Land Once Forsaken

Chapters

Prologue Pt.1
Prologue Pt.2
First Fright of Nightmare Night
Trouble on Hearth's Warming Eve
Winter of Discord

Prologue Pt.1

I have always been susceptible to illness more so than other children. Never able to go outside, to play with kids my own age, or to go to school. I never understood why I was always sick and it made my parents cringe each time I asked why I couldn't go out to play like the children in books and on television. One of the earliest discussions I remember is asking Mom why I couldn’t attend Kindergarten.

“You are just not like the other children, something is different about you that causes you to get sick easily.”

She had a depressed look on her face that night, but anyone would if they tried to explain to their child why they can’t be normal.

The amount of time and attention I need has caused fights between my parents. Neither of them wanted me to be so different but they could never agree on what was best for me. During the week of Halloween when I was five years old, Dad got angry when Mom wouldn't let me outside to trick or treat. They were talking in the kitchen, but he was quickly raising his voice. I tried to listen in from my bedroom door down the hallway.

“He's a kid! We should at least allow him to act like one every so often!” Dad was obviously frustrated, he always tried to get me to act like a normal kid.

She was crying; her voice trembling. “Do you think for one second I don't want him outside smiling everyday like a normal boy instead of being locked up inside this house?! No matter how much we may want it, he will never be normal.”

The room fell quiet as she began to sob. Frustrated and upset, Dad stormed out of the house incoherently muttering. I felt a pain in my heart I had never felt before, the stabbing pain almost stole my breath away. Even at that age I knew that their fight was because of me. The room felt heavy as tears began streaming down my face. I was too upset to utter a sound; just standing there as Mom sat on the floor crying. I then heard the clanging of glasses as she rustled in the kitchen out of sight, doing what I wasn't sure at the time. After a half hour of silence, I heard her walking back toward my room, brushing up against the wall as she staggered in the hallway. I hurried into bed, facing away from the door hoping to hide the tears streaming from my face. Usually she would sit at the edge of the bed and talk to me until I fell asleep, but not tonight. She kept walking past my room and down the hallway, opening the door to her bedroom and slamming the door behind her.

Years have passed since then and my fourteenth birthday is around the corner. I have grown accustomed to doing things by myself; well except for going outside, I still can't do that without a trip to the hospital. My parents have been divorced for five years and since then Mom gets drunk just about every night, looking at me with disdain as my illness destroys her life. The loving mother of my childhood has disappeared and this sulking, abusive woman has taken her place. Each day I have to endure her torment as she takes out her frustration and loneliness on me, and part of me accepts it because whether I willingly did it or not my sickness has caused this problem. I don't blame her, I have eaten up so much of her time and attention these past years. I feel like I should have never been brought into this world each time I think about the time she spent on me instead of anything else. Most nights I spend laying in bed crying to sleep, the sheer amount of loneliness and despair hanging over my head is too much to bear, why did I have to be born if this is what I have to bear?

My fourteenth birthday finally arrived, the one day where my mom and dad get together and actually act like a family. I have hopes that they won't fight today, but I can already feel the tension in the air. This day just has to be different, to break up this sadness that has crept into my life. Dad walks into the living room, sitting a large gift wrapped box in front of me.

“Go ahead, open your present from your mom and I.”

He couldn't have forced a bigger smile. The box he nudges closer to me is still wet from rubbing alcohol used to disinfect the surface and the wrapping paper was a torture device brought forth from the depths of Hell, silicon plastic wrapping paper that you can’t rip without being Superman. I'm not allowed to handle knives since getting cut can spell danger for me, so I continued to struggle against the plastic gift wrap they call a present. Finally, the wrapping falls to the floor as I give pause to a gift, that to me seems like unobtainable freedom.

“A telescope! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Dad smiles as he takes hold of the parts, but grumbles and fusses as he hastily attempts to put it together making sure that it works before passing it to me.

“No matter where you are in the world, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of space.”

A tear running down his cheek quickly reminds me that they both know what this present means to me. A chance to see the stars something I haven't been able to do ever, this made me so excited. I couldn't help but make plans for tonight after Mom has gone to sleep, but I have to make sure that she didn't find out about it because I am planning on going outside to stargaze and I don't want that freedom I have been taken given away.

Waking up at midnight, I'm almost unable to contain the excitement I have for this night. I creep outside quietly making sure I didn't wake Mom up. I set the telescope up and started looking across the night sky for anything of interest. I see Jupiter and even Saturn, I have never been so excited, I even giggle a bit while zooming across the sky with my lens. I've read about these in books and seen pictures, but Dad was right nothing could prepare me for this amount of beauty. Unknowingly a tear of joy ran down my cheek but I was much too busy being engulfed by the cosmos. I was just deciding to come inside as the chilly night air was starting to get to me when I saw the most spectacular thing of that night. I spotted the Horsehead Nebula but as I was focusing it in I noticed something rushing across it... A Comet! I had never seen anything like it. I know it wasn't a shooting star but I took the time to make a wish anyway.

“I wish I could be normal so Mom and Dad would be happy again.”

Saying those words with my eyes closed tightly as another tear runs down my cheek. A slight breeze brushes my face, I have to hurry and go inside or I'll be in trouble or sick. Rushing inside as quietly as possible, putting the telescope away so no one would know I was using it and jumped into my warm bed drifting off to sleep.

I find myself dreaming of an unfamiliar clearing basked in moonlight, that is peaceful as a breeze brushes past the clearing. I am able to be outside on my own without wearing a breathing mask. The crisp air filling my lungs and the wind cools my skin and are sensations I have been deprived of all these years. This dream feels like it is going on forever and something doesn't quite seem right. I don't usually have happy dreams and the few I do have are interrupted by Mom waking up to start her 'day'. Hearing no such noises and I start getting worried. I wander around the clearing trying to find out where I am in this dream, if I can even do that. Walking for about for about thirty minutes I noticed I could hear noises now, but these sounds are not the ones I am expecting. Hearing excited giggling, the sounds of wing flapping, and what sounds like hooves on a hard surface. Awaking from my dream, I jump out of bed terrified at the most unique sight of my life, ponies... Multicolored ponies standing in the same room as me.

“Look who finally decided to wake up for their welcome PARTY!” I can hardly believe what I am seeing, a pink pony is talking to me.

“Sugarcube, let 'im get situated first.” Now an orange pony is talking; am I going crazy?!

Springing out of bed and backing quickly into a corner, there are six ponies in this room with me and they talk! I have no idea where I am, but it appears to be a hospital with all the instruments and gauze it was a safe bet. What am I doing here? I don’t feel a mask on me, this is going to make me sick!

“Where am I?! Ponies don't talk! I must be going crazy! Don’t come near me you’ll make me sick!” My voice trembles as I talk, the fear and confusion is barely giving me the ability to talk right now.

“Ponies not talking?! Are you loco in the coco? You're talking too silly.”

“I'm not a pony! I'm a fourteen year old b...” A mirror moves mysteriously in front of me interrupting my words. Gazing into the mirror I see what is clearly a pony with horns, wings and a very odd color for fur; can this really be me in this mirror?

“You're clearly a pony, but we've never seen you around here before...” The purple unicorn says but stops when a pair of taller and more commanding ponies enters the room.

“Seems thou hast awaken from thy slumber.” Says the dark blue pony as it trots into the room beside a taller white pony. I can't seem to look away from that mane of the dark blue pony, it reminds me of the stars of a clear night sky.

“Twilight, do you know who is this pony is? Nopony in Canterlot or Ponyville seems to know who he is or where he came from.” The winged white one speaks with the other ponies like I can’t understand them. What is going?!

“Who are all of you?! Why can't I wake up?! Why are you able to talk?!”

The confusion and frustration in my voice is clear to anyone listening. A cyan pegasus hovers in front of my face with an angry look on its face as I finish speaking. “Don't talk to the Princesses like that! If it wasn't for Princess Luna you would have hurt more than your wings in that fall!”

Now I'm even more confused than I was before. Why can’t I remember anything? “What fall?! The last thing I remember is going to sleep in my bed...” I feel tears start flowing down my cheeks as the words come out of my mouth.

The winged white one comes closer and stands in front of me. “I am Princess Celestia, my sister Princess Luna saw you falling out of the sky shortly after a comet passed by. We do not know how you got here, who you are, or where you are from. Do you mind telling us what you know?”

I take deep breaths trying to keep my wits together as I calmly try to explain my life up to that point to those ponies. They ask many questions of me trying to understand what a human is and why my world was full of strife. Telling them about my parents seems to upset them as much as reliving those memories does for me. I am barely able to tell that story, tears in my eyes show the pain of having to relive all those memories. I can hear sniffles across the room as they listen to my story. A quiet calm falls over the room, as the ponies take turns introducing themselves. The purple unicorn is Twilight Sparkle who lives with a baby dragon named Spike at the Ponyville library and is Celestia's student. The orange 'Earth pony' as they call it, is Applejack, an apple farmer who helps run Sweet Apple Acres with her family. The blue pegasus Rainbow Dash helps the weather somehow, not sure how that works exactly. The white unicorn with a well-kept purple mane is Rarity the local fashion designer. Pinkie Pie, the most pink on a pony I have ever seen and seems like she ate half a cargo load of sugar at every second of the day. I almost couldn't tell who the yellow pegasus was, she was so quiet I had to have someone else tell me her name, Fluttershy, well I guess that fits her. These ponies all have a personality much different from each other but seem to be good friends from the way they talk to each other.

As I survey the room one question still remains on my mind, is this all a dream? Sharp pains on both sides of my body interrupts my thoughts, looking to my right side I...

“I HAVE WINGS?!”

I saw the image in the mirror but seeing them now forces me to take it all in. I really am not a human anymore, am I? Shaken at the sight, I can barely stand with my own strength anymore trying everything I can to keep my balance.

“Well duuuuuh~!” Pinkie gives me the most comical giggle followed by a snort. “Hey Dashie is he a new pegasus or something, huh huh huh?”

Rainbow Dash hovers around me, looking at my wings from all sides. What is she looking for? “I've never seen one like him, if there is any those wings stand out like a sore hoof.”

“Would seem thou hast befallen some powerful magic,” Luna is looking straight at my wings, what is she talking about, was I transformed by magic? At this point I can't stop staring at her mane, it's just so beautiful, much like the night sky I saw through my telescope. As I sit there staring, she notices and adverts her gaze elsewhere.

“I'm sorry Princess Luna, it's just that I'm fascinated by your mane. It reminds me of the night sky, the beauty is breath-taking.” If there wasn't tension before there is now. Quickly I have to think of a way to stop the awkward silence but I'm beaten to the punch by Twilight.

“Princess, what should we do until you can find out how we can send him back to his home? He has nowhere to stand and nopony to depend on. He doesn't even have a cutie mark.”

“Cutie mark? What is a cutie mark?” Seems that every time I get an answer to one question more come in its place. Is this something boys are supposed to have or something?

Rarity moves closer presenting her flank to me. “These marks on our flanks, darling, are cutie marks. They are a representation of our fabulous talent. Everypony gets one...”

Applejack lays a hoof on my flank, pointing where mine should be. “ 'cept we don't right know why you don't have one yet sugarcube.”

Celestia's horn starts to glow as bright as the sun, making it too difficult to see anything in the room, then after a moment a warm touch on both wings; the pain that was present just moments ago disappears. “Wha... what was that just now, what happened.” Somehow confusion will not escape this day. I feel much better but what just happened to my wings?

Celestia smiles as the glow fades away. “That was a small healing spell, your injuries will heal faster than normal but you still want to take it easy. We must be off, Luna and I must find out what magic brought you here and why it has altered your form.”

They start walking out of the room when I finally get the courage to thank them. “I'm not too sure how this happened or why, but thank you for helping me. Thank you Princess Luna for saving me.” I'm not sure if it was what I said before about her mane but I felt some uneasiness from her.

Twilight looks at Celestia with confusion. “Where will he stay since he cannot fly and doesn't know anything about us or our customs?”

“I'm sure one of you can help him get settled in, but right now we must find out how to send him back.” Those words seemed to bring more uncertainty into the room and it's starting to get dark out which means these ponies should be wanting to go home soon. The room falls silent as they all look at each other. A few minutes pass when Twilight steps forward.

“You can come stay at my house for now.”

This new sensation fills me up with emotions I thought long dead. I feel myself starting to sob more than when my parents fought. “I have never had anyone speak to me with such kindness or treat me as more than a burden on their life. You have no idea how happy I am right now to just be able to be outside of my house and meet such wonderful peo... er ponies.”

I almost can't speak with the tears streaming down my face. A smile came over me like never before and that is when Pinkie decides to jump in. “Know what he needs... A PAAAARTY!” All I see are streamers and balloons flying through the air as she says that word.

A nurse walking pass the room gives us a look mean look that makes the room fall silent. We are being too loud obviously. Applejack hushes Pinkie up as quickly as she possibly can. “We'll throw 'im a big ole party later, just give 'im time to get rested up first.”

A pony dressed as a nurse walks into the room. “He’s free to leave as long as he keeps off those wings.” She walks back out into the hall and disappears around the corner. Walking out of a hospital with four legs is a lot harder than i ever thought it would be, but Twilight is at least being helpful. Learning how to walk all over again must be quite a sight for her. Someone, or as they say in this land somepony, my age who doesn't know how to walk, fly, or have a cutie mark is beyond strange; I guess I won’t ever be normal here either. It takes what forever to reach her house at our pace. She opens the door and reveals the massive amount of books, I've heard of liking to read but to live in a house surrounded by books? Following her upstairs she quickly pulls a bed down to the lower part of the bedroom with her magic, giving me a place to sleep for the night. This is my first night in this land called Equestria filled with ponies of all shapes, sizes, and colors; the first night I have ever felt so happy to be around someo... somepony else. Guess I still need to get used to the different words used here.

As I try to sleep I wonder if I will wake up in my bed or if my time here in Twilight's house will continue on. I began to dream of clouds and the feeling of wind flowing past my body. I soon realize that I'm not standing still... I'm flying! This shock causes me to tense up and I can't seem to control my wings anymore as I fall to the ground. Just before impact I wake up as I'm falling out of the bed Twilight had let me use. A loud thud echoes across the library as I hit the floor, quickly making more noise as I try to get up off the ground. When I had two legs this would not have been a problem but with four it seemed nearly impossible to me. “Oh you're awake! I figured after yesterday you needed some extra rest.” Twilight voice comes from downstairs, seems she's busy with something.

This place isn't a dream like I once thought and what I experienced yesterday was all real. The reality of this is slowly starting to sink causing me to start crying; unsure of what to do or where to go in this new world I can’t help but feel helpless. I wasn't allowed outside in my old world and feel like I don’t even belong there. The sadness creeps over me faster than I could contain.

“Twilight, I think he's hurt!”

I don't remember hearing this voice last night, who is this new per... I mean pony. I hear a fast gallop from downstairs as Twilight bolts upstairs into the bedroom. “What's wrong, did you injure your wings again?”

Looking at her with tears in my eyes, almost too embarrassed to say it. “I do not how to be pony, I was barely a human in my own world. I don't know how to get up with four legs, I can barely walk. I have wings but I can't fly, and if what I was told is true, then I'm not considered a teenager because I don't have my cutie mark. Who wouldn't feel upset?”

Twilight lays down next to me looking me in the eye. “It takes time to learn these things, you can't hope to learn in a day what took us years to learn. Your cutie mark should be the least of your worries, right now lets just worry about breakfast, okay? Here, watch me stand up and you follow.”

She gets up from her position slowly to teach me what I do not know. I was trying to get up like a human still and didn't think to get up on my forelegs first. That is the second time Twilight took the patience to teach me something. She must like teaching ponies things because she has a smile on her face.

“Do you need me to do anything around here Twilight? I can’t just sit around here all day.”

Twilight is moving from one end of the room to the other almost as if looking for something important. “Well, Spike has already done the morning chores so there isn't anything for you to do right now.” As those words leave her I feel like something is watching me. I look up the stairs and notice a small dragon as it looks at me. “Oh Spike there you are, I want you to meet Ashton. He's going to be staying with us until we can find him a place to stay.”

Spike gives me an angry stare from the stairs. “So what's your story, here to be my assistant?”

I'm unsure how to respond, I don't know if everyone or everypony knew why I was here or if they should know. I might start a panic or even be kicked out of the kingdom if I said anything. The more I hesitate the more Spike pressures me.

“Who are you? Where are you from? Why can't you fly...”

“Spike, leave him be. He's a friend of the Princess' so treat him with respect. Go cook up some breakfast while I talk with Ashton here and fill him in on Ponyville.”

Spike rushes off towards the kitchen under Twilight's direction. As Spike leaves the room she leans over to me.

“Don't let anypony know how you came to our land, the Princess sent this letter to me for you.”

Twilight uses her magic to pull a letter from her desk setting it on the table next to me.

‘Dear Ashton, Luna and I have looked into the comet and it seems both of our worlds had a distortion caused by it's passing, however your world was distorted more with the lack of magic protecting it. We are not sure why you were transported here, what magic caused this, or how we can reverse the spell. We do not know how long this will take so we have furnished a home for you in Ponyville down the street from Sugarcube Corner. When we find a spell to transport you back we will let you know through Twilight, but for now enjoy the new friends this situation has thrust upon you. We have instructed Twilight Sparkle and her friends to help you run errands as it could cause a problem if ponies saw a you in public at your age with your disadvantages. Try to avoid contact with as many ponies as possible other than the one's you have already met. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.’

I'm more confused now than I was trying to get off the ground just a few minutes ago, but before I can ask anything Twilight puts the letter away in a saddlebag on the floor.

“That house I hear has been vacant for some time. The Princess had some ponies over there this morning to repair it as soon as possible. We'll go take a look at it after breakfast. I'm starving.”

This brings up new questions in my head, I was a human, we ate meat and plants, what do ponies eat... Before I can even muster the courage to ask, Spike returns from the kitchen with sandwiches and what look like fries, but they smell different.

“I hate to ask this, but what am I about to eat?”

Twilight suddenly realizes I've never eaten pony food before, leaning over in a haste almost knocking over the table.

“It's a daisy sandwich and while it may not be what you're used to it is nourishment for us. Those over there are hay fries, Spike makes them a little too crispy though.”

I stare at my food for a while, but finally take a bite of the daisy sandwich on my plate. I'm not too sure what I was expecting, but this isn't half bad! I'm not quite sure how to take eating flowers, hay, and oats for possibly the rest of my life. The hay fries, though crunchy, aren't as bad as I thought they would be. Filling up on sandwiches and hay fries as much as we can, we prepare to go see where my new house is in town.

“Spike, I'm going to show Ashton where his new home will be, watch the library while I'm out.”

She throws her saddlebags on with the purple glow of her magic. The more I think about it, that magic really helps out on most occasions for her. My attention turns to the fact that I have wings I can’t use. I try to stretch my wings out hoping something happens, but I'm not quite sure how to even use them. Trying everything I can, invluding making weird faces, I can’t seem to make them move. Spike and Twilight are giving me a weird look, causing me to halt my efforts.

Spike looks like he’s holding laughing as hard as he can. “Did you hit your head something?”

For the first time I answer quickly. “I hurt my wings the other night and I'm trying to see if I can get any reaction out of the without pain.” Twilight seems relieved I was able to cover my own flank this time. As we start out the door I feel something land the crest of my back. Twilight has placed a saddlebag on my back.

“The girls and I thought since you're new we should get you a saddlebag. Rarity does such unbelievable work with a sewing needle.” Twilight said as we trot out the door and down the street.

It's midday when we reach the house I'm supposed to be staying at, but it seems the construction is still going on. I spend most of the day rearranging books and dusting shelves alongside Spike in the library until night falls. A knock on the door of the library startles me, but Spike is quick to answer. The foreman from the construction team has brought good news, the house is done.

“Let's go get you moved into your house tonight while we have the chance.” Twilight says a little too energetic, like she is excited about something.

Twilight goes ahead of me and steps inside an empty house. “Let me go first and turn on the lights.”

I stand outside for a minute longer and notice no lights coming on. “Twilight, are you okay? Where are you Twi...”

I'm promptly interrupted by the sudden illumination of the room and everypony yelling ‘Surprise!’ Twilight must have been in on this because Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were all there welcome me to my new home.

“I've never had a party thrown for me, I'm not sure what to do...”

Pinkie bounces around the room excitedly. “You party duuuuh~! Just dance, eat cake, drink juice, and have fun!”

Hoofsteps come from behind me, the girls are bowing as silence envelopes the room.

“Hello everypony.”

What is Celestia doing at a house warming party? This makes me turn around sharply, where I see both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna standing in the house they provided me. I begin to bow and cry at the same time, I just can't hold it in any longer.

“Thou doth not need cry, tonight is for joy and laughter.”

“I'm not crying because I'm sad Princess Luna, I'm crying because for the first time I have friends and I'm able to go outside and be around others on my own without becoming sick. This is what I've always wanted more than anything else in the world.”

I heard some sniffles from behind me as some of the girls couldn't hold back anymore themselves. “Aww dang it, now I'm all teary-eyed!” Rainbow Dash is trying almost too hard to be a tough girl.

As the party leads on, I become enamored with night sky through the windows of this new home. Without saying a word I walk outside and sit in the grass staring up at the sky. The night sky here is beautiful, easily seen without a telescope. I fell like I could just stare at the sky for hours. Just then I hear something in the grass behind me. Turning to see Luna has joined me outside.

“P...Princess...” Tripping over myself, scrambling to get on my hooves and bow.

“Thou... I mean you don't need to bow before me, I'm just wondering what brought you out here when your friends are inside.” This question pondered a lot of thought for someone my age. I am not too sure where the words come from exactly but as I turn my attention to Luna's eyes the words find me.

“I've always looked at the sky with some longing to be free, I've never been able to go outside and play so when night would come I would start at the moon and the stars that were visible form my home and just fall in love with the night sky.” I sit back down and stare at the night sky again. “Twilight told me about what happened so far and I want you to know that because you bring my beloved night sky into place each time the day is over, that and you save my life, you have my eternal admiration and thanks. The way your mane sparkles like a thousand stars brings peace to me, though I'm not sure why.” My words cause Luna to giggle as she sits next to me staring at the sky.

“You are most unique Ashton, most ponies would run from me because of my past but you accept me with open arms on your first day. Why would you trust me while others cannot?” Luna voice quivers as if afraid of the answer.

“If somepony brings us such a wonderful thing as the night sky then they surely can't be evil to me.”

I'm not sure if I struck a chord or if she has been waiting for those words to come from somepony for a long time, I just can't tell. Tears run down her face and I'm not sure how but my left wing starts wiping the tears from her face. Luna realizes this and stands up quickly and looking very shock. Did I just break a rule of Equestria and touch the princess where ponies shouldn't? I'm so far behind in my history and etiquette that I don't know what was happening right now.

She stands there shocked. “You... you have USE OF YOUR WINGS?!”

The volume she yells that at must have startled everypony in the house because we now have an audience on the lawn.

“He used his wings?!” Rainbow Dash almost sounds almost as if she just won the lottery.

Princess Celestia walks forward. “Seems you found the secret of using your wings tonight.”

“I don't get it, all I did was think that Luna shouldn't cry and they moved on their own.”

Princess Celestia unfolds her wings in a majestic display. “That's the trick, deciding something with your heart and never doubting yourself. You wanted to make Luna's tears stop flowing and your wings responded.”

Those words don't really make sense to me. What does she mean my heart decided?

“Try imagining yourself being free, flying through the air.” Celestia looks at me as if expecting something to happen. I start to imagine my wings unfolding, flapping. Soon I feel muscles moving I didn't know I had, let alone knew how to control. I open my eyes and stare at night sky thinking what a wonderful sight it would be to see stars while flying through the clouds. She was right, I can move my wings! Then it sunk in to me... I can FLY! Maybe not now, but soon I can learn to fly! Jumping around in excitement, I no longer care how silly I look, I’m just too excited.

“Yes yes yes yes yes, I can't wait to fly!”

Each one of them starts giggling at me, this is normal for a foal, but for someone like me? This must be beyond funny to them.

“Rainbow Dash, can you teach me how to fly? I want to learn as soon as I can!”

“I can't really teach you for a while, I have a lot of work coming up and just don't have time... Sorry.”

I should have known better, these ponies all have jobs during the day, not just helping me around town. How can I be so selfish? “Dash, it's fine.” I seem to have soured the mood with that question. Now everypony looks like they feel bad about me finally being able to open my wings and not being able to help me learn to fly.

Pinkie Pie pops up in the middle of the awkward silence, “Now we have two reasons to have a party!”

Looking at everypony I can't help but smile. “Go on inside I just want one more look at the night sky before I come in.” Slowly they shuffle inside and the music begins once more.

“You really do love the night sky don't you?” Celestia asked from behind me.

“I do, it's so peaceful and beautiful. It really has no equal.” I say as I turn around to meet Celestia's gaze.

“My sister has been waiting for a pony like you to accept her openly and not fear her. Would you mind being her friend and show her the kindness of friendship?”

I am surprised that the princess wants me to be her sister's friend... What should I say? Should I be shocked? Should I say yes, no, maybe?! Before I can answer I see Luna staring at me from the door and that beautiful mane made words just flow from my mouth. “Why wouldn't I be, a wonderful pony like her should be friends with everypony.”

Luna walks outside slowly. “Well since I don't have many royal duties this month, why don’t I give you flying lessons?”

I swear I can jump for joy at the very thought of finally being able to fly, but there is also a feeling I have not felt before. Maybe I over-exerted myself.

With the party over for the night, everypony is heading home, wishing me well over the next few days as they will be busy with various things. The only pony left is Princess Luna, whom is looking like she wants to say something but can't seem to get it out. “Listen Ashton... I...”

“Princess Luna, it's alright you're welcome here any time you want to come visit and stargaze.”

She looks at me with a smile as if I wasn't even close to the thought she had. What did she want to say then?

“Thanks but that's not what I want to say... Can you come closer so nopony hears?” She leans in to whisper in my ear.

“I'm glad you came to this world no matter how long you stay.”

As she finishes she nuzzles the side of my face causing the blood to rush to my head. That feeling in my chest pounds harder. I'm not sure what this is but it's because of Luna. Maybe I'm... no it can't be that... I was a human before all this, but what if this is where I'm supposed to belong would it be wrong to like a Princess let alone a pony?

The morning came all too quickly, maybe I spent too much time staring at the starry sky, then again I've never been able to without the fear of getting sick. There are a few things that am having trouble learning that used to be so much easier as a human such as bushing my teeth and bathing. I guess I always took these for granted when I had hands before. With all the commotion the night before, I never did look around the house and get familiar with all the rooms. The kitchen was like stepping into a whole new world all over again. I slowly begin opening all the cabinets attempting to find something to eat. As I was rummaging through the kitchen for any sign of food a knock came at my door. I'm not used to this sound so it took me by surprise. Opening the door to find Spike standing on my front stoop.

“Hey Ashton, how's your morning going?” Spike asks while handing me a letter.

I grab the letter with my mouth and bring it inside to the table. As I return to the door I answer Spike. “I'm doing much better, thanks for asking.”

Spike looks at my wings. “From the stories Twilight has been telling me it seems you'll be able to fly again in no time. I have more errands to run so see you later!” Seems Twilight has already spread the good news around.

Spike starts walking off down the road towards the library, seems even Spike is busy today. I close the door and head to the table where the letter was sitting waiting for me to read it. The last one came from Celestia, maybe it's an update on the cause of this situation. Maybe they found a way for me to go home? Home... Is it right for me to think like this when I just made friends here? I keep asking myself if I belong here but do I belong there? My old world bond me to my room or threatened illness on me if I left, but here in Equestria I'm healthy, well mostly I'm still unable to fly or have a cutie mark, but I'm able to have friends.

Opening the letter, I expect some remedy to my situation.

‘Ashton, tonight after moonrise we begin your flight lessons at Ponyville park. I will do my best to teach you to fly so you can feel the freedom of the wind in your mane. Let us both work hard and see you flying by the end of the month.’

The letter was from Luna! I can hardly believe the words on the page. I am getting flying lessons tonight! I am so excited, but it is not just because I will see Luna, but because this is the first time I have felt normal since I was little. As I think about my old life the sudden thought of what Mom must be going through since I was brought to this world. As much trouble as I have caused her maybe she is better off, but nonetheless tears drip from my eyes thinking about causing my parents pain for disappearing my fault or not. If I ever get home would they even believe me if I told them where I was or will they think I'm completely crazy? No... I can't keep thinking about these things, it'll drive me insane. Surely something will be done soon, at the least I have friends while I am here.

Time ticks away slowly. It feels like the sun is just taunting me staying in the air just so I don't get my flying lesson in tonight. I haven't been this excited over anything, but I never really had a reason to be excited either. I haven't gotten sick once since I've been in Equestria and my body is getting stronger from the different lifestyle. I still can't walk around town as I please because of my situation but I am making due. I just wish that the girls didn't have to run errands for me just because I'm a blank flank at my age. That's a new phrase for me, blank flank. I heard some fillies teasing another about not having her cutie mark after their class was dismissed for the day. I've never been one to be angry over anything and in most cases I would be the one being picked on, but that little filly being bullied made me want to step outside and risk the secrecy everyone has worked so hard to keep.

Slow knocking is coming from the door, rushing from the living room I am able to see Rarity on my stoop; opening the door quickly to let her inside.

“Rarity! Hello, come in!”

“Oh it's ever so good to see you're doing well. How are you holding up in your lovely chateau?” Her gaze wanders around my house, seeing it for the first time in the daylight.

“I'm doing fine, but I wish you girls didn't have to come visit me or runs errands for me all the time. I feel like a burden on you all.”

Why should they have to take care of themselves and me, it's not fair to them. They all live their own lives and now mine has been thrust upon them. I hope I'm able to go outside soon.

“Oh darling, think nothing of it. You are our friend and this is what friends do. However, I do have a surprise for you that I threw together. The colors will fit you perfectly!” She pulls out a wonderful vest and cloak from her saddlebags. “I remembered you saying how much you loved the night sky so I wove silver and diamonds into the fabric to give it the same luster as starlight. The vest I made royal blue so that it wouldn't clash with your cloak and it turned out marvelous! Do you like it?”

I am stunned. I've never received such a present in all my life, especially one so well made. “Rarity, I don't know what to say. This is the most beautiful gift I have received. Thank you so much!” I couldn't hold back anymore so I just smiled and hugged her. “You've given me the ability to walk around without worrying everypony in town. Thank you.”

“Oh Ashton, you are quite welcome. Nopony deserves to be trapped in a house all day for no reason, although you may want to limit your exposure as barely anypony knows you live here.”

She's right even though I can hide my wings and blank flank, I can’t hide my horns and no pony knows I even live here. The more I think about it the more it feels like I never left home, never being able to leave and having others take care of me all the time. How long can I live like this?

“I have a few more orders to complete for the next Grand Galloping Gala, but I will keep in touch. If you need to come visit any of us we are here any time darling.”

I wish I didn't have to keep bugging you girls for anything is what I wanted to say, but the fact they put themselves through so much just to help me shows me that they care for me.

“Thank you Rarity. I hope I'm able to repay you girls soon. I hate asking all this of you all.”

“It's what friends do, but do stop by one night and let me style that mane, it's simply uncouth.” She's probably right, I don't even know how I can brush my mane without magic or some sort of wing attachments.

She walks out of the house and down the street as the lights are starting to come on. It would seem that Rarity helped distract me from keeping track of the time, the moonrise will happen shortly and I need to get to the park and get ready for my first lesson in flight. Leaving the house, my new cloak and vest should help conceal my irregularities from anypony out this late. The last bits of sunlight are peering over the horizon, I don’t see anypony allowing me to ease into a slow gallop towards the park. It is dark as I enter the park's front gate and just as I thought nopony is around, this really is a perfect spot to practice without being seen. Walking down the path, a dark figure in an open clearing catches my eyes, but it’s too dark to see who it is with clarity. The figure unfolds it's wings and flies up in the air making grand gesture. As it flies higher and higher into the air the moon raises above the trees with it. Fully basked in moonlight it becomes apparent to me, that is Princess Luna. Approaching Princess Luna, she seems occupied.

“That looked like it was hard work. Do you do this every night?”

Luna is still inspecting at the sky she just changed as if to make sure nothing is wrong with it. “I have to raise the moon each night...” She gives pause, letting out a sigh. “I also place the stars in the sky. Would you like to watch?”

“I'd love to.”

Sitting in the grass, her horn glows brighter as she pours more concentration into the spell. The amount of concentration needed for this must be extraordinary. Cluster by cluster, the stars start forming in the sky filling the empty black space with twinkling lights. The beauty of this scene distracts all my thoughts of the flying lesson, I could just watch this sky forever. She makes this seem almost easy, I wonder how powerful she really is if she can do this every night.

“The stars never lose their luster no matter how many times I see them.”

Luna lets out a sigh. While she rests from the magical feat she performed I removed my clothing, placing them on the ground where they won’t get too dirty. The moonlight illuminates everything in the clearing, even the sad look on Luna's face.

“Princess, what's troubling you?”

“We haven't made any progress on how to return you home. We still don't know how or why you came to this land. Your family must miss you since you arrived here.”

Those words struck at my heart. Do Mom and Dad actually miss me? All I can seem to picture in my head is all the time they spent keeping me healthy and that sadness I feel I brought upon them. Why would I want to go back to that life and burden my family even more? I can't help but slump down in the grass.

“I don't know if they even want me back. All I ever was to them was another chore, I always needed protecting from illness and injury. They spent so much time just hovering around me making sure I didn't get sick and end up in the hospital. My parents argued over how to raise me, how to protect me, how to make me normal. I don't know if I even want to go back...”

Maybe I said a little too much... I can't expect Luna to understand what it was like in my old life. She has a sister that loves her so much.

She looks at the ground as those words sink in to her. “I... I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you.”

“You don't have any reason to apologize Luna, I'm the one at fault. I didn't need to say all that so suddenly.” I feel bad for saying all that to Luna, she didn't deserve to hear all that.

“No, it is my fault for being so insensitive. I was there when you told us your story in the hospital and I should have remembered that you had a difficult time before coming here.”

A cool breeze pushes through the clearing, as if trying to change the mood for us. I can't sit here all night and mope, I have to get up and apologize to Luna properly.

“Princess Lu...” The sight of her mane flowing in the breeze captivates me. I feel like I can't even move my head to look away at this point. The moonlight is reflecting off her mane so magically.

“Fair Ashton you may just call me Luna. You don't need to address me so formally.”

I can't help but think she's torn between being a proper princess and a casual friend. The thought of myself being so proper made me giggle a bit. “You don't have to be so proper around me Luna, I'm nopony special.”

She's just sitting there staring at me... Did I say something weird?

“You're a friend to me, that makes you more than just special to me.”

Luna seems so happy just to have a friend. I wonder if this is how I feel towards her. I've never had any friends all my life so I can understand her loneliness. Being royalty, not to mention the whole Nightmare Moon problem she had, she must be very lonely. Her words seem to stir the feeling I had the other night, perhaps I'm just excited about having such a unique friend.

“Come, you can't learn to fly if you stand here staring at my mane all night.” She giggles as she walks to the center of the clearing motioning me to follow. She's right, if I want to learn to fly then we're actually going to have to practice.

“Stand here, I want to see you flap your wings. Let me see if the healing spell helped you recover enough.”

Standing here being watched by Luna makes me so nervous. I'm not sure if I can even open my wings right now, but just then the memory of being nuzzled by Luna last night creeps into my mind. I was so happy then. I had to flap my wings, I just had to! Slowly I get my wings to unfold, stretching them out. Slowly I get used to moving them up and down. I can feel the wind moving around me from the flapping, I had no idea I could move my wings with such force!

“Wow, you have a lot of power behind those flaps, but you'll never be able to fly if you can't get the motion down right. Watch my wings, match my movements.”

She unfolds her dark blue wings and gives a strong downward flap, but on the upstroke she folds them in some. On the second flap downward she starts arching her wings' motion forward. She's starting to lift off from the ground slowly, then slows her flaps stopping as she reaches the ground again.

“If you don't fold your wings when you bring them up you'll never leave the ground. Beating your wings in a semi circle like that will give you direction in flight. Why don't you give it a try?”

Watching her do it is one thing, can I? No sense on sitting here thinking about it. I start flapping my wings slowly to get the motion down before I start putting all my power into it.

“Good now put some power into it, let's see what happens.”

Luna you have such confidence in me, I hope I don't disappoint you. Slowly putting power into each flap I close my eyes so I don't see my failure. Harder and faster I flap, but something happens... I don't feel the ground under my hooves anymore.

“Huzzah! You did it!”

“I did wha....”

Opening my eyes makes forget what I was going to say. I'm flying! I'm so excited, it's only a few feet off the ground but I did it!

“Woohoo!”

I can't keep the excitement down anymore. I'm flying! As I attempt to land my right wing gives out on me sending me crashing to the ground.

“Are you alright?!” Luna rushes to me on the ground. There's a surging pain in my right wing, I can't be sure if I broke something or if I over exerted myself.

“My right wing is throbbing, but it’s fine. The pain doesn’t compare to what just happened! I flew!” I was still so excited even though the pain was shooting throughout my body now.

“You've never flown before, don't push yourself so hard next time. I don't want to watch you get hurt.”

Her horn starts glowing as she leans down to touch my right wing. The pain shooting through me leaves my wing as she pours a spell over my injury. Am I putting her through pain watching me get hurt for my own selfish desire to fly?

“Come on girls I heard something fall over here!”

Voices coming from over the hill startle Luna and I. Who are these voices? Do I need to run and hide? Before I can decide Luna stands between the voices and me.

“Let me handle them, I don't want you to get up. Let that wing rest.” Luna takes a stance like she's expecting a fight to ensue. Are there dangerous ponies like that around?

“Are you sure yer goin' the right way?”

So there's two of them? Did my yelling attract attention from the town? I hope I didn't blow me secrecy everypony worked so hard to protect but I knew it would happen someday. You can't keep secrets like me forever and it is lonely being in the house all day.

“Luna, it's okay. I can't live staying inside a house all day making you all work so hard to keep me a secret.”

Standing up, I make my way to stand beside Luna waiting for sight of the voices we're hearing. Three small shadows pop up over the hill, seems some young fillies are out late running around the park. What are they doing outside this late? I hope I wasn't that loud to cause ponies to take notice.

“Hey, who are those ponies over there?”

The three shadows rush towards us with so much energy. Perhaps I was being too loud. The foals stop just short of us, all three are staring at me.

“Hello young ones, what are you doing out so late?”

I was almost afraid to ask, but I can't let Luna and the girls protect me for the rest of my time here. The three foals surround us with eyes glued to my unique appearance.

“Where'd ya come from, I don’t remember seein' you around Ponyville before.”

I need to come up with something they’ll believe without telling them too much.

“I'm not from Ponyville. I just moved here from another town far away.”

I hope they accept that answer because I'm not too sure if I can answer them if they ask what town I moved from.

“You sure are friendly with Princess Luna... Ohhhhh! Are we interrupting your date?”

The white filly snickered as she said that. The words start to sink in slowly and my heart pounds slightly, is this a date? I don't know what a date really is, let alone if I’m on one with Luna.

“Oh look ya got 'im blushing Sweetie Belle.”

I have to change the subject now or Luna will get the wrong idea.

“So um, what are your names?”

They each line up in front of us, standing in unison.

“I'm Scootaloo.”

“My name's Apple Bloom.”

“And I'm Sweetie Belle and we are...”

The three inhale a breath of air. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!”

My ears are ringing, geez that was loud. I can only rub my ears with a foreleg to soothe the pain some.

“Whoa, what kind of wings are those?” Scootaloo is staring at my unusual wings. In my daze I forgot to keep my wings folded! This is going to be bad...

“Uh...”

“Scootaloo, don't be rude! He's not from 'round here.”

Apple Bloom, you just saved my tail! I can't believe fillies are making me so nervous. I wonder how nervous Luna must be right now, she doesn't seem phased at all from her look.

“Oh I know who he is now! You're Ashton, Rarity told me about you when she was making your cloak today!” Rarity told somepony about me? What is going on here?

“Rarity... told you about me? How do you know Rarity?” Why did she risk telling a filly about me? Rarity how could you do this to the Princesses and everypony else!

“Rarity's my sister of course. She said to be a fashionista you need to make each garment unique to each pony you're making it for.” Oh that's a relief! I almost thought my secret had been blown.

“Oh my Sister Applejack mentioned ya too! She was worried about you getting back on your hooves after being injured.”

Scootaloo looks very annoyed right now, I wonder if she was the only one that didn't know of me or maybe she's annoyed I didn't answer her question about my wings. Scootaloo trots around behind me stopping at my flank.

“Hey, why don't you have a cutie mark?”

Why did you have to notice that about me? I don't think I can explain this one away so easily. How do you explain something you barely know yourself?

“Girls I'll tell you the truth now, but I want you to promise Princess Luna and I that you'll tell nopony else. Okay? We will get in very VERY big trouble if you do.”

The girls sit down in front of me smiling. I think they planned this out...

“We promise!”

That unison voice, I don't think I can ever get used to that. I explain everything to them as much as I can. I leave out the painful memories so that I don't upset anypony or myself. They all looked shocked, I mean would you believe me if you heard this out of nowhere?

“That's so cool!” Scootaloo darts around my legs. This is the first time I notice that she's a small pegasus, but her wings are so small I don't think she can fly.

“So... let me get this straight. You were a human, whatever that is, and a comet turned you into a pony , teleported you here, and now the Princesses are trying to find you a way home?” Sweetie Belle looks as if she doesn't buy my story at all. Who could blame her, I mean I wouldn't believe this story either if it didn't happen to me.

“Yes, and I don't blame you if you don't believe me. It's a story that I don't expect anypony to believe that's the reason I've been hiding from the public. If you can please keep this a secret.”

I hope they keep this secret, I don't know what would happen if the princesses had to intervene. Sweetie Belle stands up looking directly at me. “We'll keep your secret for you, but what the hay are you doing out here?”

I guess I should just go ahead and tell them the truth, not like it's going to hurt anything. “I was... learning how to fly.”

Even though I said I wanted to tell the truth, saying it was more embarrassing than I thought... The girls start snickering as they hear this. What did I say that was so funny? Apple Bloom rolls in the grass as she laughs. “That's what you were so embarrassed about? Learnin' to fly?”

“Girls we really should get back to Rarity's house before we get in trouble.” Sweetie Belle's words seemed to take cheery mood from Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

The girls all run off back up the hill they came from, I wonder if everypony would be able to accept me without all the secrets and lies. It sure would be nice if I could stop hiding.

“We should stop for tonight, you need to rest that wing before we start practicing again. Hurting yourself will only delay the practice even more.” She seems like something is bothering her, I hope she's not mad that I told the girls who I am.

“Luna, do we have to keep me a secret from everypony? I feel like I'd be able to help out more if I could go outside and do my own errands instead of making you all do them for me.”

“You're taking a major risk just by telling those fillies what you used to be.”

I just can't grasp the reasoning why I have to hide and rely on others for day to day help, but then again the Princesses are thinking with their country in mind not me.

“You don't seem to have a problem being my friend knowing what you know. I can't imagine anypony being afraid of me. I just don't want to be locked inside the house anymore during the day, I was locked inside all my life and I want the chance at least. Is there any way we can make it happen?”

Luna is staring at the sky, as if reasoning on what to say. I know I'm already more privileged more than any other pony with being taken care of by the Princesses, but is this asking too much?

“I'll talk to Celestia about it, but I won't promise anything until then. Please be patient with us, we're not prepared for issues like this. Rest well tonight, I must travel back to Canterlot.”

“Thank you Luna, you have done more for me tonight than I ever thought possible. I'm sorry I cause you so much trouble.”

Resting a wing on my back Luna whispers to me.

“You are no trouble, but you are one unique pony. Stop putting yourself down and do what you can with what you have.”

Turning to face Luna I hug her. “Thank you Luna, I'm glad I met you.” To be honest I never had friends before I came here, what do you say to someone that tries her best to make your life easier? The words can't be found right now so that hug will have to do. Luna flies off into the moonlit sky fading into the distance slowly until her figure disappears. Rummaging through my saddlebags I find my cloak and vest, putting them on as fast as I can without Rarity's magic. Throwing my saddlebags on my back I walk back to my house, but one thought envelopes my mind... I flew!

It has been two weeks since that night in the park and I haven't heard from Luna or Celestia about anything the investigation or letting me finally be able to go outside the house during the day. I hope Luna isn't mad at me for telling the fillies about myself, I couldn't think of anything else once they asked about the lack of a cutie mark. I hate staying in this house all the time though, I wish I could go outside and do my own errands so the girls don't have to do them for me. The school must have let out early today, little fillies and colts are walking the street on towards their homes. They all seem happy to be outside in the nice weather. I have the windows open in an attempt to bring in some fresh air, but the sounds coming in from outside are almost too much. I so want to join them out in the sun without having to worry about scaring everypony.

“Why don't we all go to the arcade?”

Ponyville has an arcade? What kind of games do they have? I wonder if I can make it there without anypony noticing me.

“I have a few bits I can spare.”

Oh... right... I forgot that I'm unable to make money while sitting here in this house. There has to be something I can do to make some money without being seen. I'll go ask Applejack once the sun starts to set and see if she knows anything.

As the sun sets across the horizon I put on my cloak and vest, making sure to hide what I can of myself. I remember Applejack saying that her orchard is outside town, but where? She said there's a forest near it and that I shouldn't go in alone. There is a forest just south of town, maybe if I go looking around there I'll see the orchard. At the very least I'll be able to get out of the house and get some exercise. Wearing my cloak and vest I make my way out of Ponyville and head towards the Everfree Forest, if I start looking around the edge I should be able to see her farm. As I reach the treeline of the forest I can’t see anything that looks like a farm, orchard, or any buildings. The sun has almost gone down completely, I really need to hurry and find Applejack's orchard or go home before I can't see anymore. There won't be any moonlight tonight for me to see anything shortly. If I don't hurry I'll be lost out here with no way home until daylight and then I'll run a huge risk of being seen. Scanning the horizon there seems to be a house near the forest's edge. Is it dark enough for me to ask for directions without scaring them? I have no other choice, it's either ask or go home and I don't have time to think about it. I'm in a gallop now, been getting better at this but it's still something new to me. Just then I feel myself lose control and crash into the gate.

“Who's there?!”

The ground is still spinning from the impact, I can't get away now if I tried my hardest.

“Oh, it's just you! Are you okay?”

That quiet voice is speaking at me as it approaches and as my sight comes back it's exactly who I think it is. I just crashed through Fluttershy's front gate in my hurry. “What are you doing out here, do you need something?” Fluttershy knows I'm supposed to not leave the house or risk being seen. Am I risking too much just to have a little freedom?

“I'm trying to find Applejack's farm and I kind of got lost...”

Maybe I'm being too selfish, I should be grateful they are all trying their to help me in this situation, but it reminds me too much of home and how I was nothing but a burden on my parents.

“I'm just so tired of always having to be hidden and never getting to experience having fun with friends. It makes me feel like I'm back in my old world and that I'm a burden to you all.” W

hy am I telling this to Fluttershy? She has to worry about what the Princesses want, not me. After all, I'm just a visitor from another world.

“I can show you where Applejack lives, but first let's take care of that awful bump on your head. Come inside and sit on the couch while I get the bandages.”

I'm still a little shaken from the blow, but I can at least stand on my hooves and walk slowly inside the house. Walking in the front door reminds me instantly what Fluttershy's talent is. There are animals everywhere, mice on the floor, birds roosting on perches, cats, dogs, bunnies... Name it and she probably has one of it in here. Gentle hoof steps come from down the hallway as Fluttershy appears around the corner.

“Here, this ointment will help dull the pain but it will sting... um, if you don't mind that is...”

Why is she shaking? I'm the one about to have the painful ointment put on me. “It's okay, it won't hurt too ba....” Oh boy, I was wrong! This ointment HURTS! It's like my skull is on fire. “errrrgh that does sting a bit.”

“I'm sorry!”

“Don't be sorry Fluttershy, it'll help more than me just leaving it alone.” Why is she so timid around me, is it because I look like this? I wonder if all ponies will treat me like this.

Fluttershy unrolls the gauze, wrapping it around my head. “Fluttershy, what am I supposed to do if Princess Celestia can't find a way for me to go home? I don't want to be stuck in that house having you girls take care of me the rest of my life. It's not fair to you all and it's not fair to me. In this world I'm perfectly able to take care of myself but I can't because of the fear I may cause to the town. What should I do?” She stops unrolling the gauze, nothing is said. “Maybe I'm just being selfish wanting so much freedom in a world I don't belong to in the first place...”

She resumes wrapping my head, the silence in the room has created an awkward situation. “You do what you feel is right, I didn't belong in the clouds with other pegasi but you have to figure that out for yourself. And... Done. Try not to crash into any more gates.”

“Heh, I guess I was really clumsy, I'm still not used to running on four legs.”

Getting up from the couch, we both walk outside to the road in front of Fluttershy's house. Fluttershy lifts off and flies up the road some but when I don’t join her she flies back. “Oh I forgot, how rude of me. Sorry...”

“Don't apologize, I am practicing some, just can't seem to stay in the air long.”

It's gotten almost too dark to see outside but Fluttershy knows the way even without the sun. It takes a few minutes of walking before we reach the front sign. The barn lights are still on. “Stay here, I'll go get Applejack and bring her out here.”

I guess that's fine, the rest of Applejack's family doesn't even know about me, well except Apple Bloom. I should get used to this treatment. It's completely dark now when Fluttershy returns with Applejack.

“What in the hay is so important you came rushin' to find me?”

“I just need something to do during the day, staying locked up in that house makes me feel like a prisoner when I'm perfectly able to run my own errands and make my own money.”

There's an awkward pause, am I asking too much of the girls?

“Well, I don't know what to tell ya about that but I can't have you helpin' out around the farm without Big Mac or Granny Smith finding out. Y’all have to just sit tight, the princesses know what they are doing.”

My hopes of having some freedom seem to have been dashed with those words. Is it really that troublesome to want to take care of yourself? I can't argue with it so I guess there's nothing else to do but wait. “Okay, well...thanks anyway.”

I don't know what else to do, the only thing I can do now is go home and wait. The more I'm in that house the more I think about how sick I used to be and how in either world I can't be outside. It frustrates me so much that I can't do anything for myself in either world, how is this any way to live?

By the time I make it to Ponyville's town square the moon is at it's apex in the sky. There's nopony around, maybe I should try practicing flying the rest of the way home. Standing near in front of the town hall flapping my wings I get some lift, only a couple feet. Leaning forward some I start moving down the street slowly picking up some speed as I go, but after about fifty feet I stop. I won't have magic to heal me if I hurt myself tonight, so I quickly land and walk the rest of the way. Walking in the front door of the house, I'm at a loss. I just want to go have fun and help my new friends but I'm stuck in this musty house that everypony avoids. As I crawl into bed I feel a tear crawl down my cheek as I close my eyes for the night.

Prologue Pt.2

I'm awoken by rapid knocking at my door, did something happen? Is there an update from Celestia? Jumping out of bed as fast as I can without hurting myself yet again, I rush downstairs expecting Spike with another letter, but something seems off. Opening the door I see two figures of black as my eyes adjust to the sunlight. The first figured is somepony I've never seen before. Those stripes on her body remind me of zebras back on my own world. The second figure is Apple Bloom, what is she doing bringing this pony here to my house?!

“Mornin' Ashton!”

“Apple Bloom what are you doing?! You're not supposed to tell anypony about me let alone bring them here...” Apple Bloom must have had a good reason but still this could cause so many problems.

“I know I ain't supposed to tell nopony, but Zecora here knows things that other ponies might not know and after I, um, 'overheard' yer conversation with Applejack last night, I just had to help, honest.”

“You cannot blame little Apple Bloom, she was trying to remove from you from the cloud of gloom. I see why the Princess is worried about fear, it's not often we see ponies like you dear.”

If Zecora can help me figure out something, anything about this situation then it'll be better than sitting in this house never knowing. “Come in, before we attract attention.”

Walking into the living room I had almost forgotten what it's like to have visitors, nopony has came to see or talk to me in weeks. I wonder if she knows why I look so different than other ponies and even what magic brought me here. Zecora is walking around me inspecting my wings, using her magic to pull them out for a closer look.

“Is something wro...” A sharp pain erupts from the fold of my left wing. “Ow! What was that for?!” Looking to my left I see Zecora has pulled something off my wing. I wish I knew what was going on right now.

“I cannot believe what I spy, these are dragon scales I see with my eyes!”

“Dragon... what?!” Did I just hear her right? She said dragon scales... on my wings... Why has nopony noticed or is that why the have shut me inside this house? I'm not sure if I should feel confused or betrayed that nopony told me until now...

“I see why Celestia keeps you here, to keep the whole town from running in fear.”

Did Celestia really know all this? Does that mean Luna knew as well? Why didn't she tell me, does she think I can't handle it? “What does that mean? I don't even know what is going on... You're telling me I'm part dragon?”

Saying that now makes me realize why Celestia and Luna never told me in the first place. I didn't understand the world of ponies how can I understand being... whatever I am, but it still upsets me that I was lied to. Zecora opens her bags pulling a book out titles 'Pony Races of Ancient Equestrian' using her magic to flip pages under one sticks out. On the page before me is a series of pictures of ponies with different body parts from different animals, one sticking out more than the others.

“That pony has a dragon tail!”

Zecora flips the page once more to reveal text explaining the half-breed races. “Even though you are not from this world, the form you have taken is a race made by Discord.”

Reading the page further tells of the chaos Discord caused to amuse himself for a millennium. How can I take the form of a race that has been long since disappeared from pony history? “What does all this mean?”

Zecora closes the book, leaving it on the table. I'm not sure what to make of this, I mean it's a little much to take in. The fact I look like this is because of Discord, some powerful magic using entity from a thousand years ago?

“Discord was defeated by your six friends in the not so distant past, but Discord's magic will forever last. Chaos is a natural part of life because everypony has happiness and strife.”

“So... I'm a magical accident? Brought to a world I know nothing about, forced to stay inside because of a magic born of chaos itself?” I'm not sure how to feel except frustrated that I'm being toyed with by forces I cannot control. Magic brought me here, magic made me look like this. The more I think about it the more angry I get from the thoughts. “I didn't want any of this! Why did this have to happen to me?”

Zecora moves towards the door with Apple Bloom at her flank. “Why you were brought here I do not know but nopony can tell your life which way to go. Do what your heart commands of it and you may yet drag yourself out of this pit.”

I am unable to say anything, there's nothing I could say and if I did nothing would change. I'm a magically rearranged freak locked inside a house unable to go outside because ponies can't handle what I am, heck I can barely accept what I am. I can't help but feel betrayed by Luna and Celestia, if Zecora knew about this surely they did too. Why couldn't they just tell me, no matter how hard it is for me to understand all this I still wanted to know.

Zecora and Apple Bloom walk out the door, shutting it behind them. The first visit I've had in weeks and this is how it ends? I can't stay in this house right now I have to leave. I'm so mad right now that my wings move on their own and before I can even second guess my thought about leaving the house, I'm in the air flying. This should be the happiest moment of my time here in Equestria, but instead I'm so angry I can barely keep it inside. This anger is the only thing giving me strength to stay in the air this high this long. Zipping past a small cloud a familiar voice appears beside me, I guess I flew past Rainbow Dash at some point.

“What are you doing?! What if somepony sees you?”

I'm too angry to answer her.

“See if you can land on that cloud.”

Again I ignore her.

“Okay, we'll do this the hard way.” She tackles me midair forcing me onto a nearby cloud. Why can’t she just leave me alone? Landing on the soft cloud Rainbow Dash pins me down keeping me from flying off.

“Well that answers the question if you can walk on clouds... What the hay is your problem?!”

I have so much anger right now I can't help but snap at Rainbow Dash. “Zecora told me everything! She told me why ponies fear me, why I look like this, what magic brought me here... everything! The Princesses must have known but nopony told me anything! I have to stay locked in a house while you all work your flanks off supporting me just because of this magical accident.”

Rainbow Dash looks stunned, she's probably just as confused as I am and I don't blame her. She doesn't have to live like this so how would she know what it's like? Flapping my wings as hard as I can I take off and just fly as fast as I can as far as I can away. Rainbow Dash must hate me after saying all that, and I don't blame her, I probably made her feel like crap. I'm starting to calm down as the sun is setting in the distance, the orange glow of the light reflecting off the clouds is a serene white ocean of colors. I'm so tired... How long have I been flying for? I lost track of time once I had that fight with her... Is it already this late? The park clearing I learned to fly catches my eye from the sky, that would as good a spot as any to land and rest. Sitting there watching the grass blow in the wind I just can't seem to shake the vision of yelling at her. If I didn't feel bad about it then, I sure do now. She never deserved that, she probably didn't know about any of this either. I can't believe I did that... I can feel the tears streaming down my face, I deserve to be alone after treating a friend like that. They all helped me stay here with little effort from me.

Rustling of the grass behind me gives away that somepony is behind me. “There you are, we've been looking everywhere for you!” Twilight’s voice is echoed by each of the girls sighs of relief.

I just don't have the heart to face them. Should I just fly off again so I don't hurt anypony else? I try to take off as fast as I can to avoid hurting somepony again but I'm stopped very abruptly, unable to fly as if something has a hold of me. “Oh no, you're not getting away again!”

The minute I stop flapping my wings I find myself hanging upside down staring at Twilight holding me up with her magic. “Okay, okay... I won't run, but for the record this isn't fair.” Twilight lets me down slowly making sure not to drop me, when I sit up I notice that they are glaring at me. I can't look them in the eyes, diverting my stare to the ground. “Rainbow Dash... I... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have taken my emotions out on you. I don't blame any of you if you hate me.”

There's a silence that falls over the park. I'm a terrible friend, all I do is ask for more while they are working hard to help me live a secret life in Ponyville. I almost wish I was never brought here after tonight.

“Darling, nopony hates you. You have to live a life we couldn't imagine, being locked up like that all day just has to be THE... WORST...” The other girls are glaring at Rarity now, is there something going on I don't know about? “Oh fine, you explain it then Applejack.”

“Mighty kind of ya, Rarity. Sugarcube, if we hated you why would we be out lookin' for ya? There's a lot about yer situation we don't right now anything about.”

“How did you all know where to find me though? It's not like I have any favorite places to spend time at since I'm in the house all the time.”

I was waiting for an answer from one of the girls, but I heard flapping from behind me. “When Twilight wrote to me about you flying off, my sister Luna thought you might be here after hearing how special this spot is to you.”

Turning around I see Celestia and Luna landing softly in the grass just behind me, but instead of feeling relieved I somehow feel my anger coming back. Celestia and Luna never told me anything about this. Why are they here? I can’t hold my frustration at the princesses in any longer. Standing up to face them I have very harsh words on my mind. “I have waited weeks, TWO... WEEKS... for any information on the magic that brought me here and made me look like this and I had to learn it from Zecora and Apple Bloom. You can't make me believe that you two didn't know.”

“Didn't know... what, sugarcube?”

“That I was brought here and transformed into a half-breed created by Discord a millennium ago by chaos magic. I'm... a Dragon Pony and the Princesses never told me!”

A stillness falls onto the clearing. It's as if the silence is eating any sound that may be being made, and the Princesses have a lot to answer for. Celestia closes her eyes and bows her head, this is the first time I've ever seen her look like this. “We... No... I, kept the truth from you. Luna had nothing to do with it, so if you blame anypony, blame me.”

Why would she do this? Questions flood my head so fast I can't voice them fast enough. The frustration of not knowing has finally broken me. Why was it I was kept in the dark, just because I don't fully understand this land?

“I'd ask why you lied to me, but at this point I don't care anymore. I spent weeks locked inside a house unable to go outside, unable to do anything for myself because I might cause a panic. I don't expect anypony to understand the sheer loneliness in that solitude always knowing you're different and you can't do anything about it.”

The shear amount of anger I have right now is stirring something inside me, I don't know what is going on but I feel a heat rising in my throat.

“Ashton, I...”

I take a defensive stance facing Celestia bracing myself for the words about to leave my mouth. “I don't want to hear it Celestia!”

The heat rising in my throat now proves what Celestia must have feared... Blue flames burst forth as the words leave my mouth. I hear the gasp of the six behind me as the fire lights up the darkening clearing. The shock I have is shared amongst everyone present except Celestia. “There's no denying it now, we can't exactly hide the truth anymore. Will you listen to what we have to say?”

“I guess that depends on what you have to say...” I guess there's no harm on hearing them out. Celestia takes a seat, motioning the rest do the same. The silence is deafening right now. If anything happened anywhere in Ponyville you'd be able to hear it.

“We found out that you being here wasn't because you made that wish so much as it was Luna making her wish to our comet passing by. She wished for a real friend more than anything in the world and saw you falling from the sky not too long after...”

Luna steps forward interrupting Celestia. “I never meant for it to rip you away from your world and bring you here... I...”

“Stop... just stop... I'm not mad that I was brought here through your wish or mine, I am however very upset that I was lied to and secrets were kept from me. This affected me every... single... day! I wasn't allowed to go outside especially now that I can without getting sick. I hated having my parents do everything for me and you make Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Spike take care of me. Instead of helping me fit in to my new life you hid me away from the world, what kind of friend does that?!”

“Sugarcube... She meant well...”

“Applejack, I didn't say I didn't appreciate the help, but I am able to make my own decisions and my own choices. I don't need to be babied just because I'm new here. Instead of doing it for me you all could have showed me how.”

Clearly I have struck a chord with everypony here. Maybe I should just find somewhere else to live... Flying off into the sky as fast as possible with nowhere to go and no idea what to do. I didn't know that my heart could break so viciously, the pain vibrates through my body and I don't know if I can bear this. The combination of the time I've spent flying and pain in my heart is sapping my strength I have to land on a cloud and rest if I want to keep going, wherever it even is I'm going. Even through my pain and my anger, the night sky is still beautiful and brings me some calm as I close my eyes.

A loud roar nearby wakes me, the darkness of the night conceals whatever it might be. As I sit up another loud roar pierces the sky, but this time much closer. A large gust almost knocks me off the cloud as something rather large flies past leaving my cloud spinning from the force. This area isn’t safe, finding a better place to rest would be better but in this darkness I have no idea which way I’m going. Flying off in an unknown direction, I’m unsure of how long or far I’ve traveled from the cloud I just left. Whatever that creature was it was huge and something I wanted to avoid. The sun begins to rise over the far hills, I’m completely exhausted from flying I need to find a cloud to rest on. As I land on a cloud near a rock face the entire lack of sleep saps all the energy from my body and I can’t keep my eyes open. Deciding to rest a while longer I lay down and close my eyes.

The light of the morning sun shines on my face, waking me from what little sleep I could have. Images of the night I confronted Celestia raced through my dreams refusing to let me sleep peacefully. Why couldn't they just tell me? I don't have a home here and now I'm unable to go back to my real home, if one can even call it that... I had a chance to have a normal life even if I am this... thing. The pain still envelops my heart even on this sunny morning.

“Ashton! Where ya hidin'?” That voice startles me, I wasn't expecting anypony to come find me. Peering over the edge of the cloud I see Apple Bloom wondering around the rock strew grass below. What is she doing out here? Gliding down to the ground I expect an ear full of complaints and she has every right to, I abandoned her sister when they spent time looking for me. “There ya are! What are ya doin' way out 'ere?” I don't even know where here is... All I wanted to do was go away but I don’t remember seeing any of this around Ponyville, how far did I fly? “GIRLS, I FOUND 'IM!” Chills travel up my spine at the thought of who she was talking to but to my surprise one by one Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Zecora appear from around a large boulder. I feel somewhat relieved but at the same time I feel like I can’t even face them. I’m glad it’s not Twilight and her friends though, I can’t face them... Not after that night.

Scootaloo charges at me with an angry look on her face, I don't blame her I would be mad too if someone yelled at my friends. She runs right up to my left side and bucks me right in the ribs. A sharp rushes through my left side from flank to shoulder. “What the hay do you think you're doing?! We've been searching for you for three days!”

“I...”

Three days?! I've been gone that long?

Sweetie Belle looks even more upset than Scootaloo, I did hurt her sister so I deserve this. No matter what I wanted to accomplish all I did was hurt everypony. These fillies are all the way out here, do they know why I ran away, do they even want to know?

“I... just can't take being locked up for something that I wanted nothing to do with. I don't want to be locked up all day forcing other people to take care of me. If it's going to be like that I'd rather just run away or go back to my world.” These fillies may be too young to understand, heck maybe nopony in this world can understand. This world almost seems too perfect and it's like I'm breaking the rules of 'Harmony' as Celestia called it.

“Nopony deserves to be treated like you did but Rarity and the girls never wanted to make you feel like that either. It’s not their fault but you didn’t need to be so rude with them.”

Applebloom runs between Sweetie Belle and I with a very concerned look on her face. Something has her shaken. “Girls, I hate t' interrupt y'all but we have a bigger problem than this.”

“What do you mean? What’s wrong?”

The girls seem shaken at my question, what in the world happened that has them this scared?

“An ancient dragon of crystal has attacked Ponyville, putting all your friends' lives in great peril. The source of chaos it came looking for destroying Ponyville as it soared. Twilight and her friends tried to use the Elements of Harmony to no avail without some help surely they will fail.”

That creature that flew past me last night, was that the dragon? I’m in complete shock that the Elements of Harmony that defeated Discord and Nightmare Moon failed to defeat the dragon. The pain I have been feeling just flipped over inside my heart, what is this uneasy feeling inside my heart? I have a very bad feeling about all of this. If only I didn’t leave maybe I could have been there. “Where's the dragon now?”

“It's in the Ghastly Gorge, they went to go fight it but magic doesn't work on it! The Princesses both tried their most powerful magic and nothing worked!” Sweetie Belle looks like she worried deeply about her sister. I have to help, I won’t allow anypony to be hurt because of me anymore.

“Which way?” The girls all point in the same direction behind them. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom have tears running down their cheeks, they are clearly worried about their sisters. “Go home girls, I’m going to go help as much as I can. I won’t let your sisters or anypony get hurt because I wasn’t there when the dragon arrived.”

Taking off from the ground I fly as fast as I can go, I've never flapped my wings so hard and the only thing keeping me going is my sheer will to get there as soon as I can make it. I have to make it there before anything happens to them. I have to apologize to them all. I HAVE to. These thoughts give me more power to flap my wings faster and after a few minutes I can see Canterlot Castle as I fly past. As I pass over Ponyville, a loud boom comes from behind me engulfing me in blue flames. Flying over Ponyville I see the destruction caused by the dragon, all the homes destroyed by its attack. The sight of the destruction brings a small tear to my eye, if only I had been here all this would have never happened. Flying as fast I can passing over the Everfree Forest entrance where Fluttershy lives. I hope nopony is hurt from this dangerous dragon. Ghastly Gorge slowly comes into sight. A loud roar like the night before bellows from nearby. That thing is what caused this unneeded terror and destruction. What dragged this creature to this town? Circling above the dragon I see Celestia and Luna are laying down behind Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie but they aren't moving. Was the fight this one-sided? How powerful is this dragon? Flying down to where the girls are I barely have time to catch my breath as Twilight notices me.

“Ashton, what are you doing here?!”

She’s right I really have no reason to be here after what I did, but i can’t let them do this alone. They wouldn’t have let me risk danger like this so foolishly.

“You all protected me from any danger that may have came my way, you all took care of me, and now it's my turn to return the favor. I can’t let you all do this alone even if you hate me after that night.”

Twilight looks defeated, is this situation really that hopeless? The dragon roars behind us and I can hear the movement of his large frame. Turning around quickly to face the dragon, my anger is at its limit. It feels like a large balls of fire is stuck in my throat. “You will not hurt a hair on these ponies' manes!” With those words leave my mouth I roar loudly in anger at the dragon, breathing a large volume of flames onto the dragon's head making it step backwards in a daze. I don't know if I can control this yet but I'll use it until I can't any longer, it’s the least I can do for these mares that gave me a comfortable life.

The sounds of one of the princesses stirring on the ground causes me turn around slowly. Celestia is attempting to sit up, she’s covered in bruises and small cuts from the battle with the dragon. “That is a crystal dragon elder...The crystal dragons were a race born before...” This battle has exhausted them all it seems, she can barely catch her breath to speak. Is this thing that powerful to defeat both princesses? “... Discord ruled the land... Chaos magic is the only thing that can hurt them...”

Chaos magic, the same foul magic that made me like this... Twilight looks as confused as me. “But Princess, Discord is imprisoned in stone and the Elements of Harmony don't work on him, what else can we do?”

The sound of the dragon roaring from the burns I gave it are the only sounds right now. Celestia takes a labored breath as she lays back on her side. “It's not what we can do... it's what he can do.”

What can I do against something that large and powerful? I’m just a magical mistake. Images of each conversation I’ve had comes over my mind. Each one I had they told me to take control of my own life to do what I felt necessary. I don’t know what I can do but if I was born of chaos magic maybe I can do something. Turning around to face the dragon there's a large ball of fire flying towards me, but it stops and dissipates as a translucent wall appears before me, Twilight stopped it with her magic. The sound of a thud comes from behind me as somepony falls to the ground. “Twi! Wake up Twi!” Turning my head to see Twilight laying on the ground passed out from the impact on her magic from the fireball. AJ is trying desperately to wake her up. She protected me after everything I said and did. I can’t let this happen to anypony else. No one else will get hurt because of me again. I don’t care what happens but this dragon is going to pay for what it did.

“AJ, Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Dash, Rarity, Celestia, and especially you Luna... I want to thank you for putting up with me until now. I don't expect to be forgiven and I don't expect to earn your trust back but know this, I will not see any of you hurt ever again.”

With those words I give no time for second thoughts, flying up as fast as I can I encircle the dragon breathing fire engulfing it entirely in my blue flames. The roaring it sends out just makes it seem as if it's annoyed and not actually being hurt. Stopping in front of it's face I expel a large amount of fire burning it's face as flames envelop it entirely. A large roar of pain shakes the gorge, if I'm not careful the entire place will cave in and hurt everypony. I have to find someway to chase it out of here. Flying up to his face I kick him as hard as I can in the mouth, breathing fire on him again as I turn around. The dragon roars again taking swipes at me with his massive claws. The dragon flaps it's massive wings flying off into the air. I cannot allow this dragon to return to cause more problems for any of my friends, this has to end now no matter the cost. Flying off after him hearing the boom behind me again as flames engulf me once more, I know how this will end. The dragon turns to face me curious what the sound was. I aim straight for midsection of the dragon's abdomen where a heart would be on any other creature. Normally I’d be scared of a thought like this, but for those mares below I’d do anything to protect them. “Thank you girls... You were the best friends I ever had.” A tear runs down my cheek as I hit the dragon causing a massive explosion of blue light. Crystal shards shower the land below.

I’m not sure if I’m dreaming or dead, but I’m floating through a black space. Looking around I see nothing else, just an empty black space devoid of sound. I can feel tears stream down my face, I was finally able to return the favor to my friends, but I’ll never see them again.

“Well, seems you can do more than just mope and hide.” I can hear the voice but I see nothing. He sounds like he's close to me though, but I can’t place where its coming from. Why is this voice talking to me? Is my mind playing tricks on me?

“I couldn't let them get hurt, they helped me when they didn't have to and they looked for me when they had every reason not to.” The space is so quiet that the silence is about to drive me insane. Am I imagining this voice to remove the boredom?

“Well seems like somepo... no someone, learned something of great importance. Too bad it'll cause your friends a great amount of pain.” The new voice has a soft tone to it almost like Mom used to have, but what does she mean pain? How do these voices know about me?

“I hurt them so much over my own selfishness, why would they feel pain over me?”

A bright light appears before me, the darkness is illuminated as stars surround me in the black space. Two ponies stand in front of me, the one on the left is pure black and the one on the right is pure white. The white one bows it's head as an orb of light appears in front of me. “Why not see for yourself?”

The white mare speaks to me but it's mouth doesn't move. Images appear on the orb of Ghastly Gorge, Twilight is teleporting around the landscape, Applejack is running around the ground, Dash is racing across the sky. They all seem to be looking for something or somepony. “They are looking for you, but what do you think will happen if they don't find you?”

These words weigh heavily on me. I never thought about what would happen after I charged at the dragon. Was what I did really worth it? “I... don't know, but I couldn't let them suffer anymore because of my faults. If anypony was going to do anything then it should be me who caused them so much pain.”

“Let's show him what influence he's had on the world he believes so much he’s not a part of.” Images of Ponyville flash before me on the orb, the ponies are all rebuilding their homes except one. There's an empty lot where my house once was, now occupied by a statue of me that reads ‘Hero, Friend, Protector’ with flowers placed upon it. New images come across the orb of everypony I knew and some I had only seen through the windows are all standing at a graveyard in front of a lone grave on a rainy day. After some time only one pony is left... Luna. She's crying wearing all black except she's wearing the cloak Rarity made me. She uses her magic to leave a crystal shard shaped like a tear on the gravestone. I touch my cheek, I know what the crystal was made from. I feel tears running from both cheeks. I promised to be her friend and I treated her so badly.

“Now, let's see what your sacrifice brought to your surrogate home.” All of a sudden the orb takes me to the front gates of a majestic castle, I can only guess it’s Canterlot Castle.

“Let's let him hear what they say.”

The white mare wants me to hear something in these images, but what? Sounds of cheering come from the orb but quiet down as Celestia takes her places on a podium. “Tonight we are here to pay respect and honor a brave pony that many of you may have never known but was close friends to the few that came into his life. Chaos magic brought him to this world and made him more special to any of than he'll ever know. Tonight we celebrate our late Ashton, the last Dragon pony and friend...” I can't hear any more of this, a sharp pain bores into my heart. Before I can close my eyes I notice there's no stars in the sky and Luna is nowhere to be seen. Where is she and why are the stars missing from the sky?

The orb changes images to the park clearing, a lone figure in laying in the grass crying. “Princess Luna, we all miss him but if you keep crying this hard each night you'll only make yourself sick.” A small light illuminates the clearing, Princess Celestia is descending onto the park. She tries comforts her sister as much as she can, but the tears won't stop flowing from her face. I wonder how much pain I caused Luna from my selfishness the past few weeks... How can I call her a friend at all if this is how much pain I’ve put her through.

“I'm a monster...” I can’t take any more images form the orb shutting my eyes tight to avoid seeing anything else.

“No you're a friend loved and missed by many, especially our daughter Luna.” Did she just say daughter? Before I can ask another word a bright light fades everything to white, muffled sounds are coming from all around me but I can’t hear what they are or where they are coming from. Sharp pains all over my body tell me one thing, I'm alive if barely. I can't move or speak. I try to form words like I just did a little while ago but nothing happens. Am I really alive or is this some sort of afterlife?

I awake still groggy, I’m in a white room with a window to my right. I can barely move my head and my entire body is in excruciating pain. Slowly turning my head to the left I see Luna at my bedside asleep, resting her head on my bed. She seems so peaceful now unlike in those images that were before me in that dark space. How long was I out?

“Well it seems somepony decided it was time to wake up. You gave us all a scare.” Celestia walking through the door seems happy I am alive. All the anger and frustration I had for her before has vanished from me. I still don’t understand why she did what she did, but for some reason it no longer matters to me.

“I'm sorry I was so selfish, I hurt you all and you didn’t deserve that. I was a terrible friend to you all.”

Rainbow Dash hovers into the room, she must have heard my words from the hallway. “We're just glad you're not dead, but defeating that dragon was so AWESOME!”

Luna moves around as Dash’s voice gets louder.

“Well, look who woke up. Do I have you to thank for rescuing me again?” Luna hears my words and has a shocked look on her face, but before I can prepare myself a powerful hug happens. Pain shoots all over my body, I think I have an entire skeleton of broken bones with this pain shooting through my body.

“Princess Luna! Yer gonna hurt 'im if keep doin' that!” Seems AJ can see the pain I'm in even if I don't say anything.

Fluttershy peers around the corner of the doorway slowly making her way in the room. “We were so worried that you...”

“I know Fluttershy, I saw...”

Princess Celestia appearing shocked takes great interest in those words looking at me inquisitively. “What do you mean you 'saw'?”

Gathering my thoughts I try my best to explain what happened after I hit the dragon. I'm too sure if I was just having a coma dream. I explain what i can of the black space, the orb of light, and the images strewn across it. I try my best to describe the white mare and black stallion that appeared in the black space. Celestia seems surprised I witnessed what I did.

“Ah... would seem the chaos magic provided you yet another miracle. Not just anypony gets to go to the Realm of Creation and see Mother and Father. They rule over all creation from another realm different from our own but interconnected all at the same time. Right now you need to get some rest, you're going to have a long week after you're healed.”

Slowly everypony walks out of the room except Luna who stays where she's been since I've woken up. The conversation just now was short but I'm exhausted, I still can’t believe I’m alive after that collision with the dragon.

When I wake up it's already night time, but Luna has moved to the window staring at the night sky. That mane of her's has enthralled me since I first got to this world. Its beauty is unmatched. Why is she staring outside alone?

“The moon is beautiful tonight.”

Luna seems startled, guess she didn't expect me to be awake. She continues gazing out the window, an eerie silence falls over the room. Is she still mad at me for what I did that night? “We're going to give you a special gift when you get out of the hospital as a thank you for saving our lives”

A gift? I don’t deserve a gift. I saved your lives with my own because I felt like protecting you all. I don’t deserve anything after treating you all so horribly. “Why?” I don't deserve anything, not after what I did to her, to any of them. Images of the park flood my head, why did I have to say those things? Why did I have to treat them all like that?

Luna turns to face me. Her mane flowing from the movement of her head. The flowing motion is almost hypnotizing. “You saved me and everypony that day. We hid you away and had the nerve to call you a friend. We treated you so badly and you risked everything to save us. We have a lot to apologize for, so just let us thank you properly.” Tears are flowing down her face as she speaks those words. Her trembling voice has more emotions in it than the words themselves. I didn't know she cared that much for me. There’s only one present I truly want from her. The night sky she so selflessly gives to everypony each night.

“Okay, but I want to have this happen at night after you raise the moon for me. Okay?”

Luna smiles as she hears those words and nods at me. She doesn’t speak a word as she turns and continues to stare at the night sky. Softly humming a calming tune as she stare out the window. It brings a smile to my face making it easier for me to drift asleep on this moonlit night. As I sleep a dream of the Realm of Creation envelops me. The white mare and black stallion are nowhere to be found yet I wander the empty space searching. Finding neither of them I stand in the nothingness and surrender to its vastness, breathing deeply preparing to project my words to anyone or anypony that might hear.

“Thank you!”

My voice echoes endlessly across the space with no response. The dream fades to white and shifts to large room filled with well-dressed ponies. This looks like a very important ceremony. Twilight, AJ, Fluttershy, Dash, Pinkie, Rarity, Celestia, and Luna all stand at the top of a small set of stairs. Hovering over the scene I see myself walk in from the side dressed in a elegant suit. Soon after a long white gown walks up the aisle as it ascends the stairs. Waking from the dream I can’t help but dismiss the last one. I’m fourteen and I want nothing to do with that scene until much later. The day seems a little gloomy as clouds cover the sun, but looking around the room I can’t see Luna anywhere. Did she go home and rest? Laying back in my bed the most bubble voice comes from around the corner.

“Heeeeey Ashton are you awake yet?” Pinkie’s voice is followed by the nurses’ pleas for her to quiet down. This is the first time I’ve talked with only Pinkie Pie and nopony else. What is there to talk about? “Ashton, when is your birthday? I was talking to Twilight and when she didn’t know I went to everypony I know and they don’t know your birthday, and that made me really sad, but then I was like ‘GASP! I’ll just ask him myself!’ so I hurried over to find out your birthday and if you like cakes...” Is this what Pinkie Pie is like on a normal basis? Whatever she’s taking for that energy I want some of it.

“Well, when I was a human I was born on October twentieth.” Pinkie looks confused, of course she would be there’s no October in Equestria. I have to explain this to her so she can understand easier. “I was born at the end of fall beginning of winter near a holiday called Halloween where kids would Trick or Treat for candy.”

Pinkie’s face brightens up, did I explain it right or was it that I mentioned candy? This is one hyper mare. “You were born near Nightmare Night? What a great holiday, why it’s...” Yup, all she heard was ‘candy’ and it made her giddy. She must love sweets a lot to be that excited over just the mention of them.

A long grueling week passes by me, a week of healing spells and rest has . I can't believe how injured I was. The doctor comes into the room with a smile on his face followed by all my friends. he comes up to the bedside and reads the charts then nods his head. “Well it seems you will be able for discharge today. You are by far one of the fastest healing ponies I’ve even witnessed, but you had a lot of extra help from the Princesses and their healing magic.” The doctor unwraps the bandages slowly giving me time to think about how I got here and what I want to do after today. As the bandages unwrap from my wings the doctor gives me a very stern warning. “Stay off your wings for a few days or you’ll rebreak them, even with magic healing you you’re lucky to still have them.”

The doctor continues unwrapping my bandages but when he gets to my flank the room is filled with sudden gasps from everypony. What are they staring at? Do I have a disfiguring scare or something? “What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with me?” The look on their faces kind of worries me, what’s wrong with me that they all look like that. I stretch out my wings and inspect them but find nothing, that’s when I notice the Princesses smiling. What has caught their attention?

“Ashton, look!” Twilight moves a mirror to my side showing me something I never expected... a cutie mark! A dark blue dragon hovering over a white piece of crystal on my flank. When did this appear?

“How... Wha...” The words escape me, I'm not sure what to think or say. Did I get this from defeating the dragon or was this more of the magic from the Realm of Creation? The entire room erupts in cheers, myself included.

“A unique cutie mark for our friend, whom without we wouldn’t be standing here today.” Celestia appears from the doorway smiling. These words strike at my heart, I'm no hero... I caused them all pain and put them all through such peril all because of my selfishness. I don't deserve anything from them not after everything I've said.

“I'm not your hero, I can't even be your friend without thinking of myself. I caused you all pain and when you needed me the most I wasn't there.”

A loud smack is heard and my face now throbbing, something just hit my face with a lot of force. Looking to the side it came from I see Twilight with a look of anger on her face. A book is floating in the air between her and I as silence falls upon the room. She just smacked me as hard as she could with a book using her magic. “You were there when we needed you. You risked your life to save ours, who couldn't ask for a better friend? You spoke the truth to us and we never really took your feelings into consideration when we forced you into the house, we just hid you away. We are the terrible friends not you so don't you ever say otherwise again!”

Even though I put them all through that, they still called me a friend? Looking around the room, there are tears in everypony's eyes. I feel the tears forming in my own eyes now. Who knew these mares cared so much for me?

“I'm sorry!”

“Mighty sorry sugarcube.”

“Um.. sorry, please don't be mad.”

“Sorry dear.”

“Ashy, I'm sorry.”

A small silence comes over the room, suddenly Twilight gives Dash a mean look, kicking her in the rump swiftly to force her to say something.

“Ow, geez. Yeah, I'm sorry too.”

I feel a tear run down my check as it all sinks in, these mares care deeply for me as a friend and for me they are my new family, but I just never noticed until now.

Celestia sits down in front of me, looking down at me as tears drip off my cheek. “I'm sorry for hiding the truth from you so long, will you forgive me?”

There’s no doubt in my mind that I forgive everypony here. I used to only see the bad of the situation and not the good that went along with it, I was so lonely that I didn’t see the tears I brought to my friends until that orb showed me. “Of course I forgive you, all of you. Why would I charge at a dragon unless I already have? There is something you can do for me though.”

I motion for Celestia to come closer so I can whisper something to her. “Help me find a job once I’m able to come out of hiding, I need to stop relying on others so much.”

Celestia moves away from me silently thinking of an answer. She nods, standing up and then moving towards the door. As I get my things together the six mares that have taken care of me since I’ve came to this world. These mares more than anything have wanted to see me be taken care of but somewhere along the lines I took that as an insult. No longer am I angry about the thought of being taken care of but I do want a say in my own life, maybe now I’ll get that. The midday sun is beating down upon the walkway, the girls surround me so that I can’t be easily seen by the ponies in town. The destruction from the dragon is still visible but the ponies are rebuilding their homes and shops. Everypony is helping each other, you would never see this in the human world. As I walk with the girls back towards my home I can’t shake the thought of not going back to the human world.

As we reach the front door of my house the girls wave goodbye as they trot back to their homes for the day. Opening the door, I peer inside the house expecting it to be covered in dust, but it looks like it's been taken care of in my absence. Furniture has been dusted, floors swept, and even flowers with cards on the table all from my wonderful friends. Hoofsteps behind me startle me, I thought I was alone in the house, but as I turn around I find Twilight behind me.

“We wanted to make sure you knew that you are appreciated around here so while you were away we watched over your house in case you came back. Even though you’ve only been here a short while you are a special friend to all of us.”

I'm not sure how I should take all this. I ran off, said things I shouldn’t have, and they still tried to give me a home to return to. They truly are the best friends anyone can ask for.

“There is one pony that would never forgive you if you never came back.”

“Who?”

Twilight faces me with a smile turning towards the door as she answers.“Take a wild guess.” She trots out the door before I can say anything else, but I think I know who she's talking about. Luna... does she really care that much for me? Am I really that special to her? Does that mean what I think it does?

Time passes quickly as I read all the cards from the girls but the one that sticks with me the most is from Luna. Her emotions reach me in a way I never thought any could. Why was I so selfish? As I read the letter again her emotions are clear. I have to make it up to her somehow, but how? Ideas race across my mind but one sticks out, maybe I can get Celestia to raise the moon and stars as Luna and I watch. Before long the sun starts to set, but as I place the letter down on the table my front door is pushed open. As the door swings open it reveals Luna standing there with Twilight and Rarity. The three of them walk into the house slowly with an intimidating look on their faces.

“Uh... hello girls, what brings you here?” Backing slowly into the living room, I'm not sure what is going on but something is about to happen and I have an uneasy feeling about it. Why are they looking at me like that? Why is Rarity holding fabric with her magic?

“Twilight darling, can you please secure our friend while I measure him?”

“Of course.” Twilight smirks as she uses her magic to hold me in place. No matter how hard I struggle I can’t seem to break free. Luna is laughing as I struggle against Twilight’s spell.

“Twilight, this isn't fair! I don't come to your house and rearrange your books do I?!”

I hear snickering from around the room as I flail trying to break free. I’m glad somepony finds this funny because it feels weird not being able to move because of magic.

“Tough love Ashton, now quit squirming and it'll be over with quicker.”

Only thing I can do is surrender and let them do as they please, no matter how hard I kick and scream. “Fine...” I give up, not like I can break free from this spell anyway. What possessed these girls to barge into my house like this anyway? Rarity is stringing a measuring tape all over me, measuring my shoulders, neck, forelegs, back, and stomach. As she calls out measurements Twilight writes them down.

“...annnnnd Done!”

“Thanks for your cooperation, Ashton! Come on Princess Luna.”

“I didn’t cooperate you abducted me...”

They left the house trotting down the road towards the other end of town. What in the world is up with those mares? Well guess it doesn’t much matter now that that’s over with. I haven’t eatten anything since getting out of the Hospital I should probably eat something eat something. Going into the kitchen I suddenly can’t remember if I even have any food left. After looking in all the kitchen cupboards looking for anything there seems to be no food left in the house. I don’t guess they would stock some food in here since I was gone for a while, it would have spoiled. The front door creaks as it opens, light sounds are heard as they walk into the house, too soft to be made by hooves. Who has come to visit me at this hour?

“I'm in the kitchen!”

“Heeey Ashton, how ya doing man?” Spike walks into the kitchen waving with one hand and carrying a bucket full of something with the other.

“Hey Spike! Nothing right now, but I'd sure go for something to eat. I am starving.”

Spike walks up to the table and sets a bucket full of jewels on the table. He picks out a large yellow topaz and begins chewing on it making loud crunching sounds as he eats it. “You eat jewels?!”

“Well yeah, dragons eat gems. Didn’t you know that? Twilight told me you're part dragon or something and I thought we could eat some in peace without the girls around mano-a- mano. I tell you they have been really giddy about something since you all came home from the hospital.”

Eat gems? Doesn’t that hurt his teeth? Picking out a nice red ruby I wonder if I'm able to eat it without hurting myself. Chomping down slowly I find it rather easy to chew where normally it would be too hard and possibly break my teeth. It takes almost like strawberries, I didn’t know gems had a flavor. “Not bad Spike. I was kind of scared I was going to break a tooth on this.”

Spike looks confused. He wouldn’t understand that I came from a different world where gems are inedible. “Break a tooth? What are you talking about?”

I guess Twilight hasn’t told him everything yet. I should change the subject before he can ask anything else. “What does a topaz taste like?”

“Carrots, but they have an aftertaste of apples.”

Edible gems with a taste, if I ever thought I understodd this world something seems to throw me a curve ball each time. We eat and talk for what seems hours, but Spike is squirming around finally producing a belch of fire that turns into a scroll. Spike grabs the scroll reading it quickly. “That’s pretty cool. How does that work?”

Spike rolls up the scroll as he finishes reading it. “Princess Celestia sends mail through through magic to me to give to Twilight usually, but this one here is for you.” Spike sets the letter down on the table, grabbing his bucket. “Well I have more chores to do before Twilight gets back. I’ll come back tomorrow and we can hang out again, take care man.” Spike walks out the door then down the street towards the library.

The last bits of sunlight creep into the house as I make my way upstairs yawning as I walk upstairs. My friends, a smile comes to me as I fully embrace the fact that no matter what those mares and the princesses call me a friend. Climbing into bed I can’t help but remember how soft the clouds were but they don’t compare to the warmth of this bed. As the moon rises from the horizon I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.

As I awake into the morning sun, the day seem clear and the heavy air that used to be in this house is gone. The thoughts that weighed me down no longer hold me back. These ponies have given me something that in my old world I would have died trying to get, friends. I will do whatever I can to make sure they are never hurt again. Walking downstairs to the bathroom there’s a new wall mounted brush for me to straighten out my mane and also a mounted toothbrush so I can finally clean my teeth. Taking a long look in the mirror I wonder how Mom and Dad are doing, am I making their lives better by being here? I was nothing but a burden back then, but here I have friends, a house where I can open the windows, and I’m the most unique pony in this town. Dad always wanted me to be normal and happy, does this count? Knocking from the front door echoes down the hallway interrupting my thoughts. The door creeks open as I walk out of the bathroom letting the daylight into the house. Spike is standing in the foyer with Twilight, I’m glad she stopped by so I can get a letter sent to Celestia.

“How are you feeling today? Have your wounds healed completely?”

I haven’t noticed any pain, but I haven’t tried flying since coming home from the hospital. “I don’t feel like anything is bothering me at all, so I guess everything is okay although I haven’t tried to fly since that night.” Twilight seems concerned after I mentioned that night. Is she alright, she got hurt pretty bad by that dragon.

“Twilight, are you okay? You blocked that fireball and was knocked unconscious to save me from it.”

“You risked your life to save all of us and was put into the hospital. You worried us, we didn’t think you wouldn’t make it.” Twilight seems shaken thinking about the battle, was I really that close to death? Did I really survive or was it their magic that brought me back? I don’t understand this world’s magic or how it works completely but I am grateful. Zecora said the dragon came looking for me, why was it after me and why did they have to suffer from it? I slowly advert my eyes away from Twilight.

“I used to think this form I was given was a burden keeping me from living a normal life, but without this chaos magic that created what I am then I wouldn’t have attracted the dragon but I wouldn’t have been able to defeat it either. I’m unsure if i should feel like it’s my fault to begin with or if I should be grateful that it let me save you all.”

Twilight moves closer as I speak, as I think about why the dragon came for me my thoughts are interrupted by her caring nuzzle on the side of my face. “We all have our talents for some reason and I choose to believe that you saved us because you aren’t the kind of pony to put any of us in danger. Whether your power attracted it or not is not something you need to worry about just know that you saved us and take comfort in that. We are friends we look out for each other.”

My heart thumps with those words, as Twilight steps back some I can’t help but feel relieved of my depressing thoughts. I feel like I am forgetting something though as the silence envelops the room. “Oh! Twilight, is there a way I can contact Princess Celestia? I want to repay Princess Luna for all the help she’s given me and I need to show her the friendship you all have shown me, but I have no idea what I can do around here without being seen. Any ideas?”

Twilight, looks disappointed as I change the subject. Is something else on her mind? “I’ll send it to her as soon as I get home, but she may not respond right away since she’s been busy with her royal duties.” Another awkward silence comes over the room but my stomach rumbling breaks the silence. “Spike told me you were out of food. Good thing I brought some sandwiches over, if you don’t mind the company.”

“You both can stay as long as you want.”

“I’m not eating another bit of hay while I have that bucket full of delicious gems at home. I’ll see you both later.” Spike walks out the door, closing the door in a hurry to go eat those gems he likes so much.

Walking into the kitchen Twilight pulls out a large platter of sandwiches as I set plates on the table. Looking at this food makes me even hungrier than I was before.

Twilight is fidgety staring at the food in front of her. “I made these sandwiches for us today. Spike needed a break form always cooking for himself and me. I’m sorry if it’s not as good as his.” She almost seems nervous for me to eat the food she made.

Taking a quick bite, I can already tell that she tried her best but it doesn’t have the same flavor.

“This is pretty good!” The sandwich isn’t awful but it barely has any flavor to it. Twilight smiles as I continue eating the sandwich. The sun is starting to set as we finish our meal, I don’t know what Twilight has to do during a day but she seems to be happy spending time here with me.

“Hey Ashton, do you want to catch the moonrise with me before I have to head home?” Her voice almost seems timid, is she wanting some company tonight or something?

“Sure Twilight, where do you want to meet?”

“How about the hill north of Ponyville tonight at sunset, I’ll bring us some food to eat while there.” Smiling as she walks out of the kitchen towards the door. “I have to go home and prepare for tonight, I’ll see you tonight.” She trots happily out the door and down the street, what did I just agree to?

I only have an hour or two until the sun is below the horizon, maybe I should go freshen up. Walking out of the kitchen and down the hall towards the bathroom I really need to take a bath, entering the bathroom I prepare the tub for a short bath. Water fills the tub as I add soap to it. Sitting in the tub soaking away the stress for a little while I find it much easier to wash myself if I use my wings to help, still some areas just can’t be reached. Stepping out of the tub I can’t figure out how to dry myself off other than shake my body. I can’t breath fire on myself to dry off or the house will burn down, so I’ll just have to air dry as I fly. After brushing my hair and teeth once more I check outside through the window to see if anypony will notice me, but thankfully I see nopony on the street. Stepping outside I close the door and quickly take to the air trying to keep the speed down so I don’t go sonic again. Flying over the last section of Ponyville I see a familiar purple unicorn sitting on a hill by herself. Gliding down to her slowly I can see the basket and blanket she has prepared and suddenly I feel very anxious.

I say as I’m landing just behind the hill. As I walk up the hill I notice she’s writing on a piece of paper. “I hope you weren’t waiting long, Twilight.”

She puts the paper away into the basket. “Oh, I haven’t been here too long, we still have plenty of time before the moonrise.” She seems a little startled that I’m here now. Maybe I got here too soon, walking up along side of her I sit on the blanket, this has been the first social conversation we’ve had at length, why do we talk about? An awkward silence befalls the small hill, I’m really no good at these things.

“Ashton, can you do your fire breath for me? I’ve been practicing a spell to manipulate fire since that run-in we had with the dragon.”

“Sure, but don’t get in front of me, I still can’t control it completely.” Stepping forward away from the picnic, I try as hard as I can to make the fire come out but it just won’t. “I don’t know what’s going on, I was able to use it on command during the battle.”

She is observing me, slowly she walks forward. “Maybe you have to have the right emotions to use it effectively. Sometimes I teleport around if I’m emotionally unstable. Try focusing on the emotions you had that night act like you need to protect me if you have to.”

Closing my eyes I force images of the battle with the dragon and what emotions I had then. I had a large feeling of anger towards the dragon but I also had had the conviction of wanting to protect my friends no matter what the cost. As the images flash across my mind the realization comes to me, the fire comes from my fury. Not only did it come out at the dragon but also started around Celestia. I look directly at her. “I think the fire reacts to my fury. I could use it when I was trying to protect all of you and when I was upset at Princess Celestia. I don’t know if I can harness that emotion without a reason, but I’ll give it one last try.” Closing my eyes I focus on only one thing, protecting my friends no matter what comes. The more I drown out any self doubt the hotter I feel my throat getting.

Taking a deep breath I point my head to the sky as I breath out a steady stream of blue flames. “Yes, hold that for a few seconds.” She concentrates, quickly casting a spell on my fire contorting the pillar of flame into a beautiful spiraling cone of flames. I stop the flames to take a breather, I haven’t done that for a while and it is rather exhausting. “We did it! Now maybe we can combine my magic with your flames if we need to some other time.”

I look at her groggy from the energy I just spent breathing all that fire, she seems so excited and I’m happy for her. Walking back to the picnic I lay down on the cloth trying to rest before the sun completely disappears over the horizon. As I rest my head on the blanket Twilight places a sandwich in front of me. “I had Spike help me with these this time, I hope you don’t mind.”

Taking a small bite of the sandwich proves that Spike helped her with these, the taste is much different. Smiling as I swallow I face Twilight who is staring at the ground. “The sandwiches you made earlier were good enough for me.” She stares at the ground more intensely, but blushing heavily now. I really should give her something special since she did all this for me. I know! I’ll go super sonic as the moon rises over the horizon and light up the night sky for her. Waiting for the last bits of sunlight to fade from the skyline I brush up against her so she can hear me. “Watch the sky when the moon rises over the horizon, I want to show you something. Do me a favor and shine a light for me so I can see where you are in the dark?”

She nods her head as the darkness envelopes the sky. Taking off from the hill and fly as far as I can as fast as I can turning around to see a small purple light coming from back where I was. If I don’t time this right I’ll completely miss. No! I can do this! The white light of the moon rises over the horizon displaying the shadow of Canterlot Castle as it ascends. Taking off I beat my wings harder and faster focusing on my fury I had that night. The closer I get to Twilight the more determined I become and finally as I pass over I’m engulfed in flames as I go sonic. The blue flames light up the sky and even her sitting below me. I loop around trailing blue fire stopping in midair to make sure I don’t come close to burning her. When the flames go out it takes my eyes a bit to adjust to the light of the moon.

Flying slowly back to the picnic blanket she sits staring at me .“Ashton that was beautiful! What do you call that move?”

“I can’t cook so I did that as a ‘Thank You’ for you, but as far as a name I don’t have any for it.” I was able to do both of my special talents on command tonight. If I ever need to do it again I now know how to.

She sits staring at the sky that was just ablaze. “I got it, we should call it the Sonic Blue Blaze.” Smiling as she names my move, but in the back of my mind I hope she enjoyed the display. While I revel in being able to control my fire breath and Sonic Blue Blaze she kisses my cheek. “Thank you Ashton.” She scoots closer as the moon rises higher into the sky. “So how did you like my surprise?” I can’t see her but I know she’s smiling. I’m completely shocked, barely able to move, but I can feel the blood rushing to my head. What is this feeling, why is my heart pounding so hard?

Finally able to find words to answer her. “I liked it... but that was the first kiss I’ve even received.” I have feelings for Luna and Twilight? How will I choose which to date? I turn to face Twilight, looking her in the eyes. “Twilight you know I have feelings for Luna right?”

She nods slowly. “I know but I wanted to show my affection for you. You are special to me, not just because you saved my life but because I connected with you when we threw the party for you at your house. I’ll compete with Luna for you.”

Shaking my head at her, I think she misses the situation she put me in. “I now have to choose you or Luna and no matter who I choose somepony’s heart will break from not being chosen. I don’t want to hurt either of you and now if I don’t make a choice I’ll just hurt both of you.” Bowing my head as I finish explaining it to her, I stare at the ground.

She nuzzles my cheek softly. “Choose who you love and no pony else, but until you choose, you’re fair game.” She giggles as she says that, it’s almost like she’s enjoying this.

As the moon rises above Canterlot Castle Twilight starts packing up the plates and blanket. After she stuffs everything into the basket she lets out a yawn as she starts walking back to Ponyville. “Twilight, do you want me to fly you back to the Library?” What am I saying, I’ve never practiced carrying anything! Will I even be able to carry her back?

She turns around looking at me with concern. “Are you sure about this?” She has a right to be concerned, I’ve never carried another pony before.

“Sure, besides I’m a lot less tired than you are and you have a longer trip than I do if you walk. hope on, but hold onto the basket for me at least.” Squatting down so she can climb onto my back, she’s shaking a little as I stand up. My legs aren’t used to this weight but they aren’t buckling. “Hold on tight Twilight, loop your hooves around me.” As I feel her hooves wrap around me I flap my wings harder and harder until we take off. This is a lot harder than it looks, but we’re gaining speed.

“This feels so great! Is this what it feels like to fly all the time?” She seems to be enjoying this, I just hope I can make it to the library before my wings give out.

“Yeah, the wind in your mane is one of the best feelings in the world.” We pass over the first buildings of Ponyville, the library should be on the next street over. As we land in front of the library she seems like she’s completely worn out from our picnic.

I knock on the door slightly, waiting for Spike to open the door. “About time you gu...”

“Shhhh. She’s asleeep. Help me get her into bed, please.” Walking slowly and quietly into the house we head upstairs. Spike gets the bed ready as I walk up along side of it and slowly lay myself on the bed letting Twilight slide off my back, but she won’t let go of me. “Spike help me, she’s still got her hooves around me.”

“You’re on your own buddy, my blanket has been calling me for hours now.” Spike walks off frustrated. I think coming home this late woke him up. As he walks to the other end of the room Twilight finally releases her hold on me. I turn around grabbing the blanket making sure she’s covered up. As I let go of the blanket I notice she has a big smile on her face which in turn puts one on me. I’m glad she had fun, we both needed it after everything that’s happened but now I have a heavy choice to make sooner or later. Walking out of the house I close the door slowly. Trotting back home the only thing on my mind right now is I just had my first date.

The noon sun beams through the window onto my eyes waking me up. I slept in late today, but I was out late last night. Thinking about the date with Twilight a smile comes over me. Walking downstairs I see the letter I forgot to read from Celestia sitting on the table, with everything that happened it slipped my mind totally. Unrolling the letter on my table I hope it wasn’t too important.

“Ashton you are hereby invited to a celebration in your honor at the Ponyville Town Hall on the at sunset two days from now. At the end of the ceremonies I wish to have you and Rainbow Dash display your sonic boom techniques as the fireworks ignite.” Two days ago I got this message so that means tonight! I should have read this much earlier. I have plenty of time to get ready but I need to clean myself up before I can do anything, rushing into the bathroom I prepare a bath, brushing my teeth as I wait for the tub to fill. After bathing quickly I remember the heat I felt in my body from my emotions last night.Trying to evoke them again and dry off faster I feel no different, shaking off will have to do.

Knocks on my door surprise me as I walk out of the bathroom. I see Rarity standing behind the door as it opens. “Hello darling, are you ready to try on your suit?”

Standing there in confusion I’m not sure what she’s talking about. “What suit?” This must be what they abducted me for the other day.

Rarity motions for me to follow her outside. “Follow me dear, we need to hurry to my shop so i can make alterations if I need to.”

“Rarity, I’ll be seen if I go outside. I can’t go with you right now.” What is with her today, she seems a little rushed.

“It’s fine, I have a cloth to cover you with while we walk so nopony can see you. We need to hurry.” She quickly uses her magic to conceal me under a black cloth leaving only enough room for me to see directly in front of me. She takes off in a fast trot down the street with me following her every step of the way. As we walk in Fluttershy is standing over next to a mannequin that has a lovely midnight blue suit adorned with gems. “Isn’t it simply marvelous! I sewed silver into the threads of the fabric to make it shine like stars when light hits the suit from different angles and the dark blue fabric brings the out the color of your mane. I came up with every thing I could think of to make the suit fireproof and the gems even sparkle brightly as fire touches them.” She uses her magic to fit me inside the suit and to my surprise it breathes well leaving a lot of room for my wings. “You look fabulous darling!”

“Have you tested the fireproofing yet?” As I inspect the suit it amazes me she was able to make this in such short time. There’s an amount of quality in it that I have only seen in Rarity’s work. She must really love making clothes.

Rarity walks over to the suit to adjust it some more. “No we didn’t really have time but the fabric should be fireproof.” Celestia wants me to perform a Sonic Blue Blaze with Dash as the fireworks go off. Using what I practiced with Twilight I focus on my feelings of fury and breath a series of flames onto the suit, making sure it is fireproof. Rarity seems shocked I actually tried to set it on fire, her mouth is hanging wide open.

“Well at least we know for sure.” I don’t think Rarity is hearing my words right now she just keeps staring at me. “Sorry Rarity I didn’t want it to burn up tonight but I also love this suit. Thank you so much!”

Rarity removes the suit, making sure that nothing was set on fire and then places it back on me making sure it fits perfectly. “The seams here need to to be let out some.” She levitates the suit over to a sewing machine where she sews the suit back together again. As she puts the suit on me once again I have to say it fits much better. Rarity looks at where the wings slits are placed with a concerned eye. “Darling do you mind flapping your wings for me?” As I flap my wings vigorously she smiles as it passes her test. The sun is close to setting by the time Rarity puts the finishing touches on the suit.

Fluttershy walks over to the table Rarity is inspecting the suit one last time. “Um... Rarity it’s almost time, we should hurry.” She’s right, if we don’t hurry we’ll be late.

“I guess it will have to do then.” Rarity helps me get dressed as we hurry out the door. The streets are full of ponies all talking and walking to the town square. Rarity and Fluttershy both throw the black cloth over me once again covering me up as we trot to the Town Hall. The ponies of the town seem excited, chatting about the celebration tonight.

“What is this celebration for?”

“I don’t know. it’s about somepony I’ve never heard of.”

“Must be somepony special to get the Princess’ attention.”

When I read Celestia’s letter I thought it was a private celebration, what is she thinking? The closer we get to the Town Hall I notice a DJ table, a stage, and a graphic banner that simply says ‘Thank You’. Celestia... No, everypony must have been in on this, which makes me smile that I matter this much to my friends. As we walk up the stairs of the building the doors open quickly being rushed inside by the royal guards. As the doors behind us close Rarity and Fluttershy join the others in the group before me. The cloth is pulled off me by Rarity’s magic, revealing the beautiful suit she made for me. The sunlight that’s left shines onto the suit making the silver sparkle.

Celestia steps forward from the group. Walking towards the door as the music starts outside. “It's almost time, shall we move this out front?”

Follow everypony to the door where Twilight stops me. “Stay inside for just a bit longer, you'll know when you can come out.” The door closes in front of me and I stand there waiting, listening to what is happening outside. The music and commotion to cease almost instantly.

“Tonight we are here to celebrate an unnamed hero that defeated the crystal dragon and saved Ponyville, Equestria, and the lives of those you see before you. He has been living here secretly among you with my permission as we were afraid of the stigma of his race, but the time for secrets and fear is over. This pony isn't like any of you, he was brought here from another world and transformed into a dragon pony by chaos magic created by Discord, who created the race more than a millennium ago. Some of you may fear him at first for his power, but he deserves our respect after risking his life to make us all safe. For his service to Equestria, Ponyville, and his dedication to his friends he deserves to come out of hiding. Tonight we hold a celebration in his honor to celebrate our no longer secret protector. Allow me introduce Ashton!”

Listening to the words Celestia just said made me forget all the bad memories I have had since coming to this world. These friends of mine are priceless to me, and I would give anything in the world to stay by their side. The doors open up as Celestia finishes her speech, prompting me to come outside and stand on the stage next to my friends. As I walk out to the podium to stand next to Celestia many gasps at my appearance are heard across the crowd. Is it because of my suit or is it the horns and wings?

“This pony has endured the hardships since coming to this world but no longer will living a secret life be one of them. He is not to be feared no matter how different he is for without him Equestria would have been destroyed by the crystal dragon. Now, Princess Luna if you don't mind raising the moon so we may begin the festivies.” Luna nods as she makes a grand gesture raising the moon, bringing the stars out at the end of her ascent.

As we are waiting for Luna to land Dash leans in next to me. “Hey think you can keep up with me and give these people something bright to look at? We're going to go sonic above the crowd.”

“Keep up, heh let's see who goes the fastest!” I have no idea if I can even keep up, but it’ll be fun seeing how fast I can go to keep up with Dash.

“With the moon raised and the hero of the night present allow me one last announcement. Ashton for your heroics and to celebrate your new life here in Equestria we hereby give you full citizenship along with being Dragon Knight of the Royal Guard. Oh and one more thing, a new name to with your new life. Everypony welcome Blue Blaze.”

I’m almost too shocked for words. I’m a full citizen now. I have a royal job all thanks to my friends and the Princesses. “Thank you so much Celestia, this is more than I could ever ask for.” The only words I can find and they are the only ones I need.

Celestia leans down in between Dash and me. “How about giving the ponies here a show?

Dash nudges me as she takes off into the sky. Taking off as fast as I can we split up heading away from each other, turning around at the end of town. Going full speed going sonic right above the crowd the Sonic Blue Blaze and Sonic Rainboom send colors into the sky for miles. Coming back to the podium all I can hear is cheering from the crowd and my friends.

The party is going at full speed. Ponies are having fun eating, dancing, singing, and everything in between. I've never felt so special and I am proud to be called friend by these six mares and two princesses. As I walk through the crowd I am stopped in my tracks, somepony is using magic to keep me from moving any farther. I expect Twilight to be behind this but as I turn my head I find Luna.

“Seems you'll be working under me from now on Blue Blaze.”

One question rushes through my head but I already know the answer to it, but that doesn't mean I can't play around a bit.

“So it does. I wonder who asked Princess Celestia to hire me into the castle, but I have grown to like Ponyville even only seeing it from my house, do I have to move to Canterlot?”

Luna giggles as she lets her magical hold me go. Flapping my wings to save myself from falling to the ground I turned around to face Luna while landing.

“You don’t have to, but it would make it easier to... um... see each other.” She seems really shy about this, but this only makes my decision to choose which one harder.

Smiling at the joy this celebration has given me and deciding to put all serious thinking aside from now, I just have one request of her. “Princess Luna, would you mind teaching me how to dance as a pony?” Those words caught her off guard, she can't seem to stop blushing. Quietly she gives me her right hoof, giving me pointers as we dance to the music played by the DJ. I can slay dragons, break sound barriers, breath fire, but there's one thing I'll never get used; dancing with four left hooves. I’m glad I came to this world, even with it’s hardships I’m able to be useful here instead of being waited on each day by everyone.

Mom, Dad, I know you can’t hear me or my thoughts but I am truly happy here. I’m sorry I left you both without a word, but I have a chance to be normal here just like you both wanted. I used to hate my old world for limiting me so much but now I thank it, for without it I would have never come here.

First Fright of Nightmare Night

Walking the early afternoon streets of Ponyville of this clear fall day, a cool breeze darts past me. Thankful for the fur on my body, without which I would need a heavy coat. The ponies around town are busy putting up decorations for Nightmare Night. According to Pinkie, 'this is the best night ever', but I have a feeling it’s because that’s just because of all the free candy being passed out. I’ve gotten used to life in Ponyville since the ceremony two months ago, but I still get some stares because of my wings and horns. I was able to keep the house Celestia gave me when I first came to this world, but I had it fireproofed just in case I have a fire-related accident.

Walking down the street towards home, a flowing samurai costume in a store window catches my eye. Moving closer to the window I notice there’s a discount on the costume, only thirty bits. Wondering if it will fit me I venture inside to ask the store owner.

“Welcome to the...” The shop owner freezes in her tracks as she sees me at the door. “I’m so sorry sir, I did not know a member of the Royal Guard would grace my shop today.”

I have gotten used to this since Celestia revealed me to the town. “It’s okay miss, you don’t have to treat me so formally in fact I would prefer you didn’t. I’m just here to buy that costume out front but I want to ask if you can make sure it fits me first.”

She walks to the window, grabbing the costume in the window before returning. She puts the costume down on the counter grabbing a measuring tape before walking over to me. Standing there she’s trying to measure me without touching me. “Miss, don’t be so afraid to touch me if you need to. I’m not going to snap at you for touching me.” She lets out a big sigh and returns to measuring me this time not afraid to touch me as she goes.

She walks over to the counter placing the measuring tape on the counter. “It should fit, but I’ll have to cut out a place for your wings if you want use of them while wearing it.”

“That’s fine by me. How long is the alteration going to take and how much do I owe you?”

She presses buttons on the cash register, the sound of the mechanisms clinking away. “It’s thirty bits for the costume and fifteen for the alteration.” Reaching into my saddlebags I pull out my bag of coins giving her fifty bits. “Here’s your change sir.”

I push the change back to her. “Keep the rest as thanks for treating me like a normal pony.”

She puts the five bits into the register with a small smile. “Thank you sir. If you don’t mind waiting, this shouldn’t take too long.” She walks into the back room with the costume as I walk out the door to wait outside the store. The sky is aglow from the sun as it’s starting to set, but I’m quickly interrupted from my view by a familiar voice.

“It is you!” The voice startles me a bit, causing me to turn and see who was talking to me. “What are you doing out here Blaze?” Twilight is trotting her way to me carrying a bag with her magic.

“I just bought a costume for tonight, so I’m just waiting for the shop owner to finish the alterations on it.”

“Well, I have to hurry home and put the finishing touches on my costume for this year, I’ll see you tonight.” As she trots down the street I wonder what costume she’ll be wearing tonight. Time passes; I feel the grumbling of my stomach, I hope the shop owner hurries up so I can go home and eat before the sun goes down.

“Sir! Your costume is ready.” She finished the alteration pretty quickly, but I wonder if Rarity will be upset I didn’t let her do it instead.

Walking up to the counter I grab the costume placing it into my saddlebags making sure there’s nothing that could ruin damage it. “Thank you so much miss, have a wonderful evening!” Walking out of the shop and down the street the only thought on my mind right now is getting some food. Trotting home, the grumbling of my stomach gets louder, urging me to hurry. The sun is almost below the the horizon as I rush through the door of my house, leaving the door open as I viciously attack the cupboards gathering a clutch of daisies and two slices of bread.

The sound of rapid knocking and rustling armor disturb my meal. “Sir Blaze!” Scarfing down the rest of the sandwich I walk out to meet whoever is asking for me. Walking into the hallway the figure of a Royal Guard is standing at my door. I approach the Royal Guard, almost choking as I swallow the last bits of the sandwich. “Sir Blaze, Princess Celestia has requested your immediate presence at the castle.”

“Allow me to grab my saddlebags and I’ll follow you to the castle.” Grabbing my saddlebags from the kitchen we fly off to the castle with haste. The trip to the castle is eerily quiet as the sun disappears over the horizon. The castle gates open as we approach from the air, giving us a clear shot to the castle doors. The guards at the doors swing them open as I land in front; this must be urgent. Galloping down the massive hall I’m met by Celestia as she paces a small section of the hall. “I came as quick as I could Princess.”

“Come quickly, we must prepare for your assignment.” Following Celestia down the hall my mind races with possibilities of what could be so urgent on this night. We walk into a part of the castle I haven’t been to yet, the guards stationed at the doors wear dark colors and look very menacing. The crescent moon on the door make it clear to me, this is Luna’s side of the castle. The doors open as we draw closer, revealing a very intimidating looking chariot with Luna sitting upon it. Celestia leans down to me. “The Night Guard that were supposed to escort Luna to Ponyville for tonight’s festivities in Ponyville have gotten sick and cannot perform their duties. Luna herself requested your protection tonight, though it would be a good opportunity to show your worth to the rest of the guard. Make sure she has fun tonight, it is a night about her after all.” Celestia makes her exit, leaving me to escort Luna to Ponyville.

Walking up to Luna, I remind myself to be professional tonight when addressing her while we are in public view. Pausing at base of the Chariot, I bow to greet Luna. “Dragon Knight Blue Blaze at your service your Princess Luna.” She is wearing a dark hooded cloak enveloping her, refusing to acknowledge my presence. Setting my saddlebags down on the ground, retrieving my costume from the bags. “Princess, pardon me while I change into my costume for tonight.” Sliding the costume on, the Princess seems to finally shows some interest in my presence. Looking up at her I see a small smile, maybe being a little less formal would help her relax. “Luna, it’ll be okay. This is your night, so let’s make it fun.”

“You hath a way with words, fair Blaze.” Hidden under her cloak, her smile widens. Stepping onto the chariot we are rushed off to Ponyville. The night is chilly and the sky clear, the sky is black missing the stars and moon that should be there. Throwing off her hood; a glow comes form Luna as she casts a spell, slowly bringing the moon up into the sky and the stars appear across the sky as if a painter took a wide swipe with their brush.

Staring at the vast ocean of stars, I am enthralled by its charm. “The beauty of the night never fades, does it?” Luna leans against my left side, making my heart pound as the warmth of her body fills me. Twilight’s words soon fill my head. ‘You have to choose who you want to be with.’ Am I going to be able to choose so easily and will the other still be my friend? Shaking that thought out of my mind, I have to focus on making sure Luna is having fun tonight.

The Night Guard bring the chariot to a stop above the town center where we wait to descend. Gliding down to the surface, citizens take notice forming a circle around the spot I’m aiming for. As I land all commotion and music stops as they await an announcement. Standing up straight, then clearing my throat. “Citizens of Ponyville, Welcome the Princess of the Night, Princess Luna!” The volume I had to use almost took my voice away completely. Luna descends from the chariot landing beside me, her cloak turns into bats flying off into the night.

The mayor approaches her slowly, bowing just in front of Luna “Princess Luna, welcome to our humble celebration, please enjoy yourself.” I have barely met the mayor myself, but she seemed nice the few times I have been around.

“Thank thee madame mayor. Thy celebration will be most appreciated.” Luna walks off towards a group of ponies near the games section of the carnival. The ponies are eating food, dancing, and playing games like pumpkin chucking.

The closer we walk the better looks I get of the group, one pony wearing a purple mask, large hat, and purple tights trots over to Luna. “Princess Luna! Blaze!” The voice immediately gives it away. I would have never guessed that was Twilight until she spoke. “I’m so glad you both could make it, they are just about ready to start the storytelling of Nightmare Night.” The other ponies, whom I can now say are the other five of the troupe, trot over to us quickly.

The ponies around the stage fall silent as the mayor steps up to the podium. Luna walks walks off behind a building towards the woods, trying to catch up with her I round the corner but she is nowhere to be found. Frantically flying around the area looking for any sign of her. Good job Blaze, you lost the princess... I’m so dead... I have to ask the girls to help me, there’s no way around it. Quickly I find the girls where I last saw them, landing unable to catch my breath. Twilight trots over, putting a hoof on my back. “Blaze what’s wrong?”

“Princess... Luna... can’t find... anywhere.” I’m barely speak from anxiety, how could I fail the job I was given.

“Whoa there sugarcube, catch your breath then tell us what happened.”

“Princess Luna disappeared from my sight and I can’t find her anywhere!” Do I really care this much just because it was a job given to me? No, that’s not it at all. She’s a dear friend to me. I have to find her no matter what.

“Okay girls spread out and look for her, Blaze go with Rainbow Dash and check the Everfree Forest the rest of us will check the other parts of town.” Twilight rushes off towards the east side of town as she finishes giving out orders.

“Lets go Blaze.” Dash takes off towards the forest with me following close behind. We pass over many clearings of the forest but no sign of Luna, but suddenly Dash stops midair. “Look down there, someone in behind that statue.” We approach the statues and Dash is right, there’s a figure behind the statue. The statue is of a fearsome looking pony, but it is falling apart from years of neglect. “Hey there.” Dash slowly approaches whoever is behind the statue. Landing on the other side I slowly get closer to get a better look. To our surprise it’s just Fluttershy trembling behind the statue.

She seems like she hasn’t noticed us yet. “Fluttershy, you haven’t seen Princess Luna come by here have you?” She suddenly shoots me a sharp stare as those words reach her.

She’s barely able to move, whatever it was scared her deeply. “They took her away!” My attention is immediately peaked.

My anxiety quickly turned to fury, I could feel the fire wanting to escape inside me. “Who took her? Where did they go?” Fluttershy is trembling too hard, finally she points her hoof at the statue.

“You little foals won’t be able to save your precious princess from me.” Turning my attention to the statue I notice it’s not made of stone anymore and is looking directly at me. Immediately I take a defensive stance against this mare.

“Let Princess Luna go!” I focus my attention on the black mare, but if I’m not careful with how much fury I have I’ll end up burning Fluttershy and Dash; I have to get my emotions under control.

The black mare cackles loudly. “Surely you jest, you have no chance to compare to my power.”

I can’t hold it back anymore; the fire inside my throat starts spurting out as I breath. “Give Luna back, or so help me I’ll turn you to ash!”

She only cackles more at my efforts to intimidate her, sending a wave of darkness over the clearing. “You’ll never see your precious princess again!” She morphs into a black mist quickly retreating into the woods, vanishing from my sight.

Letting out a quick stomp in anger I turn my stare to the sky as I release a massive flame. “AHHHHHHHHHH!” Letting out all of my anger in a powerful burst. A sudden calm and quiet comes over the clearing as the flames dissipate. Preparing to take off to go after that black mare I feel a tug on my tail. Turning around Dash is standing there with a worried look on her face.

“Blaze, this is bad! That was Nightmare Moon, if she has the Princess we have to hurry! Follow me.” Dash takes off deeper into the forest under the treeline encouraging me to follow. Galloping as hard as we can we rush through the woods until we come up to a massive chasm. A lone rope bridge spans the chasm, but I don’t trust its weathered age, dash flies up and over the chasm with me in close pursuit continuing our fast pace to wherever dash is leading me to. Stone structures jut out along the path, fallen prey to the elements and lack of care. The path opens up to a clearing where the ruins of a castle stand in front of us, this place looks like it has been abandoned for hundreds of years.

“You foolish ponies, you’ll never defeat me!” Her voice is coming from behind us, when did she sneak up on us? Quickly turning around, meeting her gaze at me. She walks close to me cackling as she moves closer, closing my eyes the thought of losing Luna forever forces a tear down my cheek. The woods are quiet and the air still; nopony is making a sound. A light nuzzle is felt on my right cheek. “Thou is most adorable when flustered.” Opening my eyes in disbelief I see Nightmare Moon nuzzling me but her image shifts slowly into Luna.

“BUWHAHAHAHA! The look on your face was just priceless.” Dash is laughing so hard she can barely breath. “I can’t believe how easy it was to fool you.” She’s right, I fell right into their plan and I can’t help but laugh at my own silliness, but the laughter dies down. “We really should get back to town so everypony doesn’t worry.” Dash flies off back towards town, leaving Luna and I behind.

Luna steps back away from me, unfolding her wings as she prepares to fly. “Luna... I...” She folds her wings, turning to face me. “I was so scared of losing you. I know I was assigned to watch over you tonight, but if you would have just asked i would have come anyway because you’re...” The words are blocked, it feels like there is a lump in my throat causing the words to disappear. I stare at the ground hoping the words will be easier to say if I’m not looking at her. “You’re... special to me.”

The wind gusts from the flapping of her wings, snapping me out of my stupor and forcing me to play catch up with her. I’m not sure what to do, my feelings for Luna and Twilight are starting to make me feel bad for having any to begin with. This decision I have to make is weighing on me each time I see one of them, if choosing will make one of their hearts break how am I supposed to make a choice? Ponyville slowly comes into view, lit up by all their decorations with the ponies running around in costumes. The stirring emotions settle inside me as I take in the experiences from first Nightmare Night, even though I was tricked by everypony; I’ll have to repay the favor later.

Trouble on Hearth's Warming Eve

The snow of winter covers everything outside, the white fluff is serene yet reminds each one of us that food will be rationed until spring comes. Children are outside playing, even though I have no idea how they are actually throwing snowballs with hooves. The stone alterations on the house helped fireproof it, but it can’t keep the cold out; without my fireplace I would be freezing. Everywhere in town everypony is busy hanging decorations for Hearth’s Warming Eve, and my friends will be performing in a play showcasing the history of the holiday. I want to go see them all perform in Canterlot but I have been feeling weak as of late, maybe I should get some cold medicine before the sun sets. Putting on my winter coat, scarf, and hat I trot out the door heading down the street to the pharmacy. A sharp wind attacks me from behind, chilling me to the bone slowing my pace making it a much longer trip than I intended. I’m am exhausted as I reach the pharmacy, expending this much energy just to walk a short distance isn’t normal for me. Stepping inside the store reveals that only the pharmacist is present, walking up to him I feel a bit weak but brush it off to the cold outside.

“Do you have anything that will fight off a cold?”

The pharmacist steps behind the racks of medicine behind the counter, disappearing for a few minutes. The shelves rattle some as he searches for what he thinks can help me, returning with a single bottle.

“Take one of these each night, it should give you more energy as well as take care of that cold.”

My vision beings to blur some, making it hard to concentrate, I have to get home soon to get this medicine working. Opening the door, a brisk wind sends a chill down my spine as the cold wind saps the strength from me, making my walk home more arduous. Walking home, the energy is completely drained from my body; my vision fades as my legs buckle under me sending me crashing to the ground. Awaking in the Creation Realm again, but something is different since I was last here; a sense of dread hanging over me and I can’t help but feel like something is watching me.

“Well well well, look who came back to us. Why do you torture yourself so much, don’t you know this time of year is bad for you?”

“What do you mean it’s bad for me? I caught a cold and got careless about taking care of it, that can happen any time during a year.”

I don’t like how the black stallion plays tricks on me, he always tries to bring out my emotions.

“It’s quite simple really, a being of chaos such as yourself cannot hope to have any power on a holiday that is your magical polar opposite.”

I don’t like the tone he speaks in, but is what he is saying true?

“So I’m getting sick because of this holiday and it’s harmony magic?”

The space thunders with his laughter, echoing endlessly.

“Sick? HA! If you don’t get away from this ridiculous holiday you’ll be drained of chaos magic and die, the best part is you won’t have my other half to save you this time.”

This holiday is killing me?! Are chaos and harmony that destructive to each other? I’m unable to speak, everything he says may be a lie, but why tell me I’ll die if it was?

“Enjoy the time you have left, you’re almost too predictable it’s almost sad.”

His voice echoes in my mind as everything fades from sight, the murmuring of voices awakes me from that realm. Opening my eyes I spring up in my bed only to be held down by AJ.

“Whoa there, you gotta lay down and rest sugarcube.”

Looking around it seems I have been brought back home. The sound of hooves downstairs making their ascent directs my attention to the door, Fluttershy and Twilight are walking through my door with a bowl and the bottle of medicine I got earlier. Fluttershy puts a thermometer in my mouth as she waits for Twilight to put the bowl down next to my bed.

“You gave us quite the scare, good thing Twilight found you just after you passed out.”

After some time, Fluttershy pulls the thermometer out but a pale look comes over her face worrying Twilight a great deal.

“Fluttershy, what’s wrong? Is he running a high fever or something?”

“Um.. no, that’s the problem...”

Twilight takes hold of the thermometer bringing it to where she can read it.

“That’s impossible!”

“Can somepony explain what the hay is goin’ on ‘ere?”

Twilight begins shoveling what I hope is soup down my throat after reading the thermometer while Fluttershy whispers to AJ.

“Well dun just stand there, somepony call for a doctor!”

AJ makes it to my door before I can stop Twilight from shoveling me soup.

“Stop! A doctor can’t help with this... No one can help with this...”

All three of them look at me with confusion, they are silent as they wait for more.

“When I passed out, I was pulled into the Creation Realm again. The black stallion told me why I’m weak.”

Twilight puts the bowl down on the table next to my bed and AJ returns to the right side of my bed while Fluttershy hovers over me.

“What did he say? Did he tell you how to cure it?”

Twilight gazes at me inquisitively, half believing my words. None of them are prepared for what I have to say, I can’t make them worry about me.

“Since I was transformed into a being of chaos, the harmony magic of Hearth’s Warming Eve is draining my body of strength, he didn’t tell me a cure if there is one.”

The conversation with him rings in my head even now, if I don’t get away from the harmony magic I’ll die. If there was a way for me to escape this holiday I don’t have the strength anymore to achieve it now.

“Lets go talk to Zecora, she might be able to help ‘im more than we can.”

AJ and Fluttershy leave the bedroom, but Twilight pauses at the doorway. She’s standing there silent, her body shaking. Did she figure out what I was trying to hide? After a short while she gallops out of the room, the sound of them leaving the house echoes throughout the house. If what he said was true then I’ll die in two days, forgive me. Sadness of leaving my friends creeps over me as I turn my head towards the window. Peering outside, the falling snowflakes bring me some calm as the lack of energy forces my eyes closed. A vision of a snowy graveyard invades my dreams, all my friends encircle a grave on a hill. As they move away from it, the lettering of my name is clearly visible. Maniacal laughter screeches out of the somber scene as a long slender shadow rushes across the hill. The scene goes quiet as a voice I haven’t heard yet penetrates my mind.

“Watching you disobey the laws of Harmony will be entertaining, do make sure you survive long enough so I can enjoy this popcorn.”

The vision of my dream fades to white as sounds of my name being yelled echo in my ears, getting louder and louder.

“Blaze! WAKE UP! You HAVE to wake up!”

My eyes are almost too heavy to lift, the energy I have left is about drained. Focusing my sight in front of me the sight of Twilight, Zecora, Luna, and Celestia in my room surprises me. Using what’s left of my strength to fight off closing my eyes, if I fall asleep again it will be the last time I wake up.

“This is bad! We have to do something or we’ll lose him.”

The trembling in Twilight’s voice tell me she learned the secret I tried to keep. Trying to apologize to her proves pointless, almost all the strength has left my body .

“Coming across chaos magic in Equestria will be quite the quest, perhaps we should try healing him in the Everfree Forest.”

My body feels so heavy, the air cold as I cling to the last bits of strength I have left. The feeling of my body being levitated sends chills down my spine as I float over my bed. Blankets are wrapping around me as we hurry outside into the cold winter night, rushing through Ponyville towards the Everfree Forest. Twilight holds me in the air with a spell while Celestia and Luna follow behind flooding my near dead body with their magic as we speed past Fluttershy’s cottage. My eyes can’t keep up anymore as we enter the woods, everything becomes blurry as the trees fly past us. The feeling of cold hard stone is felt on the back of my head, as the glow of magic blinds me. Laying there blankly staring at the ceiling my vision sharpens, revealing the ruins of the old castle. Using what little I have of my strength left I move my head around seeing the mares pour as much magic into me as they can. Suddenly Luna stops casting her spell, galloping up to a pair of statues just down the hall, standing in front of them her body quivering from her emotions and the cold air.

“FATHER! If thou want to take him from us... from me... thou shall have to take my soul with his!”

The old castle walls shake as a loud booming laughter is heard from every direction.

“Luna, you would sacrifice much for some human who doesn’t belong in this world. He will die tonight, the harmony magic in the air is like poison to him.”

Twilight stops her spell as well, standing up with a large smirk on her face.

“Well sorry to upset you, but I am talented in all forms of magic including Discord’s chaos magic. I wasn’t just sitting around while he was wrecking havoc on Equestria!”

She turns towards me casting a spell, completely engulfing me in a fire of many colors. Celestia and Zecora back away quickly so they are not sorched by the flames of chaos. The fire is warm, but it doesn’t burn me as I thought it would. As Twilight keeps pouring fire at me the energy I had lost before is pouring into me.

“No! Leave him to his demise!”

“No Father, his fate is ours’ to help guide. We will protect him from thou!”

“Fine! Have the boy this night, but it will not stop his fate. Prolong his death however much you want, it changes nothing.”

Twilight continues to pour fires of chaos onto me, giving me the strength to sit up again, wobbling a bit sitting on the floor trying to keep my balance as I escape death this night. Chaos magic made me come to this world and made me into this dragon pony and harmony magic about killed me tonight, will I be able to survive in this world if my body rejects harmony so violently?

“Thank... you Twilight...”

The amount of effort I have to put into each word is staggering, almost sending me back to the floor.

“ all of you... if you hadn’t been here... I wouldn’t have survive this night.”

Celestia glares at the statues down the hall, with my vision focusing they look just like the stallion and mare from the other realm. Are they really the parents of Celestia and Luna?

“Seems Father wished to take your life tonight, he’s not supposed to meddle in our affairs from his realm. He knows something we do not, and if we do not figure it out the next time could kill you. There has to be something we can do to block his influence on you.”

The wind blows through the ruins, sending cold air swirling down the hall. With some of my strength returned to me by Twilight we are able to walk slowly home but the feeling of being watched comes over me. Turning around quickly I see a blurred image of the white mare.

“Good luck. You may yet survive this trial.”

Her voice is clear, speaking directly to my mind. No matter what he has planned for me, I will survive to protect these friends I hold so dear.

Winter of Discord

The cloudy winter afternoon gives off a somber energy to the town, no foals are out playing for fear of being caught in a storm. Sitting in the living room the images of that night haunt me with every chance they get, if I didn’t have my friends there I would have died that night. The voices of that night echo in my mind as clear as they were spoken, sending chills down my spine as they echo across my memories. The room falls cold, the flickering of the fire’s light fades as the flames disappear. Putting logs on the smoldering ashes the fire refuses to relight, standing back from the fireplace bracing myself to use my fire breath. Trying as hard as I can to produce the fire I feel nothing as I would before, the heat in my throat is vacant from my attempts.

“What in Equestria are you doing?”

In my labored attempts to breath fire I didn’t notice Twilight had come into the house. Defeated by my inability to use my fire breath I sullenly return to my chair. It’s already been two weeks since then and I feel like my health hasn’t improved at all even though Hearth’s Warming Eve’s magic isn’t as powerful anymore.

“No matter how hard I try, I can’t produce a flame since that night...”

Surely he has something to do with this, is this what he meant by it wouldn’t change my fate? His thunderous voice booms in my mind mocking me as I laid there dying. Why am I being targeted by him, what is so wrong with me being in this world that he has to eradicate me?

“You were near death, it might take you a while to get back on your feet. Don’t worry so much about your flames and just focus on what you can do.”

What am I supposed to do, my flame made me special, giving the ability to protect everypony. I’m the Dragon Knight of Equestria but I can’t fight anything that may threaten Equestria without my flame breath. I know she’s trying to cheer me up, but what if another crystal dragon finds its way here when I’m unable to fend it off.

“I do have some good news though, if you want to hear.”

“Sure, the day can’t possibly get worse.”

Sitting down next to the fireplace, a loud roar whooshes past me knocking me over. The air is hot, making it very hard breath. Looking around, the fire place is sparking with the light of a new flame. Did she really just toss a magic fireball pass my head?

“What are you thinking Twilight?!”

Wobbling as I sit back up, surprised at own reaction to fire. Even back before Hearth’s Warming Eve fire never gave me this reaction, what is happening to me? The holiday has passed but I’m still weak as a foal and now the heat of a flame affects me.

“Since when do you fear fire? What the hay happened to you?”
“I don’t really want to talk about it, can we drop it?”

The sound of her hooves clopping against the stone floor as she walks closer to me. I can’t bring myself to look her in the eyes without forcing myself to talk about it. She softly nuzzles the left side of my face.

“Well about that good news how about I keep it a surprise and you just follow me?”

She leaves no room to decline, lifting me up on my hooves with her magic.

“I’ll give you a hint, it involves giving you back which you’ve lost. It will take some time to get there though.”

Those words catch my immediate attention, does she really know how to bring my flames back? Rushing to get my winter clothing, thoughts flood my head of what kind of trials I’ll have to endure to get my flames back and the eerie feeling of being watched follows me no matter where I go. Taking my saddlebags into the kitchen I quickly fill them with food, as I don’t know how long this will take or what kind of weather we face.

“I have everything I need, can you leave a note on the table in case somepony comes to visit me while we’re gone?”

Her magic sends the pen flying across the parchment on the table. As the pen rests on the table we hurry out the door into the cold air as the sun sets across the western sky. Twilight trots ahead as I close the door behind us, making sure that I have everything we trot toward the western exit of Ponyville. The feeling of being watched follows me still, it’s almost as if they are very close yet still miles away at the same time.

“We have a long trip ahead of us, are you sure you have everything you need?”

She stands in the middle of the road, hooves planted with a stern stance about her. I’ve seen her serious side before, but this seems different.

“I have food for about a week, will that be enough or should we get more?”

Refusing to answer the question she regains her pace as we follow the road south that runs alongside the Equestria Rail tracks. The cold air saps my strength as we trot down the road, and the air only gets colder as the sun disappears behind the horizon. My pace deadens as I’m unable to catch my breath in the cold night air. The sound of Twilight’s hooves stops ahead of me, she must have heard me stop.

“Twi... light... can we stop... I don’t...”

My vision blurs, making me nauseous just having my eyes open.

“Blaze, come rest here in this clearing, I’ll use my magic to guide you.”

The feeling of her magic enveloping me helps ease the nausea as I move towards the sound of her voice.

“Almost... just a little farther... there, rest while I build a fire.”
The sound of logs clinking together as she hurriedly builds a fire to help ease my symptoms. The sound and light of a flame quickly surround us in the clearing, the heat is almost unbearable to me, does this mean the chaos magic inside me is almost drained again? Something doesn’t seem quite right about all this, but without my focus it’s hard to pinpoint anything. Closing my eyes to prevent some nausea the feeling of a warm body up brushes up against me.

“Everything will be better once we reach our destination, until then I’ll help keep you warm.”

Twilight must have laid down next to me while my focus was fading in and out. A soft cloth drapes over us both, probably that of a quilt as we lay next to the fire drifting off to sleep. The dream world eludes me as a still blackness invades my mind, the feeling of being watched follows me even here and makes it hard to rest. The sound of a voice unfamiliar to me echoes across the black stillness.

“Once he arrives, we’ll have everything we need. Now, begone!”

The dark world shakes with the power in these words, the voice seems to come from every direction but isn’t aimed at me. As the echo fades the light of the fire wakes me, was that voice in my head? Twilight is awake getting more wood for the fire. My vision isn’t as blurred making it easier to keep my eyes open.

“Sorry, did I wake you?”

She seems a bit surprised I’m awake right now, with my senses returning to me I can almost feel eyes stabbing me like daggers from afar. Still groggy from my sleep I look around attempting to find the source of my paranoia.

“Was someone here just now?”

My question seems to catch her off-guard, stopping her in her tracks.

“Nopony else was here, are you sure you weren’t dreaming?”

Maybe she’s right, but a strange feeling engulfs me that I just can’t shake. Twilight throws a few logs on the fire, giving it enough fuel for the rest of the night. She lifts the blanket with her magic, laying down against me at my side. A twinge of hunger hits me as she nuzzles my side, searching my left bag for a large apple. The sound of her magic being used hits my ears as a large apple is pulled out of my bag. This whole trip is because of her wanting to help me, am I that special to her that she’d go this far out of her way to help? Turning to face this wonderful mare, I have to thank her properly.

“Thanks Twilight, you’ve done so much to help me I don’t know...”

My words are stopped as she gazes into my eyes, my heart thumps hard being given away by our closeness. Her heartbeat is felt by me causing mine to intensify. Does this mean my heart has chosen her, how do i even know? My thoughts are interrupted as she lunges towards me and embraces my lips with hers. A rush of emotions rush within me, but a feeling of dizziness comes over me as a sharp pain attacks my head. She nuzzles my face, looking happily at me.
“That was sudden.”

I’m almost too shocked to speak.

“You say that like you didn’t enjoy it.”

“I’m not saying I didn’t, it’s just...”

Dizziness overtakes me and causes my head to wobble.

“Hurry and eat your apple Blaze, we have a long trip tomorrow and you’ll need every ounce of strength left.”

She holds the apple up with her magic as I take bites from it, the food helps calm me some. She plants another kiss onto my right cheek, this time it causes less of a reaction but still makes my heart race.

“You’re so cute when you’re shy like this.”

Is she mocking me or giving me a compliment? With the apple finished I lay my head down and close my eyes wondering what my dreams will hold for me again this night.

“Beware Bewaaaaaare!”

The strange voice startles me, waking me into another black space.

“You will feel great sadness this day!”

The voice echoes across the emptiness, with an air of importance. The voice fades away without any explanation. The dead air give way to sounds of Twilight’s voice.

“Blaze. Blaaaze, wake up.”

The feeling of her muzzle nudging my cheek pulls me back to reality, slowly opening my eyes I feel somewhat better than the day before.

“Good morning sleepyhead.”

She leans in and steals another kiss from me, making my adrenaline rush through me. A headache begins to form, causing me to cringe a bit.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing Twilight, I’m just... not used to that yet, but the headache sure doesn’t help.”

With her horn glowing pointing right at me, my headache seems to fade. The glow on her horn seems a little different today though, is she using a new spell on me or something? When the glow fades a smell hits my nose causing my hunger to skyrocket.

“That smells delicious!”

The sound of metal clanging together fills the clearing as a spoon controlled by magic stirs a pot over the fire.

“It’s vegetable soup, hopefully it’ll give you energy. We’ll need every bit we can get when we set out today.”

She pours some of the soup from the pot into a wooden bowl and sets it down in front of me. The smell is intoxicating, causing my stomach to burst into song about the meal.

“Thank you Twilight, for everything.”

I can feel emotions rushing over me, this mare cares so much for me. Thoughts of if we can live a life like this after we do whatever it is we came on this journey for; of being together with Twilight.

“If you don’t eat it soon it’ll be too cold.”

The cold air seeps in as those words reach me causing me to shiver. Quickly slurping some soup, the flavor is beyond words but delicious will have to suffice. I have never had such great tasting soup in all my days, human or not.

“Geez Blaze, slow down or you’ll get indigestion.”

I can’t help myself, the soup tastes so good. I never knew she could cook so well, I could get used to this. Finishing off my portion of the soup, an energy I haven’t had for days comes over me. Why now of all times do I have energy? Is she healing me in my sleep, or is there something about being away from Ponyville that is letting me recharge?

“It’s time to set out, we should hurry to make up for lost time.”

Twilight gathers everything up with great haste using her magic, even putting the fire out letting the cold seep in making me shiver. Putting my coat on, images of last night invade my mind. A happiness I have never felt before fills me, making my heart pound as I remember more vividly stopping my progress.

“Blaze! Come on, you can’t sit there and just daydream.”

Her voice snaps me out of my daydream focusing me on the task at hand, our journey to somewhere unknown to me. For the first time in a long time I’m looking forward to this trip, no matter what it brings I feel in my heart this is worth any effort expended, but strangely that headache keeps pounding the more I think about what happened last night. The pain is bearable, but it’s slowly getting worse the more I think about it. The cold must be getting to me. With everything packed away, Twilight peaks out of the clearing motioning for me to follow, the journey continues.
We set out before noon, now it’s almost sunset and my hooves are sore; what I wouldn’t give to be able to fly right now. Stopping for a small snack out of my bags Twilight perches herself on a rock facing towards what is called the ‘Badlands’ on maps.

“We’re almost there, once we get into the Badlands we'll be able to rest in abandoned ruins.”

“What is it we’re looking...”

A large purple ball flies past us both stunning me at it’s size, the sound of flapping wings and galloping hooves behind us take me by surprise. Twilight looks behind me with a large smirk on her face, the air suddenly changes feeling dark and heavy.

“You’ve gone far enough, give back our friend!”

Why is Twilight’s voice coming from behind me when she’s standing in front of me? Is this some sort of prank?

“Thou hast fooled us this day, but thou trickery is done this night, Chrysalis!”