The Fight for Happiness

Chapters

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 1: The Begining
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 part 2: A new face
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 3: New Residence
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 4: The Pink Blur
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 5: A Brunch Gone Bad
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 Part 1: Brides and Bears
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 Part 2: Round One
The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 Part 3: The Bloc Party

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 1: The Begining

The Fight For Happiness Pt. 1

Bark! Bark! Bellowed a group of perturbed timber wolves as they chased a now speeding Fluttershy

"Oh Fluttershy you loud mouth what have you've gotten yourself into?" Fluttershy said to herself.

"You had a simple task, pick up some medicine from Zecora for Angel Bunny, but you had to go alert a pack of timber wolves." She softly scolded herself.

The forest was dense and damp as usual, with little amounts of sunlight actually getting in through the thick canopy above. Loud barking came from the timber wolves once again, clearly angry with Fluttershy. Fluttershy knew that she couldn't escape her pursuers on hoof, but she was too frightened to open her wings even if she wanted to. Fluttershy's right wing was still bleeding slightly from here injury when she ran into the timber wolves. 'Oh Fluttershy how did you end up here?

"Okay Angel Bunny now you stay here and get some rest while I go get some medicine for you from Zecora."

A clearly sick and displeased Angel just stared at Fluttershy with a frown and an annoyed stare.

"Angel I know you're angry at me, but it's not my fault we ran out of medicine, so please stop looking at me like that....please." The yellow Pegasus said softly.

Angel Bunny just rolled over on the couch and closed his eyes trying not to focus on how bad he felt. Fluttershy walked over to Angel and gave him a soft nuzzle on the back of the head.

"I'm sorry you aren't feeling well Angel, hold on and I'll be back with some medicine soon." Fluttershy continued to gently nuzzle the sick bunny's head, Angel turned around and returned the nuzzle with his nose just so Fluttershy would be on her way. Fluttershy pulled away from Angel,

"Okay I'll be off now Angel, please try to feel better." Angel just rolled back over and gave out a tiny sneeze. Fluttershy put on her saddle bag and walked out the door, giving a quick look back at her sick little bunny while closing the door to her cottage.

It was very sunny out, only a few clouds littered the sky there was a slight breeze. The weather was mild, the ponies of Ponyville just wrapped up Winter a little less than a week ago so it was still not too warm yet. Fluttershy started walking down the trail to the Everfree forest right outside her home, giving one look at the dark forest sent shivers down Fluttershy's spine. Even though she has braved the forest before on earlier accounts she still wasn't comfortable with going in there unless she was at least with a friend or two. 'It couldn't hurt if one of my braver friends accompanied me.' Thought the fearful Pegasus.

Fluttershy turned around and started walking down the path to Ponyville at a quick pace wanting to get at least one of her friends then the medicine as soon as possible. Fluttershy decided to stop by Twilight's home first. A few quiet knocks were heard at the door of Twilight's tree.

"Spike can you get that I'm in the middle of something!" yelled Twilight.

"Geez Twi, I'm in the same room as you, you don't have to yell." Responded the baby dragon putting down a few books on the table in the living room of their home. Spike walked to the door and opened it for Twilight's shy friend, "Hi there Fluttershy, Do you need something?" asked the baby dragon.

"Oh hello spike, Is Twilight home?" wondered Fluttershy, clearly noticing the mess in Twilight's home.

Spike stepped aside and pointed to a messy manned Twilight Sparkle working furiously at her desk. Fluttershy walked into the disheveled library, spike closed the door behind her and continued to tidy up the area.

"Excuse me Twilight, do you have a moment to talk." Twilight continued to work not paying Fluttershy a lick of attention. Fluttershy looked around the library, books and papers were scattered everywhere, Owlicious flew down the staircase and perched on the bookcase next to Spike.

"Hey Owlicious, did you finish cleaning upstairs?" asked Spike

"Who." Replied the brown helper owl.

"Not who, di…. I mean thank you Owlicious."

Fluttershy returned her attention back to Twilight. "Twilight, can I speak with you please." Once again she received no response from the lavender unicorn. Fluttershy now clearly displeased with not being able to get Twilight's attention. Twilight felt a few taps on the back of her head,

"Not now Spike." Said Twilight.

"It's not Spike Twilight, it's me Fluttershy and I need to talk to you…I mean if you have the time to." Replied Fluttershy softly.

"Oh hey Fluttershy, can I help you with something?" said Twilight still focusing on her studies

"Well Angel Bunny is sick, and I'm out of supplies to help him, and I was wondering if you could accompany me to Zecora's"

"I'm sorry Angel isn't feeling well and I would love to accompany you to Zecora's

"That's great!" interjected Fluttershy

"But I simply can't, I have a lot of work and studying to do today and I need to get it done as soon as possible, so if you would please I must get back to work."

"Oh....okay, well I hope you can get your work done soon, I'll talk to you later." Replied the disappointed Fluttershy.

"mhmmmm" simply replied Twilight.

Fluttershy began to walk out of Twilight's home, head hang low.

"Bye Fluttershy" Said Spike but Fluttershy had already closed the door on her way out. "Well she seemed upset about something. Spike went back to cleaning, but soon belched loudly. A note appeared from his mouth in a green flame. "Twilight someone sent a letter to you, it doesn't have the royal seal though." Said the baby dragon looking at the strange seal on the scroll.

"Well is it a scroll from anyone else we know."

Spike looked over the seal, the seal on the scroll was a regular wax pressed one but it had a distinct look. The seal sported a shield with a cross, on the upper right and lower left of the shield was what seemed to be the heads of dragons. While on the upper left and lower right there was a strange symbol that Spike did not recognize. "Nope, never seen this seal before." Spike said still looking at the seal quizzically.

"Well then It can wait, I'm sort of in the middle of something and so are you, so you and Owilicious need to get back to work." Spike tossed the letter on the table and returned to help Owlicious clean the library, freeing his mind of the letter that was just sent.

'Who else can I go to for help.' Thought Fluttershy. 'Well Rarity is working on new ensembles for a client, and Pinkie Pie was babysitting the cakes little foals. The next pony to enter Fluttershy's mind was Applejack. Fluttershy set course for Sweet Apple Acres. 'Applejack has to be at her farm, she would gladly help me.' Fluttershy started to trot so she could get to Applejack's farm and get her help before it got too late.

Fluttershy trotted up to the door of the farm house and knocked softly, there was no response. Fluttershy knocked again, "Be right down!" shouted Applebloom, her two friends could be heard in the background arguing about a certain color. Fluttershy waited outside and enjoyed the nice weather letting the gentle breeze blow here pink mane aside and roll off her yellow coat. Fluttershy sat down on the porch and closed her eyes for a little while and let her mind drift. This is the first time she's gotten any sort of rest, she was up last night tending to Angel Bunny, She just sat there with a small smile on her face, she almost completely forgot why she was here or were she even was. In the midst of her small meditation the door swung open and three excitable fillies jumped on Fluttershy.

"Hey Stare master!" shouted the three fillies.

Fluttershy jumped backwards out of her trance in a fright. "Oh hey girls, you can't sneak up on me like that, you know how easily I scare." Said Fluttershy recovering from the surprise attack.

"We're Sorry Fluttershy" said the three in unison.

"Oh it's ok girls, so Applebloom have you seen you're sister?" Fluttershy asked looking at Applebloom's messy make-up covered face.

"Her and Big Mac went to the market to sell some apples, but I reckon Big Mac will be back soon, he just went to pull the apple cart. Why do you need my sister anyway?" said the curious Applebloom.

"Oh, well Angel is sick and I need somepony to walk with me to Zecora's."

"Well I'm sure Mac would gladly help y'all once he got back here."

"Yeah and while you're here you can help us get our cutie marks!" Shouted Sweetie Bell.

"Yeah we can practice our make-up skills on her next." Added Scootaloo.

"And we can become cutie mark cosmetologist!" Shouted all of three of them, Scootaloo and Applebloom having trouble pronouncing the word.

"Oh no, I'm not one to wear make-up and plus I have to get that medicine and get back before it gets to dark." Fluttershy started to walk away from the porch

"Goodbye Fluttershy" Said the three in unison once again.

Fluttershy turned and gave a wave good bye to the girls. As Fluttershy walked away she heard something about a cutie mark and then the door closed. As Fluttershy walked of Sweet Apple acres she began to think about who else she could get to help. 'Well my only good friend left is Rainbow Dash and she could be napping on any cloud or in any tree in Ponyville and I really need to get that medicine and get back before it gets dark.' Fluttershy started back towards her cottage walking slowly not wanting to go through the forest but knowing she had to. She contemplated not going until tomorrow but she didn't want to leave poor little Angel Bunny to suffer. When Fluttershy eventually got back to her cottage she followed the short trail that led to the edge of the forest. She looked into the dark forest for a while thinking of all the creatures in there. She eventually put on her best brave face and walked into the Everfree forest with a fast pace hoping to get to Zecora's fast.

"Curse this forest it's too damn confusing." Sighed the hooded equine making his way through some thick brush.

"I'll never be able to find that Zebra I was told about before dark" Muttered the pony drooping his head. After a few seconds he shot his head back up,

"Well better keep going, complaining isn't going to get me anywhere." The hooded figure said as he started to walk forward. The screech of a hawk filled the air above the hooded pony, the pony stuck out his right front hoof out as the hawk landed.

"Did you find something Beau?" The male hawk perched very regally flaunting his feathers, the hawk possessed grey feathers on his back and head with white below and on parts of his tail a rusty red patch stained each of the shoulders. The hawk nodded and gave a screech

"Well let's get a move on then." The hawk flew off and the pony followed his feathered companion.

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 part 2: A new face

The Fight For Happiness Chapter 1 part 2

Fluttershy trotted through the forest trying to get to Zecora's as fast as she can without disturbing any of the creatures in the forest. The Forest was damp and dark like it usually was, she could hear the snapping of twigs and leaves from some of the smaller critters scurrying on the ground of the forest. Above she could hear birds singing she would have enjoyed it more if she didn't know where she was. Fluttershy tried not to focus on the creepy scenery around her and focus on why she needed to be brave, for Angel she needed to make sure she got back safe for him. But she couldn't help but feel like if she could have just waited for Big Mac this could be much easier. She kept thinking how strong and tall big Mac was and how easily he could face anything that forest could throw at her. She was stuck on this train of thought for about five minutes not really paying attention to where she was going. She kept just looking forward thinking about how Big Mac could have protected her from anything, until she lost footing; it was at this moment she snapped out of the thought rolled down a ditch thumping against something and giving out a squeal. After recovering from the fall she heard a low growl, she knew what she had bumped into.

Fluttershy jumped back and turned to see a small group of timber wolves obviously perturbed by being awoken by the small pony. The timber wolves growled at Fluttershy and glared at her menacingly teeth showing looking ready to pounce. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to wake you up from your nap, you and all your friends can go back to sleep I'll just be leaving now, sorry again." Said Fluttershy slowly backing away from the angry timber wolves. One of them barked very loud and jumped at Fluttershy, she was quick enough to jump away and avoid a fatal attack to her side, but the outstretched claws grazed her wing enough to draw a steady flow of blood. The wounds weren't too deep but stung, she turned and tried to run away as fast as she could. The leader of the small pack of four barked some orders and were soon in pursuit of the injured yellow pony.

"Oh yeah that's how you got into this situation, Fluttershy you need to learn how to keep quiet you loud mouth." Fluttershy muttered snapping back into reality.

Fluttershy could still hear the bellowing Timber wolves behind her. Fluttershy was scared, she had no clue what to do, she could usually tame animals just by talking to them but these wolves were very upset. She could feel the blood running from her wing and trickling across her coat. Fluttershy was running as fast as she could, tears welling in her eyes thinking about her friends knowing that she might not be able to see them again. The final reality of her fate was realized when she came upon a large hill too steep for her to climb, she turned to see the four timber wolves finally catching up. The timber wolves saw that the pony was now trapped and they were now approaching slowly. Fluttershy backed up until she hit the hill and she sat there too scared to move, the wolves still approaching slowly. The leader of the small pack barked at the other ones and they backed off, knowing the leader wanted this one to himself. The wolf got low to the ground and got ready to pounce, the last thing Fluttershy thought before the wolf did was how will Angel take care of himself. Fluttershy closed her eyes and fell back as the large timber wolf launched himself at Fluttershy knowing he would be eating well tonight.

"Twilight are you sure it was right to let Fluttershy go into the Everfree forest all by herself." Said spike clearly worried about the safety of one of Twilight's close friends.

"Spike Fluttershy has been into the forest and knows of its dangerous creatures, and anyway she has a way with the creatures of the forest anyway." Responded Twilight eyes still glued on to her work.

"Are you're studies more important than the safety of your friends?" Spike said back.

"Spike I'm shocked, that is a ridiculous notion, and on top of that aren't you supposed to be cleaning up the library."

"I'm just saying Twilight I don't know what you could be working on that is so important to where it would put Fluttershy in danger."

"Spike! Stop she will be fine! I'm have a lot of work on my plate and I want to get it done so please, KEEP QUIET!" Shouted Twilight.

Spike stepped back from his angry friend stumbling over a few book and landing on his behind. "Geez Twi, I was just voicing my opinion, I'm just worried about Fluttershy the forest is dangerous and you know it."

Twilight turned to her dragon assistant. "Spike I'm sorry I yelled at you, it's just I've been studying on this new magical break through and I want to learn more about it."

"I know Twilight but what if something bad happens to Fluttershy, you've seen the dangers of the forest Ursuas, hydras, manticores, dragons…"

"I know Spike!" interjected Twilight. "Okay how about this, I'll wrap up my research and I'll try to catch up with Fluttershy."

"If you say so Twilight." Said dragon getting back to his work

"Come on girls were not going to get a make-up cutie mark, we're wasting our time." Said Applebloom

"It's called cosmetology, And I'm pretty sure if we keep working at it will get better." Replied Sweetie Belle

"I have to agree with Applebloom, I don't think we are cut out for this make-up stuff."

"Fine."

"So what do y'all girls want to do next?"

"You guys want to watch me tear it up on my scooter?"

"Nah, we did that earlier and how about we go to my sister's house and see if we can find our talent there?"

"Doesn't Rarity have some dresses to make for some fancy pants client?" asked Applebloom

"Oh yeah." Replied Sweetie Belle.

"Well what do we do know?" said scootaloo pondering what the three friends could do to find there special talent.

At that moment the door swung open. "Girls I'm home from the market." Said Big Macintosh upon entering his home."

The three fillies ran down stairs to see if Applebloom's older brother could help them find their special talent "Hey Big Mac how did it go at the market today."

"Big crowd, Applejack is taking care of the stand.........Applebloom what's on your face?"

"Oh, well we were trying to get our cutie marks in make-up and it didn't go very well, we asked Fluttershy to help but she was to busy."

"Fluttershy? What was she doin' here?" Asked the stallion pricking up his ears.

"She was looking for Applejack, she needed someone to help her through the Everfree forest."

"The Everfree forest!?!? Why didn't you tell her to stay here and I would have helped her once I got back?" interrogated Big Mac

"We did and why are you getting so worked up Big Mac she's been there before." Said Scootaloo

"It's because Mac has a crush on Fluttershy." Said Applebloom with a devious smile on her face.

"Awww, that's so cute Big Mac no wonder you didn't want to go out with Cheerilee."

Mac stomped his hoof on the floor hard putting a crack in the floor. "I do not; I've got to much work on the farm to be worrying about going out with other ponies!"

The stomp of Big Mac's hoof made the girls jump back. "Then why you getting so worked up about it." Said Applebloom smiling deviously again.

At first Mac didn't have an answer, he just stood there for a few seconds with a stern look on his face. He finally stuttered a bit and said, "I...I'm gonna go buck some trees." Big Mac hurried out of the house and into the orchard.

"Wow he must really like Fluttershy." Said Scootaloo

"Yeah but he's too shy to ask anypony out." Replied Applebloom

"We should help him!" Shouted Sweetie Belle

Scootaloo and Applebloom both shot looks at her. "Do you not remember what happened last time we tried to get Mac a filly friend?" Asked Scootaloo

"Oh yeah." Said Sweetie Belle remembering the love poison and the events it caused last Hearts and Hooves day.

"So what do y'all want to do next?"

The girls sat there thinking what they wanted to try next, Scootaloo finally spoke up "You want to follow your brother around and try to buck some apples?"

"I guess." Responded Applebloom

"And we can ask him why he likes Fluttershy!" Shouted Sweetie Belle with a big smile on her face

Both of her friends just shook their heads and started to walk to the orchard were the red stallion had retreated.

Fluttershy opened her eyes a pair of sharp wolf teeth right in front of her face, at first she screamed then she realized that the teeth weren't moving towards her. The timber wolf that was attacking her was now frozen in midair surrounded by a dark teal aura of magic. She tilted her head to the side and noticed that the same thing was happening with the other timber wolves. A few seconds later the aura had sub-sided but the wolves stayed in place. Fluttershy was elated she was still alive but was confused. 'Who would come out into the Everfree forest and why would they want to?'

It was at this time a pony wearing robes jumped from the hill and landed on his hind hooves next to Fluttershy, the robes were pretty simple except they were layered, each layer longer than the next. The First layer was white and went past the waist it was segmented into two parts once it went past the waist, the second layer being cyan with a orange trim gave it the look of an orange sun rising over the sky and the bottom was white like the first layer but was segmented into four different parts and it had a thin gold trim, the hood of the robes had a thick cyan stripe going from the bottom of the neck to the point of the hood, the whole piece was held together at his waist with a dark blue sash with a leather belt worn over it. The finishing touches of his ensemble was a leather spaulder that had a few pouches attached to the length of leather keeping the spaulder on him, and two leather bracers put on over the sleeves of the robes. At first he focused his gaze on the wolves, slowly admiring his work; he then focused his gaze on the pony he just saved. At first Fluttershy was scared seeing that she has never meet this person, but the fear sub-sided when he offered her his hoof to help her up. She accepted the hoof of the stranger grabbing on to it, Fluttershy felt engraved leather as she grabbed onto the hoof. The hooded pony pulled Fluttershy onto her four hooves, Fluttershy looked up at the hooded figure and tried to make eye contact and almost immediately shied her head away.

"Are you okay miss?" asked the pony.

"um....yeah I'm okay I guess."

"Are you sure, you are bleeding some from your wing?"

"I know, it's fine I just need to get to my zebra friend's home." Said the pony turning her head away

"Zebra friend? Would this Zebra happen to go by the name of Zecora?"

"Yes, how do you know her?"

"I was told of her talent with potions I just need to get to her, would you mind showing me the way to her residence?"

"Well I would like to but I don't know where we are, those timber wolves ran me a bit off course, I'm sorry." Said the pegasus softly

The hooded pony was about to talk again but immediately was stopped by the screech of a hawk. He went down on all fours, pulled down his hood and revealed his face, the unicorn had a grey coat with a dark teal mane his eyes were deep green, looking at him he was about the same age as Fluttershy maybe a year older. The grey unicorn stuck out his hoof; the hawk landed on the outstretched hoof and gave out another screech. It was at this time Fluttershy turned her head and approached the two.

"Oh my, that is quite the beautiful hawk you have sir may I see him."

"Thank you, but I don't know Beau doesn't really like other ponies." Said the pony

"Oh I'm sure he could be friendly if he wanted to." At this moment Fluttershy stuck out her hoof and started to hum a beautiful song.

Beau was immediately attracted to her beautiful humming and perched on her hoof making sure not to hurt her with his sharp talons.

"See, I think he could help us, what was his name again?" asked Fluttershy

The unicorn stood there at a loss of words seeing Beau being so friendly. "Um...uh,Beau his name is Beau."

"Okay, Beau listen closely I want you to fly around the area and look for a hut with some decorations on the front, okay?" The Hawk nodded and flew off.

At this time the unicorn was thrown for even more of a loop. "How...How did you do that, miss uh, I'm sorry I didn't get your name?"

"Fluttershy, and I'm just good with animals it's my special talent."

"That's quite amazing, it took me a month or two before he would even follow simple commands."

"I just have a way with almost all living creatures, and I don't think I got your name."

"I'm Drake, it's nice to meet you miss Fluttershy."

"So Drake, how long do you think it will take Beau to find Zecora's hut?"

"I'm not too sure, but would you like me to patch up your wing while we wait?"

"Oh yes please." Said Fluttershy turning to look at her wing realizing how much blood was actually on her body.

"All right extend your wing a little and hold still." Drake opened up one of the spaulder pouches and pulled out some medical bandages with is magic.

Fluttershy extended her wing giving out a small whimper of pain.

"All right this will only take a second." Drake began to wrap fluttershy's injured wing.

"And done."

"Thank you that feels better." Said Fluttershy folding her wing back in.

"No problem Fluttershy." Said Drake putting his medical bandages away, Drake put his hood back up and plopped down on the ground

"Well, looks like we just have to sit here and wait." Drake opened another one of the pouches on his spaulder and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper that seemed to have something in it. He put one end in his mouth and lit the other end with magic. Drake inhaled and let the smoke out through his nose.

"Excuse me Drake, what is that you're smoking." Asked Fluttershy curiously, she has seen ponies smoke before, but only pipes and that was only the fancy ponies she saw when she was a model.

"It's called a cigarette, it contains tobacco like a pipe but it's a bit more convenient to carry around and you can just through them away when you're done." Replied Drake.

"That's interesting I've never seen anything like that, but can you please put out the flame before discarding it, if it's ok with you." Said Fluttershy.

"Sure Fluttershy, I wouldn't want the forest to catch on fire."

"Thank you Drake."

Fluttershy sat down as well and decided to hum again, Drake just watched he found it mystical in a since how animals were just attracted to her voice like that. Squirrels, birds, and rabbits surrounded her they didn't even mind the timber wolves even though they were frozen they still looked menacing. Fluttershy Stopped for a moment and looked at drake.

"So Drake how long the timber wolves be frozen like that?" asked Fluttershy.

"For about thirty or forty more minutes." Replied Drake.

"Oh okay that's good." Fluttershy said returning to her humming.

Drake took a deep inhale and exhaled the smoke; he put out the cigarette flame and tossed it aside. It was about 15 minutes later Drake spotted his feathered companion, by this time Fluttershy had stopped humming but the animals still surrounded her. Beau screeched and landed next to Drake giving his regal pose like usual. "So did you find the hut Beau?' Beau nodded and flew over to Fluttershy and rubbed his head against Fluttershy's coat and gave a soft screech. "Beau I'm glad you are back, So which way is it to Zecora's." Asked Fluttershy, patting Beau's head softly. Beau flapped his wings and started to fly west and Fluttershy followed.

"Wait up!" shouted Drake stumbling to his hooves.

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 3: New Residence

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 3

"So you're telling me one of your friends did a Sonic Rainboom not once but twice." Said Drake astonished by Fluttershy's story.

"Yep, and the first time she did one it helped me find my passion for caring for animals."

"That's quite amazing; next you're going to tell me you've defeated a dragon."

"Well…I didn't really defeat him just gave him a stern talking to."

"Wait…You're serious; you've stopped a dragon before."

"Well we just needed him to move to a different area to sleep, he was snoring smoke and we needed him to move."

"And who is we?"

"My friends and the residence of Ponyville, my friends brought me along to the dragons cave."

"That's really amazing, you're a very interesting pony Fluttershy and I'm going to have to try and me these friends of yours." Said Drake with a smile on his face.

"Oh, I'm not that interesting, but I'd be happy to introduce you, but there busy and I have to tend to Angel once we get out of the forest."

"And who is Angel."

"Angel is my little pet bunny, he's the reason I'm in this forest."

"I was just about to ask you what a little pony like yourself was doing out here."

"Yeah, well I take care of a lot of animals but I've had angel for a while now."

"So are you like the town vet or something?

"No, I'm more of a pet sitter. But enough about me Drake what's your special talent?"

This question made the smile from Drake's face disappear completely; Drake broke eye contact with Fluttershy. "I don't like to talk about it."

"Well what do you do for a living?" asked the now confused pony. This question was meet with nothing but silence from Drake.

"Well what do you do for fun?"

"Read and drink."

"Oh…"

After that last awkward exchange all conversation between the two stopped for a while. Drake just kept looking forward; he opened the final pouch on his spaulder strap and pulled out a small bottle. The bottle was filled with a dark red liquid; Drake popped off the cork of the bottle and took a small Drink. Fluttershy was walking a little with her head down, thinking that she angered Drake in some way. Drake put the cork back on and put it back in his pouch. They continued to walk until they reached a hut with odd décor of another land on the front of the house. A screech was heard from above and Beau started his decent, Drake stuck out his hoof so Beau could land, but Beau found Fluttershy's back a much more attractive place to land. Drake just looked at Beau with a stern look, but Beau just brushed it off the look and returned to enjoying Fluttershy's company.

"So I guess this is the place then." Said Drake.

Fluttershy almost jumped back surprised to her Drake speak since he was being so silent. "Oh, yes this is the place Drake."

"After you."

Fluttershy walked up to the door of Zecora's hut and gave a few quiet knocks. The door opened and a Zebra took its place.

"Hello Fluttershy my friend of yellow, what brings you here with this fine fellow?"

"Hello Zecora, I just need to pick up some medicine for Angel and Drake is here to pick up some potions."

"Well it's good to see you please come in, but I feel like those bandages I should tend"

Fluttershy looked at the wrapped up wing and realized they were ripped and falling apart.

"It must have got ripped on a branch on the way here."

Zecora walked into to the house and the two ponies followed, Drake leaned towards Fluttershy.

"Does she always rhyme like that?" Drake whispered.

"Yeah, why?" Fluttershy whispered back

"Just wondering."

"So Drake what type of potion do you seek, my library of potions is anything but meek."

"I need a few potions that will deal with injuries like cuts, fractured bones, things of that nature."

"Very interesting potions you need, a dangerous profession you must lead."

"You could say that."

"I will start on your brew right away, let me just fix the bandages on Fluttershy okay."

"Hey Big Mac!" Shouted Applebloom

Big Mac turned to see three fillies sprinting towards him. "What do you three want now?"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about make fun of you earlier and I want to know if we can help you buck apples."

"Fine, just keep quiet"

The three girls started bucking at the trees. Each of their kicks just bounced of the tree only knocking down one or two apples at a time. This went on for about five minutes, by this time the three crusaders were tired and only had knocked down a few apples. Big Mac just looked at them and chuckled a bit.

"How about y'all strike on a single tree." Said Big Macintosh bucking and clearing another tree.

"That's a great idea, thank ya Mac." The Three fillies circled around a tree.

"On three girls, one…two…THREE!" All three fillies bucked their hind hooves as hard as they could.

But to no avail the tree didn't drop a single apple.

"Aw, looks like we ain't getting our cutie marks in apple buckin."

"Maybe we should try bucking a tree with some apples or leaves" Said Scootaloo looking up at the dead tree.

"Oh right, Ok let's find a tree with some apples…wait where is Sweetie Belle?"

The two fillies turned to see their friend standing next to Big Macintosh. The two fillies ran over to here but it was too late.

"So Big Macintosh why do you like Fluttershy?"

This startled Big Mac causing him to kick harder than usual knocking the tree down. "I think she's cute and kind okay just please leave me alone!" yelled Big Macintosh,

The two fillies running towards Sweetie Belle stopped dead in their tracks, surprised at Applebloom's older brother shouting like that.

"I knew you would admit it sooner or later now we should talk to her, get you all cleaned up, do your hair up all fancy, and get you a nice suit, maybe…"

Applebloom put her hoof over Sweetie Belles mouth and dragged her away.

"Sweetie are ya crazy, maken Mac angry like that?"

Applebloom removed the hoof from Sweetie's mouth.

"Well he just admitted it why not help him."

Big Mac walked up to the three, standing above them with a stern look on his face. "Now you three keep that to yourselves, ya hear?"

The three fillies shook their heads yes really fast and ran away faster.

"See that's why y'all don't anger Big Mac like that." Said Applebloom

"Yeah Sweetie are you insane?"

"I'm sorry I just wanted to make him happy by helping him with Fluttershy."

"It's fine let's just do something else." Said Applebloom.

"Hey Drake you want to race to the top of the clock tower?"

Drake chuckled a bit "Are you sure you want to race brother, I mean you still have your saddle bag on."

"Please you're my little brother I could beat you if I was carrying another pony."

"Oh it's on now, you are about to eat those words brother."

"All right then let's lay down a few rules, no using magic, no pushing or kicking, and finally you have to wake up."

"Wait, what was that last one?"

"You have to wake up."

"Wake up?"

"Drake wake up…if you wouldn't mind."

Drake's eyes shoot open. "What…Were am I?"

"Zecora's hut, you feel asleep in a chair, are you okay?" Asked Fluttershy, wing freshly wrapped.

"I'm fine…just had a dream."

"Okay, well Zecora is done with your potions"

"Thanks, so…how much will that be Zecora" Said Drake still in somewhat of a dazed state.

"You are a first time customer to me, so the potions are free."

"Thank you Miss Zecora."

"No need for thanks, just use these when you get kicked in the flank. Now the sun is starting to go down, if you plan to get back you might not want to stay around."

"Thanks Zecora this should fix Angel right up."

The two ponies walked out of the hut and began the trip back to Ponyville.

"Drake I'm sorry I asked you what your talent was I didn't know it would make you angry." Said Fluttershy in a soft tone.

Drake looked at Fluttershy knowing he shouldn't have reacted how he did earlier. "Fluttershy you don't have to be sorry, I'm not angry it's just a touchy subject."

"Okay, good I thought you were mad at me."

The two ponies continued down the trail back to Ponyville both, Drake pulled out is bottle of dark red liquid and took another sip.

"Hope we get back before it gets dark." Said Drake putting away the bottle

"Alright I think I deserve a break after all this studying."

"So can we go and see If Fluttershy made it back to her cottage." Asked Spike

"I don't know Spike, the library is still a bit messy Mr. I had to use the restroom."

"But I did." Responded Spike in a whiny tone

"Five times?"

"Fine, but you try to find some excitement in cleaning up after other pony's messes."

"Fair enough." Said Twilight stomach growling. "But how about we grab something from Applejack's stand on the way to Fluttershy's."

"Okay, fine but after that straight to Fluttershy's." responded Spike

"Right, so let's go I'm getting hungry"

Twilight grabbed a scarf from across the room and wrapped it around her neck. She walked over to the door to open it, but before she could he heard a few knocks. She opened the door to see her purple maned friend.

"Well hello Rarity what brings you here?"

"I just needed to get out of my shop for a while; I just finished some outfits for a client and I've been cooped up in the boutique for a couple of days."

"Well Spike and I were just about to stop by Applejack's stand then head to Fluttershy's, your more than welcomed to accompany us."

"That sounds splendid."

The three started walking to Applejack's stand Spike not wanting to walk so hitching a ride on Twilight's back. The sun was about to set so the air was chilly spring had just come so there weren't going to be in warm night for at least a couple of weeks. There weren't many ponies out tonight but, Twilight could spot a few she recognized. Lyra and Bon-Bon were sitting on a bench eating cupcakes. Carrot top, Colgate, and Berry punch were talking near the fountain. And finally Derpy was walking towards Sugar cube corner probably getting a muffin for her and her little foal Dinky like she did every day. And there were a few other ponies she didn't know by name. Twilight couldn't help but smile, the community was just so nice, almost everypony knew everypony else.

"Twilight what's got you in such a good mood." Asked Rarity

"Oh nothing, it's just been a good day."

"So Rarity, what kind of outfits were you making for your client?" Asked Spike, just wanting to strike up conversation with Rarity.

"A couple dozen dresses for a pony in Canterlot, nothing too special except for a really annoying lace pattern at the bottom of each one."

Spike would have continued to ask Rarity questions but he was interrupted by a orange pony.

"Howdy Twilight, Rarity, Spike, what can I get for ya."

"Hey Applejack, I just want a red delicious, what do you two want I'll pay." Said Twilight

"No need to pay, just about to close up shop anyway."

"Well thank you darling, I will just have a red delicious as well." Said Rarity

"What about you Spike?" Asked Applejack

"I'll have a caramel apple."

"Two red delicious and one caramel apple comin' up" Said Applejack giving her friends there order.

"Thanks Applejack, I would stick around, but Spike and I are stopping by Fluttershy's."

"And I'm heading over to your home to take Sweetie Belle of your hands."

"Alright well don't be strangers."

Twilight and Spike grabbed their food and headed off towards Fluttershy's home.

"Do you think she'll be there Twilight?"

"Like I said Spike Fluttershy can handle herself when it comes to the forest."

"I hope you are right Twilight."

"Here we are." Said Fluttershy as the two ponies exited the forest.

"Living right next to the Everfree forest, that's very brave Fluttershy."

"Oh no, I'm not brave at all." Said Fluttershy as the two ponies walked up the trail to her home.

"You should give yourself more credit; I mean you did go into the forest alone."

"I know but that was just for Angel." Said Fluttershy now blushing.

"Well Angel is lucky to have a friend like you."

The two ponies reached the door to Fluttershy's house.

"Well looks like this is where I depart, it was nice meeting you Fluttershy."

"It was nice meeting you to Drake."

"Hey I'll be in town for a while, maybe we can meet and I could meet those friends of yours."

"That sounds good, and I think Beau would enjoy that as well." Beau still on Fluttershy's back.

"Sounds like a plan, I'll have Beau stop by and drop off a letter when I'm free. Come on Beau." Beau rubbed his head against Fluttershy on last time then flew off her back on to Drake's

"Alright, have a nice evening Drake."

"You to Fluttershy."

Drake started to walk down the path from Fluttershy's cottage to Ponyville. He walked to the main square of town before realizing he hadn't eaten all day and should probably grab a bite to eat. Drake looked around for a food stand of some sort, whilst admiring the simplicity of a village. The first thing he spotted was rather close to him, it was a lavender unicorn with what appeared to be a baby dragon on her back. Drake found it odd but continued walking. After that he saw a light blue unicorn and a pale pony walking along. He saw three ponies talking by a fountain, one might have been intoxicated he really couldn't tell from where he was. And finally he saw a cross eyed pegasus with a basket leave a bakery and saw her fly off. After that Drake spotted what appeared to be an applecart being pulled by an orange mare wearing a hat.

"Excuse me miss I know you are packing up and going home but would you mind selling me a bite to eat." Said Drake approaching the cart

"Of course not partner, just grab an apple and leave two bits."

"Thank you." Said Drake pulling out two bits from a small sack he kept tied around his belt placing it on the cart and grabbing a golden delicious.

"You're welcome."

'What an adorable accent.' Thought Drake as he walked away.

As Drake walked he finished up his apple and tossed the core aside. Drake finally came upon his new residence while staying in Ponyville.

"Odd looking place to live, but I've seen stranger" Said Drake to himself.

Drake looked in his pockets but couldn't find the key.

"Great, looks like I forgot my key."

Drake knocked a few times, but there was no answer, Drake went to open the door and luckily the owner left it unlocked. Drake walked into the house and couldn't help but notice it was a bit of a mess. His first action was to take a break; he sat himself down on a chair and decided to rest for a bit.

"Fluttershy are you home, it's me Twilight." Said Twilight knocking on Fluttershy's door.

"Be there in a second." Said Fluttershy

The door opened, Fluttershy appeared in the door wearing her white and purple bath robes.

"Hello Twilight is there something I can help you with."

"No I was just worried, and wanted to see if you made it back from the forest." Said Twilight, whilst an annoyed Spike cleared his throat.

"And Spike was worried to."

"Oh no I'm fine, I just gave angel his medicine and now I'm running a bath for myself, but if you want to come and talk we can."

"No it's fine, we need to get back to the library, and Spike needs to finish cleaning it." Spike rolled his eyes at this remark.

"Okay, well goodnight Twilight, and are you coming to the spa with me and Rarity tomorrow."

"I'll try to make but I still have some studying.

"Well I hope you make it, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Twilight turned to walk down the path back to her home, door closing behind here.

"Spike do you mind if we teleport back home, I'm a bit tired."

"If I don't have to clean up the library until tomorrow."

"Always trying to get out of work, fine but I want it done before noon."

"Deal."

"Alright Spike prepare yourself." With a bright flash of lavender light Twilight and Spike were in front of their home.

"No matter how many time you do that I won't be used to it."

"Well at least were home."

Twilight stepped forward and opened the door to her house, the house was still a mess but there was one change she noticed almost immediately. There was a white robbed unicorn levitating a glass of water and reading a book titled 'The brief history of Ponyville'. He looked in the direction of Twilight and Spike and closed the book.

"I'm guessing you are Ms. Sparkle." He said, recognizing her from not too long ago.

"Yes, but who are you?" Asked Twilight.

"How rude of me not to introduce myself, I am Drake. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Sparkle."

"Nice to meet you as well, but what are you doing in my home?" Asked Twilight Clearly confused.

"Did you not receive my letter; The Princess must have been too busy today to send the letter I wrote."

"Wait, how do you know the Princess?" Asked Twilight.

"Let's just say I help maintain peace around Equestria."

"Wait do you mean this letter?" Asked Spike retrieving the letter from the table in the center of the room.

"Yes, it seems it hasn't been opened."

"Sorry about that I had a lot of studying today, Spike can you read the letter for me?"

"Sure thing Twi." Said Spike clearing his throat.

Dear Ms. Sparkle

Hello, my name is Drake. I have been studying the creatures of the Everfree forest and other occurrences linked to the Everfree forest. It seems the library here in Canterlot has a limited assortment of books on the matter. I asked Princess Celestia if there were any other libraries in Equestria that may have more information. She told me that the library here in Ponyville was run by her most faithful student and that you had some books on the matter of the forest. I asked If she could get me a place in Ponyville to stay so the trips to the forest would be more often and less tedious. She told me that this was the only place since it was the only place she legally owned here in Ponyville. I told her that it would be fine; I hope this doesn't come as an inconvenience to you.

Sincerely, Drake

Twilight stood there for amount and ran the letter through her head again. Drake took another sip of his water and waited for a response.

"Uh, Twi that was the end of the letter." Said Spike

"Uh…Well Mr. Drake it's not that I don't believe you it's just I would like to double check with the princess."

Twilight scrawled a few words onto a scroll and handed it to spike who proceeded to send the letter. Spike belched a scroll almost as soon as he sent off Twilight's. Spike cleared his throat once more.

To my faithful student

Yes this letter was written and sealed by Drake but I sent it off. I hope his staying at the library won't inconvenience you. Also you need work on your penmanship a little.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia

"So…Where do I stay?"

Twilight blankly starred off repeating the words 'you need to work on your penmanship' in her head over and over. She was finally broken out of this by Spike who walked up and snapped his fingers a few times in her face.

"Twi, Drake was wondering where he should sleep."

"Oh uh, I believe there is an extra bed in the attic."

"Sounds good, would you mind showing me up?"

"Spike please show Drake to the attic."

"Okay, follow me Drake."

Spike started walking upstairs, Drake got out of the chair and followed behind. They walked through Twilight's room and into a back room with a ladder. Spike Climbed up and opened the door at the top of the ladder, Drake followed suit. They both looked around; the attic was a bit dusty but nothing too bad. There was a bed, to the left of the attic near a window, a few small bookcases on the opposite side of the attic with a few books on them, a candle on a night stand next to the bed and a coat rack near the trap door they entered through.

"Well here it is."

"Thanks…Spike was it?"

"Yep, Twilight's number one assistant" Said Spike clearly happy Drake remembered his name so quickly.

Drake didn't see any other assistants but he didn't pay much mind to the remark Spike made.

"Well thanks, but if you don't mind I haven't gotten a lot of sleep lately and I would like to hit the hay." Said Drake lighting the candle near the bed with is magic.

"Alright I hope you find everything okay." Said Spike exiting the attic.

Drake looked around the attic again.

'Well it's no five star resort, but I'm not complaining.' Drake thought to himself

He removed his spaulder and put it on the coat rack. Drake walked over to the small bookcases but couldn't really find a book of interest. He walked back over to the coat rack and removed the rest of his wardrobe, hanging the robes on the coat rack but leaving the belt, sash and bracers on the ground. The only item left on drake was a small gold necklace with an amethyst gemstone shaped like a claw. Drake looked at the bed and couldn't imagine a more beautiful site; he was so tired he could have slept on the floor. He walked over to bed and plopped down under the cover resting his head on the pillow falling asleep almost immediately.

"Well what do you think of him Spike."

"Well nothing much right now, just give him a chance it's not like he's staying here forever."

"You're right, It's just I'm not used to living with another pony who isn't a member of my family."

"Just give him a chance he seems pretty cool."

"Yeah but what's with the robes?"

"I don't know, but I think you're over thinking this a little."

"Maybe your right Spike, I think I'm just going to go to bed."

"Same here."

Twilight and Spike walked upstairs and both got in their beds.

"Goodnight Twilight."

"Goodnight Spike." Yawned Twilight.

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 4: The Pink Blur

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 4

It was a beautiful day not a cloud in the sky, two ponies one clearly older by maybe eight years were talking in an alley.

"I'm giving you one more chance to surrender Drake; you are out matched by me the fastest of ponies."

"The mares around town have been speaking of your speed brother, and besides you are no match for my skill."

"Ah a joke very clever, but after this you're going to be the joke."

"We'll see about that."

"Okay remember to the clock tower on three, One. Two. Three."

The two ponies bolted off as fast as they could. The larger pony lagged behind for a bit adjusting to the weight of his saddle bag, but started to gain ground quickly. The smaller pony moved his legs as fast as he could but was no much for the longer and stronger legs of his eldest brother. In what seemed like no time the larger pony was far out in front of his sibling hooves making loud clopping sounds against the cobblestone street.

"Where is that skill of yours little brother?" Taunted the older pony.

Drake's eyes filled with determination as he started to run faster as they entered the market, the market was practically empty today, there were a few vendors and only a handful of patrons. By this time the two ponies were neck and neck both wanting to beat the other, the clock tower was on the other side of the market about eighty yards away. Suddenly Drake felt a tug at his right forehoof; he looked down and saw an aura of dark blue magic enveloping it. He was swiftly jerked towards the owner of the aura, Drake stood there looking at the pony who grabbed him so suddenly. He was wearing a black hooded cloak that casted a shadow over his entire face with orange glowing eyes peering into Drake's very soul, his upper body was covered by the cloak but left his legs exposed; the pony was a dark grey color almost to the point to where he was black and the pony was rather tall.

"Let me go mister I have to catch up with my brother." Said Drake looking back in forth between the mysterious pony and his brother.

"There is no saving him." Said the hooded stranger.

"What are you talking about you creep, let me go." Said Drake trying to break free of the aura.

"There is no escape." Said the stranger

Drake looked at him confused, he then realized that he was being dragged down into a black portal in the cobblestone street not knowing how or when it got there.

"What's going on let me go!" Shouted Drake.

All the mysterious pony did was look at him with his orange glowing eyes.

"Brother help! Wyvern help! Wyvern! Wyvern!" Shouted Drake Watching his older brother continue to run away until Drake was completely submerged into the portal.

Drake's eyes shot open and he sat up putting his right hoof over his fast beating heart, Drake just sat there for a little whilst taking in his current surroundings.

"Thank Celestia it was just a dream." Drake said

Drake got out of his bed and walked over to the coat stand to put on his robes, while putting them on he realized how bad that dream shook him up his coat was matted in sweat and he was shaking a bit. After putting on his clothes he decide to head down stairs he opened up the trap door and started going down.

"Spike I'm going to the spa, I want this place cleaned up before I get back!" Twilight shouted up the stair case

"Okay Twilight!" Shouted Spike back down to her

Drake heard the door close and continued to go down the ladder and out of the back room into Twilight's room. Spike was up and cleaning some dust off of the bookcases she had in here room. Spike turned around to see the slightly dazed pony walking through.

"Good afternoon Drake, Twilight wanted me to tell you feel free to take a bath I prepared some things for your and that you can help yourself to any book here."

"Afternoon? What time is it?"

Spike pointed to a wall clock that read 12:15pm.

"What time did you get up?"

"7:00am, it's not very often I get to sleep in but that's because Twilight gets me up at seven every morning."

"Yeah well I haven't slept in a while, so where is the restroom so I can get cleaned up."

Spike pointed to the back room.

"There is a door in the back room on the right side."

Drake walked back into the room and there it was he didn't see it last night while walking to the attic, but probably because he was tired. Drake opened the door and walked into the bathroom, the floors were tile which he found odd since this house was a giant tree. He saw a bath tub in the corner next to the window and he saw a towel and a tooth brush on the counter next to the sink. Drake walked over to the tub and started it up.

Drake walked back over to the door and shouted "Thanks Spike!" and closed it.

"Darling, it's about time you got here." Said Rarity standing next to Aloe and Lotus the two spa ponies, they were prepping some spa equipment for Rarity's weekly appointment.

"Sorry I'm late Rarity I was studying a bit and lost track of time; sorry to keep you and Fluttershy waiting…Where is Fluttershy by the way"

"It's quite alright deer, and Fluttershy won't be attending the spa with us today little Angel is still sick and she didn't want to leave him alone."

"That's too bad, but we can still have fun together."

"Of course."

"Please follow me to the steam room, while Aloe gets the mud baths ready." Said Lotus in her thick accent.

The two Unicorns followed the blue spa pony. Rarity and Lotus struck up a conversation but Twilight didn't pay any attention, she was more focused on the décor of the spa. Light was shining through the large beautiful windows, the tiles were a beautiful pearl color, the drapes on the windows were a smooth crimson red, the walls were a very soothing aquamarine, the pillars were astonishing white marble, and there were a few statues here and there of different ponies. Twilight often wondered how these two could afford this amount of high class décor for a spa in such a small town.

The room let out a bellow of steam as Lotus opened the door, the three ponies walked in and took a seat, Lotus sat a on a small stool next to some hot coals. The interior of the steam room was pretty regular, the walls were wooden and so was the bench that ran the perimeter of the room. Twilight and Rarity sat down on the bench letting the steam envelope them. Twilight looked to Rarity and saw that she had a towel wrapped around her hair so the steam wouldn't mess it up. They sat there and silence for a while just enjoying the relaxing moment.

"So Twilight how have you been lately? I suspect much hasn't changed we spoke last night." Said Rarity trying to start up some conversation.

"I've been doing well thanks for asking, have you gotten word from that client from Canterlot?" Replied Twilight.

"He came to pick them up today and he was very impressed, he said he loved the stich work." Said Rarity with a grin on her face.

"That's wonderful Rarity; you seem to be getting a large amount of business lately." Responded Twilight.

"Yes well the work of a great designer is never finished." Said Rarity proudly.

Lotus poured some water on the hot coals creating a screen of thick steam, the two ponies continued to relax in the steamy room.

Drake walked out of the bathroom into Twilight's room where he saw Spike taking a break, and eating a green gemstone.

"Emerald interesting choice, I heard that rubies taste the best though." Said Drake

"Well I agree that rubies are good, my favorites are sapphires. And how did you hear about gem flavor, only dragons eat them." Said a confused Spike

"I don't, just trying to strike up some conversation." Said Drake fastening his bracers.

"So I guess you need me to find you a book." Said Spike finishing off his gemstone.

"Nah, I just want a recommendation on where I could get a quick lunch."

"Depends on what kind of lunch you are looking for."

"I'm in the mood for someplace that serves sweets and maybe coffee."

"Well there is always Sugar Cube Corner it's a very bright and colorful restaurant near the fountain in town, then Ms. Coco Bean has a nice little Coffee shop in Ponyville south."

"Thanks for the recommendations spike, want me to pick you up something on the way back?"

"Sure if you go to Sugar Cube Corner can you pick me up a vanilla cupcake?"

"No problem, I'll see ya when I get back."

"Oh Ms. Sparkle these knots in your back are horrendous." Said Aloe massaging Twilight's back.

"I know, I've just been under a bit of stress lately."

"Don't worry I will have you feeling good as new in no time." Replied the Pink spa pony.

"Twilight what does have you so stressed anyway? Have you been studying too much again?

"No it's not that Rarity, It's just…well there's this stallion…"

"A STALLION!" Shouted an excited Rarity. "Twilight I didn't know you have a crush on somepony, why didn't you tell me? We could get your hair styled, I could make you a nice dress, I could arrange for you to get a makeover, I could even get you reservations at a lovely restaurant in town. So who is the lucky stallion?"

"Oh no, it's not like that Rarity, Celestia had some stallion come live with me at the library, he supposed to be a specialist on the forest or something, and he wears these strange robes. I mean if Celestia sent him he must be an alright pony, but I just can't help but feel like he's trouble."

"Oh, I thought you were talking about a stallion you wanted to pursue a relationship with." Said Rarity with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Rarity did you not just hear me?"

"Twilight, why yes he is a stranger there is no need to alienate him, if what you say is true and he seems a bit odd he will already have enough trouble fitting in, so give him a chance."

"You may be right Rarity, who knows he may even be a very nice pony."

"All right your massages are done; please follow Aloe to the mud baths, while I get the seaweed hair wraps."

The two ponies followed the pink spa pony to the baths, while Twilight thought about the mysterious pony now living with her.

As Drake approached Sugar Cube Corner he couldn't help but notice how bright and vibrant it was, when Spike said bright and colorful restaurant he wasn't joking. The bell on the door of the restaurant rang as Drake walked in; the color of the restaurants interior was just as exuberant as the outside. Drake took off his hood and approached the counter and was greeted by a light blue pony with pink hair that looked like cupcake frosting.

"Hello sir what can I get for you today?" asked a blue pony working the counter.

"Can I get a couple of chocolate cupcakes and a cup of coffee?"

"Of course, but we don't have coffee, is tea alright?"

"Of course."

"Alright let me just grab your cupcakes." Said the pony reaching in to the display case to grab the chocolate cupcake tray. "Just take any two you like and I'll have your tea for you in a little bit."

Drake grabbed his two cupcakes and took a seat in the back of the dining area. Drake sat there for a while looking around looking at the other patrons, there was the light blue and tan pony he recognized from last night both sharing a slice of cake, three fillies were sitting at a table waiting for their order as well, a stallion with a tennis racquet and head band on was eating a cookie, and a brown stallion with a chestnut mane was eating a muffin and drinking coffee from a thermos. Drake sat there eating his cupcake waiting for his tea when he heard a loud cry from the kitchen area, the cry sounded like that of a young foal. Drake decided to dismiss it and continue eating his cupcake, as he went to take another bite he noticed a pink blur shoot through the doors of the restaurant and into the kitchen. A few moments later the blue pony came to him with his tea.

"I'm sorry that took so long our babysitter was late."

"It's fine, but could you bring me a vanilla cupcake."

"Of course and sorry again."

As she walked back to the counter Drake took a sip of his tea and saw yellow stallion with an orange mane bring the three girls their order. The Stallion with the chestnut mane was gone and so were the two ponies sharing the cake.

"Here's your cupcake sir free of charge."

"Thank you, but I couldn't."

"No no, it's just are way of saying thanks for being so patient and welcome to Ponyville."

"Thank you very much Mrs…"

"Mrs. Cake."

"Well thank you Mrs. Cake, and your cupcakes we're delicious."

"Well, we try our very best here at sugar cube corner, enjoy your day."

"You too."

Drake finished his second cupcake and tea then paid for his meal, this time the yellow pony was working the counter. The yellow pony who Drake assumed was Mr. Cake wished him a happy day and Drake did the same. Drake walked out the door levitating the cupcake he got for Spike; he only got a few steps before seeing a pink flash land in front of him and roll to her hooves.

"Hello I'm Pinkie Pie, I just saw you exit out of sugar cube corner and I didn't recognize you so I realized you must be new and if your new you probably don't have any friends here and I thought I could just show you around the town and be friends with you. So what's your name!" Said the over excited pink pony who apparently jumped from the second story window.

Drake stepped back for a second somewhat startled by this surprise attack.

"Hi, I'm Drake it's nice to meet you Pinkie Pie, and I would love to have you give me the tour, but I should be getting back to where I'm staying." Said Drake to the very bubbly pony.

"Aw, please it won't take long I swear." Said the pony looking at Drake with a pouting face

"I would really love to but I can't ."

"Pretty pretty pretty please with sugar on top." Said the pony now giving Drake the puppy dog face.

"Fine, but how long will it take."

"Not long at all I promise."

"Thank you for visiting the spa we hope to see you next week Rarity and Ms. Sparkle." Said Aloe

"I'll try to make it, If I have another large order next week I might have to go without the spa for a week" Replied Rarity

"All right, have a nice day you two." Said Lotus.

Twilight and Rarity walked out the door and started walking towards Twilight's house.

"Rarity, I forgot to pay let me run back and take care of it."

"No it's all right Twilight, I paid for it before you got there."

"Oh I didn't know you paid for me, please let me treat you to lunch. How about sugar cube corner?

"We can go but you don't have to pay for me Twilight it was my pleasure to pay for the spa."

"No, I insist."

"Thank you Twilight."

"No problem."

The two ponies walked into the restaurant, they looked around and saw it was pretty empty except for three fillies just finishing their food.

"Hi Rarity!' Shouted the young white unicorn.

The unicorn filly ran up and gave Rarity a hug.

"Hello Sweetie Belle, what's got you all hyper and huggy today."

"Well the girls finally think they know what my talent is."

"And what is that?" Asked Rarity

"SPELUNKING!"Shouted Sweetie Belle

"That's wonderfu…wait you want to go spelunking?"

"Yeah, the girls thought If Rarity can go into caves and find gems then maybe I can do it also."

This caught Rarity off guard, Rarity knew that Sweetie Belle wanted to be like her but; she was hoping finally someone discovered her true talent. Rarity has almost always been aware of Sweetie Belle's amazing vocal talents, and she is pretty sure other people were aware as well.

"That's nice Sweetie but, please don't go anywhere dangerous without me or somepony else who is an adult we trust."

"Okay Rarity. Hey girls the spelunking thing is off let's do something else." Said Sweetie Belle turning back to her friends.

"All right now that's taken care of Rarity would you like to order first."

"Sure."

The two ponies walked over to the counter and looked over the items in the display case.

"Hello, Twilight and Rarity how are you two today?" Asked Mrs. Cake

"Were doing wonderful, we just got finished with an appointment at the spa and we thought

we would stop by and grab a small lunch." Said Rarity.

"That's good to here, now what can I get you girls?"

"I'll have a vanilla cupcake and a cup of tea" Said Rarity.

"And I'll have a blueberry muffin and some tea as well." Said Twilight

"All right, Rarity take a cupcake that you like, and Twilight I'll get your muffin soon were just finishing up a batch. Honey can you get me two cups of tea please!"

"Of course, deer!"

Mr. Cake came from the back of the shop carrying two cups of tea on his back.

"Her you go girls, enjoy your lunch." Said Mr. Cake as the two Unicorns levitated the drinks from his back.

"Thank you." Said the two unicorns

The two unicorns looked around for a place to sit and eat; they started to walk to a spot in the corner of the shop until they heard a voice from a different part of the shop.

"Rarity come sit with us, maybe you can help us with what we should do next to get our cutie marks." Said Sweetie Belle

The Two ponies walked over and sat with the crusaders and listened to their plans. The Crusaders talked loudly on what they will inspire to be next and if that fails what they will do after that. Rarity sat there with a forced smile on her face wanting to tell Sweetie Belle that she is an amazing singer and needs to pursue that. But she didn't want to take away Sweetie's chance to find it out for herself.

"Here you go Twilight Fresh from the Oven." Said Mr. Cake holding a small plate on his back.

Twilight levitated the plate from his back and placed it in front of herself.

"Mr. Cake do you know were Pinkie is? She should have been down here by now to attack us with conversation." Said Twilight.

"She put the foals down for a nap and said something about a new pony in town."

Twilight and Rarity looked at each other for a moment knowing who Pinkie was showing around town.

"Well enjoy your food."

"Thank you, we will." Replied Rarity

"Well, that's it for the tour! I hope you enjoyed it and maybe we can hang out again sometime. Even if you wear those weird robes I would like to hang out with you. You should come by Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow and then we could hang out again!"

The two ponies were now standing outside of Sugar Cube Corner the Sun was no longer centered in the sky, it had been three hours since the tour started.

"Thanks for the tour Pinkie Pie; I may swing by Sugar Cube corner sometime soon."

"Well, I'll be here serving delicious sweets! Bye new friend!"

"Bye Pinkie."

And like that the friendly Pink blur was gone. Drake Started walking home chuckling to himself whilst thinking about the Pink pony. Thinking about here high octane energy, her curly mane and tail, and of course her extremely friendly and crazy personality. Drake continued to walk thinking about the Pink pony until he realized why he was in Ponyville in the first place.

'Okay Drake you are here on business to put the past behind you and search the Everfree forest, you need to start studying some of the books in the library about the forest and try to expand off of that knowledge.' Thought Drake.

Drake ran over his information over and over again in his head until he got to Twilight's home. Drake opened the door and called for Spike.

"Hey Spike I'm back!"

"It's about time it's been a little over four hours since you left."

"Yeah sorry about that, I got side tracked but, here's your cupcake."

"Thanks." Said Spike the proceeding to shove the whole cupcake in his mouth at once.

"Also Drake, you got some mail while you were away." Said the Dragon mouth full while pointing to a small box in the corner.

"Thanks…Hey Spike can you grab me some books on the Everfree forest." Said Drake while eying the box.

"Sure, do you want non-fiction or myth?"

"Both, and just put them in my room for me."

"Alright, I'll do that for you right now."

"Thanks."

Spike ran upstairs to get Drake some books on the ever free forest. Drake decided he might as well open the package while he was down there. Drake walked up to the package and opened it using his magic; he lifted the contents of the package in front of his face. The small box contained a necklace, a diary, and a scroll.

Hey Drake,

Drake here are some things you left in Canterlot, You also left some other things but we haven't had the chance to ship them yet. Also Drake I know you've been with us for about nine years now and you think that what you've done is enough, but Drake it isn't. We know you have moved to Ponyville to get away from all the messed up things that have happened to you, but Drake it would be helpful to have your assistance. As you know Ponyville is the only place in Equestria where we don't have a chapter of our organization. So on the back of this note is some names and some locations. Drake you know something big is going on out there, so if you want to start making a difference again we could use your help,

From your friend, Quick Silver.

Drake stood there for a little bit reading the note over about two more times. He didn't even turn the paper over to look at the names. He stuffed the paper into one of the pouches on his outfit. He looked at the necklace that came in the package; it was a ruby red necklace with a golden horn overlapping a golden wing on the front. He stuffed that into the same pouch he put the paper in. And finally his journal log, full of all of his past deeds. He went to put it into one of his pouches but stopped. He opened up the journal to a random page; he read a few lines of the first page he opened up to. He proceeded to close the small book and put it back in his pouch not giving it an extra thought. He began to walk to the stairs but was stopped by one niggling little phrase in the back of his head.

If you want to start making a difference again we could use your help.

From your friend, Quick Silver.

Those lines kept playing in his head over and over again, until he was interrupted.

"Alright, I think that should hold you over for a while, anything else you need."

"Nah…that should do it." Said Drake, snapping back into reality.

At that moment the door to Twilight's house opened and in walked two ponies, one the owner of the place and two a white unicorn with beautiful purple hair.

"Hey Twilight." Said Spike

"Hello Spike, Drake."

Drake turned towards the two ponies and greeted them. Rarity was surprised with what she saw; the pony Twilight described seemed odd and antisocial, but this unicorn was surprisingly handsome. Also the robes she described were nothing like these robes, they were elegantly trimmed and styled with a breath taking color scheme.

"Hello, Twilight and…"

"Rarity." Said the white unicorn.

"Oh I know, but I was asking your name." Responded Drake

"Oh do go on." Said Rarity giggling slightly.

"Well I would love to but, I must be going I have a lot of studying to do."

"Well it was nice meeting you Mister Drake."

"and you." Said Drake before retreating up the stair case.

"Twilight why didn't you tell me your new guest was that handsome."

"Didn't you see those robes he was wearing, don't you find that a bit odd."

"I think they look lovely, and they complement his mane color very well."

"I guess, well like Drake I have to get back to studying."

"Alright I'll talk to you later Twilight, good-bye Spikey Wikey." Rarity exited the library and headed back towards her boutique.

"Did you see that? Drake was totally hitting on Rarity!" Said Spike loudly

"No he wasn't he was just paying her a complement."

"Fine, I'm still gonna lay down the law to him, Rarity is my woman and nopony else can have her."

"Spike I know you really like Rarity but let's be honest she much much older than you and your not even of the same species."

"Whatever, I'll be upstairs if you need me." Said Spike, going up the staircase

Twilight just giggled lightly and grabbed her book from the table in the center of the room and continued to read from where she left off.

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 1 Part 5: A Brunch Gone Bad

The Fight for Happiness Part 5

Dear Journal log,

It’s been 10 days since I’ve arrived at Ponyville. Everypony I’ve meet has been very kind to me, except for Ms. Sparkle. She seems like a pleasant enough pony I just can’t help but feel that she has been rather cold towards me. I haven’t had much interaction with other ponies since my encounter with Pinkie Pie and Rarity mainly due to fact that I’ve spent the past 8 days up here in my room reading these books and comparing them to my own knowledge. Spike came up here and told me something about Rarity while I was studying but, I wasn’t paying too much attention, due to the amount of focus and intrigue I have with these books on the mysterious forest. Also I received a letter and my old necklace from Quick Silver a few days back; I don’t understand why they can’t just leave me alone. I’ve done my part now it’s time for them to do theirs.

Drake tucked away the journal inside the night stand drawer and continued to read the books given to him by Spike. He was reading about the medicinal plants of the forest until he heard a tapping at the attics window. Drake turned to see a familiar hawk with what appeared to be a small scroll tied to his ankle. Drake opened the window for Beau who landed on Drake’s bed. Drake walked up to Beau and removed the small scroll from around the hawk’s leg and proceeded to open and read it.

Hello Drake,

It’s me Fluttershy. It’s been a while since you helped me through the forest and helped me get Angel’s medicine. And Angel is feeling better, so I thought if you wanted you could meet me at Ms. Beans coffee shop today and allow for me to get you lunch, but that’s only if you want to. Also my friends will be meeting me there as well so you can get a chance to meet them if you want. And if you can’t make it just allow me to say thanks for your help and will be meeting there at 11 a.m. for brunch.

Sincerely, Fluttershy

“Well that’s explains where you’ve been as of late.” Said Drake to the Hawk

Drake put the scroll into the night stand drawer with his journal. He stood up and stretched out his back a little bit and proceeded to walk out of the attic and into Twilight’s room. He looked around for Spike but couldn’t find him. Drake noticed a small clock near Twilight’s bed and levitated it towards him. The clock read 9:45; Drake put the clock back where it was and walked back into the attic.

“Alright Beau, I’m going to head to Ms. Beans coffee shop now so I can get out of this library for a while, your free to come

with me or you can go back to Fluttershy’s.”

Not a second had passed and Beau was already speeding back outside. Drake just shook his head and approached the bed; he grabbed the book he was reading before Beau Interrupted him.

‘Might as well read something while I wait.’ Thought Drake.

“Fluttershy are you home?” Asked Twilight knocking on Fluttershy’s door.

“Hello Twilight, you’re a little early.” Said Fluttershy opening the door.

“I know I just needed to get out of the library for a bit. So how’s Angel?”

“He’s doing much better it’s like he was never even sick, thank you for asking.”

Well that’s great news.”

“So where is Spike? I thought he was joining us for brunch today.”

“He stopped by Rarity’s early this morning to help her with some new outfits.”

“Okay, would you like something to drink while we what for Applejack.”

“Yes please, do you have any of that tea I really like?”

“Of course, how much do you want?”

“A small cup please.”

“Alright I’ll be right back.”

Twilight sat there for about ten minutes until she heard a knock at the door. She walked over to open it, standing there awkwardly on one of her front hooves was AppleJack.

“Hey Applejack, are you alright?”

“Howdy Twi, and I’m just fine just sprained an ankle is all, I’ll just have Fluttershy take a gander at it before we go.”

“Do you need help getting to the couch?”

“I’ll be fine.” Said Applejack limping towards the couch clearly in pain before finally sitting down and letting out a sigh of relief.

“So how did you hurt it?” Asked Twilight.

“Well me and Mac was working the orchard and when I decided to call it quits I turned and stepped in a large gofer hole,

those little varmints are gonna be the death of me.”

Fluttershy walked out of her kitchen and into the living room, she was carrying a cup of tea in her mouth by the handle. She set the cup down on the coffee table and turned toward Applejack.

“Hello Applejack it’s good to see you. How have you been?” Asked Fluttershy.

“I’ve been doing fine, I just need ya look at one of my front hooves.”

“Of course, but what happened to it?” Asked Fluttershy with a look of worry on her face.

“I was walking back from the fields and sprained my right ankle in a gofer hole.” Replied the injured pony.

“Okay, I’ll go get my medical kit and I’ll be right back.”

“Hurry along now Spike we can’t be late for brunch.” Said Rarity calling back to the small dragon lagging behind her.

“But we still have thirty minutes we’re not going to be late.” Replied the dragon.

“Spike a lady is never late to a social gathering and it never hurts to be a tad early for a get together in a public place.”

It was another beautiful day in Ponyville today, it was a bit cloudy, but the clouds made sure it wouldn’t get to hot today. The streets of Ponyville were full of ponies heading towards the market area, while Rarity was heading to Ms. Beans coffee shop which was just a little further up the road.

“Shake a leg Spike, I would like for us to be the first ones at this little soiree.”

Spike just gave a small sigh and jogged to keep up with Rarity who was lightly trotting along. The pair arrived at the front of the small restaurant, Rarity scanned over the outside of the restaurant to see if any of her friends had made it.

“Well Spike looks like were the first ones here.”

“Hooray.” Cheered Spike sarcastically.

“All right let find a table to sit at, now Spike, Fluttershy told us that she would be meeting a new friend of hers here so let’s be on our best behavior.”

Rarity spotted a large table that would easily accompany eight ponies, and sitting at that table was a pony wearing a familiar ensemble. Rarity and Spike approached the round table that the pony was sitting at and took a seat next to him. The pony peered over his book and under his hood and greeted the white unicorn.

“It’s good to see you again Ms. Rarity, what brings you here?”

“It’s nice to see you again as well Drake, and I’m just here to have some brunch with some friends of mine.”

“Well you’re free to sit with me until they get here.”

“Thank you, also Drake I didn’t get the chance to tell you how much I adore those lovely Robes you wear. Do you have any more robes with different colors or styles?”

“Thank you, and no just the single set of robes.” Said Drake now closing his book and placing it on the table.

“Oh that’s a shame.”

“How so?”

“Well it means you can’t be dressed in a set of lovely robes every day.”

“That’s actually far from the truth, I know a spell that allows me to restore stained or dirtied clothes, let me show you.”

Drake pulled out a small bottle of red liquid from one of the pouches on his outfit, he then proceeded to open and pour it on the sleeve of his robes. He pulled down his hood and a dark teal aura formed around his horn and then to the stain on his sleeve until the stain disappeared.

“That was rather impressive, but I was talking with Twilight yesterday and she told me you studied the forest shouldn’t your magic have something to do with that.” Said Rarity.

“Actually my talent doesn’t have anything to do with magic, because anypony can study the forest, due to that I have a small pool of magic that allows me to cast simple spells in different fields of magic many ponies have it, but few seek the training to improve upon it. The only drawback is that if I use too many spells or one difficult one it affects my body causing me to become exhausted and unable to perform most magical or physical tasks.”

“That reminds me of a unicorn that came into town once; she was very uncivilized and brutish, unlike you Drake.”

“Wow that’s just like Twilight, but she can use a lot of spells or a few difficult ones before tiring out!” Shouted Spike trying to wiggle his way into the conversation

“Really? That is rather amazing.”

“All right Dash hurry up you have a shortened lunch break to day you’re being sent to Cloudesdale to help out at the weather factory for the rest of the day!” Shouted a large brown pegasus with an orange mane.

“All right I heard you the first time.” Replied a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane

“Ah, here’s one of them now. Rainbow, over here darling.”

“Oh, hey Rarity, Spike and…who’s the stiff in the robes.”

“This stiff as you called him is Twilight’s houseguest.”

“Hi, I’m Drake.”

“Sup Drake. What’s with the Goofy robes?” Asked the brash pegasus

“Rainbow!”

“It’s fine Rarity I get asked that a lot, I wear them because it’s a part of my profession.”

“And what profession would that be?”

“

I study the Everfree forest, I read books on it, write down my findings study the creatures that dwell there, that sort of thing.”

“Oh, so you’re a nerd like Twilight.”

“Rainbow!” shouted Rarity.

“Well when you put it like that, yeah I guess I am kind of a nerd.”

After that the two ponies and the dragon started to converse with each other, Drake decided to just sit and listen. A few moments passed and the pony Drake had been waiting for arrived, she was walking amongst a crowd of ponies, for such a small looking town there are quite a few ponies living in it.

“Well, my hostess has arrived.” Said Drake

“Drake I didn’t know you were waiting on a mare, which one is she?” Asked Rarity

“Do you see that yellow pony with the pink mane standing next to the one with the hat?”

“Yes, is she near her?”

“No that is her.”

Rarity sat there pondering Drakes words, the realization that Fluttershy’s friend is Drake hit her like a ton of bricks. This look of bewilderment was evident on her face, and Spike and Dash’s as well. The act of Fluttershy being social with anyone besides her friends is an odd occurrence much less her inviting out a stallion to brunch. Rarity expected Fluttershy’s friend to be as shy and timid as her, but her friend was this handsome pony.

“Howdy, Rarity, Dash, Spike and I’m guessin’ your Fluttershy’s new friend who will be joining us for brunch.” Said Applejack whilst limping towards the table

“That I am, my names Drake it’s nice to meet you Ms…”

“Applejack.” The orange pony responded while taking a seat.

“It’s nice to meet you Applejack, And Rarity I guess you and Dash are the friends Fluttershy wrote about in the invitation she sent me.”

“I guess so, Fluttershy darling where are Twilight and Pinkie?” asked Rarity

Right after asking the question a large purple luminous sphere appeared in front of the table the five ponies were sitting at. A few chairs got tossed around the restaurant and a biscuit hit a patron in the face smearing butter and jelly all over her. Everypony in the restaurant stared at the combustion of purple magic until it expired; there stood a pink earth pony with a large grin on her face and a purple unicorn looking around noticing all the ponies starring at her.

“Sorry everypony, please enjoy your meals.” Said Twilight sheepishly

All the ponies in the restaurant returned to their tables or went off to find their chairs mumbling to themselves while they did so.

“Drake what are you doing here, I haven’t seen you since I gave you that tour around Ponyville! That was so fun especially since I put the confetti in the oven and the cake batter in the confetti cannon! I do that a lot for some reason; we should totally hang out more! So what are you doing here?” The bubbly pink pony talked at an elevated volume to where everyone in the restaurant could here.

“Yes, Drake why are you here? I thought you had to study up on those books spike brought you.” Said Twilight.

“Well Fluttershy invited me to this little get together to meet some of her friends and how could I say no, but it appears I’ve already met a few of them.” Responded Drake.

The final two guests took a seat; the ponies started having a light conversation catching up with each other and what they’ve been up to recently. Twilight talked a little bit about her new magical discoveries, Rarity talked about this new order that just came in this morning, Applejack talked about her injured hoof which was now wrapped up and put in a splint thanks to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash told everyone about how she had to go to Cloudesdale today, Pinkie started to loudly talk about this new cake recipe she’s been dying to try, and Fluttershy told everyone Angel made a great recovery. Then finally

Twilight asked the question that had been on her mind the entire time.

“So how did you and Drake meet Fluttershy?”

“Well I was in the forest…”Started Fluttershy only to be interrupted by a waiter.

“Excuse me; we’ve had a few complaints about this table I’m going to have to ask you to keep the magic use and the loud speaking limited.”

“Of course sir, we are so terribly sorry.” Responded Rarity in the most charming voice she could muster.

“Now that’s out of the way may I get your orders?”

The ponies went on to ordering there food and drinks everyone ordered tea except for Rarity who ordered a latte, and Drake who ordered a black coffee, which got an odd look from Pinkie Pie who was wondering why anypony would want to drink something so bitter. They all agreed to get a large plate of cinnamon rolls to which they would all share and split the bill. The waiter thanked them and went to fetch the order. Then the subject of how the two meet was brought up again by the same pony who was intrigued how somepony could become such quick friends with Fluttershy.

Fluttershy went on to tell them everypony about that day. The Timberwolves that almost killed her, the way Drake pulled the stasis spell on the wolves, which caused Twilight to raise an eyebrow. To when they made it to Zecora’s, she skipped the part where Drake got upset about the asking of his profession, to when they made it out and Drake left. Fluttershy then asked about how Twilight new Drake. Twilight told her about how she just walked in on him reading a book and the contents of the letter from Celestia. She wondered why Drake had gotten upset about her asking about his profession. But before she could ask the waiter came back levitating a tray of cinnamon rolls whilst balancing drinks on his back, after placing the tray down he levitated everyone there drinks and hoped they enjoyed the meal. Pinkie was the first to grab a cinnamon roll with the blinding speed she always uses when sweets are involved in any way. After they all started eating the questions about Drake started to fade and they started to focus on how good the food was until a certain hyperactive pony brought up a question.

“Hey Drakey, what’s that thingy on your hoof?” Asked

“Oh this, it’s just a bracer it protects my forehoof from spraining while going through the rough terrain of the forest.” Said

the Pony bringing his hoof so everyone could see.

He was expecting Rarity to tell him how much it accented his outfit, but what he didn’t expect was to not see it on his hoof. He looked over to the Pinkie who was now in possession of his bracer and shaking it like she did with every interesting and new object she found.

“Pinkie wait!”

The sound of metal being unsheathed was heard and a light stream of red liquid dripped on the table.

“Owieowieowieowieowieowieowieowieowie!” shouted the pink pony who now dropped the bracer which now brandished a long sharp piece of metal stained with her blood.

The ponies around the table looked astonished at the events that just happened; they just saw their friend injured by a weapon. Most of the patrons of the restaurant were looking upon as well.

“Dammit, Pinkie let me see where it got you.” Said Drake grabbing the Pink ponies hoof.

The cut wasn’t too serious it wasn’t deep but it did go across a good portion of her right hoof. Drake levitated the medical bandages out of his pouch and wrapped it around the ponies hoof.

“Now you’re lucky that didn’t cut deep that could have been really bad.” Said Drake to Pinkie whilst putting away the medical bandages.

The Ponies were just starring now, until the brashest of the group decided to speak up.

“What the buck was that Drake!?!?” Shouted RainbowDash.

“Yes Drake why do you have this thing?” Continued Twilight levitating the bracer towards here touching the material which made up most of it.

“Calm down, it’s a battle bracer, it was used by the pegasi warrior’s before the founding of Equestria it’s and it’s a custom made one that my brother put together for me.”

“Calm down!?!? That thing just hurt are friend, why the buck do you have it!?!?” Shouted RainbowDash again.

“Like I said I go into the Everfree forest on a regular basis, so if I ever need it I can…well you know.”

“What do I know!?!?”

“Incase I’m too tired to ever protect myself with magic I have that to protect me.”

‘This is it! I knew there was something up with him, a pony who was studying the forest wouldn’t just want to study the forest and not want to affect the habitat in any way. So there is something more to it just need to keep pressing him’ thought Twilight

“Drake the letter said that you studied the forest, wouldn’t a pony studying the forest not want to affect the ecosystem in any way.”

He couldn’t come up with a response, Fluttershy would never talk to him again, Rarity would find him uncivilized and barbaric. The only two friends he’s made here so far would turn on him.

‘So much for starting over.’ thought Drake.

“You’re no ecologist. What are you hiding Drake?” Pressed Twilight

All eyes were on Drake now; he levitated his bracer towards him and whipped the blood off on his robes and put it back on. He looked Twilight dead in the eyes.

“Fine you caught me, your right I’m not an ecologist of the Everfree forest.”

“Then what are you?” asked Fluttershy quietly.

“I’m what’s known as a Vanguard of the Forest.”

“Well what in tarnation is that?” asked Applejack.

“A Vanguard of the Forest is a pony who keeps the more dangerous creatures and animals of the Everfree forest from roaming to close to towns or new settlements. They’ve been around for a while even before the settling of Ponyville. They also keep the population down by any means, so that means Drake’s bracer isn’t for self-defense it’s for the slaughtering of creatures.” said Twilight pointing an accusing hoof at Drake.

Drake retracted the blade back into his bracer.

“Very good Ms. Sparkle you’ve obviously been studying.” Said Drake.

All the ponies looked upon Drake with some form of fright or disgust, all except for Fluttershy.

“Drake I understand why you would keep this from me, I also understand why you have to do this, if you didn’t do it then a lot of the animals of the forest would be in danger. Also so would Ponyville and all the other small towns near the forest.” said Fluttershy.

Now the attention was turned to Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy how could you say that, I thought you loved all creatures no matter how big or dangerous.” Asked Twilight

“Oh I do love all the creatures, but there are too many of them to love and keep from rampaging. So while I don’t agree with Drakes methods, he is helping everypony in the long run.”

“But Fluttershy he’s killing animals, do you not see that!” shouted Dash.

“Yes I do see that, but animals kill animals to, it’s just the natural way of life. Ferrets eat fish, foxes eat ferrets, and bears eat foxes. It’s a vicious cycle but that’s nature.”

Everyone was staring at Fluttershy now, amazed how okay she was with this.

“Well I guess Flutters is right, what if there weren’t any of those Vanguard fellows? My family may not have been able to settle here if it weren’t for them.” stated Applejack

“I guess it’s okay, I mean if he’s making it better for everypony then that’s fine, just make sure that doesn’t poke me again it really hurt.” Said Pinkie still holding her throbbing hoof.

“I think it’s messed up, what did those creatures ever do to deserve that? Just because they exist you think you have a right to make them not exist.” Said Rainbow Dash in a harsh tone

“I have to agree with Dash, Drake why would you pursue such an awful profession? Asked Rarity.

“You think I enjoy it?” Said Drake Standing up and opening one of his pouches and levitating a few bits on the table.

“Then why do you do it?” Asked Rainbow Dash

“Because it’s better than what I was doing before this. Thanks for having me Fluttershy, but I must go.” Said Drake as he levitated the book he was reading and walked away.

The ponies just sat there speechless for a while, all having conflicting opinions one Drakes profession. Just sitting there going over the events that just ruined their brunch. Spike was less confused but more scarred.

‘Okay so Drake kills dangerous creatures, Dragons are dangerous creatures, I’m a Dragon, Oh sweet Celestia does he want to kill me.’ thought Spike.

“Well I got to go it was nice hanging out with you girls, but I got to be in Cloudesdale.” Said Rainbow Dash leaving a few bits on the table then flying away

“Yes I must go to; I have an order to finish.” Said Rarity leaving a few bits on the table and trotting off.

The five friends sat there just looking at the last few cinnamon rolls on the table.

“You girls going to eat that?” Asked Pinkie.

They all just shook their heads no; Pinkie just shrugged and ate all the rolls in one bite.

“Well I got to go the Cakes probably need me back at the shop, I’ll talk to you girls later.” Said Pinkie back in her bubbly mood probably due to all the sugar she just ingested at once. She left her bits and hopped off towards Sugar Cube Corner.

“Here is your check, please come again soon.” Said the waiter somewhat sarcastically.

The ponies pulled all the bits together and paid for the meal. After saying their goodbyes they all left. Fluttershy and Applejack started walking off towards their homes, and Twilight and Spike headed towards the library.

“Hey Spike, do you think what I did was wrong?”

“What do you mean Twi?”

“Well putting him in the spotlight like that, I mean he was lying to us, but I understand why he would want to.”

“I don’t know Twi, but all you can do now is apologize to him.”

“I guess you’re right, it’s just why did he bring that bracer of his to brunch?”

“I don’t know Twi, all we know about him is he kills dangerous creatures, and dragons are dangerous creatures…You see what I’m getting at right.”

“Spike he wouldn’t hurt you, you’re just like us civilized, polite, and pleasant.”

“I guess, but I’m keeping my eye on him.”

After a few minutes of walking they finally made it home, Twilight was going to go inside and apologize to Drake. It turned out she didn’t have to, Drake was sitting outside smoking a cigarette and reading a book titled Super Naturals. Drake heard the approaching hoofsteps clopping along the cobble road until they stopped right in front of him.

“Hello Ms. Sparkle may I help you with something?”

“Drake I just wanted to say I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t have pressured you like that it was wrong. I should have respected you’re privacy, and not have accused you of being a soulless killer.”

Drake pondered her words for a bit, she seemed genuinely sorry, but she was the one who put him in this position in the first place. Drake finally decided to forgive and forget.

“It’s fine, it’s just you don’t know how hard it is for me to make friends when they know what business I’m into. I don’t enjoy it, but I have to do it.”

“Thank you for accepting my apology Drake, also why in the world are you sitting outside.”

“I forgot my key in the attic.” Said Drake putting out his cigarette.

Twilight giggled a bit and unlocked the door.

“Well you’re free to come in now, also I have few notes on the Everfree forest, you’re free to use them whenever you like.”

“Thanks for understanding Twilight.” Said Drake getting up and walking into the library.

Dear Princess Celestia

Today I learned that even if somepony seems odd or off you shouldn’t accuse them of things. Even if you’re correct it doesn’t give you the right to do something like that, it could really hurt some pony’s feelings. I learned this lesson thanks to my new friend Drake, at first I thought something was off about him. But now I feel like he could be a welcome addition to ponyville.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

“Are the changelings in position?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good, what about that Brotherhood of pests who wish to stop us?”

“Our combined forces will be able to subdue them and the guards.”

“Excellent. Dismissed.”

“Sir, may I ask you a question before I go?”

“What is it?”

“Do you expect Queen Chrysalis to keep her word?”

“Leave the worrying to me; you just prepare your squad and wait. You can dismiss yourself now.”

“Yes sir.”

End Chapter 1

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 Part 1: Brides and Bears

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 part 1

Dear Journal Log

It has been a little less than a week since the incident at brunch; I haven’t spoken with many ponies after it. Rarity stopped by yesterday to talk to Twilight we made brief conversation, but I went back to studying Twilight’s notes. Twilight has been very helpful as of late, she has helped me improve my magical abilities, we went over the art of invisibility and she taught me a weak offensive spell. I’m expecting mail from Celestia any day now, the forest can’t be that quiet and there aren’t that many Vanguards out there.

As Drake put his journal on the table in front of him the door of the library swung open and a furious Twilight trotted in.

“I can’t believe him, can’t even tell his own sister about his wedding!” Shouted Twilight as she trotted upstairs

Drake Shrugged it off and went back to studying Twilight’s notes, until a little dragon waddled in holding a scroll.

“Hey there Spike, so what’s got Twilight so upset?”

“Her brother is getting married and he didn’t tell her until now.”

“I didn’t know Twilight had a brother, so what’s the guy’s name?”

“Shining Armor, also I have this scroll for you.” Said the dragon as he tossed the scroll to Drake

“Interesting, I didn’t know Twilight was related to the Captain of the royal guard.” Said Drake as he started to read the scroll

Dear Drake

There is a disturbance in the forest, a few of the ponies studying the Everfree have seen strange looking bears in the center forest. These bears are said to have spikes growing out of their backs and strange black ooze dripping from the base of the spikes. I would like for you to go in and take care of it if you can, if not just get close enough to confirm it and I will send a few more Vanguards over. Be careful Drake these bears are very hostile, I hope for your safe return.

Sincerely Princess Celestia

Drake put the scroll on the table with his journal, and levitated his bracers from the table on to his hooves and buckled them.

“Spike I just got an order from Princess Celestia, I need to get going as soon as possible. Give Twilight my regards, and tell her to enjoy the wedding.” Drake made his way toward the door before Spike interrupted him.

“Drake before you go I have a question.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Well I noticed Rarity was falling head over hooves for you when you first got here, well can you give me some tips on how to impress her?”

“Spike all you have to do is be confident and be yourself, but remember she is a lot older, if she has a younger sister don’t be afraid to flirt with her a bit.”

“Does that really work?”

“It worked for me when I was younger.” Said Drake walking out the door.

Twilight walked down stairs about ten minutes later, wearing her saddle bag and an annoyed look on her face.

“All right, Drake I’m going to be gone for a few days so…Spike where did Drake go?”

“He received a letter from Princess Celestia and said he had to go somewhere.”

“Great, Spike let’s get going I don’t want to miss the train.”

Drake was walking through the center of town heading towards the Everfree forest. He saw ponies going about their day as of regular until he bumped into something; he looked to the ground and saw a familiar yellow pegasus.

“Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to bump into…oh hello Drake.”

“Hello Fluttershy, it’s my fault I should have watched where I was going.”

“Oh, it’s okay. So where are you heading to Drake, I mean if you don’t mind me asking.”

“The forest, I just got an order from Celestia.” Said Drake glancing away from Fluttershy.

“Oh…well I hope you come back safe, bye.” Said Fluttershy before walking off.

Drake just shook his head and continued to walk towards the forest. He kept walking until he reached the edge of the forest, as he looked in he realized he forgot Twilight’s mapped out areas of the forest. Drake cursed himself for being in such a hurry, he looked to the sun and saw that it was already past noon and he wanted to be out of the forest before nightfall so going back was out of the question.

“Just another day at the office.” Whispered Drake

“Where is that damn train?!?!” Shouted a Silver mare with a white and orange mane

“Calm down Silvy it will be here.” Responded a Blue male pegasus with a white mane.

“Cloud Walker, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that? It makes me sound like a fucking filly.” Replied the

Silver mare.

“Easy Quick Silver, no need to get all uppity, plus we don’t even know if anypony is in any real danger.”

“I don’t think the Captain of the royal guard puts up a defense field around the whole city just for the fun of it. Now shut up, do your job and keep your damn eyes open.”

The two ponies watched from atop a tall building close to the entrance for Canterlot’s passenger trains, the silver mare snorted as she saw a train approaching and levitated her crossbow to the ready.

“This is it Cloud Walker look out for any signs of trouble, the wedding must go off without a hitch.”

“I don’t see any immediate dang…Wait hold it, that building across from us look at the roof.”

“I see, so should you take care of it or should I.”

“I’ll fly over and take care of it don’t want to cause too much commotion.”

“Make sure you make it look like and accident.”

“Got it boss.”

The Blue pegasus flew over out of sight of the unknown assailant and of the guards. As he approached the building from the side he saw that it was a female unicorn with a white coat and yellow mane. He touched down softly to be sure not to make noise, as he approached he saw her levitating a black crossbow with silver engraving on it. He walked slowly hoping that the pony wouldn’t hear him.

“Come on your purple armored bastard walk out and greet your guests.”

The Blue pony smirked before landing a solid hoof at the back of the unicorn’s head successfully blackjacking her into unconsciousness. He turned her over and noticed he chipped a few of her teeth, her nose and mouth where now letting out streams of blood and one of her eyes were staring to swell up.

‘I said make it look like an accident, not bash her face into the ground’ thought Quick Silver watching over the event from her building.

Cloud Walker started looking over the crossbow the pony was using and made a mental note of the insignia the hilt boar, it was a crescent moon with a sapphire eye inside of it. After things died out around the buildings they were at, Cloud Walker put the unconscious body on his back and proceeded to walk over to the edge of the building where and ally was located.

“Too bad you don’t have any wings, not that they would do you any good in this situation anyway.” Said Cloud Walker to the still unconscious pony as he slung her off the building.

The body hit the ground with a thump, but nopony was around to hear it. Cloud Walker picked up the crossbow in his mouth and flew back over to where Quick Silver was. He landed and looked accomplished and proud of himself as he dropped the crossbow in front of Quick Silver.

“Good job Cloud Walker, what is this?”

“It’s the crossbow that unicorn was using, check out the insignia on the hilt.”

“Seems like they’re getting more and more ballsy each and every day.” Said Quick Silver with a look of concern on her face as she looked over the crossbow

“So what do we do now?”

“You go back to base and report this to our mentor and then meet me back in the center of town.”

“Yes mam.” Responded Cloud Walker as he flew off.

“We could really use you right now Drake.” Whispered Quick Silver.

Drake moved quickly through the thick underbrush and foliage to come upon a large clearing. The clearing was pretty much empty spare a few trees and spiked creatures sleeping in the area. Drake walked up silently to the creature to discover that these where the bears he was looking for. Drake unsheathed his blade from his bracer and approached the bear quietly; He raised his hoof and plunged into the sleeping bear’s neck. Blood and black slime sprayed from the bear’s neck onto Drake’s robes. The pungent odor of the slime was awful, it made Drake want to gag he quickly ran his blade across the bear’s neck slicing through muscle and tendons to increase the size of the wound. Before the bear could even get up to roar he was already dead, blood and black ooze pouring from his neck by the pints. As the black ooze ran from the bear the spikes on its back started to retreat and eventually become nonexistent.

Drake turned to see how many bears where left.

‘One down four to go’

Drake repeated this process on the next two bears, and got his cloak even more covered in blood and black slime. Drake approached one of the last two bears, as he walked towards them, one of the bears rolled over on to a fallen branch causing it to make a loud snapping sound. Drakes eyes widened as the two bears sluggishly started to get up, Drake summoned a teal aura around him, and he looked at his hoofs to see nothing. He and his clothes became transparent. As Drake walked silently away the bears let out a loud roar, Drake turned around to see the two bears walking his way at a fast pace. Drake looked down again to realize his spell had worn off already.

‘You have to be shitting me’ thought Drake

The two bears charged him; Drake tried to summon a magical blast of energy but was too tired from the transparency spell. Drake jumped and rolled to the side dodging both bears, but only by a little bit. He tried to cast another blast of energy but was still too tired; he jumped behind one of the dead bears to hide for a while. The Bears looked around for a bit sniffing the air for his scent, but the air smelled of blood and a different unholy smell. Drake popped out of cover and tried to cast a blast of energy one last time, this time a spear like shape of teal magic shot from his horn leaving a large gash in one of the bears causing it to fall over. After firing it off Drake immediately fell on his hide quarters and tried to get up.

‘Shit why aren’t my back legs working, come on boys up and adam.’

As the bear charged Drake tried to get off another spell but couldn’t even come close, as the bear raised a claw to strike Drake he shifted all his responding body weight and rolled out of the way just in time. The numbness of his legs started to fade and his legs started to work again; he started wobbly trotting over to the injured bear to finish it off before it could get back up. Drake plunged his blade into the bear’s neck spraying blood everywhere just as before. As Drake turned to face the other bear he felt a sharp stinging pain in his side and realized he was no longer on the ground. Drake could feel the blood leaving his body and the sting of the wound whilst flying through the air. Drake hit one of the small tries in the clearing and slumped to the ground. He looked at where the sharp pain was coming from and saw a large wound in the shape of a bear’s claw; it was bleeding a considerable amount and looked as if it was already getting infected, blackness forming on the edges of the wound while puss slowly dripped out. The Bear slowly approached him taking in the moment of this kill, just as he brought up his claw to finish Drake off a cloud of green smoke hit the bear in the face and Drake heard a voice speaking in a language he never heard before. The Bear looked confused and disoriented and ran off. After that Drake felt himself being lifted and carried the last thing he heard before passing out was.

“We must get back in a rush, if it’s death you just want to brush.”

A silver mare stood atop a large building in the center of town looking upon a group of ponies sitting around a table. It was night time now, the moon setting a light glow across the city. A blue pegasus flew next to the mare.

“So did you find anything Cloud Walker?

“No mam, any strange activity on your part?”

“No, but it seems like this purple unicorn doesn’t trust her brothers bride, don’t know if it’s something that should be looked into or not.”

“She’s probably just being over protective; I know I was when my sister got married.”

“Oh, by the way how has your sister been lately?”

“She’s doing fine; she’s actually two months pregnant.”

“Good for her, well I think it’s about time we called it a night and let the night shift ponies handle this.”

“You want a ride back to base?”

“Just let me off at the ground, I’m going to walk the rest of the way.”

“Gotcha boss.”

The Blue pegasas grabbed Quick Silver in his arms and brought her down to ground level.

“I’ll see you back at base Cloud Walker.”

“See ya.”

As Quick Silver walked through the streets of Canterlot she noticed that the group that was at the restaurant was now missing one pony, a purple one to be exact. She continued to walk down the street thinking nothing of it, until she passed the house of the groom. She could her voices inside, somepony left the door open so she got a bit closer to listen.

“She isn’t just unpleasant and rude, she’s down right evil!”

The purple unicorn galloped out of the area with blinding speed. Quick Silver did the same; she started to gallop back to base to tell her superior that there is some suspicion that the bride could be putting the groom’s life in danger. Quick Silver came upon an old warehouse and walked inside, there was a lot of scrap metal and large wooden boards lying around, and the roof was sagging in a bit and had a few holes inside of it. She walked to the other side of the room and knocked on a metal cellar door.

“What is more important, day or night?” Said a voice coming from the door.

“Neither, a balance will make everything right.” Responded Quick Silver

“Welcome back sister Quick Silver.”

The sun was setting across in the city of Canterlot leaving the sky a beautiful orange and pink color. Two ponies sat upon a clock tower in the center of town, enjoying the final moments of the day. The older one of the two opened his saddle bag and produced a leather bracer and brought it to the younger ones attention.

“It’s for you, happy birthday.”

“My birthday isn’t for another two months, why are you giving this to me now?”

“Well I just couldn’t wait to give it to you, I made it myself. Try it on.”

The young pony put it on his hoof and tightened the clasps until it fit perfectly.

“So how does it fit?”

“It’s amazingly, thank you Wyvern.”

“No problem, Drakey.”

The two ponies sat there for a while admiring the sunset until the older one spoke up again.

“Drake, the real reason I gave you that bracer is that I’m going on another expedition sometime in the next three to four weeks and well I wanted you to have it before I went.”

“So you’re going to be missing another one of my birthdays, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Come on Drake don’t be like that, they need an experienced pony to help them traverse this new ruin on the far side of the Everfree.”

“Yeah the most dangerous place in Equestria.”

“Drake why are you so worried, there will be a lot of ponies going with me.”

“Yeah like last time, only half of you came back from that expedition and that was in the middle of the Everfree, now you’re going to the far side of the Everfree, I just don’t want to lose you.” Said the younger pony hugging his older brother, tears on the edge of his eyes.

Wyvern sat there for a moment not knowing what to say, tears where starting to form on the edge of his eyes as well. Wyvern took of his necklace and gently pushed his younger brother off of him.

“Drake I want you to have this, it’s a necklace I found on my first expedition. It means a lot to me that’s why I want you to have it, as long as you’re wearing that necklace I will always be with you.”

Drake looked at his brother with teary eyes; he was at a loss for words. Wyvern then hugged his little brother in a tight embrace, which Drake returned.

“I love you brother and I always will.” Said the Older pony

The two ponies sat there in each other’s embrace for a while watching the sun go down. As the sun went down a cold feeling shot up Drake’s spine, a voice whispered into his ear.

“We all have to let go eventually.”

Drake sat up from his sleep to a stinging pain on his side, he grabbed at it in pain but it was now wrapped up in bandages. Drake propped himself upright to see where he was. The décor of the room seemed familiar, odd colored masks, cauldron, and potions. He finally pieced it together, he was in Zecora’s hut, but how did she find him. The next thing Drake realized is that his robes where gone, and so were his bracers. The only thing that was on him was his amethyst necklace; he levitated it to his face and just stared at it for a while. Drake’s concentration on the necklace was broke when the door swung open and Zecora came in wearing a saddlebag full of different herbs. She sat them down on the table and turned to Drake.

“Good morning Drake, I hope I did not cause you to wake.”

“No it’s fine I was already up, and did you just say morning.”

“Indeed I had, I brought you here because your wounds were bad.”

“Right, the bears that attacked me. Thanks for the help Zecora. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but I need to get back to

the library I have a lot I need to get done.” Drake got up out of bed, only to fall flat on his face after walking a couple steps.

“I hope you don’t mine if I suggest, I really think you should stay here and rest.” Said Zecora while helping Drake back to the bed.

“Alright you’re the doctor, so how long will I need to stay.”

“I would say a day at most, unless you want to take your chances and become a ghost.”

“I’ll stick around, so Zecora where did you put my robes?”

“I washed them up to remove the slime, so you can return to ponyville without the grime.”

“Thank you. I’m going to try and get a bit more rest.”

“Drake can I ask a question if you don’t care, I just want to know why your flank is bare.”

Drake only sighed and went back to sleep.

“Good morning Quick Silver.”

“Cloud Walker you’re late, again.”

“You can take it out of my paycheck.” Chuckled Cloud Walker

“Alright joke times over now spot me, we need to keep an eye on the bride, also Shadow Stepper is at the wedding in case something goes wrong.”

“Keeping an eye on two people at once, I didn’t sign up for this.”

“What did I just say about joke time?”

“Sorry.”

The two ponies were set up across the wedding on one of the taller buildings. Quick Silver didn’t have a good vantage point because the wedding was inside, but the windows allowed here to view the ceremony.

“I’ve got an eye on the bride, how about you Cloud Walker do you see Shadow Stepper.”

“Yeah I see him and he’s looking very dapper.”

“Good, now we wait and see what happens

The two ponies sat there and waited for something to happen, but nothing out of the ordinary was going on. Celestia was in the middle of doing the service, while all the ponies just sat and watched. The two ponies were starting to think that the groom’s sister was being a bit paranoid, until Quick Silver heard a familiar wizing sound. She instinctively rolled out of the way, as a crossbow bolt hit where she just was. She did a quick check of the trajectory of the bolt hit the ground and determined where it came from.

“Cloud Walker, Snipers, two, few buildings over, that way.” Said Quicksilver as she hopped on to Cloud Walker’s back.

“Straight to the mount, you didn’t even let me buy you dinner first.” Said Cloud Walker as he flew towards the direction she was pointing.

“Make another joke and you’ll be next, right after these ponies over here.”

As the two flew towards the target two crossbow bolts wized right by them as Quick Silver shot one off and hit one of the snipers in the chest with a bolt. The sniper then proceeded to fall over and continually tried to get back up. Another bolt wized by them almost grazing Cloud Walker but he was able to dodge in time. They were now right at the building, Quick Silver jumped off and rolled to lessen the impact while Cloud Walker closed his wing and landed on the pony trying to get up, successfully cracking most of his ribs.

“Sorry didn’t see you there friend.”

The pony didn’t respond as blood trickled out of his mouth.

Cloud Walker heard a crossbow be fired and ducked out of the way to have it fly past his head, he turned to see a black mare with orange hair firing a crossbow at him

“Stay focused.” Said Quick Silver firing off a crossbow bolt.

The unicorn rolled out of the way and reloaded her crossbow, firing it at a charging Cloud Walker who jumped above it with the help of his wings. Quick Silver fired of another bolt only to strike the weapon of the black unicorn making it unusable. Cloud Walker was getting ever closer to the unicorn, until the unicorn whipped out a small knife out of her belt and launched it at him using her magic. The knife hit Cloud causing him to stumble over and fall mid charge.

“NO!” Shouted Quick Silver as she fired a crossbow bolt at the Unicorn successfully hitting her in the neck blood spraying everywhere as the bolt ripped through the flesh of the unicorn.

Quick Silver tossed her crossbow aside and ran over to Cloud Walker and turned him over to see the knife sticking out of his shoulder.

“Oh thank Celestia, I thought that hit you in the neck.”

“No I’m fine, I didn’t know you cared so much.” Said Cloud Walker weakly

“I don’t, I just didn’t want to lose my spotter.” Said Quick Silver a bit coldly.

“I love you to sir…Ahhhhh!” Screamed Cloud Walker as Quick Silver pulled the knife out of his shoulder, causing it to bleed more.

“No joking in the middle of a mission, what do you not understand about that?”

“Sorry.” Said Cloud Walker weakly with tears in his eyes.

“Sit here I’m going to find you some bandages.”

“You could have left it in until you found some.” Said Cloud Walker holding his hoof over his wound.

Quick Silver walked over to the dead pony with the bolt in her neck and searched through the pouches on her belt. She found some knives, some bandages, a piece of paper and a pencil. Then she walked over to the other pony with the cracked ribs and checked him out, he was wearing the same belt. She found pretty much the same stuff on his belt that she found on the other one, but this pony was wearing something special. On his right hoof he was wearing a battle bracer, at that moment she remembered Drake and how is bracer functioned, and how she has not used hers in a while. She undead the clasps on the bracer and took it off, and started to walk back over to Cloud Walker.

“Hello bleeding pony here, could use some help.”

“Quit your whining, I’m right here and I found some bandages.” Said Quick Silver levitating her crossbow back to her.

“I wasn’t whining, I was complaining.”

“Shut up.” Said Quick Silver as she patched up her bleeding comrade, being a bit more rough then needed.

“You’re so not getting your First-Aid license anytime soon.”

“Do you want me to take the bandages back off.”

“No, no, no I’d rather not lose any more blood than I already have.”

“Okay so shut u…” Quick Silver was stopped mid-sentence to the sound of shattering glass, then she saw a magic like piece of purple looking glass fall near her.

She looked up and saw the magic shield shatter and watched thousands of magic shards fall to the ground and dissipate. After seeing that she saw thousands of tiny black dots swooping into Canterlot.

“Quickly let me see one of your hoofs.” Said Quick Silver lifting up his right hoof and slipping the bracer on.

“What is that thing and why are you putting on my hoof.”

“It’s a battle bracer, it is a knife you can wield and not have to use magic.” Said Quick Silver tightening all the clasps on it.

“Now stand on your hind legs” Shouted Quick Silver.

“You want me to what?”

“Just do it.”

“Fine.”

Cloud Walker shakily stood on his hind legs, hardly keeping upright.

“Now flick your right hoof out hard.”

As he did a beautiful engraved knife popped out of the bracer he was wearing. The look on Cloud Walker’s face was one filled with awe and excitement.

“Cloud Walker look out above you!”

“Oh shit!” Shouted Cloud Walker dodging out of the way of a black pony like creature slamming through the roof of the building and through the next couple of floors.

Cloud Walker turned to Quick Silver only to see five of her, and five of him all standing at the edge of the building ready to attack them.

“Be careful there changelings try to keep an eye on me and don’t get confused”

Cloud Walker just shook his head yes out of pure confusion.

As the changelings charged Quick Silver put a bolt into the head of one of them disguised as her successfully changing it back and killing it. The four changelings disguised as Quick Silver surrounded Cloud Walker and five changelings disguised as Cloud Walker surrounded Quick Silver. The Changelings pounced at Quick Silver; she successfully rolled out from the middle of them and put a bolt into the head of one killing it. Cloud Walker was having a bit more difficulty he was flailing about with his new fighting style, only successfully cutting one but just lightly. Quick Silver went to levitate another bolt from her quiver but they were all gone.

‘Shit, I knew I should have brought more.’ Thought Quick Silver.

She then ran to the dead body of the female unicorn and levitated three knives from her belt. As the changelings charged she sent the knives flying. Hitting one of them in the neck one in the head and hitting one of the ones Cloud walker was fighting in the back of the neck, causing them to all bleed a green liquid and fall over reverting to their original forms. She quickly levitated the bolts the unicorn was firing and put them in her quiver placing one into to her crossbow and getting ready to fire. She shot off another bolt this one shot right into the chest of one of the Changelings charging, leaving one left. She tried to reload her crossbow but the final changeling rammed it out of her magic radius and off the building. Quick Silver quickly threw a right hook hitting the changeling in the jaw causing it to stumble back and revert back to its original form.

“Time to put my training into action.” Said Quick Silver as she stood up on her hind legs

The changeling charged again, Quick Silver side stepped it and punched the back of it’s head causing it to smash it’s face into the ground. The changeling hissed at Quick Silver, it got up and tried to balance it’s self on it’s hind legs, trying to mimic Quick Silver’s fighting style. It was very wobbly getting up, and could hardly keep it’s balance, Quick Silver capitalized on this opportunity by hitting the changeling in it’s stomach causing it to drop it’s head and grab his stomach. Then Quick Silver delivered a right upper cut to the changeling’s jaw causing it to fall over and not move. She levitated a crossbow bolt from her Quiver and stabbed the changeling in the neck with it causing it to squirt some of it’s green blood.

She looked over at Cloud Walker who somehow managed to kill one changeling but was still flailing about trying to kill the other two. She got back down on all fours and levitated another bolt from her quiver, she then proceeded to charge at one of the two remaining, She jumped on its back driving the bolt into the base of the Changeling’s neck causing it to thrash around a bit and revert forms. The changeling was still alive but clearly in pain, Quick Silver removed the crossbow from it’s neck and went to stab again but was thrown off It’s back. The Changeling charged her but was meet with a crossbow bolt to the chest, the changeling stumbled back and fell to the ground, Quick Silver stabbed it in the neck again to make sure it didn’t come back. Quick Silver went to turn around but was immediately pounced on by a changeling disguised as her. They rolled around for a bit and eventually got up and looked at each other, Cloud Walker charged up with his battle bracer at the ready but was immediately confused.

“Cloud Walker she’s the Changeling kill her quick.” Said both of them

Cloud Walker just looked at them confuse and not knowing what to do.

“Cloud Walker, I’m your teammate we share a connection you know it’s me now kill that thing.” Said one of the Quick Silver’s

“Cloud Walker, stop being a damn idiot and kill that thing already”

Cloud Walker stabbed the first Quick Silver hoping he made the right choice. The creature suddenly reverted forms and sprayed green blood on Cloud Walker’s battle bracer as he removed his battle bracer blade from the creature it hit the ground with a thump.

“It’s about time; I thought you’d never kill any of them.” Said Quick Silver

“Hey, it took me a while because they all looked like you.”

“That’s funny because I killed them pretty quickly, must be the fact that they all looked like you.”

“Well I’m not a fighter; I’m more of a lover.”

“No you’re more of a transportation unit if anything.”

“Fair enough, so what do we do now?”

“Well first off, are you okay to fly, you look a bit tired.”

“Yeah I’m fine; I like this new toy you got me.”

“Don’t break it, alright we need to get to the streets and see if any civilians need help.”

Right after she said that a large purple sphere grew out of the wedding hall and expelled all of the alive changelings from Canterlot.

“Looks like someone did our job for us.” Said Cloud Walker

Quick Silver walked over to the dead pony with the broken ribs and grabbed one of his knives, and proceeded to walk to a dead Changeling. She proceeded to saw of it’s horn and levitate it next to her. She walked back over to the dead unicorn male and tore out the bolt in his chest and stab him with the horn making a larger jagged incision point.

“You know he’s already dead right?”

“Yes I’m just making it look like the changelings did it.” Said Quick Silver walking towards the female unicorn.

“Oh, so why do we want it to look like the changelings did it.”

“So they don’t think anypony did it.” Said Quick Silver as she jabbed the horn into the neck of the unicorn.

She repeated the process on the female unicorn taking out the bolt in her neck and jabbing the horn into it. At this moment a red pegasus with an orange and yellow mane flew over to the roof and landed.

“Flash what’s up?” Asked Cloud Walker in an obnoxious tone

“I’m here to speak with Quick Silver.”

“Fine, be that way.” Whispered Cloud Walker as he walked away

“Quick Silver, we need you back at the base ASAP.” Said Flash while walking towards the silver unicorn.

“Why, what happened?”

“We have one member who was fatally wounded and another who was somewhat wounded and we need all the help we can get.”

“Who was fatally wounded?” Asked Quick Silver

“Shadow Stepper.”

“Drake put the last ingredient in, so you can fight wounds within.”

Drake poured the last ingredient into the mixing pot and took a sip. Drake felt a sudden boost of energy and felt really good all over, except for where his wound was.

“Wow, I feel amazing. What was that?”

“It is a brew which helps fight the flu.”

“Zecora, I can’t tell you how grateful I am. You didn’t only save me and heal my wounds, but you taught me how to make all of these great potions and took care of me for these past two days.”

“No need to thank me for helping you, because a vanguard always has to pull through.”

“Well…wait how did you know I was a vanguard?”

“Drake I’ve been living in these forests for many years, almost every month a vanguard appears. To kill a creature to help the rest, never faltering always doing their best.”

“Well thanks for the help I need to go, I have a report to right to Celestia.”

“Drake I will accompany you back to your house, while injured predators see you like a field mouse”

“Thank you Zecora.”

Drake put on his cleaned up robes which still had the bear claw mark in it and his bracers and walked out the door with Zecora. The two walked through the forest making small conversation and talking about the state of the forest. They eventually made it out of the forest and walked right by Fluttershy’s cottage; Drake looked up at the sky and determined that it was late afternoon. Fluttershy was outside feeding her critters; she waved a Zecora and Zecora waved back Drake just continued to walk forward. As they passed through the town people looked upon Zecora accompanying the robed pony through the town, Drake could feel the stinging pain in his side intensify and almost fell over only to be caught by a large red stallion accompanying an orange mare.

“Whoa there, are you okay Drake.” Asked the orange pony

“Yeah I’m fine just in a little pain is all thanks for asking Applejack. So who is your friend here?”

“This is my older brother Big Macintosh, he helps me run the farm.”

“Well thanks for catching me.”

“Eeyup.”

“Pony of few words, huh?”

“Eeyup.”

“Well it was nice meeting you; maybe we can grab a drink sometime.”

“Sounds good.” Said Big Mac

The ponies parted ways and Drake continued on back to the library with Zecora. They were passing through town and were at the front of the town library when Drake stopped walking.

“Drake why do you stop walking, perhaps you want to do some talking.”

“Look Zecora, you’ve seen me without my robes and you’ve noticed well that I have…a blank flank.” Said Drake Whispering that last part.

“Drake don’t worry my mind is blank, about your bare flank.”

“Thank you Zecora I am forever in your debt.”

“Don’t worry Drake there is no need to thank I, but this is where I have to say goodbye.”

“Alright, I hope to see you again under better circumstances.”

Zecora walked off and turned around one last time waving to Drake. Drake opened the door to the library and walked in, he saw Twilight sitting on the couch reading a book and spike was cleaning up a bit. Drake walked in a bit shakily but was managing.

“So how was the Everfree forest Drake?” Asked Twilight not looking away from here book.

“It was fine, killer bears surrounded by a dark energy, heavy injuries, had Zecora look at them, you know same old same old. So how about the wedding?”

“It was okay, bride was a changeling, had to find real bride, invasion of Canterlot, saved the day, you know same old same old.”

“Well I’ll be sleeping if you need me, try not to need me.” Said Drake chuckling a bit

“Wait Drake before you go I need to tell you something.” Said Spike running up to Drake

“Yes?”

“It worked; I totally danced with Sweetie Belle at the wedding it was awesome.”

“I knew you had it in you Spike.” Said Drake with an abundant amount of pride.

“So do you have a new crush Spike or are you just trying to make Rarity jealous?”

“I…I uh need to get back to cleaning I’ll talk to you later Drake.” Said Spike picking up his broom and walking into the kitchen

“Drake I’m glad your back safe and sound, I’ll take a look at your wounds tomorrow when you get up.” Said Twilight while turning a page in her book.

“Thanks Twilight.” Responded Drake as he ascended the staircase.

“What’s the report from Canterlot?”

“The Changelings betrayed us sir, all four of our scouts were killed by means of changeling horn to the body or neck, except for one who fell off a building.”

“That is rather unfortunate, were any of your other squad members killed.”

“No sir, when the scouts didn’t meet us at the gate I had one of my soldiers go look for them, she came back and told us that.”

“Is that all commander?”

“No sir the scout that fell off the building was dead before the changeling attack, he had a note attached to him that said

‘the end is nigh’.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes sir, do you think it was the brotherhood’s doing?”

“I do suspect some form of foul play from the brotherhood, but let’s not take credit completely away from our changeling friends.”

“Also sir, our spy tells us that two of the members of the brotherhood were injured in the battle and one is in a critical state.”

“Take note commander, that pony got us that information so quickly and securely while everypony’s guard was up, maybe it will teach your squad members and you to do better at the jobs given to you.”

“Yes sir.”

“Dismissed commander.”

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 Part 2: Round One

The Fight for happiness Chapter 2 Part 2: Round One

Dear Journal Log

It’s been about a week and a half since my run in with the corrupted bears. I sent out a letter to Celestia and she sent a couple of Vanguards to check it out, they stopped by to get some info on them and asked if I would be joining them. I could not do to my injuries which I made sure to convince Twilight that they were fine and I didn’t need to be examined to spare myself the embarrassment. Also my pay for tracking and taking care of some bears came in, made 230 bits. I’ve decided to accompany Twilight into the market this afternoon, since I’ve been held up in the library since I made it back from the Everfree.

“Drake Are you coming.” Asked Twilight As she trotted towards the door.

“Of course, I’m ready when you are.” Said Drake closing his journal and tucking it into his robes.

“Well let’s go I want to get to the market before all the ripe fruit is gone.”

“Right behind you.” Said Drake as he levitated his bit pouch and tied it to his belt.

The two walked out the door of the library and made their way to the market. Drake was having some trouble walking looking somewhat in pain but he was getting used to it. Twilight looked at the tear in his robes and could see the bandages that were covering the wound.

“You should have really let me take a look at that injury; you still look pretty hurt Drake.” Said Twilight with a hint of concern in her voice

“It’s fine, I’ve been applying some of the solvents I got from Zecora when I first got here and putting on new bandages every day.”

“I know, but I have some healing spells that could dull the pain.”

“It’s fine, pain is just weakness leaving the body.”

“Do you seriously believe that?”

“No, but it sounded cool.”

Twilight giggled and continued on her way with Drake. The two started making conversation about the events that took place in Canterlot. Twilight went into more detail about the changeling queen and the invasion, and how the wedding was saved. Drake listened to her every word and was intrigued with the happenings of the wedding. It wasn’t long after Twilight finished her story that the two could see the market from where they were. As they approached the crowded market Drake could hear the sound of speeding hooves on a cobble street, but before he could turn around he felt a tug at his waist and was knocked down bumping into Twilight. While on the ground Drake took a look at the pony and saw a blue pegasus in a brown cloak, he then checked his belt and noticed that his bits were stolen. Drake got up and started to gallop after the thief but was stopped by a lavender magic field.

“Twilight what are you doing? That thief just took fifty bits from me!” Shouted Drake.

“Calm down Drake you don’t want to injure yourself further.”

Twilight’s horn started to glow even brighter as a large sphere of purple light appeared in front of them. As the light disappeared a blue pony was seen on his back holding a pouch full of bits in his mouth. The pony dropped the bits and tried to get up but was being held down by a magical aura.

“How dare you try to steal from me you no good thief.” Said Drake as he approached the pony

Drake pulled down the hood to be surprised by what he saw. A pony with white hair and orange eyes was seen starring back at Drake with the goofiest smile that he could muster. Drake just started laughing and so did the blue pony, Twilight backed up and looked at them confused. Drake helped the pony up and gave him a hug, as they continued to laugh.

“Drake what is going on, do you know this pony?”

Drake and the blue pony finally started to settle down and broke the hug.

“Twilight I want you to meet my good friend Cloud Walker, we were friends back in Canterlot.”

“Were friends? I’m pretty sure we are still friends because if we weren’t friends you would have socked me one for trying to steal from you.”

“Your just lucky I took off your hood first you cheeky bastard.” Said Drake levitating his bit pouch as he tied it to his belt

“Well it’s nice to meet you sorry for the whole teleportation thing it can startle a few ponies, Drake I assume you want to catch up with your friend here I’ll be in the market if you need me.”

“Alright I’ll catch up in a little while.”

“It was nice meeting you too Twilight”

As Twilight trotted into the market the two ponies found a bench and sat. It took Drake a bit longer to settle into his spot but he eventually came to a resting point.

“So what brings you to Ponyville Cloud Walker?”

“Well after I helped Fight off the changeling’s that invaded Canterlot, I was given two weeks to nurse my wounds. So I thought what better way to nurse wounds than to come here and meet with an old friend. Also couldn’t pass up the chance to pull that old prank on you.” Said Cloud Walker showing Drake his shoulder wound

“Yeah I heard about the changeling attack. So how many changeling’s did Quick Silver put down?”

“Seven, but she’s been down on herself lately. Shadow Stepper got injured real badly in the attack and he was under our watch.”

“Having someone hurt while under your command never feels good, but Quick Silver has always been hard on herself.”

“Why is that?” Asked Cloud Walker with a look of intrigue on his face

“When we were training to be Vanguards we would go into the Everfree forest to learn about it and practice so we were in danger a lot. One day It was me, her and Strong Steel our friend and training partner, he was sort of like a teachers assistant since he was older than us so we stuck away from him to have some fun. On our little adventure through the forest we found a baby timber wolf, so Quick Silver picked it up and put it on her back to take care of it. We walked a little further and the baby timber wolf started to yelp, I tried to see what was wrong with it but it jumped off her back and in to a bush. I went after it for her like the gentlecolt I am and ventured towards the bush, big mistake. An adult timber wolf pounced on me out of the bush, and started clawing at me, Quick Silver just fell back and screamed. I'm just glad that Strong Steel found us when he did, he sent his back legs flying into the timber wolfs head and picked us up and ran us out of the forest. Once I got patched up a bit and back to Canterlot Quick Silver would hardly leave my side. but after that day Quick Silver found it her duty to keep everyone in her command safe.

“She’s told me about Strong Steel before, but she said she hasn’t talked to him in a while. Whatever happened to him?”

“Well, when Strong Steel was little his parents passed away, first his mom when he was real little, then his father when he was a bit more grown up. After that our old mentor took him in and raised him as his own.”

“What happened next?”

“Do you remember that training facility that burned down a little more than a years ago?”

“Yeah it was all over the news, the owner was burned alive inside.”

“Well that was were we trained at, after that Strong Steel just sort of disappeared. It is a real shame that one pony had to go through so much grief in his life time.”

“That is rather sad.”

“Yes, but let’s not dwell on the past. Now help me up and let’s go find some lunch.” Said Drake patting his friend on the back

“Help? You’re getting old on me Drake.”

“You’re hilarious.” Said Drake

“So how old are you now Drake, fifty five, Sixty? Asked Cloud Walker while while helping up his friend.

“Twenty three.”

“Damn, you are old.”

The two ponies made their way into the market heading for a large colorful bakery. Drake started to tell Cloud Walker about the ponies he’s met here, and how nice everypony is. He also told him about his latest exploration into the Everfree showing him the tear in his robes. Cloud Walker seemed impressed how fast Drake was back up after taking a hit like that. The two made it into Sugar Cube Corner and approached the counter. The restaurant was somewhat crowded, as most of the tables where taken but a few empty ones littered the area. A familiar pink pony was working the counter and talking to a white unicorn. The pink pony’s attention shot to the two ponies approaching the counter

“Hey Drake, hey Cloud Walker.”

“Hello Pinkie Pie, how do you know Cloud Walker?”

“I gave him the tour and the welcoming song like I do with everypony new to Ponyville, but this time I put the cake batter in the oven and the confetti in the confetti canons. It wasn’t as fun but it was still pretty fun. So can I get you something to eat?”

“Yeah I’ll take a couple of chocolate cupcakes and some tea.” Said Drake

“I’ll take the same.”

“Alright, I’ll be back in two shakes of a leg.” Said Pinkie Pie speeding into the kitchen

“So Rarity, how have you been lately?”

“I’ve been fine Drake, a little over worked but fine. Oh my, what happened to your robes?”

“I was working in the forest and…”

“Say no more, bring them by my shop and I will fix them up for you.”

“Thank you Rarity, I’ll bring them by later today.

“Well it was nice seeing you again Drake, but I have to get back to the boutique I have a large order to work on, I’ll have to catch up with you and your friend some other time.”

“Alright, have a nice day Rarity.”

Rarity trotted out of the restaurant at a quick pace, as the two ponies went to go find a seat and spotted one near the back corner. They sat and waited for their meal.

“So Cloud Walker, That’s your first actual injury in combat isn’t it?”

“Yeah, a throwing knife to the shoulder is not fun.”

“Been there done that.”

“So Drake, nopony finds your robes odd? I mean you seem a bit out of place in those.”

“Nah, from what I hear they just think I’m some sort of Canterlot elite so it’s fine.”

At that moment Pinkie pie came by with a tray on her back, Drake levitated the tray off her back and onto the table.

“Alrighty! Here’s your super scrumptious sweets.”

“Thank you Pinkie Pie.”

“No problem Drakey, enjoy!” Said the pony bouncing back to the counter

The two ponies dug right in and started munching down on their food. Drake took a bite of his cupcake taking out a good chunk of it, while Cloud Walker finished off his first cupcake in one bite. Drake laughed at his friends eating habits and took a sip of his tea. Cloud Walker did the same but instead of taking a sip he chugged the whole thing, the hot liquid stinging his throat a little.

“So any reason you’re eating like a pig or do I just bring out your worst qualities?” Asked Drake

Cloud Walker said something snarky but Drake couldn’t understand it because Cloud Walkers whole second cupcake was shoved in his mouth.

“Is that a yes?”

“I said, I hardly ever get to eat any sweets, and that you bring out the worst in everypony.” Said Cloud Walker finally swallowing his food.

Drake just laughed and eventually finished his food and the two went to the counter to pay for their meal. The bubbly pink pony was still working the counter.

“How much will it be Pinkie Pie?”

“Twelve bits.”

“Alrighty.” Said Drake as he levitated twelve bits onto the counter to pay for their food.

“Thank you, also Drake I have something for you. Wait right here.”

Pinkie Pie was gone and back in the blink of an eye.

“It’s a VIP pass for you and Twilight to my Spectacularly Super-Duper Semi-annual block party, it’s the sixth one”

“I’ll be sure to get this to her, I look forward to the party Pinkie.”

“Okie dokie the party is in two weeks, bye Drake and Cloud Walker.”

“See you later pinks” Said Cloud Walker as they walked out the building

“So Drake what do you want to do now?”

“Well I need to get this to Twilight before I forget or lose it, feel free to accompany me.”

“Nah, I’m going to explore the town a bit more, catch you later Drake.”

“Catch you later Cloud Walker.”

“Reset the training room floor.” Demanded a Silver pony as she reloaded her crossbow

Three unicorns sighed in frustration at this command

“Come on Quick Silver, You’ve been at this for almost three hours now. You’re going to push so hard you’ll become useless.” Said a brown female unicorn with golden hair.

“Useless!?!? I didn’t hear about you doing anything when the changelings attacked.”

“I didn’t call you useless; I was just saying that you’re going to push yourself to hard.”

“I know my limit; now do you job and set up the training room floor.”

“Setting up the training room floor isn’t my job I'm doing it so you can work of some steam and I don’t like the tone you’re taking with me. Just because you think that it’s your fault that Shadow Stepper got injured doesn’t mean you have to take it out on us.” Said the brown pony stepping up to Quick Silver

“You don’t like the tone I’m taking to you with? You know what; I don’t feel much like hitting practice dummies anymore.” Said Quick Silver getting into the Brown ponies face.

“I’m not afraid to fight you.”

“Well then I guess we both get to have some fun now.”

The two ponies got on two opposite sides of a circular floor. The both of them staring at each other ready to fight. A group of about 10 ponies gathered in an area looking down on the fight arena.

“Oh Celestia, what has Desert Sun got herself into” Asked a khaki colored earth pony

“I don’t know but I’ve got twenty bits on Quick Silver winning this fight.” Responded a green pegasus

“Hey, let me get in on some of that action.” Shouted a pony from the back

“Alright are both of you ready” Asked a red pegasus.

They both just stared at each other.

“I’ll take that as a yes, three, two, one, hoof to hoof training begin”

The two ponies charged at each other on all fours, as they got closer Quick Silver stood on her hind legs losing sight of her target for a second, Desert Sun continued to charge at her on all fours. Quick Silver side stepped and punched at the back of Desert Sun’s head, Quick Silver’s hoof went right through Desert Sun literally. As she finished her full swing Desert Sun shimmered away, Quick Silver looked confused until a sharp pain hit her in the rib cage. She turned around to see Desert Sun standing on her hind legs, the group in the raised area looking over the fight cheered. Quick Silver swung at her only for here to roll out of her field of vision, when she turned to combat her two Desert Suns where charging her. The one closest to her she tried to block but its punch passed right through her, she got ready to hit the other one but was met with a sharp pain in her side. She turn and swung blindly and finally landed a hit on the brown pony, who feel to the ground after being struck in the face. She quickly got back up and prepared to fight.

“So you like using magic to help you fight, huh?” Asked Quick Silver

“I use my strengths to exploit weaknesses in others.”

“And my weakness is?”

“You like talking to mirages.”

Quick Silver's eyes widened as she quickly turned around to counter an incoming Desert Sun; she ducked and would have hit her stomach if she didn’t go right through her. As she went through the mirage she felt a heavy impact at the back of her head causing her to fall down.

"Also you're to easily tricked."

Desert Sun went in for another attack only to completely miss as Quick Silver rolled out of the way and got back up on her hind legs. Quick Silver went at her again searing with frustration; Desert Sun tried to dodge out of the way and create another mirage of herself but was met with a hoof to the face. She did successfully make a mirage that charged at Quick Silver, but she wasn’t fooled this time. She approached Desert Sun and hit her in the stomach as she tried to block her face, and then her face as she tried to block her stomach causing her to fall to the ground. Quick Silver stood over Desert Sun on all fours and went to stomp on her chest, as she stomped down Desert Sun rolled out of the way and got on all fours.

They both just stared at each other with fire in their eyes, both tired and full of anger. They both stood up on their hind legs, and continued to stare at each other both breathing heavily. They both started to walk towards each other with their hooves up; they were now going at each other punch for punch. Every time Quick Silver would land a punch Desert Sun would land a punch and vice versa, until Quick Silver put all of her strength into throwing one powerful hay maker to try and end the fight. Desert Sun ducked out of the way and went to hit Quick Silver square in the nose, but Quick Silver turned to her left and blocked a punch while the other Desert sun passed through her. As Quick Silver blocked the punch from the real Desert sun she knocked away her hooves and delivered a heavy hit right to the brown pony’s jaw knocking her on the ground. Desert Sun tried to get back up but was too tired and stumbled back to the ground and lost consciousness the last thing she saw was a silver pony falling to the ground with her.

A couple hours after the fight passed and a group of ponies gathered in the medical bay, as three ponies lay in there. A Dark grey pony with a light gray mane who is heavily bandaged, and the two ponies from the battle in the arena. A small group of ponies surrounded the brown pony as she lay on the bed unconscious. While a couple of nurses checked on the dark gray pony and another checked on the silver one. The door to the medical bay swung open and in walked a red pegasus.

“Hey guys, how are our patients holding up.”

“Hey Flash, the doctor diagnosed Desert Sun here with a minor concussion, and Quick Silver with sleep deprivation.” responded an orchid unicorn pony with lime green hair.

“Damn, well it was a hell of a good fight any way.”

“Good fight? I lost like thirty bits betting on Desert Sun.” Said a teal colored pegasus pony with a navy colored mane.

“Well that’s because you’re always betting on the underdog to win so you can rake in the cash.” Responded the orchid pony

“Just you watch Ivy, this strategy will pay off eventually.”

Sure it will Sky Rocket and I’ll magically grow a horn and become king of Equestria.” Said Flash

“Guys she’s starting to wake up.” Said an enthusiastic khaki colored earth pony

“Calm down Sidewinder it’s not like she was in a coma or anything.” Said Ivy

“Hey there sleepy head, how are ya feeling?” Asked Sidewinder in a light voice

“Like I just got hit in the head with a hammer.”

“Here take this, the doctor told me to give it to you when you woke up.” Said Ivy as she levitated a blue pill into Desert Sun’s mouth.

“So did I win?” Asked Desert Sun after she swallowed the pill

“No, no you didn’t but you put up a hell of a fight I’ll give you that much.” Said a voice coming from the left side of her bed.

“Looks who’s up.” Said Flash looking at Quick Silver who was now at the brown ponies bed side.

“What do you want?” Said Desert Sun weakly

“Just wanted to tell you that you put up a good fight, and I look forward to sparring with you again sometime soon. You’re a good fighter Desert Sun; you just need to train a little bit more often and not to rely on your mirages so much, and speaking of practice I’ll be in the training room if anyone needs me.” Said Quick Silver as she walked out of the room.

“Why was she in here?” Asked Desert Sun

“She just came to pay a visit to our injured friendo over there; she laid down on the spare bed for a quick second and fell right asleep, and while were on the subject of sleep you should probably get some rest, we just stopped by to make sure you were okay.” Said Flash

“Well Except for Sidewinder here, he’s been at your side since you got in here.” Added Ivy.

Desert Sun sat up fighting the pain that racked her body and gave Sidewinder a long and passionate hug.

“Thanks Sidewinder but I’m fine now, go enjoy your day.”

“Alright now you do your best to get better.” Said Sidewinder returning the hug.

“Okay.” Responded Desert Sun as she broke the embrace

The group got up and left the medical bay and started on their way to the mess hall. Ivy was staring at Sidewinder with a grin on her face, he shot her a glance and she turned her head.

“So Sidewinder, you and Desert Sun. I didn’t know you guys are together.” Said Ivy

“Were not, she’s a childhood friend of mine, she is like a sister to me and I’m like a brother to her.”

“You want to bet on that.” Responded Ivy

“Let me get in on this action!” Shouted the light blue pony

“Sky Rocket, I think you have a betting problem.” Said Flash

“Want to bet on that?” Asked Sky Rocket

Everyone just shook their heads and laughed as they entered the mess hall.

The Fight for Happiness Chapter 2 Part 3: The Bloc Party

“Come on Drake, I don’t want to be late to Pinkie’s party!” Shouted an agitated Twilight.

“Sorry Twilight I was just redressing my wound, I’m ready to go now.” Said Drake descending the staircase.

“It’s fine, Drake…Why are your bandages going over your flank?”

“I think there is a small fracture in my rear, from when I made impact with the tree.”

“Drake you should seriously let me take a look at those injures, I can use my magic to quicken the healing. I’m sure I have a spell for it somewhere.” Said Twilight walking towards her multitude of books.

“I prefer to heal naturally, and plus we don’t want to be late for the party.”

“All right then, I’m ready when you are.”

“After you.” Said Drake tucking a small bottle of red liquid into his shirt pocket.

The two ponies walked out the door and into the summer air, it was a bit humid but nothing to complain about. Drake wasn’t wearing anything outstanding just a green and blue plaid button up and his amethyst claw necklace, while Twilight was wearing nothing. The two ponies saw many others heading towards the block party and a few were ponies that Twilight didn’t recognize. The two ponies partook in some light conversation talking about what Twilight could teach Drake next after he healed and what Twilight was currently studying. The two could hear the music as they approached the lines for entrance into the party. There was a huge line of ponies waiting to get into the party, and again a few of them Twilight didn’t recognize. Twilight and Drake walked up to the bouncer and showed them their shared VIP pass, the bouncer let them through while a bunch of ponies complained behind them. When Pinkie said bloc party she wasn’t kidding, ponies were all over this neighborhood and at the end of the street was this huge house that was crowded with ponies.

“So Drake, what do you think?” Asked Twilight

“I’m impressed; I didn’t think that this many ponies would show up.”

“I know, I see a bunch of ponies I don’t even recognize, a lot of out of town ponies must have gotten word that there was a party.”

“I’m going to head to the mansion at the end of the street it looks like the real party is in there.”

“I’ll come with you.”

As Drake walked down the street with Twilight he noted all of the houses that had different activities going on. One house was surrounded by wobbly ponies that were laughing and falling over each other, Drake took note that house was the bar. Another was filled with shouts of anger and joy, gambling area he thought.

“Drake are you alright, you’re very quiet.”

“Oh yeah I was just thinking to myself, I haven’t been to this big of a party in a while.”

“Okay well were almost at the mansion.”

There was another line for the mansion, although this one was a bit shorter. Twilight and Drake again went to the front flashed their VIP pass and entered, once again the patrons in line complained loudly about how they shouldn’t have to pay extra to get into the mansion.

They entered the mansion and music assaulted their ears and almost knocked them to the ground. They both looked at the dance floor and ponies were going crazy, they had a bar to the left of the dance floor and a Deejay booth near the dance floor to the right.

“Oh my goodness, she really doesn’t skimp on expenses does she?” shouting so Twilight could hear him.

“No she doesn’t, she gets endorsements from the richest pony in Ponyville.” Twilight pointed to a balcony and saw Pinkie Pie standing next to a brown pony with a black mane.

“Who’s that?”

“Filthy Rich, he owns a huge store here in Ponyville. He gives Pinkie the money she throws an amazing party they split the proceeds.”

“I didn’t know Pinkie Pie was such a businesspony.”

The music stopped and the speakers started to make a noise as if someone was taping on the mic.

“Alright! I like the way you ponies move. Now before I take a quick break lets here it for our fabulous hosts, Pinkie Pie the Party Queen and Mr. Rich the pony who funds it so all this can happen. Let me here you SCREAM!

The ponies screamed and roared for their hosts and the two host ponies waved and smiled at the party goers. Drake couldn’t see the DJ but he knew that voice, as she jumped down a wave of ponies followed her as she walked towards the bar. An ocean of ponies crowded her as she sat down and ordered a Drink a couple of bouncers making sure the fans kept their distance. Drake made his way towards the front of the crowd and tried to get a look at the DJ. Their eyes locked as she took of her glasses, her red eyes making contact with his green ones, her face breaking into a wide grin. She whispered to one of the bouncers and pointed at Drake and the bouncer waved him over. Drake approached the pony as she walked up and gave him a hug.

“Drake! What’s up, how’s one of my favorite party ponies?”

“I’m fine. So how long has it been since we last met Scratchy.”

“Hey you know the rules while I’m on the clock it’s DJ Pon3 or Vinyl Scratch.”

“Right sorry about that.” Said Drake as they both sat back down at the bar.

“It’s cool; I think it’s been about a year and a half bro, it’s good to see you again. Hey bartender make it two and hurry it up I need to be back in the booth in a little bit.”

“It’s been way to long, so I see the music business is treating you well.”

“Damn straight it is. And I see life isn’t treating you to well at all, what’s up with that killer wound.”

“Some trouble in the Everfree, but it’s getting better.”

“Your drinks sir and madam.” Said a pony who levitated a couple of glasses filled with an almost glowing blue liquid.

“Bottoms up Drake.” Said Vinyl Scratch with a smirk on her face

The two chugged there drinks as the strong alcoholic beverage made its way down their throats it burned but tasted oh so good. Vinyl finished first and put her glass drinking end down on the table, Drake finished shortly after doing the same thing.

“Looks like I win again, that’s like the eighth time in a row that I’ve beaten you.”

“You always did finish first Vinyl.” Said Drake smirking.

“Oh bullshit, I rocked you and you know it.”

The two just laughed as they ordered another drink. This time the bartender was a bit swifter and already had the drink prepared. He levitated the drinks to them and went back to fixing drinks for other ponies.

“Walk with me back to my booth Drake.” Said the Vinyl as she got up from the bar.

The two made their way back to the booth through the middle of the dance floor, the bouncer ponies clearing a path for them. Drake looked into the crowd and saw and felt the envy of the poines looking at him. As they made it back to the booth Vinyl spoke into the mic.

“Alright party ponies I’m back!”

The crowd cheered and roared like they did before.

“Let’s get this next track started!” she flipped a few switches and the speakers blasted a song.

She turned away from the mic to Drake.

“Alright Drake you still remember the rules of get some find some right?

“You’re never going to let me go are you?” Said Drake jokingly

“Hey, you got some now you got to go find some for me.”

“Fine, any preferences?”

“I’m in the mood for a mare tonight, bonus points if you can get two.”

“Alright I won’t be long.” Said Drake as he jumped off the booth.

Twilight walked up to the second floor of the mansion in search of her friends; there were just as many ponies upstairs as there was down stairs. Twilight spotted a rainbow of colors tearing up the dance floor with Soarin from the Wonderbolts. She decided to let Rainbow Dash continue without bothering her; she spotted Applejack with Big Mac and trotted over to them. On her way towards them she spotted Fluttershy in the corner by herself.

“Come on Big Mac live a little go out and make some friends.”

“I told ya I’m just not that comfortable being in such a crowded place with all this music.”

“Come on get outside of your safe zone, you can’t not leave the farm you’re whole life now can ya?.”

“I don’t, I head to the market sometimes and I’m at this party right now aren’t I.”

“Yeah but that’s only to check on sales and bring the cart home and I had to drag ya here.”

“Hey Applejack. What’s up?”

“Howdy Twi, I’m just trying to get Big Mac out there so he can go meet some ponies.”

“Well Fluttershy is sitting by herself you want to go talk to her.” Suggested Twilight

“Yeah Big Mac, go and talk to Fluttershy, unless you’re chicken.” Said Applejack with a grin on her face.

“I uh…I…I’m gonna get a drink.” Said Big Mac as he galloped down stairs to the bar

“What was that all about?” Asked Twilight

“Nothing, Mac has a crush on Fluttershy and I tease him a bit but it’s all in good fun.”

“That’s so adorable.”

“What can I get you friend?” Asked the bartender

“Whiskey, leave the bottle.” Responded Big Mac

“Sounds like you’re having some problems Big Mac.” Said Drake walking up and taking a seat next to the red pony.

“Eeyup.”

“A bit for your thoughts.”

“Just having some problems.” Said Big Mac after taking a large drink of whiskey.

“Mare problems?”

“Eeyup.”

“May I know who this pony is?”

“I don’t reckon you know her, but her name is Fluttershy.”

“Bartender a Dragon Fire special please, I’ve met her before she seems like a nice mare.”

“Eeyup.”

“Here’s your drink buddy.” Said the Bartender

“Thanks.” Drake pounded down his red-orange drink and left a couple of bits on the table.

“Hope it works out for you Mac.”

“Eeyup.”

“Banned from the training room!” Shouted Quick Silver As she punched the metal wall of the hallway living a small divot in it.

“It’s only three days; you need to learn to keep it under control in there.” Said Flash

“That’s bullshit, so what I accidentally knock somepony out; just give her time to wake up.”

“No, it’s the fact that you did it after she surrendered, also this is the second teammate you’ve injured in the past two weeks.”

“It was a split second thing she surrendered after I started my swing, and on top of that, who died and made you king of the training room.”

“Mentor Cobalt put me in charge of the training room while he is in Vanhoover, so until he gets back you’re going to have put up with being a bit less aggressive.”

“Mentor Cobalt is going to hear about this after he gets back.”

“Look I know your pissed Quick Silver, but I don’t want anyone getting too injured while Mentor Cobalt is away. Also you’ve hardly slept at all this past week.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because my room is near the training room, and I can here you practice in the middle of the night, it’s not up for debate Quick Silver just take a few days off”

“Fine.” Said Quick Silver scowling as she walked away.

Quick Silver stormed down the metal corridors to her quarters getting looks from some of her comrades. She opened the door to her room and slammed it shut as she walked over to her bed plopped and down on it. Everyone’s room in the facility was almost the same. Blue carpet, two beds, two dressers, a circular table, four chairs, white painted walls, and whatever personal accessories each pony wanted to add. Ivy was sitting at the table with a pot of soil, a glass of water, and a small wooden pony; she took a sip of the water and focused her magic on the pot. It started to glow and rumble, after it stopped a group of vines grew out grabbed the wooden pony and pulled it into the soil. The vines popped back out, and started to move around on their own; Ivy walked over and set the pot on her dresser and sat on her bed across from Quick Silver’s.

“So what’s got you pissed Quick Silver.”

“I got booted out of the training room for being too aggressive.”

“Bummer, well I’m about to go grab some dinner you want to join me?” Said Ivy whilst standing up

“Nah, I think I’m just going to go to bed.” Replied Quick Silver getting under her covers

“All right, I’ll try not to wake you on my way back in.”

Ivy walked out of the door and closed it joining some other ponies heading for the mess hall. As Quick Silver closed her eyes she fell asleep almost instantly not realizing how tired she truly was.

Drake spotted a lot cute mares for Scratch while on the bottom floor and he decided to check up stairs as well. Drake walked up stairs and looked around; he saw a few cute mares and took note of them. But one caught his eye; Fluttershy was sitting in the corner by herself obviously thinking about something with a drink next to her, Drake walked up and sat down next to her.

“Hey Fluttershy, why are you sitting in the corner all by your lonesome?”

“Oh hello Drake, No reason, I’m just not into big parties.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason, it looks like you were thinking hard about something.”

“Well it’s nothing really, just thinking about this stallion and I’m trying to talk to him.”

“Well who is it? I may know him.” Said Drake having a feeling he knew where this was going

“Well it’s this big red pony named Big Macintosh.”

“I’ve meet him before, he seems like a nice stallion.”

“Yeah he is.”

“Well you’re not going to be able to talk to him by just sitting here.”

“I know…It’s just what if he doesn’t like me back.”

“Sometimes you just have to take chances Fluttershy.” Said Drake standing up

“I guess…”

“I hope it works out for you Fluttershy.” Said Drake as she stood up and walked away.

“Hey Applejack, Isn’t this party awesome?” Asked Rainbow Dash as she walked up to her friend with her dance partner

“I agree it’s quite the ho-down.” Applejack responded

“So I’m guessing you know Soarin.”

“What’s up.”

“You’re that one fellow from the Wonderbolts ain’t ya?”

“That I am, So Dash you ready to hit the dance floor again?”

“You know it; I’ll catch up with you later.” Said Dash as she and Soarin trotted back to the dance floor.

“Well she looks like she’s having a good time.” Said Twilight as she walked up to Applejack

“Yep, I’m going to go and find Big Mac see if I can get him to have some fun too.”

“Alright I’m going to go and talk to Fluttershy she looks a little down in the dumps.”

As Twilight walked towards Fluttershy she was stopped by somepony who she had never met before.

“Excuse me miss, I couldn’t help but notice you’re not being accompanied by anypony and I was wondering if you wanted to dance.” Said a very handsome orange pegasus with a dark blue mane.

“Well I was going to talk to my friend over there…”

“I’ve got this covered, hey do you mind keeping that pony company over there, thanks.” Said the pony as he turned to a friend of his.

The pony walked over and started to chat up Fluttershy, but she wasn’t paying much attention.

“Now that, that’s taken care of, would you like to accompany me to the dance floor?”

“Sure, but I have to warn you I’m an awesome dancer.”

Drake Walked back down the stairs and back to the DJ booth. He stepped past the guards who let him by, and walked up to Vinyl and tapped her on the back.

“Drake what’s up, did you find what I was looking for.” As she turned towards her wingman

“Yes I did, take a look at the bar. See those two ponies over by the bar.” Drake pointed to two ponies one light blue with a pink mane and the other pink with a light blue mane.

“Drake you are the bomb, not only have you scored extra points, but you spotted out twins. I think that may be some sort of score multiplier or something.”

“Alright, I’ll go talk to them and see if they will join you in the booth.” Said Drake leaving the DJ booth.

Drake walked over to the bar where the two ponies were at, the blue one looked pretty hammered while the pink just looked a bit tipsy. Drake took a seat right next to the blue pony and ordered an ice cube. The bartender looked at him funny and so did the two ponies sitting next to him, the bartender brought him the ice and placed it in front of him. Drake Immediately slammed his hoof on the ice cube smashing it into pieces; the two ponies looked at him confused.

“Do you two know why I did that?” Asked Drake turning to the ponies.

They both shook their heads no.

“I was just trying to break the Ice, hey my names Drake.”

The two ponies turned to each other and giggled at this cheesy pick up line.

“Hello Drake I’m Aloe and this is Lotus” Said the pink pony

“So can I get you two girls a drink?”

“Sure.” Responded the two ponies in unison.

“Barkeep, two of your most expensive drinks, so what are two goddesses like you doing here.”

“Oh we would never miss a party thrown by miss Pinkie Pie.” Said Lotus slurring a bit on top of her accent

“Plus it’s a good way to meet people.” Added Aloe

The Barkeeper levitated the drinks to the two ponies; Aloe took a few sips, while Lotus drank hers like there was no tomorrow.

“So are you two enjoying the party?”

“Yeah, the DJ is great.” Replied Aloe

“Well that’s nice because the DJ thinks you’re great to.”

“What do you mean?”

“She wants to talk to you two.”

“Us, but she’s famous.”

“What can I say, she likes the looks of you two.”

“Come on Lotus, the DJ wants to talk to us” Said the pink pony grabbing her blue sister

Drake watched as they trotted to the DJ booth in excitement. The bouncer didn’t let them by at first but then Vinyl walked up and told them to come on up. Drake levitated Aloe’s unfinished Drink and pointed it towards the DJ booth as he saw Vinyl point to him with a wide grin on her face. Drake finished off the drink and put a few more bits on the table, he looked to his left to see Big Mac talking to Applejack. A familiar pegasus approached and sat next to him and ordered a drink.

“It’s about time you made it to the party, what took you so long.”

“Dude have you seen those lines, I’m surprised I got in as early as I did.” Said Cloud Walker

“To bad you’re not a VIP such as myself.”

“Yeah to bad I’m not a very ignorant pony.”

“Funny, so when do you go back to Canterlot.”

“Tomorrow.”

“That sucks.”

Drake looked away from his friend and back to the party, he noticed a muscular orange pegasus and a two other ponies approaching on an intoxicated and scared Twilight Sparkle in the corner of the first floor.

“Shit, I’ll be right back.” Said Drake

Drake trotted over in that direction as Cloud Walker noticed he was the only pony at the bar, so he decided to trot after Drake.

“Come on, just come back to our hotel room, and we can have some fun all the cool ponies are doing it.”

Drake walked up to the group and poked the pegasus on the back, getting the attention of him and his two unicorn companions

“Is there a problem here?” Asked Drake

“There will be one if you don’t leave us alone” responded the Orange pegasus.

“I don’t want any trouble, just leave the mare alone and walk away.”

“Hey, do you guys here this, this pony is trying to save the damsel in distress.” They laughed at Drake for a second until another pony joined his side.

“Hey Drake what’s going on over here?” Asked Cloud Walker

“Look guys he brought reinforcements, you know what that means.” The unicorns levitated two small knives out of there shirt pockets.

“So do you guys think you’re big and bad enough to take us on?”

After he said this, Drake heard the familiar sound of bones being broken and the unicorn to his left was lifted off the ground and thrown over the other two. Both parties looked to where the unicorn once was, there stood a large red pony.

“Eeyup.”

As both parties were focused on the sudden appearance of the large pony Cloud Walker knocked the knife out of the other ponies hand and punched him in the jaw. The pony proceeded to fall to the ground, and Cloud Walker stomped on his stomach to make sure he didn’t get back up. The Orange pegasus looked to both of his fallen comrades and back at Drake.

“Oh how the tables have turned, so here are your options leave now, or get your ass kicked. What’s it gonna be?”

The orange pegasus galloped out of the mansion without even checking on his friends. Drake looked at the spot where Twilight was, and saw her there sitting on the ground almost in tears.

“Hey Twilight, how are you doing?”

“I…I thought he was interested in my brain not my body.” Said Twilight sobbing a bit.

“Don’t worry Twilight those guys were jerks, they’re gone now.”

“I want to go home; I’m not feeling so well.”

“Alright I’ll walk you home, hey guys thanks for the help but I’m going to make sure Twilight gets home alright.”

“Eeyup.”

“Also Big Mac, go for it. I have a feeling Fluttershy is into you, it’s just a hunch. See you later Cloud Walker.” Said Drake

before departing from his friend and leaving the party

Drake accompanied Twilight out of the mansion and down the street. It was maybe a little past eleven and a bunch more ponies showed up. He looked around the street and saw the same orange pegasus chatting up a familiar white unicorn. He walked up with Twilight her leaning on him for support; he poked the pony on the back and gave him an angry look.

“I thought I told you to get lost, you already forced yourself on one of my friends, and I’m not letting you do it again.” Said Drake as he gently sat Twilight on the ground

“I’m not afraid of you; it looks like your two friends are gone so how about we settle this like stallions.”

Right before they went after each other Rarity stood in between them and stopped them.

“Hold it; no need to act like barbarians, Drake what did this pony do to make you so angry?”

“He got Twilight drunk, and then he and his friends were forcing themselves on her.”

“I see…”Rarity pondered this for a second before promptly turning and knocking the orange pegasus’ lights out.

Drake just looked at Rarity like he was looking at a whole different pony.

“What, sometimes a lady has to stand her ground. Now you go and get Twilight home.”

“Right, I’ll see you later Rarity.” Said Drake helping Twilight back up

The door to the medical bay opened slowly as a silver pony walked in. The pony walked over to the bed where a badly injured pony lay, she sat down on the bed next to his and sighed. She sat there looking at him for about a minute or so before she got up and walked over to the injured pony.

“I’m so sorry, I should have looked for you when the shield broke. I’m just so stupid, when you get out of here I’ll be sure to help you whenever you need it..” Apologized Quick Silver as she put her hoof on his chest.

“I thought I heard somepony’s voice, I think visiting hours ended a while ago.” Said a voice coming from behind Quick Silver

“What do you want?”

“I just heard somepony walking down the hall and I was just making sure you weren’t heading to the training room.”

“Thanks for trusting me so much Flash.”

“No biggie. So how do you think he’s holding up?”

“He looks better, but He shouldn’t be in here. This is my entire fault, I should have…”

“Stop right there Quick Silver. This is not your fault, not a single one of us could have predicted the changelings were going to attack. You need to stop being so hard on yourself. You’re the best fighter we have; if you can’t stop putting the blame on yourself it’s going to hurt you in the future”

“Guys can you keep it down, I’m trying to sleep.” Said a voice weakly.

They both jumped at this and looked at the bed; they saw a grimace of pain on the face of the injured pony.

“You’re awake! Thank Celestia you’re okay!” Shouted Quick Silver as she hugged Shadow Stepper

“It’s good to see you to but, you’re hurting me.”

“Sorry” Said Quick Silver hopping off of him

“So he’s finally back among the living, it’s a hearth’s warming miracle.” Said Flash jokingly

“So how long was I out?”

“About four weeks.” Said Flash

This caught Shadow Stepper off guard as he sat there and pondered those words, until speaking again.

“I don’t remember much of what happened, but I’m glad I’m still alive, but can you guys leave. I’m still really tired.”

“Okay, we’ll leave. I’m just glad you’re alright.” Said Quick Silver

The two ponies walked out of the medical bay and into the hallway. The two ponies headed to their quarters staying completely silent on the way there. They finally reached Quick Silver’s room, Flash held open the door for Quick Silver as she stepped in.

“Get some rest Quick Silver; I’m looking forward to seeing you in the training room tomorrow.” Said Flash with a smile

“Nah, I think I’m going to take the day off and sleep in.” Said Quick Silver sluggishly.

Flash chuckled as he closed the door softly.

The door to the library flung open as Drake helped in an almost passed Twilight. Drake Walked in a bit and closed the door with his back leg, he brought twilight over to the couch and sat her down. He proceeded to walk into the kitchen and got a glass of water for himself, after he finished it he heard a loud thump from the other room. He walked in to see Twilight slumped over on the staircase; Drake just laughed a bit and walked over.

“Need some help there?”

“Yes please.”

"Told you you shouldn't have Drank my extra wine." Said Drake as he helped Twilight up the stairs.

"Well maybe you shouldn't have...gave it to me." retorted Twilight leaning against Drake for support

“Alright let’s get you in bed.” As they made it into the room

“Thanks Drake.”.

As they finally made it up the staircase Drake lead Twilight over to her bed and tucked her in. Drake started to walk back to his room, not before tripping over Spikes basket and falling on his face hitting the floor with a loud thump.

“Shit!” Exclaimed Drake as he hit the ground

“Hey Drake, you want to have a sleep over?” Asked Twilight

“Twilight, your drunk go to bed.” Replied Drake getting up in an irritated mood.

“Pleaaaaaaaaaaaase.”

“There aren’t any other beds down here.”

“Hold on I got this.” Said Twilight now sitting in her bed

Twilight’s horn started to glow bright and a ball of magic appeared on the other side of the room. Finally the ball disappeared and a bed appeared on the other side of the room.

“Tadaaaa.”

“Twilight I don’t think this will work.” Said Drake as he levitated the tiny bed into his hoof.

“Want me to try again?”

“How about I just grab my pillow and blanket from the attic.”

“Okay.”

Drake walked up to the attic and took of his button up and threw it on the floor. He levitated his pillow and blanket towards him and walked back down stairs, he laid his pillow on the floor and laid down putting his blanket on top of him. It was hard to get comfortable lying on a hard wood floor but after rolling around a bit he finally got as comfortable as he was going to get.

“Hey Drake, that floor doesn’t look comfortable.”

“It’s fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to share my bed with me?” Asked Twilight.

“It’s fine Twilight.”

“Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase.”

“Twilight, you’re drunk go to bed.”

“…Goodnight Drake.”

“Goodnight.”

Drake awoke to the sound of the door the library closing shut, his eyes shooting open. He sat up and stretched out his back noticing that Twilight was gone, he looked at the clock and it read 10:33 AM. Drake stomach started to rumble very loudly as he stood up out of his makeshift bed. He felt something on his horn he levitated it off and gave it a look. It was a note from Twilight.

Hey Drake thanks for taking care of me, I know I was pretty drunk and annoying but thanks for not taking advantage of me. If you get up before Spike gets here, he’ll be back around 10:30. Thanks again.

Drake chuckled before his stomach gave another loud rumble.

‘I guess alcohol wasn’t the best dinner in the world.’ Thought Drake as he made his way to the stairs

Drake walked down the steps into the main room of the library, he saw spike sitting down and having a glass of water unpacking his backpack.

“Hey Spike, how are ya?”

“Drake I’m doing super-duper incredibly awesome.” Said the excited dragon whilst turning to Drake.

“I’m guessing your sleepover with those three fillies went over well.”

“You don’t even know.”

“Glad to hear it. How about you tell me why you’re doing so super-duper incredibly awesome at the kitchen table so I can know, I was just about to make myself some eggs.” Said Drake as he made his way towards the kitchen

“Okay.” Responded Spike as he hopped off the couch.

“So you want some too. Or have you already eaten?” Said Drake as he entered the kitchen

“Some scrambled eggs sound good right about now, it will be a nice change of pace having someone make breakfast for me.” Said Spike following Drake in to the kitchen.

“Well we were at the club house and well we had a book of games, so we decided to pick a random page and play whatever game was there.” Said Spike Scarfing down a mouthful of eggs

“Go on.” Said Drake as he took a bite of his eggs

“Alright so we landed on this game called spin the bottle, I’ve never heard of it before but it sounded like a pretty simple game. Then we read it, now I was on board to play and so was Scootaloo who was calling Applebloom and Sweetie Belle chickens. So being the gentledragon I am I sided with the damsels in distress and suggested we pick a different game. The next game we played was called twenty one questions, it was an alright game.” Said Spike before placing another big thing of eggs in his mouth.

“Alright so you saved the damsels from the evil monster kissing, then you played twenty one questions. What happened next?”

“Well it was getting pretty late and we all decided to get some sleep, we took out all of our sleeping bags and pillows except Sweetie Belle forgot hers.”

The expression on Drakes face was practically screaming “I know where this story is heading.” As a grin that would have rivaled one of Pinkie Pie’s was plastered across his face.

“After trying to squeeze in and share a sleeping bag with Scootaloo and Applebloom, Applebloom offered to run back to the house and get her one. But Sweetie Belle insisted that it was fine and said she could just sleep with a pillow and she didn’t need a sleeping bag, until I stated that my sleeping bag was pretty big and that two ponies could probably fit inside of it. Scootaloo laughed and said she couldn’t do that because I was a boy and gave some stupid reason behind that statement, but Sweetie didn’t really care she told Scootaloo that it was fine. So we were pressed together a bit but she fit in and we shared a sleeping bag, and when I woke up her arm was wrapped around me.” Said Spike as he finished of his eggs grinning like a maniac

“Way to go Spike.” Said Drake enthusiastically before finishing of his eggs as well.

“That’s not even the best part, when we woke up and I tried to get out she wrapped around me even tighter. I just decided to lay there until she got up. Then once it was time for us to go, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and thanked me for everything.” Said Spike as he looked back on the moment fondly.

“Spike you’re turning into a regular Casanova.” Said Drake extending a hoof out to spike

“Thanks Drake.” As Spike balled up his claw and bumped Drake’s hoof with it.

“Now follow me to the living room, I have some more tricks of the trade to go over with you.” Said Drake as he walked into the living room.

“Right behind you oh wise one.” Said Spike jumping off his chair and quickly following Drake.