The Student from Warpla

by SparkStone

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Main 6, Young Six, Romance, Original Character, Fluttershy, Adventure, Sex, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 68694

A new student from a Human tribe goes to the School of Friendship on a mission. As he makes friends, he learns more about himself as well as the world around him.

In a region called Warpla, the last of the humans live in various tribes and clans. Hostility still exists in the harsh region over there and the humans remain isolated for hundreds of years.

However, one tribe has reached out to make peaceful negotiations. In the agreement to strengthen the pact between the Tribe and Equestria, they send one student to learn from the School of Friendship. The human's mission is thus: Establish friendly relations and find companions to call their own.

Content Warning: Bit of blood, humans from this imaginary setting and not from the real world, silly stuff closer to Slice-of-Life, Slightly over dramatic

Have fun reading this at home!

Featured on 4/12/2020, a few hours after release
4/21/2020, 4/27/2020, 4/28/2020, 6/11/2020, 10/26/2020

Published 2020-04-12 07:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-08-09 07:11:23 UTC

Part 2 - Food

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Part 3 - Clothes

The last class for the day had ended. Gallus and Sandbar walked out together and talked about their homework.

“I have no idea how I’m supposed to figure out all of these names of ponies and places!” Gallus complained.

“Don’t worry Gallus!” Sandbar assured him. “I can totally help you with it. We’ll just head to the library and-”

The two of them stop to see Dragon Slayer lying his head against the wall. He looked as if the life was sucked right out of him. Sandbar and Gallus inspected Dragon to see him lost in thought and as well as soul crushed eyes.

“Umm… Heeeey...” Sandbar spoke, trying to get his attention. “You okay there buddy?”

“Hey, snap out of it,” Gallus ordered, snapping his talons.

Dragon regained his senses and stood back up straight to see the two. “Oh… Hi...”

“Dragon, what’s wrong? You seem… down.” Sandbar pointed out.

Dragon looked away for a moment and back at the two with an awkward shuffle with his hands. “Do you two… think my coat looks bad?”

The two suddenly were put on the spot, being asked about his coat. In truth, Sandbar thought it looked a bit dirty. Gallus thought he was a bit of a show off with that coat, especially when he found out it has heavy armor plating underneath the feathers.

“Um… Well, the thing about fashion is… well...” Sandbar stammered, trying to work his way to an honest answer like he was taught.

“It’s not… Something I would wear.” Gallus managed to say.

“I understand that you have your own preferences for what you are willing to wear.” Dragon stated. “What I’m asking is, do you think this coat looks ugly, or do I look ugly wearing this coat?”

“Look, if you wanna wear that thing, then that’s cool, we’ll support you or whatever.” Gallus stated.

“Then you really don’t like this coat,” Dragon mused. He sighed in defeat as the two sees the tall human suddenly shrink to his own sense of style squeezing his life out.

“Why does it matter to you anyways?” Sandbar questioned. “You didn’t mind when you came to school with it.”

“I was led under the impression by my people that this coat would help me make friends.” Dragon claimed. “But Miss Rarity told me that it was dreadful and that it might be doing the opposite.”

‘Ah, well, she isn’t wrong,’ The two thought quietly in their heads.

“Well, why don’t you get some new clothing?” Sandbar suggested.

“That… wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Dragon thought.

“But who’re you gonna find that can make clothes for humans?”

==

“Darling, I’m so glad you came to me!” Rarity exclaimed in excitement. “I hope my comment on your attire didn’t hurt your feelings, but I just had to say something.”

Dragon Slayer continued to look as if his soul was taken by the void based on her comments.

“Humans are so intriguing! They wear clothes no matter where they go, almost all the time!” Rarity stated. “I’ve learned so much from Chewka.”

“Who-ka?” Gallus commented.

“Chewka is the name of the human who comes and visits me, like that one time in the library.” Dragon explained.

“Luckily for you, I’ve had enough practice with him to understand how to make clothes for humans!” Rarity said very proudly. She brings in a collection of clothes she made for Chewka and presents them to Dragon “Let me just take that… coat off of you.”

Dragon Slayer takes off his coat and gives it to Rarity, but not before requesting her this, “Please be careful with this. It’s very important.”

“What’s so special about it anyways?” Gallus asked.

“And why’s it made of bird feathers?” Sandbar questioned.

“Those aren’t bird feathers, those are griffon feathers.” Dragon Slayer corrected him.

The room goes silent as Rarity holds the very coat on her hoof. She then levitates it with her horn and places it on the table before going to the bathroom and turning on the hot water.

“Those… Those are griffon feathers?!” Gallus questioned him.

“Yes, it was made over five hundred years ago,” Dragon explained. Before he could go further, he was cut off by Gallus.

“That is messed up.” Gallus stated. “And you actually thought this would help you make friends!? With who? Who in their right mind would think that’s cool?”

“Gallus, take it easy,” Sandbar told him, pulling him back a bit. “You uh… wanna head back?”

“Ugh, yeah,” Gallus sighed. The two leave Dragon on his own as Rarity returns from cleansing her hooves.

“I think I made a mistake.” Dragon thought to himself.

“Well, I wouldn’t blame them.” Rarity told him. “I don’t understand why you’re wearing a coat made out of a griffon. Wearing a.... Trophy, is a poor way of showing your desire to be friends especially with that of a griffon.”

“Trophy?” Dragon repeated that word alone. “They were alive when this coat was made.”

“Darling… you’re going to make me sick.” Rarity warned him.

==

The next day, Gallus was walking with Ocellus and told her what had happened with Dragon Slayer. She was shocked to hear that the coat was made of griffon feathers.

“I can’t believe that he was wearing that around and never thought about it,” Ocellus thought.

“Maybe he would have preferred the name ‘Griffon Slayer’ instead,” Gallus retorted.

“Perhaps he made a mistake?”

Their conversation is interrupted when Sandbar comes from around the corner and calls them over.

“Hey, you might wanna see this before we get it fixed.” Sandbar said to them with a snicker being stifled by his hoof.

The two go to the classroom to see Dragon Slayer wearing a mismatched assortment of clothes. His pants were baggy, his jacket too short, and his shirt too big. The colors were all over the place with bits of red and yellow along with a hot pink and green and blue. Though those may just be blueberries.

“What… happened?” Ocellus wondered.

“When Rarity was taking my measurements, she received a summons from her butt.” Dragon recalled the past events. “So she left me to select my own attire. I decided to go with something that felt comfortable. I thought everyone was smiling at me only for Smolder to tell me I looked ridiculous.”

“If you were going to go for a new look, why didn’t you ask for any of our help?” Silverstream asked him.

“I… didn’t want to trouble anyone anymore than I had yesterday.” Dragon answered.

“Well, are you going to go back to your old coat then?” Smolder assumed.

“... I will no longer be wearing that from now on.”

Gallus looked to see the earnest look on his face. He seems to have regret doing what he had done if he suddenly decided against wearing an important coat he said yesterday. Smolder and Silverstream exchanged confused looks at his behavior, as it was a bit more sad than usual. Yona however focused on the issue at hand.

“If Dragon can’t pick new clothes, we should help pick better clothes!” Yona suggested.

“That’s a great idea!” Silverstream agreed.

“Anything to get him from wearing whatever this is.” Smolder stated.

With everyone in agreement, they go back to Rarity’s clothing room in the school. The kids began picking out clothes that they thought looked good on Dragon. Yona found some rough looking clothes that made him look like some sort of barbarian. Dragon did take interest in it for a moment before Silverstream found a tuxedo.

“Dragon, try these on!” Silverstream recommended

“Try this one next!” Ocellus added another set

“Yona pick the best one!”

Dragon tried every outfit that was given to him. After getting into the changing room for a bit, he would come out and show them how he looked with what they'd chosen. From barbarian warrior, to tuxedo gentlemen, to clown, to even a dress. Everyone paused for a moment on the last one before Smolder pushed him back in the fitting room.

“That was a mistake!” Smolder whispered past the door. “I was only looking at it! I didn’t mean to have you put it on! Here, take this one.”

As Dragon changed once more, Sandbar looked at the girls and said, “You know, they seem to be really enjoying this.”

“Well, I guess it’s not everyday you get to play dress up with someone else.” Gallus thought.

Dragon finally came out of the fitting room and showed off his red hoodie, gray jeans, and blue sneakers. He looked around his waist and at the mirror before turning to the others. “What do you think?”

“Ooh! That looks great!” Silverstream nodded.

“He looks a lot less scary, doesn’t he?” Ocellus thought.

“Yona still think he look better as warrior, but Dragon look good in this.” Yona admitted.

“I gotta say, I didn’t think I’d pick something out right for you.” Smolder smirked. “Though, I’m gonna miss that coat you used to wear. What’s that thing's story anyways?”

“Yeah, you said how important it was back when you were still starting out.” Silverstream confirmed.

Dragon looked to Gallus for a moment before beginning the story. “It’s an important Tribe relic. A treasure from the past from over 500 hundred years ago. The great king Grover gave it to us as a sign of friendship.”

Gallus' eyes darted back to Dragon at what he had just heard. “Wait a minute, King Grover? As in, the King of the Griffons?”

Dragon Slayer nodded, confirming what he had said. “King Grover saved my ancestors by helping them reach Warpla. He helped cover my ancestors tracks and prevented any griffon from within and outside of his kingdom from hunting us down and taking what little we had. My ancestors wanted to repay him and so gifted him with a treasure known as the Idol of Boreas. My ancestors believed he would be the king to unite the Griffons. Before King Grover would cut ties with my ancestors to ensure my tribe’s survival, he gave us his own gift. He wasn’t the most wealthy ruler or even griffon for that matter. But this coat, which he made out of his own feathers to the point where he almost lost the ability to fly, was given to my people. They gratefully accepted it and even wore it into battle, so that in a way, Grover would still be supporting us even long after. It also reminded us that even though many griffons did take the lands of my tribe long ago, there was one Griffon who stood by us.”

The others were surprised to hear such a story. Even Gallus was caught off guard by the weight of that coat’s history. He felt a bit guilty not listening to Dragon about it. Maybe he really should have listened to him about it.

“Wait a minute, if that thing’s a national treasure for your people, why’re you wearing it?” Smolder questioned.

“That’s due to my position, as I was trained and proven worthy to be trusted with such relics. I also wanted to use the symbol of trust to make friends. However, that may have been far too hopeful the more I noticed it only caused others to be wary of me.”

“Well I don’t think you need a coat to do that,” Gallus told him. “You should just be yourself, and thing’s will probably work out.”

Dragon smiled at Gallus as he gave some genuinely friendly advice. Gallus shrugs but no longer emanates the disdain he had for the human.

“I do prefer to have armor plating underneath this though.” Dragon commented.

Part 4 - Shopping

Dragon Slayer was pinned to a wall, with nowhere to run. This one being cornered him unexpectedly and totally caught him off guard. He locked his eyes on her as she got close and said…

“You should go shopping in town with me!” Silverstream told him, her request being difficult to decline in the current position he’s in.

“I have many assignments for classes as well as a meeting with Chewka.” Dragon reasoned. “I don’t have time to go out purchasing goods.”

“You always say that you don’t have time!” Silverstream pointed out, releasing her grip on the wall. “You said you’d go shopping with us that one time, but you never did! And I know you already know the answers to the homework.”

Silverstream was correct on all fronts. He could spend some time shopping, but he was to only spend his funds on necessities. Shopping around for the sake of pleasure seemed wrong to Dragon Slayer.

“I cannot spend any of the money my people have given me. It would betray their trust in me.”

“That’s fine!” Silverstream told him. “We’re just going through town to visit some stores! I’ll even pay for lunch!”

Dragon was surprised at how much she insisted on going out to the town. By then, he felt even more troubled if he continued to decline her offers. “I suppose I should accept since you’re quite persistent on the matter,” he relented. “So, where did you want to go?”

=

Dragon Slayer looked up at the massive dessert-like structure before him. He recalled those cupcakes and their taste so his mouth began to water when the building came into view.

“Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner!” the pink pony greeted, welcoming the two inside. Entering the building, Dragon looked around the store and saw customers eating colorful treats. He smelled the aroma of baked goods in the kitchen become stronger as he and Silverstream approached the register.

“Well, hey there!” The yellow stallion greeted. “I haven’t seen you around before! What would you like?”

Dragon’s eyes wandered aimlessly at the assortment of cupcakes in the display. There was so much to choose from. “Do you have any recommendations?” he asked.

“Ooh! I know some good ones!” Silverstream declared, quickly picking out treats that weren’t even on the display. The yellow stallion nodded and went to the kitchen to work on the order. Silverstream and Dragon seated themselves at a table and waited for their food.

“What do you think of Ponyville?” Silverstream asked out of nowhere. “It must have been pretty exciting when you came here!”

“It was quite new to me,” he told her, twiddling his thumbs. “When I received this mission, I wasn’t sure how to act when they got into the details of my stay.”

“What is your mission?”

“For one, to establish friendly relations with contacts in Ponyville. The other was learning what the School of Friendship had to teach.”

“Your tribe must be really interested in making friends.”

“I do find it interesting. I’ve read the reports on how the very concept of friendship was used against the enemies of Equestria.”

“Here’s your order!” A pink pony exclaimed as she set down the platter of treats. She took a look at the two of them and realized who they were. “Hey! It’s you two!”

Dragon was quite bewildered seeing his instructor outside of the school working a different job. “Professor, you work here as well?”

“Of course! They have the best cupcakes here, you know!”

Silverstream held up a slice of pie to Dragon, getting ready to feed him. “Here! This is blueberry pie with whipped cream!” She showed him before stuffing the pie down his mouth.

Dragon quickly chews, lest he choke on the contents. His expression changes to delight as the sensation of the sweet flavors dance on his tongue. The focused and cold stare he would have plastered on his face transformed into an innocent and pure smile of bliss, just as adorable as last time when he was fed the cupcake.

“WOW!” Pinkie jumped at the sudden shift of Dragon’s expression. “You must REALLY like that pie!”

“It’s quite delicious,” Dragon regained his composure and wiped the remains of the pie from his face. “I never had anything like this back home.”

“He said he’s never had cake before he went to Ponyville!” Silverstream told Pinkie his plight. “Only bread, bugs, and cactuses!”

Before Dragon could correct her, Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped at the revelation. “You never had cake!?” Dragon nodded to her. “What about smoothies? Or Juice? Or donuts? Or Ice cream? Or, Or, Or-!”

“I don’t know what any of those are.” Dragon Slayer said, confused at these strange words she was spewing out.

“It’s a tragedy.” Silverstream said, wiping a tear from her eye.

“It’s a crime against humanity!” Pinkie declared. She grips Dragon’s shoulders and says, “Don’t worry! In the name of all things sweet and tasty, I’ll make you everything you’ve missed out!”

Before Dragon could even retort, Silverstream stuffed another tasty treat into his mouth. “This one is key lime pie!”

As Pinkie started carrying a full tray to Dragon, it looked like he was going to be filled to the brim with food. Not that he minds as even the key lime pie had him making that expression again.

==

Dragon finally managed to leave the Sugarcube Corner once he had a chance to try everything on the menu that was available at the time. As great as it was to try and taste all the wonderful food they had to offer, the way they decided to feed Dragon wasn’t to his consent. His mouth still had crumbs around his lips, some of the food got onto his hoodie, and he had a bit of a difficulty breathing from his overfilled belly. Pressing on, the human followed the Hippogryph to a stall with distinct aromas.

“What is this place?” Dragon questioned.

“It’s a perfume stand!” Silverstream announced. “They have a lot of weird smells! Don’t worry! They smell really good!”

Silverstream brought one of the samples to Dragon and sprayed a bit for him to smell. “It’s… nice. I’m quite unfamiliar with this scent however.”

“Do you have perfume back where you live?” she asked him as she picked up another bottle.

“We do have scented candles blended with Desert roses,” he recalled. “It helped relax the mind before being sent out to missions.”

Another spray from the sample wafts to Dragon. As he continued to smell the exotic perfumes, someone placed their hand on his shoulder.

“Well, well, well.” a smooth and refined voice echoed quietly to the human and hippogryph. The two turn to the source and see another human. “Dragon Slayer, so this is where you were.”

Dragon was surprised by this man’s appearance and quickly bowed. “Prince Risen! To what do I owe the pleasure for?”

“I’m glad you remember your manners, Dragon Slayer,” he said looking quite unimpressed. “What are you doing out here?”

“We were just looking around and shopping here and there!” Silverstream answered, still smiling not knowing the pressure the Prince is having on Dragon Slayer.

“You’re not using the money we’ve given you to play around, are you?” Prince Risen inquired.

“No, it’s alright!” Silverstream assured him. “I planned on spending the money for him while we’re out here together!”

“Honestly, wasting time here when you should be onto more important matters,” Prince Risen rebuked. “Weren’t those teachings from the school supposed to be important? What are you doing out here spending someone else’s money?”

“My apologies, Prince,” Dragon said to him as he continued to stare at his boots.

“And what are you wearing?” the prince questioned as he looked at the Dragon Slayer’s garments. “The Tribe’s treasures were given to you as a symbol of trust to befriend the inhabitants here, and yet you replace your outfitted yourself with this armorless, defenseless, and constraining attire?”

“I was told that this would help others be more comfortable around me.” Dragon reasoned.

“Or is it to make yourself more comfortable?” the Prince wondered. “I see you have food on your clothes and some on your face. You must be quite comfortable, letting yourself go like this. You forget your greatest strengths.”

The prince sighs and hands Silverstream a bag. “There should be enough bits for whatever you had spent on him and extra. If it isn’t enough to pay for the expenses, have the Dragon Slayer inform me and I shall make the necessary arrangements.”

Silverstream attempted to say something throughout the Prince’s speal, but he continued to talk down to Dragon. “Don’t worry about the meeting today. This fateful encounter is enough for me to write home about.”

Dragon grit his teeth, not showing face to him. “I understand, Prince Risen.”

“Honestly, I still don’t agree with the Chief’s plan,” the prince sighed with dismay. “How is friendship going to help the tribe? You’re far more suited with your other skills. Don’t forget how you got that title, Dragon Slayer.”

The prince turned away and left. Once he was out of sight, Dragon rose from the ground as the townsfolk stared at the scene. Silverstream was confused by the whole ordeal, but before she could inquire about it, Dragon said to her...

“... Shall we continue?”

=

Silverstream took Dragon Slayer to a store with figurines, necklaces, and other knick knacks. Silverstream looked at Dragon who seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.

“It’s fine,” he told her. “It’s just… I’ve shamed myself in front of the prince, and he had to remind me of why I’m here.”

“Well, maybe you should think of this as an activity for friendship?” She reasoned. “I mean, friends do spend time together.”

“I suppose so...” he said even though he was obviously not satisfied with just that alone.

Silverstream looked around and picked up a figurine of a pony. “Look at this! The store sells these cute things for visitors to remember their time in this town!”

“That sounds nice,” He said, blankly staring at the figurine. He looked outside to see the sun almost setting. “We should wrap this up soon.”

“Okay, okay!” Silverstream spoke while trying to keep the mood up. “I know one place you’ll really like!”

She grabbed his hand and whisked him away to another place. A restaurant to be exact, another place to eat to end the day with. Silverstream approached the waiter and requested a table for two. Once they entered and were seated, Silverstream took out the menu.

“This place has really good food! Not just sweet desserts, though I know you really like those, but also other fun food and weird flavors you have to try!” She said, showing the menu to Dragon’s face.

“Three rolls of bread for me,” Dragon told the waiter.

Silverstream’s was shocked and saddened by his order. “What are you doing? They have cupcakes you know?”

“This should suffice. I have no need for sweets right now,” he stated.

Silverstream sat back down and sighed. “Well, I’ll have spaghetti with mushrooms.”

The waiter nodded and left to get their order. Dragon looked at the table while Silverstream stared at Dragon, trying to figure out what was going on with him.

“Dragon, are you still upset about that Prince?” she wondered. “He shouldn’t determine what you should and shouldn’t do.”

“I believe your reasoning is flawed,” Dragon retorted. “The prince, the Chief, and my tribe as a whole is whom I serve. I have always dedicated my very life to assist them in all prospects. They gave me a place to live, food to eat, and safety as well. The Prince also outranks me as well.”

“I understand that, but I’m just saying he shouldn’t tell you how to live your life.”

“My life is their sword and shield. The fact I’ve been sent here is so I can better myself to serve them more effectively.”

“Your bread, sir,” The waiter announced as he placed the basket of bread in front of him. “And for the lady, spaghetti with mushrooms.”

A plate of spaghetti in front of Silverstream and rolls of bread for Dragon. The two looked at the food before Silverstream said, “Well! Time to eat!”

Dragon nodded and ate the bread roll. Silverstream grabbed a fork and slurped up a string of pasta into her mouth. She expressed her pleasure of the meal, not that Dragon seems to have noticed.

“Well… What did you think of today?” Silverstream asked.

“I thank you for sharing your time with me. Perhaps the others will enjoy this time with you as well.” He merely responded back, staring blankly at his bread.

“We should do this again then!” Silverstream suggested with eagerness clearly showing. “Visit the Sugarcube Corner again, and the market stores, Oh! There’s a lot of places we haven’t gone to yet-”

“No, it’s quite alright.” Dragon told her. “I should really stick to my roots. The Prince was right, I’ve been too complacent and should return to my tribe's way of doing things.”

Silverstream laughed at that idea. “You don’t mean going back to only eating bread and wearing the coat forever, do you?”

“I don’t see a problem with that,” Dragon mused at the thought of the coat. “Perhaps I should wear something more common from my people though. I don’t wish to expose danger or disfigurement to a relic of my tribe.”

A loud slam on the table suddenly shakes the food on top. Dragon looked at Silverstream, no longer showing a giggly smile nor discontent frown. She was frowning in disappointment and anguish. “Stop, Dragon… Just… stop doing that.”

Dragon was unsure what he did, but felt as if he had insulted his friend once more. The words he was trying to think of was not coming together as his bewilderment to the Hippogryphs shift in behavior had left him confused. “I don’t understand...” was all he could muster.

“You sit there and tell me you’re going to go back to doing everything your people do back home, and that it’s the best thing for you to do!” Silverstream says, listing all of the things he was planning. “And you try to lie right in front of me!”

“It’s not a lie!” Dragon shouted, raising his voice. “I believe this is the best course of action!”

“For who!?” She questioned, still frowning but not out of anger. The sound of a raspy voice shows her sadness over the matter. “For your tribe? Your prince? Or for you?”

“For everyone, all of those people, myself included.”

“Then how come you aren’t happy?” She questioned.

Dragon paused. He didn’t understand her still. Does this have something to do with friendship? How was he supposed to diffuse the argument? What did she mean when she said he wasn’t happy?

“Explain,” He requested.

“You sit there and eat bread but never smile. You never look happy when you’re walking alone in the school unless someone talks to you! And you talk about how much you’ve helped your tribe and how much you had to endure! And if that’s what you wanted to do, then that’s fine!”

“Then why’re you complaining about it?”

“Because it’s not true! You’re not happy about it!” She said, exposing the core of the matter. “When you eat cupcakes, you look so happy! When you spend time with one of us, you look relaxed! Even when you smelled the perfume, you were interested in the new smell!”

She continues running on the intensity of her emotions. “But when that prince guy told you that you should be acting how you’re supposed to, you weren’t happy! Even when you start doing them, you’re still not satisfied! You’re sitting there eating bread, but didn’t even ask about my food when you ask so many questions to everyone! You were discovering new things before!”

Dragon listened to Silverstream as she began to slowly calm down. She however remained passionate about her words.

“Dragon, you sound like you’re isolating yourself from the world! All of the wonderful things to see and try, and you’re turning away not because you want to, but because someone else told you to! And it hurts! It hurts to see a friend go through that!”

Finally, she takes a few deep breaths as Dragon remains quiet.

“My people were the same. We had to hide in fear from the Storm King for so long. A lot of us wanted to see what was outside of our own home. That wasn’t too long ago either, when we were finally able to show ourselves to the world again.”

Listening to the entire story, Dragon finally understood. In a way, he insulted his friend with his behavior. While he did see his own life decisions as his own, the heartache he caused onto her was due to the burden he placed on himself. He looked down and wondered what he should do. What is the right thing to do from here on? Nothing comes to mind, but he felt the urge to say something regardless. “... I guess I shouldn’t have been too hasty. I’ve failed to appreciate everything you all have done for me. Though these days aren’t as long as my service to the Tribe, I have learned much and have gained experiences I don’t believe I would have had if I continued living back in my homeland. I don’t know whether or not my time here will help the Tribe, but I feel as if… They have helped me understand myself a bit more and those around me.”

Silverstream wiped her eyes and gave a small smile. Dragon smiled back as they looked down at the table after such a heated debate. He looked at Silverstream and then said…

“Do you… Think I can also order what you have?”

Part 5 - Bath

On this day, all hath suffered the wrath that came thy morning. The heat only worsened the state of the living as they struggled to go on to their classes.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the water back up and running!” Twilight said to everyone in the school. The students were holding their breath as they were making sure there was enough space between each other to lessen the intensity of the smell.

“It’s a good thing I bought perfume~!” Silverstream sang as she sprayed the air with it.

“Yeah, you’re probably gonna need more than that.” Smolder retorted.

“It had to happen on a hot day and while Professor Rainbow and Professor Pinkie were performing a stink bomb prank.” Gallus groaned.

Rarity walked up to Twilight and began whispering something to her. “Darling, as much as I believe in the importance of attendance and the very goal of this school, I think we should cancel for the day.”

“What?! It can’t be that bad!” Twilight said, looking around at the dissatisfied and possibly nearly fainting students. “Hmm, well, it does smell pretty bad.”

Rarity is holding her breath with her hoof placed on her snout. “Twilight, darling, PLEASE.”

“Alright, alright!” Twilight groaned, rolling her eyes. She turned to everyone and said, “Due to the recent events, classes will be cancelled today. By then, the water should be running tomorrow and hopefully the smell will be gone too.”

Despite the class being cancelled, the students were left with the problem of the smell. Little choice had led them to consider going to the spa. Unfortunately, that plan wouldn’t be available to everyone.

“Great, so we’re stuck sweaty, smelly, and hot for the rest of the day.” Gallus complained.

“Well, I suppose there’s no point in being here,” Dragon said as he was about to leave.

Smolder sniffed the air and noticed something peculiar. “Hold on...” She said as she pulled Dragon’s arm. She sniffs some more and looks at him suspiciously. “You don’t smell bad.”

“... Thank you?”

Sandbar takes a quick sniff and widens his eyes. “Hey! You smell like soap!”

“Yes, of course,” Dragon stated.

“Wait, you were able to take a shower!?” Gallus yelled. “Where!?”

“My house?”

Everyone gasped at the revelation. “You have your own house!?”

“I was given a home before attending. My people arranged my living space before I arrived in Ponyville.”

Ocellus flew to Dragon’s face and pleaded. “You HAVE to let us go to your house! We REALLY need running water!”

“You gotta man, we’re dying here,” Gallus said as he wiped the sweat off of his forehead.

“Dying? Well then, I have no choice. If it’s to save your life, then it’s an extremely small price to pay later.” He said with a look of heroic determination. He turned around and began to lead them to his home. “This way.”

“He knows we’re not actually dying, right?” Sandbar wondered.

“Just roll with it,” Smolder told him. “I want to get in a warm bath.”

They arrived at Dragon Slayer’s house. Out of all of the buildings, this one was the most out of place. It had a sleek design with walls hosting murals of desert roses and a square-like look on the front and sides. He opened the sliding doors and welcomed them inside to see a living room with cushioned couches and a fireplace. A kitchen with a fridge and an oven, but more importantly, the special room. Opening the door to it, he reveals a bath as big as the spa in Ponyville. Nay, perhaps even bigger.

“An indoor pool!?” Silverstream shouted.

“It’s a hot spring,” Dragon corrected her. “I use this room to meditate and cleanse myself.”

“Aw, sweet!” Smolder said as she was about to jump in. She was held back by Dragon however as he pointed to the shower room.

“You should all rinse off the… scent before you go in. There’s a chance you may contaminate the spa and make it also a… source of the smell.”

After everyone washed off the smell, they looked at the pool of water before them. Yona and Smolder hop right in, splashing the hot steaming water onto Sandbar and Gallus. They shook off the water and stared at the two who were just swimming around the large spa.

Ocellus dipped her hoof into the pool to test the temperature, only to be shoved in as Silverstream ran into the water.

Gallus and Sandbar sat on the edge with towels over their head.

“Aah, this is life.” Sandbar hummed.

“Can’t believe you have all of this stuff and didn’t tell us, Dragon.” Gallus commented as he blissfully absorbs the soothing heat of the spa bath.

“Um… Where is Dragon?” Ocellus questioned as she looked around the room.

The others checked around and realized he wasn’t in the room with them. They all peek out into the living room and see him sitting on the couch doing homework.

“Dragon, what the hay are you doing?” Smolder questioned.

“I’m doing the assignment for next week.” Dragon told her. “Are you done with the hot spring?”

“Why is Dragon not in the spa bath?” Yona asked more clearly

“Oh, I already took a bath, so there’s no need for another one.” Dragon answered.

“Well, are you sure you don’t want to relax in the spa anymore?” Sandbar asked.

“It feels kind of wrong to use it without you,” Ocellus stated. “It’s your house after all.”

Dragon takes a moment to consider it and says, “Well, in case you didn’t know, we humans wear clothes most of the time. The few occasions we don’t are times like taking a bath.”

“We’ve never seen you without clothes,” Smolder states.

“And with good reason. We don’t… expose ourselves unless in more private quarters and situations. However, I can make it to where it is acceptable for me to enter the bath while all of you are here.”

“Then do it,” she shrugged.

Dragon’s face flushes red for a bit. “I… will be there shortly. Please wait in the bath until then.”

He goes upstairs and into another room. The others exchanged bewildered looks before heading back and waiting for him. As they relaxed and waited for him to return, they began discussing Dragon's policies.

“Humans sure stick to the whole clothes thing, don’t they?” Smolder thought aloud.

“Maybe he’s hiding something, like a third arm!” Silverstream thought, imagining the strange possible anatomy of humans.

“I just think it’s kinda overboard with wearing something all the time,” Smolder stated.

“Hey, maybe he just likes it. Like how you like wearing a dress,” Gallus jokes, only to receive a wing slap on the head for it.

“What do you think he looks like without clothes?” Sandbar wondered.

“Yona thinks he hides super strength!” Yona said as she flexed her own strength to her friends.

The doors slowly open. The six of them turn to Dragon who was covering himself with a towel and swimming trunks. Everyone looked disappointed.

“You just switched your outfit with a towel and shorts,” Smolder stated, rolling her eyes.

“The towel is just to dry myself later.” Dragon responded with a slight snap to his tone. He dips his foot into the water and slowly removes the towel. The others then see the upper part of his body with well-toned muscles, but slim enough to not be unpleasant. The more noteworthy aspect however is his markings. Markings all over his back and shoulders depicting runes and strokes of lines written in black and red.

“What… The heck?” Gallus slowly spoke.

“Yona was right! Dragon has muscles!” she pointed out, smug about her correctness.

“What’s going on with those doodles on your back?” Silverstream questioned.

“Those are inscribed enchantments,” Dragon answered. “My people have used these on many things, like weapons and armor, or even walls to strengthen their durability or enhance their effectiveness.”

“What does yours do?” Sandbar wondered.

“More or less the same. I have been able to grant myself certain resistances while boosting my strength so that I could even wear that coat.”

“That sounds like cheating,” Smolder huffed, sore about the time she herself couldn’t carry it.

“You wouldn’t be wrong,” Dragon agreed. “In case you didn’t know, humans are actually extremely weak when compared to other creatures. A natural boon of strength, magic, and flight will always defeat humans in a normal battle set on attrition. The humans’ only ability is to perceive magic and translate them. Our greatest strength would come from being able to manipulate magic to our bidding written in our property, or in this case, our skin.”

“How are you able to change magic if you don’t have magic?” Ocellus questioned.

“Magic is everywhere. It’s in every living thing, every piece of nature, in the sea and in the air. The matter of manipulation however requires a special tool. One that taps into the magic itself. In proper hands, they can change things, like how strong or how fast someone or something is.”

“Do all humans have markings?” Yona questioned.

“No,” He replied. “When changing an object, you’re rewriting its biology in a way. Changing it to be stronger or more durable. By that logic, changing humans or living creatures for that matter would be like rearranging parts of their flesh and bone to be more effective or draw out more strength.”

“That sounds awful!” Ocellus was disgusted at the description of the process.

“Indeed. Only those who are strong enough to handle the process can be blessed with such strength. Failure to measure your ability to handle the procedure can have major repercussions on the mind and body.”

“... And you took it?” Smolder confirmed. “You got your markings from that… thing?”

“That’s right,” He replied.

The room was void of voices. Silence invades the room as the revelation of his markings came to light. ‘He’s still a kid’, they thought. He’s still a child, and yet he has been given such a position that risked his very being. Perhaps something may have been lost in the process?

It was awkward. They didn’t know what else to say after talking about what was practically surgery on someone who was still awake. Dragon paid no thought to it, since it had already been done. He looks up and recalls the process indeed being painful and incredibly frightening. His body was doing something he didn’t understand when the markings were placed. Yet, despite that…

“It wasn’t that bad, actually.” Dragon said out of nowhere. “The one who gave me the markings helped me through it all. She was patient with me and even promised not to tell anyone that I cried.”

Dragon chuckles a bit, not sure why he was recalling the time he received his markings. His friends did ease up when hearing that though.

“Other than right now, that was the only time I had to undress myself in front of someone.”

“Wait, like, no dressing at all?” Ocellus made sure.

The others became more interested in the marking afterwards. “What do your markings look like? Show us all of it!”

Dragon merely smiled as they began requesting to see the marking masterpiece he received so long ago. As they did, Dragon sighed and said…

“Please leave my house.”

Part 6 - Title

Another day in Twilight’s class begins with the teacher and a test for all of her students to take. Gallus and Smolder groan in agony as Spike gives the stack of test sheets to pass around.

“I’ll tell you when to begin the test,” Twilight reminded everyone.

At first it seemed that everyone had a copy of a test. That was until Dragon Slayer raised his hand and called the teacher.

“I’m afraid I didn’t get one, Professor Princess Miss Twilight Sparkle.”

“Just… Professor is fine, when we’re in class,” Twilight assured him. She turned to Spike and said, “Can you give Dragon Slayer his test, Spike?”

Spike clasped the paper in his claws and slowly looked at the tall human waiting in his seat. He still looked pretty intimidating, but Spike had a job to do! He inched closer and closer to the human as he reached his claw out for Dragon to get the paper. Alas, it was still too far away. Dragon began reaching out as well, the paper just only touching his finger tips. However, it seemed as if Spike had lost his wit and began backing away from Dragon, making it harder to get the sheet of paper. Dragon began leaning in farther and farther, still unable to get the test sheet. Twilight called out Spikes name in a low tone, expressing Spike to regain his senses. In a moment, Gallus sprung up and said, “CAN WE START SO I DON’T FORGET THE NOTES I MEMORIZED?”

Dragon was caught off guard by the sudden outburst and fell towards Spike. The little violet dragon jumped and hit the back of his head on the table, triggering a fireball to shoot out and burn the Dragon’s test sheet and someone's desk. The fire then spread and the entire classroom began to panic. Twilight quickly casts a rain shower spell and douses the room down of fire as well as ink from the tests.

“And the test was cancelled,” Gallus shrugged.

“What happened to Dragon after that?” Ocellus wondered.

“He went to dry off his clothes after that. He was pretty soaked too.”

Meanwhile over with Dragon Slayer, he’s hung up his clothes to dry by a balcony after changing into a different attire. He began to walk to the others but as he ventured forth, he noticed his fellow students avoiding him. He recalled this behavior was due to his intimidating appearance upon arrival. By then, the students didn’t mind him and saw him as just another student. Something is different. Something has changed.

“Dragon!” Starlight calls out. He turns to see a concerned look on her face. “Come with me, this… Prince Risen guy did something you need to know about.”

At the Headmare’s office, Twilight Sparkle and her other companions were having a heavy dispute with Prince Risen. Starlight opens the doors with Dragon Slayer right behind her.

“Ah, good!” Prince Risen said in relief. “Finally, you’ve arrived. Can you please talk some sense to your simple-minded professors?”

“What did you say!?” Rainbow Dash shouts, having to be pulled back by Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

“I don’t understand. What happened?” Dragon questioned. His response was answered by Twilight levitating a sheet of paper with a picture of Dragon himself on it. It listed many things about him. His strengths, his kill count, his achievements, and more. He holds the paper in his hands and sees some of the old mission briefings listed there as well.

“They were found all over the school.” Twilight told him. “We only found out just recently that it was Prince Risen who had them scattered around here.”

Dragon’s heart sank. He looked to Prince Risen as if he was betrayed. But Prince Risen didn’t see it that way.

“I don’t think you understand the justifications of my actions.”

“What good is telling every pony about Dragon he wanted to keep private?!” Applejack scolded at the Prince. A nearby human guard stood in Applejack's way to prevent further escalation, but the Prince brushed his guard aside.

“There’s nothing wrong about being honest with one's past. Information we have on the Dragon Slayer is information we are free to redistribute to anyone we wish.”

The twisted take on honesty made Applejack ripe with rage herself. Dragon continued to stare at the paper, the image of him with a smear of blood from one of his missions successfully wrapped up. “Prince Risen… May I ask why you’ve disclosed this to the public of another land....?”

“I thought about the chief’s plan for a while before I finally understood it,” he said as he walked across the room. “You need to make friends. Allies who will stand by you, no matter what you’re going through… or what you have done.”

Dragon listened to him obediently, yet his chest felt pain as this continued.

“The Dragon Slayer only needs companions who are willing to stay by his side no matter what he has done. They must be able to stomach the facts about him if they are to be worthy of his bond.”

“This isn’t the only way to make friends, Prince Risen.” Twilight warned him. “And this method may make it difficult for Dragon to make friends or may make things difficult for the friends he already has.”

Dragon’s thoughts crawled to the idea of what his friends would think. Could they be friends with him? Could they choose to be friends with a murderer? A cold chill surfaced onto his spine.

“If his so-called ‘friends’ are unable to accept who he is, they’re not worthy of being companions with the Dragon Slayer.”

Dragon’s mind felt like a mess. He was never this troubled when thinking things through. Even when presented a problem with no clear solutions, he would always be able to think rationally and try anything no matter how painful it was physically or embarrassing afterwards.

But this was something different. He felt his chest tighten and his mind racing to so many thoughts. Possibilities of how his friends would react. He felt troubled. He felt trapped. He suddenly walked out of the room and wandered down the hall despite the others calling him.

“Dragon Slayer! Where are you going?” Prince Risen demanded to know, but no response.

“Dragon! Come back!” Twilight called out to him. She looked to the others and said, “Follow him, make sure he’s alright.”

The others nodded and they left to make sure Dragon was okay. Twilight looked to the Prince and dropped the honorifics. “Look what you did to him! You’ve gotten him scared!”

“You should reevaluate your teachings!” Prince Risen rebuked, still keeping his composure but speaking loudly with authority. “You’re obviously making him weaker here.”

Prince Risen headed to the door as well before turning to the Princess of Friendship. “Do keep in mind that he must attend the festivity tonight.”

“As he is right now?!” Twilight exclaimed. “He needs time to think!”

“That is on you. He was in your care and if he certainly has improved since his first visit, then he wouldn’t have responded so poorly to such trivial matters.”

He leaves Twilight who is worried about the human student.

The six were walking around together, wondering what to have for lunch. They threw around ideas such as sugarcube Corner, the diner, Hayburgers, and the one really fancy restaurant.

“Maybe we should wait for Dragon before we decide?” Sandbar suggested.

“Where the heck is he anyways?” Gallus wondered as he looked around. “I haven’t seen him since class.”

As they wondered about the whereabouts of their friend, Silverstream spotted a sheet of paper on the ground. She picks it up and inspects it. The contents then made her gasp. “Guys! You need to see this!”

The others crowd around and see it.

The Dragon Slayer

Modifications: Enhanced Strength, Enhanced Durability, Speed Manipulation, Precision Accuracy, Concealment Training, Exceptional Adaptability

Kill Count: 27

Missions: 156

Mission Brief A-06 declassification: The Dragon Slayer stood his ground defending an outpost after his platoon abandoned their post. His size and age made it very easy for enemies to approach him without knowing his true abilities. He captured most of them and only killed two deadly opponents when they didn’t comply with surrendering.

Several more mission briefings were listed after that one. Stories of his actions and decisions. Gruesome tales more so for his victims than himself.

The six were shocked as they skimmed through it. A list of things Dragon had done. They looked around to see the other students talking about it as well, most of the school had their own sheet regarding Dragon Slayer. Before they knew it, he was there right before them. He was breathing heavily as he saw them hold the sheet of paper right in front of them.

“Dragon, wait!” Rarity called out to him.

Dragon looked behind him to see the teachers running to him. His heart was still racing and his mind was still in overdrive. He didn’t do as he was told for once. He started running from both of them.

“What’s going on?!” the confused Sandbar questioned.

“We better go after him!” Smolder stated as she began to fly after him.

He kept running away from them, not quite sure where to go. He just didn’t want them to see him as he was. Rainbow decided to stop with the running and began flying. She flew quickly to his position and blocked the way. However, when he ran up to her, he suddenly reappeared right behind her before he continued off, unhindered.

“What the hay!?” She spoke, completely confused.

“Hold on, I got em’!” Applejack stated as she threw her lasso at him.

The lasso wraps around him but he doesn’t stop running. Applejack thought she had a good grip until she found herself surfing on the floor. He wasn’t stopping at all, and the rope didn’t take long before it snapped apart and dropped her to the floor.

“He’s unstoppable!” Fluttershy squealed.

“Then we’re just gonna have to surround him!” Smolder said to everyone. The two groups worked together to catch Dragon who wasn’t thinking straight.

They began splitting up in an effort to corner the speeding human. Corridor after corridor would be blocked off, but he wouldn’t stop. He was dashing past ponies and jumping over or slipping past even Pinkie and Rarity. Starlight couldn’t get a good reach on him as he moved too quickly. Despite him not thinking things out very well, his instinct kept pushing him to run away from his problems. No one could keep up and hold him down. Even when Rainbow was clearly faster, he would slip by every time. Finally, they reached the second floor before they finally had him trapped. He turned to the windows but even they were blocked off by Gallus and Fluttershy.

“It’s okay,” Starlight told him. “We’re here for you, you don’t need to run anymore...”

His mind was still going overtime. Despite all of that running, he still hasn’t calmed down. He feels like he’s holding back his muscle memory from striking at his teachers or his friends since his blood pressure felt like it has skyrocketed.

“You don’t need to worry about those papers or the prince.” She assured him, not knowing those were apparently trigger words. “Just come here-”

One step back, the reach of Starlight’s magic was out of bounds. Turn to the floor and land fist into the ground. Twist fist and manipulate the dust using strength enhancement to blind all targets surrounding you.

Attack back-
Aim for-
Escape.

Everyone was blinded. Gallus and Fluttershy couldn’t see what was happening through the windows, only that dust had clouded the room. When it finally settled down, a large hole was in the place where Dragon was. Rainbow flew through the hole and scouted the perimeter, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“He’s gone!” She informed the others. They looked at each other, worried about Dragon. Whatever he’s going through, they can’t seem to reach him. His friends grow even more concerned at their human friend before going to the teachers.

“What happened to him?”

Hours have passed since the chase failed. The teachers and his friends looked everywhere they could think of. He’s nowhere to be found at his house, the town, or the school. In other words, they’ve completely lost him. The six feel utterly defeated that they couldn’t help Dragon with the problem scrawled across the school. They were moping around in the Treehouse of Harmony.

“I can’t believe that Risen Jerk Prince!” Silverstream shouted in annoyance.

“I thought they were supposed to be on the same side?” Sandbar commented. “I mean, doesn’t Dragon and Risen work for the same Tribe?”

“Could have fooled me.” Gallus retorted.

“Where do you think he went?” Smolder wondered.

“We checked everywhere we could think of, but we haven’t found a trace of him since then!” Ocellus pointed out.

“And Dragon is fast too! Too fast!” Yona reminded them.

Gallus was in agreement there. “Yeah, the way he moved around, it was like-”

“Like he was an acrobat?” Silverstream finished.

“I was gonna say, ‘like he didn’t want us around’.”

The others were saddened by the thought of that. But despite that possibility being pretty accurate with what just happened, Silverstream stood up against that claim. “I don’t believe that.”

“Well, how else do you look at it? He clearly ran away from us.” Gallus reminded her.

“Yeah, but I don’t think it’s just because he didn’t want us around. We’re his friends!” Silverstream told them. “He spent time with us because he felt relaxed when we’re with him. He was happy when we got together! There’s gotta be something else!”

“Well, until we find him, we’re not gonna be able to do anything about it.” Smolder reminded her.

Ocellus thought about it for a while. Perhaps there is a way to reach him.

“Twilight mentioned that there’s a party tonight for the Tribe Chief, right?” She recalled. “He seems to have a lot of respect for him. Maybe if we go to him, we can ask about Dragon?”

“You cannot speak with the Chief!” Prince Risen told the six students. “He’s far too busy to worry about your prattle!”

“But this is about Dragon!” Smolder told him.

“Ah, yes! I’ve heard that the Dragon Slayer has escaped all of your wit at once!” the Prince recalled with a light chuckle. “It seems that this school has at least not hindered his physical ability much. Though, it’s not surprising seeing that his opponents were six children and six overpraised teachers.”

The six really didn’t like the prince’s puffed up attitude with them or their teachers. The six left the prince of nuisance and discussed amongst themselves about how to resolve the issue.

“What now?” Yona questions. “Human Prince is a big jerk!”

“Ahem” a voice calls out, grabbing their attention. They turn to see it was Chewka, the human who sent messages to and from Dragon Slayer. For some reason, he was wearing colorful clown attire with large blue boots and a pink nose to go along with his white makeup. “Do you wish to know the whereabouts of Master Dragon Slayer?”

“Yes! Yes we do!” Silverstream told him before she squeezed the nose. “Sorry! too hard to resist!”

“I believe I know his location, but...” He leaned closer and continued. “I’ve never seen him under so much distress in my life. He seems to only allow my company, still concerned for the Chief and any message he may need to receive.”

“If we go to him, do you think he’ll run away?” Sandbar questioned.

“If you all go, he’ll most likely run.” He stated. “But if only one of you were to go and get close enough before he gets suspicious, that may be your chance to talk to him.”

“Well, how’re we gonna do that?” Gallus wondered.

Dragon was sitting at the edge of the school roof. The moon was high up, and the party for the king may have started. He had his duties, but he felt distant from it. For once in his life, he had no deep desire to do anything in particular. He was at a loss of what to do. Behind him, Chewka shows up once more donning the ridiculous outfit.

“The sound of those shoes is really awkward.” Dragon noted as Chewka got closer.

“My apologies, Master Dragon.” he responded.

As Chewka got closer, Dragon looked to him. His gaze stared deep into his eyes. Dragon got up and said, “Stop right there.”

He stopped in his tracks. Dragon continued to stare until he turned around and was ready to jump.

“WAIT!” Chewka yelled, voice completely different. Even though their cover was blown Dragon complied. He turned to see Chewka transform into Ocellus.

“Ocellus...” He muttered.

“Y-You weren’t really going to jump off the roof just to avoid talking to me, were you?” Ocellus questioned.

“... I don’t know...” He said unsurely. “I would have survived though.”

Ocellus sighed, relieved that he finally calmed down. She walked over to him and got him to sit down with her.

“Dragon, why’d you run away from us?” Ocellus asked.

Dragon looked up at the moon, as if perhaps his answers were in front of him. Just a tad out of reach. “I’m not sure… When all of the students started avoiding me because of what they found out, I was.... Troubled. The papers were everywhere, and I knew it wouldn’t be long until all of you found out about it.”

“Why were you worried about us finding out?”

“You all aren’t like me. I’ve done things I’m not proud of.” Dragon admitted.

“You did them for your Tribe, didn’t you?”

“That’s what I told myself. I told myself it was for the good of the Tribe. The good for the Chief. My own people. And yet, when the students were afraid of me, because of what I’ve done, I was worried about what you would think. That I’m some sort of killer who’d do anything for the Tribe. I’ve already told you about everything I’d do for them, and now you know murder isn’t far from that list.”

“... It’s okay, Dragon.” Ocellus assured him. “The others can accept you despite all of that.”

“I can’t imagine it.” he said in a defeated attitude. “Even my own people avoided me. I haven’t worked with another person ever since I had to continue the operation alone when my platoon abandoned me. When I returned to the tribe, I never worked with anyone else again. Prince Risen said that no one was worthy to stand alongside the Dragon Slayer.”

“But they have made friends with someone who has done bad things.” Ocellus told him. “The Changelings were not always kind. We survive off of Love from other creatures and use it to survive. That was our way of life since the beginning. It wasn’t long ago before we were free to choose another path. To share love and be friends to others. We hurt so many ponies and creatures before. I remember very well...”

“Ocellus...” Dragon muttered, not expecting such a response.

“But despite my people’s history… Despite what I’ve probably done in the past, they accepted me! And I’m sure they’ll accept you too! It wasn’t that long ago when we were doing things we would rather forget. But that just means it’s not too late to make friends.”

The words clung onto Dragon’s own heart. He never knew the history of his friends or what they’ve been through. He realized that his friends were much stronger than he thought. Their hearts all in the right place. He wanted to take a chance to see if it was true. That they’re thoughts were as pure as can be. He turned to the Changeling and said to her...

“I want to see the others.”

Chewka walks the kids back to the party. When they return, they see the Chief and the Princesses of Equestria sitting at the far end of the room. Prince Risen is yelling angrily at one of the waiters near the kitchen. Twilight and the other teachers spot Dragon and rush over to him.

“Dragon! Are you alright?” Twilight asked with growing concern.

“I’m alright, Professor.” He told her. “I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused.”

“It’s alright, sugarcube,” Applejack assured him. “Though, you did give us a good run for our money!”

“You have got to tell me how you did that vanishing thing!” Rainbow told him.

Dragon chuckled nervously before his gaze turned to the chief. “I have something I’d like to request from my Chief. I’d like to do so before the night ends.”

“You sure it’s okay?” Smolder asked him. “We’re all fine with it, you know.”

“Maybe, but now that I’m thinking for myself for once, I have my own thoughts about it.” He stated. “I’m sure it’s reasonable with him.”

Dragon goes off alone to the Chief. As he gets closer, the Chief and princesses spot him.

“Ah, Dragon Slayer! How are you?” The Chief greeted him.

“Chief, it’s a pleasure to see you again and an honor being chosen to enlist in this School upon your approval.”

“We’ve heard what a wonderful young boy you are, Dragon,” Princess Celestia told him.

“Indeed, your achievements are great and memorable,” Princess Luna followed.

“It gives me great pleasure hearing that from the rulers and teacher of my professor.”

“Enough honorifics, now!” The Chief laughs. He sits up straight and continues. “Is there something on your mind, Dragon Slayer? I’ve heard you were not in the right of mind today.”

“I’ve gone through a lot since my time here,” Dragon said, telling a brief summary of the story. “I learned a lot about others and myself. Through that end, I have something I wanted to request.”

“Oh?” The chief spoke. “You’ve never requested anything from me, and declined most of my gifts. What is it that you desire?”

“Chief, I would like to request...”

Windows suddenly cracked and broke apart. The students looked up high to see the chandelier rock back and forth before falling and smashing to the floor. The floor quaked and the six kids and teachers were looking around in shock.

“What’s happening!?” Spike shouted, confused by the events.

The ceiling caves and ponies run out of the way as a flying beast, taking the form of a dragon but full of fur and strange etches of ink on its surface. In its claws is a large spear with blue glowing inscriptions as well. It then throws the spear directly at the Chief. Princess Celestia quickly jumps in front and creates a magical barrier.

“Stand back!” She warns them as she reinforces the barrier.

“No! That spear has runes for magic disruption!” The Chief told her, trying to move her away.

The spear strikes and easily cracks the barrier. As soon as it shatters, it strikes in deep through the flesh.

On Princess Celestia, was Dragon Slayer, his lifeless body lies on top of her.

Author's Note

To anyone who saw it before, I made a typo on the ridiculous amount of missions Dragon slayer had.
Originally: 256
Now: 156

Part 7 - Name

Screams and shouting erupts through the room as the beast is held back by the Royal guards and the human soldiers. It continues to thrash about as Starlight evacuates the students. Dragon’s friends look to the Chief, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.

“Dragon Slayer!” the Chief cries out. He reaches for the young warrior only to be pulled back by Prince Risen.

“Chief, you must evacuate the premises! That thing was after you!”

The Chief and the princesses were taken by the Prince and were quickly escorted out. As the soldiers were pushed down to submission, the beast saw the Chief taken away. It reached for the spear currently in Dragon’s body, but was stopped by Twilight with her friends standing behind her.

“Push it back!” Twilight cried, the two forces clashing at each other.

The six kids ran over to Dragon’s body. The spear was right into the center of his stomach. The force had pushed so much of his blood out. They were shocked by the sight of their friend who had seen the light at the end of a tunnel, only to end up like this.

Smolder grabbed the spear and began pulling it, shocking the others. “Come on! Help me get this thing out of him!”

“Stop! You’re making it worse!” Gallus told her as he and Silverstream pulled her back from continuing.

“Well, how else are we supposed to wake him up!?”

“Yona… doesn’t think Dragon will wake up.”

“No, he WILL wake up!” Smolder told her as she tried to get out of Gallus’s and Silverstream’s grip. “He wouldn’t be able to wake up with this stupid thing in him!”

“I don’t think he’ll get up even if we take it out,” Sandbar warned her.

“You are all half correct.” Chewka told them. He walks past the panicking children and inspects Dragon’s body. “Just as I thought. He should have been able to recover from that.”

“What’s this ‘should have’ got to do with anything!?” Smolder shouted. “He’s… He’s…!”

“Alive,” He finished. He continued to inspect the body and the spear. “He’s still breathing, quite faintly. His durability had stopped the spear from penetrating any vital organs, yet it should have stopped the spear before it got inside so deep. And it’s because of this.”

Chewka points to the spear and rubs his finger on it. “Magic disruption is causing his markings to become less effective. All of his abilities are hindered because of it, including the ability to stay awake from damage such as this.”

“So I’m right?” Smolder confirmed it. “We take it out, and he wakes up fine!”

“No, we need to turn off the magic disruption on this spear.” He said, taking out two needles. “Unfortunately, I also need to activate a marking on him that will keep him alive.”

“Should I go get some pony?” Sandbar asked.

“You’ll suffice.” Chewka told him.

“... What?”

“You only need to hold this needle and place it on the side of his stomach. Everyone else, please distract that beast and give me time.”

The five nodded and got ready to defend Chewka, Sandbar, and Dragon. When the beast turned its attention back to the spear, Smolder flew up and breathed fire on the claw. The fur was set ablaze as the beast roared in retaliation.

“Keep hold, you’re what’s keeping him alive.” Chewka reminded Sandbar as he placed the needle onto but not into the body as instructed.

Gallus and Rainbow flew close to the side, getting the beast to swing its mighty claw at them. Twilight and Starlight caught the beast’s arm and pulled it down to cause it to fall to the ground.

“This is… more complicated than I suspected. I may need someone elses help.” Chewka thought aloud. He looked to see Spike flying nearby. “Excuse me! Can you assist me?”

“Me?” Spike spoke.

The beast thrashes around wildly, ramming its body from wall to wall, causing the whole place to collapse. Ocellus transformed into a duplicate version of the beast and pinned it down to prevent it from causing anymore damage to the building. The Twilight and her friends grabbed the other kids and distanced themselves from the beast and the falling debris. A piece of the ceiling falls off and towards Spike and Sandbar who were holding needles in place. Spike and Sandbar looked up and screamed, but miraculously didn’t move the needles from place. Chewka’s needles snapped and the spear was suddenly taken out of Dragon.

The ceiling piece was pushed aside by Dragon just in time.He stood on his two feet with an open wound on his stomach.

“Dragon....” Sandbar spoke softly.

He was wobbling back and forth, looking at the two beasts. He grabbed the spear and began to aim.

“Wait, Dragon! One of them is-!” Gallus warned him, but he threw it anyway.

“Ocellus, change back!” Dragon shouted.

The changeling duplicate turned as the spear struck the real beast. She changed back soon after as Dragon began running towards the beast, while grabbing a chain from the fallen chandelier.

“Professor Applejack, I need your help!” He yelled as he raised his hand. “I also need someone to carry me up there!”

Rainbow flew to Dragon and picked him up while Applejack ran with them. After flying above the beast, Dragon tapped Rainbow to let go. He dived to the beast and wrapped the chain around the spear that was dug into the chest of the beast. He then tied the chain around the neck and arm before pulling down. When Applejack caught up, he pointed to the other arm and got Applejack to tie that part down with Rainbow’s help. The beast was being pulled down by Applejack and Dragon Slayer, but it may not have been enough. The beast is still awake, attempting to shake itself free.

“What do we do now?” Rarity questioned.

“If you could help restrain it, I can turn it back.” Chewka said to them.

“Um… Why’re you dressed like a clown?” Starlight asked.

Dragon and Applejack pulled with all their might, but the human was suffering from his wound still gushing out. His strength wanes slightly, giving the beast a little more room to move. However, the beast is yanked back down as Twilight, Rarity, and Starlight use their magic to hold it down. Everyone began to pull back the chain and rope to help Dragon and Applejack.

Meanwhile, Ocellus transformed into the beast and pinned it down while Fluttershy flew Chewka down to the beast.

“What are you going to do to them?” Fluttershy asked.

“If this weren’t an enemy, I’d probably take my time with transforming it back,” he told her as he used the needles on the runes. “However, seeing how this beast attacked my chief and nearly killed a brother-in-arms, I feel less regret doing it the quick and easy way.”

A few changes to the runes, and the beast stops. It suddenly shrinks more and more, the chains and ropes are released as they all fall back. The beast shrivels up until all that’s left is a human. They approach the man before being surrounded by both the royal guards and the human soldiers.

“Curse you...” He coughed after being choked from earlier. “Do you know who I am…!? I’m the Dragon Warrior...! You’ll regret the day you crossed me…!”

“Secure the target and get those markings off of him.” Chewka told the soldiers. Doing as told, they bring the shriveled, fainted man away.

The others were shocked to see the true form of their surprise guest. Twilight went to Chewka and asked, “What… happened?”

“I removed the markings that gave that man such a form. Though, I’m surprised someone was able to handle that many ruins and still survive. But his mind was shot, he couldn’t even think properly to assess the situation despite the advantages.”

“You’re saying we would have lost to that raisin guy?” Rainbow retorted.

“He had the size to do a lot of harm, even a weapon to hurt Dragon Slayer.” He explained. “If he tried, he would have focused squarely on the spear and done even more damage. Unfortunately for him, or lucky for us, he didn’t have the mental fortitude to do that. Even after turning back, he was clearly deluded. Although, that may be because I didn’t do a proper unmarking.”

“Is… that how humans look without clothes?” Silverstream pointed out.

“That explains a lot,” Sandbar joked to Dragon Slayer before he crumbled on his knees.

The others quickly ran over to him as he wobbled back and forth. He was very faint as the others began saying so many things, but they were muffled and murmured from his dizzying state.

The human reawakens in the hospital. He looked around to see that his friends were sleeping around him. They seem to have been waiting for some time. Ocellus was the first to wake up and see the human was no longer asleep.

“Guys, guys! He’s awake!” Ocellus told the others. They rise up and smile at the return of their human companion. Silverstream went a step further and hugged him.

“Oh!! Don’t scare us like that!”

“Ow, ow, ow-!” The human winced in pain. Smolder pulled Silverstream back and said, “Good to see you’re okay.”

“Why don’t you show him how happy you are?” Sandbar suggested. “You were really worried when he was down the first time-”

Smolder quickly hits Sandbar with her wing as Yona jumps up and down yelling, “Human now okay! We should celebrate!”

Gallus pats her back to get her to stop jumping. “Okay, stop, he’s still busted up pretty bad. Give him some room guys.”

“Thank you, Gallus,” the human said gratefully. “How is everyone else?”

“No one was injured, luckily.” Sandbar assured him.

“But… Well, the Chief of your Tribe was advised to go home since they’re trying to figure out the source of the attack.” Ocellus told him.

“... I see...” The human thought about the request he wanted to make, but was unable to make it. In a moment, the door to the room was opened. The seven of them looked to see Prince Risen entering the room.

“Goodness gracious, you lot make such a racket.” He curses under his breath. “I could feel the stomping from two rooms over.”

“Prince Risen.” The human responds.

“Ah! The Dragon Slayer!” The prince greeted. “You’ve served your Tribe quite well. I’m here to see how your recovery goes and estimate the time you’ll be back to fighting fit!”

“The doctors said he’ll get better in two weeks if he takes it easy,” Gallus answered for him.

“I see,” The prince mused. “Well, while I’m here, the Chief told me you had some sort of request before the… incident happened. I’m here on his behalf to listen to your request and deliver it to the chief.”

“He was supposed to ask the Chief about that,” Smolder told him, crossing her arms.

“The chief is very busy, even for the Dragon Slayer,” He stated. “Unless your request was unreasonable to begin with?”

“It’s alright, I’ll tell him.” the human declared, sitting up straight.

“We’re gonna tell it to him of all people?” Sandbar made sure that he was serious.

The human looks to the prince and says his request. “I’d like to revoke my title.”

The prince stares at him, slowly laughing at the request. “You’re kidding, right? Dragon Slayer, you seem to have forgotten many important things in that battle. You need more rest.”

“No, he’s serious about it.” Smolder confirmed it, her scowl becoming apparent.

The Prince clicked his tongue. “I don’t think you little children quite understand what it means to hold the title of Dragon Slayer.” He looks toward Smolder and points at her. “And for you, I’d watch your mouth while in the presence of a being who can put you in your place.”

“That’s enough, Prince Risen.” The human called out.

“Have you lost your mind, Dragon Slayer?” the Prince questioned. “Have you truly, honestly, forgotten what it means?”

“It means he passed a trial,” Sandbar answered.

“One where only one human, a Dragon Slayer, has ever accomplished,” Gallus continued.

“And the only other human to do it again was him!” Yona finished, pointing to the bedridden child.

“If you all know what it means, then you know the importance of why that title should remain where it is.” He said to them. “The honor of carrying that historical achievement, the immediate respect and recognition, the fact that it reminds all of the other tribes and creatures their place when they find out we have someone worthy of being called, Dragon Slayer!?”

“I do,” He says without losing face. “But it hasn’t made it easier to make friends or be myself.”

“So you being yourself is far more important than being a symbol of our tribe? The pillar of our strength?”

“It’s only a name,” He told the prince. “A name that I despise.”

The prince stared at him coldly, but his eyes couldn’t penetrate the warrior’s gaze. Realizing that the human had changed significantly, he turned away with a growl. “This place has made you weaker. Perhaps the Dragon Slayer did die in that battle.”

He headed to the door with angry stomps. “Call yourself whatever you wish, but that title isn’t going anywhere. You’re the Dragon Slayer, and that’s final.”

He slams the door and finally leaves the seven. Ocellus sighed and looked at the human.

“Well, that could have gone better.”

“Who cares what he thinks?” Smolder huffed. “So you wanna change your name, right? We're gonna go for that one then?”

His friends await his decision. He smiles at all of them as he says the name he had chosen to them.

“Valiant”

Author's Note

I can now confirm that there is a romance Part in the upcoming future (Not the next part)
However, only 3 blue tags can be accepted at a time. I'm planning on removing the Adventure Tag since the human protagonist isn't traveling so often. Even if the later parts has him exploring someplace far, it will most likely still carry slice-of-life content and drama content.

Part 8 - Care

School continued on as usual. It’s been two weeks since the incident with the luck that no one was seriously injured except for one. The human, Valiant, has been in the hospital to recover from his injuries. Life goes on with the norm with students going to their seats. The six talk about the upcoming classes and activities they’re about to do. Meanwhile, in the hallway, Twilight Sparkle was talking with Applejack as they head to their respective classrooms.

“So they found nothin’ from that crazy human from that attack?” Applejack questioned.

“Unfortunately, the human was really too far gone,” Twilight explained. “Chewka was right about him being delusional. All he keeps saying is that he’s the Dragon Warrior.”

“That’s a darn shame. I’d really like to know who had the guts to do a stunt like that.” Applejack huffed at the thought that someone sent a beast like that to a school. “Speaking of Dragon, how’s he- er… Valiance, doing?”

“I visited Valiant two days ago and the doctors told me he may need more time to recover. He’s getting better, but not quite enough for him to be moving on his own.”

As Applejack listened, she looked around the corner and saw the human walking through the halls. “Uh, well he sure seems to disagree.”

Twilight turns to see Valiant with her mouth agape. The two galloped over to him, stopping him in his tracks. “Dragon- I mean, Valiant! What are you doing here!?” Twilight questioned him. “The Doctors told me you needed to stay where you were!”

“I’m perfectly able to function, Princess Professor Twilight Sparkle,” he told her, waving his hands in assurance. “I can walk around just fine.”

Applejack inspected Valiant, checking his forehead and looking at him from head to toe. She then looked at his stomach area before doing a light tap.

“Hurk.”

“Did you just grunt?” Twilight looked at him quite intensely.

“It was a hiccup,” He told her. “I didn’t eat, which is why I did it.”

“Oh! Perfect. He didn’t eat either.” She said as she placed her hoof on her face. “Valiant, you need to go home and rest. Getting better should be your top priority!”

Valiant looked away from her gaze but gave in. “... Alright then.”

The human left as told, leaving Twilight and Applejack to sigh at the strange human boy.

“He’s quite a handful like this.” Applejack noted.

“I’m starting to worry that if we leave him alone, he’ll do something else besides recovering.”

“Maybe we should get some pony to watch over him until then.”

A few knocks on the door grabs Valiant’s attention. When he opens the door, he finds Fluttershy waiting behind it.

“Professor Fluttershy?” he spoked, unsure why she was here.

“Hello Valiant,” she greeted back. “Twilight told me you needed some supervision, so I came here to help you make a fast recovery!”

“That’s quite alright, Professor Fluttershy, I’m capable of taking care of myself in this situation.” He assures her. “This isn’t even the worst kind of injury I’ve had in my career.”

“Oh my! That won’t do at all,” Fluttershy said as she revealed a basket behind her. Valiant steps away as Fluttershy enters the building. “Taking care of yourself is important! Which is why I brought all the essentials you’ll need to relax and get better!”

Fluttershy has Valiant lie down on the bed as she takes out the so-called essentials. She takes out an extra blanket, pillows, a bowl of soup, napkins, a wet towel, and an extra roll of bandages on the table.

“This seems… excessive,” Valiant stated.

“Well, your injuries are much more serious than back then!” Fluttershy reminded him. “This isn’t just a scratch like last time, so you need to stay still as much as you can and eat!”

Fluttershy balanced the spoon on her hoof and gave it a nice blow to cool it down. She placed the spoon near Valiant’s mouth. “Open wiiiiiide~!”

“What are you-” he spoke before being interrupted by the spoonful of soup. He tasted the golden goodness of carrots and seasonings causing him to make the face of pure delight. Fluttershy was taken by surprise at the human’s adorable reaction as she fed him another spoonful.

“And that’s everything we went through in class today!” Fluttershy said proudly, managing to recall everything they’ve talked about with the students in school.

Valiant was diligent throughout her lectures, taking notes as she finished up. “I see. Thank you Professor Fluttershy.”

“You can just call me Fluttershy when we’re not in class, Valiant.”

“Understood.”

“Well, I have to be going for now,” Fluttershy told the boy. “I’ll be back tomorrow. I’ve left some food in the basket, you just need to warm it up if I’m not around.”

“Oh, please wait a moment.” Valiant reached for his bag, exiting the comfort of his blankets and pillows. He reaches out for his coin purse and gets ready to pay her. “Thank you for your services. How much would compensate for today?”

“Oh, Valiant! I don’t need any money for what I’ve just done.” Fluttershy assured him.

Valiant raised an eyebrow at her. “I don’t understand. You’ve went out of your way to take care of me.”

“Well, it was because it was the right thing to do. I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“And you deserve a reward for that.”

“Oh Valiant! I don’t need bits as a reward for what I’ve done today!” She giggles before heading for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

After she leaves, Valiant ponders in thought about what she meant by that. She didn’t want money to reward her efforts. What else could she have wanted?

Fluttershy stretched as she woke up from her bed. She gets ready for the day and begins by checking on all of the animals. However, she notices something strange as she approaches the many bowls and plates around the room meant for the animals. They were already filled with feed for each respective animal. Not sure what to think of it, she goes outside and notices the other animals seemed to have been fed as well and were quite satisfied. All seemed fine until she saw Valiant attempting to carry a large sack back to the storage. He falls down and drops the sack, causing the yellow pegasus to run to his side.

“Valiant! What are you doing here!?” She inquired.

“I was feeding the animals to help you with your chores,” he answered.

“How’d you even get in?”

“A rabbit with the key opened it and took something from the room.”

Fluttershy turns to Angel who was sweating when he was found out. She returned her attention back to Valiant to help him up. The two walked back to her cottage as she had Valiant rest on the couch with blankets, pillows, and a wet towel. “You stay right there mister, I’m going to make you something to eat.”

Valiant did as he was told. He felt defeated that he didn’t muster the strength to finish the tasks in time before he was caught. His body was definitely not in its usual state as even the sack proved difficult despite the enhancements he had. After some time, Fluttershy brought over the bowl of soup, this time with different ingredients. She fed the exhausted Valiant until he finished his food. She goes to the door and tells him to stay put until she returns.

Valiant waited patiently in the cozy cottage. Being wrapped in blankets felt nice and the soup made him feel content. He didn’t sleep though, waiting for the yellow pegasus to return. When she finally did, she had brought over some groceries as well apparently.

“Don’t you have to teach the students today?” Valiant asked her.

“I told Twilight about your condition and she let me stay here to watch over you.”

“Why?” Valiant asked her. “There are many other students who require your guidance.”

“Because you need help and I want to be there to help,” Fluttershy reasoned with him. Valiant looked as if he was still having difficulty grasping the logic of her actions. She decided now would be a good time to review what he had learned at school. “Valiant, why do you work so hard for your Tribe?”

“Because it is my duty,” He told her. “My loyalty to my tribe and my people requires me to help them in their time of need.”

“Good, loyalty is one of the qualities we rely on to help each other!” Fluttershy stated. “But we also do things because it is done out of the kindness from our hearts.”

“Kindness is being courteous and well mannered, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s true...”

“And it would only be right to repay that kindness, wouldn’t it?”

“If you want to repay someone for their kindness, you’re free to do so. But not all kindness needs to be repaid, Valiant.” Fluttershy reminded him. “I remember you never asked for anything from your Chief despite everything you’ve done for him.”

“It was done for the good of the Tribe. My aid will continue their ability to survive, and in the long run will help me survive as well.”

“I suppose if you want to look at it from something more structural, that makes sense,” she admitted to the logic. “But you should think of kindness as the same way parents take care of their children!”

“So that they can grow up and be able to work to repay their family?”

“Um… Not exactly...” Fluttershy stammered at the response. “Not all parents take care of their children just to want something back. In fact, most parents take care of their children because they love and care about them! I’m sure your parents were the same way.”

Valiant continued to stare at her very confused by what she was trying to say. “I don’t follow.”

“Your parents never hugged you or said, ‘I love you’ before?”

“I don’t have parents I can recall.” Valiant told her. Fluttershy looked at him with wide eyes, clearly shocked at what the child had said. “I was raised at the Training halls.”

“Training Halls?”

“It’s a place where they help children become stronger so when we grow up, we can assist the Tribe after mastering one of the trades. The one they had desired the most at the time were warriors.”

“You were… working to fight when you were a child?” Fluttershy gasped. “You never were… hugged by your mom or dad when you grew up? Or went out with any family of your own?”

Fluttershy began to whimper and tear up at the revelation. Valiant saw her suffering and got out of his blankets to check on her. “Did I do something wrong? I apologize, I’ll-”

Fluttershy hushed the human boy and brought him to a bed this time. She wrapped him with blankets, fluffed his pillow, and brought another wet towel for him. “I want you to stay in bed and don’t leave. Don’t try to pay me back, don’t try to think about paying me back, just rest. If you’re hungry or your bandages don’t feel right, call me. I can replace your bandages and make you some food until then.”

Valiant nodded and complied, much more satisfied when she was no longer about to cry. She smiles warmly and leaves to cook. Over the time he rests, she fed him another delicious meal. She read him stories to entertain him while in bed. She checked his temperature and his wounds. When the time came to replace his bandages, she brought him to the bathtub to wash him up. Fluttershy even respected his request to keep his shorts on and told him to stay put in the tub so she could help him get clean.

Valiant’s back was being scrubbed by Fluttershy with a sponge being pressed down by her hooves. As he sat there in the water, he noticed that Fluttershy had already had an extra set of clothes waiting for him on a stool. He merely does as he’s told, but none of these instructions have made him work or lift a finger for someone else. Everything that’s been requested by her was for his sake. Was this about kindness? The lesson she was attempting to teach him? Or about having parents? The concept isn’t alien to him. There are many families in his Tribes. Mothers and fathers work so they can feed their kids. Their kids go to various teaching facilities that are less strenuous than the Training Halls from what he saw. It all leads back to benefit those who invested their time and effort. The parents will have strong and capable children who will give back to what they have been given. That’s how it works.

Isn’t it?

Fluttershy gives him the privacy to dry up and change to his other clothes. They were comfy sleeping wear. Soon after, Fluttershy replaces the bandages and brings him back to bed with another meal awaiting him. He eats as he thinks about what could she have to gain from all of this. If he was not going to do anything for her, why go through this effort? Why do it for one out of all kinds of students? Was he special? Did he need more help than others?

“Am I pitiful?” He muttered.

“Huh?” Fluttershy looked at him, unsure of what he just said.

“Are you only helping me because I’m injured? Or that it seems like I cannot take care of myself?”

Fluttershy gives a soft sad smile. “Because I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to do this alone. You may not think you need help from others, but I want to help you get better. Even if I might not, I want to do what I can.”

“You’re only my teacher,” he reminded her. “You don’t have the responsibility of being my mother. You don’t have to cook me food every single time you think I’ll be hungry.”

For some reason, his eyes became watery.

“You don’t have to give me your bed and make me comfortable. You don’t have to give me a bath just because I’ve got a light wound or replace my bandages. You don’t need to read me books or feel sorry that I don’t have parents to do all of that for me.”

As he talked more and more, tears dripped from his eyes. His face was flushed pink and his voice was becoming raspy.

“I’ve always been able to do those things on my own! There’s no reason for you to do it for me and nothing you can do that I can’t!”

Valiant has never yelled at anyone for something so petty. He felt incredibly embarrassed yet spoke about everything on his mind regardless. He didn’t even realize that he climbed halfway out of bed during that speal. He felt shame, disgust, relief, anxiety, frustration, and sadness to himself. He believed he was pitying himself and felt even worse when his mind crossed that. Fluttershy didn’t falter however. She went up to him and embraced him with her hooves kindly wrapping around him. His mind was silent. A peaceful, calm, tranquil silence that eased his troubles away.

A loving hug was the one thing he couldn’t do for himself.

Author's Note

You know, when I wrote this, I was serious about it being for fun.
I wrote this on a whim, and thought to myself not to get too absorbed into it. 9 parts later, I thought I might as well post it since there's still a lot of people who have fun with these stories. I was ready to go and humiliate myself or get a couple of good chuckles since I didn't expect much from this niche story.

It would then stay on the front page for 2 days??? The moment I posted it and it seemed like a lot of people were into the story. This may be because I tried to write a lot of stories back then and everything I did is still remembered by the site.

Regardless, thanks for the attention and the good times you gave me! I hope I remain interested in writing.

Part 9 - Popular

Valiant was finally able to return to school. He and Fluttershy walked to school together since Valiant had been under Fluttershy’s care until his wounds had completely recovered. When they arrived at Valiant’s first class, Fluttershy handed him a lunchbox.

“I packed you an egg sandwich and some of your favorite snacks!” Fluttershy told him, making Valiant’s face blush a bit. “I’ll see you in my class later today!”

Fluttershy flies off to her own class, waving goodbye to Valiant. As Valiant said his temporary farewell, he sees his friends with a pompous smile except for Ocellus and Yona.

“Well, well, well~! What were you and Miss Fluttershy doing walking to school together like that?” Smolder teased as Gallus and Sandbar gave him a light elbow nudge.

“... Be quiet...” Valiant huffed quietly, making the others laugh.

“But seriously though, it’s good to see you again!” Silverstream voiced her glee.

Ocellus nodded in agreement. “Now that all of us are here, we should celebrate Valiant’s full recovery!”

While the group were discussing plans on their little party, some of the students approached Valiant with a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see the ponies smiling nervously. “Um, mister? You were really something back then!”

“Um… I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow what you’re saying.” Valiant said, squinting at the pony. “Have we met before? I don’t seem to recognize you.”

“Oh, well, we’re in the same classes, but this is the first time we’re talking!” He explained. “Anyway, we-”

The other pony shoved him aside and said, “We thought you were really amazing back there! Protecting our Princess and fighting that beast!”

“We want to hear all about it!”

“Are you free today?”

“Can you tell us more about humans?”

A crowd started to form with all of them clamouring for attention. Valiant was unsure of what to do or say. He never has had this much attention before. Especially since most of his missions back then required him to remain hidden and not attract any eyes.

“Ooh~! Looks like somebody is popular!” Silverstream chimed his sudden leap of recognition.

“You should go meet your fans!” Sandbar cheered on.

“Um… What about the party?” Valiant wondered.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll still hang out when we list everything we have,” Gallus assured him. “Besides, it looks like you’ll be having a party anyways with a crowd like that!”

Valiant looked to see his new fans, eager to get to know about the humans. Receiving approval from his friends, he gives into the demands of the public.

“We have… some time before class begins. I’ll tell you whatever you’d like to know about my Tribe.”

The crowd cheered before listening in awe to the wisdom of Valiant. His friends smiled and chuckled at their friend responding to the changes in his usual finicky disciplined awkwardness.

Silverstream was walking down the hall looking for Valiant. When she spots the human, she waves at him while flying over.

“Hey Valiant! Are you free later after school? There’s a new smoothie stand that opened up in Ponyville!”

“Oh, that sounds exciting!” Valiant smiled at the prospect. “I’d love to see if they have any flavors Sugarcube Corner doesn’t have.”

“Oh! I’d love that too!” a mare said, suddenly appearing next to them.

“Ooh, what kind of smoothie is your favorite?”

“Do you think other humans would like it?”

“We should go together!”

Another crowd forms full of mares, suggesting to go together. Silverstream was pushed aside as they all were trying to talk with Valiant. It wasn’t long until one pony came with a collection of smoothies balanced all on her back came and offered them to Valiant.

“I saw it earlier today and thought about you since I heard you like sweets! So I bought all of the flavors that Sugarcube Corner didn’t have! Consider it my generous gift!”

“Um… Wow, that’s a bit… Concerning.” he states as one of the ponies passes on one of the smoothies. He took a sip and was savoring the flavors as his face looked like a pleased angel, causing all of the mares to squeal in excitement.

“Oh, pfft,” Silverstream huffed. “I mean, I knew he made that adorable face before it was cool.”

On another day after school, Valiant walked to the library and saw Gallus studying. When the blue griffon turned around, he waved to him to come over.

“Hey, are you about to do the homework too?” He asked.

“That’s right. This one seemed a bit lengthier than usual, so I want to spruce up on all of my references,” Valiant informed him.

“You think you can help me out?” Gallus requested. “You always got good marks since you came here.”

“Sure, I think I can use the help considering-”

“Do you need help!?” Another student questioned, shocking Gallus and Valiant before receiving a hush from the librarian. The stallion continues with an offer. “I can help you out! I have memorized three hundred and sixty references and guides to that assignment.”

“That’s incredible,” Valiant admitted. “I assume that’s your special talent associated with your cutie mark?”

“You sure have a good eye!” the stallion said as he wrapped his hoof around the human’s shoulder. “I can tell we’ll be great study buddies!”

The stallion walked Valiant out of the library, leaving Gallus to wonder what had just happened.

Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus and Valiant were walking to the school yard where all of the sports ponies were working out. The four of them brought a ball to play a few rounds of volleyball. Sandbar and Yona were paired up while Ocellus was teamed with Valiant.

“So, how does this activity play?” Valiant asked the others.

“You just gotta hit it over the net without letting it land on our side,” Ocellus instructed him. “You can’t hold onto the ball and can’t use your hind legs, or for your case, your legs to hit the ball.”

Sandbar serves the ball over the net. Ocellus hits the ball up and Valiant sends it over the net again. Yona stomps on the field as she sends the ball high up into the sky, nearly hitting a pegasus. As it goes down, everyone has a hard time seeing where the ball is and where it's going to land. However, regardless of the conditions, Valiant still managed to see it and follow up with a spike. He scores the point, impressing everyone.

“Wow! Valiant is really good!” Yona cheered, being a good sport.

“I don’t think I could have done anything about that strike!” Sandbar admitted.

“That was amazing! Is this really your first time?” Ocellus asked him.

“I’ve never had an activity like this back home,” Valiant stated. “Then again, I was doing a lot of missions back then and never had time to play such activities.”

“Hey! That was great for a beginner!” A stallion said as he and two other ponies showed up. “Do you think we can go a round with you? We’ve played this a long time and we really want to challenge ourselves with your skills!”

Valiant looked at Ocellus who shrugged. Sandbar and Yona weren’t sure what to say either, but a response had to be made.

“I guess it’s fine?” Sandbar said slowly and unsurely.

“Awesome! You’re a great sport, kid.” A mare said as she smacked his flank and went to her volleyball position.

“Hey, swap out?” another pony said to Ocellus.

“Oh, um… sure…?”

All of the players were swapped out except for Valiant. The strangers and the human played a game before it resulted in his victory, thanks to his apparent underdog skills. Valiant’s friends sighed in relief when the game was over, but were stopped by another completely different pony with a visor shade and sunglasses.

“Hey, wait your turn.” she warned them.

The three gave a confused looked until she pointed at the line that formed to play a match with Valiant. The three dropped their jaws as the line practically reached back to the school.

Smolder was eating an apple while she walked back to class. She then ran into two mares who stopped to look up and see the orange dragon.

“Oh! It’s you!” they said, giggling.

“Um, yeah, so it is,” Smolder responded nonchalantly. “What about it?”

“We heard you spend a lot of time with the human student.” One of them mentioned.

“Yeaah?”

“Wasn’t it frightening hanging out with some creature whose name was originally Dragon Slayer?”

“He didn’t actually slay dragons.” She corrected them, smiling that she knew the real story behind it.

“I thought so!” One of them exclaimed, the two giggle some more.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Smolder questioned, going in for a loop with these two.

“Well, we thought about why you two spent so much time together since he came here!” the mare explains. “But then we realized Dragon Slayer must mean something different! I heard it’s a lingo for those who get together with others very easily.”

“Wait a minute, WHAT!?” Smolder shouted, her face turning red as she showed a serious frown at them.

“I guess that means you two were probably more than just friends!” They laughed as they headed off. Smolder began yelling at them until her language became vulgar enough for Twilight to intervene.

The six friends were laying their tired heads on the lunch table in the cafeteria. They exchanged exhausted looks before confirming something.

“Valiant’s fans?” Gallus guessed.

“Yeah,” Ocellus responded.

“UUUGH, They’re so overbearing!” Silverstream complained. “They bought out all of the smoothies and I didn’t get a chance to try ONE!”

“They reserved all of the space in the school’s yard so that Valiant can show off his sword handling,” Sandbar added.

“They’re spreading weird rumors about me and Valiant!” Smolder growled.

“What rumors?” Yona asked.

“Nothing true!” She hissed.

As they piled on their list of complaints about Valiant’s new fanbase, a human approaches them. He strolls in wearing flashy clothes consisting of a hite suit, a glistening silver cape with golden glitter underneath, and a purple pair of sunglasses to go with the purple vest of the suit. The six look up to see Chewka wearing yet another strange outfit.

“Oh, it’s you,” Ocellus spoke. “We haven’t seen you since the Princesses and your Chief visited.”

“What’s with the getup?” Smolder inquired.

“Miss Rarity has made another attire she wished for me to test. It’s supposed to attract the eyes.” He explained. “I have a message from Valiant, wanting to know when and where the get-together festivity will be.”

“Oh, is he too special to see us now? So he has to send someone else over?” Sandbar assumed, his head resting on his hoof in a bored fashion.

“He is being preoccupied constantly by his new followers,” Chewka informed them.

“No surprise there.” Gallus groaned.

The six of them were frowning, really tired of what they have to put up with revolving around Valiant. Chewka looks at all of them and inspects the matter further. “Are you… perhaps, envious of Valiant?”

“WHAT!? OF COURSE NOT!” They all shouted at once.

“What’s there to be jealous of? So he has a lot of new friends, good for him,” Smolder stated, crossing her arms and pretending not to care.

“Perhaps I phrased it wrong,” Chewka assumed, rewording his question. “Are you jealous of his new friends?”

“Well, it would be great if we could hang out like back then,” Silverstream admitted. “But he seems just as happy with all of those other ponies.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that,” Chewka commented.

“If he really feels that way, he’d just come and see us, wouldn’t he?” Gallus reasoned.

“I will admit, those solutions would definitely be much simpler if he had thought about it,” Chewka stated. “But as you are aware, he has very little people skills. Out of all of the missions he’s been on, he was never sent to infiltrate outposts without raising alarm using… charisma. It was either completely unnoticed or completely revealed and fought until there’s no one to notice.”

“Okay, not sure if we needed to hear his charisma factor,” Smolder commented.

“What I’m trying to say is I’ve known and researched Dragon- I mean… Valiant’s behavior and activities long enough to know that he’s changed.”

“Valiant’s new friends make Valiant change!” Yona stated.

“I don’t mean his new hordes of companions,” Chewka told them. “I mean the friends that turned Dragon Slayer into Valiant. He has never in his life, cared about what he had to do or what he would be referred to as. And yet, ever since he came here, he’s smiled, he’s eased off some more, and he even attempted to revoke a sacred name. All while you were all listening to him and got to know the boy who never made small talk with his own brother-in-arms. That is something commendable if not blessed by your friendship.”

The six exchanged guilty looks as they recalled how much they mean to Valiant. Chewka continues. “He does seem content now, but he’s definitely not relaxed around his new friends. They come in packs and ask so many questions at once. They eat up his time and I’m quite certain he has not memorized a single name, but he’s trying desperately to.”

“He… needs help,” Gallus pointed out.

“But where can we take him where the other students can’t find us?” Ocellus wondered.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Yona stated, receiving everyone’s attention.

Valiant was sitting on the bench surrounded by ponies who were sitting down and eagerly listening to him. Valiant has just finished telling them about the Training Hall and the powerful warriors and other classes it has managed to produce. They were in awe by the prospect of another culture and clamoured for more questions to be answered. Valiant was getting tired as well, recalling so much he’s already talked about with others.

“Oh! Oh! What was it like being raised in the Training Hall?” One of them asked.

His mind wandered to how he was like before. He saw the Training Hall as nothing more than a facility that proved necessary for the Tribe’s survival, and had accepted that. But then he remembers what it was like to be cared for not for the sake of survival or honor. To be cared for the sake of one's own kindness. Illogical, and yet something he envied. “It was sufficient enough to gain skills and strengthen yourself. Discipline is almost guaranteed. It does however lack certain… experiences in life.”

“But that’s what helped you beat that trial and get the title, Dragon Slayer, right?” Another mentioned.

“That’s correct. Although, I-”

“Why’d you change that name though? If you ask me, it’s such a cool name!”

“Yeah, I probably don’t mind it now since I know you’re so nice!”

“But don’t you think that your Chief could have given you a different title?”

As a barrage of questions tackled Valiant, he was getting flustered around the touchy topic revolving his name change. A choice he made with his friends when he told them where his title came from. After Ocellus talked to him, he told his six friends because he wanted to change. He didn’t want to change himself for the sake of a better title. He didn’t want his name to be someone who would slay a dragon for his tribe. He wanted the name to be something that his friends would feel more comfortable around. He began to recall that moment.

“Revoking your name?” Ocellus was concerned. “Is that really okay?”

“I’m not bothered by it that much, you know,” Smolder assured him.

“You all have done so much for me ever since I came here.” Dragon stated. “The least I can do is select a new name to refer myself to. One that perhaps you all would like. I’d also offer you the decision on what that name would be… If you’d like.”

“Wow, you sure got guts,” Gallus stated. “We could just pick a silly name you know.”

“I trust your decision,” Dragon assured them. “As long as you all are comfortable with it.”

“Well, since taking back your title is brave and all...” Silverstream thought aloud, considering the choices. “How about something brave? Like Gutsy!”

“Or Bold!” Yona added.

“How about… Valiant?” Sandbar suggested.

Everyone had expressions of delight, hearing that name. It probably was a pony name, but it fit well with the human. Dragon smiled as they all seemed to agree.

“Alright then. When I approach the Chief, I’ll request my title to be… Valiant!”

Valiant’s mind returns to the present as the ponies continue the assault of questions. His head was already spinning at the touchy topics, but soon his worries would be over as Smolder and Chewka emerged from the crowd.

“Alright, make some space!” Smolder told the ponies.

Chewka went up to Valiant and said, “Your presence is required, Valiant. Please follow Smolder so she may direct you to the location.”

“I see. Thank you,” Valiant nodded before his hand was grabbed by Smolder. The two went off while the ponies began complaining.

“Aww, we still wanted to talk to him some more!”

“When will he be back?”

“Where's he going?”

“I’m afraid I cannot disclose that information,” Chewka told the ponies. “I can however answer any questions you have. I know just as much as Valiant, and can even tell you about him as well.”

The ponies looked at each other, not minding the change much since they can continue to get to know Valiant and the Tribe, especially from a new perspective.

Smolder was running with Valiant right behind him, clasping onto his hand to make sure he wouldn’t dawdle. “Are any of them behind us?”

Valiant looked back and saw no one following them. “No!”

“Okay, good.”

“Where are we going, Smolder?”

They traveled pretty far but eventually reached where they needed to be. Valiant looked up and saw a beautiful house in an astonishing tree. Seems to have comprised crystals and magic from what Valiant could tell. Smolder takes him inside where all of his friends were waiting.

“Surprise!” They all yelled out, using their party poppers to commemorate his return.

“What is this place?” Valiant asked them.

“It’s the Treehouse of Friendship!” Sandbar answered.

“It formed back when we were trying to commemorate the Tree of Harmony.” Silverstream explained further. “And it became this when it resonated with our bonds!”

“Huh...” Valiant muttered, surprised from what he pieced together. “You six are pretty interesting yourselves. You never told me such an interesting story before.”

“That’s because we were all getting to you, oh noble one!” Ocellus teased.

“Would you like another smoothie, my good sir?” Silverstream joined in.

“Or perhaps tell us more of your tales of wonder?” Smolder added.

All of them laughed as Valiant scratched the back of his head, humored as well by their japes. “I definitely let them get to me. I shouldn’t have forgotten that some of my most important companions mean much more than just having a hundred fans.”

“Were the ponies not your friends?” Yona asked.

“Oh, they were definitely friendly,” Valiant told Yona. “It’s just… It wasn’t the same. They did open up to me a lot more, and I’m happy to get along with everyone in the school now. But they weren’t doing things like trying to help me grow or get to know them in return. Also, I couldn’t remember a single name for some reason.”

“Well, at least you weren’t arrogant about it,” Sandbar thought. “I mean, I know a lot of ponies who’d let that go to their head!”

“I’d rather take a break for now,” Valiant sighed. “And spend time with these friends here.”

“Yona wonders what happened to Chewka.” Yona thought aloud.

Meanwhile, Chewka was still wearing the fashionable suit with the violet vest and purple sunglasses, swinging his magnificently flashy and dazzling cape as he dances to the music provided by one of the ponies. His legs swing and kick as he demonstrates the dances of his tribe, which apparently fit very well with disco music. The crowd was loving the amazing Chewka!

Part 10 - Cooking

Valiant and Fluttershy arrived at the school. She passes another packed lunchbox to Valiant before they begin the day.

“Here you go! I hope you like it!” Fluttershy tells the human boy. “I hope you have a wonderful day at school Valiant!”

“Thank you mo-”

Valiant choked on what he was about to say. His face turned red and his eyes went wide. Fluttershy’s face turned a bit red as well before, not expecting to hear what she was about to hear. Valiant slowly turned over to see Smolder and Sandbar grinning at the poor boy.

“Aaah… Thank you, Miss Fluttershy,” He quickly said before scrambling to his class. Fluttershy watched him go as his friends were chasing after him.

It was lunch time once more, and Valiant opened up his lunch to find a fruit salad, a bowl of sweet potato soup, and hay fries. In the corner, he spots a little piece of paper with something written inside of it.

Have a great day at school!
- Fluttershy

“Awww!” Smolder and Sandbar teased, causing the human boy to blush immensely.

“What’s going on?” Yona wondered.

“Fluttershy was giving Valiant another packed lunch, and he called her ‘mom’,” Sandbar explained.

“I didn’t call her that,” Valiant corrected him. “I called her ‘mo’, completely different.”

“Aw! I think that’s sweet!” Ocellus thought aloud. “She’s been cooking a lot for you lately, hasn’t she?”

“I do appreciate the efforts she’s done for me,” Valiant admitted. “But I don’t want to rely on her efforts forever.”

“Why don’t you try cooking then?” Gallus suggested. “You have your own kitchen, you can probably make something if you go get some ingredients.”

“Hmm… That’s quite an interesting idea. I could use some new skills.”

“You could even get someone to teach you!” Silverstream added. “Remember Professor Pinkie works at Sugarcube Corner?”

“Perhaps the other teachers can help me as well,” Valiant pondered in thought. “Alright then, I’ll get to work on this as soon as I can.”

The next day, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack were in Valiant’s house. They each had a bag of ingredients and Twilight had several cookbooks. The countertop has all sorts of appliances from mixers to cutting boards. The human cook-in-training had on an apron, a chef’s hat, and a hair net.

“Thank you all for coming,” Valiant said graciously with a polite bow. “I’ve gathered you all here because you told me that you’ve each told me your confidence in the culinary arts.”

Spike, Pinkie, and Applejack looked over to Twilight. The violet princess noticed this and scoffed. “I’ve gotten better!”

Applejack went back to the task at hoof. “So, how about we start with baking a simple, apple pie? Once we finish prepping it up and put it in the oven, we can work on other recipes!”

“Sounds good,” Valiant agreed. They begin the cooking session with teaching Valiant the basics. They showed him every step and he proceeded to show his quick learning, able to absorb their wisdom and follow the instructions appropriately. He went from putting ingredients into the mixing bowl for the pie to eventually placing the contents in the oven. With the pie cooking, they move onto preparing cookies, cupcakes, soup, stew, frying hay fries, salad decorating, even preparing their own whip cream. By the end of their long session, the teachers have realized that they practically skimmed through everything they were planning to teach Valiant in the course of a few days to a few hours. With the pie baked, the cakes ready, the treats out of the oven and set across the dining room table, they look at Valiant’s work. The human boy felt a bit nervous about how it tasted.

“Wow, this looks absolutely, positively scrumptious!” Pinkie Pie declared, mouth watering about what to eat first.

“You sure this is your first time cooking sugarcube?” Applejack asked curiously. “You seem to have a pretty good handle on everything from the cookbook.”

“I’ve only worked with fire and food at the same time to make some meals from my missions edible,” Valiant told her. “Your explanations have surely helped me understand how to function from the cookbooks and operate the tools necessary to perform each task.”

“When you say it like that, that’s how Twilight likes to think of cooking,” Spike japed at the alicorn. “The only difference is how it all came out!”

“Hey! I’ve made some really good food!” Twilight stated. “They just don’t look pretty the way they turn out.”

“Alright, let’s not hold off anymore!” Applejack told everyone as she picked up a spoon. “Time for a taste test!”

They all did into the first bite. Each dish they try had them present a clearly satisfied expression. They continue and fight each dish working to their expectations.

“MMM! Dis ish rewwy good!” Pinkie spat as she stored a mouthful of hay fries in her cheeks.

“It’s delicious!” Spike commented.

“Outstanding!” Twilight praised.

Applejack pats Valiant on the shoulder and says, “You got yourself a natural talent! Keep working on this, and you’ll make something even more scrumptious I reckon!”

“That means a lot to me, thank you,” Valiant responded gratefully.

“Hey! We’re having a little cultural exchange at the school,” Twilight remembered. “You should try and make something for all of the guests! We have many creatures coming to visit and share their recipes from their homes!”

“That’s a great idea, Twi!” Applejack raised her voice in agreement. “We’re gonna have folks from all over! It’d be perfect if you cooked for them and get to know other kingdoms!”

“Plus, you can try out all the food you can’t find in Ponyville!” Pinkie mentioned.

Valiant drooled at his imagination, thinking about all of the exotic food he may find there. “That does sound quite nice… But I don’t have any homeland recipes other than… bread.”

“Hey! That’s totally fine!” Spike assured him. “I’m a dragon, but all of the food I’m going to cook is from Pony culture.”

Valiant nodded at the prospect. “I see, so it doesn’t have to originate from where we come from or who we are. Thank you, Professor Assistant Spike.”

“Eh, just… Spike is fine.”

The four continued to enjoy the meal as Valiant thought about what to cook for the upcoming cultural exchange. He saw a few recipes he thought that Fluttershy would appreciate.

The day when the cultural exchange came. Valiant had prepared all of the food last night and requested the assistance of his companions. The six of them carried an assortment of cakes, a batch of potato carrot soup, and homemade hay burgers. The friends were in awe of the collection of food Valiant had prepared.

“Wow! All of this looks so GOOD!” Silverstream exclaimed. “I can’t wait to try all of it!”

“Which one is your favorite?” Gallus asked the human boy.

“I do enjoy all of them, but the hay burgers was an interesting discovery,” he claimed.

“Yona loves hay burgers too! Hey burger is not Yak food, but still good food!”

Sandbar looked at Valiant and noticed that he was carrying a pink lunchbox. He inquired about the somewhat out of place item. “He, is that your lunch, Valiant?”

Valiant twists his hair somewhat playfully as he says, “It’s for… Miss Fluttershy.”

The group of friends “Aww’d” and teased the human about it. Once they arrived at the town plaza where the Cultural exchange was taking place, they set down the food at the table labeled, ‘School of Friendship’. They all look around to see the marvelous display of food from all kinds of places. The Hippogryphs, the Yaks, the Griffons, the Changelings, and even the dragons. Though, there was only one dragon chef and he only brought Lava cake. It was exactly how the seven of them imagined it.

“Oh! Valiant!” Fluttershy called out, emerging from the crowd with Angel bunny on her shoulder. “I heard from Twilight that you were going to participate in the Cultural Exchange! I would have helped if you were going to try something like that.”

Valiant looked to the corner, trying to think of the right way to say his reasoning for that decision. “I wanted to… surprise you from the progress I’ve made from my culinary skills. I also wanted to give you something...”

He takes out the lunchbox and opens it to reveal carrot cake cupcakes, shaped like the heads and faces of her animals. Fluttershy and Angel were in awe by the mastery of the work and how it was carefully crafted.

“Oh! Valiant, this it-” Fluttershy was about to give praise until someone picked up one of the carrot cake cupcakes and took a bite out of it.

“Hmm, decent craftsmanship,” Prince Risen admitted as he continued to eat more and more of the cakes from the lunchbox. “I suppose this is a neat little surprise, but I’d prefer you train your abilities to be something other than an amatuer chef.”

“Those weren’t for-” Valiant uttered only to once again be interrupted.

“Dragon Slayer, I am willing to forgive you disrespectful transgression last time we’ve met.” the Prince remarked, pointing his finger at Valiant’s forehead. “You must be relieved, that I was so kind enough not to inform the Chief of such a pitiful request.”

“Um, I don’t think you should talk to him that way, Prince Risen,” Fluttershy softly warned him.

“Your concern is unnecessary.” He said quite boldly. “You two maay relax yourselves for now. Take comfort knowing I’m here on less urgent matters.”

“What are you doing here, if I may ask Prince Risen?” Valiant asked respectfully to the Prince.

“Is it not obvious? To participate our chefs in this Cultural Exchange.”

Valiant felt mystified as to why they would do this. All they would have is bread. The only other things in the desert and homeland of the tribe were cactus and bugs, and they definitely didn’t sound appetizing when compared to all of the other wonderful food.

“Oh, that sounds nice!” Fluttershy stated. She turned to Valiant with a warm smile. “I’d love to know more about your home, Valiant!”

“Then come this way! I’ll not have our tribe be outclassed when it comes to our culture,” the prince boasted. Valiant and Fluttershy followed the Prince to the table. Valiant was preparing for the shame when Fluttershy sees the lack of variety when it comes to their food. However, when they approached the table from the Tribe, Valiant sees the opposite. He saw cinnamon rolls, Bundt Cake, Desert Rose Chocolate, and even shaved Cacti ice cream. The assortment was well presented and not a single roll of bread or bug in sight.

“Is this… food made with the help of other cultures?” Valiant asked the Prince.

“What?” The Prince scoffed. “Of course not! This is genuine, Dune Star Tribe cuisine! We chose what we believed to be the best of our recipes.”

“I’ve never seen any of this before,” Valiant stated. “Where could they have been found?”

“Well, of course not! These foods are merely to enjoy ourselves with. It isn’t enough to replace the bread and their nutrient boosting markings. This is a food meant to be eaten among the nobility and sometimes by the citizens for festivals like birthdays or safe returns of our platoons.”

Valiant was unsure what to think of this. How was all of this hidden his entire life? He’s acting like it has always been available. Valiant was never offered any of this in his lifetime in his own home.

“How is it that I’ve never seen any of these before?” Valiant questioned.

Prince Risen raised an eyebrow at the boy before answering him. “Because, you are the Dragon Slayer. Your main objective is to focus on upcoming missions and not be distracted by trivial pleasantries. The barracks never receive nothing more than bread to pool our resources accordingly and effectively. You’ve all had your stomachs filled to live another week, month, and so on.”

“But you said when platoons return from their missions, they also receive this reward?”

“You concern yourself over nothing, Dragon Slayer,” The prince belittled the child soldier. “You are the Dragon Slayer. Your growth of strength and efficiency is far more important than anything else. How many times must I remind you of that when you were so compliant before?”

Valiant gripped his fists, holding himself back. When Fluttershy comes over with a cup of Shaved Cacti Ice cream, she offers it to Valiant.

“Valiant! They told me this is one of their sweetest treats!”

“Go ahead and try it for yourself, Dragon Slayer,” Prince Risen allowed him. “Treat yourself to the blessings of our homeland.”

Valiant held the cup of cacti Ice cream. A treat that apparently existed in his homeland among other foods. Something that his own home has kept hidden from him. He takes the spoon and eats a scoop of the ice cream. Once he swallowed the cold treat, he handed it to Prince Risen, catching by surprise.

“... I hate it...” He tells them before walking away.

Fluttershy and Prince Risen watch him walk away, once again leaving himself to his own thoughts.

“Valiant?” Fluttershy called out, not getting a response.

“Honestly, Dragon Slayer has become so immature ever since he came here,” The prince retorted as he threw Valiant’s ice cream into the trash can.

“... Excuse me?” Fluttershy spoke, a hint of aggression can be detected from her tone.

Valiant was sitting at the bench, deep in thought about the revelation he had just witnessed. Despite there being so much food to try, he was distracted by the ramblings in his mind. Twilight passes by and sees the downtrodden child, approaching him with concern.

“Valiant? What’re you doing, sitting around?” Twilight asked him.

“Oh… Hello, Twilight,” He greets, still sullen. “I’ve met with Prince Risen and found out a bit more from my homeland.”

“I did get a good look at their assortment of food they had on display,” Twilight recalled. “But it didn’t match up with the diet you had mentioned before.”

“Those were my thoughts exactly,” Valiant huffed. “I feel… like my own home has kept so many things from me. I suppose I was perfectly fine with the way things were before I came here. Yet the more I learn, the more I realize how shortsighted I was. I feel like a fool, not even knowing about this. I feel like there’s so much more I don’t know about my home either.”

“Well, there’s a lot of things we don’t know about our own kingdoms,” Twilight told him. “Each kingdom or Tribe has a long history, spanning over hundreds of years and developing differently across the lands, even if they’re ruled under the same crown. There’s a lot you don’t know about your kingdom, but that just means there’s a lot more to explore.”

“Do you think a fool like me can experience so much the world has to offer?” Valiant wondered. “Even if they know nothing about their home or what goes on around their own Tribe?”

“Believe me, I know what it’s like to learn more about the places around you and see that even Princess Celestia can’t show it all to me. It’s something I have to discover on my own and place into my own experiences. It’s part of the change necessary to grow.”

“I feel this would be difficult to do on my own...” Valiant admitted.

Just as he said that, his friends started to call out to him.

“Hey! There you are!” Smolder called out with a slice of lava cake. “You have to try this! Trust me, it’s actually good!”

“Yona thinks Valiant should try Yakyakistan Food first!”

“These Griffon Scones are good too,” Gallus mentioned.

“You have to try this!” Silverstream said, holding some sort of dessert served on a seashell.

“What are you waiting for?” Sandbar asked the human.

Twilight smiled and answered Valiant’s question. “You never had to do it alone.”

Valiant’s friends surrounded him with a piece of their world being offered to him. He looks at their cheery faces as he takes a plate and tastes the discoveries that await him. There’s so much to see, even in his own home. He just needs to take the first step doing it.

“Twilight!” Rainbow called out, flying up to her. “You gotta come with me!”

“What’s wrong Rainbow?”

“It’s Fluttershy! She’s totally going ham on that Prince guy!”

The group rushed over to see Fluttershy shouting angrily at the Prince, flying above him and looking down at the human noble. The Prince held up his hand in defense, clearly shocked by the outburst of the yellow pegasus as she continued to dig into the Prince’s attitude.

“You may think it’s okay to tell Valiant whatever you want and call him whatever you think is okay!” Fluttershy told him quite aggressively. “But if you think it’s okay to not give him all of these nice things just because he doesn’t need it, you’ve got another thing coming!”

“Food like this is used purely for entertainment and the nobility,” he reasoned.

“So you get to tell him what to do and choose what you want to eat, but he can’t have any of the food you get even though he’s working so hard for you?! He does so many dangerous things and you still treat him so poorly, despite you saying he’s so important and despite him being at such a young age when he was working for you?!” She lectured him further.

The prince was taken back and caused him to step back a bit from her. He stood back up straight and coughed to clear his throat, trying to respond to all of the points she said to him, not sure why he was so disturbed by the yellow pegasus in the first place. “I see that… you raise some compelling points. I will… see to it that I make some special arrangements for the Dragon Slayer-”

“That’s not his name!” She tisked. “He prefers that you call him, Valiant.”

The Prince clicked his tongue but gave in for this meeting. “I will make some special arrangements for our valuable asset and representative who refers himself as ‘Valiant’ . I will make no more promises than to present the rewards and vouch for his commendable efforts thus far.”

“Good.” She huffed at him.

“Then I shall take my leave,” the prince told her, tired of this bickering. “Do enjoy the rest of the food. We will leave it here for you all to enjoy yourselves or dispose of. It’s all up to you.”

The prince goes away and Valiant checks up on Fluttershy. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“No, I had to. I definitely had to, Valiant,” She told him. “Sometimes, others need to listen more. Your prince wasn’t treating you nice at all. I can’t stand for that behavior, especially for my friends!”

Valiant smiles as Fluttershy took two slices of the bundt cake and gave him one. “Besides, you definitely deserve at least a friend who will stand up for you.”

The two have a happy moment as they take a bite of the Bundt Cake. They however pause and slowly swallow the cake. Valiant looked at the food and said...

“This is awful.”

Part 12 - Dessert

Silverstream were out in town tonight once more to tackle the menus in Ponyville. They’ve been trying out new places they haven’t eaten before whenever they get together to scour the restaurants for things they haven’t been to yet. They’ve set their eyes on a particular new and exotic restaurant that opened up just recently.

“Oooh! I can’t wait until we get there, Valiant! I saw it earlier today and it has the funniest roof I’ve ever seen!” Silverstream told him.

“You sound like you were planning on going without me,” the human accused the Hippogryph.

She gasps and playfully punches him on the shoulder. “How could you think that? Our first time eating at a new restaurant is always together! You know that!”

The two laughed and were already having a good time. They approached the building which had a statue of a stallion holding a silver tray on the roof. Valiant took a good look at it and nodded. “That indeed looks quite fitting.” He commented.

They enter the doors and are greeted by a waiter. “Hello, will you two be dining with us tonight?”

“Why else are we here?!” Silverstream said with a big smile. Valiant stood by her, smirking at her usual playfulness. The waiter sighed and rolled his eyes, knowing what he was dealing with.

“Very well, do you have a reservation with us?” he asked the two.

“Huh?” Silverstream looked at him quizzically. “Reservation?”

“We don't dine in. You must have a reservation with us before arriving since we’re constantly gaining new customers.” He informs them.

“Uuuuuuh-” Silverstream stammered, not sure what to do now.

Valiant however took the handle of the situation. “Very well, can we make a reservation now?”

“Of course,” the waiter nodded. “If you reserve with us now, you’ll be waiting for an estimate of… Two hours”

“TWO HOURS!?” Silverstream screamed, causing everyone in the restaurant to look at her.

Valiant focused on the waiter. “Is there no other way to eat here sooner?”

“We’re sorry sir, but we’re quite booked. This is an establishment of refinement and every pony here wants to experience this.”

“I understand,” Valiant nodded. “Thank you for your time. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

“My, my!” A stallion spoke, approaching Valiant. The human boy and Hippogryph girl turned to see a male pony with a yellow coat and a topaz mane. With him was a beautiful pearl white Hippogryph who appeared to be as tall as Valiant.

“I’ve never met such a well mannered young lad before!” the stallion stated. “And I’ve also never met a human either! What a rare string of coincidences!”

“Um, who are you?” Silverstream asked the Stallion.

“My apologies!” He said to them with a chuckle. “My name is Clam Pearl! Owner of this fine eating establishment! And this here is my business partner, Seasilk!”

Seasilk waves hello to Valiant and Silverstream. Seeing the two were nice folk, the two students introduced themselves. “My name is Valiant of the Dune Star Tribe, currently enrolled in the School of Friendship.”

“And my name is Silverstream!” She grabs the hoof and claw of the Stallion and Hippogryph. “We go to the same school!”

“Well! It’s an honor to meet you two,” Seasilk told them. She turns to Valiant and says to him, “You seem to have many interesting stories to share. From what I heard, you were the one who protected Princess Celestia during the attack on the school?”

“I don’t know how those details managed to spread, but you are correct,” Valiant confirmed.

“Outstanding! You must join us for dinner!” Clam insisted. “We heard you don’t have a reservation, but you should be able to squeeze in a seat with us in the VIP.”

“VIP!?” Silverstream exclaimed. She leaned over to Valiant and whispered, “What’s VIP?”

“Here in Equestria, it’s the acronym for ‘Very Important Pony’.” Valiant answered.

“You sure know your stuff,” Seasilk complimented him. “I didn’t know that the first time I came here.”

“You’ll have all the services here and some special options while you’re with us in the VIP,” Clam told them.

“That does sound fun,” Valiant thought as he turned to Silverstream. “What do you think?”

“What do I think?” She repeated in a playful mocking tone. “I think we should get this party rolling!”

Clam and Seasilk chuckled lightly, although they weren’t very impressed with Silverstream’s demeanor. Valiant was having a good time with his Hippogryph friend nonetheless. The four of them made their way to the VIP through the stairs and passed the red rope which was opened for them by the waiters. They were seated in a red velvet room with fine furnishings of tall vases and mahogany wood. The VIP looked nothing like the public floor or the outside of the restaurant. Valiant and Silverstream were quite impressed.

“What do you think of it?” Clam Pearl asked them. “This decor arrangement was picked out by Seasilk when this place was being built.”

“It’s incredible!” Silverstream exclaimed. “I’ve never been to a fancy diner before!”

“Er, it’s not a diner...” Seasilk corrected her. “It’s a restaurant that brings Hippogryph cuisine and Pony spices together as one!”

“That’s an interesting idea…!” Valiant thought aloud. “Combining two cultures before anyone else will bring profits quickly. I imagine there’s a lot of curious folk willing to eat food like that.”

“You have the right idea, lad!” Clam said proudly. “With Seasilk bringing in ingredients from her home and me bringing ingredients from mine, we made this business work! We’ve been expanding quickly, and Ponyville seems to be perfect with the Princess of Friendship here and all.”

“It was great making money on the side so I could have a chance to travel around Equestria and see more equine culture,” Seasilk mentioned.

The three continued conversing with each other, quite entranced with the inner workings of their booming business. Silverstream however was struggling to wait, and gave into her growling stomach. She tapped Valiant on the shoulder to get his attention.

“Hey, um, when are we going to eat?” Silverstream wondered.

“Ahem!” Clam coughed in his hoof. “I’ve already taken the liberty of ordering us the soup of the day, the most fresh item on the menu, and drinks to commemorate our meeting!”

“Oh, wait! You two can’t drink alcohol yet, can you?” Seasilk mentioned.

“Ah, we’re not quite old enough yet!” Silverstream confirmed it. “Right, Valiant?”

“Well, There was a time I had to steal alcohol from my enemies to keep my thirst quenched. My markings have prevented any damaging effects to my brain growth... Or so my shaman has told me.”

“Interesting!” Clam speaks in surprise of such an intricate response. “Either you’re a very convincing liar or you’re an even more interesting fellow!”

“Is there a difference?” Seasilk laughed.

“My learnings from the School of Friendship have reinforced the importance of honesty.” Valiant assured them.

“Well, let’s not dawdle! Drink up!” Seasilk cheered as she poured three wine glasses. Silverstream received a cup of water and drank it as she watched the three have a good time.

“Um, so, how was your first time out in Equestria?” Silverstream asked Seasilk.

“Oh, it was quite an out-of-water experience,” Seasilk jokes.

“Oh my gosh, ME TOO!” Silverstream shouted. The three of them looked at her suddenly raising herself from the seat. She pauses and slowly sinks back in her chair when she realized what the joke was.

“I mean, I thought I wouldn’t fit in up here on the surface. Imagine my surprise that one of the ponies I would meet would help me make all of this?”

“Indeed, meeting those outside of your home is a truly wonderful and unique experience,” Valiant nodded. “I’m quite blessed to have met my companions and instructors.”

“Couldn’t have said it any better myself!”

Suddenly, a loud roar came from their table. Clam and Seasilk look to Silverstream who was apparently very hungry. She blushes in embarrassment while Valiant said, “It has been a while since you ordered.”

“Well no need to worry! Here comes our food,” Clam announced. The waiter places a small bowl of some kind of seafood soup and a crab ball. One singular ball of crab for each of them. Silverstream picked up the food with her claw before seeing that Seasilk and Clam were cutting the crab ball with a fork and knife very elegantly. She looked to see Valiant doing the same. She decided, through peer pressure, to use a fork. All she did however was stab the crab ball and stuff the entire thing in her mouth.

“Is that it?” Silverstream asked, somewhat disappointed.

“Would you like seconds?” Seasilk asked.

“Don’t forget the soup!” Clam reminded her.

Silverstream looks at the soup which was the size of her claw. She took a sip and realized it was not for her. The other three drank up their soup and gave a hearty breath afterwards.

“Wasn’t that good?” Clam laughs.

“Ah… Yeah, it was great...” Silverstream sighed as she rested her head on the table.

“The night is still young,” Seasilk told them. “Why don’t we go out somewhere else for fun?”

Silverstream raised herself from her sulk and raised her hand for attention. “Oh! Oh! Oh! I know someplace!”

The three of them followed Silverstream to a bowling alley. Silverstream excitedly waved them to come inside. They enter the bowling alley and go to the counter to get their bowling shoes.

“Oh… Were those worn by… other ponies?” Clam wondered.

“Do they even have some for Hippogryphs?” Seasilk thought.

The clerk passes Valiant a pair of shoes as requested. Valiant raised an eyebrow and said, “You actually have a set for humans?”

“Yeah, we had one come here before,” the clerk stated as he pointed to a photo of Chewka with a frame labeled ‘Best Bowler of the Month’.

“... Huh.”

“Alright! Let’s get ready to bowl!” Silverstream cheerfully announced.

The four of them go to the bowling lane and take their seats. Clam Pearl goes up first and demonstrates the game. He rolls the ball to the pins and knocks several of them down. He waits for the ball to return and tries to go for the remaining three. Only two fall and his points say nine.

“I see, so you get two tries to knock down all of the pins,” Valiant concluded.

“I’m still figuring out how to hold the ball.” Seasilk admitted.

“Oh! So that’s how you’re supposed to play!” Silverstream reacted quite surprised.

“You invited us out here and didn’t even know how to play the game?” Clam was quite perplexed by her decision to go to the bowling alley.

“I saw it and thought it looked like fun!” Silverstream reasoned.

After Seasilk went up and got a spare, Valiant was next up. He took the ball and placed his hand in the hoof-shaped hole. Despite the difficulty of keeping the grip, he swiftly rolls the ball and hits the pyramid of pins directly down the center and earns a strike. The three cheered for him as he made his way back to his seat.

“Attaboy! You sure have a natural talent at this!” Clam Pearl praised the boy.

“That was awesome!” Silverstream told him. “Looks like it’s my turn!”

“Give it a good roll!” Valiant told her as she raced to get a bowling ball. She placed her claw onto the hoof-shaped hole and attempted to chuck it. She swings the ball up and it lands on the lane with a loud thud. The ball is still rolling towards the pins but begins moving to the side and into the gutter. Clam Pearl and Seasilk give an encouraging smile while Valiant cheers her on. “Don’t worry! You got the next one!”

Silverstream continues to have a good time, this time having a good idea of what she did wrong. She gives another go at it and manages to take down eight pins. She gasped and flew back to the table and said, “Did you see that!?”

“You did great!” Valiant told her.

“Truly splendid, dearie!” Seasilk said to her.

“Whew! All that made me thirsty!” Silverstream wheezed. “I’m going to get something to drink!”

“We’ll be here!” Clam told her before he took his turn at the bowling lane.

Silverstream went to the food stall in the corner of the alley. She got herself a soda and also some nachos since she hasn’t had a decent meal yet. By the time she returns, Valiant is up on the lane while Clam and Seasilk talk with each other. Silverstream wasn’t trying to, but she overhears their conversation and starts listening to them.

“That girl is a strange one,” Clam Pearl told Seasilk. “Valiant is so well refined and yet he still spends time with her.”

“Perhaps it’s because they go to the same establishment,” Seasilk assumed. “I can’t imagine him actually enjoying his time with her. Perhaps he only has a good time to make her feel better?”

“I would believe that, considering how polite he is. He’s most likely doing it to consider her feelings over the matter.”

“Though, he shouldn’t have to hold himself back for someone else’s sake like that. He should be with others he truly resonates with.”

Silverstream began to sulk from hearing their conversation before it was interrupted by Valiant getting another strike. They finish up the game with Valiant winning with his continuous strike, replacing Chewka’s photo with his own. As they left, they looked up and estimated that they still have some more time to visit someplace else.

“There’s still time left before we should call it in,” Clam said as he looked up high. “How about we go to a special club?”

“A club?” Valiant repeated.

“Yes, they have dancing and music I’m sure you’ve never heard of before. I say that because it doesn’t usually allow youngsters in, but you’re a fine exception!”

“Dancing and music!?” Silverstream gasped. “Where is it!?”

“Oh! I’m sorry, but...” Seasilk apologized with a pensive manner. “Only adults are able to go. We’re only inviting Valiant since he appears to be an adult for his kind.”

“O-Oh...” Silverstream muttered. “That’s okay, I understand. I’ll just-”

“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline,” Valiant spoke. The three of them looked shocked as Valiant held Silverstream’s talon. “I promised to spend time with Silverstream like we do every other night. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, but I’d like to spend the rest of tonight with her.”

“Oh! I see!” Clam realized, bowing his head in a repentant matter. “My sincerest apologies. You two enjoy the rest of your night together.”

Valiant thanked them and began walking with Silverstream. She looks at him, surprised at what he did. She took this time alone to talk to Valiant.

“Why didn’t you go with them?” Silverstream pouted. “You seemed to fit in so well with them earlier.”

“They were nice company, but I don’t think I fit in with them.” Valiant told her. “I may have been intrigued by how they lived or adapted, but they definitely weren’t as fun as you.”

Silverstream looked at him blankly before snickering at what he just said. “You’re just saying that!”

“I’m being completely honest.”

“Oh please!” Silverstream denied it. “You talked with them so well and even ate their cuisine like them too! If that’s not fitting into your own group, I don’t know what is.”

“Silverstream, I know you didn’t like spending time with them that much.”

“Ha! Whaaaaat?” she scoffed. “So I didn’t get their lingo! That doesn’t mean anything!”

“If I could describe the look on your face and your attitude for the night...” Valiant evaluated the past few hours and said, “It was as sad as I was when I didn’t fit in either. But you took a chance on me. You took me out to places to eat and see the sights. As alien as I was to everything, you spent the time to get me to know my surroundings.”

Valiant places his hand on Silverstream’s head. “I’m not gonna leave you just for strangers who seem to like me too.”

Silverstream still pouted at her friend, but was happier than before. Her stomach growled, making her turn red with embarrassment.

“Yeah, I also knew that you’d still be hungry,” Valiant mentioned.

“Too bad there’s no place still open this late.” she sighed.

“Don’t worry about that.” Valiant smiled.

At Valiant’s house, Valiant seated Silverstream as he headed into the kitchen. He takes out the necessary ingredients and begins preparing them. Silverstream looks at him, curiously.

“What are you making?”

“Something I know you’ll like,” he declared, smiling. He cuts the vegetables and prepares the stovetop. He gracefully cuts and minces the eel and fish. Once he prepped the ingredients, he placed everything in the pan. He mixes the food as it’s still cooking. Upon finishing, he pours the contents on a plate and places the meal in front of Silverstream.

She smells the savory scent and her mouth begins to water. “What is THIS!?”

“It’s seafood fried rice,” he told her. “A Hippogryph and Pony culture inspired dish.”

She takes a scoop full from her spoon and tastes it. She jumps at the flavors and is lost in the incredible bliss from the fish. There is a light touch of herbs and spices that enhance the flavors but not overwhelm her tastes. There was also the seafood part of the dish. It wasn’t just the soft salmon that absorbed the special sauce but also the fluffy eel coated nice and evenly.

“Is this… Eel!?” She questioned.

“I heard you mentioned liking water snakes, so I assumed it was eel,” Valiant told her of his findings. “A little bunny procured me some for some reason. So I immediately thought that you may like it and learned how to prepare it before the time came to cook it.”

She was surprised that he had planned ahead so far. She wasn’t expecting him to learn something like cooking eel for her sake. “Why would you go and learn how to cook seafood just for me?”

“Well, I suppose since you’ve helped me find happiness, I also wanted to make you happy as well,” Valiant thought, scratching his head. “It’s not much, but I want to do more. You’ve spent so much time for me, so I don’t mind spending more time for you either.”

Silverstream looked at Valiant as he took a bite of the food. Just like all food he likes, he shows his signature adorable reaction. A reaction she realized was completely absent at the restaurant earlier. After finishing their meal, Valiant went to get something from the fridge. He places it on the table and it jiggles upon placing.

“What is it?” she asked.

“It’s a dessert I made called flan,” he told her. “A very sweet and delicious pudding, I made sure to get it just right for you.”

“It sounds good and it looks good,” Silverstream commented. “How come you never tried it?”

“Well, I thought that I should try it with you,” he told her. “You gave me a cupcake the first time we met, and that was sweet. So this time, I wanted to give you something sweet you never tried before.”

Silverstream looks at him with total absence of expression. She was so enraptured by his consideration into what he gave her. She felt extremely happy as her heart skipped a beat. She takes a bite into the flan and her smile grows wider.

“It’s delicious!”

Valiant smiles delightfully at her. “You make a cute face when you eat something you like.”

Red flushes onto Silverstream’s face. She smiles back at him as she scoops a piece of the flan and brings it to Valiant, giving him a moment of surprise. “You should try it too… The first time we try something new is together, right?”

Valiant smirks with a chuckle and takes a bite as she desired. It was an interesting night only to eat someplace familiar and yet find something new.

Part 13 - Closet

In the living room of the dorms, a collection of makeup, mascara, and other cosmetics was laid out on the floor. Silverstream was getting the eyelash curler and using it on Yona’s eyelashes. The lashes elegantly curl showing a significant difference compared to the other unworked eyelash which seemed shorter in comparison.

“Wow! These bristles actually do make them look very different!” Ocellus commented.

“I know, right?” Silverstream nodded in agreement. She took a mirror and showed Yona her reflection. “What do you think, Yona?”

“Yaks are pretty before, but this makes Yona prettier!” She stated as she blinked at the mirror.

Suddenly, a claw raises high to get their attention. “Uh, question: Why the heck am I doing here?” Smolder questioned them.

“Well, since we’re having a girl’s night, we wanted you to be here!” Ocellus explained.

“And Smolder is a girl too!” Yona reminded her.

A hand raises to get the three’s attention this time. “Then why am I here?” Valiant questioned. “I’m not a girl.”

Yona looks at Silverstream and Ocellus as they give an awkward smile at him. “Well, we wanted to get your opinion on some of the make up,” Silverstream claimed.

“They’re colorful,” He answers immediately.

“Well, when we put them on,” Ocellus says as she picks up the mascara in preparation of application.

“Do you really need my opinion?” Valiant questioned once more. The two nodded earnestly, making him sigh and stay where he is.

Smolder and Valiant watch the three with bored expressions on their face as they try to apply the make up onto themselves. They fiddled with mascara, eyeliners, powders, blush, and even lipstick. Smolder was becoming half asleep as Valiant waited for them to finish up. When Silverstream noticed the sleeping Smolder, she commented on it. “Smolder’s not really getting into this, huh?”

“It’s weird, I remember she’d be interested in something like this,” Ocellus mentioned.

“Yona has an idea!” she announced, holding up a brush. “Let’s put makeup on Smolder!”

The girls smiled in a mischievous manner, carefully readying their equipment and giving the dragon a makeover. Valiant watched uncomfortably at Silverstream and Ocellus as they applied the makeover without consent, but he soon had his own worries to tend to as Yona approached him as well with a brush in hand.

“Don’t worry Valiant! Yona does makeover on Valiant too! Prepare to be prettier!”

He clenched his teeth as he pulled back a bit at the approaching doom before him.

Valiant looked in the mirror and admitted to himself that Yona did a pretty good job with the makeover. She didn’t get anything in the eye and everything remained symmetrical. Even the lipstick wasn’t smudged, mostly because he didn’t move very much. He begins washing it off as Smolder waits her turn with her face being full of cosmetics as well.

“Hurry up in there,” Smolder groaned.

Valiant finishes up and turns to the decorated dragon. “I’m thankful you let me use your bathroom to wash this off.”

“No problem,” she smirks at him. “Though, it’s mostly because you and I were on the same boat back there.”

Smolder takes her turn as Valiant leaves the bathroom. His face was still wet and so he began searching for the towel. None was around however.

“Smolder,” He calls. “Where are your towels?”

She says something, but her voice emits sounds of water gurgling as she rubs her face. Valiant sighs as he begins searching nearby. He spots the closets and assumes the towels are in there. As he opens the door, he sees it. Something he didn’t expect Smolder to have. Suddenly, the door to the closet is slammed shut as Smolder glares daggers at him.

“What are you doing?” She asks menacingly, despite a twinge of red showing on her face.

“I was looking for a towel,” He claims in his defense.

Smolder opens the door slightly and reaches in to pull a towel out of it. Giving it to Valiant, she interrogates him further.

“What did you see in there?”

“I saw clothes,” he answers honestly.

Her face reddens even more as she begins making excuses out of nowhere. “J-Just so you know! Those aren’t mine! They’re Rarity’s! I’m just holding onto them for her!”

“Why would Rarity have you hold onto them when she has her own storage for outfits in the school?” he questioned suspiciously. “And why are all of the clothes for bipeds?”

“I-I don’t know, ask Rarity!”

Valiant sighs at her. “You know, there’s nothing wrong having your own dresses, Smolder.”

Smolder spontaneously began screaming at him, red of rage or flush with embarrassment. She then pushes the human boy out of her room. “Get out! Get out! Get out!”

Valiant was kicked out of the Dragon’s room. Completely befuddled by the events, he leaves Smolder as she was, not wishing to anger her anymore.

“And that’s what happened...” Valiant explained. “I was hoping to ask you for advice since it seems personal and she doesn’t want the others to know about it as well. She didn’t even look at me during classes.”

Starlight tapped her hooves together, nodding in understanding. Valiant came to her office after school after sensing the issue between him and Smolder had not disappeared. Thinking about what she has to go on, she gives him her take on it. “Well, I’m glad you respected her privacy on the matter and came to me since you’re concerned for her. I would say that Smolder is likely keeping those a secret because she doesn’t want to expose them to the public, even to her friends.”

“So, she’s hiding in the closet?”

“Please don’t phrase it like that.” She warns him, holding his hand with her hoof. “Anyways, you may want to check up on her and clear the air. It doesn’t seem serious, but be cautious of her feelings. At this time, she may attempt to hide them from you. Maybe talk to her tomorrow to let things cool off?”

Taking the counselor’s advice, Valiant decided to think about how to talk to Smolder over what had happened. He wanted to make things right and assure her that he’ll keep what he saw a secret. For now, he decided to go home and continue his studies. On the way however, he happens to see the dragon herself, flying back to the school. Confused why she was in town, he looked to the road she came from and walked down it. At the end of the path, he sees a large and elegant looking building with a purple roof. Curious, he knocked on the door and heard a familiar voice.

“Come in~!” Rarity sung from the other side.

Valiant opens it and sees his professor, currently measuring an equine dress. She turns to see her student give a somewhat surprised look.

“Miss Rarity, you own this establishment?”

“Yes, I do,” She answers him with a proud and refined smile. “I also have a store in other places like Manehattan as well.”

“That’s quite an accomplishment.” Valiant comments as he looks around the room to see mannequins equipped with designs and clothes. “How often do you get customers?”

“Quite often,” she replied. “Why?”

“It’s just that there are so many ponies that don’t wear clothes, I was surprised you were able to open a boutique here.” He explains.

“Ah, well, there are times where such festivities call for dressing and there are ponies who wish to wear something because they personally like to dress themselves often in their own image.”

“I guess I know where I fall into,” he noted as he walked around the room. As he looked at the designs, he noticed a peculiar set on the table. Upon closer inspection, they weren’t meant for a pony. One of them seemed vaguely familiar. “Miss Rarity, what are these clothes?”

She looks to see Valiant eying a particular set and frowns at them. “Ah, yes, a certain lady returned them even after she displayed such thrill once they were finished.”

Valiant squints at them, eventually realizing that he saw them before in the closet in Smolder’s room. “Do these belong to Smolder?”

“Ah, so you can tell?” Rarity sighs. “She just came in today and returned them, saying she doesn’t want them anymore.”

“Why would she do that?”

“I don’t know, darling. It doesn’t seem my place or the time to pry on it, but maybe with time, she’ll open up and talk about it.”

Valiant had a strange feeling that wouldn’t shake off. A certain feeling of unease that stuck onto his back like gum. He would spend the night at home at what it was that left him with this sensation that urged him to confront Smolder even sooner.

The next day after class, Smolder left the room to head to her next one. On the way, she sees Valiant standing by, waiting for her.

“Oh, hey,” she greets.

“Smolder, I wanted to talk about the other day,” Valiant tells her.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” she waves to him in decline. “I’ve gotten rid of them, okay? So just forget about it.”

“But why?” Valiant wondered. “Why’d you even had the dresses in the first place?”

Smolder immediately covered Valiant’s mouth as she showed her fangs at him. “Don’t say that word here!”

Valiant swipes away her claw and questions her further. “Is it something you want to keep secret from the public? Even your friends?”

“What does it matter!?” Smolder questions. “What I do is my business!”

“I understand that, and if you want to keep it to yourself, then fine. But why throw away something that you like?”

Smolder scoffs at him with a chuckle. “You think I like those frilly things? I’m a dragon, Valiant. We’re fearsome! We like to be awesome. Not get held down by silly things like dresses and tea parties.”

“What’s this about tea parties?”

“NEVERMIND THAT. Look, the point is, that’s just who I am. I’m sure you understand. You’re a warrior! You like being tough and I dig that about you.”

Valiant held his chin, considering what she had said. He didn’t have much to argue against that, but it felt like there was something missing about that. “That’s not the only thing you like about me as a friend.”

“Huh?” Smolder responded, confused. “Oh, well, I guess you’re fun to talk to. You’re nice and stuff.”

“And do you really find those to be warrior traits?”

“Look, what do you want me to say?! I thought you wanted to say sorry or whatever about the thing in the closet.”

“I’m just saying there’s nothing wrong with liking a dress-”

“I TOLD YOU TO STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!” She scolds him, placing her claw onto her face in a tired response. “Besides, what do you know about it? You’re a boy. You don’t wear those frilly things anyways.”

“Is that really the issue?”

Smolder rolls her eyes, tired of this conversation. “Look, it’s just weird when a dragon like me or a human warrior like you get tied up on this fru-fru stuff. It’s not our thing and we ought to stick to what makes us who we are.” The dragon walks past Valiant, hoping that would satisfy his interrogation. “Class is gonna start. I gotta go.”

After she leaves, Valiant is left at another part of the dilemma he needs more insight into. Unfortunately, when he checked on Starlight, students were coming in and asking for advice. He needs someone to talk to that might understand her feelings. Someone he could talk to outside of the circle of friends and who he can rely on for their advice.

“Smolder said all of that?” Fluttershy responded with surprise upon her face.

Valiant confirmed it with a nod. He sits drinking tea with Fluttershy and her Draconequus friend, Discord.

“Honestly,” Discord groans in discontent. “How could you bring your problems to your teacher during her time off? With me no less?”

“My apologies, Mr. Discord.” Valiant bows as he holds up the teapot to him. “More tea?”

“Well, yes, thank you,” He takes up his offer. The tea is gently poured into his cup with careful elegance.

“It sounds to me that Smolder is repressing herself from doing what she wants,” Fluttershy states to him.

“I don’t understand why, though...” Valiant says dejected, looking down at his inability to understand.

Discord sighs and decides to throw the poor kid a bone. “Listen here strudels, it’s because of her self identity.”

“Self identity?” Valiant repeated.

“Yes! She perceives herself as a mighty dragon! I’m sure you know of those tales. Of flying, scaled beasts that breath fire and can wreak havoc! Just like how your identity is of a buff and tough warrior who handles a sword as well as I can handle my chopsticks!” Discord finishes with him spinning a pair of chopsticks out of nowhere and using them to hold the handle on his teacup, taking a sip.

“I handle a blade pretty well, but I don’t see myself as only a warrior,” Valiant claims. “At least, not anymore.”

“What you see yourself as isn’t the issue, but might help with the solution!” Discord tells him, catching his attention. “The issue is that this Smolder friend of yours sees herself as a mighty dragon who doesn’t dabble in dresses just like how she sees you, a strong human warrior, probably wouldn’t dabble in tea parties.”

Valiant looks at the tea set before him and what he’s currently participating with Fluttershy and Discord. “But that’s not true.”

“And that’s what you need to prove to her!” Discord exclaims with his paw and talon out, leaving the tea and chopsticks to float in midair. “You need to prove to her that she can have a gentle side even if she is a mighty dragon!”

“And how would I do that?” Valiant asked.

“By showing her that even you can have a gentle side that goes against the identity of being a rough and tough warrior!”

Valiant ponders at this. It seems to make sense to him and the way the logic of it correlates with how Smolder has been acting. “I want to help her, but I don’t think I’m creative enough to act on that solution.”

“Well, I can help with the creativity,” Discord claims as he has an eerily sinister smile about him.

“Smolder has been acting kind of down lately,” Ocellus told Silverstream. “She didn’t even want to walk around Ponyville yesterday with me.”

“I’ve noticed that too. I hope she’s alright,” Silverstream shared her worries. She turns to see her human friend approaching the school entrance. “Oh, Hi Valiant-”

The two paused and saw Valiant with long brown hair, groomed in beautiful waves reaching his shoulders. His dress comes in the form of a white school uniform with a lavender collar and a purple ribbon wrapped around it. His matching lavender skirt comes with white frills and his purple shoes comes with white stockings covering his smooth legs reaching up to his knees.

“Hello, my friends,” he speaks in a light tone and well mannered voice.

Ocellus and Silverstream’s jaws drop and their eyes almost fall out at the shocking image they saw before them.

Smolder was resting head on her arm in her seat. She was much more out of it than usual. The class was still much the same, but she seemed to distance her mind elsewhere.

“Hey, are you alright?” Gallus asked, concerned for his friend. “You’ve been kind of out of it these past few days.”

“Huh? Oh, you know...” Smolder sighed.

Sandbar and Gallus looked at each other with concerned expressions. Twilight tapped the board with her levitating chalk and was starting class.

“Alright everyone! Please be seated so we can begin today’s lesson,” She announces. The classroom door opens, and Twilight turns to see Valiant. “Ah, you came just in tiiiiiiiiii-”

The teacher’s mouth slowly opened wide and was clearly stuck on the vowel of time. The class looks at Valiant who looks like a brand new female human transfer student! But his eyes and hair gave them the hint that it was really Valiant.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” he says in his extremely convincing feminine voice.

Gallus and Sandbar looked away, hiding their embarrassing blushes. The rest of boys of the class were covering their faces and trying to look away while the mares were talking amongst themselves on how cute Valiant was. Smolder stared at him, completely perplexed by what was going on.

Spike kept staring at Valiant before going behind the desk, taking a break from what he was seeing. Twilight smiles the best she can muster as she tries to continue the class, seeing how Valiant was taking this new dress code in stride.

“U-Um… Good to have you in class with us, Valiant,” she says with a quivering voice.

“For when I’m like this...” he speaks with angelic softness in his chords. “May you call me, Valerie?”

Some pony fainted as the class were strangely fascinated by Valiant’s sudden change in behavior. Twilight did her best hiding her confusion as she tried her best to get class rolling.

During lunch, Smolder receives her tray of food and moves towards a table to sit at. As she wanders by the tables, she notices Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie talking with Valiant.

“WHOA!” Rainbow exclaims, looking at him from head to toe. “What happened to you!?”

“Do you like it?” Valiant asks, twirling his hair while looking away. Rainbow’s face contorted, trying desperately hard to process the sudden change in behavior from the day prior. Pinkie was however more welcoming to this side of Valiant he was showing to everyone.

“You look so pretty!” Pinkie complimented the crossdressing boy. “I really like how you look, Valerie!”

“Thank you,” his words felt like they were puffy clouds fluffing themselves against Pinkie and Rainbow. He bows slightly to them with a respectful bow. “I appreciate your kind words.”

Pinkie Pie giggled while Rainbow Dash looked away, not wanting to be weirdly affected by whatever Valiant was doing. Smolder just stood there, staring at him with a blank face and an eye twitch before snapping her food tray in half.

“DARLING!” Rarity exclaims in the middle of class. “You… look… so fabulous!”

“Do you think so?” he asked with the tips of his fingers covering his mouth in his slight gasp.

“YES!” she further emphasizes her passionate analysis upon the dress and his appearance. “Your hair! The makeup! The dress even goes well with your ruby eyes!”

“Uh, Miss Rarity?” Smolder spoke with a dejected tone. “Shouldn’t we get back to class?”

“This is class, darling!” Rarity claimed as she brought Valiant in front for all of the class to see. “Pay attention to the careful consideration Valerie here has presented to us! The way he shows himself with proper posture and etiquette allows him to almost naturally talk with all kinds of ponies and other creatures!”

Smolder slams her head on her desk, absolutely defeated by this insanity.

Valiant finished with classes for the day and began to head home. He walks by a few ponies who recognize him and casually wave to him, doing their best to ignore how strangely attractive he was. As he continues his stroll, he’s suddenly grabbed and carried away by Smolder. The young dragon few quickly brought him through the school and into the dorms. She dragged him to her room and locked the door behind her, leaving the two of them alone.

“What do you think you’re doing!?” She questioned him, pointing angrily at the feminine human.

“Please don’t be rough with me...”

“AND WOULD YOU STOP TALKING LIKE THAT!?!?” she scolded at him with incredible fury. “Are you trying to mock me!?”

Valiant returned to his normal voice and asked, “What’s wrong with what I’m doing? I’m only wearing a dress and talking differently.”

“Why!? Are you making fun of me!?” She accused him.

“I thought of trying it for myself,” he claimed.

“But that’s not you! I know that you wouldn’t actually do this on your own!”

“How would you know what I would do on my own or not?” He questions with a frown of his own.

“Because you’re a dude. A warrior dude at that!”

“So? I can’t like dresses too?”

Smolder slaps her face in frustration. “There’s no way humans guys wear frilly clothes like that! And I know for a fact that warriors like you are tougher than that! And cooler! Not some fru-fru pretty boy.”

“People like me don’t wear dresses?” he asks.

“Exactly! You fight and take on tough challenges! You can scare your enemies just by looking at them!”

“... And handle a blade and do it for the honor of my tribe?” he finishes with a somewhat softer, non-feminine tone

“Yes!” Smolder says, finally thinking he’s getting the same wavelength. “Exactly that!”

“And I suppose you prefer when I don’t make that ridiculous smile when I eat sweets? Or hold off the food you’ve all introduced me to? Or go back to training and honing my skills to myself and stop spending time with all of you? Or just go back to the time I was Dragon Slayer?” His voice raised bit by bit, almost scolding the young dragon.

Smolder tenses up upon hearing that and looks down to the corner. “No, I… I didn’t mean that.” she tells him earnestly, looking at him with honest eyes.

“I know, Smolder,” He tells her in a comforting tone. “And I want you to know that meeting you all has made me more happy than I would never have guessed. I didn’t think I needed it or wanted it, but you showed me that there’s no shame in finding happiness for myself.”

Smolder looks down, thinking about her own source of happiness. She groans and stomps in frustration. “I get it, you want me to wear a dress! But I don’t want to do that out in public! And it’s NOT because I don’t have the guts!”

“No, Smolder,” Valiant tells her. “I was never asking you to do that. If you want to wear dresses, you can choose the time or place. If you want to burn it away, that’s up to you too. But you ought to do it because it makes you happy, and you’re allowed to do it on your own terms. No one is going to make you do otherwise, and if anyone makes fun of you or be as bad, I’ll be there to support you.”

Smolder felt a smidge of comfort hearing that. But something in her pride kept fighting her desires. “It’s just… Not a dragon thing! I don’t know what humans are like. Maybe you really do have guys and girls running around in dresses! But that’s not what dragons do.”

Valiant looks at her trying to go against the dresses not from her own free will, but from the peer pressure her culture enforces on her. Valiant finally understood what had bothered him so much earlier. Smolder was aligning her dragon heritage to determine how she acts and feels around the matter. While something in the past must have occurred to make her brave enough to acquire her own choice of clothing, she hasn’t fully committed herself to her own passions. It was similar to how his own culture determined who he is under the title.

Valiant sits down on her bed and asks her, “Did you know what kind of tales my people would speak about dragons?”

Smolder glanced to his direction, wondering where he was going with this. She sat on the bed next to him and listened to what he had to say.

“Tales they told little kids about how the dragons were mighty, fearsome beings. About how they can topple entire towns and burn everyone at once with their fiery breath. They told me about how dragons plundered the riches with ease and were one of the most powerful creatures in the world. They were strong and many dragons my great ancestors faced were confident and tough against their foes.”

Smolder raised an eyebrow, now sure what he was trying to do. “Um… What’re you hoping to tell me here?”

Valiant looked to Smolder before getting his school bag and placing it on his lap. “Well, what my people didn’t tell me was that dragons can be kind, loyal, and genuinely good friends to be around.”

Smolder was still as Valiant continued his thoughts. “They didn’t tell me they can be strong regardless of their size. They didn’t tell me that dragons have fun jokes to tell me and how a dragon could end up being my first companion to help me through my difficult integration to a new land. And I’m sure there’s a lot more I can deduce that they haven’t told me because they didn’t get to know this dragon.”

“... And what’s your deduction?”

“That she doesn’t need a dress to know she has a beautiful heart,” Valiant tells her. “But I have a good feeling she’d look pretty nice in one too.”

Smolder’s face blushes immensely before she quickly turns away and crosses her arms.

“W-Well! It’s not like it matters anymore! I gave my clothes back to Rarity, so I’ll have to pick them up later!”

Valiant grinned some as he opened his bag to reveal that he has the dresses Smolder had left behind. “Actually… I went and got your clothes for you. I was sure you wanted them back.”

Smolder looks at the bag before giving an annoyed look at him. She takes the dresses from his bag and inspects them. As she checks each one, she finds some unfamiliar dresses amongst the collection.

“Wait, these aren’t mine...” Smolder pointed out.

“No, I had them made for you,” Valiant informed her. “I remember back then, you helped pick out my clothes too. So, I thought I’d do the same for you.”

Smolder looks at one purple dress with a yellow lining complimenting the colors. A soft green dress that's puffy and full of frills. The last one was…

“Do you like it?” Valiant wondered. “I tried to pick colors you might like...”

Smolder looks at the last dress, wondering how it would look. She turns to Valiant and asks, “Would you… mind seeing how I would look in it?”

Valiant paused for a moment before giving a reassuring smile. “Sure.”

Smolder goes into her closet, putting on the new dress. Her knees are twitching and she’s sweating, being very nervous about what she was about to do.

‘What am I doing!?’ she thought to herself. ‘I don’t need to do this! He said it himself! Ugh… Would it be too late to tell him to go home?’

“Are you done changing in there?” Valiant asked.

“Don’t rush me!” She scolds him. Sighing, she emerges from the closet and shows her scarlet red dress. In good lighting, it has a distinct glimmer to it despite the simplicity of its design. Sleeveless, no frills, and shows the essence of the body more than other puffier dresses. The dress came with a pair of high heels and even came out wearing some blue eyeshadow and mascara as well.

“Wow... ” Valiant muttered.

“W-Well!?” She stammered. “W-What do you think!?”

“You look gorgeous,” he tells her. “And...”

“And…?” She whispers, her wings shaking in anticipation.

“You’re still a mighty dragon and wonderful companion,” he reminds her. “It’s okay you’re going to hide this side of you, but don’t hide it from yourself. It’s a burden to deny such a beautiful side of you.”

Smolder’s face turns red as her smile quivers and tears run down her face, ruining her mascara. She tries to hold herself together, but begins to cry after Valiant embraces her in comfort. As the dragon in the dress accepts this part of herself, her chest warms up as she gets close to the human in the dress.

“Ooooh! So that’s why Valiant was wearing a dress!” Twilight realized before taking another sip of her tea. Discord smiled, hearing about his work while Fluttershy was just happy that everything worked out.

“Wasn’t it sweet of him to go through all of that for his friends?” Fluttershy spoke so proudly of Valiant.

“The way the young lad was able to take the dress in stride was such a delight!” Discord chortled. “I can only imagine how fun it must have been when everyone saw that cute little outfit I made for him!”

“It’s good to know what’s been going on with the sudden shift like that! You must have also changed the way he talked and posed to make him look convincing!” Twilight sighed, finally having an answer to the strange behavior he presented.

“What?” Discord responded with confusion. “I only gave him a dress and made his hair a little longer.”

Twilight and Fluttershy stared at Discord as silence flooded the room.

Author's Note

Why did I write about a cross-dressing boy comforting a dragon?
I like to keep you on your toes.

Part 14 - Train

Prince Risen stares down at Smolder and her friends in the school. The six gave the Prince the stink eye as Chewka and Valiant stood by waiting patiently for the events to pass. Finally, he walks by each of them and hands out a letter of invitation.

“You are all cordially invited to the festival being held in Manehattan in the coming night,” the Prince tells them. “You’re expected to each have your own invitation to enter and behave in accordance to the instructions written in the invitations.”

“Thanks...” Smolder said disingenuously.

“Be grateful for Dragon Sl-... Valiant, for without him you would have no such opportunity.” He scoffed before quickly leaving them.

Once out of sight, the students quickly checked their letters of invitation. It included train tickets, a stay at a fancy hotel, and a Desert Rose pressed into a card.

“Ooh! It still has the smell!” Silverstream exclaimed.

“It pleases me to know that you’ll be accompanying Master Valiant to the Honorary Dune Star Cultural Exchange.” Chewka stated.

“So what’s there to do at the party?” Yona asked Valiant.

“I believe we’ll be seeing traditional activities and goods from my homeland there.” Valiant answered. “There’ll be dancing and lots of food. Food that I honestly would… prefer not to eat.”

“Why’re they holding it in Manehattan?” Gallus questioned.

“This culture exchange may attract some businesses to purchase our homeland’s goods. We hope to build an economical standing here and fund our tribe.” Chewka answered.

“This sounds pretty exciting! I’ve never been to Manehatten before!” Ocellus mentioned.

“I heard they have a lot of places to shop!” Silverstream thought about all of the restaurants she could eat at with Valiant. “We should get a guide to the city!”

“So! You’re all going to Manehattan!” Twilight deduced as she and Spike entered their conversation.

“That’s correct Miss Twilight,” Valiant confirmed. “Prince Risen is holding it there to show more of our culture.”

“I see!” Twilight nodded. “While you’re there, be sure to respect your chaperones and follow them closely.”

“Don’t worry guys!” Spike saluted them. “I’ll keep you safe!”

“Extra help is always welcome,” Chewka said to his chaperone partner.

“Ooh! I can’t wait until we go!” Silverstream said in excitement.

“I hope they have some gems I can sink my teeth into!” Smolder thought.

“I’m just glad we can get some time to ourselves when we head over there,” Gallus sighed in relief.

“Oh? I did hear that you’ll be staying there for a while,” Twilight smiled. “You weren’t perhaps thinking just because you won’t be at school for a while that you wouldn’t have any assignments during your personal break, did you?”

The seven students' eyes shrank as Twilight levitated piles of papers and folders consisting of projects and homework from each of their classes. They shrieked in terror as it flew right above them.

The students were riding in the train, their bodies lying on the seats and the floor after managing to pack their personal belongings. This included their mountain of work to be done during their stay in Manehattan. Chewka remains firm, standing by the end of the train next to the emergency exit. The only one who wasn’t clonked out was Valiant who was still diligently looking over the papers carefully.

“You actually have the energy to do all of that?” Sandbar muttered from his near-dead state.

“It isn’t the worst thing to have happened to me,” Valiant stated. “I much prefer these over the missions in the desert.”

“Hey! All of the expenses are paid for, right?” Smolder asked Chewka who nodded to confirm her curiosity. “Sweet! Let’s get some lunch!”

“Oh! What should we get?” Sandbar wondered.

“Yona wants food too!” She shouted.

“Fancy Train food, Valiant!” Silverstream screamed at him in excitement as she grabbed his shoulders. “We HAVE to eat there!”

As the students gather their energy to check out the dining car, Chewka taps Spike’s shoulder to get his attention. “Please accompany them to make sure they don’t cause trouble. I’ll remain here and watch over their belongings.”

“Roger that!” Spike saluted to the human adult, happy to go and eat with the others.

The kids raced off passing through the train cars, passing by rich folk of nobility or business owners. Valiant was taking his time to see the surroundings of the train to see the passengers had quite the coin purse with them. Some of the well dressed ponies had their own guard with them.

The ponies with combed manes and some with wigs were quite bothered by the students running through the train cars. As Valiant reached the dining car with his friends, he saw that the private train was quite different with all of the patterned vases and chandeliers in the room. The tables were spaced away from each other giving each guest plenty of elbow space. As Valiant took his seat amongst his companions, he saw that the spacious table had several eating utensils for each of them.

“This place sure is something,” Valiant noted.

“I think it’s kind of stuffy,” Smolder retorted. “Why do we need three different spoons and three different forks?”

“I think some of the utensils are more well suited for certain dishes,” Ocellus explained.

“Does it make them taste better?” Silverstream wondered.

“Doubtful,” Gallus responded in a dry tone.

The waiter approaches their table with a menu on hoof. He gives it to each of the students and their chaperone, Spike. “What will you be having with us on this trip?”

“Do you have any gems?” Spike asked the unamused waiter. “No?”

“Hey, what’s the most expensive thing you got on this car?” Smolder asked with a smirk, milking the trip’s generosity.

“Do you have anything sweet?” Valiant wondered.

The kids eventually decided on what they wanted to eat and prompted the waiter to tell the chefs. As they waited for their food, they discussed their plans upon reaching Manehattan.

“There’s a lot of places we can’t find in Ponyville there!” Sandbar informed them. “There’s a Dance club, a Fashion show, and even a Little Las Pegasus!”

“Those sound like places older ponies would go to,” Gallus commented.

“A Dance club!?” Silverstream exclaimed. “Does that mean they have a lot of music!? We should totally go there!”

“Sounds like it’ll be a racket,” Smolder retorts. She looked away and thought about one of the places mentioned earlier however.

As the kids were talking, Valiant overheard a conversation nearby. One of the glamorously dressed rich ponies was making complaints behind their back.

“Out of all the days we ride first class, some pony brings their children?” He sneers.

“Oh please, them?” His mare remarked. “There’s only one colt with them. Any pony who would have children like them must be out of their mind.”

“Perhaps they're riding first class for some kind of show. I heard the zoo is open in Manehattan today.”

Valiant glared at the laughing ponies before realizing his friends had overheard them as well. They all seemed to have quieted down and looked pretty glum. Smolder and Gallus were more annoyed than depressed however.

“Maybe we should bring our food to our car...?” Ocellus suggested. Spike Pats her on the back to comfort her.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Smolder declared. “If they have a problem with us, they’ll say it in front of our faces.”

Valiant smiled at Smolder’s bravado. “She’s right. They just don’t know how great you all really are.”

His companions smiled with renewed vigor with Ocellus and Silverstream blushing slightly. The waiter finally returns with their food, and the group begins to chow down.

In the air was a flying contraption resembling that of a ship. It’s hull and frame is made of metal with a massive balloon carrying the vessel. It’s propelling fan blades roar as they whirl the body forward. On this mechanical monstrosity were beings standing on two feet. They come wearing roguish outfits with pirate coats and saggy pants. Boots and sandals with some wearing tricorn hats and bandannas to fit their bandit image.

“Bunch of rich folk on that one,” One of the crewmen stated. “Ponies AND a train of good stuff!”

“Don’t forget that there are bodyguards there as well,” the purple anthropomorphic cat captain reminded his subordinates. His eyes of gleaming gold on his left and sapphire blue on his right inspected his men and their readiness. He pulls out a red telescope from his matching red captain’s coat with gold trim to check on the train and the distance. He grins as he knows how to safely take what they need.

“Hey, you’re not gonna just cut back on the plan just because of a few measly guards, are you Whiskers?” His gray wolf partner in crime questioned. She had deep blue eyes and a blue bandana with a vertical striped shirt. She takes out her own blue telescope from her black shorts and counts the cars of the train. “One, two, FIVE trains of ponies that Vergo would absolutely love to pay for.”

“We don’t have the time or the luxury to house all of those hostages onto our ship,” He reminded her sternly. “Too many live cargo, especially if they can fight back, will have the opposite effect of what we want.”

“Ah, but if they can fight back, they sell even better!” She stated, hoping to taunt him into her way of handling the skirmish.

The captain sighs and says, “Only if they’re good catches. If it’s just some snobbish equine, they’ll be more of a nuisance with their wailing than they’re worth. We want something unique.”

She smiles proudly and salutes her captain much more respectful than a moment ago. “Aye aye, Captain Shade!”

Shade smirks as he looks to the train getting closer and closer. “At ease, Graya.”

“Alright, I’m stuffed,” Smolder stated, satisfied with the meal. “I’m gonna head back and take a nap.”

“There’s still so much we haven’t tried yet!” Silverstream informed Valiant. “Look at all of these cakes!”

The human eyes the decorative and delicious looking treats, making his mouth water. “... I suppose trying them all wouldn’t hurt.”

“Well you two do that,” Gallus says, holding back a chuckle. “We’re going back to our car.”

“Um… See you guys later!” Ocellus waves.

Spike walked with the kids back to their train car. Silverstream and Valiant look over the menu to see what they’re going to eat next.

As Spike’s group walks through two cars, they start to notice something strange.

“What’s that noise?” Gallus pointed out.

Meanwhile, over at the student’s car, Chewka looks up at the ceiling, pondering at what was so close to the train.

Above the train was the flying ship right above the roof. Captain Shade called his men to go into their respective groups.

“You’ll strike from the back of the train!” He tells one group of an anthropomorphic pig, a diamond dog, and a lizardfolk.

He points to Graya and her two men. “You take the front. My team will be in the middle.”

Everyone in the dining car began looking up at the ceiling. Silverstream and Valiant exchanged concerned looks. Moments later, the windows crash open and in comes Graya with two of her Diamond Dogs. The pony guard brought out their spear and rushed the three intruders. Graya then puts on metal gauntlets, reaches out to the spear and pulls it from the guard’s mouth. She then kicks him in the head to knock him out. The snobbish passengers screamed as Valiant brought Silverstream behind him.

“Alrights, hands… I mean, hoofsies up!” She orders them. “Don’t worry, we’ll mostly be taking just your valuables. If you’re good, maybe we won’t just take you too!”

Over at the car where the rest of the students were was being infiltrated as well. The ceiling is cut open by two lizardfolk and enters the room as they loom over the kids. The door between the cars was opened and enters the scene was Captain Shade.

“Don’t struggle and we’ll take it easy on you all.” He tells the passengers.

Meanwhile, Chewka watches as the bipedal pig, Diamond Dog, and Lizardman bursts into the room through the windows. The three check the human and smile menacingly.

“Whoa, look at that!” the pig calls out. “We’re SURE to get paid well for selling that!”

“Hey, give yourself up easy, alright?” The Diamond Dog suggested.

“We don’t want to damage the merchandise,” the lizardman stated.

Chewka takes out two white gloves and equips them onto his hands. “Anything else you’d like to tell me while I punish you three?”

Over in the dining car, the rich ponies were obediently lined up against the wall as they gave up all of their bits on hand and any jewelry. Graya kept kicking the tables over to weed out any hiders as she inspects each and every pony to determine their worth. Valiant and Silverstream stood by the wall, hoping not to get noticed.

“What do we do?” Silverstream asked Valiant.

Valiant checked the situation, understanding that they may just be robbers. He and Silverstream don’t have anything on hand that has value, so he may be able to talk things out. However, they’re armed and were able to take out a guard in a single stroke. If worst comes to shove…

Valiant pulls Silverstream back. “I won’t let them harm you.”

Silverstream calms down a bit, seeing that Valiant has remained strong for her. As Graya walks past the robbed riches, she looks at the Hippogryph and Human.

“Well! Color me surprised!” She exclaims as she checks the two out. “You’re not like us… Bipedal, no fur, shaved monkey?”

Valiant remains silent, eyeing the wolf girl. One of the Diamond Dogs raises their paw. “I think it’s one of them humans from the pony news!”

“Humans!” She says the name out loud, a disturbing shivering emanates as she holds herself tightly. “Those guys are rare. As rare as Hippogriffs who only recently came out of hiding! Speaking of which...”

She walks over to Silverstream, her eyes dig into her soul as she smiles menacingly. “You’re a Hippogriff, aren’t you?”

Silverstream’s eyes shrink as she backs up even further. Graya laughs maniacally, completely pleased by the results. “I came here thinking maybe one or two ponies would be worth taking with us, only to find a JACKPOT! A Human and a Hippogriff outside of their isolated turfs! Oh, sweet poetic justice!”

She simmers down from her happy gushing moment before she flicks her hand to the two. “Take em’. Wrap them up and put them in the ship.”

One of the Diamond Dogs grabs Silverstream’s arms and pulls out a rope from his belt. Silverstream screamed as Graya began walking to the next car. Two loud cracks followed by a thud from each echoes across the room. Before Graya could even pull the door handle, she turns around and sees Valiant in his battle phase. The Diamond Dog accomplices were knocked out and on the ground.

“Oh?” She grins at the human boy. “We got a fighter now, do we?”

The guards of the wealthy ponies attacked Shade, only to be thwarted as he slithers through their attacks and taps their throat. He knocks out the guards and holds his chin, thinking of their performance.

“Mmm, ten for effort, two for execution,” He taunts the unconscious ponies. He looks up to see a baby dragon, a teenage dragon, a griffon, a changeling, a Yak, and a pony together. He smiles and rubs his chin some more. “Well now… What do we have here?”

Author's Note

You know, I almost completely forgot that those anthropomorphic creatures from that movie were a thing.

And the fact that there was unicorn horns and ponies literally being sold. Which is pretty weirdly dark considering that it was a movie for MLP.

Part 15 - Shade

In the dining car, the ponies hid in the corners and behind the tables as Valiant faced off with Graya. The two clash fists, pushing them both back from the force. Valiant shakes his hand a bit, due to the hardness of Graya’s gauntlets. Silverstream stood at the side, making sure not to get caught in the crossfire.

“You’re pretty tough!” Graya commented. “I really wanna see if I can sell you off big when we hit Khugetown!”

She attacks once more with a fast right. Valiant grabs her arm and throws her whole body over him and onto the ground. The ponies were shocked to see such power, but Silverstream knew all too well how dependable Valiant was and began cheering.

“Yeah! You got this Valiant!”

Graya rolls away and gets back on her two feet. She looks at the human and smirks. “Valiant, huh? That’s a pretty Equestrian name you got there. That must mean you’ve been living around these parts, huh?”

Valiant remains focused and untalkative. Graya shakes her head at him. “Hey, I get it. Rude to talk about names when you don’t have mine yet, huh? It’s Graya in case you were curious.”

Valiant speeds down the room and throws another punch, only to be blocked by Graya’s gauntlets. Graya then took the chance to grapple Valiant and knees him in the gut, causing him to cough from the impact. She went even further and smashed his back with her elbow before grabbing his waist and throwing him to the wall. Valiant coughed some more as he struggled to get up from the combination of moves. The wolf girl walked up to him and leaned over, looking down at the injured boy.

“What? Still got nothing to say?” She belittles the boy. “Come on, if you behave, maybe I’ll give you a walk after I tie you up.”

Valiant slowly rose up and said, “I hate those gloves.”

He goes on the offensive again, but this time at full throttle. He strikes at Graya who blocks his attacks with her gauntlets. He doesn’t let up and continues hitting harder and faster, not letting her do anything else but shield herself from his attack. Underneath his clothes, his markings glow and his fist finally breaks apart the gauntlet. In her shocked state, Graya was unable to do anything as Valiant struck her stomach and sent her flying across the room. Graya was down and out. The ponies cheered as Silverstream went to check on Valiant.

“Are you alright?” she asked him.

“I’m fine,” he sighs. “Those gauntlets took some getting used to.”

The car from the back rumbles, catching their attention. Silverstream and Valiant knew this wasn’t the end just yet.

Ocellus transforms into a giant bear to attack Shade. The violet cat doesn’t falter and rams his shoulder into her, causing the transformation to cease. She’s thrown backwards before being caught by Gallus. Yona charges at Shade only for him to dodge it and be pushed by his foot, making her hit the floor. Sandbar and Spike jump at Shade, but are swept aside by his two hands.

“Quite remarkable how different each of you are, and yet work together so well,” Shade compliments them. “Yes, you’ll suffice. Your unique traits will net you a fine price.”

Smolder breathed fire at Shade, forcing him to back off.

“Stay away from my friends you creep!” Smolder tells the cat.

Shade smiles at the dragon girl and gestures her to go at him. She takes the taunt with claws swiping at him. He takes a step back to dodge the attack, but Smolder flaps her wings to catch up to him and manages to dig her claws into his arms. He flinches as he swipes back to force Smolder to retreat. He looks at the gashes on his coat’s sleeves and nods at this.

“Oh yes, you’ll be perfect,” He tells her.

Smolder flies at him again, believing she had the upper hand. She swipes her claws, but he swerves to the side and hits her with his claw, pushing her aside. Smolder attempts to make a comeback with fire, but as she inhaled in the brief moment, Shade took out a ball and stuffed it in her mouth. The ball pops and releases a mist down her throat. She falls on the floor and on her knees, coughing harshly.

“That stuff is great at extinguishing a fire,” He tells her before snapping his fingers. The lizardfolk responded and picked up Smolder off the ground, tired from the sudden mist release. “Put her in the ship.”

As the lizardmen were following orders, the car’s door suddenly opened. Valiant analyzes the room to see his friends have been downed and Smolder was being carried away by the lizardfolk with a cat man standing in the center of the room. His eyes burn red with fury as he aims for the two lizardmen. Shade gets in his way and strikes his head, sending him up in the air. Valiant crashes down as Shade blocks him away from the Lizardmen who are currently climbing up the hole in the ceiling with Smolder in tow. He breathes heavily as he looks at the situation.

“Listen here, creature,” the violet cat tells him. “I want that dragon. She’s a good fighter, and I don’t plan to sell that.” Shade leans in close to Valiant and says, “I plan to keep her. Strength like that is more useful in my crew. If you don’t want to get sold in Khugetown, you best stay down.”

Valiant grabbed his collar and kneed his face in. As Shade winced in pain, the human boy quickly grabbed the cat’s coat and threw Shade at the lizardmen, causing them to fall down. Valiant rushes over and grabs Smolder before she could even hit the floor. Smolder coughed into her claw and looked at Valiant weakly. “Val…?”

“It’s okay,” he tells her. The lizardman however was back up, and grabbed Valiant’s throat before throwing him to another lizardman to hold him in place. He was then punched repeatedly in the stomach before Shade held up his hand to get them to stop. “Send him to me,” he ordered them.

The lizardmen complied and pushed Valiant towards Shade. He looks up from his daze as the catman gestures Valiant to fight. “Well, what are you waiting for? Go at me like you just did just now.”

Valiant shook his head and refocuses on the violet cat. He takes a deep breath and digs deep to pull out all of the stops. He rushes at Shade, quickly punching left and right. When Shade countered, Valiant zips past him, appearing behind him instantaneously. Valiant strikes the cat from that back of his neck. The captain turns around, holding his neck in pain. He was smiling, almost enjoying this. Valiant went in further and attacked his face. Upon the cat backing up to dodge the blow, Valiant quickly ducked and performed a leg sweep to trip him. When the cat fell to the floor, he could see Valiant flipping in the air before diving his knee at him. Shade dodges and watches the human’s knee burrow into the floor. Valiant stands up with no broken knee on him.

“Impressive!” Shade compliments the human. “Marvelous combination! A rare species with a unique flexibility in combat! You’ve passed.”

Valiant raises an eyebrow at Shade’s comments. “Passed?”

“You’re perfect for my crew,” He explains. “It’d be wasteful to sell you off for a bit of coin.”

“You sound so sure you’re going to take anyone here under my watch.” Valiant sneered.

“Oh, believe me when I say I’ve done this a while,” Shade informs him. “Everyone here thought they wanted nothing to do with me. But I worked with them long enough to reach an understanding. You’re no different since you are capable of so much more.”

“Not going to happen,” Valiant stated as he readied his fists.

Shade smiles as he snaps his fingers. The lizardmen suddenly grab Valiant and hold him while Shade punches him in the stomach once more. Valiant was holding out as Shade kept trying to render him unconscious. In moments, Silverstream smashes a chair at one of the lizardmen, releasing Valiant from his grasp and allowing him to continue fighting Shade. The other lizardman tried to go after Valiant but was rammed by Yona and kicked in the face by Sandbar’s drop kick. Spike got behind Shade and blew fire at his buttocks. The Captain yelped as he jumped away only to get his face thwacked by Gallus flying at him. Shade held his face in pain and realized the kids were up and about, causing a pandemonium. It was impossible to go on anymore than he had planned. As the kids fought the attackers, Graya emerged from the door.

“Captain!” she calls out. “We’ve taken two ponies, but we also spotted royal soldiers headed this way!”

Shade clicks his tongue at the news. “Then let’s retreat.” He says as he goes to the other side of the car. He opens the door and cuts the chains between the cars. The passengers from the cars in the back were screaming as they were being disconnected as Shade and his men left the car. Valiant quickly grabbed onto the other car and held the two together, glaring at the smiling Shade as Graya got onboard the ship in possession of two innocent snobby ponies.

“They’re taking the passengers!” Sandbar called out.

Valiant was too preoccupied to hold the trains together. The other students, seeing this dilemma, take action. Yona helped Valiant hold the cars together. Sandbar went to the conductor and alerted him to slow down the train while Silverstream flew Ocellus to the roof of the train. She mustered her energy and transformed into a Hydra, each mouth grabbing hold of the escaping ship. Shade and his crew struggled to even keep the two ponies as Smolder and Gallus closed in on them. The royal soldiers seemed to be getting close and the train was slowing down to a nearing halt with the Hydra hanging onto both the train and air ship. With the damages to the ship and being pressed on time forced, Shade was forced to release the ponies who fell into the talons and claws of Gallus and Smolder. With the two ponies successfully rescued, Ocellus released the airship right before the crewman tried to attack her. The ship flees, while not empty handed, frustrated at what they had left behind.

The train makes a full stop, rescuing everyone and preventing the cars from the back from being left behind. The wealthy duo who had insulted the students from before looked up to see the kids stand triumphantly.

Smolder leaned in close and teased the slanderers. “Aren’t you glad we saved you before you got sold to a zoo?”

The rich folk nodded furiously in gratitude. The kids gave a weary smile at their victory.

The train finally reaches Manehattan. The kids had waited at the train for it to make repairs to the chain to reconnect the cars. Hours longer than they had expected the ride to be. Even Valiant was exhausted to the point of collapsing on the floor with everyone else. As they lay down with little energy remaining in their bodies, Chewka drags the Diamond Dog, pig, and lizard to the authorities with Spike resting on Chewka’s shoulder. Their faces were full of pulps and black eyes. Once that was taken care of, chewka went over to the students.

“It’s time to rise and shine,” He informed the group. “Your bags aren’t going to carry themselves to the carriage.”

They all groan in misery as the day wasn’t even done yet.

Author's Note

Welp
I ran out of written parts in my reserve.
Let's cross our fingers and hope tomorrow's part is delivered.

Quick Edit: Smashes a chair at one of the lizardmen
geez, how did that happen?

Part 16 - City

The gang finally catches a break after they move into their hotel room and unpacked their belongings. Ocellus, Yona, and Sandbar were reading out pamphlets of tourist attractions and shopping centers to visit. As they did, Smolder and Gallus were just lying around on the couch, still resting from the spindle of events. Valiant remained vigilant on his assignments, clearing up two folders full of papers.

“There’s a shopping district nearby!” Ocellus showed the others, garnering their attention. They look at the assortment of pictures located in the district. “It has all sorts of stores! Clothes, restaurants, book stores, even a movie theater!”

“A what?” Valiant spoke up, looking away from his papers. “What’s a movie theater?”

“Oh! I know what it is!” Silverstream claimed. “It’s a magical moving picture that talks and makes sounds!”

“Well, you’re not wrong...” Sandbar admitted. He looks to the curious Valiant, saying “You should try it though! There’s a lot of great movies out right now.”

“That does sound interesting,” Valiant thought aloud.

“So what are we gonna do today?” Gallus wondered.

“Yona wants to go outside and see the city!” Yona exclaimed.

“It’d be kind of a waste to sit inside all day,” Ocellus noted.

“Really? I wouldn’t mind lounging around for a while,” Smolder stated.

As they discuss further on their trip, Chewka enters the room. The kids look to him as he has an announcement to make. “My services have been requested to help with preparations for the upcoming Dune Star Cultural Exchange. I will be unavailable for the day, so please make sure you’re accompanied by Spike if you plan to see the city.”

Chewka bows before taking his leave. The kids look at each other before Sandbar declares their plans. “Okay! As soon as Spike is out of the shower, let’s go to the shopping district!”

“What about me?” Spike questioned as he opened the door, steam exiting the bathroom as he comfortably wears a towel over his head and around his body.

The group sets out to the shopping district with Spike reading the map and guiding them there. They enter the shopping district which has all kinds of ponies wearing so many different styles. Some had hats, many had shirts, the tourists had cameras hanging off their neck, and the more extravagant equines had necklaces and jewelry. The kids were in awe and amazement at the big city before them.

“How come so many ponies here wear clothing, yet most of them aren’t wearing pants?” Valiant questioned.

“Maybe it’s just uncomfortable,” Sandbar assumed.

“Have you worn pants before?”

“Well, once. It’s not really me.”

Silverstream grabbed both of the two boys in each of an arm hug as she gasped at the Carrot Dog stand. She dragged the two over to it and took a closer look at it.

“Carrots in bread?” Valiant described it with a raised eyebrow.

“Those are called Carrot Dogs!” Sandbar tells him.

“Carrot Dogs!?” Silverstream repeated. “They look really good!”

“Wait, why are they called Carrot Dogs?” Valiant questioned, but was given a carrot dog before he could get an answer.

“Do you want any condiments on it?” Sandbar asked. “They have ketchup, mustard, and relish.”

“You add additional ingredients after it’s already been served?”

“Oh! Like salt and pepper!” Silverstream assumed.

Valiant held his chin, wondering about this strange food and its name origin. Deciding that it was better not to think too hard on it, he put in a bit of all of the condiments. Silverstream received the bottle of ketchup and tried to squeeze it out. However, there seemed to have been very little left, as the contents swished inside but nothing was coming out. She squeezed with more force until a blob of it came out and splashed Yona’s cheek. Silverstream covered her mouth in shock of what just happened. “Whoops! Sorry Yona!”

Yona slurps the ketchup off of her and hummed at what she had tasted. “Mmm! Yona likes ketchup!”

The group laughed and had a good time eating by the stand. They traveled further into the city and gazed at the displays beyond the window panes. Glimpses of ornaments and figurine souvenirs catch the eyes of the Changeling and Hippogriff. The group enters to satisfy their curiosity for what was inside.

Silverstream zips from shelf to shelf, looking at the pony figurines and the toys ranging from bags of marbles to the thunder clouds in a bottle. She scans her selection carefully before deciding on one that made her giddy with excitement.

Ocellus was more intrigued by the more complex and involving products. The model kits of miniature carriages and scale models of buildings. She was set on the kit that was pretty big. It wasn’t too troublesome for her to bring it to the register, but it did tumble to a shelf, knocking some boxes down..

Valiant takes a look at the postcards they had on the card rack. Understanding that they were for messages, he thinks about telling Fluttershy how he’s doing since she’s still at Ponyville. He purchases one with a picture of a basket of rabbits, knowing that would be something she would probably like.

Valiant places his postcard alongside Silverstream’s bracelet kit and Ocellus’s Model building kit. The two girls smile at Valiant, each of them having their own plans on what to do with them and just so happens to involve their human friend.

After leaving the store, they notice the entrance to the movie theater showing off dazzling lights around the titles of movies being shown currently. Posters of the movies in theater and upcoming blockbusters. Most of the students have never been to a movie theater, and Valiant has yet to be introduced to any particular films yet as well.

Sandbar easily notices their curiosity and suggests seeing one for later. “Hey, why don’t we go buy some tickets to see one?”

Valiant tilts his head upon hearing him. “We have to buy tickets to see one of these movies?”

“You have to pick a movie you wanna see!” Spike explains. “Let’s get in line! It’s still short right now!”

Spike runs to the queue for the tickets with the others catching up behind him. As they waited with half a dozen ponies in front of them, Sandbar brought up an important question.

“So, what movie do you want to see?” he asked.

“Is there a difference?” Valiant wondered.

“Well, movies tell stories, so they’re kind of like books but ponies act them out.”

“They have ponies act out a story!?” Silverstream gasped.

“Wait, aren’t those plays?” Gallus pointed out.

Sandbar sighed and began telling them the intricate methods they use to record ponies and places at different times. A lot of the talk went into magic and specially enchanted cameras that can take hundreds of pictures very quickly. Valiant and Ocellus seemed to have the idea while the rest of them just kept nodding, already regretting that they let this lecture drag on.

“And that’s all you need to know,” Sandbar said with a somewhat proud smirk, able to show off his movie knowledge.

“Oh! Oh! Yona has a question!” She said, gaining the disturbed looks of Gallus and Smolder who were worn out from listening to the tutorial of movies.

“Sure! What is it?”

“What movie are we going to watch?”

The others looked to the movie posters and began gauging what they would prefer to see. Valiant noticed the poster with the stallion and a sword being held with his mouth, making him curious about the ways ponies fight. Yona was calling out the movie poster with vibrant colors with fillies and colts in the front, signifying the child-friendly nature of the film. Gallus was liking the look of the mare standing off with the stallion with a mischievous mustache, which seemed to be a story about heroes and villains. Lastly, there was one film that had Ocellus and Silverstream fix their eyes on. A poster with a stallion and a mare sitting together in a sunset while sitting on a bench titled: ‘How to win their hearts’.

“Well, any winners?” Sandbar wondered.

“I’m liking that one right there,” Gallus pointed to the one that caught his eye earlier.

“That looks exciting,” Valiant assumed, judging by the dynamic angle of the poster. “Looks like there’s going to be action in it.”

“Yaks love action!” Yona agreed, hearing the promise of a thrilling epic.

Silverstream and Ocellus were pretty dissatisfied by how it was being tallied out so far. They looked to Smolder, assuming she was going to pick the hero action film as well, but she seemed to be torn by her choices. Little did they know, Smolder was also considering seeing the romance film as well. She was considering that it might be a good chance to take some notes on the topic, a curiosity that peaked in her mind a while back before they took the train to Manehattan.

“Smolder?” Valiant called out, snapping her out of her trance. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing!” She responded quickly. She clears her throat and tries to play it cool. “I’m fine with whatever.”

“Then I guess we’re watching the Striking Mare!” Sandbar announced, the three selectors giving a hurrah while the other three sighed. The group bought their tickets and had time to spend until the movie started. They continue their travels throughout the city and see more of what it has to offer.

On the way to another store, Smolder notices a display of outfits through the glass of the shop. Valiant notices her attention stuck on that for a while. He bumps her on the shoulder and says they can check it out when the others aren’t around. Smolder punches him on the shoulder, not wanting to bring it up when they’re in public where someone may overhear them. Despite her annoyance with the human, she agrees to the suggestion.

Their wandering leads them to see an entrance to some sort of club. Perhaps one of those clubs for dancing, drinking, and mainly for adults. Silverstream gets excited, but Spike warns them not to go in there, as forewarned by Twilight Sparkle in his list of what not to do. The students groaned, but Valiant lets out a bemused chuckle at their reaction.

The group takes a break near an ice cream shop. They each purchase their own cone, having a nice cold treat after walking around in a hot and crowded city. Yona was wafting the air to her face to create a small breeze. The heat seemed to have little effect on Smolder and Valiant who were just sitting and taking the rays of the sun easily. Spike was getting so tired, he was considering placing the ice cream right onto his hot noggin.

“Maybe we should find someplace with some shade,” Ocellus panted, trying to ventilate herself.

“How are you two taking this weather so well?” Gallus questioned Valiant and Smolder.

“Desert,” Valiant reminded him.

“Dragon lands,” Smolder reminded him as well.

“Why don’t we wait at the theater?” Spike suggested. “That should be a great place to relax, especially since the movie will start in a few hours.”

With everyone in agreement or at least not against the idea, they gather their strength and move towards the direction of where the theater was. As they began crossing the various roads, a sudden increase of ponies began taking over the streets. It was apparently rush hour and the ponies were either coming from work or going to work. The group was disoriented as ponies were moving by quickly, rudely shoving and even kicking as they were trying to make their way to their destinations while the students were just trying not to get seperated.

“Spike!? Where’d you go?” Smolder questioned.

“Down here!” He replied, reaching his claw out from the crowd.

“Here! Grab my hoof!” Sandbar spoke out.

Valiant reached out and grabbed hold of a hoof. Yona and Ocellus managed to reach out to each other as well. Sandbar and Silverstream held hoof and talon and Gallus took Spike out of the sea of ponies. They begin making their way out of the crowd and reach a spot where no one was passing through.

“Phew!” Sandbar sighed. “Rush hour kicked in sooner than I thought.”

“I couldn’t fly out of there on my own!” Spike stated.

Ocellus swept her brow, glad to have gotten out of the sudden avalanche of equines. “Good thing we all got out of there.”

Yona looks around the group and notices something wrong. “Where’s Valiant?”

The group looks around and realizes that their tall human friend was nowhere among them. A cold shill rises as they realize their awkward and somewhat oblivious friend has gone missing from the crowd.

“Oh no!” Spike screamed. “He’s missing!”

“VALIANT!” Silverstream called out at the top of her lungs. “Where’d you go!?”

“Does he have his own map?” Sandbar asked Spike. The little dragon shook his head. The group were becoming more concerned.

“Okay, how about Yona and Sandbar go to the movie theater and wait just in case he makes it back on his own? The rest of us can fly around and look for him to cover more ground!” Smolder planned out.

“That’s a great idea!” Ocellus grinned happily at the well thought idea.

“Okay, we’ll head there right now!” Sandbar told them. Yona and Sandbar nodded as they quickly ran to the theater. The rest of the fliers gave a quick nod before splitting up to search for the lost human boy.

Valiant took a good long look at the mare whose hoof he had been holding onto before he realized it wasn’t Sandbar. The mix up must’ve occured when he reached out and grabbed the wrong pony. The blue mare pulled her hoof out of his grasp, something that Valiant quickly did as well.

“Get your dirty paws off of me!” She shouted in disgust.

“My apologies,” he said to her. “I thought you were someone else.”

“Well, watch who you’re grabbing next time!” she shouted once more before grumbling off to the street. Valiant took a look around and realized that he had accidentally followed that mare into an alleyway of some sort. He had lost his way back, not sure of how he got into such a place.

He held his chin as he thought of how to find the others. Supposedly, he could head to the theater as he had planned with the others. The issue with that was that there was no way he could tell where he was or what to use to tell him which way was the theater. He looks up and thinks about climbing the buildings and get a better perspective of the town from up there. He rubbed his hands together and began climbing up by carefully placing his fingers into the gaps between the brickwork. By the time he reaches the third story, a stallion opens the window and scolds the boy.

“Hey! Get your grubby things off my apartment!” he shouts, shocking Valiant and caused him to lose his grip. He falls down into a rose bush, rump first. He emerges from his painful thorny landing while the pony who yelled at him went back inside and closed the windows. Valiant gave a long sigh before another pony went up to him.

“Excuse me, sir,” she says to Valiant. He turns to see the mare wearing a police uniform. “I’m gonna need you to come with me and tell me what you were doing on that gentlemen’s building.”

“Are you the law enforcer of this city?” Valiant inquired. The police officer nodded, confirming by showing her badge. “Don’t cause any trouble and just come with me. If you behave, this will go smoothly.”

Valiant complied, not wishing to cause trouble or interference with the law enforcement. The police officer guided him through the maze-like city, taking many turns and returning him out to the open districts. Upon reaching the station, Valiant was taken to a room where he was seated by the police officer. Told to stay put, he waited patiently for the mare to return. It wasn’t long before she returned with a stallion in a trenchcoat beside her.

“Is this the guy?” the stern looking stallion questioned. He had a scowl, reflecting his suspicions on the bipedal before him.

“I’m not sure,” the mare replied. “He matches the description and he was caught doing something out of the ordinary. However, he seemed to have complied with my instructions without as much as a fuss.”

“Hmm...” the stallion scratched his chin, looking closely at Valiant. He looked at the boy’s face and had a hunch based on the lack of aged wrinkles. He realizes that this is probably a child, somewhere in his late teens, but a child nonetheless. “Where are you from?”

“I hail from the land known as Warpla. I’m currently on a trip with my friends who all attend the School of Friendship at Ponyville.”

“Well, he’s not the guy we’re looking for,” he told the officer, making her ease up just a bit. The stallion looks back at Valiant with that deductive eye. “What are you doing all alone in that part of the neighborhood though?”

“I was… separated from my friends,” Valiant told them. The stallion nodded in understanding. “I see,” he spoke more softly than before. “Do you know where they are?”

“We made plans to go to the movie theater together.”

“There’s a lot of movie theaters,” the police officer told him. “Do you know which one?”

Unfortunately, no matter how much Valiant tried to list out the features of what the theater looked like from the outside, they were unable to pinpoint a specific theater. There were a lot of movie theaters in Manehattan, and even when the police officer showed him a map, Valiant was unable to discern the specific location. The stallion in the trenchcoat gave a weary sigh. “Looks like we gotta deal with a lost kid. Why don’t you have him hang around the entrance while we get the paperwork done?”

The police officer nodded and guided the boy back to the entrance of the police department. He sat on another chair next to the large window where he can take a good look at the streets outside. The way the mare and stallion he met were so tense earlier made him wonder what they had thought when he came in. They mentioned that they were looking for someone.

“Were you looking for someone in particular?” Valiant asked the police officer.

She adjusts her sunglasses and nods. “Someone on a case. Don’t worry your pretty little head over it. We’re on the job.”

“Does this person happen to be a human like me?”

“Is that what you are?” She responded, somewhat surprised. “Well, you’re walking on two legs and you're a bit taller than ponies around here. Though, we’re looking for some creature older.”

“Why?”

The police officer looks at his curious gaze and contemplates how much she should be telling this human. He is young and is polite enough. She definitely wants to warn him in the case he finds that trouble so that he could avoid it, not wanting someone so young to get too involved. “Well, we’ve got reports on a bipedal creature skulking around town pony napping folks here and there. We have reason to believe that they’re creatures who came from a far away place, outside of Equestrian borders.”

“That’s concerning,” Valiant thought. “Do you have any leads?”

“Well, that’s the trouble,” she stated. “There’s an upcoming festival full of bipedal creatures visiting in a few days, not to mention some of the festival holders are here now to prepare it. The only leads we have is that this bipedal creature has scales. So we’re either dealing with dragons or lizardfolk.”

“I see.”

“Listen, if you see lizard people, avoid them and try to contact a police officer like me,” she warned him. “They’re dangerous and may even try to go after you as well.”

“I understand,” Valiant nodded. He looked at the mare and thought about how much she was willing to divulge the senstivie information towards him. Remembering that Fluttershy taught him that kindness can come in many forms and don’t always require anything in return. He understood that this mare was going a bit more out of her way for him, making him believe that she was a good creature. “May I ask for your name?”

The police officer looked at Valiant, still somewhat astonished by his mature and polite demeanor. Smiling at the well-mannered child, she answered. “Copper Top. Yours?”

“Valiant.”

The two exchange a respectful hand-to-hoof shake before the door suddenly opens. They turned to see a young blue griffon, panting and sweating from the long search for his friend.

“There you are!” Gallus breathed in relief. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

“Gallus…!” Valiant looked at his wheezing friend. It looked like he was searching frantically for him ever since they were seperated.

Gallus quickly caught his breath and refocused his attention to his human companion and the police mare. “What are you doing here? Did he do something wrong?”

“I caught your friend trying to scale a building,” Copper Top stated. “You ought to avoid doing that. It’ll upset the residents.”

“My apologies. I was only doing it hoping to get a better view of the town,” Valiant stated.

“Well, as long as you’re okay,” Gallus shrugged, reverting back to his more relaxed self. “Come on, we gotta head back to the others.”

Nodding in agreement, Valiant said his farewell to Copper Top. Valiant walked with Gallus outside before the blue griffon looked at the public clocks. “Oh crud! The movie is about to start!”

“We’ll just have to run to meet up with the others,” Valiant suggested. Gallus shook his head however at that plan. “That’ll take too long if we go around the buildings,” he warned him. Gallus began flapping his wings and flew above Valiant, reaching out his talons to his friend. “Grab on, I’ll fly us there.”

“Are you sure?” Valiant wondered.

“I may not be as fast as Professor Rainbow Dash, but I can still carry you around!” Gallus assured him. Not wanting to waste time, Valiant grabbed hold and the two took off. Gallus soared high above, and the two got a better view of the town. Valiant was amazed, not just looking at the view of the magnificent structures stretching up high, but how the air brushes his cheeks and flows through his dusty brown hair. Gallus was looking for the theater while Valiant was enjoying the ride. There was only a brief moment when he flew with Professor Rainbow back in the school fight, but this was the first time he flew while being able to enjoy it. He was somewhat guilty of feeling displeasure when the theater came into view and it was time to land. Gallus placed Valiant on the ground with all of his friends waiting for him. They all ran up to Valiant with Yona throwing her entire person onto the boy.

“Valiant made all of us worried!” She told the boy.

“My apologies. I was… misled, during our escape.” Valiant apologized.

“Come on! The movie’s about to start!” Sandbar warned them. “If we hurry, we'll have enough time to buy some snacks too!”

The kids quickly ran to the theater together, getting ready to see the movie together. For their first day in the city, it was full of enjoyable times together and promise of more to come.

Author's Note

My writing has been changing slightly. I hope it's not getting worse.

Part 17 - Slumber Party

“You win this round, Striker Mare!” the pony with the ridiculously long mustache shouted. “But I shall return! And this city will fall by my power!”

The villainous stallion flew away on an airship while the pony in a purple jumpsuit with yellow stripes stood proudly at her victory against her archnemesis. “I’ll be ready anytime you strike again!” she calls out triumphantly. “For I, am the Striking Mare!”

Gallu’s eyes felt like they were bleeding out of his skull. The movie turned out much cheesier than he had anticipated. With the fact that he goes to the School of Friendship, that’s saying something. He looked to his friends to analyze what sort of reaction they had. Most of them seemed to have enjoyed it, although Smolder looked like she was in the middle about the whole thing. Her expression was blank, a middle response between ‘that was cringey’ and ‘that was alright’. It was mostly Valiant’s thought on the movie that was more interesting. He had a dozen questions during several of the fight scenes and pointed out the flaws in some of the battles until he was asked to be quiet and courteous request from the fellow audience around him. He seemed to have been annoyed and even pointed out that the villain could have won several times if he had just used the powerful gem he had obtained halfway in the movie.

That was probably the highlight of his day. He’s never seen Valiant blow a fuse over something so trivial, even after reading books and listening to stories, it was this movie that got him on the edge of frustration. After the students left the building, Valiant was exhausted, holding it together.

Not wanting this movie to spoil the rest of the night for Valiant, he asked for his opinion. Mostly to help relieve stress. “So Valiant, what’d you think of the movie?”

“Huh? Oh...” Valiant muttered, not wanting to offend Gallus since it was his pick of the movie they went to. “It was… alright.”

“Don’t worry Valiant, you can tell me the truth,” he assured him. “To be honest, I didn’t like it that much.”

“What are you talking about, Gallus!?” Sandbar exclaimed. “That had to be, like, the most action packed film I’ve ever seen!”

“Yona liked the explosions! BOOM!” she cheered and raised her hooves to go along with the explosion she was making up.

“And did you see how colorful her clothes were!?” Silverstream pointed out.

“It was really flashy, wasn’t it?” Ocellus mentioned to Smolder.

“Huh? Uh, yeah,” Smolder shrugged. “I don’t know, it didn’t really look that good. It was okay I guess.”

“What I really liked was all of that fighting!” Spike stated. “They choreographed and planned out all of the battles really well!”

Gallus saw Valiant’s soul escape his body as he had to endure his petty frustrations from breaking out. The blue griffon had a chuckle in him as Valiant was still doing his best to be a well-mannered human boy.

Spike rubbed his eyes, looking pretty tired. His drowsiness began to spread to the others as the moon rose over them. The city lights were shining and guiding those who stayed on the main path to their destination. The kids traveled back to their hotel room, prepared to slumber for the night.

On their way, Gallus paused for just a moment. He looked down the alleyway near the hotel, peering into the darkness. Something down that path piqued his interest, but he remained vigilant and stuck with the others.

Upon reaching the hotel, the students and Spike flopped on the ground and the couch. It’s been a long first day and they still have a lot of time to explore the town and such. They were about to go to their beds and rest for the night until someone had a thought. One particular though that may turn the evening on its head.

“Hey!” Silverstream spoke, getting everyone's attention. “Isn’t this perfect for a slumber party!?”

“What?” Gallus spoke in a drowsy voice. “It’s already pretty late, shouldn’t we call it a night?”

“Yona wants a slumber party too!” she expressed with new energy when she heard the two words.

“What’s so different about sleeping in the same hotel room than sleeping in the same dorm?” Smolder questioned.

“Well, Valiant’s here!” Silverstream pointed out. “We’ve never slept in the same place before!”

“What’s a slumber party?” Valiant questioned.

“Oh, well, it’s when friends spend the night at the same place and do stuff like play games,” Ocellus explained.

“Like what?” Smolder questioned.

“Spike, do you know of any...” Sandbar looked over to see Spike totally clonked out. Apparently slumber parties weren't enough to excite the little dragon. The others gave a lighthearted giggle before Valiant brought the little drake to his bed and tucked him in for the night. Valiant returned to his eager companions and thus began their exchange of ideas.

“Why don’t we make friendship bracelets?” Silverstream suggested, showing off the kit she bought earlier that day.

“We can also try building this model of the Mare of Friendship right now!” Ocellus showed off her purchase as well, wanting to see what it would look like.

“I’m a bit too tired to do something so… crafty,” Smolder stated, dismissing their suggestions. “How about we try something more simple?”

“Like Truth or Dare?” Gallus thought.

“Or Spin the bottle?” Sandbar added, receiving a shocked look from Gallus and Smolder who knew what that game was about. The others were oblivious to the concept, but could see that Sandbar was already regretting putting that idea out. “Oh, I was just… kidding...”

“I have a bottle right here,” Valiant told them, taking out an empty glass container, trash he had yet recycled from the Movie theater. “What are we supposed to do with this?”

“Oh, uh…” Sandbar tapped his hooves together, wishing he could simply retract his dumb idea. It wasn’t just Valiant,, but three other friends who were about to be pulled into a silly filly game. “We, um… gather around the bottle and one creature would spin it. Whoever the bottle points to has to kiss the creature who spun it, vice versa.”

Silverstream and Ocellus were surprised that such a game existed! Pony culture really encourages others to get acquainted really fast. Yona didn’t see the appeal of the game. What was so fun about two creature’s kissing? Sandbar saw this as a chance to back out his idea until Silverstream realized what this was: A chance to try something with Valiant.

“Hey! Maybe we should play!” her outburst surprised the others as she waved to Valiant to put the bottle down. “Come on! It’ll be fun!”

Valiant shrugged and did as told. The others awkwardly circle around the bottle and loom over their decider of fate. Valiant looked around to see the others either being too embarrassed to spin it first or still bewildered by the concept, specifically Yona. Not wanting the night to just fizzle out when everyone was having their gusto return, he places his hand on the bottle.

“I guess I’ll go first since I had it to begin with.”

He spins it quickly and the bottle whirls around in the center. The others watched it’s movement carefully, Silverstream was biting her cheek while Smolder and Ocellus just realized Valiant was the one who spun it. The Changeling and the dragon stared carefully at the bottle as it began to slow down. Soon, it stopped completely. They look at the end of the bottle to see who it was pointing at.

“Yona is chosen!?” She exclaimed.

“Alright then,” Valiant said as he leaned over to the Yak. “Are we… supposed to kiss now?”

Sandbar was befuddled and was trying to prevent what was about to happen. Gallus rolled his eyes and said, “The cheek is fine, right everyone?”

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, just the cheek Valiant!” Sandbar said in a panic.

Valiant nodded and kissed Yona on the cheek. She jumped a bit in surprise at the human before giggling at him. “Ooh! Yona gets it now! Does Yona kiss Valiant on cheek too?”

Valiant looks to Sandbar for guidance, to which he stammers, “Y-Yeah, just the cheek! Since, you know, you’re only kissing cheeks. Yeah.”

Complying, Yona kisses Valiant on the cheek. The others, except for Gallus, were getting flustered. Yona and Valiant just seemed to be playing around with the game as instructed, not knowing that they’re getting some of their friends a bit too passionate for this activity.

“Alright, I’ll go next!” Sandbar yelled, almost in a war cry. He reached for the bottle and spun it. He began pleading to Princess Celestia that the bottle lands on a certain someone. By the time the bottle stops spinning, he opens his eyes and looks to where the bottle is pointing towards.

“Again?” Valiant commented on the bottle pointing at him.

Sandbar internally screamed as the girls held their mouths and Gallus was on the verge of breaking out in laughter, extremely glad it wasn’t him. Seeing as this was a game, Yona began cheering them on.

“Kiss! Kiss!” she chanted.

Sandbar began to stutter and stammer as he tried to get himself out of this mess. Gallus, who was still taking guilty fun out of his friend’s suffering, then asked, “Would it help if he wore a dress?”

“You’re not helping!” Sandbar stated. Out of all the things he could have prayed for, he should have prayed that the bottle not go to the two guys. Valiant sees the clearly struggling Sandbar and sighs. He does a quick peck on his cheek and says, “There, I’ve done my part.”

Valiant remains unaffected based on his expression. It seems that he doesn’t understand the concept of the game or isn’t in tune with love. Sandbar eases off a bit, seeing that Valiant wasn’t making such a big deal about. He closes his eyes and brings his head close to Valiant’s cheek. It was then he just pressed his snout on him and quickly pulled himself away.

“There, NEXT!” He shouted, making Gallus laugh and Yona cheer. Ocellus takes up the bottle as she begins to spin it next. The bottle turns and turns, choosing the next victim of this silly filly game. When the bottle stops, they look up to see it pointing to the female drake.

“What!?” Smolder shouted. “No! No way! I’m not playing this game anymore!”

“You didn’t even do anything yet,” Gallus pointed out, earning a hiss from the orange dragon.

“Come on! Valiant and Sandbar could do it, so can Smolder!” Yona stated.

“I’m not comfortable, okay?” Smolder retorted.

“Would it help if Ocellus transformed into a boy?” Silverstream suggested, turning to the changeling. “Hey, give it a try!”

Ocellus jittered in place, being told to transform into a boy on the spot before kissing someone. She was thinking two thoughts at once, ‘turn into a boy’ and ‘get ready to kiss’. Not wanting to slow down the pace of the game since the others did it so bravely, she quickly transformed. She wasn’t thinking about whom she should transform as, however, only the two thoughts in her mind when she did it. She unknowingly turned herself into Valiant, matching him in his dusty brown hair, red eyes, even his height. Smolder was taken back at Ocellus turning into Valiant and just looked at the copy for a good moment.

“Wait, this seems like cheating,” Valiant stated, noticing that even if the bottle had nothing to do with him, he’s somehow involved in each round somehow.

“Okay, I’ll do it,” Smolder grumbled. Valiant wasn’t sure how he felt about watching himself kiss another and it felt even weirder when Smolder kissed Ocellus on the lips. It was a quick peck, but the fact that it was done and over with so easily made it even weirder for the human boy. Ocellus reverted back and had a red face throughout the game. Smolder was blushing but secretly satisfied over her ordeal.

“Okay! My turn!” Silverstream exclaimed, placing her talon on the bottle. She gives it a good spin as it quickly and randomly chooses the next target. The motion stops and it selects… Silverstream herself.

“Okay, so… How does this work?” Valiant questioned, hoping it doesn’t simply involve him again just because.

“I, um… have a mirror you could use?” Ocellus suggested, handing over a small portable mirror. Silverstream sighed and did a quick kiss on her reflection. The others laughed and were pretty good sports about the game in the end. They decided to end the game there as it was obviously only going to get too strange. Luckily for Gallus, he managed to easily get away without getting smooched by anyone or throwing himself out there.

They continued to spend the night talking and playing around some more until they wore themselves out. By then, everyone was sound asleep on the couch. Everyone except for Gallus who began creeping out of the room. He snuck out of the hotel room and made his way to the lobby. The pony at the reception table is snoozing away, giving him a perfect chance to get out undetected. He creeps out of the entrance and finally, the bounty of the night is now his to enjoy for himself.

“What are you doing out here, Gallus?”

The griffon shrieks as Valiant stands beside him, raising a single brow at the blue griffon as he tries to think of something to say. Something to explain his suspicious movements. It soon becomes clear that he can’t just talk it off, as he’s seen how Valiant takes on secrets a bit too head on. He’ll just have to let him in on the secret.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoy this silly part of the story!

There's been a bump on the road to writing this story.
The next part doesn't seem quite right and I don't want this story to suddenly become difficult to write just because I flubbed here and there.

Not only that, but the last of my projects and assignments are hitting close and finalizing stuff here and there, so I will hold off on posting the next parts for a a while. Who knows, maybe there'll be another part tomorrow, maybe we gotta wait 5 days. That's the kind of sinking row boat I'm working with here guys.

Don't sweat it though, I have an idea of where I want to lead this off to, but with me jumping hoops, this is gonna take a bit of the backseat here. I'll see you again hopefully before this week ends. If I don't post by then, that means I'm still prepping more parts.

See ya!

Part 18 - Griffons

The students were resting after a long day and a few games for the night. Everyone was sleeping peacefully except for a blue griffon sneaking out of the room and one human who noticed his departure. Valiant raised an eyebrow at Gallus’s sneaky exit and followed him closely. When he watched him check for corners before leaving through the lobby, Valiant grew concerned that Gallus may do something regretful. It was then that the human decided to confront him now rather than later.

“What are you doing out here, Gallus?”

Gallus shrieks and turns around to see his human companion outside with him. Shocked and unsure of what to say, Gallus begins to stammer out the best excuse he could come up with.

“Valiant! I, um… I was looking for the… restroom?” Gallus slapped his face at what just came out of his mouth. “Alright, fine, you caught me.”

“And what is it that I caught you doing?”

Gallus checked around to see if anyone else was nearby. Seeing as it was clear, he decides to move on with his plan. Valiant tagging along wasn’t what he’d hope for, but it wasn’t going to stop him just because of his presence. He told Valiant to walk with him to his destination. A place he didn’t want to be seen going and the others not to get involved. Valiant only grew more concerned as they went through a dark alleyway.

Going deeper and deeper into the darkness, Valiant wondered what kind of place they were going to. Moments pass and a scent wafts to Valiant’s nose. The smell of something good enough to make his stomach growl. Gallus was surprised that Valiant could still eat more when not too long ago he ate lots of food at the Movies. He smirked as he knew Valiant may have a good time there.

The two finally see the lights at the end of the alley. When it finally came into view, Valiant got to see a large number of stalls and little shops on carpets open for business. Food stalls selling sizzling fish and Griffon Scones. Games of strength with an arm wrestling griffon and a game of accuracy with bottles stacked up and a ball to be thrown. It was a hidden festival here! It was a mystery as to why Gallus didn’t tell the others about this place.

“Hey, you,” a griffon called out to Valiant. He turned to the hooded griffon who called him as he waves his talon to come closer. Valiant did so and was asked another question. “You have such nice hair. May I interest you in this shampoo for it?”

“Shampoo?” Valiant repeated.

“Yes, this one hundred perecent natural hair cleanser won’t just freshen up your mane, but it will also make you more attractive!” He claimed as he showed the bottle with shiny contents. “Every creature, even your friends will love the new you once you put this on! I would usually sell this for one hundred bits, but for you, I’ll cut you a deal! Thirty bits! Seventy percent off isn’t a bad deal, yes?”

Valiant liked the idea of making his friends happy and applying shampoo isn’t too much trouble. As he actually considered purchasing it, Gallus pulled him away. “Yeah, sorry, but his hair isn’t worth rescuing, especially for thirty bits.”

Valiant’s mouth went agape at what Gallus had just said. When the two left the hooded griffon, Gallus responded to Valiant’s current reaction. “Relax, I was just getting you out of there before you bought some kind of scam.”

“Scam?” he repeated, not realizing what was about to happen earlier.

“Yeah, the dude was obviously lying. He just bought a bunch of the ten bit shampoo from the shopping district we went to earlier today and scraped off the tag and logo.”

“I didn’t notice that,” Valiant admitted.

“Yeah, and that’s why I didn’t bring the others here,” Gallus explained. “This is the Griffon Market. Griffons who live in Manehattan but couldn’t afford a building to do business set up shop here. Of course, this place is very shady being what it is. An illegal string of merchants selling stuff without a license.”

“Illegal!?” Valiant remarks. “Is it alright for us to be here!?”

“I only came to buy some food and check out the stuff they have here,” Gallus assured him. “This place is only open at night though. This place also got some shady griffons, if you know what I mean.”

“You kept the others from coming here because you were worried about them?”

“Well, mostly because I can’t keep an eye on all of them.” The blue griffon thought about Chewka and Spike being out of the action, meaning it would have been just Smolder and himself to watch over five other students. If it’s only Valiant however, he can surely keep at least him out of trouble. Or so he thought when he looks over to see Valiant listening to a griffon merchant's speal.

“This potion can make you stronger! Faster! And fills you with renewed energy!”

“Extra enhancements would be nice. Being able to rely on other sources could help me out a lot,” Valiant considered. Gallus pulled Valiant away once more from the shifty griffon before giving him a lecture.

“Look, I know ever since you started school, you’ve opened up a lot to others,” Gallus stated, his tone shows a hint of his admiration for Valiant’s growth. “But this is griffon territory here, and these guys don’t mind taking your bits. Some of them will even scam you for it too.”

“I see,” Valiant nodded. “Then why would you come to such a place anyways?”

Gallus grins and waves Valiant to follow closely. He struts over to a food stall selling kebabs of various seafoods. He purchases one stick for himself and his human companion. Valiant takes a bite and soon discovers a wonderful cascade of rich and strong flavors. His expression pops in delight as he adorably finishes the rest of the skewer.

“That’s why. Here, they import all sorts of stuff! Sea monster meat, Griffon trinkets, and the best part: They’ll sell alcohol to anyone.”

Valiant’s eyes widen from that information. “Even us?”

“Even us,” Gallus repeated, confirming Valiant’s question. “It’s a festival for griffons! Or anyone who's willing to go on the dark side of the streets.”

Valiant looked around the comfy shacks around him, freely bartering wares and whatnot to other griffons and the few shady ponies hanging around. The scent of sizzling foods and the few suspicious looking games gave Valiant a smidge of interest. He decides to explore this venture with Gallus leading the way. “Alright, I’m right behind you then.”

“Glad to hear that! Now come on, there’s something I want to see they have.”

Valiant nodded and followed his friend.As Gallus looked for one store in particular, he made sure to keep Valiant from talking to any more merchants, since they may actually trick him into buying something useless and expensive.Of course, he was easier to manage and warn than he expect the others, since the griffon market can appeal to many kinds of creatures.

Valiant tries his best to not stray from Gallus, but keeps looking to the side to see something interesting. Heavy looking leather and armor plating that wraps around the chest, so even a bipedal like him can wear it. The armorer takes notice and tries to draw him in.

“Interested? Fit for many creatures!” He informed Valiant in a thick, desert region accent. “For you, I go cheap. Two hundred fifty bits. Fair price, yes?”

Seeing that the human was actually considering it, Gallus pulls his shoulder and says, “Sorry, that’s way out of our price range.”

Gallus takes Valiant’s hand and has him walking faster from the armorer. The blacksmith griffon drops the price to call them back, from two hundred to one hundred fifty, but Gallus kept walking. Not wanting this to simply be a boring night of avoiding stores, Gallus changes gears and takes Valiant to someplace more enjoyable. Wandering down the Griffon Market, he brings Valiant to another food stand. He takes a good whiff and his mouth immediately waters.

“What is that!?”

Gallus paid several bits and was given two small paper boxes. They go to a nearby cardboard box makeshift table and take a seat on small plastic chairs. Gallus opens the box and reveals several fried spheres with a brown glistening sauce and strings of white cream on top. “This is what I was after. They call this Octopus Dumplings.”

Valiant takes a plastic fork and stabs it into the ball. He inspects it from top and bottom before eating it whole. It’s blisteringly hot, but Valiant was able to keep it in his mouth long enough for it to cool down and really savor the taste. He expresses true bliss as he takes another bite of savory goodness in octopus form.

“How do they even make this?” Valiant wondered, curious about the methods.

“I’m not really sure,” Gallus stated. “All I do know is that you can’t get this stuff from just ponies. I only got to try these a few times before when some griffon would come by the town and sell some.”

Gallus and Valiant take another Octopus dumpling and take a bite. They hummed at the treat dancing on their tongues, it’s truly another unique food that Valiant may never have tried once in his life. They continue the night by searching for more stores with a few more small boxes of Octopus Dumplings to keep themselves fed.

Valiant wanders to a stall displaying a number of amulets, necklaces, rings, and other kinds of jewelry. The griffon behind it welcomes them with open talons.

“Welcome! Welcome! To my emporium of magical artifacts!”

Valiant looks on the table to see a silver bracelet with a green gem on it. The griffon smiles and tells him, “That my sir, is a magical artifact that travelers use. Very rare as it was enchanted by a powerful unicorn for it to function properly.”

Gallus was wary of the seller. The way she talked and her display was oddly suspicious enough. He looks at the bracelet and asks, “What’s it do?”

“Well, I have never used it for I fear that I may break its enchantment,” The griffon claimed. “A very fragile piece you see, the bracelet isn’t held that well together.”

“Uh huh...” Gallus nodded, believing nothing from this griffon. He looks to Valiant, urging him to go. “Let’s leave, this place doesn’t have anything magical about it, except the way she talks.”

“But these are enchanted.” Valiant informed him. He presses the bracelet’s gem and it shows a small visual hologram of Manehattan, lights outlining buildings and streets. It’s not detailed enough to show the individual creatures but it shows a blinking dot to label their current location. “I can see the magic of each artifact you have here. Despite what you say however, they’re not as fragile as you’d think. These enchantments are strong enough to last, maybe even half a century.”

“My word!” the merchant yelped in shock. “That unicorn told me otherwise!”

“It’s likely that they’ve been lying to you about other things as well,” Valiant stated. “For example, that necklace you’re wearing prevents you from interacting with the artifacts you currently have.”

“What!?” the griffon shouts. “I’ve been putting relics in a box in the back because I thought they were defected or fake!”

“You may want to get an expert you can rely on to inspect what enchantments they do instead of whether or not they’re enchanted.” Valiant stated.

The relic merchant looks at Valiant with amazement. She smiles at the boy for his kindness and generous giving of such information. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you for your insight. It’s difficult to sell such wares on streets like these. I used to have… someone I relied on to help. I don’t think I can find any other creature that can help me like she could...”

“I understand your struggle. It’s hard to find friends here in such a place, but surely you’ll find someone you can trust. Just be careful.”

The griffon looks at him with deep respect for the human. Valiant finally returns to Gallus as they wander the market, waving farewell to the artifact marchant.

“You’re still a goody-two-shoes, aren’t ya?” Gallus japed. They have a laugh at the good times they’re having. As knowledgeable as Valiant may be, Gallus knew he had to keep a close eye on him still. Valiant found himself almost purchasing an axe from another arms dealer moments later, but they continue to venture to other interesting stores as well.

On the way, Valiant thought more about Gallus. He’s known him for a while ever since he started attending the school. He’s told Gallus so much about himself, the same with the others. However, he knows little about Gallus, and while that can be said the same about most of the creatures he’s met thus far, he never suspected Gallus to do something this shifty away from his friends. Gallus notices his train of thought based on his expression.

“What’s on your mind?” Gallus wondered.

Valiant looked to him and was waving it off, but Gallus pressed on him to tell as there’s no need to fear judgement. The human boy pinches his chin, finding the words to ask the question properly. “I was wondering why you were going to come out here alone tonight.”

“Well, I can’t keep my eyes on all of you,” Gallus stated. “They’ve got a lot of thieves and lying merchants here, so I didn’t want to put any of you through that.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Valiant thought, still pressing on the matter. “It’s just, I don’t see you as the kind of griffon who’d go someplace like this by yourself.”

Gallus looks up, considering why he had such a behavior sticking onto him as well. “I guess when I smelled those Octopus dumplings, they reminded me of home. I knew griffon markets may be around here in Manehattan, so I thought that this place would be kind of cool to visit.”

Valiant found what he said relatable. Soon, the Dune Star Tribe will show off their culture once more. A bit of his own home here in Manehattan. “I can understand that. Soon, you’ll all be seeing a bit of my home as well.”

Gallus gives a somber smile. The talk about home uncovers his mind to thoughts of his childhood prior to the school. Valiant has his own thoughts of his home and how he doesn’t feel much for homesickness even before he learned of the Culture Exchange. Complicated emotions clouded their minds, making them simply wish to forget about them for the night.

“Hey, wanna go check out the rest of this place before we head back?” Gallus wondered. Valiant grins and nods, the two move on to see the last of the Griffon Market. Not many more unique stores left, and even the swords and armor stopped interesting Valiant as Gallus had warned him enough to get it in his head that he shouldn’t be buying such shady and lethal wares. One final stall catches his eye, full of trinkets and ornaments. Valiant looks at the stall with Gallus close by. He inspects a strange necklace that looked like it was broken off of a piece of hardened clay, like a vase or a clay tablet.

“That is a Spirit Piece Necklace,” the griffon told him.

“There’s no magic on it,” Valiant stated.

“No, it is a simple and old piece of tradition.”

Valiant turns to Gallus and asks him about it. “Do you know anything about Familiar Necklaces?”

“Well, I can’t say I’m familiar with the concept altogether.” Gallus retorts.

The merchant tilts his head, surprised by his ignorance of the concept behind it. “Are you certain you don’t know of it? Are you perhaps…?”

“What?” Gallus responded, his tone slightly more forced and heavier than before. Valiant notices Gallus looking less happy than before at the griffon merchant. The seller shakes his head and dismisses it, not wanting to breed any trouble. “Nothing, forget about it. Instead, may I interest you in this?”

The merchant brings out a box to Valiant and opens it to reveal a strange pendant. It had a circle shape for the center and had some sort of clips around it, about ten clips reaching out from the circle. Valiant stared at the strange object, curious about the pendant. “What is it?”

“It’s a Familial Seal,” the griffon informs him. “In our culture, families of griffons would pluck a single feather and place it into the clip’s grasp. It’s a sacred piece that ties all families together. This is something all griffons have.”

“Uh, not every griffon has one,” Gallus remarked.

The merchant cocks his eyebrow at Gallus. “Yes, they do. All griffons have carried this to represent their families and their connections. If needed, more than one may be purchased for even bigger families..”

“Could this work for other creatures?” Valiant wondered. His mind drifts to Fluttershy for some reason when learning of this heirloom.

“Why yes. You can try, plucking a piece of your hair here,” The griffon suggested. “It’s only fifteen bits for this.”

The price was actually pretty decent, and this is a griffon piece of culture. However, Gallus was against the purchase. “Forget it, that’s too expensive.”

Valiant turns to his friend, surprised he would say that. The fifteen bits wasn’t much. If anything, it was a steal price. Even if the necklace was some kind of fake, it’d barely be a loss of money. The merchant wasn’t liking his attitude either. “That is a decent price for something like this. The materials and time to make this is worth at least a paltry fifteen bits!”

“Well I never heard of it!” Gallus stated. “A Familial Seal isn’t something griffons just have, it’s something they buy!”

“It’s tradition and customary to obtain this!” he claimed, his talons tightening into a fist. “But maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that you don’t know of it.”

Gallus brings on a scowl as he gets close to the merchant’s face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Maybe you never had a family to share something so trivial with.”

Gallus suddenly pulls back with eyes widened and an expression of anger welling up. Valiant looks to Gallus as he bites his cheek and looks like he’s about to throw a fit. Valiant attempts to reach out to him, but the blue griffon begins to fly away. Valiant calls out his name, but he doesn’t stop. The human gives chase and runs after Gallus.

“Gallus, hold on!” He calls out to him. Gallus continued to fly away until something grabbed his hindleg. He turned around to see it was some kind of rope with weights tied to him. The rope is then pulled, bringing Gallus down.

Before the blue griffon knew it, he was being pulled to the bipedal being. He gets grabbed by the neck, arm raising up to the moon. Gallus peers to see the one who caught him had scales of green and yellow eyes that peered into his soul. It was some kind of lizard man catching the blue griffon from the sky. Gallus’s eyes shrink in terror as he gets stuffed into a black sack.

Author's Note

Welp, I managed to write 2 parts
Hooray

One day hiatus ain't so bad, isn't it?

Now for more bad news
Other responsibilities still hounding at me
So yeah, Part 20 still in making. btw, still having fun writing this!
Comment often :twilightsmile:

Part 19 - Lizard Man

Gallus was panicking at the situation and the sack he was in. It was tight and difficult to move much. He was breathing heavily as the bag was being tossed around. He quickly tried yelling to get someone’s attention. The bag then shook as if the lizard man was trying to shut him up.

“Hey! Let him go!” Valiant’s voice was heard from beyond the burlap. Gallus felt a sense of relief. Knowing Valiant, he should be able to take on the lizard man. Gallus calls out to Valiant in desperation.

“Val! I’m in here!”

“Shut up, you!” The lizard man scolds, shaking the bag again.

Soon, the bag begins to shake differently, probably due to the ensuing fight going on Gallus couldn’t see it, only can hear the grunts, the landing of hits, and even something cracking. The lizard man's voice is the one he hears a lot more, struggling after the sound of hard hits and cracks. He felt that Valiant was winning.

But then, a different noise came. The sound of something getting punctured with Valiant crying out in pain. The bag felt tight but wasn’t moving as much. Gallus had no idea what just happened, only that he felt more tense after it happened. It became worse as the bag felt wet. As Gallus rubbed his talon against the wet surface, he found the tips of his claw were red with blood. Gallus was completely still. What had happened in the fight?

Another jolt of movement occured before the sound of a body dropping to the floor echoed. Gallus’s heart drops as the carrier of the bag hadn’t fallen nor did he feel it ever let go. What had happened to Valiant? He begins to shout out his name to get an answer.

“Valiant!? Val! What happened!?” He cried out. “Are you okay!?”

The lizardman grew furious and suddenly swung the bag up before slamming it on the ground. Gallus hits the floor and loses consciousness.

Gallus suddenly wakes up and gets up only to hit his head on a metal ceiling. He winces in pain before looking around to see that he was in a small tight cage. He began to hyperventilate, his fears of tight spaces began to crawl onto his wings as there was barely enough room to move. His cage rattles about until a lizard man slams the door open.

“SHUT UP!” He scolds with murderous rage. “If you don’t, I’m gonna sell you in parts.”

Gallus’s body automatically freezes upon hearing those words. The lizard man, seeing the fear in his eyes, is pleased now that peace and quiet had returned to him. Gallus calms down and takes a look around. He sees ponies in cages like him as well. Shelves of them in fact with a white unicorn on his right. She was weeping, trying to hide her fears by hanging her head low and her mane covering her eyes.

Gallus looked to his left to see empty cages. They looked clean, which may mean that they’re collecting enough until it’s a full house. The unicorn next to him continues to sniffle uncontrollably, barely holding on. She’s wiping her nose and lets out another squeak between her sobs.

“I SWEAR, if that pony keeps crying...”

Gallus quickly reached out to the mare in the hopes to calm her down. He reaches his talon out of his small cage and manages to poke her side. She jumps a bit, hitting her head on the ceiling of the cage before looking at the blue griffon.

“Um… sorry about that,” Gallus apologized.

“N-No, no, it’s alright,” she sniffled, rubbing her head. “I-I’m sorry if I’m being too loud...”

“It’s alright, just… let’s talk, alright?” he suggested, hoping to keep her mind off of it. “What’s your name?”

She rubs her eyes, fruitlessly trying to rid her tears. “S-Snowy Trails. You?”

“Gallus.”

Snowy calms down some more. Her tears keep going but her hiccups of whimpers have ceased for the time being. They take a moment before continuing the conversation.

“How long have we been here?” Gallus wondered.

“They took you here ten minutes ago...” she answered. “I… I’ve been here for three days.”

“Three days…!?” She nods to confirm. Gallus wipes his sweat off his head, wondering more about where he was taken to. “What are those guys doing with all of us?”

“I-I don’t know,” she states. “B-But I think they’re not from around here. They k-keep mentioning Klugetown.”

Gallus recalled hearing that before. It wouldn’t do him any favors telling her she might get sold off. Now that he knows what he’s facing, he has to figure out how to escape. But just as he can start figuring it out, Snowy begins tearing up again.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I-I miss my parents...” She tells him. “I wish I didn’t run away...”

Gallus raised his eyebrows, not expecting that from her. “Why’d you run away?”

“I found out… they weren’t my real parents.”

“Oh...” Gallus muttered.

“I don’t know why I did… I was just so shocked and upset.” she told him. “They kept it from me… and I… I don’t even know why…!”

“Well… They were probably just worried about how you would feel,” Gallus thought. “I mean… talking about families is hard. Even with others you trust to talk to and stuff.”

“... What about your family?”

Gallus sighs at the recollection of it. He doesn’t remember them and no one has met them either. “Don’t have one...”

“Oh… I’m sorry...” she apologized.

“Nah, don’t be,” Gallus assures her, waving it off. She smiles at him before looking down again.

“You know… Thinking back on it… I definitely got too emotional… I should have stayed and talked to them about it...”

“Your parents?”

“Yeah...” She breathed softly, her storm of thoughts now subsiding. Her mind is clearer than the mess she had before. “I mean, even if I wasn’t their daughter, they treated me like one. They talked through my problems and were always willing to help me out with whatever I needed.”

Gallus smiled warmly to her and said, “They sound like good parents. I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you...” Snowy says gratefully. “I… appreciate you listening to me.”

A sense of warmth envelopes the two, finding the quiet tender moment in a bleak situation. One that brings a cruel reminder of where they are as the door slams open once more with a lizard man bringing another mare. He tosses her into the cage and locks it up. Gallus looked to the mare next to her and saw a familiar mare. She gets up and rubs her forehead, looking at all of the cages and to Gallus beside her.

“You…?” she speaks softly, tired from whatever she just endured. “You’re that… child’s friend.”

“You’re the cop from before!” Gallus pointed out.

“A police officer!?” Snowy looked over to see the roughed up pony. “You don’t look so good...”

“Don’t worry... the police will get you out of here,” Copper Top assures them. “My squad will be out looking for me.”

The lizard man laughs, still hanging around watching the three talk. “You think a couple of ponies will find us? If they do, I’ll be sure to toss them in with the rest of ya!”

The lizard man laughs as he walks away with the three glaring at him. At the door, he pauses and starts rubbing his teeth. Gallus noticed something strange about his mouth. He squints to look at his fangs closer and realizes they were stained with blood on them. He hears him curse under his breath, “Stupid freak had tough skin. Might’ve chipped a tooth.”

Gallus feels his heart shrink as he remembers that Valiant wasn’t able to help him. His mind ponders over to his friend that he ran away from. For all the blue griffon knew, he could be dead. He holds his head as he tries to find some hope that he’s alive, maybe getting the others to help. He just didn’t want to believe that Valiant might have died just because he got too emotional over another griffon’s words. Suddenly he stops thinking as Snowy’s hoof reaches over to him.

“Gallus, what’s wrong?”

He stutters, trying to keep the dark thoughts at bay while trying to tell Snowy what happened. “I-I… I ran from my friend… And that guy… He might’ve... ”

Snowy places her hoof onto Gallus’s shoulder. She sees Gallus tearing up, fearing the worst. She caresses the scared griffon, comforting him bit by bit. “It’s alright… It’s okay...”

“I might have gotten him killed...”

“I’m sure he’s okay...”

“How would you know?”

“I don’t...” she admits. “But I want to believe that he’s alright. Unless we see it for ourselves, he can still be okay...”

Gallus stares into Snowy’s cerulean eyes. She’s right about what she said. Gallus remembers that Valiant had survived worse. He had to be strong and try and find a way out. If that could even help Valiant a little bit, he had to take the chance.

“We need to figure out a way to get out.” Gallus told her. She looks at him with surprise but a certain spark of bravery ignites in her when she looks at Gallus. They look around and notice something by the door. A key lies on the ground, most likely from the lizard man dropping it on the ground. It’s far from them, but Snowy knows what she can do.

“I’m going to try and use my magic,” Snowy tells him. Her horn glows a pure white aura wrapping its energy around the key. She pulls it from the ground but it wavers and threatens to fall to the ground. She sweats under the pressure that it may fall to the floor, but she keeps on at it. Soon, the key flies over to Gallus’s talons, offering him to be the first one to be free. Gallus leaves his cage, stretching his wings before getting the key to Snowy’s cage. As the key gets into place, the door opens once more.

“YOU!” He roars as he begins charging at the blue griffon. Gallus panics and tries to unlock the cage but the lock refuses to turn so suddenly. The lizard man grabs Gallus’s wings and throws him at the wall. Snowy’s eyes shrink as she reaches out to him.

“Gallus!”

Gallus wobbles his head back and forth, dazed as the lizard man gets close to him. Snowy quickly claps her hooves on the key and unlocks the door. She gives the key to Copper Top before running towards the lizard man.

“You made a big mistake.” he said as he loomed over the griffon. “Now I’m gonna have to chop you up, part by part.”

Snowy jumps on the lizard man’s back, causing him to panic and thrash about. Gallus recovers from the floor before seeing Snowy get grabbed and thrown toward the cages, rattling all of the metal containers on the shelves. The noise echoes around the roads and streets as Snowy lies on the floor. Gallus grit his beak and began charging at the lizard man. He picks up a chair he finds in the room and smashes it onto the lizard man. The creature glares at Gallus and swings his hand at him. Gallus crashes on the floor, flinching from the accumulated pain. As the lizard man closes in on the lizard man, the ceiling of the room collapses. Everyone stared at the center of the room to see something standing tall. He had a bandaged shoulder within his torn sweater and eyes screaming bloody murder as they gazed at the blue griffon on the ground and the lizard man next to him.

“Valiant…!” Gallus muttered.

“You again…!?” the lizard man growled. “Don’t make me ki-”

Suddenly, Valiant reappeared in midair near the lizard man. His knee digs into the jaws, extracting another tooth from the lizard man before his body is sent rocketing towards the shelves of empty cages. Valiant quickly helps up Gallus and gives up a tight hug before Gallus could even thank the human. The lizard man emerges from the pile of empty cages, making Valiant let go of Gallus before continuing the rematch with the lizard man. The lizard man swings his claws at Valiant, but he ducks and weaves before landing two powerful punches to his stomach. The lizard man stumbles back from the blows before Valiant grabs one of the empty cages and slams it onto the lizard man’s head. The lizard man is immediately rendered unconscious as Valiant breathes heavily from the amount of movement he just did.

“Whoa… kid...” Copper Top mutters. She was secretly freeing everyone in the back, but paused when Valiant infiltrated the room.

The human boy looked over Gallus who smiled at him before he realized Snowy Trails was still hurt from earlier. He rushes to her side and checks on her. She opens her eyes to see the concerned griffon looking at her and smiles.

The rest of the police arrive at the scene of the crime. Copper Top was inspecting Valiant carefully as he managed to handle the situation so swiftly and with such strength. She was genuinely impressed by his performance.

“You know, you’d be perfect in the line of defense when you’re all grown up,” Copper Top stated.

“Thanks, but I’m more on the line of attack,” Valiant implied about his military statues.

“Ah! The Royal Guard? Or the Royal Army? Both good choices.”

As Valiant gave a somber smile, Gallus was talking with Snowy. She’s never felt so happy and relieved now that she was free to go back home. Gallus was happy for her.

“Thank you so much!” Snowy said with incredible gratitude. “If it weren’t for you and Valiant, I… I would have… Thank you!”

“I mean, when I found out, there was no way I could just do nothing,” Gallus stated. “And, I wouldn’t have made it out without you either.”

Snowy blushed at Gallus’s words before Copper Top approached the two. “Alright, we’ve got a lot of ponies to return home. I’ll take you kids back home safe and sound.”

“Um, i-is it okay if… If Gallus walked me home?” Snowy stammered.

“I don’t think that’d be a good idea,” she responded, surprised she’d suggest that after what she’s been through. “The biggest threat in Manehattan may have been taken care of but we can’t guarantee the safety of the streets, especially at this late at night.”

“I’ll take her home,” Valiant assured Copper Top. “Gallus and I will be going to the same place.”

“Well, since it’s you, then that should be more than enough.” Copper Top admitted. “Besides, we’re spread thin as it is getting every pony else back. So you’d be doing us a favor.”

Working everything out, the three leave the crime scene and start going by Snowy Trail’s directions. They soon find themselves in a familiar part of Manehattan as they cross dark alleys. Gallus was feeling a bit nervous but Valiant pats his shoulder to assure him everything is alright. They soon find themselves wandering the Griffon Market once more, surprised and perplexed as to why. It wasn’t long until they saw two familiar faces of the market. The shop keep of the trinket store that Gallus ran away from and the griffon who sold enchanted artifacts. They were closing up shop for the night and were about to head home until they saw Snowy, slowly approaching the two with shaky legs.

“H-Hello… Mom… Dad...” she greets them with tears welling up.

“... S-Snowy…!?” they muttered. “Snowy Trails, you… You came back!”

Snowy Trails begins crying again as she runs up to her griffon parents. They embrace her as they’re finally reunited once more. Valiant and Gallus were shocked at the revelation. The fact that the shopkeepers of the Griffon Market were actually the parents of Snowy Trails. They had no idea where Snowy ran off to when she fled from home and were completely unaware of where she was after searching for two days straight. When they heard of what Snowy Trails went through, she told them of her saviors. The two griffons looked at the familiar pair and smile at them warmly.

“Thank you…!” the mother told them. “Thank you, so much! I can’t imagine what would have happened if… If you didn’t...”

“I must apologize with the way I talked to you before...” the father told him. “I belittled you about family when you helped me reunite with mine… Please, take this. I… I know this isn’t much, but this is the least I can do for you right now...”

The father brings Gallus a Familial Seal, free of charge. The father promises to repay them if they ever need help. Snowy walks up to Gallus and says, “I… I can’t… I really can’t express how much you’ve helped me. Talking to you really helped.”

“Yeah, I mean...” Gallus stumbled at his words, not sure what to say in this touchy moment. “You helped me too. I feel like I can talk about my problems more too…” Gallus looked to Valiant as his friend was just happy Gallus was safe. “Er… I hope that didn’t sound too weird.”

Snowy giggles as she brings herself close to Gallus and gives him a peck on his beak. “Not at all...”

Gallus blushes immensely as by the end of the night, he did receive a kiss after all. Valiant couldn’t help but smile smugly as the two said farewell to their new friends. On the way, Gallus looked to the exhausted Valiant, ready to retire for the night. He held his thoughts on the way, wondering whether or not to talk about it now. They go into the hotel and up to the hallway with their room near. At that point, Gallus decides to say something before they return.

“Hey, Valiant...” Gallus speaks up, catching his attention. “Listen, about earlier… I was just frustrated when he started talking about families and stuff.”

“Oh?” Valiant stopped at the door, looking to the blue griffon. “What brought this on?”

“Well, this wouldn’t have happened if I just… calmed down.”

“There’s no need to regret over what happened,” Valiant assured him. “We saved a lot of ponies because of you.”

“Still… I feel like I should just tell you about it. I… owe you that much if you still want to hear me whine about it...”

Valiant moves himself away from their door and sits down on the ground. He pats the floor to have Gallus sit by. “I’m always here to listen.”

Gallus grins and sits next to him. He looks up and wonders where to start. “Well… when Snowy’s dad talked about families, it… made me angry. I went to the market because it’s the closest thing to home, but...”

“But…?”

“I didn’t have any family,” Gallus stated. “I went there to have a good time and remember a bit about home. And yet… I guess I also didn’t want to remember that I didn’t really have a childhood to look back to? It’s… kind of weird… I don’t know if you’d get it...”

“Gallus… I’m about to attend a culture festival revolving around my people,” Valiant reminded him. “I’m in the same exact situation as you.”

“What about your family?”

Valiant hunched over and brought his knees close to himself. “Well, I don’t really have a family. My parents were proud soldiers and were heavily dedicated to helping the tribe. They gave me to the Training halls to take care of me and follow in the footsteps of two people I’ve never met.”

“No one took care of you?” Gallus was astonished by this ridiculous string of woe placed upon Valiant. Though, the human still didn’t feel despair, especially since he was concerned about Gallus's past.

“The Training Hall raised me, but no one stuck by me that long.” Valiant told him. “You definitely have it worse than me though… That’s what I think.”

The two laugh as they realize they’re two sad boys sitting in the hallway of a fancy hotel. Valiant understands Gallus’s loneliness was still lingering within him. Something he too can understand and felt a strange sense of desire to call another family when he met Fluttershy. Perhaps this is a chance for him to do something similar. Something that can help both of them. He plucks out a few strands of his hair, something that Gallus notices right away. The blue griffon looks at him, perplexed, and asks, “What are you doing?”

“Do you still have that necklace he gave you?”

Gallus nods and brings out the necklace. Valiant places his strands of hair into one of the clips of the Seal. “If you place your feather there, we can be considered brothers-in-arms.”

Gallus looks at him as he gives a sarcastic chuckle at what Valiant just said. “You’re kidding, right? I mean… Can’t just be family just like that.”

Valiant chuckled as well, admitting to the silliness of the concept. “It’s true, it’s quite ridiculous.” He pauses as he holds his hands together, clasping onto each other. “Though… Back during my days doing missions, many of the comrades I’ve worked with formed kinship in brothers-in-arms. None of them ever considered forming such a pact with me… But perhaps it may be because I’ve never asked.”

Gallus sees Valiant opening up to him as well over the matters of family. “We may not be related, but… We fought together, you watched over me, and I want to help you too. You don’t have to think about it too much, but… I want to assure you that I’ll do what I can to make you feel less alone.”

The blue griffon pauses. He didn’t consider the idea of forming some sort of kinship, but the thought of it didn’t sound bad. He plucked a feather off of his body and placed it in one of the clips. The two smirk at each other as this was their symbol of brothers. They open the door quietly and return to their room, sneaking past their sleeping companions. As they reach the bed and wrap themselves under their blankets, they sleep with happy thoughts over a nightmarish trial.

“Good morning!!!” Silverstream sang as everyone rose from the slumber and began to begin their day. Gallus and Valiant’s eyes shot open, cursing under their breaths.

Author's Note

Okay, I'll just say it. I had a ton of brain farts on this part. Rewritten in two other versions.

Wanna hear some behind the scene stuff? No? Well okay, I'll just leave it here anyways.

Cancelled Parts:
Part 13 - Oasis
(Was too weird. Replaced by Closet)
Valiant X Smolder + Hearts and Hooves Day

Part 14 - Touch
(Got too weird and difficult to write anymore)
Valiant X ???

Part 14 - Rebound
(DEFINITELY got too weird and difficult to write anymore. Also broke the story flow a lot)
Fluttershy, Discord, Valiant

Part 20 - Basketball

Author's Note

Sorry for not posting in the past few days.
I had a lot of stuff (I'm moving out right now as this part is being posted)

I also had trouble continuing off of the original Part 20 and decided to take it back later when I finish Part 21.

As for the reason why: I wasn't having fun continuing off of Part 20 - Hotel. It felt strained and I was getting tired. I was only 800 words in and I realized I was either getting bored or annoyed of it. So I took a step back and see where i could progress from.

In other news, I've been having a series of (shockingly) good news
Finished classes, graduating, henceforth the reason I'm moving back to home.

Don't worry, I'm not bored of this story or its concept ~~yet~~. Thank you for showing concern and comment often. Comments help keep my interest rolling.

I'll leave Part 20 - Hotel on the story a little while longer.

Part 20 - Basketball

In Valiant’s room, he shows his naked back to Chewka as he has his needles and marking tools. Chewka inspected Valiant’s back to check on his numerous markings. He pulls out his needles and gently prod the lines repeatedly until he got the information he needed. Finishing up his work, he puts away his equipment and gives the diagnosis.

“It seems that they’ve been wearing out as of late,” Chewka informed him. “You’ve been in many precarious situations lately, haven’t you?”

“Equestria isn’t as peaceful as anyone would have thought,” Valiant noted. “Aside from an attack from possibly one of our enemies back in Warpla, we also have creatures from Klugetown.”

“I’ve noticed. In any case, you should rest for the time being. I need to take the other students to purchase clothes. We won’t be gone too long and will return as soon as we finish selecting and acquiring everyone’s attires.”

“Alright. Thanks again.”

Chewka walked to the others and explained the plan for the morning. Smolder wasn’t in the idea of wearing outfits in public as she preferred to keep her hobby to herself and Valiant. When they heard that Valiant was going to rest for the morning, they seemed to have thought that Valiant was just tired except for Gallus who knew what he'd been through the other night. The kids, Spike, and Chewka left to go clothes shopping once more. Valiant sat on his bed, considering what he could do to pass the time. He looks over the pile of homework and finds something he can work on while he waits for the others. It’s the second day since he’s been here in Manehattan. It’s truly a new experience as he stays in the big city for the first time.

Valiant was working hard on his papers. It was the essays that proved difficult for him to come up several pages worth of information to explain a few concepts. Not having much to go on, he lacked in creativity to create content for subjects even when he knew a lot about them. As he pondered how to approach his assignment, the door opened to reveal Sandbar and Yona returning with bags of clothes.

“Oh, hey,” Valiant greeted them. “I see you’ve got some new clothes.”

“Hey Val! Yeah, ours was pretty easy to get and Yona managed to finish hers early.”

The young yak pulls out her green dress with sequences on the back half and thin white stripes on the front. “Yona got prettiest dress!”

“It looks nice,” Valiant smiled. “Any other plans for the day?”

“Sandbar said we’re going to go to the city again!” Yona told Valiant. She tapped her cheek and her eyes dazzled a bit at an idea. “Why don’t you come with us too?”

Sandbar flinched after Yona made the suggestion and turned to Valiant who saw no reason to decline. Valiant accepted the invitation to their little adventure.

“That sounds like fun. Did you have any ideas on where you’d want to go?”

“Um… Nowhere in particular,” Sandbar stammered, looking away. The poor pony was hiding the fact that he found a restaurant he wanted to eat at with Yona, but with the addition of Valiant, his plans have taken a turn.

“Exploring the city while we’re here is always a good idea,” Valiant stated.

“As long as Valiant doesn’t get lost again!” Yona reminded them of yesterday’s problem. Valiant scratches the back of head, somewhat embarrassed of the fact.

“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again. Shall we be off then?”

Yona gives a cheerful nod while Sandbar sighs, missing his chance alone with Yona for the day.

The three walk through town, scanning the nearby buildings for something to do. Sandbar felt a bit bitter not being able to go with Yona for just the two of them. However, he wasn’t about to hold resentment and simply saw this as another day to spend time with his friends. As they walk, nothing seems to spring out to them in particular. Valiant looked at the clothing store only outfitted for ponies and restaurants he didn’t want to eat at just yet without Silverstream.

“It’s pretty boring without the others here,” Yona sighed.

“I’m sure we can make this day pretty fun, right Sandbar?” He said, looking over to the distracted Sandbar, looking at the restaurants they were passing by. He snaps back to Valiant as soon as he realizes he was being talked to as well.

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, totally!”

They continued on with disinterest on their faces until they heard something down an alleyway. Sandbar was quite cautious, not wanting to run into trouble.

“Um… Maybe we should ignore that? We don’t know what could be happening over there.”

Valiant thought about the past two days and couldn’t help but agree. Between fighting on a train and in a warehouse, he didn’t want his friends to go in and get into trouble. However, Yona had other plans.

“Yona wants to see what’s over there!” she insisted, running on ahead of them. “Come on! It could be fun!”

“Yona, wait!” Sandbar called out, reaching to her. She continued and the pony looked to Valiant who merely shrugged before chasing after her. Sandbar sighed and followed them in. As they went down the cement path, they found Yona looking past a fence. When they caught up with her, they realized the sound was coming from a basketball hitting the rims of the hoops held up on both sides of what seemed to be a basketball court. They saw three ponies playing a game together with the orange ball.

One was a mare with a pink braided mane and green coat with a cutie mark of an orange basketball. Another was a stallion with a blonde mane, a blue coat, a cutie mark of a telescope, and a navy blue hat to match his eyes. Lastly was an orange pony who seemed slightly younger than the other two. He had a black curly mane with purple eyes and a cutie mark of a bag of bits and jewels. The three were passing the ball around before swiftly scoring it into the hoop. Yona hopped in excitement, shaking the court enough to even have Sandbar fall over.

“WHOA! Yona wants to play!” she exclaimed, running into the court and to the three ponies. “Can Yona and friends play with you?”

“Yo, are you challenging us homie!?” the blue stallion asked with his hoof waving around.

“... What?”

“Yo, chill man! They’re just looking for a good game.” the mare told him before turning to the others. “Sorry dudes, he’s just in the zone right now and he doesn't like having his groove off the beat when he’s on fire, you know what I’m saying?”

“I… I don’t think so...” Valiant admitted, struggling to understand what kind of mixed up lingo he’s hearing.

“We understand! We were just looking around to see what was going on here!” Sandbar responded, somewhat able to comprehend what they’re saying.

“Cool, cool, I dig your chill man,” the mare told him, bumping his shoulder. “The name’s Bubblegum. The one who was hollerin feisty was Farsight and our shifty swift pal is Bagger.”

“I’m not sure if I got their names right...” Valiant stated, trying to dig out the words thrown into her sentence like a blender full of rocks.

“Is the ponies mouth broken?” Yona wondered.

“Hey man, that’s just our lingo, ya get me?” the curly haired equine named Bagger told Yona. “You just gotta listen and get a feel of it. Once you let the words flow with you, you can jive with our mellow and be talking like the smooth kids in no time!”

“I… I’m not sure if I want to talk like that...” Valiant strongly insisted. “I think many of my peers would have difficulty understanding me.”

“Well, enough about the way we curl our tongues!” Bubblegum said, waving her hoof. “You three wanna get down on the court with us? A good ol’ three on three action oughta get real intense, ya dig?”

Valiant and Yona looked around to see if there was a shovel for digging. Sandbar grinned and said, “We’d love to! But this is Yona and Valiant’s first time playing a game.”

“Oh, don’t stress it none amigo!” Bubblegum assured him. “We’ll totally hold back and give you all enough time to shimmy in the game until you’re all readied up!”

After explaining the basics of the game, Yona and Valiant understood that they have to get the ball to the hoop and perform dribbling while they have the ball. The teams got into position and got ready to start the game. The ball is thrown in the air, signalling Sandbar and Bubblegum to reach it. Bubblegum manages to take the ball and runs with it to their goal. Yona quickly jumps in the way, stomping the ground causing it to shake. Bubblegum trips from the little quake and the ball bounces over to Valiant. He holds the ball and bounces it twice before throwing it into the hoop, scoring a point from the other side of the court. The opposing team was astounded he began complimenting him.

“Yo, that was TIGHT! You totally nailed that ball in!” Bagger stated.

“Man, that was pretty sick, dude! You sure you haven’t played this before?” Farsight wondered.

Valiant stared at them, unsure of what to say from the words he just heard. Tight, sick, and nailed just sounded too alien from whatever sentence they were trying to put together. Sandbar patted him on the back and said, “They were complimenting you, Val.”

“Oh! I see… Though, is sick really a compliment?”

“Yo Yona, you sure got a handle on this with all that ground pound action you got!” Bubblegum stated. “Though, if you could, less stompy stomp this time, okay?”

“Oh! Okay! Yona work hard not to do that!”

“Man, you got your own lingo, don’t you Yona?”

“Lingo?”

“Yeah! The way you talk!” Bubblegum stated. “Just like how the boys and I share the same slang, you have your own way talking to ponies! Nice!”

Yona smiled brightly as the trio of basketball players were getting along nicely. The game continues with Valiant demonstrating his speed, dexterity, and accuracy scoring many points. Bubblegum and her boys were still game and managed to score enough to keep up with their opponents. Sandbar was having a hard time keeping up while Yona passed by Farsight and Bagger stealing the ball. Truth be told, Yona had accidentally hit them in the head with her horns when she passed by them to take their ball.

Sandbar was having a good time, despite the others being much more accustomed to this high pace and skill level. Even Yona was performing much better than he would have thought for an activity she’s never played before. Taking another break between games, Sandbar thought about the day thus far. He was still pretty bummed out that he couldn’t go someplace with just Yona. As he was deep in thought, Bubblegum approached him without him even noticing.

The game tied up and Sandbar was at the front with Bagger to match up against. Valiant and Yona were behind him, ready to back him up. The game starts and Sandbar lunges at the ball, managing to take it and rush to the other side. Bagger and Farsight tried to stop him, but didn’t expect Sandbar to pass the ball over to Yona. Bubblegum quickly snatches the ball from Yona, only for her to be countered by Valiant who slid by and took the ball from her. In one quick motion, Valiant jumped to the hoop with Bagger rising up as well to block the shot. Valiant however turned to Sandbar and threw him the ball. The young pony grabs the ball and tries to throw it in the hoop with no one blocking. He takes the shot and the ball heads over to the hoop, the final shot for the winning game…!

“Sorry guys… Sandbar spoke in a defeated tone.

Valiant and Yona pat him on the back. The throw that Sandbar performed hit the rim of the hoop, only for it to somehow bounce off and go all the way to the other side of the court, scoring for the other team. It was pretty embarrassing to say the least. His friends were still very supporting.

“It’s okay Sandbar!” Yona told him as she patted him on the back. “That was a really good throw!”

“It was quite impressive that you managed to pull that off,” Valiant pointed out. “The likelihood of that happening is slim to say the least.”

“Gee, thanks Val,” Sandbar responded sarcastically.

The trio laughed regardless of their win or loss while Bubblegum and her friends approached them.

“That was fun! We ought to hang out again if you’re still in the neighborhood!” Bubblegum stated.

“It’s getting pretty late, so we’re gonna head on home.” Farsight pointed out. “You should go too. Nasty folk might pop out if you stick around too long in the night, ya feel me?”

“Right on… pal...” Valiant stammered, trying to keep up.

“No need to force it, Val! You’ll always be the coolest cat on the street! Especially with those moves!” Bagger assured him.

Valiant smiled as the two groups said their goodbyes for the night. Valiant, Sandbar, and Yona head to the hotel with sore muscles and a genuinely good time. Nights like these where nothing terrible happens we're times the three can truly appreciate, especially the magnet of trouble that Valiant had become lately.

Part 21 - Karaoke

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Part 22 - Bracelets

With the sudden surge of fury raining from three of his friends, Valiant ends up offering a whole day to each of his friends. Namely Ocellus, Smolder, and Silverstream respectively. The Hippogryph Silverstream was the first one he made plans with after much discussion between the three. He still has no idea how he was dragged into this nor how Gallus was able to escape their rage without so much as a comment. There’s so much he doesn’t understand about friendship, he suspects.

Those were merely details of how all of this escalated. Today was just Silverstream and Valiant wearing a casual green sweater with blue jeans to have full comfort. Silverstream brought with her a paper bag to which Valiant had no idea of what the contents within were as she led him to their destination.

Upon arrival, Valiant looks up to see a simple pizza parlor. Inside had simple faux leather cushioned booth tables one would expect to see at simple dineries. The two sit down at the table with Valiant looking around, bewildered that Silverstream didn’t want to go someplace fancier.

“Um… Is this restaurant alright with you?” Valiant asked. “I understand you were upset with me because I went to a lavish restaurant without you.”

“Well, I was pretty upset, yes,” Silverstream admitted. “But after last night, I think I was pretty unfair about it. I… know we won’t always have time to spend together like we do in Ponyville. And holding you up on it wouldn’t be nice when there really isn’t anything you can do about it.”

“Oh...”

“But I just want to spend more time with you! Being with you is really fun, and no other creature can pull off that adorable face you have!”

Valiant’s cheeks become rosy as they puff with a light frown at her description of himself. “It’s not adorable.”

The two laugh before a waitress comes by to take their order.

“Hello you two! What can I get ya today?”

“Can I have a pizza with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and onions?” Silverstream requested.

“And I’ll have the truffle supreme,” Valiant added.

The waitress smiled and wrote down their orders before heading back to the kitchen. Silverstream looked back to Valiant, still curious about the photo she saw yesterday.

“So, who was that griffon?” Silverstream wondered.

“Her name was Ima,” Valiant explained. “She was a friend of Snowy Trails.”

“Snowy Trails?” she repeated the name with a raised eyebrow. “Who’s Snowy Trails?”

“She’s a pony Gallus and I met.”

“Oh? So you spent some time with her before meeting Ima, then?”

Something about what Valiant had said felt as if his own words had betrayed him. Silverstream didn’t look as mad as yesterday, but there was something in her eyes that casted disappointment to the human boy. He soon realized that he probably should avoid talking about Snowy with the others when their turn comes up. Before Silverstream could press on any further, the waitress returned with their orders. Two hot pizza pies were served onto their table, bringing a glimmering excitement to their eyes as the feast was given to them.

Silverstream and Valiant take out a slice of pizza onto their plate. The smell of cheese and various toppings waft towards them, having them get quite excited. They lift the slice and ate them in synch, elating a delightful reaction to watch upon their faces. Both of them were quite adorably expressive with their big eyes and wide smiles.

Admittedly, Valiant finds his meals much more enjoyable with Silverstream. Despite meals ranging from simple fast food diners to upper class eateries, Silverstream gave them a lot more fun and life.

“The cheese is a little hot,” Silverstream pointed out. “But it’s really good!”

“The toppings flavor seeps into the cheese as well,” Valiant noted.

“Look at us! We’re like those restaurant critiques!” She joked.

“Hmm… Eight out of ten stars: need bigger slices.”

Silverstream laughed at Valiant’s impression of a critic, not expecting him to do something like that. “I don’t usually hear you make jokes like that!”

“I guess I’m gaining a sense of humor.”

Silverstream then remembered the paper bag she brought along with her and placed it on the table. “I almost forgot! I brought this over since we have time to make one now!”

“What are you hoping to make?”

She revealed the bag’s contents to be the Friendship bracelet making kit she bought from the store the other day. Opening the box shows off the various beads, strings, and colorful attachments each in their own organized compartment. “Friendship Bracelets!” she announced.

“These represent our friendship?” Valiant assumed based on the name. “How are we supposed to design them?”

“You can make them anyway you want!” Silverstream told him. “Once we’re done, we trade them with each other!”

“I see, so I’m making one for you?”

“That’s right!” Silverstream confirmed, sliding the kit closer to Valiant to give him access to the pieces within. She got out a string to begin the process. “You ready?”

Valiant nodded and the two began putting together the bracelet. Silverstream dug her claw into the box and carried out a handful of colorful beads shaped like gems and spheres. She was putting together an assortment of colors and shapes making it look quite decorative and eye catching with its sporadic pattern. She was taking out a lot of pieces at once, inevitably dropping some on the table as she pulled them from the kit. Valiant was a lot more selective, picking out specific colors and round beads.

Silverstream’s claw dives into the kit and extracts more beads to create a second bracelet to tie together with the first. Valiant carefully checks the string and beads to see if he had the right size made for his bracelet partner. The moment the hippogryph finished, she raised it up to Valiant’s face to show him a bracelet with an assortment of colorful beads in different shapes, triangles, stars, some were shiny or glittering gold or even looked like gems.

“Finished! Do you like it?”

“It looks wonderful,” Valiant told her. Silverstream took his hand and placed the bracelet around his wrist. “A nice fit. You really did great on your first try. You even made two of them tied together.”

“Thanks!” she said, happy knowing her work was praised by him. “Okay, now you!”

“Well, it’s not as good as yours, but I hope you still like it.”

He showed his work to Silverstream. A bracelet consisting of round blue and pink beads. A simple selection picked out that doesn’t stand out too strongly, but is quite nice in its simplicity.

“This looks great!” she tells him. “What made you think of this?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure what to make, honestly. I decided to try and make something that would compliment that necklace you always have on.” Valiant explained.

Silverstream smiled at him for his thoughtful approach. “Thank you, I’ll really treasure this!”

Valiant equipped the bracelet Silverstream made for him and looked at it. “I’ll treasure yours as well.”

Silverstream giggled before grabbing another slice of pizza. “Well, this was fun! Let’s not our food go to waste though!”

“Agreed,” Valiant told her as he pulled out another slice. As he took a bite, Silverstream placed the bracelet around her wrist and looked at it in the lighting. She looked to Valiant and asked, “You think it looks good on me?”

Valiant’s response wasn’t what she was expecting. He began to cough before hitting his chest. His face was all red with an expression of discomfort. He was hacking out in short wheezes, but not saying anything coherent. Silverstream was confused for a moment until one of the waitresses shouted, “Oh Celestia! I think he’s choking!”

Valiant’s face began to turn purple as he nodded in confirmation. Silverstream gasped and rushed over to his side, pulling him out of his seat and wrapping her talons around Valiant’s waist. She pressed his ribcage in short but forceful thrusts. At this point, she felt Valiant’s physique as she held him close. She can feel his abs and chest that were harder than she would have thought from the first time she saw him without a shirt. After a few thrusts, Valiant finally spat out the pizza from his mouth. The pizza turned out to have beads fallen into the cheese. Valiant gasped for air as Silverstream still had her talons wrapped around his waist, feeling his torso.

“She saved him!” one of the customers cheered. The ponies were giving praise while the staff were relieved that Valiant was okay. The human looked to the Hippogryph and was about to thank her.

“Silverstream, you saved my life. Thank-”

Silverstream suddenly squeezed Valiant some more, just to get another feel. Valiant grunted in surprise by her sudden action. Silverstream found his body to be even more intriguing. She was checking his upper body once more, which didn’t go unnoticed by him or the other ponies. Valiant had no idea what was going on, but he found it to be embarrassing.

“S-Silverstream, please stop,” he told her. “I’m okay now.”

“Huh? Oh! Right!” She said, backing away from him. She started patting Valiant on the back and said, “Phew! That was a close one, wasn’t it?”

“Y-Yeah...”

After nearly choking to death, the staff checked on Valiant to make sure he was alright. The day continued off as normal, but Valiant was somewhat bothered about what happened earlier.The way she acted was peculiar, but not enough for Valiant to question it. Perhaps there was something he didn’t quite understand about Hippogryphs or certain aspects about friendship. This sort of thinking kept him from pressing on the matter with Silverstream. He did feel oddly in comfort with Silverstream embracing him, something he didn’t quite understand himself.

Silverstream brought Valiant to a museum, one which had caught her eye. The museum was about various pieces and relics of Equestria found and kept here. The two climbed the many steps before reaching a grand entrance with an archway carved in decorative patterns and pillars surrounding the door up ahead. They enter and see the building really open up with a high ceiling and glass displays of artifacts of the past for everyone to see.

“This is so exciting!” Silverstream squealed, grasping Valiant’s arm. “What do you think we’ll see? What do you WANT to see!?”

Suddenly, there it was again. Valiant’s chest constrains a bit, and he starts to feel warm. It was a strange sensation that was completely unfamiliar to him. Despite being startled, he didn’t want to alarm Silverstream and regained his control of himself quickly.

“Anything you want to see is fine by me.”

Silverstream nodded to his response, failing to notice his cheeks becoming slightly pink. She looked to see one of the guides handing out flyers. They approach the guide who gives them a sheet mentioning the new anniversary of an exhibit, offering free food for the special occasion. Silverstream gasped in delight at the news. “Whoa! What kind of treats do you think they’ll be serving!?”

“According to this, it’s something special they’ve made back in older times of pony tradition.”

“We have to see it!” Silverstream urged him, tugging on his arm. His heart skipped a beat and once again caused him unease. He merely nods and has her move forward to the exhibit. As they walked with the crowds of tourists and museum goers looking upon ancient pots and tools of old and paintings of lives past, Silverstream notices how long Valiant has been holding onto her claw, yet his face was looking away from her. She can’t help but think hopeful thoughts between the two of them and remains quiet until they reached their destination.

They look up to see two statues of ponies in gowns. One stallion and one mare, both holding hooves and looking at each other. The guide was standing in front of the statues with two rows of tables beside her. Silver platters were placed on the tables, supposedly being the food that was promised to be served. Valiant and Silverstream were among the crowd, looking to the guide as she garnered everyone’s attention.

“As you can see, this is the statue of the royal duke and duchess who founded one of the cities in the olden days. It was them who celebrated everything with their citizens to spread not only their own happiness but to create new cultures birthed from their passions. Among them was their famous anniversary where they would share a very special meal together before the recipe was revealed sometime by the end of their rule.”

The guide signals her peers to open the silver platters and reveal their contents: cups of ice cream, each having two strawberries on top and whip cream swirling around the base.

“This ice cream may seem normal, but underneath is actually a scrumptious cake with fried batter within to pack an unexpected flavor!”

“That does sound good,” Valiant admitted.

“But this cake was only meant to be eaten in one way: As a couple!”

Silverstream and Valiant jumped a bit as the crowd merely awed at the concept.

“We highly encourage every pony to participate in this treat with a partner you know and trust! Just like our pony ancestors did!”

Valiant and Silverstream didn’t have to do much as they were pushed forward by the ponies around them, eventually being given a cup of ice cream for the two to share by one of the employees of the show. Valiant and Silverstream looked at the icy cold treat in front of them before looking back at each other with a slight chuckle.

“Well, since they gave it to us for free, I suppose we could… you know, eat it together?” she suggested.

“W-well, only if you’re okay with it...” Valiant told her.

“Oh! I’m fine! Sure! Totally!”

Valiant scooped a spoonful of ice cream and fed it to Silverstream. She sang in delight, having such a wonderful treat come to her by Valiant. Following the other ponies and Valiant’s example, she scoops some of the ice cream and feeds it to him. Valiant was doing his best to keep himself from behaving irrationally, but his head was practically sizzling from what they were doing. When taking the dessert in his mouth, he looked into Silverstream’s eyes and became totally red. He quickly turned away as Silverstream saw it. Valiant’s usual composed and relaxed self suddenly loose and flustered.

“Valiant? Are you okay?” she wondered.

“I’m just getting hotter than usual is all,” Valiant told her.

“You are wearing a sweater.”

“... You’re right!” Valiant realized. Perhaps if he took some layers off, he could cool himself down a bit. He grasped the clothing are began to unequip the green sweater. As he lifted it up, the shirt underneath lifted as well, revealing his abs packed in six to Silverstream who jumped at the sight but reveled in the physique. Valiant felt the breeze pass his stomach and he instantly knew that he made a mistake. The sweater was still stuck on his head before it finally released him and he quickly pulled his shirt down. His face became as red as rubies before turning around.

“Ah! Don’t worry! I didn’t see anything!” she told him.

Valiant wasn’t convinced at the hippogryph who tried in vain to hide her obvious giddy smile. The rest of the day felt like it would continue to have episodes of him and his strange behaviors acting up. This happening while promising to two more days to two different individuals made this feel like some sort of bad dream.

What was wrong with Valiant?

Author's Note

Sorry everyone. Things were happening.
I, along with other people, got sick. And with current events, that's not a good sign. Luckily, it wasn't serious. And we're better now. Phew.

Also, I've been working on helping a friend of mine with world building. He's making a comic about animals and fantasy dragons. It's great concept so far. I'll mention that more often.

Updates are now less frequent with me being busier now. Don't worry, I'm still writing.

I'm not satisfied with this part, honestly. Felt forced, if you know what I mean.
Next part belongs to Smolder.

Part 23 - Fashion

Chewka listened to Valiant’s plight, learning of what had happened during his time with Silverstream. Upon hearing the news, he scratched his chin and seemed to have a good idea of what was happening.

“So… It’s finally happening,” he muttered.

“What’s happening?” Valiant questioned. “Is it my markings?”

Chewka placed his hand upon Valiant’s shoulder. “Listen, Valiant. What you’re going through is very natural, and it happens in everyone’s life. For you, you may get certain mood shifts. Perhaps even be irrational.”

“Chewka, what are you even talking about?” Valiant wondered.

“Perhaps I’m not in position to explain it to you. I certainly don’t know how to explain such a thing to another. I… never had the talk as some may say it.”

“The… talk?”

“Mmm… maybe we should wait until we return to Ponyville and we can discuss this in a safer environment.”

“What if it happens again?” Valiant questioned with quite the concern.

“It’s alright to to have such feelings so long as you pace yourself and don’t let them force you to do something you may regret.”

For once, Chewka was unable to assist Valiant with any answers. The mysterious fluctuation of emotions coursing through him had left him unsure of many things. And for it to happen when he’s spending the day with Smolder just makes it all the worse. He braces himself for the uphill battle.

There he was with Smolder at the place he promised. The fashion show was happening in Manehattan and Smolder wanted to see it. She brought Valiant along to get his opinion on what they were about to see. Valiant, much to his dismay by his current and unknown condition, attempts to remain vigilant as they enter the tall building up ahead.

They look around the lobby to see all sorts of ponies. Some are quite casual, wearing nothing and seem to come to the show to see what it’s like, similar to Smolder and Valiant’s intention. Other ponies however came in with cameras, flashy coats, colorful scarves, and sunglasses with flair.

“Are they part of the show?” Valiant wondered.

“I’m pretty sure they’re just like you,” Smolder quipped. “Just wearing clothes wherever they go.”

The doors to the show open and ponies begin flooding in, filling up the seats. Smolder and Valiant take a deep breath before passing through the black doors with golden trims and see the sleek white catwalk in the room. Ponies were surrounding the catwalk with many of them preparing their camera. Smolder looks around and spots a pair of seats near the main attraction and grasps Valiant’s hand. Valiant suddenly jumps a bit before being pulled by Smolder. His body once again becomes warm just like before. Smolder doesn’t seem to notice the strange behavior, except that Valiant’s hand became slightly sweatier. Once they are seated, Smolder lets go of his hand, allowing him to regain his composure.

“Hey, thanks again for coming with me,” Smolder told Valiant. “I don’t know if you’re into this stuff or not, but it means a lot to me that you’re here.”

“Of course. I promised you I would spend time with you, and I’m honored that you choose to open up this side of you to me.”

She smiles some while bumping him on the shoulder. “Geez, you really do talk like those knights, don’t you?”

“You think so?”

Smolder’s laid back nature was resonating as she spoke. Something about the way she talked to Valiant put him at ease. The two standby as the room begins to dim. Light flashes onto the catwalk and show ponies begin to walk down the dazzling stage. Ponies show up with dresses and outfits with all sorts of design. One had a cyan blue with black polka dots and a long black collar around her neck. Another mare showed off a dress that consisted of gold jewelry and pink gradient fabric. The way they moved only enhanced the style of the clothes with the posture and style that brought out more of what was shown.

Smolder didn’t seem excited, but she was paying attention to their outfits and the way they posed. Valiant took notice at how interested Smolder was and felt a sense of peace knowing that she was enjoying herself. Things seemed to be going well for him and none of his strange and sudden rises in temperature seemed to catch him.

The rest of the show went on with what they expected. They even had swimsuits for some reason, something that Smolder and Valiant saw no point of at all for equines. When the fashion show finished up, Valiant and Smolder walked out of the room and back to the lobby.

“So, what’d you think of it?” Valiant asked Smolder.

“I liked it,” she said in a relaxed tone. “I… got some ideas on some trends and stuff.”

“What are trends?” Valiant wondered.

“I’m not exactly sure myself.”

Something about her response had Valiant chuckling to himself. Smolder was satisfied seeing the positive look on Valiant’s face before her thoughts wandered elsewhere.

“Hey,” she calls Valiant. “You mind if we go to someplace with me?”

Valiant raised an eyebrow at her behavior, not known to request going someplace with a somewhat more meeker tone. Rather than pressing on her about it, he instead focuses on Smolder solely. “Of course. I promised to spend time with you today after all.”

“Right! Of course!” she said with a somewhat goofy grin. She was a bit hesitant, but nonetheless adamant now that she has the chance to do so. She grabbed Valiant's hand and brought him to Rarity's store in the city. Valiant waited patiently as Smolder talked to the register pony. In moments, Valiant and Smolder were brought to the back of the shop where they saw the huge stockpile of clothing. The employees were managing anything and everything belonging to the store, including a particular order that Smolder had made herself. One of the employees assists her.

Smolder enters the fitting room with a bag of clothing. She looks at the contents and gives a nervous sigh. She’s not used to the idea of dressing up for Valiant, not that he asked for it. It was something that made her feel strangely comfortable. Unknown to her, Valiant has been sharing similar emotions of comfort despite the recent events.

Upon exiting the dressing room, Valiant looks up to see Smolder dressed in a smooth crystal blue dress. Valiant takes in the view of her sleek dress and is impressed by how it looks. When he looks at Smolder in clothing, he can’t help but think about how her body is similar to his own kind.

“So uh… What do you think?”

“Hm? Oh!” Valiant stammers a bit, replying quickly. “You look great. Are you planning to wear that at the festival?”

“You think I should wear it?” she wondered. “I wasn’t sure of wearing anything too much.”

“Well, I think you may as well since all of us have to be dressed for the festival.”

“We do?” Smolder spoke in surprise, clearly not aware of this. She rubs her chin and considers it. “Well, if I have to wear something, I guess I should try something big.”

“Whatever makes you comfortable,” Valiant assured her. “But I’m really proud of you. You’re really brave for trying it in public.”

“As long as you help me pick something good, that’s all that matters.”

The day is spent at the store trying on outfits for Smolder. The young dragon freely expresses herself to her human companion, and he too enjoys giving Smolder company. He gives feedback to many outfits that Smolder found intriguing.

The day comes to an end with Valiant and Smolder walking back to the hotel together. Valiant found himself in odd discomfort again, after looking at Smolder wearing new outfits long enough before he began to look at her other features. Not only were her scales and horns in great condition, but her form had a familiar form similar to that of humans, yet she was very different in the vibrant orange glow she had about her. His mind returns to a feverish temperature once again but it’s not too discomforting this time around. He relies on his strength to not let it get out of hand like yesterday.

“Hey Valiant. Do you think we can do this again another time?”

Valiant turned to her and saw her gaze drift to the side as if she was trying to not make a big deal out of her question. Valiant grinned and said, “Of course. Lets find another time to do this again.”

Author's Note

Yeah, stuff in my life happened
Don't want to talk about it though. Just that it takes me away from writing.

Part 24 - Bard

“Today belongs to Ocellus.”

That is what Valiant thought to himself. Recently, his body has been feeling tense. He worries if this would affect his day with Ocellus. Speaking of the Changeling, she stands in front of Valiant with a pamphlet in her possession.

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes, I’m alright.” Valiant assures her. “I’ve just been feeling a little hot lately.”

“Hmm? I thought the room had been a bit chilly actually. I had to wrap myself in blankets last night.”

“Is that so?” Valiant wafted the air, but couldn’t feel the coolness of it. Giving up on the temperature check, he looks to Ocellus and asks, “Well, anyways, what do you want to do today?”

“Oh, well, I know the Dune Star Culture Exchange is happening really soon, but I was hoping to go see it now. I know when the festival starts, There’ll be many ponies coming too, so I was hoping to get a preview.”

“Of course! I’m sure I can persuade them to let us enter early.” he assures her. Ocellus smiles and the two ready themselves for their pre-festival fix

They arrive at the lot occupied for the event. Valiant and Ocellus take a good look around to see a lot of stands and tents being set up. A variety of humans are moving around and working on the festivities. As the two kids walk around, Ocellus notices something peculiar about some of the humans. Specifically, the women and how different their chest is compared to the male counterparts. Curious, she tugs Valiant for more information.

“Valiant, do all of the human girls have big chests?”

Valiant paused with his head slowly turning to Ocellus, not sure how to react to her question. “When uh… girls come of age, they would, um… have their chests grow in...”

“I see...” Ocellus nodded, understanding. She looked at two women and noticed that their chest sizes were very different. “Valiant, is she still having her chest grow in?”

Valiant grabbed Ocellus and ran before the aforementioned women got a good look at them. After being taken to someplace where they couldn’t be seen, Valiant quickly said to Ocellus: “Ocellus, I’ve only heard this from my Shaman, but women from our culture tend to dislike comparing themselves and their… bodies in such a manner.”

“Oh, I see...” Ocellus nodded. “Sorry, I almost got us in trouble, didn’t I?”

“No, it’s alright,” Valiant assured her. “This is the point of the culture exchange. There’s so much to tell about my people, and this may be the best way to learn it… Myself included...”

Valiant recalled not too long ago, the simple pleasures of his people were unknown to him. His ignorance left him feeling like a fool and concerned about who his people are. What kind of people they are. These kinds of thoughts have been revolving around him more and more. Now it’s his chance to see what the Dune Star Tribe is willing to show the world, as well as to himself.

Ocellus noticed Valiant’s expression turned sour and decided to change the subject to perhaps something more personal instead. “Um, so Valiant… Do you prefer girls with… big chests?”

Valiant was quite shaken from her question regarding the matter, unsure if he how he should respond if she did.

“I’m just curious!” Ocellus stated. “It’s just that, I’ve never met a female human until today. Now that I have a good look at them, I think I can change into them.”

Ocellus suddenly does so, and changes her looks to that of a human. A form similar to the women from before, one that was taller than Valiant and with smooth black hair reaching her shoulders. She was quite a beauty, Valiant admitted, but the big issue, one that had Valiant reaching for a tent wrap and covering Ocellus, was that she was naked.

“Ocellus! You can’t be seen as a human without… clothing!” Valiant warned her.

“Oh! Sorry!” Ocellus apologized before transforming back. “I forgot that humans usually wear clothing.”

“It’s… okay.” Valiant sighed. “As for your question… It doesn’t matter that much.”

Ocellus looked at the blushing Valiant. Was he really that shaken at a naked human? Perhaps Valiant was indeed attracted to women with large chests.

“I like you in your normal form anyways. You don’t need to be like humans if you don’t want to.”

Ocellus smirks at Valiant’s clearly red face. Maybe he’s only being polite to spare her feelings. “Your face says otherwise.”

“I can’t help it,” Valiant states. “I’ve been like this for a few days.”

“Do you think you have a fever maybe? Let me check...”

Ocellus reaches out to Valiant’s forehead. He lowers himself for the young changeling to reach. Upon contact, Ocellus noticed something. Valiant was showing signs of love. Some sort of directionless infatuation going about. The symptoms were so clear, not just from his symptoms of heat and uncharacteristic shakiness, but the fact that she can taste it.

“How is it?”

“When did you start feeling like this?” Ocellus wondered.

Valiant scratched his head and looked back the past few days. “I believe it was when I was with Silverstream.”

“Only with her?”

“Well, it continued yesterday with Smolder.”

“And it continued on today?”

Valiant nodded, confirming that he was under some sort of loving influence, but that it also had no one directed to, or has been directed to specifically Silverstream and Smolder. Ocellus finds herself wanting the former rather than the latter. However, it’s strange to her that Valiant has such difficulty handling his emotions. He’s always been in control of himself even in tense situations, and for his love to run rampant and for him to be more jumpy than usual has her concerned.

She can tell that Valiant was being tortured by his emotions. It was rough on him, not knowing about it. She thought that perhaps if she could help Valiant take his mind off of his emotional state, then she can put him at ease at least for today.

“Valiant, why don’t we just look around? Maybe we’ll find something interesting,” Ocellus suggested.

The boy looked at her with a small smile. “Yes, of course.”

They ventured forth to see what the human festival was preparing. They passed by people in feathery costumes dazzled in pink and lime green leotards preparing for a parade of some sort. Dancers standing by a moving statue to hone their formations to heart. The various food stands offered Valiant and Ocellus to give a taste test. Most of which Valiant found unpleasant compared to the food back in Ponyville. Ocellus was having fun learning about the Dune Star Tribe and Valiant was also seeing his homeland in a newer light. There was much more to his people outside of the front lines.

They took a break at a bench which was close enough to see some sort of theatrical performance being rehearsed by musicians currently. Valiant took a bite from his Dune Star homeland sandwich, only to halt his tongue upon the taste. The contents were dry and also scratching his throat. Ocellus was lucky to have picked the Cactus Juice which was surprisingly good.

“Are you enjoying this, Valiant?”

“It’s nice. I am concerned that we may have spoiled the surprise of everything,” Valiant noted. “When we come here again with the others, I imagine that we won’t nearly have as much surprise as they do.”

“Well, at least we know what meals not to order while we’re here!” Ocellus jokes, which only had Valiant recall how miffed Silverstream was when he ate out without her. Perhaps she’ll let it slide since most of the food provided from his tribe is very terrible. At least to him.

As they sat around, one man with a guitar hanging around his back approached Valiant. He looked anxious as his eyes kept glancing around, avoiding direct contact with the young lad.

“Hi there!” he managed to say. “Um… Are you… You’re… Um… The Dragon Slayer, right?”

Valiant nearly choked on his sandwich upon hearing that dreaded title again. He looks up to the nervous man and nods. “I’m indeed, that person.”

“I-I just want to say, it’s a huge honor to be here!” he yelps out. “I want to thank you again for everything you’ve done!”

“Oh, um...” the boy goes quiet, not anticipating such a meeting.

“My village is grateful for your service! I hope… you come to see the show tomorrow, made in your honor!”

Valiant looked at the man and saw his earnest nature through his eyes. His body quavering in place as if he were meeting the king. In fact, he looked familiar now that Valiant had a good look at him.

“Have we met?”

“No, or maybe so,” he stammers. “You came and saved my village when it was being attacked by raiders. You saved everyone before your army arrived. I was shocked! All of us were, and we still remember your actions to this day.”

It wasn’t just Valiant who was surprised hearing this as Ocellus was drawn to the energy this human was giving off.

“Could you tell us more about Val- I mean… him?” Ocellus wondered.

His hands grasped together has a sparkle shimmered from his eye. “Where to start?” he said as he listed the incredible feats of his fighting. He mentioned how many people sang songs and tales of his work. Valiant noticed that this man could only talk about the work he did in towns, but not to the outsiders. A very one sided view of it, but it showed that his effort wasn’t simply for the army or the king. There were indeed times he saved someone. Ocellus was having a delight listening to what the people had to say about Valiant.

Despite the fun times they had, the man had something to come off his chest. “I was surprised to hear that… well, your army was disbanded. That you were to do your work alone. I mean, it’s amazing that you can do well without your own men! Though, it felt wrong to rely so heavily on a child.”

Valiant looked to the man, not expecting him to know about that. “That sort of news was released to the people?”

“There were rumors spread about. Then we heard that your services were put on hiatus, and that we would rely on the army more. I was wondering if you had died out there, but… seeing you here puts me at ease.”

Ocellus could tell that Valiant was brimming happily within as a smile almost creeps on his face. The night wasn’t too far away, but she wanted something else memorable for their time together here, something to help Valiant be put at ease for a while longer. “Sir, can you perhaps show us what you’ll be performing at the festival?”

“Oh! I can’t possibly do that without my fellow musicians. If I may be so bold, may I share you a song I made in your honor?”

Valiant wasn’t feeling so humble what with this man complimenting him the moment they met up, but he too was curious of what the man had written about him.

“If you would be willing to, I’d love to listen.”

A wide grin grows on the man and he pulls out his guitar and begins to play. The strums are soft and mellow to go with his poetic words.

In the land we call home
Lurks of war and such strife
A hero will rise
To protect us from demise!
His will filled with might
From Day till the night
No evil shall prevail
For his heart shall never fail!

His journey sets outward from Warpla to Equestria
Oh what shall he face? Oh Dragon Slayer!

Valiant, while still not feeling up to his old name, was delighted by what he had heard. This is one of the people he saved back then. And they didn’t forget that. While not everything with his relationship with his homeland is perfect, these moments help remind him that it’s not all bad. And that there’s still so much to learn from them.

“That was beautiful!” Ocellus stated. “But I do need to mention something.”

“What is it?” the man nervously wondered.

“Dragon Slayer personally likes to be called Valiant.”

“Oh! Is that so?” he realized. “My apologies for my ignorance! Though, that is a more fitting title. I did see you more of a Valiant hero more so than a Dragon Slayer.”

“Thank you, I think that’s why the name stuck with me,” Valiant jokes.

The two said their farewells to the musician and headed back to the hotel. On the way, Ocellus found Valiant to be in higher spirits than before. She felt happy knowing that she was able to help in some way.

“This was fun,” he said to her.

“Was it more fun than Silverstream’s and Smolder’s day?” Ocellus asked, bumping his arm.

“It’s not a contest.”

They both chuckled as they continued to their destination. Ocellus looked up to the night sky and said, “It’s funny how it’s the same night as others, but I don’t really want this night to end.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“Well, we won’t always get to go to a festival preview or have outings with just the two of us. And school doesn’t last forever. Once we graduate, we’ll be deciding what we want to do when we’re all grown up.”

“Right… Once we graduate.” Valiant repeated. “But, I’m certain that by the time we graduate, we’ll figure everything out.”

Ocellus smiled at his positive response. However, in the back of his mind, one belonging to the Dune Star Tribe, was his mission. A mission that won’t last until graduation. For his people, he will return with the knowledge the school is teaching him. He will have the knowledge necessary to help defend his tribe and save people like the kind man from before.

And when that time comes when he unearths the secrets necessary, he will have to say goodbye.

“It’s true though,” Valiant says to Ocellus. “It’s nights like these we really should appreciate.”

Author's Note

It's a great feeling when writing once again becomes therapeutic rather than, well, nervously trying to write the next chapter.

Part 26 - History

Today was the big day. The whole reason why the gang came all the way over to Manehattan in the highest honor. The Dune Star Tribe Cultural Exchange was today! Everyone was getting prepared for one of the biggest days of their lives!

Preparation included getting dressed. They found themselves ill at what they considered overly dressed. The girls were advised by Chewka to wear dresses and the boys to wear suits with bowties. Spike included as he proudly shows off his suit going well with his tophat.

“Eh? Pretty smooth, huh?” Spike had a playful smugness as he wore the suit that came with it.

Smolder was dreading to wear the dress publicly. It looked nice and easy to move in, so at least there’s that. It was somewhat nice to have a good reason to come dressed as well.

Valiant once again equipped the old griffon coat he wore far back then before Smolder added her fashionable touch onto his style sense. The others were remembering the day Valiant came to the school. Weird awkward boy who showed up out of nowhere, and was perhaps, nothing but trouble. Yet, no matter how much of his past weighed him down, he was still a good friend through and through.

He looked at the mirror and wondered if he grew taller. The person he usually sees in the mirror somehow looks different. His suspicions were confirmed when Smolder stood by his side and said, “You sure changed a lot since then, huh?” He glanced back at the mirror to see a reflection of him and his friends. Happiness was all there was in that moment for Valiant.

The group showed up at the event and saw the colorful tents and plentiful attractions belonging from the Dune Star Tribe. Each one displaying a piece of Dune Star culture from trinkets, souvenirs, food, and entertainment. While most of them were amazed, Valiant and Ocellus already got a good preview beforehand. It was a much nicer spectacle than before when they prepared it.

Chewka tapped Valiant’s shoulder and gave him a knowing look. He nodded and turned to the others.

“Excuse me friends, but Chewka and I have to meet with the prince,” he explained.

“Do you need us to come with you?” Silverstream wondered.

“We’ll back you up if he starts anything!” Smolder said with her claw punching into the other.

“There is no need to worry, it’s an exchange of information,” Chewka told them. “As you know, our tribe has been performing many movements and we’re just receiving word about our next big step. We will return in time for the Main Event in the center, so please meet us there before it starts.”

“Oh, okay then,” Sandbar said softly. “Though, we were kind of hoping you’d come with us too.”

Valiant smiled. “There’ll be enough time for us to see the rest of the culture exchange when I return.”

The gang smiled and separated for the time being. Valiant and Chewka walk to the corner of the event. A fenced off area with a single tent surrounded by many human guards, each equipped with bronze armor and a spear. Inside the ten awaits the prince who is still looking at the papers before him on the table.

“So good of you to join me, Valiant,” Prince Risen stated. “Now we can begin.”

The guards brought out chairs for the three of them. After being seated, the prince requested a debriefing on everything they learned from the school of friendship.

“So, the information about the Elements of Harmony have not been found?” The prince presumed.

“I believed that the material elements were destroyed after their final confrontation with King Sombra occurred,” Valiant answered.

“And there’s no way to recover them? No way to use their power on our side?”

“Prince Risen, if I may ask, do you plan to use the elements in defense for our people?”

The prince raises an eyebrow at Valiant. “There should be no doubt in your mind of what my intentions are. It is meant to be used for the people of the Dune Star Tribe by whatever means we need.”

“The elements turned against those who tried to use the elements of harmony as a weapon for conquest. Using offensive tactics won’t work in our favor, especially in the eyes of our allies,” Valiant warned him.

“Is that so…?”

The two locked gazes for a while. The prince is well aware that Valiant has been changing and not to his favor. It was all worth it to him however, as he finally received all of the information he needed.

“Very well then. You’ve done well, Valiant,” Prince Risen praised him.

Valiant was surprised by his sudden change of tone. “Are you satisfied, sir?”

“Yes, you received all the information we needed. Now we know about the state of the elements along with the requirements needed to wield them. The circumstances being what they are, we no longer have any reason to stay here.”

“I… beg your pardon, Prince?” Chewka questioned.

“We no longer have any reason to stay here in Equestria other than to exchange resources. Valiant, from this day forward, you’re no longer required to attend the School of Friendship. No, let me be even more precise. After this Cultural Exchange is over, you are to accompany me back to Warpla.”

Valiant’s eyes shrunk and his hands began to grip the edge of his seat. Chewka stood up and said, “My prince, surely I recall the Chief saying that Valiant can stay until he learns everything about the elements?”

“Precisely, but we learned something even sooner: The elements won’t help our cause. We’re in a constant battle with powerful foes and if the elements won’t aid in that front, then we need to retrieve our best resources to send out to the fight.”

“But why so soon?” Chewka questioned once more. “Why not wait until a few more days to prepare for the trip?”

“Because one of our research teams found the Obelisk.”

The two of them stood still, frozen at what they had heard. Valiant, who could easily take in most information, was astounded by the words that came out of his mouth. Prince Risen could see in their eyes that they knew what it meant. There was no backing out of it now.

“Since you understand, prepare your farewell to your companions before the exchange is over. We will prepare them for a lofty return trip as well, so no need to worry. Now get going while I prepare the rest.”

Valiant stood up with Chewka and the two began to leave. Chewka could see the anguish on Valiant’s face. They both knew that all of this was a temporary arrangement, but believed that things would work out by the time it was over. While it seems to work out for the Dune Star Tribe’s goals, Valiant finds himself dissatisfied despite the way things are laid out.

“Valiant,” Chewka calls to him. “I too am unhappy with the way things are. However, we have our missions and our duties to fulfill them.” Valiant merely nodded in acknowledgement to Chewka’s words. He continued, “So it’s important that you do everything you wish without regrets. Even if you leave on this day or die the next, you can at least have those memories be of you living your life to the fullest.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever lived my life back then,” Valiant stated, his eyes still looking glumly at the stone road before him. “I didn’t live until I met them. So if this is my final day with them, then I wish to truly live to the fullest, even if it is just today.”

With the right words etched into his heart, Valiant presses on with Chewka smiling softly to him.

Valiant arrived at the center of the festivities and found his friends sitting on a carpet, waiting for him and the show to begin. He approaches them and receives a warm greeting from all of them before joining them.

“Hey, how’d that meeting go?” Smolder asked.

“Did the jerk Prince act like a jerk again?” Yona questioned as she bumped her hooves together. “Yona can hit Prince if Valiant wants!”

“It’s alright, the meeting was finished a lot sooner than I thought, but I guess the show is happening a lot earlier than I thought too,” Valiant stated.

“What’s this show about anyways?” Sandbar asked.

“It’s about our history,” Valiant explained. “A bit about our culture and the Promised Land.”

“The Promised Land?” Gallus repeated. “What kind of place is that?”

Right on queue, the show began with human actors dressed in robes traveling to a setting that looked like a green valley rich with flora and forests. The narrator’s bold voice echoed for all of the guests of Manehattan and to the kids to listen to the tale.

“Our people have arrived in Warpla, a haven that was introduced to us by the noble King Grover. Our people found a chance. A chance of peace from the chaos, a chance of freedom of fear, to have a place to call our own.”

The actors began to take out props that were hidden within their robes and placed tall plants representing crops.

“Our ancestors made homes and once again for the first time in centuries, were free from the terror of magic. Yet this was a temporary arrangement, for our people knew that magic would inevitably reach even Warpla. Yet humans had no abilities whatsoever. Unease grew within our people’s hearts.”

Suddenly, lights flashed from the center of the stage and a person in white robes, a halo, and wings appeared.

“But a miracle occurred. A being ascended from a higher plane only the ancients could understand. A being we called an Angel.”

“Are they, like, Alicorns?” Spike wondered.

“Our ancestors intrigued the angel for their hard work in making a home wasn’t to be ignored. The Angel learned from our people’s plight from the previous land earning the Angel’s sympathy. The Angel then offered something. They offered our people something we could only dream of: Power.”

The actors moved away and made room for a giant mechanical eye to take the stage. It slowly opens with lines of light going around the mechanical eyeball.

“The Angel offered and our people accepted the power of sight. The ability to perceive magic and learn from it. Ever since then, we have advanced further and further into the wonders of magic for the past few centuries. However, not even our people can remain pure.”

More actors arrived, but this time it wasn’t just the people dressed in robes. There were people with bodies colored in red, blue, purple, and so on. Their colors were of darker tones and each person had horns on their heads.

“Demons, literal embodiments of the bile within the human’s hearts surfaced and attacked our home. Ever since the first encounter many centuries ago, we have been fighting an endless battle. Despite their human-like appearance, they possessed magic, the very thing our people strived to flee from. The angel came once more and told us that this was the result of our sin.”

“What sin?” Ocellus wondered, bewildered by what the humans could have possibly done to deserve this.

“The Angel praised our people’s willpower, our drive, our ambition, but said that we lacked something integral. The angel believed that if our people used our gift to better ourselves, then we could have avoided this predicament. Our savior was not pleased, but as our people begged, the angel offered one more chance.”

The actors moved once more and introduced a large black pillar. It’s smooth like marble but a deep black color makes it seem like peering into the abyss. It was inscribed with glyphs all over the object..

“The obelisk will aid us in seeking a new angel. One that will guide us out of the darkness from the mistake our people have made. When the savior is found, the humans shall band together and lead us to the Promised Land.”

The play slowly ends. The actors soon line up and take a bow as the ponies give their applause to the show. Even the students were mesmerized by their legends. For Valiant however, he was merely reminded of what’s to come.

It surprises him that they finally found it after centuries. It was believed that the Obelisks were never to be found, and yet they finally uncovered one. As his mind left to ponder at the idea, the students followed Spike to the souvenirs.

“That show was really cool,” Sandbar stated.

“Yeah, I never thought a history lesson would be that fun to watch,” Gallus commented.

“Did they ever find one of those obelisk thingies?” Silverstream wondered.

The group looked at Valiant, awaiting an answer. “I’ve never seen one before. We’ve only heard descriptions from old texts.”

“And what about those demon things?” Ocellus asked. “Are they really real?”

“They’re not what you’re fighting against, are they?” Smolder questioned.

“Well, it’s true about the demons,” Valiant stated as he turned around and explained further. “They look like humans but with horns. We’ve been fighting as long as that story has been around.”

“Whoa, really?” Yona exclaimed. “But Valiant is strong and beats them easily!”

“It’s because they’re strong that I was needed on the battlefield.” His red eyes drift to the corner as he recalls the many missions involving those called the enemy. However, Valiant never once thought of them as demonic or evil. They were simply the enemy, and blood would inevitably be split. It didn’t matter who they were as long as they were deemed an enemy.

“Wow, I guess they must be a serious problem then,” Gallus noted.

“They must be bad if you’re constantly fighting them,” Silverstream concluded.

A moment passes as Valiant considers that. Perhaps they are bad when considering the things they have done. However, the same could be said about him. He recalled the discomfort he had upon letting strangers discover his actions in war time. In truth, he knew little to nothing about the demons. It is true however that this war erupted on both sides. They had a reason to want to start it as well.

The troubling thoughts he had subsided when Spike suddenly jumped forward to the students with a figurine of a human. He points to the Far Bazaar going on behind him, with many souvenirs of many kinds. The students were entranced and began to look around. Valiant found a certain calmness watching them enjoy themselves again.

As they pass their time to look around the bazaar, Valiant finds himself with Sandbar browsing gifts for special others. Curiosity lulls him to ask about his approaching purchase.

“What are you looking for?” Valiant asked Sandbar.

The pony turned to him, almost in relief, and said, “I’m looking for something to give Yona. Something special for this trip.”

“What kind of special?”

Sandbar’s eyes avoid looking straight at Valiant but manage to give him an idea. “... A special someone.”

Valiant holds his chin. He has little to no idea in that field. However, there was one product that even he knew about. One that sent the idea clear as the desert sky. He points to one of the flora and shows Sandbar a lively pink flower. “This is part of my people’s culture. A flower we give to someone we love. It even has a poem to go with it when gifting the flower.”

“Really?” Sandbar looked excited discovering this. His giddiness has the human smile warmly for him. After purchasing the flower, Sandbar had it safely put into a container to give later. Over by Gallus, he happens to see Snowy with her griffon parents also looking around. They were quite surprised as the father patted Gallus’s back, greeting him warmly.

“I was hoping to see you and Valiant around here,” Snowy told Gallus. “I was kind of expecting to since… Well, Valiant is a human and all.”

“Yeah, that’s a pretty good assumption,” Gallus said simply. “What are you all doing here?”

“We’re looking around to learn more about this Dune Star Tribe.” Snowy’s mom told Gallus. “Maybe we’ll find something to help with business.”

“It’s mostly an excuse to get out for a bit,” Snowy said honestly.

“Hey, maybe you can give us some business connections?” the father jokes.

“Dad!” she complained. The three have a good laugh as Valiant approaches to greet them once more. As he did, he noticed something off from someone nearby. The cloaked human has magic energy going around them, making Valiant suspicious. He follows his trail but after a few corners, he disappears with magic energy left behind hinting that he teleported away. Valiant grew more concerned and went back to his friends quickly.

Author's Note

Discharged from the hospital.
My life was hellish for the past few months. So forgive me for not apologizing this time. :v

Part 1 - Dragon Slayer

Author's Note

Ayy, just wanna say I wrote this for fun. But that's no excuse to stop self improvement, right?
So here's my request, if you end up disliking the story, tell me in the comments why. Though, if you can't come up with a review or really don't feel like putting in that kind of effort (I'm with you there, buddy), you can just type one word in caps from the list right here.

"TRIED"
- This story wasn't your kind of story. You took a chance on reading it despite knowing you probably wouldn't like it. (Thanks! Hope you find something you do like reading though)
"DELIVERY"
- This story IS your kind of story. But the delivery of it wasn't to your liking. Possibly too fast or too slow. Maybe the sentences were to cumbersome or too short.
"DIRECTION"
- This story IS your kind of story. But the direction it was going wasn't to your liking.
"MISDIRECTION"
- The preview promised something different than what you got. (If that's the case, tell me what tags I should add or change. Also, sorry you had to read in through a story that may have misled you in the preview.)
"TROLL"
- You just disliked it because you're a rebel. (Put on those shades and smile like a madman)

Edit: 4/25/2020
Added some new text and details
Thanks for your feedback Truthseeker!
And no, I didn't fix all of the problems.

Part 1 - Dragon Slayer

The Royal Court held within Canterlot had a meeting with an important and once forgotten creature. A human who is the chief of his village and leader of the tribe visits the sister princesses of Equestria. After countless attempts in the past to meet with one of the tribes, this was their most successful meeting as of yet. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna kept their appearances to match that of the chief, who continued to show a mature restraint, regality, and refinement.

“I humbly thank you again for the aid you have given my people.” He says with a slight bow of his head. “Your gifts of food and sharing of your culture has enlightened and given comfort to them.”

“We’re quite happy that it was to your liking,” the sun princess said with a graceful smile.

“It has made it easier to convince them of my approach to the other tribes from our region,” he tells them. “The other tribes continue to attempt to overthrow us for our land and resources, but we stay resilient at the defense.”

“We’re sorry to hear of your plight,” Princess Luna spoke of sympathy. “It’s difficult to handle such a situation especially with your position.”

“It’s quite alright,” He assures them. “Though, speaking of which, there is something I would like to request of you.”

The two princesses looked to each other, not liking where this may be going. They swiftly but politely declined in advance. “I’m afraid we cannot assist you in your battles without knowing about the circumstances of all parties.”

The chief laughs somewhat at their response. “Oho, goodness no. I cannot in good conscience send new companions to the fray of battle. Nay, I hear you have a school that teaches in comradery.”

Princesses gave a bewildered look. “Comradery? You mean the School of Friendship?”

“Yes, that facility,” he confirmed. “I have a request that you take one of my people in.”

“Why, certainly!” Princess Celestia answered. “My faithful student runs the school, so I’m sure you’ll find it to accept whoever wishes to attend!”

“That is good to hear,” He sighs in relief. “I hope you can teach him and help him grow.”

“If you don’t mind us asking, who is this representative you’re going to send?” Princess Luna asks.

It was the first class of the day with Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and principal of the School of Friendship. Her students are seated and are ready to begin. The violet alicorn enters with a smile. Her faithful assistant follows close by her holding a parchment.

“Good news every creature!” She says with a light tone of excitement. “Today, we’re having a new student join us in our future classes! He’s come from a far off region from Warpla and is a representative of one of the human tribes.”

“Wha-pla?” The orange dragon says, confused by the strange name.

“Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Princess Twilight!” The Hippogryph calls out.

“Yes, Silverstream?”

“What’s a human?”

“Excellent question!” Twilight replied proudly at such a curious question. “Many of you may not know this, but humans are bipedal beings! They have a unique magic that lets them see magic, but not perform them on their own. It’s said that many human species weren’t able to survive except for one particular region. Warpla has humans that have been able to artificially utilize and manipulate magic, or so the texts we have says.”

“Why didn’t the humans survive?” The light green pony asked.

“Well, Sandbar, humans didn’t have any magical advantages at the time. And this was during a time when many other creatures with greater magic ability existed.”

“Sooo, you’re saying that they were destroyed by other creatures? Like griffons or Changelings?” The blue Griffon assumed.

“Um… Well, that isn’t far from the truth, but yes. Unfortunately, most of the culture was lost but as I’ve mentioned before, there are many humans left on Warpla. This includes our new student!”

Right on cue, the counselor opens the door and brings in their human guest. The students looked at him to see that he was slightly taller than Starlight. He had a large coat seemingly made of feathers. He was overly equipped compared to all of the students as he wore an entire ensemble from a cotton white shirt, purple baggy pants, and black boots. His eyes looked as if he had just committed a crime as they scan the room slowly and attentively.

There was an awkward silence as the students analyzed the human. After Starlight gave a fake cough, Twilight returned to her senses and helped introduce the human.

“Aah, hello! Welcome to our school!” She said with a wide smile in an attempt to liven up the atmosphere. “Why don’t we get to know you a bit more and have your name?”

He nods and does as he’s told. “My people call me Dragon Slayer.”

Spike and Smolder flinched at that. Spike started to inch himself away from Dragon Slayer while Smolder glared at him.

“Ooo-kaaaay,” Starlight says to him. “Uh, why don’t you take a seat, Mr. Dragon- er, Slayer?”

The human nodded and took the seat next to Ocellus. The Changeling has an expression of discomfort on her seeing her new neighbor.

“What a freaky guy,” Gallus said to his friends. “Did you see how much he was wearing?”

“Yona thinks he looks strong!” She stated. “Dragon Slayer wears lots of heavy clothes!”

“Not only that, but the way he talked was all growly too,” Sandbar pointed out.

“Isn’t it wrong to judge Dragon Slayer before we get to know him?” Silverstream thought. “He might’ve just been nervous.”

“If you ask me, getting a name like Dragon Slayer, doesn’t sound like he got it by holding tea parties.”

As the six strolled on, they spotted Dragon Slayer, walking through the corridors with many ponies actively avoiding him. The six watched as he eventually walked up to them. Smolder, who was in front of her group, stood in Dragon Slayer’s way. He merely walks around them and continues minding his own.

Ocellus pondered at the way he behaved. “He seems pretty quiet actually.”

“I guess he doesn’t have much to say.” Sandbar concluded.

It was another sunny day outside for outdoor activities. Fluttershy is the instructor this time and has everyone perform friendship activities.

“Today, we’ll be doing some trust activities,” Fluttershy told everyone. “This will be a good opportunity to show our new guest one of the core fundamentals of Friendship!”

“Does that mean we’re gonna do some trust falls again?” Gallus guessed.

“That’s right! So I want every creature to partner up!”

As everyone did so, Fluttershy walked to Smolder and requested her assistance. “Smolder, I was hoping you could partner with, um Dragon.”

“What!?” Smolder yelled. “Why me?”

“Well, you seem to match his height, and no pony else seems to want to work with him,” she explained. “I’m worried that if this goes on, he may not learn anything from this class.”

Smolder groaned but accepted anyways. She felt inclined to with the good points her instructor had, and she didn’t feel threatened by the stranger regardless. “Fiiine.”

“Thank you, Smolder! I knew I could count on you!”

Smolder stands by Dragon and waits for Fluttershy to finish the demonstration with her bear. Fluttershy crosses her forelegs and falls towards the bear. The bear catches her gently and lifts her back on her hooves. She pats the bear on the head and says, “Good boy, Harry!”

“Did every creature understand? Then let’s begin!”

Smolder sighed and crossed her arms and was ready to fall. She falls back and is caught by the human. With her turn done, it was now up to Dragon Slayer to fall backwards. As he did, Smolder caught him, only to nearly drop to the ground herself. The weight of the human was incredibly heavy, so much so that the human slipped through her claws, and not as gracefully as they’d hope either. Smolders claws dig into the clothes and even scratches his face before landing on the floor.

Everyone turned around and saw the tall creature flat on his back on the ground. The situation was bad, as the human named Dragon Slayer wasn’t caught by a Dragon. Smolder’s friends weren’t sure what happened or what to say. Nobody moved except for Fluttershy who came to his aid.

“Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked him.

Dragon got up and said, “She couldn’t carry me.”

“He was too heavy! It was like carrying two loaded carts!” Smolder quickly explained.

Fluttershy checked the cut on his cheek. “Oh no, we should get this treated right away. Smolder, would it be alright if you took him to the infirmary?”

“Why?” Dragon questioned. “It’s only a scratch.”

“Well we can’t leave you like this! You need to take care of yourself, and that scratch can get infected!” Fluttershy explained.

“Come on.” Smolder says as she helps Dragon get up. She struggled to do so even with Dragon standing up on his own. “Let’s just take you there before you get everybody else freaked out.”

“... Understood.” He complied.

At the infirmary, Dragon was seated on the bed. Starlight took a look at the damage and simply placed a patch on the spot. “There! Just leave it on and the cut will go away on its own.”

Dragon thanked her before Starlight turned to Smolder. “Good job staying relaxed after that. It’s good that you walked him here on your own.”

“Ah, it’s no big deal,” Smolder shrugged.

Starlight turned to Dragon and said, “Now, before we check you off, I’m gonna need you to remove that coat and seat if you got hurt on your arms.”

“I can assure you that my arms are fine.” He told her.

“Oh, don’t worry, we just need to check,” Starlight stated. “I just want to see for myself so there’s no doubt in my mind.”

“... I understand.” He complied and took off the coat. The two were surprised to see that the coat made him look a lot larger than expected. He was actually not as big as the coat made him appear to be. He was still tall, but underneath it all was someone not so intimidating. They were also shocked when he placed the coat down to hear what sounded like metal scraping metal.

“Wait, What the-” Smolder inspected the coat and found out there was armor plating underneath the feathers. “No wonder you were so heavy!”

“Oh, were we supposed to take off armor during trust exercise?” He wondered. “My apologies.”

“Aaah, I think I know how you think now,” Starlight chuckled.

“Well, now with this off, I bet I can catch you this time,” Smolder commented. “Why’re you wearing this anyways?”

“I was… under the guise that this may help me in my objectives.” Dragon explained.

“And what would that be?”

“To establish friendly relations and acquire companionship with one or more individuals.”

“So… To make friends?” Starlight translated. “Well, I’m not one to question your people’s methods, but it makes you look a little… scary, to approach.”

“I see.” He sighs. “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand how to make friends very well.”

“Well, it takes time,” Starlight told him. “Trust me, I know. Where I came from, there was a good chance I wouldn’t be able to make any new friends. But all it took was one pony to help make up for it. For you, I think you came to the right place and at a good time too. I’m sure you’ll make some friends while you’re here.”

“I see… Thank you for the advice.”

Smolder was standing around, her arms crossed as she looked at Dragon putting the coat back on. “You’re still gonna wear that?”

“It may not help me make friends, but it’s awfully cold inside this school. I’m still trying to get used to the temperature.”

“You know, I have to agree,” Smolder admitted. “I came from the Dragonlands, so coming here is like, a major downgrade in heat.”

“Really? My missions often have me crossing deserts. Once you get used to the heat, it feels quite comforting at times.”

As the two walked back to class, Starlight watched them talk away before leaving her field of vision. She giggles a bit and says to herself, “Maybe that coat did help him make a friend.”

Part 11 - Notebook

Valiant was scribbling something down in his notebook. He was heavily focused on it as he pressed down on the paper with his quil. The bottle of ink dipped quickly and often as its contents were beginning to dry. Five bottles of ink and he seems to not even be done with whatever was being written inside. So deep into his work, he doesn’t even notice Yona approach him.

“Hey Valiant!” She greets him, the human boy jumps in surprise when he realizes who was nearby. “What is Valiant doing?”

“It’s classified,” He told her.

Yona tilts her head, confused by what he meant. “Classified? A secret? Don’t worry! Yaks are great at keeping secrets!”

“You don’t need to worry yourself about it,” he assures her as he blows the contents of his work so it would dry. “It’s a… side project.”

“Can Yona see?”

Valiant closed the notebook as a nervous look got plastered on his face. He closes the notebook and puts it in a back filled with more bottles of ink and quills. “It’s… Classified.”

“Yona tried her best to see, but Valiant wouldn’t show Yona!” she tells the others at the lunch room. The others were listening closely to her tale in the hall, causing curiosity to ponder their thoughts.

“You know, now that you mention it...” Silverstream began, holding her chin. “He was writing something in his notebook while he was waiting for me at the Hay burger Diner.”

“So he has a private journal,” Gallus assumed. “I didn’t expect him to be the kind of person to have one, but that’s nothing to fret over, is it?”

“The thing though, is that he has so many extra bottles of ink and quills with him too,” Sandbar mentioned. “When he lent me a bottle, I saw his bag carrying like, ten of them!”

“What do you think he’s writing that’s so important?” Ocellus wondered. “It must be pretty important if he’s been keeping it a secret from us.”

“He’ll come around to it when he does,” Smolder assured the others. “I’m sure he’ll come around to show us whatever’s in there.”

Ten days later, Valiant continues to be scribbling vigorously in the notebook during class. Smolder was next to him at the time as his quill continued to wave back and forth, smoke was almost emanating from the tip. Smolder would have taken a peek if Valiant didn’t set up a book fence around his desk, making it impossible to see without arousing suspicion. Time for a different approach.

“Hey, Valiant?” smolder whispered, grasping his attention. “Can I see what you’re writing?”

“I can pass my notes to you after class,” Valiant replied.

“Oh, it’ll only take a second. I want to see what you’re doing. It looks interesting.”

Valiant gave a fake smile as he slid the notebook farther from Smolder. “Oh, it’s not that interesting. It’s just a small side project. Nothing you need to worry about.”

Smolder smiled and nodded in response. “Okay, gotcha. Nothing to see then, huh? That’s cool. I understand completely. Got it. One hundred percent.” She even gave him a thumbs up, letting him return to his scribbling. She looked back to the teacher, Fluttershy, and tried to focus on class. With her foot repeatedly stomping impatiently, she suddenly lunges at the notebook, tearing down the book fence despite her previous response of being okay. Valiant quickly moved the notebook out of her reach and closed it, not letting her see a thing inside.

“Small Side project my tail!” Smolder yelled angrily, trying to snatch the notebook. “What are you hiding!?”

“S-Smolder! Valiant! What’s going on!?” Fluttershy stammered loudly.

“What’re you writing that’s got you not telling anyone!?”

“I don’t want to say!” Valiant yelled back as he continued to keep the notebook out of reach.

“Wow, you were sure cool about it,” Gallus chuckled at the annoyed Smolder.

“Oh, shut up,” she hissed coldly. The six of them were in the Treehouse of Friendship when Valiant went off to continue with his small project. They continued to wonder what had their friend so preoccupied in that little notebook.

“Well, it’s gonna be harder now that he’s even more wary with us,” Sandbar sighed.

“Yona thinks that Valiant would still hide it anyways,” she commented.

“Let’s think about what he does with that notebook!” Ocellus suggested. “He may be writing in it all the time, but if we know him, he’s probably doing something for someone else!”

“That’s true!” Silverstream nodded in agreement. “He hasn’t done this before, so that must mean someone encouraged him to do this!”

“But who in the world would that be?” Smolder questioned.

“You know, now that I think about it… I think he handed the notebook to Professor Rarity for a day when he stopped writing in it,” Gallus mentioned, earning him a stern look by everyone. “What?”

“You couldn’t have mentioned that earlier?” Smolder huffed.

“Maybe Ocellus can turn into Rarity and take a look when Valiant gives it to her right there?” Sandbar suggested.

“I don’t think that would work,” Ocellus warned him. “Valiant can see magic, so he can spot me pretty easily even when I transform.”

“I think there’s another way you can try,” Gallus told the Changeling.

Two days later since the meet up at the Treehouse of Friendship has passed. Class was done for the day, and Rarity was putting away some of her belonging in her bag. After she cleaned off the chalk from the board, Valiant entered from the door.

“Oh! Darling, you’re early!” Rarity stated. She rummages through her bag and takes out a notebook with Valian’ts name written on it. “You seem to be improving very well! I’m happy to see you taking such an interest despite the fact that we’ve moved on from the subject.”

“... thank you, Miss Rarity,” Valiant told her, followed by an awkward bow.

“Oh, darling! Your courtesy is always welcome!” She told him before searching for the keys to lock up. “Now, run along! We can discuss the matter later. I must get back to the boutique and work on some new designs for the season!”

Valiant nodded and left as told. As Valiant closed the door behind him, he continues walking down the hall until he sees another human. Another Valiant, to be precise. The other Valiant looked at his clone before saying, “Ocellus? What are you-”

The human looks down at Ocellus’s hand, holding onto a notebook. Their eyes shrink, caught red handed with the object. Ocellus turned and fled as she held on tightly to the book. Valiant gave pursuit but she was running into a crowd of students. Valiant passed carefully and apologized as he searched for the fleeing Changeling. Not getting a good view from where he was, he jumps up to a bookshelf and then to a pillar. Having a bird’s eye view, he spots Ocellus immediately, trying to blend in as another pony student. His eyes were able to detect all of the magic around her keeping that form and attempts to catch the Changeling. Ocellus turns and sees the human coming at her, so she turns back into her Changeling form to fly away. Missing his mark, Valiant continues to give chase as Ocellus attempts to get away. She tired her wings out however and continued on foot, but Valiant was still getting close. She was beginning to panic and didn’t see where she was going, tripping over Spike who was holding a stack of papers, and falling on the floor. She and the notebook slides on the sleek and clean ground. When they stopped sliding, the notebook happened to open up. Without intention, Ocellus happens to look inside the notebook and see it was inside. Valiant caught up to her and saw that he was too late.

“Is this... ” Ocellus muttered. “Supposed to be… Silverstream?”

Valiant covered his face in embarrassment as she looked at the poorly drawn picture of Silverstream. She turns the page and sees a picture of Sandbar with sticks for legs. Silverstream with her mane way too large. Gallus has big talons. Smolder had giant horns. Not only did she find a picture of herself, but she found pictures of each of the professors in there. All of them were equally bad.

“Oh… This is… nice...” She spoke slowly, trying to keep his feelings in check. She passes the notebook back to him and sees his look of defeat.

“I appreciate that you’re trying to cheer me up,” Valiant sighed.

“Is this what’s gotten you so worked up?” Ocellus wondered. “I mean… It’s not… That bad.”

“I’ve been trying to improve over the last two weeks, but it doesn’t seem to look nicer, no matter how many times I retry.”

“Wait, we did something like this in Miss Rarity’s class, right?” Ovellus recalled. “But that was weeks ago. We’re not doing it anymore.”

Valiant scratched the back of his head and decided to tell her, not having much to hide anymore. “When I first did the assignment, we were all told to try and draw someone we know. Silverstream was my partner at the time. We turned in our drawings to the professor without showing our partners. When Miss Rarity took a look at mine, her response was… very similar to yours.”

“Aahh, so you wanted to improve at it?” Ocellus realized. “But… why?”

“I’ve never failed at delivering results before, but when this one assignment was something I wasn’t able to do sufficiently,” Valiant admitted. “It felt… Strange, not meeting up to the expectations of others.”

“Well, no one here is asking you to be perfect,” Ocellus reminded him. “You had a lot of flaws back then, and there’s no shame in that. Besides, you shouldn’t let something like drawing hold you back.”

“I suppose I was just too wrapped up in this,” he admitted. “It’s difficult to try drawing them without a proper reference.”

“Reference?”

“You know, kind of like a model. I’ve been working on them when I’mable to see them.”

“That’s kind of creepy,” Ocellus blatantly told him. “If you need some help with it, I suppose I could help.”

“Help?” Valiant looked at her, bewildered by what she meant. “I would have a reference for you, but I wouldn’t be able to draw the others.”

“Uh, Valiant?” She then transformed herself into Silverstream. “You know I can do this, right?”

Valiant presents a dumbfounded expression before his cheeks went rosy. “I… seem to have forgotten in the brief moment.”

The two take the art project over to Valiant’s house. Ocellus transforms and poses as Smolder for the first drawing. Valiant looks at the Smolder model before adjusting her arm and the angle of her head.

“She likes to hang her head a bit. She shifts the weight to the side because she likes to remain in a relaxed position.”

“Wow, that’s a pretty convincing description,” Ocellus stated in smolder’s voice.

Valiant begins the sketch while responding to Ocellus. “I tried to take notice of everyone’s habits in an effort to avoid troubling or insulting anyone.”

Ocellus continued to model for Valiant. This goes on until they’ve done Smolder, Silverstream, and Gallus. He was currently drawing Ocellus as her normal form until she noticed the sun setting.

“We should probably wrap this up,” She suggested. “It’s getting pretty late.”

Valiant nodded in agreement. He places the sketches on the table for Ocellus to look at. Upon first glance, they were certainly better than the stick legs and strange proportions. However, they were still odd looking to her. Gallus’s talons were bigger than his neck. Silverstream’s mane was still big, only more acceptable than the previous drawing she was in. Smolder’s horns were still big and now her tail was big too. Each one had wrong sizes, including Ocellus. She had bigger eyes on hers and for some reason, her wings were opened when she hadn’t taken them out when modeling.

“Is this… supposed to be a caricature?” Ocellus wondered. “There are portions that are way bigger than they should be compared to their other parts.”

Valiant scratched the back of his head, admitting that they looked off. Not mentioning that the lines were crooked or that the shoulders and wings were a bit out of place, Valian’ts focus at the time were the strange sizes given to each of the drawings. “I tried to follow Professor Rarity’s advice when sketching these.”

“What was the advice?”

“Well, she told me to focus on the best aspects of the model, based on their outward appearances.”

“Oh!” Ocellus realized, understanding the quirky drawing a bit more. “So, are you saying Gallus’s talons are the best part of him?”

“Well, I assume it is,” Valiant thought. “He works hard and takes the time to walk to places rather than just fly on many occasions. He seems to not mind staying on the ground and he has a lot of diligence when trying to complete assignments. No matter how many times he wants to just stop and do something else.”

“Oh, and what about Silverstream?”

“Well, she brushes her mane with a lot of care. She looks quite nice and in a way, I suppose I admire the effort for all of the little things she remembers.”

“And Smolder?”

“Smolder really likes her horns. She doesn’t tell anyone, but I notice that they remain quite shiny day by day. I believe she polishes them every morning seeing how the glean looks fresh. She also moves her tail a lot which is like a third arm in a way.”

“Okay, well then...” Ocellus looked at her sketch and pointed at the wings and eyes. “What’s the thing about my eyes and wings? I didn’t even open my wings out when we were modeling.”

“Ah, that,” he said, holding his chin. “I suppose I was imagining your wings.”

“Imagining? Why?”

“Well I rarely see you fly. But you have such nice wings.” Valiant explained. “I was remembering how unique they were out of anyone I’ve ever met. I’ve never seen a Changeling before, but you seem to be quite wonderful. Your eyes are also quite special too. While everyone’s eyes do look very nice, yours is very pretty. I don’t know anyone else here or in my homeland who has them that are like yours.”

Ocellus looked at the human’s good and honest look on his face. She couldn’t help but turn red once she heard the full description of what he thought of how she looked. Like Valiant did before, she covered her face when he turned to almost see her red cheeks.

“Aaaaah, you really think so?” Ocellus spoke in her quivering voice.

He raised an eyebrow at her behavior, but answered her question instead of inquiring about what she was doing. “I do think so. You have qualities that are quite unique. While your ability to transform is also different from other creatures as well, I prefer seeing you in this form than in others.”

Ocellus covered her face even more. Her chest was thumping and she couldn’t look him in the eyes as she was. She makes her way to the door, but bumps into a coat rack.

“Ocellus?” He called out concerned about what she was doing. Ocellus waved to him, assuring she was fine.

“It’s fine! I’m fine!” She told him, reaching the door while still concealing her face. “I’ll, um, see you tomorrow! Yeah!”

She opens the door but pauses for a moment. She looks over to Valiant and peeks, revealing her eyes but still concealing her blush. “Um, actually Valiant… If you don’t mind, can I… have my sketch?”

Valiant gave her a bewildered look but complied with her request. He hands her the sheet and the Changeling accepts it gratefully. “Thank you… I’ll take good care of it!”

“Oh, um... ” he muttered, not expecting that response. “... Thank you…?”

Ocellus and Valiant said their goodnight and separated for the night. When going back to her dorm, she hangs the picture next to her bed. As she readies for the night, she looks at the mirror and smiles, knowing that someone liked how she looked for who she was.

Part 25 - Boys

Gallus noticed a tired Valiant resting in his room shortly after returning from his trip with Ocellus. Valiant looks up and greets his blue griffon companion.

“Hi Gallus.”

“Hey Valiant,” he greets back. “How are you? I heard you’ve been going out for the past three days with the girls.”

“I’m doing alright,” Valiant tells him. Gallus couldn’t help but notice Valiant has been exhausted more than usual. This is the same friend who managed to kiss a boy without batting an eye. The past three days has Valiant been on edge, making him curious about the behavior change. He decides to press on the matter.

“Are you sure? You don’t look like you’ve been acting yourself. Did the girls do something that made you get so tired these past few days?”

“No, I don’t think...” Valiant paused and thought about it some more. To be fair, the symptoms he’s been experiencing and his wandering thoughts have been acting up ever since he began spending time with them. Chewka promised to explain it to him, but perhaps letting Gallus know won’t cause any harm. “Actually, yes. I’ve been getting… well, hotter, for the past three days.”

“Hotter?” Gallus repeated. “Like, a fever?”

“No, it’s...” Valiant rubbed his chin, not quite sure how to make proper sense of it all. “Lately, when I was spending time with Silverstream, Smolder, and Ocellus, I’ve been getting more excited. In the sense that my emotions would have short spikes.”

“Uh huh...” Gallus nodded. “What made you flare up like that?”

Valiant held his chin in thought. “I believe there was a time when Silverstream was helping me cough up food that was choking me. When she embraced me to perform the procedure, I felt strange. My head felt warmer...”

“Wait… what?” Gallus muttered. “What else made you feel like that?”

“I saw Sm- I mean, went with Smolder out the other day and we saw someone else wearing very beautiful clothing. Ocellus also asked me about human females and their body structures which was a very difficult subject to discuss.”

Gallus looked at Valiant with knowing eyes staring right at him. ‘Was he serious?’ Gallus wondered. ‘Am I going to have to talk to him about birds and bees? I guess I should have expected this since he’s kind of clueless about that kind of stuff, but still!’ Gallus didn’t want to be the one to explain the whole concept to Valiant, especially since he should have already had the talk back then.

Then again, Valiant didn’t have a family to grow up with to explain it to him. Perhaps the place he was raised didn’t offer that kind of basic knowledge growing up to him. Of course, there’s the matter of when Valiant will have to learn all of this. He turns to Valiant, about to give him the talk. But something stops him.

Gallus didn’t want to scar him for life like how his own life went. He needed to be tactful, but most of all, he needed Valiant to be relaxed with his own peers. This may be something ridiculous, but right now, it makes sense to have Valiant be relaxed and happy.

“Boys night out!!” Spike announced happily. The young dragon, Sandbar, Gallus, and Valiant stood in the lights of Manehattan as they marched forward to really soak in the city vibes.

“It was really cool of you to get just us to hang out,” Sandbar told Gallus.

The blue griffon leaned over to his pony friend and said, “Yeah, just don’t forget that Valiant kind of needs this to ease up a little. He’s going through a… phase.”

“I know, I know,” Sandbar assured him. “But man, I knew he was clueless about some stuff. But that?”

“Where are we heading?” Valiant wondered.

“Well, I heard the Little Las Pegasus here has a ton of stuff we can do there!” Spike suggested.

“Isn’t that for adults?” Sandbar commented. “I mean, would they really let kids in?”

“There’s not just stuff for kids,” Spike assured him. “There’s a spa, an arcade, and a food court around the world!”

“Silverstream isn’t gonna be upset with you again for eating out without her, is she?” Gallus half-joked.

“We discussed it last time, and she seems to be forgiving of me,” Valiant assures him.

“Alright! But before we go, we have to look our best!” Spike declared.

The group were visiting a tailor who made very nice formal attires. Gallus, Sandbar, and Spike were being measured for their clothing to be made. Valiant, who already had a suit ready, was browsing through the shop and noticed a variety of dresses, including one made for a bipedal like him.

“Do we really need these suits?” Gallus questioned.

“Come on man! It’ll be good to get into the spirit of things!” Sandbar told him.

“Besides, you need to be dressed to attend the Dune star Cultural exchange,” Valiant reminded them. “So it would be best to get used to them.”

“Wait, we do!?” Gallus responded with shock.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m totally used to stuff like this,” Spike said somewhat smugly. “It’s fun to look this good!”

Valiant grinned at Spike’s behavior as he paid for the clothing. When he did, he looked to the dress and decided to purchase it as well for Smolder. “Can you wrap this one in a present box? I intend to give it as a gift.”

“Oh! I hope your special human likes it!” The tailor told him, thinking that the bipedal-designed dress was for a human. Valiant merely smiled at him before the boys left for Little Las Pegasus.

Since they were going someplace pretty fancy, they decided to go all out even further by getting a ride. A sleek white carriage with purple cushioning and snacks inside. Valiant was simply letting Gallus and Sandbar take the reins of their purchases since they were the ones who decided on this Boy’s night out. He wasn’t really clear on why they decided to do this, but Valiant wasn’t opposed to the idea. He spent so much time with most of the girls that he thought it’d be nice to spend some time with the guys this time around. Upon arrival at Little Las Pegasus, the carriage ponies opened the door to let out the four gentleman creatures and view the gorgeous, albeit smaller version of Las Pegasus. It’s strewn with lights beaming up and sounds of many ponies having a grand old time. As most of them head to the casinos, the boys head towards the arcade. They look around to see arcade cabinets lined up against the wall with screens shining out to them. Various minigames like skee ball and balloon darts were scattered about in the arcade with ponies their age playing them. Many of these kids were dressed with hats on hats and t-shirts that look like one of the prizes from the arcade’s shop.

“These prizes are intriguing,” Valiant pointed out the colorful merch ranging from t-shirts to eye-catching toys.

“That stuff is at the kiddie level,” Spike told Valiant. He points his claw up higher to the shelves above and said, “This is the good stuff you wanna aim for!”

Valiant squinted his eyes at one of the prize’s ticket conditions. “How difficult would it be to obtain Fifty thousand tickets?”

“We’re just here to have some fun, guys!” Sandbar reminded the two.

“We’ll check out the prizes after we play some games,” Gallus suggested.

With that quickly settled, the boys hung around the arcade to play around. Valiant showed excellent scoring in the skee ball game once he was quickly explained how to do it. Tickets started to erupt from the machine. They move their fun over to the arcade machines where Gallus and Sandbar went one on one in some sort of competitive game. When Spike and Valiant were at the controls, Valiant had a hard time understanding the concept, letting Spike easily snag victory from the bewildered human boy. The balloon darts went as well as they expected from Valiant, easily popping balloons, even the ones that were rigged.

Valiant was having a good time with the guys. The way they cheered for him for playing a couple games. It was a far better game than their slumber party games. They had a good time too, but their pleasant activities weren't enough to accrue the necessary tickets. They racked up about a thousand tickets, far from any of the really good prizes.

“Well, that’s a bust,” Spike sighed as he turned away from the prize shelf and to the students. “Anything you want from the prize shelf?”

“Well, since it’s Valiant’s first time, he should pick something for himself,” Sandbar suggested.

“Are you sure?” Valiant looked to the boys, and received the okay to do so. He looked back to the prizes to see what he could possibly want. None of them stood out to appeal to his tastes. However, he did find something that would make a decent gift. Some sort of scope that had images similar to that of stained glass. He thought that a certain changeling might find it interesting as well. The kaleidoscope was exchanged for his winnings and the boys moved on to the next part of the Little Las Pegasus.

The boys arrive at the massive segment of restaurants serving all kinds of food. Rice, pasta, burgers, pizzas, noodles, and so on. Valiant eyes some interesting treats being scanned by Sandbar. They were various cheesecakes that had fruity decorations and colorful syrup, almost enough variety of colors to make a brand new kind of rainbow. Sandbar bought two and had them wrapped up.

“You’re not eating them?” Valiant wondered.

“Nah, I’m planning to give this to Yona,” he explained. “Yona didn’t have a lot of chances to go out and try new food, so I’m bringing some desserts I think she’ll like.”

“Hmm… That’s a good idea,” Valiant stated. “I was planning to do the same.”

“For Silverstream?”

“How did you know?” Valiant wondered, raising his eyebrow.

“I mean… isn’t it obvious?” Sandbar spoke before holding his mouth. Valiant looked to the side, thinking about that comment. What should have been obvious about it? Perhaps it was all of the times they spent eating out. He and Silverstream go out eating together a lot.

“Uuuh, I mean, hey, is there anything you want to eat?” Sandbar said, trying to have him think about something else.

“Oh, Um… I suppose the ‘fry anything’ looks interesting,” Valiant pointed to the shop with the chef frying a kebab of carrots, broccoli, potatoes, licorice, and cheese into the fryer. He pulls out the fried abomination and gives it to Spike who chomps away at the deranged treat. Sandbar flinched upon seeing that ludicrous combination.

The boys had a good night spending time together at the Little Las Pegasus. What way to finish off a night of games and junk food than a nice dip into the spa. The boys entered the shop and approached the counter to talk to the clerk. She guided them to the room where they can leave their belongings and disrobe.

After stripping off and locking up their belongings in a locker, they went for one of the spa tubs, free of strangers. The boys rested in the warm bath as it soothes their aching feet. It was quite a walk, but the day went by smoothly and kindly to all of them, especially for Valiant. Gallus looked to see him almost napping in the pool. A rare site considering this is one of the only students in their group who can stay up to do homework after a day of walking about.

“Pretty nice, huh?” Sandbar commented.

“Yes, truly relaxing,” Valiant nodded.

“You know, compared to the time I swam in lava, this is kinda lukewarm,” Spike thought. “Still nice though.”

“I’ve never swam in lava before.”

“Uh, that’s cause you’d get burned alive, Valiant,” Gallus retorted.

“Oh, by the way Valiant!” Spike called out as he looked at his body. “What’s with all of those doodles on you?”

“These are markings that have given me abilities that humans don’t normally possess on their own.”

“Right, okay then,” Spike nodded. “Also, why did you wear speedos here?”

“Because I don’t want to get naked,” Valiant explained.

“Yeah, don’t even bother trying to get him to think otherwise,” Gallus warned the little dragon. “Human culture and stuff.”

“But you never go in the nude?” Spike questioned. “It’s just kind of… weird. Humans always, always wear something?”

“Not all of the time,” Valiant answered. “Private quarters and special occasions.”

“Like what?”

“Well… Such as when a person is with someone they love.”

The three of them stared at Valiant making a grossed expression. The annoyed human responded, “You asked!” in quick reaction. The boys laughed and continued the conversation.

“Someone you love, huh?” Spike wondered. “Do you have anyone you love?”

Gallus couldn’t help but think of Snowy Trails when asked the question. He coughed into his talon, at the same time Sandbar happened to whistle away on the subject.

“I don’t think I ever loved anyone before in that sense,” Valiant stated. “Do you know what it feels like?”

“Oh yeah!” Spike said, remembering the feeling so easily. “Your heart’s beating, your head feels light, and you can’t help but be mesmerized by her~”

“That sounds like serious ailments.”

“Nah, it’s a great feeling,” Spike sighed. “Being around Rarity is fun too.”

“Rarity? As in, Professor Rarity?”

“Yeah, we do a lot of stuff together. Sometimes we go mining for gems or helping her with some designs at the boutique!”

“That sounds like what friends would do too.”

“You’re not getting it, aren’t you?” Spike pointed out. “How about you guys? Do you have any wisdom for your dear friend?”

“Um, well...” Gallus spoke, trying to find the words for it. “You kind of… do things with them because that itself makes you happy?”

“Yeah, like if someone you like is happy, you also feel very happy too,” Sandbar adds.

“Do you two have experience?” Valiant wondered.

“Errrr,” Sandbar stuttered. “Well, I… heard about it.”

“Uh huh...” Valiant muttered, unconvinced by Sandbar’s claim. “I feel the same way about friends though. Making you and the others happy has given me joy as well. I don’t know if I can say that I have found you all attractive.”

“That’s fair,” Gallus shrugged.

“What I mean is, when you do stuff with some pony you love, you get a weird happy feeling. Like butterflies in your stomach, or feeling warm when they’re close by.” Sandbar added.

“Butterflies in the stomach?” Valiant spoke, thinking about that symptom. He took a moment to ponder at that. As he looked back at his previous experiences with the girls, he noticed something. The feeling of butterflies or warmth, the desire to make them happy, and even the gifts Valiant had just bought from today alone.

Valiant wondered why his heart had been feeling this way. Why such emotions that have remained dormant and unknown to him suddenly spike all at once. How did his mind turn to this? The heat from the spa had him nearly pass out from his thoughts going into overdrive. Gallus noticed this and got the others to help him out.

Valiant and the boys returned after a fun night out. After everyone returned to their rooms, Valiant was lying on his bed and staring up at the ceilings. He never had thought about love or to find someone he resonated with. His mind drifts to the only ones who triggered this response: Silverstream, Smolder, and Ocellus. Was he interested in them? There’s still so much he doesn’t know, especially why it happened now of all times.

Valiant knew one thing however. He didn’t want to hurt any of them. He prays that only he has these feelings so that he would not have to break anyone’s heart. His sleep was difficult that night.

Author's Note

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