The Fight for Happiness

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.