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