Gathered around the kitchen table with nervous expressions and barely concealed excitement stood my parents along with Twist. They stood Hastily signing papers and having small talk with an employee from Goodberries orphanage, it was tuff goings for my parents to try and get everything orchestrated for this day. The Mayor made it almost impossible for them to adopt her, but through sheer willpower, and constant bickering and my father pulling some strings on the side they were finally able to adopt her. My parent's decision to adopt Twist was based on the fact that she was around us almost every day, and with a little help from me, they conceded. They said that if she was going to stay around all the time, we might as well keep her.

Life goes on though and it wasn't that much different with Twist around, The only problem that arose was a few weeks after she moved in, I was able to convince her to open up about her time at the orphanage, to me and my father. Some of it was gut retching, she told us that the kids had two options when it came to working, they either spend twenty hours a day in the mines or were severely beaten or whipped, to make matters worse, she in tears explained that when the girls or boys get to a certain age Goodberry would start having you 'working rooms'. She wouldn't elaborate on what 'working rooms' meant, but I had a good idea she was prostituting the children out. I asked her if she was ever forced to 'work rooms' but she shook her head, and stated that only the older orphans did that unless a customer specifically asked for someone younger. What dropped the camels back though was that she explained that she would often see some of the local guards going to the establishment, and would often have the girl's or boys 'workrooms.'

This seemed to cross a line for not only myself but my father, I could physically see him shaking, and a look almost alien on his face, a look of pure unadulterated anger. I could tell he was seething, but so was I. What made me simmer down and start to feel regret was the knowledge that I knew something was wrong a year ago and did nothing. I could see my father coming to what I guessed was the same concussion, my inability to stop the acts, and the fact that no matter what I did, my small body wouldn't have let me change anything, especially if the guards were in on it. My heartfelt heavy, and a low fiery pain began within its center.

'I could have tried something, anything to stop it, it shouldn't matter if it cost me my life!'

I clutched at my heart, a look of worry striking Twist's face.

'Everything they've suffered for this past year is all because of me!'

I began to beat on my chest, trying to alleviate some of the burnings, but nothing seems to work, my inaction to do anything seemed to backfire, and it hurt physically. My vision began to swirl, the burning resonating all the way to my soul, burning some of it away, and a simple message being brought to bear and branded into me.

'Do Better.'

Slowly my fit of fiery pain started to alleviate, my vision becoming spotty until it finally gradually returned. The knowledge that I could be physically assaulted by what I could only assume to be God kind put me down, but I let my mind leave that for the moment, as my vision fully returned. As it returned, Twist seemed to be over me shaking me softly, her eyes slightly tearing up, my father behind her looking down worried.

"What happened son, is everything alright?"

I stared at them both for a second before I responded.

"Everything that is happened this past year in that orphanage is my fault, I could have tried something to stop it!"

I stammered out, my father clasped me on the shoulder moving so we were staring eye to eye. "Son, none of this is your fault! I didn't even know or hazarded to guess that things were this bad! If I had known, I would have tried to shut it down personally if I had to."

He let my shoulder go, and took a few steps back, "Ain't none of this your fault Varian." My father tried to reassure me, using my preferred name over the one my mother gave me. "We have no one to blame but Goodberry herself."

Twist wiped her eyes and spoke up also, "It's a good thing you didn't say anything Varian, who knows what she would do if she found out." Fear was in her voice as she finished, feeling sorry we practically forced this info out of her, I stood up from my prone position and took her into a vice grip hug. We stayed like that for a while, with our father joining us shortly after it started. The hug was only interrupted because Honeydew entered the room.

"What's with all this ruckus in this room?" She asked a smile spreading onto her face as she saw us all hugging, "Just having a nice hug I see, where was my invite?" She questioned as she also entered the hug, Twist burring her face into her bosom.

Life would go on like usual, Twist would continue to go to school every day, and I'd help her study when she asked. Even though the stuff that I taught her was far above what she was learning, she quickly caught on and was soon breezing through her studies. Acing almost every test she took.

On special occasions Miss Haven would stop by for a parent-teacher conference, she'd talk proudly of Twist achievements. Then afterward she'd try and convince me to rejoin and attend school. I'd shoot her attempts down every time. She got so agitated at one point she took it up with the Mayor.

I didn't see the Mayor myself, my father made sure of that. What she wanted though was to force my parents to make me take a quick test, to access my intellect, and to prove that what I knew was far beyond what Haven could teach. The only thing I struggled with on the test was the history of the world, and Equestria itself, but after the test, I made sure to read up on it so I wasn't completely lost. I did learn some interesting lore on the world, like that 'Nightmare Moon,' or Princess Luna hasn't returned from her exile yet, and that it has been exactly 984 Years. This tells me that the events from the show are still many years from taking place, and by the time she came back, I would be around twenty years old. This does give me a sneaking suspicion that God strategically placed me well before any of the major events of the show so I could assimilate easier, but what do I know.

The world also wasn't as peaceful as I first thought, though Equestria itself hasn't had any wars in a few hundred years, that doesn't mean they still don't skirmish with nearby kingdoms, mainly the barbarian tribes to the south, they live primarily in the badlands that we live next too. They are known for kidnapping, raping, and raiding settlements for slaves, and to use as practice. To the West of Equestria stood Felis Leo or the Kingdom of Lions, mostly warring tribes with a centralized king, they are hardy people wearing lion skins and ridding upon Griffons. In the North stood a frozen waste that was long abandoned, and what I knew held the Crystal Empire. East of Equestria was a vast open ocean, that has yet to be explored, for the most part, the only know region out there is a month journey way, its name is The Principality of Sand, it contains a sentient race of half snake and half man know as Gemini, they are a warrior race that reminds me a lot of middle eastern warriors, with scimitars and turbans to boot.

Weeks would go by, and this one started like any other it started, with me out backing training with my sword, the only difference from my schedule was when I spotted Desert Flame and her posse watching me from the edge of the property. At the moment no one was home, they were all out shopping for gifts and food for the upcoming celebration. I kept my eye on them as I slowly shuffled over, pretending it was a part of my training as I got near. I trained on the edge of the property for another five minutes, not even acknowledging their existence. That's when I heard a 'hurmp' come from Desert Flame as she leaned on the fence line.

"You know it's common courtesy to invite people inside when they come over! She yelled accusingly.

I ignored her, glaring daggers at her, and striking hard into one of the many hay dummies around my yard.

She 'hurmped' again, "If you won't answer I'll take it as a yes?!" A grin finding its way to my face I motioned for them to enter through the closes gate.

She looked behind herself and motioned for Glob, Slob, and Blob to enter. When they entered and slowly made their way towards me, I saw that a year away from them didn't do them any good. They were slightly bigger, fatter, and far more ugly than the last time I saw them. What made it worse was that it seemed Slob's nose never fully healed, making it disfigured and crooked. I felt a pinch of satisfaction, some people have to learn lessons early in life.

Desert Flame pushed through them and waited until she was in front of me to start talking.

"Well, well long time no see Varian it's been a while I almost forgot what you looked like." She said slowly circling around me.

"You sure have changed a lot, you weren't nearly as ugly the last time I saw you." She halfheartedly laughed, sparking the boys behind her to laugh also.

"Yes, time is a cruel mistress," I stated matter of factly, a smile reaching my lips. "But you my dear Desert have started to earn that name of yours." She squinted her eyes at me confused. "You've become as radiant as a burning flame in the cold, amidst the moon's eternal glow."

She took a few steps back after that complement, reeling in shock, her face burning red.

"Shu-Shut up stupid!" She barked, turning around so I couldn't see her face. "I don't care what you think!" She finished stomping her foot on the ground kicking up sand everywhere. I laughed out loud at her response, but I had to admit there was no happiness in that laugh, only anger, the anger I felt towards her mother was still resounding inside me, and I couldn't help feeling that hate towards her offspring too. She was only seven from what I remember, the logical part of my mind knew it wasn't her that was doing anything wrong, but my emotional side couldn't see past it. A year away from her didn't do much to change her appearance either only that her hair had grown very long, instead of just being to her shoulders it had grown all the way down to her waist.

Finishing her little fit, she walked up to me poked me hard in the chest.

"Listen here buddy, we didn't come here to argue with you or fight! We came to ask for your help."

I raised an eyebrow at this statement, "You came for my help? I questioned, patting my chest. "We barely know each other, last time we met I had an unfortunate accident remember." I smiled, showing off the tooth that was slowly regrowing.

She groaned, "Please don't tell me you're still mad about that, that was a year ago, and besides you busted Slobs nose we're even!"

I cast my gaze towards Slob and winked at him, he grumbled and shuffled behind Glob. I looked back and decided to ask Desert Flame something, "Hypothetically if I did help you, what would you need my help with?"

She answered quickly losing a lot of the redness that was there, "Well you see," She started. "Glob, Blob, and Slob were doing some exploring on the outskirts of town a few weeks ago."

I interrupted her, "You mean in the Badlands, that's really dumb and dangerous you guys."

She shushed me and continued her story. "Yes they know it's dangerous, but they found something, some kind of cave system. They said they didn't go in but I can bet that there's something of value in there."

I know it was dumb and stupid to even listen to any more of their talking, but I was intrigued at this point, and kinda surprised that these idiots managed out in the Badlands, even if they were only a short distance away from town. Usually, you need a patrol of guards with you to keep the monsters at bay, the Badlands doesn't get its name for its hospitality. Desert Flame saw my increased interest in this idea and took advantage of it.

"I know you've been training to fight, training aggressively this past year, and we could use that skill if things get dicey."

I smiled at her compliment and decided to play along with her.

"I'm no master with a blade, but I could probably hold my own if it came down to it," I told them sheathing my practice sword.

Desert Flame clapped her hands together excitedly, "So what do you say? Will you help us?"

I began to rub my chin, "Say I do come and help you, what guarantee do I have that this isn't just a setup to attack me?"

Desert Flame looked taken aback and seemed to grow frustrated again.

"You think if I wanted to have you beaten up I'd need to take you to some random cave! I'd do it where everyone could see it, to show everyone who is boss."

I rolled my eyes at her and stared pointedly at Slob, "No need for threats ma'am, we all know how that ended last time, but," I sighed, leaning against a nearby fence I continued. "This is a stupid idea, and I'm surprised that you thought of it, this seems like a plan one of your lackeys would come up with."

This seemed to enrage her, her hands going a crimson red, as I assumed she activated her magic, this spooked the three boys behind her as they dove for cover. The sand around her seemed to snake its way around her, slowly starting to encase her starting from her feet. The sudden display of aggression threw me off guard for a second, but my training kicked in and I stopped the threat in mere moments. My training sword leaving its sheath swiftly, and the blade streaking and colliding with the side of Desert Flames head, some sand seemed to have come up to try and deflect the blow, but it wasn't enough.

Desert Flame's body went limp as she lost consciousness, her three goons instantly rushed to her aid when they saw she was no longer using magic, catching her before she fell. I silently sheathed my sword for the third time, and just nodded my head towards where they came from. Feeling slightly pleased with myself, a little bit of anger quelled for the time being.

'Well, at least they won't be going into the badlands today.' I grimily thought.

The boys carried Desert Flame towards her mother's manor while one of the boys ran to the orphanage that was connected to it. Twist and I shared an awkward few seconds as she walked in just as they were leaving, carrying a bag that was thrown from her hands when they bumped into her. What fell out seem to be gifts of some sort, all wrapped by hand in colorful wrappings. She regained her composure shortly after being knocked on her but, and crawled over to them, scooping them back into the bag, while yelling.

"No, no you can't see them yet!" She yelled pulling the bag away towards the house with her magic.

I just stood there for a few more moments a smirk gracing my face, I then made my way towards the door along with her. As I opened the door with her, we found it to be completely dark, but several different aromas bombarded me instantly, the smell of my mother's famous honey glazed carrots, different assortment of sweets, cakes, pies. My mouth stood ajar drool forming in the corners for several seconds until the lights in the room suddenly sparked to life, and my mother and father jumped out screaming

"SUPRISE!" Knowing that something was up, I didn't act to surprised but made it seem like they got me. Twist on the other hand was spooked out of her shoes as she jumped, giving a very unladylike scream.

"So what do you think?! Honeydew excitedly asked, gesturing to the decorated room, a poster on the wall written in crude handwriting stating 'Welcome to the Family Twist.'

"Wow, unbelievable!" She dumbfoundedly replied, I looked around and was impressed with the decorations it reminded me of something straight out of Harry Potter, floating candles, moving pictures of Twist with us in different areas. Twist was crying at this point hugging both our parents, while I was silently astounded. After the initial thanks and welcoming's she started to get real gitty, going all over the house trying anything and everything. This brought wide smiles to all of us, my mother and father suddenly feeling compelled to rush both of us and scooped us into a cozy hug. We stayed like that for a good few minutes just enjoying the comfort and love, and warmth that radiated. Moments like this one reaffirmed my belief that this was my new family, not just some strangers that birthed me, and take care of me, but people I would protect with my life if I had to.

Sooner than anyone of us wanted, the hug was broken but the love and warmth never left us for the rest of the night, it found its way to creep into the walls. Moving as a pack over to the dining room we decided to indulge ourselves in the fruits of our mother's labor, eating a multitude of delicious meals. Things such as honey duck, roasted ham, and gravy, reminded me a lot of thanksgiving back on Earth.

Soon the night changed from eating to gift-giving, the gifts were heartfelt and meaningful. My parent's gifts to each other were interesting, my mother got two rings, one for herself and one for my father. The rings weren't normal though, the rings acted as an emotional gateway of sorts, they could feel the emotional state of the other person wearing the ring, and tell if they are safe. She told my father that it was to help reassure her, that my father was safe at all times. My father's gift though not as grand as my mother's was still meaningful. He got her an Equestrian Roiəltē (Royalty) Cookbook, how he got it was a mystery to us all as it is only available in Canterlot, but it was something my mother always wanted. It fit perfectly to because since my mother was a child her dream was to one day become the personal chef of the Princesses, a dream she has long since abandoned.

The gifts that I got for my parents and Twist were nothing expensive or significant to them, l just handcrafted them all elegantly made rosaries carved from polished oak wood, over the course of a few months. The cross meant nothing to them but they all knew it was important to me. They knew I believed in a higher power, but just not the ones they did. See I didn't buy into what they did, the people of this land believe Celestia and Luna are demi-goddesses that control the sun and moon, I think there just powerful spell casters that have been blessed by their gods and have been able to live a long time due to that.

The rosaries had a mixed reaction from my family, my mother said she loved it and thought it was beautiful. Twist had a similar reaction to my mother, she liked how it looked but didn't know what it was for, she put it on with a smile on her face. My father's reaction was slight, it was barely noticeable if you weren't paying attention. His face gave a slight frown when he first opened the gift. He barely lifted it out of the box, before he gently placed it back in. He looked over to me and began to softly speak,

"I'm sorry Varian I can accept your gift, but I can't wear it, for the Princesses are the only Gods that I keep close to my heart." He mournfully finished, showing me a golden sun and obsidian black moon necklace, the holy sigil of the state religion.

(This is what it kinda looks like, but the sun is gold and the moon obsidian)

I nodded my head, "It's ok father, we all have our own beliefs and I don't fault you." I expressed to him, trying to show him that it didn't bother me that he refused to wear my gift, I would do the same thing so I can't fault him.

He smiled once again and waved me over, we shared a hug at that moment with Twist and my mother soon joining us. That was how the night ended us hugging, and talking about our different beliefs, I decided that now was a good time to tell them some of mine, so I went into length about the bible and even told them my favorite passage from it. 'Revelation 21:6'

Author's Note

So i completely rewrote this whole chapter at 3 in the morning, because I didn't like how I had written it before, and I know its been like a year or two since I last updated this story but here's hoping that I continue to write, and fixed any plot holes that were present.