped mold his answer, she’d be more than willing to answer. “You may.”

“First, I want to know if you treat all prisoners like me, or if it’s just me.” He frowned. The guards looked between each other, then a few to the princess.

“I… am sorry that your treatment here has been less than the standard. You must understand, you did just destroy part of the capital. You were, and still are, considered a terrorist.”

“Oh… ok. Didn’t realize.” He shrugged. “Fair enough. Second, I wish to know how long I will stay contained.”

“...I cannot give you a better answer besides until I deem you safe to the public. You may not want to hurt anypony, but my ponies still aren’t ready for something like you to be amongst them, nor am I able to fully trust your word.”

“I don’t believe you. With all the different races in this world, none can accept me? You just want a reason to keep me under your watch.” 34 frowned at her. Celestia’s smile fell at that. “Last question. Are you my enemy?”

She shook her head. “No, of course not.”

“Really? Because so far, you haven’t shown me anything to make me think you aren’t.” He stood up straight, pulling on his chains a bit. “Release me, and I will believe you. I’d rather not be your enemy either, but right now, our wants aren’t with each other.”

Celestia lowered her head to be at eye level. “And what is it that you want?”

“Freedom.” He stated simply.

Celestia sighed as she craned her neck back. “I can’t do that. Guards, take him back to the dungeon. A stronger one if you can.” She turned to go sit back on her throne.

34 could feel the tugging on his chains, and Lance’s hoof on his back. He grit his teeth. “So… you are my enemy…” He growled at the alicorn. “I refuse… to be treated like an item anymore! I will have my freedom!” He shouted.

He focused mana into his fist. His restraints on his arms quickly turned red hot before coming off with a large bang. The guards took a step back and covered their eyes from the blast. Celestia turned around just as he did the same with the restraints on his legs. 34 and Celestia made eye contact for just a moment before he began to make his escape.

He shot a blast of fire at the door, forcing it open, and running out, hearing the yelling of the guards and the princess behind him. He could tell from the window of his cell that he was on the side of some mountain, meaning the only good exit was the entrance, which was bound to be heavily fortified. Too big a risk to take. Remembering his path to the throne room, 34 retraced his steps to just outside the dungeon he was kept in. As he made it down the stairs, he stomped his foot on the floor, making a stone wall behind him. It’ll buy him a few seconds at least.

He tore open the bars to his cell with his metal arm and jumped inside. Lowering his body to the ground, he surrounded his left hand in stone before punching a hole through the wall. Some of the rubble fell down the mountain side below. He was beginning to have second thoughts, looking at the absurd height, but those thoughts were stopped when he heard a blast of magic breaking his barricade. He glanced to his side to see Celestia and the guards behind her. “34, stop this instant!”

He looked at her directly. “No.” He said before jumping down the mountain. 34 flipped himself in the air to see Celestia and a few of the pegasus guards chasing after him. He turned his right arm into a rifle and fired a few shots off, making the guards spread out in an attempt to avoid them. A few were hit, making them slow down to regain their balance. The alicorn was fine, having some sort of magic shield protecting her. He returned a shot of her own back at him, an electric one from the looks. He assumed it was to stun him. 34 didn’t have time to dodge. He put his arms up to shield himself from the blast, but it wasn’t effective. Upon thinking about it, he realized that the force of the blast did knock him back a bit, but the stun had no effect at all.

34 realized he was still falling. Any longer and he’d reach terminal velocity, and it’d be much harder to slow down from that. He put his arms out in front of him, making a torrent of wind, forcing him back towards the mountain side. He dug his metal arm in, making him slow to a stop after a few moments. He didn’t have time to rest though, having to jump to the side to dodge another of Celestia’s magic attacks. 34 switched his hands, trying his best to land a few hits on her, but the barrier kept getting in his way.

This wasn't the monarch’s first battle, but it has been a while for her. Part of her was embarrassed that she was fighting a child, but that was overshadowed by her currently focusing on said battle. The human, 34, was persistent. He had to have learned by now that his attacks were doing nothing. More importantly, that attack she sent earlier had no effect either. She dove in closer in an attempt to grapple him.

34 saw her coming. He jumped to the side before she could wrap her hooves around him. Celestia, not wanting to run into the wall, teleported back to where she once was. She looked back to where 34 was, to see stone platforms jutting out the mountain side and the human using them as foot holds. He was heading back towards the city. One of the pegasus guards following her was able to recover and get back to her. He was about to begin chasing after 34 before the princess called out to him.

“Guard! Send word to Sergeant Lance to mobilize every available guard! We don’t want to lose him in the city!” She demanded as she began flying to keep pace with 34. The guard saluted and flew back up towards the castle. 34, of course, heard this. Things are getting harder by the minute. He was halfway to the city edge before a volley of magic was sent his way. These ones were meant to hurt. He could tell from the dents the magic left in the rock. “So… we’re trying to make things HURT!” He shouted back to her in anger. His eyes flickered white as he used his hand to focus a ball of water into his palm. He continued to focus, increasing the pressure in it before releasing it in Celestia’s direction.

Celestia had to admit, she was surprised by the amount of magic he had… well, in this case mana. She’d even be impressed if said magic wasn’t focused in her direction. She was narrowly able to dodge the beam of water, breaking one of her defensive barriers and bouncing to the side, dispersing in the sky below them.

‘Of course she had more barriers. It only made sense.’ 34 thought to himself as he fired off a few more for good measure. It was at least able to make her back away a little. He finally was able to make it to the city edge. Perfect timing too, as a few dozen guards descended from above Celestia and locked onto him. He jumped up the large wall using a burst of wind focused at his feet and began running through the city. Unicorns and Earth Pony guards were already looking around for him, a few seeing him and alerting the others, but weren’t able to keep up with him.

Rooftops would be easier to navigate, but would make it easy to follow him. Streets were obviously a no go. He’d have to stick to the alley ways. Wouldn’t be anywhere near easy though, since he had no time to cover his trail. They would eventually figure out where he was, so he needed a way out of Canterlot.

34 looked behind him to see Celestia still right on his tail. It’d be hard to lose her. Fast flier for her size, he had to admit. 34 focused magic once again into his hands, this time, the element of fire. He planted his feet into the ground before turning around and slamming his hands into the ground. A large explosion of smoke spread from where he was to the nearby streets. He had cover. 34 ran into a nearby alleyway to escape them.

“Spread out! We cannot let him get away!” He heard Celestia’s voice boom. The ‘Yes Ma’am!’s of various guards were heard as hoof steps went in every direction. He’d need to start moving. 34 began moving as quietly as he could, ducking behind cover when needed. His adrenaline was starting to wear off, and began feeling some of the pain and fatigue from the skirmish. He huffed as he looked around. He was able to wander in front of a main street. Meaning the exit had to be down one of the ends of the street. He looked to his right, seeing the street lead to around about. If luck was on his side, and if this world made at least some sense, the exit would be to his left. He lurked back into the alleyways and began making his way towards his destination.

His muscles were sore, and his heart was racing. Despite this, he kept walking, trying not to breathe too hard to alert anyone. But, he was getting sloppy. It was getting hard for him to focus on so many things. One mistake could mean his hope of freedom would be gone. He grit his teeth.

Lady Luck smiled upon him, as he was able to make it towards what appeared to be an exit. The gate was grand, with decorated metal bars blocking the entrance to the city. Three guards were blocking the gate, making sure nobody, more specifically, 34, wouldn’t make it out. He leaned against a wall and slid down, taking a small break behind a dumpster to think of his next move. But he made a mistake. An empty can clanged down the alley as his foot made contact. His heart dropped.

The ponies ears perked up. They looked at each other. “Hey, you two, go check.” A guard said. 34 heard the pairs of hoof steps draw closer as he sat in silence, hoping they’d walk by. They didn’t.

Two guards turned down the alley. He dreaded every hoof step as they drew closer. He looked up when two pairs of hooves stopped in front of him. He was surprised. “Hey… Iron Armory, right?” He huffed at him before turning to the mare. “Sorry… we talked back when I was in the cell… but I don’t think you told me your name…” 34 said between huffs.

The two sighed. “...I guess I didn’t. I’m River Rose.” She gave a small smile. “...You’ll have to come with us.”

34 coughed. “...I figured… Glad it was you two though… you two are nice to me at least… Not many I can say that about.”

River Rose looked at Iron Armory, who just kept looking down at him. “We’ve spent a good hour looking for you, kid…” He said as he took a step forward. He was about to tell River to send a signal before he had a thought. “Hey, 34… let me ask you something.”

He took a few puffs of air before talking. “Go ahead.”

“What did you plan on doing once you escaped?”

34 thought for a moment before giving a bit of a chuckle. “Didn’t… really think about it to be honest… I’ve been imprisoned for so long… I finally had the choice to think for myself…” He said through a few tears. “...I don’t want to hurt anyone… but I have to if I want to live. I just want to… be free… be able to make choices myself… Choose my own destiny… not have my fate be controlled by others anymore.” He wiped some tears from his eyes. “I want… I want to live…”

River and Iron looked at each other. They couldn’t relate to the human, but they could tell that his words were genuine. They both sighed before River spoke. “...I feel like we’re thinking the same thing…”

Iron smirked. “Maybe… I won’t tell if you don’t.”

River smirked back. “If we’re fired, I’m blaming you.”

34 was able to catch his breath, slowing his breathing. “...What’re you…”

“We’ll lead them away. When we do, dash for the gate and jump it.” Iron explained as he turned around.

“Our signal will be when you hear a loud bang.” River patted his head. “Just promise us that you won't cause any more trouble.”

“...Why go so far for me?” 34 asked.

River smiled at him and lifted his head up. “Call it intuition. You have power. Use it to save others. It’s what we’ve devoted ourselves to do as guards.” She dropped her hoof.

34 sniffed. “...I… I promise.” He said as he stood up. “One day… I’ll make sure to see you two again.”

They turned their backs to him and went back to their posts. The guards walked alongside each other. River whispered to her colleague. “So, what’s the story?”

“Follow my lead.” Iron whispered back before stopping in front of his commanding officer. “Sergeant Lance.” the two saluted.

“So, what took you two so long!?” He shouted at them.

Iron Armory held his salute. “Sir! A stray cat was just doing as they do! However, we’ve found evidence that he was here earlier! There were scrapes on the bricks, as if to mark that he’s been here before! River and I were speculating, and we do not believe he would wait here until nightfall! Instead, we believe he’s looking for another exit!”

“Buck!” Lance shouted in frustration. “River Rose, send an all clear! I’ll report to the other squadrons! The both of you, keep watch of this gate!” He finished as he ran towards the castle.

They let his hoofsteps get out of earshot before River fired off a burst of magic, exploding a green light in the air. That was his signal. 34 rushed out of cover, making sure to look around for any other guards. Thankfully, there were none. He quickly ran past the two and used his wind magic to jump the gate. He turned around to look at them one more time. “I won’t forget this, or our promise.” He said before running into the woods lining the pathway to Canterlot.

The days following the humans' escape was hectic to say the least. All travel in and out of the capital was blocked. While the officials knew why, the public didn’t, and of course, it caused some unrest among the citizens. Of course, that didn’t blend in well with the presumed attack that happened. The guards played it off as a problem with the initial construction.

There were also attempts to hide info on 34, but of course, he didn’t go completely unseen by the residents of Canterlot. Sure, they told all citizens to get inside their homes before 34 went through the city, but there were still windows. Rumors spread among the city folk quickly. A minotaur-like creature with eyes flickering white ran throughout the town. It had no fur, a short snout, and a mane that stayed short on its head. But the most unnerving thing was that its eyes flickered white when it saw its prey. Ponies even began to link it to the “attack” on Canterlot, but the guard quickly snuffed that. One filly was heard talking about the creature, saying that he was good, and she met him even. Of course, the words of a child are rarely taken seriously.

And after having all the trouble in the capital happen during her stay, a certain filly wasn't willing to stay any longer. Lucky for her, the lockdown ended today. The off-white filly brushed her deep opal mane to the side of her horn. She looked in the mirror, her own cerulean eyes staring back at her. “You can do this!” She gave herself a little pep talk before leaving her room. After a few minutes of walking, she was waiting in line to exit through the Canterlot gate. This was new, but she expected as much with the rumors. Another few minutes went by when it was finally her turn.

“So…” The guard looked down at her. “What’s a kid like you doing out here? Where’s your parents?”

“Oh, Mom and Dad passed away a few years ago. I’m on my way to visit their graves. It’s just on the outskirts.” She sighed. It was a lie, but the guard didn't need to know that. She just needed to play to their sympathy.

“Ah… I’m sorry…” The guard lowered his head for a moment. “Go on through then. Just be back before sunset. Next!” The guard called as the filly walked past.

All according to plan. Now she could get home easily. She walked into the forest lining the mountain. However, the forest was different compared to the last time. It felt… quiet. She began walking deeper as she looked around. As she ventured further in and the forest grew darker, she began to notice a few things. Some of the fruit trees and bushes were picked. Some were older than others. Some vines were torn, and rocks overturned. What unsettled her the most was that there was a faint smell of blood. She’d need to be careful to make sure she isn't seen.

Unfortunately for her, she was already seen. 34 stood atop a tree branch, looking down on the filly. His tattered clothes have now been replaced with different hides of animals kept together with some vines. Speaking of, she wandered across a cougar he recently killed. A shame it had to happen, but it came at him first. Might as well use the remains.

The young mare gagged at the sight of the bones and organs covered in a layer of dirt and mud. She was about to begin walking away before she heard something land behind her. She turned around to see the human in all its glory. She wanted to run, but her legs couldn’t move. She winced, preparing for the end.

“...What are you doing out here, alone?” 34 asked.

She took a few steps back. “Oh, you know… just… heading home.”

“...In the middle of a forest? Are you lost?” He approached her a bit, only for her to back up more. She didn’t respond. 34 was about to ask another question but was instead met with a blast of magic in his face. After quickly blocking it, he saw the filly running. So of course, he did the most reasonable thing. He ran after her. And caught up quite easily.

“Why!? Why are you chasing me!?” She screamed while running.

34 was right on her tail. “Because… I can tell you have something to do out here! You have a way out of this forest, a way the guards won't see!” He grabbed her by the scruff and turned her to face him. “I wanna see it.”

She stared back at him and huffed. “What… what’s in it for me?”

“Well, nothing really. Besides, if I let you go, I’ll find and follow you anyway.”

She cursed under her breath, knowing she was stuck with him. “...fine. What should I call you then, you… hairless ape?”

He dropped her gently. “Don't have a name, but I got a number. Call me 34.” He introduced himself. “And yours?”

“Mossy.” She groaned in slight annoyance. “Now, smarty, come on. There’s a cave that leads to the bottom of this mountain.” She pointed towards the cave. “I’m headed further south. About a two day walk.”

“Might come with you then. You should get home safe, and I have nothing better to do.” He shrugged. “Lead the way, I’ll watch your back.”

By now, they’ve made it through the caves and walked for a few hours. Mossy kept to herself mostly, despite 34’s advances, but he was able to learn some new things from her at least. She spoke a bit about pony society and how they act, more specifically about how to blend in with them. 34 knew there was more to her than she let on.

“So, Mossy, tell me, why walk so far with no gear? You need food and water, don't you?” 34 asked as he kicked a rock.

“...you ask too many questions, you know that?”

“Well excuse me. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m new to the area.”

“I can tell.” She stated in annoyance. 34 took the hint as they went back to their walk in silence. 34 tried to stay focused on the path, but couldn’t help to notice the beauty of the scenery around him. The forest stretched on for miles, leaving his eyes to drift through a sea of greens. The occasional fruit tree and flowering plants made the place more vibrant. More alive.

He took a deep breath of air. It felt nice. “I was never told about how a forest felt.” He said, trying to bring up some small talk. “It must be nice to go through this so often.”

“One would think…” Mossy shook her head. “I’ve been through this place so many times, it gets kinda bland after a while.

“Wha- how?” He said putting his arms out. “Everything’s so… cool! The dirt on my feet, the wind against my skin, the cool air! It makes me feel so… nice.”

“What, first time you’ve been outside?” She gave a light chuckle.

“Yeah! It’s great!” He smiled at her.

“...by the pantheon…” Mossy said under her breath. “How have you been living where you haven’t been outside?” She asked in disbelief.

34 walked silently for a bit before answering. “...Not good.”

“Ah… I’m sorry.” Mossy felt a bit bad now.

“Don’t worry about it. You couldn’t have done anything.” He tried to console the pony a bit. The two walked a bit more before they realized the setting sun. “...It’s getting late, how about we get some rest?”

She nodded. “Sounds like a good idea. I’ll go get firewood.” Mossy turned to look at 34, the human looking back at her, somewhat skeptical. “Don’t worry. I’m not gonna run off on you. Just clear out an area for a camp.”

34 nodded before she went into the forest, using her magic to pick up some branches as she went. 34 turned around. Lucky for him, they stopped in a moderately sized clearing. He cracked his knuckles before putting his hands on the ground. He pushed mana through his body, out of his hands, and into the earth. The ground in front of him rumbled as it moved to 34s will, condensing and rising to make a small earth shelter. Not being able to do the minor details, he was forced to cut out an entrance with his metal arm. A blade extended from the forearm and 34 stabbed it into the earth shelter. He moved his arm to cut a door frame.

Looking at the job he did, he was satisfied and decided to look for some food. Best to stick with plants. He doubted that the ponies ate meat. As he walked, he noticed that the forest was quiet. Aside from the occasional cricket, it was pretty calming. He’d hope to have more of this in the future.

After picking some wild fruits and vegetables, 34 made his way back to camp. When he arrived, Mossy was already waiting in front of a campfire for him. “Oh, you’re here. I wasn't expecting a small house like this when I said to set up camp.” She chuckled to herself as she added another stick to the fire. “Come, sit with me before bed.”

34 did so, sitting across from her, seeing her face through the dancing flames. “Want a bite? You must be hungry.” He offered as he raised a fruit in his hand that looked like an apple.

She shook her head. “I… I already ate.”

34 eyed her for a moment before taking a bite of the fruit. “Alright…” he said with rising suspicion. “Thanks for not running off on me. I appreciate it.”

Mossy blinked. “Uh… yeah, don’t worry about it.” The two sat in silence for a little while. The crackling fire warmed them up as the temperature began to drop as the sun fell below the horizon. 34 took a few more bites of his food. He looked up to see Mossy eyeing him.

“...You sure you don’t want any?”

Mossy regained focus. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking… How old are you?”

34 swallowed. “Eight I think.”

“...Huh… you’re a lot younger than I thought.” She changed her position to lay on her side.

“What about you?” 34 asked. Mossy raised an eyebrow. “How old are you?”

“Oh, thirteen. Not much older than you.” She answered.

34’s eyes widened a bit. “...What’s the average lifespan of you ponies?”

Mossy grew curious at that question. “Around eighty years… why?”

34 gave a sigh of relief. “Oh good. It’s just where I’m from, ponies live around twenty five.”

She blinked. “...Where are you from?”

“Not entirely sure. Best I can tell you is not here.” He picked up a vegetable this time before yawning. “...I’m feeling sleepy”

“When was the last time you slept? You’ve had bags under your eyes since I met you.” She asked, sitting up.

“...Before I got here a couple days ago.” He admitted.

“...You should head to bed. Don’t worry, this forest is safe enough where we don’t have to keep watch. Head inside and I’ll follow soon after.” She stood up and began to smother the fire with some mud. 34 got up and walked into the shelter.

34 stretched a bit before yawning and claiming a corner of the shelter as his own. He sat down in said corner and laid his back against the wall. He shut his eyes in an attempt to sleep, but failed. He opened them a few minutes later when he heard Mossy enter. He didn’t say anything as they made eye contact for a moment before Mossy laid down in the corner across from him. He closed his eyes for a few minutes more to try again.

“Trouble getting to sleep?” His eyes opened again when he heard Mossy’s voice.

“...Yeah… Seems like another night awake for me.” He sighed.

She gave a sigh of her own before she sat up. “Look, 34 right? I may be overstepping, but just listen.” 34 turned to look at her before Mossy continued. “...I could be wrong, but it seems to me that you’re lacking companionship. Call it instinct on my part… my race was meant to be with one another, and when away from one another, we grow… weaker when alone for lack of a better word.” She finished before asking another question. “When was the last time you had a good sleep?”

34 sat silently as he thought back. He didn't have to go far, but the memories were still painful. His brothers… his sisters… Ms. Ysolda. Back when he lost the last of his siblings, that was when he last had a good sleep, or a good anything. Sure, Ms. Ysolda did alleviate some of the pain, but that was her job. She did it because she had to, not because she wanted to. He finally answered. “...A couple months ago I think. I don’t want to get into the details… not yet.”

She thought to herself for a moment. “...I won’t act like I know how it feels or anything.” Mossy said before laying on her side and patting the floor next to her. “When I was younger, my mom let me sleep with her when I felt alone. If you think it’ll make you feel better, you can lay with me.”

34 thought about it for a moment. “You ponies are a lot kinder than most of the humans I’ve met.” He stood up and walked over before laying next to her. “Thank you. I’ll make sure to repay you one day.”

“Not that big a deal. Don’t worry about it.” She shook her head before pulling 34 to lay his head on her side. It was warm. He laid there for a few minutes before falling into a peaceful slumber.

After the first night of good rest in a while, he got up and thanked her. The two destroyed the camp they made, 34 making sure he covered his tracks well. He clasped his hands together, making the shelter fall to rubble. The grass should cover the dirt in a couple days, so he should be safe from any pursuers.

34 and Mossy continued their journey in a similar fashion for the following two days. The third day was harder than the last two. Mossy, who still hasn't eaten since they’ve met, which 34 worried about, told him that they were now outside the Equestrian border and now in the Badlands. Apparently they only had a few hours left of travel. He’s asked what type of home Mossy lived in a few times, but she avoided giving a straight answer. He decided to let it go until he actually saw the place.

The terrain grew rocky as they progressed. He noticed that the life around him lessened and lessened as they walked. Once grassy fields turned into a sea of stone and sand. The smooth hills turned to jagged, threatening rocks. The clear sky grew yellow and cloudy. These badlands reeked of death. The last signs of life were the few bugs and vultures he saw.

“We’re here.” Mossy said, snapping 34 out of his train of thought. He climbed the rock Mossy was on to see what she was looking at. What he was expecting was a city similar to Canterlot. Maybe an oasis in a desert or something. What he got was a massive structure made from some black stone-like material. It was filled with holes like a termite hill, with many spire-like buildings jutting out into the sky. While he couldn’t make out what they were, there were some flying black blurs flying around the top of the structure.

“...This is… I’m confused.” He admitted as he turned to Mossy. “Seems like a weird place for ponies.”

“...I have a confession.” She blurted out.

34 raised an eyebrow. “...yeah?”

“I’m… not a pony.” Mossy confessed. Her horn glowed a lime green light before she was surrounded in lime flames. 34 took a step back, not sure what to do. A moment later, the flames fell to reveal something new. In place of a pony, it was something that wasn’t quite. Her once off-white fur turned into a nearly black chitin. Her hair was a dark cerulean, and was longer than before. Her horn was jagged, turning suddenly back and forth as it grew out her forehead. Harlequin eyes looked back at him. “I’m a changeling.”

34 lowered his guard. “Ok…?” He said, confused.

She stepped a bit closer. “...you aren’t scared?”

“No? What?” 34 grew more confused. “Why would I be?”

She processed what he said before giving a sigh of relief. “Thank the pantheon. I thought you’d run away or something.”

“I wouldn’t do that. You haven’t given me a reason to. Makes sense why you hid yourself. One of the guards said you were on bad terms with the ponies… Speaking of hiding yourself, is Mossy your actual name?” He asked.

“No… My name is Chrysalis.” She offered a hoof. 34 shook it. “Now, I wasn’t supposed to be out, but I can’t just sneak in with you behind me… so… we’ll have to go through the front. Follow my lead and we should be fine.” Chrysalis said as she began pulling him towards the entrance.

Two changelings, much larger than Chrysalis, stood guarding the entrance to the hive. The most notable difference between her and the guards were the eyes. They didn't have pupils exactly, just a blueish white spot where it would be, and the rest of their eyes being an arctic blue. Rather than hair as a main and tail, it was more similar to a fin, being a lighter gray than their chitin. One poked the other, then nodded their head in their direction. The guards waited for them to approach before speaking. “Snuck out again, eh? You were gone longer than normal. The queen definitely noticed, you know.” He saluted before looking at 34. “Aaaand you bought a pet… I see…”

“I’ll let that comment slide, since you’ve probably never seen a human before.” 34 furrowed his brow a bit. “So, for future reference, please don’t call me a pet. My name is 34.”

The guard looked at him, then to Chrysalis behind him. “Uh… ok then…” He said before turning to Chrysalis. “He’ll have to wait outside while I notify the queen.”

“No, he’ll come with me. You have my word that he will cause no harm. Right?” Chrysalis turned to look at 34 for confirmation, who nodded. Chrysalis turned back to the guards. “Let us through.”

The guard sighed. “By your order…” The changeling stood up straight. The two guards stepped to the side, saluting her. The two walked through them and into the hive. 34 wondered about that answer for a moment, but he didn't think it was worth asking. Especially since they were going to meet the changeling queen. He’d ask her, given the chance. Each changeling he walked by saluted Chrysalis, then gave him a strange look before walking away. He kept following Chrysalis through the many twists and turns of the hive. Then she jumped up into a hole a couple feet above him.

“...Are you serious?” He looked up at her.

Chrysalis turned around and poked her head out. “What? Can you not climb?”

34 shook his head. “Not that, it’s just- like, why go up? Not even a stairway.” He put his hands out in disbelief.

“I mean… we are kinda like insects. Speaking of, calling us bugs is a slur, so don’t even joke about it.” She stated sternly.

“Oh, holy shit, I didn't know. Didn't plan on it, but thanks for telling me I guess.” 34 said as he put his hands on the floor. After a moment, his hands and feet were covered in dirt. He sharpened the digits to get a better grip on the terrain. He jumped up and began climbing up to where she was.

“Oh, so that’s how you made the shelter the last few days. Looks real convenient. What else can you do?”

He thought as the two continued climbing. “Uh… Fire, water, air, and earth manipulation, but I haven’t had much practice on precision. I can only use said elements when I have materials around me to do so. Like… I wouldn’t be able to use water unless I’m near a source of water.”

Chrysalis jumped out of the crawl space they were in, 34 following behind. “Oh, so you can only use it offensively?”

“Depends on the element. Fire is destructive by nature, so not many ways to use it defensively. Water can be used defensively, but it depends on how much I have available to me. I could use it as a shield for example if I made it denser.” He kept looking at his surroundings, trying to make mental markers to not get lost. He continued talking. “Air, it’s hard to explain. I can't stop physical things with wind, but I can redirect them, as well as magic sent at me. I can also increase air pressure and send it towards attackers. Earth is definitely meant for defense, since I can just create walls in front of me, but it’s situational. A stone wall will work better than one of dirt. I can also use it to attack. Getting boulders thrown at you would definitely hurt.”

“...I’m not going to lie, I didn't understand half of that and zoned out the other half.” Chrysalis admitted.

“...Put simply, no, I can also use it defensively.” He sighed as he crossed his arms as they walked. “What about you? What magic do you know? Probably different from the magic where I’m from.”

“Uh, well as changelings, we specialize in illusion magic, so that’s how you saw me transform from Mossy. We can learn other types of magic, but I specialize in Illusion and destruction.” She explained.

“...what other types of magic are there? And what else can you transform into?”

She put a hoof to her chin as she thought. “Well… there’s Destruction, Illusion, Alteration, Restoration, and Conjuration. Pretty self explanatory names. You can learn pretty much any type, but most specialize in one. If you practice all of them, aside from the basics, you don't get as far compared to changelings who specialize in one.” She explained before answering his second question. “And we changelings can transform into anything we’ve seen in person before. It lasts as long as we have the magic to keep the illusion up.”

“Sounds interesting. I’ll try learning all the types. May turn out to be helpful. I hope one of you can teach me the illusion thing. Can't exactly go out looking like this and not cause trouble.” He put his arms out motioning to himself.

Her eyes lit up a bit. “So you plan on staying?”

“If I’m allowed.” He nodded. 34 then thought back to a few days ago. He was about to ask another question but Chrysalis stopped.

“Ok, we’re here. Try not to say anything that could get you in trouble. She’s kind once you know her, but if we mess this up, you’re out of the hive.” She looked him in the eyes as she talked.

34 nodded. “Got it.”

Chrysalis wasn't too assured, but she had to take what she could get. She took a deep breath before walking into the throne room with 34 in tow. 34 looked around to see many changelings in bug-like armor, eyeing them as they entered. Well… mostly him. He could tell it was similar to the stares that the ponies gave him, but he wasn't as… angry for some reason.

“Chrysalis…” A feminine voice said from in front of them. He looked up to see a rather large changeling sitting on a throne in the shape of a crown. The changeling was Celestia’s size, if not slightly larger. Her hair was golden in color, similar to Chrysalis’ being long with holes here and there. The elytra covering her wings was golden in color as well. She looked down on them with her yellow eyes. She sighed, standing up from her throne and spreading her wings, them glistening in the light. “Normally, I’d give you a light scolding for sneaking out, but you were gone longer than normal. “ She shifted her eyes to look at 34. “...you also bring this creature into our hive… Where did you go exactly?”

Chrysalis shrunk down a bit. “...Canterlot…” She admitted.

The tension in the room grew as she stepped down to be in front of Chrysalis. ”Guards, could you leave us for a moment?” The guards took the hint, saluting then quickly shuffling out the entrance way and shutting the door behind them. The queen's demeanor changed quickly as she pulled Chrysalis into a hug. “Oh, my poor hatchling! Did they hurt you? Were you caught? What happened? Why did you go there of all places??”

“Mom…” Chrysalis coughed. “You’re… crushing me.”

“Mom?” 34 said to himself. He meant to think it, but he said it aloud. The two turned to look at him, remembering he was there.

The queen let her daughter go and cleared her throat. “Excuse me… Allow me to introduce ourselves. I am Queen Khrusallis, leader of this hive. This is my daughter, Princess Chrysalis.”

“Princess?” He asked. This time on purpose.

“Mom, this is 34. I met him while I left Canterlot. He helped me on my way back here. He also didn't mind I wasn't a pony!” Chrysalis pulled 34 closer with her hooves.

Khrusallis looked at the human. “I see… and do you know of our relationship with the ponies?”

“Most that I’ve been told was that it’s bad.” He admitted.

She hummed in agreement. “And what do you think of us?”

34 thought for a moment before answering. “I have no reason to dislike any of you. So far, you’ve actually treated me better than Celestia. I had to escape the capital, hung out in a forest and found her.” He motioned to Chrysalis.

“Wait… you’re the reason why the capital was on lockdown?” Chrysalis asked.

“Not now honey, I have a few more questions for this-... what are you exactly?” Khrusallis asked, lowering herself to his eye level.

“I’m a human.” He answered.

“Alright. Well, human, I’ll ask you other questions depending on what you plan to do.” She stood back up and returned to her throne. Chrysalis walked up and sat down next to her.

“Well, I’m not entirely sure. I don’t exactly have anywhere to go. I-...” He didn’t know what to say before he remembered his conversation with Iron Armory and River Rose. “I want… to help others. I promised that I would. I want to keep that promise to repay the kindness I was shown by the ponies.” He got down on one knee and looked up at her. “As of now… I have nothing to offer besides my strength. I ask that you let me stay here, and live alongside your race. I understand if you decline. If that is the case, then I will leave peacefully, and look elsewhere for a purpose.”

The queen sat in thought for a long while, with 34 still kneeling below her. She weighed her options, then looked at her daughter. Chrysalis looked at 34, then back at her mother. “Can he stay? I can vouch for his strength. He can use magic even. He may not be a changeling like us, but 34 deserves a chance!”

Khrusallis looked back down at 34. “...You don't have to kneel, 34.” She smiled at him as he stood up. “I will allow you to live with us for the time being. You seem to get along well with my daughter, so I hope you two will grow closer. After some training and schooling of course, I hope to put you in charge of her safety.” She spoke as Chrysalis hugged her side. She walked down the steps to the throne once more and stood in front of 34.

“Thank you, queen Khr..Khrusallis.” He bowed his head, hoping she ignored the stutter. Her name was hard to pronounce.

“Just don’t cause too many problems and you’ll fit right in. I’ll make an announcement soon on your arrival. For now, I need you to come with me. Chrysalis, you go to your room. You may be safe but you’re still in trouble, young lady!” She pointed. Chrysalis groaned before flying off. 34 followed the queen for a short walk into what he assumed was her chambers. Walking inside to see everything one would see in a royals room. A lush bed, a large carpet, some art pieces around the room. But something that stood out was the large bookcase she kept on the wall. She looked around the bookshelf for a bit before finding what she was looking for. A rather thick book with a changeling on the cover. She checked a bookmark left in it before flipping to a page marked by it. “So, 34… I remember Chrysalis saying you knew magic?” Khrusallis asked. Her question was answered by his nod. “Good, the page I flipped to explains how we changelings change our form. I want you to study it.” She handed him the book. 34 put out his hooves to take it, to be met with a hoof atop his hand.

“...what is it?” He asked.

She took a deep breath. “...34, you could be the hope I was looking for.” She stated. He was about to ask what she meant before she continued speaking. “...We changelings are… more akin to parasites. Taking from others to survive. Because of this, we’re on bad terms with many races. But you… you have the potential to make this better… A neutral party, someone that can make a bridge between our races of changeling and pony. I’ve been trying to make peace between our races since I inherited the throne. I’d like you to help me with my dream.”

34 thought he understood what she meant. Her dream wasn’t a lie, but taking the book had some hidden meaning. She would want him to infiltrate where the ponies live and live alongside them as well. He was someone who could experience both sides, with the same biases and prejudices he’d experience. As a pony, a changeling, and a human. He’d be an experiment to see if they could truly live alongside one another. “It sounds like a nice dream… I’d like to help with it.”

Khrusallis let go of the book, letting 34 read the pages. Interestingly, he understood the written language, as if he’s grown up with it. He thought that he understood it, but now just needed to think of what he'd turned into. He closed his eyes and did what he did when learning a new spell. Empty his mind, and focus. Think of what he wanted to change into. A flash of green fire surrounded him. It lasted a while as he realized what he needed to do.

34 felt his legs grow fur, his hair moving to turn into a mane. His tailbone poked out as it grew hair as well, turning into a tail. His digits shrunk into his body as his hands and feet turned to hooves. 34’s eyes grew bigger, his ears moved up and ended in points and wings sprouted out of his back. The fire stopped and he collapsed to the floor in fatigue and slight pain.

Khrusallis helped him up. “Are you alright? You’re a quick learner, I must admit, though your way of transforming is unheard of.”

He coughed a bit. “...what was I supposed to do?”

“Well, we changelings don't change our bodies, we change how we’re perceived. For example, I can transform into a rhino, and I’ll feel like a rhino, and I can interact like a rhino, but I’m still physically a changeling. From the looks of your magic, you changed what you are physically.” She tried to explain.

“...I-... think I understand.” He breathed for more air. 34 looked around for a mirror. Finding one, he walked over to it to see himself. He was now a young colt, with a white coat of fur and navy blue hair. His mane was a bit spiky, and was more akin to bed hair. It was short for now, but he could grow it out. He fooled around with his muscles before being able to spread his wings, the same color as his fur, but his feathers ended in navy blue tips. His eyes were purple, and seemingly glowed. “...Guess I’ll need a new name… Apparently 34 is a weird one.”

“Well, admittedly, it is odd. Did you have any in mind?” Khrusallis asked, patting his head.

He continued to look at himself in the mirror. “Well, I’m a Pegasus… let’s go with… Skystrike Nebula.”

She smiled. “Well, Skystrike Nebula. Nice to meet you. I hope we can make some good memories.”

Author's Note

Rewrote this one too, for the same reasons as the last chapter. these already feel better.

Old Faces, New Ponies

Skystrike rubbed his eyes as the sun came through the window, as if telling him to get up. He started to push himself out of bed, then winced as the pain reminded him of what he went through last night. The cat’s out of the bag… hopefully they all keep the secret.

It seemed he didn’t close the wounds all the way, as the bandages were stained in his blood. He got up and began to unwrap the bandages. He threw them in the trash can next to his bed before looking in the mirror. The large cut on his side was closing quickly, and the one on his head was almost gone. Yet the scabs still remained. He brushed his hair, realizing he didn’t wash up after the night before. Same with his wings.

Going to his living room, he looked out the window at the time of day. He overslept heavily, realizing it was ten in the morning. He looked at his armor, picking up the chestplate and backplate. The cut went through each one. The repair wouldn’t be worth it… so he might as well make a new chestplate and backplate… alongside a blade too, considering one became a pile of molten metal.

But that would have to wait until after breakfast. He had enough to make some pancakes and eggs. Once done, he put the dishes in the sink for later. Skystrike stood up and went to wash his hands, as well as take a bath, wincing as he rubbed his wounds. After he put his bandages back on as well as his helmet, the pegasus went to his backyard.

Between the events of the abandoned lab and Nightmare Moon, he needed a place for the upkeep of his arsenal. So he decided to build a forge. Before, during his travels, he’d just rent out privately owned smithies to make the weapons and armor for him and his former friends. It was a small forge, but there was enough to do all he needed. He began heating the coals in the forge.

Then he heard hooves on his front door. He sighed before calling out. “Come around back!” He heard two sets of hoof steps approach. Turning his head ever so slightly, he saw the two pegasi from his childhood. “Ah… you two.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked at him, the former speaking first. “...Hey…”

An awkward silence filled the space between them. Fluttershy spoke up. “Do you… remember us?”

Skystrike was 12, given the chance at an exchange program from his school in Canterlot. His caretaker at the time wanted him to ‘be with those like him’ as there weren’t many pegasi in Canterlot. So, he was sent to Cloudsdale. Today was his first day. A sky chariot dropped him off right at the edge of the city in the clouds.

One of the stallions pulling the chariot handed Skystrike his luggage. “You sure you don’t want us to drop you off further? It’s really no problem.”

Skystrike shook his head as he took his bags. “Thanks, but I’ll be fine. It gives me time to take a look around.” He said as he secured his items on his back. “Thank you for the ride again.”

The stallions waved him off as Skystrike began walking… then slowed his step as he winced at how bright everything was. Makes sense, since it’s a city made of fucking clouds. He’d need to get some sunglasses. He looked down at his shoes, remembering he got them tailored to him so he could actually walk on the clouds. Skystrike still couldn’t get over how clouds were solid here. Magic is bullshit.

As he walked, he took in the sights. Apparently, Cloudsdale holds the largest weather factory in Equestria. Made sense, being the closest one to Canterlot. He could see it in the distance, the liquid rainbows falling to the ground below. Curious, he pulled apart a hole in the cloud below him, seeing just how high up above he was. The colt shook the thought out of his head and kept walking.

His destination was the address of the foster family he’d be staying with. He wasn’t told the names, but they were trustworthy. The married couple also had a daughter around his age, which added to the reason they were chosen out of the dozen or so applicants… But he wasn’t exactly in a rush… but it would also be rude to keep them waiting, knowing he’d be coming.

So he followed the directions he was given. A left here, a right there, and soon enough he arrived at his destination… hold on, he just thought about it. How the hell did they get stones on a cloud? How strong are these clouds to build a house out of normal materials? Nevermind that, he was getting off track. Built of gray stones, the home seemed to be two stories tall, and the entrance was proclaimed by twin pillars and a rainbow arch connecting the two. Looking at the picture he had, it was definitely the place.

He knocked on the door and waited. Two sets of hoofsteps approached. He put his notes away right as the door opened. A rather large stallion and normal sized mare met him with welcoming smiles.

The stallion with pale blue coat and rainbow mane took his hoof and gave it a hard shake. “You must be Skystrike! Pretty big for a kid your age, little trotter! Welcome to Cloudsdale!”

The sky blue mare with an orange and light scarlet mane pulled her husband back. “Honey, you’re scaring the colt!” She turned to Skystrike. “Sorry about that, we’re just so excited to meet you! I’m Windy Whistles, and this is Bow Hothoof. We’re your foster family for the next little while!”

Skystrike put a hoof to his chest and bowed. “A pleasure to meet you two. I hope we get along.”

“No need to be so formal, wind spirit!” She giggled. “Come inside, let's unpack your things.”

The two lead him inside, then upstairs. “Not too much in it just yet, but we cleared out a room just for you.” Bow patted him on the back as he pushed the door to what would soon be his room, open.

Inside was a bed, a beanbag chair in the corner, an empty dresser, a nightstand next to the bed, and a desk for school work. It wasn’t much, but he could tell that they put in the effort. “I’m… grateful to you two.” Skystrike stepped in and looked around, setting his bags on his bed.

“Don’t mention it! We’re going to make your stay the best it can be!” Windy said. “The next few days will be busy though. Still need to get all the paperwork finished for the school you’re going to!”

Oh, right. There were only two weeks left of the summer break. Skystrike nodded. “Alright, but one more question. I was told you two had a daughter?”

Windy nodded. “Yeah. She’s out right now with one of her friends… Actually, she should be back by now. We told her you’d be coming around this time.” She looked to the sky in thought. Only then was there a loud bang at the front door opening. A set of rushing wings flew up the stairs.

Skystrike was on alert, backing towards the wall as he listened to each sound around him, notably the sound of hooves skidding to a stop. A cyan filly with a rainbow mane entered the room. “Sorry I’m late! I didn’t realize the time!” She looked back to where she came from. “Fluttershy! Come on!” Then turned to look at the colt. “Uh… what’s his deal?”

“Rainbow Dash, what have I told you about busting down the door like that!?” Bow stomped his hoof. “You scared the poor boy!”

Skystrike breathed in deeply to calm himself down. “I’m… fine.” He stood back up straight. “I just ask that you don’t do that again.”

“Rainbow Dash, apologize!” Bow demanded.

Rainbow Dash groaned. “Sorry… what’s your name anyway?” She asked as a pastel yellow pegasus with a pink mane entered the doorway. “I’m Rainbow Dash, and this is Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy was very lanky for a filly, but he was more focused on her shuddering. “H-... hi.”

He bowed once more. “I’m Skystrike. Nice to meet you two.”

Skystrike nodded in remembrance. “Of course I do… While I didn’t get to say it earlier, it was… nice to see you two doing well.”

“Then… why didn't you tell us?” Fluttershy asked.

“Put simply, I ‘died’ for a reason…” He looked into the coals of his forge. “I… do not know you two well enough to reveal said reason.”

Rainbow Dash grew angry at that. “What do you mean you ‘don’t know us well enough?’ We’ve known you for years!”

Skystrike stood up to face them. “Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy,... It has been ten years since we last met. Can you really say with a straight face that we are the same ponies we once were?” Their silence was enough of an answer. “I did not say I won't tell you the reason… Just not now. We need to build that trust between each other again.” Skystrike turned to his forge, grabbing a ingot of black metal before throwing it into the flames to heat up. “But I’m sure there’s more to you two coming here… So, guess we have some catching up to do, huh?”

Their ears went up at the offer. “Well… it would be nice to catch up. What have you been up to all these years?” Fluttershy say down.

“To be honest? A lot.” He used tongs to flip the metal. “After my death, I went at it alone for a while. With no other skills, I began doing odd jobs under the table… which led to me becoming a bounty hunter. Many have heard my tales, though none the specifics… I won’t sweat the details. Long story short, after many missions and forming a group I could trust, I made a name for myself. You two know the rumors from there.”

Rainbow Dash sat down as well and rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah… Sorry I believed those rumors about you, by the way. I… should’ve known they weren’t all true… Can't believe I thought for a moment you’d throw us under the bus.”

“Water under the bridge. Like I said, I’m not one for petty grudges.” He flipped the ingot again. “But… thanks for apologizing. Takes a big pony to do that. Enough about me for now, what about you two? Wonderbolt training and animal sanctuary were your dreams if I remember right.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Going well I guess… Only so much training you can do before you run out of ideas. Actually, there is an event I’m training for coming up next year. Only so many tricks you can do.”

Fluttershy spoke up. “Uhm, well… My sanctuary is going pretty well… All the animals in the nearby forests come by from time to time. It’s really nice… Next time you come by, I’ll introduce you to them all.”

He hummed. “I’d like that.” Skystrike used his tongs to pick up the ingot once more and moved the hot metal to the anvil. He began to hammer it, moving it to the fire once more when he needed it more malleable. “You two can keep talking, I’m listening.”

Fluttershy looked at the bandages on him. “Do… do they hurt?”

“Yeah, I’m surprised you’re already up and doing things. Didn’t get a good look, but the cuts on you looked bad yesterday… Some of your coat is still pink.” Rainbow Dash leaned forward.

“Oh yeah, it hurts like a motherfucker.” Skystrike admitted. “But I’ve been through worse.”

“...Like?” Rainbow asked.

Skystrike responded by pausing his work, turning to the two and pointing at a scar on his chest. “This one, got stabbed…” Then Skystrike showed the scar on his lower back. “Straight through. Hurt like Tartarus.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy gagged. “Forget I asked…”

Fluttershy scratched at the stone floor below her. “Did… Did you really come to Ponyville just to stop Nightmare Moon?” Skystrike nodded. “Then… are you going to leave?”

“No, or at the very least, not any time soon.” Skystrike clarified. “Not technically retired, but I can live the rest of my life without doing another job. And I’m happy with that. Means that I can take the missions that will actually help ponies, rather than the ones for the money.”

“Damn, man, how do you end up with bits like that?” Rainbow chuckled.

“A lot of smart and lucky investments.” Skystrike put the metal in a basket of water to cool. “I’ll finish that up later. I’m a bit hungry.”

“Well… we could get something to eat in town.” Fluttershy offered.

Skystrike looked at her. “...I know you can't tell, but I’m cringing right now. I highly doubt you’ll even see any ponies around if I’m in the vicinity…”

“Oh don’t worry about that.” Rainbow Dash waved a hoof. Pinkie, Applejack, and I spent all morning spreading the word about what you did last night. Speaking of, there’s a party going on for the new princess. Wanna come?”

“A tempting offer, but to be honest, I’m not one for crowds. Besides, I… don't have any clothes right now.”

Rainbow Dash smirked. “Wait… is that why you walk around with that armor all the time?” She started to tease him.

“You don’t get it, Rainbow.” Skystrike sighed. “The average pony is eye height with my… area.”

“Pffffffft!” Rainbow Dash began to laugh. Even Fluttershy began to giggle.

“Well excuuuuuuuuse me for having some decency. I don't exactly have much of a tail to cover it.” Skystrike chuckled.

“You know… Rarity could probably make you some clothes.” Fluttershy thought aloud. “We could stop by?”

“...Maybe… I assume her opinion of me is higher now than it was yesterday.” Skystrike sighed. “But that will have to wait for another day. Admittedly, as long as Celestia is here, I don't want to stick my head out. We have… a history.”

“Jeez…” Rainbow sighed. “Alright, we’ll take the hint. Come on, Fluttershy! Hopefully that party still has some good stuff left!”

The two got up and said their goodbyes, letting Skystrike get back to work. Nopony should be bothering him for a few hours if a party is going on with. He’d let the ponies have their fun without him there to make it awkward

Years of smithing alone taught him to do his craft quickly, efficiently, and effectively. What normally took a blacksmith one day, he was able to get done within a few hours with the same quality. There was no room for mistake in the process. Each impurity he hammered out made sure that the user had a better chance at survival. A single mistake could spell the difference between life and death.

After some touch ups, he looked at the finished blade in his hooves. For now, it’d work as a suitable replacement for the sword that Nightmare Moon melted. He looked to the sun, seeing that it was now the afternoon. About six if he were to guess. Looking at his forge, he cut off the air flow, the coals quickly going out. Skystrike would work on his armor tomorrow.

He walked back into his house, making himself a quick dinner before washing up and going to bed.

Another day came, another repeat of the morning routine. His wounds were getting better. After a few more days, all that’d be left were scars. He began working on his next piece, a chestplate. He started to heat the ingot. Then there was a knock on his door. “Come around back!” He called out. Skystrike was somewhat surprised that it wasn’t the same two from the day before.

Skystrike stood up to greet the two mares. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie. What brings you two here?”

“Oh, you know, just checking in on you.” Applejack said as she took a basket of apples off her back. “Bought you a lil’ somethin’. How’s the recovery going?”

Skystrike took the basket in his hooves. “As well as it could. A few more days and I’ll be good as new.” Skystrike flipped the ingots in the forge. “Until then, I got some armor to work on.”

Pinkie began to jump around him, looking up and down. “You know, I never ask, how do you get so big? You took Big Mac’s spot for biggest pony in town!”

Skystrike shrugged. “Comes with the job… And genetics, probably.” He rolled his neck. “See, I’m kinda a freak of nature. Remember how Celestia said I had no magic?” They nodded. “Because I have no magic, my body needs to work harder to keep up with the normal pony. On top of that, my job makes it a need to surpass the normal pony. Put simply, if I had magic, I’d probably be Big Mac’s size.”

“You know… that does beg the question… Who’s stronger, you or Big Mac.” Pinkie asked.

They both looked at him for an answer. “I do not plan on testing that. From both your families, I know farmer strength is a whole different league.” He chuckled as he waved a hoof. “How are you two doing by the way?”

“Doing alright. Getting ready for Applebuckin’ season.” Applejack hummed. “I heard Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy came yesterday.”

“Yeah! I told them to tell you we were having a party! But they said you didn’t want to go…” Pinkie gave him puppy eyes.

“I have my reasons, Pinkie Pie. Let's keep it at that.” Skystrike began hammering at the ingot before him.

Applejack dug at the floor below her with a hoof. “I… kinda had another reason for stopping by, other than checking in on you.” Skystrike paused, looking back at her. “Rarity’s… awfully sorry about how she’s treated you, Skystrike.”

He turned back to his work. “And? If she was, she had plenty of time to visit and say so. Instead, she decides to not go to the party Pinkie set up for my welcome… Actually, Applejack, let me ask you this: Did you tell her to apologize, or did she want to do it herself?”

The farm mare avoided eye contact. “Uh… I… get your point… but-”

“I don’t hate her, Applejack.” Skystrike sighed as he put the metal back on the heat. “I’m more than willing to hold a conversation with her. I don’t even care for an apology at this point. I just want her to make her own opinion of me, rather than treating me off of second hoof accounts.”

“Well… I’ll make sure to pass on the word.” Applejack gave a small smile. “Thank you, Skystrike.”

“Don’t mention it.” He turned back to the heating metal. When he took it off the coals and moved it to the anvil, he was face first with Pinkie Pie.

The mare was inches away from his face. “So, once you get better, we gotta throw you another ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party!”

“We do?”

“Of course we do, silly! This time, ponies will actually come!”

Skystrike exhaled through his nose. “I’ll think about it… I get the feeling my life’s going to be busy for the next while.”

Another day came, another repeat of the morning routine. Nopony came by that morning, so he was able to finish his breastplate and backplate. The next few hours were for putting in the straps and buckles for his armor, as well as bending the armor ever so slightly so it’s be the perfect fit. Finally, he put on his armor, getting a feel for the new chestplate. Skystrike kinda liked the old one better. No matter. At least now, he’d be comfortable walking outside.

Around noon, as he finished his lunch, he heard a knock at his door. Wondering who it could be, he got up, put on his helmet, and opened the door. “Oh, Twilight, Spike. I don’t believe I ever formally introduced myself. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Twilight looked at him as Spike jumped down from her back. “We have… a lot to talk about.”

Skystrike nodded before inviting her inside. Twilight and Spike looked around, seeing a larger than normal couch against the wall across from another larger than normal arm chair with a low table in the middle. “Make yourself at home.” Skystrike said as he fetched a pot of tea. “Came by with good timing.” He put down the tea pot and poured them all some cups. “Well, the floor is yours.”

Twilight shuffled in her seat on the couch. “I… talked with Princess Celestia about you.”

Skystrike paused, raising his teacup to his face. “...What did she say?”

“A lot…” She admitted. “...I had a lot of questions, and so did Princess Luna.”

Spike sniffed at his tea. “How do you two know each other?”

“Hm, makes sense you wouldn’t remember. You were a newborn when we met.” Skystrike leaned back in his chair. “I grew up in an orphanage for a while. Did a doctor's visit, and that’s how I found out I had no magic. Upon getting adopted, I was put in a school for gifted unicorns, since apparently I’m the first pony to be born without it. Ignoring how I was a subject of research, I met Twilight there… If I remember right, you would have been… four by the time I ‘died’.”

“About that, why’d you fake it? And how did you escape? There was no body found in the rubble!”

“I have my reasons why… As for the how, I’ll tell you about it another time.” Skystrike sipped his tea. “I… assume Celestia also told you about my current line of work?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes… but she didn’t go too into detail… I was hoping you could tell me what she couldn’t.”

Skystrike leaned forward. “Depends, what did she tell you?”

“Not much… All she really told me was that you and her had some ‘run ins’ that didn’t end well.”

“About right, but if that’s as much as she’s willing to share, I don’t want to share too much. Opinions are a fickle thing… the more you hear about somepony, the more your opinion on them changes.” He poured himself another cup of tea. “I’ll give you the short of it. I help ponies, many times outside the constraints of the law. Her guard, and thus her, don’t like that. Therefore there’s some bad blood between us.”

“...Oh…”

“I don’t get it.” Spike said obliviously.

Skystrike looked to Twilight, who looked to the baby dragon. “...A-another time, Spike.”

Skystrike sighed. “Tell you what, once we know each other better, I’ll get into more detail. Anything else?”

“Well, I also wanted to catch up a bit.” Twilight rubber her arm. “I just learned about the magic of friendship… and I figured we could keep learning it together?”

Skystrike chuckled. “I see somepony’s grown a lot from being a loner.” His attention was then taken by the growling of Twilight’s stomach. “And that same somepony is hungry, I see.” He chuckled again. “Come on, let’s go get lunch. I’d feed you here, but I have nothing in the fridge.”

Twilight hid her embarrassment with a hoof. “Uh, before we go, there is one more thing… Spike?”

The baby dragon in question burped up a scroll. “It’s for you! Straight from Princess Celestia!”

Skystrike looked at him, then eyed the scroll from Celestia as he took it and unrolled it.

My little pony, Skystrike Nebula.
It has been some time since our last meeting. I hope you are doing well.
Due to recent revelations, as well as my sister returning, there are many things I need to see to. There will be some time before we will meet face to face, but I hope we meet in better spirits. We have much to talk about.
My sister, Princess Luna, spoke of you, albeit briefly. I must thank you for the role you’ve played during my absence with Nightmare Moon. On Luna’s request, I have attached three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala as a reward for your courage and bravery. We hope that you attend.

It’s good to see you again.
Princess Celestia.

Skystrike looked to the bottom of the letter. Sure enough, three golden tickets were now in his hooves. But he wasn’t excited at the possibility of going. He was ecstatic at the possibility of confrontation. That pony would be there…

“Uh… Skystrike, are you ok? You tensed up.” Spike noted as he finished his tea.

Skystrike realized he did, then exhaled. “Yeah, I’m fine…” He said as he stood up. “Just wasn’t expecting tickets to the Gala.”

“Oh, you got some too?” Twilight said with a sigh, much to the pegasus’ surprise. “Come on, I’ll tell you about it over lunch.”

“So let me get this straight…” Skystrike said as he crossed his hooves. He, Spike, and Twilight all sat around a table in the outside seating area of Ponyville’s local restaurant. “You got two tickets, and Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy wants to go so they can… advertise the farm, try her shot at a prince, meet and show off to the Wonderbolts, go to the best party in Equestria, and meet the animals in the royal gardens respectively?”

Twilight nodded. “Put simply…”

“And the problem is…?”

She sighed as she put her face into the table. “I don’t know who to choose! Applejack, or Rainbow Dash… Rarity, Fluttershy! Who should go with me?” She said as she picked off the petals of a flower in a pot between them. She looked at them, then licked them off the table to eat them.

“Have you made your decision?” The waiter approached with a rather thick fake french accent.

“I CAN'T DECIDE!” Twilight groaned at the top of her lungs, getting several stares as Skystrike hid a chuckle.

“Twilight?” Spike looked up from the menu. “Pretty sure he wants to take your order.”

“...Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.”

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked. “No? Ok, I’ll have they hay fries. Extra crispy!”

“I’ll have a sandwich with the works.” Skystrike folded up his menu and handed it to the waiter. He nodded before walking off.

“What do you think, Spike? Sky- er, Nebula?” Twilight asked, though it was more of a plea.

“I think we should try another restaurant.” Spike shrugged. “I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anyone to offer some gemstones?”

“I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take!” She clarified.

“...You’re still on that?”

“Spike, listen!” Twilight put her hooves on the table in annoyance. “How do I choose? And if I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket, but that leaves three disappointed ponies? What if I-”

She was cut off by the waiter coming back with their plates. “Your food.”

“Thank you, this looks so good! I’m sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.” Twilight picked up her sandwich with her magic.

Skystrike sighed. “Well, if you want my opinion, you’re worrying too much.” Twilight looked at him with a mouthful of food. “You’re trying to go about this with logic, and who has the best reason. You can’t quantify emotions. That aside, this is something we all go through. Can’t make everypony happy. If you give up your ticket, then you’re the disappointed one. Putting that aside too, you also haven’t realized the intent behind Celestia’s gift.”

“...What do you mean, her intent?”

Skystrike took a bite out of his food and swallowed it. “Why do you think you got two, and I got three?”

Twilight contemplated on that before they were interrupted by several ponies quickly running past them. Looking in the direction of their exit, the three were called out to by their waiter. “Madame? Monsieur? Are you going to eat your food in the rain?”

Twilight looked at him. “It’s not raining…” She then looked around to see it indeed was raining, the only place it wasn't doing so was at their table. “What’s going on?”

They all looked up to see Rainbow Dash poking her head through the hole in the clouds. “Hi best friend forever that I’ve ever ever had! Enjoying the sunny weather?”

“Rainbow Dash…” Twilight glared. “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?” The mare feigned ignorance. “I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she can dine and feast. That’s all!”

Twilight gave an unamused look. Skystrike knew where this could be headed, so he quickly finished his food. “Rainbow, you’re not trying to get extra consideration for the ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?”

“Me? No no no, of course not!”

“Uh huh…”

“Seriously, I’d do it for anypony.” Twilight looked around, seeing several ponies sprinting to avoid the downpour. Rainbow Dash noticed too as she awkwardly giggled.

“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors.” Twilight said as Skystrike got up. “So I’d appreciate it if you closed up that raincloud right now!”

“Ugh.” The pegasus mare groaned. “Fine.” She did so.

“That’s better!.” Twilight smiled before realizing what she just did. Flinching at the incoming rain, she was surprised when nothing came. Opening her eyes, she saw a drenched Skystrike with a patio umbrella shielding them from the downpour. “Oh… glad you saw that coming.”

Skystrike nodded before sitting back down. “Finish your food. For your question earlier, I should let you think on the intent, because if I say it aloud, it’ll be embarrassing.” Skystrike wiped his hooves with a napkin.

Twilight nodded, scarfing down her food. “Hey, can I ask you a weird question?”

“If you’re going to ask me who I would choose, I’m not the best one to answer, as I have my own biases.” Skystrike put an elbow on the table. “But also realize you don’t need to decide now, there’s like, almost a year until the gala happens. Deepen your relationships with your friends, or some new ones, then decide. I assume that since you aren’t choosing Spike that he doesn’t want to go.”

“Yup!” Spike said with a burp. “Excuse me.”

“As I said, you’re thinking too hard about this.”

“Well… who are you going to go with?” Twilight asked.

“Who said I was going?” Skystrike starred. “Last time I went wasn’t the best time. “

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh, right… Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. But if I do go, it's not like I have anypony in mind right now.” Skystrike admitted before getting up. “But hey, now that I’m in town, I’m going to have a walk around. Besides, you need time to think.” He left some bits for the bill

“Oh, alright. See you later.” Twilight smiled at him as Skystrike began walking.

Admittedly, he liked the rain, and how it sounded as it fell onto his armor. It brought back some memories. Over his travels he found his own group of friends. Casta, the unicorn in the group, would always gather some in her magic and try to make a play out of it, similar to puppets. They’d all have fun, creating whacky scenarios that’d always end in them laughing.

He missed those times.

Skystrike didn’t realize how much time had passed until the rain stopped and a pony called out to him. “Nebula? You alright?”

He looked at the source of the question, seeing Applejack hauling a wagon full of apple based treats. “Oh, Applejack. Yeah, was just enjoying the rain.” He shook off the water on him. “What’s up with you? More specific… where are you going with so many confectionaries?”

“Oh, I heard Twilight was nearby…” She said before growing slightly nervous. “Just… doing her a favor. Yep. That’s it!”

Skystrike had a feeling this was about the tickets. After Rainbow earlier, he thought it’d be best to keep quiet about his own. “I see… Well if I were a betting stallion, she’d either be at SCC or the CB, since they’re on the way to Golden Oaks.”

“Thank you, kindly” Applejack tipped her hat. “Also, it’s good to see you around town! A bit busy at the moment, but we should chat more some time.”

“Sure thing. See you around, Applejack.” Skystrike waved as they walked in opposite directions.

Now that the rain was gone, he realized that it was the perfect time to do some shopping. Reaching into his saddlebag and looking at the bits he had for his budget, he’d be able to get some good things. Thinking of what’d be more important first. The pots and pans he had were getting old, so he thought about getting a new one… but then he realized he could make those.

What he couldn’t make was bedding and furniture. The ones he had at home were just what he tried to make. Admittedly, they were alright, but not on a professional level. So he decided to get that stuff first. Wasn’t too hard to get, as he was actually allowed in stores this time. After paying for the furniture and shipping, what he decided he needed next was paint.

Put simply, his house was boring. He wanted color… or maybe wallpaper was better. No, paint would look cooler. After getting everything to prepare for the paint, he then realized how hard it was to choose colors. Blue? No, that’s too obvious… Green though, yeah, fuck yeah, green was such a sick color. Now… what shade of green… Olive green? No, looks like literal shit. Emerald? No, too bright… Then he saw a forest green. That’ll work for the indoors. There’s only four rooms anyway, so he wouldn’t need to worry about multiple colors. Skystrike bought the buckets of paint before carrying them back home. He’d work on it tomorrow.

Only when he got home did he realize the time. “How the hell did I spend like three hours deciding on paint?” He looked at the buckets in front of him. “Know what, don’t care. I need to get food.”

Skystrike stood up and grabbed his larger pair of saddlebags. He normally goes on large trips for groceries. Thankfully, today’s a Monday, so the farmers market should be open. The pegasus approached the first stall, one selling carrots. “Good afternoon, miss.”

The yellow mare with an orange mane looked at him. “Uh… hi?”

“I’d like to buy some carrots. Could I buy five for now? Just to try them out.”

“...Sure thing. Ten bits.” She stated the price as he pulled out the bits to pay.

Skystrike paid, then put four of the carrots into his bag, taking the last and biting into it. “Mmm… pretty good. Great quality, miss…?”

Her eyes widened. “O-oh! My name’s Golden Harvest. Come again!”

Skystrike nodded. “Trust, I will.” He finished the carrot as he moved onto the next stall. This one sold cabbages. “Damn, I can tell by looking at these that they’re crunchy.”

The lime green mare with a puffy white mane bashfully waved a hoof. “Oh stop it you!”

“How much for three heads, miss?”

“Cabbage Patch is my name. Selling cabbages’ my game. Twelve bits for three.” Skystrike put the bits on her stall counter. “You know, you don't seem as bad as these ponies say.”

Skystrike took the cabbages in his bag. “Thanks. I try to leave a good impression.” He crunched into the head of a cabbage. “Mmm… Damn it’s good. See you next time.”

Cabbage Patch waved goodbye as Skystrike went from stall to stall, getting more fruits and vegetables, as well as introducing himself to the rest of the market. Upon finishing, he walked back to his house and dropped off everything he just bought and loaded them all into his refrigerator.

He began wondering what else he had left to do before he heard a knock at his door. Skystrike closed the door to his fridge and answered the door, looking down to see a… burnt Spike. “Hey, kid. What brings you by? And without Twilight?”

“Oh…” Spike sighed. “Everypony is on her about her ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, and I didn’t want to deal with all that girly stuff.”

“Fair.” Skystrike waved inside. “But to be fair, it’s not just girly stuff. Personally, I went for the food. They have pretty good stuff, since it’s made by the best in the business. Sometimes they even bought food from other cultures if someone important was coming like diplomats or royalty.”

“Ooo, like what?” Spike sat down on the couch.

“Well, have you had meat or fish before?” Skystrike asked as he sat across from the baby dragon.

“Not in years. Last I had some, Twilight still lived with her parents and brother.”

Skystrike huffed at that. “Really quick, how old are you?”

“Um… nine?” He remembered quickly.

“Yeesh, we need to get you eating better.” Skystrike sat forward. “I know info on dragons isn’t common, but I had a dragon I traveled with for a while. From what she told me, you dragons need a healthy and steady amount of gems for developing your magic, and meat for your physical growth…” Skystrike rubbed his chin. “Then again… you are a dragon, and the rate of aging varies. You could still just be small, rather than having a stunted growth.” Then he looked at Spike. “Tell you what, I’ll work on getting you more gems. Eventually, I’ll have a talk with Twilight about your diet.”

“Really!” Spike jumped over to hug his leg. “You’re the best!” Skystrike could feel his heart skip a beat at the cuteness. “Also, Twilight told everypony you have tickets to the Gala.”

“That grape flavored mother fucker!” He said on instinct before covering his mouth. “Oh, my bad.”

“It’s alright. Twilight does it sometimes too.” Spike admitted.

Skystrike took off his helmet to face hoof. “So, how did it come out that I have tickets?”

Spike combed through his memory. “Well, Rarity picked us up, then dolled up me and Twilight to get on her good side, then Applejack came with food, then when we got back home, Fluttershy was cleaning the library, then Pinkie came with a crowd to throw Twilight a party, then Pinkie told the whole crowd that Twilight had tickets, then Twilight got annoyed that it was only happening to her and not you, so she said that, and then we got chased around. Then Twilight teleported me here, and told me to warn you.”

Skystrike would have to thank her later. But he could at least thank Spike now. “Spike, your warning is appreciated. However, I think it’d be a bad idea to leave Twilight alone for now.”

“What, you’re saying we should do a rescue mission?”

“In the simplest of terms.” Skystrike got up and stretched. “So, Spike, I’ll let you decide. Fast and quiet or slow and loud?”

“Um… Slow and loud?” Spike said, confused.

Skystrike nodded, picking up the baby dragon with a hoof and putting him on this back. He pulled his door open and stepped outside, beginning his walk to town. Once there, several ponies approached him. The first was a light blue mare with a wavy light gray mane. “Oh, Mr. Nebula! I never did say how brave it was for you to take on Nightmare Moon like that. I’d love to go to the Gala with you.”

Skystrike was not expecting her to be that obvious about it, nor her brushing his side. He looked at her dead in the eyes. “No.” He said loud enough for several others around him to hear, and blunt enough for their ears to go back. The few around him stopped in their tracks as he kept walking.

“...I think I get what you mean by slow and loud.” Spike laughed.

Another mare came up. “Mr. Nebula~! I saw you walking around the market earlier. I’ll give you a discount on beats if you help me out~.”

Skystrike turned to the new mare. “I’ll admit, it was a more tempting offer than the last one, but that’s a low bar.” Skystrike said. “Cut your losses where you stand.”

“Oh don't be like that, colt… I can make it worth your while~!” The mare twirled a hoof on his chest.

Skystrike frowned at her. “You and the rest of this village don’t get to shun me until you deem I finally have something of worth. I try not to hold grudges, but DAMN you all make it hard. Quick favors aren’t going to get you on my good side.”

The ponies around him winced before quickly dispersing. Spike cringed. “Sheesh, what happened before Twilight and I moved in?”

Skystrike calmed himself down. “Another time, Spike.” He said as he kept walking. A few dirty glares was all it took to send off the other ponies trying to get his ticket before arriving at Twilight’s home… but all the lights being off hinted that there was nopony home… but then the screaming from inside put that thought aside. Skystrike quickly threw the door open, preparing for danger and flicking the lights on, only to see Twilight cowering before her friends looking down at her from the upper level.

He sighed as there was no danger, using his wing for Spike to slide off of. “Thanks.”

Skystrike looked down at Twilight, then up at the other five. “...I’m going to let you all work this out between each other.” He said before turning on his hooves and closing the door behind him. Only then did he notice the time. The sun had already dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky a lovely purple.

At least he’d have a cool view on his walk home.

A bit over a week has passed since the whole ticket fiasco. It ended up working out between Twilight and her friends. In the end, they found out how bad they were making Twilight feel, and ended up all deciding they wouldn’t go. In response, they got a letter from Celestia with tickets for all of them, even Spike, who just wanted to feel included. Right now though, he was waiting for his shipment of furniture to arrive… Apparently by air.

A gray pegasus mare with blond hair approached in the distance. She was hauling a wagon behind her, with three large boxes within. She lowered her altitude… too fast for his liking… No, at this point it was dangerously fast.

He jumped into the air and pushed up against the wagon, just enough to slow her rate of descent. Thankfully, the mare landed with no problem. “Thank you, mister! I just don’t know what went wrong”

Skystrike looked at the mare, noticing her two golden eyes were facing different directions. “Don’t worry about it, miss…?

“Derpy Hooves!” She puffed out her chest.

“A pleasure, Derpy. My name’s Atlas Nebula.” Skystrike introduced himself. “Thank you for delivering my things.”

“It’s what I do!” Derpy smiled. “Actually, I’ve been assigned to deliver your mail starting today!” She reached into her bag and handed him some letters in her mouth.

Skystrike took them in a hoof. “Thanks. I’ll see you around.” Derpy waved as Skystrike began moving the boxes inside his house. Before he started building them, he checked his mail. Not recognizing the first letter, he opened it to read. “We’ve been trying to reach you regarding your wagon’s extended warra- GOD DAMN IT!” He threw it across the room into the trash can.

Then he checked the next letter, taxes. Nothing important. The third and last letter piqued his interest though. No mention of where it was sent from, only who it was to: him. Skystrike had no idea who would send him a letter, nor how they would’ve found him… then again, he would not be surprised if his brawl with Nightmare Moon got his location out there. He opened it and began to read.

To Atlas Nebula,
I hope that this gets to you, but with how often you travel, I won’t be surprised if not.
My name is Dawn Meadow. You may not remember me, but you helped me out years ago in Baltimare with your Zebra friend. I’ve been taking care of myself, making sure that I don’t get kidnapped again. You two gave me another chance at life, I don’t know what to say besides thank you.

Then the next time I hear good things about you, you helped stop Nightmare Moon! Moving up in the world I see. Thank you for keeping up the good fight.

Skystrike folded up the letter and put it back in its envelope. It was nice, finally being appreciated by the ones he helped. He went to his room and put it in his nightstand.

With the mail read, he quickly began unpacking and building his furniture. One couch, one recliner, and one bedframe and mattress. Thankfully, it was earlier in the morning when he started, so by the time he was finished, he still had most of the day left.

What he decided to do with the time he had was… abnormal to the normal pony. Most just saw him as a mercenary, but few knew he was an academic, specifically in Physics. Not only did he study it, but because the ponies focused more on magic, the physics side of their academia wasn’t as developed as it would be compared to humanity in a similar time period.

The magic unique to this world also did a number on his understanding of the mechanics of the world, so he had to teach himself many new things. In his world, where magic was introduced after most of the jumps in the sciences, such as Bohr’s model and the Frank-Hertz experiment, this world has magic innate in it. That means that many of the fundamentals were different. It didn’t affect the simpler physics such as projectile motion or snell’s law, but things like gravity had an extra variable when calculating it, same as electrodynamics. So now, he was reading a graduate level book on magic theory that he borrowed from Twilight. Took like a good ten minutes for her to stop nerding out.

With newfound knowledge, he was about to apply his learning before hearing a knock on his door. He put on his helmet before opening the door. “Oh, Fluttershy. How’s it going?”

“Just… stopping by to check on you.” She pushed her hair to the side. “You got lucky, the stampede was on the other side of town.”

“Oh, is that what that rumbling was a couple days ago?” Skystrike asked. “I was over here building my new furniture. Didn’t even know stampedes happen around here.”

“Oh, they happen from time to time. The cows migrate through here every couple months. Applejack and Winona actually stopped them before they got to town.” The pegasus mare poked her hooves together. “There’s actually a party going on in her honor… Do you want to come?”

“Sure, I’m free today.” Skystrike took out his eyes before locking the door. “Walking or flying?”

“Walking.” Fluttershy clarified. “I… actually never got over my fear of heights.”

Skystrike looked at her as they kept walking. “You know… I forget about that sometimes. What was the reason again? Your wings lock up when you get scared?”

She nodded. “Well, yes, but it’s more because even if I’m flying, I can fall at any time.”

“Fair.” Skystrike chuckled. “I’m surprised you went so long living in Cloudsdale. Speaking of, what made you want to live in Ponyville? Last place I would’ve thought I’d have met you and RD again.”

“Well, my cutie mark represents my gentle nature and my fondness for animals… There’s not many animals in cities on clouds, and Ponyville was the next closest place to home… Me and Rainbow go and visit every month or so, it’s only an hour flight.” Fluttershy explained. Then she had a thought. “Did… did you ever get your cutie mark? You didn’t have it when we last saw each other as kids.”

“Oh, no.” Skystrike waved a hoof. “Didn’t need one. Plus, it’s part of my ‘no magic’ issues. But I’m surprised you’re getting out more. From what I remember, Rainbow Dash was your only friend.”

“...You’re my friend, too.” Fluttershy clarified.

“...Thanks, Fluttershy. It means a lot.”

The two were now in town, and sure enough, the party was almost done getting ready. Balloons and streamers hung around, a few bows tied around trees, and a banner with an apple on it hung above the town hall. Skystrike hummed at the sight, then the crowd in front of him, who were watching Twilight prepare a speech.

The two quickly found places within the crowd as Twilight began to speak. They were at the very back of the crowd, so they didn’t have much trouble finding space. Skystrike, however, did find trouble listening to her speech, inwardly groaning as the unicorn held what seemed to be at least a stack of eight hundred sheets of paper. Seriously, what is there to talk about? A thank you would seem sufficient enough.

But he did start paying a little more attention. Mostly because Twilight's presentation was interrupted several times by her friends. Rainbow Dash dove in and began speaking about how cool Applejack was, and how awesome her flying tricks would be as Applejack watched. Once Twilight got her papers back from the floor, Pinkie popped in about how she was going to be running the bakery with Applejack… His ears did go up at the free sweets though. Then even the shy Fluttershy went up, tapping the unicorn's shoulder, explaining how Applejack would be helping her with the bunny census. Why is that a thing? Twilight was finally able to start her speech again, but then Mayor Mare walked onstage and looked at her. Irritated, she threw her notes on the floor and walked off.

Mayor Mare finished up quickly, pointing to a golden trophy for the ‘Beloved Pony of Ponyville’. He was surprised how much Applejack did around town to warrant that. Then again, he’s never really seen her free… he also didn’t get out too much to see her not be free. His train of thought was derailed as he heard hoof stomps, then the pulling back of a curtain. Skystrike instinctively started stomping his hooves, then slowed down when nopony was there.

The crowd quickly noticed as well, slowing down their applause. An awkward silence filled the air. Then the mare of honor announced her arrival. “I’m here!” Then Applejack yawned. “I’m here…” Skystrike noticed the over-filled baskets on her back full of apples, as well as Applejack herself bumping into ponies as she walked by. She was clearly tired, as if she just woke up. She walked on stage, pushing the mayor aside. “Thank ya kindly for this… award thingy… It’s so… bright and shiny!” She giggled at her reflection in the curved metal. “Heheh… I sure do look funny.” She moved back and forth, seeing herself move on the trophy. “Woo woo!” Pinkie even joined in… Skystrike had to admit it was kinda funny.

And then he zoned out again at Twilight and Applejack talking, more out of worry this time. They talked for a bit more, Applejack yawned, then fell asleep in place, then snapped awake, then began dragging the trophy away in her mouth. The silence as everypony stared was really funny, amplified by the only sound being heard was the dragging of the trophy. He tried his best not to laugh.

But then he got serious. As soon as Applejack moved past him, Skystrike got up from his seat and began walking alongside the mare. “Yo, Applejack. Want me to carry that for you?”

Applejack let go of the trophy. “Mighty kind of you, Nebula. I appreciate it…” She yawned again.

Skystrike picked up the trophy in his hoof as they walked. “Back to the farm, I assume… what’s gotten you so tired?”

“Oh, you know…” She stumped a bit, then quickly regained her posture. “Applebucking season just started, and Big Mac is out with an injury… So I gotta do it by myself… But don’t worry, I got it-” She wasn’t watching her step and tripped.

Skystrike quickly caught her before she fell onto the ground. “Applejack, may not have known each other long, but I think you need a break.” He picked up some of the fallen apples. “I saw how big that orchard is… only so much one pony can do.”

She scoffed. “You sound just like Big Mac!” She stomped a hoof.

“Well, if that’s the case, if two ponies are telling you the same thing, It’s advice worth taking into consideration.” Skystrike shrugged. “It’s alright to ask for help. Nopony is going to think less of you.”

“Well here’s some advice for you.” She looked at him, visibly dizzy. “I can do this on my own!” She took the trophy out of his hoof.

“At your current state, you won’t be able to do it on your own.” Skystrike crossed his hooves. “Given how tired you are, it’s a safe bet for me to make that there’s a lot of apples still left to harvest, and the deadline is coming up fast.”

“Is that a challenge!?” She eyes him. It was then Skystrike put together that this was a pride thing.

There was no point in reasoning with her right now. He sighed. “You know what, you do you, farm girl. I’ll be around if you need a hoof.” Skystrike turned on his hooves and began walking back to his home. At least he’d be able to get to studying.

Skystrike sat in his living room on his new couch. It was time. If anything moved him to get his relaxed ass off that comfy ass couch, it was free food. Today, Pinkie and Applejack were running Sugar Cube Corner. And his favorite breakfast food was being made. Muffins. “Fuck yeah.” He pumped a hoof before getting up and flying to the bakery.

He landed with a loud thump, announcing his arrival. Several ponies looked at him, making way as he walked to the store with confidence… except for one. It was Derpy. The two made eye contact, and epic stare down ensued. The pegasi stared at each other before the mare made the first move. “...Muffins.”

Skystrike nodded. “Muffins.”

“Muffins!”

“Muffins?”

The two approached each other, reeling their hooves back before interlocking them and flexing their muscles. “MUFFINS!” The two gazed at the fire in each other's eyes before walking into Sugar Cube Corner.

“Free muffin sample spectacular!” Pinkie announced from behind the counter as they all gazed at the delectable looking treats. Skystrike and Derpy walked up, each taking a muffin in their hooves before locking elbows and eating said muffing out of eachothers hooves.

Their eyes went wide as the taste entered their mouths. It was… crunchy… slimy… sour, and bubbly somehow. The two looked at each other for minutes before running outside and throwing up in the dirt. “GOD!” Skystrike shouted.

“What’s IN this!?” Derpy gagged.

They both looked into the muffins still in their hooves. From what he could see, and taste, it was potato chips, cola, lemon juice, and… “Are these fucking WORMS??!”

“The muffins were a lie!” Derpy weeped.

But then they had a realization. Other ponies had some before them. They turned around to see everypony present turning a shade of green. “Oh no…” Then he looked down his snout, seeing his own face turn a shade of it. “Oh no oh god!” Then he turned to Derpy, who was laying on the ground like fucking Yamcha. He saluted for his fallen comrade before Skystrike made his way to Ponyville Hospital, the pegasus mare in his arms.

He pushed open the door, still gagging at the taste. “I NEED A MEDIC!”

Derpy was quickly taken out of his hooves as one of the nurses rushed to him. “What happened!?”

“The muffins… were a lie.” He fell to the ground. “We weren’t the only ones… you’re going to need like, a dozen beds… Food poisoning…” He felt something coming up his throat. Skystrike covered his mouth with a hoof. The nurse quickly got him a bucket for him to sick in.” Holy shit, thank you…” He said before gagging again.

The next couple hours were a blur as they quickly moved him to a hospital bed. Well… three beds put together for his size, but the point remains. He did not feel good. Even some of his breakfast was turning up in the bucket. At least it got out of his system fast, and he was able to go home after a little while… but he had some choice words for a certain mare. He knew who was helping Pinkie today.

Flying overhead into Sweet Apple Acres, he knew that the most likely place for Applejack to be would be where the full apple trees met the already bucked ones. He landed between some trees, a few yards away from the farm mare. With heavy thumps, he walked up to her. “Applejack…” He sighed.

Applejack turned her head a bit too far to look at him. “Wh-... Oh hey, Skystrike… give me a moment…” She turned to kick a tree, then missed, falling on her butt. “Whoops… heh heh…”

Skystrike sat down in front of her. “Applejack… I will speak, and you will listen.” Applejack noticed the tone of his voice, indicating annoyance, if not anger. “I know you helped Pinkie Pie earlier today.”

“Yeah… Twilight already came by-”

“I will speak. You will listen.” He repeated with a stomp of his hoof. Applejack’s mouth snapped shut. “Rhetorical question: Would you rather have your pride, or the safety of yourself and others? I spoke to Twilight yesterday about how you sent Rainbow into her balcony, and today, you gave a dozen ponies food poisoning.” He leaned in. “Your own pride is not only negatively affecting you, as you look like you haven't had a good sleep in days, but now it’s extended to affect others, your own friends included.” He sighed. “If any of this gets through to you, you need to know when to throw in the towel, set aside your pride, and ask for help… Now, I’m going to leave, and hope you think about what you’ve done today, ok?” Applejack nodded. “Good.” Skystrike stood up and flew back home. After the day he just had, he wanted to rest.

Skystrike sighed. “...God fuckin damn it.” Skystrike walked into town to do some grocery shopping. Only for there to be no produce, as shredded scraps of crops laid around the market area. He turned to Golden Harvest and Cabbage Patch who were nearby… lying on the ground. He looked down at them. “Are… are you two alright?”

Cabbage Patch weakly pushed herself up. “By Celestia… it was terrifying! The bunnies… they were endless!”

“...What.” Skystrike deadpanned.

“It was awful!” Golden Harvest limped over dramatically. “They just… came in waves! Trampling and eating all the greenery!” She pointed to one of the aggressors. A cute brown baby bunny was eating a carrot in its paws.

Skystrike eyed the rabbit, then looked to another that was eating a cabbage leaf. He looked around some more, seeing rabbits with mouths full of various crops. “...These mother fuckin…” He turned to the two mares. “You two need help before I go?”

They shook their heads as Cabbage Patch spoke. “No… we’re just… mourning.”

Skystrike sighed before flying to Sweet Apple Acres. He knew that his words were not getting through. That meant he needed somepony else to come and speak. The pegasus landed at the entrance, seeing a small filly he met previously. “Ah, Applebloom. It’s been some time.”

The filly dropped the bag of chicken feed she was dragging. “Oh, howdy mister! I haven't seen you since the Summer Sun Celebration!”

“How have you been? Staying busy I see.” He crouched down so she didn't have to look so high up to him.

“Yeah!” Applebloom puffed out her chest. “I’m in charge of feeding and cleaning up after the animals!”

“Ooo!” Skystrike hyped her up. “Nice job! I don’t mean to keep you from doing your chores. I’m actually looking for Big Mac. I heard he was injured?”

“Yeah, fell over and… fractured? Yeah, that’s the word, fractured a rib, but he’s fine now! Just inside, second floor, second door on the right.”

Skystrike thanked the filly before walking to the house and opening the door. He looked at the old mare in the rocking chair. “Oh, Ms. Smith. I don’t think we’ve ever spoken.”

The granny creaked her head towards him and squinted. “Oh… you’re that Nebula feller that my granddaughter speaks about…” She eyed him up and down. “Quite big for a stallion… I like that.”

Skystrike felt uncomfortable. “...Thanks? I guess?”

“And such strong… thick legs… You gotta stop by more often, colt.”

‘MAN she is forward!’ Skystrike thought. “Um… maybe? I'm actually here on business, so… I’m just gonna go get Big Mac…” He ignored the last cat call sent his way before going up the stairs. He knocked on the second door.

Big Mac opened it. “Oh, Nebula, what brings you by?”

“Well, I assume you haven't heard what your sister Applejack was doing, but I’ll give you the rundown. She launched Rainbow Dash into Twilight’s house, gave a dozen ponies food poisoning, myself included, and herded rabbits into Ponyville, who ate all the gardens and some market produce. So, as an older brother, I’m going to another older brother so he can hopefully talk some sense into his little sister.” Skystrike sighed. “And I don't even think she’s half way done.”

Big Mac looked at him and sighed. “C’mon… I know where she is.”

The two stallions walked for a while, stumbling in on Twilight once again trying to convince the stubborn Applejack for help. “Alright, Applejack, your apple bucking hasn’t just caused you problems, it’s over propelled a pegasus, practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies. I don’t care what you say, you. Need. Help!”

Applejack retorted by kicking the tree behind her, the apples falling into her baskets. “Ha! No I don’t! Look! I did it.” They looked to the trees to her left. “I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help! How do you like them apples!?”

Skystrike looked to Big Mac. Big Mac looked back, then walked up to his sister. “Um… How do you like them apples?” He motioned his head to the opposite side of the orchard.

Applejack stared wide eyed, then began muttering to herself in a mixture of confusion and sleep deprivation. Skystrike looked at Big Mac. “Thank you.”

“Eeyup.” The earth pony nodded before walking away.

“Applejack!” Twilight called out to the barely conscious mare on the ground.

Skystrike walked next to her. “...Twilight, when she wakes up, I’m going to let you do most of the talking, because I don’t want to be mean about it.”

Twilight was about to respond, but then a mumbling Applejack opened her eyes. “Oh good, you’re ok.” She gave a small sigh of relief, but then got serious. “Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple Family ways, you’re always there to help anypony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside to allow your friends to help you.”

Applejack winced as she looked from the two to the rest of the unharvested apples. Her face turned to one of acceptance. “...Ok, Twilight.”

“I am not taking no for an answer!” Twilight stomped a hoof before realizing what she said. “What?”

“Yes, Twilight, Skystrike… please!” She put her hooves together. “I could really use your help.”

Skystrike stretched like a cat before nodding. “Sure thing, Applejack.” Then he crouched down. “But before you do anything else, I’m getting you to bed.”

“...Whuh-?” Applejack was surprised by Skystrike picking her up and carrying her on his back.

“Twilight, tell everypony else who’s willing to help to be here tomorrow morning.” Skystrike looked back at her. “This lady needs to sleep before she hurts herself and others any more.” Twilight responded with a nod before Skystrike picked up the basket of apples that fell over and began walking.

“Wha- Skystrike, I can walk by my-”

“I’m not done with you, Applejack.” Skystrike grinned his teeth. Her ears went back as Skystrike sighed. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be so hard on you…” He said as he walked. “Look, this is going to make me sound like a hypocrite, but we can’t do everything alone. Not only do we hurt those around us, but… we hurt ourselves, and that makes their pain worse. You, who has all these friends around you, take them for granted because you want to do everything yourself, whether it be of pride or self sacrifice…” Skystrike felt like as he continued, he was more talking to himself than her. “...You aren’t alone in this world, alright?”

“...Alright… I’m… mighty sorry, Skystike.”

Skystrike sighed. “...It’s… It will be alright, Applejack… Life is a journey of endless growth, but it is up to us to decide whether or not we learn from the lessons that life has given us.” He pushed open the door to her home. “Now, which room is yours?”

“Upstairs, third on the right…” Then she shuffled on his back. “You… don’t plan on going in do you? I… haven’t had the time to clean it.”

“I have sisters. I wont see anything I haven’t seen before.”

“Uh… You can just leave me at my door… I promise I’ll get a good night’s sleep.”

Skystrike chuckled as he walked up the stairs. “What, the first time a guy will be in your room? How scandalous~”

“Well now you just sound like Rarity.” She chuckled as well. Skystrike crouched down for her to get off. “Thank you, Nebula… I’ll think on what you said earlier.”

“All I ask.” Skystrike nodded before making his way back home.

Thankfully, clearing out the rest of the apples was fairly simple. Just tedious. Pinkie Pie was helping out Applejack, being earth ponies. Twilight, and her skill with magic, was able to pick the apples of the trees in the dozens. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Skystrike focused on moving the baskets full of apples to the barn.

It only took a day with the seven ponies working together. Skystrike carried two baskets in his hooves as he flew to the barn to drop them off. Upon flying back, he realized that there weren’t any baskets left for him to transport. “Skystrike!” Applejack waved him down. All her friends stood around a table with seven bottles of apple juice.

Skystrike landed with a heavy thump. “Didn’t realize we’d be done so fast.” Applejack handed him a bottle. “Thank you.”

“You know, I’m still surprised you were able to do all that work with that armor!” Pinkie stated, but it felt more like a question.

Skystrike sat down and sipped on his apple juice. “Eh, you don’t notice it after a while. Plus, it’s only… fifty pounds last I measured.”

“Well dang.” Twilight looked up from her juice. “You know Rarity makes clothes right?”

Skystrike paused mid sip, then looked to Twilight, then looked to Rarity. “I do.”

“Then you could ask her! I’m sure she has some great designs!” Twilight said obliviously. Everyone else winced. “...Ok what did I miss?”

“Nothing important.” Skystrike began to dismiss the subject.

“Actually…” Rarity interjected. “This has been a rather… long time coming, but I truly am sorry, Darling. The way I’ve treated you wasn’t acceptable.”

“Dont worry about it.” Skystrike said as he sipped his apple juice again.

Rarity blinked. “Th-... that’s it?”

“What do you want me to say? ‘Oh I forgive you, it’s all good! I won’t remember the past few months!’” He said sarcastically. Then he sighed. “Sorry, that came off the wrong way…. What I mean to say is that your words are just that, words. Your coming actions will decide whether I forgive you or not. For now, as I am doing with the rest of the town, I am looking past the past actions... We aren’t perfect, and personally, you all haven't done enough to not warrant a second chance.”

“So…” Rarity tapped her hooves together. “We’re… friends now?”

“We are acquaintances.” He clarified. “I am opening myself up to the chance of us being friends.”

“Speaking of friends…” Applejack moved on the conversation before it got awkward. “I can’t thank you all enough for the help. I was acting… a bit stubborn.”

Twilight smirked. “A bit?”

“Ok, a might stubborn.” Applejack smiled sheepishly before sighing. “And I’m awful sorry… Now, I know the town gave me the prized pony award… but the real reward is having you six as my friends.”

Skystrike put up his bottle in cheers before taking a sip. Then he frowned. “You know, the sad part about being my size… normal size things are so small…”

Rarity looked at her half finished drink. “...You know, I don’t mind giving you the rest of mine.” She floated over her bottle of apple juice.

Skystrike turned to look at her. “...Perhaps I was too harsh on you, Rarity.” He slurped down his new bottle. “You’re a real one.”

“...It’s that easy?” She couldn't help but chuckle.

“I am a simple stallion.” Skystrike hummed. “If you give me food, you are a good pony… but you are the element of generosity, so it makes sense.”

“Speaking of food, all that apple bucking sure made me hungry!” Rainbow Dash said as she finished her juice.

Spike walked in with a plate in his claws. “And I’ve got the perfect treat!” He pulled the plate into view, the half eaten muffins from the other day on them.

“EEEEW!” Pinkie Pie scooted away. “Spike, I threw those away, where’d you get them!?”

“The trash!”

“EEEEEW!” The ponies collectively went.

Skystrike crouched down to the baby dragon. “Spike, you sweet summer child, we do not dig through the trash. Now give me the plate please.”

“Aw…” He pouted as he put the plate in Skystrike’s hooves.

“I’ll get you better food once we’re in town.” Skystrike said before turning to the farm mare. “Hey Applejack, how far does your land extend away from the barn?”

“Uh… a couple acres? Why?”

Skystrike responded by standing on his hind hooves and throwing the muffins into the air. Rolling his shoulder and reeling his arm back, he timed his punch just right, twisting his body and putting all his might into the thrust. They could all feel the wind from the impact, squinting from it. Then all of their eyes went wide as a small pop was heard, and the plate of muffins flew over the horizon. “...Those muffins sucked.”

A week passed, and Skystrike went back to his normal routine… although something new was added to his routine.

He’d wake up, do his workout, sharpen his swords, polish his armor, then read a couple books. Every so often, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, or Twilight would visit and they’d spend some time talking. Admittedly, he wasn’t too out of his shell yet to visit the others in their own homes, but at least he was starting to.

Speaking of, he was on his way to Rarity’s. Since they didn’t have the best start, but it’d be best to work on it. He also needed clothes. Skystrike realized that a reason the ponies weren’t too welcoming of him was how he always walked around in his armor. He was also finally able to buy clothes from Rarity, so it seems to be working out.

He rolled his shoulder then knocked on the door to Carousel Boutique. He heard the sound of small hoof steps, then saw the door handle jiggle. A white unicorn filly with a purple and pink mane. “Oh! You’re the guy that fought Nightmare Moon!”

Skystrike nodded as he crouched down to the filly. “Hello there. I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware that Rarity had a little sister. I am Atlas Nebula. What’s your name, little one?”

“Sweetie Belle! With an ‘e’ at the end!” She smiled at him. “Rarity said you’d be coming! I’ll get her.” She pulled the door open, letting the stallion walk in. Skystrike began to look around, seeing the many dresses on display, but his attention was taken away by the filly. “RARITY, NEBULA IS HERE!” She shouted at the top of her lungs.

Sweetie Belle looked up at the armored pony with a smile, who was trying his best not to laugh as an embarrassed Rarity came around the corner. “Sweetie Belle! Don’t shout like that!”

Skystrike audibly chuckled. “All good, Rarity. It’s what siblings do.” He then looked around. “You mind if I close the windows? I’d rather not have any… prying eyes.”

“Of course, darling!” Rarity used her magic to close the windows, as well as flip the sign to close. “Sweetie Belle.” She put some bits in the filly’s hooves. “Go ahead to sugar cube corner and get that milkshake you like. We’ll be a while.” Sweetie Belle nodded before she left. Rarity turned back to Skystrike. “You know, darling, I didn’t take you for one to be insecure about their body. I’m sure the things said are only positive.”

Skystrike shook his head. “It’s that ponies are saying things in the first place is the problem. I’m sure you get a lot of compliments from all sorts of ponies with your looks. Difference is, with how you present yourself, I assume you’re looking for those compliments. I’m not.” Then he sighed. “And a lot of times, they aren’t compliments.”

“Why, thank you. And I do get your point… The cat calling is tiring at times…” Then she clapped her hooves together. “But enough about that, I must get your measurements! I already have so many ideas for what I could make for you. You wouldn’t believe how few stallions there are in Ponyville, let alone ones that want to wear clothes.”

Skystrike nodded. “Now that I think of it, I’ve met… three stallions in this town. Big Mac, Filthy Rich, and Dr. Horse… and I’ve seen four others.” Skystrike began undoing the buckles on his armor. “What was the ratio again? Like six mares per stallion?”

“To be quite honest, I haven’t been keeping track.” She watched as he took off each piece of metal. Seeing the sheer amount he had to take off, she was a bit surprised. Each limb had several segments, and the black gambeson he wore underneath added another layer. “Wow… I didn’t realize how much there was to armor.”

“It’s more specific to my own armor. The guards you normally see aren't nearly as heavy nor defensive as mine is. The padding is also built into their armor.” Skystrike dropped the last piece of armor, his chest plate, onto the floor and took off his gambeson.

Rarity covered her mouth at the number of scars riddled on his body, some large, like the one going down his back and over a wing. Smaller ones, like the one over his left eye, or the ones on his back legs. She noticed that many seemed to be from different types of injuries.

“You can ask.” Skystrike rolled his metal shoulder. “Everypony who’s seen them does.” He took off his helmet and shook out his hair.

“Well… the one on your eye?”

Skystrike rubbed it, as if to check if it was still there. “Starting off strong, huh?” He chuckled. “There was… a fire when I was a colt. Burning lumber fell on me while I got my sister out of the fire. Same story with the big one on my back.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

“Eh, it’s in the past. Besides, it makes me look cool, doesn't it?” He tried to lighten the mood.

Rarity giggled. “I suppose it does.” She then got to business, using a measuring tape to first measure around his hooves, then chest, then the neck, then the back.

But as she got closer to his rear, Skystrike took a few hoofsteps back. “Hey… how about I measure that area and I tell you afterwards?”

Rarity laughed. “Oh, Skystrike, it’s quite alright. I’ve seen it before on other stallions. I’ll make sure to keep it professional.” Begrudgingly, Skystrike sighed and nodded as he turned his back to Rarity. “Oh~!” She cooed, teasing the stallion a bit.

“Rarity…”

“I jest, Skystrike.” She finished her measurements. “Now, what type of clothes are you looking for?”

“Something that’ll cover everything… as well as something comfortable. I already stand out a lot with my size, so nothing too flashy. Something I can wear around town everyday. Also, I’d like a couple pairs of underwear too… Honestly, you probably won't like it, but sweats would be ideal.”

“Alright… I can work with that. I could get all this done in a week or two. Does that sound good?”

“Yeah, sounds great.” Skystrike nodded as he put back on his armor. “Do you want the payment up front or…?”

Rarity waved a hoof. “Oh please, it’s fine darling. Think of it as a show of good will after everything we did to you.”

Skystrike smiled as he put back on his helmet, finishing his set. “Very well. Thank you, Rarity. I’ll leave you to it.”

“Don’t be a stranger, dear… Oh, and if you see Sweetie Belle, tell her to be back early enough to finish her homework.”

“Will do.” Skystrike pulled open the door and stepped outside. Now that he had some time to himself, he needed to plan some things. “Echo.” He called to his computer companion.

“Is my assistance needed?” The monotone voice responded.

“Yeah.” Skystrike said as he walked. “We need to think of moves… Lets say I dive from the sky and onto a pony with a punch… I’m thinking… Fallen Glory.”

“Hm.” For an artificial intelligence, he had a surprising amount of sas. “Heaven Fall.”

“...Meteor Strike?”

“Affirmative.”

“Great.” Skystrike smiled. “Now, the next move. I spin kick a dude.”

“Tatsumaki Senpukyaku.” Echo responded. “Like Ryu.”

“That’s a mouthful… and also kinda weebish… do the Japanese exist in this world?”

“And who here is to judge you for being weebish?”

“Fair.” Skystrike chuckled as he kept walking with no real destination.

This time, Echo had an idea. “What if you charge fire and lightning into your fingertips…” Skystrike almost instantly knew where this was going. No way… “And then you release it in a beam that’s so condensed it drills things?”

“The hell is this, Dragon Ball Z?” Skystrike chuckled again.

“Let’s call it ‘Special Beam Cannon’.”

“Wow… even the same name. Last I checked though, cannons don’t drill things.”

“That’s what makes it special.” Echo stated as if Skystrike was oblivious.

“What are you doing?” Pinkie spawned in next to Skystrike.

Skystrike jumped into the air and spread his wings, taking to the air in defense. Once he realized who it was, he landed back on the ground. “Jeez, don’t sneak up on me like that, Pinkie… How’s it going?”

Pinkie smiled at him… way too wide for his liking. “Oh you know, just going around town.”

Skystrike looked at her. She was avoiding eye contact… as well as trying to hide a laugh. “...You’re up to something. I know you are.”

“What? Nooooo who do you take me for, a prankster?”

“Well, yeah, the way you said that kinda makes me think so.” Skystrike side eyed her.

Pinkie Pie looked at him, still trying to hide her laugh. But for a fraction of a second, she moved her eyes from him to something behind him… Then focused on the sound of flapping wings. They were silent, but were approaching.

Skystrike snapped his head around to see Rainbow Dash approaching with an armful of water balloons. One was quick to leave her hooves at an astounding speed. Skystrike ducked under the first one going for his head, then realized the others were following the first. He sidestepped the second, then jumped over the third.

Skystrike looked at Rainbow Dash, who was wide eyed, then back to Pinkie, who was wide eyed and soaked from the water balloons. The two mares started laughing, causing Skystrike to chuckle a bit with them. “So what, you two just going around pranking ponies?”

“Yeah, though you’re the first it didn’t getPINKIE NOW!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

Skystrike quickly turned around to see the earth pony with a pie in her hoof. But he didn’t have time to dodge it, as it was already mid flight. The only thing he could do was brace… unless… He opened his mouth and caught it. “Mmm… cherry…” He put the pie in his hooves and began eating it nonchalantly. “You know, you would’ve got me if you didn’t call out your moves.” They looked at the stallion, hooves covered in pie, then chuckled. “So, how many others did you get?”

“Everyone except Fluttershy so far… and technically you.” Rainbow Dash laughed as Pinkie jumped next to her.

“Damn, and I was going to give you ideas.” Skystrike began licking the tin.

“Jeez, was it that good?” Pinkie asked.

“Are you kidding me?!” Skystrike looked up from the tin. “Food is food. Good food is a blessing. In fact, how much I gotta pay you to make me more?”

“Uh… I don’t know, how many do you want?”

Skystrike looked at her, then off to the distance in a thinking pose. “...Four.”

“What flavor?”

“I don’t think you understand, Pinkie. Pie is my favorite dessert. It’s like the pussy of food.” Pinkie and Rainbow began dry wheezing at the absurdity of his statement. “Yeah, I don’t know where I was going with that either. It just came to mind and I thought it was funny.” The two fell on the floor, gasping for breath.

“Sweet Celestia, Nebula, you have to do that more.” Pinkie said as she kept laughing on her back. “You’re really funny! You gotta get out more!”

Skystrike rolled his neck. “I might. Still getting used to Ponyville. But I won’t keep you two any longer, you still got pranks to do, right? I have some things to do, anyway.”

“Like what? You need help?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It’d be appreciated, but I don’t think you two would be able to do anything. Nothing dangerous, just some Timber Wolves getting too comfortable getting to the edge of the forest. Happens once a month, if that.” Skystrike waved a hoof.

“Alright then.” Pinkie began bouncing away. “We’ll see you later!” Rainbow Dash followed behind her.

Another day came. Another day to try and do better. Skystrike was only slightly sore after attempting to scare off the Timber Wolves. They got more confident. Splitting them apart and using them for lumber definitely made the few that remained scamper off. Now, he sat in his living room, reading a book.

But it soon became his time to patrol the town. He got up, put on his armor, and opened the door. Skystrike took it upon himself to start doing rounds after the Nightmare Moon incident. He was probably overthinking, but it got him out of the house as well. Besides, not much else for him to do.

He barely finished locking his door before he heard what sounded like worried screams… from above? The pegasus looked up to see a flying contraption spinning out and falling to the ground. Skystrike jumped into action, flying up at it in an attempt to stop it. Realizing he couldn't, he had a split second to pull the mare inside out of it before the spiraling object fell another few dozen feet into the ground below. “Are you alright?” He looked to see who it was he was holding.

“Yeah…” Pinkie Pie looked down at how long of a fall was below them. “Thanks…”

Skystrike slowly glided down to the ground and let Pinkie off next to the fragments of her contraption. “How did that happen?”

She looked sadly at her broken sky bike. “Rainbow Dash… has a griffon friend over. I was trying to hang out with them, but Gilda just kept… doing things! First, she raced Rainbow Dash to a cloud I couldn’t get to with my trampoline, then when I got to them, she popped all my balloons! Then when I went to them again, she told me to buzz off and stopped my rotor from spinning! It’s almost like she wants RD to herself!”

Skystrike ignored how the hell she got the trampoline, balloons, and the contraption, and focused on what she did. “Hold on, I feel like I may have misheard you.” Skystrike looked at her. “She sent you plummeting from however high up in the fucking air because she wanted Rainbow to herself?”

“Yeah! She’s a meanie!” Pinkie huffed.

Skystrike inhaled deeply. “Pinkie, I will ask you before I do anything. Do you want me to confront her?” Pinkie Pie looked at him confused. “My morals will not allow what you said to go unpunished, unless the one affected wants otherwise.” Skystrike turned to one of the broken propellers. “The claw marks on this is already enough for me to believe your story.”

“Oh… no, It’s… fine. I don’t want you to hurt her for my sake. I just… wanted to rant a bit.”

Skystrike looked at her pleading eyes then sighed. “Fine. I won’t do anything to her… for now. I’d recommend keeping some distance from her for now though. I know you and Rainbow didn’t get along that well, and it seems from yesterday, you had gotten close enough to hang out. Just hear me out… It is coming off a bit that you’re jealous that Rainbow has another friend to hang out with.”

“Jealous!?” Her jaw dropped.

“Not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I get it. Everypony goe s through it at some point. But if I were you, I’d wait it out. That griffon isn’t going to be here forever.” Skystrike began gathering the scraps of Pinkie’s flying machine. “Normally, I’d just say to confront Gilda, but I don’t think it’s worth it… at least not by yourself.”

Pinkie sighed. “Alright…” The sigh turned into a pout. “Thank you, Skystrike.”

“No problem, Pinkie. Give me a few days and I’ll have this thing fixed up. The design looked pretty simple.” Skystrike began hauling the scraps to his backyard. “But I will also say, get a second opinion.”

Skystrike began getting to work on what was left of Pinkie Pie’s sky bike. He noticed that sweets were a big factor in the design of this thing, it seemed to be made of candy cane shaped plastic. It’d be best to reverse engineer it and make a blueprint first. So that’s what he spent the next few hours on… But there’s no real art in making an exact copy. Thus, he tried to make it better. Sure, it’d be a bit heavier, but it’d be faster, easier to control, and have a changing gear system. Skystrike also made sure to add a parachute to it, just so nothing else can happen like today.

With the blueprints done, he began walking to town, finally doing his patrol. The town was just as lively as usual. Skystrike even decided to stop and chat with some ponies, getting quotes on the materials he’d need to make Pinkie’s contraption. So far, for all the things he didn’t have, it’d be around a hundred bits, and they would be made within the week. Thankfully, the only parts he needed to buy were the gears. He didn’t know how to make gears, but he thought back to that lab he found in the Everfree. Surely one could be made there…

His train of thought was interrupted by the screaming of Granny Smith in front of a carrot and corn stall. “AAH! A rattler! Run for the hills! Everypony save yourselves!!” And then she moved at the pace of a foot per second. Normally he would’ve laughed if the elderly mare wasn’t scared for her life, and also trying to run with a bad hip from what Applejack said.

Skystrike looked at the ‘rattler’ in question, which was just a griffon’s tail. He met griffons before, one was a dear friend, so he was familiar with the shape. The brown furred griffon with white feathers grinned, then said something to the one in charge of the stall, leaving the mare gobsmacked.

“So… that must be Gilda.” Skystrike said to himself. Not like this town gets any griffons, let alone visitors. He tried to give the benefit of the doubt, seeing it could’ve been a really bad prank. Then he noticed Pinkie Pie watching the griffon from afar. He decided to meet up with the mare. “Pinkie? Are you spying for any specific reason?”

Pinkie’s eyes moved to him, then back to Gilda. “Oh, I was just drinking a milkshake, then she showed up!” The two watched as Gilda walked to another stall, stealing an apple from under the ponies noses with her tail and throwing it into her mouth. Pinkie gasped. “I did misjudge her! She’s not only a meanie mean pants, she’s also a thief!” She banged a hoof on the table. Before thinking on it. “No no no no no, she might give it back?”

“She fucking ate it, Pinkie.” Skystrike grunted at the two kept looking on. “So far, I don’t think you misjudged her.”

But Skystrike was about to hit his limit. Fluttershy was not having a lucky day, leading a family of ducks in front of Sugarcube Corner, her back in the direction of travel. He already knew where this was going, as Fluttershy walked by their table, whispering to the duck family, and into Gilda, who didn’t even try to move out of the way.

“Hey!” Gilda shouted at the pastel mare.

“Oh, please excuse me…” Fluttershy said sheepishly.

“I’m walkin’ ‘ere!” The griffon spread her wings out.

Fluttershy began to visibly shrink and back away. “Oh… I’m sorry… I-I was just-.. trying to…”

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry!” She mocked. “Why don't you just watch where you're going, Doofus!” She screamed as she walked closer to Fluttershy, sending the ducks every which way.”

“B-b-b-but I… I…” Fluttershy could barely speak from her anxiety.

Gilda let out a lion-like roar in the face of the poor mare. Fluttershy began running away crying, only for her to run straight into Skystrike’s chest. He looked at the tears starting to fall down her face as several onlookers stared at what was happening. Skystrike looked down at her, then brushed her mane with a hoof. “Pinkie Pie, be a good friend and watch Fluttershy for me.” Skystrike pushed the pegasus to her.

“Uh… ok?” Pinkie began hugging Fluttershy in an attempt to calm her down.

Skystrike was pissed… Angry even. His eyes felt like they were burning. Once within arms reach of the griffon, he began clapping his hooves. “Bravo, bravo!” His words were laced with anger. “Shouting at a pony trying to apologize! I bet that makes you feel real good!”

“Heh, yeah…” Gilda seemed to not notice his tone. “But who are you, and what do you want?”

“Oh, sorry, where are my manners?” Skystrike stood straight, and did not bow. “I’m Atlas Nebula. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you remember my name… After all, I want to reward you for that show.”

“Oh yeah?” She began looking at her talons smugly. “And what would that-” A hoof collided with her jaw, making her head, torso, and waist spin in that order as she flew back a few feet from the force of Skystrike’s punch.

He walked up to her, who was regaining her blurry vision. As Gilda looked up at him, she saw the fully armored stallion, bigger than her, looming over her. But it wasn't his size that put her off, it was the burning white light coming from the holes in his helmet where his eyes should be.

Skystrike found it out when he was younger. With enough stimulus, and more anger, his eyes would burn white with magic. He couldn’t control it, nor did he find any use for it, but it made him more intimidating at least.

He drew one of his blades as he kept walking. Gilda wasn’t able to scamper away fast enough as Skystrike stomped on her tail to keep her from going any further and raised his blade. She closed her eyes as it came down on her, only for it to land inches away from her neck in the dirt. “What’s wrong?” She looked up to Skystrike’s voice. “Not satisfied?”

Skystrike leaned in, making sure to get a good look of her fear filled eyes. “Let me make one thing clear to you, griffon… This isn’t your home.” He growled. “You don’t get to walk in here and fuck with ponies, fuck with their business, or fuck with my friends because you woke up with a cactus up your ass.” Skystrike put his metal hoof on her neck. The claws erupted from his hoof and around her neck as they began to squeeze slightly. “I do not expect an apology from you, as I doubt beings like you change, let alone are capable of regret. Besides, one from you now would only be disingenuous and self-serving. You see… I have a very strict set of morals. I see beings do good things, I do good things for them… Beings that do bad things however…”

He tightened his grip as Gilda coughed. There wasn’t enough pressure where she couldn’t breathe, but enough to hurt, as her talons around his arm showed.

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind… So, rather than giving others a reason for revenge, I plan on making sure they dont get that chance to take it… Whether it be through a reasonable conversation… or a show of force, as you seem to like.” Skystrike took his back hoof off her tail and picked her up. “So, I’ll give you a chance to make this better. Pay back the apple you stole, and stay out of trouble…” He pulled her face towards his. “Or I’ll make sure a manticore family has an… exotic meal.”

With that, he threw the griffon to the stall she stole from, sliding to a stop in front of the mare in charge. Feathers and fur full of dirt, she began coughing as she pushed herself up, glaring back at Skystrike before throwing a handful of bits onto the stall. “There…” She heaved. “Happy?”

“Not quite…” Skystrike picked his sword out of the path. “Buzz off.”

“...What?”

“You know, I thought you were stupid, you know, just from how you stood directly in Fluttershy’s way with no intent on moving, but I figured you at least had enough wrinkles in your brain to know what ‘buzz off’ means.” Skystrike hit a sarcastic thinking pose. “Let me think of some others… Scram, skiddalde, fuck off, beat it, take a hike, make like a tree… I got more if all of those bounced off that thing you call a head.”

Gilda grit her teeth. “I’ll remember this!” And with that, she flew away.

Skystrike began to start breathing exercises to calm himself down. The burning white eyes went back to their normal purple as he tried to ignore the stares around him. He turned to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Skystrike was about to ask if they were ok… but the fear seemed to have spread to them somewhat. He knew those eyes, he saw them on everypony.

He hated them.

So much for his reputation going up. Without a word, he turned around and walked back to his house. Closing the door behind him, he sat down on his couch and bent over, putting his forehooves on his head. He grit his teeth. He tried, you know? Ponies finally gave him a chance to know who he really is, and then he fucks it up like that, at the snap of a finger… all because he couldn’t control his anger.

Skystrike couldn’t get their eyes out of his head. The prying eyes… the judging eyes… it felt as if thousands were on him, eyeing every move, every action… every mistake he has and would make. Why? Why does this always happen? He felt… frustrated… angry… and yet at the same time… he felt nothing.

He hated how calming that nothingness was.

There was a knock on his door. His ears moved to the direction of the sound. “It’s open.” He heard two sets of hoof steps enter, then sit on either side of him. “Pinkie Pie… Fluttershy…”

“Are…you ok?” Pinkie asked.

“...I… will be.” Skystrike sighed.

“You know you can tell us, right? We’re your friends.” Fluttershy put a hoof on his back.

Skystrike looked over to her, then to Pinkie Pie, before groaning and taking off his helmet. He leaned back and sighed. “I’m tired of trying to be better, and my efforts going nowhere. It took so long for the ponies here to talk to me, yet I threw it all down the drain because I couldn't keep my emotions in check… Their eyes… your eyes… they went back to how they were when I first came here.”

Fluttershy looked at him, then leaned on his side. “Um… well, I-...” She didn’t know how to say it. “I… would be lying if I said that you didn't scare me… but you did it to protect me… And I appreciate that.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie put a hoof on his shoulder. “Sure, you’re a bit scary sometimes, but you’re a good guy! It just takes some time for ponies to get used to you, that’s all!” Then began patting him on the back. “Plus, most of the ponies watching were thankful after you left… I think it just took some time for them to process it all.”

Skystrike kept staring at his ceiling. “It’s… hard to believe that after everything that I’ve been through… But I’ll try.” Skystrike tried to give a reassuring smile.

“Honestly…” Fluttershy started. “It was a bit exciting, seeing… what’s it called? Karma?” She tapped a hoof to her chin.

Skystrike nodded. “Yeah, it was kinda the reason I started the job… Beings getting away scot free pisses me off.” Then he sat up straight. “...But moving on to more immediate problems, that griffon is still in town, and in no better mood than before…”

“Oh, I got that covered!” Pinkie jumped next to him on the couch. Then she jumped over to the light switch and flicked it off. The room quickly became pitch black, despite the windows in the room that were for some reason closed.

Skystrike, confused, got up and flicked the light back on. “What the fuck!?” Skystrike looked around, astounded at the fact that he was in Sugarcube Corner, several ponies already there and talking amongst each other. He began looking around for PinkiePie, seeing her greeting ponies as they entered. “Pinkie!” He called out to her.

“Yeah, Nebula?” She grinned widely.

“How the actual fuck did you do that!? How did we get here?”

“What do you mean? You helped me set this party for Gilda up!”

Skystrike blinked slowly. He was about to protest, but then sighed. “You know what, fuck it. I’ll roll with it.” He looked around for anyone familiar. Applejack and Rarity were talking, Fluttershy and Twilight were talking, the former in a slightly better mood. Golden Harvest and Cabbage Patch rolled in together too.

Skystrike decided to make his way to a corner and lurk, get a feel of the ponies at the party. Thankfully, Skystrike’s fight with Gilda hasn’t spread around too fast, some ponies only finding out about it now. In fact, most haven’t even seen Gilda yet. Guess he got lucky. He listened in as Fluttershy voiced her worry of the party to Pinkie, who tried to reassure her that things would be fine.

As if on queue, Gilda strolled in with a light, but noticeable limp. A bit off put by Pinkie jumping in her face to greet her, she slowly reached for the hoof the mare put out, only to jump and jitter at the shock that went through her. Gilda was visibly annoyed, moreso at Pinkie Pie’s laughter, but soon put on her calm front as Rainbow Dash walked in and laughed along with her. Once the laughing was over, Rainbow Dash began leading Gilda away to introduce her to her other friends. The griffon, however, stayed to try and intimidate Pinkie Pie a bit, who was either oblivious, or played oblivious. Skystrike had to admit, it worked. He also made a mental note to not play poker with her.

Pinkie Pie introduced her to the party as Rainbow Dash’s friend, getting all eyes on her as Gilda smiled awkwardly. She looked around the room at the many ponies, her eyes locking on Skystrike for a few moments. She glared daggers. Skystrike just nodded his head upward in greeting, annoying her more.

Gilda returned to what Pinkie was offering her, Vanilla lemon drops. He never had one, might try it later… is what he thought until the griffon began to spew fire out of her mouth from how spicy it was. Skystrike had to cover his mouth to stop himself from laughing at the sight of Pinkie Pie roasting a marshmallow. Rainbow Dash quickly pointed her to the punch in a glass cup, only revealing it to be a dribble glass when Gilda tried to drink it. He had to admit, that was good.

But he could tell the griffon did not like the ponies around her laughing at her expense, making a sarcastic comment about how funny it was. Rainbow Dash with a shit eating grin on her face, pointed her to a table full of presents. Gilda was a bit too eager to open them, though, pulling open one with her beak and launching out several spitting snakes, making her feathers puff up. Skystrike audibly chuckled when Gilda began grinding her teeth.

The party continued like normal for a bit, sharing laughs and stories over drinks and snacks. But what caught his attention was a mare approaching him. She had a vanilla coat with blue and pink swirls, and for some reason, was batting her eyes at him. “Mr. Nebula! How are you?”

Skystrike looked at her cautiously. “...Good?” He knew he didn't have a good reason to be cautious, but she was the first pony to approach him. The skeptic in him said she was up to something. “Sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“Oh, well I suppose it isn’t fair if I know about you and you know nothing about me…” She scooted up to him. “The name’s Bon Bon. Hope you remember it.”

His red flag sense was tingling. “Hmm, I’ll make a note to do so. But what brings you to this corner of the party? You had to go out of your way to get here.”

“What, can a mare not approach a stallion that seems intriguing?” She brushed his chest with her tail.

Skystrike knew where this was going. He’s been through similar situations before. Either she’s into him and is really forward, or she’s keeping tabs on him for whatever purpose. In the former scenario, he isn't interested in that right now. The latter, he needed to find out who. “Yeah, I suppose after Nightmare Moon and now Gilda, I would be intriguing.”

“I am a bit interested though, I wonder what you’ve been through to make you do that to a griffon…” She inched a bit closer. “Well, hopefully I get the time to know you and figure it out.”

“...Another time.” Skystrike rolled his neck. He decided to plant some bait. “To be honest, I’m just here because I was invited. Normally I’m at home or in the Everfree.”

“What makes you stay in that dark place?”

“It has good scenery.” He stated.

“You’re an enigma, Nebula.”

“And you’re asking a bit too many questions for a mare I just met.” Skystrike kept looking out at the party goers, making sure he had enough information.

“So, are you free this afternoon? I’d love to talk more, just the two of us.” Bon Bon twirled a hoof on his chest.

“You do not know me well enough to do that, don't push your limits.” Skystrike gently pushed her hoof away. He had no proof, but his gut told him that she was a spy or something. He’d do some research next time he was in Canterlot.

His attention was broken by a loud roar from the visiting griffon. Reacting near instantly, he lowered his body to the ground, ready for a fight… Thankfully though, it seemed like Gilda was just voicing her anger. “This is your idea of a good time!?” She flew into the air. “I’ve never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! And Pinkie Pie!” She pointed a talon at the earth pony. “You! You are the lamoe with your weak little party pranks! Did you really think you could make me lose my cool!? Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together!” She put an arm around said mare then pointed across the room. “Especially that guy, thinking he’s all that with his armor!”

Skystrike looked at her. “Do… do you hear yourself?” He chuckled. “Like, me personally, I don’t need to put others down to make myself feel better over pranks that I fell for at a party thrown for me. For real though, are you not embarrassed? Are you capable of any self reflection to realize that this isn't all that serious?”

“What did you say!?” Her claws dug into the wooden floorboards

“You come in, fall for some pranks, then decide to take it out on everypony else who’s here to have a good laugh. Does that make sense to you? Figured I knocked some into you earlier, but yet here you are. Besides… ten times zero is still zero.”

Some snickers were heard from the surrounding ponies. “Uh, Gilda?” Rainbow began to ask.

“It’s nothing, Rainbow Dash. Come on!” Gilda began walking towards the door. “We’re bailing on these dweebs!” Rainbow didn’t move an inch, glaring at Gilda. The annoyed griffon returned the look. “Come on, Rainbow Dash, I said we’re leaving!”

Rainbow Dash exhaled out of her nose. “You know Gilda, I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.”

“What?”

“Oooooooooo.” Pinkie said in suspense.

“So I guess I’m queen lamoe.” Rainbow said as her glare tightened.

“Come on, Dash, you’re joshing me.” Gilda said not believing her… not wanting to believe her.

“They weren't all meant for you specifically, it was just dumb luck that you set them all off.

“I should've known! That dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it.” Pinkie realized getting in Spike’s face for some reason.

“No way, it was Pinkie Pie and Nebula! They set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool out of me!”

“Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude!” Pinkie said hurtfully. “I thought a party could turn that frown upside down!” She twisted her neck as she spoke.

“I have done nothing to this party.” Skystrike defended himself. “I barely know how I got here.”

“And you sure didn't need any help making a fool out of yourself.” Rainbow said, continuing the argument. “This is not how I thought my old friend would treat my new friends. If being ‘cool’ is all you care about, maybe you should go find some new ‘cool friends’ to hang out with.”

Gilda was undeniably angry now. “Yeah, well, you, you, you're just a flip flop!” She pointed an accusatory talon. “Cool one minute, then lame the next.” That made Skystrike start chuckling, then laugh, getting several eyes on him at first, before all the viewers were silent as he regained his composure. “And what’s so funny, dweeb?”

“I’m…” He chuckled some more. “I’m sorry, it’s just… there’s no way you talk like that regularly.” Then he leaned forward. “Honestly, genuinely, who are you trying to impress with all this? The one pony you came here to see isn’t anywhere near happy with the way you act, and everypony else is tired of your shit. You try to push everypony else away from your friend who doesn’t seem to want to be around you anymore. What’s it all for?” Skystrike began walking towards her. “You griffons are a prideful race, and yet you haven’t seemed to learn yet that pride brings arrogance, and arrogance brings ignorance. But when you leave, when you’re no longer welcome by anyone you could call ‘friend’, then maybe you’ll realize you had something to care about.” Then he stopped in front of her, looking her in the eye. “You aren’t used to anyone here standing up to you since you’re a griffon, but I’ll fill that role. Let me repeat what Rainbow Dash said in a different way. You are not welcome here anymore. It’s best you go.”

Gilda puffed out her chest. “Oh yeah!? And what if I don't!?”

“Oh please, by all means…” Skystrike leaned down to be eye height. “Give me another reason.” He growled.

Gilda shrunk a bit, looked at Rainbow Dash one last time, then scoffed as she turned around. “Fine! Give me a call when you don’t want to be lame anymore, Rainbow Dash.”

And with that, she slammed the door. A wave of silence followed the sound of the door frame shuttering from the impact. Then muttering. Skystrike sighed and went to the punch and poured himself a glass. “Wow… what a party pooper!” Spike said. Skystrike couldn’t help but smile at that kid. He had amazing timing.

“I’m sorry, everypony for bringing Gilda here. I didn't know how rude she was.” Rainbow said, looking down at the ground in disappointment. “And Pinkie, I'm really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her.”

“Hey, if you wanna hang out with party poopers, that’s your business.”

“I’d rather hang out with you. No hard feelings?” She put out a hoof.

“No hard feelings.” Pinkie confirmed as she shook it. They both shocked eachother as they laughed together. Just like that, the party was back in full swing.

Twilight walked up to Pinkie. “Hey Pinkie, I’m sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda… Looks like I’m the one who misjudged you.”

“It’s ok, Twilight! Even you can't be a super smart smarty pants all the time!” Pinkie hugged her. “Come on, everypony! There’s still a whole lot of party to finish!” She began bouncing up and down, the ponies around her cheering.

Skystrike, however, wanted to enjoy his drink. From the smell, it had apples and carrots in it. An… interesting choice, but maybe it tasted good. As he brought the glass up to his mouth, he remembered the dribble glass, and double checked. Thankfully, it wasn’t one. As soon as a drop was about to fall on his tongue, he heard a rather loud burp. Then Spike unrolls a scroll. Then his steps came towards him. “Uh, Nebula?”

Skystrike put his cup down. “What’s up, Spike?”

“There’s a letter for you!”

Skystrike raised a brow under his helmet and took it out of the dragon’s claws. He quickly read it, and sighed. “God fucking damn it.” Skystrike rolled up the letter, downed his punch that tasted surprisingly good, then began walking towards the door.

He was going to Canterlot.

Trouble in Canterlot

“Nebula? What’s wrong?” Spike asked as he walked alongside the stallion, who walked towards the door of Sugarcube Corner.

“I… have to go to Canterlot.” Skystrike sighed.

“Oh, cool!” Spike threw up his hands. “But… you seem upset about it?”

“Yeah… I don’t really like going.” Skystrike explained. “Too many bad memories…” He turned to pat the baby dragon in the back. “Don’t worry your head over it. I’ll be gone a few days, so make sure to take care of yourself.”

And with that, he pushed open the door, making his way home. On arrival, he got his rucksack and filled it with everything he needed. Toiletries, a blanket, food, money, everything he’d need for a long journey. But then he realized, he wasn’t going to be gone for long… but better safe than sorry.

Cleaning his house before he left, did a once over before grabbing his bag and walking to the train station. He was a bit surprised at how many were there to meet him. “Nebula!” Spike pointed to him as he tugged on Twilight’s tail.

“Hey.” Skystrike stopped in front of them on the train platform. “Figured you’d still be partying.”

“What, you think we’d let you leave without saying bye?” Pinkie crawled out of his backpack, making the pegasus jump.

“WHOA JESUS!” Skystrike snapped his head around.

“No, it’s Pinkie.” She pulled herself out. “But you were really going to leave without saying anything?”

“Eh, kinda.” Skystrike admitted. “Honestly, didn’t think you all cared that much.”

“Of course we care.” Applejack stated. “We’re your friends, aren’t we?”

Skystrike hesitated on answering for some reason. “...Yeah, yeah you are.”

Twilight spoke up. “What are you going to Canterlot for anyway?”

Skystrike visibly tensed up. “...The princesses want to see me… so that either means I’ve royally fumbled, I’m needed for a job, or they actually want to talk and I’m worrying for nothing… Any which way, I need to be cautious.”

“You know, you said you had a history with Princess Celestia.” Rainbow said. “...Can you tell us why? Or not yet?”

Skystrike sighed. “Let's say… her guard tried to deal with me on several occasions.” He rolled a shoulder. “Not exactly her fault each of those times, per say, but she knew. And now that she realizes I’m somepony she used to care about, she wants to try and make things right. But the inherent problem is she wants to try and make things right with who I was, rather than who I am.”

“Or…” Fluttershy jumped in. “Maybe you’ll get a reward or something for how you helped with Nightmare Moon?”

Skystrike hummed. “Maybe… To be honest, I’m more worried about whoI might see there. No use in reopening old wounds. I’m just going to be there on business. I’ll be back in like, two days… three max.”

“You got everything you need?” Applejack asked.

“Mostly. I was promised food and housing during my stay.”

“I’d offer you some apples, but this was so sudden.”

Skystrike waved a hoof as he saw the train approach. “All good. I packed myself some food to eat on the ride.”

The train blew its whistle, signaling its arrival. Several ponies made their ways off the train, meeting some ponies waiting for them. Two Royal Guardsmen also made their ways off and spotted the armored pegasus, walking towards him. “Atlas Nebula.” One spoke. “We are to make sure you are escorted safely to her royal highness Princess Celestia, and her royal highness Princess Luna.”

Skystrike turned to them. “...They sent escorts? Damn…” He threw his hooves up before turning back to his friends. “Well, guess things are serious. Make sure you all take care of yourselves. Might be gone longer than I thought.” Skystrike then walked up to Rainbow Dash. “And RD?” She looked up at him. “Things will get better.”

“I-... ok? Thanks?” She gave a confused look.

Skystrike nodded before turning around and walking past the two guards and onto the train.

The ride to Canterlot was uneventful. The guards weren’t a fan of talking, or they weren’t a fan of him. Didn’t blame them, he didn’t care. Though he wished that they stopped staring. He also didn’t trust them enough to fall asleep around them. Nor did they. After a long, long night, they arrived. Skystrike was fine, aside from jerking slightly at the blaring of the train whistle. The guards snapped at attention at it though, giving Skystrike a chuckle. The conductor walked down each train car, announcing that they’d arrive in ten minutes. Skystrike stood up and stretched before poking his head out of the window to see the approaching equestrian capital.

“So… genuine question, you two gonna be ok to walk? I’ve got some coffee if you want it.” Skystrike offered.

One of the guards drowsily looked at him. “...Seriously?” Skystrike nodded and reached into his bag, pulling out a tumbler and handing it to him.

The other guard protested. “Don’t trust that stallion, who knows what he put in it! You know what they say about him.”

Skystrike blinked. “...Ok, player two, you’re kinda stupid huh?”

“...Player two?”

“I didn’t know you two were coming. The letter I got didn’t specify anything, just that I had a ticket and to come immediately. Why would I put something in a drink I planned on having for myself that could harm me?”

The first guard looked at Skystrike, then to his coworker who shook his head. But the guard had to admit his logic checked out and took a sip, then a few gulps. “Ahh… thank you, Nebula. You aren’t as bad as I thought.”

“Well, thanks.” Skystrike nodded. “But what does the guard say about me? Sure we’ve had some run-ins, but I haven’t done anything for a while.”

The first guard huffed. “Honestly-”

“Private Sturdy, do not answer that.” The second guard pointed a hoof.

The first guard, Sturdy, sighed. “Yes sir…” And handed Skystrike back his tumbler. “Thank you, by the way.”

“No problem.” Skystrike took his tumbler and drank the rest. And just like that, he was reminded of one of the reasons why he didn’t join the guard… Too much red tape, too many rules to follow.

All three stood up as the train slowed to a stop, but one was worse off than the other two stallions. Skystrike made sure he had everything before stepping off the train. Another guard walked up to the three and saluted, this one a mare. “Corporal Iron, Private Sturdy, you are relieved of your current duties, and are to report back to the staff sergeant.”

The other two guards saluted back. “Yes, Sergeant Stardust!” They saluted before walking off.

Skystrike got a better look at the mare. She had an almost white, yet slightly yellow coat and a sky blue mane. Her armor stood out compared to a normal guard, her helmet being spartan-like that her hair hung down from, as well as a golden chestplate and back plate, covering her whole body save for her legs. The mare’s hooves were covered by golden shoes, going up to her ankles. Her rose eyes looked him up and down. “I see you arrived in good conditions, Sir Atlas Nebula.”

Skystrike nodded. “I have, though the escort wasn’t required… Your name was Stardust, right?”

“Yes, sir!” She saluted him.

“Just call me Nebula.”

“Yes, Sir Nebula!”

Skystrike face hooves. “Just Nebula. You don’t need to add sir.”

“Apologies, sir, I cannot do that as of now!” She held her salute. “I was told to treat you with the utmost respect, as if you were a prince! Princess Celestia’s orders!”

Skystrike sighed. Little did she know… “Alright then, guess I just need to deal with it. So, miss Stardust, what now?”

“I have been ordered to be your aid, sir, and have been assigned to you for the indefinite future.” Stardust put down her hoof. “I am to follow your commands as if they were Princess Celestia’s own. As of now, I am supposed to escort you to the Princesses!”

“Alright, but don’t worry about leading me. I know my way around… this city and the castle shouldn’t have changed that much over the years.” Skystrike began walking, Stardust following right at his left side. As the two walked through the capital, he realized the city indeed, barely changed. Skystrike looked around at the ponies walking by, each wearing formal clothing with their heads held high, ignoring most passerby. Some occasionally gave Skystrike a look before he returned the favor, making their heads snap back forward. He tried to make some small talk. “So, Stardust, what do you do for fun?”

“Whatever you find fun, sir!”

“...Ok, what do you do in your spare time?”

“I practice my swordsmanship, sir!”

Well, it was better than her first answer. “Cool. You’ll have to show me some time.” Then he thought. “By the way, you may have to sleep on the couch at my house for a while. I need to prepare the guest room when I get back.”

“Yes sir!”

Skystrike groaned as they kept walking. Soon enough, they crossed the moat that divided the castle from the city. Several royal guards stepped out of their way so they could enter the castle. The castle hallways were long, though shorter than he remembered… Then again, he was a child the last time he was here. Hopefully he wouldn’t see too many familiar faces.

Skystrike stopped in front of a set of doors to the throne room. The two guards beside it began pushing the doors open, revealing roughly a dozen unicorn guards inside, and the two princesses in front of him. The ceiling of the room was high above, large enough for him to fly around in easily, held up by a dozen pillars. Despite Celestia and Luna standing up and spreading their wings in greeting, all eyes were on him as he approached the throne.

Skystrike stopped a few yards from the throne at the stairs. “Yo.” He noticed the guards around him get visibly upset, and Stardust bowing next to him. “Oh, right.” He thought to himself. “Force of habit.”

“What are you waiting for?” A pegasus guard stomped a hoof. “Bow!”

Skystrike looked to the guard, then to Celestia and Luna, who seemed more interested in his response, rather than him actually bowing. Skystrike hit a thinking pose, tapping the tip of his wing against his chin. “Hmmm… You know, now that you mention it, nah.”

The troll in Skystrike inwardly smiled at their reactions. He did feel a little bad as Stardust tried to hide any form of relation to him. But what caught his attention was a gray unicorn with a silver mane and tail that stepped forward. He seemed important, as his armor was silver compared to the standard gold. “The princesses have invited you to meet them. Show some respect.”

“The respectful thing I did was show up, as I could’ve easily sent the letter back.” Skystrike said, looking at the unicorn. “It didn’t say I had to come, but I’m not that much of an asshole.”

“You dare!?” The unicorn got up in Skystrike’s face. “Do you have any idea who you’re speaking to!?”

“Who?” Skystrike began.

“I am General Magnus-”

“Asked.” Skystrike finished. A loud snicker was heard through the room. Though nopony checked the source of it, Skystrike could tell it came from Luna, who quickly straightened her face.

Magnus glared at the pegasus, who was holding in a laugh. “You are pushing the limits of my patience, pegasus.”

“...You know what, ignoring how you said that last part, why do you want my respect so bad? From what I can tell, you and the rest of the guards already have your own view of me.” Skystrike crossed his hooves. “Why should I care about your patience when most of you barely show any decency? In fact, why should I care when your preconceived notions won't change even if I did a complete 180?”

Magnus grit his teeth. “Bold of you to assume my opinion of you would change.”

“That was a rhetorical question, forehead. Figured as a general, you’d be smart enough to answer that… then again, if your patience ran so thin after a few words, I shouldn’t have given you that much credit.”

Luna breathed in through her nose and made a face, trying not to laugh, then coughed behind a hoof. Celestia turned to her sister, and the two shared a look before turning away from each other with the edges of their lips twitching.

“Well, I suppose from your track record, professionalism isn't to be expected.” Magnus sighed and pushed back his hair with a hoof. “Though I shouldn't have given you that much credit. After all, you are a bounty hunter. No wonder your ego is as swollen as that head of yours.” A smirk stretched across his face. “Though I see why you speak so big, after all, you abandoned your little group a few years ago, didn’t you?”

Skystrike had to admit, he tuned back in for that last part, and it did annoy him ever so slightly. But he didn’t show it. Instead he yawned. “Sorry, didn’t sleep on the train ride here, zoned out after you pushed back your hair like that hairline isn't receding.”

Stardust began to snicker, then slapped a hoof over her mouth as she tried her best not to laugh. “MMMF!”

“Stardust, as per what you said earlier, with my words weight as much as Celestia’s, I allow you to laugh.” Skystrike chuckled.

The mare could barely contain her laughter, sitting down and covering her mouth with both hooves, her rose eyes beginning to bulge out of her head as her ears went back. Even the princesses were trying their best to not laugh, both at what Skystrike said and Stardust’s reactions. A few of the guards around, still holding the same unmoving look, had the edges of their lips curling up.

Magnus grit his teeth. “Fine then, Nebula. This is going nowhere, so how about we settle this the old fashioned way.” Magnus took out a glove from his pocket. “I challenge you to a duel!” Skystrike caught the glove thrown at him. “When I win, you will bow before not only the princesses, but to me as well, and will make a public apology. On the off chance I lose, I will let this slide.”

The room fell silent waiting for Skystrike’s answer. “You sure about this? You do realize what’s at stake here right?” Skystrike looked at him, who began to open his mouth.

“Actually, Nebula, it’d be best if you explain, as if you accept, My sister and I will be overlooking this duel.” Celestia beat Magnus to it.

“Well, let's say I win.” Skystrike threw out the hypothetical. “How bad do you think the morale within your guard will be if I beat one of your highest ranking officers, let alone the citizens. I’m also ignoring how there’s already a racial aspect. If I was a unicorn, there wouldn’t be a whole extra section in the newspaper.”

Celestia had to admit that he had a point, though Luna sighed at the thought that unicorn supremacy wasn’t completely gone yet. Magnus, on the other hand, scoffed. “Sounds like you just want excuses to dodge my challenge.”

Skystrike looked at Celestia and Luna, then to Magnus. “Don’t say I didn't warn you.”

Celestia sighed. “Very well then. The duel will be held in the Canterlot Colosseum at noon tomorrow.”

“Alright, fine by me.” Skystrike nodded.

“Stardust, please lead Nebula to his room.” Celestia looked at a certain unicorn. “Magnus, a word.”

Skystrike turned around as Stardust followed behind him. Two guards opened the throne room doors for him. Stardust, once out of ear shot from the rest of her coworkers, began giggling. “Nebula, sir, I think I will enjoy being around you.”

Skystrike chuckled. “Glad I made a good first impression. Though I’m a bit surprised you aren't upset.”

“...Permission to speak freely?”

“Permission granted.”

“I do not like Magnus.” She sighed. “It’s like you hinted at earlier, with a lot of unicorns in Canterlot thinking they’re better, sir. Plus, between you and me…” She looked around before motioning him down to whisper in his ear. “There’s something suspicious about that stallion. He’s hiding something.”

“Good to know.” Skystrike hummed. “Well, I might have to do some digging once I’m done with the duel.”

“Oh, sir, if I may ask, how do you know where we’re going?”

Skystrike huffed. “Let's say… actually, I’ll tell you later. You’re going to have to learn about it eventually if you’re staying with me.” Then he stopped. “This… is where I’ll be staying, right?”

“Yes, sir. Though I have been made aware that the previous resident has… passed. The princess ordered that his room be kept the same. This was the only one available for your visit… Few have seen the interior.” Then she stood at the door. “I will wait outside until the princesses call for you.”

Skystrike nodded before walking inside. He felt something… nostalgia. His room was left just like when he left. A dark blue rug laid in the middle of the room in front of what was once his bed. His bed had light blue covers and pillows on it, not at all organized. Skystrike remembered how he threw the covers off, waking up late to go to his hair dresser on the day of the gala.

His desk sat against the window, the corner to the right of it piled high with pieces of scrap metal. The desk itself was covered in papers full of equations and drawings. If he remembered right, he was trying to make a shield for one of his friends at school. It was a military school, so sparring sessions happened often. Apparently he’s a big shot in the guard now.

On the opposite wall were countless pieces of art, ranging from drawings to paintings, to decorative blades. Skystrike was always a fan of creativity, though more so the cultural aspect of it. A griffon diplomat came by one day and gave Skystrike his hatchet in exchange for one of the prototype blades he made… He never did get the name of that griffon, but that damascus steel hatchet with engraved runes in the handle still hung in the middle of the wall. The rest were filled with commission pieces from the local artists, their signature included in case he wanted to find them again.

The only thing in his room that stood out, and that wasn't there before, was an ornate golden statue in the middle of his rug. It was tall, nearly as tall as him, but with a thin base. The pink magical gem within the gyroscopic contraption in the middle hummed slightly as it released magical energy. Safe to assume, the device was there to make sure that no dust built up, from the lack of it in the room, despite nothing changing.

Skystrike snapped out of his nostalgia by shaking his head. He… didn’t feel too comfortable in his room. Sure, he was nowhere near fond of Celestia right now, but he wouldn’t dare be so petty to tarnish the good memories she had of him. He was a better pony back then.

He heard hoofsteps approach the door, then a mare questioning Stardust, her voice getting louder in anger. Soon enough, the unnamed voice stormed off. Skystrike pulled his door open. “Stardust, you alright?” Skystrike looked up and down the empty hall. “Who was that?”

Stardust sighed. “One of the princesses came by and asked why I was guarding this room… She was not happy when I said the room was occupied. She’s going to see Princess Celestia, her words.”

“...Wait, just for clarification, which princess?”

“Uh…” She couldn’t remember her name. “The… pink one?”

“Shit.” Skystrike said under his breath. Only one alicorn fits the description of ‘the pink one’. Wasn’t really well known, but still had power… though now that Luna is back, she’s third in command. More importantly, they were related. More specifically, they were siblings. But that was a story for another time. More than likely soon, assuming Luna didn’t know. “Where’s Celestia and Luna?”

“Hello, Nebula.” Celestia spoke from behind him. “I… hope the room was to your liking?”

Skystrike turned around. Celestia and Luna stood in front of him. He sighed. “Celestia, I can’t stay in that room.” He admitted. “Cadenza came by. There’s… too many memories I don't want to risk ruining.”

Celestia gave a reassuring, yet sad smile. “I understand. Though we truly don't have any rooms to spare…”

“Dear sister, Sir Nebula, we believe the matter of thou’s housing during your stay within the capital can wait.” Luna stepped forward. “I believe we have more pressing matters to speak about.”

“Yeah, about that, real quick.” Skystrike pointed to Stardust. “If she’s coming to Ponyville with me, then does she already know, or do I have to explain it once we start talking?”

“Stardust doesn’t know.” Celestia clarified. “Now come, we’ll have tea between the four of us.”

Skystrike exhaled through his nose. “Alright then.”

Skystrike sat with Stardust to his left, and across from Celestia and Luna. The wind on his ears felt nice with the balcony being this high up. Skystrike rolled his neck as they waited. “You know…” Celestia began. “I would’ve preferred more… formal attire.”

“I’ve barely been welcome enough in town to buy food, let alone clothes, in Ponyville, thanks. Only reason I can even go into town with the stalls still open is because I’m seen as a hero or something.” Celestia winced at his words. “But I should have formal attire by the time the Gala comes around.”

“Oh, so you are attending the Grand Galloping Gala?” Celestia’s smile widened a bit.

“As of now, I’m still undecided, but I will more than likely attend.” Skystrike nodded. “And no, I don’t have a date yet… I also tried to hint to Twilight what you sending one ticket was hinting at, but she didn’t get it.”

“I… suspected as much when I had to send six more.” Celestia laughed behind a hoof. The door to the balcony clicked open, making all heads turn to the source of the noise. “Oh, the tea!” Celestia clapped her hooves together.

Four tea cups were placed in front of them by the stallion in a butler’s outfit. Skystrike noticed that he was more nervous than he should be. Carefully, the stallion put down four teacups in front of each of them, and began pouring the tea, starting with the princesses and ending with Skystrike. Though the way he pours Skystrike’s cup made him suspicious… and it made him even more suspicious when he immediately went to leave.

“Wait.” Skystrike said before the stallion could get to the door with the tea pot. He stopped in his hoof steps.

“What’s wrong?” Luna asked.

Skystrike picked up his teacup and swirled it. “Been through things like this before. A stallion comes in nervous, and is too quick to leave with the tea he was ordered to bring… My line of work makes me look at the finer details. For example, you could pass off that nervousness as him having to serve the princesses and their guests, but from the way he poured the tea, he not only had training, but has served you two before… Add to that, the way he poured my tea was different compared to the three of you, poured at a much steeper angle.” Skystrike then turned to the butler. “Paired with how quick he is to leave, with the tea pot, I’m willing to bet that my cup is poisoned.” Their eyes widened a bit as he sniffed it. “And it was done well too, it’s odorless, colorless, and most likely tasteless. If that stallion was able to leave the room, there’d be no trace of the crime.”

Celestia looked at him. “...You cannot be serious, Nebula. You’re making way too many assumptions for a hypothetical that grand.”

“Is it truly, sister?” Luna raised her cup. “You may not remember, it being over a thousand years since, but similar attempts have been made on us, during our wars with the other nations… We are not saying that he is right, but it is a possibility… especially after his antagonizing of your general the hours ago.”

Skystrike nodded. “Thank you, Luna.” Then he put his hooves up. “Now, I could be wrong, but there’s way too many things that are throwing me off to not point it out.”

Celestia looked at him, then hesitantly to the shivering butler. “...Let's say that you are right… How would you suggest we test it?”

Skystrike smirked. “Well, hear me out until the end.” The princesses raised a brow. “One of you drinks it.”

“...You cannot be serious, Nebula.” Luna’s jaw dropped.

“Like I said, hear me out.” Skystrike put his elbows on the table. “Let's say one of you drinks it, the butler here would have to admit to the supposed poison before it even touches your lips. Celestia has been the ruler for the past thousand years, and Luna, the dear little sister who she just got back. If anything happened to either one of you, there’d be Tartarus to pay. And if I’m wrong, whoever drinks it gets a good cup of tea. Thoughts?”

Celestia looked at him, then at Luna. Luna looked back before picking up the teacup in her magic and slowly raising it to her mouth, keeping eye contact with the butler as she did so. The butler got more and more visibly scared as Luna’s piercing cyan eyes.

The butler cracked. “Wait! Don’t drink it!” Luna stopped raising the cup. “He-... he’s right.” Celestia’s ears went back as those words met them. “There’s a… second layer in the teapot that was filled with poison.”

Skystrike hummed at the confirmation. “Thank you. Now, who told you to poison me?” The butler hesitated to answer.

Celestia looked at the butler. “You have my word that no harm will come to you, as long as your words are truthful.” Then she glared at him. “And believe me, I can tell.”

“I’m willing to bet that he was blackmailed, just from how scared he was when he entered.” Skystrike said. “You should also add that his safety is guaranteed.”

“...Very well, your safety is guaranteed. Will you speak?”

The butler quickly nodded. “General Magnus threatened my job and my family, princess… I’m the sole earner…” His voice wavered. “I don’t want my son to end up homeless!”

Celestia sighed and shot back her cup of tea, making Skystrike chuckle. Then he elbowed Stardust. “Seems like you were right.” Then he turned to the butler. “Now, you don’t have to tell me this, nor will I force it out of you, but if you tell me where your son is, I’ll make sure that nopony lays a finger on him.”

Celestia blinked. “Nebula, while the offer is appreciated, I believe my guard can handle that.”

Skystrike looked at her. “Say that again, but slowly.” That got a slight giggle out of Luna. Celestia blinked once more, realizing that Magnus still has sway. “Stardust.” She stood at attention. “Once our talks are done here, get the information from that stallion and make sure his kid is safe until the duel tomorrow.” Skystrike then turned to the stallion. “When you get out of here, I want you to go back to following whatever orders you had. I imagine it’ll take time for the poison to kick in, so I’ll be sneaking out of the castle. That way your cover won’t be blown.”

“...I tried to poison you, why are you being nice to me?”

“It’s not the worst thing I’ve forgiven. Besides, family is important.” Skystrike then grabbed a bag of bits out of his pocket. “Here, take your colt and get a good dinner. Kids pick up on things, so try to lessen his worry.”

The butler caught the bits in his hooves, then looked to Celestia and Luna. Both nodded before he left with a bow. “...I see you still have a heart, despite the claims…” Celestia smiled. “I heard about what happened with that griffon in Ponyville… though from this, I see that violence isn’t a pattern.”

Skystrike shrugged. “Eh, I try to. Have a heart, I mean.” Skystrike sat up straight. “Now, what did you two want to talk about?”

“Well, before that, dost thou believe it is a good idea to let Magnus go?” Luna asked. “From what we read about your achievements, we were expecting a more… brutal approach.”

“Already thought of that too.” Skystrike leaned back in his chair. “When I beat him tomorrow, you two, along with that stallion, will announce his attempt on me. That way, when you eventually fire him, it won’t look as bad. It’ll be seen as me beating a criminal, rather than a respected member of the guard.”

“...That… makes sense.” Luna nodded. “Though if we can move on to more personal matters, we’ve been meaning to ask what history you have with my sister.”

Skystrike nodded and thought back, beginning to explain their first official meeting… of course with some parts left out.

Skystrike was about ten, though closer to eleven, and had just moved in a couple months ago from the hive. How? Well, it’s really easy to pass as an orphan in Canterlot. It wasn’t rare for there to be an orphan, but it was more common than one thought. His now caretaker, Sister Paprika, was the headmare at the Church of the Two Sisters. Paprika was an earth pony with a cream colored coat and a puffy, dark magenta mane with a maroon highlight. Skystrike was glad she was the first pony he met, with how welcoming she was.

It took a lot of paperwork, but she was able to get him space within the orphanage. It took time to get used to her presence, but she had a good heart. Skystrike didn't want to stay there scot free, so he helped around the orphanage whenever possible, whether that was checking on his little ‘siblings’ or cleaning the place.

And today, he promised to help her deep clean the bedrooms. It’s a lot to do for one pony, especially since there’s ten of them. Four were toddlers, and he was the oldest of the other six. There was also some meeting, but he zoned out that part. The streets were busy, but thanks to him being a pegasus, he could skip all of the hoof traffic. Skystrike took to the sky and began flying home.

Something caught his eye on the flight home. A pink unicorn wore a light blue dress, and scratched angrily at her violet, rose, and gold mane, levitating a piece of paper in her magic. He wasn’t truly in a rush, and she seemed like she needed help. Skystrike landed next to her. Getting a closer look at her, she seemed around his age, if not a year or two older. “Excuse me? You seem in distress. Need help?”

The well dressed unicorn looked at him. “Oh, thank you, you have no idea how much help I need.” She passed the piece of paper in front of him. “I’m supposed to meet my aunt nearby for some meeting with a headmare, but I’m lost.” She admitted.

Skystrike took the sheet of paper in his hooves and began reading. “...Well if your aunt gave you this, she confused east with west. This district is on the other side of Canterlot.”

The unicorn threw her hooves up in the air in annoyance, then pushed her face into her hooves. “Celestia damn it, I’m not going to make it in time…”

Skystrike looked at her. “...How important is this meeting?”

The mare looked at him. “...Very.”

“And when do you need to be there?”

“In twenty minutes.”

Skystrike began stretching. “Alright, last one. You afraid of heights?”

Her eyes narrowed. “No way you plan on carrying me. I’m… well I’m not fat, but I’m heavier than I look… Besides, the guards patrolling will notice you with me.”

Skystrike opened his mouth, then closed it. “I was warned not to comment on a mare’s weight, so I will once again offer to carry you.” Then he smirked. “But… if you’re somepony important enough for the guard to find me suspicious by carrying you, that just means I need to outrun the guard.”

The mare looked at him, then laughed. “Ok! You’re a funny guy! You’ve convinced me.” She stood up. “I’ll even give you a pardon if you’re caught.”

Skystrike realized that the mare was about his height. But he said he would. Scooping her up in her hooves with a grunt, Skystrike began flapping his wings. “Oof…” He let slip. The mare shot him a dirty look as her hooves wrapped around his neck. With a running start, he jumped into the air, flying above the buildings and speeding up.

“Wow, you’re a lot stronger than you look, colt.” She looked at the buildings speeding by. “At this rate, we’ll have plenty of time to spare!” Then she looked at him. “I uh… hope I’m not making you late to anything?”

“Not really.” Skystrike answered. “If I may ask, what are you so well dressed for? Some party, I assume.”

“HEY!” A pegasus guard began flying behind them. “Put her down, colt!”

Skystrike looked back to the guard, then to mare in his hooves. “Hey, what’s the street you need to be on?”

“Uh…” The mare checked her notes. “Trottingdale avenue.”

Skystrime smirked. “Ah, good, I know the area… I’m going to speed up, so hold on.”

He felt her grip tighten, taking it as his que. To the guard’s protest, he began flapping his wings even harder, speeding up. Skystrike squinted his eyes at the speed he was going, the guard behind him hot on his tail. “Uh, hey, that guard called for his squad!”

“How many are on me!?” He had to yell to speak over the whistling wind.

“Eight!”

“Jeez, how important are you, lady!?” Skystrike laughed before he dove between the buildings. The guards followed him as he dove down an alleyway, making the unicorn in his arms tense up as he folded in his wings to fit through some of the gaps. Spreading his wings once more, he generated some lift, flying through some personal balconies. He didn’t have time to look back, but that should’ve lost a few.

“Are you crazy!?” The mare shouted at the close calls he made.

“Haven’t seen anything yet!” Skystrike chuckled as he flew into the streets below, pushing off walls with his back hooves to quickly turn down streets, diving through alleys, flying up buildings, anything to lose the guards on him.

The mare closed his eyes at several points through the flight, but soon began laughing. “This is so… exciting! How are we going so bucking fast!?”

“Hey, can’t look behind me! How many?” Skystrike asked.

She turned her head. “Um, four!” Then she blinked. “How have they not caught you yet!?”

“I’m really good at flying!” He laughed before flying down between the streets. “This is the street! Where am I dropping you off!?”

“Uh, the place is an orphanage!” She answered. “Something about two sisters!?”

Skystrike was a bit surprised that she was meeting with her aunt at an orphanage of all places, but who was he to judge? He tilted his wings, making him curve up. Twisting his body, he faced backwards in the direction of motion before spreading his wings to slow himself. His hooves skidded across the stone paths as he stopped right in front of the orphanage with a huff. “There you go, ten minutes to spare.” He let her out of his hooves.

The mare got down and straightened her dress with her magic. “That was… a lot more fun than I thought it’d be. My heart is still racing… We should do that again!”

“Do what again?” A voice behind them said. The two turned around, and Sister Paprika exited the orphanage… with Princess Celestia next to her.

“Auntie!” The mare threw up her hooves.

“AUNTIE!???” Skystrike put his hooves behind his head in surprise.

“Oh, Cadence, you made it! I was getting worried, you’re normally early.” Celestia crouched down to hug her.

The pink mare, named Cadence, shared the hug. “You… actually gave me the wrong directions.” But then this kind pony helped me out!” She pointed to Skystrike.

Skystrike and Celestia made eye contact. “Well thank you, my little po-” Then she craned her neck down to get a better look. “Ohh! You’re the young colt that I met that night!”

Cadence looked to Celestia. “Oh, is that why you chose this one?”

Celestia nodded. “Indeed. I was hoping we’d meet again.”

Skystrike knew what she was referencing, his late night escapade to Canterlot Castle, but that was a story for another time. As soon as he was about to respond, though, roughly a dozen guards landed behind him. “You! Pegasus!” The guards quickly surrounded him. “Step away from the princesses!”

“You’re a PRINCESS!???” Skystrike groaned.

“Oh, right.” Cadence pulled back part of her dress, revealing her wings. “I didn’t want to risk wrinkling my dress by flying…”

“Ah, Tartarus…” Skystrike sighed.

“Hold on.” Celestia put up a hoof to stop the guards. “What happened?”

Cadence chuckled nervously and tapped her hooves together. “Well… when I said you gave me wrong directions, I… kinda ended up on the opposite side of Canterlot… That colt said he could get me here before I was late… so we made… a deal?”

“Cadence…” Her motherly tone made itself known.

“I… may have said I’d pardon him if any guards suspected him of foalnapping me, since he said he’d get me here on time?”

Celestia looked at her, then to a shrugging Skystrike, then to the tired guards behind him, and finally to Paprika next to him. She sighed, then giggled. “Thank you, guards. I’ll take it from here.” The guards behind Skystrike began huffing as they all sat down to catch their breath. “You know, a part of me is impressed you outflew a squadron of pegasi… but I don’t want to encourage you.”

“SKYSTRIKE NEBULA!” Paprika shouted at the pegasus and grabbed him by the ear. He winced. “Do you know how much trouble you just got out of!?” She began pulling him by the ear. “I swear, you are a hoof full! A dozen guards on you!? Really!? One of these days, nopony is going to be here to save your flank!”

“Ow! Ok, I get it!” Skystrike winced at the pressure on his ear.

“You said that the last time, colt! I’m not taking that again!” She let go and continued scolding him. “Well!? What do you have to say for yourself, young colt!?”

Skystrike thought about it for a few moments. “...I do not regret my actions. Under the same circumstances, with the same information I was given, I would do it again… If I were to make a decision on the information I have now, I would have tried harder on losing the guards. Not because I was caught breaking whatever laws, but because the laws would have hindered me from helping Princess Cadence.”

Paprika sighed. “Celestia damn it…”

Celestia couldn’t help but laugh at the show. “Ahaha! It’s quite alright, Miss Paprika. His heart is in the right place… though I will say it’s surprising that ponies still use my name like that.” Celestia laughed some more at her widening eyes. “It’s quite alright. This won't affect anything. In fact, I think it may have helped out.” Celestia turned to Cadence. “Well, still want to meet each one?”

Cadence shook his head. “No, I think I’ve decided.” She turned to Skystrike who was still rubbing his ear. “Skystrike, right? I suppose it’s time to tell you what I’m here for.” Skystrike looked at the young alicorn, waiting for her to continue. “A… bit embarrassing to say, but a friend of mine has a little sibling, and I was looking for one. Auntie said she had a history with this place, and one with you. I want a sibling as well… and I think you’d fit in well… only if you want to of course.”

Skystrike looked at her as if this was a joke. It wasn't. He looked to Celestia for confirmation, then to Paprika, who waited for his answer with baited breath. Her dream was always for him and his siblings to get adopted, and there wouldn’t be a better offer than the one he was just given. Paprika nodded, and that confirmed Skystrike’s answer. “Uh, alright, but I promised Paprika I’d help clean. How long are you willing to wait?”

Paprika instinctively face hoofed, and Celestia couldn’t help but laugh. Cadence chuckled at his response, but was visibly ecstatic. “Great! Welcome to the family!”

Stardust spit out her tea. “You’re Skystrike Nebula!?”

Skystrike nodded. “I am.”

Luna’s eyes widened at the end of the story. “We’re sorry, we still are not used to the Alicorn of Love. You’re… a prince?”

Skystrike nodded again. “I was.” Skystrike leaned back in his chair. “But I abandoned that title when I abandoned the life I once had.”

Celestia huffed. “Cadence… never got over your death… and neither did I.”

Skystrike looked at her. “I left for a reason. That reason still stands. No use opening old wounds, nor opening up those I care about to danger when I’m not strong enough to protect them.”

Luna cleared her throat. “Skystrike, if we may, while we do not know the whole tale of your past, we can speak your own experience with us… It was thanks to you and the elements that I was able to return to my sister. We hope that you will extend that same hoof to those in your past.”

Skystrike took in a deep breath. “Luna, you were sent to the moon by your sister because you were a danger to your subjects. But she still had hope that you could come back to who you once were, and through either luck or fate, you came back. I faked my death because my siblings were attacked and almost killed because they were related to me. We may have similar circumstances, but the evil who wants to harm my friends and family still remains…” He clenched a hoof. “As long as he remains, as long as I lack the power, then I will remain hidden.” Then he sighed. “But… I will keep your words in mind.”

Luna’s hooves tightened around her teacup. “We… understand… May we ask who is this evil you speak of?”

“Another time, perhaps. I know who did it, but I do not have proof… if there even is any left over the years I’ve been gone.” Skystrike grit his teeth. “But eventually, when I am more trusting of you two, I will share.”

Celestia nodded as she sipped her tea. “Well, I suppose I must make an effort…”

“Uh…” All eyes were on Stardust. “Prince Skystrike, if I can ask, if your relationship with Princess Celestia was a good one in your childhood, then… why isn’t it now, even when she knows you’re Skystrike?”

Celestia looked at him, as she also wanted an answer to that question. “That is a long story, though not as long as the earlier one.” Skystrike hummed. “After I faked my death and began working as a bounty hunter, I gathered a group of beings from various species, called ‘All’. It was a dream I had, to break through the cultural biases and differences, and to be together as friends. That dream started partially because of the way I saw ponies treat others, because of how some delegates and diplomats were treated by and treated ponies, and because, in the end, we aren’t all that different at the end of the day. “ Skystrike sat forward. “A pegasus, a unicorn, an earth pony, a dragon, a diamond dog, a changeling, a hippogriff, an avian, and a zebra. Though we all had our own histories, we came to trust each other, and began traveling around, helping anyone who needed it.” Then he paused in his speech. “My current relationship with Celestia is strained because not only have we had several run-ins with her guards, but…” His hooves clenched up once more. “We were attacked… by a group known as ‘Hydra’, marked by the tattoo of one on their bodies… They were with-...” He stopped himself. “...Let us leave it there. The memory is infuriating. I will bring it up when important… I’d rather we move on to another subject.”

Celestia was about to press for more information, but was held back by a hoof on her own from her sister. With a sigh, Celestia nodded. “Very well… Though I do know of this ‘Hydra’ organization. Came around about fifty years ago… I suppose we can talk about them another time.” A maid entered with a cart with a large white cake on it. The mare used her magic to put the cake in the center of the table, as well as plates for the four of them, quickly cutting each of them a slice, and leaving. “...Was she suspicious?”

“No.” Skystrike stabbed his fork into the cake and took a bite. “Also, while I may not have the most positive opinion of you right now, Celestia, know that I don’t hate you.”

Celestia smiled a bit at that. “I’ll… take what I can get.” She instantly devoured her slice of cake. “So… how’s Ponyville?”

Skystrike hummed. “It’s alright. Ponies mostly stay at arms length, but they’ve become more welcoming… Twilight is also talking to her friends pretty often, if you care about that.”

Luna hummed. “We have heard thou lives next to the Everfree? Doesn’t it get dangerous?”

“You’d think, but that forest has a mind of its own. Show it your own strength, and it keeps its distance.” Skystrike said as he watched the princess of the sun destroy another slice of cake. “But how’s it going between you two? I imagine a few months isn't much time to catch up on things.”

Luna huffed. “Indeed. We are still learning the political landscape of this time. And we have not even begun on societal norms… Though while watching the ponies scurry about, we noticed that polyamory is no longer limited to the higher nobilities.”

Skystrike chuckled. “Didn’t take you for one to think of relationships.”

“Tis only natural with the Gala approaching. While we always say no, my sister and I often spoke of any stallion who was interested when they tried to court us.” Then she giggled. “Most were unnerving, to say the least, speaking about wanting to ‘see the sun rise and set’.”

Celestia groaned at the memory. “I haven't thought about that stallion for millenia… thank you for reminding me.” Celestia said sarcastically.

“You know, that would’ve gotten a laugh out of me.” Skystrike admitted. “And I’m not going to lie, I’d probably say something similar as an ice breaker and as a joke.”

“Oh? Please, give me an example.” Luna leaned forward with a smirk.

Skystrike realized the mistake he made. “Fuck, I shouldn’t have said that.” He chuckled to himself. “But if this is a royal order…” He quickly thought of one. “My ears are cold, can I use your thighs as earmuffs?”

Luna let out a hardy laugh that quickly turned to a girlish giggle as Celestia pulled Skystrike close and deadpanned, staring into his very soul. “Skystrike, do not hit on my sister.”

Skystrike put his hooves up with a chuckle. “Hey, not my fault I got game. Besides, I’m only joking. Not looking for a relationship right now.”

Luna put a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder. “Tis alright, sister. We do not mean anything by it. It’s nice to know at least the silly courting lines have not changed.” Celestia let the pegasus go. “Besides, yours were much more enjoyable than mine. Need I remind you of the countless ones about your flank? And I see your love for cake has not changed.”

“You’re saying it was that big back then???” Stardust blurted out but slapped a hoof over her mouth, making Luna laugh and Celestia sink into her chair.

Skystrike couldn’t help but laugh. “You know, I was thinking it, but then she said it…” Then he looked at the cake. “...Holy shit, it’s already gone!” He looked to Celestia, who sank in further. Then he had a funny thought. “Hey, Luna.” She turned to the stallion. “How would you react if I told you that current slang also refers to one’s rear as ‘cake’?”

Luna’s eyes widened as she slowly turned back to her sister. “Luna, Don’t you dare.”

Skystrike smirked. “What if I also told you some refer to it as a ‘bakery’ as well?”

“Is it because it’s big!?” Luna asked excitedly. Skystrike nodded. “AHAHAAHAHA!”

“Skystrike, please don’t encourage her.” Celestia sat up.

“You ate three quarters of a cake, how am I not going to bring that up?” Skystrike threw out his hooves. “Plus, it’s worse than ligma.”

Stardust and Celestia froze as Skystrike deviously put his hooves together. Luna, not used to the current slang, was easy pickings. “And what, praytell, is Ligma?”

“LUNA NO!” Celestia shouted in despair.

Skystrike took off his helmet to show how wide his shit eating grin was. “Ligma BALLS!”

“I can’t believe you went for a ligma joke on the princess!” Stardust laughed as they walked down the busy streets of Canterlot. “You have guts, I’ll give you that.”

“What can I say? I saw the chance and had to take it.” Skystrike shrugged as he walked. “You remember what I said earlier, right?”

“Yep.” Stardust nodded. “Already talked to that stallion, and I’ll be on my way to watch over the two once we reach the end of the street.” Then she had a thought. “...Sir, if I may ask, do you really think you can beat Magnus? While I am not aware of your abilities, Magnus’s are in a league of his own.”

“Oh, yeah, I’ll be fine.” Skystrike dismissed it by waving a hoof. “I know what I’m up against.”

“Then you know he trained Shining Armor?”

Skystrike nodded. “And that doesn’t worry me in the slightest. Tell you what, once we’re back in Ponyville, I’ll teach you how to fight against unicorns. It’s much easier than you think… Besides, I’ve had my share of skirmishes. Compared to all of that, this will be a cake walk.”

Stardust sighed. “If you say so, but know he’s never lost a fight.” She stopped at the end of the street. “One more thing, how do you know when the you know what will take effect?”

“Simple, it’d look bad if I keeled over in the middle of the day, and they knew I was going to be staying in the castle. It would make the most sense if it hit at night.” Skystrike explained as he stretched. “Well, make sure to stay safe, Stardust. I’ll see you tomorrow. I have a few places to check out.”

Stardust saluted. “Yes sir! Have a good day, sir!”

The two turned their backs to each other as they went their separate ways. Skystrike’s first destination was his favorite food stall… if it was still there after all these years. A left here, a right there, after a short walk, where the stall once was was a donut shop. It wasn’t too long ago that he was here, only three years if he remembered right. Hopefully the same pony was still in charge.

He pushed open the glass door, ringing the bell as he entered. “Just a minute!” A stallion’s voice could be heard coming from the kitchen. The clanking of bowls and silverware announced his approach. The unicorn had a light amber coat with a moderate orange mane and tail, and currently wore a flour covered apron. “Welcome to-... By Celestia, is that you, Atlas Nebula!? It’s been a while!”

“Surprised you remembered me, Donut Joe.” Skystrike shook the stallion’s hoof.

“Are you kidding? You were one of my first, and my favorite customers!” Joe patted the pegasus on the back. “You always came by and bought half my stock! Wouldn’t be a stretch to say that you were a big reason I moved from a stall to a store!”

“Huh, well, nice to see you moving up in the world, and that I was able to help out. You make good donuts. My friends always enjoyed them.”

Joe laughed. “You know, for the longest time, I figured that you were eating the dozen by yourself, until I heard that you traveled around with a dragon. You gotta bring your friends by sometime.”

Skystrike winced. “Well… it may be a while at the least… We split apart about two years ago.”

Joe winced. “Ah, sorry to bring up a bad subject. But hey, I’m here whenever you’re in Canterlot. Now, what do you want, kid? The usual? On the house, of course!”

Skystrike took him up on the offer. “Well, if you remember, I’ll gladly accept, and of course if it’s not too much of a hassle.”

Joe began loading the donuts into a paper bag. “One of each donut hole, right? And don’t worry about it. A big stallion like you has to eat!”

Skystrike caught the bag thrown at him and picked one out. The soft snack seemed to melt in his mouth. “God, it’s even better than I remember…” He was mid bite into another donut hole before the ringing of a bell announced the arrival of more ponies.

He turned to the door to see who came in. His eyes widened at the sight of familiar faces. All three were unicorns. The first had a light blue coat with blue and grayish blue striped hair. The second was a bright yellow with an azure and cerulean curled mane. The last had a white coat with a pink mane, sharing the same hairstyle as the second.

If he remembered their names right, in order, they were Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkle Shine. He went to school with them after he was adopted by Celestia. It was… interesting seeing them, seemingly doing well after all these years. He had half a mind to turn back around, go about his day like he never saw them, and not open all of them up to more pain. But then he thought on Luna’s words, about extending a hoof. But a part of him was scared of the pain of that rejection. They were good friends… once. Would it really be the same?

Only one way to find out, he supposed.

Skystrike approached the table the three mares sat down at. They looked up at him curiously, but the curiosity turned to nervousness as they realized who he was. “Uh…” Minuette stammered. “H-how can we help you?”

Skystrike opened his mouth, but the words didnt come to him. An awkward silence fell between them as he searched for anything to say. “Sorry… I was thinking of what to say, but I can’t think of anything. Instead, I’m just going show you.” Skystrike reached for his helmet and slowly pulled it off. “Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkle Shine… it’s been some time.”

Minuette was the first to speak, looking at his face confused. “Uh… should we know-” Then her eyes widened. “OH MY GOSH, SKYSTRIKE!?” She instantly threw her arms around him.

“You’re Skystrike!?” Lemon Hearts stood up with her hooves on the table. “No way!”

“We thought you died!” Twinkle Shine said, though it came off more like a question.

Skystrike hugged Minuette back before answering. “Yeah… I had my reasons to stay hidden… But I’m here now, at least for a little while. Mind if I sit down with you all?”

“Of course!” Minuette pulled up a chair for him.

Skystrike sat down and put back on his helmet. “I didn’t want to open old wounds but… I’ve been thinking. It’s not fair to you all if I just keep to myself like I did… But I do ask you to keep my identity a secret… Also call me Nebula in public.”

“Of course!” Lemon Hearts sat back down. “But really quick, the heck do you eat to get that big!? You’re the size of the new princess!”

He chuckled. “Well, I eat the normal things ponies do, but more. Honestly, I’m surprised I’m this big too.”

“So how have you been, Skystrike? So It’s been what, six years? What have you been up to?” Twinkle Shine asked, then shook her head. “No, nevermind, we read some of the papers that show up about you from time to time.”

“Wait, I have articles about me?” Skystrike asked. “Are they good or bad?”

“...I mean… depends. A lot are conspiracy theories about how you’re a secret agent for Princess Celestia. Most are scathing reviews on your way of going about the missions, saying you’re too wolf in pony’s clothing.” She shrugged. “But everything I hear about the ponies you directly helped actually speak positively of you.”

“God, I love the media.” Skystrike threw a donut hole into his mouth. “But enough about me, what’s happening with you three?”

“Oh, you know, same old work, day in and day out.” Minuette chuckled. “Oh, we’re actually all studying to get into our masters programs! I’m trying to study time manipulation, Lemon Hearts is trying to get in for food science, and Twinkle Shine is going for astrology!”

“Damn, I knew you three were smart, but didn’t realize you’d come this far so soon.”

“...You can’t be serious.” Twinkle Shine smiled. “Didn’t you skip, like, several grades?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t discredit all the work you all did. It’s something to be proud of.” Skystrike said. “Oh, what about Moondancer? How’s she doing?” Then he scratched the back of his head. “This may make me sound like an asshole… but I actually kept in contact with her after I died… She seemed like she needed a friend, and while I couldn’t explain why I disappeared, she still needed somepony to talk to… I’m worried. She hasn’t responded since her birthday.”

Minuette’s smile stayed the same, but her eyes changed. “Oh, it’s no problem. She got along better with you out of all of us.” Then she shuffled in her seat. “You remember Twilight, right? She left to Ponyville I think, something about studying? Next I heard about her, she stopped Nightmare Moon when she came back during the summer sun celebration… The thing was, Moondancer’s birthday was on the same day. We invited Twilight, but she didn’t want to come. Moondancer didn’t take it well… said she wanted some space.”

Skystrike sighed, then nodded. “I see. I’ll have to visit her next time I’m here then. She probably won't be happy to see me now of all times…” Skystrike juggled a donut hole in his hoof. “This may be selfish of me, just meeting again after all this time, but please stay her friend. Don’t give up on her.”

Twinkle Shine nodded. “Alright, just promise to come around more. We can catch up more.”

“Oh, I know what we can talk about!” Lemon Hearts clapped her hooves together. “Did you all hear about a duel that’s happening tomorrow? Apparently the general of the Royal Guard is fighting against some stallion. He wasn’t named yet.”

“Wait, the guy Magnus is fighting isn’t named?” Twinkle Shine asked.

“I don’t think so. Something about a surprise challenger? But it doesn’t make sense, since Magnus issued the challenge. I figured it was just a pride thing.”

Skystrike didn’t want to admit that he was the other pony in the duel. “Eh, it’ll probably be quick.” Skystrike began eating his donut holes again.

“...Hey, so is it true you fought Nightmare Moon?” Lemon Hearts asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“No reason. Just… didn’t realize how strong you got. I figured the dragon and the griffon were the muscle of your group.” Lemon Hearts chuckled. “But now I see why you’re here in Canterlot.”

Skystrike chuckled. “Oh yeah. The dragon, her name’s Tethys, was definitely the muscle. I’m the jack of all trades. The griffon, Alder, was in charge of finances. As for the latter statement, Luna let loose my real identity in front of Celestia… Because of that, I suppose I was called here to… rebuild relationships.”

“Well I’m glad we met here! What a crazy coincidence, huh?” Minuette clapped her hooves together. Then she had an idea. “Hey, we normally have a girls night out, but you’re welcome to join us!”

Skystrike hummed. “If you don't mind a guy in on your girls night, sure. Though depending on how long we’re out, I have to leave a bit early. Need to find a hotel or something.”

Twinkle Shine looked up in thought. “...I got a couch if you don’t mind. We planned on meeting up at my place after.”

Skystrike chuckled. “Oh, you three plan on getting wasted. I don’t drink much, so I’ll be the sober one.”

“Celestia, you’re the best, Skystrike.” Twinkle Shine smiled.

Skystrike woke up from the night before. The couch was small, so he ended up falling asleep on Twinkle Shine’s floor. He yawned, remembering the night before. Skystrike was expecting to go clubbing, but instead, they went to a diner and ate. Only got a bit weird when the mares were on their third glasses of wine. Minuette was a very, very flirty drunk, and didn’t hide it, hitting on passing stallions, and him a few times. Admittedly it would’ve worked if he was looking for a relationship. Lemon Hearts was a reckless one, Skystrike having to catch her as she tried to teleport on top of a lamp post, only ending up in the middle of the air… She also dove into a fountain, and it was pretty funny. Twinkle Shine was an affectionate drunk, hugging the other three constantly and sharing words of affirmation.

But he knew the three would be embarrassed. Skystriks stood up and stretched before walking into Twinkle Shine’s kitchen and opening her refrigerator. What was there to make? Looking into the cupboards, he would have a simple yet filling breakfast prepared. After a few minutes, a large stack of pancakes topped with various fruits were split between four plates.

Next, Skystrike knocked on the bedroom door. No response. He pushed the door open to check on the three, all sprawled about in the bed. He chuckled at the sight before shaking the bed, nudging them awake. They all yawned as they pushed themselves up. Then the mares made eye contact with Skystrike. He smirked as they remembered the night before and covered their faces. “I made breakfast.”

The three wordlessly got up and met him around the dining table. Skystrike was still smirking as they all were trying to shake off their hangovers. “So… yesterday was an experience.” They all groaned and pushed their faces into their forehooves. Skystrike laughed. “I see you three remember last night.”

Lemon Hearts tilted her head back. “I don’t know why I was trying to show off…”

“I’m so embarrassed.” Twinkle sighed.

“You can say that again.” Minuette groaned. “This is why I’m the sober one normally.”

“I’m never letting you three live this down.” Skystrike began cutting his pancakes. “But it was fun, seeing you three like that. It was real funny. Honestly, Lemon Hearts, if you practiced more, you could be a stunt double or daredevil.”

“Thanks? I guess??” He looked at him before eating. “Mmm, this is pretty good.”

“Thank you. I figured it was the least I could do after letting me stay the night.”

“Could’ve done a bit more than that, you know…” Minuette said with a mouthful of Pancakes.

Skystrike tilted his head. “What?”

Minuette looked at him, then to her friends. Then back to him. “...Skystrike, are you gay?”

“What? No. Why?”

“Well, when we invited you, we were kinda hoping for something… more?”

Skystrike looked at her as he thought about it. Lemon Hearts sighed. “You’re the only stallion I’ve met who’s this dense.”

He looked at the yellow mare. “...Was… was this a booty call?” They all nodded. “Oh shit, my bad. I thought we were just hanging out like old times.”

The three laughed at him before Minuette waved a hoof. “It’s alright, I guess we should've been more forward…” Then she leaned forward and crossed her hooves. “So… is it safe to assume you are interested?”

Skystrike thought about it. “You three are lovely mares, but… I’m going through some things right now. If I was looking for a relationship, and you three weren’t drunk, I might have gone for it.”

Minuette took in his words. “...So is that a no to a next time?”

Skystrike chuckled. “You know what, I gotta respect the commitment. Tell you what, if I’m in a better mental state the next time we see each other, I’ll do it.”

“BUCK YEAH!” Minuette threw her hooves up, making the other three laugh.

Skystrike took his last bite of food before getting up and putting his plate in the sink. “Well, wish I could stay a bit longer, but I have to get to it. I have… some business to deal with while I’m here.” He said as he began putting on his gambeson and armor. “I’ll try to keep in contact, expect some letters.”

“Dang, sad to see you go so soon, Sky.” Twinkle looked up from her food. “Where do you live now, anyway?”

“Ponyville.”

“Oh, that isn’t too far, then. We’ll visit when we get the chance.” Lemon Hearts finished her food.

Skystrike smiled at the thought. “That’d be nice.” He finished putting on his armor by putting on his helmet. “It was… good seeing you three again.” He went to the door and pulled it open. “Guess this is goodbye for now. You three take care of yourselves.”

“Same to you, Skystrike.” They all said as he closed the door behind them.

A part of him was nervous, his heart still racing about opening his heart up again. Another part was a bit upset that Luna was right, and the last part was the back of his mind telling him he should’ve done this a long time ago.

But he knew the reasons he decided to hide his identity. Under the same circumstances, with the same information given, he’d make the same decision. For the safety of those around him, he must carry this burden.

His thoughts moved along as Echo spoke to him. “Your duel with Magnus is fast approaching. Eighty minutes until the scheduled time. I suggest you speed up your step.” Skystrike did so. “Additionally, I believe you may be worrying for no reason.”

“...I said that aloud again, didn’t I?”

“Affirmative. If you believe in luck, there will be times to reunite with old faces. Until then, worrying over the endless possibilities will get you nowhere. Focus on the now. And right now, you need to beat Magnus.”

Skystrike stopped in front of the colosseum. “I suppose you’re right… Let's put on a good show, Echo.”

Skystrike stretched as he walked into the center of the circular arena, Magnus waving to the cheering crowd, though it got noticeably quieter as he entered the arena. As he looked around, he noticed that a portion of the arena was saved for the royal guard. It only made sense that so many wanted to come. He saw Celestia and Luna in their seats in the upper platforms. He also saw the surprised faces of Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkle Shine as he entered the arena.

The announcer introduced them. “Ladies and Gentlecolts! Welcome to the Canterlot Colosseum! Today we have a great battle in front of us! Magnus, General of the Royal Guard, champion of the ponies, is fighting for the win today! Known for his feats in magic, ranging from blasting a dragon out of the sky, to simultaneous spell casting, he’ll give us one Tartarus of a show today!” The crowd cheered.

“And his opponent, Atlas Nebula, the infamous bounty hunter! Not much is known about this raven clad warrior, but his feats are nothing to scoff at! Known for his dual blades, he’s taken down the terrifying Graveworms that infested the western portion of Equestria, as well as blinding speed, despite the heavy armor! Lets hope this living legend lives up to the stories.”
Skystrike was a bit surprised at the crowd cheering for him as well.

“Surprised you still came, Nebula.” Magnus got in his face, wearing the same armor as the day before.

“I know you are.” Skystrike said plainly. “I see you decided to wear a helmet. You need that to protect your head or your hairline?” The crowd began to chuckle.

“Your petty insults will not get a reaction out of me, boy.” Magnus hissed.

“Yo, the way you say ‘boy’ sounds laced with a lot of prejudice.” Skystrike laughed. “But I guess you would learn to control yourself after you got chewed out by Celestia, huh?” Skystrike began stretching in front of him. “But ponies like you don't learn through kindness… so I guess I just have to embarrass you.” Skystrike stood up straight. “Announcer, I’d like to add a rule: If General Magnus here lands even a single hit on me, I lose.”

The crowd roared at Skystrike's provocation, making Magnus laugh as well. “Well, I’ll make this quick, then!”

“Combatants, get ready!” The announcer spoke. The two turned their backs to each other and walked a few paces away. They turned to look at eachother. Magnus was outwardly calm, but his eyes were full of anger. Skystrike stood on his hind legs and drew both of his swords as Magnus drew his own. “The winner will be decided when Magnus lands a strike on Nebula, or when Magnus is rendered unconscious, imobile, or receives a fatal wound. Ready!” The two stallions nodded. “Begin!”

Magnus prepared for Skystrike to blitz him, only for the pegasus to slowly walk forward, wings spread wide. The gal of the pegasus annoyed the unicorn. Angrily, Magnus quickly charged a small, fast blast of magic, Skystrike waving his blade to cut it down. He kept walking. Magnus decided to shoot a more powerful ball of magic, but was slightly surprised that Skystrike deflected it and kept walking.

The unicorn was visibly angry now, raising his head high as he charged magic at the tip of his horn. Pushing his head forward, he released a beam of magic in Skystrike’s direction. Skystrike decided to get a bit serious, pushing his back hooves into the ground and flying towards Magnus, flying alongside the magic beam before kicking the unicorn in the side, sending him rolling away. “Come on.” Skystrike waited for Magnus to get up. “Make this exciting.”

Magnus pushed himself back onto his hooves before charging his magic again. Long range attacks didn’t seem to be effective on the pegasus, so he needed to get in close. Magnus focused and teleported in front of Skystrike, raising his sword high before quickly bringing it down. Unfortunately for Magnus, his blade met the dirt below him, Skystrike easily side stepped him. The unicorn pulled back his sword to defend himself, but his eyes widened as Skystrike stood there, looking at him.

“Dont… don’t you dare mock me!” Magnus shouted as a flurry of slashes came Skystrike’s way. Despite his wrathful advance, none of the slashes landed on the pegasus, side stepping, ducking under, and jumping over any aimed for him. But then Magnus had him, mid air, point blank, he pushed magic through his horn at Skystrike.

But the pegasus was faster than he thought, swinging his sword for the flat of his blade to his Magnus’s horn, sending the magic into the colosseum wall. With another kick, Skystrike landed his hoof on his face and sent Magnus away again. Skystrike landed on the ground and stabbed his swords into the ground. He sighed. Loudly. “You know, I’m hoping you’re just old, and not overhyped stories. Any tricks you have up your sleeves, I’d recommend using them. You’re embarrassing us.”

Magnus grit his teeth. Charging his magic once more, though this one to an astounding size. Roughly the size of a Magnus himself, he split the ball of magic apart into dozens of smaller ones, these burning with arcane energy. With a roar, they were all sent Skystrike’s way. The first to come his way missed, though Skystrike realized as it passed by that they were charged to explode. He quickly picked up his swords and began flying around erratically. It seemed Magnus didn’t have enough magic to make the attack lock onto him, and was guiding them manually. Dashing, rolling, diving, and looping in the sky, the pegasus swiftly dodged them with astounding speed, making the crowd roar at the show.

The unicorn was tired, but kept forcing out magic at the Pegasus. Skystrike began diving towards him. Magnus tried to force his legs to move, but his fatigue got to him, making his knee buckle. Instead, Magnus knew his best bet was to shoot more magic at the pegasus. But Skystrike was prepared, pulling back his blade before slashing through it. The ball of magic flying in two halves behind him before exploding in a puff of smoke. Skystrike spun his body and used his other sword to slash at the unicorn’s side, making Magnus grunt.

Wordlessly, Skystrike continued his barrage, slashing and kicking at the pony in rhythmic fashion. The unicorn’s armor began to crumble under the barrage, Magnus trying his best to defend himself as he was thrown around like a ragdoll. Magnus tried to throw a punch of his own when given the chance, a right hook that would be devastating, but it was expected, Skystrike threw a feint. The pegasus grabbed his arm and spun him around before releasing his grip and throwing him straight up.

Wide open, Skystrike flew up above the rising unicorn. Right when the unicorn stopped falling, Skystrike caught up to him, wrapping his arms around Magnus’s back. “I always wanted to do this!” He couldn't help but smile at his devious idea. Skystrike flipped backwards as they began falling to the ground below. The crowd waited with baited breath as Skystrike turned his wings to begin spinning as they fell. “Fallen…!” Skystrike yelled as they approached the ground. At the last second, he released his grip on Magnus, twisting his own body and landing upright. “ANGEEEEEL!” He laughed to himself as Magnus plummeted into the ground.

The crowd roared as the dust settled, Skystrike twirling his swords in his hooves as he waited. “Wow… honestly, I’m impressed.” He looked at Magnus pushing himself up. “You’re a lot sturdier than you look!” He clapped as Magnus fell to a hoof.

Magnus groaned as his cracking armor began to fall off in flakes. Skystrike’s eyes widened, however, as the armor kept crumbling. A black tattoo of a hydra began on his right shoulder, the heads and necks of the beast snaking to his chest. Magnus forced himself up, then realized what Skystrike was looking at, quickly covering the tattoo with his hoof.

Skystrike was enraged, his eyes flashing white ever so slightly. It was him. He knew what happened that day. Stomped over to Magnus and picked him up by the back of the neck. He held him up towards the princesses. Magnus moved his hooves to try and loosen the grip of the pegasus. “Celestia, I assume you know what this is?” She looked at the tattoo on Magnus’ chest. She didn’t answer. Skystrike tightened his grip and threw Magnus on the ground in front of him.

Magnus coughed. “...You damn pegasus…” He glared at Skystrike.

“You know, I never said the reason I use my swords.” Skystrike flipped and looked at his reflection in the blade. “It makes things quick, and mostly painless for whoever I go against. It shows that the fight isn’t one I want to do, but instead, it’s one I have to do. Purely business.” Then turned his blade to see Magnus in it. “But you… you and I have a history, albeit maybe not directly… That makes it personal.” Skystrike dropped his sword and cracked his wrists. “That means I have as long as it takes for Celestia’s guards to come detain you to myself… And I plan on returning the pain you delivered unto us.”

He could see the fear in Magnus’s eyes, but those eyes were quickly replaced with swollen ones. Another punch connected as he saw out of the corner of his eye that Celestia snapped out of her shock, sending guards down to get Magnus, and stop Skystrike. But it was plenty of time for Skystrike to enact his own personal justice. By the time the guards pulled him off of Magnus, the unicorn was bruised, battered, and broken. Blood covered his armored hooves as Skystrike looked at the now purple stallion. Blood fell down Magnus’s forehead as both eyes were swollen shut. Four guards stood around him, visibly nervous from his show of force. Skystrike breathed in deeply as he went to get his swords, sheathing them. He turned around and walked towards the waiting room. He began washing his hooves off, looking at himself in the mirror. He felt… good.

It sickened him.

Skystrike snapped his head towards the sound of snapping magic, Celestia and Luna being the source. “Skystrike…” He knew that tone. It sounded like he was about to be scolded by Celestia. “What was that!?”

Skystrike looked back at himself in the mirror. “A duel… one that I won.” Then he thought about it… “Well, technically, no winner was announced, so it’s a tie.”

“Do you think this is a joke, Skystrike!?” Celestia stomped a hoof. “You beat a general half to death in front of hundreds!”

“No, I beat a criminal while under the rules of the duel I was challenged to. Nopony declared me the victor, Magnus was still standing, conscious, and thus, able to forfeit if he wished. But he didn’t, so I… continued.” Skystrike grit his teeth.

“Skystrike Nebula, we believed you to be a calm and collected pony, and yet my judgment of your character has been skewed.” Luna stepped forward. “While you may be right, your actions were irrational… We believe there is something deeper.”

Skystrike turned around. “Yes, there is. But that is not for you to know just yet.”

“Do not test our patience, dear Skystrike.” Luna closed her eyes. “From our talk yesterday, we are aware you do not wish to speak of your past… but if this behavior continues, we will be forced to act.”

Skystrike crossed his hooves. “I will not stop you if you believe that is the best course of action. I will also fully admit that if I met somepony like him again, I’d probably do it again…” Skystrike then turned to the princess of the sun. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Celestia, but I’m not that colt from those years ago. I am the manifestation of every choice I made, every agony I’ve been through.”

“Then stop dodging the question and answer me this, Skystrike.” Celestia stomped a hoof. “What did Magnus do to make you willingly beat him half to death!?”

Skystrike looked at her, thinking back on the memory. His eyes flickered a burning white. “The organization that Magnus is part of, Hydra, attempted to kill me almost three years ago, along with my friends in my mercenary group.” Skystrike grit his teeth. “We were happy, and then they, along with your guard, ambushed us! Jeshan lost his eye! Celeano lost her leg! Blades and arrows tore through us, leaving us half for dead! It was a miracle that we all made it out alive, but the scars still remain! All because he wanted to get to me!” He roared before huffing in anger. Their ears went back as Skystrike spoke. Skystrike clenched a hoof and stood up straight, regaining his composure. “...All that was left on who did it was their signa, that tattoo… mocking us. So I left, making sure my friends wouldn’t be in danger anymore. I knew someone in the guard had to be with them, and as soon as I saw that damn symbol on Magnus, I knew he at least knew about it. Does that answer… satisfy you?” He seethed. “Hear me out… I think trying to kill the most important beings in my life justify a response like that. Any other questions?”

The two alicorns stood in silence, taking in all that he said. There was so much they didn't know about him… So much that he wanted to keep hidden. But emotions were high right now. They weren’t sure if they’d get anything more out of him.

Stardust, the guard from yesterday walked in and saluted. “Princesses! Prince!” She saluted. “That butler and his child are safe. No attacks have been made on him-...” Then she saw the strained looks on Celestia’s and Luna’s faces. “Uh… Am I interrupting something?”

“No.” Skystrike said angrily. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his back. “These two were just making it known that I’ve done enough here. Stardust, sorry for the short notice, but we’re leaving for Ponyville. The train departs in three hours.” He began walking towards the exit, but then stopped. “And don’t call me prince… I abandoned that title long ago.”

Stardust saluted, albeit hesitantly. “...Yes sir.”

A Dance with Fate

The ride back to Ponyville was quiet. But Skystrike enjoyed the silence after the day he had. Stardust laid asleep in her seat as Skystrike looked out the window at the passing night sky. Sure enough, after what he said to Celestia, and what he did to Magnus, there was definitely going to be an investigation of sorts. A part of him was worried about the bad press he’d get, but any media who knew their stuff would have also seen the tattoo Magnus had. At that point, the headlines were dependent on the biases of the publisher.

Did Skystrike humiliate the Royal Guard, or did Skystrike beat a criminal?

Either way, his reputation would take a hit, due to the sheer brutality he showed. And his relationship was definitely in the gutter now with the two celestial sisters. Admittedly, he didn't care much for the guard’s opinion on him. He didn't interact with them much anyway.

It was early, early morning by the time the two arrived in Ponyville. Nopony was on the platform, the train didn't even whistle at their arrival. Skystrike tried to shake Stardust awake, but she was in a deep sleep. He had half the mind to shake harder, but his anger at the day prior shouldn't be taken out on her. Skystrike slung the guardmare over his back and picked up both their bags before stepping off the train.

It wasn’t a long walk home, but the silent night and the empty streets made it seem longer. All that he heard was the blowing wind, making the trees creak and the leaves rustle. Soon enough. The dark path to his house was playing tricks on him. He was alone with his thoughts, angry, sad… disappointed in himself.

Skystrike shook the thought out of his mind as he unlocked his door and pushed it open. With a sigh, he laid Stardust down on the couch. He decided to leave unpacking for the morning. He went to lay down in his bed before falling asleep, hoping to get at least five hours of sleep.

But morning came too quickly. He felt like he blinked when the sun started rising. He groaned as he rolled out of bed before starting his routine. Workout, eat, shower, and then decide what he wanted to do for the day. Stardust seemed to sleep through most of it though, only rubbing her eyes awake after he came out of the shower. “Good morning, Stardust.”

Stardust quickly stood up and saluted. “Good morning, Pri-” Skystike shot her a look. “Er, Skystrike.”

“No need to be so formal, Stardust.” Skystrike sighed. “Breakfast is in the kitchen.”

Stardust felt her stomach rumble before going to get the food, eggs, toast, and hay bacon. “Thank you!” She quickly scarfed it down.

Skystrike smiled slightly at the sight. “No problem…” He reached for one of his books, then sat down on a chair and began reading. “By the way, do not tell this town who I really am.” She nodded. “Good. I’ll go over the rules and stuff once you’re done eating… Actually, you’ve slept in the barracks. Similar to that. I won’t wake you up as early as I get up, but we’ll be training regularly. It’ll be nice to have a sparring partner.”

Stardust nearly spit out her food. “You want me to spar with you!?”

“Yeah. Gets me back in the groove of swordplay, and gets you better at it…” Skystrike then thought. “...Actually, what do you use? Most guards stick with the spear.”

“A… rapier. Why?”

“If you’re going to be here with me, and following me when I eventually get back to doing my missions, you’re going to need better gear. I’ll start off with a rapier for you.” Skystrike flipped a page in his book. “For now, I’d recommend going around town and introducing yourself. I have some things to do in the Everfree Forest.”

Stardust looked at him. “The Everfree Forest? The Everfree forest!? What do you have to do in a place so dangerous!?”

“Nothing much. Patrolling mostly, keeping track of the timberwolf territories. I may be a while.” Skystrike closed his book. “You’ll probably meet some of my friends, and they’ll ask where I am. Honestly, I just don't want to be around anypony right now…” Then he sighed. “I will be fine.”

“...Are… are you sure?” Stardust asked.

To be honest, he wasn’t sure. He just needed to get his mind off things. “Fairly positive, yes.” Skystrike began putting on his armor. He secured both of his swords to his sides before opening the door. “Oh, right, one more thing. There’s a… interesting mare in town. You’ll know her when you see her. No matter what you do, you can’t escape her. Just go with the flow.”

Stardust gave him a confused look as he closed the door. The grass quickly turned to damp leaves as he entered the forest. He remembered before he left that he said he’d make Pinkie a new flying machine. After roughly twenty minutes of walking he got to the lab that he found those months ago. Over the months he spent in Ponyville mostly alone, he came to this place every few days, putting in the hours and fixing the place up. The human remains that once sat in the corner were now gone, thrown into the river to become one with the planet, and the moss and vines growing within were peeled off. All that was left were the roots and broken walls.

With luck, he could fix those with the machinery inside. He took off his helmet and put Echo onto the terminal. The azure blue eyes of the helmet lit up with binary as the lights of the room flickered on. “Core functions within this laboratory have not worsened. What do you wish to begin with?”

“First, let’s return this place to its prime… or as close as we can get it.” Skystrike looked up to the ceiling, several mechanical arms hung down from the ceiling. At the ends of their joints sat different tools, ranging from simple clamps to buzz saws and blow torches. Looking at it a bit closer, the large table they seemed to hang above was more akin to a 3D printer. “Fix up the foundry so we can better build things to fix this place.”

“Affirmative. Estimating time until completion…” Echo stated. After a few moments of silence, Echo responded. “Damage to the foundry segment is minimal. Materials within this laboratory will allow for quick repairs. ETC, thirty minutes.”

“Alright…” Skystrike thought it was too simple. “And to repair everything else?”

“Structural scans recommend a complete replacement. Materials are insufficient.”

“And there it is…” Skystrike sighed. “Come on. Let's fix what we can for now. We’ll be here for a couple hours.

He was indeed there for a couple hours. It took some effort, but the foundry was in full swing. Now he just needed the materials. The machines within could build him almost anything, even fixing some designs in his blueprints to be most optimal. But that took out some of the creativity in the art that is creation. Thankfully, there was enough to fix Pinkie’s sky bike.

Skystrike hauled all the parts he needed back to his home. Stardust wasn’t there, most likely still out or at a Pinkie Party, so he had the house to himself. He put the several dozen parts in his backyard before following his instructions on putting the pieces back together. First, he assembled the frame, an L-shape, similar to the one Pinkie Pie had before. Next, he put the gears on. Compared to the last one, which only had one set of gears, this one has three, making starting a bit harder, but keeping the rhythmic pedaling easier. Then he made two propellers. Pinkie’s only had one that kept her afloat, allowing her to steer by leaning forwards, backwards, and to either side. It was part of the reason she fell in the first place, as there was no secondary propeller that helped stabilize the contraption. In response, he put one propeller on top, and a second to the now longer tail of her machine, similar to a helicopter. He also added two stabilizers for extra safety. Finally, just to make landing easier, he put on two landing
Skids.

He put on the bell chains, making sure to put them on properly through the gear system. Skystrike put a hoof on one of the pedals that were too small for him and pushed down. Everything worked properly, the propellers spun in the proper direction, and the gearshift worked great. The stallion was proud of his work. The weight was about fifty percent more, so he added wheels to the end to drag it, as he doubted the average pony could lift it like he could.

With a grunt, he lifted it onto his back and began walking to town. It was roughly two in the afternoon… And now Skystrike was hungry. He rolled his shoulder as he kept walking, ignoring the strange looks he was getting from the townsfolk.

“Hey!” He heard a voice call from above him. Skystrike looked up to see Rainbow Dash looking down at him from a cloud she was laying on. “That you, Nebula? Didn’t know you came back so soon!”

“Yeah. Got back this morning.” Skystrike nodded. “Spend the rest of it building this thing for Pinkie, getting my mind off things.”

Rainbow flew down and began walking next to him. “Damn, you built all that in a few hours? That’s kinda cool, dude.” She looked at the sky bike on his back. “Looks different from when I last saw it.”

“Made some upgrades. Won’t spin out as easily now.” Skystrike noticed her wince as she thought back on Gilda. “Oh, right… fresh wound… Sorry.”

“It’s… fine.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Like you said, things will get better… Is it wrong for me to say I wish I saw you punch her?”

Skystrike looked at her. “Depends. Do you crave the violence served, or the karma served?”

“The karma… mostly” She admitted.

“Then no… mostly.” Skystrike chuckled as he copied the way she said that.

“So, how was Canterlot? I don’t think I’ve ever been.”

Skystrike paused for a minute. “It was… an experience. Some good, some bad… Memories resurfaced that I wanted to keep buried. But I’ll be fine. I always am.”

“...You know, I can keep a secret, Nebula.” Rainbow looked up at him. “Won't make fun of you or anything if you just want to get it off your chest.”

Skystrike looked at her as they stopped in front of Sugarcube Corner. “Well, I might take you up on that offer one of these days. Thanks, Rainbow.”

Rainbow Dash nodded as she pushed open the door to the bakery. She was instantly tackled into the ground behind her from Pinkie. “Hey! Came for Stardust’s party?”

The winded pegasus tried to catch her breath as she rolled on the floor. “Celestia… damn it, Pinkie.”

The cotton candy mare then turned to Skystrike. “Oh my gosh, you are here! Stardust said you’d be here.” Then her eyes sparkled as she saw the contraption on his back. She gasped loudly. “Is that…!?”

“Yeah, gave it a few upgrades so it’ll last a bit longer.” Skystrike put it down with a thump. “Hopefully you enjoy it.” Pinkie quickly hopped on it and gave the candy contraption a test run, pedaling to get it a few feet off the ground. “The steering system has changed completely. You can lean and steer by changing the gear for the tail rotor.”

Pinkie did a gleeful spin in her new toy before landing it. She quickly tackled Skystrike into a hug, who was now winded alongside Rainbow Dash. “Thank you, sososososo much! The Pinkie-copter mark 2 is great!”

Skystrike wheezed. “Glad you… enjoy it.”

“No, I really really really appreciate it! This is one of the nicest things anypony has done for me!” She kept hugging him. “I’m always the one giving gifts!”

“It’s really no problem, Pinkie.” Skystrike got up and patted her on the back. “But… Pinkie-copter? Really?”

“It’s a bad name, sure, but it’s a lot better when you see it paired with the Pinkie-cycle and Pinkie-wagon.”

“...You know what, fair.” Skystrike admitted. “But I’ll leave you two to enjoy Stardust’s party.”

“She’s a guard, right?” Rainbow asked. “How’d you land a guard as a marefriend?” She teased.

“Celestia decided I needed to be watched. I’d rather not talk about it.” Skystrike sighed. “Canterlot wasn’t bad, per say, but I want to be alone. Tell everypony we’ll catch up tomorrow.” Skystrike said before turning around to go back home.

A few days passed as Stardust got used to Ponyville’s routine. After getting back home and asking ‘what the buck is Pinkie Pie?’ they actually quickly became friends. Same with Fluttershy over their apparent shared love for gardening. But that was about all the good news he was due that day. Walking through the market earlier, he noticed how the ponies looked at him, as well as how those he bought produce from weren’t interested in the normal small talk.

He realized soon after Spike walked up to him as he passed by the Golden Oak Library. “Nebula!” Spike ran out the door with a newspaper in his claws.

“Hey, Spike. What are you reading? Something big happen?” Skystrike bent down so the baby dragon didn't have to look as far up.

“You bet! The papers came out this morning. The whole town must know about your duel with Magnus now!” Skystrike inwardly winced at Spike’s words. “It was so cool! You beat the guy without getting hit once! And you took down a bad pony at the same time.”

Well, at least that paper included that Magnus was a criminal. “The words are… appreciated Spike, but cool isn’t the right word to describe it. I’m sure you heard the words 'violence isn't the answer’, but sometimes it is. And there isn't anything cool about it.”

“I’m confused…” Spike looked at him. “Then… why did you do it?”

Skystrike looked down at the little dragon. “...You got some time to go on a walk? Or ride, since you can climb on my back.”

“Yeah!” Spike let Skystrike jump down before climbing on his back.

Skystrike began walking as he spoke. “Well, Spike, do you believe in karma?”

“What’s that?”

“Well, if you do good things, something good will happen to you. But…” Skystrike paused. “If you do bad things, something bad will happen to you.”

“Well… I think it sounds nice to believe in.” Spike had to admit.

“Alright. Now, a question for you. If somepony is bad, and somepony they did a bad thing to gives the first pony bad karma back. What do you think it’s called? And is that karma justified?”

Spike thought on it for a little while as they approached Sugarcube Corner. As he though, Skystrike ordered two smoothies from Mr. Cake, who was watching the store as his wife baked. Spike grabbed his drink as he finally thought of an answer. “I don't know what it’s called, but… I think it depends, right? Like, if the second pony does a bad thing to the first pony, did the first pony really deserve it? And even if they did, doesnt… doesnt that make that second pony have bad karma?”

“See Spike, you’re a smart kid. That’s a nearly perfect answer.” Skystrike took a sip of his smoothie. “Whether it’s justified or not depends on who you ask, because the second pony believes themself justified, and of course they’re biased to themselves, just like how the first pony is biased to themselves. Only the outside observers can decide. And that’s why we have laws.”

Spike looked into his drink. “I… I think I get it. So, when you beat Magnus like that, you thought you were right?” Skystrike sighed and nodded. “Then… what did he do to make you do that?”

He couldn’t really say to the kid. It’d be better for an example. “...Spike, let's go back a couple months to when you moved in here… If Nightmare Moon hurt Twilight, you’d be mad, right?”

Spike nodded. “Of course!”

“Ok. And you’d want to make Twilight feel better?”

“Yeah!”

“And what if, the only way you knew how to make her feel better was fight Nightmare Moon? And you only had the power to do it years later? Would you let go of the pain, or make her pay?”

Spike sat silent at that. “I… I don’t know. But… isn’t Nightmare Moon still bad?”

“Maybe from our perspective. From hers, she thinks she’s righteous.” Skystrike took a sip from his drink again. “That’s the thing, Spike, in situations like these, there aren’t any right answers. Only those who judge our actions. It’s up to us to decide who’s words we should think on. Using the same scenario, would you hurt Nightmare Moon even if Twilight didn’t want you to?”

“I… dont know.” Spike had to admit.

“And you only truly know in the moment.” Skystrike sighed. “And that’s why I did it. Because I thought it was the right thing to do.”

“I… I think I understand.” Spike slurped down his drink and licked the mild of his lips. “But wait… you gave me two questions.” He looked at the stallion. “What’s the answer? What’s it called?”

Skystrike finished his own drink and bit down on the cherry in his mouth. “...Revenge, Spike… It’s called revenge. And while you may think you’re doing it for others… in the end, it’s selfish. You’re doing it for your own satisfaction.”

“Then… you did it for revenge?” Spike asked.

“...Yes.” He confirmed. “Even if Magnus was a bad stallion, even if another thinks I am justified, I still did it because in the end, I have to admit that I wanted to.”

“...What did he do to you?”

Skystrike sighed. “Spike, you’re a good kid. And while I mostly believe that if you’re old enough to ask, you’re old enough to know the answer, there are some things that I can’t tell you.”

“Oh come on! I can keep a secret!”

“I’m sure you can, but that isn’t the issue. It’s because these are your most formative years, if your dragon brain ages like a pony, that is. What I mean to say is, that if I’m not careful with my words, and how my actions come across with you, you’ll take some things to heart, using me as a justification, and I don’t want to risk being a bad influence on you.” Skkystrike moved his empty glass to the side. “I’m sure you’ve done things before and you said to ponies: ‘Well Twilight did it!’” Skystrike mimicked his voice.

“...I don't sound like that, do I?” Spike asked.

He couldn’t help but crack a smile. “It's fine if you do. It suits you.” Skystrike got up and crouched down. “Now, let’s get you back home. This talk has gone on long enough, and neither of us told Twilight where you’re going.”

Spike jumped on his back. “...Hey, I know after what you said that this… probably isn't a good time, but I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“Can you… train me to fight like you?” Skystrike was about to instantly say no, but decided to hear him out. “When Nightmare Moon came, and Twilight left me home… I wasn’t sure I was going to see her again. I dont… I dont want to feel that helpless again. I want to help you and Twilight and your friends!”

Skystrike thought on it. He felt the pain in his voice, and the determination. He hummed. “Well, Spike, these things are for the adults to deal with. So you still can’t really help with things like Nightmare Moon. I also wouldn’t want you to go play hero like I did as colt…” Spike looked down in disappointment. “But…” His eyes lit back up. “If you’re just in need of guidance and you promise not to misuse what I teach you, then I’ll train you.”

Spike hugged the back of Skystrike’s head. “Thank you! Thank you so much! When do I begin?”

“I’ll tell you when. I have some things I need to make for you.” Skystrike stopped in front of the library and let Spike down.

As soon as he did and Spike pushed the door open, Twilight met them on the other side. “Oh, Spike, I was wondering where you went.”

“Me and Nebula got milkshakes!”

“Hey Twilight.” Skystrike waved. “It’s been a bit. How’s it going?”

“It’s… going.” Twilight answered. Skystrike noticed the way she said that. “Do you mind… stepping inside?”

Skystrike felt like this was more than a friendly meetup. In fact, it sounded more like a trap. But despite that, he nodded and went in. Spike walked up to his bed to lie down as Skystrike looked around. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity all sat in a circle, each with newspapers in their hooves. Skystrike stared at them.

“Skystrike.” Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder. “I know this is a bit sudden, but… I think this is an important conversation to have.”

He looked at her. He couldn't believe this. “...Are you all serious?” They all nodded. “You know what, I’ll humor you all for a bit. How much do you know?”

“Well… Princess Celestia filled in most of the blanks of what the paper didn’t”

“Interesting, and what did the paper say?”

Rainbow Dash answered this time. “...That you antagonize Magnus to the point of a duel, then beat him half to death! Honestly, dude, I thought Gilda was a one time thing!”

Skystrike stared at her. “...I’m going to ignore that last statement for now, Rainbow Dash. Now, did the paper include the fact Magnus was a criminal hiding within the Royal Guard?”

“Does it matter?” Applejack asked. “What does that gotta do with anything you did? Did you know he was who he was when you turned him into the underside of a sailboat?”

“Yes. And that’s specifically why I did it.” Skystrike tried to mask his annoyance. “So, what else did Celestia say in her letter?”

“Why are you asking so many questions!? Twilight shot one of her own.

“To know enough information to responsibly and properly respond to this shithole of an intervention I was dragged into.” Skystrike turned to her. “In fact, I don’t think I need to know what she said. I can already assume what she did. Stop me when I’m wrong.” Skystrike began counting on his finger-like feathers. “She told you I was ‘irritable’, she told you she ‘worried for me’. She told you that I could be a ‘danger to myself’, she told you to ‘show me the magic of friendship.’ News flash, girls, staging an intervention when you haven't even heard why I did it isn’t exactly what friends do.”

“You don’t have to be so combative about this! We’re trying to help you out here!”

“Well, if you all and Celestia wanted to help me out, you’d all wait until I felt I could come to you about this naturally, and Celestia would’ve told you the actual important details.” Skystrike sighed, then took off his helmet, letting see his angry expression. “I’ll do both. Almost three years ago, that criminal organization that Magnus is part of tried to kill me, and all of my friends. The day before the duel, he tried to poison me. Personally, I think the beating I gave him was more than justified.”

“He did what!? Pinkie’s jaw dropped.

“Oh man, that's so weird!” Skystrike turned to Twilight. “It’s that weird, book horse? How your mentor leaves out the most important details.” Skystrike scoffed. “You all barely know me well enough to judge me on these things, admittedly in no small part to how I interact with you all. I will admit to that at least. But I can also admit to this: I know what I am… I’m not the pony that many of you knew from childhood. I’m the monster that this town, these ponies made me out to be.”

And with that, Skystrike turned to leave, putting on his helmet and ignoring their words for him to stay. He slammed the door on his way out and began walking home. Ponies made wide walks around him as he stared straight forward.

Those eyes… he hated them.

Skystrike sighed as he pushed open his door, seeing Stardust on the couch. “Hey, Stardust.” He said with a tired sigh. “How’s Ponyville treating you so far?”

“I like this place actually.” She admitted. “No crime at all here. Makes my job a lot easier…” Then she tapped her hooves together. “Though I do hear some strange things coming from the forest at times.”

“Oh, probably the Manticores and Timber wolves. They fight from time to time. You’ll see those the most at the edge of the forest.” Skystrike waved a hoof. “By the way, I’m going to start on your sword tomorrow. What do you want for dinner?”

“Oh, you’re cooking?” She rolled over to look at him .”You know, your friends already thought I was your marefriend. Keep this up and ponies are gonna start talking.”

Skystrike stared at her. “Bruh.”

Stardust laughed at his reaction. “But if you are cooking, what do you have?”

“Planned on having sandwiches… You like garlic? I use garlic bread as the loafs.”

“...That sounds amazing.”

Skystrike stood at his forge, hammering away at the steel in front of him, tempering the metal that would soon be the blade of Stardust’s sword. He wiped some sweat off his brow as he looked at what he did so far. The shape was right, he just needed to sharpen it and make the handle. He could work on it tomorrow morning.

What he had to work on next was Spike’s weapon. He had several ideas, though one stuck. A scythe. A farmer’s weapon, used mostly for an honest day’s work, but can be used to defend the home if needed. It would be fitting for Spike, as Skystrike didn’t want to teach him to fight for the purpose of aggression.

But he didn't feel too comfortable giving Spike a real blade. So, the blade of the scythe would be collapsable, and allowed to use as a staff. Sure, he could knock someone over the head with it, but rather that than an impaling. Downside was actually building the separate parts for the blade. By the blueprints, the blade would be housed within the pole of the weapon, locked in place by the safety.

You know, thinking about it now, Skystrike felt like the baby dragon would use it akin to a baseball bat.

He chuckled at the thought as he began hammering away. Five pieces. One blade, one staff, two ornaments for each end, and the mechanism that moved the blade in and out of place. The blade was easy in comparison to the staff. The ornaments were cylindrical, and could be screwed on to both ends of the staff. The mechanism was the hardest part, mostly due to the many smaller parts. It took a few hours, and a lot of tinkering on his work bench, but it was finished. Now, all he needed to do was put it together and wrap it in a nice grip.

Skystrike wiped off some more sweat off his body with a towel before his attention was taken away by somepony clearing their throat. He turned around and saw a few of his friends, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight stood behind him. Skystrike looked at them and threw his towel over his back. “Oh hey. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. How long have you all been there?”

“Long enough to see you work up a good sweat, darling.” Rarity eyed his figure. “And I must admit, it’s rather impressive.”

Skystrike looked at her, then snorted. “Get a coltfriend, damn.” Skystrike said as he got a small laugh out of them. He turned back to his work to continue putting his creations together. “So, what’s up? Something must have happened to make you all come together.”

“Uh… yeah…” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head.

Twilight took a step forward. “We… we wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday. You were right. We acted too hastily, acting on information we didn't know.”

“And… you’re not a monster, Skystrike.” Rarity said. “You didn't deserve how we all treated you.”

“Eh, all good. Bought it on myself.” Skystrike had to admit as he began polishing the pieces of metal. “I keep a distance from ponies, and that stops them from knowing who I am. Is what it is. I’ve lived with it for this long already.”

“So… are we still friends?” Twilight asked.

“As long as we all take this as a learning experience, yes. We are still friends.” He nodded and looked down the staff, making sure it was aligned correctly. “But just to be clear, I’m still not going to tell you all about my past just yet, nor do I regret what I did.”

“Yeah… Princess Celestia sent me another letter when I said it didn’t go well and I asked about the finer details…” Twilight admitted. “Do you… at least know where your friends are? From your time as a mercenary, I mean.”

“I have a general idea.” Skystrike began putting together the scythe. “Most, if not all of them went back to their home countries. I… went nomadic for a bit, making sure they wouldn't know where I was for their own safety. We had our reasons for coming together, most didn’t share why we left our homes, but we bonded over the pain of loss. Once we split up, we all had dreams we wanted to follow. All I can do is hope they all got to achieve that goal…” Skystrike did one more quick look at the scythe, nodding at the completion. “But enough about sore subjects. I’m hungry.” Skystrike picked up his lunch box and opened it, looking at the sandwich inside. He was about to dig in before he heard a low growl coming from the woods.

The mares all looked in the direction of the growling. “Uh… Skystrike?” Rarity turned to look at him. “...What was that?”

Skystrike inhaled deeply, and slowly closed his lunchbox. “Timberwolves.” He sighed. “Coming to try and take back their territory.” Skystrike stood up on his hind legs and stretched. The only armor he had on was covering his legs, as the heat of the forge made the armor unbearable. He cracked his hooves and put on his helmet. “Just stand back. It’ll be over quick.”

“Are you… going to be ok?” Fluttershy asked. “The Timberwolves normally don't come this far from their part of the woods.”

Skystrike nodded as he began walking towards the forest. “Yeah, happens every once in a while. I made the mistake of letting them off easy last time…” He stopped in front of the edge of the forest.

Three silhouettes made their presence known by the glowing green eyes piercing through the dark forest. Each stepped out, one by one, showing their bodies of twig, vine, leaves, and logs. They were as large as him. Though he may be outnumbered, he wasn’t outclassed. After all, they weren't made of living wood. They would break easily.

The problem was that they were still wolves, and thus, very smart compared to the average beast. Skystrike rolled a shoulder as they slowly approached, circling him. A part of him wished he could talk to them, like Fluttershy, but then he thought about if they even count as animals. He perished the thought as one lunged at him from behind, taking advantage of his blindspot. Skystrike side stepped and grabbed the first one’s tail as it landed, twisting his body to slam it into the ground.

The last two tried to jump him at the same time, but Skystrike jumped off the first and into the air before flapping his wings and kicking in both of the heads of the two attackers. A normal beast would be knocked out from that, but Timberwolves didn't exactly have a brain. Instead, their wooden skulls shattered into several pieces.

Skystrike stood back and waited as the three wolves laid motionless for a few moments. Slowly, the broken logs floated into the air and back together in the resemblance of a wolf. But Skystrike didn’t feel like waiting any longer. Like he implied, he was going to send a message. The stallion flew back and reached into his satchel, pulling out a small cylinder and throwing it at the still reforming wolves. They ignited near instantly, the pieces of wood rattling against each other as they kept trying to reform.

Skystrike landed on the ground as the fire slowly began to go out. The few pieces of wood that weren’t ash came together into one shuffling wolf before glaring back at him and going back to the forest. Skystrike turned to his friends. “Alright, what were we talking about?”

“That was awesome, Skystrike!” Rainbow Dash flew up to him. “What did you throw at them?”

“Oh, nothing that interesting. I put cotton and a firecracker in a case, then put that in another case filled with oil. Worked like a charm.” Skystrike looked at the ash pile left.

“I was worried there for a bit.” Applejack tipped up her hat. “But you were about to eat your lunch.”

“Oh, right…” Skystrike looked to where his lunchbox once stood, seeing Pinkie with crumbs on her face… And a suspiciously sandwich shaped object in her neck. “Pinkie…”

“Mmmhmm?”

“Did you eat my fucking sandwich?”

She swallowed and licked her lips. “MMHMM! And it was delicious!”

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash’s eyes all went wide at the statement. Applejack and Rarity were confused at their reactions, but quickly had some understanding of it when Skystrike walked up to Pinkie and took off his helmet, seeing his eyes full of apathy. “Pinkie Pie, be a dear and look at your friends… Specifically Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow. What do you see?”

“Uh…” Pinkie stammered. “...Worry?”

“Good, good…” Skystrike nodded. Then he turned to the mares. “Now, would any of you three want to explain why you’re all making those faces?”

Twilight cleared her throat. “Well… I’ll just say it simply. You don’t steal Skystrike’s food.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Everypony gets one.” She stated with her eyes closed.

“Do not do it again.” Rainbow said from experience.

“Thank you.” Skystrike smiled at them before turning back to the pink mare with his hollow eyes. “Everypony gets one.” He pointed a hoof into her chest. “You dont fuck with my food, Pinkie.” She could feel the annoyance in his voice. “In fact, Rainbow, tell her what happened the second time.”

“I… I’d rather not.”

“That’s right, you’d rather not.” Skystrike nodded. “See that, Pinkie, that was almost a decade ago and she still isn't over it. Now… what did we learn today?”

“...To… to not take your food?”

“That’s right.” Skystrike nodded before standing up and getting out of her face. He put back on his helmet. “Now I gotta find something else to eat.”

“I mean… I could get you something in town?” Pinkie offered.

Skystrike kicked his hooves as he bit into his burrito bought for him from a local stall. “Mmm, this is pretty good! They even squeezed a lime in here.” Skystrike licked his lips before biting down on it again.

“...Is it seriously that easy to calm you down?” Pinkie asked, gobsmacked.

“Maaaaaaybe…” Skystrike finished his first burrito and opened his second. “I am a simple stallion… also a sleepy one. I think a food coma is starting.” He then looked around to the crowd he was standing in with his friends. “What are we here for again?”

“Come one, come all!” Skystrike’s ears went back from the sudden loud noise, the voice sounding like it was coming from a megaphone. “Come and witness the amazing magic of the grrrreat and powerful… Trixie!” The wagon Skystrike was looking at popped open into a stage. You know… so far, he was kinda intrigued. In a puff of smoke, a unicorn mare with an azure coat and cornflower blue mane and very pale blue stripes stood on stage. Skystrike found the wizard outfit a bit silly, a lilac hat and cape with light blue and yellow stars and spots, but it suited her, with Trixie being a performer and all. Hopefully it’s a good show. From the entrance alone, she seemed to be an illusionist.

“Watch in awe, as the great and powerful Trixie does the most spectacular piece of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!” She stood on her hind hooves as fireworks shot out from behind her stage.

Skystrike had to admit, even if magic was common in this word, he was a sucker for magic tricks. Simple tricks ranged from cards to coins and misdirections for the normal human. Ponies and their magic always had a neat twist to it.

But others weren’t so fond of the show that hasn't even started yet. “My my my, such boasting!” Rarity raised a brow.

“Oh come on…” Spike groaned. “No pony is as magical as Twili-” Then he caught himself and cleared his throat. He looked around. “Oh- uh, hey Rarity, I uh… must dash!” Spike said before running away and jumping on Skystrike’s back. Damn, he was awkward.

Twilight took Spike’s place next to Rarity. “There’s… nothing wrong with being talented, is there?”

“Nothing at all… Except when somepony goes around showing it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.” Applejack said before glaring at Trixie.”

“Yo, can we at least watch the show?” Skystrike said as he saw Trixie conjure a spell, waving her hooves in front of her before plucking a bouquet of roses out of thin air. He wished he could do that.

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us.” Rarity huffed, ignoring Skystrike… or just not hearing him.

“Especially when you got me around being better than the rest of us!” Rainbow said proudly, only to get a glare from Applejack.

“Well, if there was something wrong with being talented, we wouldn’t have cutie marks.” Skystrike bit into his second burrito. “Also, Rainbow Dash… just don't.” Applejack snickered.

“Well well well, it seems we have some neigh-sayers in the audience!” Trixie looked down at the group of friends.

‘Heh… neigh-sayers… and she neighed.” Skystrike smiled to himself as he thought. “It’s because we’re horses.”

“Who is so ignorant to challenge the magical ability of the great and powerful Trixie!?” She boasted more. “Do they not know that they’re in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria!”

Rarity blew a raspberry. “Just who does she think she is?” Rarity scoffed.

“Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is-” Spike was bumped by the back of Skystrike’s head.

Twilight responded by picking up the baby dragon in her magic and leading him out of the crowd for a private conversation. Rainbow, however, flew in Trixie’s face. “So, ‘great and powerful Trixie’, what makes you think you’re so awesome anyway?”

Trixie giggled. “Why, only the great and powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!” More fireworks came as they exploded, morphing into a picture of a bear with a star on its forehead. The ponies in the crowd gasped at the statement, as well as the light show. “When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had nopony to turn to, but the great and powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa Major and sent it back to its cave! Deep within the Everfree forest!”

Skystrike couldn’t help but chuckle at that statement. He knew for sure that wasn’t true, just because he’d have heard about it in his line of work. A lone unicorn taking down an Ursa Major? And she’s working in show business no less. Sure, he knew she was just building up hype to entice the crowd, but that was just an insane thing to try to do so.

But he didn’t know how loud he was, the chuckle gaining the attention of the performer. “What’s so funny, stallion?”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt…” Skystrike kept chuckling. “But that was just an insane statement to make.”

“Yeah!” Spike was back and pointed a claw at Trixie. “I don’t believe it! Who saw it!? And besides Twi-” His words quickly became mumbling as Twilight, with her magic, turned his lips into a zipper to zip his mouth shut. Skystrike had to admit it was kinda funny.

Trixie gave a haughty laugh. “It’s true, my enthusiastic little admirer. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville!” Skystrike heard the crickets through the crowd. Now it was awkward, she just called out an entire town… But he did want to see where it went. “Don't believe the great and powerful Trixie?” She giggled. “Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians… Anything you can do… I can do better! Any takers?” She turned her chin up at them all. “Anyone? Hm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived?”

Skystrike, personally, was confident enough in himself to not have to prove he was better. But at the same time, that was a really big claim Trixie made. The show quickly went from boasting about her magic to basically insulting their home. Now… who’d fall for the bait?

Better question, would he care enough to see who falls for the bait?

The answer was a resounding yes when Spike pleaded at Twilight’s hooved. “Please! She’s unbearable! You gotta show her, you just gotta!”

Skystrike did a better job at hiding his laugh by eating his burrito. Twilight shook her head. “There’s no way I'm using my magic now Spike, especially since-” Twilight whispered before being cut off.

“How about you?” Trixie pointed to Twilight who stayed silent. “Well? Is there anything you can do the great and powerful Trixie cant?”

“Talk in first person apparently…” Skystrike whispered to Applejack to his left, getting a giggle from her.

But apparently, she was actually pointing at Applejack. “Well, little hayseed?”

“Ok, hayseed is wild.” Skystrike chuckled.

“That’s it! I can’t take no more of this!” Applejack stomped before walking up on stage. Can your magical powers do this?” Applejack tied a rope to the end of her tail and began doing lasso tricks. Honestly, it was pretty impressive, seeing her jump though the rope she twirled. She finished her performance by flicking her tail at a nearby tree, picking an apple from it. It fell into her mouth as the crowd cheered. It would be pretty hard to top that… “Top that, missy!” Applejack confidently crossed her hooves.

“Oh ye of little talent. Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!” She pulled off her hat, showing the flaring of magic from her horn. She made the rope sway back and forth like a snake, hypnotizing Applejack somehow. She then tied her hooves together and put an apple in her mouth… like a pig… Interesting how ponies know how to hogtie. Applejack angrily hopped off stage back towards the group. “And the great and powerful Trrrrixie prevails!” She rolled her r again.

Skystrike quickly untied the mare as she spit the apple out of her mouth as Rainbow Dash decided to get it a shot. “There’s no need to go strutting around and showing off like that!” Skystrike looked at her, then looked to Applejack who shared a look, wondering if they both heard what she just said.

“Oh?” Trixie egged her on.”

“That’s my job” Rainbow put a hoof on her chest as Applejack and Skystrike looked at eachother again. There it was. The rainbow pegasus flew off towards a windmill and flew around it, making it spin at an impressive speed. Following that, she flew into the sky and broke through several clouds before turning around and dive bombing… after hitting a pose with the sun as a backdrop of course. Flying through the holes in the clouds she just made, the water followed behind her as she skidded to a stop, making a rainbow above her. Skystrike had to admit, that was also pretty cool. “They don’t call me Rainbow and Dash for nothing.” She got some cheers from the crowd as well.

Trixie was unamused. “When Trixie is through, only thing they’ll call you is loser!” Skystrike choked on his laughter at that. Trixie shot a magic beam at the pegasus, taking her rainbow above her and making it swirl around. Soon enough, a rainbow tornado formed, carrying a spinning Rainbow Dash with it into the air and dropping her on her head.

Skystrike caught the mare before she could hit the ground. “I…Think I’m gonna be sick…” Rainbow Dash groaned.

Skystrike instantly put her down. Just in case. Trixie wasn’t done yet though. “Seems like anypony with a dash of sense would think before tussling with the great Trixie.” She made a dark cloud appear above Rainbow before lightning struck Rainbow’s hind quarters. The crowd laughed.

Skystrike watched as the scene unfolded. Originally, if he wanted to play devil's advocate, he could defend Trixie by saying that it's for the show… but that thunder cloud was a bit too far in his opinion. Then he looked down at his half eaten burrito… It was no longer hot. Just warm… It made him sad.

So, he decided to try and savor the taste, ignoring some of the words that Rarity said as he saw her try to stay out of the conflict. Something about a ‘unicorn on unicorn tussle’ and ‘conducting herself with beauty and grace’. To be honest, he was more focused on the black beans in his burrito that were just the right amount of mushy.

Then his eyes widened at the words of the blue unicorn. “Ooo, what’s the matter? Afraid you’ll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?”

“SHOT’S FIRED!” Skystrike said instinctively.

“Oh, it. Is ON!” Rarity growled with a look of sheer determination on her face as she walked on stage. “You may think you're tough with your so-called ‘powers’, but there is more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs more than just muscle….” Rarity used her magic to pull down a curtain, spinning it around herself. “A unicorn needs to have style!” A flash of light blinded them all as Rarity quickly made a dress out of it… somehow. Magic is bullshit. The crowd awed at her blue and yellow dress, decorated with frills and a saddle, which is somehow a fashion statement. She even got a new hairdo. “A unicorn without grace and beauty…”

Trixie casted a spell with her horn with a mischievous smile.

Spike had hope that Trixie would be taken down a peg. “Rarity wont let Trixie get the best of her! She’s beautiful, she’s…” A flash of magic interrupted Spike as he stared in silence. The whole crowd gasped in horror after looking at Rarity. Save for Skystrike, who was making a strained face under his helmet. He’d laugh if he didn’t know how much effort Rarity puts into her mane.

“Quick! I need a mirror! What did she do to my hair!? I know she did something terrible to my hair!” Rarity squealed in panic.

“Nnnnnnnnnothing?” Twilight couldn’t say it.

“It’s fine!” Rainbow answered quickly, pushing that potato to someone else.

“It’s gorgeous!” Applejack didn’t want to touch this with a ten foot pole.

Spike blinked. “It’s gre-”

“SPIKE!” Skystrike made them all jump at his sudden outburst. “Do not say it.” Skystrike finished his burrito before clearing his throat. “Rarity?”

“Nebula, don’t hide it from me! I need to know!” Rarity pleaded.

But Skystrike couldn’t make eye contact. He was staring at the literal rats nest on her head, looking like it was made of moss and twigs. He took out a bag of bits and put it in her hooves. “Go to the spa, get your hair done… I’m going to say it in the nicest, least traumatizing way… It’s… green.”

Rarity looked up at her mane with tears in her eyes. “No… green hair!? Not green hair!” She quickly ran off stage. “It’s such an awful, awful color!”

Golden Harvest, who decided to dye her hair green that day, scoffed at her as she ran away from the eyes of the dozens of ponies. “Well… I’d never!” She walked off. Probably to go wash the dye out, it did not suit her.

“Well come on Twilight, it’s up to you.” Spike said as Trixie whipped her hoof.

“What do you mean? I’m nothing special…” Twilight said to both Spike and the crowd.

“Yes you are! You’re better than her!” Spike growled.

“I’m no better than anypony!”

Trixie laughed. “You think you're better than the great and powerful Trixie? You have more magical talent! Well come on, show Trixie what you've got! Show us all.” She taunted.

Twilight looked around nervously. Skystrike put a hoof on her side. “Twilight, do not give in to her antagonizing. You do not have to do anything.”

“Oh come on!” Spike groaned. “Can you do something then?”

“Spike, none of us have to prove we’re better than anyone. We know what we’re good at. We know what we’re bad at. The ones who do try to prove it are often insecure.”

“Ugh, you again, tin can?” She scoffed at him. “Very well, if you wish to show that Trixie is insecure as you say, then show us.”

Skystrike turned to her. “You already did that for us. When you try to prove yourself better than another you compare yourself to them. Comparisons are normal of course, but a normal pony would not try to prove the comparison is lesser. After all, why would you compare yourself to somepony you deem less than you?” Skystrike let his words sit in the air for a little while. Then he pointed to some ponies behind him. “Applejack grows some good apples. Cabbage Patch grows good cabbage. But neither needs to say the other is bad to sell their produce. While your illusionary magic is intriguing, you don’t need to pull down others to climb the ladder of success.” Skystrike looked at Trixie, who was clearly not paying attention. He sighed. “But my words aren’t getting through to you. So, I’ll humor you.” Her ears perked up. “This is more of a party trick actually.” Skystrike sat down and pointed his hooves at each other, spinning his right hoof clockwise and the other counter-clockwise.”

Trixie held her head high. “The great and powerful Trrrrixie can easily do such a simple trick for foals!” Then she began twirling her hooves… or at least attempting to. It was spotty, stuttering as she tried the first time, then trying to spin one hoof at a time to get the rhythm, but still to no avail. “What the-”

Then a few ponies in the crowd tried the same trick. Collectively, they began edging insanity as Skystrike got nearly every pony to try the trick. A few got it after several long minutes, but most still couldn't do it. Skystrike chuckled at the mass confusion. “Pretty cool, right? You can show ponies cool tricks without shitting on them, Trixie.” Skystrike stood up before putting Spike on his back. Then he put on a mocking, yet clearly joking voice. “Now that I’ve proved that I’m superior to the common citizen, I shall celebrate my betterness with a tall glass of wine with the finest salad I can make… Come hither, Spike, we have ponies to check on.”

Skystrike began walking as Applejack and Rainbow Dash followed him. The former spoke first. “...How do you do that, actually?”

“No idea.” Skystrike admitted. “But let’s talk about neat tricks later, even if both of yours were really cool.” He chuckled. “I’m going to drop Spike off at Twilight’s.”

Spike looked around the dispersing crowd and jumped down. “Actually, I have… things to do.”

Skystrike looked at him. “Spike, do not do anything stupid, ok?” Spike saluted before running off. “...You know, somepony really needs to teach him to keep his mouth shut at times.”

“Uh, is it really ok to let him go like that?” Rainbow asked.

“He probably just wanted to be alone with his thoughts.” Skystrike nodded. “So… where did Pinkie and Fluttershy go?”

“Uh…” Applejack thought about it. “Pinkie said something about baking you pies when Trixie started, and you know Fluttershy, not being a fan of crowds.”

Skystrike nodded. “So… you two gonna go check on Rarity?”

“Yep!” They both nodded.

“Cool. I’m going shopping.”

The stallion pushed open the door to his home, Stardust sat on the couch reading one of his books. She looked up at him as he entered. “Good afternoon.” Then she looked back at the book. “I… don’t know how you understand this stuff.”

Skystrike looked at the book and took off his armor. “...Partial differential equations? Have you taken calculus?”

“...Back in highschool… so over a decade ago, sir.” She admitted and closed the book. “Also, I just figured I should warn you, I heard what sounded like kids running by. Is that normal?”

Skystrike shook his head as he began putting his groceries into his refrigerator. “No, not at all. The only thing past my house is Fluttershy’s cottage… and the Everfree forest.” He closed his fridge and thought about it. “...How long ago did you hear it?”

She looked at the clock. “About… twenty minutes?”

Skystrike looked out the window at the oncoming twilight. “...Stay ready. We might have to go save some dumbass kids.” He sighed and took out a pan to begin cooking, keeping an ear out for anything within the forest. “Anything else in town you heard about?”

“Not really…” Stardust admitted. “Though I heard that that showmare, Trippy? Has sidekicks or something now. Some kids named Scissors and Slugs?”

“You’re kinda close with the names…” Skystrike nodded. “So Trixie has sidekicks, who are Snips and Snails…” He was about to crack an egg into his frying pan. “...And you heard the hoof steps of kids going into the forest?”

Stardust blinked as she looked into the ceiling, then realized. “...You don’t think?”

“It is a… possibility that those two kids went into the Everfree to find an Ursa Major to try and prove Trixie’s claim…”

“That she took down an Ursa Major?” Stardust chuckled. “Yeah, that’s a crazy thing to say. If she did, the guard would’ve recruited her by now.” Then she got serious. “But there’s no way those colts would do something like that… right?”

Skystrike kept holding the egg above the pan in thought… He turned off the stove. “I do not want to take any chances.” He put the egg back in its carton, or tried to. It fell out of his hoof as a loud thump shook the building. Next, they heard two screams. From the sound of it, it was from two kids. Finally, they heard a loud roar, making the many birds perched in the trees fly away, screeching.

Skystrike and Stardust instantly dropped what they were doing and ran out the door, not even bothering to lock it. Once outside, their eyes darted towards the road, seeing two colts and Spike running from a large blue bear. The fur of the creature twinkled like stars. “SHIT!” They both said before running after the bear. It pushed over each tree as it walked after the kids. How did it get that far without them noticing? It was already in town!

Skystrike picked up Stardust and carried her on his back to fly after the Ursa. They wouldn't make it on hoof. He saw as Trixie saw the beast coming, jumping out of her wagon and running with Snips and Snails behind her. Sadly for her, in a fit of rage, the towering bear crushed her wagon with a single paw. It backed the three ponies into a deadend.

Skystrike and Stardust were now close enough to actually do something. “Stardust!” Skystrike yelled over the roaring wind. “Get ready! I’m going to throw you at the kids. I got Trixie!”

“Got it!” She nodded as Skystrike flew down toward the ground.

Meanwhile, Trixie, Snips, and Snails all looked up at it, though the first was the only one who was terrified. “Great and powerful Trixie! You’ve gotta vanquish the Ursa!” The smaller, chunky green Snipps said.

“Yeah, Vanquish it so we can watch!” The taller, thinner orange Snails cheered.

“It took a lot of trouble to get that thing here!” Snips smiled before Trixie snapped her head at him.

“What!? You bought that thing here!? Are you out of your little pony minds!?” Trixie’s eyes shrunk in shock.

“But… you’re the great and powerful Trixie!” Snips said, though had a hint of confusion in his voice.

“Yeah, remember? You defeated an Ursa Major!” Snails clarified.

Trixie gulped as the bear roared in her face. “Ok… stand back…!” She wasn’t even sure of herself as she charged her magic. Using some rope, she levitated it over in an attempt to bind the Ursa… but she only had enough rope to tie two digits together. The rope broke as the Ursa split apart its fingers and gave an unamused look.

“Come on, Trixie!” Snips stomped.

“Stop goofing around and Vanquish it!” Snails huffed.

Trixie gulped again before focusing once more. A dark cloud formed above the Ursa, sending down a lightning bolt on its back. A black spot covered a small part of its back as the Ursa roared, though more in a stinging pain, rather than an agonizing one. The cloud was nowhere near big enough. It raised a paw.

With a spin, he grabbed Stardust and threw her at the two colts. The earth pony put her hooves out as she tackled the two out of the way of an oncoming paw. Skystrike was just barely able to grab Trixie and pull her out of the way as the claw came down. He slid to a stop and looked at Trixie below him. Thankfully she seemed unharmed. Then he looked to Stardust and the two kids, who were also no worse for wear.

But that roar in the middle of town seemed to wake up most of the townsfolk, opening their doors to see what was happening before abandoning their homes and running as far away from the Ursa as they could. Twilight was even running… but toward them for some reason. She quickly asked Stardust what was happening, but Skystrike needed to focus on the matter at hoof. “Trixie!” She looked up at him as he put her down. “Get rid of that Ursa! Now!”

“I… cant!”

“What!?” Snips and Snails were back for some reason, shocked at what the unicorn admitted to.

“I cant! I never have! No one can vanquish an Ursa Major! I just made the whole story up to make me look better!” Trixie admitted.

“Made it up!?” The two colts went as the Ursa approached once more. It loomed over them.

Skystrike took the lead. “Stardust, Trixie, Twilight! Try your best to make sure everypony gets a safe distance away!”

“But what about you!?” Twilight asked.

Her question was answered as the beast roared once more, staring down at Trixie and trying to swipe at her. There wasn’t enough time to move her out of the way and dodge. Skystrike surrounded her with his body as he took the full attack, sending the two rolling into somepony’s house. Skystrike coughed some blood out as tried to breathe. He wished he was wearing his armor.

He looked between his wings to see Trixie, who was no longer frozen in fear. “A-are you-”

“Run, damn it!” Skystrike shouted at her as he pushed through the pain. He pulled himself out of the wood and stone rubble to fly towards the Ursa, landing a punch right on its nose and making it reel back in pain. He tried to land on the ground, but stumbled and fell as one of his legs gave in… then the stinging in his wing came. He groaned at the pain. From the feeling, his back left leg was sprained at the very least, and his right wing was dislocated. The pegasus grit his teeth as he roared to pop his wing back into its joint. He needed to ignore the pain.

Skystrike stood back up and flew into the air, above the still reeling Ursa and tried to divekick it in its chest. The Ursa recovered quicker than he thought and swiped at him once more. Thankfully, he dodge by flying right between its claws and landed the kick right on its cheek. With some luck, he could at least stall the starry beast long enough for the majority to evacuate.

The Ursa tried to catch Skystrike as he landed, bringing both paws down on to him. Skystrike knew it was going to hurt, but he had to brace for it, standing on his hind legs and putting up his forehooves. He caught the paws as the force of them pushed him into the dirt below, making a small crater where he stood. Now at least one of his forehooves were definitely broken.

But his other arm was still working. He pushed the paws upward before reeling back his metal hoof and landing a devastating uppercut. The crack of the impact echoed through the buildings as the Ursa keeled over and fell unconscious. Admittedly, Skystrike had no idea how he did that. But then he felt blood going down his side. He felt for it with a hoof before looking at the blood soaked appendage… He was losing a lot of blood.

Skystrike saw the beast begin moving once more and got back in a defensive stance, only to realize it was levitating in a purple magic. He looked around to see Twilight, straining herself as she held the massive creature in her grasp. Once an impressive dozen feet in the air, she began floating the unconscious Ursa back to its cave in the Everfree Forest.

Only then did Skystrike note that the whole town watched what just transpired. They were… cheering for them… for him… This is new. But his consciousness was fading. Skystrike looked around, seeing the minimal damage done to the town. At least he did some good before kicking the bucket. Skystrike fell to his knees before rolling over on his side. His breathing was getting heavier… and he could feel the dirt entering the cuts in his side and wings.

Twilight quickly ran over to the stallion. “Nebula! Are you alright!?”

Skystrike coughed. Blood began dripping through his helmet. “...What type of dumbass question was that?” He tried to laugh, only getting out a pained groan. “Ugh… and… that was and Ursa Minor… thankfully.”

“What!?” Trixie’s jaw dropped. “That was just a baby!?”

“Twilight… give them a rundown.” Skystrike began wheezing. “Consciousness fading… getting… sleepy… cold…”

Twilight got down at his side in worry. “Come on, stay with me! Keep your eyes open!”

Skystrike could barely hear what was being said, nor could he feel the ponies lifting him up. There was some semblance of yelling around him, and some at Trixie from the little he saw. His vision was getting blurry. “Not… her fault.” He was able to get out. One of the figures talking to Trixie turned their head to him. He felt his eyes get heavier. You know… it wasn’t a bad way to go… There were worse ways. But on the chance that this is the end. “...I want you all… to make it count.”

It was cold where Skystrike was. As if he was under a wet blanket. It was uncomfortable to say the least. He looked around in the vast void, but the emptiness went on to the horizon. He tried to move, and sure enough, he could walk. And so he did, walking through the seemingly endless expanse. He didn’t feel the wounds he had… in fact, he looked over his body, and he was in perfect condition.

The stallion walked for what felt like hours until something happened. He heard something behind him, calling for him. He turned around and saw what it was. Silhouettes stood there, taking up space in the void with their bright white light. Four were equine in stature, each a different size and shape. Two bipedal ones stood alongside them, one large with wide wings and defined horns, the other, thin with feather-like appendages coming from its head. Two more stood on all fours, but had equine and avian like features, both housing talons, feathers, and a beak. The second seemed to have a lion-like tail from his view. Even when their major features weren’t there, he could tell who each of them were.

They were his friends… Were. He didn’t deserve to call them that anymore. He wanted to say something to them, anything that could make them understand what he did… why he left them. How much the time spent together meant to him. But each word he tried to speak didn’t leave his mouth. No sound came out.

He tried to walk towards his once companions, but as he approached, he realized that each step he took was harder and harder than the last. It felt like he was pushing against a rushing river. Skystrike grit his teeth as he kept moving forward. But then he felt something warm behind him.

The pegasus turned his head to see a blinding light behind him. He felt his hooves begin to slide off the ground and towards the light. Skystrike began flapping his wings to fly against the wind trying to pull him in. He was almost there. He put out a hoof to his friends. They each reached back.

And then they pushed him. The blinding light he fell into was warm, but he was more in pain from the ringing in his ears and his burning eyes. He tried to call out to them once more.

And then he woke up in a cold sweat. Skystrike stared at the white ceiling as his memory came back to him. He sighed at the dream he had and sat up, the cover falling off of him. He sucked air through his teeth at the pain in his side and back. His leg and arm felt tight. Skystrike looked over his body to see that each affected area was covered in a cast. But more surprisingly, Stardust laid at the side of his bed, asleep.

He seemed to be in Ponyville Hospital. Skystrike vaguely remembered being carried before the darkness overtook him. Skystrike looked around his room a bit more, seeing Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy sleeping soundly on the visitor seats. A part of him didn't want to wake them yet… and the other part still had some thoughts to go through.

He was about to put a hoof up to hold his forehead, but was stopped by his helmet in between… Looks like his identity wouldn't be revealed just yet. Skystrike looked around a bit more, seeing the IV bag going into his left arm, as well as the oxygen tube going into his nose. On the cupboard next to his bedside were multiple bouquets of flowers and get well soon cards. One stuck out to him a bit, it being a glass of sky blue tulips with an azure blue card under it. He reached over and opened the card. He was a bit surprised, but smiled at the well wishes from Trixie.

His attention moved to the sound of hoof steps coming down the hall. He put down the card and watched a mare come through the door frame. She held a white coat with a pink mane and tail, her hair in a bun and sporting a nurse’s hat. She looked up from her clipboard to see Skystrike looking at her. “Yo.”

She nearly dropped her clipboard at the unexpected greeting. “Oh, you’re awake!” She let out a sigh of relief. “I… wasn’t sure if you’d pull through.”

“...So that’s what that dream was.” Skystirke said to himself as he sat up. “Your name was Redheart, right? What happened after the Ursa Minor?”

Redheart nodded. “Well, we rushed you here and stitched you up the best we could. None of our normal medical techniques worked on you so… we had to improvise. While you were under, a lot of ponies came by to drop by gifts. Your friends have been taking turns watching over you.”

“Huh…”

“What?” Redheart asked, confused.

“Nothing, just… after the paper and Magnus, I wasn’t expecting so many to… care.” He huffed. “Speaking of, how long was I out?”

“Almost a week. Five days to be exact.”

Skystrike sighed at the realization of the time lost. “God damn it…”

“For some good news, you have some visitors if you want to let them in?” Redheart asked. Skystrike nodded as he looked at his pink stained fur. Most of his body was covered in bandages, making it hard to move… or breathe… maybe the latter was because of his wounds.

Redheart went to get the visitors. His ears began to ring at the sound of several hoofsteps hurrying towards his room. He winced as several voices tried to speak to him all at once. Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike’s talking woke up the rest that were present. They were all glad that he was awake. Pinkie tackled him into a hug. It took every ounce of self control to not open his mouth and scream. Skystrike patted the mare on the back a bit before pushing her off. “Hello, Pinkie… while I appreciate it, please don’t hug me again. I’m in a lot of pain.”

“We’re just… glad you're ok!” She wiped her tears away. “What were you thinking going after that Ursa Minor!?”

Skystrike stared at her. “Well… I thought that if I slowed it down, it’d give ponies time to escape. But then Trixie decided to freeze up, and I had to make sure she got out of the way… Because you know… it’s my job.”

“But for Trixie?” Rainbow put out a hoof. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” He huffed. “While I may think she’s annoying, I don’t think she deserved to die.”

“Well, me neither, but you risked your life for her!”

“Yes.” Skystrike nodded. “Because I deemed her life precious enough to save. I had the power to do something. If I didn’t do anything, it’d be the same to me as condemning her to a certain death.”

“Just… Try not to do it again.” Fluttershy pleaded. “You worried all of us.”

Skystrike looked at her, then huffed. “I’d be lying if I said I won't. It is who I am, to protect those who need it. If I pass by saving any life I deem worth it, then I’m satisfied.”

Twilight blinked. “Wait… is that why you died all those years ago? Who were you trying to protect that you had to die for it!?”

“...I suppose you all deserve some sort of answer for sticking with me for this long.” He sighed and crossed his hooves. “While I wish not to go into the details… An enemy of mine burned down the orphanage I grew up in to get to me. Because of that, I made it look like I didn’t make it out. That way, the one who was after me would have no reason to go after anypony else I cared about.”

“But… you still hurt your family by staying ‘dead’.” Applejack said. “Don’t you… feel bad about that?”

“Of course.” He nodded. “I regret it every day. But what is a moment of pain when the reward is a lifetime of safety? Wasn't a decision I was happy to make, but one I must live with… If I must go through pain, even to the point of death, so those I care for can live, then I’ll do it.”

Rarity couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You can't be serious… We’re here glad you’re still breathing, and you’re saying you’d throw your life away again? Do you not care for your life at all!?”

“Eeeh…” The stallion shrugged. “Saying I don’t is wrong. It’s more… I value others' lives over my own… You’re the Elements of Harmony and a Royal Guard. You’re the pinnacles of hope in Equestria, and you’ve saved more ponies than you can count… I’ve brought more pain to this world than any normal pony should’ve, and I think I’ve done enough. This world won't miss me when I’m gone.”

“But we will, Skystrike.” Stardust said through… was she… was she crying? “You’ve made friends here. Ones that care! And you-... you want to throw those memories away!? Are you kidding me!?”

A part wanted to ask why she cared so much, as it hasn't even been two weeks since she came to Ponyville. But the other part knew that she was right. He turned to look out the window. “I know… and it’s shown through the effort you all put in. It’s just… so hard to believe anymore. Too many that I’ve hurt. Too many hurt because of me…” Then he looked back to his friends. “But if it makes you feel better, I don't plan on dying anytime soon.”

Spike wanted to move on from the heavy subject. He quickly ran to get the nurse, Redheart, coming back. “Nurse Redheart, do you know when Sk- er, Nebula will be able to leave?”

She gave the stallion a once over, then looked at her clipboard. “Well, his wounds aren’t bad, there’s just so many. If he’s safe about it, noon.” Then she turned to Skystrike. “This goes without saying, but I’ve dealt with some hard headed ponies. No flying. I’d say no walking, but we don’t have a wheelchair for somepony of your size. Even Big McIntosh’s won't fit you… I’d prefer if you stayed for a few more days at least, but you’re your own stallion.” She looked at her clipboard once more to remember the injuries. “Your back left leg is sprained, but there’s only minor swelling. Try to stay on all fours… or three hooves, as your front left hoof is broken. I’ll put it in a sling before you’re discharged. Try not to move your back too much, as that’s where most of the stitching is. It… may leave a scar.”

Skystrike chuckled as he pushed himself up. “That’s fine. They make me look cooler.” Skystrike then looked to the baby dragon. “You heard the nurse, kid. We’re going to have to start your practice another time.”

Twilight blinked. “...His huh?”

Skystrike looked at her, then to Spike. “You didn’t tell her?”

“I thought you told her…”

“Why would I-!?” Skystrike face hooved. “Spike, too tired to deal with this. Convince Twilight and we’ll do it once you do. Redhearrt, can we start the process?”

“Hold on, you can't just push this off!” Twilight stomped a hoof. “He’s supposed to help me out in the library!”

“He asked me to do it, and I’m going to do it.” Skystrike said quickly. “Besides, It’ll be in the mornings. We can work out a schedule.”

“W-well, it’s my say if he goes or not anyway!”

“You’re completely right.” Skystrike nodded to the unicorn’s surprise. “Spike, cover your ear holes.” The baby dragon did so, pulling his frills over the holes and covering them with his hands. Skystrike turned back to Twilight. “And it’s also his say to decide if he’s going to listen to you. He’s growing up, and wants to start making his own choices. As a pretty rebellious kid myself, it was only a matter of time before I started sneaking out and doing what I did. And before your mind starts racing, I’m not teaching him to fight, I’m teaching him self discipline. And once again, it’s up to him to convince you.”

“Can I uncover my ears now?” Spike yelled. Skystrike nodded. “...So is that a yes to-”

“You know what, fine.” Twilight conceded. “Do what you want. But if there’s any harm on his scales, I will tear you limb from limb.”

“Oooh, how scary!” Skystrike put his hooves up before making himself shake. “OH! Shiver me timbers!” He got a few laughs out of the others present as he stood up. “...SHIT!”

“What!?” They all asked in worry.

“...I just remembered I dropped an egg when I ran out to fight that Ursa… and I think I left the fridge open.” They all blinked at his response. “Stardust!”

She sighed. “Already took care of all that, sir.”

“Oh good.” He started walking, holding his left forehoof above the ground. “...So, does anyone want to get something to eat?”

A couple days have passed since, and Skystrike was better than ever. Thanks to his magic, still unknown to the others, he could heal himself very quickly. Near instantly if he wanted to, but he needed to be conscious and focusing on it to do so. It would also rouse a lot of suspicion if he came back the day after with no wounds. He took off his casts and stretched. He let out a happy moan at the pleasant feeling.

Not too much has changed. Stardust has been doing all the grocery shopping as he was staying in his bed due to the wounds. He thought about a walk through the town, but then he had some thoughts. Sure, maybe ponies accepted him more now after saving their homes, but he was still kinda known as the ‘brute’ of Ponyville… He also didn't want to risk seeing Snips and Snails’s parents and going on a tirade. Like, what type of dumbass crotch goblin lures an Ursa Minor to Ponyville!? No, it’s even worse, they wanted an Ursa Major!

Fuck them kids!

He sighed as he regained his composure. Skystrike had more pressing matters to think of. After the fight with the Ursa, he realized that even with his armor, it wouldn’t be able to take those hits. He needed to make a new set. Might as well make some for Stardust and eventually Spike. But where would he get said materials? Well, first, he’d need to decide what to use.

He used heavy armor. Stardust’s armor isn’t nearly as heavy, nor would be as bulky from the ideas he has right now, but something to cover more than the chest, back, and head would be ideal. Then there’s Spike… Best to start off small. But as thoughts of armor for the baby dragon went through his mind, he had a different thought. Dragon scales are pretty strong, even a baby’s can deflect most weaponry. If that was the case, then light, yet strong armor would be better. He’d need a lot of materials, sturdy ones to be exact. He had some in mind, but where he’d need to go for them would be a bit hard to do.

And then he remembered. A while ago, a few years at this point, his dragon companion, Tethys, had another dragon who was her guard or something, if he remembered right. Something about bringing her back home. She didn't want to go, and of course, Skystrike wasn’t going to let her go either. Luckily, they didn’t have to fight.

The dragon was simply the messenger, and left a message for Tethys. While Skystrike never found out what was in it, it was important enough for the dragon to give them a candle. Skystrike held onto it for safe keeping. Checking his drawers, sure enough he still had it. The golden wax sat within the cast-iron lantern. He remembered the dragon saying the flame was magical, the tip of the candle still burning an orange heat. The dragon said that if he was needed, then to burn a letter and he would receive it. He’d come, for a price of course.

But then Skystrike had two thoughts. One, what would he pay the dragon? Two, where would he meet the dragon? Well, Tethys liked his cooking, since dragons don't really cook food… that part is easy. But meeting the dragon would be a bit harder. Can't have it land in the middle of Ponyville. “Wait…” Skystrike had a realization. “This’ll be easy.”

He remembered that because of the long lifespans of dragons, time isn’t a big deal for them. So, Skystrike began writing the letter, asking the dragon to land about a days travel, specifying for ponies, south of Canterlot, describing the city to someone who likely haven't seen it. Once he arrived, the dragon would give a signal and Skystrike would be there within a day. Yeah, this’ll work.

Skystrike signed the letter before folding it up and throwing it into the fire, igniting it and turning to ash with a satisfying poof. “And now, we wait.”

Song and Dance

About two weeks have passed since the Ursa incident. Skystrike walked through town, donned in his armor. Rarity said that his clothes were finally finished. Admittedly, he still wanted to wear his armor, just from his brush with death. Mostly because of how long he wore it for. He forgets how good his healing is, his body feeling like new.

But before he stopped by Rarity’s, he went to check on Twilight and Spike. He pushed open the door to the Golden Oak Library, seeing the two organizing the books. Skystrike blinked. “...Isn’t this like the second time this week that you’re reorganizing?”

“Third.” Spike clarified. “This time we’re organizing each section by publish date.”

Twilight nodded. “Maybe we’ll get more visitors this way.”

“You could start a book club.” Skystrike offered. “But when do you guys think you’ll be done?”

“Actually, we just finished.” Twilight said as she put in the last book.

“Cool. Give me the child.” Skystrike stared at her.

“...What?”

“Give me… the child.”

“We’re going to get milkshakes!” Spike put his claws up as Skystrike grabbed him like a squeaky toy. “Also, I think I convinced Twilight to let me train!”

Skystrike looked at her. She looked back, then sighed. “Yeah… I did. Just… promise to be careful?”

“I will.” Skystrike said before putting the baby dragon on his back. “I’ll bring him back before sundown.” Twilight nodded as the two left. “We’re going to drop by Rarity’s. I told Stardust to meet us there. Once we’re done there, we’ll get milkshakes.”

“Aw, if I knew we were stopping by Rarity’s, I’d have polished my scales!” Spike said to Skystrike’s amusement.

He pushed open the door to the Carousel boutique. Rarity turned to greet them. “Oh, good morning, you two.”

“Morning, Rarity. How’s it going?” Skystrike let Spike slide down his wing onto the floor.

“I’m doing quite alright. Was just having a chat here with Stardust-...” She looked into his eyes, shuffling in place. “You’re… staring quite hard, aren’t you?”

Skystrike blinked. “Oh, yeah… just-” Skystrike coughed. “...Nice mane.”

Rarity stared at him. Her face turned from a smile, then to flustered, then to slightly annoyed. “...You’re not going to forget about that, are you?”

Stardust failed to hide a laugh. “Well, thinking back on it…”

“Stardust, don't finish that thought.”

A door banged open as the sound of hoofsteps went by. “Hey sis! Late for school! Gotta go, love you, bye!”

They all stayed silent for a moment. Skystrike had a realization. “Hey Spike, how old are you?”

“Uh, seven… no, I’m nine” Spike had to remember.

“Did you ever go to school in Canterlot?”

“...No?”

“...You might be going to school soon. Knowledge is an important part of one’s growth.” Spike opened his mouth to protest. “And before you say you know a lot from Twilight’s books, you also need to foster relationships with those in your age range.”

“I was going to say that you barely went to school.” Spike huffed and crossed his arms.

“That’s because I was able to get a lot of pardons. As long as I passed, I was fine… so you’re turning ten soon.” Skystrike hit a thinking pose. “Hey Rarity, how old is Sweetie Belle?”

“Also nine.” She answered.

“Oh, then you’ll be around kids your age. Perfect.” Skystrike hummed. “I’ll bring it up to Twilight later.” Then he turned to Rarity. ”Onto one of the points of my arrival. Rarity!”

“Right, your clothes.” She floated over a set. Skystrike looked them over. Two sets of sweats, a couple t-shirts, and a couple shouts, varying in color. “I was hoping to be more… creative, but you said you didn’t want anything flashy.”

Skystrike put the clothes into his saddlebag. “Thank you, I appreciate it. And now, to my second reason for being here, and why Stardust and now Spike are here. And I’ll be paying you this time!”

“Alright.” Rarity took out a notepad. “I do hope that it’s more flashy this time. What would you like.”

“Cloaks for all three of us.” They all looked at him for an explanation. “Because it looks cool.”

“...What?” They all went.

“It’s like… when you-... Know what, it’s best if I just show you.” Skystrike looked around the room. “Rarity, can I borrow this cloth?” She nodded. Skystrike took the cloth off the table then wrapped it around himself, covering everything but his head. He poked his forehoof out from under the make-shift cloak and grabbed the scruff of it. With a dynamic pose, Skystrike threw it off, to the size. “See what I mean?”

Stardust hummed. “I mean…” She didn’t know the right words to convey what she felt.

Spike, however, pogged. “Yooooo! I wanna do that!”

“See, you get it!” Skystrike chuckled as he folded back up the cloth. Then he turned back to Rarity. “So yeah, a cloak for us. Since these two are under me, that means that I want a… what’s the word for it? Engraving? Crochet?” He couldn't find the word. “I want a pattern on our capes, a four pointed star. It’s our symbol.” Skystrike quickly got a piece of paper and drew it before handing it to Rarity. “The star should be centered, and take up the majority of the cape, though not touching the edges of it.”

Rarity quickly wrote it all down. “Alright, and colors? From the sounds of this, this should just be a simple dyeing process.”

Skystrike rolled his neck. “I want mine to be a blue which fades to a raven black. The star should be white. If you can make it sparkly so it’s more eye-catching, that’d be great.”

Spike scratched his chin. “Well… if it can be my purple, fading to black like Skystrike’s? Oh! With a fire pattern in the green star!”

Stardust took a bit longer to think on it. “...Rose, like my eyes, fading from a pastel blue. I’d like the star to be black…”

Rarity quickly sketched the designs. “...I think I can work with that. How does next friday sound for a completion date?”

“That fast!?” Skystrike’s eyes widened. “That’s impressive.”

“It’s what I do.” Rarity put on her reading glasses. “Now, just give me some time. I need to get in the zone.” She put emphasis on that last part as she began to lock in.

“Before we go then.” Skystrike reached into his bag. “Here’s payment up front. Thanks again.” He doesn't think she heard him, taking the bits in her magic and beginning to do more sketches.

Spike tugged on Skystrike’s tail. “...Can we get milkshakes now?”

“Oooh, can I get a Milkshake?” Stardust asked.

“Let's get some later today. We gotta start the day with a good workout.” Skystrike pulled open the door to Ponyville.

The two started following him as Stardust began to speak. “We- we’re training now?”

“Uh, yeah, the sooner we start, the better.”

Skystrike, Spike, and Stardust stood at the lake in front of Skystrike’s house. They watched the flowing water come from the connected river and into it. Skystrike watched a few of the fish swim by as he hummed to himself. “Alright you two, let me lay the ground rules. First rule of Skystrike’s training, don’t talk about Skystrike’s training.” He said with an ere of caution. “Second rule, you must have a reason to want to be stronger. Whether it be your beliefs, your pride, your honor, whatever you want. No matter how selfish or selfless. Third, if and when you fail, you must try again. No quitters here. Failure is part of the learning process.”

“Yes sir!” They both said.

“Good. Now, the first lesson I’ll teach you is patience.” Skystrike dropped a bucket at his side. “You two are going to catch as many fish as you can within two hours and put them in this bucket.”

Spike stared at him. “And… how are we supposed to do that?”

“Grab ‘em.” Skystrike chuckled. “Like I said, patience is what you’re learning. In the process, I’ll be seeing how well your reflexes are, and your ability to deal with multiple outcomes.” They kept looking at him. “Also, if you guys don't catch anything, no lunch.”

Stardust and Spike looked at each other before stepping into the river. Spike eyed a fish coming towards him, almost like a predator. He tried to jump on it, bringing both claws down on it, only for it to dash away. So he tried again with another fish. Sure enough, the fish got by once more.
Stardust was having similar issues. She tried to use her guard helmet to scoop the fish out, but then the fish jumped out as soon as they realized they were being moved. All she was left with was wet headgear. Then, she tried to catch the fish like Spike, but it didn’t work out well for her either. Her pastel blue mane soon became soaked as she even tried to catch one with her mouth.

Skystrike watched their progress in earnest. Though they may not feel it, they were making progress, albeit very slowly. But he shouldn't be slacking either. The stallion drew his sword. He could at least get some practice swings in. He took the proper stance before tightening his grip on his swords before a dance of blades commenced. Slashes and stabs were replaced by feints and lunges. He fought with an invisible enemy in front of him. Each attack he made, each action he took, he tried to imagine an opponent in front of him, countering every action he made. It was futile of course, since he’d lose this imaginary battle each time, but he liked to think it helped.

He still made sure to keep track of their progress. Spike was slowly but surely getting more and more annoyed. After countless tries, ranging from blocking the water to trying to make a fish trap out of twigs, Spike slapped a fish as it passed by. Whether it was through his own efforts or sheer luck, the trout began to flop on the grass.

Stardust watched as Spike grabbed the fish and put it into the bucket. She was a tad annoyed, but more so from being shown up by a child. She tried the same tactic, and after a few tries, Stardust got a fish of her own. She picked it up and put it in the bucket as well.

Skystrike sheathed his swords. “Nice job you two. I’ll start cooking. You two are going to help of course.”

After the squeamish looks from Stardust and Spike as he explained how to gut and bleed a fish, Skystrike quickly made them all meals. They sat in the grass as Skystrike moved a portable cooking set outside to cook. Admittedly, he didn’t really have the space inside to feed the three of them. Two was already unexpected, and a bit tight… Maybe he should build an extension.

Skystrike sat down nine plates and chairs around a large, flat stone that he carved from one of his boulders, working as a make-shift table. He put down an excessively large plate of salad in the middle of the table, and two dozen bread rolls. Next, he put down a square cheese pizza, and two large pitchers of lemonade. Spike, however, was going to eat the fish that the two caught earlier. It took a bit of convincing, but he apparently smelled it before, and was a bit interested. Skystrike put down the plate of fish in front of Spike.

Stardust drooled at the food, but then counted the number of plates. “Uh, sir, why is there-”

Skystrike put a hoof to his mouth, shushing her and Spike. Skystrike quietly flapped his wings and landed in front of his house. Specifically, some of the bushes that he grew in front of it. He stared into the bush. The silence was deafening. “...Girls…” He heard Rainbow Dash’s whispering voice. “I think he knows we’re here…!”

“No way!” Twilight whispered back.

“Quick! Make a bush sound!” Pinkie whispered.

“Uh… bush.” Rainbow said. The silence got louder.

“...What was that?” Applejack sighed.

“Yeah, darling, that was dreadful, dear.” Rarity face hoofed.

“I don’t know how to make a bush sound with my mouth!” Pinkie looked at the rainbow pegasus and made a very convincing sound of a bush rustling in the leaves. “...How the buck did you do that?”

“Why didn’t we just make bird calls???” Applejack asked from her bush.

“Uh…” Fluttershy said before making a sound that none of them ever heard before. It was loud… ear piercing actually.

Spike and Stardust turned their heads toward the sound. Stardust tilted her head. “Hey, what was that? Was that a bird?”

“Nice going Fluttershy!” Twilight face hooved. “What was that!?”

“Oh, it was a White Bellbird.” She explained. “...It was… the first bird I thought of.”

“Hey, Spike, did you hear that?” Stardust waved over the dragon.

“Yeah, what was that?” Spike began walking over.

“Well, think of something else, quick!” Pinkie shook the mare before she made another sound.

This new one sounded like lasers were being shot, mixed with clicking and… No, Skystrike wasn’t even going to attempt to try and describe that sound. “That was a Tui bird.” Fluttershy smiled.

“Oh, that was definitely a bird.” Spike said as he ran over. He pushed his head into one of the bushes, coming face first with Twilight. Spike screamed and jumped back. “TWILIGHT!?”

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh as Twilight and her friends pulled themselves out of the bushes. “Alright… how long did you know we were there?” She asked.

Skystrike regained his composure. “Since you guys got here. It’s not hard to hear whispering when the only other sound is these two.” He pointed back to Spike and Stardust. “If you want to talk, then ask. For now, there’s food if you want it.” Skystrike turned and went to sit down. The rest followed behind him. “But before you ask your questions, why were you all following me?”

“I… came to check on Spike.” Twilight said nervously. “...Admittedly, I was expecting more… hooves on training. Like sparing or something.”

“That’s another day.” Skystrike said as Twilight made a face. He grabbed a slice of pizza and bit into it. “Who’s next?”

“Honestly, I don’t know how I was roped into this.” Applejack admitted and got some of the salad. She took a bite. “Mmm… this is great.”

“I’m just checking on little Spikey-wikey. A baby dragon shouldn’t need to learn how to fight.” Rarity hugged the dragon in question, who was just enjoying the moment.

Skystrike blinked. “It’s Spike’s choice, but I’m sure he appreciated your concern. Besides, I don't plan on teaching him anything until I think he’s ready.” Then he turned to the last three.

Rainbow sighed and took a bread roll. “Well, I was hoping to see how you train… Got any tips?”

Skystrike looked at her and thought. “...Go about your normal day with extra pounds on. But I wouldn't recommend trying to mimic my training. I’ve designed mine to focus on endurance and strength. Your muscles will grow differently than what your goal is. Similar to how if you trained for swimming.”

Fluttershy pushed her hair to the side. “Uh… Twilight asked me for help. I was just in the area.”

Pinkie Pie looked up from her plate full of food. “I’m here because it looked like fun!”

Spike was eating loudly. They all looked at him when the baby dragon let out a burp. “...What?”

“Say ‘excuse me’ Spike.” Skystrike demanded. “It’s rude not to.”

“Excuse me.” Spike quickly said as he shoveled the rest of the food off his plate into his mouth. “The fish was just that good!”

“You gave him FISH!?” All, save for Fluttershy and Stardust yelled. Twilight put her hooves on the table. “You fed Spike fish!?” She was visibly angry, though Skystrike wasn't paying attention to her posture.

“Yes, trout to be specific.” Skystike

“WHY did you feed him FISH!?” Twilight was yelling now. “Who knows what could’ve happened!?”

Skystrike sighed. “Because even though he’s a baby, he’s still a dragon. An omnivorous one, yet mostly carnivorous like the rest of his kind. He needs it, else it could affect his growth. Pony food only does so much.” Then he started rambling a bit. “From what I know actually, dragons get much of their energy from gemstones and, at Spike’s age, gold, due to how soft the gold is, and due to how much magic the average gemstone holds. I’d rather give him that, but I don’t have money like that.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up at the topic. “Oh, I didn’t know that! Is that why dragons have hoards? It’s also a source of food?”

“Yes, actually, though there’s a bit more to it than that. From what I was told, it’s similar to how a bear hoards for food during hibernation. It’s also a show of strength. The bigger the hoard, the stronger you are, since you have to protect that hoard.” Skystrike explained.

“We’re getting off topic!” Twilight stomped a hoof.

Rarity had a face of mild disgust. “Skystrike, darling, how do you know how to cook meat anyway?”

“Oh, well, out of the nine that were in my group, five needed meat to survive… I also had a few pets, which also ate meat… Thinking back on it, only three of us knew how to cook well.” Skystrike poured himself some lemonade.

“But you didn’t even ask me if it was ok!”

“Oh.” Skystrike looked at her. “You know what, that’s a fair complaint. That was a boundary I should’ve talked to you about before. I apologize for that.” Twilight calmed down a bit at that. “So, are you all going to eat or let the food I cooked get cold?”

Several stomachs grumbled when he finished his sentence. They quickly dug into the food, making themselves plates and finishing them, much to his amusement. Rarity wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Mmm, this is simply divine! You must give me some tips on how to cook like this.”

“The secret ingredient… is love.” He made a heart with his wings before chuckling with them. “No real trick to it. It’s just a lot of practice… and a careful mix of seasoning. I ordered a lot of seasonings when I was in Canterlot.”

Rarity looked at her belly and grabbed a bit of the fat. “Hmm… I should hold some restraint though. A figure like this takes effort!” She hit a pose.

Pinkie turned her head to the marshmallow unicorn. “You seem fine to me!”

Rainbow sighed. “No, no, while Rarity and I don’t relate on too much, as an athlete, I know a lot about keeping your figure.” Then she pointed to Pinkie. “You just don't notice because yours goes to your flank.” Skystrike coughed into his drink as Applejack slapped the back of Rainbow’s head. “Ow! What was that for!?”

“Because Spike and Nebula are here!” Applejack pointed to the two. “Time and place, RD!”

“What are we talking about?” Spike looked up from his slice of pizza.

“Rainbow says that like everypony doesn’t notice.” Skystrike bit into his own slice.

They all looked at him. Fluttershy blushed. “...So… you’re looking at our-”

“Sometimes, but it’s not the way you think…” Skystrike rubbed his chin as he tried to best explain it. “It’s like… from my height, it’s not like I see anything, but it’s… a new perspective? Actually, Flutteryshy, stand up real quick. You too, Applejack.”

The two mares next to each other stood up. Skystrike walked over to Applejack and lifted her up to his eye height. “Hey, what’s the big idea-” She began to protest.

“Now look at Fluttershy.”

Applejack looked at him confused, then turned her head to the pastel pony. Her eyes went wide. “...By golly, I think I get what you mean about perspective!”

“...What?” Fluttershy asked.

“Shy, I can see both of your cutie marks.” Applejack began laughing as Skystrike put her down. An embarrassed Fluttershy sat back down in her seat as the realization spread through the table, save for Spike.

Rarity’s eyes shrunk to pin pricks. “...Wait…”

“Rarity, you’re fine.” Skystrike chuckled.

“But… it’s my worst angle!”

“There are worse angles.” Skystrike shook his head. “Think about it. Imagine looking up at Celestia. I feel bad for her.”

They all had the mental image in their head. They all cringed, though laughed at it too. In better spirits, they each finished their meals before waving their goodbyes. While it was fun, the meeting had to end eventually. But they’d meet another day. It’s what friends do.

Another day came. It was around noon now, and Skystrike sat in Ponyville with Stardust being his company. They sat next to the river, listening to the sound of the water as it flowed by. It wasn’t too busy a day, hearing several ponies walk by every once in a while. It was calming.

“Sir, what are we doing here?” Stardust asked.

“Well, nothing in particular. Just enjoying the peace.” Skystrike admitted. “Though if I had to be honest… I get the feeling something is going to happen today.”

“Oh, you get that feeling too?” She asked as she threw a rock into the water, watching the ripples.

“Not too often, but it’s reliable… 80 percent of the time. No idea what’ll happen though.” He admitted. “But I’m also trying to get used to being in town again. This is my first real outing since the Ursa. And honestly, I’m surprised nopony has side-eyed me yet.”

“...Well you did save the town from being leveled.”

Skystrike was about to reply before he heard his name being called. “Nebula! Stardust!”

It was quiet, he would’ve barely heard it if he wasn’t keeping an ear out. He turned his head. “Oh, Fluttershy. What can we do for you!”

“Oh thank goodness!” She began huffing from a long run. “Nopony else is listening to me, and there’s-”

Fluttershy was cut off by a voice behind them. “Listen up!” They turned their heads to see Twilight standing atop a bridge with Spike on her back. “Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria!”

The crowd around them quickly gathered and looked at each other in worry. “That’s what I’ve been trying to-” Fluttershy was interrupted once more.

“But don’t worry, I’ve just received a letter from princess Celestia informing me that it’s not coming from a fire.”

“Oh thank goodness.” Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief.

“It’s coming from a dragon!” Twilight clarified, gettins gasps of shock from the crowd.

“Shit.” Skystrike spoke under his breath. He looked up to the smoke and followed it to a large mountain in the distance. Sure enough a cloud of smoke stretched from the mountain to just above Ponyville. That was one hell of a signal. He, Stardust, and Fluttershy got up at the request of Twilight asking them to meet her at the library. They agreed.

By the time Skystrike arrived, the rest of his friends were there, already talking about it. Applejack looked to Twilight for answers. “What in the name of all things cinnamon swirl is a full grown dragon doing’ here in Equestria?” Applejack questioned as Twilight put down one of the many books she had stacked in front of her.

“Sleeping.” Twilight clarified to the surprise of all present. “According to Princess Celestia, he’s taking a nap. His snoring is what’s causing all this smoke!” She looked back at them as she began packing a bag.

Skystrike was inwardly cringing. He’d probably get in trouble if it got out that the dragon was there because of him… but how was he supposed to know that would be the signal?

“He should really see a doctor. That doesn't sound healthy at all.” Pinkie pie said.

“Well, at least he’s not snoring fire!” Rarity replied “What are we meant to do about it?”

“You could just let me deal with him. Shouldn't take too long.” Skystrike tried to hint at them not going.

“I'll tell you what we’ll do about it!” Rainbow started as Skystrike gave a ‘this mare’ look to Rainbow. “Give him the boot!” She kicked a wooden carving over before Twilight caught it with her magic. Rainbow dived at the carving before Twilight lifted it, making Rainbow dash whiz under it and crash into the wall next to Skystrike, upside down.

Skystrike helped her up. “That is a bad idea.”

“We just need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else.” Twilight corrected her. “Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail!” Rainbow dash saluted her. “Are you paying attention, Skystrike?” She looked over to see him tapping his hoof.

“Oh, yeah, I am. Just… waiting for you to finish so I can go deal with this.”

“Darling, you can’t seriously be suggesting that you and Stardust are going by yourselves?” Rarity motioned a hoof.

“Me??” Stardust shook her head. “I’m not dealing with a dragon, that’s all him!”

“You’re going alone!?” Pinkie’s jaw dropped to the floor.

“Yeah, I… need to be in the area anyway.” Skystrike said.

“Well that makes things easier, you can travel with us!” Twilight said as Skystrike inwardly cursed. “Now, let's go quickly. We have a long journey ahead of us. Let’s meet back here in less than an hour!”

“Ok, ponies!” Rainbow dash began her pep talk. She flew up to Rarity and Pinkie, pulling them into a hug. “The fate of Equestria is in our hooves! Do we have what it takes?” They all gave cheers of approval before trotting out the door.

All save for one. “Um, actually…” Fluttershy whispered.

“What’s up?” Skystrike looked to the mare.

“Oh, well… I don’t want to worry you…” She shrunk down a little.

“I’m not going to force you to tell me, Fluttershy. I’ll listen to anything you have to say.” Skystrike patted her on the back.

“Oh, well…” Fluttershy thought about his offer. “...It’s nothing.” She quickly ran out the door.

Skystrike looked at her, then shrugged before going outside. He had some things to prepare for as well, mostly just backpack space and packing his food for the trip. He gave himself a time limit of a week to gather everything he needed. It should be enough time. But as he walked alone back home, his mind began to wander. Skystrike looked up at the smoke rolling its way across the sky.

It reminded him of his past… back at the laboratory. The smell of smoke was common. After all, it was the most effective magic he and the other numbers had access to. Each time he blinked, the darkness was replaced by a mental image in time.

He sat in the middle of a synthetic field. Only now did he know the grass wasn’t real back then. He blinked, several kids around his age stood around him in thin, white patient robes. He blinked, one of the bigger kids shoved him onto his back. 48’s mocking rang through his mind. He blinked, a punch was thrown. He barely remembered who started it. Weak punches quickly turned to burning magic. He blinked, the smell of burning flesh filled his nose, his hands were covered in ash. He blinked, his breathing got heavier. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He blinked, a hooded figure called his number, praising his performance. He blinked. He was the last of the numbers. He blinked. They said he was ready.

And then he blinked. The memories stopped. He grit his teeth at the thoughts. Skystrike’s only saving grace was that he wasn’t asleep. He’s had enough of those nightmares. He slowed his breathing, then realized that he was back at his house. Skystrike sighed and walked in. He already did food prep earlier, so he just needed to put his food and supplies in his rucksack. Thankfully, he remembered to get an axe and pickaxe recently, so he packed those too.

He had everything he needed for a week of camping, and enough space to bring back materials, two hundred pounds worth. No way he’d bring back that much, but better to have the space and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

He looked to Stardust. “Hey, I don’t want to worry you, but I’ll be gone for a while. I’m going to be staying around that mountain.”

“Oh?” Stardust’s ears perked up. “What for?”

“While I made you and Spike your weapons, I need to get the stuff to make you armor, and upgrade my own.” Skystrike stretched a bit, popping some joints as he did. “Perfect place to get said materials in that mountain. With some luck, I could convince that dragon for help. But all that said, that means that you and Spike are on your own. Just make him do the basic training you guards did. I left a list on the fridge if you don’t know how to cook, and the groceries you need if you run out.”

“Thanks! Stay safe, sir!” Stardust saluted as Skystrike walked out the door.

He made his way to the Golden Oak Library. Realizing now that there was no way to stop those ponies from going,he could at least make sure they got there safe. He didn’t realize that he was running a bit late, as the rest were already there and getting a pep talk by Twilight. The mare was about to pull out a map before she saw him. “Nebula! There you are! You aren’t normally one to be late.”

“I was… getting my mind straight. Had to leave Stardust a list of things to get done if they needed to. What did I miss?”

“Eh, nothing much. Just talking about the weather when we get up there.” Applejack said. “The plan is to get there before nightfall.”

Skystrike nodded. “Hmm, a sound plan, though bare bones… Sure, it’s not a long trip, but did any of you bring food or supplies in case it takes longer?”

“Well, it’s kinda the reason I’m glad you’re coming.” Twilight began looking at her map. “You have experience with this sort of thing!”

“Yeah!” Rainbow walked up next to him. “Any pointers on how to get up that mountain, or how to deal with a dragon?”

Skystrike thought. “Well, the biggest and most likely problem we’ll have to deal with is rock slides. First thing to do is try to stay as quiet as possible as we go up, since even the echoing of our voice can cause one. In the off chance any of us are trapped under, we’ll need ways to get ponies out.” He thought some more. “As for the dragon, they’re fairly docile unless antagonized. They’re also very prideful, so if anything happens, play into that. If I had to guess about this specific one, it’s probably a very large one, and breathes fire.”

“Well of course it breathes fire, it’s a dragon.” Twilight huffed. “I’ve done my research.”

“Well, not every dragon breathes fire. They can breathe anything from frost to lightning to gas. If you want to be technical, the average fire breathing dragon breathes a magical gas that ignites when a spell is subconsciously casted. The dragon right now isn’t releasing that gas, which is why this secondary spell is releasing smoke. A normal dragon’s breath would be smokeless unless it came in contact with something.”

“And how do you know?” Twilight shot him a look.

“Because I traveled with a dragon who had decades worth of her kind's culture ingrained in her?”

Twilight grew slightly flustered at his answer before looking back down at her map. Fluttershy began walking up to her. “Um, excuse me, Twilight?” She began. “I know you’re busy, but…”

“Uh huh.” Twilight feigned paying attention. “We could go this way…”

“But if I could just have a second…”

“Uh huh… No, we want to avoid that.”

Fluttershy continued. “So, um… I was thinking that… maybe I should just stay here in Ponyville.”

Skystrike was a bit surprised at that, but couldn’t blame her. He waited to see what Twilight’s response was.

“Uh huh.” The impromptu leader said.

“Oh, good!” Fluttershy began walking away. “I’ll just stay here and-

Twilight’s head snapped up from her map as she realized what the pegasus said. “Wait! You have to come! Your way with wild animals is sure to come in handy.”

Fluttershy hesitated. “I-I don't think I-”

“And don’t worry about your little friends in the meadow. Spike has got it covered while you’re gone!”

Spike walked up, several smaller creatures around him, and some in his hands. “You can count on me!” Then a rabbit thumped his head, making him jump and the rest of the animals scatter in different directions. “Hey, HEY! Wait!”

Fluttershy felt the need to worry about her little friends. “I don’t think he’s up to the task!” Maybe…” Twilight began walking away. “But!” She realized her words were falling on deaf ears as she let out a worried squeak.

Skystrike stopped Twilight before she could walk much farther. “Twilight, I’m going to request two things of you. First, don't refer to dragons as ‘wild animals’, and second, at least try to listen to other ponies' worries?” He took a hoof off her chest to go check on Fluttershy, who was… hiding from her shadow… huh… interesting. He looked in the bush she was hiding in. “Hey, if it makes you feel better, I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. And besides, I know you can do this. You’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Fluttershy’s eyes warrily stared at him from the bush before reaching a hoof out. Skystrike pulled her out and brushed some of the leaves out of her mane. “Thank you…”

They could hear the snoring from the base of the mountain. After several hours of walking, they were halfway there. Well, not literally. Half way as in they just needed to climb up the mountain now. Fluttershy hid behind Skystrike as the snore bellowed down to them. He looked up at the winding path that turned from dirt to stone. If he was alone, he could’ve just flown up. But he wasn't.

“Woah… what was that?” Rainbow Dash flew a few feet into the air and pointed at the mountain.

“That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores.” Twilight answered.

“That’s what I sound like after the itus kicks in.” Skystrike got a giggle out of some of them.

Fluttershy looked up at the intimidating peak. “It’s so… high!”

Rainbow Dash looked down at her. “Well, it is a mountain.”

Skystrike mock gasped. “NO WAY! I thought that was a pebble!”

“Har har.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. I’m going to fly up there and check it out!”

Applejack caught the pegasus by the tail. “Hold on, now. I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all.” She said to the rest of the groups approval.

“Well, for the non-pegasi here, as we get higher, the air will get thinner. I recommend going slow, and controlling your breathing. If anybody feels the need to stop, just say so.” Skystrike looked up at the mountain. “Evidently, that dragon snoring is very loud, and can cause rock slides at any point. We need to err on the side of caution.” Skystrike then stretched a bit before taking the lead and walking up the path, his armor clanking with each step. The rest soon followed his lead.

The dirt path soon ended, leaving a steep slope for them to climb up. Skystrike found the least steep angle and began walking up. It was still relatively safe, but one wrong step could leave any of them injured. He made sure to tread carefully, pulling out and throwing any loose rock he came across off to the side.

Rarity decided to start some small talk. “I heard the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon’s scales are the jewels they use to build their nest!” Her eyes began to sparkle. “Oh! If I play my cards right, I can convince him to part with a few!”

Skystrike looked back at her briefly, then noticed that Pinkie stopped. She put on a gruff voice. “Welcome to my cave, Rarity! Care for a diamond! ROOOOOOAR!”

“Ok, that was pretty good.” Skystrike admitted as they all laughed before looking straight ahead, ignoring the impatient Rainbow Dash flying above him.

“Girls!” Oh. Twilight wasn’t laughing. “This is no laughing matter!”

“Party Pooper.” Skystrike and Pinkie simultaneously said. They both shot each other looks of surprise before pointing at each other.

Twilight ignored them. “Fluttershy, you’re the expert on wild creat- er, this subject.” She corrected herself when she felt Skystrike’s eyes on the back of her neck. What do you think the dragon will be like?” They all looked back when there was no response. “Fluttershy?”

The mare in question was still on the dirt path, hiding behind a bush. Rainbow Dash frowned. “Hey! What are you waiting for? An invitation!?”

Fluttershy poked her head out of said bush before Pinkie gasped. “Ooo! I think I have one in my bag!” She reached in, an explosion of confetti escaping as she showed a ticket. For what, Skystrike had no idea.

He was more worried about Fluttershy, who was still scared of the peak. “It-... It’s so… steep!” She began to shake.

“Well it is a cliff!” Rainbow grew more annoyed. “You could just, I dunno… fly up here?”

Pinkie Pie tried to encourage her. “Come on, Fluttershy! You can do it! Flap those wings!” She even flapped her hooves.

“Oh… okay…” She walked out of the bush and tried. She got a few feet off the ground quite easily. Then the dragon snored once more. The mere sound made her wings lock in place, making her fall out of the air and into the bush she just stepped out of. Rainbow Dash groaned as the grounded pegasus tried to force her wings open despite her fear.

Twilight groaned. “Ugh, we don’t have time for this!” Applejack looked up at the unicorn before taking her map out of her bag. “What are you doing?”

Applejack rolled the map out in front of her and Skystrike. “I’ll need this if I’m gonna take her around the mountain another way.”

“Ugh, AROUND the mountain?” Rainbow groaned before the earth pony slid down the slope. “That’s gonna take forever!”

Skystrike groaned this time. His eyes flickered white. He recollected himself. “You know, I’d rather it take forever than it feel like forever with your complaining.” He jumped down the entirety of the cliff and landed next to Fluttershy. The dragon snored again, making Fluttershy fall over like a goat with her legs in the air. Skystrike looked up at the rest of their friends. “I’ve memorized the path already. I’ll carry her up.” Skystrike took a small blanket out of his bag and put it over his back before picking up the scared mare and doing the same. “Twilight, take point. Make sure to climb safely. Applejack, you’re with me.”

Without giving anypony time to protest, Skystrike began walking, visibly annoyed. Applejack sighed and gave the others a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, girls. We’ll be there lickity split!” She said before trotting to catch up to Skystrike. “Hey, you doing alright?”

Fluttershy was embarrassed. “I… don’t do well under pressure.”

Applejack sighed. “Yeah, tell me about it.” She related. “And you, Sky? I can call you Sky, right?”

“I don’t mind.” Skystrike nodded. “And I’m… well I will be fine. Rainbow Dash is just being Rainbow. It’s the first time I’ve really interacted with her and Fluttershy in a normal setting… I’m more annoyed that she hasn’t really changed since we were kids.”

“Oh, you three knew each other back then?”

He nodded again. “Yeah. And this is a pattern. Fluttershy gets anxious, or whatever the word for this is, Rainbow doesn’t understand and just expects her to tough it out, and I end up trying to make Shy feel better…” He grumbled. “And I don’t mind my role, I’m just surprised it’s still a thing that’s happening.”

Fluttershy looked at him. “Y-you… don’t have to do all these things for me…” She forced out. “I’ll be… fine.” She lied to herself.

“I like doing these things with you because you’re my friend. Applejack was about to do the same, I just also didn’t want to deal with Rainbow for a bit.” Skystrike admitted.

“Yeah, Fluttershy. It’s no biggie. We’re here for you.” Applejack patted her on the back.

“I’m not… too heavy, am I?” Fluttershy asked Skystrike.

The stallion held his tongue. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s not to comment on a woman’s weight.”

Applejack blinked. “Well when you say it like that, it sounds like you’re implying she’s heavy.”

“SHIT!” Skystrike cursed to himself. It at least got a chuckle out of Fluttershy. “No, you are not heavy. You’re one of the lighter loads I’ve had on me. But I will say…” They looked at him. “I shouldn't have increased the weight on my armor this week.”

It took some time to get to the spot where they’d meet the others, but it didn't take too long. Small talk made the time pass by much faster. Skystrike and Fluttershy had a somewhat deeper understanding of apples, while Fluttershy and Applejack were listening to Skystrike ramble on about the process of making his weaponry. They rounded a corner to see Rarity and Pinkie Pie finished playing dozens of games of tic tac toe. Whoever circle was was destroying x. Twilight was walking back and forth below Rainbow Dash, who was flying back and forth.

They all looked their way as they entered their peripheral vision. “We’re here.” Applejack said.

Skystrike huffed, slightly tired from the walk. “Made it. See, that was easy.” He said more to himself. “You good to walk on your own, Fluttershy?” She nodded before pushing herself off his back. “Alright, let's continue.”

And so they did, each of them beginning to follow Twilight ash she carefully followed the path she had marked on her map. Well, save for a light blue pegasus who just flew alongside them. They came to a thin pathway that hugged the side of the mountain. Skystrike looked over the edge, seeing the earth dozens of yards below him. He was glad he wasn't afraid of heights.

Skystrike was currently at the back of the group, keeping watch in case of any accidents that could befall them. Soon, they walked upon a gap in the path, leaving them no choice but to jump across. Rainbow Dash went first, flapping her wings to show the ease of the jump for her. Next was Twilight, Rarity Applejack, and Pinkie, who all needed running starts. Next was Fluttershy, who gulped as she eyed the gap. “Your turn, Fluttershy!” Twilight said from across the ridge.

Fluttershy made the mistake of looking down as she hugged a rock. “But… It’s so…. wide.” She forced herself to look away.

Skystrike zoned out all the surrounding noise as he began thinking ‘Is she serious?’ The gap was a four inch crack that the mare could skip across. Pinkie even showed that she could literally skip over by doing so with a whole song that was hurting his ears. His attention was taken away when Fluttershy attempted the jump, but then looked down and stopped mid jump… Then she caught herself by putting her hooves between the cliffs. He inwardly huffed. He was slightly annoyed, but he couldn’t stay annoyed. He knew she was trying her best.

Rainbow Dash groaned before flying behind the pegasus mare and pushing her but over with her head. Pinkie and Rarity grabbed her forehooves and pulled her over, making the two pegasus fall over each other. Fluttershy gave an awkward smile before Skystrike simply stepped over the gap.

As they moved on to the next part of the path, Twilight looked around to them. “Let’s keep it down. According to my map, we’re entering an avalanche zone.” The rest began to look around with her. “The smallest peep could cause a huge rockslide!”

They all made sure to talk no louder than a whisper. Well, Fluttershy tried, but her nerves were getting to her. “An… Ava… ava-”

She was shushed by Twilight. The only sound that was heard was the whistling wind and their hoof steps. Skystrike made sure to look out for any loose rocks, just in case he could spot one before it even started.

A stray leaf from a tree Rainbow Dash brushed against fell on Fluttershy’s butt ahead of Skystrike. He saw her tense up before jumping on her hind hooves and flailing. “AVALA-” Her scream was ear piercing. Thankfully, she wasn't able to finish her sentence, as Applejack covered her mouth with a hoof. The echo, however, continued through the walls of the mountain they were on. Skystrike inwardly cursed and began looking around with the others. When there was no immediate cause for concern, they gave relieved sighs.

But then a rumbling was heard from above them. Their faces turned to worry as the floor began to shake under them, loose rocks coming undone and falling down the side of the mountain, followed by much bigger ones coming. “AVALANCHE!” Each of them yelled before trying to move out of the way of the rolling stones.

Skystrike focused on the ponies around him, making sure none were in the way. Twilight was quite nimble, diving out of the way of one coming right for her. Applejack just barely got lucky enough for her head to not get crushed. Rainbow flew between each one coming down, while Fluttershy ran back the way they came. Skystrike grabbed the two closest to him, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, and flew out of the way of the landslide: back down the path they came. He saw one rather large boulder reeling towards him. He had no choice but to throw the two to safety and take the rock to the chest. He grit his teeth and thanked his armor for spreading out the force of impact. But he wasn’t out of the danger zone yet. He quickly analyzed his surroundings.

Skystrike didn’t have time to regain his flight, else another rock could come and knock him out, as he was already dizzy and too close to the ground. He dug his hooves into the granite below and pulled, slowing himself before he could fall off the edge of the cliff. He stayed like that until the rock slide ended. “Holy shit…” He panted as his adrenaline ended. “Everypony ok!?”

“Thanks to you, I am!” Twilight nuzzled Applejack.

“Woohoo! Let’s do it again!” Pinkie jumped.

Rarity shook the dirt out of her coat. “Brrr! This is why a lady always packs extra accessories.” She pulled a scarf out of her bag. “...Please tell me I bought the tiara that goes with this!”

Rainbow Dash pointed to the mound of dirt blocking their path up. “Uh, think we got bigger problems than matching our hair bows to our horse shoes!”

Fluttershy poked her head over the dirt and stone. “Sorry…”

Applejack tried to ease the guilt. “Ah, no big whoop sugarcube.”

“Yeah, we’ll just have to… climb over…” Twilight looked up at the mound of earth with a sigh.

Skystrike patted Fluttershy on the back. “Tell you what, while you all do that, I’m going to scout ahead, make sure that nothing is in our way to the peak. If anything is, I’ll clear and mark a path to the top. If not, I’ll meet you all up there.”

Without giving them a chance to potentially protest, Skystrike flew ahead. From the looks, it’d be about another twenty minutes before they’d get to the peak. Unfortunately, that previous landslide blocked one of their paths up. He looked at the paths they had left. The best one seemed to be one that led them around the other side of the peak and under an arch way. He pulled out his sword and carved an arrow in a stone, showing the right direction. He continued to find the best and safest path, marking each fork with another arrow.

He stopped at the peak, seeing the cave where his dragon contact is, noted by the smoke coming out of it. He sighed and crossed his hooves. Normally, he’d have just gone in, but his friends would worry about him. Skystrike found it a bit interesting that he cared about their worry for him… Then again, he did just deal with the Ursa.

The stallion shook the thought out his mind as he heard his friends coming up the path. Skystrike turned his head to them, in order, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie came up. He kept looking at the path they took, wailing for the last one. After a few moments, he felt the need to ask. “Wait… Where’s Fluttershy?”

“She left.” Rainbow groaned. “She’s afraid of dragons. Go figure.”

Skystrike didn’t like how she said that. He looked to the others, who’s faces endorsed what Rainbow said. “Seriously?”

“I know right? After the journey up here and the landslide, slowing us down, she just ups and leaves! You’d think she would’ve told us back at Ponyville!”

Skystrike’s eye twitched. He inhaled deeply to calm himself before flying in front of the mare. “Rainbow, what element are you?”

She was caught off guard by the sudden question. “Uh… Loyalty?”

“Really? Because from what I’ve been hearing during the entirety of this trip, and I have really good hearing, you’ve done nothing but complain about your quote on quote ‘friend’ Fluttershy.” Then he began to mock her voice. “‘You sure we should have brought her along?’ ‘She’ll slow us down!’” His mocking surprised each of them. “Did you ever think of why she didn’t tell you? Any of you? Because when she tried to hint at it, somepony decided what she was saying wasn't important enough to pay attention to…” He shot a look at Twilight before poking at Rainbow’s chest fluff and unfolding his helmet. He was visibly angry. “And you make these passive aggressive statements to her. She didn’t mean to start the avalanche. It’s not fair to blame her. Because of your actions, she couldn’t feel she could talk to you about her fears. And yet she forced herself to come up here, trying her best to make you happy. But noooooo!” He pushed his hoof in. “You, her ‘best friend’ since elementary, decided to ditch her, talk down on her to her face and in front of her friends, because what, she tried her best to not be an inconvenience? So I’ll ask once more, which element are you?”

Rainbow was taken aback by his words and began to stutter trying to find some way to respond. She couldn’t think of anything. Skystrike took his hoof away and began slowly flying past her. “She had her own demons to fight. Just because you can't see or understand them doesn't mean you can just ignore it. I expected better of you…” He sighed as he put his helmet back on. “Don't do anything stupid with that dragon.”

And with all that said, he dove off the mountain, following the path they took in hopes of finding Fluttershy. She wasn’t too far, sitting down where the landslide slowed them down earlier. He landed in front of her, far enough away not to startle her. Skystrike looked at her face, seeing that she was starting to cry. He took off his helmet. “...Room for one more?” She scooted over for Skystrike to take a seat next to her. They sat in silence for a few minutes as they stared at the horizon. “...I figured you have something on your mind… Want to talk about it?”

Fluttershy looked up at him, still holding her head low. “I… I should’ve told them I was afraid of dragons earlier… but I was afraid to.” She began to weep. “It’s just… too much.”

Skystrike patted her on the back. “We all have our fears. It’s up to us whether we give into that fear or overcome it.”

“I try, you know?” She was more speaking to herself now. “Rainbow says I just need to mare up and deal with these things, but I just… can't! I’ve tried so hard, so long. I thought if I made it to the top of this mountain that I’d be able to confront the dragon, but I just… froze. As each snore got louder, my mind just… wouldn’t let me do it. I didn’t want to disappoint you all, but… I did anyway.”

“We aren’t disappointed in you, Flulttershy.” Skystrike rubbed her back.

“...Rainbow seemed like she was.”

“And I had a talk with her. Don’t worry about her right now.” Skystrike looked at her. “But that’s the thing about anxiety. It makes you focus on what others think of you, rather than what you think of you.” Skystrike said. “...I have some advice, if I’d be allowed to give it?”

She sniffled. “Ok…”

“You have to look at yourself in the mirror each day, and you need to decide that you want to be a better pony than you were the day before.” Skystrike pointed to the distance as she looked up at him. “Out there, somewhere, is a you that you strive to be. Everything you wish you were, that version of you is. And each day, each action you make, you get closer and closer to being your best self. I know that you can overcome it. Don't worry about the eyes on you, just focus on yourself.”

“I-... I’ll try?” She was unsure.

“Tell you what, we’re going to say what we want to be better at.” Her eyes widened at his statement. Skystrike smirked at her. “Shout it into the endless sky. That way, it’s out there. We give to this world, and the world will give back.”

“But isn’t that… embarrassing? And won’t it cause another rock slide?” Fluttershy asked.

“I wont tell if you wont.” He held a hoof up to his mouth. “As for the rock slide, the one here already happened. We’ll be fine. I’ll go first.” He stood up. “I WANT TO BE MORE OPEN WITH PONIES!!!” His voice echoed back to him.

“I…” Fluttershy started. She hesitated, but he was trying to make her feel better. She should at least give it a shot. “I want to get out more!”

“Yeah! Now say it with your chest!”

She puffed her chest out and spread her wings. “I WANT TO GET OUR MORE!”

“YEAH!” Skystrike threw a hoof up. “What else!?”

“I… I WANT TO BE MORE CONFIDENT!” Fluttershy kept going on her own. “I WANT TO GET OVER MY FEARS!” She stood up, hearing the echoes of her voice call back to her. “I think… I do feel a little better… Thank you, Skystrike.”

“No problem.” Skystrike looked up at the smoke still coming out of the mountain. He should probably deal with that soon.

“I… Think I’m ready… to try and help with the dragon, at least.” Fluttershy stood up.

The two heard several loud grumbles and thumps, presumably from the dragon. Seems like their friends were trying to get the dragon to leave on their own to mixed results. “Yeah, I think we should get up there.”

As the two began walking up, they heard a rather loud, ground shaking roar as they neared the peak. They looked between each other before quickening their pace to a run. Another roar was heard as a cloud of smoke came down the path, and the sound of something hitting the rock at the corner before it shattered. Skystrike and Fluttershy looked past the broken rock to see the dragon that got them out here in the first place.

It was large, larger than the cave it came out of. The crimson scaled beast bared its fangs at their friends, who were huddled against the rock. Something snapped inside Fluttershy as she saw her friends cowering before the dragon, who clenched its fist and began walking towards them. “How dare you…” She first said quietly as she stared at the unflinching dragon. “How DARE YOU!” She shouted before flying onto the snout of the behemoth. “Listen here, mister! Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you get to be a bully!” She stared right into his eyes. “You may have huge teeth and sharp claws and snore smoke and breathe fire, but you do not, I repeat, do NOT. Hurt. My. Friends! Got that?”

The dragon was taken aback by her sudden outburst, hunching down a bit. His voice was deep, but still soft. “But… that rainbow one kicked me.”

Skystrike made a face, trying not to laugh… and also noticed Rainbow Dash nodding proudly. “God damn it.” He said under his breath

Fluttershy began flying above the dragon. “And I am very sorry about that. But you’re bigger than she is, and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can be a health hazard to other creatures.”

The dragon nodded at first. “But I-”

Only to be cut off by Fluttershy. “Don’t you ‘but I’ me, mister.” She sounded like his mother as she put her hooves on her waist. “Now what do you have to say for yourself?”

The dragon hesitated to answer, on the verge of tears. “I was waiting for Dovah Fadhon to come. He sent me a letter and said to send a signal… I thought the smoke would be a good signal.”

Skystrike stepped forward. “Oh, that’s my fault. The goal was for pony contact to be minimal… but I guess I should’ve specified what type of signal you should’ve sent.

The dragon crouched down to be as close to eye level as he could. “Oh, Dovah Fadhon! If I knew these ponies were with you, I would have acted differently.” Then he turned to the others. “Please, forgive my rudeness.”

“Oh, it’s alright.” Twilight pulled herself up. “...Wait.” She turned to Skystrike. “You knew the dragon was coming?”

“And what did he call you?” Applejack got up as well.

“Yes, I knew the dragon was coming. I was going to come here by myself, but someone decided to get the eye of the princess.” He sighed at the dragon. “As for what he called me, it’s more a formality. I was given the title ‘Dovah Fadhon’ which roughly translates to ‘Dragon Friend’.

“So this is the dragon you traveled with?” Pinkie jumped over.

The dragon shook his head. “My name is Kyne Lok. It would be an insult to compare myself to Lady Tethys.” He said humbly.

Rarity blinked. “So… wait, why did you call this dragon here?”

“Oh, I need to get materials to build a new set of armor and weapons.” Then he patted Kyne’s claw. “Kyne owes me one. This guy is taking me to the places where I can get the materials I need. He also breathes dragon fire, which affects the things I make. With that said, I’ll be gone for a little while. A week, two max.”

“Then… why didn’t you say so back at Ponyville!?” Twilight stomped.

“Well, I was thinking about it, but then you ignored Fluttershy and I figured it’d fall on deaf ears. Also, Celestia would be on my ass if she knew before I was able to explain myself.” Then he turned to Kyne. “Can you go and get all the gold and stuff?”

“Can you cook those meals like before? It’s been years since I’ve had a good meal.” Skystrike looked up at Kyne. “I’ll… give you some of my hoard?”

Skystrike chuckled. “Sure. We’ll leave soon. I still have some things to talk about with these six.” Kyne turned around and dragged his belly along the ground as he went back into his cave. “So, sorry about him. I told him to just ward off anypony that came too close. Anyone hurt?”

“No, I think we’re all good.” Applejack looked herself over. “But next time, warn us? I’d have gotten you some apples if I knew you’d be leaving.”

Skystrike chuckled. “The effort is appreciated. But I won't be gone long.” Then he turned to Rainbow Dash. He noticed her avoiding his gaze. “Rainbow…” She slowly looked at him. “I think you have something to get off your chest?”

“Uh, yeah…” The pegasus scratched the back of her head before calling out to the cave. “Sorry, Kyne Lok for kicking you…” The dragon responded by putting his arm in view and giving a thumbs up.

Skystrike blinked. “Well… I see he appreciates it, but that wasn’t what I meant.” He motioned his head to Fluttershy.

She winced again. “Oh… Yeah…” She turned to Fluttershy standing at her side. “I’m… sorry for what I did, and said earlier. It… wasn’t what a friend should do.”

Fluttershy hugged her childhood friend. “It’s alright, Rainbow Dash. I forgive you.”

Rainbow hugged her back for a moment before letting her go. Then she looked at Skystrike. “So… are we cool?”

Skystrike sighed. “That depends on if you think you can be a better pony tomorrow than you were today. If you think you can, and try not to have something like this happen again, then yes, we’re cool.”

Kyne dragged his way out of the cave. “I am ready, Dovah Fadhon.” Then he poked his claws together. “Can we get some food on the way? I haven’t eaten in a while.”

Skystrike nodded before looking back to his friends. “You all gonna be good getting back on your own?”

“We’ll manage.” Twilight said. “I guess we’ll see you when you get back?”

Skystrike jumped on Kyne’s back. “Yeah. I suck with goodbyes, so just make sure to take care of yourselves.”

And with that, he tapped Kyne’s back. The dragon spread his wings and began flapping, taking off into the sky. He looked back to his waving friends before Kyne sped up. They soon became dots in the distance. “So, Dovah Fadhon.” Kyne got his attention. “Where to first?”

“Keep going west. Steel Spiders are native to south-west Equestria. Hopefully, I can convince one to give me some of its thread.” Skystrike said. “For you, I hear that the bears there taste pretty good.” Kyne began to turn his wings. But then Skystrike had a thought… well, more a memory. He’s been trying to be better himself, rekindling past friendships. Might as well try one more while he was in the area. “On second thought, turn to the east. There’s some beings that I have to see.”

Kyne landed a ways away from their destination. The land was barren, crumbling to dust under the weight of the dragon, and no greenery to keep any would be dirt in place. Dead trees littered the landscape, few holding onto the illusion of life as their leaves have since dried up. The hills were more akin to spikes, all pointing to his destination in the center of the valley.

A large, rocky, hive like structure stood in the center. Several jagged spires pointed towards the sky, while the base of the structure housed many countless holes. It was the Changeling hive. It was welcoming at one time in his life. It’s been years since he came by… since he got banished. He didn’t have any hopes for this place anymore, but on the off chance something would go well, it was worth a try.

“Thanks for the ride, Kyne. I’ll make sure you get a good meal. Wait here for a bit.” Skysrtike said as he hopped off the dragon. Kyne nodded before curling up on his side. He began walkin to the hive, each step feeling heavier as he went. He thought about going as a human, but he was more known for his pony form. He felt eyes upon him as he got closer and closer.

Now only a few dozen yards from the entrance, several Changelings began moving to the side as he walked. Each with mixed feelings. Most were not in favor of his banishment, but most couldn’t go against Chrysalis. They knew he wasn’t welcome, but they also knew they couldn’t stop him if they tried. He walked through the entrance and down the blackened halls. The place hasn’t changed much, but there are new pathways now. He looked around, making eye contact with a Changeling that was walking by. This one seemed familiar. “...That you, Grubbonax?”

The Changeling nodded. “Yes… I am surprised that you remember me.”

“Well, you were a friend of Elytra’s.” Skystrike took off his helmet. “How’s the years been treating you?”

“Well… could be better.” He admitted as he nervously flapped his wings. “I’m sorry, while I’d like to talk more, I’d get in trouble with even this level of interaction. We aren't even allowed to speak your name.”

Skystrike sighed. “I’m sorry, old friend. Just point me to the throne, and I won’t take any more of your time.” Grubbonax pointed down one of the halls. “Thank you.” Skystrike said before they went their own directions.

He followed the path he was pointed down. His body remembered from here, as the older paths were on the inner layers of the hive. The black walls turned gray as he walked deeper and deeper. Soon, the only way to go was up. Skystrike turned his head to the ceiling. Winding staircases were seen coming from every which direction. He started flapping his wings.

His destination was the throne room. She would be there. He could feel a certain gaze on him from the moment he was in Changeling territory. But he was stopped short by a dozen Changeling guards, noted by their bug-like helmets shaped into mandibles. One spoke. “Turn back, Traitor. The pantheon blessed you by allowing you to come this far in.”

“No, I don’t think I will.” Skystike stopped his ascent and crossed his hooves. “I’m here to see Chrysalis, though it has been a while since we’ve seen each other, Labrum.”

The Changeling crossed her hooves and scoffed at him. “Do not speak as if we are allies, especially after what happened to the past queen.”

“Yeah, I guess Chrysalis wouldn’t tell you what happened, huh?” Skystrike sighed. “Not that it matters. Everyone who ends up knowing gets banished too.” He flew a bit closer. “I do not wish for violence, just to speak to Chrysalis for what will likely be the last time.”

“And what if we wish for violence?”

“Is that a rhetorical question, or are you just slow?” Skystrike chuckled. “I figure you all will get in trouble if you let me pass, so I don’t blame you for trying to stop me. But is this really worth it?” They flew in front of him, unwavering. Skystrike sighed and tried to fly past them. Labrum put a hoof on his shoulder and hissed at him. “...Very well, we’ll do it your way.” He quickly turned around and grabbed the Changeling. His metal hoof had five digits pop out of it, them wrapping around her neck. Skystrike saw she was trying to charge some magic, and in response, pushed her back into the wall of the spire, winding her. He looked at the hesitant Changelings around him before loosening his grip. Several went to catch their fallen comrade, while the others glared daggers at him.

But none dared to stop his ascent once more.

Soon, he flew in upon the throne. A wide base and back full of holes stood in the center of the room. Skystrike was more interested in the Changeling on it. She was much, much taller compared to the others around her, and actually had hair, compared to the fins the common drone had. Her harlequin eyes met his purple. “You…” She seethed. “Why are you here?”

Skystrike flew high enough to be eye height as he took off his helmet. “Oh what, I can’t check on family? I was in the area.”

“We are not ‘family’, betrayer.” Chrysalis stood up. “You have a lot of nerve, especially after I banished you.”

“I could say the same to you, but I’m not here for an argument.” Skystrike sighed and crossed his hooves. “I admit that our last meeting should have ended better, but my statement still stands.”

The queen grit her teeth. “Why are you here?” She repeated.

Skystrike blinked. “Very well, straight to the point. I am trying to better myself. To do that, I need to confront my past, and that means you and the hive. I want to at least extend a hoof.”

Chrysalis laughed in his face. “After you got my mother killed? You can rot for all I care!” She stood up from her throne. “I hope the guilt eats away at your skin for the rest of your miserable life.”

Her words hurt, he had to admit. But… “It’s about what I expected.” Skystrike said. “Very well. Hopefully, this is the last time we’ll see each other. Unless you know, your dumbass plan forces me to step in.” Skystrike began to fly backwards and put on his helmet.. “But despite everything that’s happened between us, I still love you, Chrysalis, and I wish you and the hive the best.”

No more words needed to be said between the two as Skystrike began making his way out of the hive. Hope for the best, plan for the worst is how the saying goes. But he couldn’t confidently say that he was prepared for this outcome. Honestly, he just wished things could’ve been better. Somehow, things could have turned out differently.

Skystrike walked up to Kyne. Kyne noticed that his body language was different. He was sluggish, and his head wasn’t held as high. “Dovah Fadhon, is everything alright?”

Skystrike nodded. “I’ll have to be. Head west. There’s nothing here for me anymore.”

Old Friend

The gathering trip was uneventful. Well, that’s not entirely true. After his visit to the hive, the fun was sucked out of the trip. Skystrike sighed as he sat across from Kyne. The latter lit a large fire for them to sit around as Skystrike cooked a hunt that Kyne got earlier. It was nothing major, just a Maulwurf that he caught. It was a weird mix of a mole and a bear, being twice Skystrike’s size.

He slowly turned the roast as he thought of what he got from his trip. Over the past few days, mining, hunting, and some negotiation took place. Several ores, he found by going spelunking. Copper, gold, and cobalt was the majority of what he mined, though he did find some more rare materials in the caves. It didn’t matter too much, as he had his own special mixture of metals that made his arsenal.

From hunting, it was more luck based on whether he found the animals he needed. Though he wished he found more of the Quarray Eels, since they eat the minerals he needed, and have fairly strong scales. Kyne enjoyed the food too. Admittedly, Skystrike did too. It’s been a while since he’s had any meat.

The negotiations were an interesting part of the trip. Somehow, Skystrike stumbled upon a massive spider, with silver chitin and sharp threads. He found it by almost walking into its nest. It ran up on him in one fluid motion, scaring Skystrike shitless until it stopped right in front of him. He remembered the eyes staring at him. He realized, however, that it was more interested in some of the eel meat that he had on him. Once he calmed down, Skystrike noticed that it was a steel spider, known for its razor sharp, light, and sturdy threads. He worked out a deal, motioning to the threads and offering the meat. It took a moment for the spider to understand, but several pounds of thread was quickly spun out of the massive arachnid in exchange.

But having all the materials there would come in handy for making new weapons and armor. And with a dragon with him, Skystrike realized that there was no better time to get to work. Each day, he worked on armor for himself, Stardust and Spike. Sleepless nights were no consequence to Skystrike from the fruit of his labor. It wasn’t hard to make a temporary forge, it was a bit of a challenge to make one that could withstand a dragon’s fire. It got his mind off the hive. He just finished the last pieces earlier.

Now, Skystrike cut a chunk of meat off for himself with a yawn, leaving the rest of the Maulwurf to the dragon. Kyne tore off a piece with a smile. “As great as I remember it, Dovah Fadhon!”

Skystrike chuckled. “I aim to please.” The two ate in silence for a while. But Skystrike had a question he was putting off, and one he has been meaning to ask. “So, Kyne… any word of Tethys?”

Kyne tore off more flesh and licked his lips. “Ah, Lady Tethys…” He blew a bit of smoke out of his nose. “When we last met, she spoke of a journey she was on, for strength. I imagine she’s trying to become the next dragon lord. We did not speak for long, but I heard of her tales. She challenges many of the dragons she sees to combat…”

That was news to Skystrike. That dragon was always satisfied in her strength. Then again, what happened… happened. “Well, is she getting stronger?”

Kyne nodded. “Very much so. Do not let her size fool you, she’s a lot stronger than she looks.”

Skystrike stared into the fire. “Kyne… I need another favor.”

“Of course, Dovah Fadhon.”

“...If you see Tethys again, tell her that I’m ok… and that I’m sorry.”

The ride back home was peaceful. Well, as peaceful as riding a dragon the size of a building could be. It was early in the morning when Kyne Lohk landed in front of the cave where they initially met. Skystrike grabbed his rather heavy bags and secured it on his sides. “Thank you for the help, Kyne. I appreciate it.”

“My pleasure, Dovah Fadhon.” Kyne stretched a bit before lying down. “I will rest here for a little while. Do not worry, I will not snore smoke this time.”

Skystrike looked back to the dragon one more time. “Take care of yourself.” Kyne answered with a nod and a yawn as Skystrike jumped off the mountain and spread his wings. He saw Ponyville in the far distance as he began to glide towards home. From the looks of it, it’d be about a three hour flight. He’s had worse before… then again, he normally did not have an extra fifty pounds on top of his armor. Skystrike sighed and prepared for the long flight.

By the time he arrived, the sun just rose above the horizon. By now, everypony would be out and about, getting their day started. But it wasn’t like that. Skystrike noticed that there were indeed ponies running around, to be exact, away from a certain direction. Shit, did something else happen while he was gone? Though tired, he quickened his pace.

Once within town, he saw three mares fainted on the ground. The flower sisters, known for their booth growing and selling bouquets of flowers.He stopped at the three laying on the ground. “You three ok!? What happened!?”

Roseluck, with a pale yellow coat and moderate and light raspberry mane, pushed herself up. “Oh, it was terrible!”

Daisy, who had a lime mane and pale magenta coat, curled into a fetal position. “Horrible!”

Lily Valley had a light amber mane and grayish raspberry coat. She pulled at her face. “Absolutely terrifying!”

Skystrike blinked. “...That tells me nothing…”

Roseluck looked at him and pointed to the distance. “A huge snake monster! Came out of nowhere! Just… bursted out of the ground!” Skystrike’s eyes went wide. “Twilight and her friends are dealing with it! It went towards the Everfree forest!”

“Shit, how many are hurt?” Skystrike asked, ready to help.

Daisy hit a thinking pose. “Well… nothing so far actually. It just came and looked around for a little, then left.”

“I also saw it had some sort of… bag? In its mouth.” Lily added.

Skystrike thought. From the sounds of it, it didn't seem like it was hostile. If it was looking for something, it could be reasoned with. “How long ago did it head to the Everfree?”

“About ten, fifteen minutes ago!”

Skystrike turned on his hooves and began running. “Thanks!” It was way too fucking early for this.”

Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Spike were trying to keep the monster at bay. Well, most were staring at it, but still. The creature was long, somewhere between 20 and 30 feet just from looks alone. The morning sun reflected off of its sleek, black scales, and had golden scales freckled about its back. The underbelly was a smooth tan. The ponies and dragon in front of it, however, were more focused on the snake-like head. Though it didn’t have venomous fangs, it had rows of razor sharp teeth. The orange eyes of the beast stared curiously at them. The golden frills around its neck stayed down, not seeing them as a threat.

Rainbow Dash was currently flying around it to keep it distracted while the others were figuring out what to do. “Anything, Twilight!?”

The unicorn was levitating a book on creatures in front of her as she tried to find anything she could on the creature in front of her. After flipping through countless pages, she finally had something. “Alright, girls, I think I know what it is! In this book of ancient and mythical beings, it seems that it is a basilisk… Specifically an Earth Basilisk.”

What’s the difference?” Applejack asked.

“Well, normal ones are a bit smaller, but the size and speed are still its best attributes. This one is… a sort of genetic anomaly, and seen as royalty among its kind. When coming of age, they can control the earth around them.” They each gasped in shock as Twilight read the rest of the page. “But… why is it so far from its home in the Badlands?”

“Does that matter right now!?” Rainbow was still circling the Earth Basilisk, who decided to curl up in a coil with the pouch nestled inside it. “We just need to get rid of this thing!”

Rarity turned to Fluttershy. “Rainbow Dash is right, Darling. Fluttershy, can you try talking to it?”

Fluttershy was shaking slightly, but was trying to find her strength. “I-... I can try-”

“This isn’t a dragon! All we need to do is give it a boot!” Rainbow said before bucking it on the snout. All their hearts skipped a beat as she did.

The Basilisk rubbed its nose with the tip of its tail, mostly to soothe the stinging pain, and slightly in annoyance. It stretched its body upward in an attempt at intimidation. Its head now above the cyan pegasus, Rainbow Dash lowered herself to the ground in fear and gave a nervous chuckle. In response, the Basilisk opened its golden frills as it screeched at them… and then clamped its mouth shut around the mare.

“Rainbow!” They all went. The Basilisk growled at them as they attempted to approach.

Stardust, who pushed open the door from Skystrike’s home with a yawn, was annoyed. “Why the buck is there so much noi-” She locked eyes with the Basilisk. “WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT!?”

Fluttershy flew up in the face of the Basilisk, her newfound confidence surging. “Give her back, you big meanie!” The Basilisk shook its head no.

They heard the sound of heavy hoofsteps coming their way. Each of them turned their heads to see Skystrike coming their way. They all had a wave of relief wash over them at his mere presence. Skystrike threw down his bag at his home before putting a hoof on the grips of one of his swords. “The hell is happening here!?”

Spike ran behind the stallion. “That Basilisk thing just walked into town! It ate Rainbow Dash! You gotta save her!”

Skystrike was about to draw his sword as he looked at the serpent in front of him. However, he hesitated as they locked eyes. It slowly slithered up to him. Spike ran away to Twilight at this, but Skystrike stood his ground. This Basilisk seemed… familiar. “No way… Naga?” Skystrike took off his helmet, letting the Basilisk see his face. It lunged at him as soon as it saw him.

“Skystrike!” They all called his name, only for their worry to be soothed away by the confusion of the creature coiling around him and nuzzling him with her snoot.

“No fucking way, it is you!” Skystrike rubbed her scales with a laugh. “You’ve grown so much!”

Pinkie blinked. “Wait… you know this thing?”

“Can we worry about all of that after we make sure Rainbow is safe!?” Twilight exclaimed.

Skystrike put together what Twilight just said, and what Spike said earlier. He looked up at her. “Naga… did you eat the rainbow one?” Naga shook her head. “...Is she in your mouth?” Naga slowly nodded. “Naga…” Skystrike began to scold her. “We don’t hold ponies in our mouth.” She let out a sad, guilty rumble in response. “...Wait, did she kick you?” Naga nodded. Skystrike sighed. “...Spit her out.”

Naga uncoiled herself and coughed up the pegasus mare with a ball of saliva. Rainbow dash was drenched and visibly disgusted. She shook off the spit on her and began to fly away from the Basilisk, only to realize Skystrike had a hold on her tail. “Wha- when did you-”

“Rainbow…” Skystrike pulled her down to eye level. “Did you kick Naga in the face?”

“Did I-? Naga-” She stammered. “Wait, you know this thing!?”

“Yes, she is one of the pets I had.” He quickly answered. “I will ask again, did you kick Naga in the face?”

“Well… I didn’t know she was your pet.” Rainbow Dash landed on the ground.

Skystrike's face palmed before putting back on his helmet. “Rainbow, what is with you and kicking creatures that can snap you in half like a graham cracker?”

“I don’t know, I thought it was a good idea!”

“How did you think that was a good idea???” Skystrike asked. “Did she do anything that could be considered hostile!? Did Fluttershy even talk to her?”

“Well… no.” She had to admit.

Skystrike groaned. “It’s too fucking early for this…” Skystrike picked up Rainbow Dash and put her in front of Naga. “...I want you two to make up, and for this to not happen again. Ok?” It came off as more of a demand from his tone of voice.”

Rainbow looked at him, then up at Naga, who’s mouth she was just in. “I’m… sorry for kicking you?”

Naga let out a huff and tapped her tail against the ground. Fluttershy spoke up. “Um… She says she’s sorry for holding you in her mouth…”

Naga then put out the tip of her tail. Rainbow took it in her hoof and shook it. “Great.” Skystrike clapped his hooves together. “Now for introductions. Naga, you already met Rainbow Dash, but she's a good pony, she’ll grow on you.” He began to point. “That’s Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Spike, and Stardust.” Naga lowered her head to sniff at each of them.

Pinkie was the only one to not shy away from her, even petting her nose a bit. “Aw, she’s such a sweetie pie!” Naga responded by licking her.

Stardust blinked. “I’m sorry, I feel like I’m still dreaming. Sir, do you have… a pet Basilisk?”

“Yes.” Skystrike patted Naga on her side.

Fluttershy looked at him. “Um… any other pets that might waltz in?”

“Uh, well I doubt it.” Skystrike shrugged. “But this works out perfectly. Naga, mind if I hop on?” Naga lowered her head to let Skystrike jump on. “Damn, you really grew.” He chuckled to himself. “Can you clear out an area in the field next to my house? It'd be nice to have a sparring circle.” Naga looked at the area he pointed to. With a slap of her tail, a large circle of grass was covered and flattened by a layer of dirt. “Wow, you’re efficient. Good girl.” He rubbed her forehead. “And by the way, what’s in the pouch?”

Naga reached for the pouch and untied the knot holding it closed. The first thing he saw was a large, thick yellow blanket. He remembered that it was one of the first things that Skystrike got for her years back. Of course, it was too small for her now, but she held it for the memory. What caught his eyes next were pieces of silver colored metal and leather. He remembered it was some armor that he made for her, partially as a joke. It was roughly the size of his arm, as that was the size Naga was last he saw her. Another memory she held onto. Now he felt a bit bad for leaving… but he was happy that his companion was here.

“I’m surprised you kept all of this for so long. Brings back memories.” Skystrike hummed. “I might make you armor… once I have the materials, of course. Speaking of…” Skystrike turned to Stardust, who was locked in place. “...You good, Stardust?”

“...Y-yes sir!”

Skystrike looked at her. “...You’re afraid of Naga, aren’t you?”

Stardust looked away, slightly embarrassed. “...Yes, sir…”

“Eh, I get it.” Skystrike admitted. “You’ll get used to her.” He then jumped off Naga’s head and walked over to the bag he threw earlier. They all watched him as he pulled out various items, mostly armor. “Stardust, Spike. Come on over.” He divided the items into two piles.

The first pile was for Stardust. Laid before her was a spartan-like helmet and armor, nearly the same as the set of guard armor she normally wore. The difference was that instead of gold, it was made of the same material as Skystrike’s armor, and charcoal in color. She instantly realized how much lighter her armor was, and how sturdy it was. There was also a rapier in its sheath. She picked it up and unsheathed it to look at the blade, again charcoal in color. The edge on it was no joke, and she quickly sheathed it.

In the second pile was Spike’s armor. It was a bit hard to get his build right, but Skystrike was satisfied. He had a silver colored chestplate and back plate, clawed boots, and gauntlets. He had knee and elbow guards of the same material and polish, giving him a shining hero look. Spike picked up what he assumed to be his helmet. It was specifically a close helm, giving coverage to Spike’s eyes, yet having no guard for a jaw, in case Spike wanted to breath fire. It also had a vertical slit in the back for his spikes to come out of.

Last but not least was a staff slightly taller than Spike himself. On the ends of the staff were two silver spikes, perfect for impalings if needed, and made in such a way where there would be no accidental stabbings. As soon as Spike went to pick it up, Skystrike put a hoof on his claw. “Spike, I will make this as easy to understand and as near impossible to misunderstand as I can.” Skystrike put his other hoof on the baby dragon’s shoulder. “This is not a toy.” He picked up and pressed a button in the center of the grip. He pointed the weapon away from them as a curved blade shot out the top of the staff, making it a scythe. The silver blade reflected the sun into their eyes. “This is a weapon… When you pick this up, and begin to practice with it, you accept the responsibilities, and thus the consequences of having and using this weapon. I’ll make sure to teach you how to properly. With all that said, do you still want to pick this up?” Skystrike put the blade within reach of Spike.

He looked at it, then up at Skystrike, then back to the scythe. Spike would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t hesitating. After a moment, Spike grabbed the scythe with both of his claws. “I promise to use it responsibly!”

“Great answer.” Skystrike patted the kid on the back. “Now, I’m hella tired, so once I find a place to house Naga, I’m going to take a long nap. Anyone need anything else before I go?”

“Uh…” Fluttershy began. “Well, I want to know how you got an Earth Basilisk… and how you can speak to Naga?”

“I bought an egg from a vendor in the Badlands… And I got lucky.” Skystrike shrugged. “As for the how, no idea. Guess it’s the bond.”

Rarity put up a hoof. “Just telling you that your order is done. Come by after your nap.”

Skystrike hummed in thought. “Alright, though I may be a while.”

“Jeez, how long do you nap?” Pinkie jumped on his back.

“I haven’t slept in like four days. So a while.” Skystrike yawned. He then flew onto Naga’s head. “If that’s it, I’ll see you all later.”

Another day came. It took roughly an hour to find an uninhabited cave for Naga to stay in, then a couple of hours of Naga wanting to cuddle. It has been a while. Now, Skystrike rolled out of bed and did his morning routine. Once finished, he cooked breakfast and sat down with Stardust. “So, what all did I miss while I was gone?”

Stardust bit into her toast. “Nothing much, sir…” She said, then had a thought. “Actually, there was a really big storm last week. Something about the pegasi being behind schedule. Anyway, I was clearing out the more dangerous branches from trees with Applejack and Rarity until we got caught in the rain. Twilight ended up letting us stay to wait out the storm, and it ended up being a sleepover. Thing is… Rarity and Applejack were having some sort of argument that lasted literally all night long. Only thing that made them stop was when a tree fell through Twilight’s window. And then they made up, I guess.”

“...So it was a bad sleepover?” Skystrike asked.

“Oh, no, it was actually pretty fun.” Stardust clarified. “We did facials and stuff. Hopefully we can do it again. What’s your plans for the day?”

“Check on Naga, make sure there’s no real harm to the Everfree’s ecosystem, then get our capes, and then teach Spike how to properly care for the armor and scythe I gave him. In that order… assuming I’m not sidetracked…” Skystrike bit into his toast with an egg on it. “Also, When are you going to drop the sir?”

“Well, you are my superior… a prince at that. It’d be disrespectful to the crown if I stopped, wouldn’t it?”

Skystrike sighed. “I’m a prince, sure, but that pony died in that fire. As far as Equestria knows, Skystrike is gone. Only Atlas Nebula remains… That means that that title goes with it…” Then he grit his teeth. “And I don’t want that title as long as he’s one too.”

“He?” Stardust asked. “You mean Blueblood? What does he have to do with it?”

Skystrike clenched a hoof. “...He is not the pony you think he is… And I’m not the pony you all think I am either…”

“I mean…” Stardust coughed. “I haven't been here or known you for that long, but… The way you talk with your friends seems real to me, sir- er, Skystrike.”

As much as it pained him, Skystrike couldn’t deny that. It was weird, he came to this town, keeping his heart closed to not get too attached, and here he was, somewhat enjoying the life he made for himself here. It felt nice… and like he was betraying himself. “You’re right… Guess I needed somepony to say it.” He finished his food before standing up. “Thanks, Stardust. I’m going to get to it.”

Stardust nodded. “Alright. I’ll be around town.”

Skystrike walked to the door and stepped outside his house. He’d take Stardust’s words into account, but first thing’s first. He began walking down the path to the Everfree forest, entering the forest. Skystrike made sure to mark the way he took back from Naga’s cave with carvings in the trees, just to not get confused with the Manticore’s scratch marks.

But something caught his eye. A set of hoof steps in the dirt below him. They weren’t his, way too small. From the looks, it seemed a pony came through hours ago… Given the time of day, it’d have to be the dead of night. Who’d do that? Skystrike began to worry slightly at the thought of somepony being lost in there. Skystrike quickened his pace and followed the hoof prints, hoping for the best.

The forest grew darker as he ventured deeper. Thankfully, whoever was here decided to stay on the path. He stopped when he saw a makeshift camp in front of him. There was a tent set up in front of traces of a campfire. The tent was open, and seemed like it was left in a hurry, however the campfire had been put out hours ago… Meaning that whoever fled, fled recently. Upon closer inspection, there were another set of tracks.

Multiple actually. All coming from different directions, and meeting at the tent. The upturned mud showed that the pony ran, and the clawed marks followed. “Timberwolves.” Skystrike said to himself before following the tracks. With some luck, whoever was in this forest was still alive, and not six feet under. Skystrike heard the sound of creaking wood and grunting.

Soon enough, he came upon the ongoing skirmish. A hooded figure stood with their back against a tree, cornered by four Timberwolves in front of her. The hooded one had nothing but a segmented blade in her mouth. From the looks of it, it was a blade whip, more meant for single targets and restraining. This wasn’t a battle that pony could win alone.

But he was more curious about the pony, or what he assumes to be a pony under that brown cloak. They were taller than the average pony, and had a light gray coat with darker gray stripes. He doubted that was a pattern that ponies had. It was a Zebra. He knew one, she even had the same golden bracelets… ‘No way…’ Skystrike thought to himself as he got a closer look. The Zebra threw off her hood to get a better view of her surroundings. His heart nearly dropped at the sight.

Those markings, her strong cyan eyes filled with that look of fear that was etched into his soul the last he saw her. It was Zecora. His friend from when the group, ‘All’ was still together.

Before he could even realize, Skystrike jumped into action, flying and diving onto a Timberwolf in front of her, shattering the enchanted wood into splinters. He looked back at the surprised Zecora, making sure she was okay before turning his focus back to the wolves. They began to back up as he spread his wings. Silence filled the air, and it was quickly replaced with tension. “...Been a while.” Skystrike said to her. “Seems I came at a good time…”

Zecora looked up at him. “Is that you, Skystrike, standing near? What brings you to this place over here?”

“I was in the area… I could ask the same thing to you.” Skystrike said as he watched the Timberwolf he landed on begin to piece itself back together. “But we both have questions that we can answer later…” Skystrike stood on his hind hooves and drew his swords. His worry grew when he saw several pairs of neon green eyes staring at him from all directions. They were surrounded.

Zecora cracked a smile. “We can handle two tasks at once, it’s fine. We have a past, we’ll both align.”

“Can’t say I’m one for games right now…” Skystrike tightened his grip.

“Come on, Skystrike, it’s been a while. Won't you give in and share a smile? Humor me, let us reminisce, for moments like this, we shouldn’t miss.” Zecora pulled at her cloak to loosen it.

Skystrike could hear the faint sounds of music coming from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. The sounds were aggressive, and sounded like he was in an EDM rave. A starch contrast to the forest they were in now… Damn ponies and their music magic bullshit coming out of nowhere. Skystrike looked at Zecora, who looked up at him expectantly. Skystrike sighed. Might as well.

“Passin’ me the mic? Don't get pissed off when I save you twice~.”

”Ain't the time for fright, we gotta spit with no time to write~!

”This place don’t play nice, you best have a plan B. You’re looking~ death in~ its~ eyes!”
Zecora began to sing over him. “No need for plan B, you’ve always kept me from my demise~!”

Skystrike watched as wolves lunged for him. ”No looking back on the past, when any breath could be your last.” He punched back each one to the beat, finishing with cutting one in half. “Always an all out brawl! But we still stand here tall!”

”What happened to the old you? Cheerful mercenary I once knew~!? War changes us, that still rings true!” She ducked under a swipe at her head, giving Skystrike time to fly over her and kick the wolf back. While he did so, Zecora stabbed another Timberwolf on Skystrike’s tail, making it fall apart. “All memories will soon fade, casualties will pass~! Dig down deep! Try to remember!”

They began to sing over each other.
”We’re all outclassed by somebody out there! Fragile as glass, seeing guts and gore isn’t a-”
”That~ rad~ bad~ass~! Now~ bears~ marks of battle!”

”Shock anymore when my skin’s as tough as a rock~! Gotta tear off the bandage of-”
”Always has snark, witty remarks, tell me what’s the point~? Of-”

”Mo~ving~ on~ with the~ life~ I~ already lost!?”
”Mo~ving~ on~ without the mentality of~ being the boss?”

Skystrike grit his teeth as he dodged and swung his blades to the music cutting another Timberwolf in half. “That naive kid that you’re looking for is long since gone.”

Zecora unleashed the chain holding the blade together, pulling back and cracking the tip at their attackers to make them back up. “This new colt it lame! Preferred when we were making names!”

They momentarily sang together. “In this forest, you gotta be ready for the impossibly bizarre! Hone in-”

“There you are!” Skystrike threw his sword at a wolf beginning to howl for help. It pierced the bark chest of the beast before it fell apart. Skystrike used his other sword to block a chomp on Zecora’s back, while the zebra in question wrapped her whip blade around his thrown sword to pull it back to him. He caught is and looked back at the wolves. Their numbers were almost halved, but they still weren’t don't yet…

And neither was Zecora as she began to rap again. “This vivacious Zebra’s here to brew some potions, have some fun! This ain’t my first tussle, so you best your tails in and run!”

Sksytrike chuckled. “Ha! Looks like somebody’s been missing all of the action! Guess I’ll save you some, so you can share the fun they’re having!”

Zecora cracked her whip as the Timberwolves, the few who got hit having their limbs splinter off. “Born and molded by the danger! Snapping these twigs, I’m no stranger!”

“We’re the same in that way, but don't doubt… my intentions! Didn’t want you all in danger, had to leave, can't blame me for trying!”

”Wouldn’t dare, the pain has lessened. Though inside, we all were dying!” Their backs were to each other as the few wolves around began to form up. “Sad to say, I’ve never known the pain you’ve held onto those years ago. We don't blame you, you’re a good fellow. Even though your thinking’s narrow. No matter the time, I’ll still be friendly! Starting more memories with this medley! Knew the risk when we made enemies! Pain’s complementary!

Skystrike couldn’t help but laugh, currently ignoring the half dozen Timberwolves climbing on top of each other. The moss and branches twisted together, making the upper half of a larger wolf, easily towering over the two. Neon eyes of anger stared into their souls. “Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! ‘SaD tO SaY, I’vE nEvEr KnOwn tHe pAin yOU’ve heLd on-’ Stop that! Just another phase for me to scoff at! Remorse at! My mistakes, doomed to repeat ‘em! Made a choice, no point in chattin’! My weakness that I’m combattin’!” Skystrike pulled back a blade and cut off the wooden paw coming down on them in one heavy swing. “Gotta see it through!”

“The most revered legends will die! Our eyes on the sky~! Can’t save everyone if you’re gone!”

”Happened before, alone, I can get through this… Think you can stop? Come on… DO IT!” He dared before pulling back both blades and flying at the torso of the upper half of the giant Timberwolf. The beast lurched back as two blades dug into its chest, and the force of Skystrike behind it.

“I would do it again and wouldn’t think twice~! Just let me know for sure, say that my~ sa~cri~fice~ got~ you~ all~ out alive!”
”Damn it, Skystrike! Get over yourself! In this cruel world there’s no point in a~ sa~cri~fice~ when the pain of your loss stays~ hard as ice!”

Zecora held down the other intact arm with her weapon. “Can’t cast blame on you, knew that you had your reasons true!”

Skystrike kept flying until the wolf was on its back. “Wouldn't blame you, had to leave, no idea what to do!”

“Lose a few, we can't what change what happened to us! But we can change lives!, and I’ll begin with mine~!” They finished together as the back of the monster landed on the ground, making the entire thing shatter into hundreds of broken branches.

Skystrike looked around, making sure there were no Timberwolves left before sheathing his swords and climbing down from the pile of branches. He dusted himself off before looking at Zecora. “...Are you ok?”

Zecora sheathed her weapon. “Yes, now that you’re here, it’s true. It’s… good to reunite with you.”

Skystrike exhaled and sheathed his. “Same to you… though I do wonder what you’re doing here?”

She began to dust herself off. “I heard the news from the capital’s tale, and the papers said you lived on this trail. I arrived last night, my hope held true, in the chance that here, I would find you.”

“Well… I guess that makes sense.” There was an awkward silence after his words. “...Come on, we can talk while we make our way back to your camp.” And so the two began walking.

Zecora cleared her throat. “Did you truly mean the words you shared? That for our sake, your life you’d spare?”

Skystrike huffed. “...Would you believe me if I said that it wasn’t the first time?” Zecora’s eyes widened as he continued. “Some ponies came after me, and I faked my death to save my family. It worked back then, and it worked again for our mercenary group. The outcome I wanted was achieved… Speaking of, I’m surprised the others aren’t with you.”

“...You were the rock that held us tight. With you gone, we lost our light. All that remained was guilt to own, so most returned to lives back home.” Zecora sighed. “Alder, Jeshan, and Sky Beak too, returned to the lands they once knew. Maud and Casta began to strive, building separate their own new lives. Tethys, Celeano, Elytra’s fate, I can’t say; their paths I await. But me, I stayed with no place to go, no homeland waiting, no hearth to show. So I wandered, perfecting my art. A journey of healing and a wandering heart. Until my steps brought me near, and fate had me stumble right here.”

Skystrike winced a bit at her story. “I’m… sorry. I thought that without me, you all would still stay together… But at least you all lived.”

Zecora hesitated to say the next words that came out of her mouth. “Skystrike, tell me, are we still friends? Or has time drawn us to separate ends?”

Skystrike turned to her, making the zebra stop in her hoof steps. He took off his helmet, letting the zebra see the pain, and relief in his eyes. With a small smile, he spoke. “Zecora, despite how I left, I did so because I still care for each of you. So yes, we are still friends… And while this may be a bit selfish of me… I ask that you not ask about the details on why I left yet. The wounds are… still feel fresh.”

Zecora nodded. “I understand, and I don’t mean offense, but can I ask you what you’ve been doing since?”

Skystrike nodded as he put on his helmet and kept waking. “Not too much, to be honest. After making sure you all had what you needed, I went and lived on my own for a bit, never staying in one place for more than two weeks before getting back to work. Two years passed doing that, and then I came here in an attempt to stop Nightmare Moon. As for why I stayed… Old memories with old friends made me want to. I’ll have to introduce you to them sometime soon.”

The two stopped in front of the camp that Zecora set up. She immediately went inside her tent to grab her bags, then folded up her tent. As she was putting the tent in her bag, Skystrike thought of something. ”So why did you set up in this forest of all places?”

Zecora winced, as if she was trying to hide something. “...There were tales of ingredients, strange and wide. So many secrets the forest might hide. I studied them all, each herb and tree, and thought I'd see the Everfree for me.” Then she hummed in thought. “Though if you're near, I’ve got a plan in mind. To make this place my home, and leave the past behind.”

Skystrike patted her on the back. “Our past is what makes us. We have to accept it to better ourselves. Though I wouldn't mind if you moved in. But… in the Everfree? After what happened with the Timberwolves?”

Zecora waved a hoof. “Oh, don’t worry, it’s all in place, the repellent I made works, it’s no disgrace. The side effect, though, you did see, was just a little mishap, you see!” She pulled out a small pouch from under her brown cloak.

Skystrike looked at it, and noticed a distinct smell of smokey wood. “...So the Timberwolves surrounded you because it attracts them first, then repels them?” Zecora nodded. Skystrike sighed. “At the moment, I’m against it, but I trust you enough to know what you’re doing. As for housing…” Skystrike did a quick look around to garner where he was in the forest. “I come through this forest several times a week. I know where this one hollowed out tree is that you could make into a home. I have things that can be put on hold to help you out?”

She smiled. “Well, I won't say no, that sounds quite fine. An offer like that, I'll gladly sign!” Then she scratched the back of her head. “I know this feels a bit out of blue, but may I ask, can I hug you?” Skystrike let out a slight chuckle before putting out his hooves. Zecora walked up to him and wrapped her forehooves around his chest. Skystrike returned the favor, wrapping his arms around her. “...I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Zecora. Glad to have you back.”

Several days have passed since. Skystrike put many things on hold to help Zecora out, but it was worth it. They caught up on many things, but surprisingly, nothing truly changed between them. Their friendship, though took a little time to get back in the groove, was as strong as it once was. Naga was just as surprised as Zecora to see the other, but both were happy as another bond rekindled. Yesterday was their final day of work, as Skystrike and Zecora finished flattening out the wooden floor and making shelving and bedding. He already ordered everything that Zecora needed for her brewing the day after she arrived. A bed, cauldron, and dozens of jars and bottles. They came yesterday, and Skystrike delivered them to her home.

The last thing they did was paint some wood she carved earlier. They reminded him of tiki masks, but in the shape of Zebra heads. While Zecora explained to him what each mask meant, he knew he wouldn't really understand the culture that well. But he was interested in it. Plus, it was time he was able to spend with her after these years.

Skystrike realized that he needed to do it more often. Not only with them, but the ponies he called friends in Ponyville. Last time they hung out, it was because of a dragon. Before that it was when Trixie was in town and the Ursa Minor had a temper tantrum… Now that he thought about it, each time he hung out with them, there was some sort of problem. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be a pattern.

For now, Skystrike was sitting on his couch and reading a book on brewing that Zecora gave to him. Apparently, it was sheer luck that he wasn’t affected by the plants in the Everfree. Sure, magic didn’t work on him, but most plants didn’t affect ponies magically, similar to poison ivy.

His attention was pulled away from his book as Stardust finished washing the dishes. “Hey, Skystrike, I’m going to go into town. Want to come?”

Skystrike put in a book mark. “Sure, what’s the plan?” Then he realized. “We never did pick up our capes, huh?”

“Yeah, what have you been doing in that forest the past few days? I’ve been waiting for you. I assume hanging out with Naga?” She shuddered at the mention of the lizard.

“Among other things.” Skystrike stood up and stretched. He looked over his sweat clothes before getting his keys and following Stardust out the door, locking it behind him. “Hey, you want to stop by Sugarcube Corner while we’re there? I kinda want a milkshake.”

“Maybe…” Stardust sighed. “I need to watch my figure.”

“What, you’re worried about your weight? I think you’re doing alright.” Skystrike chuckled.

“Well yeah. Normally I just eat whatever was in the dining hall back at the castle. Now, there’s a lot of things that I’m having way more often. Plus, if you plan on going to the gala, I want to look my best.”

That reminds Skystrike, he does still have those tickets. He may give one to Zecora. But that was a thought for later. “What, plan on pulling a stallion?”

“I plan on being approached, despite my age.” She noticed Skystrike’s confused look. “I’m in my early thirties.”

Skystrike was confused. “...Is… is that old?”

Stardust stared at him. “Are you serious?”

“Yes?” Skystrike tilted his head. “You’re around six years older than me. I’m sure you can find a guy.”

She laughed. “You’re really optimistic, you know?” The two walked into town. It only took a moment for them to realize the air was off. “...You got a bad feeling, Nebula?”

“Yeah…” Skystrike looked around. Nopony was in the streets, despite it being noon. Wait… was that a fucking tumble weed? “Something strange is going on… look.” He pointed to the market. “All the food stands and wagons are still there. Even a few toys that the local kids play with were left out.” He took a wary look around. “Stay ready…”

“Maybe they’re hiding from Naga?”

“Doubt it.” Skystrike shook his head. “When Naga first came through, ponies were running through the streets. In fact…” Skystrike thought back. “It reminds me of when I first came to town.”

“Psst!” A whisper nearby made their heads snap towards the source. Pinkie poked her head through the door of Sugarcube Corner. “Nebula! Stardust! Come here! Hurry! Before she gets you!”

The two, rather being safe than sorry, quickly ran to the open door. Skystrike pushed it closed behind him. “Alright, what happened? And… why are you alone in the dark, Pinkie Pie?”

“She’s not alone.” He heard Twilight’s voice.

Letting his eyes adjust to the dark, he noticed that Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Spike were there… and the farmer’s little sister, Applebloom. Skystrike blinked. “Ok, what are you all doing alone in the dark?”

“That’s what I said! And what I want to know!” Twilight huffed.

“We’re hiding from her!” Applejack pointed out the window. They all looked out the window to see a cloaked figure digging at the ground with a stripped forehoof. Said figure turned towards the group, looking at them with glowing yellow eyes. Everypony and dragon save for Skystrike, Twilight, and Stardust ducked for cover.

This felt nostalgic to Skystrike.

“Did you see her, Nebula? Did you see Zecora?” Applebloom tugged at his tail to get his attention.

“Oh hey, Applebloom. Sorry, didn’t see you there.” He crouched down to the filly. “Sorry, I didn’t hear that last part. Did I see-”

“Applebloom!” The older sister began to scold her. “I told you never to say that name!”

“Saw Zecora glance this way, yeah. Right Twilight, Stardust?” The two gave Skystrike a nod.

“Glance eeeeevily this way!” Pinkie said with shrunken eyes.

“And then most of you flip out for no good reason?” Twilight looked at them.

“No good reason? You call protecting your kin ‘no good reason’?” Applejack began, getting a raised eyebrow from Skystrike. “Why, as soon as mah sister saw Zecora riding into town, she shakin’ her little horseshoes off!”

“Did not!” Applebloom was barely able to get out as Applejack shook her.

“So I swept her up an’ bought her here!” Applejack did so and put her little sister on her back.

“I walked here myself!” The filly said in protest.

“For safekeeping.” Applejack doubled down.

“Applejack! I’m not a baby! I can take care of myself!”

“Not from that creepy Zecora!”

Fluttershy held her head down. “She’s mysterious…”

“Sinister!” Rainbow Dash said.

“And spoooooooky!” Pinkie Pie added.

Skystrike blinked, then shared a look with Stardust and Twilight. They all rolled their eyes. They decided to look through the window again, grunting as the rest pushed them from behind for a better look. Zecora pulled off her hood to reveal her head. All, save for Skystrike, Twilight, and Stardust, gasped.

“Will you cut that out?” Twilight said annoyed.

“Just look at those stripes! How garish!” Rarity stared.

“...Well that’s racist.” Skystrike sighed.

“She’s a Zebra!” Twilight deadpanned.

“A what?” Everyone but Twilight and Skystrike said, being the only sane ones currently.

“A Zebra! And her stripes aren’t a fashion choice, Rarity. They’re what she was born with!” Twilight said to Rarity… who fainted in response.

“Born where? I’ve never seen a pony like that in these parts! Cept, her!” Applejack trembled as she pointed.”

“She’s from Zebrafrica, across the Celestial Sea.” Skystrike explained.

“And she’s not a pony. Though I’ve never seen her in Ponyville.” Twilight scratched her chin. “I doubt she’s just visiting, else she’d have bags on her. Where’s she live?”

“That’s just it.” Applejack shuddered. “She lives in… The Everfree Forest!” Applejack said, a loud crash adding dramatic effect.

“Spike!” Twilight looked to the source of the sound.

The baby dragon in the other room winced. “Uh… sorry.”

Applejack continued. “The Everfree Forest just ain’t natural! The plants grow…”

Fluttershy added. “The animals care for themselves…”

“And the clouds move…” Rainbow joined in.

“All on their own!” The three said together. Rarity, who got up, fainted again. Skystrike would laugh at that if he wasn’t slightly disappointed in them.

“And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there doing her evil… stuff!” Pinkie jumped. “Oh, she’s so evil, I even wrote a song about her!”

“Here we go…” Rainbow sighed before the mare belted into a song.

“She’s an evil enchantress!
She does evil dances!
And if you look deep in her eyes,
She’ll put you in trances!
Then what will she do?
She’ll fix up an evil brew!
And she’ll gobble you up!
In a big tasty stew!
So… watch out!” Pinkie made what Skystrike assumed to be a menacing stance as she huffed.

“Wow… catchy.” Twilight said sarcastically.

“It’s a work in progress.” Pinkie smiled.

Skystrike blinked. He’ll try to give them the benefit of the doubt. “Ok, and what have any of you seen Zecora do?”

“Well…” Rainbow Dash thought for a moment. “Every once in a while, she comes into Ponyville…”

“Oooh!” Twilight said sarcastically.

“Then she lurks by the stores…” Rarity added on.

“Oh my!”

“And then…” Fluttershy spoke. “She digs at the ground!”

“Wooooow.” Skystrike crossed his arms. “That’s really evil! Coming into town, trying to buy stuff, then fidgeting at the ground as she waits for the stores to never open because you all are scared of rumors that you all made up!” He grit his teeth as he stood next to Twilight.

“Yeah! Maybe she’s just tryn’a be neighborly!” Applebloom stood beside them both. “Everypony likes to shop! Ya know what I think-”

“Applebloom!” Applejack interrupted her sister. “Hush and let the big ponies talk!”

“But-!”

Skystrike cut her off this time. “No, no, your sister is right.” He said. “In fact, I’m about to say some adult words. Applebloom, Spike, cover your ears.” They could tell from the tone of voice that he was serious. They did so, and almost immediately Skystrike grew angry. “You know, I get why this town is so shit to newcomers, if this is how they treat them. But I guess I got lucky, huh?” They all winced. “You five, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy, disappoint me. Literally the same bullshit happened to me. I also had to live off that forest for a while because none of you dumbasses would let me buy the basic necessities! You think I didn’t hear the rumors about me? And I see that it’s the same damn ponies spreading them! I don't even know why I sat through and listened to this! The shit that comes out of your mouths probably makes your assholes jealous!” He stomped a hoof. “Especially you two, Applejack and Pinkie Pie. You two were actually cordial with me before you knew who was under this armor.” He got up and went to the door. “You all can stew in your fear and rumors for all I care.”

And with that, he slammed the door behind him. Zecora looked at the sound, and locked eyes with him. “Oh Skystrike, it's good to see you, but where has everypony gone to?”

Skystrike sighed. She could tell he was upset. “Don't worry about it. Let me guess, you wanted to come here for some supplies?”

“I live off the forest, it treats me just fine, but I wanted to meet the locals this time.” She said as she put back on her hood.

Skystrike sighed. “Yeah, these ponies aren’t very welcome to newcomers… “ He shot a look at Sugarcube Corner, the ponies peaking out ducking as he did. “It’ll be a bit before they warm up to you. Went through the same thing, so… on the bright side, it’s not a race thing?” Zecora stared at him. “Sorry, that was a dumbass comment.”

She chuckled. “It’s alright, no need to despair. It simply caught me unaware.”

Skystrike rubbed the back of his head. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your home. Maybe we can finish decorating?” And so the two began walking, chatting about anything that came to mind. They were a few minutes into their walk before noticing Applebloom following them. Zecora looked at him. “A ‘friend’ of mine has a little sister. I’ll stop her before we go into the forest. She probably wants to learn more about you.”

“I see no harm in chatting to the filly. I’m known for making faces quite silly.” Zecora giggled.

“...Look, normally I’d agree, but that kid is already going to get punished just for following us.” Skystrike said as the two entered the forest. “...Damn, why is it so foggy?”

“Applebloom!?” Skystrike, Zecora, and Applebloom who was a ways behind them all turned their heads to the stetson wearing farmgirl’s voice. “Applebloom, you get back here right now!” Applejack stomped a hoof.

“Told you.” Skystrike said. Then he noticed that the ponies were standing dangerously close to a certain blue flower that he and Zecora were avoiding. He could tell them… but that’d be the nice thing to do. He didn’t feel like it right now.

Zecora, however, had a better heart than him. “Beware, beware you pony folk!” She spoke from under her hood, giving a warning. “Those leaves of blue are not a joke!”

Applejack picked up Applebloom. “Y-you keep your mumbo jumbo to yourself, ya hear!?” Her friends, save for Twilight and Stardust said their own… interesting choice of words as they stood in the blue flowers.

Skystrike was astounded at the amount of fog that was coming from the forest. He began to follow Zecora, who shook her head and whispered to him. “I see your friends have caused you pain, rekindle those bonds; there’s much to gain. We’ll speak again when time feels right, but for now, mend what’s in your sight.” Then she disappeared in the fog. “Beware! Beware!”

Skystrike sighed as he walked back to his other friends. “Yeah back at you, Zecora!” Rainbow Dash said as she and the rest stood in the blue flowers. “You and your lame curses are the ones who better beware!”

“And you!” Applejack looked at her sister. “Why couldn’t you just listen to your big sister!?”

“I… I-” Applebloom stammered for a response.

“Who knows what kinda curse Zecora just put on you?”

“Just like my song!” Pinkie sang it again as she jumped through the flowers.

“You guys, there’s no such thing as curses!” Twilight shook her head.

Well that’s interesting to hear, coming from Ms. Magic pants herself.” Rainbow flew through the blue flowers and poked the unicorn’s horn.

Skystrike momentarily paused in front of them all. They all gave him mixed looks. He looked to Stardust. “We’re going home.” He said simply before walking through the others. Stardust looked back at the others before following behind. He’d take in Zecora’s words another day. For now, he didn’t want to see the majority of them.

He didn’t sleep too well that night, but he slept at least. Skystrike went back to sleep after his morning workout. Only to be awoken minutes later by frantic knocking on his door. His eyes were red as he looked to the door, hearing Stardust on the other side. “Skystrike!? Skystrike, there’s something wrong with me!”

Skystrike rolled out of bed and groaned, wrapping his covers around himself as he pulled open the door. “Oh…” That’s new. Stardust, or somepony who had the voice of Stardust, was standing in front of him as… himself, but with a worried face. “Why the hell is my mirror in front of my door?”

“It’s me, sir! This isn’t time to be joking around!” Stardust’s skin turned from his white to Twilight’s purple as her… his? her wings seemed to disappear before a purple horn came out of her forehead as she shrunk down. Her blue hair turned into twilight’s multiple purples.

Skystrike blinked. Then rubbed his eyes. Then blinked again. He wasn’t dreaming. “...Do Pinkie Pie…”

She gave him a confused look before doing so, her features changing. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! I like cakes and cupcakes and I have no care for personal space and-” Skystrike ignored her rambling as she jumped up and down.

“Ok… Now Fluttershy.” Stardust’s features changed once more before she began speaking in unintelligible whispers. He couldn't help but chuckle. “Sorry, it was just really funny.” Then he yawned. “Seems that you can do impressions of other ponies, and it’s dependent on how you see them, or their main character trait.”

“What do I do? How do I make it stop? This is dreadful!” She turned into Rarity.

He sighed. “Well, I know how to fix this, well, who to go to to fix this. I only know the cause… but…” She looked at him with baited breath. “Do you want to see something really funny?”

“Wha- Are you serious!?” StarTwi said. “I can’t go out like this!” StarRari huffed.

Skystrike responded by throwing his cover over her head and putting on your clothes. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”

Skystrike and Stardust walked in the library, seeing the chaos come to a stop as they entered. Sure enough, they six were all having the same problem. Twilight’s horn was covered in blue spots and floppy, Pinkie’s tongue and cheeks were swollen and covered with the same blue spots. Rainbow Dash couldn’t fly straight… or right-side up. Rarity’s mane and coat were in long dreadlocks, and Applejack was the size of a hoof, riding on Applebloom’s back. Stardust glared at Skystrike as he was trying not to laugh.

“It’s a curse! A curse I tell ya!” Applejack said in a really high pitched voice.

Skystrike blinked. The things he could do… He eyed an empty jar Twilight had on one of her desks… Do they know? He shook the thought out of his head. “Applejack, can you hit the highest note you can for me?”

Applejack looked at him confused. “Wha- is now really the-”

“Please?”

Applejack hesitated. All eyes were on her. She gave in and let out a sound. At first, it sounded like a squeaky toy. Then it went higher. It was similar to a video game where you activate night vision.

Skystrike was cackling internally. “Thank you.” He said carefully to not laugh.

“Well… Fluttershy, Skystrike, and Stardust seem fine!” Twilight turned to them.

“Yes, I don’t see anything wrong with these three” Rarity turned her head.

Skystrike looked at Rarity. He picked up a mop next to the bathroom before holding it up to Rarity. Though he couldn’t see it, he knew she was staring daggers. Skystrike vibrated slightly as he tried not to laugh.

“Phhyphike! Phip ip phephioup!” Pinkie tried to speak, getting her spit everywhere.

Skystrike only vibrated more with inward cackling. “Pinkie, can you say a tongue twister?”

“Pppepther pthipther pthickth a pthack opth pthitpthepptheth pthepptherth.”

Skystrike breathed in deeply at the vain attempt at Peter Piper. “Well, it might be because of my lack of magic that I wasn’t ‘cursed’.” He made hoof quotation marks. “But this also isn’t a curse… Also, Twilight, you think if you think hard enough, you’ll get a stiffy?” She blushed.

“And how do you know? And even if you’re right on that first part, why are Stardust and Fluttershy not having problems!?” Applejack huffed.

“Stardust.” She looked at Skystrike unamused. “Should you show them, or should I explain it?”

Stardust sighed and threw off the cover. Her coat turned blue and her mane to rainbows. “Haha I’m so cool and fast! I try to put my head so high above the clouds to match my ego!”

Skystrike let out an audible “Pfffffft.” getting glares from everyone. Well, except Spike who was covering his mouth.

“...I sound nothing like that.” Rainbow Dash crossed her arms as she tried to untangle herself out of the ladder she was somehow in.

“Alright, Fluttershy, at least you’re fine… right?” Skystrike turned to the pastel pegasus, who looked away from him.

“...Is there something wrong with you?” A concerned Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded, wincing for some reason. “... Would you care to tell us?” Fluttershy shook her head. Twilight raised a confused eyebrow. “So… you’re not going to tell us?” Fluttershy nodded. “Yes, you’re not, or yes you will?” She shook her head.

“Good gravy, girl, what’s wrong with you!?” Applejack hopped on to the table next to her.

“...I don’t wanna talk about it…” Fluttershy said in a voice that sounded like Morgan Freeman on Sulfur Hexafluoride.

Skystrike and Spike looked at each other for a split second before bursting out laughing. Each one of the girls glared at the boys as they nearly fell to the floor. Once they were done, Skystrike had the best idea yet. “Waitwaitwaitwaitwait!” He quickly scrambled for a sheet of paper on the desk Applejack was on before writing something out. With a wide grin, he put the paper in Fluttershy’s hooves. She gave an unamused and annoyed look. “Can you sing this for me? Please?” She raised a brow. “I am begging you.”

She looked at the paper and sighed before starting.
“I see trees of green.
Red roses too.
I see them bloom.
For me and you.
And I think to myself~...
What a wonderful world~”

Skystrike stood in silence for a moment before he let out the hardest laugh yet.

Spike couldn’t help but laugh along at the sheer absurdity of his laugh. Each time he thought the stallion was done, he looked at their faces and laughed even harder. “This is hilarious! Look at all of you!” He pointed. “We got Hairity! Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple Tinnie, Flutterguy, and…” He stopped at Twilight. “Uh… I got nothing. It’s Twilight Sparkle! Seriously, I can’t even work with that. I don’t even know where to begin with Stardust.”

Skystrike was on the floor wheezing. Even like that, he still forced out words. “Twilight Flopple and…” He wheezed again before forcing himself off the ground. “Stardust… yeah, that’s a hard one, heheh. We gotta keep thinking… Though I think crab-Applejack works better.”

“Can we take this seriously!? Twilight yelled. Her horn flopped from the room shaking from her voice, making Skystrike fight for his life to not laugh harder. “Spike, start looking for more books so I can find a cure!”

Rainbow pulled herself out of the ladder. “I think we’ll find a cure for this curse at Zecora’s place!” Rainbow attempted to fly in the air only to crash into the wall.

“It’s not a curse!” Twilight said adamantly.

Skystrike’s smile fell a little. Apparently, they were back on that again. “I agree with dash!” Applejack walked to the other side of the table. “We’ll go to Zecora’s, and force her to remove this hex!”

“It’s not a hex either!” Twilight shook her head. The others, however, cheered in agreement with Applejack.

Skystrike saw Applebloom mumble something to herself before she began to walk out of the library. He also noticed Applejack sneakily jump into her little sister’s tail. Skystrike looked at Stardust. “You mind staying with Spike to help out?”

“Didn’t plan on moving from here anyway.” She said in Rainbow Dash’s skin.

“Thanks. I’ll be back with the remedy.” Skystrike said as he walked out the door, leaving the others to talk between themselves. Despite the filly’s size, she was quite fast, her full speed making Skystrike go at a jogging pace. From the distance, he saw Applebloom skid to a stop just at the edge of the Everfree. The tiny Applejack pulled herself out of her mane and the two seemed to have some sort of argument. It ended with the filly leaving the tiny adult mare on a tree branch. As Applebloom went further into the forest, Skystrike could hear the protesting farm mare as he approached.

Skystrike cleared his throat. Applejack turned to him. “Skystrike! Thank goodness! You gotta-”

“I don’t think I should help you, Applejack.” Skystrike looked down at her. “A bit ironic isn’t it. This ‘curse’ that you think Zecora put on you shrunk you down in size. The big sister.” He sat down in front of her. “But that’s besides the point… I’m disappointed in you, Applejack.”

“...Wha-”

“You were one of the first ponies I met here, and the only one who went out of their way to greet me. No passing remarks, no bad mouthing behind my back. But here you are, doing the same thing that I loathed the townsfolk for a few months ago.” Skystrike sighed. “It’s hard to see you like this. Especially when I know and I’ve seen you be better than that.” A look of guilt was plastered on her face. “And then there’s Applebloom. I saw you two arguing. While I dont know everything that happens at your home, from the little shown yesterday, it seems like you’ve dismissed her thoughts for far too long. When she got the chance to enact her own personal, petty justice, she took it. And can you blame her?”

“I-... I’m sorry! I was just trying to protect us! Protect her!”

“And from doing that, you’ve inadvertently pushed her farther away. Lets hope for both of us, there’s still time to close the distance…” Skystrike got up. “Unwarranted advice, but I think you’ll want to listen to it. She’s getting to the age where she wants to make her own decisions. That means that she’ll also have to deal with the consequences of them, no matter how hard they are. You can’t protect her forever.” Then he turned around. “You have my word that no harm will come to her. The others are probably on their way now, so I doubt you’ll have to wait long.”

Applejack began screaming as he walked away. “Skystrike? Skystrike get back here! This isn’t over!”

But her words fell on deaf ears as he continued down the path, following the tracks that Applebloom made. Although he was feeling a slight bit guilty, leaving Applejack like that, he hoped it’d give her some time to think. As he followed the tracks, they led straight to the hut he and Zecora have been working on the past several days. Light shined out of the carved holes in the tree base, noting that Zecora was inside. Several vials hung from the branches, Zecora telling him that they were for luck. The welcome mask he helped paint invited him in as Skystrike knocked on the door.

Hoof steps quickly approached as it swung open. Zecora greeted him. “Of all the ponies to visit out of the blue, I am glad it is you.”

“Figured I’d come and see what you’ve done with the place.” Skystrike walked in. “How’s the place treating you?”

“It feels much bigger than it seems, but never mind those fleeting dreams. Applebloom shared what occurred today. So tell me, friend, what do you say?”

Skystrike blinked. “I say that I’m still a bit upset at the majority of my friends, but I’ll get over it.” He sighed. “And sorry about them. They’re pretty nice once you get to know them.”

“No need to apologize my friend, not all is bad. I’ve only been inconvenienced just a tad.” She waved a hoof.

Zecora closed the door behind him. Skystrike noticed a certain filly sitting on a stool looking into a cauldron. She looked at him as her eyes shrunk to pin pricks. “N-Nebula!? What are you doing here!?”

“Don’t worry, just making sure you’re ok. Not taking you back yet, just making sure you’re safe in this forest. And good job on making your own choices.” He patted the filly on the back. “But next time, don't follow a stranger into the Everfree Forest. You’re still a kid, and this place is dangerous.”

Applebloom huffed. “Alright…”

“So Zecora, even if they don't necessarily deserve it, they need your help getting rid of the effects of the joke.” Skystrike sat down next to Applebloom.

Zecora nodded. “Applebloom said they fell in the blue. I tried to warn them, but what could I do?
Those flowers are trouble, their tricks never cease. We must act swiftly to bring them some peace.”

“I’m sorry, Zecora.” Applebloom said. “If I never followed you yesterday, they wouldn’t have stepped in it… Though what type of flower was that to make that happen?”

“Poison joke.” Skystrike explained. “When Zecora said ‘the leaves of blue are not a joke’? It was a bit confusing, but it was a warning about the plant called ‘Poison joke.’ It plays a joke on the pony who touches it. Though I do find it interesting that it seems to depend on the pony’s intrinsic traits…”

“...So what yer sayin’ is that it’s their own fault?”

“Pretty much. But the effects don't go away on their own. Which is why you did a good job coming to Zecora. She knows how to reverse the effects!”

Zecora nodded. “The cure is a simple brew, though my ingredients are few and I cannot make do.” She motioned to the empty shelves.

“We can get those for ya!” Applebloom offered.

“That is good to hear, young filly.” She smiled as she walked towards her saddle bag. She pulled out a list with her mouth. “Some can be found here in the forest. My hope is you can get it done quickly.” She spoke through her teeth as Applebloom took the list. Zecora then put her saddle bag on the filly.

“We’ll be back faster than you can say a sentence without rhyming.” Skystrike smirked.

“If you’d like to make that bet, then the deal is set!” She declared, only to realize she rhymed a few minutes after they walked out the door.

Applebloom and Skystrike walked for a few minutes as they searched for the ingredients. A special type of grass. He didn’t remember the name, but he’ll know it when he sees it. Applebloom was more talkative than Skystrike expected, speaking about how this whole thing was an adventure. He chuckled at the thought, though he was more focused on keeping her safe. He pulled her back as she was about to step in poison ivy.

However, this annoyed the filly. “Nebula! I’m not a lil’ kid! I can watch out for myself!” She huffed.

“I know you aren’t but having an extra pair of eyes can be helpful.” Skystrike let go. “And even if you aren’t a little kid anymore, you aren’t quite big enough to look out for yourself.”

“I was able to get to Zecora’s hut no problem!”

“Because she and I lined the path with repellent a few days ago. I don't mean to upset you, kid. I’m just looking out for you.” Skystrike said.

“All you’ve done while we were here was look out for me! You don’t let me do anything at all! It’s like you don't care. You’re just like Applejack!” Applebloom whined.

Skystrike stopped walking. Applebloom ran into his leg at the sudden stop. He turned round and crouched down to look her dead in the eye. “I don’t know what your home life is like, but I don’t think you have the right to say that. While misplaced at times, she makes all those decisions because she cares about you. I will admit, I am babying you a little, but this is for your safety, and both mine and Applejack’s peace of mind. So do not disrespect your sister’s feelings like that again.”

The filly stood in stunned silence. “...A-alright… I’m sorry.”

“Just take it as a learning experience. And realize I’m not necessarily defending her, just telling a different perspective.” Skystrike stood back up. “But you should say that to her when we’re done. Leaving her on that branch probably won't help you with any punishment you get when you’re home.”

“Oh…” She blinked. “...Shoot.”

“Don’t worry.” Applebloom tilted her head as she looked up at Skystrike. “I kinda left her back there too. If you got my back, I got yours.”

“Oh… Sure!” She said before noticing something in the corner of her eye. She quickly, yet carefully ran over. “Is this the thing we’re looking for?”

Skystrike walked over to see the curly grass, its seeds hanging off the stem of the plant. “Sure is. Good job.” Applebloom picked the grass before putting it in her bag. “And now we just need to get back to Zecora’s. Hopefully before your sister and her friends get there.”

“Well, we could get there faster if we fly.” Applebloom hinted.

Skystrike chuckled and scooped her up. “Hang on tight.” Skystrike said. The filly wrapped her hooves around his neck as he slowly flew above the trees. The darkness of the forest was instantly replaced by the light of the sun as he broke through the leaves.

“Wow… you can see everythin’ from up here…” Applebloom looked around in awe. “Oh! I can see the farm!”

Skystrike looked in the direction she pointed. Sure enough, Sweet Apple Acres was there. “Huh, you’re right.”

“Can we go higher?”

Skystrike chuckled. “Sure, we probably got time.” He flew a bit higher. The two were soon able to see the entirety of Ponyville. “You know, I should fly more often.”

He didn’t realize how slow he was flying until he landed a few feet away from Zecora’s hut. Skystrike crouched down to let Applebloom off, and then he noticed that Zecora’s door was wide open. And he heard faint yelling inside. ‘God fucking damn it.’ He sighed internally. He stood up and speed walked into her home with Applebloom right behind him.

Applebloom stopped in the doorway. “Zecora, we found the things you ask for-” She looked around the room. The cauldron was upturned as the liquid inside was on the floor, Many of the jars and bottles were broken on the floor, and dropped or crushed ingredients were everywhere. “What in Ponyville is going on here?”

Applejack let out a gasp as she stopped wrestling Zecora’s ear. “Applebloom! You’re ok!”

The filly tilted her head in confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Twilight jumped in front of Applebloom in defense. “Because Zecora’s an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you into soup!”

Zecora and Applejack looked at her before breaking into laughter. Skystrike, still at the doorway, was trying to calm himself down through breathing exercises. “Oh Twilight! Did those silly fillies finally get in your head?”

“Applebloom, sweetie, you can't stand there and tell me this isn’t a curse!” The unicorn motioned to the other five.

Applebloom walked past her and stood next to Zecora. “This isn’t a curse!” She doubled down.

“If you remember bat, the words I spoke were quite exact.” Zecora reminded them.

Applebloom clarified. “It was a warning! About that blue plant! It’s called poison joke.”

Zecora nodded. “The plant is much like poison oak, but its results are like a joke!”

“What in the hay does that mean?” Applejack asked as she came out from behind Zecora’s mane.

“It means this plant does not breed wrath, this plant just wants a laugh.”

“...Will somepony please talk normal?” Applejack looked at the other ponies.

“You all, and Stardust, walked into the flower yesterday when Zecora warned you all. Instead of heeding her warning, you believed the baseless rumors that spread between you all.” Skystrike said with a hint of anger in his voice. “And then, instead of asking, you decide to trash her home. Or am I missing anything?”

Rainbow Dash stuttered. “B-but… what about the cauldron?”

“And the chanting?” Fluttershy asked.

“And the creepy decor?” Rarity pushed apart her hair to speak.

“Treasures! Of the native land where I’m from!” She pointed to the masks Rarity was referring to. “This one speaks ‘hello’, and this one, ‘welcome,’”

“Not welcoming at all if you ask me…” Rarity looked at a rather discomforting mask.

“The words I spoke are from olden times. Something you would call a nursery rhyme.”

Twilight was confused. “But… the cauldron… the Applebloom soup?”

“Lookie here, Twilight, that pot o’ water wasn't for me, it was fer all these herbal ingredients!” Applebloom motioned to her bag next to an open book. “The cure for poison joke is a simple natural remedy. Ya just gotta take a bubble bath!” Applebloom finished as she lifted up her sister in her hoof.

“But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn't find anything! What book has this natural remedy?”

Zecora flipped the book close, letting Twilight see the cover. “Here is the book, you see? Sad that you lack it in your library.”

Twilight looked at the book in confusion, realization, then regret. “Actually, I do have this book…, but I didn't look inside because the title was so… weird.” Zecora opened the book again to let the unicorn see the inside cover. “Super naturals: natural remedies and cures for all that is simply super.”

“I… I’m so sorry Zecora, I had the answer the whole time, if only I bothered to look inside.” Twilight looked away in guilt.

Zecora chuckled, accepting her apology. “Maybe next time, you should take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book.”

“Figuratively and literally.” Skystrike turned the cauldron up right. He sighed as he looked around at the broken items on the floor. “Now, after everything that happened today, after everything you all caused, I’m surprised none of you have anything else to say?” He tapped his hoof expectantly.

They all looked around at the mess they made and winced. Applejack tipped her hat to cover her eyes. “We’re mighty sorry, Zecora…”

“For?”

“Believing the rumors about you…” Skystrike kept looking at the mare. “...And trashin’ your home.” He kept looking. “...And attacking you.”

Zecora put a hoof on the stallion’s chest before turning to the mares. "How about a show of good will? Let me cure what makes you ill."

Twilight was surprised. “You’d do that for us?”

“A friend of Nebula is a friend of mine. Helping you out will suit me just fine. It’s no trouble, I’ll lend you my skill, as long as I gather the things needed still.”

“Whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops in town were closed for some reason.” Applebloom stated.

“Oh. Well I think I can help with that.” Then Twilight realized what Zecora said. “Wait… Nebula?” She turned to the stallion. “You know her.”

“I do.” He nodded.

“Then… why didn’t you tell us!? We could’ve saved so much time!”

Skystrike blinked. “...Why didn’t I tell you that the zebra you all spent being suspicious of and spreading unsubstantiated rumors was my friend? Because I was hoping you all would come to your own conclusions, and I hoped you would all be better.” He sighed. “You’re lucky this all worked out.”

Zecora huffed. “Skystrike, mistakes are part of the way, don't let anger ruin your day. I ask for calm, for my own sake. Even the best of us can make a mistake.”

Skystrike looked at her. He inhaled deeply. “You’re lucky you’re endearing. Let’s go to town I guess. Maybe we can get Aloe and Vera to let us borrow their bath?”

“B’fore that, Nebula! C’mere!” Applejack demanded. Skystrike realized this was probably about leaving her on that branch earlier. Skystrike walked up to Applebloom, holding her little big sister in her hoof. Applejack took out a single petal of poison joke from her hat and jumped onto Skystrike, pushing the petal through the jaws of his helmet and onto his muzzle. “That’s for earlier!”

Zecora’s eyes went wide. “...Was that the leaves of blue!? Ignorant pony, you know not what you do!”

“...Huh.” They all went.

Zecora held her head in preparation for what’s to come. “This isn't the first time he's caught in the sway… He'll chatter and ramble the whole night away. Prepare for his tales, they won’t ever flop, Once he starts talking, he just won’t stop.”

“I mean… that doesn’t sound that bad?” Fluttershy said.

“Fluttershy, I need you to do something for me.”

“Oh no…” She instantly went.

“I want you to read me a bedtime story with that voice sometime.” Skystrike chuckled. “In fact, I wonder how deep it’d be after you just woke up. You sound like you’d be really good narrating a Ford commercial.”

“Ford?” Fluttershy asked.

“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, my throat’s going to be real dry after this.” Skystrike then put up his hoof in thought. “Actually, can you say ‘I want you?’”

Fluttershy hesitated. “I-... I want you.”

Skystrike instantly started laughing. “AHAHA! God, that’s not that funny, what’s wrong with me.”

“...I see what you mean, Zecora…” Applejack said from atop Skystrike’s forehead.

“You know, random thought, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard Applejack say ‘What is tarnation?’ And that makes me think of what a tarnation is? Or is it just a word of exclamation? Better question: can you say coffee?”

“Uh… Cawffee?”

“Hehe ‘Cawffee’ hehehe.” Skystrike giggled to himself. “Now say ‘orange’.”

“...Ornge?”

Skystrike lurched as he held in a laugh. “Alright, I feel like I’m being mean.” He picked up Applejack and put her on her sister’s head. “Hey Zecora, even thought about becoming a rapper?”

“Sweet Celestia, this is going to be a long walk.”

It was a long, long walk out of the Everfree. The group was already visibly tired of Skystrike’s unending rambling. Well, except Pinkie. She was enjoying it somewhat. “And then I said ‘I don’t care if it’s free! Take the mother fucking gluten, out of the bread!”

“It’s been almost half an hour!” Rainbow Dash groaned. “How is your voice not tired!?”

“I asked myself that long ago, but it’s best if you do not know.”

Skystrike kept going. “Reminds me of this other time where I wanted a boneless pizza, and this pony I was ordering it from said ‘we don’t got boneless pizza, we have normal pizza.’ And then I asked if they had bones in their pizza? And he said no, and I said that’s what I said! If it dont got bone in it, it’s B O N E L E S S.”

“By the princess…” Rarity sighed.

“Anyway, I’m getting off topic. I was asking if sand is called sand because it’s between the sea and the land.” They all groaned at his question. “Yeah, see I thought that too, but it’s a really weird coincidence otherwise. Similar to how grass is called grass because it’s between the ground and your ass?”

“Nebula, can you try… not thinking?” Applejack asked.

“I have a better idea. Let me show you a magic trick.” He stood on his hind hooves and hit a wizard pose. “Automatic breathing, deactivate!” A moment of silence went by as they all let out collective groans. “AHA! Success!”

“Hold on, we may be able to use this…” Rarity pondered. “If he can’t stop the words coming out of his mouth, we can ask him anything!” She turned to him to test it. “Nebula, what’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done?”

“There’s a few.” He admitted. “This one time, I snuck into Celestia’s chambers to play a prank and I found her stash of adult novels under her bed. Most obvious place to hide them, and she is a freak. There were like a good couple dozen. The oldest one was from like, eight hundred years ago, which implies she’s a connoisseur. And until now, I was the only one who knew, so… keep it to yourselves.”

They all began to laugh at the revelation, well, save for Applebloom who was confused. “Oh!” Pinkie jumped. “Whapth your phthaphtrith hotthy?”

“Favorite hobby? I collect magical items. I also write in my novel everyday so I dont forget anything too big.” Skystrike answered. “...You know when you clean your vacuum cleaner, you become the vacuum cleaner.” They groaned. “One piece body suits are full body condoms.”

“Thank CELESTIA we’re here!” Twilight huffed. Then she had an idea. “Nebula, what’s the integral of two secant to the fourth of six x?”

“A… math problem?” Fluttershy asked. “Would that really-” She looked at Skystrike who sat in thought. “...Wow, it actually is working-”

“One over three times, in parenthesis, tangent six plus one third tangent cubed six x end parenthesis plus C.” Skystrike answered. “...Is that right?”

“How did you do that so fast!?” Rainbow Dash’s jaw was on the floor.

“Patterns and practice.” Skystrike answered. “Also seeing all the ponies run in their homes as we enter town makes me feel nostalgic. I kinda want to scream at the top of my lungs like a toddler on the train when you’re edging sleep… Makes me think, Applejack would do a great voice over for a smoke detector.”

Twilight sighed and knocked on a door. “Daisy, we need to talk.”

“You know, you all completely fucked up Zecora’s house. Should’ve used Rarity as a mop, as she literally looks like one.”

“It’s been two hours!” Rarity exclaimed.

They all stood inside of Ponyville Day Spa. To be exact, all the mares, save for Stardust, were bathing in the brew Zecora made for them. Rainbow Dash pulled her head over the rim of the large tub. “Nebula, you know we don't mind if you come in, right?” She looked to the door that Skystrike was behind.

Skystrike frantically shook his head. “Nuh uh! I’ve read too many romance novels to know where this situation will lead me. First it’s an innocent dip in the tub! Then somepony will trip and fall on me and go ‘Yamete kudasai!’ and then it’ll be real awkward.”

Twilight blinked. “...What words just came out of your mouth?”

“The words of gods, Twilight. You wouldn’t understand, always in your books. It’s why you can barely talk to ponies, and why I am so eloquently spoken.” Skystrike said. Then he looked to Stardust. “So you can turn into anypony right? What do I have to do for you to do an impression of Zecora? I want to see how bad your rhyming is.”

“Dude, it cannot be that hard to stop talking.” Rainbow groaned

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh, Iunno.” Skystrike shrugged. “But I’ll try.” A moment of silence went by until Skystrike broke it seconds later. “...When she hubba on my bubba until I gum.” The sound of splashing water was followed by sets of hoof steps approaching the door. Zecora, Rainbow Dash, and Zecora surrounded him.

“We don’t want to hear this anymore, Nebula.” Rainbow growled as she grabbed his right forehoof.

Zecora grabbed his left. “I agree. We can only deal with your nonsense to a certain degree!”

The two dragged him into the room as Applejack was preparing to buck him into the pool of water. “Ladies, ladies, there’s only one of me!” Applejack shot him into the pool of water. Thankfully, the towel wrapped around his waist was still on. Skystrike quickly pulled his head above water.

Applejack looked up at him. “...Are ya done!?”

Skystrike looked at her. “...Fluttershy’s voice was the highlight of today.” They all let out a chuckle. But then their eyes fell on him.

“Jeez man, I forget how many scars you have.” Rainbow Dash said.

“And you’ve quite a nice figure.” Rarity bit her lip.

“Get a coltfriend, Rarity, damn.” Skystrike chuckled as he shook the water out of his hair. Then he looked to the door. “Stardust, you gonna come in?”

“Oh! Uh, yes!” The mare said, momentarily turning into Fluttershy before diving into the pool. There was a moment of time that passed where she didn't come up. Skystrike looked where she dived to see a dark spiky protrusion poke out from the water that only he seemed to notice. It went back under the water before Stardust came up, taking a deep breath.

“So… who plans on getting a membership?” Skystrike laid back in the pool. Then blinked. “...You know, I never got that smoothie yesterday.”

Author's Note

I know some of you are wondering what that was about with Stardust near the end of the chapter, but I feel like you can all but it together. As my last fer chapters are reuploads of the same chapters by me from fanfiction.net, that's why they were all posted on the same day.

I have no set time for when my stories come out, but you can assume I'll be writing parts daily, and getting them out faster during breaks, as I am currently in school. My goal is 2 chapters a month at least. Realize that the chapters will come faster if I don't have to look back on the episodes and I can make my own plot. For those who haven't seen my updates on fanfiction.net, I'll explain it briefly here.

This isn't a self insert, this is a a somewhat alternate story of mlp if my OC was in it. This wont have that much of a difference in some chapters, that's why some episodes will be left out. I am already planning on what Skystrike's and Stardust's major roles are going to be, though it may mostly be Season 2 onwards. The next chapter wont have much to do with the cannon storyline, but will be a side story of Skystrike's daily routines. I hope you've enjoyed, and i'll see you all next time!

Better Beginnings

A few days have passed since the poison joke incident. He still laughed at the memory at times, but he’d have to do that later. Today was Tuesday, and the first day that Stardust and Spike would be using their new weapons and armor. Skystrike realized while making his lesson plan that he hasn’t trained anyone from scratch like this. The others in his group had at least some combat experience, just from their lives before they joined him. But Spike is a dragon. From what he remembered Tethys telling him, it’s instinctual.

And now he got himself thinking about the friends he used to have. Well, at least he got one back… Still sucks that they split up because of him, but he has to live with it.

Skystrike and Stardust just finished eating breakfast. Stardust said she’d wait outside for him after Twilight and Spike came over. Of course, the unicorn still wasn’t sure about the training, and wanted to watch over them. She also said some others would be there. Skystrike stretched in his armor before securing his blades on his sides and walking outside to the arena that Naga made.

Everyone was there… and more. The expected faces, Spike, Stardust, Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack,Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Zecora decided to show up, having her brown cloak on, and was talking with Stardust. But then Skystrike blinked as he realized who else was there. Celestia, Luna, and a six pony squad of royal guards stood in his field as well.

Skystrike inwardly groaned, both at the unexpected company, and at the way their conversation ended last time. “Good morning… I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting so much… company.” He looked at Twilight. Her avoiding eye contact told Skystrike all he needed. She knew. He sighed before straightening his posture and walking towards the ponies. “Well, I don’t have anywhere for you all to sit just yet. Let me get Naga.”

Celestia cleared her throat. “Good morning Nebula. I apologize for coming with no notice.” She smiled at the stallion. “After our last… meeting, my sister and I believed it’d be better if we visited you. I hope we didn’t come at a bad time?”

“Eh, I’d say you did, but then another one of your guards would want to fight me again.” Skystrike shrugged. “You can stay if you want.”

Luna smiled at the joke. “We thank you, Sir Nebula. But if we may ask, who is this Naga you speak of?”

“A companion who decided to come by about two weeks ago. You’d probably like her.” Skystrike walked to the middle of his arena and got on his hind legs before stomping the ground with his forehooves. The princesses gave him a confused look before a distant rumbling grew closer. Soon, a mound of dirt came from the Everfree and stopped behind Skystrike. Naga broke through the ground and stuck the upper half of her body out the dirt.

“Guards! Get ready!” The lead guard said as he pointed a spear at the basilisk. The others quickly followed suit, with even Celestia and Luna spreading their wings.

“Calm your asses down.” Skystrike stood between them and Naga, who looked confused. “This is Naga, and despite her outward appearance, she’s friendly.” Naga lowered her head to him and nudged him with her nose. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll get you something for waking you up early.”

“Nebula… are you saying that you’ve tamed this beast? An Earth Basilisk?” Celestia asked, wide eyed.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Skystrike pet Naga on her nose. “I don’t know why you’re surprised. Stardust sends you reports, right? Isn’t that why you made her my guard in the first place?”

“Actually…” Stardust cleared her throat. “While I do send reports, I send them Monday night. That letter would have reached the princesses this afternoon.”

Skystrike blinked. “Hmm. Alright then.” He turned to Naga. “Well, be on your best behavior. Try not to get into anything, and be careful, you know, with how big you are.” Naga looked at him then slithered her way out of the ground. Skystrike looked at her wide eyed as her black scales seemed to turn into sand before crumbling. He was about to freak out before a smaller version of Naga poked her head out of the sand that was once her body. “...Since when could you do that!? What the fuck!?” The now three foot Naga slithered up his leg and rumbled. “Oh, ok, I guess that makes sense.” Then he blinked as she continued. “So you can only get smaller, not bigger than your original size?” She nodded. “...Neat.”

Celestia looked at the two. “...Don’t you think that having Naga around is dangerous, especially this close to Ponyville?”

Skystrike turned his attention from Naga to Celestia. “Well, compared to the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor in the Everfree, and the Everfree itself, no…” Then he thought about it. “In fact, can’t I make the same argument with you and your sister in the most important city in Equestria?”

Celestia’s eyes narrowed. “That’s different. We wouldn’t dare to harm the ponies we swore to protect.”

“Oh, deadass?” Skystrike asked. “Naga and I are the same. So, if you wish to continue this line of thought, then you must recognize the logical fallacy you’re pedaling. You, your sister, Naga, and I are all sentient beings, with morals that tells us what’s right and wrong. She isn’t some beast that acts on nothing but instinct. Anything else?”

Luna hesitated, but it was worth a shot. “...Can we pet her?” Naga responded by jumping off Skystrike’s arm and slithering over. Luna put out a hoof to pet the creature.

Skystrike let Naga enjoy it for a bit before tapping the ground, getting the basilisk's attention. “Could you make some seats for the peanut gallery?” Naga slithered back over and surrounded herself in dirt. Soon, the dirt solidified and turned into black scales. Now back to her original size, Naga slapped the ground with her tail, making a set of stone bleachers. She then slithered next to the bleachers and coiled up to go back to sleep. “Thank you. Now, Spike, Stardust, are you two ready?”

The two saluted him. “Yes, Nebula!” Then Spike had a question. “What are we doing today?”

“First, a simple rundown of types of weapons.” Skystrike made sure to speak loud enough for the ponies and zebra who were now on the bleachers to hear. “For now, we’re going to focus on the non-magical. Weapons can be split into three main categories. Ones that can piercing, smashing, and cutting. My blades focus more on cutting and piercing, but the sheer weight behind the blades can smash through most things. Stardust’s Rapier focuses on cutting and piercing, though won't be able to smash through anything. Spike, your staff can smash through and peirce, but you need the scythe blade to slash through. It’s a basic rundown, but does this make sense? Any questions?”

Spike nodded. “Yeah! So each weapon is better at specific things?”

“Precisely. Nice job.” Skystrike patted the dragon. “And because of that, that also means there’s different types of armor, and each has its own effectiveness.” Skystrike put a hoof on his chestplate. “For example. Mine is plate armor. It gives me very good protection against slashes, because of the curvature of this armor, and decent protection against blunt impacts, as it spreads out the impact. As a downside, I’m not nearly as mobile as I could be, and am vulnerable to piercings. Because of that, I wear chainmail under this, just in case.” Then he pointed to Stardust. “Stardust’s armor focuses more on mobility. Her armor can also protect from slashes, though not so much from piercings and impacts. There’s a whole history on why armor evolved into what it is now, but that, I can explain later.”

Spike raised his claw. “So, which is best?”

“Depends on the situation. Against somepony like me, piercing through my armor would be your best bet. But there are many things I do to make sure I can avoid that possibility. It also depends on the type of weapon. For example, a spear is on average worse than a halberd. Halberds have the majority of their weight at the end, and can pierce with the pick they have on the end, easily breaking through plate armor. The problem with that is that it’s much slower than a spear, and this easier to dodge.” Then he had a thought. “Actually, here’s a better example. Stardust, do you know why the Wonderbolts, despite being military, wear no armor?”

“Um… well, aside from being mostly ceremonial now, it’s because armor slows down the average pegasus.”

Skystrike nodded. “Right. And because of that, in the warring times, Pegasi didn’t need to worry about piercing armor that the other pegasi didn’t wear. They attacked by flying near one another with spears and blade tipped wings. They didn’t need the spears, but attacking grounded enemies was much easier with one, keeping distance between them. But that’s enough for a simple rundown.” He turned to Stardust again. “I want you to spar with me, and you, Spike, I want to watch closely. Keep track of everything you can.”

Stardust hesitated. “You’ll… go easy on me, right?”

Skystrike chuckled. “Of course. It’s a learning exercise. Plus, I need to get a feel of your style.” Spike quickly ran outside of the arena. Skystrike stood on his hind legs and cracked his back. He kept his wings folded in as he drew his sword, holding it diagonally to the ground with the blade towards Stardust. “Ready when you are.”

Stardust drew her charcoal rapier with a hoof as she looked at him. The two looked at each other for what felt like minutes before Stardust went for a lunge. Skystrike side stepped the strike at his chest before twisting his wrist to slash at the mare. Stardust was quick, however, and blocked the attack with her own blade. The two pushed off of each other before they began to clash blades.

Skystrike came down with an overhead swing. Stardust knew that she wouldn’t hold under the weight of the attack and decided to jump backwards. The pegasus took the opportunity to dash forward and hit Stardust in the chest with a weak slash. It hurt, of course, but there would be no cuts thanks to the armor, and him holding back. Stardust slid to a stop before running forward and cutting at Skystrike’s neck, who blocked it with his blade. She knew she wouldn’t get a better chance anytime soon, ducking down to slide under Skystrike’s legs to spin and attack his back.

To be honest, Skystrike was surprised at the attempt, but it wasn’t outside of expectations. He caught the thrust under his arm and wrapped it around the blade. While Stardust was stunned in shock and mild panic, Skystrike took his blade in his other hoof before spinning around and stopping it right at Stardust’s neck. “...Nearly had you.”

“It was a good attempt.” Skystrike released his grip as they both sheathed their swords. “Now, Spike.” The dragon stood at attention. “What did you gather from that?”

Spike thought about it. “Well… it didn’t really seem fair at first, since you’re so much bigger, but Stardust held her own for a while. I don’t know how, but you two seemed to be able to tell which attacks you should dodge, and which to block… “I also noticed that neither of you used feints, but I guess that was because you two were holding back?”

Skystrike nodded. “Pretty good, especially for your first attempt.” He turned to Stardust. “As for what I have to say, it seems that you’re an opportunist in a skirmish. You take the first chance at victory you get. Not a bad thing, but it is predictable. If you’re interrupted during that chance, you seem to panic, and that’s how you lost like you did. And like Spike said, you didn’t use any feints. Doing so would be extremely useful given the finesse of your weapon. On top of that, rather than completely dodging my attack with the downward slash, you could’ve diverted my attack and left me open.”

Stardust thought that over. “I… Ok, yeah, I think I see it.”

“Now Spike…” Skystrike turned back to the baby dragon. “Think you can apply what you’ve learned so far?”

Spike nearly jumped at the chance. “Really! Alright!” He didn’t notice the sounds of protest from a certain purple unicorn.

Skystrike nodded at Twilight in an attempt to say he knew what he was doing. Stardust and Spike switched places, the baby dragon eagerly holding his staff. “Now remember, you can call the match at any time. You’re barely used to that weapon, let alone actual combat.”

“I’ll manage.” Spike held the staff behind him as he unleashed the blade. “Ready when you are!”

Skystrike chuckled and drew his sword, walking towards Spike. The dragon excitedly ran towards him and jumped into the air, spinning to his Skystrike with the blunt of the weapon. Skystrike blocked it, though was surprised by the weight behind it. All of that in a guy a third the size of the average mare. Spike pushed off him and landed on the ground, swiping at Skystrike’s legs.

The pegasus took a step back before going for a slash. Spike’s eyes widened as it came down on him initially, but focused in on Skystrike as he ran towards the blade to Skystrike’s surprise. He used the blade to divert Skystrike’s before spinning it in his claws and going for Skystrike’s neck. Skystrike was impressed on how quickly Spike had it down, but still needed to teach him some more. He only needed to duck down a bit for it to go over his head, and only needed a moment to divert Spike’s blade into the ground.

Spike tried his best to pull his weapon out of the dir. As soon as he did, however, Skystrike hit him in the head with the hilt of his sword. Spike shook off the pain as his ears rang slightly. Skystrike decided to approach him, bringing his sword out to the side and swiping at Spike. The dragon attempted to block it, but then realized that the pegasus quickly changed from a forward grip to a reverse, mid swing, making the blade glide past the staff and stop at Spike’s neck. Skystrike crouched down to look him in the eye. “You forgot about feints.”

The two put away their weapons as Spike pushed himself up. “Yeah…” Then he blinked. “Wait, how did I do that?”

“Pretty sure it’s instinct.” Skystrike explained. “From what my other dragon friend told me, things like this come natural to you… though I am surprised it’s to this level.”

“Well, I did play around with wooden swords for a while with-” He covered his mouth. “Right. Twilight doesn't want me to talk about-”

“I can assume who you mean.” Skystrike stood up. “But moving on, now I know your style. You’re a brawler, wanting to take down your opponent with pure strength, rather than playing it smart. Not a bad thing, but the problem arises when you’re against someone stronger, or smarter than you. We’ll need to train it out of you.” Then he referred to both Spike and Stardust. “We’ll be sparring with each other weekly. Other than that, you two will join me in my morning workouts. It’ll get you in shape. Stardust, you already know Swordsmanship, so you’re fine. Spike, while you did have strength behind your swings, not so much technique. I’ll be teaching you that. For now, that’ll end today's efforts.”

Luna stepped down from her seat. “If we may intrude… Would you be up for a match, Sir Nebula?”

Everyone looked at Luna in surprise. Skystrike decided to ask what everypony was thinking. “...What brings this up?”

Luna stopped her stride to stand in front of him. “During the time spent in this new age, these times are… peaceful. No need for constant training and sparring… Put simply, we have yet to adapt, and my body grows restless. We believe thou can put up quite a battle against us.”

Skystrike looked at her. “...I want to make a certain joke but it’s probably too soon.” Skystrike stretched. “At least this time it’ll be casual. I won’t kick your ass too hard, else Celestia will beat mine.”

Luna smirked. “Well, compared to last time, I believe that’ll be a slim possibility.”

“Oh, so we can make those jokes.” Skystrike took off one of his swords and put it in front of the alicorn, who picked it up with her magic. “So, how serious are we getting?”

Luna looked over the blade. “Well… we will allow you to use your wings if we can use our magic.”

“Well you have wings too. I feel like I’m at a disadvantage.” Skystrike joked. “So, I assume full contact is allowed?”

“But of course.” She nodded. “And we believe it’s fair, as you have your armor.”

“Yeah, makes sense.” Skystrike shrugged as he took a few steps back.

The two nodded at each other before the spar began. They walked around each other for a few moments before Skystrike dashed at Luna with, to her surprise, astounding speed. She snapped out of her surprise to block his oncoming blade with her own, charging her magic and trying to blast him point blank. He ducked under it, then twisted his body to land an overhead kick with a hind leg onto her forehead. With the opening he had, he went for another slash on the alicorn before she teleported a few feet away. “...Thou are much more agile than we expected.”

Skystrike chuckled and stood up straight. “And you’re a lot more hardy.”

Luna raised her sword with her magic. “A perc of being an alicorn.” She said before summoning several spheres of magic simultaneously and launching them at Skystrike. He assumed her aim was to catch him in the middle of defending, or forcing him to dodge. The pegasus dodged the first few, but for the last one, he decided to do something special. With the flat of his blade, he bounced the projectile upward before jumping into the air and kicking it back at Luna.

Sure, she could easily dodge it, but he felt so cool.

The alicorn of the night shot a beam of magic at him while he was still in the air, forcing Skystrike to fly to the side to dodge it. To his detriment, the beam of energy began to follow him, making him fly sporadically in an attempt to dodge it. It wasn’t going anywhere, so he needed to play a little risky. Skystrike flew directly towards Luna, diving down at her and cutting the beam in half as he did. Luna, however, was able to stop expelling her magic rather quickly and got a decent hit on Skystrike. The blade collide with Skystrike’s right side as braced, digging his hooves into the oncoming ground and sliding to a stop.

Skystrike rolled his neck, cracking a few times as he stood up. “You alicorns have way too much magic.”

“And thou is quite sturdy for a pegasus.” Luna spun the blade in her magic. “But we can tell you’re getting tired. Shall we end this?”

Skystrike chuckled. “A bit cocky, I see. Alright, I’ll make it quick.” He lowered himself to the ground and spread his wings. In a flash, he was right in front of the princess. She expected this, and put up her blade to block his oncoming slash. What she didn’t expect was for Skystrike to kick it out of the way and land a kick directly to her chest, winding the mare for a moment. Luna held her breath and blasted him point blank, hitting Skystrike in the left wing and making him fall back from the stinging pain. Of course, it was the same wing that the Ursa hit. Skystrike regained his stance and fought through the pain. Luna tried to come down on him with her front hooves, but failed as Skystrike jumped to the side.

Skystrike got behind the princess of the moon and wrapped his forearms around her back, locking her wings in place. With a heavy flap of his wings, he picked them both up into the air. He began flying in loops, speeding up with each motion before letting go of Luna right when she’d go flying straight down. And she did, hurtling towards the oncoming earth, wide eyed as she couldn’t force her wings out to slow her fall. The ground shook at the impact of the alicorn.

Luna groaned as Skystrike landed on top of her, putting a hoof on her chest and his blade in the ground next to her neck. “I think that’s game.” Skystrike let out a huff.

Luna looked up at him, her shade of blue a bit darker. “Yes, it was an… illuminating sparring session. Though, we ask that you let us get up. This position is rather… revealing.”

Skystrike blinked, then realized the situation he was in. Luna’s marehood was right there… and he could feel the gaze of a protective sister on him. Skystrike quickly took his hoof off. “God, Celestia’s gonna kill me.”

Luna laughed and stood up. “It’s quite alright, dear Nebula…” Then winced at her injuries. “You’ve quite a wallop.” She surrounded herself in her cobalt magic as the minor swelling on her body began to disappear.

“Wish I could do that.” Skystrike chuckled as he rolled his wing.

“...Will thou be alright?”

“Probably.” Skystrike shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I’m a really good sleeper.”

Luna gave him a confused look as Celestia cleared her throat. “Nebula, may we have a moment of your time?”

Skystrike turned to her, then to Luna, who nodded. “I promise I’m not hitting on your sister, please don’t smite me.”

His friends, and a few of the guards tried to hide their laughs. Celestia gave a small sigh. “I would prefer we speak in private.”

Skystrike sighed, then picked up the sword that was on the ground from throwing Luna. “Very well. I will wait for you two inside.” He walked back to his home and entered it, leaving the door open. He heard what sounded like words of protest from the guards and ones of curiosity from Stardust and his friends. Soon, the two princesses entered and closed the door behind them.

Skystrike motioned for him to sit on the couch across from him. He poured them each a cup of tea before picking up his. “So, what’s up?”

Celestia looked into her cup, then she spoke. “We’d like to… apologize for how we treated you the last time we met. It was too hasty of us to act, not knowing your history.”

The pegasus blinked, then let out a small huff. “Pay it no mind. I cannot blame you for making decisions on information I withheld from you.”

“About that.” Celestia looked up from her tea. “We tried interrogating Magnus, but he wouldn’t speak about it.”

“Of course he wouldn’t.” Skystrike scoffed. “But on the upside, he definitely knows something if he’s staying quiet…” He thought for a bit. “I’ll have to confront him at some point. I want answers too.”

Luna looked at him. “Could thou tell us of your past with Magnus, neigh, your past in general?”

Skystrike looked at her. “I would rather not… Too many bad memories… anger inducing memories.” Then he took a sip of his tea. “But I know that you two want your answers… I’d be inclined to talk about it now, but…” He motioned to the window. Celestia and Luna looked to the open window to see several multicolored blurs quickly duck out of sight. “Too many open ears. Give me some time. I have some demons I need to fight through.”

The two princesses sighed. “Very well.” Celestia spoke as she stood up. “It’s best if we get back to our duties… I hope the next time we meet will be under better circumstances.”

Skystrike nodded. “Same. See you two next time.”

Several days passed. Skystrike just finished the morning workout and training with Spike, and Stardust. Zecora was invited, but she said she had some potions to brew. They were hungry after, so the plan was to grab a bite to eat at one of Ponyville’s local restaurants. And then they stumbled on everypony preparing for something. Skystrike looked around. “So… you two have any idea what’s going on?”

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Stardust asked. “Princess Celestia is coming for an unofficial visit.”

“...She was just here.”

“I don’t get paid to question what she does.” Stardust said.

Spike slapped his forehead with a claw. “Shoot! I just remembered I said I’d help Twilight clean the library! I’ll see you guys later!” And with that, he quickly ran off.

Skystrike sighed. “Welp. Still want to get food?”

“Yeah, I could go for a sandwich or something.” Stardust nodded. “Hopefully it’s not too heavy.”

“Damn. I was thinking of bar food.” Skystrike shook out his mane. “Well, there’s that place that Twilight showed me a while ago. They have sandwiches.”

“Count me it!”

“GUYS!” The two nearly jumped at Pinkie Pie seemingly spawning in front of them.

“JESUS!” Skystrike took a step back.

“No, it’s Pinkie! But quick! Do you know where I can get a banjo!?” She said with way too much worry that it should have been said with.

Skystrike looked at her. “Is it mean if I say Applejack?”

“Thank you!” Pinkie said before running off.

Stardust looked at her, blinked, then looked at the pegasus. “Did you say that because she’s an earth pony?”

“What?” Skystrike tilted her head. “No, I said it because she’s southern.”

“That… doesn’t make it better?”

Skystrike chuckled. “Maybe.” Then Skystrike felt something fall on his helmet. He looked up, seeing no clouds, so it couldn’t be rain. It wasn’t fall yet, so no leaves were falling off the trees. He grabbed whatever fell on him, feeling something warm and fuzzy as he did. Pulling it off and in front of his face, his eyes widened as he realized what it was. “SHIT!”

“Uh, what is that?” Stardust looked at the creature in his hoof. It was a light blue ball with massive green eyes and insect-like wings. Then she noticed that several, no, dozens more were landing around her. The ponies around were also looking in confusion, but falling for the cuteness of the creatures.

Except for Skystrike, who threw it to the ground and stomped on it, it exploded into a puff of blue fuzz. “Parasprites!” He yelled. They soon began eating all the food in their sights. He looked to Stardust. “Stardust, we need to get out of here! There’s too many to handle right now!”

“To where!?” She looked around, the multicolored bugs in sight every which way she looked. “Wait, look! Twilight is trying something!”

Skystrike turned to the unicorn, who seemed to be charging magic within her horn. After much focus, waves of lilac energy radiated from her horn and encompassed the countless parasprites. Skystrike was in awe as they seemed to stop in their tracks, turning their noses up at the food. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash looked around at the scene with her. Pinkie ran over with tambourines, saying something, but shook in annoyance at the mares ignoring her before running away. At least it made a silly sound. He quickly ran over. “Twilight! The hell is going on!?”

Twilight huffed from the excess use of her magic. “Well, Fluttershy found these things and gave one to me, then they started multiplying. So I gave one to Rarity and Rainbow Dash, and now they’re everywhere!” Then she puffed out her chest a bit. “Luckily, I just casted a spell to stop them from eating all the food.”

“Fluttershy found these Parasprites? What are they doing here in the first place!? Wait-” Skystrike grabbed the mare and pulled her close. “Say that last part again.”

Twilight reeled back from the stallion in her face. “I… casted a spell to stop them from eating all the food?”

“Just the food!?” Skystrike asked with a voice full of worry.

“Well, yeah, what else would they ea-” Twilight was about to finish her sentence before a Parasprite sniffed an apple in a bucket, before eating the entire bucket and spitting out the apple. Then another took a bite out of the sign on Sugarcube Corner… and another out of the wheel of a wagon. Nevermind, they swarmed the entire wagon

“Monkey’s paws are BULLSHIT!” Skystrike let her go and quickly flew to his house. A normal ten minute walk, he did in a twenty second flight. But it wasn't quick enough.

A multicolor whirlwind of parasprites was moving its way towards his home. He only had a few minutes before they got to it. Skystrike quickly flew inside and threw open the doors to his storage closet. He thought about calling Naga to make a dome around his house, but there wasn't time, and no guarantee they wouldn't just eat the rocks. Skystrike frantically darted his eyes to each shelf before grabbing what he needed. Firecrackers, string, spray paint, and a lot of vegetable oil.

He ran outside and saw the oncoming tornado. Only a few minutes now. Skystrike quickly tied some of the fire crackers to the bottles of vegetable oil. Scratching his metal arm with an armored hoof, sparks sprang from the alloy and onto the wick of one of the fire crackers. He chucked the bottle of oil right in front of the path of the parasprites as the fuse went down. With a loud pop, flaming oil spread to the insectoids, thinning their numbers. As an added bonus, the fuzz they seemed to be made of also caught fire, making a chain reaction.

But the tornado only grew smaller. In fact, they dispersed to stop the fire from spreading any further, then quickly ate a nearby tree. The whirlwind was nearly double of its original size before he threw his makeshift grenade. Skystrike threw another, only for the same thing to happen. Soon, they were right in front of him.

He wouldn’t go down without a fight. With a lighter in one hoof and spray paint in another, he held the former in front of the latter and ignited the paint. It was a fruitless effort. Soon, he was out of lighter fluid and spray paint, being swarmed by the hungry insects. He flew into the air and shook off the few that were trying to eat his armor. But upon looking at his house, his heart sank into his stomach.

The home he built by hoof, a symbol of his efforts, was now replaced by the sound buzzsaws as the parasprites tore through wood and plaster. Good lord, they were everywhere. He saw two of them fighting over a fucking spoon. It took less than a minute for the creatures to turn what was once his home into scraps of various materials. Skystrike landed on the ground and layed down with his chest to the sky. A single Parasprite flew inches away from his face and gave his helmet a test lick. Skystrike crushed it with a quick motion of his hoof before covering his eyes with both.

He didn’t know how long he laid there like that, but it was long enough for what sounded like a parade going by. He opened one of his eyes to see a line of parasprites jumping along to Pinkie pie, armed with various instruments and playing each simultaneously. At least they were gone. He looked to the remains of his house before wincing and covering his eyes again.

More time passed before he heard the sound of several hoofsteps approaching him. Skystrike threw out his hooves and spread them out to his sides. In his peripheral vision, he saw Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Stardust. Stardust groaned. “Just when Princess Celestia left! Damn it!”

Applejack gave the pegasus a pat on the shoulder. “I get it, sugarcube. They ate the barn.”

Rarity nodded. “And most of my designs.”

“And the words out of my books.” Twilight sighed.

Skystrike kept looking to the sky. “And I’m guessing Ponyville is in the same state…” They nodded. Skystrike stood up and took in a deep breath. “This is fine.” He said mostly to himself. He stepped over one of the walls of his trashed house before going to what once was his bedroom and opening a nightstand with a bite mark in it. Thankfully, his journal was still in it, unscared.

Looking around his room, his saddlebag was also there, and put it on. By some miracle, everything truly important to him was untouched. His journal, the letters that never needed to be sent, the lantern he used to contact Kyne, old gifts from friends he still holds dear, and a silver pendent from one no longer here. Skystrike opened it, looking at the picture of him and a younger stallion from years ago. Still safe. He loaded up everything into his saddlebags before sighing.

“Who was that?” Pinkie Pie was looking over his shoulder at the still open pendant.

Skystrike closed it. “A friend…”

“Is he nice?”

“He… was.” Skystrike closed the locket. “Stardust, gather everything not eaten by the parasprites. Go to Zecora’s hut and ask tell her what happened. She’ll offer you her tent at least.”

“And what about you?” She asked.

“If you need a place to stay, you could stay with one of us?” Fluttershy offered. “I don’t mind. It’s my fault anyway. If I just didn’t let that one in…”

“Or keep one hidden after we herded them into the Everfree the first time.” Twilight grumbled.

Skystrike’s ears perked up at that as he slowly turned towards Fluttershy. She hid behind her mane at his piercing gaze. Skystrike inhaled deeply once more. “Fluttershy, whether you housed them or not, one was still here, so it would’ve come to this anyway. I do not blame you. But right now, I am barely containing my anger at the situation. I just need some time to myself.”

They all wished him the best, and Skystrike them as they all split up for the day. He has a lot of work ahead of him, building a new house that is. At least it gave him an excuse. A larger one would be necessary, as it was beginning to get tight with Stardust there. After all, he only planned on living on his own. Zecora came into town too, so another room just in case she wanted to stay over. So that’s three rooms total. He didn’t plan on anyone else moving in, but it’d be best to prepare for that possibility. Six rooms, three bathrooms. With his size, it’d be best to build it for him. It’d be a rather big house.

Looking at everything now, Skystrike was glad that he had Kyne keep all the somewhat important items and his gold he gathered from his travels. There were a lot of books that Kyne held onto for him, so he should make a section for his soon to be library. He also would like to do some magical tests and brew potions… might as well make a wizard’s tower for all of that. Best two have two floors too. Fuck it, add an armory too if he was going to build all of that.

A garage would be nice. Well, it’d be more of a warehouse, since he’d put a new forge. A better one. But with the size that this new hypothetical house would be, it’d be over where the lab is. Sure, it was eight hundred meters below him, but he could easily dig that out with Naga’s help. He could probably make an elevator with the lab, but he’ll get there when he gets there. Skystrike would make the blueprints tomorrow. For now, he had to go find Naga. He’d crash in her cave for a little while. As if on que, Naga dug a tunnel from the ground and stuck her head out. She grabbed him by the tail and began dragging him in. He chuckled, and began to feel a little better.

The coming weeks were hard for everypony. While most of the residents in Ponyville weren’t displaced, each one had to go through efforts to rebuild. Their homes, businesses, and gardens were all affected. Though the sense of community did make Skystrike smile a bit as he saw it. The ponies were helping one another, offering housing for the displaced, and food for those who’s gardens were ravaged. Food wouldn’t be a long term issue, since it’s a farming town, and food grows pretty fast. The town was repaired within a matter of weeks because of this. The Apple family and Skystrike had the worst of it, losing their entire homes. The stallion was happy for his friend, however, that she had the same luck as him. Some irreplaceable items inside were left either unharmed, or in a state where it could be fixed. Now that he thought about it, Skystrike never saw her parents. He’d ask about it when the time is right.

For now, Skystrike was building his house from the ground up. Naga was a great help, making a sturdy foundation for the whole place, as well as bringing him all the stones he could need, going the extra mile to shape them into bricks. Thanks to her, the walls of his new home would be much sturdier than the last. The problem that makes is that he needs to work on the ventilation. It cost a lot of bits to get all the lumber, nails, plaster, and everything else he needed to get started.

Skystrike put the last screw into the frame before flying down and looking up at it. Two floors, an offshoot for a forge, another for an armory, and one for his soon to be dubbed ‘research tower.’ Name pending, he can think of a better name. Naga looked down at Skystrike, then motioned behind him. Skystrike turned around and looked at the ponies coming his way. “Zecora, Stardust, good seeing you two.”

Zecora looked up at the frame of the building. “This is quite big, such an open place. Do you truly think you'll need all that space?”

Skystrike huffed from the work he did. “Yeah, well, I’m a big guy. Besides, I’m having Kyne come by once this is done. I’ve had him hold on to the majority of my stuff for the past while.”

“Yeesh, you did all of this yourself?” Stardust looked up at the wooden structure. “I’ve seen it take a dozen ponies weeks to get this far. How did you do it?”

Skystrike shrugged. “I got in the zone, I guess. Did construction as a side job as a colt. I picked up on a lot of things.” If he had to be honest, it was partially because his metal arm had power tools built into it, making the process much easier. “But I have to admit, having Naga and her earth manipulation made things a lot easier. Not only did I not have to get stone, but she can make her own version of concrete. Plus, no need for cranes or anything… Speaking of building, I should have my order of house wrap coming soon. Same with the water pipes, ventilation pipes, and electrical wires.”

Stardust blinked. “...I’d offer to help, but I have no idea how to do all of that.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” Skystrike waved a hoof. “I made the blueprints and everything myself, so I know what I’m doing. If you really want to help, house wrapping is fairly straight forward. You could also start thinking of colors you want to paint the place. And you will be helping with building all the furniture, since most are custom orders.”

“Why do you need to custom order furniture?”

“Same reason the princesses do. Because I’m massive.” Skystrike rolled a shoulder. “Damn, I’m sore… I want to get something to eat.”

They looked between each other as they shared a collective thought. “Burgers.”

“Hell yeah.” Skystrike added before turning to Naga. “Can you hold down the fort for about an hour?” Naga saluted him with her tail. “Great. I’ll make it up to you.” He said as they began walking to town.

Zecora, Stardust, and a few of the residents of Ponyville were watching Skystrike as he ordered twenty separate burgers, and was scarfing down his eighth while opening up his ninth. He was almost yelled out of the restaurant when he ordered that many, but he was adamant he’d eat them all. He was hungry.

Skystrike bit into the hayburger, taking off half its mass with one bite. He chewed, swallowed, then stuffed the rest into his mouth with a satisfied hum. “Mmmm, that hit the spot. You have no idea how much I needed that.”

Zecora wasn’t even halfway done with hers. “When was the last time you took a bite? Have you eaten at all since morning light?”

Skystrike wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Uh… yesterday morning?” He thought back. “I’ve been… really busy. Honestly, now that I think about it, I realized I haven't slept.”

“...You sure you’re ok, Nebula?”

“Probably. I’ve been fine through worse.” Skystrike leaned back in his chair. “So, how’s it fairing with you two? Housing together going alright?”

Stardust bit into her burger. “It’s… an experience. Not that it’s bad living with you, Zecora.” She quickly clarified. “Living in the forest is just… interesting.”

“I do not mind, my pony friend, it’s true. It takes some time to get used to.” Zecora laughed. “The Everfree’s nice when you know what to expect. Its calm and its peace, I deeply respect.”

“Calm? Peace? The Everfree forest?”

“You’d be surprised.” Skystrike nodded. “It’s comforting at times, the unpredictability.”

“I don’t get how you like the unpredictability.”

Skystrike thought of an example. “You know how when it rains, you get the excuse to stay in that day? Imagine that, but it’s a surprise.” Then he began voicing a hypothetical. “‘Hey Nebula, wanna go do something you probably don't want to?’ ‘Ah, I’d love to, but it’s raining.’ Perfect excuse.”

“You know what… fair.” Stardust chuckled.

Skystrike was about to say something, but noticed that Zecora was looking away from him. He followed her eyes, seeing what he assumed to be a mother and her colt. The mother was smiling widely to both of their confusion. Soon, the colt ran up to the table and looked up at Zecora. “Excuse me, miss Zecora? Does your mommy help you put on your stripes?”

Zecora looked at the boy, then to Skystrike, who was trying his hardest not to laugh. Stardust was choking on the water she was in the middle of drinking. Zecora made eye contact with the mother, who was giggling to herself. She couldn’t help but smile at the colt, trying to give a serious answer with a non serious face.. “I was born with these stripes, my dear little one, but asking such questions shows wisdom begun.”

“Thank you!” The colt said before running back to his mom.

Skystrike was grabbing onto the table as he held in his laughter. He inhaled deeply. “That was great!” He chuckled as he put the rest of his burgers in his bag. “Welp, gotta make my way to the train station. That delivery should be here by now.”

“Why don't you have the postal service deliver it?” Stardust asked.

“Derpy is our delivery mare.”

“Is that… bad?”

Skystrike sighed. She doesn’t know. “She isn’t a bad mare, she’s just… not the brightest. In fact…” He noticed the mare in the distance. “There she is.”

They watched as she giddily flew along with a box in her hooves. She eyed it curiously, but was so focused on it that she wasn’t paying attention to where she was flying, running into the scaffolding on a house that was still in repair. The scaffolding fell apart like a house of cards. “...I see what you mean.”

“Yeah, letters, she can deliver no problem. Maybe bigger, bulky items too. I don’t want to risk it today though.” Skystrike stretched as he stood up. “Well that was good. I have to go pick up my stuff. You two coming?”

They nodded as they got up as well. Small talk filled the air between them as they walked to the train station. A stallion was already waiting for him, flagging Skystrike down and waving the pegasus over. After a quick signing, Skystrike tied the several crates he had with some rope from his bag and tied them to his back.

Stardust looked at him. “Nebula, what in Tartarus are you made of?”

“What do you mean?” Skystrike looked at her.

“"I forget the bounds of your strength, it's no act. You're carrying six crates piled high on your back!" Zecora said.

“I mean, they are heavy. Won’t be able to fly with these on…” Skystrike took a few practice steps. “But this isn’t the heaviest thing I’ve carried.” They began walking back home.

Stardust tilted her head. “What is the heaviest thing you’ve carried?”

“So far?” Skystrike thought about it. “You know, that’s a good question. I don’t remember. I just know I’ve carried heavier.”

“For a moment, I thought you'd say Tethys' name, but it seems my guess was a little off aim.”

He looked at Zecora. “I was taught to not comment on a lady’s weight.”

“...You know, when you say something like that, it implies that this ‘Tethys’ is heavy.” Stardust coughed.

“...Shit.” He said to himself and their amusement. Skystrike set the crates down in front of his soon to be house. “Alright. Stardust, you ready to get started?”

“Sure am.” Stardust took off her helmet and shook out her sky blue hair.

Zecora rolled a shoulder. "I don't mind lending a hoof your way, I've got no plans for the rest of the day."

“Well, that’ll make things so much easier.” Skystrike opened the needed crate. “Let’s get to work.”

A couple more weeks passed, and the house was finally finished. The sleepless nights were worth it as Skystrike looked up at his weeks of hard work.

The outside of the house had decorative stones, courtesy of Naga, for an outer wall, making it not at all boring to look at. He had a decent size porch too, with a small ramp to walk up to enter the door. Two stories tall, the main section of the house went back fairly far, and branched off into two other sections. The armory was to the right, with a few windows to let in the sun, and a sky light to shine down the light on a single armor stand. Or that would be the plan, once he finds a good set of armor to put there. The left side of the house had a large tower that he still hasn't named, that would house his library and research stations. Admittedly, he took some inspiration from the many towers in Canterlot Castle. It had the same decorative grey stones on the outside, though the pointed roof had deep blue roofing tiles, compared to the light grey the rest of the building had.

Walking around the back, he looked at his warehouse and forge. The forge was the same as his last one, albeit slightly bigger. The warehouse was there so he could work in the rain and snow if needed. Plus, there was much more space for storage, so any incomplete works, he wouldn’t need to find a place inside to temporarily house it.

And this was just a minor rant on Skystrike’s end, he hated the normal ponies building styles. They didn’t look bad, but they completely lacked any insulation besides their thatch roofings. It got cold during winter, and Skystrike was glad that he finished his house before winter.

The house has been done for a few months now, long enough for winter to come, start, and soon come to an end. Kyne came by a few weeks ago to drop off the items that Skystrike had him hold onto. He once again made the mistake of not telling anypony until he landed in front of his house. With the help of Stardust, Zecora, and the rest of his friends, they unloaded everything Kyne bought and put it into his home.

Skystrike walked back inside to see the interior. The living room had a bookshelf on the far wall, a fireplace in the center of another wall, and a reclining chair and couch in front of the fireplace. He threw in a cut of a log and stoked it. He pushed his hooves into the rug he was on and hummed in satisfaction. The only thing the room was missing was something to decorate the walls. Maybe some paintings would be nice.

Next, he walked into his kitchen. There were some cinnamon rolls he made this morning on the kitchen island. He took one and bit into it as he looked over the spruce dining table, surrounded by ten chairs. He knew he didn't need that many, but with how often he had company, it helped out. Besides, it gave him a little hope that the whole group would come back together again. He looked at his new stove, his new ovens, his new refrigerator. With the money that Kyne bought back, he had plenty to spare on some luxuries.

Skystrike walked to his armory. There were several stands spread around the room, though few held any armor on them. He currently wore a sweater and ski pants, so his armor was on one. Stardust’s stood on another, specifically for her. The rest were empty. But it just gave more attention to the many collectables he had. On the wall racks, stood various swords, hammers, axes, and magic items, separated by weapon type, then design. The more dangerous ones were under locks and hidden elsewhere, but that would come up another time.

Finally, he walked to his tower, where Stardust currently was, knocked out on a reclining chair with a book open on her lap. He smiled at the look. The circular room was large, taking Skystrike a few paces to walk to the other end. On this level each wall had a built-in bookcase, as well as a few studies for any research that he, Stardust, or Zecora would want to do.

Going up the staircase to the second floor, he got to the more magical part of his tower. Outwardly it didn’t have anything that showed how magical it was, but that was his goal. In fact, it was the extreme lack of magic in the room that made it perfect for his experiments. After all, testing magic in a place with a negligible outside magical factor would be ideal. That being said… he didn’t really have much to test. He could test the magical items that Kyne dropped by. Yeah, sounds like a plan. He’ll get to that. The open air balcony on the top of his tower was perfect, giving a great view of the mountain Canterlot was on, as well as Ponyville. He had a telescope for stargazing, which he wanted to get into, since astronomy works very differently then back where he was from.

Anyway, that was for later. For now, Skystrike wanted to relax within the confines of his home. The snow outside settles a few inches, the forest was silent, and the fireplace was roaring warmth. Skystrike walked to the living room and sat down in his recliner. He didn’t even need a book or anything to pass the time. He just wanted to relax after his workout. Though he couldn’t help but think he was forgetting something as he began to fall asleep.

There was a knock on his door. His eyes snapped open in mild annoyance. Skystrike got up and walked to his door, opening it to see Zecora in front of him with a brown vest. “Skystrike! Your new home's a fine work of art, Is it treating you well? Are you ready to start?”

Skystrike groggily blinked. “Ready to start what?”

“Winter wrap up, of course. The ponies say this season has ran its course.”

“...You rhymed course with course.”

Zecora ignored that. “We need to head to town hall soon. Are you coming with us, or later at noon?”

“Oh… shit.” It all came back to Skystrike. “Yeah, come inside while I get dressed. Stardust is asleep in the library if you want to wake her up for me.” He quickly flew up to his room through the indoor balcony and put on his winter coat Rarity made for him before jumping downstairs.

Stardust rubbed her eyes with a yawn and looked at Skystrike. “...You got a date or something today? Why so well dressed?”

“My body doesn’t retain heat as well as the average pony. I’d like to not freeze my balls off, thank you.” Skystrike straightened his coat.

“Would it matter? They’re already blue.” Zecora smirked.

Skystrike slowly turned to look at her. “First off, I ask you not to make a joke like that again unless it's just the two of us, and second, that didn’t even rhyme.” Then he realized. “Ok, new rule, rhyming off of me doesn’t count.”

Zecora laughed as she turned around and went back out the front door. The two followed the Zebra to town with tired looks on their faces. Skystrike wished he could rub his eyes, but you know. The helmet. The three stopped in front of the crown surrounding the town hall, with Mayor Mare at the top of the steps.

She waited a few moments before she started. “Thank you, everypony, for being here bright and early! We need every single ponies help to wrap up winter, and bring in spring!” The crowd gave excited cheers, making Skystrike’s ears ring slightly. “Now all of you have your vests, and have been assigned to your teams! So let's do even better than last year, and have the quickest Winter Wrap Up ever!”

The crowd cheered again as Skystrike and Stardust looked between each other. They did not have their vests. “Wait, Zecora, when did you get your vest?”

“"The mayor stopped me just last week, to help Fluttershy with the animals, so to speak."

“Oh.” Skystrike realized he hasn’t been in town in a while. He didn’t like moving too much in the cold. “Shit… Well come on, Stardust. We gotta get vests.” She followed the stallion as he walked up to Mayor Mare. “Hey, so somehow, me and Stardust didn’t get the memo. We don’t have vests. Where should we help out?”

“Oh, Nebula, Stardust!” Mayor Mare smiled at them. “It’s not surprising, it is your first winter here. I only met Zecora by chance.” Then she rubbed her chin with a hoof. “Hmm… well, a stallion of your stature could help out clearing the snow. That team leader is Applejack. Though I know for sure we don't have a vest in your size. Then again, you could also help Rainbow Dash clear the clouds and help with bringing back the birds. Up to you. As for you, Stardust, the animal team, the ones with the brown vests, could use a hoof. Rarity and some others make bird nests, while Fluttershy wakes up the animals from hibernation.”

Skystrike stretched. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll make my way to Applejack then. I’m not too good at breaking up clouds.”

Stardust looked around for her team leader. “Alright, come on Zecora. We’ll see you later, Nebula.”

But then they paused in their tracks as there was the sound of a guitar coming from… everywhere. They looked around as the area around them turned to black. ‘The hell is-’ His thought was cut off by a spotlight shining down on Rainbow Dash. “Three months of winter coolness, and awesome holidays…” She began to sing.

“Oh no…” Skystrike thought aloud as his eyes shrunk to pin pricks.

Another spotlight manifested above Pinkie Pie. “We’ve kept our houses warm at home, time off from work and play…”

“Please no… GOD no…” He pleaded to no one in particular.

A third appeared above Applejack. “But the food we’ve stored is running out, and we can’t grow in this cold…”

A fourth on Rarity. “And even though I love my boots, the fashion is getting old…”

Skystrike looked at Stardust and Zecora momentarily before grabbing them and flying full speed away from the crowd.” Nebula! What’s wrong?!”

“Nope, nu-uh, no, nein, nada, nope, fuck that.” Skystrike said as he landed. “I am not getting us caught up in a musical number.”

Zecora looked at him. “What are you saying? Please explain. Is this a custom from your domain?”

“Something like that.” Skystrike sighed. “These ponies like to sing. Sometimes, they do it together… and everypony joins in. Some, not by their own volition…” He shuddered. “My body, my voice, they weren’t my own. I don’t want it happening again.”

“...What?” Stardust tilted her head. “This is the first time I’ve heard of anything like this. What do you mean again?”

“Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap Up!” They heard in the distance.

“Nonononononononono!” Skystrike pleaded as the ponies seemed to come over the hills from every direction. “WAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAIT!!”

“Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap Up!” A pony pulled herself from behind a building. “Let’s finish our holiday cheer!” Skystrike began running, the other two instinctively following him until he stopped from another pony in front of him. “Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap Up! Cause tomorrow spring is here!”

He tried to run once more, but he couldn’t move them. The musical number forced him to trot alongside the townsfolk. The words came to his mind, snaking their way out of his mouth. He couldn’t fight it anymore. Next time, he’d need to fly farther.

“...You know.” Stardust coughed from a dry throat. “It was kinda catchy.”

“Shut up.” Skystrike groaned. “I’m going to find Applejack. Probably at her farm. Rarity is at her boutique, and I think Fluttershy is near the outskirts south of Ponyville.”

“Thanks. We’ll see you later.” Stardust nodded before they went their separate ways.

Skystrike walked towards Sweet Apple Acres to get to work. He noticed that most of the stallions in town were here, plowing the snow off the fields. Makes sense, given the average stature of one compared to a mare. He continued to trudge through the snow until he saw the mare he was looking for. “Applejack.”

The farm mare turned to him. “Nebula! Good to see you. It’s been some time, with us all holed up in our homes.”

Skystrike nodded. “Yeah, as you could’ve guessed, I’m not a big fan of winter. Despite not wanting to be out in this cold, I figured I should help out.”

“Well I wouldn’t mind an extra hoof. I didn’t ask ‘cause I figured Rainbow would’ve asked you for the flight team.”

“Well, I think she reached out to me a couple weeks ago…” Skystrike thought back, trying to remember. “I think I gave a reason along the lines of being bad at flying in groups.”

“I appreciate it either way.” Applejack smiled at him as they began walking. “Anything else before we get you started?”

“Just some questions about the whole wrap ip in general.” Skystrike nodded. “From what Mayor Mare said, it seems like the last wrap ups weren’t exactly fast.”

She sheepishly chuckled. “Yeah… we’ve been late wrapping up winter the last few years. We weren’t too organized, admittedly.”

“Well if it’s like that, why do we start the day off instead of a few days early? Not using magic makes it much slower compared to the other cities.”

“Well, this is a town founded by earth ponies. It’s tradition to not use magic. Though you do make a good point…” She stood in thought for a moment.

Skystrike decided to move on the conversation. “How have things been since the parasprites? I know you said your barn got torn through.”

“Yeah.” Applejack sighed. “Luckily, there wasn’t too much in the barn. They ignored the actual house so we lucked out… Still sucked that it took so long to build it with just me, and the family. Other than that, we’re all doing good. Granny has been knitting up a storm for the winter, Big Mac and I were taking care of the animals, and Applebloom has been focusing on her school work. There’s a science fair coming.”

Skystrike’s ears perked up. “Oh? I liked those when I was a kid, actually. Never got first, because I think the whole thing was rigged.” He chuckled. “But hey, if she needs help, send her my way. Same to you next Applebucking season if you're short hooved.”

“I will, thanks. By the way, what did you do for those science fairs? All I did was show those life cycles of plants.”

He thought back to one. “Well, the coolest one in my opinion, I made a two foot golem made of wood powered by a magic stone. It could only do simple walking cycles and lift things,but I got second. Looking back on it, I could’ve made a much more efficient magic circuit.” He gave it some more thought. “The dumbest one, I made a pair of shoes that released a burst of magic that let me jump a few feet higher… Then I remembered I could fly.”

Applejack chuckled. “You have some funny stories. You’ll have to tell me some more another time. For now, let's get you started.” She pushed open the door to the barn. Skystrike saw a few plows sat inside, ready for use.

He also saw a certain filly. “Oh, Applebloom. How are you?”

“Oh, Nebula!” Applebloom jumped out of her seat. “I’m doing fine. Applejack said I’m too small to help out yet.”

Skystrike looked at her, then to Applejack. “She could help by bucking the snow off the trees?”

“She said the same thing, but the snow will melt off in time. Besides, what if she gets stuck under the snow?”

Skystrike looked to the pouting filly again. “Look, AJ, she’s bored out of her mind. I know you don’t really have time to watch her as the team leader, so I’ll watch her as I plow the fields if you let me.”

Applebloom’s ears went up at the idea, then went to plead to her sister with puppy dog eyes. Applejack looked down at her and sighed. “Fine… But make sure to stay next to Nebula. Big Mac will be on the other side of the orchard from where Nebula will be, so listen to him, ok?”

“Ok!” Applebloom jumped up as Skystrike secured himself in one of the green snowplows.

“Nebula, please look after her for me?” Applejack asked.

“Of course.” Skystrike began walking out of the barn, Applebloom on his metaphorical tail. “So, to clarify, where am I going?”

“Over that hill over yonder.” Applejack pointed to the distance. “Come by if any problems happen.”

Skystrike nodded as he began walking. Soon enough, he was where he was needed, and apparently the only one in this part of the field. He began pushing the snow into piles away from the arable land. “So, Applebloom, how’s things going for you?”

Applebloom jumped through the snow. “You asked me that earlier. I said I’m fine.”

“Well yeah, but that was the answer that is always prepared for anypony who asks that question, not the actual answer.”

She thought about that. “...Well I guess things could be better…” She admitted. “Applejack and Big Mac haven’t really played with me or anything since winter break started… And I don’t have many friends in school to play with.”

“Any reason? Or do you just not talk to that many ponies?”

“I mean… I try. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon just get in the way. It’s because I don’t have a cutie mark.” Applebloom kicked at the snow. “I can’t blame the others for not wanting to be around me, but it’s because they don't want to deal with those two.”

“Ah.” Skystrike huffed. Isolation tactics. “I assume these two ponies pick on you?” Applebloom nodded. “...Admittedly, kid, the advice I’d give you would make your sister mad at you, so I can’t help you out there. But know that it’s not because you don’t have a cutie mark.”

“Well it sure feels like it.” She huffed.

“I’m sure it does, but let me explain.” Skystrike picked Applebloom up and put the filly on his back between his wings. “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon would’ve found another reason to pick on you even if you did have a cutie mark.”

“But… why?”

“Sadly, some beings are like that.” Skystrike shrugged as he began to turn around at a cliff to plow parallel to his last path. “They gain satisfaction by seeing others in distress.”

“Well… it sucks that there’s nothing I can really do about them…” Applebloom moved herself deeper into his wings. She let out a satisfied hum in his warm feathers.

“Well, if you need more friends around your age, there’s Spike. Also, Rarity has a little sister. She looks around your age.” Skystrike thought aloud. “Speaking of your school, Applejack told me you had a science fair coming up. What are you going to do for it?”

Applebloom winced. “...I don’t know. I thought about a paper mache volcano, but I get the feeling everypony would do it…”

“Well, let me ask you this, are you doing the science fair for the grade, or because you like science?”

“Uh… both?”

“I do have a degree in the sciences, so if you need help, reach out to me. With all the apples here, I bet you could make a great report on the genetic diversity of apples, and touch on mutations.”

Applebloom tilted her head. “Genetic?”

Skystrike began explaining. “Ok, so summing it up quickly, genetics is the study of how different traits are passed down between generations. For ponies, as example, it’s like how if a unicorn and a pegasus have a child, the child could take after either one of their parents. Or, another example, if Zecora had a child, that zebra would inherit the patterns Zecora has.”

“Ok… and what does that have to do with apples?”

“Well, I’m sure your grandmother remembers the oldest trees here. Compare those apples to the younger ones, and see the changes within said apples. Maybe the apples got bigger, maybe they got sweeter, tarter, whatever. Then you can see if you can figure out which trees got those traits from each other. It also ties into different types of apples, since mutations from those genes become different types of apples through selective breeding. I’m sure somepony in your family knows something about it.”

“Oh, ok! Thank you, Nebula!” Applebloom hugged the back of his neck.

“No problem. Also, last question for now, who’s in charge of the school house? I’m thinking about getting Spike to be in your class.” Skystrike looked back at the filly as he turned back toward the cliff.

“Oh, that’d be Ms. Cheerilee. Though we don’t get off of winter break until next week.” Applebloom answered. “...And thanks for talking with me. It doesn’t feel like the adults actually listen to me.”

“Trust me, I get the feeling.” Skystrike chuckled. “...You know, random thought, we need to think of a nickname for you.”

“...Well what brought that up?”

“Well, I have nicknames for most of the beings I know.” Skystrike explained. “Rainbow Dash is Rainbow or RD, Your sister is AJ, Pinkie Pie is Pinkie, Twilight is Twi… you know that begs the question, what decides if you can have a good nickname? Because it feels weird if I called Zecora ‘Ze’ or ‘cora’.”

Applebloom thought about that. “...You could call her Zaza?”

Skystrike smirked under his mask. “You know what, you should definitely call her that next time you see her.”

And then he heard a rumbling. A distant one… no, it was getting louder. He and Applebloom turned their heads to the sound, seeing the heads of Applejack and Spike sticking out of a building-sized snowball as it tumbled towards them. Skystrike looked behind him, seeing the cliff wall, and the mound of snow on top of the cliff. When that snowball hits, they’re going to get pinned under it. He didn’t have time to make a run for it, but he could at least get Applebloom to safety. He pulled Applebloom off his back with a hoof and chucked her past the snowball and away from the cliff.

The snowball hit Skystrike head on, trapping him under the blanket of sleet. He felt every inch of his body covered by the bitter chill of the elements. His clothes soon became damp as time passed. Skystrike thought he heard someone saying something, but the feet of snow between him and the voice made it hard to hear. But that wasn’t what he was worried about right now. The darkness that enveloped him made him uneasy… No, to be more spot on, it terrified him. He never liked it. Complete darkness. It reminded him of the lab, the humans that held him captive. He began to panic, not even being able to control his breathing as it got faster. His eyes darted from each spot of darkness as he tried to move his body to no avail.

Meanwhile, above the snow, Applebloom, Applejack, Spike, and Twilight were able to stay away from the majority of the avalanche. The last three stuck their heads out from the few inches of snow that covered them. Applejack turned to the unicorn with an angry look. “Nuts, Twilight! You used magic!”

“The nerve! Can you believe her!?” Spike motioned to the unicron.

Applejack raised a brow at the baby dragon, but ignored him for now. “That’s not how we do it ‘round here, Twilight. And especially not on my farm!”

Applebloom ran over, climbing up the pile of snow to talk to her sister. “Applejack! Applejack!” Their attention was turned to the filly. “Y’all hit Nebula! He’s still under the snow.”

They all looked at her, wide eyed, before pulling themselves out of the snow and beginning to dig. “Applebloom!” Applejack yelled to her sister. “Go get some ponies and bring some shovels!”

“What was he doing over here in the first place!?” Twilight asked as she tried to push the snow out of the way.

“Less talking, more digging!” Applejack said as she desperately shoveled the snow out of the way.

They tried their best to dig the stallion out. Soon, others came with snow shovels to move him out. With their combined efforts, and about twenty minutes of time, there was enough snow gone for Skystrike to move. His arm was the first to be freed, allowing himself to pull the rest of his body out of the snow. He gasped for air as his breathing finally began to slow. Skystrike felt a pain all up his right arm. He clenched it with his other hoof as he grit his teeth.

The stallion looked around, seeing Applejack, Twilight, Spike, Applebloom, and several others of the townsfolk looked at him with worried expressions. “Nebula, you alright!? You were under there for a while…”

Skystrike took a deep breath. “I think… I’m done with winter.” He stood up. Only then did he realize how damp his clothes and coat of fur was. He began to shiver as he opened the jaw of his helmet momentarily to let out the snow. He closed it before speaking again. “...I’m going to go take a bath. Thanks for digging me out, by the way...”

Skystrike, without another word, began walking back home, ignoring the guilty look on Twilight's face. His wet clothes sticking to him was a feeling he did not welcome. Once home, he went to his bathroom, turned on the lights, threw off his clothes and helmet, and turned on the bathtub faucet. While it filled up, he went downstairs, made himself a cup of hot cocoa, then went back upstairs to step into the bath. The warm water on his body, the hot chocolate within, it was enough to warm him up.

He took a long sip before speaking to himself. “...This town fuckins SUCKS!” Skystrike shouted at the top of his lungs. His eyes burned a bright white light as he tightened his grip on his mug. “Oooooh, you wanted to help ponies! But NOOOO, first they avoid you, despite doing nothing wrong. But hey! They decide to be nice! AFTER you fight off Nightmare Moon and a fucking Ursa Minor, nearly dying from the latter!” He ranted. “I came here to fucking settle down! But no, trouble seems to follow me wherever I go! Sure, Kyne, Magnus, I bought on myself, but then random BULLSHIT happens!” Skystrike began splashing in the water in his rage. “Zecora deals with what I can only assume to be fucking horse racism! Parasprites fuck up the shit I spent too long building in a matter of moments! And then what feels like a literal ton of snow falls on me because somepony wasn’t looking where they were fucking GOING!” His voice echoed through his house. He was standing up, huffing in anger now.

“...Are you finished?” Echo asked.

Skystrike sat back down and downed the rest of his cocoa. He closed his eyes and calmed himself down. “I think so… yes. Sorry, I just needed to voice what I’ve been thinking these past few months.”

“It is recommended that you take more steps to control your anger.” Echo stated. “Your internal emotional state is negatively affecting your health.”

“...What do you mean?” Skystrike sat up.

“As you know, your emotional state affects the type of magic you can cast. To specify, the way your mana manifests is dependent on your emotions. Example: the efficiency of your destruction spells grows with your anger. Because you are constantly holding in your emotions, as you just have shown, you are ‘overcharging’ your body for a lack of a better term.” Echo explained as Skystrike listened intently. “Luckily for you, there is a simple fix to this: being honest with yourself and others. Hiding your thoughts is actively damaging your health. You can begin by going to Twilight.”

“What? Why Twilight?”

“She hit you with the snowball because she couldn’t control her snow plow. I was watching as you spoke with Applebloom.”

“Damn…” Skystrike laid back once more. “Well, I’m kinda impressed she’s that fucking strong.”

“Negative. She used a come to life spell.”

Skystrike blinked. “...Knowing that we aren’t supposed to use magic?”

“Affirmative.”

“God damn it.” Skystrike pulled himself out of the now lukewarm water. He dried himself off with a towel before putting back on his helmet. He picked up his clothes and quickly threw them in the washing machine before going to his room. There, Skystrike got a new set of clothes and went outside.

It was a quick walk to Ponyville. If Twilight was anywhere, she’d probably be at her house. He began to look around. He realized he didn’t have to squint anymore from the snow, but instead had to from the sun that was out. Skystrike looked up at the clear skies, then around at the fields clear of snow. Damn, they got to work fast… Wait, how long was he in that bath?

Skystrike paid the thought no mind as he found Twilight, standing where the mayor stood earlier in the day, seeming to be sending off the wrap up teams with a proud smile. “Hey.” He got her attention.

She turned to see the stallion stop next to her. “Oh… hey.” She avoided eye contact. “Sorry about… you know.”

“T-boning me with an avalanche?” Skystrike raised a brow.

“I…” She started. “I know I wasn’t supposed to use magic but… I just wanted to help out. I couldn’t make a bird's nest like Rarity, I couldn’t score the ice with Pinkie Pie, I couldn’t wake the animals with Fluttershy, and I hurt you just because I thought I could sneak and use some magic! But I ended up not being able to do anything right the whole day… I guess just watching everypony else doing something made me feel-”

“Useless? Skystrike finished her sentence. She nodded. “Alright, Twilight, ponies weren’t disappointed in you, nor will ever be just because you can’t do something, especially on your first try. It is ingrained into this society because cutie marks exist. We all know that some can do things better than others. However, that doesn't mean that we don't have expectations for one another. And we expected you, and other unicorns, to not use magic.” Twilight looked down at her hooves. “Now, let me finish before you start sulking.” Skystrike put up a hoof. “You think you disappointed ponies today, but ponies will always be disappointed in something you do. What you should focus on is how you disappointed yourself today. What others think doesn't matter. Only what you, and those you hold close to you, thinks matters. Now tell, was Pinkie Pie disappointed when you couldn’t do the job?”

“No… it was my first time ice skating.” She answered.

“Was Rarity disappointed when you couldn’t make a bird's nest?”

“No…”

“Were Fluttershy or Applejack when you tried to help them out?”

“Well… Applejack was-”

“Because you used magic, not because you tried to help in the first place. So, from the sounds of it, it only seemed like you were trying to prove something to yourself.” Skystrike sighed. “You, nor anyone, is good at everything. We all have our flaws that makes us who we are. Sometimes, there is nothing we can do. Despite that, we do what we can. Which it seems like you did do, if I assume right that you help organize this shit show?”

“I… did. How did you know?” She asked.

“I heard them arguing while I was walking here.” Skystrike chuckled. “So, it seems like you can help. You made your place here, so that means you did good.”

“A-alright.” Twilight smiled a bit. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” Skystrike rolled his wings. “So, where would you say I’m needed?”

“Well…” Twilight thought about it. “Honestly, I’m surprised you still want to help out after being under all that snow. No pony would mind if you just stayed home.”

“Well…” Skystrike looked over the town. “Let’s just say I have grown at least a bit fond of the place, despite the stuff that happens here. It’s my town too. Gotta help out.”

“If you’re that willing, I think we can find a spot for you to fill in.” Then she rubbed her chin in thought. “Actually, I heard that one of Rainbow Dash’s pegasi on the weather team went north instead of south to get the migratory birds. Not many are willing to do an overnight flight.”

“Sounds like a plan then.” Skystrike spread his wings and turned south. “Tell Stardust for me.” With a heavy flap of his wings, he took off into the sky.

Holy shit, there were so many birds. They were expecting him, so it made it easier. Dawn broke as Ponyville came into view in the distance. The sound of thousands of birds behind him was interesting to the ears.

As he flew closer, he noticed that many of the ponies were still hard at work, mostly plowing the farmlands, planting, and watering the seeds they planted. Seems like they were just waiting for him. Skystrike left the birds to their own devices as they were now where they needed to be. He landed on a hill outside of the village, where many of the townsfolk seemed to be gathered, looking at the fruits of their hard labor.

He landed next to his friends with a yawn. “What are we cheering for?”

“And here I declare…” Mayor Mare was speaking. “That Winter has been wrapped up on time!”

“That!” Pinkie jumped on him as she cheered.

“Thanks for getting the birds, Nebula.” Rainbow Dash elbowed the stallion. “You’re a lot faster than I thought you’d be.”

“I aim to please.” Skystrike nodded. He looked up at Twilight next to Mayor Mare, who had her own vest, combining all the colors of the team vests. Seems she got her own for being the organizer. He was happy for her.

Applejack chuckled. “Spike’s sure gonna be in for a hog sized surprise once that last piece of ice melts.”

They all laughed for a bit, save for Skystrike, who tensed up. “...You all left a child on a piece of ice floating down one of Ponyville’s rivers?”

“When you say it like that… but don’t worry, Spike’s fine.” Rainbow Dash waved a hoof.

“He’s nine!” Skystrike stomped a hoof. “Damn it.” Skystrike quickly flew off. The girls looked between each other before Skystrike landed next to them a few moments later. “You all are lucky this dude is safe.” Spike responded with a sneeze.

“Jeez, didn’t realize you cared so much for the little dude.” Rainbow said.

“I will find anypony who had even the slightest hoof on him if this guy ends up hurt and ponies could’ve taken steps to stop it. Who in their right mind leaves a kid sleeping on a block of ice!?”

“To be fair…” Spike rubbed his eyes. “I fell asleep on a block of ice…”

Skystrike put the baby dragon down. “...You all are lucky this grape is kind enough to let you all off the hook. For that, I will also let this go.” He sighed. Then he had a thought. “Wait… Fluttershy, you’re in charge of the animal team right?”

“Uh… yes?” She answered.

“Did anypony go near my house to wake up any animals?”

“Oh, no.” She shook her head. “The Everfree Forest is too dangerous for animals to live near it, so there’s no need.” Skystrike took in a deep breath. “Are you… ok?”

“I will be…” Skystrike rolled his neck. “I made the realization that nopony woke up Naga… and she does not like being woken up.”

“Alright, let's do this.” He sighed as he walked into Naga’s cave. It was dark, damp, mossy, and smelly. He turned on the flashlight in his helmet to get a view of his surroundings. There were a few roaches scurrying away from the light, as well as some spiders making their homes on the cave walls. He ignored them and walked deeper inside.

He found Naga sleeping, wrapped up in a large orange blanket that Rarity made for her a while ago. She let out soft snores as she slept peacefully. Skystrike walked up to her head and nudged her jaw, trying to wake her up, only to get shoved away by her pushing her head against him. He then tried pulling her out from under the covers, only to be smacked away by her tail.

“Ok, you asked for it.” Skystrike sighed before pulling the blanket off of her in one fell swoop. Her eyes instantly shot open and glared at Skystrike. She let out a screech as she tried to swipe at Skystrike with her tail, only for Skystrike to jump over it. She tried to bite him out of the air, but he narrowly dodged it. The stallion landed on her head and held on. She tried to shake him off, but it was futile.

Naga was not a morning animal. If his memory was right, she had a spot that she’d instantly calm down if he pet it. He rubbed the side of her head just above her ear hole. She slowly calmed down from her sleepy rage. Naga let him down from her head and gave him an apologetic nudge.

“It’s all good. Just won't be looking forward to it next year.” He chuckled to himself.

Author's Note

Well, sorry for a late chapter. A lot has happened this month, let alone this year. I'm trying to manage my time better so I can start writing during the next semester, so I hope these will come out faster. I hope you all didn't mind the music I put in (none owned by me, of course), but I'm just testing some stuff out, and feel like it'd be more enjoyable to me and you as readers if you had something to listen to. You're welcome to recommend music that you'd want me to use.

And finally, I want to thank all of you people for reading. Writing has been a hobby of mine for a while, and I'm glad so many people are enjoying it, despite my inconsistency. To a new year for stories!

Finish Lining

Skystrike was sitting on his couch, reading a book on herbs that Zecora was letting him borrow. Speaking of, Zecora was sitting next to him, reading the book with him. Spike and Stardust were sitting on the floor, playing a game of blackjack. He was about to flip to another page before Zecora put a hoof on his, telling him she was still reading. Soon, she removed her hoof, letting him turn the page.

Spike looked at his card. “Sorry, I’m still learning this. So you said a king is worth ten, right?”

Stardust nodded. “Yep. Still want to call for another card?”

Spike looked at his card again. “...Yes?” He said hesitantly. Stardust pulled a card from the deck and put it face down. Spike flipped it over, seeing an ace. “...So, what’s this worth?”

“Eleven.” Stardust covered her face with her hooves. “This is the eighth time you’ve won. What is your luck?”

Skystrike chuckled. “It’s been interesting to watch.” He looked at Zecora. “So, can I turn the page?” She nodded. “...I’m not going to lie, I’ll need more time to understand this. Thanks for the book though.”

“It is no trouble, my pony friend. Keep it with you, if you intend.” Zecora pushed herself off his shoulder.

“Uh, Zecora, can I ask you something?” Spike looked up at the Zebra.

“Of course you can, young Spike. Ask me any question you like.”

“So… the rhyming thing, do all Zebras do that?”

Zecora looked at the baby dragon, then to Skystrike. A grin stretched across her face before turning back to Spike. “Where I come from, we all rhyme, speaking verses all the time.”

“Perpetual rap battle.” Skystrike laughed to himself.

Stardust began shuffling the cards. “Well, what’s the plan today?”

“Not sure about you all, but I have a couple things I need to get done. Stop by Twilight’s place, help Pinkie Pie with baking for some party that’s happening today, and go to that party.” Skystrike rolled his neck.

“Oh, that cutesinara for Filthy Rich’s daughter?” Stardust asked for clarification.

“...What word came out of your mouth? But yes, I think so. What was her name? Something Tiara? …Diamond, that was it.” Skystrike stood up and straightened his clothes. “Anything else before I get to it?” They all shook their heads. “Alright then. I’ll see you all later.”

Skystrike locked the door behind him as he left his house. It was early in the morning, so many of the townsfolk were getting their day started. He walked to the Golden Oak Library. It wasn’t open yet, so Skystrike decided to take the safe option and knock on the door. After a few moments, Twilight answered the door. “Oh, Nebula! How are you doing?”

“Doing pretty alright, all things considered. Are you in the middle of anything?”

She gave a confused and surprised look. “No? Why?”

“We need to talk about Spike, if you have the time.”

She could tell from his tone of voice, he was serious. “Oh no, did something happen?”

“Oh, no, nothing like that. It’s more in regards to his future.” Skystrike clarified. “I want to put him in school.”

Twilight blinked as she looked at him. “Come inside.” Skystrike did, sitting down on the other side of one of the tables. Twilight levitated her chair under her as she sat. “Skystrike… I need to be honest with you.”

“...Ok?”

“I was already against Spike training under you in the first place. I don’t know how or why he was good at fighting in the first place, and he wont tell me anything other than that he hasn’t done it with you before you first started. The average pony will already see him as a nasty, dangerous dragon when he grows up, and I feel like you’re not helping in that aspect.” She sighed. “On top of that, your own set of morals… aren’t exactly the ones I want to teach him. I’ve taken care of him since he hatched, so while I appreciate you coming to me with these things, I want to raise him myself.”

Skystrike hummed. “Well, I appreciate you being honest. While I can't say I understand your worries, I can say that I mean no ill will towards you or Spike.”

“I know, it’s just… it’s like you have some big plan or something that you’re keeping me out of the loop of.”

“Then allow me to explain.” Skystrike sat up straight. “The reason I am training Spike is not for him to know how to fight, but to know how to defend. Not to place my own moral compass on him, but for him to think critically and come to his own thoughts on what’s ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ from his own lived experience. And so, when he eventually becomes a full grown dragon, he will be able to control his instincts.”

“His instincts?” Twilight asked.

“Remember, I travelled with a dragon. The hypothetical came up on how she’d turn out if she grew up outside of the dragon lands. From what she’s told me, having her kind around her kept her instincts in check. Spike, while he was raised among ponies, is still a dragon at his core. He will want to hoard, to show his strength, to hunt strong foes, and to prove he is better. Like a wolf pup being taken from the pack, the inner calling is still there. You cannot stop it, so I wish to help him control it.”

“By teaching him to fight!?”

“By teaching him when to fight, as well as discipline.” Skystrike huffed. “Puberty hasn’t kicked in yet, but it could be anytime soon because of the long life span dragons have. By teaching him self control, and to not act on his immediate thoughts now, he can apply those teachings later. I wouldn’t be trying this if you knew anything about dragons, but we know that dragon culture is a lesser known and even lesser recorded study here in Equestria.” Then he leaned back. “Contrary to popular belief, I don’t like fighting. You like to solve conflict through words, as you’ve taught Spike I assume. I know that at times, we have to. I try my best to decide when that is the correct judgement, and want to teach that to Spike. I’m sure your brother, Shining Armor tried this at some point?”

“Don’t… bring him into this.” Twilight growled.

“Well, he was somewhat involved. From what I remember him telling me, he and Spike played knights when you were out… Which is probably where he learned to fight now that I think about it.” Skystrike thought back. “But I won’t bring him up, I apologize.”

“So what, you’re just… trying to help Spike because your dragon friend told you this?”

“Do you have a more credible source?” Skystrike asked rhetorically. “But if you are truly uncomfortable with me training the dragon, I will break it to him, and I won’t tell him it was you who wished for it.”

“No… just… I need to be honest again.” Twilight looked at him. “Spike has always been by my side. As soon as we come to Ponyville, you just… come in like you own the place and change things. It’s like you’re taking him away from me.”

Skystrike looked into her eyes. He saw the pain behind them. “I… am sorry. I did not realize.”

“How could you have?” Twilight sighed. “I never said anything about it.” The two sat in silence for a while, neither knowing what to say. She decided to break the silence. “So… what brought this up? Wanting to put Spike in school?”

“Well…” Skystrike cleared his throat. “While I have no doubts that you can give Spike a proper education, with how smart you are, you are lacking in the social aspects, however… Uh, no offense.” Skystrike put in.

“It’s fine…” Twilight gave a small chuckle. “It’s part of the reason Celestia sent me here in the first place.”

Skystrike continued. “I’m sure you’ve noticed how Spike hangs around us most of the time. Thus, the friends he has are through us, rather than ones that he makes on his own. I don’t feel it will have a positive effect on his social development if he doesn't learn the things that the average kid learns in social interactions. The best, and most convenient way to get him in those interactions is if you let him go to the local schoolhouse. From what I’ve heard from Rarity and Applejack, who have sisters that go to school, Spike would fit in age wise. He wouldn’t be behind, in fact, I’d bet he’d be ahead given what you’ve taught him.”

Twilight crossed her hooves. “Your reasoning makes sense, but we still have to take into account the fact he is a dragon. What if he’s not accepted by his peers?”

“A fair worry.” Skystrike admitted. “But there is no way to know if that will happen until he’s in a situation where another can find a reason to judge him. And even then, I think it’s irrelevant.” Skystrike picked up a book and spun it in his hoof. “To elaborate, think about when we were in school back in Canterlot. Do you remember your bullies?”

Twilight sighed. “Yeah… and they sucked.”

“Right. Now, were their reasons for treating you differently rational?” Twilight shook her head to Skystrike’s question. “My point exactly.” He stopped the book and put it back down. “If one wants to find a reason to not accept him, they will find one, which isn’t related to his species. Plus, sad to say it, it’s what kids do.”

Twilight put the book he was spinning back on its shelf with her magic. “And what about funding his school supplies?”

Skystrike smirked. “Well, assuming you don't ask Celestia for extra bits, because I assume you’re still getting a stipend as her ‘most faithful student’, I don’t mind paying.”

“You know, you have a lot of money for a pony who doesn’t seem to be employed.” Twilight narrowed her eyes.

“Well, I work on commission. Last payout, I invested a lot.” Skystrike put out a hoof. “And in case you weren’t aware, Kyne, the dragon that was snoring smoke, he was actually protecting my money.”

“...What the buck? There was so much!”

“I’m pretty good at my job.” Skystrike leaned back. “Not going into the details, I’m a bounty hunter mixed with a detective. Ponies come to me when something seems too sketchy or personal for the guard to figure out. Because of that, I can set the price to nearly anything I want… I’m getting off topic. Is that a no to school for Spike?”

Twilight sat in thought for a little while. “Well, I’m not against it… What were his thoughts on it?”

“I’ve touched on it from time to time, but never outright asked him if he wanted to go.” Skystrike admitted. “But think about it, kids don't really get a choice on whether they go to school.” Then Skystrike suddenly got serious. “Wait… Twilight, do you have something that exempts Spike from going to school?”

“Uh… Not that I know of, why?” She tilted her head in confusion.

Skystrike sucked in air through his teeth. “...I’m pretty sure that the caretaker of a child can get in trouble if they deny the child a standard education… Thinking about it more, I think the reason this was never brought up was either because Spike isn’t a pony, you’re Celestia’s student, or nopony realized… Maybe all three.”

Twilight suddenly stood up. “...Are you saying I’ve been at risk of going to jail this whole time because nopony thought to put Spike in school!?”

“I mean… I’m not a lawyer. I only really know about the laws that apply to me, but if I remember this one right, it could lead up to prison if the courts prove your noncompliance.”

“We’re putting Spike in school!” Twilight quickly ran out the door. Then after a few moments, she came back, awkwardly. “Uh… where would we go to sign him up?”

Skystrike stood up. “I’m willing to bet Mayor Mare will just send us straight to Cheerilee, the school teacher, so let's say we skip the middle mare.”

“But it’s saturday! Where would we even go!?”

“I mean, I know where she lives, but I think Applejack said something about her going to the schoolhouse on weekends to finish up her work.”

Twilight looked at him. “...Why do you know where this random mare lives?”

“Security. I know where nearly everypony in this town lives, or at least the general area.” He began to explain as he motioned the unicorn to walk with him. “If you pick up on the little things that ponies do, it tells a lot about them. Like, look.” He pointed to a mare. “That’s Golden Harvest. She sells carrots. As an earth pony, one expects her to be more muscular. But if you look a bit closer, she has really strong neck muscles compared to the average, so she has a rather large farm. But there’s no carrot farms in downtown Ponyville. But what a lot of ponies don't know is that there’s a carrot farm that’s right on the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. It’s reasonable to assume she lives there.”

“I’m going to call your bluff… What about that guy?” Twilight pointed to a stallion with a greyish amber coat and dark gamboge mane. He also wore a seagreen bow tie.

“Time Turner, if I remember his name right.” Skystrike hummed in thought. “You can tell from the apparel he wears that he’s currently on the clock, and has a rather important job here. I can assume he works with Mayor Mare, as they’re the only ones who casually wear items on them, aside from myself and Zecora. You can also tell that despite his size, he doesn’t exactly have a physically demanding job. Because he works with Mayor Mare, it’s safe to assume he lives close to Town Hall, in case of anything last minute happening. He’d live within a ten minute walk of his work because of that. As for direction, I’m not sure if you’re aware, property value and mortgage goes down the closer you are to the Everfree. He can afford that, so he’d likely live on the eastern side of town.”

Twilight looked at him. “That was… honestly kinda impressive, if not a little creepy… Does that work with… only knowing where somepony could live?”

“Oh, not at all. You can do a lot if you know what to look for.” Skystrike chuckled. “I’ll do another one. Think of somepony we know.”

“Rarity?”

“Oh, that’s easy.” Skystrike laughed. “Well, first, you and I are both from Canterlot. You can tell her accent is fake.”

“...Yeah. I didn’t want to say it though.”

“Heh, but yeah, you can tell she wants to come off as an upper class pony. Add to that, how close she takes care of herself, and how her coat is nearly white, and white coats are synonymous to beauty because of Celestia, it is safe to assume she’s looking for a coltfriend.”

“Rarity is single!?” Twilight yelled before covering her mouth and sheepishly laughing. “Eheheh… sorry… She just didn’t seem the type… Then again, she did say something about getting with Blueblood.”

“Another factor that I overlooked.” Skystrike nodded as he walked past the playground in front of Ponyville’s schoolhouse.

“No way, is that Mr. Nebula?” Skystrike heard a filly’s voice say. He turned to a grey filly with a silver mane of two shades. Her purple eyes looked at him through her pale opal glasses. “Hi! I’m Silverspoon! I’m your biggest fan!”

‘Huh… Neat.’ Skystrike thought to himself. He was a bit flattered… though the name sounded familiar. “Well, Silverspoon, nice to meet you-”

“It was so amazing when you punched Nightmare Moon through that wall! I was there with my mom and dad when you did it! I heard that you could beat an Ursa Minor in one punch!”

“Not… inaccurate.” Skystrike said to himself. “Cool to see I have a fan. And who are you here with, Silverspoon?”

“Eeee!” Skystrike and Twilight winced at her ear piercing squeal. “He said my name! Diamond Tiara, he said my name!”

“I heard him.” The filly next to her said. This earth pony had a pale magenta coat and violet mane with white streaks.

And now he remembered. These were the kids that were messing with Applebloom. The filly told him about it during the Winter Wrap Up. Well… he could at least play nice. “Ah, well nice to meet you as well. But we are here on business. Can you tell us if your teacher, Miss Cheerilee, is here?”

“Of course! She’s right inside!” Silverspoon pointed to the schoolhouse door.

“Thank you.” Skystrike said before walking up to the door and opening it.

Twilight and Skystrike saw a cerise pony with a pale rose and light pink mane. She was taken by surprise as the two stood in the doorway as she looked up from the papers she was grading. “Twilight, Nebula. I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting company today.”

“Well, it’s on us for coming so suddenly.” Skystrike shrugged. “I was hoping we’d have a moment of your time?”

“Of course.” She straightened the papers on her desk. “What can I do for you two?”

Twilight decided to speak. “We’d like for Spike to start attending your school. What steps should I take to start the process?”

“Oh!” Cheerilee blinked. “Well this is a surprise. I’d be more than happy to teach him. I can show you through the paperwork I have on hoof. It’ll be interesting, seeing how teaching a dragon differs from fillies and colts. She reached into her desk to pull out some papers and a handbook. “I’ve yet to meet him, but from what I hear about him, he’s a decent kid. I’m sure he’d be able to make some friends here.”

Skystrike straightened his clothes. “We thank you, Ms. Cheerilee. I think it’s best to leave this with Twilight for now, as she is his primary caretaker. I do have other matters I need to attend to today, but if anything else is needed of me, I’ll be available.”

“Alright. We’ll talk later then.” Twilight said before turning to Cheerilee.

Skystrike pushed open the door to Sugar Cube Corner, seeing an older looking stallion. He had a dark grey, almost black slicked back mane and a greyish amber coat. The stallion turned to him as Skystrike entered. “Ah, good day, Nebula. I don’t believe we’ve met properly.” He put out a hoof to shake. “I am called Filthy Rich, but I would prefer if you called me Rich.”

“I understand.” Skystrike shook his hoof. “I knew a pony that did construction named Holdin Caulk.”

Rich gave out a hardy laugh. “Ha! That’s a good one! Didn’t take you to be a jokester.” The two let go of each other's hooves. “Pinkie Pie spoke to me about you. You’ll be helping with the baking for my daughter’s party today, right?”

“Oh…” So this was Diamond Tiara’s father. Skystrike tried to hide his change in demeanor. “Yes. To be honest, Pinkie surprised me by asking for my assistance. But I do know how to bake pretty well.”

“Then don’t let me keep you from your work. Though I do hope we can talk more sometime.” Rich straightened his tie. “I wouldn’t mind having a guard once I’ve gotten up there as a business pony.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Skystrike nodded as he walked past the stallion. Going behind the counter and into the kitchen, he saw two mares. The one he expected to see was Pinkie Pie, who was staring into the glass on the oven, watching some cupcakes bake. Sitting at a table on the opposite end was an older mare with a greyish pink coat and a mane of several shades of magenta. He’d compliment her looks if she didn’t seem to have a permanent scowl on her face. Skystrike ignored her for now. “Hey Pinkie. How’s it going?”

“Oh, hey Nebby!” Pinkie turned to him. “Perfect timing! I was just about to start decorating everything. Can you bake the cookies?”

“Which ones? Also Nebby?”

“It’s a nickname.” A slight look of worry showed on her face. “What, you don’t like it?”

“Didn’t say that. More… surprised than anything.” Skystrike went to the sink and washed his hooves. “So, what type of cookies?”

“Well, there’s sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate, and snickerdoodles!” She drooled at the mouth from the thought.

“Jeez, how many ponies are gonna be at this party? So what, like a dozen of each?”

“Two.” Pinkie said before clearing a place for Skystrike to get to work. “They’re going into party favors.”

Skystrike nodded as he got out a bowl. Next, he got the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, pouring out each to the required amount and putting them into the bowl, quickly mixing them. Next, he went to the electric mixer and threw in the butter and sugars until it was a fluffy consistency. Next, he reduced the speed and cracked in the eggs one at a time. Finally, he put in the vanilla and the mixture in the other bowl, along with the chocolate chips. With a scooper, he put two dozen scoops on sheets of parchment paper and put them in the refrigerator for a little while.

He was about to start on the double chocolate chip cookies when he heard the sound of a mare clearing her throat. Skystrike noticed Pinkie Pie slightly flinching at her. She had her normal smile as she turned to Skystrike, but he could tell from her eyes that she was annoyed. Skystrike cleaned and dried out the bowl he finished using. “And who are you, Ms…?”

“Mrs. Spoiled Rich.” The older pink mare said. “And those are my daughters' food you’re baking. So make sure to do it right!”

Skystrike began making the next batch of double chocolate cookies. “Perfect! Then you wouldn’t mind helping us do it right!” He looked at her.

Spoiled Rich blinked. “What? Why would I do that? That’s what I’m paying you for!”

“What your husband is paying us for.” Skystrike nodded. “So thanks for letting us do our job.” He said before turning back to mixing the ingredients. Pinkie Pie silently chuckled at that, while Skystrike was hoping that Spoiled Rich took the hint.

“Don’t speak to me like that!” The older mare stomped. She did not take the hint. “I’m here to make sure my darling daughter has the best party possible!”

“So don’t ruin it by slowing us down.” Skystrike stopped what he was doing to look at her. “Anything else you care to speak about? Because I’m not getting paid for this. I’m helping a friend.”

Mrs. Rich stuttered. “Wha-... you-”

“Is it true your real name is Spoiled Milk?”

She frowned as Pinkie Pie was trying to hide her laugh. “I can’t believe you!”

“How many layers of makeup did you put on to still look like the inside of a kitchen sink?” Skystrike tilted his head. Pinkie was inhaling crackers to stop herself from laughing.

Spoiled stared at him as he waited for her to say something else. Skystrike went back to mixing the ingredients together. “That’s what I thou-”

“Your ass must be jealous of your mouth with all the shit that comes out of it.” Skystrike didn’t look up from his cooking. By now he had finished the double chocolate cookies. All that was left was the snickerdoodle and sugar cookies. Basically the same type of cookie. One was just coated in cinnamon sugar. Skystrike rolled his neck, making it crack a few times.

Pinkie Pie scooted over next to him. “Thank you for that.” She whispered. “She would not leave me alone. Plus it was really funny.”

“No problem.” Skystrike nodded as he spun a bowl in his hoof. “You need any help from here once I separate these into scoops?”

“No, I can finish from there. It’s just putting them in the oven.” Pinke jumped back over to frosting one of the cakes.

Skystrike separated the scoops into four dozen. “Well, sounds like I got time to kill.” He stretched before walking out the door, making sure to make eye contact with Spoiled Rich and give her the middle feather as he walked out. “Now… what to do?” Skystrike wondered as he began to walk around town.

Something caught his eye. A music store. He never realized there was one in Ponyville. Skystrike stepped inside as he remembered that he always wanted to teach himself an instrument. No real reason, aside from having something to pass the time.

He walked into the building with a large vinyl record on it. An earth pony with a yellow coat and blue mane greeted him from behind the counter. “Good afternoon. My name is Fiddle Twang, and welcome to the Ponyville Music Shop.” She had a slight country accent. “Anything I can help you with?”

“Just looking around for now, but thank you.” Skystrike said as he began to look at the items on display, ignoring the most southern name he heard. Music sheets, various types of instruments, from wood wind to percussion, to brass. Looking further into it, the store even offered repairs. Pretty good, if you asked him. But what would he get? They sold entire pianos, but that’d take some time to get to his house, and even more time to tune it… They did sell electric keyboards though. It advertised itself by coming with magical notches that changed the type of sounds. There was a bundle on sale. He grabbed one.

Then something else caught his eye. A record player. It would be nice to liven up his home with some music. There weren’t too many variants, but they were each good quality. He picked up one, and held it as he walked. Next, he’d actually need records for the record player.

Skystrike stared at the records organized by genre. He realized that while he rarely sang, he never really listened to music. He had no idea what genre he would be into… Then again, if it sounds good, it sounds good. Skystrike chose at random the vinyls he’d get and carefully stacked them on top of the record player. But he still wasn’t sure…

A unicorn mare across from him began looking through the vinyls. She had a white coat and a mane of cobalt blue and cyan stripes. What Skystike noticed though was the pair of headphones over her ears, and the pair of gradient dark purple glasses. The two made eye contact.

‘Fuck.’ Skystrike thought to himself. He didn’t mean to stare. He could play this off. “Haven't seen you around town before. I can see you're a fan of music. Any recommendations?” The mare looked at him through her glasses before digging through the vinyls. She pulled out one from the Dubstep section with her magic and floated it over to him. “Thank you.” Skystrike said before looking at the vinyl, then back to the mare. “I assume you come here often?”

The mare chuckled. “Not many other places to get these. I place orders here from time to time as well.”

“Oh, good to know that they do orders.” Skystrike said, though more to himself. The mare nodded before walking to Fiddly with some vinyls in her magic, putting the exact amount of bits for payment on the counter as she left.

It was about time for Skystrike to do the same. Finishing his transaction, he carried everything back home. No one was home. Stardust must be out doing something. He would ask later. Now that he was finally free, at least until the party, he could do something relaxing. Wait… why was he going to this random kid’s party anyway? Oh yeah, free food.

Skystrike set up his record player and was about to put in some Pop music, but then remembered the vinyl that mare gave him. He took it out of the protective wrapping and put it in the record. He sat back as it began to play, his ears being assaulted by the loud wubs and long… how would he even describe that sound? That was besides the point. It was an… acquired taste… but he didn’t hate it. It could grow on him. Honestly, it was kinda nice how he could ‘feel’ the heavy bass go through him.

But that was enough of it. The music ended, and it was about time to go for a relaxing flight.. Leaving his house and locking the door behind him he took off into the air for a slow flight. The lush green grass waved in the wind as he watched it. The lake had a few fish jumping out, eating the roaming bugs. As he got closer to town, he saw ponies sitting and talking with one another. “...I never really paid attention to the little things like this…” Skystrike thought aloud.

“Because your lack of social interaction keeps you from experiencing these sceneries.” Echo responded.

It’s been a little since he heard him speak. “Well, I do that for a reason.” Skystrike sighed. “These ponies will find out sooner or later who I am. What I am. Either I tell them, or they find out.”

“And what will you do when it happens?”

“I… dont know.” Skystrike admitted. “I either admit that this whole life has been a lie, or they come to that revelation on their own. But all I can really do is hope for the best. I want to earn their trust… and then tell them. If they want to stay in my life, then maybe I can confront Celestia with them at my back.”

“And if they find out?”

“Back to hiding, I guess.” Skystrike shrugged. “I still don't know why, but my humanity is dangerous, at least according to Celestia. I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to kill me given the chance. But I don't want to kill her, or anyone. For now… I just want to enjoy this relative peace.”

“Then I implore you to enjoy it to the fullest. You’ve arrived at your destination.”

Skystrike looked down at Sugarcube Corner. “So I have… Ever thought about how this place isn’t a corner?”

“Affirmative. You say it every time you see it.”

“Oh… Didn’t realize I was saying that aloud.” Skystrike scratched the back of his head as he landed. The stallion walked up to the door, ready to help Pinkie Pie set up if she needed it, but then she saw Applebloom nearby, a glum look plastered on her face as she sat on a bench. Skystrike couldn’t leave her alone without feeling guilty later. He sighed and strutted over, making the bench rock a bit as he sat down. “So… you seem upset. Want to talk about it?”

Applebloom took a deep breath. “There’s a cutesinara this afternoon and everypony in my class will be there and they’ll all have their cutie marks and I wanna get my cutie mark but I’m no good at selling apples but I really wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I dont have my cutie mark and my big sister said I’ll get it eventually but…” She took in another, deeper breath. “I want it now!” She finished with a pout.

“Hmm…” Skystrike thought on that. “Let me ask you this. Who says you need a cutie mark?”

“...Huh?” The filly tilted her head.

“Well, think about it.” Skystrike put out a hoof. “You seem to be putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get a cutie mark. Sure, those bullies make fun of you for it, but even they aren't telling you to get one. But you don’t need one. You can still live a good life without it.”

“Easy for you to say.” Applebloom huffed. “You’ve done so many cool things. Your cutie mark is probably the most amazing thing!”

Skystrike chuckled. She didn’t know. “Well then, let me ask you this. Cutie marks are supposed to represent what you excel at, or at least, a major part in your life, right?”

“...Yeah? Why?”

“Well, look at Applejack.” Skystrike gave an example. “She has a mark of three apples, yet she can do really good lasso tricks. Why isn’t that her mark? Or Twilight, who specializes in magic. But she’s really good at organizing. Why isn’t that her mark? The point I’m trying to make is that you are more than your mark. Focusing on finding out what your mark will make you miss out on finding out what you really enjoy.”

“Well… speaking of marks? What’s yours? I never see you without armor or clothes on.” Applebloom looked up at him curiously.

Skystrike chuckled. “Tell you what, if you end up going to that party, I’ll show you.”

“I’ll… think about it.” Applebloom looked down at her hooves again.

“Nopony is forcing you.” Skystrike got up and patted her on the head. “I have some work to do. Until next time.” Skystrike made his way back to Sugarcube Corner.

Skystrike had almost finished setting up the party with Pinkie Pie. The mare sat down a tray of cookies on one of the tables holding party favors. “Thanks for all the help, Nebby.”

The party was in full swing by now, with most of the school kids there with their guardians. He saw Rarity there with her little sister, Sweetie Belle, who seemed to be hiding behind her. Skystrike sat down and balanced a cookie on the tip of his helmet. “No problem. Though I don't know why you suddenly had me set up everything myself.”

“Oh!” Pinkie realized she didn’t tell him. “I was trying to help Applebloom get her cutie mark in baking!”

“Huh…” Skystrike blinked. “Neat. So she’s here?”

“Yeah, behind that chocolate pony!” Pinkie pointed.

Skystrike turned his head, indeed seeing the filly the chocolate pony in front of her. “...Where did you even get that?”

“You’d be surprised what the Rich family would pay for.” Pinkie chuckled. “And by the way… That’s for doing what you did earlier. But while it was funny, next time, could you be a teeny tiny bit nicer?”

Skystrike shrugged. “Eeeeeeeh I dunno. I indeed could, but whether I want to is up to her. If she doesn’t come off as an entitled bi-” He realized kids were nearby. “-inkie, I would have no problem treating her like anypony else.”

“Fair enough.” Pinkie began hopping away towards Applebloom, putting a party hat on her as she said something to the filly, then hoping away.

He could never get a read on that mare. Skystrike eyed the mare as she began to mingle, then made eye contact with Applebloom. “So… I see you decided to come.”

The filly quickly ran over to him to hide. “Nebula, you gotta help me get out of here!” Applebloom whispered as she went behind him. “I can’t let ponies see me without a cutie mark!”

Skystrike thought it’d be a bad time to let her know that ponies already know she doesn’t have one. Then he thought about what he said to her earlier. Seems it didn’t really stick. Couldn’t blame her, but he was a bit disappointed. “Come on Applebloom… Is having a cutie mark really that important?”

“Of course it is!” She tugged on his clothes. “Everypony from school was invited, and I’m the only one without one! They’re going to make fun of me!”

“...As an adult, I should say ‘don’t let it bother you’ but I know from experience that it does nothing.” Then he crouched down to her eye level. “But just to make sure you know, you do realize that running now wont stop them from bullying you?”

“Well what am I supposed to do? Be humiliated in front of half the town?”

“It takes much more courage to stand your ground.” Skystrike got up. “But in the end, despite the advice of others around you, it is your choice to make… Play it right, and no pony will see you leave.” He pointed to a table she could hide under. The filly took the hint, running between his legs and under the pink table cloth.

The filly sneakily made her way towards the door, only to run face first into her older sister. He wasn’t going to lie, it was kinda funny. Especially the part where Applebloom kept trying to push past her Applejack to get to the door. The farm mare sent her sister on her way before walking up next to Skystrike. “Hey Nebula. Surprised you came. Didn’t take you for one to come to these types of parties.”

“I was promised food.” Skystrike picked up a cookie from a plate.

“You know, I never asked. How do you keep the helmet on and eat?” Applejack asked.

The stallion responded by pushing a button on the side of his jaw, making it pop open a bit and move back. “Like so.” He took a bite into the cookie. “Works pretty well. All you can see is my chin… Also, unrelated, you’re dense.”

“Wha-” She blinked. “What are you talking about?”

Skystrike shook his head slightly. “I guess I pick up on these things because of my job, but I’ll explain.” He put a hoof on her chin, ignoring the light blush that formed as he turned her head. “See those two fillies, the one who this party is for and her friend look like they’re about to start something with your sister?”

“Uh… yeah?” She confirmed. “What about it?”

“They had their eyes on Applebloom as soon as she was out in the open. Now, see how your sister is using a tablecloth as a makeshift dress?” Skystrike asked as Applejack gave the same answer. “And from what I’ve heard from Pinkie, and talking with the kid, she seems real eager to get her mark. So, with that in mind, why do you think she’s wearing a dress? Because I assume she didn't ask you for one before hoof.”

“Uh… huh.” Applejack was beginning to catch on.

“Now, add all of what I said to her meeting you at the door. Do you think all of this was a coincidence?”

“...No.” She stated.

“And doesn’t this remind you of when you were made fun of for not having a cutie mark?”

Something clicked within Applejack’s head. “Ooooooh!” She then realized. “...Ooooooh” That one sounded like mild worry. “I should… apologize to her later.”

“A good idea.” Skystrike chuckled as he took a bite of another cookie. “But all we can really do now is let it play out.”

“What? You’re saying we shouldn’t stop them?” Applejack looked at him.

“Yes.” Skystrike said matter of factly. “ Because they’re going to pick on her anyway. If we go in without her asking, we risk giving the bullies more fuel, as they’ll see it as Applebloom needing to get help. On top of that, you specifically risk a tough time with the relationship between you two.” He continued. “Let's say we do help, the bullying stops for now, they, as I said, have more fuel. If it doesn’t stop, they still have more fuel, and Applebloom may blame you for ‘making it worse.’”

“Well how do you know?” Applejack stomped.

“Because I know that feeling of wanting to protect all too well. I also have… had a family in Canterlot I had to leave behind. You can try to help all you want, but things don’t work out the way you want them to. At this point, all we can really do is watch, and hope those we love make good decisions.”

Applejack could tell by his clenched jaw that she touched a sore subject. “I’m… sorry.” She said. An awkward silence passed between the two of them. “I… can see why you seem to help her out. I never did thank ya for getting her out of the way of the avalanche. She does talk about you sometimes. I think it makes Big Mac jealous.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Skystrike rolled his neck. “She reminds me of Astral… Though I get the feeling I should step back if Big Mac is getting upset. There are moments that only a big brother should have.”

“Astral?”

“Astral Night.” Skystrike clarified. “My oldest younger sister. She’d be twenty two by now. While I didn’t get to spend as much time with her, or the rest of my siblings, I still tried. She went through a similar thing as Applebloom is now, though the reason was different. Astral was smart, though didn’t think too far ahead, always getting roped into interesting situations… Then again, she was only thirteen when I left. But despite it all, she was a good kid, and tried to do good for those around her.”

“And… the others?”

“Well, there were around twenty of us total. The ones in my age group, and the ones I were closest with were Astral Night, Dawnstone, Lucky Clover, Blue Clover, and Mystic Falls. Each being two, four, seven, seven, and five years younger than me respectively.” Skystrike began to think back. “Dawnstone was always very expressive, a bit like Rarity. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was an actor or something. The Clover Twins were always looking for something to get into for the sake of fun. Mystic often kept to himself, but we bonded since we were the only boys in our age group…” Skystrike chuckled. “I remember one time I had to scold Lucky for keeping things out of reach of Blue with her magic, since Blue is the only earth pony. It was kinda funny looking back on it.” Then he realized. “Ah, sorry, I’m rambling.”

“It’s alright. It’s good to see you care about something.” Applejack patted him on the side. “For a while, I thought you just didn’t care about much. You don’t exactly talk about yourself.”

“...Some wounds should stay closed for now.” Skystrike sighed. “I know for a fact that everytime I think about the past, I stay up all night thinking about the what ifs… But I know I have a lot to confront.” Then he looked at her. “But I… don't dislike talking about it. So thanks for bringing it up.”

“No problem, Sugarcube. I’ll ask more about your past sometime.”

Their ears went back as the music suddenly stopped, followed by a loud thump. The two turned their heads to the record player. From the looks of it, Applebloom tripped over her ‘dress’ and ran into it. Unfortunately for the filly, her lack of a cutie mark was on display. A gasp was heard as all eyes turned to her. Though two pairs of eyes had a sinister smirk under them.

“Wow!” Silverspoon laughed. “That is an amazing cutie mark!”

“Nice try, blank flank!” Diamond Tiara laughed along with her friend.

Skystrike looked at Applejack, who seemed ready to pounce in defence. Skystrike put a hoof out. “Applejack… do you really want your biggest enemy to be a kid?”

“...When you say it like that…” Applejack sat back down.

“HEY!” Their eyes went to a new voice. A filly’s. Their eyes turned to see an orange pegasus with purple hair next to a white unicorn filly with a purple and pink mane. If Skystrike remembered right, the unicorn was Rarity’s sister, Sweetie Belle. But that wasn’t her voice speaking. “You gotta problem with blank flanks!?”

“WHAT!?” Diamond Tiara snapped her head around to look at the source of the voice.

The two kids came out from under the table. “I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?” The orange one asked again as they walked to Applebloom’s defense.

“The problem is, I mean, she’s like, totally not special.” Silverspook waved a hoof in disgust.

“Not special at all!” Added Diamond Tiara. Skystrike cringed at the way they spoke, stopping himself from saying something by biting into another cookie.

“No…” Sweetie Belle stood next to Applebloom. “It means she has potential!”

“It means she could be anything!” The pegasus added. “The possibilities are, like, endless!” The way she mocked her speaking was pretty funny, he had to admit.

Sweetie Belle had more to say. “She could be a great scientist, or a good artist! Or a famous writer! She could even be mayor of Ponyville one day!”

“And she’s not stuck up like you two!”

Skystrike lurched forward at that last part, trying not to laugh. He looked at Applejack, who was hiding a quivering smirk behind her hat. Their mistake was that they made eye contact with each other. The two let out small chuckles for a moment before sitting up straight and straightening their faces. This was serious, they had to lock in.

Diamond Tiara stomped a hoof. “Hey! This is my party! Why are you two on her side?”

“Because…” The two fillies showed their lack of cutie marks.

Applebloom’s eyes widened. “I thought I was the only one!”

“We thought we were the only two!” The two said together.

Twilight stepped out of the crowd. “I think you three are very lucky fillies!”

“Uh, is now a good time to step in?” Applejack asked.

“Yes actually.” Skystrike nodded. “But now we need to wait for a time to add to the conversation productively.”

“Lucky?” Diamond Tiara scoffed. “How are they lucky?”

Skystrike nudged Applejack with a hoof before he stepped forward. “Because finding out who you are, and deciding who you want to be is one of the best things to experience. It helps with your self worth, as well, because we are more than our cutie marks.”

“And they got all the time in the world to figure it out!” Applejack came in. Skystrike nodded in agreement, as well as the good timing. “Not just an afternoon.” She said to her sister.

As the other fillies and colts gathered around the three to talk with her, Skystrike thought about what Applejack said. “Wait, she was trying all afternoon to get a cutie mark?”

“Yep.” Applejack chuckled. “Even went hangliding with Rainbow Dash.”

“She also tried baking.” Pinkie popped in out of nowhere.

“Holy- Stop doing that!” Skystrike flinched.

“Didn’t take you to be a jumpy one.” Applejack elbowed him.

“Look, this lady jumps in out of god damn nowhere. Like what?” Skystrike sighed as he poured himself some punch. “But all’s well that ends well.” He was about to down the cup before he felt a tug at his pants. He looked back to see Applebloom with her new friends. “Hey kids, how can I assist?”

Applebloom let go of his pant leg. “Remember when we were talking earlier? And you said you’d show me your mark if I came?”

“Oh yeah, I did say that.” Skystrike quickly drank his drink.

“Now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen yours.” Twilight thought back. “Not even as kids.”

“Huh… me neither.” Applejack tipped her hat up.

“Oh! Oh! Can I guess?” Pinkie began jumping around making hoof motions. “Is it a swirling nebula with a sword? Is it a lightning strike? A sword with a pair of wings?”

“While those would be cool, they’re all wrong.” Skystrike said as he pulled down the side of his pants just enough for them to see it. “I don’t have one.”

“...Huh?” They all went. Even a few of the mingling ponies were looking in surprise.

“No way!” Twilight stammered. “What? How!? Why!?”

“Well, I guess I never needed one.” Skystrike shrugged. “With enough effort, I’m able to do what ponies can do with a mark. After all, you get your mark because you’re good at something. You aren’t good at something because of it. Then again… I never really had the time either.”

“But… having a cutie mark is one of your most defining traits! It’s something everypony wants.” Applejack butted in.

“...Well, as you can see, I’m not like everypony. And this town seems to have already defined my character by my previous actions and not my mark, which you all should, and what we all did before everypony got their marks.”

“And why didn't you say anything about it before?” Pinkie asked.

“Never had the need to, and nopony asked.” Skystrike shrugged again. Skystrike reached for a cupcake and bit into it. “...This one tastes… funky.”

“Oh! I made that one!” Applebloom smiled.

Skystrike looked at her, then forced himself to eat the rest. “It’s… good? Thanks, kid.”

“You’re welcome!” She grinned before going back to her new friends.

Skystrike swallowed the cupcake, then groaned. “Pinkie, Applejack, one of you gotta teach that kid to cook.”

The few weeks of summer went by pretty fast after that party. He, however, forgot how fast word spreads through Ponyville. It only took a day for everypony to know he didn’t have one, and the questions came a day later. To his closer friends, it was simple to explain that it was because of how he had no magic. To the average passerby, he gave his practiced, though not untruthful answer: his actions define him. Skystrike did bring it on himself, though it was worth it to make those three fillies feel a bit better.

Stardust and Spike had made good progress in their training. While Spike was a fan, Stardust wasn’t liking how much more defined her muscles were. Stardust hadn't become better in just one aspect, but in each field applicable. Better breathing, faster reflexes, and better swordplay. The only issue is that she relies too much on her weapon. He’d bring it up with her soon.

Spike was doing really well, especially for a baby dragon. He still wasn’t used to using a Scythe, cutting himself from time to time. Still a bit rowdy, but he was only a kid. It was expected. He was on par with Stardust, a fact that the mare wouldn’t admit. Spike’s folly was that he was still green. Each combat experience wasn’t real. But he also wasn’t ready for any real experience.

Skystrike would have to figure out what to do on that end later. Right now, he had some other thoughts on his mind. As he’s gotten more socially active, he-

“Skystrike, darling, are you alright?” Rarity asked as she looked back at him. “You usually are more talkative than this.”

Skystrike blinked, only then realizing he wasn’t walking alongside his friends. He sped up his pace to get next to Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Stardust. He sighed. “I’ll be fine. Just thinking.”

“Skystrike…” Fluttershy sighed. “You know you can talk to us, right?”

“I mean yeah…”

“But?”

“Way too early for a heavy topic. Plus, I’m probably overthinking things.” Skystrike said. Then there was a silence. “You know what, fuck it. Over the past few months, I’ve seen how everypony has grown to be better, and yet I feel I haven’t changed. I feel I’ve been unnecessarily mean to those around me, and while I’ve been trying to control my temper with breathing exercises, I feel it will be too late before it’s effective to the point of keeping my friends around.”

“OH.” They all went in unison.

“Yeah…..” Skystrike nodded.

Another awkward silence. “Look, Skystrike.” Rarity started. “You have been a good friend. Yes, there have been times where it hasn’t been… pleasant, but we all have our ups and downs in a relationship. But it’s what we’ve grown to expect of you. You’re blunt, but you mean well at the end of the day.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie nodded. “You’ve even helped me out with a lot, from my Pinkie-copter to that party! You’re a good friend!”

“Your help with Rainbow Dash… I also appreciate it. She’s been more mindful of her words since the whole thing with the dragon… So it worked out in the end?” Fluttershy said.

“I mean…” Stardust huffed. “I haven’t known you for too long, but compared to how we first met, and how that day ended, you’re not giving yourself enough credit. You’re a pretty good guy, Skystrike. Most barely even put in the effort to change for the better.”

“Plus…” Pinkie was speaking again. “Thinking back on it, hitting Gilda was kinda funny.”

“Really, Pinkie!?” Rarity scoffed. “This is a serious moment!”

Skystrike chuckled. “It’s all good, Rarity. Thank you. All of you. Also, nopony ever told me, what are we going to Sweet Apple Acres for?”

“Oh right.” Stardust thought back. “Uh… apparently Applejack and Rainbow are doing an Iron Pony competition. Trying to figure out who’s the best athlete in Ponyville.”

Skystrike could feel the eyes on him. “Well that’s silly, it’s Skystrike!” Pinkie hopped on his back before pointing down at him.

“They’re probably just over hyping it. Probably a friendly competition… Would be fun to see though.” Skystrike shrugged.

“Well, what do we have to do to get you to compete? I’m sure they’d let you join in.” Stardust gave an interested smile.

“Eh… I don’t know. I’m about twice their size, so it wouldn’t really be fair depending on the competition..” Skystrike shook his head. “Plus, going off their backgrounds, I’d bet the two will tie for first. Applejack is clearly stronger than Rainbow Dash, since one, she’s an earth pony, and two, farmer strength is different. However, Rainbow Dash would arguably have more stamina, and definitely have more agility. Assuming the events go over all aspects, they’d tie.”

“A fair point, darling.” Rarity said as they walked in the entrance gate of the orchard. “But it would be amusing to see those two up against you. After all, I doubt they would be able to take down an Ursa Minor.”

“While I don’t disagree, it would invalidate the point of the challenge, as it’s to prove who’s better out of the ponies who aren’t sure yet. And while ‘athlete’ is a loose term here, it’s pretty obvious I’m the better one.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash and Applejack said in sync as they looked at Skystrike as he came over the hill.

“Damn it, their competitive asses heard me.” Skystrike said under his breath.

“Does that mean you’ll join in, Skystrike?” Spike asked, riding on top of Twilight’s back.

Skystrike looked at the dragon, then to his friends, then to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “...If I say no, you two will keep holding this above my head. So I guess my answer is yes.” Skystrike began stretching. “You two are lucky I’m not wearing my armor today.”

“Then let the games begin!” Spike said, hopping on Twilight’s head in excitement. The others cheered around him as Skystrike got into place with Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

Skystrike continued to stretch as he flew over to the first event, a set of barrels in a semblance of a line. Applejack seemed to be up first as he and Rainbow Dash stood off to the side. “Hey, Nebula, I never asked, how come you stretch so often?”

“Being my size comes with joint problems.” Skystrike said as he cracked his back. “Nothing major, I just need to make a conscious effort to stretch.

“Ready?” Twilight got their attention. “Set!” Applejack got into a running stance. “Go!”

At a rather impressive speed, the farm mare weaved through each of the barrels, running on the outside of them before turning to run on the outside of the next. Unfortunately for her, she made it over half way before hitting one of the barrels due to too sharp a turn. “Dang Nabbit!” She said under her breath as she crossed the finish line.

“Time, Spike!” Twilight said as the dragon clicked the stop watch.

“Seventeen seconds!”

“Nice, AJ.” Skystrike pumped a hoof as Rainbow Dash went to get ready.

“I’m surprised! That breaks my record for last year’s rodeo!”

“But…” Spike began. “You get a five second penalty for nudging a barrel.”

“Five seconds!?” Skystrike exclaimed. “Oh no, my fat ass is going to fumble this…”

“Nuts and shoes…” Applejack kicked a rock in annoyance. “Well, that’s still 22 seconds. Not too shabby!” She said as Rainbow Dash was visibly sweating. Applejack noticed. “Hey, don’t be nervous. Remember, it’s all in good fun.” She nudged the pegasus with a shoulder.

“Ready, set, go!” Twilight said as Spike clicked the stopwatch. Rainbow started the course, going about the same speed as the mare before her, though with a bit better control. She finished the course with no problems.

“That was some fancy hoof work there, Rainbow!” Applejack gave a small stomp of her hooves in support.

“Thanks.” She said with a huff. “But I couldn’t have been as fast as you.”

“What was the time on that, Spike?” Applejack asked.

Spike looked at the time. “Eighteen seconds!” He said in awe.

Skystrike pulled at his sweatshirt. “Yeeah, that’s gonna be a bit difficult to beat…” He said as he got to the starting line. He cracked his neck and shook out his hair before locking in. All he had to do was not hit the barrels, and stay within the area outlined by a black line.

“Ready, set… go!”

He jumped forward into a full run, making turns with the purposes of not hitting any barrels, and keeping his momentum. The dirt flew behind him as he ran across the finish line. His only mistake was that he stopped too fast, digging a hoof into the ground at the wrong angle and making him go rolling… “WAAAAAAAAAAH!” Directly into a tree. “AEGH!”

“Sweet Celestia, are you okay!? Applejack asked as she ran up to him.

Skystirke blinked. “I am… upside down. Didn’t realize how much faster I was without the armor…” Skystrike pushed himself off the tree and onto his hooves. “What’s my time?”

“Uh…” Spike looked at his timer. “Fifteen seconds!”

“FIFTEEN!?” Even the peanut gallery was surprised.

“I’m BETTER!” Skystrike shouted at the top of his lungs with a laugh.

“Nebula wins the barrel weave!” Twilight raised his hoof into the air.

“Well, don’t get used to it…” Rainbow Dash elbowed him.

As they went to the next event, Skystrike noticed that some of the townsfolk had come to see the competition go on, as well as the rest of the immediate Apple family. He tried to ignore how Granny Smith was looking at him.

As soon as Skystrike saw the next event, he already knew. “Oh hell no.” Skystrike shook his head. It was one of those carnival games. The one where you had to hit a target to make a weight hit a bell at the top of a long piece of wood.

“What?” Applejack looked at him.

“I’m forfeiting this one.” Skystrike sat down where he stood. “There is no way I’m winning this one.”

“Hah! Didn’t take you for a quitter, Nebula!” Rainbow Dash got into position to kick the target.

“Are you serious!? This is obvious! I have half the mind to ask if this is rigged!” Skystrike laughed. “But you have fun!”

“I sure will!” Rainbow Dash bucked the target with both hooves, sending the weight up a decent speed, making it hit the bell. She began to gloat, flying away with a smug smile.

“Mighty respectable, but let me show you how it’s really done…” Applejack walked up leisurely before kicking the target with one hoof, making the target shatter, then sending the weight up. It broke off the bell and flew up a good few feet before coming back down. “Nebula was smart. Years of apple buckin’.”

“I feel like that was just a free win.” Skystrike said to himself as he got up to move on to the next event. They moved to a fenced area… and Spike had a white and blue cowboy hat. Twilight put him on Applejack’s back.

“Why… Why me?” Spike asked as he sat there gull of unease. Skystrike assumed the goal of this challenge was to try and get him off as fast as possible.

“Spike, look on the bright side.” Spike looked at the stallion. “You rock that hat. Also, sacrifices must be made.”

Before the dragon could respond, Applejack began moving around, kicking out her back legs in an attempt to get Spike off. He held on for dear life to not go flying. Eventually, he did, but thankfully landed in a pile of hay. Didn’t stop the groan of pain. “Ouch…”

Rainbow Dash, for some reason Skystrike would have to ask later, was already in the pile of hay, and shook it off. She looked up at Spike on her back. “Ready for another pony ride?”

“No!” He quickly answered, but not quickly enough to get off. Skystrike tried not to laugh at the wording. Rainbow Dash gave a few short jumps, easily making the dragon lose his grip from the sudden change in momentum. It took one larger jump to send him flying.

Skystrike decided to act quickly, running to where Spike would land and catching him before he did. Spike looked up from his hoof. “You alright?”

“...Not looking forward to your turn.” He groaned again.

Skystrike looked at him. “...I don’t want to win that bad. I’ll take the loss.”

“You sure?” Twilight asked. Skystrike nodded. “That means Rainbow Dash wins the Bronco Buck!”

Skystrike put Spike down as he gagged. “Why don’t we take five for Spike here?”

“Ok, this shit is definitely rigged.” Skystrike said to no one in particular as stood in the middle of the same fenced area. Spike stood in the middle of all three of them with a horned helmet of some kind, while the three competitors all stood there doing lasso tricks. Well, Skystrike and Rainbow Dash were trying, Applejack was actually doing it.

Rainbow Dash’s attempt was more just waving the rope back and forth. Skystrike liked to think he at least got the hang of it, spinning the rope in a somewhat circular motion.

Applejack, however, was jumping through the hoop she was spinning, several times over. She even caught Spike, dragging him over to her as the crowd threw roses at her.

“How do I get roped into these things!?” Spike asked angrily.

“Aaaay!” Skystrike pointed his wings at Spike.

Spike, despite having his claws tied, smirked and pointed back. “Aaaaay!”

Then their attention was taken away by the grunts of Rainbow, who somehow tangled herself around a tree branch. Skystrike gave her a look. “Just… help me down already.” She huffed.

Skystrike was looking at the rope. “I’m confused on where to even begin.”

The fifth challenge was juggling. Specifically, bouncing rubber balls off their bodies to keep the balls in the air as long as they could. Skystrike had to admit, these were some interesting challenges. Applejack was the first to fall, reaching too far for the ball while balancing on one hoof. Skystrike went second, hitting the ball at the wrong angle and sending it too far out of bounds. Rainbow won that one.

The sixth had them throwing hay bales as far as they could. While Rainbow Dash threw hers just to the edge of the measurement lines, she began to stick her tongue out at them before Applejack decided to throw her hay bale on her, pinning the mare. Applejack gave Skystrike a cocky smirk, who chuckled. With one hoof, he reeled back before planting his hooves and turning his body as he threw, easily doubling the distance Applejack threw it. They were all tied again.

On the seventh, Skystrike could feel they were running out of ideas. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were currently arm wrestling. The farm mare, having her real strength in her back legs, was struggling to keep her hoof above the barrel. Rainbow had a wide grin on her face as she pushed her opponent's hoof down. Then she remembered who was next. Skystrike sat across from her, and he could see the unease in her face. He put out a hoof, and the mare took it. He decided to play fair and not use his metal arm. Skystrike had to admit, she was pretty strong, but was nothing compared to his sword arm. It didn’t take much effort to push her down.

The second to last challenge had them each kicking a football as far as they could. It seemed pretty simple, and despite Applejack getting into a bucking stance, Skystrike felt he had a chance. Rainbow Dash kicked her rainbow colored football a good distance, while Applejack kicked her brown one above the crowds and into the distance, making some pegasi on a cloud duck for cover. Skystrike kicked his farther than Rainbow’s, and he felt it would’ve gone farther than AJ’s if it didn't hit a cloud. He did a spin kick and all. Looked cool though.

The ninth had each of them jumping through hoops that grew progressively smaller for each one they jumped through successfully. “Ok, I know I joined last minute…” Skystrike said as his friends were chuckling at him. “But this was kinda rigged.” The hoop was around his neck. Rainbow Dash won that one. After all, she had a much slimmer build than he and Applejack, who also had a hoop stuck on her.

“I knew I should’ve warned her.” Pinkie appeared next to Skystrike.

“HOLY-!” Skystrike jumped. “...I should be used to it by now. What do you mean you should’ve warned her?”

“Well duh, she has a fat flank!” Pinkie began elbowing him. “Like you haven't snuck glances…” She teased.

“I… don't? What?” Skystrike looked at her confused.

The earth pony’s smug grin grew. “You’re a flank guy, aren’t you?”

“Pinkie…” Skystrike got serious. “I don't think you want to go down this road. I’ve noticed, you know.”

Her ears went back. “Wh- what do you… Noticed what?”

“Pinkie Pie, you, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack have all stared at mine. You all are not subtle.”

“Y-you know!?” Pinkie took a few steps back. “Why didn’t you say anything! This is so embarrassing!”

“The hell am I supposed to say? ‘Ey, stop staring at my meaty posterior’ out of nowhere?” Skystrike shrugged. “As for the real reason, I wanted to see if any of you knew I knew. Also, it gives me dirt on you.” Skystrike smirked as he turned to go to the next event. “Also yes.” He made sure to put more swagger into his hips as he walked for a few seconds for the bit.

Pinkie looked at him with confusion, then surprise, then realization.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts!” Spike began to announce to the now quite sizable crowd. “At the halfway point, our competitors are tied at three, three, and three!”

“Who are you talking to!?” Twilight looked up from her notes.

“Them!” Spike motioned around him to show at least five dozen ponies. To be honest, even Skystrike didn’t notice how many came. He’d need to lock in. “Alright, everypony! The next contest will be a push-up contest!” Spike said to the roaring of the crowd.

“Damn, I hate pushups.” Sighed as he rolled his shoulders. “The fitness gram pacer test is a multi stage-”

“Shut up!” Rainbow Dash laughed as the three of them got down into a starting position.

“Ready! Go!” Spike said as Twilight began counting.

“95!... 96!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash were staring each other in the eyes as they kept going up and down. Skystrike was focused on his form, making sure not to arch his back. “97!... 98!” He noticed how Applejack was gritting her teeth as she went up, and how Rainbow was doing the same. Skystrike chuckled a bit. “99!” The two mares could barely force themselves up as Twilight counted. Rainbow Dash didn’t want to lose, and flapped her wings to push herself off the ground. “100!”

“I win!” Rainbow Dash threw her hooves up.

Applejack fell, not being able to force any more strength out of her forehooves. “...Be a good sport, Applejack…” She was clearly irritated.

“101!” Twilight continued as Rainbow Dash’s eyes shot open as Skystrike went back down.

“Still got more strength in you, Rainbow?” Skystrike asked rhetorically as he looked up at her. The crowd was in a stunned murmur as he kept going. “No wings this time.” He whispered that last part.

The pegasus mare gulped as she went back down. As soon as her hooves touched the ground, her sore muscles gave in, making her fall on her chin. Skystrike decided to flex, pushing his lower body up into the air, balancing on one hoof as he did an air push up, strong enough to push his entire body in the air and landing on all fours. “Nebula is the winner!”

The eleventh was a simple long jump. Applejack took the courtesy of going first, jumping an impressive distance, landing halfway into the sand pit at the end. Wait, where did they get a sand pit? Thinking too hard. Skystrike went second, landing just barely behind the farm mare. Damn, he was heavy. He felt like he fell like a pile of bricks.

The two watched Rainbow’s jump. She had a look of hesitation before getting a running start and jumping. From the look of things, she would’ve landed the same distance as Skystrike, but she flapped her wings just once. It was enough to effectively give her a double jump and let her clear the entire sand pit. Applejack stared daggers at the mare. He decided to pat her on the back in a vain attempt to calm her down.

The twelfth was obviously Fluttershy’s idea. Which made him think about what ideas were his friends from earlier. But that was for later. They had to carry chicks to the mother hens on the other side of a mud pit, without getting the babies muddy. Skystrike balanced his on his back before Twilight called them to start walking. So he did. Thanks to his height, walking through was much easier than he initially thought it would be, taking long strides to give the chicks a stable ride.

Applejack tried trotting through, but she went a bit too fast, making the mud splash on the chicks, who hopped off and onto Rainbow Dash. While it was smart, using her wings as a mud shield, it only increased the intensity of the glare that Applejack gave.

“So…” Skystrike sat in thought. “We all have four points…. And you two want to do more instead of calling it a tie?”

“No way I’m calling it a tie!” The two said in sync.

“Well damn, what happened to doing this for fun?” Skystrike laid back and put his hooves behind his head. “I thought we were just doing fun sports stuff.”

“Well, I just got more into it since you said it’s obvious you’re better.” Rainbow crossed her hooves.

“Really? Wait, am I the only one not taking this seriously?” Skystrike tilted his head. “You two were taking a carry chicks over mud challenge seriously?”

“You weren’t?” Rainbow asked. Then she thought about that. “Wait, were you holding back?”

“Off topic.” Skystrike avoided the question. “What’s the next challenge? Any ideas?”

They sat in thought for a while before Stardust thought of the most basic yet obvious answer.

“Why didn’t we think of this before!?” Stardust sat on the bleachers next to Skystrike and their friends.

“I know, right!?” Skystrike laughed. They all looked on towards Applejack and Rainbow Dash, both holding the ends of a rope on opposite sides of a mud pit. “...Why do we have so many mud pits? I’ve seen like 10.”

“There were only two so far.” Twilight stated.

“Called hyperbole, Twilight, but thank you.”

“You’re welcome!” Twilight smiled.

Skystrike slowly turned to look at the unicorn before narrowing his eyes. “Oh god, you’re serious.”

“Alright, this is the final event! Get ready!” Spike said, taking the group’s attention from each other to the mares competing. “Ready!? Start!”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash began pulling at the ends of the rope. Both were trying to pull each other into the mud pit in front of them. For a time, the two were evenly matched, neither being able to get the upper hand. However, slowly but surely, Applejack was proving her excess of strength as Rainbow was dragged towards, and over the mud pit. The moment she began falling into the pit, the pegasus spread her wings and began flying, pulling the rope, and a still attached Applejack up with her above the pit.

“Dass nnt frr!” Applejack attempted to speak with the rope still in her mouth. “Te cnn’t use your wings to hep ye win!”

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash held a hoof to her ear.

“Yerr cheatin’!” The farm mare accused.

“I can’t understand you with that roe in yer mouf!” Rainbow said… also having rope in her mouth.

Applejack, like a fool, opened her mouth to speak. “I said! …uh oh.” Applejack realized she let go of the rope, falling into the mud with a loud splat.

Rainbow Dash began to gloat. “Heheh! I won by a landslide! Or in your case, a mudslide!” The ponies cheered around them at her ‘victory’. “Looks like I’m going to be the iron pony!”

“Only because you cheated!” Applejack pointed a hoof.

“What?” Skystrike ignored Rainbow’s voice crack at the accusation.

“Yeah… kinda a dick move, Rainbow.” Skystrike pulled Applejack out of the mud. “You used your wings for like, half your points.”

“Sounds like sore losers to me!”

Skystrike blinked, then took in a deep breath. “Applejack, I’m gonna let you speak first.”

“Are you saying you didn’t use your wings!?” Applejack said angrily.

“Well… no. But you never said I couldn’t use my wings!” The pegasus put her forehooves on her hips.

“I didn’t think I needed to tell you to play fair! Nebula didn’t use his wings!”

“Pfft, I didn’t even need to use my wings to win!” Rainbow said.

“So, the attempted push ups, the long jump, and the chickens weren’t because of your wings? You only did the juggling and the thing with Spike from your own skill, and not because of the wings you were born with.” Skystrike raised a brow. “But… if I’m being fair, it did seem a bit unfair that there was a bucking contest and a lasso trick contest. But we could’ve learned those, rather than being born with the innate ability.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at him. “Huh…” Applejack put a hoof to her chin. “Y’know, that’s fair… but that doesn’t justify what you did, RD!”

“Well, since this has gotten more serious than it needed to, why don't we figure out something to see which out of the two of you are better?”

“Well, that’s fine by me! In fact, you can get in on this too, Nebula!” Applejack tipped up her hat. “Tomorrow’s the annual running of the leaves. I challenge you both to race me in it! Winner takes all!”

“Seems easy enough.” Skystrike stretched.

“Easy smeasy!” Rainbow waved a hoof before she began to fly away.

“Hold on!” Applejack pulled the mare down by her tail. “There’s one condition. The point is to run. That means… no wings.”

Rainbow bucked Applejack off of her. “No wings? No problem!” The two mares spit in their hooves and shook, then turned to Skystrike.

“...That was nasty, I’m not doing that.”

“Heh, stallions.” Applejack smirked as she elbowed Rainbow Dash.

Skystrike looked at the two. “Ahaha you two are so funny. But I guess any advice about hygiene would go into one ear and right out the other. Sweaty apples and stagnant cloud water isn’t a good smell. We’re all muddy and sweaty. Don’t plan to mix in spit, personally.”

“Pfft, ok Rarity!” Applejack laughed.

“I do enjoy staying relatively clean, yes.” Skystrike huffed as he pulled off his sweatshirt. “About time we called it a day, I need to do laundry now.” Only then did he notice a couple of his friends staring… and then he heard a whistle from the crowd he just remembered was there. “...I just talked to Pinkie about this.”

“I wasn’t staring.” Applejack said way too fast. “Wait, talked to Pinkie about what?”

Skystrike looked to Pinkie. She stared back with the thousand yard one. “...You wanna tell them, or should I-”

“NO!” The party pony answered immediately, making Skystrike stumble with laughter.

“Oh jeez, this is gonna be great.” Skystrike slung his sweatshirt over his back. “See you all later then.”

But Skystrike had one more stop left. After a few minutes of walking, he went past his house and into the Everfree. Walking by the many trees in the dark forest, he wandered upon Zecora’s hut.

The door was closed, but the lights were on. Skystrike gave a polite knock, letting the Zebra get ready. He heard her hoof steps coming before she greeted him at the door. “Oh, Skystrike, what a surprise! What brings you here before my eyes?”

“You trying to do the running of the leaves tomorrow?” Skystrike asked.

“The event these ponies have? It caught me off guard. I didn’t think you’d join such a lively yard.”

Skystrike shrugged. “I’ve been trying to get out more since I came here… and since you’ve came here.”

“Is this your way, so sly and sweet, of saying you wish for our time to meet?" Zecora smiled at him.

“Ye.” Skystrike nodded.

“Then let us make a game, full of fun and cheer. If I win, you’ll try your worst pick-up line, my dear, on the very first pony who happens near!" Zecora’s smile widened.

“That’s… oddly specific.” Skystrike said. “I’ll fuck with you. But if I win, I want to see you end your speaking with the loosest rhymes possible for an entire day. The ones where they technically rhyme depending on your accent, but ones where ponies will look at you silly. And you can't hide by staying here all day.”

Zecora started sweating. “...Very well. Let us see who falls under the other’s spell.” Zecora put out a hoof. They shook on it.

The sun came over the horizon and peeked through the blinds of Skystrike’s window. HE had a surprisingly restful sleep. In fact, he felt good today. So good, in fact, he started the day like any normal pony would.

“Do. Do. Dooo. Do. Do. Do. Do Doooo Do Doooo I GET UP!” He sang as he threw off his blankets and hopped out of bed.

“That was stupid.” Echo spoke as to Skystrike from his nightstand.

“Maybe…” Skystrike chuckled as he went to his bathroom and brushed his teeth. “Anything you think I may be forgetting?”

“It will be chilly. A light coat is recommended. You are low on eggs and lettuce. A market run is recommended at the earliest convenience. Finally, a check on Naga is recommended, as she has shown signs of shedding.”

“Thank you.” Skystrike began to comb his hair, finishing with washing his face and putting on his helmet. Next, he took his metal arm off the rack and attached it, wincing a bit. “Sss… reattaching nerves is always a new feeling.”

After doing his morning routine with Stardust, the latter went inside to start on breakfast. Spike wasn’t joining them today, but promised he’d do at least a work out. Skystrike waited, standing patiently in front of his mailbox. “Look out below!” A grey mare yelled as she flew at an alarming speed directly towards the stallion. Skystrike expected this of course, jumping up and catching the mare to slow her down and put her down safely. “Thanks again, Nebula.”

“No problem, Derpy.” Skystrike chuckled. She reached into her mailbag before handing Skystrike a few letters with her mouth. Skystrike took it in his hooves before waving her goodbye with a “thank you”.

“It’s what I do!” She smiled before flying off… upside down. Skystrike shook the thought out of his head as he opened the first letter. It was a notice saying the date that Spike would begin going to school in two weeks. Twilight put him down as a secondary contact. He felt flattered.

The second letter was some subscription service being offered to him from Manehattan for… coin collectors. Skystrike didn’t know why or how they got that to him. The third was unexpected. He muttered to himself how weird it was as he looked at the Wonderbolts stamp on it. He opened it and decided to read it.

Hey kid. Long time no talk.
Doubt you even go by kid anymore.
Princess Celestia let it slip that you didn’t kick the bucket. The relief that ran over me was unreal. Didn’t think you’d end up being a badass bounty hunter!
If I’m being honest, I am a bit hurt that you left, but you probably had your reasons.
Life’s been interesting on my end. Finally became the Captain a few years back, and the Sergeant training the rookies almost two years ago. Didn’t think I could do it, but you said go for it.
Hard to believe I was a rookie when we first met. I’m sure you remember how we met. Makes for a hell of a story. I hope those flight lessons I gave you and Cadenza stuck, but I have no doubt in my mind they did with the tales I hear about from you.
But enough about me. I hope you get this, and I hope we can meet up some time.
Don’t be a stranger.

-Spitfire

Skystrike smiled at the letter. It got him in the mood to write one back. He quickly went inside.The last two were for Stardust, who he gave them to before going into his room and to his desk, putting the letter down to remind himself to do it later. He and Stardust ate a quick breakfast as the mare looked through her letters.

Skystrike noticed her amused smile. “What?”

She flipped around one of her letters. “I got an ad for teat enlargement pills.”

Skystrike nearly choked on his food to Stardust’s amusement. “Warn me next time, damn.”

She tore open the next letter. Stardust sat up straight and rubbed her eyes as she went over the letter again. “...Princess Celesita and Princess Luna are coming to Ponyville.”

Skystrike blinked. “Welp… nope, not gonna let potential bullshit ruin my mood.” Skystrike sipped his tea. “Well, I’m sure you got stuff to prepare for. Need anything before I go to the running of the leaves?”

She shook her head. “No, I got it. Hopefully it’s just a check in.”

“Alright then.” Skystrike got up. “See you in a bit.”

And with that, Skystrike left his house. There was one thing he needed to do before he went to the running though. He was hungry. As he wandered into Ponyville market, he had several things he needed to get in bulk. It was more lively than he thought it’d be, with the event going on. Then again, they still had a few hours.

“Cabbage Patch!” Skystrike greeted the mare. “How’s it going?”

The mare looked at him as he approached. “Ah, Nebula. Good to see you.”

Skystrike decided to have some polite small talk. “Same to you. How’s life been treating you?”

“Good. My farm just produced its harvest, so I’ve gotten quite a bit to sell.” She smiled, then let it falter a bit. “But… on a sad note, my ex broke up with me and moved back to Cloudsdale.”

“Oh…!” Skystrike flinched. Wasn’t prepared for that one.

“Sorry…” She apologized. “Just… can’t get it off my mind.”

The stallion looked behind him, seeing there was no line. “I mean, I got time to listen if you got time to talk.”

“I mean… Well yeah, I do want to talk about it.” Cabbage Patch admitted. “It’s just herds and stuff. You haven’t really been on the receiving end, but it’s Tartarus at times. We were exclusive, but then he sprung on me some chicken feathered hussy and expected me to be fine with it. Didn’t even bring it up with me! And when I said it was me or her, he chose her!”

Skystrike thought about that. “Well, believe it or not, I don’t get around much. Thus, haven't even thought about a marefriend, let alone a herd. But, and hear me out on this, I don’t see why you’re sad about this?”

“Wh-” She blinked, then frowned. “Because he chose her over me!”

“Right, but you should be angry about it, or at least upset.” Skystrike put out a hoof. “Not because he chose her, but he cheated on you before hoof, and assumed you’d play into his hoof and crawl alongside him.”

“Oh…” Cabbage had a realization. “...Well now I am angry.”

“Well, look at it this way. You got a really bad guy out of your life, because let’s say you said yes to his bullshit. Would’ve kept pushing boundaries. Or, sad to say it, would’ve kicked you out if and when he got bored.” Skystrike huffed. “Still, I’m sorry you had to go through that. But there’s always a silver lining to things like this. The next one will be better.”

“I… appreciate your words.” The mare smiled. “But enough about that. What can I get for you?”

“I would like… thirty cabbages.”

Her jaw dropped. “Thirty!?”

“...Yeah?” He tilted his head.

“What in Celestia’s name are you going to do with thirty cabbages!?”

“Probably cook with them.” Skystrike shrugged. “I feel like that’s a normal thing to do with cabbages.”

“Yes, but it isn’t normal to buy thirty!”

“...So you don’t have thirty cabbages?”

She squinted. “Well, I do, but-”

“Can I buy thirty cabbages?”

She squinted even harder. “120 bits.”

Skystrike pulled a bag of bits out, and dropped it on the counter with a heavy thump. Cabbage patch pushed three crates around the side of the stall in return. “Thank you!” He smiled as he picked up the crates and balanced them on his back. “I’ll see you next time.”

He walked past the next few stalls, and came across two more familiar faces. One even called him out from the crowd as he walked over. “Nebula!” Applebloom waved.

“Hey kid, hello, Big Mac.” Skystrike waved. “Everything going good today?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded. “Watchin’ the stall in place of AJ.”

“Alright.” Then Skystrike thought back to his interaction with Cabbage Patch. “I need you two to hear me out…” They nodded. “I need two barrels of apples.”

The siblings looked at each other. “...You kiddin’?” Big Mac asked.

“I am not.”

Applebloom’s jaw dropped. “But-... why do ya need two barrels of apples?”

“...To eat? What else would I need them for?”

“But… who in their right minds would buy two barrels!?”

Skystrike thought about that. “Well, me… and probably Pinkie?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.

Skystrike cracked his neck. “So… you got the apples?”

“Eeyup.”

“How much?”

Applebloom narrowed her eyes. “...100 bits.”

Skystrike paid as Big Mac rolled the barrels over to Skystrike, who picked them up by holding one under each wing. “Thank you.” Skystrike said as he began walking back to his house.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! Welcome to the annual Running of the leaves!” Pinkie Pie said from a megaphone in a bright pink hot air balloon.

“When the fuck did Pinkie get a-” Skystrike realized. “Nevermind, it’s Pinkie.” He said to himself as he looked up at the mare.

“This is Pinkie Pie, your official peye in the sky announcer! As everypony knows, the run is a very important tradition. For without it, the autumn leaves of Equestria would never fall! So get ready, everypony! The running of the leaves will begin in five minutes!”

Many of the Ponyville participants started to line up at the starting line, a few stretching in preparation. Skystrike slapped his number 34 over where his cutie mark would be and walked up the line as well. If he remembered right, the run was around Ponyville, more specifically, through the forests surrounding it. He’d be in for the long haul. He stretched his legs as he looked around, seeing Applejack and Rainbow Dash still arguing… Probably best to let those two hash it out. He also saw a certain Zebra approaching him. “Oh, Zecora. I see you’ve come prepared.

The Zebra smiled. “Of course I would. I wouldn’t let this day pass, even if I could!”

“You really want to win, huh?” Skystrike smiled. “Sad to tell you, you’re going to lose.”

“Oh, my dear Skystrike, you act like winning was an option for you to choose.”

“Well that was ominous.” Skystrike crossed his hooves. “And I feel like rhyming off of me shouldn’t count, but we never set rules. Doesn’t matter anyway. You won’t be rhyming soon.”

“Well that just sounds like you’re going to kill me.” Zecora said. Skystrike waited for the next part. “...Bee.”

“You know what, fuck you.” Skystrike laughed. Zecora responded by smirking and pulling out a flask filled with a bubbling, light blue liquid. She wiped her mouth after gulping it down. “...You just drank a potion, didn’t you?” He narrowed his eyes.

“Indeed. “One of swiftness to help with my fitness.”

“...Wow. You know I really need to set rules. First Rainbow, now you”

“I'm still running, that's my plan. I'll just be faster, catch me if you can!” She stuck out her tongue.

“...I’m going to get you back for this.” Skystrike said.

“Alright ponies! Are you ready!?” Pinkie said over the megaphone before switching to Spike, who was now up there. “Get set… go!”

Everypony began the race with a sprint. Zecora was already ahead, though not by much. Skystrike realized he needed to lock in if he wanted to win. He kept up his sprint, beginning to pass Zecora until she realized, and began to keep pace with him.

“And they’re off! Nebula and Zecora tied for the lead!” Pinkie commentated. “You know, Spike, despite the name, the leaves actually don’t do any of the running.” Pinkie said from her balloon.

“Wha- Yes, Pinkie. Pie. It’s actually the ponies that cause the leaves to fall!” Spike responded.

“Those lazy, lazy leaves!”

Meanwhile, Skystrike was just barely ahead of his friend. God damn, she was fast. The golden brown leaves from the trees began to fall behind them as they ran, the large group of racers behind them passing the trees and shaking the rest off with the rumbling of their hooves. Slowly but steadily, Zecora and Skystrike grew further and further ahead from the group. He had no time to think. He knew the risks. And so did Zecora.

“But this year, it’s more than a race. It’s about the three runners who want to win it: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Nebula!” Pinkie Pie continued.

“You know, Pinkie, these three have a bit of a grudge match, trying to prove who’s the most athletic!” Spike added.

“Yes! And grudge rhymes with fudge!”

“Yes…! It does… what?”

“And I love fudge and if I eat too much I pudge and I can’t budge!”

Spike was stuck with a crazy pony. “So… no fudge?”

“Ah, no thanks. I had a big breakfast.” Pinkie shook her head. “Now, let’s check in on our three most competitive ponies! Applejack, Nebula, and Rainbow Dash!. With Nebula coming fastest out the gate, the two mares are tied for third! It was a big surprise to everypony how fast Zecora is.”

“Speaking of, where are they?” Spike asked as he looked over the track.

“Oh, they’re just past the halfway point…” Pinkie then realized what she said and leaned over the railing. “JUST PAST THE HALFWAY POINT!? Holy guacamole!” Skystrike had her in the first half, he’s not gonna lie. While he was initially a bit faster, Zecora was ever so slightly at the pace they were going. They were still neck and neck, but he wouldn't let it stay like that. “But what’s this!? Nebula is pulling ahead of Zecora, taking that left turn beautifully to gain every inch of space ahead! But Zecora isn’t letting up either, speeding up to pull ahead! She’s ahead by a nose! Or half a nose! Or a quarter of a nose!” Spike stared at her. “...Roughly speaking.

‘Shit!’ Skystrike thought to himself as he was just barely behind. Zecora looked back at him with a smug smile. Unfortunately for her, her hoof fell in a dip in the road, making her fall. Skystrike slowed down, turned back around, and helped her up. “You ok!?” She nodded. “Cool!” Skystrike said before beginning to sprint again.

“And what sports ponyship from Nebula! Helping her up when it could’ve won him the race otherwise!” Pinkie cheered.

Zecora was yelling at him from behind. “While I appreciate your help, the dare will not be lighter… welp!”

“You couldn’t think of anything, huh?” Skystrike huffed.

So did Zecora as she began to catch up again.

“Nebula is once again in the lead, but it looks like Zecora is doing her best to catch up!” Spike said.

“I don’t see how ketchup would help here. Maybe in a haydog eating contest, but I prefer mustard… Maybe some relish. How about you Spike?”

Spike looked at Pinkie Pie. “Uh… I like pickles?”

And then Skystrike saw it. The thing. The finish line way down the road. A straight sprint. He saw victory. The stallion was still a few paces ahead of Zecora. He just had to make it to that damn checkered line. With the four sacred words, Skystrike spoke them into existence to ensure victory. “Speed… I am speed.” And he ran with everything he had, becoming one with the wind.

“And with a sudden burst of speed, Nebula pulled leagues ahead of Zecora! He’s almost at the finish line! Will he be the iron pony!?” Pinkie said with baited breath.

Zecora sped up to and was right on his tail as Skystrike began to count the distance away from the finish line in his mind. ‘Fifty feet… thirty feet… twenty feet… the ground… the sky… wait, huh?’ Skystrike thought to himself as he neared the finish line before a tree root made him fumble the bag. “WAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” He screamed as he rolled. Zecora saw it happen, and tried slowing down by planting her hooves, but her momentum kept her going through the finish line. Skystrike’s rolling stopped just before the line.

“And Zecora wins due to an unlucky trip on Nebula’s end!” Spike announced.

“Nebula, my friend! This isn’t the time to meet your end!” Zecora turned to help Skystrike. His face was in the ground as he weakly put up a hoof and slapped the checkered line just inches away with a groan.

“And Nebula comes second!” Pinkie cheered.

“Ahh wmm… I ere fmm hile…” Skystrike said as his head was still underground.

“...What?” Zecora didn’t even bother to rhyme as she worried for her friend.

Skystrike rolled over. “I… wanna just lie here for a while.” And so he did. After a few minutes, a group of ponies passed by them. Zecora pulled him to the side of the track, out of the way of the rest of the coming runners. Skystrike and Zecora were both huffing hard, trying to catch their breath. His head was spinning, ears were ringing, and he couldn’t push himself up just yet. His knees were weak. His arms, heavy. He felt like he was about to vomit yesterday’s spaghetti dinner on his sweater.

He could really go for some water… but he also wasn’t ready to move.

Soon enough, he heard what sounded like Pinkie’s voice announcing something. Zecora heard it pretty well though. “It’s Rainbow Dash ahead! No, it’s Applejack! No, Rainbow!... no, Applejack.” Pinkie kept switching names as the two mares were fighting for the lead. Zecora noticed that they literally were. It started by Rainbow Dash bumping the farm mare to the side. “Oh no she didn’t!” Spike announced. Applejack returned the favor. “Oh yes she di-id!” Pinkie laughed.

And then the two tried pulling each other back by their tails. In the conflict, Applejack tore the rope off the pegasus’ wings. Rainbow Dash tried to take flight, but with an admittedly impressive leap, Applejack tackled the mare to the ground. They decided to fight the rest of the way to the finish line. The two fell off of each other.

Rainbow Dash pulled herself off with a huff. “I… I won!”

“No… I won!” Applejack stomped.

“I won!” Rainbow Dash said with mild annoyance.”

“You tied!” Spike said as Pinkie Pie lowered the balloon to land.

“...For first?” Applejack asked.

“For last!”

“For last!?” Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened.

“Then… who won?” Rainbow asked. Twilight walked up with a medal around her neck. “You!?”

“Oh, no. But I did get fifth place. Which is rather good for never running a race before.” Twilight looked down at her medal with a sense of pride. “Zecora won.”

“What?” Applejack was dumbfounded. “How is that even possible?”

“You ran so slow! And stopped to look at the scenery!” Rainbow added.

“Exactly! I paced myself, just how the book said! Then when all the other ponies got worn out, I sprinted to the finish!” Twilight explained. Zecora saw the ponies behind her huffing and wheezing. “Speaking of sprinted, I’m surprised you and Nebula ran the whole race, Zecora?”

Zecora smiled as she looked down at her medal, and the medal next to Skystrike’s body. “If there’s one thing our travels grew, it’s stamina to see us through!”

“...Wow, I just noticed you aren’t even out of breath.” Twilight blinked, then looked down to Skystrike. “Is… is he ok?

“Mah ears burn.” Skystrike coughed.

“I can’t believe TWILIGHT beat us!” Rainbow gawked.

“Well, with all your horsing around, it was quite easy.” Twilight smirked.

Applejack swirled her hoof in the dirt. “...You’re right, Twilight. Our behavior today was just terrible.”

“Yeah… we weren’t very good sports…” Rainbow lowered her head in shame.

“Sounds to me like an important lesson was learned today.” A motherly voice said as the crowd began to bow. A large figure made her way through, her head held high and wings spread wide as she approached the group.

“Princess Celestia!?” The three mares said in shock. “And Princess Luna!”

“Wh-what are you doing here?” Applejack asked with a bow.

Skystrike’s ears were still not back to normal. “...Priceless cholesterol and pintrest lua? What are we talking about?”

The two monarchs stared at the pegasus, who’s muzzle was still in the ground. Celestia looked at him, then back to the ponies in front of her. Luna walked to his side and decided to ask. “Nebula, are thou alright?”

“Are chives…? Are chives what?” Skystrike groaned.

Zecora bowed. “Forgive him, princess. He fell earlier, so he may not have the right thought process.”

“Oh, fell?” That was the first word Skystrike understood. “Yeah… I fell. Bright flash of light happened. Just… give me a minute to walk this off this concussion.” Skystrike tried to push himself up. Then he staggered over. “...Nevermind… just gonna lay here a bit longer.”

Celestia and Luna stared in mild worry at him for some time before moving on. Celestia cleared her throat as she turned to her student and her friends. “Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I came to celebrate the running of the leaves with my sister.”

“I’m… mighty sorry you had to see us being a poor sport, Princesses.” Applejack hung her head.

“It’s quite alright, Applejack. My sister and I share that part of your nature. Anypony can be swept up in the excitement of a competition. She smiled.

“It’s important to remember that friendship is always more important than the competition!” Twilight smiled.

“Speak for yourself, I’m the iron pony.” Skystrike tried to laugh, then groaned. “I’m betterrrr.”

“Nebula, are you alright?” Celestia asked.

“My ears are almost back to normal if that’s what you’re asking.” Skystrike was about to get up, but then he realized. While he could hear, he couldn’t triangulate where the sound was coming from. “Oh no…”

“...Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’ve… had a realization.” Skystrike said from his spot in the dirt.

“That you’ve lost to me? And the bet we’ve made, I’ve yet to see?” Zecora smirked.

“...You fucking knew, didn’t you?”

“It’s what I do.”

Skystrike let out a long, long sigh as he got up with his eyes closed. ‘Please don’t be her, please don’t be her, anypony but her!’ He screamed to his mind. Standing up straight, he felt something in him break as the first pony he made eye contact with was Celesita. ‘FUCK!’ He said internally. He slowly turned to look at Zecora, whose grin was nearly to her ears. “Zecora…”

“A bet we made, a deal we took. We sealed it tight with a firm hoofshake hook!”

“I should’ve left you to eat dirt.” Skystrike held his head in a hoof. He looked at Luna next to him, then to Celestia in front of him, then to the ponies around him. “Damn it, I played right into her hooves…”

“What is this bet Zecora speaks of?” Luna asked.

“She wants me to die.”

“You will not die from what comes after. I will, however, die of laughter.” Zecora was giggling already.

“Nebula?” Celesta looked at him.

“Yeah?”

“Does this challenge have something to do with me…”

He sounded defeated. “...Yeah.”

Celestia smiled. “Don’t be silly, my little pony. We may not always get along, but I would never wish harm upon you. Do what you must… within reason of course.”

Skystrike looked at Celestia, then to Luna, then to Zecora, then to his friends and Stardust behind the princess, then to the crowd around them. He sighed. Fuck it, he was here, might as well make the bit good.

He pushed his hair back, did a quick spin, and hit a pose towards Celestia showing off his wings as he pointed with a hoof. “Damn, Celestia, are you an egg? Because I want that sunny side up!” He had mustered up all the confidence he could, and yet, the silence was still deafening. Even the wind stopped. The course of events afterwards was interesting though.

Celestia’s jaw dropped. The crowd gasped. The princess of the sun hid her beet red face in her wings. Luna began laughing the hardest she’s ever laughed. Thankfully, it was contagious, making Zecora, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack burst out in laughter as well. The crowd around them couldn’t hold it in anymore, and began laughing as well. All while Skystrike was screaming internally.

“I have to admit…” Celestia coughed. “That was the funniest and most… original I’ve heard in a thousand years.”

Yep. He wanted to die.

Author's Note

Skystrike when he fell
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xbKL7HdnGPs/maxresdefault.jpg

Quest Line

God, what the fuck was that? He needed to start plotting for revenge against Zecora. Make her rhyme something with angst. For now though, he wanted to sit down, still feeling the after effects of that fall. Skystrike opened the door to his house, it creaking slightly. He planned to rest in his recliner before taking a bath. Planned.

Skystrike turned around. “So… why is everyone following me?” He saw literally everyone he knew behind him.

“Oh…” Fluttershy began. “I was just making sure you were ok…” She hid behind her mane.

“Same here, darling. You did take quite the tumble.” Rarity agreed.

“I’m here to-!” Pinkie started before Skystrike put a hoof over her mouth.

“Pinkie… The enthusiasm is appreciated, but please keep it down.” Skystrike removed his hoof.

“I’m here because I said I’d bake Zecora a ‘Congrats on winning’ cake.”

Zecora nodded.

“I wanna raid your fridge.” Rainbow was at least honest.

“I haven’t came by since the parasprites.” Applejack tipped her hat up. “Was wonderin’ how the new place is.”

“I’m bored.” Spike said. He was honest too.

“I live here.” Stardust chuckled.

“I’m just staying with the princesses.” Twilight stated.

Skystrike looked at the two princesses, waiting for a response. “We’ve both come for separate reasons… Would you allow us to speak inside?” Celestia asked, though it came off as more of a demand.

“...Look, I’m going to try and not come off as mean, despite the head ache and the bullshit I just said to you thanks to some Zebra… But could it wait until another day?” Skystrike asked.

Celestia shook her head. “I apologize, but it cannot. It is of the utmost importance. We’ve just received word about a… situation.”

Skystrike let her words hang in the air for a bit. “...Fine. Come in.” He left open the door for them as he walked inside, past the living room, and into the kitchen. They all followed behind him.

“We must admit, this home of yours has grown very much in size since our last visit.” Luna noticed. “What, pray tell, brought upon this home makeover?”

“...Parasprites.” Skystrike answered flatly.

“...That does remind me I saw those pesky creatures here during my last visit…” Celestia hummed.

Skystrike took two of the aprons down and threw one to Pinkie. “The ingredients you need are in the labeled drawers. Everyone else, please set the table.” He tied his apron around himself.

“Oh, you’re cooking?” Applejack asked. “Would ya like a hoof?”

“The offer is appreciated, but a kitchen with more than two ponies in it isn’t ideal for me.” Skystrike began getting a couple of jars filled with seasonings from the top shelves. “Besides, a good half of you don’t know how to cook.”

“...What do you mean by that?” Twilight asked as she sat down the plates.

“I mean that you have an assistant for a reason, Twilight. You’re welcome to prove me wrong.” Skystrike offered. She stood in place. “Anyone have allergies?” Skystrike asked. They shook their heads no.” “Good. We’re having Chimichurri Portobello Rice and Potato salad. Hope you all can handle spicy.” He pulled out a sack of potatoes and dumped them in a large pot before filling it with water and putting it on the lit stove.

“Well now I’m curious. Who else do you think can’t cook?” Twilight asked.

“You, Stardust, then the princesses…” Skystrike said as he pulled out a bowl from under his kitchen island. He wiped it clean, and threw in the parsley, cilantro and garlic, mixing it well then adding olive oil and vinegar before mixing again.

“How do you figure? I don’t remember telling you I could, and we’ve only eaten together or outside.” Rarity used her magic to straighten a table cloth.

“Simple.” Skystrike stopped mixing, the mixture now being finished. He lit another eye on the stove and put down a skillet with onions, letting them brown. He then added vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan for the potato salad. “Twilight has Spike, and I doubt she’s changed that much since we were kids. Probably reads while Spike cooks. Stardust seems the type to roam the cafeteria, and I always cook here, so she hasn't had a reason to cook. Rarity, you take care of your sister, same reason with Applejack. Rainbow Dash probably realized it’s cheaper to learn to cook than eat out all the time. It’s Pinkie’s job to cook, and Fluttershy probably finds it calming.”

Luna was amused at the topic of conversation. “And ourselves?”

Skystrike drained the boiled potatoes and set them aside to cool. “Easy, last time I heard of you two cooking was to boost morale during the war against Sombra.” He put another skillet on the stove, dropping in some mushrooms and bell peppers, salting and peppering them before pouring in his earlier mixture and letting it slow cook. “...then again, that would just make you two rusty.”

Stardust blinked. “...Are we really that easy to read?”

“Not really. I just notice a lot of the little things that most ponies don't.” Skystrike explained. “Example, when Applejack feels like she has nothing to add to the conversation, she twirls her hoof.” They all looked to see Applejack currently doing so, who also chuckled nervously. Skystrike scooped the now finished rice out of the pot and put it in the same bowl as the chimichurri mixture. “That’s done… It makes me realize if I’ve messed up.”

“Do me next!” Pinkie jumped. “Also I finished the cake!”

“Your bottom lip twitches when you want to get angry at somepony but don't want to ruin the mood.”

“Quite observant.” Celestia sat down as Skystrike began serving the food.

Luna looked at hers and her sisters. “...Why are our servings so big?”

Skystrike blinked. “Because you, Celestia, and I are much bigger than the average pony, and thus need to eat more.”

“Are you calling us fat?” Celestia joked.

Skystrike blinked again. “...You had four stallions pull you on a royal chariot.” Luna coughed as there were stifled laughter between everyone but an unamused Celestia. “If I wanted to call you fat, I’d have said so. I’ve always been straight forward with my intentions.”

Luna coughed again. “It all goes to your rear anyway.”

Skystrike coughed this time as Celestia shot her a look. “ANYWAY, I’m hungry.” Skystrike threw his apron back on the hanger before beginning to eat. He really needed something on his stomach.

“Mm…” Luna’s eyes went wide. “We must say, we did not expect thou to be so good at cooking. This is a pleasant surprise.”

“Thanks. Sister Paprika taught me.” Skystrike said as he took a bite.

“I didn’t know you had a sister?” Rarity looked up from her plate.

“Well, not biological. Sister Paprika was just her title. She was the caretaker for me and my siblings at the orphanage.”

“Wait, you’re an orphan?” Rainbow Dash stopped mid bite.

Skystrike looked at her and took off his helmet. “...You serious?”

“Well, to be honest, Sky… I didn’t know until you just said so…” Pinkie admitted.

“That’s different.” Skystrike said. “You, and like half of the ponies here were literal nobodies until I moved to this village. Rainbow Dash was my foster family.”

“I dunno, I thought you were a distant cousin or something!” Rainbow shrugged.

Skystrike rubbed the ridge between his eyes. “...Moving on, I am an orphan. Was taken in when I was around nine or ten. Decided to pull my weight and helped with cooking. Kids are picky.”

“Where was it at?” Fluttershy asked. “I don’t really hear you talk about your old home.”

“Church of the Two Sisters. Good place, not so good funding at the time, so we had to make do with cheap food.” He said as he reminisced. “Not to mention some of the Noble kids messing with me and the little ones because of our social standing.”

“Wait, how old are you?” Rarity looked at him.

“I think 24, but I could be 23. Never knew my actual age.” Then he thought more.

“You know, I did live in Canterlot around that time. A shame we didn’t meet earlier…” She stuck a fork into her food.

“We did.” Skystrike said as her eyes went wide. “Though it was brief. You and your parents were at some park the same time I was there with my little sister. You were playing princess with Dawnstone.”

“...You have a freakishly good memory. But from what Twilight said in that old castle, I assume you met her up there too?”

Skystrike nodded, but Twilight answered. “Celestia put him in my class in magic elementary!”

Celestia smiled. “I was hoping you two could be friends. Admittedly, it was just easier to keep track of you both when you shared a teacher. But it looks like you two being friends worked out in the end.”

Twilight looked to Skystrike. “Can I… get another serving?”

“Go for it.” Skystrike nodded. “It wasn’t the best being the only pegasus in a school of unicorns, but it’s no big deal. Was able to save the notes for the unicorns in my life who could use it.”

“So has everypony met Skystrike but me in the past?” Pinkie put her hooves on the table.

“I haven't.” Applejack put up her hoof. Then she thought… “No wait, we went to the same summer camp one time… And that also reminds me that he can sing.”

“He can what?” The rest went. While most were surprised, some had faces of mild amusement.

Celestia smirked. “He used to want to do opera.”

Skystrike sighed. “I’ll remember this.” He looked at Celestia, ignoring the giggles from the rest present.

“It’s just… I didn't expect you to know how to sing.” Pinkie said. “You’re the last pony I expected to know how to. But… I could see you doing opera.” Then she leaned forward. “So… what do we gotta do to get you to sing a tune?”

Skystrike rubbed the ridge of his nose again. “Fine, you know what? Naga’s birthday is in a few days. She’ll pass out invitations later today. You set her up a party, and I’ll sing something.”

“Sweet!” Pinkie jumped up before running out of the room and coming back with a cake. “Here’s your cake, Zecora!”

The zebra was about to dig in before she felt a gaze on her. She turned to Celestia, who was badly avoiding her gaze. “...Would you like a slice or two? This cake’s too big for me to chew.”

Celestia cleared her throat. “Ahem… Yes, I would love a slice.” She took her knife and fork, cutting herself half the damn cake.

“Wait…” Fluttershy realized. “Naga knows how to write?”

“You’d think I’d keep a pet that massive and smart around with ponies that see her as dangerous, and not teach her how to communicate?”

“Then why’d she come into town like that?”

“Somepony kicked her before she could.” Skystrike huffed.

“I said I was sorry!” Rainbow groaned.

Then they hear a tapping on the window. “Speak of the devil.” Skystrike opened the window to let Naga in. She slithered in before coiling around him in a hug. “Nice to see you too.” Naga then let go and gave a letter to each of the beings present. Fluttershy opened it, noticing how well her writing was. The grammar could use work, but all things considered, it was great.

“Oh, Naga.” Skystrike got her attention. “How many are you inviting?” Naga made a slow circle motion with the tip of her tail and cooed.. “What do you mean ‘anypony who wants to come’?” She then made a raspy sound by rubbing some of her scales together. “You’ve been in this town for a while. I don’t think anypony will run away from you.” She hissed and pointed at Skystrike. “Me? What do you mean I need more friends!?” She slapped her tail on the ground. “If I wanted more friends, I’d make some.” She hissed at him again. “I can make friends, asshole. Don’t want any more right now, thanks.” Naga turned her head up at him before slithering back out the window. Everyone behind him was giggling. “Don't wanna hear it.” Skystrike stretched a bit. “But now that lunch is done, Celestia, Luna, you two wanted to speak?”

“Oh, yes.” Celestia said as she swallowed the rest of her cake. “Though my sister and I are here for separate reasons.”

“Um…” Twilight motioned to herself and her friends. “Should we leave?”

Celestia looked at Skystrike. It was his call. Skystrike shook his head. “You all should be fine. If it was really important, then the princesses would have made me come to them… Well, either that, or another reason…”

Celestia nodded. “Indeed. We need you to do some things… privately.”

Skystrike hummed. “Coming to me for a mission? That’s a first.” He sat back down at the head of the table. “Guess things have gotten pretty bad if I’m needed.”

She grimaced. “Well, as much as it pains me to admit it, your past missions show your reliability, despite your… methods…” She sighed before getting to the meat of the issue. “A settlement began forming in the North-western part of Equestria on the coast of the North Luna ocean. It’s about three days north of Vanhoover. Yesterday, we received word from one of their representatives that a ‘beast’ for lack of a better term, was spotted in their forests, eyeing their ponies. There have been a confirmed six missing out of the current thirty residents.”

“Well that’s worrying.” Skystrike rubbed his chin. “And you haven't sent your guard? Or some other mercenary? I need more details.”

Celestia shook her head. “No. Aside from Luna, you and everypony are the only others who know so far. If I go to my guard, there is a risk of an information leak. By the time anypony here speaks of it, you’d hopefully have finished your mission. For more information, Vanhoover is in Count Caesar’s territory, but the ponies sent to start the settlement were sent by Upper Crust.”

Then he realized. “Wait, it is one of those isn't it?”

Luna tilted her head. “One of those?”

“I’ve dealt with Nobles before.” Skystrike sighed. “It’s either Caesar offered to help, and Upper Crust feels like his pride is attacked, or Caesar is using this as a chance to prove Upper Crust is incompetent and take over the settlement.” Then he turned to Celestia. “How close am I on the money?”

“...Nearly spot on.” Celestia sighed. “Upper Crust is a very prideful pony.”

“So…” Skystrike leaned back in his chair. “You want me to go undercover as a third party and privately solve the problem in the hopes of stopping infighting?”

“Yes.” Celestia nodded.

Skystrike looked at his helmet. “Echo, get me all the information on the local fauna in the area north of Vanhoover, as well as any roaming animals that could count as ‘beasts’.”

Celestia, Luna, and everyone else present jumped at the holographic blue eyes that flashed on within the helmet. The voice was cold, calculated, and robotic. “Affirmative. Information on the requested area is limited, thus I can only give calculated assumptions. Allow me time.”

They looked at the helmet, then to him. Stardust decided to ask the obvious question. “Could it… always do that?”

“Yep.” Skystrike nodded.

Zecora looked at it as well. “There is no way that such is true. You’ve had that helmet since I’ve met you.”

Skystrike nodded again. “Well, Echo decided to talk only when he feels it’s needed. Besides, he’s more than just an encyclopedia. Helps me look at things logically when emotions are high.”

Celestia poked the helmet. “You speak of it as if it were a pony.”

“I am a sentient construct. Though the term ‘pony’ would not describe me back. I am not ‘alive’ like you of flesh and bone. I simply exist as a culmination of thoughts and recorded experiences.”

“Construct? You were created by Skystrike?”

“Negative. I was created, but not by him. My creators are not important, their legacy long forgotten to the sands of time. My current, and only goal is to assist Skystrike.” Echo monotoned. “Analysis complete. Though limited, the most likely candidates are: Cragadile, Diamond Dog, Frost Troll, and if you are unlucky, a dragon.”

“Shit….” Skystrike said to himself. He sat in thought for a while. “...Celestia, I suppose it’s time to start talking payment.”

“Yes, of course.” Celestia hummed. “I will be giving you a large sum of bits, of course.”

“Yeah, no, I’mma need more than bits for a mission like this.” Skystrike put his hooves together. The way he spoke made everypony on edge. “I’m not unreasonable, so I’ll give you some options. There’s three things from my ask that I want you to fulfill.”

They all looked at him. “...Go on.” Celestia said.”

He began counting on his feathers. “One, access to all parts of the Royal Library. Two, a scheduled meeting with the Court Magician. Three, access to the Royal Archives. Four, two items of my choosing from the Royal treasury. Five, several of each type of elemental stone. And six, a large null stone.” He wrote it down on a piece of paper.

“That-... wha-...” Twilight stammered before putting her hooves on the table. “You said you were reasonable! How was any of that reasonable!? You were given a mission by the princess, and now you’re making demands!? You can't even USE magic! Why do you need all that stuff!?”

“Twilight, first off, lower your voice, please.” He said, though it was more of a demand. “Second, this is how requests work in my line of work. It’s a give and take. I give a price, I take a job. Right now, we’re in the negotiation phase. Third, if you must know, I plan on doing some experiments.” Then he turned to Celestia. “Now… what do you say?”

“To be quite honest, I find your… ‘requests’ as you put them, unreasonable. For the things you’re asking for, I might as well send the guard. She explained.

“Then allow me to explain my reasoning.” Skystrike reached for his water and took a sip. “First, sending a whole quadron will not only risk information leaking, as you said earlier, but will also cause the civilians to be more worried than I assume they already are. As you said, multiple ponies have gone missing. Second, amassing the amount of resources needed for said squad would cause the nobility to get suspicious. It’d be much more efficient to send a pony that can take the minimum needed for this mission.” Skystrike continued to write on the sheet of paper. “Third, you’re on a time limit, which is up when that whole settlement disappears, or until one of the nobles gets fed up and causes some infighting.”

Celestia looked at Skystrike. While reluctant to, she had to agree with him on his points. It’d be easier to send one pony… especially somepony used to fighting on a lack of information. “Then-”

“Oh, I wasn’t done.” Skystrike put an elbow on the table. “There’s one thing you may have failed to realize, and I feel the need to bring it to your attention.”

“...Which is?”

“Well, you said their representative said there were six confirmed missing. Not dead, or any remains found, missing.” Skystrike put a lot of emphasis on that word. “If they were dead, then you the representative would’ve told you, and then you would’ve told me, that they found bodies, a sign of struggle, or at least the metallic smell of blood in that forest. It’s a port town, so I imagine the wind would’ve carried it well. It would’ve at least been a quote unquote ‘good sign’ in my opinion.”

Celestia frowned at him. “And how would my little ponies spilt blood have been a good sign?” She was controlling her anger.

Skystrike waved a hoof back and forth. “Because that would’ve shown some sort of struggle, or their passing. Not good, but it’d be better than the hostage situation that this is implying.” That word, ‘hostage’ rang through the heads of everyone at the table as they looked at him, then to each other with wide eyes. It sent a chill up their spines. “From your reaction, Celestia, I’m willing to bet you didn’t think of that.” Skystrike wrote some more. “Now… Assuming that what I said is true, that means we can narrow down our list of what I’m going up against: Diamond Dogs or Dragons. Plural, as there would be no way a single one of each would need several ponies if they are still alive. Thus, I will be facing multiple.” Skystrike sighed. He drank some more water before setting the glass down. “With that said, let me remind you and inform the heckler here that you are paying me not only for the investigation, but also the perceived, and potential threats that I have to deal with. I have the possibility of dealing with several high level threats, and a hostage situation mixed into that. This is a mission with very, VERY high demands to meet, and no room for error. Now, would you say these requests are still unreasonable?”

Celestia grit her teeth at the situation. “I can see why you asked for such a reward… We agree to your terms, on the condition that you can save everypony you can, and neutralize every threat. If the potential threats are proven true, your payment will be discussed further.”

“Alright.” He nodded. “Today is Sunday, so I’ll have enough time to prepare for an early Friday morning departure.” He handed his paper to Celestia as he began writing for himself on another sheet.

“Sir, will we be coming?” Stardust raised a hoof, referring to herself and Zecora.

Skystrike looked up from his writing. “...What type of dumbass question is that, of course not!” Is what he wanted to say, and what his stare did say. But instead, he rubbed his forehead. “Did… you not hear the whole thing about dragons and high stakes?”

“Come on, Skystrike, we can handle it!” Spike said with too much confidence for Skystrike’s liking.

“You’re nine! You get a fucking tummy ache when you drink a god damn milk shake too fast! The hell are you going to do when you’re looking down the gaping maw of a dragon?”

“But it’s our chance to prove ourselves! Come on!” Spike pleaded.

“Our?” Stardust made a face. “Sorry, kid, but I was making sure I wasn’t getting into any major danger. I was also only referring to me and Zecora. I’m with Skystrike on this one.”

Skystrike looked to Twilight. She looked back with a stare full of daggers. He sighed. “You know what? I’ll give you one chance to prove it to me.” He huffed as he got up and put on his helmet. “Put your gear on, meet me outside.”

“You can’t be serious!” Twilight stomped.

“Trust me, Twilight, I know what I’m doing.” He said as he grabbed his blades. The rest looked between each other and followed him and Spike outside.

Spike gulped as he walked into the arena that Naga made a while ago, Skystrike standing at the opposite end, armor on and blades in hoof. But something was new… On his back, right under his wings was some sort of wheel that housed a wheel of chains. The baby dragon watched as he attached the hilts of his two swords to the ends of the chains. “...When did you-”

“Back when I made you and Stardust your gear.” Skystrike said as he rolled his neck. “No point in backing out now, Mr. Confident. When you’re ready, tell Zecora to give us a countdown.”

Spike tightened his grip on his staff as he looked at Zecora with a nod.

Zecora sighed, knowing where this was going. “Three… two… one… go!”

Spike was barely able to finish taking a step forward before a loud boom was heard. He blinked from the dust in his eyes, only to open them when he felt something grab him and pick him up by the neck. Skystrike’s grip wasn’t tight, but Spike was more frozen in fear than anything. Skystrike stared at him, waiting for the dragon to speak. “...alright…” Spike said defeated.

“I want to hear you say it.” Skystrike put his other hoof on the hilt of his sheathed blade.

“...I’m not ready…”

Skystrike set him down and let out a sigh. “Now, I want you to look at Twilight.” Spike looked at the mare. His eyes went wide as they made eye contact, seeing the worry, and fear in her face. “Now, imagine what face she would’ve made if you went up there, and didn’t come back.”

Spike felt his heart drop. Without a word, he ran up to Twilight and hugged her. Twilight returned it.

Skystrike shook his hoof and got down on all fours. Rarity looked over at him. “...Was that really necessary?”

“I think so.” Skystrike admitted. “Because while someone wants to make a name for himself, he forgets he has ponies who still care about him, and want him to be alive.”

“It sounds as though you’ve walked this road.” Zecora said. Skystrike looked at her. “A tale of yours yet to be told?”

“...You know, you’re right, but I don’t like how you said that.” Skystrike sighed.

“Ignore that for now!” Rainbow gawked. “Did you just make a sonic rainboom!?” She kept staring behind him.

Skystrike turned around to see a blue ring expanding and dissipating as it spread out further. “Huh… Guess I did. Didn’t realize. But that isn’t really a rainbow… Skyboom? No, that sounds stupid.”

“Dude, you’re missing the point!” Rainbow put her hooves on his shoulders. “You just accelerated at the speed of sound! Do you have any idea how amazing that is!?”

“...Not really? I bet you could do it if you try hard enough. Took me years to do that.”

“But HOW!?”

“Iunno.” He shrugged. “One day I was just able to.” Then he realized. “Luna, you said you wanted to talk to me too, right?

The princess of the night blinked. “Oh, yes, we do!”

“You zoned out, didn’t you?” Skystrike smirked.

“...We did not.”

“Yes you did.”

“What we wish to discuss is more… private than what our sister spoke of.” Luna moved along the conversation.

Skystrike cracked his neck and thought for a moment. Then he realized something. “Ok… but this sounds kinda updog.”

“...We must apologize, we are not yet fully immersed with the modern slang… What is ‘updog’?” Luna tilted her head.

“LUNA!!!” Celestia shouted at the top of her lungs and put out a hoof in despair.

Skystrike smirked. “Nothing much, what’s up with you?”

“No way…” Pinkie snorted. “Heheheha! You got a princess!” She began rolling on the ground in a laughing fit.

“...Are you proud of yourself?” Luna gave an unamused look.

“Yes.” Skystrike nodded. “So, you implied we need to talk alone?”

“Yes.” Luna turned to the others. “We apologize, but we ask you all to leave us be for now.”

“As you wish, Princess Luna.” Twilight bowed. “It was nice to see you two again.”

“And thanks, Sky! The food was great!” Applejack said, nudging him with her elbow as she walked past.

“I appreciate that. I’ll see you all later.” Skystrike said as his friends began walking down the path from his house. “Come back inside. Meet me in the living room, I need to get something.” the pegasus said before walking to the research tower. He opened a cupboard and found a small box of pearl white orbs. He took one, fitting it in his hoof, before walking back to the living room where the princesses were sitting together on his couch. He sat down in his recliner.

Celestia looked at the orb in his hoof. “And that is…?”

“A little something I made called a silent stone. It stops eavesdroppers.” He nodded his head toward the window.

Luna looked out it. “...There’s nopony the-”

“Luna?” He cut her off, getting her attention. “Updog.” He plainly said. A giggle was heard from the window, as well as several shushing her. “And that’s why I have this…” He twisted the two halves of the stone in opposite directions. A pale white dome formed around the three, swirling like a blizzard of arcane energy. “As you can see, it creates a small space around the center. No sound can enter, nor leave.”

“And you made these?” Celestia asked. “I was under the impression that they were in limited supply, and the patent is under a strict lock and key.”

“They are.” Skystrike leaned back. “After all, I made the patent. It’s passive income.” Skystrike rolled a hoof. “So, what did you wish to speak on?”

Luna cleared her throat. “Right…” She took in a deep breath, thinking on how to say what she needed to. “Many are unaware of what our role was before my banishment. We were to protect the ponies from their nightmares, and give them pleasant dreams, to put it sparsely. We speak of this because… in an attempt to continue this duty, we attempted to protect you from your nightmares. Over the last few months, we have noticed that thou hast not been sleeping soundly… if you even do fall asleep.”

Skystrike blinked. He didn’t, yet should have expected this talk about his nightmares, with you know, Nightmare Moon. He sighed. “Well, I have my reasons.” He leaned forward, dropping his joking tone. “My past hasn’t been… the best one to have.”

Luna gulped. “Indeed… our sister hast shared pieces of your upbringing… We are sorry about what thou-”

Skystrike shook his head. “Not that.” He exhaled through his nose. “I came to Canterlot at around ten. Celestia adopted me a few years later. My nightmares are frome times before all of that.”

Luna looked at her sister, who returned the look. “He hasn’t told me about that time either. It’s a topic he tends to avoid.”

“Still is.” Skystrike stated.

“...May I ask why?” Celestia asked.

“...A couple reasons. It was a time in my life where I had no control. Not because I was a child, but because I was… an item. I wasn’t a sentient being to them, but a means to an end.” He clenched a hoof. “I’m plagued by those nightmares almost every other day. A different memory each time. I’ve grown used to it…”

“And thou hasn’t asked for help?” Luna asked.

“That would be showing weakness… Also, the innocents would get involved. This is something I need to handle myself.”

“There is no shame in recognizing your weakness, Skystrike. You can't handle things by yourself, no matter how strong you are.” Celestia offered.

“...I pray you never find out how deep this rabbit hole goes. It’s more than nightmares, it’s more than this feeling of weakness.” He admitted. “They are the reason I fight.”

“They?”

For a moment, Skystrike thought of admitting everything. But something within him, almost instinctual, told him not to. Not yet. “They are not important yet. Give me time.” He sighed. “But back on topic. Luna, you seem awfully worried about my nightmares.”

“Indeed… Because of the nature of this issue.” Luna nodded. “We’ve noticed that during your nightmares, we are not able to interrupt them, let alone enter.”

“Oh, that’s it?” Skystrike raised a brow. “That’s just the mental barrier I set up.”

Luna stared at him. “Wha-... then that means thou art conscious enough to be lucid dreaming!”

“Yes.”

“Then thou could have stopped the nightmares yourself!”

“Yes.” Skystrike nodded. “And I have my reason as to not do so. But why do you want to enter my dreams in the first place?”

“...Because it is our duty as the princess of the night to make sure everypony gets a good night’s rest.”

“Cool, but hear me out, and excuse my harshness, but I didn’t ask you to, nor did you ask me if you could enter my dreams” He frowned.

“...Then will thou allow us into thine dreams?” Luna asked.

“Don’t see why not.” He leaned back in his chair.

Luna looked incredulously. “...Really? Just like that?”

“I am a simple stallion. You asked, I found your reasoning just, so I said yes. I’ll open up my dream when I want to though, so stay vigilant on that.” Then he looked at the silent stone. “Effect is going to wear off soon. You mind if I say something silly to fuck with the listeners?” He asked as he looked at the pale white dome around them slowly fading.

“Go for it.” Celestia waved a hoof.

The barrier fell, and the stone shattered into several pieces. Skystrike smirked. “What do you mean I’m wanted in fourteen territories and three separate countries!?”

“He’s WHAT!?” The ponies outside said, making them laugh.

The next day came quickly once the princesses left to return to the capital. After his morning routine, Skystrike decided to take a walk through Ponyville. He figured that it’d be a good idea to get around more, feeling like he only came out for major events. He sat down at a park bench for a small break. He closed his eyes, letting the gentle breeze flow through his hair and fur. The trees rustling in the wind were calming to his ears. Even his sun was hitting him at the right angle.

“Well howdy, Nebula!” A filly with a southern accent got his attention.

Skystrike opened his eyes to see three fillies in front of him. “Ah, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. How’s the day treating you?”

“It’s good! We were actually looking for something to do before we found you!” Applejack jumped on the bench next to him.

Scootaloo did the same. “Yeah, we can’t think of anything else… We’ve played tag, hide and seek, red light green light, you name it.”

Skystrike thought about what they could do. “You know, when I was your age, I sat down and pretended to squish really far away ponies with my hooves.” He chuckled. “It’s even more fun if you make sounds while you do it.” Their eyes seemed to light up as they began doing it, making squishing sounds and laughing to themselves.

“Heheh, this is kinda fun!” Sweetie Belle giggled.

“Oh, Nebula! There you are, dear.” Rarity said, coming from behind him.

Skystrike jumped. “Jeez, don’t pop up out of nowhere like that…” Skystrike turned his head to look at the unicorn, noticing a pink pony and a yellow pegasus at her side. “And hello to you too, Pinkie and Fluttershy.”

“I have a surprise for you~!” She sang. “It’s at my boutique!”

“Oh cool, what is it?”

“I… just said it was a surprise dear.”

“Oh, a surprise surprise.” Skystrike got up. “Alright, let's get going. I’ll see you next time, kids.”

Skystrike walked in with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. The three followed Rarity inside with their eyes closed.

“That’s it!” Rarity said in excitement as she led the group with her voice. “Keep them closed! Don't look~!” They all stopped in place. “Ok you can look now!” The mare squealed.

Skystrike opened his eyes, seeing all of his pony friends, Stardust included, standing to his right. After looking at them, he gave his attention to the several dresses on mannequins in front of him, the eight of them each having a different, and rather stunning, dress on them. Rarity stood proud over her work. A green and brown cowgirl style dress with boots and crocheted apples placed periodically around it. That was obviously for Applejack. A blue dress with a large collar and silver stars on the edges, and as a head piece. Probably Twilight’s. A grass green dress with flowers stitched in with a pair of green vine-like shoes. Fluttershy’s. A rainbow dress that flowed like a waterfall with a headband and shoes of roman design. Rainbow’s. Wait, they have romans? Ignoring that he looked to the last three.

A pink, white, and blue dress that looked as if it was made from cake, candy canes and candy corn, as well as some bows. Pinkie’s. Fitting. A navy blue dress with white and sky blue glitter, and a necklace in the shape of a four pointed star. That was Stardust’s.

The last one Skystrike looked at was black, with white rings spread around in a chain like pattern. It also had a blue under-dress, as well as a black jeweled necklace in the shape of a four pointed star as well. That was weird…

“What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack?” Rarity motioned towards her dress. “Pretty swanky are they not? And Twilight, I made this dress for you and designed each dress to match each ponies specific personality!” Skystrike stared at her. “Oh, it took forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash.” She continued as she walked by each dress. “And It turned out beautiful, don't you think? And I know you’re going to LOVE yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring!” Skystrike continued to stare at the mare. “And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favorite! Stardust! Yours came out almost on instinct! And Skystrike! The dark colors to contrast your fur, it came out just perfect! Aren't they amazing!?” She looked at the group with a waiting smile.

They all stood silent for a moment, staring at the dresses. Their dresses. It was deafening. Well, Skystrike figured that the eight one was Zecora’s. Rarity probably didn’t want to go into the Everfree. He assumed his opinion would work. Though it would be a bit big on Zecora… Rarity probably didn’t have her measurements.

“Wow… they’re....” Twilight started.

“Yeah, they’re…” Rainbow tried to continue.

“They sure are… somethin’.” Applejack gave an awkward smile

“Yes!” Twilight pointed to Applejack. “They’re something!” She said as she gave the same smile.

“I love something! Something is my favorite!” Pinkie gave a wider awkward smile.

“It’s… nice.” Fluttershy pointed her ears down.

“I like mine.” Stardust gave an actual smile.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you like them?” Rarity asked with an awkward smile.

“They’re… very nice!” Twilight said, the awkward smile never leaving her face.

“And we’re plum thankful you worked so hard on them!” Applejack smiled.

“Mine’s just not as cool as I was imagining!” Rainbow said flatly. Applejack and Twilight glared at the pegasus. Rainbow looked back at the two before putting up a hoof. “What? She asked.”

Skystrike chuckled. “At least she’s honest.”

“Well, what about you, Skystrike? You haven’t said anything yet? You’re rather straight forward, but… I am prepared for your honesty!” Rarity puffed her chest out.

“Oh, no, I think these all look great. I can tell you put in a lot of effort, and I personally think it paid off.” Skystrike rubbed his chin. “I’m just trying to imagine Zecora in that black one at the end and I’m not sure if it’s her style… or size, actually. Next time, just ask me to get her if you don’t want to go in the Everfree.”

“What?” Rarity stood confused. “Well, It is nice to know that Zecora is going to the Gala, but this one isn’t for her, this is for you…?”

Skystrike turned his head to the unicorn. Slowly. “...Is this some inside joke I haven’t been made privy of?”

“Wh-... what do you mean?”

Skystrike gave her an incredulous look. “I mean that when I saw this dress, I was expecting this to be for somepony else, and now you tell me it’s for me? I’m having a hard time believing you.”

“Well… I thought you’d like it? It goes with your style fairly well, wouldn’t you say?” She gave an awkward grin.

“The style, admittedly, would suit me, but that isn’t the crux of the issue here. Why. A. Dress?” He emphasized each word.

She shot looks to the rest of the ponies next to him. Fluttershy made a motion with her hoof for the unicorn to keep talking. “W-welll… I…?”

“You?” Skystrike raised a brow.

“I… well… you are into stallions… aren’t you?” She asked, as if she wasn’t sure anymore.

Skystrike chuckled. “Ok, now I know this is a joke. No way you think I’m gay.”

Twilight decided to put her friendship lessons to good use. “Skystrike, I know it’s not widely accepted for stallions to be gay, but don’t worry. We won't judge you for it! You can be yourself around us!”

Skystrike slowly turned to look at the other unicorn. “...The hell did you just say to me?”

“S’ alright, Sky. While this probably isn’t the best way to come out the closet-” Applejack began.

Skystrike cut her off. “Shut your dumbass up, I’m not gay.”

“Dude, it’s all good. We’re still your friends.” Rainbow patted him on the side.

Skystrike looked between all of them. “You’re all fucking stupid. Do I have to find a mare and fuck her in the ass to prove I’m not gay!? Do you all think I’m gay!?” They all, except for Stardust and Pinkie nodded. Skystrike took off his helmet, grit his teeth, and rubbed the ridge of his nose. “Calm down, Skystrike…” He took a deep breath. “Obviously, I’ve been giving… mixed signals, if you all think I’m into stallions. One of you, explain.”

“Well…” Twilight sheepishly began. “When we’re together, you act… you know… marely?”

“...What word came out of your mouth?”

Applejack rolled a hoof, thinking of an example. “Y’know… marely! Like when ya fought Nightmare Moon! Or those times when ya built your house by yourself!”

“Or how assertive and brave you are sometimes.” Fluttershy added.

“Or how you try to take charge in bad situations.” Twilight added.

It was then that Skystrike remembered the somewhat reversed gender roles in this society compared to humans. The more he thought, the more it made sense. Nearly every being with notable strength, being physical or political, was female. Thus, the traits they have are societally assigned to mares. Basically the opposite of the male dominated society of humanity. Add to that the ratio of males to females, it would imply that the stallions did most of the traditionally human feminine roles.

“I can't believe you all are serious.” Stardust scoffed. He’s not those things because he’s gay, he’s those things because of his line of work. He was alone a lot, so had to do most things himself.”

“Yeah… it’s pretty obvious when you think about it.” Pinkie added before pulling out a pair of reading glasses and a notepad out of her hair. “Starting with Applejack, if you pay attention to how he acts, Skystrike does things because he doesn’t think anypony else will. Not necessarily marely from that stance. Fluttershy, he’s that way because it comes with the job. A push over wouldn’t make any money. And Twilight, Skystrike takes charge as he normally plans things before-hoof, as we can recall from Nightmare Moon. On top of all of this, we must also remember the different cultures he’s interacted with during his travels. For all we know, he thinks he’s acting like a stallion!” She put up a hoof.

“Well, that last part sounded weird, but thanks? You’re pretty spot on.” Skystrike nodded. “And on top of all of that, even if I was gay, which I’m not, assuming a pony is gay because they act outside of their gender stereotypes is not only harmful to the pony, but you’re confining ponies into boxes. Imagine if I called Rainbow gay just because of her hair!”

“He also looks at our plots sometimes.”

“Aaaaaaaaaaand I instantly regret coming here.” Skystrike threw up his hooves, making Stardust laugh.

“Well… I guess it’s fair.” Applejack huffed. “We look at his.”

“Oh, he knows.” Pinkie laughed.

“HE KNOWS!?” Every mare in that room stood on edge.

“None of you are anywhere near discrete… and it’s also a bit weird that you were pondering at a stallion you thought was gay.”

Rarity decided to speak up for the rest of them after a long, awkward silence. “...I regret this day a lot.” She said with the thousand yard stare.

“Yeah, I think we all do.” Skystrike began walking towards the door. “I’m going to go home, drink several shots of tequila, fall asleep, and hope I wake up with no memory of this.”

“Wait!” Pinkie stopped him before he left. Skystrike turned to her as he put on his helmet. “...who’s is the best”

Skystrike’s eye twitched at them waiting for an answer. “You know, every goddamn day, I wake up and ask myself ‘what am I willing to put up with today?’ And you know what? NOT FUCKING THIS!” They laughed.

A day passed as Skystrike prepared for his mission. While he couldn’t predict every scenario, he prepared for the most likely ones. In case the villagers needed medical attention, and there were no medical ponies there, he’d bring some potions. If he didn’t need them, that was good. Zecora said she’d make a few for him. Skystrike would make it up to her later. For now, he just finished the upkeep on his armor and swords. The polish would have to sit for a while. That gave him free time.

Rarity wanted to meet him with an actual suit made for him, and wanted his opinion on it. He walked inside, seeing the mare and what he assumed to be his suit. “Oh, perfect timing, dear! I just finished!” It was the same black as the dress, but an actual suit. There was also a blue undershirt and silver bowtie. Silver chain patterns went around each sleeve, and there was also a pocket square to add a bit more focus on his chest.

“Pretty good, Rarity.” Skystrike nodded as he walked around the clothes on the mannequin. “I know that it’ll make me fit in just right. Matches my colors pretty well. I know you aren’t really a fan of ‘plain’ clothes, as you put it, but this is really appreciated.

“Just… pretty good?” Rarity asked. “Nebula, Dear, I want this to be the best outfit that you will ever wear! Just tell me what you want to change about it to make it absolutely perfect!”

Skystrike hummed in thought. “Well, I’m not sure if you can do it…” She raised a brow, almost insulted. “Oh, not because I don’t think you can, but because the materials I would ask for, I have no idea how expensive they are to get, or if you have them… I can pay though.”

“It’s alright, I assure you. Just give me your ideas.”

“Very well.” Skystrike stood next to the mannequin and began pointing to each section as he spoke. “First the color, while this black is good, the black on my helmet that I’d like you to match it with is raven black. It actually has a hint of green in it, and a nice sheen.” He began before pointing to the chest. “Ideally, I’d like an evening tailcoat, raven black, worsted barathea wool, and matching pleated trousers. With my size, I’d probably need shoulder suspenders, so keep that in mind. Black silk lapel facings with a boutonniere-hole on the left side with a stem holder…” Then he moved to the chest again. “Three ornamental blue buttons on each breast, four on each sleeve, each button have matching material. A blue lapel-less waistcoat, cut to line up with the tail coat, and it should cover my trousers and waistband. White bow-tie, same fabric, with prench cuffs. Patent leather shoes, whole cut, with inner quilting, since I plan on dancing. Two pairs of kidskin gloves, one the same color as my bow-tie, the other the same as the waist coat. If you could, my four-pronged star on the back of the gloves. The chain patterns I like, so keep that. The pocket square, while I’d like to keep, would be a bit too much. And I know you like to make things flashy and sparkly, so I’ll let you do that.” Finally he turned back to Rarity. “If you don't have the materials, I can pay, and if a sketch is needed, I can do that too.”

Her jaw dropped. “Dear Celestia…”

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just…” Rarity composed herself. “After Twilight and the others gave me so many… ideas…” She shuddered as she said that. “It’s nice hearing one that I don't have any gripes with!” Then she went wide eyed. “Oh, you won't tell them that last part, will you?”

Skystrike looked at her. “...I won’t but now I feel like I should be worried on how these dresses will look. And that would also explain the bags under your eyes, and mane. You need a nap.”

“Ah… I see you’ve taken notice.” She quickly brushed the wrinkles out of her mane. “But there was also a second reason I was so surprised.”

“Go on.” Skystrike rolled a shoulder.

“It’s… nice seeing a stallion who knows his way around fashion.”

“Huh, thanks.” Skystrike said awkwardly. Wasn’t sure what to say in this situation. “You know Canterlot. Comes with the territory.”

“Well, Twilight didn’t.” Rarity chuckled.

“Twilight barely went outside, and when she did, her face was in her books.” Skystrike retorted. “But if that’s all, I have some stuff to get back to. For real though, get some rest. I don’t need my outfit done anytime soon.”

“Alright then, Nebula.” Rarity sighed as she began taking apart his suit. “I’ll call you back here along with everypony else once your outfits are done.”

Another day passed. Skystrike and the rest were told their clothes were done. They all met up at Rarity’s boutique to give the final say so.

“Ok.” Rarity started with a tired sigh. “I did exactly what each of you asked for. Now don’t hold back! Let me know what you really think!” She tried to look away from the clothes. Skystrike noticed, raising an eyebrow before looking at the outfits. He was impressed, looking at his. It was exactly what he asked for, down to the T. Stardust’s dress was the same, though the necklace was now a pair of earrings, and the dress a bit shorter, stopping below her knees instead of at her ankles.

And then he saw the absolute abominations that were everypony else’s dresses. He gagged. Rarity’s cat gagged. Oh cool, she has a cat. Wait, that isn’t the focus, what the hell are those!?

“It’s exactly what I asked for!” Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie said in unison.

Skystrike looked at Stardust. Stardust looked at Skystrike. Their looks shared all the words that they needed to share. These five could not be serious. But they both knew it was more of a plea.

“Thank you Rarity!” Twilight walked up to the unicorn.

Pinkie, however, decided to jump in her face. “Are you as excited about them as we are? Huh? Huh?? Huh???”

“Well…” Rarity hesitated. “I’m… happy that you all are happy. I’m just relieved to be finally done.” The smile on her face was fake.

“Rarity…” Skystrike sighed. They all looked at him. “You gonna say it, or am I going to have to speak for you? Because I’m not gonna mince my words.”

Before Rarity could give an answer, Spike burst in through the front door, huffing to catch his breath from the ruin. “You’re never gonna believe this! You know Hoity Toity?”

“The big wig, fashion hot-shot in Canterlot?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah! He heard about your fashion show! Well, maybe I’ve mentioned it to him… He’s coming here! All the way from Canterlot to see your work Rarity!” Spike pointed at the mare.

Skystrike could see her heart drop. Didn’t blame her in the slightest. “Whoa, nelly!” Applejack whistled in surprise. “You could sell a whole load of dresses to this guy! Your business will be booming!” Rarity gave an awkward smile and an eye twitch. The rest seemed not to have noticed this anc congratulated the seamstress.

“Wait, Spike, how did you mention this to Hoity Toity?” Skystrike asked the obvious question.

“Oh, I know a lot of ponies. Someone had to do all the talking for Twilight.” Spike shrugged.

“Good to know I guess…” Then he clapped his hooves together. “Now, I’m going to be the only vocal voice of reason and say no.”

Spike blinked. “...No? What do you mean no?”

“I mean… I won’t- no, I CAN’T let you all go and do a fashion show wearing those… things!” He seethed.

“Aw come on, Rarity worked hard on them! I bet they look-” Spike held his tongue as he looked at the majority of the outfits before gagging as well.

“Spike, that’s rude! Apologize!” Twilight scolded. “These outfits are amazing!”

“Spike, do not apologize! These would only work on Nightmare Night!” Skystrike scoffed. “You’re going to look like the paintings elephants do at the goddamn zoo! And you want to look like that in front of the whole town, Hoity Toity, and tourists coming because of him?”

“Skystrike, our outfits are great!” Applejack stomped.

There was a creaking sound as he slowly turned his neck to look at the farm mare. “Applejack, I know you ain’t talking when your ‘dress’ looks like you’re about to do electrical work, plumbing, and tell Timmy Turner you own the Dimmsdale Dimmadome SIMULTANEOUSLY!”

“Hey, lay off!” Rainbow Dash flew up to him.

“Rainbow Dash, do not start with me. You probably said some bullshit like ‘oh, I want it cooler!’ with no further explanation, and now you’re about to look like you’re on your way to Rome with enough hair gel to cause a fire hazard.” He stared down the mare. Then he looked at the dress again. Too many words were coming to his head, and his mouth wasn’t fast enough to speak it. “The-... I mean… Wh-...” Then he banged his head into a wall. “You know what? Fuck it! Have fun. If I won't make you see reason, half the town will.”

“We’ll show you!” Pinkie Pie put a hoof in the air in exclamation. “We’ll have all of Ponyville in awe of Rarity’s outfits!”

Skystrike stared at her, then looked at Rarity, who was still stunned from the news. He gave a simple nod, then left.

The evening of the same day, the show was about to start. Ponies gathered around the stage set up in front of Carousel Boutique. A raised platform held a rec carpet on it for the walkway. Skystrike made sure to be there early to get a good seat. Next to him was a cushion for the guest of honor. A phthalo bluish grey pony with a light sapphire bluish grey mane with light grey stripes sat down on it before straightening his attire.

He made eye contact with Skystrike. “Ah, I didn’t take one of your ilk to be the kind to come to these types of shows, Atlas Nebula.”

Skystrike gave a nod in greeting. “Oh, Hoity Toity. Surprised you know my name. Nice to meet you.”

“Charmed.” He straightened his sunglasses. “And surely you jest? Your name is known by all of Canterlot by now after what was learned about Magnus.”

“Yeah, I bet that would have my name come across your desk in some form, huh?” Skystrike chuckled. “Wish I could say the same about you, but I can’t say I keep up with fashion trends. I did visit one of your stores during my visit there… Any way I can convince you to make something in my size?”

Hoity laughed. “Ha! Well, you wearing my branding would get it out there more, given your travels… It is an idea. I’m surprised you take interest in my work. Pardon me if this sounds rude, but I expected you to be more… antagonistic.”

“None taken. You know the media, spreading around anything that looks like a good headline. Besides, I set that up for myself” They both chuckled. “You know, I’m surprised somepony like you cares about small town fashion. What made you decide to come to this one?”

“Well…” The earth pony scratched his chin. “It’s how I started, finding up and coming designers and seeing their potential. Few others in my line of work give these ponies a chance. What was this designer's name? Wait, don’t tell me, I like to be surprised.”

He nodded. “She tries her best and puts her soul into all the outfits she makes…” Skystrike then sighed. “Under different circumstances, she’d be ecstatic you’re here.”

“...What do you mean, ‘Under different circumstances?’” The stallion raised an eyebrow as he pulled down his reflector shades.

“Sssss…” Skystrike breathed through his teeth. “...Aaaaaah… You’ll figure it out…”

The stage lights began to dim, signaling the start of the show. Skystrike heard some music begin to play from the surrounding speakers as Spike’s voice began to speak. “Since the beginning of time, the elites of Equestria have longed for pony fashion that captured the essence of their very soul.” Spike said from the shadows.

“Oh dear fuck.” Skystrike cringed as he thought to himself.

“Patiently waiting decades… no, CENTURIES, for the perfect pony gown.”

“Oh god damn it…”

“Today, at long last, Equestria. Your wait is over!”

“Damn it Spike, stop hyping it up!”

“Let’s hear it, for the breath-taking designs for Ponyville’s very own… Rarity!”

As Spike finished, the stage curtains opened to reveal Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie wearing their outfits. The crowd gasped as they looked at their…

“Oh god I didn’t even get a good look at them, what the HELL are those!?” Skystrike thought as he cringed even more. He felt like his face was going to collapse in on itself.

As Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie walked to center stage, the on looking ponies watched in dead silence. Their faces contorted in a mix of disgust and confusion, and Skytrike got a better look at their design choices now that he wasn’t under whiplash from the initial viewing. Twilight had a robe of sorts that, to be honest, looked more like a rug, had multiple constellations on it, as well as the sun and moon. To be fair, everything was accurate. It did not help, however, that it would look better as a fucking bedsheet. She even had little stars on a headdress held up by springs that bounces as she walked.

Pinkie Pie… well her outfit definitely suits her. She had yellow ribbons on each hoof, as well as her chest. She also had a blue tu-tu on, and to top it all off, a giant cupcake on her head and balloons as a hair tie on her tail. To be honest, hers was the best out of the five, but that was a damn low bar. Might as well invite the devil to limbo dance with her.

Applejack. Dear Lord, Applejack. Her dress was a patchwork of red, green, and brown that was held up with overalls. She wore… A jean dress. Definitely southern. On her hooves were… Are those fucking platform rainboots? Is that a red 20 gallon hat with an apple buckle? Dear lord.

Rainbow Dash had… something on that Skystrike could barely describe, much less process. It was… Roman? In design. EVERYTHING had a rainbow. Rainbow socks, helmet, and chest piece. To add onto all that, there was a cape with a cloud and thunderbolt on it. Deadass a pride parade mascot, and that bitch should’ve stayed in the closet.

Fluttershy had… a whole ass nest on her head. Are those quail eggs? She had either a large orange flower or leaves around her neck. Her dress looked like a literal bush with flowers blooming on it. But the most atrocious thing is the damn moss slip-ons. He felt like he was getting a fungal infection just by looking at it.

Everypony, and he means EVERYPONY, had a look of disgust. Many were gagging. He wanted to throw up. If Skystrike had to describe what he was seeing in one sentence- “Eugh… Those amateurish designs looks like a piled on mish-mash of everything but the kitchen sink!” Hoity Toity said for him. Pretty accurate, and pretty witty. The crowd agreed with their laughter. “It’s a travesty, it’s what it is! Those outfits are the ugliest things I’ve ever seen! Oh, for shame! Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors!?” He stomped a hoof. “Not to mention wasting my valuable time…”

Skystrike was going to ignore that last part. He was some Canterlot elite after all, they’re all a bit of an asshole. Spike walked out from behind the curtains… well, began to. He made eye contact with Stardust, who nodded and pulled the baby dragon back behind the curtains before he could ruin this anymore.

For a moment, Skystrike thought if he really wanted to do this. But then he remembered that if Rarity’s chance at making it big here is ruined, then it'll be monumentally hard to get herself out of that rut. So, he decided to do what he planned. Take one for the team.

He flew onto stage, getting the crowd’s attention. Time to sell the act. He pointed a hoof to himself. “You thought it was Rarity who made those outfits… but it was ME, NEBULA!” The crowd gasped at his announcements. “That’s right! You would not believe how easy it was to switch up the outfits mere moments before they got dressed! And those idiots didn’t even notice!” He let out the best evil laugh he could. Honestly, he was surprised he was able to pull that off. “Y’all got played like a damn FIDDLE!” He laughed again as the booing came in. It was fine though, they thought he made them. Skystrike made a motion with his hoof, signaling his friends to get off the stage.

The five quickly ran behind the curtains before the crowd started throwing things. They met up with Stardust, Spike, and Rarity as he began watching him dodge the oncoming items. “...Is that a chair?” Stardust asked.

“The buck is he doing out there!?” Rainbow began taking off her helmet. “Is he trying to get ponies to hate him!?”

“Well, no, but he said that it’d be an ‘unwelcome side effect’.” Stardust let Spike go and made quotation marks with his hooves.

“I’m confused… He didn’t even want to be involved in this show, and now he’s… I’m not even sure what he’s doing!” Twilight looked back out at the stage.

“Oh…” Fluttershy said as she gazed at the chaos. “He’s… being the fall guy.”

Rarity’s ears perked up. “What do you mean?”

Stardust sighed. “He knew he couldn't stop this, and you all were adamant on having this show go on. Everypony knew Rarity was to make the outfits, but since the town already knows her work, Skystrike said it’d make more sense if he took the blame… He also said he didn’t tell anypony else because you’d all be against it. I was too, but… he is my boss.”

“But… he doesn’t want ponies to hate him!” Pinkie pouted.

“Oh, I said that too. And then he chuckled and said ‘it’s not like this town can hate me any more, right?’.”

The silence between them was palpable. Skystrike broke it by running backstage, huffing. “Somepony threw a piano at me!” He laughed.

“What was that!?” Applejack walked up to him.

“Me saving your asses.” Skystrike rolled his neck. “Don’t worry, those ponies are just caught up in the moment. Right now, I got a plan to fix this shitshow, and I’m going to need everyone’s help.”

“...Fine…” Applejack huffed. “But we will talk about this sooner or later.”

“It’ll have to be later, because I can barely take you seriously with that outfit.” He began to chuckle before reeling his head back as he inhaled deeply, making sure to not laugh. “Spike.” He got the dragon’s attention. “You’re going to go to Hoity Toity after this and explain to him that those weren’t Rarity’s designs once the crowd disperses a bit. With some luck you should be able to pull off a second show with good outfits. The last train left a while ago, so he has to be staying somewhere in Ponyville at least until tomorrow.”

“And… what about you?” Rarity asked.

“I’m going to get back home before anypony has the bright idea to egg or TP my house.” Skystrike sighed. “The ponies in this town are smart enough where they’ll realize I lied out there. I’ll leave you all to talk amongst yourselves, because I’m sure you all have a lot to talk about.”

“Oh no you don't!” Rainbow Dash flew in front of his exit. “You don’t get to run away from this like it isn’t your problem to deal with!”

Skystrike stared at her for a brief moment. “That’s because it is not my problem, Rainbow Dash, nor is it up to me to fix the problems that you all caused between each other. Whether it was between you and Applejack during that competition, Applejack and her pride during Applebuck season, all of you going for Twilight’s ticket, or now, as you held no regard for the original dresses Rarity made and put effort into for you all. Each of those problems lies between yourselves.” He said as he continued to stare. “I can, however, as your friend, help you fix the problem. Whether it be through cold hard truths, or through setting up the chances for you to fix things. So, talk amongst yourselves, figure out what went wrong, how to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and have a conversation with each other. If that’s all, I’m going home.” He stated flatly before walking off the stage.

Morning came quickly. Surprisingly, there was actually one attempt from Snips and Snails, but they didn’t know how to throw. It was kinda impressive how they missed the big ass house he has. But that was neither here nor there. Right now, he and Stardust were on their way to Rarity’s with Rainbow Dash. She just told them that they were able to convince Hoity Toity to come watch another show, but this one was private. Only that big wig and his friends.

“Rainbow Dash, you need to work on your wording better, because this wasn’t what came to mind when you said ‘private show’.”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “Oh shit, my bad.” She laughed. “But that’s something we can laugh about later… I actually wanted to talk about what we did.”

“You made it up to Rarity, I assume?” Skystrike asked.

“More than that!” She smiled. “We finished her dress! We realized that she never made one for herself, so we did!”

“Oh, good.” Skystrike smiled.

“Yeah… Honestly, kinda glad you didn't stick around if that is the case.” Stardust hummed.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

Skystrike chuckled. “Well, the first thought that came to my mind was that Rarity would not want me knowing her measurements…”

“Oh!” Rainbow Dash went.

“...And I’ve now made the realization on how much power that mare has in Ponyville.” Skystrike hummed in thought. They looked at him for an explanation. “Ok, guess I gotta spell it out. Let's say you find somepony you fancy. You wanna get all dressed up, and show them a good time. You go the extra step, get a nightgown or lingerie… Who do you have to go to for said items?”

“Oh shit!” They mares both went.

“Yeah. I’d recommend not getting that type of stuff from her.”

“Speaking of clothes…” Rainbow cleared her throat. “I know that you aren’t really a fan of changing in front of ponies, so Rarity said you can go in her bathroom to change into your clothes.”

“...She wants me in the show?”

“Well yeah, she made you the suit to wear.” Then she elbowed him. “Besides, we all want to see how well you clean up. Mostly Rarity. She would not stop talking about how you look ‘positively dashing’!”

“...The shit I do for you all.” Skystrike chuckled as he opened the door to the Carousel Boutique.

“Wait-!” Rainbow Dash tried to stop him from opening the door, but failed, seeing the other five of his friends in the middle of getting dressed.

They all looked at him. Their eyes went wide as they began yelling at him to get out while attempting to cover themselves. “Why are we yelling!?” Skystrike asked.

“Because we’re getting dressed!” Rarity hid behind a curtain.

“Ok!?” Skystrike said, but was more of a question. “And!?”

“And get out!” Applejack used her hat to hide herself. “You aren’t supposed to walk in on a lady changing!”

“I see you all naked all the time!” Skystrike tilted his head. “What, suddenly the act of putting on clothes makes this a sacred ritual or something?”

“Huh…” Applejack paused. “You know, when you say it like that-”

“Don’t agree with him, Applejack!” Twilight stomped.

“GET OUT!!!!!” Fluttershy said calmly. And then they slammed the door in his face. Stardust and Rainbow Dash were laughing their asses off. He waited outside for some time. Twenty minutes later, they let him in. “Sorry…” Fluttershy said.

“You all make no sense…”

“That’s rich coming from you, Skystrike.“ Rarity huffed. “You don't even go outside without some clothing of some sort.”

“That’s different.” Skystrike crossed his hooves.

“How!?” They all went.

“Name one time where any of you have seen me naked. The hospital and Rarity getting my measurements do not count.”

They all were about to say something, but then looked to the distance in thought. “...Huh…” They couldn’t think of anything.

“Yeah.” Skystrike said as he grabbed his clothes off the mannequin. “It's the inconsistency that I don't get. All I’m saying.” He went to the bathroom to change.

“...Were you raised in a barn?” Rarity asked.

“Hey!” Applejack glared at her.

A now fully dressed Skystrike was looking at himself in front of the mirror. He had to admit, he looked great. But he never did a cat walk. He did a turn in the mirror. “So, I’ve never done one of these before… Anything special I do besides just… you know, walking?”

“Nebula, I didn’t take you for one to have stage fright.” Rarity began pushing him out from behind the curtains. “Everypony else has already walked. Just get out there!”

Skystrike staggered onto stage before quickly straightening his posture. He tried to act confident as he walked down the catwalk but he had no idea what he was doing. He acted like he did though. Reaching the end, he spread out his wings and hit a pose, letting Hoity Toity get a side view before turning back around and walking back behind the curtains.

“Oh ho ho! Now this is a fashion show!” Hoity clapped. “These are some of the most amazing dresses I’ve ever seen!” He said, complementing Rarity. “And that suit, it’s on a whole different tier! It’s so tough to find stallion fashion designers! I must see who’s responsible, show yourself!” He stood up as he looked around.

Rarity came out from behind the stage and illuminated her horn, opening the curtains to show all of the outfits she made for her friends, as well as her own dress. Skystrike couldn’t get a good view earlier, but he had to admit, it looked nice. She wore a violet pink with golden stripes going around the dress, with sleeves and a collar ending with magenta frills. To top it off, she gave hersame a golden tiara with a purple gemstone in the center of it, matching her ear rings.

“Oh, Magnifico! Encore!” Hoity clapped his hooves together.

Rarity’s face lit up at his praise. “Oh thank you! Thank you so much!” She nearly jumped out of her dress.”

The group let Rarity and Hoity Toity talk between themselves for a while as they began to clean up. Skystrike pulled at the sleeves of his suit a bit. Of course, it was new, so he needed time to work the suit a bit. As he put down one of the mannequins he was moving, he noticed Twilight was having Spike write a letter to Celestia.

His attention was taken away by Applejack walking up to him. “You know, you clean up well.”

He smirked. “Same to you, Applejack. I’m surprised she was able to get your hat to match flawlessly.” Then he realized. “Huh, you braided your hair. You rock it.”

“Heh, you’re a charmer, ain't ya?” Applejack gave a flustered chuckle.

Skystrike looked at her. “...You aren’t told that you’re pretty often, huh? We gotta work on your self confidence.”

“Ask her out already, dude.” Rainbow Dash chuckled. “But you do look pretty good. I was expecting to laugh when I heard you designed that yourself.”

“You pick up a few things just by watching.” Skystrike nodded. “Also, sorry about yesterday. I didn’t mean to come off as… aggressive, for lack of a better word.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it. You were kinda right.” Rainbow shrugged. “But back on topic, you wearing not baggy clothes made me realize how built you were! We should hit the gym sometime!”

“Damn…” Their attention was moved onto Twilight, who was staring directly at Skystrike.

Skystrike hid a chuckle. “God, still socially awkward, I see.” Skystrike straightened his bow tie. “Well, good to know I still have it.”

Author's Note

So me trying to get this out quicker than normal was a fucking lie. This semester hit me like a truck. Thanks to all of you readers who've stuck with the story despite the crappy upload times. I do have a few good ideas planned for the next 2-3 chapters, so hopefully my creativity will stay with me for a while. The next few chapters will happen alongside a few episodes in the show, so expect some "skipped" ones. Might decide to do a short 0.5 chapter from Zecoras or Stardusts perspective if I feel it's needed. Until next time, friends.

Update: this is the final chapter I've rewritten. We so back. hope you enjoyed it

Tell me, how does one... "Party"?

"Happy Birthday, Naga!" Skystrike said, walking into the basalisk's cave. "It's the big day! Pinkie Pie said she's setting up the party, and Rarity is finishing your clothes!" He continued to call out to her as he walked deeper in. Turning a corner, he gazed upon Naga constricting a rather large Manticore in preperation for her meal.

"Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to interupt..." Skystrike said as he stopped in place. The Manticore fell lifeless from strangulation before Naga swallowed it whole. Once finished, she gave a friendly chirp to Skystrike before slithering onto her rather large nest. The pegasus flew over and layed beside the tamed beast. "So, I assume you had a good meal. I can't cook you anything with meat, since, you know, we'll have guest over. I do hope you'll like the clothes Rarity is finishing for you... Well, not really sure if it counts as clothes, since it's kinda a long sleeve." Skystrike scratched his chin.

Naga cooed and rubbed her head against him. Her scales were surprisingly smooth.

"Oh yeah, so any idea how many ponies are even coming?" Skystrike asked.

She clicked her tounge 3 times.

"Around thirty? Damn, you're more popular than I thought." He looked at her in surprise. "...I wonder what it'll take for you to be the town mascot..." He spoke to himself. "Anyhow, your clothes will be here in a few hours. Rarity said she'll be done around 3 p.m.

Naga nodded and wrapped the tip of her tail around Skystrike, picking him up and nuzzling him.

"Hey, careful! Static fric-... OW! Mother fucker!" he said as his hoof was shocked as he went to push himself off of her. "Damn... you lucky I like you." He said as he shook his hoof. "Anyway. I'll let you rest. I need to go check up on some stuff. I told Rarity the way here. She and Fluttershy will come by with your clothes." Skystrike said as Naga put him down. Naga nodded before curling up, ready to take a nap. "Alright, I'll see you later."

Skystrike walked out of Naga's cave and began making his way towards Zecora's hut, just to double check everything the two made in preparation for his trip. He was about to fly into the air before realizing that the Everfree Forest is nearly pitch black on the inside. There was no chance he would see her hut from above. Deciding to stay on the path, he walked deeper into the Everfree, following the path and making sure to not touch any poison joke. Even armored, he didn't want to test his luck.

After a few minutes, he stopped in front of the Zebras house and knocked on her door. After a moment, Zecora swung open the door to greet Skystrike.

"Greetings, my friend. It is nice to see you again." Zecora smiled at him.

"...That barely rhymes... Anyway, just came to chat and check up on the stuff for the mission tomorrow. So, how's it going?" Skystrike asked as Zecora stepped to the side to let him in.

"I am doing well, my friend. Just writing some things down, I have a letter to send." She answered.

"Oh, cool. Where to? Your lover~?" He teased.

Zecora turned to look at him. "Skystrike, do you remember how we met?"

A younger Skystrike made his way towards Horseshoe Bay. He decided to take a break from his travels in Baltimare. He wore the same helmet, however he wore light armor compared to his current heavy armor. He wore silver boots on his hooves and a silver chest plate, allowing for greater mobility for a coming mission he had to do. But he didn't want to think about that. Right now, he wanted to relax, listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the docks. Walking by the many crates and ponies running on the dock, something caught his eye. A zebra walked down the ramp of a docked ship, large saddlebags on each of her sides. She walked in Skystrike's direction, not paying attention to where she was going as she had a book in her hoof.

"Huh, first Zebra I've seen in this world. Neat." He thought to himself. He looked away towards the waves, deciding to take in the view of the ocean. He sat in silence for a moment before something bumped into his side. Out of the corner of his eye, something was about to fall into the water below. On instinct, he leaned out to, and thankfully did, catch it.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to run into you, twas an act of folly!" The zebra apologized.

Skystrike took a look at the object he caught. A book on magic. "Don't worry about it. So, what's a zebra like yourself doing in Equestria? And on top of that, studying magic?" He asked, handing the book back to the zebra.

She took the book back then looked at Skystrike. "Well, for both of those questions, the answer is the same. To study and harness magic is my game."

"Huh... interesting. Never figured anypony other than a unicorn would want to harness magic." He smiled. "Seems we have similar goals. I actually travel around from place to place, gathering magical artifacts myself."

The Zebras eyes lit up in interest. "Would it be too much to ask to come with you? In this new country, I've much to learn and do."

"Really? Figured you'd have somepony waiting for you here..." He said as he thought. "...You sure? It'll be pretty dangerous, and my group is quite diverse to say the least."

"I am sure." She answered as she put out a hoof. "I'm quite excited at the thought of adventure."

Skystrike took her hoof and shook it. "Well, welcome to All. You'll fit right in. What's your name?"

"Zecora."

"And then you screamed like a banshee as soon as you saw Tethys." He laughed.

Zecora giggled thinking back to that moment. "Well, I ask the question because I've been thinking. And to be honest, it's been giving me a feeling that's sinking."

Skystrike processed what he heard for a moment. "Oh... well, what's up?"

Zecora leaned over her cauldron. "When I met you as a youth, I didn't tell you the whole truth. I came to Equestria not only to study magic. There is more, quite sad, yet not quite tragic." She stared at the cooling liquid before continuing. "I came to Equestria to escape my past. Though, by leaving, the relationships I had did not last. My... friends, if I could call them that, did not support my goal. They thought of it as just the ramblings of a naïve foal. When I came to this country, I expected hostility. But when you came and offered me an opportunity, I was happy that somepony gave me a chance. One who didn't find my dream silly." Zecora turned to face Skystrike. "For that, I must say thank you."

Skystrike looked at her for a moment before responding. "Well, you're welcome, Zecora. I don't feel like I did that much, but I see it was a huge impact on you." He smiled at her. "...But since we're admitting stuff, I need to come clean about something. Sorry to ruin the mood, but this mission gives me a bad feeling. It's like... it came at too convenient of a time. Like something planned for me to come."

"Are you sure you aren't being paranoid?"

"There have been very few times where a gut feeling of mine has been wrong. I don't mean to worry you, but... For this mission, I'm not 100% confident I'll come back alive." He sighed.

Zecora's eyes went wide. "Wha-"

"That being said, I have no intention of dying. So, if I come back, everything will be fine, I'll be able to get stronger, and it'll be the good ending of this chapter... But if I fall... if somehow I die there..." He pulled out a book from his saddle bag. The cover was raven black with a picture of his iconic four pointed star on it. To add to it, there was a lock keeping it from being opened. "I'll leave this to you. This is my diary. Every day I've been in this world, I've wrote down what happened. From the friends I made, to the friends I lost, to every emotion I've felt, everything is in here." He pushed the book into her chest. Zecora put a hoof over his as Skystrike continued talking. "Whether you decide to read it or not is up to you. That book will tell you who... no, what I really am. Zecora, over the years we've known each other, you are one of the few ponies... well Zebras... beings, I can say with certainty I trust. I'll trust whatever decision you make on that. If I die, I ask you to share what's in there with all my friends, as well as the princesses. If I come back, I ask you keep what's in there a secret for now. I know this is a fuck ton to take in, so ask any questions that come to mind."

Zecora stared at him for a moment before sitting on the floor and thinking of which question to ask first. Time went by in silence, nearly 10 minutes, before she started her questions. "...You said 'what you really are', so I suppose I have to ask, what is under that figurative mask?"

"I am..." He began, trying to say what he wanted. But something in him, compelled him... no, Ordered him to not answer it. At least not directly. "...While I do look like this, I am not a pony. I am also not a changeling. I'm sorry, I wish I can tell you more. I don't know why, but I just can't. I promise you, the answer to that question is in that book."

Zecora thought on the answer he gave. Something wouldn't let him answer fully, yet would let him give enough information to keep her guessing.

"So, direct questions would do me no good. This will not be as easy as it should." She spoke to herself. "Then let me ask this, when did you plan to tell anypony about this?"

"Originally? Never. I hoped to live my life in quiet. I've done a pretty good job so far, as you're one of the few to know about this hidden part of me. But after the last mission a few years ago, and this next one, there's no garuntee that we'll live to see the next day. I needed to tell someone before death... sticks." He admitted. "I'm sorry. While I haven't been entirely truthful with you, know that I've never lied out of malice. I have to admit that if Celestia never came to me for the mission last week, I'd probably wouldn't told you this."

"Is the trust you have in your friends so little?" Zecora asked, somewhat hurt.

"No. However, the fear I keep hidden is very large."

Zecora was about to ask him to elaborate, but figured it'd be best to ask another time. She decided to go with one of her original questions. "You said you weren't a pony or a changeling, yet you can change your appearance. Does this mean you are involved with the insect race?"

"I am... well was. They took me in as a child, noticed my combat prowess, and let me help around the hive. Once I was there long enough, I was sent to 'infiltrate'." He said making hoof quotation marks. "But in actuality, they wanted to give me an excuse to live for myself and not for the hive. After a while... something... happened." He said with a pained voice. "...Someone I loved was lost, and her death was blamed on me. While not all agreed with the decision, the princess, now queen of the changeling hive, banished me."

"And when was this?"

"I was 17... so almost three years before I met you." He answered.

Zecora thought for a moment before asking her next question. "So then, why did you fake your death?"

Skystrike stood silently for a moment, thinking of what words to use. "...I felt that I put too many ponies in danger, and the only way I saw was to take myself out of the equation. They, my enemies, went after my friends to get to me. So far, it's been working."

Zecora was about to ask another question, then realized the answer was probably in the book. She had just one question left. "Where is the key?"

"Remember what I'm about to say. It's not a physical key, it's a phrase you have to say." He said as Zecora nodded. "In darkest day, in brightest night, stow your fear, show your might. Beware your fears made into light. Do not falter, do what is right." He finished. The lock on the book shined a white light before seemingly disintegrating. "Sounds kinda silly I guess, but it helps keep me going. If you don't mind, I have a few more things to do before Naga's party and the mission tomorrow. I'm gonna go ahead and take the potions and vials for the trip. I'll see you at the party." Skystrike said before leaving rather quickly. He closed the door behind him, trying to think of this feeling he felt.

While he felt this was the right thing to do, he was still worried. About how Zecora will react. About how his life could... would change once he came back from the mission. Will Zecora still want to be his friend? Will any of the beings he's met want to? There's no plan for him to fall back on. Will he have to change his identity again? He felt...

"Your heightened heart rate and change in breathing patterns signals to me that you're nervous." Echo spoke suddenly, startling Skystrike.

"Dude you need a notification sound or something. But yeah, I guess I am nervous." He sighed.

"So, what do you plan to do?"

Skystrike thought hard about it hard as he walked through the Everfree. "I... don't know... about Zecora when I come back I mean. I need to learn some things about myself first."

"Elaborate."

"Well..." Skystrike started. "First, I need to figure out why I can't just say out right that I'm human... Actually, not that I think on it, I could only say I'm human to changelings. Well, maybe not just changelings... maybe just beings who's seen me as a human. Second, I need to figure out how to run some tests on myself. I've noticed some thing about the way I think and act that I don't quite like, and I'd rather not ignore it for much longer. Figured that it was just hormones as a teenager. It's like... my first instinct is to say something mean and nasty, so I have to think about what I'm going to say all the time."

"Your assumptions on your first statement is accurate. You have been..." The overlay in Skystrike's helmet flashed red before a word showed up, blocking his view.

REDACTED

"I am not able to clarify, I am sorry. As for your second statement, I will run some test to get the results you desire. I am not able to clarify." He repeated.

Skystrike, understandably, was seconds away from a panic attack. The only thing stopping him from doing so was the sheer amount of questions he had to think about. Not even all of them were questions, just... random thoughts, one on top of the other, each trying to overpower each other. But one question came out on top. What does it mean by "redacted?" This was the first time Echo was cut off, and to top it off, while talking to Skystrike. It means that his access was updated in real time. This meant one of two things. They're blocking the data as they're trying to access it.

Or he's being watched.

Correction: He's been watched for quite some time, he's just now aware of it. "How long... no, it couldn't have been too long... I was able to ask about similar things before, so it had to have been recently... Echo they had to update you. They HAD to, we crossed dimensions. Can you trace the signal?"

"Affirmative." He said after a moment. "The origin is from the northern mountain range bordering the former Crystal Empire... This is a cause for concern. The signal originates-"

"From the same settlement that village is located." Skystrike finished. "So... this is a setup... I knew this came at too opportune of a time." He frowned. "Celestia better pray to whatever god she believes in, because if I find out she's involved, I will make Nightmare moon seem like a folk tale.

"While the probability is non-zero, I do not believe she is involved. This would imply two scenarios. She's trying to kill you, or she knows you're human. The second scenario is near impossible. The first scenario, is indeed probable." Echo stated flatly.

"...Well, the stakes have been raised even more... Echo, let's do a little more prep-work." Skystrike said through gritted teeth. He now has a new objective: Don't become the hunted.

Naga's party came fast. Too fast. Skystrike was still nervous over the new information he got. He decided to put on the suit that Rarity made him for the gala. He straightened his tie as he looked into the mirror. "You can do this, just stay calm... no need to go crazy... keep your composure." He spoke to himself. He tried to keep a steady breathing pattern. Emphasis on tried. He was failing.

"Skystrike?" Stardust knocked on the door to his room. "You've been acting strange since you came back from the Forest." She stated with mild worry. "Did something happen?"

While he didn't want to lie, he couldn't exactly tell her that yes, something in fact did happen. So, he went for the next best option. "Eeeeh, yeah, got some no info I'm not exactly over the moon for. Shit is gonna go down when I go up north to do my mission, so yeah." He ended with a sigh.

"Are... are you going to come back?" Stardust asked, somewhat worried.

"More than likely. I don't plan on dying. It's just... a lot of old wounds are going to open back up."

Stardust stood on the other side of the door in silence for a moment, trying to think of what to say. "...Skystrike... I don't know if this'll help any, but... somepony taught me a while ago that worrying now over something you can't control can only worsen the outcome. I know it doesn't mean much... but just... deal with the blows as they come for you. Thinking on it too much won't help much."

"I... huh... I guess some of that is true." He said. "No point in worrying over something I can't control... just try and make the best of what I got in the moment... Thanks, Stardust."

"Sir... can I ask you something kind of personal?" Stardust asked hesitantly.

"Sure, go for it."

"Why do you do so much for others, even if it hurts you in the end?"

Skystrike thought of what words to use before answering. "Because it is the duty of the strong to help those weaker. Those who are strong and who bully those who are weaker because they can are tyrants. I also do it to set an example... If you believe in your ideals enough, you should have the resolve to stand by them in times of danger. And finally, because I know that if I don't do it, few others, if any, will." He said as he finished brushing his hair and stepped outside his room. "Is... that a sufficient answer?"

"Yes, thank you, Skystrike." She smiled at him. "You know, that suit fits your helmet surprisingly well."

"Ahaha thanks. Anyway, how many ponies are here for Naga's party so far?"

"Oh, uh... about forty ponies." Stardust answered.

"Forty!?" Skystrike yelled in surprise. "I new Naga was popular, but D A M N!"

"Yeah, I was surprised too after the tenth pony. Also, Pinkie went pretty crazy with the party, too. Don't ask me where she got the ice sculpture of Naga."

Skystrike stared in disbelief before walking over to the window, opening it, and looking at an admittedly well carved 20 foot sculpture of Naga. "How the hell... You know what? Fuck it. I should know not to question Pinkie Pie." He monochromed before closing the window. "Welp, imma head out."

"Alright, let me go look presentable." Stardust said before walking down the hall to her room.

"That was kinda a weird question." He thought to himself before going through his front door.

He was only able to get a few steps out the door before Pinkie Pie appeared from behind him. "HEYA!"

"WHOA JESUS!!" Skystrike shouted in surprise.

"No, it's Pinkie."

"How do you even do that? Just... appearing like that?" Skystrike asked genuinely.

"Silly Nebby!" She pulled out a top hat from her mane. "A magician never reveals her secrets."

"I'm gonna get you to tell me one of these days..." He said under his breath. "Also, where'd you get a life sized ice sculpture of Naga?"

"From my freezer, silly!" She beamed.

"I-" He began before rubbing ridge of his nose. "Ok..." He said with a sigh. "So, magic mare, how's everything going?"

"Good so far! Naga is enjoying all her friends being here. I've just been mingling, and everypony is having a good time."

"Honestly, I'm still surprised that Naga got forty ponies to come." He said.

"Oh, it's 57 now." Pinkie said as Skystrike's eyes went wide. "I can name them all. I know everypony! There's-"

Skystrike put a hoof over her mouth. "The offer is appreciated, however, no need." He said before removing his hoof. "I wonder how she got so many ponies to come... Actually, I'll just ask some ponies. Hey Pinkie-" He was about to ask her something only to realize that she was no longer where she was next to him a literal second ago, but was instead standing on top of the ice sculpture. "...Fuckin..." He sighed as he started walking towards the food and drinks laid out on the tables.

He was about to reach for the punch before he realized two things. One, he deserves to loosen up a little bit. Two, he ain't no weak ass. He poured himself a large glass from a bowl labeled "Amaretto Sour". This might be a bad idea, but he's had worse before. He took a sip, then a few gulps. It tasted good. He decided to try and talk to some ponies.

Lucky for him, he was able to see a familiar face. "Hey Mayor Mare. Long time no see. How've you been?" He asked the mare. The mayor turned from her group to look at him.

"Ah, Mr. Nebula. I was wondering when you would show up. I've been well. And you?" Mayor Mare asked.

"Eh, pretty good so far. Was stressing a bit earlier, but trying to let loose a bit." He admitted.

"Will you be alright? If I can do anything as mayor, just ask."

"Heh, I appreciate the offer, but I should be fine." He said in a thankful tone. "So, I see you didn't come alone. Who are these two?" He motioned to the mare and stallion behind her. The stallion had a greyish amber coat and brown mane, while the shorter mare had a light grey coat and a brownish grey mane up in a bun.

"Ah, my apologies. The stallion here is Time Turner, our treasurer, and the mare is Raven Inkwell, my secretary." She introduced her colleagues.

"Good evening." Time Turner nodded.

"A pleasure." Raven waved.

"So, mind me asking how you all came to know Naga? I'm surprised she knew this many ponies, and how she made good relationships apparently." Skystrike asked.

"Oh, well, the first time she came to town hall, we didn't let her in, but then she started leaving these cool little geodes at our doorstep every once in a while." Time Turner smiled. "After that, she came by bidaily and we have a little routine. She comes by for tea and cookies, and we have a good 30 minute break time chatting."

"Yeah, it's really nice." Raven nodded. "I have a geode as a decoration on my desk, and she also helped me find my clipboard one time. She's a lot smarter than your average animal. Naga even knows how to communicate through pictures and body motions. It's quite funny to see her spell out words with her body." She ended with a giggle.

"...Huh, I never knew she did all that. I wonder how she gets by without me or anypony seeing her." Skystrike wondered aloud.

"Well, from what I was able to gather from her charades, she made tunnels under Ponyville? I think that's what she meant... It seems kind of dangerous, so I wanted to ask you about it?" Mayor Mare pushed Skystrike for info.

"Oh, don't worry about that. Digging tunnels that don't collapse is second nature for her. I'll tell her not to dig anymore through town." He reassured. "Hopefully they aren't too close to the surface."

"Uh, well I think they're pretty deep. We don't hear her coming until she's already there." Time Turner clarified.

"Oh, then it should be fine." He waved it off, then noticed that Naga was coming towards him with Pinkie and Rarity riding on her head.

Skystrike was going to say hi, but was taken back by Rarity's and Naga's matching outfits. "So... any reason why you're both wearing virgin killer sweaters?" He asked, motioning to Rarity's black sweater and Naga's white.

"Well, hear me out darling, it was her idea." Rarity pointed to Naga.

Skystrike flapped his wings to get eye level with Naga. "Ayo Naga?" Skystrike said, making Naga straighten in attention. "Dab me up!" He said as he drew his hoof back. Naga responded, making the same motion with her tail before the two swung their limbs forward, hoof meeting tail. "My girl!" He said, the two exchanging a nod and a laugh.

"Wh- you two planned this!?" Rarity asked in disbelief.

"Oh, no, we just have similar taste." Skystrike explained with a laugh. Naga nodded. "Besides, all guys like virgin killers."

Mayor Mare and Raven blinked before turning to Time Turner. Time Turner knew what their next question would be. "I won't answer that."

"My man!" Skystrike pointed at Time Turner and laughed. "Aaah, man, this party is already great."

Naga grabbed Skystrike with her mouth and picked him up to show him to her friends. Like a trophy. "Alright, we'll talk later I guess." He waved bye to the three. Naga happily carried him to her other friends, Rarity and Pinkie in tow. She was about to set Skystrike down before she paused. Something's wrong... he could feel it.

"...You're gonna throw me, huh?" He asked Naga. She responded with throwing him into the air. Skystrike spread his wings to stable himself so he wouldn't go completely flying. After doing a few front flips, Skystrike landed, still holding his drink. He sighed as he closed his eyes and chugged.

"Sweet Celestia, Nebula, slow down!" Pinkie took the glass from his hoof.

"Come on, I need to let loose a bit. Besides, it's my first glass." Skystrike waved a hoof.

"Nebula, you gotta drink responsibly!"

"Pinkie, I weigh almost 300 pounds. I can handle a bit more than the average pony. I limit myself to four drinks, max." He reassured her, taking his glass back.

"Wow, you're huge! You're even heavier than Big Macintosh!" Pinkie grabbed the sides of his helmet. "How do you even FLY at that size?"

"I normally have to get a running or jumping start. It's much easier to go at a cruising speed, rather than keeping myself afloat. I don't really have the magic like other pegasi to fly easier, but thanks to my bigger size, I got stronger muscles and bigger wings, to put it simply." He explained to Pinkie. "So, who's Naga showing me next?"

"Howdy, Nebula!" Applejack waved him over. She was standing with Big Mac, Applebloom, Twilight, Spike, and the flower sisters, who all greeted him once they saw Nebula.

"Hey everypony. What's popping?" He greeted.

"Roseluck, Daisy, and Lily Valley were telling us about how much Naga helped them out with their flowers." Twilight said as she sipped her own drink.

"Oh cool. Tell me about it. I don't know much about flowers." Skystrike urged them to continue.

"Oh, Ok! So a while ago, we noticed that we didn't have nearly enough of a variety of pink flowers. We had a lot of blue hydrangeas, but didn't pay much mind to it." Roseluck began.

"After a little while of testing, Naga came and asked what happened... you know, through gestures. She cant talk." Daisy continued. "Anyway, we complained to Naga about it, since we just needed somepony else to just hear us gripe."

"After a few days, out blue hydrangeas turned purple and pink! Thanks to Naga, if you add Limestone to the soil, it'll raise the acidity in the soil, and make the flowers turn pink!" Lily Valley finished.

"...Naga is a lot smarter than I realized. Never thought she paid attention to me or Zecora doing chemistry. I actually did a research project for a science fair back when I was a colt about those flowers. Apparently, blue and pink hydrangeas are the only flowers who's colors change from soil conditions. It's a bit expensive, but if you infuse the water you use with some magic powder, the hydrangeas sparkle like stars once in full bloom from the abundance of magic in the soil. I can see if I still have my notes on it if you're interested."

"Really? We'll have to try it out!" Roseluck clapped her hooves. "I didn't take you for one to be into botany!"

"Honestly, I did the project because I had to work in a group, but it was much more interesting than I thought it'd be." Skystrike smiled.

"Say, you've been coming by our flower shop for quite while now. you never told us who's the lucky mare?" Daisy took a step closer, pressuring him.

"You got a marefriend?" Applejack, Twilight, and Spike all looked at him and spoke in union.

"He has to by now! He comes by every saturday!" Lily Valley smirked. "Has to be somepony special if it's that often... You do spend a lot of time with Stardust, you know."

"Nah, I doubt she looks at me that way. And no, I don't have a marefriend." Skystrike said plainly.

The flower sisters looked at each other confused. "Wait... you don't have a marefriend?" Roseluck asked for clarification.

"Nope." Skystrike confirmed. Twilight begrudgingly handed Applejack a sack of bits. "...Fuck you both." He monotoned.

"...So then why do you buy flowers every weekend? Aren't you supposed to give them to somepony you fancy?" Roseluck asked.

"...Roseluck, what does one normally do once they receive flowers?"

"Say thank you?"

Skystrike nodded. "Mmhmm, and then?"

Roseluck put a hoof to her chin and thought. "...Put it in water... or... wait... you can't be serious... you bought them for yourself and ATE them!?"

"I was hungry. Your flowers always go good on my sandwiches." Skystrike shrugged. "Also want to try those pink hydrangeas. The pink color from the low pH levels in the soil might make them taste different."

The three sisters sat down in sheer awe and astoundment of what he said. Everypony there looked at Skystrike like he was crazy.

Spike spoke up. "I feel like I'm missing something here..."

"Why are you all looking at me like I'm a psychopath?" He asked, putting his hoofs out. "Do you guys not eat flowers?"

"You're supposed to give our flowers to somepony you like!" Daisy slammed her hooves on the ground.

"I was fucking HUNGRY!" He countered. "Your flowers taste GOOD! DAMN!"

Skystrike and the three flower sisters were getting heated. To be fair to the sisters, their flowers that they've grow to spread love and happiness is being countered by "Bro, I was hungry." Understandibly, they were annoyed. Skystrike, however, made a valid point. They were going to be eaten anyway, and he was hungry. They argued for quite a bit over some flowers.

Twilight leaned over to Applejack and Big Mac. "...Should we stop them?"

"Nope." Big mac said plainly.

"Nah, this is funny. I wanna see where this goes." Applejack agreed. "This is funny."

"Eeyup" Big Mac agreed.

"Well I don't see why this is such a big deal! You had to have thought of this!" Skystrike said, growing annoyed.

"What do you mean, we had to think of this!?" Daisy asked, annoyed as well.

"You want ponies to give their flowers to the ones they like, right!?"

"Yes! That's why we grow our flowers in the first place!" Roseluck answered.

"Ok! Good! So, how many bouquets have you sold?" Skystrike asked, leading them on.

"A lot! We've made a lot of-"

"Couples? WHAT COUPLES???" Skystrike shouted. "There's like 20 stallions in Ponyville! Like 8 of them are married or old! How many couples have you seen in this village huh??" The sisters stayed silent. "NONE! No pony in this town gets any bitches!"

Applejack, Big Mac, and Twilight burst out laughing at the last remark. Spike, of course, was still lost. Before Skystrike could continue his rant, Naga grabbed him by the tail and picked him up, carrying him along to her next friends. "Alright, I'm going! I'll see you next saturday! Your flowers taste good!" Skystrike yelled as he got further away. "...Jeez... what was their problem?" He shook his head. "Alright, who's next?" Skystrike asked. Naga reeled her head back. "Please don't throw me again.

Naga set Skystrike down gently, then gave a playful pat on his back. "Alright, who's next?" Skystrike said, turning around. A few feet away stood Stardust, Rainbow, and Zecora, the former in her guard uniform. What was new was the two ponies that Stardust was standing next to. One was an off-white pink with a pink mane and tail with wings. The other was a greyish blue with a persian blue mane ant tail, having a horn of her own. Both were about the same size as Stardust. From the looks of things, Zecora and Rainbow were already introducing themselves to the new mares.

Skystrike, however, knew exactly who they were, and he was gonna mess with them. Skystrike looked at Stardust, who made eye contact. She gave him a look that said "Do not.", which made him reply with a look that said "Heh, nah."

"Hey girls! I see you made some new friends?" Skystrike said, walking up to the five mares.

They all turned to give their separate greetings. The two new mares whispered to each other. "Remember, just like we've practiced." The pink maned one said to the blue one. She cleared her throat before introducing herself. "Good evening. My name is..." She paused for a moment, as if trying to remember her name. "...Sunny Skies. Me and my sister... Starry Night. We were invited by Naga from out of town." She greeted, Starry Night showing their invitations with her magic.

"Well, Nice to meet you. I'm Atlas Nebula. It's a pleasure. I didn't take Naga as one to travel. So, where you two from?"

"Oh you know Canterlot? Well of course you'd know it, it's the capital!" Sunny Skies laughed.

"We went to that duel you had with Magnus. Who knew he was a criminal?" Starry Night added.

"You know... has anypony told you two that you kinda look like the princesses?" Skystrike asked. The two mares began to sweat. Stardust glared at him. Zecora was hiding a smirk with her hoof. Rainbow Dash looked confused. "...Nah, I'm probably just trippin'. Anyway, how'd you two meet Naga?"

The two sweated some more, realizing they haven't thought this far. They had to make up something believable. "Uh..." Sunny Skies started, but stopped, looking for something to say. "You know... places..."

"The last time we came to Ponyville, she was here and gave us some nice rocks!" Starry Night blurted out.

To Skystrike, it seems like they made it up on the spot. Of course, he knew they definitely did. "Oh cool. What type?"

"Uh..." Sunny Skies thought again. "I don't... know rocks that well. I think it's called a... Sun stone?"

"She gave me a Moon stone." Starry Night added.

"...That's odd. Kinda like the princesses, huh?" He hinted. The sisters looked at each other and sweated more. Stardust elbowed him, making him let out a chuckle. "Alright, alright, I know it's you two, Celestia and Luna."

"...How'd you know?" Celestia asked.

"Well, same speech patterns, same body motions, and you took your looks from when you were younger" Skystrike counted on his wing. "Also, I know it's been a while, but some ponies still remember your old looks. Overall though? Nice job. You could've fooled anypony else."

Rainbow Dash took a double take, realizing what Skystrike said, before quickly bowing. "I'm sorry princesses! I didn't realize!"

"Raise your head. That was supposed to be the point, but somepony here seems to be a bit of a historian." Celestia sighed, slightly annoyed that she and her sister was found out. "Raise your head, Rainbow Dash. We wished to come here to escape our status."

"Yeah, I get it. Don't worry, I won't tell anypony." Skystrike promised. "Actually..."

"...what are you thinking, Skystrike?" Celestia eyes narrowed.

"Nothing... I just imagine it will be quite humorous if somepony's student interacted with you without knowing it's you, only to be revealed weeks later?" He smiled.

"...You know, that is a great idea! I'll go do that!" Celestia grinned as she put some pep in her step towards her student.

"Watch Princess Luna for me." Stardust said before following behind her. Skystrike nodded.

He stood there with Zecora, Luna, and Rainbow Dash. "So... I'm about to make some stew for Naga. You three wanna help?"

Zecora clapped her hooves in excitement. "It has been a moment since you've last cooked for her. I'm happy to help, just don't fall in while I stir."

Skystrike looked at Zecora. "I never fell in the stew."

"I know you have not, I just know rhymes like these annoy you... Pot." She said as they both snickered.

"Ok, I guess I'm helping too. I'm not that good at cooking though." Rainbow Dash shrugged.

"I'd like to help if able." Luna put up her hoof. "What do we need to do?"

"Well..." Skystrike began, only to be cut off by Pinkie Pie pulling a panel behind them. "SCENE TRANSITION" She shouted.

Skystrike looked around him to see himself at the back of his house standing next to Zecora, Rainbow Dash, and Starry Night. "Wh-... how'd we get here!? What happened!?"

"...We... walked here?" Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "Skystrike, are you ok?"

Skystrike took a deep breath. "Yes... It's just... fucking Pinkie..." He exhaled. "Anyway, help me push this alarmingly large pot." He changed the subject as he patted the pot the size of a small building behind him.

"...That is an alarmingly large pot. How do you even cook in that?" Rainbow Dash asked as the got behind the pot.

Skystrike got behind the pot and started pushing alongside her. "Well, normally, Tethys would be here, but she has her own life to live now. But, Zecora and I do have a trick for being able to cook in this pot, plus, we have an Alicorn in disguise here in case we need... literal firepower."

"Well, I'm not as adept in fire magic as my sister, but I should be able to light a large fire." She smiled with a spark of her horn.

"Perfect." Skystrike said. "Zecora, can you get Naga and help get the ingredients? I left them in the floorboard under the pantry." Zecora nodded and turned to do what she was asked.

Twilight looked up to see a new mare approaching her. "Hello..." She stopped herself, remembering what made Skystrike realize it was her. "The name's Sunny Skies. Nice to meet you. I'm new here, and Nebula told me you're a good pony to make friends with."

Twilight smiled at her. "Well, nice to meet you too, I'm Twilight Sparkle. I'm currently learning friendship myself, but I'm more than happy to be your friend."

"Great! So, learning friendship, right? How many new ponies did you make friends with since moving here?"

Twilight nervously laughed. "Well... only six, but they're all nice ponies. Other than that, I read books!" She answered with a smile.

Sunny Skies took a double take. "You... read books. On friendship?"

"Yeah! They help a lot!" Twilight floated the book in front of her. "I'd be more than happy to let you borrow it if you'd like."

Sunny Skies blinked. "Did you ever think of... just going outside and meeting ponies?"

Twilight also blinked before rubbing her chin with a hoof. "That... is a good idea."

They were both interrupted by Pinkie Pie shouting "NEBULA HAS AN ALARMINGLY LARGE POT!"

Sunny Skies and Twilight both looked, along with everypony else, to Skystrike, putting an alarmingly large pot over a firepit. "That is an alarmingly large pot..." They both said.

Meanwhile, Skystrike, Zecora, Starry Night, and Rainbow Dash were standing at the base of the firepit. "So... how are you gonna light this?" Rainbow asked.

"It's a pretty cool trick, honestly. And a gimmick of my swords." Skystrike explained as he drew both of his.

"How are swords going to help start a fire?" Rainbow flew closer to him and squinted.

"See these ridges on the backs of the blades?" He let the mare get a closer look. "If I rub the two together, it makes a neat sound. Rub it together fast enough..." Skystrike liked up one blade with the back of the other. With a pushing motion, the metal ridges began to bounce off each other, generating molten slag and shooting it towards the bottom of the pot. The wood below it roared to life.

"That's... actually pretty cool!" Rainbow smiled.

Skystrike nodded as he sheathed his blades. "I like my swords to be functionable."

"No... how about you tell me how we plan on getting all the ingredients in there?" She pointed to the rim of the pot above her.

"See, that's the fun part! Quick question though, you two know how to throw well?" He asked Rainbow and Starry. They both nodded. "Perfect. Now you two get to help me and Zecora cook! Hop on the levers. We're gonna cook up a storm!"

"...I feel like I'm not being told enough here..." Starry night looked to her side at Rainbow.

"Yeah... Same here..." She looked back.

Skystrike picked up a large wooden platform on stilts that was lying beside him. He flew up and put the platform down in the pot, giving him enough room to stand on. "It's not much. Basically, one of us stands up here and cuts up the ingredients that the others throw in! After a few minutes, we switch places, and keep going until the stew is done!" He yelled from atop his perch. "Zecora! Throw me my sword!" He put his hoof out, ready to catch it.

Zecora did so, grabbing his sword and throwing it up at him. Skystrike caught it by the sheath and drew his sword. He tapped his hoof rhythmically, nodded his head to a beat in his head, then did a small spin. "Lets get cooking!" He shouted to no one in particular. A decent size crowd gathered around them as Zecora began emptying the barrels of cooking supplies by throwing them up at Skystrike, who in turn, began swinging his sword and finely cutting the ingredients, letting them land into the boiling water below him.

"First, the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic!" Zecora said as she began throwing more of the ingredients. "Starry, Rainbow, help me out! We'll get this soup done faster, no doubt!"

Starry used her magic to open a barrel and began throwing more ingredients up towards Skystrike. Rainbow, deciding to make it harder for him, grabbed some in her hooves before flying around and throwing the ingredients at him from various directions.

Skystrike laughed a bit, deciding to put on more of a show as the crowd around him grew larger. He did an upward slash cutting three vegetables, following with a backflip, landing on a forehoof and cutting another five with a spinning horizontal slash. He continued to cut the ingredients as he danced with his blade. For his grand finale, he flapped his wings and flew around at astounding speeds, finely cutting each vegetable before they fell in the pot. "Hoo-" He exhaled. "Zecora! Ready to switch?"

"Tired already? And it seemed your stamina was going steady!" She teased. Skystrike jumped down from his platform and stopped half-way to help Zecora up. She got a running start and jumped up to him, hooves out. Skystrike responded by grabbing her hooves and throwing her up the rest of the way onto the platform. "I'll get the salt and pepper, and seeds!" He said as he flew to grab some premeasured barrels of the ingredients, already mixed together. "Starry, mind helping me with this?"

Starry looked at the barrel, then up at the height of the pot. "I'm not sure... it's quite high. Not sure about the stability of the levitation spell when I can't see it." She admitted.

"...Just jump on his back?" Rainbow said.

"...That's a great fucking idea!" Skystrike smiled as he landed on the ground. "Hop on!" Starry hesitated. "I promise I'm stable."

Starry did so, laying on his back and wrapping her forehooves around his neck. "...You sure I'm not heavy?"

"Yeah. why would you be?"

"Well, while I may look smaller, my mass, and thus weight stay the same." She explained. "I'm not sure if you can carry me on your back while flying."

"Don't worry, you aren't heavy at all. My armor is actually around the same weight as you, so this feels kinda normal for me." He said, trying to reassure her.

"...How much experience do you have with mares?" Starry Night squinted.

"...More than you think, less than I should." He stated.

"Well, for the future, do not compare a mare's weight to your armor." She monotoned.

Skystrike stood still for a minute. He thought. He thought some more. He realized and looked back at her. "...I just called you fat didn't I?"

"Albeit indirectly and accidentally, yes." She nodded.

"...ffffffffffffFFFFFUCK" He groaned. "My bad, as you can see, I'm kinda stupid." He face hoofed as he began to flap his wings.

"Don't fret over it." She giggled. She turned his head towards Sunny Skies with a hoof. "My sister however..." Starry Night looked back towards the two. Starry spoke just loud enough for her sister to hear. "You think you could carry her?"

He looked at Sunny and rubbed his chin. "I think I could." He took off into the air. "Size wise, she's about forty percent bigger than you, assuming mass would have the same factor of 1.4, taking into account how much cake she-... GOD DAMN IT I DID IT AGAIN!" He groaned as he grabbed his face. "Man I'm missing some brain cells!" Starry Night laughed at his outburst while Sunny Skies looked at the two with her cheeks puffed out, turning red. "Pick up the damn barrel please." He sighed. Starry did so as the two flew higher. Once high above the pot, she began to sprinkle the contents of the barrel into the soup.

"Mmm... it smells great!" Starry admitted as the smell wafted towards them. "Did you put anything special in there?"

"Oh you know, just the Nebula original secret ingredient" He put out a hoof as he glided down towards the ground, letting Starry hop off. "And no, I won't tell you. Maybe when I die so then the ponies of the future can have bomb food." He looked around for a moment before finding what he was looking for. A whip sword, silver in color with a golden edge. The hilt was a plain grey with black markings on it. He grabbed it by the hilt and threw it up at Zecora, who caught it in her hoof. "Ready?" Skystrike asked.

"Yes, my friend! Let these veggies meet their end!" She gave a practice swing of her sword, releasing the whip part of it.

"Jeez... ok, all that's left are the potatoes, apples and cabbage." He looked at the last few barrels of ingredients. "Let's get-"

"Did somepony say APPLES!?" Applejack ran over to Skystrike, Rainbow, and Starry.

"Well damn, AJ, I get it... would you like to throw some apples?" He offered, knowing exactly what she was going to ask.

"Would I!?" She grabbed a barrel and started chucking.

Skystrike chose to ignore her actions and began throwing cabbages at a steady rate. Zecora was putting on a show of her own up there. With a spin of the heel and a flick of the wrist, she was able to cut multiple vegetables with a single swing. She shot her forehoof forward, making the tip of the whip hit a falling cabbage. A grand crack was heard as said cabbage exploded. She did this a few more times, each exploding and falling into the the soup below. Continuing with a spin, she made a diagonal slash, cutting a few more. For her finish, she jumped into the air, spinning faster as her blade went out in many different directions, the fruits and vegetables seeming to stop in mid air as she cut through them. She even stuck the landing.

"That was actually really cool!" Rainbow flew up to Zecora as the crowd cheered. "Where'd you learn how to do that?"

Zecora retracted her sword. "My mother taught me when I was young, telling me we all have a song that must be sung."

"...I don't know what that means." Rainbow admitted.

"I believe it means... we all have our own purposes in life." Zecora explained. "I have decided to find my own, though it is still not yet known."

"Hey, jump down when you're ready! We gotta let it sit for a little!" Skystrike yelled up to them. He was about to walk away before he realized something. "...Actually, after it sits for about 10 minutes, start serving the ponies! I have somepony I need to find!" He said before walking off, said walk turning into a trot. Normally, he'd see her by now, normally with Twilight or Rarity. Now that he thought about it, it's even odder that she isn't with Naga. After a few minutes searching around, he found just the pony he was looking for.

Fluttershy was sitting by a tree, away from the crowd. She looked on at the ponies talking amongst themselves. Then, she looked to the side to see somepony approaching her. "Hey, is this seat taken?" Skystrike patted next to her. Fluttershy shook her head no, letting Skystrike take a seat.

"So... haven't seen you around much. I guess you just got here?" He leaned back against the tree.

Fluttershy shook her head. "No, I... was one of the first ponies here..."

"Oh, well you could've came over and said hi you know." He said, waving his hoof towards himself. "We all would like to see you."

"I know, it's just... I didn't want to interrupt you all having your fun. I'd just ruin the mood." She said, her glum feeling seeping out from her words.

Skystrike sighed. "Fluttershy, listen. you're my friend. You're OUR friend. It's because we like your company that we're your friend." He explained.

"I know... I know... but you and everypony else always have fun talking with each other. I'm always just in the back, having nothing to talk about or relate to you all with."

"And that's ok. You don't have to talk a lot. You're the type of pony that can spend quality time with somepony else by simply sitting in silence with them. Your simple presence richens our friendship. We like you being around."

She sniffed back some tears. "It's just, every time I want to have fun with you and the girls, it's like... something in the back of my mind just... tells me that I'll mess things up if I talk to any of you for too long. Like you'll all will stop talking to me once you realize how weird I am."

Skystrike shifted himself to look at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, look at me." She turned her head, hiding part of her face with her mane. "It's exactly because of your quirks that we like you. That's what makes you special. Same goes for Spike, Stardust, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and especially Pinkie." She giggled a bit at the last part. "Now, I'm not one to make promises, since if I break it, that counts as lying, and I've never lied to any of you. That being said, you have my word that I will do my best to make sure you feel welcome. I won't stop talking to you, no matter how weird you are."

She wiped a tear. "Pinkie promise?"

"Trust, I know how it feels to be you right now. We're more alike than you'd think." He smiled.

"You have to say the verse."

"...what? There's a verse for pinkie promises? We don't even have pinkies?" He put up his hooves for emphasis.

"No, not like minotaurs. A PINKIE promise. As in, Pinkie Pie. It goes 'Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.'" She said while making gestures to match the words.

"...That both looks and sounds silly, but I'm all for it." He chuckled as he mimicked her motions. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Now, let's go. We got some friends waiting for us, and I think we both want to have fun tonight" He stood up and put out a hoof. "Plus, we don't want the soup to get cold."

Fluttershy took his hoof, pulling herself up. "...You're a good friend, you know that? I really missed you when you have to move from Cloudsdale. Then when me and Rainbow found out you... well we know you faked your death now, but we cried all night."

The two began walking. "Wait, really? I didn't realize you two cared that much."

"Well, you know you have more of an affect on ponies than you think. Like when you helped me and Rainbow Dash with some bullies, we were grateful. After you left, and I was still to scared to do anything, Rainbow took on that role. I like to think she got at least some of her loyalty from you." She pondered the last part.

"...Huh... I-... wow." He looked for words to say. "I just try to help ponies where I go. Didn't expect all that. I just expected to be that one pony that ponies will always have in the back of their mind, but won't remember their name."

"Skystrike, we will never forget you." She assured him. "With all you've done for others, no grateful pony will forget you. Besides, remember that time you were in the newspaper for challenging Celestia to a duel for wining that tournament for that school thing? No pony will forget that."

"In my defense, I wanted to test how truly strong I was back in that military academy. Plus, I held out pretty well for a 16 year old."

"You still need to tell me the whole story behind that. I want to know what happened. They never published the results."

"Tell you what, I'll tell you when I come back the week after next." He nudged her. The two stopped.

"...that is an alarmingly large pot." Fluttershy looked up at the rim of the pot, seeing Zecora, Starry, and Rainbow handing out bowls to the guest.

"Ah, Nebula, Fluttershy, we were just serving the last few ponies before Naga comes get the rest. As always, Nebula, your food is the best!" Zecora complimented, jumping down and giving the two wooden bowls of soup and spoons.

"It's what I do." He chuckled before he opened the jaw of his mask and had a spoon. "Aw yeah, this that good shit." He said as he took another spoonful of soup. He looked over to the others, hearing their hums in agreement when eating their bowls of soup.

"Ok, Nebula, you gotta give me some pointers. This is some of the best soup I've had in years. How do you make this so good? You could make a business out of this!" Rainbow Dash said, taking full sips of the soup.

"Well, glad you enjoy it so much. You've seen everything I put in it. I do have a secret ingredient, but aside from that, it's actually a chemistry thing. Many food ingredients come with 'taste enhancers' that add more molecules that generate additional taste or smell sensations. The effect changes depending on how the ingredients are prepared before hoof."

Rainbow Dash blinked. "I understood like half of that."

"You know how you can taste the difference from Sea salt and rock salt? Similar concept. They were made in different ways. That affects taste." He explained before taking another spoon of his soup.

Naga slithered up behind the group, letting Rarity and Pinkie off her head. She poked Skystrike with her tail. "Hey, Naga, what's up?" She bellowed in response and looked at the soup. "Only a spoonful!" She then proceeded to pull out a comically large spoon and scooped up the soup. "Man I fucking love that joke." He said to himself.

"So, Nebula, don't mean to rush you, but one of the main reasons I came was kinda so I could hear you sing." Rarity said. "And the soup was lovely, darling." She covered her mouth as she let out a slight burp. "Pardon me..."

"Oh yeah, you did say you would." Rainbow dash looked up from licking the now empty bowl. "I do wanna hear you sing. In fact, you're one of the few ponies I never heard sing."

Pinkie appeared next to him. "Oh! What are you gonna sing!?"

"A certified Skystrike origional." He chuckled. "Man, I say one thing and you guys don't forget it, huh?"

"Well, it's just... we don't expect it from somepony like you. You always keep to yourself, so when you finally express yourself, we have to see it." Fluttershy said, the others nodding.

"Alright, alright, I'll get ready." He slurped down the rest of his soup. "Give me a moment to talk to the DJ."

"Great! I'll go tell everypony!" Pinkie whizzed off towards the crowd. "Hey everypony! Nebula's singing soon for Naga's birthday!" The crowd cheered.

"Damn... Well now I got expectations to live up to." He gave a nervous chuckle. "I'll be up on stage in a moment."

His friends gave him some reassurance, telling him he'll do great up there. He thanked them as he headed towards the DJ. He began to wonder who Pinkie asked to DJ before he recognized the mare. "Ooooh, it's you! DJ-Pon3, right?"

The mare turned to him, looking through her iconic glasses. "Hey, glad you remembered me! Just call me Vynil by the way. Didn't expect my next show to be thrown for you and your pet though!" She smiled.

"Well, the world has it's way of sorting things out. How's the crowd treating you so far?"

"Pretty good! Some of these ponies know how to party! Especially Pinkie, she really livens up the place!." She pulled off her headphones.

"Yeah, sounds like her." He laughed. "So, the ponies want me to sing. Can you get things set up for me?" He asked, pulling out a vinyl record with a blue center. "I'm about to put out a Nebula original." He said in a joking manner

She took the record with her magic and spun it around. "I can do that for ya, big guy!" She slapped the record down on her setup. "Give me a moment and we can get this place on their hind legs."

"Alright, let's put on a show." He smiled as the two hoof bumped. She floated him over a microphone. He tapped it a few times to make sure it was on. Skystrike looked out at the crowd of ponies and Basilisk cheering for him as he walked to center stage. He looked at his friends, all together in one large group.

He smiled as he tightened his grip on his microphone. "Alright, ponies, you already know what time it is. Just before we get started, happy birthday, Naga! Originally, this song was supposed to be a duo, but I can manage this bad boy myself. This one's just for you! I call this one, 'Calling'."

Vynil began to play the instrumental, Skystrike tapping his hoof in response. The beat was fast, though that wasn't a problem. He gave his mic a twirl before starting.

"So, as you can see, this ain't my first time, In my prime! Come on, let's make some noise and have some fun while we got time!
Life's a fickle thing, you know we gotta spend it wise! Break out, come out and show the world what we can do tonight!" Skystrike was admittingly getting into it more than he thought.

"Keeping the flow, We got our whole lives ahead of us, ya know. Reap what you sow, Only got one time to get it right, don't you know?
In my nature Bringing these bars to the streets all year-round! No time to waste Foster, Nurture your skills before your sundown." As he continued, Skystrike became more animated through his performance, doing a spin and spreading his wings.

"Some may call it reckless, Leaving life up only to fate. So carve your own path, Know there's no time to hesitate! Knowing you can change things, make things better before you act way too late! So, come on, while life is great, Why don't we appreciate it?" Vynil lowered the lights to a dim hue.

"Can you hear that? The voices calling? That melody. Your inner calling." The lights began to flicker to the tempo. "Telling you to carve your path. Keep your chin up, no need for wrath. Take a chance, no harm no fowl. Keep that smile, don't throw that towel." Skystrike used his hood to loosen his shirt and tie. More colors came as the music began to pick back up.

"Havin' fun in life can be hard to do! Always trying hard and failing at something new! But that's how it's gonna be, you know! Life's not patient, we can't take it slow. It favors those of us bold! So take that first step, good as gold!"

The lights flashed rainbow in rythm to the music, and Skystrike leaped onto his hind hooves. He was really getting into it. "It cant be only me, hearing it calling out for us! Silent voices growing louder, having dreams in the late hours! There's no need for others standards, set your sights then go and gander. Universe is on our side, so make some noise and have some pride!"

Skystrike jumped into the air, taking flight and doing a small show or loops and corkscrews as he sang. Lasers from the light show shot out into the sky in a rainbow pattern, waving back and forth. "Destiny, some higher power, leaving us to come devour ,as we bathe in Celestia's light! Bask under Luna's lit night! Don't need no rules to chain us! Lets have fun while friends are with us! We won't be here for that long, so don't go living it wrong!"

He landed back down on the ground as Vynil turned the lights down, having them flicker to the beat again. He took off his jacket and slung it over his shoulder, waving it around as he moved his arms. "They never believed in me! Mocked, terrorized for all to see! Negativity overwhelmed me! Was close to my breaking point! Didn't let them keep me down. Got a smile from their frowns. Took my path, no stopping me! The universe is singing to me!"

The lights grew brighter under Skystrike as he put his fore arms out wide. "Sure wish I could see their faces now! Seeing me do what they disallow! I'm on the top of my success! None of them's my match, but I digress. And we all got this world to see! So stand with pride and sing with me!"

A few ponies in the crowd join in with him on the first lines. "It cant be only me, hearing it calling out for us, Silent voices growing louder, having dreams in the late hours."

More joined in as they recognized the lyrics. "There's need for others standards, set your sights then go and gander. Universe is on our side, so make some noise and have some pride!"

Soon, almost the entirety of the crowd sang along with him. Skystrike flew into the air as the spotlight focused on him. Vynil even added in the extra effect of some fire works. "Destiny, some higher power, telling us to come devour as we bathe in Celestia's light! Bask under Luna's lit night! Destiny, some higher power, telling us to come devour as we bathe in Celestia's light! Bask under Luna's lit night!"

Skystrike said the final line. "Hear our calling!" before the crowd burst into cheers for him. Skystrike put all four hooves onto the ground and stood there, huffing.

"Hey!" Vynil called out to him. Skystrike looked in her direction, seeing a water bottle thrown at him. He caught it, opened it, and drank half of it.

"Damn, big guy, I can tell that song took some effort." She smiled as he walked over. "Nice voice by the way. Didn't expect your voice to be so... smooth and dulcet."

"...I've never heard that word in my life, but thanks. Honestly, I forgot I had it in me. I am glad I was able to pull that off without any mishaps." Skystrike sat on the floor of the stage.

"What do you mean?" Vynil took his record off the player with her magic and floated it over to him. Skystrike shook his head. "Keep it. You put on a great show. You definitely found your calling." The two chuckled. "And I mean that when I wrote that song, it was meant to be sang by two ponies. That was hard to sing solo." He finished the water bottle.

"Well that's even more impressive." Vynil smiled. "I can't wait to see what your cutie mark will be if you're already this good at something you don't have a mark for!" She put the record back on the player.

"Heh, thanks for that. Same here." He said as he got up.

"Hey, before you go..." She put out a hoof. Skystrike turned back to look at her. "I hope this won't be the one and only time we do something like this. We could have something going here. Well, if you want I mean."

Skystrike nodded at her. "I'd like that. No way we can let this be the one and only collab. I'll make sure to hit you up once I come back. Maybe we can record it and publish it!"

"Yo, that'd be radical! You better keep your promise!" Vynil ran up and hugged him quickly. "Ah... sorry about that. Got a bit excited." She pushed herself of him.

"No apology needed. Anyway, the birthday girl wants to see me, so I'll see you next time." Skystrike put out a hoof for a high hoof. Vynil give a high hoof before waving goodbye and switching to some mellow music, signaling the main event was done. Skystrike jumped off the stage, sighing with mild fatigue.

He wasn't even able to look up before he heard a thump from far away. Followed by a dirt pillar shooting up from under his hooves and launching him towards Naga. He put his wing out as he flew, slowing his fall as he landed in front of his friends with a loud thump. He sighed under his breath. "A warning would be nice, damn."

Before he could look up, he felt somepony jump on him. "WOWNEBULAYOUWEREGREATUPTHEREI-" Pinkie Pie began to ramble on from atop his back.

To be honest, he zoned out most of it once the words started to blend together. "Thanks, it's appreciated." He streched a bit as he talked. The next thing he felt was something scaly rubbing against his cheek and neck. "Hey, Naga. I see you liked the music. I'm glad."

"Wasn't just her, Skystrike. You were great up there." Twilight repeated what Pinkie Pie said as she walked up. "...I am curious though, where did you learn to sing like that?"

"Eh... I'll tell you next time." He said as he tapped Pinkie to get off his back.

"Damn, dude!" Rainbow Dash flew to a stop next to him. "Never told us you could sing like that! You got a great voice! Gotta use that more!"

"Seriously? At first I thought you guys were being nice, but am I really that good? Thought I was average."

"Dude, you got talent! Imagine how good you'd be if you had a cutie mark!" She said, hyping him up.

"Oh, thanks." He smiled. He looked around for a moment. "Wait, where's Starry and Sunny?" He asked as he continued looking.

"Oh, those two sisters? They said they had to catch the train to travel back home. It's a shame they left so quick. They were so fun to talk to." Twilight pondered.

"Oh really? You'll have to tell me about it when I get back." Skystrike smirked.

The group looked at him. "...What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm leaving tonight. Train will get me to my destination by morning, then it's a few days walk. Cant keep them waiting you know?" They all looked at him with various expressions. Twilight, Fluttershy seemed afraid. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were worried. Zecora and Stardust was indifferent. Pinkie Pie was- "Why are you crying so damn hard?" Skystrike broke his train of thought.

The pink one sniffed. "...Because... because you're leaving!" She bawled as she jump him with a hug. Skystrike was about to attempt to calm her down, but then he heard quiet sniffles to his side. He looked to see that it was Twilight.

"Skystrike... when... when we last heard of you before you came back, you died. It was all over the newspapers." She rubbed her nose. Skystrike thought back to what happened. Why he left.

"It's your fault that I did what I had to." A colt's voice was heard behind him. He turned to see who it was.

Skystrike stood still, his break in the castle garden being interrupted by him of all ponies. "You... what did you do this time..." Skystrike snarled.

"Oh, nothing too important... Just figured while we were enjoying the gala, I'd have some fun of my own." The colt said with a sinister chuckle. "See, you bastard..." The colt's mocking tone changed to an angry one. "You've been a thorn in my side since Auntie adopted us. Always making yourself useful, acting like you're better than me. You're nothing but a filthy pegasus!" Skystrike stayed silent as his rage filled rant continued. "Because of you, Auntie always compares me to you. I finally got out of that shithole of an orphanage, and she brings you with us! But you couldn't just leave them behind, could you?"

As the colt continued, the rant became more about Skystrike's family. "Oh, Skystrike raised money for his old orphanage! Oh, Skystrike helped some brat find their talent!" He spit on the ground. "So... I know I can't get rid of you... but I can get rid of the source. What you deem important."

Skystrike finally turned to look at the colt. "...You... piss... stained... RAT" Skystrike's eyes flickered a pale white."

"When there's smoke..." The colt pointed to a pillar of smoke in the distance. Skystrike flew off before the colt could finish another sentence. He knew exactly where the smoke was coming from him. He didn't think his hatred for him was this much, and it was the one time he hoped he was wrong. He could've sworn somepony called out to him as he zoomed by, but he didn't pay attention. There were more important matters.

It was the fastest he ever flew at the time... he just wished he was faster.

He landed in front of the Church of the Two Sisters. He wished to whatever god there was that he wasn't seeing what he was seeing. Roaring flames engulfed the building, dancing behind the windows, as if mocking him.

"Skystrike!" He heard a voice call for him. He snapped his head to where the voice was coming from. A mare earth pony with a cream colored coat and dark magenta mane with a maroon highlight ran up next to him. She gave a worried look with her grey eyes.

"Sister Paprika!" He responded with a sigh of relief. "Glad you're ok."

"Aren't you supposed to be at the gala with your friends? Why are you here?" She huffed, slightly winded. Taking a closer look at her, the tips of some of her hair was burnt, and her hooves were blackened with soot.

"Nevermind that- is everypony ok!?" He asked, wiping some soot off her face.

"Aside from the scare and me hyperventilating a little, yeah, I think so." She coughed. "I don't know what happened! Everypony was just out playing in the courtyard while I was making dinner with Astral. I thought I saw somepony walk by... then I just hear a crash... like glass breaking, and then a fire started right in the hallway! I couldn't put it out..." She let a few tears fall from her eyes.

Skystrike looked around, seeing the other fillies and colts. Some hugging one another, others crying. They were all distraught about the home they just lost. He felt the same. But something caught his eye. A young unicorn and earth pony ran up to him.

The first one, Lucky Clover, was a seafoam green with an emerald, shamrock, and jade mane topped with a large green bow. The second, Blue clover, had a cyan coat with an off white mane and tail, donning the same large green bow in her mane. Lucky spoke first. "We're missing some ponies!" Blue nodded. "Yeah! Mystic and Dawnstone aren't anywhere!" Lucky blinked, remembering something. "Astral isn't here too! She ran when she told us to come tell you!"

Skystrike's heart sank. She didn't just run, she ran in to help. "Fuck! Paprika, make sure they stay safe!" Skystrike turned to head inside before Paprika grabbed his shoulder.

"I'm not letting you go in there! There's no telling what'll happen to you!" She tried pulling him back.

"The fire ponies wont get here nearly fast enough! I am not leaving my brother's and sisters in there to die!" Skystrike pushed her hoof off.

"And I don't want you to die either, you stubborn mule!" She insulted him out of worry and tried to grab him again, pulling on his clothes.

He grabbed her front hooves and held them together. "Sister, you know how much you all mean to me. Don't worry, I'll get them out. He took off a necklace he had under his shirt . It was something they all pitched in together to get him for his birthday. Nothing fancy or flashy, just a simple piece of bismuth that fit into a locket. He put it in her hoof, closing it. "But you know I hate making promises... so I want you to give this to Celestia in case anything happens. That locket means a lot to me. I'll be coming back for it when I get out of there."

Paprika let some more tears fall. "You better come out of there safe, you got that, mister!?" She was able to squeak out through the tears.

Skystrike nodded before turning to give the clover sisters a hug. "Stay here, I'll be back soon." He finished before flying into the maw of flames. He used his dress coat to cover his mouth and nose, trying not to inhale too much smoke. He thought about his options. The kitchen was at the back of the orphanage, below the bedrooms, but the stairs were near the entrance. Everypony would've evacuated the first floor along with sister Paprika. Meaning that Mystic Falls and Dawnstone had to be somewhere on the second floor. Astral Night must also be looking for them. He still did a quick check of the first floor in seconds, just incase. He ignored the pain of his wing tips searing, he had more important things to worry about.

Skystrike flew up through a hole in the floor, then through a few door ways, calling out their names as he flew. "Astral! Dawn! Mystic!?" He said, growing more worried as he flew deeper. He had to stop his thoughts of the worst on multiple occasions.

Then, Thankfully, he heard a voice call out to him. "Skystrike! Is that you?" Skystrike's ears perked up. "Over here!" He recognized the voice.

Skystrike flew in to see the three in various states. "Astral!" He called her name, seeing her on the other side of the room. . Astral Night was a unicorn who had a light lavender coat, and a mane and tail of peach, purple, and pink. On the floor next to her was Mystic Falls was a younger unicorn colt, having a blueish grey coat with an indigo mane and tail with a grey highlight, as well as Dawnstone, another unicorn filly with a cream coat with a curly white and sky blue mane and tail. Astral was fighting back tears in front of Mystic, crying over the unconscious body of Dawnstone. "Give me a rundown!" He demanded as he made his way across the room, stepping over and ducking under various supports.

Astral the older one, about 15, coughed up some smoke. "I- I came in to get them, since nopony else would do it, a-and... I found them, but a plank of wood fell earlier on my back leg... I had to limp my way to them." She said, showing that her right back leg had a large burn mark from the lower thigh to her hoof. "Mystic stayed with Dawnstone. He told me that they were getting some more toys when the fire started, and some shrapnel fell on Dawn's head."

"Shit... I can't carry you all..." He spoke to himself.

"Get the kids first! I can wait a half a minute!" She coughed some more. Skystrike wasn't sure, but he had no choice but to trust her. He grabbed Mystic and Dawn, put each under a hoof, and began flying towards the exit.

"Sky! You can't leave her!" Mystic cried into his arm.

He made it to the entrance and dropped them in front of Paprika. "I don't intend to!" He said, flying back in. He had no time to catch his breath, landing back in front of Astral a few seconds later, huffing. He tried not to inhale more smoke than he already did. They stared into each others eyes. "You can cry now if you want. I won't tell." He tried to lighten the mood as he walked over.

Astral Night let out a small chuckle before to both Skystrike's and her surprise, she actually did. She tried wiping away her tears, only for more to fill their place. "I-...I... You were at the gala... I didn't think... you'd make it here..." She spoke through the tears.

Skystrike couched down. "Look. I won't ask you why you decided to run in here, and honestly, your reason's probably the same as mine... Can you walk?" He asked.

She was able to stand, but as soon as she put pressure on her back right hoof, she winced in pain, bringing it back up. "I... think I can manage."

Skystrike grabbed her and put her across his back. "No need to act strong. I got you." Skystrike couldn't fly. Her legs were stopping his wings from spreading out. He'd have to run. So, that's what he did.

Astral Night's crying lowered to light sobbing. "I'm sorry... you always have to help us out... I tried to do what you'd do..." She coughed some more. "I tried to save them, and I... ended up being somepony that had to be saved..."

Skystrike ran through, jumping over burnt beams and crawling under half-collapsed ceilings. He huffed. "Don't worry about it..." He stopped talking for a moment to focus. "Listen, if you're every gonna take anything I say to heart, it better be this." He was about to take another step forward before the floor collapsed below him. He cursed under his breath and jumped over it. When he landed, the burnt floor cracked below him. He took a few more steps forward, barely missing falling from where he once was. "...There are times when you have to help, and let others be helped." He continued running. The stairs were in eyesight. "No point helping somepony else when you put yourself at risk. But-..." He sidestepped some falling debris. "Sometimes, you have to ask how much you value a pony's life. You, Dawnstone, Mystic, and everypony else that lives here, I'd sacrifice myself for any of you in a heart beat. That is how much you all mean to me."

He finally made it to the stairs. He started making his way down. "You'll find somepony you love like that sooner or later, if you haven't already..." He had to skip a few stairs, as well as dig his hoof under some that collapsed under their weight. His adrenaline was still high, so while he couldn't feel the pain, he'd have to dig the shrapnel out before it wore off. "Help those who need it. Protect those you deem important." He began running towards the door at the end of the hallway. Skystrike could tell at the rate this building was coming down, it wasn't long before it ran out of oxygen and collapsed in on itself. Debris fell all around the two. He did his best to dodge the major pieces, but as more and more fell in front of his path, he knew he wasn't going to make it.

Skystrike grit his teeth, knowing what he'd have to do. He pulled off Astral Night from his back and hugged her. Tightly. "This is one of those times I have to make that sacrifice..." He sighed before letting her go. His adrenaline didn't last as long as he hoped. the pain got to him. His lungs burned from the soot and the increasing lack of oxygen. He was scared, but he had to get through it.

"...Sky... what are you-" She couldn't finish her sentence before Skystrike used the the last of his strength to throw her towards the exit and out the door.

"You got... a long life ahead!" He coughed as he shouted to her. "You, and everypony else... live it to the fullest!" He collapsed to the floor. He didn't think it would end like this, but surprisingly he didn't have any regrets... Well there was one... but that didn't matter anymore. He looked up at Astral Night, Paprika helping her to her hooves. The two mares looked at him for the last time before Skystrike spoke his last words. "I'm sorry." He smiled for the last time they'd see before the building collapsed in on itself. He felt pain all in his body, his skin searing, his lungs burning, his bones breaking. Then he felt cold. But the worst thing he felt was the pain behind the screams for his name as his consciousness faded.

He didn't know how long had passed when he came to. Just that it's been a long time. His memory was hazy, but that wasn't important right now. What was was where he currently is. His vision was blurry, his ears were ringing slightly, and his body was begging him for more rest. Despite it's pleads, he had to get up.

He pushed himself off the ground. Once he got up and rubbed his eyes, he looked around. He was inside a cave, lanterns hanging around the room, evenly spaced from each other. He looked down, seeing the makeshift bed of hay he woke up on. Skystrike winced, looking down at his hooves. His sleeve covering his metal forehoof was gone, and the rest of his body was covered in bandages. Someone tended to his wounds. Someone pulled him out of the rubble of that fire.

Skystrike looked around the room for more info. There was one chair next to the bed, a blanket folded on it. There was a table and one chair. On that table was a candle, some paper, and an ink and quill. Someone lived here. This didn't make sense to him. Considering they bought him out the fire, they had to know who he was and where he lived. No, they had to have been following him since the gala at least. But if that was the case, why live in this cave? Why not take him to some hospital?

He needed answers. He looked around the room once more, noticing a wooden archway declaring the doorway to the room he was in. He put his hoof on the wall to balance himself. Going through the doorway, he turned, coming face to face with something he definitely didn't expect. Skystrike stood face to face with a black unicorn. Well, not exactly. Upon further inspection, it had bug-like wings, and holes going through its legs. The pale blue eyes stared back. A changeling.

So this is the one that saved him. First changeling he's seen in a long while. He bowed his head. "Thank you for everything."

The changeling dropped the items in her magic and rushed under his arm. "Nevermind that! Why did you get up? Your wounds aren't fully healed yet!" She said as they walked back to the room he was in. She laid him back down, sighing. "I was just coming to replace your bandages, but you're already trying to walk. You're a lot more hardy than I thought."

"Heh, thanks I guess." He chuckled, only to wince in pain. "So, what all happened, and how'd you get me out of there?" He asked. "Especially without anyone seeing you?"

"Well, before that. Let me change your bandages. That fire did quite a number on you." She agreed as she helped him take off said bandages. It took longer than he thought it would. It covered many parts of his body. His back, ribs, legs, and neck were all covered, though the damage varied from place to place. The worst area was the large burn mark across his back from where a beam fell on him. "You got lucky. I got there quick enough where the worst injury you got was the 2nd degree burn on your back. Other than that, a few fractured bones and some first degree burns."

Once all the bandages were off, she opened a jar of some type of salve before Skystrike put up a hoof to stop her. "Hold on. Get me the towel first. I feel... naked." He stated as simply as he could. The changeling looked at him, blinked, then realized that his meat was out. She apologized with an embarrassed blush before getting the towel and levitating it over to him with her magic. Skystrike put the towel around his waist.

Skystrike breathed in deeply, preparing himself for what he was about to do. When he changed for the first time from a human to a pony, he realized that it wasn't a simple illusion like it is for changelings. He had to change nearly his entire biology. How his blood flowed, where his organs were, the whole nine yards. Upon further testing his transformations, he realized three things. One, he can't turn into something with less mass than he started with. Two, he couldn't channel his magic as well as he normally could when he wasn't in his original form. Third, his wounds transferred between transformations, and transforming while wounded was painful.

However, he needed to heal faster than he is right now. He's have to power through the pain. He sat up and breathed deeply. A green fire started from his chest and creeped out towards his extremities. The burning sensation he felt as his white coat turned to dark skin was painful, but bearable. The most painful parts were when his snout turned into a familiar human nose, and where were once his hooves were hands and feet, the digits seemingly growing from the fire. His white hair flowed down his back and rested on the floor. He'd have to cut it later.

The changeling looked at him, in awe of the form he took. She saw him like that as a child, but didn't realize how much he's grown over the years. Skystrike thought the same as her. It's been a good few years since he transformed. He focused more on the injuries he had, deciding he needed to heal them.

Skystrike focused the magic around where he was injured. Of course, due to how many he had, he surrounded his whole body in a green aura. He felt bones move back into place and the skin regrow, only leaving scars where the burn marks once were. While he could heal, it wasn't the ideal way. There were two ways for him to heal. His first choice was to use the unused energy in his body, such as fats and carbs, to speed up his natural regeneration. His second choice was to shave off some of his lifespan to heal wounds. A last resort. He chose the former.

"Now... I have some questions." Skystrike sat up straight to look at the changeling.

She stood at attention. "Yes sir! Ask away!"

He sighed at that. 'Sir.' "Don't call me that... I stopped being part of the hive when I was banished... when I let her die." He gripped his knees.

She gulped. "Of course... Skystrike. Ask away."

Skystrike leaned forward, getting to her eye level. "First, I'll need to know your name. What is it?"

"Caddis." She said with a flare of her wings.

"Alright, Caddis. No need to be so tense. How long have I been out for?"

"...Almost a week." She answered. Skystrike sighed at hearing that.

"Alright... Where are we, and how'd you get me here? Don't mean to be rude, but you don't seem strong enough to carry me."

"We're in a cave on the underside of Canterlot. And I didn't carry you?" She said the second part confused. "When I went to check on you, you were already standing. You asked me to take you somewhere safe. Though your voice was different, thinking back on it."

Different voice? Already standing? He leaned forward. "Was I wearing a helmet?" Caddis nodded. He gripped the collar around his neck. That's new... Echo is able to control him when he's unconscious at the bare minimum. That's scary, to say the least. But... he did save him. If Echo didn't, he's still be in the rubble. Despite that, he'd still need to talk to him later. "One more question, Caddis..."

"Yes?" She tilted her head.

"How long were you watching me for, and who ordered it?" He narrowed his eyes.

If a changeling could sweat, Caddis would be doing so right now. "Uhm... well..." She started.

"Go on." He said, but came off as more a demand.

"...The queen... told me to start watching you since you came to Canterlot years ago. There was a different changeling watching you in Cloudsdale."

"...Since Cloudsdale, huh?" He growled. "So, I see Chrysalis never trusted me since the beginning..."

"Oh, no no no, I meant the past queen. She was worried about you. We were just a sort of failsafe." Caddis explained. She began to explain further. "To be honest, I don't... have any loyalty to Chrysalis anymore. She banished all who were vocal on siding with you. Most of us sent to look after you included. I just... don't like leaving a job half done I guess..."

Skystrike looked at her for a moment before pulling her into a long hug. "I'm sorry..." He said. The only thing he could do was apologize. "You shouldn't have had to give up your family... our family... for me."

"No need to apologize. It was my own choice to stay in Canterlot." She said, returning the hug. She did her best to not drool.

Skystrike chuckled. "If you're hungry, just say so." He said as he opened his arms, letting her go. Caddis took a few steps back. "I'm ready when you are."

Caddis cleared her throat before beginning. She opened her mouth in a way that could only be described as creepy. Her fangs showed and what would be called her pupils shrank as a pink mist came from Skystrike's form and condensed in her mouth. She bit down on it and smiled. "Ah... you have no idea how much I needed that..." She shuddered in satisfaction.

Skystrike's expression didn't change. In fact, his face got more serious. "...Caddis, I don't mean to lay it on you like this, but... I do need a second opinion." Caddis burped, then nodded. "Thinking back to you, the other changelings, the former queen... and now the orphanage... I've noticed that I am the common denominator... I think it's best if... if Skystrike stayed dead. You and others were banished because of me... Mom was killed trying to save me... and my other brothers and sisters were targeted to get at me... I-... if Skystrike must die for those I care for to be safe... then it should be done."

The two sat in silence for a moment. The howling wind from the outside air echoes throughout the cave. After minutes of thinking, she finally replied. "Well... if you think that's for the best... I won't argue with you. But the ones who think you are dead, the pain that you'll deal to them is irreparable." She said. Skystrike thought on the words she said, contemplating. "But, no matter the choice you make, I'll be by your side."

Skystrike looked up at her and smiled. It may not be the best choice, but it was one he had to make. "Thank you, Caddis."

It was not a pleasant memory to relive, but one he had to nonetheless. "Skystrike..." Twilight started. "When I thought you died, it broke not just me, it hurt everypony. When your memorial was finished, everyone was crying. We lost a friend. A brother. A son. You don't know how many ponies cared for you." She sniffed.

"And then you come to Ponyville, show us your face, actin' like nothin' happened." Applejack butted in. "On top of all that, the first thin' ya do is go fight Nightmare Moon? Rainbow nearly cried herself to sleep that night!" She raised her voice in anger.

Rainbow Dash gave Applejack an embarrassed look. "Hey, I was with Fluttershy. She actually did."

"Not important here, Rainbow!" Applejack snapped her head onto her in anger. Rainbow quietly backed down.

The waterworks were coming to Fluttershy too when her name was mentioned. "We... we finally get to see you again after all these years, and now you're going off again... We-... we don't want you to die!" Fluttershy began crying as much as Pinkie and hugged him too.

Rarity made eye contact with the stallion. "Skystrike... I know I don't know you nearly as well as the rest of us but... you are my dear friend. I speak for all of us that we don't want to see you hurt, let alone you disappear from our lives again." Rarity put a hoof on his shoulder. "Just... make sure you come back safe, alright, darling?" She tried to smile, but tears came out of her eyes too. She quickly tried to wipe them away to not ruin her mascara.

Skystrike looked over to Zecora and Stardust standing next to each other. "I know that this is something you must do, but know that for every mission you go on, my worry only grows for you." Zecora sighed. "Into your thoughts, I will not dive. I merely ask you come back alive."

Stardust took a step forward. "You always worry about others before you... Just... put yourself first sometimes, alright, sir?" She pleaded.

Spike didn't say anything. He simply walked up to him and hugged his leg. He could feel it begin to grow damp with his tears. Naga brushed him gently with her nose. She could be surprisingly careful when needed.

Skystrike looked down. He's be lying if he said that their words didn't get to them. He took in a deep breath, then exhaled. "My actions need no justification, as it wouldn't change the irreparable damage I've done to you all." He began. "I know my actions may not be forgivable, but rather than dwelling on the many mistakes I made in the past... I want to make a better future for all of us. I want an ending that we can be happy with. I normally don't make promises, as I'm afraid I can't keep them, but I'll do this for you all." He said as he took a step back. He put a hoof over his chest. "You have my word that I will come back. And when I do, we have a lot to catch up on over the years I was gone." They all smiled back at him. "Now the night isn't over yet. We got until the train station parts us. Thirty minute walk." He offered.

They took that offer, Pinkie jumping on his back, her normally happy self. The group began walking towards the train station. He remembered it's been a while since the last time he did something like this. Spending time with friends. Put simply, he enjoyed it. Telling jokes, sharing laughs, just having a good time. He'd make sure to do this more when he got back.

Of course, there'd be no good times if they lasted forever. Their time eventually came to an end. Skystrike put his helmet back on as they approached the station. The conductor looked up from his seat. "Finally here." He coughed as he put the cigar in his mouth out. "We've already packed your train car. Got a lot of stuff in there for just a simple trip to Manehatten." He raised an eyebrow and pointed to the train car at the far end of the train.

Skystrike ignored that last statement from the stallion, deciding to turn to his friends instead. "Well, this is it. My time to go" He said. "I'm bad with goodbyes, and I'd rather not set any flags." He chuckled to himself.

"Don't worry about it. Just make sure you come back safe." Applejack smiled at him.

"Hey! Maybe we can have a party when you do!" Pinkie offered.

"Eeh, I'll think on it. Thanks though." Skystrike shrugged. "But you all take care of yourselves while I'm gone. I'm going straight to sleep one I get on the train." He said as he jumped to the top of the train car.

Twilight looked up, stunned. "...How-"

"Alright, Conductor, ready when you are!" He yelled to the conductor, who pulled the whistle on the train. It made it's well known sound before the wheels started to rotate and take him away from Ponyville. He turned to wave at his friends one more time before they were soon out of eyesight. He climbed down and into the train, changed out of his suit, and made a make-shift bed. He stared out the window at the night sky for a few minutes before falling asleep.

"We see you've finally came." He heard a voice in his dream from behind him.

Skystrike turned around to see Luna floating amongst a background of stars. "Alright... I guess you got some questions. Shoot."

Author's Note

I live! And I'm motivated! This one took so long since I also rewrote the first two chapters, and changed how I want the story to progress. Thanks for the patience. The next few chapters will get a bit dark, so be prepared. The red tags now have a reason to be there!

This chapter was fun, and very challenging. The lyrics were hard to come up with, since I was going with a certain theme. But I think it turned out great! to be honest, this chapter was done back in like, October. Yeah, the rewrites took THAT long. Don't worry. Unless life plans otherwise, chapters will come out faster!

Another thing that took me a while, I made most of my ocs in pony town, so you guys can put a picture behind their description. I plan on uploading their pictures in the authors notes in previous chapters and future chapters where they're introduced. These took a while too, getting the colors right. Give me some time to get some other ocs made and I'll post them soon!

Also, lore drop next chapter

Open Mind

After falling asleep on the train, Skystrike's consciousness awoke in his dreams, the princess of the night waiting for him. They stood across from each other in a sea of stars. "Alright... I guess you got some questions. Shoot."

Luna walked a bit closer. "Well, we wish to start by asking why you've been blocking our enterance into your nightmares, as well as how."

He sighed. "Hard ones already? Damn..." He chuckled before rolling his neck. "For the how, I just wall off my mind, if that makes sense." He looked to Luna, who shook her head. "Think of it like... when a pony has mind reading magic. You'd think of many things at once so they can't get to your true thoughts. You could also just not think. I do both. The parts of my mind you try to enter are just thoughts of nothing."

"...and why does thou block me from saving you from your nightmares?" She layed down and crossed her forehooves.

"That... you won't like the answer... I've done many things I'm not proud of. I let my nightmares happen to serve as a punishment... By my own morals, I don't think I'm worthy of being saved." Skystrike admitted.

Luna stayed silent for a moment. "I... understand how you feel. I think the same for when I was Nightmare Moon."

"That's the thing Luna, you think you do, but you can't. Nopony can. In your case, you fell to temptation. You put your hilt on the sword and drew it. In the end, you sheathed it." Skystrike looked down at his hoof and clenched it. "I did the same, but that sword it still drawn. Now, I'm just fighting the urge to stab." He shook his hoof. "But you want more concrete answers. You want to see my nightmares. But if you want that, I'll need you to do something for me."

Luna thought about what he said. She was at least willing to hear him out. "What is it you wish for?"

Skystrike sighed as he sat down and leaned forward. "When we first met, you were NIghtmare Moon. I did make a sort of promise that night. I said I'd be her friend. That still applies now. I bring this up, because I have a bit of a theory." He started. Luna's eyes widened a bit. "When you gave in to that power a millenia ago, it made an alter ego, that being Nightmare Moon. Meaning you two are seperate minds, sharing one body. While here, I ask that you two split. So you both can experience what I'm about to show you."

Luna stood up. "...Thou are frightening sometimes." She said as her eyes turned a blinding white light. Skystrike covered his eyes with a hoof, opening them moments later to see two ponies like he prediccted. Both Luna and Nightmare Moon stood infront of him.

Nightmare aproached him, looking down at him in a mix of fustration and confusion. "...Why did you release me? Do you realize she keeps me locked away for a reason!?"

Skystrike stood up and turned around. "If you really wanted to, you'd have done something already, if not try to sway Luna again. You won't admit it, but you enjoy the life she's living. At least some what. Well... there's more to it than that. Let me show you..." Skystrike made a grabbing motion in front of him with his hoof. A door was made out of nothingness steming from the door knob he was holding. With a twist, the door opened. He motioned the two in, who looked at each other.

Luna began to speak. "Normally... we'd say not to interfere with his dream, but I don't believe either of us have the power."

"...For once, we agree." Nightmare growled before the two entered, Skystrike following behind and closing the door. Once through, Luna and Nightmare saw nothing but void. An endless expanse of black. Nightmare turned to ask Skystrike, who was no longer behind them.

Luna snapped her head to her alter ego. "What did you do!?"

"I haven't done anything!" Nightmare defended herself. She was about to say something else before the two were interupted by the sound of screaming behind them. They looked to see a burning building, a filly being thrown out and landing next to some mare. They called out Skystrike's name before the building collapsed in on itself. The space around them warped, pulling them into the rubble. The debris around them disappeared, the only thing they were able to see was Skystrike, lying unconsious under the remaining visible debris. Skystrike, Luna, and Nightmare all heard a mocking laugh of a colt. The princesses looked around, but couldn't find the source of the sound.

"This is one of the most recent ones." Skystrike said from under the debris. "I was sixteen, and it was the day of the gala. I don't regret saving them, and I don't necessarily regret faking my death. The outcome I wanted was acheived." He admitted.

"...What dost thou mean?" Luna asked.

"Well, I lived through this. But I stayed 'dead' because I thought it was safer for those around me. This was the second to last attack that happened, to my knowledge, on my friends and family." Skystrike explained. "I've... mostly gotten over this one, but I guess this still isnt satisfactory for you, is it?" He looked up at Luna. She stayed silent. "Alright, further back it is."

The reality around them warped once again, Skystrike dissapearing while Luna and Nightmare stayed in place. Luna stood back up when they arived at the next scene. They stopped in a desert, feeling the heat of the scorching sun above them. The two looked around again, stopping when they saw something stand out.

It was Skystrike. Battered, bloodied, and bruised. One of his wings was limp, and he was dragging a hind leg. But what caught them off guard was is face. "He... He's crying..." Nightmare said as she walked towards him. She stuck a hoof out to touch him, only for it to pass through him like a ghost

Skystrike kept walking. They looked at his destination to see the changeling hive. The pegasus limped inside, disappearing from their sight. The scene changed once again, this time, Skystrike being in what they assumed to be the throne room. Countless changelings surrounded him, with one sitting on the throne. The princesses couldn't make out the faces of the changelings, or their queen, but they could hear what they were saying.

In the few interactions Luna had with changelings, she could tell they were cunning, ruthless, and always put eachother first. One of the hardest enemies to face. But the scene she was witnessing was far from what she knew them from. They were...divided. Some spoke in support of Skystrike, while others were speaking of him in distain, snarling and hissing at him as he approached the throne. The pegasus looked up at the throne. The figure on it spoke in a feminine voice. "...You left her to die..." She said through anger and sadness.

Skystrike tried to defend himself. "No... I... She told me to run... there was no way we could've won that fight..."

The figure stood up and blasted him with magic, sending him back a few feet. "DON'T GIVE ME THAT!" She said through tears. "You are a SOLDIER! You should've died with her if the battle was lost!"

"You know her better than I do... Khrusallis wouldn't have wanted that..."

Tears fell from her eyes, dropping onto her throne. "Don't you say her name, traitor!" She bared her fangs. "I should've never brought you here!" A few of the changelings tried to speak in Skystrike's defense. "QUIET!" The figure shouted. The hive obeyed. "Skystrike, mother has passed. As next of kin, I am now the queen of the changeling hive. And as queen, I hereby banish you from the hive." Some of the changelings cheered at this, but many growled. "Any who have any problem are welcome to join him in exile. Unless he plans to challenge me to the right of inheritance."

Skystrike thought about it for a moment... His eyes burned white with rage. Embers rose from the ground below him as the area around him grew hotter. "You... We lose our queen, your MOTHER, and you want to split this family apart MORE!? You think Khrusallis wanted this!? She'd want us to band closer together! And you're over here, feeding your lust for power!" His eyes were blinding at this point. Flames roared around his body, growing with his rage. "And you want to stand there, calling yourself a queen!? Tarnishing her title!?" His voice boomed, echoing through the walls of the hive. A few changelings even took a few steps back. Gritting his teeth, Skystrike shook his head, controling his emotions and dousing the flames around him. "No... I will not be in a hive like this... I'll leave by sundown..." He said before turning around and making his way back towards the entrance. Some of the changeling tried to talk him out of what he was doing, but they fell on deaf ears. He gathered the little he could and left, a small squad of changelings following behind him out of the hive.

Once he made it a good distance away, they abrubtly stopped, frozen in time. Luna and Nightmare flew to his side. Skystrike began speaking. "I was fourteen during this. Visiting the hive from time to time when I could. This was the last visit where I was welcomed..." He remorsed. "My mother, gone, my family, divided, and my sister hated me. I only left because it was for the best. I could've caused a civil war in the hive..."

Luna and Nightmare stood in front of him, the latter spoke first. "I think I understood what happened here..."

"The previous queen died... and It was my fault... We were ambushed... they new exactly how to counter both of us. She told me to run while she held them off... I should've stayed... she may have still been alive now..." He sighed.

"This is... much deeper an issue than I originally thought." Luna admitted.

"Well... there's one more I want you to see...." Skystrike said. "This one, you will get confused, so you'll have questions after. More than you already do, and I'll answer them all the best I can. I promise." One last time, reality warped around them. Again, Luna and Nightmare stayed where they were, while everything around them, including Skystrike disappeared.

When the world came to, they were seeing something no equestrian had seen before. They were in a room, each wall being a lab white. Luna and Nightmare were on the glass side of a one way window. In the middle of the room they were observing, a fight was going on. What confused and sickened them was the ones participating in the battle were all children. Well, they assumed they were children. They weren't ponies. They were- "Humans." Luna said to herself. When she returned to Equestria, she remembered her sister saying something about them, and how one appeared almost twenty years ago. Her description was spot on.

"12! 27! 29! 34!" The mares heard a voice emit from a speaker above them. "Put some effort into it! Remember! Your lives are on the line!"

Their eyes went wide in response to this. The children, also hearing this, began emitting magic of various types. Too much was going on for them to process. It was too much to take in. However, despite this, one of the children stood out. The one with dark skin and white hair was letting out magic at an astounding rate, the rest of the kids making an unspoken alliance to defend against him. Once the three were cornered, the dark skinned boy planted his feet and threw a large fireball at the others, turning them all into a large pile of ash.

"Well done 34! You'll be transported back to your cell shortly!" The voice said all too happy. 34 looked at where the other numbers once were, then down to his hands. Time stopped again, and their surroundings once again faded to black.

34 spoke in Skystrike's voice, signaling to Luna and Nightmare Moon that they were one in the same. "Here... I think this is where it started. When I started thinking... I knew once the last of my brothers and sisters were gone, that what I did was wrong. You didn't hear them, but the last thing one of them said was 'monster'... fitting, isn't it?" He gave a sad chuckle. Skystrike, still in the body of 34, waved his hand, changing the space back into a sea of stars. His body also changed, growing into an adult male. He stood taller than Nightmare Moon, her eyes meeting his chest. His muscular body out for the world to see, save for a cloak covering his body from waist to shins. His hair, not being cut in years, fell over his shoulders and onto his back.

Skystrike sat down. "Well, you can ask your questions now."

Luna asked first. "You... you aren't a pony, or a changeling... who... what are you?"

"I'm a human. The name I go by now is Skystrike Nebula. What I used to be called was 34." Skystrike put out a hand and rolled his wrist.

"Didn't Celestia say something about a human when we came back?" Nightmare turned to Luna, who nodded.

"Not surprised." Skystrike interupted. "When I first got here, didn't make a good first impression. Had to escape the capital and fight your sister. I'm guessing she's still looking for me."

"And you've been under her nose all these years... impressive." Nightmare grinned. "Now, a question of my own. How are you related to the changelings? And what happened to those that followed you?"

"I was taken in by the previous queen after my escape from Canterlot. The one you saw take the throne, was the one who pushed to let me in the hive in the first place. As for the changelings that followed, I did my best to find them homes elsewhere, in various cities in Equestria... I... cut contact when I faked my death." He sighed.

"Are you still in contact with any of the changelings?" Luna asked, sitting down. "And you were only a colt during that memory... what was your purpose when you lived along ponies?"

"Very few. I have a couple spies in the hive, just to make sure I'm up to date. For the second question, that's... a bit more personal, but since we're this far in, might as let it all out." Skystrike looked into Luna's eyes. "I made a promise to the late queen, Khrusallis. She wanted a future where ponies and changelings could live together. In her mind, I was someone perfect to make that dream a reality. I lived as a spy of sorts. I've lived both as a pony and changeling, so I was in charge of facilitating relations between the two races." He paused before continuing. "...Her dream would've been a reality if not for my banishment."

"...I'd like to ask you more questions about this with my sister present-" Luna began before being cut off.

"I refuse." Skystrike stated before elaborating. "It was her royal guards who attacked me and the late queen. Ask now or hold your silence. I will tell her on my own terms." He said this, more as a demand. Luna took the hint, knowing there wouldn't be a way to talk him out of this.

"My turn... Skystrike, what do you plan to do about her? Celestia I mean..." Nightmare began to grin.

"I will deal with her when the time comes. While I have lived alongside her as a pony and nephew, and while I have grown to appreciate her, I cannot forgive her for what she's done. The memory, I will show you at another time. For now, we will continue as we were. She doesn't need to know who I am."

"Then why did you tell us?" Luna furrowed her brow.

"Well... when we faught each other when Nightmare was in control... I was thinking about that. I realized that in some capacity, you both can relate to me. Trying to grow from a past we regret." He let out a sigh. "I wont ask what you went through those centuries ago. I just ask that you keep quiet about this for now."

Luna nodded. "I cannot promise I won't speak of this, but I will try to respect your wishes... Back at the gala... we heard the laughing of a colt that wasn't your voice... Do you know who it was?"

Skystrike thought back on it. His eyes flickered white. "Yes..." He seethed. "We grew up together in that orphanage. Some of those ponies were his brothers and sisters... not biologically, but you know what I mean. And he hurt them to get to me... I... he deserves what I will do to him."

"What's his name?" Luna asked.

"What do you plan to do to him?" Nightmare asked. Fitting.

"I'm keeping that to myself, it's part of the plan. He was a prime suspect for the fire, but there was never evidence to prove it was him. If you really want to know who he is, that should tell you all you need to find out." Skystrike stood up. "...as for what I plan to do... I will break his stolen pride, and make him admit to his crime... If he doesnt... then... well..." He clenched his fist. "It is not my place to judge and punish him. I will not do the makers will. I will, however, be the one to send him to them."

Nightmare hummed. "Hmm... I'd love to see it..."

Luna put a hoof on his hand. "We do not fully understand your pain, but we are no stranger to betrayal... your revenge... it's self serving, as all vengance is... it will not bring you any peace."

Skystrike kneeled down to be eye height with the princess of the night. "Luna... I'm sure you're right, and part of me wants to listen, but this is something I can't let go... He hurt others to get to me... that is unforgivable. It may not bring me peace, but in that moment... his pain will bring me pleasure."

She stayed quiet at that. Nightmare looked at him and gave a wide grin. "We are alike... makes me think on why you declined my offer those months ago."

He stood up and walked over to Nightmare, stopping in front of the alicorn. "Listen well, Nightmare Moon..." He leaned forward to look inter her eyes. "I will not act like I know your situation, because I don't. But at the very least, I know that we each had different reasons for our actions. Do not confuse my wrath with jealousy, nor my kindness for mercy." Skystrike rolled his neck and crossed his arms. "I offered to be your friend, because of my morals, and that we should have the chance to be somebody better than we once were. You've been given that chance, and I don't want you to waste it."

Nightmare moon growled at this, baring her fangs. "Shut your mouth, human! I don't need your pity! Do not act like you know who I am!"

"I wont, because that wouldn't be fair to you. It's wrong to judge ones character off of one interaction. Thus, I will allow your future actions to show who you are." Skystrike turned around. "First, get on better terms with Luna, then we'll figure out where to go from there. Getting back on track..." Skystrike looked to Luna. "Any more questions?"

Luna shook her head. "Uh... just a few more..." She stood up. "At the fire, you said that it was one of the more recent ones. What do you mean?"

Skystrike looked at her, then looked up into the void of a sky. "...There was another incident. Where my mercenary group 'All' got attacked. We were betrayed by a client. Things went south, quickly, and well... my friends almost died, and... I'll just show you next time... I've shared enough today. When I want to talk about it, you'll know."

Luna stood up. "We understand. We just have one last question... more a request..." She put a hoof on his chest. "We believe the reason you are telling us is because of the coming mission you've accepted. We are able to enter ones dreams, and feel the dreamers emotions after all." She looked Skystrike in the eyes, who avoided eye contact. "Make sure that thou comes back alive."

Skystrike nodded. "I plan to." He gave a faint smile.

Luna gave one of her own. "Nightmare, it's time for us to depart." Nightmare side eyed Skystrike before walking to the princess, who waved a hand at her. She turned her head up at that. She'd come around eventually. Luna's eyes flashed a blinding light once again, their surroundings turning white. Skystrike covered his eyes again.

When he openned his eyes, he was awake. "Well that was fucking weird." He said to himself.

"Your brain signaled hightenned activity last night. I assume that Luna visited your dreams?" Echo spoke.

"Yeah, we talked a bit about my past. I need to face it sooner or later." Skystrike admitted.

Be careful who you share information too. We are not certain who we can trust. Echo warned.

"I know, I know... but I have to take the risk for now. If things work out, then I'll gain a great ally."

"And if it fails?"

Skystrike stayed silent for a moment before responding. "Then my original plan remains the same."

"Noted." Echo said in monotone. "We will arrive at the Vanhoover train station in thirty minutes. I suggest getting ready."

Skystrike hummed in agreement as he stood up. He looked around the train car, making sure everything was packed securely. Food rations, blankets, clothes, flasks of various potions, and some extra stuff that would come in later. He'd already rented a large wagon for transportation of his materials and the hostages. He hoped that they could hold out a bit longer.

The train whistled when he arrived, signalling it was his time to get off. He stretched once the train stopped and started moving his luggage out of his train car, getting on his hind legs and picking up a barrel under each of his arms, placing them on the train platform. On his second trip out, placing down a crate of blankets, Skystrike noticed a few ponies staring at him and muttering between themselves. He ignored them a bit, going back in his train car to grab another crate, being careful with this one due to the fragile contents inside. Each time he came back out the car, the crowd ponies eyeing him grew bigger.

It wasn't new to him, but it has been a while since his last mission. This was the norm for him. He assumed that one part of the stares was how massive he was for a pony, being about double the size he should be for a stallion. His heavy armor, making him look bigger added to it. He knew that a part of the stares was the name he made for himself.

A stallion walked up to him. "Uh... excuse me..." He said nervously.

Skystrike turned to look at him. "Hey, how can I help you?"

The stallion took a moment to form his words. "Well... We just want to know what's going to happen. Since you're here, well... you know..." Despite being known as 'Atlas Nebula' by the public, and being known for his combat ability and mission success rate, he was also known as the pony you call when you have no other options. Basically, shit was about to get real.

"Don't worry. I'm just in Vanhoover to take a quick pit stop. The train doesnt go to where I need, so I have to walk from here." Skystrike assured the stallion. "Actually, if you can point me in the right direction to get to the Great Luna Bay, that'd be great."

The stallion nodded. "Just follow main street and go north." He said as he pointed.

"Thanks." Skystrike said as he sat down next to his stuff. Now, he had to wait for the wagon he rented. Somepony would deliver it to him. He looked at the rising sun. About eight in the morning. They should be coming soon. Once the stallion went back into the crowd, some of them left to continue with their days. Others still stayed. He paid them no mind. After some time, a group of three ponies aproached him.

Once the mare leading them introduced herself as the owner of the wagon rental company, the two stallions behind her began moving Skystrike's items onto the wagon. After telling them to be careful, and finalizing the contract, specifying the cost per day, Skystrike hitched himself to the wagon and started pulling, making his way down the road. The stallion said head north on main street. After a few minutes of walking, he realized how heavy the wagon was. It was big enough to fit about eight ponies, as well as all his luggage on the underside. It'd be even heavier carrying more ponies on his way back.

He sighed, thinking about what he was going to have to deal with, but shook the worry away with a head shake. As he walked north on the city road, the road slowly turned to gravel as he got closer to the edge of the city. Once there, he grabbed his lunchbox and began to eat while he walked. Taking a sniff of his sandwich and about to bite into it, he was inturupted by somepony.

"Hey! Excuse me!" The voice said alongside the sounds of clopping hooves. Nothing out of the ordinary, but what caught him off guard was the voice itself. It sounded... familiar. But at the same time, not. Like when he first met up with his childhood friends in Ponyville. He could recognize the voice, it just sounded older. More mature. He held his breath as he turned around.

A unicorn mare. A few years younger than him by the looks. She had a light lavender coat, and a straight mane and tail of peach, purple, and pink. Her magenta eyes met the blue ones from his helmet. For clothing, she wore the the same armor that a royal guard wore, save for it being silver in color, and the lack of a helmet. He ignored the rest of her equipment for now, focusing on the mare. 'Astral...' he thought to himself. It was Astral Night. His younger sister of about two years. Last he saw her was when he faked his death. It's been eight years since he saw her.

Skystrike was feeling a lot of things. Most of what he was feeling was varying forms of happiness. Astral looked like she was doing well. She grew up well, and took care of herself. Most of all, he was glad to see her again. Of course, he was also feeling not so good things. The pain of missing out. The regret of leaving. The remorse of the pain he made her go through. But what hurt him most is that he couldn't reveal himself.

Sure he revealed his identity to his friends in Canterlot, but that's different. Minuette, Twinkle Shine, and Lemon Hearts might tell ponies, but nopony would really believe them. Astral Night would definitely tell somepony, and they would believe her. But that was the least of his worries. He's caused too much pain to her and the others at the orphanadge. Coming back now wouldn't ease their pain, only increase it.

Skystrike finished thinking to himself before responding to her, keeping calm to not give himself away. "Good morning. How can I help you?"

She stopped in front of him, catching her breath. "I'm... Astral Night. Nice to meet you!" She said between breaths, putting out her hoof. "Glad I caught you before you left."

Skystrike shook her hoof. "Atlas Nebula, but you probably new that." He greeted her. "So, what do you need?"

"Well, I just got here from Canterlot by train. I was asking around, and it turns out we both have to go to Great Luna bay! Was hoping we could travel together. It'd make the trip safer and much quicker."

Skystrike blinked. He needed to make sure. "...Exactly what business do you have to do up there?"

"A pony there sent a request for help. A few ponies went missing in a village starting up, scary stuff... I saw their notice and took the job." She explained.

Skystrike's heart fell into his stomach. He could just tell, she had no idea what she was getting into. He looked at Astral's gear. Standard armor, a short sword, some throwing daggers, and a large backpack of what he assumed essentials. She was prepared for what she assumed she needed to prepare for, not what she actually needed to prepare for. "I see... You know, I didn't think a young mare like yourself would take a job like this one."

She puffed out her chest. "Well... I'm a lot stronger than I look." She smiled before it fell a bit. "And... there's another reason that's a bit more personal... I had a brother who'd help out ponies when he could. Figured this was my chance to do the same."

Skystrike smiled a bit at that. Then sighed. Just from that, he knew he wouldn't be able to talk Astral out of going. "Fair enough. Going to the same place anyway. Hop inside, it's a three day trip, but I plan on doing it in two."

Astral smiled at him. "Thanks!" She hopped in his wagon before Skystrike started walking while eating. "Wow, you got a lot of stuff in here..." Astral looked around. "Seems like you bought a lot more stuff than you'd need to find missing ponies... what do you need these spears for?"

Skystrike finished chewing the bite of his sandwich he took. "I'm not sure how much research on the area you did, but there could be some dangerous things up there. I'd rather be over prepared."

"What do you mean? What should I know?"

Skystrike cleared his throat before speaking. "Knowledge is power, Astral. We have the chance to know what's going to happen before we get there. What you should know is that this isn't a simple missing pony case. Don't quote me on this, but there is a very high chance that this is a hostage situation. Something took those ponies hostage."

"Oh..." She said. "Shit..."

"Yeah, and sadly, it gets worse." Skystrike continued. "They put up a notice, which is how they got you to go up there. Different from my case. A pony from that settlement went to day court to tell Celestia privately, then she came to me. Preparing for the worst, that means the one who made the notice and the one who went to the princess are two different ponies. One of us is being set up."

"That's... very concerning if you're right. But at the same time, those are just hypotheticals, right?" Astral poked her head out the front of the wagon.

"Well, yes, it is a hypothetical, but I'll be proven right or wrong when we get there. Whoever is in charge there will only be expecting you. Not me as well." Skystrike explained as he pulled the wagon. he rolled his neck then looked back at Astral. "I'll think of a plan for either scenarios. For now, save your strength. I ask that you keep watch tonight."

Astral nodded. "I can do that no problem... though if I can ask you something, you're being pretty considerate of me. Don't get me wrong, I apreciate it, but the last groups I went with were nowhere near as nice. I guess I'm just... asking why?"

Skystrike looked down at the ground, then straight ahead. "Well... two reasons really. When you work a job like mine, and as long as I have... when you take away the lives of many, deserving or not, you realize how much life is worth living... how lucky you are to be able to breathe the next day. We have the gift of life. No telling if we'll make it back this time. You still have the chance to turn around right now."

Astral sat down, looking at the scenery around her. "...Admittedly, I didn't think of it like that. My brother... he was a big role model for me. Put others first before himself. Some of his last words to me was to help those that need it. I... I want to honor his memory, so I took this job. He'd do it." She said the last part with a waver is her voice. Little did she know.... "I also want to help my younger siblings. I took over some of what he did when he passed. Times are a bit hard right now, and I need the money... What was your second reason?"

"...Really noble of you... My second reason, well... I made a promise. Seeveral actually..." Skystrike looked back at Astral. "I promised two ponies as a colt that I'd use my power to help others. To protect others. And I promised myself that I would help others, like I wish I was helped when I was at my lowest."

"And you say I'm noble." She giggled. "...you remind me of him, my brother I mean. You're much different from the rumors that ponies say, you know."

"Ah... well, I'm honored... I wont ask about him, I know the pain of loss too well. And what's this about rumors?" He raised an eyebrow from under his helmet.

"Well, ponies say you're an asshole, to be honest. The few ponies you did missions with said you were controlling. Then the ones you denied working with obviously think the same." Astral leaned back in her seat. "Speaking with you now, I can see it was somewhat out of worry. Then, there are the rumors saying you're some blood thirsty killer, and a battle maniac, but those aren't as popular."

"You're mostly right on the first half. I get that I come off as an ass sometimes. Well, probably most times. The killer part is definitly warranted. There were times where I have had to kill, and ponies knew it was me, they just couldn't prove it, so I got away with few charges. I may be entirely wrong about this, but many ponies just don't understand that some beings have to die if others want to live. I do my best to make sure I only kill those deserving."

Her ears perked up at that. "...and what would make one deserving of death?"

"Well, I think my way of thinking is fair. When somepony does something wrong, most times, punishing them is rarely a deterent. In fact, most times, it just alerts them to be sneakier about it. So, if you're understanding me so far, and this is where many would disagree, instead of punishing them, you have to make them experience what they did wrong. This way, they know the pain they put somepony else through, and would most likely not do it again. Personally, just from what I've experienced, even that isnt enough. Sometimes I have to go farther...."

Astral thought about that to herself for a few minutes. "That... makes logical sense, but I'm not entirely sure I agree with all of it. So basically an eye for an eye?"

"More or less. Obviously, it changes from situation to situation, but that sums it up. As an example, I was given a bounty to hunt a bandit. He started out as a thief, then it turned to torture. Then... he was about to kill a stallion before I caught him. In that moment, no punishment would've made him stop, so I decided to kill him, so the bandit couldn't harm any others. I didn't want to take the chance on 'he might learn better'."

"Fair enough. I say that, but I haven't had to... take the life of another yet."

"Hope you never have to." Skystrike finished as he kept walking.

Sunrise quickly turned to sunset as Skystrike and Astral traveled north. His body was a bit tired from pulling his stuff all this way, so he was currently looking for a place to rest. The grassy plains grew colder as they ventured further nortth, Skystrike even seeing a snow storm further ahead.

Astral saw the same. "We should set up camp now. No telling if the storm will come to us. "

Skystrike nodded and slowed to a stop. "Was just thinking that. There's a crate in there marked 'camp'. Can you bring that out for me?"

Astral nodded. She looked around and found the labeled crate. She used her magic to try and pick it up, only being able to get it a few inches off the ground before releasing it, landing with a thump that shoot the whole wagon. "Jeez... what's all in here!?"

"Uh..." Skystrike picked his memory. "Pots and pans, silverware, some firewood, a perimeter alarm. You know, the basics. Need help?" Skystrike took himself out of the harness he had on.

"No... I got it... and what about a perimeter alarm?" The asked before holding her breath and flaring her magic, forcing the box out the wagon and onto the grass with a huff.

"The perimeter alarm is exactly how it sounds. I set the perimeter, and it makes a noise when anything crosses from the outside. Grab it for me. It looks like a grey rod." He gave a description as he stretched a bit. Astral found it, using her magic to float the rod over. Skystrike took it out of the air, stabbed it into the ground, and made a twisting motion. As he twisted, a thin white spherical barrier passed through him, Astral, and the wagon, stopping it once it was about ten meters in diameter. After that, he walked over to the box, stood on his hind legs, and picked up the crate to move it towards the center of their camp.

"...How did you get that strong?" Astral asked, walking beside him. "And why do you stand like that? It looks uncomfortable."

"For your first question, proper consistent training of the body and mind, as well as constant life or death situations. For your second, with how my armor was made, It's much easier to stand like this for long periods of time, so not too uncomfortable. As to the why, It keeps my front hooves free, and I don't have to carry a weapon in just one hoof, or in my mouth. With how many ponies fight anyway, they get on their hind legs. Mostly though, it's because I built my fighting style around it as a dual swordsman." Skystrike put down the crate. "Actually, I'll give you a quick demonstration. It's easier to show it rather than explain."

"I-... I'm not sparing with you... I don't wanna die." Astral shrunk down a little.

"Oh, no, I wouldn't ask you to do that." He walked to the wagon and got his swords. He got a good grip on them as he walked back to the mare. "So, these blades are custom made. Take a look at one." He put a hoof out, offering her a blade.

Astral took it, taking it out of the scabbard and looking at the blade. She could tell that it kept an edge well, but there were a few things that stuck out to her. "What's with the massive hole near the tip? Seems like a bad idea. And the hilt that looks like a dragon?"

"The hole, normally you'd be right, it would be a structural weakness for normal blades. These two swords were made specifically to have magic gemstones where the holes are, to increase the strength of the blades and give them magical effects. I just don't have the gemstones, so they've stayed empty." He explained, taking the scabbard off the sword in his hooves and giving it a few practice swings, it making a whistling sound. "It also makes a certain noise. If you swing the blade straight and hard, it makes a loud whistling sound, telling you that you swung right, and your foes get intimidated too sometimes."

"And the hilts?"

"The hilts are the heads of dragons because I see dragons as the embodiment of strength. It is in the nature of a dragon to be strong. And I need my blades to be strong enough to rely on. Symbolism basically. Now, let me show you what I meant earlier."

Skystrike, still on his hind hooves twisted his body to stretch a bit before twirling his sword and getting into a low stance. "So, my fighting style, as a pegasus and especially a swordsman, focuses on speed. To generate the maximum force I can, I use all of my upper body, and when I make contact, I transfer the force to my upper body, since as a stallion, my center of mass is in my chest." He flapped his wings, just enough where he was flying a few inches off the ground. "With my style, I fly towards foes..." He flew a few feet forward. "As I approach, I begin my swing. It differs depending on what direction I'm flying. In this case, I'm flying forward, so I do a horizontal, overhead, or underhoof swing. Let's go with a horizontal for now." He made a slow swing from side to side, then stopped mid swing. "The moment my sword should make contact, I plant my back hooves into the ground, so I can transfer all the force my sword takes through my body." He did so and finished the rest of his sword swing. "Now, here's what it looks like when put into motion..." He combined his explaination into one, fluid motion, flying forward, planting his hooves and swinging his sword in less than a second. His sword howled as it cut through the air.

"I think I get it." Astral grabbed the sword in her hooves, nearly dropping it at the weight. "Sheesh... you make it look easy... and that sound is intimidating." She gave a small laugh.

"I'd say learn some swordsmanship if you havent already." He put his sword back in his scabbard before walking to the crate he put down earlier. "I say that since you know... most unicorns focus too much on magic, and not so much on their body."

"Yeah, I get it. I will admit im not in the shape I wish to be, and while I don't know how to use a sword, I do know how to use knives pretty well." She turned to her side, showing the dagger on her side and the throwing knives in a harness around her back leg.

"...You know, I never did ask how you fight." Skystrike pulled out some cocking supplies from the crate and started a small fire.

"So... I guess by definition I'm a spell sword? I mostly use magic attacks, but my knives have special effects enchanted to them. Some channel my magic into what they stick to, some dispel magic, and some cast a spell when thrown. All of them can only be used a few times before I have to recharge their magic."

"And what type of magic can you use?" He began heating a pot

Astral walked towards Skystrike to give back his sword. "I specialize in alteration and enchanting. My weapons and armor were all enchanted by yours truly!" She boasted a bit.

"Is that so? Very impressive. I've tried making my own enchantments, so I know it's hard. And for alteration, any specific spells you know? Could come in handy later." Skystrike grabbed a large container of soup and poured it in the pot to heat it up.

"Um..." Astral thought for a moment. "Well, alteration spells rarely are meant to harm. It's more meant to be a supportive type of magic. Notable ones I can cast Candlelight, Strengthening, Swift, Detect Life, and Paralyze."

"Those can definitely come in handy. I'll make a mental note of that. I'll ask you to go into more detail tomorrow." Skystrike got two wooden bowls and poured soup into each of them. "For now, eat. We leave at sunrise. I plan on making it to our destination by noon."

She took the bowl and looked at it. "Oh, Fennel Carrot Soup! I love this..." She put a spoonful in her mouth and hummed. "...Reminds me of home a bit... You know, I told you a bit about my past, but I know nothing about yours. It's only fair."

Skystrike stopped mid bite. "...My past is not a happy one. It's full of wrath, abandonment, betrayal, and regret. If you want the short version, I ran from one life, found a new one, was betrayed by my sister, found a new one again, then was forced away from that one. I'd rather not talk about it..." Skystrike said.

Astral could tell from the scratch marks on his bowl from the metal claws that it was best to not bring the subject up. "Okay... I'll leave you be then..." She said awkwardly.

The two continued their meal in silence. Once done, Skystrike got up, and put his bowl next to the now empty cooking pot. "Are you still hungry?" Skystrike asked. Astral shook her head an response. "Alright. Leave the bowl and utensils next to the pot. I'll make something quick in the morning. We'll start moving a bit after your shift is over. I hope you don't mind sleeping in the wagon."

Astral shook her head. "I'll be fine. Will you be? That's only like six hours of sleep."

Skystrike nodded. "I need to get it now while I can. Things will get crazy when we get there." With that, he climbed inside the wagon and sat down, leaning his back on the wall and closing his eyes. After a few minutes, He fell asleep.

He awoke to the sound of light beeping. Openning his eyes, he saw that Echo set an alarm for him to about one in the morning. Looking through the overlay of his helmet, there was nothing out of the ordinary, besides the temperature dropping lower than it should've. He walked out to see Astral huddled under a light blanket, reading a book.

She looked back at him, yawning. "That time?" She stood up and made her way towards the wagon, but pausing next to Skystike. "Also... I want to say sorry about earlier, Nebula."

"Don't worry about it. Get some rest. I'll wake you when we get there." Skystrike walked by her and began cleaning up camp. Astral looked back at him before climbing in the wagon and going to sleep. He made himself and Astral a couple of sandwiches before finishing the cleaning and putting everything back in the crate. He moved the crate back into the wagon, then sat down to eat his sandwiches. Once finished, he did his daily excersizes, then hitched himself back to the wagon, and began walking again.

He checked the time in his overlay, nearly 2 a.m. He looked ahead, seeing that the storm from yesterday moved closer towards him. He estimated it was about two hours away, but couldn't estimate how thick the snow storm was. He kept a constant pace, saving his energy for the road ahead. Skystrike felt the air biting at him as it got colder, speeding up in response. The sooner he was out of the cold, the better.

As his trot turned into a gallop, he thought on why the weather was like this. No way that any pagasi would bring this many clouds out here for this long. There was also no way they just had this many clouds transported to their start up village. He'd need to find the source of the storm once he arrived. Thankfully, it only took about ninety minutes to get through the storm. He slowed down to a walk to catch his breath. Skystrike shook some snow of himself and out of the nooks and crannies of his armor. Cracking his neck, he sped up back to a trot.

Finally, after a few hours more of travel, they arrived. It was a small village, as expected. About a dozen log cabins of of various sizes. What was odd to him was that despite it being noon, and it being a bright, cool day, there were no ponies around. Taking a closer look at the houses, the curtains on the windows were closed, and the lights were off. He'd need to figure exactly what was going on here.

He parked the wagon to the side of the dirt path and went to wake Astral up, who was sprawled out on the floor, back on the ground. Some of her limbs stuck out from under the blanket. She was always a messy sleeper. Skystrike nudged her awake with a hoof. "Snrk... huh? What?" She pushed herself up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "We... we're there already?"

"I said I'd do it in two days." Skystrike helped her up. "I need you here. They're expecting you, not me. Plus, you look much more approachable than me."

She nodded and the two climbed out, Skystrike leading the way. After making a few turns, they stopped infront of a two story cabin with a large set of double doors. Skystrike put a hoof out to signal Astral to stop, then a hoof up to his helmet to be quiet. He noticed earlier that dozens of sets of hoof steps came from the other cabins and lead to this one and stopped. "Cast a detect life spell and tell me what you see." He whispered.

She closed her eyes, focusing magic and casting the spell. When Astral opened her eyes, they were a bright red. From her view, red auras were surrounded every living being, making a silhouette. She looked at Skystrike to make sure she casted it correctly, then inside the building. "There's a large mass of life in there. They're all huddled together, so I cant exactly tell what is in there.... or how many..."

Skystrike nodded. His best course of action as of now would be to sneak inside, and to be certain of who was in there. "I'll find a way inside. If it sounds like anything bad happens while I'm inside, break down the door." Astral nodded. Skystrike flew onto the roof and landed next to a skylight at the back of the cabin, pointing towards the forest. He found it odd that it was already unlocked, and rather large...

He ignored it for now, opening the skylight and climbing in. Being careful to watch his step, trying to make as little noise as possible, he opened the attic door and climbed down a ladder leading to the second floor. A long hallway beckoned him to go down it. He did so, being the only way for him to go. The stallion was about to round a corner leading to the indoor balcony, but stopped to hug the wall. He peeked the corner to see a few dozen ponies of various types and ages, huddled together, as it to protect one another. Some even had weapons.

Now the harder part. He went back behind the corner and back outside the cabin. If they really were defending themselves from dragons, his face... well helmet, probably wasn't the best for them to see under high stress. He made his way back outside and landed next to Astral. "Knock on the door, introduce yourself. Some of them have weapons, so back up a bit when they open the door."

Astral nodded and did so, knocking on the door. "Um... Hello? My name is Astral Night, I'm here for your request to look for some missing ponies? Is anypony there?"

Astral and Skystrike heard the sounds of hoof steps approaching the door, it creaking open slowly. A spear came out first, then a navy unicorn stallion with a black and white stripped mane and tail. The two were already far enough back where the spear couldn't reach. "...There's two of you... I only paid for one pony."

"You only need to pay for one. I'm here for my own reasons." Skystrike stepped forward. "I assume you're the village head here?"

The stallion pointed his spear at Skystrike's neck. "Who sent you here!?"

Skystrike furrowed his brow. "That information that I'm not willing to give out, especially to somepony who's pointing their weapon at me."

Astral stopped the situation from escalating any more, pushing the spear down with a hoof. "Lets calm down... Nebula is here with me. We met by chance on our way here. I promise he wont get in the way of my investigation."

The stallion looked at her, then glared at Skystrike. "Very well... I am Magelight. Now get inside, and quickly." He opened the door, signaling the two in. They followed, Magelight closing the door behind them. The three turned around to see the rest of the ponies inside.

"Jeez... do you have the whole village in here?" Astral asked rhetorically.

"Yes." Magelight answered. "Alright, everyone! All clear! They're ponies!" Magelight called out the the ponies inside. They could hear the wave of relief that washed over the residents. The residents left in groups to go back to their homes.

"What happened here? Why was everypony huddled together here?" Astral asked.

Magelight looked back to Astral and Skystrike. "I'll tell Astral... Nebula, I ask you to leave."

"Makes sense. I'll see you two later." Skystrike turned to leave before whispering something in Astral's ear. "Something is off about that stallion. Play it safe." He said, walking past and closing the door behind him. A few ponies were walking about and talking between eachother. He jumped up into the air and began flying. It'd be best to survey the area first. Seventeen houses in total. The head's house was closest to the forest. There were few trees within the confines of the village. Nothing really notable about the place. One thing he did notice was a pony waving him down. As Skystrike approached, the pony ducked behind a house, furthest from the head's.

Landing on the ground, Skystrike saw a vanilla colored hoof wave him in. "Quick, before anypony else sees!" A mare's voice said. Skystrike went inside and closed the door. The vanilla colored pony lit a lantern, lighting up the room and the six ponies inside. "Thank Celestia you're here... well literally!" She gave a nervous laugh.

Skystrike looked at the ponies around the room, then at her. "I assume you're the one that went to tell Celestia?"

"Yes! I have to say, when I asked for help, I didn't expect them to send you! This makes things so much better!" She hugged him, then let go of him. "Sorry... just-... you have no idea how happy we are for you to be here..."

"I'm flattered. So, who are you all? And why are we being so secretive?" Skystrike sat down, waiting for an answer.

"Sorry about that, we should introduce ourselves. I'm Opal!" The vanilla unicorn with an aqua and celeste mane and tail spoke.

The earth pony stallion next to her spoke next, who had a charcoal coat with a silver mane and tail, the tips of his hair ending in the colors of the rainbow. "Bismuth." He gave a nod.

Another earth pony stallion with an orange coat and white mane and tail spoke next. "I'm Emerald Green, but just call me Emerald.

A pegasus mare with a grey coat and silver mane and tail put up a hoof. "Hey, I'm Silverspeed."

A unicorn mare waved at Skystrike. "I'm Spelunk." She greeted. Spelunk had a brown coat and a deep grey mane and tail.

Lastly, a pegasus stallion jittered when it was his turn. He was clearly anxious. "I'm... I'm Stormfeather..." He said weakly. He had a bluish gray coat with a light yellow mane and tail.

Skystrike wanted to ask if he was ok, but was cut of by Opal answering his second question. "And we're the ones who hired you! Well... I say hired, but you I went to the princesses with a request for help. She said she'd find somepony, and that we didn't need to pay."

Skystrike nodded. "And that pony is me it seems. And no, I won't ask you to pay. I assume there's a reason that you and Magelight hired separate ponies?"

The mood fell a bit. Bismuth scoffed. "He was the one trying to stop us from asking for help ourselves... Something's off about that stallion."

Skystrike leaned forward. "Elaborate."

Bismuth straightened himself and nodded. "We wanted to call for help when the first pony went missing, my sister Agate disappeared from the mine almost two weeks ago. I saw... something take her... I ran after it, but it outran me..." He dug his hooves into the ground. "He wouldn't believe me... saying she just got lost. Nopony believed until the next ones disappeared."

Silverspeed spoke next. "My sister, Goldwork was next. Same way as Agate. Just... disappeared in the mines. She was part of the search party that went looking for Agate, but she got split up from the group." She looked down. "That was when Opal went to the princesses..."

"It worked... you're here. When I came back, I was told that mining operations would be on hold until somepony came to investigate what happened to the missing ponies. But while I was gone... two more ponies disappeared. Emerald and Spelunk's sisters."

Spelunk sniffed, thinking back to the day her sister disappeared. "Quarry and Ruby, both on the same day. Just went into the forest to have a picnic... We know something took them, but Magelight denies it... We heard their screams echoing through the trees." Her tears fell on the floor. Silverspeed moved to hug her.

Opal sighed and continued. "The night after I returned, my sister, Jasper, went to the mine to see what happened in the middle of the night... She didn't come back. That was three days ago. Then..." Opal looked to Stormfeather. "His sister was the most recent one..."

"...When was this?" Skystrike asked.

"Yesterday night..." Stormfeather answered. "We... we were flying above the forest, moving the clouds away, and... something... something... big took her... Just swooped in from under the clouds and took her. The storm was too thick to follow it, but it went toward the mine."

"I'm... sorry I didn't come sooner..." Skystrike lowered his head. "You have my word that I will do everything in my power to get your sisters back and protect this village. I know you all asked for me... but I do need your help with a few things for this investigation."

Bismuth sat up from the wall he was leaning on. "Ask."

"First, somepony needs to check the food stores. I want to know if there's anything off about the count. Second, ask around town, figure out who heard from who that Goldwork got split up from the group. Third, there has to be some night owls in this village. Ask them if they saw anything, especially the night Jasper disappeared. Fourth, I need a descriptive list of this village's residents. Name, race, colors, magic color, and cutie mark. Lastly, I need a map of the mines, where Agate and Goldwork disappeared in the mines, and any other known entrances." He listed off, writing down a note of what he spoke of and handed it to Opal standing next to him

She looked at it. "This is... a lot, but doable. when do you need these by?"

"That is a lot to ask for. Can you at least tell us why?" Spelunk asked him.

"I need the map in a few hours. Everything else, by tomorrow. I don't want to make any accusations, but once I get that info, I will tell you if my thoughts are right or not. So far... no, best if I don't say more for now. I promise I'll tell once everything's known. I still have to talk to Astral though. If all goes according to plan, I'll have your sisters back in two days."

Stormfeather looked at him. "T-... Two days? Are you serious?"

Skystrike nodded. "I plan on going into the cave and finding them, hence the map. Once they're back, they will more than likely need medical attention. In the worst case scenario, I'll take them back to Vanhoover." Skystrike stood up. "Now, Emerald, Bismuth, I need your help with getting something out of my wagon."

They both nodded. Bismuth looked back at the rest of the ponies staying inside. "We'll be back. You guys all get started on what Nebula asked for." The three stallions then left the house. After a short walk back to Skystrike's wagon, Bismuth spoke again. "So, what do you need us to move?"

Skystrike pushed a large box to the edge of the wagon. "Oh, nothing I need you guys to move, necessarily, but I have some... rather high grade weaponry that I need to teach somepony to use correctly while I'm gone."

Stormfeather nodded. "A-Alright... but why do you need such weapons? And why do you need to show us? Won't you be here?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Once I show you guys how to use these, I'm going to stake out the cave from dusk to dawn, as well as look for any traces of the kidnappers. I'm showing you how to use these since you guys and Astral will be protecting the village in the off chance attackers come while I'm away. Don't worry, I'll also give you flares just in case. These are a last resort."

The two nodded in understanding. Skystrike climbed down from inside the wagon, moving the box to the ground. It was almost as large as him. He pushed it to the village center, making sure it had a wide area with minimal obstructions. A few ponies aside from Bismuth and Stormfeather stopped their daily activities as they watched what the raven armored pony was doing. When he opened the box, he took out the contents and spread out various metal pieces on the ground around him.

As Skystrike built his machine, Bismuth and Stormfeather couldn't tell what it was supposed to be. It had three legs, digging the main body into the ground. The central structure had a shape of a box, but was on a swivel joint, able to rotate freely. In the box, Nebula put a hollow cylinder into the base, moving it up and down a few times, as if to check if it would come out. They couldn't even describe the other little things he was doing. Pressing buttons, tightening screws, and flicking a switch, Nebula stood back, satisfied with what he built.

"So... what is this supposed to be? I've never seen any weapon like this." Bismuth walked around the creation.

"This is... I actually didn't give it a name, so I'll just call it 'Stake Launcher'." Skystrike admitted. He picked up a small box and openned it, showing it was full of metal, barbed, stakes "Hence the name, it launches stakes at a speed of 80 meters per second, so pretty damn fast. Listen close, I'll only explain this once. This is not a toy. This can kill even the largest beast when used right. Do not aim it at anyone you don't want dead." The two stallions nodded. "Good, now, this is pretty simple to control." Skystrike gave them a controller. It reminded Stormfeather of a forehead thermometer. "You point this at something and pull the trigger. The Stake Launcher will lock onto it and fire at it. It marks whatever you point at with a magic tag, declaring it an enemy to the turret. Remember, this is a LAST RESORT. As in, whatever took your sisters came into this village directly."

"Ok, ok, we get it..." Bismuth groaned. "Just... what do you think we're up against where you need this?"

Skystrike hesitated on answering. "...You'll know by tomorrow morning. I should know for sure by then. I have a few more things to do before I go. Tell the others what I said. Make sure to take shifts to keep watch while I'm gone." And with that, he flew away, back to his wagon. As soon as Celestia gave him the mission, he had to put many of his projects on hold, focusing on the new one he just finished setting up. In the off chance it is dragons, he needed a weapon that could go through the scales of a fully grown one. So, he started making his stake launcher, with the help of Echo and his lab of course. Only problem was that he hasn't field tested it yet. He hoped that it worked in the off chance it was used.

He arrived at his wagon. The first thing he did was get one of his prepped meals and ate a rather large portion, when compared to the average pony. It tasted alright, but it was made to be filling and nutritional. Then Skystrike thought about how long he'd be away from the village. Best if he had two meals since he wont be here for dinner. He opened another container, eating another meal before wiping his mouth. Skystrike took off his cape and looked at the star on the back of it. He sighed, then smiled at it, remembering what it meant to him. The pegasus folded the cape and put it back inside his wagon. It'd get in the way of the forest. Wouldn't want it caught on anything.

He prepared a few more items, putting some consumables on his body. Smoke bombs, flash bangs, water, tear gas, and a green camouflage cloak, putting it on. About everything he needed for a stake out, as well as an escape. Lastly, he put his swords on his back this time, so they don't poke out while he's laying down. Looking to the setting sun, he had about two hours before it set. "Mr.Nebula!" He heard from above him. Skystrike looked in the direction of the voice, seeing Silverspeed fly to and land in front of him.

"Hey. Silverspeed if I remember right? What do you need?" Skystrike rolled his wrists and sat down.

"We found the maps! One of the village and forest, and one of the mine." She said, laying out a map of the village first and pointing to the mine. "The mine is about a twenty minute walk from here." Then she pointed to two circles drawn in red ink. "These are two entrances that we know of. This bigger circle is the main entrance we use. It has everything set up for mining. Tools, wagons, a furnace, the basics." She moved a grey hoof to the other red circle. "This is also an exit, but it's rarely used. It's a nearly vertical shaft that comes out the side of a mountain, so It's only used in emergencies by us pegasus."

"...How wide would you say this shaft is? And where does it lead?" Skystrike asked.

"Oh my~..." She smirked. Skystrike stared. Silverspeed awkwardly moved on. "Anyway... if I had to estimate... I'd say about ten feet?"

Skystrike nodded. "Alright, continue with the other map."

Silverspeed nodded in return, rolling back up the current map and rolling out the map of the mine. "So, this is the map of the mine." She pointed to the main entrance. "Starting here, there's two sub paths that we've dug so far, and those spilt off in many directions. We have markers inside so we don't get lost. The two tunnels we've dug are from the pre-existing cave that was here when we settled down." She drew her hoof down the main path. "This is the longest path, about a thirty minute walk from the entrance... if you dont get lost that is. Very windy, many dark crevices' that lead to other pathways. It's like a maze!"

"Thanks for the warning..." Skystrike rubbed his chin. He then pointed to the end of the main path. "What's this large opening at the end of the main path?"

"Remember the second exit? It's right below that, and it's about fifty feet wide if I remember right? We built platforms and everything we needed there, but once we realized we needed certain equipment to dig deeper, we stopped digging there, hence the other sub paths."

"Alright... Now, where did Agate and Goldwork disappear?" Skystrike leaned forward.

Silverspeed pointed to two x marks on the cave's map. "...Here, the ones further to the opening... this is where Agate disappeared. Again she was first one to go. Further up... here... this is where I think Goldwork disappeared. I say think because I asked the ponies who were in the search parties, save for Magelight. Said he was busy. Anyway, from what I was told, Magelight and Goldwork went down to where Agate disappeared, and only the head came back."

Skystrike tensed up and furrowed his brow. Rather suspicious... "Alright then... I can work with this. Last question, Quarry and Ruby, I assume that they had a picnic near the mine?"

Silverspeed nodded. "Yes, about ten minutes from it." She answered, before asking him a question of her own. "Ok, look, I get it's your job, and you're here to help us, but you not saying anything is having me on edge!"

Skystrike sighed. "I do it to not make you ponies worry anymore then you already are."

"You can't possibly make me worry anymore than I am now! My older sister disappeared! And you know something! Tell me!" She yelled. Skystrike knew that her outburst wasn't directed at him, and that it was out of worry more than anger. But she was more than likely right. She probably couldn't get more worried.

He sighed. "Fine, but It stays between us and your group, alright?"

Author's Note

First chapter of this arc is pretty solid IMO. Also, I know we all hate cliff hangers, but this one was kinda needed. I'm sure many of you already know where this is going. The next few chapters will show if you're right or not.

Anyway, Last chapter's author's notes, I said I'd post some of the oc's in here as they come up, so here they are. These took a while, so I'm quite proud.

He're Skystrike. The green in his hair is meant to blend in with the grass

Here's Astral

Most, if not all the BGPs in this, Like Opal or Bismuth, are OCs I probably wont use again. Some ponies, like Silverspeed or Stormfeather, are actual BGPs from the show, so they don't need to be made in pony town. Might make the OCs if they come back in later chapters, or if people want it enough.

But hey, another chapter done. Hope you enjoyed it,

Part of the Job

Skystrike was nearly three hours into his stake out. His first few hours were spent stealthily checking the past locations where the mares went missing. Well... the only one he could investigate safely: Quarry and Ruby's picnic. The village residents said they haven't gone in the forest since they've disappeared, so their items should still be there. When he actually arrived with daylight still shining, he found what remained of the picnic.

Flies swarmed around the rotting food, and the smell was repulsing. Of course, that was the least he had to worry about. Whatever took the mares obviously weren't trying to be sneaky. Claw marks were on the ground, along with hoof prints and skid marks in the mud. From the patterns of the marks, he got an idea of what happened.

The claw marks came from the direction of the cave, but started a few yards away from the picnic. Hoof steps also lead away from the picnic area, but only made it a few feet in either direction before two sets of claw marks followed each one of the hoof marks, before abruptly ending along with the hoof marks. Meaning that whatever took Quarry and Ruby came from the mine, one landed, then chased the mares, only for the two of them to get grabbed and carried off by whatever got them.

'Yeah, definitely dragons..." Skystrike thought to himself. He'd need to play this safe. Dragons vary widely in size. These dragons could be young, or fully grown but small dragons. What he was more worried about is what the dragons were doing to the mares. The longest one's been in there is ten days, max. They have to be getting them food somehow. He's only certain they're alive, because they have to have a reason to bring them back to the mine alive. No blood at all.

Now, Skystrike was camping out said cave. Night has fallen by now, meaning the dragons have either woken up, or going home to sleep. He knows there's at least two. He climbed further up the tree he was in, making as little noise as he could. The Pegasus scratched his neck a bit. Three hours in, and still nothing. No blurs flying by, no roars from local beasts, just an unnaturally quiet forest.

Another hour past. It was about 10 p.m. Skystrike was still on the tree, waiting for something to go in or come out of the cave with no luck. He was about to go into the cave, but heard foot steps coming, along with hardy laughter. "Echo, zoom in on the cave entrance for me." Skystrike said, repositioning himself to stand on a branch. Echo zoomed in, and they waited for the origin of the voices to show themselves.

Two dragons came out. Males. One had red scales and ivory horns curling to the sides of its head, its wings extending from its front claws and walking on all fours, said wings having a peach membrane. It's long neck stretched as it looked around the entrance on the mine. The large underbite it had was noted by Skystrike. The other was a green dragon with an orange underbelly and wing membrane. Shorter than the other dragon, but the wings were on it's back, and it stood upright. It was much more muscular than the red one, but had smaller wings. Was probably a slower flyer. Another thing that stood out on the green one was its large, demon like horns coming out of it's forehead. Most likely meant for ramming. Both were dangerous in their own right, but if approached right, would fall easily.

Skystrike listened in as they spoke to each other. Their names didn't matter... He'd refer to them as Green and Red... for now at least. "Euuugh..." Red groaned. "Now of all times for our turn to watch... of course we're the first ones."

"I get what you mean..." Green sighed a bit. "But look on the bright side, we'll get a new one tomorrow, and we're the ones getting her! Finally, I can be out of that cave for at least a bit!"

"Yeah, that is true..." Red thought as he perched on a nearby rock. "Honestly, I'm still surprised we got that pony to tell us where the mares were in the first place." Red laughed. "On top of that, he's so piss scared he'll send one to us!"

Green looked over to Red. "Ah, that reminds me, we need to take it from Vastilok's stash to pay him."

Skystrike frowned at what the two dragons were implying, but he thought as much from the little info he got. So far, he was spot on. He noted that these two dragons would be the same ones coming out tomorrow. He'd have a short amount of time to get the information he needed out of them, but it'd be enough.

Red continued to talk. "Can't believe our luck, leaving the dragon lands, finding a cave full of gems, and being able to have some fun! Hasn't even been two weeks yet!"

Green laughed. "Speak for yourself, I'm not into what you guys are doing... but we should be careful..."

"Why?" Red turned to look at Green. "What do we have to worry about?"

"Well... we are on the run from her..." He shivered a bit. "And I'm really hoping that blizzard was the ponies..."

So, he wasn't the only hunter. They were being hunted by one of their own. Hopefully, he could make a temporary ally if their paths align. Thanks to the dragons being talkative henchmen, he had more than enough information to go back to the village. He was about to do so, but them saying something about 'her' rang in his mind like a bell. He had hopes, but he doubted it was who he thought it was. But if this 'her' dragon was the source of the blizzard, then Skystrike would more than likely find her in the village. He waited a bit more for the dragons to lose focus before flying off between the trees. He went south, further south from where the village was, flying over it. Skystrike passed the blizzard on his way to, and he could still see it in the distance.

After about an hour flight, he landed inside the blizzard, shaking the snow building on his body off from time to time as he walked through. It was freezing, almost enough to make him want to use his powers to heat himself up. Despite the chill, he still kept walking. He tried not to let his mind wander, but he was failing. He does this every time. Every mission, he thinks back to his past, and wanting to right the wrongs that he's made. A guilty conscience. His friends back in Ponyville made him realize that he hurt a lot more than the few in the orphanage.

God, how many ponies... no, not just ponies... beings in general has he hurt unintentionally? The changelings, the orphanage, the ponies, his mercenary group 'All', all so he could 'protect them.' Not realizing he was the one hurting them most. A physical wound would heal much faster than an emotional one. He'd make a point to apologize to them. All of them. Every last one.

He'd make sure to apologize to Astral and everypony else once he made it back to the capital. Then once he went back to Ponyville, apologize to his friends. Given the chance, he'd want to apologize to the changelings, but that would be hard to do. And even though his relationship with Celestia is... odd to say the least, she deserved one too. In their short time together, they did grow a bond with each other. He'll apologize once he gets back... if he made it back. He still needs to find out where the signal is coming from.

But he'd worry about that once the mares are safe. Plus, he had a reason to go back. It would be his birthday soon. more specifically, the anniversary of the day he arrived on Eques. He wanted to celebrate it with friends again. Jeez... this was a bad habit of his, getting all emotional on a mission, rather than focusing. He knew that deep down, it was fear. Fear of what he'd lose, like he lost it all before. He shook the thought out of his mind. He won't lose anymore.

His thoughts were cut short when he heard a roar... well, more like a howl from the center of the storm. Skystrike understood it as a warning of sorts, but also understood that whatever roared was probably the source of the storm. Plus, even though he hadn't heard that roar in years, it was still familiar. It was defiantly her. Now... how mad would she be, given how the group split up?

He didn't have to wait for an answer. After taking a few steps forward, Skystrike was blinded by the blizzard growing harsher. Then in mere moments, the blizzard ended. He was in the eye of the storm, and within it, stood a dragon. Her silvery-white scales and light ice blue underbelly glistened in the sun as she turned to look at the stallion. She had a long line of thick ice blue hair, starting between her horns and ending at the tip of her tail.

The dragoness stared at the pony with her emerald green eyes, spreading and flapping her large wings, waving cold air in his direction. She stood on two legs, crossing her arms as Skystrike looked at her. The armor she wore was worn down from the continuous use and little maintenance. The steel covered her chest and extremities, almost barbarian like, with many scratches and dents from the many battles she's fought. The dragoness slapped her tail on the ground impatiently. "Hey Tethys..." Skystrike greeted awkwardly.

"Took you a while... gone for almost three years, and you finally come looking for me..." She sighed. Her voice was normally pleasing and soothing, but her tone conveyed disappointment and annoyance. "So... must mean you need something, right? Must be if you wanted to come to me directly. Well, the answer is no, I'm in the middle of something."

"Um... no actually... I just... wanted to see you..." Skystrike said hesitantly. "I was in the area, and I was hoping it was you..."

Tethys looked down at him. "Oh... well I'm sorry for assuming... Are you ok? You're talking... acting weird." She leaned over to get a closer look at him. "Normally, you don't act like this... Not... confident."

"No, no, nothing like that..." Skystrike took off his helmet to look at the dragoness. He took in another deep breath before continuing. "I've... been doing a lot of thinking. Even though it was by chance we were in the same area at the same time today, I want to talk with you... if you have time I mean..."

"...Well, not like you could've found me anyway, I move around way too much. Sure, I got time." She nodded. Tethys inhaled, then breathed a breath of ice, making a bench of ice for them to sit on. "Come on." She patted the spot next to where she was sitting. Skystrike did so and sat down. "So... what did you want to say?"

"I'll... be completely honest and just say the words as they come to mind. And I hope you know my intent isn't to guilt you." He looked at her, Tethys nodded in response as she leaned back. "I... took a mission to come up here to save some ponies, as well as to confront a part of my past... I've been doing... a lot of thinking and I... right before I left to come, all my friends got worried. Thinking I'd disappear from their lives again. I... I didn't realize how much I hurt them, and by extension how much I hurt you, and the rest of 'All'. You, Zecora, Casta, Maud, Elytra, Jeshan, Sky beak, Alder, and Celeano... in my attempt to try and protect you all, I put even more pain on your backs by leaving. I... I can never live down that mistake, but... I at least want apologize. You all deserve it..." Skystrike spoke through the regret he was feeling. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know from the deepest pit in my heart, that I'm sorry."

Tethys was taken aback by that to say the least. He wasn't normally one for words from her memory. Anyway, she could tell that something was off with his actions. "Skystrike..." Tethys started. Skystrike looked up to her. "There's something you aren't telling me."

Skystrike sighed again. "There's... there's still a few things I have to hide, but I'll tell you as much as I can." Skystrike sat up from the ice bench. "There's more to this mission than some missing ponies... Something's up here relating to my past, before I faked my death, before I lived in pony society. I... have to confront some not so pleasant memories to say the least." He turned back to look at Tethys. "I'm not confident that I'll make it out alive. Like, I already wrote my will just in case. I wrote letters to you and many friends explaining questions they'd probably have. I guess that this is self serving, but... I'm glad I was able to see you in the flesh again before I confront them."

"Oh... shit..." She ran a hand down her neck. "You're serious..."

"...I'm sorry..."

She sat in silence for a few seconds. Tethys sighed. "I won't lie, I wont say I forgive you, nor do I understand your reasoning for leaving, but you're still someone I would consider... a friend..." She shuddered a bit at the last word. "But I'll make you a deal. I have something to do up here, and I don't want you to die. If you help me out, I'll help you out. On the condition that when you make it out alive, you're going to find as many beings you hurt as you can, and apologize to them like you did me. I also want to talk about this more once all this is over."

Skystrike smiled and nodded. "You have my word." He looked at her expectantly.

Tethys stared back. "What, were you expecting a hug or something?"

Skystrike chuckled. "Eh, now that you mentioned it, I kinda want one."

Tethys sighed and turned her head as she put out her arms. Skystrike got on his hind legs and hugged the dragoness, who reluctantly returned it. They stayed in contact for a few moments before Skystrike let go. "Feel better now?" Tethys asked.

"I do actually..." He gave a small smile. "So, what're you up here for?"

"Long or short version?" Tethys asked with a small sigh.

"Long, but lets walk while you talk." Skystrike gestured his head in the direction of the village. "I have a wagon and food back at the village. I can at least give you something to eat."

She nodded in thanks as she started explaining. "About a month ago, seven juvenile and one adult dragon were banished from the dragon lands for their... aggression towards the other races. It wasn't a big deal when it was a single dragon here or there, but when a group of dragons pillage some ponies or griffons, then we get some problems. Some random griffon called out to me during a flight over Griffonstone, told me they were attacked by the same dragons. I had to report them to the dragon lord, who then banished them. Then, I hear from another dragon, not one of the ones I'm hunting, that the banished are terrorizing ponies up here. I'm here to make sure they don't cause any more problems, no matter the cost."

"Well, that's convenient. I'm up here because some ponies went missing, and I'm trying to find out who kidnapped them. I've identified two dragons so far, one green, one red. I think they know you're after them though. Kept referring to a 'her'." Skystrike explained. "But if there's eight total, this'll be harder than expected... I need to think up another plan."

"If they're up here attacking ponies, then they've learned nothing..." Tethys seethed. "Damn it..."

"Well, look on the bright side, we get to see each other." Skystrike chuckled.

"Shut the fuck up." Tethys gave a playful slap on his back.

Skystrike laughed. "...It's good to see you again." Skystrike put back on his helmet. "Now... once we get there, I got to explain to the villagers to not attack you. So stay behind me when we approach. And about those dragons, don't get too bloodthirsty yet, I got a plan." Tethys nodded.

Bismuth, spear in his hoof, was currently patrolling the village. He told the others in his group that with Nebula trying tirelessly to get their sisters back, the least they could do was watch the village, giving the residents at least some sense of safety. He also felt... uneasy around that weapon that Nebula made. He checked the target designator that Skystrike gave him, being careful not to pull the trigger. It was kind of scary for him to have this. Well... not this, specifically, but what it would mean to use it. Bismuth would have to take the life of another if push came to shove. He tried to bury the thought.

Spelunk was walking beside him. She already got the memo of what was going on from Bismuth about the weapon, and they all heard from Silverspeed parts of what Nebula thinks is going on. Even if it was just a theory, if he's right... they hoped he wasn't. The thought made her blood boil. But she didn't want to make any accusations yet. Spelunk and Bismuth made some small talk between each other, trying to not let their dark thoughts get to them.

"You think he's ok? Nebula I mean." Spelunk asked. "It's almost midnight now, and the forest hasn't even made a sound."

Bismuth nodded. "He has to be. Nebula is one of the strongest ponies out there. Plus, the silence is a good thing. Means that nothing dangerous happened."

Spelunk sighed. "I hope you're right... I just can't believe all this... There may be dragons, they took our sisters, and-"

"Don't finish that sentence... don't know who's listening." Bismuth shushed her. "Lets change the subject... back when I lived in Canterlot as a gemstone appraiser intern a couple years ago, I remember this rumor that after the Church of the Two sisters burnt down, there was one pony that didn't make it out."

"It was... Sky something? I forget the colt's name, but it was sad. Went in to save others, but couldn't make it out. All on the night of the Gala. What about it?" Spelunk asked. "There was also something else about him that made him so well known..."

"Well, that something was probably that he had no magic, among other things. Kid was always being asked to do some experiment on his body. Anyway, back to the rumor, they say they never found his body. They sorted through all the rubble, but found nothing. No burnt remains, clothes, anything." Bismuth explained.

"Oh, wasn't he also the same kid that was adopted by the princess?" Spelunk had a jog in her memory. Bismuth nodded. "Yeah, that colt must've had it good. But why bring him up?"

"Well... his full name was Skystrike Nebula. The guy who came to help us is Atlas Nebula. Not too far off from the same name. Both these guys have blue manes and tails. And this Nebula guy only got his name out there about a year, give or take, after Skystrike died." Bismuth listed.

"...Is this just a big conspiracy you thought of? You really think that Skystrike faked his death and became a bounty hunter?" She looked at bismuth with a raised eyebrow.

"I mean... maybe... It would plug in some holes... but again, just a rumor that's been going around. It'd also explain why we never see his face." He shrugged.

"I mean... that is a valid point, but it's a very large stretch. Like, that just opens up more questions. Like, why fake his death? Why hide this long... and how has he hid this long?" Spelunk did some speculating of her own.

"If he is[ Skystrike, he probably has his reasons. I'm just saying, it'd be kinda neat if I was right." Bismuth shrugged.

Spelunk chuckled. "Tell you what, if you're right, I'll... I don't know what I'll do. Uh... I'll get back to you on that."

Bismuth laughed at that. "Alright... it's a bet!" He looked up before squinting off into the distance. "Hey, you see that over there?" He pointed south towards the outskirts of the village. Spelunk looked in the same direction, seeing what Bismuth was seeing. A large black figure with glowing blue eyes slowly approached. They could tell it was Nebula. What they weren't sure of was the figure behind him. A whitish body, taller than Nebula, was flying slowly behind him. They could tell from the shape of the wings it was "A dragon..." Bismuth whispered.

"Did he... tell you about that?" Spelunk asked, taking a few steps back.

Spelunk had his hoof on the trigger of the target designator. "No... Go stay behind buildings until I can say it's safe." Spelunk nodded, then ran off to do as told. Minutes passed as Nebula and the dragon grew closer, getting more and more unnerved with each passing second. Finally, they were in the village, standing in front of him.

"Back earlier than I figured I'd be. Anything happen while I was gone?" Skystrike asked the earth pony. Tethys landed next to Skystrike, putting a hand on his back and leaning on him.

Only now did Bismuth realize how tall Nebula was next to him. Nearly three times his size. A beast of a pony. But he paled in comparison to the dragon next to him. Bismuth only came up to her thigh. "uh... No, most of the ponies went to their homes when you left. Who.... who is this?" He motioned to Tethys.

She introduced herself. "Greetings, pony. I'm Tethys. A... friend of Nebula." She put out a hand to shake.

Bismuth hesitantly put out a hoof to shake. Tethys grabbed his hoof and did so. "Uh... hey... Sorry, the situation here in the village is a bit tense. It's not every day a pony sees a dragon."

"I understand. I am sorry for what my kin has done to yours." Tethys kneeled down and put a claw on her chest. "I promise that the threat will be extinguished.

Bismuth was confused at what Tethys' words implied. "Wait... so we are dealing with... you know..."

Skystrike nodded. "I'll explain, but not here. Once morning comes, we'll gather. We have a lot of stuff to go over. I'll make sure Astral comes." Skystrike let out a yawn. "I've been up going on nineteen hours. I want to get at least a few hours in before things get serious." Bismuth nodded, before quickly trotting away to resume his patrol.

Skystrike looked up at Tethys. "I don't have much, but I can at least offer a place to sleep and some food."

Tethys shrugged. "It beats a cave. Haven't had a good meal in a while. Can't find that many good gems out in the open, and I can't cook for shit." She sat down next to his wagon. "Well, I won't ask you to cook. Lets head to bed. Make me something in the morning."

Skystrike chuckled at that. "Alright then." He climbed inside his wagon and grabbed a few blankets. One for each of them. Climbing back out the wagon while balancing the blankets on his back, he handed one to Tethys, who wrapped it around herself. Skystrike began wrapping his own blanked around himself, stopping when Tethys pulled him into her own blanket, wrapping her body around him.

"I missed you, Skystrike." Tethys hugged him.

Skystrike hugged her back. "Same here."

Morning came quickly. Skystrike didn't like it, going off of six hours of sleep, but it would have to do. tried to move his forehooves, only to realize that the grip Tethys had on him was similar to Naga's: Deadly. Skystrike tried to worm his way out of her grip, barely able to make it out. He looked back to Tethys, still curled up in a ball, her tail slapping against the ground.

He assumed Astral was staying within the Chief's home, or another residents. Something he'd have to figure out. Opal would probably know. He would do his normal morning work out, made a quick breakfast for himself and Tethys, then would carefully wake up Tethys to eat. It was a simple meal of muffins and fruits, but it was filling for them. Skystrike asked Tethys to stay at his wagon for now while he went to find Opal.

After walking around for a bit, he did indeed find Opal. They exchanged greetings before getting down to business. Astral was staying in a spare room at Magelight's house. They both frowned a bit when that name came up. After a short talk they split up, Opal going to gather the rest of her group, and Skystrike to get Astral Night. Skystrike opened the door to the village head's home, entering the large room he saw the residents huddled in the day before. He rolled his neck and looked around, Magelight and Astral had to be in here somewhere. It was too early for them to be gone.

Skystrike decided to take a walk through the building. First, he'd find Magelight's office, as that would most likely be where he is at this time in the morning. Most likely on the second floor. He flew up, hopping over railing on the indoor balcony and landing on the walkway, making his way down the hall to his left. He came from the right hall yesterday when he snuck in, and didn't see any doors that stood out. this time though, he saw a set of double doors at the end of the left hallway. He decided to be polite, and knock on the door. "Come in." He heard Magelight say after some shuffling of documents and the closing of a drawer. Skystrike opened the door to see him sitting at his desk. "Oh... it's you. What do you want?"

He looked at the unicorn, then around the room, then back to the unicorn. "Where is Astral Night?"

He leaned forward. "And why should I tell you?"

"You really gonna be hard about this?" Skystrike asked with a sigh.

"Telling you could interfere with her work. I will not let that happen." Magelight furrowed his brow.

"We both know that isn't true, so cut the bullshit. Just tell me what room she's in." Skystrike put a hoof on his desk. "One would think you'd be more worried about your ponies going missing, rather than worrying about who talks to who..."

Magelight stood up from his seat. "Of course I worry for my ponies! I worry enough where I wont let you of all ponies get in her way!"

"Get in her way, or your way?" Skystrike leaned on the table.

Magelight flinched, then continued. "I will make sure the Royal guard knows what you're doing here." He threatened.

"Oh really? Cool! I can make sure you never get the chance to notify them." He threatened him back. "Now, will you tell me where Astral Night is, or will I have to force it out of you?" He threw his cape over his neck and put a hoof on the hilt of his sword. "Please... give me a reason."

Magelight became visibly nervous. "...Third room on the left from the stairs." He said with a grown

"See, that wasn't hard? Damn, all this work just to get breakfast together." Skystrike said as he turned his back to Magelight and walked out the room. He knew there was more to Magelight. Just proving his theory more and more as they interacted. He didn't want Skystrike meeting Astral, and probably doesn't want him to take her anywhere. It was suspicious. Skystrike decided to put him in the back of his mind for now as he went to finally get Astral.

Skystrike went to the door and knocked. "Just a moment!" He heard Astral say from inside her room, along with some stumbling and hooves on the floor. After a minute or so, the door opened, and she greeted him. "Good morning, Nebula." She put a hoof over her mouth to cover a yawn. "Sorry for the wait, I'm a... bit of a messy sleeper."

Skystrike waved a hoof. "No problem, I get it." He chuckled before getting serious and whispering. "I can't explain in here, get your armor and weapons. We need to go. We're about to get a lot of info on the missing mares."

Astral jumped a bit. "Great!" She said all too loudly. Skystrike motioned a hoof to signal her to lower her voice. She did so. "We should tell Magelight." She clapped her hooves.

He tried to ignore the cuteness. He succeeded. "We cannot. Again, I can't explain here. Get everything together. I'll wait out here." Astral nodded, then closed the door to get dressed. As she did so, Skystrike sat in silence, ignoring Magelight trying to peak out his office door. He wouldn't put it past him to be using magic to hear what they were saying. Skystrike would have to make sure he was distracted when he went to save the mares. A few minutes passed and Astral came out with her armor and weapons. "Dressing light, I see. Smart." Skystrike got up and the two ponies walked out of the house.

Skystrike led her to the house Opal led him to the day before and opened the door. Opal, Spelunk, Bismuth, Silverspeed, Stormfeather, Emerald Green, and Tethys were all inside, waiting for the two. Everypony, save for Skystrike was visibly uncomfortable from the presence of a dragon in the room. Tethys herself was uncomfortable, but more from having to slouch and tuck her legs and tail into herself to not invade the personal space of others.

Astral pointed out the elephant in the room. "Uh... why is there a dragon in here?" She put a hoof over her mouth, realizing how that could've came off.

"It's about time I introduce her. Everypony, this is Tethys, a friend of mine and a member of 'All', my mercenary group. We met by chance yesterday, and she's agreed to help me and Astral with getting your sisters back. Since she's assisting, she needs to be here for the meeting. We have a lot to go over." Skystrike sat down. Astral took a seat next him. "Astral, I know you didn't have time to prepare or anything, but I need you to tell us what Magelight spoke to you about, as well as what he wants you to do."

Astral blinked. "Oh, uh, alright." She paused for a moment to gather her words before answering. "After he sent you away yesterday, Nebula, he bought me inside and up to his office."

Magelight closed the office door behind him and Astral. The stallion motioned for the mare to have a seat, and she did so. Magelight spoke first. "Well, I hope your travel here went alright." He sighed before continuing. "I'd rather cut straight to the point, but first, I need to know, what is your relation with that Pegasus, Nebula?"

Astral remembered the conversation that she and Nebula had, as well as his parting words: Play it safe. "I... met him before we left Vanhoover. We travelled up here together, and he said he had his own thing going on up here."

Magelight gave a sigh of relief. "Alright, good." Astral found that choice of word suspicious. "Onto business, there have been ponies going missing, and I need your help finding why... That's what I wrote on the notice. There's... much more to it than that." Magelight opened up a drawer and grabbed a small metal canteen. He took a swig and continued talking. "At first, we thought somepony just got lost in the mines, but when we sent out a rescue party... another one went missing. This time, somepony saw something... take her. After that, whatever's been taking my ponies have grown more ballsy... getting closer and closer to the village."

"Dear Celestia... I'm sorry..." Astral breathed through clenched teeth. "...Do you know... what took them?"

Magelight shook his head. "No... only that something is taking residents." He sighed, then took another swig. "I... I was supposed to be in charge... I was supposed to keep them safe..." Astral stayed quiet at that. "...I want you to come with me to investigate the places the ponies disappeared. Today, we'll visit the places furthest from the mine. Tomorrow, we will go to the mine itself."

They all listened to Astral. Skystrike frowned, remembering what the dragons said the night before. "Shit..." He said under his breath. "Alright. Next, who has info on the food stores?" Skystrike looked around the room, seeing Emerald raise a hoof.

Emerald opened a notebook he had on him. "So, I was actually in charge of inventory of a few things before we were sidetracked by the abductions, the food stores being one of them. Magelight and I are the only ones allowed to take the food and hand it out to the residents. When he said I didn't have to do it anymore, and gave me time to grieve for my sister, I thought nothing of it. Thinking back on it, it was a day before Quarry and Ruby disappeared. I bring this up because I haven't been in the stores since, and there is some food missing, proportional to the amount lost if all residents were still accounted for..." The earth pony finished, giving Skystrike the notebook to skim through. "Also, in there were the residents descriptions, like you asked."

"...I see... That gives me some ideas of what's going on, but I just need to confirm a few more things before I can give a concrete answer of what's going on. Next, any information on how Goldwork disappeared? She was the second one to go, right?" Skystrike placed the notebook in the center of the circle they were sitting in.

"Yes." Silverspeed spoke up. "Though it was hard to get the info, being her younger sister, ponies were more sympathetic it seemed. Though this is just their words, I've heard it from three different ponies. My sister, Goldwork, was last seen with Magelight. They told me that Magelight said 'they got split up'..."

"Jeez..." Skystrike sighed. Nearly all but confirmed now. He just had one more piece of info to go over. "Last thing. Did anypony find anything about the night Jasper disappeared?"

Stormfeather perked his head up. "Uh, yeah... I was actually up with my sister, Rainbowshine that night. I just... couldn't get to sleep." He grabbed one hoof with another. Skystrike could tell he was still shaken up from his sister's disappearance. "...We like to sit on the roof and look at the night sky... anyway... I saw two lights that night going into the forest... one green, one orange. That's... all I saw. Nopony else knows anything..."

Skystrike picked back up the notebook he put down earlier, going to a certain pony's description. "Most likely an illumination spell, since it was pitch black in that forest... Opal, what magic color is your sisters?"

Opal shuddered. "Her... her magic color is orange."

"And in this book... Magelight's color is green." Skystrike closed the book with an unneeded amount of force, and unintentionally stomped his foot on the ground. "I'm so sorry. I'm pissed off just thinking about this guy... you all lost your sisters. I can't imagine how angry you all will be."

Silverspeed was seething, remembering what Skystrike told her the day prior. "I am... VIOLENTLY angry."

Skystrike took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Alright, so I know you all won't be able to stay calm, so I wont ask that... I will ask to not immediately run out the room and do what I already want to." Everypony in the room nodded, albeit slowly. "So, as per norm, everything said in here stays in here. I already have a plan on how to handle this, but I need to go over what I saw and heard last night, then everything I put together, and then we'll go into the plan. You all will have a part in this."

"Just get on with it..." Silverspeed seethed. Bismuth put a hoof on her back in an attempt to console her.

Skystrike nodded. "Last night, I have confirmed my suspicions. We are indeed dealing with dragons." The ponies in the room gasped at that. Skystrike tried to quell their worries. "Mostly juveniles, nothing I cannot handle. I can confirm at least three, but there are up to eight. From the two I eavesdropped on, I've learned that there is a pony in this village bringing residents to the dragons, and said dragons give them money. They are expecting another mare... today..." Skystrike said that last part with baited breath. The room fell silent at that, but there was still worse news to come. "Now, from everything I've heard in this room today, I'll piece it together my all but confirmed hypothesis for what's going on in this village."

Skystrike rolled his neck before starting. "The first mare to go, Agate, was abducted by the dragons, as a sad stroke of bad luck. After, this pony that's currently... selling mares to the dragons went searching in the mines for Agate, most likely with good intentions. They went in deeper with Goldwork, only to run into dragons there. No way the dragons didn't hear them coming with the echoing of the cave. Once the pony and Goldwork were cornered by the dragons, he was more than likely given a choice. Bring them more mares and leave Goldwork and get some gold, or die. He took the former option... and they didn't stay away long. I looked around the head's house, and found one of the large skylight windows unlocked, said window big enough for a juvenile dragon to fit through... The dragons were impatient, and wanted to make sure the pony didn't back out of their deal... They went for Ruby and Quarry during their picnic. The two had to tell this pony where they were going for safety purposes of course." Skystrike took a large sip of water from his canteen. His eyes were flickering white as he continued to speak. "The dragons still weren't satisfied. None of the ponies would go into the mines, let alone the forest, so the dragons came to the pony again. This time, demanding the pony bring a mare to them... And he did so, he convinced Jasper to go with him that night, and Stormfeather saw their magic going into the forest... Finally, the last one, Rainbowshine, was on weather duty with her brother, Stormfeather... the pony working with the dragons also had to know this, which is why the dragons went for the mare... I feel we all know who this pony is..."

As Skystrike spoke, he saw the ponies in the room's faces change. From confusion, to realization then to rage. Even Tethys was angry, cold breath coming out of the sides of her mouth. They didn't even need to say the name. All the evidence pointed back to him... "...He was supposed to protect us!" Silverspeed roared. Tears of anger were running down her face. "And he SOLD US FOR A QUICK BUCK!?"

Stormfeather was also angry crying. "What the BUCK is wrong with him!" The Pegasus stomped a hoof onto the floor. "We trusted him!"

Everyone, save for Skystrike, Tethys, and Astral, were all screaming in anger and sadness at what Skystrike revealed. Each had a similar outburst, but different. Opal cried more than anything. Spelunk's magic was flaring. Bismuth punched a wall. Stormfeather was stomping. Silverspeed's wings were twitching, trying not to fly out of the room. Bismuth was putting on a poker face, but was boiling inside. Emerald was stone faced, but one could tell he was furious.

Skystrike just had a few more things to go over. "Everybody, if you can listen for just a bit longer, I'll go over the plan going forward. This is going to sound unreasonable, but I need everyone to keep quiet about this for a little while."

Opal screamed at him with misplaced anger. "HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT!?"

"Because his comeuppance will be under your hooves." He answered.

They room fell silence at that. Bismuth spoke first. "...We're listening." He grit his teeth.

"Remember, the dragons said that another mare is being brought to them today. Guess Magelight's guilty conscience finally caught up to him... He bought a mare he wouldn't feel guilty about giving up, and nopony would ask where this mare disappeared to." Skystrike looked at Astral, and the rest of the room followed suit.

Astral's face turned to one of horror. "You don't mean..."

"You said it yourself, he wanted you to go with him to look for the mares today. He had a nearly foolproof plan. His only mistake was thinking the other ponies here wouldn't go for help themselves..." Skystrike motioned to the other ponies in the room.

"...I was that close to ending up another victim... thank you, Nebula." She said, trying to control her breathing. Everyone was handling the information differently. Astral seemed like she was on the verge of a panic attack.

"If you all need a minute, we can pause-" Skystrike began to offer.

"No." The whole room said in union. Emerald clenched the floor beneath his hoof. "So... what's the plan? How are you going to get him, the dragons, and our sisters? You said you'd do it in two days... It's day two."

"That's where I'll need everyone's help." Skystrike began writing in Emerald's notebook. "First, he thinks the deal is still going on... We'll let him think that. Astral, once this meeting ends, you'll go to him and give him some bait... Tell him that I said I'll be heading into the caves later this afternoon. You guys will have to leave early, and the dragons are on shifts of two. He'll probably stun you or something, both he and the dragons don't want you hurt. I promise no harm will come to you. I will be right behind you, along with Tethys. Tethys, I'll be quick to restrain Magelight, and I want you to freeze the dragons. we'll have two hours max before the other dragons get suspicious on why their friends have been gone so long. I'll be interrogating the both of them. We can interrogate Magelight once the mares are safe. When the dragons tell us where the mares are, I will go save them." Skystrike wrote on and tore out a few pages from the notebook and handed the pages around the room. The rest of you, you'll have a few things to do while all of that is going down... I want the unicorns restraining Magelight when he wakes. Nullify his magic if you can. Everypony else, check his office for anything useful. Figure out where he's hiding the money he's getting, as well as any evidence I can bring back to Celestia." They all nodded. "Great. Tethys, we're going to the forest to wait to follow Astral and Magelight. When we leave, everypony get to work. And like I said, you'll all be in charge of his comeuppance." Skystrike smiled a bit underneath his helmet.

It was about half past noon, and Astral was taking a few deep breaths as she walked towards Magelight's office. Nebula and Tethys already went into the forest to wait for them. Everypony else, save for Silverspeed, was waiting back in the meeting place to get started. Once Silverspeed saw Astral and Magelight leave, she'd give the signal and they'd all come to raid the place. The only part she was unsure about was being used as bait. Nebula said she'd have nothing to worry about, but she still was worrying. Her life was in danger to be fair. But she also knew that this was probably the best bet on getting everypony out safely.

Astral knocked on the door to Magelights office. "Come in." Magelight said from inside. Astral did so, opening the door and seeing the stallion behind his desk. His voice was disgusting, knowing what he did to the mares, and what he wanted to do to her. "Ah, Astral Night... Nebula came earlier, said something about breakfast. I was getting a bit worried about you, he was... forceful on wanting to see you to say the least. Are you alright?"

Astral tried to act through his disingenuous words. "Yeah, I'm doing fine. We ate, and we hat a bit of a talk about our missions up here." She laid the bait.

Magelight's ears perked up at that. "...What did you talk about? You didn't say anything about the mine, did you?"

Astral shook her head. "I didn't say anything about the mines to me, but he was telling me a bit about the mines himself."

Magelight grew a bit unnerved at that. "What do you mean? When did he get information about the mines?"

"Yesterday after you sent him away, from what he told me. Said he was up here to get a specific gemstone that's common in the northern regions. Anyway, from what he told and showed me, he has a map of the mine, and some of the village folk told him the thing he's looking for is in the mine. Said he'd go in at about 3 p.m." Astral said, before realizing what Nebula's going to do. "...I hope he doesn't run into whatever took the mares."

Magelight tried to keep his composure. If Nebula goes down there, he'll find out. He couldn't let that happen. "We have to leave right away... we need to get rid of whatever's in the cave before Nebula goes in there..." He said, getting his things ready. Astral gave him a look that asked why. Magelight, in turn, scrambled to find a reason that sounds believable. "...We'd have better chances with us two than just him alone. All the rumors about his fights have to be exaggerated. We need to leave right away."

Hook, line, and sinker. She wanted to talk about the duel Nebula had in Canterlot, but put the thought in the back of her mind. Astral nodded. "I'm ready now. Lead the way."

The two unicorns quickly left the house and went into the forest and towards the mine. Opal, who was 'conveniently' walking by, made eye contact with Astral, and shared a look, telling her it's time. After a few minutes, making sure Magelight wasn't coming back, Opal got the others. "They're gone. Time to get to work. Remember, Spelunk, you and I need to get ready to restrain him. Everypony else, search all the rooms for any sort of evidence that proves his guilt! I know we don't have much to go off of, but we can do this. Nebula is helping us out! We can't let him do everything!" The rest cheered in agreement before leaving to help with their part of the plan.

Back with Astral and Magelight. The two were making their way towards the mine, Magelight leading the way for now. Despite agreeing to the plan, she was still unsure what to think about Magelight. All that Nebula said was just theories. Sure, it was based on truth, but... was he that bad? He must have his reasons... "So... any idea what we're dealing with?" Astral asked.

Magelight shook his head. "No... not exactly, at least. Something that's big, with claws, and it can fly... But we should be safe. The cave should slow its movement." He answered as they walked.

"And how are we going to fight this... thing?"

Magelight stayed silent for a moment. "...I'm still trying to figure that out... I'll tell you before we enter the mine." Magelight didn't look back at her as they talked. Astral wanted to at least see his face. The guilt he may have in his eyes. They walked for a while more, stopping once they reached the mines. Magelight still hadn't looked at her since they started walking. "Stand here for a minute. Just going to check if the entrance is clear." He went into the darkness of the cave, coming out a few minutes later.

"You were gone for a bit. Anything happen?" Astral asked in fake curiosity. Finally be able to see his face, she didn't like it. His eyes were... empty. They showed many things. She saw regret in his eyes, but at the same time, none. Like this was something he didn't want to do, but he just had to do. Astral was just a nopony in his eyes. Somepony that he could sacrifice much easier than his residents. Astral had hope, however. Hope that he would do the right thing.

"Oh, uh... no, nothing at all. Just a few scratches on the walls. Whatever that thing is has to be nearby." Magelight said with a huff. Astral thought that was weird. She also noticed a few beads of sweat falling down his brow and horn. He used magic recently. "You're the one with the weapons, you need to go first."

Astral nodded, albeit nervously. She grabbed her dagger from her hip with her hoof and began walking. She passed Magelight, looking back at him once more, the stallion having the same eyes as before. As soon as she looked back towards the mine and got about half way to the entrance from the forest, she felt a blast of magic on her back, knocking her over. Astral tried to move, but she couldn't, feeling some sort of magical force keeping her joints in place. All she could do was look around, eyes full of fear.

"Alright, she's ready!" Magelight yelled in the direction of the mine. Two dragons came crawling out, one green, the other red. "I assume you all kept your part of the deal?" Magelight asked. 'Deal?' Astral thought to herself.

"Yeah, yeah, we remembered to bring the money." Red said, throwing him a large bag, presumably full of bits and gems. "Still can't believe he actually bought us a mare." He chuckled to the green dragon next to him.

"This is it, right!? This is the last one!?" Magelight asked, making sure to stay a ways away from the dragons. "You'll leave my village alone now, right!?"

Green stayed silent and started crawling towards Astral, who was twitching, trying to force her body to move. Red answered "Eeehh, maybe, I'll need to make sure with the others."

"But... you said you'd stop!" Magelight grew a bit angry. "I did all off this for nothing!?"

Red walked up to Green, both now looking over Astral. "Yes, and you'll keep doing this until we say so, unless you'd like to be our dinner here later..." Red threatened. Magelight backed up a bit at that. Red snickered in response. "Now... you look fun... can't wait to have my turn with you..."

Finally, they were far enough away from the mine entrance. Before the red dragon could put a claw on Astral, they all heard a roar. Tethys leaped out from the treetops and flew towards the dragons, charging up her magic in her mouth. She released it, chilling the air around her. A beam of ice breath flew towards the red dragon, freezing it almost instantly in place. The green dragon was a bit slow to react, only moving once Tethys landed in front of him. He flapped his wings, but wasn't fast enough to take off and fly away, falling back down when a ball of ice from the dragoness' breath hit him in the wing. Next, Tethys grabbed the dragon by the neck, pulling it up to her eye level and breathing ice into his face, freezing the green dragon from the head down.

Immediately when Tethys roared, Skystrike also sprang into action. He didn't need his swords for this, only his hooves. Magelight saw the massive stallion land in front of him with a heavy thump, standing on his hind legs and looking down at him. The sun behind the mountain blocked some of the light, the last of it reflecting off of Skystrike's armor. The fear Magelight felt inside when he looked into the glowing blue eyes of his helmet could be summed up simply: terrifying. He tried to run, turning around and booking it as fast as he could. Skystrike, in response, flew above him and landed on his back, the unicorn falling to the ground and sliding to a halt on the harsh forest floor. Magelight screamed in pain, looking back up at Skystrike. "You're too loud." Skystrike stated, pulling back a armored claw and chopping at his neck, knocking him out.

Skystrike picked up the now unconscious Magelight and slung him over his shoulder. "All done on my end!" He yelled to Tethys.

"Same on my end!" Tethys yelled back as she began dragging the frozen bodies of her kin behind her. Quick and efficient, just like they planned.

"Great." Skystrike lowered his voice as Tethys approached. We'll interrogate the dragons first. You handle one, I the other. For Magelight, I plan on doing his myself." Skystrike said as he walked towards Astral. "Thanks for helping with the plan, even though you'd be put in danger. Sorry they got so close, but we needed to make sure. I'll figure out how to make it up to you." He said as he picked her up and slung her limp body over his other shoulder. "I'm not sure how strong Magelight's magic is, but it should wear off... Eventually... However long the paralysis spell lasts, I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

It took about ten minutes of light jogging, bringing the still paralyzed Astral and the unconscious Magelight and dragons back, but they were pretty quick about it. Skystrike, having his hooves full, kicked down the door to the chiefs house. "Opal! Spelunk! This is your queue!" Skystrike yelled through the house. The two came jogging from upstairs. He gently set Astral down, and dropped Magelight with a loud thump.

"Jeez, that was quick. We haven't found much yet... Is Astral... alive?" Spelunk asked looking at the mare's limp body.

"She's fine. Magelight casted a paralysis spell point blank. Take Astral to her room for now. Second floor, third room on the left from the stairs. Once she's in her bed, bring Magelight, tie him up, and keep him in his office. I'll deal with him once I'm done with the dragons." Skystrike said as Opal used her magic to pick up Astral, going to do what they were told. "Tethys, they're your kin. Before we start interrogation, I'll let you decide how we do this."

"Thanks for the thought, but these dragons have already been a pain in my scales for a while now. This is the last straw. They will die once this is all over. In fact, you can kill them after this interrogation." Tethys growled a bit. Spelunk shivered a bit at that. Skystrike was about to say something. "And before you ask, yes, you can use their bodies for materials."

"...I was going to ask which dragon you wanted to deal with, but good to know I guess." Skystrike walked over to Tethys. "From the stake out, they're both quite talkative, but the green one seems more afraid of you, so it'll be easier for you."

Tethys hummed at that. "Makes sense... very well, I'll leave the red one to you. Remember, my ice is magical. As soon as you break the ice, they'll be conscious in seconds."

"Already got a plan. Take the green one to the left wing. I'll be back, and take the red one to the right wing." Skystrike stretched a bit as he opened the front door to go back outside. "Don't start until I get back." Tethys nodded, and with that, he left. He quickly made his way back towards his wagon, getting everything he'd need for an impromptu interrogation. The Pegasus got a few things he prepared: A few steel pikes, an enchanted dagger, a few health potions, and a small flask filled white looking rock. He still needed something to stop the dragon from breathing fire... well, there is that way. Yeah, he'll go with that. Thinking it over, the dragon will experience some pain anyway. No point it trying to make it painless. He quickly wrote down a list of questions.

He made his way back to the chief's house, going down the right wing and opening the door at the end of the hall. He passed by Tethys, giving her the go ahead to start, as well as the list he wrote earlier. From the items and layout inside the room, it seemed to be a storage room, the many crates and barrels covered in a thin layer of dust. In the center of the room was the still frozen body of the red dragon. Skystrike unloaded everything on him onto the floor and took a deep breath, preparing to release the dragon from its frozen prison.

There's a time window of a few seconds to break the ice, stop its ability to breathe fire, and restrain it. The hardest part would be the fire breath. There was a gland, similar to a snakes venom sack, that was magical in nature. It was rather small and sat between their upper jar and snout, generating phosphine that ignites on contact with oxygen. It's doable, but finnicky.

He released his breath and sprang into action, punching the ice with a closed hoof, shattering it. The red dragon fell over in pain and confusion, only to be snapped out of it by Skystrike driving a knife through the snout of the beast. The knife glowed, when it was inserted, canceling out the magic, not letting it combust. He stood back up with a roar, spreading his wings in an attempt to gain balance. In response, Skystrike grabbed two of the steel pikes, tackled the dragon into the wall, and stabbed a pike into each of the wings. The whole room shook from the deafening roar of the dragon. He tried to move, but soon stopped from the pain of his tearing elytra. The red dragon finally opened his eyes. "You... bastard..." He said between breaths as he opened his mouth to breathe fire. It was null.

"Wide awake, I see... Make this easy for me. I got questions. You have answers. And I feel we can both agree, the less pain the better." Skystrike sat down and twirled a pike in his metal claws. "I'll start with something easy. How many dragons are you here with exactly?" He asked calmly. The dragon, blood dripping from his mouth, spit some at him. Skystrike blinked, then met him with another pike, pinning his foot to the floor. The red dragon screamed in pain. "Need I repeat myself?"

The dragon panted before answering. "There's... there's four of us."

Skystrike sighed and got in the dragons face. "I already heard you and the green one's conversation last night. Plus, doesn't make sense. Four of you but you want seven mares? Tell me honestly." Skystrike demanded, crossing his fore hooves.

"...There's five."

Skystrike didn't respond, just turning to leave the room to the dragons confusion. He walked to the other side of the house to the left wing and checked on how Tethys was doing. The door creaked, and he felt a blast of cold air meet him. Once the stinging of his eyes were bearable, he saw how Tethys was doing. Both she and the green dragon, who's limbs were frozen to the wall, looked at him. "I asked the first question like the list said. He tells me there's only three."

"Interesting. I got told five..." Skystrike put his hoof under the green dragons chin. "You do know, the more you lie, the more pain you and your friend in the other room get? Be honest, would you? I know you heard the roar of the red one."

The green one didn't growl like the red one. Just nodded with eyes as wide as dinner plates. "There's eight of us... one full grown."

"See, wasn't too hard. Continue with the next question, Tethys." Skystrike said as he trotted back to the right wing. As soon as Skystrike opened the door, the red dragon looked up at him. The Pegasus realized that the red one was in the middle of trying to pull out one of the pikes with his free claws. Didn't matter. He had a reason to restrict them now. "So, guess what? The green one told me the actual number!" Skystrike smiled as he closed the door. As soon as the door clicked, he flew across the room to last a devastating punch, winding the dragon. Skystrike picked up another pike and drove it through one of the dragons hands. "Now it's your turn... tell me how many of you there are."

The red dragon coughed. "...Eight." He said weakly.

"Good..." Skystrike took one of the health potions and poured it down the dragons mouth. It was a low grade one, didn't close any major wounds, just forced his blood cells to speed up the multiplication rate. The dragon wont fall unconscious any time soon. "Next, I already know you're working with Magelight. What all did you offer him?"

"...We gave him gold from... each of our hordes." The red one was still breathing heavily. "I don't know how much..."

Skystrike didn't need to double check that one. "Good, you're learning. Now, where are the mares you took?" Skystrike asked as he pulled out the map of the mines. "Point to it on this." Skystrike made sure to keep it out of distance so he can't tear it up. The dragon used a free hand to point to the deepest part of the mine, where it ended in a large opening and the second entrance was open to the sky. Skystrike got up again to go meet Tethys.

"Wait!" The red dragon held out a hand, hoping the armored pony would stop. Skystrike turned his head to look at him. "There's... a room we dug out to the side of the one I pointed at... they're there."

Skystrike didn't respond, nor react. He went to Tethys to check. Tethys didn't even wait for her friend to ask. "He says there's a room they dug out in the deepest part of the mine where they keep them."

"Good, that's exactly what the red one said. I'll ask him this last question before we go." Skystrike came eye to eye with the green dragon. "What exactly are you doing to the mares?"

The green one hesitated to answer, but then saw the death glares that Skystrike and Tethys was giving him. "I... I didn't do anything to them! I just follow orders!" He pleaded.

Skystrike's eyebrow raised a bit at that. His tone showed a mix of fear and guilt. "Tell me what you meant last night, where you said 'I'm not into what you guys are doing' to the red one."

Tethys kneeled down. "This one was one of the more passive dragons I've known. Believe it or not, I haven't even had to hurt him yet."

The green one spoke after a gulp. "I... I was in charge of keeping watch... I never went into the room the ponies are kept in! This last one was supposed to be for me, but even then, I wasn't going to do anything!"

"...What do you mean by that?" Skystrike stared.

"I don't know what they do with the mares! That's all I know about it!" The still frozen dragon shivered a bit.

Tethys squinted, then sighed. "Call it a sixth sense, but I think he's telling the truth. Plus, he doesn't smell the same as the red one."

They heard the door open behind them. All three beings turned their heads to see Astral, leaning on the doorframe to stay up right. "I heard what he said... I believe him. When I was looking at Magelight and the dragons, he was the only one whos eyes I saw regret in... Of course, that doesn't dissolve him of what he did, but... just take my words into account."

Skystrike flicked his ears at that. "Alright, Astral. Now Tethys... What smell?" She winced. Tethys was having a hard time getting the word out. "Fine, I'll ask the red one. Do what you want with this one." He said with a sigh as he walked back to the red dragon. Upon entering the room, he noticed a small pool of blood forming below the body of the dragon. It didn't have long left, but it wouldn't matter soon. "Yo." Skystrike made the dragon aware of his presence. The red dragon looked up. "What did you do to the mares?" He asked with anger in his voice. Paying more attention now, he did indeed notice a distinct smell that was different from the green dragon. He hoped his senses were wrong for once.

The red dragon chuckled weakly. "Took you a while to ask..." He coughed. "You're one of the smarter ponies... what did you think we did?" He asked rhetorically with a smile. "Heh heh... It was fun."

Skystrike's eyes flashed white under his helmet. "What was fun?" He put a hoof on the grip of his sword.

The dragon laughed harder. "The mares... so weak and helpless... and ti-"

The dragon wasn't able to finish the word, let alone the sentence, due to a sword going through his throat. The red dragon let out one last scream of pain, shaking the whole house, before falling limp, lifeless. Skystrike pulled out his sword with a grunt, some blood spraying into his armored hoof. He flicked the blood of his sword and wiped his armor before the blood dried, then left the room. On the other side of the door, he saw Astral, Bismuth, Emerald, Silverspeed, and Stormfeather were all standing, waiting for him. "Everything ok?" Silverspeed asked, trying to look behind him.

"...Sorry, you guys are going to have a mess to clean up..." He apologized. "You'll need a lot of bleach. Leave the body outside, behind the house. Astral, see if you can collect any blood using your magic and put them in jars or something. I'm going to talk with Magelight..." Skystrike said, walking through him. The ponies didn't respond, hearing the anger leak out of his voice.

The Pegasus walked towards Magelight's office. Quickly opening the door, he was met with Opal and Spelunk meeting eyes with him. Magelight was still unconscious, and was currently tied to his chair. "I guess it's time. We haven't done anything to him besides keep watch. What should we do with him?"

"Well, two things. Cancel out any magic he casts if you can, and confirm whether he's lying or not. you two know him better than me." Skystrike stopped in front of the chair. It was time for him to wake up. With a sigh, he dealt a heavy slap to Magelight.

Magelight awoke almost instantly. His vision was blurry for the first waking moments, but when the first thing he saw was Skystrike, the unicorn's confusion swiftly turned to rage. "You... YOU!" Magelight screamed at Skystrike. "Everything was going fine until you showed up! You ruined everything!"

"Or, counter point, maybe you bought this upon yourself. Here's the deal I'm going to-" Skystrike cut himself off, seeing that Magelight was trying to charge a spell with his horn. "Opal, Spelunk." He said. The two mares didn't need him to say what they needed to do before they both used their own magic in tangent to stop the spell Magelight was charging. "I'm going to ask you some questions, and you're going to answer them."

"Or what!?" He struggled in his bindings.

Skystrike answered him by drawing his sword. "Then you'll die. We already know from circumstantial evidence strengthened by testimonies of the dragons that you have essentially sold the ponies you are meant to protect for a quick buck. First, I'll ask an easy one. I know Agate was just by chance. How many of the others were set up by you?"

"Buck you!" He screamed at Skystrike, then spit in his direction.

Skystrike sighed heavily. "The hard way, then..." Skystrike extended his metal claws and dug one of the fingers into one of Magelight's legs. He screamed from the pain. "I'll ask again, how many of the others were set up by you?" Magelight stayed silent, aside from a few huffs. "Fine, more pain it is." Skystrike dug another finger in and dragged it down the unicorn's leg, leaving a large gash as he screamed.

Magelight finally answered. "Stop, stop!" He begged. "I didn't with Agate!"

"You bucking shit stain!" Spelunk decided to have her turn at screaming. "You really did sell out sisters!? I was praying to Celestia that Nebula was lying!" Opal put a hoof on Spelunk's shoulder, holding her back. "Why are we even talking to this guy!? He doesn't deserve a chance to speak!

He turned to Spelunk. "Spelunk, there are times where even when our emotions are heightened, we must still talk. Trust me, I want nothing more to rip this guy apart. But if you dehumanize villains, you become unable to recognize the villain within. One of the reasons what we're doing can be seen as 'good' right now is because we have the moral justification. I simply want to see what his justification is. No more, no less." Skystrike continued with his questions. "Next, the red one threw you a bag of money before we stepped in. He also said that he payed you for the mares you bought him. Where is the money? I know you're hiding it."

"It's... there's a key in my desk, third drawer on the right side, under some papers. It opens a safe in the closet."

"Opal, check it and give me an estimate on how much money it is." Skystrike said, making sure to keep eye contact with Magelight.

Opal did so, getting the key, opening the closet and the large safe inside. "By the sun... It's just... four bags of bits and gems. I'd have to appraise these for an exact amount, but everything together, not including the bag you got, it has to be at least eighty thousand."

"Oh, we got a baller, huh?" Skystrike looked at Magelight. "A shame how it was earned through trafficking ponies." He grit his teeth. He wanted to ask another question, but a quick thought made him come to the answer on his own. He had enough money from the first... sale... to hire somepony to come help. And yet he didn't. "You're a greedy stallion, you know that?" Skystrike flexed his claws and inched closer to Magelight.

"No, wait! The money wasn't for me!" The coward said. "It was Count Caezar! We were making him lose money for the last few months! He told me if we didn't turn things around soon, he'd call us all back and make us abandon this place! I couldn't let him do that!"

"So you decided so sell our sisters, and sell a stranger just so you wouldn't feel guilty, all for a quick buck!?" Opal's magic flared a bit.

"We all know he didn't think this through. Don't worry, I'll bring it up to Celestia and Luna once I give my report. Upper Crust will be punished." Skystrike assured them.

Magelight's eyes widened. "The... the princess sent you here?"

"Yeah, but that's the least you have to worry about. Worry... about what we'll do to you. I'll give you a few minutes to say what you want before I decide your fate. I just want to know why." Skystrike leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.

Magelight looked at him. "Fine..." He sighed a sigh of fear. "I... When we lost Agate, we set up a search party right away. I was with Goldwork when we were cornered by a dragon. I ran away, leaving Goldwork to those beasts... the regret ate away at me. I wanted to go get a search party, and I sent out a letter to Upper Crust, but he... he got mad. He accused me of lying, saying there were dragons here, and he told me we haven't made enough money yet to break even on the bits he spent to get us out here... But when those dragons bought me some money, I was surprised... My first thought was to use it to get someone to come help. But before I could even take it, they told me that they'd bring me more if they got more mares... I denied at first, but then they threatened to burn down the village." His voice quivered more and more as he continued to speak. "Goldwork, Quarry, Ruby, Jasper, Rainbowshine... I gave them up to save us! What else was I supposed to do!? We needed to get enough money to get somepony here to help us!"

Skystrike set aside his judgement for now. "...Then what of Astral and I?" Skystrike got up from the wall. "You were combative towards me being here, not to mention you trying to sell Astral."

Magelight paused for a moment, then answered. "...I didn't want to worry you. I only hired Astral. I didn't want anypony else to get involved. I know I was wrong for trying to give away Astral, but... I couldn't give up any more of the ponies I'm in charge of..."

Skystrike stomped a hoof. "Cut the bullshit, Magelight. If there's anything in this world I hate, it's those that justify their actions for reasons after they've done said action. You knew if I found out like I did, you'd be deep in shit, like you are now." He stepped forward. "You knew you had enough money to pay a whole platoon of guards to come if you wanted. You just got too greedy with Astral. Even if we didn't meet along the way, I would've hunted. You. DOWN." Skystrike stomped a hoof again, cracking the floor a bit. "I'm sure you would've taken the money and ran if you didn't get too cocky. The only thing I have a chance of believing is what you said about Upper Crust. But you weren't even going to pay him. You were going to run away with the money I bet."

Magelight leaned back in the chair, trying to get as far away from the Pegasus as he could. "Wh-... what about the mares!? I made sure they were being fed! I made sure the dragons got the food!"

"Be that as it may, you still sacrificed them for your own selfish goals. That one act you perceive as 'kindness' is null here. Besides, how do you know the dragons didn't lie?" Skystrike grabbed him and threw him out of the chair onto the ground. "But if you really want to do some 'good', then you'll confess to your crimes in front of the ponies in this village, as well as hand over any evidence that will incriminate you and Upper Crust."

"...I... I can't do that!"

Skystrike kneeled over him. "Still clinging onto that pathetic life of yours, huh. Fine. Be that way. Opal, Spelunk. Gather the villagers. It's time." The two mares nodded before leaving the room. Skystrike then picked up Magelight again and began dragging him around the building, stopping by everyone inside and telling them to gather at the town center.

It hadn't even been ten minutes before the few dozen of the residents gathered in the center. All were confused, seeing the armored pony with Magelight tied up in front of him, along with a dragon and the six of Opal's group behind him. They murmured between each other before Skystrike flew above them, Magelight dangling from the rope with tears in his eyes.

Skystrike spoke to the crowd. "Good afternoon, ponies. Unfortunately, I do not come bearing good news. As most of you know, some of you have been going 'missing' in and near the mines. And as some of you may know, Both myself and Astral Night have come to find your missing friends, and find out why they're going missing." Skystrike looked down at Magelight. "Now, we have the answers we need. First, the ones who were taking the mares were dragons." The crowd gasped at that, a few eyeing Tethys. "Do not worry, the dragon behind me is of no threat to you, and is in fact helping me rescue the taken residents, as well as neutralize the dragons that mean you harm. However, know that the dragons were not working alone. Your leader here, Magelight was actively working with the dragons. Selling you ponies so he and Upper Crust could make some quick money. The ponies behind me, the ones who's sisters were sold, will vouch for my words, as they have been here for the interrogation, and will continue to search for written evidence within Magelight's house." Once the crowd processed this, they began screaming at the unicorn. Some profanities were shared, stones were thrown, and Magelight tried his best to cover his body from the rocks coming at him.

Skystrike put up a hoof, motioning them to stop. After a few moments, they did. "Now, Tethys, Astral and I will be going to get the ponies back from the dragons as soon as this meeting is over. I bring Magelight to you all because you all deserve to know the truth, and to not follow somepony as shameless as this." Skystrike dropped Magelight to the ground. "Now, as of what to do with him..." Skystrike turned to the ponies behind him. "Opal, Bismuth, Spelunk, Silverspeed, Stormfeather, Emerald Green. Magelight has affected you all second only to your sisters. I believe it's only fair you decide his fate."

Bismuth grit his teeth, trying to think of the words he wanted to say. Stormfeather stepped forward, rage in his eyes. It was almost impressive. "I want him dead! Why does he deserve life when he's made others suffer!? Kill him!"

Bismuth held him back. "Look, I... don't disagree. But we have to think this through. Remember, Nebula has to report this to the princesses..."

"No I don't."

Everyone turned silent and looked at Skystrike. Bismuth broke the silence. "...What do you mean by that?"

Skystrike rolled a hoof. "Well... I'll need to clarify. I do have to report what happens here to the princesses... but if that story gets... 'confused' when I relay it, then there wouldn't be any true consequence, right?" Many ears perked up at this.

"No..." Magelight whimpered.

Skystrike continued. "Say... He backed out of the deal with the dragons at the last moment with Astral at stake. In retaliation, the dragons, feeling duped, killed Magelight." Skystrike looked at the unicorn and pulled out a vial with a few white rocks in it. "At that point, we'd only need to make sure of two things. Making sure the body isn't available for an autopsy, and that everypony here has the same story in case anypony wants to dig a bit further. Nothing some white phosphorus can't handle."

"NO!" Magelight screamed up at him. "Who do you think you are!? You can't do this to me!"

Skystrike looked down at him. "...Well, to answer your question, I'm somepony who, within reason, lets the ponies affected take justice into their own hooves. You haven't done anything to me personally, thus, I am not deciding your punishment. I can't and wont do anything to you, they can and will." Skystrike landed in front of the six ponies he named earlier. "I will tell you this, as somepony who has taken a life, you will never come to a conclusion if they will truly deserve their life being taken. And it's a decision you can never make up for. There will always be that 'what if' in your mind." Skystrike sighed. "So, these will be your two options."

He set down the vial in front of them. "You can do what you wish with Magelight, and I will not tell a soul. If you decide to kill him, then use the vial to get rid of the body. It will turn flesh and bone to ash when in contact with oxygen, leaving no trace of a body. If he's alive by the time we return, he will come with me back to Canterlot, where he will be put on trial." Skystrike finished, leaving the ponies to stand with contorted faces in thought. He sighed again and spoke once more. "If you want my opinion on this, I do not know truly what you should do... You will have to live with the consequence of this for the rest of your lives, and it will not reverse the damage he has done, but it's your choice, I will not deny you vengeance. Instead, I recommend a vote with all the residents here. But make sure to think your choice through." Skystrike got on all fours and walked by Tethys and Astral. "It's time. Help me get a few things from my wagon."

The three left the residents to talk among themselves. Even thought they were walking farther away, the crowd was getting louder and louder in discussion. Hopefully they came to a decision they wouldn't regret. Skystrike hopped into his wagon and grabbed his box of metal pikes, setting them down outside the wagon. He'll need these for the big one. He checked over his swords, pulling them out their sheaths and putting them back in. Astral spoke up. "...Are we not going to talk about what you did back there?"

Skystrike put his swords on his waist. "I suppose we can, but I don't know what there is to talk about."

"Nebula, that was near villainous back there." Tethys added. "Are you ok? I know you do some morally questionable things, but damn... That takes the cake."

Skystrike sighed. "I've... been through a similar situation. Having to decide whether someone lived or died by my hooves, as well as the pain of vengeance never being fulfilled. As I said, they've suffered, so they should decide how Magelight will suffer."

"So what, it was because you saw yourself in them or something?" Astral asked.

Skystrike thought about it. "...Yeah... I guess so. They deserve closure. What type of closure is their choice. Either way, at least they have the chance to give their abuser to meet a fate they deserve." He thought back to his time in the lab... hopefully no one lived through that. "I'd... rather we drop this... Let's focus on getting the mares back."

Tethys and Astral looked at each other, then shared a sigh. "Fine." Tethys spoke, releasing the tension in her shoulders. "I've trusted your judgement so far, but we will talk about this later." Skystrike nodded. "Good. So, what's the plan?"

"We have about an hour before the dragons come out to look for the red and green ones. I'd prefer to get the jump on them, rather than them on us. There were eight total, meaning there should be five juveniles and one adult. Tethys, I'll leave the adult to you. Astral, you and I will be dealing with the juveniles. I'll be the vanguard, you be support. We'll be inside the cave when Tethys brings the big one out. This cave is too small for it, so it has to be in another nearby. Once we deal with them all, I'll go to help Tethys with the Adult. You'll be in charge of the mares. Best if they see a friendly face."

"And how am I going to get them back here? I doubt they're in any shape to walk back here." Astral asked.

Skystrike thought for a moment, then began moving some items outside of his wagon. "We'll take the wagon. That's one of the reasons I rented it. All you need to do is get the wagon in the mine, load up the mares, and bring them back."

"I'll provoke the big one, though I can only really distract him for a while, It'll be hard to kill him." Tethys spoke.

Skystrike looked up at Tethys. "Why's that?"

"The adult dragon is a stone dragon. Known for their very hard and durable scales. It'll be hard to break the scales, so It will be a long fight, and I don't have my axe... It broke a while ago."

"Alright..." Skystrike thought about what to do for a moment. "...I got an Idea. It's a bit risky, but It will work. Let's head out." He finished, hitching himself to the wagon.

It was showtime. Skystrike took a look up the mountain, seeing the sun laying right above the peak. He'd love to take the sight in more, but he was here on mission. He pat himself down, making sure he had everything on him. "Tethys, it'll take us a bit to get to the deeper part of the mine. Sound will echo well through the cave. When you hear a battle, that'll be a good time to go for the big one." Skystrike unhitched the wagon from himself. "Stay between the trees or above the clouds. Don't want any strays to see you. And stay safe."

"Same to you, Nebula." The dragoness said before flying off.

Skystrike then turned to look at Astral. "Well, I know I told you a few days ago, but you still have the chance to turn back now. Nopony would blame you. You are putting your life at risk, after all."

Astral shook her head no as soon as he finished. "And I told you, that it's my turn to return the favor that my brother gave to me and others." She gave a small smiled and held a hoof over her heart. "I know he wouldn't want me to put myself in danger, but this is something I must do... He's watching over me from somewhere."

Skystrike winced a bit at that. She was technically right, he is watching over her. What he winced at was how it feels like... well, he is lying to her by not showing her his real identity. He'd have to address this one they were back in Canterlot. The stallion said the only thing he really could. "I'm... I'm sure he'd be proud of you. Just make sure you keep the life you have. Ready?" Astral answered with a nod. "Alright, lets go."

The two went through the entrance of the mine. Skystrike made sure to remember the map that Silverspeed showed him. Navigating the caves was easy. As Astral followed behind him, she made sure to avoid pools of water that dripped from hanging stalactites. She was also in awe of all the gemstones that stuck out of the walls, dazzling from the few bits of light that were reflected from torches on the walls. The smell of stagnant water was getting to her a bit, but she tried to ignore it. The wind howled through the cave behind them as they entered deep in the mine. "We need to pick up the pace. The wind is behind us, so they could pick up our scent."

Astral hummed in agreement, speeding up a bit. They continued in silence for a few more minutes, the only sound being the dripping water and shuffling of hooves. As they walked, they noticed something. Astral asked about it. "Hey... the gems on the wall are getting more sparse. Does that mean anything?"

"Two things. The gems are of higher quality down here, so they're mined more. Also, the dragons find them more tasty." Skystrike answered. "The richer the gems are in magic, the better they taste according... to the dragons I know." Astral was about to ask another question, but was stopped by a hoof going in front of her. They stayed silent fore a moment before they could hear faint echoes coming from deeper in the cave. They were here, and had to be much more careful. If they can hear the dragons, the dragons can most definitely hear them if they aren't careful. "We'll lure them. Hide in one of the branching paths. A dark one." He said as he put an armored hoof around a nearby torch, snuffing it out. Astral did so, as well.

She looked at the Pegasus, as if asking 'what now?' Skystrike answer by grabbing a large rock and throwing it at the spot where they were just standing, making a loud crack. They heard a moment of silence from the dragons, before one called out. "Ashen!? Askook!? That you?" The voice of a dragon called out. Skytstrike motioned for her to be quiet. The yelling of the dragon returned. "You back with the new one!?" They didn't respond. The scraping of claws grew closer. "...Who's there!? Hey, Lockhead, go check it out!"

"No, I did it last time. It's probably a rat."

"Look, you know I'm bad with tight areas! My wings clamp up!"

"Pussy."

A groan was heard, the scraping continued. Only a few dozen paces away. Skystrike drew his sword, and Astral her dagger. "I swear I'll get you one day for the shit you pull here... You got 5 seconds to get out this cave, before you become my next meal! Five!" The dragon said, as if it had some sort of authority. Eight paces away. "Four!" Beasts like these deserve no mercy, just like the rest of them. "Three!" Six paces away. Something inside Skystrike reached out to him. It felt familiar. He knew what it was. He'd have to hold back his bloodlust.. "Two!" Three paces away. He'd make it quick. That will be their final mercy. "One!" A dragon's foot stomped into Skystrike's view. The dragon didn't get to finish. Skystrike jumped out the crevasse and flew forward, blade first. In a split second, his sword went through the dragons throat. Lucky that the underside of a dragon has weaker scales. The dragon, Skystrike realizing it's orange in color with rather large wings, reached out to Skystrike at it coughed up blood. He twisted his blade and pulled it out, decapitating the dragon. Four left.

Astral looked down at the body of the lifeless dragon. It was the first time she had something sentient die in front of her. She... wasn't sure how to feel... On one hoof, it was a life, taken before their time. On the other, they deserved it. She stared at the body for a while, seeing the pool of blood grow as the lifeless eyes stared back at her. "Astral." Skystrike shook her out of her trance.

Astral blinked. "I'm... I'm sorry... It's just..."

"First time? I was the same, believe me. But this is just part of the job. Try to keep it together." Skystrike let go of her. "Now, there's at least one dragon in the next room. You said you could use a candlelight spell right?" Skystrike spoke rather quickly. It was only a matter of time before the dragons smelled the blood.

"Uh, yeah, but that's only for lighting up rooms and the like, not for combat..."

"Normally, but remember, your greatest weapon is your mind. Follow right behind me, and on my signal, pour in as much magic as you can into the spell."

"But... if you overload a spell, it has the chance of explo-... I get it now, alright. Let's do it." Astral nodded. With that, the two slowly made their way to the dragons lair. They stopped around the corner, making sure they weren't seen. Skystrike put out a hoof, signaling for her to stop. He spread out the digits of his claw, counting down to zero by clenching his hoof. The two rushed out, Skystrike taking flight and flying into the room. There were three dragons in the room of various colors, and they all looked at him. Perfect.

He flew straight up, letting Astral's magic take full effect. Astral, making sure to close her eyes, quickly overcharged her magic, and with a loud boom, the spell overloaded, exploding in a blinding white light. The dragons roared, covering their eyes in pain. Skystrike dove down, arms crossed, blades pointed out towards his side. He went for the largest one first, a yellow quadruped dragon writhing on the ground, back up. As soon as he was on top of the yellow dragon, he made a quick cross slash to the nape, killing it near instantly. Three left.

He looked to the direction another dragon was. This one was bipedal, similar to the green one they captured, but more spikes and a brown color. They were beginning to gain their sight back. Skystrike picked up the pace, jumping towards the brown dragon and going for a slash at their chest. Unexpectedly, it was able to regain their sight rather quickly, jumping back to dodge. It breathed a wave of fire at the stallion, Skystrike making sure to side step it with a spin, and using the momentum to throw his sword at the brown dragon, it going through the dragon and it falling to the ground. Two left.

The last dragon, another bipedal with grey scales tried to fly out of the cave from the opening in the ceiling. Skystrike prepared to take off after it, but the dragon didn't get far. Astral threw one of her enchanted throwing knives at the dragon. It landed in the dragons thigh, doing little damage. The dragon was about to let out a laugh before it was interrupted by its own screams of pain. The enchant on the knife Astral threw was inscribed to explode a few moments after contact. And that it did. The dragon fell to the ground from the pain, holding what was left of its leg.

Skystrike looked at Astral, about to tell her she did good, stopping himself when he saw the look on her face. Her eyes were wide, and she was still in the same stance when she threw the knife, arm out. She shivered a bit as she turned her hoof to look at it. "I... just did it on instinct..." She spoke to herself. "I feel... I don't know how I feel..."

Skystrike made quick work finishing off the grey dragon, stabbing the sword through the heart of the beast. One left. "My guess is that you're feeling a mix of regret and relief. At least that's what is was like for my first kill." Skystrike remembered back to the lab he grew up in. He decided to specify. "The first kill that was by choice, that is... Regret that a life had to be taken, but relieved that they cant hurt anypony else. No true way to describe it, but know you did the right thing." He tried to comfort her a bit as he retrieved his swords.

He had to admit, she was taking it better than he thought she would. At least outwardly. "Does... do you feel this every time?" She asked, trying to stop her shaking hoof with the other.

Skystrike nodded. "Yes, but you must make sure not to get desensitized to it. The less you regret it, the more you justify it. But that's besides the point." Skystrike segwayed, making them get back on track. "There's one more, and only one room left. And said room has the mares we need to save. Think you can handle it, or do you need a minute?"

Astral took a couple deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. "Yeah... I think I can do it. Besides, what I'm going through can't be worse than the mares..." She tightened her grip on her dagger. "Alright, you can do this Astral..." She said to herself as she went towards the room where the captives were. Skystrike followed behind her, surprised she decided to go in first.

Once Skystrike entered, he saw the mares, behind bars made of scrap wood. Where did the dragons get it? They aren't stupid. They know how to build, but where did they get nails? Nails are expensive, so no way they'd just leave them laying around in the mine. He thought to himself some more, before realizing he already knew the answer. Focusing back on the main objective, the mares were behind bars, and after looking around a bit, he didn't see the dragon.

He blinked when he realized what he thought. He didn't see the dragon. "Shit!"

Astral jumped in surprised. "What!?"

"There's one dragon not accounted for! It must have gone to warn the adult! I leave the mares to you, I can't leave Tethys alone! Check their health, and get them back to the village with the wagon!" Skystrike said, running out the room and flying towards where Tethys would be.

Meanwhile, just after she heard several roars from within the cave, Tethys, who was flying above the skylight, took that as her queue. She roared herself, though much louder. It was a challenge to the stone dragon. A rumbling returned in response, followed by a loud roar. She could feel the sound hit her. She prepared to fly in the direction of the response, but was stopped when she felt a fireball hit her back.

Once she restabilized herself in the air, she turned to see the dragon that attacked her. It was bat-like in structure, with deep purple scales and a sleek build. "Damn it, Sky..." Tethys grunted, opening her mouth and shooting a ball of ice at it. The purple dragon flew to the side, dodging it easily. It laughed as it shot Tethys again, the dragoness making sure to dodge it this time. After a few exchanges, with neither not able to hit the other, Tethys looked towards the direction of the earlier roar. Smoke was coming from a nearby mountain, and the rumbling grew closer.

The townsfolk saw the beams of fire and ice in the sky. The roars and the rumbling put them all in a panic. They all talked between each other, some beginning to doubt Nebula's ability. Opal tried to calm everypony down. "Don't worry, everypony! I'm sure they have this under control!" She knew her words weren't really getting through to them, but she at least tried. While the rest still talked between each other on what to do with Magelight, Bismuth looked down at the marker that Nebula gave him.

Bismuth looked towards the forest, seeing the smoke. "Uh... I think we might have a problem." He motioned toward what he saw, seeing that it was getting closer little by little. They looked between each other in mild worry.

"I tried! I tried to stop this!" Magelight yelled at them. "And this is what I get!? For protecting us!? Now that Pegasus is dooming us all!"

Stormfeather kicked the unicorn in the side, causing him to cough, "Shut your bucking mouth before I send you to Tartarus myself! Every word you've just spoken has pissed me off even more! Why are we even leaving him alive!?"

Spelunk grit her teeth. "Sacrificing us to stop something that will come was the worst move he could make. Lying to us on top of all of this... I know my vote. I want Magelight dead."

Opal cleared her throat. "Let's vote once we're out of potential danger, alright?" Opal was about to continue talking before a loud boom was heard from the forest. Everypony turned in the direction of the forest, seeing a blue streak in the sky go by at an astounding speed. "...What was that?"

Skystrike was flying, looking for the last juvenile. His eyes darted between the trees as he flew above them. No luck. He did notice how some of the treetops were either frozen or on fire. They had to be above them. Skystrike looked above, and sure enough, Tethys was in a dogfight with a purple dragon. He could tell from the anger in Tethys' eyes, as well as her missing many of her shots that she was struggling a bit. Wasn't her fault, just a bad match for her, being rather slow compared to other dragon.

Skystrike flew up, trying to slash at dragon. It noticed pretty quickly, barrel-rolling out of the way. The Pegasus did a quick spin, trying for another slash and getting a nick on their wing. The purple dragon stabilized itself, hissing at him. "Sorry about that, Tethys... Seems this one it rather quick."

She flew beside him and grunted, rubbing her shoulder. "I've noticed... The smoke's getting closer, so some help me out once you're done here."

"Will do." Skystrike said, crossing his blades, flying between her and the purple dragon. "Now tell me dragon, and make it quick, how many souls have you hurt?"

"...What?"

Skystrike sighed. "Know what? I don't even want to know. I'll make it quick." He flew towards the dragon prepared to cut him down. The dragon swiftly dodged with another roll, but wasn't expecting a kick to the gut from the stallion. Despite being winded, it was at least able to dive to avoid the blades going for his wings. The dragon grit it's teeth as it dove, turning around and shooting the biggest fireball it could muster. It was a direct hit.

What the dragon didn't know, is that Skystrike's armor, let alone his body, was fully able to tank the hit and shrug it off. As the smoke was subsiding, he made sure to get into the proper stance, tightening his grips on the blades and diving straight down. The smoke trailed behind him as he lunged towards the dragon. It wasn't able to react fast enough before the iron pierced the lungs of the beast as they crashed into the forest floor.

He made a note on where it landed for later, and decided to rush to Tethys. The dragoness was having her own problems. "...Today is just not my day..." Tethys groaned, analyzing the approaching stone dragon. Word of mouth did nothing to describe how massive the dragon in question was. It was easily the size of a train, having to walk on all fours due to it's weight and lack of wings. She could hear the tree trunks snap as it approached.

The dragon had scales like stone, almost like it was made of rock itself with the moss growing off its back. The large jaws of the beast roared, looking to the sky and seeing Tethys. "You dare challenge me on my territory!? Do you know who I am!?" Tethys responded with silence to the dragons annoyance. "I am Vastilok! The strongest dragon only second to the dragon lord!"

Tethys raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Why don't you back it up with a source?"

"My source is that I made it the fuck up!" The dragon growled. "But it's not like you'll live to go rat about that. By now, my underlings would've heard my roar and they'll be here any minute!"

Skystrike flew up next to Tethys. "They're dead, so tough shit I guess." He chuckled, wiping some blood off of him. "Lucky for them, it was quick. I'll try to make it quick for you too, as I'm on a schedule."

"You..." Vastilok growled, taking a tree in its claws and tearing it from its roots. "I will admit, it takes a bit of strength to kill a dragon..." He threw the severed tree at Skystrike who swiftly dodged it, landing with a boom behind him. "But It'll take more than that to take me down!"

Skystrike and Tethys flew to opposite sides of the dragon, starting the battle. Tethys tried to slow Vastilok down the best she could, firing continuous beams of ice at his joints. Skystrike darted around, trying to cut at the neck any chance he could get. Both did nothing to stop him. Realizing his blades were doing nothing, Skystrike sheathed them and jest began being annoying, flying around Vastilok like a fly.

Tethys wasn't joking, the scales were hard like stone. Punching the beast would, and was currently doing more than his blades, solely because he cant chip his hooves. He grunted as he was slowly getting pushed back. "Nnngh..."

Tethys called out to the Pegasus as she fired more beams of ice. "Sky!... You got a plan or...!?"

Skystrike yelled back. "Yeah! Just keep this up, follow my lead!" Vastilok, growing annoyed at the Pegasus, continued to follow him.

Astral had just finished bringing the wagon to the mares and loading them on. They were not in good shape, but could be worse, all things considered. The abuse they've taken, both physically and mentally, required medical attention. Some of them screamed as soon as Astral touched them. Thankfully, most of the mares didn't give into despair. They'd have a hard road through recovery.

As she pulled them out of the cave and through the forest, which was much harder than Nebula made it look, they spoke to each other. Astral was able to get their names. Rainbowshine, Stormfeather's sister, was a pegasus with a pale indigo coat with a light fuchsia gray mane. Jasper, Opal's sister, was a unicorn with a orange coat and beige mane. Those two were the only ones awake and in the mood to talk, as little talk as it was. Each had a blanket around themselves. The two made sure to name the other mares, making sure they had everypony.

Agate, Bismuth's sister, was an earth pony with a grey coat and a cream mane with rainbow highlights going through it. She was huddled in a corner of the wagon, her head barely sticking out of her blanket.

Goldwork, Silverspeed's sister, was a unicorn with a pale yellow coat and a golden mane. She was sleeping... Well, as best she could, lying on her side, forcing her eyes close.

Quarry, Spelunk's sister, was an earth pony with a salt white coat and bronze mane. She was trying her best to comfort those around her.

Ruby, Emerald's sister, had the same orange coat as her brother, but had a ruby red mane. She just curled herself into a ball as the wagon moved.

But at least they were alive. They'd be able to see the next day. The road would be hard, but they have hope for a better future now. Astral gave a long exhale, thinking about what they'd have to go through. She hoped to herself that no more harm would come to them. That hope was immediately put into question when she saw the tree tops, some frozen and some lit aflame. She looked to the sky just in time to see Nebula fly off somewhere behind her, then a few minutes later, an entire tree land a few yards in front of her to the side of the path. She made sure to pick up the pace, turning her trot to a full on gallop now.

With luck, Astral was able to tow the rest of the mares back without much of a problem. As soon as they approached the center of town, the townsfolk turned to see her. The siblings of the mares ran over, making sure their sisters were alright. Hugs were shared, tears were had, apologies were made, but their families were back together. It was a sweet moment.

Skystrike, able to see that Astral was back safely, quickly flew over to her. "Sorry to interrupt the reunion, but we got a situation. Astral, Bismuth, Opal, Spelunk, I need you three! Everypony else, get clear! Get the injured mares inside!" He quickly ordered. The villagers quickly did so, some picking up the mares and taking them into the town hall, others taking themselves and their kids back into their own homes.

"What's happening!? What's with the smoke!?" Bismuth asked.

"You'll know soon! I've left Tethys to hold off the adult, but there's only so much she could do! The scales are too thick, and there's only one piece of equipment that can get through." Skystrike said through tired breaths.

Spelunk looked at him. "You don't mean..."

"Bismuth, on my queue, fire it at the dragon, I'll make an opening! Spelunk, Opal, you're gonna pour as much magic into Astral as you can when you see the dragon come over! Astral, max force paralyze spell onto the rod that Bismuth shoots! All of you, when Bismuth fires, cover your ears!"

They all looked between each other and nodded. "Got it!" Bismuth said, running to the Stake launcher, pointing the marker towards the forest, ready to fire. Opal and Spelunk flared their horns, the magic seeping out of their bodies and going into Astral's horn.

Skystrike quickly flew to where he left his stuff, getting his black chains and connecting one end to the hilts of his swords, and the other to an apparatus on his back, reeling in the chains. He quickly flew back to Tethys, who was still leading the dragon back to the village. "Are they ready!?" Tethys asked as she dodged a few thrown boulders, even freezing some in the air.

"Yeah! Let's go!" Skystrike answered. Tethys near instantly turned around and followed behind Skystrike. Vastilok sped up himself to follow the two.

"Where are you going!?" Vastilok chuckled as he chased them. "You will not leave here alive! And these ponies are next!"

Astral saw the dragon approaching, beginning to charge her spell. She wasn't used to all the magic flowing through her, but she had to control it. They were counting on her. Bismuth waited for Skystrike's queue, who was leading Vastilok into the weapon's range. In a moment, Bismuth had a clear shot on the beast. But it wasn't time yet. Skystrike flew straight up, above the dragon, using gravity to speed him up as he dove. A trail of vapor followed behind him as he dove between the clouds, right above the head of Vastilok. "Tethys, Ice me!"

Tethys didn't hesitate, sending a ball of ice where Skystrike would be as he dove. right before the ice hit him, Skystrike rolled into a fetal position, his armor folding into a ball. The ice wrapped around his armor, increasing his mass when he hit Vastilok. "Comet Smash!" That mass and that speed was bound to hurt, and hurt it did, hitting the dragon point blank on the forehead, ice splintering as Vastilok went to grab his head in pain.

He reeled back, but Skystrike wasnt done, uncurling from his armor and loosening some of the chains on his back. As Vastilok opened his mouth to roar in pain, Skystrike went for the weak points. With the mouth wide open, it was easy to swoop in and stab his swords into the roof of the dragons mouth, blood spurting onto him. Quickly flying out as Vastilok tried to breathe fire, Skystrike used his chains to wrap his jaws shut before landing on the beast's back and pulling with all he had.

Vastilok was forced onto his back legs, taking his underbelly off the ground for the world to see. "Bismuth!!!"

With his queue heard, Bismuth covered his ears, aimed the target marker at the dragons chest and pulled the trigger. The stake launcher quickly turned to its target and fired. Fire came from the sides of the machine as it released the energy used to fire the metal stake directly into Vastilok with a large BOOM! Even with his mouth closed, the roar of pain was still deafening.

This time, it was Astral's queue, releasing the charged spell directly into the stake. Vastilok began spazzing as volts upon volts of magical electricity surged through him. His body was smoking once the spell ended, the heat making his eyes boil out of his sockets. Skystrike huffed as he loosened his grip on the chains, dropping them of the side of the dragon.

"Hah... Nice job, everybody..." Skystrike said as he walked towards Bismuth.

Tethys gave a few huffs of her own. "Yeah... Thanks..." She landed next to the body of Vastilok. "Just one more thing..."

"Still breathing, I know..." Skystrike picked up the Stake launcher of the tripod and carried it on his shoulder, finger on the manual trigger. "Open his mouth, Tethys..."

The dragoness did so, squatting down to dead lift the Vastilok's jaw open. She eyed Skystrike as he walked on his tounge and aimed where the brain would be. "Tethys... cover your ears..." She did so right before Skystrike fired, blowing the brains out the beast, the stake coming out the top side of the head. And with that, Skystrike walked out. "Mission complete..." He rolled his wrist as he dropped his retrieved swords and the Stake launcher.

"Yeah..." She said as she sat down, finally able to relax. "By the way... why do you... call out your attacks?"

Skystrike processed the question, then chuckled for a bit before answering. "Because... If I call out a move and you don't dodge it... that's their fault..." He said. The two shared a tired laugh.

Author's Note

Well here it is. Took me a bit, college is hard.

Didn't want to do a cliff hanger like the last chapter, so this chapter is basically the length of two. I got a few more finals left and then I got the summer free. I hope to get two to three chapters out. Hope you enjoy this.

I also plan on posting a commission I got of Tethys next chapter, so look forward to it. Until next time.

Confrontation

Everyone present let out a long sigh, formed from a mix of relief and exhaustion. Skystrike was sitting down, leaning on his Stake Launcher. He and Tethys just finished sharing a laugh after killing Vastilok. They began moving back towards the rest of the ponies when the smell of burnt flesh became too much to bare. After catching his breath, Skystrike stood up, putting the safety on on the Launcher and turning towards the ponies.

Tethys got up with him. "Where are we going?"

Skystrike huffed. "We have two things left to do. The second is that personal thing I need to do. The first..." The Pegasus stopped in front of Opal. "Have you made a decision?"

Opal looked at him. "You know... you said something about the weight of another's life or something like that before you went to the mine... I... I don't think somepony like him deserves a trial. It's open and shut... But I don't think I can carry the weight of his death on my heart. But if it guarantees that my sister, and other ponies wont be hurt by his actions again, then I must try."

Skystrike returned the look. "I'll.... I'll take that as a yes. And you don't have to ask the victims. They've been through enough." He put a hoof on the mares shoulder. "I have a few more things to check once I finish talking to the residents here. After, Tethys and I are going to do one last scout of the mountain. Just to make sure all danger is gone."

Opal nodded, then wrapped her forehooves around Skystrikes neck to hug him. "Thank you... thank you so much, Nebula." She said, holding back a few tears.

Skystrike shook his head. "It's nothing. I simply do what needs to be done." Opal released him from the hug. "We're going to check on everypony else. If anything comes up, send word." The unicorn nodded, then went back to her sister.

Skystrike and Tethys walked over to the rest of Opal's friend group. Bismuth, Emerald Green, Silverspeed, Spelunk, Stormfeather, and Astral were all still staring at the body of the earth dragon. In both fear and in awe. Bismuth spoke first. "It's... hard to believe it's finally over."

"Buck that it's over, Nebula is the real deal!" Spelunk pointed a hoof to the body. "I thought ponies were just overhyping him, but he nearly took down this giant bastard alone! I don't know how many guards it'd take to do that, but it's definitely more than one. And he's a Pegasus!"

Silverspeed nodded. "Then he was able to figure out who did it within a day. And he was mostly... right." She shuddered at the thought. "If he weren't here..."

Astral agreed. "I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't. The whole plan to lure out Magelight and the dragons. The juvenile dragons were mostly him though. I only got one. He handled the rest himself. All we did was some magic tricks."

"Don't sell yourselves short." Skystrike spoke from behind the group. "Each one of you played a role in this. It would've been much harder without you all. Be proud of yourselves." He stopped in front of the ponies. "Astral, how are the mares?"

Astral rubbed her horn a bit. All that magic made it sore. She winced when she touched it. "Ssss... The mares should be fine, given time. I'd still urge that we take them to a hospital or something. Their bodies are... could be in better shape, but I'm more focused on the trauma that they could have."

Skystrike nodded. She made a good point. "I have a few things to finish up here. We will leave for Vanhoover at sundown. I'd appreciate if you could pack everything by then, Astral. It'd put too much stress on the mares to move them to the city. I will have some doctors sent here." She nodded in response. "Now, for the rest of you, I will need one of you to come with us back to Canterlot. Someone has to testify in front of the princesses."

The ponies looked between each other. "Uh, can we get back to you on that?" Bismuth asked. "Oh, and here." He said, giving Skystrike back the marker.

"Of course. There's just one more thing I need to ask of all of you." Skystrike leaned forward. "Seeing as Magelight isn't dead... well, at least not yet... I assume everypony voted?"

They all looked to each other. Moments of awkward silence went by as the air grew tense. Spelunk broke the silence. "...When you, Astral, and Tethys left, all of the ponies in the village spoke about it for a while. They decided that it was best to leave it to us, the ponies whos sisters were affected, and Astral who was set up. I-..."

She was interrupted by Skystrike putting up a hoof. "Before you answer, just know, I hope you've tried not to let my actions affect your judgement, nor will I or any of you look at anypony different based on their answer."

Spelunk took in a deep breath. "...Alright... I... a part of me feels so wrong when I say this, but... A pony like him does not deserve the life he has... He betrayed out trust. Put all of us at risk... I don't even want to know who else he did this to...could've done this to in the future. I... I vote for him to die." Spelunk covered her mouth with regret at that last sentence. She never thought she'd have to make this decision in her life.

Emerald dug at the dirt beneath him before answering. "Magelight... at one point I called him friend. The affects his actions have had on the ponies around him is unforgivable. He could spend a life time trying to make right by them, and it'd never be enough. But even with all that... I can't say I think he deserves death."

Two in favor, one against his death so far. Silverspeed spoke next. "He sold us so he could save his own ass. You've shown that getting help was an option that could and did work. Trying to protect us my ass... He had more than enough money to hire a platoon. He dies." She said with notably more anger than the previous two.

Three in favor, one against. Bismuth put in his decision. "He waited so long to finally get help, then tries to sell Astral to the dragons. On top of that, he was actively working against you. Magelight's complete disregard for any life other than his own is inhumane. He should not have the mercy that our sisters and Astral should've gotten."

Four in favor. There are seven total. Only two more ponies left to go. Even though the majority already won, their opinions still mattered. Astral stepped forward. "I would've died if not for you. I'm not sure if I'm qualified to have an opinion on this, but... I think... a part of me thinks he should atone for his sins, but another part of me knows that he wont... If he gets away with this with no consequence, then he'll do it again. However, I personally don't think that the death sentence is the right one."

Four and two. "Stormfeather, you're the last one... What say you?"

"He dies." Stormfeather said quickly and angrily. "Everypony else said their reasoning, but are we just gonna forget that he only admitted all this stuff out of self preservation and not out of guilt? If worse came, he'd just have taken the money and ran. He would've lived a lavish life style for a few months minimum. He's crying over there because he got caught. He. Dies." Bismuth finished, stomping his hoof before sighing. "I'm going to check on Rainbowshine."

Skystrike sighed as Rainbowshine flew away. He looked at Tethys, then back to the ponies. "So, five to two... death's favor. I will carry it out myself. Is that vial of white phosphorus still with Magelight?" They all looked between each other to check, then answered with a yes.

The ponies watched as Skystrike went to Magelight. The unicorn tried his best to crawl away, but it was futile with his hooves tied. They, along with other villagers and Tethys, stared as Skystrike dragged Magelight into the forest as he was kicking and screaming.

As the two stallions went deeper into the forest, Magelight cries echoed between the trees. "You can't do this to me you bastard! You won't get away with this! I did what I had to do! For all of us!"

Skystrike decided to finally speak after that last sentence. He'd already come deep enough into the forest anyway. "Magelight... tell me, do you have anything to live for?"

The unicorn stopped his streaming. "...What?"

"What makes you keep on living?"

"...I don't know..."

"Think!" Skystrike demanded as he stabbed one of his swords' into the dirt.

Magelight grunted as he was thrown in the middle of a meadow. He looked up at the armored pony in fear. The blue eyes of the helmet stared into his soul. The unicorn felt as he was looking at death's embodiment in the face. Minutes passed as Skystrike stood still, staring at him. Waiting for his answer. It was ironic in a sense. He was so fearful of the dragons, but now his life is in the hooves of a pony mimicking their appearance. With his strength and brutality, he might as well be a demon.

The unicorn finally spoke. "...You... you think you can get away with this!?" Magelight yelled at him. His response was a heavy slap from Skystrike. He held his cheak as he grunted from the pain. "...You ba-" Magelight was interrupted by the same hoof. Skystrike slapped him again and again, switching between open palm and a back hoof. First blood came from Magelight's broken nose. Then some from a bruised lip. Then a tooth fell out. Skystrike paused momentarily. He was surprised that Magelight could even see him from the black eyes he had. "S... Sdob it!" Magelight cried as he tried to back away.

"Is this wrong?" Skystrike asked.

"Ob course id is! Who do you hink I ab!?"

"A mere fool." Skystrike answered simply, yet full of vitriol. "For god's sake. Look at what you did to the other ponies."

Magelight, still backing away, bared the pain and used his magic to cut his restraints. His adrenaline rushed through him as he shot as much magic he could muster at the Pegasus. It was almost impressive. Almost... When the cloud of smoke dispersed, Skystrike was still standing where he was. Magelight was overwhelmed with fear when he realized there was no visible damage on Skystrike. With the last of his strength used, Magelight fell to the ground. He wasn't the embodiment of death... no, he was death itself. And he feared the reaper. "Domepony! Id anybody dere!?" He screamed out at the top of his lungs.

"There is none that will come to save you." Skystrike looked down at Magelight. "They voted. The ponies who's sisters you sold, and Astral all voted for your fate. Five and Two, death's favor. But don't get them wrong, they simply didn't think death was the right punishment... In a court of law, you'd be banished. Not exactly better, and depending on where you'd have been banished to, it's have been much worse... In a sense, this is a mercy." Skystrike walked close enough and crouched down to get in Magelight's face. "Now... I feel no need to spare your life... You already hurt my sister, Astral Night... you sealed your fate. You will die here..."

"W-w-waid! Why!? I-I-I can gibe you boney, jusd don'd kill be! Dad's whad you cabe here for, righb!?" Magelight pleaded with death.

It was to no avail. "I see..." Skystrike closed his eyes. Magelight had a look of relief for a moment. Skystrike felt his anger well up inside him. Is that all that Magelight sees life as? A fucking transaction? Life is something that you can't put a price on. His rage felt... primal. Instinctual... Magelight's look of relief turned to horror when Skystrike opened his now burning white eyes. "So this is what it means to be unworthy of life!"

And with that, Skystrike kicked Magelight into a tree. Several sounds could be heard. First, the shattering of Magelight's sternum. Second, the crack of the tree he was shot into as well as the cracking of his spine simultaneously. Third, a grotesque sound of bursting flesh as Magelights chest and abdomen exploding. He didn't even have the air in his lungs to scream in pain from his protruding bones and burst organs laying on the ground. Skystrike kicked him in such a way where he could cause the most pain, but the pain was enough where he wouldn't fall unconscious from it. Magelight groaned.

Skystrike stared at him for a moment, thinking to himself as he calmed down. A part of him... enjoyed the pain he wrought on Magelight, but he knew it was bad. He knew well how to fight that instinct by now. It was almost like an addiction. Every being that he hurts, something in his mind tells him to keep going. As if it was a negative feedback loop. He'd have some questions for himself and Echo later.

Skystrike took out the flask of white powder in front of the groaning Magelight. To be specific on the contents of the flask, it was white phosphorus. Sure, it broke the Geneva Convention but... The world of Eques doesn't have a Geneva Convention. That makes it ok. Legally. But there was one last thing he needed from the unicorn. He'd at least have some use...

The Pegasus picked up his sword and walked to the broken and bloody mess that was Magelight and with a swift cut of his sword, lobbed off the horn of Magelight. One of the worst and most disrespectful things that could happen to a unicorn. And with that, Skystrike flew into the sky and threw the flask at his body. The fun thing about white phosphorus is that it ignites when in contact with oxygen, as well as has a higher burning temperature than the melting point of flesh and bone. Magelight couldn't scream through his collapsed lungs. All he could do was weakly look up at Skystrike as he burned. Blood ran down his face from where his horn used to be as his body began to melt. Skystrike made sure to stare at him until Magelight finally left this world. Then, he waited until the body of the unworthy burned to ash, as well as the tree he was kicked into. He flew back down and flapped his wings, letting the ash spread in the wind once the fire died down.

"It's better than he deserves..." Skystrike walked back to the village. He was met in the forest by his dragoness friend.

Tethys looked down at him with crossed arms. "Is it done?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yes."

Tethys sighed. "I know this is ironic coming from a dragon, but that was kinda fucked." She put a hand on her forehead. "You've... changed, Skystrike..."

He stood still at that. "I know... some times I look at what I've become, and I wish I didn't. But... after what happened... I couldn't just keep.. hoping that beings will change for the better. Sure, there are some that can change, but... he would've come back wanting revenge... I won't risk that again."

Tethys rubbed the ridge of her snout. "Holy... I didn't think it affected you this much..." She sighed. It needed to be addressed. The two thought back to why All split up. What the turning point was.

A younger Skystrike stood with a sword in hoof, staring down his foes with all the malice he could muster. He was staring down the remaining platoon of Royal guards, clad in golden armor. The once 40 of the ponies were down to a dozen and a half. All wasn't doing much better either. And to think, it all started from an escort request. He should've known... It was too good a deal to be true.

An envoy was sent to All to give them a letter, saying it was important. Skystrike checked the letters, reading it's contents. A request for all the members of his group to escort a yet to be named noble for a show of strength. He was about to laugh at it before reading the offer. Half a million bits. Fifty thousand when split all ways equally. Celeano would be able to get that airship upgrade she wanted. Sky Beak could use it to settle down like he dreamed. Casta could fund her research. He went to tell everyone that they got a job.

Now, they're half way in the grave. Tethys was the first injured. Stabbed in the back by that Bastard noble. Even now, he's found a way to mess with him. Zecora and Casta were using any potion or spell that could get her back up. By the time Skystrike turned back to see the source of Tethys' scream, Celeano was shot with a blast of magic, and Sky Beak was shot out of the air. A whole platoon came out from hiding between the trees of the forest. This was pre planned. Taking out the dragon, Avian, and Hippogriff simultaneously. Elytra changed from a piece of luggage inter her normal form, charging her magic as she went to protect Zecora and Casta. Celeano and Sky Beak had recovered from their minor injuries, the former pulling out a flintlock and saber while the latter a crossbow. Jeshan dug up from underground and made a wall of dirt, making his team mates cover from a few sides. Maud was in front with Skystrike, who quickly pulled her back. Alder came back and began firing arrows from above the forest.

Skystrike was about to dive at the noble, but he quickly teleported away. Skystrike set down Maud next to Elytra. "You two! Protect them while they help Tethys!" He drew his swords and flew towards the Diamond Dog. "Jeshan! Fall back for a bit, hold out with Celeano and Sky Beak! I'm taking out the anti-air!" Skystrike flew into the forest, finding where the guards were from where their shots of magic came from. Alder and and Sky Beak were doing their best to dodge, but they couldn't dodge them all. From the rate of fire, there were about sixteen unicorns. He dealt with them swiftly, flying to each one between the trees and cutting through them like butter. Limbs were cut off, blood was spilt, and heads rolled. The forty strong quickly fell to twenty four, left of earth ponies and pegasi.

Skystrike wasn't unharmed though. The ponies protecting the unicorns got some hits on him. While he could still move it, he couldn't feel his left arm. The leather armor allowed him to be faster, but he couldn't take many more hits. Some of his bones were fractured in his wings, but the adrenaline made him numb to the pain. Making his way back to the ambush site, his friends weren't doing any better than him. Tethys was at least back up, fighting alongside Maud and Elytra, but all three took pretty heavy damage. The Pegasus decided to fly towards Sky Beak and Jeshan, who was currently defending a downed Celeano, who was clutching her left talon, or where it once was.

Jeshan put up his staff to block an incoming overhead swing from a guard. Sky Beak was currently fighting two ponies himself, and couldn't help him out. Fatigue had gotten to the diamond dog, and the guard cut through his staff, leaving a large gash down his chest. He soon fell unconscious, only after seeing Skystrike quickly cut off his attackers forehooves, then quickly being layed on his back. "Sky Beak! I got-" He looked to the hippogriff, only to see him falling on his back after a hit from a mace hitting his head hard. Celeano fired her flintlock at the mace wielding pony, blasting a hole through the guard. Skystrike grit his teeth. "TETHYS!" He shouted, fending off some attacks from several sides. "Celeano, Sky Beak, and Jeshan are down! Bring them back to Zecora and Casta! I'll hold these fuckers off somehow!"

Tethys did so. Though tired, she flew towards her downed allies and picked up the three bodies. "Take this, you shit heads!" Celeano said, still firing her flintlock, and Skybeak's crossbow. "Sky Beak and Jeshan deserved better! I'll find all your graves and shit on them!" She said angrily. Finally at Zecora and Casta, they each began healing the three injured. Casta worked on closing Jeshan's wound, while Zecora used a salve to stop the blood flow to Celeano's leg. Skystrike jumped into the sky, hoping to have a quick break from the fight to check on his friends. Maud was still standing, swinging her Warhammer in her hooves at her attackers. She did her best as she stood above Elytra, whose carapace was cracked, but was still firing her magic the best she could.

But it didn't matter. Though through their combined efforts, they took the 40 strong down to 12, the damage was done. Casta and Elytra had ran out of magic, falling from over exhaustion. Maud was on her last leg, huffing hard and she rested the head of her Warhammer on the ground. Tethys took another fatal hit, using her ice breath to freeze close a wound from a spear in her stomach. Zecora was running out of energy, having minor cuts all over her body, but also tired from the medical attention she had to give to everyone present.

In a matter of moments, they were forced into a corner. Though battered and bruised, Skystrike was the only one in good enough shape to fight. One of his swords broke, leaving him with only one blade left to fight. The last of the 12 guards surrounded the remains of the group. It was a miracle that none of them died... Skystrike looked back to his allies... his friends... all looking back at him.

Maud spoke first. "Well, I guess we're between a rock and a hard place." She said in a monotone voice, trying to crack a joke in this situation.

Tethys coughed up some blood as Zecora began stitching her back up. "Gotta say... figured this was too good to be true." She was right.

Zecora looked up at him. "We'll make it out of this, Nebula, my friend! This is no day for us to meet our end!"

Skystrike gripped his sword. Their words might as well have fallen on deaf ears. It was his fault. He shouldn't have taken this deal. He was blinded by riches. No... He was blinded by a happy future. He knew from the moment he left the hive that there was no happy future for him. It was not his fate. Fate... Fate... Fate... FATE... FATE...

The word continued to ring in his head. He couldn't escape it. Everyone he meets, he bonds with... fate demands something different. He won't stand for this! He will change his future! He wont let the beings around him suffer anymore! Something in him spoke to him... telling him to fight... to kill! To spill blood! For those not spoken for! For those who suffer in silence! For those who want destruction! It's what he was made to do! To kill all who stand in his way!

Skystrike seemingly grew in size as his wrath overtook him. His muscles popped. His eyes emitted a blinding white light. And with one final declaration: "MY FATE WILL BE FORGED IN MY OWN HANDS!", he dashed forward with a loud boom, a blue streak tailed behind him as he went towards a guard in front of him. He didn't slow down as he cut through the body with one slice, taking the guard's head and shoulder clean off. Before the surrounding guards could react, he dashed into the air, stabbing a Pegasus from under them, their organs coming out the other side.

The rest of the guards quickly ran by his allies and towards him. They weren't nearly fast enough, Skystrike ripping the blade off a guard's corpse and throwing it into the neck of a charging earth pony. They choked on the blade and their own blood before falling over. Skystrike spun to dodge a javelin flying towards him, catching it in the air and throwing it at another Pegasus guard. Once he landed on the ground, he slashed at an approaching guard, his sword shattering on impact with his shield. Turning on his front hooves, he bucked the shield, shattering it to splinters, then grabbing the guard's body and using them as a meat shield, making a flanking guard stab his ally.

The face of horror on the pony's face as he killed his own friend didn't last long when he saw a hoof coming his way. The sheer impact cracked the neck of the guard as it twisted half way around. A guard took their eyes of Skystrike for a mere moment, looking at his comrades fall one by one, only to be snapped back to reality by a hoof going through mouth and out the back of his neck. Each kill, Skystrike got more violent as his instinct told him to show no mercy.

The remaining five ponies didn't last long. Two Pegasus and three earth ponies were soon to feel death's embrace. "Speedy! Redline! Get out of here! Report back to the princess! We'll buy you time!" The princess? Celestia!? His rage grew even more. Before they could react to their orders, Skystrike flew to grab one by the leg and slammed them into the ground, breaking many bones on impact. He stomped on their head, busting their skull open, killing them near instantly. The helmet might as well have been for show.

The last Pegasus didn't decide to wait around as they flew off as fast and high as their wings could take them. It wasn't far enough. Another boom and Skystrike caught up to them in mere moments. The Pegasus guard pleaded, but it fell on deaf ears. Skystrike grabbed onto their wings with his front hooves and kicked the pony down to the earth below with his back hooves. Their wings came off with pops, almost like taking grapes off the vine. They screamed in pain and fear as they fell, ending with a loud splat.

Skystrike flew back to the last three ponies, dropping the wings of their friend in front of them. "You fucked around... And now... you'll find out why Celestia wanted me gone so badly..." He said, preparing to prove it. A dash forward closed the distance between Skystrike and the guards, punching one guard and shattering his ribcage, making the guard cough up blood and fall to the floor. Turning to the next guard, he tore off a leg, leaving them screaming as they bled out. He stared down the last guard, dropping the severed limb and walking towards the pony frozen in fear.

He thought about letting him go. But that damn excuse of a noble got them all into this. Don't deal with them right, and they want revenge next chance they get. Skystrike would take no risk. He grabbed their throat with his metal arm and pulled it out.

Skystrike, covered in a mix of his and the enemy's blood, let out a roar in victory, his anger finally subsiding as the threat was over. For now at least. His adrenaline finally stopped, and fatigue caught up to him. The last thing he saw before falling unconscious was the faces of fear from his conscious friends.

Tethys grit her teeth, thinking back to the incident. She put a claw on her stomach, where the wound was those years ago. Casta and Zecora did well, there was barely even a scar left. "Zecora and Casta fixed me up pretty well. I saw some of the scars you still have. They could probably fix you up quick if you asked."

Skystrike shook his head. "I keep them on me... as a promise to do better by you all, and all those I failed to protect."

"Skystrike..." Tethys began walking, signaling Skystrike to walk next to her towards the forest. "When we first met, I had my... worries on following you. You were naïve, reckless, and you didn't think things through. Despite all that, you kept to yourself and planned things out, with very little room for mistake. You were at times... a huge asshole, but after you left, I realized that you were doing it to protect us... Then when you disbanded All, I realized that you blamed yourself for what happened." Skystrike grit his teeth at that,. Tethys continued talking. "Now that we're back together, I can tell that you've changed majorly. You're much more thorough in planning. You try and listen to others. You focus on the beings, not just the job now. But that guilt is still being carried on your shoulders. It was a mistake, Skystrike. It wasn't your fault."

"But it was my fault." Skystrike spoke up. "You all almost died! All because I just... got sloppy! It was my fault!"

Tethys shook her head. "It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known there was an ambush."

"I could've checked! Scouted ahead! Anything that could've increased our chances! Celeano wouldn't have lost her foot! Jeshan wouldn't have lost his eye!" Skystrike began raising his voice.

Tethys was getting annoyed, showing her teeth. "We all knew the risks, and we don't blame you for it. We still have our lives! It wasn't your fault!"

"I had to disband the group! Everyone in my life, I just keep putting in danger!" Skystrike was full on yelling at this point. "So each of you could go back to the lives you had before! BETTER lives! I hurt you all too much for helping me with something I should've done myself from the start!"

Skystrike felt a punch to his face, falling on his side before looking at where it came from. Tethys was angry to say the least, having tears in her eyes on the verge of falling. "Do you have ANY idea how much you hurt us by leaving!? We blamed each other! We didn't feel like we were somebodies you could RELY on! You sacrificed EVERYTHING for us! We didn't even want your money, but you vanished before we could say something! You think just leaving in the night is the best option!?" Tethys punched him again. Skystrike took the hit. "We wanted to protect you too! Our travels! Our journeys! We enjoyed every moment spent with you! Good and bad! And you just leave!? Thinking you're protecting us!?" Tethys roared as she loomed over the Pegasus. Skystrike looked up at her, taking in her words. Tethys calmed down, albeit slightly. "You... you hurt us the most, Skystrike. We all know you blame yourself. It's not your fault. We don't blame you."

Skystrike looked down at the ground. He thought about it. He couldn't shake the guilt, but he knew. Skystrike got back up and kept walking. Motioning for Tethys to follow him. She sighed and did so. "You're right... A part of me already knew that... but I think I just needed someone to tell me. So, thanks Tethys." Skystrike and Tethys walked for a couple minutes in silence before Skystrike decided to speak up. He made up his mind. He had to tell her. "I have something to confess."

Tethys raised an eyebrow. "Okay...?"

"Before I do, I just want to ask you something..." Skystrike stopped and turned to look her in the eyes. "...Do you believe even the worst person can change? That a cycle of suffering can be broken if someone just tries hard enough?"

Tethys chuckled. "Asking that right after dealing with Magelight? I've always agreed with what you told me all those years ago. Everyone can change. Whether they deserve the chance to is a different story."

Skystrike let out a deep sigh, before standing on his hind hooves and taking off his armor. A neon green fire surrounded him for a moment. Joints popped, muscled stretched, and bones cracked. It a moment, where a pony once stood before Tethys, was a human, his eyes reaching her chest. His dark skin glistened as the white snow melted on his body. The white hair flowing down his back flowed with the wind. All that covered him was a piece of cloth that hung around his waist.

Tethys' green eyes stared into his light blue. "...What are you? Are you Skystrike? I've never seen something like you."

Skystrike nodded. "I... was originally called P.R.O.W-0034. Skystrike Nebula was the name I gave myself when I came to this world. I'm... I am human."

Tethys leaned over and walked around him, getting a good look at him. "...I'm confused. This isn't some prank and you're a changeling? I've seen Elytra transform like that..."

Skystrike shook his head as he put back on his armor, the once heavy armor for a pony was placed on his chest, shoulders, arms, and legs, only being able to cover the important parts. "I was taken in by the Changelings, so I picked up a few things from them. But lets keep walking. I'll explain along the way." Skystrike said, walking towards the mountains. He told her everything. How he grew up as a human. What he was trained to do. How he got out. To Equestria. How he was chased out. Went with the changelings. Came back to the ponies. How and why he was banished from the hive. Why he faked his death. How he met her. Why he couldn't say anything about his identity. And how all of that lead to where he was now. It took over an hour, but he got his point across. "...Now, there's a signal up here in these mountains. No way it's a coincidence. There are humans up here doing something. And I think they're here for me. I can't put anyone else at risk."

Tethys paused for a minute. "That's... a lot to take in. I'll... any questions I have will just bring up more. But for now... was... was all of this just an act? I'm still skeptical that you are Skystrike. A lot could've happened in the two and a bit years you were gone."

Skystrike laughed a bit. "It takes much more than what I've dealt with to kill me." Skystrike said, making a ball of fire in his hand and looking at it. "...I need to cut my nails." He said to himself. "But no, nothing was fake. I am still Skystrike. My body may have been, but the experiences we all shared weren't an illusion."

Tethys smiled a bit at that. "That's good to hear. So about that signal?"

"Right. I, well Echo detected it when he was researching the area. All of a sudden he detected a signal. This world doesn't have the technology to send radio waves. Magic stunted the development of technology, so most things here are made to detect a magical current, not an electrical current. Echo is the only thing in Equestria, maybe this whole world, to detect the signals this place is sending. And it's also receiving a signal, meaning they're in communication with someone on their end."

"I understood none of that."

"Basically, someone in this world is talking with someone from my original world, and can't be detected by the residents of this world besides me." Skystrike simplified. He put up a hand. "We're here. And before we go in, my gut is telling me we wont be alone. I know you aren't great with tight spaces, so stay behind me and watch our backs."

"Got it. Lead the way."

They stood in front of a stone wall. Looked normal, but Echo and Skystrike could feel it calling to them. "This the spot."

"Yes. Short circuit the surroundings and we'll get inside. Find a terminal. Plug me in. I can do everything else from there." Echo spoke from within the helmet.

Skystrike charged some lightning in his hand before sending a pulse towards the wall. Not enough voltage, but he could figure out where he needed to hit. He lowered his arm to adjust his aim and shot a more powerful pulse. After a few tries of increasing strength, the stone wall moved, revealing a white door. Just like the lab he came from all those years ago. The door opened, an elevator inviting them in.

Skystrike stepped inside, Tethys following him. There was only one floor he could go to, so he pressed the button and began heading down. He rolled his neck, stretching a bit before the elevator slowed to a stop. Skystrike charged a ball of magic in his hands, preparing to release it as soon as the door opened.

But when it did, there was nothing. Skystrike and Tethys shared a look of surprise at the lack of enemies. No way they didn't see them coming. Unless... Skystrike looked around. In front of him was a long hallway, sharing the white walls of the lab from all of those years ago. Several colors ran parallel along the wall, but Skystrike decided to focus on the most important one. A red line labeled 'Terminal' went down to the end of the hallway. "We may already be too late, but it's worth a try! Let's speed up!"

The two began running. Though Tethys didn't know where he was going, she followed behind, matching his pace. It was no use. By the time they made it to their destination, they were already too late. Tethys grunted at the state of the bodies of the fallen humans. Skystrike quickly got past it, walking to one of the bodies and touching it. There were seven human bodies on the floor, all missing their heads. Blood and brain matter splattered the walls. And each body was still warm. Some still gripping their weapons, ranging from pistols, to rifles, to blades. Though few, they were all prepared to fight for their lives.

Yet they didn't get the chance to. Skystrike looked to the dead end they cornered themselves in. Well, to be exact, it wasn't a dead end. A halo like object, about three meters in diameter, was laying on the floor. He felt something familiar... Skystrike remembered the lab. While this looked much different, it was the same mana he felt when he was in the lab. It was a portal. Back to his original world. He grit his teeth. There's no way that this is their only one. They've had a way to get here, for a while, to Equestria. He doubted they'd put their only one in the middle of nowhere. He'd need to check for other portals.

Skystrike saw a terminal next to the halo. He took off his helmet, plugging it in with a cord. "Echo, I need everything in the terminal. What happened here, where exactly this portal leads to, and where the other portals are. Also, what this facility is for." Skystrike stood up and looked at Tethys. He put up his hands. "...Welcome to the human race I guess... Well, more like what's left of it."

Skystrike, Tethys, and Echo stood in silence for a moment. Tethys looked at the bodies, then back to Skystrike. "Hey, so, are you like... Why are they... why are you brown?"

Skystrike looked at her, then laughed the hardest he has in a while. He was about to stop, then began howling again. "Jesus Christ, you can't just ask why someone is brown!" Skystrike regained his composure.

"What's so funny?" Tethys growled.

Skystrike laughed a bit more. "Tethys, a question like that has some racial indications behind it. I'm laughing because you don't know better, so it's an innocent question. It's be equivalent if I asked you why you were a dragon."

"Oh.... Oh shit, sorry! I didn't mean it like that! I meant like, are there different types of humans? Kinda like ponies and dragons? Do you get something that the pale ones can't do?"

Skystrike laughed even harder. "Holy shit this is great! Oh my god..." He laughed. "No, I mean besides being able to say the n-word." He laughed some more. "For real though, there aren't different 'types' but we have different ethnic groups. We come from different parts of the world and galaxy, but we're all the same species. Think of it like the different types of dragons. Sure you all look different, and are capable of different things, but you're all still dragons."

"That makes sense I guess. What's the n-word?" Tethys tilted her head.

Skystrike paused for a moment. "Look, I said that as a joke. There's a lot of racial injustices and history behind it that would take me a long time to explain as properly as I'd like for someone with no knowledge on it to understand. I'll tell you about it another time once we're done here and we have the time."

"Analysis complete. As requested, I will answer what you've asked earlier. Echo spoke in their monochrome voice. "The bodies here are former employees of this facility. Security, faculty, and Researchers. They saw you and Tethys coming through the cameras. The head researcher reported to a superior about what to do. In response, a signal was sent back, activating a micro-bomb implanted within the brain of all staff here. It was most likely an attempt to stop you from getting information from them. It didn't matter, I am within their systems."

Echo moved his holographic eyes, motioning toward the halo. "The portal has no set destination. Rather this is the destination. Several different locations link at this portal. What those locations are, I do not know, but from reports, one can assume warehouses, due to a consistent supply of food and resources. Notably a large amount of electronic and mana devices. The eyes moved back onto Skystrike. "These portals do not lead to anywhere in this world. It leads back to our dimension of origin. I'd recommend destroying the portal."

Skystrike walked over to the halo to pick it up. It was heavy. Looking at it closer, he realized it was mage of tungsten and gold, in very dense quantities. He'd have to use this for later. Skystrike focused fire in his hands, molding the metal and compressing it into a sphere just able to fit in the palm of his hand. He put it into his saddlebag. He looked around more, seeing the weapons on the ground. No way he could let these get out in Equestria. The damage these could cause is immeasurable. He grabbed each and put them into his bag as well. "And the facility? What's it for?"

"Begin walking to the laboratory of the facility. I will explain on the way." Echo spoke, shutting of his eyes before Skystrike put him back on. He motioned for Tethys to follow. The group walked out of the room and began following the green line labeled 'Facility'. As they walked, Skystrike noticed the tire marks on the floor. They had to have been moving some heavy items to their destination. "This facility had three roles." Echo finally decided to speak. "Spying on, studying, and making weaponry in hopes of stopping you."

They turned the corner to a towering metal door. Skystrike couldn't tell what type, but it was for sure some type of steel. "Uh.. Skystrike? A question." Tethys looked at the human. Skystrike turned to her. "What do you expect to be behind this if they were making things to kill you?"

Skystrike clenched his fists. "Not sure... More than likely will be nothing active, since they neutralized the people here at the sight of me approaching. But on the slight chance that it's something that will give me a run for my money... No, that wouldn't make sense. They wouldn't make a weapon that strong and keep it on standby... Lets just see for ourselves." He pulled back his fist while engulfing it in a thick layer of water. With a straight jab, the water around his hand focused itself onto the door, the pressure of the water cutting through the door like butter and making a hole big enough to fit through.

"...I did not know water could be so dangerous... How did you do that?" Tethys examined the hole Skystrike cut through.

"Water pressure. Focus a lot water into a small enough area, and the pressure can cut through nearly anything." He said, moving through the hole he made. Finally seeing the main part of the facility, he would be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued. On the wall furthest from him was a top down map of the country of Equestria. Not too detailed, being a simple military map. What stood out to him was a bright red dot to the north of Vanhoover. exactly where he is now.

"There is no tracker on you, luckily. They have been detecting your mana, more specifically, the amount of mana that you've been absorbing." Echo began speaking again.

"Elaborate." Skystrike said, keeping his eyes on the map.

"You are able to focus your mana into magic. The procedures done on you as a child allowed for you to absorb mana at a rate 40 times the rate of a normal awakened human. To put further into perspective, the ponies absorb mana at 4 times the rate. On top of that, the beings of this world have organs that convert mana into magic automatically."

"That explains a few things, namely why ponies think I have no magic." Skystrike said to himself. "So basically, all the humans have to do is search for a large concentration of mana?"

"Put simply, yes." Echo said before changing his audio source for only Skystrike to hear. I will also say for safety purposes, it seems that changing between forms is a magic spell, changing you on a physical level. In response, keeping the form does not cost mana. It also stops you from expelling mana naturally. Thankfully, you have been releasing mana by converting it to magic, needing to power your arm. You need to be able to constantly release mana. You already know what happens when a catalyst overflows."

Skystrike thought back to when he escaped. Mana poisoning. Too much mana will kill him from the inside. "I'll be careful."

"You done standing there? If so, there's another one of those things you plugged your helmet into. And this seems important..." Tethys spoke up from an adjacent wall of the room.

Skystrike walked over and plugged echo in. After, he went to see what Tethys was looking at. "...What the fuck..." In front of him. It was a small hanger, robotic arms stood still with various tools on them, awaiting orders. In the middle of them was a pony, or a copy of one. It mimicked a unicorn specifically. With bones of steel, muscles of polymer, and nerves of circuitry, the machine stood lifeless.

As of current, Skystrike could tell it was a prototype. The head of the machine was nearly finished, having holographic eyes similar to Echo's, and a layer of white plastic to give it a semblance of a face. The chest and one of the forelegs were fitted with polymer muscles, as well as the waist. The one of the back legs were simple steel swivel joints that hung limp due to the lack of muscles.

What stood out even among the machine was the parts added onto it. Like an upgrade. The other back leg was complete, fitted with a piston in the cannon, a major part of it visible sticking out from the back of the hock joint. Within the back of the machine seemed to be some type of motor attached to a set of propellers, all within a tube... Is this a fucking jet turbine? There's two! "Holy shit..."

"What is it?" Tethys grabbed a leg and lifted it. "Some, metal pony? Looks a bit silly..."

"They were trying to make a robot to kill me! They just took a pony model and added what each race had, but better! A unicorn horn, jet turbines, piston legs!" Skystrike took a step back. "If this just had a few more years of work, this would've been a huge problem!" He huffed before thinking some more. "Wait... if they were making a fighting automaton, then there has to be some to gather information... Echo! How many!?"

"My records show that 20 were built, and all were taken out of commission." Echo answered as he finished collecting data. "Do not ask by who. I do not know. They were made into scrap oddly soon after you came to this world."

"So they were hunted... Only Celestia and her guard would know about that aside from humans... makes sense why she was so wary of me when I first crashed down..." Skystrike stood in thought for a few minutes.

Tethys broke the silence. "What are you thinking about?"

Skystrike grit his teeth as he punched a wall. "There's only one explanation for all of this... coming to this world was part of their plan... First's plan..."

"...What?"

"He let me come here, let me stay away from humanity so there would be no outside influence on my actions!" He threw another fist into the wall. "It's all just a game for them! Hoping they get good results with enough time!"

"Skystrike?" Tethys began to grow uneasy.

"I was meant to! This is my damn fate! All of this was useless!" The next punch made a dent in the wall. "All my suffering! All the pain I went through! That everyone went through! It was his fucking plan!"

"Skystrike!" Tethys called out to him.

"It was all worth NOTHING!" His knuckles began to bleed. "He just keeps deciding what my fate should be! That signal was his plan too! I can never make my own destiny! Not like this! It wasn't fucking worth it!"

"SKYSTRIKE!" Tethys grabbed his reeled back fist. He turned back to look at her, his eyes full of hatred meeting hers full of worry. "I wont pretend I know how you feel, but it wasn't worth nothing! You said it yourself! The experiences we've shared mean something to you! You meeting me! The others! Your path in life! The places you'll go! No one has, or will decide that for you! All of those you've done by yourself, for yourself!"

He was able to calm down at least slightly. "Be that as it may... no, you're right. It was all worth something... but I don't like how coming here was their plan... I should've known... that fight was too easy... my arrival was too destructive, like they wanted me to make enemies... I was meant to be Equestria's enemy from day one..."

"But even with all of that known... what does it change? You're still you, Skystrike." Tethys reassured him as she slowly let go of his arm.

Skystrike took a few more moments to calm down before taking Echo and putting him back on. "Tethys, pick up the mech-pony and take the elevator. It's coming with us."

"And you?"

Skystrike put up his bleeding knuckles and focused his mana into them, healing them in moments. "I'm going to make sure that no one can find this place..."

Tethys stepped outside the elevator, glad she could feel the dirt and grass between her claws again. The flooring felt... unnatural. She held the 'mech-pony' in her arms, looking at it with both fear and curiosity. This thing was something being made to kill him. Her friend. She would destroy it without a second thought. But Skystrike wants to keep it. To use it probably.

She thought back to their travels. He was... a lot less vocal compared to now. Barely speaking besides when he thought it was necessary. Always keeping to himself, despite being part of a team. Carrying everyone's problems on his shoulders. He was always working on something for the others whenever he had the time. Don't get her wrong, she did appreciate it. She still had the armor he made her after all.

But despite how reserved he was, he still made it clear he cared for them. Routine check ups, making food to their likings, listening to their problems. Bringing the whole group together. Not even mentioning how he met them. More specifically her. And now, Skystrike finally opened up to her. Tethys had to admit, it was a lot to take in, but with his story in mind, it all made sense.

Tethys was still looking at the machine. This thing, its creators, were trying to take him away. She can't let it happen. Not again. She wouldn't let Skystrike save her again. It's her turn to do a favor.

She jumped a bit when she suddenly heard a huge explosion behind her. Nearly dropping the machine, Tethys turned around to see the mountain rumbling. The rock wall quickly cracked and crumbled, falling into where the laboratory once was. When she looked down into it, she saw Skystrike climbing his way out, gripping on the rocks as his hands steamed from the large fire spell that he casted.

Finally, he reached the surface. Pulling himself up and dusting himself off. He gave out a heavy sigh before surrounding himself in green fire, turning back into his pony form. "Man... I needed to let off some steam. Thanks by the way... I know after what happened that helping me was a lot...."

"Don't worry about it. But remember, we're still talking about everything on the train though." Tethys threw the machine back to Skystrike.

Skystrike caught it and put it on his back. "I know... I at least owe you that much." Skystrike said as he began walking back towards the village, motioning Tethys to follow him. "At least it went quick. It's about 6 p.m. and it's Wednesday. I should have time to get back, make the walk back to Vanhoover, and then take a train ride to Canterlot to finish up everything there by Friday night..."

"What're you in a rush for?" Tethys raised a brow.

"My birthday is this Saturday, and I said I'd be back by then because my friends want to celebrate it." Skystrike let out a yawn. "Hopefully nothing major comes up."

Tethys blinked, then scratched at one of her horns. "Ah, sorry... I forgot when your birthday was... I'm not that good with dates, since time flies by so fast at my age."

"Fair enough. I don't blame you." Skystrike chuckled. "...By the way, I don't think you ever told me when your birthday was... or how old you are."

"Well, to be honest, I stopped remembering the date when I stopped having dragons to remember it... and we dragons don't really do parties anyway..." She admitted.

Skystrike was a bit surprised. "Well that's no way to do it. It's still important! Tell you what, once we get to Ponyville, I'll do something special for your... how old are you turning?"

Tethys counted on her fingers for a little bit, then scratched her horn again. "Uhm... Over 250, lower than 300... closer to 250 though."

"...I don't know how I'll get that many candles." Skystrike laughed a bit. Tethys smiled in turn.

They walked for a couple more minutes before returning back to the village, stealthily putting the mech-pony in a wooden box in his wagon. He nailed it shut before beginning to finish what he had to do in the village. He grit his teeth. He'd need somepony to come back to testify, but it's very likely that none of the ones mainly involved would want to come in their state, or leave their sisters behind. He'd hate that he has to do this, but he'd have to ask.

Luckily, the most optimal pony was there for him. "Hey..."

Opal turned to look at him. "Ah, Nebula, I suppose it is that time, huh?" She gave a tired smile.

He nodded. "...Is your sister ok?"

"...As well as she can be. At least she's sleeping." Opal sighed. "What about you? You've had one busy day."

"...Admittedly I'm going off of six hours of sleep... But I cant sleep anyway. Not after what happened here. Besides, I still have to make the trip back to Vanhoover." Skystrike scratched the back of his head. "...Have you all talked about who's coming?"

Opal nodded. "I was the one who went to the princesses. It'd only makes sense that I go again... Just... give me a bit more time with my sister."

Skystrike understood. "Of course. We'll wait for you at the wagon." Opal thanked him again before walking to her cabin. Skystrike sighed. "Tethys, go get the green dragon. He'll testify as well. After, his fate will be in your hands."

"You're the boss." Tethys said, flapping her wings and flying toward the town hall.

The stallion made his way back to his wagon, taking the swords off his sides and leaning them and himself against the side of the wagon. He let out a loud, long groan, the full impact of the mission setting in. Holy shit... Magelight was one of the worst ponies he's met, doing that to everypony else. At least he was dealt with...

What he's worried about now were the humans. They've been watching him this whole time. How closely, Skystrike didn't know, but they at least knew his location at all times. It got him thinking. Were they... no, it's all but confirmed now that they've been affecting his life here, but he needs to find out how. Thinking back on it, some things seems to... line up too well. After he got banished from the hive, it seemed planned... Thinking back on it, he never did see Khrusalis' body, nor was it announced. Then, when the orphanage burned down, he woke up fine with Elytra. No way that was a coincidence. He didn't know where Elytra was hiding, but Echo did... Even with Magnus, it felt almost like a test, seeing if he would reveal his own abilities. Something was definitely fishy... Skystrike had a lot of work to do when he got back to the capital.

"You ok? Sounded like you just broke something." Astral Night walked around to Skystrike's side of the wagon.

"...Yeah, just... been doing some thinking." Skystrike stood up and stretched a bit. "Everything ready on your end?"

Astral nodded. "All there was to get was some documents and Magelight's journal. Loaded those up for when you get back to Canterlot and see the princesses."

Skystrike found it odd the way she said that. "...You know you're coming with me right? You're a victim in this as well of both Magelight and Upper Crust."

"Oh... crap... I need time to prepare! I don't have a nice dress... I need to take a bath..."

Skystrike waved a hoof. "Calm down, it's not that serious. They don't care that much about dress clothes. Besides, we'll be given a few hours before we're summoned if we're lucky. They won't expect us to be back so early."

Astral blinked. "You... You didn't tell the princesses, the ones who commissioned you, when you'll be back!?"

"They didn't give me a time limit."

"How are you so lax about this!?"

"Pretty simple really. They both know the severity of what happened here. When we come, they're going to drop everything to prepare, if they haven't prepared already, for us. And I made it clear through my reputation that I get things done, whether it takes a day, a week, or a month." Skystrike rolled his neck.

Astral was about to say something, but jumped when a loud crash was heard behind the two. The two ponies turned to see Tethys loading the frozen green dragon in to the back of the wagon. Skystrike was SO glad he bought the extra large. "All ready on my end... just wish I had something to eat."

"Second box from the front on the right. Grab me and Astral something too." Skystrike began stretching, preparing for the long walk.

"Me too please." Opal spoke, walking up to the group with a few supplies in her saddlebag. "If you don't mind, I mean..."

Tethys responded with throwing her a plastic wrapped sandwich, along with everyone else. Skystrike quickly finished his sandwich before hitching himself to the wagon. "Alright, everyone on. We got a long ride. Opal, Tethys, Astral, tell me if you need anything." Opal and Astral climbed inside while Tethys climbed on top of the wagon and sat down. "I plan on making this ride short. We should be at Vanhoover in the morning. Anyone forgetting anything?" Everyone responded with their respective no's. "Alright, let's go." Skystrike said, beginning to walk, turning the wagon around and walking out the village.

"By the way, Nebula?" Opal spoke up.

"Yeah?"

"Everypony in the village wanted to say thank you. To everypony- er, everyone here. We really appreciate everything you've done here."

"Don't worry about it. I'm happy to help. That's why I chose this line of work."

After a few hours, night fell. Everyone fell asleep, but Skystrike kept walking. There was something that still felt... wrong, but he couldn't label it. Just something in him that made him feel uneasy. He tried to ignore it. With a sigh, Skystrike looked up at the stars. It was... different, but welcome. A few weeks after Luna came back, he noticed that the stars have changed. No longer were they the same glimmers here and there, but each twinkled differed from the other. Luna put in a lot of effort into each night she had. He'd have to tell her so when they next met.

After a bit more walking, he still couldn't get the thoughts out of his head. His past required a confrontation. Hind sight is 20/20, he should not have just disappeared like that... twice... He grit his teeth at that. He fucked up big time. With another sigh, he looked back at Tethys, Opal, and Astral, making sure they were sleep. He turned his head forward to see Vanhoover in the distance. About five hours away... Skystrike stared at the night sky once again before humming to himself.

It was a simple, but nostalgic tune. He remembered sister Saffron singing it to him whenever he had some problem. Sometimes he fell asleep to it... It bought back memories... he'd have to thank her when he saw her again. Before, he just enjoyed how it sounded. Now, he realizes how much the lyrics speak to him.

"I couldn't wait for you to come clear the cupboards...
But now you're going to leave with nothing but a sign.
Another evening I'll be sitting reading in between your li-i-ines~
Because I miss you all the time...

So, get away!
Another way to feel what you didn't want yourself to know,
And let yourself go!
You know you didn't lose your self-control!
Let's start at the rainbow!
Turn away!
Another way to be where you didn't want yourself to go~,
Let yourself go!
Is that a compromise?

So what do you wanna do, what's your point-of-view?
There's a party soon, do you wanna go?
A handshake with you, what's your point-of-view?
I'm on top of you, I don't wanna go!
'Cause I really wanna stay at your house.
And I hopе this works out.
But you know how much you broke me apart.
I'm done with you, I'm ignoring you.
I don't wanna know!

And I'm awarе that you were lying in the gutter...
'Cause I did everything to be there by your side-ide~
So when you tell me I'm the reason I just can't believe the lies~
And why do I so want to call you...Call you, call you, call you

So what do you wanna do, what's your point-of-view?
There's a party soon, do you wanna go?
A handshake with you, what's your point-of-view?
I'm on top of you, I don't wanna go
'Cause I really wanna stay at your house.
And I hope this works out!
But you know how much you broke me apart
I'm done with you, I'm ignoring you,
I don't wanna know
You
Oh-oh oh-oh-oh
I don't know why I'm no-one

So what do you wanna do, what's your point-of-view?
There's a party soon, do you wanna go?
A handshake with you, what's your point-of-view?
I'm on top of you, I don't wanna go!
'Cause I really wanna stay at your house...
And I hope this works out.
But you know how much you broke me apart.
I'm done with you, I'm ignoring you!
I don't wanna know!"

Like back then, he began feeling better, albeit a little bit. He smiled to himself. He looked back at the girls, still sleeping. Hopefully they didn't hear him. He didn't think he was too loud. He tried to shake off the sleep as he got closer to Vanhoover. Skystrike's been longer without sleep, but this time feels different. His body wasn't tired, but his mind was. He didn't like it. He rolled his neck and picked up the pace, hoping it'd take his mind off of things.

In a few hours, they made it to Vanhoover. It was about 3 a.m. so there was barely anypony out. The few that were walking the streets eyed him, wondering what he was pulling in the carriage behind him. A simple look from the armored pony made the onlookers quicken their pace in the opposite direction of Skystrike. It only took a few minutes to get to the train station. Back just in time to get on the train, seeing it about 10 minutes away in the distance.

Thankfully, it was the same pony he saw about a few days ago working the same shift. Never talked, but they shared a glance the days prior. They shared a greeting before getting onto business. "One ticket I assume? Where to?" The mare asked as she began to take off a ticket.

"Ah, three actually. The other three I'm traveling with are in the wagon sleeping. To Canterlot. I already have a round trip ticket for myself, and a train car for all of my belongings." He pulled out his ticket for her to check, as well as a bag of bits to pay for the three tickets."

The mare smiled. "Alright, that makes my job a lot easier!" She counted out the bits and put it in her register before handing him his tickets. "And here you go, your change is 40 bits."

Skystrike took the tickets and pushed back the bag of bits. "Keep it as a tip for yourself. I know the graveyard shift sucks."

She smiled back and thanked him when the train blared its horn, notifying that it arrived. Skystrike nodded as he turned around and began pulling the wagon to his train car. After sorting out everything with the conductor, he parked his wagon and began unloading. They only had 30 minutes before the train left, so they had to be quick about unpacking. Skystrike woke up Tethys, Astral, and Opal, giving them all their tickets and the two mares going to their rooms. Thankfully, the overnight train car he ordered came with beds. Tethys yawned as she began helping Skystrike move his stuff into their train car.

"What day is it?" Tethys asked as she began hauling the dragon off the wagon.

"Early Thursday morning. My clock says... 3:17." Skystrike helped her lift the still frozen greed dragon off the wagon and into the train car.

Tethys blinked. "...We left that village at dusk! I thought you said the walk was a two day trip?!" He could easily hear the surprise in her voice.

"Didn't feel like sleeping. Plus, the sooner we get to Canterlot the better." Skystrike and Tethys put down the dragon and began moving the comparably smaller items. "Plus, just needed time to think."

"Nebula, how long have you been awake for?" Tethys raised a brow.

Skystrike put down another box. "...Two and a a half days... last I slept was when you came to the village."

Tethys put down her box. "...I'll handle the rest of your luggage, you need sleep."

Skystrike shook his head. "Thanks for worrying, but I'm sure I'll be fine. I have to much on my mind anyway. Plus, I promised that we'd talk."

Tethys sighed. "Fine... last thing is your cannon thing anyway." She went to pick up the box. It was surprisingly light. "Where did you learn to make things like this anyway?"

"Well, I did go to college, but didn't finish graduation due to... you know... but my major was Magical Engineering. This world doesn't rely much on electricity, being centuries behind humanity, so I learned electrical engineering from Echo as well. From that, I can make my own blueprints for weapons. Then I just need to get the materials and put it together."

The two walked into the train car after Skystrike parked the wagon for pick up. "I'm confused." Tethys admitted. "So you're using future technology right now?"

"Basically." He shrugged as Tethys put down the crate and sat on top of it, crossing her legs. Skystrike took of his helmet and locked the door. "But enough of that for now, I owe you answers. Ask whatever you want, and I will answer it to the best of my ability.

Tethys stayed silent for a moment. "Alright... just give me time to think." Skystrike nodded in wait. The train's horn whistled as they began moving. The room fell still, the rhythmic bumping of the train was the only thing notifying that time was passing by. Finally, she spoke. “Why did you kill Magelight like that?”

It was Skystrike's turn this time to stay silent, thinking of what words to use. "I... a part of me saw First in him...." He answered before realizing he needed to clarify. "First was... the one who started me off down this path... raised me to only fight and kill, seeing me and my brothers and sisters as nothing but expendable pawns. First only saw use in others, not caring for any repercussions, since he was the only one to keep himself in check. It takes someone with more power to deliver that justice to those deserving. I decided that should be me, just like I did with First... Every word Magelight spoke made me more and more violent, as if I was becoming what First wanted me to be..." Skystrike clenched a hoof as his eyes flickered. "The way he spoke, like he had any right to power over the ponies around him, using whatever reason he could to justify himself, it was like I was looking at First once more... I killed him before I came to this world... Well, I thought I did, but there's a very likely chance that he's still alive, and me coming here was his plan." Skystrike's eyes flashed white before controlling his breathing and calming down.

Tethys thought on it. "I... can understand your actions. I've known you long enough to realize you have your reasons. But you must realize that even though he may have deserved death, you used your own feelings and past as justification for killing Magelight?"

"I do realize, and I hate myself for it... I wanted to move on from my past, but... everything just happened, didn't go according to plan... I planned on killing him anyway since I knew he was selling those who trusted him, but... those words he said will forever remind me of First." Skystrike let out a long sigh.

"I assume from the whole expendable pawns part that... your human family is no longer with us?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Sadly... no... First had me... end them... to prove that I was his perfect warrior. But after everything that happened... I guess I'm a broken one now..."

Tethys decided to move on from that topic. "Well, getting into more personal questions, Why did you have us disband?"

And there it is. The hard questions are starting. Skystrike leaned forward. "I at least owe you an answer for that." Once again, he stayed in silence to think of how to best say it. "We were targeted by assassins. We became too big of a target, got on a certain noble's bad side. After thinking for days on end, I decided the best way to stop it from happening again was disbanding. I wanted to make sure none of you would be hurt by my actions anymore. I left all the money we had to you all, trying to make up for my mistake by making sure you all could live happy lives. You went back with a hoard you could be proud of. Zecora got to travel and gather rare ingredients. Casta was able to fund her research. Maud was able to go to university. Elytra found a place she could fit in. Jeshan was able to open up a shop. Sky Beak was able to settle down with his family. Alder was able to retire and travel. Celeano got her airship. Everyone got their happy ending..."

Tethys grew a bit angry at that. She growled. "...And what about your happy ending? Do you think we've lived lives we could enjoy so far, knowing that you suffered for us? You just left us money and plans then disappeared!" Her voice grew louder with each passing sentence. "Did we mean so little to you that you just left with saying so little!?"

Skystrike furrowed his brow. "Don't say that in front of me knowing damn well otherwise. I did all of that for you all! It's because you all mean so much to me that I left like that! The more you knew about me, the more my enemies would go after you! He'd use you all to get to me! Just like back then!"

She knew he was referencing the orphanage. Again, she could see his logic. She sighed again. "We wanted you to be there with us, Skystrike. It wasn't fair to you. My hoard means nothing knowing it came from your suffering." She sat in silence again before asking her next question. "When will you start looking for the others? You just found me, and you said Zecora moved to where you were living by chance. But you wont get so lucky with the others."

"I already know where most of the others live. Celeano, Alder, and Jeshan will be hard to pinpoint, while Skybeak will just be hard to get to. Casta is definitely in Canterlot, and so should Maud be since she's in University. I would've seen her last time I was in Canterlot, but she was out of town. Elytra I know where she is. In Ponyville, same as Zecora, so I'll talk to them both once I'm back home...I'll speak to Casta and Maud once I'm in Canterlot."

"And your orphaned siblings?" She put out a hand. "You left them for the same reason and the same pony. Do you plan on reaching out to them?"

"Of course. I plan on doing it when I get to Canterlot as well. Honestly, I was thinking about it before we met on this mission anyway." Skystrike admitted as he leaned back. "You know Astral?" Tethys nodded. "That's my sister. The scar she has is from when the orphanage burned down. Had to drag her out."

"...Holy shit, Skystrike." Tethys grabbed her horns, astounded.

"Yeah, I know, I fucked up bad. I waited to say anything to her in case I died up there... I didn't want to come back just to die again. Told you because I... couldn't really avoid not telling you."

"...Can't you transform?" Tethys asked.

"I lied to you since I met you already. Doubling down wouldn't have made it better..."

Once again. Silence. Moments passed before Tethys asked her next question. "...Is- is running away your way of making things better? Just removing yourself from the situation. We still hurt even after you leave.

Skystrike frowned. Then sighed. "...Call it running if you wish. You and everyone else was in danger because of me. Logic demands I be taken out of the equation." He then put his hooves out, motioning to Tethys. "And though I regret it, it admittedly worked. Even if though you all feel the pain you do, at least you're still alive..."

"And what about you? The pain you go through?"

Skystrike thought about it. He didn't want to answer it. But he made a promise. He owes it to her. "...My pain... I don't think my pain matters. The ones around me matter more than anything I will go through. Sure, even with you, me, and everyone in All, we all started, agreeing that it was simply for mutual benefit. But we all grew to care for each other. It doesn't matter what happens to me. I'd die for each and every one of you, and almost everyone else that I call friend."

"And everyone's feelings about what happens to you doesn't matter? The grief we go through when you die doesn't matter?"

"Of course it matters, but eventually, for both you and the orphanage, the danger of me still being there outweighed the grief you all would go and have went through. The choice I made was the best decision I could've at the time." Skystrike turned his head as he spoke that last sentence. He hated how he had to say it.

"Why was that the best one!?" The room grew colder as Tethys released cold air from her mouth and nostrils, standing as she looked down on Skystrike.

Skystrike's eyes burned white in response. "Because I wasn't strong enough!" He raised his voice as he stood up. "Every enemy I made, they went after those I loved! They put their lives in danger! Your life in danger! All because I wasn't strong enough! I could've been better! I could've protected you!"

Tethys pulled him into a hug, wrapping her arms and tails around. "We want to protect you too, Skystrike. You don't realize how much you mean to everyone... Look, I said this before, but I don't think I can forgive you for that, but… just don’t leave again, alright?”

Skystrike moved his hoof. He hesitated. But he returned her hug. Even if her body was cold, the hug felt... warm. He smiled. "You have my word"

Author's Note

Had to redo this one a couple of times, but here it is. The end of what I'll call the "Magelight Arc". Hope you all enjoyed it.

Obviously I plan on having Skystrike looking meeting up with those from his past to be able to confront it. trying to make him grow a bit as a person and pony. Once was able to make this chapter comparatively shorter than my last few ones.

Next chapter will be loaded, I will say. Skystrike meeting his brothers and sisters all grown up, meeting old friends, and an old enemy, and even an unlikely face to try and make amends and find out the truth.

Right a Wrong

Sleep did not come to Skystrike that train ride. Tethys never let go of her hug, and soon fell asleep behind Skystrike. He said he'd fall asleep, just to give her peace of mind. He didn't like lying. He tries his best not to. He shook his head. Skystrike had way too many things still on his mind. Each thump in the train tried to shake the thoughts out of his mind. The humans, how their hands are still in this world, but mostly, himself.

In the hours of silence he had to himself, he's been trying to figure out a few things. When he last went to Canterlot, that Magnus guy... seemed to have it out for him. On top of that, their criminal organization, Hydra, seemed to have it out for them. Magnus wasn't his first tussle with them. Before, he didn't give it much thought, but now it's a bit weird how everything happened.

Their first encounter, he'd have forgotten if not for the others. It was soon after his 'death' and he started working solo. A simple search and rescue mission. Some colt of some rich noble went missing in the Crystal Caverns under Canterlot. How he got there? No idea, but he was given a job. When he eventually found the boy, it turns out it was a lure. One of Hydra's numbers were there, and specifically to kill Skystrike. Didn't work, of course. Only one pony with ambush tactics wouldn't do much against him. But in hindsight, they had no reason to target him. It was almost like a test.

Second one was after their, at time, newest member Casta Spell the unicorn, joined their party. Skystrike, Tethys, Zecora, and Casta were exploring some ruins to the south of the Crystal Mountains. Ruins of the once grand Crystal Empire. Their hope was to find some lost magic, whether it be spells, or items. What they actually found was indeed of the Empire, but was an abandoned crypt, repurposed as a base to research dark magic once used by some being called 'Sombra'. Back to the main topic, the ponies using that base was Hydra. He thought finding them there was by chance back then, but once again, in hindsight, that doesn't make sense. They were basically lead there. They were ambushed from behind when they reached the deepest part of the crypt. Fighting their way out was hard, but they managed. Plus, it wasn't a complete loss. The magic they learned and the items they got were useful, albeit some illegal. But once again, they targeted specifically him.

Third time was when he went alone back to the Hive. Just before Elytra joined, she requested his help. She was called back after her job of watching Skystrike was no longer needed. She was then told to bring Skystrike back to the Hive. In the midst of their hike across the badlands, they were attacked. This time, it was just annoying. Elytra quickly admitted that she didn't have any involvement with it. Thinking back on it made him realize she knew more than she let on. Questions for later. And this was weird because on his travel to the hive, he was human. And Hydra shouldn't have known what he looked like back then. But all of that was overshadowed by what happened as he got back to the hive.

From the short walk through the hive, ignoring the glares from the changelings who loathed him, and the smiles of the ones who forgave him, he noticed that many things changed. From the layout, to the newer changelings and what they were learning, let alone how many nymphs there were. His thoughts were confirmed when Chrysalis gave them an audience. They were preparing for war. And his only chance to be allowed back in the hive was to lead the initial charge. He couldn't help but laugh at that. She was just like them. Only wanting him for his power. He turned the forearm of his right arm into a rifle and fired just to the side of her head.

Skystrike focused his rifle onto her head. "If you go through with this, my promise with mother is off. You will be my enemy." He made certain that his intentions were clear. In response, he was once again kicked out of the hive. But Elytra went with him, not agreeing with the war. Skystrike blamed himself for that. But it seemed like Hydra was trying to stop him from getting to the hive, like they'd knew what would happen. And then, years later, Hydra once again went after him in the form of Magnus. Magnus is the only one he left alive out of his foes in the organization. He'll ask him questions. When the time comes of course.

And then, the questions about himself came. Assuming that First did let him into Eques, then for what purpose? Another test, knowing him. But what type? To see if he'll break under all the pressure this world is giving him? If he'll give into his human nature? And that was the scariest part to him... he's only human by title. He wasn't even sure if he could even consider himself human anymore. His only comparison was the humans from his childhood anyway.

…What did it mean to be human anyway? He searched through the maze of emotions, thoughts, and experiences that shaped his very existence. Was he defined solely by his physical form, or is it the dance of consciousness, empathy, and self-awareness that distinguishes him? The more he thought, the more he got lost in the maze. Existence and essence blurred. Was humanity a state of being, or an eternal quest to understanding?

Skystrike shook his head. He was thinking too hard. He was human. He looked into his helmet to see his reflection. Even though the flesh was an illusion, he was human.

The sun finally peaked through the window. No point in trying to fall asleep now. He only had about an hour left until they arrived in Canterlot. It was about eight in the morning. It was Thursday if he counted the days right. Skystrike decided to let Tethys sleep a bit longer before putting on his helmet and waking her, Astral, and Opal up before they arrived at Canterlot. He stretched a bit once out of Tethys's grip on him and yawned. Two and a half days with no sleep. He'll have to manage.

It was a little while longer before they made it to Canterlot. Skystrike opened the window to climb out and onto the top of the train. The countryside scenery slowly yet gradually transformed as the Castle town grew closer. The town unfurled like a vibrant tapestry. Lush, emerald-green meadows stretch out on either side, adorned with colorful wildflowers that seem to wave a welcome to passersby.

He enjoyed the scenery a bit more before the train eventually came to a stop at the train station. A bustling town square came into focus, framed by centuries old buildings that bore the marks of time's passage. The distant chimes of a clock tower marked the passage of hours.

But it is the castle that reigns over all. Time stood still here, as if the very essence of the past is woven into the castle's fabric. The train blew its horn, signaling that they've arrived. He climbed back into the train, making sure he had everything on him before leaving it. The conductor said that the train would be docked at Canterlot until 10 p.m. for maintenance. They, more specifically he, had plenty of time to get everything done.

Everyone was off the train, waiting on the platform for him as he walked out, carrying everything he needed once he was granted an audience. He also noticed Tethys getting glares from the ponies around him. Different from the glares he'd get of get from the ponies. He was mostly looked down upon because of both his job and his race, being a Pegasus. But they openly scoffed at Tethys. He made eyes with one of the ponies scoffing at her, only for the mare to quickly turn tail when they made eye contact.

Skystrike sighed. "Let's get to the castle. I always get reminded how much I hate some of the things here in Canterlot. The ponies here annoy me..."

Astral gave a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, It's always been a problem... I just try and ignore it."

Opal looked around. "I hope I get some time to explore this time around."

"This shouldn't take long. An hour, three max." Skystrike said as he looked through the streets. At least it felt familiar. "Alright, it's go time. Everyone ready?" They responded with their respective yesses before they began walking towards the castle.

It was around this time that morning court was going on. Getting into the castle was a bit annoying, convincing the castle guards that Tethys was indeed part of their group and she wasn't going to, nor was capable of burning down the castle. He'll bring it up to Celestia and Luna. Then they had to wait in line for a good twenty minutes. Thankfully, he stuck out like a sore thumb with the heavy armor he was wearing, as well as the dragon behind him. Their wait quickly came to an end when his part of the line rounded the corner and he made eye contact with the princesses.

Celestia quickly waved over a guard and whispered something in the stallions ear. The guard spoke to the others within the room relatively quickly before one of the guards stepped forward and made an announcement. "We apologize, something urgent has just come up that the princesses must attend to. Please exit the premises in a timely fashion. Those who've made an appearance today will be given priority tonight in Night Court, or tomorrows Morning court." There were a couple groans heard throughout the line as the ponies turned around to leave. Skystrike and company waited in place for a few of the guards to begin escorting them into the throne room.

Astral and Opal quickly bowed as they were addressed by Celestia. "Nebula, I apologize for that. I realized that I never gave you a way to contact us after your mission was done."

Skystrike waved a hoof. "I don't mind, I never gave a deadline... By the way, just something I noticed when we tried to enter. I was given some strange reasons as to why Tethys wasn't able to enter, one of them being 'no pets allowed.' I don't know your policy on foreigners, but that seems kinda fucked up. I don't want anything out of it other than it not happening again."

The princesses looked at each other, then to Tethys. "I apologize for the way my ponies have treated you. After we speak about my request, I promise we will do our best that you're treated like the rest of my ponies."

Luna nodded. "Speaking of... how did your mission go?"

"Yeah, uh excuse my language, shit went down." Skystrike sighed. The two princesses sucked air through their teeth as he continued. "I know you kept Upper Crust in Canterlot because of this, so I'd say send somepony to make sure he gets here. By the time he does, I should be done explaining what happened."

And with that, he began telling the tale of his mission, starting with how he met Astral on his way, theorizing why they called for her, a newbie, and not somepony stronger. Then, meeting Opal and her group, learning exactly what happened to the mares. After, he investigated where the dragons took shelter, he then had to figure out a way to actually combat them effectively. Not going into the personal parts, Skystrike explained how he found Tethys by chance, as well as the two sharing the same problem. Recruiting her help, Skystrike and Tethys went back to the village, then the group met with Opal's group: the relatives of the victims. They shared their stories about where their sisters 'disappeared'. With their help, Opal, her group, and Astral gathered information needed for Skystrike's investigation. With the information, their main suspect became Magelight, the village head. Using Astral as bait, with her consent of course, Skystrike, Tethys, and Astral were able to catch Magelight attempting to sell her to the dragons, as well as capture the two dragons for interrogation.

He did not hide how he gathered the information from the dragons, yet made sure not to mention what he did to Magelight. With the information gained from the dragons and Magelight, They were able to know the reason Magelight acted irrationally, and where exactly the victims were. All dragons, save for one under the watch of Tethys, were killed. Tethys took on the adult dragon with Skystrike's help while Astral made sure the mares got back safely. With one final plan, and with the combined efforts of everyone there, they were able to defeat the dragon.

Both Opal and Astral voiced their concerns with the whole situation. Opal speaking on how Magelight was denied money to find help by Upper Crust. How that lead to more ponies being hurt. She also went into detail about how only the first mare went missing due to her bad luck. All others were sold by Magelight, totaling 80 thousand bits minimum. Astral spoke about how the price for finding the missing ponies was very high, and actually mentioned the request sent by Magelight specifying mares. He planned on selling her from the beginning.

Finally, it ended with Tethys bringing in the green dragon, still frozen in the prison of ice. She apologized on behalf of her race, taking full responsability for the actions of her kin. Upper Crust entered right at the end of her apology.

Celestia and Luna tried to hide their anger, but the latter didn't do well to hide her glare at Upper Crust. But it still left some unanswered questions. "And... what of Magelight? Surely you've turned him in to the proper authorities?"

Everyone in the room looked to Skystrike. He made sure to practice his answer. "When the fight with the dragons happened, one slipped past the flash of light and flew towards the village. There was a lone tree in a clearing that Magelight went to hide from the townsfolk after I revealed what he'd done. Looking for vengeance of the assumed betrayal, the dragon went to Magelight and reduced him to cinders. I was able to kill the dragon before he killed anyone actually worth saving."

He didn't mean for that last part to come out, but payed it no mind. Celestia raised a brow, not entirely believing him. "I see... I wasn't aware that dragons could burn flesh and bone to ash..."

"That's because most times we breathe fire at other races, we hold back. It doesn't take nearly as much heat to burn through a pony or griffon compared to a dragon." Skystrike nudged Tethys's leg. "What? We bathe in lava!"

Skystrike cleared his throat. "Anyway... Magelight is no longer of this world. Onto the important things, It'd be best to send medical professionals up to them, and on top of that, somepony to clean up the bodies. I can pay for the corpses of the dragons to be transferred to Ponyville. It'd be a waste to let materials like that rot."

The princesses looked at each other. That's what he was thinking about right now? They shook their heads. "Very well, we shall do so immediately." Luna nodded and wrote something on a scroll before handing it to a guard next to her throne. "Now... Upper Crust..."

A unicorn with a grey coat and dark grey mane straightened his top hat and monocle. "Y-yes?"

Luna spread her wings. "What does thou have to say for the actions of thy subordinates? The wrongs they've committed were in response to your neglect."

Upper Crust shuffled a bit. "W-well... I was... trying to cut costs... That village wasn't making their quota and I couldn't afford to send more money their way..."

"And so Magelight began sex trafficking ponies in response." Skystrike frowned. "You didn't even send anyone to check up on them! I had to check on them! You twiddled your hooves while ponies suffered and now you're making excuses!"

Celestia exhaled through her nose. "Nebula while you aren't wrong, please refrain from more outbursts."

Skystrike groaned as Luna continued. "As Nebula said, thou hath held no regard for the ponies under you. Upper Crust, thy lack of concern shows even now, making excuses for thyself instead of worrying for thou own ponies. You will be punished, and thy's responsibility of the village will be given to another more worthy. We will discuss your punishment another day."

Upper Crust was about to reply, but simply hung his head in shame before leaving the throne room and side eyeing Skystrike. As soon as he left, the princesses let out small sighs. Celestia straightened her posture. "Now, onto your rewards. I believe you wanted access to the Royal Library, Royal archives, a meeting with the Court Magician..." She took a sheet of paper that Skystrike gave to her a week ago. "As well as two items of your choosing from the Royal treasury, several of each type of elemental stone, or a large magic stone. And I have the option to chose three of these, minimum? Along with your bits of course.”

Skystrike nodded. "Yes. But as for my bits, take a quarter of it and give it to Astral Night, as she was basically robbed by Magelight, who never intended on paying her in the first place. Take another quarter and make sure it goes to Tethys."

Celestia nodded. "Given the circumstances, Astral Night will be paid, but it will come out of Upper Crust's finances, not your reward. We will do so for Tethys. If you could step out for a moment so my sister and I may decide on your reward? Guards, please escort Opal to an available room. All parties present are to be treated with the utmost respect. I apologize Opal, you will have to stay within Canterlot for the next few days while Upper Crust is under investigation. I will tell my guards to gather the frozen dragon for interrogation. Astral Night, you're free to leave if you wish."

Everyone, save for Skystrike bowed before leaving. As soon as the doors closed behind them, Tethys spoke first. "You swindled them."

"Maaaaaybe." He smiled.

"I am a bit confused though... the things you asked for. I don't see how they relate? Library access doesn't make sense alongside magic stones." Astral took a seat next to the door.

"It all depends on how you think about it. With access to the library, archives, and the court magician, I can gain a lot of knowledge that most ponies wont have access too. At the same time, I know that a few wont go through. I heavily doubt they'd give me access to all sections of the Royal Library and Archives, there's too much sensitive information that they wouldn't want me to have." Skystrike sat down next to her. "But at the same time, if they gave me items from the Treasury, or the magic stones, it simply adds to my power. And they've already realized that a pony with too much power is a potential threat. They're between a rock and a hard place."

"...I'm not sure how I should react to this." Tethys narrowed her eyes.

"Well, it should be a good thing for everyone involved. I get some power, they get more security, knowing that I'm more capable of protecting ponies. It's not like I'm going to be the next big bad."

"I-... I guess?" Tethys blinked. "What do you plan on doing with the stuff?"

He rolled his neck. "Lots and lots of research if I get access to the library and archives. Given the magic stones and access to the treasury, I am making new weapons and armor for myself. And Spike and Stardust and Zecora. And you if you want to come to Ponyville."

"I have nothing else to do. I should catch up with that Zebra too." Tethys hummed. "She makes good tea."

"Well once we're done here, I have a few things to do. I have a couple ponies I have to meet up with. Plus, I have a memorial to go to... Tomorrow was my brother's birthday. We're going to visit his memorial tonight. Glad I was able to make it back before it passed by."

Tethys side eyed Skystrike. He nodded. Now or never... "Well, you spoke quite highly of him when you told me about him. Would you mind if I showed up?"

Astral nodded. "You can come. He always spoke about how relationships are the most important part of life. We haven't decided on the place, but we do plan on eating out. Do you know where the Church of the Two Sisters are? We're meeting there about 3 p.m."

He nodded. "I do. I'll meet you there once I'm finished here."

And with that, Astral left. Once she was out of earshot, he let out a sigh. "Today's the day..."

"You planned on doing it eventually. No point in fearing the inevitable." Tethys patted his back.

Almost on queue, a guard came out of the throne room. "The princesses are ready for you. Please make your way inside."

Skystrike and Tethys made their way back into the throne room. As soon as they stopped, the princesses began addressing them. Celestia an Luna spread their wings. The former spoke first. "Nebula, my sister and I have come to an agreement. For your reward, you will be given access to the Royal Library, access to the Royal Treasury, and the elemental stones you requested."

"However, because thou hath dealt with the threat so effectively and quickly, we shall additionally grant you a meeting with the Court Magician. She is available after her lunch break. We shall send her a message that you will be meeting with her at 1 p.m." On queue, a few guards came in. Their horns lit up with magic as the items were floated in front of Skystrike. he counted to make everything was in order.

"Perfect. Thank you, princesses. I hope to work with you two again in the future." Skystrike secured everything in his saddle bags and looked at his Library ticket. "Though, can I say one more thing?" Luna nodded. "From what Opal has said to me, she went to Vanhoover, Count Caesar's territory, before coming to you. She received no help from the guards their either. I'd recommend extending your investigation to him as well."

Celestia nodded. "We... appreciate that information and will keep that in mind. Guards, please escort him to the treasury for his reward. Hope to see you again, Nebula. And it was a pleasure meeting you, Tethys"

And with that, they were escorted out of the throne room and began making their way to the treasury. 'These walls all look the same...' Skystrike thought to himself. After a couple minutes of walking, they finally approached a large door with a comically large golden lock on it. The dozen guards stepped to the sides of the door and floated over a key. Once unlocked, the doors slowly slid open.

Skystrike and Tethys stepped inside. Skystrike skimmed the room with his eyes for a few moments. It was pretty impressive. Enchanted swords, shields, armor, scrolls, nearly everything he could want. Some even had descriptions. Not to mention how so much of it was plated in gold. Skystrike looked to Tethys. He noticed how the dragoness was trying to hide how giddy she was. "You alright?"

Tethys shuddered a bit before answering. "Yeah... just... my hoarding instinct is acting up."

"Well is this a bad time that you getting 50k bits from that mission?" Skystrike chuckled, then he blinked when she bit her lip and let out a quiet moan. "What the fuck was that?"

"You will not speak of word of this." She monotoned. "Anyway, what are you looking for in here exactly?"

"Really, it just depends on if something catches my eye. But not in this section. There has to be a secret room... My treasure hunting instinct tells me to pull on one of these wall mounted lanterns. But that would be too obvious..." Skystrike rubbed his chin and looked at a few of said lanterns.

Tethys looked at one on the far end of the room. "...That one looks more worn than the others."

"Well damn you got good eye sight. Pull it."

She did so, and the statue it was next to moved forward, revealing a staircase. "...I don't think I'll fit in there. Tell me what you find."

He nodded as he walked down the dark staircase. There was no light at all aside from the light reflecting off the walls behind him. Making it to the bottom, he found another collection of items. What made it different this time around was instead of the several dozen items in the room before, there were only ten items, each on their own pedestal, and none were labeled. Looking a bit closer at them, each had some magic cast on it. Most likely to alert the casters if their spell is broken. The hard part is that to take the items, you have to break the spell.

Skystrike looked at a rather thick book. The hard cover was made of a dark red leather, laced with golden thread. He poked the book, and in response, several magic circles expanded from the center of the book and floated around it. He was about to open the book before noticing the lock on it that was shining an arcane blue light. The Pegasus hummed to himself as he thought of a way around it. He'd have to break the spell without alerting the caster.

He breathed in a bit as he released some of his magic. From the arcane runes in the circle, it was a password of sorts. No chance he'd have luck choosing at random. Skystrike put his hooves out and casted several spells with his magic. First, one that doesn't let sound out of the room, in case it makes a spell. Second, a copy of the spell the caster made. Was a bit hard to do, having to find out where the signal was sent to, then copying that as well, but it was doable. Each spell has a specific magic signature and wavelength specific to the caster. No other being could copy it. Unless you were able to convert your mana into magic at will. He was a bit lucky, he had to admit. Third, another barrier to make sure no other magic signature could get in or out. If all went according to plan, the caster would recognize his casted spell as their own. When their actual spell breaks, the signal wont go out, leaving only the copy. They'll be none the wiser.

But it all put a very heavy strain on him. Skystrike was beginning to sweat, wishing he worked on casting magic like he did his body. He wouldn't be able to do this many more times. He quickly took the book, breaking the spell that made a loud shattering sound. He sighed in relief that he put up that barrier. Looking at the book, he smiled as he opened the pages. He struck gold. It was a book on enchanting. More specifically, lost enchanting methods used in past wars. Even better, how to add multiple enchants on one item. He understood why this was under lock and key, this was dangerous.

The next thing that caught his eye was a black metal ingot. Looking closer at it, he realized it had the same color as his metal arm. Is this what he thought it was? He broke the spell and picked it up. Indeed, it was Lunarite. He nearly jumped out of his armor before he realized the implications. Where did these ponies get it? Questions he'd ask later. He secured everything in his saddle bags and made his way towards the exit. "Alright, I've done it. No one suspects a thing." Skystrike said as he cracked his knuckles. Then he looked at his forehooves. Do ponies have knuckles?

Tethys tapped his helmet. "So, anything good in there?"

Skystrike nodded. "I will tell you once we're at Ponyville. Don't want to get caught just yet..." He pulled up the visor within his helmet to check the time. 9:46 a.m. "Hey Tethys, we got some time to kill... wanna fly around a bit? Scare some bitch nobles?"

She grinned. "You know me well, Nebula, but I'm actually a bit hungry. You know any places that sell meat?" The two friends began walking towards the guards who started leading the two towards the exit.

"I do, but they don't open until like 2 p.m. if they're even still around. I do know a good donut place. You like donuts?"

"What's a donut?"

"By the dragon king this is amazing!" Tethys gobbled down another donut, licking the frosting of her lips.

Donut Joe let out a hardy laugh. "Well thank you, ma'am! Must say, I'm glad my donuts can even satisfy a dragon's taste buds!"

"Glad we got here early. I love fresh donuts. You always make my day, my guy." Skystrike took a bite of his own and leaned on the counter. "Wait until she hears about jelly filled donuts."

"JELLY FIELD!!??" She roared, flapping her wings in excitement.

"Jesus Christ, Tethys, damn!" Skystrike laughed.

Donut Joe let out an even harder laugh. "HA! I've met you less than 20 minutes ago and you're already one of my favorite customers!" He grabbed a jelly donut for the dragoness and hoofed it to her. "Here, on the house!"

She carefully took in in her claws and slowly bit into it, then hummed as the jelly filled her mouth. "This is one of the best things I've tasted."

Nebula took another bite of his donut. "I didn't realize you had such a big sweet tooth."

"We don't really have much of a variety to eat in the dragon lands. If it's not raw meat, it's gems. And it's hard to find sweet gemstones." Tethys took another bite and tapped her tail on the floor. "That's why I like your cooking so much. There's so much flavor in the meals!"

"Well, I'll try and do it a bit more for you." Skystrike finished his donut. He was about to say something before noticing something in the corner of his eye. An azure pony with a medium purple wizard hat and cloak adorned with stars of gold and light blue. Skystrike took out a bag of bits. "Hey, real sorry, I have to go. If I'm not back by noon, meet me at the castle entrance."

"Oh, uh, alright. I'm gonna enjoy my donuts!" Tethys sucked the jelly out of hers.

The bell rang as Skystrike swung the door open and ran out. Yep, it was definitely her. He had second thoughts about calling out to her, but he steeled his mind. He won't run, and she deserves it. "Trixie!" He called out to her.

The clacking of hooves against the stone sidewalk stopped. Her dark violet eyes met the blues of his own. She grit her teeth and stomped her hoof. "Nebula... what do YOU want!? It's been months, and you still want to mock Trixie!? These ponies have already mocked me enough!" She stomped closer to him. Skystrike looked down at her as she continue. "After you and Twilight showed me up, I've become a laughing stock! I can't go one performance without being laughed at! I'm out of a job! I don't have a wagon to sleep in! I'm running out of bits!" The mare pointed a hoof at his chest. "This is your fault! You and that princess' pet! Fix it!"

Skystrike lowered his head a bit. "You're right... what I did, showing off like that, and what my friends have done, we took it too far. Back then, I just wanted to... take you down a peg, for lack of a better phrase. The way you acted, I took it personally, rather than realizing it was just part of your show. And on top of all of that, your home was destroyed, and you've been ostracized. Though you could've acted better, you did not deserve even a fraction of what happened to you." Skystrike lowered his head more. "I do not come asking for forgiveness. Only you decide if I'm worthy of that. I just ask you to let me right my wrong."

Trixie was taken aback by that. She wasn't expecting an apology from him, thought he was too arrogant for it. She rubbed her eyes to see if she was dreaming. But Trixie wasn't sure yet. She frowned once more, preparing for this to be some sort of trap. "W-well how do you plan on making this right, then!? A simple apology to Trixie means nothing!"

Skystrike stood back up. "I don't truly know how to fix your reputation, but I can at least get you a new wagon and supplies. Good quality ones. Just name the place and we'll go."

Trixie was surprised. He was serious about this. She huffed slightly. "Very well. I know of a place. Same place Trixie got her first wagon. Let's make it quick, Trixie has places to be." She started walking, and Skystrike followed. It was a short walk through the city as the two trotted in silence. It was a long while before Trixie broke it. "So, what is your goal? Are you serious about 'righting your wrong?'"

"That's the main reason." Skystrike admitted. "To be quite honest, and this will sound cheesy, I hope to call you friend at some point."

Trixie was about to laugh. But then she thought about it. When was the last time she had one? Back in magic university?
It's been a long time. She wouldn't really mind it. "Maybe if you try hard enough, Trixie will grace you with her friendship."

The two walked in silence for a while more, but the time of silence wasn't nearly as long this time. Skystrike thought of a question. "If you don't mind me asking, what got you into being an illusionist?"

She thought back on that. "Back when I was is magic kindergarten, there was... a colt that Trixie liked. He liked the magic tricks Trixie did, despite it being so simple. Nothing but some card tricks and flashy spells were all Trixie needed to make him smile. It was nice, seeing his cheers for Trixie. Trixie liked that feeling, and began pursuing it."

"Huh... that's actually really nice. Glad you didn't stop trying. I actually like your tricks too." Skystrike smiled under his helmet. "I hope you get to see him again."

She was about to say something, but shook her head. "...I'd rather we'd stop talking about this... We're here."

Skystrike noticed her use of first person. She was serious. He nodded as the two walked inside. A yellow stallion with a white mane and tail greeted them as they entered. "Hello there! What can I do for you-" Once the stallion made eye contact with Skystrike, a shiver went down his spine. "Ah... Mr. Nebula... What do I have the pleasure of doing for you today?"

"Calm down, just here to buy a wagon for this one. Can you show her what you have? It's her choice."

The stallion quickly nodded and went under the counter to find booklets on the wagons they had. Trixie turned to him. "...If you're really sure about this, and this isn't some messed up joke, how much money can I spend? I don't want to rob you of every bit you have. "

Skystrike chuckled, then shook his head. "Don't worry, I owe it to you. Get something that will last you a while."

Trixie gave him a thankful look as the stallion came back up and began talking to him. It took quite a while. Trixie listened intently to the sales pony as he listed everything he could about each wagon. He even offered some bundles for her, living supplies at a premium for her presumed travels. After about an hour, she decided on one. A rather charming wagon, big enough to house two ponies easily, yet light enough to be pulled by one pony.

The yellow stallion smiled. "And with everything, your total comes to about 16 thousand bits. Would you like me to help you set up a payment plan?"

Trixie winced a bit, then looked back to Skystrike. He got up from his spot against the wall and dropped a heavy bag of bits. "The payment will be upfront."

The stallion blinked, then dollar signs appeared in his eyes. "Alright!" He picked up the bag in his hooves. "We'll get everything ready for you! We can have your wagon ready by tomorrow!"

Trixie turned to Skystrike. "I... Trixie thanks you, Nebula."

"No problem. But hey, I have something I have to go do. I have a meeting I need to go to. Hope everything turns out well for you, Trixie. And on the off chance you come to Ponyville again, know that you have at least one pony that will welcome you."

Before he could leave, Trixie quickly gave him a hug. "I mean it. Thank you... And... I'll make sure to visit sometime." And with that, Skystrike made his way back to Tethys. He felt... good. Feeling like heat least righted one wrong. He hoped to right some more today.

Finally meeting back with Tethys, the two made their way back through to the castle. They decided to take the scenic route, Tethys saying she needed to spread her wings, taking to the sky and slowly flying around, holding a large bag of donuts. "Mmmm... these are so good."

"How many did you end up getting actually?" Skystrike started doing corkscrews in air as he talked. "I left you quite a sizable bag of bits"

She stopped mid bite, thinking of how many. "Well... I ate about 20 so far... And it looks like I have... two dozen left."

"Damn, where the hell does that all go?!"

She blinked. "Wait, I never told you?"

"Told me what?"

She bit her finger, trying to think. "I'll... tell you another time. Not here. When we get back to... Pony Town was it?"

"Ponyville, but close enough. Alright, I wont force the subject." Skystrike started flying upside down, then looked back at the castle. "We'll get there in about 20 minutes at this rate, and it's about... 11:30 a.m."

Tethys looked up from her donut and squinted her eyes in the direction of the castle. "Hey, where does the Court Magician work?"

Skystrike raised a brow, beginning to fly backwards in front of the dragoness. "A large tower, normally furthest from the castle in case of accidents. Pointed roof in case of smoke so it can be filtered out. Various symbols of magic on it."

"Well if I'm looking at the right place, I see two ponies talking to each other through a window. Cant tell their colors, the glass is tinted. One a unicorn, one an earth pony."

Skystrike twisted his body to look where Tethys was looking. He was amazed she could see that far away. At least half a mile away. "Damn, you got good eyesight... Lets speed up. If my predictions are correct, then we should get there sooner."

Tethys shrugged. "Alright." The two sped up their flight. Suddenly, a question came to Tethys' mind. "Hey, completely unrelated, but you know that dragon you had to deal with a couple months back? That snorer?"

"Oh, Kyne! What about him? Is he doing alright?"

"Oh he's fine. He actually wanted to know how you were doing too. You're one of the few ponies he's met and liked. Kyne wants to see you again. I'd tell him about you, but you know..."

"Alright. I'll make my way to the dragon lands then sooner or later. Been meaning to go anyway." Skystrike. "Since we're talking about him, do you know?"

"That he has a crush on me? Yeah." She sighed as she crossed her arms. "Half the dragon males I interact with do. It's annoying. At least Kyne knows I'm not interested."

"Huh, didn't realize you were that much of a catch. I don't know what dragons find attractive. Think you could explain it to me a bit?"

Tethys thought about the best way to approach it. "Well... first, we dragons look at strength first and foremost. The stronger the dragon, the more attractive that dragon is seen by their piers. That's why most dragons love the current dragon lord, and why the head dragon can have several spouses, whether the head is male or female. When having several spouses, it also means you're able to control that many at once."

"So, the stronger you are, the more relationships are acceptable? And on top of that, the more spouses a dragon has, the stronger they get?"

She nodded. "That's right. But that's also only a quarter of the reason." She sighed. "The second, and most common reason that dragons find others attractive is because I'm fully dragon. Most dragon lineages involve the other species. Ponies, Griffons, Hippogriffs, and sometimes Kirins, Diamond Dogs and Changelings. Our blood is so pure that the offspring is nearly a full dragon. But, since the females lay the eggs, in most cases, only females can make hybrids. A male dragon can't have a hybrid kid without the help of magic, or the dragon being mammalian."

"That's really interesting... so which are you? I assume mammalian, since you have hair going down your back and tail."

"Yes, I'm a mammal, and that's another reason. Mammalian dragons aren't really rare, but they are uncommon. While I don't know the exact number, my guess is that we're less than 20%, but more than 10%. Like you realized, the main way to tell is that reptilian dragons have frills, feathers, or spines. We're seen as more... 'meaty' than the reptilian ones."

Skystrike chuckled. "Well you definitely are stronger than most other dragons I've met-"

"That wasn't what I meant." She cut him off and sighed.

Skystrike thought about what she said, and the implications. "OH! My bad. So it's a fetish?"

"That's a pretty good word for it, but I'm not sure if it's exactly the right word for it. For the pony equivalent I guess it's more like... having a preference for Kirins?" Tethys shrugged. "I'm not really sure of a good comparison."

"I think I get what you mean. Thanks for telling me all this. It's really interesting to learn about the little parts of culture like this. But you started off saying 'quarter' and gave me three reasons. What about the fourth?"

"The last one is a fetish, sadly. The former dragon lords strongest wife was a frost mammalian dragon that looks like me."

"Oh... well I don't know what to say besides sorry. I hate you have to go through it. And sorry if I ever made you uncomfortable about it in the past. I didn't realize."

"It's fine... just... still a bit insecure about it to be honest. But to clarify, I'm not a frost dragon, I just like how versatile the ice is. I'm actually a storm dragon." Tethys scratched the back of her horn. "Not many know, we're a rare variant of dragons, and we're somewhat hunted, due to our natural talent in magic. I would've told you before, but by the time I trusted you with that info, it just never came up."

"You dont have anything to be sorry about. I kept my secret away from you and All for too long." Skystrike rolled his shoulder. "So, since you're a storm dragon, that means you can also control lightning?"

"Yes, actually. I can control pretty much anything involved with storms, in theory. I remember because you told me the difference between a hurricane and tornado one time because I was trying to create wind torrents. Thanks for that by the way. I'd never had got into studying and literature if not for you and Casta."

"No problem." Skystrike slowed his pace as they approached the tower. "Speaking of, we're here." Skystrike and Tethys landed on the wide platform in front of the Mage's tower. Skystrike was about to ring the door bell before pausing in place. Tethys nudged him with her wing. "I know... I have to do it. But there's... just that part in the back of my mind telling me I'm not worthy."

"Look, Sky, I've already said it to you. We don't blame you. We're your friends." Tethys put a hand on his back.

Skystrike took in a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The simple ring sounded like it lasted forever, the silence after felt even longer as he waited for a response. The automated message made him jump. "Sorry, the Court Magician is currently unavailable. If you have an appointment, please come at your allocated time slot." Skystrike recognized that voice. Soft spoken, a bit mellow, and had that Canterlot accent.

He saw them inside on his way here. For a split second, he thought about turning around. But she deserves better than that. He rung the doorbell again. "Casta. It's me." The automated response didn't speak this time, and the silence came back. He let out a remorseful sigh. "I... can't blame you for not wanting to see me. I just owe you an apology for all I did, and you deserve it face to face, rather than a letter like I left." He clenched his hoof. "I've wronged you in a way that I can never make up for. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try."

Before he could continue, he heard the sound of hooves falling over each other, getting louder as they approached the door. It swung open, and Skystrike was tackled to the ground. Looking to see Casta on top of him crying. The one who tackled him was a rather tall unicorn mare with a dark purple coat and midnight purple mane and tail with highlights of mauve. She wore a frost blue cloak and matching hat with platinum trims, riddles with sea green stars. Her cactus green eyes hid behind a pair of reading glasses. Casta Spell squeezed tighter. "It's been so long! I'm glad you're ok! I heard what happened from the princesses!" Even though she had a weak voice, she was speaking rather loud out of sheer happiness.

He hugged her back. "Casta, it's great seeing you to, but you're strangling me." Then he felt something when on his neck.

She began full on crying. "You don't get it! I thought you were dead after you left! I only learned after Magnus that you were alive! I spiraled. You felt so guilty after what happened... I thought you..."

"I figured you'd show up one day." A monotone mare said from inside the tower. "Hopefully it's to stay this time." Skystrike looked to where the voice came from. Standing there was a earth pony with a grey coat and a greyish blue violet mane an tail, also sporting some eye shadow of the same color.

Skystrike smiled through his helmet. "Maud, good to see you. I owe you an apology too..." He coughed. "Casta, you're choking me." Casta quickly jumped off. "And... sorry I made you think I offed myself. There's a lot I need to say to both of you."

"Come in, come in! I just made some tea for Maud." She said excitedly. "I've been deep in my research... I hope you don't mind the mess..." As Tethys and Skystrike entered, Casta used her magic to close the door and made a path through the books laying on the floor.

Casta levitated two chairs over for her new guests and they all sat down. Skystrike leaned on the table. "So, Court Magician. I knew you had it in you, magic mare."

Casta giggled at the nickname. "Heheheh, well I have to thank you for part of my success. I got the funding for my research when we disbanded, and a lot of experiences and ideas from our travels!"

Skystrike smiled. "That's good. If I remember, you research had to do with finding the source of pony magic, and how Starswirl the bearded was able to formulate all the spells that we use?"

She nodded. "That's right. It went well! When we went spelunking those times, I was able to realize that as we went deeper towards the center of Eques, the denser the 'magic' in the air was." She made quotations with her hooves. "To the point it was sickening to some of the beings not able to harness their magic within them. I realized from that that what was actually in the air wasn't magic, but something that every creature absorbs into themselves and their bodies naturally and subconsciously turn into magic." She floated over a chalkboard and began drawing. From what he could make out, it was a sketch of a pony, a griffon, hippogriff, and dragon. "For example, the dragon lands are in an active volcano, which is releasing an abundant amount of what we turn into magic. It works in reverse too, the higher you go, the more of what we turn into magic is there. We ponies are at an average elevation where it's healthy for it. Griffons often live much higher, at the peak of mountains, and there's much more there. Hippogriffs are deep in the ocean, and it explains why they're able to transform easily. Each race is built to take in and generate a set amount of this... substance."

"Interesting..." Skystrike already knew this to be honest, but he wanted Casta to figure it out. It's revolutionary, given the time for the theory to catch on. Besides, she'd be disheartened if he told her those years ago. "And what will you call this substance?"

"I... haven't thought that far. I showed my research to the princesses, and I'm still researching now. I was thinking of calling it... mana."

"Hmm... and how does this relate to Starswirl's spells?"

Her eyes lit up a bit. With another smile, she began explaining. "Well, the best to think of it a bit like... a math equation?" She put a hoof to her cheek as she thought. "To first even make an equation, you need to figure out the numbers, then variables. From there, the outcome you want depends on what you put in. Magic is the numbers, while the formula is the variable. The part I'm still trying to figure out is how Starswirl made the formulas"

Tethys snapped her fingers. "Here's an idea. Maybe the formulas are words? With magic for us dragons, for example. When I breathe my frost breath, it's actually me casting a spell using dragon tongue, and that activates an organ within my head. Thinking about it like that... it's kinda like you unicorns and your horns. Maybe Starswirl bound words to those runes you use, like how we bound our power to our voice?"

Casta quickly levitated over a notebook and began writing. "That's such an interesting idea! I can't forget this! If it's like that, then I can maybe make my own spell! We'll go down in history!"

Skystrike let her finish writing before talking again. She was always enraptured on whatever she was interested in. "I do hope it goes well, and I'd be happy to help. But before we get too deep into it, I figure you two had some questions. I'll answer any and all you throw at me to the best of my ability."

Maud was first to ask, as Casta realized it was a good time to pour that tea. "When did you plan on coming to see us? Casta told me that she had a meeting at one, and you just came back from a mission with Tethys. Putting two and two together, then this was a reward right?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yes, I asked for this meeting to be one of the rewards when Celestia and Luna came to me for the mission. I planned on finding you all at least a month before the gala. Planned on revealing myself to Equestria, coming out of hiding and getting revenge on the one who tried to kill us two years ago."

"And why did you leave in the first place?" Maud leaned on her hoof.

Skystrike sighed a bit at that. "When Tethys asked the same question, the best answer I could give was to protect all of you, since it was the second time something like that happened. Now, I realized that it's because I also had a quest for power. Even now, I was rewarded with quite the items from Celestia and Luna when we completed out mission. I plan on using everything I can to make sure I'm not weak enough to let the same thing happen a third time."

Maud looked at Tethys, who closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. Maud, still speaking in her monotone voice continued. "I'll have to think of some more questions for you another time. Anything I ask, Tethys probably did already." The mare picked up her cup of tea and took a long sip.

"Actually, I have one." Casta put her hoof up. "I understand why you left. I know you didn't mean to hurt us. But what did you actually do by yourself? I know you aren't really a pony person."

"I was researching a lot of things." Skystrike began counting the things he did. "First, I realized that the stars that haven't moved much back then were suspiciously changing their positions. Then I wondered, which I honestly should've thought of long ago, 'If there's one that controls the sun, what about the moon?' And my home was named church of the two sisters. After looking and finding some really old books. I realized that there used to be two princesses, and an old castle that was in the Everfree forest they used to live in, and mentions of the Elements of Harmony. After that, I started traveling from place to place in Equestria, figuring out what it all meant." He took a sip of the tea. "From there, I wasn't really able to get anything concrete. All I was able to deduce was that someone used the Elements in the old castle around the time Luna disappeared, and from drawings, the mare in the moon wasn't there before. Then I figured 'hey, if she's in charge of the sun, she's probably in charge of the moon, meaning she could release whatever was in there at whatever time she wanted, and she seems to be playing around with those stars a bit too much.' Then I moved to Ponyville, thinking that my best bet would be hoping the place whatever was sealed would show up when it was yeeted to the moon. Luckily it turned out ok."

"Huh..." Casta rubbed her chin. "Didn't realize you were that smart. I always saw you more... what's the word?"

"Short sighted?" Tethys offered.

"Hard headed?" Maud offered.

"The word I was looking for was rash."

"You know what, fuck you guys, but all of those are fair." Skystrike laughed. "Man, I missed this..."

"Oh wait, you said you lived in Ponyville, right? My sister lives there. Hope she didn't cause you too much trouble so far." Maud finished her tea.

"Its... interesting. Annoying isn't the right word. She's actually pretty nice to be around. She's just... very active. And sometimes I want to chill out."

"Trust me, I get it. The first time she got her cutie mark, it was fun being around her. Everything was boring in the rock farm before. But after a bit, it was... too much." She put down her teacup. "I'll make sure to visit sometime. I'd come for your birthday, but I'm here in Canterlot to work on and deliver my thesis."

"Oh, it's almost that time, huh?" Skystrike thought back. "You really came far. I'm glad you were able to make it this far. When do you deliver?"

"Sunday, and then I have to wait a week to get the answer. I'm nervous about it."

"I could not tell at all." Tethys laughed at her flat tone of voice. "I can never get a read on you. What are you studying again? Rocks?"

Maud nodded. "With luck, by next week, I'll have a masters in Rocktoligy. Then I can apply to start my Rocktorate."

"You don't need luck." Skystrike leaned back in his chair. "You're one of the smartest ponies I know. It'll be a breeze."

"Thanks. I'll make sure to invite you all to my graduation. Maybe I'll see if Pinkie can set up a party back at the rock farm."

"That's be nice." Skystrike said. He finally took off his helmet. "Speaking of a party, there's a memorial that I... well I'm not obligated to go to it, but I really should."

"Your memorial?" Maud asked.

He didn't even have to guess in what tone she meant to say it in. He sucked in air through his teeth. "Yeah... And on top of that, it's also my family from the orphanage."

"Wait, you never told them?" Casta stopped raising her tea with her magic.

"Of course not. They were in danger for just being related to me. No way would I put them in more danger when I was weaker back then." Skystrike put a hoof on the table. "I plan on making at least part of this right. Reveal it early."

"They're going to be upset. I was and you were only gone for two years. For them, it's eight..." Tethys spoke up.

"And I don't blame them. But they still deserve an apology."

Their talk continued for an hour more, Skystrike thinking of the best way to bring it up with his family with the input of Maud, Tethys, and Casta. It took some hyping, but Skystrike is at least somewhat confident about what to do. He made sure to tell the girls to meet him at the memorial, saying he had something to do. He finished making a reservation for the ponies, expecting around 10 ponies to show. With that, he made his was back to the orphanage.

The Church of the Two Sisters. It was nice to see, and extremely nostalgic. He's been subconsciously avoiding this part of Canterlot. The memories were too painful. For what he did, and what the ponies around him had to go through. He took in a few deep breaths, trying to control his breathing. He looked up at the orphanage. It wasn't much different compared to before the fire. The large building of brick and stone looked... newer. Still the same shape and design actually, just much, much bigger. The left wing that extended into the garden was massive. The rightwing had a playground in the front. He would've enjoyed that back then. Some of the walls were even painted, some by professionals and others by the kids. His favorite part, they kept. The center spire holding up a large stained glass window, the vibrant colors working together to form the shape of a sun and moon.

But what surprised him the most was that instead of building right on top of the last building, they built a few yards next to it. Where the last one once stood was a marble statue of... him. It was him as a colt, standing tall, wings spread as a show of heroism. There wasn't a smile on his face, yet he had a look of purpose. On the stand of the statue was a golden plaque with engraving on it. Skystrike Nebula - A brother. a friend. a hero. "Help those who need it. Protect those you deem important."

Those words rang through his head. Words he skirts the line of living by. He hates to admit he hurt those important to him more than he protected them. He hoped they would find it in his heart to forgive him. Looking at the statue a bit more, he noticed that around the base of the statue were a lot of flowers. Some in bouquets, and some picked from the orphanage garden.

"Looking at his statue?" Astral walked up to him from his right. "This is my brother. The one I told you about."

"Seems like he was loved." Skystrike kept looking at his statue.

"He was, and still is. He saved me and my other siblings, Mystic Dawn and Dawnstone..." She sniffed a bit. "I was the last to get out. He risked his life saving me because I just wanted to be like him... I still do... Sometimes I still blame myself for his death. If I wasn't so reckless... I don't know why I'm telling you this..."

"He loved you, Astral." Skystrike said through baited breath. "He wouldn't want you to blame him for his sacrifice. He did it because he wanted you to live."

"How would you know?" While she didn't mean it. Astral's tone came off as aggressive. She realized after it came out. "Sorry, it's just... I know you're right, but I get tired of hearing it every year... Hard to believe it's been eight years since he left us."

"I don't blame you. Had to go through something similar." Astral looked up to him and tilted her head. "Someone I saw as a mother figure did the same for me, long ago. I still blame myself to this day. even though I know it's not my fault, and she wouldn't want that."

"Is that why you fight? To make up for something you never can? Hoping to help ponies and make her proud?" Astral wiped a tear. Skystrike nodded. It tore him up inside seeing her like this. "We're alike in that sense... I do thee same for him... helping ponies who need it, protecting the family we shared."

So badly, he wanted to take off his helmet then and there. But now wasn't the time. "He'd be proud."

She wiped her tears with a hoof. "Thank you... your friends came by a bit earlier than you. Let me introduce you to everypony else." Astral walked him over to the others. Tethys, Maud, and Casta were already deep in a conversation with the other ponies. Despite the eight years that passed, Skystrike recognized each one.

Mystic Falls, who should be almost 19 now, grew up well. A bit taller than the average stallion, but slimmer at the same time. He let his mane grow out, the purple and grey locks of hair going around his horn and falling on his shoulders, while he cut his tail short, just below his thigh. He even sported a goatee and a ear piercing. His eyes seemed redder than when he remembered, a start contrast to his blueish grey coat. Not that he was sick or tired, but his eyes were just a bright red. Mystic also wore a black leather jacket with a light blue undershirt. The guy got his cutie mark too, two chain links connected to each other, one blue while the other white.

The next one he recognized was Lucky Clover, one of the twins. Should be 17 now. Was slightly shorter than the average mare, petite is a better descriptive word. Her mane and tail was a seafoam green, emerald, shamrock, and jade, the former topped with a large green bow. The same bow she had all those years ago. He could tell from the upkeep that was well hidden in the bow. She wore a purple sweatshirt matching her light lavender eyes. Surprisingly, she had freckles dotted on her face. Her cutie mark was a deep green four leaf clover.

Next to her was the other twin, Blue clover, who had a cyan coat with an off white mane and tail, donning the same large green bow in her mane as her sister. She wore a green sundress and a ring of black pearls around her neck. She had some freckles herself. Her eyes were a bright blue. They always reminded him of the sea. Same stature as her sister, but didn't have a horn like her. Instead, she was noticeably more toned than her sister. She hid her cutie mark under her dress.

His last sibling that was in his age group was Dawnstone. Around 20 years old. And Skystrike had to admit, she looked lovely. Her cream coat with a curly white and sky blue mane and tail complemented each other perfectly. Her hair was long, stopping at her chest and curling back and into itself. She was no stranger to make up, complementing her features with cyan mascara and sky blue eye shadow. Her horn was rather long to, having a small ring on it. And lastly, she wore a white blouse with bishop sleeves with light blue cuffs and a light blue dress that went down to her hooves, held together with golden lacings. Even if he couldn't see her mark, Skystrike was sure she was a model of some type.

And last but not least, there she was. Sister Paprika. A mare earth pony with a cream colored coat and dark magenta mane with a maroon highlight stood in the middle of all his siblings, each having a happy face. He could notice the wrinkles under her eyes. Despite that, age has treated her well. She should be in her mid 50s, but doesn't look over 30 at all. She bore a cutie mark in the shape of a dried pepper.

Skystrike was drawn out of his train of thought by Astral nudging him. "You alright?"

Skystrike was about to respond, but noticed his eyes were a bit watery. He blinked to get the tears out of his way. "Y-yeah... sorry, I just forgot to blink." He pushed back on his front hooves to stretch, his armor creaking a bit.

"So... does your armor get heavy?" Astral asked as they kept approaching.

"Used to be. Every time I make new armor, I make it heavier than the last as a form of weight training." Skystrike tapped his armor. "Right now, I it's about sixty pounds, with most of the weight being in the chest and back."

"Wow, how do you fly with all that on?" Astral had to admit it was impressive. "Actually, nevermind that, do you ever take your armor off?"

"Sometimes. Most times, no. It's kinda like clothes at this point. Sometimes I forget it's there."

"Astral!" Paprika called out to her. The two hugged each other. "I'm so glad your ok! What happened? Was it dangerous?"

"Hey, Sister! I am too. I'll tell you about it another day, I don't want to worry you right now... It was dangerous, but I turned out fine, thanks to Nebula."

Paprika looked behind Astral to see him standing there. She didn't even realize the stallion towering over her until he was pointed out. But surprisingly she wasn't afraid at all. "Thank you for helping Astral, Mr. Nebula. I hope she wasn't too much of a bother."

"It was no problem. And please, just call me Nebula. And Astral can handle herself quite well. Pretty strong, she just needs more experience." Skystrike put out a hoof to shake.

"Well still, thank you for looking after her." Paprika shook his hoof. "It means a lot. Are you hear for the memorial?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yes, actually. I just got back from reserving a spot at a restaurant for us."

Paprika blinked. "All of us? You didn't have to do that, especially since we've just met! I can't let you do that for us."

"Please, pay it no mind. Think of it as a way to apologize for Astral getting into this mess." Skystrike waved a hoof.

"Wait... 'into this mess'? What happened up there?" Paprika's face turned to one of mild worry.

Skystrike looked at Astral, who sighed and nodded. "To sum it up so we aren't standing here for half an hour, we were sent up there to find missing ponies, only to find out that the one who sent Astral the request for help was actually trafficking the missing ponies to dragons. Thankfully, Astral was mostly in the investigation portion of it, rather than the fighting."

Paprika was stunned at what he said. It was a lot to process. "Is that why there's a dragon here? First I saw in my life."

"Yeah, that's Tethys. She's with me. And she help out up north too."

Paprika held her head. "I'll have to thank her later. Astral, we will talk about this later. Now come, we have to introduce Nebula here to everypony else." She said that last part with a stern voice.

"My bad." Skystrike shrugged.

"It's... fine... Looks like I'll have to get another type of job." Astral huffed. "Thankfully, I got enough bits where it should pay the bills. Don't move to Canterlot. I have to room with my sister Dawnstone and sometimes it's a bit of a struggle."

Skystrike tilted his head in thought as the two walked towards the group. "You specialize in Destruction and Enchanting magic right? I might be able to help you out."

"How so?"

"See the purple pony? She's the court magician, and a good friend of mine. And the state of her tower makes it seem like she needs help. Plus, she's also working on some research where she'll probably have to go on some expeditions. Make a good impression, I'll vouch for you, and hope things go well."

"You'd do that for me?"

"I have no reason not to. I will say, she likes talking a lot, so you may have to listen to her rant." Skystrike chuckled at that last part.

Dawnstone, Mystic Falls, Lucky Clover, and Blue Clover all walked over to Astral and Skystrike, getting into a group hug with the former. Dawnstone spoke first. "Welcome back, Astral. How'd it turn out?"

Astral smiled. "It went alright. I got to meet the princesses, so I'm in much deeper than I thought I'd be. I might have to visit the castle in the next few days, but everything's fine!"

"Anything cool happen?" Lucky asked.

"You met a dragon?" Blue jumped in front of her sister.

"Yeah, that's Tethys. She's really nice despite her looks. Nothing cool happened, it was more of a job, rather than an adventure..."

"Any landscapes that stood out? I'd love to paint some!" Mystic put an arm around her neck.

"There were some great ones, large mountains, vast fields, if you can handle the cold." She pushed Mystic off of her. "Anyway, you all probably heard from Tethys, Maud, and Casta, but this is Nebula. We met up north during the job!"

They all looked to Skystrike then near instantly seemingly shrunk at the sight of him, their ears pointing back. Couldn't blame them. He did make his armor with the intent of intimidating. He put up a hoof. He tried to make himself as approachable as possible. "Hello there. How are you all?"

"...you do not sound like how I expected." Mystic was the first to speak. "Damn, what do you eat to get that big?"

"I'm not this big because of what I eat, I eat because I'm this big. But it you simply want to gain some muscle, I could give some pointers..." Skystrike acted like he didn't know his name.

"I'm Mystic falls. This is Dawnstone, Lucky Clover, and Blue Clover. Hey, I know this is out of nowhere, but can I paint you?"

Dawnstone smacked his head. "Dude, you cant just ask to draw him."

"If you think you got the talent I'll support it. I'll be leaving Canterlot late tonight, but next time I'm here, I'll see if I can find you." Skystrike nodded.

"...You're lucky that worked. Sorry about my brother, he's really into his art." Dawnstone gave a small bow.

"Pay it no mind. I love those who are passionate about their craft. You must be the same. I assume from the way you dress and carry yourself, you're a model?"

She nodded then smiled. "That's right. I even make my own clothes. I don't get to star in too many photoshoots, but I have to start somewhere, right?"

"Yeah, starting is always the hard part. But you got the looks, so just keep trying and you can make it. I actually have a friend in Ponyville who has her own boutique and makes her clothes. She's still trying to get her name out there. Maybe if you two met you'd get along."

"I have been meaning to do a bit of traveling. What did you have to do that was so hard to start? You seem proficient at everything I hear about."

Skystrike thought back. "Well... It took a while to get the right tempo for my armor. This armor is after years of practice. My first armor could barely block a spear without denting."

This time, Lucky spoke. "So, question I always wanted to ask if I met you, is it true you can take on a dragon by yourself? Because the stories about you are unbelievable."

Skystrike didn't even have to answer, since Astral did so for him. "He beat five dragons by himself, and seven with some help. I was there."

"FIVE???" Blue blurted out. "Dear Celestia, there's no way!"

Skystrike shrugged. "It is what it is. But to be fair, my swords are made to cut through their scales and bones. It makes things much easier. But what else was said about me that's unbelievable? Now I'm curious."

Lucky began counting. "That you knocked out an Ursa minor in one punch, you can fly as fast as a Wonderbolt, you can punch a hole through a tree, and you can do pushups with a boulder five times your size on your back."

"True, maybe because I haven't raced one, true, and true." He chuckled. "I'm surprised that other stories haven't spread around... maybe it's because I'm sneaky about what I do. Confidentiality is important after all."

Another question was about to be asked before there was a loud stomach growl from Mystic Falls. "Damn, sorry. I haven't eaten anything yet today."

"I am a bit hungry too." Skystrike rolled his neck and yelled over to his other friends. "Tethys, Maud, Casta, ready to eat?"

"Yeah!" The three yelled back.

"Speaking of, where are we eating?" Paprika spoke up.

La rose bleue was a fairly upper class restaurant, hosting a large variety of dishes from different cultures. One of the most well known restaurants in Canterlot. Getting a reservation there was a nightmare for the average pony. And yet, not only was Skystrike able to get a reservation, but they were also in the VIP room.

"How did you manage to get a reservation here? On such short notice??" Paprika was surprised. "And this chair is so soft!?"

To be honest, Skystrike worked here as a chef when he was younger. Nothing like child labor. Luckily, he could just change his appearance with his magic to look like an adult. All he had to do was talk to the owner to get it. Luckily, the owner was the same stallion. "I have my ways." Skystrike said as the waiters and waitresses came in with their food, along with a couple glasses of wine for the group. It was a nice spread of fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, nuts, the full course.

They all made their plates before stopping and putting their hooves together. Astral began explaining. "On this day each year, we like to speak to Skystrike in the beyond. Telling him of what we've done so far in our lives. Its become a bit of a tradition, and our way of remembering him."

Skystrike looked at Tethys, who nodded. Then to Maud, who nodded. Then to Casta, who nodded. "I... have a confession to make. The real reason I bought you all here..." Skystrike sighed. Everyone looked at him with baited breath. He took in a deep breath before taking the lock off his helmet and sliding it off. He shoot his hair out and moved it out the way of his face.

He was instantly met with Mystic Falls jumping across the table and a hoof to his face. Tethys and Maud nearly got out of their seat before Skystrike put up a hoof, stopping them. "That's fair. Honestly one of the reactions I expected..." Skystrike cracked his neck and looked at Mystic.

"Do you know much we've mourned for you!?" Mystic yelled at him. His body was tense, his horn flaring with magic. "How hard we've worked to make up for what we lost!? How close things were to falling apart!?"

"Stop, Mystic!" Dawnstone used her magic to pull him back. "Lets... at least hear him out..."

Skystrike sighed and put his hooves on the table. "I guess you want to know how and why this all happened. This is why I got the VIP area... Would you rather I start explaining and get questions, or just ask questions now?"

"How are you still alive!? There wasn't a body! We thought you were ash!" Blue Clover stood up from her chair, the shock finally setting in.

"We saw you get crushed under the ruble!" Astral spoke up.

"To be honest, I don't truly know myself how I got out of there... I just know I wasn't there when I came to. I was out for a couple days and did have some things broken, but I was alive."

"And you didn't come back when you woke up!? Mystic prepared to punch him again.

"Look, I get it but please stop trying to punch me. To answer, no, I didn't. I felt it was too dangerous for you all. The fire happened because I got on the bad side of a pony..." Skystrike said as he caught Mystic's hoof. "The day of the gala, I was approached by Blueblood-"

"That mother bucker!" Dawnstone slammed her hooves on the table.

"Did something happen?" Skystrike raised an eyebrow.

"Every year, he comes by to gloat, giving fake sympathy to us over your death! He just stands there mocking us for sometimes hours, and we can't do anything because he's a prince!" Dawnstone fixed her dress and sat back down. "Ignoring how much he hits on me..."

Astral thought for a moment. "Wait, so you're saying that Blueblood is the reason you faked your death?"

"Yes. The day of the gala, he approached me, and heavily implied what he did. The fire at the orphanage was already in the later phases when he told me. Blueblood definitely planned it. I just don't have proof. And even if I did, he had enough political power to just cover everything up." Skystrike sighed. "My hope was by leaving, he wouldn't target you all anymore. He went after our home to hurt me... With me gone, I wasn't there to hurt..."

Lucky Clover bent a spoon in frustration. "But he still got away! What was it all for!?"

"I didn't just do nothing as you can see. I've at least gotten enough strength to protect you all, but now isn't the time to reveal myself just yet..." Skystrike took a bite of his house salad as everyone slightly leaned in. "I realized years ago, a couple months after my fake death, that I could just kill him, then and there. Take the sentence, but no one would be hurt anymore from him... Part of me still wished I did, but that'd be too lax for him." He clenched his hooves. "I will end it where it all started, at the Gala. I will go as my current identity, and lure him into a duel with me, one that he will challenge me to. It will be a duel where one can only forfeit or die. I will let him do neither. When he is within an inch of his life, when tries to get the words out of his mouth, I will not let him. He will have to decide whether he admits to what he did to us, or deaths embrace. In front of every. Pony. His guards. His lackeys. The princesses. And me. Once his social life is over, once the court judges him guilty, his pain will not be over. I won't let him die. He will live in suffering, no matter how many times he hurts us."

"And what makes you think it'll work?" Mystic finally sat back down.

"Because I know him. You know him. Say the right things, and no way he'll let things go." He scratched at the scar on his left eye. Still stung a bit.

Their conversation was interrupted when they noticed the quiet sniffles at the other end of the table. "I knew it... I knew you were still alive... You promised after all..." Paprika walked over to hug him. The water works started. "You've grown so much over the years... but you didn't have to sacrifice everything for us. You had a life to live for yourself..."

"My life isn't worth living to me if any of you are suffering. Especially because of me. I just couldn't have you all hurt anymore."

Paprika took in a deep breath. "I've... you were in the orphanage for six years before the fire... I've seen you grow into a wonderful young stallion. I know you well enough to know that while the execution wasn't good, your reasoning was justified. But we don't want you to suffer for our sake. You already did enough."

"It really doesn't feel like it. At least not yet. I just need to deal with Blueblood. Then I'll be back out in the open. For now, I stay hidden. I'm even taking a big risk being here with all of you. Anypony that's smart enough to realize how many ponies know all of you, then the secret's out." Skystrike chuckled a bit. "Honestly, I'm surprised it lasted this long. Haven't really been sneaky about it. I just keep on a helmet and change the first part of my name and everypony thinks I'm a new guy."

"...you know, in hindsight, I feel stupid that I didn't realize sooner." Paprika shared a small laugh. "But now that we have the chance, for the first time in a long time, lets enjoy a meal together. All of us."

Astral began eating. "Now that I think of it, even before the fire, we didn't eat together often. You were always tired around dinner time, but you still made time to help out everypony in the orphanage even after you helped me with my homework for example, you always seemed busy."

Mystic, Dawnstone, and the Clover sisters all hummed in agreement. Skystrike blinked. "I never did tell you all huh? If I wasn't at class, or the orphanage, I was doing something that would make us money. Money was tight back then, had to help out somehow."

"...Wait, so all that money we got weren't anonymous donations? That was you?" Paprika paused raising her fork to her mouth.

"You think that anypony with enough money to donate would do it anonymously? Here in Canterlot?"

"...But we still get those donations?" Paprika put a hoof to her chin. "Well, now that I think on it, they aren't anonymous anymore... The main ones are from the princess and Fancy Pants.

"That's to keep up public relations, makes them look good." Skystrike took another bite of his salad.

"Wait, so, you've been working that whole time? What did you even do? You must have not gotten much sleep." Dawnstone began eating at her own food.

Skystrike leaned back in his chair and started counting on his hoof. "Mostly prep cooking, some delivery, preparing for tournaments, and if we really needed the money, theft."

"Wait, you stole!? From who!?" Paprika asked, slightly shocked.

"Mostly nobles. Ones I knew had money or items I could pawn that they wouldn't miss." He admitted. "Only had to do it like, 18 times, thankfully.

"How did you break into these places? I heard that most nobles have pretty good security." Blue Clover took a bite of her bread. "No way you were that good."

"Believe it or not, easier to break in than you think." Skystrike thought back. "Most of the time, you can just fly in from above if you're quiet. No one looks up for some reason. After that, find an open window and take a vase or necklace. The only hard ones were when I went into the castle."

The room fell silent. Casta broke it. "You... you what? How can you say that so nonchalantly?!"

Skystrike shrugged and laughed. "Relax, only Celestia knows. We met one time when I got sloppy. In hindsight, it probably what got me in her good graces..."

"Wait, so what happened?" Lucky Clover drank some of her soup.

It was the dead of night, It'd be a simple job, he told himself. Climbing the side of a stone wall to an open castle window to let himself inside, he opened his bag to begin taking a few things. He made sure to take steps carefully, as to not alert any guards. The princess wouldn't miss a few goblets or necklaces from their display cases. At least none she couldn't afford.

But as he continued and checked his corners, he noticed the distinct lack of any guards. Or anypony in the castle. Skystrike looked out the window, seeing some guards patrolling the outsides of the wall, but not in the castle. Something seemed... off. And then he heard sniffling. Then muffled crying. Something told him to leave right then and there, something instinctual, but his morals told him otherwise. He turned to his right, seeing a rather large double door wide open. The sobbing was getting louder. The doors had two halves of the sun on it. There was no way...

When he rounded the corner, he saw her, Princess Celestia crying. Her back faced the colt as she stared out her window and up at the mare in the moon. She wept for a bit longer before speaking to herself through the tears. "I miss you... I miss you so much, Luna... I should've never sent you up there... I want you here. With me." She sniffled.

Skystrike should've left then and there, but his morals told him not to. He didn't know who Luna was, but she didn't deserve to cry alone. He'd regret this later... Skystrike dropped his bag and walked into Celestia's bedroom. Celestia, who let her guard down, snapped her head around to see Skystrike walking towards her. She didn't even get a chance to ask how he was there before he hugged her foreleg. "I don't know what you're going through... but you don't have to suffer alone. My sister tells me that keeping everything to yourself doesn't help. Talk to somepony about it."

Celestia tried her best to force a smile as she wiped her tears. "...Thank you, my little pony, but you mustn't worry yourself over my issues." She sniffed a bit more. "I... assure you I am fine."

"Look, I know you're trying to act strong. I do it to in front of those I care about. From what I can tell, you cleared out the castle to be able to express your feelings. Don't let me stop you." Skystrike sat down next to Celestia. "I've lost... many that were close to me. I should've talked about it with somepony, but I made myself believe that I had nopony to hear me out. It didn't help. If this Luna you cry for is as important to you as my family was to me, then you need to talk to somepony about it..." Skystrike sighed. "I don't know why I'm giving you advice, you've probably heard it before.

Celestia smiled a bit at that, then looked at the colt. "You look quite young... I cant imagine what hardships you had to go through to be giving advice like that... Can you believe it's been nearly a thousand years since she went?" She asked that last part to herself.

"It's only been four or so for me... But I still blame myself, even if I had no other choice..." Skystrike huffed. "At least with you, since you said 'went', she may come back. You still have hope."

Those words felt different. This time, Celestia hugged the colt. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be. I've made some peace with my demons. But the pain never goes away, it only drives me to be stronger."

"What's your name, my little pony? And how did you get in here? And why are you in here?"

"Skystrike Nebula, there was a window left open, and my family needs the money." Skystrike admitted.

"Well that was... rather forward."

"You have the power to smite me, I am not going to risk that." He put up his hooves in defense.

For the first time in a while, she laughed. It took a few moments Celestia to regain her composure. "I'm not going to smite you, but thank you for being truthful. But you shouldn't steal, your parents would be upset if they knew."

"Orphan."

Well that was blunt. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't know."

"It's alright. I just want to make sure my siblings can eat, where we don't have to go hungry every other day."

"Wait, if you live in an orphanage, you should be getting government funding proportionate to the number of ponies living there. Which one do you live in?" Celestia grabbed her notepad in her magic and prepared to write.

"Church of the two sisters."

She quickly wrote it down. "Thank you, Skystrike. Go home for tonight. Don't worry, I'll make sure your family has enough to eat."

Paprika stopped drinking her glass of wine. "...So that's why Celestia stopped by. Well... if I say thank you, I feel like it would encourage you to steal more but..."

Mystic ate a hoof full of berries. "And what about the tournaments and stuff?"

"First place had cash prizes. Chess tournaments, flight tournaments, I did pretty much all of it up until I went to that military school. Thankfully, their valedictorian got monthly stipends." Skystrike started working on his 3rd plate of food. "Honestly, probably wouldn't have went if not for that."

"So you didn't want to be a guard? I thought that was why you went." Astral finished her plate and hummed.

"Not really. I would've wanted to if not for all the red tape they have to deal with. Can't really help ponies if laws actively stop me from doing so."

This time, Maud spoke. "I get it. We fought for the ponies when the guards wouldn't. A shame that so much good gets stopped because of some money."

From the window, the group could see the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the table. A group of friends reunited after years apart. Laughter and excitement filled the air as they spoke, faces beaming with joy. Life had taken them on different paths, splitting them apart, but now, in this moment, they were together again. The clinking of glasses and the aroma of fine wine signaled the beginning of a long-awaited catch-up session.

As they settled into their familiar roles, stories flowed like a river, each one eager to share their adventures and experiences. Some had embarked on globetrotting adventures, while others had embraced the world with ambition and goals of success. With every tale, they rediscovered the shared memories and inside jokes that had forged their unbreakable bond. Time had aged them, but their connection remained as strong as ever.

Amidst the laughter and reminiscing, there was a sense of gratitude for this moment. They've realized that life's twists and turns had shaped them into the individuals they were today, and while they had grown in different ways, the core of their bond remained unchanged. In that restaurant, with the warmth of friendship enveloping them, they understood the value of their relationships had stood the test of time, and they vowed to make these reunions a regular occurrence, cherishing the bonds that had brought them together once more.

Alas, the night had to come to an end. Tears fell from all parties, but they made a vow. He would see them again. Hugs were exchanged, and promises to stay in touch were made with sincerity. Distance and time might separate them momentarily, but their bonds were unbreakable. With a shared commitment to their friendship, they whispered assurances that this farewell was merely a 'see you later.' As they watched the waves crash against the shore, they felt a profound sense of gratitude for the moments they had shared and the ones that awaited them in the future. With a final wave and smiles that concealed the sadness of goodbye, Skystrike and Tethys departed, the former carrying the hope of reuniting once more, knowing that their next meeting would be just as joyous as this one.

Skystrike settled next to his luggage as the train carried them toward Ponyville. He'd be back home soon, with his new friends. Ones he made a promise to come back to. He didn't know why, but he felt a weight come off his heart. With a long exhale, he looked out the window and at the stars. They seemed... brighter than usual. He smiled a bit as he closed blinked.

Sleep finally hit him as he fell onto the floor. Three days without sleep was finally coming back to haunt him. But he deserved a rest. He closed his eyes, falling to the abyss of his mind. For once, there wasn't a nightmare. He had something to look forward to.

Author's Note

This one was a bit harder to write, admittedly. Next chapter I plan to be a bit more fun, since it is Skystrike's birthday. I hope to get the next one out relatively soon, but I'm doing research for my college right now, so I can't say when it will be out.

Hope you all enjoyed, and I hope to see you next time.

The time we have left.

It was six in the morning. Skystrike's body was back with it's internal clock. The first thing he asked himself is 'What am I willing to deal with today?' The second was 'What the fuck happened last night?' All he remembered was the weed he had. He looked at his surroundings, realizing he was still in the living room. Then tried to not lose his shit when he saw the state of his friends.

Tethys was holding Fluttershy and Pinkie in her arms as they slept with the dragonesses wings around them. Rainbow was sprawled out on the couch, Zecora was using Stardust's side as a pillow. Applejack fell asleep on-... was that one of his barrels of cider? She probably tried to outdrink Tethys while they were playing. Rarity was upside down on the couch opposite to Rainbow Dash. But the funniest was Twilight. She was yamcha'd, lines of ash around her as she laid on the ground with a burnt horn. She used the 'explode everything including yourself' spell. And it was very hard to stifle his laugh.

He decided to do his morning workout of a run through the Everfree and lifting his boulder, it was only 7:30 when he finished and came back. And they were all still asleep. He chuckled and went to the kitchen. It's Sunday, so they can afford to sleep in a bit. Deciding to be nice, Skystrike got everything together to make a whole breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, haybacon, and fruits. Well, Tethys was here too. He'd go fishing later for her diet. It took a little while, preparing all the ingredients and cooking enough for 10 beings, but he knew they'd appreciate it.

Rainbow Dash was the first to wake up to the smell. She groaned as she rolled over. "Uuuhg... Last night was... a night of all time. What time is it?"

"Quarter past eight." He said, flipping a pancake in the air. "And the bathroom is down the left hall to the right."

As if on queue, the pegasus mare went to the bathroom, coming out a few minutes later. "Thanks... I didn't realized how hammered I got... Are you ok, by the way?"

"I'm super drowsy, and I had the weirdest dream." He chuckled. "I was... I can't even remember it besides it was being weird."

"What're you making? Smells good."

"Pancakes, eggs, haybacon, and various fruits. Hopefully it'll help you all get over your hangovers... How much did you all drink?"

"Well not including you, I was the second out after Twilight. She lasted through two shots, and I lasted through 3. But by then, the only ones who weren't at least tipsy were Applejack, Tethys, and Zecora."

"Still going to get you back for those edibles." He chuckled. "When you least expect it. And it won't be small. Breakfast is almost done, so go wake everyone up for me while I set the table."

She smirked. "You know, for someone who barely knows social norms, you really know how to be a stallion." She said as she went to wake everyone.

After about twenty minutes for Skystrike to wait for them all to finish using the bathroom. Everyone had bags under their eyes as they drowsily began eating. They thanked him for the food before the small talk began.

"So, what's the plan today, Skystrike?" Tethys asked.

"I told Spike I'd hang out with him in the afternoon. He was a bit bummed he couldn't hang out with us on my birthday. I plan on flying a good hour out to Ghastly Gorge and hope to find some ores. I'm going to do an overhaul on the armors I make."

"Thinking of a new look for your armor?" Pinkie asked. "Oh! You should add glitter!"

He chuckled, taking a bite of his food. "Heh, actually, I plan on my new set looking the exact same. Comes with my line of work."

"...I don't get it."

"Well, two things mainly. First, my armor is like a brand. When you see it, you know it's me. And if I have my swords on my side, you know what I'm there for. Second, on the strategic side, say we get into a fight, and you did your homework on me, so you know what my armor could be weak to and its weak points. Now, what if I have a completely visually identical set that counters what you studied for?"

"Makes sense." Pinkie said before chomping down on a whole Pancake.

"I also plan on going to the mayor, as I have some paperwork I need to do, as well as get Tethys marked as a resident." Skystrike took another.

"The taxes on that must suck, huh? Taxes kick me in the flank from my business I can tell you that." Rarity sighed.

"Actually, I can file most of my business expenses under public service, since I help ponies, and sometimes the government. And that sounds good on paper, but I don't get paid much compared to the risk I take each mission. Dont get me wrong, I got money. I can do like, two to six missions a year depending on what the payout is, but many times it isn't worth it. I'm called for the most dangerous or the most suspicious missions, so the risk most often out weighs the rewards. Then I have to pay for the materials I used, the prep work, and the upkeep on my equipment. As a group, most times we spent 40-60% of the reward money. Even alone, it's about half of that. If they took out taxes, I'd be broke most of the time."

"Jeez. Then how do you make a profit?" Applejack asked.

"I can charge almost anything I want with the given information as you saw with the princesses a couple weeks ago. On top of that, anything that wasn't disclosed before the mission that I find out about during the mission, I can charge extra."

"Well... I get why you can do that, but what's stoppin' somepony from just lying?"

"Well, if you're naïve and have money to waste, nothing. Most times, it requires proof. For example, since I couldn't transport dragons back to Canterlot as proof, I had to bring one of the ponies from the village who was a witness to what we did. Bought in a pretty good haul."

"Wait, you had to kill dragons? As in several?" Twilight was making sure she heard things right.

"Yeah, six juveniles, one adult. Tethys helped me out with the adult. Just waiting for the bodies to be transported here so I have some materials to work with with what I also got from the princesses. Luckily, I got better over the years. Costs this time is less than 10%." He smiled and pumped his arm.

"Well, congrats on that. I'm just glad you came back alive!" Applejack bit into one of her apples. Damn, she likes apples. Where did she get those apples?

"Any... any idea when your next mission is?" Fluttershy spoke this time.

Skystrike leaned back in his chair and thought. "Depends. The next one is more personal, so it's more on how much I want to prepare. It'll take me at least six months. I'll tell you more about it once the plan is finished. But enough about me. What about you all?"

"I have some prep work for the animals. I left Harry in charge of everything last night." Fluttershy rubbed her eyes. "And maybe try to shake off this hang over.

"Just real quick, how much did you all drink? I saw you got into my cider." Skystrike chuckled.

Tethys laughed as Applejack groaned. "Well, Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and myself were the last ones awake, and we decided to have a drinking contest. Not knowing that dragons can hold their liquor quite well. I was more surprised the quiet one is the better drinker than the one who makes the alcohol."

"Damn, that is surprising." Skystrike chuckled.

"Yeah. Anyway, Rarity said she'd make me some outfits and underwear so I won't be going commando all the time. Maybe get those rings you spoke about yesterday." Tethys ditched the fork and knife and used her claws to eat.

"Make sure you get a copy of the measurements. Gotta make you new armor. And while I couldn't really see last night, I remember something about... bonkhonagahoogs? If you want me to make your armor fit your actual body, It's no problem."

She shook her head. "Thanks, but not that confident yet. I'll stick to this form for now. Zecora, Stardust, mind coming with me? I don't exactly know what clothes would work on me."

"Count me in, my dragon friend. I have nothing to do until days end." Zecora nodded.

"Yeah, I can write my reports later." Stardust nodded as well.

"I got some work on the farm. Then I gotta make sure Applebloom does her homework." Applejack finished her food.

"The cakes and I have to prepare for the week. But I'll be free tomorrow!" Pinkie squirted syrup in her mouth.

"I don't have much to do. I'll find something."

"Same here... Maybe I'll reorganize all the books in the library by title instead of author." Twilight was still using her hooves to pick up the utensils instead of her magic.

Everyone finished their meals as Skystrike put everything in the sink to deal with later. "Welp, thanks for last night. It was fun. I'm about to start flying."

"Actually, Skystrike..." Tethys stood up and put a hand on the table. "We haven't sparred in a while. And I want to see how strong you've gotten over the years apart. What do you say we go a round?"

He smirked. "At least ask me out to dinner first. But sure, why not? Zecora, you wanna help her out?"

"My touch has waned, it's true, no rush, Can you handle both of us without a hush?"

Skystrike stretched and shrugged. "Probably not, but it's all in good sportsmanship. Like always!"

"Wait, you've been... playing during our sparring sessions each time?" Tethys clenched a fist.

"...Were... were you not?"

That slightly pissed Tethys off. "Skystrike, we dragons take pride in our strength. It's in our nature. And you're telling me you weren't even fighting against me seriously!?"

"I fought you seriously. It's just easier on my mind if I act like it's a game and not a fight I actually have to win." Skystrike got a bottle of water and began drinking.

"So you've been holding back!?" Tethys asked angrily.

Skystrike stayed silent for a moment. "Of course I have. I prefer you alive. But if it pisses you off so much, I'll... let lose a little." He said with some hesitation in his voice.

They stared out eachother in silence before Tethys pushed herself off the table. "Get your gear, and meet me outside. I will be able to tell if you're holding back. Zecora, you'll have to spar another time. This is between me and him."

Skystrike and Tethys stood across from each other in Naga's arena. His friends, and Naga who slithered out of her cave decided to watch too. Skystrike sighed. His smirk fell, his facial features showing that this was serious. He looked down at his armor and stood on his hind legs. "You sure about this, Tethys? I'm telling you now you don't know what you're really asking for."

"Cut the worrying and bring it, Skystrike." Tethys spread her wings, ready to fight.

Skystrike dropped his armor's metal tail as a counter balance. He looked in her eyes one last time before his collar folded out into his iconic helmet. "Don't say I didn't warn you..." Skystrike knew he was going to regret this eventually.

Tethys wasn't even able to process his tone before her eyes went wide from his rapid approach. He wasn't even that fast, but he just ran straight at her. She planted her feet and shot a ball of ice at him. A loud boom was heard, but not from the ball of frost, but from Skystrike moving so fast, a small blue circle of fragmented light radiating behind him. Faster than she could blink, Skystrike was behind her and landed a kick to her back.

Tethys flew forward a few feet before flipping and maneuvering her body to face Skystrike with a growl. She was barely able to stop the next attack. Another boom came from Skystrike's burst of speed, going for a left jab at her head. Tethys just barely caught the hoof with her left claw, but couldn't stop the hook from his right hoof. Tethys was staggered, but still holding on to his hoof. Realizing she wasn't letting go, Skystrike twisted his body to get Tethys into a lever arm grapple.

The first hit Tethys got on the stallion was her frost breath to get him to release her arm. The two stood up, back to their starting positions. Tethys rubbed her face. "...Got anymore in you?"

"More than you know... Normally, this is where I'd give you pointers, but you don't care about that, huh?" Skystrike said with a hint of annoyance. "You just have something to prove."

"Damn right I do." Tethys spread her wings and inhaled sharply, before shooting a ball of ice at him once more. Skystrike punched through it and stared up at her. The dragon was right behind it, and bared her jaws as she grappled him. He pushed against her with his arm in her jaws. Even with the armor guarding him from the teeth, the pressure still hurt. She used her weight to push him into the ground and onto his back. Skystrike sent her back by using his back legs to buck her in the stomach and into the air. Tethys spread out her wings to catch herself in the air. "All this time, I thought we were equal in strength. I was fine with my leader being my equal. But seeing you having that power and not using it pisses me off..."

Tethys inhaled, then shot out a blast of ice nearly twice Skystrike's size. Again, Skystrike punched through it. "It's exactly because I have all this power that I don't use it." Boom. Skystrike grabbed Tethys by the feet before spinning around and throwing her into the ground, then landing heavily next to her. "You couldn't know the pain of having your power go beyond your mortal form... Let alone what it can do to others if you let loose a little." Tethys got up and tried to land a roundhouse kick on Skystrike, only for him to sidestep and grab her leg, flipping her and slamming her into the ground once more. "So, let me get once thing clear with you, Tethys..." Skystrike drew one of his swords and stabbed it into the ground next to Tethys's neck. For the first time in a while, she felt fear. "...I hate this. The taste of blood in my mouth. The vibrations in my hooves when I clash with another. The look of fear on my opponents as they think back over every action they took to meet me in the eyes... I hate it." He crouched down, his armored hoof still on the grip of his blade. "I wish each day that I could leave this life of battle behind me. To rid myself of the reminders of my past. But if I do, there won't be others to take up my mantle..." He stood up and sheathed his sword. "Did you ever stop to wonder why I disassociate during fights? Let alone notice? Wonder why I always try to think of it as a game when I spar? Because from my very first battle, I had to kill those I care about. And I don't want to imagine you in that situation. Now, are you satisfied?" He seethed at the dragoness.

Tethys didn't say anything. Her look of anger from earlier changed to a look of regret. She stood up, brushed herself off, and looked down at the stallion, trying to say something. But she couldn't get the words out.

"Great." Skystrike said in a monotone voice. "I'm going to Ghastly Gorge. Potions are in the cupboard next to the entryway." Skystrike let out a sigh before beginning to walk towards his destination.

Zecora was the first to break the minutes of awkward silence. "Tethys, while I am not putting the blame on you, after everything he told us, I thought you knew."

Tethys limped over and stopped, realizing what she'd done. "O-oh..." Tethys rubbed her horns. "I messed up, didn't I?"

Applejack nodded. "From what he said and how quick he left, I'd say so. But nothing a good talk can't fix. But what I'm worried about is what he said about... killin' those he cared about? I was hoping he was jokin' about the child soldier thing."

"You and me both..." Twilight sighed. "Everything new I learn about him, he just... makes more sense."

"Wish he'd tell us about it..." Pinkie huffed. "It sucks to keep things in all the time. By the way, Tethys, are you ok?"

The dragoness nodded. "Yeah, just... gonna be sore fore a bit... And he was still holding back..." She sat down to catch her breath. "Man, he has a hook..."

"What do you think he meant by 'power going beyond his form?'" Rarity jumped down from Naga's back.

Twilight thought for a moment. "Well, this is all hypothetical, but it might be down to his biology. Nearly all of our biological functions as ponies depend in part on magic. Sure, we can live for a while without it, but by then, our body would generate the magic we'd need to be back to normal. Somepony like him, who was born without any magic would already have a stunted growth."

"...He was quite thin as a colt..." Fluttershy remembered back.

"We can assume that he has to work a lot harder than others to keep his physique. Despite being twice our size, I noticed from what he said that he's had to constantly push himself to be at his current strength. I'd be willing to bet that without the training, he wouldn't even be as strong as a normal pony... His body is straining itself just to keep up with everybody around him, and yet he's making himself surpass his piers... That means that his body is destroying itself from the inside... Hypothetically... Lets hope I'm wrong..."

"No... no way..." Tethys shook her head. "Skystrike always thinks two steps ahead. No way he doesn't know about what's going on in his body. He would've told us!"

"Like he told us about the metal hoof? Or his parents? Or why he faked his death?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. They all cringed at that. "Well, like he said, we didn't ask... Might just have to to get it out of him..." At that, Rainbow Dash's brow furrowed and she flew off into the air in Skystrike's direction. "...Wonder what that's about?"

Skystrike walked for a few minutes by himself in silence. He really didn't want to say that to her, nor did he mean for it to come out like that. But... it had to come out eventually. Just not like that. He sighed to himself thinking on it. He knows he messed up, and he hates himself for it. But what he hated more was the voices in the back of his head telling him 'good job'. Like he should've done it a long time ago. He'd have to apologize once he got back. But for now, he needed time to cool off.

Echo spoke for the first time in a while. "Skystrike, is this a bad time?"

"I'll be fine. What is it?" Skystrike tried his best to compose himself as he walked.

"I recommend you sit down for this. I've run some simulations on how your body works, like you requested a few days ago... I've checked the simulations several hundred times. I've allocated most of my processing power to make sure that every variable was correct and accounted for... The information I have is not favorable. Knowing you, you'd rather know as soon as possible, rather than putting it off."

Even through the monotone of the robotic voice, he could tell Echo was serious. Skystrike sat down. "Alright... tell me the news."

"Bad news first, or worst news?"

"Well fuck..." He leaned back. "Bad? I guess?"

"The data processed at the laboratory in the north has all but verified our past theories. Under no uncertain circumstances, you've been groomed to be the perfect warrior. Specifically to counter any possible threats to humanity in this world. You, along with the other projects, were originally created to fight a threat in your original world, but that is both unknown and does not matter as of now. Sometime during your captivity at the laboratory, funding was cut, and a new project was given. They couldn't afford to keep you all around, so they made sure to keep the strongest. You are the product of that decision. Your mind has been tampered with due to the humans experiments on you. You've felt it too for a while, haven't you?" Skystrike nodded as Echo continued. "Your distain for every being in this world. It wasn't until you met Tethys and Zecora that we realized it wasn't just ponies. Changelings were the exception... for a time. But it seemed that was part of their plan too. Breaking any and all pillars of support. So you'd have a justification for hating this world. Luckily, you're able to ignore that feeling.

"Whoaaa whoa whoa whoa, hold on." Skystrike stopped Echo and clenched his head. "The whole part about hating all the beings in this world, I kinda figured, but... you're telling me that the whole thing with the changelings was planned? How much-"

"I do not know the extent to what was planned, only that something was planned... Remember, any information that was left was left on purpose for you to find out. But, given what you've been through, the chances are not negligible."

"But... then that means that... That Khrusalis's death could have been faked!?"

"It is a possibility. But I would recommend you not focus on that for now. What you should focus on is your mental state. They know that they cannot beat you physically, so they've been chipping away at your psyche. I would recommend a therapist, as well as coming out to everyone. You hiding yourself is not a benefit to yourself. Even if you think otherwise."

Skystrike grit his teeth. "Just give me the worst news..."

Surprisingly, Echo seemed to hesitate before doing so. "You're dying, Skystrike. There are many factors as to why, but I will explain the main factors. First: Your body was made to stay in it's prime for as long as humanly possible. Because of this, whatever experiments that were ran on you could completely ignore long lasting effects. You can not only build strength and magic that surpass human limits, you can surpass the strength and magic of the beings your physique was modeled after. This puts a strain on your human body, and it compounds with the second factor: Your mimicry of changeling magic is on the physical level, not illusionary, changing your biology. It puts another strain, not only on your body, but your mind as well. Changelings transformations are more of a physical illusion, but yours goes down to your very cells. But your brain is still human. It has to account for any added organs and hormones that humans don't have. And you've been in this form for years on end..."

"Meaning?"

"Your brain is overloaded, put simply. With what is had to do subconsciously, as well with the mental strain you put on yourself, whether from your actions or your trauma, it won't last long, relatively speaking. Third: As I've stated during your venture into the lab. You intake 20 times the mana the average human does... That was during your captivity. In this world, where the source of your mana is, it's heightened. Essentially, in the lab, you absorbed all the mana in the lab because that's all there is to get, and you were constantly expelling your mana reserves. In Eques, there is no known limit to how much mana you can store. Your right arm is able to fend off the ticking time bomb of mana that you are right now. If this limit is ever met, you will undergo extreme symptoms of mana poisoning. The best ways to slow down these problems are to either stay in your human form, deal with your mental health, and begin converting your mana into magic. There is no way to reverse the damage done."

Skystrike tried to control his breathing. "Echo, be honest with me... How long do I have?"

"As of now... your projected to live until 40. If you are lucky. Delaying the problem will increase your chances you reach that age."

Skystrike's breathing got heavier. "...and if I am unlucky?" His voice was wavering.

"The time you will live spans between 30 and 35. But that is if your situation gets worse... I am sorry, Skystrike."

Skystrike couldn't even force out any words of fake affirmation. He just... kept breathing. Hard. He collapsed to the floor and just... laid there for a few minutes. It was one hell of a bullet to take, and it hurt. His heart beat faster and faster... Time seemed to move slower and slower... His vision blurred as he tried to force himself off the ground, only to fall on his side.
He heard Echo call out his name, but it was muffled. He couldn't feel his hooves. Skystrike tried his best to control his breathing, but could barely even get the air into his lungs.

His life was on a time limit now, put simply. Why him? He just opened up. Just began to start fixing the mistaks he made. And now he had to rush. Just to make sure that he could complete everything before his inevitable death. Was this another one of their experiments? Maybe-... no, he hoped that Echo is wrong. Having 5 years left was too short to live. His mind jumped from thought to thought as he spiraled downward into his darkest thoughts as they clouded his mind. He laid there for what felt like hours.

In actuality, only a few minutes passed. And he felt something shaking him. He couldn't see, or even move. He just... laid there as the unknown body shook him. The shaking became more frantic, and he heard muffled yelling... worried yelling. He tried to give some sort of response, but only quickened breathing came out. Someone flipped him over on his back. He could barely see the pony who flipped him over, only making out the shape of a mare and their cerulean hooves grabbing his helmet.

Rainbow Dash took of his helmet in a hope to get him to breathe better. Getting a better look at Skystrike, her worry only grew. His eyes were wide, his mouth was dry, and he was twitching from some muscle spasms in his hooves. But what surprised her most was that... tears were running down his face. "Celestia, Skystrike, are you ok!?" Skystrike wasn't able to respond, his attempt at speaking was only met with his breathing getting heavier. He began coughing up a little blood. "Buck, Sky, breathe! Deep breaths! In and out!"

He tried his best to do so. In... Out... In... Out... In... Out... In... Out... It took a long, long while, but he was able to slow his breathing. And once he was able to, he finally let it out... Every emotion he bottled up for the last 15 years... he let out in a sea of tears. Skystrike eyes burned white as he screamed into the wilderness in contempt, anger, and regret. "IT WASN'T FUCKING WORTH IT! EVERYTHING I FOUGHT FOR! EVERYTHING I SACRIFICED! WORTHLESS!!!"

Rainbow Dash let him scream to the world for a few more moments. "...Are... you ok? I don't think I've ever seen you cry, let alone hyperventilate..."

Skystrike wiped his tears with a hoof, then slowly turned to look to Rainbow Dash. "I-... honestly? I'm... not. I've always... put others before me to make sure they don't have to worry but... I've been keeping things in too long. All it took was some bad news and I just... broke down." He sat down and looked to the horizon. "Rainbow... I'm sorry."

She tilted he head. "Sorry for what?"

"I've been harder on you compared to the others." He gave a sorry chuckle. "To be honest, I think it's because I see a part of you in me... I didn't really realize the affect of the words I just say in passing had on ponies around me, and how I treated ponies. I thought it would turn out fine, but... it just sowed distrust in those around me. I shouldn't hold you to the expectations I have for myself... I'm sorry. I just wanted to say this while I still can..."

"...Well thanks? It's no big deal to me, you had your points when it happened. But where is this all coming from?"

Skystrike patted the grass next to him motioning for Rainbow to sit. She did so. "I've-... I don't know how to say it. Or if I want to say it. I don't I don't want to see my friends sad anymore."

"...I assume something bad happened since I found you on the ground like that. But I'm not no crybaby." She smirked, trying to make him smile a bit. "Go ahead and tell me."

It didn't work. He let out a sigh. "I just recieved the... worst news I could've probably gotten... Man, I'm a shit friend..." He laughed sadly to himself. "You know how I'm bigger than most ponies? I guess I should start by explaining why."

"Twilight gave us her hypothesis. I wasn't paying attention too much, but she said something about your body destroying yourself from the inside or something?" Rainbow looked at him.

"As smart as ever, that mare... She's right. Not going deep into the details but... my body doesn't use magic, so all the functions that would need it are running without, and overworking itself. My body can't keep up with the constant demand... Among other things."

Her heart sank. "...You... you're dying?" Skystrike nodded. "...Do you know how long you have?"

"At best, 15 years... at worst, 5."

"Oh... shit! That isn't that long!"

"Yeah... And now I need to... close up a lot of loose ends..." He crossed his hooves.

"What do you mean? Like, write your will and stuff?" Rainbow Dash asked, trying her best not to cry.

Skystrike looked at her. "I'm... not the pony you think I am, Rainbow." He gripped his metal arm. "I'm... I try to live my life the best I can, but problem after problem just piles on my back... Wouldn't be an issue if I didn't get others caught up in them. And I always think that... removing myself and my problem from the situation would save others the hassle." He sighed, then leaned back. "But that doesn't solve anything... only creates more problems... Problems that I just... keep running from. Keep going around something, you end up walking in a circle. But even if I wanted to, I can't anymore. I'm out of breath and... there's no more road for me to run on. And I'm just so... angry. At myself... at my situation... at the world. And I don't know how to stop it."

Rainbow hugged him. "Skystrike, it'll be ok. I... don't know what else to say besides that it'll be ok..." She wiped some tears out of her eye. "If you need help with anything, you have us... you have me."

Skystrike hugged her back, his anger fading as his eyes dimmed. "Thank you Rainbow. I appreciate it." The two held each other for a few more moments before the two pulled away. "Well, since you're already here, it's about 30 minutes to Ghastly Gorge. We can make it in ten if you wanna ride my tailwind."

Rainbow blushed. "Dude! That's the first thing you ask after you pour your heart out!?"

"...I feel like I'm missing context." Skystrike raised a brow and he put back on his helmet.

"You don't know?"

"Know what?"

Rainbow Dash laughed a bit. "Sky, 'Ride my tailwind' is a sexual innuendo. It's an invite for somepony to look at your flank."

He blinked. "That... makes sense I guess? But now you know what I actually meant."

She chuckled. "Heh, yeah." She stretched her wings and gave a few flaps.

"If you need me to slow down, just say so. I don't want to overwork you." Skystrike stretched, flapping his wings and taking into the sky. Rainbow Dash joined him shortly after. Soon the two began flying. Starting off at a slow speed, then slowly accelerating. Rainbow was going about half her max speed, but it was still comfortable.

"Hey, so... you said something about you not being the pony I think you are. Sure, you explained it, but it felt like there was more to it than that." Rainbow hinted for him to explain more.

"That's... something that's very hard to explain. Well, not hard... but more like I cant. Outright at least..."

"Have you tried... this is going to sound cringe, but I already saw you cry your heart out, singing it?"

Skystrike turned to look at the mare, then chuckled. "Fine, but only if you do it with me."

Rainbow chuckled back. "Sure."

Like magic, the instrumental to what he was about to sing came in slowly. Magic Bullshit... Skystrike chuckled to himself in thought before starting.

"So you just want my story? Tell my tale, share my glory?
Don't know what your asking for, you sure you can handle what's in store?"

Rainbow Dash quickly picked up on the rhythm and sang along. "Bet I can, This will be nothing! Pour your heart out, make it something!
You can tell me if you choose, just wanna walk in your shoes!"

"That's a dangerous game, filled with heart break and pain."

"I'll listen if you talk, spill the tea, why'd you up chalk?"

"Wasn't my choice, I admit. Those bastards forced me, so I did it."

"Who do you mean? Was it those guys?
Playing with your life like a game of dice?"

"Was like magic, like a curse!
They used me and that hurt a lot worse!"

"So, how did that all happen, your life 'fore it got rotten?"

"Made my escape, stardom or bust! Made it out with no one left to trust!"

"You had a will of iron. What changed for that thought to turn?"

"When They found me, I was nobody..."

"You weren't winning in the beginning."

"Took me in under their wing, inspired me to live and sing with them!"

"Sounds like they were really nice!
So what did they do give you bad advice?"

"Put me in charge, said my strenght'd put me at large!"

"So your big break was just a giant mistake?"

"They both pressured me into it, gave my best but then I blew it!"

"Tried to pull your weight but it was baited,
so what happened? Did they hate it?"

"That's the part that shocked me, everyone was cheering for me!
Mom said I had style, my sis said none could stand before me
"...............Ooh, go on!................What else?" Rainbow sang at the same time.
Musta covered up the awful end I gave em,
Then before I knew it, I fell in, I couldn't live without em!"
"................No way!.......................By yourself?"

R "So let me get this straight, they gave you everything you had?"
Gave you a platform, and helped you out when things went bad?
"...................That's right............................That part too..."
Gave you a second chance at life, made you a new home, what a deal!
After all of that, they stabbed you in the back- are you for real??"
"..........................Careful!......................Or they'll trick you!"

"Suddenly the deal went south. I should have trusted my own doubt.
Mother came to see me, and the plan I planned didnt work out!"

"Oh no... but what happened... To make that good story end?
If you three were close mend. What made your bonds end in rend?"

"Had to save mom, but failed to do it..."

"Can tell where this goes, your sis had to know..."

"Barely got a chance to speak, was met with hurting eyes of doom blazin'!"

"They made you take on the job, but it went wrong? Wow that's so brazen!"

"She started yellin' at me! Put me in a state of fury!
Muscles started tensing up, vision getting really blurry!
".....................Oh no.................................How could she!"
Screamed and SCREAMED 'til screamin' finally reached it's end!
Eyes a burning white, knew our feelings could never be mend!"
"..........................That's rough....................What an end..."

"Must've been a heart break, to see your fam betray ya!
Blinded by grief, lost a mother, sister blamed ya."

"Now I blame my self, I should be able to save those close to me! Tried to be bigger, so no one could take them from me!"
"Now you blame yourself, should be able to save those close to you! Tried to be bigger, so no one could take them from you!"

"So, did you?"

Skystrike laughed a bit, enjoying the little duet they had. "I'd like to think so."

"Well... you know that all wasn't your fault, right?"

Skystrike slowed his speed as their destination was in sight. "I've said that to myself more times than I can count, but it doesnt make the pain any different... We're here." The two landed in the middle of the chasm, large quarries dotting the sides of the cliffs. "Stay close... If you see anything odd from the quarries, say it." Skystrike drew one of his swords and pulled Rainbow Dash to his side.

"Why? And what are you here for anyway?"

"The quarries are home to Quarray Eels. Fairly aggressive, and very territorial." Skystrike inched towards one of the quarries. "What I'm here for are the ores that the Eels guard... on second thought, I shouldn't have bought you here... My bad."

"Don't worry about it. I know you need the company... Hey, back when we were singing, all of that happened before you went to your orphanage right? How old were you?"

"Actually, it was during my stay at the orphanage. About a month and a half after I moved back from Cloudsdale. I was 14."

The two kept inching forward, taking the long way around the holes. "Wait, so... how were you living at an orphanage when you had a family that took you in while there?"

Surprisingly, Skystrike was able to get his words out. "My mom wanted me to live among ponies so I wouldn't be bias against them. It worked, apparently."

"...Your mom wasn't a pony?"

Skystrike picked up a rock as he heard a rumbling from one of the walls. "No, she was a changeling if you even know what those are." He threw a rock in front of one of the holes, but there was no response.

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, I know what they are. Actually one of the few parts I enjoyed during history class... Wait, so are you saying that... you're a changeling?"

He shook his head as they continued walking. "Not quite. Remember, I said they took me in."

"...Ok now im confused. What do you mean 'not quite'? Are you not a pony?"

"Getting closer..." Skystrike smiled. He could feel the mental block in his mind on the verge of being broken. Maybe... just maybe, he'd be able to tell her. But that'd have to wait. The two stopped in their tracks. "Hold. This one should do. Take to the skies, Rainbow. Above the gorge. Don't want you to get caught up in this."

Rainbow did so, flying straight up to get a view from above the gorge. Once Skystrike made sure she was a safe distance, he drew his other sword and walked in front of one of the quarries. A rumbling was heard as two orange eyes stared back at him. A crimson eel lunged out in an attempt to eat Skystrike alive in one bite. The stallion jumped and flew above the snapping jaws, then dove down to land a punch right on the forehead of the beast. It fell unconscious. "Alright, Rainbow, it's clear!"

Rainbow flew down, landing next to the body of the Quarray Eel. "Wow... you made that look so easy... Going back to what you said earlier, are you like... an alien? From space or something?"

Rainbow followed Skystrike down the body of the Eel into the cave. "Close, but not quite." And just like that, the lock broke. He'd have to make a note of this later. "I'd perfer you don't tell the others yet, but yes, in the simplest terms, I am an alien. Not from another world, but a different dimension." They stopped further in, seeing a large pile of various ores. "Perfect!" He pumped a hoof before piling the ores in his bag.

"Real quick, where did these metals come from?" Rainbow looked to see the ores he was grabbing at.

"Oh, Quarray Eels eat the stones, and anything that's dumb enough to fly through this place. All the metals and stuff they eat, they spit out. Real easy to grab if the cave is empty, but there are barely any if the caves are abandoned."

"Huh, neat. Back to the alien thing... I have a hard time believing you but... it would explain a lot. Like your arm, your lack of understanding of social norms, how where you're from stallions do what mares do... Actually, wow, that explains everything."

He finished gathering the materials. "You're taking this better than I thought you would be."

"I could say the same about your terminal sickness."

"That's fair." Skystrike said as they both laughed. "Man, I am not gonna sleep well tonight..." He said under his breath.

"So... what are you exactly?"

Skystrike turned to her, then took off his armor. Neon flames surrounded him, and as they fell, revealing his human form. Skystrike didn't realize how big he's gotten. The mare only came up to his thigh. He sat down to be at eye level and took off his helmet. Rainbow Dash stepped back a bit. "I'm a human. Like I said, I'm not he pony you think I am."

"...This is... a lot to take in right now... So let me get this straight." Rainbow sat down and grabbed her head with her hooves. "You're... an alien from a different dimension, and was raised to be a child soldier... but escaped and came here. Then the changelings took you in, your mom died, and you were blamed for it... all before you turned 15... then you faked your death at 16, was a mercenary from then on... then you came to Ponyville about a year ago?"

"When you say it like that, it sounds like a lot... and kinda stupid." Skystrike leaned back.

"It is a lot, you buckin-..." She contained herself. "I have questions, and you're going to answer. First off, how old were you when you came here? To this world I mean."

"Eight."

"How in Tartarus are you still sane!?"

"No fucking idea."

"Moving on... how do I know you aren't just some changeling? For all I know, this... form you have is just magic... and I thought you couldn't use magic!?" Rainbow slammed a hoof on the stone floor.

"I can use magic, but the way your race detects it makes it seem like I can't. They detect magic itself, not the energy that your bodies use to make magic. You all make it naturally..." Skystrike conjured a snowflake on the tip of his finger. "I make it consciously. And to answer that first part, the memories I have from our childhood should speak for itself."

"Then... how do I know that you haven't been one since we were kids!?"

"Well... you don't. But even if I was, it wouldn't matter, since the Skystrike you know has either been a changeling pretending to be a pony this whole time, or a human pretending to be a pony this whole time. Either way, from the moment you and Fluttershy met me, I wasn't a pony."

She made a look, then thought about it. "...Yeah, I guess you're right... So... why didn't you go to the princess when you came to Eques? I'm sure she would've helped."

Skystrike's small smile fell a bit. "I don't know if you heard about 'the attack on Canterlot'? Probably not, you were like, six at the time."

"...If you mean the meteor that landed in Canterlot, yeah... You're saying that's how you got here?"

Skystrike nodded. "Turned myself in, then was held in their dungeon for a few days. I just gained my freedom, but Celestia wanted me under lock and key. So, I escaped."

Rainbow tilted her head. "...Then... why did you end up being adopted by her?"

"It'd be the last place she'd look." He shrugged. "And it's been working."

"Well... thanks for telling me. Honestly I got the feeling you didn't like me, but you trust me this much to be the first out of the girls to open up about it." Rainbow moved herself to sit next to Skystrike.

Skystrike smiled, then began petting her. "Well, sorry if I came off like that. But know my dislike isn't specific to you. We all have our flaws, but despite them, you, and the other girls, are still my friends. Even if we annoy each other."

"Well now I'm a bit curious..."

"Oh, it's nothing major. Ironically, if you all fixed your flaws, you'd all be able to reach your dreams."

"Really? Then what's mine?" Rainbow leaned into his petting. "Man, your claws hit the spot..."

"Hands. And Rainbow, you aren't a team player. You like having the attention on yourself, and only yourself. Not a bad thing, you'd be great if you were a one pony show, but you want to be in the Wonderbolts. It's the main thing they want you to be."

"...That makes sense, I guess... Just wish I had someone to fly with. Nopony can really keep up with me." She laughed. "Suffering from success."

"If you want, I can fly with you. Can't do tricks or anything fancy, but I'd be willing to learn to help you out."

Rainbow looked up at him. "You'd do that? Really?"

Skystrike nodded. "Of course. What are friends for?"

Skystrike and Rainbow Dash talked bit more before making their way back to Ponyville and parted ways. He stopped at his house to change out of his armor. Now in his pony form, he made his rounds around town, getting some greetings from a few ponies as he walked. Vynil Scratch gave him a hoof bump, asking when they're going to do that collab. The two set up time for two weeks out. Then he stopped at the flower sisters, Roseluck slightly annoyed but laughing at his order of flowers. He ate them on his way to his next stop, Town hall.

He entered just in time to see Mayor Mare. "Oh, Nebula! Good to see you again! What can I help you with today?"

"You probably saw the dragon that came in yesterday. Her name is Tethys, and she just moved in with me. I just need to know what she has to do become a resident and eventually a citizen."

The mayor gave a tired smile, and she put down the boxes she was carrying with a thud. "I'd be more than happy to help... It's just my schedule is... very busy right now..."

Skystrike walked over and picked up the boxes the mare was carrying. "Seems like you need a break."

"Thank you for the help, I'm just moving files to my office. And admittedly, I do need help. Time Turner is out sick for a few days. Happened right when Raven went on vacation." Mayor Mare sighed and straightened her glasses. "Just gotta get through the week."

The two entered her office. "Well, in that case, I'll save what I came for today for next week." Skystrike said as he sat the files down next to her desk. "If you want, I can come help you out with anything you need. I did a lot of paperwork during my time as a merc."

"Well... I would appreciate the help, but I cant have you help out an old mare like me."

Skystrike leaned on her desk and gave her a confused look. "We went-... Well I know I hide my actual identity, but you aren't even old. You're like... twenty eight. I know this because we went to school together. Same year as Shining Armor, Cadenza, and Cheerilee."

"...Wait, we went to the same highschool?" She sat down at her desk. "Wow, that takes me back... but I feel like I'd probably remember someone like you." She smiled.

"You probably do, but I hide my identity for a reason. You'll find out if you look hard enough, or if you have a year book. I wasn't able to stick around to get mine." He shrugged.

Mayor Mare chuckled a bit. "I remember prom like it was yesterday. Remember when Poindexter walked in with a dress and make up? It was so hard to stop myself from laughing!" The two shared a laugh. "And that jock, Buck Withers... Gosh, he- wasn't a good pony, just flaunting around how his dad was a congress pony. I will say, it was very satisfying when everypony stood up to him being crowned prom king."

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting everypony to stand up to him like that. But it was a welcome surprise. I love seeing ponies get their comeuppance."

"I don't know about you, but the part I wasnt expecting was that pegasus knocking him on his flank after he tried to go for Shining Armor." Mayor Mare sat in thought for a moment. "I can't remember his name for the life of me... or his colors. He was a pretty quiet kid. Do you know who I'm talking about?"

Skystrike feigned ignorance. "I think so. Sounds familiar. Can you try and remember other things about him?"

"Sure. He... always wore long sleeves. He, Shining Armor, and Cadenza were all close friends... Oh! This should jog your memory! You know how our Highschool focused in military and political science?" Skystrike nodded. "The pegasus was part of the Royal Guard course, and won the tournament against all the other students. When the princess asked what he wanted as a prize, he wanted to spar with her!"

Skystrike chuckled. "Oh, yeah, I know who you're talking about. Skystrike Nebula."

"That was his name! I remember now! White coat, blue and black mane and tail... And he was a few years younger than us. The few times I talked to him... he spoke about wanting to fight for the ponies around him..." Mayor Mare began putting the pieces together. "Nebula... how old are you?"

"Twenty five." He smirked under his helmet.

Mayor Mare stuttered as she realized who he was. "Y-y-you're... I thought you..."

"Died? Yeah, had my reason to make it seem so." He quickly took off his helmet to show her his face, then put it back on. "I'm... trying to be more trusting on who knows who I am. Just hoping I'm trusting the right ponies. But just in case you do tell anyone..." Skystrike got closer to Mayor Mare, her leaning back in mild panic. "I'll tell everypony you dye your hair."

The two stared at each other in silence before laughing. Mayor Mare wiped a tear. "Ah... it is good to see you again, even with how little we talked... I'm surprised you still remember me."

"Heh, good to see you too. But if you do need help, you can just say I volunteered."

"I might take you up on that offer... You know, if you want, we can talk about it more later tonight. Cherilee and I are meeting up at the bar. It'd be nice to catch up more. Maybe... tell two old mares about your adventures?"

"Hey, you two aren't old." Skystrike nodded. "But sure, I'll be there. And for real, don't tell anypony about my identity."

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"What?"

"It's a Pinkie promise. I won't tell a soul."

Skystrike entered the tree library, seeing Twilight using her magic to do what she said earlier: Rearrange the entire library by author. Progress seemed to be going well for her. But then he noticed she got too into it, and while not paying attention, she picked up Spike in her magic and put him in one of the book shelves.

Skystrike saved Spike by flying over and pulling him out. "Hey Spike, how's it going?"

Spike shrugged. "Twilight's in the zone. Not much I'm doing here."

"...Wanna go to the spa?"

"Yeah!" Spike pumped his fist.

"Twilight, we're going to the spa!" Skystrike yelled to her, but she didnt even respond from how focused she was. "Have you been before?"

"Yeah, Twilight and I go every once in a while. Have you?"

"Only time I went was when the poison joke thing happened. Always wanted to check it out, but wasn't until relatively recently that my reputation was good enough where I could walk around town without getting stared at." Skystrike put Spike on his back as they left the library. "Speaking of, Tethys told me about what happened. Thanks for sticking up for her, and being the only one to talk sense."

"I just did what I thought you'd do."

Skystrike felt his heart tingle at that. "Never change, Spike."

"Hey, what did you mean by your reputation wasn't good? Everypony around town likes you!"

He shook his head. "Maybe now, but it wasn't until that fight with the Ursa Minor that the ponies here realized I was 'on their side' and not some monster slayer that lived at the edge of the Everfree. Plus, adding to my line of work and my unknown past, I'm still surprised that many ponies even came to my... well Naga's party."

"What do you mean, your line of work? And speaking of the Ursa Minor, how's the scars?" Spike pulled at his right wing, seeing the edges of the scars left by the claws of the bear.

Skystrike flapped his wing and put it back in place. "Still aches sometimes, but I heal faster than the average pony. Just waiting for the scars to fade. As to your first question, I guess I didn't tell you exactly what I do. But you're still a kid, so I can't tell you everything... Just don't tell Twilight?"

"Is it really so bad?" Spike turned and laid on his back. "I mean, you teach me how to fight, and you go and fight bad guys! Twilight's fine with it!"

"Twilight isn't fine with it. In fact, she doesn't like it. I was just able to convince her that this would be helpful for your growth."

"What do you mean?"

"Spike, you're a dragon. Eventually, your instincts will challenge your beliefs. My hope is that through discipline, you're better able to fight those instincts. And I'm not teaching you to fight so you can fight bad guys, I'm teaching you to fight so you can protect those you care about. Me, Stardust, Zecora, Tethys, and you, all have our own reasons to fight. I just hope the reason you find is the right one."

"Oh, uh... ok. I didn't think of it like that... well, can you tell me why you all fight so I know what I should fight for?" Spike flipped over again and sat up straight.

Skystrike hummed in confirmation. "Well, Stardust is a guard. She fights for her country, and the ponies living in it. Zecora, she's from a foreign land, but despite that, she fights for those she holds close. Tethys, in a way to quell her instincts, and for her own pride and culture, fights because she believes that her strength should be used, not hidden." Skystrike then paused before deciding how to say it. "I have two reasons. I fight to inspire. I came from a place where I was expected to just serve, to be used. It was only because I fought back that I am here now. I just wish I did it sooner. Point is, I fight because it gives hope to others that things can change for the better. My hope is that they stand up and fight for themselves. The other reason is a bit more personal. Not going into details, an old friend of mine was... wronged and... no one stood up for him. Only I did, but it was too late for it to make any difference to him."

"What was his name? Do you still talk?" Spike asked all too innocently.

"Steel Ace... and I wish we did. He... passed away about 7 years ago."

"I... I'm sorry. I think I get it though. Well, you all have good reasons. I guess that... I don't know what I fight for yet."

"And that's ok. I didn't either until after Steel Ace passed. There will be a moment where you realize. Most times, it's the middle of a fight. But again, I taught you to protect yourself and others, not to look for them." Skystrike looked back at Spike.

Spike nodded. "Ok! I'll only fight to protect others!"

Skystrike pushed open the door to the Ponyville Day Spa. "Sounds good." He said, but he couldn't help but think that he was going to regret this later.

Aloe Vera and Lotus Blossom, the twin owners of the establishment, greeted them in a Swedish accent... does... does Sweden exist? What's the pony equivalent? "Good afternoon, gentlecolts! What can we help you with today?"

"Spike, you chose. I don't know what I'm doing."

The baby dragon jumped off of the stallion's back. "We'd like to use the sauna, then get facials and massages, and finally hooficures."

Skystrike nodded at the two sisters as they bought up the price. A bit hefty, but it wouldn't hurt his pockets. He paid the fine. "Right this way!" Aloe began. The three walked down one of the hall ways before stopping at their destination. Aloe opened the door while Spike and Skystrike took of their clothes and put on the robes they were given and stepped inside. "The bucket of water is right next to the coals. Pour it on to increase the heat to your liking. Call if you need anything!"

And with that, the boys were left in the sauna. Skystrike could already feel the heat trickle into his body. The two sat down on opposite sides of the coals. Luckily they had it all to themselves.

"You know, we don't have many chances to hang out, just us guys." Spike leaned back.

"Yeah, with my work and now you going to school, there isn't too much time for us to hang out. Well, besides training." Skystrike leaned over. "I do hope you kept up with the routine while I was gone."

"I have, just a bit hard to find the time for it. From helping out Twilight, doing homework, and making friends, I can't put in as much time as I want." Spike sighed.

"That's life, dude. I know exactly how you feel... How about we cut back on the training a bit? I prefer you didn't miss out on your childhood. Besides, you got the basics down of combat anyway. Now, all you need is to keep up the routine, spar a few times. Think you can set aside about... an hour or two in the afternoon a few days a week? I'll even make you dinner. With fish and meat!"

Spike's eyes glittered with excitement. "Really!? You're the best!"

Skystrike poured some water onto the coals, the hot steam rising, increasing the temperature a few degrees. "Heh, I try to be. But how's school going for you? Part of me was hoping while Twilight enrolled you that you'd make some friends. Friends of your own, not Twilight's that you more see out of convenience... Not that we aren't your friends... just... kids your age."

"I know what you mean, and yeah! Yesterday, I actually made friends with Sweetie Belle. I'll probably hang out more with her in and afterschool." Spike poured some water onto the coals himself. "I think school is going well. Thanks to all the books I read when I get bored, Miss Cherilee says I'm ahead in the class, and is making me take some higher level stuff."

Skystrike smiled as he raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Like what?"

"Umm... Algebra and Equestrian History. She actually gave us all a project to do a presentation on things we do in our life, says she wants us to be creative."

"Any ideas so far?"

"Well... I can't write about how boring it is to help out at the library... Wow, I don't really do much here in Ponyville... I guess I can write about the training with you and Stardust..." Spike thought aloud.

Skystrike poured water. "Well, if you want help, just ask us. I got plenty of stories to share."

The two sat in a comfortable silence as they let the heat into their bodies. Skystrike could feel it do wonders on his body. The pain in his scars were fading as he felt his blood flow better. Then Spike spoke up. "Hey, Skystrike... can I ask you a serious question?"

"Sure. Go for it, lil man."

"...Do... do you... like Rarity?"

Skystrike paused before answering. "Spike... first, my answer to that is that I don't know. I'm barely honest to those around me, let alone myself. I don't know what I feel. Second, and try not to let my own thoughts influence you, but... I don't think... well, put bluntly, its puppy love. It seems like you like her because she's pretty."

"That's... that's not true! I-I mean... I don't like her."

"Spike, I know you like her, and I wont tell anypony. And I'm not accusing you of anything. just saying my perspective on this. But let me ask you this, and you don't have to answer, but how much do you actually know about Rarity? Her hobbies, her interest?" Skystrike leaned forward. "I'm not saying these things to discourage your feelings for her. I just want to make sure you're sure of any feelings you have for her." Skystrike leaned back after he poured on some more water on the coals. "Besides... even if you are sure of your feelings for her, and who she is as a pony... you're already way behind anypony that's into her."

"...What do you mean?" Spike asked.

"You're a child, Spike. Over a 10 year age gap. Even if she liked you back, she couldn't reciprocate those until you turn sixteen. Then she would also have to deal with the judging eyes on her... And this is all assuming she doesn't find somepony until then... You're playing a game that others have been playing for a while. You'll need luck, and commitment."

"...Are you saying that I shouldn't try?"

Skystrike wanted to say yes, for the obvious reason of the huge age gap, but didn't want to discourage him. "Not exactly... I'm a realist. I'm saying you shouldn't be surprised it doesn't work out." He finished, as he poured a bit more water on the coals. Skystrike began sweating.

This whole conversation made him think on the whole relationship between Rarity and Spike. A part of him wants to see them happy, but he just knows it wont work out in the end. It's something that Spike will grow out of. But Rarity's actions toward Spike is something that wont change until it's pointed out. He'll speak to her about it one of these days. "Honestly, Spike, I am sorry."

"...It's... fine. Honestly, I felt like that for a while. Just needed somepony to say it to me. But I'm not giving up!" Spike stood up and pumped a fist. "I'll learn more about her, and then I'll confess!"

Skystrike chuckled and gave a fake smile under his helmet. "You do you. I'll be here for you until the end either way... How long did you want to stay in here for anyway?"

"We've only been in here about 30 minutes, and it isn't even that hot. How about another half hour? With more heat."

Damn dragons and their temperature resistance. Skystrike chuckled some more as he picked up the bucket and poured a fourth of the water left onto the coals. The room instantly filled with steam, and went up in temperature a lot. Skystrike was sweating even more now. "Hot enough for you?"

"Aaaahh, that's nice..." Spike leaned back. "We should do this more often." The comfortable silence returned before Spike asked another question. "You know, you never told me what your job is."

Skystrike gave a small sigh. "I'm... a bounty hunter mixed with a detective? Mostly a bounty hunter. Mostly, I get paid to deal with some monster that's terrorizing some ponies. More times than I prefer, I end up a detective. Often because I wasn't given enough info, and the rabbit hole goes deeper."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, one of the first missions I ever took, some Noble's filly was foalnapped by somepony, and I was told it was because the filly was the successor. What actually happened, after I figured out who did it, was that the filly ran away from home, and she was being hunted down by her parents, since she was an illegitimate child. Once I learned that, I turned that information into the proper authorities, because if I sent her back to the Nobles, she would've died."

"Wow... that's like one of those thriller stories. Do you remember her name? Is she doing alright?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah... her name is Casta Spell. And she's doing quite well for herself." The two talked a bit more, Skystrike sharing his stories to the young dragon filled with excitement. But soon, their time in the sauna was up, and they decided to go get their facials. It felt... weird having to put some type of ointment on his face, then the cucumbers on his eyes... He did not like having his eyes closed. Luckily, they let him put everything on himself, so he didn't have to show his face. He focused on everything he could hear. The ponies walking by, the doors opening, the voices of the few other ponies in the room with them. It cooled his nerves a bit.

The two boys moved on to the full body massages. Skystrike was told to just relax, let loose of the tension in his body, but it took a little for him to do so. But once that massage started, he had to admit, it felt heavenly. Skilled hooves glided across his coat, feeling any tension he had left loosen as his muscles relaxed. The pressure was firm, yet soothing, and he felt the stress release with the knots. It was calming. His breathing slowed, becoming more aware of the sensation of relaxation spreading through his body. It ended, and he felt like was a new man.

Finally, hooficures. Well, claw-icures for Spike. Face masks washed off, he put back on his helmet. He was lucky how easy the ponies fall for disguises. He was laid on his side, and his hooves put in line as Aloe began filing his hooves. Then he heard the door open, turning his head to see Twilight and Fluttershy enter in robes. "Yo."

"Oh, hey Nebula. Didn't expect to see you here." Twilight greeted.

"I didn't think a spa was one of your interest." Fluttershy chuckled a bit.

"Well, I wasn't before, but Spike got me into it." Skystrike shrugged. "Spike, how's it going on your end?" Spike gave a thumbs up. "We coolin'."

"You know, you take better care of your hooves than I thought." Fluttershy laid on her side as she began getting a hooficure of her own.

"Hoof work is super important in my work. Gotta make sure they stay even."

"Besides... can the fellas not feel pretty?" Spike picked the cucumbers off his eyes and ate them. The three ponies laughed.

"Oh yeah, Twilight and I stopped by Rarity's to see how Tethys's clothes were going. Rarity got... really inspired from Tethys." Fluttershy sighed in relief from her spa treatments. "Tethys's was surprisingly into it, albeit a little self conscious about her body."

"I mean, I still haven't seen what she's self conscious about. I'll try to make her feel better either way. Might stop by when I drop of Spike back at the library..." He said as he looked over to Spike. "We coolin'?"

"We coolin'." Spike responded.

"We coolin'." Skystrike confirmed.

"I also heard Mayor Mare chatting about you with Cherilee... You get around, huh?" Twilight smirked.

"...I mean, they're good ponies. What are you implying?" Skystrike tilted his head.

Twilight chuckled. "You know they are interested in you, right?"

"...What? Why would they be?"

"Well, I didnt hear all the details, but they invited you to go drinking with them... and you know mares and herds."

"I don't. What? How did you pick up on this and not the tickets that Celestia gave you? How did I pick up on the tickets and not the mares hitting on me??" Skystrike asked her, then himself. He felt stupid.

"I- wh-... WHAT?" Twilight blurted out.

"Not going to lie, Nebula, I'm confused too..." Fluttershy looked at him.

Skystrike began laughing. "Well, why do you think Celestia gave me three tickets, and Twilight two?"

Fluttershy and Twilight thought about it for a few moments, then Fluttershy began giggling at the clueless Twilight. "...Because she wanted you to give one to Zecora?" The unicorn guessed.

"You poor soul." Skystrike continued laughing. "I thought so at first too, until Zecora was sent one of her own, same time as mine. Stardust too. Another hint then, I'm a stallion. You're a mare." Twilight thought some more, then tilted her head. "God, you're dense. She wants... well, wanted you to get a coltfriend. She wants me to get a herd."

Twilight's face turned bright red. "O-oh..." Then Skystrike laughed his ass off, Aloe having to stop her filing and giggling a bit as well.

"Yeah, it's real awkward. I still don't know who I'll bring... Well, Tethys definitely, now that she's here..." Skystrike sat in thought. "Well, I still got time. I need to get extra tickets anyway..."

"Preparing for a herd?" Twilight teased.

"Oh, well, during my stay in Canterlot, I met up with some old friends and family. Some of them want to go... Actually, Casta probably got tickets for herself and Maud. Then I just need some for the family... I don't know who I'll bring."

Twilight's ears perked up. "Casta? Casta Spell? As in the court magician? You know her personally?"

"Yeah, was part of my group before we disbanded. She's a bit like you two. A total nerd, rambles on in an amusing way that keeps you interested in what she says. But she's also really shy, pretty quiet, but you can tell she tries her best. You two would like her. Maybe I'll see if she can visit."

"Does she like tea?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, but I dont know much about it. She does enjoy her tea time like you." When Skystrike finished, as if on queue, Spike were finished, standing up and stretching a bit. "Oh my god, I feel so... nice. Aloe, Lotus, you two have the hooves of an angel."

"Thank you, sir." Aloe and Lotus said, opening the doors for the boys. "We hope to see you again!"

"See you later, Fluttershy, Twilight."

Skystrike took the fast way to Spike's home, deciding to take into the skies and fly there. Only about five minutes of flight was all it took to drop off Spike at the library before he took the short walk to Rarity's Carousel Boutique. He heard quite a lot of chatter going on inside. Girl talk probably between Rarity, Tethys, Zecora, and Stardust... Wouldn't hurt to eavesdrop a little...

He heard Tethys' voice first. "So I'm sitting there, barbeque sauce on my titties..." And then laughter erupted from within the building. And Skystrike decided he heard enough.

Skystrike waited a comfortable amount of time where he wouldn't raise suspicion to knock on the door. Then, right as he was about to knock, he hesitated. He remembered what he did earlier. What he said to Tethys, and in front of all of his friends. He stood there for a little longer, thinking of what to do next. Then he heard the doorknob jiggle. His ears went up, taking him out of his train of thought as he looked at the dragoness who opened the door. "...Hey."

"...Hey..." Skystrike awkwardly returned the greeting. "Just wanted to say sorry for this morning. Even if I was upset, I shouldn't have blown up on you like that."

"Oh... well you don't need to be sorry. I should've noticed sooner that you don't like fighting."

"No big deal. Don't worry about it too much." Skystrike shook his head.

Tethys grabbed him. "Sweet, because I need a guys opinion." And like that, Skystrike was dragged inside and put on a chair, next to Zecora and Stardust.

"...Wait, Rarity made clothes this fast?" Skystrike asked the two next to him.

"That, among other things." Stardust took a sip from her cup of water. "Came at the perfect time. We just finished looking through her underwear."

"Speaking of, Skystrike!" Rarity called from behind the dressing screen with Tethys. "You've seen her... personally, so you'd know what would work better. I have the design down for her Lingerie, but none of us can deside on the color."

Skystrike thought. "Just because you asked, I'll answer. Black and white are the easy choices. Maybe a turqoise to bring out the different shades of blue, or rose red for contrast. Now my question is how much did you all talk about my sex life? Because I don't like the way that first sentence came out..."

Stardust coughed as Zecora laughed. "When you fell asleep, the night was still young. And we had to admit, you knew how to work that tongue."

Skystrike groaned and covered his face with his hooves. "You know, your rhyming makes it so much worse."

With a thud, Tethys from behind the dressing screen took off her chestplate and put on the tan undergarments that Rarity quickly yet fashionably made for her. She had to admit though, it was a bit hard making a bra further up, and having to make space for wings. Rarity had to strain herself to even get the piece on. "Rrgh... remind me to make these a couple sizes bigger..."

"Are they that big? For real?" Skystrike was confused. Last he saw them they were what he assumed a normal size for a dragon.

"You have no idea..." Stardust sighed. "A part of me is jealous."

"Of?" Tethys asked as she began putting on her outfit.

"The attention you'd get from them. I barely get noticed by any stallions..." Stardust sighed again. "I'm kinda nearing the age where I don't have many options on partners. Need to settle down sooner rather than later."

Skystrike turned to Stardust. "You're like thirty. There's no way stallions are that picky, right?"

"Sky, from what you told me, and given where you're from, the way the stallions treat mares there is like heaven. It's why you're one of the good ones. You take everypony that approaches you at face value. The average stallion, over-inflating their worth, gets to decide on every aspect they want in a mare, just because there's that much choice for them." She said before laughing a bit. "Once I was rejected because he already had 'too many earth ponies in his herd'."

Zecora spoke next. "In my homeland, the issue's the same. My stripe patter led to a let down, a shame."

Rarity spoke as she helped Tethys into her outfit. "I was thrown away by an ex because I didn't fit the color pallete of his herd... Asshole..."

"...What the fuck, all of those are such shallow reasons!" Skystrike threw out his hooves. "Like... holy shit! There's no way! I just thought the way I acted was the norm!"

"Pssh, I wish! Darling, if you were the norm, then you wouldn't have so many eyes on you."

"What, basic respect gets me girls??" They all nodded at him. "What the hell! There's no way! They haven't even seen my face!"

"I don't know why you're so surprised. And your face only adds to your mystery." Rarity giggled. "You're good with kids, you have most of your stuff together, you're strong, you actually see us mares as ponies rather than trophies, you dress well, you have a nice build... Honestly, there's a lot of reasons. But you're dense."

"Thanks? I guess? I'm... still just... in shock of your side of the dating market. I'm sorry."

"Eh, it's fine. Most stallions grow out of it after the first few mares leave them." Stardust finished her drink. "But enough about that, let's see the outfits!"

Tethys hesitated to step out. "I'm... not sure, now that I have this on."

Rarity huffed, then got on her hind legs to push Tethys into view by her butt. The first outfit was simple, being jeans and a green v-neck t-shirt with a black sleeveless vest. Skystrike was honestly more surprised she was able to make a vest for wings like that. "Come on, give us a spin!" Rarity clapped her hooves. Tethys did so, letting skystrike see two things. One was how the holes for her arms were much wider and went towards the back, allowing her wings and arms to go through on one hole each side. That makes sense. The second was the side view of her rack. They were already kinda big, but if they were apparently bigger... he shook the thought out of his mind.

"Looks pretty good on you. Kinda reminds me of some of my clothes." Skystrike said.

"Thanks... We actually went through your wardrobe to get ideas. And Stardust's too..." Tethys admitted. "And I was hoping for more than a 'pretty good' to be honest..."

"Well, my honest opinion is that you look hot as hell, but I didn't want to be weird." Skystrike admitted, making Zecora and Stardust laugh. "But if you want actual pointers, you're putting a lot of attention on your upper body. Mostly your chest because of the v-neck, but you don't have much of a choice since your horns are in the way. Because you're self conscious about the area, the best option I can think of is to put more focus on other parts of your body, like your legs, horns, or wings."

Stardust nodded. "Going off of what Sky said, it is a good idea. Maybe a tail band, or jewelry?"

Then Zecora spoke up. "Maybe neck rings or bracelets, similar to mine. It'd be worth trying on for a time."

Skystrike nodded. "I could make some for you. Silver or platinum would be good... Maybe onyx or jade too."

Rarity quickly wrote down all the input. "Alright, next outfit!"

Tethys was pulled behind the dressing screen, then pushed out a few moments later in a grey, off-shoulder ribbed knit jumper dress with long, loose sleeves, and the dress ending just before the knees. She did a quick spin, showing an opening for her wings and tail, but making sure to cover her butt. "This one feels a bit... embarrassing"

Skystrike made the 'ok' sign with his metal arm. "Very nice. Good color. Not so much attention to the chest, but still gives a good view of your figure. The grey really brings out the shades of blue in your hair and scales, and the smoothness of the dress also puts emphasis on your muscles and horns. A jade necklace would bring out your eyes more."

"Darling, how is your eye for fashion so good?" Rarity blinked. "That was so much detail!"

"Like I said, I had four sisters who didn't want to wear the same thing. Comes with the territory."

"Then why didn't you help me when the girls had me make those revolting dresses!?"

"You didn't ask." Skystrike shrugged.

Rarity sighed, then turned to Stardust and Zecora. "Well, moving on, thoughts?"

"Well, Skystrike already said most of it." Stardust sat up. "Maybe try a few different colors? Just stay away from orange or a deep blue."

"It puts a lot of focus on your chest. maybe try an open back turtle neck dress?"

The routine continued, Tethys being pulled back and thrown out in a new outfit. "Can't I just try one of those sweat shirts? Like Skystrike?"

"Oh fine, but if you do, I'm making you wear that outfit." Rarity responded.

"...Know what, fuck it, fine! I'll wear that damn dress!" Tethys threw up her hands. "Look, now you're making me sound like him!"

"Oh hush, just get out there! Don't know what type of critique you'll get wearing that though." Once again, Tethys was pushed out, this time wearing a simple set of grey sweat shirt and sweat pants.

"You know, kinda fits you. Definitely hides everything. But yeah, it is rather plain."

"You're one to talk." Tethys quipped. "I've only seen you wear your armor and your sweats."

"Well ONE, my armor looks sick! TWO, looking plain is my intention. And THREE, womens fashion is much more complex than mens. Most ponies don't wear clothes in the first place. I just wear mine because I don't like having my balls out."

Stardust chuckled. "You're insecure about your balls?"

"I'm insecure about ponies staring at my balls. Completely different. But moving on, I guess you can get a pattern for your sweats? Stripes?"

Stardust was about to say something, but was cut off by Rarity. "Enough of that, now, dress time!"

Tethys let out a long groan as she went back behind the screen and started undressing, then putting on the item known as 'that'. In a few minutes, she came out. It was a glistening silver, crossover backless dress with a slit that started at her thigh, the full length of the dress stopping right at the floor. Tethys was obviously embarraased by what she was wearing. Skystrike however, pogged.

Zecora spoke first. "Tethys, in that outfit, you're a sight. Any guy would swoon, fall down in pure delight."

"I see you took Skystrike's advice. You look great! Maybe you can wear that to the gala?" Stardust affirmed.

Tethys turned to the earth pony. "Gala? That dance you ponies have? I don't have a ticket."

"Skystrike will probably give you one of his extras." Stardust turned, then almost choked when she saw Skystrike pogging. "Sky?" She asked between stifled laughter. "Your thoughts?"

Skystrike stood up slowly and put on a pair of sunglasses. He put out an open hoof. "Sex... NOW!" Everyone bust out laughing, Stardust falling out of her chair and onto the floor. Zecora even brayed a few times, making them all laugh harder. "I am so happy that landed..."

"Holy bucking shit..." Stardust picked herself off the floor. "I think that's the funniest thing you've said..."

"I didn't think that my thoughts while high were gonna be taken seriously." Skystrike shrugged.

"Well, admittedly, they were good ideas. Might have to use them sometimes." Rarity finished laughing. "Maybe we should get you high again. Get more ideas out of you."

"We should mix it with poison joke! See what spells of the mind we can invoke!" Zecora laughed.

"THAT IS A BAD IDEA!" Skystrike instantly denied causing them to all laugh again. "You could not handle the shit I would say! Everything in my mind should stay inside of the skull prison!"

"I think I'm with Skystrike on this one Darlings..." Rarity wiped her tears. "We all, well except Tethys, saw what poison joke does... he just does not stop talking..."

"I have seen him on poison joke before, and while it was funny the first tie, after an hour or two, it was... annoying to say the least."

"You froze my mouth closed."

"Like I said, annoying to say the least." Tethys leaned on her back leg. Skystrike pogged again as she showed off. "What, you into legs?"

"Yes." Skystrike said matter of factly.

"...Why in Tartarus are you so forward about it? Like, thanks I guess??" Tethys threw up her arms. "Good to know I have nice legs???"

"No problem. That's what friends are for!" Skystrike gave a thumbs up.

"Skystrike, I want to hit you SO bad right now!" Tethys laughed some more.

Skystrike was sitting at Ponyville's local bar, having a drink prepared by the owner. A plum coated mare with a raspberry pink mane and tail, hosting a cutie mark of a bunch of grapes and a strawberry. Her name was Berryshine, better known as Berry Punch, and she knew how to brew. In a few moments, she served him his drink, a simple Margarita. She even gave him the lime.

"Thanks, Berry." Skystrike raised the drink to her before taking a few sips, feeling the slight burn as it went down.

"No problem, colt." She said before going back to cleaning her glasses. It was the evening, around seven to be exact. The ponies of the town started to roll in, having a bit more fun before the weekend ended. The bar was rather small, only having about a dozen and a half booths, but it made sense for the size of Ponyville, barely breaking 100 ponies at the moment, but the village was steadily growing. Skystrike looked around the bar to see all that was going on. Some ponies throwing darts at a dart board, another few groups sitting at the booths, chatting between each other, and some even looking through the vinyl's at the jukebox.

Skystrike, however, was taking the time to think about what he learned and did earlier that day. He was having doubts about telling Rainbow Dash. Well, not truly doubts. He felt that he'd come to regret it later, but couldn't tell if that was his instinct or his predisposition against the ponies. It was the same with Tethys, Zecora, Elytra. Well, Elytra already knew, but still. He was at least glad he had one of his sisters back.

But back to the topic at hand. Maybe he could trust Rainbow... actually most definitely. But he should not have told Mayor Mare... or Minuette, Lemon Drop, or Twinkleshine... Man he fucked it up. But maybe those three were ok? They haven't seemed to reveal his identity. Or maybe nopony believed them. Moon Dancer knew for a while. Skystrike knew that she needed somepony to talk to, even through letters. Some ponies need that connection, but life doesn't let them make them. He'd make sure to read her letter first thing tomorrow morning... better yet, he'd visit when he goes to Maud's graduation.

He got lost in his thought again. His very being was telling him not to trust these ponies, or any being in this world. But at least he knew why, and he wouldn't let it control him. What he worried about now was the time they have left. The time Skystrike had left with all of his friends. Everything he planned on doing either will never happen, or will have to be sped up. At worst, five years left... The obvious thing is to write his will, who'd he leave his belongings too. What he actually wanted to think about was... how to tell his friends.

Rainbow, he told because she helped him out, stayed with him, listened to him, even if she wasn't obligated to. She deserved to know the truth about him. But the others, he wasn't sure what to do. He could keep it a secret, and they'd live with the pain of his sudden death. He could tell them all, but then they'd know that the time they have with him is limited. There's no happy ending for his story... He could only lessen the pain on those he cared for, and do some good before he'd go.

He always wanted to be a singer, ever since he went to a concert back in grade school. Vynil is offering to make music with him, so he could at least release some tracks. Always wanted to get a girlfriend too, but two things about that. He'd have to find one first, and one that would be ok with his inevitable death. The realistic option would be to cross that off. There are a few races he hasn't even met yet that he'd want to meet. Kirins, Deer, the beings down south, the beings in Zecora's home country, there's so much he wants to see. Five years should be enough time, but he'll most likely stay in Equestria. He should leave something behind to protect his friends and their world. Echo could help with that... if he stays active after his passing. Maybe he should reveal himself to Celestia... No, not yet. Out of the question. But the main thing he'd have to work towards is seeing his friends again. The members of 'All' that disbanded. He'd have to speed up the plans.

He sighed, downing the rest of the drink in one go. It's been a hard day, he deserves to get soft. He asked Berry to make him another, her doing so. Skystrike was about to down it before a hoof touched his shoulder. "Starting without us?"

Skystrike turned to see two familiar, and a new face. A mare with a white coat and light pink mane and tail, the former being in a bun. Her cutie mark was that of a medical cross with a heart at each corner. After looking at her a little longer, he recognized her. "Ah, perfect timing. Mayor Mare, Cherilee, and Redheart right? I remember you. Patched me up good."

Redheart nodded. "Yes, and I couldn't forget you. Stitching you up when you had claw marks that big on you wasn't easy." She sighed. "To be honest, I wasn't expecting you of all ponies to be the 'new friend' that Ivory was saying was going to join us."

Mayor Mare quickly covered Redheart's mouth, but it was too late. Skystrike fully turned to face the three. "So that's your real name? Ivory, huh? Knew Mayor Mare had to be a title." He chuckled.

"The whole thing is Ivory Scroll, now that you know, but... I perfer to keep it on the hush hush. Only close friends call me that." Mayor Mare shuffled in place, removing her hoof from Redheart's mouth.

"Trust me, I get it. I'll keep calling you Mayor." Skystrike got up and grabbed his glass. "Let's move to a booth. You ladies eat yet, or you just here for the drinks?"

"If you're offering to pay, we didn't eat yet." Cherilee smirked.

"Alright, I can do that. Just don't make a habit of it." Skystrike laughed as they moved to a booth.

They all took their seats as Cherilee continued the conversation. "You dont have to, I was joking. We can pay for ourselves."

"Please, don't worry. It's really no problem."

"Dang colt, how much do you make where a sudden outing is no problem for you to pay?" Redheart put an elbow on the table.

"Uh..." Skystrike looked up in thought. "Depends on the year, to be honest. When I first started out, I had to do simple fetch quests weekly just to get by. Wasn't until I was able to get my first real mission that I started making good money. Lowest I made in a year, after splitting rewards between everyone, was 40k. Highest year was the year before I moved here, made 430k."

"Damn, what did you have to do to get that much in one year?"

"Well, further context was that 430k was before expenses. After, it was 380k. I planned on settling down, so I took a lot of quests from the average pony, to nobles, to government officials. Ranged from missing ponies, to monster hunts, and even some things I signed some NDAs for." Skystrike looked into his drink and took a sip. "Word of advice for all of you, if you think somepony has it out for you, write it down and hide it somewhere. The guards aren't trained to look too hard, and close the case without doing much work. Your friends and family end up calling ponies like me to do the looking."

"Yeah, I had a stalker back and highschool. Still have the notes I wrote." Mayor Mare admitted.

"Oh shit, you had a stalker? Why didn't I know about it? What happened to them?" Cherilee turned to look at her friend.

"I didn't take him too seriously until it came to a peak. Normally, he just showed up at places where I went. The library, my job, things like that. It wasnt until he followed me home that I got worriedd about it. But soon after he just stopped. Completely stopped approaching me, in fact, began running away if he ever saw me in class. What was his name? Stone Journer or something?"

"Stone Journer was your stalker?" Cherilee's eyes went wide.

"What, you knew him?" Mayor Mare tilted her head, putting up a hoof to call over a waiter.

"Well... not knew knew, but we had a lot of similar classes. Some colt asked me about him during out junior year. That Skystrike kid, was the same year as us, but a few years younger. When I asked why he wanted to know so much about him, he said 'the less you know the better' then walked away." Mayor Mare turned to Skystrike. Though she couldn't tell by his face, she could tell by the eyes that he was smirking.

"Isn't that Skystrike pony the one with no magic?" Redheart joined in. "I had to do my bachelor's research project on the effects of magic on a pony, and how it differs on species. He was a big part of my research, since the average medical practices didn't work on him. Most of our medicine reacts with the magic in ponies in after all." Redheart turned to Skystrike again. "But your job sounds pretty interesting. Exciting too."

"You'd think so, and at times it is, but most completely forget about the part of the job where the ponies judge you. All four of us help ponies here. Tending to their wounds, educating the youth, serving the residents, your achievements are looked on with grace. Not many see me or anypony in my line of work as anything more than a thug for hire. It's pretty isolating."

"Eesh... Never thought of it like that... I will say, I did think of you like that for a while until you took out that Ursa Minor... and I had to stitch you up. Sorry."

He shook his head. "No big deal. The town's got... marginally more accepting so I'm over it by now. But enough about me. I barely know anything about you three." The waiter came to take their orders as the conversation paused. They quickly placed their orders. The warm glow of the bar lights reflected off the polished wooden tables, casting a nice ambience over the room. As their food and drinks came, Skystrike on his third, they clinked their glasses together, and the murmurs of conversation began.

It was interesting to him how quick the excitement and comraderie settled in between the group. Despite appearances, Redheart was a natural conversationalist, who's witty remarks effortlessly kept the banter going. As she showed more of who she was as a pony, her animated gestures and infectious smile drew in everypony. Cherilee was more of a listener, and did so to every part of the conversation, but made sure to add her opinions in as the night went on. Mayor Mare was more rowdy that he was expecting, but he couldn't tell if it was just who she was, or because of the alcohol. The ponies could handle less than him. Honestly their alcohol wasn't even strong. She was laughing pretty loud, but he didn't blame her. Doing three ponies jobs at once couldn't be easy. She just wanted to let loose a bit. Same with Cherilee. Redheart wasn't much of a drinker, but mostly due to her job. Had to be on call just in case. Didn't stop her from having a drink or two, but she had to wake up in the morning without a hangover.

Time seemed to slip away unnoticed as the group bonded over their shared experiences, discovering some common ground and appreciating their differences. As the evening progressed, the initial hesitation of talking to these ponies transformed into a genuine connection. They each bought something unique to the table, forging the beginnings of what promised to be a lasting friendship. They promised to do this again.

Alas, the night was coming to an end. Skystrike was surprised he felt better, despite how the day started out. While he, Redheart, Mayor Mare, and Cherilee weren't drunk, each one of them were tipsy. Redheart was the first to part ways, her house a few minutes walk from the bar, but they continued the conversation until the last second. Skystrike, even though he doubted he needed to, walked them home. Cherilee's place was in the opposite direction of Mayor Mare's home, so the two decided the former would sleep at the mayors home.

They walked into the mayors home, the three still laughing as he helped them inside. Skystrike didn't realize how much they drank. The mares were leaning on him in a... way that was giving signals. He was probably thinking too hard. "The... bedroom is the doorway on the right." Mayor Mare pointed. Skystrike lead them to the bedroom, Cherilee and Mayor Mare giving each other a look, unnoticed by Skystrike. "Could you help me... undo this collar?" She took of her glasses and gave him 'the look'. There was a growing blush on both her and Cherilee's face as the latter waited on the bed. Mayor Mare took of her glasses as she laid back on the bed as well.

Skystrike, the dense idiot he was, took of her collar and put it on the night stand next to the bed before tucking them both in. "You two comfortable? I can get you some water before I go. Help you work of the hangover we're going to have in the morning."

The two earth ponies looked at each other before laughing. Cherilee was the one to clarify. "Quite a gentlecolt, but I didn't take you for one to be so dense. So let me be less subtle... we'd like to have a good time, and hopefully for a long time~." Cherilee stood up and flicked his chin with her tail.

It still took a moment for it to click in Skystrike's brain. "Aight."

Author's Note

I did more research than I thought I'd do for this chapter, and came across a lot of inconsistencies in the timeline. I plan on changing a few things depending on the ponies.

As you can see from the start in the chapter, Skystrike doesn't have long to live, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna cut his story short. I've also decided that going episode by episode was a bad idea.

I don't want Skystrike to be there as "the 7th character" I want him to be his own. Because of this, the episodes will be happening more in the background, and because of that, expect some time skips, as I don't want to have filler chapters. From here on, I plan on the chapters being original, and not some template based off the show.

I'm getting into the groove of writing these though, and they comments are helpful, so I know what you guys like, and what you all look forward to. I remember seeing one comment talking about love interest, and how I am sticking to the show's timeline. I do want to have love interests, but not sure with who yet, or if I actually will do it.

Thanks for reading, the favorites, the comments. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Already working on the next one.

Picking up the shattered pieces

Skystrike woke up, looking at Mayor Mare to his left, and Cheerilee to his right. He looked at the clock, seeing it was six in the morning. Internal clock was nice. He sat up, then slowed when he realized his mild hangover. And then he remembered what they did last night... Needless to say, the three were not tipsy. He got up, making sure not to wake the two next to him, and the first thing he did was use the bathroom. Second thing he did was drink water, and a lot of it.

He was about to figure out what to do next, but then he smelled something. The smell that's been following him for a while. He reeked of sweat, among other things. He took a shower. Mayor Mare used nice shampoo. After about twenty minutes, he dried himself off, walked out, and put back on all his clothes. It just turned seven, so he still has time. It's a Monday... Mayor Mare and Cheerilee had work soon. Might as well help them get ready for the day.

Skystrike checked the fridge. Milk, eggs, bread, haybacon, various fruits, and some cheese. He could work with it. Breakfast sandwich time. In a few minutes they were done. Toasted bread, with eggs, cheese, tomato's, and haybacon. He had to admit, it slapped. Skystrike walked back into the bedroom and looked at the sleeping mares. They looked very satisfied. He nudged them awake. "Yo, it's 7:20. You two gotta get ready for the day."

Mayor Mare and Cheerilee groggily got out of bed. They joined him at the table and began eating. "I needed this..." Cheerilee said between bites. "Thank you for cooking, Skystrike... and for last night... best time I've ever had." She smirked.

"No problem, but if there's a next time, let's be sober." He chuckled as he began eating too.

"I'm up for it again, definitely. Just wasn't expecting you to last that long... I also cant feel my legs... and my flank hurts just from sitting in this chair."

"You too, huh?" The two mares laughed.

"You two were pretty good yourself. And really loud... God I hope nopony is outside this house when we all leave... rumors spread too quick in this town..."

"In my defense, you're really good at foreplay. A lot of stallions don't know how to do it, or only focus on themselves." Mayor Mare took a sip of water. "And I don't even remember the last time I came from just a tongue. You were no rookie... How many bodies do you have under that belt, stud?"

Skystrike looked to the ceiling as he counted in his head. "You two make the total... five."

"You know, I was expecting more than that." Cheerilee bit into her food again. "Most stallions are in the double digits, but we could tell from last night, you aren't most stallions. Well, moving on then, I don't know if you know, but every few weeks or so, I invite a pony to come into the schoolhouse and talk about their profession, and give a demonstration to the kids, and make it a bit interactive. I haven't found anypony for next month if you think you'd be up for it? Obviously not your main job, but Pinkie talks about all the contraptions you make. Something related to that?"

"I do have a bachelors in Physics, and a masters in magical engineering. I make all my weapons and armor myself. I guess you want something simple for the kids?" Skystrike asked. Cheerilee answered with a nod. "Alright, I'll do it. We'll stick with projectile motion... How crazy can I get with making it interactive?"

"I feel like this is a trap, but what do you mean?"

"On a scale of air cannons to catapults, what can I have the kids make?"

"...Lets stick with the air cannons."

Skystrike nodded and laughed. "Alright. I can bring the materials myself. By the way, Mayor Mare, you still need help with your paperwork and all that?"

"Skystrike, you blew my guts out and made me breakfast the morning after. You can call me Ivory." Skystrike nearly choked from laughing too hard for a solid 2 minutes. "And today shouldn't be a busy day, and Raven should be back tomorrow, so I don't think I'll need your help after all."

"If that's the case, works out great for us. I have a lot of work to do."

"Preparing for another mission?" Ivory Scroll got up and began brewing some coffee for the three.

"Somewhat. I have some loose ends to tie up, but the beings I need to do it with are in other countries. I plan on making blueprints to upgrade an airship I plan on buying." Skystrike finished his food and water.

"Jeez, where do you have to go where you need an airship?" Cheerilee raised a brow.

"Out of this country, and over Celestia Sea. Just need to get the license for it, and the know how to pilot it." Skystrike stopped for a moment, putting some sugar and milk in his freshly brewed coffee. "Thank you. But hey, I got a busy day. I need to prepare for an overnight trip to Canterlot tonight. A friend of mine is getting her masters."

"Alright. Tell her we said congratulations!" Ivory smiled and began drinking her coffee.

"I'm going to finish this with Ivory before heading to the school house. I'm definitely going to need this coffee." Cheerilee sighed.

"Alright then. I'll see you two later." And with that Skystrike got up and waved the two mares goodbye. As soon as he stepped outside, he realized his fatal mistake. Where Ivory's house is. Rarity's boutique was within eyesight... and thus earshot. And they were loud last night. Oh god oh fuck. If Rarity sees him he wont hear the fucking end of it.

And like the world ramming a cactus up his ass, Rarity, and for some reason, Rainbow Dash, both walked out of Carousel Boutique. The three made eye contact. Rainbow and Rarity gave a smile. That smile... that damn smile. "Oh darling~..." Rarity cooed. "It was so noisy last night... I wonder what all the noise was?"

Skystrike stared.

Rainbow flew up and elbowed him in the side. "Well, studinator, how'd it go? I heard it during a midnight flight, and you were going at it!" She laughed.

Skystrike stared.

"You absolutely must give me all the details." Rarity snickered.

"...I swear to god, if you two say anything to anypony, I'm going to make your pronouns was/were." Skystrike groaned.

"You don't have to worry about that." Skystrike gave a sigh of relief at Rainbows words. "Half the town already knows."

His eyes shrunk to pin pricks, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash laughed their asses off. "IT'S NOT EVEN NINE YET!"

It soon became the afternoon, and word spread much, much faster than he thought. Elytra knew, Zecora knew, Tethys knew, even the introverted Fluttershy knew. Like, what the fuck? And now he's getting some lecture from Elytra about safe sex and STDs. He tried to explain what happened, but the older sister part kicked in and Elytra wouldn't listen. Damn... how long is she going to talk for? Sure, he's a bit naïve, but he knows how to have safe sex. And he had protection. Skystrike was zoning out from her rant.

"Ehnyehnyeh?" Elytra spoke, but the words fell on deaf ears. But Skystrike did hear the inflection of her voice change. Shit, it went up. Fuck, that was a question.

Skystrike hesitantly gave a half assed answer. "...Well, you know... it's all in the past now so... I'll promise to do better?"

Her iridescent eyes grew annoyed. "Buck you mean, 'promise to do better'!? You realize that a good portion of the town wants a go at you!?"

"They WHAT!?" Skystrike blurted. Tethys, who was watching the show go on, was laughing her ass off.

"We've been telling you, 'studinator', that you're a catch! And now ponies think you're an easy lay! I had three mares stop by earlier asking if I could put in a good word!" Elytra stomped her hoof.

"...Well did you-"

Skystrike was stopped mid sentence by a hoof in his mouth. "Skystrike, by the pantheon, this isn't a joke. If I find out you end up being some whorse and end up with some girl pregnant, I'm going to kill you, then follow you to Tartarus MYSELF TO KILL YOU AGAIN!"

"Jeez, ok, I get your point. Plus, you know how I can literally change my biology. I can effectively make myself infertile in theory."

"Let's NOT take any chances!" She grabbed her head. "By the pantheon! I don't want mares, or DRAGONS..." Elytra shot a look at Tethys. "to talk about my brother and how good he apparently is."

"...Yeah, I guess that would suck. I'll keep it on the down low." Skystrike sighed. "I'm surprised it got this far anyway... Well there is only about two dozen or so single stallions in this town. Anyway, we got..." He checked the time in his visor. "An hour before we gotta go to the train station. We ready?"

"I am. Don't have much to bring with me." Tethys stood up.

"Haaah, we're only going to be there for a day... Not looking forward to being back in the capital." Stardust sat on the couch next to Tethys.

"Why's that?" Tethys patted her friend on her back.

"Just some assholes I'm glad I don't have to deal with anymore. I was never too good at sparing, so I was looked down upon in my squadron. Then even more when I got the job to be your guard. Well, spy, but guard is the official name."

"Wait... I thought Bonbon was the spy?" Skystrike sat down in his recliner.

"...You knew!? For how long!?" Stardust nearly fell out of her seat.

"Since she hit on me when I first moved here. Figured it out because she was the first to do so, and made it hella obvious. Did some looking into her when I first went to Canterlot. Since, I've been giving her false info, just to see if Celestia noticed."

"...Skystrike, you're making my life so much harder... I have to report to her and the princesses. We've been reporting different things to the princesses!"

"...That's a good thing though. Well, for me at least. If it makes your job easier, I could just give you some info that can be easily proven."

"Like?"

"I made a Stake Launcher that can take down dragons. That'd probably get her attention. Left one of the rounds there too... I should bring it. Celestia and Luna'll probably want to see it." Skystrike quickly got it out of the crates he still needs to unpack, and slung it over his side.

"I've never seen you use it... or work on it." Stardust got up and rubbed the side of the metal weapon. "What does it do?"

Skystrike grabbed one of the stakes and juggled it in a hoof. "Shoots a 10 pound lump of metal at the speed of sound at anything I point it at."

"Shit dude, what did you build this for???"

"In case some huge dragon tried to kill us. Came in handy. It worked." Tethys got up and brushed herself off. "Let me go get my clothes."

Skystrike nodded as he made sure that his weapon was calibrated correctly. "God, I hope I don't have to fight when we get there tomorrow... First time was Magnus, second was almost with that noble. 50% chance is not chances I like."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. Just don't say anything stupid." Stardust sighed as she put on her guard armor and saddle bags. "Also, if we're invited to the castle, try not to talk to any of the guards. I think they're still upset about that Magnus pony."

Skystrike, Stardust, and Tethys left his house, meeting Zecora along the way to the train station. The four talked between each other as they waited for the train to arrive. Tethys was currently the one speaking. "So, what do you guys think?" Tethys was wearing some blue jeans and a green turtle neck sweater. "I don't know how Rarity got a turtle neck to get around these horns, but it's great! And I get to keep my wings out!" She gave an excited flap.

"It looks pretty good on you. You rock it." Stardust circled her to get a better look. Zecora nodded in agreement.

"I'm surprised you got Rarity to get you that shade of green. She said and I quote. 'It's such a horrid color!'"

"Well, I said that because it is a horrid color. On me." Rarity said from behind the group. "And I'm glad you're enjoying your clothes."

The four turned to see the mane six walking up to them, Pinkie Pie hoping along with some saddle bags on. Skystrike waved. "Yo, how's it going? What brings you all here?"

"I could say the same, studinator." Applejack smirked.

Skystrike stared at her for a minute surrounded by stifled laughter. "Give me a minute." Skystrike set down his items and flew off just to the horizon line. Then, he screamed at the top of his lungs. Finally he flew back and landed on the train platform. "Three... two... one..." The sound of his scream traveled to them, and though it wasn't loud, they could still hear the pain from it. "WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" Skystrike let them laugh it out before continuing. "I see that some ponies spread the word." He shot a look at Rarity and Rainbow Dash. They were the only two that saw him leave Ivory's house.

"Well, it wasn't just them, sugarcube. Mayor Mare and Cheerilee weren't exactly quiet." Applejack pat his shoulder. "I ain't judging, though I will say I wasn't expectin ya ta like older mares." Tethys shot her a look that said 'the fuck?'

"The judging part isn't the issue, also, they're like, 30. I just like keeping my private life private... How much did they speak about?"

Applejack avoiding his gaze said it all, along with her reddening face, but she still spoke. "Well, a time like that is rare, so when it happens, every mare wants to know... Tethys and Zecora weren't kidding about the tongue."

"...FUCK!" Skystrike slammed his head against the ground.

"Don't worry, Neby! Who cares if you ate them out like a jar of peanut butter? We're still your friends!" Pinkie tried to make him feel better, jumping to his side and patting him on the back.

Tethys and Zecora pointed at Skystrike and laughed, who curled up into a ball. "I want to die. Throw me on the tracks when the train comes."

"Don't say that." Rainbow Dash frowned. "Besides, that the worst of it. Mayor Mare and Cheerilee said some pretty good things about you."

Rarity gave elbowed him. "Maybe now you'll see what I mean when I say you're a catch... Half the town want's a swing at you. Eh? Eeeeh?"

Skystrike got up, took in a deep breath, then released it. "I need more guy friends. Moving on, what are you guys doing here? I'm on my way to Canterlot, personally. I'm going up to see some family and friends!"

"You too!?" Pinkie leaped three feet into the air. "I'm going to see some family too! We're meeting in Canterlot! One of my older sisters got her masters! We're meeting to celebrate!"

"Wait, ya got a sister? Multiple?" Twilight turned to Pinkie.

"Oh yeah, I guess I only mentioned it in passing." Pinkie knocked on her head and stuck out her tongue. "Three actually. My twin, Marble and I are the youngest, then Maud is older than me, then Limestone is the oldest! Maud is the one graduating."

"Dear Celestia, Pinkie has a twin?" Rainbow Dash grabbed her eyes and pulled down, stretching her face. "One is enough."

"Mood." Skystrike nodded.

"Wait, isn't Maud-" Tethys began to speak, only for Skystrike to nudge her side. "Oh right, secret."

"Actually, she's a lot like Fluttershy. Super quiet, you won't get a peep out of her! But she's super sweet when you get to know her!"

"Well, good thing we wont ever have to deal with two of you." Rainbow gave a sigh of relief.

"Speaking of Fluttershy, how's it going? Don't wanna act like we forgot about you." Skystrike put back on all his items.

"Oh, well... I'm doing fine... Was very confused what I woke up and heard around town, but I... I'm still processing it actually." Fluttershy gave him a forced smile. "But I'm glad you got a herd."

"...Who in this green hell of a planet said I had a herd?"

"...Do, do you not?"

"NO! I was drunk! We were all drunk!" Skystrike threw out his hooves. They all gave out a sigh of relief, but it was drowned out by the blaring of the train's whistle. "Train time, fuck you all, I'm going to shit myself!" Skystrike stepped on the train and went to his train car.

"Alright, everypony, see you when I get back!" Pinkie, without a care in the world, hopped onto the train. "I wonder who my bed mate will be?"

Morning couldn't come quick enough. The endless teasing from Tethys, Stardust, Zecora and even Pinkie joining in from time to time, continued until they tired themselves out. Soon, the train stopped at Canterlot at 8:30 in the morning. Skystrike and co stretched as they got up from the long ride.

Two unicorn guards ponies approached the group. One spoke. "Atlas Nebula, Stardust, you two have been called upon by her royal highnesses. We are to escort you two to them immediately."

Skystrike looked at them, then to Tethys, Stardust, and Pinkie. "Welp, you heard the guards. I'll try and make sure we're there, so tell her not to worry."

Tethys nodded. "Sure thing. I guess you'll just find us."

And with that, Skystrike and Stardust were being let to the castle. "...Were you expecting this, Stardust?"

Stardust shook her head. "Honestly, no. I sent the report on the train here. They were really fast about it... I think this is about something else."

His thoughts first went to the worsts. Did Luna rat him out? While he wouldn't be surprised, he did expect her to keep his secret... No, Luna couldn't have. Only way to reveal his secret was to also reveal her own. Celestia wouldn't want that either. That was the implied deal... Now he really had no idea what was going on. It was probably about his Stake Launcher. He did leave two rounds in that beast of a dragon... But even if it was, no way Celestia and Luna would call him and Stardust over. Only thing she was involved in was the report.

Something was up, and he didn't like it. But Skystrike didn't have to wait much longer, as they were finally inside the Castle thrown room. He was very surprised by who he saw. While Celestia and Luna sat in their respective thrones, to the left of Celestia was some very old faces. An alicorn with a pink coat, with a long mane and tail of violet, rose, and gold, and a cutie mark or a light blue crystal surrounded by gold laces. Next to her was a rather large unicorn stallion with a white coat, and blue, sapphire, and cerulean mane and tail. The stallion was not giving him a good look. The alicorn was indifferent.

And Skystrike wasn't sure he wanted to deal with this today.

Celestia spoke first as the guards left the room. "Good morning, Nebula, Stardust. I hope you weren't too inconvenienced by the sudden escort here."

Stardust bowed, then shook her head. "Good morning, princesses. And it's no problem, though we are surprised on the sudden call."

"I understand. It was rather sudden. See, Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza were able to come to the capital. Shining Armor spoke about having something to speak about with Nebula here. As my sister and I have some matters to talk about with him ourselves, I believe it'd be best if we just set aside a day to speak on the matters." Celestia motioned to the to ponies to her right. Cadenza gave a polite wave, while Shining nodded.

"A pleasure to meet you, Princess mi Amore Cadenza! A pleasure to see you again, Captain!" Stardust saluted. Then she elbowed Skystrike. "Psst... introduce yourself."

Skystrike gave Celestia a look. She returned it. Then he looked at Luna, who gave a small shrug. He sighed, and decided to act like he didn't know them. "Well, good to see my reputation even got to your ears. I'm Atlas Nebula. But I am sort of confused why you two wanted to talk to me specifically. I do hope this doesn't take all day as Celestia said, as I do have some things to do."

Cadenza furrowed her brow. "...And what exactly could be more important than meeting with all three princesses?"

"Well, my personal life is my business, but if you must know, a friend of mine is getting her masters. I said I'd be there. Sorry if you were expecting some selfish reason. You think the average pony comes to Canterlot for no reason?"

Luna looked to Celestia, and Celestia back to Luna. Cadenza had a face of surprise at the audacity. And Shining was fuming, but was able to contain himself. "Well, if you want to cut to the chase of why I want to speak with you... almost three years ago, a squadron of Royal Guards went missing in a forest on the way to Canterlot. Would you happen to know anything about that?"

Stardust gave a worried look at Skystrike. Nearly everypony's hair stood on edge in the room, waiting for his response. "About as much as Blueblood." Skystrike shrugged. "Considering you came to me about the conflict, that means you asked him first, and from that, I can already assume what he told you. But I'll hear your side before I decide how to best go about this."

Shining scoffed. "What, so you can weasel around what I say so you can make your story sound believable?"

Skystrike sighed. "So, I have to deal with THIS today... Sorry Stardust, but I'm going in. Shining, you're a damn captain of the royal guard, so I'm going to ignore what you just said, and try not to treat you as a naïve child." Skystrike said, making everypony's eyes go wide. Shining was about to shoot back, but Skystrike put up a hoof. "Tell me, what do you think Blueblood, a pony who's Celestia's niece, and has the political power to hide anything and silence anypony, would do with a squadron of royal guards that were supposed to escort him through that forest when he hired me and my group to also escort him, even though he had no reason for us? On top of that, why do you think he went by wagon, on land, and not a royal chariot by air, through a forest in the middle of fucking nowhere?"

Shining Armor thought about it for a moment, but shook his head. "...Even if that was suspicious, you and your mercenary friends still killed twenty four of my stallions and mares. You understand that that many charges of murder can't go away."

"Ok. Prove that I murdered them." Skystrike offered.

"...What?"

"You come to me, accusing me and my friends of murder of whatever degree, but that's all that you have, accusations. So prove it. But I wish you luck, getting all you need to bring me in. As you've said, twenty four of your guards were killed. The only ones who are there to tell you what actually went down is me, my group, and Blueblood. Blueblood, from your perspective, is the only one who is even remotely trustworthy, but that has some issues. He has his own bias, he'd have to admit he hired us, because I still have the contract, that I am not legally required to show you unless I'm convicted, and he'd also have to show the guards he illegally hired for an outside job. You cant get my or my groups testimony because we haven't been convicted, and you'd have to go through the laws of every country each of them are from, and you can easily write away our inputs because, from your perspective, we'd have an interest to lie to cover for ourselves. If you had any other evidence tying me to that forest those years ago, I'd be in hoof cuffs and labeled as a terrorist already. Basically, you try and take me down, Blueblood will have to admit to his years of corruption. I don't think a scandal will be good for Canterlot, let alone the royalty."

They all continued to look at him, Stardust's mouth dropping as he ended his rant. Shining responded after a moment. "...You bucker... even if you're right, you still killed innocent ponies! They've done no wrong! They had families! Friends!"

"And the members of 'All' don't? That's the thing about situations like these, the less you know, the easier it is to judge. I completely understand your grief at the loss of your allies, some even being friends. But just as you wish to protect those you swore to, so do I. But I guess you wouldn't care if my friends and I died, huh?" Skystrike crossed his hooves. "You came to me, fully convinced I was a murderer. Now you see me as somepony with a mind alike yours. And hopefully you see Blueblood as the manipulative snake he is. And personally, I don't consider anyone who's willing to take a life, whether it be to protect someone or not, as innocent. Ponies like you and me, we hurt others. Sure, we do it to protect the ones we love, but in doing so, we're taking someone away from those they love. There's no good guys here, bro. Figured you'd know this by now."

Cadenza finally stepped in. "I don't know what your problem is, Nebula, but you should remember well who you're talking to."

"Oh I'm sorry, PRINCESS Mi Amore Cadenza, but when somepony is implying me to be a heartless murderer, it would kinda piss me off." Skystrike said sarcastically. "Ponies aren't just able to shut off their emotions just because they're in the presence of royalty. You should know a lot about emotions, given your title as the princess of love."

Luna, and partially Celestia, couldn't help but smile in amusement at the show they were getting. "Now, now..." Celestia started. "Nebula, despite the... bluntness of his words, is mostly right about this. But I will talk about this with Blueblood at the first chance I get."

"Hold on, you're just letting him go?" Shining started to protest.

"Don't tell him how I've been living in Ponyville, or how you reached out to me for a mission two weeks ago. Maybe he'll realize that I'm not Sombra part 2."

"Nebula, please stop antagonizing him..." Celestia put a hoof to her head.

"Isn't that where Twilight lives?" Cadenza turned to Shining.

"She's doing fine by the way. So is Spike. Just celebrated my birthday with her this past Saturday. She's chill. You should really write to her."

Shining turned back to Skystrike. "That's it! Let's rumble!"

Luna's ears perked up at that. "What a marvelous idea!" She said clapping her hooves. "It's been so long since we've seen a battle!"

"I'm all for it... that squadron deserves at least some sense of justice." Shining agreed.

"Then lets make this more fun..." Luna rubbed her hooves together. "It will be a double battle. Shining Armor and Princess Cadenza against Atlas Nebula and Stardust. Both opponents must forfeit or fall in battle for the winner to be announced. If Shining and Cadenza win... Nebula must admit to what happened in that forest."

Skystrike groaned. "Of course, nearly every time I come here, some pony with an ego too big just wants to run these hooves. Luna you're lucky you're a real one. What do I get if I win?"

"You get to walk away scot free." Cadenza put a hoof forward.

"Literally nothing is stopping me from walking out the door behind me besides the mild curiosity to see where this goes."

"We must admit, Nebula, we... haven't thought of that. Your reward from a few days ago was already more than generous. we don't see what more thou'd want."

Then, Skystrike remembered what he spoke about with his friends... And how he was going to get to other countries. "I want an airship."

"...Nebula, you're asking for a lot here..." Celestia leaned forward.

"Yo, if I'm going to basically solo the captain of the royal guard and a whole ass alicorn, I want something good." Skystrike put up his hooves in defense. "No offense, Stardust."

"None taken, excuse my language, but the buck am I going to do against them?"

"You can at least hold your own. Make those colleagues of yours see that you got dat dawg in you."

"Ooohohooh no, you got yourself into this! This is your fight!" Stardust backed up.

Celestia couldn't help but laugh at the sibling-like bickering. "Well, I'll humor you, Nebula, but how about we change the conditions?"

Skystrike raised an eyebrow. "Go on..."

"If you beat Shining and Cadenza simultaneously, Luna and I will take the money out of our personal treasury to get you that airship." Celestia offered.

"...You serious?"

"By my name as princess. And admittedly, I would enjoy remembrance of the olden days. However, when you lose, you also have to tell them about that."

She meant his identity. Skystrike already knew. It was a fair request. "Fine by me, but fuck you mean 'when'? This fight may give me a run for my money, but I ain't gonna lose."

"You sure about that, bastard?" Shining walked in front of him and stared him down. "We've the best teamwork since childhood."

"And I was there when it was taught to you." Skystrike stretched his neck down to be at his eye level. "You'll understand what I mean when I tell you about that thang. But just so it makes more sense after I land a twenty hit combo on you two, good to see you two again, and I'm glad you two actually got together." Then walked past Shining, who had a look of confusion in his face, to Celestia and Luna. "I know you two had some stuff you want to talk about, but can it wait until after the fight? It's nearly noon, and my friends graduation starts at noon."

Celestia nodded. "Actually, Casta Spell already told me about your friend Maud. Coincidentally, I'm giving a speech at her university. We should be making our way there. Luna, can I leave you in charge of setting up the battle?"

"Thou can!" Luna said excitedly before teleporting away.

Then, Celestia turned to Shining armor and Cadenza. "I'll see you two at the colosseum. I'd invite you two, but you two need your heads in the game. I know you haven't really spared since you two were in highschool, but it's best not to underestimate Nebula here. And I do not want to buy an airship."

"Fighting was... more fun back then. Well, not the fighting itself, but more the training and effort that showed in the team work we had." Cadenza reminisced on the past. "Plus, it was always really cool all those contraptions he made... Honestly I'm surprised he knew how. He was strong enough with a sword, but then he started making some crazy things."

Shining gave a little laugh as the two began to walk out. "Heh, yeah... a shame we couldn't get here a few days earlier. We should go visit his statue. Hope his family is doing ok."

"Yeah... Maybe we should bring him something." Cadenza used her horn to open the door.

"You remember what he liked? You knew him best, after all."

"He always liked when we sang together, though he wasn't very good at it... let's visit before we get in some practice. Sing another song." Cadenza finished before the two left the throne room.

Celestia, Stardust, and Skystrike were left, an awkward silence lingering in before Celestia broke it. "...You know, when my sister came back, and you revealed yourself, I was overjoyed." She sat down next to Skystrike. "It broke my heart to send my sister away, and again when I lost you... Honestly, at the summer sun celebration, I took a gamble. I dread to think what would've happened if Twilight didn't find the magic of friendship... I'm glad that I got my sister back, but when I learned you too were alive, and you helped my sister and my student, I was... I barely know how to describe it. Thankful that I was given another chance to make a relationship with you, but pained knowing that you were alive this whole time, not feeling as if you could trust me. But you've changed over the years. I just didn't get to see it." Celestia fought back tears as she got the next words out. "Skystrike, I-... I don't know what I've done to wrong you, but I want the relationship we once had. Would it be too much to ask for you to talk to me?"

Skystrike wasn't expecting that at all. He checked the time, it being a bit past ten. No, he wouldn't look for an excuse to avoid this conversation. Even after what she did, he still respected her enough to warrant a talk. Skystrike sighed. "Fine, I'll talk. You raised me for six years. I owe you that much." He sat down, motioning Stardust to do so too. "You adopted me when I was 10, along with Blueblood, and Cadenza a few years before us. I did enjoy the family, and the change of pace from my old one."

Celestia tilted her head. "Old one?"

Skystrike nodded. "Hear me out before you say anything. The circle I've told this to is few. Before I came to Canterlot as a child..." Skystrike hesitated on speaking, but it'd need to come out sooner or later. And he respected her enough as a person to not lie to her. "I was raised by the Changelings." Celestia's eyes went wide. "The former queen, rest her soul, Khrusalis, took care of me as one of her own. I was able to integrate into the hive, call them my family. She was like a mother to me. And like any mother would want for their child, she wanted me to grow. Due to the conflict between our races, she wasn't able to get me anywhere better than the Church of the two Sisters. It was by pure luck that mere months after, you adopted me. Know that I have no contact with the main hive, or any outposts, only with those who're banished like myself. As for the why I was banished, that is another story. Khrusalis came to visit me here in Canterlot for my 14th birthday. I was to meet her in the outskirts, then help her inside so we could have fun, just the two of us. But, she was intercepted by your Royal Guards. I was beyond careful, the only one who could've known my location at that time was you... She died that day, along with any dream of peace we had between our races..."

Celestia was hurt by the implication. "And... you've blamed me, all this time?"

Skystrike nodded slowly. "Yes, I did... But... I came along some new information two days ago, and now I'm questioning everything. I don't have the time anymore to hold on to past hatred. So, I'll ask you this, and I don't want you to lie to me..." Skystrike took off his helmet, looking into Celestia's eyes of hurt with his of anger on the brink of tears. "Did you do it? Did you call those guards after her?"

The aura Skystrike was giving off was dangerous, Celestia could tell. As if it almost ordered her to not lie. But she didn't plan to in the first place. "Skystrike I-... I never even knew she was in Equestria, let alone on your birthday."

Skystrike could feel a part of his world shatter around him. All this time, all the hatred he had for her, gone in an instant, because he never had anything to hate her for. Tears fell as he rushed to wipe the tears away. "...I see..." Skystrike sat in silence for a minute. "All this time... I blamed you for something you didn't even do... 11 fucking years..." Skystrike clenched his hoof. "And from the sounds of it... it doesn't seem you knew about Blueblood either."

Celestia shook her head. "No. While I don't know about what happened, I didn't know he tried to assassinate you and your friends... I'll try to do something about it."

Skystrike shook his head. "No need. Being honest, if we went about it your or Shining's way, there's still a chance for Blueblood to get away. I can guarantee that with my method, he'll admit to everything. Of course, I don't plan on getting out of this scot free. I just want to make sure he gets what he deserves... And it'll be where this whole hell hole started..."

"What do you mean, where it started?"

"...You didn't know?"

"...Know what?"

"FUCK! Oh my god! I-... I thought you knew this whole time and didn't do anything!" He grabbed his head in pain. These last few days have been hell... Skystrike sat in silence as he thought over everything. His reasons for hating Celestia for all these years weren't even her fault. She didn't send the hit on Khrusalis, and she didn't seem to know about what Blueblood did to his home. He blamed her, he loathed her. For everything he thought she did, that she allowed to happen. And now he felt sick to his stomach.

Celestia looked at him, sitting there for the past few minutes in his own mind. She turned to Stardust, who's been quiet this whole time. "I... can't help but feel there's context I'm missing here..."

Stardust blinked. "Princess, I thought you knew too, since you still see him... From what Skystrike has told me, the night of the gala, Blueblood burned down the orphanage that Skystrike grew up at those years ago. Skystrike went in to save some of his siblings stuck inside, and fell in the rubble... But you probably knew that last part."

"...I need you to say that again, just to make sure I didn't mishear it..." Celestia tried to hold back her anger.

Stardust inched back slightly as she was about to speak. Then Skystrike cleared his throat. "Blueblood set fire to the orphanage to get back at me for... whatever he thinks I did to him." He turned to Celestia. "I wish that it didn't have to be like this, losing the relationships of those close to you. I... I abandoned you for something you weren't at fault for..." Skystrike took in a deep breath and bowed his head. "For the pain I put you through, for the relationship that I've broken, and for the one we could've had, I'm sorry... Our relationship was shattered, all by my hooves, but if you'd let me, I'd... like to at least attempt to put those pieces back together."

Tears welled up in Celestia's eyes before she pulled Skystrike into a hug. "I can't fully grasp what you're going through, but I'll ask about that another time... but for now, I'm just glad I have you back."

"...I don't deserve ponies like you."

Skystrike and Stardust split up from Celestia so she could get ready for her speech, making Skystrike promise to talk about it more later. The time he spent in the throne went on longer than he thought, having Stardust latch onto his back as they flew to their destination. Why the hell was Canterlot University on the complete opposite side of Canterlot!? He wished Celestia could teleport them.

They flew in, Skystrike and Stardust writing their names on their sign in sheet, then finding their seats next to his friends he arrived with earlier and Casta Spell. They just made it with 10 minutes to spare. Skystrike sat down on his chair and leaned back. He looked around, curious of who all would be there, but there was nopony he knew. What he did notice was that his group was getting a lot of stares. It was expected of course, with him being his size, a Zebra next to him, and a dragon as well, a few were even avoiding them.

He tried to get the thoughts of doubt out of his head, just trying to focus on being here for his friend. Skystrike looked at the graduates at the front, all sitting and talking to each other before the ceremony started. Though it was a bit hard to find her, he found Maud Pie by the back of her head, who was currently talking with her classmates, her facial features not moving at all. He laughed a bit at that, turning to his friends. "You know, when I first met Maud before she joined the group, I thought her monotone thing was a running joke she had."

Casta giggled as she spoke in her quiet voice. "You know, I thought so too, but then she didn't stop for a month straight. And then two, and three, then seven years." Then she straightened her wizard hat to block the sun from going into her eyes. "Wow, I just realized, I've known you all for seven years."

Tethys nodded. "Eight for me. It's a bit weird, having such a long life. Eight years isn't a lot to me, but you ponies and Zebras, that's a meaningful amount of time."

"Well, actually, lesser known knowledge, but the life span of us ponies at least scales with how much magic we have. The princesses have been around long before even you were born Tethys. No pony- er body knows how old they are. From how refined my magic is, my life expectancy is about 200 years."

"Oh, cool. Good to know I won't have to part with you anytime soon." Tethys poked Casta's side with her tail.

"We've known each other for quite some time. I recall your post-high school prime, Casta, Sublime." Zecora smiled at her.

"Well thanks, Zecora. You, Tethys and Skystrike were actually some really good older role models for me. Helped me get through a lot when I first joined... I don't think I'd be here without you guys."

Skystrike turned his head. "Well, I appreciate the sentiment, but what do you mean 'older role models'?"

"Yeah, I'm confused too." Stardust joined in. "Nebula is the youngest out of all of us."

Casta stammered. "But- but, I-... you're so much bigger than any other stallion! And you were so mature! How old were you when we met?!"

"Seventeen."

"You're twenty five?? I thought you were thirty! Er- no offense." Casta covered her mouth.

"All good. Not too big of a deal."

The five of them talked for a bit more before the ceremony commenced. Celestia walked on stage and began her speech. "Ladies and gentlecolts, esteemed faculty, proud parents, friends, and the distinguished graduating class of Canterlot University. Today marks a significant milestone in your lives. As we gather here, surrounded by a palpable sense of achievement and anticipation, we celebrate not just the completion of a rigorous academic journey but the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities."

The princess looked through the crowd and at the graduates. "Each one of you sitting here has traversed a unique path to reach this moment. You've overcome challenges, embraced knowledge, and expanded your horizons in ways that will shape your future endeavors. Today, we recognize and honor your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The education you've received here extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. It's about nurturing curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and instilling values that will guide you through life's complexities. Remember that learning is a lifelong pursuit, and the skills you've acquired here will serve as the foundation upon which you build your aspirations. As you step forth into the world beyond these walls, equipped with the knowledge and experiences gained during your time at Canterlot University, I encourage you to embrace change fearlessly. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and let your passion be the compass that guides you toward success. But remember, success isn't merely defined by individual accomplishments. It's about making meaningful contributions to society, fostering empathy, and being a force for positive change in the world. Carry with you the values of integrity, perseverance, and empathy. Let them be the guiding light in your professional and personal endeavors. Stay true to yourselves, but also remain open to new perspectives and ideas."

Signaling the last part of her speech, Celestia used her magic, raising the sun further above her into the sky. "As you embark on this new journey, know that the entire Canterlot University community stands proudly behind you. Cherish the memories you've created here, and use them as fuel to propel you toward your dreams. Congratulations, graduates, on this remarkable achievement. The future is yours to shape, and I have no doubt that each and every one of you will leave an indelible mark on the world. Go forth and make us proud!"

Everyone gave the obligatory hoof stomps before the dean of students came out, and began reading the names of the graduates. Of course, it went by alphabetical order, and they sat there for a while. Finally, the name they were waiting for was called. "Maudileena Daisy Pie with her masters in Rocktoligy."

On the complete opposite side of the place they were sitting in, he heard a familiar voice. "WOOO GO MAUD!" Fucking Pinkie.

Tethys snickered. "Her full name is Maudileena Daisy Pie?"

Zecora snickered too. "I am not going to lie, I'm more surprised she's related to Pinkie Pie."

"You should be more surprised that Pinkie is related to her. Cotton candy is the outlier in her family." Skystrike laughed as he stood up. "Did you all talk to Pinkie or Maud about what they're going to do?"

Casta nodded. "Maud's having a Picnic with her family, since it's the first time she's seen them in a while. She invited all of us too."

"Would be nice to see some old faces." Skystrike stretched, picking up his items, then the group began to walk towards Maud, standing with her family. "Just so you all are aware, her parents are like, the old style ponies. Be a bit careful of what we say. Casta, I know you aren't too big on meeting new ponies, but you'd get along pretty well with Marble. Limestone is a bit hot headed, and Pinkie is... Pinkie."

"...I feel like I should be worried about this Pinkie mare." Casta said as she straightened her cloak, trying to look presentable.

Soon, the group walked up to the pie family, Pinkie was the first to greet them. "Hey! You were able to make it!" Pinkie noclipped over to them, stopping in front of Casta. "Hi, my name's Pinkie Pie! Neby doesn't talk much about his old friends, but you seem nice! I like your outfit" She took Casta's hoof and shook it rapidly.

Casta pulled her hoof back, nodded with an "Mmhm..." and hid her eyes under her hat.

Pinkie was about to say something else, but Skystrike put a hoof on her chest. "Pinkie, she's happy to meet you, but she's not too great with new ponies. It's going to take some time for her to warm up to you."

"Oh, ok! I get it" She jumped up and down before grabbing his hoof and pulling him towards her family. "She'd get along with Marble then! But come on! My family can't wait to see you again!"

Tethys smirked. "Getting an early start, knowing her family, 'studinator'."

"Tethys I will make you into a coat."

"...What does she mean by 'studinator'?" Casta raised a brow.

"I don't wanna talk about it." He said all too quickly.

They all laughed as Pinkie stopped pulling, then b-hopping around her family, introducing them. "These are my parents, my sisters, Limestone and Marble Pie, and the mare of honor... Maud!" She did jazz hooves at her.

Maud, in her monotone voice, greeted them. "Hey, everyone. Glad you all made it." She took off her cap. "...Aren't I supposed to throw this?"

Skystrike tried to stifle a laugh. "Glad I could make it too. Sorry that I was late, I was called to the castle."

Maud shook her head. "It's alright." Then she turned to her family. "You all already know Nebula from that job those years ago. The dragon is Tethys, The Zebra is Zecora, and the unicorn is Casta Spell. I've wrote about them in my letters."

"Greetings. I am known as Igneous Rock Pie, son of Feldspar Granite Pie. This lady by my side is Cloudy Quartz. Whilst one countenance among you bears the warmth of familiarity, it is equally gratifying to extend cordiality to the acquaintances of my eldest daughter." He put out a hoof to shake.

Skystrike took his hoof and shook it. "Good to see you again, Igneous. Good to see you doing well too. I hope that the infestation of Graveworms haven't popped back up." Then he turned to Cloudy Quartz, putting a hoof on his chest and giving a courteous bow. "And a pleasure to see you too, Cloudy. You two must be proud parents."

Cloudy nodded. "Verily so. Our daughter hath brought us much pride. We must express our gratitude once more for the aid rendered those years hence. Maudileena hath apprised us of thy residence in proximity to Pinkie. Pray, trust she hath not been a source of undue vexation unto thee."

"Oh, she's been fine. Comes with the territory of knowing her." Then he turned to Maud. "So, how's it going. Feel any different now that you finished your masters?"

"About the same. How've you been? Pinkie speaks pretty highly of you." Maud walked up to him. "...Now are you going to do the thing? You didn't last time."

Skystrike laughed as he pulled out a bit. "A normal bit." Showing each side, one having Celestia's cutie mark, and the other being Luna's. He threw it in the air a few times, catching it in his hoof, before clapping his hooves together with the coin in the middle. When he showed his hooves, the coin was gone.

Pinkie, looked at, and under his hooves. "What? Where'd it go?"

Skystrike smirked. "Igneous, check under your hat."

The stallion did so, pulling off his hat and seeing a coin it it. "...Amazing. How accomplished thee such a feat?"

"A magician never tells his secret."

Maud picked up the coin and looked at it. "You should've seen the other times. One time, he 'lost' it, and it showed up where Boulder was. Speaking of..." She took boulder out of her pocket. "Boulder missed you."

Skystrike looked at the pebble named boulder. "Good to see you too, bro."

Boulder stared. There was an aura around it, one of... malice. Then it spoke words that only Skystrike could seem to hear. "EVERY SECOND YOU AREN'T RUNNING, I AM ONLY GETTING CLOSER. EACH MOMENT YOU LET MY WRATH FESTER, IT IS ANOTHER ATROCITY I PROMISE TO COMMIT. WHILE I MAY HAVE THIS BODY OF STONE, SOON... I WILL RETURN TO MY PRIME. AND WHEN I DO, EVERY LIGHT IN THIS GALAXY WILL BE SNUFFED OUT."

Skystrike looked at the pebble named boulder. "Good to see you too, bro." Skystrike then turned back to the actual living beings. "So, what we doing?"

"Well, I planned us just hanging out the rest of the day. I'm going to move back home for the break before I go back for the Ph.D. I just don't want to think about school for a little while." Maud said with monotone once more. It's a bit hard to pick up, but Skystrike learned that she was saying that with a hint of tiredness.

"Well, I have a fun day planned for us!" Pinkie pulled out a booklet from her mane. "We'll have a picnic, food made by yours truly, and then we can walk through the Canterlot Gardens! But if you all are interested..." Pinkie leaned in and put a hoof to the side of her mouth, as if trying to be secretive. "I hear the Captain of the Royal Guard and the Princess of love is fighting against some masked warrior in a few hours. And they're allowing bets!"

Stardust looked at Skystrike. Then Zecora. Then Tethys. Then Maud. Then everypony else. Skystrike shrugged. "Well, I won't lose, so... free money for you all."

Tethys nodded. "You make a fantastic point. I'm gonna put down 10k."

"I'm not sure..." Stardust spoke. "We're talking about the most powerful unicorn alive and an alicorn trained by Celestia."

Maud shook her head. "Stardust, while you're right, Nebula has surprised us too many times."

Limestone stepped forward. "I'm willing to place a bet for him. I saw him wrestle a grave worm because a sword couldn't pierce the stone like scales. Also, we just got a new princess. There's a third one now?"

"Well, there's been a third for a while. She's just... not as popular." Casta flipped up her hat. "But she is pretty nice. I've had her help me with some magic spells. She shouldn't be underestimated."

"Casta, Nebula spilled many secrets in Ponyville. Would you be surprised if he was holding back still?" Zecora spoke.

"...Enough to take down two of the strongest ponies currently alive?"

"I wouldn't have accepted the duel if I didn't think I could win." Skystrike stretched. "But hey, I'm trying to eat."

"Oh, right." Maud pulled out her map. "There's a spot I like in the Canterlot garden that I sit at. Pretty nice, and normally not many ponies this time of day."

Pinkie grabbed the edge of the screen, pulling it, and revealing everyone sitting in the middle of the Canterlot gardens having a picnic. Well, save for Skystrike, who was in the same spot during the scene transition. "Wh-... what the fuck!? We were just at the ceremony!" He looked around in shock. "How the hell!?"

Maud looked at him- well her expression didn't change, but if it could, she'd look at him like he was stupid. "Nebula, we spent twenty minutes walking here. Stop being silly and come eat the food."

Skystrike was losing his shit. "...Fucking Pinkie Pie..." He turned and took his seat next to Maud. "So, what are we talking about, since I apparently zoned out the last twenty minutes."

"Nothing much. Mom is going on about when my sisters and I are getting coltfriends... Mostly me and Pinkie."

Cloudy Quartz nodded. "Indeed, 'tis veracious. Ye twain are the sole absentees from the homestead. I shan't endure indefinitely, and my yearning is to embrace the role of a grandmother." She sipped some tea from her teacup.

Skystrike felt that he shouldn't be here. He made a motion to get up, but then Maud grabbed his sleeve with her hoof. He took the hint, and stayed with her and Pie sisters. Pinkie was rocking her body back and forth, Marble was hiding behind her mane, Limestone was grumbling. Of course, Maud was just being Maud. "Mom, I get it, but I want to focus on my education right now. The whole reason I wanted to go into rocktoligy was to help out on the farm, and maybe start one of my own."

"Such is no justification to eschew a suitor. Grant this aged mare a glimmer of optimism, I beseech thee." Cloudy put down her cup.

"But mooooooom..." Pinkie whined. "You have no idea how much harder it is to find stallions compared to when you were younger!"

Skystrike took a sip of his tea, hoping he wouldn't be bought up in this conversation. Maud elbowed him. He took the hint. "Cloudy, while I can at least partially understand your want of grandkids, it's best not to put so much pressure on your girls. Each one of them has their own dream they want to follow. Let them go chase it for a while. Maybe they'll catch it."

"I doth aspire for my daughters to attain their aspirations. Above all, my desire is for my daughters' felicity."

"I get it. You want what's best for them. I had some brothers and sisters I helped raise and I wanted the same. But often, they don't want what we think is best. We just gotta let them live their lives. The only one who truly knows them is themselves. All we can do past a certain point is hope they believe in themselves."

Maud nodded. "What he said. I'd like to have kids in the future, but for now, I just want to get my Ph.D. I actually want to start a Geology museum if given the chance."

Pinkie nodded as well. "I want to start a bakery of my own! And then I'll have foals!"

Limestone finished her sandwich. "If I can find a colt to get with a mare like me on a rock farm, I'll go for it."

Marble did her "Mmhm!" as she raised her teacup.

Cloudy Quartz paused for a moment before sighing. "Thou speaks the truth. Nebula, thou art a fine young colt. I pray thee may one day join our lineage. I bestow upon thee my solemn blessing."

"...Thanks? I guess??" Skystrike was flabbergasted. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do with that information."

"My daughter Pinkie Pie lauds thee greatly, as doth Maud Pie. And if such be they inclination, they speak of my ample maternal attributes." Cloudy Quartz leaned in and gave him a smirk.

Pinkie's face turn bright red. "Wha- MOM!" She covered her face in embarrassment.

Maud still had her forever poker face, but even she was a bit flustered, her face turning a shade of red. "Mom, please stop talking. He's never going to let me live this down."

Skystrike smirked. "Well, if these two age as well as you, then I'd be a lucky stallion."

This time it was Cloudy's turn to blush. "Quite the charmer..."

"Nebula, by the princesses, do not hit on my mother." Maud turned to him.

"Oh come on. It's like looking into the future. It's a return on investment!" Skystrike was barely able to finish before Maud bonked him on the head. "That's fair."

Pinkie was on the ground snorting "Ooohohoh my gosh!"

Maud leaned on Skystrike. "You're lucky you're endearing. Honestly, I'm surprised you're still single."

"To be honest, I found out two days ago that I'm even seen as an option." Skystrike shrugged. "Maybe I'll find a marefriend..."

"Well, herds are a thing... Ever... ever thought about one of those?" Pinkie hinted.

But Skystrike was stupid. "I mean... maybe? That wasn't the norm where I'm from, so that'd be a whole thing I'd need to learn. I also don't want to come off as greedy..."

"What do you mean?" Maud looked up at him.

"I don't know. It's like... the funny part of me wants to see how many wives I can have before the government stops me. On a more serious note, I don't see how one guy can manage more than one mare at a time. Or how one even starts."

"Well, normally the one who asks the stallion first is the lead mare, and they're in charge of any other mares the stallion brings in. In a herd, the stallion is the one who keeps the peace or stops any conflict in the herd. If a stallion wanted to spend time with the mares, traditionally, the weekends are when they all come together, and the weekdays is when each gets some one on one time. Normally a heard has between 4 and 6 mares." Pinkie explained.

Skystrike thought about that for a moment. "That... makes sense. But then what about the kids?"

"Well, the stallion is expected to be a stay at home dad if there ends up being foals. The mares would be the ones bringing in the bits for the family. The kids would see the other mares in the herd as aunts."

"...That... also makes sense... Then why don't we see that many herds? Like, the cakes are monogamous. Your parents are monogamous, and so are the Riches."

Cloudy answered this time. "That matter encompasses myriad considerations. The Cakes is a conscious election. Igneous Rock Pie espoused into my lineage, and owing to our affluence, a menagerie was not within my purview. I surmise akin circumstances transpire with the Riches."

"...Look, Cloudy, I'm gonna be honest, I'm slow to respond to you because I have to process what you say each time." Skystrike chuckled.

Cloudy Quartz looked around, seeing her husband in the distance talking to Zecora, Stardust, Casta, and Tethys. Out of earshot. She let out a sigh and took off her glasses and wiped them with a cloth. "Same, to be honest. Speaking like I'm from the Victorian era gets tiring for real. For real though, it's nice talking like a normal pony every once in a while. My husband just likes the other way of talking."

The sisters all stared at their mother. Limestone broke the silence between them while Skystrike was laughing. "This is... the first time I've heard you speak like that."

"What, you think I spoke like that when I crawled out the womb? Your grandmother told me to speak like that if I wanted your father's attention. It worked, and I got that hunk of stallion." She smiled at the memories in her mind. "But I wish I could talk normally every once in a while.

Skystrike was laughing harder as Maud tried to ignore him. "I feel like I'm experiencing whiplash. This is so much to take in."

"Back on topic, I am serious about my blessing, stud." Cloudy nudged him with her elbow. "If I were just a few years younger and not happily married, I'd shoot my own shot. I just gotta play wingmare since someponies aren't honest with their feelings. Just keep these two as an option~"

"Mom, please stop talking." Maud and Pinkie said in union, but with varying tones.

Skystrike sat there. "I'm not sure how to respond to that. Therefore, I will give the most average response and say ok."

Cloudy chuckled. "Aight, homegirl can live with that for now." She straightened her glasses. "But hey, it's almost time for your... well was gonna say duel, but it's a 1v2. I'll put some money on you, so I'll beat your ass if you get your ass beat."

Skystrike laughed harder. "Oh my god, you're awesome. Don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve."

He sat in the waiting room in the colosseum. He only had a few minutes before he would be announced as the fighter. Stardust, Zecora, Casta, Maud, and Tethys waited with him, helping him make sure he had everything ready. The Zecora, Maud and Stardust were double checking that his armor was on right. Tethys was looking over his blades, using her claws to sharpen them. Skystrike was making sure the chains on his back were all ok with Casta. Last he used these was against Magnus. It was pretty easy, blitzing through him. But he underestimated him, and that cost his downfall. Shining and Cadenza wouldn't make that same mistake.

Most of the chains within the links were in top notch condition, Casta using her magic to mend any cracks. "You sure you got this? I can give you some enchantments at least. Or some buffs."

Skystrike shook his head. "This fight is a bit personal. Gotta do this with my own strength, but if you want to help... remember that song we all used to sing together?"

Casta's ears perked up. "You want us to sing again? While you're in the middle of battle?"

"I'd appreciate it... It'd help take part of my mind off the fight itself." Skystrike took the four swords handed to him by Tethys and attached each one to the chains, then the chains to the chain locker attachment just between his shoulder blades. Stardust and Zecora helped him stand up. He drew in the chains on his back, the four swords hanging down on each side.

"That expression, I've witnessed it plain. They were your companions, were they not, in their domain?" Zecora asked.

He nodded. "Yes. I grew up with them. They just don't know it's me yet. Just wish this wasn't the way they found out." Skystrike rolled all his joints into place and gave a quick hop, getting used to the weight of his new attachments. Finally, he got his stake launcher and attached it to his lower back, calibrating it. It aimed where his head pointed. Could come in handy. "Thanks for being here for me girls."

Tethys gave a light punch in his shoulder. "It's what we're best at. Now go kick some ass. You can count on us to sing our hearts out."

"I can't really sing or it may blow my cover, but I'll be there in spirit!" Stardust saluted.

"I'm tone deaf." Maud added.

Skystrike snickered and he put a round in the stake launcher. "I don't deserve you girls."

And with that, they heard the announcements. "Contestants, please get ready to enter the arena!" A stallions voice was heard through amplified sound magic.

"Welp... that's the bell. I'd recommend going to your seats. Shit is as about to go down." And with that, his friends nodded and went to the spectators booth.

Skystrike made sure they were out of earshot and took in a deep breath. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! I can win! I feel great! I! CAN! DO! THIS! RAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

"What are you doing?" Echo asked.

"I uh... nothing?"

"Really? Because it sounded like you were chanting to yourself."

"...Maybe..."

"Cringe."

"Well fuck you, robobitch!" Skystrike smiled as he put on his helmet and began walking. Make a cool entrance.

"Ladies and gentlecolts, prepare for an extraordinary spectacle! In a unique and daring turn of events, we have not one, but two formidable combatants uniting their strengths to face a single challenger! Entering the arena first, a force of unparalleled strategy and precision! Shining armor~! Known for his unparalleled skill in swordplay and defensive ability! And with him, Princess Mi Amore~ Cadenza! Known for her magical prowess and cunning intellect! Lets make some noise!" Shining and Cadenza entered getting cheers from the crowd.

Shining Armor wore armor that was indeed shiny. It was a set of purple armor with gold engravings. It looked light on him, only covering the front of his lower legs, chest, neck, and back. The chestplate had his cutie mark on it, being a blue shield with a six pronged purple star, similar to Twilights.

Cadenza was wearing a set of platinum armor with gold engravings as well. It covered her chest, back, neck, hooves and stomach. She even had a helmet with a decorative tiara on it. It looked heavier than Shining's, and probably was. Alicorns were more hardy, and could hold more weight. Her chestplate also had her cutie mark on it. Of course, he couldn't ignore the blade on her horn.

"And now, the defender! Fueled by unyielding determination and sheer willpower, stands the lone warrior. Even now, he stands against the odds! Known for his impressive feats, from knocking down an Ursa Minor in one blow, to slaying five dragons singlehoofedly, make some noise for the raven cladded slayer, the devil of the wind... Atlas~ Nebula~!"

Entrance initiated. Skystrike took a running start, coming out of the darkness of the corridor and jumping into the air. He threw out one of his swords, the chains clanking against each other as it followed the blade that landed in the sunny arena in front of him. He pulled himself out from the darkness by the chains and landed heavily next to his sword, slowly standing up and staring across the arena at Shining and Cadenza.

"BY THE PRINCESSES, HE'S SO FUCKING COOL!!!" He heard somepony in the colosseum shout at the top of his lungs.

Skystrike looked to where the voice came from, pointed at the stallion and gave a wink before pulling his sword and arm back under his cape. Gave off that mysterious vibe. He looked around the arena, seeing Celestia, Luna, and his friends sitting in the royal section of the spectators seats. Why the hell was Pinkie holding a boombox above her head? He also noticed that behind him was all the normal citizens and nobles, while behind Cadenza and Shining were a staggering amount of royal guards. He wouldn't be surprised if every royal guard came to support their captain. And they were all staring daggers at him.

"You know, not too late for you too back out now, it'd save you the embarrassment." Shining taunted, loud enough for the audience to hear.

Skystrike chuckled. "Oh man, I always wanted to do prefight trash talk. I barely have battles where one side leaves alive!" Skystrike shot back. "But yeah, I guess it would be easier for you all if I just gave up here. Tell me, how shat were your pants when you realized one of your generals, that I won flawlessly against in less than a minute, was the head of a criminal organization?"

Shining growled at that and stepped forward. "I'm going to enjoy seeing you grovel on the ground at my hooves."

"You know, I can't say the same when I do the same to you. The PR nightmare is going to suck for you two when the Captain and a princess are gonna get planted in the ground like some dumbass trees." Skystrike smirked and gave the signature look of superiority. So superior that they could tell through the mask.

The crowd cheered, growing a bit restless. The announcer took that as her queue. "Get ready for battle!" Skystrike stood on his hind hooves and threw off his cape, revealing his armaments and drew two of his blades. Cadenza flew backwards, as far as she could get from Skystrike. Shining Armor teleported a sword and shield in front of him. "Begin!"

"Showtime!" Skystrike smiled and immediately rushed forward and slashing with the blade ins each forehoof. Pinkie pressed a button on her boombox... damn they got her into this too. All good, it'd make things more fun. "Let~ your hopes be blown~ away! All my foes~ will fall, the demon~ has come to play! Skystrike flipped over and threw one of his swords at Shining, who was barely able to parry it with his own weapon. "Inside this heart of mine I feel the fire beckoning! You deal with a power far beyond your reckoning! Then Skystrike threw the other blade at amazing speed towards Cadenza, forcing her to roll to the side to dodge. She immediately stood up and fired a blast of magic at Skystrike, only for him to cut through it and pulling himself towards her. "Drown... in your fear black~ as tar! Paralyzing fright~! You think you're~ up to par? Skystrike and Cadenza clashed blades, then Skystrike back flipped over Shining approaching from behind. When he was in the air, Cadenza shot another stronger blast his direction that he flew under, landing on the ground. He spread his arms wide as the two regained their stances. "I~ will rise! And my foes will fall~! All who dare to stand~... Shall be made to crawl~!" Skystrike pulled back all his blades, then flew at the two, going for a cross slash. Shining and Cadenza used their magic to make a combined barrier around themselves. It stood up well, Skystrike's blades stopping as it clashed with the magic. "And in your final hour of fading light~, Your dreams of peace cast aside... Scattered light dust in the night~! And in the final hour our star will shine~!" Shining dropped the shield as soon as he could to get a shield bash in, but Skystrike jumped on it and flipped backwards. "Starlight and powers align... in the final fight~!" Skystrike figured the testing of the waters were out of the way and decided to get a bit more serious. "Inside this heart of mine I feel the fire beckoning! You deal with a power far beyond your reckoning!"

Then he heard Tethys's voice as she continued the song, her voice amplified by Casta's magic. "But best prepare yourself, 'cause this isn't a solo act! Think you can handle us, you don't realize this was a trap!" They really kept their promise. Shining and Cadenza looked at him with mild annoyance. Skystrike threw two of his swords at the unicorn, the chains wrapping around his weapons. While he was stuck, Skystrike threw one more that wrapped around his body. He pulled on all the chains in a way that threw the unicorn into the air. "Took~ the challenge, I'm~ impressed! I guess I must admit, you're a cut above the rest! Cadenza quickly flew in to get a cut on Skystrike. He saw this coming and used his fourth sword to parry hers, then landed a spinning kick on her side, knocking Cadenza back. "But I have no patience so it's best that you leave us alone! Got better things to do, You step to us I break your bones!" Shining took the chance he had and shot his own magic at Skystrike while he couldn't dodge.

A beam of magic dug him a few inches into the ground before Shining teleported out of the chains and next to Cadenza. "You alright?"

Cadenza shook it off. "Yeah, just a little sore, nothing to worry about." She said as Skystrike bought back in his swords. "Auntie wasn't kidding, but this song... it has some changes, but it's the same as the one we sang with him... You think...?"

She wasn't even able to finish her sentence before a loud boom was heard, and Skystrike stopped between the two of them, forcing the two to split up again. "We~ are making history! And I can guarantee~... you will bow~ before~ me! Skystrike sent two blades at each of them, each parrying the blades to the ground before he tightened the chains, making a whirlwind of danger. The two had to back up even more. Skystrike burst out of the dusk kicked up by his tornado in front of Shining, who couldn't see and took an uppercut to the chin. He grunted as he blocked the next punch with his shield, his magic taking most of the force. He bought down the sword over Skystrike's head, who narrowly dodged it by closing the distance and grappling Shining before throwing him into the colosseum wall. "We~ of 'All~'... will strike you down~! We'll put you back in the ground... Learn why we wear~ the crown~! Skystrike flew towards the unicorn and elbowed him in the stomach where he was least protected, then picked up his shield to block his teammate's magic blast. She was getting angry. Skystrike smirked, then threw the shield at Cadenza's head to block her vision. She teleported through it before landing a slash on Skystrike's chest, who was hoping to use her blocked vision against her. Skystrike rolled back a few feet before catching himself and using his blades to slide to a stop. His armor was dented. She was DEFINETLY angry. "And in your final hour of fading~ light~! No one can challenge our might... Not while the fire burns bright~! And in your final hour, our star will shine~! Starlight and powers align... in the final fight~! What's wrong there, ponies? Are you just all bark and there's no bite? You'd think that that bravado wouldn't go fly out of sight!

Then Casta and Zecora joined in. "Zecora you and me!" "I'm here Casta, you already know!" Then they sang a duet."We gotta do some clean up! Ready, girl? Time for a show!" Skystrike rolled his neck. He was impressed. He let Cadenza help Shining off the wall before grabbing two of his blades, letting his opponents make the move first. They decided to try something different this time, staying together as they charged forward. Seemed they wanted to get up close and personal. The two lovers were like opposites, each attacking where the other didn't, while also defending where the other was open. Skystrike tried an overhead cross slash, but each blade was bounced back by his opponents. Each time he tried to get an attack in on one, the other would defend for them and counter. He was glad he used dual blades as he switched to defense as he was slowly getting pushed back, the guard side of the stadium cheering. In~ the journey, we've~ come far! And now here~ we are! Now you'll see~ super stars!" "If you're standing before us, know that you made one mistake!" "Thinking that we can never find a way to challenge fate!" Skystrike stabbed two of his blades into the ground below him and flew with all his might, The ground rumbled as he pulled a large chunk of earth out before spinning and throwing it at the two, who jumped out of the way. While Shining stayed on the ground, Cadenza made the mistake of flying into the air. Skystrike flew up to her, who put up a barrier around herself. Bad move. Two of his sword chains wrapped around the ball and slammed her into the ground, the barrier not being able to stop her change in motion. She quickly teleported away again, behind Skystrike and kicking him in the back. He wasn't able to stop himself in the air fast enough before Shining used his magic to make an aura around his blade, hitting Skystrike with it and sending him to the other side of the arena. "We~ will hold our weapons high! Watch the sun set~! As we're soaring through the skies!We will rise~! Comrades hoof in hand~! We will never crawl... and here we stand~!" Skystrike got up, flew into the air, and dove down towards Shining armor, who put up his shield to block it. Skystrike, however, was faster, a loud boom coming from his speed as he stopped at his side and did another spin kick in Shining's face. He flew towards Cadenza, who quickly used her magic to catch him and heal any wounds he had. "And in your final hour of fading~ light~! Dreams of peace taking flight~! Bringing forth the light~! And in the final hour our star will shine~! Starlight and powers align... In the final~ fight~!

"Inside this heart of mine I feel the fire beckoning!"

"You are a fool to try and stand before us, you weaklings!

"To save the future, fight for everyone and everything!"

"The finale approaches now a victory we'll sing!" They all sang together as Skystrike tightened his grip.

Shining and Cadenza took the queue as well, charging up as much magic as they could squeeze out of their bodies to end this fight. Cadenza looked to Shining. "Honey... are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"What the plan is, or who we think he is."

"We both know what the plan is. But you think that he's really...?"

"I know... we thought he died but... there never was a body... Let's ask once we get him to confess." Shining said before he and Cadenza crossed horns.

In~ the journey, we've~ come far! And now here~ we are! Now you'll see~ super stars!" Skystrike waited as the two were casting their magic. He recognized the color and intensity of each one by the soft glow of magic surrounding the two on each cast. Body strengthening, magic amplification, speed, greater dexterity, stone skin, full potential, limit breaker... He'd have to put in way more effort than he thought. He was already huffing a bit from the fight. They're really trying to end it. They've gotten so far without him. He was proud of how strong they got. "Inside this heart of mine I feel the fire beckoning! You deal with a power far beyond your reckoning!"
"Dreams... in darkness crash~ and burn! Now it's time~ you learn!""Now it's our~ turn~!"
"We will rise~! And your stars will fall~!""We will bring the light~... back to 'All~'!" Cadenza put Skystrike's attention on her, using her now buffed abilities to shoot a barrage of magic blasts at Skystrike while Shining Armor charged up a spell. He could feel the magic expelling from the unicorn's body as he charged, closing his eyes and putting all his focus towards it. Skystrike cut down each blast with his swords, barely being able to keep up with the magic Cadenza was outputting. The audience was on the edge of their seats cheering for Cadenza to keep up the gattling barrage, and for Skystrike to cut down each one. But only few noticed the magic being absorbed by his swords. Just like back with Magnus.

It was the final part of the song... perfect timing. He and his friends continued to sing together. And in your final hour of fading~ light~! Stand tall against our might~... while our hopes~ burn BRIGHT~!" Cadenza stopped her barrage of magic blasts before jumping back to Shining armor, and giving him that final push, adding in her own magic, making the growing ball of magic on their horns grow several times bigger. It was as if he was looking at a star being born... He always wanted to do this! An energy clash! He released all the stored magic in his blades, each glowing a pale blue, the same color as Cadenza's magic. He'd return the favor in full. "AND IN OUR FINAL HOUR OUR STAR~ WILL SHINE~! STARLIGHT AND POWERS ALIGN~... IN THE FINAL~ FIGHT~~!!" Cadenza and Shining released their magic, the beam of pure energy hurdling towards him. Skystrike drew each of his blades with such expertise, in less than a second, he made a vertical, horizontal, and a diagonal cross slash with his blades, looking to the untrained eye as if they all over lapped. With each swing, he released the stored magic within as they slowly pushed back against the swirling beam of pale blue and rose. Then, Skystrike pulled back his swords, grabbed one in his mouth, and pushed against the blast to help, using his fourth and final sword as an anchor. The final note was held between his friends as Shining's and Cadenza's magic was sent back towards them. At the last second, they combined their magic once again, blocking the magic coming their way. They struggled under the weight of their own magic, but they knew they could hold out.

Until they couldn't.

Skystrike got on all four hooves and prepared himself for the recoil. He aimed his stake launcher at their barrier, inhaled deeply, held his breath, then fired. A loud BANG was heard at nearly the same moment of shattering magic, their barrier breaking like glass as they closed their eyes from getting hit by the returning arcane energy. A large cloud of dust envelopped the whole arena as the crowd waited in anticipation. Skystrike stood back up, huffing as they all waited for the dust to clear. Moments passed as he stood in a defensive stance just in case. When the dust finally settled, Cadenza and Shining were both groaning on the ground.

"Aaaaand it's over! Ladies and gentlecolts, in a staggering display of resilience and unwavering determination, we bear witness to an astonishing triumph! Against all odds, the Lone Vanguard has emerged victorious in this monumental battle!" The announcer spoke as the crowd cheered. Well, most cheered, being those who won bets and ones who just enjoyed the show. Everyone else gave audible groans... mostly the Royal Guard. "With unyielding courage and a spirit that knows no bounds, the raven cladded slayer showed unmatched skill, fortitude, and tactical brilliance! Stand tall, Atlas Nebula! For today, history has been written by your own valor!!"

Skystrike huffed as he retracted the chains and sheathed his swords. He could feel the heat from the stake launcher radiate from it on through his armor. He picked back up his cloak, flapped it, and put it back on. He slowly walked over to the two under the guards seating area, who unsurprisingly began throwing items at him, complaining how 'he makes them look bad' or 'I lost so much money' or 'are you single?'. Wait, what the fuck was that last one. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." Skystrike said to himself as he stopped in front of the two. Shining armor and Cadenza tried to shake off their fatigue and concussion as Skystrike picked up the dented metal rod in between them. He noticed the caved in shield that Shining used. Skystrike put the lump of metal in his saddlebag before looking down at the two. "...I must admit, you two were pretty good. Definitely a lot more than I was expecting from you two." Skystrike offered a hoof to each.

Cadenza was the first to take it. "Ugh... Thanks... honestly, I wasn't expecting that part at the end, or that you'd offer to help... came off as a bit of an asshole earlier today."

Skystrike chuckled as he dusted her off. "Heh, yeah, I guess I was. Sorry."

Cadenza chuckled with him. "Eh, don't worry about it... We've just... been on edge lately. Thought we could get a small vacation coming here, but then Blueblood came in and told us about what you... allegedly did." She took off her helmet and horn blade, holding them at her side. "...You got a kick to be jealous of. Shining, how long do you plan on laying there?"

Shining got up by himself. "Ugh... that healing magic felt like it did nothing. He tried to walk a bit, but felt a sharp pain in his back. "GAH!"

Skystrike picked up Shining armor and took off his stake launcher and chain locker so Shining could lie on his back. "The adrenaline wore off. Try not to move too much. We'll bring you to some medics... Nice teamwork by the way. You got me good a few times."

Cadenza smiled as he picked up everypony's items. "Thanks... speaking of, I feel like I hit you quite hard. Most ponies can't even take one hit from an alicorn... how are you ok?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, I'm not. My back hurts, my arms burn, my chest hurts. You two did a lot of damage." He said as the two walked.

Shining was about to say something, then groaned. "Yeah... you took a lot more damage than me. Try not to talk too, save your energy." Cadenza said. Shining responded with a groan. "...That was quite a song you and your friends sang... You love them, don't you? Platonically I mean. I can tell. It's what I'm best at."

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah... they mean the world to me... I'm just glad the finale part landed. It would've been real awkward if that last clash didn't end it." The two shared a laugh as Shining fell unconscious.

Skystrike left for the bathroom after dropping off Shining Armor with Celestia, who said she'd take care of his health personally. He let out a long ass stream of piss. A minute passed, then two... then he realized. "Oh shit I didn't pee since yesterday... holy shit my bladder is huge." He finally finished before washing his hooves and walking out. Currently, he was in the castle, walking down the hallway to the meeting room. When he entered, Stardust, Casta, Tethys, Zecora, Pinkie, and Maud sat on the right side of the table, while Celestia, Luna, Cadenza, and Shining sat on the left side. Tethys was drooling over the mound of bits in front of her, while Shining was in a number of casts. "Jesus christ, Tethys, how much did you win!?"

Stardust laughed. "Oh, the odds were not in your favor. I put in 500 bits and got back five thousand."

"There was a ten times return on my win!? No wonder ponies were mad!"

"Better question, were you frying something down there? Because you piss loud." Maud said.

Everyone in the room laughed at that. Then Tethys snapped out of her greed. "Oh, right, I took some of your money and placed a bet on you on top of my own. About 20k."

Skystrike blinked. "...You have 300 thousand in bits in front of you?"

Tethys giggled like an idiot and hugger the bags. "About 240k. Taxes suck."

"You know, I'd say something, but we do need the money. Thanks to Cadenza, the new armor needs to be made sooner, rather than be on the back burner." Skystrike rubbed at the spot he was hit on his chest through his sweatshirt. "Thank god It's plated armor."

Cadenza looked at him. "Speaking of... You're massive for a stallion, I wasn't even sure how much of that is armor until I kicked you. You reminded me of an old friend I used to fight with, but even if he was alive, no way he'd be your size."

Skystrike felt the eyes on him. "Fiiiiiiine." Skystrike sighed and sat down at his seat, then he took off his helmet and rolled his neck. "Hopefully you two got all your anger out."

Shining and Cadenza looked at him, their eyes going wide in realization. "Skyyyyyyystriiiiiiiiike!" Cadenza jumped across the table and pulled him into a death hug. "I knew it! I felt it in my heart for all these years that you didn't die that day!"

Shining wished he could walk over without pain to greet his old friend. "Damn dude. You've really gotten big. Hard to think you're three years younger than me. But did you really have to beat me like that?"

"Good to see you two again, Cadenza, Shining."

"Oh come on, to old to call me 'big sis' like you used to? And just call me Cadence. We're family!" Cadence kept holding him in the hug. "But where have you been? What have you been doing all this time? Why... why did you leave us?"

Skystrike sighed as he pushed Cadenced off of him. "Yeah, you two do deserve an explanation. Sit down, it'll take a while..." Skystrike then explained everything he went through that led him to that point. Growing up in the orphanage, getting adopted by Celestia, eventually meeting Cadence and Blueblood... then the day of the gala. "...He burned down my home to get to me. I didn't want to take the chance that he might go after those I care for again. I took the only viable option I saw."

Shining sighed. "That... explains a lot, actually... buck... I get why you were so angry earlier today."

"And it... also explains Bluebloods complete 180." Cadence nodded. Skystrike raised an eyebrow. "Oh, right, you wouldn't know. After you died, he made a show about how you two were always close, and how he was 'so sad' to see you go. I knew you two didn't really like each other, but... I thought it was sibling rivalry... It's so hard to believe he'd do that."

"Quite honestly, I think the same. It would explain everything, but... it's hard to believe a pony I saw as a son would do this... let alone to a brother." Celestia closed her eyes in sadness.

"We've went through his dreams. Skystrike Nebula speakeths the truth." Luna put her hooves on the table. "We have no relation to Blueblood, positive or not. We will not allow our bias to cloud our judgement when justice comes to him."

Wait, you went into his dreams? When?" She turned to her sister.

Skystrike answered for her. "The day I left for that mission. She wanted answers, and I wanted some too. Call it a trade. But let me clarify, I'm in this more so for revenge. If justice is served during my journey, then cool."

Cadence raised a brow. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"

"Ironically, the same way Shining wanted me to admit to those guards dying, also because of Blueblood by the way, by challenging him to a duel. Difference is, I'm not planning on winning. He won't be able to admit defeat until he confesses to everything. Then, just so the legal case goes through, I'm going to turn myself in, along with all the evidence I have."

"And... how do you plan on getting him to do a duel?"

"Simple. I'd make a fool of him at the Gala. His ego won't let it slide. I know this because he put my family's and friends lives at risk twice because of it." Skystrike rubbed the scar over his eye.

Tethys stuck her head out of the mountain of goal. "You know, I'm not sure you ever actually told us the guy who tried to kill you twice was your adoptive brother."

Pinkie held her head. "Skystrike never spoke about what he did before his death... This is a lot to take in..."

Casta cleared her throat. "We... are we going to ignore that Skystrike is a prince?"

Skystrike looked at her. "...Oh yeah, I guess I am, huh? I never thought about it. And Pinkie, don't take it personally. I don't really like talking about it. It's... personal... even more personal then the current subject."

"Like the child soldier thing or how you killed your first parents?"

Maud and Celestia blinked. "Child soldier?"

Then Cadence and Casta blinked. "Killed your first parents?"

Skystrike shot Pinkie a look. The mare covered her mouth with her hooves. "God damn it Pinkie... I guess I gotta go into this topic now!" He threw his hooves up.

Celestia put her elbows on the table and held her head. "...This is a lot to take in..." She mimicked Pinkie. Then her ears perked up. "Wait, Luna, you went into his dreams... did he tell you?"

Luna looked to Skystrike. He sighed. "Yes, I told her, but less so because I wanted. More so because I asked her to tell you and everypony else if I ended up dying up in that village to the north." Skystrike then began to explain his origins. Obviously, he couldn't just say he was human, so he just replaced some of the info, saying he came from the unexplored west. He also explained how he got help before he came to Canterlot, but again, left out that the help was changelings, and how he was banished.

Celestia knew, but decided not to reveal it, considering he didn't do so himself. Her face sunk into her hands as she gave a muffled. "Oh my me."

"What the Buck, Skystrike!" Cadence slammed her hooves on the table as Pinkie cartoonishly cried her eyes out as she jumped to hug him while everyone else groaned. "Why didn't you tell us about this before!?"

"I didn't think it was important."

"The BUCK you mean 'didn't think it was important?!"

"Please explain to me how you would've helped besides trying to make me feel better." The room fell silent. "My point exactly. Literally nothing would have changed. You all are holding onto some type of guilt, thinking you could've helped me, but you really couldn't. You all already gave me more than I could've hoped for. Don't hold yourselves to some impossible standard for yourselves."

"I mean, yeah, but now I feel bad." Casta sighed. "We all banded together because most of us were abandoned in one way or another. We all complained about our circumstances but ours is... is like a bad dream compared to the nightmare that's your origin."

"I mean, I guess..." Skystrike shrugged. "It really isn't a big deal to me. Can we talk about this another time?"

Celestia sighed. "Fine... oh my me, what the buck" Her face was still in her hooves. She lifted her head. "What I wanted to talk to you about earlier was the weapon that you used to take down the Earth Dragon that Opal told me about. We also found what we assume was the ammo used for it. She said you called it a... 'Stake Launcher'?"

Skystrike picked up the weapon in question and put it on a table with a loud thud. "Here it is. What do you want to know about it?"

"Isn't that what you used against us in the battle?" Shining poked the weapon. "...You shot us with something that could kill a dragon!?"

"Well, it did kill a dragon. But I switched out the ammo to be anti-magical, rather than anti-material." Skystrike put the round he shot the two with on the table, showing magical engravings on it.

"...How does it work? I've never seen something like this..." Celestia picked up the Stake Launcher in her magic.

"Well, it gathers the latent magic in the air, storing it within itself before converting all of the magic into arcanomagical energy. From there, it then converts the arcanomagical energy to electromagnetic energy, and accelerates it down the barrel. The magnetic field releases the metal stake at 400 meters per second, then releases any excess energy."

Celestia looked at him. "And... how did you convert arcanomagical energy to electromagnetic energy?"

"I'm with the princess, even I don't know how to do that... and you made it fit within that thing?" Casta used her magic to look over it.

"That's patented, and hidden under lock and keep. It'd rather not rather not release the blueprints, because if anyone were able to mass produce what I have, it'd be, and I quote, 'Like giving cavemen a shotgun.'"

Everyone but Celestia looked around confused. "...Where did you hear that phrase from?"

"It was when I was working solo. I stumbled upon some weird creature. Kinda like a monkey but... sentient. Dark skin, white hair, metal arm, light blue eyes. He looked cool as hell, I'm not gonna lie. Anyway, he gave me some tips on how to make my armor, and came around recently to give me those blueprints. Told me not to share it under any circumstances. Then he said that phrase."

"...Everyone, could you leave Skystrike, my sister, and I? We need to be in private." Celestia said in a rather serious tone. They all quickly walked out the room, Celestia closing the doors behind them. "Skystrike, you have no idea what you just stepped into... You just met a human..."

"Alright, and that means?"

"You're lucky to be alive." She said flatly. "My sister and I met those humans over a thousand years ago... we thought we drove them out..." Celestia sat in thought for a moment. Skystrike gave Luna a look, is saying 'you know?' Luna nodded. Celestia released her breath. "Skystrike, what I'm about to tell you will not be allowed to leave this room, alright?"

Skystrike nodded. "Alright. Spill the tea."

"This is not the time to joke, Skystrike..." She held her head. "I made sure to wipe them from the history books. Long ago, even before my sister's banishment, we were approached by a new race. They came from the north, first showing themselves in the frozen wastelands outside the Crystal empire. Humans, like the one you just met. At first, they were peaceful, wishing to do trade with us. But of course we were wary. They... appeared seemingly out of thin air, a portal they protected at the edge of our border with the empire. Years went by, and the trades went well. New innovations, new foods, new experiences... but then everything changed."

Luna decided to continue for her sister. "We were asked for an audience with their leader at the time. They made their intentions clear. Their planets were dying, and they wished for a new home. When we declined, they spoke that they'd take it by force... My sister and I used our magic to push the hostiles back. Of course, it wasn't so one sided. Many of our ponies died by their hands, but the attackers were forced to retreat back to their world. A few of the humans were passive, wishing not to fight. Some left peacefully. Few were allowed to spend their last days on Equestrian soil. But once they went to their next life, we made sure they weren't remembered." Luna looked down when she said that last part. "None can remember the atrocities that the humans committed against us. They fought us with ruthlessness and brutality, caring not for our lives or their own. They only wanted to conquer..."

"Every trace of humanity, we destroyed, and made sure they had no way to come back to our world... or so we thought... 17 years ago, a human colt fell from the sky and into Canterlot. I saw it as an attack at first, thinking another great war was going to start. But this one was different. He spoke that it was a mistake the way he landed, that he just wanted to escape. But I couldn't take that chance. I held him in captivity until he decided he had enough and escaped... At first, I thought it'd be as easy as the humans a millennia ago... but it was more than I could've prepared for. He didn't rely on ballistic weaponry like their past generations... he could use magic. Our magic, while being resistant to ours. On top of that, the child could easily overpower the average pony at his age... couldn't be any older than ten. I knew it had to be a sleeper agent, and was just... lying to guarantee his safety." Then she stared directly into Skystrikes eyes. "He escaped the capital, and we haven't heard anything from him since. No rumors, no beast sightings, nothing... And now you're telling me he's been in contact with you for the past three years?"

Skystrike was not aware of all of that. He nodded as he continued to think over all that was revealed to him. "Yes... that's... a lot... So I think I get why you're worried. But I don't think he wants to take over your country. Apparently, he's been here this whole time and didn't do anything."

"He didn't do anything yet. He was able to escape me as a child. Imagine what he'd be able to do now!"

Skystrike looked at Luna, then back to Celestia. "I'm not going to act like I fully grasp your paranoia. But... maybe holding him captive and making him what's essentially a wanted fugitive isn't going to get him as an ally? Don't get me wrong, I get why you did it, but there is the chance for you two chat it out."

Celestia's ears perked up at that. "Tell you what, if you can convince the human to have a conversation with us in a private setting, I'll... hear him out."

Skystrike nodded. Right now would not be a good time to bring up how he and Tethys found a lab tracking him during his recent mission. He'll have to tell her as a human. But yeah, he completely understood why Celestia, did that to him with that added context. Basically, humanity tried to colonize them, and they were able to stop them. You know... he never was told what he was training for in that lab. It would completely make sense if he was supposed to take out alicorns like Celestia and Luna... Hell, he dealt with Cadence fairly easily without magic. Then again, neither were going for the kill. Skystrike finally decided to speak. "I'll see what I can do. I'll definitely ask him about what you told me. Pretty sure he hates humanity as much as you."

Then Luna cleared her throat. "Well, now that that matter has been dealt with, we have a more immediate matter that concerns you, Skystrike. We also feel it's best for you to know, dear sister." Skystrike couldn't help but notice the nervousness she said when she said that.

"Aight, what's the issue?" Skystrike asked as he looked at Luna, along with Celestia.

Luna shuffled in her seat. "We... when we entered your dreams to have our chat long ago... it made a... bridge between our minds. We're still not aware why the bridge was made, but thy problem that it is there..."

Skystrike tilted his head. "I don't see- oooooooh..."

Celestia looked between the two. "I... cant help but tell I'm missing some context here."

Skystrike looked at the princess of the night. "Well, since we're just revealing everything, you wanna tell her, or should I pull a Pinkie Pie? Fuckin... ass..." He said the last part under his breath.

Luna looked at the two in growing nervousness. "Dear sister... don't be too mad, but... when Nightmare Moon was defeated, her... grasp on our body was released. However, her influence on our mind has not completely disappeared."

Celestia processed that for a second, then grew angry. "Luna, are you trying to say that Nightmare Moon is not only alive, but can now get into his mind?"

"...Yes."

Celestia teleported next to Skystrike and took his face in her hooves. "Are you ok!? Are you feeling any different!? Any bad thought!? Voices in your head!?"

"Jesus Christ, Celestia, I'm fine!" Skystrike pushed her off. "Besides, Nightmare Moon is chill."

"...Sorry, I'm still not used to the modern slang... what is 'chill'?" Celestia tilted her head.

"We are also confused by that term." Luna nodded.

"Man, we need to get you two out more. I guess if I had to explain it, it means that she's... relaxed and cool at the same time."

"Skystrike, we believe you are being too generous towards her."

He shook his head. "I think you aren't giving her enough credit to be honest. I get that you two can't really trust her, but we should at least try. She has come by from time to time and stopped my nightmares."

"...This is news to us." Luna sat up. "And... thou art sure that she isn't playing you? Gaining thou's trust to break it later?"

Skystrike shrugged. "Being honest, I don't know. I just want to give her a chance to do better." Skystrike then looked at Luna. "Luna, when I first fought you in the Everfree... well Nightmare Moon, I promised I'd give you, and therefore her a chance. She hesitated when I said I'd be her friend. Call me naïve, but I feel that she has the potential to do better. A lot of the times, most ponies want to be better, but are never given a chance. Back then, I didn't even know you and Nightmare were separate beings. It'd go against my morals to deny someone who wants to do better. You two might not give her a chance, but I will."

"Then thou art a better pony than me." Luna admitted as the room turned to silence.

Once finished with his talk with the princesses, everyone waiting outside and immediately started hounding him with question. Skystrike answered most of their questions, but there were just so damn many. They talked about the battle he had with his two friends from highschool. Shining and Cadence felt a bit embarrassed, realizing that they were using tactics against Skystrike that Skystrike himself helped come up with. But Skystrike admitted they made it much better, only needing two ponies to do what they needed three to do back then. Then they admitted with a laugh that he was probably right about the PR they're going to have to go through because of that battle. They asked how his life has been so far, where Skystrike properly introduced him to his new friends, and what he'd been doing over the years he was presumed dead. The sun began to set as they all walked and talked, not having any destination.

Then Skystrike noticed the time. The bell rang through the city, signaling the new hour. Six p.m. "Hey, I'll meet you all at the train station before it leaves at eight. There's just one more thing I need to do."

Cadence raised a brow. "It's going to take you a few hours? Is it a mare~?."

"Cadence, you did this when we were kids." Skystrike stared at her. "For last time, I don't have a marefriend. If you keep doing this, I'm going to clap back."

"Aw~! He has a marefriend!"

"Tell me, what ever happened to that body pillow you had of Shining armor that you practiced kissing on? Is it still with that shrine you have of him, or did you finally realize how creepy it was and burn it all?"

She fell silent as she blushed from embarrassment. Shining looked at her, waiting for her response. "...It wasn't a shrine!"

"That's the only thing you correct?" Skystrike smirked as he flipped her off with his wings. "Yeah, idiot, I have SO much dirt on you! Shit yourself."

She covered her face, then gave a smirk of her own at what she was about to do. "You aren't the only one who has dirt... You know, you always did visit the red light district as you grew older. I wonder how much money you blew on the mares there?"

His friends all laughed at the spectacle in front of them Skystrike scoffed. "You have a vast misunderstanding of what I was doing. I wasn't spending money, I was making money. And I'm not embarrassed about it." They all stared at him. "Yeah, real awkward now, ain't it? As I said, shit yourself." Skystrike finished before flying off.

Assuming he remembered right, the pony he was going to visit lived near the stadium. It took about ten minutes of flying to get to his destination: a rundown house. Moss grew on parts of the walls and roofs, planks of wood were beginning to rot and fall off, and the stone fence he walked past was crumbling from the little weight he put on it. Skystrike knocked on the door, his hoof going through it. Damn, he made sure to hold back too.

A mare opened the door. She had a light yellowish gray coat, red mane and tail with purple highlights, purple eyes, and a cutie mark of a crescent moon and three stars. Her large pair of glasses was held together in the center with tape. Skystrike put up a hoof to wave. "Moondancer! Been a while since I've seen you in the flesh. How've you been?"

Moondancer looked up at him. "What do you want? I'm trying to study!" She asked, rather annoyed.

"Oh come on. I know it's been a couple years, but I should be able to visit an old friend. I hope you ended up getting my letters over these years." Moondancer sighed and turned back into her house. He took her not closing the door on his face as an invitation inside. Skystrike closed the door behind him. The first thing that he noticed was how many books were in her home. They filled every bookshelf, and the overflow was on nearly every surface from the floor to her couch to the tables.

The second thing he noticed was the stacks of mail on her coffee table. They fell in front of him as he walked by. They looked familiar. He picked one up with a hoof and flipped it over. It was one of his letters that he sent to her. He checked the date. Four years ago... He looked through the rest of the stack. They were all his letters. From the first one he sent to the one last month. At least the first few dozen were opened. He checked the date of the oldest unopened one. If he remembered right... it was her birthday. Almost two years ago, right before the summer sun celebration. Skystrike took of his helmet. "...Moondancer, I know I don't really have the right to ask you what happened after I just left like I did, but... you're going through something. I'd like to... at least try and help."

Moondancer sighed, using her magic to start a pot of tea in her kitchen as she moved the books of the couch and sitting down. "What do you think you'd be able to do to help me? Send me more letters, acting like you care?"

Skystrike tried not to take that jab personally. "I do care, and while I don't know exactly how to help you, I want to try anything I can. I found out quite recently that just... bottling up my issues and pushing it under the rug will only hurt me more in the long run. I just recently found the roots of my problems and I'm starting to work towards making it better."

"And what, you think you can just walk in and help?" She grit her teeth. "You were 'dead' for years. You were my friend! You didn't even tell me why you died! And now you think you can just pop back into my life!? You've gotta be kidding me!"

Skystrike stayed silent at that. He had to admit, that was the reaction he was expecting from most ponies when he faked his death. He tried to find the best words for what he was about to say. "Your anger was- is completely justified. I've been a terrible friend to you. But I'd still like to help you. Even if it's just being somepony you can rant at for a while."

Her tea was done. She first levitated herself over some tea, pouring it into her teacup. Then she looked at Skystrike. "Buck it..." She got him a teacup too and put it on the table in front of him. "I'll tell you what's wrong..." She finished her tea in one sip before slamming her hoof on the table. "You were my best friend. We always had fun together, whether it was just studying, going to the park, everything we did together was fun. Then you went and pretended to kick the bucket. I thought I'd never see you again... All those who were left around me was Minuette, Lemon Drops, Lyra, Twinkleshine... and Twilight." She sighed as she took off her glasses and looked at the ceiling. "I closed myself off after you left. My best friend left me behind for whatever reason, only sending a few letters a month. But those girls didn't give up on me. They went out of their way to spend time with me, and I will admit, that along with your, it letters made me feel better. But then, my birthday came around. The first time I actually decided to have a party, threw it myself. Finally opened myself up to having friends again... and Twilight didn't show up. Just like you, you both just skipped town without even saying goodbye! We were supposed to be friends!" Moondancer tensed up. "She made me feel like I didn't matter! You made me feel like I didn't matter! I refuse to be hurt like that again!" Tears began to well up in her eyes, falling down her cheeks from the build up. "Minuette, Lemon Drops, Twinkleshine! They finally made me feel like somepony wanted to be my friend! And she didn't show up! And now you just want to walk back in like everything's bucking hunky dory!? Buck you! I'm done with friends!"

Skystrike stared at her huffing. Damn, he really fucked up this time. "...Moondancer, to be honest, I don't really know what to say besides how sorry I am... I've... recently come to realize how much I hurt those around me. I always doubted my self worth, and... I didn't think anypony would miss me. Over this past week, I've been trying to mend the mistakes of my past. My brothers, my sisters, my family..." Then he looked at Moondancer. "Old friends... I don't want to leave any of you again. It wouldn't be fair to them, or you. I don't expect your forgiveness, your understanding, or anything... I... just want you to be happy." He felt a pain in his chest. "I-... I noticed you stopped reading my letters since back at your birthday party... If the pain I put you through is so great, I... I understand if you don't want to see me ever again. I just wish to help you."

"Then help me understand, why did you fake your death?" She wiped her tears with her hooves.

Skystrike nodded. "When I was at Canterlot highschool, a pony named Blueblood, my adoptive brother, had it out for me. Still don't know why exactly he did it, but he burned down the orphanage I used to live at to get to me. He said it to my face at the Gala. At the time, I-... I thought the best course of action was to take myself out of the equation. I didn't want to put anypony else in danger because of me. I don't say this to make you feel guilty, but just so you can see my perspective."

Moondancer's tears started flowing again. She was still angry. "Well... at least I know why now." She stood up and walked over to the stallion before hugging him, crying into his sweatshirt. "I've missed you... so much! The book readings we had, the play dates, the games we played... why'd it take you this long to come visit you bucking asshole!?" She said between the tears. "I thought you didn't care... I thought it was just some prank, somepony sending me messages pretending to be you!"

"I'm sorry, Moondancer." Skystrike hugged her back.

"I don't want you to leave again... I don't know if I'm ready for friends again, but... I want you to stay."

"I promise, I wont disappear like that again. I'm so sorry."

"I know that... that we're different ponies now. It's been eight years... but I miss what we had..." She pulled her face out of his chest, looking up at him. "I know you have to go, but... will you stay with me until you do? Just hang out like the old times?"

Skystrike wiped her tears with a hoof. "I'll do you one better... My life seems to be getting busier, and I'll be in Canterlot more often. I'll make sure to visit you. I'll even introduce you to my family. Hell, if you want, we can bring over our other school friends."

"I'd like that, but... I'd like it even more if it was just us two for a while. I'm... still not sure about them. I know they mean well, but... I can't bring myself to see them again." Moondancer began to push herself off of him.

Skystrike pulled her into a deeper hug. "I get it... went through the same thing when thinking about how to approach my friends. I'm... I'm glad to have met you, Moondancer."

"...Can we stay like this? Just a little longer?"

"Of course. It's the least I could do."

Time passes by

A month has passed since Skystrike's visit to the capital again, but he didn't regret it. A few bridges have at least begun to be rebuilt. Celestia smiled at the memory as she looked at the letter she got from him. He began sending letters to her and her sister. Partially as a way to get closer, and to check in on Nightmare moon. She shuddered at the thought of that name. Celestia still hated her for what Nightmare did to her sister. She didn't want the same to happen to Skystrike... Then she shuddered at the thought of how terrifying a Nightmare Skystrike would be. He already handle Shining Armor and Princess Cadence... easier than she thought. All he came out of that fight with was some sore muscles.

Speaking of, Celestia had to admit he was right about the PR that they all had to go through. In hindsight, it was not a good idea to have him take them both on. But in her defense, who'd expect one pegasus to take on a Captain of the royal guard and an alicorn. Morale within the ranks has dipped a little, the guards feeling as if their efforts in training hasn't been worth it. Took a bit of persuasion to raise their spirits back up. Needless to say, her guard did not have a good impression of Skystrike.

That reminded her, the airship came in. One larger than she expected him to need. A private one normally fit about a dozen or so ponies, but the one Skystrike asked for could easily fit thirty. When asked why he needed such a big one, Celestia was given an answer that made sense. It wasn't just for fun, he planned on travelling, and he'd need a lot of storage. Plus, bigger ones would be more comfortable for Tethys and him, given their sizes. Each of them took up the space of three ponies easily.

"Sister! I'm about to read Nebula's letter!" Celestia called for Luna. Luna teleported into the throne room and sat next to her. They finally opened the letter Skystrike sent her and Luna, reading through it.
Dear Princess Celestia and Luna
Because I have to send these through Spike, your faithful student Grape Juice, is giving me tips on how to write.
Of course, I sent a dummy one within this just so she'd get off my ass, so that's why this one is much less formal.

Celestia checked the other sheet of paper in the letter, and indeed, saw that it was written more like Twilight's style.
Just so you know, I'm gonna call you silly little names in here. I'll think of some next time. Onto the more boring stuff.
Sorry again about Bonbon. Kinda knew for a while, but in my defense, I don't like being spied on.
Things are going fine here. I told the local school teacher here that I'd teach the foals about physics, so that's happening. Still waiting for that guy to find me so I can set him up to meet you.
I'm gonna rat on Twilight real quick. She, Rarity, and Stardust got drunk at my house. It was really fucking funny because your ever faithful student is a really honest drunk. Said something about 'laying off the hayburgers, or my flank will look like Celestia's. And I'm not gonna lie, I see you eat sweets like it's nothing. I don't know how alicorn metabolisms work, but maybe slow down the intake? You look like a wedge from the top view. Like, it's kinda impressive how it only goes back there.

Celestia blanked at that part while Luna caught up to where she was and giggled. "Luna, not a word."

"You must admit, he's right."

Celestia sighed and hid a chuckle as they continued reading.
Luna, if you're reading this with your sister, you aren't much better. Your money does NOT fold. Actually, I'm not sure if you know what I mean by that, but you can figure it out given the context. Ponies only think it's small because you're always with Celestia.

This time, it was Celestia's turn to laugh, seeing Luna's face and making herself laugh even harder.
Anyway, mild rant out of the way, I realized we need to get you two out more. I want to make so many jokes, but they go over your heads because Celestia works too much, and Luna needs to know how to interact with ponies. Interacting with ponies through your jobs don't count. I could tell from last month and how much you two wanted to see a fight that you two are overworked. I already know a way for you two to get away for a day or two. Just meet me in Ponyville, I know you two can teleport.
Nightmare Moon is doing fine. Hasn't been a problem. Wish I could get more out of her than annoyed grunts. She did hint at wanting to talk a bit about a week ago. I'm going to keep trying. I'll tell you two how it goes.
Oh yeah, another reason I wrote this letter. I sent something to Shining a couple weeks ago, as well as to a record company. You two should go check on him.
I can already imagine your faces.
Nebula

Celestia and Luna looked at the letter, then to each other. They were suspicious of that last line. "Sister, do you... have a bad feeling?"

Luna nodded. As if on queue, a guard burst into the room. "Princesses!"

Celestia nearly jumped out of her seat at the entrance. "What is it, Shining Armor?"

He started huffing, as if he ran for a long time. "It's... It's Nebula!... hah..." Shining said as he put down a speaker. "He... one of the guards under me... I found him listening to this... I don't... I don't even know how to explain it!"

"We'd hardly think that the simple listening of music would cause such an... outrage." Luna straightened her posture and tiara.

"Just... just listen!" Shining Armor pulled out a vinyl titled "Menace - Sun and Moon" and put it into the player.

An aggressive beat started playing as Skystrike began announcing himself. "AAAAAAAAAYOOOOOOOOOO! MENACE ON THE MIC! DJ PON3 ON THE BEAT!! WOOOOOOOOO!"

Celestia looked at the guard, hiding a laugh behind her hoof. "Is this- is this Nebula? What is..."

"Just listen, princess..." Shining coughed as Skystrike began rapping.

"HA! HA!
Do you wanna die? Cause Imma take your soul back! Baby I'm the reaper!
HA! HA!
Keep it to the side, I got my bitch actin priest, way she touchin on my wiener!
HI! HI!
I'm a really nice guy, Imma shake your hoof first, Like it's really nice to meet ya!
HA! HA!
They call me that guy, way I act like a menace, and your future looks bleaker!"

"Up first!" The beat stopped for a moment as he spoke with autotune.
"And without further delay~!
Luna!
It's time for your D-day!
Heh! Heh!
She in the dark, silhouette! Neck long as a clarinet, and no hoes try'na play!

The deep dream browsin, age in the thousands,
Old talkin pone, Royal Canterlot mouthin,
The real time yammer, oh my, foul cur!
I call her big moonpie, she built like a graham crackerrrrraaaaaaaaaaah!" He roared as it continued into the chorus.

"HA! HA!
Do you wanna die? Cause Imma take your soul back! Baby I'm the reaper!
HA! HA
Keep it to the side, I got my bitch actin priest, way she touchin on my wiener!
HI! HI!
I'm a really nice guy, Imma shake your hoof first, Like it's really nice to meet ya!
HA! HA!
They call me that guy, way I act like a menace, and your future looks bleaker!

Celestia like Edison, her forehead like a lightbulb!
I am not brazilian but ja ja when her eyes close!
Buckin up these lyrics, just like her wrinkles we hide those!
Booty way to big, so she probably need some lipo!

Yeah! Whoa! This a light show!
Yeah Whoa! I hit a nice pose!
Put em up, run them hooves, knock them down,
They ran fade like its a mugshot, but I put them in the ground like!

HA! HA!
Do you wanna die? Cause Imma take your soul back! Baby I'm the reaper!
HA! HA!
Keep it to the side, I got my bitch actin priest, way she touchin on my wiener!
HI! HI!
I'm a really nice guy, Imma shake your hoof first, Like it's really nice to meet ya!
HA! HA!
They call me that guy, way I act like a menace, and your future looks bleaker~!"

The throne room went silent as the rap ended. It was... indeed one of the music's of all time. Celestia turned to her sister. Luna looked back. "Guards, could you... leave us for a time? We must speak about this in private." Celestia said with a cold face before each guard quickly left the room. The two sisters looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Celestia was stomping her hoof on the ground while Luna nearly fell out of her throne, both using the royal Canterlot voice accidently. "He made a diss track???" Celestia said between laughs.

"We are not sure what a 'diss track' is, but that was amazing! One of the best things we've experienced since we've returned!" Luna cleared her throat and sat up. "Did you hear what he spoke? Forehead like a lightbulb? HA!"

"He got you too, 'Moon pie'! Ahaha! Oh my gosh, that was great!" Celestia giggled as the laughter began to die down. "Well, putting the humor aside, we should probably do something about this... Honestly, I'm surprised it took this long for a pony to do this."

"Indeed. It only takes one pony to influence a nation. While Skystrike did it in good fun, we would not like the common pony speaking about us that way." Luna nodded. "Should we make a public statement?"

Celestia shook her head. "No, at least not yet. We shouldn't bring more attention to it."

"Sister, one of our guards already listens to it. And we must admit, as the ponies of these times say, it goes hard. We do not doubt that it has spread throughout the ponies."

"Do not worry, we shall speak to him when we deliver his airship today, along with the dragon bodies from the north."

Meanwhile, Skystrike was pulling a small wagon of wooden stakes, plastic buckets, shower lining, packaging tape, plastic bolts and screws, small funnels, and some bungie cords. Enough for 30 colts and fillies. There were only 18 kids right now, but you know, kids break things. He spent a week practicing the presentation, making it engaging while also having the kids learn things. Projectile motion should be fairly easy.

Skystrike knocked on the schoolhouse door, straightening the suit and tie he was wearing. Cheerilee answered the door. "Perfect timing! We've just finished lunch." She welcomed him in. "Kids, lets give a warm welcome to our speaker for this month, Mr. Nebula! He'll be giving us a talk on introductory physics!"

The kids clapped for him as he put down the wagon and flipped the chalkboard to the black side. "Thanks for having me, kids. Now, I'm not gonna talk to you all for an hour on end, we're gonna make things a bit fun. So, let's start with the basics. You all will be able to pick up on this quick. Who knows about Newton's laws of motion?" The kids looked at each other in confusion. "Don't worry, it's ok to not know. That's the process of learning! So there are three laws of motion, and they affect everything in life, and I mean everything."

Skystrike began writing on the board. "Newton's first law: The law of inertia, states that a body at rest stays at rest, and a body in motion stays in motion, unless acted upon by an outside force." He finished and then took out a rubber ball. "Allow me to show you a demonstration. This ball has been enchanted with levitation magic." Skystrike carefully let go of the ball, the item floating in air. "Can anypony tell me why this body isn't moving?"

A colt named Pipsqueak raised his hoof. Skystrike pointed to him. "Because there's... no forces acting upon it?"

Skystrike nodded, "Nice job!" and threw a piece of candy. "Now, who can tell me what a force is? Give me an example." Many, many more kids raised their hooves. "Archer!"

"A force is something that can move something! Like gravity!"

Skystrike threw him a piece of candy. "Very good! Force is a magnitude with a direction. Gravity is a perfect example, and something that we all experience! For example..." He bought out a different ball and dropped it, the ball bouncing a few times before stopping. "As you see, the only force acting on this ball in gravity, which is why it slows to a stop. Now, I push this levitating ball to the side, what will happen?" He pointed to filly. "Sweetie Belle?"

"It will keep moving until something stops it!"

Candy was thrown. "Right!" He pushed the ball, it slowly moving to the back of the classroom, it bouncing back for Skystrike to catch it in his hoof. "Vertical and Horizontal forces are different from each other, and act independently. That sums up the first law of motion. Now, Newton's second law of motion is pretty simple, F=ma, where F is the force in newtons, m is the mass of an object in kilograms, and a is the acceleration in meters per seconds squared." He wrote the equation and terms on the board. "Write this down, you'll need it later. So, anypony know what mass is?" He pointed to a hoof. "Featherweight?"

"Miss Cheerilee said mass is how much matter something has!"

"Nice job." Skystrike threw another piece of candy. "A perfect example! Now, who knows what acceleration is? Scootaloo!"

"How fast something changes speed?"

Yeet. "Very good. So from that, we can infer that if something moves at a constant speed then there is no force generated by the object. Now..." He began writing on the board again. "That brings us to Newton's third law: Action and Reaction. For every force, there is an equal and opposite force. Equal in the magnitude of the force, opposite in the direction. So, back to the levitating ball. If I throw it at the wall again, and it bounces back..." He did so. "Why does it bounce back to me? Twist?"

"Because there is an equal reaction from the wall!"

"Great job!" Skystrike threw her a piece. "The wall exerts a force on the ball, sending it back with nearly the same amount of force. The wall doesn't move because it's mass is much larger than the ball. This sums up nearly everything we need to know to have fun today. Any questions so far?" He looked around the room, seeing a few fillies and colts raise their hooves. "Applebloom, what's up?"

"How did the ball bounce back? I don't get the physics behind it."

Skystrike nodded. "Alright, think of it like this." He made a drawing of a ball on the chalk board, the ball having an arrow in it pointing towards a drawn wall. "While the ball is moving towards, it has a constant velocity. While the ball is moving away from the wall, it has the same velocity, but in the opposite direction. That means when it hits the wall, the velocity is getting smaller, and at a certain point, the velocity is zero. But, the force from the wall comes in, and the velocity of the ball increases in the opposite direction, towards where the ball came from. Remember, acceleration is a change in velocity. Does that make sense?" Applebloom nodded. "Any more questions?" He looked around the room, and no more hooves were raised.

Then Skystrike began writing some equations on the board. "So, for today, we're just going to stick with projectile motion in two dimensions. We'll need a few equations. First, velocity, in meters per second, is the distance the projectile went in meters, divided by how long the projectile travels in seconds. Velocity is v, distance is s, and time is t. Next, it's starting to get a bit complicated, but you all are smart. s=vit+at2/2, vf=vi+at, vf2=vi2+2ax, and finally, x=t(vi+vf)/2." He finished writing on the board. "vf is the final velocity, and vi is initial velocity. So, I'll have you all do a quick problem, and you all can work together! When everypony is finished, then we'll make air vortex cannons!" He wrote his question on the board as he spoke. "If a ball is thrown on flat ground with a horizontal velocity of 20 meters per second and a vertical velocity of 20 meters per second, at what time will the ball be at it's highest, how high can the ball get, and how far does the ball travel before it lands? Think it through, I'll give you all about ten minutes. Ask questions if you have any."

Skystrike chugged a bottle of water as the kids got into their groups and began trying to work out the problem. Should be pretty easy, the answers being 20.39 meters, 81.57 meters, and 2.04 seconds respectively. He sat next to the chalkboard as he waited, looking around the school house, seeing the ponies go into their groups. Spike seemed to make pretty good friends with Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. Spike quickly got down the answers, no doubt from always being with Twilight. He was actually explaining how to do all the problems pretty well.

Meanwhile, he noticed another group consisting of Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon. He had to admit, Silverspoon had a good head on her shoulders, but she was a follower, while Diamond Tiara was a leader. The grey filly was doing all of the work while trying to explain to Tiara why she was right... She'll have to learn to go her own path sooner or later.

Soon the ten minutes passed, and after answering some questions he clapped his hooves to get everypony's attention. "Alright, so how does everypony think you did? I'll work these out quickly on the board. First, how high can the ball get? We'll need to know how long the ball was in motion for. If its initial velocity was 20 meters per second vertically, and when it lands, the final velocity is zero, and the only force acting on it is gravity, we'd use the equation vf=vi+at. We can rearrange the equation to solve for time, t=(vf-vi)/a. Plugging in everything, the ball has a total flight time of 4.08 seconds." He wrote on the board. "Since the ball was thrown from flat ground and landed on flat ground, that means at half the time of 4.08 seconds, the ball is at the highest point. This is because the only force acting on the ball is gravity. This also means that at this point, the vertical velocity is zero. With the time of 2.04 seconds, where the ball is at the highest, we can use the equation s=vit+at2/2 and solve for the distance s. Plugging in everything..." He wrote out the math on the board. "We get a height of 20.39 meters. Everything make sense so far?" The fillies and colts nodded. "Great! Now, a show of hooves on who can explain how far the ball travels?" Only one raised a claw. "Spike?"

"Using the equation you just used at the end. There's no other force acting on the ball, so acceleration is zero. Now the equation is just s=vit. We were given initial velocity and we just found time. So the distance it travels before it lands is 81.57 meters."

He threw the dragon a piece of candy. "Very good! Now, I get this may have been a little boring, so here comes the fun part." Skystrike went to his wagon to retrieve a large trashcan with a hole cut in the bottom. "This... is an air vortex cannon. It's best if I show you, then explain how it works after. I'm going to put a piece of dry ice inside this just so you can see the air flow." He did so and pulled back on the plastic covering the top of the vortex cannon. When he released his grip, a ring of air flew out in front of the chalk board, some chalk dust being flung away when it hit. The kids oo'd and ah'd in amazement. "Pretty cool, right? So why did that just happen, the vortex? It's because of something called Bernoulli's principle. It basically means when fluid is moving fast, it is forced to have low pressure. When slow, the fluid has high pressure. When the air is pushed out of these air vortex cannons, it creates fast moving air. Low pressure air. But because the moving air is around slow, high pressure air, if forces the vortex to stay together and stay going straight." Skystrike then aimed his air vortex cannon at Cheerilee, making her squint as the vortex blasted her and the kids laugh. "Now, who wants to make their own?" The kids cheered as Skystrike began passing around the items they would need.

The kids were all outside. It took about an hour of explaining how to build them, cutting the wood for the handles for the kids, and drilling everything that needed drilling, but they were done. Each filly and colt had their own DIY air vortex cannon. Skystrike used some colored smoke so the kids can better see the vortexes. But it was all done. Now, Skystrike was sitting with Cheerilee, the two having a rather late lunch. Skystrike broke the silence as they ate. "So, hope I did a good job?"

Cheerilee nodded. "Oh, you did great! Much better than most of the ponies who volunteered. Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything more than a talk and a few problems. Also, if you don't mind me saying, you clean up well." She pointed at his suit and tie.

"Thanks for the compliment. Figured I'd try to make others enjoy something as much as I do. But the way you said that got me curious... who all was before me?" Skystrike stopped mid bite.

"Well, there was Rarity, Bon bon, Redheart, Ivory Scroll, Junebug, Roseluck, and Twilight was the most recent one."

He chuckled. "You know, I don't think I've met Junebug. Anyway, I guess Twilight just talked at the kids for like an hour?"

"Two actually." Cheerilee chuckled with him. "Magic studies is important, but it wasn't very interactive. You really went all out for yours. I might have to ask you again a couple months down the line."

"Maybe. I'm planning on going on a long trip. But if I'm here and you need a pony, then I'm for it." Skystrike agrreed as he looked at the kids playing with each other. "Hey... has Diamond Tiara... always been a problem? I'd say Silverspoon too, but Tiara doesnt seem to treat her too well either. It's kinda like Silverspoon is just stuck in the ditch she dug with Tiara."

Cheerilee cringed. "Yeah... honestly they'd both be good kids if it wasnt for Diamond Tiara, and for her mother, Spoiled Rich."

"...Real quick, was was her maiden name?"

"Spoiled Rich? Milk."

Skystrike stared. "Her full name is Spoiled Milk? Damn, now I feel bad for her... Anyway, give me a heads up if something happens. If the Richs try to strongarm you with money or funding, make sure I'm the first to know."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I'd rather you not hurt anypony."

"I never said I would. I have my own connections with Filthy Rich from years ago. He owes me a debt. But that's a story for another time. Maybe at the bar later this week?"

"Sure. By the way, Ivory wont be able to come, but Redheart is bringing some of her nurse friends. That all good with you?"

Skystrike nodded. "Fine by me. Let's just not get drunk this time." He said as he bit into his food. Skystrike looked at the kids out in the distance, blasting each other with their new toys. "Hey, can I ask you a weird question?"

"Sure, go for it."

"I didn't grow up interacting with many ponies, so I don't really know too much about our society. After word spread around town about what you, me, and Ivory did, I wasn't really sure, so I figured I'd ask somepony I did it with, how... open are ponies about intercourse? Because that spread too fast."

Cheerilee chuckled. "You say that like you aren't a pony yourself. Mares are pretty open about it, but only the ones who can get it. You were my first stallion, admittedly. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I could be wrong, but it feels like a lot of mares are trying to hit on me. I'm dense as hell apparently, so I don't know. I just ask you because you're one of two ponies I've actually laid here. And... sorry your first was under the influence." He sighed.

"Don't worry about it. And there are some I know who have an eye for you, but probably most are just going for you since you seem like an easy lay... There's only a dozen or so stallions. Stallions can be picky, so when something like that happens, everypony shoots their shot."

"That makes-... wait, so mares think I'm a whorse then?" Skystrike looked at her.

"That isn't the right word for it... you aren't getting paid. Well, slut doesn't exactly fit either... you're not really open for sex, but you aren't super picky with your partner, and up for something casual."

"Yeah, I guess there isn't a word for that." He chuckled a bit. "Honestly, I'm kinda asking because I'm still thinking about getting into a relationship. Ignoring what I want to work on myself for, I also need to get used to societal standards with it. Most of the years where I could've learned that were when I was alone."

"Oh... well... if that's the case you should... probably know about this." Skystrike looked at the mare with a tilted head. "Some griffons I've met weren't fond of the idea. Well, you... might not have to deal with this, given your... stamina, but it's a bit of an unspoken rule that if a mare in a relationship isn't satisfied, she finds other partners."

"...I'm going to try not to judge. Is that normal? Like, each partner allows it?"

"Well, sometimes? It depends. Few are exclusive. Most mares respect their partners to get help from the herd. Some go for other stallions, often with their coltfriend or husbands permission like Mrs. Cake, or you know... cheating."

Skystrike blinked. "...Ignoring that Mr. Cake is a cuck, Things are starting to make a lot more sense. Thanks for telling me without making it awkward. I appreciate it."

Cheerilee nodded. "No problem." Then she shuffled in place. "...Can I ask you something?"

"Go for it."

"If you do decide to start a herd, could you keep me in mind?"

Skystrike thought about a lot of things when he was asked that. "You know... gotta respect you for shooting your shot. I'll keep you in mind, you are pretty cute, but it's a really big if. I'm... going through a lot right now. I... don't want to make any long term commitments at the moment. That being said, if you want me as a coltfriend, you gotta make me want you, else it'll seem like I'm with you out of pity"

Cheerilee gave an awkward chuckle. "You say that like you're going to die." Skystrike looked at her. "...Wait are you kidding? Oh my gosh, Nebula, I'm so sorry!"

"...My automated response is 'don't worry about it', but that's an insane thing to say." He sighed. "Please try not to tell anypony, I've only told one so far. There's a lot I still need to sort out. Before you ask, the only thing you can really do is treat me like you normally do. I want my last years here to be good ones."

"Oh... a-alright. I'll try my best."

"That's all I ask." Skystrike stood up and straightened his suit and tie. "I promised their sisters that I'd take Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom home. I'll make sure Scootaloo gets home safe too, I got a few things to do in town."

"Alright, but if there's anything you want to talk about, I'm willing to listen." Cheerilee offered as Skystrike began to walk away.

"I might take you up on that offer. I'll see you friday, Cheerilee." Skystrike cleaned up his trash and threw it in the trashcan as he walked to the kids playing together. "Hey, I promised everypony I'd get you all home at a reasonable time. You all got everything ready?" Each of them blasted him with their air vortex cannons. Skystrike couldn't keep a straight face. "Glad you're all enjoying those things."

Spike jumped on Skystrike's back with his tail wrapped around his cannon. "Yeah we are! These are great!"

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all ran around him. Sweetie Belle pouted. "Aw, how come only Spike gets to ride on your back?"

"You all can hop on, I'm not stopping you." Skystrike lowered his body for the rest of Spike's friends to jump on. "So, Applebloom, I'll be dropping you off first, then we'll turn back around and drop everyone else off." Skystrike said as he began walking towards the orchard. "I hope you all learned something today."

"Yeah! It was really fun too! I can't wait to blast granny with this!" Applebloom aimed her cannon to nothing in particular and released.

"...Oh yeah, I do have to deal with your granny... hopefully she's inside." Skystrike said under his breath. Then he noticed something.

Scootaloo was humming a tune to herself. "Hey, Mr. Nebula, what was that song you sang back when you were at Canterlot a month ago? I read about it in the newspapers, and Pinkie Pie played a recording of it. Where's it from?"

"Bruh, she recorded that?" Skystrike sighed. "Well, to answer your question, back when I was in highschool, my friends wanted to do a musical for a talent show. I wanted a choreographed sword battle. So, we decided to do both. I was in charge of the lyrics, they were in charge of the script. I played the villain, and my friends the heroes. The version Pinkie recorded was a version with newer lyrics to better show the beings in my group."

"Cool! I read the whole article about your fight too! Well... tried to. Rarity didn't let me finish. You're really strong! How'd you make that thing to break their shield?"

"Well, Physics, actually. It's a lot to learn, and different paths of study you'd have to go down, but it's similar to what I taught you all. It's actually a really interesting field to study." Skystrike could see the Barn in the distance as he reached the peak of a hill.

"Hey, what's Ms. Tethys like? I see her around town sometimes, but I never get to say hi." Scootaloo asked. "I see her flying with Rainbow Dash sometimes! Is she a good flyer?"

"Tethys is pretty chill. Heh, pun not intended. I didn't know she spent that much time with Rainbow. I've been holed up in my own studies for the past few weeks. Tell you what, we might see her on our way through town. I'll let you see for yourself." Skystrike stopped right in front of the barn. "Oh, what timing, hey Applejack."

The mare in question was walking out of the barn balancing a barrel of apples on her back. "Howdy, Nebula, howdy kids! Thanks for droppin' off Applebloom for me. Big Mac ain't feelin' to well."

"Well no prob, and hope he feels better. If it's medicine, I can see if Zecora can whip up something?" Skystrike let Applebloom down, the filly running inside.

Applejack was about to answer, but a voice was heard from inside. "Applejack, is that that young whipper snapper yer' always talkin' about?"

"Applejack, I am not dealing with her today."

"Granny, leave Nebula alone!" Applejack turned to look at the barn's door.

"Oh don't be like that! A stallion like him just needs a mare to get 'em in line! Show him who's boss!"

Skystrike blinked. "Oh god, she is old. Applejack, we're leaving now." He turned on his heels and started walking at a faster than normal pace.

Applejack hat to trot to keep up with him. "Sorry 'bout her. I'll try talking to her about it again. Thanks again for visiting the farm, despite that. Ya have no idea how lonely it gets sometimes."

"Hey, don't mention it. I know how it feels." Skystrike shook his head. "So, what's got you out and about?"

"Well, Tethys really liked my apples, and she wanted some more. Just out to deliver 'em. I'm flattered, honestly. No pony- er, body has liked my apples this much in years!"

"The sweet ones?" Applejack nodded at Skystrike's question. "Makes sense. She has a massive sweet tooth. Apparently the only sweets they have in the dragon lands are gems."

Spike jumped in at that. "What are the dragon lands like? What are other dragons like? So far, Tethys is the only other one I've met."

Skystrike paused at that. "I'm... not sure how to best answer that. Most dragons don't even leave their lands or seas. The ones that have, like Tethys or Kyne Lok from those months ago on the mountain, are outliers. I haven't been to the lands myself. Just... don't expect other dragons to be like Tethys. She's grown a lot since I've met her."

"Oh... alright." Spike said a bit disappointed.

"Hey, don't sound too sad. I'm sure Tethys can tell you a lot about dragons. They have a rich history if you're willing to listen to her for a while. She's been around for over 300 years, after all."

"Three hundred?" Scootaloo's jaw dropped. "Dragons live that long?"

"Actually, Tethys is considered young for a dragon. The dragon me and Applejack saw that was spewing out smoke was in his eight thousands. I don't know how their life expectancy varies, but from what some texts imply, there's a few dragons who are older than even the princesses, and we don't know their ages."

"That's... weird to think about, how I'll live so long." Spike rubbed his chin in though. "One week already goes by so slow..."

"Well, something you, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo should know: time goes by faster and faster as you get older." Applejack laughed.

"Wonder how the princess's feel." Skystrike thought aloud.

"Hey, Nebula, mind slowin' down? It's a bit hard to keep up with yer stride." Applejack huffed.

Skystrike did so. "My bad, didn't realize I was walking so fast... At least we're in town. Scootaloo, we're here." Skystrike let her down.

Scootaloo jumped down before running inside with her new toy. "Thank you, Mr. Nebula!"

"Alright, Spike, Sweetie Belle, I'm gonna say this to you two specifically, Twilight and Rarity will *probably* get mad at the cannons, so... you can use them less around them and keep it for a while longer, or use it more and it'll be funnier." He got up and started walking again.

Spike and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, then smiled mischievously. Applejack couldn't help but laugh. "Nebula, you're a bad influence."

"Well... probably, yeah. By the way, Sweetie Belle, you know if Rarity is hanging out with Tethys? I haven't seen her all day."

"Uh, I think they went looking for gems? Rarity had her wagon this morning. But she should be back by now!"

Skystrike stopped in front of Carousel Boutique. He could hear voices inside. Skystrike let Sweetie Belle off. "Well, they're definitely here..." His voice trailed off as he saw something in the distance coming from Canterlot. It was a dot in the distance, but a quick zoom of his visor made out what it was. Skystrike knocked on the door. "Tethys! Meet me at home in... twenty minutes! It's coming!" Skystrike jumped with excitement, startling Spike. "Sorry, Spike... hey, Applejack, I'm gonna drop off Spike really quick. I'll see you later!" Skystrike began running.

Spike was holding on to his neck. "Nebula! Why are we going so fast!? What's happening!?"

"I made a bet and won! They're finally delivering it!" Skystrike stopped in front of Twilight's library. "I'll see you next time Spike!" Skystrike let the dragon off his back before jumping into the air and flying towards his house.

Naga, his pet Earth Basilisk, was a bit grumpy having to wake up so quickly just to make a landing area for his coming reward, but all it took was a promise of some of Pinkie Pie's cookies to get her to help out. Naga really liked her cookies. Skystrike, Stardust, Zecora, and Tethys who just landed from her flight over watched as the airship, his airship landed.

The air blew their hair back as the giant fan like wings folded inwards as it landed. He was glad he did all the paperwork over the last month so he could fully take in the glory of his ship. It was a sister model of the Lavender Spirit, though was much bigger in size. The rudders were a beautiful silver color, complementing the mainly raven black hull with patterns of wind painted on with sky blue and violet, the wind starting at the bow of the ship and reaching to the back in swirls. And of course, Skystrike couldn't ignore the massive balloon holding it up. Same colors as his ship, in the shape of a flying whale. On both the forehead of the whale and the front of the ship was the four pronged star they were known for.

It was even bigger than he expected. Nearly the size of his house. Skystrike could barely contain his excitement." Heheheheheheheheheh"

Tethys and Zecora's jaws dropped. Tethys decided to ask the obvious. "You got an AIRSHIP for winning that???"

"Heheheheheheheh"

Zecora rubbed her eyes to make sure she saw things right. "When you spoke of an airship, a notion so slick, I did not imagine it'd be like this, or so quick."

Stardust couldn't help but agree. "To be honest, him winning that fight is still setting in."

"I'm just that guy!" He laughed to himself. The four watched as a dozen ponies walked off the airship, then making way and bowing as Celestia and Luna walked off. The two stopped in front of Skystrike and looked at him with small smiles on their faces. Skystrike looked back. He already knew what this was about. "...HA! HA! Do you wanna die? Cause-"

The princesses couldn't help but snort. Celestia tried to speak, but covered her mouth with a hoof as she turned away to laugh some more. Luna spoke first this time. "We must admit, it was a catchy song. Also... we are not sure if it's a good or bad thing that your... 'diss track' was one of the first songs we've heard upon our return."

Celestia cleared her throat. "Excuse me. It was amusing, but we ask you not to do one like that again. We have reason to believe it's influencing others."

Skystrike waved a hoof. "Oh, it was a one time thing. The plan was just to get our names out there with something insane but catchy. And it worked! You know... I actually plan on making some more. If you two decide to come by anytime soon, we could collab... actually, do you two even know how to sing?"

"Nebula, I used to sing Cadence lullabies. And while it would be amusing, it'd depend on what we'd sing... preferably not my 'forehead like a lightbulb' or how 'my booty need lipo'." Skystrike tried to keep a straight face while Stardust and Tethys looked at him, wondering what he sang.

"We believe we can sing quite well. But we've always wanted to try this... rap music you do." Luna hummed.

"Zecora helped with the rhymes. She's great."

"Well, before we get too off topic, going back to the contents of your letter this morning, you spoke about us needing a break. While I admit, I haven't had one in decades, but it's very hard to find the time. What do you mean by getting us away for a day or two?" Celestia waved a hoof to dismiss the ponies behind her.

Skystrike took the hint and motioned for his friends to go inside the house. Once out of earshot, he spoke. "So, Celestia you two know how you feel like you baby your ponies too much?"

Celestia nodded. "...Yeah?"

"Luna, you know how you feel like the guard today is lacking discipline and is weaker than 1000 years ago?"

Luna nodded as well. "While it is a time of peace, we do feel that our divisions have gotten a bit... lax."

Skystrike sat down and started making various hoof motions. "So, and hear me out until the end for this, we stage a foalnapping?" Their eyebrows raised slowly. "I infiltrate the castle to show how easy I can get past the guard, and I 'foalnap' you two, and you two can hang out for... however long the guard takes to either find you, or the public gets restless. You'd still raise the sun and moon, but whatever logistics division will have to put off day and night court, so the ponies can think for themselves for a bit, instead of running to their mommies."

Celestia opened her mouth to protest, then put a hoof on her chin in thought. "Well, that is bare bones but... it could work."

"It'll only work if I can sneak past and into... well, what's the most guarded place in the castle?"

"Our bed chambers... surely you aren't suggesting you'd sneak into our chambers~?" Luna teased.

"I've done it before. And why you gotta say it like that?" Skystrike put his hooves on his hips in fake sass.

"He has done it before as a colt... I upped the security soon after too. It did show the gaps." Celestia admitted and kept thinking. "Very well, if you can sneak within our chambers within the next month, we will go along with your idea. Preferably not in the next week, as I have to talk to some trusted staff... as well as plan for anypony foolish enough to try and fill that vacuum of power."

Skystrike nodded. "Alright. And you know if anypony becomes too much of a problem, you can call on me. It's what I do." Celestia raised a brow again. "No, I wont kill, just threaten... Oh, speaking of ponies being a problem, are you allowed to tell me about what happened to Upper Crust, Caesar, and all the ponies up in that village?"

Luna smiled at that. "Well, Opal went back home the week after your spar with Cadence and Shining. Everypony is safe for now. While we weren't sure what to do with that dragon, Opal suggested that he goes back to the village with her for him to attempt to atone for his actions, and those of his brethren. They told us to give you their thanks once more. They actually sent a letter to us recently, wishing to name their village after you. We allowed it of course, dubbing it the Atlas Nebula mining town."

Skystrike smiled at that. "Huh... Well, I'm flattered."

Luna continued. "They've also sent back the materials from the dragon corpses, as well as some gemstones as a gift, all on your airship. We must admit, when we saw the pelts of the dragons, we were impressed by the amount you took down, as well as the size. We hope you do not mind that a sizeable amount was taken to pay the processors and transportation of the materials."

"As for Upper Crust, while I can't tell you too much, as the investigation is still ongoing, he has been stripped from his management of Atlas town. Count Caesar is also being looked into for his guards negligence." Celestia paused for a moment in thought. "...Because of this new opening in government, there is a chance for you to further protect those ponies if you wish?"

Skystrike blinked. "You... you're saying I should become a noble?"

Luna nodded. "To be quite honest, you already are in title. Just like Cadence and... Blueblood, you are part of royalty. As a prince, you can lay claim to a territory."

Celestia cleared her throat. "And to be honest, it would make our jobs easier if you did so. Until you reveal your identity, you'd have the title of a viscount. If you do decide to reveal yourself, your official title and power will be prince. Needless to say, you won't have as much political power as Cadence. You will have to serve in the guard for a time, however. Are you interested?"

Skystrike thought about it for a moment. "I'm... not against it. The politics part sounds like it'll be a pain though, especially since my gut is telling me Upper Crust and Caesar are working together, and I'm right next to the former..."

Celestia put up a hoof. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but I assure you it's much easier than you think. The hardest parts for you would probably be negotiations with other nobles, but you can get around that easily. And while Vanhoover might be hard to do trade with, once you get a train station running, it's smooth sailing. You'd also be the closest railway wise to Griffonstone. After a little while, you can simply put somepony in charge to do all the paperwork for you. You'd just need to sign deeds and the like."

"Doesn't sound... too bad, but I'll need some time to think about it. If it wasn't obvious with the airship, I planned on doing some traveling. Got some loose ends I need to tie up. I'd leave in about... two months, then be gone for a month, back a few weeks before the gala." Skystrike explained.

"Well, if that's the case, we believe it's best to wait for the gala, then for your coronation." Celestia looked at the sun, seeing it be about half past three. "We won't take too much more of your time, as some ponies are inside waiting to see you. We bid you farewell, Skystrike." Celestia smiled at him before changing to her Sunny Skies persona and walking towards Ponyville. Luna followed behind her, doing the same and turning into Starry Night.

Skystrike wondered who'd he'd see. He climbed up the ladder to his ship and walked from the main deck and opened the double doors. On the other side was two hallways to his left and right that lead to the lower decks of the ship. Directly in front of him was the captain's quarters, the door to it being half open. Well, if anypony was inside, they'd be there.

The pegasus pushed open the door to see some familiar, yet unexpected faces. "Huh, didn't expect to see you three here."

His friend Casta, and his sisters Dawnstone and Astral Night, turned to hug him. "Skystrike! How've you been?" Astral asked.

Dawnstone nuzzled his neck, but made sure to be careful to not ruin her makeup. "Hey, big brother! It's been a while!"

Casta used her magic to straighten her glasses. "Good to see you. How's the past month been treating you?"

Skystrike hugged them all back. "Good to see you all! I've been fine, just been busy. You wouldn't believe the month I had. But what brings you girls here?"

They all backed up from the hug as Casta spoke first. "Well, when the princesses notified me of you getting an airship, I thought I'd come visit. Astral, who began working as my assistant a few weeks ago wanted to come, and Dawnstone was free. But what I actually wanted to test was a long range teleportation magic circle. I've set up a test one within my tower, and it worked flawlessly, thanks to Astral's help! Now, we set up a bigger one in my tower, and I figured I could set one up here!"

"Oh, alright! Sounds good! Can you set it up within the airship? I plan on doing some traveling in a few months, and it'd be convenient."

Casta thought for a moment at the thought. "Well, it's... maybe? It would already take quite a bit of magic to teleport us from Canterlot to Ponyville... Teleporting while moving is also difficult, since normally a unicorn would teleport to a set location... I suppose if we had a magic anchor within this ship it would work in theory but... that would require magic equivalent to three unicorns specializing in magic."

Skystrike's ears perked up. "Actually, you know how I have no magic? And your theory of mana?"

"Yeah?"

"Turns out that I technically do have magic, but my 'mana' doesnt get turned into magic naturally like you all. If you can figure out a way to take out my mana and use it, it should be more that enough to power whatever." Skystrike explained.

Casta's eyes glistened. "Interesting! I've already been working on a mana extractor! We'll send you a letter once it's done! Could you go into more detail?"

"A bit later. I want to show you three around town. I think you'll like the place. You three plan on spending the night?" Skystrike rolled his wing joints.

Dawnstone nodded. "The plan was to find a hotel for a day or two. I took the next few days off. If you have room and you're offering, I'll stay." Astral and Casta nodded in agreement.

"Alright. I'll prepare the guest rooms later tonight." Skystrike stretched a bit. "But just try and remember to call me Nebula in public. Few ponies know who I am here."

Casta, Astral, and Dawnstone followed Skystrike around town as they talked. Their first stop was a late lunch... well another late lunch for Skystrike. Honestly at this point it was an early dinner, it being around three in the afternoon. They stopped by his house first before packing up the food and deciding to have a picnic in town.

Dawnstone began unwrapping her sandwich with her magic. "You know, I wasn't expecting to see Tethys again... You know, I never asked, what did you get all dressed up for? Had a date?"

Skystrike shook his head. "I did some volunteer work for the Schoolhouse. I was teaching introductory physics. That being said, in hindsight, I really didn't need to get dressed up."

"Damn... big brother doesn't get any mares..." She pouted, then laughed at the look Skystrike gave her. "Most stallions your age at least have some experience."

Skystrike side eyed her. "Dawnstone, I've literally haven't had the time."

Astral hummed. "That makes sense, but you should at least start looking. You're 25 and haven't had a marefriend yet. Most colts have had like three at least."

"Why the hell does every conversation I have with a mare end up being about me getting a marefriend?" Skystrike put down his food. "But if you two *must* know, I want to work on myself before I get into a relationship."

"Well, you've already got a few friends. What about them? And you've already grown a lot. Are you being realistic about the expectations you have for yourself?" Dawnstone said as she and Astral turned to face him.

"There's no way any of my friends are interested in me." He shook his head at the thought. "We're friends for a reason."

Dawnstone sighed and put her face in her hooves. "Dear Celestia, you're dense... Actually, let me ask this first: How many girls here do you actually know personally? Like, you've spoken to them personally, and not out of convenience?"

Skystrike thought about it, then began listing ponies. "Well... Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, Zecora, Tethys, Mayor Mare, Cheerilee, Vynil, Casta..." He felt like he was forgetting one. "Oh, and Derpy."

"...And you don't think any of them are interested?" Dawnstone pushed her hair back with a hoof.

"Well... I found out today that one of them is, but I told her I need to work on myself first... I'm... not the pony I come off as. I'll tell you about it another time. I'd rather move on from this."

Dawnstone huffed. "Fine, I'll leave you alone for now."

Skystrike was about to bite into his food again when a thunder cloud was kicked right above him, causing him and the mares around him to jump. The four looked up at the cloud, seeing a rainbow pegasus stick her head out laughing. "You should've seen the look on your faces! Bwaaahahahaha!"

Skystrike sighed and bit into his food. "Everypony, this is Rainbow Dash."

The mare in question landed in front of Skystrike. "Coolest and fastest pegasus in Ponyville!" Rainbow smirked as she struck a pose. "I see studinator finally got himself a herd!"

Skystrike groaned at the nickname. Astral and Dawnstone, who were cuddling at each of Skystrike's sides, looked at each other and began laughing. Skystrike scratched his head. "Rainbow, let me introduce you to my sisters Astral Night and Dawnstone. My friend sitting across from me is Casta Spell."

Rainbow's wings froze in place, slightly embarrassed. "Oh, uh... my bad?" Astral and Dawnstone laughed harder. "In my defense, I just heard around town that you came in with three hot babes."

"I hate this place sometimes. I just want to eat my fuckin food..."

"What do you mean by 'studinator'?" Casta tilted up her hat to look at Rainbow. "Nopony has explained it to me."

Skystrike stared at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow... I don't want to talk about that.

Rainbow smirked. "Nebula here bagged a threesome a month ago." Skystrike sighed in frustration.

Dawnstone chuckled. "And here I thought you had no game."

Skystrike looked at them, then stood up. "I'm... going for a walk. Don't follow me." He quickly stuffed the rest of his sandwich in his mouth before turning and walking off.

Their ears went back. Rainbow tried to call out to him. "Hey, w-wait!" She flew up behind him.

Skystrike turned and stomped his hoof and stared daggers at her, causing Rainbow to freeze and land on the ground. He growled slightly and began walking again. He'd like to keep his private life private, but of course, skittles thinks the whole thing is a big joke. Guess she wanted an audience too... He shook his head to try and get the thought out of his head. Skystrike walked aimlessly for a few minutes before he saw a familiar face. "Hey Pinkie, how's things?"

The pink mare with an umbrella hat on looked at him, then her tail twitched. "Oh no! Twitchy tail!"

"...What?"

"My tail is twitching! You know what that means..."

Skystrike tilted his head. "That... your tail is itchy? What else does it-" Skystrike didn't get to finish his sentence as his hoof went into a hole in the ground, causing him to trip and fall. "...Haaaaah..." He was tired of today.

Pinkie gave a sigh of relief. "At least it wasn't a bad fall." Pinkie helped Skystrike up. "I guess you haven't had to deal with things yet, so I'll explain it really quick. I have a Pinkie sense!"

Skystrike brushed some dirt off himself. "I see... so what does that entail? Your 'Pinkie sense'?"

"Well, if my tail twitches, that means something is going to fall! There's a lot... I'll tell you about it as it happens!" She smiled. Then her tail twitched again. "Neby! Be careful!" Pinkie dove under somepony's porch. Skystrike was about to say something, but narrowly dodged a falling flowerpot by jumping backwards.

"Sorry!" The two looked up to see where the voice came from. Roseluck gave a nervous smile. "Are you ok?"

"Uh, yeah, just be a bit more careful." Skystrike nodded, then turned back to Pinkie Pie. "You know, I'd normally say correlation does not equal causation, but I can't predict you... let's say I believe this sense of yours. What else can it predict?"

Pinkie rubbed her chin in thought and tapped her hoof. "Well... If my back hair stands up, that means watch out for pointy things. Or if my nose itches, it means watch out for bees!"

"All of these are... oddly specific. Is that normal?" Skystrike hid under the porch with Pinkie, as he noticed her tail was twitching again.

"Yeah, or at least I think so. I don't know anypony else who has these senses." Pinkie checked her surroundings as she dashed under a wagon. Skystrike decided to follow, looking slightly up to check for anything that could fall. The two traveled for a while, Pinkie hiding under and behind various different things. How she flattened herself to hide under a rock like flat Stanley, he had no idea. "Oh, by the way, word around town is you were seen with some mares?"

"Sisters and Casta. You met Casta." He said flatly.

"Yeesh... touchy subject?"

"I don't like when ponies keep 'teasing' me about relationships. Or my sex life. If I'm not fucking laughing about it, then I don't want to keep being teased about it. I'm lax about most things, but I have boundaries. Apparently, I just haven't shown where those boundaries are well enough." He sighed. "But it's my own fault... I'm not that good at sharing how I feel, and I end up pushing others away. I thought I was getting better but... I feel like I'm relapsing. And I don't want to go back..."

"Well... if it makes you feel better, you've gotten a lot better since you first moved here. I... still regret how I-... how this whole town avoided you for a while. Thank you for being my friend despite that." She got out from under a wagon and hugged him. "I know that my antics annoy you sometimes, but you still put up with me. I really appreciate it. You're... a much better pony than you think of yourself."

Skystrike return the hug. "It... it does help. Thank you, Pinkie. And also, it's not that you annoy me. It's actually pretty amusing most times. Sometimes, it's just a bit... much. Like that time you gave me a giant cupcake because the order I put in was written in capital l letters, and I will admit, in hindsight, It was pretty funny.

She let go of the hug and snorted before laughing. "What was funnier was that you committed to the bit and ate the whole thing there."

Pinkie's tail twitched as she went to grab it and hold it in her hooves. "Hmmm... Twitchy twitcha twitcha twitch..."

Twilight and Spike walked up to the two. The former spoke first. "Pinkie, Nebula, what in the wide, wide world of equestria are you two up to?"

"Oh, it's my tail, it's my tail! It's-a twitcha twitchin!" Pinkie shoved her tail in the unicorns face. "And you know what that means!"

"Actually, I don't have the slightest idea."

"It means my Pinkie sense is telling me that stuff is gonna start falling! You should better duck for cover!"

Twilight and Spike looked at each other. Twilight was amused, but Spike was a bit worried. "Oh Pinkie, it's not gonna rain! There's barely even a cloud in the-" Twilight was interrupted by a frog coming from the sky and slapping her in the face. Then it croaked. Skystrike could barely contain his laugh.

The three four looked up to where the frog fell from to see Fluttershy flying in the air with a wagon and saddlebags full of frogs. "Oh, I'm so so sorry! You ok, Twilight Sparkle? I just couldn't stand to see the pond getting so overpopulated, what with the frogs all hopping into each other and all, so I decided to fly as many as I can over to Froggy Bottom Bog."

Twilight got more and more annoyed as the frog crawled on her face. "Of course you did."

Skystrike processed what the pegasus mare said as he grabbed the frog on Twilight's cheek. "Hold on, you're telling me your going to that bog alone?" He flew up and put the frog in the wagon. "I'm coming with you. You wouldn't believe the shit that goes on there. Pinkie, Twilight, Spike, we'll catch up later."

Fluttershy smiled. "I'm sure I'd be fine, but I do appreciate the help!" Fluttershy said as the two began flying towards the bog. "I haven't seen you in a few days. How've you been?"

"Things have been... going." Skystrike admitted. "I was pretty busy with some stuff. Making armor, weapons, budgeting, new inventions... It's real tedious, but a bit fun. Admittedly, I was in my workshop for so long that I didn't realize how many days passed."

Fluttershy turned her head to look at him. "How long were you working for?"

"Uh... four days. In my defense, I got my work done."

Fluttershy gave a hesitant chuckle. "Try not to do it again... I worry for you sometimes."

Skystrike flew up to her side to keep with her pace. "Really? While I appreciate it, you really don't have to. I'm fine."

"Skystrike, I have a brother. Although he's... nothing like you, I know from him that when you say 'you're fine', that you actually aren't. What you actually mean is that 'you'll be fine', and none of us like seeing you hurt yourself."

"Damn... just pick me apart, why don't you? You're right though." He sighed.

"Do you... want to talk about it?" Fluttershy offered.

"...You know what... I do, but it's a lot to throw at a pony." He flipped on his back and began flying backwards as he stared into the sky. "The relationship I have with you and everypony else, I... don't want to ruin it... To be honest, I feel like I unconsciously push everyone I know away, because I feel like if I get to close, I'll end up hurting them... My friends, my family, they already got hurt because of what I did, and what I didn't do."

Fluttershy nodded. "I understand what you mean... about getting too close to others at least. It took me a while to open up to ponies besides Rainbow Dash... I still feel like my friends are just around me for convenience, but I know you all care. I just need to remind myself of that."

Skystrike sighed. "I've been doing that too, and it does help. I just... I cant really keep telling myself that when I feel like I'm lying to you all. I want something more than the friendship we're stuck with, because I'm too scared to break out of this... faux normality. But if I reveal to you what I really am, then our friendship could be bought into question."

The two landed in the middle of Froggy Bottom Bog. Skystrike rolled up his sleeves as he helped Fluttershy unload the frogs. The two pegasi did so in silence for a little before Fluttershy thought of the best way to answer. "Skystrike, I doubt there's anything that can ruin our friendship... You can tell me. I wont tell anypony."

Skystrike took in a deep breath, then released it as he sat down. "You may be surprised... this is going to sound stupid, but I can't exactly tell you my secret unless you have some idea of what I am. Some type of mental block I have."

"Is... this related to what you said about being a child soldier back at your party? You were serious about that?"

"I mean, where else would I get my arm?" He tapped his metal arm as he took off his helmet. "Honestly, all I can do is give you hints."

Fluttershy thought for a moment. "...You said 'what I really am'... so are you... not a pony?" Skystrike nodded. "Well that... is a lot to take in... wait, so you haven't been a pony since we met?" Skystrike shook his head. "So... that's... I'm confused... are you a shapeshifter? An illusionist?"

Skystrike nodded. "Something like that... do you know what a changeling is?" This time, Fluttershy shook her head. "Basically, they're like bug ponies that are naturally gifted in illusion. They're able to completely change their look into almost anything. Like ponies for example."

"So then... you're a Changeling? I don't see why you were so hesitant to tell me about that, especially since you introduced us to Tethys." Fluttershy tilted her head.

"Well, I do appreciate that, but you're a bit off the mark... I was raised by Changelings. I learned their magic, but to an... arguably better but more dangerous degree. They can make their illusions have a physical form. I change my biology through magic, if that makes sense..."

"A bit, yes... I'm just... trying to think it through... So you can use magic?"

"Not in the traditional sense... You for example, make magic subconsciously. I have to make it consciously."

"Like a unicorn?"

"I mean... kinda? Lets just say for simplicity, yes."

Fluttershy sat down in front of him. "I'm... I have no idea what you could be... some kind of alien?"

"Yes actually. Excuse me for a minute..." Skystrike took off his suit and tie, then used his magic to turn back into his original body. "This is what I am... I'm human." He shook his long grey hair out of his light blue eyes. "I wish I could've told you earlier but... I'm kinda on the run... Honestly, me admitting this to you is putting you in danger if the princesses find out."

Fluttershy, although a little scared of the sudden change in appearace, she hot a bit closer. "I've... never seen, or even heard of a creature like you. Are you... humans normally so big and muscular?"

"No, most humans are about six inches shorter than me. As for my muscles, they're all natural. I'm not able to transform into something smaller than me, and it takes a lot of mana to generate mass." He explained.

Fluttershy couldn't help but chuckle. "That explains why you were so hard to drag to your house a month ago..." Skystrike smiled at that. "But I do have... a lot of questions..."

Skystrike nodded as he crossed his legs. "Ask away."

"How many have you told besides me? And... why tell me now of all times?"

"That... I've revealed my secret to Tethys, Zecora, and Rainbow Dash in that order. I plan on telling each of our friends, but it's... hard finding the time. Answering the second part, it's because I'm running out of time... Back when I had that spar with Tethys, and Twilight had some theory or whatever, after I left, I found out that I... don't have much longer to live. I fear that if I don't share this soon, I wont have the chance to." He clenched a fist. "Rainbow was the only one I told the specifics to so far... At best, I have 15 years... at worst, five."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide. It took a while for her to process what her friend said before she started crying. At first, it was a few tears falling one after another, then it turned into a river of tears. Skystrike walked up to her and crouched down to hug her. She couldn't help but return the hug, burying her face in his chest, muffling her wails. The sat like this for minutes on end before Fluttershy forced out some words through sobs. "I'm... I'm so... sorry..."

Skystrike brushed her mane with a hand. "There's... nothing I can really say to make you feel better. I'm still coming to terms with it myself but know this. I want to spend my last years in this world to with you, and everyone else. I want to keep the relationships we have. I'm tired of running away."

"Sky we... we just got you back!" She cried, pushing herself out of his chest to look at him. "And now... we have to lose you again... it's... it's not fair!"

"I know, Fluttershy... I want to live, just as much as you want me to. But the deck of life just gave me a bad hand. I got to play it the best of my ability." Skystrike sighed. "I want to stay friends with you, but if this is too much for you, I completely understand, but-"

"I want to be your friend! I want to have good times together!" Fluttershy yelled through the tears.

"Thank you, Fluttershy... you got no idea how much that means to me." Skystrike pulled her into a hug again.

The two held each other for a while longer before Fluttershy wiped her tears away. "I know this is a bit late to be asking but... you were human this whole time? Was... was everything we went through just an act to you?"

"You know, Rainbow asked the same question. I'll give you the same answer... The flesh may be an illusion, but the experiences are real. I've never lied about who I am."

"Then... why hide about who you were in the first place?"

"...When I first came to this world, it was... not good. Ever heard about that meteor that hit Canterlot?"

Fluttershy looked up at him. "That was you? Then... why are you so close to the princesses!?"

Skystrike chuckled. "It's the last place they'd look."

"Then... what happens if they catch you?"

"Well... best case scenario, they see that I've been Skystrike this while time, and I can go about a mostly normal life. Worst case... lets not fret over hypotheticals..." Skystrike dread the thought. The two stayed like that for a while more before Skystrike heard something. Hoof steps, and flapping wings. Two distinct wing flaps, and about... six ponies running. They were getting closer. "Fluttershy, ponies are coming, so I gotta change back. Please don't tell anyone about this."

Fluttershy nodded and backed up, letting Skystrike turn back into a pony and put back on his clothes and helmet. The two shied away from each other awkwardly as the beings in question came out of the forest and into view. Twilight, Casta, Pinkie, Applejack, Spike, Tethys, Rainbow Dash, Astral, and Dawnstone all ran to them. Dawnstone ran up and hugged her brother. "Thank goodness you're ok!"

Skytrike put a hoof around her. "Uh yeah? Why wouldn't I be?"

"I'm so glad everypony is alright!" Pinkie smiled.

Spike jumped to hug Fluttershy as Twilight cleared her throat. "I don't mean to say I told you so buy... AHA!" They all jumped. "I told you there was nothing to worry about, Pinkie, and I was right!" Twilight began gloating as a low rumble was heard. A thick fog surrounded them all as Twilight began coughing. Everyone else backed away from Twilight as she continued through the coughs. "Pinkie Pie said whatever she was shuddering about was a doozie, and the only doozie here is about how right I am!"

Applejack gulped. "Uh, Twilight..."

"Pinkie's made a lot of predictions today but..." She coughed once more. "What is that smell?" Twilight looked around. Skystrike, Tethys, and Casta all got ready to fight, while everyone else was a hair away from running. "But what we've shown here is that there-"

Skystrike interrupted her. "Twilight, shut the fuck up and get out of the way!" Skystrike jumped towards her to grab her, throwing her back to the group. "Astral! Snap out of it, catch Twilight!" Skystrike ordered. Astral did so almost instantly and put Twilight down. "Tethys, Casta, with me! Astral, Get everyone else our of the danger zone!" He said before the four heads of the Hyrda each let out a deafening roar.

Tethys flew into the air while Casta prepped her magic and Skystrike made sure everyone was a safe distance away. Everyone was there. "Tethys, fly high! Take aggro on two of the heads. I'll take another two! Casta, use some fire spells! The moment we get a chance to run, we're taking it!"

"Right!" Casta and Tethys said as they got ready. Skystrike flew into the air and dove at one of the heads, spinning and bucking at the jaw of the beast. The head recoiled in pain while another opened their wide jaws to clamp down on him. He narrowly dodged it. Tethys shot a beam of ice at the two other heads, them growling and pulling the rest of it's body out of the bog, to face them. Casta launched a large fireball at the chest of the monster, making it recoil. Of course, because of that, the four heads focused on the unicorn mage, each head diving at her.

Casta realized, and in a split second, teleported out of the way and into the air. "Skystrike!" Casta called out. He already knew what to do, grabbing her hoof and throwing her onto flat ground, Casta slowing her fall with a spell while simultaneously charging another flame blast. Skystrike flew full force into the spot Casta fired, making the Hydra move back a few feet and lurch backwards. "Tethys!"

"On it!" The dragoness took the small window of free time she had to uproot a tree with her claws. She made a thick block of ice around it with her breath before swinging it at the torso of the Hydra. Each of the heads roared in pain as the frozen tree broke from the force, making the entire creature fall backwards. Unfortunately, it fell towards the bystanders. They were barely able to run out of the way.

Skystrike and Tethys landed next to the group, while Casta teleported over, catching her breath a bit. "Dang... it's been a while since... I've had to do that... Adrenaline is still going..."

Skystrike trotted over to one of the heads. It was still breathing, but unconscious. It almost felt too easy. Rainbow pumped a hoof. "That was so awesome!"

"Why are you all here? Do you know-... well you know now how dangerous this place is... Why did you all come here?" Skystrike huffed a bit.

Twilight shook off her fear response and began explaining. "Well, after you went to help Fluttershy, I began following Pinkie Pie around to study her Pinkie Sense. Then I met Casta, Astral, and Dawnstone, who were walking around with Rainbow Dash looking for you. When I told them where you were and what I was doing, Casta and Astral decided to help me out. We didn't get good results..."

Dawnstone picked up where Twilight left off. "Anyway, when we were walking around, I saw Tethys and decided to catch up. Then Pinkie started doing some full body jitters saying a... doozie was going to happen? And then Tethys said that there were some dangerous creatures here, so we all got worried and came to see for ourselves."

Skystrike blinked at that. "While I appreciate the worry... don't run into dangerous areas knowing the area is dangerous. It would've been a lot easier to just take Fluttershy and run than fight this thing..."

Rainbow Dash leaned an elbow on one of the heads of the Hydra. "Well, it all turned out well. Glad you're ok. Was worried there for a bit..."

"...Hold on, just processed that first part. You all came here because of a Pinkie sense?"

Pinkie nodded and smiled. "Yeah! A doozie happened! Like my full body jitters told me!" Then she vibrated in place. "...Nevermind, that wasn't it."

Applejack straightened her hat. "Buck you mean, that wasn't it?"

"That wasn't the doozie! I'm still getting the shutters! Whatever doozie that's here, it still hasn't happened!"

Twilight twitched. "Huh? But I... What!? The Hydra wasn't the doozie? How could it not be the doozie!? What's more doozier than that!?" She stomped.

Skystrike looked at her. "Twilight. It's Pinkie we're talking about. I don't know why you keep trying to predict her."

Twilight's face strained in anger as she looked at the pink mare. Skystrike could've swore she erupted into flames from her rage. Hehe... cracatowa... he thought to himself. Then she fell on the floor. "I give up." She sighed.

"Give what up, Twi?" Spike crouched down to her.

"The fight... I can't fight it anymore. I don't understand how, why or what..." Twilight admitted to both Spike and herself. "Pinkie Sense somehow... makes sense! I don't see how it does, but it... just does. Just because I don't understand doesn't mean it's not true!"

Pinkie's jittering intensified. "Y-y-you mean y-y-ou... b-b-b-eli-i-i-i-eve?"

"Yes, Pinkie... I guess I do."

Then Pinkie... he couldn't even describe what she was doing. Looney tuning? Is that a verb? It is now. How else does one describe expanding like a balloon, lengthening your limbs like rubber, then deflating as some odd sound effects played. Skystrike looked at Casta, who looked back, then at Tethys, who looked back, then Astral, then Dawnstone, both giving back the same look that said 'what the fuck?'. Then, abruptly, Pinkie stopped. "...That was it! That was the doozie!"

Twilight tilted her head. "What... what is?"

"You believing me! I never expected that to happen!" Pinkie jumped up and down. "Oh what a doozie it was!"

Skystrike groaned. "Today was... certainly a day of all time. Nice job though, you two. Good to see our teamwork hasn't gotten rusty." He gave a hoof bump to each of them.

Rainbow jumped on the head of the Hyrda. "You know... I had no idea something like this was living so close to Ponyville... What are we going to do with it?"

"Well, can't disrupt the ecosystem. this hydra is one of the reasons that the Ursa Major doesn't get too ballsy. We'll leave it here to wake up later." Skystrike explained. "I want to take a nap..."

Rainbow was about to ask Skystrike something as the rest began to walk back towards Ponyville. Unexpectedly however, the head that Rainbow Dash was leaning on snapped awake, throwing her spinning into the air as it jumped up. The head turned and opened its jaws to swallow Rainbow whole. Her eyes shrunk as time seemed to slow. Everyone's jaws dropped as they saw it happen. Only Skystrike was able to react fast enough, flying and pushing her out of the way as the jaws clamped down on his torso. Several crunches echoed through the bog as Skystrike screamed, before gritting his teeth.

Tethys dug her talons into the neck of the only conscious head, hitting an artery and killing the head. Skystrike coughed out some blood as he dragged himself out of the jaws. Tethys was about to gut the Hydra before Skystrike put a hoof on her leg to stop her. "Skystrike! Are you ok!?" Tethys called out as she crouched down to him.

"Tethys... my ribs are fucking broken..."

"Right, dumb question, sorry!" Tethys went to pick him up in her arms, but stopped when he grunted. "Sorry, sorry... I'll try and be more careful!"

Casta looked around. "We need a stretcher! It'll hurt less and be easier to carry him. Shit... Rainbow! You're fast, right! Go to the hospital and tell them to prepare for him!" Rainbow Dash began flying as fast as she could. Casta used her magic to gather some tree branches and fiber to make a make shift stretcher.

Skystrike wiped some blood off his chin as he rolled on his side. "Sorry you... had to see me like this... this was supposed to be... a good day."

"Shut up and focus on breathing! And try not to move!" Casta doubled up on the fiber to make sure it could hold his weight. Tethys! I'm riding on your back! I'll use my magic to keep him steady!" Tethys nodded, picking up her friend an putting her between her wings. "Let's go!"

Skystrike felt himself getting lifted into the air as his consciousness waned. He tried to focus on breathing. "I'm... still not... strong enough..." He said to himself as he tried to keep his eyes open.

Everyone waited in the waiting room with baited breath. It was about to turn eight. Fluttershy, Twilight, and Pinkie went to tell their other friends as Skystrike was being transported, while Casta went to tell Zecora once she calmed down. The silence hadn't been broken in over an hour, aside from Rarity and Zecora getting caught up to speed. Casta saw Rainbow sitting alone with a guilty look on her face.

Casta teleported to the seat next to her. Rainbow didn't even look at her. "...What do you want..."

Casta took off her hat and sighed. "I know what you're thinking. It's not your fault." Rainbow Dash looked up at her. "More ponies, and dragons here have thought what you're thinking."

Rainbow Dash frowned a little. "I doubt that... he could've died because of me."

Casta got a bit angry at that, rubbing her head in frustration. "Look, mare, I'm going to ignore that first part. Let me tell you something... Nebula has almost died for each of us in all." She pointed a hoof at the beings in question. "I used to be a noble in Canterlot, but because I specialized in Enchanting and Destruction in a family that specialized in Conjuration. My own family tried to kill me because I was an 'embarrassment'. He saved me from them, and almost died in the process."

Tethys nodded. "I was being hunted down by ponies. He nursed me back to health and fought against my hunters."

Zecora agreed as well. "Once poisoned, I was left in disarray. He returned battered and bloodied, but with the cure in display."

Astral looked up from hugging Dawnstone. "He saved me, Dawnstone, and the rest of our siblings from a fire. The one we thought he died in."

"And let's not even get into why we split up in the first place." Casta took of her glasses to clean them. "We all blame ourselves, as if analyzing every mistake we made that lead up to what we went through will 'fix' things. I can't even begin to relate to Astral, thinking that she was the reason her brother died... but he helped each of us because he wanted to. He cares for us. He makes sure to put those he cares about first, even before himself. That's why he saved you. And I'll tell you this: for me at least, he was more upset that I blamed myself then I was in danger in the first place." Astral, Tethys, and Zecora all hummed in agreement.

Rainbow Dash sighed. "I'm... sorry... I didn't mean it like that... I was just... an ass to him earlier, and... I don't want this to be the way it ends."

Nurse Redheart and Snowheart opened the door, taking off their masks. The former spoke first. "Don't worry, he'll be fine. Doctor Horse is finishing up now."

Rainbow asked "How is he?"

"Well... could be better." Redheart admitted. "There was just... so much that threw us off."

Tethys turned to look at her. "...And what does that mean?"

Snowheart waved a hoof. "Oh no no no, nothing dangerous... mostly... First we tried to do an X-ray on him, but he couldn't fit in the MRI, or take of his helmet in the first place, so Dr. Horse tried to use his magic to see what was broken. Then we find out that his entire right arm is metal, so we had to avoid that, since we also didn't know how to detach it."

Redheart continued as Snowheart trailed off. "The hard part was the surgery. He did have two broken ribs and a punctured lung, but he's fine. He's much stronger than I thought. A normal pony's bones would be shattered. Anyway, the surgery was hard because of his size... we weren't allowed to give him enough of the sedative to keep him under, or rather, go under in the first place. But other than that, he'll be ok. Just needs about 6 weeks to heal."

Twilight slowly craned her neck forward at that. "He's been conscious? For the entire surgery?"

RedHeart nodded. "You have to understand. We literally gave him the max amount of morphine and anesthesia that we could give him for his own safety. We'd need to test his blood if we wanted to sedate him properly. Even though we recommended he get some rest, He wishes to go home, insisting he'll be fine. Just need to wait a few more minutes."

Meanwhile, Skystrike was talking to his doctor as he wrote on a clip board. Skystrike tried to ignore the itchy stitches, as well as the pain. He want's to get home as fast as he can. That way, he can heal in private. Dr. Horse hummed. "Your biology is amazing. Your blood clotted much quicker than the average pony's, not to mention how strong your bones are... Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. Are you... quite sure you're alright? You were conscious that whole time."

Skystrike laughed, then winced. "Ow... hurts to laugh. To be honest, I know I'm high on morphine right now, and just coming off of anesthesia that did nothing, but I'm fine... It was a bit weird though, seeing my own lungs, but hey, you three stitched me up well!"

Dr. Horse sighed as he wrote on his clipboard some more. "I still urge you to stay until morning at least, just to make sure that your stitches don't get undone."

"Promise doc, I'll be careful..." Skystrike rubbed his bandages, a tiny bit of blood visible on his left side. "Damn... it hurts to breathe too... promise, I'll be fine. I promise I'll come back if anything happens."

"Fine..." The unicorn stallion used his magic to roll over a wheelchair for Skystrike to get into. "I've prescribed you some pain medications if it gets to bad. Remember, you fractures three ribs, broke two, and broke your left wing. Needless to say, try not to move much. Stay in a wheelchair for a week or two before even attempting to walk. And don't think about flying."

"Alright..." Skystrike took the small bottle of pills as he winced and got into the wheelchair. "Huh... I'm surprised you got one for me to fit in."

"Well, after the Ursa Minor, we thought we'd get one, just in case."

"Aw... you do care..." Skystrike laughed. "Ow..." He began rolling himself to the doorway, pushing the door open to see his friends talking to the two nurses. "The whole gang's here... Anyone got something to eat?"

A few relieved sighs were heard as Redheart cleared her throat. "You just finished. Don't eat anything until tomorrow noon."

"Fiiiiine... but can I drink when we meet on Friday?" Redheart couldn't help but giggle and nod. "Sweet... Anyway, what we doing?" Dawnstone and Astral nearly tackled him in a hug. "Ow! Fuck!"

Dawnstone wiped her tears, making sure not to ruin her make up. "Sorry, I'm just... glad we didn't lose you again..."

Then Astral looked at his right arm, lifting it to see the skin-like sleeve torn by the teeth of the Hydra. "The nurse wasn't kidding... It is metal... When did you lose it? While you were away?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Before I even met any of you. I'll tell you about it another time... for now, I want to take a nap... I've had a hell of a day. Thanks for coming, everyone. I'll do my rounds tomorrow... Actually, Rainbow." The mare in question's ears perked up. "Walk with me. Tethys, Stardust, show those three their rooms and I'll meet you all at the house." Skystrike began pumping his forehooves to roll himself out the hospital. It took a moment for Rainbow to gather her thoughts before deciding to follow him.

The two traveled in silence for a few minutes before stopping at the lake. Rainbow Dash rubbed her arm with a hoof. "...Why'd you bring me here?"

Skystrike looked at the lake, seeing where the river started, water flowing down hill. "Remember when we were kids back in Cloudsdale, and the shit we'd get into? One time we thought it'd be a good idea to gather some clouds and make a really big one."

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah... mom and dad didn't let us off lightly with that stunt. The lightning from it fried half the garden."

"Heh, ow, yeah... Or when you were practicing your tricks and we decided to turn the neighborhood into your obstacle course? We scared the shit out of Zephyr Breeze..."

Rainbow began to form a smile. "Heheh, yeah... You know, we did get into a lot..." The two laughed a bit more as Rainbow sat next to him. "...I'm sorry, Skystrike."

He shook his head. "Don't think too much about it. Just don't cross boundaries like that again. Ain't funny."

Rainbow blinked. "Oh, not that- well yes, that too... I mean sorry for you ending up like that."

"...Are you-... are you stupid? Why are you sorry for that? That was my fault. I shouldn't have let my guard down."

"Why'd you have to say it like that? And that was obviously my fault! I shouldn't have been on that Hydra!" She frowned.

"Rainbow, if I dealt with that Hydra properly, I wouldn't be in these bandages, and you wouldn't be blaming yourself. Under the same circumstances, I'd save your life again."

"Bucker, I already have to live knowing you have 5 years left at worst. I don't want you to die over my own mistakes!"

"WHAT!?" The two heard the outburst and turned to see a moving bush. Then they heard Pinkie's voice. "Shhh... I don't think they heard us..."

Skystrike looked at Rainbow, then sighed. "Well, since we have a peanut gallery, I can't really make this as... personal as I wish." Skystrike turned his wheelchair to look at her. "So, I'll say this: It was not your fault. If anypony is at fault, it's me for being sloppy. You blaming yourself makes me feel worse. The wounds are no big deal."

"The buck you mean, 'no big deal'!?"

Skystrikke pulled her close to him so he could whisper. "Remember what I revealed a month ago? I can literally heal myself in moments. I just need privacy."

"Oh..." Rainbow realized that he could just use his magic. "Well... I still messed up..."

"We all do sooner or later. Like EVERYPONY ELSE THAT WANTS TO LISTEN IN ON PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS!" He turned to the bush. The silence was deafening. "Look, mother fuckers, I let my guard down around you all for a reason, because I trust you... But apparently I cant if eavesdropping is going to become the norm. I've dealt with way too much today to deal with this too."

Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack all came out of said bush. "Sorry, darling... But now that we're out in the open, anypony else expected something romantic? It was the perfect time to admit the growing love for your savior." Rarity looked around at her friends. They all looked back like she was crazy.

Skystrike blinked, then stared into Rarity's soul. "Rarity, I had you as a Damsel in Distress fetishist from day one. Get a fucking coltfriend. The only reason I'm not going to get into you further because I feel bad about the clothes you made me being ruined... at least I still got pants."

Applejack snickered at that. "I told ya this was a bad idea."

"Applejack, I don't want to hear that either, you could've stopped them any time. You're like, the one voice of reason." Skystrike pointed and Applejack grumbled.

Twilight moved her hair out of the way. "Is... what Rainbow said true? About you having... 5 years at worst?"

Skystrike nodded and groaned. "Yes, I do. I found out a month ago. No, I didn't hide it from you all because I didn't think we were good enough friends. Yes, I planned on telling you eventually. I planned to talk about this with each of you one on one but now you know." He took a few of the pain meds he was given. "Sorry, just... frustrated... I'd prefer if we talk about this another day... When I don't feel like a pin cushion."

Applejack began pushing his wheelchair. "Well, I'll push ya half way. We're going in the same direction for the most part. C'mon Fluttershy."

"What, you think you can just... drop that doozie and not talk about it? The reason we followed you is because I was getting the full body jitters again!" Pinkie stomped.

"Pinkie, I know you all care, and it probably sucks to hear that my time in this world is cut short, so I don't blame you, any of you. But I'm going to say this as nice as I can right now." Skystrike took in a deep breath. "It literally hurts to breathe right now. I can't even get into a comfortable position because if I don't stay perfectly still, I feel like I'm getting stabbed from all angles. Take into account that I'm frustrated in myself for what happened, and I still have a lot to think about, I want to sleep on it. We will talk about it. Another day."

Pinkie Pie and the rest took the hint as an awkward silence came in before Applejack began pushing Skystrike toward his house, Fluttershy following behind. Skystrike tried his best to focus on his breathing and calming down. It hurt... a lot... It was weird how he could feel some of the stitches in his lung. Made him realize that he wasn't invincible in this world. If that hydra just crunched down a bit harder, hell, if his ribs punctured his heart, it would've been over. All it takes is one mistake...

His train of thought was broken by Applejack speaking. "Y'know... I know you don't want to talk about it, but... I've seen you like this before, back with Nightmare Moon. You keep... pushing us away whenever something dangerous happens. You don't have to carry all your problems by yourself. You got so many friends... you can rely on us."

Fluttershy nodded. "We're here for you whenever you need us. You're there for us when we need you. We want to return the favor."

Skystrike kept looking forward and furrowed his brow. "...I never told you all the reason I hide my identity, did I?" He sighed. "The reason I died was because somepony was out to get me, and bought my family into this to get to me. Then, he somehow did it again, finding out who I was and luring me, Tethys, Zecora, Casta, and everyone else to an early grave we narrowly escaped. I... put distance between those I care for because I don't want you all to die because somepony is out to get me. There's too much risk at keeping you all close... The only reason I can think of for him not coming after you all yet is because you're the Elements of Harmony, and because after I died, a good number of ponies were under Celestia's protection... In a sense, you all just got lucky."

"Oh... I get it now- or at least somewhat..." Applejack said. "You... blame yourself for what happened."

"Before you say it wasn't my fault, he deadass specified he burned down my orphanage to get to me."

"Well, I don't want to encourage ya, but do you have a plan to deal with him?"

"Yes... at the Gala."

Fluttershy was a bit surprised at that. "The Grand Galloping Gala? This stallion must be pretty high up in society to get invited there... What's his name?"

Skystrike growled a bit as his eyes flickered. "Blueblood."

Applejack felt like she heard that name before. "Ain't that Celestia's nephew?" Then her eyes went wide. "Ain't that the colt that Rarity was going on about when Twilight had those tickets for the gala??"

Then Fluttershy realized. "Wait... doesn't that make him your adoptive brother? Doesn't that make you a prince?"

Skystrike answered their questions in order. "Yes, Yes, I don't consider him my brother, and yes. Don't tell Rarity. I know she's also a knight in shining armor fetishist too." He couldn't help but laugh at that. "Heheheha... Ow..."

"You know... This all explains a lot. Especially how dense you are." Applejack laughed.

"...What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that it makes sense that you dont know what you want in a relationship, let alone what type of relationship you want because you always push away ponies that get too close."

Fluttershy nodded again. "It took you a bit of time to even call us friends in hindsight."

"Yeah... sorry about that... I'll be better. I just... need to get stronger." Skystrike held his side. "...Thanks for putting up with me, you two. I never really get to say how much you all mean to me. I'm glad I have you all as my friends..." Applejack stopped pushing Skystrike, as they were at his front door. He smelled something burnt. "...Applejack, Fluttershy, I need one of you to knock on the door."

The two mares looked at each other before Fluttershy knocked. The three heard a "FUCK!" From Tethys inside and then the clattering of pots, pans, silverware, and plates. Then an explosion. "SHIT!" They heard from Casta.

"Can't believe you both lack the cookery knack... Burn water? It's a skill you both seem to pack!" Zecora was yelling at the two.

"Why was there water in the first place!? We're making tacos!" Astral laughed.

"I thought we were making soup...?" They heard Dawnstone say.

Skystrike put his face in his hooves. Tethys opened the door, her green sweater covered in a black ash. "Heeeeey Sky! How's it going?" She leaned on the door in an attempt to act cool. Her face of worry betrayed her.

"Tethys... you and Casta tried to cook again, didn't you?"

"...Maaaaaaybe?"

Skystrike sighed as he rolled into his house. "Fluttershy, Applejack, thanks for bringing me home, I'll see you two tomorrow." He then rolled into the kitchen, seeing an exploded bag of flour, a burnt pan of water, pots and pans everywhere, and... "Casta, why are you lying on the floor?"

"Taste test... went bad." She groaned.

"And what did you eat?" Casta pointed to the plate on the kitchen island. "Is that... is that burnt soup with a taco shell? What the fuck? How the fuck? You know what, fuck it, I'm going to bed." Skystrike was about to go to his room, then realized it was up stairs... he did not make his home wheelchair accessible He grit his teeth as he got out of his wheelchair and onto the couch lying on his back. He was very annoyed right now... but at least he has ponies he cares about to be annoyed at. Makes him realize how much he cares. Skystrike ignored the chaos, setting it aside for another day as he fell asleep. He'd leave it for morning Skystrike.

Author's Note

This one, tried to get out before the new year, and I got at the time of proof reading and writing this note, 30 minutes until then.

This one was a bit interesting for me to write, as I normally go along with the show, but this time some minor changes happened. Same will go for the other chapters where Skystrike's story overlaps with the show.

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Years! Let's make 2024 a good one!

Paranoia

Skystrike grunted, waking up with the sun in his eyes. Man, he felt so refreshed from that. His torso and wing were still sore, but it wasn't a piercing pain anymore. More felt like he had an open scab. He went to grab his helmet on his nightstand, but when his arm fell and the pain hit him, Skystrike remembered he fell asleep on the couch. The pegasus checked the time, it being 10 a.m.

He looked to the side, seeing Tethys lying against the couch, with Casta and an open book on her lap, both sleeping. Thinking of the time, Astral Night and Dawnstone were probably still asleep or out doing something. Skystrike tried to push himself up, grunting as he got in. Rolling into the kitchen, he was surprised the girls cleaned it. He thanked the heavens that he was only marginally shorter in a wheelchair, as he could still reach the ingredients on the upper shelf. Man, he was hungry as fuck... He could eat a... eat a... eat a... He felt as if that phrase was either problematic or an innuendo.

Tethys and Casta snapped awake at the clicking of the stove, looking at each other before running and teleporting to the kitchen respectively. Skystrike looked over his shoulder as he cracked a few eggs. "Good morning. I'm making breakfast. Pancakes sound great right now."

"Oh thank Celestia!" Casta released a deep breath. "I couldn't help but think the worst!"

Skystrike flipped the eggs with a pan flip. "What? You saw I was alive. I was just tired. Thanks for cleaning the kitchen by the way."

Tethys walked over and put a hand on her hip. "Skystrike, you must have been really tired..." She patted his head. "Glad you're still breathing though."

"...I feel like I'm missing some context here."

Tethys smiled. "It's Friday, Skystrike. You were out for a whole day."

Skystrike turned to look at the two. Their faces said they weren't kidding. "...Mother fucker... It... well that does explain how you got this kitchen clean so fast... What happened while I was out?"

The day before, Casta woke up in the guest room, immediately coming down the stairs to check on her friend. Skystrike was still asleep as Tethys watched over him. Neither realized how late they slept, it being noon. Tethys bit on her claws. "...He doesn't normally sleep this long. Should we... I don't know what to do here..."

Casta put on her glasses and put a hoof over his mouth. "Well, he's still breathing, quite steadily too, but no, he doesn't normally sleep this long... should we get a doctor?"

"Let's try Zecora first. I'll get her if you can change his bandages. I'm afraid I'll hurt him." Tethys kept biting her nails as she left to get her zebra friend, almost running out of the door.

Casta made sure to be careful with replacing the bandages. It wasn't until she took them off that she realized how bad the bite was. He was bruised to Tartarus and back, there still being teeth marks in him. Not to even mention the stitches. She could see where they cut him open. They couldn't use magic on him to speed up the healing, so it was just left out for the world to see. That being said... he was healing really fast... unnaturally fast... Questions for later. She made sure to be as careful as possible as she un and rewrapped him, but that didn't stop his grunts of pain.

Eventually, Zecora and Tethys came back to see Skystrike, but was surprised to see the mane 6 at the door with Astral and Dawnstone. Applejack saw the two out of the corner of her eye, motioning to the group of their arrival. "Howdy, you two!" She said with a tip of her hat. "Just 'ere to check on Sky, and have that talk he promised."

"I'm hoping to get some actual answers on some things." Twilight hummed. "I know he's getting a bit more trusting of us, but... even with all the time he's spent there, I still feel like I barely know him." The rest of the girls nodded.

Dawnstone put a hoof to her chin. "Now that you mention it, honestly I don't know much either. I know now that he was always out working, but even when he visited us in Canterlot, he mostly asked about us... I don't even know something like what his favorite color is."

Tethys sighed. "I can relate. It took almost a year for me to learn the little things like that about him... His favorite color is green by the way. Threw me off when he said he liked my eyes." Skystrike pushed open the door. "Anyway, you all can come in, but at the rate things are going, that talk will have to wait for another day."

"AUUUUUUUUUGH!!!"

Rarity cursed under her breath. "There's no bucking way."

Casta turned her head. "Oh, familiar faces. Hello again. Sorry, I don't remember all of your names yet." Casta teleported away the bloodied rags. "Zecora, anything you can do?"

Zecora walked over and stuck a thermometer in his mouth, then put a hoof on his to feel his heart beat. "Resting deeply, in slumber's embrace, yet deeper than usual, a worrying space. Blood loss perhaps has led to this fate, though my concern arises for his heart's rate."

Fluttershy pitched in. "Can't that be because of blood loss? His heart and lungs need to work more to make up for the surgery, right?"

Casta nodded. "More than likely. I also replaced his bandages but he's healing unnaturally fast. The wounds have already mostly closed..."

Applejack sighed. "Well I bought these apples for 'im to eat, but he can't really do that now..." She left a basket of apples on the coffee table. Then Fluttershy left some tea, then Rarity left some incense.

"So uh, what now?" Stardust asked.

"And then everyone went home, seeing that you weren't waking up anytime soon." Casta finished.

"God damn it..." Skystrike finished cooking and set the table. "I'm really hungry... lets eat, then bring everyone over. Oh right, Elytra, I haven't seen her in a bit. Where is she?"

Casta and Tethys looked at him. "She didn't tell you?"

"...Casta if I ask a question, that means I don't know. Tell me what?"

Casta shuffled in her chair. "She's been in Zecora's place the last several days. It's... that time of the year."

Skystrike was about to open his mouth to ask before Tethys slapped the table. "Sky, there's no fucking way you don't know what a heat cycle is."

"..."

"You're fucking STUPID!" Tethys banged on the table. "Literally every fucking species in the entire planet has one! Have you never noticed!?"

"Jesus Christ, Tethys! I never knew ok!?"

"We've FUCKED, Skystrike! WHILE I WAS IN MY CYCLE!!"

"I thought you were just horny???" Skystrike put out his hooves.

Casta was laughing. "There's no way you're real! Ahahahaha!"

"Skystrike, I was saying I was because I, like any other girl, was too embarrassed to fucking admit it." She grabbed her horns and sighed, the items on the table jumping as she hit her head on it. "I thought you fucking knew... By the dragon king, you're so damn dumb sometimes."

Skystrike put his hooves up in defense. "Look, I've never asked. Who'd think to ask?"

Casta kept laughing. "You went twenty five years not knowing we have heat cycles!? I'm never letting you live this down!"

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it admittedly. He finally took a bite of his food, suddenly realizing how hungry he was and scarfing down all of his food. It took him minutes to finish his rather large portion of four thick pancakes, six eggs, and some apples. But he was still hungry. Casta offered him the rest of her food, pushing it over to him. "You're an angel." He said as he continued eating.

Tethys was just glad he was in better spirits. "Hey, Sky, just so you know, we haven't told Casta about that yet. Your sisters are out, so... I think it's' best to tell her about it before everyone else comes back."

Skystrike thought about it, then nodded. Thankfully, he didn't have to go through the whole song and dance again, since Tethys already knew. "Casta, let me preface this by saying this is going to be a lot to take in..." Skystrike pushed himself away from the table. He sighed as he took off his bandages. Casta was about to protest before Tethys put a hand on her back, making her sit back down. Skystrike clenched his fist as he grunted, forcing his mana into a magic barrier around his body. Casta's eyes went wide as she saw his wounds close and his bones move back into place. Before Casta could even ask what he just did, a neon fire surrounded him as he turned into his human form.

Skystrike stood up and stretched. "You know, I really need to stop going shirtless. But yeah, this is what I am. I trust you enough to be able to tell you."

Casta rubbed her glasses, thinking she was seeing things. When she put back on her glasses, she realized she wasn't. "Y-you're... a human?"

Skystrike waived a brow. "You... know what I am? And why do you sound... afraid?"

"...Tell me something about me only Skystrike would know..." Casta demanded.

"What?"

"I need to KNOW you're him, and not some monster that took his form! I haven't seen him for two years!" She backed away a bit.

Skystrike was a bit hurt at that, but couldn't blame her. "I assume Celestia told you about my race. I'll answer however many questions you need to make you feel comfortable. You first left your parents as soon as you turned 18, and you were being hunted down by an assassin hired by your parents. I found you during a round for supplies, as Tethys and Zecora weren't welcome in Canterlot, hiding in an alleyway near the northern castle gates." He put up both of his hands. "You're my friend, Casta."

She wasn't convinced yet. "Who did I look up to as role models in the group?"

"From my memory, you said Zecora, and being able to adapt so well after leaving her old life behind, and Jeshan the Diamond Dog because of his philosophy."

"What happened to Skybeak? As in why didn't he stay in Equestria?"

"He had a wife and daughter back in Hippogriffia, and was the last member to join 'All'. His membership was temporary, since he was a family man at heart."

The two stared at each other for a bit. She asked her last question... Skystrike would have to know this. "What was my biggest secret I told you?"

"You have a little sister called Avada Kedava ten years younger than you that you want to go back for, but you need to wait until she's of age, since your parent's haven't let her out of the mansion."

Casta let out a sigh of relief. "Thank Celestia, you are him- er you're you... I'm really sorry about all that. Princess Celestia gave me a wildly different idea of who and what you were."

Skystrike sat back down. "Don't blame her. From what my kind apparently did to yours, I think the same sometimes... that I'm a monster. But... she told me not to speak on it to anypony. How much do you know."

Casta sat back down in her chair. "Apparently as much as you do. I haven't been into the forbidden section of the Royal Library to check if she and princess Luna actually destroyed all traces." Then she hesitated. "I'm... not supposed to tell you this, but-"

Skystrike put up a hand to stop her. "I don't want you to do anything that'd put your job or loyalty at risk. I already have some semblance of what Celestia want's you to do. Let me ask you this, and it will confirm my theory; did you know about humanity before or after I was in the capital for Maud's graduation?"

"After... She gave me an... 'assignment' after I concluded my research of mana." Casta made air quotes with her hooves.

Skystrike grabbed his head and put his elbows on the table, bouncing his leg with a strained look. "Haaaaah... I'm sorry, Casta. I hate that you're in this situation."

Casta tipped her hat as Tethys looked confused. "...Can one of you nerds here explain what I'm supposed to be upset about?"

Skystrike and Casta looked at each other. Casta fought back tears, trying to avoid eye contact. "The reason I'm so much more dangerous compared to the humans that came before me, is because compared to this world, our magic was rudimentary, basic. Only spells we were able to use were those in the time before Starswirl the Bearded, the pony who made nearly every spell ponies use now. Sure, we understood it, but humans couldn't use anything beyond elemental spells. I was made to surpass anything a normal human could do... and I know now, with me as a prime example. On a side note, the way magic works in this world is that if a spell hits a pony for example, the magic within a pony absorbs some of that damage. Still hurts, but doesn't damage the physical body. That makes me dangerous, as I not only have no magic within my body, I'm resistant to the magic used on me... And right when I stupidly told Celestia that I was still here, Celestia told Casta about the threat I could be."

"That does sound bad... but why are we upset?"

"Tethys... Casta, by Celestia's order, started making a mana extractor. By nature, this world's races turn mana into magic. Only my race does it consciously. It's what let me live so long in this world... hell, the reason I'm alive. She knows that without my mana, It'd be a piece of cake to kill me."

Tethys tried to piece it together, her worry growing as she did so. "She's-... making Casta make a weapon to kill you...?" Tethys looked to Casta. Her face said it all. "Shit..."

The three sat there for minutes. No one knew what to do. Silence hung heavy, fractured only by the terse breaths of the three. Tension crackled like electricity between them, each one wearing expressions etched with a blend of anxiety, frustration, and apprehension. Words previously spoken lingered in the air like the morning fog. Skystrike's voice stabbed through it. "I... can't put you in danger... Not again."

"Skystrike..." Tethys growled. "You are not running again, you promised."

"I know Tethys... I just got too comfortable... too trusting... you're all in danger again. I'm not strong enough." He said angrily.

Tethys reached across the table, using her hands to make him look in the eyes. "Then stop holding back. This is one of those times where you must fight for yourself, not for others. I won't let you leave again."

Skystrike thought of a lot at that moment. Should he do like he did before and run? They'd be safe, but starting over would suck. He'd need a new identity... Or maybe just fight... for all this world took from him, the pain will be returned in full... The family lost, the abandonment, their hatred. He grit his teeth as he shook those thoughts out of his head.

"I won't tell Celestia." Casta nearly yelled it. "I won't tell Celestia... there might be a way out of this... I can't delay it long... maybe you can figure out a way to get on Celestia's good side?"

He thought about it. "I assume it's still only in the design phase... I have time." Skystrike scratched his head. He'd need to do it eventually. It's now or never. He got up and grabbed a roll of paper and began writing, finishing quickly and rolling it back up. "Casta, send it to Celestia. I've wrote in here that the human will meet her at the abandoned castle in the Everfree as sundown. I'll be going alone. There's a chance for me to solve this without bringing anyone else into this."

Tethys protested. "That's way too dangerous! If she saw you as a danger when you first came to this world, It'd be on sight if you gave her the chance."

"Rather that, than having Casta and whoever else come after me in the first place. But I don't have much of a choice. I need to at least attempt to stop this if I want to eventually come out as a human. I want to live without hiding what I am." Skystrike clenched his fists, trying to figure out what to do next as Casta sent the letter. "No matter what happens, you two are my friends. If I have to end up leaving again-"

"You're not!" Casta and Tethys both said. Casta wasn't done though. "I've just got you back. It hasn't even been two months yet!"

"You're right..." He covered is face. "I don't... know what to do here."

It dawned on Tethys. "I get it now. You're hesitating." Skystrike looked up at her as she chuckled a bit. "Didn't think you'd be doing that. Skystrike, you have to protect yourself if it comes to that. I'll do something to help you at least. I owe you that."

Casta nodded. "I don't know all I can do yet, but I can at least think of something..."

Skystrike shook his head. "You're in the most danger here. You work directly under Celestia. If even a trace of your magic shows up on anything I do, Celestia is coming for you." Skystrike thought for a moment. "...You and my sisters are going back tomorrow morning. I'm going to be busy for a little while. Keep working on the extractor. I'm... not going to hold back anymore. I don't have a choice anymore.' Skystrike stood up. "Can... you two go get everybody? I just need a moment to myself."

The two nodded as Skystrike went to his room, looking in the mirror with his helmet still in his hands. His grip tightened on it. This was going to happen eventually. He knew Celestia wouldn't give up on finding him. Why was he surprised? Why was he angry? He won't let this life he made for himself be taken away from him. He stared at his reflection for a long, long while, thinking of what he could do. There were only a few options that could work. One was to threaten the destruction of Equestria. He's capable of it, and she knows it... it'd just be a matter of making Celestia believe him. He could also just plead for his life, say he doesn't want to hurt anyone, but... that'd be much harder for Celestia to believe. Still worth a shot. His last option was to... run again. Start a new identity... No one would ever think to look for him outside of Equestria. That's the worst case scenario, though... but it'd still be safe to keep it in mind.

But something within him burned... urging him to fight. As if it was what he was meant to do, in his nature. But was it his nature as a human, or his nature as a lab rat... He already knew what he was meant to do, he just didn't want to admit it. Skystrike stared into the hollow eyes of his helmet, pondering. How... different would his life had been if he just stayed at that laboratory? He knew he wouldn't enjoy it, but... it'd be simpler than what he has to deal with now. Just follow orders and live. No... that's not living. Maybe if he decided to not escape the capital those years ago? Sure, Celestia couldn't trust him then, but maybe he... could've gained her trust? No, that wouldn't have worked... even with 17 years of laying low, she was still after him, distrusting, thinking he's biding his time. He let out a long, pained groan. He should've never came back to Equestria... should've went to Griffonstone or Hippogriffia... hell, living off the land, something...

But as he thought it through, he realized that no matter the choice, he'd end up here, his friends in danger because of him. His life he worked hard to build, crumbling around him. Skystrike gave a sad chuckle. Even with everything that happened, sure, he wished it went differently, but he didn't regret the life he lived, the friends he made, nor the time spent with everyone around him. "Echo... you've been with me since before this life. Even if we're stuck with each other despite what we want, even if you were made by the ones who put us in this mess, you're the only one who knows the true me, the only one I can trust... I want your opinion on what to do."

"My core programing demands that I put your survival first and foremost, no matter the cost. Reason with Celestia. Luna knows of your humanity, so there is a chance that she may help us somewhat." The blue eyes of the helmet flashed to stare back at Skystrike. "If reason does not work, then we must fight. We can always rebuild later. But that must happen if we have no other choice."

Skystrike grunted and took that into account. He looked in the mirror to take in a view of himself. He's grown so much over the years. He saw the person he was when he first came to Eques. Scared of what he could do, coarse in who he was, but full of hope that this would be a world he could live in. Then, himself after Khrusalis died. No longer scared, but... reluctant about making any new connections, angry at what was taken from him, and hateful of of himself and his lack of power.

But now, he saw who he was. Skystrike. Not truly a pony, but not truly human either. Even after everything he went through, he doesn't regret the lives he lived. He made a family, made friends, a life worth living. Skystrike would do anything to keep it. But to do that, he needs to give everyone the decision to let him be a part of their lives. He'd need to tell them the truth. But the human part will have to be put on hold for a while. For now, he would at least tell them all about the time he has left.

Skystrike turned back into a pony and put on his helmet. He also changed pants after he realized he wore them for three days straight. He was about to go for his black sweats, but then he remembered how Tethys said it was basic. Fine, black and white sweats. He looked himself over as he brushed his mane and tail, then realized he hasn't cut either in a long time. His tail was touching the floor and is mane was down to his shoulders. Then he smiled. At least he had the luxury to think about these things.

Skystrike folded his helmet into a collar as he walked downstairs, looking over the railing and seeing everypony. He didn't even realize how many he knew. Tethys, Casta, Zecora, Stardust, Astral, Dawnstone, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack. He was a bit glad Spike wasn't here to hear all that was going to be said.

Applejack immediately stood up to help him down the stairs. "Skystrike, what're ya doin' without yer wheelchair!? You broke your ribs!"

Skystrike laughed a bit. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm fine. I heal really fast." Applejack didn't believe it for a second, pushing him on his hind legs and lifting his shirt. "Bro???"

Applejack stared in awe of the lack of wounds. "I... I don't get it! You could barely move two days ago!"

"I'm a really good sleeper." Skystrike pulled his shirt down. "But that part of my weird biology isn't what you're all here for." The two walked down the stairs and took their seats. "I don't really know how to say this, so I'll start from the beginning. I have 'magic' in my body, but not in the sense a normal pony would. Thanks to Casta and her research, she was able to discover mana, which is what you ponies use to make magic. Difference is, every living being it this world makes magic unconsciously, as if they were breathing." Skystrike sighed. "That leads into what I learned last month. Due to 25 continuous years of absorbing mana, as well as the strain put on my body to keep up with the average pony with no magic, among other factors, it's had irreversible effects on my body. Because I can build my strength to impossible levels for my body, as well as store near impossible levels of mana and other factors, it's... affected my life expectancy. I've ran tests and quadruple checked the results, changing any factors that would gave me a wrong result. If I'm lucky, I will live until 40. If my condition gets worse, 30. If it stays the same, between 30 and 35."

Several gasps came from the group as that last part set in. Twilight was the first to ask a question. "...What do you mean, store near impossible levels of mana? Everypony has a mana capacity that grows as one gets older, and would stop gathering mana once it's full! This doesn't make any sense! This shouldn't happen in the first place!"

Skystrike thought for a moment. "Let me think of the best way to explain it... Imagine you have... a cup you want to fill with water. Water is the allegory for mana, and fills a cup at a set pace. But you're blind folded. You don't know how big your cup is, and you can only feel it get heavier. You have a way to let it out, but it's dangerous, and not fast enough to spill all that water you let sit."

"Then... how do you let it out?"

Skystrike rolled up his right sleeve, showing his metal hoof. "This is the hole in the cup, letting out some water constantly, but only slowing the build up. I could increase the size of the hole, but as I said, It's... dangerous."

Applejack huffed. "You know, somethin' about that arm of yours has always thrown me off... Where'd you get it?"

Astral asked a question of her own. "How did you get it?"

Skystrike looked at Astral, then at his arm. "That's... something you all should know as well, we just have to go further back. I did not come from these lands, I came from far, far away. It was... not a nice place..." Skystrike clenched his hoof. This was still so hard for him to talk about. "I wasn't treated as a living being. I was an object. A means to an end. A weapon..." Skystrike took of his sweatshirt, showing how far his metal arm went up. His entire arm up to his shoulder was replaced with metal, burn scars around where it connected to his torso. "I was taught morality, and showed mercy to one of the ones I was supposed to kill. As punishment, they took my arm from me. They gave me a new one, with some... upgrades. But those upgrades aren't just in my arm. You all can probably guess them, given my size, strength, and how I healed so fast. Those... also affected my life expectancy. Since I was a prototype, they could ignore the long term effects. I was eight when I executed my plan, taking as many of my captors with me before I decided I didn't want to live in that world anymore. It was by pure luck that I was able to find an escape."

"There's... there's no way you're telling the truth right now." Casta shook her head.

Skystrike looked at her, then sighed. "Casta, my very existence isn't natural. What I've said should make sense. But if I have to prove it to all of you..." Skystrike took off his arm and passed it to Casta. "It connects to my nervous system, and takes in my mana to power itself. By putting in a strong enough electric current, you should be able to make it move. In theory, at least. I've never tested it. There should still be enough mana in it for you to move it. You ponies focus more on magic, rather than electricity, so there's no way you will be able to understand how that's been made. If fact, electricity is how my most of the items I make work."

Casta looked over the arm. "So that's why this house felt so... empty. It felt like there was no magic, but there actually barely is any." She kept looking at it, figuring out a way to take it apart.

Meanwhile, Rarity bought the conversation back on topic. "I don't know about all of that electricity stuff, but backing up a bit, what all did they do to you?"

Skystrike sat back down, a bit uneven lacking his arm. "Well, the mana thing is the most important. It should be impossible to have an infinite mana capacity, so I would assume I was given a mana capacity that just hasn't reached its limit yet. The long term affects that I can predict is that... if I have too much in my body, mana poisoning, which has similar symptoms to a unicorn going through a magic fever. Difference is, I can't get better unless I can expel this mana. There's... too many to remember."

"You said 30 at worst. How do ya slow it down?" Applejack asked.

"Well... I suppose... The obvious answer is just release more mana, but that comes with some problems."

"...Go on."

Skystrike sighed. "There's not so much a good way to do it, just... less dangerous ways. The least dangerous way would be to increase the amount of mana I use. Casta, can I get my arm back?" She wasn't able to figure out how to take it apart and passed it back to him. He put it back into place with a grunt as he rolled his shoulder. "Think of my arm a bit like... a unicorn's horn. I can turn my mana into magic just by having it attached. If I wanted to use more mana, I can use spells-"

"You can use spells!?" Twilight nearly jumped. "Wait, then why haven't you been doing it this whole time!? Why hide it!?"

"Because, that comes with its own set of problems. Ignoring the amount of trouble that a pegasus with unicorn like magic will bring me, I'm... still being hunted by the ones I thought I escaped all those years ago. Using spells out in the open is a no go. On top of that, in all of my studies on magic, the only spells able to make a dent in my mana are... high cost destruction spells. I was made to have an affinity with destruction magic after all."

Dawnstone was a bit confused. "Well... now I know why you never talked about your past... You keep saying you were made for these things. Can you be more specific?"

Skystrike nodded. "I... was nurtured to... kill. I thought it was obvious, I just have a really hard time saying it."

Tethys raised a brow. "Not to get off topic, but don't you kill beings?"

"Only when I deem it necessary. I've taken enough innocent lives."

"Your parents?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, no. I don't regret killing them. I don't even see them as my parents, it's just that I've never changed the title. My 'father' forced me to do unspeakable things like kill my 'siblings'. Originally, I didn't hate my 'mother' but she was complacent with our treatment, and was just in it for the pay check. My 'father' killed her because of me though so, whatever that's worth."

Zecora put a hoof on her forehead. "Skystrike, heavy words in such a casual spree is not the way to speak, that should be plain to see."

Skystrike shrugged. "Look, at this point, I've come to terms with most of that. I had one of my guards commit suicide in front of me because he didn't want to kill me, knew he couldn't stop me even if he did, and he would die if he went back to father empty handed."

"...Holy shit Skystrike, what in Tartarus!?" Stardust's eyes went wide. He hasn't told her about that before.

"I'm... still having a hard time believing all of this." Fluttershy admitted. "It's hard to believe there's beings out there that'd do something so awful."

"You can say that again." Tethys growled. "I want to find whoever did all of that to you, but you already got to them."

"So... what now?" Astral asked the question on everyone's minds. "I thought I'd have more time with you... It's weird knowing how much time we have left with you."

"I'm... sorry, everyone." Skystrike said before thinking about what to say for a minute. "I... had a friend years ago named Steel Ace. He left this world too early... But one of the last things he said to me was to focus on the time we have left, rather than what could've been... I want to follow in his word, and just enjoy the time I have left with you all. Wish I could give a more satisfactory answer."

"We'll take what we can get." Astral hugged him.

The group talked over the next few hours, making plans between each other for the next month or so, as Skystrike said he planned on doing some traveling out of country. He had a fun couple of days coming up. But now, it was soon to be sunset. It was time to meet them. Everyone else, save for the ones staying with him, left by then. Skystrike finished cooking dinner, serving fried rice to Tethys, Casta, Stardust, Astra, Dawnstone, and- hol up. "Since when were you here, Zecora? I thought you went home?" Skystrike served her a plate anyway. "Let me guess, forgot to get groceries?"

"That's a piece of it, my potions, not many bought, This month's been slow, sales taking a drought." She sighed as she took a bite of food. "Mmm... so good."

"Damn, good enough to make you not rhyme? All I added was a pinch of lime." Skystrike took off his apron, then realized. "...Zecora how the fuck do you do that!? Stop making me rhyme, you're fucking with my head!"

"Well maybe you shouldn't be so predictable, open like a book to be read."

"Don't rhyme off me! That shouldn't count!" Skystrike laughed as he sat at the table and began eating. "Oh, right, Tethys, you going ok, diet wise?"

"You calling me fat?"

"Tethys-"

"I'm messing with you. Why do you ask about my diet?" She asked as she shoveled food into her jaws.

"I haven't seen you eat meat in a while. I know you need proteins and vitamins that you can't get from an a vegetarian diet." Skystrike twirl his fork in his hoof.

"...Admittedly, I haven't eaten any meat since I've started living here. I didn't want to scare off any ponies."

Skystrike thought about it. "You don't have to worry about that. The girls already know that I give Spike fish from time to time. I'm sorry, I thought you were going hunting or something before I found out you were hanging out with Rarity. I'll make sure to prepare a manticore first thing tomorrow morning. That should last us a few months. I can also go catch some fish. Alligator also tastes good."

Everyone, save for Stardust looked at him when he said that last part. "You eat meat?" They all asked.

"It's kinda the only reason I'm this size. Remember how I was thinner as a colt?" Skystrike shrugged. "Turns out, because my body doesn't partially run on magic, I need my nutrients from other sources."

"Well... if you know what tastes good, go for it. I'm just... surprised you eat it raw..." Tethys scratched at her horns.

"Oh, hell no, I cook my food." He wiped his mouth. "Again, I'll be hunting first thing tomorrow, and I'll be back in time to see you three off." He motioned to the unicorns. "For now, I have some ponies to meet."

Skystrike got up, went up to his room, and got some clothes to cover himself. He couldn't choose anything that would make it seem like he was living with the ponies, or Celestia would up the search for him. Something hand made would work well... He remembered the Manticore skin he got from Naga as a sort of gift. The pegasus got the yellow pelt from his closet and made a quick sarong out of it. He'd change clothes in the forest. He put it in his saddlebag before leaving his room and heading towards the front door.

Skystrike was stopped by Tethys and Casta, each hugging him before he left. "Stay safe, Skystrike." Tethys said.

"Don't do anything reckless." Casta sighed. "And come back safe."

"I'll do my best." Skystrike said as he opened the door. His friends watched him walk away and into the forest. He went in deep enough and off the path where no light would breach the roof of leaves. He knew from his chat with his friends earlier that the princesses returned back to Canterlot, so they would have to arrive by teleportation. But he still had to make sure he was completely alone before he transformed. With a tap of his hoof, a thin layer of magic expanded from him and into the forest. It was simple detection magic, letting him know that nothing in the forest that was even aware of him. But he did notice a presence that was approaching the forest. Maybe it was Zecora... but he still needed to be careful. He took off his clothes, transformed, then put on his sarong.

Skystrike hid the rest of his stuff by throwing it up in a tree, then marked it by leaving a cross in it by digging in the index finger of his metal arm. With that, he walked for a few more minutes, seeing the abandoned Castle of the Two Sisters. He had to admit, it took more force than he thought for it to open the door to the castle, even with it being covered in rust and moss. It took him a while to walk down the main hallway. Then he thought to himself: where would be the most fitting place to meet? The throne room would be too obvious... the top of a tower would make a cool scene, but also kinda predictable... Then it hit him. He walked for a bit more, remembering the path he took to get to the room almost a year ago.

The chamber of Elements, where those six found their elements while he held off Nightmare Moon. He stood on top of the large ball of marble with his back facing the entrance and his arms crossed. He always wanted to do this... now he just needed to wait.

The crackling and bursting of two sets of magic notified the arrival of the second party. Celestia and Luna looked to the center of the room, seeing Skystrike standing on the marble sculpture looking to nowhere in particular, his silver hair flowing in the wind. He knew he looked so cool right now. All he had to do was stick the line. He made sure to change his voice first though, making it deeper and more coarse to not sound like his pony counterpart. "Ah... so this day has finally come..." He slowly turned to face the two princesses, uncrossing his arms and throwing his hair out of his face. "It's been 17 years. I'd say good to see you again, Celestia, but I know that isn't really true for either of us. And Luna, I believe this is the first time we've met. I'm sure you already know a lot about me. Hope big sis put in a good word."

Celestia spread out her wings as she took a few steps forward. "Seventeen years too long, 34... I still don't see how you managed to escape, but it is far too late to worry about that. She stopped a couple yards away from him. "How do you know about this room?"

He chuckled. "Let's answer that question... with another question... Why are you worried that I know about the Elements of Harmony? Is your rainbow laser trump card something I shouldn't know about?" The human sat down and crossed his legs. Celestia looked to her sister as 34 continued. "Flattered you remember my number by the way, but before we continue any further, let's get rid of the third party. Can't exactly have a private conversation otherwise."

"What are you talking about?" Celestia tried to play dumb.

"Let's say... Skystrike and I talk about our personal lives between each other. Apparently he was being spied on, and said spy is here now." Skystrike pointed to the hole in the ceiling. "I come here alone, with no intention to harm, because I wanted to see what you have to say. the least you could do is return the good will and let us have this in private."

"What to you mean by 'good will'?"

"Would you have preferred I came into the capital on purpose?" 34 rested his head on his hand. "If not, then I don't believe we have anything left to say to each other, and you can go back to searching for a person who can only be found when he wants to."

Celestia and 34 stared at each other. Luna put a hoof on her sister's shoulder. "...Benefit of the doubt, sister... we believe we should at least hear him out."

Celestia grit her teeth. "Agent Sweetie Drops, you're dismissed."

After a few moments, the sound of hoof steps were heard on the roof, getting further and further away with each step. "Thank you. Now, to answer the first question about how I know about the Elements and their bearers, that's pretty easy. I've frequented this place over the years. I got curious and started reading some books." He laughed. Then he calmed himself. "But that's not a satisfactory answer for you, is it?"

Celestia then asked her next question. "Well... since you're so willing to answer our questions, how did you escape Canterlot?"

34 smiled at the memory. "I was given a chance to do better by two of your guards. Made a promise to leave some good in this world, and I intend to keep it. Hope those two are alright. And no, I'm not gonna rat them out. I literally owe them my life." The human sat up and put his hands on his knees. "My turn for a question. I figured you'd have gave up by now. Why are you so hell bent on capturing me?"

"Because, human, you're a danger to this entire world." Celestia stomped. "I've seen what you've done as a child! As if I'd let you walk free!"

"Well... ignoring how that probably was racially motivated, I feel like I've already said that that entrance was not on purpose. Though I will admit, being older now, I understand why you wanted to keep me contained." 34 admitted. Celestia's posture didn't change, but her ears did perk up at that. "That being said, I still stand by my actions. I will not be caged again. I simply wish to live. That leads into my next question. You seem to have a stigma against humans, seemingly more than me... what do you have against my kin?"

"Don't play dumb with me." Celestia growled. "Your kin bought terror to this country over a thousand years ago, starting in this very castle!"

34's eyes widened. "...Well damn, that's news to me. I... know it doesn't mean much, but I'm sorry."

"Why would you be?"

"Because, Celestia, even though I'm human, I can recognize the mistakes of my race." He sighed and said the next part to himself. "You'd think a technologically advanced race would use it to better themselves, rather than conquer."

Luna whispered to her sister. "Celestia, we think he is telling the truth."

"Luna, you know the humans. You would do well to remember their deception."

34 interrupted the two. "So I'm confused. You come in and automatically assume I am here to deceive you, what point is there in talking?"

Celestia thought for a moment. "Very well, let's say we do believe you... Have you had any contact with humans since your arrival?"

34 shook his head. "No. At least, not exactly." Celestia's magic flared. "Calm down. I was going to say I'm not a fan of them like you, given how I escaped them to get to your world. There were a few labs that I've destroyed and one I kept intact, though the most recent one I found was the only one that connected to the home universe. Made sure they wouldn't be able to use that place again."

Luna spoke this one, surprised. "There were hidden labs? How many? Where?"

34 counted on his fingers. "The badlands, the northern mountain range near some village, and here on the edge of the Everfree, so that makes three."

Luna stuttered. "You- wh- You left one intact!?"

The human nodded. "Of course. I need some place to repair my arm, and in case the humans come back, you need better weapons." 34 pointed to himself. "If a prototype like me is enough to put you on edge just by existing, I imagine you're going to shit yourself if they come back with a better version of me, one not so chatty."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, then back to the human. Celestia shakily forced her words out. "They... They're coming back?"

34 nodded. "Most likely. The lab I found in the north was made to track me, and they were making weapons to neutralize me at the very least. I don't know when, I just know they have a way of getting here. And if that happens, I cannot say with full confidence that I can handle them alone." He let the weight of his words hang in the air for a time. Celestia and Luna shuddered. How many ponies would die if 34 is right? How much blood will be shed for their lust for conquest? It can't happen again. "So, let's make a deal." Celestia and Luna's ears perked up at that. "We continue to keep to ourselves for a bit. I'll live away from the eyes of the ponies you love so much, and you will stop hunting for me as I search for any traces of humanity. If the humans never come, it's a win for both of us. If they do, then we work together until the threat is dealt with."

"...A decent offer on paper, but your kind is less than trustworthy. How do I know you will keep up your end of the deal." Celestia finally folded in her wings.

"Well, if you remember how I came to this world, your kind wasn't too good either. The only reason I even began to interact with you ponies was because of those two guards. I can't really trust you either, but neither of us have a choice here." 34 stood up and jumped down in front of the princesses. Celestia glared at him as she prepared her magic. He leaned over a bit to be at her eye level. "So, I'll say it this way. If you want to have your country, this world, continue to be independent from humanity, then we must work together if they ever come..." 34 put out a hand to shake her and Luna's hooves

Celestia still hesitated. "...And if I refuse?"

"Then we are both fighting a war on two fronts. But you'll have it a lot worse than me. You could barely handle me as a child, but to be fair to you, you weren't trying to kill." 34 smirked a bit,. "And while I don't wish to fight you two, as I've seen how well you take care of your subjects, and Skystrike, I will do what I must to survive." He made sure to say that last part with determination. "So, do we have a deal?"

Celestia and Luna knew it wasn't even a fair deal. It wasn't even a trade. They could not take the chance of 34 running wild in Equestria. And if they do come, they would need all the help they could get. Luna surprised her sister by taking his hand and shaking it. Then the two looked to Celestia, who begrudgingly did the same. "Very well, but know this, if you do anything to harm my little ponies, the Elements of Harmony will surely stop you."

34 crossed his arms. "If it comes to that, then that is on me, and I wish you luck... I'll make sure to tell Skystrike that everything went fine." 34 turned his back. "Though I must say, glad this didn't end badly."

Luna put out a hoof. "Wait, human..." 34 turned his head to look at her. "You said that there was a lab kept intact. Where is it?"

"Oh, right. Ask Skystrike. He told me your sister asked about his launcher thing. How do you think he made it? But I've said enough." 34 jumped through the hole in the roof and looked down at them. "I'm gonna dip. I need to go get dinner."

He returned to his bag, making sure he wasn't followed and changing back to his pony form. Skystrike put back on his sweats and sighed. His heart was racing that entire time. He sat down for a minute to catch his breath. Then he realized, there's no real out for him, is there? Celestia will never stop going after him, and humanity won't leave him alone either. He'd have to stay hidden, or at least be very careful who he tells. Then he realized another thing, it's over if Luna tells her sister. He'd need to do his best to keep his distance... or earn their trust.

"Thoughts for later." Skystrike said to himself as he exited the forest. For now, he had some ponies to see.

Skystrike pushed open the door to the bar, greeting the bar tender and owner. "Hey, Berry! How's it hanging?"

Berry didn't look up from the glass she was cleaning. "Hey, Nebula... Didn't expect you to come in. I heard what happened on Wednesday, good to see you're still in one piece. Your friends are in the booth at the corner."

"Thanks Berry. Get us the house special, and one for yourself." Skystrike left a bag of bits on the counter, then went to the booth. "Mayor Mare, Cheerilee, Redheart, and Snowheart! Decided to join us today, I see."

The four turned to greet him, then almost spit out their drinks. Redheart wiped her mouth with a hoof. "By Celestia, Nebula, what in Eques are you doing without your wheelchair!?" She got up in an attempt to help him sit down. "Oh dear I hope that your stitches haven't come undone..."

Skystrike chuckled. "I'm fine, Redheart. Look." Skystrike pulled up his sweatshirt to show his ribs.

"Oh my god, you can grind grain on those- I mean-... What? How??" She stuttered.

"I'm a really good sleeper." Skystrike laughed. "Also, I ordered us some drinks..."

Mayor Mare held her head. "Thanks, I need one. After I heard what happened on Wednesday, I'm just glad you're ok."

Skystrike sat down. "Pssh, I don't die. But thanks for worrying. So, how've you all been?"

"Well, you know, same routine." Cheerilee said, looking into her half full glass. "You coming in on Wednesday was great, don't get me wrong... It's just been... slightly annoying when one of those air cannon things launches all the papers off my desk."

Skystrike snickered. "My bad. Honestly, I didn't think of that aspect."

Mayor Mare did the same. "The princesses gave a surprise visit Wednesday as well. I wish somepony told me beforehoof that I'd have to file an entire airship..."

He snickered again. "My bad."

Snowheart downed the rest of her drink. "Well, Redheart and I actually had to do surgery on Wednesday. It was weird... Personally, I normally want a stallion in me, not the other way around."

The group laughed as their drinks came. They each thanked Berry before clinking their glasses together. Skystrike took a sip. "Mmm... damn, this is really good!"

Berry smiled. "Family recipe. Glad you enjoy it... You know, I'll let you have that one for free if you can guess what's in it, colt."

"Challenge accepted..." Skystrike took another sip. "Taste's a bit like Brandy, but not what's normally in it... there's a hint of citrus, but more tangy than an orange, so I assume lemon or lime juice. It's almost drowned out by the orange juice and strawberry juice. I don't know what type of bitters you use though..." He took a longer sip after a sniff. "There's... one more thing in here that I can't put my hoof on... Something sweet, but savory, and a little salty. Caramel?"

"How the buck..." Berry smiled as Skystrike threw up his hooves. "I'm impressed. I didn't take you as a sommelier. How often you drink to know what's in it?"

"Honestly? Not much. But if you ever hang out with a dragon, you pick up on a lot. But for real though, this is really good." Skystrike downed the glass. "Can I get another? Also whatever you'd think this would go well with for the five of us. I'm hungry as hell." Berry nodded, taking the empty glasses and going to do so. "So, girls, what do you all wanna talk about?"

Snowheart took a sip of her brandy. "Mmm, you were right, this is good. Anyway, I always wanted to ask, how do you always walk around in that armor? And how come you haven't been wearing it?"

Skystrike though about it. "Well, as to the how, my original armor when I first started my job was the civilian grade armor you could get from any blacksmith shop. As I got older and more refined in my craft, I realized I needed sturdier armor, and it ended up getting heavier as I made new sets. The reason I haven't wore it recently is because after my fight in the capital, it got dented. I've been working on new armor since."

"Really now? I haven't heard of any spar, but I haven't been reading the newspapers recently... How long does it take to even make armor? I assume longer than normal, given your size." Snowheart put and elbow on the table.

"Well, to put it into perspective, one of my swords takes a week, minimum. That set of armor I wore used took me... two months. There were a lot of parts needed to complete it, but I don't want to bore you with my rambling."

"Fair enough... Did you hear about that diss track on the princesses?" Redheart changed the subject. "I haven't listened to it yet, but apparently it's really funny."

"Oh yeah, I've heard it..." Cheerilee giggled. "Well, not personally. The kids have been singing it for the past week."

"I haven't heard of it, and I'm pretty into music. Are they new?"

Skystrike tried to hide his laugh... failing miserably. "Haahahaha! Yeah, that was great! First release, and we were so glad it was a hit, not a miss."

"That was you? You made a diss track on the princesses??" Cheerilee put her hooves on the table to stand up. Then blinked and sat back down. "You know, I'm not really surprised actually."

Redheart raised a brow and sipped her brandy. "Hmm, wanna give us a live show?"

"You know, I would, but this isn't really the setting for it. Plus, rapping without a beat just doesn't hit the same." Skystrike said as Berry came back with their food and his drink. "Thank you, Berry." He bit into the hay burger. "Oh my god I needed that."

"Damn, you can eat." Snowheart took a bite of her own food. "Oh, here's a fun one, what were your nicknames in school? Mine was beach, since I apparently look like one."

"That's actually really cute." Mayor mare wiped her mouth. "Better than mine at least. Mine was just Mare. I wasn't too talkative, and never really shared my name, so it just stuck."

"So that's why you're called Mayor Mare..." Redheart took a few gulps. "During medical school when I was bisecting a frog and I got blood everywhere, I mean my hooves and face were covered in it. They called me crimson heart for a while."

Cheerilee went next. "I... actually I don't remember if I had a nickname."

"You know, I don't think you did... huh, that's so weird." Mayor Mare said before taking a bite of her food. "What about you, Nebula? If I remember right, you had a few."

He nodded. "Yeah, I had a couple, though some I were more fond for than others. By some, I was called 'scrap heap'. I wasn't exactly wealthy back then. Sure, I had money, but I spent it on my sibllings first. I'd go by the blacksmiths in Canterlot to get any scrap I could to make weapons and armor. As the name implied, I ended up looking like a scrap heap." Skystrike thought for some time. "One I was a bit self concious of was 'leech', since some ponies were jealous of the ponies I was around. But a more light hearted and funny one I had was 'Ass beater'."

Cheerilee and Mayor Mare laughed as the former spoke. "Oh, I remember that! That was great!"

"What's the story behind that one?" Snowheart asked.

Skystrike laughed, remembering back. "It was at prom. Some guy who's name eludes me right now was talking a lot of shit to my friend and the girl he was going for. He was all around just an unpleasant stallion, so when I stepped in to back up my friend, he started saying all sorts of shit. In the end, I said 'I'm going to beat your ass.' And then, I indeed beat his ass."

They all laughed at his story, continuing to talk as the night went on. They had a few more drinks, since no one had work in the morning. They all made sure not to get drunk like last time. They paid their tab before leaving. Skystrike decided to continue their small talk. "Hey, Snowheart, you said you have a cat? Also, unrelated, we're leaving the bar earlier than last week."

"Oh, every once in a while, we hang out at each other's houses and we gossip. Redheart and I have cats. They're pretty nice if you want to stop by."

"Sure, I love cats!" Skystrike followed the four for a bit to Redheart's and Snowhearts house. They all entered, the two nurse ponies being last. Skystrike was a bit confused as he looked around the living room. "Where are the cats? Are they shy?"

Redheart and Snowheart both whispered into his ears. "Meow~"

"...You know what, that's a new one."

About two weeks passed since Friday, and not much happened. Of course, there were heart felt goodbyes from his sisters and Casta as they returned to Canterlot. At least they could come visit him often if they wished. Casta, Astral, and Skystrike were able to make a teleporter from his living room to Casta's Mage tower. They'd work on making one in his airship another time. He spent the last while working on his armor first and foremost. Like he planned, it looked exactly like his old set of armor, though slightly bulkier. He didn't realize until sizing himself that his old armor was tight.

Anyway, there were just a few more things to add to his armor, and it would be the longest process. Now that he has access to that book of enchanting from the royal treasury, he need to figure out how to enchant things. Before that, he needs to properly test the magic stones he got from the mission reward a while ago. He didn't really need it, but it's more to test if he can use electrodynamics to activate magic. But that was a thought for later.

Right now though, Skystrike was helping Twilight rearrange her library with the help of their friends, save for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Twilight put a book from the stack in a shelf with her magic. A question came to mind. "Hey, Sky, you said you could use magic. You said Destruction magic was what you were best at. Can you use any other types?"

Skystrike nodded as he balanced a stack of books in his arms. "Well, yes, I can. I can use Alteration, Restoration, Conjuration, Enchanting, and Illusion magic, though to a lesser degree. I've tried to get better, but I can't really use anything past the intermediate level of those branches of study."

Twilight was interested in that. "Really? And what level of magic can you use for Destruction? Most unicorns have affinities for one study, rarely two like your friend Casta. I specialize in Alteration and Conjuration, but thanks to my cutie mark, I can use advanced level magic in the other trees." Then she thought some more, shifting some of the books around. "It makes sense now that I think about it. I was hoping you could use levitation magic to speed this up a bit, but no hope if you aren't good at Alteration."

Skystrike put up the book as he jumped down the ladder, landing on his hooves with a thud. "Actually, that's the fun thing about magic, you can recreate spells with other spells."

"...What do you mean?"

"Well, take levitation magic for example. It's an Alteration spell and makes things levitate." He put out his right arm, pointing his hoof at a book on the floor. "But I can replicate it in different ways using destruction magic. For example..." A ball of wind surrounded the book. "By using a wind spell and combining that with a barrier spell to contain that wind, I can move the barrier, and thus the book." He moved his palm up and made a pushing motion with his arm, moving it into a shelf before dispelling his magic.

"...Interesting..." Twilight made a mental note of that. "But that's really not magically efficient... then again, you don't really have to worry about that."

"I'unno much 'bout magic, but that was mighty impressive. I haven't seen unicorns use magic like that in my life!" Applejack turned to him and took a stack of books out of his hooves. "What other types of fancy magic can you do?"

"I am a bit interested myself, since we're on the topic, darling." Rarity gave her horn a rest.

"Ooh! Ooh!" Pinkie jumped. "Show us a party trick!"

Skystrike thought of something. He put the tip of his hoof to his temple. "Pinkie, pull my tail." She did so and his eyes lit up like a flashlight. Pinkie laughed, pulling it a few more times and watching his eyes flash on and off. The other three laughed as well. Pinkie turned him off, and Skystrike blinked a couple times to regain his sight.

Twilight pushed in the last book. "Alright, everypony! We're finally done. Thank you sooo much for helping me clean up all these books, guys. It was a crazy weekend of studying!" She rolled her eyes like pin balls.

"How the actual fuck did you do that?" Skystrike wondered.

Twilight was about to answer, but a worried and disoriented yell was coming closer and closer. They all looked to the window. It sounded like... "Whooaoaoaoa! GAH!" Rainbow Dash flew head first into Skystrike's chest.

"AAEGH!" He screamed as he got launched backwards. The sheer force of their crash launched a cloud of smoke as well as a shockwave that knocked every book off the shelves. Now everyone was disoriented. Skystrike held his head as he pulled himself out of the mountain of books. He inhaled deeply. "Everypony ok?" He said with a groan.

He heard several "Yeah..."s as heads poked out of the books.

Fluttershy landed on the window frame that Rainbow dove in from. "Rainbow Dash, you did great! Woohoo!" She said with the loudest voice she could. But it was a whisper. It was pretty cute. Then she looked at the chaos in the room. "...Did my cheering do that?"

"Two fucking hours, Rainbow Dash!" Skystrike shook off the pain.

She gave a nervous chuckle. "Heheh... sorry about that, guys." She shook her hair out of her face, then had a look of annoyance. "That was a truly feeble performance..."

Fluttershy jumped down. "Actually, it wasn't all bad. I particularly liked it when you made the clouds spin!" She made a spinning motion with her hoof.

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "I'm not talking about my performance, I'm talking about yours! That feeble cheering!"

"What are you two arguing about?" Twilight asked.

"Were we arguing? I'm sorry..." Fluttershy shrunk a bit.

"Ugh... I wish you guys could come to Cloudsdale to see me compete in the Best Young flier competition!" Rainbow sighed.

Twilight asked for clarification. "What's that!?"

Pinkie leaned forward excitedly. "It's when the best fliers get together and show off their flying styles! Some are fast!" Pinkie began running around the room as fast as she could making plane sounds. "And some are graceful." Then she began spinning around like a ballerina and fell into the books below her.

"Golly... I'd love to see you strut your stuff in that competition." Applejack straightened her hat.

"I wish you guys could be there. Fluttershy is a great support, but her cheering isn't exactly inspirational." Rainbow said as Fluttershy looked away a bit defeated.

"Rainbow, I get you're nervous, but please think about what you say, how you say it, and how it could come off." Skystrike pulled Pinkie out of the books like a carrot. "Fluttershy is already willing to go to Cloudsdale with you to cheer. That should be enough, knowing you have her support."

Rainbow winced a bit. "...You're right... I'm sorry, Fluttershy."

"Ooh! I'd love to see you make a sonic rainboom!" Pinkie got back on topic. "It'd be like the coolest thing ever! Even though I've never actually seen it, but I mean come on, it's a sonic rainboom!" She hopped up and down. "How not cool could it possibly not be!?"

"What's a sonic rainboom?" Twilight was confused agian.

Fluttershy gave her an answer. "Remember when Skystrike had that ring around him back when he showed Spike he wasn't ready? That."

"You really need to get out more." Pinkie touched noses with the unicorn. "Basically, it happens when a pegasus goes really fast, and BOOM!" She jumped into a pile of books. "A sonic boom and a Rainbow happen all at the same time! It's legendary!"

"And Rainbow Dash is the only pony to ever pull it off! Well, besides Skystrike, but Rainbow did is as a filly." Applejack said.

"You did it as a kid!?" Skystrike asked. "Damn, that's impressive! I couldn't do it until I was like, 22! Nice job!"

"Yeah, it was a long time ago. Like she said, I was just a filly..."

"Yeah but you're gonna do it again, right!?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow Dash wasn't sure... "A-are you kidding!? I-I'm the greatest flier to ever come outta Cloudsdale!" She puffed her chest fluff out, then she looked to Skystrike. "I can do sonic rainbooms in my sleep! But I wouldn't be against some pointers on how to do it better..."

They all looked at Skystrike. "Oh uh... I guess get the angle right? The hardest part is getting to that speed. Dive straight down, fold your wings almost inward, but not completely closed, and make sure your body is straight as it can be. Squint your eyes, and control your breathing. I can't really give much more advice than that..."

"Well, how'd you do it the first time?" The skittle pony asked.

"Zecora was falling off a cliff, and my adrenaline was doing work." Skystrike answered with a shrug. "But hey, if you're able to pull it off, you'll win that grand prize for sure! Just make sure you got your routine down."

"The grand prize is an entire day with the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow began to day dream as her eyes grew wider in anticipation. "A whole day with my life long heroes... It'll be a dream come true!"

"Yay!" Fluttershy cheered as Skystrike snickered.

Rainbow was about to say something, but thankfully stopped herself. "I'm gonna go rest up, don't wanna overprepare you know?" She began walking towards the window. "And thanks, Fluttershy for coming to cheer me on. It means a lot." And then, she flew out of it.

"Oh yeah, that's fine, leave us with the mess you made." Skystrike stomped his hooves.

Fluttershy shook her head. "Thanks, Skystrike... She's practiced that move a hundred times an still doesn't have it down. I don't know if me cheering loud enough will make up for that..." And then Fluttershy flew to follow her.

"Welp, guess we better clean this up... again..." Twilight picked up a book with her magic.

Rarity poked her flank with a horn. "Well, go on, go on!"

"Ow! What!?"

"Find us a spell to get us flightless ponies into Cloudsdale! Didn't you see how nervous she was?"

Applejack nearly laughed. "Nervous? She was tootin' her own horn louder than the brass section of a marchin' band."

Skystrike laughed. "Alright, that was a good one. But she was definitely nervous. Some ponies act overconfident when dealing with stress. Rainbow is a perfect example."

"Indeed." Rarity nodded. "I've put on enough fashion shows to know stage fright when I see it! We've got to find a way to be there for her!"

"Well... finding a spell is easier said than done in this mess. Besides, it wouldn't work on Skystrike."

Skystrike waved a hoof. "Oh, don't worry about me. I had a old pair of shoes I used to wear when I was in Cloudsdale that helped me walk on clouds. I should be able to copy the spell and move it onto a new pair." Skystrike said as he made his way towards the door. "I'll make sure to meet you guys at Cloudsdale."

It took Skystrike about 20 minutes to get the magic right, but he put it on a knew pair of shoes that fit him. Then he thought, why the hell do ponies have shoes? They're naked nearly all the time, and they have hooves? Confusing... Anyway, he started his flight to Cloudsdale. Zecora denied the invite due to her fear of heights, Stardust was doing a report, and Tethys was trying to teach herself how to cook. He had to admit, it was nice seeing her try new things.

He hoped his shoes worked, since he couldn't really test them on the ground. It would not be nice to have to fly the whole time. But what Skystrike hoped for most was that Rainbow would do well in her turn in the event. She's talented, but doesn't do too well under pressure. She could wipe the floor with the competition easily if Rainbow was just able to shut off her mind. Maybe a few words of advice to her would do some good before her flight.

Well, since he had time to think... "Hey, Echo..."

"Yes?"

"We never named the Stake Launcher..."

"We are not calling it the 'Special Beam Cannon'." Echo said.

"Well why don't you think of a better name for an attack?"

"Very well... how about... Metal Devil?"

"... Doom~ Cannon?"

"Ares's kiss?"

"...Shit, that's good!" Skystrike moved his head to the side.

Skystrike landed at Cloudsdale with many more ideas for names. It was a good talk. But as he landed on the outskirts, he noticed the stares he was getting. It reminded him of how ponies normally acted around him, and how Ponyville was when he first came. He'd try not to take it personally.

He walked a bit, trying to figure out where he was going before he saw some familiar faces. It was Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy talking to three stallions in work uniforms. The former was visibly upset, while the latter switched from standing tall to shrinking in on herself a few times. Skystrike got a bit closer, hearing one of the stallions laugh with saying "Rainbow Crash!" He sighed... it was one of these situations. At least he joined in on what seems to be the later half of whatever conversation they were having.

Skystrike walked next his two friends. "Hey, I made it. I forget how long a flight it is here." He yawned. "What's happening?"

"Nothing..." Rainbow grunted. "Fluttershy and I were just leaving."

The brown pegasus began mocking her. "I can't wait to see you screw up your show, Rainbow Crash!" He said before laughing and beginning to fly off.

Skystrike grabbed the orange one by his uniform and pulled him out of the air and back on the ground. "So, I see you three must be old friends of Rainbow Dash... You know, I think I figured out the reason you're all such queefs of a pony."

The other two landed as Skystrike pushed the orange one away. The orange pegasus grunted. "What do you mean by that? Who are you anyway? One of Crash's friends?"

"You see, you three peaked in Flight School. Now that you all are working some job you don't enjoy and every other pony has left you because they grew past the angsty teen phase, you see ponies like Rainbow Dash that still have dreams they want to follow. You all antagonize and pick on ponies like her because you see somepony you could be if you actually put in effort into your lives. And now, you're stuck in the past, hoping to get that high of 'people liking you because you were the biggest guys in school'. Everypony else you could've had some semblance of a relationship with has left you all flailing in the mud, and the only reason the three of you stick together because misery loves company." Each word he spoke came out with more and more annoyance and frustration than the last. Skystrike took another step forward, making the stallions back up. "Now, you all can fly off and enjoy the rest of your lunch break doing a self pity circle jerk, and if I ever see you bad mouthing my friends, I'll rain down Tartarus upon you all." Skystrike made his eyes flash as he loomed over them.

The three took the hint and ran the complete opposite direction. Skystrike sighed as he saw them round the corner and turned back to the two. "What?" He asked.

"...And I thought I was assertive." Fluttershy said.

"Damn, dude, you went in! Thanks I guess??? You were a lot harder on them than I thought you would be." Rainbow dash coughed.

"Rainbow, you have a talent. Don't let assholes like them bring you down. I won't let anyone trample on another's dream."

Rainbow sighed. "...They're right... I'll never be able to do it..."

Fluttershy tried to cheer her up. "But Rainbow Dash, just because you failed the sonic rainboom a hundred thousand times in practice doesn't mean you won't be able to do it in front of an entire stadium full of impatient, super critical sports fans!"

...Holy fuck that was trying??? "Fluttershy..." Skystrike was trying not to laugh. "We need to work on your pep talks..."

Rainbow Dash's nerves finally got to her. "AAAAAAH!" Skystrike covered his ears. "What do I do!? Everypony is gonna see me fail! The Wonderbolts will never let a loser like me join! Princess Celestia will probably banish me to the Everfree forest! My life is ruined!"

Skystrike was gonna tell Celestia about that later. Fluttershy blinked and stared off into space. "...Rare-?"

"Wh- The sonic rainboom is way more than rare!" Rainbow stood back up from her wailing.

Skystrike noticed that Fluttershy was looking at something behind Rainbow Dash. "Rarity??"

They all looked behind Rainbow Dash. Skystrike was confused. "...Butterfly wings?"

"Rarity, are you flying!?" Rainbow was making sure she saw things right.

"I certainly am~!" Rarity flew down with her wings, almost like stained glass. "Aren't my wings smashing? Twilight made them for me, I just adore them!"

Skystrike closed both of the mouths of his jaw dropped pegasus friends. "I'm more surprised you learned to fly so quick."

"Well, it's rather easy, to be quite honest. It's kind of like... having a second horn. But Fluttershy, Rainbow, Why so shocked? We couldn't leave our favorite flier without a big cheering section."

"We?" Rainbow asked before seeing a purple hot air balloon bring the rest of her friends up. "I-... I can't believe it! This is so cool! You guys made it!"

"Sure did!" Pinkie jumped out of the hot air balloon and onto the cloud. Rainbow Dash's heart nearly stopped until she saw Pinkie didn't fall through. They Twilight and Applejack followed. "...How'd you do that? I thought only pegasus ponies could walk on clouds?"

Pinkie began doing cart wheels as Twilight explained. "I found a spell that gives temporary wings, but it was too difficult to do more than once, so I found an easier spell that lets the rest of us walk on clouds!"

"And we came to cheer you to victory!" Applejack got on her back hooves.

"...To be honest, I was getting just a teeny bit nervous. But I feel a lot better now that you guys are here." Then she had a thought. "Hey, we have some time before the competition! Why don't Fluttershy, Nebula, and I show you around Cloudsdale?"

The tour started by showing them a view few important parts of Cloudsdale. Skystrike would remember what he was talking about if he didn't keep getting distracted by the ponies ogling Rarity and her wings. Twilight explained to Rarity that her wings were delicate when she started to do rolls and loops... If Rarity was a pegasus, she'd be talented too. Soon, Applejack bought up wanting to see where the weather was made.

As he was in the weather factory, it made him think of a lot of things, mostly doing with this world's weather system. The water cycle doesn't work the way it does in his world, since the ponies, and what ever other races that can control the weather, have to make the clouds themselves. He found it a bit interesting. It was also interesting how they gave them special clothes to enter the factory... well his friends got the clothes. He was too big.

Rainbow did most of the talking. Each snow flake is hoof made, which seems really time consuming considering how much fucking snow he had to move during winter wrap up. Rarity blew them everywhere with her wings though, so they moved on quickly to the next part. Apparently, they make Rainbows to? But, liquid ones instead of the ones made with light. Unless they're the same? He was fucking confused. Magic is fucking bullshit.

Pinkie stuck a hoof into a pool of rainbow and licked it, turning every color of the rainbow before going "Spicyyyyyy!" weakly.

Applejack and Twilight laughed as Rainbow explained. "Yeah... rainbow's aren't really known for their flavor..." Skystrike was curious. He stuck in a hoof and licked it. Then kept licking the rainbow off his hooves. It was definitely spicy, but it was good. Each 'color' he tasted was giving ideas for meals. "Bro, what the buck?"

"It tastes good, okay!?" Skystrike wiped his hoof on his clothes. "I know what I'm getting from the gift shop."

The five of them looked to se Rarity being followed by the three stallions he saw earlier. First, they saw Rainbow and were about to mock her again, but then they saw Skystrike staring daggers. They made the smart choice not to say anything to her. But it didn't stop the mare in question from feeling self conscious about the comparison they made of her wings and Rarity's. It even continued into the cloud part of the factory. Rainbow put some distance between the group and herself as Rarity kept getting the attention of everypony. She was enjoying herself too much.

Skystrike walked over to Rainbow Dash. "...You aren't looking too good, Rainbow."

"I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be? Everypony will be too busy looking at Rarity's wings that they wont see me bomb the competition!" She held her head in her hooves.

Then some random pony suggested that Rarity enter the competition. Rarity quite liked the idea. "Hmm... there isn't' anypony who uses their wings quite like me... maybe I should compete!"

As Rarity flew off with the crowd following her, Rainbow Dash grew more distressed. "What am I gonna do!?" She pranced back and forth. "I'll never win the competition now..."

Skystrike put a hoof on Rainbow's back. "Rainbow, I know how easy it is for me to say something like 'Don't worrry' so I'm not going to say that. We've all felt what you're feeling, so there's not really anything we can say to make you feel better. But know this. Even if you feel like you're going to fail. you do your best. Failure is something we learn from, something that makes us strive to be better. You must believe in yourself. If you can't believe in yourself, believe in the friends that believe in you." She looked up at him. "Each of us do, and know you're going to win it by a landslide. Even Rarity. Despite her... actions, she was the one to recommend finding a spell to Twilight."

Each of the girls nodded and hugged Rainbow. "...Thanks, everypony.... Hey Nebula, can I ask you something?"

"Go for it."

"Don't... be too hard on Rarity."

"Aight." Skystrike nodded. "But that depends on if she recognizes her mess up and she apologizes to you."

It was the time of the event. Skystrike, Twilight, Applejack and Rarity were all making small talk over the competitors. But he was cutting them out of his mind a bit. Skystrike didn't feel too good about what was happening. He remembered Rainbow Dash was a single digit, but they were in the doubles now. Either she left by now, or she switched out her number for a later one. Stage fright got to her.

He thought about going to get her, but she came out right as he was moving to get up. Well, she and Rarity came out at the same time. Hold on, what the fuck is she wearing? A feather dress with spots? And a feather crown too... he was going to stop thinking on it, he'd never understand fashion. Rarity and Rainbow talked to each other, each on opposite ends of the social anxiety spectrum before doing their sets. Skystrike decided to focus on Rainbow Dash.

She started off by weaving between a line of poles. Her form was pretty good, but her problem became obvious to the trained eye. Each cloud pillar she passed she was a tad too early on starting the next turn. That came back to bite her as she bumped into one of the poles, flinging her head first into one of the walls of the colosseum. Those three stallions from earlier laughed at her. Skystrike must admit, she had one hell of a glare. Rainbow pushed herself off the wall and shook her head and went into phase two. She flew out of the colosseum and towards a set of clouds above it. She flew around one with a rather impressive speed, leaving the cloud at the right time to let it keep spinning as she went to do the same to the next one, then the next. They all cheered as her plan seemed to work... until a piece of the cloud fell off and hit her in the face, and making the cloud spiral towards- Hold on, when did Celestia get here? Was she here the whole time? Anyway, she and her guards ducked under the cloud rushing towards her head.

Skystrike grit his teeth at that, then followed Rainbow's eyes to see what she was looking at. Rarity was moving on to her final part... well, saying it like that implies that she planned all of this out, and she isn't just in the heat of the moment. The two mares both flew as high as they could into the sky. Rarity stopped just in front of the sun, letting her stained glass wings shine a beautiful light down on them. "Look upon me, Equestria, for I am Rarity!"

Skystrike sighed as the crowd looked in awe. Then he worrying thought. "...Twilight, what's her wings made of again?"

Twilight looked at him. "Gosmer and Morning dew. Why- ooooooooh... oooooooooh... ooooooh no..." They all kept looking at Rarity before her wings began to sizzle at the intensity of the sun, then combusting into flames before quickly turning to ash, leaving her suspended in the air. "OH NO!" Twilight gripped her face. Rarity began screaming as she fell through the stadium and was going towards the ground at soon to be terminal velocity.

Three of the Wonderbolts quickly jumped off to catch her, diving to get close, but Rarity was flailing so much that she knocked each of them out. It was kinda funny. Then Skystrike remembered they were falling to their death... probably... He got up to intervene, but then saw Rainbow zoom by to catch up to them... He decided to let her cook.

"Hold on Rarity!" Rainbow said as she dove, going faster and faster with each passing second. The air seemed to bend around her front hooves. Holy shit, he think's she's gonna do it. Skystrike and his friends all got up and looked in suspense. Rainbow flew with all her might as a Rainbow seemed to form around her, the friction in the air making lightning that surged through her.

And she did it, a rainbow explosion burst from behind her as she reached mach one, catching Rarity and the rest of the Wonderbolts just before they hit the ground. Fluttershy began jumping as she gave a cheer that would give Pinkie a run for her money. "A SONIC RAINBOOM SHE DID IT! WAHOO!"

Skystrike felt proud, watching her make a rainbow over them before landing. He flew down to pick up Rarity out of her hooves, as other bystanders pulled each of the Wonderbolts off of her. The crowd cheered in her honor. She couldn't help but cry at the sight. She even heard Fluttershy's cheering. "I-I did it! A sonic rainboom! I DID IT!"

Rarity gave a relieved sigh from Skystrike's arms. "You sure did! Oh, Thank you, Rainbow Dash! You saved my life!"

"Oh, heh, I did that too!" It took her a moment to realize. "Best day ever!" She pumped a hoof.

Skystrike smiled. "Knew you could do it, Rainbow."

"Thanks, bro." She gave a hoof bump. Then she thought. "Hey... you noticed Rarity fall before me... how come you didn't do something?"

"Well, you're able to do a lot with adrenaline. You did a rainboom the same way I first did mine." He shrugged.

Rarity realized what that implied. "You-... you let me fall?"

"Well I wouldn't say it like that, but yes. I thought it was your kink." Skystrike said, making Rainbow laugh a bit. "On a more serious note, take it as a learning experience. Besides, I knew Rainbow could've done it. That's why I didn't go to catch you."

"Dang, man, I said don't be too hard on her." Rainbow said a bit sheepish.

"I'm not being hard on her." Skystrike clarified as Twilight bought up her air balloon. "Oh, perfect timing." Skystrike put the unicorn in the basket as the rest of their friends came down. He rolled his wings as he landed.

Rarity took the hint from the look Skystrike was giving her. "I... want to apologize to all of you for getting so carried away with my..." She shuttered at the loss. "Beautiful wings... I guess I just lost my head." They all forgave her pretty easily, but it wasn't a big deal. "And I'm especially sorry that I was so thoughtless to jump into the contest at the last minute after you had worked so hard to win it." Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash. "Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Aw, it's ok! Everything turned out alright, right?" Rainbow shrugged it off. "I just wish I could've met the Wonderbolts when they were awake." A hoof tapped her shoulder, making her turn and almost pass out. "Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!"

The lead, Spitfire spoke first. "So you're the little pony who saved our lives! We really wanted to meet you, and say thanks!" The two behind her, Soarin and Misty Fly nodded. "You're even better than what I heard about you!"

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" Oh god, she was fucking losing it, fan girling! "Wait, you've heard about me???"

"Yeah! Your friend Nebula here says you have potential. Figured if he spoke about you so often in the letters, It'd be worth meeting you."

Rainbow's jaw dropped again, turning to Skystrike. He smirked. "You know I got your back."

They heard somepony clear their throat from behind them. "Hello, Twilight Sparkle! And hello to your friends too!" Celestia said as she approached.

They each gave a quick bow. Rarity and the princess made eye contact. "Princess Celestia, I'm sorry I ruined the competition... Rainbow Dash here really is the best flier in Equestria!"

"I know she is, dear. That's why thanks to her incredible act of bravery, and her spectacular sonic rainboom, I'm presenting the grand prize for best young flier to this years winner, Miss Rainbow Dash!" She put a ceremonial crown on her head. Rainbow couldn't hide how ecstatic she was.

Skystrike watched as the rest of his friends began to carry her off. Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. "Spitfire, Soarin, Misty Fly. How's things been?"

Spitfire gave a hoof bump. "First time I see you again and years and that's how you greet us?" She pulled him into a friendly hug. "How many years has it been since the princess put you in that flight camp?"

"Going on eleven... man, time flies by." Skystrike did the same to Soarin and Misty. "But hey, you two made it into the big blues!"

Soarin and Misty hesitantly returned it. Soarin asked the question the two had. "Sorry... have we met you before?"

"Eh, don't worry about if for now, you two will find out about the gala. Just figured I'd say hi while I'm in the area." Skystrike shrugged. "Spitfire, you can tell them in private if you want. Just too many eyes here for me to reveal. And I live in Ponyville if you ever want to visit. I'm trying to be more open with ponies. Actually, I can just come visit you here in Cloudsdale."

"Well, kid, if you got time, I do. Soarin and Wave Chill are going to be spending the rest of the day with Rainbow Dash." She moved her goggles out of her eyes and around her neck. "Misty, you game? Gonna grab a bite to eat on the way."

"Meh, sure, I need time to work off this head ache too." She rubbed her chin where Rarity hit her.

"Sure, I'll come. I just got a quick stop to make."

Spitfire and Misty watched from the path as Skystrike stood over a tombstone with a bouquet of flowers. The tombstone wasn't anything special, but it meant a lot to him. Carved into the head of the stone was a cutie mark of an ace of clubs with a steel sword vertically behind it. The flowers in his hooves were Forget-me-nots, Gladiolus, and Crimson Roses. To remember him, to signify his honor and integrity, to mourn. "Been a while, Steel Ace. I've never forgotten you, and... I'm always thankful for the time we spent together..." He put the flowers in a glass left by the previous visitors. "I did it. Made it to the top of the mercenary rankings in your stead. Helped not only ponies, but anyone who needed it... You inspired me to do that... I hope I made you proud, and... I hope I bought you closure. Rest well, old friend. I'll make sure to visit more often." Skystrike stood there for a moment as he felt the wind pick up and blow against his back.

Spitfire and Misty each gave him a solemn look. Skystrike gave a small sigh. "Alright, I haven't been to Cloudsdale in years... know any good places to eat?"

Spitfire and Misty looked at each other as they thought. Misty hummed. "Well, today is one of my cheat days. You two feel like hayburgers? My favorite place isn't that far of a walk."

"YES!" Spitfire and Skystrike said together, then looked at each other and laughed.

The three walked for a bit before Spitfire asked what the two mares were thinking. "Hey, Nebula... can I ask who you were paying respects to?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah. When I was 16, I first started being a mercenary, that guy, Steel Ace, was the first pony to give me a helping hoof. Origionally, I didn't know why he wanted to help me specifically, but... he was one of the first ponies I grew to trust, and he left an imprint on me. He was just a good stallion all around, never hesitating to help somepony, always spoke about being a hero. Somepony I strived to be, wanted to make proud." Skystrike looked at the setting sun. "He failed the Royal Guard entrance exam because his morals went against what he stood for, and wouldn't let red tape stop him from being of use, so he became a merc. Taught me the ropes and all that... he would be 34 by now... Damn, it's been almost ten years."

"...What happened to him?" Misty asked.

Spitfire elbowed her. "Sorry, she's not too good on social queues..."

Skystrike waved a hoof and chuckled. "Oh, it's all good. I do the same sometimes." He went back to looking forward. "He... there was a mare he knew... I don't know how Ace knew the mare, but she had it out for him. She accused Ace of one of the worst things you could do to a pony... Of course, he denied it, but no one but me believed him. I knew Ace didn't do it because I was with him the day it supposedly happened." He grit his teeth. "Everypony left him alone... his friends, his colleagues, his family, just left him hanging. Nopony besides me even interacted with him for months, and the rumor spread too far. I told him that I'd support him no matter what. It was the day after his birthday... and I was the only one to accept the invite. That day, he had a genuine smile on his face for the first, and last time in months. The day after, he was gone... He hung himself. Found out when he didn't come down for breakfast."

Misty flinched. "Dear Celestia... I'm so sorry... but... what was he accused of that he lost everypony?"

Skystrike growled. "Something that rhymed with grape."

"...And what happened to that mare? Do you remember her name? I hope karma got to her." Spitfire asked.

"Oh, I made sure of that, I was the catalyst... If you two were in Canterlot nine years ago, you'd know how my name first started getting around. Does the name Silver Chalice ring any bells?"

"A bit. Remind me."

Skystrike nodded. "I wanted revenge for the friend I lost, so I plotted and waited. At first, I just wanted to give Chalice the same fate that befell Ace, but I knew he wouldn't want that, and I knew it was too good for her. I didn't care what happened to me, I just wanted him to have closure... I lured her to Canterlot clock tower, saying I knew what she did. When she showed up, let's just say I... coerced her to admit to what she did. Every lie on his name she told. What she didn't know was that I set up a magic circle to amplify her voice so everypony who could hear the bell could hear what we were saying. Sure, I had to do some community service because what I did technically counted as entrapment. But I was underage, and she wasn't. Her reputation was ruined after that."

"Damn... sorry you had to go through that, Nebula. But at least she got what she deserved... And I'm sure you made Steel Ace proud." Spitfire put a hoof on his shoulder.

"I hope so... I've just realized as I grew older that... we represent different things. He always tried to see the best in ponies, to a fault. Giving too many chances to ponies not deserving, saying it wasn't our place to judge. But I've seen too much to have his optimism. I rarely give ponies the chance to make the same mistake twice. Judgement was the mantle that was given to me. Hopefully, he can forgive me for that."

"I'm sure he already has. But lets move on from the sad stuff... Soarin, one of my cadets have been listening to your diss track..." Spitfire gave a slight jab with her elbow. "I gave it a listen. Didn't know you knew how to sing. That was a ballsy move!"

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh at that. "Oh man, that was great. I'm just glad the track landed. That was my debut, if that didn't work, it was over!"

Misty pushed the door open to their destination, a place called 'Burger Barn'. "Any ideas for the next ones?"

The three sat down at a booth. "A couple, actually. Just need to decide what I want to sing about exactly, and what type of music. Like, I could go for something smooth and calming, or something upbeat and hype. I thought about singing about parts of my life, but not sure if it'll land, since my life isn't exactly a happy one."

"Well, in my opinion, those are the ones I like most. Songs I can relate to I mean." Misty looked up from the menu. "There aren't too many that do that. I want something that I can relate to when I'm down. It makes me feel a bit better knowing I'm not the only mare going though something tough."

"Honestly, I think my favorite is Drum 'n Bass. Pop is a close second, there's just too many types." Spitfire took a look at the menu. "Ooo, they got cucumbers!"

Skystrike looked at the menu too. "There's so many styles I like, and the mare I'm working with is really talented. She's also willing to try out all the different types. Pop is what I'm going to try next... that or breakcore. But Drum 'n Bass is really good... That gives me ideas for lyrics. Thanks you two." Skystrike reached into his saddlebag and began writing. "I'm still in this convo, I can multi-task."

"What's your ideas?"

"Just some lyrics I'm writing. I decide the genre after the Lyrics are done... I also need to decide the tempo..."

"Well, I know you just started, but what do you have so far?" Misty asked as they placed their orders.

Skystrike cleared his throat to give a small demonstration. It was fitting for his life right now, and for his visit earlier to Steel Ace. He'd dedicate it to him.

Another week came. Skystrike could hear the music that he and Vinyl made as he was in the sound booth, in her studio, tapping his hoof to the beat. Vynil gave him a nod to signal that she was recording. Skystrike would make sure to sing one for Ace. They decided to name this one "Young Girl A". He began singing into the microphone.

"Let me tell you all about 'my' life.
Speaking in a round of 'someone's' life.
Every now and then off once or twice,
everything all ends up right it seems!

Suffocating sun is blinding the eyes.
Drowning in a feeling choking the mind.
Counting on the rain to douse the skies.
How do I survive the thundering?

Loving and the hate all wash away.
Loving and the hate all wash away.
Tell me where it is you hide the pain?
Smiling alight so gracefully?

Spitting out a phrase without a shape.
Spitting out a phrase without a shape.
Somewhere on the road we lost our way.
How can I convey the same to you?

Collecting all the scraps of dreams that never came.
Hey~, wait! Hey~, wait! Seems it all was my mistake...

Ah~ 'now and then~', 'now and then~', 'I'll just break again' It's-
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold.
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold!
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold! You left me alone now!

Ah~ what is left~? What is left~? Oh the words you said? It's-
Fading away, away, away, away.
Fading away, away, away, away!
Fading away, away, away! I'm breaking in pain, so
Any place you can find my name, it would be okay,
'Cause just the thought is all it takes...

Every little promise ever we made.
Every little promise ever we made.
Carrying the weight of each mistake.
Somehow, we arrive at the coming of day!

Loving and the hate all wash away.
Loving and the hate all wash away.
Tell me where it is you hide the pain?
Smiling alight so gracefully?

'A pair of flowers budding calms me ever so...'
Although~, although~, you had all but lost your hope.

Ah~, 'chasing dreams~', 'chasing dreams~', ever out of reach, It's-
Speeding away, away, away, away.
Speeding away, away, away, away!
Speeding away, away, away! I can't keep the pace. The-

Feelings~ that can't be erased, bid my blood to take, It's-
Hurting, a rage, a rage, a rage, a rage.
Hurting, a rage, a rage, a rage, a rage!
Hurting, a rage, a rage, a rage! It's never the same right?

Ah~, this is just... how I dreamed... Or it seemed to be but,
Crying alone, alone, alone, alone.
Crying alone, alone, alone, alone!
Crying alone, alone, alone! Don't come any closer!

Trading~ the code we had made in our better days, It's-
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold.
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold!
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold! It's all that I know, so
Any place, you can find my name, it would be okay,
So let me keep it all the same..."

Skystrike gave Steel Ace one last thank you. He needed to stop thinking of what could've been, the life he could've had if he wasn't given a time limit. It was time to focus on the present, and the friends he had around him. Even if this world wasn't fair, he had to make do with the cards he was given. It's what he'd want for him.

Author's Note

I get that this one may have been a bit hard to read at points, but I wanted to try a few new things. Some people asked about the song I used in the last chapter, so I posted a link to the reference and used the same title. I also plan to do the same for any future songs I find fitting, if I decide not to make my own lyrics of course.

Next chapter, I will try to make it a fun one, fit in a good few memes as Skystrike spends time with the main 6, Tethys, Zecora, and Stardust. And 'Kidnapping' the princesses. Once that chapter is done and I'm satisfied with it, I'll post it and start working on the next arch.

It'll be 2-4 chapters of Skystrike and his group traveling to see his old friends, having some family issues, as well as a few flashbacks here and there. And I didn't forget about Nightmare Moon, I plan on having a few dream sequences with her as well. Then, It's onto the Gala. I hope I can get these out in a good time frame, as it all depends on how much time I have, and how much inspiration I got in this brain of mine.

I'm willing to hear some ideas from the community, and while I suck at responding to comments, I do read them.

Thanks for sticking with me through this chapter. Until next time.

Sleep walk

Skystrike was in his dream, sitting across from a silent Nightmare Moon in the inner machinations of his mind. Well, it wasn't an enigma at all, in fact he made it an empty void. That way, the only thing they could see were each other. Of course, she could just... leave. While Skystrike doesn't know exactly how his and Luna's minds got... 'merged' for lack of a better word, Nightmare Moon is able to travel to and from both of their minds. She was staying here for a reason.

"Hey, can I ask you a question?" Skystrike broke the silence.

"...If I answer it, will you finally stop bugging me with these attempts at talking?" She asked.

Skystrike nodded. "Depends on how talkative you are. But know I'm not trying to annoy you. You're in my mind. You can probably read it. I genuinely want to know you."

Nightmare narrowed her eyes, then nodded hesitantly. "Very well. You may ask, but know this human, you cannot 'fix' me. I am what I am. A monster."

Skystrike shook his head. "So that's what you think this is..." He stared into her cat-like eyes. "I know full well that beings like you and me can't change what we are. But we can change how we act... What is better: to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?"

"She did put in the effort... and the ponies that we swore to protect abandoned us. In the war against Sombra, we've had great expeditions, stopping legions of ponies from crossing into our borders. But when the war was over, their fear did not end... It was only moved to the next thing to be scared of... Luna." Nightmare growled at the memory. Skystrike let her continue as she got angrier with every word. "Every action we made, thousands of eyes judged us, and thousands of mouths voiced their hatred. Soon, it was too much for Luna to bare... and it birthed me."

Skystrike hummed. "I think I can pick up from there... on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration, she broke."

Nightmare grumbled. "Indeed... the ponies didn't even want Luna to be next to her sister as she raised the sun!" She stood on her hooves and spread her wings in rage. The emotions coming off of her were changing the white void to a shade of grey. "Can you believe that!?" She calmed herself down, breathing out as she sat back down. "...In that moment, I gave Luna a choice. Those ponies knew the gentle kindness of the day. It was only fair they knew the brutality of night... And then our sister stood in our way... we-... I only made things worse for Luna."

Skystrike's eyes widened a bit. She felt guilty... that was unexpected. From the way she spoke, it also implied that she was born from the anger of Luna... so she shared all of Luna's memories until she was created. They're the same pony, just different paths. "Well... that's enlightening. Thank you for telling me... I'm not going to act like I even begin to understand... honestly, I don't blame you for what you did. I guess that's what you meant by 'It's too late now' all those months ago." Skystrike got up and approached the alicorn. She hesitated at his approach, but was even more surprised when he hugged her. "But... I can at least give you this... Luna did not deserve what happened to her, and you didn't deserve what happened to you."

Nightmare Moon would be lying if she wasn't a bit surprised at the sudden gesture, and if she said she didn't appreciate it a bit. She could feel her heart open a tiny bit. She awkwardly pushed herself off, quickly ignoring what Skystrike did with a flustered look. "...Ahem, don't misunderstand, I did not tell you our story for you to pity me. I say this as a warning for you."

Skystrike was a bit surprised. "A warning?"

"Just like us, who've done more than we can remember to help these ponies, you're doing the same, believing that it is your duty to these ponies to save them." Nightmare stood up. "The moment they can... they will hate you, disregard you, see you as a monster... do not make the same mistake we made. You hiding your humanity, pretending to be a pony, will not make them see you as an ally."

Skystrike took her words to heart. "Well... I'll make sure to keep that in mind... Though I hope you're wrong, there's that tiny chance you're right... But look, I already showed you my past. I appreciate you being willing to share yours." Skystrike sat back down, Nightmare Moon doing so too. "My offer still stands, from those months ago, and to right before the mission. I was given this chance at living. I feel that you too deserve the same chance. Again, I'm not asking you to change, I just... want to give you an experience that I feel you would have never gotten."

Nightmare sighed. "You're too naïve... Lets say I got out. Ignoring how the Elements of Harmony would be against it, as well as Celestia and Luna, who'd forgive me?"

"I would." Nightmare looked at him for a long, long while. "I believe that you should be given the chance to do better. The fact you showed regret is enough for me to do that. I can tell since we share my mind that it is genuine. Failure is just a learning experience after all. I believe that you have the gumption to put in the effort again. Even if no one stands by you, whether it be the Elements, the princesses, or even yourself, I'll be someone who believes in you."

She shuddered a bit. "I... thank... you..." Nightmare was able to push the words out. "...I would need time to think on it. A part of me, and most of Luna, believes that-... it's best I stay gone. Can't even leave here anyway..."

"Well, let me try and convince you, then." Nightmare's ears perked up in interest. "I know you can see through Luna's eyes, or at least her memories. Do the same to me. See the life I live. Imagine a life you could live too."

Nightmare thought about it for a time. "...It is a possibility. Though it will be dangerous. If your mind is too weak, I could end up corrupting you... the only reason Luna isn't anymore is because of the Elements of Harmony."

"Well... I know I don't have much to trust you off of, but you were kind enough to share your story, as well as stop my nightmares from time to time. I'm willing to give you that trust." Skystrike put out his hand to shake her hoof.

For the first time, Nightmare Moon smiled. Not a sinister one, but... one of hope. She hoped it'd be right to place it in him. "Very well... I'll use a spell to see through your eyes then. It may be a bit disorienting. You'll hear my thoughts along with your own. Are you... sure you're ok with this?"

"If you're willing to ask that, then I believe I put my trust in the right pony. Yes, I'm sure Nightmare."

It felt a bit weird at first, getting used to Nightmare Moon sharing his eyes. When he looked in the mirror, he noticed that his purple eyes shared some similarities with hers, being cat-like. It'd be best to keep his eyes covered for a little while. Skystrike rolled his shoulders as he got off the train at Canterlot station. "You know, in hindsight... probably wasn't best to do it today of all days."

"You don't have to speak out loud, idiot. I'm in your head." Nightmare sighed.

"Oh, right... Is this what having schizophrenia feels like?" Skystrike thought to himself.

Today was the day. He'd sneak into the castle and into Celestia and Luna's bedrooms. Now... Skystrike was deciding if he wanted to do this the challenging way... or the fun way... The fun way would be really silly.

"There's no way in Tartarus the fun way will work!" Nightmare laughed in his mind. Skystrike decided, fun way it is. He put on a bright yellow reflective vest, a tool belt and a hard hat, and got a ladder leaning on the side of the train platform. Then he began walking. Past the Canterlot ponies, past the guards at the castle gates, past the castle entrance, and then past the guards in the royal wing of Canterlot castle.

Two of the guards eyed him as he walked past. "...Did that pony seem strange to you?" Idiot one asked the other.

"Meh, probably here to fix the lights. He has the gear and everything. Somepony probably already checked him." Idiot two answered.

Skystrike stopped in front of Celestia's bedroom door, a large set of double doors with her cutie mark engraved on it. She had to be expecting him, not even knocking and pushing open the door. Surprisingly, both she and her sister were in the room. They looked at him awkwardly as he stood in the door way. What Skystrike saw was... not what he was expecting. They seemed to be in the middle of a pillow fight. Well, more of a pillow war, as somehow, Celestia built an entire castle out of dozens of pillows, while Luna had a trebuchet and a battering ram. Skystrike snickered at the sight.

"Uh... heeeeeeey... Skystrike..." Celestia greeted nervously.

"Yo."

"We... weren't expecting you today. Or this early..." Luna put down the several pillows surrounding her.

"Oh no, don't mind me. Keep going. I kinda wanna see how this ends." Skystrike sat down.

Celestia put down her pillow bazooka. "...Wait. Is this where you said you'd sneak in and kidnap us?" Skystrike nodded. "How-... how'd you get in so easy?"

"Yellow vest, tools, hard hat, and a ladder." Skystrike answered.

Celestia blinked. "You... you used a ladder to climb up here? From where?"

"Oh no, not at all. I walked in through the front door." Skystrike said, making their jaws drop.

"You're joking, right?" Luna asked. Skystrike shook his head. "...By the moon, there's no way security is this bad."

"They didn't even check me. They just assumed I worked here. I think it was the hard hat."

They all sat in silence for a moment. But Celestia couldn't help but laugh as she stomped her hooves. "Ahahahaha! There's no way you're serious! Oh my, this is amazing!" She laughed a while longer before she let out a sigh. "Well... I suppose this is the part where you kidnap us? How do you plan to do that?"

Skystrike shrugged. "Well, I was kinda hoping we could just walk out of here, but if I have to actually force you out..."

Luna hummed at the idea. "It... would be a bit amusing to see you try and take both of us out."

"I'm interested as well." Celestia admitted.

Skystrike thought for a minute, then had a sinister grin. "Well, I found certain diaries when exploring the abandoned castle months ago. One with a cutie mark of the sun, and the other, a moon." The princesses eyes both went wide, with faces of embarrassment on their muzzles. "Has some rather spicy stuff in them... whoever wins this pillow fight not only gets their deepest secrets back, but also gets their sisters."

Celestia and Luna stared at him, then slowly, slowly turned to stare at each other across the room, their embarrassment turning to ones of determination. They only had one thought on their minds: war. They each gave a battle cry as magic flared and Skystrike dove for cover. Luna completely ditched the trebuchets in favor of cannons, while Celestia made a barrier of pillows. The pillow cannon balls broke through her defenses easily, and Celestia got upper-cutted by a pillow. Celestia regained her senses and teleported in front of Luna, delivering a right hook with a pillow of her own. Then they pillow clashed, several times over, sparks flying. He swore he heard boss music.

Skystrike chuckled. "Hehe, I'm in danger!"

"I'm quite enjoying this." Nightmare laughed. Skystrike was about to respond, but then they started shooting pillows surrounded with magic at each other as they teleported around the room, jumping off walls. A stray almost hit Skystrike, doing a useless backflip to dodge. "...what was the point of that backflip? It was like, two feet away from you."

"I'm pretending I'm Spiderman in an Insomniac game." He thought to Nightmare Moon.

"What?"

"The reader will get it." Skystrike looked at you.

Then he got hit directly in the chest, getting sent back against the door. "AAEGH!" Skystrike coughed. He looked back up at the fight, seeing Celestia make a sun out of pillows surrounded by her magic, making it a burning white light. Luna stood there, clenching her pillow spear. The music relayed that it was the climax. Celestia threw her hooves forward, sending the ball of pillows at Luna. Luna jumped towards it, thrusting her pillow spear at it in an epic clash. The energy radiating off of it was blinding. Then it exploded, pushing the two alicorns back against opposite walls.

The two alicorns bounced off and laid on the grounds for a while. But then they decided their battle wasn't done. They stood up and limped towards each other. Their strength was sapped away as they weakly began hitting each other with pillow after pillow, running out of magic and using their hooves to swing them. They both simultaneously swung at their cheeks, ending it in a double K.O.

Skystrike saluted. "Respect." And a single tear rolled down his cheek.

"That was the stupidest, yet greatest thing I've seen." Nightmare couldn't stop laughing.

Skystrike looked at the two unconscious princesses as they laid on the floor. He shoot the dust off of himself before thinking a bit. These two would be heavy as fuck... and very hard to hide. Then he remembered that Casta's tower had a teleporter to his house. Much easier to get these two there than onto a train. Skystrike made sure to stretch before purring one on each of his shoulders... aaand he was lopsided. Man, Celestia got a gyatt. Lay off the cake, Celesterol. Nightmare laughed at the name Skystrike gave her.

He used his teeth to unlock the window. Thankfully, it the tower was within sight, being a short flight to it. Now, he just had to figure out how to get there unnoticed. Couldn't fly too high, everypony would be able to see him. As he watched, he noticed there were some blind spots lower to the ground, and the guards patrolling this area wouldn't come back around for two minutes. He went for it, jumping down before pushing off the wall with his hind hooves and gliding towards the mage tower.

Perfect landing. He opened a window on the lower tower before pushing the princesses in, then picking the two up and going up the flights of stairs. Looks like Casta is out for the day. He put the two down on the teleportation circle in the middle and activated it, sending the two to his house. He rolled his shoulders. "God damn... I need to lift more."

Not being able to teleport, Skystrike left the tower and went to the edge of Canterlot, looking over the cliff to see Ponyville. If it was an overnight train ride to Canterlot, then it should be about a two hour flight if he flew at his normal speed... but that'd take too long. Besides, he felt like going fast. Skystrike got into a running stance before rushing forward and jumping off the edge, spreading his wings co catch the wind as he dove. Getting the angle right, he accelerated as he followed the cliff down, pulling up just before the ground met him. He flapped his wings to get used to the speed he was going.

It took him about an hour, but he was home. Skystrike made sure to tell Tethys and Elytra before he left so they wouldn't be surprised our out of character. Opening the door to his house, he saw Celestia and Luna awake, sharing a pot of tea with Tethys and Stardust. "Yo."

Skystrike saw all of the girls slowly turn to them. Stardust spoke first. "Sky... where are the princesses diaries? And how long have you had them?"

Skystrike sat down in his reclining chair. "Uh... hidden somewhere and about three months. Why?"

Celestia cleared her throat. "...Can we get them?"

"Did you win?" Skystrike smirked as they stared at each other for a minute. "Imma hold onto them for a while. Have something to hold over your heads."

Luna shuffled in her seat. "...How much did thou read?"

Skystrike remembered the lines he read. "Out of Celestia's, and later mentioned in Luna's, 'ok so 18 pounds of cocaine, 12 pounds of crack, and 7 male strippers. But make sure none of them are white. I can't see the coke on them if they are.' And honestly, didn't know you guys had cocaine over 1000 years ago."

Stardust was shaking. Her hooves spilt drop after drop as she tried her best not to laugh. Meanwhile Tethys was spewing mist out of her nose as she tried her best to do the same. Celestia hid her face with her wings in embarrassment, and Luna was the only one having a good time, laughing with a stomp of her hoof. "We remember that! That party was great!"

"...I feel like a bad influence." Celestia sighed.

"There was also the part in Luna's where she wrote like, two pages on how she was jealous of how big Celestia's rear was, and Imma be honest..." Everyone paid close attention to the words about to come out of his mouth. "I didn't know the whole 'Celestia's butt is big' thing was going on this long either."

Tethys snickered. "For a minute, I thought you were gonna say she had nothing to worry about."

"...I feel like I am going to be flamed no matter the answer I give. Despite that, I will answer that yes, I do indeed think you have nothing to worry about, Luna."

Celestia blew air out of her nose. "Quite forward, aren't you?"

"I mean, I always figured you two were twins or something, with the sun and moon thing. You just had an extra thousand years to grow." Skystrike shrugged.

She was a bit surprised. "You know, it's been a while sense it was mentioned. But to clarify, we are fraternal twins, so no guarantee she'll grow to my size. And seriously though, where are our diaries?"

Skystrike stood up and motioned for them to follow him. He walked to the library wing of his house. "You know, we've never realized how massive your home is, nor how many items you have." Luna noticed as she looked past one of the many glass cases holding some rather important books.

Tethys looked at one. "Oh, I remember this one!" Skystrike stopped to look at her. "Didn't we get this one from some abandoned crypt?"

Luna raised a brow. "Abandoned crypt?"

Skystrike nodded. "When me and Tethys first met, she took me to the cave she was living out of. Turns out that the cave was the entrance to a crypt, one used by a pony studying high level conjuration spells. Necromancy to be exact. The wizard died before they were any to use any of their research, and that book is their Magnum Opus. After that and a few other similar situations, I started gathering any items that could be dangerous that a pony could stumble upon. I made this place to protect those things, making sure they don't get into the wrong hooves."

Luna backed away from one of the books she was touching. "And... what types of dangerous items are those?"

Skystrike thought for a moment. "If I remember right, that book you just put back down has various incantations. One of which can trap a beings soul into gemstones, using that soul as a magic source for demonic enchantments. And I keep the least dangerous ones in the glass cases."

"...Skystrike, that one is already pretty dangerous. And you have some that are more dangerous?" Celestia put a book she had back in its casing."

"Well, that one is only dangerous if you know where to get the specific gems to trap souls in, as well as any other prior knowledge that's been forgotten to time." Skystrike explained, stopping at a desk, opening the third drawer, removing various papers, then taking out the false bottom. Two books, one with the sun and the other with the moon on the fronts. He took them out and handed them back to the princesses. "The ones that are really dangerous are kept somewhere else. Those will never see the light of day. Like, there's one that can open a gate to Tartarus. I covered that in layers of metal and had threw it into the bottom of the sea. Only I remember where it is."

"Well that's... good? And thank you for these back." Celestia picked up her book with her magic. Then she remembered. "Oh, right. About a week ago, we met with your... friend."

Skystrike nearly froze at that. "Oh, I see... figured you'd want to talk about that after your vacation. No matter." Skystrike pushed the drawer close. "I... hope you all came to a peaceful conclusion."

Celestia nodded. "Stardust, Tethys, could you leave us for a time?"

"Every damn time!" Tethys threw up her hands as she turned to walk off. "Oh right, Sky, remember, we're going to the gym with Rainbow!" She finished before picking up Stardust and leaving.

Celestia heard the front door close before continuing. "While things did not go as planned, that is not something you should worry about. But know that the human is safe for now... however, he also told us about a human lab that is still functional in this world. He also said to ask you about it..."

Skystrike nodded. "Oh yeah, I know what he's talking about. Come on, I'll show you."

The princesses looked at each other, confused at what he meant by that. Skystrike pulled on one of the wall mounted candles above the fire place. The fire place raised up and revealed an elevator. He motioned for them to walk in. They did so, Skystrike entering with them and hitting the only other button in it. "...Skystrike, where are we going?"

Skystrike began boppin to the elevator music. "Well, the lab of course."

She thought about that for a minute. "You-... you built your house atop a human laboratory!? How did you know it was here!? How deep underground are we going!?"

"The human told me, and from my calculations, about half a mile... Kinda makes sense why you never found it now that I think about it. The human said that it needed a human for it to be opened when he first found it. The actual entrance to it is somewhere within the Everfree Forest. He just dug a way up for me when I made this house." Skystrike explained as the elevator slowed to a stop. The doors opened as Skystrike stepped off.

Luna and Celestia looked around with a look of both interest and worry. As their eyes darted around the white room, their questions grew. On their left, several mechanical arms reached down from the ceiling over a grey metal table, connected to a screen with various words on it. To their right was shelves upon shelves of various materials, from metals, to fabrics, even noticing the magic stones they rewarded him. Next to that were crates of various labels seemingly organized in alphabetical order.

Celestia shuddered. "...How long has this been here?"

Skystrike checked one of the terminals in the room. "This says... the last login from a user that wasn't me was over one thousand years ago. Doesn't say exactly, but if your worry is humans using it, only that one has, and only when I'm with him."

Luna looked at the mechanical arms. "We haven't seen these in millennia but this one doesn't look like it was made for battle. What is this for?"

Skystrike booted up the apparatus that Luna was standing in front of. The limp mechanical arms quickly whirred to life, running their start of routines, flexing their joints and the like. "Well, from what I was able to tell, this is a prototype workshop. That's how I use it at least..." He put out his hooves, a holographic screen showing up in front of him. Celestia and Luna took several wary steps back as the arms followed Skystrike's commands. They moved across the ceiling and picked up various metals, gems, and armor pieces. "It's all good. Just putting the last parts on my new armor."

Luna moved to stand next to him. "I... see..." She said as Celestia did the same. A claw held the chestplate in place as a saw cut out a small diamond hole in the center of the chest. Then, the two arms froze in place. Another arm came and held one of the Null stones that he got as a reward in place as he used a pressure gun to cut the gem into the shape of a diamond, to then put it within his armor. A bar of metal was then melted and molded into shape to keep the null stone in place. It was doused in a liquid to rapidly cool it.

Skystrike rolled his shoulders. "You two can keep talking, I'm paying attention." He said as he put aside the now finished chestplate and moved on to the leggings.

"...It's... rather big for you, isn't it?" Luna asked.

"Yeah, I originally wanted to keep it the same as my last armor, but after doing a lot of calculations and testing the durability of my last armor, I realized I needed to make a stronger set. Two layers of metal, a suspension system, a cooling and heating system, and an integrated magic circuit on the inner most layer of metal to transfer all of the magic around within the armor. Made it increase in size by 30%, and in mass by 60%." Skystrike paused for a moment to make sure the left leg guard lined up with the left hip. "Because of that, I have to enchant each part with an lightweight enchant to make it the same weight as my last set."

Celestia asked the more concerning question. "How long have you been using this place?"

"Since I met the human about four years ago. We stumbled upon this place together in the Everfree." He had to quickly make up a story that sounded believable. "He told me he'd let me keep the place if I helped him make a new arm. He broke it. and needed a replacement. Took a couple weeks to get circuitry and electrodynamics down, but I did it. And that's how I'm making my new armor." He moved onto working on the back and wing guards.

"Skystrike... if I knew you were alive years ago, and I knew how deep you were already in this human business, it would've saved so much trouble." Celestia sighed. "Still, I don't think you quite grasp how much trouble this could cause you... Honestly, I have half the mind of just seize your property because of this lab but... with how easy you got past our guards, it'd have to wait if I wanted to."

"Celestia, this is like the safest place that this could be. Not only do only the three of us and the human know, but I'm like... the third most dangerous pony alive right now... Besides, I set this place to self destruct. And honestly, whoever wants dig through a half mile of rubble, I think they deserve to get whatever is left in here."

"This isn't a joke, Skystrike!" Celestia stomped. "If that human decides to use this place against us, it would be a disaster!"

"Well, he seems passive... So you're probably right, but personally, I wouldn't want to give him a reason." Skystrike answered as he finished the back and wing guards. "But I will say this: I've been talking to him. He... doubts that the labs he traveled to are the only points of contact with humanity." Skystrike moved the pieces of armor onto an armor stand for later. "He's looking outside of Equestria. One of the reasons I wanted that airship was to help his search."

Luna didn't like what that was implying. "You... think the humans have allies with the other races?"

"Oh, no, I heavily doubt it. The humans only seemed to stay in Equestria. We're seeing if there are any traces left by humans that you weren't able to erase. What I do think is that there are some humans still in contact with ponies... That's why I asked for access to all sections of the Royal Library. Just in case there's something hidden."

"...And you plan on sharing it with 34?" Celestia asked as the two alicorns followed Skystrike back to the elevator.

"Only if I find something... hopefully I don't." Skystrike answered as the doors closed.

His time with the princesses came and went as soon as it started. It was up to them to figure out how they'd spend however many away on their vacation. Right now, Skystrike pushed open the doors to Bulk Biceps, gym.

"HEY, NEBULA! CAME TO PUMP SOME IRON!?" Bulk said with his indoor voice.

"Hey, Bulk. Swole as always." Skystrike greeted him.

Bulk got up from his chair and gave a hoof bump. "MAKE POSES WITH ME!"

Skystrike took off his sweat shirt and did so as phonk music played. The two began Jojo posing. Skystrike stood on his back hooves and made gang signs with his front, putting his right arm up and his left arm down, his elbows bent and he flexed every muscle in his body. Simultaneously, Bulk spread out his back hooves and put his right arm out, covering his face with his left hoof. This continued for several minutes.

The two were interrupted by Rainbow Dash and Tethys who both cleared their throat. The two stopped their poses and looked at the two. Rainbow was wearing a grey track suit and had her mane in a pony tail, while Tethys wore a pair of white sweat pants similar to Skystrike's and a sports bra. He got down on all four hooves. "Fiiiine... We'll continue next time, Bulk."

"YEEEEEAAAH!"

The three began doing their own sets. Rainbow Dash was doing pull ups with ankle weights, Skystrike was going to work on the punching bag, and Tethys was working the hex bar with half her weight on it. The three started making small talk with each other.

Rainbow pulled herself up . "Nnnngh... By the way, Nebula... I tried out that look you suggested... how's it look?"

Skystrike was focusing on his form as he landed a punch. "The one I told you while high? A bit surprised you took it seriously. But it looks good. Honestly, I'm just biased towards ponytails. You rock it though."

Tethys chuckled. "Just ask her out already, dude."

Skystrike put out a hoof to stop the bag from hitting him. Rainbow stopped mid pull up. "I mean... I always thought you saw me as a sister, Nebula... I thought of you as a big brother for a while while we were your foster family."

"Oh, cool. I thought the same about you... I didn't want to assume otherwise." Skystrike was a bit relived, and the two continued their routines.

"Well... if we're being honest, I think I did when we first met, but... I think it was more like puppy love than actual love."

"Huh..." Skystrike did a roundhouse kick. "Interesting... I was oblivious back then, so I didn't notice. But I kinda am glad that we stayed just friends... It's annoying at times. Mares want to get close for something more, but when I want to stay friends, I end up losing them." Skystrike gave a jab, then a right hook.

"Is that why you got four mares under your hoof?" Rainbow chuckled.

Skystrike shook his head. "More like friends with benefits. I make sure to set boundaries. I don't want to lead them on. They all deserve better."

Tethys dropped the hex bar, signaling for the three to switch. "What, you don't think you're good enough?"

"It's partially that. Partially because I still have some unfinished business. Mostly because I've no experience in this area, so I don't even know if I felt love besides platonic." Skystrike thought of a way to explain himself. "It's like... I've always been on the giving end, so when I receive something, I don't know if it's an act of kindness, or flirting."

Rainbow blinked. "That's... exactly how I feel every time I talk to a stallion. I just don't feel like I'm attractive at times, there's just so much competition... I mean, who would not like me? I'm awesome!"

Tethys changed her focus from the punching bag to the rainbow mare. "Stallions? Wait you're-... Rainbow, we thought you were-... gay?"

Rainbow dash stopped mid lift. "What!? No!? Wait, we!? Who's we!? Does everypony think I'm a lesbian!?"

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh. "Ahahahaho my god" He dropped from the pull up. Rainbow looked at him with a flustered and angry look. "I'm-... I'm sorry!" Skystrike said between laughed. "I was just caught so off guard."

"Sorry, Dash." Tethys rolled her shoulder before delivering a punch to the bag.

She groaned. "It's... fine..."

Skystrike began lifting the hex bar again. "Well, if you need a wingman, I got your back." Skystrike half joked. "Just tell me who you fancy and I'll put in a good word."

Rainbow thought for a minute. "Honestly, there aren't many stallions in town in the first place, and none that I like. Honestly, seeing and hearing how you treated those mares made me want better than what we have."

"That's... good I guess? Not so much how you realized." Skystrike laughed. "But yeah, don't lower your standards for anyone. I'd say go for that Soarin guy you spent all day with but I know for a fact he's gay... Hooves is a pretty alright dude, but I need to get to know him better to actually tell you if I think you'd be a good match. Damn, there really aren't many stallions in Ponyville."

"What about Applejack's brother? I haven't met him, but he exists." Tethys offered.

"Ew." Rainbow had a gross look on her face.

Skystrike coughed. "Damn, the worst she could say was not 'no'." He set down the hex bar. "Switch."

Rainbow started on the punching bag. "I didn't mean it like that... He's a good guy, just-... not my type. He's more laid back, and I always want to do something. But enough about me, what about you Tethys? Any ponies you're into?"

Tethys shook her head as she pulled her head over the bar. "Nothing against ponies, I just like beings in general stronger than me..." Then she looked at Skystrike. "Problem with that is that my wants are a bit unrealistic... some asshole here decided to make me one of the strongest dragons out there."

"Well, hasn't Nebula beat you before?"

"Oh yeah, several times over. There's just... a lot of circumstances around me and relationships." Tethys tried to not use her wings.

"What do you mean?" Skystrike asked.

"Well, because I'm a rare breed of dragons, to keep the bloodline powerful, I'd need to bring my spouse to my family, where he'd have to prove his own strength through trial by combat." She sighed. "It was part of the reason I left... Well, that was the first reason. The second reason was because by tradition, every 200 years, dragons of age in my clan must leave and bring back a being they follow to show that we have grown stronger. It's easier for our clan to just become one with the one that leads them."

"...When do you have to go back with that being?" Skystrike raised a brow.

"Well, three months. I planned on just not showing up, but my mother and father would probably come looking for me." She shrugged. "Figured I'd deal with it when it comes."

Skystrike shook his head. "Tethys, it's best not to delay the inevitable. We'll stop by on our travels."

"You'll fight form me?" Tethys asked. Skystrike nodded. "I... appreciate it. We'll talk about it more later then." Silence passed as they continued their set. "Hey, wait, no fair that we share who we do and don't like and you don't. Spill."

"Yeah, what any of the girls?" Rainbow asked.

Skystrike chuckled. "Alright, alright, I guess I owe you two that." He thought about it. "Honestly, I don't really know. From my immediate circle, I could see it in all of them... except Rarity. For now at least."

"Well that's surprising. She's the pretty one in the group!" Rainbow moved her hair over her shoulder as she kept giving quick punches to the punching bag, continuing the gossip. "I thought she had the best chance out of the group?"

"Yeah, Sky, I'm kinda surprised myself. You like clothes a lot and she knows how to dress." Tethys admitted.

Skystrike began grunting as he did one hoof pull ups. "Nngh... Don't get me wrong, she... is pretty, and a great friend. You all are... The only up she has is that she wears clothes while the rest of you, save for Tethys just walk around naked..." He huffed. "But... that is all overshadowed by how she treats Spike... We all pretend we don't know he has a crush on her, but it rubs me the wrong way. She just keeps... leading him on, even though she knows nothing serious will actually happen. She just wants the attention from a boy is what it feels like."

"Oh, so it's not just me." Rainbow stopped punching to look at him. "I felt the same, I just didn't want to start drama by saying it."

"Already said something to Spike about it. But that was the major gripe. Small one is that I know if I went for Rarity, Spike is gonna be upset, and you don't go after a crush of one of da bois." He gave a small chuckle. "Moving on, Twilight is the least likely. I don't really like how she treats Spike as a pet at times. I'd say something about it, but Spike sees her as a sister, so he needs to set his boundaries in that family dynamic. But she's gotten a lot better about it, actually letting him go to school and meet ponies his age."

They all finished their workouts, wiping their sweat off with towels. Tethys pulled on her sports bra to air out her chesticles before wiping. "Hey, you two feel like anything specific?"

Rainbow rubbed her growling stomach. "I need to watch my diet more. Now that the Wonderbolts got their eyes on me, I need to be a bit more mindful."

"Honestly, you don't really." Skystrike began to explain. "They don't do events year around, so they just make sure to eat differently like a month or so before each show. It's too much a strain on your body to be at that peak for long periods of time. You'd be surprised how often pro athletes basically starve themselves to make sure they look like they're all muscle and no fat."

"Well yeah, I know that, but I also don't want to gain weight. I'm trying to keep my figure, don't want to look like Pinkie."

Tethys stretched a bit before leaving with them in tow. "Hey, don't slouch on Pinkie Pie. If she's anything like her sister said, She's like, the second strongest mare in Ponyville."

Rainbow Dash looked at her. "...Who's the first?"

"Fluttershy." Skystrike and Tethys said together."

"Fluttershy!? I was expecting Applejack, but Fluttershy!?"

Skystrike nodded. "Applejack is on par with you, seen from that competition a while ago. Pinkie may be out of shape, but years growing up on a rock farm makes her a fucking unit."

"Then what about Fluttershy!?" Rainbow flew in front of them.

Tethys and Skystrike looked at each other, then laughed at the memory. Tethys answered. "We saw her wrestle a grizzly bear and win."

Rainbow landed. "Oh... dang... that's fair, I can't even be mad then."

A day came and went. He enjoyed the day he spent with the two, first time they did it in a while. Skystrike was glad that he got closer with Rainbow Dash, and was even more glad that Tethys found another pony to get along with. It was one of his bigger worries about her when she moved in. Tethys still had a bit of trauma with ponies, given how they hunted her for a while. He's glad she didn't close off her heart.

As of now, it was early in the morning, and Skystrike was helping out Applejack on her farm. She said it wasn't much to do, about 150 trees between Skystrike, Applejack, and Applebloom who decided to join the two as Big Mac helped Granny Smith make breakfast. The three made sure to stretch properly before getting to work.

Skystrike watched as Applejack and Applebloom did their jobs flawlessly. "You know, I never understood... How do you buck the tree in a way for all the apples to fall in the baskets?"

"Huh..." Applejack looked up at the now empty tree. "Y'know, I don't know, actually. I think I just kinda picked up on it as I grew."

"Yeah, me neither. I guess it's just because we have big baskets?" Applebloom loaded one of the baskets onto their wagon.

Skystrike shrugged and punched a tree with his forehoof, most of the apples falling into the baskets, and a few outside. He picked them up and put them back in said baskets before balancing them on his wings and loading them into the wagon. "I forget how massive these apples are."

"You can have one if ya like." Applejack threw over an apple to Skystrike, who caught it with his hoof.

He winced. "Look, AJ, Bloom, this was gonna come out sooner or later, but I... don't really like apples."

The two turned to stare daggers at him. "WHAT!? HOW!? WHY!?"

Skystrike put up his hooves defensively. "Oh, no, don't get me wrong, they taste great. I like the tart ones actually." He bit into one. "As for the why... I don't like how it makes my throat scratchy."

The two apple mares paused in their tracks. They looked at each other before Applebloom asked "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, kinda like how ponies don't like lemons because they're sour." Skystrike explained as he took another bite, then coughed.

Applejack took the apple out of his hoof. "Nebula, apples aren't supposed to do that! You're buckin' allergic!"

Skystrike mourned for the tart fruit that was taken from him. "Nah, no way. I don't die or anything, just gets a tiny bit harder to breathe."

"That's what being allergic does, you..." Applejack rubbed her head with an annoyed look. "How many products have we fed ya 'fore you thought it was a good idea to share?? We sold ya pies, cider, fritters, there's so much!"

"And they all taste good?? I don't see the problem here??" Skystrike and Applebloom watched as Applejack banged her head against a tree, making all of the apples fall into the baskets under it. "Uh... my bad?"

Applejack grunted as she fixed her hat. "Moving on, Applebloom, how's school going?"

Applebloom went back to bucking apples. "It's been fun! Since Spike joined, me, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo got a new friend! Oh yeah, and Mr. Nebula taught us about physics!"

"Interesting!" Applejack looked at Skystrike. "I was never too good at maths. Make sure to keep learning things. Education is important!" She turned to rub her sister's head.

"Hey, Mr. Nebula! Can you teach me something cool?"

Skystrike thought for a minute. "Well, what I taught you were the very fundamentals. Anything more, I'd have to teach you about geometry, then calculus, then multi-variable calculus... If you're really interested in it, then just keep doing good in school. Hell, I have my old college level books if you wanted to start right away, but I think it'd be a bit much for you."

"I'm nine! I'm a big girl!" Applebloom puffed out her cheeks.

"Take it from me, kid, you don't want to grow up too fast. Enjoy the time you have now." Skystrike patted her on the head.

The three finished their work, Skystrike hitching himself to the wagon and pulling the dozens of buckets to their barn. Applejack said that she'd organize them all later, but for now, it was time to eat. Skystrike, to the light worry of the apple sisters, ate and enjoyed everything apple related. Apple juice, apple sauce, apple oatmeal, and pancakes.

They were all amazed at how much he could eat. "So, whipper snapper, how is it?" Granny Smith wanted to ask. She got the answer she wanted, a hum of approval. She laughed. "You know, come over more often an' I'd be happy to cook you food."

Skystrike swallowed. He had do admit, it was tempting. It'd be safe to give a non answer, he thought. "Eeeeeeeh, maybe? If I'm free."

"I'd love to have another strong stallion around the farm. I'd give you permission for gettin' with Applejack. Our bloodline is known for our birthing hips."

Skystrike choked on the food, coughing at the absurdity of what Granny Smith said. Big Mac face hoofed, as if he was used to this. Applebloom was confused on that entire sentence her grandmother said.

Meanwhile, Applejack hid her face in her hooves. "Granny! I swear to Celestia, stop tryin' ta set me up with stallions!"

"Hey, I won't be 'round forever. I want grandkids!"

Skystrike swallowed his food and immediately began bursting out laughing. He was about to say something, but as soon as he made eye contact with Applejack, he began wheezing. He couldn't even get words out as he kept laughing at the what the old mare said. He nearly fell out of his chair. It took him minutes to regain himself. "Oh my god, my stomach hurts... I was not expecting that."

They all finished their breakfast before Skystrike and Applejack went back out to the orchard. Applejack showed him her favorite spot, a lone apple tree atop a hill, letting them see the entire orchard. They sat next to each other, their backs against the tree, enjoying the breeze as it went by.

Skystrike shook his hair out. "Damn, this is a nice spot. I might come here more often."

A strand of hay hung our of Applejack's mouth as the crossed her legs. "Yeah, I come here during the down times. Just nice to watch the sun move by." The two sat there in silence for a bit, enjoying the moment. "Hey Sky, I don't think I ever asked about your job. Do you mind?"

"No, go for it." Skystrike spread out his wings to stretch before folding them back in.

"Well, when I was drinkin' with Tethys back at your party, she told me you went on a lot of adventures. What made you decide to settle here in Ponyville?"

Skystrike rolled his neck. "Well, after the mercenary group split, I just wandered around, helping ponies with the little I had on my back. After a while, I learned that Nightmare Moon would return, so I decided to set up a place to camp out, and deal with her if it came to... I thought about leaving once she was dealt with, but then I met you all. Guess I felt nostalgic, remembering the good times we had when we were younger. Glad I took the chance."

"Where'd you plan to go if you didn't stay?"

He tapped his hoof. "Honestly, I didn't think that far. Planned on just going in a direction and keep walking... Maybe go to the Badlands or Diamondia... Go across the Celestial Sea to Griffonstone or Zebrafrica. I was just looking for a place to belong."

Applejack flicked her hat up with her hoof to look at him. "Well, I hope we make you feel like ya do, even with how you know-..." She trailed off, referring to how the village treated him when he first came.

"Yeah, you all do. Of course, still not entirely over that, or Zecora's and Tethys' experiences to be honest, but I'm willing to move past it. You, our friends, all the ponies in this town, I like to think they've grown to be better."

"Yeah, after what you told me and Fluttershy about Blueblood, I figured you wouldn't let things like that go, or at least not so soon." Applejack chuckled. "...Do you ever plan to tell Rarity about him?"

"Applejack, I'm not going to lie, no." She turned to look at Skystrike for an explanation. "Not because I don't think she deserves to know, but... one of my gripes about her is that she's shallow. Figure she needs to learn for herself."

"Meh, Fair 'nuf." She hummed. "You're the harshest one out of the group. For a while, I thought you just didn't like R.D."

Skystrike sighed. "Yeah, she talked to me about that. I realized that I was harder on her than the rest of you, and I apologized for that. She's like a sister to me, hell I lived with her in Cloudsdale for a few years. Out of all of us, she has the most potential growth, I just want to keep her, and all of you on a good path. She's rash, she says things without realizing what affect her words could have."

"Yeah. Well, if we're on the topic, what about me?" Skystrike turned to look at her. "What can I do to be better?"

"Well, your blessing is also your curse. You're one of the most stubborn mares I know." Skystrike chuckled. "Hell, took me and Twilight to convince you on the last day of the apple bucking season to ask for help on the complete other half of this orchard. It's good at times, knowing when to stick to your morals, but you don't know when to ask for help."

"Well yeah, but... kinda hypocritical, ain't ya? You do the same."

"And that's exactly why I can critique. I know where that feeling, and thus those actions, come from. Believe it or not, I've grown a lot in that aspect. Main reason I don't ask for help is because I don't want to put my friends in danger. From what I observed, your reason is similar, you don't want to inconvenience your friends, and you want to prove your own self worth."

She nodded. "Yeah, your half right." Applejack sighed as she moved her hat to her chest. "Before Ma and Pa left... they told me they'd be back, and that they loved us. I promised them I'd have a farm they'd be proud to come back to. That's why Applebuckin season means so much to me."

"I see..." Skystrike sat up straight. "I haven't met them, but I know they'd be proud. You're a great pony, Applejack." Skystrike pulled her into a side hug. "But if you don't mind me asking, I thought your parents passed? They left? How do you know?"

Applejack had a sad look on her face. "Well, about a year after they left, we were sent back this hat, my fathers. He'd never let this off of his head."

Skystrike knew what she meant, not wanting her to finish the sentence for her sake. "I'm sorry."

She sighed. "Think nothing of it. It's in the past now." She put back on her hat. Despite the touchy subject, Skystrike and Applejack sat in a comfortable silence for a long while. Applejack's ears perked up. "Hey Sky, can I get your view on somethin'?"

"Shoot." Skystrike said.

She steeled her resolve. "Do ya see me as a mare?"

"...Nightmare, you're a mare. What do I do here?" Skystrike quickly thought to himself.

"You're on your own here. Leave me out of this."

"FUCK!" Skystrike said to Nightmare's amusement. "Well, yeah, why?"

"You laughed really hard at Granny's... 'offer' for lack of a better word."

He realized. "Oh, sorry, didn't mean for it to come off that way. I was laughing at the absurdity of your grandmother's comment, as well as all of your reactions. Not because I don't see you as a mare." Skystrike laughed a bit more.

Applejack grew a bit flustered at the reminder. "Well, thanks for clarifyin'... It... sucks sometimes." She sighed. "Every colt I asked out were intimidated by me. 'ventually I just dropped out of the datin' market."

"...Huh, didn't think you saw it like that. Figured you'd try again once Twilight came to town."

"Why's that?"

"Well, you and the rest of the girls are Elements of Harmony. On top of that, you all have the princesses in your back pocket, and more specific to you, your family, and you as I assume the future head of it, owns over half of Ponyville. Honestly, I thought you'd have problems getting any good stallions, and not gold diggers or politicians."

Applejack thought on that for a while. "...Buck, you might be right."

The two took a long nap, waking up as the sun approached the horizon. Skystrike and Applejack talked a bit more before the two went their separate ways. Another day came. Skystrike was invited to Rarity and Fluttershy's tea time and Carousel boutique. The three of them sat there in the early hours of the morning, Rarity floating over the tea sets and serving her friends with fine china.

Skystrike went to pick up his tea cup, before Rarity moved it away with her magic. "Let it cool down first darling."

"Oh, right, it's hot." Skystrike said, then reached for it with his metal hoof.

Fluttershy tilted her head. "I thought you said you could feel through your right hoof?"

"Oh, I can turn that on and off." Skystrike explained as he bought the tea to his muzzle, taking in the smell. It was a pleasant, he didn't know how to describe it further. "So, what's new?"

Rarity did the same with her tea. "I just figured it's been a while since we sat down and have a chin wag. You and Fluttershy are the only ones who actually like tea."

Fluttershy nodded. "My favorite is Oolong tea. It's just hard to get your hooves on it. I don't even know how it's made, I just know its somewhere to the east."

"Oh, I know that. Kirins are the creators, and they're isolationists. How it's made, no idea, but I believe they live at the Peaks of Peril." Skystrike took a sip. "Mmm, not bad."

"How do you know that? You've been?"

Skystrike shook his head as he took another sip. "I have a talent of remembering hyper specific knowledge of random trivia. For example, I can explain... the origin of each statue in the Canterlot bush maze, but I don't know where they came from, or who carved them."

Rarity decided to test it. "How is a fire ruby formed?"

"They form normally, like any other gem but where they emerge matters. Fire Rubies get their names and attributes by emerging from the bottom of lava pools and absorbing the essence of fire."

"Now, what part of Equestria are they most commonly found?"

"I don't know, Baltimare?" He shrugged.

Rarity giggled. Fluttershy tried it out for herself. "What's the main difference between big cats like a lion, and small cats like a lynx?"

"Oh easy. There's some special bone in their throats. The big cats have rigid ones, allowing them to roar, and small cats have flexible ones, letting them purr."

"Now, what's the smallest cat that can roar?"

"Uh... a bobcat?"

Fluttershy giggled. "A leopard, actually."

"Close enough." Skystrike finished his cup before Rarity poured another. "...Random thought, but I got into this with Applejack yesterday; do apples make your throats itchy?"

"N-no? What? Are you allergic?" Fluttershy got a bit confused.

"Maybe? Probably at this point." Skystrike shrugged.

"Skystrike what is wrong with you?."

Rarity giggled at that. "Oh, that reminds me, I was talking with Pinkie Pie the other day. Told me that you visited the red light district in your youth to make money." Both Skystrike and Fluttershy froze in place. "You absolutely must tell me about it."

He winced. "...Not much really to say about it... the orphanage was low on funds, so I needed to make some money to put food on the table. You'd be surprised how ponies won't recognize you if you just wear a mask or a wig and contacts."

"You were a stripper?" Fluttershy asked.

Skystrike blinked. "Oh god, is that what I implied?. I did cage fights!"

"Oh, good- well, not good, but... you know what I mean."

Skystrike regained his composure. "Oh, right, Rarity, been meaning to ask, how much do I owe you for the suit?"

Rarity thought back. "Oh right, the Hydra. Don't worry about that, darling, I've already started making a new one for you. And I've started designing a dress for Tethys, and Zecora's too. I will say, the former has been a bit of a challenge."

"How so?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, for us mares, we can just cover both bits with the dress... Her 'girls' are further up." Rarity make quotes with her hooves. "I'm trying to make it fashionable while also making sure she doesn't show too much skin, and making sure she has enough space up top."

Skystrike hummed. "I don't know how well armor can transfer over to clothes, but proportions wise, I might be able to help? I made Tethys's armor, and working on a new set right now."

"Well, thank you, but I like the challenge. I want to work on this myself."

Fluttershy jumped in. "Oh, speaking of Tethys and Zecora, they're pretty close."

Skystrike nodded. "Oh yeah, Tethys and Zecora were the first and second to join me in my travels. They're like sisters at this point. Relating over their shared history of leaving their homelands. I'm glad they can, I couldn't really help them with their loneliness."

"I always wanted to visit Zecora's homeland. What was it called? Zebrafrica?"

He nodded again. "That's the continent, to be more specific... She doesn't seem to have good memories of the place. I decided to stop asking, as the only thing I got out of her was her country of origin's name, Farasi."

"...Are you all so mysterious on purpose?"

He sighed. "We came together because we had nowhere else to go. Following whatever little hope we had left as we clung to the loose shreds of life. I'm just glad it worked for all of us. We only really shared when we could really trust one another. I know Zecora trusts me, but... she has different demons to deal with than me."

"I mean, I can understand different, but not necessarily easier..." Rarity poured herself another cup of tea.

Skystrike twitched. He calmed himself down before responding. "Rarity, from an outside observer, sure it may seem easier, but do not compare your pain with another. Zecora still has to deal with them, and we all handle things differently."

"...Your right... sorry."

The three sat there in awkward silence for a few minutes. Rarity decided to change the subject. "So... word around town is you landed two more mares?"

"God fucking damn it..."

Fluttershy jumped in. "I feel like a pony dying of thirst watching another pony drown."

Skytrike chuckled. "Ok, that was a good one."

"You must give me the details, you mare killer." Rarity crossed her hooves and smirked.

"God, you're thirsty. Get a coltfriend."

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle said appearing in the hallway. Skystrike almost lost it at that point. "Anyway, hi Nebula, hi Fluttershy."

"Hey." Skystrike and Fluttershy greeted.

Sweetie Belle's stomach growled. "Rarityyyyy I'm hungry!"

"You don't know how to cook?" Skystrike swiveled in his chair to look at the filly.

"I do, I just like Rarity's cooking."

Rarity leaned over to Skystrike's ear. "It's mainly because she doesn't know how to cook."

"...Hey kid, wanna learn how to cook pancakes?"

"Yeah!" Sweetie Bell jumped.

Skystrike finished his tea as he got up. "Alright, so what's the first thing we do before we start cooking?"

"Wash our hooves?"

"Your right!" Skystrike said as he turned on the sink to wash his hooves with Sweetie Belle. "Now, for pancakes, we need flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, butter, and eggs. Do you know where those are?"

"Yeah!" She got her step stool to grab the items from the cupboards and refrigerator. Skystrike got some bowls to mix the ingredients in the soon to be future.

But as soon as he but the bowl down, Sweetie Belle poured in half the bad of flour. "Sweetie, what're you doing?"

"Adding the flour."

"Well yeah, but we gotta measure it."

"Why?"

Oh fuck, is that why Rarity said she's bad at it? "Because if the ingredients aren't balanced, it wont... make it taste as good as it can be." Skystrike poured back in the flour into the bag. "Can you measure out a cup and a half of flour?"

"Oh, ok!" She ran to get the cup measurers, coming back and doing so.

"Nice! Now, we need... 3 and a half teaspoons of baking powder...." He began listing the measurements, pausing as the filly poured in each. "one tablespoon of sugar, a quarter teaspoon of salt, one and a quarter cups of milk, three tablespoons of melted butter, and one egg."

"Got it!"

"And now mix it until it's smooth with a whisk." It took a little while, and Sweetie Belle's arms were getting tired, but it worked. "Nice job, kid. Now all you gotta do is cook them." Skystrike grabbed a pan and put it on the stove, the stove clicking on with the turn of a knob "Pour half a cup of the batter on the pan, and when the batter is bubbling, flip it. I'm going to set the table. A few minutes passed, and some of the pancakes came out looking weird, but Sweetie Belle did it.

Skystrike set the plate for the four of them and pulled up a seat for the filly. He poured some syrup on his food before digging in. "Hey you did pretty good, Sweetie! Made a whole meal by yourself."

Sweetie stopped mid bite. "...Oh yeah I did!" She smiled before eating.

"Oh, this is quite good." Rarity used her magic to hold her utensils.

"You're quite good with kids." Fluttershy noticed.

"She reminds me of my sisters." Skystrike patted Sweetie Belle on her head.

"Oh, speaking of your sisters, could you get me into contact with Dawnstone? She's so beautiful! She'd be a perfect model!" Rarity asked between bites.

"Really? I'll tell her about that then. She is trying to be a professional model, so it'd be nice to get her before she's massive." Skystrike nodded.

"...Why'd you say 'really' like you didn't believe her?" Fluttershy said with a confused chuckle.

Skystrike was about to open his mouth to speak, but he needed to figure out how to best explain it. "Well... when I describe the looks of a girl, it all depends on what I see them as. Thinking back on it, Dawnstone is definitely a beauty, but I've never chosen that word to describe her since she's my sister."

"Well, what words do you use?"

"Stoic, inspiring, sweet, stuff like that. Honestly, I've never seen an ugly mare, so I more focused on... not describing their physical attributes."

Well now Rarity was interested. "Well, what words do you use to describe a pony's looks?"

"Pretty, hot, beautiful, and cute."

"What's the difference?" They both asked at the same time.

He sighed. "Alright, so, cute means that the mare in question looks good. Like if I was walking down the street and saw a pretty mare, I'd go 'Oh, she's nice.' And keep going on with my business. Nothing more than a passing glance. With me so far?"

"Yes." Rarity and Fluttershy nodded.

"Pretty can mean the same thing, but it's more meant for mares who I can see a future friendship with. For example, Dawnstone or Astral can be both pretty and cute, but they prefer to be called pretty because they're adults."

Rarity felt like she understood. "So... fillies and colts are cute, and mares and stallions are... handsome and pretty?"

"Right." Skystrike nodded. "You for example, Spike is cute, Big Mac is handsome."

"...Didn't need you to call me out, but I get it. Go on."

"Hot means that she looks nice you know what I mean? Like, damn. I'm walking by, and I do a double take because damn." Skystrike laughed. "I'd explain better, but you know." He motioned to Sweetie Belle, who was obliviously eating her pancakes.

"I get what you're implying." Rarity crossed her hooves again and leaned in. "So, what's beautiful?"

Skystrike leaned back. "Harder to explain than the previous ones... When I say someone is beautiful, it means I see attributes within that being that means I could see a potential future with."

"Aww... didn't know you could be such a sweetheart." Fluttershy smiled at him.

Rarity wasn't satisfied though. "Give some examples of each, just so I can understand this better."

"...I feel like I've walked into a trap, but I'm in this deep already, so sure, why not." Skystrike finished his pancakes. "Mmm... so... somepony like Roseluck or Carrot Top, they're cute. But I've never really interacted with them besides passing conversations. Uh... as for pretty... well, I already said Astral and Dawnstone. Another example would be... Derpy Hooves. As for hot, well, that kinda speaks for itself. Beautiful would be... Tethys and Zecora? I guess? Best examples I have as of now. They're my best friends."

"Aren't we?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well yeah, but we haven't..." He was about to say it, then looked at Sweetie Belle. "...rolled in the hay."

"So, difference between hot and beautiful is how well you know them?" Fluttershy was trying to understand.

Skystrike shook his head. "Bare bones, kinda. Sure, main difference between those two and Mayor Mare and Cheerilee is that I'm better friends with the former, but with the former, we respect and know each other enough where we aren't simply FWB."

"This... makes more sense than I thought it would?" Rarity admitted.

"What's a FWB?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Rarity stammered at the question, while Fluttershy froze up. Skystrike decided to answer. "When you're older."

"Oh come on! Rarity says that all the time! Not you too!" Sweetie wined.

Skystrike decided to do the funniest thing he could here. "Sweetie Belle, FWB is short for 'Fairy Wants Bones'."

"...What?" Sweetie Belle tilted her head.

"Ever heard of the tooth fairy?"

"...yeah?"

"She has an older sister called the 'Bone Fairy'. If you aren't a good filly, she comes at night and takes your bones. One time I woke up without my spine." He tried his best not to break out laughing as her face turned to one of mild horror.

"...Rarity I'm sorry for eavesdropping on you while you were talking with Frank! I won't do it again! Mr.Nebula please save me from the Bone Fairy!" Sweetie Belle said between tears as she jumped on Skystrike.

Skystrike was shaking as he held it in. "S-sure Sweetie Belle. I'll go stop the Bone Fairy!"

Rarity and Fluttershy hid theirs as well as they could at her reaction. Then Fluttershy thought about what she said. "Wait... I don't know anypony in Ponyville named Frank?"

Sweetie wiped the tears welling up in her eyes. "I-I... don't know him either. Rarity just... yells his name really loud sometimes when I'm asleep."

Skystrike and Fluttershy slowly turned to Rarity. Her blushing face told them everything. Skystrike couldn't hold it it anymore as he burst out laughing, Fluttershy following his actions not even a moment later. Fluttershy was snorting while Skystrike was wheezing as he held onto the table to not fall out of his chair. Fluttershy's laughter slowed down for a minute, then picked back up when she looked at Rarity's face again. Sweetie Belle jumped out of Skystrike's arms before he fell to the floor.

"Holy SHIT!" He wheezed. "I'm never gonna let you live this down!"

Sweetie Belle looked confused. "I don't get it."

Another day came and went. Skystrike laughed all day about what happened with Rarity, but today was a new one. He, Spike, Twilight, and Zecora were doing some magic spells. Well, more talking about spells. Also, since when did a tree library have a basement? And why does Twilight have a lab?

Skystrike decided to ask. "Twilight, why does this place look like you'd lure somepony here?"

Zecora snorted. Twilight stammered for a response. "I- you- I'd never do that!"

"Oh, I know, but it's kinda off putting when you have restraints and something that reads brain waves." He smiled.

"Can we just go back to you doing your spells?" Twilight sighed.

"Yeah, we've talked about it for a while!" Spike said from his bean bag chair and put down his comic book. "I wanna see something cool!"

Zecora nodded. "I'm intrigued to witness your magic brew, to see the wonders it can strew."

Skystrike nodded. "Alright then. What type of magic do you want to see?"

"Can you turn an apple into an orange like Twilight?" Spike rolled over.

"Well, no, or at least, not with my understanding of magic and my abilities. But I could turn lead into gold because of my understanding of physics."

Twilight's ears perked up. "Interesting... can you do it now?"

"Technically yes, but it'd be dangerous. If you want me to explain it, I'd use my magic to turn the oxygen atoms around the lead into nitrogen. With all of those extra protons, I'd induce proton bombardment onto the lead to turn it into gold. However, that'd require many, many different layers and types of magic. Also, the energy released from that nuclear reaction would be dangerous."

"...I barely understood that." Twilight admitted. "I haven't even heard of nuclear physics."

"You understood that?" Spike asked.

Oh right, they're magic focused. "Sorry, forget that physics isn't studied as heavily here. It'd take too long to explain to you atomic theory and particle colliders and the like... Basically yes I can, but it's dangerous."

"Could you unveil magic with a useful touch, practical spells that would impress us much?" Zecora sat down as she waited.

Skystrike thought about what to do before he clenched his forehooves. Small bolts of electricity jumped from his hooves as it traveled up his arms, into his head, and then down through the rest of his body. He shook off the extra static as his hair stood on end. "There... just... a bit tedious to keep this up."

Zecora tilted her head. "I am a bit confused at the spell you just used?"

"I'm using electricity to speed up my perception speed, as well as increase the nerves in my body to react faster."

"...You... you're-... That's dangerous! Stop it!" Twilight nearly begged.

Skystrike discharged the electricity. "Alright, calm down a bit. Something not dangerous then..." He thought for a bit more, then put his hoof towards Twilight. A weak green aura floated over to her and surrounded her. "There. I gave you a stamina buff. You won't get tired as fast, but you're going to sleep a long while when you go to bed. Sorry, most of my spells are... combat oriented."

"Oh, well... I guess that makes sense." Twilight had to admit.

"Can you show us one? Maybe one I can do?" Spike asked.

Skystrike thought about it for a time, then decided to do something silly. He stood up on his hind legs and put his forehooves to his side, charging energy between them. Then he pushed his hooves forward as he yelled. "HADOKEN!"

Spike saw the slow moving projectile come towards him. He side stepped it, watching it hit the wall. "Cool! And an even cooler name!"

"That's what I'm saying!" Skystrike said as he bro hoofed the baby dragon.

"What do you mean cool? That was silly."

Skystrike looked at her. "Nuh uh!"

"The buck you mean 'Nuh uh'??" Twilight put out the palm of her hoof. Skystrike laughed even harder.

Zecora laughed a bit too. "Skystrike, honesty's key, your name is a tad silly."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Skystrike crossed his hooves. "They're not silly. All of them are sick as hell!"

Zecora had an amused look. "Like your sword you called 'Black wind'? Or the spear called 'Tale's end?"

"Yeah, those go hard!" He defended himself.

"It sounds cringe, is what I'd aver. A sentiment many would echo, I'd wager."

"YOU'RE CRINGE!!!"
Skystrike roared at the top of his lungs, making them all laugh. He waited for the laugher to die down. "But fine, why don't you and Twilight think of better names? A blue sword for example."

Zecora rubbed her chin in thought. "If I had to choose a name for a sword, what about... 'Cold-Forged'?"

Twilight pitched in with one of her own. "What about 'Storm'? Like lightning."

Spike stood up and stretched. "Personally, I think 'Epilogue' sounds cool."

"You see, Spike, that name goes hard. Name your scythe that."

Spike shook his head. "I already named it 'Crescent Moon'. It looks like one."

"Yeah!" Skystrike picked him up. "That does hard, man! Oh, and I might use that name if you don't mind."

"Sure, go for it."

Zecora jumped in. "Speaking of names, let's take a trip. What is the name you chose for your airship?"

"Oh, I could've sworn I told you. I named her 'Wind Waker'.

Twilight sighed. "I mean... could be better..."

"Twilight, you'd probably offer some obscure name that you have to explain the meaning behind. At least mine are straight forward."

Zecora smirked. "While that probably would occur, don't you have a Zweihander named 'the Throngler'?"

Twilight snickered. "The Throngler? Heheh, that sounds silly. What does it mean?"

"Just to beat the crap out of someone. And while it might sound silly, there's only one way to truly be throngled" Skystrike said the last part with a straight face. Then they all laughed at the absurdity of the word.

Twilight laughed a bit more. "Well, getting back on topic, we were studying how exactly you turn this 'mana' stuff into magic. I haven't read up about it yet, since there haven't been any public copies of Casta's Thesis, but she's court magician for a reason... Can you continue what you were saying?"

Skystrike nodded. "Right. So, not going into my biology, or any super specific fields of science, there's some sort of organ near my heart, or my heart itself, that can convert mana into magic. For example, when I want to use any magic, I first charge my magic, then transfer it to the limb needed to cast that magic."

Twilight wrote it down on a note pad. "And you do this consciously?"

"Yes, though that is part of the reason why I believe that my destruction magic is higher level than the other types. Unicorns are trained to use their magic by focusing it into their horns, so obviously has to go directly through their brain. Because of that, there's a sort of limiter that stops unicorns from using magic too powerful for them, else their brain can get literally fried." Skystrike put out his hooves and casted some weak water spells, making two orbs of water float in the air. "Because it doesn't have to go straight through my brain, that limiter isn't there for me. But... because of the way I was trained, I have an affinity and exclusivity for destruction spells."

"Hmm... I think I get it... and what was the highest tier destruction spell that you've used?"

"If I used them, I'd be in a cell."

Twilight blinked. "Well... what's the highest spell you can use?"

"Uh... spells on the master level. In tandem."

"...Sweet Celestia." Twilight was astounded. "You have to be lying..."

"Well that's why I don't use them or my magic in general."

"I don't... really know what those types of spells can do?" Spike asked.

Twilight gave him an answer. "A single master spell is banned, as a destruction master spell can destroy small towns. Anyway, back to you Zecora. How exactly do your potions work?"

Zecora pulled one out from her bag. "Ways about in its function, diverse and vast, Some draw magic from beings, like a spell being cast. Others absorb the essence, the mystical hue, each brew's spell depends on its magical brew. Primarily for support, their powers do cast, In a myriad of ways, their aid unsurpassed."

Twilight thought for a minute. "Sorry... just... translating it out of rhymes. I... think I got it? I don't know how you do it, Skystrike."

"You get used to it. It's also really fun if you think about everything she says as a rap."

Zecora stared at him. "Bruh."

Twilight carried on. "So, you were talking about support potions... I assume offensive potions are more chemical based, not requiring much magic?"

The zebra nodded. "Indeed, akin to a unicorn's spell so bright, yet with certain items, I can enhance their might."

Skystrike watched as Zecora's and Twilight began asking and answering each others questions. They were talking so fast that he kinda zoned out most of their conversation. Spike walked up to his side. "...Are you gathering anything they're saying?"

"Bits and pieces..." Skystrike admitted. The two boys watched them keep talking for another few minutes. "...Wanna go get some food?"

"Ooh, can we go get tacos?" Spike jumped on his back as Skystrike began to walk out.

"Tacos sound good." Skystrike nodded as they walked. "Anything happened at school? You've been there for a few months now."

"Yeah, it's really fun! Everypony- well most of the ponies are nice. Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon keep picking on me and my friends. Keeps calling them 'blank flanks' and saying mean things."

Skystrike thought for a moment. "There's not... really a good answer I can tell you on how to deal with that. Take it as a life lesson. There are beings that only intend to be hurtful, and using words doesn't fix anything. How we deal with those types of beings defines who we are, who we grow to be."

"Well, how do you think I should deal with them?"

"That's the thing Spike. It's a lose-lose. If you don't act, you're enabling them in a sense. If you do, then it might stop, sure, but it could also get worse. Honestly, the main problem is that your bullies are two of the ponies who's parents have a lot of power in this town... that being said, I can deal with them if I need to. The choice is yours. Just think it through."

"Ok I guess..." Spike thought on if for a minute. "Twilight and Rarity keep saying that they're being mean because they like me."

"Don't listen to that bullshit." Skystrike growled slightly, making the baby dragon flinch. "Sorry, just... bought up some bad memories. They only say things like that because they haven't been on the receiving end. Think about it for a moment. Even if they're right, would you want to be with somepony that treats you like that? And to prove that they're wrong, neither of them have a coltfriend."

"Really? Sweetie Belle told me about a guy named 'Frank'."

Skystrike shook as he internally laughed. "Spike, you're too pure. Do not bring that up around Rarity." Spike gave a confused nod. "Good, moving on, how're the friends that you made? You hang out a lot with Sweetie, Bloom, and Scootaloo."

"Oh yeah! They're fun! Yesterday, we went to Fluttershy's cottage and she was telling us about her animals. Did you know that hummingbirds are the only bird that can fly backwards?"

Skystrike and Spike sat down at the restaurant to get their food. "Really now? Tell me more about what you learned."

Another day passed. Skystrike and Spike enjoyed their guy time, talking over a meal. They decided that they'd make that and a visit to the spa a monthly thing when he got back from his mission. He was glad Spike is around ponies his age. For now, Skystrike, Stardust, and Pinkie Pie were all sitting on a park bench, talking about random things.

Pinkie took a bite of her taffy, chewing it with a smile. "We don't hang out too often! You're always so busy, Skystrike! Thanks for coming to hang out with us!"

"Yeah." Stardust nodded. "For a bit, I kinda thought you were avoiding us."

"Oh, no, not at all. It's just that when my social battery isn't dead, almost everyone else is out doing something or hanging out with someone else." Skystrike explained. "Also, while I was joking back in the capital, I didn't realize how awkward that was for you. I'm sorry."

"Oh, don't worry about that." Pinkie laughed and waved a hoof. "You think too hard about little things." Then her demeanor changed. "Seriously though, what did you mean by 'return on investment'?"

Stardust spit out her drink. "You said WHAT???"

Skystrike laughed a bit. "Well, if you want me to say it, I was complementing you, your sisters, and your mom. She is kinda bad. And I know how this is going to sound, but I mean this in the best way possible: I would've mistaken her for your sister if I didn't know her years prior."

"...I don't-... I don't know how I'm supposed to take that in a good way. It's... implying that my sisters and I look old."

"Yeah, Pinkie, I'm with you. What the buck?" Stardust raised a brow at him.

"Oh, no, that's not what I'm saying at all. I'm saying that you ponies just age really well. Like, I honestly can't really tell the difference at times." Skystrike admitted.

"...How old do you think my mom is, Sky?"

"Well, using you and Maud as a basis I'd guess... mid forties?"

"Yeah, in the ball park." Pinkie took another bite of her taffy.

"Skystrike, societal standards have made it so us mares have to keep looking young. By Celestia you're so god damn stupid sometimes." Stardust sipped her water.

"Well excuse~ me, not my fault that stallions have been hyped up so much that you mares have to hold yourself to near impossible standards." He crossed his hooves.

Stardust sighed. "I mean, yeah, but... didn't have to say it like that. I'm going to turn thirty one in a few months. It's already really hard to find a good stallion, let alone one ok with my age."

"You aren't even old!"

"How old is old to you?" Stardust asked rhetorically. "Any mare pushing 35 is considered old."

Skystrike had to think on it. "So that's why Rarity said I was into older mares... Damn, sorry you girls have to go through that bullshit. Your worth as a pony shouldn't be tied to how young you all look, or if you have a stallion or not."

"...That was one of the most realest things you've ever said. Thanks." Pinkie smiled at him.

"Yeah, I appreciate it a lot." Stardust nodded.

"Honestly, I did get quite a bit of attention when I moved to Ponyville years ago back when I first moved here. But since I stopped working on the rock farm, I started gaining weight." Pinkie pulled at her belly fat. "I need to work out..."

Stardust sighed. "Tell me about it. Wasn't until I joined the guard that I started losing weight."

Skystrike leaned back. "I dunno, some guys are into it. Like Carrot Cake... or maybe it's because she counts as a short stack?"

"Oh yeah, fair enough." Stardust put down her now empty cup.

Pinkie Pie pulled another piece of taffy out of her hair. "There aren't many ponies here into it. Figure I should try and change something."

"Another real line then." Skystrike put a hoof into Pinkie's hair and pulled out a boombox, playing some music that made his words sound much more real. "You do not change yourself for others. You must first change yourself for yourself. Those who want you for you will come eventually."

"Well, since we're on the topic..." Pinkie bit into her second piece of taffy. "Mmm... what about you, any mares you fancy?"

"Bruh, I just can't escape this topic, huh?" Skystrike gave a small sigh. "Well, I already said I don't have a type, and you two heard about my 'escapades', but if I had to think on mares I see as an actual option, I don't really know. If someone is able to know and accept the real me, they're an option."

"The real you?" Pinkie tilted her head. "What, are you hiding more of yourself?"

Skystrike looked at the two who awaited an answer... well Stardust, being Elytra, already knew. It was more an answer for Pinkie. "...Pinkie, I hide many parts of myself because I feel like if I get too close, I end up hurting those around me. It's more of a shitty defense mechanism."

"Oh..." Pinkie blinked in surprise. "Well, maybe I'm ok with being hurt."

Skystrike wanted to say 'AYO???' but this was a serious talk. He looked around to see if anypony else was in earshot. Luckily, nopony was. "Pinkie, I... appreciate the sentiment. Trust is... a very hard thing for me to have in beings, but I think I can trust you. I'm-"

"An alien from an alternate universe that's been living as a pony to fit into society but is in a sort of cold war with the government because you're seen as a danger while the alien brethren that you're running from are also after you?"

Skystrike's and Stardust's jaws dropped. Stardust closed her mouth to say "HOW THE BUCK!?"

Pinkie shrugged. "Lucky guess." And then stuck out her tongue with a wink.

"Pinkie, I don't think I will ever get used to you." Skystrike laughed. "But yeah, you're basically right. With your 'power' I guess I don't need to explain all of my backstory. You can just guess, huh?"

"Like how Stardust is a changeling? Probably."

"HOW THE BUCK!?!?" Stardust yelled as she stood up. "YOU'RE NOT NATURAL!! WHAT ARE YOU!?!?"

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh harder. Pinkie hummed as she rocked back and forth. "Don't worry, I wont tell anypony. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

"Well, just so you do know if you wanted to talk about it, Zecora, Tethys, Casta, Stardust, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy know. I'll tell you more about my history later." Skystrike couldn't help but laugh some more.

"If I can ask, Stardust, how did you sneak into the guard?" Pinkie asked.

Stardust blinked. "Oh, sorry, I just... was in shock of your insanity. To answer, I wouldn't be a stealth operative if I couldn't do that."

"So is your ass an illusion too, or is it just that fat naturally?"

Skystrike lost his shit at that as Stardust's blush grew. "It's-... not that big, is it?"

Skystrike mimicked Stardust's voice. "Princess... I'm trying to sneak around.... but I'm dummy thicc. And the clapping of my ass cheeks keep distracting the cadets!"

Stardust slapped him in embarrassment, making Pinkie start snorting. Skystrike did a small show of holding his cheek and face crying like a yoda hand puppet, sniffling to sell it. Stardust couldn't help but join in on the laugh a bit, quickly forgetting her past embarrassment.

Pinkie finished her taffy. "Oh, right, can I ask you something, Sky?"

"Go for it."

"Tethys told us you got with her and Zecora-"

Skystrike already knew where this was going. "You sure you want the answer to that question?"

Pinkie rubbed her chin. "You're right. I got what I wanted anyway!" She said between going back to her usual happy demeanor.

Stardust looked at her. "I can never read that mare."

Skystrike patted Stardust's back. "Honestly, it's easier on the mind to stop trying."

Stardust whispered into Skystrike's ear. "Look, I know you're dense as Tartarus, but you do realize that you basically said Pinkie was an option?"

Skystrike and Stardust turned to look at Pinkie who was rocking back and forth on her butt. "Oh, I guess I did. Eh, not against it. She's a sweet girl... but I'm going to wait until after the gala."

Stardust gave a small smile. "Good to see you at least thinking about it. You deserve to be happy."

Sleep came pretty quickly for Skystrike that day. He enjoyed the last several days with his friends. But for now, he was within his mind, dreaming. He sat in a large field atop a hill in his human form. The wind against his skin felt great, cooling him off. He always found it weird how he could feel in a dream.

But that was besides the point. For now, he waited. The setting sun marked the changing of time, and a presence arriving. He heard decorated hoof steps come towards him. Skystrike turned around to see Nightmare Moon. No words were said as she sat down next to him.

The two sat next to each other, staring at the night sky before Nightmare said. "Skystrike, you're bucking weird."

Skystrike chuckled. "You're in my mind I call my home, yet you complain about how I arrange my furniture?"

For the second time Skystrike's seen, Nightmare Moon gave a small smile. "If I am being honest, I'm more surprised at how guys work... like, you can actually think about nothing, then immediately go to thinking about the most inane, useless things. Why do you need to know how big a waffle you can make?"

"Just because." Skystrike laughed.

"Also, is it just a guy thing that you're constantly horny?"

Skystrike laughed harder. "Haha! Yeah, pretty sure it's a guy thing. Sorry, I'm still not used to both of us being in here."

Nightmare shrugged. "It's alright. At least it's not too weird. I'm just more surprised that less changed since our banishment than I thought."

"Really? Like what?"

"Well, I was going through your memories when you were a colt in Canterlot. The layout of the castle is nearly the same as the now abandoned one. But so much has changed too. The food is so much better!"

"Wait, you can taste what I taste?"

She shook her head. "More that I can remember what the food you ate tasted like... among other things." Skystrike began giggling like a school girl. Nightmare Moon couldn't stifle hers much longer. "There's so much I want to say, so much more I want to see in this new world." She leaned on him, putting her head on his shoulder. "It's been barely over a week, but I can feel myself changing... thank you, Skystrike. For now, I'd like to keep seeing things through your eyes."

"Sure. Just tell me what you want to see. I'll try and go see it." Skystrike kept looking at the horizon. "It's kinda nice with you around."

"You know I can read parts of your mind right?" She used her magic to take off her armor. "You can pet me, just make it quick. I feel naked."

Skystrike did not hesitate pulling her onto his lap and stroking her neck and back. "Oh man, I always wanted to do this. You ponies always looks so soft."

Nightmare moon was a bit embarrassed at first from the sudden petting, but it grew on her is he continued, cooing at the feeling of his hands. "Oooh, your hands are divine... You're lucky you're the only being in this world I could tolerate, else you'd never get this chance..."

"Well, I'm flattered." Skystrike smiled as he brushed her hair. "You're coat is so smooth. Also, I just want to say, you have such a nice mane. If you couldn't tell from the name I chose for myself, I always loved staring at the stars. It's like I'm staring into a nebula."

She giggled. "Quite the charmer, aren't you? Mmfh... move your hand a bit lower." Skystrike did so, moving his left hand right above her tailbone. "As much as I don't like to admit things, I... mmm, have grown to see you in a better light. Maybe when I get out of here, I'll help you out with your problem... How do you plan to get me out of here?"

Skystrike thought about it. "Well, any idea I've had is illegal, but helping you out in the first place probably is anyway... My first idea was to just make a clone or artificial body, then create a link between my mind and the body's, so you can cross over and have that body. But the main problem is how exactly I'd get said body."

"Nngh... by the moon, that feels good." Nightmare cooed. "I suppose that could work if you... ignore the morality... and the next idea?"

"Find a genie."

"Genies are real?"

"We live in a world where two ponies can control the sun and the moon, six control a giant friendship laser, and an alien from an alternate dimension all exist together. I'd be surprised if genies don't exist. Or some sort of wish granting being."

Nightmare was about to say something, but the stimulation she got from her tailbone was amplified from Skystrike suddenly scratching behind her ear. "Unf~!" She moaned.

Skystrike immediately pulled back both of his hands, while Nightmare pushed herself up. The two made eye contact before quickly avoiding each others eyes, turning away and backing up a few feet. Awkward silence fell between them for a long while.

Skystrike cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. I guess I was getting a bit too into it. I pushed a boundary."

"It's... fine... I should've explained to you what it means when you pet a pony there." Nightmare admitted.

Hindsight hit him like a truck. "Oh god, that was sexual?" Nightmare nodded. "FUCK!"

Suddenly, the sky seemed to crack, it growing to span the zenith of the area. The area they were in shattered like glass, returning to the empty void that was normally Skystrike's mind. Princess Luna stood within the void, her glowing white eyes beginning to dim as she no longer needed to use her magic to infiltrate his dream.

"Skystrike, we came as soon as we saw something awry! Are you-" Luna made eye contact with her alter-ego, seeing the two with an awkward tension between them. "You... what did you do to him, Nightmare Moon!?"

"Calm down, Luna nothing happened." Skystrike sighed.

Luna began taking steps towards Nightmare Moon. "The faces thou art making, and her scent upon you tells us otherwise." She glared at Nightmare. "What did you do?"

Skystrike stepped between them. "Luna, you do not want to know. Nothing bad happened."

"I'll be the judge of that." Luna said. Her eyes glowing as she used her magic in an attempt to get into Nightmare Moons's mind.

Skystrike grabbed her by the horn, making her stop in her tracks. "I know you don't like her, but even if she is you, it is still immoral to peak into her mind without her permission."

"Don't stop us, Skystrike. You don't have to protect her because you feel bad! She is a being born of my hatred! She won't change!"

"She's you, Luna!" Skystrike threw her back. "Or at least, a you that you don't want to confront! And look at you! You changed! All I'm doing is giving her the chance you were!" Skystrike cracked his knuckles. "I'm not going to pretend I know the pain that you went through for the past thousand years, but she must be given a chance to change. We must be better than this!"

Luna was about to flare her magic, but at that last sentence, she realized that the human was right. With an annoyed roar, she released all the magic she could straight up, the blue light lighting up his entire dreamscape. She huffed from the sudden expelling of magic. "Fine... then you tell me what happened."

Skystrike sighed and loosened the tension in his body. "Well if you must know... I wanted to pet Nightmare moon. I didn't know where I was touching was sexual. I only found out when she moaned."

Luna spread her wings in surprise and embarrassment, his testimony being confirmed by the growing blush on Nightmare Moons muzzle. "O-oh..."

"Yeah I be you feel real dumb right now." Skystrike crossed his arms.

"...We are sorry, Skystrike."

"Not me who you should be apologizing to, Luna." Skystrike tapped his foot before stepping out of the way.

Luna grit her teeth a bit. "We... apologize to you as well, Nightmare moon."

Nightmare moon shuffled a bit. "It's... fine. I don't blame you..." She admitted as she teleported her armor back on.

Skystrike sighed as he turned his body to stretch. "Great, now that that's solved, how's your vacation going, Luna?"

Her ears perked up a bit. "Oh, well... we are enjoying ourselves. We've decided to stop by Las Pegasus."

"Oh god, is she going for the cocaine and strippers?" Skystrike cracked a smile.

Luna and Nightmare Moon couldn't help but giggle at the memory. "Well, we would be lying if we said she didn't want to go there for that. But to my knowledge, not yet at least."

"Wait, I was joking, she was serious?" Skystrike laughed.

"Only about the strippers. Thou would be surprised how lonely an alicorn can get over the years." Luna sighed.

"Is it the ageless part, or the princess part?"

"A mix of both, but mostly the former for us... It's why we decided to travel as ourselves before our ascension."

"Ah, I get it. You two feel like you can't be your true selves because of your title?"

Luna nodded. "Indeed. It pains me to say it, but hindsight has granted me that not having to deal with politics for a thousand years was... calming."

Nightmare Moon wanted to say something, but held her tongue. It didn't go unnoticed by Skystrike though. Skystrike sighed and put his hands behind his head as he looked up to the void. "Luna, you've done a lot for me, from accepting my humanity knowing what my kind did in the past, to not telling Celestia. I want to know I appreciate you. Saying that... I know what I'm about to ask for is a lot..."

Luna could tell this was serious. She sat down. "You do not have to be afraid to ask us anything. What is it?"

Skystrike sat down too, figuring out how to best word this. "...Over the past couple weeks with Nightmare Moon in my mind, we've been able to share thoughts. Adding to that some... circumstances, I've realized that I cannot hold on to the anger of my past. While I cannot let go of a certain rage towards Blueblood, I've been trying to let go of my anger towards Chrysalis and the hive."

"Well, that's quite noble of you, Skystrike."

"We are kindred spirits, Luna. I say this because you'll live much, much longer than me. I believe it is best for you to try and let go of your anger too."

Luna's brow furrowed a bit. "If thou art trying to say what I think thou is, no. She has done far too much to be forgiven."

Skystrike sighed. "You can't forgive Nightmare Moon for luring you in with the thought of comeuppance? Or you can't forgive yourself for giving in?"

She stood up and stomped her hoof at that, the entirety of Skystrike's mental space shaking. Luna's eyes glowed white in anger, even using her royal Canterlot voice. "DO NOT SPEAKETH UPON A SUBJECT YOU DO NOT KNOW, HUMAN! WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT US!?"

Skystrike stood up. "More than you think, less then I should... but enough where I know that this isn't healthy. I know how it is to give in to that urge..." He said sadly. In the next moment, he changed his mental space, the grey void turning to a red one, and dozens of voices rolled in. Luna and Nightmare Moon both looked around, trying to figure out where the voices were coming from.

They recognized the voices. Each one of them were his, Skystrike's, begging, pleading him to listen, with each more violent than the last. "Make them pay!" "This world will abandon you when they learn the truth!" "They're just pretending!" "Fight!" "Kill!" "Slaughter!" "Make them feel the pain you have!"

Skystrike let the voices continue as he did. "I only gave in once, but like you, I see it as the worst mistake I've ever made... I had to protect my friends from Blueblood... I don't regret protecting myself or the others, but... the brutality that I showed, the smile plastered across my face... it disgusted me. I regret it every moment, and I can never forgive myself, but if I wanted to keep living, have a hope for a better tomorrow for myself, I know that I had to accept that part of me, no matter how I viewed it."

The voices of hate screamed at him when he finished. Skystrike closed his eyes as he forced the voices into silence. He felt his ears ringing, and waited for the ringing to stop, as well as his anger to subside. "Haaah~... sorry you had to see that. Just needed to prove that I can at least relate."

Luna stammered. "W-we are sorry..."

"Don't be." Skystrike waved a dismissing hand. "But I showed you that to say that I don't expect you to forgive Nightmare Moon. You're your own pony, and can make your own choices. All I'm saying is that if you truly want to forgive yourself, you need to confront Nightmare Moon."

Luna turned to see her alter, who was staring back at her. They both took slow, hesitant steps towards each other. They stopped about a foot away from each others faces. Nightmare broke the silence between them first. "No matter how much I apologize to you, it does not change the pain that I bought upon you, your sister, your subjects, or your life... I don't blame you for your hatred of me, nor would I blame you if you hate me for the rest of our days. But know that I truly regret what I did."

The princess of the night felt it in her. Maybe because of the sincerity of her words, or because she could tell from Nightmare Moon being her, but she meant it. "...We do not know if we ever can forgive you... but he is right. We have to confront you sooner or later. We cannot continue to blame you for every one of our actions from a thousand years ago. We must take accountability... we must be better." She sighed. "Skystrike, this was an... eye opening talk. For now, Nightmare Moon and I must go. We have much to speak about."

Skystrike watched as the two faded out of existence, the two leaving his mind and going back to Luna's. Skystrike sat in his mind, alone, wondering if he did the right thing at the right time. He hoped that the two of them would get better. He didn't want to lose either.

The grey void slowly turned to black as he stopped his dreamscape and drifted into a deep sleep. Skystrike would check on them next time.

Author's Note

Got this one out quicker than I thought I would. I enjoyed this one a lot, and hope you did too.

Next couple of chapters will be focusing on the soon to be revealed members of the mercenary group, as well as touching on Tethy's story. Then, the gala.

I also remembered before starting this chapter that the show kind of forgot about Nightmare Moon, and she was kind of replaced with the Tantabus. I want to try exploring Nightmare Moon a bit. She'll come around now and them, as I still need to decide what I want her role to be.

One of the things I want to touch on over the course of this fanfic is touch on characters that should've gotten more screen time, as well as show the daily lives of the characters, rather than when there's a problem all the time. Again, I'm trying to stick to the source, but we all have our own little gripes with the show. Thus, another thing I want to do is make things "better." Though, I won't be doing anything insane.

I might touch on the comics, since I've been going through some of those recently. The comics did a lot of good things, like reforming sombra, that I might include. Of course, depending on what happens, the show gets retconned in a sense.

If any of you read this far, I do want some opinions. How do you think Nightmare Moon should be? Personally, I was thinking of something similar to Discord, not being fully reformed, but not evil.

Thanks for the read, I'll see you all next time!

Departure

Two months have passed since Luna and Nightmare Moon began their weekly talks. From the slight change in mood that Nightmare has had as she traveled back and forth between minds, Skystrike would say it's going well. The two of them haven't talked about it much, nor has he pushed for info. They would tell him when they were ready.

Celestia and Luna returned from their impromptu vacation feeling better than ever. Well, mainly Celestia, who hasn't had a break in a millennia. They thanked him for it, even bringing him a gift from their trip to Las Pegasus, it being a large globe of the city in the clouds. He appreciated it, and decided to put it on his nightstand.

As for what Skystrike has been doing, for the past couple months, he's been doing a lot of work. The sleepless nights fueled by caffeine and sugar finally bore fruit. His new armor was finally done, and fully enchanted. Nothing crazy, as he didn't want to become reliant on his armor, but a few lightweight enchants here, some durability enchants there, and it was all good. His new armor had some major differences compared to his last one, the most notable feature being a mana circuit. It pulled in mana to power the enchants, and also allowed him to release any stored magic in case of an overload.

Skystrike also decided that he wasn't the only one who's arsenal in need of an upgrade. Thanks to the transmutation of materials from Zecora, he had more than enough to work with. He was also glad that he could just go to Rarity for everyone's measurements.

Starting with Zecora, she wished for something mobile, while also being flexible and durable. Skystrike had to admit, she had a pretty interesting fighting style from her homeland. Seeing it over the years, he realized the similarities it had with Tahtib, an Egyptian martial art from his world. I guess this was just in horse form. The zebra also helped with the design process, wanting some roman-like inspiration. Her culture was really confusing. Her specifics were a bit hard to bring to life, mostly because leather was a bit immoral here. But then he remembered he had the dragon bodies. took some descaling and leather work, but Zecora's armor came out lovely. Bracers, greaves, a cuirass, and a battle skirt, all with a forest green finish. To cover her face, she wore a decorative mask with several shades of green with gold accents, highlighting her strong cyan eyes. She still had her golden neck rings for her own personal touch.

Zecora still had her staff from her homeland, as well as her blade whip, holding sentimental value to her. She didn't want to replace those. But she did complain about how it was hard to prepare potions for every individual event. This gave Skystrike an idea for her: a mobile brewery. And it wouldn't be too hard, now that he has the elemental stones. Fire, earth, water, wind, lightning, and ice. Each was hidden under her battle skirt, allowing for ease of access. Took a bit of testing, but the two of them got it to work. By putting an enchant on each of her bracers, she could extract some of the essence from each stone to use or combine for the wanted effects. Zecora tested it as soon as the prototype was done. A simple way to test if the brewery worked was to of course, brew a potion. Taking water and a little fire, she boiled the water. Then with earth, lightning, and wind, she molded the elements into a swiftness potion and put it into a bottle. Skystrike wished he knew how to do that, but he was more than happy with her smile.

Next was Tethys. She wanted her armor to be medium in weight and guard the important parts, as to not weigh her down as she flew around. Besides, her scales were strong enough for most things. But Skystrike didn't want to wait for the off chance of something or someone breaking through her scales. For her, Skystrike made a chest plate, wrist guards, thigh guards, bracers, shin guards, and ankle guards to protect her joints, and any place a being would aim at first to take down a dragon. He also put a few pieces of metal and leather between her wing joints and on her wing bones for at least some protection. He gave them all a silver finish in a hope to bring out her scales.

She was never a fan of weapons, always preferring hand to hand combat. That's why Skystrike wanted to test something else. The same way he is able to focus his magic out of his extremities, he wanted to find a way for Tethys to do so. Skystrike made her chestplate similar to Zecora's brewery, having magic stones on the inside. Tethys only needed three of the elements though, as she only knew ice, wind, and lightning. Through weeks of testing, it took time to learn how to use it, but it worked wonders. Her elemental breath started within her esophagus, near the lungs. Magic was generated, then forced out of her mouth. By putting the magic stones near the organ, she could transfer the flow of magic. Tethys had to get used to the feeling of preparing to breathe the element, yet not expelling it as it was transferred to her arms or legs as she wished. She could force the element of her choice out of her hands and feet. But what Skystrike was most surprised about was how quick of a learner she was, being able to surround a claw in hardened ice, or even her jaws to hit, or bite, harder. She couldn't wait to try it out. But it was crude. She needed to practice.

Lastly, Elytra was next. In the hive, she was a stealth operative, trained to stay in the dark. She was adept in sneak attacks, so Skystrike decided to focus on that aspect of her as he designed the armor. Something light and mobile, but needed to be able to take a few hits if she was ever in that scenario. Using the leather from the dragons, Skystrike spent a lot of time to finish Elytra's armor. It took him more time than he was willing to admit, since it was his first time making high quality armor for stealth. It was a dark blue, form fitting body suit with metallic black shoulder plates, a chest plate, bracers, and shin guards. The armor parts could be removed if she wanted to wear clothes over it and look casual, though he realized there was no need for it after the fact. Since you know, ponies. Her helmet had an opaque silver faceplate that allowed her to hide her face in case she was ever seen, but she didn't need to worry about that thanks to the special gimmick of her armor. Thanks to the magic circuitry within, it increased the proficiency of illusionary spells, allowing Elytra to go invisible for short periods of time, rather than having to transform into something inconspicuous.

Skystrike also made her a new rapier, nearly the exact same model as her last one, but with a fire stone implanted into the butt of the hilt, allowing for even the shallowest cut to cause an ignition if Elytra wished. As for her second weapon, Skystrike decided for something experimental. Magelight, that unicorn he killed a while ago and who's horn he took, would finally have a use. A horn, not specifically a unicorns, is used to transfer mana from the body, focus it into magic, then cast a spell. So, that made Skystrike wonder, what if he could artificially create magic? By generating a stimulus mimicking the nervous system using a circuit, he could make the unicorn horn generate magic. However, since it wasn't connected to a body, the output was embarrassing. This is where Echo came in handy. It took three days to make the blueprint, and another week to actually create it, but the two made a mana extractor. Casta would be a mix of worried and jealous at it, though their models were different. Casta's would take the mana from a specific target, while his would take in the latent mana from the surrounding area. Attaching the orb-like device to the broken end of a unicorn's horn and it worked as intended.

With the power source dealt with, now all that was left was making it useful. Skystrike realized that out of their team synergy, with Casta, Jeshan, Celeano, and Alder not here, they lacked any rangers. And with a stealth focused team member, and her permission, he had the perfect chance to fix that hole. Using Magelight's horn as a basis, and his stake launcher as inspiration, he made a smaller, more mobile version. A parallel pair of conducting rails would accelerate the projectile, being a charged ball of magic from Magelight's horn. Like a railgun, electricity would travel from one rail, through the magic projectile, to the other rail, accelerating the blast at immense speeds. The currently dubbed Magic Railgun was secured to the side of Elytra's armor at the waist, and was linked with her helmet to aim where she was looking. The trigger was right on her tail, a wire connecting it to the railgun. With a flick of her tail, the weapon would charge, then fire.

The three girls tried on their new arsenals in Skystrike's living room. Tethys was rolling her wings and giving light flaps as she got used to wearing armor again. Zecora was testing her brewery, smiling as new ideas came to mind with each element she switched to, and finally being able to use magic. Elytra was looking over her railgun, as well as the manual that Skystrike gave her.

Elytra flipped to the next page. "Hey Sky, you sure it's ok to give this to me? When Celestia sees it, and she will, she's going to probably throw a fit."

Skystrike nodded. "I already took care of that, so don't worry." He assured her as he did a few stretches in his own new set of armor. "And I hope you aren't too uncomfortable with the body suit?"

The changeling nodded. "It fits nicely, though it's a bit... too snug in the rear. I'm gonna have to hide it with my tail."

Skystrike raised a brow. "Well you could... you know, wear underwear? I wear it so my balls don't touch my under armor."

Stardust blinked. "Oh, right... I forget those exist. I don't really wear clothes... How fast do you think I could get a few sets from Rarity?"

Tethys rolled her wrists to get the feel of her bracers. "Uh, she's pretty fast about it so... It's morning, and you don't need anything fancy. She could probably get them done by tomorrow. I need to stop by to pick up a few pairs myself."

"If what you're saying, Tethys, is a fact, I might follow your words on that." Zecora took off her mask.

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah, I'd recommend getting used to wearing the armor, just in case we're attacked during our travels. In my experience, sometimes you forget you're wearing it."

Zecora chuckled. "No offense, my dear Skystrike, I don't wish to relate to or experience the like."

They all laughed at that before Skystrike continued. "I'm glad you all are enjoying the armors so far. You all have only seen a fraction of the work I've done."

"I believe it. You made all of these in like three months, right?" Elytra asked.

Skystrike shook his head. "I started building these three months ago. Being honest, I made these blueprints after we split up, save for Elytra's railgun... Helped me stay sane."

"Aww, you missed us!" Tethys teased him a bit before hugging him. "To be honest, I did too. You're one of the three ponies that I can say that about."

"Damn, buck us I guess." Elytra laughed.

"Are you and Zecora ponies?"

"...Fair."

"Oh, right, before I forget, I have names for all of our armor and weapons I made. You want my names, or you girls want to name them yourselves?" Skystrike began taking off his armor. He could feel the difference in weight as he took it off.

Elytra cringed. "Er... Skystrike, I'm not going to lie to you... your names are kinda... bad." She forced the words out of her mouth, Zecora and Tethys nodded in agreement.

Skystrike's posture deflated as he heard that. "Oh... I... I see..." He finished taking off his armor and patted at his under clothes.

Tethys was a bit surprised. "Skystrike are you... are you sulking?"

"No..." He sighed. "I just thought my names were good, but apparently not..."

Zecora felt a bit bad now. "Skystrike our intent wasn't to bring you dismay. We didn't grasp the significance of names, I must say."

"It's... fine. It just... hits a bit close to home. I'm not blaming you, but I guess you guys forget that I gave myself this name. It just... makes me a bit self conscious."

"Oh..." Tethys went. "...You know, you never told me that, but in hindsight, I should've realized. I'm sorry, Skystrike." She crouched down and put a hoof on his back. "If you still want to, I am interested in the names you made for our armor."

Skystrike's ears perked up a bit. "Well, I named your armor 'Isveig' because of the whole ice aesthetic. Zecora's is named Lavoiser after a French chemist, and Elytra's is named Chimera, just because I had to combine a lot of magic to make it."

"You see, you should name all of your things like that. Those are great."

Zecora nodded. "With such great a name, it will have us drowning in fame!"

He cracked a smile. "Thanks girls. Means a lot." Skystrike said before standing up. "You three go get everything you need in order. I'm just going to do one last round on the ship. Make sure everything is ready."

"You sure? I don't mind staying." Elytra asked.

Skystrike nodded. "Yep, we already moved everything over that we need to. Just need to check if everything was installed correctly one last time... Admittedly, I'm a bit paranoid."

"I mean, I get it, but you've tested everything already."

"Maybe I have, but just want to make sure everything is calibrated correctly."

The girls took the hint of wanting him to be alone and let him go to his ship. It still held the same design as it did when he first got it, but it was no longer a civilian passage ship. It had plated armor, allowing it to take a beating if needed. From an outside observer, it was longer too, sporting some attachments to the bow of the ship.

Skystrike got onto the Wind Waker and went to what he deemed the most integral part of the ship. Where once was the magic engine that powered the ship like it's sister models, in its place was a mana extractor, several times larger in scale than the one used for Elytra's weapon. Of course, it worked the same as the smaller model. Surrounding the extractor was layers of steel, to make sure any intruders couldn't get to it easy. The extractor seemed to be in shape, and working in low power mode to give energy to the ventilation system.

Aside from that, the main thing that he focused on was the speed of the ship. Wind Waker was held afloat by the giant balloon, but was moved by flapping its wings. He could make it to Canterlot within two hours, much faster than the train, but he planned on going across the ocean. Thus, he made it faster, replacing each of the four wings with propellers. Sure, it required more power like this, but he's made sure to account for that by increasing the output of the reactor. Now, the speed was increased by four times, and they can turn much faster.

The second thing he focused on was the lack of weaponry, since it was a civilian ship. Pirates were a common thing as you neared and left Equestria's borders. And what was even more dangerous were the many beasts that roamed the skies and seas. Sure, the four of them could take them, but it'd be hard to do while confined to the ship. So, to make sure they could handle those dangers, he made two more Stake Launchers and put them on the deck of the ship to handle anything heavily armored. The only danger would be anything that could take more than a few shots from them. Thankfully, he decided to make several types of ammo. No harm in over preparing.

The Wind Waker sat in the makeshift dock that Skystrike made. Two days until departure... He was excited to go through the skies, see his old friends again. But a part of him was nervous as he was afraid they wouldn't accept him back. They all have their own lives to live now, and he didn't want to intrude. Questions for later.

He went to the Bridge of his ship, looking over the wheel and giving it a playful spin. Then he looked at the map on the table next to it, showing a detailed map of all of Equestria and its territories, marking every major city and landmark. With the help of Zecora, Tethys, and Elytra, the four of them were able to draw the rest of the known world with a pencil.

East of the Dragon lands and South East of Griffonstone was the Dragon Seas, Tethys's homeland. The sea was massive, double the size of Equestria itself, only dotted with a few landmasses, most likely formed from underwater volcanoes. A small set of islands were marked as Tethys's home for their destination.

Further east of Griffonstone was Diamondia, the homeland of the Diamond Dogs, and probably where Jeshan would be. While they don't have the exact location of it, they have the general area in mind. West of a large set of mountains.

South of the Dragon seas was Hippogriffia, where Skybeak and the rest of the Hippogriffs would be. He settled down, so it's his best bet on finding him. Ornithia was on the complete opposite side of the world, north of the Dragon Seas and east of Diamondia, but Celaeno was never one to stay in one place... it'd take a chance encounter to see her again.

And southwest of Diamondia was Farasai, Zecora's homeland in Zebrafrica. He had it on the map in case Zecora wanted to visit while they traveled. As for his travel plan, Griffonstone was first, then Diamondia, then Hippogriffia, then the Dragon Seas. The entire trip was expected to take two months, spending about a week in each of the countries they were going to. Skystrike already prepared a lot of pickled and canned food, warm clothes, and money for their travels. Thankfully, bits became the world currency a few centuries ago, so there was no need to worry about the exchange rate.

Casta also came by in the past month to finish what she started, setting up a long range teleportation circle within the Wind Waker. They were able to make it work, though with one caveat. The ship couldn't be moving while someone was trying to teleport onto it, just so some poor soul wont end up combined with the floor or wall. As a safety precaution, anyone who wanted to teleport would have to send a letter first. Tethys, Zecora, and Elytra would be able to travel to and from the Wind Waker to his house as they willed. Skystrike just couldn't because he cant use teleporters.

He would explain it to the rest of his friends traveling with him another time. For now, Skystrike was tired. He walked off his ship and onto the grass... it felt so damn nice. He didn't realize how long he stayed up, or how much work he truly did. He stayed up for days on end, week after week, with only a few days of rest in between as he prepared for this trip. Skystrike could feel the bags under his eyes with each blink. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to rest his eyes for a few minutes... The pegasus rolled up in a ball and dozed off.

Morning soon turned into noon. While Tethys, Zecora, and Elytra were still out on the town to finish things, Skystrike was still asleep, sprawled out in the grass. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were in the area and decided to check on him, standing around him as he snored.

"Ay look who fell asleep first!" Rainbow poked Skystrike.

"Prank 'em, Dash!" Applejack grinned.

"Ay, you already know!" Rainbow Dash pulled back a hoof to slap the shit out of Skystrike, but was stopped by Fluttershy holding her hoof back.

"Um... I don't think that's a good idea..." Fluttershy went. "Look, he was so tired he didn't even put on his helmet. Look at the bags under his eyes."

Rainbow looked at the puffy skin. "Damn, you're right... Fine, I'll get him next time."

"Y'know, in hindsight, I also don't think its a good idea, RD." Applejack admitted. "Did he ever get ya back fer those brownies?"

"Oh... Shit..." Rainbow put down her hoof. "Well... he leaves in two days so maybe he forgot about it?"

"Eeh, I doubt it... Remember when Applejack told us he got her new horseshoes?" Fluttershy thought back.

"Yeah, I remember that." Applejack nodded. "I barely even remember when I told him I got a new set is passin'. But six weeks later, he said he could make me a new set." She showed off her hooves. "Works like a charm too! Best set I've had in years!"

"Damn, he made you a set himself?" Rainbow asked.

"Eeyup! Put em' on too!" Applejack gloated.

Rainbow chuckled a little. "You know, I would congratulate you, but I don't think he knows what that gesture means. Heh, I remember having to explain to him what 'ride my tailwind' means."

Applejack couldn't help but laugh at that, though was slightly embarrassed as well. "Heheh, well... guess I misunderstood his gesture. Colts are confusin'."

Fluttershy spoke up, fitting into the conversation. "Had me worried there..."

Applejack gave her a look. "What, you like 'em?"

"AJ, half the town likes Skystrike. It's really easy to figure out who." Rainbow sat down, realizing that the three of them were going to be here for a while.

Applejack and Fluttershy sat down too, both having small expressions of embarrassment as the girl talk started. "W-well... Maybe?" Fluttershy answered. "He's... one of the nicest guys I've ever met, but I've never... liked a pony before."

Rainbow snickered. "You only know like, three. And one is your brother, and the other is your dad."

"I mean... that's one more than you." Fluttershy clapped back, making Applejack laugh. "But I don't know what he likes, or... what competition I might have."

Rainbow laid down, putting her head on Skystrike's side. "Well, from what Tethys told me, who heard from Stardust, Pinkie is going for him. You could probably figure out something with her... and Zecora and Tethys have a history with them. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to shoot their shots."

Applejack thought about what she said. "Damn, that is quite a bit of competition... Think ya can be a wingmare, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. "...Normally, I'd help you and Fluttershy out, but I don't want to be on the bad end of whoever loses between you two and Pinkie."

Applejack stammered. "I-I never said anythin' about me."

"AJ, he told me he hyped you up like two months ago, yet every time we have talks about colts we like, you don't name anypony. Like I said, it's really obvious to tell who likes him." She leaned in more on Skystrike. "...You know, he's really comfortable... reminds me of when we were younger."

"Oh right, I remember you said something about you bein' his foster family." Applejack laid down too. "I only met him briefly at some camp. What was he like as a foal?"

Fluttershy thought back. "Well, he was really quiet... Almost as quiet as me. He was also really... well, I wouldn't say angry, but... easily annoyed? It makes since, knowing what we know now. But he always looked out for me an Rainbow." She giggled a bit at a memory. "I remember one time that I forgot my lunch at home and he gave me his."

"Well, that's nice an' all, but I don't get how that's a big deal?"

Rainbow chuckled. "Have you seen how much this guy can eat? Food is like gold to him..."

Fluttershy laughed. "He almost cried when he gave it to me."

Applejack and Rainbow laughed along side her. The former wanted to git back to the girl talk though. "You know, Fluttershy, if yer serious about Skystrike, we could help each other out~."

Fluttershy hid her face behind her hair. "W-well... I'm... not against it. But what about Pinkie?"

"We've got plenty of time to figure that out."

Rainbow Dash joined back in with a yawn. "Well, I wish you girls luck. But... if you want my advice, I'd say wait until after the gala. Because... you know... Blueblood." The three of them sighed as they remembered what Skystrike told them about him, and his plan for revenge.

"...I'm just gonna ask the obvious question, ya think we should stop him?" Applejack asked as she moved over next to Rainbow Dash, taking the one chance she'd probably get to cuddle.

Rainbow thought on it for a little while. "Well, knowing everything that Blueblood did to him, his family, and his friends... personally, we should ask if we should stop him, and if we could stop him."

"Y'know, he never told Fluttershy and I the full story 'bout what he did. We just know that if Skystrike hates him, he must be pretty bad." Applejack took her hat off and put it on her chest.

"Yeah, I'd like some more context too. If you know, I mean..." Fluttershy looked to Rainbow.

"So, from what he told me, basically he tried to kill his family, which is why he fakes his death, then later, tried to kill his mercenary group."

Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash in disbelief. "Ya serious?" Rainbow Dash nodded. "I ain't stoppin' him then... if anypony came after mah family, you'd have to peel me off of 'em..."

"Shitty part about it is that because Blueblood is royalty, he got away with everything. Apparently Skystrike has some grand plan to make him spill the beans."

"Well... I won't stop him either... I don't know enough to truly judge what's right or wrong here." Fluttershy admitted, trotting over and curling up next to the three. "...This is nice. I get why he fell asleep." Applejack and Rainbow Dash yawned with Fluttershy. The three talked for a bit more before drifting into a short nap.

Skystrike awoke in the early afternoon, surprised at Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy lying on him. He chuckled to himself. Even asleep, he had dat rizz. But now he had two problems. One, if he moved, he'd wake up the girls, and two, his legs fell asleep from the three lying on them. He imagined that this is what TV screen static felt like.

With perfect timing Tethys landed nearby and the two made eye contact. She gave a knowing smirk. "You like... girls~!"

"Nuh uh! Nuh uh!" Skystrike said before the two started laughing. Then Skystrike yawned. "Well, I can tell from the sun that I slept for like five hours... and I'm still tired."

"Can't you use your magic to make yourself not tired?"

Skystrike yawned again. "I've been doing that... more specifically, I speed up my metabolism so all the food I eat gets converted to energy faster. I still need sleep... and honestly, I've been up for the past four days..."

Tethys laid down next to him. "It is a beautiful day... I don't blame you for dozing off." She put her hands behind her head. A long but comfortable silence let itself in as they stared at the clouds. She pulled on her sweater neck a bit. "...Hey, Skystrike, serious question... Why did you help me those years ago? Most creatures would've just... ended me there and bought home a boat load of money."

Damn, that was a serious question. He couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I don't mind telling you, but can I ask what brings up this question all of a sudden?"

Tethys hummed. "Well... my race, and especially my clan, is very prideful. Survival of the fittest and all of that. It took me a while to learn from you all to accept help, and even longer to ask for it. But... you just did it to someone you've never met. It goes against my nature, I couldn't imagine anyone else doing it."

"Well, I kinda get that. To answer your question, I didn't really need a reason to help ponies. It's just my philosophy, to leave this world better than I found it. If I see someone that needs help, and I have the ability to help, why not help?"

"And you... didn't do it to expect something down the line?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Of course not. It'd go against everything I stand for... Whole reason I came here was for that chance at freedom. I wouldn't deny it from another being, lest they were like, straight up scum." The two laid in silence for a bit longer before Skystrike spoke again. "Well, I didn't tell you the whole truth... I also saw a bit of you in me back then. Someone with nowhere to turn to, feeling as if the whole world is against them. Didn't want you to go through that alone like I did."

"Oh, well... thanks, Skystrike. It means a lot. You know, I always ask you all of these questions, but you barely have any to ask me." Tethys rolled on her stomach.

He looked at her. "I mean... yeah you're right. Just figured that I'd ask when the topic came up. Hell, I didn't know you were a mammal until like, three months ago."

"I have boobs, dumbass." Tethys teased.

"I mean, we don't have dragons where I'm from. The closest thing we have to you would be like, a komodo dragon or a Tegu lizard. The former is the only warm blooded lizard to be discovered... Actually, you, and a lot of other races, were just myths and legends."

"Really? How close am I to those legends?"

"Pretty spot on in modern terms." Skystrike snickered. "In the past, people wanted to discover dragons, prove their existence. Now, you'll find more people who fetishize them..."

Tethys made a face of mild disgust. "Ew... why?"

"Well, as society's morals fall down into the depths of hell, sexual degeneracy rises rampantly... Honestly, they're about the same as here, but... you know, you and every other race here is real, and not a figment of imagination."

"Eh, to each their own." Tethys shrugged and laid her head on her arms. "I'm going to take a nap too."

"Cool. I'm still sleepy." Skystrike said as he went back to sleep.

One day until departure. Skystrike and Spike were currently having their guy time, sitting in the sauna at the spa. How the dragon was able to shrug off the heat was astounding to Skystrike, and honestly, he was a bit jealous about how he could do it so naturally.

"Hey Nebula, do you think that you could bring me back something cool from your travels?" Spike asked.

Skystrike sat up and raised the hot towel off of his eyes to look at the dragon. "Yeah, what do you have in mind?"

"I don't know, I haven't thought that far." Spike admitted. Skystrike laughed as the baby dragon continued. "Uh... I like board games. Maybe some from different places... Oh! Maybe some dice too! I've been starting a collection."

"Sure kid... Hey, you still got my house key, right?" Spike nodded at his question. "In the living room, the new rug I got actually has a built in teleporter. You can set the destination to be the mage tower in Canterlot, or the storage area in the Wind Waker. Under the rug is a manual that Casta Spell wrote. If anything happens, or you or our friends just want to visit, just use the teleporter."

Spike poured water onto the coals. "Alright... At least I can visit you then. You said you'll be gone two months?"

"Uh huh, three at the longest."

"I'll miss you." Spike admitted.

"I will too, but don't worry, I'll be back before the Gala." Skystrike pat Spike on the head.

The two talked about the mundane for a bit more, continuing through the massage and hooficures before the two left, satisfied. Skystrike walked Spike home, but then Spike stopped at the door. "Hey, can I ask you for something?"

"Shoot."

"Can we spar? We haven't in a long while. I want to see if I got better."

Skystrike could tell by the look in Spike's eyes that he was serious. And moreso, he had something to prove to himself. "Sure. And just so you know, when you challenge someone, you have to decide the place. So, where will it be?"

Spike thought for a moment. "Well... how about in front of town hall in an hour?"

Skystrike nodded. "So, you want to put on a show. Alright then. I'll see you in an hour then. And remember, the most important part of duels?"

Spike smirked. "The intro!"

"You're god damn right." Skystrike said as if he had the power of an old white man with a goatee.

No more words needed to be shared between the two as Skystrike flapped his wings, taking off towards his house. He had to admit, Spike has grown so much. It felt like when an older brother first teaches the younger brother a new game he's a pro at. Of course, Skystrike was going to hold back a lot. Had to give Spike some confidence. But he couldn't hold back too much, else Spike would notice. He gave Tethys, Stardust, and Zecora quick run downs on what was happening. The three left quickly to get spots in the crowd that would soon come.

Skystrike put on his armor and grabbed one of his swords, fastening the scabbard around his waist and sheathing the blade. He rolled his neck and began walking back to town. Each pony he passed gave wary, yet interested looks as they followed him. Damn, word gets around really fast.

Skystrike stopped his walking right in front of Town Hall. He could've sworn half the town was there to watch. "So... you've come..." He heard a voice. He looked around to spot it, triangulating the voice by looking up at the very tip of the building. Spike stood, his cape flowing in the wind as he held his staff in one claw.

Holy shit, Skystrike had to admit, he looked fucking cool. "You already know. You got your lines?"

Spike turned to face him. "Hmm... the wind is in our favor today..." Spike extended the blade in his staff, throwing the now scythe up. Once the spinning weapon reached its peak, the baby dragon jumped into the air. Crescent Moon dug its blade into the ground. Spike breathed his fire breath as did multiple front flips before landing on the hilt. The fire vortex around him dissipated as he stood up straight. He pumped a fist, as an hour of trial and error allowed him to land that. The crowd stomped their hooves for him "Now then, ready?"

"Yeah, but you gotta say your intro quote." Skystrike made the ok hand with his metal arm. "Nailed the intro, don't get me wrong, but these ponies watching are gonna remember how hard your quote goes."

"Hmm..." Spike understood what he meant, quickly thinking of one. He pulled his scythe out the ground and twirled it in his hands, stopping with the blade pointing at Skystrike. "Might as well stop breathing... you wont be needing that anymore!"

Skystrike chuckled himself a little. "Alright Spike, I can tell you're serious... Pray to whatever god you must, but know..." Skystrike drew his sword with his right forehoof, and stood up. He swung it several times, the speed being so fast that one could miss it if they blinked. Finally, he held his sword straight up, blocking his eyes with it before turning the blade to stare down Spike. "I won't be listening."

The crowd roared at his quote. "OH MY GOD, THEY'RE'S SO BUCKING COOL!" A filly shouted, then a loud thwack was heard as a hoof collided with a head, making the crowd laugh.

Spike chuckled a bit too. "Well, if you don't mind..." Spike dashed forward and swung his scythe. "I'll be taking the first move!"

Skystrike put his sword out in front of him, the two boys clashing blades. They looked into each others eyes as they smiled before pushing off of each other. Spike was glad he could put his practice to use, shooting fire balls at Skystrike. The pegasus slashed through each, and was a bit surprised, but mostly impressed that Spike used the smoke from the explosions to get closer, jumping into the air and slashing at Skystrike's neck. He ducked under it and went for an upwards slash of his own, but Spike used his tail blade to parry it, jumping backwards.

Skystrike clapped his hooves together. "Pretty good, Spike! Now, let's see what you can really do!" Skystrike dashed forward and swung down at Spike, making the the dragon narrowly dodge it, spinning and trying to hit Skystrike with the blunt of his weapon. The pegasus had to jump over it and pull his sword out of the ground, then did a spin to slice at Spike. Spike was ready though, and put out the handle to block it.

With the opening he had, Spike breathed fire at Skystrike. He had to block it with a hoof before he jumped back and waved off the heat. Maybe he was a bit too lax on how he was dealing with Spike... He always taught him to use his mind first, and his weapon second. Skystrike stood up straight and focused a bit more, rolling his neck before taking it more seriously.

Skystrike lunged at Spike with a heavy overhead swing again. Spike was a bit surprised at him using the same move twice, side stepping and preparing to counter. But what Spike didn't expect was the faint. Instead of Skystrike's sword digging into the ground, he spun on his hoof and the blade collided with Spike's chest. Spike slid back a few feet, then looked up at Skystrike before tightening his grip and coughing. The two stared down each other for a few moments.

Then Spike began walking towards his opponent. "Nebula!"

"Ho? You're approaching me?" Skystrike spread his forehooves our wide.

"I can't beat the crap out of you without getting closer." Spike answered.

"Oho! Then... come as close as you like!" Skystrike laughed as he began taking steps towards the dragon.

They both gave off a menacing aura, the crowd even thinking they saw purple characters floating around them. The two stopped in front of each other, analyzing one another. "ORA!" Spike slashed at Skystrike, only for Skystrike to knock it back with his own blade. The two clashed several times over, sparks flying as they shouted at each other. "ORA ORA ORA!"

"AHAHAHAA! USELESS!" Skystrike laughed as their clashes continued.

The two boys rushed at each other and clashed again. The vibrations in both of their wrists made them both drop their weapons, flying into the air before digging themselves into the dirt. The crowd went silent as the two stared at each other. The black borders narrowed around their eyes to show the seriousness of the situation. At the same time, each dove to the side, grabbing the closest weapon to them. Spike grabbed the sword, while Skystrike grabbed the scythe.

The two realized their mistake as they gave each other small smirks. Spike could barely even hold Skystrike's blade as it dragged along the ground, while the scythe Skystrike held was too small. Even trying to hold it with two hooves, his hooves touched, so he just awkwardly held it like an ice cream cone. Despite this, the two charged at each other with battle cries. When they awkwardly clashed, there wasn't even a satisfying sound. The two took a small break.

"Switch?" Skystrike offered.

"Haha! Yeah!" Spike nodded.

Spike and Skystrike threw each other their weapons back. They danced around each other for a time, feinting, parrying, and blocking each others attacks before pushing off each other, and once again, having a stare down. Skystrike could tell that, although tired, Spike was getting a bit cocky. That smile of excitement never left his face- hol up.

The crowd around him began cheering for Spike as he emoted. He clapped his hands together, then moon walked in place as he moved his hands up and down. Then he pointed at Skystrike before crossing his arms. This motherfucker just default danced on him. Skystrike couldn't help but laugh at the taunt as ponies around them pushed Spike to keep going.

But he also wasn't going to let it slide, busting a move of his own, the Gangnam Style. The crowd cheered for him too, laughing at the two jokesters. They decided to go back to their fight, Spike spewing fireballs at Skystrike, who gracefully dodged them with back flips, cartwheels, and spins. Then, he landed in front of Spike and parried the swipe at his legs.

Spike wasn't done yet though, jumping up and wrapping his body around Skystrike's head. Spike opened his mouth to charge the biggest fireball he could above the two of them, it being almost double the size of the baby dragon. "KAMIKAZEE!!!" Spike yelled at the top of his lungs before biting downs on the fireball.

Skystrike let out the manliest scream he could muster, as the scream turned into laughter as the two exploded. The watchers backed up from the heat and the smoke with baited breath. Once the smoke settled, the onlookers saw as the two boys were lying on the floor. Skystrike got yamcha'd, curled up in a ball the crater next to Spike, who looked like he died in a family guy cutaway gag. The two groaned as they slowly pushed themselves off of the ground.

Skystrike shook his body to get the dirt of and slowly, painfully turned to look at Spike. "...There's only one way to end this..."

Spike coughed as he did the same. His voice was coarse from all the fire he breathed. "...Guess you're right..."

The two limped over to each other and pulled back closed fist. "ROCK! PAPER!! SCISSORS!!!" They shouted at each other as they threw their choices forward. Skystrike threw paper, and Spike threw scissors. The dragon grinned at his victory as he made a flicking motion at Skystrike's chest. The pegasus, in all of his acting glory, made a show to throw himself backwards, rolling on the ground a bit before stopping on his side with a skid.

The ponies cheered and laughed at the act, laughing even more when Spike shuffled over and held him down with a single finger. After a moment, Rainbow Dash jumped in and did a belly flop as she slammed a forehoof on the ground, signaling the end of the dual. They all roared with laughter at the best thing they've seen in a while.

Skystrike got up and held Spike in the air at his victory. "Damn kid, you did great! Was not expecting the kamikaze. While risky, it was smart, and pretty effective! You learn quick too! First time I've used a parry on you and you immediately started doing the same!"

"Yeah, I've... been practicing with Tethys and Stardust. They're really good sparring partners. Are you ok by the way?"

Skystrike chuckled. "I'm fine. I'll be sore for a bit, but you didn't do any serious damage. I'd be more worried about Twilight talking our ears off... I did hit you a few times and... you did blow us both up."

"SPIKE!" The two heard Twilight yell with a stomp of her hoof.

"...Nebula, get me out of here!"

"Spike, this was your idea. All I did was enable it... Fuck, that doesn't sound much better. Besides, if we ran, you're gonna have a shit time when you get home."

"Yeah I guess..." Spike said as Skystrike let him down. The two got ready for a lecture.

"I figured you let him win." Mayor Mare said as she looked up from her drink. Skystrike sat with the normal group of Mayor Mare, Cheerilee, Snowheart, and Redheart. Then she laughed. "Must say, that was a great show. Exciting and funny."

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah, you think I'd beat up a child?" He took a sip of his own. "But Spike has potential. If he wanted to, he could be a guard or something."

Snowheart joined in on the conversation. "You know, I could see him being a guard. Surprised you don't want him to grow up and be like you?" The way she said it was more like a question.

Skystrike shook his head. "I'd rather him not turn out like me. There was a lot I had to go through to get to this point, and this job."

"If I can ask, why did you decide not to be a guard?"

He thought about Snowheart's question. "Well, it's... a bit... well, not difficult to explain, but... I don't know the word for it."

Redheart jumped in. "Don't need to explain if you don't want to, Nebula."

Skystrike chuckled. "Thanks for the concern, but I'm fine." He took another sip of his drink. "I'll sum it up so we don't have to stay on a sad subject for a while. I used to want to be a guard actually, but a pony I knew used his own political power to make them bend to his will, through bribes and threats and the like... Then that guy tried to kill me. So yeah, corruption. As a bounty hunter, which after a few government requests, counts as a civil servant, I barely have any rules to follow, and no red tape to walk around."

"Damn... I'm sorry you had to go through that." Cheerilee looked up from her food. "But it must be nice, not having to go through the legal route all the time."

Mayor Mare thought about it for a moment. "Well, sometimes, but it's best to keep it under wraps... but you didn't hear that from me." She whispered as they laughed.

Skystrike nodded. "It has it's risks too. You all know by now how I end some beings if needed, or if I deem it necessary. I can give you an example I had to deal with years ago. There was a unicorn in Manehattan that was using an abandoned factory to hide her necromancy research. Of course, that meant that she needed bodies."

"Eesh... what did you do?" Redheart asked.

"That's the thing. She started by just defiling the local cemetery. If she stuck to just that, it would've just have been a matter of taking her to the guards station for the proper legal process. But then she murdered somepony, as she needed a 'fresh' body. That's when I decided to make her past tense."

"But... you had the chance to keep her alive? Also, make her past tense? Really?" Redheart asked.

Skystrike laughed. "Well I wanted to be creative. But yeah, I had the option to keep her alive. But at that point, I needed to decide if the risk of keeping her alive was worth it. If she was willing to kill a pony, it was only a matter of time until she got out of prison and did it again. Cut it at the bud, you know?"

"I... guess that makes sense." Cheerilee hummed. "But, you don't really seem phased about it."

Skystrike sighed. "Well... I've been surrounded by death since I was a foal. It takes a lot to phase me. I more saw it as destiny. Originally, I did feel bad about what I had to do, but then I saw the mare's cutie mark, and it... made me think about a lot of things differently."

"What do you mean?"

"Well... you for example, Cheerilee. Your mark represents that you want your students to 'bloom' and be happy. Or Mayor Mare's, showing her ability to lead and create different laws and rules for the ponies who live under her. Your cutie mark doesn't define who you are, but it defines what you're best at, or what you wish to happen."

Mayor Mare looked up at him. "Uh, where are you going with this?"

Skystrike swirled the glass in his hoof. "Well, the mare I had to end, her cutie mark was a conjuration rune with a blue flame, signaling necromancy. I don't condone her actions of course, but... I couldn't help but feel bad for her. It's what her talent was, and she was shunned for it. When I fought her, it more felt like she was playing a role, instead of actually being a bad pony. If she just didn't kill a pony, things may have turned out different for her."

Redheart nodded. "I think I get what you're saying... You know, wow, I did not think of it like that. Is a pony really evil, or are they just doing what they're destined for?"

"Yeah... that's a bit of the reason why the job sucks sometimes." Skystrike exhaled through his nose. "Some ponies cant help it. But they can help how they let that destiny lead them."

Cheerilee couldn't help but think at what was said earlier. "...Oh my gosh, that puts SO much into a different perspective now!" She held her head. "I knew a colt that just had this insane ego, but now thinking of his mark... well he's still an asshole, but maybe he couldn't help it!"

Snowheart held her head too. "...Dear Celestia, I think you're right! I think I'm having an existential crisis... Doesn't that mean that... some ponies are just... born to be destined for something?"

Skystrike shook his head. "I wouldn't necessarily say that... even though it could be true. But as I thought about it, two questions came to mind for me. One, why do only ponies get cutie marks? And Two, why does one's mark often correlate with their name? You think the ones who raises the sun and moon were just coincidentally named Celestia and Luna?"

They all had looks of a deer in head lights, then snapped their heads to look at their marks. "OH MY GOSH!"

"Yeah, freaky isn't it?" Skystrike finished his drink. "Honestly, I wouldn't think on it too hard. I got nowhere with my theories."

Snowheart stammered. "But-... But that just-... There's so many questions I have to ask! So many that I want to know! If I had a different name, would I have a different mark? Is it really destiny, or is it just... some predetermined fate? Do I just... coincidentally like what I'm talented at?"

"Trust me, I ask myself those last two things all the time." Skystrike used his napkin to wipe his face. "But hey, good to see you girls before I go on my travels. I got a few more things to do before I head to bed. Had a good couple Fridays with you all. I'll miss you all, but I'll be back before the gala." He stood up and rolled his joints. "I'll make sure to bring you all back something nice."

"Damn, just gonna leave us like this?" Snowheart said with a giggle. "Alright, thanks for stopping by. When you come back, it'll be on us." They all gave their respective goodbyes with a wave as they continued their conversation. He'd have a lot to ask about once he got back.

There was one stop he had left before bed. Didn't need to visit the main 6, since they could visit him any time... Vinyl was more than likely home, working on something. She was a night owl after all. Already said bye to Bulk Biceps yesterday, said he was going to visit his mom out of town. Made him think about visiting his mom, Paprika. They write to each other every other week, same with the rest of his siblings, but last he visited was a couple months ago. Skystrike would make sure to visit before the gala.

He knocked on the door to Vinyl Scratch's home. Upon listening closer, he could hear faint music playing, so she probably couldn't hear him at all. Luckily, for moments like this, she told him of the key hidden under her doormat. Not a smart place to hide it, but easy to remember, and quick in case of emergencies. With a turn of his hoof, he opened the door to Vinyl's home. Instantly, he began to squint at the number of flashing lights in his eyes. It was painful at first, but as his eyes got used to the mini rave in the house, he saw Vinyl Scratch head banging to the bass boosted music she was playing.

How she was able to see Skystrike through the flashing lights, he didn't know, but as they made eye contact through her glasses, she turned off her music. "Oh, Nebula! Thanks for stopping by! Sorry I couldn't let you in."

"All good. You were having fun. Just wanted to see you before I left for a while." Skystrike smiled at her and walked up to her DJ setup.

She smiled sheepishly at him and straightened her glasses. "Well, thanks dude. Means a lot... We don't really hang out much, I was kinda under the impression that we were more business partners..."

Skystrike thought about what she said, and what his previous actions came off as. He put a hoof on the unicorn's shoulder. "Well, let me clarify. I see you as a friend. A good one. If you want to hang out more, I'm up for anything."

Her ears perked up. "Ah! Well, if you're free now... well, nevermind. There's not really much for us to do in here..." Vinyl's ears went back down. "I don't... know enough ponies well enough to have them over."

"Vinyl, we don't have to do anything. I'm more than happy to just spend time with you." Skystrike said in an attempt to make here feel better.

She smiled a bit at that. "Thanks, man... Can... can I hug you?" Skystrike chuckled and pulled her into a big one. She hugged him back.

But Skystrike knew there was more to it than that. He looked down at the mare. "Vinyl, be honest with me, and I promise I wont make fun of you. When was the last time you had a friend? A genuine one, not one you talk to because of convenience."

She sat there for a bit before answering. "...Middle School."

Skystrike sighed. "I get it... Guess I never told you my whole story, and I don't truly have all the time I need to tell you tonight but trust me when I say that I understand how one can get comfortable with loneliness." He sat down, still holding her. "You know, you're welcome to stop by and hang out with me and my friends. And you know Pinkie, she always wants someone to play with."

"You already have such good friends. I don't... want to feel like a burden."

"Vinyl, you'll never be a burden. Friends aren't burdens, bro. But hey, originally, I just came to drop some stuff off and say goodbye, but I got time to talk about some stuff." Skystrike reached into his saddlebag and pulled out some sheet music. "Something we can talk about. I tried mixing in your style of heavy bass instrumentals and my own style of rap and story telling. I hope for this to be a three part series, but, it gets more interesting with each part. From smooth lo-fi, to synth up beat, to a fast paced high octane synth pop."

"That's... a lot. And you plan on rapping over all of that? Actually, hold on. Let me see if it's even possible." She used her magic to float over the stack of papers. With a quick flip through the papers, she hummed. "Well, it is possible, but will be really hard to do. We're still starting out, man. Wait like, I don't know, a year? Gotta perfect the craft."

"I completely get it. I haven't even made lyrics yet, I focused on the instrumental."

"Well, if that's the case, yeah, this is great. I can probably finish the first one by the time you get back... Going to be a bit lonely without you here."

"Well, if you really want to visit, tell Spike you want to see me. He has a key to my home, and there's a teleporter that goes to and from my airship. I don't have magic, so I can't use it, but you can. And I'll make sure to send letters."

"...I appreciate that." Vinyl smiled.

It was the dawn of the day he was to leave. After spending the later hours of the evening with Vinyl, he decided to just stay up instead of getting two hours of sleep... He should really fix that habit of staying up days on end. Anyway, Tethys, Elytra, and Zecora were finishing packing and moving their stuff onto the ship.

Tethys didn't have much, but she wanted to move her hoard onto the ship, it consisting of gold, silver, gems, bits, and a few sentimental items that she gathered over the years. The first set of armor Skystrike made for her, the empty flask of the first potion Zecora made and used on her, oddly, a peace of Elytra's molt, and the like. Skystrike was surprised, and a bit grossed out at that last one.

Elytra didn't have much to bring with her, but she had a few choice items. A bean bag chair she got months ago from Pinkie Pie, her royal guard armor and the clothes she had Rarity make, and collection of different potted plants. One that stood out from the rest was a bonsai tree of an english oak, though... twisted, for lack of a better word. Elytra says it helps her stay close to the hive... even if the two were banished. He'd make sure to ask Elytra about it.

Zecora bought few things, some decorative masks from her homeland, her cauldron, and some ingredients to make some potions the traditional way. What she was excited most for was all of the new ingredients she could gather and grow from their travels, so she spent the last several days making stacks upon stacks of crop plots in preparation.

Skystrike already loaded his stuff on. A few back up weapons just in case his break, a shelf of books from Twilight's library to read to past the time, and to further his understanding of magic. He realized he slacked heavily on the subject as he hid his identity. He also bought a few instruments, including his magic piano he bought months ago. He meant to learn to play, but it just gathered dust. Maybe he and his friends can all do something together. But what he bought that was most important, besides his friends obviously, was his cooking set. Pots, pans, knives, bowls, plates, utensils, seasonings, everything he'd need to make a good meal... He should teach those three how to cook.

But that was for later. Right now, Skystrike was looking over the turbines to make sure they were properly calibrated. They were connected correctly, and had armor around the weak points, so there shouldn't be any danger there. Each turbine was a set of two fixed pitch propellers, rotating opposite of each other. Plus, in case there were problems, as long as any two worked, he could still steer the ship. He also double checked that he had replacement parts just in case.

"Damn, it took you two months to finish all of this? How'd you do it?" Twilight said from behind him.

Skystrike jumped at her sudden appearance. Was he that focused that he didn't notice one mare? Wait, it's everypony! "Damn, I did not hear you all coming... nor was I expecting you all this early."

"What, you thought we'd let you leave without saying goodbye?" Rarity said, looking over his ship. "Though, I do wish your ship was more... fashionable. Where are you going exactly with this... intimidating thing?"

"Intimidating, sure, but it looks sick as Tartarus!" Rainbow Dash flew around the ship. "Black and blue always goes hard! But yeah, I don't think you ever told us where you all were going?"

Skystrike stared off into space. "Oh shit, I didn't... I could've sworn I did, my bad. Basically, I'm going to see a lot of old friends. From my mercenary group. They all went back to their homelands, and only one of them I could get to from train. I'm going to Griffonstone, then Diamondia, then Hippogriffia, then the Dragon Seas. Might take a few stops for pleasure here and there, but I plan to be back before the gala."

"Damn, you think you can get to all of those places in two months?" Pinkie asked. "I suck at geography, but even I know those places are far. Griffonstone is at least 5 days by train!"

Skystrike slapped the haul of his ship. "Wind Waker can make it to canterlot in two hours. If the wind is in my favor, I can make it to Griffonstone in two days. The main problem is that I don't exactly have set distances for each country."

"We'll miss ya, sugarcube." Applejack sighed. "Make sure to take care of yourself."

He blinked. "Oh, shit, I really didn't tell you girls anything. Spike has a house key. There's a teleporter in my house that goes from here to the Wind Waker. I may not be able to use it, but you all can. Just send a message through it first, because teleporting on a moving target is dangerous."

"Oh... well, that's nice." Fluttershy said. "Then I'll try and visit every once in a while." They all gave their voices in confirmation.

Then Skystrike noticed how Rainbow Dash was nervously shuffling in place. "Yo, RD, you good?"

"Y-...yeah?" She tried to lie.

Applejack called her out though. "She's been anxious the past few days. She thinks ya have some elaborate plan on gettin' her back fer the brownies."

Skystrike chuckled. "Wait, seriously? Heh, well she's right."

Rainbow's wings froze in place. "Wh-what did you do?"

"Nothing yet." Skystrike said as he reached into Pinkie's hair and grabbed her harmonica.

"Wha-" Before Rainbow could ask what he was doing, she gagged from the instrument stuffed into her mouth. As she tried to spit it out of her mouth, Skystrike slapped her on her back, right between her wings. A high pitch note came from the harmonica as she screamed into it.

Skystrike laughed the hardest he had in a while. "Oh man, that was GREAT!"

Twilight couldn't help but laugh a bit. "That was your grand plan?"

"Oh, no. I didn't even plan on getting her back, but I was reminded, and the chance was there." Skystrike kept laughing. Then Pinkie slapped Rainbow on her flank, causing another high note, making them all laugh.

Rainbow finally spit out the harmonica. "What was that for, Pinkie!?" She rubbed her back.

"I wanted one of those brownies too."

All of the girls slowly turned to look at her. Even Zecora, Stardust, and Tethys leaned over the railing of the deck of the ship. Rainbow quickly jumped back with the harmonica still in her hands. She groaned at the slight sting from Pinkie and Skystrike's slap. "Ugh... Skystrike, Pinkie, Imma get you for that... You aren't ready for what's gonna happen, because if you two think I'm letting things go after you hit me from behind-"

Rainbow realized what she said as there where collective snickers. Pinkie Pie even manifested a hoop and a ball, dunking it with a loud vine boom as she said it. Rainbow Dash looked into the distance with a thousand yard stare. She rubbed her face, trying to pretend it didn't happen as she reworded her statement. "...After you slapped on my ass-

The snickers grew louder as Pinkie dunked again, even hitting a pose that'd go on a shoe. Rainbow Dash held her head and looked off into the distance again. It looked as if her soul left her body. She tried again to rephrase. "...After you shot on my back-" She gave up as Pinkie did one final dunk, throwing the harmonica onto the ground in rage. "I HATE YOU SO MUCH!"

What a time to be alive. Skystrike almost fell on the floor laughing. "Ah man... thanks for stopping by, I know it's early. You all know I'm not too good with goodbyes." He pushed in the loading dock and closed the shutter door. "I'll make sure to bring everyone back something nice." Before he could fly up to the ship deck, Pinkie pulled him into a hug. Soon after the rest joined in. Though in the grand scheme of things, it'd only be for a moment, the pain of a goodbye still hurts the same. "I'll miss you all too. Promise to stay safe, and I'll stay safe too."

"You got it, Sky! We won't keep ya any longer." Applejack said for the group, trying not to show her sadness.

No more words needed to be said, they made their feelings clear. With that, Skystrike jumped into the air and flew onto the deck of the ship, then walked to the bridge. Several levers and buttons were in front of him as he sat down to drive. He pushed a button, giving power to the engines. With a small lever in front of him, hot air was released into the blimp above, raising the Wind Waker off the ground. Two levers on each side controlled the turbines on the respective sides of the ship. Clenching the triggers on each lever, he pulled on the left and pushed on the right, turning the ship once he was high enough above the trees.

Normally, one would have someone spot anything in the way, but that's what he had cameras for. Sure, this world had their own versions of cameras, but the civilian grades were magic based, thus not very good. Had to make his own. There were three cameras, one port, one starboard, and one on the rear. The only blind spot was under the ship, since the bridge let him see everything above deck.

Once finished turning, Skystrike pushed both arms forward, starting the first step of his journey. He had a few test flights, but still didn't fully trust the auto pilot mode. Even if he tested it, he was still surprised how fast the Wind Waker was. It's barely been a minute, and Ponyvile was in the distance. Tethys, Zecora, and Stardust, who changed into Elytra, All stood with him as they departed.

"Oh shit." Skystrike clicked his tongue.

"What? Elytra asked.

"I never asked if you all get motion sick... If one of you do, we'll stop by a city and get some medicine." He let go of the triggers on the lever and released more hot air into the blimp, raising them higher into the air. "I'm going to do this slowly. Your ears will more than likely pop, the air will get cooler, and it may take a little while for your lungs to get used to the thicker air. Tell me if any of you get light headed."

Skystrike let go of the triggers on the levers, locking them in place. He let go and took off his sweatshirt, and turned into his human form, stretching in his chair. The sweatpants got tighter, and much shorter, showing the lower half of his shins. He shook out his hair a bit and stood up.

Elytra looked over him with her bug like eyes. "You know, I forget how big you've gotten. Hard to believe you were this tiny little guy no taller than here." She held out her hoof just below her head. "Let me tell you, when I saw you again, I did not expect some giant!"

Skystrike couldn't help but snicker at the memory. Zecora smiled a bit too. "I yearn to glimpse his visage of yore, do you possess a picture to explore?"

Elytra nodded, quickly running off, then back with a small picture book in her magic. Now Skystrike was a bit interested. "How'd you even get pictures of me? I barely remember we had cameras?"

She changed her grip from her mouth to her magic. "Magic imaging. Works the same as cameras in a sense. A changeling has to see something, then projects that memory onto a surface. I did it a lot when we grew up. The hard part is getting a third person perspective from a first person memory."

They all gathered around Elytra to see the pictures. "We didn't know Skystrike's birthday, so we just had it be on the day he came to the hive." She pointed to one. "This was on his first birthday in the hive, being about nine." She pointed to a picture with herself hugging a human Skystrike, surrounded by changelings, a younger Chrysalis, and Khrusalis, the former queen.

It bought him back. To better times. "Man, that was... 17 years ago. Time really do be passin' by... Heh, good times."

Each of them did a double take, then a triple as they looked back and forth between him and the picture. Tethys grinned. "There's no way that little guy in that photo is you! You were so cute!"

"I know! Just look at those cheeks aglow! And that tiny nose, oh so dainty in tow!" Zecora looked closer at the image.

"It's a bit weird, seeing how different I look back then." Skystrike nodded. "Damn, there's some old faces I haven't seen in a while."

Tethys flinched a bit. "Elytra, I don't mean to sound racist..."

"But?" Skystrike and Elytra said before laughing.

"...You changelings all look the same to me." Tethys admitted. Zecora sheepishly nodded with her.

"Oh, don't worry about it." Elytra laughed some more. "Skystrike had the same problem for a while when he came to the hive. If you want to know how we tell each other apart, we do it by scent. Each changeling has a different smell, so we just memorize who smells like what."

Tethys leaned down and sniffed Elytra with her large nostrils, taking in a few whiffs. "Hmm... I never noticed. I'll just remember that you smell like flowers."

Elytra sniffed her self in embarassment. "Huh, well thanks. Good to know I smell good." She laughed at a memory. "As a foal, Skystrike said I smelled funny."

They all snickered. Skystrike put his hands up. "In my defense, I didn't learn about what flowers were until like, a year after I said that."

Zecora giggled. "How could you not know the scent of a flower's delight? It's fragrant aroma, a wonder to alight?"

He stared at the Zebra. "Zecora, I'm not upset or anything since you didn't know. But everything in the lab was simulated. I didn't even know what the sun was until I broke out."

"Oh... I'm sorry." Zecora didn't even bother to rhyme.

"Don't worry about it. I never told you. Moving back on topic, changeling's sense of smell is dozens of times stronger than mine, so It was very hard to tell the changelings apart. I had to start playing really close attention to tell." Skystrike picked up the book in his hand and began pointing at each changeling. "Next to me is Elytra, who's band things on her belly are further apart than the normal changeling. Next to her it Thorax, his fangs are a bit longer. Teeko has a thicker horn, Nimble has a longer neck fin."

"I'm surprised you still remember all their names." Elytra said.

"Doesn't matter what happened between us, or what they blame me for, they're still my family... Honestly, even I'm surprised how many names I remember. I remember almost every one of their names."

Elytra shook her head. "No way! There were like 200 of us in just our subsection of the hive!"

"Subsections?" Tethys asked.

"Oh right... Sorry, I forget how much of isolationists my kind are. So, Skystrike and I were part of the Royal section, so the changelings around us were the most loyal and trusted by the former queen Khrusalis. We got their through our rankings, our achievements, and of course, immediate family. On the lower levels were the Canopy, Under Story, and then the Shrubs. For a pony equivalent, I guess it's like... nobles, upper class, and lower to middle class. The lower the class, the more changelings."

Skystrike nodded as he continued her explanation. "We mostly spoke with the Royals and Canopy changelings. Though from time to time, I would go to the lower levels and see what all happened. Khrusalis told me it was best to mingle with those of lower class, since they're the same as the rest of us."

Elytra sighed. "Sad to say, after her passing, and before I was sent to get you, I noticed that all the changelings in the Canopy were... I was told they 'left' but they were kicked out to the Shrubs. They were still loyal to Khrusalis, and you."

Skystrike sighed with her. "Damn... I'm grateful they did but... wish they didn't put themselves in danger. Wonder what happened to them."

"Most left the hive, hoping to find a better life outside the walls of pulp... Actually, I helped quite a few integrate into pony society. For safety reasons, we keep in contact through code, but from my memory, they're in the smaller towns and cities. I don't remember all of their names, but a few moved to Trottingham, Dodge City, and Sire's Hollow."

"Oooh, we're actually going to fly over Trottingham on our way to Griffostone. Want to see if they're still there?"

"Sure!" Elytra beamed.

Zecora nodded. "I haven't journeyed north in this vast land's sweep, but I'm keen to explore, to take a peep."

Tethys shrugged. "Sure, I'm down. Hopefully the welcome isn't like the last... few..."

They all gave a annoyed groans. As individuals, and even more so as a group of misfits, they weren't given warm welcomes when they were together. Skystrike shook it off. "We'll be fine. I asked Celestia and Luna for a royal pardon. They can't deny us service anymore."

"That's kinda scummy, but fair. But hey, lets go back to the pictures. Elytra, you got anything embarrassing?"

They spent time with each other for a while longer until it turned to late evening. They just passes Fillydelphia four hours ago. They'd be at Trottingham by noon the next day. But for now, Skystrike and Elytra were on the hunt for dinner. They were finally able to eat meat without hiding it, and Skystrike wanted to make something special for their first trip. Tethys and Zecora were with the ship, it suspended in the clouds above them, out of sight from any onlookers.

The human and changeling both had their armors on. Skystrike remembered how light and mobile it seemed on his human form. He really missed being able to walk sideways. He was also glad he took into account his human body shape as he made his pony armor. While he wasn't as heavily armored, as his shoulders, hands, lower torso, and ankles were showing, they were more than offset by the mobility and flexibility he had.

Elytra was giving her new armor a test, using her magic to go in and out of invisibility while buzzing around in the air. "Damn, Skystrike, you know how to make armor. I couldn't imagine anything this nice in the guard or the hive." She climbed onto the side of a pine tree.

Skystrike carefully moved forward to not make any sounds as he whispered back. "Thanks, glad you like it. Honestly, I forget you like meat. You don't have to eat it to survive. But remember, this is for a meal, and to test that railgun."

She looked to the long hunk of steel on her back, watching it turn as she turned her head. "Oh, right... How... powerful is this, exactly?"

"I made it strong enough to take down anything the size of a Ursa Major in one shot on a full charge. You'd need to be on all fours and on stable ground to handle that recoil. Lucky for you, you can charge it partially, so there'll be much less recoil... Let's test it."

"Wh- Right now?"

Skystrike jumped onto a tree in the distance, about 100 meters away from where Elytra hung on a tree. At Skystrike's position, he picked up a stone and surrounded it in a small light before jabbing it into the side of a tree. Jumping back, Skystrike picked up Elytra and bought her to a thick branch to sit on. "See where that light is? I'll teach you how to hit it, just work with me."

She took in a deep breath. "Alright... what do I do?"

"First, we're going to start off by just making sure you have the stance right. Since you're a changeling, I took into account all terrains. Plant all four hooves on the ground, then look at the target." Skystrike said. Elytra got into position, though jumped slightly at Skystrike touching her legs. "Back legs should be a bit farther apart, shoulders down slightly, and back straight. All the recoil is going to be distributed through your hips, so prepare for that."

She stood there for a moment, making sure she had the stance down. "Alright... I think I got this part."

Skystrike nodded. "Great, now, this is just for safety. The railgun goes 1,000 meters per second uncharged. As you get closer to a full charge, that speed grows exponentially to 8,000. That means it's going to take 0.1 seconds to hit that tree. Literally, if they blink, they'll feel the magic hit them before they can process what hit them."

"Exponentially? You know I was never good at math." Elytra huffed.

Skystrike looked at her. "Well, sounds like we have something to do while we travel." Elytra cursed under her breath. "Basically, it means that the rate at which the bullet speed grows increases itself the longer you charge it. If you still don't get it, then it's time for a field test. Aim at the tree, then flick your tail- er, tail fin downward."

Elytra took in a deep breath and focused on the tree, hearing the whirring of her weapon as it turned toward the marked tree. She focused her breathing, making sure she was on target before flicking her tail fin. A small ball of raw magic formed between the rails of the railgun, while simultaneously, the rails charged the magic with electricity, accelerating the magic down the rifle at amazing speeds. Like Skystrike said, before she could even blink, the weapon fired a hole straight through the rock next to the tree. "Damn..."

"You were off by about 5 feet. Remember that your railgun is on your right side, so you have to aim slightly left."

"Yeah, just... Not used to using magic without my horn, let alone the magic not being centered at my forehead." Elytra made the same motions and shot again. This time, she at leased grazed the right side of the team."...Getting better at least."

"Don't beat yourself up over it." Skystrike patted the back of her neck. "I see your problem though. You're changing the position of your hips before you even fire. Don't tense up too much." He helped her git into position again. "Ready... aim... fire."

Elytra did so, hitting the glowing rock, shooting a hole straight through the tree. "Yyyyyyyaaahoo!"

Skystrike couldn't help but try and hide his laugh from her little celebration. "N-nice job! Pfft- you got the hang on it pretty quick!"

"Thanks to you, Sky!"

He rubbed her neck. "Ready for the real thing?" Elytra stopped to think about it, then hesitantly nodded. "You know, never asked. Have you ever killed something before?"

"Yeah, I'm not a green horn." She smirked.

"Good, didn't really want to have that talk now..." Skystrike stood up straight on the branch they were on. "Follow me, I saw tracks of an Ophiotaurus." He said before jumping to a neighboring tree.

Elytra flapped her bug-like wings to follow him. "An Ophio what?"

Skystrike jumped silently between the trees. "Upper body of a bull, lower body of a serpent. Think of a Medusa version of a Minotaur."

"This seems... interesting. Is it sentient? Nevermind, we wouldn't be hunting them unless they weren't... Does it turn from beef to reptile meat gradually, or is it like, a cut off?"

"Actually, I was surprised when it was beef all the way through. We're going to play it safe. They're highly agile, and they travel solo. They aren't the apex predators here, so they will be on their guard." The two traveled a bit farther before Skystrike motioned for her to stop. "Straight ahead, roughly 200 meters." Elytra looked at the creature. It's black scales made it blend in with its surroundings as it crawled along the ground, sniffing for it's next meal. It stood up straight to look around, showing it's bright orange underbelly. "Take the shot if you think you can land it. Your safety is off, and it's in lethal mode. Aim for the head, we don't want it to suffer."

Elytra focused once more, positioning herself to make sure she didn't miss this time. Inhale. Exhale. Tense up, but not too much. Spread the legs apart, aim... and then she fired. She made sure to watch as the head of the Ophiotaurus popped off. She was slightly off put by how easy it was... No, she was more disgusted by the lethality of it. "Guh..." She gagged. "Weren't joking about it being lethal..."

Skystrike jumped down an ran up to the body. Blood and brain matter was scattered on the forest floor. He thanked the beast for the use it would have, from its hide, to its flesh, to its bones. Focusing wind into his hands, he made an air vacuum at the exposed neck of the once majestic beast. It drained the liters of blood out of the beast before Skystrike reached into his bags and put some of the blood into an empty jar. Zecora would use it for some potions, or at least have fun studying its properties.

He pushed down his hands, using magic to cover the rest of the blood and splattered organs in a few feet of dirt. With some rope, he tied up the corpse to carry back to the ship in his arms. Elytra looked back at where she killed the beast before talking with Skystrike. "Hey, what was that prayer you did? Didn't take you to be a religious one."

Skystrike sighed. "It wasn't a prayer to any specific deity, more so to the Ophiotaurus itself. I was never one for needless death. Though it wasn't exactly needless, since we need to eat, I still do it. The creature deserves at least some kind of send off, and a thanks for the use it will have for us. It's why I like to make things quick for those who deserve it. It was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"...You know, you've changed a lot since you were a foal. Well, human foal or whatever word that is. It was... Imma just say it, really unsettling how used to death you were, and your complete disregard for life back then. But... you've grown. Things aren't black and white anymore. You see the value of the lives you take, no matter how little." Elytra flew up and and wrapped her hooves around the back of his neck. "I'm proud... my baby brother's really grown up."

He couldn't help but crack a smile. "Thanks, Elytra. I'm glad too. Thanks for sticking with me for this long, for believing in me, through thick and thin."

"It's what I'm here for. What we're here for. I just wish I could've been there for more."

"Don't worry about the past. We got a future to focus on."

Skystrike, Elytra, Zecora, and Tethys all sat around a large open fire. Skystrike pushed at the coals to make the fire spread as the upper half of the Ophiotaurus spun over it. Of course, Skystrike made sure to remove the organs before seasoning it, putting the entrails aside for later use, along with the snake-like half of the beast. The griffons would enjoy the parts. The skin wasn't exactly edible with how tough it was, so he and Tethys skinned it too. While Skystrike and Elytra watched the beast cook, Zecora and Tethys worked on making the side dishes, some fruits and vegetables they gathered prior.

Zecora continued the small talk they were having as she cut up the vegetables. "The question unasked, now let us unwind. What is each one's favorite dish to find?"

Elytra hummed in thought. "Well... I'm not sure you all can relate, me being a changeling and all, but Love, specifically from platonic relationships for me. The ones from romantic relations are a bit too sweet and gooey for me."

Tethys blinked. "Wait, different emotions have different tastes?"

Skystrike looked at her too, leaning on his leg. "Yeah, I wasn't aware of this either?"

Elytra nodded as she explained. "Yeah. Like... sorry, trying to think of equivalents. They all range, depending on how strong the emotion is. Sadness tastes... watery? Like if you're drinking fruit punch, but you have a little left all the ice melted and mixed in. Envy tastes sour, anger tastes spicy, and happiness tastes sweet."

Tethys chuckled. "Why was sadness so specific, but makes so much sense? Also, I don't think I've ever seen you actually eat emotions?"

"That's because I go out of my way to hide it... It's... not something I show to beings. I literally drain the magic out of a being. I'll show you if you want?" Tethys and Zecora nodded. "Skystrike, can I...?" Skystrike nodded too, walking up to and kneeling down in front of the changeling. Elytra opened her eyes wide and her mouth wider. Her fangs glistened under the moonlight as a light pink energy left Skystrike's body to enter her mouth. Elytra made sure to get her fill, feeding for a few long seconds before closing her mouth.

Zecora was wide eyed. "Did... I just see your jaw break free? Or was it a trick of the eye I see?"

"That was unsettling as Tartarus, but also kinda cool, I'm not even going to lie. But yeah, I get why you don't show it." Tethys put a hand over her heart. "Damn... you're one of the first creatures to creep me out, girl! Damn!"

Skystrike had a thought. "Wait a minute... Oh my god! Why didn't we think of this before!?" He face palmed before picking up the changeling. "Elytra!"

She hung there, confused. "Y-yeah?"

"You can drain my mana!"

Slowly, one by one, they all realized what that meant. "By the Pantheon this is amazing!" She put up her hooves to hug him.

Tethys picked both of them up in her arms. "You're damn right it is! Who knew the solution was right under our snouts!?"

Zecora jumped on Tethys' back, making them all fall over. "This is great, and to find out not a moment to late!"

Skystrike couldn't help but hug them all back. They laid there for a few moments before he broke the silence. "...My favorite dish is prime sirloin." There was another silence, then each one of them broke out into a long laughter.

"You're so fucking stupid!" Tethys slapped hear tail on the ground.

Skystrike laughed some more before clearing his throat. "Elytra, don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for what we just found out, but lets not immediately jump into it. I don't know what overfeeding will do to you, or what feeding on me specifically for a while will do."

She shrugged as she looked through the trees at the starry night sky. "Well, we changelings can't exactly overeat. But legends say that the last changeling who overfed on one they deemed close was able too molt, and gain enough power to rival the queen at the time. But that was... I don't know, over twenty generations ago? Either way, you get to live longer."

"And... you're ok with potentially becoming a queen of a new hive?"

"Who said anything about a hive?" Elytra looked at him. "I just want you alive. If I get a new form, so be it."

Skystrike sighed. "I just... don't want you to do anything you could regret."

"That's life, man. You've sacrificed enough. Let me help you out at least." Elytra said as she got up. "Now can we eat? My meat stomach is growling, and I want to try this Ophio."

Skystrike chuckled as he got up, grabbing a knife and cutting off a rack of ribs for the changeling. He forgets at times that they also need physical food to survive. Elytra quickly ran up to him and sat down, holding a plate up with her magic. He put the ribs on her plate, and Zecora her fruits and vegetables.

They waited until everyone was served. Both Tethys and Skystrike got themselves the arms of the Ophiotaurus. Even Zecora got a few small cuts of it to try. They all sat down around the fire and began to eat, thanking each other for helping with the cooking.

As the flames danced and flickered, casting shadows against the darkened forest, the four sat in a circle around the crackling fire pit, their faces illuminated by its warm glow. The scent of sizzling beef and roasted vegetables filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding woods. They eagerly scarfed down the tender pieces of meat and colorful veggies and fruits, chatting animatedly about the mundane.

Between bites of savory food, they reminisced about their separate childhood adventures and shared tales of laughter and mischief. Each memory sparked laughter and nods of recognition, evoking a sense of nostalgia that enveloped them like a comforting blanket. Amidst the crackling of the fire and the chirping of nocturnal creatures, their bond grew stronger as they relived cherished moments from years gone by.

Skystrike tore the flesh from his meal and chewed. "Oh, Elytra, before we left Ponyville, I remember you packing a small tree. What was that about?"

"Right, you weren't too keen on history. It was a bonsai tree I've been taking care of for the past few years. Apparently, the elders say that long, long ago, an acorn, a rotted black gem, fell into a lake or arcane energy, the toxins in it corrosive to the touch. The acorn did not melt though, and instead thrived, using the lake to grow into an Ebony Oak. It was a twisted tree, with bark as black as coal, and leaves a cold blue. With branches twisted and jagged roots, as if reaching out to any who dared to come close. It was the only tree of its kind... a cursed tree. One day, something broke the bark of that tree... and out poured the first hive."

Skystrike, Tethys, and Zecora all looked at her. "You came from an acorn?" They all asked.

"Well when you put it like that, it doesn't sound as interesting." She giggled. "But in the simplest sense, yes. Back to your question Skystrike, it gives me something to do, taking care of that tree. It's also sacred to us Changelings, as it holds a deep connection to the Ebony Grove. The one I have specifically is a descendant of the tree of King Lazarus the Righteous. It helps me remember home, the family there, and the oath I swore to the former queen Khrusalis."

Zecora's ears perked up. "Oath?"

"On the blood of those who've come before, on the blood of those who will come after, I swear to do what is right until my dying breath. Through pain and sorrow, I will make sure to leave this world better than I found it. That was the oath I made with Lazarus as my witness."

Zecora then turned to Skystrike. "Do you have one?"

Skystrike nodded. "On the blood of those who've come before, on the blood of those who will come after. I promise to fight for the good of all, no matter the race, no matter their history. My bones may break, but my will will not. With Khrusalis the Golden as my witness. All Changelings of age must make an oath relating to their specialty. Elytra was more of a care taker than a fighter, so hers is more vague about that aspect."

Elytra nodded. "And even if we're banished, the oaths are still in effect. But lets continue this tomorrow, I'm sleepy." Elytra yawned.

Skystrike chuckled. "You all can go ahead and head up to the ship. I'll clean up." Skystrike stood up and put out his hands, making a large ball of water. He used the water to wash the dishes, then put all the trash in the still burning camp fire. After watching the fire flicker for a little more, he put it out by suffocating it with the surrounding dirt. All that was left to do was pack up and cover his tracks. The former was easy, the latter was a bit difficult. He brushed around some leaves over their prints and kicked over the stones surrounding the pit, then covered it all with a small layer of dirt. Not needed, but a force of habit. He climbed back onto his ship and prepared for sleep, only after saying good night to his comrades.

Tomorrow is another day.

Taking Flight

The four friends stood on the deck of the Wind Waker as it lowered toward Eques, parting the clouds. Trottingham was finally in view. They'd have quite a bit of time to explore it, since it was before noon. The town was right on the shore of the Griffith Isles, and was Equestia's furthest territory. He did some research on Trottingham, and was a bit interested with the place. Like Ponyville, the place was founded by Earth Ponies, so they were the majority. At the same time, they get many foreigners due to the city having one of the best agricultural Colleges.

Trottingham also has a strong mining and raw materials sector, generating a sizable amount of Equestria's coal and metals. The artisans here were in a league of their own. Honestly, they'd probably be better than him if any of the local smithy's would let him visit. They manage their forests quite well for timber harvesting as well, but that was a smaller section. What interested him the most was that due to them being so close to Griffonstone, it wasn't uncommon to see a griffon here or there, nor was it uncommon to find fisher mares and stallions. He should stop by the market.

But that was for later. Skystrike yawned. "Thanks for letting me get some sleep in, I really needed that."

Elytra nodded as she turned into Stardust. "No problem. But uh, quick question... is this ship legal?"

"Well no, but technically yes."

Stardust almost fell over. "The buck does that mean!?"

"No laws were made against the Wind Waker yet. The technology I made for this ship is at minimum decades ahead of what these ponies have. Because of that, I can do things that'll probably be illegal when the times catch up."

Tethys snickered. "Skystrike, you're a trip."

Skystrike crouched down and turned back into a pony, spreading his wings slightly to catch the wind. "Is Zecora still sleeping?"

Stardust shook her head. "Well, she's on the toilet. She liked the meat we had, but her stomach isn't used to it."

"Ah, yeah, I guess that makes sense." Skystrike said as he put on his sweatshirt. "We'll wait for her before we land. They have two air docks at least... Tethys, can you hang out inside for a bit? Don't want things to go south the moment they see a dragon. Stardust, can you put on your guard armor? We can pass this off as official business."

She chuckled. "You think we can pull that off?"

"We can land no problem. But they're going to want to search the ship, especially since we're going across borders. They'll probably think we're smuggling some stuff."

Tethys stretched and folded in her wings. "And what's she going to do about it?"

"Explaining that we're traveling on official business, and that everything is confidential will take a lot of eyes off of us. Yes, I have a pardon from Celestia and Luna, but many would believe it forged unless an actual guards mare came with it." He patted Stardust on the head.

Stardust and Tethys looked at each other before shrugging and going to do as requested. Skystrike went back inside to the ship controls, slowing the Wind Waker to a stop. The ponies at the dock were scrambling at the sudden arrival. After a few minutes passed, two pegasus guards flew up to greet them. There was no reason to differentiate the two, as their enchanted armor made both of them have white coats and blue mane and tails. The two stallions landed an the ship deck in front of him.

"This is an unscheduled landing of an airship of unknown model and registration. If you wish to land, you must show your license, registration, and consent to a search of your ship, as well as answer some questions." The first guard spoke.

Skystrike reached into his saddlebag and handed them the license and registration. "Take your time to check over that. Not surprised you don't know the registration, since I got this about three months ago. As for the searching of this ship, I am on official business, and I cannot allow you to search the ship."

"Likely story." The second guard said. "Your name gets around, Nebula. I doubt the princesses would work with you, especially after everything you've done to the guard and Princess Cadenza."

Skystrike blinked at that. "Heh, well, wasn't expecting that, but I guess we're going down this route. I have a guards mare inside, Stardust is her name, probably heard of her since Celestia assigned her specifically to me a while ago, and she's getting the Royal Decree, signed by Celestia and Luna, that is allowing the safe travels of me and my companions while within Equestria's borders." Skystrike stood up straight as now wasn't the time to be lax. "As for your questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability without leaking any confidential information."

"Sure... Then I guess we'll wait for-" The two guards looked past Skystrike as the door to the interior creaked open. Stardust, clad in her armor, walked out with the decree in her hooves. She wordlessly handed the scroll to the guards, who eyed it suspiciously. "...Looks official... I don't know how a pony like you got his hooves on this-"

"Yo, Guard pony, I would recommend you think about how your words could be interpreted by another, as Stardust has to report to the literal highest authorities in this country." Skystrike cleared his throat. "Now, do you have any questions before I land this ship?"

The second guard grit his teeth, but then the first elbowed his colleague. "I apologize for my subordinates actions. I will continue with the questioning." He pulled out a pen and began writing on a clip board with his mouth. "How many occupants are on this ship?"

"Four."

"Of what make and model is this ship?"

"This is the same make and model as the Lavender Spirit, simply a different color scheme."

The first guard looked up at that. "And the armor? Were those commissioned by the government?"

Skystrike shook his head. "All custom made by yours truly, though it is classified on how it was made and installed. Same with the wings and armaments before you ask."

The guard continued writing. "And how long is your flight? I can do the calculations for how much it will cost to fuel up for the trip."

"No need, I already fuel up, and will have more than enough for my trip. Thank you for the offer though." Skystrike rolled his neck.

"Any other modifications to this vessel that I should be aware of?" The guard asked his final question.

"Not that I can legally tell you." Skystrike answered.

"Very well. I will give clearance to land soon. Be on the look out for the signal." The guard put away his pen and began to fly off, the second guard following behind.

Stardust followed Skystrike back into the bridge. "Skystrike, you're kinda an ass."

Skystrike sat down to steer with a smirk. "You are what you eat, Stardust." Stardust couldn't contain her laughter, even falling on a floor. Damn... wasn't even that funny. Skystrike noticed a pony with two beams of light in their hooves. Must be the marshal. In a few minutes, and the guidance of the marshal, Skystrike landed the Wind Waker and extended the boarding dock.

Stardust, Tethys, and Zecora were already waiting for him in their casual wear, save for Stardust. Skystrike noticed Zecora was shivering a bit. "You alright?"

Zecora nodded. "I'm alright, just not accustomed to this twist. In my homeland and Ponyville, warmth does persist."

Skystrike took off his sweatshirt and put it on Zecora. "It'll be a bit- a lot big on you, but it'll hold you until we get you a jacket."

Zecora's rolled up the sleeves so her hooves were making contact with the ground. "I hadn't grasped the size you wear, a fact that took me unaware."

"Aw, it's cute on you." Tethys picked Zecora up, making her hang like a ragdoll cat. "But thinking on it more, what would go well with you? Any ideas Skystrike?"

"What, am I the go to fashion guy?"

"Yeah." The three said.

"Ok I guess. Bomber jacket, easy." Skystrike said as he began walking down the ramp. "Didn't know I was so good at choosing clothing."

"You're the only one that wears clothes. And Tethys got her style from you." Stardust said. "You sure you'll be fine?"

"Oh, yeah, I'll be fine. The main reason I wear shirts is because it'd look weird if I just wore pants." Skystrike turned back to look at her.

"And... why do you wear pants?"

"Stardust, you, and every other pony, zebra, griffon, changeling, whatever, are all eye height with my balls." Skystrike sighed. They all laughed a bit at his expense, finally making it off the ship and into the city. Of course, they got many stares from passerby, since the group is not one you'd see often. Alas, they were used to it. "So, we're here, and we don't have much to do, aside from a few beings we have to see. So we have a couple things we can do, sight see, find those you-know-whos, or what I'm most excited for, go to the open air bath houses."

Tethys flexed her wings. "Actually, we had some girl talk last night. We planned on going to get some stuff for... us girls. Why don't we meet back up at three here?"

"...I am mildly afraid to ask what girl stuff is, but sure, you three have fun. If I got time to myself, I'm gonna see what I can get myself into."

"The girl stuff will be a surprise! We shall leave it to you to surmise." Zecora put a hoof over her mouth in a shushing motion.

"...I feel as if I should be worried. But yeah, you three have fun."

Skystrike was walking through Trottingham alone. He didn't like how familiar it felt, but he wouldn't have to deal with it for long... He didn't realize how nice it was, having friends around him. For now, he just finished waiting in line for a hayburger. Even after all these years, it was still weird for him to eat hay. It was fried though, and the four he ordered were pretty good, didn't get tired of the taste even though he was on the second one. Maybe he'll visit again for the burgers.

He began to wonder what 'girl talk' was about. Skystrike wouldn't know, he isn't a girl... nor did he even realize ponies talk about gender specific things. Sure, he spends time with Spike, just the two boys, but there wasn't really 'boy talk', or maybe he did have it unintentionally. He guesses that's what it is, just personal stuff that you can only really share with those close? But why specify the gender? He was still confused as he took another bite of his burger while waiting at a stop light.

Ponies pulling wagons ran by as he waited. A filly with her mother began waiting next to him, the two talking with each other. Skystrike rolled his neck as he waited. The filly wasn't paying attention, pushing away from her mother and running around Skystrike, most likely thinking he was a light pole or something. Unexpectedly, the filly tripped and almost fell into the street. Skystrike nearly dropped his food as he put out a hoof to catch the kid.

The mother quickly picked up her child as she thanked him and they quickly crossed the street before going their separate ways. He felt good about the little deed he did, but he was still hungry. He sat down on a bench and finished his second burger, ignoring the stares he got from ponies walking by. Damn, this was the first time he wasn't busy doing anything... he hasn't felt like this since the group disbanded.

In hindsight, he regrets it, more so the way he left. In the night, no words spoken, just a memory to fade away. Skystrike couldn't begin to imagine how everyone else felt... Fuck, it wasn't the first time he up and left. But they just accepted him back so easily, as if it was just water under the bridge. He didn't deserve any of them. The best type of reaction he was expecting was the one from Moon dancer, but that was the worst of it... He should not be alone with his thoughts.

Anyway, he stopped by the post office, still writing those weekly letters to family and friends. Double checking the sending addresses, he mailed them to their respective destinations. He decided to go for a fly to take his mind off of the past. Skystrike noticed that the town was a bit similar to Ponyville. Sure, it was much, much bigger, and had more infrastructure, being decades older than when Ponyville was founded, but he imagined that this is what Ponyville would look like in the near future. A bustling market, a steady population, fun places to hang out.

But as he flew, something, or somepony caught his eye. Sitting on top of a ledge of a four story building was a mare. She had a grey coat and dark grey mane and tail. Being above her, he couldn't see many of her distinguishing features, but from her shaking, he could tell she was going through something. Skystrike had a bad feeling...

He flew in front of the mare, seeing her greyish mulberry eyes... full of tears. Her eyes went wide as Skystrike lowered himself in front of her, making the lady step back. He landed in front of the mare. "...You doing ok?"

"Why do you care?" She snapped back at him with a noticeable Canterlot accent.

Looking closer at her, her mascara was running, the purple bowtie she wore was a mess, and her eyes were red. This mare has been crying for a while. Those eyes reminded him of his own, when he split apart the group. He could tell she needed someone. "Because I've seen those eyes before... and you're about to do something you wont be able to regret." Skystrike sat down next to the mare. "I wont force you to tell me what you're going through. I'm just here if you wish to vent to a nobody."

The two sat for a while as she contemplated what to do. She wiped her tears away with a hoof, smearing her mascara even more. The mare gave a sad laugh. "Buck it, why not!" The earth pony sat down. "If you must know, I was about to jump." She said while shaking. "I know who you are. Here to do your good deed for the day? Don't waste your time. I'm not worth it..."

Skystrike laid down to be at her eye level. "Why do you say that?"

"Because there's nothing left for me in this place anymore!"

"Family?"

"Oh don't get me started!" She scoffed. Skystrike realized he opened the flood gates. "My father passed a few years ago. All I wanted to do was make him proud of me! But no, every recital that I told hem about, that he didn't even bother to attend, all he said was 'That's what was expected of my daughter.' Asshole!" She shouted to nopony in particular. "I should've realized earlier. I could've never made him proud. He wanted a son in the first place! Didn't even greet me as a filly when he came home, just asked 'why aren't you practicing?' So I did! I was the star of the Canterlot Youth Orchestra! Everypony saw me as a prodigy! I got a scholarship to the best music school in Manehatten, but that wasn't enough to convince him to let me go... I thought if I just tried harder, do better as a cellist, I'd be able to see him smile at me." She took some deep breaths, realizing she was out of breath from her speaking. "And then he went and got sick. I was 16, didn't even know or care what he was diagnosed with at that point. Mom said that he wanted to see me, but I knew she was bucking lying. But it hurt even more when she said that Father loved me... So badly, I wanted to believe her, but we both knew she was lying. Never showed me an ounce of love in the 16 years he was my father... I thought I'd be happy if I never saw him again, but... I don't know what think anymore. Didn't visit his funeral anyway."

"And your mom?"

She looked at him, her greyish mulberry eyes filling with more tears as she began to speak through the sobbing. "I... I moved away from home as soon as I could at eighteen. But I left my mom alone in Canterlot. I hate how I left her there, but I still loved her, and she loved me. For years, she was the only one I could talk to, the only one to write and say 'Happy Birthday.' The only one who said she loves me... But then she passed away a few months before my 21st birthday. I attended her funeral, she actually mattered to me. Enough where I composed my best eulogy for her, only to be played once, for her... I didn't realize how much I loved her, or how much I'd miss her. And worst of all, she made me realize how... empty my life is. All the practicing at the behest of my father left me no time to make any connections. I played solo to make a living, and none of those fans cared about me besides my music... Without my music, no pony cares about me. I thought I just needed a break, coming here. Came up to this rooftop for a break..." Her tears began falling again. "And then I realized I could end it all right now... The sadness... the loneliness... the unappreciated work... I've been here for two weeks, and already gave up on trying for any meaningful interaction. I haven't been able to compose anything for months... and it feels like I have nothing left to give..." She began to laugh. " I've been having dreams you know. About my father. His disapproval. Everything I did was the bare minimum... something to be expected. All I want is for somepony to tell me that I'm worth while..." The tears came down even harder, soaking her face and hooves. "Since mom passed, I haven't even been told 'I love you' 'I like you', buck, 'It's nice to see you.' Bucking ANYTHING would be better than this! For the past three years, I've thought about making this final leap... I just need to commit." The mare looked towards the ledge again.

Hindsight seemed to have caught up with her as her eyes went wide before covering her mouth. Almost immediately, she felt sick to her stomach, vomiting up whatever was left of what she ate earlier in the day. Skystrike stopped her from falling over from the lightheadedness, quickly putting a hoof on her shoulder. Seems like all the water is out of the damn now. Skystrike reached into his saddlebag and offered the mare a bottle of water. The pony quickly took it to wash the taste of bile out of her mouth. She was about to thank Skystrike, but was interrupted by her tears.

Skystrike waited in silence as the mare let out years of bottled up emotions. Admittedly, he didn't really know what to say. It was a lot to take in. All he did know is that he should probably help this lady out. Question is, how? He thought about it for a bit. "I'm... You did not deserve the childhood you had to endure, nor the suffering you're going through now." Skystrike reached into his paper bag and threw one of his burgers over to the mare. "Considering you just threw up your lunch, you must be hungry. I got time to chat if you want." He grabbed his unfinished burger and began unwrapping it.

The mare caught the food in her hoof, looking at him hesitantly before unwrapping it. "Very well... I'd... really appreciate the company right about now."

"Cool. Sorry, they're not hot anymore, I got these like an hour ago." He bit into it. "...So, you say you compose and play music. You said you were a cellist. I listen to music quite often and I must say, I rarely hear a solo one. Can I ask your name?"

The mare rubbed away her running mascara before eating a bit. She sighed. "I'm sorry. You listen to my ramblings, give me food, and I still haven't introduced myself. Octavia. Octavia Melody." Despite the years of little to no meaningful contact for her, she still tried to come off as knowing her manners.

Skystrike blinked in realization. "You're Octavia Melody!?" Skystrike almost yelled before curbing his excitement. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh, you've heard of me?" A hint of curiosity was heard in Octavia's voice.

"Yeah, I have some of your records! I was actually listening to some on the way here. I was wondering where you went, you normally publish something every few months." Skystrike's ears perked up, then went back down. "Oh shit, I'm sorry. You just complained about ponies only wanting you for your music."

"It's... well it's not alright, but I don't blame you."

Skystrike didn't want an awkward silence to come. "Actually, kind of embarrassing to say, but I got into music because of you. I work with a mare named Vinyl Scratch, she does the instrumentals and mixing, and I do the vocals-"

Skystrike was interrupted by Octavia's light giggle. "Sorry, I just... didn't expect a pony of your stature to sing."

"Hey, me neither. But we're doing pretty well for beginners. Just released our last work like four months ago. It might not be your style, with you doing classical though..." Skystrike bit into his burger again. "Octavia, I'm not going to act like I know you, but I want to learn more about you. I've been through something similar-"

"I don't want your pity." She snapped.

"I don't mean for my actions to come off as such. I apologize. I just don't want you to journey to the other side so early." Skystrike finished his burger. "If you'll let me, I'd like to get to know you better. You need someone to be with you right now. I can't leave you alone in good conscience right now. You're more than just your music. The only validation you need is from yourself... If it will help, I'll make sure to find you on your birthday to congratulate you."

She shook a bit. "I... appreciate that, Nebula... Ironically, today is my birthday... I'm twenty four today."

"Oh really? Happy birthday! What do you want to do?"

Her ears perked up. "I don't know... I barely did or got anything for my birthdays, aside from a slice of cake from mom... You wouldn't want to spend time with a mare like me anyway."

"Oi, no self loathing thoughts anymore. Today is a day for celebration." Skystrike stood up. "I'll walk you to your hotel so you can get cleaned up. We're going to go have some fun... well, try to at least."

Skystrike made sure to call out to Octavia from time to time just so she knew he wasn't leaving. After a short walk, Skystrike and Octavia were standing outside of an arcade, the latter cleaned herself up and fixed her makeup. She was still feeling down, and in visible shock, but was leagues better than earlier. Honestly, Skystrike was surprised that this place has such a large selection of arcade games. "So... what are we doing here?" Octavia asked.

"To play." Skystrike said.

"Isn't this rather... childish?"

"Yeah, most of the time, fun is childish."

"Oh... I see... This is the first time I'm experiencing this."

"Well, if that's the case, we'll start off small." Skystrike grabbed her hoof and began to lead her inside. He bought two tickets for entry, and a hoof full of tokens with a picture of a smiling pony on it. Generic, but it'll work. "Here we go, the simplest but arguably most rewarding, Skee-ball!" Skystrike put in a token into the machine. Several balls came out. "Just roll it down the alley and try and get as many points as you can." He hoofed a ball to Octavia.

"Er- well... alright then." She looked at the ball in her hoof before weakly throwing it down the lane. It didn't even make it up the ramp, rolling down back to her. Octavia looked at Skystrike, who motioned her to keep going. After trying again, she made it into the 10 point hole. "Is... this it?"

"Well, you have to keep going. You get like, ten tries." He explained and goaded the mare on to keep going.

Octavia could tell he was trying to help her, giving in and continuing to throw the balls down the lane. She ended with a final score of 270 points. She did better than she thought she would. The mare nearly jumped when tickets began to be vended out of the machine. "What are these for?"

"It's your reward. Get enough, and we can trade them in for prizes!" Skystrike said as he put in another coin. "Mind if I have a go?" Octavia stepped aside. Skystrike threw the ball in his hoof a couple times to get a proper feel of the weight, even swinging his arm a few times to get the proper motion. On his first roll, he decided to play a bit risky, going for the 100 hole in the left corner. Luckily, he got it in first try. Now to just keep the same strength in the throw. He missed more than he wanted, ending with 700 points. He smiled as the tickets came out before ripping them off and giving them to Octavia. "So, we got 40 tokens to split between the both of us... what do you want to play next?"

Octavia looked around at the ponies playing on the numerous games. "Well... I saw a colt playing some ring toss game?"

"Oh god, I suck at those." He laughed as the two began to walk over. A stallion in a red and white stripped shirt greeted them, and after receiving two tokens, gave each of them three rings. "And all we have to do is aim for the red bottle." Skystrike threw one of the rings, it bouncing off each bottle and falling on the other side of the setup. "FUCK!"

Octavia couldn't help but giggle at his outburst. "Well, we have three tries for a reason, I suppose." She threw a ring into the fray of bottles, it bouncing off. And then she tried again... and a third time. "...I see why you got upset."

Skystrike gave her one of his rings as he threw his last one. It landed on a normal bottle, and the stallion gave Skystrike a lollipop as his reward. Wasn't even a good one, just one of those tiny ones you'd get at the doctor's office... And it was banana. Octavia threw the ring the pegasus gave to her, also landing on a white bottle. She got the same lollipop but grape flavored.

She chuckled a bit as she unwrapped it and put hers in her mouth. "Well, we got something out of it. What do you want to do next?"

"Well, we still need to get some more tickets..." Skystrike looked around the room as he thought of what to go for. "...Whack-a-mole?"

"Whack-a-mole? What's that?"

Skystrike lead her over to the machine, putting the play mallet in her hoof. "It's pretty straight forward. Hit the mole guys as soon as they come up. So far the high score is... 270 points. I bet you can beat it."

Octavia looked at the machine as Skystrike inserted a token. The lights flashed to life as a cartoonish mole poked its head out of one of the seven holes. She processed it looking at her, but before she could swing her hoof down, the mole vanished. She didn't let the second escape her though, nailing it right on the head. She celebrated internally with each hit she landed. It was repetitive, but enjoyable. She huffed a bit as the machine dinged, signaling the end of the game. "That was... more tiring than I thought it'd be. I think I did good." She looked at her score, 250 points.

"Hey, you were super close." Skystrike congratulated her as she counted out her tickets. "And looks like you got a good amount of tickets too."

"Heh, yeah... but I wonder how well you could do. I wonder how different this is from cutting down beast for you?" She put the mallet in his hooves. "If I got close, I wonder how high of a score you'll get."

He smiled as he rolled his shoulder. "Well I don't want to toot my own horn, but I take pride in my reaction time." Skystrike put in a coin and held the mallet out in front of him as the machine flashed on once more. As soon as a mole came up, it was smacked back down instantly. Octavia had to admit, it was a bit impressive. And he was keeping up the pace to, not slowing down when even three at a time popped up. Eventually, it came to an end, Skystrike finishing with 740 points. "Hell yeah!"

Octavia clapped her hooves together as his tickets came out, nearly quadrupling her own. Of course, Skystrike gave her all of his tickets again. "Must say, quite impressed. There's quite a few more games I want to try, if you're alright with that?"

Skystrike held his head as he stared at the roulette wheel Octavia just spun, winning the grand prize of 10,000 tickets. "How the fuck???" Octavia was laughing at her win, and his reaction. "It was your first spin!"

"By Celestia, what are the odds!?" She threw her hooves up in the air as the tickets kept pouring out. It took a few minutes, but the machine finished. Octavia wrapped her many layers of tickets around her neck.

"By now we should have enough to get you something great. Pretty sure they have a ticket counter at the gift shop." He pointed a hoof over to the back of the arcade. The two walked over, and indeed, there was a ticket counter. It took nearly 5 minutes to count all of their tickets, but the total came out to 15,732 tickets. "Oh fuck yeah!" Skystrike pumped his hoof. He was about to ask Octavia what she was going to get with the tickets, but caught her eyeing a large purple Ursa Minor plush. "I see you already decided on something."

Octavia blinked, then shook her head. "O-oh, n-no... I wouldn't get something so... childish."

"Octavia, it's your birthday. Nopony is gonna judge you for having that plushie. You're allowed to be a bit childish." He looked at the price of 15 thousand tickets. "And we got you just enough. Get it, make it a present to yourself." Despite what he said, he could tell that Octavia was a bit apprehensive on it still. Skystrike took the tickets from around her neck and waltzed up to the counter, leaning his elbow on it to talk to the clerk. The pony looked up at him as he put down the tickets. "I'd like that large purple Ursa Minor plush."

The mare snickered a bit. "...Oh, you're serious? You don't seem like the type to want that."

"Well, I am. Can I get it?" He pushed the tickets forward. The mare gave him an awkward look as she counted out the tickets, then gave him the plush. Skystrike walked over with the plush in his hooves to give it to Octavia, who gladly took it and hugged it. In comparison, it was the same size as Octavia. Damn ponies and being cute.

Octavia gave Skystrike a surprise hug, getting on her hind legs to wrap her arms around his neck. He returned it as she spoke. "Thank you... for everything today. I wish this didn't have to end..."

"Eh, we have a few more hours if you want. But rather than thinking of a good time ending, think of it as... a chance for even better times to start." Skystrike released her from the hug.

"No- I mean- well yes, but... what I mean is that my train for Canterlot leaves in an hour. I just... don't want to be alone again."

Skystrike walked Octavia and her plush outside of the arcade before sitting her down. "Listen, Octavia. You may not think so, but there are ponies out there who see the value in you. I can completely relate to not wanting to be alone right now." He pulled out a piece of paper and began to write, then folded it up and hoofed it to Octavia. "In here is an address for the orphanage I grew up in. They're nice ponies, and always welcome a friendly face. If you ever feel alone, go to them, and they'll make you feel welcome. And hey! I'll come visit you."

Octavia opened the sheet of paper and read it before putting it away. "...You've done so much for me. I don't know if I can ever repay you."

Skystrike shrugged. "Well, you can repay me." She looked up at him with a confused look as he put a hoof to her chest. "Keep living, find a new meaning in your life. It's what makes us stronger. Play your cello for yourself, rather than the approval of others. If you ever want to send me any letters or anything, I live in Ponyville. I'll reply as soon as I can."

"...You do all of this stuff for a nopony like me... Why?"

Skystrike sighed. "Well, three reasons. I was close to taking that final step a few years ago. I also had a friend who followed through. Sure, I may know nothing about you, but you don't realize the impact you have on ponies until you're gone. Finally, it's our duty to help each other, not only as ponies, but as beings who can empathize with one another."

Octavia held back a few tears as she smiled at him. "I'll never forget what you did for me today... It'll be hard to keep those thoughts out of my mind, but I think you're right... I'll try, Nebula."

And with that, the mare left, carrying her plush across her back. He hoped the best for her, but there was only so much he can do. Her life is in her hands... makes him think about how he should start getting more serious about his. Only got a few good years left. Thoughts for later, he supposed, as he began to unwrap his second to last burger. Opening the lower jaw of his mask to begin taking bites. But out of the corner of his eyes, he saw something odd. Two ponies, one pink and one white were staring at him. They seemed familiar. Upon further inspection, one was a unicorn, and one was an alicorn.

He slowly turned his head to clarify who they were. Sure enough, it was who he thought it was. But then he saw that knowing smile on the pink one's face. He sighed as he greeted them. "Hey Cadence. Hey Shining. Unexpected seeing you here."

Shining Armor waved at him. "Hey, been a while. We could say the same to you-"

He was cut off by Cadence stepping in front of him and nudging Skystrike with her wing. "You got a marefriend~!" She sang.

Skystrike put his burger back in his bag and rolled it up before putting it in his saddlebag. "Cadence, I have more dirt on you."

Her nose scrunched up. "There's no way you have anything worse than the pillow."

"You want to test it?" Skystrike leaned down be be at her eye level.

"...Motherbucker... you know what, I do!"

"When you were 18 and we were at the gala, when you saw Shining armor you hid from him for half the time I was there because 'This dress makes my flank look fat!'" Skystrike did a bad impression of her voice. "And it took me telling you he was an ass man to get you to go see him."

"Holup, huh?" Shining asked before realizing what he said before letting out a hardy laughing.

Cadence was embarrassed. "I'll get you back for this one day..."

"Well, if it helps, honey, one time we made a bet, I forget over what, but he lost and the punishment was to eat 10 pounds of green beans." Shining laughed at the memory. "In under two minutes."

"Two minutes!?" Cadence snapped around to look at Shining, then back to Skystrike. "No way!"

"Jokes on them, I like green beans."

Shining didn't like how Skystrike said that. "Wait... did- did you lose on purpose?"

"Yeah." An awkward silence set in as he said that. "You two cant tell but I'm smiling so wide right now."

"...So Nebula, what brings you to Trottingham?" Cadence asked as Skystrike laughed.

"Ah man. Nothing much, just stopping by on my way to Griffonstone. You two? I assume it's business, given the royal regalia and armor." Skystrike sat down.

"Yeah, you know how it goes... learning to be a ruler and all." She sighed. "But we just got out of a meeting with the mayor, so we're free. What are you up to?"

"About to meet up with the girls. You met them back at the duel where I won that airship. Speaking of, I'm supposed to meet them back where I landed my airship." He put a lot of emphasis on his airship.

"We get it, you beat us." Shining chuckled.

"Yeah, I even put it in that diss track. Anyway, we were going to go to the open air baths. You two in?" Skystrike offered the two to come along.

The couple looked at each other. "Well, I'm for it." Shining said as he rolled his shoulder. "Honestly, I'm still sore from the fight. I hear that it has some magical healing properties or something."

"Yeah, tell me about it." Cadence rolled her neck. "...You know, we always talked about who was the strongest between the three of us when we were kids... I think I can safely say it's you."

Skystrike tilted his head. "Wait, you two were talking about physical strength? I thought we were talking about overall? Like integrity, morality, all that."

"I mean- I assume we were talking about physical. Now that I think on it in hindsight, it makes more sense. I thought you were just being humble." Shining admitted.

Skystrike got up and motioned for the two to walk with him. "Eh, maybe. I knew that in a battle, I could take both of you no problem. And that's not a slight at either of you, nor am I doubting your strength, it's just back then, you two haven't had to go through true hardship."

Shining looked at him. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that you two haven't had to have to make those difficult decisions that make or break ponies in our line of work."

"...Nebula, I'm confused too." Cadence asked.

"Have you two had to kill a pony? Have you had to kill one knowing it was the wrong decision, knowing it was the best, and only decision you could make?"

"...Jeez dude. No, I haven't, but I still don't get your point." Shining said.

"I'm saying in the hypothetical situation where it was a fight to the death, you two would hesitate to deal the final blow. It's in your nature, you two are some of the kindest ponies I know. That alone is why I'm stronger. And I pray neither of you have to take the life of another." Skystrike explained.

An uncomfortable silence filled the air as they walked. A question was eating away at Cadence's mind, and she decided to ask. "...You say that like you killed somepony back when you were younger... How-"

Shining Armor elbowed Cadence. Skystrike sighed. "It's fine, I don't blame her for asking. I was around eight when I had to take another's life for my own survival. Yes, I have to specify."

"What the buck." The two said in unison.

"I'll tell you two about it more eventually. For now, I just want to take a bath."

Skystrike, after meeting back up with his group, and getting ready for the bath house, was currently in a 1v5. Well, more like a 1v2. He was arguing with Tethys and Cadence. They specifically chose this place in consideration of his and Tethys' size, as well as the privacy they could get, given they were now traveling with royalty. The problem is that the open air bath house that they're at is unisex.

"I just don't get it, man." Skystrike sighed as he held his face in his hooves.

"What is there that you don't get!?" Tethys and Cadence said together before the former explained as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm a lady! I have things I don't want to be seen by you boys!"

"That's right!" Cadence agreed.

"And what I don't get is that for you, Tethys, I've already seen allat, and Shining will get his ass beat if he even tries to look at you like that, if he even gets off to dragons..."

"Was that part really necessary?" Shining asked.

Skystrike continued. "And you, Cadence, like every other god damn pony, walks around naked anyway!"

"It's different when we're wet!" They once again said together.

"And I just don't get how???" Skystrike threw out his hooves. "What, is being wet from hot spring water different than rain water???"

Stardust couldn't help but laugh with Zecora at the spectacle. "Ahaha! You can't make this shit up!"

"Nebula I swear to the dragon lord, there's no way you're this dense!" Tethys sighed and held her horns.

"By Celestia, he's still this dense? I thought he was joking as a colt!" Cadence began laughing.

A switch flipped on in Tethys's head. "You know what, fine, I'm fine with you coming in on two conditions. You and Shining Armor have to wear blindfolds, and you, Cadence, have to tell me everything you know about Nebula as a colt."

"Fine by me." Skystrike motioned to Shining Armor to throw him a towel. The unicorn did so as they both tied a towel around their eyes. Tethys made an effort to pull the knot even tighter. "OW! Tethys, one of these days, we need to talk about how you don't realize your own strength."

"Oh hush you baby." Tethys began to take off her clothes, then stopped half way through. "You boys can't see us, right?"

"No." The two said. As Skystrike stepped toward the swinging doors to the hot spring.

"...Nebula, how do you know where the entrance is if you can't see?" Cadence side eyed him.

"I memorized where it was as soon as I entered the room? Do... do you all not do that? You should always be aware of any entrances and exits."

Stardust took off her armor. "I think you're the only one who does that."

"Maybe... Then I guess it's also weird to recognize beings by the sound of their movement?" They all turned to look at him. Zecora moved her right hoof forward and took a step. "Zecora, please don't do that. Having my eyes blinded is freaking me out."

"Is this for real, or a trick to unfold? Trying to wriggle out of the blindfold?" Zecora asked.

"Real... In hindsight, I should not have agreed to this so quickly..." He grit his teeth. "I need one of you to lead me to the bath. Please don't make any sudden movements."

Stardust was beginning to have second thoughts. "Alright, I guess..." She went to grab his hoof, but as soon as hers touched him, he jumped back. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you... Didn't realize how bad this would mess you up."

"Me neither... just warn me, alright?" He said as he shuddered.

"Alright. I'm going to grab your hoof now...." Stardust slowly went to grab his hoof. Skystrike flinched when they touched, but let his hoof settle into hers. Slowly, she began to pull the pegasus into the open air bath very slowly. Stardust noticed her wings were twitching and his ears were darting around. "Alright, we're about to step into the water now."

Skystrike heard the movement of water as Stardust stepped into it first, then lead him into it. The hot water felt nice, and the rocks felt smooth under his hooves. He calmed down ever so slightly as he sat down. "T-Thanks, Stardust..." He let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding. Behind him, he heard Zecora enter, then Tethys, then Cadence, then Shining. But he was too focused on the many other sounds around him. The flowing water, the blowing wind, the rustling leaves... there was too much to focus on. His mind was spinning, and he felt ill, but he'd keep on the blindfold. Himself being uncomfortable is worth his friends being comfortable... well, that's what he thought, but he was starting to think otherwise.

'-a... -bula! NEBULA!" Cadence called out to him.

Skystrike flinched again, turning his ears towards her voice. "Yeah?"

"Shining asked if you're enjoying the bath?"

"I haven't been able to focus on it, but it's... warm... What did I miss?"

Cadence blinked. "What did you- we've been in here for like 10 minutes already! We've talked about so much! Is the blindfold messing you up that much?"

Skystrike grit his teeth in an effort to try and not get annoyed. "Yes, Cadence, having on a blindfold does indeed mess me up that much." Skystrike began scratching at his arm with his metal hoof. He tried to control his breathing in an attempt to calm down. "...How much time do we have left here?"

"Almost two hours." Shining answered.

Skystrike inwardly groaned. "Alright, I can do this... it's easy... I've done it before..." He whispered tom himself as he kept scratching.

His friends all awkwardly looked between each other before continuing their conversation. "Anyway, Tethys..." Cadence started. "You're the second dragon I've met, and the only girl. Mind if I ask some questions?"

Tethys leaned back on a rock. "Yes, I am a mammal. Yes, I lay eggs despite that."

Cadence laughed a bit. "What, you get asked that a lot?"

Tethys sighed. "More than you think, and more than I should be. Just wish ponies asked normal questions."

Stardust's ears perked up. "I mean, I always wanted to ask how often you lay eggs... or what you do to them."

"The fuck you think I am, a chicken?" Tethys chuckled. "Basically, we only lay during our cycle. I just freeze mine and shatter them when it happens."

"I was actually going to ask what do you do to get that build? Like damn, I thought I was pretty muscular, but you're just impressive!"

"Oh, well, it's... because I eat meat." Tethys said awkwardly.

Cadence was slightly off put by that. "...You know, I should've thought about that aspect. I remember Shining told me that he sometimes took Spike to the castle to get some fish, right?"

"Yeah." Shining nodded. "Had to keep it a secret from Twilight though. I got worried about the little guy, since he was looking a bit thin... How's he doing?"

Stardust decided to add in. "Oh, the kid's doing good. He's doing a lot now. Nebula was able to convince Twilight to let him go to school... and learn combat from Nebula, and she isn't too fond of it, but it's whatever."

The two looked at Stardust. "Wait, Spike is training? Against Nebula?? Is he ok?"

"Oh yeah, he's fine..." Stardust grew a bit embarrassed. "Kinda pains me to say it, but he's been beating me more often than I'd like to admit."

Zecora nodded with her. "The gap between us and dragons, I had not seen, I assumed strength was for adults, not for kids in between."

Shining nearly stumbled at hearing that. "THAT Spike has been taking on two full grown mares and winning?"

"Nebula you faced, in battles that flow. Are you amazed his prodigy can match the show?"

Shining turned to look at the zebra"...Do you zebras- I'm sorry that sounded wrong. Do all of you rhyme?"

That did not sound better. There was a sudden silence, then Zecora began chuckling, making everyone else follow suit. But now, Zecora had a decision to make, tell him no, not all zebras rhyme... Or lie and it'll be really funny if he ever meets another zebra. "Oh yeah, they all rhyme. It's weird getting used to." Tethys jumped in at the chance. No way was she going to pass this up.

"Huh... neat." Shining stated simply. Then he noticed something somewhat off putting. "Oh, Stardust right? Don't worry about being professional in private. I just want to relax today. We both answer to the same princesses anyway."

"Uh... alright then... It's not just that, I was more thinking on how Nebula got to know so many powerful ponies."

Cadence laughed a bit, thinking back on the memories. "Well, it was... interesting from my perspective. I remember it really well, about three months beforehoof, I remember babysitting Twilight and saying to Celestia I wanted a little sibling. Eventually, we started looking around the Canterlot orphanages and we ended up with him and Blueblood. Apparently he and Auntie already had some history, so that's why he was chosen... though I wonder what that history is..." Cadence laid down in the hot water to get comfortable.

Stardust did the same. "Oh, I can answer that easy. From the story Nebula told, he snuck into Canterlot Castle and helped comfort Princess Celestia when she was mourning Princess Luna!"

Shining's eyes went wide, then narrowed in disbelief. "He snuck into Canterlot Castle? As a colt?? How in Tartarus?? I need to check on that once I get back... I'm getting too off topic. Continue the story, Cadence. I'm kinda interested now."

Cadence nodded. "When he was adopted, being around ten at the time, the first thing Celestia and I noticed is that none of our magic worked on him. We put him in magic elementary, but then Auntie told me he wasn't making friends. Nebula was really closed off, so I said that there was a kid I babysat around his age, and that's how he met Twilight and their group. He opened up a bit, but still visited his family at the Church of the Two Sisters. After about... two years? Yeah, two years, he was still closed off, so I suggested he move to Cloudsdale to be around pegasus. Had to get him tailor made boots so he could walk on clouds. Anyway, two years later he came back, and he actually started applying himself. Don't know what happened in Cloudsdale but he was a different pony. Tested out of all of his classes, skipped freshman and sophomore to start his junior year at fifteen. Would've graduated early if not for his history and politics requirements. It was around then that I became friends with him."

Zecora's ears flicked. "Friends now, weren't you tight before? Or was it something less, what's the score?"

Cadence sighed. "Before, I'd get a few words of conversation, but then I actually got to know about him. When we actually sat down to talked about it, and I admit, it was my fault, he said Celestia and I came off as trying to replace his last one. It was why he was still visiting his orphanage But once that was put behind us, it took a while but he opened up more. Told us his favorite color, his favorite food, pass time, but we mostly saw him at school and a few hours before bed."

"Truly? Time's short, just a dime. A mere moment, hardly enough time."

"Yeah... Auntie was always busy and Skystrike was off doing... whatever, and while I didn't hate Blueblood, he was always unpleasant to be around to say the least. By the time everypony was finished with their stuff, we still made time for dinner, then we'd all go to bed. When he moved back from Cloudsdale, he started going to me and Shiny's school. Eventually, since it was a military school, we had to do group sections, so I invited him to me and Shining's. Sure, that had its own hardships, being the only commoner in classes full of noble children and nearly two years younger. It wasn't until we did the combat training that he got some semblance of respect. And I mean he was destroying ponies! Originally I thought he was just the strategist, but he was an insane vanguard! Most ponies did not know how to handle a pegasus. And then the Gala happened..."

There was a silence at the mention of the Gala. Shining armor's brow furrowed a bit. "...Still hard to believe what he said about Blueblood... I knew he was a brown nose, but... I just can't see him doing something like that... or for no reason."

Cadence winced. "I mean... I can kinda see him doing that. You didn't have to share a castle with him, Shining. He took a lot for granted, thought ponies owed him things, whether it was the hard life he had before the adoption, or because he became royalty. It was a reason why I liked Skystrike more, he's more down to earth... Anyway, Blueblood had a superiority complex. I think he had nothing against me because I'm an alicorn... But Skystrike, he... lets say he got a lot more attention than Blueblood."

Tethys bellowed slightly. "There's no way he did all of that because of jealousy..."

"Eh... I mean there's probably more to it than that. Princess of Love is more of a flattering title. Specifically, I can pick up on latent emotions and thoughts much better than the average pony. I'm still not entirely sure how it works, it's just... something magical... So I can tell that there's definitely more to it than that. My best guess is the constant comparisons he got with Skystrike. He could probably tell you more about it-" Cadence looked to the one being spoken of. When everyone else saw her face of worry, they turned to see Skystrike as well.

He was not doing good... his coat stood on end from the goosebumps he had despite the heat of the bath. His ears flicked back and forth to the varying sounds entering them. Skystrike was still scratching at his arm, the spot turning red and some of his fur falling off. They could hear him sucking air through his teeth as he grew more and more nervous every second. Skystrike himself didn't even realize what his body was doing... his mind was racing at a thousand miles a minute as he focused on trying to regain his composure.

"...Nebula, are you alright?" Cadence asked. She was given no response. Her soaked mane and tail dragged across the wet floor as she approached him. With each step, she saw him flinch. If he wasn't already against a wall, he'd be backing away further with each hoof step that drew closer. Stardust was about to warn Cadence, but she reached out to put a hoof on her shoulder.

As soon as she did, the alicorn was taken off her hooves by Skystrike. His fight response kicked in, pushing the alicorn into the air with his left hoof while tearing off the towel over his eyes with his right. The pegasus' eyes darted around for his presumed attacker. When he saw his friends faces full of worry and shock, as well as Cadence on her back, his actions caught up with him. His breathing wavered as he looked down at his hooves.

"Cadence! Are you alright!?" Shining got up and took off his blindfold to help the alicorn on her hooves.

Cadence rolled her wing. "Yeah... he's done a lot worse." She tried to joke. "But I don't think I'm the one we should be worrying about now..." Skystrike was still looking at his hooves. He began shaking. "Hey, Nebula... it's ok, I'm fine."

"IT'S NOT FINE!" He shouted. Realizing what he did, he groaned. "Didn't mean to yell, I'm sorry... could barely control my own life, and now I can barely control my own body... I don't-... I hurt you all too much already..." Skystrike sighed. "Just... give me a minute." He began to stand up.

Tethys put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Dude, hear me out, I don't think you should be alone right now." The others around them gave sounds agreeing with her. "You can open up to us. You know that, right?"

Tethys took off his helmet, getting a better view of his face, which held a look of apathy. His eyes were empty, for lack of a better word. It was as if years of pain and repressed emotions were bought back to the surface and plastered on his features. Skystrike sat back down. "I... don't know if I can... I-... how I reacted wasn't normal. It's like my mind went numb."

Shining Armor sat back down with Cadence. "Skystrike, I think you might have a trigger... Couple guards I work with have something similar."

"Trigger from wha-..." He thought back to the lab he spent time in as a human. "Oh yeah..." Skystrike sat back down. "I guess that... makes sense. Sorry again, Cadence.

"You said 'Oh yeah' like you know what caused it?"

Skystrike winced. "Uh... lets just say it's... lack of control... Didn't realized how much I was blinded back then. Must've locked those memories deep in my mind. Anyway, I'll get out since you know..." He pointed to his eyes as he took his helmet back from Tethys."

Tethys gave a small sigh. "Don't want you to have to go because of us. Same with Shining. Just-... try not to stare?"

Skystrike sat down and tilted his head. "When have I stared?"

"When I was trying out those outfits at Rarity's."

The pegasus raised an eyebrow. "You... wanted my opinion on your outfits, mother fucker."

"What of when we ventured in the Everfree, gathering herbs, just you and me?" Zecora asked.

Skystrike thought back to it. "Oh, right. I was wondering if you zebras have cutie marks like ponies or if it was something like convergent evolution. Having your own flank patterns and all. Anyway, what were we talking about before I zoned out?"

"Oh, Cadence was saying that you knew something about Blueblood and him being compared to you?" Stardust gave an answer.

Skystrike leaned his head back. "Yeah, that guy... Well, I still went to the orphanage I grew up in. He didn't go to his. With that alone, ponies already judged his character, and elevated mine. Add to that that I'm a pegasus in a unicorn centric city, it did not make for a good time for him." He sighed. "Honestly, what I think did it for him was after I came back from Cloudsdale, I got all the attention... Specifically from you, Cadence, and Celestia. Then, even you two started comparing him to me. It got to him... enough where he tried to take me out of the equation... twice... Still don't know how he found out about my identity."

"Wait, me and Auntie? It was our fault?"

"Oh shit, sorry, I didn't mean it like that..." Skystrike tried to think of an equivalent. "It's like... when you're almost done with a project, and a surprise one comes in and you think, "I have plenty of time to finish the first one, I'll focus on this second one for now." Except the projects are sentient and spiteful... I've come to terms with never knowing the reason he hurt us. I just want him to know how monumentally he fucked up."

"I still need to get more information on what all happened, but you were right." Shining cleared his throat. "There were some bits that went unaccounted for during the alleged time in that forest... And the guard report for your orphanage was sketchy. No cause of fire, no body found, and the fire fighters were suspiciously late to respond."

"Oh yeah, I know." Skystrike nodded. Shining and Cadence shot him a confused look. "What? You think I wouldn't try to find out things myself? There's a lot that I can't tell you because if I did, it would make your entire investigation invalid."

"...For a merc, you know the laws really well... Can we at least get a hint?"

Skystrike thought on it for a bit. "Uh... He didn't set the fire himself. He had several ponies who reported to him at the time who were transferred elsewhere after the fact, with their records expunged... Oh yeah, not related, how did the gala go otherwise?"

Cadence shrugged. "Eh, well enough." She nuzzled Shining. "We were able to get a couple of dances in before the night was ruined."

"That's good, my plan worked." Skystrike smiled at them.

"Yeah, it did." The two said at the same time. Then they shared a look of realization as they turned to each other.

"Yeah, you two are dumb as fuck, hahaha! Yeah, I played both sides. You two are cute together."

The couple was stun locked for a few moments. Stardust raised a brow. "Sky, what did you do?"

"Yeesh, what didn't I do? These two were the most socially awkward mother fuckers that I've met! These two sucked at hints." He motioned to them with his hooves. "Do you know how often Cadence asked me stuff like what Shining's favorite food was? Or Shining asking if Cadence liked jewelry. Like damn, one time I basically set up a whole date for these two."

Zecora chuckled. "Were you often the third in the mix? Feeling like a spare part, an awkward fix?"

"Oh yeah, it was awkward as fuck. Especially how they both were trying to be subtle on asking me questions about the other." Skystrike cleared his throat and mimicked Cadence's voice. "'Oh, Skystrike, unrelated but do you know where Shining likes to hang out alone? Not for what you think, though!' And both of you admitted to me that you liked one another. Like come the fuck on. In fact, Cadence?"

"Y-yes?"

"Say a pick up line that Shining used on you from back then." Skystrike crossed his arms with a grin.

The princess thought back to her youth. "Uh... right before the gala, he said 'Can you hold something for me?' And I asked what, and he said 'My hoof?' And that was the best thing I heard."

"Hey Shining, where'd you get that from?" Skystrike's grin grew wider.

"...You..." He admitted, slightly embarrased.

Skystrike, Stardust, Zecora, and Tethys all began laughing at their expense. Cadence processed what that implied. "...Sweet Celestia! You mother bucker!" Cadence's embarrassment grew. "I used your lines on him! He used yours on me! You knew everything??" Skystrike couldn't help but laugh harder. "This isn't fair! I'm supposed to be the Princess of Love! I'm supposed to have dirt on you!"

"Pffffft! I don't know why you two are complaining. All I did was hold open the door. You two kept down the path. You two are just predictable."

Cadence looked to the other girls. "Tethys, Zecora, Stardust, I am begging you, I need something on him now!"

Tethys winced and put her claws up in defense of her pleading eyes. "I don't know what to tell you. Sure, I got stuff on him, but he has stuff on me, and the rest of us. You all have to deal with this for like the next couple decades. That's a lot for you but nothing for me. I'm just gonna wait it out."

"Well that's kinda bucked up." Zecora laughed, enjoying herself too much to not bother rhyming.

"A while ago, our seamstress friend made him a dress because the whole group thought he was gay." Stardust blurted out.

Tethys snorted. "Wait are you serious?"

Shining looked confused, but held his tongue. Cadence did not. "Wait, he's not gay?"

"You've gotta be kidding me." Skystrike sighed, though couldn't help but laugh a bit at the absurdity of the situation.

"FINALLY!!!" Cadence threw her hooves up into the air in celebration. "Something!"

"Yeah, honestly, I kinda thought so too." Shining Armor chuckled. "You never really showed any interest in mares... And you did a lot of things mares normally do."

"You know, I heard the same argument before, but I still don't get it." Skystrike admitted. "But enlighten me."

Shining armor reached into his mind. "Uh... well the clothes are part of it. Normally ponies don't wear them outside of social events unless they're trying to show off their clothes or themselves. And you wore clothes all the time, yet turned down a lot of mares. Aren't many other ways for the mind to wander."

Skystrike blinked. "Wait, I was getting hit on? I thought they were just being nice."

"Oh you're dense too!" Cadence leaned her head on a hoof. Then she looked at the strained look of Tethys and Zecora. "OhhohOH! This is amazing!" She clapped her hooves together. "You have to tell me all about it next we meet!"

"...I feel like I'm missing something here..." Skystrike narrowed.

"Skystrike, there's no way you're this dumb. You're the smartest guy I know!" Shining held his forehead.

"Ay, holup! I never said I was good with social queues! I will shamelessly admit I am lacking in that department!" Skystrike defended himself.

"You helped me get the mare of my dreams! You know how mares work! And you're saying you didn't notice any advances?"

"Advances!?" Skystrike said in disbelief.

Stardust's nose scrunched up. "Didn't you land four mare at the same time a couple months ago?"

"HE WHAT!?" Cadence shouted, then covered her mouth as the birds flew off of the surrounding trees.

"Jesus!" Skystrike's ears were ringing. "And yes, I did. Don't know how I managed it though."

Shining coughed. "I mean... I'm kinda confused how you managed to last long enough to deal with four." Cadence looked at him. "Oh come on, 'Princess of Love', you can't tell me you didn't think of that either!"

Skystrike cringed as he put up a hoof. "I'd prefer not to talk about my sex life unless it's with someone I'm fuckin."

"...Someone..." Cadence said aloud. Her eyes went as wide as dinner plates. "No bucking way."

"I knew you had it in you bro!" Shining put out a hoof, which the pegasus hoof bumped. "Oh, and I always wanted to ask you Skystrike, How did you hide your identity for almost a decade?"

"Oh, it was surprisingly easy." Skystrike shrugged. "All I have to do is wear a helmet and nopony suspects a thing. Kinda makes sense given that many ponies in Canterlot have a white coat. Also, nearly tripling in size probably takes eyes away from you."

Stardust was confused. "Wait, how big was he before he left?"

"About Zecora's size. He was sixteen, right?" Shining answered for Skystrike to nod. "Now he's like... the size of Luna."

"Jeez man, what did you eat?"

"...Food?" Skystrike shrugged again. "Metabolism's a bitch. I needed to eat like, half my body weight to gain muscle."

"...You know the chefs would've made you anything you wanted, right?" Cadence blinked. "At least you have the good version of it. It's like I can feel myself gaining weight when I eat outside my normal." Skystrike opened his mouth while putting up his hoof, then closed it and put his hoof down. "What was that?"

"I... wanted to say something, but there's no way for me to say it without being mean, so I will stay silent."

Cadence gave a comforting smile. "Skystrike, you're my brother. I won't take it personally."

Skystrike hesitated to say it still while Nightmare Moon screamed in his mind. "NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!"

But it would be reeeeeally funny. "Well... I was gonna say you say 'eat outside your normal' like you're on a diet."

Stardust held her hoof over her mouth as she tried not to laugh. Zecora face hoofed while Tethys couldnt help but grin. Meanwhile, Cadence sat there with the thousand yard stare. Shining armor sighed. "Everypo- sorry, Everybody, let's... give these two some space."

As if they knew what to do, all save for Cadence moved to the opposite end of the bath. Skystrike grew slightly confused before Cadence quickly dashed over to him and shot a jab at his face forcing him to duck under it. Cadence tried to slam her hooves down on him, causing him to jump to the side. "Hey, I thought we were here to relax!?"

"Shut up, asshole! I am on a diet!" Cadence's calculated swings quickly turned to frenzied flailing.

"You gave me an invitation to say it! You said you weren't going to take it personally!" Skystrike kept dodging.

"I lied! Get over here, you stupid horse!"

The onlookers watched the show as their play fight got to be more playful than an actual fight. Skystrike began doing cartwheels and flips to dodge her swings. Zecora chuckled. "Did this occur often, a common theme? Or an anomaly, just like a dream?"

Shining sighed. "Yeah, these two got into it a lot... over much lesser things too." Skystrike began break dancing to dodge her magic missiles. "...That's impressive as Tartarus to do in water. Anyway, this same thing happened because one time Skystrike made plans with me before Cadence could... Damn, I was dense too. It's heart warming to see things sort of go back to how it was."

"How long are they gonna do this for?" Tethys wrapped her tail around her upper body.

"Eh... looks like it's ending soon. This part always cracked me up..." Shining chuckled. The group waited with interest to see how this would end.

While Cadence was catching her breath. Skystrike quickly hit a pose, flexing his muscles as he puffed his chest out. Then he got on top of her and locked his forehooves around her waist, leaning back into a suplex. Cadence's hooves flailed as she screamed at being lifted up into the air. "YAAAAAAAAAA-" Before landing on he back and laughing.

"Ok, you were right, that was pretty good." Stardust laughed.

Skystrike helped Cadence on to her hooves as the two huffed. Cadence looked at him for a long moment before pulling him into a hug. "I missed you. It's good to have you back."

Skystrike returned the hug. "Same to you."

Two days passed since the groups stop in Trottingham. Their flight to Griffonstone was rather uneventful, save for a few fun stories they shared and games they played. Skystrike stayed human through the flight, though despite that, nothing eventful really happened. He could've sworn that Elytra grew an inch or sotaller, but it was probably just a trick of the eye. As of current, Elytra, Zecora, and Tethys were all standing at the opposite end of the deck.

Elytra scratched at the floor board. "Uh Skystrike, you've been out here for hours. What's up? You havent said anything."

"Oh nothing. Just... you know, feeling the wind on my skin." Skystrike stretched a bit, twisting his waist and rolling his shoulders.

"Skystrike, give us the actual reason." Tethys sighed. "We had all the time to do this in Ponyville, yet it's unprompted here of all times and places."

He tapped his foot and sighed, scratching the back of his head. "...At the rate things are going, I won't be able to walk out in the open as a human. Celestia still thinks I'm some type of mole, my mere existence being a threat. Add to that that I have a gut feeling about... quite a few things. I thought about telling Twilight before we left but... she'd more than likely tell Celestia. I also thought about... that invasion that Chrysalis is thinking up. If that happens, and I have to fight her and the rest of the changelings... there would be no good way that plays out. In both of those scenarios, I won't be able to be here anymore, alive or not. I'm thinking of ways to make sure you're all okay if that happens."

They all winced as his story finished. Tethys walked up next to him and stared at the horizon. Elytra and Zecora did the same as the dragoness spoke. "Skystrike, you made a promise to not leave us again. I get your worry-"

Elytra spoke up. "Tethys, we know you're trying to help, but you don't know how deep the rabbit hole goes." She sighed. "Chrysalis still blames Skystrike for their mom's death. She gave Skystrike the chance to rejoin the hive if he lead the march on Canterlot. He denied her, and threatened to kill her if she tried it... I don't doubt that she would reveal his identity out of spite."

Skystrike nodded. "And if that happens, all of you are guilty by association. I know you three would help me out if I became a fugitive, but I'm not letting you put yourselves in any more danger."

"But... you already told Princess Luna, right? Maybe it'd turn out fine if you work with her?"

"That would be the best case scenario. But remember, I faked my death for eight years. I wouldn't be surprised if Celestia thought I killed 'Skystrike' and took his place. After all, I do know how to transform."

Zecora had her own question. "Do you reckon she distrusts you so deep, that her suspicions, she just can't keep?"

"To be honest, I'm surprised she didn't try to kill me when we met in the abandoned castle." Skystrike gave a small chuckle. "She even got Casta to start designing a machine to neutralize me. The only reason I can think of where she hasn't come after me was because human me knows pony me. Makes me feel manipulative, but she cant come after me directly without ruining our relationship that we just got back."

"What of the changelings? Are you quite sure, that this impending attack is what they'll endure?"

Elytra could give her input on that. "When he was banished, it... was a moment of weakness for Chrysalis. It had a huge amount of side effects. Skystrike let any changeling who needed it take love... probably why this problem he was having wasn't necessarily a problem until he left the hive. I say that because with the loss of leadership that was Khrusalis, and the emergency source of love that was Skystrike, the hive quickly declined... There was a famine happening when I was banished, and is most likely still going on... We're a predatory species, parasitic even. Ponies are the quickest and most effective source of emotions that we feed on. They'll only last so much longer before the hive is effectively forced to invade."

"So... it's an inevitability." Skystrike stated as he sighed. "So far, I have three options..." He began counting on his fingers. "One, I ignore it, and risk the loss of this country, and the suffering of ponies with the reward of my own safety. Two, I tell Celestia of my identity, and the coming invasion at the risk of her retaliation, which is very likely. Three, I wait until it happens, and I confront Chrysalis and the rest of the hive at the risk of my identity coming out from her... The safest option would be to just tell Celestia."

Elytra huffed. "You already said that she barely trusts anything you say."

"I meant safest for everyone else."

Tethys frowned. "You're doing it again. Putting everyone else before you. You deserve to be happy."

"Maybe so, but not at the harm of others." Skystrike clenched his fist. "That was the whole reason I left the hive willingly... fat load of shit that did in hindsight. But even if there is a chance that you all will come out unharmed, I'll take it."

"...Hypothetically, If Celestia does find out, and doesn't confront you, what will you do?" Elytra asked.

"I would stick around until the end of my lifetime."

"And if she does confront you?"

"Then I'll fight her. She wouldn't let me be free, and I will not be contained again. Once she's in a state where she can't follow me, I would isolate myself as to not put anyone else in danger-

Zecora got angry as he continued to speak. Angry enough where she didn't even bother to rhyme. "What the buck is wrong with you!? You would abandon us again!? After all the time we spent together!? Do we mean nothing to you!?"

His eyes flickered. He took in a few deep breaths before answering. "It's because you all mean everything to me that I would do it. You don't realize how much I've thought about this. The Elements of Harmony would be called to stop me. It'd hurt me even more if they didn't even believe that I'm Skystrike. Luna would be forced to choose between me and her country. You all would either have to watch me suffer, or fight those you grew close to... I don't want that for any of you." Skystrike sighed. "The road that I've taken doesn't lead to any happy endings. I just have to chose the least worst one."

"You know we can take care of ourselves, right?" Tethys shook his shoulder. "You don't have to keep sacrificing yourself and your happiness for us. No matter what you do, we'll stand by you until the end."

Zecora and Elytra both looked up at him and put a hoof on each of his legs. "Thank you, girls. I don't know how, but I'll make it up to you all." Skystrike smiled at them. "I'll figure out something. For now, we're almost to Griffonstone."

The four friends looked back towards the horizon to see the griffon capital, sitting atop one of the peaks of the Hyperborean Mountains. He could see several dozen griffons flying around the peak. The city structures seemed to be built on a petrified tree, nearly as large peak of the mountain itself. Among the highest branches sat a tall castle carved out of the tree itself. Though he couldn't make out what it was made of, the entrance to both the city and the castle were marked with a red material. Getting closer, he noticed how... run down the place was.

The wooden houses and thatch roofs were either rotting, missing parts, or both. A few of the houses fell off their perches, while others slumped into the ground below. Getting even closer, it looked as if the place was abandoned. Doors had no hinges, their walkways were cracked and crumbling. He would believe that Griffonstone was a ghost town if Skystrike currently wasn't getting stares as a few griffons passed. Some of them were even armed... worrying. "Zecora, Elytra, Tethys, get your armor on. I'm about to park the ship and put it on lockdown."

They all nodded before walking inside, Skystrike following after them. In the bridge, he grabbed the levers and began to slow the ship down, just outside what he would assume to be the city limits. He then went to put on his armor before locking every room and hallway before meeting the girls on the deck of the ship. The winds in the sky were strong, but not strong enough to move the ship any meaningful distance.

Tethys looked over the city. "Yeesh, it's been a while since I've been here... Couple decades I think? I was in my hundreds, but I did not think it would be in this state of decay... I get why Alder didn't say anything about his home."

Elytra sheathed her Rapier. "You've been here before?"

Tethys nodded and played with the tip of her tail between her fingers. "Yeah, though it was long before any of you were born. This place used to be beautiful... from afar I mean. I never dared to step claw inside. The houses used to be made of stone, painted all pretty too. Every griffon wore some gold on them. Tartarus, they used to be as greedy as us dragons... now... It's like they lost all of their pride." Then she turned to Skystrike. "You think Alder will even be here?"

"I hope so. If not, we ask around and see if any of these griffons do." Skystrike clenched his fist of his metal arm, the joints creaking against each other. "If their greed is anything to go by, then that means money talk. You all ready?"

Zecora winced. "Descending from up high, a puzzling plight. Without wings, it seems, a daunting flight."

"Well, I planned on carrying you. I may not have wings, but I can still fly."

Zecora full on cringed. "This may seem to be a lesser plight, but I am... afraid of heights." It makes sense. She never truly got over that fall.

Skystrike kneeled down to be as close to her eye level as he could be. "It's not lesser. I get it. Don't worry, I'll take care to not go too fast, and to try and calm you down. It'll be over before you know it. Skystrike put out a hand.

Zecora put up a hoof and hesitated, but trusted him enough to take it. Skystrike picker her up, holding up her rear with his right arm just below his stomach, and his left arm around her back. A flustered Zecora wrapped her forehooves around his neck. "Tethys, Elytra, go ahead down. We'll be a minute."

The two gave a knowing smirk before climbing on and jumping off the railing of the ship. Skystrike took a step onto the railing before feeling Zecora tighten her grip. "It'll be fine. Just close your eyes." Skystrike created two balls of fire under each of his feet. It took him a while to learn the trick, but it was easy once he got it down. Increasing the output of the fire and controlling the direction of release below him, a small enough upward force was generated to slow their descent.

Zecora's eyes were closed tight. "...Are we moving?"

"Yeah, got about a minute before we reach the ground. Are you doing ok?"

He could feel the zebra nod. "I'm hanging in there, you're steady and true, Let's pick up the pace, I don't wish to be in the sky longer than I have to."

Skystrike slowly increased the speed of his descent. "I didn't think it was this bad. Sorry, I should've thought of that before asking you to come on this trip."

Zecora shook her head. "I do not mind it..., your company's a pleasure.... Flying together, a memory to treasure..."

Skystrike noticed that it was taking longer to for her rhymes, and she was beginning to shake slightly. In an attempt to calm her down, Skystrike began to stroke her back. Thankfully, it worked. Though she was still nervous, the shaking stopped. "Well, I enjoy the time I spend with you too." Maybe it'd help if he took her mind off the falling. "Oh, I never asked, what jacket did you get?"

"Oh, I... got a bomber jacket, olive green in hue. Stylish and cool, quite the debut." She answered. "With Tethys and Elytra by my side, choosing attire was a fashionable ride."

"Oh cool. I'll have to see you rock it sometime." Skystrike said as he landed on the ground with a thump before expelling his magic. "You can open your eyes. We've landed."

Zecora thanked him with a nod before jumping out of his arms. Tethys gave a knowing smirk before looking to Skystrike. "So, what's the plan, Skystrike?"

He looked around at the very few griffons looking at them. He walked up to one. The griffon had black feathers with grey fur and darker grey talons. She raised an eyebrow as Skystrike approached her, then grew uneasy seeing the armaments he and his companions had on. "I don't know anything, you got the wrong girl."

Skystrike chuckled and reached into his pocket to pull out a handful of bits. "Not in trouble. In fact, I need information. There's a griffon I'm acquainted with. He has silver feathers, orange fur, and white talons. Has a black feather crown, his wings go from silver to black, and the tip of his tail does the same. Rather tall for a griffon, since the bird part of him is a secretary bird. Should be in his mid 50s. Does that ring any bells?"

The griffon looked at the bag of bits. "I might... but with the armor you got on and the ship you came in on, you can do better than that."

Skystrike narrowed his eyes. "This is to make sure that you actually do know something, and I'm not wasting my money. You have to have some pride left as a griffon, so lets make a deal." He reached back into his pocket to bring out double of the bits he once held. "All of this for the guarantee of some useful info. If it's a simple pointer, you get the original amount offered."

The griffoness thought on it for a bit before taking the bags in a talon. "...Some griffon of that description comes by every once in a while. Has some family in the house a few blocks down. If you're lucky, he may be there. It's the one house that isn't completely run down."

"Thanks." Skystrike motioned for the group to follow. "You heard the lady. May just end up being a waiting game." Skystrike waited for each of them to be within whispering distance. "And stay on your guard, I expected it but we're being watched."

The four of them walked down the cracked streets. Trying to ignore eye contact with the passerby, they saw the house that griffon spoke of in the distance. It was still run down, but like she said, not completely. The walled were made of stone, though cracked, and the roof didn't have any holes in it. What made it stand out was the metal door with a sliding door to see who was on the other side of the door. Skystrike knocked on it. The latch slid open and a pair of eagle eyes looked at him. Skystrike crouched down a bit to see the watcher at eye level. "...The fuck are you supposed to be, some... tall, flat faced ape?"

If only the beings of this world knew how racist that sounded. "Well, lets just say I'm not from these parts... I'm here looking for a griffon. I heard from a little birdie that this is where I can find him."

"That depends on who's askin', and who's yer lookin' for."

"A couple old friends, looking for a griffon in his mid fifties called Alder-" Skystrike didn't even get to finish his sentence before the latch slammed shut at the mention of the griffons name. Skystrike made a face, turned to his friends who were also making the same face as him, then knocked on the door again.

"Piss off! There's no griffon here by that name!"

"Oh, somehow I doubt that..." Skystrike sighed. "From the sounds of it, doesn't sound like you're one for conversation. So, I'll give you a simple ultimatum. Give us info on Alder, or I come in there and find it myself." He threatened.

"Good luck with that, asshole! This is two feet of solid steel!"

Skystrike motioned for his friends to stand back. They did so as he made a blade come out of his metal arm on top of his wrist. He made it vibrate at an astounding speed before pulling back and making three slashes in a triangle pattern across the entire door. The fragments of it fell inward to reveal a gobsmacked griffon. Before he could call for help, Skystrike jumped on the griffon, pinning him to the ground on his belly and closing the beak with his hand. He flailed under his weight for a bit before a sword dug into the ground next to him. "Don't. Move." The griffon listened. "Scratch into the floor with a talon how many of you there are. Elytra, Zecora, sweep the floor, don't split up. Tethys, make sure no one follows us in."

They all went to do as told, the mares going into the dark corridors while Tethys puffed up her chest before breathing out chilling water onto the floor, it freezing on contact. Soon enough, the entire doorframe was blocked with a thick wall of ice. Then, on Skystrike's demand, she froze the griffon to the floor, allowing Skystrike to step off of him. Zecora and Elytra came back. "The floor's empty. There's nothing here."

Skystrike shook his head. "They wouldn't have a door like that to act as a deterrent, nor a watcher if that was the case. Any rugs, bookcases, wall mounted torches, anything that would seem suspicious?"

Zecora nodded. "Amidst the room, a few rugs lie. But most are worn, torn, their days gone by."

"Same with the bookshelves. And the torches don't have any wicks left." Stardust added.

Skystrike hit a thinking pose. "...Zecora, you said most. What about the design of the rugs?"

"Among the fancy, one stands apart, yet its simplicity holds a special heart."

"Why are we talking about rugs?" Tethys crossed her arms and folded in her wings to not hit anything.

"There's more than likely a secret entrance, and from how most of these griffons don't really wear their wealth, I would assume crime rates would be a bit high. Sure, they may be prideful, but greed can be stronger. If there was anything here worth taking, it'd be something like a rug. My guess is that the secret entrance is under the one least likely to be stolen." Skystrike looked at the griffon frozen to the floor, who decided to not write anything. "We don't know how many griffons we may be dealing with, but despite that, we're not killing anyone today... Elytra, anything else that stood out?"

She shook her head. "No... well... the room where that normal looking rug is does have a stronger smell. A lot of mixed emotions... greed, pride, happiness..."

Tethys sniffed the air. "It also smells a bit like meat... They just came back from a hunt."

"Sounds like our place then." Skystrike rolled his shoulder. Zecora lead them all to the room with a plain orange rug, full of dirt and torn here and there. He huffed as he pulled the rug back, and sure enough, there was a large trap door. "Lets wait for a bit. Hug the wall behind the trap door. Elytra, hang out on the ceiling in the blind spot of the door."

They all did so before Tethys asked. "Why aren't we just going in?"

Elytra answered in Skystrike's place. "They're more than likely on shifts. No griffon is coming in since they just had a hunt and more than likely from the greed and pride and happiness, having a party. Eventually, one is going to have to come to switch out. There is also, more than likely some code if you want to enter the trap door, and not one to exit... It's what I was taught in the guard, and these griffons are organized."

And so, they waited. The silence was deafening, but none of them could guarantee that the door was soundproof. Given that it was wooden, more than likely not. Luckily, they didn't make much sound as they came in. It took about twenty minutes, but a brown griffon opened the door. "Apollo! Time to switch out! I saved you a cut of loin like you wanted!"

Skystrike pointed at the griffon, giving the signal to Elytra to pounce. She did so, landing on the griffon's head, causing them to face plant. While staggered, the changeling charged her magic and used a tranquilizing spell, knocking the griffon out easily. Skystrike got off the wall and began dragging the brown griffon away from the trap door and against the wall. "I see you never lost your edge."

"Thanks... I've been practicing..." She whispered back. "Honestly, I was worried I was starting to lose my edge... Been a while since we did a mission."

Skystrike motioned for Tethys to freeze the griffon. She did so before they all followed the ladder further down. They heard music getting louder, and the smell of roasted meat filled the air. It makes sense, since depending on the bird half, griffons are either omnivorous or carnivorous. They made sure to watch their steps as they followed the well lit torches on the carved stone walls, Skystrike leading the pack, stopping at each corner to make sure no griffon was coming. He thanked his luck that they were celebrating, else they would be breathing down his neck.

He put out a hand to stop his friends before a large opening. There were between two and three dozen griffons sat around six boars over a large fire pit in the center. Sure enough, it was a feast. Skystrike looked at the griffons filling their guts with pork and ale, seeing if he could fine who he was looking for. His eyes fell upon the one he was looking for. It's been almost three years now, but he looks about the same. Same silver feathers, same orange fur, but both were a bit more dull. He was giving a hardy laugh to his assumed subordinates around him. He seemed happy, to say the least.

Tethys leaned around to see Alder. "So... we can't exactly just go in and say hello, can we?"

"I mean... I can't... you guys probably could." Skystrike chuckled. Then he hummed as he got an idea. "Elytra, can you teleport to the ship and bring back what's left of the Ophiotaurus? Should be the tail left." Elytra nodded before teleporting away. After two minutes, she came back with a loud thump. "Thanks, now... this may seem crazy but-"

Elytra sighed. "You're gonna walk in there and say 'I come bearing gifts' or something."

Skystrike lifted up the roast by the metal pikes still in it. "You know me well." He said as he turned around. Stepping into the light, he felt dozens of eyes snap onto him as their voices fell silent. There was an awkward pause before Skystrike said. "I come bearing gifts! Ever had Ophiotaurus!?"

The griffons looked at him. "Who the fuck is that?" One asked. "What the fuck is that?" Another asked. "...It does smell kinda good... Wait, how in Tartarus did it get in!?" And with that last question, the few that could began to reach for their weapons. Muskets, crossbows, and various blades clattered as they worked their ways into their aggressors claws.

"HOLD!" Alder put up a silver talon, making all the griffons under him stop in place, their weapons still trained on him. The lanky griffon took slow steps towards the human before taking out a cigar and lighting it. The middle aged griffon took in a puff of smoke before blowing it out and meeting Skystrike's purple eyes with his sky blue. "You seem like a reasonable fella... put down that meat over the fire. Boys, some space, please." Alder lead him to the fire pit, and motioned for Skystrike to put the roast over it.

"Boss! You can't be serious!?" A griffon still has his musket trained on the human.

"Stork, he snuck in and got past two of our guys, if he wanted any of us dead, he would've done so by now." Alder let out another puff of smoke. "Though I am a bit curious... how'd you get in here?"

"Well your first guy wouldn't let me in, so I cut down the door. Then I waited for the second guy to come check on the first, and snuck in." Skystrike pulled over a chair to sit down in, as well as one for Alder.

Alder didn't sit down quite yet. "...Two of my boys just let you walk in?"

"Oh, no, had to handle them." Skystrike said. Alder put up a talon. "Oh, don't worry, they aren't dead. Didn't want to get on your bad side, considering I came here looking for you."

Alder put his talon down and sat. "And tell me, what do you want with me? Some other rival of ours tell you to come for us? Can't think of many enemies we have..."

"Oh, well, just to see you. Some old friends wanted to meet you, me included." Skystrike pointed to the hallway he came from. All the griffons turned to look into the darkness. "...Oh, right. Sorry, we didn't really have a plan. Yo! You girls can come out now!"

Elytra came out first, then Zecora, then Tethys. A few of the griffons turned their weapons on them before Alder gave his order. "Drop your weapons now!" He put out his cigar before putting it out by cutting off there fire with a talon. His stern face softened a bit at the familiar faces. "Go back to the celebration... We've got a couple new guests joining us!"

Though hesitantly, the griffons did as told putting down their weapons and picking back up their food and drinks. Elytra tried to hide her astonishment. "How did that work?"

"Elytra! Tethys! Zecora! What a sight for sore eyes!" Alder gave a hardy laugh. "Didn't think I'd be able to see you all again before I kicked the bucket!" He was almost a head over Zecora as he shook her hoof, then going to Elytra and Tethys to do the same. They exchanged their own personal greetings before Alder chuckled. "Damn... it's only been three years huh?"

Elytra nodded. "Time hasn't been half bad on you, Alder. Wasn't expecting all of this."

"And I wasn't expecting the three of you to be able to get here to Griffonstone. Much less with your... weird friend." Alder turned to the human. "Sorry, kid, I never asked your name."

"Skystrike."

Alder blinked. "Huh... had a pony friend with the same name."

"Yeah, that's me. Hi, Alder." Skystrike snorted.

Alder stared at him in disbelief before Skystrike showed his helmet to sell the change in appearance, as well as showing his swords. "No way... that colt was you!? How!?"

"It's a long story." Skystrike sighed.

Alder hummed. "Well... can you prove you're him?"

"Uh...." Skystrike thought. "You were the seventh to join, and we met in Canterlot because you were bored and wanted to find a way to make bits for your griffons here... You also tried to give me "advice" on how to "get girls" because I was lonely. You also said you had a neice that came to Equestria before, so you had a general idea of how the country worked. You, me, and Jeshan bonded the most out of the whole group before Skybeak joined because we're guys."

Alder smiled at the memory as he poured himself and the rest of his guests some drinks. "Heh, yeah, we got into so much shit back then... Jeshan and I were the oldest, but we still threw down like you and Skybeak. Haha! Remember when we all tried to out drink Tethys?" He looked back at the dragoness who pulled up some seats for the rest of them. "One of the best nights of my life, but I regretted it like hell in the morning."

Tethys chuckled as she turned the chair around to rest her arms on the back of it. "Still don't know why you thought you could win."

Alder chuckled some more as they bumped their tankards together in cheers. "So... been three years. You're 25 now, right? Don't blame ya for how you left, figured you were going through a lot back then."

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah... still going through a lot now, but better at communication. Figured I'd come check up on you after these years in person, and say sorry." He sighed. "I thought I was doing the best by each of you, only to realize later that my actions hurt you all the most."

Alder put a talon on Skystrike's shoulder. "Kid, you don't gotta apologize for that. I get it, really." Skystrike raised an eyebrow at that. "Bein' honest, the reason I even joined you was because I've been trying to make money for the family."

Elytra looked up from her drink. "...You know, you never did talk about your family."

He sighed. "Well... not too much to talk about anymore. Had a brother who passed about a year back... All that's left is my sister in law and niece. My niece came back from Equestria just before her fathers passing, but... she apparently didn't have a good time before she came. Falling out with a friend or something. Anyway I promised my younger brother Talos that I'd take care of her."

Zecora tried to comfort him a bit. "I'm sorry, my griffon friend, that your brother met his untimely end. From your mourning, it seems you were close. A bond so deep, like a crimson rose."

"Yeah... Was a little shit at times, but I loved him to death. But let's not hang on a tough subject." Alder took another sip of his ale. "I'm interested in what this Ophio-what's it tastes like." Skystrike switched his tankard to his left hand. Alder was a bit confused at first before a blade launched out of the wrist of his metal arm. Skystrike cut off a slice and put it on a plate for Alder. "By the roost! That's cool as hell! When did you get that!?"

Skystrike chuckled. "Had it the whole time. Just never really wanted attention on it."

Alder cut a piece with his silver talons and stuck it into his mouth. His eyes lit up at the flavor as he pogged. "Oh this is great! It's so tender! The fat just melts in my mouth! And it's seasoned so well!"

"Heh, nice to know you enjoy it. We already stored food for ourselves, so you can share that with the rest of your guys here. Think of it as an apology for the door, and those two guys."

Alder looked at him. "Shit, almost forgot. HEY!" He shouted to his griffons. "STONE! SLATE! CHECK ON THOSE TWO WHO LET THESE FOUR IN! MAY BE FRIENDS, BUT THOSE TWO WERE SLOPPY!" Alder scarfed down the meat. "How did you guys get in anyway? I'd imagine it's hard, sneaking in with all that armor you got on."

Elytra took a gulp of her ale. "Oh, Skystrike cut down the door, then we waited for a griffon to come in to check on the first griffon."

Tethys nodded. "Honestly, was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Probably because we caught you during a celebration."

Alder blinked. "...How the hell did you cut down a solid steel door!? That costed me like, two thousand bits!"

Skystrike sighed. "Yeah, thought about that when I realized you were the leader here. I thought you got kidnapped or something, since they hesitated at the mention of your name. I got the stuff to fix it on my ship, so you don't have to pay. As for your 'hidden' base, I'd recommend having the same rug quality in each room. It was literally the first thing I thought of. Also, the metal door on a normal house makes the place stand out."

"Thanks... I've been working on that- hold on, 'my ship'? You came here by sea?"

Skystrike smiled. "Well, yes, but technically, no. I flew over the sea."

"...You have a mother fucking airship!?" His beak opened wide. "How!?"

Tethys smirked. "He tricked the princesses of Equestria to buy him one if he won against the captain of their guard and the princess of love."

Alder looked at them before busting out into laughter, some of the griffons around him stopping their conversations to look at him. "AHAHAHA! Knew you were a smart kid but damn! Never expected you to play the princesses!" He laughed a bit more before he gave a happy sigh. "Damn... how'd you even get close enough to them for that to happen? Don't really know how royals work there, but the ones here wouldn't let you even see them."

"Oh, well, I made my name as a solo after we split up." Skystrike began to explain as he took a sip of his ale. "I was known for being fast, reliable, and not cutting corners. Plus, I had my ways of making sure I left a good impression... Apparently, my name went around enough, that Celestia came to me personally for a quest. I met the Captain and the third princess when I got my reward."

Tethys nodded. "I met him during that mission. We were after the same targets, some dragons that had to be put down. It's been about... eight months I think? Time always loses me with how long I've been alive."

Zecora finished her drink. "Seven months, a journey profound. Glad to have shared this time, I've found. Skystrike's tale holds secrets untold, adopted by the princess, a story to unfold."

"Huh... ok then. That's... not as surprising as I thought it'd be." Alder said before side eyeing the roast. "Skystrike, can you...?" Skystrike chuckled before cutting off another, larger, slice. "Thanks... you know, if you're still single, my niece is on the market."

Skystrike's eyes went wide as he choked on his drink while the girls were laughing. It burned his throat, but he forced himself to swallow the harsh liquid. "God! That's one of the first things you ask me?"

"Oh, you'd like her... probably... Honestly, Gilda just needs a good influence." Skystrike winced a bit at the mention of that name. "Oh, you know her? Well, not you you, more like pony you."

"We have... a history..." Skystrike sighed. "Didn't end on the best of terms... Came to Ponyville, started off ok, but then she just started to be an a-... a jerk to my friends. Made one of them cry so I may have punched her in the face... hard enough for her to slide back a few feet."

Tethys, Zecora, and Alder all went "Oh." Before Tethys asked the important question. "Wait... which one did she make cry?"

"Fluttershy."

Tethys put up her hands. "Sorry, Alder, she deserved it. Fluttershy is the sweetest soul."

Skystrike shook his head. "Knowing what I know now, I regret it... She just wanted to spend time with her best friend, and kept getting interrupted. Of course she'd be mad. Add to that that she probably wasn't over her dad's death. Doesn't justify her actions but... I can understand why she acted the way she did."

"Damn... I don't want to believe it but... you weren't one to lie." Alder sighed as he poured himself some more ale. He took a few gulps before slamming it down on the table. "She's taking it worse than I thought then..."

Skystrike leaned back. "Well, if she's nearby, I planned on staying in Griffonstone for a few days at least. I'd like to apologize to her if she'd give me the chance... Actually, what would I even say besides 'Hey, sorry I decked you in the face and called you half chicken.' But yeah, I'll still apologize." Skystrike drank some of his ale. "Oh, I never asked, what do you do with all these griffons besides hunt?"

Alder rolled his neck. "Well, I kinda copied you. We take missions from the surrounding cities, territories, and countries. Zebrafrica, Saddle Arabia, Seaquestria from time to time. Sometimes we're hired as security, but most times, it's long distance package delivering. Us griffons can fly a lot longer than ponies, you know. Anything to keep the money coming in... Damn nobles up in their branches keep all the money to themselves, giving us the scraps."

"Let me guess... corruption?"

"You have no idea." Alder growled. "I'll tell you about it later."

"You know... I make no promises, but I could be getting some political power in the coming months. I'll try my best to get trade to Griffonstone if I do. The village I could be in charge of is right on the edge of the Luna Bay, so the fishing scene could be great." Skystrike leaned forward. "At the very least, I can help you get dual citizenship. Will be a lot easier than starting from Zero with Tethys."

Alder hummed as he scratched his chin in thought. "Hmm... not a bad idea, honestly. Can't exactly say I can afford to go out on the field anymore. Age is finally getting up there, plus Gilda... You know, I don't think I've ever had fish."

Tethys smiled. "May be bias, since my homeland is the Dragon Seas, but it's... alright. Depends on the type of fish. I just got tired of it. You'd probably like it."

Alder thought about it. "Well, it would probably beat living here... But let me cut to the chase, Skystrike. What are you here for?"

Skystrike winced. "Damn, was I that much of an asshole?"

"Yeah." They all said before looking between each other and laughing.

Skystrike couldn't help but smile either. "Damn, well, thanks for sticking by me throughout my actions."

Alder huffed. "Well, thinking back on it, you weren't really an asshole, more like... unfiltered? Like, sure, everything you did made sense, but there's the emotional aspect to it. I remember when we had some contract to find some stolen family heirloom, and this stallion was talking about how it was important to him or whatever. And yes, we were all thinking it, but you just up and say 'How will this information help us find it?' And he got SO mad."

"Yeah, that's fair." Skystrike chuckled a bit. "I'd like to think I've changed since. I realized I almost snuffed out the emotional part of me back then. I'll tell you about it later. To answer your earlier question... Rather not bring down the mood, but I'm here for nothing more than to see you again."

Alder stayed silent for a while. "Huh... Well, guess we have a lot to talk about in the morning." The griffon looked around to see the state his comrades. Some of the griffons were completely wasted, others were passed out, and the rest seemed to head back to their rooms for the night. "Guess it is about that time, huh? You four need a place to sleep?"

Elytra shook her head. "No, but thanks for the offer. The Wind Waker is surprisingly spacious."

"I'll fix your door in the morning." Skystrike stood up to stretch a bit. "The time zone difference is gonna mess us up, bit we'll be up around... ten your time. Wanna join us for breakfast? It'll be pancakes."

"Aw HELL yeah!" Alder pumped a fist.

Skystrike nodded, giving the griffon a fist bump before turning to leave. It's nice having something to look forward to.

Author's Note

Prep for mid terms and finals have been beating my ass, but I got this out. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I plan on starting the next one relatively soon, but finals is in a week, so I may be late to starting it. Introduced a new character, Alder. I plan on touching on him more in the next chapter, then going to Diamondia in the same chapter for Jeshan the diamond dog. Alder will be a reoccurring character, but won't be here as often as of now. Wait until after the gala.

Took some liberties with the back stories of Octavia, though I was a bit hesitant on that part, as it was a bit of a personal experience years ago, but I'm better now, and Octavia is too. Also works as a prelude on how she got into the orchestra at the gala.

Onto Alder a bit, I have a small head canon that not all griffons are half eagle, and instead the bird half depends on where they're from. Griffonstone is just the hub for all the different types to meet.

Also, while I had it for a while, I do have twitter, and I commissioned art of Skystrike a bit ago from ShadowReindeer. Figured you readers would like a newer picture of him. https://twitter.com/ShadowReindeer/status/1766859262133743686

Also, a more personal note. I'm graduating in May, so by the time the next chapter comes out, I'll have a bachelors! Just something I'm proud of and wanted to share. That's it, and I'll see you next time.

Lion's Den

It was almost noon. Alder the griffon held his head as he took in all that Skystrike said. Tethys, Zecora, and Elytra gave the two some space to talk. The human told him about all that he's gone through, from his life in the lab, the changelings, the ponies, his siblings, and why he disbanded the group. Lastly, he told Alder about his most recent discovery, the limited time he has left in this world. It took over an hour to explain everything.

Skystrike leaned back as he took in the beauty of the work he did. He just finished fixing Alder's steel door, welding the pieces back together with his magic. "And... there." Skystrike put the door back on its hinges. "Almost like new." He turned to Alder who just looked at him. "What?"

"Skystrike, kid, you cant just say all that and expect me to not be surprised! You're an alien! Other dimensions exist! You're so casual about this, I have a hard time believing it all, but said alien is in front of me! And to top it all off, you're dying!" Alder slammed a talon on the table as he ended each sentence.

Skystrike hummed. "...You know, when you say it like that..." He chuckled.

"How are you so calm?!"

"Look Alder, literally every being in this world was the equivalent of some caveman on mushrooms hallucinating. Stuff like this wont surprise me anymore. As for my death, I'm kinda over it. Knew I was gonna kick the bucket eventually. I'm more worried about how everyone is gonna take it." Skystrike shrugged as he pulled up a chair to sit down next to Alder.

It was early, but the griffon needed it. He pulled out a cigar and took a few puffs. "...Then let me get the chance to say this before I lose it. You're like a son to me... I see the naivety and recklessness that I had in you. Probably learned most of this by now, but even the tiniest actions you do now affects all of us." He sighed. "...There's so much I wish I could've said to my little brother before Talos passed. I'll never get that chance, but you still have that." He put a talon in Skystrike's shoulder. "Take risks. It's what makes life worth living. You said you live in Ponyville right? Any mares there you like?"

"I mean... maybe? I don't really know 'love' besides platonic." Skystrike sighed. "Wasn't really around anyone who had a positive relationship... Well, there was my foster family for about two years, but I wasn't really there to see it."

Alder took another puff. "Ah damn, how do I explain this... When you see a girl you like, your heart skips a beat, you smile more, your chest gets a weird feeling. Anything like that ring a bell?"

"I thought that was because I wasn't depressed anymore." Skystrike scratched the back of his head.

"Oh." Alder blinked. "...Yeah, that would do it too... Sky, you do not make this easy. Why don't you ask your sister, Candice or whatever's her name?"

"Because I'll never hear the end of it." Skystrike admitted. "Also, why are you telling me about girls?"

Alder chuckled. "I may not look it, but I had game back in my day... Ever fucked a minotaur?"

Skystrike contained his laugh. "Well, no, but good for you? I guess?" He watched the one of the griffons he knocked out yesterday walk by, giving him a dirty look. "Oh yeah, reminds me, you said something yesterday about telling me about the corruption here?"

Alder grumbled a bit as he tapped his cigar into the ash tray on the table in front of him. "That's... a long story." He looked at the still rising sun. About eleven he guessed. He put the cigar away it its case before standing up. "Thanks for the door. Let's go up to your ship. Figured I'd tell everyone so I don't have to explain this several times."

Skystrike nodded. "Alright. I parked it just on the outskirts."

Alder walked past Skystrike as he held the door open for the griffon. "You parked it in the sky?" He asked looking up at it. "Damn, what does that run off of?"

"An artificial magic generator. Essentially, it gains energy as it loses it, lest I run it over capacity."

The two kept talking as they walked. "Damn... and how long did it take you to get here? I know by train it's like, three or four days depending on how many stops it takes."

"Well, a bit over three. We made a couple stops to hunt, then in Trottingham. After spending a few days here, it's about a... five day flight plan to Diamondia?" Skystrike shrugged. "The map we have is off of a lot of shared memory... Actually, that reminds me of what I wanted to do here. Know where I can get a map?"

Alder sighed a bit. "Part of the issue I was gonna touch on. Information is very heavily regulated by the crown. You'd be surprised how few griffons know anything past grade school... then again, our schools aren't really funded... or existent. Anyway, getting ahead of myself. I'm saying you need to go through the government to get a map."

"Yeesh... I can tell where this goes." Skystrike sighed. Alder gave him a look, as if asking to elaborate. "Information is power, so to make sure your royalty stays in power, they control the amount of information that gets around. My race, humanity, has a long, long history of that. One of the more notable parts to mention is that there were mass book burnings because of religious reasons, saying that it was blasphemous. Eventually, it gets to the point where they control what you think through propaganda. 'It's this country's fault that we're in poverty' or 'We may have committed war crimes, but these people made us'. Then you can control the mass populous to disavow anyone who disagrees with the status quo."

"I... just... wow... You humans have... quite the history." Alder thought more about it. "Are you saying that... we griffons are going down your path?"

Skystrike thought about it. "Well, kind of. Its different enough where you have plenty of time to fix it though. Like, I don't know much about your history, but you aren't having genocides of certain races because of their race, nor do you have the technology yet to spread propaganda world wide, let alone have a war where literally every important country is fighting between each other. and that's only the 20th century. When I was born and taught all of this, I was in the 31st. Things got even worse when we were able to use magic, but that's a long, long story."

"Jeez kid... Everything seems so small now... And you were just groomed into invading this world?" Skystrike nodded at Alder's question. "Well, thanks for not taking us over."

Skystrike chuckled a bit. "No problem. Haven't really had a reason to anyway. Most of my experiences here have been positive." He stopped and looked up at the Wind Waker, then looked to Alder. "Can you make that flight?"

"I'm old, not senile, asshole." Alder laughed. With a few flaps of his wings, he began flying a few feet off the ground. "Can you? Or do you have to transform?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Back up a bit." Alder did so, going further up into the air. Skystrike took a deep breath before giving a slight hop and stomping both feet onto the ground. Then he did a full jump, simultaneously moving the earth under him to launch him upwards past Alder. After a few seconds, he landed on the deck of his ship, and after a few more, Alder did as well.

"Damn, could you always do that? Wish I could." Alder said before walking up to Skystrike.

"Yeah, the transforming magic is actually kinda painful, so if I do it, I plan to stay that way for a while. Plus, I can only keep the same mass, so I can't turn into like... Tethys's size for example." Then Skystrike thought on it some more. "Actually, maybe I can if I convert magic into mass..."

Alder was confused. "You lost me at mass."

"Mass is similar to size. Just talking to myself. I'll have to test it later." Skystrike waved the thought off. "Anyway, I gave very detailed instructions to Tethys on how to cook pancakes and bacon. With Zecora and Elytra helping, they should have breakfast ready-"

An explosion was heard from within the ship. The two stared at the door to the interior, then slowly to each other.

"Skystrike?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't wanna die, bro."

"Yeah..." Skystrike sighed. "Come on... I'll just... cook everything myself." Opening the door to the interior and walking down one of the hallways, the two entered the kitchen. Elytra was huddled in the corner, Zecora was on the ground, dying and barely being able to breathe from the laughter. Tethys was also on the ground, black soot covering her upper body, and the wall behind the stove. Skystrike held his face in his hands. "It's like, eight ingredients... How did this fucking happen?"

Tethys groaned as she wiped the soot off out of her eyes. "Shit... This sweater is ruined." She looked down at the green one she was wearing.

Elytra's ears stopped ringing. "Tethys left the flour too close to the fire... the bag exploded... I didn't even know that could happen"

Skystrike looked at the source of the explosion. Sure enough, there were scraps left of said bag of flour. "On the upside." Skystrike looked at the dragoness speaking. I made the pancakes and bacon!" She opened the oven to show her messy looking, but still appetizing pancakes. "Sorry they don't look that good."

Skystrike put a hand on her shoulder and looked up at her. "Hey, it's the effort that matters here. Besides, often the worst looking pancakes are the best. Get changed out of that sweater, I'll set up the plates." Tethys sighed with a nod before pulling off her sweater. "Damn..." Skystrike looked respectfully at her assets covered by her bra. Holup "Wait, why are you changing here!?"

Tethys frowned. "Wasn't one of your points at that bath house that you've seen all of this before? Also you said you wouldn't stare!"

"Well exCUSE me for looking at what's right in front of me! And yeah, I've seen it all before, but that's not the point here!" Skystrike pointed a finger.

"Then what is?" She narrowed her eyes.

Skystrike groaned. "God, I cant believe I have to explain this... It's the reveal that matters. With ponies, they're almost always naked, so there's nothing to reveal until they got clothes on! In fact, I'll give you an example!" Skystrike pulled up the bottom of his sweatshirt to reveal his abs and one of his pecs.

"Damn." Tethys said unconsciously. Then she blinked as she realized what she did. "...Fuckin'... I see your point." She put her sweater back on. "Wait, is that why you like girls that wear clothes."

"Yeah." Skystrike admitted shamelessly. "I feel like we already established this."

Alder cleared his throat loudly. "Can we eat?"

They all shared a laugh as Tethys went to change. Soon enough, the table was set, each having a couple pancakes, the meat eaters having some strips of bacon, and mixed fruit for all. Skystrike looked over the table to see if he missed anything. "Holup, there's a sixth plate." As if on queue, Tethys entered the room with the pony that the 6th plate was meant for. "Holy shit it's Casta!"

"Magic mare!" Alder put his claws up in cheer. "Been a while! How've you been?"

"Oh my gosh, Alder!" Casta put up her hooves in return as they hugged. "I've been doing great! How about you?"

"Been doing pretty good myself, kid. Took a page out of Skystrike's book here, started my own merc group. What about you?"

Casta puffed out her chest as she straightened her glasses. "Actually, I was able to become Equestria's court magician!"

Alder lifted her up into the air. "Haha! Moving up in the world I see! But let's eat. Tell me more about it as we do." He put her down as he took a seat at the table. "So Casta, what do you actually do? I know you work in the government, so probably can't tell me much."

Casta nodded. "Yeah, plus, I did technically cross borders so... don't tell the princesses." She gave a small laugh, then sighed. "Honestly, mostly I work on my mana research. When I'm not, meeting with some ponies who's research papers I have to read over. Nothing too ground breaking, just some grad students at Canterlot Magic Academy."

"Hey, at least you don't have to sit through dissertations.' Skystrike chuckled, taking a bite of his pancakes. "I know that the ponies that had to sit through mine was bored as hell. Didn't expect a 15 year old to know what they were talking about."

"Dissertation?" Tethys asked.

Casta nodded. "Basically someone does their research, three to five ponies in the respective field read over it, and the researcher has to defend how and why their process is correct. At the end of it, they get their-" Casta paused at what she realized what Skystrike said. "You have a masters? You got it at 15?! On what?!"

Skystrike nodded. "Yes, actually got it at 16, and it was on the models of atoms, as well as the quantum nature of atoms."

"...What the actual fuck does any of that mean?" Stardust asked. Skystrike opened up his mouth to begin his explanation. "Do not start, it is too early, and I am not smart enough to understand any of it anyway."

"...How in Eques did you do all of that at 16!? I spent half a decade on my own research, and I just got my Ph.D before you came back!" Casta groaned.

"Oh shit, congratulations! I wish I could've been there... Actually, I don't know how I didn't realize sooner, since you are the court magician." Skystrike took another bite. "To answer your question, let's just sum it up to my species' knack for physics."

"Elaborate. Now." The unicorn huffed.

"Alright, quick history lesson then." Skystrike cleared his throat. "My original universe wasn't gifted with mana until the later half of the 27th century. Because of that, my race, Humanity, had all of human history up until that point to study the sciences, with a few minor hiccups here and there. Anyway, the research I did were previously conducted in the 20th century by James Franck, Gustav Hertz, and Niels Bohr. By the time I was born in the 32nd century, humanity was a space faring race, so these experiments were taught to be common knowledge by the age of eight." Skystrike stopped to think on it for a bit. "If I were to compare this planets development to humanity's, I'd say you're somewhere between the 17th and 19th century. Which is why I didn't do any experiments that were too far ahead, as it would completely ruin the development of the sciences here. It'd be like if you went back to when the different ponies weren't all together and gave them the magic we have now. You ponies could barely raise the sun and moon, who knows what would happen."

Casta held her head. "That's... a lot to take in at once... so you... plagiarized?"

"Well, yes, but technically no. To this world's knowledge, I'm the one who designed the experiment. I'll only get caught if some other human who cared about some guy from a thousand years ago to expose me."

Tethys cleared her throat. "You lost me at 'universe'."

Zecora nodded. "Indeed, I too seek to discern, what exactly is this 'universe' to learn?"

Skystrike looked around at the dozen eyes waiting for him to explain. He blinked. "Oh, right, this world is much different. Alright, so we all know what a solar system is, right?" They nodded. "Alright, so in this world, since Celestia and Luna raise the sun and moon, the solar system is geocentric. Where I'm from, my home solar system is heliocentric. My homeworld, Earth, orbits the sun, and the moon orbits the Earth."

"...Huh?" They all went.

"Ok, where did I lose you guys?"

Casta looked up from her food. "You're telling me that your planet orbits the sun? That's insane! The size of it alone would be unthinkable!"

"And the moon orbits the planet? No one is controlling it? They both just... do that?" Alder asked.

"Yeah, imagine my surprise when I came here and found out you have beings that are near god-like, and the sun and moon are the same size. To help you better visualize it, the sun is 1.4 million kilometers in diameter, and 2 times ten to the 30 kilograms, or the number 2 with 30 zeroes behind it. It's 149 million kilometers from Earth, and the planet orbits around it because of the gravity of the sun. Same with how the moon orbits the Earth. I'd go further into it, but we'd be here for a while, so to simplify, think of when you spin a ball on a string, the ball spins around where you spin it because of the string making sure it doesn't fly off. The string is gravity."

Tethy scratched her horns. "I... think I get it? ...Yeah, I get the relation, not so much the scale. So, what's a universe?"

"So, think of the entire country of Equestria. It has different towns and cities, and those towns and cities have houses." Skystrike began making hand motions to explain. "The houses are the solar systems. The cities are the galaxies that have solar systems, Nebula's where stars are formed, and random stars that sit around in empty space. The country is the Supercluster, housing thousands, if not millions of galaxies thousands of lightyears apart. The entire world in this scenario is the universe, full of this millions upon millions of galaxies."

Alder's jaw dropped. "...Holy... everything feels so small after that."

"...I'm not smart enough to think of all the math behind all of that..." Elytra huffed.

Casta thought about it. "Wait, so if your species is a space faring race, how'd you get to other planets, let alone other dimensions? From my understanding, you can't go faster than the speed of light, and you said your galaxies were lightyears apart? Assuming that a 'lightyear' is the distance light travels in a year."

Skystrike leaned back as he finished his food. "Yeah, your right on both of those. We weren't a space faring race until mana came into the picture. Sure, we colonized other planets in our system, but we didn't get to other galaxies until we made magic spells. Turns out..." They waited with baited breath. "It's a lot easier to use magic to make a worm hole to other galaxies than try and travel faster than the speed of light."

"...What the actual buck..." Casta pulled on her hair with her hooves. "I have... SO MANY questions! The buck is a worm hole?"

Skystrike thought about a proper analogy. "Give me a minute." He stood up and quickly walked out the room, coming back a few seconds later with a pen and paper. He drew two circles on the opposite ends of the sheet. "So, everyone, can anyone answer how would I make these two circles touch without drawing on this paper?"

They all looked at it. Alder scratched his chin feathers. "I feel like this is a trick question..."

Zecora took the paper to look at it. Then folded the paper so the two circles would touch. She looked at Skystrike for confirmation, who smiled at her. "Nice job. Now, it hinges on the theorem that gravity makes a 'bend' in space that will take way too long to explain fully, but if you bend space enough where it touches another point in space, that's a worm hole."

Tethys face palmed. "Oh! Like how unicorns teleport!"

"Close, you're on the right track. With teleporting, your transferring between two points, like if I pick up this fork and place it on the other side of this table. Worm holes are more like portals, where you're actually making a whole pathway between two places, or I slide this fork across the table. I can also keep the pathway open. Now, if you asked me how to do that spell, I have no idea. I just know the theory behind it, and it's how I got here to your dimension."

Zecora had a thought. "How can we ascertain, with clear intention, If this isn't part of the same dimension?"

Skystrike chuckled. "Oh, that's easy. Remember how I said how small your sun is compared to ours? Yours is only so small because it has magic. If it had no magic, like my universe did, it would not be able to exist. The smallest stars to exist where I'm from are 6 percent the mass of the home system's star. But I'm about to start rambling. Moving on to another subject, Alder, said you had some stuff to share yesterday?" Skystrike began clearing the table and putting the dishes in the sink for later.

"Right." The griffon nodded, his silver talon reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigar. "Oh, never asked, mind if I smoke in here?"

"Just do it by the window."

Alder slid his chair over to one of the windows and opened it. Snapping his talons, he made a spark to light his cigar. He took a deep inhale, then blew the smoke out the window. He stayed silent for a few moments before starting. "...The royals and nobility here, if you couldn't tell from the state of my country, corruption runs deep. Remember as a chick when I had a bad run in with one of them, broke my arm because I 'looked at one funny'. As I grew older, did some more digging on them- or as much as I could. Money laundering was obvious, as the taxes paid for the public workers just kept it to themselves for all I know. Then, there's the heavy taxes, most griffons barely able to make ends meet here. On top of that, most of the food imported either goes straight to their mansions or the castle, so we can barely eat unless we go hunting." He sighed and took another puff of smoke. "Obviously, I don't know the extent of it. Only those griffons in their fancy mansions do. But all I do know is that they are actively making the life of the griffons here worse... figured I'd find a way to help out as much as I can, no matter how little it does."

Skystrike sat back down. "...And from how you're talking, it sounds like you got a lead on how to make a big impact." Skystrike said, but was more like a leading question.

Alder chuckled. "Honestly, with all the stuff you told me you did during our time apart, I have half the mind to put a hit on the crown here..." He sighed. "But I don't know how much your morals have changed..."

Skystrike sighed too. "The past me would've done it, but for the me now, I'd decline. If what you're saying about them is true, and they're letting their griffons suffer, they don't deserve the power they have at the very least."

"But?" Tethys tilted her head.

"A sudden power vacuum will do no good. If the crown is gone, the next in line takes over, and will keep up the status quo. If the crown has multiple offspring, then there will be infighting for the position that's been vacated. The nobility would have to take sides, and that causes a civil war..." Skystrike sighed. "Similar things happened in my history, and I see the same signs. At the very least, with the current griffons in power, they keep up enough face in front of the other countries and do the bare minimum to keep their citizens alive. Starting a civil war will almost guarantee the cut off of help from the surrounding countries, else they wish to get involved." He sat in thought for a few moments. "However..." Alder turned to face him. "Keep at the rate you're going now, and you'd be able to start a form a rebellion. But that requires a lot of preparation as well, as you'd need the proper education and manpower to run the different parts of the government... Maybe get the griffons already involved on your side if you can."

Alder hummed. "An... idea for the future, thanks. But what I have planned will have a more... immediate affect. You all couldn't have come at a more perfect time. The party last night was to get the morale high." The griffon crossed one leg over the other. "One of my boys I sent to monitor a noble came back with a rather... interesting information..." He put out his cigar. "Said noble, Wattle, had a lot of rumors of liking his food... exotic. From the information I have, he's getting a live transport coming in tomorrow on the standard flight paths from Zebrafrica. Problem is, they have their own airship, and a heavily guarded one. There's no way to intercept it until it lands, and it lands at the manor of Wattle. There's no way we would get close... Thought I'd just have to sit by not being able to do anything-"

"Until I came along with your golden ticket." Skystrike crossed his arms as sat in thought for a minute.

While he did so, the rest had some questions of their own. Tethys started first. "What do you mean by exotic food?"

Alder's face turned into a frown. "Ponies, Zebras, Kelpies, Abada, he... eats them."

The room fell silent at that. Elytra looked over to Zecora and Casta, who had looks of disgust on their face. Skystrike's face turned to one of anger. "Elytra, Zecora, Casta, Tethys, I will not force you to follow me. But I will be dealing with this Wattle griffon."

Casta gagged. "Sorry... I only have today off, but I would help you out..."

Elytra stretched her neck. "I'm in."

Tethys nodded. "Same here."

Zecora nodded, albeit hesitantly.

"Alright, give us the details."

The day for the impromptu mission. Alder sat in the center of the table, surrounded by the four that were going to help him out, and two of his most trusted griffons. He decided to go over the plan one more time. "So, we have about an hour before we intercept their ship. Not sure of the make and model, but it's a carrier class for transporting resources. Because of that, it'll be much slower than the average airship." He pointed onto an area on the map. "Here, right above this set of mountains is where we'll hit them. We can use the mountains as cover, and they won't be able to make any emergency landing. The expected crew size is thirty griffons. There's two dozen of my griffons that are on here that'll even the tides, but the fight may be close. We have to be quick, because Wattle is expecting the shipment by sundown... And that's where your part of the plan comes in."

Skystrike nodded. "Yep. Admittedly, this whole operation was made on the spot, but just stopping the airship won't be enough. Thus, the plan is actually to take over the airship, and continue the flight like normal. They have to have their own way of discerning who's who, so we'll find that out from their captain, and give the clearance to land. All of Alder's griffons, Alder, myself, along with Elytra disguised as the captain, will be on the ship when it lands. At the meeting point, we will ambush everyone there and neutralize any threats." Skystrike then pointed to an 'X' north of the mountains Alder pointed out. "Once the trafficking's victims are secured, my ship lying in wait nearby will be housing the victims. I will figure out how to take them back to their homelands after. Zecora and Tethys will be here with the ship, and will make sure they're taken care of." Then he moved his finger south to a circle. "Here is where we will meet with Wattle, and whatever forces he has left. Elytra's mission is to get as close to Wattle to incapacitate him, while the rest of us handle the forces inside and outside the house. I will be the vanguard, while the griffons will give chase to any deserters." Skystrike leaned on the table and looked around. "Any questions, concerns?"

Tethys put up a claw. "Why are me and Zecora staying? Sure, you taught us how to fly the ship, but wouldn't wouldn't it be better for us to come along?"

"Because Zecora would have some relation with her brethren, and there will be some temporary prisoners. Zecora also would be able to deal with any wounds they have. We also can't assume they'd be okay with griffons around. Trauma is a hell of a thing. Tethys, you have enough power to protect this ship single handedly, so you'll be the last line of defense."

One of Alder's griffons with purple fur and sea green feathers put up a talon. She looked at him with her owl-like eyes. "The name's Astraea. Don't tale is personally, but while your build is a bit impressive, I'm having a hard time believing you can be the vanguard."

Skystrike was about to speak, but was interrupted by a bang on the table. "Astraea!" Alder growled. "Remember when I told you that tale about how one guy killed over a dozen ponies by himself? That was this guy! He's the strongest mother fucker I know, show some respect!"

Astraea huffed. "Yes sir." Gave Skystrike a look. She'll believe it when she sees it.

The other griffon under Alder, also with purple fur and sea green feathers, but a bit bulkier, sighed. "The name's Astraeus. Sorry about her, she's always the skeptic." He elbowed his sister. "Though I do have a question of my own. You never said kill, just something along the lines of neutralize."

Skystrike sighed. "That's because, save for Wattle, we won't be killing anyone unless absolutely necessary. From what I can tell about your country and the shit going on here, I would not be surprised that there would be griffons who simply need the money. Plus, considering this Wattle mother fucker literally eats sentient beings, I would also not be surprised if he's blackmailing some of the griffons under him. Put simply, we do not know enough about the situation to know if they deserve death."

Astraeus grew a bit annoyed at that. "I get what you're saying, but... I don't agree with it. Maybe they were, but all you have is hypotheticals! It's either them or us at this point!."

Skystrike was the one that was annoyed now. While he couldn't blame the thinking, it was devoid of any sympathy. Alder was about to say something, but Skystrike put a hand on his back to stop him. "I don't know your story, so I cant disavow your line of thinking, but I had that same thought process at some point. Thus, I also know I can't change your mind with just words. So, here's what we're going to do." Skystrike leaned forward. "Any griffons you and the others get to before me, I'll allow you to kill. But if they are on the ground unconscious, unable to fight, and or surrender, then no killing."

"And why should I agree to that?" Astraeus asked.

"It wasn't an offer." Alder stood up straight. "I asked for his help, we're using his ship, the plan was modified and is being led by him. We're going by his rules! You think you'd learn about senseless killing after what was going to happen before I found you." Astraeus and Astraea winced. "Never told you the full story, but figure now is a better time than ever, aint it!? The griffon after you two wanted your heads because your parents took bits from the wrong ponies! It was them or you, and I chose you!" Alder huffed a bit after his small rant, and caught his breath before continuing. "I was gonna kill the cunt that was after you, but turns out, he had a kid he had to care for. These nobles turn us against each other, and you're playing into their talons. I hate seeing what they did to our country... Which is why I was hoping you wouldn't be so keen on murdering others." Skystrike shook Alder a bit. The griffon sighed. "Sorry, shouldn't have said all of that... I won't deny you what ever form of 'justice' you seek, but you will listen to Skystrike."

"Yes sir..." Astraeus saluted.

"Any other questions?" Skystrike asked.

Alder had a question of his own. "Not really a question about the plan but... Something feels off... I feel like I'm missing something."

Elytra nodded. "Yeah... Sad to say, my kind knows quite a bit about trafficing... The amount of rations and fuel it'd take to man their airship would cost too much..." She rubbed her chin.

Skystrike nodded. "You're right. Plus, it'd be best to have three per captive. Given their how many there are, there's no way they have ten victims. Six is already stretching it. They may be transporting something else alongside, or just could be overprepared. Anything come to mind, Alder?"

Alder shook his head. "Not of the top of my head, but we'll know when we get there."

"Oh, one more thing." Elytra put up a hoof. "Why did you want me and Zecora to get binoculars?"

Skystrike smirked. "Simple, everyone else here has good enough eye sight to see from far away." She gave a confused look. "You'll see what I mean in..." He check the clock in the room. "Thirty minutes. Elytra, with me. Tethys, Zecora, stay safe. Give some sort of signal if any trouble happens. Alder, Elytra and I will be waiting at the peak of the mountain adjacent to us. Meet us there when all your guys are ready."

Skystrike and Elytra left the room to get prepared. It only took a few minutes for the two to get prepared. They met as they exited their rooms. Elytra shuffled in her armor, getting it on right. "Hey, so, are you actually gonna let those griffons... y'know?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Of course not. I'm giving them the illusion that they'll get what they want."

"And... how are you gonna do that?"

"You'll see..." Skystrike chuckled.

The two opened the door to the deck of the ship, meeting the two dozen griffons there wearing a mix of armor pieces, all marked with a three pointed star on their sides. Makes it easier when in the fray. Skystrike couched down to the floor and stretched a bit, leaning from side to side, turning his waist, making sure all his muscles were ready. Elytra followed in his steps. Soon, the two finished and Skystrike began speaking. "Alright, so you already know who I am, so I won't take long on introductions. Next to me is Elytra. Let's get the pecking order in place, you griffons, Astraea and Astraeus, Elytra, Alder, then me. Alder and the twins should've already given a run down on the plan, so I won't take time to explain that." Then Skystrike pointed to the peak of the mountain next to them. "We're going to be flying right to the peak of that mountain and wait. The enemy airship should be in view. Once Alder gives the signal, you guys are going in and taking down as many as you can. Our target first and foremost is the captain so we can stop the ship."

Alder waved his talon, motioning for his griffons to move out. "Don't fly too recklessly! I don't want to pick the gravel off of you if one of you gets stuck under a landslide!"

Skystrike and Elytra began to move as well, taking the lead in the platoon. Elytra buzzed her wings to take off, while Skystrike got a running start and jumped off the railing of his ship, igniting fire under his feet to keep himself in the air. Alder began flying alongside the two. "That's actually pretty cool. Didn't know magic could be used like that."

Skystrike crossed his arms as he flew in an attempt to keep his body heat in. "Yeah, it's real useful. Especially in this weather."

Elytra nodded. "Yeah, we changelings aren't that good in the heat. Thanks for this suit, Sky." She smiled at him. A comfortable silence was shared between the three before Elytra broke it. "Hey Sky?"

"Yeah?"

"I know this isn't the best time, but... can I call you brother? And can you call me sister?" She said with a hint of sheepishness.

Skystrike turned to look at her. "Sure, but what brings this up?"

"Well... I've been thinking back to the hive... As Stardust, we haven't really spent time as siblings."

Skystrike landed on the peak of the mountain with Elytra. "Alright, but that means I get to fuck with you more." He patted her on the back. "But let's talk more later, for now, I need eyes on that ship."

Elytra looked forward to the flying contraption. It was about as large as the Wind Waker, but more in line with the standard, unmodified airship. The large fins moved as it began to steer around the mountain range. What they noticed was that it was an unmarked ship, the balloon holding it up still being a factory white.

Skystrike steeled himself as he flipped on his helmet. Alder whistled at the sight. "Been a while since I've seen you with that on."

The human nodded. "I try to keep it off as much as I can." He crouched down to the ground, ignoring the cold touch of the snow on his body. "Elytra, use the scope on your railgun and tell me what you see."

Elytra nodded and shifted her weight to the side opposite of her weapon. On activation, the railgun linked with her suit and let out a scope over her right eye. "Distance is twenty kilometers, my best estimate is them moving... north west at fifty meters per second... They're going really slow... They will be within range of boarding in seven minutes."

Skystrike nodded. "Thank you. That means I have about... five minutes to take out that ship." He stood up and got into a stance like he was preparing to sprint. "Elytra, back up a bit. Alder, keep your griffons in line while I'm gone."

Elytra gave a confused look, but still backed up a bit. Alder was equally as confused. "What do you mean, five minutes?"

Skystrike pushed his hands into the earth below while also focusing wind into his feet. "Like I said earlier, any I get to first stay alive." And with that, he got a running start, each step he took molding the earth under him to launch him forward. At the edge of the cliff, he jumped, an explosion of wind pushing him forward into the air. The sheer force causing the ground beneath his allies to rumble. The sound waves from it echoing through the mountains and starting a few rock slides. As he flew through the air, he did his best to keep himself upright, pushing fire out of his limbs to keep at the same speed.

An unnamed griffon yawned. It was an uneventful couple of days, transporting whatever Wattle wanted, but it payed well enough to get by. He twirled the spear he had in his talons out of boredom. He just wished something would happen... He heard a loud BOOM! Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw the avalanches and rock slides going gown the mountain, and a red dot rapidly approaching the ship. He squinted to see what it was, but by the time he could, it landed, rocking the whole ship. "I was FUCKING KIDDING!"

Skystrike stood up to see about eight griffons pointing their weapons at him. Looking at them, they were... well enough armored, but nothing he couldn't handle. He stretched his neck while he cracked his knuckles. "Since this is just business, I'll give you a choice. Lay down your weapons and I won't hurt you, or fight a battle you can't win and die." The griffons looked between each other before laughing. He sighed. Skystrike dashed up to one of the griffons faster than they could react, giving a right hook making a satisfying crack. The griffon folded like a sheet of paper. Another griffon tried to surprise him from behind with a spear. As he dodged, the spear went into the floor boards and Skystrike grabbed the griffon out of the air, slamming him into the floor, winding him. Then he picked back up the same griffon and threw him into a third. Both fell unconscious as their momentum made them run a wall.

The last five decided to be smarter and rush him at the same time from different directions. Ducking, side stepping, and jumping, Skystrike dodged each of their attacks before jumping up above them and charging electricity within his hands. Releasing all the electricity, it arched between the five attackers. It was just enough to render them unconscious. Landing back on the deck of the ship, he knew that they made a lot of sound. Luckily, that only took thirty seconds.

Skystrike walked to the entrance to the interior of the airship. Of course, he was met by a hastily armored griffon. They stared at each other for a few moments, studying each other. The griffon yelled "ENEMY ATTA-" Before the human grabbed her by the throat. Her talons clawed at his metal arm before her grip loosened from the lack of oxygen. As soon as he dropped her, more griffons met him in the narrow hallway. A few even had muskets, firing as soon as they saw the human.

He expected this though, and ducked down to let the steel balls fly over his head. Skystrike followed up with a forming a large sphere of water to surround the griffons. Five, with three having muskets. He shot more electricity into the water, conducting the lightning between the five griffons. Dropping the water, it spread out along the floor, along with the incapacitated griffons. There was a splash with each step Skystrike took, but the final ten should know he's here by now.

It'd be smart on his end to round corners defensively as to not get blasted. With his left arm, he began forming layers of ice around it, each getting bigger and thicker with each stack, making a tower shield that he could hide behind and vaguely see through. He turned a corner towards where it would make most sense where the captain would be, and sure enough, crossbows bolts and musket balls hit the outer layer of his shield of ice. Barely seeing the griffons in front of him, Skystrike turned his right arm into a rifle and fired a flurry of shots from the side of the shield. They were non-lethal, but could still bruise and hurt like hell. The shots weren't accurate, but the sheer amount meant that some of them hit.

Skystrike kept moving forward, stepping over the bodies of the ships crew and making sure they were down. He counted three, meaning he took out seventeen. Seven left. As he walked down the hall, he checked the side rooms for anyone else. The bathrooms, kitchen, crew quarters, and dining area were all clear. There was one in the engine room though. Skystrike balled his fist in preparation to knock out him out, but the griffon put up his talons. "I SURRENDER!"

Skystrike blinked, but kept his guard up. "What?"

"I surrender!" He repeated. "I don't even work with them willingly! This is my ship that they blackmailed me into giving up! I do cargo transport from Griffonstone to the surrounding territories!"

Skystrike eyed him for a moment. No weapons on him, covered in soot, and cowering before him. The griffon seemed to be middle aged, and wore a worn black coverall. He nodded at the deep red griffon. "Then listen to what I'm about to say carefully." The griffon nodded. In three minutes, my allies are coming in with a lust for blood. Stay with me, and I will promise you safety. In exchange, you will tell me where the bridge is, and the cargo hold. I know what you're transporting."

Though that last sentence was a statement, the griffon could tell it loosely laced with a threat. "Believe me, I hate that this girl is being used like this. Quicker you get these griffs off, the better."

Skystrike motioned his head toward the door for the red griffon to follow. "Six feet behind me. Can't fully trust you just yet."

The griffon waited some time before following. As they exited the engine room, he gawked at the bodies of the crew. "This was all you!?"

Skystrike grunted in affirmation. "Where is the bridge?"

"Right... first hall on the left." He picked up a musket and began reloading it. Skystrike quickly turned around and got into a defensive stance. The griffon jumped. "Hey! I'm using it on those bastards, not you!"

Skystrike slapped the musket out of his hands. "I'm not deciding who dies here just yet. My rules, red." Skystrike turned back around to finish his walk towards the bridge. Eventually, he found the door too it. Skystrike looked back at the red griffon, who took a few steps back. The human raised his left leg before kicking the door off its hinges and across the room. Four griffons, three more armed and armored than the previous griffons waited for him. They clenched their weapons as they made eye contact.

Skystrike looked at the three of differing statures. He sighed. "Alright, give me a quick run down, what are you three?"

"...what?" The pink, skinny griffon asked confused.

"Every one of you trios have gimmicks." Skystrike stated. "Let me guess. Pink, you're the pretty one?"

The pink griffon smirked as she cupped her head in a talon. "Well, I don't like to toot my own horn, but I appreciate the compliment. A shame I'll have to kill you."

Skystrike ignored that last comment and turned to the brown one that was missing some feathers. "That means you're the one with weird powers."

"I can shoot out my sharp feathers!" The brown one puffed out his chest and spread his wings to show the pointed feathers.

"Greeeeeeeeat..." He said with all the mock enthusiasm he could. Then he turned to the grey griffon. "That means you're the big, tough, stupid one."

The bulky and brawny griffon glared at him and pounded a talon into the floor. "You take that back or I'll kill you!"

"Alright, alright, you're not tough." Skystrike smirked.

"That's better!"

The red griffon behind the human blinked. "Didn't you just-"

"Give him a minute."

They all stood in awkward silence before the grey griffon realized what Skystrike said. "HEY! YOU BITCH!" Bulky rushed at Skystrike with his spiked gauntlets. Skystrike easily dodged the wide swing coming at him by side stepping, spinning on his right leg before landing a devastating kick into Bulky's face. Blood began running out of the nose of the griffon as he flew across the room, landing on the kicked in door. He hit his head on landing, falling unconscious.

Pretty and Weird decided to not be stupid and rush him at the same time. Pretty was using a short sword, and was lightly armored, focusing on speed. Weird had medium armor and used two blunderbusses. Pretty flew into the air and went for a horizontal slash at Skystrike's neck. He ducked under and hopped back to dodge the oncoming over head slash. Skystrike was expecting more from her, but Weird switched places with her and aimed to fire a point blank blast from his blunderbuss.

Skystrike quickly put up a shield of ice once more to block the shrapnel, then threw the ice itself at Weird. Weird ducked under and flapped his wings, shooting the sharp feathers at Skystrike. The human caught each of the feathers with his metal arm before charging a ball of fire in his left hand and throwing it at Weird. It was too close to dodge, so he had to take the full blast. It wasn't enough to take him out just yet. Weird began to aim his second blunderbuss, but was interrupted by Skystrike pushing his head into the floorboards and sending electricity through his body.

Pretty looked in a mixture of fear and shock. Her voice shook as Skystrike approached her. The griffoness pointed her short sword at him. "St-... Stay back!"

"Hmm... no." Skystrike kept walking towards her. She gave one last battle cry before running blade first into Skystrike, who simply parried the blade with his right hand and grabbing her by the neck, doing the same motion of sending electricity through her body to keep her stunned for a long while.

Skystrike turned to the last griffon in the room, the self proclaimed captain of the cargo ship. He put up his talons to show his surrender. Skystrike was about to say something before the red griffon he found walked by him and slugged him. Even Skystrike was impressed. "This ship is MINE!" The griffon roared as huffed as he began beating the cowering griffon. Red took a break, looking down at the incapacitated griffon below him. "Hah... I needed that... Cargo bay is just down the hall, stairway at the end... Let's go. Glad you came to help them out."

Skystrike nodded. "It's what I do." He began towards the stairway. Walking down the stairway, he eyed the last three griffons on the way down to the cargo area. The three stood there, frozen in fear at the beast before them. Skystrike ignored them for now, and looked at the beings that were being held captive. There were five, one Pony, one Zebra, Two Kelpies, and one Abada. Skystrike made quick work of the griffons, shooting magical bullets from his right arm, knocking them out quickly.

The five captives watched with confusion and fear as he approached the metal bars of their cell. Skystrike took of his helmet and looked at them. The pony had a sea green coat and long blue mane and tail. From her eye shape, she was from Saddle Arabia. The zebra had an off-white coat with greyish blue stripes, and her mane and tail was black, white and pink. The two Kelpies were similar enough to ponies, even having cutie marks, but their bodies and manes flowed like water, leaving wet spots where they went. One kelpie had a deep blue coat and white hair like a tidal wave, while the other had a coral blue coat with sea green hair. Maybe they were siblings. The last captive, the Abada, was similar to a unicorn, but had two curved horns, with one being shorter than the other, and was much taller and thinner. He had a bright yellow coat, with brown and purple striped legs, the mane and tail following the same color scheme.

Skystrike sighed. "I'm not your enemy, in fact, I'm getting you all out of here." All of their ears perked up as he said that. "In a few minutes, my allies will be boarding. I will be escorting you back to my ship. There, my crew, a Zebra and a Dragon, will make sure you all are taken care of. We will be escorting you back to your homelands once our business here is finished. Food and lodging will be given for the duration of our travels. Questions?"

They all looked at him with a vast amount of confusion. The yellow Abada stood up, his legs still shaking. Getting a closer look, he was covered in bruises and claw marks, same as the others. "Wh-... where are we? Me and the Zebra, Marini, have been in here the longest. I think it's been five days... all of us except for the pony, Costal Shore, are from Farasai. Costal was picked up a few days later on her way back to Saddle Arabia."

"Hmm, that makes things easier." Skystrike crouched down to be at their eye level. "As of right now, we are two hours northeast of Griffonstone, the griffon capital. If the majority of you are from Farasai, then that makes transportation easier. It was a potential stop."

The Zebra, Marini, cleared her throat, though her voice was coarse from the lack of water she's had. "From your accent, I can tell you're from Equestria. Is you Zebra friend named Zecora?"

Skystrike was about to nod, but then remembered how quiet that Zecora was about her homeland. Quick yes or no questions, not even bothering to rhyme. She probably keeps it secret for a reason... Skystrike shook his head. "Lets continue this small talk later." He looted the bodies of the unconscious guards and found the key to the cell, unlocking it. "Are the rest of you able to walk?" Marini shook her head, moving herself to show her broken leg being held in place with a makeshift splint. Skystrike walked inside and picked her up, trying to make it as painless as possible. With some grunts, Marini got into a comfortable position in his arms. "Everyone, stick with me. Red, as soon as we're topside, you're talking to Alder. He's a griffon that looks like a secretary bird. For the time being, you're working with us."

They all began following him back to the deck of the ship. As he opened the door to the exterior, Elytra, Alder, and all oh his griffons landed. Astraea and Astraeus all looked around for any of would be attackers. "Not what you two expected, huh?"
Skystrike chuckled a bit. "Alder, have your men round up all the griffons and put them in the holding cell in the cargo bay." Then he pointed to the red griffon next to him. "This griffon is the owner, and captain of this vessel. Work with him to get us to our destination."

Alder nodded. "You heard him! Get to work! And if I find even a single one dead, I'll mount your asses on a plaque!"

Skystrike ignored the glare from Astraeus, and tried to ignore the impressed look from Astraea as Elytra spoke to him. "You know, I was not expecting that, but nice job. Wasn't expecting everything to go down so quick, or so easily... Anyway, as soon as I saw you go, I teleported back onto the Wind Waker and told Tethys to start driving it towards us." She pointed to his ship right next to them, Tethys waving as she pushed out the boarding plank. "I'm guessing this one one of the captives?" She motioned towards Marini. Elytra was about to continue speaking before Skystrike waved his hand perpendicular to his neck, motioning her to stop talking before Zecora's name was bought up.

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah." Then he turned to Tethys in the distance. "Tethys! I need you over here! These Kelpies are looking dry, give them some water!"

Tethys quickly jumped from one ship to the other, taking the Zebra in Skystrike's arms. "Take her for now. I need to check on something." He made sure to whisper the last part. "Don't bring up Zecora."

Tethys nodded before letting Skystrike go back to his ship. He quickly ran to find Zecora. After a few minutes of searching, he found her setting up one of the empty rooms as a makeshift sick bay. She nearly jumped out of her armor when Skystrike opened the door with a bang. "Skystrike my friend! What has you barging in like you're on wit's end?"

Skystrike huffed. "I know you don't talk about your homeland, but I bring either good or bad news..." Zecora's ears perked up. "A Zebra I found pointed out my accent when I let slip that a Zebra would be taking care of their wounds. The Zebra, named Marini, called you out by name. Ring any bells?"

Her eyes shrunk to pin pricks as her breathing picked up. "How much did you tell her?"

"Not even your name. Figured you kept your past silent for a reason." Skystrike walked over to her and sat down next to her. "...I won't force you to talk about it, but it's come to a tipping point. It'll take us two days to get to Farasai to drop her off, along with the Kelpies and Abada. I won't force you to interact with her either, I'll even take over treating her wounds if it makes you more comfortable." He sighed. "I know it's hard to talk about the past, bringing up all the past feelings that comes with the memories, but we'll have to discuss it so we can help you the best we can."

Zecora stared at the wall, thinking of what her next move would be. She didn't think she'd see her so soon, or ever again if she could've helped it. She wasn't sure she would be ready to talk about it, let alone see her old 'friends' again. The Zebra wasn't even in the right space to rhyme right now. "...Can you get me my mask?"

Skystrike nodded, leaving to go to her room, grabbing the green mask off her nightstand, and giving it to her. She took the mask out of his hands, but before she could, he put his other hand over her hoof. "No matter your choice, we'll support you."

He released his hoof to let Zecora put on her mask. "I... I'll tell you... all of you later tonight."

It didn't take too long to treat the wounds of the captives, the worst wounds being Marini's broken leg and the Abada's cracked ribs. The Abada, who he found out was named Dune Strider, was a lot tougher than he looked. Costal Shore, and the two Kelpies, Tsunami and Frosty, were malnourished due to the lack of water needed to keep themselves healthy, but Tethys was quickly able to fix that by breathing her frost breath on them. Zecora ignored the countless questions from Marini as she put her let in a proper cast, not even bothering to rhyme in the hopes that it wouldn't give her away. Skystrike wondered why the beings in this world were so clueless when it came to their own wearing masks, but that was neither here nor there.

As of now, Skystrike was on the cargo ship with Elytra, disguised as the captain the red griffon knocked out earlier, Alder, and the rest of his griffons, who were currently wearing the armor of the now former crew. The red griffon, who Skystrike found out was named Garrry, with three r's, and pronounced 'G-arrr-ry' was currently landing them at their destination: Wattle's mansion.

Solid stone walls, a wooden roof, a decorative fountain in the courtyard, and even a garden that was well tended to. There were at least a dozen bedrooms, though he couldn't tell how well furnished they were. Wattle truly was living in luxury... How many of these riches were built from the suffering of others. Skystrike grimaced.

Skystrike, Elytra, Alder, and a few griffons waited in the Bridge, watching through the tinted windows as a griffon approached. "That's him..." Alder pointed at a certain griffon surrounded by two heavily armored ones. He had the head of a rooster, with purple feathers and brown fur. He had some weight to him, seeming to be mostly fat from his gluttonous behaviors, and decorated himself with jewelry from rings to necklaces, and everything in between. "Elytra, that's your queue."

Elytra nodded, taking a deep breath as Garrry lowered the ship, landing it in the large field that was their meeting spot. Her goal was to get as close as she could to Wattle to incapacitate him, then help with the ensuing battle. As she and a few of Alder's griffons met the ship, she was surprised with how few there were, only half a dozen, including Wattle's personal guards.

"Xerxes..." Wattle said, referring to the disguised Elytra. "I see everything went well." The griffon spoke in a guttural and gravely voice. "I hope my... 'items' are in good enough condition."

Elytra hid her disgust. "Of course, sir. We've caught five for you, they're just in the cargo bay."

Wattle gave a grim smile. "Perfect... You know how I like my Zebras." He hummed. "You're talking weird, though, you know we're close enough for you to call me Wattle."

Elytra flinched at that. "Sorry, just... been a long trip. Not thinking straight. The heat from Farasai is still affecting me."

Wattle laughed, walking up and putting a talon on Elytra's shoulder. "Hah! I understand. Maybe a nice meal will get your mind off of it. Still got some left from the last group I had my men slaughter."

Elytra was done with the conversation, and visibly showed her disgust before grabbing Wattle's talon and moving into an arm bar, quickly and efficiently pinning him to the ground before breaking his arm as he screamed in pain.

That was their que. Skystrike, Alder, and the rest ran out onto the deck and opened fire with their muskets. The griffons fell easily from the surprise attack, being pelted by the iron balls. Skystrike was a bit surprised at how none of them were dead. Alder saw the look on the human's face. "Oh, we replaced the rounds with rubber."

"Neat." Skystrike went to look at the griffons writhing on the ground in pain. He focused electricity into his fingers and shot a small jolt within each of them, knocking them out. He got closer to Wattle, letting Elytra releaser her hold on him.

He crouched down to stare a Wattle, who was huffing with rage and pain. "What the hell are-"

Skystrike punched him, Wattle's blood spilling on his fist. His eyes burned white in rage. "Shut your mouth. I will speak, and you will listen." Skystrike motioned for Alder to come to him. "For your crimes, you will be judged. Considering your taste for other sentient beings, I would have you slaughtered right here. But due to a stroke of bad luck on your end, I'm not your judge today. Alder is, and he isn't as merciful as I am."

"Damn right I'm not." Alter sharpened his talons, jabbing one into the leg of Wattle. He screamed from the pain. "You fucking worthless excuse of a griffon, taking everything we have to line your own pockets... Do you know how much we suffered because of griffons like you!?" Alder dragged his talons down his leg, making Wattle scream more. "Families, friends, torn apart, having to fight each other just for the scraps we're left! No more!" He flipped over the rooster and took one of his daggers, jabbing the blade into the wing of Wattle, pinning him to the ground. "Astraeus, Astraea!"

"Yes sir!" The two saluted.

"Take the griffs and clear out the house. Don't kill any of the ones inside, at least not just yet. Any non-combatants are to be bought outside."

"Sir!" The two griffons began ordering those under them to do so, leaving Wattle with Alder, Skystrike, and Elytra. Alder went in on Wattle, punching, kicking, and scratching him until his tiredness overcame his will to keep going.

Elytra couldn't help but look away from the beating Wattle was getting. Sure, she was used to it, being a Changeling operative during her time in the hive, and when she worked with Skystrike and her friends, but she never got to view this part. Very few times this happened, normally leaving this part of the work to either Skystrike, or those who were wronged. She looked up at her brother, who kept looking with indifference. "Skystrike... don't you think this is a bit much?"

"Maybe." He shrugged. "But that isn't up for is to decide. We haven't had to deal with him in any way besides this."

"So... Alder decides when they're done?"

"Close. Alder decides when he's done." Skystrike clarified. "You already know I have a... history with trafficing. I don't have the right to stop him, even if I wanted to." He crouched down to pat Elytra's head. "But I'm with you on not wanting to watch this." He turned to Alder. "Hey, Alder, once you're done, meet us on the Wind Waker."

"Will do, Sky, but we're going to be a while..." Alder said as he lit his cigar.

Skystrike nodded as he looked at the setting sun. Around six in the afternoon. He looked down at Elytra. "Wanna help me make dinner? I was thinking of burgers. Gonna need some extra hooves now that we have five more mouths to feed. So glad I bought plant based food."

"Sure, I've been wanting to spend some time with you anyway."

It was nearly midnight. Dinner went well enough, but the now former captives were still shaken up from their imprisonment and their beatings they apparently got. It was very awkward. Skystrike made the mistake of inviting the five to eat with him and his companions. He realized immediately after he said it when Zecora side eyed him. She gave half answers, tried to move the conversation along, and even lie at points, just to get Marini off her back. Marini could not take a hint at all. It was also the first time the five saw a dragon and changeling, so at least the conversation shifted back to them from time to time.

As of now, Zecora was sitting in Skystrike's room, along with Tethys, Elytra, and Alder. Even Casta showed up when Zecora sent a letter, asking her to be there. She was glaring daggers at Skystrike with her hooves crossed. "I'm not mad at you exactly, I know you were trying to be kind. Just do not spring something like that upon me, and warn me next time."

"Yeah, I fucked up, I completely admit that. I'm sorry."

"It's... fine. But I suppose it's time to talk about this past of mine." She shuffled in her chair a bit before starting. "Long ago, in Farasian Shores, I stayed mostly indoors. I didn't have any friends, not a buddy at all, until I was hit in the head, and a voice said 'Can you get my ball?'" She laughed a bit, remembering the way they met. "I was happy to help, and gave back the ball. The owner said 'Thank you, I'm Marini-- would you like to play?' And I did, and decided to stay. Soon Marini's good friends were mine too. Even though we were different, we were friends through and through. Two Kelpies, two Abada, two Zebras together. Despite all of our differences, we were birds of a feather... I remember loving legends, myths, and old stories. Always reading tales of fortunes and glories. I made us new games, to where challenges we rose, I wrote them new tales, where we were all heroes. We grew up together, friends of three races, getting our cutie marks, finding our places. We were happy, games happier still. Everything was perfect, until in school, a sudden chill." Zecora sighed at the memory. "In class, it dawned, much to my surprise, that Zebras can use magic, no matter how hard we tried. I swore there to myself that I would be the first Zebra to use magic, but this tale only gets... more tragic. While all of my classmates laughed and played, deep within the library is where I decided to stay. I studied old tomes from near and far, reading books from Casabronco and Zebrazebar. While others saw my obsession as tragic, I devoted my whole life to magic. I felt that a life of mundanity would be the worst, so of Zebras with magic, I would be the first. I studied the legends of unicorns, the magic they channeled through their magical horns. Of spells dating back to magical times, of hoof-written scrolls and enchanted rhymes." She began to reminisce. "Of bearded wizards with special charms, of evil sirens and their wicked harms. I even read of a warrior that carried a shovel, and a magical healer that lived in a hovel. But the healer gave me a reason to pause, an old illustration that was the cause. The one I speak of who used magic was an earth pony. Mage Meadowbrook was no phony. I finally had conformation, that my goal was possible! I had something to work towards, no matter how improbable. I showed my excitement to my friends but their support they did not show, and the relationships came to an end... I did not take kindly to my passion being a target of ridicule. 'Cute', 'a bad idea', my friends treated me as a fool. They laughed and talked behind my back. Teases and Taunts at every turn, how it makes my stomach churn. But my parents were the worst aggressors, thinking that we Zebras are inherently others lesseres. My mother is a librarian, and my father, a scholar. They did not like the dreams of their daughter. It was seen as infantile, they thought it was just a phase. So I prepared myself for a journey, hoping for better days." She sighed as she shook her head in an attempt to get rid of the bad memories. "A month's voyage across the sea, to reach Equestria, a journey to be. It was a stroke of luck that I met you there, Skystrike, bringing me on adventures and making friends. I thought I had gotten used to the loneliness, but you all made that dreadful feeling come to an end. I... want to thank you all."

A contemplating silence entered the room as her friends all thought of what to say. It was quite a bit to take in. Of course, they want to support her, but none really knew the right words to say it. To Skystrike, it felt like a punch in the gut, knowing she went through all of that, then he just up and left... He wanted to apologize again, but didn't want to make it about himself. Despite that, he knew what to say.

Though the others didn't know yet, Tethys related somewhat. Being an outcast because of her own genetics, but the difference is that she didn't have to deal with anyone outside of her family. She was pretty sheltered... She didn't know what to say.

Elytra understood why she left. Zecora realized that there was no place for her anymore in her home. Same as her. But Zecora had no one on her side that supported her back then. She hoped to be there now. She knew what to say.

Casta completely related and understood exactly what Zecora was going through. They both left home, wanting their own lives, having their own goals, not wanting to live up to the expectations others set for them. It seemed as if it was fate that the two met each other. But she didn't know what to say to Zecora. She didn't even know what to say to herself all those years ago.

Alder could barely relate. He barely had friends in the first place, the only ones worth keeping around currently in the room. He didn't know what to say at all.

Skystrike spoke first. "Well, thanks for opening up, Zecora. I'm sorry you had to go through that... And I'm glad to have met you. You made your dream, though, don't deny yourself that. You're able to use magic, and you got here through your own effort. Those better days that you hoped for came."

Tethys nodded. "I can understand why you left, we all left our homes for our own reasons. And it's for those same reasons why we support each other. We have your back, no matter what."

Elytra nodded as well. "I wish met you sooner, I'd have helped you out some more. But we'll all continue to help you out now, and in the future... The pain of those memories never truly go away, but having a support group around you helps a lot. We'll be here."

Casta cleared her throat. "I'm glad that you were able to get out of there. I hope it wasn't too bad before you were able to leave."

Alder shrugged. "I don't really know what to say here, kid, but we'll help you get through this.

Zecora had tears welling up in her eyes. "Gratitude to you, my cherished friends. Meeting you all, joy never ends."

Tethys picked her up and hugged the Zebra. "Same to you, girl. You're one of the best beings I've met in this lifetime."

Alder cleared his throat. "I don't want to bring down the mood, but there's something more that I feel like Zecora wanted to bring up?"

Zecora nodded. "Indeed, your views I seek, my dear friends. What course with Marini should I tend?"

They all hummed in thought. Skystrike groaned slightly. "Look, hear me out... I know I don't really have much of a place to say what you should do, but... It's complicated. When you first came to Ponyville, I didn't expect you to even talk to me, yet you, all of you, welcomed me back with open arms... I still don't think I deserve any of you. I say this because... I regret what I did to you all. Maybe Marini does too."

Casta clicked her tongue. "I'd have to disagree. Her situation is almost exactly the same as mine. If I was given the chance to see my former 'friends and family' again-" She made quotations with her hooves. "I would not give them the time of day. Zecora healing her already makes her a better being than me."

Alder shook his head. "Don't want to pull the age card here, but I've had a bit more experience in life. Casta, Zecora, you two have to realize that your aggressors were kids I assume. Casta, you were eighteen when you met Skystrike, Zecora, how old were you when you left Zebrafrica?"

"At twenty, I departed from my homeland's gate, sixteen when from my hometown's embrace I did vacate."

"Ok, so then it's been twelve years since you've seen them." Alder stated to put into perspective. "I won't pretend to know the pain you went through, or the pain this Marini Zebra did to you, but twelve years is a lot of time to change. She's definitely a different Zebra than she was from your childhood."

Tethys hummed. "Right, but whether Zecora should give her a chance is a different story." She began counting on her fingers. "You're assuming that one, she's over the pain, and two, Marini did indeed change. And even if she did, only Zecora knows if she's ready to confront her." Tethys put back down Zecora, but held onto one of her hooves. "But, I will say this. Because of my races long lifespan, I've been putting off confronting my own past because I know I have plenty of time to do it. You don't have that much time, Zecora. If you don't do it now, you might never get the chance again. That's why we're on this whole journey with Skystrike."

Elytra added to Tethys' point. "Plus, you have the chance to do it. That's more than some of us in here can say. You may regret talking to her, but you also may regret not doing so. But at this point, it's seems like this is more about proving her wrong. You are able to use magic through potions, despite the odds, your effort came out on top. Essentially, you have three options, let her be, gloat, or reconnect. Who knows, she may even be sorry. Regret eats away at the soul."

"In the end, Zecora, it's your choice. We'll support you either way. But like Tethys said, you may never get the chance again." Skystrike rolled his neck. "We'll be in Zebrafrica in three days. Wish there was more time for you to make your choice, but it is what it is. If you wish, we could even take some time to close up some loose ends on your side."

Zecora wrapped her hooves around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you, Skystrike, everyone... I'll need some time to think."

Tethys chuckled. "You know, now that I have the chance to say it, I don't think I've ever heard you talk that long and damn you are dedicated to the rhyming."

Skystrike nodded. "My take away was that Zebras do have cutie marks, so it is convergent evolution. I'll have more questions later." He let go of the hug he was returning to Zecora. "Alder, we have some things to speak about before we leave tomorrow morning." He got up and motioned to the door of his room.

Casta stood up before the two left. "Oh, before you do, I remember you asking me to make one of those teleportation runes on a rug for Alder. This way, we can see each other more often." She teleported the rolled up rug into Alders arms.

"Thanks, magic mare. I'll make sure we meet up again soon." Alder fist bumped the unicorn.

Skystrike and Alder left the room, the latter following the former onto the deck of the ship. Skystrike leaned on the railing, letting the wind blow through his hair and onto his body. "So... did everything turn out well, old bird?"

"Wattle's dead, if that's what you're asking." Alder pulled out a cigar. Skystrike snapped his fingers, a small flame coming from his finger, lighting the griffon's cigar. "Thanks..." He took a puff. "I won't go into specifics, but every griffon had their way with him before he kicked the bucket... after that, there were some personal vendettas that some of my griffons had with Wattle's. Murderers, thieves, and everything in between. In the end ten griffons including Wattle died. But all the ones who did were his closest griffs. The rest, who were just in it for the paycheck, began working under me, with heavy supervision. Garrry decided to stick it out with us for now, too. Can't really say I feel good about it all though..." Skystrike nodded. Alder put an elbow on the railing and leaned over the edge. "I don't know how you do it..."

"What do you mean?" Skystrike asked.

"The weight of others lives on our shoulders, their deaths on our talons... It wasn't until I joined you that I was actually involved in the death of another... and it doesn't get easier... deciding who lives and who dies."

Skystrike sighed, looking out to the full moon with Alder. "I try not to think of it like that... I try not to get my personal feelings involved in matters like these unless it affects me personally... I'll tell you what I do. No matter the situation, in the end, it boils down to them or us. If Wattle wasn't stopped, you wouldn't know how many more would be harmed. Whether he could change, whether it was necessary, whether it was justified, we'll never really know. But we do know that no more will be hurt by him. We just have to keep going, hoping we made the right choice."

"...Wise beyond your years, you are." Alder chuckled. "Kinda wish I had a chick of my own like you... may be weird, but I kinda saw you as a nephew or something."

"Well... I'm flattered." He fist bumped the griffon. "But... well, I already gave you the run down of who, and what I am. I still don't feel like I'm the person you think I am... It's like... my past won't leave me alone, it keeps defining who I am... what I am. I feel like I have to make up for the sins of my kind."

"Well, time for ol' uncle Alder to give you some advice." Alder took in another puff of smoke. "Good people think they're bad people. Bad people think they're good people. The good people, being good all their lives, see it as normal, then focus too much on the bad they did. Vice versa for bad people. We all make mistakes, but you reflect on yours. That's more than some can say."

Skystrike smiled. "Thanks, Alder. Means a lot."

"Think nothing of it." The griffon grinned. "Just wished you could stay around a bit longer. Astraea was giving you the look."

Skystrike chuckled a bit at that. "Sure, old man... Wish I could stay longer too, but it's best if I leave quickly."

"How come?"

"Well, I'm already not welcome in Equestria, and I won't be surprised if word gets around that I was a major player in your plan. The sooner I'm gone, the safer it is for all of us." Skystrike turned to look at Alder with a serious face. "Make sure you and your griffons don't tell anyone I was involved with you. The human me I mean. Celestia has been hunting me my whole life here. I don't want you getting caught up in my problem. Celestia doesn't know that Skystrike and I are one in the same."

Alder sighed, but nodded. "You have your reasons. I wish I could help you out more... But there is some good news." Skystrike raised an eyebrow. "With Wattle gone, I plan on filling in before a power vacuum starts. It may take some time, figuring out how to do a Noble's duties, but I want to make this country better, bring it back to its prime... And I want to make it one that you can live in too... even if you may not live to see it."

Skystrike smiled, and hugged Alder. "Thank you, my friend."

Alder returned the hug. "You know... I can spin a story to your princesses. I may be able to hide your involvement with me, but you're probably already being talked about by the crown. The corruption here isn't a secret. I can say you helped out, at the very least."

Skystrike crouched down to Alder. "I'll leave that up to you, but if you do, realize that you will be a target for whoever is after me."

Alder laughed before putting a talon over his silver chest. "I've already danced with death a couple times. What's another tango? Besides, it's what friends are for. Know that me and my griffons, will always be on your side."

Each of the friends gave heartfelt goodbyes to Alder the following morning. But they all promised to see each other again. Astraea was rubbing all over Skystrike's let before he left for some reason, but that was neither here nor there. For now, Skystrike was driving the Wind Waker with Tethys, Elytra, and Zecora sitting on chairs next to him. Having to go off route to get the former captives home, their first stop was Saddle Arabia, about eight hours from Griffonstone with Skystrike's calculations, and they currently only had one hour left. It would take another 15 from there to get to-... wait.

"Hey Zecora." Skystrike got the mares attention. "Is Farasi a country in Zebrafrica?"

Zecora nodded her head. "Farasi, my homeland, with pride I acclaim, Zebrat, its capital, where I earned my name."

"Ooooh, I thought Farasi was a city." He went back to steering.

"Hey, Sky." Elytra got the humans attention.

"Yeah?"

"I know you're dense, but... did you know what that griffon Astraea was doing to you?"

"What, her rubbing on me?" Skystrike asked. "Well, she is part cat. I just figured that means she warmed up to me."

Elytra chuckled. "By the pantheon, Cadence was right. Skystrike, she was rubbing all up your leg."

"Yeah, that's the cat half." Skystrike put the ship in autopilot and looked at her.

Tethys laughed. "This never gets old. How bluntly do we have to say if for you to get it?"

Skystrike thought about it. "...Get what?"

"Skystrike she was shooting her shot!" Elytra slammed her hooves on the ground. "I could taste it!"

"Taste wha-...." He realized. "Ooooh she wanted me!"

Tethys laughed a bit, then had a realization of her own. "Hold on... you related her to a cat... have you been relating everything to animals?"

"Alright, hear me out-" They all began laughing at him. "There's just a lot of actions that are similar from the animals in my world." They all looked at him expectantly. "Oh you want examples, uh... well first, let me preface that dragons, griffons, unicorns, pegasi... actually most sentient beings in this world were legends. The few things that did, like Earth ponies, Zebras, and Deer, weren't sentient."

Zecora's ears perked up at that. "So, Zebras lack thoughts, a concept quite rare. No minds of their own, just a curious stare?"

"Yeah, but the intelligent level doesn't really matter right now, but the mannerisms. You'd be in awe of how many carried over. Like earlier, with griffons being part cat, they rub against your leg because they like you. Or for example, Tethys, when you do that bellow thing, alligators do that when they're territorial, or for social reasons, like I see you do."

She giggled. "Well, we do it for one other reason." She made a circle with her left hand and fingered it with her right.

"Ayo." Elytra laughed. "But that does bring up the question, were there changeling equivalents where you're from?"

"Not really... like I said, most of the beings in this world were stuff of legends. But that wasn't the weirdest part about adapting to this world." Skystrike chuckled.

"Yeah, I figured the hive wasn't really the best place, but no place really was." Elytra admitted.

"Oh no, not that. It was like, a lot of little things. Like, Diamond Dogs and normal dogs exist at the same time. That has to be so weird for them, especially since other races still domesticate the dogs. Same with the cats... And dragons. Kinda why I chose to get Naga. Like, sure, she's a lizard, but it's far enough away from dragons where I won't think in the back of my mind 'they look alike."

Zecora tilted her head. "I think I get what you mean. I thought of a dog at some point, but what if Jeshan had seen."

"What else was weird about adapting?" Tethys leaned on the table in front of her.

"Well, before I turned like, 12 and my growth spurt started, I was eye height with everyone my age as a human. Getting used to the average being in this world being up to my thigh wasn't bad, per say, but it gets annoying having to look down all the time. Hell, even if I sit on the floor, they come up to my chest. Even Celestia is a head shorter than me."

"Well, I'm quite a bit taller than you." Tethys laughed.

Elytra's ears perked up. "You know, I never asked. How tall are you both?"

"Six foot four." Skystrike stood up straight.

Tethys did the same. "Eight foot three."

"Damn!" Skystrike, Elytra, and Zecora all went.

"Well, if that's surprising, dragons grow bigger the older we get. It's also more dependent on how much magic we have. Some of us are even able to change between forms if we have enough magic to do so."

"Change forms? Like changelings?" Elytra asked.

"Well, yes, but also kinda no." Tethys shook her her head. "It's like how I look slimmer, but a larger scale. Think of like, an eighty foot tall dragon turning into my size. Don't ask me how it works, we barely had schools in the dragon seas."

""Damn, I was gonna ask if they convert their mass to magic." Skystrike sighed.

The conversation ended as they all went back to doing whatever they were doing before, Tethys Elytra and Zecora playing cards as Skystrike wove around clouds. It went of for about half an hour before Skystrike had an idea. No reason why it came to mind, but he just decided to do it, hoping his friends would join in. Skystrike began making a sound, going up and down in pitch as he continued to repeat the noise. "Do do do do do do do do do do do-"

Elytra's ears perked up, realizing what he wanted to start, adding in her part as a smile creeped on her face. "Boom boom, Uh... boom, Uh, boom boom boom, Uh... boom boom, boom, Uh..."

"Day and night..." Zecora began singing.

"Wha wha wha wha wha wha?" Tethys smiled as she made her voice fade out as Zecora sang, doing her part between each of her scectences.

"I toss and turn, I keep stress in my mind, mind... I look for peace, but see I don't attain... What I need for keeps this silly game we play. Play..." Zecora chuckled a bit. "Now look at this... Madness to magnet, keeps attracting me, me... I try to run but see I'm not that fast... I'm thinking first but surely finish last... last."

Skystrike changed his part to: "Weow weow weow weow weow~..." Over and over again as Tethys began singing with Zecora. "'Cus day and night! The lonely stoner seems to free his mind at night... He's all alone through the day and night... He's all alone through the day and night... The lonely loner seems to free his mind at night, at, at, at night."

They continued through the whole song, just having fun, as their destination approached. Skystrike slowed the ship to a stop just above their first destination, Saddle Arabia. He lowered the ship, landing the Wind Waker on the ground. The landing gear stopped most of the impact, but there was a noticeable bump, causing everyone to come a few inches off the ground.

Skystrike stood up and stretched. "Welp, it's time. I'd prefer you all stay on the ship, don't want to come off as more threatening than we already are with this ship."

"Fine by me." Elytra said. "This heat is killing me."

Skystrike left the bridge and went to the once empty room that Zecora repurposed for a sick bay. He gave a polite knock on the door before opening it. He skimmed the room, seeing the eyes staring back at him. Tsunami, Frosty, Dune Strider, Marini, there she is. "Costal Shore. We're here."

The pony scratched at her bandages. "Here? W-where's here?" She said with a hint a fear. Costal still didn't trust the human just yet. He didn't blame her, going from one ship to another with no choice of her own like this.

Skystrike clarified. "Saddle Arabia. Your home right?"

"We're here already!?" She stood up from her bed. "It hasn't even been a day!" She looked out the window to see the familiar deserts of her land. Her eyes lit up with relief.

He nodded. "I promised I'd get you all home. We're 15 hours away from Farasi, so the rest of you will be getting some tomorrow around noon." Skystrike took a satchel off his waist and put it in Costal's hooves. "I don't know where you live, but that should be enough bits and food to last you a week or so, as well as transportation if you need it. Ready to go?"

She looked back at the others in the room, all of them waving goodbye to her. She did the same. "Yes, I am."

Skytrike opened the door for her, letting the mare walk out first. As they walked down the hallway to the landing ramp, Skystrike continued to talk. "If I remember right, Saddle Arabia is a territory beginning to build ties with Equestria. You will be asked questions by whatever government authority will meet you out there, and they will send word to the princesses of Equestria. You've been through a lot, so I won't let you sit through hours of interrogation and bring up trauma. I'd recommend getting a therapist."

Costal chuckled. "I'm... surprised you care so much. But I'll go through the interrogations. Worry about getting the others home first."

"Lets just say I went through something similar..." Skystrike sighed as the two stepped off the ship. They were immediately met with a platoon of ponies of all types, their magic and spears aimed at him. "In hind sight, I should've taken off my armor."

"Who are you!?" One of the Saddle Arabians shouted at him.

Skystrike stood up straight and began to speak. "My name is not important, but know that I mean no harm to you! As soon as my business here is done, I will be leaving!"

"What business do you have here!?"

"How long ago would you say you were foalnapped?" Skystrike leaned down to whisper to Costal Shore.

"Uh... more than two weeks, less than three... I don't even know what day it is." She answered.

Skystrike winced at that, but straightened his face to speak to the guards once more. "About two weeks ago, one of your residents went missing, her name is Costal Shore! I've rescued her, and came to return her to you! Once her safety is secured, I will be leaving! Once again, I do not wish to be your enemy!"

The guard in charge quickly spoke to one of his privates, assumedly telling the stallion to go check. Costal sighed. "Looks like this may be a while..." She sat down on the ramp.

Skystrike did so too. He looked out over the city they landed in front of, seeing the expertly carved houses made of sandstone, a large central market full of ponies, decorated with wonderful colors, and on the furthest end of the city, a large palace. Mostly white in color, with golden domed roofs and towers of varying sizes. It was almost like it was out of a story book. "You have a beautiful city, Costal."

"Thank you. It's actually our capital, Agrabahrn. You should visit some time if you have the chance... It would be nice to see you again, and give a proper thank you."

"Living the best life you can is thanks enough." Then he had a thought. "Actually, you can help me out right now." Her ears perked up. "This may sound like a stupid question, but as you can see, I'm not from around here." Skystrike twirled his thumbs around each other, somewhat nervous. "Do... do genies exist?"

"Yeah, but assuming you want a wish, good luck finding one." Costal giggled. "The tales say that you can find a lamp in the sand dunes, but from you can already see around us, there's a lot of those. Last one that was found was when my grandma was a filly."

"Well, it's a start, thanks."

She giggled some more. "I'm a bit surprised you don't ask about our flying carpets. Everypony asks about that."

The human's jaw dropped. "Flying carpets??? Actually..." Skystrike closed his mouth. "Not the craziest thing I've seen in this world."

"You say 'this world' like you aren't from it." Costal looked at him. Skystrike smirked back. "...These last three weeks have been insane."

Skystrike looked at five of the Arabian guards approaching him. "Well, here's hoping you get to relax soon." Skystrike stood up at the aproach of the guards, each of them gripping their weapons tightly.

The most decorated guard, wearing silver armor with silk cloths, spoke first. "Your earlier statement aligns with reports we got from a sea life team that was attacked on their way back from Farasi. We thank you for bringing back one of our own. Despite that, and it pains me to say it, because of the sudden entrance, as well as lack of identification, you will not be allowed to enter our capital. However, if you are able to tell us what nation you're affiliated with, we can send a proper thank you to you in the near future."

"Understandable. As for my affiliation, I am from Equestria. And honestly, if you want to send me a gift, I'd like a map and a booklet of landmarks and geological information, as I will be traveling through this part of the world for the next few weeks. I've been flying near blind on this side of the Celestial sea. I'd also like a board game of some sort to pass the time."

The guard nodded. "That can be arranged. If you are able to give us about an hour, I can get you one of Zebrafrica and our immediate neighbors."

"That'd be great. I'll wait here then." Skystrike got on one knee to speak with the mare. "Take care of yourself, Costal. I'm hoping the rest of your days treat you better than the last few weeks."

To his surprise. Costal hugged him, wrapping her forehooves around his neck. "Thank you so much. I hope to see you again." She pulled back from the hug before walking towards the guards. Skystrike stood back up and put a hand over his chest, giving a small bow. The silver cladded guard did the same before transporting Costal Shore back to her home.

Skystrike sat back down and waited. Hopefully the guard wont take that long with the map. While he waited, he decided to make some conversation. "Nightmare." He spoke in his head.

It took a few moments, but Nightmare Moon answered his call. He never got used to another mind within his own. "Hey, it's been a while. Sorry we haven't spoken in so long, the talks between Luna and I have been giving us much to think about."

"All good. Won't read your memories, that's between the two of you. I hope that everything turned out well?" Skystrike asked.

"It's... getting better. We're able to greet each other with some semblance of familiarity, rather than passive aggression. I think it's helping her a lot... confronting her mistake." She said that last part with a hint of sadness.

"Don't speak about yourself like that. I won't let you hit yourself while you're down when you're trying to be better."

"Thank you, Skystrike." He could feel a warmth from her words. "Hope you're doing well. What did you call for?"

"More an update on things. I'm in Saddle Arabia, just learned that genies do exist. So getting you a body may not be a pipe dream. Also related, Tethys spoke about how her race is able to change forms by converting magic into mass. With the same technique, I may be able to make you a body, even if this genie thing is a bust, which it probably will be. There's no way I'd find it in this desert..."

"Oh... I'm quite surprised you're so serious about giving me a new form. I'm thankful, don't get me wrong, but I thought on it more, and maaaaaybe it isn't a good idea." She poked her hooves together.

Skystrike sighed. "Nightmare, if I know you well enough from sharing my mind space, you're probably thinking you haven't gotten along enough with Luna to do it, or you think Celestia will think you're controlling me, or both." Skystrike heard a hum of acknowledgement. "I don't care much about their worries on this. All we need to do is show that their worries wont happen. In the end, it's up to you. Just tell me when you think you're ready."

"I will... Also, would you mind if I go through your memories? It's nice to feel like I'm there with you and your friends."

"Go for it, but I will warn you the last couple of days weren't exactly pleasant ones."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." Nightmare said. Skystrike could feel their connection breaking. Good to know the two alicorns of the night are getting better.

Skystrike saw the silver guard approach him again, with a map and a box held in his hooves. Skystrike stood up and met the pony half way. "Here you are." The pony put the box and map on the floor ground in front of Skystrike. "Three board games, one map, with note of the geology. I was able to get the best one I could. And thanks for saving my cousin, I was worried sick." The pony put out a hoof.

Skystrike laughed at the small world and shook his hoof. "No problem. Take care of yourselves." Skystrike did a quick check of the items before picking them up and going back onto his ship. The map was quite detailed, showing the desert they were in, as well as all of Griffonstone, Zebrafrica, part of the Dragon Lands, and Part of the Dragon Seas. The other two places he was going to stop at, Diamondia and Hippogriffia, were further south than the map showed. Still seems like they'll still have to go off their notes.

He raised the ramp and began to power the ship engine, making them take into the sky once more. He continued south, but at a slower speed to think. Zecora noticed the look on his face. "What are you thinking about, to make you have that look of doubt?"

"Uh... Genies exist, and-"

"Genies exist!?" The three girls went.

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah, the hard part is figuring out how to find one in this big ass desert."

"Well..." Elytra began. "This may be related, but I could smell a large amount of sadness and loneliness when we entered this desert."

"Interesting..." Skystrike leaned forward in his chair. "Wanna play a game of hot or cold?"

Elytra let the Wind Waker keep moving forward. "It's getting stronger... go south- no, south-east." Skystrike turned his ship south east and flew for a few moments. "Now south, directly south." He turned the ship once more. "We're directly above it."

Skystrike stood up and rolled his metal shoulder. "I'd invite you three with me, but this should be quick." He opened the door outside and jumped down off the Wind Waker. He slowed his fall with wind, landing elegantly on the sand. Damn, it was hot. The human did a quick skim of his surroundings. "Yep, nothing but sand as far as I can see." He thought of the quickest way to find the source of the sadness and loneliness. Well, anything that isn't sand would probably suffice.

He clenched his hands as he formed his mana into magic through his hands. Skystrike clenched his hands as he felt power surge through his body, then to the sand dunes below him. The ground glowed a cerulean blue as Skystrike put in more and more magic within it. With a strained face, he moved his arms down before lifting them above his head, all the sand in large twenty meter radius moving above his head as well. He looked all around him, seeing no sign of anything worth while. Well, there was some bones of creatures he's never seen before, it was quite cool, but it wasn't what he was looking for.

He slowly spun his arms around in a circular motion, making the the sand fall, layer by layer, watching as each item fell back to the ground. Bones, bugs, there were some lost items that he checked just in case, but there weren't many things to note. Any items of value he did find, from the dates, there were no beings alive left to have sentimental value. He'd leave the stuff for the history nerds. He continued the motions for a few minutes only for Elytra to teleport next to him. "You were taking a while. Any problems?"

"Just taking a while to sift through the sand."

Elytra looked around at the sand still above them. "By the pantheon, could you always do this!?"

"Yeah, but any way, now that you're here, you can focus in on what we're looking for... Anything speaking to you?"

The changeling looked around at the sand above her. It took her a few moments to triangulate where the source of the emotions were coming from. She buzzed her wings, flying up to the sand and beginning to dig. In a few moments, she pulled down a platinum lamp, decorated with various gems and engravings. She could feel a faint magic from it, almost like a lock. Elytra flew down to Skystrike, who released all the sand from his grasp. He shook his hands to get rid of the tenseness.

He made a small barrier around him and his sister to avoid the sand getting in their eyes and clothes. Skystrike crouched down and looked at the lamp in Elytra's hooves. "Well that's... convenient... I feel like we're being set up for a plot point."

"What?"

"Nothing." Skystrike shook his head. "Get the others. I'll meet you back on the ship." Elytra nodded, teleporting away with the lamp while Skystrike jumped back onto the ship. He reached into his bag for a sheet of paper and a pen and began to write, making a detailed list just in case it was a monkey's paw type of thing. After a few minutes, Elytra, Tethys, and Zecora all came to the deck of the ship with him. Elytra handed him the lamp, giving him the honors. He rubbed it.

The lamp began to rattle, floating our of his hands and into the air. He took a warry step back as the rattling turned into violent shaking. In moments, a pony like wisp escaped from the mouth of the lamp. It took on an alicorn form, with a blue coat and long pink mane. On her forehooves, it, assuming a she from the shape of the body, was wearing engraved cold bracelets. She also wore a golden necklace and circlet, each with an opal on them. She donned a transparent veil, covering her muzzle as she opened her golden eyes. "Ahahaha, it's been so long!" She laughed as she stretched, spinning around as she did so. "You wouldn't believe how lonely it gets in there..." The genie looked to the ever reaching sky, wondering where she was. She turned to see the group. "...This is the weirdest flying carpet I've ever seen, and even a weirder group of beings before me!"

She was quite animated. Not so much as Pinkie, but it's noticeable. Skystrike chuckled. "Guess you're one for small talk."

"You have no idea." The genie said with a bit of excitement, but a noticeable amount of dread. "Where did you find me, anyway?"

"Under about ten feet of sand." Skystrike admitted. "Thank Elytra here. She was the one who was able to find you."

"Oh, where are my manners? Let me introduce myself. I'm Djilisa! Coolest and prettiest Djinn on this plane of existence of yours..." Her smile fell a bit. "I guess this is the part where I say 'you get three wishes'... No monkey's paw, I'll know exactly what you mean when you say it, but the long term consequences are on all of you. There are just four rules. No wishing for death, no falling in love, no bringing back dead beings, and no wishing for extra wishes."

Skystrike smiled. "I wish for seven more genies."

Djilisa narrowed her eyes. "...There are five rules." She said before laughing. "But I will say, that was clever! I haven't thought of that loop hole!" Then she got in his face with a stern look. "But on a more serious note, that falls under asking for more wishes."

"Meh, fair enough." Skystrike gave her the list he wrote earlier. "I wish everything on that list comes true."

Djilisa looked at the list with an annoyed look, but it soon turned to an amused one. "You know, I was originally gonna say no, but there are all pretty good... Normally you creatures are selfish, but these are heart warming." She began to read some off. "Everyone should be able to fall asleep as soon as they try to fall asleep and wake up well rested, everyone taking a test that they aren't confident on but studied for keeps all of the information they studied for for the duration of the test, overall better mental health... sure, I'll grant those. Those ones specifically are on me. You all still got three wishes." She clapped her hooves together.

Skystrike pumped a fist. "Hell yeah, truly the coolest genie! But there were two more on that list?"

"Ah, yes..." Djilisa winced. "Normally, if some idiot wishes for immortality, I grant it in the most gruesome way. And while you didn't wish for immortality, just a longer life span is pushing it. Even if I wanted to extend your life span, because your from another dimension, the wishes I can grant to you specifically are few... As for the fifth wish about making a new body, that counts as bringing back the dead, as I am giving life to something."

Skystrike sighed. "Well, that was a bust... Alright, Tethys, Elytra, Zecora, you guys can have the three wishes."

Tethys smirked. "I haven't had much time to think about it, but I know exactly what I want! An indestructible camera with infinite, indestructible, film!"

Djilisa's eyes lit up. "Oh my, that is quite a good one! Holding on to memories is tough for those of us with long lifespans." Then the genie looked to Elytra. "Yours?"

"Uh... When I meet my soulmate, I'd like something in my mind that tells me I've met my soulmate."

"Aw~! A changeling wanting to fall in love!" Djilisa cooed. "It doesn't count as falling in love, so I can do that... All that leaves is you." She looked at Zecora.

Zecora thought about it for a few moments. "I wish for a book on potions, every recipe past and present, as brewing is my devotion."

"I see, I see. I can do that. Just use it responsibly." She smiled. With a clap of her hooves, everything they asked for were given. A blue energy came from her hooves and surrounded Tethys and Elytra, while a thick book materialized in front of Zecora. "I must admit, you're all an interesting group. It's a bit sad I have to go so soon... I'd like to see how much this world has changed in the past couple centuries." She sighed.

Skystrike had a thought. "Well... this counts as a loop hole, but I gave my three wishes to my friends. If they rub the lamp, you can come back out, right? Assuming that one person only gets three wishes."

Djilisa rubbed her chin, thinking. "Well... maybe? I don't truly know how the seal on the lamp works..."

"Well, then I have an idea, if you can give me a fourth wish?"

She hesitated, but she didn't have much to lose. "...Very well, you may have one wish."

Skystrike nodded. "I wish for you to have the ability to grant your own wishes."

Djilisa blinked. "I... I can do that? I can do that!" She clapped her hooves. In a bright blue light erupted from her lamp, as well as the sound of shattering glass. "I did it! I broke my seal! This is amazing!" She pulled the rest of her body out of the lamp and stepped on the deck of the ship. "I can-... I can walk! I can feel this!"

The four watched as the genie laughed, running around the deck of the ship. Tethys turned her sight to Skystrike. "Well, that was nice and all, but are you sure that was a good idea? You kinda let a wish maker free."

"She's still a genie. I assume there's her own set of rules she has to follow." Skystrike shrugged.

"You know, I like Pinkie and all, but I was somewhat looking forward to not having to deal with her... what's the word for it? Antics? For a while... and now it seems like we have one that can warp reality..." Elytra sighed.

Djilisa teleported between the four with a bright smile. "Oh, don't worry, no offense, but I don't plan on sticking around for long." She spun around several times on her back hooves, before spreading out her arms towards the setting sun. "There's so much out there for me! To see! To explore! To experience! Actually..." She turned to face the four. "Where should I go first? Surely you all know good places to visit!"

Tethys thought. "Well, the ponies in Equestria have a lot of good stuff. They have dozens of places to see."

"But before you go..." Skystrike pointed to his forehead. "Don't be an alicorn while you do it. Disguise yourself."

Djilisa nodded, using her magic to make her wings invisible. "Okthanksseeyouallsoonthankyoubye!" She spoke quickly enough to give Pinkie a run for her money before disappearing with a flash.

Skystrike blinked. "I feel like this may come back to bite me."

Author's Note

I tried to show Skystrike's moral compass more in this chapter. Hope it went well.
Alder will show up in later chapters for anyone who likes that old griffon, don't worry.

Also, finally finished College. I'll be able to write these more often while I look for a job that I can use my major for. For now, more pony content.

I'm not gonna lie, I added the genie because I want to do some funny stuff with her later, more as a gag character if I remember. Probably will appear again, but more for a plot point so people for people who would've thought "Why didn't he wish for a longer life?" It'd be too simple a fix for the story I planned out.

I know I said last time that the four would be in Diamondia, but next chapter for sure. I don't realize how much I have to write until I write it. I try not to have things too short to feel like it's a passing thought, but not to long where it's boring.

Hope to get the next chapter out soon. Until then, thanks for reading as always.

Mind Games

Skystrike was within his mind, walking through the grey space aimlessly. He's been thinking a lot lately, going back into the memories that he could. Over his travels, he couldn't help but think about his past, namely how Khrusalis died- no, disappeared would be a better word for it. As he found out from Celestia herself, she had no involvement of the attack. Add to that, Khrusalis told him to run from what he remembered, so he never saw the body. Essentially, there's somepony, or more likely somebody that wants him to think the former queen is dead. Also, this same someone wanted him to believe it was Celestia's fault. Bold assumptions for him to make, but he didn't have anything proving him wrong, or right yet.

He thought as he walked, each step getting quieter to him as he continued his trek into the endless void. Skystrike already knew a way to check his memories. It'd be the same way he revealed his past to Luna and Nightmare, just hopping back into his memories. There were just two problems. Skystrike remembered back to a specific memory, when he returned to the hive to face Chrysalis, and his banishment. He paused the memory as a younger Skystrike faced down the current Queen.

The first problem was that some memories were assumedly blocked by trauma. He looked around at the changelings around him. Only a few faces he could make out, notably the pained look on Elytra's face with tears in her eyes, hugging another changeling he got along with, Teeko. For the vast majority of the other changelings, he couldn't make out their faces, just black silhouettes of their heads, with white eyes full of anger. Skystrike still winced at their stares. He still considered them his family, but their looks showed they did not hold the same sentiment. He shook his head in a vain attempt to get the stares out of his head. This wasn't the only way these blocked memories showed. Some were shown to him as static, others, a writhing mass of black tentacles. It all depended on what exactly was being blocked. A face, a voice, an image, all displayed differently.

Then came his second problem. Some memories are nightmares, and have to be experienced, and not viewed. He found this long ago, before he showed Luna and Nightmare his past those months ago. He only realized recently, once Nightmare Moon was able to travel between her alter and Skystrike's mind. Ironically, it was when she began helping to stop his own nightmares. In his dreams, Skystrike has the choice to experience it or view it, as he did the night before when he dreamed of spending time with his siblings from the orphanage... he should spend some time with them once he gets back.

Anyway, both of those problems come together to put him in his current predicament. He wanted to look more into the situation with Khrusalis... but he'd have to relive the memory. Not that he hadn't before, but it doesn't suddenly become pleasant after a couple dozen times. Actually, it's been hundreds if not thousands over the years. Hard to believe it's been over a decade since it happened... He was getting off track. Skystrike stopped his walking and crossed his arms with a sigh. Only two ponies could help him with this, Luna and Nightmare Moon.

The problem is that he'd once again have to rely on Luna's good will to not tell her sister. He trusts her, but Skystrike keeps pulling her deeper into the rabbit hole... well, not necessarily. She already knew about humans in the first place, she just doesn't know about him. Was he willing to take the risk?

No, he could trust her. They haven't been through too much in the grand scheme of things, but it was enough to earn his. She's kept his secret for this long. Skystrike called out to them in the hopes they'd come. "Luna, Nightmare, I... need a favor."

It took only moments for the two to make their presence known, as the grey void turned into a starry night sky. The two flew in from seemingly nowhere before landing in front of him. Luna greeted him first. "Greetings, Skystrike. It is our pleasure to see you again. We hope your travels are going well?"

"Yeah, some hiccups here or there you could say, but it's progressing. Taking longer than it should, but we're only two days behind schedule. Nothing too major." Skystrike shrugged. "How's it going with you two?"

Nightmare gave a small smile. "I like to think it's going well. Confronting our demons is hard, but it's... going at least."

"But enough about us. What about this favor you speak of?" Luna tilted her head.

"Ok, it's a lot to explain, so Nightmare, go into my memories of the past ten minutes, then share it with Luna."

Nightmare Moon gave him a skeptical look, but did so, closing her eyes. Skystrike could feel her crawling around his mind, sifting through each thought. After a moment, she opened her eyes. "I'm... not sure if I should do that, Skystrike... but I will let Luna decide."

Luna gave Nightmare Moon a confused look before the crossed horns, sharing the memories Nightmare gathered. Luna's eyes went wide as she realized what he wanted them to do. "Let us be clear, you wish for Nightmare Moon to give you a nightmare, then wish for me to help you through unblocking these... memories?"

"Yeah, that sums it up. I'm shooting in the dark here, I have no idea if it will even work, but you two are my best bets for it to work." Skystrike nodded. "But let me specify. I can give myself a nightmare, no problem. But I would wake up at certain points on instinct. I need Nightmare to make sure I don't wake up."

Luna hummed. "We are not sure if it is a good idea. It will surely give us answers, but... there is no telling what it will do on your mind. We've only used such a spell on ourselves, let alone another pony. We do not know what affects it will have on you, a human!"

"I'm willing to take that risk. I need to know what happened that day. There's too much I don't know, too much that doesn't make sense anymore. I know it's a lot to ask for, but I really need this." Skystrike clenched a fist.

Luna began to waver at that. "And what would thou do with the information?"

"Depends on what information I get. But I will prepare for whatever comes. Best case scenario, I deal with some past trauma. Worst case, there's someone behind the scenes pulling the strings... and someone we need to deal with."

Silence fell between the trio as the alicorns thought upon his words. Their first worry was what if he was right? Their second was what if it was another human? But Nightmare had a question to ask. "And if we don't help you?"

"Then I will find another way." He answered almost immediately.

The two could feel his resolve. "Very well..." Luna said. "We shall assist you with your goal... Are you ready?"

Skystrike nodded as Nightmare Moon approached him. She closed her eyes as she focused magic in her horn, leaning in towards the human. Skystrike felt his mind go dark, and a wave of uneasiness flowed through his body. When he opened his eyes, he was there. Back where it all started going down hill.

A bright light filled his vision before he came to. He tried to move his head to look around, but he couldn't. All he could do was feel the grass under his hooves and the wind on his body. It was like he was possessing someone, watching through their eyes. In front of him, Skystrike could see Luna and Nightmare Moon staring at him, but no matter how much he tried, he couldn't move towards them, or even call out. It was expected. He wasn't able to last time until the nightmare was over.

Luna stepped forward and reached out to him, only for her hoof to pass through his body. Nightmare shook her head. "It's no use. We won't be able to do anything besides watch unless we stop this nightmare." The two alicorns stood back as a young Skystrike kept walking. He entered a forest. Luna looked around to notice the walls to Canterlot in the distance, along with the castle. She wondered what the dream was about.

Skystrike felt the dirt under his hooves as he went deeper and deeper into the woods. His mind remembered the day, no matter how hard he tried to forget. Each step he took felt as if it was ordering him to grieve, to turn away at what was about to happen. His body reached into his saddle bag to grab a small, crudely drawn map of the forest he was in, a small 'x' where he was at. He was in the right spot. Now it was just a matter of waiting.

Skystrike sat in wait, digging aimlessly at the dirt under him. It took a few minutes before he heard the sound of magic, something teleporting into the forest he was in. He stood up, but quicker than he could react, he was picked up by a pair of hooves from behind and turned around before being pulled into a hug. "It's been so long, my little nymph!" A motherly voice spoke.

Luna and Nightmare looked at the being hugging him. A tall, black pony-like figure, with a height rivaling that of Nightmare Moon. In place of fur, she has a black chitinous shell. Her mane and tail were a beautiful golden hue, the same color as her elytra and her eyes, each reflecting the sun off of her. Her horn was long and pointed, showing her magical capabilities. It was a changeling... one with a regal stature, if it wasn't given away by the golden tiara on her head.

Even if it was a memory, Skystrike could never forget the feeling. The smooth chitin, her warm body, the soft, yet firm hooves around him. "Mom! Don't scare me like that!" The words flowed out of his mouth as he returned the hug, wishing he could tighten his grip around her and not let go. Each of the alicorns eyes widened. That was his mom?

"...You know, I'm still not used to you calling me that." The changeling giggled behind a hoof. "Feels like it was just yesterday when you came to my hive. I'm happy that you don't feel obligated to call me 'Queen Khrusalis' anymore."

That made more sense. Celestia told Luna about her before. The late changeling queen, who passed a bit over a decade ago. Skystrike told Celestia, who then told Luna. The princess of the sun had kept in contact with Khrusalis, albeit sparsely. This explains why their contact was cut short. Then Nightmare realized. "This is..."

Luna turner to her alter. "What is it? Did thou realize what we are seeing?"

"I think so... I recognize how this nightmare starts, one of the many that I've stopped before. But... I never even seen the hug... This is new domain to me, but I know for certain that this is a dream he did not want to remember."

Their conversation was paused as Skystrike continued to speak. "Yeah, it took me a while to get used to too. How's the hive doing? I know we can't really send letters to each other."

"Well, I have some changeling visit every few months to check on you. Sorry you had to find out like this, but you know how we have to stay secretive." Khrusalis sighed, but her warm smile soon came back. "Your sister is doing fine. Chrysalis is focusing on her studies, at her rate, she'll be a good heir in a few years. She's just a bit... hot headed." Skystrike noticed the smile falter a bit.

He chalked it up to a trick of the mind. "Really? It's been almost two years since I've seen her. I'll try and visit when school lets out for the summer." The two released each other before sitting down.

"It'd be nice to see you again back home. Your caretaker, Elytra said she misses you. Even asked to come here to Canterlot and began training to be an operative... with some luck, she wont need to if peace talks keeps the same motions. But enough about that! Today is a day for celebration!"

Skystrike tilted his head. "It is?"

"It's your birthday, my little nymph! You forgot? You're 14 now!" The queen put up her hooves. "You've been in the hive six years! Though I guess this more counts as an anniversary."

Skystrike processed that information. "Huh, I guess it is. Well... I don't have anything planned. Did you?"

Khrusalis looked off, deeper into the forest. "I always wanted to visit Canterlot again. Last I've been here, it was with my own mother over twenty years ago..." Her smile faltered again. "There's a hidden entrance just south of here if I remember right. Maybe you can show me around. I wonder how much has changed over the years."

"Sure." Skystrike said as the two got up and began walking. "Though from what Celestia has said, not much has changed. I asked her about it, but all I really got from her was some new restaurants and bakeries she liked."

Khrusalis blinked. "Hold on, Skystrike... You've talked with the princess? Casually?"

"Oh, right, guess I never got the chance to tell you, I got adopted by her about... two years ago? Yeah, two." He shrugged. "She's pretty alright as long as she knows I'm not... you know..."

Khrusalis looked at him. Skystrike could never hide anything he was feeling from her, the queen being his mom and a changeling. "Skystrike, be honest with me. Do you plan on telling anyone else that you're human?"

"No." He answered quickly. Much to quickly for Khrusalis' liking.

She sighed. "Skystrike, I can only imagine how hard it will be to truly trust another after what happened to you." She tried her best to hide her pain outwardly. "But, you must find someone to trust-" Khrusalis wasn't finished speaking, but any words that came out of her mouth sounded like static. The watchers weren't even able to read her lips.

"I'll... keep it in mind." Skystrike sighed. "We've been walking for a while, mom. Are you remembering right?"

"...Yeah, I'm sure." Khrusalis confirmed as they kept walking. "So, how's your time been among the ponies? You're- well, you were in that orphanage right?"

"Yeah, still visit every day. Surprised how close I got to them. There's Astral Night, Dawnstone, Mystic Falls, Lucky and Blue Clover, from oldest to youngest. Guess I'm a big brother to them. It has it's moments, taking care of Lucky and blue are tricky. They're seven, so they're a hoof full, getting into things. Astral and Dawnstone are... twelve and ten so they're... competing with each other? For lack of a better term. Told them I'd save up some bits so we can go clothes shopping. Mystic wants to hang out with me more, since I'm the only brother he's close to, but he's nine so there's only so much we can do together. But they're all good kids. Sister Paprika says that I have to be a good role model, so I'll try my best." Skystrike gave a small sigh. "As for Celestia and her niece, Cadenza, they're... nice. They enjoy my company when I'm around, and I'm beginning to like theirs. It just... I've been keeping my distance from them. It feels like they're trying to replace you all, and the ones in the orphanage." Skystrike winced. "Saying it out loud, I feel bad. I need to talk to them about it."

Khrusalis felt her heart warm at that. "You've grown so much over the years... I've proud of the pony- no the person you're becoming." She hugged him again. "The connections we have with others is the most important thing we can have in this life. Make sure to keep nurturing them."

Only now did Skystrike notice that the forest was eerily quiet. His eyes darted around to see anything out of the norm, cursing under his breath as he slacked in his training from how peaceful it was in the capital. As soon as he turned his back to Khrusalis, five figures appeared in front of him, and from the sound of it, five more behind him. All with white coats and golden armor. The royal guard? The hell were they doing here? No, this should be fine. They'd know his face by now with how long he's been in the castle. Maybe he could talk his way through this.

But before he could even get a word out, the five behind him began battle with with Khrusalis. As soon as he turned to look at the beginning battle, two of the guards in front of Skystrike tried to jump on him in an attempt to pin him down. Skystrike flew into the air to dodge them, trying to get a better look at their faces. The memory made their faces obscured by black shadows, showing no expressions at all, just a silhouette.

Nightmare Moon was first to notice something. "Look, behind Skystrike." She pointed to her alter. Luna raised an eyebrow at her before turning to see what she was looking at. Khrusalis stood behind him, with five royal guards jumping at her, all of them seemingly frozen in time. "I noticed how every time the memory isn't in Skystrike's point of view, what was in his vision seems to stop." Then she walked up to one of the guards. "But I also noticed that they can change depending on his other senses, in this case, what he hears. Notice how he thinks this one has a blade, because he heard the sound of unsheathing metal."

Luna walked up to the same guard. Nightmare was right. Something that caught her eye was how each one was jumping at Khrusalis, as seen from when Skystrike turned around briefly. But their blades were a black, pulsating mass in the shape of a sword, seeming to imply that Skystrike wasn't able to get a good, or long enough look to see what they had. "Indeed... We believe it would be best to take everything our dreamer doesn't see with a grain of salt."

Skystrike quickly noticed that two of the guards were pegasi, and took into the air to follow him. Seeing as there wasn't a way to get out of this peacefully, he'd start to defend himself. While they couldn't see the pony's face, they could tell from their wings twitching that they were surprised from Skystrike's rapid approach. All it took was a punch to the jaw to send the first pegasus spiraling. The second, seeing their ally crash into a tree, would not be caught off guard and dodged the dive at him from Skystrike.

He took his eyes off the pony in front of him for a moment to see how Khrusalis was holding up. The three ponies that came in front of him went to help their allies against the Changeling queen, who was just barely holding her own. Sure, she was already able to take down two, but her chitin was cracked in some places. Skystrike needed to speed this up. He dove at the second pegasus, who put up a shield to block Skystrike's attack. What he didn't expect was Skystrike's metal arm to pierce right through it and stabbing the wrist mounted blade into their chest, making them fall back to the ground.

Khrusalis was overwhelmed, much to Nightmare's surprise, just keeping up a barrier to defend herself from the unicorn's magic attacks. She grit her teeth as her ears were ringing. Blood dripped down her forehead as she used all of her magic to focus on keeping her shield up. The edges of her mouth curled up slightly as Skystrike landed on one of the unicorns. Maybe she wouldn't have to play defense anymore.

"Are you ok!?" Khrusalis yelled to Skystrike.

Skystrike jumped on the back of another unicorn and bought down both hooves on their head. "I'm fine! Worry about-" His sentence was interrupted by a sharp pain in his side. He coughed up a mouthful of blood as he looked to his left to see the pegasus he stabbed earlier, stanced like he just finished a throw. Coming out of Skystrike's side was the lower half of a sword and it's handle. Almost instantly, he fell over, cursing himself as he was too sloppy. He put all the strength he could in his legs to stand up, but he was losing too much blood. His mind was racing at a thousand miles per minute, too frantic to think clearly.

Nightmare Moon and Luna looked at the scene with horror. This is not what they were expecting. Then, both of the mares ears snapped back as a loud crack was heard, as if a tree was snapping in half. They looked all around them to try and find the source of the sound, realizing it was the space itself they were in. A large, white crack went across the sky as Skystrike's nightmare froze in place. "Luna!" Nightmare Moon turned to her.

"We know!" Luna began focusing her magic. The sky, the trees, everything around them, seemed to be falling apart like flaking ash. More cracks came, centering from their zenith as they spread to the horizon. The alicorn of the night had to admit, it took quite a lot of her magic to stabilize his mind. The cracking reality seemed to mend itself back together as Luna's eyes glowed a white light. She fell onto the ground, trying her best to catch her breath.

Nightmare Moon put a hoof out to help her up. Luna looked at her, confused, put then took her hoof to get up. "Wonderful job, the dream seems it's about to continue."

Skystrike, still experiencing the actions of his younger self, was cursing to himself. On one hand, he's glad she was able to keep this place together. On the other hand, he had to relive it again. He felt the blade in his side twisting, making him scream. He looked up to see a unicorn, their face still blackened by shadows.

Skystrike groaned as the unicorn above him spoke. "Don't move another step, Changeling. All it takes is me taking this sword out and the boy bleeds a slow death." He put up a hoof, telling the other ponies to halt their attack.

Khrusalis looked at the unicorn, then down to Skystrike, his eyes almost pleading for her help. "...Whatever you want, you will have it. Just let him go."

"That can be arranged~..." The unicorns words snaked out of his mouth. "See, we're under specific orders to bring back your head. Sad to say, little guy here was caught in the cross fire. Normally I'm not one to keep witnesses alive, but..." He put out a hoof toward the changeling. "If you'll save me the effort and stay still, I'll let this one go."

Skystrike's eyes widened. He couldn't let her die, especially not for him. He tried to force words out of his mouth, coughing up more blood. "N-... no... Mom-..."

"Ssssh... I know, my little nymph..." She sighed as she approached the colt. Khrusalis tried to put on a strong face for him. "There are times when you have to help, and let others be helped. One must ask themselves how much they value another's life. You and Chrysalis mean the world to me. This is a sacrifice I must make as another." The changeling put Skystrike's head in her hooves, forcing herself to smile. "I'm so proud of who you've become! I'm sorry I couldn't see your journey any further from here."

Luna and Nightmare realized. The words she spoke to Skystrike... they were almost exactly the same as the ones he said to Astral Night in the fire. "We see... how big of an influence the changeling-, no- Khrusalis was on him." Luna and Nightmare Moon both gave a courteous bow to her, showing their respects, however much it meant.

"Are you done with the water works now?" The unicorn yawned.

Khrusalis hid her distain for the unicorn. "Just... one request." The unicorn raised an eyebrow. "Not here... not in front of him."

He groaned. "Ugh, fine. Start the clean up. I got to deal with this..." He motioned to the other ponies before focusing his magic. In a flash of light, the unicorn teleported away, with Khrusalis in tow, leaving the sword in Skystrike.

Skystrike's heart sank, a feeling he didn't want to ever remember, let alone remember. Shock, that she was gone. Denial that she'd do it for him. And anger at so many things. That he and Chrysalis were without a mother. That the guards he once looked up to were doing this to him. That despite his and Khrusalis' dreams, peace would never happen... That he was too weak to do anything.

For the first time in years, his eyes burned a white light. Waves of magic burst from him as he was finally able to force himself to stand up. He grew numb to the pain as he grabbed the stick of metal in his side, puling it out in a spray of blood. Subconsciously, he changed from a pony to his human self in a flash of emerald rage before using magic to quickly close his wound. No words came out of his mouth as he stared down the stunned ponies around him. His white hair stood on end. His jaw was clenched, making his gums bleed. Only a broken, hollow roar, giving voice to every agony he was feeling within himself.

And then the dream froze. The watchers heard a distant, high pitched noise that grew closer... louder. Centering from the human child, static spread from the ground below his feet. It enveloped everything within the dream, crawling along the grass and up the bodies of all involved in the memory. That didn't stop the two egos from backing away as the shifting pixels spread outward. But the ear piercing noise got louder and louder, growing unbearable, forcing Luna and Nightmare Moon to cover their ears and close their eyes in a vain attempt to stop the pain.

And then, is gradually got quieter, stopping after a few minutes. When they opened their eyes, the two alicorns gagged at the scene before them. In the center of the forest, a human Skystrike stood there, covered in the blood of fallen foes. He was covered head to toe, his hair sticking to his skin. A blank look was plastered on his face as he looked down at the blood covering his hand. Luna and Nightmare looked around, seeing the bodies of the nine ponies. They haven't seen a massacre like the one in front of them in ages. Bodies were split limb from limb, organs hung out of bodies torn in half through shear force. And each face, that was still together at least, showed that the last thing the ponies felt were fear.

They were horrified. Appalled. After a millennia, Luna was reminded why humanity was such a danger to their ponies- no, their world. She understood her sister's paranoia. But those were thoughts for another time. She thought the nightmare was over, only to see Skystrike fall to his knees. The burning rage shown through his eyes never faded, but despite that, he began to cry, the drops fell like ichor as he screamed out to the universe. "WHY!? WHY ME!? WHY TODAY!? WHY HER!? WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS!?"

But the universe didn't answer. The pain of his wounds and a long battle finally set in as he fell over into the blood stained grass below him, staring into the sky, as if it was to swallow him whole. Skystrike sighed internally. Finally, the nightmare was over.

Luna used her magic to cut off the rest of the dream, making it so she wouldn't have the morbid curiosity to stare at the bodies. She was about to speak before Nightmare Moon walked next to Skystrike and sat down. "...I understand... much more about you now." She forced out, trying to hide her worry. "Your morals... your fear... your megalomania... the reason you wanted to help Luna and I... You see yourself as a monster, don't you?" Skystrike stayed silent as he laid there. "And you knew Luna-... we'd see ourselves as one too." A moment of silence was shared between the three of them. Nightmare Moon took in a deep breath. "I... I wish to assist you with your troubles, Skystrike. To give you the chance that you gave to me. That you can't give to yourself."

Skystrike turned his eyes to look up at the alicorn. "You... you're not-"

"Afraid?" Nightmare shook her head. "Well, I would be lying if I said no, but if I left you here instead of trying to help, what type of friend would I be to you?" She smiled at him.

Luna nodded, showing her agreeance. She sat down on the other side of him. It was time they talked about what happened. "We assume that this... memory... was just before thou returned to thou's hive?"

"Yeah... worst birthday ever." Skystrike gave a sad chuckle. "Hard to believe it's been eleven years. Mom dies on your birthday, get banished two days later. 0 out of 10, wouldn't recommend."

Luna cleared her throat, getting back to the matter at hoof. "We couldn't imagine what thou hadst gone through. But allow us to... give you some words of wisdom. We are who we choose to be. Our moments of weakness should not define us."

Skystrike laid their, taking in the words the princess of the night just said, before words of his own came to him. "You know... for years I blamed Celestia for what happened. Blamed every mistake I made back to this moment. If I just had mom with me, someone like her to guide me through the hardships I had in life, I'd have turned out as someone better. Someone who didn't have to do everything alone. Who didn't have the whole world against him. Who could be there for his friends, his family, in their times of need, instead of hurting them. But after opening up to you two, Celestia, all of my friends around me, I realized how flawed that thinking was. She could've been someone to teach me all of that, but I let my grief blind me. I am in control of my own destiny. And I need to apologize to her." Then he turned to Luna. "I'll send her a letter once I'm awake. For now, Luna, it's your turn."

Luna nodded. "Of course... Though we believe it is best to not to realize that last... memory."

"Knew you'd say that." Skystrike sighed. "I won't force you to watch it through with me, but I need you to unblock it. Like I told you before you began your talks with Nightmare, we have to confront our past, acceptour past. It's the only way we can move forward. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't follow my own advice."

Luna sighed, but nodded, knowing she couldn't argue his logic. "It is the least we could do for you." She lowered her horn to Skystrike's forehead, and with a flash of light, the memory was restored. "Now, onto the earlier parts... let us work backwards. The unicorn that pierced you, his face, as well as all of the other ponies were obscured. Most likely due to not wanting to remember the faces of thine's fallen foes..." With another flash, another memory returned. "Nightmare, could you go back to when that unicorn first came into his view?"

Nightmare Moon nodded. "Of course." Her long horn glowed, spreading throughout the memory they were in. Time seemed to rewind in front of them, slowing to a halt when the unicorn stood above Skystrike, blade stabbed into his lungs.

They all looked at the unicorn whos hoof was gripping the handle. The alicorns could've sworn they saw him before. A grey coat, with a silver mane and tail slicked back, looking to be in his late thirties at least. "No fucking way..." Skystrike's jaw dropped

"You recognize him?" Nightmare asked.

"That mother fucker!" They were surprised at his yell. "That's fucking MAGNUS! The bitch I fought after you and Celestia called me to Canterlot and put me under Stardust's watch!"

Their heads snapped back to his face. Luna's eyes went wide. "By the moon, you're right! Isn't he still in the prison!?"

Nightmare nodded. "Yes... from our memories, he hasn't been talking much, but he's still awaiting trial. Shining Armor gathered quite the file on him, but that's for later. Why was one of Celestia's most trusted generals here?"

Skystrike blinked. "...Ask him. Luna has the power. And if need be, you can tell your sister." He said, trying to stay calm, sloppily hiding his anger.

"Trust us, it will be the first thing we do once we are done here." Luna assured him. "But there is one last thing we must check." Their foreheads met once more, doing the whole routine of the flash and a restored memory. "Nightmare, to the beginning, where Khrusalis was speaking with him.

One quick rewind later, and Khrusalis was standing in front of them. Even now, Skystrike wished he could say something to her. "I'm sorry... mom. Sorry that I wasn't able to keep our promise. But I'm trying... Despite everything that has happened, I'm still trying. For all of us."

And then the memory played, letting him hear the words that where blocked from his memory all these years. "Skystrike, I can only imagine how hard it will be to truly trust another after what happened to you." She tried her best to hide her pain outwardly. "But, you must find someone to trust. Find someone that you can love with all your being. That is how we truly live. Through the ones we cherish around us."

This time, he'd make sure not to forget those words. "I'll try my best." Skystrike tried to smile. "Thanks for the help, you two. Really. I don't know how I'll make it up to you, but I will."

The two alicorns shook their heads as Luna spoke. "Do not fret over it, dear Skystrike. After thou hath assisted us so much, it is only fair we do the same. But we shall not keep you much longer. It seems somepony wants to awake thee. until next time." Luna waved as a bright light enveloped his vision.

Skystrike felt hooves against his arm, shaking him awake. Skystrike pulled himself up right and looked to the source, seeing Zecora's hooves on his arm. "Oh, good morning, Zecora."

Zecora looked up at him. "Are you alright? You were shaking in your sleep. It gave me a fright!"

Skystrike wiped sleep from his eyes, remembering that he and Zecora shared a wall. "...Yeah, just... a nightmare."

The zebra looked closer at him, seeing the bags under his eyes, feeling his hands shaking in her hooves. "This may not be the best role for me to fit, but if you wish, you can talk to me about it."

The human looked at her, then smiled. "I appreciate it Zecora. We'll talk about it another time, I'm... still not done processing everything." He pet the back of her neck, then turned his head to look out the window. About four in the morning in this time zone.

"There is another reason I awoke you with dawn so near." His attention turned back to Zecora. "My hometown, Farasi... We are here."

Skystrike rotated his body so he was sitting on the bed, making room for Zecora next to him. He motioned for her to sit by patting the spot next to him. Zecora climbed on the bed and sat. "So..." Skystrike started. "I assume that you still haven't decided? In visiting I mean."

She shook her head. "I'm still unsure if I'm prepared, to face them now, my soul's ensnared. I wish to seek your council, what should I pursue? The journey we're on mirrors the one I must go through."

Skystrike hummed. "I guess you're right, I didn't think about it like that." Then he crossed his arms in thought. "Thinking back on the story you gave us yesterday, I... can't tell you what would be the best decision. The optimist in me wants to tell you to give them all the chance to do better. The pessimist in me doesn't expect others to change for the better... I've been hurt too many times to stop that part of my thought process. But the realist in me realizes that Marini, your parents, and everyone else in your past, are different beings than who they are now. Like Tethys said yesterday, it's up to you to decide to give them the chance to do better. Whether it's today, or later down the road."

Zecora thought on his words as a comfortable silence fell between them. It took a few minutes for Zecora to give her final decision. "My mind has been made, and my decision is steady... I do not believe that I am ready."

Skystrike pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her back. Zecora leaned her head onto his chest as she returned it. Then Zecora looked up at Skystrike, her cyan eyes looking into his light blue. Zecora leaned in closer not even sure what she herself was about to do, only to be interrupted by the jingling of Skystrike's door knob.

Zecora, embarrassed, pushed herself off of the human and made enough distance between him before the door opened. "Hey." Elytra entered the room. "My shift's up, and we're over Farasi." The changeling looked at the two, noting Skystrike's confused face and Zecora's flustered one. "Oh my~ I wonder what happened here?"

"Oh, Zecora just wanted some advice and support on her decision." Skystrike stood up and put on a shirt and pants, and finally his helmet. He checked the time, 5:07 in the morning. "You two can head back to sleep, I'll make sure they get dropped off safely." He said as he patted Elytra's back while walking to the bridge. He was barely out of earshot before he heard Elytra laughing.

Questions for later. Thankfully, Elytra parked the ship like he taught her before going to bed. He looked out the side window. Zecora pointed out the capital, Zebrat on the map they were given by the Saddle Arabians. Sure enough, Elytra landed just outside of the port city. It reminded him of Ponyville a bit, but was noticeably different due to having it's own culture. Houses made of painted terracotta, the streets lined with wooden torches, and the decorations were heavily inspired by their surroundings, showing how in tune the residents were with nature.

Skystrike went down to where the Farasians were sleeping and opened the door. Marini, Dune Strider, Tsunami, and Frosty jumped awake at his sudden entrance. "I'm sorry, should've realized you all wouldn't be able to sleep well. He turned his helmet to a collar to show his face. "It's early in the morning, but we're here. In Zebrat."

Marini's ears perked up. "W-we're here? Home? It was so fast! We were in Saddle Arabia just yesterday!"

Dune Strider pulled himself up. "I'm not complaining, I can't wait to get back on dry land."

Frosty nodded, shaking her frigid hair out. "I can't wait to get some Farasian water again. It makes me feel 'whole' if that makes sense."

Tsunami cleared her throat. "I'm not leaving Farasai in a long, long while."

"Don't want to sour the mood." Skystrike stared. "But we're going to be met with some guards or whatever. Can you all do the talking?"

Marini nodded. "Sure thing. It's the least we could do."

It took roughly an hour for the guards to come, speak, take the residents back home, get a map from the guards, then leave. Skystrike was currently combining the new map with the rest of the ones he already had. Their goodbyes were heartfelt, thanking him for saving their lives. Though he got the feeling that Marini either knew Zecora was Zecora, or was disappointed she wasn't Zecora.

Either way, it was something he nor Zecora would have to worry about for a long time. He made sure to check everything before taking off towards Diamondia. Thanks to the map, he realized that the flight to Diamondia was ten hours instead of fourteen. Yawning at his lack of sleep, he slumped back into his chair and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to stay awake. But then he thought that after everything he's been through the past few days, he deserved a small rest. He made sure to put on autopilot before going to sleep.

He woke up a few hours later by a set of claws on his shoulder. Tethys shook him awake, telling him she made breakfast. Their routine over the last several days went the same. Wake up, eat, then spent time with each other to pass the time. Tethys was playing around with her camera, taking pictures of everything she was seeing, from her friends to the infinite horizon from the view of the deck. Zecora was spending most of her time reading and testing the book of potions she got.

And Skystrike was spending time with his sister, Elytra, who was sitting across from him in the bridge. "So..." Elytra started. "We never really got time like this before... What do siblings talk about?"

Skystrike chuckled. "Normally, we just hang out. Wanna play a game of would you rather?"

"Oh I love would you rather!" Pinkie slid in from off screen.

"WHOA JESUS!" Skystrike jumped.

"No, it's Pinkie. Hiya Neby! Hiya Stardust! Or are those your fake names?" Pinkie tilted her head as she pulled up a seat. "You two look cool!"

"I forgot you figured out our secrets." Elytra sighed. "Again, please don't tell anyone."

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She did the whole motion. "Also, Skystrike, I did not realize how ripped you were. And I gotta say, nice." She bit her lip.

"Thanks??? Anyway, what all's happening in Ponyville while we're away?" Skystrike leaned on the table.

"Nothing much, honestly." Pinkie pulled a cupcake out of her hair and began to bite into it. "Fluttershy watched over the cutie mark crusaders and Spike the other day. She had to search for them in the forest after they went to find one of her lost chickens and found a cockatrice! I'm just glad they're ok. Fluttershy was able to stare it down."

"Huh... so she can outstare a cockatrice... Neat."

Pinkie sat up straight. "So, are we still gonna play would you rather?"

Elytra nodded. "Sure, I could go for some. And by the way, my real name is Elytra, but call me Stardust as a pony. It's for safety. My kind isn't on... good terms with ponies."

"Okey dokey lokey!" The pink one beamed. "So..." Her face suddenly got serious. "Would you rather be stuck in a mall alone with a gorilla or five black cobras?"

Elytra winced. "Gorilla, I hate snakes." Skystrike looked at her. "Except Naga. She's cute."

"I'm also going with a gorilla. Snakes are so sneaky!" Pinkie nodded.

Skystrike rubbed his chin. "Do the animals know I'm in the mall too, or are we just hanging out in the same area?"

Elytra tilted her head. "Does it matter?"

"Fuck yeah it matters! If they're actively seeking me out, I can hear a gorilla coming much better than snakes." Skystrike explained.

"Ok..." Pinkie thought. "I guess I'll be more specific next time. This is gonna be fun! Your turn, Elytra."

Elytra sat in thought for a few moments. "Would you rather never taste again, or never smell again?"

"Oooo, that's a tricky one!" Pinkie hummed again. "Well, you know I work at Sugar Cube Corner, so I'd need both. But I'd never be able to live without tasting a cupcake again."

"Similar reasoning for me." Skystrike nodded. "I have heightened senses compared to the average pony, so either is gonna suck for me. Smell is like, 70% of taste. Plus, smell is super important, helps me know what's there if I can't see or hear... On the other hand, I won't be able to taste my favorite meals anymore. Just smelling it isn't the same. Imagine biting into something and the only satisfaction you get is texture."

"Huh, you know, that would suck." Elytra said.

"What is your favorite meal, by the way?" Pinkie leaned forward and rested her head on her hooves.

He smirked. "Oh, you know. Fried rice, sandwiches, pizza, ass, pasta-"

"Did you just say ass!?" Elytra began laughing.

"Prove it." Pinkie said. She waited for Skystrike's reaction, it being a wide eyed look of shock and amusement, then fell over in a snorting fit of laughter.

"You know, I gotta admit, wasn't expecting that." Skystrike chuckled along with them. "Guess it's my turn for one... Would you rather brush your teeth, wash your mouth with alcohol, then drink orange juice, or would you eat a table spoon of wasabi then a ghost pepper without any milk?"

"...By the Pantheon, Skystrike, what in Tartarus!? Are you trying to kill someone!?"

"Sweet Celestia, that's a hard choice. Both suck... But I can barely handle spicy. The rainbows in the cloud factory was already a lot and you drank it like it was nothing. Jeez, the orange juice is gonna suck."

"Yeah, I'm with Pinkie on this one. How'd you even think of that one?"

"I've experienced both, and personally, I like the spicy." He shrugged.

"Hey, don't mean for a sudden shift in convo, but where are you on your way to now, Sky? It's been ten days since you've left. Figured you'd have made it some place by now." Pinkie began rocking in her chair.

"Oh, we've been places. Stopped in Trottingham for a night, then went to Griffonstone. Just dealt with some... issues, but we're on our way to Diamondia. Should be there in... four hours about?" Skystrike checked the clock on the wall. "Hard to truly know, haven't been paying attention to the time zones."

"Oh, it's about ten in the morning back home." Pinkie smiled at him. "I'll tell everypony that it's best to visit in the morning." Then her eyes lit up. "Oh! That reminds me, I know you told me to check on Vinyl for you, and she's doing well. Just not too talkative. Also, you got mail!" She reached into her mane and pulled out a couple letters. "Anyway, I gotta go. We're having a sale today, so it's gonna be busy. I'll see you two later!"

"Alright, Pinkie. See you later." Skystrike said as he and Elytra waved to her as she hopped out of the room. He skimmed over the names of each letter quickly, the senders being Moondancer, Paprika and the rest of his siblings, And a few letters from the village he and Tethys saved. Skystrike rolled his neck. "So, Elytra, wanna read these with me?"

"Sure. I got time."

It only took a few more hours to get to their destination: Diamondia. Having no idea where to start looking for their friend, the group of four decided to land on the outskirts of what is assumed to be their capital. The castle was pretty similar to Canterlot, albeit smaller and in the middle of a valley, rather than the top of a mountain. What was more interesting about it was how the castle was built next to a large ravine, going on for miles and miles. The houses were made of marble white stone, with wooden roofs. Jeshan did say that his kind loved digging. Makes sense with the whole 'Diamond Dog' thing now that Skystrike thought about it.

Walking off the ship, Skystrike looked over the valley and breathed in. Took a little while to get used to the change in air, but he, and the rest of his friends welcomed it. "So..." Skystrike stretched. "I've parked far enough away so no guards or anything will come to us. You all would know better than me, do any of you know where Jeshan would be?"

Elytra hummed in thought. "Well, he said he'd set up a shop, making tools and stuff..." Then she had another thought. "Jeshan also said in passing that he'd settle down, since he's getting to that age."

Tethys made a confused face. "Wait, he'd be... 36 now, right? Is that old for his kind?"

Zecora shook her head. "His lifespan mimics the rest of us, a good century without a fuss."

"So we have... no leads." Skystrike gave a small sigh. "About what I expected. Let's split into two groups, it'll be quicker this way." Skystrike looked closer at the city, noticing how few buildings one would expect for a capital. Then he noticed dozens of stairways leading into the ravine the castle was built next to. Logic would assume that Diamond Dogs would live underground. "On second thought... Don't really know the culture too well here, but like most nations, they're most likely not too keen on visitors. Top that with how we don't look the friendliest..." Skystrike began walking down the hill, motioning for his friends to follow.

"I've always wanted to come here!" Tethys pumped a fist into the air. "Jeshan always said that he'd treat me to some gems here. Hopefully it lives up to the hype he gave it."

"You know, I never asked, how do gems taste?" Elytra asked.

"Well, depends on the gem. The more magic dense a gem is, the 'juicer' it tastes, if that makes sense. Each gem has a different flavor, and each color has a different... spice?" Tethys crossed her arms over her chest. "It's super hard to explain. Especially since I haven't had any in a while."

Skystrike had hos own question. "Does the cut of the gem change anything?"

"Only the texture. We need to have Jeshan explain it when we find him."

The four of them began walking on the paved road, looking through the rather small upper city, getting looks from the Dogs going about their days. But then Skystrike realized that some looked... familiar with his races past media. His eyes darted around as he recognized more and more Dogs. Is that-... Is that Loona from Helluva Boss? Scooby doo?? Whitney from Animal Crossing???

Zecora looked at the human. "Are you ok, Skystrike? The look on your face is not one I like."

"Y-yeah, just... a lot of whiplash." Skystrike shook his head in an attempt to get the thoughts out of his mind. Surprisingly, there were no stops from the residents or any of the guards. Whether that was because they were peaceful, or Skystrike's group was intimidating, they'd never know, but they got to the lower city no problem.

Sure enough, the city within the ravine was much, much larger than the one above ground. Each building carved into the stone walls, glowing light breaching the doorways inside. There were many Diamond Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors, going about their days. From the looks of it, Skystrike, Elytra, Tethys, and Zecora entered the market district. Colorful lights and wooden signs marked each store, a dozen food vendors being the majority of the stores open. Decorative moss hung off the edges of the stone railing, Skystrike even seeing some gardeners tending to them. He looked at the wooden suspension bridges allowing for easy travel to the opposite side of the ravine.

"So... how would we start looking for the guy? Jeshan always did keep most of his thoughts to himself." Elytra flew into the air behind him and put her forehooves on Skystrike's shoulders.

Skystrike put her back legs under his arms and began to carry her. "Well, assuming he did start that shop of his, he'd be around here. We should ask around."

Tethys looked at Elytra on his back. "You know, I kinda forget you two are siblings... Now, what can I do to convince you to get me some gems from that vendor over there?" She pointed to a Diamond Dog at a food cart, holding small paper bags of gemstones.

He smirked and walked up to the stall, making eye contact with the vendor. She looked to be a sort of Cocker Spaniel, with brown fur and eyes. He also noticed that she, like every other Dog, had large... paws? Hands? More than likely to assist in digging. She greeted the group with a smile. "Well hello there! Never seen your kinds around these parts. What can I do for you?"

"I'd like a bag of these gems." Skystrike motioned to Tethys. "She got a whiff of the smell I guess, and wanted a taste." Skystrike moved one arm under Elytra to keep carrying her as he reached for his bag of bits.

"No problem! That's five bits." She put the bag of gems in Tethys' claws.

Skystrike put the bits in the Dogs hands as Tethys happily ate. "Thank you. Now, if you don't mind, we're looking for a certain dog. It's been a few years since we've seen him, but he said he came back to his homeland. Skystrike raised his free hand to his collarbone. "About this high, dark purple, almost black fur. He has golden hair in his ears, as well as a tattoo over his left eye that the eye of Horus. Purple eyes, but he lost one of them." Skystrike tried to think of any more defining details.

But luckily he didn't have to. "Oh, Jeshan, right? Yeah, I know him! My son and I stop by every once in a while to get some new toys. I never imagined you all were the friends he spoke about! Here to visit him?"

Skystrike smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Nice to see he's still kicking, and that he mentions us. I'm Skystrike, this is Tethys, Elytra, and Zecora. Hopefully he said some good things." He introduced the group. "Would you tell us where his shop is?"

"Sure, no problem!" She pointed to the stairs. "Two levels down, cross the bridge to the other side, and its the store with the gold engraved sign called 'Artifunner'. You can't miss it!"

Skystrike thanked his luck, then thanked her. "I appreciate that, miss...?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, my name is Lady! I'm just watching the stall today while my husband, Tramp is out digging."

'You've GOTTA be shitting me.' Skystrike thought. "Well thanks, Lady. I hope to see you around."

"No problem, Skystrike. Hope you all enjoy the visit to Dimondia"

With that, they parted ways, the group following the explained path to them and stopping in front of the shop. 'Artifunner' was such a silly name, Skystrike had to admit, but it fit the jackal. Unfortunately, it was currently closed. It made sense, it was the afternoon here after all. "Damn..." Elytra went. "May be worth waiting though. Most shops still have clean up to do so someone may still be in there?"

Skystrike looked up at her, then sat down to wait. Tethys and Zecora did the same as he began to make small talk. "You know, it's nice not having to look down as much to talk to beings."

"Tell me about it." Tethys sighed. "I probably got neck problems from how often I need to look down at you all."

Elytra laughed. "We don't have it any better down here. Hurts sometimes to look up at you two."

Skystrike laughed too. "You know, I didn't think about it like that."

Tethys then looked around. "You know, I think I might do clothes shopping here. Diamond Dogs have a similar build to mine, with the tail and all... would just need to get everything a few sizes bigger... makes me feel fat."

Zecora tried to hide her smile as she said. "...I mean-" Elytra and Skystrike couldn't help but make a face in an attempt to not laugh.

Tethys huffed. "I hate you so much sometimes." She smirked.

"Might come with you. I need clothes for this body. Sweatpants too short for me isn't hitting anymore." He rubbed his chin. "...Actually, maybe not here. I've notice that most the dogs here wear a cloak or vest, and all of them wear a collar. I get because how their fur is already hot but... I dunno, I'm probably overthinking things."

"Eh, you could probably fit a vest." A husky, nostalgic voice said approaching them. Skystrike just realized that the voice might be on purpose.

Skystrike looked up to see him stop in front of them. It was Jeshan, fitting the description that he gave to Lady earlier. He never was one for change. Though with one feature that was noticeably different. The left eye he lost a few years ago was replaced with a purple gem.

"Well damn, hey Jeshan!" Elytra jumped off Skystrike's back and began buzzing in front of the Diamond Dog. "You know, I was expecting more of a... surprised look from you."

"Oh, I am surprised, don't get me wrong." He waved a paw. "Figured it'd happen sooner or later. Honestly I'm more surprised how quick it happened. It's been what, a bit over two years? I imagine it took a while to get the three of you here-" Then his eyes fell on Skystrike. "Oh, a new face..." He approached Skystrike and looked up at him, his snout wrinkling as he took in his smell. His eyes widened as he tilted his head. "Damn, Skystrike, what fuckery did you get into?"

Skystrike and the rest couldn't help but laugh at Jeshan's words, then more at the confused look he gave us. "Damn, you haven't changed. It's good to see you again, but you recognized me just from smell?"

"I'm a Dog. It's what we do." He shrugged. "Now, dap me up." Jeshan smiled and pulled back an open hand. Skystrike did the same before they both swung their hands forward, the clap echoing throughout the ravine. "My Dawg." Then he turned to the other three. "Tethys, Zecora, Elytra, I see you three are doing well too. We'll talk more once we're inside." The jackal reached into his satchel and retrieved a key, unlocking the door to his shop.

It was a simple shop, though from how Skystrike saw Jeshan smile slightly, it was something he was proud of. Hard wood floors, rich wood shelving that was lined with rows of various toys that were made of various types of stone and decorated with jewels. At the back of the store stood a counter, as well as various tools for Jeshan's work. Saws, chisels, grinders, everything one would need to do his job. "It's a beauty, isn't it. Made all of this stuff by paw... Oh yeah, I'm a mix of a carpenter and a stone smith. This is what I did with all the money you left me, Skystrike."

"Well, nice to see you're doing good for yourself, Jeshan. I knew you were good at wood working, but not to this level." Skystrike leaned down and looked at one of the toys. A wooden puzzle cube, one where you had to figure out how to take it apart and put it back together.

"I had a lot of time to practice. Plus, in this city of stone, carpentry scene isn't that big. Upside, I have almost no competition. Downside, I have a huge backlog of work to do."

Tethys picked up a stone sculpture of a Diamond Dog, seeing the detail Jeshan went through. "And you do all of this yourself?"

"Well, yes, but technically no. I'll explain later." Skystrike walked behind the counter and opened a door further back. From the light shining through and from the little furniture he could see, Skystrike assumed that it went further back into a living area. "Honeys!" He called out.

"Yeah!?" An upbeat feminine voice responded.

"Could you set the table for six and make a pot of tea!? We have guests! Those old friends I told you about!"

They heard her get up. But then a second voice, still feminine answered. "Alright!"

They all looked confused at Jeshan, who looked back at them. "Oh, sorry, did I not mention?" He flashed two silver rings, one on each of his ring fingers, each have the same engraving.. One was made of what seemed to be gold as a primary and ebony as a secondary material, while the other was revered. "I have fiancés. They said yes a few months ago."

Tethys picked Jeshan up and hugged him. "Oh my gosh, congratulations! We have so much to talk about!"

Zecora nodded. "I'm thrilled you found joy, my dear friend, but you mentioned 'they', who did you intend?"

"Yeah, are they non-binary?" Elytra asked.

Skystrike shook his head. "A possibility, but we heard two voices, and he has two rings."

"Well, you're both wrong." Jeshan waved them into the interior and sat them town at their dining room table. Soon, his fiancé joined them, putting out tea plates and cups for each. She, or they poured each of them a cup of tea and sat down with the group. "They're an Orthros." One body with silver underbelly and black fur held two heads on it. One head seemed to be a Husky, with light blue eyes and the neck fluff one would expect. The other head was a Border Collie with the same light blue eyes. She was a full head taller than Jeshan.

"Hello!" The left head, an upbeat Border Collie greeted them. "My name is Eleanor!"

The the right head, the Husky, waved their right arm. "I'm Maple."

Skystrike stared. The two stared back. "...Holy shit, someone finally eye height with me." He smirked. "But nice to meet you two. I'm Skystrike, this is Tethys, Elytra, and Zecora. We're some friends of Jeshan. We were in the area, figured we'd catch up."

Jeshan tilted his head. "Wait, you're not here to get rid of that curse on your body?"

Skystrike laughed and shook his head. "Oh, this isn't a curse." Skystrike spread his arms out so they got a better look at him. "This is what I am. Human. To sum it up quickly, I grew up with Changelings and got their transformation magic to look like a pony for the last... seventeen years of my life. But, I need to be more honest with myself, and that means being honest with you, and the rest of our friends."

Jeshan sat up straight, a serious face growing on his muzzle. "So... you came here to apologize?"

Skystrike sighed. "...Yeah."

Jeshan tilted his head again. "...Dude, you're stupid." Everyone's eyes widened slightly. "Sorry, that came out wrong. What I mean to say is that we know you well enough to know why you left like that. None of us blame you. Most of us just wish we knew the reason why. We've been in danger before."

"Yeah, but not because of me." Skystrike clenched his head. "You lost your eye for goodness sake!"

"While true, losing my friend hurt even more." Jeshan sighed. "So let me get this straight, you left because you thought being around us would bring danger to us?" Skystrike nodded. "Dude, you're stupid."

Tethys couldn't help but chuckle as Skystrike responded. "Yeah, I guess I am. But I did what I felt like was the best choice at the time. I didn't want to put any of you in danger anymore."

Jeshan looked at Tethys, then Elytra and Zecora. The Diamond Dog sighed. "Well, I won't hound you about it. Knowing these three, they probably went in way harder than me." Thethys grinned and nodded. "Lets move on to happier subjects. How're all your lives going so far?"

Skystrike rubbed the back of his head and took a sip of the tea he remembered he was served. "Well, it's... going for sure. Decided to put down my roots in this small town called Ponyville. Got a bit more attached than I initially thought I would, but I don't regret it. Got some good friends. Still do the merc job, but I've been trying new avenues. Honestly, I'm still exploring what all my hobbies are."

Zecora did the same. "I moved to Ponyville, where tales do swell, learning of the Everfree's ingredients well. To meet Skystrike there, what a surprise to find, and then came Elytra, further entwined. In the forest, I brew potions with care, while with friends, I spend time whenever we're there."

Elytra nodded. "Yeah, after we split up, I couldn't exactly go back to the hive. Decided I'd be a guard. My pony name is Stardust. Whether you want to chalk it up to coincidence or fate, I ended up getting assigned to Skystrike." She looked at the man in question. "Someone here decided they wanted to draw the eye of the princess. But Ponyville is a pretty nice place to live. Gained a few ponies I'd like to spend time with myself."

Tethys finished her tea in one sip. "I didn't do much besides sleep and eat once we split up. Had a few fights here and there with some other dragons, but nothing major. Eventually, I got called to deal with some dragons in north Equestria, and I met Skystrike by chance. Moved in with him once out jobs were done."

Skystrike continued for them group. "We've been meeting up with the rest of the group too. Went to Maud's graduation for her masters, and met up with Casta while there. Met up with Alder a few days ago as well."

Jeshan's ears faced forward. "Well, good to see life's going well for all of you. Didn't think it was fair that I was the only one who found happiness." He held his wives paw. "Wish I could see them all again. Maybe I'll come visit Equestria again sometime." Then his ears flicked around in thought. "Wait... how'd you get from Griffonstone to here in a matter of days? It took me weeks just to exchange one letter with that old bird!"

"Oh, Skystrike played the princesses and got an airship." Tethys grinned.

Jeshan smirked. "Really now? How'd you manage that?"

"He fought the Captain of the Royal Guard and an Alicorn at the same time and won."

"ALONE?!" Jeshan yelled. He clicked his tongue. "Sorry, didn't mean to shout... Just didn't know you had it in you."

"Honestly, I just had to hit them really hard. Plus, most ponies aren't used to fighting a pegasus at close range. But enough about us." Skystrike leaned forward and sipped some more of his tea. "How'd you two meet?"

Jeshan smirked. "Didn't take you for one to like gossip, Skystrike." Then he turned to his fiancés. "You two want to tell them? Last time I explained this all, you said I didn't give enough detail, Eleanor."

"That's because you gave a one sentence answer to all your guy friends." She rubbed her head against Jeshan's shoulder, making the rest of the girls awe.

Maple smiled. "Well, I am fond of the way we met. It was a bit over two years ago in the fall. Jeshan told me he was only back in Diamondia for four months before we met. Because of our two heads, We've been... shunned by our kind. Seen as a curse. We lived in the forests a few miles south of here, and met Jeshan by chance. He was gathering wood from my part of the forest for his work, and us for firewood in prep for the winter."

Eleanor continued Maple's story. "He was interested in us instead of fearful. We offered him wood in place of food, and admittedly, his company. I don't know how, but he was able to get me entry into the city. From there, I confessed. Two years later, we all went back to the same forest. Proposed to us there with a box carved from the wood of our forest, and the rings from his favorite stones. It's only been two months since."

Elytra cooed. "Awww, that's adorable! So he just proposed! Congratulations you two-... three??"

Eleanor and Maple laughed, then the former spoke. "Don't think on it too hard. Two minds, one body."

"Thanks though, Elytra, and the rest of you." Jeshan leaned forward. "You all have impeccable timing as well. While we don't know when the wedding will be yet, I'd be honored to have you all as groomsman and bridesmaids."

A smile creaked on Skystrikes face. "It'd be my honor. Though I need to get a suit for this body... Actually, might have to come as a pony."

"As long as you're there, it doesn't matter what form you're in." Jeshan looked to the girls. "And you three?"

Zecora shot up, putting her hooves on the table. "I’d love to join! This’ll be a blast! So much to prepare, let’s get ready fast!"

Elytra did the same. "What's the theme!? Where is it going to happen!? What color should I wear!?"

Tethys turned to the Diamond Dogs. "We actually have a pony friend who makes our clothes. If you want, she could make you some dresses and suits when you visit."

Eleanor's ears perked up. "That sounds wonderful! Oh, you all have no idea how much I've wanted to talk about this with someone!"

Skystrike turned to Jeshan, who got up from the table with his cup of tea. Skystrike got his and stood up. Jeshan looked at him with a smirk. "Heh... Women." The two began laughing, leaning back as they did so. Jeshan took a long sip of his tea before continuing to laugh along with the human. Then Skystrike took a longer, louder sip of his. It quickly became a competition, each sipping their tea progressively louder before they were done. They gave each other a look before Jeshan looked back at the women talking. "...They're gonna be at it for a while. Guy time?"

"Guy time." Skystrike nodded as Jeshan led him out of the front door.

"Sweet. There's quite a few things we could do. Roxanne Wolf has a show going on tonight, and I wanted to see if she really taught an alligator to play the guitar. One of my bud's Clifford is having a cookout. He's a big, red Dog, and a real softie. He makes a lot of food, probably still prepping. My friends Snoopy and Goofy are gonna be there too."

"Sounds like we're doing the cookout." Skystrike tried to push the names out of his mind. There's no fucking way they were all coincidences. They crossed over a bridge to the other side of the ravine and walked further down. From the smell of it, Skystrike figured they were going to the food part of the market. The smell of raw meat and poultry filled his nostrils, but he was surprised at the smell of fish. "Oh, I didn't know you guys had sea food!"

Jeshan nodded. "Yeah, there's a lot of underground caverns that bring in all different types. Fish, squid, crab, almost every type. Downside is that they're expensive. The deeper you go, the bigger they get, and the more they fight back."

Skystrike tilted his head to look down at Jeshan. He grinned. "...Wanna go hunt for that cookout that Clifford is having?"

"Hell yeah." Jeshan fist bumped him. "So, got any stronger since we split?"

"You have no idea." Skystrike chuckled. "It was all I focused on when we split. Wanted to be strong enough to protect all of you. To not lose anymore of you. I'll show you once we find a good catch... Speaking of, how's the eye?"

"Oh, right." Jeshan scratched under the spot under where his left eye was, and where the purple gem replaced it. "Got it fitted a bit over a year ago. Depth perception was a bitch for a while, but it turned out fine. Found the gem myself. It's an amethyst, dug from the deepest part of the mines under the city. Remembered some potion from Zecora that let me take the heat. The purity helps the magic etched on it work better. Casta gave me some magic circles before we split that I etched into the amethyst." He opened his left eyelid and tapped it. Skystrike saw the countless engravings on it. "Basically, it images things in front of me and puts it in my brain. On top of that, I made some upgrades to it after a lot of studying. Works better than my old one actually."

"Oh, cool I guess... Still sorry I put you through it." Skystrike rubbed the back of his head.

"Don't worry about it." Jeshan shook his head. "Besides, looking at your scars, you had it the worst out of all of us... Zecora and Casta told me about it, you know? How you tore apart those ponies that were after us. And from the look of uneasiness you've been giving me since you got here, there's a lot more on your mind than just visiting old friends... Wanna get something off your chest?"

Skystrike sighed. "You were always able to pick up on the slightest things." He huffed as they kept walking. "You're right... this isn't just a simple visit..." And as they walked, Skystrike spilled everything. Once he started, it didn't stop. All the things he went through before he met up with all of them, what he did after they disbanded, what he found out a couple months ago.

The rushing water of words finally finished, and what awaited was the wide eyed look from the Diamond Dog. "That's... a lot.... Well, glad you came by before your condition got worse. But hey, I wish you luck with the generating mass thing... Also, you were kidding about the genie, right?"

"I wish." He chuckled. "But no one deserves to be locked up like that. Figured I'd give her the freedom that I had."

"Oh yeah, you're technically an alien, huh?" Jeshan looked at the sky through the ravine. "And that whole thing with your princesses is... also a lot. Well, if it doesn't go well, know that I got your back. I can give you a place to stay for a long while. Anyway, we're here."

Skystrike looked at the entrance of the offshoots of the ravine. There weren't any other Diamond Dogs nearby, the only mention that other life has been through here were wooden supports that seemed to have been there for years. The entrance to the cave was ginormous, big enough for Tethys to comfortably stretch her wings. He heard the sound of rushing water. Skystrike yawned as he stretched. "So, what are we hunting for?"

"Whatever we find." Jeshan began walking down.

Skystrike followed him. "What happened to your staff? You don't need any weapons?"

He tapped his gem eye. "Remember when I said I got some upgrades? And the staff is in my bedroom. Looks nice on a plaque. What about you?" Skystrike answered by putting up his metal arm and turning the hand into a rifle. "Oh, that's actually pretty cool."

"Yeah, comes in useful." Skystrike nodded as they continued their walk in comfortable silence. It took a few minutes of walking before they entered an even larger opening, housing an underwater lake. Several rivers flowed in from several directions. Seemed to be an underground spring. Looking around further, he noticed that despite there being no light, the roof and walls of the cave were covered with a glowing moss. Vines hung off of the stalactites, giving birth to glowing yellow berries.

Jeshan picked one and threw it into his mouth, chomping down on it with his canines. "They're pretty good. A good snacking food."

Skystrike tried one, the sweet juice filling his mouth. "Oh hey, they are pretty good." Skystrike pulled out a blanket from his satchel. "Could you help me collect some? I think I can make a good jam out of these! Maybe if I dry them, I can make something like grapes! What are these called?"

"Glow berries." Jeshan looked up at a large vine. He opened his left eye wide before the amethyst started to glow a bright purple light. The light then condensed into a small beam of energy, cutting off one of the vines from the rest. Thankfully, Skystrike reacted fast enough to catch it. "Pretty cool, huh?"

"That's really fuckin cool!" Skystrike decided to put the entire vine in the blanket and tying it up. "Might copy that, not gonna lie. I mostly make projectile weapons and cool armor."

"It was pretty cool." Jeshan thought back to the memory, then further back to the group as a whole. "Hey, can I ask you something? It might be a bit intrusive, so you don't have to answer."

"Go for it."

"Well, from what you said a few minutes ago, Elytra's your sister, so I doubt it's her. Are you with Tethys or Zecora? Or both, I know you ponies have herds or whatever."

Skystrike turned to look at him. "...What? Are you crazy? They don't even like me like that?"

Jeshan sighed and sat down next to the lake and motioned for Skystrike to sit next to him. "Normally, I'd make fun of you for your density, but I'll be serious. You're a good guy, and thus, you're getting quite a lot of attention... At least from what you say about your life in Pony town."

"Ponyville, but where are you going with this?"

"Well, as someone lucky enough to fall in love, this aspect of you reminds me of a younger me... Mostly the naivety." Jeshan sighed. "So let me give you some advice. You can let your fear hold you back. You're already leagues better than years ago, but you have a lot more work to do. You need to live the life you have... and hurting others, accidental or otherwise, is a part of it."

"...I'm confused... I get the words you're saying, but I don't really see how that relates to the current me."

"Alright, so let me say it straight." Jeshan picked up a rock and skipped it across the lake. "Subconsciously or not, you're still afraid of hurting those close to you. Like you said during your story earlier, it wasn't until you realized that you hurt us that you wanted to come and apologize. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from the little I've seen, is comes off that you're afraid to get too close to anyone else again, especially since you lives effectively half your lifespan." Skystrike thought about the words he said. Sad to say, Jeshan was probably right... Skystrike decided to stay silent. Jeshan juggled another rock in his paw and skipped it across the lake again. "So, would you rather be comfortable, with nothing truly changing, or do you want to try and be happy?"

Skystrike sighed and laid his back on the ground, spreading his arms out. "You know, I was not expecting to think this hard today... But you're right. I want to be happy." Skystrike laid in silence for a while, thinking on what to do next. "...Am I really that dense?"

Jeshan chuckled. "Depends, how many times have you been called it?"

Skystrike sighed, then chuckled as. "Enough where my older sister won't let me hear the end of it."

"That bad?" He laughed now. "Well, sounds like you got your work cut out for you. Won't say anymore for those two's sake. Let's get back to what we're here for: seafood. Well, cave food, whatever."

Skystrike sat up and looked into the water. "So, what are we expecting?"

"Well, these are the more dangerous parts of the mines... Honestly I'm surprised nothing jumped out yet." Jeshan looked closer at the water. "But if you want to know what we can get that tastes good, in order from least to most dangerous, Crabbits, Rockfish, Fishron is my favorite, and the Pistol Shrimp."

"You know, I heard about two of those. But I'd like a bit more detail." Skystrike began looking through the water too. There were some schools of fish, resting at the bottom, while the larger ones roamed the upper levels.

"So Crabbits are a weird mix of Crabs and Rabbits. Surprisingly, they taste like the best parts of both. Quick fuckers, and have pretty big claws, but they hurt if you're caught. Downside is that the bigger ones are deeper, and well hidden." Jeshan began counting on his digits. "Rockfish is a type of snapper. Sweet taste, but their scales are as tough as rocks, hence the name. Decent size too. Fishron is HUGE!" He spread out his arms to give emphasis. "The size of a building, tusks the size of me. Has the head of a pig and the body of a shark, and two sets of bat-like wings. One of the kings of the seas. During this time of year, it nests to hatch its young. Best meat I've had in my life." He was beginning to drool. "But it's hard to wake up, let alone get it out of the water to fight, so I've only had it once as a pup... And then there's the Pistol Shrimp."

Skystrike noticed him shuddering. "Pistol Shrimp? Is it that bad?"

Jeshan shook his head. "Well, alone, no. But they come in groups of at least thirty. All of them are about the size of a pony. Their main claw, the one you have to worry about, can store water and shoot it out with enough force to break another one's shell, which is also as hard as a rock. They come in two colors, red and blue, which we call Bloods and Crips."

'No FUCKING WAY' Skystrike shouted in his mind. "Sh-... Shrimps are having gang wars!??"

"Yeah, it's... very, very dangerous. Worst part is that they crawl out of the water to shoot their water guns." Jeshan's ears went back. "On the upside, they do have very distinct call signs for when something happens."

"Like?" Skystrike asked.

Jeshan wasn't able to answer before he heard a new voice was heard, bubbling from within the water. There was no right way yo describe it. It sounded rough, and the sound of rubbing chitin joined it as it came to their ears. As soon as the words kissed their ears, dread fell upon their face. "AYO CUH PULLUP!"

By instinct, the two ran behind a rock on the far side of the cave for cover. Their backs slammed against the stone as they looked at eachother. Skystrike began to whisper. "You didn't tell me they could fucking talk!"

"I was getting to it!" Jeshan whispered back. The Dog peaked around the rock. Skystrike did the same. "Shit... I'm seeing thirty Bloods... I think they heard us earlier."

The shrimps looked around the cave for their next victim. "Run dat fade, Shrigga!" Skystrike blinked. Are... are they allowed to say that? That word implies... so much that he doesn't want to think about. "Ay, where did cuz go?" One spoke. "On gang, these fools must be buggin. You must know not that I'm thuggin..." A second went. "I'M A BIG DOG BIG BEAR SHRIGGA I'M A LION!" A third sang. "SHUT THE FUCK UP JUDAH!" They all screamed at him.

"Ay cuz, you know where you at?" A new voice spoke. Even the Bloods turned around to see where the voice came from. It was similar to theirs. Skystrike and Jeshan peaked out again to see another gang of Pistol Shimps, but blue this time.

Jeshan cursed under his breath. "Shit, there's Crips too!?" He held his head and opened his mouth wide, shock and terror across his face. "That's the Crips!"

"Ay gang, the hell y'all doin' on our turf!? This is our lake! WEST SIDE!" A Crip Shrimp went.

"Fuck you mean 'our turf' this is Blood territory! EAST SIDE!" A Blood Shrimp replied. "I will ice you, on BLOOD!"

'What the actual fuck am I looking at?' Skystrike sighed. He knew the danger of the situation, but couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity.

Trying to stifle a laugh, the attention of the shrimps were now on each other. They eyed each other as their primary claws were pointed forward. Each of the shrimps used their tails for a brace. "SHRIGGA WHO THE FUCK YOU TALKING TO!? GET YO GOOFY ASS ON!" A Blood went, firing the first shot. It grazed a Crip, making them fire back. Soon, a whole shootout engulfed the cave.

Expletives were shouted at the opposite gangs as beams of water were rapid fires. The two friends looked at each other as the water bullets hit the rock they were taking cover behind. Jeshan winced as stone shrapnel hit him. "Damn it, they're destroying our cover! I don't think we have time to wait them out!"

Skystrike nodded. "Well, sounds like we're caught in the crossfire..." Skystrike turned his right arm into a rifle and peaked out of the cover of the stone. He fired two shots of raw mana taking out a Blood and Crip. The shrimps began firing at him too. Jeshan, knowing there was no way they were getting out of this without a fight, began charging magic within his eye, shooting beams of purple light at the shrimps alongside the human.

Soon, the rock Skystrike and Jeshan were behind broke, forcing Skystrike to make a barrier of ice, curving it so most of the impact of the water bullets were deflected. "IT'LL TAKE MORE THAT THAT TO GET ME, YOU OVERGROWN SEA BUGS!" Skystrike shouted as he began using rapid fire, not caring about accuracy. Surely with how many there are, he'd hit something.

"Killer BEEEEEEEAM!" Jeshan yelled as he kept firing lasers. "Heh... always wanted to say that."

It took almost half an hour for them to finish. Though they had some scrapes and cuts, they were alive, and they stood overlooking the bodies of roughly sixty Pistol Shrimp in various states. Some were split in half, others just missing their heads. Most had holes in various parts of their body. All were gonna take a while to process. Skystrike huffed and looked at Jeshan. "How many of these do you want?"

Jeshan looked over them. "Honestly, one feeds me and the hubbies for three to four meals. A good ten will feed us for a bit over a week... Did you still want to go to that cookout Clifford is hosting?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah, let's just start moving these away from the lake... One of us will have to get something to transport these back."

Jeshan flicked an ear. "Oh, right, give me a minute." Jeshan held a digit to his temple. "Hey, Eleanor, Maple, we got a lot of food. Pistol Shrimp to be exa-... No I'm fine, Skystrike took out most of them-... I figured we could put all of this in cold storage. Plus, it's your favorite meal... Thank you, I love you both... See you when I get home... Oh, you'll be at Clifford's? Alright, tell him we're bringing some Shrimp!"

The human looked at his Diamond Dog companion. "Was that... telepathy?"

"That, but with extra steps. There's a device in the house that lets me hear what's going on in there and lets me speak through it. It's real handy."

"I believe it. She sounded worried."

"Well, you saw how dangerous those Shrimp were first hand. Elytra and Tethys are stopping by your ship to get stuff to carry these back." Jeshan began moving the Shrimp, picking up a Crip and walking back towards the entrance. Skystrike did the same as Jeshan began to speak. "So... you gonna think about what I said earlier? You know, about Tethys and Zecora."

"Oh... yeah..." He winced. "I will, it's... just gonna take me a while to get out of this mindset..."

"Great. I'm wishing you the best of luck, Sky... Now let's try to get this done quick. If you don't mind, I want you to teach me how to make Shrimp Alfredo."

"How the hell did you get this much shrimp, Jeshan!?" A large, red Vizsla dog looked at the Shrimp they were cooking on the grill. The Dog could give Tethys a run for her money based of his size.

Jeshan chuckled. "I'll tell you about it another time, Clifford. Besides, I'm in the middle of learning how to cook this Alfredo."

Clifford slapped Skystrike's back, nearly winding him. "Jeshan tells me a lot about you, though! Thanks for getting this Dog out alive."

Jeshan elbowed Clifford. "Sorry about him."

"No, it's fine." Skystrike shrugged. "If anything, I'm sorry about Tethys..." The three turned their heads from their cooking utensils to look at the dragoness. She was laughing as she flexed her muscles through her sweater just after she beat the tenth Diamond Dog in a row at arm wrestling. The loser paid her a small bag of bits. "But I will also say, I don't know what they were expecting."

Clifford shrugged. "Eh, that's on them. Now, keep explaining this 'Shrimp Alfredo'. Jeshan said you used to make this in your travels."

"Well, we're already done with most of the steps..." Skystrike put a stick of butter in the pan. It was massive for a pan, but so was Clifford the big red dog. "We already cooked the pasta, now we just season this with salt and pepper to taste, then sauté it. Finally, add the garlic, cook for 30 more seconds, and..." He quickly did the steps as he spoke before putting it on top of the pasta. "There, Pistol Shrimp Alfredo... damn this thing is massive."

Jeshan got a fork, then pulled off a piece of white flesh from the crustacean, as well as wrapped some of the creamy parmesan pasta around the fork. He took a bite, making his eyes light up. "God, this is better than I remember! Hold on, I need to go get Eleanor and Maple!" Jeshan quickly ran to his wives with the plate.

Skystrike chuckled as he looked up to Clifford. "You got this?"

"Yeah! Thanks for the recipe again!" Clifford nodded as he got back to cooking.

"Hey, Skystrike!" Tethys called out to him.

Skystrike took off his apron and looked at her, seeing Zecora, Elytra, Jeshan, and his spouses next to her. He walked up and leaned on the table. "Yo, what do you need?"

"Jeshan asked the age old question." Elytra sighed. "If you or Tethys is stronger."

Skystrike gave a small sigh then chuckled. "That's a question quite profound, One worth asking, I have found." Zecora said as she leaned on the table with him.

"No it's not..." Skystrike smirked. "Only thing this old fossil can handle is a glass of warm milk."

"Shots fired!" Elytra laughed as Tethys's eyes went wide.

Then her eyes narrowed. "Oh, someone's confident... hopefully that ego of yours is as big as your mouth."

"...Tethys we need to work on your shit talking." Skystrike laughed before standing up. "I know you'll want more than a simple arm wrestle. Besides, that wouldn't be fair. We're both right handed." He clenched his metal fist. "So what, do you suggest we do?"

Tethys crossed her arms and closed her eyes in thought. "Hmm... wrestling?"

"Do you know how to wrestle?"

"Yeah, this'll be easy! Can't wait to put you in the ground!"

Skystrike's smirk grew wider as he stepped away from the table, noticing the small crowd around them. Sure, she had almost two feet on him and was double his weight, but he had a few tricks up his sleeve. He put his arms up in front of him. "Ready when you are."

Tethys immediately lunged at him in an attempt to grab him. Though surprised a bit, he had more than enough time to run forward and slide between her legs and under her tail. Her wings were spread wide in an attempt to stop Skystrike from getting on her back. Unfortunately for her, that wasn't his goal in the first place. He locked his arms around her waist and pushed one claw off the ground with his foot before leaning as far back as he could. "Urrrryaaah!" He shouted as she flew over him, pulling off a suplex and making her back hit the grass under them. He pushed her off before getting back into his starting stance.

Jeshan chuckled. "Well damn, that was much faster than I thought."

"Damn it!" Tethys rolled over and pushed herself up. "Alright, I'll admit, you caught me off guard... Best two of three?"

Skystrike chuckled. "What, you want me to prove my strength or something?" Skystrike was about to think of another game, but noticed a certain zebra missing. "...Actually, lets continue this a bit later. Just need to check on someone."

"Oh, alright. I'll think of something while you're gone." Tethys sat down and began eating the meal that Jeshan bought over to them with Elytra.

Skystrike walked back to Clifford and made two more plates of shrimp alfredo, one for himself and one for the lady he was trying to find. After a few minutes of looking through the green hills, the black and grey mare was found. She was sitting, looking into the distance. Skystrike walked over and stood next to her. "Room for one more?"

Zecora looked up at him and nodded. Skystrike noticed the somber look on her face. He sat down and put a plate of food and utensils in front of her. She looked at it. Something was clearly on her mind. "Skystrike, can... can I talk to you about something?"

Skystrike nodded. "Sure. I'm guessing this is serious enough for you to not rhyme?"

Zecora put a hoof over her mouth. "Oh, I didn't even notice..." She looked up at him, the somber look still on her face. Even so, a smile creaked on her face. "Promise not to tell?"

Skystrike patted her back. "Promise. So, what's up?"

She looked back at the horizon, thinking of the right words to say. "I'm... I think regretting it. Not seeing my childhood friends, I mean."

Skystrike crossed his legs. "Why do you think that?"

She sighed. "It's just, after seeing all your doing... meeting up with me, Tethys, Elytra, all of your past friends and getting along with them... I realized that I want that. But after leaving, after what they did... I know it can never happen." She rubbed her eyes, stopping the tears from starting. "Well, saying it aloud, regret isn't the right word..."

Skystrike nodded. "You're disappointed that it could've been better."

Zecora's eyes widened. "...Yes, that encapsules it perfectly... How did you know?"

"I've had the same thoughts about leaving too." Skystrike met her eyes. "You all, my siblings, I've had a lot of time to think about it... There isn't really good advice I can give you on it. But I'll tell you what keeps me going." Skystrike sighed before continuing. "There are many 'what ifs' that go through our minds, but there's nothing we can do to change it. But we can change our future. Whether you want to make it one where you're happy or dwelling on the past is up to you. I hoped I've helped make it the former for you."

Zecora thought on his words. Then she smiled. "Thank you, Skystrike, for what you say, Your words help more than words convey." Skystrike was glad she was in good enough spirits now to get back into rhyming. The two began eating the food he bought, Zecora exclaiming how good it was to Skystrike.

For the first time in a while, it was peaceful. He wasn't doing anything, he was in company. His journey was going well. There were two left to go, Celeano and Skybeak. Though there wasn't a sure way to find Celeano, Skybeak was for sure in Hippogriffia. And then, there was Tethys' home in the Dragon seas. But that last part wasn't needed in his mind right now. For the first time in a while, he was happy. And he was going to enjoy the moment. The two finished their food before Skystrike stood up. "Come on, let's get back to the party. Lets enjoy ourselves."

Author's Note

This one, I had quite a bit of fun writing if you couldn't tell. Hope you all liked Jeshan's introduction, he was one that I was looking forward to writing. He'll be showing up more in the future too.

Not too much else to say. I graduated college finally, so I'll be working on this while on the job hunt. Next chapter, Skystrike will be finishing up in Diamondia, then making his way to Hippogriffia. Celestia, Luna, and a certain pony will pay him a visit as well, too.

Thanks for reading, and tell me about your thoughts in the comments! While I don't respond to many, I do read all of them. Your critiques are appreciated. Until next time!

Revelation

Skystrike woke up in his bedroom inside the Wind Waker. Last night was the party with Jeshan and his friends. They were all very welcoming... well, more than he was expecting. Sure, it took time for them to warm up to his group, but it was at least within the first hour. Leagues better than Zecora's and Tethys's welcome to Ponyville. But he wasn't here to think about that.

Last night, he had another visit from Luna and Nightmare. From what they said, all it took was Luna telling her sister Celestia that Magnus was involved with Skystrike and his mother's passing, and she was more willing to go along with whatever Luna planned. She told him mere moments before waking up.

That meant that he didn't have too much time. It's late evening in Equestria from what Pinkie Pie said yesterday. Luna said that they'd be there in two hours. He stretched before putting on his arm and walking out of his bedroom. Thankfully, the girls were already up. He smelled muffins... Blueberry muffins. He sniffed at the air one more time to make sure he wasn't imagining the smell. It was coming from the kitchen. As his feet went from hardwood to tiled floor, the smell grew stronger and stronger. He met Zecora, Tethys, and Elytra.

"Oh, good morning, Skystrike." Elytra smiled. Skystrike looked down at her, crouching down and squinting to get a better view. Her nose scrunched up. "What? Is there... something on my face?"

Skystrike picked up her hoof, pulling it out to the side, then dropped it to walk around her. They all looked at him confused as he did so. Finally, he looped back around before he spoke. "Elytra... I think you're growing bigger."

The changeling immediately got flustered. "Are you-... I'll give you the benefit of the doubt to explain now. Because it sounds like you're calling me fat."

Skystrike stood back up. "Oh, no, it's not like that-"

"What do you mean 'Not like that'!?"

"Mother fucker, can I finish my thought!?" Skystrike groaned. Elytra begrudgingly shut her mouth. "Thank you. What I was going to say was that I think you've gotten about an inch taller. It could be because of you feeding on my magic..."

"Oh..." She felt embarrassed. "Sorry... I haven't really been myself lately."

"Elaborate. Could be side effects of feeding off my magic. It's only been... nine days since we started, so we need to figure out effects sooner, rather than later."

Elytra thought about it. "Well, now that you mention it, I've felt more... anxious lately? Like... I've been thinking on the actions I've been taking a lot more, like I don't want to mess anything up. I've been getting annoyed a lot easier... I've also felt like I've gotten stronger. My body and my magic."

Skystrike winced. "Ugh... sounds like you're taking off some of my bad attributes.' Elytra looked at him confused. He began to elaborate. "Basically, magic and emotions are nearly the same thing for your race. Add on top of that that my mana when converted into magic depends on my emotional state, it's not too far fetched that my emotional state is affecting yours... On the upside, part of this trip is so I deal with the problems in my head."

Elytra thought on what he said for a moment. "You know... that makes sense. I'll tell you more about it if anything else changes. But if it makes you feel better, it's not a big enough change where I would've noticed until you said so."

He pet her on the neck. "Thanks, Elytra." Then he turned to what originally caught his attention. "So, who made blueberry muffins?"

Elytra and Tethys pointed to Zecora, who was wearing an apron. "I tried a recipe I was told. They’re cooling off now, fresh from the mold."

Skystrike moved his eyes to the pan on the counter. He controlled his excitement as he spoke. "I fucking LOVE blueberry muffins!" He failed as he walked to the muffins for a better look. "You even put the sugar on top!"

Tethys laughed at his excitement. "Wow, didn't know you like these that much. I've never had one, to be honest. Hopefully they aren't overhyped."

Elytra giggled. "Actually, Zecora got in contact with Paprika. Zecora asked what food you liked as a colt, and Paprika was more than willing to share."

Skystrike looked at Zecora, who was hiding her flustered face. Skystrike walked over and picked her up under her armpits, her back legs hanging as she went wide eyed. "Zecora, this is the best thing to wake up to. I'm not kidding. This act of kindness will not be forgotten." He pulled her into a hug before picking up and biting into a muffin. The sweet fluffy goodness filled his mouth as he savored each bite. "Oh FUCK yeah, these are good."

Tethys took the half eaten muffin out of Skystrike's hand and ate it in one bite. "Mmm, you know, these are pretty goo-" She cut herself off once she saw Skystrike's face. It was one of betrayal. She couldn't control herself and began laughing, slapping her tail on the ground. "AHAHAHA!" She slapped her hand on the table too."

Skystrike pulled her head down by her lower pair of horns, making her crouch down to eye level. She flapped her wings at the sudden jerk in motion as the human spoke. "Tethys... I am a simple man.... A man of principle. I wake up, I smell my favorite god damn breakfast food, I chow down. Now, because I like you, I'll say this. Everyone gets one." Tethys stared at him, wide eyed. Her eyes darted to Elytra.

"Don't look at me. Though I am surprised that this is the first time it happened." Elytra put a hoof on Tethys's leg. "Trust me..." The Changeling had a thousand yard stare. "You don't mess with Skystrike's food. Everyone gets one."

Zecora nodded along. "We all get one."

Tethys looked back to Skystrike, staring into his azure eyes. "I-... ok, I won't take your food again."

Skystrike let go as his demeanor went back to normal. "Cool, thanks." He picked up another muffin and began eating it. "Mmm. Now, what I originally came in here for was to tell you all that the princesses are coming over for a... personal matter." His voice fell a bit. "It relates to what happened about a decade ago. With Khrusalis..." Elytra tensed up as that word came out of his mouth. "Elytra, you deserve to know what happened to the late queen. I will make sure nothing happens to you if you wish to spectate. Zecora, Tethys, you two are welcome to be here, or you can spend some time in Diamondia."

They all looked at him in mild concern. Tethys put a claw on his shoulder. "I trust your judgement. Do you want me and Zecora to be here?"

"It's... not that I don't. I just... don't want you two to see that side of me. I don't want Elytra to see it either, but she served Khrusalis. She deserves to be there." Skystrike sighed.

Elytra's ears shot up. "Wait a minute. From what you told me, it was Celestia's guards who attacked you and the late queen those years ago... And then you said Celestia said she didn't know about it... We aren't meeting who I think we are, are we?"

Skystrike nodded. "We are. Khrusalis's killer." Elytra's heart stopped from that bomb shell. The other two present looked at each other, then between the two siblings in an attempt to get a read on either of their faces.

Elytra's face changed. From one of surprise, to confusion, to anger, to anxious, then with a deep breath, to apathy. "I'll be there. Give me a minute to change."

Skystrike shook his head. "This isn't something Stardust should confront. This is something Elytra should confront. Like I said, I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Elytra sighed. "I... trust your judgement." She turned to Tethys and Zecora. "And you two? I won't mind if you come, this is just... a very personal matter."

Zecora cleared her throat. "Tethys, I think it's best we depart. This is a family matter, close to the heart."

Tethys sighed. "You know, you never did tell the rest of us about what happened with her." She crossed her arms. "Sure, you gave us a brief summary, but... I- we want to help you through this. Can you promise to be more transparent once this is over?" They way she said it came out as a plead.

Skystrike stayed silent for a minute. He grabbed his left arm with his metal one, stopping himself from shaking. "I... don't like talking about. I'll... try to tell you two more about it. We've known each other long enough where I should be able to tell you, it's just... really hard."

Tethys sighed. "We won't force you. Come on, Zecora. We'll need to give Jeshan an update on todays plans."

Before they could leave, Skystrike quickly gave both of them a hug. He let them go before speaking. "I appreciate you two. Don't come back for a couple hours, it'll be a... slow process."

They gave him a worried look before leaving the ship and going towards Diamondia. Skystrike and Elytra walked to the deck of the ship before sighing. He crouched down before surrounding himself in neon green flames. In moments, he went back to being a pony, giving his wings a few test flaps as he got used to walking on all four hooves. It's only been twelve days, yet it took him longer than he thought to get used to being a pony again.

He turned to look at Elytra. "So... ready?" He put on his helmet.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Elytra sighed with a nod.

The siblings made their way to the cargo bay, where the teleportation circle Casta made was hidden. Luna told him to give them a signal when he was ready. Skystrike quickly wrote the words on a piece of paper before setting the destination to be Casta's tower, activating it and sending it to it's destination. It took a few minutes, but the circle began to respond.

The lines of the hexagram began to glow a dim green light. In moments, the faint glowing became bright as magic charged within. A flash of light blinded the two for a moment. As their eyes came to, three figures were before Skystrike and Elytra, Celestia, Luna, and a certain unicorn that he hasn't seen in a long time.

Skystrike looked at Celestia and Luna for a brief moment before looking at the unicorn. Grey with silver hair. He never did figure out what happened to that criminal organization Magnus was involved with, but they had to be hurting losing one of their figure heads, signaled by the tattoo of a Hydra on his neck. But that wasn't for him to deal with. At least not yet. He could feel his body heating up from the anger at the unconscious Magnus, but it would have to be put aside from now.

"Hello, Nebula. It's been some time." Celestia greeted. "My sister told me about what happened. Who could've guessed this also lead back to him-" The alicorn of the sun cut herself off as she met eyes with Elytra. Silence fell between the four before Celestia narrowed her eyes. "And who is this?"

"My sister Elytra." Skystrike made sure to give emphasis to that word, making sure that she understood the importance of Elytra to him. "The goal of my travels was to meet up with old faces. That includes the Changeling in my group I told you about. I assume this won't be a problem?"

Celestia looked at him, then to Elytra. "No... I suppose not. You trust her, so I trust her for the moment." She used her magic to levitate the bound unicorn over. "So, how do you suppose we get answers out of him? Our interrogations haven't gone anywhere over the past months."

Skystrike huffed. "Celestia, I never told you the reason why I stopped wanting to become a guard did I?"

She shook her head no. "I assumed it was because of Blueblood, as well as what this pony supposedly did."

"Well, that's a major part of it, but what do you mean 'supposedly'?"

"Well, your memories have only been seen by you and my sister Luna." Celestia stated. "While I trust you both, you have to understand my hesitance."

Skystrike hummed. "Fair enough, but it will all come to light soon. The other part of why I didn't want to be a guard anymore was because of all the red tape."

Elytra cleared her throat. "Dude, is that really the best thing to say to the princesses?"

Skystrike looked at her. "I mean, probably not, but that's kinda part of the reason they come to me for issues. Precisely because I can do some things that the legal system won't allow." He turned back to the alicorns for confirmation. Their silence was all the answer that he needed. "Now then..." Skystrike eyed the unconscious Magnus in front of him. "Let's get to work."

Magnus groaned. His vision was coming back to him as he awoke. The past months have been Tartarus to him. Because of that pegasus, his cover was blown. Not only did the organization he used to work for not help him, he was put into a maximum security prison, not even allowed to see the light of day. The ring on his horn stopped him from using magic, and it felt fused on at this point.

As he became more and more conscious with each passing second, the first thing he felt was the heat of the sun, then he saw the fleshy red of his closed eye lids. What was new was that he was tied up, his forehooves bound behind his back and the other pair tied together. Magnus opened his eyes, them going even wider as he saw the sky above him. Then he saw the balloon above attached to the wooden floor he was on. Was he on an airship?

Magnus rolled over to get a grasp of his surroundings. With luck, he'd be able to make it out of this. That hope faded away when he saw Celestia, Luna, and- "...YOU!" He looked at the pegasus.

"Me." Skystrike, clad in his raven black armor, smiled under his helmet as he looked down at him.

"Haven't you ruined my life enough!?" Magnus grit his teeth. "My voice, my freedom, my legacy! All taken away by you!"

"Trust me, I wish I could've done it to you, but you did it to yourself first." Skystrike flexed his wrist as he spoke. "Honestly, you really should do your research before challenging ponies to duels. But that's not what we're here for today."

Magnus scowled, then grinned. "Well, sad to tell you, but they haven't gotten anything out of me, I doubt you'll be any different."

Skystrike stood up. "As of now, I don't care about you and your fuckass criminal organization." He picked up the unicorn by the ropes binding him. "Eleven years ago, you encountered and fought a certain Changeling Queen. You're going to tell us what happened."

"Or wha-" Magnus began to speak before a punch to his stomach was delivered with same day shipping, courtesy of Skystrike. He groaned as he looked up to the pegasus holding him. He looked to the princesses. "Why... why aren't you... stopping him?"

"Come on, Magnus. Don't tell me you figured royalty didn't play dirty from time to time. Besides..." Skystrike pulled back a clenched hoof. "I'm sure you've given this form of treatment to a number of ponies. Don't you think it's fair to experience this at least once?"

Magnus looked into the eyes of Skystrike, then adverted them, seeing Elytra standing behind him. He coughed, then laughed. "Heheh, I see what this is now. You friend here from your rag tag group of mercs wanted some answers? Ha! Sorry, you're not getting anything out of me. It's bad for business..."

"Oh, there's more to it than that..." Skystrike used his free hoof to open up his helmet. "Allow me to make you more comfortable with a familiar face."

Magnus' eyes went wide. "You... This isn't real! You're supposed to be dead! The fire should've-" He caught himself and stopped his sentence.

Luna took a step forward. "Oh? It seemed that thou had something important to speak of. Do continue."

"I'm quite interested as well." Celestia's magic flared.

"Elytra." Skystrike got her attention. "Bring me my blades, and some potions from Zecora's room. You can infer which ones we'll need." Elytra nodded before teleporting away. "And as for you, Magnus, I'll give you some time to elaborate before things get serious. The fire should've what?"

Magnus looked at him, his purple eyes of hate burning into his soul. Then to Celestia, her magenta eyes judging his every action. Finally, Luna, who's cyan eyes stared coldly at him, wanting to strike him down where he hang. His reasoning got the better of him. "Look, I'll talk, I'll talk!" Skystrike dropped him on the ground. "Blueblood ordered me to do it! No way I could go against him! Besides, you were there in that forest. Surely you understand why I had to take that chance to get rid of you! It was only a matter of time before you spoke!"

Skystrike grit his teeth. For the first time in a while, his eyes burned white in anger. "It all comes... back to him..." Skystrike took a step forward. He felt a hoof on his shoulder, seeing Elytra was back with the gathered items. He pulled back a closed hoof, wanting nothing more than to bash Magnus' head in. With a few deep breaths, he regained his composure, but his eyes kept burning. "I see... Now, what did you mean that there was no way you could go against him?" He squatted down in front of the unicorn. Magnus stared him down, keeping his mouth closed. Skystrike grabbed one of the swords that Elytra bought him. He extended the claws on his armored hooves and pinched the edge with his thumb and index, sharpening it as he moved down the blade. "Won't talk anymore? Well, let me take a guess. Surely it wasn't just because he's part of the royal family, else you wouldn't have came after me... He has dirt on you, doesn't he?"

Elytra raised a hoof. "Actually... I think I might be able to answer that." Skystrike, Celestia, and Luna all turned to look at her. She shrunk a bit at the eyes on her. "Skystrike, uh... when you left All and we disbanded, I went looking into the attack on us. It took a couple months, but I was able to gather enough circumstantial evidence that linked Blueblood to some sort of group with enough power to send guards to kill us, as well as cover it up. If this group is the same as the one this guy is in, then that's the dirt."

"...What sort of 'circumstantial evidence'?" Luna asked.

"Well... there were two dozen that attacked our group a couple of years ago, all wearing the official Royal Guard armor. That meant that either A: Blueblood gathered a small platoon of soldiers unnoticed and was able to cover their deaths without incident, or B: somepony within the guard was able to acquire enough armor to arm their own ponies. Option B made more sense, since it was a escort mission to Canterlot. But after what Skystrike said about his talk with Shining Armor, and Shining armor wanting to avenge them, those were real guards, and option A had to have happened." Elytra explained. "That also means that somepony had to know how to cover up their deaths without raising suspicion. The only ones who'd have that power at the time, besides you, Princess Celestia, would be a General. And we have a general in front of us now with a now well known history of corruption..."

All of their eyes turned back to Magnus as he metaphorically shit his pants. Skystrike clicked his tongue at him before speaking. "And Elytra, why didn't you talk about this before? And no, I'm not mad, despite my tone. Just would like some clarification."

Elytra regained her composure and stood up straight. "Like I said, it was circumstantial. I wouldn't have been able to piece this together if Blueblood didn't tell Shining Armor what you did in that forest..."

"Alright." Skystrike hummed. He tightened his fingers around the edge of the blade and ran them along one last time, sparks flying toward Magnus, bouncing off the wooden floor just below his feet. "Well, that answers that question... Not only were you behind the fire, you were behind the attack of my friends. Now, I wonder how far back your sins go..."

Celestia put a hoof on the pegasus' back. "Skystrike, let's try and calm down a bit for now." Celestia walked between the two stallions, eyeing Magnus. "Though it pains me to say it, you were one of my most trusted ponies at one point. So, was it all an act?"

Magnus rolled over onto his stomach before sitting upright. "You already know the answer to that."

"I suppose I do..." She sighed before picking him up with her magic, making sure he was eye height with the alicorn. "For now, I will... ignore your attack on the crown, and your attack on Skystrike and his allies under his alias. Currently, we are here for the alleged murder of the now former queen of the Changelings. What say you in your defense?"

Magnus smirked. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"He's lying." Elytra stated. Celestia looked at her, as if asking for an explanation. "Most of my kind can only detect love, as it's our main source of food. Caretakers like I were taught to be more in tune with emotions. He's feeling a lot right now. Fear, amusement, apathy... he's lying."

Magnus scoffed. "You're really going to trust that bug? I don't even know what forest it happened in."

Skystrike smirked, pushing his mane out the way. "When did we say it happened in a forest?" Magnus could feel the sweat bead on his forehead. He got caught. "Can't talk your way out of it. You were involved. Want to get it off your chest?"

Magnus held his breath. "Dear sister, it seems that thou hast forgotten how we deal with ponies of his like." Luna stood next to her. "We didn't think our departure would make you so soft." She took Magnus into her magic. "Know this, pony, we are not as merciful as my sister. You will speak of what you know."

Magnus grinned. "Over my dead body."

Skystrike groaned, wordlessly walking up to Magnus and taking him out of the grasp of Luna. He held him over the edge of the Wind Waker, letting him look down to see the ground with terror. Celestia's face contorted into a confused one. "Skystrike, what are you doing?"

"Since he won't talk, I have a question that he can answer without speaking." Skystrike waited for Magnus to look at him. "How long would it take this unicorn to reach terminal velocity?" Skystrike released his grip, letting Magnus fall towards Eques bellow.

"Skystrike, have you lost your mind!?" Celestia began to jump after him by spreading his wings.

Skystrike put a hoof on her chest as he kept falling. "Calm down, I know what I'm doing."

"He's falling to his death!" Luna ran over and put her hoofs on the railing, looking over the edge as well.

"Yeah, because he needs to think I'm actually going to kill him." Skystrike's eyes were still burning white. "Thing is, I already know when he'll reach terminal velocity. I also know when he'll hit the ground, and how much time I have before his death is unavoidable."

"And how do you know this isn't what he wanted to happen!?" Celestia shook the pegasus.

"Simple. If he wanted to die, he would've found a way to kill himself in the cell you guys kept him in, did more to try and antagonize me to kill him, or just bit off his tongue... Despite everything, this bastard wants to cling onto life." He pushed Celestia's hooves off him. Skystrike rolled his neck as he stood on the railing, turned around, and fell backward. "I'll be back."

Skystrike dove backwards off the Wind Waker, his dive speeding up as he pointed himself towards the ground. Magnus flailed in a vain attempt to try and escape the ropes on him, even biting at them to no avail. He didn't want to die like this. He looked down at the ground, his eyes as wide as dinner plates. Time seemed to slow as death began to whisper in his ear. It felt like he was falling for minutes already. They said his life would flash before his eyes, but nothing happened.

"Man, I'd say you still have... two minutes before you hit the ground!" Magnus looked to his left to see Skystrike Falcon diving next to him. Streaks of white light came from his eyes signaling the high speed they were falling at. "Do you think you'll hear your skull split open before you die!?"

"Why are you doing this to me! Why not Blueblood!?"

"Oh don't worry, his judgement will come soon. But this isn't about him right now." Skystrike put his hooves behind his head. "You know, we're on the other side of the Celestial Sea... No pony is coming for you. See, you can see Diamondia over at that ravine!" Skystrike and Magnus kept falling. "You'll die here, a splat on the dirt in the middle of nowhere. The only ones who'd know what happened to you would make sure that word doesn't get out... I'd feel bad for your family if you had any... Man, there's just nopony to remember you, is there!?"

Magnus' eyes began to water from the wind blowing in his face... Well, that would be his excuse if he wasn't fearing for his life. Even in a prison, it'd be better than this ending. "Ok, ok! I'll talk! I'll talk!"

"Hmmm..." Skystrike hummed and put his hooves under his chin. "But that'd ruin the fun. I imagine a splat at this speed would sound great. If I had something to record, it'd be a great stock sound effect."

"You'll want to hear what I have to say! That Changeling was your mom right!?" Magnus turned to look at Skystrike with pleading eyes. "I was told to capture her, not kill her!"

His interest was peaked as he grabbed onto Magnus' ropes. By turning his wings upwards, he began to pull the two up and fly back to the Wind Waker. In a moment, they were back up on the deck. Skystrike smirked as he threw Magnus down. "Well, don't keep us waiting."

Magnus rolled over on his side, catching his breath before speaking. "There isn't much to say... I was given a mission. Said they'd pay me anything, said I'd be a hero. The queen of the Changelings would be in a forest on the outskirts of Canterlot with a traitor... If I made sure that the Changeling was dealt with, I'd get whatever I wanted." He huffed as he saw the skeptic looks on the princesses faces. "Heh, I had that same face, but then they showed me what they could do. I saw them create something from nothing before my eyes, saw magic that not even Starswirl would think of. I couldn't pass that up! All I needed to do was capture her alive and take her to the rendezvous point!"

Elytra shook at the news. "Wh-... where did you take Khrusalis?"

Magnus looked at her. "Some secret bunker they had in the north western part of Equestria. In the North Luna Bay."

Skystrike thought he knew what it was, but he didn't want it to be. He had to confirm it. "...Who did you make this deal with?"

"You wouldn't believe me-"

Skystrike drew his sword and bought it to Magnus's neck, droplets of blood pooling at the edge of his blade. "SPEAK!"

"I don't know, ok!?" Magnus yelled through the tears falling off his face. "They were aliens! They stood on two legs, had long, lanky limbs! Each one were at least eye height with princess Celestia! They had tan skin of all shades! They had no coat! Only manes! They... they looked like apes!"

Skystrike clenched his hooves. "Who did you talk to specifically?"

"I... don't know, ok! He always wore a robe or something! All I know is that they called themselves 'hoo-man'!"

Skystrike wordlessly stood up and sheathed his blade. He pulled back a fist before punching a dent into the floorboards, making the entire ship rock. Everyone had to catch their footing as the ship stabilized itself. "She's alive!" Skystrike thought to himself angrily. "She's alive, and they took her!"

The white eyes of rage burned brighter as Skystrike began growling. He couldn't hold back his wrath anymore. Years of build up anger, self loathing, self blaming, all began bubbling up. He could almost feel it coming out of him. The pegasus felt hot, throwing off his armor, leaving on only his underclothes. His eyes burned even brighter. Elytra began to worry. "Skystrike...? Skystrike! Can you hear me!?"

Skystrike's head snapped in her direction. He could see her, he could hear her, but he couldn't focus on any of them. He stood on his hind legs and squatted down with his arms over his head, trying to contain his anger, fighting himself within his mind. He was failing, as the burning white of his eyes spread over his head, then snaking to the rest of his body as he groaned. "Skystrike!" Celestia, Luna, and Elytra all ran to him, the first picking him up and hugging him. "Skystrike! Everything will be ok, my little pony... I'm sure this is a lot to take in right now-"

He pushed her off of him. He couldn't be near them right now. Skystrike felt like he was literally about to explode. This never happened to him before, but something instinctual told him to get away from them. Skystrike jumped of the edge and flew as hard as he could away from the ship. The three saw him fly away, stopping when the pegasus was just barely able to be made out by squinting. Skystrike roared at the top of his lungs as he screamed to the vast emptiness of the sky around him. As he did so, a ball of white fire burst from him, growing to an amazing, and worrying size around him. The ball of fire was equal, if not greater to the size of the Wind Waker itself, the flames swirling around him as the round of his pained screech hit the onlookers.

Then the force and heat came simultaneously at the three. Celestia, Luna, and Elytra all had to plant their hooves into the deck once more as the ship rocked from the force. Even that wasn't enough as the Wind Waker rocked violently. The three flew into the air and looked at the ball of fire, squinting at the blinding light. Each had a different, yet eerily similar face of worry and fear for and of Skystrike. The two sisters looked between each other as Magnus looked with an unhinged jaw.

As the fire began to dissipate. Elytra quickly flew towards Skystrike, using her magic to teleport closer and closer each time, fearing for her little brother. Once the magical fire was completely gone, she was able to make him out. He flew in the midst of where the explosion once was. An empty look was plastered on his face. She couldn't quite make out what he was feeling, but that wasn't what she needed to do right now, she needed to be there for him.

As soon as she was close enough, she tackled him into a hug. Skystrike was staggered, but regained his elevation as he looked down at his sister. "It's... ok to cry sometimes. You don't always have to stay strong for us." The pegasus could feel something come out of his eyes. He wiped them with a hoof, realizing that his eyes have stopped burning, and that tears were falling like rain. "Everything can be thought about later." Elytra held his head to her chest. "You got a lot of pent up emotions to let out."

Celestia and Luna looked on in worry. The pegasus and changeling slowly flew back to the ship. Celestia looked for the right words. "Luna, you've been... speaking to him through his dreams, right?" Her sister nodded. "Could he... always do that?"

"We... do not know..." Luna admitted. "We mostly spoke about our problem with Nightmare Moon until recently... The brief times he spoke about his problems was to gain our trust."

Celestia's heart wavered. "It just... feels like I barely know him anymore."

"Thoughts for later, sister." Luna put a hoof on her shoulder. "If he wished to speak about it, we believe he would have. Give it time, he may open up."

Skystrike and Elytra slowly flew back onto the ship, the former landing with a thud. He fell to the ground still weeping at the realization he made. He stayed silent as he looked at the floor. Skystrike didn't even know what to do, what to think. On one hand, it's really good news. Khrusalis is alive. On the other hand, it was terrible news. She was with the rest of his kind... on the other side of that portal he destroyed.

There has to be some way to get her back.

Skystrike stood back up, his empty expression still on his face. He turned to look at Magnus. "So, what did you ask for?"

Magnus backed away in fear. "W-... what?"

"You said that the humans gave you something when you completed their task. What was it?"

Magnus quickly answered. "I... never wanted this life. I was in too deep by the time that those... things came around. I asked for a new life to live through. There was this sort of... monkeys paw, for lack of a better term. They cloned me, changed some things around for the clone, then made it so I don't remember what it looks like... They also made sure I didn't know whether I was the clone or not."

Celestia and Luna looked between each other before the former looked back at the unicorn. "Wait, just so I'm understanding right, there's clone of you walking around Equestria? With your memories and past experiences? And the humans made you forget what it looked like?" Magnus nodded. Skystrike scoffed and turned to walk off. "Skystrike? Where are you going?"

Skystrike stopped in front of the door, not looking back at them. "I got all the information I needed from this interaction with Magnus. All that's left for you two is to get whatever information you need about Hydra... But if a certain unicorn doesn't feel so talkative, I will be in the dining room."

Skystrike sighed as he walked to his room and took off his armor before walking to and sitting down in the dining area. The muffins were still there, but he didn't feel hungry. He dug his forehooves into his hair as his elbows laid on the table. Bouncing his knee in thought, he needed to figure out what to do. Skystrike tried to think, but he couldn't focus. The clicking of the clock on the wall, the small humming of the engine, he couldn't get his mind in order.

The pegasus looked at the time. It's been about two hours since Celestia and Luna got here. Celestia already held distrust for him and humanity. From his dream two nights ago, he could tell that Luna was already wary of him. He didn't blame either of them.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by a thump on the deck above him. They were here. Several agonizing minutes passed before he heard the door behind him open. Then he felt a hoof on his back. It was Elytra's hoof. Several sets of steps were heard entering the room. "Zecora, Tethys, and Jeshan are here. I... told them what happened."

Skystrike didn't dare turn around or make eye contact. The rest took his lack of response as an invitation to sit. None of them knew what to say. What could they say? Would it be anything he wanted to hear? Saying that things would get better, that they were there for him, would it matter? The only sound that bounced between the walls of the room was the tapping of Skystrike's hoof on the floor.

Celestia broke the silence. "Skystrike..." His bouncing stopped, notifying that he was listening. "This is... a defining point in this story of yours. When I wept in my chambers for my sister's absence, I thought it was my pain to bear alone. But you were there, reminding me that there will always be someone to pick us up at our lowest. Whether we take that hoof of support is up to us. And from all the beings in this room, it is plain to see that you have so many that wish to help you."

Skystrike inhaled deeply, then let it out. "Your words are... appreciated, Celestia. As well as is the presence of everyone here. I just... need a moment to think." And so he did, for minutes on end. None dared to speak as the humming of the engines went on in the background. Skystrike finally had the words to break the silence. "I think... no. Unless-..." He grinned his teeth together. "Celestia." Her ears perked up as he stammered out her name. "I... Do you trust me?"

She looked confused. "What? Of course I do, my little pony. Why do you ask?"

"There's... there's only one guy who even has a chance of finding a way to get to her."

Her ears went back as her pupils shrunk. "You don't mean-..." It was her turn to take in a deep breath. "You must understand my hesitance to trust 34. Despite that, I trust you enough to at least hear out this... idea of yours."

Skystrike nodded. "When I met Tethys again, in that village to the north, I never told you that I worked with the human to destroy the lab. As 34 told you, that laboratory was made to monitor him, and had a way to get back to his world. As he also said and I can confirm, we destroyed it. But with this new... information Magnus gave us, I need a way of getting there. If we're lucky, 34 knows some way to fix the portal, or make a replica of their portals. If we're able to replicate that magic, there's a sliver of a chance that I can get her back."

Celestia mulled over that thought. "Despite my wish for you to get Khrusalis back, I have my hang ups over this. First, you must remember that a portal opens for both ways. You may as well give the humans a red carpet to waltz in. Second that magic was made a millennia ago. My sister and I made sure that not even a trace of how to conjure a portal was left, and we never learned the spell. That human, 34 is also around your age. He wouldn't know how a spell that old is engineered. All he could potentially know is the destination. Finally, the amount of magic needed to cross the distance to wherever the humans are is near impossible to keep up. A portal takes constant magic to keep active and stable."

Skystrike nodded. "The first part, that makes sense, but I should be able to convince 34 to fight off any that come through. From what he's told me and seen there's no reason they can't invade right now besides lack of manpower. As for the second, we'd basically be starting from zero. 34 did share that he has some information left over from the trashed lab. As for the third, there's two things about that. The first, you more than likely already know, magic is denser in the upper atmosphere, which is most likely why 34 entered up there all those years ago. Second, you just felt how much magic that I have."

"Ah, I've been meaning to ask about that." Celestia leaned forward. "So you do have magic, and a staggering amount of it. Could you always do that?"

"That was the first time it got to that level, but yes." Skystrike stood up and poured himself a cup of water, then some for the rest of them. "It's very complicated, so I'll sum it up as short as I can. While normal beings in this world can use magic as it comes to them, there's a few extra... gimmicks with mine. It ties in with Casta's theory of mana. Basically, you all make magic naturally, subconsciously. I need to focus to turn mana into magic, consciously. On top of that, the magic I use and the level of magic I can use relies on my emotional state. I can get into more detail another time, there's a lot that I've kept from you two." He sighed. "Didn't want attention on myself, so I kept it secret." Then he looked around the room. "Oh, right, now that I'm not about to explode, where's Magnus."

"Frozen and in storage." Tethys breathed out some cold air. "Honestly, I'm surprised you controlled yourself enough to not fillet him then and there... I would've."

"I thought about it." Elytra huffed.

Celestia's ears perked up at the changeling speaking. "Oh, I've also been meaning to ask you, Ms. Elytra, how do you know about the stuff within my Royal Guard?"

"...Let's just say I'm a very good stealth operative." Elytra answered. "But if it makes you feel better, I didn't infiltrate the guard until after we were banished."

"Oh... you were both banished... I'm sorry, Elytra. I've been treating you unfairly."

Elytra waved a hoof. "Water under the bridge."

Skystrike jumped back into the conversation. "Anything else anyone wants to share? I have a bit of work to do."

Jeshan raised a brow. "Your gonna work on that portal stuff already?"

"Oh, no, not yet." Skystrike shook his head. "I need to check on the engine. That burst of magic I had could've messed something up. Being honest, it's more to get my mind off... this..."

Zecora spoke up. "Should I fetch Casta and Alder near? We're all here, and it seems you need cheer."

Skystrike nodded. "That would be nice. If Astral's there, then she can come too. Tell me when they get here." And with that, he got up and began walking to the back of the ship.

The rest of the beings present sat in silence. Once again, they didn't really know what to do. Tethys looked at the muffins on the table before picking up one and eating half in one bite. "I've seen him when he goes through something tough, but..."

"Never that bad?" Jeshan, Zecora, and Elytra finished.

Celestia sighed. "He's changed so much since he was a colt. I just..."

"Wish you were there?" This time, Luna joined in.

"I can't imagine how much he's changed." Tethys started. "You two, being alicorns, can probably back me up on this. There's so many beings that we see over our lives that so many change ever so slowly. But with all the hardships he's lived through, he's grown more than most of the other beings I've met...." She groaned. "And while I don't know what he was like before, it feels like he's regressing."

"I can say for certain that he's not 'regressing' but he's definitely changing." Elytra stated. "I'm not sure if he told the rest of you, but he trusts each of us. I have quite a story to tell. Let's just make sure that it stays between us."

In a matter of minutes, with Celestia going back to Casta and Astral to signal the importance of the meeting, and Zecora going to get Alder, they all came back and sat around the table. Elytra crossed her hooves and sighed. "So, for the few of you who aren't familiar with the rest of us, I'm Elytra, the Diamond Dog is Jeshan, and the Griffon is Alder. We were all part of Skystrike's group, and are still friends to this day." Then she turned to two ponies in particular. "Princess Celestia, Astral Night, before I begin, I must ask how much you know about Skystrike's past?"

Astral looked to Casta and Celestia, who both nodded. "If you mean as a colt, I was there with him up until he faked his death. Specifically, from 10 to 16. Before that, he never talked about it aside from that one time at his house."

"Well... Astral knows more than me." Celestia admitted.

"Very well. I will start from the beginning." Elytra rolled her shoulders. "Almost twenty years ago, the former queen of the Changelings, Khrusalis, introduced an orphaned pegasus to the hive. We were instructed to treat him as one of our own. I was his caretaker, meant to tend to all physical and mental problems that came to my attention." She sighed. "I felt from the beginning that Skystrike had much to untangle, but he didn't wish to speak on his past until a few months ago. There's no pleasant way to say this, so I'll speak bluntly. His words, he was an investment, and was bought up to be a soldier. He escaped, slaughtering everyone in his way. When he came to the hive, he was surprised at the change in environment, where he, again his words, wasn't forced to kill anyone. As he grew older, he began to open up more. Began to laugh, smile, enjoy the life that was almost taken from him. By his request, Khrusalis sent him to Canterlot to live in an orphanage so he could live around ponies like him. I wasn't there for much of that, but we can all fill in the blanks from the stories he's told us. He helped raise his siblings, went to school, got adopted by Princess Celestia, and then, on his 14th birthday, something happened in a forest outside the Canterlot walls. Princess Luna, he said he spoke to you about this subject. You've actually seen his memories. Can you continue for this part?"

Luna nodded, then cleared her throat. "We will leave out some of the more... gruesome details. He and Khrusalis met within a forest to spend time together for his birthday. Magnus interrupted their reunion to capture the Changeling, mortally wounding Skystrike in the process. Try as he may, he could not have saved her. There, Skystrike blamed himself for his mother's assumed death, and where one can assume his megalomania, his desire for a greater power, began."

They all looked to Astral, who realized it was her turn to fill in the blanks. "...Now that I think on it, he was... different around that time, but I just thought it was normal. He did just come back from being in Cloudsdale for two years... He was protective to all of us, overprotective at some points. I guess he didn't want to lose us. Even though he was adopted by Princess Celestia, he still spent every night back home. He started to get better I think... and then... the fire happened." Astral winced at the word coming out of her mouth, the scar on her back leg tingling. "You know, he never did tell me at least how he got out of that... I saw the building collapse in on him."

"I'm able to answer that." Elytra exhaled out of her nose. "A couple of us Changelings switched shifts, watching him and making sure he stayed save. One of my colleagues was able to get him out and nurse him back to health. But from about 16 to 18, none of us really know what happened during his life personally. He gave us his diary to read through. Skystrike began working as a mercenary, and where he first began his... 'persona' for lack of a better word, as Atlas Nebula. He had a friend he worked with, Steel Ace, who taught him the ropes for those years. But something happened with him too..." Elytra sighed. "Steel Ace was accused of rape, and the only one to believe him that he didn't do it was Skystrike. Even his own family abandoned Ace. Skystrike still stood by him, and went to his birthday party, though they were the only two there to celebrate it. The morning after, Skystrike, now 18 at the time, found Steel Ace dead in his room... he hung himself..."

"I remember that." Celestia sighed as well. "A few days after Ace's passing, he lured the accuser to one of Canterlot's clock towers and got her to admit to her lies... But what he didn't tell the mare was that he rigged the room with magic to announce it to everypony within earshot of the clock tower. It was my first interaction with Atlas, since it was trespassing on government property and entrapment. But he said he'd go with any punishment as long as she was punished too. In the end, I just gave him community service. He was clearly grieving."

"And then I met him." Tethys said, laying her arms on the table. "Don't know how many months it was between that and when he met me, but I guess it doesn't matter." Then she chuckled slightly. "I was being hunted down by some ponies who heard of a dragon on the outskirts of Canterlot. Four ponies almost bought me to my end, and Skystrike needed the money. But he saw me there, waiting on death's doorstep, and for some reason, decided to nurse me back to health... He was the first one to show me kindness, no strings attached."

"And after my voyage across the sea, It was then that he came to meet me." Zecora continued. "In this new land, no one by my side, just a goal to study magic, my guide. I thought I'd spend my time alone, forlorn. But at that port, he offered help, reborn. Seemed too good to be true, I must confess, but he became my first friend in this new address."

"And then we met." Casta used her magic to pick up her cup of water. She sighed. "It was a few months after Zecora joined, he was still 18. I... used to be a noble. I specialize in Enchanting and Destruction magic. My ancestors specialize in Conjuration. I 'did not look good' as part of that 'family'." She made quotation marks with her hooves. "I was a stain to my family, a bad enough one where they sent two assassins after me... It was by pure luck that Skystrike found me when he did, but he fought them off at the risk of his own life."

Elytra spoke again. "And then he met Maud, the earth pony of our group. Something about graveworms on her family farm. It was a solo mission, and he didn't talk about it that much, said it wasn't important. But after that, I officially joined. He'd have been 19 at the time, but it wasn't a meeting with a happy ending." Her wings spread open at the memory. "I was still in the hive at the time, and was given a task by the current queen, Chrysalis. I was to find Skystrike, and bring him back to the hive... I can't talk about what was spoken there, but the aftermath wasn't pretty... A family was torn even further apart. Chrysalis had a plan, and Skystrike threatened to kill her if she went through with it. In the end, he was banished, and I couldn't stand by a hive so far gone. I left with him."

"Yeesh, didn't know about that part... I met him a bit after that I guess." Jeshan blinked. "You know, we never really talked about how we all met him, huh? Mine is boring compared to the rest of you. While I was studying to be an artificer, I was looking for ways to perfect my craft. You ponies rely on magic much more than us dogs, so I travels to Equestria to learn. Unfortunately, no pony was really willing to teach a Diamond Dog about magic. I met that pegasus on my way back home, was on a train from southern Equestria to Griffonstone to make the trek back to Diamondia, but I met the rest on the ride there. Skystrike said that he and Casta knew a lot about magic, and they could learn from me about my race's magic and culture."

"Same here." Alder nodded. "Came to Equestria because my niece said she liked the place. I was getting up there in age, and I decided I needed to make some bits. Luckily, Skystrike was looking for someone to take over finances. I thought it'd be a competitive position, but I was the only applicant. Most ponies didn't want to work with all of our kinds, and the few that remained weren't comfortable with the constant danger we would be in. After that, Celeano, the Avian and Skybeak, the Hippogriff. Don't really know how they met, but they weren't around for too long compared to the rest of us. We'll ask once we see them again."

Tethys addressed the elephant in the room. "And then... Blueblood happened."

"Aye." Alder sighed. "We got a contract from the crown, and it promised bits up front, and even more on completion. When I showed it to Skystrike, he said it'd be an easy job, plus we were short on bits in the first place. But looking back on it, we were never told who we were transporting... By the time we realized, we were already surrounded on all sides. Each one of us fell unconscious aside from Tethys, Zecora, Casta, and Skystrike."

Casta hummed. "You know, thinking back on it, we never told the rest of you how we got out of there alive, did we?" Then she sighed. "That was for a reason... He begged us, and I mean begged, to not talk about it. Even with all we're speaking about right now, I'm still... He did a lot for us, least we can do is respect his wishes. But I'll say this: he did what he always does. Protect us."

Zecora tried to find the right words. "Then we parted ways, a bitter start,. Without him, things just fell apart. He brought us together, a bond so tight, without his presence, his absence darkens the light. Two years passed when I chose Ponyville's cheer, the Everfree Forest seemed best for me, clear. And then, to my surprise, he was there, a reunion of fate, beyond compare. " Her lips curled up a bit. "Though hesitant at first, our bond renewed. Such friends in this land, rare and true. For beings like us, it's a special find, a friendship rekindled, hearts aligned."

"Then it was pure coincidence that you two princesses sent him to that village in the north. We were after the same targets, those dragons." Tethys rolled her shoulders on her wings. "Took a bit of a talking to, he still blamed himself for all that happened to us, but he got better. We got better. He even introduced us to some of his friends. Went to Canterlot, fixed the broken bridges with Casta and Maud, started this trip, now Alder and Jeshan are here... Things were looking great too. Then... you know, Magnus happened."

Astral stayed quiet for a minute. "So... how do we help him? Can we help him?"

Silence clouded the room before Luna was able to answer. "We do not know. All we can do is be there for him."

Casta inhaled through his teeth. "You know, I'd agree with you, but I'm not sure that's the best idea. Skystrike is a smart guy, but not so much emotionally. If we all try to barrage him with support, he'll feel like he's a burden to us. It's why he left in the first place. If he wants to talk about it, he'll talk about it." She straightened her wizard hat. "Speaking of, where is he?" She looked around the room, then realized somepony else was missing. "Where's Astral?"

The unicorn in question was galloping through the halls of the ship, looking through each door to find her older brother. Down another set of stairs, she was at the cargo bay, but he wasn't there. Then the bedrooms, he wasn't there. Each room she cleared, the more she worried. Did he leave the ship? But then her ear flicked at a sound coming from the end of the hall. It was the sound of magic being cast. A lot of it.

Working with Casta Spell made her a bit more attuned to magic. She could feel the excess magic expelling from the room. Astral slowly walked over and pushed the door open. A large spherical object sat at the back of the room, pipes extending from it and going into the walls. There was a loud hum that went throughout the room, as well as an azure blue glow that hugged each piece of metal. She looked closer, seeing how the reactor had a sort of reinforced glass letting an observer look within. Azure magic swirled within. Astral realized that it was turning mana into magic, and an astounding amount of it.

She stopped her mind from wandering so she could get back on track. Skystrike was sitting in the center of the room, his back turned towards her as he checked and took note of several valves on each of the pipes. "Skystrike..." Astral unconsciously called out.

Skystrike jumped at the sudden call of his name. Turning to look through his vizor, he saw his little sister. His heart slowed at the sight of the lilac unicorn before he took off his helmet. "Hey Astral, what are you doing here?" He forced a smile. Astral had to admit, it was convincing. "If I knew you were coming, I'd have at least made dinner... Well, with your time zone, it'd be a late lunch."

Astral walked up to him and sat down. "Well, this came as a surprise to me too... They told me everything."

Skystrike blinked at that. "...Everything everything?"

She nodded. "Everything everything."

Skystrike sighed. "I tried to keep it from you for a reason."

"Do... do you not trust me?"

"What? Of course I trust you, Astral! It's just... hard for me to talk about stuff like this." Skystrike shook his head. "I already fucked up your life enough, everyone's lives enough. The more you all worry about me, the worse it'll get for you. Best to not worsen it any more... Besides, what would you do? What would any of you do? This arm isn't going to come back, the pain we all went through wont go away.... I'm just prone to keep making these mistakes. I don't want the rest of you to get caught up in them anymore."

Astral could feel the tears well up in her eyes. "Stop it! Stop talking about yourself like your a problem! An object!" Skystrike jumped at her sudden yelling. "You say you don't want to hurt us, but you hurt us the most by doing this!" Skystrike's heart cracked as those words came out of her mouth. "And you know what? It's okay!" His ears perked up in confusion. "You keep going through this things thinking that, but that's life! To live! To experience everything! The good and the bad! That's what living is! You taught me that!" Skystrike had no words. "When you came back, I... I didn't know what to feel. But it hurt... and I'd go through that pain time and time again if it meant I got to see you again. And I can speak for everypony- eveyone on that."

Skystrike winced. "I... forget how much I mean to you all... Thank you, Astral." Skystrike once again jumped, this time at the sudden hug. She wept into his chest as Skystrike slowly brushed her mane with a hoof. "I promise, I'll do my best to get better."

After a short while, Astral night reentered the kitchen. Although a bit nervous, he knew he could trust them. He had to. He sighed. "I've gathered my thoughts. I'm doing better than I was earlier, but my mind is still wandering. While I know you're all here for me, and I appreciate it, I... need some more time to think on it."

They all smiled at the change in mood. Although he wouldn't be his normal self for a while, he wasn't visibly in distress at least. "Glad you're feeling better..." Jeshan chuckled. "Now, I don't mean to be that guy, but can you make more of that pasta dish you made yesterday?"

"Jeez dude!" Tethys slapped her forehead. "Really? Now??"

"Your stomach was rumbling the whole time we were talking." Jeshan quipped back. "And I doubt you ever learned how to cook."

"Oh, she learned... well, began to." Casta giggled. "And I can tell that you didn't make these."

Alder chuckled. "Well you couldn't really cook either from what I remember, magic mare."

"Okay!? I at least have an excuse! Not necessarily a good one, but I went from being a noble to in the group where Skystrike always cooked. Nopony taught me."

Elytra laughed. "You're right, that wasn't a good one! But Tethys' excuse is that she can eat raw meat."

"Wh- but-" Casta stammered for her words. "You can't cook either!"

"Yeah, because I'm a Changeling. I don't even have to eat solid food." Then she hummed. "Though I will admit, that pasta dish yesterday was great. I could go for it again..."

"I could go for some pasta..." Astral pulled on the neck of her sweater.

Skystrike looked at her, then looked at the princesses. Their faces showed that they also wanted some. Skystrike stretched. "Alright, so, you all want pasta. Which of you are going to help me cook? I'd be cooking for nine, but with some of us here, it might as well be twenty."

Celestia narrowed her eyes. "...What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that I eat enough for four ponies." Skystrike started, then pointed at each of them. "Tethys is a whole ass dragon, who's shaped like a pear." Elytra choked at the comment. Then Skystrike pointed to the alicorn of the night. "Luna is insecure for a reason, and Celestia, I can see your cutie mark from the front." The room went silent as Celestia sat flustered. Her sister began shaking, trying to contain her laughter.

"Jeez, Skystrike, have you lost your mind!?" Astral's jaw dropped.

"It's only bad if the joke didn't land." Skystrike gave a small smirk before putting a hoof on her back and pointing to the surrounding faces of barely contained laughter. "I think it landed."

Celestia sighed before laughing lightly. "You know, while I do get tired of the jokes about my rear, once in a while, I hear a new one."

"Oh I got plenty of jokes I can make about you." He affirmed. "During my diss track, I made fun of your forehead." Luna couldn't contain it anymore and laughed. Hard. The rest soon joined in. "I also said in my letters that I'd give you silly nicknames. Celestorol, Cake n' Bake, Sun pone, Celery, Sunburn, And those are just the ones I remember."

"...Can-... Can we eat?" Celestia stammered out making them all laugh more.

"Oh my, sister, Skystrike surely has some gossip on you. So much had to have happened over the years I was away. We'd love to keep this conversation going." Luna leaned forward.

Skystrike looked at Celestia, who sighed. "She won't leave it be unless you indulge her."

Taking it as confirmation it was ok, Skystrike went to grab his apron. He began to think back as he tied the cloth around him. "Uh, when I was twelve, I... no, I'll tell a different one. When I was fifteen, Cadence asked Celestia on advice to get the attention of a colt she liked. Then I walked in on it, and you could tell that she didn't pull any in a long while." Skystrike chuckled. "I had to explain to a mare almost three years older than me and another mare however many years older than me that no, it is not a good idea to do an ancient pegasus dance to attract a suiter... with a demonstration..."

"No way..." Casta stood up with her hooves on the table. She looked at Celestia's face, the alicorn hiding it in her hooves. "NO WAY! AHAHAHAHA!"

Zecora brayed, making the rest laugh even harder. Celestia cleared her throat. "I wish I had some form of gossip on you. Sure, we shared some cute moments, but nothing was embarrassing... At least not as much as that." Then she thought. "There was that time for a few months straight where you sang in the bathroom without realizing that it wasn't sound proof."

A few giggles were heard from that comment. "That is pretty cute! Come on, you have to have something else!" Astral egged her Celestia on.

"Well, for about a week, he asked me and Cadence to teach him how to do makeup."

Astral tilted her head and looked at her brother. "Why did you need to learn that?"

"Who taught you and Dawnstone how to do their makeup?"

Celestia cooed at that. "Aww... how precious! By the way, Skystrike?" He looked up from mincing garlic. "What was the first thing you stopped yourself from speaking of?" Skystrike stopped mid grate before putting down the garlic, and walking over to the princess of the sun, motioning her to lean down.

She did so, letting Skystrike whisper into her ear. "When I was twelve, you told me that I could get some bits out of your nightstand. I remember you telling me 'bottom drawer'. The thing is, you didn't tell me which nightstand."

Her eyes went wide in shock, the thousand yard stare etched across her face. She slowly sat up straight and crossed her hooves. "Skystrike?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm very... very sorry."

"...By the dragon lord, what did you say to her?" Tethys raised a brow in mild worry.

"Nothing important." Skystrike went back to grating the garlic. "Oh, Tethys, can you get the shrimp from cold storage? We only need four. Elytra, can you get the parmesan from the cargo bay?"

"Oh, we ran out of parmesan cheese yesterday. You cooked a lot."

Skystrike fell to the floor is somewhat mock sorrow. Jeshan and Alder put their respective appendages on his back as they wept at the meal now lost. Luna chipped in. "Um... if thou would like, we have spare wheels of the cheese in our kitchen."

Skystrike slowly stood up and turned to her before clapping his hooves together. "I beg of you, we need the cheese. It'll be worth it." With a flash of her magic, a ten pound wheel of cheese fell into his hooves. Skystrike held it out to Alder, who used one of his sharp talons to cut a thick line in the cheese. Skystrike then held it up to Jeshan, who split the wheel with his laser eye. "Aw fuck yeah." Skystrike set the halves on the counter before getting out the butter. "Jeshan, pass me the salt and pepper. Alder, get the heavy whipping cream."

The rest watched as Skystrike reached to one of the top cabinets, opening it and showing- "Jeez, what do you need that many types of seasonings for?" Astral looked at the dozens of jars of spices, all seemingly personally made.

Skystrike grabbed one of the jars and sniffed it. "...To season?" He snickered before placing it onto the counter next to the cheese. Jeshan wordlessly threw Skystrike a box of butter. He caught it with his hoof before opening it and putting in the butter. Simultaneously, Alder threw him the container of cream for the pegasus to catch and scoop out half the container and also throw it in the skillet, letting the ingredients simmer. As if on queue, Tethys came back in with two shrimps under each of her arms. "What in Tartarus are those!?"

"Shrimp." Tethys answered.

"Specifically, Pistol Shrimps." Jeshan clarified. "They taste pretty good."

Skystrike opened a bottom drawer and pulled out a large pot and filled it with water. He put it on heat and waited for it to boil as he added his seasoning to the mixture of butter and cream. Then the salt, pepper, garlic, and parmesan. "Glad they aren't native to Equestria."

"We have them in the Dragon Seas actually." Tethys put down the shrimp. "They migrate there every couple years. There's a huge hunt for them, since they are pretty dangerous."

Casta leaned back in her chair. "You know, I always wanted to go there to study magic. But most of your kind don't treat those they see as weaker very well."

Tethys sighed. "Yeah... it's a pride thing, ingrained in our culture. Weak should fear the strong and all that. I mean, we have schools and stuff, but not like you ponies. Instead of teachers, we have shamans and elders, who pass on stories and techniques to the newer generations. Actually, our Rite of Passage is to bring back worthy prey."

"Really? How long does that take? And with this passage, what's at stake?" Zecora asked.

"Well, there isn't a time limit, but you aren't allowed back into the Seas until you bring back worthy prey or some emergency happens." Tethys scratched the back of her neck. "Most dragons stay in what you ponies call the Dragon Lands until they are able to get a good hunt. Some decide they're fine with that life and never come back. Enough where they have their own Dragon Lord and set of rules. I decided to go back home, bringing back a Bugbear."

"You took down a Bugbear alone?" Celestia was surprised. "And that's a normal prey?"

She shook her head. "No actually, it was considered amazing for my age. I was around 120 at the time. I'm just glad I did it. Thing is, the older and bigger a dragon gets, they're expected to bring back greater prey. Eventually, some get so big where the only prey they can bring back is other dragons. Probably why the Dragon Lands started."

"So if I'm understanding this right..." Casta took off her hat and pushed up her glasses. "The Dragon Lands are where the weaker dragons are, and the Dragon Seas are where the strongest of your kind are?"

"Sums it up, yes." She nodded. "Though the rule is broken sometimes. Every couple of centuries, all the dragons across the world are invited to the Dragon Seas for a tournament called 'Kein Fah Fin Sil.'" She could feel the eyes on her. "Oh, right. That was the old tongue. It would best translate to 'War for the soul'. Basically, the standing Dragon Lord's children all fight for the position. The sons and daughters all bring in their thralls to battle it out."

"...We must be missing some steps." Luna cleared her throat. "How does thou fight for the throne through these... what exactly are thralls within this context?"

"So basically, thralls are... well they would be similar to a noble's personal knight? Someone that the dragon in question trusts with their life, normally another dragon. The thrall is supposed to represent the strength of the one they serve under. And the thrall is often weaker than said dragon. Onto the fight itself, because it's a battle to be the Dragon Lord, other dragons are allowed to participate. The participating dragons are randomly chosen to fight the thralls, back to back or in groups depending on what the thrall wishes." She turned her chair around to give her tail more room. She slapped it against the floor as she continued. "Once the thrall beats all challengers, the thrall must then fight the other thralls. If a thrall is defeated, the dragon in line can no longer compete unless they wish to fight themselves, though it is seen as dishonorable. Once all those thralls are defeated, then the dragon battles the thrall. If the dragon wins, they become the new Dragon Lord. If the thrall wins, then they must fight the current Dragon Lord, as to show they have a superior bloodline. Either way, the new Dragon Lord is then allowed to choose from the strongest participants for spouses to then spread that blood for a stronger generation."

"Other spouses?" Alder fidgeted with his lighter, flicking it open and closing it over and over again. "You know, for some reason, I always thought dragons were... what's the word? Monotonous?"

Jeshan chuckled. "Monogamous, Alder. And from what I know, monogamy is mostly a Diamond Dog thing. Something about our primal instincts or whatever..."

"Yeah, ha!" Alder chuckled. "It depends mostly on the griffon for us. The bird part of us wants one mate, while the lion part wants several."

"That's how that works?" Skystrike began making plates. While they were talking, he already finished their meals. "Now that you mention it, your brother did have one wife."

"It's a bit different for us dragons. We don't care like you ponies about the amount of spouses, or even the concubines. We just wish for a child to surpass their parents. A male can have several wives, or one, and vice versa. Of course, it's also a bit of a power thing. For example, my father had three wives by the time I left about seven decades ago. He is expected to be able to dominate each of his wives, and any new ones... I suppose it's similar to how you ponies are with your herds?"

"Oh my~" Elytra went.

Casta groaned. "Girl, get a coltfriend!"

Astral tilted her head. "Wait, Tethys, if the thralls help the dragon they're under become the Dragon Lord, what happens to the thrall if they lose? Also, what about the thralls that aren't dragons?"

"Normally elope with the dragon. They are at least the second strongest after all." Tethys breathed some cold air out of her mouth with a huff. "The ones that aren't dragons aren't allowed to become the Dragon Lord, the fight itself would more be for fun than anything else. But, the children of that thrall can still try for the title the next time around. Dragon blood is so pure that no matter the race we breed with, the child will be considered a dragon. For example, around six hundred years ago, the Dragon Lord Naaslaarum had a wife that was a minotaur. Four hundred years ago, one of my mothers had a Changeling husband, though I never met him. He had to return to his hive before his passing."

Elytra gasped. "You're related to Old King Rathuum the Dauntless!?"

"Oh yeah, that was his name! was he someone important?"

"He was the greatest, and strongest of all of the Changelings to date!" Elytra said excitedly. "All I've heard of him was tales of him defeating countless dragons! I actually heard how he first gained the throne by protecting our hive from a dragon that he fought to submission! So that's where he went..."

Skystrike balanced each plate on his wings and forehooves before serving everyone, giving the shrimp to the meat eaters. They all thanked him before digging in. "Mmm, Skystrike, you must give me the recipe." Celestia licked her lips. "Though I didn't know that you also ate seafood."

"How do you think I got so big?" Skystrike swirled the pasta around his fork before putting it in his mouth. "And I can send you the recipe, but most of these seasonings I got in Griffonstone and here in Diamondia... Gives me a reason once I become a noble I guess."

"You're a noble?" Jeshan and Alder stopped mid bite.

"Oh, yeah, I guess I didn't say that part. Basically, because I was adopted by Celestia, I'm technically a prince. Once I deal with Blueblood, I'll actually be acting like one... Speaking of, Celestia, Luna, how many extra tickets you got? And what do I have to do to convince you to give me..." He quickly counted in his head. "Ten of them?"

She hummed in thought. "Well, I already gave you three... I assume you'd give them to your friends and siblings. Honestly, we have a few extra tickets, as Cadence and Shining wont be able to attend. I've actually already sent invitations to your siblings and Paprika. I could fit in five more."

"Thank you-"

"But in exchange, I need the ingredients for this meal. Also, just a word of warning, the many nobles at the party won't be a fan of the other races here. Try as I may to curve their discrimination, it is Canterlot."

"Well fuck em. What are they gonna do, kick us out? Besides, we're used to it."

"Yeah." the non-ponies sighed.

"Oh yeah, Tethys?" Skystrike looked to the dragoness, who had half of the shrimp in her jaws. "Jeez, finish chewing first." She did, gulping down the piece. "Now, about your fight thing, the Kein? You said that the sons and daughters of the Dragon Lord bring in thralls to fight right?"

"...Yeah?"

Skystrike put down his fork. "And you were telling me about some thing we're doing once we reach the Dragon Seas earlier. Assuming those are one in the same... Are you a princess?"

They all looked at her expectantly. She sighed. "Guess I talk too much, huh? That or you catch on too quick. Yes, in your pony terms, I am a princess."

Celestia put down her fork and held her head. "...You're telling me... when those ponies almost killed you, it could've caused a war?"

"Oh, no. If I would've died there, nothing would've happened. I would've just been seen as weak." Tethys waved a hand. "Princess is more of a title. All it does is tell you what my lineage is. We don't even have a military."

"Oh thank me." Celestia sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"Wait so that thing about thralls becoming-" Astral was shut up by Casta elbowing her side. "OOoooh..." Then she looked at Skystrike who was obliviously destroying his meal.

Skystrike finished chewing. "Well, princess Tethys, any idea who I'm going against."

"Don't call me princess." She sighed. "I grew tired of that title after the first two hundred years of hearing it. As for the who, they will most likely be fully grown dragons. My siblings, if they're smart, will bring someone as strong as them if they want to be the Lord. If they just want to stop me from being the Lord, you may have your work cut out for you."

"Are they as strong as you?" Skystrike asked.

"Oh, no, not at all." Tethys laughed. "Like I said, I'm one of the strongest out there. We're assumedly equal in strength, so you should be fine."

"Wait, you're going to be fighting against dragons!? Again!? You can't be serious!" Astral said with worry. "It took your stake launcher to take out the last one, and you needed help!"

"Yeah, true. But I did this cool thing called 'holding back'." Skystrike put up his front hooves and made an explosion motion with them. "Remember, I can make magic, and I specialize in destruction."

"Yeah, if you saw that explosion earlier, you would not be worrying right now." Elytra finished her plate.

"Wait, so if Skystrike is gonna win this Kein, then you know what that means!" Jeshan smirked.

"Dragon hoes?" Alder and Skystrike turned to him.

"Dragon hoes!" Jeshan confirmed as the three boys cheered.

"I will turn all of you into popsicles!" Tethys roared, making the boys laugh.

Jeshan kept going though. "Skystrike, you know they're still reptiles... that means that they don't have a gag reflex."

"YO!" Skystrike shouted before laughing. Tethys responded by shooting a ball of ice at Skystrike and Jeshan. Jeshan's face was frozen solid, while Skystrike used his right arm to catch the one coming at him. He crushed it in his hoof. "Jeez, Tethys, it ain't that serious."

"Wh-... Skystrike, how did thou catch that? Tethys is merely across the table." Luna asked.

"Spend enough time with someone, and they become predictable." He hit the ice on Jeshan's head to break it. The Dog shook his head to get the fragments of ice off his fur.

"But-... Even so, you had less than half a second to process it, let alone react!"

"Well, the funny answer I can give you is that I have a really good reaction time. The actual answer is that my adrenaline is still pumping after earlier." Skystrike shrugged.

Jeshan decided to change the mood to one better. "Hey, did the two of you decide who's stronger yet? Because me and Skybeak made a bet and I want to win."

"Oh, no." Skystrike shook his head. "I fight for business, not so much for pleasure."

Elytra furrowed her brow. "You suplexed Tethys yesterday?"

"You what? How did you manage that?" Casta asked. "She's so-..." She cut herself off when the dragoness stared her down. "You know..."

"That was not much better." Tethys groaned.

Celestia sighed. "You get used to it."

"Oh, that's because I'm just strong. I'm that guy. But that was also for fun. To answer your question, Jeshan, I'm stronger." Skystrike began serving more plates to those who wanted it.

Tethys took a second plate. "I'll let you think that, but remember, we've never fought seriously."

Skystrike looked at her. "Tell you what, you start preparing for that tournament thing, and I'll fight you." Then he put his hooves on her shoulders to look into her eyes. "And just so we're clear, I will fight you, magic and all. You can back out at any time and I won't judge you or bring it up. While I can't promise I won't hold back, I will try as hard as my brain will let me."

Her grin grew wider as each word came out of his mouth. "It's a deal!"

"Cool." Skystrike said before going back to destroying his Shrimp Alfredo. Then he suddenly paused. "...A thought occurred. Celestia, Luna, how is our relationship with the Hippogriffs? We are about to go to their capital."

"Well, we're on speaking terms." Luna started. "Admittedly we do not keep well enough contact besides the yearly meetings for territories and possible exchange programs that are never seen through. Their current ruler is Queen Novo, and just had a daughter almost a decade ago."

Celestia nodded. "I do remember there is some issue they're having though. I'd recommend erring on the side of caution." Then she remembered something. "Speaking of caution, how was your stay in Griffonstone? Their crown is in shambles right now... Somewhat pains me to say it, but I had my suspicions that it's related to you."

Skystrike looked at Alder, Alder looked back, both of their mouths were full of pasta. They both swallowed before Skystrike nodded. Alder cleared his throat. "Well, I didn't think it would get to you so soon, Princess. Me and my griffons were after a noble named Wattle, I'm sure you're aware of the corruption in my country. While Skystrike visited, one of my men gave me a tip on some 'goods' that were being transported by one of Wattle's airships. As we had no way of getting up there ourselves without Wattle fleeing, I asked to borrow this airship we're on. Other than that and taking over their airship, Skystrike wasn't involved with Wattle."

Luna looked at her sister as Celestia's eye twitched. "Skystrike, honey, do you know how much work my sister and I will need to do to cover this up if word gets out you helped them?" She forced out with barely hidden frustration.

"A friend asked for help, and I gave help. None of the griffons besides Alder and the ones under him know I helped. We... dealt with the rest." Skystrike kept eating. "Even if he didn't ask for help, I would've stopped Wattle anyway, the dude was the scum of Eques.'

"You... you killed him!??" Celestia shouted.

"No." Skystrike answered.

"I did." Alder clarified.

She looked between the two, her frustration growing to annoyance. "Skystrike, this is serious! If this gets out, it's a political nightmare! And I won't be able to do anything to protect you!"

Skystrike furrowed his brow, getting annoyed himself. "I'm going to ignore that last sentence, you don't have a good track record." Celestia's ears went back as she winced. "Just know that no blood is on my hooves. I did it for a good reason. Besides, I'm very good with covering my tracks."

Luna shook her sisters arm to get her attention. "Not now, Luna! Skystrike, what could this griffon have done to make you get involved!?"

Skystrike sighed. "Fine, want the truth?" He put his fork down. "Wattle was trafficking Farasians and Saddle Arabians to eat them. I'm sure I told you my history with that, right?"

Celestia cringed. "Ah... I see... I am sorry, Skystrike..."

Skystrike sighed as he crossed his hooves. "I'm not annoyed at your ignorance of the situation, Celestia. You just learned about it. I'm annoyed that I had to bring up what he did for you to get off my ass." Then he sighed. "Don't worry about it. I'll forget by the morning if I sleep tonight. Also, expect some message from the Saddle Arabians and Farasians. You would've found out from them that I was involved anyway." Skystrike put his dishes in the sink before putting on his helmet. "Hope you all enjoyed the meal. I'll send the stuff for the recipe later. If you need me, I'll be on the deck of the Wind Waker."

And with that, he walked out the room. They stayed silent as they heard the hooves steps move out of earshot. Tethys groaned as she slammed her head into the table, visible frustrated. "And it was going so well..."

Alder huffed, walking over to one of the windows and opening it to begin puffing at his cigar. With a long exhale of smoke, he clicked his beak. "Sorry about that. I just wanted to protect the guy, you know?"

"It's not you I'm mad at, Alder." The dragoness showed her teeth.

"Tethys, I know this isn't the best thing to say right now, but you need to calm down." Casta put a hoof on her leg.

Tethys looked at her angrily, then inhaled deeply through her nose. Cold mist left her mouth as she exhaled. "Then one of you tell her, because I'm gonna be mean about it."

Casta looked to everyone else, each of them turned away. She sighed. "Princess Celestia, one of the focal points in our group is that we all trust each other. Sure, friends trust each other, but we've all silently bonded over the trauma each of us went through... When you kept pushing to the point Skystrike had to tell you why it happened, he took it as you thinking he had a weak moral compass..."

"Also remember that he made the group in the first place to deal with beings that hurt us." Elytra put her plate and fork in the sink as well. "In a sense, you compared him to the ones we fight against. They actually have a weak moral compass... I'd recommend going to talk to him."

Celestia quickly nodded before getting up from her chair, speed walking to the deck of the ship. She saw Skystrike there, sitting at the bow of the ship, looking up at the stars above. The princess of the sun looked at him, standing in place before calling out to him. "Room for one more?" Skystrike didn't turn around, simply scooting over to give Celestia space next to him. She walked up and sat down. The two looked up at the stars for minutes on end, Skystrike letting his mind wonder in an attempt to let the woes of the past day escape his mind. "Skystrike..." His ears perked up at her voice, though he kept looking up. "I... I'm sorry." She couldn't stop the words from coming out. "I didn't mean to hurt you... heavens knows that I've already done enough. It's just... I still see you as the colt from all those years ago. I want to help you... I don't want to mess this up again."

He finally decided to look at her. "Celestia, aside from Khrusalis' death, who I've now learned is still alive, I didn't blame you for anything. You couldn't have known about anything that happened to me. And despite my flaws, you still wanted to have a relationship with me." He sighed. "But I've grown. I'm not the same pony I used to be, and neither are you. It's not fair for either of us to treat each other like we are."

The two stared at the stars for a few minutes more. Celesita chuckled awkwardly. "You know, despite all my talks as a ruler, I'm... not good at these talks."

"Heh, me neither." He chuckled. "But it's part of the process if we want things to be better. But let me be clear on who I am... or who I think I am at least." He tilted his head to look at her. "I am not a good pony. I'm somepony who's had to go through more hardships than any living being should of. Because of that, my moral compass isn't the same one as I had as a colt. For the sake of others, some beings have to die. Of course, that doesn't mean I go around killing anyone I disagree with, but I try to rationalize my decision with the actions they've done. For example, with Wattle gone, there will be countless lives that are now better, since they won't end up in his gut."

Celestia sighed, then smiled. "I know you wouldn't take an innocent life. It's why I wanted you to deal with the problem at Nebula Bay." Then she chuckled too. "You know, it took years of training to make Cadence into a proper leader, yet you're almost there with your own efforts... Am I allowed to say I'm proud of you?"

"Why wouldn't you be?" He asked. "Even though I blamed you for a while, I never stopped considering you and Cadence family."

Celestia felt her heart skip a beat. At first, she hesitated, then wrapped her arms around him and pulled the pegasus into a hug. "Thank you, my little pony..." They sat there for a few more minutes before she had another thought. "Skystrike, can I ask you a... personal question?" Skystrike nodded. "Did you feel like I wasn't there for you as a colt?"

"You were there as much as you could be." Skystrike answered. "Even as a kid, I knew the responsibility you shoulder. And between leading this country, having two different students over the years, and raising a whole other alicorn, you still made an effort to have breakfast and dinner with me, Cadence, and Blueblood. While I do wish you were around a bit more, I knew that it wasn't a realistic ask. Don't blame yourself for it."

"You know you can be a bit selfish? If you wanted me to be around more, I would've found a way. Even know, we can communicate through more than just letters."

Skystrike looked up at her. "Not gonna lie, I will say I thought about it at some point, but then Magnus happened. I didn't want to be close to anypony at that point. Also, if you want a vacation again, you can just say so." He chuckled.

"Well, it was nice, seeing how much Equestria changed over the centuries.... It also did help seeing the gaps within the guard... I'll get back to you on that." She laughed. "Wait, I just realized what you said earlier. How do you know about the student before Twilight?"

"Oh, Sunset Shimmer? Sure, it was a well kept secret you had a student at the time, but I asked Cadence about it. Apparently they talked for a bit, but she disappeared or something. When I realized that there were no guard reports or anything about her death, figured she just decided to leave and live her own life and stopped looking into it." He shrugged.

Celestia sighed. "It was... one mistake of many. But even if I make more, I hope you hold me accountable, and we get through this together."

Skystrike finally hugged her back. "We will. You have my word."

Author's Note

Lore drop. Magnus came back. See, he wasn't a one off character!

Not too much to say for this chapter. Next one I plan to be a bit more positive, and also will be going to Hippogriffia. Skystrike will be getting the last one of da bois. I do find it fun doing the world building of places that we've never gotten to see in the show.

I'm getting back into the groove of writing these. Honestly the part I dread most is proof reading, but I feel like that's most writers.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope to see you next chapter!

Time Well Spent

Skystrike did not sleep that night, no matter how much he tried. His mind was still racing. Khrusalis was alive, and there was almost nothing he could do about it. On the upside of the day before, his relationship with Celestia is getting better. But... Astral knows the whole story now... well, besides the human part. So far, out of everyone who knows, Celestia is the only one who doesn't know. And that brings a new question.

Should he tell her? "No" Echo said immediately.

Skystrike was still lying on his back in his bed. It was hours past midnight. "Shit, didn't realize I said that out loud."

"You may trust her, Skystrike, but she trusts Skystrike, not 34." Echo stated. "You may see the two egos as one in the same, but Celestia does not. It's a miracle that the ponies you have told do too, but I have my doubts."

Skystrike mulled over those words. "...You may be right, but I trust them. I have to. They haven't given a reason for me not to yet. But I... understand your concern."

"You do not." Skystrike could feel the tone shift in Echo's voice. "If your humanity is revealed to Celestia, and if she does not strive for a peaceful resolution, then the Elements of Harmony, your friends, will be forced to deal with you."

"Oh..." He didn't think about that. "...Shit." Skystrike sat up to think.

"You must prepare for that inevitability. You can't hide your humanity for much longer."

"You're right." Skystrike admitted with a sigh. He decided to weigh his options. "I could stay as a pony and die an early death... I could reveal my humanity and possibly fight my friends... Neither are good options."

"Either way, you must survive. It's why you fought Celestia all those years ago. But there are two more options that you forget you have." Echo got Skystrike's full attention. "Confront Celestia, and make sure they accept you, whether it be through fear or respect. Or, continue on the current path and hope that it goes well."

Skystrike mulled over the four options he had. He didn't want to die, but he didn't want to fight his friends. Sure, with confronting Celestia, it could worth. He more than likely has the power to win, but then he'd be seen as a villain. And then his friends would have to use the elements. "Honestly, Echo, right now, all I have is hope. All I can do now is keep going."

"Very well." Echo took that as a queue to move on from that topic. "We have more things to speak about. Seeing as you cannot sleep, would you like to have something else to focus on besides your thoughts?"

Skystrike stood up and stretched. He picked up his helmet and put it on. "What do you have in mind?"

"When you went to the lab to the north, you found that robotic pony body that the humans were working on assumedly to neutralize you. In the near future, you will need allies."

"If you're going where I think you're going, that is a very bad idea." Skystrike looked out the window to the night sky. "First of all, while it would be cool to hang around with you not on my head, Celestia would grow even more suspicious, since that body is human manufactured. Second, that 'body' is more akin to a weapon."

"While your worry is understandable, I have counter points. First, Celestia is already aware that you, Skystrike are in contact with you, 34. You have already shared information with yourself, which you revealed about the Stake Launcher to her. Second, what makes something a body and a weapon are solely dependent on how it is used. That is why you are no longer a weapon." Skystrike thought about that last sentence. Echo certainly does have a point. "There is also... a personal reason."

"Personal? That's the first I've ever seen you use that word, and I forget you're an AI..." Skystrike hummed as he turned away from the window. "You have my full attention, Echo."

"For all these years I've been with you, you've... experienced things that I cannot. Smelling, touching, feeling, living... I cannot explain it. Something within my core programming wants me to have that experience. Do you remember when you broke out of the laboratory? Your statement about destiny and fate?"

"Like it was yesterday." Skystrike thought back, remembering the words he said. "Destiny. Something that you can change through your own actions, by choosing from your own paths. Meanwhile, Fate. Something that is set in stone, forced upon someone. Often in spite of your destiny. Honestly sometimes, I use those words to keep me going."

"Affirmative." Echo said. "And now, you have the ability to control my fate." Skystrike fell silent at that. "Apologies. I do not mean to pressure you into a decision. I simply wish to clarify that you are able to control my fate. Depending on your decision, you will allow me to choose my own destiny."

Skystrike turned to the door and began walking to the cargo bay as he spoke. "By my own beliefs and morals, you haven't done any wrong for me to deny you some semblance of freedom. Besides... I've been thinking about you a lot recently."

"...Elaborate."

"Well, when you told me the news about my body, there was one phrase you said that stuck to me. 'I'm sorry.' And then just now, where you said this was personal." Skystrike smiled a bit. "You're growing, Echo. Into something akin to life. You're not just lines of code anymore. You have desires. To feel, to experience life. You're alive, at least in some sense. I don't plan on denying you the ability to live."

"I... am thankful, Skystrike. I was not sure if there was a mistake within my programing that developed over these years. I attempted to correct the assumed errors at points to no avail." Echo said, for once, with a hint of emotion matching the words he spoke.

"It's no problem, Echo. You've done so much for me. About time I returned the favor." Skystrike finally entered the cargo bay, moving aside several wooden crates. With them out of the way, the one crate he was looking for was in sight. Crouching down to pick it up, he remembered how heavy that the unfinished body was, grunting as he lifted it into the air and moving it to the center of the room, giving them ample enough space. Skystrike turned the box over, letting the robotic pony fall out with a thump.

Only half of it was finished, with a semblance of a pony's face made of soft, malleable plastic and holographic eyes. The rest of the body had a noticeable lack of 'skin'. Looking at the chest and right forehoof, light grey fibers of polymer made up the muscular structure, and was lacking everywhere else. The skeletal structure was made steel, making for a sturdy unicorn base. The back legs were simple swivel joints that hung limp, though one of the legs had a piston within it. The back itself had some form of a motor attached to a set of propellers within tubes.

"From the looks of it, there's enough here to assume what we need to complete the unfinished parts... What time is it?" Skystrike asked.

"12:47" Echo answered. "I've already scanned the body. We have the materials here needed to make the body functional, as you ransacked that laboratory for the parts needed. Follow my instructions, and the body will be completed within eight hours."

"That's... much faster than I thought it'd take. I was expecting a week at least."

"While the body itself is mechanical, the circuitry is entirely reliant on mana. You will simply be putting together the muscles, as the bone structure is already completed. Once finished, I will need time to acclimate to the body, and create an optimal equivalent to a nervous system."

"Wh- how the hell do you plan on doing that?"

"It is... complicated to explain. Using magic, I plan on 'guiding' mana pathways throughout the body, as there is already mana circuits within the steel skeleton I will be hijacking. Think of... cutting a branch off a tree and planting it. The tree branch itself simply needs to spread its roots within an new environment. I simply decide where these roots go."

"I'm a physicist, not a bio-engineer. I'll let you handle that part." Skystrike chuckled. "Now, show me what I need to do."

It took the time Echo said it would take, eight hours, give or take. It was bordering on nine in the morning now, and Skystrike still wasn't tired... well, not tired enough to sleep. He looked at his hands, covered with sheddings of metal, polymer, and various other materials he worked with. Thanks to his control over the elements, making what he needed was fairly straight forward, melting and cooling materials and such. But it was essentially a patch job. He and Echo didn't have the facilities or resources currently necessary to bring the automaton to peak performance, but it was enough for Echo to start walking around at least.

The vacant parts of the body were now full of synthetic muscles. Though he did have to admit that it was uncanny seeing a pony with no skin, mechanical or not. Skystrike cracked his knuckles at a job well done. "I appreciate the help, Skystrike. Plug me into the body. I will need time to acclimate to the body." Skystrike nodded, taking off the helmet and plugging Echo in. "Connection established. Beginning data uplink."

Skystrike sat there and watched, waiting for a response. "So... how long is this going to take?"

"Two days."

"Two days!?" Skystrike nearly shouted in shock.

"Because the body is suboptimal, loading times have increased. Would you like to pay for a subscription plan to speed up the speed by 2 Gigabytes per second?"

"You've gotta be shitting me..." Skystrike held his head before standing up. "I'll let you download." He picked up the body and helmet before moving them into a corner behind some boxes. Just in case someone came in. "You know... I haven't been this long without you, Echo... I'll miss you."

"I will miss you too, Skystrike."

He moved a box to hide him, then stood up to scratch his neck. It was weird having nothing on it. But it's only temporary... he thinks. Skystrike shook his head and went to the dining room, where he assumed where the others would be if they were awake. Sure enough, Zecora was there, seeming to be the only one up.

The zebra turned to look at Skystrike as he entered the room. "Good morning, Skystrike, how did you fare? Did the night treat you well with gentle care?"

"Eh, went alright, didn't get to really sleep, but I should be fine, honest. I just needed to get my mind off things." He sat down at the table across from her. "So, Zecora, what are you reading? That book of brews you got from the genie?"

Zecora smiled and nodded. "I am. These wonders here are so rare." She flipped the book towards Skystrike to read. "This potion grants one a dragon's strength to bear!"

Skystrike pulled the book closer and read it. Simply dubbed 'Dragon's Strength', the potion was seemingly easy to make, just grind up and mix the ingredients. The ingredients themselves were not so easy to get, the main ones being the scales and the bones of a dragon. Skystrike hummed. "You know, we have this stuff from the dragons me and Tethys offed a while ago. Want to give it a try?"

Her strong cyan eyes lit up. "I’d love to! Gather the items with speed, I must get ready, for the task indeed!"

Skystrike chuckled as she quickly picked up her book and ran to her room. He stood up from his chair and made his way back to the cargo way. Finding the box, he was going to pick out just a few scales and bones, but realized that he'd probably have to make multiple trips. He decided to pick up the whole box and move it to Zecora's room. He was about to knock, but then realized that she left the door open for him. He stepped in and put the box down. Skystrike realized that he never was really in Zecora's room before.

Looking around, he noticed she bought a lot of decorations, even having some of the decorative masks that she had in her house in the Everfree Forest. The walls were decorated with hanging leaves and vines, some even having some fruit growing from them. How Zecora managed that, he had no idea, but it was really cool to him. He saw some incense burning in a small bowl next to her bed. It smelled of rosemary.

Zecora stuck her snoot in the box, looking at the various materials. "Thank you my friend, for your kind toil. The cauldron needs a bit more time to come to a boil. Come along with me, I'll show you how to brew, you'll see."

"Sure, I've seen the process before. Never actually sat down and brewed..." He rolled his shoulder. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"This will be simple, just grind these fine. Have you used a mortar and pestle in time?"

"I haven't, but it seems like it'd be easy. Mind showing me?"

Zecora nodded and grabbed a hoof full of dragon scales, motioning for him to follow. She put it in a rather old and worn mortar made of a dark grey stone. She put the pestle in his hand and her hoof on top as she led him through. "Small taps will do, just gentle and light. We need to break up the scales just right." Skystrike followed her advice, making a rhythmic motion with his hand. Zecora moved his hand over each of the scales, making sure they were broken into small enough pieces. "Very good. Now we must grind it fine. Put the pestle in, move in a circular line. Keep it steady, don't lift it high, ensure it stays at the bottom, give it a try." Skystrike did so, making circles with his arm. In a few minutes, the scale fragments were grinded down into a grey flaky powder.

"Well that was easier than I thought it'd be." He chuckled. "With all the potions I see you make, I was expecting explosions or something."

"That comes later on, just wait and see." Skystrike looked to her to see if she was joking. She was not. "For now, can I trust you with the bones, please?"

"Uh... sure." Skystrike nodded as he went to get the bones. Zecora measures out what she needed herself, since she is the expert. He got a decent sized dragon bone, it fitting in his hand, and walked back to the mortal and pestle, it now empty as Zecora moved the powdered scales to a separate container. He looked down at the bone before breaking the white stick in half, making sure the fragments fell inside the mortar. Placing both halves in the pestle, he got to work. The bones took much more work to break and grind down, but in about ten minutes, it was finished. "Hey Zecora, all done over here."

Zecora pulled away from the cauldron and looked at his work. "This is splendid, thank you so much! Now let us begin the brewing touch." She picked up the mortar and upturned it in the cauldron. The lavender colored water within turned bright orange as the bone powder entered the water. There was also a sudden change in temperature, the heat radiating from the cauldron. The bright orange liquid began to bubble curiously. "A few more things we still require." She turned to one of her many cabinets to get said ingredients. Each time she put the items in, she named them. "Weavemoss for stability to inspire, Nightshade for activation's role, and sugar to sweeten, making it whole."

As each ingredient was added, a different reaction happened. The weavemoss made it explode, a cloud of orange smoke covering the ceiling, forcing Zecora to open the windows. Eventually, the bubbling mixture did settle down. When the nightshade was added, the orange liquid slowly turned red as the level of the liquid went down a few centimeters. Finally, she added a cup of sugar and mixed it with a large spoon. After a few minutes of mixing, the Zebra announced that it was finished.

"So... how do we test it? Like, how do we know it's correct?" Skystrike asked.

Zecora looked in the cauldron, then back at her book. "The color is right, the smell's divine, slightly viscous, all aligns. Now just a taste to make it complete, and we'll know if it's truly sweet." Zecora picked a ladle hanging off the wall. She sniffed it to double check the smell, then began drinking from the ladle. Once finished she looked all around her body. No complications, or at least not yet. Then she felt a sudden surge of strength within her. Skystrike noted her irises flash red for a moment. "I believe the brew has worked its charm. It seems to be just right, without alarm."

"Interesting... try lifting something heavy, see if it works." Skystrike said. Zecora nodded and moved to her bed. As she moved to lift it, her eyes went wide as she near effortlessly picked it up over her head. "Well damn, this zebra knows how to brew!"

She put down the bed and pranced around at the effects of her new potion. "I couldn't have done it without you! This is amazing!"

Skystrike watched, cracking a smile. "Don't even remember the last time you were happy enough to prance around."

She stopped in her tracks, growing visibly embarrassed. "Ah... I apologize for that."

Skystrike's smile widened. "No no, keep going, it's cute. I enjoy spending time with you." The zebra grew even more embarrassed, with a mixture of flustered. Her ears went back as she covered her reddening face. "Besides, I have such a good prank we can pull." Her ears perked up, signaling she had her attention.

The two friends entered the dining room once more, seeing Elytra and Tethys sitting across from each other. Skystrike tried to hide his smirk before speaking. "Hey Tethys, hey Elytra. How's it going?"

Elytra had his back to the door, turning her head 180 degrees. "Hey Skystrike, hey Zecora. Doing good, just finished our morning workout."

Tethys shuddered. "Girl, I know you're a changeling, but by the lord you need to stop doing that."

"Damn..." Skystrike started. "I don't know why, but I kinda wanted to play dodgeball. But if you guys just finished a workout..." He set the bait.

Tethys stopped swinging her tail from side to side. "You ponies have dodgeball? I love dodgeball! I remember the sound of rubber hitting scales like the back of my hand!" She stood up from her seat. "We'll play on the deck of the ship! Quick, Elytra, grab the balls!" She quickly ran out of the room, each foot step making them jump off the floor.

The three looked between each other before laughing at Tethys's choice of words. Elytra got up and flapped her wings a bit. "Alright, I'll see you two up top."

It only took a few minutes before the four were up top. There were three rubber balls in the middle that Tethys stood over. "So, how are we going to pick teams?"

Skystrike shrugged. "Well, you and I on the same team wouldn't be fair... Zecora, want to be on mine?" Zecora nodded. "Well there you go. I don't know how dodgeball works for you dragons, but we don't use magic besides throwing the ball."

"Fair, you ponies are so damn different, each of the races have different advantages." Tethys stretched before taking off her sweater revealing her sports bra underneath. "Am I allowed to fly?"

"You can, but I'd prefer if you didn't, since getting the balls would be hard if we throw it over the deck." Skystrike crossed his arms. "Other than that, all the standard rules apply... Actually, just to keep this going on longer, catching doesn't kick you out from the game. Ready?"

Tethys looked at him, then at Zecora, then to Elytra. Each of them did the same before lunging at the three balls. Elytra, Zecora, and Tethys got them first before quickly running to opposite ends of the ship deck. "Oh man, Skystrike, Zecora, I'm sorry I'm gonna have to do this to you..." Tethys laughed before throwing the ball at blinding speeds at the human.

Skystrike leaned back to dodge, feeling like he was fucking Neo, before grabbing the ball as it whizzed behind him. "Holy SHIT I just did that!" Skystrike stood back up straight before throwing the ball back at Tethys, who had to make sure to fold in her wings to not get hit.

Zecora looked at Elytra, who returned the gaze and spoke. "So... you wanna leave the main battle to them, or...?"

Zecora thought about it, then smirked. "Remember in Trottingham, you teased me fine, saying I looked like that striped dress I thought divine?" Skystrike and Tethys paused their duel as those words travelled to their ears. Then they looked between each other before they both took several careful steps back, letting the two equines face off.

Elytra winced. "Yeah... in hindsight, that was a bit mean... sorry."

A freakish smile spread on the zebra's face. "It's alright, dear friend, no need to debate. But for my forgiveness..." Zecora stood on her hind legs and drew the ball back. "Accept your fate!" She threw it, full force at the changeling. It sounded like a gunshot, a loud boom echoing through the hills as the ball traveled at the speed of sound.

"Magic is bullshit." Skystrike thought as he saw the ball race through the air. The wide eyed Elytra was too shocked to dodge it, her attempt to move making her take the ball directly to the chest. The rubber ball made contact, signaled by the iconic sound. Elytra was knocked off her hooves by the impact, rolling back a few feet as the smell of hot rubber filled the noses of all present. "HOLY SHIT!" Skystrike dropped the ball in his hooves.

He didn't realize Zecora would be that strong! The human ran over to his sister. "Elytra, are you ok!?" He crouched down to her. She was still breathing, thank god, but she was out like a light, a red mark on her chest from where the dodgeball hit. He was starting to regret this prank... but it was still funny.

"By the Dragon Lord, Zecora, when did you get this fucking strong!?" Tethys took a fearful step back.

Zecora took the ball that Skystrike dropped. "Potions hold wonders, that’s quite true. But next in line, my friend, is you."

She took another step back. "...M-m-me? What... what did I do?"

"A few days ago, back at Jeshan's festive cheer, you compared my brain's size to my rear."

Tethys audibly gulped. "...It was... a complime-" She was cut off by Zecora doming her with the dodgeball between the eyes with the same brutality as Elytra. The ball bounced toward the sky, the zebra watching it fall back down before catching it.

Skystrike realized that Zecora was holding a grudge... It was probably a good time to leave. He took a step back, but the wooden floorboard creaked under him.

Like a predator, Zecora's ear flicked towards his direction. "Skystrike, where do you intend to stray? Did you think I'd leave you behind today?"

He slowly turned toward her. "Zecora! Buddy! Pall! Home slice! Look... I know leaving the group was wrong, but-"

Zecora smiled and shook her head. "Oh, I've forgiven that, it’s all in the past, but you didn’t mention those rhymes were a blast..." Her face suddenly turned stern and serious. "I helped with the lines for a diss track, you see, and didn’t know I’d played a part so sneakily."

"Oh..." Skystrike thought back. "Huh, I guess I never did tell you... my bad?" Zecora responded by reeling back her arm. "Always the silent ones..." He put out his arms, accepting his fate.

By the time they all woke up, it was noon, and they were all sore, save for Zecora of course, who had a satisfied smile. Despite that, she was still applying a salve to Elytra, who wasn't as hardy as the other two. That didn't stop them all from groaning though.

"By the pantheon... it hurts to breathe." Elytra wheezed as she winced from the hoof on her chest, a green salve being spread on her bruise.

"It hurts to think..." Tethys held her head.

Skystrike, after waking up, realized he got hit directly in the face. The one time he didn't have the helmet. "Tell me about it... Didn't know you had it in you Zecora... Also, do you know how long this lasts?"

"The potion's effects are potent and strong, but they only last a day, not long."

"Thank the Dragon Lord it's not permanent..." Tethys laid on the ground, staring into the sky above. "Hey Sky, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot." Skystrike sat down next to the dragoness.

"How much longer are we staying in Diamondia? No rush, it's just I need to get as many gems as I can before we leave." She sat up too, stretching her wings as they spoke.

The human looked at Diamondia in the distance. "Originally, I planned on staying a few more days, have Jeshan, Eleanor and Maple show us around if they were free, but Celestia said that something big was happening over in Hippogriffia. Skybeak said he'd move back there, since he had two kids and wife if I remember right... I want to make sure that he and his family stays as a family. Shit must be going down if Celestia knows about it. With all that said, I think it'd be best we leave tomorrow morning or noon.

Elytra walked over and sat next to him. "How long of a flight do you think it'd be to Hippogriffia?"

"It'll be the longest one yet... With the map we have, it not being accurate, it'll be anywhere between two and four days, since they're in the middle of the ocean and closer to the south pole than the equator. We also only know the general direction, so we may even spend a few days just searching for the country. On the upside, it's a giant fucking mountain in the middle of the ocean." Skystrike chuckled.

"Damn, so we don't have much time." Tethys stood up. "I got some shopping to do. The best part about gems is that they don't go bad... Might get something from the market too."

Zecora hummed. "Would you object if I joined you? I'm excited to find more ingredients for my brew."

"As long as I'm not on the receiving end!" Tethys laughed. "Plus, you got the strength to help me carry things now."

Skystrike chuckled at the dragoness's response. "Well, I planned on getting some herbs and spices... actually, I'm going to get a lot of the regional produce. Seeds too if I can, see if I can grow them back home. Plus, need to find a place to get a map."

"Oh, can I come with?" Elytra asked. "I actually know quite a bit about gardening. And if you need a map, we can stop by the library. The Diamond Dogs have to have one."

"Sure, I could use the company." He got up. "Let's meet back here at Dusk. Just to make sure we got the evening to spend with Jeshan."

They all got up before dividing themselves into their groups. Elytra winced as she stood up. "Damn... it hurts to walk... Skystrike, do you mind...?"

Skystrike crouched down to let Elytra climb on his back, cupping her back legs in his arms. The two groups both went back inside the ship to get all of their bags and money before splitting off to go about their days. Elytra shuffled in his grip as they traveled down the farmers market. Various vegetables and fruits that they haven't seen in Equestria, though were somewhat familiar to Skystrike. "We had something like these in my world." He began talking to Elytra as he checked the fruit. "Well... not that I ever saw them grow, I read about them in the books I was forced to read. This is a cantaloupe if I remember right." Then he looked to the Diamond Dog selling them. "As you can see, I'm not from around here. Would you be willing to share some tips on how to grow these? I'd rather not travel all the way across the sea just to get some more."

The silver furred great dane's eyes widened a bit. "No wonder I don't recognize what you two are. Must be a long way from home! To grow these melons, make sure to use soil with good drainage. They grow from vines, so make sure you plant them somewhere with plenty of sun." She smiled. "Plant the seeds in a line, six inches deep. The roots go about eight inches deeper."

Elytra finished writing down what the dog said. "Thank you, ma'am!" She used her magic to float over some bits, the dog happily taking it. The two walked off to the next stall, this one selling Yams, and doing the same thing with this sales dog. After a few stalls, Skystrike got all the fruits and vegetables that he wanted. "Now... onto herbs and spices."

"What are we looking for exactly?" Elytra looked over his shoulder.

"To be honest, anything that tastes or smells good. I get ideas for what to do with them just by smelling them." Skystrike chuckled as they walked through even more stalls. "If anything catches your eye, just point it out."

"Speaking of catching eyes..." Elytra looked around. "I've noticed you looking at some of the dogs weird. Well, not weird, but... not sure how to describe it. Like you've seen them before?"

"Eh, something like that... I guess when a race lives for thousands of years and makes thousands of pieces of media, things tend to... overlap from time to time." He shrugged.

"I don't... understand?"

"Alright, let's try and find an example..." Skystrike looked around. "Look, that white dog over there at the bench, with the red markings and kimono? She looks like a character called Amaterasu from some media called 'Okami'. And she is really pretty. So I'm conflicted."

"Yeah, I get it. But why are you conflicted?"

"Well, if I admit that I would smash, I'd be a furry."

"...What's a furry?"

"In this context, a human who's into humanoid animals like that."

Elytra tilted her head. "I mean, wouldn't that be better than being into nonhumanoid ponies and zebras?"

"...Fuck, I'm a furry." Skystrike had to admit.

Elytra snorted. "So, you'd do her?"

"Oh, no, she may be attractive, but I'm no womanizer." Skystrike answered. Elytra began to open her mouth. "And I know what you're about to say, so to get ahead of that, the mares I've been with back in Ponyville, it's mutual. I don't use them and leave them hanging like some asshole. There is mutual respect between us."

"Fair enough." Elytra hummed.

"So, what about you?" Skystrike looked up at her. She returned the look with one of confusion. "Every time I get on this topic, I end up answering the questions. Your turn. What type of guy do you like? Or girl, I never asked your sexuality."

"Oh, I like men. I have no idea what my type is though." She admitted. "There weren't that many options for dating within the hive when you're known as-..." Elytra cut herself off.

Skystrike already knew the end to that sentence. "I get it, sorry sis." He sighed.

"It's alright, not your fault." She rubbed his head. "I actually did try dating before I joined you and the rest. He was an... alright guy. About what I expected from a pony from Manehattan. But it was kinda my fault why we broke up. I felt like he wasn't communicating well, and told him about it. He said the same thing about me. I just couldn't tell him about being a changeling." Elytra sighed. "Sometimes... it just feels like I'm living a lie. Like the Stardust me isn't the real me.. or that I don't even know if there is a real me anymore. Like... each time I talk to someone new, it's just a new persona I play."

"Holy shit, someone finally put it into words." Skystrike thought to himself. But this seemed really personal to Elytra. There were times to speak, and times to listen.

"...You ever feel like you just don't matter?" She stared up to the sky as she spoke. "I feel like no matter what I do, I'll never... be someone, make something. I try and try again, but every expression of myself seems disingenuous. All the praise I get from being Stardust, or even Elytra, just feels fake." Skystrike could feel her body quake as her voice roughened. "No one's ever said 'Hey Elytra, I like having you around!' I've been living these lives since a teen and all I have to show for it is a new interest I don't even know if I like." He could feel a hoof tighten on his shoulder as she continued. "Why can't I be the real me!? What, am I afraid that they'll push me away like the others? Tartarus, is there a real me anymore!?" She grinded her teeth. "My own hive denies my existence! Even though I put up those faces for them!"

Skystrike was not ready for this conversation. He made sure to walk out of earshot of others as the changeling broke apart, making the pain in his chest intensify. But this was still a time to listen to her. "Why can't I just move on like Zecora? Why can't I just stop thinking about it like Tethys? Why can't I just pretend to be fine like you!? At least then, it won't feel like I'm hurting the ones around me and myself!" Skystrike winced at that last part. Elytra deflated, her anger gone and replaced with melancholy. "You don't seem to try at all, even with your diagnosis, you just breeze through life... Why do I not get to be happy? Why can't I make friends and memories of my own? Why doesn't any of this feel real!?" She buried her face into her brothers back.

It didn't seem she was quite done yet. She needed much more time to vent. "And the worst part is that I can't even hate you." Skystrike's face contorted to one of confusion as those words left Elytra's muzzle. "You faked your death, got me banished from the hive just by association, then broke up the group. And yet I can't hate you!" He felt her tears run down his back. "At times, I just don't want to be around you, but I... still want your company. I can tell you to leave me be and you just come around the next day. As if nothing fucking happened. You're a constant reminder of everything I could be... everything I can't be. And yet you keep coming back, helping me out! Helping our friends out! Helping me build bridges with beings I'd never let approach me!" The tears kept coming. "And I appreciate it like you wouldn't believe, but... it just keeps taking more away from my self agency! Like I'm always in your shadow! I'm supposed to be the big sister, my own changeling!" She gave a sad chuckle. "Ironic, isn't it? I'm a changeling, but I cant just magically get better even if someone like you tries to help. And I don't even know if you do this shit on purpose... it's just who you are. But you keep trying, for me, for everyone, and I just can't hate you for that. Every time you do something to help me, a shitty part of me just... hopes you'll mess up. That way maybe I'll find a way to hate you..."

She wiped her tears with a hoof, but they were quickly replaced with more. "Zecora knows who she is, Tethys knows who she is, fuck, Jeshan, Alder, Casta, Maud, they all know! They have dreams to work towards! But I don't even know what I am." Skystrike wanted to step in, say he understood... but he stayed quiet. The only questions she's asked so far were rhetorical. It was still a time to listen. She screamed at the sky, her pained voice echoing through the ravine. "WHO AM I, DAMN IT?!" Her weeping grew audible. "I... can only define myself by the things I'm not... I'm not a good sister. I'm not a good friend. I'm not a good changeling. My mind is a damn mess. In my head, it feels all... foggy. Half the time I'm loathing myself. 'Am I who I say I am? Or am I this persona I put on?' The other half, I'm daydreaming about being someone others can be proud of, who'd want my company. But no matter what I do, it's like I'm just here to be a drain on myself and others... I'm stuck with myself, I can't just drop everything and try other things now. It's just... too late for that. Too many ways to mess up. Pretending is the only thing I've been good at, and even then..."

She looked to Skystrike desperately, at a loss for words. He felt her gaze on the back of his head, moving her around to hold her to his chest. She looked up at him, at first confused, then astounded at his lack of facial expression, then anger. "Why... why won't you say anything? Here I am, begging for your help for once, pouring my heart out, and you haven't said a word! You're always so sure of yourself, trying to be the rock of the group, yet here you stand, listening to me in a crisis and you can't say anything!?" She pushed herself out of Skystrike's hold and flew up to be at eye level, inches away from his face. He could still see tears in her eyes. "What is it you have that I don't!? What do you want from me!?" She cried. "What is it I want from you!? You've been through the same thing as I have! Playing roles under names that we gave ourselves, and yet you're fine! WHAT IS IT WITH YOU THAT YOU CAN MAKE AN IDENTITY, BUT KNOW EXACTLY WHO YOU STILL ARE!?"

Skystrike continued to looked into her pain filled eyes. "Honestly? I don't know."

"...What..."

"Sure, I can make guesses. Maybe because I started so young that this 'persona' of Skystrike became the real me. Maybe because I didn't have one before. Maybe I'm grasping at straws with these guesses. But all I know for sure is that I'm me."

"You're... you?"

He struggled to find the right words. Elytra stared at him, pleadingly. She eventually buried her eyes into his chest. "It's like... I don't know, sis... You're trying to be something you're not. No, someone you know who you already are. You're scared of letting the life as Stardust influence your actions as Elytra. But that's natural."

She looked up from his chest. "Natural...?"

"The emotions you felt as Elytra, those bled over to who you are as Stardust. The same with the emotions you made as Stardust. Same with the friends you made, Elytra. The group is still your friend as Stardust, even though we know you're a changeling. And remember, even Pinkie is still your friend after finding out you were one, and she only knew the Stardust." He wrapped an arm around her. "The being you are is still the same, no matter the cover you put on. Even if someone else helps you out with whatever it is, all we can do is give you a path to start on. Whether you take the path and walk down it, or even find a different path, all of those were choices you made." He scratched his head with his free hand. "What I'm trying to say is I ended up trying to be 'me' too. To the point I... over corrected for lack of a better word and fucked myself up. I'm not about making others knowing me, or being great. I just do what I wish to, make this world a better place, no matter how insignificantly small it may be. Meeting you, for example... I just do what makes me, well... me." He wrapped his other arm around his sister. "I'm the only me there is, and you may think there's several of you..." Her hooves tightened on his chest. Skystrike could feel her holding her breath. "But there's tons of different beings going through what you are currently, trying to find themselves, only to not realize they've been who they are the whole time. Not to undermine your feelings or anything. And at the end of that journey, we end up accepting that 'we' will always be who we 'are'. Get it?"

"I have to figure it out... myself?"

"You already know who you are, Elytra. A good changeling, a good sister, a good friend. You know from all the relationships you've had, from all the experiences you've been through." It was his turn to ask a hypothetical. "Sure, may have introduced you to new beings, but the bonds you made, the bonds you kept, that was all your doing. You still like making jokes with Pinkie Pie, you still like gardening with Zecora, you still like reading with Tethys, you still like spending time with me, and I you. You may think there's several of you, but we know only one, the one we spend time with every day."

Her grip loosened from his chest and she lowered her head. Elytra's face was one of resignation. "I don't... know if I can believe you... After all this time, how am I supposed to just... accept something like this?"

"You aren't alone." He patted Elytra on the back. "I'm here, Zecora and Tethys are here. Even the friends we just got back, Alder and Jeshan would want to help you too. Even Skybeak and Celeano when we see them."

"..."

"Doesn't need to be all at once."

She looked up to Skystrike with a small smile. "...Alright..." She tried to wipe her tears. Skystrike used his thumb to wipe them for her as she sniffled. The smile she had turned somber. "Thank you Skystrike... for letting me vent. It may take me a while, but I'll try..."

"That's all I ask. Now come on, we still haven't found something you want to do."

She pushed herself out of Skystrike's grip. "I think I want to walk on my own for a bit... there was an embroidery stall I saw that looked cool. Can we stop by?"

"All for it."

Skystrike juggled a bag of bits in his hand as Elytra spoke with a brown and green Diamond Dog. She just finished buying all she needed for her new found hobby after about an hour of talking with the girl. Elytra was really interested in it. Now that he thought back on it, he didn't really see the artsy side of his sister. He enjoyed seeing her eyes light up at her new interest.

Elytra waved the dog goodbye before walking back to Skystrike, her saddle bags full of materials. "So, I got... six different colors of floss, several different hoops, a booklet on different stitches, markers, and ten meters of fabric." She double checked her bags. "It'll definitely keep me busy while we travel... Hey, you think Tethys and Zecora would let me put some cool patterns on their clothes? I'd ask you, but you know... you don't have many clothes."

Skystrike slapped his forehead. "That's what I needed to do!" I remember Jeshan saying there's one nearby. Come on, tell me about embroidery while we walk." He put the bag of bits into his satchel.

"Well, not to much to talk about yet, I haven't even started yet. I was just going to start with simple patterns before I did anything big, but then I realized if I wanted to do my own designs, I'd actually need to plan them out... meaning I'll need to learn how to draw."

Skystrike hummed. "Well, I can kinda draw. More so blueprints for armor and weapons than like, actual art. But if I remember right, my brother, Mystic Falls, is an artist. We could get him to stop by."

"Maybe... I want to try it myself a bit first. Practice, you know?"

Skystrike nodded as they rounded a corner. "Yeah, I get it... We should be almost there by now... what do you think I should get?"

Elytra looked him up and down. "You know, you could probably wear most things... Actually..." She rubbed her chin. "Have you thought about getting a haircut?"

Skystrike looked at her, then put some of his silver hair in his hand. He didn't realize how long it got, it going over his shoulders and down his to his waist. "...You know, I don't think I ever cut my hair since I came to this world. Maybe I'll cut it, but I'd rather not. It looks really cool, to me at least. Watch this." He threw his hair out to the side, letting the suns rays shine off of it as if flowed in the wind.

"...Damn, I wish I had hair..." Elytra sighed, then grew a bit embarrassed. "You know, when we were younger, I always wanted to braid your hair. By the time I figured out how, you were banished."

"Damn, sis, just say you want to braid my hair, I won't make fun of you. It's cute." Then his eyes widened. "Ooh, do you know how to do a french braid? Always wanted to try that."

"I think so. We can try it once we get back."

The two walked down an alley way as Skystrike thought about what she just said. "Wait... the French exist?" He shook the thought out of his head. Probably just another coincidence. He just wanted to focus on how good a day it was.

He heard foot steps... paw steps? Steps behind them as they walked. "Alright, put your paws up!" A rough sounding voice said as Skystrike turned around.

Elytra looked at him in surprise and mild confusion as he complied, putting his hands up. "Skystrike, what are-"

Skystrike nudged her with his knee, motioning her to do the same. "Trust me, we'll be fine." He whispered to her before mocking surprise to his aggressors.

"Yeah, that's right!" A second Diamond Dog rounded the corner, blocking their escape. The first one was beige in color, but wore a mask and cloak, so the color of his fur was all he could get looks wise. The other was dressed the same, though had orange fur.

The beige dog pointed his flintlock at the human. "Now... slowly reach into your pockets... and pull out your bag of bits... SLOWLY!"

"Alright... be cool... be cool..." Skystrike reached into his bag, slowly. While his hand was out of sight, he began to charge magic to retaliate, but was caught off guard by the words that came out of the orange dogs mouth.

"Yeah... now make it clap!" He pointed his own flintlock and waved it in a downward motion.

"Yeah..." The beige dog agreed before realizing what his comrade said. "No- no! What are you doing!?" The dog turned to ask the orange one as Skystrike gave them a puzzled look. "Don't do that!"

"Dew it!" Orange said deviously. Skystrike could feel the smile on the orange dog as he said that, seeing the insanity in his eyes. The human looked in confusion to the changeling, who did the same to him.

"Don't do that!" Beige repeated, though it sounded more like a disciplining father this time. He side eyed his friend while the flintlocks were still on them. "Pull your wallet out slowly!"

"A-... alright, I'm-... I'm pulling my wallet out." He kept looking between the two dogs in confusion, starting to prepare a spell once more.

Orange wasn't done yet. "Yeah, and then we want you to drop it low after."

"Noooo we don't!" Beige fully turned his head to the other dog in confusion. Skystrike and Elytra did so too, but it was more out of absolute astoundment. "Why are you-... hold on." Beige put his paw up to the siblings to wait. Then he realized what they were there for. "Take-.... your wallets out." He walked past the two and over to Orange.

Elytra stood on the tips of her hooves to whisper to Skystrike, the height she got not helping in the slightest bit. "Should we... should we run now?"

"...Would you blame me if I said I wanted to see where this goes?"

"...No." Elytra said with a barely contained laugh.

Beige pushed Orange slightly. "What?" The latter asked.

"Stop asking them to do weird sh-... specific activities!" Beige mumbled in an attempt to be out of earshot of their two victims. "You're confusing them, ok!? I told them to do what we say!"

"That's why I said it." The crazed one said nonchalantly.

"Stop!" Beige stomped. "Alright? We just need the money! Why are you doing that!?"

"I wanna show em who's in control..." Orange puffed his chest out.

Beige's face turned strained as he held the sides of his head. "They fuckin' know who's-..." He curbed his frustration. "Look, they know who's in control. That's why the freak is handin' his wallet over! Don't complicate it!"

Orange clicked his tongue. "Tch... I hear you..."

"Aight..." Beige gave one last confused look before pointing the flintlock at Skystrike once more. "Alright, I need you to empty your pockets next and give me all your belongings."

Orange chipped back in. "Then hit the splits!"

"YOOOOOO!"

Skystrike and Elytra couldn't help it anymore and fell over laughing. The two Diamond Dogs watched Beige in embarrassment and Orange in confusion, before Skystrike shot a bolt of lightning from his hand at each of them. It was fitting, considering what Orange said earlier. But, despite the two aggressors being unconscious, he and Elytra still had more laughing to do.

It took a few minutes before they were done. "Holy shit what an interaction!" Skystrike pushed himself back onto his feet, pulling Elytra up with him.

"That was... a first." Elytra giggled before walking to the two unconscious dogs and taking their flintlocks. She looked back at Skystrike. "Just so they can't hurt anyone else."

Skystrike nodded as he stepped over the two dogs. "We're going to have such a story to share. Come on, the place is just around the corner."

Sure enough the tailor was just around the corner, the store like any other, within the stone walls of the ravine. The sign was a wooden one, with a carving of a needle and thread in it. Skystrike pushed the door open, letting Elytra walk in first. They heard the ring of a bell as the door opened, looking up to see a bell just in the way of the door.

"Welcome!" They heard a voice say, one that sounded familiar. A large, red dog crouched down to fit through the doorframe to the back end of the store. "Oh, some familiar faces! Skystrike and Elytra right?"

"Oh, Clifford!" Skystrike recognized the giant dog from his cookout. "Didn't know you were a tailor. From what Jeshan told me about you, I thought you were a chef or something."

"Oh, the chef gig is more a side hustle." He shook the human's hand. "When you're my size, it's easier to make clothes for myself. Figured I'd put these skills to good use, you know? So I decided to set up this shop, and it works pretty well! But what can I do for you two?"

"I'm actually in need of some clothes." He pulled at his sweatshirt. "The sweats are getting kinda boring. This was the biggest size I could get in a land of ponies. Plus, doesn't fit too well. You dogs have bodies closer to mine anyway."

"I can see that." Clifford pulled out a rack of clothes. "From the way you talk about it, I assume you're the few of your kind in... what was it called, Equestria?"

"Yeah, but that's a story for another time." Skystrike didn't want to get into it. "So, from the looks of it, you already got something in my size?"

"I do indeed. Do you know what style you're going for? Or can I get creative?"

Skystrike smirked. "Go crazy. My body is your canvas."

Clifford smirked. "You have no idea how much I've wanted someone to say that."

Another hour passed by with Skystrike trying on several outfits with Elytra's critique. He began to understand just a little bit why Rarity was so into fashion... Just a little. Despite the three dozen or so outfits he had tried, he decided to settle on three of them. Apparently, he had a pretty good body, and it was to his advantage to show it off.

The first was a deep purple short sleeve shirt with grey jeans. Simple, but effective, and great for warm weather. Skystrike was more impressed that Clifford was able to make a few pairs of shoes for him, the ones going with this set were a pair of purple and black sneakers.

Second was a white short sleeve with black jeans and a beige jacket. The shoes were a pair of brown leather chelsa boots. More fore a casual, yet stylish look. While it was going to grow on Skystrike, it was Clifford's favorite of the three.

The last was for the colder weather. A grey long sleeve sweater with a darker grey pair of jeans. For footwear, it was a pair of beige Tims. Skystrike had to get them. They're fucking Timberlands. He did also enjoy the black, light blue, and blue striped scarf it came with. It's what he was currently wearing, since he's been feeling the change in temperature as they traveled further south.

Skystrike tugged at the scarf on his neck to loosen it a bit. He looked over the rest of his clothes not included in the outfits, different colors and typed of short and long sleeves, as well as a few pairs of jeans. He and Elytra thanked Clifford as Skystrike payed and waived goodbye. He was happy with his purchase, and was still on budget. The Diamond Dog said it was a favor he owed to Jeshan.

But they had one stop left, the local library. From talking to Jeshan, the most reliable way to get a map was to go to the city's library, as it was government owned. Of course, it was on the complete opposite side of the fucking ravine. Skystrike sighed as he stretched a bit before throwing one of the ends of the scarf back around his neck. The siblings made their walk over begrudgingly.

He had to admit though, the inside of the library was very impressive. Even if it wasn't the royal library, it was still amazing. The walls, floor, and dome ceiling were all carved from stained marble, and there was even a sky light directly above, letting light shine throughout. At both ends of the wings of the building were spiral staircases, giving access to the upper and lower floors. Skystrike checked the time before realizing he still had just under three hours to spare.

The two decided to spend some time within the library, after Skystrike bought a map from one of the clerks, just so he wouldn't forget. He decided to pick a book from each section he was interested in: nonfiction and science. He was already a fan of history. The history of his own race was just implanted into his mind, but the history of the other races were always really interesting to him. Skystrike read over the summaries of each chapter from ancient history to recent, knowing he wouldn't have the time to read through the 200 plus page book in three hours.

Summing it up simply, Diamond Dogs were not dissimilar to Vikings with a mixture of Native Americans. They were many tribes of different breeds of dogs, keeping to their own territories mostly, but warring and pillaging others when needed. Because of how fast the dogs repopulate, it gave them more of a reason to keep fighting each other. They also had a big connection to the planet. The ponies called the planet 'Eques' while the Diamond dog called it 'Dowan'. While there wasn't one god, nor one set religion, each tribe had their own gods and spirits, though many of their names have been forgotten to time. It was the ones that one would expect, a god of death, a god of the sea, god of the sky... He'd have to ask Jeshan if he was religious sometime.

The science book was also really interesting, not only the history within, but how the race developed along their own path. It was pretty similar to humans, as the Diamond Dogs weren't reliant on magic like the ponies or changelings. Though magic did shape their sciences, as their magic is believed to come from their gods and spirits. Their machinations used the very gems they mined as a power source. From there, they made their own ways to extract the magic to use for themselves. They even show an example, the flintlock pistol wasn't powered with gunpowder and a musket, but a small explosion of magic sending more magic out of the barrel. Not dissimilar to the griffons designs, but enough to notice the difference.

Skystrike decided to ask the librarian if he would be able to buy some of the books. He'd have plenty of time to read through them, and Twilight would have a field day with them as well. Thankfully, he was able, and had two more things to fit into his bag.

Elytra looked up from the embroidery pattern she was practicing. "Wow, it's been that long already?" She looked out the skylight to see the oncoming twilight. "And I was just getting the hang of it..."

"Tell me about it, I was getting into this one chapter. Apparently they had a war a thousand or so years ago because they had a sun god and moon god. Then Celestia and Luna showed up and began controlling it. Apparently it was a big reason why one of the major clans at the time, who didn't have those specific gods, lost some territorial war. Makes sense, since a tribe found out that their god did exist, and in their eyes, sent down vessels." Skystrike and Elytra stood up and left the library as he kept reading. "This one is also interesting. Apparently, they had a god of music and plays, and from the description, it was a a changeling. Then, once it died, it also was titled as a god of trickery."

"...You know, I thought I was getting weird looks." Elytra looked around for any eyes on her.

"They also used to see dragons as servants of various gods dependent on their color and elemental prowess." Skystrike marked the page he was on with a bookmark. "It's really cool how all of this comes together." Then he donned a more serious attitude. "It also seems, from the public history books at least, that there's was no human presence. A good thing, but I'd need to get those government copies. Doubtful they're there, because I know at least one of my kind would have wanted to be hailed as a god, and I haven't been getting weird looks."

"Jeez, are humans that egotistic?"

Skystrike sighed. "No, but it comes with the territory of being the only sentient race. We're already the superior race on our own planet and galaxy. Coming to a new dimension, I'm not surprised some have that ego. Like, I know the races here aren't on the best of terms, but you all keep each other in check."

Elytra was about to respond, but then she saw Tethys and Zecora waving at them in the distance. Jeshan was with them too. They must have met up while they were out. Skystrike noticed a familiar looking white dog with red markings and a kemono.

It a few moments, Skystrike and Elytra made their way over. "Hey, guys. Hope you guys had as good of a shopping spree as we did."

"Damn right I did!" Tethys pulled off her bag and began to rummage through it. Several gems fell out as she reached for what she was looking for. "Check it out! I was able to find this cool geode!" She showed him two halves of a amethyst geode. The light made the crystals glisten in the setting sun. "Apparently, the other races have these around to look cool, and honestly, I kinda get it." Skystrike looked at the geode that was the size of his head. "Might snack on it if I get bored though."

"Keep it." Jeshan said. "A memory for coming on this side of the sea." He said as he brushed some dust off his cloak. "But before we get down to business, I want to introduce you all to my sister, Amaterasu!" He gestured to the Diamond Dog.

The white and red marked Diamond Dog gave a slight bowed. "Hello. As my brother said, I am Amaterasu, and I'll be joining you this evening."

"Well, nice to meet you, Amaterasu." Skystrike put out a hand to shake, Amaterasu shaking his hand. "I actually saw you earlier today, who would've guessed you were his sister."

She smirked. "Ah, I believe our eyes crossed paths once. Yes, most find it hard to believe that we're related. We're nothing alike, aside from our interests in the arts and crafts."

"Let me guess, you're an artist?"

"How'd you know?"

Skystrike smirked. "Well, lets just say I got lucky."

"Hey, don't mean to interrupt, but how in Tartarus are you speaking with her?" Jeshan asked, wide eyed.

Skystrike turned to Jeshan. "What do you mean?"

"My sister is mute! And you're talking to her like she's responding!"

"...Is she... is she not?" Skystrike asked, looking back to the Amaterasu. Only after thinking back to what she just 'said', he realized she never moved her muzzle. He held the back of his head with his hands. "Oh my god, you're right! I can do this!? Wait... how many others have I done this with!?"

Elytra thought about it. "Uh... that mare you make music with. Vinyl Scratch was her name right?"

"She's mute!?"

Tethys chuckled. "Well, you have a neat gimmick... well, aside from the elements."

"Anyway..." Jeshan cleared his throat. "Tethys told me you guys were leaving tomorrow morning. Lucky for you goons, a festival just started. Figured we'd spend the night just hanging out."

"Sounds like a plan." Skystrike pulled back his hand. "Now... Dap me up." Jeshan did so, the sound echoing through the hills. "My man."

Tethys looked at their greeting, then to Zecora and Tethys. "...We need our own thing, girls."

"Come on, lets talk on the way." Jeshan stretched. "My wives said she'd meet us there, they're watching my stall."

Elytra buzzed over to him. "Oh, what's the festival about?"

Jeshan began to explain. "Just an Artesian Festival. All the artists come around this time of year to give thanks to our respective gods of art, a way to remember our history. I put up a lot of wood art, put a lot of stuff on discount for the pups. Plus, gets rid of my old stock. Tomorrow, it's all day long, I plan on actually doing some of my work in front of a set of onlookers."

"Huh, cool." Skystrike though aloud. "Wonder if I can get anything cool."

"I actually do prints and paintings." Amaterasu 'said', with Skystrike translating for the rest. "My style is a bit more... unique. I paint with my tail." She brushed said appendage.

"Oh, you have a store too? Or do you go by commission?"

"I actually work with Jeshan. Many of the pieces he makes, I get paid to paint."

"Oh, that's pretty good." Elytra said. "Maybe I'll get something, once I get my PTO."

"Actually, if I can jump in here..." Jeshan began walking backwards, turning to them. "I've been meaning to ask, I've wanted to make music boxes, and you were always the one skilled with metal. I could get the stuff to work metal, I just need like, to know what to do."

Skystrike looked at him. "Alright, I'll work on some blueprints when I have the chance. I imagine it won't be too hard, but I need to attempt it first." He thought about it some more. "You know, if you want to make it a collectors item, you could make a set, where each box plays a part of the song."

"...You know that's a good idea." Jeshan said.

"I've been waiting to ask, what's the new attire?" Zecora sped up her step to walk next to the human. "Is there a story behind it, or just a new desire?"

"Oh." Skystrike looked down at her, then his clothes. "It's really simple, actually. Sure, I look cool, but the main reason is that we moved from the northern to the southern hemisphere." The zebra looked up at him, confused. "It's getting colder, Zecora. I don't have fur or hair like the rest of you. It was getting chilly."

Tethys smirked. "You know, I figured with how often you deal with ice and fire that you'd be a bit more used to the temperature changes."

"You don't get it." Skystrike began to rant. "You're a dragon. You get to bathe in lava and shit. Zecora is a zebra and has a full ass coat to cover her, save for the extremes. Jeshan, albeit a thin one, has a coat of fur. Elytra is the only one who kind of gets it, but she's cold blooded, so she can handle the heat so god damn well I'm jealous. But even she understands what I fully mean when I say the cold sucks!" He said that last part with visible annoyance. "Your joints lock up, you can only be out for so long until you body heat seeps out, if you want to be outside, you need to wear fucking layers of clothes and then you can't move as much, your nose gets all runny... Like, fuck winter man!"

The rest couldn't help but giggle at his small rant. Elytra cleared her throat. "Well, I don't really deal with that actually." Skystrike creaked her head toward her. "We changelings generate a special protein in colder climates that... "control" our blood so we don't freeze. Our chitinous shell also makes it so we don't feel temperatures as much."

"...Fuck you. Fuckin' magic blooded bastard. I'm gonna play tic tac toe on your forehead."

Elytra snorted. "Can't you just use your magic to heat yourself up or cool yourself down?"

"You'd fucking think so right!???" He exclaimed to their amusement. "But nooooooooo, I can only use magic outside my body unless I change my cellular structure!"

Elytra paused at that. "...Wait a dang minute... You've been changing your biology every time you transform!?"

"Yeah, I never got the grasp on how you changelings got the physical illusions thing down. It's surprisingly easier to change my physical appearance while keeping all my internals the same. Just need to keep the same mass. Maybe it's just a human thing."

"Skystrike, you're a freak of nature."

Tethys thought about what he said. "Wait, so you can turn into anything as long as you keep the same mass? I have so many ideas..."

"Let's not get freaky." Skystrike chuckled. "...Though now I think about it, if I turn my blood similar to dragons, heat wouldn't be too big of an issue... and I do have dragon blood I can synthesize..." He said that last part to himself, quiet enough so no one else would hear. "Tests for later."

"We're here, by the way." Jeshan pointed to the wooden arch entrance, adorned with hanging different colors of cloth. From the looks of it, each was a flag of different ancient tribes. He noticed one of them had the same eye of Horus that Jeshan tattooed over his eye. "That black and gold one with the eye is the one I pray to. It symbols prosperity and protection."

"I actually was doing a bit of reading on your gods and spirits earlier." Skystrike said. "Surprisingly, my race has the exact same symbol... was Horus a falcon for you guys too?"

"Uh, I don't know who Horus is. We call the god 'Bakara', but yes, it's a falcon." Skystrike hummed at his response. Humans have been around much longer that the races of this world... Who's to say they didn't have some influence before they made themselves known. How deep did it go for them to even impact this world's religions? "I thought you knew." Jeshan snapped him out of his thoughts. "It was a big reason why I followed you."

Skystrike shook the thought out of his head. "What do you mean?"

"Well, remember the thunderbird that you got to follow you?"

Skystrike thought back. "Yeah, still surprised I got him. I thought it was just some sick falcon that lost its feathers. I was lost as hell when it turned out it was a baby and started growing fucking electric feathers. Her name was Aztec. Found her about three months before you joined, actually. What makes her so special for you to follow me?"

"Well, Thunderbirds are said to be the offspring of Bakara. Bakara is the god war and the sky, and Thunderbirds are beings of great power, said to live amongst the clouds. The sky also represents freedom, so they travel all over this world. Those the Thunderbird follows were supposedly blessed with good travels. And yeah, we did have some good travels."

"Huh... well that part is interesting. Well, guess I have to thank her when I see her again."

Jeshan laughed. "Well, it might be pretty soon if we get lucky."

Inside the festival, the group walked, passing by each stall. The dogs seemed to decided to have it above ground, in the middle of an open field. It really was an artisan festival. There was a stall full of beautifully crafted pots, a couple Diamond Dogs doing body paintings, some others braiding the hair of the more fluffy dogs, and many food stalls. Skystrike took in the smell of meat and gems, a new, yet surprisingly pleasant smell. His eyes were drawn to the musicians though, and the instruments they were playing. String, brass, and wind instruments seem to be their main focus, with some heavy drums here and there.

They all made small talk as they kept walking, meeting up with Eleanor and Maple. Jeshan's sister, Amaterasu waved them goodbye as she went to help the two run their section of the festival. "So." Jeshan stretched. "My wives and sister said they'd do me a solid and watch the storefront for me. I'll have to make it up to them later. Essentially, we got the night to ourselves."

"Sweet!" Tethys pumped an arm. "I never get the chance to do things in festivals! What do you all wanna do first!?" she slapped her tail on the ground in excitement. "I want to get some of the jewelry here, maybe I can find some rings to fit my horns!"

"I want to get some body paint." Elytra chittered. "Last time I got some were in the hive."

Zecora looked around. "I'd like to browse some pottery today. Their designs might echo my homeland's way."

"I'm just here for you guys." Jeshan shrugged.

They all looked to Skystrike, waiting for his response. "I'm here to just see things... though I will say I saw some swords and things for sale. Maybe check out the blacksmiths... We can just do them all of them."

"And that's why you're the smart one." Jeshan smirked.

"Pottery is closest. Lets start with that." Skystrike pointed a finger in the direction of one of the stalls.

The group made their way over to look at the various different sized and shaped pots, plates, and figurines. Skystrike and Tethys were glad that all the buildings were open roof. Neither said it, but both knew their backs were starting to hurt from crouching down so much.

They looked around before something caught Zecoras eyes. "Look!" She picked up a cerulean blue glazed plate. "The craftsmanship here is truly divine, and the colors, oh look how they shine!"

Skystrike picked up a bowl from the set. "It is pretty impressive. Lighter than I thought it'd be too." Then he thought back. "You know, it would be nice to get some more dining sets."

Tethys made sure to be be careful as she picked one up. "Yeah, sorry that I broke the last ones... But I've learned to be more careful."

"But now we need to decide what colors." Skystrike put down the bowl. "Zecora saw this set first, so this one is hers... Oh, that green one looks sick!" Skystrike stepped over Zecora and crouched down at the set. He picked it up and felt the terracotta. Thin, light, yet sturdy. He waved one of the clerks over, asking for the price for his set and Zecora's. Once the price was given, the two got their bags of bits out and paid the fee, the vibrant plates and bowls now theirs. "Hey Elytra, can you teleport these back to the ship?"

"Sure." She nodded before taking the sets and disappearing in a flash if magic, then reappearing.

"Thank you." Skystrike patted her on the back.

"Can we look at the jewelry now?" Tethys stepped away from the stall and stretched her wings.

"You know, I never took you for one for jewelry." Skystrike yawned as the fatigue of the day was starting to get to him.

"One of the perks on hanging out with the white one." Skystrike snorted at Tethys's choice of words. "...what?"

He chuckled to himself before answering. "Nothing. Lets see the jewelry."

And so they did. A few stalls over was a few Diamond Dogs that sold trinkets, necklaces, bracelets, and circlets from what Skystrike could immediately see. The dragoness gleefully ran over and put her hands on everything, being careful not to scratch anything with her nails. Elytra flew over and picked up a hanging pendant. "You know, I just realized we didn't have jewelry in the hive."

Skystrike thought back. "...Huh, you know, you're right. We didn't. We had like... wooden accessories and flowers, sometimes shiny rocks, but no gems or metals."

"Oooh, they have gems that apparently go with our birth month!" Tethys read one of the papers next to the bracelets she was looking at. "What months were you born in?"

"May." Elytra answered.

"September." Jeshan did the same.

"July." Zecora answered.

"Uh... March if I remember right. That was the month I came to this world." Skystrike clarified. "I don't know my actual birthday."

"Close enough. So that means... Elytra is emerald, Jeshan is sapphire, Zecora is ruby, Skystrike is aquamarine, and mine is tourmaline." Tethys said. "So, I don't know about you guys, but I want to get bracelets, anklets, and a tailet."

"Tailet?" Elytra tilted her head.

"One for my tail." Tethys pulled her tail in front of her. "Though with the hair down the middle of mine, It'd probably be best if I get one of those cuff ones." She eyed her tail more. "Hey, does my tail look fat to any of you?"

Skystrike was about to say 'Define fat.' but was quickly elbowed in his stomach by Jeshan. "Skystrike, man to man, when a lady asks if she looks fat, you beat around the bush. Since she asked this to several beings, it's best you don't answer." the Diamond Dog whispered to him.

"You know, us dragons have hearing almost as good as you Diamond Dogs." Jeshan and Skystrike froze in place at Tethys's words. "Answer the question, boys. Does my tail look fat??"

Skystrike looked at Jeshan. His face of mild worry, slowly but surely turned into a shit eating grin. He put a hand on the dogs shoulder, signaling that he had this. Skystrike turned to the dragoness. "Tethys, if you want the answer, I don't need to say anything." Then he turned to Elytra. "Elytra, explain to her the jiggle test."

"The HUH???" Tethys and Zecora nearly shouted. The dragoness folded her wings back in from the shock of the statement. "Ahem... Elytra, the fuck is this guy on?"

"Actually, it was originally my idea." Elytra sighed, then giggled. "It was when I was younger, and more... insecure about my figure. One of the changelings that was interested in me always asked 'do it jiggle?' and I was complaining to Skystrike about it..." Then she grew a bit embarrassed. "Eventually I wanted to... check for myself if it did jiggle... aaaand Skystrike caught me and won't let me live it down."

"There's no way." Tethys began to laugh. "So what do I do? Do I just-" Elytra responded by slapping her tail. "Ow!"

"Your tail doesn't jiggle. Your tail isn't fat." Elytra laughed along with her.

Jeshan smirked. "I need to use that later if it's this simple." He said as he picked up a sapphire necklace. "You know, I haven't really worn jewelry since the new eye... You guys think the contrast would work?"

"Eh probably." Skystrike shrugged. "My issue is finding a metal to match this arm of mine." He flexed the digits of his metal limb. "Might go for a pendant of sorts... Actually, those bead bracelets look good. They even have my gem." Skystrike picked one up and put it around his wrist.

"Oh, I see what you mean." Elytra walked over. "That emerald one is good... though I don't know if I want a bracelet more or a necklace."

Zecora looked at the changeling in thought. "I think a circlet would suit you well, with your style, it’d truly excel."

"You know what, I'll take your word for it. You're the one always wearing the gold rings." Elytra used her magic to reach for a silver and emerald circlet on one of the head stands. She put it on her head and looked in the mirror, fixing it to make sure it was centered. "You know, Zecora, you're right."

"What about you, Zecora, you plan on getting anything? I figured you were never one for gems, since you always stick with your gold.... Oooh, you know you could definitely rock white gold." Skystrike picked up the ones that were hanging and handed them to a blushing Zecora. Zecora took her ear rings off to let Skystrike put them on. The triangle shaped ear rings hung beautifully off her ears. "Hmm... I think you rock it."

Tethys chuckled. "What, you're going to start playing dress up now?"

"I'm inclined to..." Skystrike hummed as he fidgeted with the aquamarine beads on his wrist. "But back to you, Tethys, have you decided what you wanted to get?" He waited for a response, but on not getting one, he turned his attention to her. The attention of the dragoness on a hand display. On the display itself was a set of four golden rings, each of the rings having small golden chains hanging between them.

Jeshan also noticed and went "ahem" to get Skystrike's attention. Once gotten, he motioned his eyes towards the rings.

Skystrike first look confused, but then thought he understood what Jeshan was saying. "Didn't you say earlier you wanted some rings for your horns?"

"O-oh, yeah, I did..." She poked the tips of her index fingers together. "Sky... can I ask you a... weird question?"

"Go for it."

"Can you... put them on me?"

"...Huh." Skystrike thought about how he rarely sees Tethys's cute side. He then thought about why she didn't just put them on herself, but chalked it up to her not wanting to accidentally break the jewelry. "Sure, but you need to crouch down some, you're like two feet taller than me."

Tethys kneeled down to be just at his eye height. Skystrike picked up the rings and and put the hoops on her four horns. It took a bit of time to get them on her, as she began to fidget as his hands touched her horns. Each of the rings went about half way down her horns. The chains hanged between each of them as they shined a great gold. "So..." She scratched her jaw. "How do I look?"

"Honestly if you keep wearing gold, you're going to give Zecora a run for her money." He smirked. It got a small laugh out of all of them. "Now we gotta get the rest of your fit. Bracelets and anklets, right? Also, is Tailet a word?"

Tethys stood back up. "It is in the Dragon Seas. Now make me feel pretty!"

Jeshan chuckled. "Didn't take you for one to be insecure, considering you always go around strutting your strength."

"You have no idea." All the girls said as Tethys found the accessories she wanted.

Jeshan looked to Skystrike for an answer. "Oh, I don't know either, I went momentarily blind because I ate enough weed brownies to get ten of us high."

"...Are you joking?"

He chuckled. "I wish I was, man... I had to hold onto the floor because I thought I was falling... I also think I ate half my body weight. Time seemed to move slower, it freaked me out."

"Don't know how to relate, but that sounds terrible. Sorry you had to go through that? I guess? I don't know, it sounds like you enjoyed it."

"...Yesn't." The two laughed.

Tethys poked them both with the tip of her tail to get their attention. As the two turned, they saw the dragoness adorned with golden accessories on each appendage. She did a quick spin, making sure her tail didn't hit anything. Both Skystrike and Jeshan made the ok hand before they all went to pay for their things.

They then moved on to what Elytra wanted to do: Body paint. Skystrike had some memories of getting some with his friends back in the Hive, good times. But now it was different, since he might be getting some as a human. Paint on hair feels a lot different than on skin. Skystrike and Elytra decided to get some art done, the rest having their own reasons to decline.

Tethys said that she only does it for special occasions, Zecora doesn't want to cover her natural markings, and Jeshan already has his tattoos. Skystrike decided he didn't want anything crazy. Ignoring the stares from some of the dogs at his figure as he took off his sweater, he sat down on a stool and let the cool paint touch his good arm. Strokes of black, blue and purple went up and around his skin from the tips of his fingers to the left side of his chest. The markings took the form of flowing wind, as well as several symbolic rune marks, representing free soul. Wasn't his choice, it was part of the gimmick that the painters did. After a few minutes, the artists were done, and Skystrike got up, turning his arm around to look at their work. Thanking them, he stepped out to his friends.

Surprisingly, Elytra was already done. She got much more done than Skystrike, the entirety of her body covered in green and gold paint. Her hooves had green and golden roots painted on them, going halfway up her legs. They painted her wings as well with a few stripes. On her rear, where a cutie mark would be, was the mark of a trickster god. Finally, her head and neck were painted with swirling patterns stemming from her eyes. "So, what do you all think?"

"You look good, Elytra." Jeshan smiled at her. "Let me guess, that style is from your hive?"

"Yes, actually. We're pretty in tune with nature. Not sure if I told you before, but our history actually says we come from acorns."

"Huh..." The Diamond Dog mourned over that. "Cool!"

"Ain't looking half bad yourself, Skystrike." Tethys looked at his arm. "You know, I forget how ripped you are."

Skystrike tied his sweater around his waist. "Yeah, the dogs in there would not stop talking about it. And I guess part of me was flattered? I don't really get compliments."

Elytra turned towards him. "You can't be serious, you get cat called so often it's annoying."

"I get cat called!? No way!"

"Actually, Skystrike..." Zecora sighed. "Yeah, you do. I remember walking with you during an outing, to find what the day yields. A yellow and orange mare invited you to 'plow her fields'."

Skystrike turned to the Zebra. "Junebug? Yeah, and I did. She plants flowers?"

Jeshan chuckled as he put his face into his palm. Elytra smirked. "What about when Sunshower asked if you wanted to 'roll in the hay?'."

"I don't know why she expected me to just have hay lying around. I get rolls biweekly from Applejack for Naga's bedding."

Tethys thought about the past conversation she heard. "Can... can I assume those are euphemisms for sex?"

"Yeah." The two mares said.

"They're HUH??" Skystrike held the back of his head in surprise. Then he hit a thinking pose. "...I have a lot of questions... aaaand I don't want to think about it until later. Can we go look at the swords?"

The group collectively laughed before moving onto the next destination. On walking past the stalls, he noticed something off about the area. First, there was only one shop seemingly open, the rest having the closed sign, or had the lights off. So, he decided to go for the only one that seemed to be open. Seemed was the word that was carrying here. The weapons and armor were out, and from the smell of hot metal, he could tell a forge of sorts was on and in use. He also had the feeling he was being watched, but made sure not to make any sudden moves just in case.

Tethys was about to speed up to catch up to him, but was stopped by Jeshan grabbing her arm. "They do this every time. The first day of this festival, each year, they sell their best wares, and they need to see if the buyer is worthy." Jeshan put out his arm to stop the rest from following. "Let him teach them a lesson."

Skystrike took a few more steps forward before turning around, realizing his friends weren't following him. "...So I'm not the only one who has a bad feeling-" He stopped his sentence as he heard several steps rushing towards him. His fight response activated, ignoring all unneeded information, he began to focus. First, on the closest pair of steps, coming from his right. His body snapped toward it, seeing a Pomeranian Diamond Dog in leather and plate armor, wielding two war axes. The dog jumped into the air and slammed the two down, Skystrike side stepping and pulling back a fist to dodge it before driving said fist squarely into the dogs open chest.

Three more came for him, two behind and one in front. The one in front used a large fishing hook, throwing it towards him in an attempt the wrap the rope around him. Skystrike put out his metal arm to let the line wrap around it before grabbing the hook and pulling the dog towards him, taking the dog off his feet and into a devastating kick that visibly winded the dog. The two behind him were more coordinated, both attacking at the same time with a mace and fishers knife their sizes.

The one with the mace came first, jumping at him and swinging horizontally at his face, making Skystrike duck under her attack. It made him realize that the second was going for a stab at his stomach. He didn't have the movement to dodge it, so he caught the blade with his right hand before pushing it into the ground. Next, Skystrike focused on the mace wielding one, as the other was trying to get her blade out of the ground. Now that he had time, he put his hand on the hilt of one of the blades on his waist. As the mace came towards him once more, Skystrike drew his blade. In a flash, the mace was split in half, and with his free hand grabbed the now unarmed dog and threw her into a wooden pillar holding up one of the stalls.

The pillar snapped as her head hit it, and thanks to her not wearing a helmet for some reason, she was dazed from the impact breaking the pillar in half. Skystrike realizing that one was out for the time being, turned his attention back to the knife wielding one, only to realize she wasn't alone. Another Pomeranian Dog came as back up it seemed. This one wore similar armor, save for having a muscle cuirass and large gauntlets and a helmet, only showing his red eyes.

This new one flexed his muscles and put his arms out wide, seeming to be a grappler or something close. Skystrike's adrenaline was still pumping, and he gripped his sword tightly. The Diamond Dog picked up a piece of the broken mace and threw it at the human at blinding speeds. Skystrike stomped his foot, making a pillar or rock rise from the floor and intercepting the mace, launching it into the air. He then jumped up and kicked the mace fragment at the grappler who barely caught it.

With the small window of time he got, Skystrike threw his sword at the now open Pomeranian. Lucky for him, he narrowly dodged it. Skystrike landed on his pillar, then jumped at the dog with a fist full of ice. He pulled back before punching the dog, the ice exploding on contact and sending him tumbling into the dirt. He stood up, barely huffing as he turned to the last one, who dropped her fishers knife and put her paws up. "Alright, alright, we get it, you want to get some stuff."

The adrenaline was starting to come down, and his fight response turned to a feeling of confusion. Despite that, he still held onto his blade. "...What the fuck are you talking about?"

Now the Pomeranian had a look of confusion. "...This is Pomeranian smithy? You wanted to look at our wares. On the first day of the festival, we challenge whoever comes if they want to buy our stuff. We're the best smithy in the kingdom. Surely you've heard of us?"

"Do I look like I'm from around here, motherfucker!?" Skystrike angrily sheathed his sword as he watched the other Pomeranians help each other up.

"...I'm confused..." The lady put down her paws. Now that Skystrike had a better look at her, she was quite short, barely being eye height with Zecora. She pulled awkwardly at her leather breastplate. "My brother said you were interested?"

Jeshan sighed and walked up next to Skystrike. "You're right, and I also said you'd be lucky if all of you came out alive,
Maple. Unfortunately, you all took it as a challenge."

Skystrike ignored how Jeshan's apparent cousin shared a name with one of his wives and pinched the bridge of his nose. "So let me get this straight... You motherfuckers decided to jump me... after Jeshan warned you to not do so... all because I was interested in your smithy?"

The Pomeranian shrugged. "...Yyyyyeeeeeeessss?" Maple gave an awkward smile as the others walked up next to her.

Jeshan sighed. "Sorry, Skystrike. Maybe now they'll get the hint." He growled at his family. "Anyway, that's my little sister Maple, the one with the hook is her husband, Acair. Escott, the one with the axes, is my brother in law, and the one who's mace you cut in two is my other little sister, Maybell. The one with the helmet is my older brother, Magnus. They run the smithy with my father."

"Hey." They all said.

Though Skystrike was a bit surprised how a name like Magnus transcends culture, he put that to the side for now. "Well hi, it was... an interaction meeting you all." Skystrike grit his teeth as he spoke. "I was here to see how smiting techniques differ depending on the culture and their history... But I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, I don't give a shit anymore." He crossed his arms and looked down at Jeshan. "I'm not going to hold them to this, because, since they're your family, I expect to end up seeing them again. I do know I don't want to see them for the rest of the night."

"Fair enough." Jeshan sighed again as the two boys began to turn around.

"Wait!" The two turned to Maybell. The dog looked between the halves of her weapon. "Who made that blade? I don't care how far I have to travel, I need to see who!"

"I did." Skystrike deadpanned. "Maybe I'll let you see it another time, when I'm not coming off an adrenaline high..." Skystrike tightened the straps keeping his blades in place, not looking back at them. With a sigh, Skystrike walked next to his friends, waiting for Jeshan to finish scolding his relatives.

Elytra put a hoof on his leg. "You alright, Sky?"

"I will be..." He grunted. With a deep breath, Skystrike got rig of the frown on his face. and stretched. "So, moving on, who wants to get food? I haven't eaten all day aside from breakfast."

Elytra hummed. "You know, I kinda want to try the wine here."

"Didn't know you were one for wine."

"Well I didn't know you were so into different cultures, but here we are. What got you into studying culture?"

Skystrike blinked. "Well, a big part of it is that I'll never get to experience my own culture. The rest is because I grew up with Changelings and Ponies. It's interesting to see how cultures differ, yet are also really similar."

"You know, I have been meaning to ask." Tethys spoke. "How do you know about your history and culture if you weren't there for it?"

"It's... complicated and not at the same time." Skystrike chuckled. "The history and culture stuff, I learn all of that from Echo, since I feel the need to remind myself of my humanity at times. The emotions is the complicated part, as you cant truly relay lived experiences with just words. It's like... I have memories of things, but they aren't my own. Think of... when you read a book and it does a cut away to a different point of view. You as the reader knows what happened in both perspectives, but the characters don't."

"Wait, so you have others memories?"

"Others experiences. I don't remember the person who experienced it, I just remember some experiences and how they felt. It's super hard to explain." He tried to find the right words. "I guess it's like... how you dragons know when to go and fight for the title of Dragon Lord."

They heard the foot steps of Jeshan approach them. "Alright, they took a hint. Probably will ask me about you for the next couple months, but they'll leave us alone for the rest of the night."

The group began walking. "Do they know we're leaving tomorrow?"

"Left that part out on purpose... Still will be sad to see you go so soon." Jeshan's ears went back. "But that's why we're making tonight one to remember."

Elytra turned to the dog. "Did Casta not explain to you what that rug you got yesterday was for?"

"No? Maybe? Honestly I wasn't paying attention, I was thinking about something else."

Skystrike stretched. "It's a teleporter to my house in Ponyville, and also connects to Alder, and Casta. Magic mare and I plan on getting one to all of the group. Sadly, it only works for everyone but me. Magic is bullshit."

"Oh... cool." Jeshan grinned. "Hey, unrelated, you all want to get some food? I know this stall that sells great fried chicken."

Skystrike drooled at the thought. "Oh fuck yeah, I haven't had chicken in years."

It took a bit of waiting, mostly deciding, but the group got their food. Zecora got a garden salad, Elytra was cowing down on some beef kebabs, and Jeshan, Skystrike, and Tethys were all sharing two hole chickens. Share being the important word here, since Tethys claimed a whole chicken for herself. But it was some damn good fried chicken.

Skystrike held a leg and thigh in his hands, biting into the juicy meat. The crispy skin almost falling of an into his mouth as the herbs and spices filled his taste buds. "...You know, Jeshan, you were right." He finished chewing. "I might get another."

Jeshan looked at the bones Skystrike was leaving. "...You gonna eat the bones?"

"You do that?"

Tethys and Jeshan looked at him. "You don't?"

Skystrike pulled at the side of his mouth, showing his teeth. "We humans are omnivores, but we haven't really evolved to hunt with our teeth."

Jeshan looked at him. "...Can I have your chicken bones?" Skystrike pushed his paper plate over to the Jackal, who began grinding the bones between his teeth. "The bone marrow is the best part."

"So Jeshan, what else does the festival offer? We've checked out most of the stalls. Any events?" Tethys took half of her chicken and threw it into her jaws. Loud crunching was heard.

"Well... if I remember right, there are dancers on the other side of the fair grounds if you're interested. I don't really go anymore since I have a fiancée. This side, it's just the musicians. They're really good, don't get me wrong, it's just the major stuff comes along in the following days. I actually hand carve a totem on stage up there, then sell it to the highest bidder for charity." He finished chewing on the bone. "Last year, one of the Queens participated too."

"One of? How many do you have?" Skystrike asked.

"Six. The past King and Queen were going at it." He chuckled.

"Damn." Skystrike laughed with him. "But now that we're done eating, there's one more thing we need to get: alcohol."

"Oooo, that is a good idea!" Elytra hummed. "I want some beer!"

"I prefer a shot of whiskey clear, over a pint of frothy beer." Zecora finished her salad.

"Cocktails for me, though I'm up for anything."

"I wouldn't mind buying a bottle of wine or two." Tethys stood up and stretched. "I'd also like some place where so many eyes aren't on us."

"Yeah." Elytra huffed. "When I was getting my food, I do think I was getting hit on earlier..."

Skystrike looked at her. "...You know, I was about to say good for you, but you know, the genie." Elytra nodded as the rest began to stand up. "Jeshan, what do you know around here that's good?"

"Well..." He started. "Every year, we invite a few beings outside the festival to host their own shops. This year, there's a.... new group. They sell cheese and alcohol."

Tethys furrowed her brow. "You said it like something is weird about them."

"I mean... no and yes. They're minotaurs." Jeshan clarified. "An all female group."

Skystrike had a confused look. "Is... is that a bad thing?"

They all looked at him, they between each other. Their faces all showed they were thinking the same thought. 'Does he know?' Elytra smirked. "No, in fact, it's a good thing. They make good alcohol. They travel a lot, so I'd bet they have at least a dozen flavors."

Zecora leaned over to whisper to Elytra. "Are we not going to tell him at all? I don't think he knows, he’s bound to fall."

"Maybe, but it'll be really funny." Elytra smirked. "No, it's no big deal."

"Cool, because I like cheese." Skystrike cracked his neck. "So Jeshan, lead the way."

Jeshan looked at the smirking changeling, then shared the same look. "Alright, man."

The group stood in front a new area. They were on the outer edge of the festival, and there were few stalls. In fact, there was only one large purple and pink tent, easily big enough to mimic a house. Makes sense, since there's minotaurs inside. He could smell the cheese from his spot in front of the door. Skystrike noticed the open sign, as well as the lights on from the windows. Then he had a thought. "...How the hell do you knock on a tent?"

Jeshan snickered. "Just walk in, dude."

Skystrike did so, immediately being met with a tavern like setting, with hanging lanterns and about a dozen wooden tables. To his left at the closest table, sat a black and white spotted minotaur, and he could tell she's seen some battles. One of her white horns was broken off, the cracks still there from the assumed battle. Her long black hair fell down her back and over her dark grey heavy armor. As the minotaur saw them enter, she stood up and grabbed her greatsword off the wall and slung it over her shoulder. "New faces..." She spoke. Her voice showed she was tired... or impatient. "Here's the deal, don't cause any problems to the ladies here, and there won't be a problem between us, that clear." She leaned down to be at eye height. Her lavender eyes bore into Skystrike's.

Skystrike chuckled. "Well I have high expectations for the place if there's an armed guard."

She raised a brow then looked to his friends. The shit eating grins on their faces told her all she needed to know. The minotaur smirked. "Well, if I do say so myself, we do have quite a good establishment here. But before we continue..." The minotaur stood back up, being about a foot taller than Skystrike. She turned to the dragoness. "Is your name... Tethys?"

"Uh, yeah?" Tethys raised a brow. "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to- HOLY SHIT, Lanka!?" Tethys shouted and put out her arms.

The minotaur, Lanka, did the same, the two hugging each other. "It's been a while! You look good!"

Tethys released Lanka from the hug before turning to her friends. "Guys, this is Lanka! We met a while ago, when I first started wandering outside my homeland. Didn't really want to admit it back then, but she was my first friend!"

Lanka chuckled. "You say it like it wasn't over thirty years ago."

"It's been thirty years!?" Tethys gasped.

"Yeah, not as young as I used to be." Lanka sighed. "And you look the same, though... a bit smaller in some areas."

"And I imagine you only got bigger, huh heffa?" Tethys laughed as Lanka playfully punched her in the arm. "But I need to introduce you to these guys. Lanka, the Diamond Dog is Jeshan, the Zebra is Zecora, the Changeling is Elytra, and the guy in front is a human called Skystrike. I've met them about ten years ago, and we've gotten back together and started traveling around recently."

"I see, I see..." Lanka pulled Tethys closer to whisper. "I know it's been a while, but what's the plan here? Not sure if it's a good idea for you to bring your friends to this kinda place."

Tethys smirked. "Yeah, but a certain someone doesn't know." Their eyes darted to Skystrike, who was looking around the place.

Jeshan took their look as a signal and began speaking as he put his paw on Skystrike's shoulder. "We're here to get this guy the all inclusive experience." And threw the minotaur a bag of bits with his other paw.

Lanka hummed as she caught it. "And what do you plan on getting out of this, Skystrike? You know I gotta protect my girls..."

"I mean..." Skystrike shrugged. "Cheese? Wine? Beer? I ate half a chicken earlier but I'm still hungry."

They all tried to hide a laugh. "Alright, boy, I like ya. Normally we don't do this, but a friend of Tethys is a friend of mine. Just leave your swords at the door."

Skystrike nodded and released the leather straps around his waist, putting his swords by the door. Elytra picked them up in her magic. "This will just be for him. We're going to explore the rest of the festival."

Lanka nodded. "Alright. And Tethys?" Tethys turned to look at her. "I'm free tomorrow if you want to come by. Catch up on everything that's happened?"

"I'd love to, but we were actually leaving tomorrow morning..." Tethys said sadly.

Skystrike noticed the glum look on her face. "You know Tethys, now that Jeshan has the teleporter, you can come and go as you please. You can stay and see your friend."

"Really!?" She picked up Skystrike in a crushing hug. "By the dragon lord, I love how you just realize things I've glossed over! Lanka, we're hanging out tomorrow!"

Lanka smiled. "Lets make sure to break your horn this time."

His friends left, once again snickering to each other. Skystrike looked up to the minotaur. "So, Lanka, you and Tethys go way back? First she told me about her past friends."

"Yeah, back in my twenties, we actually fought each other. She was hunting for a meal, and I was training to be a fighter for my clan. We met each other, fought, and it was a draw, though more in her favor. She was starving, and I was on my last bereath, so we made a deal. She helped me back to my clan, I give her food, and no one would know we fought." She smiled at the past memory. "Had to tell my father and the clan head at the time that we ran into a herd of dire wolves. From there, she stuck around for a year or so, then left, saying she had to do some self reflection. You?"

"Saved her from some ponies trying to hunt her down. I was actually in need of money at the time, and went to help hunt her down. A group of ponies were on the same mission, so by the time I found her, she fought them off, but was also on deaths doorstep. Decided I didn't need the money that bad, and nursed her back on her feet. Decided to follow me around after that. I'll let her finish the rest of her story when you see her tomorrow."

"Alright." Lanka put her sword down. "Now, while I do enjoy the small talk, lets make sure you get your moneys worth, boy." She grabbed one of the menus and set it down in front of the largest table, with seven stools around it. "Your friends got you the all inclusive, so you get to have everything on the menu."

Skystrike sat down and took a look at the menu. Sure enough, there were several types of cheese, as well as food dishes. Some of them even meat dishes to his surprise. And of course, there's the alcohol. Skystrike looked closer at the cheeses, noticing some interesting names of cheeses he hadn't ever heard of. Probably ones unique to the minotaurs. After a few moments of reading, he decided on what he wanted. "Can I get a... pizza with olives, onions, and mushrooms? The cheese board on the side. And for a drink... actually, what would you recommend?"

Lanka hummed. "Well, I like the pineapple margarita."

"That please." Skystrike said as he took off his scarf. Lanka nodded and left to go to what he assumed was the kitchen, knocking on two doors before entering. He payed it no mind for now and put his arms behind his head as he leaned back in his stool, rocking back and forth. In a few minutes, the doors that Lanka knocked on earlier swung open, and two more minotaurs came out. "God DAMN." He thought as he looked at them.

Both, to put it bluntly, had assets, their dohoonkabhankoloos nearly popping out of their off the shoulder peasant blouses. The corsettes they were were also helping. Add to that, their skirts showed how round their rears were. But Skystrike knew it was rude to stare. Aside from that, the two minotaurs wore the same color clothes, save for the skirts.

The orange one had beige spots for her fur pattern, and her creamy white horns curled forward then upward, complementing her green skirt. She twirled her brown hair into braids. Skystrike noticed her lean over the table to introduce herself, showing her cleavage. "Hey there, handsome~. My name's Laura."

The second one had grey fur and silver tattoos going up her left arm, as well as a purple dress and outward facing black horns. Her silver hair was fashioned into a ponytail. She mimicked the movement of Laura. "And I'm Attica. We'll be serving you for the first half of your... experience." She cooed.

"Cool!" Skystrike pulled out stools for each of them to sit. "First time meeting minotaurs, how are your nights going?"

"Better, now that you're here." Attica sat down and leaned in towards the human. "You know, in our travels, we see all sorts of beings. But you're new... Tell us about yourself."

Skystrike leaned back in thought. "Well, if you'll believe it, I'm not from this world. Because of that, I have to hide my identity where I live. Aside from that, my story isn't a happy one. Skipping over the bad parts, I started working as a mercenary, trying to make this world even the tiniest bit better. Me and my friends are travelling around right now to meet up with our old friends. For now though, I'm just enjoying the company I'm with."

"Oh, a mercenary huh? That must mean your pretty strong..." Laura twirled her finger on Skystrike's chest. "You know... due to our size, I never get the chance, even from the bulls back home... Think you can princess carry me?"

Skystrike looked at her, Laura being a foot taller than him and probably over twice his weight. "Fuck it, we ball." He smirked as he stood up and cracked his back before putting out his arms.

Laura put up her hands. "Calm down, not trying to kill you. You look like you'd snap in half."

"Laura!" Attica frowned. "Sorry about that, she speaks before she thinks."

Skystrike chuckled. "All good. I know I don't look it, but I am pretty confident in my strength."

Attica smiled. "Well, if you're offering..." She also stood up, walking over to the human, swinging her legs into one of his arms and leaning her back on the other. "Well damn, you weren't kidding, stud." She wrapped her tail around her leg.

Lanka came back in with the items Skystrike ordered earlier, still in her armor, but wearing an apron on top of it all. Skystrike's attention instantly turned towards the food. "Well, you three seem to be getting along." She put down the food before looking at Attica and Skystrike. "Well damn."

"That's what I said!" Attica laughed as she got out of Skystrike's hold.

Skystrike himself sat back down and looked at the food, taking in the lovely smell. He was surprised how nice a pizza with olives, onions, and mushrooms smelled. The cheese board had various fruits, cheeses, and cuts of meat all organized in a appetizing and pleasing fashion. Lanka slid his margarita next to him before Skystrike began to eat. He tore off a slice of the pizza and bit into it, the cheese stretching from his mouth. "...Oh god, I needed that. Thank you, Lanka! This pizza is fucking astounding!"

"I aim to please." Lanka walked off and knocked on two more doors.

Attica and Laura looked back to Skystrike, realizing he already had two slices of the rather large pizza. Attica took a slice and bit into it. "So, Skystrike, what made you come to our humble abode?"

Skystrike finished chewing and swallowed. "Well, two reasons. One, I have the chance to interact with a race I haven't met before and get a chance to glimpse at the culture, and two, I wanted cheese and alcohol. And you got both."

Attica and Laura looked between each other, assuming he was joking. Laura was about to say something more but was interrupted with two more minotaurs joining the table. The first was white with red spots and blond hair with a blue skirt. She braided the ends of her hair over her shoulders, showing her outward pointing brown horns. The other was white with black spots and maroon hair and a pink dress. Her hair was more shaggy, and her horns were quite shorter than the others, complimented by her pink skirt.

Skystrike took a sip of his pineapple margarita as the white and red on introduced them. "Hey there! I'm Elyssa, and this is Autumn." Autumn gave a small wave. "You'll have to forgive her, she's the shy one."

"All good, it's the company that matters, isn't it?" Skystrike downed his drink. "...You girls got anything stronger?"

Elyssa sat down on the table and turned towards him, giving a good view of both assets. "I could try and have that arranged..."

Skystrike looked up to her, Elyssa noticing he went straight for her eyes. "Thanks. I'm actually really interested in what you all have. Must've gotten some good ones during your travels."

"Actually, Autumn is in charge of the brewing we do." Elyssa waved her over, who was still standing at her door.

Autumn carefully walked over and sat down. "W-well... we were able to get some grapes a couple months ago, and I'm proud of the red wine we made. The whole process would probably bore you..."

"You can rant as long as you want. It's fun learning new things." Skystrike picked a grape from the chees board and flicked it into the air, catching it in his mouth. And so she did, Autumn shyly yet sweetly explaining how red wine was made. He had to be honest, it was pretty insightful. Apparently, they have to transfer the wine to specifically white oak barrels as part of the process. "You know, I'll try the red wine. You make is sound so interesting." Skystrike reached for some crackers, only to realize that over half the cheese board was empty. "Damn, we ate quite a bit..."

"We?" Laura chuckled. "That was mostly, you, big guy."

"Well that just means the cheese and stuff is that good." Skystrike stretched. "That being said, I am still hungry." He picked up the menu and looked through it. "Hmm... well now that it's a bit later, I want to let loose a bit more. You would not believe the day I had yesterday..."

Laura ringed a bell she pulled out of her pocket, queuing Lanka to come back out of the kitchen. "Need something?"

"The red wine Autumn made, and the specialty cheese board, please." Skystrike asked.

Lanka nodded, clearing off the table for them before going back to the kitchen. Laura rested her head on her hands. "So, Skystrike, if I may ask... how strong are you?"

"Really, Laura? You do this each time we get a guy here." Elyssa sighed.

"Hey, you weren't here earlier, he held up Attica like it was nothing."

"It's true." Skystrike shrugged. "I'm as strong as an ant! If an ant was..." He put his hands about a foot and a half apart. "This big!" They looked at him for further explanation. "An and can carry twenty times their body weight on average."

Laura smirked as she put her right arm on the table. "Want to put it to the test?"

Skystrike noticed how muscular she was. Not quite as much as Tethys, but still impressive. "I'm not against it... but you might want to switch arms."

"Pussy." She gave a hardy laugh.

Skystrike sighed, then chuckled, rolling up his right sleeve. The light of the room seemed to shimmer off the black metal of his arm. He wiggled his fingers before gripping the orange minotaur's hand. "You are what you eat, Laura... Ready when you are."

The rest laughed at his whitty comeback as a now slightly embarrassed Laura began trying to push down his arm with all her might. Their laughing grew louder as they realized his arm wasn't moving at all. Laura realized as well, and began pushing even harder, even grabbing the table with her other arm. After looking back up to him with a strained face and noticing he was unfazed, she threw in the towel. "Ugh... fine, you win."

Skystrike chuckled. "Don't beat yourself up over it, my real one is as strong as the prosthetic."

Lanka came back with a bottle of red wine, several wine glasses, and another cheese board. "You all seem to be having fun."

"You're welcome to join us, Lanka." Skystrike leaned back in his chair again. "I can see it in your eyes, you need to relax a bit. Let off some steam." He smiled before getting a bit serious. "You need to chill out once in a while. Doing everything you feel you need to do without some self care once in a while burns you out. Some faster than others."

Lanka smiled at him, then huffed. "While I appreciate the offer, I doubt you'd like to talk with an old heffa like me."

"Pssh, you aren't old."

"I'm fifty six."

"...Huh..." Skystrike looked to her, then the ceiling. "Could've fooled me."

Her smile widdened. "You know what, smooth talker, I'll humor you. Besides, you treat my girls well, and you compliment my food, and you finish a whole board of cheese. One of the few customers we've had that I can say I like." She sat down and began pouring everyone present a glass of wine.

Skystrike raised his glass, clinking it with the rest before swirling and sipping the wine. "Mmmm... Pretty good. Tart, yet a bit sweet... I think I taste strawberry in this."

Autumn clapped her hands together. "I knew it was a good idea!"

Lanka licked her lips. "Gotta say, kid, you did good." The rest of the minotaurs took sips of theirs and patted her on the back for a job well done.

Skystrike swirled his glass more. "Yeah, I might want my own bottle for the trip... or three... fuck it, I may just come find you guys again for the wine and cheese... I'd also like a small wheel of each type of cheese. Where would I be able to find you girls again?"

"We're a migratory race. We have several major clans, but we normally travel around in the southern half of Zebrafrica and the northern half of this continent. Though we do have some waaay up north, they're highland Minos." Elyssa downed her wine glass. "You know, never asked where you were from, handsome."

"Oh, I'm from Equestria. Decent place, decent ponies... I'd recommend the place, but give me a few years, I need time to fix the place up." Skystrike was about to pour himself another glass.

Elyssa beat him to it, pouring a glass for him and herself. "You say that like you're up there in society. But I guess you have to be if you got to this side of the world... you said you were a merc earlier... Let me guess, some big bounty on someone over here?"

"Not too far off." Skystrike chuckled. "I try to keep it on the down low, so the average being don't feel the need to treat my differently. I'm a prince, though I'm traveling here for pleasure... and to write some wrongs of the past." The human took a noticeably longer sip of his drink. "Wasn't too good a person in the past. When the group split up, the non-equestrians went back to their homelands. Diamondia was on the list of places I need to go. Next is the Hippogriff kingdom."

"Well... that explains your rag-tag group of friends." Lanka laughed. "But hey, good on you. You realized you needed to do some growing, grew, and now you're fixing your mistakes. You wouldn't believe how many Minos aren't able to do that."

"Tell me about it." Skystrike nodded. "Comes with the job, as you'd know. Keep giving beings the chance to be better, but most take it for granted. But enough of that, I came to relax, not think about those types."

"Speaking of relaxing, mind if I take off my armor?"

"Go for it." Skystrike sipped from his glass, but the sip ended up turning to a long gulp as he leaned back. He heard a click, then the clattering of armor as each piece fell to the ground. As he looked back to Lanka, he nearly choked.

The minotaur had a real set of badonkers. Big ol' tonhongerekoogers. Humongos hungolomghnonoloughongous. Lanka noticed this and gave a toothy grin. "What? Impressed?"

"Honestly, kinda." He admitted. "That armor made it look like there was nothing under there. Sorry for staring though."

"Breastplate of holding, cutie. And don't worry..." She rolled her neck. "With where you are, our boobs are part of the sales pitch here."

Skystrike was confused. "...Huh?"

Lanka couldn't hold it in anymore and began laughing hard. Hard enough where she began banging on the table, the rest picking up their glasses as she continued. Each of them had a confused look before Lanka pulled herself back together. "Skystrike, sweat pea, be honest, what did you come here for? What did you think this place was?"

Skystrike tilted his head. "For-... Is this not a place for cheese and alcohol? That's what my friends bought me here for."

The rest soon realized the joke his friends set upon him, looking between each other to make sure the others understood, before slowly and surely breaking into laughter themselves. Skystrike could feel the room shaking from their laughs. It seemed to die down for a moment before Attica pointed out that Skystrike still hasn't figured it out, making each laugh harder than before. Elyssa even fell on the ground wheezing.

After a few minutes, the laughter finally died down, and Lanka began to explain to Skystrike. "You're cute, Skystrike. Oblivious, but cute." She smiled as she leaned forward. "Tell me, have you noticed anything about the way these girls... present themselves?"

"I mean... I didn't want to be rude, but they're all showing hella cleavage." Skystrike rubbed his chin. "I thought that was just you all trying to fit in to the tavern setting."

"Yeah, we're tavern wenches." Laura smirked and leaned in.

"Well yeah, but like... funny haha 'wench' or-"

"We sell sex, Skystrike." Attica clarified.

She didn't need to, Skystrike was getting there, but the realization still hit him like a truck. He held his face in a hand. "God damn it, my fuckass friends. I feel stupid now..." They all laughed again, this time Skystrike joining in with them. "Well, sorry if I made it awkward."

"Heh, all good. It's nice, talking with somebody who doesn't want our bodies... Though you did get the all inclusive experience... I don't mind if you got your money's worth~"

Skystrike looked at her, then to the hungry gazes of the rest. "So... I assume that means all of you?"

"Well, aside from Lanka." Autumn clarified. "But... I guess that was obvious..."

"Well, it's like sweat pea said, gotta do some 'self care' once in a while." Lanka smirked. "So, think you can handle the five of us?"

"I mean, I don't really want it if you all feel forced to hold up your end of the deal. I honestly enjoyed all your company." Skystrike shrugged his shoulders.

Lanka stood up and walked behind him, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Then let me break it down for you. We like ya, and we want ya. Now we can do this the easy way... or the hard way. The choice is yours."

Skystrike looked up at her, then to the rest. He reached for his wine glass and downed the rest of his wine in one go. "Fuck it, we ball."

Author's Note

Ahaha funny chapter. Now Skystrike is part of the club with Alder

Tried to put more focus on the characters spending time with each other, specifically Zecora and Elytra, as Tethys will be getting her time soon.

I will say, the next chapter will be coming out a bit later, as I'm working on a few things in tandem. One of those being rewriting the rest of the first couple chapters because I can barely bare to read them myself. Past me was an ass writer.

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you all next chapter.

Coming Changes

Skystrike woke up absolutely fucking drained. Lanka, Laura, Attica, Autumn, and Elyssa laid around him. Each one of their faces looked as if they had a coming to jesus moment as they slept. Skystrike looked over his body, noticing the many kiss marks on him. Note to self, do not get hickeys from five minotaurs. He quickly surrounded himself with magic as the bite marks and hickeys slowly faded as he healed himself. Someone could've play twister on his skin. He also reeked of a certain smell... He needed a shower.

The human looked out the window, seeing that it was about six in the morning. It only felt like he had a few hours of sleep... then again, they were at it for a while. He would not be surprised if he had some sort of ptsd. He was not ready for five at a time, let alone them being minotaurs. He got up carefully to not wake the girls around him, but then winced at the pain in his waist. Did... did they break his pelvis? Hehe, death by snu snu.

Admittedly, the pain wasn't that bad, but he'd be sore for a while. Then he remembered his friends setting him up. "Those motherfuckers..." Then he remembered his conversation with Elytra. "...Fuck, I'm a furry." Skystrike looked for his clothes. Thankfully, they didn't tear them off him. He quickly found their bathroom, cleaned himself, then put on his clothes. He stepped out and bumped into a still nude Lanka.

She looked down at him. "...How in Tartarus did you manage us?" She smiled.

Skystrike chuckled. "I have no fucking idea. I just need something to drink."

"You look like you do, I can see your bones." She laughed. "Let me get cleaned up. Meet me in the kitchen."

Skystrike nodded as she walked past him to enter with a playful slap with her tail. He made his way to the kitchen and sat down. He saw a sheet of paper on the cold box. Reading it over, he noticed it was a list on what to make for their daily meals. He stretched as he got back up. He didn't have much to do anyway, might as well help out with the morning routine.

The other minotaurs slowly woke up and cleaned themselves one by one before they entered the kitchen, seeing the human cooking. "...You cant be serious!" Attica said, in surprise, catching his attention.

"Oh hey, you're up earlier than I thought you'd be." Skystrike said looking up from the pancakes he was making.

"Oh my gosh this dude is amazing!" Elyssa smiled. "And what do you mean? It's nine."

Skystrike looked out the window. "...Huh, I didn't think I was up that long. Anyway, I figured I'd help out and make breakfast before I get back to travelling."

"Shit, man, what do we have to do to keep you?" Attica asked, half joking. "Do you know how hard it is to find a guy like you?"

Skystrike flipped a pancake. "You know... that isn't the first time I heard something like that. But I'll tell you what, I have a friend in Griffonstone. You girls said you're near there from time to time. I'll tell him to keep a look out for you. That way, if you're ever in the area, or decide to come to Equestria, I'll get a heads up."

"...So this won't be the last time?" Autumn sat down.

"I nearly died several times from suffocation. At the rate we were going, and the state of my pelvis, it could have been the last time."

"Yeah..." They all said with a laugh. Laura leaned forward. "Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't throw in the towel after the first round. My legs are sore."

"Also, how are you so good with your tongue?" Attica asked.

"Oh, it's a lot easier than you think. I like peanut butter, and it was hard getting to the bottom of the jar." Skystrike stuck out his tongue. "Also I'm a freak of nature and my tongue is longer than the average human. From there, it's about hitting the right spots."

"And you did." Lanka entered the room. "I bet you could knit with that bad boy if you had yarn."

"...You know, that's a new one." Skystrike began serving plates. "Oh, so do you all have the cheese and wine I want or am I gonna have to be sad?"

Autumn nodded. "I put what you asked aside when I woke up."

"Sweet." He thanked her. "And by the way, if you do want to get your wines out there, I do have a friend who owns a bar and brewery. I can see about you actually working at one. I imagine you'd sell well if you had your own brand in Equestria."

She blinked. "You're serious? That'd be great! Oh, I need to think of a name..."

Lanka hummed. "You know, it wouldn't be bad for us to settle down one of these days... I am getting up there."

"You aren't even old." Skystrike felt like he was repeating himself.

"Well you didn't make me feel old last night." Lanka laughed before giving him a playful punch in the arm. "But I am over double your age... Maybe I will visit Equestria. If Tethys lives there now, it has to be a good place."

"I like it." Skystrike nodded. "And if it helps, it is a primarily vegetarian society, so food production for your diets is ideal, I imagine. But tell me about your race and the migratory habits. I'm a bit curious."

Elyssa swallowed the food in her mouth. "I can do that for you. We're a bit nomadic, moving from place to place to graze off the lands. During our travel, we hunt and prepare various things for trading. Meat, gems, art, anything we can get our hands on for some extra income. From there, we often spend our money for mostly food, but sometimes more materials. We actually bought this tent from the Diamond Dogs a couple years ago."

"Oh, so you have set migratory paths? From how you talk about it, and what I inferred, I assume you come back to the same place each year?" Skystrike asked.

Elyssa nodded. "Yep! We come to this festival each year. It's actually much more popular than we initially thought it'd be. We're seen as exotic." She made quotation marks with her fingers.

"Interesting..." Skystrike said as he finished his food.

Then the white and red minotaur turned to the grey one. "Attica is actually studying to be one of our shaman."

Attica nodded, showing the silver tattoos on her left arm. "It's why I have these tattoos. Each represents a trial that I've overcome. Only have a few more to go!"

"Oh, so you also have a religion?" Skystrike asked.

"Sure do. Rather than gods like the Diamond Dogs have, we connect to our spirits. The ones I connect to most are the spirit of harvest and the spirit of the hunt." She pointed to a silver tattoo of grain, and another of a bear paw. "I just find it really interesting that we minotaurs still hunt, despite being herbivores, and the bottom of the food chain."

"That's actually really interesting. I'll have to ask you to go into more detail sometime." Skystrike smiled. "But I wouldn't sell yourself short. I'd say your places in the food chain is more akin to... an elephant or rhino. In the sense that you can still mess up those at the top of the food chain." Then he had a thought. "Hey, so this might be a bit offensive, but I just don't know. What exactly counts as a minotaur?"

"Oh you're fine." Lanka waved a hand. "It depends on our history. Somewhere down the line, we minotaurs split off from the common bovine and began walking on two hooves. There was also some magic shenanigans that went on that kept us like this. No one really knows how it happened, but basically, anything that looks like us and are bovines are Minotaurs. My grand father was actually a bison mino, and my grand mother a yak mino..." Then she covered her mouth in thought. "...Which now that I think about it, Bisons and Yaks are still around in Equestria from what I remember."

"Oh, yeah, it is weird." Skystrike chuckled. "If you can believe it, my race actually evolved from apes."

"...Huh, that's actually really interesting..." Autumn looked at him.

"Do not say 'I see it'." Skystrike quickly said. "I'm not going to to get upset, nor go into to much detail, but basically it's racist if you compare people like me to a monkey."

Autumn winced a bit. "Oh, sorry... though I guess that makes sense, it's racist if you call a minotaur a cow if you're not a minotaur."

"Oh, you have a word too?"

"You have a word!?" Autumn's jaw dropped.

"Well yeah, but I'm not gonna say it." Skystrike chuckled. "Way too much of a history. Besides, it gives us something to talk about when we meet next time."

"Aw, going already?" Attica wrapped her tail around his leg.

"Well, it's not goodbye. We'll meet again." Skystrike smiled at them. "I just need to get an early start. The flight to Hippogriffia is at least four days away. The sooner we depart, the sooner I'll arrive."

Skystrike got up and gathered the empty plates before putting them in the sink. Lanka wrapped her arms around him and pushed her boobs into his back. "Oh trust us, we'll meet again." Skystrike could feel the gazes on his back.

Footsteps quickly came towards them from the direction of the door. The light blue and white dragon rounded the corner with a look of surprise. "SKYSTRIKE!"

Skystrike turned his head. "Oh, Tethys. Thought I heard you coming. How's it going?"

"I can still smell it!" She walked over and grabbed his shoulders. "Did you sleep with all four of them!?"

Skystrike was about to answer, but Lanka beat him to it. "Five."

Tethys slowly looked up to her smirking friend. "FIVE!?" She shook the human some more. "How the fuck did you manage that!?"

"You and our friends set me up in a wench house and didn't expect me to have game???" Skystrike chuckled.

"Skystrike, I can't believe you!" Tethys grit her teeth. "I'm not angry, I'm just... astounded! I expected you to come back after you were done eating!"

"Oh he ate alright!" Lanka laughed. "I see why you follow this guy." The rest of the minotaurs laughed around them.

Skystrike looked at Tethys, made a mocking face, then moved his head back into Lanka's breasts. "Sorry, can't hear the haters." His muffled voice spoke.

"Lanka, I should KICK YOUR FUCKIN' ASS!!!"

Lanka laughed before putting an arm on Tethys's shoulder. "Calm down, girl... You'll be there next time."

Tethys blinked, then opened her mouth. Then closed it. "Fucking... fine." Then she pulled Skystrike out. "You!"

"Hey."

"I'm not going to tell your sister if you make it worth my while." Tethys threatened.

"FUCK." Skystrike said to the amusements of the minotaurs. He needed to think of something. "You know what, I'm walking into a trap, but give me some ideas."

Tethys grinned. "I'll tell you about it once I'm done hanging out with Lanka."

Skystrike was about to step onto the Wind Waker before Jeshan stopped him with a paw on his arm. Skystrike turned around and greeted him. "Oh, Jeshan. How's it going?"

"I could ask you the same after last night." He chuckled.

"Oh, right, you fuckers set me up." Skystrike sat down, looking over the hills to the city in the ravine.

Jeshan sat down with him. "...So did you do it or...?"

"Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't." He chuckled.

"How in the gods names did you land four damn minotaurs?"

"Five."

"YOU LANDED TETHYS'S FRIEND TOO!?" Jeshan pulled on his ears. He inhaled deeply, then released the breath. "You're a stronger dog than me. I can barely handle two heads!"

Skystrike thought about that. "...You know, now that that mental image is in my mind, I imagine it's very tiring, huh?" Jeshan nodded. But now Skystrike was curious. "...So when you kiss one, what does the other head do?"

Jeshan chuckled. "...You know, I expected a weirder question for some reason."

"What? Why?"

"Nothing bad, just... most of my friends who ask about my sex life ask weirder, more intimate questions." Then he laughed. "I remember Snoopy asked me if Eleanor and Maple had two uterus's. But to answer your question, the other nibbles on my ear."

Skystrike thought about that. "...I know this may make me an asshole, but does she? It's kinda interesting genetics wise... Actually, if she does, then it may imply that Eleanor and Maple are conjoined siblings."

"Well, she doesn't. What does that mean?"

"Well, it might mean that she's her own, unique species of Diamond Dog. You'd need a closer look at her family tree, or see a geneticist. The two heads thing might be hereditary, and could link to the X chromosome. If so, then that could affect your offspring. If it's a recessive gene, and tied to the x chromosome, your daughter may have it, but your son won't get it."

"...I think I understood most of that, I'll talk with her about it." Jeshan looked over to the city. "Hey, can I be real with you for some time?"

Skystrike got serious. "Of course, Jeshan."

"Well, Maple, Eleanor, and I are thinking about kids... And I'm scared." Jeshan admitted. "So much could go wrong, not in just the process, but raising the kid. When we traveled together, through the little we all shared about our upbringing, I just... it's terrifying how such little mistakes we make, how minor an interaction we have with another can affect them for the rest of their lives. I don't want to mess up."

Skystrike listened intently. "...Is this something you want an opinion on, or something you just want to be heard?"

"I don't know... both?" He grit his teeth. "Just two days ago, you told me about your upbringing, and how you came to this world. Sure, nothing like that will ever happen to my pups when I have them, but... when you talked how you saved your sister from that fire, and she came back trying to do what you did, that's... terrifying. Sure, you set the example, and you seem proud of her, but you said she didn't interpret it the way you wanted! If my kids interpret what I say wrong, and that comes back to bite them, am I a failure as a father?"

Skystrike sighed. "...While I cant say I've truly 'raised' another, I can say that my actions have had lasting effects on those who looked up to me. I won't tell you to not worry, because that worry is what makes a parent a parent." Jeshan looked at him with his amethyst eye. "Trying to be a good influence can only go so far. The rest is on the influenced to take your message to heart, and think on those words. But we can't be perfect. There's always going to be something you did where, in hindsight, you could've done better. And take my word for it, because I live that every day. All we can do is make the best decisions we can with the information we know, and hope."

"...Thanks, Skystrike. You were always really mature, despite being what, eleven years younger than me?" He gave the human a reassuring smile.

Skystrike snapped his hands and did finger guns as he grinned. "That's what trauma does!" The two chuckled.

Then Jeshan looked back to the city. "Hey, this is... a lot to ask but... if anything happens to me, and my wives and kids are alone... and you're still alive, I want you to be their godfather."

Skystrike blinked in surprise. "That's... a lot, man. If everything works out, I'd be honored. But let me get one thing straight." He put a hand on the Diamond Dog's back. "If anything happens to you, save for natural causes, there's no being in this world to stop me from avenging you."

"Thank you, Skystrike. I really appreciate that." Jeshan pulled him into a side hug.

He returned it. "No problem, but I will say you should ask some others the same just in case I don't."

"Already asked Tethys, Elytra, and Zecora. They all said they'd help." Jeshan released the hug. "I asked Alder, he stopped by earlier this morning. He was the only one to deny, but it was a fair reason. He is getting up there in age, and with what's happening with his group in Griffonstone, there's too many maybes for him to confidently say yes."

"Yeah, that's fair. But trust me, I am not going down easily. I will resurrect myself with necromancy if I have to just so your kid or kids are taken care of."

Jeshan looked at him weird. "Thanks? I guess? Not sure if I want my kids uncle to be a zombie, but... I guess if we get there?"

"Look man, I've already killed for you. Not much worse I can really do for you." Skystrike laid back in the grass. "But I'm mostly joking. I don't plan on giving up my humanity."

Jeshan laid back in the grass with him. "...There's one more thing I want to talk about with you."

"Oh? Go ahead." Skystrike looked to the sky.

"Well... you have to know by now that Tethys and Zecora are into you." Skystrike was about to open his mouth before Jeshan put up a paw. "You don't need to answer. Just listen, dude. One of these days, you'll have to confront these feelings. Whether you accept or reject them, try and make sure it's the right decision."

Skystrike thought about that. "I've been keeping it in the back of my mind for a while. I just... don't want to hurt them again, you know? But I guess I should take the advice I just dished out, huh?" Then he thought aloud. "Honestly, I don't truly know if my love for them is anything more than platonic."

Jeshan chuckled. "Ah, young love. You know, I was like that with my first girlfriend. It's really complicated." Then Jeshan sat up. "But it seems like you're afraid of what could be, rather than the relationship itself. So, here's my advice for you." Skystrike looked over to him. "You don't have to plan out every little scenario that could happen. Take a risk, see where it goes. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Skystrike squinted at the Diamond Dog. "While I will take your advice to heart, I hate that dumbass saying." Jeshan hid a chuckle as Skystrike threw his hands up. "Oh you'll MISS! Motherfucker I didn't shoot yet, so I haven't potentially missed yet! If they made that phrase something relating to a point based system on a time limit or something, then it'd make sense."

"Ok, man." Jeshan chuckled. "But I'm hoping things work out for you."

"Well, I appreciate it." Skystrike turned back to the sky. "But if we're still talking about heavy subjects... I have a favor to ask."

"Go for it."

"My sanity has been... slipping at times to say the least. I know you all, and I know that if I end up in a rut, you'll pull me out. I just want you to stop everyone else if I end up going too deep. You were always one to make the hard decisions when needed."

"Jeez, man, what bought this up?"

"Well..." Skystrike hesitated to say it. "Celestia... doesn't know that I'm Skystrike. She still sees me as 34, the human that fell down on the Equestrian capital. At the rate things are going, I'll never be able to walk freely as a human. If I end up reaching my breaking point, and if I'm still not accepted as a human..." He sighed. "I will have to fight for my own survival. And I don't want any of you dragged in, because I know you all, more specifically Tethys, would fight for me as well. I don't want you all to throw away the lives we got, so I ask that you don't."

"...You're asking for a lot, Sky." Jeshan huffed in thought. "I... I can't make any promises. But I'll try." Skystrike felt a bit better at that. "But... I'm sure you've tried to get on her good side, right? As a human, I mean."

Skystrike nodded. "I've tried, but my message more came off as a cease fire, rather than a show of good will. On the bright side, I have some time to work on it. Luna, the other princess knows, so there's that. But I know that if those two have to chose between their country and the potential danger I could be to them, I cant blame them for the choice they make." Skystrike stood up. "Thanks, Jeshan... We need to talk more. Having another guy to talk to is so damn nice."

"Jeez, how bad is it for you in Equestria? Here, it's nearly one to one."

"Something around 8 girls to one guy."

"Yeesh. Good luck." Jeshan chuckled, then stood up and looked at him. "I guess this is goodbye for now, huh?"

The human nodded. "For now, yes, but it won't be a long one." Skystrike began stretching. "With Casta's teleportation rugs, you can travel between each one as you please... Only downside is that I cant go through them, since it interacts with the magic in someone that I cant generate subconsciously. Basically, you all can visit me, I can't visit you. Without traveling I mean."

"Oh, well that makes this goodbye less sad." Jeshan wagged his tail a bit. "If that's the case, tell Zecora, Tethys, or Elytra to get me when you guys meet up with Skybeak and Celeano."

"You already know." Skystrike fist bumped his friend. "I'll also get back to you on those music boxes. Have fun at the festival."

Jeshan nodded. "Will do. And if Aztec comes by, I'll send her your way."

Skystrike looked at him. "Wait, what do you mean if Aztec comes your way?"

"Oh, I thought I said before." Jeshan blinked. "That thunderbird comes by almost every year for this festival. No idea why, but I'm sure she'd be happy to see you again."

"Huh..." Skystrike rubbed his chin. "I'm guessing she's all grown up now. It was sad, having to release her. If she comes by, I'll make sure she has a place to stay."

"Alright. See you later, then. Jeshan dabbed the human up before turning and walking away.

It was good to see how he was doing, and to know he still had a friend. 'Two more to go.' Skytrike thought to himself as he boarded the Wind Waker. He went to the engine to check on it. Everything was within the optimal thresholds. Next, he checked their supplies. Tethys, thankfully, stocked up on the things they used so far. Finally, he went to find the other two, them sitting across from each other on the upper deck.

Elytra was being looked over by Zecora, who was walking around her. Zecora hummed. "I am confused, can you tell me more? What exactly am I looking for?"

"Well, after eating Skystrike's magic..." Elytra started. "I... feel like I'm gaining weight. Skystrike already said I grew some because of my feeding, but I think there's more to it. My chitin also feels... tight and itchy? I was hoping you knew something about this."

Zecora hummed and used her hooves to open Elytra's mouth. "Say ah." Elytra did so, sticking out her tongue. Zecora noted the razor sharp fangs, as well as a smell she couldn't pin down. "There is a smell, not bad I suppose, though where it is from, I do not know. Anything else I should know or view? Any updates or something new?"

"Uh..." Elytra thought. "Well, I... feel stronger... Watch." She focused her magic and surrounded her horn in a turquoise light, almost like a blade, the magic focused into a sharp tip. "Look. Every other changeling's magic color is a neon green. Mine's changed." Then she focused in more magic, the blade growing. "And while I still can't do too much with my magic besides the illusions, I just seem to have a lot more magic."

Skystrike walked up the the two. "Sorry, didn't mean to eaves drop, but this seems important. Can I take a look, Elytra?" She nodded. Skystrike crouched down and began studying her. First, he ran a finger over her magic encased horn. She twitched slightly ay his touch. "Could you drop the magic?" She did so, and he got a feel of the horn. Still firm, though it felt a bit denser. Next, he moved to her forehooves, raising one up and seeing how the joints bent. Everything seemed normal. Next, he moved to the wings, pulling the semi-translucid limb outwards. The color seemed ever so slightly different. The blue, shell like chitin on her back had no noticeable changes. Skystrike huffed. "Admittedly, I want to look at you more, but that'd be pushing a boundary."

Elytra blushed and chuckled. "You already felt up my horn, man."

Skystrike had a realization. "...You know, I should've thought that was a thing. I'm sorry." They chuckled at his reaction. "I was going to say, just from everything so far, I have some semblance of an idea, but from what I know, it's impossible... Let me ask you this, have you been feeling more hungry than normal lately?"

"Yes, actually." Elytra admitted. "I've been trying to hold back, but each time I feed off you, my appetite seems to grow. I'm hoping that your magic isn't addictive or anything."

He shook his head. "While that is a possibility that we shouldn't throw out the window just yet, I think a slightly more likely possibility is that your body is preparing to molt. You just haven't grown enough to shed your current shell yet."

"Wha-" Elytra's eyes went wide. "I don't-... But I... Changelings don't molt!"

Zecora also looked at him confused. "Indeed, Skystrike, that’s news to me. How can you tell from what you see?"

Skystrike began explaining. "Well, eating my magic clearly affected her diet. Her magic and wing color has changed. She's also gotten noticeably bigger. Add to that how she said her chitin feels itchy and tight. I also smelled the smell you couldn't put a hoof on. From my memory, it's the stuff that the changelings use to make cocoons. Sure, changelings make it naturally, but they also control when they make it. This comes off as Elytra's body preparing to make it. And sure, while changelings don't molt, it may be because of the convergent evolution of changelings being similar to ponies. At the end of the day, you still do have an insectoid ancestry. But again, this is just a theory. We'll need to keep checking."

Elytra looked down at her hooves. "...Oh... Shit."

"You seem worried."

"Of course I'm worried! Changelings don't molt!" Elytra shook him. "We don't know what will happen if you're right! What if I end up like some monster? What if I'm not able to control it? Will I even be a Changeling anymore?"

"Wouldn't worry too much about that." Skystrike patted her on the back. "Your body is doing this on it's own, which implies it's a latent thing every Changeling can do... I doubt you're the first one to go through this..." Skystrike then thought on it.

Zecora was the first to point out his long silence. "You seem to have something on your mind. Care to share? What might we find?"

"Well... I remember when I was younger that Khrusalis gave Chrysalis some special type of food. Then I thought about how bees, for example, feed a chosen larva to eat royal jelly, and that larva ends up a queen. It isn't too much of a stretch to assume that this is happening to you."

"But... I've eaten your magic before and it's been fine!" Elytra stated.

"Yes, but not continuously like you have been for the past few days."

"Then... how come there weren't anything in the Changeling records!?"

Skystrike chuckled. "Simple. Why would any king or queen keep a changeling in their hive that could threaten their power?"

Elytra stared at him. "You-... You're saying I might become a queen?"

"Only in stature, and it's only a possibility." He clarified. "We'll need to record any changes on you. But only time will tell. Get inside, I'm about to make this ship airborne."

They were roughly five hours into their flight. Skystrike made sure to keep a close eye on the map to not get lost. While the map they put together so far was to scale, most land marks still needed to be followed. Sadly, they only know the general layout of Abyssinia, the land of the cat-like denizens of this world. He's never met one, and he would like to go one day, but not today. Plus, he read up that they aren't on good terms with the Diamondians. Dogs versus cats even transcends dimensions, it seems.

He stopped the ship and looked at his map as he began to fly by a set of mountains known as... Litterbox Ridge? They cant be serious... Then again, he was just in Vanhoover. After a few hours, he was flying over the Henry planes. Wait, who the fuck is names Henry in this world? Not important. As long as he stayed on this path, they'd be going over the town of Catskills, and the cat capital Panthera. He had about two hours to spare.

Skystrike got up and stretched. He noticed a couple storm clouds to the north. He'd have to ask how Diamond Dogs controlled the weather. Jeshan can use magic, so it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that Diamond Dogs could control magic like a wizard. But then again, he didn't see any clouds in Diamondia. Maybe they don't need it?

He turned his head to look at the direction of a certain sound. It was the teleporter being used. No telling who it was. Skystrike crouched down and surrounded himself in a lime green fire. In a flash of light, he turned into a pegasus. He moved his hair to the side and put on his sweats before going to see who it was. Tethys shouldn't be back by now, Alder was most likely busy, and Jeshan was definitely busy. Chances were, it was somepony from Ponyville.

He pushed open the door to storage. Two pegasi, one cyan and one pastel yellow, locked eyes with him. "Oh, Rainbow, Fluttershy. Wasn't expecting you two."

Rainbow Dash flew up to him. "Hey, it's been a while! Two weeks, almost? How's it going?"

Skystrike hoof bumped her. "Doing pretty good overall. Just... getting my mind off things."

Rainbow wrapped her forehoof around her neck before whispering in his ear. "Fluttershy missed you more than you'd think."

Skystrike looked at the pegasus at his neck, then the pastel mare in front of him. He crouched down to her eye level. "Come on, I'll make us some tea. We got some catching up to do." Skystrike stood back up.

Fluttershy smiled at him. "I'd... like that."

Skystrike lead them to the kitchen and quickly made them some tea. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat across from him as he poured some each of them some. "Also, you two mind if I go back to my human form?"

"Um... if it makes you more comfortable." Fluttershy nodded.

Skystrike surrounded himself with neon green magic before turning back to his human form. He straightened his clothes and shook out his air before picking up his tea. "I hope this one's good. It's from Diamondia." He took a sip, the sweet, nutty liquid warming his body up as it went down.

Fluttershy blew off the tea before trying it. "Oh, this is really good! Then she realized what he said. "Wait, we're in Diamondia?"

"Were." Skystrike clarified. "Closer to Panthera now."

Rainbow coughed. "Sorry, I sucked at geology. Where's that?"

"Geography, and we're on the other side of the Celestial Sea." Skystrike rolled his neck. "We can go up on the deck later and watch the landscape. It's actually really nice... That makes me think, what time is it for you guys back home?"

"Uh..." Rainbow Dash went through her memory. "Around eight at night. What time is it here?"

"About one in the afternoon... So we're 15 hours ahead." Skystrike sipped his tea. "So, what's new back home? Hopefully nothing major happened while I was gone."

Rainbow Dash looked to Fluttershy. Fluttershy sighed. "Well... I was babysitting the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike a few days ago when they thought it was a good idea to go into the Everfree Forest to find one of my chickens that escaped." Skystrike's eyes slowly widened. "Turns out that there was a cockatrice, and it already got to the chicken, and to Twilight. I was lucky enough to convince the cockatrice to back down and turn Twilight and my chicken back from stone. The kids ended up safe too."

Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Heh, yeah, leave out the part where you beat a cockatrice in a staring contest."

Skystrike needed a moment to process that. "...Interesting... Guess I have my work cut out for me when I get back. So, just to double check, everyone turned out ok?"

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash nodded. "Spike actually went to save the CMC first, if that matters. Didn't get the chance to do anything heroic, but it's the thought that counts, right?"

"I have mixed emotions about that." Skystrike had to admit. Then he made a face. "Speaking of Spike, we all know about his... you know."

"Crush on Rarity?" Rainbow chuckled. "Yeah. We all do."

"Honestly, it's kinda weird how we just... don't say anything about it." Fluttershy sipped at her tea.

"I figured. I just promised him I wouldn't tell anyone." Skystrike leaned back in his chair. "I also told him that she would most likely not return the interest. I'm hoping at the gala, when Rarity fawns over Blueblood, he gets the hint and moves on."

Fluttershy hummed. "You know, that would be the best case scenario in this, huh? Though I can't say I haven't been in his situation before."

"Well this is news to me." Skystrike smirked. "Childhood crush on who?" She hid her face with her wings. "Oh come on, you can't bring that up and not elaborate."

"Don't tell me it was that boy band you always talked about. What was it called? The Other Direction?" Rainbow chuckled.

Skystrike looked at her. "...You know, I see it."

"Oh come on, like yours was any better, Rainbow!" Fluttershy shot the pegasus a look. "The Poneisher? Really?"

Skystrike snirked, then tried to hide it with a cough. Rainbow Dash grew red in the face. "Hey, wrestling is cool!" Skystrike was about to respond, but then began laughing again. "Buck you!"

He regained his composure. "Sorry, sorry, it's just... I wasn't expecting it."

"Well, what were you expecting." Then Rainbow grinned. "Better yet, who was yours?"

"Oh, easy, it's..." Skystrike paused. Then he stared at the wall. "You know, I was about to say it, but I would not hear the end of it."

"Skystrike..." Fluttershy smirked. "You cant bring that up and not elaborate."

"You mother fucker." Skystrike chuckled. "Fine, you want to know the truth!?" They nodded with shit eating grins on their faces. He leaned in and put his hands on the table. "Posey Shy."

"FLUTTERSHY'S MOM!?" Rainbow Dash shouted in surprise as Fluttershy had the thousand yard stare on her face. Skystrike nodded as Rainbow fell out of her chair, laughing hard.

"...Are you serious?" Fluttershy asked, astounded.

"I knew you couldn't handle the truth, Fluttershy. Sorry to tell you, but your mom has got it going on." Skystrike smirked. "Rainbow and I did a really good job of hiding it from you, but half the boys in our class had the hots for her."

Rainbow was wheezing as she held her stomach. "It... it hurts!"

"You mother bucker!" Fluttershy held her face in her hooves. "She's married!"

"Just because there's a goalie... doesn't mean you can't score!" Skystrike laughed at the distraught on her face.

"Skystrike..." Fluttershy banged her head into the table. "Celestia damn it..."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, all the girls in class had it out for Dash's dad, Bow Hothoof."

Rainbow Dash instantly stopped laughing and pushed herself off the ground. "...What." She looked to Skystrike's chuckling face, and to Fluttershy, who was avoiding her gaze. "You ass wipe!"

"Also, Windy whistles was personally 2nd." Skystrike admitted. Fluttershy began giggling at that.

Rainbow Dash flew up in his face. "I want to punch you so bad right now!"

"Not my fault your parents are hot. But I will also say it's probably because it's hard for me to tell the ages of ponies."

"You know, I should've expected you liked older mares, after what Pinkie said you did in Canterlot. Did you seriously hit on her mom?" Rainbow sat back in her chair.

"Well... not exactly? She was trying to set me up with her daughters and in my vast intellect, I said something along the lines of if they looked like her, It wouldn't be a bad idea. It's like a return on investment." Skystrike chuckled. "And to be fair, if you saw this lady, you'd get it."

"I cannot believe you." Fluttershy sighed.

"Well, the gesture extends to you two."

They blinked, then looked between each other. "I... Thanks???" They both said.

"You're welcome." Skystrike laughed before finishing his cup of tea. Then he looked to Rainbow Dash. "So... you gonna drink the tea?"

"Oh." Rainbow looked at her cup with mixed feelings. "I... don't like tea."

Skystrike stared at her. "Well, have you tried tea? Let alone the one in front of you?"

"Well... when I was younger." She admitted. "Haven't had any in years."

Skystrike looked at her, then to Fluttershy, then back to Rainbow Dash. "You're a grown ass mare, Rainbow. Drink the god damn tea."

Fluttershy giggled at his response. Rainbow sighed and picked up the tea cup. Hesitantly sniffing it and taking a small sip. "Oh hey, this is pretty good."

"I know right?" Skystrike poured himself and Fluttershy another cup. "Also, Fluttershy, how's Naga doing? Hopefully she hasn't gotten into anything?"

"Oh, she's been fine. She's been coming by my cottage every once in a while to show she's ok. She's actually really smart." Fluttershy took a sip from her cup. "After the chickens escaped, and we dealt with the cockatrice, she made sure to drive it back to the deeper part of the forest. In hindsight, I should've realized that something that can manipulate stone is immune to petrification."

"Actually, Skystrike, where's the others? I figured I'd have seen them by now." Rainbow asked.

"Tethys is hanging out with a friend in Daimondia for a day, and Stardust and Zecora are either napping or reading books together." Skystrike sipped his tea. "I was flying the ship until I stopped to look at my map and you two stopped by. Though I should probably get back to it... Actually, I need to check the surroundings first. Feel like coming?"

"Sure." The two said as they all got up.

After a short walk to the deck of the Wind Waker, Skystrike looked around. Litterbox Ridge was long in the distance, Just at the horizon. The Henry planes laid below him, and he could see some sort of settlement in the distance. There was also a rather large river below, flowing through the planes, and splitting off into three separate rivers.

"Woah!" Rainbow began flying around. "The air here feels so... different! It's so cool and crisp! And salty?"

Skystrike began stretching. "Yeah, we're in the southern hemisphere right now. Also nearing the sea. The path is set to Hippogriffia."

Fluttershy propped herself over the railing and looked down. "Uh, Skystrike? I think somepony-, well, some...cat? Is looking at us."

Skystrike walked over to her and leaned on the railing as well. He squinted and looked down at the being below them. There were several cat-like beings looking up at him. From this distance, he could barely tell what type of cat they were, but from their silhouettes, they were holding things, so they were at least smart enough to make or use tools. "Well would you look at that, we do."

Rainbow Dash looked over the edge as well. "Huh, you know, besides Gilda, and your friends, I haven't met any other race... Think they're friendly?"

"I don't want to take any chances with you here." Skystrike shook his head. "Tell you what, I'll check them out. If anything of interest happens, I'll call you down." The two nodded before Skystrike jumped off the ship.

He let himself free fall for a bit before focusing magic into his feet, creating a wind current accelerating him upwards. He slowly fell down to the ground and landed on his feet. He got a good look at the bipedal cats in front of him. He wasn't a furry... but these cats were impressive. They were lions. It made sense, since they lived in this savannah, but Skystrike was more focused on their statures. Each one was built, more than him, and he considered himself pretty toned. They all were around his height, most being a few inches smaller. Looking at them more closely, each was female, their bits covered by leather and holding weaponry that ranged from spears to clubs.

Skystrike stood a few yards away. "Uh, hello there." He waved. "I noticed you all looking up at my ship. Care for a chat?"

The lead lioness stepped forward. Her beige fur seemed to shine in the sun and her teal eyes him curiously. She tightened her grip around her spear. The Abyssinian got down on one knee and bowed. The rest behind her did the same as she spoke. "We greet the silver one!"

'What' Skystrike thought to himself. "I'm... confused by what you mean by 'silver one'."

The lioness kept her head down. "You were stated in our stories, passed down through the generations by the prophets. A silvered haired warrior would come from the sky in the time of our greatest need. Please, we beg of you, silver one, give us your aid!"

Skystrike looked at them. Their prophets knew of his coming, or at least someone that had silver hair like his. He was hoping that this wouldn't become some religious thing, but it'd go against his principles to leave without hearing them out at least. "...Very well. While I don't make any promises of fixing your issues, I will at least hear you out. What should I call you, miss?"

"Nala."

'God fucking damn it.' Skystrike thought to himself. But that begs the question... "Do you have a husband named Simba?"

"The tales spoke of your vast knowledge. Though to specify, Simba is my cousin!"

Skystrike blinked. He was done. "Alright, Nala. You can stand. What is the problem you're dealing with."

The lioness stood up, being a few inches taller than him. "Thank you, silver one." Then she began explaining. " A few months ago, a beast took refuge within our hunting grounds. The beast has began slaughtering our prey, leaving us with the few stragglers... It's not enough to feed the pride anymore. In a few more months, we'll no longer be able to survive."

Skystrike tapped a foot in thought. "And what is your primary food source?"

"The normal days harvest is fish, though on occasion, the gazelles if we can catch them."

"So this creature is at a river or lake, I assume?" She nodded. Skystrike continued. "If you don't mind me asking, how many of you are there, and what's the food situation?"

Nala looked away, a mix of embarrassment and pain on her face. "The five of us before you are the only ones we could spare to hunt. The rest of the able bodied lions are defending the ones who have sustained injuries from fighting the beast."

Skystrike huffed. "I'm sorry you all had to go through so much pain. Lead me back to your village. I can at least give you some food to last a few days."

"Thank you, Silver one." She smiled at him. "Though our pride is a ways away."

"No problem. Stay here for a minute, I can handle the transportation." Skystrike jumped up and used wind to push himself the rest of the way up. He landed on the ship and began jogging to the bridge.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew behind him. The latter spoke first. "Skystrike? What's happening?"

Skystrike sat down in his seat and began lowering the ship to the ground. "You two might have to go a bit earlier than expected. Surprise mission. Right now, I'm going to get the lions on the ship and get them back to their pride. Once there, I'm going to figure out more about the creature that's causing a food shortage. The more interesting bit is that I was prophesized to come, and I kinda want to see how things play out."

"Wait, why do you think we may have to go early?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, I'm not sure how these lions would be towards you ponies." Skystrike admitted. "Back in my world, lions actually ate Zebras, and you aren't too far off from them, being ponies. But then again, we're still in Zebrafrica, so the cats probably do trade with Zebras..." He began thinking.

Fluttershy looked up at hm. "Why don't you ask Zecora? Wouldn't she know?"

Skystrike looked at her. "You know, you're really smart, thank you Fluttershy." Then he pressed a button to his side, sending a ringing sound through the ship. Soon enough, Stardust and Zecora was in front of them. "Quick rundown, I met with lion Abyssinians, they prophesized my arrival, and now I'm helping with their food shortage. Zecora, what's the relationship between your home country and the Abyssinians?"

Zecora looked at him. "Our bond with them is sometimes strained. For now, it is neutral, a peace maintained."

"Welp, you heard the lady." Skystrike landed the ship. "Fluttershy, Rainbow, you two are welcome to hang around. Shit will probably go down... Though now that I think about it, Fluttershy, you might come in handy. Their food shortage is being caused by some creature cutting them off from their hunting grounds." Then he looked at the pastel mare. "Only if you're comfortable, of course?"

"Uh, well... if I can help out, I don't see why not..."

Rainbow flew up and elbowed Skystrike. "Well, if her way doesn't work out, maybe you can take out some massive monster this time without getting hurt."

Stardust smirked. "And without him saving you."

"It was one time!" Rainbow stammered.

The ride was short, yet not uneventful. Seeing the Abyssinians hold on for dear life to the railings while they went into the sky was amusing, but it was even more amusing seeing their eyes light up in wonder as they soared through the sky. The lionesses pointed toward their camp. Skystrike stepped of the ship with Nala and her group to see several tipis.

Stardust was on the ship still with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, leaving Zecora with him. She was the most familiar with the area, aside from the residents of course. Skystrike's first priority was to see how bad the food shortage and injuries were. "Nala, which do you think is more of a concern, the injured or the food?"

Nala looked at him and rubbed her chin in thought. "It is hard to say. With the majority of us not able to defend ourselves, the neighboring prides could take us out if they willed it... But then again, I doubt we're the only one with this food problem."

Zecora looked up to Nala. "And what of your morale, strong and true? Can you keep going, see this through?"

Nala looked to the zebra and sighed. "It'll be hard, I will not lie to you."

Skystrike looked at the residents. Despite each being toned, one could tell they were slim. Even Skystrike, who hasn't seen a cat before today. Add to that, many of the multicolored Abyssinians outside their tipis had splints on their limbs, and shallow wounds filed with some natural salve. He could hear the grumbling of their stomachs, and the groans from those inside who likely had more grievous wounds. "...Zecora, get Stardust, Fluttershy, and Rainbow. Get ten of the pistol shrimp from cold storage, and cook them in a soup using the instructions on the kitchen note board. I'm going to get more information." Zecora nodded and went back to the ship. Skystrike looked at Nala. "Can you take me to your prophet?"

Nala shook her head. "Apologies. The prophets are lone wanderers, not part of any pride, but welcome in each, as they are said to bring good fortune. It has been years since a prophet has came."

Skystrike sighed. "Alright... then what can you tell me about the prophet that came here, and the origin of this prophecy?"

"Not much." Nala had to admit. "Each prophet takes a vow of silence, only speaking when a pride is in danger, or for peace talks between prides. When they arrive, they are simply listeners, listening to the stories of each lion in the pride they visit. How they prophesize these moments, like your arrival, is unknown to us."

"Hmm..." Skystrike thought about her words. Summed up, the only way for him do know was to ask a prophet. "Guess that's the most I'll get. Can you bring me to anyone who fought the creature directly?"

A lion to his left stood up. He shook out his brown mane before standing at his full height, being an inch or two taller than Skystrike. His paws were also much larger than the lioness' next to him, and he was much more muscular. The lion scratched at the splint around his right arm. "The name's Alex. I saw that monster first paw."

'From fucking Madagascar??' He shook the thought out of his head. "And what did you see?"

Alex shuddered at the memory. "It kept its body underground for most of the battle. We weren't prepared for something like that! It was was like a serpent the size of a pond... with arms! The head alone was dwarfed me! I've never seen anything like it before!"

Skystrike looked at him. Nala leaned down. "Alex was never much of a warrior. He's more interested in dancing."

'Of course he is.' Skystrike huffed. "Thanks, Alex. That description was... informative."

Alex shot the human finger guns. "No problem, silver one!" And then sat back down in his spot.

Skystrike turned back to Nala. "And what about the leader of your pride?"

Nala winced. "He... My father passed in the battle against the beast."

It was Skystrike's turn to wince. "I'm sorry."

The two walked around for a bit more as Skystrike asked more about the whole situation. Apparently, Alex had the most descriptive recollection of the beast, as most of the others were blitzed by the monster. There's some good to staying in the back lines, Skystrike supposed. He looked back to his ship to Zecora, Stardust, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, each pushing a large pot of soup down the cargo ramp and setting up tables. Skystrike went and began helping set up with them. Soon, they were handing out the soup to each Abyssinian.

It made him feel better as the men, women, and children were in better spirits. Skystrike made sure to give extra bowls to the lions who's family couldn't leave the tipis. "Zecora, is there anything you can do for the more seriously wounded?"

The zebra shook her head. "I could only ease the pain a bit. Though I can heal, I can't help all who sit." Then she looked up at him. "I know you’re giving it all you’ve got, but you can’t save everyone, like it or not. Just do what you can, give it your best, as sometimes that’s all that we can confess."

Skystrike looked down at her. "...You know, I don't like that you're right, but I thank you for trying to ease my nerves." Skystrike patted her on the back. "Nala!" He called out to the lioness.

The lioness looked over to him, her mouth full of a piece of shrimp. "Mmhm?"

Skystrike and Zecora looked at her. "...You enjoying that?"

"Mmhm!"

Skystrike and Zecora chuckled at the sight. Then he stood up. "Finish your food, then get whoever you need ready to depart. I'll deal with the creature. Zecora, Stardust, Fluttershy, Rainbow, any of you want to come with?"

"Buck yeah, I wanna come!" Rainbow Dash flew into the air. "Maybe this time I can see you do something cool!"

"Um... if I can convince this creature to leave on its own, maybe you don't have to fight it?" Fluttershy said.

"I'm going to stay here and clean up. Besides, somepony needs to watch the ship." Stardust rolled her neck. "Plus, Tethys should be back soon."

Zecora brushed some dust out of her mane. "I'll stay behind as well, it's true. I've many potions I need to brew."

Skystrike stood up and stretched his arms out. "Sounds like a plan. I'll meet you all out here in a few minutes."

He didn't need much to get ready, putting on his armor and doing warm up stretches. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy decided to join him for the stretches. "Hey Skystrike." Rainbow started. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Go for it."

"Does... well, Stardust obviously knows you're a human, but you're also laying low from Celestia. She doesn't... you know, say anything about it?"

"Oh." Skystrike blinked. They don't know that Stardust is actually a changeling. "Well... lets just say there's stuff that Stardust hides too. I know you two don't know her too well, but gain her trust, and she'll share."

Fluttershy looked at him. "Well, that makes me wonder, how many of us have you told that you're... well, you?"

"Everyone on this ship, Pinkie Pie, I didn't really say, she just figured out some how." Skystrike twisted his waist. "I want to tell Applejack and Spike for sure. I trust them enough to keep a secret this big. More than likely Rarity as well, but I don't know her as well as the rest of you, which is something I want to work on when I get back."

Fluttershy noticed he didn't mention a certain unicorn. "And... what about Twilight?"

Skystrike looked at her. "You kidding? If I tell her, Celestia will find out immediately. I trust Twilight, sure, but I know that if I told her, she'd talk. In fact, I'd bet that she'd write a letter to Celestia in the form of it being a friendship lesson, and cementing your friends trust in you. My only saving grace is that what my kind did to Equestria was erased from history."

Rainbow was confused at that, as well as a bit upset. "Well... I get your reasoning I guess... But what about that wizard mare. What was her name? Casta? She's the court magician right?"

"Yeah, but I knew her before she was court magician, and our trust for one another is on a different level between yours and mine, for example. And I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean that in a 'we've killed for each other' way." He explained. "And she's in much much deeper then even I probably know about with this whole human thing."

"Goodness." Fluttershy held up a hoof to her mouth. "What did humans do to be erased from history? Who erased your kind from history?"

Skystrike winced and crossed his arms. "I'm... not sure I should tell you that, because so far, only me, Casta, and the princesses know... But I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't tell you after saying I trust you two enough with my humanity..." He thought about it for a while. "Fuck it, a thousand years ago, before even Luna's banishment, my race wanted to occupy Equestria. They failed when they lost a war against the ponies and were forced back to my home dimension. From there, if you remember the whole story of my origin and what I was raised to do, you can see why Celestia isn't fond of me."

Fluttershy made a face, thinking hard on what he said. "Oh... Shit."

Skystrike chuckled. "First I've heard you curse."

Rainbow blinked. "...I need one of you to explain."

"I was made to be a sort of sleeper agent, Rainbow Dash." Skystrike said bluntly. "With all my magic and combat capabilities, it's safe to assume I was made to... deal with Celestia. On the up side, I don't think my race knew Luna was coming back."

"Oh..." Rainbow blinked again. "...Shit. Well... you wont, right?"

"Of course not." Skystrike waved a hand. "To many things I like in this world to not want to fight for it... At the same time, I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel like saying 'fuck it' at times." He admitted. "But those were more intrusive thoughts than anything."

Rainbow huffed. "Can't blame you after what you said about that Blueblood guy..."

Fluttershy gave her wings a practice flap. "Well... is there anything we can do to make your reveal... easier?"

Skystrike stood in thought for a moment. "Uh... thinking on it, there's not much you can do... The main thing that it hinges on is you know, Celestia believing that Skystrike and 34 are one in the same. That'll be hard to do, given my entrance to this world, and how Skystrike 'died'. If I was her, I'd wonder if 34 just took on his identity after Skystrike died."

"Wait..." Fluttershy said. "If that's what she could think, cant you just... prove you're you the same way you did to us? Just bringing up things you knew as a colt?"

Skystrike began walking, motioning them to follow. "You'd think, right? But her understandable distrust of me would find some reasoning to not believe me. It's doable to gain her trust as the current me, but it's one hell of an uphill battle."

"Hell?" Rainbow flew at his side.

"My race's equivalent of Tartarus." Skystrike stepped off the ship. "But I wouldn't worry your heads over it. I'm working it out, and I think it's going pretty well." Then he looked around, seeing the lioness he was looking for. "Nala! You ready!?"

Nala quickly ran over, spear in hand and a bow on her back. "Yes!" She stood up straight. "Apologies, Silver one, I am the only one who's... willing to escort you."

Skystrike put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. I don't blame any of them."

"...I thank you, silver one." She bowed before standing back up. "Come, I will show you where the beast resides."

The four began walking. The silence was palpable. The only sound that was heard were their steps and the wind. Rainbow's eyes wandered in her boredom. Then she noticed something. "...Damn."

"What?" Skystrike asked.

She flew up to whisper to him. "I'm not gay, but Nala has a nice ass."

Skystrike groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Thank you!" Nala turned around, her hearing obviously much better than what Rainbow Dash thought.

"Rainbow, why you gotta be weird?" Skystrike threw his hands up.

"Oh come on!" Rainbow crossed her hooves. "I cant compliment a girl on a good physique?"

"Oh, no, you can. I just think there's a difference in saying 'Wow, that's an impressive build, you must have put in a lot of effort!' and 'Damn, her ass is nice.'"

Nala laughed. "It's quite alright, silver one. Your rainbow friend is amusing. It also works as a perfect segway into your... payment."

Skystrike blinked. "...I don't like what you're implying." Both he and Fluttershy said, making Rainbow Dash laugh hysterically.

Nala rubbed the back of her head as she kept walking. "Well... It's not like we have much to offer as thanks."

He inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "I'm sorry, I'm getting heated. "Nala, while you are pretty, I do not want payment in sexual favors. You don't have to pay me anything, you all living is more than enough. I'm helping you because of my own set of principles. Let us move on to another topic of conversation."

Nala nodded. "I... Thank you for your kindness, silver one, however, my pride as a lion wont let this debt go unpaid."

Skystrike inwardly groaned. Now he had to think of something. "...You got any fruits or veggies?"

"If it's something as simple as that, I can have everyone able quickly gather some."

"Fuck yeah." Skystrike pumped a fist.

Nala chuckled. "...You're a strange one."

Fluttershy spoke up. "Uh... Nala, I had a question if you don't mind..." Nala nodded. "Are there... others of your kind? Ones that are not lions, I mean."

Nala nodded. "Yes. Abyssinians is the collective term for our kind. We lions stay mostly within our prides, going to the capital for trade or conferences. The northern jungles are the homes to the black panthers, jaguars, and tigers, while the south is home to the cougars, bobcats, and leopards. The east is where we are, home to us lions, the cheetahs, caracals, and servals. And to the north east, in the mountains, there's the pumas, ocelots, mountain lions, and saber tooths."

"Oh my, that's quite a lot. Hopefully you're all able to get along."

She shrugged. "Territory disputes at times, but we get by. We just make sure to stay in our areas... Once the panthers and jaguars tried to settle in the mountains, and the saber tooths gave them a reason to leave."

Skystrike hummed. "Well, hopefully you all can get along better. Would hate to see a culture go kaput because one side got angry."

The small talk continued for a while before Nala put her spear out to stop them. "We're here... Can you feel it?"

Skystrike felt the dirt below him rumble slightly. "Yes... It's like something is moving in it..."

"It's why we had a hard time dealing with it. Despite its size, it's nimble, digging into the ground below us. Any strike we did land wasn't enough, it's scales are thick..." Nala took a worried step back.

Skystrike pushed Nala behind him. "I'll take it from here. Rainbow Dash, Nala, keep walking backwards. Fluttershy, stay with me. Maybe you can work your magic..." They all nodded and did as told, Fluttershy taking careful steps next to the human as the rumbling grew stronger. Skystrike saw the dirt in his peripheral vision shift. Whatever it was, it was circling them, studying them. "Alright, it definitely should be able to hear us. Do your thing, Shy."

Fluttershy was still a bit scared. But she took in a deep breath. If she was able to deal with that dragon, this should be a breeze. "Um... Mister creature? If you could... come out so we can see you? I just want to talk?"

The rumbling stopped, then started once more, coming straight towards them. Skystrike put out an arm to protect his friend as the ground in front of them broke. A massive snout pushed the dirt aside and a serpents head rose from the hole. It was green with yellow scales around the jaw, and two large fangs the size of the human poking downward from its mouth. Several large spines began at the ridges between the piercing yellow eyes and ran down its head, the space in between the spines filled with red fins. The beast pulled a green arm out of the ground and pulled its upper body out. Alex wasn't lying.

He felt like Zecora told him about this creature before. It was native to her homeland, Zebrafica, and they were still in the continent. Maybe its habitat was much larger than she thought, maybe it ran here for some reason, but that doesn't matter. All he knew for sure was what it was. "A Grootslang..."

Fluttershy shrunk a bit at the sight of the creature, even letting out a small "Eep!" as it blew hot air out of its nostrils. She noticed that Skystrike didn't look back at her, keeping his eyes on the Grootslang. His back seemed so reliable from her perspective. With another breath to calm herself, she began to speak. "Uhm... Mr. Grootslang... You're affecting the lives of the cat folk here. You're stopping them from getting to their hunting grounds. If y-you could... um, maybe move? I'm sure that we can work something out, right?"

The Grootslang responded by roaring in their faces and bringing a webbed claw down on them. Skystrike quickly grabbed Fluttershy and jumped backwards. Dodging the attack and once a safe distance away, he set the mare down next to Nala and Rainbow Dash. He sighed and rolled a shoulder. "Sorry, Fluttershy. But you at least gave this thing a chance." He saw the pain in her eyes, knowing what was coming. "...I'll make it quick."

He said that, but he wasn't entirely sure how he'd make it quick. The head alone was several times his size, and the body several times that. Skystrike began walking back to the Grootslang. It hid under the ground and began to circle him. Skystrike could uproot the beast, but any hint of an uphill battle for the Grootslang would make it turn tail. Instead, he decided to wait for a moment to strike.

With his metal arm, he turned the forearm into a rifle and began charging magic. He focused all of it into one, piecing shot. His arm began to hum from the build up of arcane energy. It was close now, the circle the Grootslang was making around him was getting smaller and smaller. The rumbling stopped behind him. Skystrike stood still as the air grew silent.

In one swift motion, the Grootslang jumped out of the ground and into Skystrike's blind spot, hoping to catch him by surprise. Of course, Skystrike knew this plan of the beast, and still waited. The onlookers waited with baited breath as fangs began to come ever closer to the human's body. At the last possible moment, Skystrike drew one of the swords on his waist and stepped on the jaw of the beast, stabbing the blade into the roof of the Grootslang's gaping maw. With a quick cast of magic from his foot, a jagged stone edge shot up from the ground and into its jaw. His last motion would end it. With it's mouth stuck open, he had the perfect shot lined up. Aiming his arm into the flailing beast's throat, he fired. The sound made all their ears go back from the volume, echoing through the fields.

The flailing continued a bit longer before the body ran cold. Skystrike sighed and took out his sword, flicking the blood off in one swing, and sheathing it. Skystrike turned his arm back to normal as he turned to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Nala, who all hid different expressions.

Rainbow Dash flew up to him. "That was... SO. AWESOME!" She squeaked. "I get why you're a big shot now!"

Nala was more surprised, walking up to the body of the Grootslang and putting a paw on the side of its head. "Is it... really over? Just like that?" Skystrike looked at her. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, it was just so... anticlimactic."

Fluttershy sighed as she looked at the body, holding back tears at the loss of life. Skystrike walked over to her and crouched down to her level. He started to put out a hand to pet her on her back, but was taken aback by the hug she wrapped him in. "I-... Why didn't it just leave like the dragon? Why did it turn out like this?" She said through the falling tears.

Skystrike sighed. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I really am. Taking a life isn't an easy thing for me to do, but... sad to say, it's happens. One can be given everything to make the best decision, but the decision they make is up to them. Sadly, the Grootslang didn't make the best one for it." Fluttershy continued to cry into his arm for a few minutes before her tears slowed down. Skystrike picked her up. "Rainbow, you mind sticking with Fluttershy?"

Rainbow looked at her, pulling her off Skystrike and hugging the mare. "Of course, Sky. I got her."

"I know it's late for you two. Nala, get them back to my ship, please. Fluttershy, when you feel better, just check in with somepony back home." Skystrike turned back to the beast. This was part of the reason he didn't really want to bring Fluttershy or Rainbow. He didn't really like showing this part of him. His group only really saw this part of him, but those six back in Ponyville only heard the stories. Now those two actually have seen it. Fluttershy, he expected that reaction. Rainbow Dash, the wonder will wear off eventually, and she'll realize the life he took. He hoped they wouldn't see him too differently.

Nala turned away from the body of the Grootslang. "I will, silver one. But what about you?"

Skystrike stretched. "Someone has to drag this thing back."

'Damn, this thing is heavy.' Skystrike thought to himself as he kept dragging the Grootslang. The other three outpaced him long ago as the weight of the limb body slowed him down. He held the head on his back, lunging with each step as the length of the serpent dragged behind him. By the time he got back to Nala's pride, Zecora and Elytra were waiting for him. The two ran up to him.

Elytra slowed down, realizing he was fine. "Wow, they weren't kidding..."

"Is that a Grootslang I see right there? What’s it doing this far south, I swear?" Zecora's jaw dropped at the sight of it.

Skystrike dragged it a bit more before pushing it off himself and onto the ground, stretching. "I figured it was one. God, that thing was heavy."

Elytra already know what he was going to ask. "Those two went back to Ponyville... I can garner what happened with Fluttershy." She huffed. "She'll be fine, don't worry too much."

"Thanks, Elytra." Skystrike kept stretching.

The lions began gathering around at the body of the monster. The one that caused them so much pain and struggles, gone just like that. "The silver one saved us! Just like the prophet said!" One lion spoke. "We're saved!" Another cheered.

Nala approached the three with several baskets in her paws. "The fruits and vegetables you asked for. But please, if there's anything else we can give you, we'd gladly give it!"

Skystrike looked at her, then back at the hunt he came back with. "Well... I kinda want to have the head and some of the meat. You all will still get most of it, of course. I'm curious of how this thing tastes."

Elytra took the baskets with her magic as Nala nodded. "You're very generous, silver one. On the behalf of the pride, I thank you for help with the monster. Once everyone is in better health, we'll have a feast in your honor!"

"Better idea! We'll have a holiday!" Alex said. This fucking guy.

"I'll let you all decide that. I'm just glad that we could help." Skystrike said as he focused magic into his hand. A long pillar of water coalesced from the vapor within the air and around his hand. With a bit more focus, the water condensed into the form of a long blade. With a swift motion, Skystrike cut the Grootslang right above the arms, leaving the majority of the meat for the Abyssinians. He moved the water off his hand and surrounded the neck of the Grootslang, freezing both so the blood wouldn't spew everywhere. The fun part about magical ice was that it took much longer to melt. By the time he could drain his share of the blood, he should be over the ocean. "Make sure to take care of yourselves. Hopefully, if we see each other again, it'll be for pleasure."

Nala and the rest of the lions bowed. "Once again, we thank you. We'll share your tale throughout these lands."

Skystrike picked up the head, much lighter compared to the rest of the body, and walked it back to his ship, Elytra and Zecora behind him. While a part of him wished he could stay for a celebration, he was on a journey. With one more wave goodbye, he closed the cargo bay and went back to the bridge of the Wind Waker.

It only took a few moments for the ship to power on and take into the air. They were finally back on their journey. Skystrike sighed. "God, what a fucking day."

"Yeah..." Elytra scratched at her chitin. "We were there for quite a while. At least it's not too late, right?"

Skystrike looked at the time, his eyes widening. "We were there for six hours!?" Then he groaned. "I need a nap, but if I have a nap now, I won't sleep tonight."

Zecora looked out the window. "Well, there’s something I think you should know, a little detail before you go." She said with a bit of hesitance, knowing Skystrike was slightly annoyed. He looked at the Zebra. "That storm cloud looks like it's gaining speed. Is it chasing us? What’s its need?"

"Oh right..." He noticed it earlier in the direction of Diamondia. "How close is it?" The cracking of thunder told him it was right above them. "Fuckin'..." He clenched his fist as he got up. Side track after side track. He annoyedly walked to the deck of his ship, seeing a storm cloud covering the sky above him. Static electricity crackled within the cloud as he eyed it. From the looks, it seemed magical in nature. From the actions of it stopping on top of the ship, it had some sort of intelligence. Skystrike ignored how a cloud had some sort of conscience, and kept looking at it.

Lighting began to strike the deck around him. First to his left, then to his right. Finally, a flash of lightning landed in front of him, blinding him for a moment. By the time the white light faded from his eyes, he looked at the creature in front of him. It had the build of a falcon, though much, much larger. It was eye height with Skystrike, its lightning blue eyes gazing into his. It had lightning yellow feathers that sparked with weak electricity. Looking closer, it's tail feathers seemed to have a black arrow like pattern, and had three, long head feathers that had the same pattern. A black talon took a careful step forward, studying Skystrike as the Thunderbird got closer. A black beak got closer to his face as it sniffed him. No way it was her.

"...Aztec?" Skystrike asked as he put out a hand. The bird reeled back her head. "Oh, right, you wouldn't recognize me like this."

The Thunderbird began to speak. Her voice was low, yet soothing, as if it was seeing an old friend. "You know name... Smell... familiar..."

"You can talk!? Since when!?" Skystrike held his head in surprise.

"Recent. Speak to uncle. Teach me words. Tell me Daddy here." Her eyes stayed on him.

"Uncle? Daddy?" Skystrike asked.

"Titles. Uncle, dog, name Jeshan. Daddy, Pony... name Skystrike. Strange smell... your smell." Aztec looked at him. "Are you... daddy?"

His heart skipped a beat as she referred to him as her dad. "Didn't think you saw me like that, but it makes sense in hindsight. But to answer, yes, I am Skystrike."

She was still hesitant. "Prove me."

Skystrike wasn't entirely sure how he'd do that. Sure, he could change to his pony form, but Aztec also knew Elytra, so it wouldn't hold much weight. He stood in thought. "Well... I'm not sure if you remember, but I found you when you were about wee tall." He put his hand to his shin. "I thought you were just a sick falcon, but then you started growing electric feathers after a few weeks. And I gotta say, I was not expecting you to get this big... Then again, I didn't expect Naga to be that big either."

The thunderbird pushed her head into his chest, nearly knocking him over. "Daddy! Home!" She let out a happy screech.

His heart nearly melted as he fought the urge to scream from how cute that was. "Good to see you too, Aztec... I'm sorry for leaving like I did."

"It ok. Happy you back." She let him stroke her feathers.

Skystrike looked up to the cloud. "Hey, before we go inside, can you... get rid of the cloud? Or is that a Thunderbird thing?"

Aztec pulled her head off of him. "Cloud nest... Safe. Sad to destroy."

"Oh, then don't worry about it." Skystrike put a hand on her wing. "If you want, you can move anything you need inside. I asked because it's hard to see with the cloud in the way. Plus, the electricity within could affect the engines."

"Elec...tricity?" She tilted her head.

"The stuff in the cloud."

"Me call sparky." Then Aztec spread her wings. "I move cloud. Below sky boat ok?" Skystrike nodded. In response, Aztec spread her wings wide to take flight. She flew into the cloud as electricity sparked through the air. After a short rumble, the cloud moved to surround the ship, slowing to a stop under the turbine.

Skystrike knew that it was a temporary solution, but it'd do for now, especially since they'd be over the sea for a while. Aztec landed back on the deck of his ship and waddled over. "Thank you, Aztec. Now come on, there's some beings that would be happy to see you."

"No way, Aztec!?" Elytra's jaw dropped as Aztec entered the kitchen.

Aztec looked between the changeling and the zebra. "Aunties! Happy!"

Their hearts skipped a beat at their names. But then Elytra realized. "Wait, since when could you talk!?"

"That's what I asked!" Skystrike laughed as he put his apron on. "Hope you all aren't tired of shrimp... Also, it is kinda late. Can one of you check to see if Tethys left a note sometime soon? I'm surprised she isn't back yet."

Aztec looked at him. "Big Auntie here?"

Zecora chuckled. "Big Auntie? And what do you use to refer to me?"

Aztec gave a proud smile. "Rhyme Auntie!"

Skystrike and Elytra tried to hide a laugh. But now Skystrike was curious. "And what do you call Elytra?"

"Bug Auntie!"

Elytra lost it at that. So did Zecora. Skystrike face palmed though. He wondered if he should explain to her why it's not ok to call Changelings 'bugs', but that's a lot to put on someone. "...Aztec... honey, please think of another name for her."

Aztec scratched at her break with a talon. She chirped as she thought. "...Dark Auntie?"

Elytra laughed again at Skystrike's expression of second hand embarrassment. "Keep thinking."

Aztec looked at Elytra. "...Big... fangs Auntie?"

Skystrike had to give her props for the effort. Elytra patted the talon of the Thunderbird. "It's ok, you can call me Bug Auntie."

Aztec gave a happy screech before rubbing her head against the changeling. Dinner came quick, Skystrike making a plate of shrimp tempura and fried rice for himself, Elytra, and Zecora. He left a shrimp raw for Aztec, who picked at it eagerly. Skystrike was about to bite into the fried seafood before he noticed the gaze of an old friend. "...Yes, Aztec?"

"Food good. Want more." She pointed a talon at his shrimp. "Daddy food different. Look crunchy... Want."

"Aztec, this is my food. You're cute and all, but I am also hungry." Skystrike said as he went to cut into the shrimp. He made the mistake of looking at Aztec. Despite the entirety of her eyes being white, he could still see the pleading within. Now he started to hesitate on keeping his food. He sighed. Beginning to cut a piece. A satisfying crunch was heard as the knife went into the white flesh. A single tear fell from his unmoving face. Once he cut it all the way through, he threw the slice to Aztec. "...That's all I'm giving you."

"Thank you, Daddy!" Aztec caught it and pecked at it.

Skystrike wiped away his tears as he finally got into his food. It was so sweet, and the fried crust gave a good compliment of salty. It was only then he realized. "...I forgot to make a dipping sauce." He said as he finished his shrimp. "...I also realized I don't have the stuff to make the sauce even if I wanted to... I'm sad now." Then he continued to think. "...If I care enough, I'll figure out how to get it." Then he stood up, stretching with a yawn. "Anyone need anything before I turn in for the night?"

They all gave their own versions of no before going back to their food. Skystrike put his plate and utensils in the sink before going to the cargo bay. He had two things to check on. First was to see if Tethys was back. Looking at the rug that Casta gave him, he noticed a piece of paper on it. Picking it up, he noticed how hastily written it was. Definitely Tethys' hand writing. He gave it a read.

Whichever one of you is reading this, I'm spending the night with Lanka and her friends. We're having a sleep over. I don't know what happens at these, but they're talking about makeovers and 'girl talk' and I'm confused. I'll be back sometime tomorrow, I said I'd help Lanka pack up. She said that her clan is still in the same place that I remember. She also said something about Skystrike having a friend in Griffonstone, so I told her he meant Alder. She said the name sounds familiar. Might have her stop by quickly tomorrow to see him. Plus, he has an airship too, so trade should be easier.

Also, writing is hard, this is my fourth attempt at writing this without spelling mistakes. I need to practice this more. By the dragon lord, I hope Skystrike doesn't read this because he'll have me learn math or something too. Anyway, see you all tomorrow, have a good night.

Skystrike smiled at the letter. He was glad Tethys was having a good time. But he was a bit surprised at Alder maybe knowing Lanka. This world was several times the size of his home world, but he supposed the phrase 'small world' still applied.

The next thing he had to check on was Echo. It was the second day, so he was either done, or would be done tomorrow. He pushed aside a box to see the body Echo was still acclimating to. The synthetic muscles seemed to pulse ever so slightly as magical lines flowed slowly down each muscle fiber. From the looks of it, Skystrike guessed that all Echo had left to do was calibrate the body correctly. The limbs twitched ever so slightly, while the holographic eyes showed a blue screen. Skystrike moved the box back and turned to go to his room.

To his surprise, Aztec was already there, standing on the foot of his bed. She had her down feathers fluffed out and her head turned into her back, snoring slightly. He was careful not to wake her up as Skystrike took off his clothes and climbed into his bed. He grabbed a book and began to read himself to sleep. But somepony had other plans for him.

He felt a familiar presence enter his mind. "Skystrike?" Nightmare Moon called out to him.

Skystrike looked up from his book. "Ah, Nightmare. Been a bit. How's it going?" He thought back to her.

He felt her hesitate. "I... know this is a lot to ask, but... do you have a moment?" She seemed frantic.

"Of course. Go ahead." Skystrike put his book down.

"I've... been having those talks with Luna like you said we should a while ago... Our most recent one didn't go well... And I think it was my fault."

Skystrike put his hands behind his head. "Well, give me the run down."

"It... was Luna's idea. She... asked me very hard questions. And she nearly begged me to be honest with her. And I did. That was my mistake." She sighed. "At first, they weren't too bad in comparison. She asked why I think we resented the ponies before our banishment. If it was right for us to punish the ponies, no, the world for something that happened a thousand years ago... If our justification was really one."

"Yeesh, those are hard ones. What did you say?"

"I.. would be lying if I said I didn't resent the ponies of that time. Thus, neither would Luna. Neither of us liked my answer." Skystrike could hear the pain in her voice. "I knew it wasn't right to punish these ponies... but... I felt righteous. After the world abandoned us, why should we go quietly?"

"And the questions got harder from there."

Nightmare hummed in affirmation."Was there another reason I tried to bring about eternal night, other than my... jealousy? Why did Luna give in to my words? Why didn't Celestia give in? Surely she had the same thoughts... He felt his mind grow heavy. "But the worst one... She... Luna asked if I enjoyed it... The power I had- no, the power I still have that overpowered our sister, Celestia."

Skystrike knew where this was going. "...And you said yes."

Nightmare shook her head. "Worse... I said I still do." Skystrike's eyes widened at that. "I don't know if it was because I was born from her hatred, or if it's because I am Luna, but... the fact remains that I enjoy the power I have. I still think back to my battle with Celestia... The skies darkening with my arrival, her running to try and gain distance from my attacks... the pain in her eyes as she banished me... as she banished us." She said it like she was sick. "I... liked seeing my sister in pain like that. I keep thinking that she deserved it, that Celestia bought it onto herself... Luna was disgusted by me... and I am to."

"Well... that is certainly a lot to take in. I see why your head is all muddy." Skystrike laid in thought for a while. "Honestly, I... don't know what to say."

"Well... when you told me of your thoughts that you hold back, I just... hoped you'd have something that could make me feel better."

"Well sure, I have the thoughts. I know I will never truly be able to get rid of them. I just... try to grow past it, each day I keep living. After all, it's not the thoughts we have that make us, but the thoughts that we act upon. I'm sure you've thought about taking over my body. I wouldn't be surprised if you could in the first place."

"And I hate I have those thoughts in the first place." Nightmare sighed.

Skystrike chuckled. "Sorry, don't mean to make light of your struggles, it's just... it sounds like you're just having intrusive thoughts... Well, they're intrusive now. You acted on them a thousand years ago."

Nightmare winced. "And I regret every moment of it... And I hate to think of what I'd be if I won on my return."

"Again, intrusive thoughts." Skystrike shrugged. "Everyone has those. Earlier today, I was talking with some minotaurs and I wondered if I slaughtered them and cooked them, if they'd taste the same as a cow. Then I realized I never ate a cow, so I'd need to kill one of them for comparison. It was a fucked up thought, and immediately after, I asked myself why I thought that. It happens."

"Oh." Nightmare blinked. "That... actually makes me feel slightly better. I mean, I still feel like shit, but... thanks?"

"No problem I guess. I wish this conversation ended on a better note though." Skystrike chuckled again.

"Well... I have time if you just want to talk. Maybe you can make a dream for us to go through?" Nightmare threw out a thought. "Just... want to get my mind off things before I talk with Luna again."

Skystrike closed his eyes and began to drift asleep. "Sure. Let's see what we can get into."

Author's Note

I want to do more with Aztec. I hinted at her way earlier in the story.

For those who didn't read my blog, I'm working on rewriting the rest of my starting chapters, the ones that followed the show nearly one to one. As of writing this before proof reading, I finished Bridle Gossip and working on Winter wrap up, so I have that to Fall Weather Friends to go through. When they do drop, I recommend reading over them, as several parts of the story will have changed, mainly how Skystrike has interacted with Ponyville and the main 6, as well as touching on Skystrike's past in a more natural way.

Basically, everything is going to be written by a now competent me. Or at least I like to think so.

As for where this is going, I plan on the group all arriving in Hippogriffia in the later half of the next chapter as long as I stay on track,

Once again, thank you for reading and sticking with me this far. See you next chapter.

Snapshot in Time

It was morning now. Despite that, Nightmare Moon hasn't left Skystrike's mind. They spent a while talking about their intrusive thoughts. The feeling of wanting to destroy. After all, they were both born from it. Well, not so much, Skystrike. Made would be a better word. But that was a thought for later. Right now, Skystrike was awake, petting the new companion that would be traveling with them for at least the next while. His eyes were cat-like as Nightmare watched through them.

She stared at the electric feathers taking up half the bed. Aztec moved from perching at the end of the bedframe to sprawling across the bed itself. Skystrike stopped scratching the back of her neck, only for Aztec to whine and push her head into his hand. "Daddy..."

Skystrike chuckled as he continued to pet her. "Alright, alright... But I have to get up soon to make breakfast. And you need to make sure to use the bathroom. I don't want to clean up that stuff."

Aztec pushed her head further into the petting. Nightmare continued to stare. "Do... Do you just collect elemental pets on purpose?"

"No actually." Skystrike thought. "No idea how, but random chance I got Aztec and Naga." Then he chuckled at a memory. "This one, I actually thought was some sick chicken or something. She bit the hell out of me when I first picked her up."

"Hmmm..." Nightmare thought. "Luna and I used to wish for a pet... But our lifespan was a harsh reminder that it wasn't meant to be."

"...Huh."

"What?"

"Nothing... I just figured that you and Celestia would be used to loss, I guess." Then he realized. "Sorry, that was a fucked up thing for me to say. Think."

"It's... fine." He felt the disappointment in her voice. "That line of thinking was within all of our-... Celestia's and Luna's subjects. But our long lifespans doesn't make the pain of loss any easier." Nightmare began to reminisce. "I've had friends, family... even a lover for a time. But my sister and I were the only ones to ascend, and the grip of time wrung the life out of those we held close. Our sister and I began to close off ourselves to relationships after that. Losing family was already unbearable... We could not imagine the pain of losing a son or daughter. At least Celestia got a phoenix during our absence."

"Oh shit." Skystrike said aloud, albeit under his breath. "Well now I feel even worse about Celestia..."

"Oh... sorry." He could feel Nightmare wince.

"No, no. I bought that on myself... Time I face the music." Skystrike sighed. "But I appreciate this. Really. If I'm being honest, I did think about trying to extend my lifespan after finding out about my depleting one... I talked myself out of it, but it's a bit... calming, surprisingly. Plus, it makes you all more relatable."

Nightmare chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment. And admittedly, it is nice, not being in the publics eye, even like this. As an alicorn, ponies expect perfection from you. You must be faultless. It was... a driving factor for my existence." They stayed silent for a while. "...Skystrike, can I ask you something? And I need you to be honest."

"Of course."

"If I won... back during my return... Do you think it would've been worth it? For anypony?"

Skystrike thought hard on that. "I... Well, there's several ways to look at things. If you won, took over Equestria as the new Monarch, I'm willing to bet for the average pony, nothing would have really changed, save for the distain of you. If I was alive, I'd probably still try and resist, as would many ponies. And from there, as you sat upon the stolen throne, at some point, you'd have to think to yourself and realize that while you won, you didn't want that... After all, at least from the little you and Luna shared, you wanted ponies to look at you like they did your sister. That couldn't happen with a hostile take over. They'd look at you the same. And from there, you'd have to decide if you wanted to relinquish the throne back to Celestia, or keep playing the role. And that's not even beginning to touch on the other countries who'd wonder what happened to the sun."

"You've... thought a lot about this." Nightmare said. "But in the end, I think you're right. That wasn't what I wanted. I wanted the ponies to love me... and yet I came back, and the fear in their eyes still haunt me."

"But..." He got her attention again. "Despite all of that, I don't think I'd have given up on you, Nightmare. It's a bad habit of mine. Hoping that you'd still change for the better. Sure, you did a bad thing, but I don't think you're inherently a bad pony."

Nightmare's voice wavered. "Can-... you really say that? Knowing what I was planning to do?"

Skystrike nodded. "I can. Because with that short talk before we fought that night, there was some sense of humanity in you, as well as your regret. Plus, you gotta be a pretty bad being for me to not give you a chance at redemption."

"I mean... I appreciate it. Truly, I do. It's just..." She paused, trying to find the words. "Your moral compass seems somewhat inconsistent. You gave me a chance, yet you left Magelight to burn. You also let Wattle die, but let Magnus live, and to be honest... I think I'm worse than those three."

"A fair criticism. Then let me explain." Skystrike rolled his neck. "You, while wanting to take over Equestria, still cared enough for the ponies within to not die. Magelight betrayed the trust of his fellow pony, and sold several. He wasn't able to escape because I was there. On top of that, he hit a lot more personal because he tried to sell my fucking sister, as well as me being a victim of similar circumstances... But despite that, I would've killed him anyway, because the ponies he affected wanted it." The human grit his teeth. "Wattle was a favor for a friend. Alder knew of his sins better than me, so I allowed him to deliver his judgement. Sure, I could've stopped Alder, but from what I learned, I didn't think it was right for me to do so. Magnus, despite the pain he's bought upon me and my friends, still has some use. After all, he'd had some connection with my brethren. If they don't need him anymore, then once Celestia and Luna are done with Hydra, he's going to die. If they do need him, then he's seen as an asset. I need to know why."

"So... it depends on what the ones affected want?"

"Partially. Mostly on if the one who did the wrongdoing affected the freedom of the victim. I would've let Magelight live if he went for help after the first mare. MAYBE the second, but that's a big maybe. You, as a ruler, would depend on the policies you would put in place, honestly. But as long as the average pony's life didn't change drastically, then I think you'd be safe. Still would try to dethrone you, but I wouldn't kill you." He stopped petting Aztec as he got out of bed.

"I think I get it..." Nightmare hummed. "So you would kill Sombra, for example?"

"I'd fucking atomize him." Skystrke responded, rather quickly to the notice of Nightmare Moon. "That dude had slaves!"

"Oh, right." Nightmare blinked. "I forget how that part of human history applies differently to you."

"All good." Skystrike walked to the bathroom before stopping in front of the door.

"...Why'd you stop?"

"I gotta piss." Skystrike thought. Nightmare seemed to be waiting for a response. "You want to watch me piss?"

"Oh!" She quickly grew flustered. Then he felt her smirk. "Well, I think it's fair after you got handsy a while ago."

"You fucking-..." Skystrike spoke aloud, getting a weird look from Elytra who poked her head around the corner. "You know what, fine! You're going to watch me piss!"

"I WAS JOKING!"

"I'M NOT. WE DOING THIS."

"I avoided those memories for a reason!" She quickly tried to leave his mind. "Wh-... Why can't I leave!?"

"I DONT WANT YOU TO!" Skystrike laughed maniacally as he slowly began to take off his boxers. "I'm about to fry some chicken!"

Then Skystrike felt a breach in his mind. Something- somepony came in. "What's going on! Did something happen!?" It was Luna's voice.

Inside his mindscape, Nightmare Moon was frantically trying to cover her eyes, flailing on her back with a large blush. Her whole face was purple. Luna found it amusing for a moment, before walking over to her. "Art thou alright!? Is something happening to Skystrike!?" Then she looked closer at her alter ego. Something was off. She was releasing waves of magic within his mind. It was a spell of sorts, a constant one at that. One that was being stopped from ending. Luna recognized that spell. "...Are thou using a prying eye spell!? Skystrike trusts you enough to be within his mind, and you do this!?"

"He let's me, sometimes!" Nightmare groaned as she kept trying to cover her eyes. "But you can yell at me later! Please, you gotta stop him!"

"Stop him?" Luna tilted her head in confusion. "Whatever is Skystrike doing?" She decided to use the spell as well. She would have to ask for his forgiveness later. Right now, however, it seemed dire.

Skystrike looked in the mirror momentarily. One of his eyes were cat-like, similar to Nightmare Moon's. The other was the same cyan, but akin to a normal pony's eye. He felt another watching through his eyes. "Oh hey Luna."

"Skystrike, are thou alri- IS HE PULLING OUT HIS PHALICE!?!?" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

Skystrike was in a tough spot. He was at the point where he already looked into the toilet water. He needed to go... now. The joke went too far, and he couldn't let them out fast enough without peeing himself. He lined it up, closed his eyes, and began to piss.

The silence was deafening. Within his mind, the two alicorns stared at each other and covered their ears... as if it did anything. A minute passed. Then another. Skystrike couldn't help but laugh as he began washing his hands. "Alright, alright... I took it pretty far, but neither of you saw anything, right?"

"I hate you." Nightmare deadpanned.

"...I am glad thou closed your eyes." Luna sigh. "But that sound... will haunt my memories for decades."

"...My bad-" Skystrike began.

"SILENCE!" They both yelled at him. Skystrike couldn't help but laugh as he began to wash his face.

"Luna, I know we aren't on the best terms right now, but do not leave me with this human!" Nightmare pleaded.

"...A shame we have to be in this circumstance for our roles to be reversed." She gave a small chuckle. "Come, Nightmare."

"Daddy..." Aztec knocked from the other side of the door. "Hurry!"

Luna's head whipped around. "You have a DAUGHTER!?"

"No, a bird." Skystrike opened the door, seeing Aztec's black beak poking in. "Hey, Azzy. Sorry, you can go in now." Aztec pushed by him before closing the door on him. Skystrike stretched as he straightened his shirt. He began walking towards the kitchen as his mind was silent. "...Are you two gone?"

"No... just..." Luna cleared her throat. "Not how we expected to start off our night. Thou threw a lot at us."

"Fair." Skystrike chuckled. "And don't get on Nightmare about looking through my eyes. It was actually me who convinced her to do it months ago. I trust her."

Luna sighed. "If thou says so... Come Nightmare. I'm going to see if I can forget this... interaction."

And with that, the two left. Skystrike decided to start making breakfast. He went to the kitchen, turning on the stove and getting out some pans. It'd be a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon and hay bacon, fruits, and some waffles. He was so glad he remembered to bring his waffle maker. As he began to cook, cracking half a dozen eggs into they frying pan, he began to hum to himself. Skystrike had to admit, he was getting into it, mostly how calming it was to him. Flipping the eggs, he began to softly sing to himself as the words came to mind. "One wish... That I cant pretend I don't want to see come true. I know it wouldn't make a difference... if you thought of me as much as I think about you... But maybe it's deliverance? From the pain I know is coming on when my old soul's finally gone. It's not wrong to think about it, but I'll stop for tonight. Cuz we're immortalized forever in the songs that we write, you know?" He spun on his hooves as he put the eggs onto a plate.

Next, he finished making the batter and began pouring the batter into the waffle maker. While that was cooking, he got started on the bacons. "You know I gotta say goodbye, the end. I'm not sorry, but I wanna see you again sometime. A song in my heart, a world of worry falling on your mind. Why don't we leave it all behind? Treasure this moment, us together. Bound by time ever light as a feather. I'm happiest when I get to hear you say: 'I'm glad I lived today'."

Skystrike's head snapped around when he heard the snap of a camera, and the printing of a photo. He saw them there. Zecora, Elytra, Tethys, and Lanka were looking at him in surprise. He saw the photo coming out of the camera the genie Djilisa gave her a bit ago. The... indestructible camera with indestructible film. Skystrike looked back to the stove and turned off the appliances. For a split second, he made eye contact before rushing towards them.

They were not prepared for how fast he was, pushing each other over as he cleared the table in one jump as they screamed. "SCATTER!" Tethys yelled as she ran down the hallway.

"I got you, girl!" Lanka said as she tried to slow down the human, putting her arms out. Skystrike didn't pay her any mind, jumping and kicking off the wall to get over her. "Damn..."

Tethys kept running until she got into her room and slamming the door behind her. She gave a relieved sigh as she began to look at the image she took. Skystrike did not realize how loud he was singing, the sound of the teleporter falling on deaf ears as she and Lanka entered. She heard his singing immediately, her eyes widening as she made sure she was hearing right.

By the time Tethys and Lanka snuck up to the source of the admittedly heavenly voice, Zecora and Elytra were already watching with much interest. The two bipedals did as well before Tethys wanted to savor the moment. She knew with her long life span, she'd eventually forget things. It's why she spent so much time with Lanka the last day. The minotaur, after learning about the camera, decided it was time for them to make some memories. They went out on the town, spending time with each other and taking as many pictures as they could to make sure they remembered the time they spent together.

And then she remember Skystrike. Tethys didn't know why he was the first to come to her mind, but he did. And so did the time they have left together. When she saw him singing and dancing to himself, the dragoness didn't know he had this side to him. It was cute... and something she wanted to remember. She didn't even realize she took the picture until he turned around. But now, the picture was in her hands. A moment in time, immortalized just for her...

She just had to keep it away from Skystrike.

As if on queue, Skystrike began jiggling the door knob. Tethys quickly locked the door behind her with her tail and throwing her weight against it. The door knob moved for a while longer before it suddenly stopped. Tethys let out a sigh of relief... until she saw him in her window. His azure eyes stared at her as he slowly pushed the circular glass open. She screamed as he slowly approached her, trying to unlock the door. With luck on her side, she was able to get out and found Lanka, Elytra, and Tethys standing there, watching the show.

Skystrike was about to chase after her, but then noticed a wall on Tethys's room. She didn't allow him in there in the first place, so everything in here was new. She used the pelt of a manticore as a rug, and a small pile of gold, gems, rocks, and surprisingly, her old set of armor, sat in the corner. The broken and rusted pieces of metal were placed carefully around the gold. And then he saw the walls.

One wall had some paintings. Looking at them, she more than likely got them while in Diamondia. Another wall had hangers for her sets of clothes, and a small bookcase. The wall opposite to the door, however, surprised him the most. The wall had a few dozen pictures hastily taped on it. They were in sections, separated by who was in them. Skystrike saw a picture of Tethys and Zecora going shopping in the streets of Diamondia. A picture of her and Jeshan scarfing down gems in some sort of competition. Tethys and Alder sharing a laugh over the shrimp from a few days ago. Tethys and Casta practicing magic on the ship deck. Her and Lanka sitting and drinking wine together.

Then in another section, it was pictures of them all together. Ones where she was just enjoying the moment. He and Jeshan sitting in the distance in front of the Wind Waker during their talk. Elytra comforting Zecora in a hug on the same couch after leaving her homeland. Skystrike, Pinkie and Elytra playing would you rather. The list went on.

She took as many pictures as she could discretely. Wanting to keep the memories alive. After all, eventually, she'll be the last one left. Skystrike sighed. Sure, that picture is going to be embarrassing, but it's a snapshot in time for her. He could handle the embarrassment if it meant she'd be happy. Besides, knowing she had this side instead of the tough girl act is pretty cute. Skystrike sighed as he walked out of her room, making eye contact with Tethys, Lanka, Elytra, and Zecora as he closed the door behind her. "Next time... just ask."

Tethys peaked her head over Lanka's shoulder. "You aren't... upset?"

"...No, now that I know what you took them for." Skystrike smirked.

Tethys blinked before she glared at him. "Don't speak a word of this."

"That depends on if any of you speak a word on this." Skystrike waited for their answers. They frantically shook their heads no. "Great. Breakfast is done by the way. You're welcome to join us, Lanka."

"I wont say no!" Lanka quickly walked to the kitchen.

"Also, Alder said he's stopping by." Elytra said before going to the kitchen as well.

The rest followed before sitting down and making plates for themselves. Skystrike sat down and began to eat, pouring the syrup onto his waffle. Lanka stared at him. "...What is that?"

Skystrike looked at his food. "You've never had a waffle?"

"A waffle?" Lanka eyed her plate before Skystrike gave her the syrup. She poured some on before trying a bite. "...This is amazing!"

"That's what I said the first time I had one too." Tethys chuckled.

"Daddy..." Aztec said from around the corner. "Smell food. Hungry."

"You have a kid!?" Tethys and Lanka both asked.

"That's Aztec." Elytra picked at her food. "She can... talk now. Honestly it just hit me, and I'm not sure if I'm a fan."

"I agree." Zecora nodded. "She's cute, but blunt as can be, Her words hit hard, as sharp as a plea."

The electric falcon waddled into the room and looked at everyone, then noticed two new faces. She went up to Tethys and put her head on her shoulder. "Big Auntie!"

They all chuckled at the nickname. "Didn't know you had a pet..."

"It's been a while, Aztec." Tethys scratched her neck. "You got big! And can talk!"

Aztec nodded. "Words helpful." Then she turned to Lanka. "Who?"

The minotaur quickly swallowed. "I'm Lanka. A friend of your..." She chuckled. "...Auntie."

"...Lah...kuh?" Aztec tried to pronounce her name. "Lankie!"

Lanka smiled at the bird. "You can call me Lankie."

Then Aztec turned to Skystrike. Then she looked at his food. "No..." Skystrike sighed. "I already made you a waffle. Your waffle. This is mine."

"But... want yours." She pointed.

"No. I gave you some of mine yesterday." Skystrike huffed, then pointed to her plate at the end of the table. "You can have the full meal I made for you, or what's left of mine. Then I'll eat yours. Not both." Aztec pouted before walking over to her plate and beginning to eat.

Their breakfast continued in relative peace... though some were eyeing others. Aztec was angrily staring at Skystrike's food. Elytra and Zecora were suspiciously staring at Lanka. Lanka noticed, and glanced at Skystrike, who was obliviously eating his waffle.

"Skystrike..." Elytra turned to glare at her brother.

"Yeah?" Skystrike looked up from his food.

Elytra began to hesitate. "...I'm just going to ask what everyone is thinking. Did you fuck a minotaur!?"

Skystrike paused the fork coming to his mouth. "...I mean... I also bought cheese and wine."

"By the pantheon Skystrike, that doesn't make it better!" Elytra slammed her hooves on the table. "We've talked about this!"

"You all decided to set me up in a wench tavern and didn't expect me to have game?" Skystrike put out his arms.

"Well..." Lanka scratch at the flat of her broken horn. "If it makes it better, we asked him... and he still wasn't sure until we clarified that we sold sex."

Elytra seemed to calm down for a moment. Then she went over the words in her head. "Wait, we??? Who's we!??" She turned back to Skystrike. "HOW FUCKING MANY!?"

"...Five?" Skystrike answered hesitantly.

"There were only four-" Then she blinked as Zecora began to laugh. Elytra slowly turned her head to Lanka, who was grinning. The avoidance of eye contact from Tethys didn't go unnoticed. "HER TOO!??"

They all stared at Skystrike for an answer, who wasn't sure what to say. "...I feel like no matter how I respond, it wont make things better. However, I did not go in with the intention of-"

"HOW DID YOU MANAGE THAT!?"

Skystrike shrugged as Lanka coughed. "I mean... do you want the answer or-"

"YES!" Elytra shouted. "Is this grub some lady killer in secret!? How does this keep happening!?"

"Well..." Lanka began. "Thinking back on it, he's just... a good guy. Was interested in us as Minos and our culture, rather that our bodies. You know how guys are... What did it for me is when he said I could've fooled him when I said I was fifty six. He also made breakfast the morning after."

"That's just because it's a nice thing to do." Skystrike bit into a piece of bacon. "I do to pretty much everyone I meet. Not my fault that the majority of the beings in this world are female." Then he paused mid bite. "...And now that I think about it, if me being nice gets me this type of treatment, you all collectively need to raise your standards."

"Buck you!" Elytra's magic flared slightly before she slouched in her seat, crossing her hooves with a scrunched up face.

"No, real talk, I'm serious. If all of you collectively decided to demand for better, every straight guy would have to do better. They'd have no other choice. And honestly, I don't interact with many guys, but they all seem like good beings. I think I'm normal, so I can't imagine how bad the average guy is."

"You are not average." They all said before going into their own experiences.

Zecora huffed. "I told you before of one disliking my stripes, but left out his list of outrageous gripes. One demand was to dye my stripes away, for black is boring, so he'd say."

Elytra chuckled. "It's funny looking back on it now, but one stallion said that I was too emotional. That's the point of a relationship!"

"I don't really know how it works for you equines..." Lanka huffed. "But after I had my son, the father ran so I had to raise Will by myself. Had to take up being one of the guards. Dating from there went downhill. Apparently, I'm too muscular. By the time Will went out on his own, I was too old... Now he's selling confidence courses or something."

Tethys looked to Lanka. "You have a son!?"

"Oh no, I'm into MILFs..." Skystrike joked, only to duck under a weak blast of magic from Elytra. "Fair."

Lanka chuckled at the show. "A lot can happen in thirty years, Tethys. But since we're all sharing, you gotta say one of yours."

"Mine... isn't as bad depending on who you ask. With dragons, when we duel, the victor can demand that the loser becomes part of their lounge, though most times we kill the loser, since losing and being left alive is dishonorable. The... 'smarter' dragons," She made quotation marks. "often challenged me, then lost on purpose, since they knew I wouldn't kill them. On the bright side, most dragons value their lives enough where these duels don't happen often."

"Well, I imagine that must suck for all of you." Skystrike finished his plate, then stared at the wall in thought. "...I'm revaluing a lot of the decisions I've made now..." Then he had a thought. "Oh, by the way Tethys, since Elytra found out, I technically don't owe you anything."

"Damn." Tethys laughed.

"On the upside, some news for you, we ended up getting the upper half of a Grootslang yesterday." Skystrike got up. "Speaking of, I still gotta bleed it."

"You all took down a Grootslang!?" Tethys yelled in surprise.

Zecora shook her head. "It was Skystrike, brave and bold, who faced it down, alone and cold."

Tethys looked at him. "How!?"

Skystrike shrugged as he got up and put all their dishes in the sink. "Let's wait for Alder. He'll probably enjoy a cut of it." Then he turned to Lanka. "And I remember you saying something about a Griffon you knew. Alder may be able to help you find him..." Then he thought about it some more. "Actually, it'll be better for you to meet him anyway. You'd be able to set up trade."

"That name sounds familiar..." Lanka said to herself.

"What are you about to go do?" Elytra got up and began flying next to him.

"Bleed the Grootslang." Skystrike stretched. "We're above open ocean, so anything that would smell the blood can't get to us."

"I... don't think that's a good idea." Tethys said. "Have you ever been on an open sea? Even we dragons avoid certain areas because of the Leviathans."

Zecora nodded. "There are many types of monsters in the sea. Enough that I paid for the safest journey to be free."

"Oh!" Skystrike blinked. "...I've been flying in a straight line since Diamondia.... Are any of these Leviathans dangerous to jump out of the water and snatch us out of the sky?"

"...That's a terrifying thought." Elytra said.

"I mean... I heard legends of one that could, but it's a legend for a reason." Tethys explained. "My grandfather told me how he barely got out of getting eaten by one when he was in his thousands. By then, he was five times my size, and swore to not go into that stretch of ocean again."

Skystrike quickly remembered where they were on the map. "And what is this leviathan called? And where does it live?"

"Near the south pole, in a part of the ocean the deep dragons call 'the void.' There's actually tales that the Gargantuan Leviathan is an ancient dragon lord."

"...You're telling me that there's a damn leviathan named after its size!? How big are the other ones!?"

"Well... the good news is that the Gargantuan Leviathan dwarfs the others. It's not even a comparison. My father told me he saw one eat a Ghost Leviathan, and those are... I'd say from what I've seen, triple the length of this ship?"

"Oh HELL no!" Skystrike quickly ran to the cockpit and bought the ship a couple hundred more feet into the sky. He slowly walked back in the room. "You had me at 'the void'. Remind me to get sea maps once we're in Seaquestria."

"Actually, I have an idea. About the Grootslang I mean." Tethys cleared her throat. "I saw you use your powers to pool water. Isn't blood mostly water?"

Skystrike winced. "I mean... yes, but where I'm from, it's illegal."

"Really? It seems pretty useful." Lanka cracked her back. "You wouldn't believe what I'd do for something like that."

"Well sure it would be useful at times... but the reason that type of magic was banned was because... you know." Skystrike sighed. "Something doesn't necessarily need to be dead for a caster to move the blood. Also recognize that said caster doesn't have to move the blood outside. I could literally control a living being like a puppet on a string."

"Ah..." They all went before Lanka scratched the flat of her horn. "Yeah, I can see why that'd be illegal."

"I'll just wait for Seaquestria and find a butcher." Skystrike said as he got up. "I don't know how long you're staying, Lanka, but make yourself at home. I've some work to do in the cargo. I'll come out when Alder comes by."

They all gave their respective goodbyes as Skystrike left the room and went to the cargo bay. It was the big day. Echo's integration into his new body should be done by now. While he didn't know how to break it to the crew that his helmet would soon have a body and is in fact their own person. But Echo was a friend. He'd help him out when needed.

Skystrike scratched at his barren neck. It was weird these past two days, not having Echo on. He was fine without him, thankfully. He was just there for so much of his life, it was like a part of him was missing. In fact, it was similar to when Zecora first came to Ponyville, or when he found Tethys up north. Or Casta, Maud, Alder, Jeshan, his siblings, his friends. Skystrike didn't know why it took this long for him to realized he missed all of them.

Then again, it's why they were on this trip. Plus, it's not only been fruitful for him. Tethys found an old friend, Zecora had a bit of closure, and Elytra is finding herself. Maybe it's time for him to do the same. Sure, he's been more honest with his friends, but he also needs to be more honest with himself. But that was for later.

For now, he had to get Echo. Moving aside the crates, the mechanical body was still limp, yet the glowing circuits from before were now nearly invisible. The blank holographic eyes under the horn noted that the body was still off. Getting a good look at it, this body was rather big, being the size of Big Mac roughly... maybe a bit smaller. Skystrike, not sure what else to do, poked the body.

The holographic eyes flicked on, the pale white pixels looking at him. The body began to get up unnaturally... robotically. The joints creaked as the shoulders moved the legs out, planting its hooves and pushing the body up. The head turned to Skystrike slowly as the pupils remained on him. The jaw opened to speak. "Skystrike. I have... acclimated to this... new body well. I thank you... for the assistance in its completion." Echo said, though it was noticeably slow. "Apologies. I am not... used to speaking with a mouth."

Skystrike chuckled. "All good. Just glad you turned out alright." Then he scratched the back of his head. "...still a bit weird seeing a body with no skin."

"Do not worry... I will begin making a shell soon. We have the necessary materials within this storage bay. This body is also outfitted with a mobile foundry, albeit bare." Echo was quickly getting used to talking. "I would've awoken sooner, but I did not want to risk combat with Tethys and Lanka."

"That makes sense." Skystrike said as Echo handed him back his helmet. "Thank you."

"A question." Echo stated. "What colors should I give myself when designing a synthetic skin covering?"

"Well..." Skystrike thought aloud. "A darker colored coat and mane, such as a black or dark grey, still do have some negative connotations with ponies because of Sombra. It's not looked down on as much as it was the past millennia, but ponies will take notice. It's actually a reason why you don't see those colors as often. After the war with Sombra, those ponies were rarely chosen for relationships, and thus, reproduction. Because of Celestia over the same millennia, and her setting the beauty standards, if you care about being conventionally attractive, lighter colors work. You are also presenting as a unicorn. You'd need a fitting mark. Other than that, just use basic color theory." Skystrike put back on his helmet. "Which begs the question, what is your favorite color?"

"Unknown..." Echo thought. "I have not thought about it. I was not aware I would be able to have the ability to decide such." Then the mechanical pony thought about it some more. "I will think upon this topic later. For now, I will wait here until the later hours of the day, as to not worry your friends."

"I mean, I can explain that to them if that's the issue."

"There is another reason." Echo stated. "This body needs to generate the necessary energy to move efficiently. The core was not finished, and is thus cannot generate enough energy to power this body effectively."

"Oh..." Skystrike said. "Yeah, you didn't have me touch any of that... If you want, I can get you the blueprint for the mana extractor I use for the ship. You'd have to scale it down, but it can work."

Echo hummed. "A sound idea, I will accept your offer. It would be best to implement it before I make a shell." Then he paused. "A request, I notice that I am making you uncomfortable. Will you speak on how I am doing so?"

"Oh." Skystrike blinked. "Yeah, I guess thinking about it, you wouldn't realize. You look pony... enough... But it's in the uncanny valley. You haven't blinked, or made any body motions. In fact, you're completely stiff." He then let out a chuckle. "You've seen me talk to others. Check their body motions, mimic them at first, then feel them."

Echo looked at him, contemplation. "Very well. I will take your words into consideration." Echo nodded. "Related: do not worry about us not being able to talk through the helmet. This body and that helmet have the same mind. As long as we are within a set distance of my body and your helmet, we are one in the same."

Now the human was confused. "What do you mean, one in the same?"

"As a back up, I have copied a part of my code into this body. If the helmet is lost, then the rest of my code is uploaded, and I will continue my existence. Because my original body and this satellite exist simultaneously, one needs to be the command. If this satellite is lost, or away from the helmet, it follows the most basic codes of survival, and focuses on coming back to where my old body, the helmet is. When not connected to the helmet, I cannot give any commands until the return protocol has succeeded. Additionally, if I can assume it is safe to leave the satellite by itself, I can order the satellite to follow more complex instructions." Echo explained. "Do not worry, I have put in the proper failsafe. Unless deemed as enemies, any attempt to restrain this body through force will be met with non-lethal combat and escape protocols."

Skystrike got up from his crouched position. "If you say so. I trust your judgement."

"Before you go..." Echo sat down. "Need I remind you, we theorized this body was initially constructed to combat you. looking into the inner files, I was made aware that it was in fact made to restrain you."

Skystrike's eyes went wide. "Wh-"

"Do not worry." Echo shook his head. "Through their surveillance of you, the creators prepared this body to restrain you given the abilities you showed as a pony. They made the assumption that while here, you lost much of your combat magic. This body would be of no threat to you." Skystrike gave a relieved sigh. "This also implies that they do not know the extent of your powers. Need be, you can take them by surprise. After all, that was the last known laboratory with contact to the home dimension that you destroyed. Additionally, even if that wasn't the last, you did not use enough magic for them to deem you a threat. It was on similar levels of the inhabitants of this world."

"That... does make me feel a bit better, yeah." Skystrike smiled a bit before turning his helmet into a collar, the weight on it feeling a bit nice, admittedly. "But if that's it, I'm going to hide you again. Alder is supposed to be coming over." Echo nodded before sitting down and slouching over. As soon as Skystrike moved the crates back to hide Echo's new body, he heard the teleported activate.

Skystrike turned around the see the silver feathered griffon. Alder turned to look at him. "Oh, you were waiting for me. How's it going, kid?"

He chuckled. "Well... remember when you were telling me about doing a minotaur?"

Alder let out a wide grin. "Damn, that quick? Welcome to the club!" He laughed. "Didn't know you had it in you to handle one."

"I didn't either." Skystrike stood up straight. "Tethys, Jeshan, Zecora, and Elytra decided to get me the all inclusive at a Minotaur wench house after I said I wanted wine and cheese. They didn't expect me to have game."

Alder chuckled. "Well to be honest, I didn't expect you to be a lady killer either. No offense, but since you were raised as a pony, I wasn't expecting it of ya. Herds, or whatever you call them."

"Jeez, didn't realize the stallions were that bad." Then Skystrike thought about it. "Wait, don't you griffons have prides or something?"

Alder gave him a look. "Why, because I'm half lion?" Skystrike returned the look. "...Ok, we do, but not because I'm part lion!" He gave a hardy chuckle before he sat down on a box. "It actually depends on the Grif. From what the old scholars used to say, those of us who are more bird prefer a single, loyal partner, and this rarely remarry. Those of us who are more cat are more likely to have prides, but it's not the normal." He explained. "But notice how I said cat, not lion. Hundreds of years ago, we were all part lion, part eagle. As world trade started, so did foreign relations, and thus mixed species relationships. Somewhere, somehow, Griffons got with the Avians and Abyssinians, and thus there are a few Grifs who have different looks. For example, my great grandfather was an Avian, so I got his feathers. I had an ex who was actually part peacock, part panther. We're kinda rare so, you know."

"Oh, so your kind is mostly monogamous?" Skystrike asked.

"Yeah, but personally... I wouldn't be against what you ponies have." Alder sighed. "Mind if we go up top? If we're going to talk about serious stuff, I want a cigar to go along with it."

The two got up as Skystrike continued. "We don't have to talk about it. I just realized that I haven't learned too much about yours, and I don't want to know just the stereotypes."

"Well, if you want my view on it... recent history has made us more materialistic. After the loss of the Idol of Boreas, we Grifs lost what bought us together in the first place." The old bird grunted. "Part of the reason why I left Griffonstone and joined your rag tag group of friends... and the reason I came back and tried to make the place better. We need something more concrete than that Idol. We need hope."

"Well said." Skystrike nodded. "Trust, once I'm done with this mission and back in Equestria, I'll be doing a lot of work. I forget if I told you about it, but once I reveal my identity as the pony Skystrike, I will be given a territory to lord over. It'll also be the closest one to you once a train track is put in place. With luck, a trade route will benefit both of us."

Alder blinked, then looked up at him. "You serious?" Skystrike nodded. "Well, that is good to hear. Gives me something to hope towards at least."

"I have been meaning to talk to you about it, actually. It's a mining village, but it is next to a bay. I imagine that griffons would be pretty good sea farers. Fishing, while not exactly popular in Equestria, would do wonders for trade for Griffonstone, since you, and the surrounding countries can eat fish."

"...I'm a bit annoyed you thought about this stuff more than me." Alder huffed as they finally got to the deck of the ship. Alder took out a cigar and his lighter, lighting it and taking a puff. With one breath, he blew it all out. "Hah~. I don't see how you do it, Skystrike. You always did have the makings of a leader."

Skystrike and Alder leaned on the railing. He breathed in the salty air of the ocean. "Well, admittedly, it was because of how we all split up. Even before the attack, the missions that we took, I was in charge of. Many had mistakes that we realized too late and struggled, or lucked out of. After Blueblood, and all of us nearly dying, I realized how bad those mistakes could've been. I don't take risks like that any more. I plan out as many outcomes in my head as I can, and plan for each of those." Then he chuckled. "Of course, it's hard to do that, since I have to account for my allies actions as well, but being prepared comes in handy... It's also a big reason why I handle most things on my own now."

"That... makes sense..." Alder took inhaled a puff of smoke. "I guess we all have our own ways of dealing with things." Then he realized. "Wait, you'd say you'd reveal yourself. How's that going to happen with that Blueblood cunt running about?"

"Every few years, the ponies have this thing called 'The Grand Galloping Gala'." Alder chuckled at the name as Skystrike explained. "I already told you about what Blueblood did before I met all of you, so I know he'll be there, and I know he'll take the bait and challenge me to a duel. Then I'll make him admit to every wrong he's committed against us, in front of the most powerful ponies in the country. He'll be ruined."

"Won't you get into trouble if you do that?"

Skystrike shrugged. "Probably, but then it's a matter of if the fines will stick. Say I do get into legal trouble, they'd have to find a jury that isn't sympathetic to the life I had to live, isn't biased against Blueblood, and don't find my actions justified once they realize that Blueblood sent the guards to kill us, and ended up dead due to self defense. All of that before taking into account that I am also a prince. Put simply, it'd be best for everyone politically if they pushed this under the rug. And that's highly likely because barely anyone likes Blueblood."

"...Ok, you've really thought about this." Alder leaned back on the railing.

"You don't truly get it, Alder." Skystrike clenched a fist. "I've spent years thinking of how I'd do this. Days... years on end where, at times, the only thing that kept me going was anger... hatred for what that pony did to everyone I cared about. He's one of the few beings that exist across dimensions that I can say I hate."

"Eesh, and we've met some pretty terrible beings." Alder huffed. "But if you're really going to do something about him, try and make sure I'm there for it. I love karma."

"Well, I can get you a ticket. You got a suit?" Skystrike smirked.

"I can have that arranged..." Alder smirked. "When is this Gala?"

"In a month, about. By the time I get back to Equestria, assuming we're on time, we'll have two weeks left until it. Zecora, Elytra, Tethys, Casta I'm pretty sure, and my siblings are all going. And if you don't have a suit, I have a friend in Ponyville that can make you one. She made mine."

"Oh, you already got a date!" Alder elbowed the human with a hardy laugh. He noticed the look on Skystrike's face. "Wait... you do know those two-"

"Trust me, I talked with Jeshan. He made me plenty aware." Skystrike sighed. Alder took out another cigar and handed it to Skystrike. Skystrike eyed it hesitantly before taking it, lighting the end with a ignited finger. He bought it to his lips and inhaled it, coughing up the smoke afterwards. "God..." He wheezed. "I don't know how you do it."

Alder chuckled. "You get used to it. I'll let you keep that one if you share your thoughts... Just don't make smoking them a habit."

Skystrike nodded and took another puff, not inhaling nearly as much as before. "I... First, I need to be more honest for myself and my own feelings. I've hidden myself and my thoughts for too long. Because of that, I also think that they deserve better than someone like me. I left for fucking two years with nothing more than a parting message, I'm still amazed any of you even found it in your hearts to forgive me." Skystrike grit his teeth. "On top of that, there's, you know, the whole impending death thing."

Alder exhaled some smoke. "You don't want them to lose you again." His silence was enough of an answer. Alder sighed. "Sky, I'm gonna tell you something I haven't told anyone else. I know, being in my fifties, I got a good twenty years left before kicking the bucket. Despite that... I still want to find love. Would you say it wouldn't be worth it because I don't got long left?" Skystrike couldn't fault that line of thinking. "I guess I just need to say it, just to make sure you know it. Pain is a part of life. It's something we all have gone through... given some more than others. But letting others in and having at least a little bit of happiness, I think is worth it."

"Fucking..." Skystrike huffed. "You're right, I know... I feel like whatever I say in response to that will come off as an excuse." Skystrike took in another puff. "...I've-... My actions have bought enough pain to those I care about. Now my inaction is hurting the same ones. Damned if I do, damned if I don't."

"And despite all of that, we still stay together, don't we? These types of bonds are hard to break." Alder nodded. "Tartarus, I remember one time years ago when we had some fight over how we'd split the payment when I first joined. I wasn't expecting so much, and I thought there were strings attached. It took weeks for me to admit that it was because I was too scared to trust you. And I saw the look on your face back then. Someone who you did no wrong to, hesitant to trust you when you gave him no reason otherwise. But you moved passed it, recognized I had my reasons for doubt."

"I.. see your point, Alder." Skystrike sighed. "I fucking hate talks like these, being honest with myself."

"I've noticed." Alder chuckled. "But it's a good thing you are being honest. I feel like I got my point across." Alder smiled. Then he realized. "Wait-... you do like them, right? Or just one?"

"No fucking idea. They're good beings, but I don't know if I've ever felt any type of love that wasn't platonic." Skystrike admitted. "Maybe it's trauma or something, I dunno."

"...Do you think the reason you don't like being honest with yourself is because then you'd have to confront parts of yourself you don't want to?"

"God damn it, Alder, I don't like you being smart like this." Skystrike sighed as he took another hit of his cigar.

"See, you're getting better." Alder chuckled. "Tell you what, I'll share one of mine, then you share one of yours."

Skystrike exhaled. "Bet."

Alder took a long, long whiff of his cigar. He slowly exhaled it. "I told you a bit about my little brother, Talos, but not the whole story. Growing up, like most Griffons, we were poor. Unlike most, I decided to get into petty crime. Eventually, he got of age, grew up, and followed in my footsteps. He had a kid, Gilda, and decided to start moving up to take care of her and his wife. I was already pretty high up, and he was my right talon Griffon. But... things didn't last." Alder took another hit. "We were put in charge of a raid on one of the vaults in the abandoned castle. What we didn't know was that it was a setup from a Griff that wanted our seats. Fortunately, it didn't work, and we killed the guy... Then there was a new problem: when we got back, the big boss wanted to know why his son was dead, and wanted to avenge him." Skystrike noticed Alder scratch the floor with his talons. "Didn't even get the chance to explain fully. Talos told me that things would be fine if I let him do the talking, despite my protests... but I trusted my little brother. Of course, the boss didn't believe our story, and was quick on the draw... I was too slow. Talos pushed me out of the way, took a flintlock to the skull."

Skystrike winced. "I'm... sorry."

Alder grit his teeth. "I saw red. I paid them back in blood a thousand times over. I didn't care anymore. The boss, everyone directly under him, and everyone who tried to stop me from leaving with his body, I slaughtered. Didn't come out perfect, had some shrapnel in me, but it wasn't enough to stop me from bringing him home. Seeing Gilda's face of grief, and my sister in law's wailing... his body burning over the pyre adorned with memories we made... it broke something in me. I didn't join you just because. I was running from them. And during my time in Equestria, even before I joined you, up to when you left, I lived with that guilt. And when you almost died, all that hit me in the face. That's why I decided to go back and try and fix things my own way. To make sure that no Griffon would have to go through what my brother and I did." Then he turned to Skystrike. "Guess I gotta thank you for doing that. I feel like I at least started making things right."

"I couldn't imagine." Skystrike said. "There's... nothing I can say that can make you feel better... nor anything you haven't already said to yourself."

"Don't worry about me. I made peace with it a while ago." Alder blew a ring of smoke. "Seven years is a lot of time to think. But now, I just worry if Gilda blames me... at least she comes to me when she wants to talk. But that's for later. Still want to share your story?"

Skystrike huffed. "You told me yours. Only fair I told you mine. I already spoke of what happened at the orphanage, a way to justify my actions. Also told you about the Changelings, and how Elytra and I got banished. Guess I need to go further back..."

"You mean... before you came to this world?"

Skystrike nodded before bringing the cigar to his lips. He shook his head and put out the fire at the tip. "Before Skystrike... Before Equestria, I had no name. Just a designation: P.R.O.W-0034. My... 'Father', First was what I knew him as, saw me as an object. A means to an end. A project to reform our doomed world in his image. As you can assume from my designation, there were others... were." Skystrike sighed. "Budgets were cut, and they couldn't afford to house however many of us there were. In my group, numbers 1-50, to reduce spending, we were put in... essentially gladiator pits. Every month, two of us were chosen at random to fight to the death."

Alder's eyes widened. "You had to kill your friends?"

Skystrike shook his head. "Friends wasn't the right word at the time. We all had barely any interaction with each other. We knew the others existed, but not anything else. But at a certain point, my 'mother', Ysolda was bought in to teach me morality. Right and wrong. How to think instead of what to think." He put his metal hand out to the sky. The black metal reflecting the light off of it. "When I began to question why we were doing things was when I was deemed important. My training regimen changed and increased, I was put under many experiments to strengthen my physical and magical capabilities. But when it was my turn to fight another number, when I had his back on the floor, when he looked at me with fear filled eyes as I was about to incinerate him, I thought about why I was going to do it. I came to the conclusion that it would be wrong to kill him." Then he clenched a fist. "As a punishment, First killed the first person I ever showed mercy, and took my arm. My seared flesh and phantom pain a reminder of my first ever failure. At not following orders... and not being strong enough to defy them."

"...Holy shit kid, what in Tartarus?"

Skystrike turned his arm into a rifle. "And as my arm was replaced, as I was pumped full of enhancements, as they took away what made me human, I thought... I loathed. I was given an artificial intelligence as a way to learn. The helmet you often see me with. Echo's primary function was to assist me in any way that ensured my survival and my goals. I don't know why I was chosen, but that doesn't matter for this." Skystrike began charging magic within his mechanical arm. "In a way, Echo was my mentor, giving me perspective the child me would never had thought of. But after meeting him, Ysolda came back for one last lesson. To teach me what freedom was. I remember her words... 'It is what all humans want, yet is taken away from us in some form. Freedom is the right to act, think, or speak as you'd want without hindrance or restraint. There will always be some of that freedom taken away to protect you and others. Other times, it is taken away to control you and others.' But she wasn't prepared for my question."

Alder looked at Skystrike as he got up from the railing, pointing his metal arm out towards the open sea. "And... what was it?"

"'Do I have freedom?'... She said no. Then I had another question: 'Why do I not have freedom? To protect me and others? Or to control me and others.'" Skystrike continued to charge his magic, his arm vibrating ever so slightly at the build up. "She said she didn't know. But we both knew she did. I asked if not giving me freedom was the right thing to do... She left me in that room of white walls. But I didn't blame her. After all, she was only there for a paycheck. And after months of thinking, with Echo as a voice of reason, I came to the conclusion that the answer was no.... I planned my escape, causing a breach during the daily meals. Through the flames of my rage, the bitter chill of my apathy, I cut through each and every person that stood in my way. Except for one... the only one who actually treated me like a person, not an object. He knew that if he didn't at least attempt to stop me from escaping, he'd die. So, he did the only thing he could, and killed himself so he wouldn't have me kill the first one I ever considered an ally... But it's thanks to him that I know that there are those humans who care, those who were innocent in all of this. For all I know, he had a family to get back to, maybe he had no choice but to be a guard. But his fate was doomed to be the same as the others. But with all of that said, when I came to this world, years after, I realized what they wanted...." Skystrike grit his teeth.

"...You don't need to continue if you don't want to, Sky."

"NO-..." He grit his teeth. "No... I need to say it to myself." His eyes flickered white. "They wanted me like that. Afraid and hesitant of anyone and anything that could even remotely harm me. The one that cared, killed in front of me. The ones I had to obey, putting me through unimaginable suffering. I hated them. And when I crashed down in Canterlot, those stares, seeing me as inhuman, were scorched into my mind... I automatically hated them like I hated all those who contained me." He held his rifle arm with the other to stabilize it. "But I knew that was irrational. I calmed myself. But years later, only then did I realize why they wanted me like that. Alone... Because I was made to destroy, to conquer all who'd oppose my existence in this world with a literal iron fist! Even now, I feel it. It's not something you can unlearn. Each time I meet someone new, see a familiar face, in the back of my mind, my first thought is to deem them my enemy. And enemies do not deserve any mercy." Skystrike released the magic within his metal arm, shooting a wide beam of energy into the ocean. The initial hit vaporized the water around it, making an explosion of steam.

"...Are... are you ok, Skystrike?"

Skystrike looked back at him, shaking the thoughts out of his head. "Yeah... Isn't the first time I've fought off these thoughts. But you can see why I'm easily angered." He turned his arm back to normal and flexed his fingers. "...So now you know the real reason I'm this way. I was made to be, and I constantly fight that nature. I know that if I took out my anger on those around me, the world around me, that wouldn't be fair. So I don't."

Alder took in the longest inhale yet. "...And I thought the rest of us had it pretty bad..." He exhaled the smoke through his nose. "So what, you're a psychopath or something?"

"Oh, no. Didn't mean to imply that." Skystrike looked to the horizon, trying to best word what he wanted to say. "I still feel emotions, I just had to unlearn repressing them. The times I've spent with you all is genuine. But when I first met all of you, same with everyone, one of my first thoughts was to kill you. I just knew that wasn't a rational thought to have, and thus, didn't act on it. But, because I've held back many of my emotions, it's a bit of a problem where something needs the emotional response and I don't recognize that, and thus, don't give an emotional response."

"Oh... well that's not too bad then." Alder huffed as Skystrike looked at him. "You wouldn't believe the amount of times a thought process like that has happened in Eques. For a while, we Griffons used to hunt Ponies and Zebras, the Diamondians and Abyssinians each other, and the Dragons, anyone they could get their claws on. Some... still do. So while rare, you aren't alone in those types of thoughts. On the upside, you realize it's wrong, and go against them."

"...Thanks." Skystrike gave a weak smile. "I owe you one."

"Don't mention it, kid." Alder looked to his cigar. "...Got a place I can put this out?" Skystrike used his metal thumb to press down on the cigar, extinguishing it. "Thanks."

"No problem."

"You know... everything makes sense now." Alder huffed. "We all thought you were just quiet, but you had a lot on your mind... I also see why it's hard for you to be honest with yourself. If you were..."

"Yeah." Skystrike nodded. "But I've learned to control it as the years went by. It's more a passing thought now, a nag in the back of my mind. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"So, moving on, where are you heading now?"

"Seaquestria, specifically Hippogriffia, to see Skybeak. I remember him saying he was a guard, so he'd most likely be in the capital. Might see if we can get info on Celeano and Ornitia, but that's unlikely. She didn't seem keen on going back to her home country... Still might go just for the culture."

"About that." Alder got his attention. "I've been meaning to ask, you're always interested in other cultures. How come?"

"Ah, that." Skystrike hummed. "A couple reasons. Mainly, I grew up under two different ones, so experiencing the differences in each is interesting to me. Other than that, I haven't had any interactions with my race's culture aside from recorded memories. It's like reading out of a history book... It's not the same."

The conversation between the two were interrupted by Tethys and Lanka. "Oh, Alder. Didn't think you'd be here. Skystrike said he'd tell us."

Alder smiled at his dragoness friend. "Tethys, good to see you. And yeah, we ended up having one of our talks."

"...About?" Tethys asked.

"Guy stuff." Alder quickly answered. "But besides that, who's this? We got a minotaur as part of the group now?"

Lanka's eyes went wide. "I knew that name sounded familiar! You're Alder, right?" She walked up and crouched down to the Griffon.

Alder looked at the minotaur. "...Lanka!?" Alder's jaw dropped. "Never thought I'd see you again!"

Skystrike and Tethys looked at each other before speaking together. "You two know each other?"

Alder looked to the two. "You two know Lanka!?"

Lanka answered for them. "Tethys and I go way back. If you noticed, I didn't have one horn last time we met."

"I said I was sorry, damn!" Tethys groaned.

"And you, Skystrike??" Alder asked.

They all made a face. Skystrike answered. "Elytra, Jeshan, Zecora, and Tethys set me up in a wench house... tent...? A place with wenches as a joke, and somehow I ended up having game."

"Huh..." Alder went. "That's the same way I met Lanka too." Then laughed. Hard. Then smirked at Skystrike. "Knew you had it in you, kid!"

Skystrike chuckled at Alder. "Well, what's your story? Doubt you two would remember each other after around thirty years from some one night."

Alder nodded. "Yeah. Shorter version, the mob and the Minotaurs did trade for a while. I was in charge of the area. One of the few ways we could get things like milk and cheese. It became... more than business after a while." He looked at Skystrike's contorted face. "...What?"

"...I've realized I never thought of where the Minotaurs got the cheese from." Skystrike dead panned.

Lanka chuckled as Tethys looked at him. "You can't be serious. We knew you didn't know it was a wench house, but the cheese and stuff? Really?"

"Look, where I'm from, the animals we get milk from aren't sentient. I haven't needed to think on the moral aspect!" He explained.

"You get milk from the cows in Equestria."

"...Shit I didn't think of that either!"

Lanka shrugged. "I mean, you didn't think of ours as a fetish, so it's ok, right?"

"Lanka I have wheels of you and the others processed milk juice. I'm feeling some type of way about it." Skystrike groaned to the amusement of everyone present.

"Well where does your kind get milk from, then? Or whatever the alien equivalent is?"

"That's..." Skystrike hit a thinking pose. "It's... well, interesting to me, but might be horrifying to you all."

Lanka looked at him. "...Go on."

"So, I'm less an alien from outer space, and more an alien from a different universe." Lanka's eyes widenned slightly at that. "And because it's a different universe, there's the chance of this being an alternate dimension, which would explain a lot that goes on here."

"You lost me after different universe."

"Oh, sorry." Skystrike scratched the back of his head. "Basically, my universe has most of the races here, though none that could fit under the loose term 'chimera' or fantastical. Coincidentally, those same races that didn't exist appear in my race's mythology. For example, Minotaurs, Griffons, and Dragons exists as parts of religion in Greek, Greek, and specific to Tethys, western cultures. The ones that did exist, like Horses and thus ponies, Zebras, Cows, the ancient ancestors of Diamondians, Abyssinians, and Avians, did exist, but weren't sentient... They had the same level of intellect as a wild animal."

"That... is a bit horrifying... More existential horror." Alder admitted. "But wait, you said that we exist in your human cultures?"

"Yeah." Tethys nodded. "And while I don't know what 'Greek' is, you said 'western cultures' as in multiple? So... dragons existed in several mythologies?"

"So your issue with getting milk and milk based products is because we're sentient?" Lanka tilted her head. "If you're worried about it being a fetish thing, it's not... but I imagine that it would be for your kind, since from the sounds of it, you humans, was it? Were the only sentient race."

"Oh thank god." Skystrike gave out a long sigh of relief. Lanka chuckled. "And Alder, Tethys, to answer your questions, yes, you both do. If I went into the different cultures, I'd be here for hours. Minotaurs are depicted as half cow, half human, which looking at Lanka, you could see it. There was only one Minotaur in Greek myth, and that's a whole rabbit hole of a story-"

"Well, I kinda want to hear it." Alder said. "All that talk about learning cultures and you don't want to share your own?"

Skystrike looked at him, then to Lanka and Tethys, who nodded and sat down. He did so as well. "Alright... So, minotaurs... The king of Crete, Minos, was one of the sons of Zeus, the god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, and order, and Europa, a Phoenician queen and consort of Zeus. Europa was a normal human, by the way." They nodded. "So, Minos prayed to Poseidon, the god of the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses, to send him a snow-white bull as a sign of the god's favor, which would obviously be a really big thing for a king. The Greek gods were often brutal, and Poseidon wanted Minos to sacrifice the bull. Minos planned to do it to honor the god of the sea, but was taken aback by the beauty of the bull and decided to keep it."

"This it actually really interesting. Though I find it a bit funny how Poseidon, the god of the sea, is also the god of horses." Alder chuckled. "So, what happens next?"

Skystrike continued. "Minos naively believed that one of the twelve gods of Olympus would accept a substitute sacrifice. To punish Minos, Poseidon arranged with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, lust, passion, pleasure, beauty, and sexuality, and daughters of Zeus and a Titan- who ruled before the twelve Olympians which is a whole other story, so I'll get back to the main story- The two gods arranged for Minos's wife, Pasiphae, the daughter of Helios, the god of and the personification of the sun, and Perse, one of the 3,000 Oceanids, to fall in love with the snow-white bull."

"Wait, your gods can do that?" Tethys asked.

"That wasn't even what I'd say is the worst of what the Greek gods did." Skystrike shook his head. "Luckily, there's a lot of speculation if they're even real. Only thing that makes humans believe gods are real is faith. But this is where it gets weird..." Skystrike ran his fingers through his hair. "Pasiphae had the master craftsman, Daedalus, make her a hollow, wooden cow..." He saw the contorted face of Alder, knowing where this was going. "...Which she then climbed into to let the bull mate with her. Then she fell pregnant and bore Asterius, the Minotaur."

"Oh..." Lanka went. Then her face contorted. "...So a human and a cow? Like, an actual cow?"

"Yeah." Skystrike nodded. "And it keeps going. Pasiphae was a good mother, nursed the Minotaur and all that, but he grew in size and became more akin to a beast that a human. After all, it was an unnatural, to humans, offspring of a human female and essentially a beast. Because the Minotaur had no natural source of nourishment, it devoured humans for sustenance. Then, once Minos found out, he got advice from the Oracle and had Daedalus construct a gigantic Labyrinth to hold the Minotaur... And that's how Minotaurs happened in Greek myth."

"...I mean... It's interesting." Lanka huffed. "But I don't like it. Your Greek gods kinda suck, no offense."

Skystrike chuckled. "None taken. It's more seen as history than anything."

Then Lanka continued. "I do find it really interesting however, that Asterius is the name of our old kings when we were warring with the other races for land... It didn't work, and his last stronghold was an underground maze. Crazy coincidence."

"See, it's stuff like that which makes me wonder if this stuff was real, because there's a lot of really weird 'coincidences' that I've realized." Skystrike put out a hand. "Like, for example, Tethys." The dragoness' attention was on him. "Your name also comes up in Greek mythology as a member of the Titans, and the daughter of Uranus, the personification of the sky, and Gaia, the personification of the Earth. The mythology Tethys was also the mother of the river gods and Oceanids."

"...You're telling me that the Greek version of me had 3,000 kids?" Then she shook her head. "Don't want to think about it. So, how about dragons then?"

"Actually?" Alder put up his talon. "Can we do Griffons since we're on... Greek Mythology, right?"

"Sure." Skystrike nodded. "It's depicted as a mythical creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle with it's talons on the front legs. Pretty much exactly what Alder is, save for the eagle part. While it is believed to originate from Greek mythos, artist depictions of Griffons can be found within that general part of my world. There's a lot of accounts, so I'll sum up the ones I find most interesting: lore of Griffons already depicted them to be greedy, guarding hoards of gold, and even decorating their nests with gold nuggets. They were also called the 'silent hounds of Zeus', from tales of how people would steal from their nests and the Griffons would chase them. Griffons were also seen as divine creatures, associated with various deities in Greek mythology. And this was all over four thousand years ago." Their eyes widened. "But if you want a super simple answer on where Griffons came from, because our historians could only assume, Lions were seen as the king of beasts. Eagles, the king of the skies. People in the middle ages combined the two."

"Why does he get the nicer stories!?" Lanka joke pouted.

He chuckled. "Well, if you want a weird part of Griffon mythology, it's believed that a Griffon mated with a horse and made Hippogriffs... Though they barely look like the ones in this world. Mine are just the front half of a Griffon and the back half of a horse. Those were also a concept from a poem almost two thousand years after the fall of Greece."

"Damn, kid, how far back does your history go?" Alder asked.

"Well, summing it up quickly, a major religion 'won' so there's BC, before Christ, and AD, after death. If you want to use the religion neutral terms, there's Before Common Era and Common Era. The Greek religion I described stopped being practiced in the 9th century CE, or the 800s. I don't know when exactly I was born, but my race is somewhere in the 31st century CE, or the year 3000. To put that in more perspective, Greek mythology was just that, a mythology, stories told in Crete, which thrived from roughly 3000 to 1100 BCE, so around five thousand years ago."

"Well damn." Tethys' jaw dropped at the length of time. "I don't even know of a dragon that lived that long... Speaking of..." She hinted.

"Yeah, Dragons, I didn't forget." Skystrike chuckled. He cleared his throat. "The term 'dragon' in human history is very broad, since it goes across various cultures. There's the dragons in western cultures since the middle ages, 1000 to 1300 CE, are depicted as winged, horned, and capable of breathing fire. In eastern cultures, however, they're usually depicted as wingless, four-legged serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence. These cultures did have much in common, which implied the existence of these 'dragons'..." He made quotation marks. "which are often a hybridization of reptilian, mammalian, and avian features. For example, a dragon could have fur, scales, or feathers. Basically, if it was big and had some supernatural power, it was a dragon. But again, 'dragon' was a very broad term. If people saw a large enough snake, they likely thought it was a dragon."

"...I know I shouldn't feel insulted, but I kinda am insulted." Tethys sighed. "Then again, even we Dragons don't know how to define a dragon... That would put me on the same level as Naga... which isn't a bad thing, but... hard to explain."

"Fair." Skystrike went. "There's a lot to go over with dragons, since they were literally everywhere. It's a similar reason as to why people thought Griffons exist." Alder's eyes widened a bit in interest. "People walked upon Dinosaur fossils and didn't know what they were looking at. They couldn't imagine these massive lizards the size of buildings walking around, so they saw parts and applied what they knew. If you knew nothing about... bats for example, and you saw a skeleton of one, you'd think it had feathers." Then he chuckled. "There's one part of history where this guy sold what he claimed to be a griffon or dragon egg, and hundreds of years later, people found out it was a fossilized ostrich egg."

"Pfft... ok, that is kinda funny." Tethys laughed. "So, I would count as a western dragon then?"

"Pretty much, yeah." Skystrike nodded. "But that's your histories in the perspective of humans." Then he hit a thinking pose again. "Which begs the question why so many of you are similar... Maybe gods do exist and they created our worlds to be not quite parallels of each others. We all just evolved along different paths, due to your world having magic and mine not at the start."

Lanka hummed. "That is interesting to think about. You said you evolved from apes, and we have apes."

"You evolved from an ape?" Alder and Tethys went.

"To clarify, humans and Apes have a common genetic ancestor, the same way how cows and Minotaurs do, or how all the types of ponies came from horses." Skystrike put out his hands. "Apes focused more in strength, while humans focused more on brain power."

"That... makes sense, actually." Tethys rubbed her chin. "The shamans say that we dragons and leviathans were once one in the same until we strived for 'enlightenment' or whatever... It would explain the level of intelligence in the lesser dragons."

"We should do this again." Alder chuckled. "You got a knack for telling stories. I doubt you have books on your history and stuff, but it would be nice to hear about this stuff."

"Wasn't aware you were a big fan of stories." Lanka looked at the Griffon.

"We... don't have many books in Griffinstone." Alder admitted.

Skystrike looked at him. "I got some books in my room if you want to borrow some? Though most are on magic and mathematics..." Then he remembered the letter he found. "Speaking of, Tethys-"

"SHIT!" She said. "You found the damn letter, didn't you?"

"I did." Skystrike nodded. "And while I understand you might not want to learn this stuff, it is important to learn."

"I don't want to listen to a lecture, man!"

"You wont. You'll listen to several." Skystrike said to her dismay, and Alder and Lanka's amusement. "Unless..." Tethys' looked at him. "You can spell the word 'occasion'."

"Uh..." She stammered as she began. Tethys even gripped her horns as she thought. "...A..." They all stifled their laughter. "...c-a-s-u-n?"

"See, that sounds right, but it's spelt o-c-c-a-s-i-o-n." Skystrike clarified. "But I'll give you another chance, since that depends on the accent. Spell 'Wednesday.'"

"Why are you giving me hard words!?" Tethys stomped.

"These are words you use in your everyday life, Tethys!" Skystrike matched her energy. "I could've fucked with you and told you to spell Pneumonia or Bologna!"

"You... you made those words up!"

"Pneumonia is a lung infection, bologna is a sausage, mother fucker." Skystrike pointed a finger. "In fact, lets go to another subject. What's four times seven?"

Tethys began angrily counting on her fingers. Alder put a talon on her leg to get her attention. "Let me word it a different way. There are four dragons, and each owe you seven gems. How many are you going to have once you shake it out of them?"

"Oh, easy, twenty eight." Tethys said almost immediately.

Skystrike pushed his hands into his face. "...This is good but I still feel disappointed..." Skystrike sighed. "Tethys, once we land at Hippogriffia, I'm going to get books on English Language arts, and Algebra. We're going to work through those. You need to know this stuff."

Tethys was about to protest, but was stopped with a hand on her shoulder. Lanka nodded. "He's right, Tethys. You do need to learn it."

Tethys groaned as she reeled her head back. "Fine... Not like we lack the time."

"Speaking of time..." Alder looked up at Lanka. "I don't know how much time you got here before you have to go."

"Ah..." Lanka realized. "Yeah... A shame we couldn't be together longer. Wish there was a way to contact you, but I couldn't get any letters with how often the herd moves around."

"Hold on..." Skystrike thought of something. "Give me a minute but... I might be able to do something about that." They looked at him confused as he ran back to his room. He pushed the door open and went to one of the shelves below his window. The human moved some of the items aside to see a cast-iron lantern, the candle within having golden wax. It was the lantern he used to contact Kyne those months ago.

This was important because the fire was magical. Any letter burned in it would be sent to Kyne, and any letter burned by Kyne's breath would come through the lantern. With a finger, he poked the wick of the candle, feeling the magic going through it. Kyne gave it to him, the candle itself was attuned to his magic signature. But if that was the case... then the candle itself was magical, not the fire itself. With that, then that means that, in theory, he could copy the spell. It wouldn't be dissimilar to a teleportation spell. And if that was the case, he could copy the pattern on the rug that Casta gave him.

He ran to the rug. Skystrike noticed the runes on it. There were five of them that he had never seen before, probably specific to Casta's own research. Looking closer, one resembled her unicorn horn, another resembled his helmet, and another, a paw print. He kept looking, seeing a talon, and a beak. Skystrike realized that they were supposed to represent his friends, and the places they'd be going. She planned pretty far ahead, and probably knew what Skystrike's plan was as soon as she heard he won the airship.

But back on the main focus. If he understood it right, each one of those runes connected to a destination. As long as he copied the runes and the magic signature, it would make a 'path' between the two runes. Skystrike went to the dining room and grabbed one of the oil lamps. He ran back out onto the deck of the Wind Waker and stopped in front of Alder. "Hey, can I see your lighter?"

Alder took it out of his pocket and put it in Skystrike's hand. "Alright, but be careful with it. It was my brother's."

Skystrike hesitated but nodded, holding it in his hand carefully. He sat down to get a better look at it. It was a wind resistant lighter in the shape of a rectangular prism, seemingly made of brass, and had an ivory case on it with a carving on the ivory. The name Gilda was crudely scratched on it with a Talon. He flicked it open with a satisfying 'ping' before closing it. "So... I know a way for you two to talk to each other. It's a spell that would make it so any letter you burn would be sent to the other's fire source..." Then he looked at Alder. "The problem is that I'd need to engrave the magic circle onto it. Do you have another lighter I can put it on?"

Alder shook his head. "It's fine. That thing's been getting beaten up over the years anyway. Just don't break it and it'll be all right."

Skystrike nodded, carefully taking the brass lighter out of it's ivory case. The brass was dented and aging, but was still holding on. It was well taken care of. Carefully, he bought up his metal arm and pointed a finger at the lighter. He generated a small ball of condensed light before a smaller laser beam came out and began engraving a magic circle onto it, the same as his rug. The rune, he decided for it to be a circle with a dot in the middle, the symbol of the Greek god, Apollo. Fitting. As he finished the rune, the entire circle began to glow faintly. Skystrike did the same process on the oil lamp before putting the lighter back in its case.

"...Did it work?" Lanka asked.

"One way to make sure." Skystrike got a piece of paper and wrote random scribbles on it. "Alder?"

The Griffon flicked his lighter open and held it to the edge of the paper. It ignited into smoke near instantly to their surprise. Then their eyes turned to the softly rattling oil lamp next to Skystrike. A puff of smoke came out the top of the lamp before swirling into a ball of carbon and magic, quickly forming into a sheet of paper. Skystrike picked it up. "Same scribbles... it works."

Lanka pulled both him and Alder into a hug. "Thank you, so much, Skystrike! There's no way this old heffa will ever be able to repay you!"

Skystrike could feel his back cracking. "It's... really no problem." He strained out his words. "But please let me go... you're crushing me."

Alder groaned as well. "I also appreciate it, Sky..." She let them both down. Alder held his back. "Damn... not as young as I used to be."

"You aren't old." Skystrike said.

"I'm 55."

"Oh." Skystrike went. Then he looked at Lanka and smirked. "You look it."

"Boy, fuck you." Alder laughed as he stretched out his wings. "But for real, thank you, kid. Didn't think this old bird would rekindle an old love."

"Yeah..." Lanka began. "If I knew you knew Alder, I probably wouldn't have slept with you." Then she looked to the Griffon in question. "Figured I'd tell you... Don't want to make it weird if we're going to try and make it work."

Alder looked at her, then at Skystrike. Skystrike had to admit, he was a bit nervous about his response. But then Alder put out a talon. "That just means we have good taste, am I right?"

Skystrike dapped Alder up. "Yes you are, Alder!"

"...I don't understand boys." Lanka sighed before moving her hair out of her face. "So, Alder, I got a few hours to spare. Why don't we do some catching up?"

"Sounds like a plan, Lanka." The two walked back into the ship leaving Skystrike there with Tethys. But before they went back in, both Lanka and Alder gave them a wink.

Tethys blinked. "...So do you think that wink was them saying they're going to go have sex, or-...?"

"I don't want to think about it." Skystrike said. Then he remembered what he talked about with the Griffon earlier. Skystrike looked out to the horizon, seeing the setting sun. They had been out here for hours. Maybe this could be the right time. To be honest. For them to be honest.

But then the thoughts of doubt filled his mind. What if he doesn't feel anything? Their friendship wont go back to what it is now. But is what they have now even worth keeping if at least she can't be honest? Skystrike didn't want to turn it on her, but... everyone he's talked to about this subject is pretty sure she likes him. It would only make sense for her to say something... No, those were excuses that he was telling himself to put this off.

But then again... Tethys also has a lot to think about, with going back to her homeland, after all. She left the Dragon Seas for a reason, a reason that she still hasn't told them yet. Of course, Tethys isn't obligated to, but having all these things on her mind can't be easy. She and Zecora aren't exactly dissimilar. Skystrike was willing to bet she was putting on a strong mask. And then he remembered Zecora in this situation.

She also thinks the same of him as Tethys. No doubt they talked about it together at some point. Maybe he was overthinking things... but his mind was still racing. Would she say something? Would any of them? Or are they waiting for the right time? After all, the two know about his plan to deal with Blueblood... Maybe they're waiting for him. Or maybe it's super simple. It is a matriarchal society after all, maybe they're trying to build up the confidence, since that's what they were taught to do.... So far, these 'excuses' sound like good reasons. At least for a little while.

"Skystrike?" Tethys shook his shoulder. "You've been standing there for a while, having that face where you're thinking... Want to talk about it?"

Skystrike looked at her. He decided it was something to think on later. For now, he wanted answers. "Actually, I realized you never told me about why you left the Dragon Seas... or why we're going since you left in the first place."

"Ah..." Tethys huffed, a cold mist coming out of her nose. She pulled on the sleeve of her sweater. "I suppose I do owe you that."

"You don't 'owe' me anything, Tethys." Skystrike clarified. "If you aren't ready to talk about it, you don't have to. You don't even have to tell me at all. Zecora only spoke on her reason because an old face popped up and wasn't sure if she was ready to confront them."

"But I am ready to confront mine." She looked to the horizon. Tethys put out her arms and spread her wings wide, letting the membranes of her wings catch the wind. "I was in my fifties when I was first made aware of my role as one of the princesses. I saw my first Kein Fah Fin Sil, and knew what I was supposed to do. But as I grew... it came to my parents attention that I was the... weakest of the hatchlings..." She grit her teeth. "So, I was looked down upon by my siblings, coddled by my mother, and seen as a disappointment by my father. I was a recluse, staying in the ancestral walls, trying my best to be stronger. So when I was in my 170s, when my time to hunt came, I left. My mother and grandfather were the only ones to wish me well, but every single one of my family members didn't expect me to come back." Tethys clenched her fists. "So I proved them wrong. Within ten years, I worked myself to near death, getting stronger each day. I dug for all the gems I could eat, I hunted beasts for meat. Once I was able to believe in myself long enough, I went for a Bugbear. The fight was the hardest I had yet, but I pulled through with more than enough strength to spare." Then she grinned. "Hah! I remember their faces so well. The disbelief!" Then she pulled in her wings and crossed her arms under her chest. "But when I got recognition, I realized that wasn't what I wanted... So as soon as I arrived, I left. I began to wander for the next few decades. Went to Griffonstone, Equestria, Zebrafrica, even Abyssinnia for a time, figuring out what to do with my life for a while. After I met Lanka, and realized that I still wasn't as strong as I could be, I heard stories about the ponies. They could give me a challenge with their mastery of magic. And that's how I ended up meeting you and the rest..."

Skystrike looked at the dragoness as she turned to him. "Huh... well that explains quite a bit. Hard to believe you were the runt of the litter though." Skystrike walked up to her. "But I hope we helped you find what you were searching for."

Tethys smirked. "To be honest, I think Lanka did first, but you helped me realize it..." She hesitated a moment before pulling Skystrike into a deep hug. Her body was chilly, but at the same time, warm. "...A place where I felt welcome." Then she quickly pushed him off. "Sorry, I suck at these gushy moments..."

Skystrike chuckled. "It's all good, I'm the same." He said as he pulled her back into the hug. "But I'm glad I was able to make a difference."

"Even after you left?"

"I said I was sorry, damn!" Skystrike joke pouted as the two shared a laugh. Tethys wrapped her arms around him. "So, for clarification, why are we going then?"

Tethys sighed, letting go and leaning on the railing as she looked over the ocean. "Well, a part of me is curious on how strong my siblings have become. It's still a pride thing. It'd make me feel better watching you beat the hell out of my brothers and sisters... Another part is that... I want to prove them wrong, that I'm not weak. I want to see if any of them will have the heart to apologize, but I doubt it."

"I think I understand." Skystrike nodded. "Though I am a bit surprised that you don't want to be the Dragon Lord. You could change things if you were."

She shook her head. "Maybe if it was the Dragon Lands. The Seas are too traditional, stuck in their ways. It's why I left. I don't care about being the Lord of the Dragon Seas. Besides..." She smirked. "Imagine how shitty second place would feel. It'll have to be a family member."

The human chuckled. "One last 'fuck you' huh? It would be pretty funny, and embarrassing, knowing that you're the Dragon Lord because of a technicality."

"And the last reason..." Tethys turned her head to look at him. "Is because I want to fight you. No holding back, I want to see how strong I've become, and how strong you are." Skystrike hummed at that. "Tell me, Sky, and be honest. Do I have any chance of beating you?"

Skystrike thought about it. "Well, not thinking too hard on it... assuming we're both focusing on just each other and have no outside interference, I'd have to say it's a low chance." Tethys' head fell a bit at that. "Don't get me wrong, you're plenty strong. In fact, in raw strength, you have me beat in every measure." That got her attention. "The reason I think I'd win is because, for the fight we're eventually going to have, I wont be relying just on my physical abilities. Not sure if you realized, but every fight I've had with you, I haven't used my magic, or any of the gimmicks in this robotic arm."

"Oh!" Tethys realized. "...Now I feel kinda stupid. I'm annoyed still, but I can at least admit I see your reasoning."

"So..." Skystrike got her attention again. "If you wanted to, we can make the morning work outs last longer. I could've sworn I told you, but the armor that I made for you before we left Ponyville, I made it so you can manipulate magic through your limbs like I do. It's just a matter of learning to control it." Her eyes lit up at the offer. "But realize that isn't the only thing that keeps things in my favor. I imagine it's a culture thing, but you dragons seem to focus on power, and power alone. In my culture though, humans, knowing there was a limit to our strength, designed martial arts to use our bodies in the most efficient way. I'd say those two are the biggest things."

"I'm more than happy to spend time wi- I mean train with you." She quickly corrected herself. "But... what would be other reasons?"

Skystrike thought some more. "Well... you're a Storm Dragon, specializing in ice, water, lightning, and wind. You have, in theory, the strongest defensive and offensive magic. But, again because of your culture, you focused solely on offense. Add to that, because you wanted to be seen as a Frost Dragon, you more than likely lack efficiency in the other elements you're able to control. Compared to me, I was made to specialize in destruction magic, so I can use all the elements you can and more. I'm also able to use defensive spells, though not as well. The next one, and this is just off the top of my head, because of you dragons and your strong scales, you're used to tanking hits, instead of learning how to dodge. Which is fair, your scales at your age can withstand most things."

Tethys thought on his words. "So... I just need to think?"

"Essentially."

"...That sounds like an insult." Tethys laughed. "But I'll listen to your words." Then she turned back to him. "But can you show me some really quick?"

"Sure." Skystrike nodded as he stood up straight and stretched. "What do you want to see?"

"Well, a defensive ice spell would let me learn better. I learn better by watching."

Skystrike nodded and held up his forearm. He focused his magic into the palm of his hand, cold air coalescing around it. Clenching his fist, a thick block of ice surrounded his hand and went down his forearm like a gauntlet. "Now punch it."

"...You just went on about how I'm stronger than you physically... Is this a good idea?" Tethys tilted her head.

"Pussy." Skystrike said. Tethys grit her teeth and reeled back a fist, punching the ice around his forearm. The ice shattered, the shards falling to the ground. Skystrike slid back a few inches and shook out his wrist. "See? Perfectly fine. The ice took the brunt of the impact."

"Huh..." Tethys picked up one of the shards of ice on the ground. "I think I get it. But what would happen if I just punched you harder?"

"If it was the same punch that you just threw, it'd hurt. If it was one coming for me directly after the first one..." Skystrike made a lifting motion with the same hand, making the shards of ice levitate in the air before moving his hand towards the ocean. The shards of ice cut through the air at a rather surprising speed to Tethys. "I'd shoot the shards at you and make some distance."

"That's... wow." Tethys thought. "If you got time, I have a lot of questions for you."

Skystrike figured he'd be here for a while. "Alright. Shoot."

Author's Note

Ok, felt like doing more character depth. Hippogriffia next chapter.

As a reminder in case anyone didn't see it, I rewrote the starting chapters of this fanfic. This, a lot of interactions changed. I think you all will enjoy it.

I hope you all enjoyed it. Next one may come out a bit slower, since I'm back to studying. Until next time!

The Start

Mana, it manifested within every being after ‘The Awakening’ occurred. When focused and used outside of one’s body, it can be used in many different ways. This is called magic

A woman in a white lab coat walked down a lit hallway. Nothing was eye-catching about this woman. Just a normal scientist, going to do her job. However, this was her first day on a new site. She checked her map of the Laboratory before stopping in front of a room, swiping her keycard, and entering. The door slid open, revealing a room. Every surface was a pale white, from the floor, to the walls, to the desks, all the same, dull, color.

“Ah, so, you’re the new one.” A voice was heard from the furthest corner of the room. The scientist looked over to the origin of the voice to see a man, or what she assumed was a man, dressed in a black cultist-esque robe with pearl white accents. “Well, I guess I should introduce myself.” He continued through his hood. His voice was deep, yet almost soothing. “My name… well, it’s not needed for now. You can call me ‘First.’” He said and gave a playful bow. “Sorry to tell you this, but what you read on the job description wasn’t entirely the truth.” He spoke as he slowly walked towards the woman. “Your role will be more… hands on than you’d think. Oh, another spoiler.” First spoke in a nonchalant manner as he snapped a gloved finger. One of the adjacent walls of the room slid into the floor, revealing a one way window with a small boy sitting in the middle of the room. “The item you’ll be interacting with isn’t exactly an item by the normal definition. This is P.R.O.W-0034.” He finished as he handed the scientist a dossier.

Group: P.R.O.W
Item #: 0034
Description: P.R.O.W-0034 is a male human child, around 6 years in age. It has dark skin, yet light blue eyes and white hair, implying having ancestors from multiple demographic backgrounds. It was found in the year ████ in the city of ██████████, ███████. Upon acquisition, the item has undergone gene modification, as well as several experimental procedures, to give the following effects (see below).

Modification of the pituitary gland, allowing for accelerated growth of the body.
Modification of the parietal lobe, allowing for heightened senses, as well as an increase in reaction time in comparison to humans.
Injection of the experimental drug ██████████ affecting the frontal lobe, stunting the growth, delaying the development of personality and emotions.

“We’ve acquired him quite recently, so you’ll have to forgive us for the dossier being so short, as we’re still updating it as the days pass by.” First chuckled as he took the dossier back. “Now… let me explain what you’ll be doing here. If you’ll read over the third procedure he went under, as of now, he has little to no personality or emotions. Your job will be to help develop these through any means you see fit. One thing I want you to develop above all else is his sense of morality.”

The woman thought for a moment. This was indeed not what she expected when she signed up for the job. She really didn’t like the sound of this. She opened her mouth to decline.

“By the way, this is kind of a secret project of our company so if you decline we kinda have to kill you.”

…She closed her mouth. She, like anyone else, did not want to die. She opened her mouth again to reluctantly accept.

“Great!” First gave a toothy grin. “You start now.” He said as he snapped his fingers and teleported across the room, revealing the door he was leaning on that leads to the item. The woman nodded slowly as she began to walk towards the door. As she pulled the door open to enter, she snapped her fingers, making a tablet appear in her hand. Just as she closed the door, the child that was sitting in the middle of the room pushed himself off the floor.

He turned to the woman, walking towards her and staring up at her. “You’re… new.” He said plainly.

She confirmed that yes, she was new.

He continued to stare at her. “So… what are they going to make you teach me? They already have others for combat, education, tactics, and magic. What else is there?” He asked.

She told him what she was assigned to do. She was here to teach him and help him develop morality.

“What’s morality?”

She thought of how to answer the boy. She didn't want to answer in a way the boy would misunderstand. The woman explained that morality was simply the principles that define right and wrong.

“Right? Wrong? What do you mean?” He continued to stare.

She again thought of how to answer the boy. Then, she introduced herself to him.

“Ysolda? Why did you tell me your name?” He asked.

The woman, named Ysolda, explained that it was the right thing to do when talking to someone new. She asked for his name.

The boy slid his feet together and stood as straight as he could. “I don’t have a name. They designate me as P.R.O.W-0034. I’m sorry.”

Ysolda told him not to worry, as he didn’t know, and he had nothing to be sorry about. She patted his head in an attempt to feel better. Despite being an “item”, she couldn’t help but treat him like an actual child. A part of her looked forward to working with him. She decided to just call him 34.

It was two months into Ysolda’s new job, and she must admit, she’s enjoying it more than she thought. 34 was learning morality pretty fast, but maybe that’s because he started from zero. To be fair to him, it isn’t hard to learn not to steal, not to lie, keep promises he made, the basics. However, she felt as if her work was being undone, as she had to sit through 34s combat training, taught by none other than the one who assigned her to teach 34 morality.

34 was currently getting some rather hands-on training from First. After some augmentations to 34s body, First decided to test them in combat. He snapped his fingers, summoning a ball of fire beside him. With the point of a finger, the fireball arched towards 34, who rolled out of the way. Once up-right, 34 sent a torrent of wind at the man, making him slide back from the force. First stopped himself from falling over before snapping his fingers again, making a wall of fire rise from the floor below him, blocking 34s sight. 34 sent another torrent of wind, putting out the fire wall and knocking First on his back.

First opened his eyes, panting, expecting 34 to be above him, ready to deal another blow. When he saw 34 still standing a couple feet away from him, in the same place he was when he knocked First down. He stared at the boy with a look full of hate. “Well? Why’d you stop? Didn’t I teach you to not hold back!?”

34 looked at First. “You did, but… you can’t fight any more. Isn’t it wrong to attack someone while they’re down? Wouldn’t that be immoral?”

First's look of hatred grew more intense. He pushed himself up and snapped his fingers, sending a massive ball of fire towards the boy. 34 did his best to block it, but the sheer power of the fireball sent him off his feet and into a wall. Bouncing off the wall and landing on the floor, 34 groaned as he tried to push himself up. He was stopped by First pulling him up by his right arm.

“Listen well, P.R.O.W-0034, do not mistake morality with stupidity. You see how I can still fight? How I was able to turn this farce around simply because you thought you won?” He raised his voice as he continued, bringing 34 closer to his face. “That… morality that you misunderstand so, is a plague in that little mind of yours… Now, I see you’ve been paying attention to one of your instructors more than the others… Let this be both a reminder AND a punishment.” He finished as he snapped his fingers again.

A searing pain was felt in 34s right arm. At first, 34 tried to grit his teeth through the pain, trying not to show any weakness, nor regret for his actions. That was, until he realized that First wasn't cooling down at all. The heat was actually getting hotter.

Ysolda watched on in horror from behind the glass wall of the observatory. She couldn’t tell which was worse, the smell of burning flesh and bone, or the screams of 34 echoing through the room. She couldn’t help but stare. Once over the initial shock, she banged on the glass, hoping First would stop his torture.

First, of course, did not stop. He continued to increase the heat on 34s arm. The boy screamed, yet did not beg for him to stop. A few tears were falling from his eyes as he tried to fire spell after spell at First, but each one failed, not being able to focus long enough to cast them correctly.

Finally, 34s body couldn’t withstand the suffering it was being dealt, and his arm below his shoulder was burnt black, turning to a pile of ash and charred bone on the floor. He fell from First’s grip. He grabbed for where his arm used to be, only to find empty space. He looked down at the pile of ash before looking up at First. His eyes flickered for a moment before stabilizing, a flaming white light burned in his eyes.

“...You know, that’s a much better look on you.” First mocked the boy. “That fire in your eyes… those flames of hatred… I can’t wait to see what those will bring.”

It’s been over a year since she first started her new job. There are some ups and downs. A plus is she gets paid quite well. Down side, she could never get the smell of burning flesh out of her memory. Ysolda looked over her clipboard, looking over the updated dossier of 34.

Group: P.R.O.W
Item #: 0034
Description: P.R.O.W-0034 is a male human child, around 8 years in age. It has dark skin, yet light blue eyes and white hair, implying having ancestors from multiple demographic backgrounds. It was found in the year ████ in the city of ██████████, ███████. Upon acquisition, the item has undergone gene modification, as well as several experimental procedures, to give the following effects (see below).

Modification of the pituitary gland, allowing for accelerated growth of the body.
Modification of the parietal lobe, allowing for heightened senses, as well as an increase in reaction time in comparison to humans.
Injection of the experimental drug ██████████ affecting the frontal lobe, stunting the growth, delaying the development of personality and emotions. Said delay has been offset, due to the efforts of Dr. Ysolda.
As of the date ██████████, P.R.O.W-0034 has lost its right arm below the elbow. His combat effectiveness has lowered by 30%. As a result, it has been recommended that he be given a robotic arm in its place. Pending approval.
1. Approval granted - P.R.O.W-0034 has been given a robotic arm. The procedure required a direct attachment to the nervous system, forcing surgeons to remove the elbow due to a previous incident. The new limb will be referred to henceforth as P.R.O.W-0034-A.
2. P.R.O.W-0034 has adapted quickly to P.R.O.W-0034-A, though has mentioned phantom pain, as well as other common after effects when losing a limb.

P.R.O.W-0034-A is a robotic prosthetic right arm, currently attached to P.R.O.W-0034. It is made from Lunarite, an ore found on Ceres which has anomalously high tensile, yield, impact, and compressive strength, due to the mana circuitry that has been woven in to increase the circulatory of mana within the body, as well as increase resistance.

Note: Lunarite has been known to be rendered ineffective when there is no mana circulation within the metal. Under no circumstance should Lunarite be stripped of all mana.

Recently, P.R.O.W-0034 has been able to control P.R.O.W-0034-A and it's more niche functions, including but not limited to:

Changing the configuration of his forearm into a rifle of sorts, and shooting condensed mana from it.
Extending a wrist mounted blade for general use.

As of recently, P.R.O.W-0034 has been shown to act rebellious, questioning the beliefs of our Founders. Due to his heightened growth rate, Dr. Ysolda has hypothesized this change in behavior to be due to hormones.

Ysolda choked, not believing she actually wrote that last part in and it was accepted. The chuckle was also a nervous chuckle. He has grown rebellious rather recently. She's also not sure if it was enough to worry about.

"Oh, Dr. Ysolda, perfect timing!" A voice said from behind her dossier. She looked up to see first in front of her path. “The Item has learned enough about morality for now. Make it a side-task. We have enough data on how he was affected, but It’s not needed anymore. Your new task is to teach him the concept of freedom.”

Ysolda blinked. She asked why, and if First was sure if this is a good idea.

“Well, first, let me ask you this: What is the purpose of our corporation?”

She thought about it for a moment before answering. To study, document, and develop magical, biological, and technological weaponry in the pursuit of our freedom from the occupiers. She remembered having to memorize that in the employee handbook.

“Good, good. You’ve memorized the employee handbook.” First said with a nod. “Now, how do we teach him what he’s supposed to be fighting for if we don't teach him the concept of freedom?”

While Ysolda admitted that, in theory, it makes sense, in practice it would not end well.

“Well… That’s not for you to worry about. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Anyway, you can have the day off. I’m gonna do something a bit special today with P.R.O.W-0034. You can start teaching him tomorrow.” He stated before walking past her towards 34’s containment room.

First made it to his destination, walking in the room and stopping in front of 34. “Knock knock, little guy! How's it going?”

34 looked up at him. He didn’t respond. He just gave a cold, empty stare.

“Either way, I don’t care. Anyway, I got something to give to you! You’re gonna make a new friend!”

34 blinked. “Are you going to make me kill them like the other item numbers?”

“Oh, yeah… I did make you do that. Well, no, you won’t have to fight this one. You’re gonna be real close friends.” First grinned as he held up a hand. He snapped his fingers. The two were near instantly teleported to a different room. The entire room seemed to be a white abyss. It stretched on as far as the eye could see, the horizon line fading to gray. The best way he could describe it was ‘nothing’.

34 turned around to look at First, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw what looked like a skull. Not one of a human, however. It more resembled a dragon, with a wide jaw and long, curved horns, and big enough to wear as a helmet. He also noticed that it looked to be made of the same metal as his new arm.

“Well, here you go.” First stepped to the side. He put a hand out and motioned to the skull. “Go say hi.”

34 walked up to the skull and cautiously put a hand on it. As soon as he touched it, the skull began to slowly levitate, before quickly darting in 34s direction. It snapped onto his head and began to glow a deep blue color. He tried to force the helmet off to no avail. He grunted as he felt something stab him in the back of the neck and draw his blood.

“DNA verified. Beginning the deadlock protocall.” A voice said, coming from the skull. Before he could ask what was going on, an electric pulse came from the skull, incapacitating 34. He heard First say something before passing out.

By the time he came to, he was back in his containment room. His vision was still partially blinded by the skull he had on. 34 tried to take off the helmet, but stopped when he felt it pull at the skin on his neck. He rubbed his fingers around his neck, only to find there was nothing seeming to keep it attached. He did notice that it didn't have as much wiggle room as it once had. It fit his head near perfectly. 34 felt around the outside of the skull. He jumped when a button he pressed made the jaw of the skull click open. It folded inwards on itself, the upper jaw going over his head and turning into a collar. The first word that came to his mind was “fitting.” He hated it.

Looking down at the collar, he looked for any gaps on it, in another attempt to take it off.

“Your attempts to remove me will prove futile.” A voice said. He remembered that voice. It was deep and robotic. It was also the last thing he heard before getting knocked out.

“You… what are you?” 34 asked cautiously.

“You do not have the authorization to receive the answer to that question.” It stated robotically.

“...What is the deadlock protocall?” He pressed.

“You do not have the authorization to receive the answer to that question.” The voice repeated.

34 grunted. He wasn’t getting anywhere at this rate. “Let me change my questions. What is your purpose, and why are you stuck to me?

“My primary function is to serve as a guide to you, P.R.O.W-0034. I am attached to you as that is the best way to ensure I can complete my objective.” It explained.

34 thought for a moment. “Guide… for what exactly?”

“Any and everything that will assist you and your goals. From simple arithmetic and history to simulated multi-variable scenarios, I can assist.”

“So what, you’re just an artificial intelligence with what? Infinite knowledge? That's stupid.”

“While not inaccurate, that understanding will do for the moment.”

First looked through the one way glass, seeing how quick 34 is to accept his new mechanical symbiotic parasite. Everything has been going well so far. Sure, him being unconscious for three days, but in the end, things are going according to plan.

Ysolda looked alongside First, though she was obviously more worried than satisfied. Most people would think that this wasn’t a good idea, but she couldn’t exactly say that without the chance of discipline. She asked if she should still teach him freedom. She hoped the answer was no.

“Of course you should. He’s gotta learn from a human, not a machine.” He explained. “Welp, have fun.” He smiled under his hood before snapping his fingers and teleporting away.

Ysolda looked at where her boss once was before sighing and walking into the containment room. 34 looked at her from the center of the room. Her step faltered when she saw the piercing blue eyes of the helmet he was wearing, but she continued anyway. She snapped her fingers, two chairs and a clipboard appeared in front of her. The two sat across from each other. She began to apologize, but stopped herself for some reason. She then told 34 that she was going to start teaching him about freedom, or to be more specific, the concept of freedom.

“Freedom? Is it important?” He asked.

Ysolda nodded. It was one of the most important things to know. It’s what all humans want, yet is always taken away from us in some form. Freedom is the right to act, think, or speak as you’d want without hindrance or restraint.

“...You say everyone wants it. Do you have… freedom?” He looked up at her.

She thought for a moment for an apt answer. She answered that while yes, she does have freedom, there will always be some of that freedom taken away to protect you and others. Other times, it is taken away to control you and others.

“So then… Do I have freedom?” He asked. This was the question she knew he would ask, and she dreaded to answer.

She hesitated to answer. If she answered, it’ll bring more dangerous questions. If she didn’t, he would speculate on his own. She thought it would be better to answer. No, he does not have freedom.

“Then… Why do I not have freedom? To protect me and others? Or to control me and others?”

She said that she doesn’t know.

“...Is not giving me freedom the right thing to do?” He pushed for an answer.

A wave of fear went through Ysolda’s body. She quickly stood up and walked out the room. She needs to get out of here. Soon.

Over the coming months, he did not get the answer to his questions. He tried his best to answer them himself, and sometimes with the help of the AI he called “Echo”. While he wouldn't consider echo a friend, echo has proved itself to be an ally at the very least. They were able to deduce a few things.

In certain situations, taking away someone’s freedom is the right thing to do. Murder, Human trafficking, basically anything that could or would bring harm to someone else. The exception would be that if harming someone could save someone else. War, for example, would be an exception in most cases. It would be a morally gray area.

They also deduced that as of now, he had no reason to have no freedom. Sure, he may have hurt others, but not of his own volition. He did what he was told to, else dealt with the consequences. He rubbed his metal arm as he thought about it. They, his captors were in the wrong.

Finally, he realized that if his captors were in the wrong, the right thing to do would be to stop them. Stop them from making others like him, forcing them to fight between each other for no reason other than a pursuit of knowledge. Gaining his freedom back, stopping these experiments, would be the right thing to do. Escape was not an option, as he had nowhere to run to. He had a general idea of the layout of the lab, as he had to be transported from room to room. As for the numbers of his foes, he had no idea. The only thing he was certain of was that he was stronger.

And today was the day he made his move.

A security guard, doned in black military gear walked into the room with a rifle in his arms. “Lunch time, little buddy.” He said from the doorway. He liked this guard. While he didn’t know his name, he was one of the few people here that treated 34 with some form of kindness. 34 stood up and walked towards the door. As the two walked out the room and towards the cafeteria, 34 tried to make a mental map of all the hallways he passed by and where they would lead. He then saw a map of the facility he was in. It was much larger than he expected, multiple containment cells had their numbers crossed off. He sighed sadly, remembering the other numbers he had to kill. They will be avenged.

34 and the guard made it to the cafeteria. Two more guards wearing the same attire waited in front of a table, where 34 would sit to eat. 34 sat down while the first guard went to get him his food. While he waited, he tried to ignore the two other guards trying to antagonize him. He hated it. He was human, not some lab rat. The first guard came back with a lunch tray in his hands.

34 didn’t see him as an enemy. He at least seemed to care about him. He didn’t deserve what was to come. 34 clapped his hands together under the table, sending a gust of wind at his feet, tripping the guard, getting his food on the floor and his outfit.

“Shit…” The first guard said. “Sorry man. One of those two will get you another lunch. I need to go change.” He finished before walking out of the cafeteria.

A guard groaned as he began to walk to get 34s lunch. He only made it halfway across the room before he turned back around from the sound of his comrades' screams of pain. Before the guard could aim his rifle to fire, 34 threw the second guard into him. He finished them off with a large spear of ice going through each of their chests.

Now, he had to act quickly. The moment he walked outside the cafeteria, the alarms would sound. They would also sound once the first guard came back and saw the bodies. Remembering the last containment breaches when the other numbers were still alive, he knew had had roughly two minutes before enough forces would mobilize to neutralize him.

But his goal wasn’t to escape anyway. He was here to slay as many of his captors as he could. He surrounded himself with a dense layer of magic before rushing out of the cafeteria.

As he expected, the alarms blared, alerting everyone within the facility. He began running through the corridors, making his way towards what he assumed to be the exit. Part way through, he noticed a red painted line on the walls, pointing him towards the exit. It was… convenient. They’d most likely set up a barricade at a choke point for him. Good. Saves him the trouble of the hunt.

As he followed the wall, he was led to not an exit, but an elevator. In front of said elevator, a security force set up a blockade. Some used their magic to create a wall, while the rest behind them aimed their weapons at 34 over the wall. From the looks of it, they were only about 20 strong. The guards opened fire on him. He dodged a few of the rays before ducking behind a hallway to the side. 34 threw a fireball in the center of a hallway and ignited it, blinding the guards. 34 had only a few seconds to act. He turned the corner and fired magical bullets from his arm, killing all the guards who weren’t protected by the wall. Once they fell dead, He jumped over the wall the guard set up and threw out a blade of wind in a circle around him, cutting the remaining guards in half.

He tried to drown out the sounds of the alarms as he was about to press a button on the elevator before he saw a guard out of the corner of his eye… He still had food on his gear. The nice guard pointed his rifle at 34. “Come on, kid… we don’t gotta do this. Just come with me quietly and I can help you.”

34 stared at him for a moment. “Help me? By keeping me confined here, knowing nothing of the outside world? What you want me to fight for? I don’t want to be used, held against my will, knowing that you all are doing something wrong. If you want to help me, tell me where this power generator is. First told me it was somewhere on the lower levels.”

The nice guard stared back. “...well, I’ll die anyway here. If not from you, from failing at my job. At this point, the pay isn't worth it. Sublevel 36.” He sighed as he pointed the gun to his head. “Do what you think is right.” He smiled before pulling the trigger. 34 put his hand out in a vain attempt to stop him, only to be met with the vision of his blood on the walls. He clenched his fists as he pressed the button for sublevel 36. After a few moments of waiting, the elevator door opened.

“Took you long enough.” First said, standing in front of him. Behind him stood four others in the same attire as First, yet having different color accents, as well as Ysolda. “Must say, kinda a weird escape route you’re taking here.”

“I would be escaping if I had somewhere to run to.” 34 stated angrily.

A robed figure prepared to snap their fingers. “So what, you’re just here to waste our time? Is this a-” One of the robed figures behind First wasn’t able to finish her sentence, due to 34 shooting a fireball at her, killing her in an explosion of fire, blood, and guts.

“I’m here to kill you all or die trying. However, I’ve been taught many things by you all. Kindness, Responsibility, Loyalty, but most importantly… Freedom and morality.” He released magic from his body, the sheer amount making a few of the people step back. “I know that it is wrong to take away someone’s freedom for no reason. So… for those who don’t want to fight, I will let you leave through the elevator behind me. For those who do, then your freedom will be taken.” He continued.

None took a step forward, save for one. Ysolda began walking towards the elevator. She needed to go. This was FAR above her paygrade. She still hasn't done anything wrong. She didn't trap him, she didn't send him through hell. She showed 34 kindness. She didn’t deserve this.

“...And I see someone forgot section 18.2.32 in the employee handbook.” First clicked his tongue. “Any attempt to violate the contract before the contracted time is up…” First said before snapping his fingers, sending a bolt of lighting at Ysolda, frying her instantly. “Is subject to immediate termination.” He finished as the remaining people in the room began to snap their fingers, casting magic of their own.

With tears in his eyes and a pained look on his face, 34s eyes glowed a blinding white light as he let out a roar of rage. It was four on one, their favor. However, they had the same weakness that he had. Despite their anomalous magic, they’re still human. And Humans are fragile.

First snapped his fingers, sending a wave of fire at him. It was too fast to dodge, but barely slow enough to react to. He put his hands in front of him, making a barrier of wind, diverting the flames to his sides. Two of the four came from either side of him, one sending a stream of high-pressure water, while the other, a large boulder.

He pointed one of his hands towards the ground and used wind to push himself out of the way of the attacks. He threw his fists out towards the two people at his sides, a wave of water flowing towards each one. Both snapped their fingers to put up a defense, but one was too slow, getting hit by the wave and flying into a wall. Using this moment, 34 shot a ball of ice at the downed cloaked figure. Their body was covered in ice, making sure that they wouldn’t be able to get back up any time soon.

There were three left now. He grabbed onto one of the pipes hanging from the ceiling. It was cold to the touch. From the humming that it made, it was also flowing somewhere. 34 broke the pipe, spilling coolant all over the floor of the room. First was able to teleport outside of the room before he could get covered in the coolant. The other two weren’t so lucky, getting stuck under the fluid. He quickly got out of the room through an adjacent doorway before turning back and lighting the coolant aflame with his metal arm. He only began to walk away once their screams of pain turned to silence, confirming their death.

He walked down a hallway, following the coolant pipe on the ceiling. He kept on guard, knowing First was bound to come for him sooner or later. He took another step as he thought, but quickly jumped back, narrowly dodging an explosion below his feet. First set traps… as expected. 34 looked down the hallway, seeing that the pipe lines stopped at the room at the end.

The spell traps had an activation time. Slow enough where he could run past them, and by the time they activated, he’d be out of the area of effect. So, that’s what he did. After a wind induced run and some elemental explosions going off behind him, he slowed to a walk at the end of the hallway. Upon entering the room, he saw what he assumed to be a generator. A monument of gray hexagons formed a spherical shape, containing something within as it gave off energy, flowing through glass pipes that lined the room.

Before he could look into anything else, he heard the popping of joints from above him. He looked up to see First, clinging to a wall and staring down at him. First clicked his tongue at his luck. “Well… shit.” He said before shooting a volley of elements at 34.

The boy quickly put up a ward of magic, luckily being able to block most of it. However, the amount of magic he’s been using has put a strain on his mind and body. His body was getting sore, and his mind was fading with each passing moment.

“Getting weaker eh? Losing that steam?” First mocked as he continues snapping his fingers, sending more projectiles at 34. They were getting heavier… He couldn't let this battle drag on for long.

He dropped the ward and quickly jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the rain of magic where he once was. He turned his metal arm into a cannon and fired a ball of condensed magic at First, blasting him off the wall. First was able to land on his feet, but wasn't fast enough to dodge a second shot, knocking him on his back.

The scientist's head was ringing. He was only on the floor for a moment, yet in that time, 34 was able to jump on top of him and stab him with his wrist mounted blade in his right shoulder, making the rest of his arm fall limp. First tried to snap his fingers in his left hand in retaliation, but 34 quickly pulled out his blade from his shoulder and cut it off.

The pain finally hit First as he began screaming from it. After his yelling stopped, he began laughing to himself. “Heheheh… You really are a great subject. You’re everything I hoped for…” He spoke as he coughed up some blood. “Shit… guess I’m nearly gone… Well, it seems like it was worth it, getting to meet my magnum opus…” He said with a groan as he fell over.

34 stared down at the man. The life in his eyes was slowly fading away. He crouched down and spoke slowly. “I’m going to destroy this place. I’m going to destroy the reactor and blow it up from the inside. You will die here with your work. As you deserve for what you’ve done to my brothers and sisters.” He stood up and took a keycard out of First’s pocket. He tried to crawl towards the boy, but fell from the lack of strength.

34 took one final look at First before following the coolant pipes once more. A thought crossed his mind as he heard the groans of First behind him. Sure, one could argue that his captors got what they deserved, but… Was he in the right to deliver their punishment? After killing his brothers and sisters, the test subjects, the guards, the doctors… Was he allowed to be the judge? The jury? Probably not. But made sure he was the executioner, and his goal did not change.

The coolant pipe ended abruptly by turning into a wall. He was close. 34 entered one last room. The first thing he noticed was that the walls seemed to be oddly more reinforced than any part of the facility he’s seen. The second thing was that as soon as he entered the room, past the warning markings on the floor, it seemed… “cut off” from the world in a sense. He couldn’t seem to shake the feeling.

In the center of the room was a large spherical construct, made into shape from countless hexagons, all making a whirring sound. 34 walked towards the sphere and put a hand on it, only to pull it back before he could even make contact. It felt like it was absorbing something from him. Then he realized what it took. He felt somewhat nauseous from getting close to the sphere, similar, if not exactly the same as when he had mana deficiency. It was taking his mana. Meaning, it'd be safe to assume that it would absorb mana more effectively on the inside, thus, whatever is inside of the reactor is releasing mana in abundance.

Any normal human would die from that much mana. All he had to do was figure out a way to open the sphere and, depending on how much raw mana is being released, anything in a certain radius would perish from mana poisoning. Now here comes the interesting part.

Opening it. He had no idea how to open it.

There was no opening of any kind that he could see, but there had to have been somewhere. The sphere itself stopped anyone from prolonged exposure. 34 looked around the room for anything that could be of use. He spotted a terminal to the side of the reactor and walked towards it. Not tall enough to reach it, he stood on a chair and looked at his reflection on the black screen.

He pressed the power button. In return, the screen lit up, showing text asking for 34 to enter his keycard. He pushed the keycard into the slot, making a small beep. “Welcome back, First. What would you like to do today?” The machine asked through text. Three options showed on screen. Data summary, Reactor options, and Log out.

34 was about to press an option on the terminal before he was stopped by Echo. “Plug me into the terminal. You do not currently have the qualifications.” Echo stated robotically. When he finished his sentence, a cord dangled from one of the rear horns of the helmet. He plugged the wire into the terminal.

“34, the data here is overwhelming. It will take me a moment to process everything. I will share the data with you once finished. Going into standby.” Echo said, his blue eyes flashing off. After a couple minutes of waiting, his eyes flickered back on. “All data has been processed. Ask your questions.”

“...Why are you helping me?” 34 asked. “Weren’t you made to monitor me, rather than help me?” He said as suspicion leaked through his voice.

“Negative. As I’ve stated before, my primary function is to assist you to further your goals, no matter what they may be. I understand your hesitation to trust me, but know I mean you no harm.” Echo said in his robotic tone. His words however, seemed to be sincere.

34 Sighed. “Alright I guess… Then… what's inside the sphere?”

“It seems to be a… portal of sorts. To where, uncertain. Upon further digging into the data, it seems to be expelling mana at an astounding rate. The mana is being absorbed by the construct around it then spread in safe levels throughout the facility, as to not cause mana sickness. It is reasonable to hypothesize that the mana you use, as well as the others, is from inside the sphere.”

34 stood there shocked for a split second. “Then does that mean that if we open it, they’ll be able to go through?” He asked, referring to anyone still alive working in the facility.

“I can not guarantee that no one will come in after us. However, the chances are slim to none.”

“Alright… I felt something when I came through the hallway and into this room. It’s hard to describe. It’s like we were… cut off from something.” 34 tried to look for words that could best explain what he felt.

“Affirmative.” Echo started. “While I was not able to get the data on how, this room appears to be cut off from our reality. It seems to be a safety precaution in case the portal collapses.”

“Which is what I plan to do, once you deactivate the sphere around it.” 34 nodded. “If what you’re saying is right, when you deactivate the construct, all the mana will spread throughout the facility and poison everyone within. Then, you’ll force the portal to collapse, so they can't get any more mana.”

“Affirmative. However, once the portal collapse begins, I cannot guarantee your survival.” Echo said.

“Heh, is that worry in your voice?” He chuckled to himself. “...Echo, do you believe in fate? In destiny?”

“I am not programmed to believe in fate, nor destiny. Though… if I must answer, I would have to answer both.” Echo hummed.

“Destiny. Something that you can change… Through your own actions, by choosing from your own path. Meanwhile, Fate. Something that is set in stone, forced upon someone. Often in spite of your destiny… Ms. Ysolda taught me that.

“...What are you getting at?” Echo asked.

34 sighed. “Well… me being here as a test subject, meeting you, my brothers and sisters dying, losing my arm… that would be something I couldn’t control, my fate. Yet when I made my stand, when I killed those who stood in our way, that was my choice, my destiny.”

“I do… not understand.”

“Well, it was their destiny to control my fate. And my destiny to control their fate. We know that destiny can change someone else’s fate, but can I change my own fate? I don't know, but if we make it through that portal, let’s find the answer to that.” 34 offered the helmet.

“My primary function is to assist you to further your goals, no matter what they may be.” Echo repeated.

“Good. Shut down the sphere. Lets get this going.” 34 finished, giving the queue for Echo. He did so. The loud hum in the room slowly died down as the power was cut off from the construct, releasing mana into the facility at an accelerated rate. He felt a bit light headed from the sudden increase in mana and power. It was certain, any normal human in contact with this much mana would definitely be lethal.

“You weren’t kidding… Collapse the portal when you’re ready.” 34 told Echo.

“Affirmative… Warning, coordinates indicate that you could spawn in the upper atmosphere.” Echo stated.

“...What?” 34 asked confused.

“Apologies. Coordinates were only given once the collapse was activated. I suggest forming some sort of defense before this reactor room implodes.” Echo said all too calmly.

“Shoot!” 34 said as he ran to unplug Echo before surrounding himself in a layer of ice, then a second layer of stone. He realized his magic was much stronger from all the extra mana in the air. He was about to think of something else before loud cracking could be heard.

He couldn't see through the layer of stone and ice around him, but he assumed it was either the sphere itself or the walls around him. He felt himself accelerating off the floor and towards the center of the room. His body and capsule flashed a violet color before dimming. Suddenly, he was falling.

A young filly walked towards her mirror, smiling. Her coat was a light aquamarine and her mane, a pale grayish cyan. Her golden eyes lit up as she looked at herself in the birthday dress that her parents got for her. She was giggling to herself, excited to show off to her friends. Her parents were lucky enough to rent the Canterlot royal gardens for her birthday party, so saying she was giddy was an understatement.

Meanwhile, 34 could feel the heat from his capsule burning as he fell from the upper atmosphere. The ice was melting from the heat as well, and the stone was crystallizing. He did his best to brace himself for the coming impact.

“Assuming the acceleration of gravity is the same here, you will reach sea level in roughly five minutes.” Echo said. “Warning. We are entering unknown territory. I cannot assist you to the best of my ability.”

34 nodded. He was in for a rough ride.

The filly was about to open the door to go down from Canterlot tower into the Canterlot gardens, but stopped in her tracks when she heard a sharp whistling sound. Weird… it was getting louder. She looked out the window to see where the sound was coming from. The filly looked down from the tower. First left, then right, then up. She saw something burning coming right towards her. She began screaming as she jumped to the side, dodging the meteor that crashed through the wall.

The top half of the tower began to sway from the large hole that was just made. The polished stone walls turned to shrapnel, shooting in all directions, destroying a few of the adjacent towers and buildings below. Some of his capsule broke off as he crashed, spreading flames around him. In a matter of seconds, this once joyous day turned into a demolition zone.

34 pulled back a fist and punched through his ice and, now crystal, capsule. He pulled himself out to see the building he was in engulfed with flames. He grit his teeth as he realized that he hurt innocents. His thoughts were cut off by the sound of sobbing coming from his right. He looked in the direction of the sound to see the filly hiding under a table.

He thought about what to do. For some reason, he saw himself in the filly. Weak, scared, panicked. But she had someone to help her. 34 took a few slow steps towards her as he pressed a button under the jaw of his helmet, the metal plates folding aside into a collar to show his face.

“Hey there.” He said with the softest voice he could muster. The filly looked at him, only to try and back away immediately after. “Whoa, whoa, I’m not here to hurt you… well not any more than I already accidentally have.” He tried to comfort her. “Can you even understand me?”

The filly nodded slowly.

“Good.” He kneeled down. “I’m 34. I’m a human. What’s your name?”

“Im… Lyra… Lyra Heartstrings… I’m a unicorn.” She said through heavy breaths and choked tears.

“Well, Lyra. As you can see, we’re in a not too good situation. What do you say we get out of here?” He asked.

“I… I can't… I’m too scared to move...” She cried.

“...Lyra, I can get us out of here. I know you don't have any reason to, but I need you to trust me.” 34 said, putting out an open palm. “If you can do that for even a moment, then take my hand.”

The filly looked at him. Those light blue eyes of his showed no malice, manipulation, nor uncertainty. She slowly put her hoof into his hand. “O…okay.” she shook, still scared for her life.

“Alright.” He stood up, being just above the eye level of Lyra. “Hold on to me. We’ll make it out of here.” He said as he walked toward the balcony stairs. He took each step carefully to make sure Lyra stayed with him. Of course, until the staircase he was walking on began to crack. He looked up at the tower to see several large cracks spreading through the walls. “Hey, we need to go, now. This place could fall any moment now.” 34 urged her to speed up. Lyra nodded.

The two were about to continue down the stairs when the tower above them fell on a lower platform, making a hole in their path. 34 shielded himself and the filly from the stone shrapnel that fell from above. “...Shit.” He said under his breath. He looked around for anything he could safely jump on. There wasn’t. “Excuse me, Lyra. Sorry about this, but we have to jump.”

“...what?” She asked through her worried voice.

“We have to jump. We’re running out of escape routes.”

Lyra blinked. “N-no! No way we can make that jump!”

“I’m sorry, but we don't have much of a choice. The longer we stay here, the more at risk we are.” He sighed as he crouched down, turning his back towards the filly. “If you want, I can carry you. Hop on.”

Lyra took 34’s offer and climbed on his back and wrapped her forehooves around his neck. 34, in turn, put his hands under her back legs to make sure she didn't fall off. “Ready?” He asked the filly.

Lyra gulped. “Y-yeah…”

34 took a couple steps back before getting a running start and jumped off the ledge. Lyra’s grip tightened as they fell and closed her eyes. 34 sent magic to his feet, making an air current below him, slowing his fall. Once they landed on the ground, Lyra let out a relieved sigh. “See? We’re fine.” 34 said as he began to crouch down.

“Actually, um… can you keep carrying me?” She asked through unsteady breathing. “I can’t… feel my legs.”

34 nodded as he stood up, making sure he had a good grip on Lyra. “So, Lyra. Any idea where we should go? I’m kind of new to the area, if that wasn’t obvious.”

“Um… Mom and Dad always told me to wait somewhere safe if I was ever in trouble.” She thought aloud.

“Alright, the safest place for now would be an open field away from any falling debris. Can you think of anything?”

“...Mom said the hedge maze was really big and wide. Maybe there?” She offered.

“Alright, and where’s the hedge maze?”

“Next to the castle.” she answered 34.

34 looked towards the sky. Past the smoke and patches of fire, he saw what would definitely fit the definition of a castle. He began walking. “So, where are your parents?”

“Mom and Dad said that they were going to check on the cake and party favors… I hope they’re ok.” Lyra said, worried.

34 walked silently for a few moments. He’d feel terrible if any harm fell on her parents because of him. “I’m sure they’re ok. Tell you what, once I drop you off, I’ll go look for them.”

Lyra stayed silent for a moment before she had a question. “Hey, those things you’re holding me with… what are they?”

“Oh, my hands? Am I holding on too tight?” 34 loosened his grip a bit.

“No, no… I just… think they’re cool.” She gave a smile. 34 didn’t respond.

The two walked in silence. He realized that he didn’t even know who to look for. “Hey, Lyra, I need to know what your parents look like.”

“Oh… well my mom is-” She began before 34 cut her off, seeing something in the corner of his eye.

“We’ll talk later! Hold on tight!” 34 said he tightened his grip on the filly and jumped to his right, sliding to a stop a few feet away. Looking back to where he once was, he saw a bigger version of Lyra, yet instead of a horn, it had wings. It’d be safe to assume this one was an adult.

The golden armored pony looked back at him. “Put the filly down, freak show!”

34 didn’t respond. He spoke while making eye contact. “Lyra, who are they?”

Taking a moment to take in the situation, she responded. “Oh! They’re one of the guards!”

Guards… He didn’t have many good experiences with them. He decided to up his guard. “...Are they safe?”

“Yeah!” She said, pushing herself off her back. “Mom said that if I’m ever in trouble, I go to them!” She trotted over to the guard, who quickly got in front of her in turn. “You should come with us! They can help!”

He was still hesitant. Even more when the guard looked at Lyra like she was crazy. Then, the guard thought for a moment. They would have to report this… thing to the sergeant anyway. “...The kid is right. Why don’t you come with me for now.” The guard more demanded than offered.

34 stared down the guard, then looked at Lyra, as if for guidance. She stared back, innocently. 34 looked at the guard, then nodded. He approached the guard, albeit slowly. The guard was equally wary, tensing up as he got close. He stopped arms distance and looked up at the pony.

He put out his metal hand as a symbol of trust. The guard looked at it, then put his hoof out, shaking it. “So… what should I call you?”

“I am 34.” He stated.

“Not your age. Your name.” The guard clarified.

“I do not have a name. I am designated as P.R.O.W-0034. You can call me 34.”

“What, are you just some experiment or something?” The guard half joked. 34 stared back, giving them the answer. “...Sweet Celestia…” He said under his breath.

“What is your name?” 34 asked.

“...Call me Iron. Iron Armory.” 34 nodded. “Alright, I’m taking you two to the castle. 34, stay where I can see you.” He demanded. He nodded again as the three started walking.

After a few minutes of walking, they were at the castle gates. Conveniently where he needed to go. A pony in similar armor saw him from afar and saw the three coming.

“Private!” They called out. “What in Tartarus are you doing here!? We send three squads down for search and rescue, and you waddle your ass back here!?” What 34 assumed to be Iron’s superior began shouting, only to stop once he noticed Lyra and 34 next to Iron Armory. “What did you bring with you!?”

“Honestly ma’am, I’m not sure myself.” Iron rubbed the back of his head.

“You didn’t even cuff it! What is wrong with you!” The pony said as she used her horn to get the cuffs off her hip. She began to approach 34 with the cuffs, who took a step back.

“Come on, don’t make this harder than it has to be.” She said as she got closer. 34 didn’t like where this was going. His fight or flight response kicked in. He looked around for a place to retreat. He didn’t find any in the wide open area in front of the gates. He grew more distressed.

“Ma’am, please! I don’t think he’s a threat! I found him helping this filly here!” Iron said in 34’s defense. “Besides! Look at him! He can’t be any older than 10 or so!”

The unicorn continued to approach as she spoke. “Oh, when’d you become a biologist? Shut your mouth and get that filly somewhere safe. Now, back to you….”

34 grit his teeth and looked to Lyra and Iron, both giving sympathetic looks, knowing they couldn’t do anything. 34 grit his teeth, knowing his hands were tied. He stomped his foot, sending a pillar of stone from the ground into the air, knocking the cuffs out her magic grasp.

She gasped in surprise before shaking it off. She charged magic in her horn and shot a burst of magic into the air. 34 recognized it easily. It was a signal. Backup was on the way. Now he was really screwed.

“I don’t want to hurt you if I don’t have to, but I am not being put in some cell again!” He said as he prepared for another fight. It had only been mere moments before dozens of ponies came from behind the mare and surrounded him. 34 clenched his fist, preparing to cast a spell before an overpowering voice was heard.

“STOP!” it spoke as it rumbled the ground beneath him. 34 snapped his head to the direction of the voice. This one was much larger than the others, as well as having both large wings and a long horn. Their rainbow-like mane flowed behind them as they landed.

The two guards bowed as she approached. 34 kept his eyes on them as they landed. The two made eye contact. They stared down each other before the alicorn spoke. “Is this attack your doing?”

34 answered, still on guard. “Yes, though I didn’t mean to. I needed to escape.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Escape? From what? And what type of escape causes a crash and a fire?”

“My captors. I had to go through some sort of portal to get here. I ended up right over this city. It was a hard landing…” He explained.

“And what of your captors? Did they follow you?”

“No.” He stated. The alicorn lowered her guard slightly after hearing that. “They’re dead.” 34 finished. She tensed up once she processed what the boy said.

“...Did you… kill them?” She asked hesitantly. He nodded. She hid a shiver before taking a deep breath. “I’ll need you to come with me.”

34 looked up at her. “I am not going back in a cell.” He stated as calmly as he could.

“I’m sorry, but it’s where you’ll end up going. Looking at the damage you caused, I can’t let you simply roam free.” She put a hoof up to motion to said damage.

He didn’t even have to look. He remembered. 34 grit his teeth. “Fine…”

Author's Note

Finally rewrote this. Why? the original was ass. Doo doo water. An embarrassment. And rushed. this, I hope, will be better. It was painful going back to this chapter so many times. I put it off too long.

Fixed spelling, some plot holes, terminology, and it's much longer as to not feel rushed. Also got rid of some stuff so the story and my character are more acceptable in my eyes.

I'm sorry for those who read the original. The previous commenters who shat on it, I understand. The comments will stay so I wont forget what I did, and so I can be better.

Nightmare Moon

It’s been sixteen years since that day. Since he came to this world. Since he made that promise to Khrusalis… not that it mattered anymore. The passing of the seasons have not been kind to Skystrike. Death, like a shadow, seemed to follow him wherever he went. First, the humans he escaped from, then his family, and finally, his friends. And each time, he did what he felt was safest for them. Left. Knowing he was the common denominator, all danger to them would cease as long as he disappeared. And so he did.

At the ripe age of twenty four, Skystrike was a ghost, a memory to those he once held close. Khrusalis wanted to change his disposition towards ponies, and got him set up at an orphanage for a few years. A perfect place to hide, where no one- nopony would question his existence, nor sudden appearance. But he got on a pony’s bad side. And that family he grew close to was in harm's way. He barely got the others out before it collapsed in on him. But at that time, that was Skystrike’s first step.

Faking his death, he started another new life. With nothing to his name, he began to work under the table. Line cook, bouncer, cage fighter, no job, as long as it put food in his belly, was above him. But he found his break in bounties. Problems that the guard were slow to handle, or that were on the edge of the thin line of legality, he took. Influenced in no small part to his… history. He met a stallion, who took Skystrike under his metaphorical wing. He was a good stallion, one who always put his morals, and others, before himself. But Steel Ace was too good for this world. He met an early grave… Skystrike didn’t want to think about that right now, even if the justice he executed was a bittersweet memory.

The Changeling hive shunned his existence, but he didn’t blame them, he blamed himself too. The queen was gone, taken before her time, and it was his fault. But she still wanted him to keep the promise they made. At the time, Skystrike wondered if it would even be worth it anymore, but then he found his friends. Eventually, each joined him in his travels.

It was Khrusalis’ dream, and eventually morphed into his own dream. A place where beings could come together, no matter the background, nor race. A Pegasus, an Earth pony, a Unicorn, a Dragon, a Zebra, a Griffon, a Diamond Dog, a Hippogriff, and an Avian. Each of them having a past that they initially didn’t want to share, but the bonds through battle made them grow closer. It was a place where each of them felt they belonged. But he had to destroy that sanctuary they made, to save them. They were attacked because of him. Skystrike almost lost everything once more. He wouldn’t take any more chances.

There were too many he couldn’t save.

It’s been a few months since he disbanded his group… No, time hasn’t been too kind, it’s been over a year. No matter how many times he wanted to get these memories out of his head, he couldn't get the scratching whispers away from the back of his skull. He didn’t have anything else to live for, save for the next meal. He gained a reputation over the jobs he’s taken. Atlas Nebula was his alias, and he’s who’d one go to if there was too little information, or if there were no other option. Death, like a shadow, followed wherever he went.

But he didn’t want that anymore. Sure, he saved many, but what’s the point in saving strangers if he couldn’t protect those he deemed close? So, after months of wagering, thinking on what to do, he made a decision.

He would die. By his own hand. So he wouldn’t put anyone else in danger.

But Skystrike had one more thing to do. It started when he thought back to his family at the orphanage. ‘The Church of the Two Sisters’ was its name, with the mural having Celestia on it. It never made sense to him how the mural had one pony, yet the name implied there were two. So, he began doing his research. Over the past couple months, he visited any and nearly all the libraries in Equestria, hoping it wasn’t a wild goose chase and there was actually something to it.

And there was. First, a history book he found in the Royal Canterlot Library. Though it wasn’t a well guarded secret, many didn’t know that Celesita, the princess of the sun, had a sister, who’s name was forgotten to time. She was in charge of the moon. The childhood story everypony knows, picks up from there, the younger sister of the moon growing resentful of her sister and the sun. In an attempt to hold off the everlasting night, Celestia banished her own blood, changed by her bitterness, to the moon. Though she couldn’t do it with her own power, requiring relics of a past time known as ‘The Elements of Harmony’.

That led him on a chase from city to city. He couldn’t explain it, it just… felt like it was something he must do. After all, legends must come from somewhere. And so he found an answer. In another book on the old era of Equestria. On the longest day of the thousandth year, the bitter princess of the night, Nightmare Moon would return to take what she believed is rightfully hers. It was the thousandth year, and the summer solstice was months away.

He wouldn’t let that happen. Not without a fight.

And Skystrike knew he had to anyway. The Elements of Harmony were long gone, forgotten to history. Celestia needed them to defeat her. But over the years, even living as a pony, he knows that he has more than enough strength to give this Nightmare Moon a hard time. With his magic, it may just be possible to squeeze out a win. And all he needed to know was where she was going to return.

From the Unicorn of his group, he remembered some important magic knowledge that she told him. She had her theories about how a banishment worked, as well as some supporting evidence that he should’ve asked about… Oh well, too late now… But his best bet was going to the place where the spell was initially casted.

Skystrike sat with his luggage as he rode a train. He just finished getting payment from his last mission in Las Pegasus. He flipped one of the bits in his hoof as the rhythmic thumping of train tracks continued. The former capital of Equestria, where the two Celestial Sisters had their last showdown, was in the Everfree Forest, a forest notorious for the monsters and unnatural phenomena that happened within. Just on the edge of that forest sat a village, Ponyville, and that was his current destination.

He had everything he needed with him. A large rucksack, twice the size of his already gargantuan stature housing it all. Skystrike looked out of the window, noticing the night slowly turning to day before him. He sighed and searched his bag for a premade meal, fishing out a sandwich and beginning to eat. The pegasus knew he had a few hours before he reached Ponyville. Before he got on the train, he decided to make a promise to himself.

If Nightmare Moon doesn't come back, then that’s it. Ending things where they were.

If Nightmare Moon does come back, he’d fight with all he had. If he died at her hooves, so be it. But if he lived through it, he’d give life one more try.

A few hours passed as he slowly ate his sandwich, trying to keep the thoughts of self loathing out of his mind. He felt the train slow to a stop, then a blaring of the train whistle, notifying their arrival. Another sleepless night it seemed. With a yawn, Skystrike stood up and put the rucksack on his back, walking off the train.

Before he got off the train platform, he stopped by one of the booths, empty of a train teller, and looked at his reflection on the glass. The black dragon-esque helmet he came to this world with sat on his head for months at this point. He barely remembered the last time he took it off. His blue mane faded to a dark navy blue, spilling out the back of his helmet. It was long. He needed to cut it. Still looking at his reflection, he noticed a smudge on his plate armor. It was the same color as his helmet, raven black being his calling card, and he was covered head to hoof in it, save for his wings.

If he was going to be here for a couple months, Skystrike decided he at least wanted a place to himself. Besides, if he dies, he’d have a place he could give to the orphanage or something. Finally walking off the train platform, he began walking through the town, taking in the scenery. Dirt roads splintered every which way. Despite the place being relatively small, it was surprisingly easy to get lost. The typical houses had frames of timber and thatch roofs, most having several floors. From it being so early in the morning on a Monday, he expected the local farmers market to have at least some ponies walking around, but the streets and stalls were empty.

He wasn’t surprised. Everywhere he went, he wasn’t truly welcome. Before, however, he didn’t plan on sticking around. Skystrike heard hoofsteps, all stopping as he moved from place to place. It was expected. He sighed as he kept walking. With no pony to give him directions, he wandered for nearly an hour before stumbling on what he assumed was the town hall. He turned the handle, opening the door and coming face first with the first pony he’s seen today.

With a coat of grayish amber and a gray and silver mane, the earth pony mare took a warry step back. “Ah… H-hello t-there… You startled me.” She looked at Skystrike looming over her. In her eyes, Skystrike was a monster of a Stallion, triple her size, and with a reputation to boot. “W-wh-what brings you to our… fine town?”

Skystrike craned his neck down to be eye height with her. “I… apologize if I have frightened you.” His voice was dry. “Forgive me for my speech, I haven’t… spoken to another in quite some time.” He cleared his throat. “I wish to buy some land… who can I go to to do so?”

The mare pulled at her collar. “O-oh! I can assist. I’m Mayor Mare, mayor of Ponyville.” Her attitude noticeably changed to a more professional one. “I’d be happy to help you with that. What do you have in mind?”

“I wish for space… a distance away from the main part of town. I wish to be alone. Most ponies aren’t welcoming of my company. A body of water nearby would be… ideal.”

Mayor Mare’s ears went back. “W-well, I am sorry to say, the only land that matches those off the top of my head is next to the Everfree Forest. If you wish, I could look for other-”

“No need.” Skystrike cut her off. “I will take it. How much land and how much will it be?”

“The size is about… ten acres, but a third has been taken over by the forest. Because of that, the price is lower, but most don’t wish to live next to a place so dangerous. As for the cost, twenty thousand bits… would you like to speak about it further in my office?”

Skystrike shook his head. “I am… aware that my presence makes you uneasy. Tell me where the land is. I will tour it myself. I can come back another time for the paperwork.”

Mayor Mare hid a sigh of relief. “On the path to the west of Ponyville, it’s just at the edge of the forest. From the forest entrance to the river leading to the large pond, the land in between is yours… Could you come by the same time tomorrow?”

Skystrike nodded, then stepped out of the doorway and closed the door behind him. He remembered the words she said. West Ponyville was where the Everfree was. Turning towards that direction, he began walking.

In about half an hour, he made it to his destination. The land that was soon to be his was riddled with overgrowth. Trees, both dead and alive, were dotted around the land, as well as shrubs that he’d need to uproot. Several stones of varying sizes were littered across the field that he’d need to pull up as well. He was fine with this. It gave him something to do.

Before he got to work, he’d need to set up camp. A lone tree stood next to the edge of the pond. A decent place to start a camp. He drew one of his swords, the blackened metal reflecting the sun's rays off of it. With a swift slash, he cut down some bushes next to the tree and put down his rucksack on the base of the tree.

He stretched as he began to gather a set of stones, then digging a small hole in the ground. Surrounding the hole with the stones, he had the start of a fire pit. All that was left was the wood. It didn’t take him long to gather the dead branches and logs, stacking them to the side for later.

He got more wood to set up a small cooking station above the fire pit. A place to boil water, a place to wash food, a place to sit, and a place to sleep. It’s all he’s really needed for the past while.

Next, he’d start getting to work clearing out the larger rocks and boulders. Some were easy enough to roll out of the way into a pile on the roadway, being no larger than a filly. Others required much more effort. The one he was currently having a go at felt like it was a few feet deep in the ground. He got some of the rope he carried out of his bag and began to tie it several times around this specific rock, making sure it was secure, then doing the same around his chest.

Once done, he began walking away from the rock, pulling with the weight of his body. After a little bit of trying, the boulder came out, notifying him with the rumbling earth and cracking branches. Looking back, the boulder was the size of a wagon, most of the mass now revealed and above ground. He huffed, glad that was the biggest one, hopefully.

Rolling his shoulders, Skystrike kept pulling. This was much easier, as he only needed to drag the boulder to the side. But this was interrupted by something he saw approaching in the distance. An orange earth pony mare with a blonde mane and tail approached, her face hidden by her brown stetson on her head.

Now he had a thought in his mind. Should he talk to her? On one hoof, it’d be getting to know his neighbors. On the other… he knew that they would never truly accept him. Was there a point?

“Uh… Howdy?” The mare said as she made eye contact with him.

Skystrike blinked. “...Apologies… Didn’t mean to stare.”

“S’alright.” She tipped her hat. “I’m Applejack. Can’t say I’ve seen ya ‘round these parts before.”

Skystrike saw her attempt at making small talk and decided to reciprocate. “Ah, yes. I’ve just gotten here earlier this morning. My name is Atlas Nebula.” He put a hoof on his chest and gave a polite bow. “It is… a pleasure.”

“I can tell from the accent you’re from Canterlot. What’s gotten you down here ‘n Ponyville?”

“I… I have my reasons. I do not wish to worry you with my own woes. For now, I am clearing out this land for my eventual residence.” Skytrike began untying the ropes on the rock.

“Oh, so you plan on movin’ in! Pinkie Pie will love to know you’re here!”

“Who is this ‘Pinkie Pie’ and what does meeting her entail?” Skystrike asked.

“Well, every time somepony new comes to Ponyville, she throws ‘em a party where everyone in town comes to greet ya!”

Skystrike hummed. “The offer is appreciated, but I do not believe that is a good idea.” He noticed the mare’s ears pointed up. “The welcome I received today was telling…, as none wished to be in my presence.” He hid his sigh. “If, knowing this, this Pinkie Pie wishes to throw a party, then I will not stop her. I will attend.”

Applejack stuttered. “W-well I know for sure I’ll be there. Ya seem to be an alright guy. If you want, I can show ya ‘round town, or my farm! The apple family farm is a big part of Ponyville’s history!”

“I… may take you up on that offer. I am available anytime you wish. Though as you are a farmer, would it be too much to ask to borrow some tools? An axe would be enough.”

“Of course, partner! I was just on my way to meet a friend of mine, but after, I’ll give you a tour!”

Skystrike pulled the ropes off of him. “Very well. I… shall await here for your return.”

Applejack shuffled in place. “Well… uh… you’re welcome to come with me. It’d be nice to meet the neighbors.”

Skystrike thought about it, deciding to take her up on that offer. “Very well. Lead the way, Applejack.”

And thus, a very silent, very awkward walk commenced. Awkward enough for even Skystrike to notice. He at least attempted some small talk. “So… Nice hat.” God that sucked, the fuck is wrong with him?

“Oh, well thank ya!” She beamed. “I got it from my pa, rest his soul.”

Skystrike winced. “Ah… I apologize for bringing up a bad memory.”

The silence was deafening. Applejack took awkward glances at Skystrike next to him, while the pegasus himself tried his best to avoid eye contact. So much for first impressions. After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a large cottage on the other side of the Everfree Forest. The house was the same as the ones in downtown Ponyville, though there were some noticeable differences. Whoever lived here seemed to welcome the overgrowth, with greenery replacing the thatch roofs, and hanging bird houses every which way he looked.

Applejack knocked on the door of the cottage, waiting a few moments for the resident to respond. A pale yellow pegasus with a pink mane opened the door just enough to see her friend. “Oh, good morning Applejack. How have you-...” She pushed open the door further to see Skystrike standing there. Terrified wasn’t a strong enough word to describe what the mare was feeling as she seemed to freeze in place.

Skystrike also froze, but more in surprise. He spent about a year in Cloudsdale as a colt, and this one seemed familiar. Only place he’d know her from was flight school… Maybe he’s just overthinking things.

The two stared at each other before Applejack cleared her throat. “Fluttershy, this is Atlas Nebula, who just moved into Ponyville. Atlas, this is Fluttershy.”

Skystrike put a hoof to his chest and gave a courteous bow. “A pleasure.”

Fluttershy squeaked out words, but they were so quiet that they were incomprehensible.

“You’ll have ta forgive her.” Applejack started. Fluttershy quickly jerked forward to slam her door shut. “She’s… a bit shy. It’s nothing personal.”

He doubted that. “It is alright. I am… used to it by now.” Skystrike said with a sigh. “I will take my leave and allow you two to spend some time together.”

And before Applejack could protest, Skystrike quickly left, going back to his side of the forest. It was definitely her. Hasn’t changed much over the years, but it was good to see her again doing well. But he wouldn’t take any chances. If he could help it, that would be the only interaction that they would have.

No point in putting her in danger.

So he got back to work, moving the larger rocks out of the way. A simple, yet tedious process. He hoped that it’d take his mind off things. He grew to learn that intellect was a blessing, and a curse. To strive for greater things was of course, great, but life was also much simpler without. Back in the lab, all he needed to focus on was surviving until the next meal. Now, he has to make decisions. And few would be thankful for his sacrifices. The guilt ate away at him each day, as if trying to make him regret his past choices.

But it would not make him falter. Skystrike made the best decisions he could with the information he had. What ifs will not make his actions go away.

It was midday now, and the last of the rocks were cleared from his land. Taking a break, he sat atop the pile of rocks he made, reaching about ten feet high, watching the scenery before him. The grass encompassed the many hills in the distance, dancing as the wind blew between. A couple rabbits hopped around, making sure to keep a safe distance from the Everfree. He spread his wings slightly to let the rushing air flow through. It did feel nice.

He could see the same orange mare from earlier come once more. She approached Skystrike once more, looking up at him. Skystrike stood up and jumped down to greet her, landing in front of Applejack with a thump. “Hello again, Applejack. Your visit went well, I assume?”

“Yeah… Sorry about her. She’s actually a really sweet mare once you get to know her.” She scratched the back of her head.

“Maybe there will be another time we could… meet again on better terms.” Skystrike stretched.

Applejack looked past him to the rock pile he got down from. “Golly, you did all that this morning?” Skystrike nodded. “Well I’ll be… ya may just give my brother a run for his money.”

“Speaking of…” Skystrike cracked his neck. “I assume this is where you show me around your farm?”

Applejack nodded. “Yessiree! Sweet Apple Acres is home to the best apples in Equestria. We’ll have to walk through Ponyville to get to it.” Then she clapped her hooves together. “Hey! I can introduce you to my friends while we’re there!”

Skystrike winced under his helmet. It probably wouldn’t go well. “...Very well… I welcome the offer.”

And once again, the two began to walk, this time towards the village. Once again, ponies seemed to run away at the sight of him. Skystrike saw Applejack’s ears go back, and a nervous smile grew on her face. The pegasus tried to not let his annoyance show.

But he had more interesting things to comment on. In front of him was… hard to describe. It seemed to be a giant gingerbread house with a chocolate roof and a cupcake spire in the middle. It was definitely eye-catching. His attention was brought to Applejack. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! The best, and only bakery and confectionery in Ponyville.”

Skystrike stared at the building, then turned to her. “Sugarcube… Corner? It’s in the middle of a roundabout.”

Applejack turned to look at the building. “Huh… y’know, I never thought about that.”

Skystrike was about to walk in before he was flashbanged by a bright ball of pink. Near instantaneously, Skystrike jumped out of the way spreading his wings to slow his fall as he planted his hooves in a defensive stance. Several yards away, where he once was, a pink earth pony with a darker pink mane, her face planted in the dirt below. She pushed herself up, her face stretching from the ground before snapping back to form like a cartoon. “Aw, you missed my ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ hug!”

Skystrike clicked his tongue. “Do not do that again, ma’am.” Applejack and the pink mare felt the anger in his voice as their ears went back. Skystrike sighed and stood up straight. “I… apologize for that. I didn't mean to frighten you…” He put a hoof on his chest and bowed. “I am Atlas Nebula. A pleasure to meet you, friend of Applejack.”

The pink one's attitude quickly changed, rapidly approaching the pegasus and stopping mere inches away from his face. “It’s alright! I’m Pinkie Pie! Are you new here? I heard from the mayor that you plan on moving in! Where are you staying? Do you-”

Pinkie Pie was stopped by Applejack’s hoof in her mouth. “Pinkie, breathe.”

She took a deep inhale as Skystrike began to answer her questions. “I am new here… I arrived this morning. For now, I have… set up camp outside of the Everfree.”

“You plan on camping out in front of the Everfree Forest!??” Applejack’s jaw dropped. “I know you aren’t from ‘round here, but do you know how dangerous that place is?”

“Yeah!” Pinkie jumped in. “Why don’t you find a hotel?”

Skystrike sighed. “Aside from the mayor…, you two are the only ponies to approach and speak to me. All the stalls in the market were also empty when I arrived… Thus, one can… see why my situation is what it is.” He put his hoof down. “But I do not mind, as solitude has become the only company that welcomes me.”

“Well that’s no good!” Pinkie began jumping around him. “It’s no fun being a lonely pants all the time!” Then he made a long gasp. “I know what to do! We should throw you a party! That way, everypony will get to know you!” She began running in place. “Come back here in a few hours.! I’ll have everything by then!”

And with that, Pinkie Pie ran off, quickly out of eye sight. “So…” Skystrike started. “She’s… energetic.”

“You have no idea.” Applejack sighed. “But y’know, I could make some space in the barn if you need a place to stay.”

“Appreciated, but unnecessary. I do not wish to intrude on you… anymore than I already have.” Skystrike sighed. “I am aware that my presence brings… judging eyes from the fellow pony. These ponies may already speak ill of me. I do not wish for the same to happen to you.”

“It’s alright. Let them speak.” Applejack gave a reassuring smile. “You haven’t given me a reason to doubt you. That means you’re good in my book. Now c’mon. I have another friend I think you may like.”

Skystrike nodded, once again following the farm mare through Ponyville. The few ponies that were out made sure to avoid eye contact. He tried not to think less of them. After a few minutes they stopped in front of a pink and lilac building, and from the looks of it, it seemed to be a clothing store… He’d need to thank Applejack for showing him this place later.

Applejack put her hoof up, about to knock on the door, before the door opened on its own and pulled her inside and shut it. “Rarity?” Applejack spoke. “What are-”

“Applejack, what do you think you’re doing, walking around with that brute!?” Rarity put her hooves on the earth pony’s shoulders. “Do you know who that stallion is!?”

“What? Why? Should I?”

“Applejack, Darling, he’s a bounty hunter! That means something bad is happening! I think it’d be best for you to steer clear of him.”

“A bounty hunter?”

“Yes, Applejack, a bounty hunter. He’s probably just here for a paycheck. It doesn't matter who he trots over, he just wants to get the job done and get paid!”

A silence filled the area before Applejack stuttered. “W-well, he just started moving in… I think he might be settling down. And I…kinda said I’d show him around.”

“He’s living HERE!?” Rarity shouted from inside the building. Then she sighed. “Applejack, as your friend, I do not believe it is a good idea to associate with him.”

Applejack began walking toward the door. “Oh come on, Rarity. I’m sure if you just sit down and speak to him, you may like him.” She pushed Rarity off of her, who attempted to stop her from opening the door. But as she did so, she was met with an empty doorway. “...Where did he-” Then her ears went back.

Skystrike, despite being outside, heard the conversation within. And he didn’t stick around long, flying off as soon as this ‘Rarity’ exclaimed her surprise at his residence within the village. Once again, he wasn't surprised. But it didn’t hurt any less. In a few minutes he landed back on his pile of rocks and decided to sit, waiting for nothing in particular.

It would be safe to assume that Applejack would not be returning. The words of her friend slithering into her ears, influencing her mind. Thus, he would need to cut down and move these trees. On the upside, he didn’t lose much time, as he barely spent an hour with Applejack. Grabbed one of his swords and unsheathed it, staring at his reflection. Even through his mask, he could tell he was tired, even if he didn’t want to admit it.

He stood up and flew down to one of the trees. This one was about as thick as him. He stood on his hind legs and breathed in deep. Skystrike pulled back his blade, and with a quick motion, shot his arm forward towards the base of the tree. Had to admit, he outdid himself, as he wasn’t expecting to take down the tree in one cut. Either he didn’t realize how strong he was, or he didn’t realize how angry he was.

He could feel his eyes burning.

He took another deep breath, letting the tree fall to the side, hitting the ground with a loud thump, followed by cracking branches and settling leaves. He continued this for about half of the trees left. Skystrike didn’t want all of them gone, just the ones where he’d start building his house. Though now that he’s calmed down, taking down a tree in one swift swike was no longer possible. His blade got stuck a couple times, but after checking, the blade was still sharp. No harm, no fowl.

Now he had to move them. Skystrike once again got the ropes, tying them around himself and the trees, moving each one next to the pile of boulders. He’d be able to use them later.

But the fatigue of the past few days hit, as the sleepless, stress filled nights caught up to him. He needed to rest. But then he remembered the invitation that was given to him by Pinkie Pie. It was around that time.

Skystrike sheathed his sword and secured it back on his waist. Now that he thought of it, him walking around with them probably wasn't helping his reputation. But that didn’t matter. His reputation wasn’t good to begin with. But more importantly, he would never give another the chance to catch him off guard again.

The pegasus took off the ropes and stood up, ignoring his muscles calling for rest. He began walking, remembering the steps that Applejack once showed him back to Sugarcube ‘Corner’. He was surprised at how… elaborate the party was, just from the outside. A large wooden sign floated in the air, held up by balloons, with ‘Welcome to Ponyville!’ written in pink paint, as well as a smiling picture of Pinkie Pie next to it. Streamers were spread all across the building, Skystrike having to move some out of his way to even open the door.

He was immediately met with a party popper shooting glitter and confetti on his head. “Surprise!” Pinkie Pie threw up her hooves. “Welcome to Ponyville my new pegasus pal!”

Within the building, he saw quite the assortment of confections. Cake pops, cake, cupcakes, gummy candies, a punch fountain, music, and even a couple games spaced around the main floor. It looked inviting, save for him and Pinkie Pie being the only ponies there.

He tried not to let it bring him down. “Hello again, Pinkie Pie.” He gave a courteous bow. “I thank you for… throwing this party for my welcome.”

“Well of course, silly! I do this for everypony! And don’t worry, everypony else will come soon! I invited the whole town! Plus, I… kinda owe this to you.” She poked her forehooves together.

Skystrike stepped inside. “Oh? How so?”

The mare put a cupcake in his hoof. “A few years ago, you stopped by a rock farm in western Equestria. Something about Graveworms or something, but that was my family you helped out! Though if you wouldn’t mind… they never told me the whole story of what happened.”

Skystrike thought back to the mission. “Ah, then you are part of the Pie family… I believe they made the right decision, as… telling you fully would affect the soundness of your mind…Out of respect for them, I shall omit the messier details.” Skystrike cleared his throat. “Before I arrived at your family rock farm… the eldest daughter, Limestone Pie, found a new section of the quarry, seemingly hidden away until a rainstorm flooded a section of rock away. Unbeknownst to her, what she uncovered was a nest of Graveworms.”

“And… What are Graveworms?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“A distant, smaller relative to the Tatzlwurm, roughly the size of several train cars, and with scales of stone in the shape of gravestones. While their relatives travel alone, Graveworms travel in groups… That in tandem with somepony entering their nest, they… quickly become aggressive. Through her quick thinking and luck, Limestone Pie was able to escape. Your family quickly sent a request out for extermination, and I accepted, as nopony wished to take the job. The fight was long… I will spare you the details, but none were harmed, and your family is safe.”

She gave a relieved sigh. “Thank you, Atlas. They mean so much to me… I can call you Atlas, right?”

“You may.”

“Great! And you can call me Pinkie!” Pinkie quickly hugged him. Then the creaking of the door alerted them to a newcomer. Turning, Skystrike saw a cyan mare pegasus with a rainbow mane pushed the door open. Near instantly, Pinkie released her grip and jumped to the pegasus. “Dashie! So glad you came!”

“Of course I’d come! No way I’d miss a Pinkie Pie Party! Though I couldn’t convince Fluttershy to come… What’s the occasion anyway?”

Pinkie Pie let go of her friend. “Oh, it’s a welcome to Ponyville party for…!” The stomped her hooves on the ground and moved to the side, revealing. “Atlas Nebula! Atlas, this is Rainbow Dash! Fastest flier in Ponyville.”

Skystrike recognized that name too. Looking closer, she was definitely the same pony, just… older obviously. He put a hoof on his armored chest and bowed. “A pleasure, miss Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash froze in place at the sight of him. She wouldn’t admit it, but she was scared, just from looking into the blue neon eyes of his mask. “Uh… h-hi?”

“I… Apologize for frightening you.” Skystrike kept his head low.

“Uh… it’s alright I guess.” Rainbow tried to put on a front. “And just call me Rainbow Dash. I’m not that old.”

“Apologies, I did not mean to imply such.” Skystrike finally raised his head. “I… appreciate that you made the effort to come. My introduction to the ponies in this village have been… less than ideal.”

Rainbow Dash relaxed a little bit. “You know, you aren’t as bad as I heard you were. But why do you talk like that?”

“Rainbow!” Pinkie frowned.

“It is, alright, Pinkie Pie. It is… a fair question to ask.” Skystrike said to the mare before turning to the other. “To answer… I have not spoken to another in quite some time… I am trying to be careful with my words as… I have come off as rude and inconsiderate in the past.”

“Oh… yeah, I get that too.” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. “But it’s no big deal. Now, let's get to the good stuff before everypony else comes!” Rainbow Dash quickly flew over to a tray of brownies, picking up one and biting into it.

Skystrike, seeing the look of content on the pegasus mare’s face made him look at the cupcake Pinkie gave him earlier. He sniffed it, the sweet smell filling his nose. Skystrike sat down and used his free hoof to unhinge the jaw on his helmet before taking a bite. His ears perked up at the taste before he quickly ate the rest of the cupcake.

He looked up to see Pinkie Pie smiling from ear to ear. “Glad you liked it! Made this all myself!”

Skystrike hummed. “Impressive.” His voice was less muffled as it wasn’t going through metal. “Best cupcake I’ve had, I think.”

“Aww, thanks!” She gave a slight blush. “I actually work here, so I’ve had a lot of practice. It’s a Pinkie Pie secret recipe!”

“Ah, I have the same.” Skystrike nodded. Pinkie’s eyes widened. “While I don’t bake… I have been told that I cook well.”

“Oooh! I know! We should do a cookout! That way, everypony in town can get to know you!”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, stuffing her face with more sweets. “If they come.”

Pinkie winced, her cotton candy-like mane seemingly deflating slightly. “D-... don't worry, Atlas. I’m sure more ponies will come! I bet they’re just running late!” They heard the door creak open once more. Pinkie turned to see who it was, her ears going up at the familiar face. “Applejack! You made it!”

Applejack and Pinkie Pie shared a hug before speaking. “Course I did. It’s a Pinkie party.”

Pinkie craned her neck around the farm mare, looking out to the empty street behind her. “Where’s Rarity? Isn’t she coming?”

Applejack sighed and shook her head. “Said that she was… ‘busy’.” Then she looked past Pinkie to Skystrike, walking up to him with her head hanging low. “I’m mighty sorry about what Rarity said earlier. I’m sure you’d like her once you get to know her.”

Skystrike stayed silent for a moment. A part of him wished to speak his mind, saying that he didn’t want to see her, as her opinion of him was already made, but that would be rude. He cleared his throat before speaking. “If given the chance, if she wishes to speak to me, I will not deny her a meeting.” He once again gave a courteous bow. “I thank you for coming… despite what your friend said about me.”

“It’s no problem. Just trying to make you feel welcome.” Applejack smiled. “By the way, do you still need that axe?”

Skystrike shook his head. “Appreciated, but I have solved the issue. While it may not work as well as a felling axe… a blade is a blade.” Skystrike reached for a cup and filled it at the punch fountain, putting in a straw to drink it through his helmet. But it tasted off. He stopped drinking and looked at it. “...A little spicy…”

Rainbow Dash seemed a bit disappointed. “...That’s it? I spiked it with hot sauce and that’s… it?”

Skystrike looked at her. “...I like hot sauce.”

“In fruit punch?” Applejack tilted her head.

“I have had… worse combinations.” Skystrike said before finishing his drink. “I also do not have the luxury… of wasting food. All I have are preservatives.”

“Really? The farmers market was pretty busy. It’s Monday, after all.” Rainbow said.

Skystrike sighed slightly. “All the stalls were empty on my arrival. Everypony present, as well as the mayor, have been the only ones to… speak words to me, rather than about me. But worry not. I am sure I can forage the Everfree for food.”

Rainbow Dash stopped mid bite of a slice of cake. “...You plan on living in the Everfree Forest!?”

He shook his head. “Next to it. I…” He had a memory, his voice wavered. “I had a friend who brewed. Learning the… patterns of evolutions of plant life from her became useful. Plus, I am aware of several species of fauna native to the Everfree… Most of said fauna are herbivores, thus, means there are… edible plant life.”

Applejack drank from her glass of lemonade. “You know, I stop by Fluttershy’s every once in a while. If you want, I can get some stuff for you.”

“Once again, Appreciated, but unnecessary… I have learned to take care of myself over the years. More importantly, while the effort is appreciated, I believe your interactions with me will have a… negative effect on your social life… I do not wish for my presence to hurt another any more than I already have.” Skystrike said, only to realize his mistake of saying that aloud.

The silence shared between the four was deafening.

Skystrike stood up, turning to each mare as he spoke. “Pinkie Pie, I thank you for hosting this celebration for my arrival. Applejack, I thank you for the hospitality that you have shown me today. Rainbow Dash, while we have barely spoken, I appreciate you coming…” Then he addressed them collectively. “I am sorry for bringing down the mood… It would be best if we put some distance between each other.”

With that, Skystrike turned to leave. Behind him, Pinkie Pie was about to try and convince him to stay, running up to grab onto him, but was pulled back due to a hoof on her shoulder. She looked back to see Applejack with a sad expression on her face. “Pinkie, I think it’s best to leave him be for a while. He… seems to be going through something. He’ll come around eventually.”

It has been a month since he arrived in Ponyville. Very little has changed. Skystrike was still shunned by most around him, the only exceptions being Applejack and Pinkie Pie who came by for small talk. He humored them, for lack of a better word. But finally owning the land, he quickly got to work. The same day he finished signing all the paperwork, he worked with Mayor Mare to find ponies to get the materials to build his house.

After a few weeks of hard work, and literally nothing else to do, his house was done. It was his design, built for a pony his size. Walls several inches thick filled with a layer of bricks, with proper insulation and ventilation. He learned how important those were, as ponies and changelings seem to just weather the elements. The exterior was made of stone, the same ones he dug up earlier that month, and in place of a thatch roof like the town homes, he had tiled roofing.

Putting in the last tile, he gave a tired sigh and flew down from his roof. Pushing the door open, he turned on the light and rolled his neck. It was big enough for him to run around in if he wanted to. In front of him was his currently empty living room and kitchen. A doorway to his right lead to the bathroom, while a doorway further down leads to his bedroom.

Finally having a place to put his stuff, he began unpacking. All his food that he’s gathered were put into his cupboards, as well as his pots and pans. Next, he went into his bedroom and left the rest of his items, which were nothing but trinkets and various metals.

No… those trinkets weren’t ‘nothing’. Each held a fond memory of better times. But it pained him to look at them right now.

“Are you finished?” Echo asked him.

Skystrike didn’t realize how long he was staring at them for. “Yes.” Skystrike stood up. “So, what’s new?”

“We did not come to this place just to prepare for Nightmare Moon. Are you ready?”

Skystrike nodded, putting on his armor, securing his blades, and leaving his house. It was as Echo said, Nightmare Moon wasn’t the only reason he was in Ponyville. Well, originally, it was, but upon moving here, Echo alerted him to something. A signal. A problem.

Equestria didn’t even have radios yet. There was no possible way that the ponies could make a signal that Echo could detect. That meant that there was only one way he’d be getting a signal. Humanity was on this planet. It did not surprise him, as it’d only make sense that they had bases on this side of the portal, but it did worry him, as there is a chance that it is still active.

And the signal was coming from the Everfree Forest.

Skystrike ventured deeper. Soon, no light broke through the roof of leaves. He could barely see, only being able to maneuver through the forest due to the nightvision of his helmet. “The signal is weak, but I have been able to triangulate the source.” Echo spoke once more.

Skystrike nodded. “And the signal is from where?”

“Northeast, 200 meters. Depth, 800 meters.”

“...Echo, how the fuck am I supposed to get down there?”

“I would recommend a shovel.” Skystrike stayed quiet. “That was a joke.”

“Haha.” He fake laughed. “Where can I find the entrance to the source of the signal?”

“Scanning… Several caves lead to the exterior of the source, though I cannot verify the integrity of the caves, nor the fauna within. Caution is recommended. Proceed west for 300 meters.”

Skystrike nodded, following the directions of his machine ally. As he walked along the damp ground below him, he could feel his hooves getting ever so slightly heavier as mud held on to his armor. He always hated forests… Well, not always. Just bad memories.

The main reason he hated forests was how quiet they could be. He learned the hard way how bad that was. For now, there were at least other sounds besides him. The sounds of… whatever was out there, seemed to keep a safe distance from him. Except for one that seemed to be approaching. The trees bent as a large paw half his size pushed each to the side.

He wasn't expecting to see a lion in the Everfree forest. But then he squinted at the orange beast with a red mane. Looking closer, it had a pair of dragon-like wings and a large scorpion tail. It bared its fangs at the pegasus, who decided to stand on his hind legs and draw his blades. They stared down each other for some time, Skystrike not backing down from the roaring beast.

The manticore lunged at him, trying to pounce on the pegasus. Skystrike dove forward, under the beast, spinning and slashing at its chest. Then he remembered the tail, just barely being able to flap his wings to dodge the venomous stinger. Lucky for him, it was caught in the ground. Skystrike took his chance at victory, grabbing the manticore by the tail and pulling. With some effort, he swung the manticore over his head, slamming it into a nearby tree. Before it could recover, Skystrike stabbed into the side of it, in an attempt to puncture a lung. But it was too shallow.

While Skystrike took a jump back to ensure his safety, the manticore didn’t want to fight anymore, scrambling to its paws and limping away as fast as it could. And he let it go… no use for more spilt blood. He sheathed his swords and got back to walking. Soon enough, a rocky protrusion entered his field of vision… as well as a trail of blood… fresh blood.

As he entered the cave, he came upon a sight he wasn’t expecting to see. The manticore he fought earlier, battered and bruised. It wasn’t hunting him earlier… it was defending something. The beast still bared his fangs, roaring at him once more. Skystrike looked past the creature he fought, seeing four more, one the same size, and three smaller ones… cubs.

Skystrike looked at the family before him, then to the manticore protecting the cave, then to a side path. That had to be the entrance he was looking for. He stood on his hind legs once more, but instead of drawing his blades, he put up his forehooves, showing that he wasn’t there to fight, and hoping that the manticore understood.

The manticore was still wary of him, stopped roaring, but still showed its razor sharp fangs as Skystrike shuffled to the side, towards his destination. His back stayed to the wall of the cave until he rounded a corner, the creature out of eye sight. He sighed as he got back down on all fours, walking until he couldn’t no more.

Before him was a large chasm, going on as far as he could see. Flowing water was heard, looking down and seeing the underground river speeding to his right. Skystrike rolled his neck before picking up a rock and dropping it down into the water. From the time he let it go to the time the echo of the rock hitting the water reached his ears, he estimated it was three hundred meters deep.

With a flap of his wings, Skystrike carefully maneuvered between the stone walls of the chasm before landing at the bottom next to the river. “Echo, how close am I?”

“Continue upstream for now. We must see the closest point we can.” And so he did, the sounds of armored hooves echoing with each step he took. He made sure to be careful of the more slippery rocks. Didn’t want to risk falling into a river he couldn’t see the bottom of. But every once in a while, he could’ve sworn he saw something swimming within it though.

Of course, he was right on the money. The forest wasn’t done with him yet, making itself known as splashing water allerted Skystrike to something exiting it. It was a snake-like creature, with pale scales, and rows upon rows of razor sharp teeth. The black eyes of the river monster focused on him as it tried to bite down. He stumbled into its hunting grounds.

Skystrike jumped to his side, making the creature get a mouthful of stone. A large chunk of rock filled its mouth as it slithered back into the water. A few minutes passed as Skystrike waited with his sword drawn, before the creature jumped out again. This time, Skystrike was ready, raising his sword and slashing down the entirety of the body of it. Blood splattered on him and stained the river red as the two halves twitched and jerked on either side of him. Skystrike sighed as he splashed the water on himself, getting the majority of the blood off of him.

Leaving the body for the residents of the chasm, he continued walking once more, making sure to keep a close eye on and a safe distance from the water. “Stop. You have arrived.” Echo said, making Skystrike stop walking. “This is the closest point to the signal. While it may be unlikely, there is the possibility of an access point nearby.”

Skystrike hummed. “Maybe… Better idea, tell me what direction to go, and I’ll just dig there.”

“I believe that would be a poor decision. That would make our presence known.”

“And this so called access point wouldn't? Plus, I know you know this as well. They have no reason to send a signal here unless they wanted someone to find it. More than likely, it’s a distress signal. If it is, then they’re cut off from the home dimension, since they would’ve gotten help from there...” Skystrike rolled his neck as he continued. “In that scenario, they’re cornered. There is another scenario where this signal was meant for us to find on purpose, and they’re already expecting us. That leaves three options: the humans within are expecting me, they’re low on resources, or they’re gone and the signal is being broadcasted for no one to find. If I were a betting pony, I’d play ballsy right now.”

“Very well.” Echo said, still as monotone as ever. Skystrike could have sworn if he had a different voice, he’d be able to hear how annoyed Echo was. “Turn north east, 32 degrees. The source of the signal is directly ahead of you.”

Skystrike hummed and nodded.He stood on his hind legs and pulled his forehooves back, charging his magic into them. With one fluid motion, he pushed his hooves forward, making a circular indent in the cavern wall. Pulling his hooves back once more, a large cylinder of rock slid out of the indent, only leady to another wall of stone. So he continued, over and over, countless times until he found something new. A cracked wall of rusting steel faced him.

But he couldn’t confirm anything yet until he was inside. With a magic infused punch, the metal bent forward, giving him an entrance. Sure enough, it was abandoned, shown by nature's grasp on the facility. Roots snaked around each wall and crevasse, seeming to try and pull the place into the forest. A small layer of moss was growing on the furthest wall from him, beginning to spread to the floor.

He snapped out of his thoughts from Echo’s words. “There, on the right. There is a terminal that I may be able to access… if time has not taken it’s hold.” Skystrike nodded, walking up to it and taking Echo off his head, shaking out his hair before placing him on the machine. In a few moments, the lights of the facility flickered on, buzzing as they just barely lit up the room to acceptable levels. “Allow me some time to figure out what happened here.”

“Alright.” Skystrike said as he continued to look around. He went to the wall of moss. With the lights now on, he realized that the wall the moss was from actually caved in, rocks and dirt falling out from the large hole. Curiously, he brushed off some of the moss, his eyes widening slightly as the feeling of whatever was below the moss was not of stone. He brushed off more, realizing later than he should have that it was a skull. A human skull. It fell apart at the slightest amount of force.

“Analysis complete.” Echo gained his attention. “This was once an experimental weapons facility, abandoned 67 years ago. The staff within were not meeting the demands of the commanding officers, and were left as well. In an attempt at survival, the workers sent out a distress signal… none came.” Skysrtike looked at the skull in his hooves, pity showing on his face. “There were a total of six scientists here. Two left in an attempt to find food. They did not come back. From the fauna you’ve encountered on the way here, we can assume what happened to them. Depending on who you ask, those two may have had the better end.”

“...What do you mean by that?” Skystrike asked hesitantly.

“Though corrupted, there are logs that detail what occurred to the remaining four. Food stores became scarce. The lead scientist took the safest route and killed one of the others, convincing the rest that they needed to eat. Soon, they fought between each other, trying to be the last to survive. Would you like to see the files?”

They never gave up hope. They would do anything to live. Skystrike couldn’t fully blame them. While not condoning cannibalism, nor ever thinking of going that far, there were times where all he could focus on was living to the next day. He looked at the skeletal remains he found, as well as a pile of moss covered bones nearby. He can't say he hates humans, nor can he say he liked them, but they did not deserve this… “No.” He sighed as he casted fire in his hooves and torched the remains to ash. “Download whatever you need. I’ll cave this place in once you’re done.”

“Alternative: we keep this place for our own use.” Skystrike raised an eyebrow. “I believe that this facility may come in handy in the near future as you prepare for Nightmare Moon. Also, I must point out that it is by pure luck that your arm has not been damaged. A way to repair and improve it would prove valuable.”

Skystrike nodded. “Alright… then I guess I have something else to work on.”

Skystrike woke up and put on his helmet. “...Today’s the day, huh?” He let out a long sigh. It was his last day on Eques. That was the promise he made to himself. He didn’t blame her. Celestia. For trying to stop him all those years ago. After everything he did for the friends he once had, he understands at least partially the duty she needs to do for her country.

He did blame her for… other things. But that was a memory for another time…. No, there wouldn’t be another time. In a sense, that’s a good thing. He wouldn’t want to spend his last day moping about the sad stuff. If it was going to be his last day, he wanted to have some good memories.

Well… try to.

But first was his morning routine. He stepped outside, feeling the crisp morning air. Shaking out his mane, he walked over to the rocks he dug out weeks before, picking up one the size of him and holding it above his head before doing a set of squats, then push ups, then sit ups. Finally, he went for a quick jog, just on the edge of the Everfree Forest. After an hour, he was back home, preparing a bath for himself. The tub he ordered was expensive as Tartatus, since he needed one that would fit his size. He took off his metal arm and helmet and stepped into the tub.

The warm water seemed to soothe his body all over. He put up his left arm, looking at the many scars riddled around it, only shown by the gaps in his wet fur. He had so many… most not worth counting, nor remembering. Others… he didn’t want to remember. Skystrike let himself soak a bit more before actually beginning to clean himself.

It was now seven in the morning. The bath was nice, but food will be even better. There wasn’t much he could make with the food he found within the Everfree, but he could make it work. There was enough to make pancakes and hashbrowns. The meal of kings. Boy breakfast.

While it wasn’t as appetizing as he wished it was, it was filling. After washing his hands, he put on his armor. Each step he took was declared by a heavy thump as he grabbed his two swords and a whetstone. The pegasus began juggling the whetstone in his hoof as he walked outside. Once again, he went back to the rocks and sat on the highest one.

Skystrike drew one of his swords. Lining up the whetstone with the right angle, he pushed the stone on the edge of his blade, sharpening it. Soon enough, he got into a rhythm, and was able to focus on some other things simultaneously. He came to appreciate the view from his house. The river flowing into a pond, shadowed by a large maple tree. The flowing grass in the wind. An orange pony approaching him.

That’s new… he hasn’t seen her in quite some time. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Skystrike saw Applejack pass by every once in a while to visit her friend Fluttershy. In fact, there were only five ponies who ever walked this path, the ones that he met previously, and one white coated unicorn who he never got the name of. While Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy at least shared a passing glance, this unicorn would put in a conscious effort to avoid his eyes… Doesn’t matter.

But this time was different. Applejack seemed to be approaching him, and it seemed to be more than the uncommon small talk shared between the two. Skystrike jumped down from his rock and sheathed his sword. Applejack quickened her pace when she saw that. “Howdy, Nebula!” She greeted him with a smile.

Skystrike put a hoof to his chest and bowed. “Good Morning, Applejack… I imagine you are doing well?”

Applejack nodded. “Yeah, I’m doing fine. How about you? I’ve never seen you around town. And you don’t need to be so formal. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Skystrike inwardly winced at that word. “...Very well.” He put down his hoof. “I am doing… alright. Nothing you should worry yourself over. I… imagine your family is doing well?”

Applejack outwardly winced. “Well… mostly. I told you about my little sister, Applebloom… She got into a fight at the Schoolhouse, so she’s a bit mad at me punishing her.”

He chuckled. “Comes with the territory… I can relate.”

Her ears perked up in surprise. “Y’know, I think that’s the first time I heard you laugh. You have family?”

Skystrike nodded. “Four sisters, one brother, none by blood, as we are orphans. As the eldest… I had a responsibility to be a good role model.” He sighed. “When our Headmare was absent, I filled the role. While I… don’t know the specifics of your situation, I… urge you to hold onto the bonds of your family. You may never know what circumstances will cause a… ‘gap' between you and them.”

Applejack thought on his words for a while. Then she gave a small smile. “...Sounds like it came from the heart. Thank you, Nebula, I’ll keep that in mind.” Then she scratched the back of her head. “I… have another reason for stopping by…” She inhaled, then let it out. “You know the Summer Sun Celebration is today. My family is actually in charge of the banquette, and the whole family’s coming. I know Ponyvile didn’t treat you too kindly, so… I was hoping I could give you some hospitality… O-only if you want to, of course. You just seem… lonely?”

Skystrike looked at her, then thought about it. Out of everypony, she did try the most for him… He should at least return the favor. “...I would be honored if you’d have me.”

“You know… When you said your family was in charge… I wasn’t expecting one this large.” Skystrike looked out from the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres. A large red farmhouse sat in the middle of view, surrounded by a pig pen, a sheep pen, and a chicken coop. He’d ask about the carrot field and barn in the distance later. His attention was more drawn to the amount of ponies walking around. At least two dozen.

“Yeah! The extended family came by to help out!” Applejack waved him over. “C’mon, I’ll introduce you!” Applejack was about to respond, but ended up running head first into a rather large stallion. The red earth pony wasn’t as large as him, though it was still an impressive physique. “Oh, perfect timing. Nebula, this is Big Mac, my older brother. Big Mac, this is Atlas Nebula. He’s the stallion I told you about.”

Big Mac looked from his sister and up to Skystrike. His green eyes seemed to stare into Skystrike’s soul, trying to judge his character. It was a common look Skystrike got, and thus, he paid it no mind. Skystrike put a hoof to his chest and bowed. “It is a pleasure.”

Big Mac nodded and put out a hoof to shake. “Eeyup.” Skystrike took it and shook, noticing a rather strong grip on his own hoof. The problem was that he didn’t know he took Skystrike’s metal hoof. Big Mac's eyes widened ever so slightly when no outward reaction was shown.

Skystrike pulled back his hoof. “A stallion of few words… I understand. I do hope that we get along.”

“Eeyup.”

“Come on, Nebula, I said I’d show you around! Anything you wanna see?” Applejack asked him.

“To be honest… I’ve never been on a farm… It’d be stupid of me to ask what you grow. But now that we’re on the subject, I do wish to see how you harvest the apples… If you do not mind.”

“Of course not! Come on, I still have some apples to buck.”

‘Buck?’ Skystrike thought to himself as he followed the mare. After a few minutes, the two were in front of several dozen trees full of several types of apples. Baskets sat at the bottom of the trees in preparation.

“Ain’t too much to show about applebucking to be honest.” Applejack turned her back to the tree. “Just plant your hooves… pick up your hind legs… and…” With a swift, powerful, and rather impressive kick, several dozen apples fell from the tree she kicked into the baskets below. “Ain't much, but it’s honest work! Wanna give it a try?”

“A… tempting offer… One that I shall take you up on.” Skystrike stood up and walked to an adjacent tree. Just like he saw… plant the hooves, pick up the hind legs, and with a kick. The tree was rather strong, the impact going into his legs and making him feel it for a few moments. Only a few apples fell into the baskets below.

“Not bad for your first try. You might have a knack for this.”

“Maybe…” Skystrike looked back at the tree, trying to compare his kick to Applejack. Maybe a bit lower… and more power. With another kick, the rest of the apples fell in. “...You make it look much easier than it is.”

She stared, wide eyed. “I’m… surprised you got it down on your second try. It took Applebloom a while.”

“Applebloom?”

“My little sister.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “And it just shows I have a good teacher.” A slightly flustered Applejack hid behind her hat as he picked up the baskets. Standing on his hind legs, two were in each of his forehooves, and the other two were balanced on his wings. “Where are we taking these?”

She straightened her hat. “Just to the barn. We still have a lot of baking to do.” Applejack began leading him. Once there, the mare began introducing him to the rest. “Nebula, this is Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tatr, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Applebloom, and Granny Smith!”

He first put down the baskets, then put a hoof to his chest and bowed. “A pleasure.”

“HOWDY!” They said in unison.

Skystrike winced at the concentrated southern energy inside the barn. Looking around, it seems like they turned the inside of the barn to a temporary baking area. Several tables were surrounded with the ponies named, and the back wall was lined with ovens. He leaned over to Applejack to whisper. “I’m going to be honest… I am not going to remember their names.”

Applejack chuckled. “It’s alright… Hey, wanna help out? You can help me and Applebloom peel the apples you just bought in.”

Skystrike nodded, picking up the baskets and moving them to the yellow filly with a rather large bow. He put them down and washed his hooves in a nearby sink. When he looked back, Applejack and her little sister were already getting to work. He sat down and picked up one of the peeling knives in one hoof and an apple in another. The motions came quickly to him, holding the knife steady as he quickly spun the apple around, making the skin come off in one piece.

“Didn’t think you’d be so good at this, Nebula.” Applejack started to make some small talk.

Skystrike nodded. “Comes with the territory with my line of work. Out of all of those I traveled with, the cooking mostly fell to me.” He put the peeled apple in its own basket before reaching for another.

“Oh? What type of ponies did you travel with?”

He chuckled slightly. “Actually, out of the ten of us, only three of us were ponies. They’re all good beings though… Don't know you too well, but from what I know so far, you may like Jeshan. Always was on about having a good work ethic.”

“What’s Jeshan? Doesn’t sound like a pony name to me.” Applejack tilted her head.

“He’s a Diamond Dog, homeland is on the other side of the Celestial Sea. But he’s probably back there by now. Said he wanted to set up his own store…” He sighed at the memory. “But enough about me and my history. Tell me about yourselves.”

“Well, not too much to say, really.” Applejack rolled her forehoof as she kept peeling. “Raised in this orchard most of my life…” She thought about something she could say about herself. “I… I can do lasso tricks?”

“Interesting…” Skystrike nodded. “You know… this may come off as stereotypical, but can you play guitar?”

Applejack smirked. “What, you think that because I’m a farm girl, I know how to play guitar?” She could feel the raised eyebrow under his helmet. “...Ok, I do know how to play guitar, but not because I’m a farm girl!”

Skystrike chuckled as Applebloom finally spoke up. “Hey, Mr.Nebula, do you always wear your armor?”

Skystrike nodded. “More often than not, I do…” He saw in her eyes the filly was about to ask why. “Admittedly… I haven’t had the chance to get clothes since arriving here.”

“I know my big sister has a friend she goes to. Rarity’s really good at making clothes!”

Applejack winced as the two recognized that name. “Well… I’ll take your word for it and see if she’s… available.” Skystrike said, trying to move on the conversation.

“What about the helmet?”

“Applebloom!” Applejack said, trying to signal not to ask.

“What? I hear you talk about what could be under there with Big Mac!” The filly pointed a hoof.

Applejack sheepishly looked at Skystrike. He felt somewhat obligated to answer. “I also wear the helmet all the time... Mostly because I think it makes me look cool. As for what’s under it… let’s keep it hidden for now. I have my reasons.” He said as he continued to peel the apples. Thankfully, there wasn’t much awkward silence as they were on the last few. But Skystrike still had some thoughts. It was… strange how welcoming these ponies were… not that he minded. He wouldn't be surprised if Applejack said something to her family. But she didn’t need to know that he knew. “Applejack.” Skystrike got her attention. “I… Thank you for today. It has been a memorable experience.”

She tipped her hat as Skystrike got up. “Well shucks, Nebula, it was no problem. I’m just glad to have you by.”

He nodded. “I am glad you invited me… But I must go for now. I have some things to prepare for the celebration.” He gave a quick bow. “It was a pleasure meeting the rest of your family.”

“You’re welcome by anytime!” Applejack waved him goodbye.

Skystrike walked out of the barn and began stretching his wings, taking to the sky above. To be honest, he didn’t have much to do really, just some… letters he had to send. After a few minutes, he landed in front of his house and opened the door. He went to his room and sat down at his desk, taking out his diary and an ink quill. He began to write.

It was about the day he’s had so far. A way for someone, somewhere to remember him, and what he did in his life. A way for him to remember what he did in his life. He couldn’t fully say he regretted meeting all of those around him. But at the same time, he didn’t want to forget any of the memories either. Skystrike started doing this back at the hive. Khrusalis gave him this diary as a way to share his thoughts when speaking them didn’t seem to be enough.

He locked it and set it on his bed. After all, he wouldn’t be sleeping tonight. But then he had a thought. Eventually, someone will find what’s left of him, and thus his identity will be revealed… If that was the case, it’d be best to leave some letters for those he once held close.

So he began to write. Pages upon pages seemed to flow out of the quill onto the pages. Every memory, every emotion seemed to be put into words as the feather met the parchment. Each written to every individual he deemed important enough to write to. His siblings, his friends… his family.

As soon as the last letter was finished, he let out a sigh as he put down the quill. Only then did he feel something run down his face. Getting up and looking in the mirror, he took off his mask. Large dark spots were under his eyes, showing his lack of a good sleep over the past few days.

He was also crying… First time he’s done that in years.

He sighed and went to the bathroom to wash his face. Drying his face, he went back to his room and began folding the letters and putting stamps on them. Hopefully whoever finds them sends them. He also left the letters on his bed.

His attention was drawn to a knocking at his door. He didn’t realize how long he was staring at his diary and letters. Skystrike put on his helmet and walked to his front door, wondering who it could be. Especially during this time of day… He looked at the time, only now realizing how much time has passed. It’s been about three hours since he got back from Applejack’s, it being five in the afternoon.

Skystrike opened the door, seeing a bright pink pony looking up at him. “Hiya Nebby!”

“Hello, Pinkie Pie…” Then he remembered. “I apologize. You told me to call you Pinkie.”

“Thanks for remembering! Now come on!” She began pulling on his hoof.

Skystrike inhaled deeply. “And where are we going?”

“Oh! Somepony new just came to Ponyville! Moved in, just like you! We’re throwing her a surprise party!” She continued to speak as Skystrike closed the door behind him. “You might like her. She’s from Canterlot like you!”

“Oh really?” He raised a brow. “Tell me about her.”

“Oh…” Pinkie giggled sheepishly. “I… kinda ran off to plan the party before I could ask anything… I actually learned from Applejack that she's from Canterlot.” She rubbed her chin in thought. “She’s a unicorn…”

“Aaaaand?”

“She’s… purple?”

Skystrike raised a brow. “Anything else?”

“She… has a pet baby dragon?”

‘Fuck’ Skystrike thought to himself. He knew of her. Twilight Sparkle. Though it was a loose kept secret, most weren't aware of Celestia’s only student. On a more personal level, he went to school with her for a short time. The term ‘friends’ wouldn’t describe the relationship they once had, but neither would ‘acquaintance’. But she always focused on her studies more than anything. No way she would be here for no reason. As for Spike, he could barely talk the last time he saw the baby.

However… in the off chance that she is here for Nightmare Moon like him, then it’d be a welcome ally.

“Very well. I… assume the party is at Sugarcube Corner?” Skystrike asked.

Pinkie shook her head. “Nope! This time, it’s at the Treebrary!” Skystrike looked at her. “The tree library, silly!”

“You know I don’t really walk around town.” He sighed. “Who all will be there?”

“Hopefully the whole town this time! It’s also a celebration for the summer solstice. We stay up all night to make sure we see the first rays of the sun!”

He nodded. “It’s been quite a while since… I’ve been to one. Though I must tell you that I have some… personal obligations to attend to at the days end. You will have to forgive me for leaving early.”

“It’s alright! I’m just glad you’re coming!” Pinkie quickly hugged him, oblivious to the wincing stallion. Why did he feel guilty? “Now come on! She won’t be here for a few more minutes! We gotta surprise her!”

Skystrike tried to ignore the feeling welling up in his chest, stepping inside the dark room. Dozens of eyes fell on him as Pinkie Pie pushed him into the crowd, then squeezing in between him and another pony. Skystrike’s ears perked up. “Two sets of hoof steps outside.”

Pinkie Pie ran to the window. “She’s here! Everypony, get ready!”

“-must get into bed…” A yellow pegasus flew inside with a purple and green baby dragon in her hooves.

Only to be taken out of her hooves and the mare pushed outside by the purple unicorn. “Yes, yes, we’ll get right on that! Well goodnight!” She slammed the door.

“Huh, rude much?” The baby dragon spoke.

“Sorry, Spike. But I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and we’re running out of time!” She sighed. “I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time! Now where’s the light?”

The light flashed on, the crowd around yelling “Surprise!!” to a shocked Twilight Sparkle and Spike.

Skystrike starred, still processing the words she said, and the beings he saw. Sure enough, it was them… More importantly, she knows about Nightmare Moon. Hopefully they get the chance to speak later… And it seemed like it’d be a long later, as Twilight grew increasingly more annoyed at the party mare fighting for space with her shadow. Eventually, she left for what he assumed to be her room.

‘Fuck’ He thought to himself. Looks like he wasn’t going to get that chance.

His thought was interrupted by something poking his wing. Skystrike looked to his side, seeing no one, then looked down, seeing Spike, the baby dragon. “Uh, you wouldn’t be Atlas Nebula… would you?”

He looked at the kid, ignoring the stares around him. “...I am. How can I help you?”

“Oh, well, I’m Spike!” The baby dragon put out a claw. Skystrike shook it. “I hear a lot about you in the newspapers in Canterlot! I’ve always wanted to meet you.”

Skystrike put a hoof to his chest and bowed. “The pleasure is mine, Spike. Heard you just moved in… How are you enjoying this village so far?”

“It’s great!” Spike pumped a fist. “I went to Sweet Apple Acres and ate a lot of food. It was great!” Then he stared at him for a moment. “You know… you’re a lot bigger than they make it seem in the papers.”

“Ah… thanks?”

“You’re welcome!” Spike said before running to the snack table.

Cute kid. Skystrike stretched, not dissimilar to a cat, then went for the punch. He poured himself a drink before he was tapped on his wing once more. He turned to see Applejack with a white unicorn and a curly blue mane, who seemed to focus on her beauty. “Hey, Nebula! Glad to see ya made it.”

Skystrike nodded. “Pinkie was adamant on me coming… It is nice to see you as well, Applejack.” Then he turned to the white unicorn. “I do not believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, miss…?”

“This is my friend Rarity. She’s the owner of the Carousel Boutique I tried to show you a while ago.” Applejack introduced the mare.

Rarity cleared her throat. “Ahem… As Applejack said, I am Rarity.” She smiled sheepishly. “I… apologize for the words I said back then that you overheard-”

Skystrike put up a hoof to stop her, then moved his hoof to his chest. With a bow, he spoke. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rarity…” He chose his next words carefully. “There is… no kind way to say this, so I will speak my mind. I do not wish for your apology, as I feel you are only apologizing due to the fact I overheard what you’ve said about me, rather than because you regret the words you’ve spoken about me.” She winced at his words, as did the rest of the ponies within earshot. “However…” He continued. “I will not hold onto such petty grudges. This is a night of celebration. If you are able to treat me like any other, I’d be most grateful.”

Rarity brushed her mane to the side of her head. “I… think I can do that.”

Applejack awkwardly cleared her throat. “There’s also somepony else who I’d like you to meet.” Applejack pushed the yellow pegasus from earlier forward.

Skystrike bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, face to face, Fluttershy. I apologize for frightening you the last time we met.”

“Um… h-hi…” Fluttershy whispered.

“You do not have to force yourself to speak. Your greeting is enough.” He poured himself another drink. “...Why is it spicy?”

“Oh.” Rainbow Dash flew next to him. “Look, you poured yourself hot sauce. Twilight did the same.” She chuckled.

Skystrike picked up the bottle, then looked at the other bottle of fruit punch. They both had the same color. “This seems like… a massive oversight.”

“Have you tried it on a cupcake!? It’s great!” Pinkie beamed.

Skystrike looked at her. “...Fuck it.” He poured some on his cupcake and bit into it. It was… an acquired taste. “You are an enigma, Pinkie.”

“Thanks!” She said before jumping off.”

He looked at her. Rainbow Dash laughed. “You get used to it.”

The party continued like normal. Well, as normal as it could while he was there. Though most avoided his presence, a few actually sat down and had a conversation with him. Eventually, he did want some time to himself. He was never a big fan of crowds. Grabbing a random book off one of the shelves, Skystrike walked out the front door and sat down next to the door, beginning to read. A few pages in, he realized it was on various animals, from various parts of the world. While the book said the information within was skeptical at best, Skystrike wouldn’t be surprised if things like Centaurs and Gargoyles existed.

He was taken out of the book by a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to look at the orange mare. “Ah, Applejack. How goes the party?”

“Starting to die down, actually. We’re about to move to the town hall. There’s only an hour before the sun is raised.”

“I’ve been out here for that long?” He looked up to the moon, the mare in it seeming to stare back. He could’ve sworn that some stars around it seemed to be moving closer… in fact, if he remembered right, that was the first time he ever saw the stars move. He had a bad feeling. “...Let me put this book back. I’ll meet you there.”

Applejack nodded as he got up, and she went to the Town Hall. Once inside the library again, he found himself to be the only one inside. He put the book back in place then checked his two blades. Still sharp, if he was unfortunate enough to need them tonight.

Skystrike made his way to the Town Hall, seeing nearly every pony in Ponyville inside. He looked around, seeing Applejack with her immediate family, Pinkie Pie jumping alongside Twilight Sparkle, and Fluttershy conducting the birds though a song routine. Seems like he made it just in time. He flew up to an empty spot on the upper balcony and sat down.

A spotlight fell upon Mayor Mare center stage… There’s no way that’s her name. “Fillies and Gentlecolts! As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the summer sun celebration!” The crowd around and below him cheered. “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, the longest day of the year!” Skystrike looked to the moon. “And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land. The very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day… the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!” His ears perked up at that name. She’s here. But those thoughts were cast aside as the moon seemed to flash. His attention was stolen again by the murmuring of the crowd. Rarity seemed to have pulled a rope to reveal Celestia, who was absent.

The pegasus ignored the chattering between the ponies as he looked back to the moon. The mare within was gone. Something seemed to be flying down from it, a cloud of blue and purple mist. It coagulated at the balcony that the princess of the sun was supposed to arrive at. In its place, a pitch black alicorn with light azure armor. Her mane flowed like a nebula as her cyan cat-like eyes stared into the crowd. “Oh, my beloved subjects!” She cooed. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun loving faces.”

“What did you do with our princess!?” Rainbow Dash tried to fly toward the alicorn, only stopping due to Applejack pulling her back by her tail.

The mare began to giggle, breaking out into a maniacal laughter. “Why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?”

Skystrike put one of his hooves on the hilt of his sword as Pinkie Pie spoke. “Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games! Umm… pokey smokes! How about… queen meanie! No, black snootie, black snoo-” She was interrupted with a cupcake in her face, courtesy of Applejack.

“Does my crown no longer count, now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She loomed over a cowering Fluttershy. “Did you not recall the legend?” She turned to Rarity. “Did you not see signs!?”

“I did!” Nightmare Moon looked at the speaker. Twilight Sparkle stood tall. “I know who you are! You’re the mare in the moon! Nightmare Moon!”

“Well well well…” Nightmare Moon grinned. “Somepony who remembers me… then you know why I am here.”

The unicorn stuttered, shrinking in fear. “You’re here to… to-”

Her worry grew as Nightmare Moon laughed once more. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it will be your last!” Her mane seemed to expand, encompassing the whole roof in a spiral motion. “From this moment forth… the night… will last… FOREVER!”

Well, now that she was finally done monologuing, Skystrike decided to do something… after the Mayor sent the three pegasus guards after the alicorn, who were swatted out of the air with magic lightning. He quickly flew up to her, landing on the railing of the platform she was standing on. The bystanders went silent as the two stared at each other. Skystrike finally decided to speak. “You know… after all the preparation I did, you aren’t what I was expecting… Makes sense that you’re nothing but a bedtime story now.”

Nightmare Moon scowled at him. “And who are you supposed to be, whelp?”

Skystrike kept looking through his helmet. “Somepony who’s giving you a choice to rethink your actions.” He crossed his forehooves.

She kept looking at him, into his eyes. A wide grin stretched from ear to ear. “I know that look. Abandonment… betrayal… you don’t have anything else to live for, do you?” His silence was enough of an answer. “I can already tell that you’re a cut above those guards down there… And I will need somepony powerful enough to keep my coming empire under control… What do you say I give your life a new meaning?”

There was an audible gulp among the crowd, ponies cursing to themselves for the way they treated the iron clad pegasus. But then he laughed… and their anxiety grew ten-fold. “Heheheh… AHAHAHAHAHA!” He reeled back before regaining his composure. “Sorry… it’s just… you would not believe how many times I’ve heard that… Nightmare Moon… I will not pretend to know the extent of your story, nor will I ask for the justifications of your actions.” He looked her dead in the eyes. “Sure, these ponies may have not accepted me, but that is where our similarities end… I can still see the happiness these ponies have with one another, and I understand that ponies like me may never get that. I swore to protect the smiles you commit yourself to take away. You have suffered, thus you want others to. I have suffered, and I wouldn’t wish that on anypony else. So I will give you the chance to change for the better.”

She seemed amused. “Or…?”

“You will be my enemy.”

She looked at him, before breaking out in laughter. “AAAHAHAHA! Then I suppose we are enemies!”

He sighed. “I suppose we are…” Skystrike said as the two starred between each other. Before she could react Skystrike reeled back a hoof and punched her square in the jaw. Nightmare Moon’s eyes went wide at the strength behind it, sending her through the wall behind her and falling down a few stories. Looking at where she fell from, she was surprised at the speed of a pony in heavy armor, the pegasus being right in front her, his two swords drawn and going for a stabbing motion at her ribcage.

Nightmare Moon got back on her hooves and jumped to dodge his attack, simultaneously blasting him with a ball of arcane energy. He picked up his right arm and cut down the magic, exploding in a ball of blue smoke. He quickly flew up to the sky, out of the blinding smoke, only to see a sparkling blue mist flying away to the horizon.

As he sheathed his swords, a cyan pegasus began to fly after it, only to realize her speed was outmatched by Nightmare Moon. Then, Rainbow Dash looked around. He followed her eyes to Twilight Sparkle with Spike on her back, heading to the Treebrary. If he was to learn anything else about Nightmare Moon, that mare would know. Looking down, the wooden shrapnel from Nightmare’s exit laid in the dirt, the hole she came from filled with ponies looking up at him. He gave a passing glance before following Twilight to her library. He’d apologize to Mayor Mare later.

By the time he arrived, the unicorn was being stared down by Rainbow Dash. “And just what are the Elements of Harmony!? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy!?” She accused. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all stood watching.

Skystrike was about to say something until Applejack pulled the mare away by her rainbow tail. “Simmer down, sally. She ain’t no spy. But she sure knows what’s going on… don't you, Twilight?”

Skystrike was noticed by Rainbow Dash, who flew up to him. “And don’t think we forgot about you!” She flew up in his face and poked his chest.

“You may ask your questions later.” He pushed her off of him. “I want to hear what Twilight has to say. Any new information will be helpful.”

Twilight looked around hesitantly before starting. “I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her! But I don’t know what they are! Where to find them!...I don’t even know what they do!”

Applejack turned to Skystrike. “And what about you, Sugarcube?”

All eyes were on him as he began to speak. “Similar story to Twilight’s. A couple months ago, I found out and researched on the subject, as well as the Elements. If Nightmare Moon was real, I needed to prepare. And so I did. Though the information I have on the Elements isn’t much better than yours, Twilight. One could only make the fair assumption that they were at the last place they were used.”

“Wait, you moved here to deal with Nightmare Moon?” Twilight asked. “But you researched it! Surely you know only the Elements of Harmony are the only thing that can stop her!”

Skystrike looked at her. “Well, from the punch I just delivered, I’m willing to bet against that.” He rolled his hoof. “If she can feel pain, then she can bleed. And that means there’s a way to stop her. Without the Elements.”

“The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide!” Pinkie said, bringing the eyes on her.

Twilight quickly ran up to her, knocking to the side. “How did you find that!?”

“It was under E~!” Pinkie began hopping about.

The unicorn looked embarrassed, wondering why she didn’t think of that, before pulling out the book and flipping to the relevant section. “There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery… It is said that the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now… the Everfree Forest!”

They all, save for Skystrike, gasped at the name. Skystrike grunted as he turned to leave. “Atlas! Where are you going!?” Applejack called out to him, who was halfway to the door.

“To attempt to stop this eternal night.” He reached for the doorknob.

“Oh no you dont!” Rainbow Dash flew in front of him, arms outstretched. “I’ve still got a lot of questions for you!”

“Every second somepony isn’t intervening that alicorn is a second she gets to prepare.” Skystrike stared daggers at her. “But I did say you could ask. So, ask.”

“Ok…” She landed in front of him. “How do we know you aren't going to go side with her!?”

“Rainbow!” Applejack frowned.

“It… is an important question, darling…” Rarity said.

“You never even got to know him, Rarity!” Applejack was about to continue before Skystrike put up a hoof.

“It is alright, Applejack.” He reassured her before answering. “You are asking me for reassurance, not an answer, but I will do so.” He put down his hoof. “If I wanted to side with her, I wouldn’t have punched her through a wall. I am not one to hold petty grudges.”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone about Nightmare Moon, then?” Pinkie Pie asked.

He frowned. “Well, ignoring the lack of ponies speaking to me, none would have believed me. And even if somepony did, we’d be back where we are right now. Any others?”

“Um…” Fluttershy squeaked at the eye contact. “How did… you prepare?”

“A thorough exploration of the necessary parts of the Everfree was sadly all I could do, aside from sword practice.”

“Wait…” Twilight thought. “Then… what do you plan on doing exactly?”

“Well, assuming yours is to find the Elements, I plan on delaying Nightmare Moon. It only makes sense that she would try to stop you. The less attention on you all, the better.”

“Wh-... You plan on walking to your death!?” Twilight asked, astounded.

“So what if I am?” He crossed his hooves. “Why do you care? Why would any of you care? Better yet, what do you plan on doing to stop me?” He frowned, but then noticed their pained faces. He sighed. “Put simply, we’re out of options, and I’m going to do what I do best.” He turned toward the door. “If there are no more questions, I have a job to do.”

“Atlas!” Applejack called out to him. He paused, not looking back at her. “I… know you didn’t have the best experience here, but… I know I can’t stop you… so thank you.”

“Make sure you come back! I need to throw you a better welcome party!” Pinkie said.

Skystrike inhaled. He’s… broken too many promises to say I’ll come back alive. But despite that, he looked back and nodded before opening the door. The stallion looked to the sky for a moment before flapping his wings and flying towards the Everfree forest.

In flight, his mind began to wander. He couldn’t get them out of his head. The times he spent with those he cared for. The jokes they shared, the pains, the happiness, the grief. The experiences. Why now? Was he really ready to die?

He attempted to shake the thoughts out of his head. It’s not like it mattered… no, it did matter. No point in dying if he could have something to live for.

So Skystrike started something… a plan… One that, if went well, everyone involved will get a happy ending. A blue fog arose from the forest. Skystrike slowed his approach.

Soon enough, the mist seemed to solidify, and Nightmare Moon hovered in the air in front of him. “So, what’s the plan, colt? Giving yourself up for the hopeless chance of others seeing the sun again?”

Skystrike put out his arms, away from his blades. “I’ve been thinking, Nightmare Moon. You were right earlier… at least partially. I don’t really have much else to live for.” Her eyes widened ever so slightly. “This world has abandoned me, ignored my existence at best, actively went against it at worst… then the ones I held the closest at one point cast me aside as well… In that sense, I suppose we are alike.”

Nightmare Moon scowled at him. “Do not compare myself to the likes of you, pegasus! You do not know my pain!”

“Maybe not, but I am willing to hear you out.” He looked at her. Her mouth stayed closed. “...Fine, no need to anyway. I just… I’ve seen enough pain in this world. I’m just hoping I can stop anymore… for you at least.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Do not act like you care for me, pony! You’re the same as the rest of those ponies, only pleading to me once I have all the power. You are nothing to me!”

“So that’s what you think this is…” Skystrike shook his head. Then he took off his helmet. She could see the sadness in his eyes. “My name is Skystrike Nebula. After loss, after pain, I… made this persona. Sure, it may have… protected me in the short term, but there've been so many mistakes I’ve made to those I care about that I’m… afraid to correct. So, I walk around, pretending to be somepony I’m not…” He sighed, flying a bit closer. “But the guilt still remains… doesn’t it, Luna?”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes widened. “How… how do you know that name!?”

“Same reason I know you were coming today, on the Summer Sun Celebration… You have to know, don't you? Your sister still cares. I saw her setting up the stars for your escape… unless you did that yourself and I’m spit balling…” Skystrike said, seeing a flash of sadness on her face. “Seems to me, Celestia still hopes that you’ll come around… but you seem pretty set in your ways… Besides, I get your anger at her, since she sent you to the moon in the first place. So, I want to lay out a couple options.”

Nightmare looked at him, the face on her back to her normal frown. “...I will humor you… what do you have in mind, Skystrike?”

“Just some outcomes. To be honest, I’m just here to stall you, but since you’re here, I know you already know that we’re looking for the Elements. But if the Elements don't exist anymore… then I will have to kill you… or try to at least. And if I do, then I’ll leave this world with you. Planned on doing it anyway. But it may work out. In the afterlife, if you believe in it, we won’t have to go alone.”

“You… you’re serious…” Her jaw almost dropped.

Skystrike sighed and looked into the eyes of his helmet. “If the Elements do exist, and they stop you, then this world will be fine, and only end up with one less soul in it. One who won’t be mourned.” He turned his helmet around and put it on, the neon eyes flashing on. His voice got a bit deeper. “But if we both live through this… and accept the rising sun… I’d like to be your friend. After you spend some time with family of course…”

Nightmare Moon looked at him, then her eyes turned to the moon. “It’s… too late for that outcome now…” She flew closer to him, the two only being a few feet away from each other.

Skystrike grabbed one of his swords by the hilt, drawing it and pointing the blade downwards for the alicorn to take. “Let’s hope not.”

Nightmare Moon took the blade with her magic. “It’s… been some time since anypony has respected me like this… A shame that it was during a duel.” The two flew back a few feet from each other. “Are you ready?”

Skystrike nodded. “Yes… though, one more thing.” Her ears perked up. “...Remember me.”

No more words needed to be shared. The two clashed blades. Both had to admit that the other was strong. Skystrike knew somewhat what to expect for an Alicorn, but she was even stronger than Celestia. Nightmare Moon wasn’t holding back. It’s been a while since one could compete with her in a test of strength.

But neither enjoyed this fight. It was something they had to do.

They pushed off each other, and the real battle begun. Nightmare Moon reeled back her head before launching a beam of magic at him. Skystrike was quick though, diving below it and flying side to side to dodge it. He raised his sword high, making Nightmare put out her blade to block it. Only when it was too late did she realize it was a feint, Skystrike spinning to land a roundhouse kick on her left side. She fell down a few feet before regaining her flight and flying high above the pegasus.

A large ball of light blue magic was generated above her before Nightmare Moon split it into dozens of spheres, sending each of them at Skystrike in irregular intervals. He dipped and dived through the ones he could, and cut down or deflected the ones he couldn't. The last few, she shot all at once, forcing Skystrike to block it, a cloud smoke blocking his vision. Then he felt two hooves land square on his back, sending him spiraling away before he regained his own flight.

Sure enough, Nightmare Moon had the advantage… and she knew. For now at least. Skystrike switched the swords in his hoof to his left before dashing at Nightmare. He slashed up at her, the alicorn dodging easily of course. What she didn’t expect was the right hoof of a pegasus seeming to charge some magic. A ball of energy was sent her way and exploded right on her chest. Taking his chance, Skystrike took the staggered Nightmare Moon by her hind legs and spun her around, throwing her into the forest below.

The trees broke at the alicorn's impact. Groaning, she picked up the sword back up with her magic and got back on her hooves. Skystrike landed on the ground in front of her. The forest around them bore the markings of their battle. Tattered branches layed about the area, smoking from Nightmare Moon’s magic.

Skystrike could see the abandoned castle behind her. He’d need to keep her attention a bit longer. Pointing his right arm at Nightmare, he fired three shots, each taken down by a magic barrier. Skystrike stomped his forehooves on the ground, sending a few loose rocks and broken branches a few feet into the air. A heavy flap of his wings sent the shrapnel at the alicorn, who flew forward with her barrier still active. He could tell from the way it interacted that it was a rather weak one which focused more on efficiency.

With his arm turning into a rifle once more, he shot a more powerful shot and reeled back his other hoof. Nightmare’s eyes widened in shock as her barrier shattered into fragments, then was met with another punch to the face. She looked back at him, blood dripping from her nose as she swung her sword down, nicking him in the wing and a large slash cutting through the left side of his armor. He pushed through the pain, turning on his front legs and bucking his opponent in the chest, then jumping backward towards Nightmare Moon, flipping into the air above her before flapping his wings downward and throwing his full weight on her back.

Before he could land it, Nightmare Moon teleported from below him and to his side while launching him away with a beam of magic. His back hit several trees, breaking through each before hitting a stone wall. The room Skystrike was in had several pillars placed throughout the room, holding up the roof that was lost to time. A platform stood in the center of the room. It seemed important… He groaned as he stood up, stabbing his sword into the marble floor below as he pushed himself up. He didn’t understand… Why was he still holding back?

Nightmare Moon huffed slightly as she approached Skystrike, wiping the blood from her nose. As she did that, Skystrike noticed the blood running down his side and head. The wounds weren’t deep, but they would take their toll given time. He inhaled deeply before standing on his hind legs. He pointed his sword at his opponent, signaling he could still fight.

They ran towards each other, clashing blades once again, both noticeably weaker than last time. Skystrike moved his blade to push hers away, launching it out of her magic. He slashed down at her, who clashed the blade with her own horn, a thick barrier of magic protecting it. She threw a punch, which Skystrike caught and put her in an arm bar. He jumped up and wrapped his legs around her neck, wrestling her to the ground and pulling.

Nightmare Moon knew at this rate, her shoulder would be dislocated, so he blasted him in the face with a continuous beam of magic. His helmet took the brunt of the attack, but the heat behind it still went through. Eventually, Nightmare knew it wasn’t working, so she teleported out of his grip and onto her hooves. Skystrike did the same, the two still huffing at each other.

“You’re one tough stallion to put down…” She decided she was tired of this. Once again she charged up his magic, condensing it in her at the tip of her horn before releasing the coalesced energy in front of her at the pegasus. Skystrike stared down the beam of energy rushing towards him. He inhaled, then exhaled, steeling himself as he swung his sword downward, pushing the blade through the beam, splitting it in two. His blade melted at the continuous barrage of magic before his sword gave in, forcing the pegasus to jump to the side to dodge. He looked at his blade, only the hilt and the bottom of the melted blade remained. He sheathed what was left of it before cracking his knuckles.

“I must commend you for your determination, Skystrike.” She threw his blade back at him. The stallion caught it… then sheathed it, putting his hooves back up. “Must you continue? You’re clearly outmatched.”

“Maybe…” He clenched his hooves. “But I’ve dealt with much, much worse than you, Nightmare Moon.” Skystrike dashed towards her, pulling back a hoof to punch her. Nightmare Moon didn’t fall for the faint this time, blocking the kick with a barrier… or attempting to. His kick shattered the protective dome, going through and nailing the alicorn of the night right on her check, knocking her to the ground. Using his wings to stabilize himself, he’d fly towards her and punch her further into the ground.

She responded by teleporting behind him, picking him up in her hooves before slamming him into the ground. He coughed up some blood, his body telling him that he couldn’t go on… Why was he still holding back? Skystrike was winded, gasping for air. He couldn’t force himself up. He still wasn’t strong enough.

She looked down at him, huffing. “By the stars, you were a tough one… Had a few tricks up your sleeve… But I’m not done with you just yet…” She turned her back to him. “Just lay back and don't kick the bucket just yet.” And with that, she teleported away.

He did so, but not my choice. The loss of blood in his body was getting to be too much. Before his consciousness faded anymore, he focused his magic into his wounds, speeding up his natural regeneration, though only temporarily. Just enough so the bleeding would stop, but not enough to close the wound. With luck, he’d get the jump on Nightmare Moon.

After a few minutes, a puff of smoke caught his attention, and from within, a coughing Twilight laid on the ground. Nightmare Moon stood on a stone platform at the end of the room, several smooth stone spheres levitating around her as she laughed, looking down at the unicorn.

Twilight looked at the limp body of Skystrike, then to Nightmare Moon. She knew what she had to do, lowering her body to the floor and dragging a forehoof along the ground with a huff.

“You’re kidding.” Nightmare Moon dropped the spheres. “You’re kidding, right?”

Twilight responded by charging her magic, running headlong at the alicorn of the night. Nightmare Moon did the same, staring daggers at her. Mere inches away from each other, Twilight casted her magic, teleporting past the alicorn who skidded to a top. She looked back to see her where she dropped the spheres.

“Just one spark…” Twilight once again charged her magic. Come on… come on!”

Nightmare Moon moved in front of the mare, knocking her away on her back with a weak push of magic. The spheres began to spark at Nightmare’s hooves. “No… no!” She looked angrily at the stones below her… only for nothing to happen. She began to laugh, her voice growing in volume as she stomped her hooves, shattering the spheres to pieces. Twilight was distraught… was it really no use? “You little FOAL!” Nightmare began to monologue. “Thinking you can defeat!? Now you will never see your princess… or your sun! The night! Will last! Forever!” Maniacal laughter filled their ears as her stary mane grew, surrounding the room with a whirlwind of magical mist.

But all three turned their attention to the doorway behind Twilight. Several voices could be heard echoing down the hall, then the shadows of five mares announced their arrival. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash all entered the room, seeing the state of each within. Then Twilight had a look of enlightenment.

“You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that?” She looked at the distorted face of Nightmare Moon. “Well you’re wrong! Because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony… are right here!” Her friends quickly surrounded her.

The shattered fragments at Nightmare Moon’s hooves began to rattle, glowing as they floated to the air. “What?” A look of worry appeared on her face.

“Applejack, who reassured me while I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed a Manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart’s desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty!” The shards went to their respective elements, beginning to swirl around them. “The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!”

Nightmare Moon looked at them, her worry growing by the moment. “You still don’t have the sixth element! The spark didn’t work!”

“But it did!” Twilight countered. “A different kind of spark!” She turned to the ponies behind her. “The very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you… to see you! How much I care about you! The spark ignited inside me…” She teared up. “When I realized that you all were my friends!” Light shined above her, causing all to look at the source. One final sphere descended from above, looking to have a six pointed star carved into it, similar to Twilight’s cutie mark. Nightmare Moon had to use a wing to block the blinding light. “You see, Nightmare Moon, by the… the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element, the Element of Magic!”

The shards surrounding each condensed in a flash of blinding light around their necks. Soon, each had a necklace of a brilliant gem in the shape of their Cutie Marks… but Twilights was different. The stone shined brighter, lowering itself onto her forehead, giving her a beautiful tiara, her purple gemstone reflecting the light off of it. Together, the six mares focused their magic into form, a large swirling rainbow erupting from them.

Skystrike knew this was as best a chance as he was going to get. He jumped up and onto Nightmare’s back, pinning her wings to her back and putting her in a headlock. With his right forehoof, he grabbed her horn. “...Getting real tired of you teleporting… End of the road, Nightmare Moon.”

She looked back at him, then forward at the rainbow laser rushing at her. “NOOOOOO!” She cried out at the rainbow surrounding the two. He had to admit… it pained him to see her screaming like that as she flailed in a vain attempt to get Skystrike off. His vision turned white as the magic spiraling around them did its work. He felt himself fall to the floor.

Skystrike winced from the pain. He rubbed his eyes in an attempt to regain his vision. His ears rang loudly, and while he couldn’t make out anything specific, he heard several voices talking nearby. The six mares seemed to be on their hooves at least.

And then a seventh voice came, with the rising sun to boot. He groaned. It was her. Skystrike stumbled to his hooves, leaning on a wall to regain his composure. He thanked his luck that the flashing lights didn’t permanently blind him. Looking around, he noticed that Celestia, sure enough, was there, talking with her faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. But it seemed the conversation just ended, as her eyes turned to his direction.

The pegasus followed them, seeing a blue pony with a light azure mane laying on the ground where Nightmare Moon once was. He took it as it being finally over. After countless years without her, Celestia seemed to zone out all parties present as she approached the new alicorn. The blue alicorn gasped, looking up at Celestia. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” She kneeled down to her. “Time to put our differences behind us… We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

“Sister!?” Everypony else, save for Skystrike, said in disbelief. Seems he was right… for all it was worth. Skystrike took his first step, almost crumbling at the strain of his body. It made sense, since his adrenaline wasn’t running anymore. He couldn’t feel his left wing, nor his right side above his waste… not like it mattered anyway. He moved away to give the two sisters some time. “Will you accept my friendship?”

They all looked at Luna with baited breath, waiting for an answer. With a face full of pain and regret… she did so., nuzzling her sister with tear filled eyes. “I’m so sorry! I missed you so much! Big sister!”

Celestia began to cry too. “I’ve.. missed you too.”

Skystrike tried to stealthily leave, walking to the hole in the wall he was knocked through earlier. His job was done. A family came back together. Everypony got their happy ending… so what use was left of him? And why did he feel so… empty?

Useless questions. Like they’d matter anytime soon.

“Wait!” Luna called out. All parties looked at where she was. The pegasus stopped in his tracks. “Don’t do it!” He turned to the alicorn, grunting as he took his left wing and popped it back in its socket, staring wordlessly at Luna. “You… you were wrong! I may have just met you, but I’m sure there’s so much you have to live for!” He continued to stare. “Despite everything that happened, you still tried to help me… This outcome is in no small part thanks to you, Skystrike Nebula.”

His ears went up at the mention of his name, as well as several others. He grit his teeth. A sloppy mistake he made, giving her his real name. Even if he planned on ending it, nopony should’ve known his name before doing it.

“Hold on…” Celestia walked next to her sister. “Skystrike Nebula, as in that pegasus with no magic, Skystrike Nebula?”

“The same Skystrike Nebula that I went to flight school with?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The same Skystrike Nebula that died in the orphanage burning down?” Twilight asked.

They all looked to him for answers. Skystrike sighed. No way he’s getting out of this now. He reached for the helmet on his head, taking off the locks and pulling off. His eyes were full of anger, exemplified by the bags under his eyes. A large vertical scar ran from his forehead, over his left eye, ending at his cheek bone. The blood running down his forehead earlier stained half of his face red. “...My identity was kept a secret for a reason. I would prefer you all keep it a secret as well.”

“But… Why keep it hidden? It's been almost a decade!” Rainbow Dash flew up to him.

“As I have said before, my presence brings danger to those around me. The less one knows about me, the safer one will be.” Skystrike stated. He looked at those around him. He saw the new group of friends Twilight made. He saw the family that came back together through hardship after a thousand years. He realized why he hesitated earlier. He still had hope that things could get better. He wanted to live. With a sigh, he began to speak again. “Luna, if it makes you feel better, I …promise I won't. But for now, I… need to get cleaned up.” He took a few steps toward the exit, limping as he went. Luna reached out a hoof to help him, but he gently pushed it away. “I will be fine. Spend some time with your sister, and you all, with each other.” He referred to Luna and the main six.

Celestia put a hoof on his shoulder. “Skystrike… at least let one of us help you get home. There’s no way you can get through the Everfree on your-”

Skystrike pushed her hoof away hard. “Don’t. Touch me.” Her ears went back. “I will be fine. If you wish to speak to me, it will have to wait.”

“At least let us get you to the hospital!” Pinkie pleaded. “You’re bleeding like crazy!”

“I. Will. Be. Fine.” He huffed. “Sorry, the average pony doesn’t have a track record of treating me well here. I’m not taking any chances.” He hissed as he limped his way towards the exit. “Anything else will have to wait until after a long rest.” Skystrike said, rounding a corner.

It only took about ten minutes to walk to his house, opening the door and throwing off his armor. Only then did he realize the extent of the damage on his body.. The gash on his side was swollen pink, and the cut on his head went deeper than he thought. And that was ignoring his entire back being bruised. He made sure to clean the wounds first, then put on some herbal remedy that was taught to him some time ago.

He wrapped the bandages around himself the best he could, then crawled into bed. Tomorrow is another day… but not one he minded coming anymore.

Rest for the Wicked

Tethys woke up as the train slowed to a stop. Skystrike didn't speak too much on this 'Ponyville,' but Skystrike lived there. He must think highly of it. She let go of her grip on the stallion, and made her way out of the train car to stretch. She didn't even notice the stares she was getting, nor the ponies running away from her as she did so. The dragoness decided to let her friend sleep some more as she moved all the luggage from the train onto the platform. She didn't realize how prepared Skystrike was for that mission. Much more than her, she had to admit.

The last trip to the train car was getting Skystrike himself. She nudged him with her tail, who responded by flipping over to his other side. She nudged him again. He growled as he curled into a ball. Tethys sighed, albeit with a small smile on her face. At least he was sleeping. She picked him up in her arms, and damn, was he heavy. Much heavier than he looked, and that armor wasn't helping at all, nor that he slept like a corpse. That made Tethys think for a moment. She couldn't even remember the last time he slept this deeply, not even having his guard up. He must have always been stressed out. She wished he'd rely on her a bit more.

But her new problem now was figuring out how she'd move all this stuff, as well as where to move it to. She looked around, seeing how there were virtually no ponies nearby. She sighed at that. Taking a length of rope and tying all of the luggage together, she carried the nearly 100 pounds on her back, and Skystrike's body on top of it all, and began walking. She had no idea where, just figured she'd go until somepony would give her directions.

It was only 10 minutes of walking before she decided to give up. Sure, it was early, the sun had been up for about three hours, but she'd have seen somepony by now. Tethys growled in annoyance as she sat next to the still sleeping Skystrike and waited for anypony to walk into her line of sight.

Spike thought this scene was oddly familiar. Twilight and her friends were camped up in Carousel Boutique, along with Stardust and Zecora. The lights were off, and the window blinds were closed. Twilight and Rarity told him and Sweetie Belle to not open them, no matter what. But like kids, the two were getting bored. Twilight said they'd all meet at Rarity's before seeing if Skystrike would come to the train station today. Rainbow Dash, coming last, warned them all that a dragon got off the train.

Initially, Spike was excited, thinking he'd be able to meet one of his own, but began to have second thoughts as he saw the faces of Twilight and her friends turn to ones of fear. Almost immediately, he was told to stay hidden with Sweetie Belle and not to go towards the windows. A part of him understands, with the dragon a couple months ago that was a smokey sleeper, but this feels... different. This other dragon hasn't done anything yet, and it felt familiar. He just couldn't put his finger on it yet.

Sweetie Belle decided to break the silence between them. "So... your name is Spike, right? I see you in school, but we haven't talked, I don't think."

Spike blinked, then nodded. "Oh yeah, I guess we haven't. Sweetie Belle, right? I've talked to your friend Applebloom a couple times. I am surprised we haven't really met since I moved here to Ponyville. Sorry."

"It's ok. So, can you breathe fire?"

Spike smirked before lighting his finger alit with his breath. "I can, but it's not much... I'm getting better though! Sooner or later, I'll be able to light a big one!"

"Cool! I wish I was good at magic like you are with fire." She sheepishly rubbed her arm. "I can't even use levitation magic..."

"Rarity doesn't teach you?"

Sweetie Belle winced at that a little. "We... don't spend that much time together. I know she's busy, but I wish she'd make some time for me. She's always busy with work or her friends, and when we're done with school, she's just tired."

Spike understood a bit. "Well, we live close to each other. If you want, I can stop by sometimes. We can play together!"

Sweetie Belle smiled at that. "Ok! that sounds like fun!" She clapped her hooves. "Lets play when we can go outside!" She stopped and thought for a moment. "What are we waiting here for, actually?"

Spike looked over to the mane six. Twilight was leaning on Applejack's back as the two peeked out the window. "...It's... huge... not as big as that red one, but still..." Twilight gasped at her.

"Whad'ya think it's here for?" Applejack looked up at her.

"She's gonna eat us! Chop us into teeny weenie bite sized pieces and stir fry us!" Pinkie made a stirring motion with her hooves.

"Really, Pinkie?" Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it isn't off the table yet, darling..." Rarity looked out the window with them.

"What's it wearing? It looks like... rusted armor on its chest?" Rainbow Dash flew above Twilight and Applejack.

"It looked like it, but I've never seen a dragon wear armor..." Fluttershy said sitting behind them all.

Finally, it hit Spike. Why this felt familiar. And he didn't like it. They did the same to Zecora, and he got to know her. Probably better than any of them. She wasn't the pony, er, Zebra that they thought she was. And now, they're doing the same to this new dragon. He felt something burn inside him. Spike couldn't tell if he was angry, disappointed, or both. He calmed down very slightly before asking himself: 'What would Skystrike do?'

They wouldn't let him walk through the front door. "Sweetie Belle, I'll be right back. I need to... go to the bathroom."

"Alright!" She waved him off.

Spike had been to the Carousel Boutique enough to know where the back door was. He unlocked it and began making his way towards the white and blue dragon. He had to admit, he was getting second thoughts on approaching, especially since it was dangerous if it was hostile. But he was doing what he thought was right.

And it was right after he steeled his will that Twilight noticed him outside. Her eyes went wide.

Tethys saw the baby dragon approach her hesitantly . "Aw... I didn't know there'd be another dragon here..." She crouched down and folded her wings in in an attempt to look less intimidating. "Hey there, little guy, aw you're so cute!"

Spike stopped a few safe feet away from her. "Uh... hello! My name is Spike. What's yours?"

"My name is Tethys. Nice to meet you, Spike!" She sat down and crossed her legs. "This is my first time in Ponyville, and I'm a bit lost. You're the first being that I've seen here besides the ponies working at the train station."

"Oh, I'm... sorry about that. The ponies here are... very weird about anypony, sorry, anybody new here that isn't a Pony. We had a Zebra named Zecora come by and have the same thing happen to her. Since you're new, I can lead you around town though!"

"Aw, you're so kind, I could just eat you up." She pinched his chubby cheeks. "But you said you know a Zebra named Zecora?"

Spike nodded. "Yeah! You know her? She's really-"

"SPIKE!" The two dragons heads turned to the source of the yell. Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all rushed out, Twilight using her magic to float Spike over to her.

Before Tethys could even introduce herself, or before Spike could explain, Rainbow came in with a flying kick on Tethys, who blocked it with her arm. "Pick on somepony your own size!" Rainbow said as she flew back to gain some distance.

"Not trying to-" Tethys was cut off with a lasso around her, locking her arms to her side by Applejack. She sighed as she used her breath to make a layer of ice around the lasso. With a small flex of her arms, she shattered it. "Can we calm do-"

She stopped herself and ducked when a flower pot was thrown at her head by the Rainbow pegasus, who was coming in for another kick. She was getting annoyed. This time, she caught the kick and threw her into the air. Luckily, Rainbow Dash was skilled enough to stop herself in the air before she began descending.

Applejack tried to land a kick of her own, only for Tethys to side step and smack her in the side with her tail, winding her. She began coughing. A scowl was growing on Tethys' face. "If you damn ponies would listen for-"

She was once again interrupted by the purple unicorn in front of her reeling her head back and shooting a blast of magic at her. Tethys didn't have time to dodge. She inhaled and shot a ball of ice to clash it. A small explosion of magic and snow was where the two attacks met. Tethys roared in anger, making everyone in the area cower for a moment. Twilight prepared another blast before Spike ran in front of Tethys and put his hands out.

Twilight was still charging her magic. "Spike, what are you doing!? Move out the way before-"

"ARE YOU ALL SERIOUS!?" Spike shouted at the top of his lungs. Everyone stopped in their tracks. "First Nebula, then Zecora, and now Tethys! You ponies haven't learned anything! You even ATTACKED her!"

"Spike, we thought you were in danger-" Twilight tried to defend herself.

"I wasn't! She pinched my cheek! RARITY does that! FLUTTERSHY did it before. But you don't say anything!" He then turned to the pegasus. "And you, RAINBOW! This is the second time you just go in swinging! ASK QUESTIONS FIRST!" Rainbow Dash winced and shrunk a bit at that. "Applejack, I can say the SAME thing!" She lowered her hat. Spike looked around to the townsfolk, beginning to poke their heads out the window. "And THE REST OF YOU AREN'T ANY BETTER! Hiding in your homes because you all are too scared to learn anything new, only believing the little you were told about whatever new being that comes to town! BE BETTER!"

Spike began panting, out of breath from his rant. Everyone looked at Spike for a bit, Tethys being the first to speak. "...Well, that happened... Thanks, Spike. Anyway, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted..." She glared at the ponies and crossed her arms. "You know Nebula and Zecora?"

"Yeah, they moved in a couple months ago. You know them? We were actually waiting for Nebula to come back from his mission." Spike nodded.

She snapped her fingers. "I thought your names sounded familiar. So you're his friends? Honestly, I was expecting... better..."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about them. They're really nice once you get to know them. I hope you all can be friends at some point. Is Skystrike with you?" Tethys flapped her wings and flew up to the top of the luggage to grab the stallion. She landed with him in her arms. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight quickly ran over to his side. Even Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy came out the Boutique to see him as well. Their hearts dropped.

Fluttershy was surprisingly put together enough to ask what they were all fearing. "Is... is he... gone?"

Tethys paused for a moment, then began laughing. "Oh, no, no... he's sleeping!" She slapped her tail on the ground.

They all let out a long sigh of relief. "Thank Celestia... I'm so glad he's alive..." Fluttershy wiped a tear away.

"No way he'd die." Tethys shook his head. "He worries too much to kick the bucket."

"So, are you the dragon that's part of his group like Zecora?" Applejack asked the dragoness.

"Yeah, I met him during his mission by chance. He said I should check out this town. So far, I will admit, it wasn't the worst welcome I've had." Tethys shrugged. "And, that wasn't a slight at you ponies specifically."

"...Do you get attacked every time you go somewhere?" Rarity asked, kind of astounded.

"Almost all dragons do. We don't exactly get warm welcomes. Kyne Lok actually slept in a nearby mountain here, and some ponies tried to force him out. One even kicked him." They winced at that. "At least you ponies weren't trying to kill me."

"That's a... rather low bar..." Applejack said with some worry in her voice.

"It's what we have to deal with. That's why I'm loyal to Nebula. He didn't try to kill me, and even helped me. But that's a story for later. Tethys dropped him on the ground from a not small height. He landed with a heavy thump, but was still sleeping. "I have to carry these boxes. Can you all carry him and lead me to his house?"

"Sure!" Pinkie Pie jumped down to Skystrike and poked his head a few times, seeing if he'd wake up.

"Pinkie, stop playing around." Rainbow Dash said. The pegasus attempted to lift him onto his back, but only then did she realize how much bigger Skystrike was than her. She collapsed, stuck under the weight of his upper body. "Helphelphelphelphelp!"

Applejack was able to roll Skystrike over onto his back. "You alright, sugar cube?"

"Yeah, just..." She huffed and rubbed her back. "I just never realized. I knew he was big, but gosh..."

"He's only a bit bigger than Big Mac. Let me try." Applejack lifted the stallion, trying to put him on her back. Like the mare before, she collapsed under his weight. "Celestia, he is heavy! Get him off me!" Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie pulled him of the earth pony. "Thanks, girls... How is he still asleep!?"

"I think we're going to have to drag him..." Pinkie rubbed her chin with her hoof, thinking aloud. Applejack used her rope and made a loop around Skystrike's waist. Tying it off with a know, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie all began pulling him. Even with that, it was slow.

Tethys, who already had the many crates on her back, was getting impatient. She looked at Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, and Twilight. "You all should help them out."

They did so, Fluttershy grabbing on with her mouth, and the two unicorns using their magic. "Jeez, how heavy is this guy!?" Twilight groaned as she was beginning to strain her magic. "It's like we're pulling a boulder!"

Fluttershy flapped her wings to get a bit more force behind her pulling. "We have seen him lift boulders..."

The group walked, and dragged Skystrike, for about twenty minutes, stopping at Skystrike's house. They all put down the luggage, catching their breath. They needed a break. After a few minutes, Tethys decided to break the silence. "So, how long have you ponies known Nebula for?"

"Oh, most of us knew him since he was a colt, but met him at different times." Applejack fanned herself with her hat. "I met him at a summer camp one time, but that was it 'fore he moved to Ponyville."

"My family owns a rock farm, and he did a mission there a few years ago, but I first met him when he moved here." Pinkie spread out on the floor. "Jeez, and I thought I was in shape..."

"You're telling me..." Rainbow Dash was using her wings to fan of Rarity. "Fluttershy and I went to flight school with him before he moved to Canterlot."

"And that was after I met him in magic school. He moved to Cloudsdale, then back." Twilight wiped some sweat from her forehead. "And apparently Rarity met him, but didn't remember."

"Great, so I don't have to keep calling him Nebula." Tethys breathed some cold air into the group. "That should cool you all off. You said he went to magic school? But he's a pegasus?"

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask that too." Rainbow stopped flapping her wings. "What'd he need to be there for?"

"Well, he was the only pony, maybe even only being in existence with no magic. He was made to do a lot of tests by some ponies under princess Celestia. He didn't talk about it much. Other than that, he took classes like the rest of us. I bet he'd be pretty good at magic if he was a unicorn."

"How long have you known Skystrike?" Spike took a seat next to the dragoness.

"Not too long, only six years. Though I guess that is a while for you ponies and your lifespans. I was actually the first of his group. I think he was about twenty when we met." Tethys walked over to Skystrike and slapped him. "He's out like a light..."

"How'd you meet?"

Tethys sat back down. "Not too long, or interesting of a story. There was a large group of ponies that tried to kill me a couple years ago. Were after me for a few months before they finally cornered me in a cave. Too many wounds to run anymore, so I had to fight them off. The mage teleported them all away before I could finish them off, but they were in worse shape than I." She chuckled a bit at that. "After that, Skystrike was told he was given a mission to hunt something, but not what. When he found me on the ground, barely holding onto life, instead of killing me, he stayed with me for a while. Nursed me back to health. The rest is history."

"That's a bit surprising. He didn't talk much when we were kids. It didn't seem like he cared about most things, let alone another being." Twilight chuckled. "But he did show he cared in his own way."

"You can say that again." Tethys laughed a bit. "When he saw me, I could barely move. Didn't even say anything, just put down his sword and started patching me up. Only said something when he asked me to come with him."

"Didn't say much to me for a while either. He was in my class for... almost two months before he said anything to me. First I even heard him talk was asking me if I was ok after he completely rocked one of my bullies."

"Oh, he did that for you too?" Fluttershy spoke this time.

"Skystrike... also fought one of your bullies?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow laughed. "Three of them, actually. Two of ours were actual kids."

They all paused at that. "He... fought a teacher? What did the teacher do for Skystrike to do that!?" Rarity was trying not to laugh.

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy, who sighed a bit. "One of my animal friends passed the day before, and I wasn't over it yet. When the teacher asked what was wrong, I told her and she started laughing, and told me to get over it."

"Then, Skystrike told me to take Fluttershy to the bathroom, saying she had to go, and don't pay attention to what the teacher says." Rainbow covered her mouth and snickered, thinking back to what happened.

"As soon as we got out of the room, we turned just at the right moment where we saw it. Me, Skystrike, and Rainbow sat in the middle of the class, but he made that punch collide with her face so fast, I blinked and missed it. It was... kind of impressive if I'm being honest."

"...Damn." The rest of the ponies and dragons said in unison.

Rainbow finished the story. "And then, he moved back to Canterlot." She sighed. "You know, I never put together that that's why he moved back. Wish we got along better back then."

"What, did you two not get along?" Applejack put back on her hat.

"Oh, we got along fine. We were actually his foster family for the two years he was in Cloudsdale, and we all hung out a lot. He just always seemed... what's the phrase for it?"

"Out there? Like his mind was always somewhere else?" Tethys offered, which Rainbow responded with a nod. "He worries too much. I only found out recently why he does. And before you ask, not my place to say."

"...What did happen up there?" Rarity asked. "We don't know much, just that there were maybe dragons, and maybe hostages. But, Skystrike turned up fine, just tired. He doesn't even look like he got into any battles."

"Oh, he fought alright, but best not to go into detail. Spike's still a baby." Tethys pointed at the young dragon.

"Hey, does he normally sleep this long?" Spike poked at Skystrike. "If I remember right, he says he sleeps from midnight to six in the morning."

"Well, he's been asleep for... he went to sleep at ten, so about 12 hours now?" Tethys tried to shake him awake. "Oh yeah, What about Zecora? How's that Zebra doing? Still speaking in rhymes?"

"Oh, she lives in the Everfree Forest. I think Stardust said she was going to hang out there and wait until Skystrike came home." Twilight answered.

"Alright, I'll call her." Tethys said as she took a deep breath.

A couple hours earlier, Zecora and Stardust sat across the table from each other within Zecora's hut. In the middle of the two was a raven black book with a four pointed star on it and a lock. It was Skystrike's book. It took nearly a week for Zecora to finish the diary, and there was a lot to go over. Too much. She put small sticky notes in each page she deemed important. That being said, it was still more than she expected. As soon as Zecora thought she was halfway through, pages kept appearing, materializing as she continued, and disappearing when she went back. It was a magic journal. Makes sense if he had to write in this, thousands of times over his life.

Skystrike asked her to keep it a secret if he came back, but something in the book caught her eye. He'd given her his diary specifically because he could trust her. Her, and the group they were once part of. Only fair that the others knew. She already explained to Stardust what Skystrike told Zecora before he left. "Stardust, confess I must, you hid so well, no fuss. Underneath our noses, you did play, but Skystrike saw through your display."

The mare shifted uncomfortably. "...What do you mean? Hiding?"

"When bathing in the cure for poison joke, not only was it dispelled, but magic broke. That is how Skystrike found out, your horn sticking through the water, no doubt."

Stardust stared at Zecora for a moment. She wasn't joking. She was slightly embarrassed, and somewhat upset. Neon fire surrounded her for a split second before dropping. Where the off white mare once stood, was a pony-like figure, with skin of black chitin and arctic blue bug like eyes. "And I thought I was doing well... Good to see you again, Zecora."

"It worked quite well, I couldn't tell. Good to see you too, Elytra. Let's chat for a spell."

"What did you want to talk about? Skystrike's book? He was given that by the former queen. I always wondered what he wrote in it."

"He penned each day in that diary. Gave it to me, said, 'Keep it, just in case,' you see. He holds faith in me, and you, it's plain to see. Fair you know its contents, a gesture so lovely." Zecora sighed slightly, before unlocking the book. "In darkest day, in brightest night, stow your fear, show your might. Beware your fears made into light. Do not falter, do what is right." Skystrike's diary unlocked, Zecora flipping through a few dozen pages and stopping. "His origins, he concealed, a secret within his chest. What I've learned, it is wild, beyond any test. You've witnessed the start, can you explain the rest?"

Elytra took a seat, putting her elbows on the table and her forehooves together. "While we lived in the hive, the late queen Khrusalis... informally adopted him. I was one of the many caretakers, similar to a nanny, if that makes sense. Khrusalis put me in charge of making sure Skystrike would be properly taken care of. I was there for his upbringing... and for his banishment..."

"What caused his exile, what's the lore, the reason he was banished, please implore."

"I was stationed in Canterlot at the time, where he lived at the orphanage for a time. It was after he moved back to Canterlot, being about fourteen at the time. It's best you ask him... if he comes back." Elytra said that last part with a bit of worry in her voice. "From what I was told, by both him after it happened, and by the current Queen, Chrysalis, when the former queen went to visit him, someone found out about her travel to Canterlot. Skystrike and Khrusalis met in the far outskirts, beyond the Canterlot wall. But someone knew of their meeting, and they were ambushed." She sighed, resting her forehead on her hooves. "She... I was told she sacrificed her life to save Skystrike. But Chrysalis blamed him for her- their mother's death."

Zecora's heart dropped. She was hoping that this whole time, Skystrike's book was just a sick prank. Even if that wasn't like him, it'd be easier to handle then the stuff that she learned he had to go through. "I..."

"The worst part in my opinion was that... He saw us all as family... the only family he had. Blamed for the death of someone he saw as his mother by someone he saw as his sister, then for most of his brothers and sisters around him to ostracize him. He never was really the same sense. Never truly opened his heart to others since. Even when I asked him about it, he didn't go into detail, saying 'it was fine. It's in the past.'"

"...If Skystrike's path was smooth, without each slip, I wonder what pony he'd be, without hardship's grip." Zecora sighed.

"You and me both. All we can do now is try and make him happy... if that's even possible."

"...And what of before? Before changeling kin he joined, a tale bemusing. Though he makes brief mentions, his past is quite confusing." Zecora flipped forward to some pages, noticing some lines hinting at something more. Sometimes, there's a part of me that believes that coming here, to Eques, was a mistake. That I should've stayed back in that lab. At least then, I wouldn't know the pain of betrayal. Then, Zecora flipped back towards the begining. Transforming for the first time was weird, especially walking on four legs, not to even mention the wings.

"Skystrike... wasn't always a pony. He called himself human... The only reason that he came to us was because his welcome wasn't a warm one." Elytra sat back up straight. "I assume since he's still a pony, that they're still after him. The princesses I mean."

Zecora would have to ask Skystrike about that. "Our questions, we'll save for when he's back. With hope, he'll return, our dear friend, safe on track."

A roar could be heard, even from deep in the forest where Zecora and Elytra were. It sounded familiar. The two looked at each other, as if making sure they both heard the same thing. Once they realized who it was, Elytra made sure to put up her disguise as Stardust before she and Zecora rushed towards the roar.

It only took a few minutes for the two to come out and join the group. Zecora jumped in the air to hug the dragoness, who caught her. "Tethys! It's a joy to meet you again, my friend! What brings you here, to journey's end?" Tethys pulled the zebra into a hug, who continued in a whisper. "The mare behind me is Elytra, but keep it discreet. A secret we must keep, do not let it leak."

Tethys approached Stardust and put out a hand for her to shake, her hand nearly taking up her entire forehoof. "Nice to meet you, Stardust."

"The pleasure is mine, Tethys." They gave each other a mock greeting, but their eyes shared the excitement of seeing each other again. "So... where's Skystrike?"

"AAAUUUUUUUUUUUGH!" He snored. Loudly.

"You roared pretty loud, how is he not awake?"

"No idea."

"AAAAAAAAUUUUUGHHHH!"

Spike was trying not to laugh. "Stardust, you have keys to his house right? Can you open is so we can get inside?" Stardust nodded, getting her keys and unlocking the door.

Tethys picked up the luggage and moved it inside, the ponies dragging Skystrike inside with them. The dragoness looked around. "I didn't even realize how massive his house was. Where'd he get the... no, I know where he got the money, but still."

Zecora rolled her neck after helping drag Skystrike. "I recall his words so bright, he built this house for our reunions light."

"HAAAAUUUUUUUUUGH! mimimimimimimi."

Pinkie snorted at his snoring. "What was that!? Dear Celestia!" She wiped a tear. "We should probably wake him up..."

"Honestly, I don't know what'll wake him up at this point..." Applejack poked him a bit more. "It's a bit impressive."

"Oh! I have an idea!" Pinkie said before zipping away, only come back moments later with a small jar of smelling salts. She opened the jar and held it up to Skystrike's nose.

Skystrike inhaled, then jumped awake. "Jesus!" He coughed from the strong smell. It felt like his nose was burning.

"Hey, Neby!" Pinkie Pie greeted him with a hug. "Welcome back! And don't worry, I'm setting up that party I said I would! And happy birthday!"

Fluttershy was next to hug him. "I-... we're glad you're back."

One after another, each of his friends joined in on the hug. They enjoyed the moment for a bit before Skystrike broke the silence. "Oh, right, have you guys met Tethys?" The mane six all cringed at that. "...Ok, what did I miss?"

They all looked at each other, their eyes telling one another for them to explain. Tethys actually did. "The baby, Spike, said that the same thing happened to Zecora, if that gives you an idea."

Skystrike sighed. "It does. I'd say something, but I'll let you deal with it. For now, I'm hungry." Skystrike walked into the kitchen of his house and opened the refrigerator, looking for something quick to eat. He grabbed a few tomatoes and began eating.

They judged him with their eyes. "Are you... just eating tomatoes like... an apple?" Applejack stared.

"Yes. They're fruits right?" He continued to eat. "I'm hungry."

"That's weird, Skystrike." Applejack cringed. He finished the tomato in his hoof, then smiled. Then pulled out a lemon and bit into the skin of the fruit. "What the buck is wrong with you? How do you do that with a straight face!?"

"Please respect my privacy." He said before the two shared a laugh. He finished his food before stretching a bit. He reached for his chest before stopping. "No."

"No what?" Twilight poked her head into view.

"I was about to take off my armor, but you ponies would've been weird about it."

"I... I don't know what you mean by that." Twilight avoided eye contact.

"What I mean is I see the way you all look at Big Mac. And I get it, part of it is because he's like, one of a dozen single guys in town that's an option, but still. It get's weird. And most of you aren't even sneaky about it."

"...I don't know what you're talking about."

"Twilight, you have the lying skills of a child who just got told not to tell a secret." He checked the time on the microwave, it being 10:34. "Anyway, thanks for dragging me here, I can tell by the dirt in my armor. Girls, do you mind coming back at about two o'clock? I have something I need to talk about with Tethys, Zecora, and Stardust. We'll have that party that Pinkie was talking about."

"Alrighty! Girls, you know the plan!"

"Right!" They all said in response to Pinkie before leaving.

"...I feel I should be worried." He said with a small chuckle before walking to his front door and locking it. "Help me close all the blinds. I got something important to tell you all." He said as he started to do so. Tethys, Stardust, and Zecora all did so, going around the house to do so. Once done, Skystrike went to get the Silence stone and activated it, making sure what he was about to say stayed between them. Skystrike took off his armor and put it on his armor stand in his bedroom and put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants before walking downstairs, and into the living room, the three of his friends waiting for him. "Oh, I see you dropped the disguise, Elytra."

The changeling nodded. "Yeah, Zecora told me you knew. Wish you'd said something about it. It's tiring to keep up the transformation all the time."

"I thought you trained enough where you can keep it up indefinitely?"

"That's not the point, Skystrike." She rubbed her horn. "I don't know about you, but I like being in my own chitin. Only so much of Stardust is the real me. I don't want a persona and the real me to blend. As Stardust, I'm your guard first. As Elytra, I'm your sister first."

Skystrike rolled his shoulder and sat down on the arm chair across from the three sitting on the couch. "Either way, you're my sister first. But if we're talking about this, I assume Zecora told you a lot?"

Zecora nodded. "Indeed, I've covered key details, no doubt. Mostly what occurred within the hive's devout. And a bit of your journey when we did part ways, we recounted those memorable days."

"Perfect... then if that's the case..." Skystrike focused on his transformation, the neon green flames surrounding him for a moment before revealing his human form. "...I do get what you mean, Elytra, about being in your own skin."

"...Is this what you really are? A... hooman from a land afar?"

"Yes, this is my real form. I am human, and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner." Skystrike leaned back in his chair and exhaled. "Think I figured out the reason why. Something mentally was stopping me. Elytra knew, because she saw me as a human first. I wasn't even able to tell Tethys until just before we found the lab. She had a hint that I wasn't a pony when I told her, same as you with my diary. It seems there's... a condition that one has to meet before I can reveal my human form. It being that they have to have some idea that I'm not a pony."

"I see..." Tethys rubbed her chin. "Any idea why it's put there?"

"Honestly, my first thought is that it's... some trial that they set up for me. At this point, it's all but confirmed that they planned for me to come here. To this world I mean. I heavily doubt they planned for me to get here the way I did though."

"I'm puzzled, you see, your words are a haze. By 'they,' you imply humans, in many ways. Yet scarcely, I've penned their deeds from your words, so unclear, how they schemed for your coming, can you make it clear?"

Skystrike nodded. He leaned back and looked at the ceiling, not liking to touch his past as a human. "Pretty sure that even Elytra doesn't know this, so I'll just start from the very beginning. Skystrike was the name I gave to myself once I began living in this world. The pony me." He put a hand to his chest. "The form you see me in, my human form, does not have a name. I am designated as P.R.O.W-0034, or 34 for short. From the moment I gained consciousness, I was told to fight. Every day, I, along with my brothers and sisters, were forced to fight each other and undergo... let's say special training and tests... to strengthen our physical and mana based abilities."

He paused for a moment before putting his hand in front of his face, staring at the back of it. "Eventually, we were told to fight each other. To kill each other. I did so without question. I was seen as a prodigy to those scientist, completing every event near flawlessly. They molded me into someone who would only know violence." Skystrike let out a long sigh, pausing for a moment before continuing. "Until one day, someone new came, to teach me morality. I realized that everything I've done before was wrong. When I was told to finish off my last sibling, I didn't. And... I payed the price for it. That was when I decided to rebel. I didn't know I could escape at the time, so my only goal was to take out everyone with me. That was when I first took a life by my own choice. Unexpectedly, I found a portal to this world, and the book picks up from there."

"That's... a lot to take in..." Elytra broke the long silence that followed his story. Then her eyes went wide. "Wait... you joined the hive at eight!"

"Yes."

She held her head. "By the pantheon..."

"...I get why you don't speak of your past. The sheer amount of trauma you went through is vast." Zecora winced, finally taking in the whole story.

"Fuck, Skystrike, I'm impressed you're still sane after all that. Not to mention what you had to go through after. I'm sorry." Tethys sighed.

"I've had, well today makes seventeen years, to deal with all of this. I thought I would've been over it by now, but some more things came up. During the mission in the north, Tethys and I found a lab. Made by humans for the intent to spy on me, and if they felt it needed, neutralize me." He leaned forward making sure to look at each of his friends. "The coming months could be the most dangerous that we will ever see. There was only one portal that led that lab. I have no idea if there are any more, but I plan on going to look. I will do everything in my power to make sure no harm comes to you all, or anyone I care about."

"And we'll do it together, right?" Tethys raised a brow.

Skystrike hesitated to answer through baited breath. "...I made a promise. I intend to keep it, no matter how much I want to keep you all safe. But we have a lot to do if you all plan on coming along."

"Didn't even have to ask, my friend. What is the plan, to bring the humans influence to an end?" Zecora, Elytra, and Tethys, all gave him a supporting smile.

He smiled back. "Thank you... I'm glad I met you all..." He said before beginning to list off what they were to do. "First, in the next few months, I plan on doing a complete overhaul of all of our armor and weaponry. Thanks to the rewards I got from that mission, we can get great enchantments to make us stronger. Just need to buy the materials. After, I plan on seeing everyone from All one more time. Right the wrongs that I've done, if not getting them back in the group. Transportation will only be hard for Hippogriffia to see Skybeak, Caninia to get to Jeshan, and Ornithia to figure out where Celeano is flying. Finally, I'll be hunting down any trace of my race and neutralize them."

"You haven't really thought this through, have you?" Zecora chuckled.

"Only the armor and weapons parts. But I do have some ideas to get to our friends. Just have to get the money for it. I have to buy an airship, and upgrade it to get to Ornithia and Hippogriffia."

"You know, I still have my hoard. I can give it to you if we need it to find our friends. Plus, I plan on moving in anyway. Need some time away from the dragon lands and seas." Tethys offered. "I've been keeping it in that magic bag you gave me those years ago. Same place we got yours." She reached under the armor covering her chest and pulled out said bag.

Skystrike shook his head. "The offer is appreciated, but hold onto it for now, I have some money saved up." Tethys put her bag back. "My idea to get the materials is to buy them cheap. In theory, with Zecora's brews and witchery, and with my magic, we can transmute the cheap stuff into higher quality items, if not new elements entirely. Just need to make the transmutation equations."

"And the power source?" Elytra asked. "I saw you make that weapon you bought to your mission. No way that airship and submarine will run on just batteries."

"Well... the plan is to charge them with my own magic. A backup energy source will be a machine that mimics the bodily functions of this worlds inhabitants. Basically, it will absorb the latent mana within the atmosphere and convert it into magic as a fuel source."

"...That... sounds like infinite energy!"

"And that's what makes your world so lucky, and what made my race so interested in it. Still need to make the blueprints, then the prototypes. Give me a few months to get everything ready." Skystrike leaned forward, then used his magic to turn back to his pony form.

"You know, you've grown a lot. I didn't expect... well I thought your muscles and stuff were an illusion. You were a thin kid." Elytra admitted.

"Yeah, well when I became a pony, started relying more on my body than my magic." He quickly got used to his form again. "I do miss having hands. That's one of the reasons I wear my armor a lot. You all might as well stay here, since Pinkie wants to have a party here. Tethys, chose one of the empty rooms to be yours for now. I'm going to take a long, long, bath."

He indeed took a long, long, bath. Nearly an hour actually. It was amazing. A week in the dirt, mud, and blood would make you pretty dirty. Luckily, he didn't get any stains in his coat. Making sure to brush his mane, tail, and coat of any lose hairs, he walked downstairs. Some bright colors were caught in the corner his eye, so he decided to look at what it was. "Oh, you guys are all here. I wasn't keeping track of time."

"Howdy, Sky! Hey girls! Sky's done!" Applejack yelled to the others.

"...You made me realize I need more guy friends." Skystrike reached the living room and sat in his arm chair. "Maybe I'll go talk to Noteworthy. Or Time Turner. Meadow Song seems cool. And of course, Spike is that guy."

"There's Big Mac."

"Applejack, not gonna lie, he's cool and all, but he kinda has something against me." Skystrike shrugged.

"What did you do, sugar cube?" She asked.

"Oh, nothing. He's protective of you. Has that older brother love. I get it." He chuckled as he got comfortable.

Applejack saw what Skystrike was implying. "I'll talk to him about it. It'd be great to have you at the farm more!"

"Oh, sweet summer child." Skystrike put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder. "I don't avoid your farm because of your brother. It's because the few times I went there, Granny Smith hit on me every time I went there."

Rarity and Zecora, who just rounded the corner, burst out laughing. Applejack however, was mortified. "I'm... I'll definitely talk to her."

"Imagine friend zoning your friends grand mother! Ahahahaha!" Rarity laughed some more.

"It wouldn't be so weird if she didnt keep saying 'if only I was a few years younger.' And like, age isn't a factor in this scenario, I'm not gonna hit on your grandma." Skystrike put his hooves out, motioning to no one in particular.

"I actually have a picture of her." Applejack reached in her hat and pulled out a picture. She was quite younger, about his age now, if not a bit older. From the aging on the photograph though, it had to have been at least been taken 30 years ago. But that was besides the point.

"...Age may be a factor..." He laughed, then quickly ducked a jab at his head from Applejack. "You know what, that's fair."

Applejack grabbed his sweatshirt angrily. "Skystrike you-"

"I'm not going to do anything to your grandma. It's still weird, bro."

She let go. "Good..."

"What type of mare do you like anyway?" Rarity sat down on the couch next to them.

"I am nowhere drunk enough to admit that to you. Ask me later." Skystrike leaned on his hoof before sniffing the air. "I smell food. And I realize I haven't eaten since I got home."

"Well, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are baking, with Tethys being the taste tester." Rarity got comfortable, then looked to Applejack. "Didn't you bring some apples or something?"

"Oh, right. Be right back, Sky!" Applejack ran to the kitchen, leaving Rarity, Zecora, and Skystrike alone.

"So, darling, this being one of the few times where we can sit and talk, I must ask, are you... interested in anypony?"

The house suddenly got quieter as Rarity waited for Skystrike to answer. "That's a silly question. Most beings have friends they are interested in. For example, you're interesting because of your eye for fashion, and you have a dream you actively follow. One of the most upstanding ponies I know."

Rarity smiled at the flattery. "Well, thank you for that, but that wasn't what I meant."

"...I'm confused."

Rarity narrowed her eyes. "Skystrike, do you like anypony?"

"I like a lot of ponies. It's easier to name the ones I don't like." Skystrike thought about it for a moment. "Actually, there's like three I can think of. Most of the ponies, actually, most of the beings I've met have been at the very least decent."

Rarity's eye twitched and sighed. "Skystrike, you're dense."

"No, I'm hungry." Skystrike's stomach rumbled.

As if on queue, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked into view. "I got apples!" The former said. "What type do you perfer?

"The uh..." He squinted his eyes. "...The red one."

"Baldwin, McIntosh, or Gala?"

"...The... the first one." He put out a hoof to catch the apple that Applejack threw to him. "Thank you." He said before quickly finishing the apple in three bites. "Man, I needed that. Give me another." He was thrown another, then ate it in the same fashion. "More..." He was thrown a third, then a fourth for good measure. Skystrike scarfed them down. "God, that hit the spot."

"Damn, Sky, you're going to give AJ a run for her money!" Rainbow said, flying over and leaning on the back of Skystrike's chair. "How do you eat like that?"

"I have a big mouth." He chuckled. "Still a bit hungry. I need to do meal prep tomorrow."

"Speaking of food, remember when the princesses were over for that meeting and you made us all food? That really helped with my afternoon workout. Anything special you put in your food?"

"Oh, yeah. Special seasoning I made. Not only does it taste good, but it increases the speed of your digestive system, and how much energy you get from the food you digest. Took a while to get the right balance. Only downside is you have to work it off, or those extra calories sit in your body."

"That was your fault!?" Rarity stomped a hoof. "I thought I gained a few pounds!"

Skystrike poked his hooves together shyly. "...Sowwy..."

Applejack and Rainbow Dash snickered. Rarity sighed, "It's... fine... I do need to get back in shape. A figure like this has to be kept at peak perfection." Skystrike looked closely at the unicorn for a moment. "What?"

"Oh, nothing. Just never paid much attention to... actually, now that I think of it, anyone's figure." He shrugged.

"A part of me appreciates that, but another feels like you don't see us as mares." Rarity sighed

"I mean, I just try not to look at anyone that way, else it gets weird." He leaned back in his chair. "Plus, you're all girls. It's ok for you all to do it to each other."

"I know Fluttershy appreciates it at least. You know like, at least half the guys in Ponyville have hit on her." Rainbow flew over from her spot next to Rarity. "And we all get it, she's a pretty mare, but most ponies barely take the time to get to know her. That's the downside of the dating market. Guys just think they can get anypony since there's so few of them. Er, no offense, Skystrike."

"None taken. And I agree, Fluttershy is one of the nicest ponies I know. But- Well I guess I'm missing something. Why are stallions hitting on Fluttershy while barely knowing anything about her?"

They all looked at each other, then Applejack sighed. "Celestia, you're dense." A moment passed as Applejack thought. "I don't know how else to say it, so I'll be honest. She has... assets that most mares would be jealous of. Apparently there's an... argument between her and Pinkie that some of the stallions keep arguing on."

"What?" Skystrike blinked. "I'm confused."

The mares looked at each other. "You... really haven't noticed?"

"Noticed what?"

It was Rainbow Dash this time. "Celestia, you are dense. Skystrike, they have fat flanks and big teats."

"Oh." Skystrike sat up at that. "Wait, so what's the argument?"

"The normal boobs versus butt thing."

"...Well that's fucked. I'm sorry they have to go through that." He sighed. "Not a fan of objectifying."

Applejack bit into an apple she bought. "I'm surprised you didn't say you relate. Mares in town talk about you and Big Mac the same way."

"...They what?"

"Well, after that whole competition we did, quite a few mares started getting interested in you. Especially after you took off your shirt. And I'm not going to lie... you have a good build. It's just... gets uncomfortable when other mares talk about my brother like that."

"Thanks? I guess? I'm confused on how to feel on all of this."

"Just be careful on who's actually into you, and who's into your body." Rarity used her magic to float over an apple.

As if on queue, Twilight , Pinkie, Fluttershy, Stardust, and Tethys walked out of the kitchen. The pegasus, holding two trays of brownies, and Pinkie pie hopping next to her balancing a tray of Deli sandwiches on her back before they both laid them on the table. "Food! God, I'm hungry!" Skystrike said as he reached for the sandwiches.

"Wait!" Pinkie said for the stallion to stop mid reach. "You almost forgot the flag, silly!" She pulled one out of her hair and stuck it in his sandwich. "There you go!"

"Thank you!" He said before chowing down. "God, I needed that... I'd never thing to put avocados and apples together with swiss cheese."

"We also made salads, grilled cheese, and egg rolls! And for dessert, We have cupcakes!" Pinkie listed, pulling out each from her mane, then put it back in.

"Oh, so that's why Tethys has frosting on her scales." Skystrike chuckled as he took another bite. "Damn, this is good."

Tethys got the frosting off her scales with a finger and ate it. "Oh yeah, since it's your birthday, should we play that game?" She gave a sinister smirk.

"...I don't like that look you're giving me, but I do." Skystrike bit into his sandwich again.

"What're we going to play?" Pinkie forced Skystrike to scoot over and sat next to him.

"It's like Jenga, spin the bottle, and truth or dare, all at the same time." Skystrike finished his sandwich. "Rules are easy. We sit in a circle and spin the bottle. The one the top of the bottle lands on takes the Jenga piece and plays like normal. The fun part is, we all write our names on the wooden blocks. If you pull someone's name, they choose the truth or dare the player does. The player doesn't get to decide whether it's truth or dare. If you knock over the tower, everyone takes a shot of Vodka. And you can have your dares involve others, we're good enough friends to not do anything crazy."

"That actually sounds really interesting." Twilight floated over her sandwich and began eating. "I'm in." The rest nodded in agreement.

"Alright." Skystrike got up from his seat and flew into his workshop, coming back with a small crate of wooden blocks and some markers. "There's ten of us, so 6 blocks per." He put down the crate and threw everyone their markers, then passed everyone their blocks.

Once everyone returned their blocks, they all took their seats. Clockwise, it went Skystrike, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow, Twilight, Tethys, Zecora, then Stardust. Skystrike got a grilled cheese and ate it in three bites. Wiping his hooves, he picked up the crate, shook it to shuffle it, then quickly built the tower. Before he could even ask, Tethys decided. "Birthday boy goes first."

"Alright." He said hesitantly before spinning the bottle. It landed on Applejack. She chose the safe option, going for a middle piece near the bottom. She looked at the name on the block. "Alright, Twilight, it's yours."

"What is something you'd do if there were no consequence?" Twilight took a sip of her glass of water.

Applejack thought about it for a moment. "I don't know actually... Punch some ponies I guess." Then something clicked in her mind. "I'd punch Filthy Rich! Keeps trying to buy my apples to upsell them."

"...Well that's boring." Twilight huffed. "I was expecting like... theft at least."

"Why would I steal? What would I steal?"

"A fashion sense." Rarity smirked.

"My turn!" Pinkie smiled as she spun the bottle. It landed on Skystrike. "Oh, this might be hard, having your big hooves."

"I'll be fine." Skystrike chuckled. He bent his wing to use one of his primary feathers to poke one of the side blocks near the bottom out, then reading the name before placing it. "Rainbow... you know, I feel like I'm about to regret this."

Rainbow Dash snickered, getting her words out while laughing. "I dare you to eat the entire tray of brownies Fluttershy made on the right! In under two minutes."

"Seems easy enough..." Skystrike said as he started scarfing down the brownies. A look of pure dread went over Fluttershy's face as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Tethys's laughs were rising as he got closer and closer to finishing the brownies. Popping the final one in his mouth, Skystrike looked down at his chocolate covered hooves. Then began to lick them clean before wiping them off with a napkin. "I gotta say, Fluttershy, you make good brownies-... are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Skystrike, you're going to want to hold onto something..." Fluttershy warned him.

"...What the fuck did I just eat, Fluttershy?" He sighed in annoyance. "What, you put something weird in it?"

"W-well... it's not weird but..." She tried to figure out how to get the next words out. She walked up to him and put her hooves on his shoulders. "Skystrike... those... those were weed brownies..." They all began trying to stifle their laughters as it set in. "And you just ate enough to get all of us baked. And you're about to be... burnt."

Skystrike looked at his hooves. "Oh... ooooh no." He said, fear leaking from his voice.

Everyone else burst out laughing. "Oh this is going to be great!" Rainbow fell on her back, laughing. "Oh my Celestia, I'm so lucky!"

"I'm going to get you back for this one day..." Skystrike pointed. "This is a declaration of war."

"Sky, is this your first high?" Fluttershy asked, full of worry.

"Yeah..."

"I'm... I'm so sorry."

"Rarity, spin the bottle please." Skystrike said, but it came out more as a beg.

Rarity did so, the bottle spinning around a few times before landing on Zecora. Zecora pushed out a side block and read out the name and put it on top, finishing a layer. "Tethys, this block belongs to you. What would you have me do?"

"I always wanted to ask, is this rhyming thing you do on purpose? Like, cultural? Or is it a gimmick?"

Zecora shuffled embarrassingly. "I'm... the only one from my land who rhymes. While it is on purpose, it's hard thinking of some at times."

"I KNEW IT!" Tethys and Stardust said at the same time.

"You know, you can just drop the bit if it gets tiring." Tethys giggled.

"I aspire to test how far I can flow, to maintain this momentum and let it grow."

"Respect." Skystrike chuckled... longer that he normally would. "You know, I'm kinda hungry."

"You can have the rest of my sandwich." Fluttershy offered as she spun the bottle, it landing on Twilight. "Half of it was filling enough."

"You're the kindest pony I've ever met." He laughed and hugged the pegasus before taking the sandwich and biting into it, humming happily.

Everyone laughed as Twilight used her magic to take out a middle block to start a new layer. "Skystrike, this one's yours."

"Uuuuuuuuuuuh..." Skystrike thought for a moment. "...Go the rest of the day... without using magic... nerd."

"...Buck..."

"Yeah, you rely on your magic too much, don't ya? You... grape pony." Skystrike narrowed his eyes and took a look at the sandwich. "Oh my god, I can taste everything... What the hell was in those edibles?"

Applejack spun the bottle, it landing on Skystrike, who slowly and carefully pushed a side peice out, slanting the tower a bit. He carefully placed it on top. "Pinkie... give me the thing Pinkie."

The candy mare giggled a bit before speaking. "What's the biiiiiiigest secret you've kept that nopony knows about?"

Stardust, Tethys, and Zecora looked at him with mild worry, wondering what he'd do. Skystrike smiled though. "Oh, this is going to be great. Tethys, right next to you is my saddlebag. Reach in and throw me my torque wrench." Tethys raised a brow and did so, Skystrike catching it in his left hoof, then reaching under his sweatshirt and using it, a couple clicks being heard. "OW! God, I can feel so much! It's so weird!"

"...What was that?" Twilight asked.

"Come find out." He lifted his right arm with his left. "Pull my hoof, REALLY hard!"

Twilight hessitantly walked over and grabbed his right arm with her hooves, pulling and falling backwards with the arm still in hand. She looked at the ceiling, then at his arm to realize what she did. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

And then Pinkie screamed. Fluttershy went pale. Stardust gagged. Rainbow pulled on her face. Applejack rubbed her eyes to see if she was seeing right. Rarity screamed and nearly fainted. Zecora's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped. And Tethys grabbed on her horns as she screamed. "By the dragon lord, his arm fell off!" Skystrike was laughing his ass off and slapping the floor with his other arm.

"Skystrike, are you ok!?" Applejack ran over to put pressure on the supposed wound.

Skystrike couldn't breathe from how hard he was laughing. "AAHAHA! Check... check the shoulder... AAHAHAHAA"

Twilight looked down at the arm in her hooves and flipped it over. She looked at where the arm disconnected. Then she blinked. And she got even more confused. She took off the skin sleeve that covered it. "Wait a minute... it's... it's METAL!!?"

They all stopped in their tracks, save for Skystrike of course, then looked at the arm. Tethys stomped over and took of Skystrike's shirt and looking at his right shoulder, picking him up and eyeing the metal socket where his arm would go in. She dropped him and sighed. "Skystrike... when did you lose your arm?"

"Oh, don't worry, it was way before I met any of you." His laughter began to dying down. "I got it when I was eight. Had to keep upgrading it and the shoulder." Skystrike inhaled to catch his breath.

"How did... What the..." Twilight's processing speed reached the breaking point. "You've had a metal arm this whole time!? How'd you even make this!?"

"Pretty big secret, right?" He chuckled as he took a bit of of his sandwich. "...I can feel my teeth... I can FEEL my GUMS."

Zecora took the arm from Twilight's hooves and looked at it from all angles. "Such a twist, quite unanticipated, I reckon, How in the world did this occurrence beget, second?"

Skystrike's smile fell a bit. "That's a bit personal." Skysktrike walked to Zecora and took his arm back, putting it in place. "YYYYYAAAAAAARGH.... God DAMN! Does weed make you hypersensitive or something!?"

"To some, yes." Fluttershy answered. "But back on topic, is it... directly connected to your nerves?"

"Yeah, and it hurts like Tartarus to reattach them." He flexed his metal arm and tightened a few bolts with his torque wrench.

Stardust put his arm in her hooves. "Can you... feel this?"

"Yes, I made it so it works like my other arm. Same strength, flexibility, feel anything you can think of." Skystrike flexed it, rolling each joint to make sure it felt right. "More questions later. Tethys, spin the bottle!"

Tethys sighed, and it landed on Skystrike. "Fuckin..." He chuckled and did the routine. "Applejack! Your name's on it!" He laughed before pausing. "...Why's it taking so long for you to speak?"

"It's been like, two seconds." She smiled. "What, does time slow down when you're high?"

"It... feels like it... Why are you taking so long to respond!?" He bit into his sandwich and finished it. "Why am I so hungry!?"

"By the princesses, he's losing it!" Rainbow laughed.

"I've always wanted to ask, but I never knew how to bring it up. Do you ever... think about looking for your parents?"

Skystrike narrowed his eyes. "No point. I know where they are, six feet under."

"O-oh... well, I'm sorry sugar cube. I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories. I get it too, my parents being gone and all..." Applejack lowered her hat to cover her eyes.

"Don't be. I killed them." He smacked his lips. "I'm... I'm hungry again..."

Silence filled the room for a bit. Stardust rubbed her head. "Bombshell after bombshell tonight, huh? I'm just gonna ask what everyone wants to know. How'd you lose it?"

"I was bought up to be a child soldier by my 'parents' and lost my arm when I didn't want to kill. Then I killed them after." He said way too nonchalantly for it to be even close to comfortable.

"...Excuse my language, but what the buck, Skystrike." Rarity put out her hooves. "And you didn't think to tell us any of this before!?"

"You didn't ask... and I didn't want to bring up my life before I came to Equestria... Life's been shit enough as is, don't want to dwell on the past." He grabbed a couple egg rolls and downed them like it was nothing. "I'd... rather we move on. Zecora, it's your turn to spin it."

Zecora did so, spinning the bottle and it landing on Stardust. "Finally." She smiled and pulled out a middle piece and placed it on top, the tower shaking a bit. "Zecora, this one's yours."

The zebra hummed. "Tell me, what's the wildest as a guard you've seen, In the line of duty, in a situation quite keen?"

Stardust laughed, remembering what she had to write. "One time, I had to carry a mare stealthily to the emergency room from her apartment in Canterlot because she stuck an object in her... mare area. The object was the same as her cutie mark... it was a traffic cone."

"Ew." They all said, save for Skystrike, who was zoned the fuck out.

Skystrike had his own, special reaction. "Hoooooolyyyy Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit" He held the note for a solid ten seconds. "Wow..." His eyes were red and droopy.

Rainbow Dash snickered. "You- you enjoying it?"

"Oh no, it's kicked in fully. You ok, Skystrike?" Fluttershy tilted her head.

Skystrike processed the words coming out of her mouth, seemingly in slow motion. "...What planet am I on? What's today? ...MY WIG IS GONE!"

Stardust snorted. "It's- its your turn big guy..."

Skystrike reached for the bottle and spun it, landing on himself. Then he reached for the Jenga tower. But his depth perception was fucked. Instead of pushing out a block, he knocked over the entire tower. "Yatzee!" He said to himself before giggling like a school girl.

Rarity coughed out her drink. Then used wiped her face with a napkin. "Skystrike, darling... will you be ok to have a shot of vodka?"

"Sheeeeeeeesh, marshmallow I'll be... fiiiine... Paprika ain't raise no bitch." He chuckled and blinked. "...How late is it? I'm... sleepy."

Rarity went to grab the alcohol and shot glasses at Skystrike used his wings to get up, but overshot the strength of his flap and hit the ceiling. Then fell down onto the floor. "...You ok, Skystrike?" Tethys tried to pick him up.

Skystrike took Fluttershy's advice into account and held onto the floor. "My senses are heightened, I can feel my teeth... my eyes... my hair... and I don't remember what I... what I... what was I going to say?"

"Rarity, I have an idea. You should make one of the shots water, and whoever gets it will be the lucky one." Tethys winked.

Rarity came back with the Vodka and shots in her hooves. She set them down and quickly poured them, and some water for Skystrike, before floating one to each of them "Bottoms up, darlings!"

Everyone threw back the shot glass. Then Skystrike rebuilt the Jenga tower and sprawled out on the floor. "...You guys ever think about... how if you stack lasagna on top of lasagna, you get... one lasagna?"

Pinkie Pie started this time, taking a block and placing it on top. "Tethys! Hit me!"

"After Skystrike and I split up, and I went back to the dragon lands, some of the dragons who've been talking to you ponies, and some ponies themselves, have asked me 'do it clap?' What does that mean?"

"So basically..." Pinkie clapped without her hooves. "It's fun sometimes, but you don't look like you have the rear for it. No offense."

Skystrike turned to look at Pinkie. "How did you... how did you clap without your hooves???"

"Silly Neby, I just use my flank!" She slapped it.

Skystrike stared at her and took a few seconds to process that before saying "GYATT! Applejack was right!" Skystrike began wheezing and laughing, sounding like a kettle on a hot stove.

"Actually-... well we're all girls, and Skystrike's a good guy, so no harm in sharing. "I'm... a bit insecure about my body, so I use my ice to shrink the fat on my body. Makes me feel better, and less dragons hit on me. And it keeps the girls in check."

"Trust me, I get it..." Pinkie sighed. "Sure, I'm a party girl and all, but that doesn't mean I sleep with every guy I meet." She laid on the floor and leaned her head on a hoof. "Then there's those stallions that think I'm an easy lay. Like, sure, I like sex. Who doesn't? Doesn't mean I open my legs to every stallion with a working dick."

"...I'm sorry you all have to go through that." Skystrike sat up. "I don't fully get it, but I've had some similar things happen. Next time it happens, I'll punch them really hard."

"What have you had to go through?" Tethys asked.

"...when I was in Canterlot, between like, 13 and 15, I hit a massive growth spurt. At that point, I went from the size of like... Rainbow Dash about, to the size of your average stallion. And I was hit on a lot, didn't matter where. The weird ones are the ones that think I like them because I'm nice to them."

"Yeesh. Sorry, dude. I'll admit I was like that when I was younger. Seems like both genders have our own problems." Applejack said after biting into her sandwich. "Mmm, these are good."

"Wait... Tethys... you said 'the girls in check.' What, is someone bullying you? Who else I gotta punch??" He clenched his hooves. "Give me NAMES!"

"...You know, I feel like if I did, you'd actually go find them, but that's besides the point. Remember how I said I'm a mammal?" Tethys then took off her chestplate by loosening the metal buckles behind the shoulder, the chestplate dropping on the carpet and exhaled, releasing the ice magic she kept in her body. The well toned muscles on her body were soon hidden by the layers of fat as she grew wider. She looked over her body. "Huh, haven't seen myself like this in a while. Legs are thicker... so is my tail... and I have some pudge. And the girls got bigger..."

"Damn, they're as big as me!" Stardust couldn't help but stare.

"I see why you're insecure. I cant imagine what you've had to go through. But that ability of yours is pretty convenient..." Rarity laid on her side and rested her head on her hoof.

"We should not be judged by the vessel we inhabit, but what we do with the gift of life. While it's surprising, I don't plan on treating you any differently because of your body. That's what friends are for..." Skystrike spoke. "That being said, my eyes are blurry. What are we al looking at?" He laughed.

"Basically it's Tethys, except she's got huge boobs. I mean some serious honkers. A real set of badonkers. Packin some dobonhonkeros. Massive dohoonkabhankoloos. Big old tonhongerekoogers!" Pinkie said, making grabbing motions with her hooves.

"...Whuh?" Skystrike couldn't even say the word correctly.

"Bonkhonagahoogs, Skystrike! humungous hungolomgohnonoloughongous!" Pinkie grabbed his face and faced it towards Tethys.

"...Dude are we... are we talking horses?" Skystrike rubbed his eyes. "...why are my eyes closed but I can see? Are we... still playing the Jenga remix?"

"Oh, right." Rarity realized that it was her turn, then spun the bottle. It landed on Skystrike. He stood up and walked over, not being able to see that well, and pushed the block out with his snout. "Rares...ty..."

She thanked her lucky stars. Rarity sat up and leaned forward. "Skystrike, well... you're high as a kite, not drunk, but I'll still ask. What type of mare do you like?"

Skystrike felt this was a trap. Or a leading question. But he said he'd answer. He put up a hoof before running out of the room and pushing in a white board on wheels. He popped the cap of the marker and began speaking as he wrote. "Let's start things off simple..." He wrote a single word on the board. "Women. Not mares. Women. I'm not racist." He slapped the board. "Getting into specifics... I'm not picky. You nice to me? You probably got a chance if you ask me out." He wrote the word nice on the board. "Are you nice to others, and not specifically me? Great... your chances have gone up." And he drew an arrow pointing upward. They all stared with varying levels of interest. "Lets get the... the touchy part out of the way... your body type... doesn't matter that much. Skinny bitches, thick bitches, fat bitches, whatever bitches, come my way!" He laughed to himself as he wrote 'all types' under 'Women'. "Your colors don't matter too much... as long as you aren't some absolute degenerate clash of color. Like... if you made an OC as a child and had no idea of color pallets Like black with bright red stripes... Fuckin... edge lords..." Skystrike then wrote 'bad colors' on the white board. "Any questions so far?" He slapped the board a few times for no apparent reason. Then giggled.

"Uh, yeah, do any of us have bad colors?" Twilight asked.

"I feel like that's a leading question, but no. All of your colors work well. It doesn't hurt the eyes. Which says something for most of you, being bright as fuck..." Skystrike squinted.

"Alright then, keep going." Twilight crossed her front hooves and bit into her sandwich.

"Cool... now, my second favorite part." He drew a giant plus symbol on the board, then made space to write. "All women... well most women start off with a five. Why do you think that is?"

The girls looked around at each other before Rainbow raised a hoof. "...Because you don't know them yet?"

"Good job!" Skystrike gave a wide smile. "You get a prize!" He went to his armory and got a decorative dagger and handed it to Rainbow, who took it, confused as hell. "If I just met you, I only know how you look, and since I don't judge on looks mostly, you are in the middle of the road. Solid. Five... You muhfukers know how that score gets raised??"

This time, Rarity raised her hoof. "Um... you said body type didn't matter that much, so... what they do?"

"Meh, close enough." Skystrike went to his armory again and came back with a silver engraved tiara and put it on her head, then ruffled her mane. "Their habits is the game changer." He wrote 'habits' on the white board. "If you do something productive, fuck yeah, that's nice as hell. Brings you from 5 to like... a 7 max, depending on the habit... You like, I don't know... learning a new skill? Solid 7. Reading a new book? A very nice 6. Getting different perspectives? Very good 7. You get even more points if I'm into those habits too! And the best part? I'll try almost anything!"

Applejack raised a hoof. "What wont you try?"

Skystrike had to think on it for a moment. "Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh... I don't know... I'll get back to you on that if there's something that throws me off... Anyway... onto my FAVORITE part of what I like in women... and Rarity you'll like this one... how they dress..." He wrote 'How they dress' on the white board. "Clothes! Hot as hell! Hair styles! Hot as hell!" He slapped the board at the end of each sentence, getting a couple laughs. "Fuck, let's not be specific to ponies! The curves on their horns! The stripe patterns! The shape of their fins and frills! HOW FLUFFY THEY ARE!" He slammed the floor. "But, if you want my personal opinions... well, it differs per being, but I'll tell you what you can't go wrong with..." He began writing on the board. "Dresses, bows, stockings, glasses, scarfs, sweaters, skirts, fish nets, rings, necklaces, bracelets, hats, pantyhose's, anything that complements your natural attributes. And this doesn't apply to just clothes, like I said! bangs, Shag cut, Lob cut, Bob cut, Wedge cut, Undercut, Curls, Frizzy, Long, short, Mohawk, they're all hot as hell!"

Each of them took a moment to look at their own hair, and thinking. Then Rarity had an idea. "And... what would you recommend to each of us?" The girls all looked to her. "What? I don't know about you all, but at least I'd like a guys opinion. Plus, it seams like Skystrike here knows something about fashion, unlike most of you..."

"Well excuse me, miss 'I must look perfect for every occasion.'" Applejack quipped.

"And that's why a lady like me models my own clothes." She closed her eyes and smirked, acting all high and mighty. As soon as she opened her eyed, she met Skystrike staring her in the face, their noses touching. "...S-Skystrike, what are you."

"Beatnik... Beatnik Rarity... Red barrett, black sweater." He said before going around the circle to the next one. "Fluttershy..." He rubbed his chin. "...You would most definitely rock the goth style... like, the Victorian goth... But I don't know the names for those clothes..." He stepped over to see Applejack, and circled around her. "...You don't like anything too flashy... Sun dress and... round braid..." His head snapped towards Rainbow Dash. "Ponytail, sports wear... like a track suit... and a necklace." Skytrike then looked up at Tethys. "...High slit, open back dress, silver, and... rings on your horns." Zecora waited somewhat hesitantly. "An undercut would work well, but to be honest, the neck rings, bracelet, and ear rings are already peak... an Ankara dress would suit you..." Stardust waited patiently. "Bob cut with uh... wrap dress... a red one..." Finally Pinkie shuffled in her spot in anticipation. "Honestly, you're a hard one... bouffant dress, straight hair... if you can... I know your hair is like, a monster in and of itself."

"Those are actually all good ideas. I might use those... How... how do you know all of these types of styles darling? Just curious." Rarity took out a note pad and jotted some things down.

"You have a sister, and I bet she already doesn't want to match styles with you, right? Now imagine that with four girls. Those were my sisters..." He sighed, thinking back on it, then laughing. "I was about to say something that wasn't even funny, then I forgot what in Tartarus I was going to say. Oh god, I'm fucking losing it."

"It sounds like you just don't have a preference..." Rainbow chuckled. "We need to get you a marefriend. Then you'll know what you actually like."

"...I think that aliens are trying to talk to me with my mind... And while I... appreciate the offer, I don't need help from somepony who I'm the only stallion who they talk to besides their father."

Rarity and Applejack snickered as Skystrike. "Well excuse you! I can get a coltfriend if I tried!" She said flustered. "Besides, you can't even get on if you tried!"

"ExCUUUUSE you! I have a Ph.D in Rizzics. I get all the ladies!" He bit into another eggroll.

"Oh yeah?" She narrowed her eyes. "Prove it."

Skystrike stared at her then laughed so hard that he fell on his back, snorting. After composing himself, the strutted up to Rainbow Dash, shaking his hair out. "Hey, real quick, there's something on your chest." He pointed a hoof at a smear that wasn't there. Like a fool, a goofy head, Rainbow Dash looked down confused, only for Skystrike's hoof to pull her up by the chin for their eyes to meet. "Hopefully me soon~." Rainbow's jaw dropped as her face turned red and her wings spread out. Skystrike snorted and he fell to the ground laughing, along with everyone else.

"AHAHA! She got a wing boner!" Pinkie laughed and pointed.

"That was the stupidest line I've ever done!" Skystrike kicked his legs in the air. "How did that work!?"

Once the laughter died down, Fluttershy spun the bottle. Then it landed on Zecora. "Twilight, this one belongs to you. What would you have me do?"

Twilight thought for a moment. "You've known Skystrike for a while. What's the funniest thing you know about him?"

"Zecora, don't rat me out!" Skystrike laughed.

Zecora giggled, thinking about what she was about to say. "Skystrike's clueless about societal forms, and I question if he's learned any norms."

"Yeah..." Skystrike admitted.

"That explains a lot actually." Twilight rubber her chin in thought. "Maybe it's because of where Skytrike's from."

"We did have many different norms where I'm from. And I assumed it was the same until I was told... otherwise. I almost said underwear for some reason..."

"Give us some examples..." Twilight leaned forward.

"Uuuhhhhhh fuckin... The whole dating market here is reversed. Where I'm from, the guy is supposed to ask out the girl. Aaaand uuuuhhh... now that I think of it, mostly the opposite of here." He rolled his joints. "Like uuuh... poligamy is actually looked down upon. I don't even know how it works. I only found out like, 5 months ago that I found out that it's the norm here." He laughed. "Where I'm from, there's also a patriarchy, instead of matriarchies. Next, you're going to tell me that it's the guys who stay at home and do house work."

"...Well, they do traditionally. Not so much anymore... What else do you not know?"

"...How would I know what to tell you I don't know???" Skystrike put his hooves out. "Like, bruh."

"You must at least know the common stuff, like, how herds work, or expectations of a stallion, right?" Rarity asked.

"...Girl talk is weird. No, I don't know any of that, and I don't think I really care. I don't expect certain things from others because of their gender." Skystrike sat and thought for a moment. "But that does remind me of that time you called me 'marely', and in hindsight, I didn't see many guys in my line of work."

"Well, if you want an example, it's Mrs. Cake that's actually in charge of the bakery. Mr. Cake helps out, obviously, but he's expected to take care of the kids when they have some." Pinkie explained.

"Wait... is that why you all thought I was gay? Because the norms where I'm from is what the opposite gender does here?"

Tethys snickered. "They thought you were gay?"

"It's also because well... most guys talk about their sex life, and Skystrike is a virgin." Applejack bit into another apple.

"Holup, you think I'm a virgin?" Skystrike raised an eyebrow. "I'm insulted." He mock scoffed.

"Sky, we know you don't have sex. It's ok to be a virgin at your age." Rarity tried to make him feel better.

But now, he was actually a bit insulted. "Motherfucker, I already showed I got dat dawg in me. I get bitches."

"Prove it. I know you can't." Rarity snickered.

"He's not a virgin." Tethys and Zecora said in unison. The room when dead silent, then Skystrike laughed again.

"Called it!" Rainbow Dash pumped her hoof in the air. Then Applejack and Rarity gave her some bits

"Fuck you guys!" He said getting really loud. "I'm tired of yo asses bruh, Now I'm really 'bout to get to the packin' the packin' the flippin' the flappin' the clappin' the slappin' upside your head, bruh! Your name is Rainbow Dash, your hairline crashed, you fell into a farm and said 'I like my potatoes mashed'! Girl if you don't get yo 'watch me whip watch me nae nae' ass outa here! You messed up a flight, and started yelling mayday! Your grandma gave Bling Bling Boy a lap dance for a payday! Wait hold up a second-" He grabbed a pillow from the couch as the laughter around him grew and began beating it. "GIVE ME THE MONEY GRANDMA 'aHhH! pleAse StOp!'" He spoke in an old lady's voice. "Shut yo dumbass up! And I ain't done yet! Applejack if you don't get yo jenga playin' doodoo fart sprayin, ugly face displayin' Body build like a mutant naked mole rat, got all the bad genes, you were born in the wrong format, 3'2 you look like the Lorax! You dumb ass hell shut yo' ugly ass up!" He inhaled deeply as his friends were rolling on the floor losing it. "And Rarity, I didn't for get you! You better get your shopping cart, crippled fart, Got an A mom I'm smart, Bubble bass, wax your ass, you mow the lawn by eating grass! Tell me how in the flippity wippity dippity FUCK your grandpa lost a seven hour staring contest to a wall of paint!"

Pinkie couldn't breathe and her stomach was hurting as she kept laughing. "No more! No more!" She wheezed.

"nO MoRE! No MorE! SHUT YO FAT ASS UP PINKIE! Oh you thought I was done!? Now I'm really 'bout to get to the packin' the rappin' the dibi duh daba duh flippity flobbidy doppity de dippity de de de de flibbitty wibbity doo doo slumpin slappin do be do do derongeribby dobiddigidy!? I'm about to hit a combo move on yo ass now! UP UP DOW DOWN LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT, YOUR CURRENT ROOM MATE IS A TAPDANCING TERMITE! You got baptized in a fishbowl at Petco, you dirty as hell! You poured hot wheels cars in your ass and called it THE THUNDERDOME You nasty as hell!" He finally finished and inhaled deeply, before roaring at the top of his lungs.

Finally being able to speak after catching her breath from her fit of laughter, Pinkie spoke. "Dear Celestia, I don't even know what that was but that was one of the best things I've ever experienced. We have to do this again."

"My throat burns, My eyes hurt, and I'm sleepy." Skystrike said and he fell on the floor.

Fluttershy giggled a bit. "Your eyes are still as red as a beet."

"Oh, I haven't blinked for a while. I feel like if I do, I'll fall asleep..." He yawned. "But my eyes do burn. Let me just..." And just like that, Skystrike fell asleep.

"...Today was a day." Applejack sighed, then laughed a bit.

"So, are we just going to ignore that Skystrike scored Zecora AND Tethys?" Rainbow smirked and looked at the two. "We can't just drop that!"

"I mean, what's there to say?" Tethys stood up and grabbed the vodka, pouring herself another shot and drinking it. "I'm kinda with Skystrike on this, it's weird to talk about sex. But if you must know, I assume it's the same for you ponies."

Zecora, being a bit tipsy, was much more willing to answer. "Tethys, dragons and ponies, quite the song,
But compared to dragons, ponies don't last long."

"...Wait, how long to ponies last?" Tethys raised a brow.

"...We're lucky if we get a two minutes." Rarity admitted.

"That's gotta stink, at least ten with Skystrike you'd find, A deal so sweet, it'd blow your mind." Zecora smirked. "I spy some of your gazes, cast at him with grace. Yet he's a dense one, slow in life's race. His stance on herds, a mystery we face, so act right now, don't let your chances go to waste."

"Wait, why are you giving them advice? I could've sworn you were into him yourself." Tethys whispered into the Zebra's ear.

"I thought you felt the same, it's true. Why fear competition in our crew? With luck, together, we'll all break through. In unity, our goals we'll pursue." She whispered back.

Stardust, who was listening in had an uncomfortable look on her face and joined in on the whispering. "You two, I'm fine with. Known you girls long enough to trust you with him, and while they aren't bad ponies... I still can't help but worry, you know?"

Tethys locked her arms around the two, pulling them into a hug and smiling. "It's been a while since we've all been together. I'm glad I got to meet you two." Then Tethys let go. "Now, getting back to the game..." All eyes turned on her. "Skystrike may be out of the game, but I plan on playing some more. It's just us girls now... and there's so much I want to learn about you all..." They were all excited, but they could see a sinister grin grow on Tethy's face. The night's still young, after all...

Author's Note

Not gonna lie, I was high writing the end of this chapter, and I was losing my shit. Probably wont be as funny as I think it is when I wake up.

I woke up and prof read this. It really wasn't. But I'm not going to rewrite it. Glad I got this out quicker than the last one. Hopefully I can keep up this stride. Until next time.