Apex Is Coming

I remember Celestia saying that she’d send a letter as soon as she could. But I wasn’t expecting her to take her sweet time.

After three days of doing nothing, I eventually lost my wings. Apparently, there was a spell that allows people to walk on clouds that I could have used. Which of course, lead to a massive argument between me and Christmas. I mean, she did give me wings that I detested.

Rainbow was disappointed that she didn’t get the chance to teach me how to fly. But I didn’t care because I refused to be in public with those wings.

But after three days of just lounging around, I was starting to get bored, so I decided to chill in Ponyville instead. Of course, every time I wanted to go, Christmas had to come with me. I didn’t mind the first couple of times, but then she started judging the things did.

“You truly disgust me.” Christmas angrily whispered from behind me.

“Blow me.” I whispered back. “You did a perfect job, Rarity!” I shouted.

During my stay with Rainbow, we ended up having a really awkward conversation about my hair color. She apparently thought I dyed it purple because I lived with Twilight at the time. After I debunked her theory, she seemed disappointed for some reason. I truly didn’t want to dye my hair like a flipping rainbow, mainly because it reminded me of a person I couldn’t remember the name of. So instead, I decided to do something different for her.

When I entered Ponyville for the first time in three days, the first thing I did was ask Rarity to make me some new clothes. Apparently, she’s really generous, so of course I was going to exploit it.

Unluckily, for me Christmas realized what I was doing and tried to stop it. But I made the very good point of saying that I didn’t have any extra clothing, and I needed some made badly. I was stuck with only two shirts and a two pairs of pants.

I told Rarity to make me a bunch of sweatpants, long sleeve shirts, and underwear. All being different colors. But that wasn’t the main thing I wanted. I had to show Rarity how to make a hoodie.

“I knew you’d like it!” Rarity beamed. “But are you sure you wanted this for the design?”

Currently, Christmas, Rarity, and I, were standing over Rarity’s newest creative creation. “Yes, it’s exactly how I wanted it.” I reassured Rarity. “Also, you didn’t have to rush it. I mean you made all that in two days.” I pointed behind me at the stack of clothing.

Christmas and I came back two days later, we came to see how she was doing on the clothing. And to our surprise, she was done with everything.

“Nonsense dear. I can’t leave a friend in need.” I shrugged. I appreciated her, but I still wouldn’t classify her as a friend.

“Why don’t you try it on?” Christmas asked from behind me.

“Yeah, I probably should.” I quickly took off my shirt and threw it behind me. “Now or never.” I muttered.

I grabbed the hoodie, quickly slid it on, and started posing in front of the mares with it. Rarity looked impressed while Christmas looked annoyed. “You look marvelous, Saint.” Rarity praised. I watched as Rarity’s horn began glowing. “Take a look.” She levitated over a body mirror in front of me.

The hoodie was almost entirely black, having black strings with cyan coloring at their ends. In the center of the hoodie was Rainbow’s cutie mark, outlined with a black trim just slightly darker than the hoodie itself. Her cutie mark depicted a cloud with a rainbow lighting strike.

I spun around to see the back off it. The only thing on the back were the initials R.D., both in cyan coloring. “I look amazing.” I finished by throwing the hood on. Having my hood and glasses on made me look extremely suspicious. But then again I didn’t care.

“You certainly do!” Rarity praised.

“You still look ugly.” Christmas muttered.

“Fuck you.” I directed my message towards Christmas. “Mad cause it’s not your cutie mark?”

“I’d be disgusted if you wore my cutie mark.” Christmas spat at me.

I rolled my eye and looked back at Rarity. “Ignore this hater.” I pointed at Christmas. “Wait, actually, Rarity, what’s your cutie mark?”

“You mean you don’t know?” She cocked her head to the side with a confused expression.

“I try to avoid staring in that general area.” I explained.

“That’s very gentlemanly, Saint.” She then turned to the side exposing her cutie mark. “But I have no problem with you looking at my cutie mark.” Her cutie mark was simple, it was just three diamonds.

“You should make one like that. Just instead of initials just put your name in cursive.” I finished by pointing at my back.

“That’s genius, Saint!” Rarity then trotted over to a desk with a bunch of fabric on it. “I’ll work on it right away.”

“No, that’s perfectly fine, just take your time.” I spoke before she already began working on it.

“But I must see what it would look like! I’ve never thought to use my cutie mark as a design.” Rarity protested.

“If you say so.” I muttered. I turned and began walking towards the exit of the boutique, but not before grabbing my pile of extra clothing and the shirt I threw behind me. “Let’s bounce, Christmas.” I called before exiting.

Once Christmas and I were outside, I instantly threw all of my clothing at Christmas. She reacted instantly, catching all of my clothing in her magical grasp. “I’d appreciate it if you stopped treating me like a maid.”

“I’d appreciate you not being a cunt.” I turned to face her with a glare.

“You’re abusing her generosity.” Christmas had a point. I definitely was, but I didn’t care.

“Anyways,” I turned back around and pointed ahead of us. “Onto the next task.”

During my welcome party, I remember asking Fluttershy if she knew any manticores, and to surprise, she actually said yes. I wanted to thank the manticores for directing me here. I’d feel bad if I never got the chance to properly show them my appreciation. I was mainly just hoping that she could direct me to their den or whatever.

“Do you remember the way?” Christmas asked while trotting up to my side.

I frowned as I realized I didn’t. “No,” I turned to look at Christmas with a sheepish smile. “Lead the way.”

She sighed, but eventually walked ahead of me. “If you try to run off, I’ll drag you around Ponyville.”

“Wasn’t planning on it.” I instantly replied.

The walk to Fluttershy’s place was boring. Christmas and I never said a word, so it made things very awkward. We crossed over a little bridge and began walking up to Fluttershy’s door.

I noticed something odd while walking up to the door. Outside of her house were a variety of animals, all looking at me with curiosity in their eyes. Birds were perched on the many bird-houses hanging from her house. Squirrels sat next to the window sills of her house, and bunnies were huddled together next to a little garden.

Fluttershy’s house was definitely odd. It was like a tiny little hut with a bunch of grass completely covering her roof. I personally wouldn’t live here, but it seemed perfect for someone like her.

I tried my hardest to ignore the animals as I began knocking gently on her door. “Why are we here again?” Christmas whispered.

“Personal reasons.” I whispered back. The sound of birds chirping and animals scurrying could be heard behind the door. But eventually, the sound of hooves could be heard.

Seconds later, Fluttershy’s door opened, revealing Fluttershy herself. She gasped when she saw me, and with a frightened expression, asked, “Is that you Saint?” with a frightened voice scarcely above a whisper.

I was confused by her reaction. “Yes, why would-“ I cut myself off as I realized why she couldn’t identify me. I quickly flipped my hood back, revealing my face, before beginning to scratch the back of my head. “Sorry about that. Maybe I shouldn’t have my hood on while walking through Ponyville.”

Fluttershy relaxed and smiled at me. “Hi Saint... sorry I couldn’t tell it was you.”

“All good.” I pointed at Christmas and put on a fake smile. “This is my friend Christmas.” I almost threw up just from calling her a ‘friend’.

Fluttershy looked at Christmas, she instantly lowered her head, her hair covering her eyes. “Hi,” She whispered, so quiet that I almost didn’t catch it.

“Hello.” Christmas spoke sternly, causing Fluttershy to shudder slightly.

I rolled my eye and stepped forward before the conversation became awkward. “Fluttershy, remember my welcome party?”

Fluttershy looked back at me and had an adorable smile on her face. “Of course I do, it certainly was an enjoyable party.”

“Yeah, definitely. But remember towards the end when I asked you if you knew any manticores?”

“Yes, of course I do.” Fluttershy didn’t hesitate in responding.

“You able to describe what they look like?” I asked.

Fluttershy hummed for a couple seconds before responding. “Of course I can. I know one that has reddish coa-“

“Let me ask a different question.” I cut in before she could go any further. “Do you know a pair of them, like a mother and daughter?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I do, they both have such beautiful white coats.” She finished with a grin.

“Cool, is it possible for me to meet them? They helped me when I needed it.” I finished with a grin as well.

Fluttershy nodded a couple of times before responding. “Of course there is. Just let me grab a few things before we go.”

“Sure, take your time.” Fluttershy nodded once more and went back inside her house. I turned to face Christmas, she was wearing an annoyed expression. “What’s your problem?” I asked.

“Are you going to abuse her kindness?” She asked, changing her annoyed expression into one of anger.

I frowned as I shook my head. “God no. She’s adorable. I’m a dickhead, but I’m not evil.”

“So you don’t take advantage of the ponies you find ‘adorable’?” Christmas asked while cocking her head to the side.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “Now shut up.” Christmas began muttering something under her breath. “What was that?”

“I said you’re an irrespo-“ I cut off Christmas as I started pulling on her ear. “Ow! Let me go!”

She started shaking her head while trying to pull away from me. “I’m not letting go till you say sorry.” I demanded.

“No! What about all the rude things you say to me!” She protested.

“I’ve never said anything rude to you!” I said sarcastically. “Name one thing.”

Christmas stopped struggling and instead glared at me. “Earlier you told me to ‘blow you’.”

“And?” I decide to let go off her ear. I crossed both of my arms and gave her a stern look. “I’ll let you go since I’m nice.”

Christmas snorted while looking away from me. “Cunt.” I muttered just loud enough for her to hear.

Christmas instantly spun around and glared at me with intense hatred. “I hate you.”

“Love you too.” I started rubbing her head. Eventually, she swatted my hand away with a hoof. I shrugged as I decided to leave her alone for the time being.

Minutes later, Fluttershy came out of her house wearing a saddle bag. “I’m ready.”

I nodded while gesturing for her to lead the way. “After you.”

Fluttershy nodded while trotting ahead of us. Christmas and I stayed a couple of yards behind her and began whispering to each other. “So why are you trying to meet manticores? I’m supposed to defend you, but I can’t protect you from a suicide attempt.” Christmas whispered.

“The day I become suicidal is the day I lose it all.... but don’t worry, they’re actually nice.” I whispered back.

“What do you mean by ‘lose it all’?” Christmas asked.

“Hey look, we’re entering the forest!” I shouted, completely avoiding the question.

Fluttershy lead us down a path into the creepy forest. Unlike the last time I was here, the forest was brighter and soothing. I quickly sped up and walked side by side with Fluttershy. “Do you usually enter the forest alone?” I asked.

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, I’ve always been scared to come in here alone. But I’ve gotten better, I can walk the path to Zecora's now if I want to.”

I didn’t know who that was, and I didn’t want to know either. He or she sounded like they could curse me if I mispronounced their name. “Yeah, this forest is pretty scary.” I muttered.

“What are the forests like from your world?” Christmas asked from behind me.

“Well,” I started scratching the back of my head. “They’re exactly like yours, minus all of the deadly creatures. We don’t have things like manticores for starters.”

“Really? What kind of animals do you have in your forests!?” Fluttershy sounded really excited for some reason.

“Well it kinda depends. Most of them have deers, bears, foxes, and squirrels.” I’ve rarely been inside forests. A majority of the time that I’m in one is because I’m chasing a member from REMEMBER.

“I think I’d love to visit your world's forests one day, Saint.” Fluttershy claimed. I chose not to respond to that.

After walking down the path for a few minutes, we ended up taking a turn and began walking through the forest. After carefully stepping over exposed roots and other things that could trip me, we eventually made it to a clearing. “Now what?” I asked.

Fluttershy ignored me as she started rummaging through her bags. Moments later, she pulled out a red whistle. “Is that a manticore whistle?” Christmas asked from my side.

“Yes, they should hear it and come to it,” Fluttershy explained.

“Wouldn’t that attract the attention of other manticores?” The last thing I needed was to outrun another manticore.

“No, most tend to avoid them. But those two will come to the whistle. Sorry, but it might take a few minutes.”

“Take your time.” I reassured Fluttershy. I watched as she nodded and began blowing into the whistle.

The whistle wasn’t as loud as I was expecting it to be. Instead, it was more of a low whistle that you would do to get someone’s attention. My concentration on the whistle was ruined as Christmas nudged me. “What?” I asked while looking down at her.

“Are you positive they’re friendly?” Christmas whispered.

I sighed while nodding. “Yes, you’ll be fine, you’re a unicorn guard, just zap them if you feel threatened.”

Christmas rolled her eyes while adjusting her glasses with a hoof. “Being a unicorn doesn’t make you invincible. And carrying your clothing around makes it harder to cast spells.” She finished by shaking my clothes around in the air.

I rolled my eye and looked back at Fluttershy, who was currently taking a breath of air. “This is going to take a while.” I muttered.

I don’t know how long I’ve been staring at Fluttershy. She definitely was the most adorable of the ponies I knew, but she wasn’t the cutest. I believe Twilight, when she’s learning something new, is the cutest thing possible. That’s another reason why I can’t wait to go on that mission with Shining. I’m hoping I could earn Twilight’s trust again by helping this country.

My train of thought was ruined as I felt Christmas nudge me once more. “Is that them?” She whispered.

I looked down at her with a frown. “Why the fuck are you whispering?” I spat at her. I ignored her reaction as I looked back up towards Fluttershy.

To my surprise, the manticores who helped me were standing directly in front of Fluttershy. I smiled as I began walking up to them. “Yo!” I called as I reached them.

The mother manticore looked confused while the daughter looked ecstatic. “Umm... Saint can you help me?” Fluttershy whispered to me.

I looked down at her and she was looking up to me with a blush. “With?” I asked. Fluttershy pointed a hoof behind her at her saddle bags.

I nodded once and opened one of her saddle bags. And to my surprise, there was an entire fish inside. “What the?” I muttered. I grabbed the fish by its tail and held it in the air. “What do I do with this?”

“Feed them of course.” Fluttershy explained. I shrugged and tossed the first fish at the mother manticore. I didn’t want to watch a manticore devour a fish, so I instantly looked back at Fluttershy’s bag. I opened the second bag and pulled out the second fish. This time I tossed it at the daughter.

After a few minutes the fish were nothing but bones. And I took this opportunity to step forward. “I just wanted to say thanks for practically saving me.” The mother manticore had an unreadable expression while the daughter was wearing a smile. “I definitely owe you one.” I lowered my glasses and winked with my only working eye.

The mother got the message because she nodded her head slightly. I forgot that manticores are a mute race. So I bet ponies don’t even know that they can talk. “Now,” I turned around and fixed my glasses. “Let’s bounce.”

“What!” Christmas began shouting. “You came here just for that?!”

“What were you expecting?” I crossed my arms and waited for her response.

“I don’t know! I thought we were going to be here for longer!” Christmas complained.

I rolled my eye as I started walking towards her. “You could’ve waited for me at Rainbow’s.”

“You know I can’t do that.” She finished by adjusting her glasses.

“Well, life sucks cause that’s the only reason why I came here.” I walked past her while letting out a yawn. “We’ll leave when Fluttershy is ready.”

It took roughly ten minutes for Fluttershy to finish up doing whatever she was doing. I wasn’t paying attention to what she was doing because I was busy annoying Christmas.

“Are you two ready?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yep.” I nodded while letting go of Christmas’s ear.

Christmas started muttering angrily, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to leave the forest and continue on with my day.

After dropping Fluttershy off, Christmas and I were walking through Ponyville. “Anything else on your list?” Christmas sounded annoyed, but like always, I didn’t care.

After mentally scrolling through my list, I nodded. “Yes, last thing, but it’ll be fast.” I quickly turned on my glasses and called out ‘time’. It was currently 14:39.

“Why do you do that?” Christmas questioned from behind me.

“No reason.” I turned off my glasses while letting out a yawn. “When can we head back?” I asked.

Christmas paused and began adjusting her glasses. “I think we have another hour to burn.”

I let out a loud groan while stopping in place. “The fuck are we going to do for an hour!” I shouted.

“I have an idea!” I jumped a bit at the new voice. After calming down, I turned to face a smiling Pinkie Pie.

“Hi Pinkie.” I waved. Suddenly, there was a loud pop behind me, which made me jump again. I turned around, and to no one's surprise, Christmas was gone, and so were my clothes.

One thing I realized about Pinkie was that she throws welcome parties for every new resident in Ponyville. Ever since Christmas came here, she’s been avoiding Pinkie for that reason. Apparently, she hates parties for some odd reason.

“Awww she left already!” Pinkie began pouting. Before I could reassure her, Pinkie started gasping loudly. “Is that!” Pinkie jabbed a hoof at my hoodies design. “Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark!”

“Yes.” I didn’t hesitate in responding.

Pinkie started bouncing in place. “I didn’t know you liked Rainbow!” Then she stopped bouncing and frowned at me. “Are you cheating on Twilight!” She shouted up at me.

“What?! I’m not dating them!” I nervously shouted back.

“So you’re dating both of them?” Pinkie questioned.

I started shaking my head repeatedly. “No, I just said I’m not dating either of them!”

Pinkie started giggling repeatedly. “Don’t worry Saint, your secret is safe with me!”

Before I could even think of a response, another voice cut in from behind me. “What secret?”

I turned around and was greeted by three familiar fillies. “There isn’t a secret.” I responded before Pinkie could. “Shouldn’t you be in school or something?” I tried to change the subject before it went back to my supposed ‘secret’.

“Today’s Sunday, we don’t got school.” Applebloom explained. “Hey, that’s Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark!” She began shouting.

I began rubbing my temple while breathing deeply. “Let’s ignore the cutie mark okay?” I asked nicely. Before anyone could actually respond to what I said, I began speaking with a serious tone. “Do you three need something?”

“Oh, right.” Applebloom cleared her throat. “Saint, can we ask ya a favor?”

“Uhh, sure.” I looked back at Pinkie and smiled. “Think you could give us privacy?”

“Okie dokie lokie! I’ll cya later, Saint!” Pinkie finished with a bright smile. I watched as she turned around and started bouncing away from us.

“That was easier than I thought it was going to be.” I muttered quietly. I turned back to the fillies. “What do you need?” I asked.

“Can you be my dad?!” Scootaloo started shouting loudly.

I was completely dumbfounded as to what I heard. “What did you just ask me?” I was hoping that I was just hearing things.

“She means can you pretend to be her dad for Family Appreciation Day.” Sweetie Belle cut in before Scootaloo got the chance to.

“Time out.” I pointed a finger at Sweetie Belle. “Explain, please.” She nodded her head once and started explaining everything.

Apparently, there's a filly at the school who, for some reason, bullies them for having a ‘blank flank’, whatever that means. So this fillies name is Diamond Tiara, and her dad is some rich guy who everybody knows. And Scootaloo wants to bring in someone cooler to show her up. “Why don’t you bring in your real parents?” I asked.

“They’re out of town for their anniversary!” Scootaloo began complaining. “And I already asked Rainbow Dash to be my mom, but she’s busy!”

I began rubbing my temples as I sighed. “Scootaloo, why don’t you ask a pony instead?” I couldn’t understand the logic of asking another species to be your ‘dad’.

“Rainbow Dash said you’re really cool and that you’d be able to do it.” Scootaloo started beaming. “So, can you do it?”

I sighed as I started scratching the back of my head. “No one is gonna believe I’m your dad.”

“What if you say you’re cousins?” Sweetie Belle pitched in.

“You can do that?” I questioned.

“Course ‘ya can, I brought Granny Smith again, and she ain’t my mom or dad!” Applebloom explained.

I didn’t know who that was and nor did I want to. “Well, still no one's going to believe I’m related to you at all.”

I turned around and began walking away from the mischievous fillies. Sadly, I didn’t get far before Scootaloo zipped back in front of me. “Just say you’re adopted

I frowned as I started scratching my head. In all honesty it sounded like a bad idea to have me pretend to be her dad. “What do I have to do?”

“Just say what you do for a living and tell a story!” Scootaloo quickly explained.

Now it sounded like a worse idea. How would I explain that I’m an assassin from a different world? And all of my stories are rated R. I sighed as I shrugged my shoulders. “Sure, why not.” I would’ve felt bad for saying no and leaving. Besides, I should be able to think of something, even if it involves lying.

“Really?!” Scootaloo began bouncing around. “This is going to be awesome!”

I rolled my eye as I turned to face the other two fillies. “When does this thing happen?”

“Tomorrow morning.” Sweetie Belle explained. “What do you do for a living, Saint?”

I stuck my tongue out before I started speaking confidently. “You’ll find out tomorrow.” I began stretching while walking away from the fillies. “I’ll cya tomorrow. I gotta think of a story to tell for now.” I had nothing better to do with my life, so I might as well entertain myself and others.

Fortunately, the trio didn’t follow me. I needed peace and quiet to think of a plan for tomorrow. I walked through Ponyville while humming a sweet tune.

In all honesty, I was kinda excited to be shown off at their school. It definitely makes me feel better to be thought of as cool by others. But that’s pointless if the person that hated you was that same one that you wanted to think of you as cool.

Twilight and I were on terrible terms. And when Rainbow went to talk to her, she somehow ended up making the situation worse. The last time Twilight and I talked was when she wanted me to leave Ponyville, and obviously, I didn’t leave.

I assumed Celestia must’ve sent her a letter, because she hasn’t asked me to leave Ponyville again. Instead, she just ignores my presence when I’m around.

One time Christmas and I were getting breakfast at a place called ‘Sugar Cube Corner’ and Twilight walked in. We locked eyes for a second and she instantly turned around and left. It honestly hurt a lot more than I expected.

Ever since that happened, I try my hardest to avoid her when I see her in public. For example, I saw her walking with Spike once and decided to duck behind one of the stalls at the marketplace.

I paused my humming as I realized I was standing in front of my destination. Currently, I was standing in front of the library. I needed to ask Spike if the letter from Celestia came in, but I didn’t want to go in for some odd reason.

“If you’re too afraid to go in, I will.” I looked to my right and watched as Christmas trotted up next to me.

“Didn’t you teleport away?” I was annoyed that she was able to find me so fast.

“That’s not important. But if you’re too afraid to go in, I will.” She spoke sternly.

I noticed that Christmas didn’t have my clothes in her magical aura. “Where are my clothes?”

Christmas began growling. “Don’t worry about that. And again, if you’re too afraid to go in, I will.”

“I’m not afraid.” I trailed off as I couldn’t think of something else to add.

“Then let’s go in.” Christmas began trotting up to the door.

I tried to step forward, but I couldn’t muster the courage. I didn’t want to see Twilight. “You got it.” I muttered while leaning against the tree. “I’ll be out here.”

Christmas frowned while shaking her head. “Last time you said that you lied.”

All I did was shrug. “You’d find me somehow even if I did leave.”

Christmas rolled her eyes. “Fine.” She adjusted her glasses and entered the library.

I sat down next to the tree while yawning. I thought about leaving, but I couldn’t really go anywhere. I wasn’t able to go back to Rainbow’s place because she has to bring me up on a cloud, and apparently, she has a job dealing with clouds in Ponyville.

I sighed as I took off my glasses and began cleaning them using the sleeve of my hoodie. After I spent a few minutes cleaning, I slid them back on and began cracking my knuckles. Once I was done with that, I stood up and began stretching.

While I was stretching, Christmas must’ve exited the library, because currently, she was watching me stretch like a creepy old person. “What?” I asked after I finished stretching.

“Just wondering why you’re bending down next to Twilight’s house.” She replied while trotting over to me. “I have good news and bad news.”

I frowned as I scratched the back of my head. “Bad news first.”

“No, letter yet.” I instantly became annoyed that Celestia still hasn’t sent anything. Before I could start complaining, Christmas continued. “The good news is, Twilight hates you less.”

I had a confused expression on my face. “What do you mean?” I asked sceptically.

“Princess Luna spoke to Twilight last night and explained how apparently what you did was in self defense.” I was surprised at what I was hearing. I didn’t think that the second princess would help me.

I crossed both my arms and spoke smugly. “See, I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I’m not finished.” Christmas jabbed a hoof at my chest. “You’re still a murderer. You’re the leader of an assassin group and I believe she deserves to know the truth.”

I rolled my eye as I dropped my arms. “You and I both know we shouldn’t do that.” I stepped forward and crouched down. “Imagine the panic it would cause it everyone here found out what’s coming.” I whispered.

Christmas growled as she shook her head. “Twilight is only upset with the fact you lied to her.”

“About my real name?” Christmas nodded while looking at me sternly. “I don’t get why she’s upset with that.”

“It’s because she trusts you.” Christmas began speaking angrily. “She said you were going to trust her, yet you lied and told her a fake name. Meaning that there are probably many other things you’ve lied about.”

I stood back up to my full height and rubbed the stubbles on my chin. I didn’t even know if I can tell Twilight the truth about me. Even if she uses the lie detection spell, she’ll probably have a hard time accepting the truth.

I shrugged as I started walking away from the library. I didn’t want to think about this now. Instead, I still needed to think of a plan to deal with Scootaloo’s problem. “Where are you going!” Christmas angrily shouted from behind me.

“I’m hungry, go pick me up a pizza.” I spun around and emphasized my hunger by patting my stomach.

Christmas eyes began twitching as she stomped a hoof on the ground. “I’m not your maid!”

I rolled my eye as I turned back around and began heading towards my favorite pizza place. “And I’m not paying for it either!” Christmas continued shouting.

I groaned loudly and obnoxiously as I continued to walk off. Christmas quickly caught up to me and cleared her throat. “Whatcha tryna do?” I asked before she had the chance of speaking.

Christmas cleared her throat once again. “I think we should wait for Rainbow Dash to finish her duties.”

“I guess we can wait for her.” I muttered.

Christmas and I headed over to the laundromat first. Apparently, she dumped all my clothing into a random basket there. After picking that up, we headed back towards Rainbow’s house.

Christmas and I waited at the bottom of her house. Currently, I was lying on the grassy ground with my hood on to avoid grass getting in my hair. And to top it off, I was using Rainbow’s house to block the sun.

“You’re going to get your brand new hoodie dirty.” Christmas complained.

I sat up and adjusted my glasses before looking over at Christmas. “Why do you care?”

Christmas frowned. “Because I’m going to have to do your laundry!” She complained loudly. “How can a grown stallion not be capable of doing laundry!”

I rolled my eye and laid back down. “It’s because everything was done for me when I lived in the facility.”

“The what?” Christmas asked.

I yawned loudly while rolling over onto my side that was looking away from Christmas. “Never mind.” I muttered. Christmas began muttering under her breath, and like always, I ignored it.

Unfortunately, Christmas stopped muttering and began speaking normally. “I truly detest you.”

I ignored her as I got comfortable on the ground. A half an hour must’ve passed by the time Christmas began speaking again. “Here she comes.”

I quickly sat up and looked towards the sky. I squinted my eye and spotted Rainbow flying towards us. I quickly got to my feet and began dusting myself off.

Rainbow landed right in front of me and instantly noticed my hoodie. “Whoa! When did you get that made!” She excitedly shouted.

“Well it just got finished today.” I spun around quickly, showing her the back of it. “Pretty neat, huh?”

“Neat?” Rainbow continued to shout. “That things awesome!”

I nodded while taking off my hood. “I’m planning on wearing it a lot when you become a star Wonderbolt.”

Apparently, Rainbow’s dream was to become a member of a group called the Wonderbolts. They’re basically a group of pegasi who do stunts and stuff in the sky. Rainbow has a bunch of posters and pictures of them in her room. And since I’m a good person, I supported her as much as I could.

“You’ll be like my number one fan!” Rainbow beamed.

I thought about telling her I’m no one’s fan, but instead, I decided to let her have it. “Yeah, now can you bring us up? I’m bored, and I’d like to be bored up there.”

“Uhh, sure.” Rainbow calmed down. “Let me just grab a cloud.”

I nodded and watched as she started flying towards her sky fortress. I looked back towards Christmas, and she had already started casting the spell that allowed us to be on clouds.

Once Rainbow came back with a cloud, I instantly got on it. Christmas took her time, but eventually got on it. Finally, Rainbow began pushing us up towards her house.

Once we were close enough to the house, I jumped off the cloud and landed next to the door with a soft thud. I quickly opened it and entered the house.

Immediately, I headed over towards my couch and sat on it. I let out a pleasant sigh as I kicked off my boots. “Finally, I can relax.”

“You did nothing all day.” Christmas complained while trotting over to me.

I rolled my eye while sighing. “You wonder why I’m rude.” I muttered.

For the rest of the day, nothing special happened. I thought up a plan for tomorrow, I took a nap, ate pizza while arguing with Christmas, and ended my day by taking a long hot shower.

After my shower, I excitedly changed into my new clothing. Of course I threw my hoodie at Christmas, which prompted another argument. But like always, I didn’t care.

Then I went to sleep on the couch. The couch was a lot softer that anything I’d ever slept on, so every time I slept on it, I slept like a newborn child.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed. I sat up and began stretching while yawning loudly. “Do you have to yawn so loudly?”

I stopped stretching and looked over towards the stairway. Christmas was trotting towards me with a cup in her magical grasp. “The louder you yawn, the more satisfying the stretch is.” Once Christmas was close enough to me, I reached out and grabbed the cup. “Thanks.” I replied while taking a sip of the ice cold water.

“You’re welcome.” Christmas paused while adjusting her glasses. “Do you have any plans for today?”

“Pass me my glasses.” I used my freehand to point at a desk with my glasses on top. Christmas obeyed as she levitated my glasses over to me. I quickly slid them on, turned them on, and called out ‘time’. The time was displayed, and it was currently. 7:23. “Good, I still have time.” I finished by turning my glasses off.

“For?” Christmas asked while raising a brow.

“Some fillies I know asked me for a favor at their school. And I’d hate to be late.” I finished by taking another sip of water.

“I’m pretty sure school starts at 7.” I instantly spat out the water in my mouth and began coughing.

After a few seconds of coughing I looked at Christmas with a shocked expression. “What kind of monster makes kids go to school so early?!” I shouted.

“That’s a normal time.” Christmas sounded annoyed by my sudden shouting. “Looks like you’re late.”

“No shit.” I spat while standing up. I sat my cup onto the desk and ran over to the door.

“What’s with the yelling?” Rainbow groggily spoke while trotting down the stairs.

I ignored her as I began putting my socks and boots on. Once that was done, I opened the door and looked at Rainbow. “I need a ride down.”

“Right now?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes,” I looked back at Christmas and began shouting. “Come on!”

“Don’t rush me because you’re late.” Christmas began complaining.

I thought about strangling Christmas right then and there, but then I remembered she’s a unicorn and I wouldn’t be able to do anything against that.

After five minutes of me complaining, and Christmas taking her sweet time, we were finally able to head down.

Once I was on the ground, I instantly began sprinting towards the schoolhouse. I felt awful about being late, especially since Scootaloo begged me to come.

Unfortunately, I didn’t remember the exact location of the building, so it took me a few minutes extra to find it.

But once I spotted it, I put on an extra burst of speed, and jumped over the fence surrounding the building. I skidded to a stop as a thought popped into my head. I spun around and watched as Christmas galloped over to me.

“Yo, think you can let me go in alone?” I forced out after taking a couple of deep breaths.

“You know I can’t leave you alone. You’re prone to-“ I cut Christmas off by putting a finger over her lips.

I gave myself a few extra seconds to catch my breath. And after that was done, I removed my finger. “You make it sound like I’ma blow up the school.”

Christmas frowned while adjusting her glasses. “That might be a possibility with you.”

I shook my head repeatedly. “Jesus Christ I’m not that fucked up.” I took a more serious tone as I began speaking. “For real though. Let me handle this please.”

Christmas let out a sigh as she turned around. “I’ll go see if Twilight Sparkle acquired the letter. I’ll be back soon.” She finished by trotting off.

I silently thanked Christmas before I looked at the entrance of the school house. After mentally preparing myself, I decided to enter with my head held high. “I’m here!” I regretted walking in with my head held high because my head almost hit a part of the door.

“Saint, you made it!” I looked over and saw Scootaloo beaming in her desk. I also noticed Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, both looking excited as well. The classroom looked like an average classroom from my world. A difference I noticed was that there were a lot fewer students than I was anticipating.

Fillies and colts sat in small desks while the teacher sat at a larger desk. The teacher had a magenta coat with green eyes. Her mane and tail were both pink along with a lighter shade of pink going through them. “We were just about to carry on with class without you. But welcome, Mr. Saint.” She said in a friendly tone.

“Hi, just call me Saint.” I awkwardly waved to her. “Sorry about being late. Didn’t think school started at 7.”

“Schools always started at 7.” She got out of her desk and began trotting over to me with a smile.

“When I was in school it started at 8.” I began rubbing my chin while humming. “Maybe it just depends on the planet.” I muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Just like I planned, the majority of the classroom gasped. “Another planet!” A student shouted excitedly.

“It’s an alien!” More students began shouting various things I couldn’t comprehend. I’m pretty sure Sweetie Belle actually called me a human during the shouting, but I digress.

“Calm down now everypony.” The teacher tried to get everybody’s attention. Once all the fillies and colts were calmed down, she smiled brightly. “Now please introduce yourself.”

I nodded while clearing my throat. “Hi, I’m a human, my names Saint, and I’m Scootaloo’s godfather.” That’s the plan I decided to come up with. It’s a lot more believable than me adopting her.

A majority of the kids seemed shocked, while others looked confused.

A single colt raised his hoof. “What’s a ‘godfather’?” He asked in a stereotypical British accent.

Before I had the chance to respond, Scootaloo responded for me. “He’s like a second father!”

I rolled my eye at Scootaloo’s explanation.“It means that if something happens to her parents, I take over.” I explained.

The British colt looked satisfied by my explanation and lowered his hoof. “Saint, I assume you’ve prepared a presentation for the class.” I looked back at the teacher and she was looking at me with a warm smile.

“Of course I did.” I adjusted my glasses while smiling at her.

“Then let’s hear it.” A filly said angrily.

I looked at the filly with a frown. She had a pale magenta coat with a violet mane and tail, both having a white streak going through them. She had blue eyes, and on top of her head was a tiara. I recognized this filly as Diamond Tiara.

My eye shifted between each child in the room. I spotted some familiar faces, like Twist, and some unfamiliar ones. My eyes stopped on Scootaloo’s, she was looking at me with a nervous expression.

I grinned at her I began adjusting my glasses once more. I cleared my throat and focused my attention back to the kids. “Keep this a secret, but where I’m from, I’m a spy for my government.” I finished with a bright smile.

And that’s the story I ran with, I mean, an assassin isn’t that different from a spy. Before I could tell them a little story, everybody in the class began enthusiastically shouting out questions. All ranging from different topics.

But one question stood out. “What do spy’s eat?” A colt asked.

I tried not to be sarcastic as I responded. “Same things you do of course!” He opened his mouth again, but I began speaking before he got the chance to ask another stupid question. “Any other questions?”

“There’s no way you’re actually a spy!” A filly angrily began shouting.

I frowned as I looked down at Diamond Tiara, she got out of her desk and angrily stomped up towards me. “Ms. Cheerilee!” She looked at the teacher with an upset expression. “He can’t be a spy”

“Yes, he is!” Scootaloo came to my defense.

“Please don’t argue you two.” Cheerilee asked nicely.

I clapped my hands to get everybody’s attention. “I can prove it, but I need two volunteers.”

Everybody besides the teacher raised their hooves. Both colt and fillies began shouting, asking to be a volunteer. I scanned through them and spotted Applebloom wildly shaking her hoof.

As much as I wanted to pick her, I couldn’t. I didn’t want to seem biased. “I’ll pick you.” I pointed a finger at Twist. “And you.” I pointed at a filly who didn’t really looked interested.

“What? Why me?” The silver filly began complaining. This filly had violet eyes with a grayish silver mane and tail. Her coat was gray, and around her neck looked like a pearl necklace.

“Because you looked interested.” I shrugged. The rest of the class all groaned at not being picked. Twist quickly got out of her desk and trotted over to me. While the silver filly took her sweet time.

Once, both fillies were in front of me, I quickly turned on my glasses and watched as my vision brightened. “Before I came here, an important friend of mine made these. “I quickly shuffled to the heartbeat scanner and took the glasses off my face. “Come here.” I turned and looked at Diamond Tiara.

She rolled her eyes at me but eventually approached me. I slipped my glasses off and crouched down. “If you break these, I’ll eat you.” I jokingly threatened.

I quickly slid them on Diamond Tiara, before she had the chance to react to my statement. They fit her pretty well to my surprise. I then stood back up and pointed at Twist, the silver filly, and myself. “Heartbeat scanner, you’re currently able to see the heartbeat of any living thing.”

Everybody in the class gasped. We all watched as Diamond Tiara craned her head between Twist, the silver filly, and I. She finished by looking back up towards me. “These are just magical glasses!” She stammered.

“I can also prove they aren’t.” I pointed at the doorway while looking at the teacher. “But first I want to show the main reason I use them. Mind if we go outside for a second?”

The teacher looked surprised for a second before responding. “Sure, but may I ask why?” She asked skeptically.

I moved along to the door and opened it. The two fillies I picked to volunteer followed me outside. “Because the scanner works through walls.” Right after I finished speaking I closed the door.

The excited shouts from inside the schoolhouse were barley comprehensive. I began stretching while letting out a yawn. “Alpha, is it true you’re an alien?!”

I looked down at Twist with a smile. “Something like that. I’m definitely the only human here, so...” I began walking around the schoolhouse. Trying to avoid being spotted through the many windows.

“How are you going to prove that your glasses aren’t magical?” I stopped walking, spun around, and looked at the silver filly with a frown.

“You’ll find out soon. I’ll be showing the entire class anyways.” I spun back around and continued walking around the schoolhouse.

Once I did a complete circle around the building, I entered it again with the two fillies following me. “Ima assume you followed us while we walked around.”

All the students in the class awaited for Diamond Tiara’s response, while she had an unreadable expression on her face.

Diamond Tiara frowned as she looked up to me. “This doesn’t prove they’re not magical!”

I frowned as I scratched the back of my head. “I didn’t wanna do this, but whatever. Map.” I called out. I assumed the globe popped up on my glasses and began spinning for Diamond Tiara. “Currently, you should see a 3D image of my planet.”

Everybody including the teacher gasped. “You’re the first filly to see where I’m from. I’d show you exactly where but currently my map doesn’t work.”

I tried to time my words with the error that follows when I try to use the map. “If they were magical, they wouldn’t be able to show you a perfect image of my planet, especially since only a handful of ponies have seen it.” I continued with a smug smile.

I quickly snatched my glasses off Diamond Tiara’s face and slid them back onto mine. Just like I expected, the word ‘Error’ was displayed.

I quickly shuffled the glasses back to its original setting and slid them off my face. “So, who wants to try them?” I asked with a smile.

I don’t know how much time passed while I was messing with the students. I tried to make sure everybody got to try my glasses, including the teacher.

I showed everybody the three vision settings and the map of Earth. Apparently, everybody’s favorite setting was the X-ray one, even though I still think it’s useless.

A lot of time must’ve passed, because the school bell began ringing. “What does that bell mean?” I asked while taking my glasses off a chubby colt.

Ms. Cheerilee, looked at a clock I didn’t even notice. “Looks like it’s time for lunch. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!” She looked back at me with a smile. “Saint, you’re welcome to stay if you’d like.”

I began rubbing my chin while humming. “I’ll see if I can.” I finished by sliding my glasses on my face. I was wondering what happened to Christmas, since she’d left me alone for more than an hour.

Cheerilee nodded before directing her attention towards her students. “Lunch time everypony!”

After everybody left the schoolhouse, I ended up sitting with Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle at a small picnic table next to the schoolhouse, which was extremely uncomfortable.

I sat facing away from them because my legs wouldn’t fit underneath the table. “So you’re really ah alien Saint?” Applebloom questioned from besides me.

“I guess.” I looked up towards the sky and let out a yawn. “Damn I’m tired.” I muttered.

“Is there anything else your glasses can do?” Sweetie Belle questioned next.

“No, I showed you everything they can do.” I stopped looking at the sky and looked towards Scootaloo, who was sitting across from me. “Hopefully Diamond Tiara will leave you alone.”

Scootaloo nodded repeatedly with a big smile on her face. “She definitely will now! I definitely brought the coolest pony ever to family appreciation day!”

I frowned while turning away from her. “I’m not a pony though.”

“Oh right, sorry about that.” I shrugged my shoulders while letting out another yawn.

I was extremely bored. I didn’t know what to do. I did have fun for a while showing off, but now it’s just boring.

I started running my hands through my hair, pulling my hair down slightly so I could see the purple color. I let out a sigh as I started fixing my hair. “You okay Saint?”

After my hair was fixed, I looked over to Sweetie Belle with a frown. “Just thinking about a friend is all.” I just miss my team. Charlie, Delta, and Beta were always there for me. I wish I could’ve saved them sooner.

“SAINT!” The depressing moment was cut off as a familiar voice screamed my name.

I looked over and saw Christmas galloping over towards me. I stood up from the picnic table and ran over to meet her.

We both skidded to a halt right before we ran into each other. “Jesus, why are you screaming?” I angrily whispered to her.

Christmas, began panting heavily. After a minute, she looked up to me with worry in her eyes. “There’s a problem at the castle, and Princess Celestia needs your help!” She shouted up at me.

“What kind of problem?” I continued to whisper.

“Celestia is on her way now. When she gets here, she’ll teleport us to the castle.” Christmas began whispering as well.

“That doesn’t answer my question. What happened?” I was starting to get angry because she was avoiding my question.

Christmas frowned while adjusting her glasses. “I don’t know either. All she said was that it’s a problem only you could fix.”

I let out a groan while rubbing my temples. “Look, go get Rainbow and tell her to get my clothes. When we get to the castle, I’ima stay there till I have to leave for that mission.”

Christmas’s frown deepened. “Why?” She questioned.

I frowned as well. “Because I’m tryna live the rich life I was never able to as a kid.” I changed my frown into a grin and pointed in the direction of Rainbow’s house. “Now get to it!”

Christmas began angrily mumbling under her breath, but eventually she obeyed, and began galloping towards Rainbow’s house.

I watched her gallop away for a few seconds, after that, I turned and focused on the sky. If Celestia is really coming, then something bad must’ve happened.

The sound of trotting could be heard from behind me. I turned around and watched as my three filly acquaintances approached me. “What’s happening, Saint?” Scootaloo questioned once she got closer to me.

I shrugged before responding. “Problem that only I could fix I guess.” I then pointed at the sky. “Let me know if you see Celestia.”

The three fillies looked completely baffled. “What do ya mean if we see Celestia!?” Applebloom shouted.

“You’ll see.” I looked back at the sky and waited.

Five minutes passed by the time I spotted Celestia riding in a golden carriage being pulled by multiple pegasi. I quickly waved, trying to get her attention. “That's really Princess Celestia!” Sweetie Belle excitedly shouted.

“Yup, and when does the bell ring?” I looked down at the three filles with a frown. Celestia must’ve spotted us because she descended her fancy carriage our way.

“Soon, but why is Princess Celestia coming?” Scootaloo questioned.

I watched as Celestia’s starting getting closer and closer. “She needs me for something. Tell your teacher I had to do something. And make sure you’re not late when the bell rings.”

“Celestia... needs you for something!” Scootaloo shouted, completely ignoring the second part of my statement.

“Yep.” The carriage landed, and out stepped Princess Celestia herself. I heard some shuffling from my side. So I looked over and saw the three fillies bowing. I rolled my eye and looked back at Celestia.

“Hi?” I awkwardly waved once she got closer.

Celestia looked at the three fillies and smiled. “You three don’t need to bow.” Celestia’s expression didn’t falter as she began to speak calmly towards me. “Saint, I’m going to assume Christmas already informed you. But we need your assistance at the castle immediately. I’ll teleport us back. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”

“No hello or anything like that?” I joked. Celestia didn’t find my joke amusing because her unreadable expression became one of anger. “Chill, all seriousness Christmas went to go do something.”

“That’s fine, she can meet up with us later, but are you ready?”

“Yeah, rea-“ I was cut off as Celestia’s horn began glowing brightly. A bright flash filled my vision as I realized I wasn’t standing in Ponyville, instead, I was standing in what I believe was a part of the Canterlot castle I’ve never been in before. “Ready whenever you are.” I muttered under my breath.

“P-Princess Celestia!” A nervous voice shouted. I looked behind Celestia and seen a stallion who I could only describe as a scientist. He was wearing a stereotypical lab coat along with a pair of glasses to match.

Celestia turned to face the scientist and began speaking calmly. “Don’t worry my little pony. I’ve brought somepony who could assist.”

“Why am I here exactly?” I asked as nicely as I could.

Celestia turned to look at me with a worried expression. “One of your metal objects started spewing smoke and one of my scientists inhaled the smoke.”

I frowned as I realized where this was going. “Then what happened?”

“She’s become sick and hasn’t woken up since!” The stallion zipped in front of me and began shouting frantically. “We think it’s a poisonous substance from where you come from! Our magic can’t detect what type of poison it is!”

My frown deepened as I started rubbing my temples. I looked between Celestia and the scientist, both of them had worried and concerned looks. I let out a sigh as I dropped my arms. “First off it’s not poisonous gas.”

Both the scientist and Celestia looked surprised. Celestia tried to hide her shock but I could still see it. “The why is she sick!” The scientist continued to shout.

“What is she unconscious or something?” I tried to hide the anger in my voice. I honestly didn’t care about some random mare, I was upset cause they used one of my favorite grenades.

“Yes, she’s been unconscious for some time now.” Celestia responded before the loud stallion did.

“She’ll be fine. You aren’t detecting any poisonous substances because the smoke doesn’t have any in it. The worst it could do it put you in a coughing fit.” I explained as best as I could. “She probably fainted or something. And stop touching my stuff!” I shouted at them.

Celestia frowned while the stallion hid behind her. “You’re positive she’ll be fine?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, I’m positive. Trust me, and since I’m here, I’ll explain what my stuff can and can’t do.” I finished with a smile. “After I do something of course.”

Celestia's frown deepened. “And what’s that something?” She asked skeptically.

“I'm bored and tired. And I’ve always wanted to chill in massive hot tub. And I know you definitely have some here.” Both Celestia and the scientist had unreadable expressions.

The seconds that passed felt like minutes. But eventually Celestia let out a quiet chuckle. “Sorry, for disturbing you Saint, but I believe the castle has many hot tubs for you. But we will trust you and wait for her to awaken.” She then looked at the scientist with a smile. “We will wait for her to awaken, but please inform a maid about Saint’s hot tub request.”

The stallion looked at Celestia like she was dumb for a few seconds before shaking his head repeatedly. “Yes, princess.” He bowed his head and began trotting off down the hallway.

After he was out of ear shot, I looked at Celestia with a frown. “For real though, be careful if you’re gonna touch my stuff. I honestly don’t mind if you do, but the last thing I need is for the entire castle to be blown up like the Eiffel Tower.”

Celestia let out a sigh while looking away from me. “I apologize for messing with your equipment, Saint, I just wanted to see what the other members of Apex were carrying.”

I shrugged my shoulders while yawning. “Yeah, I understand. But when can I do that mission?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

Celestia smiled brightly as she began speaking calmly. “Actually, if everything works out, I should be able to inform you the day after tomorrow.”

“Good.” I nodded while turning to walk down the hallway. “Ima be staying here till then, so set up a room for me. Also don’t forget to get Christmas, cause she got my clothes.” I waved without turning around.

Hours passed by, but I didn’t care, because I was living the dream. It took a couple of minutes for a guard to find me and redirect me to the room I originally had when I first stayed here.

Then it took about a half an hour for Christmas to arrive with all of my clothing. She definitely was upset that I left her in Ponyville, but she’ll get over it, eventually.

Then it took an hour for my hot tub experience to be ready. But it was worth the wait.

The hot tub was a lot bigger than I expected. It reminded me of a hot springs episode of a harem anime.

The tub itself only went two feet deep, so I had to sit awkwardly for the water to reach my chest.

I closed my eyes and let out a pleasant sigh. This moment was almost perfect, besides one aspect. I stared idly, watching Christmas hum a sweet tune as she enjoyed sitting in the hot tub. Luckily, she was sitting on the opposite side.

Christmas must’ve noticed me staring cause she frowned at me. “I’d appreciate you not staring.”

I rolled my eyes as I looked away from her. “Nothing to look at anyways.” I muttered to myself.

“What!?” She shouted from across the room.

I groaned as I ignored her. Honestly I felt pretty happy in that moment. I’m anxious to find out what kind of mission a princess would want me to do. In the end, I bet it’ll be easy.

For now, I plan on relaxing and enjoying my time while I can.