Chapter 12

Axel 1st POV

I blinked my eyes as I regained control of my body and I could hear Dante chuckling darkly in my mind. I looked around to see many people staring at me in either shock or fear. I frowned as I knew something like this would happen when I let Dante loose, but I didn’t expect Dante to make such a freaky spectacle for the residents. I turned back to the girls Dante saved and they were both hugging each other with fearful expressions. I sighed as I scratched the back of my head, trying to figure out how to explain to them about what just happened.

“Um…” I tried to speak. “Are you two alright?”

“What the fuck was that about?!” The blue haired girl shrieked.

“I agree! What in the name of Equestria did you just do?” The other girl asked, her voice sounded british.

“Okay, I know this looks bad, but at least you’re safe, right?” I tried to say.

“Safe? From you? You just summoned a damn demon!” The blue haired girl said.

“Okay, fair enough, but it wasn’t gonna hurt either of you.” I said.

“A demon not hurting anyone?!” The english girl snapped. “Since when?!”

“Since me, that’s when.” I argued. “I was the one who brought him forth and there’s no way I was gonna let it hurt either of you. The only ones I allowed it to hurt were those bastards who were harassing you. Now, I get that my actions were very violent and scary, but I can assure the both of you weren’t in any danger.”

“Fat chance!” I heard someone say. “You looked like you were gonna tear them to shreds!”

“It was bad enough that the visitors from the north were giving us a hard time, now you come out of nowhere like a monster out of Tartarus!” A lady accused.

“Yeah! And what’s with that creepy red lighting!” Another man demanded as he walked up to me and got in my face. “You scare these girls and the rest of us half to death with your dark magic, and you have the nerve to say you mean no harm?! You’re just a freak!”

This asshole is pushing it, big time. Dante hissed. Axel, blast him away and send a message to these people that you’re not the kind of person to mess with. They should be grateful we chased off the scum, not hassling us.

I noticed that Moon and the others were making their way to me and some of them looked a little nervous at the sight of me. The man glaring at me smirked a little like he wanted me to react. I could oblige Dante by frying this douchebag, then I’d be showing him and everyone else that I wouldn’t be taking any shit from anyone who wanted to mess with me. But I then glanced over to the two girls who I saved. They still looked uneasy and I wanted to prove to them that I wouldn’t hurt them or anyone else who didn’t deserve it.

…

I get you’re angry, Dante, but you’ve had your fun. We need to play this carefully from now on, but I promise you’ll have another chance to cut loose.

Hmph, whatever, I’ll be holding you to that.

“I’m not a freak.” I said raising my hands. “Strange powers, yes, but not a freak I most certainly am not.”

“Then why did you-”

“I’m not done.” I said holding my hand in front of the man’s face. “My power is nothing you, or anyone around here has seen before.” I gestured to everyone staring and the girls behind him. “I’m new around here and I’ll admit that my introduction could’ve gone smoother and I apologize for scaring the ever loving shit out of you.”

“You can say that again.” The blue haired girl deadpanned and her friend nodded in agreement.

“Hey, you two are welcome for saving your asses.” I shot back, pushing the man aside. “If it weren’t for me, the both of you would be those bearded bastards playthings by now.”

“But did you have to be so…violent?” The british girl asked.

“Wouldn’t you?” I countered. “I saw how they treated the two of you, how they slapped you like a bi- I mean, so disrespectfully.” I caught myself. “I ran into more of those assholes back in Canterlot who were giving the Princesses themselves a hard time. Plus, no one else got hurt besides them, right?”

“Who’s to say you won’t hurt us?” The blue haired girl asked unconvinced.

“Oh for the…” I facepalmed. “I was just pissed off, alright? Those fuckers deserved it and anything else I could’ve done to them. But I swear I won’t hurt anyone who doesn’t deserve it.”

“Is that so?”

I turned around to see Lapis Law with a couple other guards behind her and her arms were crossed. I smiled sheepishly since she obviously either saw and or heard of my, or rather Dante’s, little display of rage.

“Hey there Lapis.” I waved innocently.

“Captain Lapis.” Lapis corrected. “Not even an hour and you’re already making a scene.”

“But I saved these girls.”

“Saved them? From who?”

“Some bearded bastards who were apparently giving this town a hard time.”

“The northerners?” Lapis said surprised. “You drove them off?”

“Yep, they should all be gone by now after I roughed them up a but and threatened to slaughter them.” I said bluntly. Lapis stared at me for a moment until a wide smile stretched across her face and she busted out laughing.

“Hahahahaha! I like this kid!” Lapis’s said as she wrapped her arm around me. “You have no idea how much I wanted to run those bastards out of town!”

“Wait, seriously?” I asked as Lapis held me close.

“Oh, you have no idea! You did what we couldn’t for months! And for that, you’re automatically on my good side. Unless you do something shitty, but I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

To say I was surprised would be a bit of an understatement. For a second there, I thought I was gonna be arrested for assault or something and the next thing I know I’m being hugged by the captain of the local guard. Lapis smirked at me before releasing me and cleared her throat to address the crowd.

“Listen up people! This kid’s not a threat! He got rid of the assholes who were giving us a hard time all these months! I say so, and it doesn’t matter what he did and how he did it! He just had more of a spine to do what we couldn’t and we owe him big time!” Lapis announced.

“But what about that demon and those creepy magic?” Someone asked.

“It’s not magic…” I said to myself.

“I am willing to look past it so long as he keeps his little abilities in check.” Lapis said, eyeing me. “And none of you should be so quick to judge based on actions, even though his methods are highly questionable.”

I’ll show her ‘questionable’ if you let me talk with her.

Please don’t, please?

I decided to speak up and cleared my throat. “I know I already said this, but I’m on your side.” I stepped towards the two girls and held out my hand. “So how’s about we start over? Hi, my name’s Axel Rickert, it’s nice to meet you.”

The two girls looked at each other until the blue haired girl decided to step forward and take my hand.

“I still don’t really trust you, but you did technically save us from those jerks. Name’s Vinyl Scratch, I guess it’s…somewhat interesting to meet you.” She said with a half-hearted smile.

“Likewise.” I said.

“Come on, Tavi.” Vinyl sighed as she glanced over her shoulder. “He’s a nice guy so come introduce yourself.”

The other girl glanced around until she also sighed and approached me and held out her hand. “Though I may not agree with your methods, I suppose I too am thankful for your assistance. My name is Octavia Melody, charmed to meet you.”

I grasped her hand and decided to pull a little Prince Charming on her for the hell of it. I got down on one knee and bowed my head and held my other hand behind my back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Melody. I must apologize for my uncouth behavior and frightening you, but I couldn’t let those men do whatever they pleased.”

The girl was taken back by my gesture as I stood up. Her friend, Vinyl, busted out laughing and slugged my shoulder playfully.

“Ha! You sure got her good, dude! I did not expect you to pull that!” Vinyl laughed. “I’m glad you’re not as bad as I thought, we gotta go but I hope we see you again soon.” She waved goodbye as she dragged her friend away.

The rest of the people seemed to have gotten the message and dispersed, leaving me, Lapis, and the girls. “So, am I seriously not gonna be arrested and stuff?”

“Not unless you wanna do something stupid like actually hurt someone and make me regret speaking out for you.” Lapis said, eyeing me suggestively.

“I don’t plan to.” I said with my hands raised. “But just for future warning, I do have a bit of an unstable temper.”

Hey!

“But it’s stable enough, I can assure you.”

“Here’s hoping.” Lapis snorted. “Well I’d love to stick around to hang over your shoulder, but I have a desk full of paperwork to burn back at the barracks. I’ll see you around, Rickert, you can count on that.”

Once she and her guards left, Moon took the opportunity to march up to me with a very displeased look.

“Axel Rickert, what in the name of my moon were you thinking?!” Moon shrieked.

“Uh, Nightmare?” Applejack said.

“Hey come on, he didn’t kill anyone. Plus it was part of our little agreement that he be let out from time to time.” I tried to say.

“Hey, Axel.” Rainbow said.

“What agreement?! You told me you would never let him take over!” Moon snapped.

“Nightmare, please listen.” Rarity said.

“Well it was either that or he became a liability to me in the near future.” I argued. “He and I came to an understanding.”

“Axel, we need to talk with you!” Twilight said.

“An understanding?! I still don’t-”

“WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL US WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!”

Both Moon and I jumped at Fluttershy’s sudden outburst. When we turned to her, she immediately hid behind her hair and her cheeks flushed red. “I’m sorry, but we really would like to know what just happened, if you don’t mind.”

I really didn’t want to say everything about Dante so soon, maybe try and ease them into it for a couple of weeks, but I guess there was no avoiding it at this point

It’s up to you, man.Dante said. I could care less, but I will warn you that they might not be as forgiving as Nightmare Moon.

“Alright…” I sighed as I walked over to a nearby bench and sat down. “I’ll tell you, everything. Who that was, why he exists, and what happened to me that created him in the first place.”

“Him? But there’s only one of you.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Not exactly.” I shook my head. “What you saw was my split personality. His name is Dante, and he’s all my worst self in a split consciousness.”

Some Time Later

“And so Dante and I came to an agreement back at the train that I would let him take over whenever I couldn’t make the tough decisions. Such as slicing those assholes up and running them out of town.”

The looks on everyone’s face after I finished telling them about my accident and Dante were a mix of expressions. Twilight was shocked, Rainbow was pissed, Applejack narrowed her eyes at me, Rarity was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, Fluttershy was crying and wiping her tears, and Moon still looked disappointed in me.

“I can’t believe this!” Rainbow gritted her teeth. “What kind of parents neglect their own kid like that and can’t even accept the fact that they were in the wrong!”

“They basically drove ya away by the sounds of it.” Applejack said.

“To think, a noble soul like you, would be forced to take another life for the sake of protecting your own.” Rarity weeped.

Fluttershy walked over to me and embraced me in a hug as she cried on my shoulder, which surprised me a little. “I’m…so sorry you went through all of that, Axel.” Fluttershy whimpered.

“I appreciate it, Fluttershy, but don’t worry, I’m over it.” I said as I gently pat her back.

“But…I don’t understand.” Twilight said. “This split personality of yours, Dante? He can reside in your mind and take control whenever you allow it?”

“Well that is how split personalities work, right? I mean, Moon was a split personality for Luna. So it’s pretty much the same deal with me and Dante, only we managed to work out a sort of truce with one another.”

“Be that as it may.” Moon said, still scowling at me. “I believe you told me that you would never allow yourself to be influenced by Dante, Axel. Why the sudden change of heart?”

“Well I-”

God, I can’t stand listening to this. Move over, Axel.

“What?! No, Dante, Wait! Ugh…”

My eyes grew heavy and my body slumped forward as Dante pushed my consciousness aside.

Dante 1st POV

I opened my eyes and smirked, making the girls flinch and take a step back.

“Sup.” I waved a little. Fluttershy eeped and scurried away behind Applejack.

“Dante…” Nightmare growled.

“Dante? You’re Dante?” Twilight asked.

“What gave it away, the red eyes?” I asked mockingly as I raised my hand in front of me. I activated Electricity a little as small red bolts danced off the palm of my hand. “Or maybe it was the red bolts?”

“Back off, you jerk!” Rainbow snapped as she stood in front of her friends protectively. “Bring back Axel right now!”

“God, you have an annoying ass voice.” I rolled my eyes as I lowered my hand. “Honestly, I’m surprised Axel didn’t slap you for having being so bitchy.”

“What did you call me?!” Rainbow snarled as she unfurled her wings.

“Rainbow Dash, please don’t!” Nightmare said as she raised her arm.

“I’m not here to fight, not yet at least.” I said as I leaned back on the bench. “I’m just here to clear the air with our little situation.”

“What could you possibly want, you brute?” Rarity demanded.

“To get you guys off Axel’s and more importantly my ass, toots.” I said before yawning.

“T-Toots?!” Rarity shrieked.

“Axel was smart to contact me and set up this little agreement, he may be a little bitch sometimes, but he ain’t dumb. I was actually planning on biding my time and forcefully taking over and leaving Axel to watch as I terrorized anyone who was being an asshole, like I did earlier.” Moon scowled at me as I noticed her hands were clenched and began to glow. “But, I’m not unreasonable and neither was Axel. He and I talked it out and he agreed that I would be able to take the wheel every now and then.”

“And ya think we’ll just allow that?” Applejack questioned. “Ya nearly killed those men.”

“And I probably should’ve.” I dismissed her. “Scumbags like them should be rotting in the ground instead of sucking air. But I didn’t out of respect for Axel and you lot.”

“Us?” Twilight said.

“Yes you.” I nodded. “I don’t plan on going anywhere and just disappearing within Axel’s mind. Since I’ll be able to come and go when Axel allows me to, or if I feel like it, I’ll play along with the whole righteous shtick. So you all don’t have to worry about me hurting anyone that don’t deserve it.”

“What makes you think we can trust you? From what it sounds like, I believe the term to best describe you would be a loose cannon.” Nightmare accused.

“More than that, you’re a big jerk!” Rainbow said.

“And you have no manners whatsoever!” Rarity added.

“Sticks and stones, ladies, sticks and stones.” I dismissed them again.

Damnit, Dante, bring me back!

“Whoops, guess I overstayed my welcome.” I shrugged. “Well I’d love to stay and chat but Axel wants to return to the land of reality.”

“Wait! I have more questions!” Twilight said.

“Too bad, be seeing you.” I said as my eyes closed and my head slumped over.

Axel 1st POV

I blinked my eyes and looked up to the girls with an annoyed scowl. “Ugh, I can’t believe he did that…”

“Axel?” Moon asked.

“Yeah, it’s me.” I sighed as I stood up. “Sorry for that sudden takeover, I didn’t think Dante would pull something like pushing me back in my mind.”

“Are you okay, Axel?” Fluttershy asked as she walked up to me.

“I’m good, slight headache, but good.” I sighed, rubbing my head.

“That Dante persona of yours is quite the brute.” Rarity huffed.

“More than that, he’s an asshole.” Rainbow added.

“I agree, but it wasn’t my intention to freak you girls out.”

“Well I’m still disappointed in you, Ax.” Moon said, crossing her arms. “You seemed quite convincing when you said you wanted nothing to with Dante.”

“Give me a break, Moon, it’s as you said, Dante is a loose cannon and I would rather not risk him running rampant. I realized that my only option was to bargain with him so he wouldn’t become a serious threat. Besides, it’s not like I wasn’t gonna tell you later on.” I said.

“Be that as it may, you still worried me.” Moon said.

“Moon, I love you, but I’m 25 years old.” I sighed. “I can take care of myself.”

“You just don’t understand.” Moon said looking away.

“Understand what?” I asked, a little irritated. “Do I really have to share everything and anything I say and do? Why do I need my hand held?”

“Uh, guys?” Rainbow said.

“I’m not trying to hold your hand, Axel, I just worry for you!” Moon said.

“Guys?” Applejack said.

“And I appreciate that, but again, I am a grown man. I can choose to make these decisions for myself!”

“Can you?! We are supposed to be together! Which means we are supposed to make important decisions together!”

“Don’t use our relationship as an excuse to get pissed at me! What gives you the right to even get mad in the first place?!”

“BECAUSE I DON’T WANT YOU TO END UP LIKE I DID! THAT’S WHY YOU DUMMY!!” Moon shrieked.

I was taken back by her comment as tears poured out of her eyes. The girls were also a little surprised as Moon fell to her knees and cried into her hands.

“You dummy! You big, stupid dummy! I care about you so much, that I can’t stand how stupid you are right now!” Moon cried. “How can you not see that if you’re not careful, you’ll end up like what I did to poor Luna?!”

It all soon made sense, I had not realized until now that Dante and I were somewhat similar to Moon and Luna. Moon was once a dark persona of Luna whom she allowed to take control, which resulted in that fight she had with Celestia. Dante was created from my dark thoughts over the years and has managed to manifest into an alternate personality. It’s no wonder Moon is so upset, and I was too pigheaded to realize.

“Moon I…” I tried to say, but I couldn’t find the words. “I didn’t realize you were so paranoid about this.”

“You are the best thing that’s happened to me in over a thousand years.” Moon said quietly. “I thought I was going to stay imprisoned on the moon and spend the rest of my existence trapped at that castle. But then you appeared and gave me a second chance, you helped me reach an understanding with everyone, and…you accepted my heart.” Moon looked up at me with tears staining her face. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you, Ax, I couldn’t bear it.”

I frowned and rubbed the back of my head as my girlfriend wept. She had a point, I did take a big risk of ending up like what happened with Moon and Luna. Dante could’ve easily gone back on his word and kept in control and I would’ve been trapped in my own mind while Dante ran wild. I should’ve at least discussed this with Moon, even the girls, about it instead of jumping the gun. Fluttershy walked up to Moon and knelt beside her. She then placed a hand on her back, to which Moon immediately hugged her as she continued to cry.

“There, there Nightmare.” Fluttershy consoled as she returned the embrace. “I’m sure Axel had his reasons, he only did what he thought was right.”

“He’s still a dummy…” Moon murmured.

“You got that right.” Rainbow agreed, giving me the stink eye. “In case you forgot, Axel, friends don’t keep secrets from friends.”

“Yup.” Applejack said. “Especially when ya got some
kind evil side hunkerin’ in yer noggin.”

“He’s not evil, he’s…complicated.” I guessed.

“Complicated is one of many words I could think of.” Twilight said. “He seems more unstable than complicated.”

“All I can say is that I can vouch for him, somewhat.” I shrugged. “And I can promise he won’t cause too much harm whenever he takes control.” I looked down at Moon who was looking back up at me with a frustrated stare. I sighed as I knelt down in front of her and reached out to take her hand. “I’m sorry, I’m very sorry for upsetting you and not talking to you about Dante. I also care about you, Moon, I just wanted you to not worry for me too much.”

“I am your girlfriend, Ax, I have an obligation to worry for you.” Moon said as she leaned forward and hugged me. “Just promise me you will not keep any more secrets.”

“I won’t.” I said as I hugged her back. “I promise, especially to the rest of you.” I stood back up with Moon. “I want us to be on the same side so from now on, I’m an open book.”

“Do ya Pinkie promise?” Applejack asked.

“Uh…sure?” I shrugged as I held out my pinky finger.

“Naw, sugarcube, like this.” Applejack giggled as she raised her hand and I copied her. “Cross mah heart.” She crossed her chest.

“Er, cross my heart.” I said as I copied her.

“Hope to fly.” She raises her hand to the air.

“Hope to fly.”

“Stick a cupcake in mah eye.” She pointed to her eye with her tumb.

“Stick a cupcake…in my eye?” I repeat as I did the same.

“Yup, that should do it. Right girls?” Applejack asked and the girls nodded.

“Anyone wanna explain why that was so important?” I wondered.

“All ya gotta know is this.” Applejack then glared at me. “Never. Break. A. Pinkie. Promise.”

For some reason, I got a very unsettling tingle that ran up and down my spine. I don’t know why, but I got the sneaking suspicion that I should honor this promise and make sure I never break it.

“Right…” I gulped as we started to walk. “I-I got it.”

A little while later, we eventually arrived at a building that literally looked like something you’d see out of some Whinnie the Pooh book. It looked like a tree but it had windows and a door which made me curious how one could live in a place like this.

“So this is the Library you mentioned before?” I asked Twilight.

She nodded with a proud smile. “Yep, welcome to the Golden Oak Library. I’ve taken up residence here ever since I moved to Ponyville.”

“I see, how exactly do you live here? I mean, it’s a tree.” I questioned.

“It may be a tree, but it’s plenty hospitable inside.” Twilight said as she walked passed me and opened the door.

“Guess this’ll be where we’ll crash for a while.” I shrugged to Moon.

“Crash? Why would you want to crash into this humble abode?” Moon wondered.

“No, I mean…nevermind.” I shook my head. As we walked in, the lights were all off for some reason and I couldn’t really see. Just as I was about to look for a switch, the door closes and the lights turn on.

“SURPRISE!!!”

“HOLY SHIT!!”

I was met with a whole crowd of people who scared the ever loving shit out of me, making me stumble backwards and lose my footing. I fell backwards and ran into someone but the back of my head was pressing against something soft. I groaned as I looked up to see Fluttershy’s blushing face as she stared at me. It took me longer than it should’ve to realize my head was in between her breasts. I gasped and scrambled up to my feet and dusted myself off and cleared my throat as I turned to face Fluttershy.

“Erm…my bad.” I apologized as I offered my hand to her.

“Oh…i-it’s ok…” She whispered as she accepted the offer and I helped her up.

Smooth…

You’ve said enough for one day, jackass!

Pinkie Pie soon hopped up to me with a wide smile as she bounced in place. “Hiya, Axy! So were you surprised? Huh? Were ya? Huh? Huh were you surprised?”

“More than that, you scared me shitless, Pinkie.” I deadpanned. “So what’s all this for?”

“For you and Nightmare, silly!” Pinkie chirped.

“Hold up, us?” I was surprised. “Why us? More than that, how did you put all this together so quickly?”

“I throw parties for all my friends and new people of Ponyville! This is your Welcome to Ponyville and Thanks For Chasing Away The Northerners party!”

That’s a mouthful. I think until I glanced up to see a banner that said those exact words. Touché…

“Miss Pie.” Moon said. “Did you truly put all of this together for Ax and myself? I would understand why you would put this together for Ax, but why me as well?”

“Well why not? Axy says you’re not the same person as you were before and you don’t even look unfriendly.” Pinkie gestured to Moon’s new clothes and hairstyle. “Besides, any friend of a friend is a friend to me!”

“We’re…friends?” Moon asked. Pinkie nodded and Moon gasped as she covered her mouth with both hands. Before Pinkie could say anything else, Moon reached out and embraced Pinkie in a big hug as her wings fluttered happily and she was smiling. “Thank you, thank you so much.”

Pinkie smiled and hugged her back and nodded. I smiled as I looked around and noticed that the crowd were looking at Moon wither surprised or content that she wasn’t what they expected her to be. Maybe things will turn out for the better after all.

Moon released Pinkie and she turned to the crowd. “Let’s party everyone!”

The crowd cheers and party music plays around the room. Moon and I walk through the crowd and start mingling with the people. Though still hesitant and first, some people had made an effort to talk with Moon and get to know her. To my surprise, and slight annoyance, a couple of men tried flirting with Moon but she politely turned them down, leaving them depressed that they couldn’t get lucky with beauty like Moon. Meanwhile I also was experiencing a bit of social hesitance from the crowd. Though I did manage to talk to some people, some preferred to keep their distance or limit the words shared with me. It’s gonna be a drag to get out of this bad limelight I put myself in, hopefully something will happen that will give me a chance with these people.

I set my Amp and pack aside and was chilling with Rainbow and Applejack in the corner of the room, making small talk and enjoying a drink of this stuff called Apple Cider. The stuff was pretty good, like a beer flavored with apples, which is what Applejack grows at yer family farm. Rainbow was going on about this team of stunt flyers. She has a dream of joining them one day.

“They’re called the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow said proudly. “They perform aerial acrobatics and demonstrations and are the fastest most skilled flyers in Equestria!”

“Huh, sounds similar to The Blue Angels.” I shrugged as I took a sip.

“Blue Angels?” Applejack asked. “Who’re they?”

“Similar to the Wonderbolts, The Blue Angels typically perform aerial displays annually in at least 60 shows at 30 locations throughout my home country and two shows at one location in the neighboring country.” I said as I pulled out my phone. “Back in my world, the Blues are a team of humans who fly these flying vehicles called airplanes that are capable of traveling at high speeds through the air. They consist of six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, split into the diamond formation and the Lead and Opposing Solos.” I scrolled through my photo gallery and tapped on a picture of the famous flyers and showed it to the girls.

“These are The Blue Angels.”

“Whoah, are they those airplane things?” Rainbow asked as she gawked at the photo and I nodded. “How fast can they go?”

“Hmm, if I remember right, I think the fastest recorded aircraft would be the X-15.” I scrolled through my photo gallery again and showed them another picture.

“Last I heard, this thing can go Mach 6.”

“WHAT?! MACH 6?!” Rainbow shrieked, grabbing my shirt. “THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!! NO WAY ANYTHING IS THAT FAST!!”

“Ok, first of all, ears.” I sighed as the ringing died down and I gently removed her grip. “Second, and I hate to break it to you, but I’m telling the truth. My world is just much more advanced than yours.”

Rainbow seemed to be in a dazed state of shock as Applejack started chuckling to herself. “Ah think ya broke her, partner.”

“Can you fix her?” I joked.

“Maybe, but Ah don’t really feel like it.” She shrugged. “She’ll come too eventually.”

“Fair enough.”

While Rainbow was still contemplating how there was something faster than these Wonderbolt guys, the two girls from earlier, Vinyl and Octavia I think their names were, approached me and I raised my cup to them. “Hey there girls.”

“Yo…it’s Axel, right?” Vinyl asked and I nodded. “How are you enjoying the party?”

“It’s not bad, the music’s pretty catchy, compared to my music.” I said.

“Your music?” Octavia asked.

“I’ve got some songs on my phone here that I listen to. Would you care to listen?”

“That depends, what kind of music is it?” Vinyl wondered.

“The kind that even I can sing along to.” I smirked. “Just point me to where I can plug my phone in and I’ll do the rest.”

Vinyl and Octavia looked at each other and Vinyl shrugged and pointed towards the speakers playing the music. I walked over to the speakers and saw that it was already playing music from someone else’s phone. Just when I was about to unplug it, a young looking teen walked up to me. He wore a light purple t-shirt, baggy jeans that had some tears here and there, and white sneakers. His hair was green and spikey and he shaped it as a sort of mohawk down the middle. His eyes, however, were what caught my attention as they seemed to be green but reminded me of those I would see on reptiles.

“Hey there, you’re Axel right?” He asked with a kind smile.

“Uh…yeah?” I said, still gazing down at him.

“Glad to meet you, dude! My name’s Spike, Spike the dragon kid!” Spike greeted as he offered his hand.

Dragon?! Holy shit!

Would you shut the fuck up?! We’re in a world of magic! You really shouldn’t be that surprised!

“Wow, an actual dragon…” I said in disbelief as I took Spike’s hand and shook it. “Never thought I’d meet one in real life.”

“Is this your first time meeting a dragon human?” Spike wondered. “Twilight told me about you a little while ago when she met you at the old castle and said you weren’t from around here.”

“It’s…a long story, but yeah I’m not from around here.”

“So that makes me your first official dragon human friend!” Spike cheered. I smiled at the little human drake, he seemed like a nice kid, even though I was still wrapping my head around the fact that I was face to face with an actual dragon, even though he looked like a human. “So Axel, were you gonna play some music? I can unplug my phone, if you want?”

“Oh, sure thanks.” I nodded. “You’ll love what I have to play, trust me.”

Spike smiled and took the cord and unplugged his phone. I thanked him and plugged mine in and scrolled through my playlist. Once I found the perfect song, I hit play and faced the crowd.

I tapped my foot as the music played and everyone started to get into it. I hummed along with the lyrics and bobbed my head as I walked through the crowd. My head bobbing soon turned into my body moving along with the beat and I started to sing along with the lyrics. Unbeknownst to me, people cleared the center of the room as I sang along and danced a little. I was having so much fun to myself, I ended up doing a full in jig and started singing out loud for everyone to hear. I let the rhythm of the music do the work and guide my dancing. I smiled as I sang and everyone clapped along with the best of the music, even the girls and Moon were enjoying the spectacle of my little performance. Once the song ended, I finally took notice of the crowd watching me and they all broke out in an applause.

“Bravo!”

“Nice song, dude!”

“I’ve never heard this song before, but it was pretty catchy!”

“Huh, guess I got so into it I didn’t notice I got a crowd.” I chuckled. I then got an idea and waved Moon over to me. She pointed to herself and I nodded with a smirk and she walked up to me. “Fancy a duet?”

“A duet? Us? I don’t know…” Moon said.

“I’ve noticed a particular song you listened to when I let you borrow my phone to listen to music. I’ve even heard you sing it a little to yourself, we can sing that one together.” I said.

“But are you sure?”

“Moon, it’s a party, you’re supposed to have fun at parties.” I said.

“Well…ok, but only because it’s with you.” Moon smiled.

I nodded again and walked over to where my phone was and scrolled through my playlist. Once I found the song, I tapped it and pressed play.

I rejoined Moon and she smiled at me as the song began. I started to skip around Moon as I rapped my verse and jumped a little with the crowd. Moon sang her verse while doing a little dance with her hips, which left some of the guys gawking at her. She and I then danced in sync a little as we sang together and we stared into each other’s eyes as we did so. As I sang my verse, I got an idea to add flare to our performance. I activated Video and made my digital wings appear. I flapped them and hovered in the air as I sang and Moon soon joined me as she hovered up with me. The sight of us made everyone cheer and clap along with the music. Moon was singing her verses so perfectly and she looked like she was having so much fun, which made smile proudly at her. As the song was coming to an end, Moon and I descended to the floor and I grabbed her hands and we twirled around in a circle as we neared the floor. The song ended with her and I holding hands and I smiled at her as she laughed and embraced me in a big hug. The crowd cheered again and applauded for us and Moon leaned up and kissed my cheek.

“That was the most fun I’ve had in ages.” Moon said happily.

“Told you it would be fun.” I smirked.

“That was so cool!”

“That was an awesome performance!”

“Encore! Encore!”

“An encore, huh? Well maybe-”

Hey Axel.

Ugh, what do you want?

Let me out.

Yeah, fuck that.

Come on, please?

Why should I?

Cause…I wanna sing a little song.

…Excuse me?

Did I stutter?

Why the hell would you wanna do something like that, of all things?

It looks like fun, so I wanna try. Let me out.

Uh…

“Axel?”

I blinked out of my daze and Moon was looking at me curiously. She seemed to catch on that whenever I stare into space I talked with Dante which made her frown.

“He’s talking to you, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, and he wants to come out again.” I admitted.

“Please don’t, Axel, he will only make things worse again.”

“Actually, he said he wanted to come out and sing something.”

Moon tilted her head in confusion, expecting me to say it wasn’t true, but I just stared back at her.

“Please tell me you are joking.”

“I kinda wish I was.”

“Dante wants to perform?”

“Yep, weird huh?”

“Very, of all things he would want to do. Are you going to grant his request?”

“It’ll probably be alright, I mean it’s just a little song.”

Moon hesitated but nodded reluctantly as she walked away back into the crowd where she was met with a flurry of complaints and praise from the crowd. I sighed as I walked back to where my phone was and prepared to let Dante take over.

Just one song, right?

That’s the plan, in and out, I swear.

Fine. My eyes closed as Dante started to push me back into my mind.

Dante 1st POV

Once I regained control, I smirked as I scrolled through the playlist for the perfect song. Once I found it, I snickered to myself and hit play and faced the crowd.

I paced to the center of the room with my smirk as the crowd watched me. I kept my head low as I stood in the center of the crowd. As soon as my verse came, I looked up and shot my hand in the air.

“YEAH!!”

The crowd started cheering for me and I paused for dramatic effect until I started rapping. I bobbed and weaved my body and the crowd was surprised with my choice of music as I continued to rap. I waved my hands around and clapped my hands to the beat of the music to get the crowd going during my performance. I eyed the girls and Moon who either were clapping along or eyeing me warily, but I didn’t care since I was having a blast at the moment.

“Me for bowing out I ain't taking a bow, I'm stabbing myself. With a fucking knife in the gut, while I'm wiping my butt!” I rapped as I pointed to my ass.

I laughed internally at that as I skipped around the room and tapped away. The people were jumping with me and clapping along with me, I had all of their attention and decided to add some flare. I activated Electricity and red bolts danced around my arms and legs. As the song neared the end. My performance had the whole crowd entranced and cheering for me. As soon as the song ended, I stomped my foot, causing a wave of static shock to pulse around the room as I raised my fist in the air. There was a brief silence until the crowd erupted in a flurry of cheers and praise. I glanced over to the girls, who were still either clapping for me or eyeing me but I just winked at them comically.

Of all the songs, why that one?

Why not? I shot back. Well I’ve had my fun so you can come back.

I guess I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.

Axel 1st POV

I looked around and was met with the sounds of the crowds cheering and some of the girls, Moon, and Spike walking up to me.

“That was…an interesting choice.” Moon said.

“That was wicked!” Spike said. “I’ve never heard music like that before!”

“When Nightmare told us Dante was to perform, we certainly didn’t expect such an…explicit ensemble.” Rarity said.

“It was a cool song, but I’m surprised he only stuck around for just that.” Rainbow said, crossing her arms.

“It’s like I said, Dante is complicated.” I shrugged.

“It would appear so.” Moon agreed.

“I’m just glad you are having fun, Axel.” Twilight said. “Let’s enjoy the rest of the party.”

After a little while later, the sun was beginning to set and the guests had all left. While trying not to stare at Spike, due to the fact that I was still reeling from him being an actual dragon, the girls and I managed to clean up the library. They all said their goodbyes and Twilight showed us up the stairs to one of the guest rooms. It was a comfy looking room with a sizable bed for two people, a nightstand, and a dresser.

“This is where you two will be staying.” Twilight said. “I hope it’s to your liking.”

“It’s perfect, Twilight Sparkle.” Moon said.

“Seconded.” I said.

“Of course, and you may just call me Twilight, Nightmare. I insist.” Twilight said.

“If that is what you wish then I shall comply. Thank you again for your hospitality, Twilight.” Moon said as she hugged her.

Twilight was caught off guard but smiled and hugged Moon back. She then left Moon and I to ourselves as we got undressed in our undergarments. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how much of a killer body Moon has, especially since her wings make her look so angelic. We both then crawled under the covers and Moon snuggled up to me and looked up to me with a warm smile.

“Thank you for showing me a wonderful time, Ax, I look forward to what else this quaint little town has to offer.” Moon said.

“Me too, the people are nice and I have a good feeling that things are looking up for us. Goodnight Moon.”

“Goodnight Ax.” Moon said as she pecked me on the lips. She then rested her head on my chest and slowly fell asleep. Before I followed suit, I smiled and gazed up at the ceiling as my eyelids grew heavy.

I’m glad I was sent here.

Author's Note

Dante has made his appearance more well known and Axel’s welcome party went smoothly. What else is in store for our Conduit? Tune in next time.

Side note: I wasn’t entirely sure how to depict Spike in this story. I had the choice to make him human like the others or keep him as an actual dragon. As for any other creature, for example the griffons, zebra, etc., they’ll be human while having some characteristics of their species. Like griffon humans having bird claws for hands and zebra’s having stripes on their bodies and black and white hair. If any of you have any different suggestions how else I should do this, feel free to tell me or I’ll just leave it as it is if you’re ok with it.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…