Chapter 1: Invitation and preparations
Ever since Night figured a way for me to use magic, I couldn't stop wanting to learn more. I asked Twilight if I could borrow some books about magic. When she asked why I wanted those books, I told her I was simply curious. So far I learnt telekinesis, a light spell and other utility spells. I also learnt a few offensive and defensive spells, like arcane missile and magic wall as I call them. And since I'm not limited to a singular body part like unicorns are, I can do multiple spells at the same time. Pretty OP, right? And let's not forget the fact we're (mostly just me) trying to figure out different magic schools and spells from different games.
But that's not important at the moment however. What IS important is that today is a good day because I have no repairs to do for the ponies, no work at AJ's farm, no world ending or reality bending entities to defeat. Just me, my friends and my donuts. I took a bite from said donut which was coated in cinnamon and sugar with apple filling while I basked in the sunlight. Meanwhile the girls talked about different topics but I didn't really listen to them.
I looked to my right when I heard someone running in our direction and soon I saw Spike making his way towards our group with scroll in his hand. I stood up and poured him a cup of punch before I turned to him and saw a purple aura take the scroll from him as he clutched at his knees while panting.
I offered him the cup which he then slapped from my hand followed by a sharp glare. I put my hands on my hips and frowned at him disapprovingly, doing my best not to chew him out for it. We kept staring at each other intensely for a while before he broke the silence.
"It's still none of your business," he growled angrily.
"And I'm still telling you this isn't going to work. You're still young for such things." I'm starting to have just enough of this. Spike's a teenager and is going through puberty, I get that. However that doesn't mean he gets to be fucking audacious at me.
A warm feeling spread itself around my body, the same feeling which kept me from doing something I might regret later on. The intense staring contest was interrupted by Twilight calling our names. We turned our heads towards her and waited for her to say more.
"Have you two been listening?" she asked irritably.
"Sorry, Twi. Spike and I were caught in our own conversation, right, Spike?" I looked at him pointedly. This is between Spike and I, no need to drag the girls into it.
"Yeah, sorry, Twilight." Twilight sighed annoyedly before looking back at the scroll.
"Dear, Twilight. I'm certain you are as thrilled as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot-" Why would she be excited about some random wedding? And whoose wedding is it she should be excited about? Twilight then read what each of the girls would be doing.
Fluttershy got the music which is going to be interesting. Pinkie Pie got the reception but I think entertainment and games would be better. If I got greeted by that Pink Menace I would pack my sacks and packs and leave to the opposite side of the world. AJ was given the catering which is fair enough. I can confirm she's a great cook. I was bit worried about Rainbow dash's role but was nicely surprised. She was going to perform the sonic rainboom as the bride and broom did their 'I do's'." It'll be aesthetic and symbolic. Very nice. Rarity was responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bride's maids. Just like with AJ, fair enough. And Twilight would be making sure everything goes smoothly. And to everyone's suprise (especially my own), I was charged with putting up decorations and making sure it stays in place during the wedding.
Twilight lowered the scroll while looking confused, "I still don't understand. Whoose getting married?" Realization hit Spike and quickly ran up to Twilight.
"I should've given you this one first." Twilight took the new scroll and began reading out loud. Turns out Twilight has a brother she never mentioned during the year and a half she lives here is marrying someone name Mi Amore Cadanza.
"Mi Amore pizza pasta." I said inwardly in my best Italian accent while imagining The Gesture, making Night laught heartily.
"Also, the term knight in Shinning Armor has taken a WHOLE new meaning!" I scrunched my eyes as wide grin spread across my face.
I looked out the train's window as I leaned against it while the countryside passed by us. If there was one thing that couldn't be denied about Equestria, it's the natural beauty of it. No pollution, no deforestation, wide and spacious meadows and clearing, and while only one, a high beautiful moutain. My family would have loved it here.
My chest thightened as I thought about them. Mom, who baked the best pies I ever had, dad who would teach all sorts thing like DIY, how to skin an animal, how to shoot from a rifle or a crossbow and other things. And Jay, hehe, don't even let me start with him. We've done all kinds of bullshit and mischief like putting firecrackers in our lips before lighting and quickly tossing them away. They all were wonderful people... I miss them, dearly so as I might never see them again.
Three and a half years and it never ONCE occured to me to asked anybody if there was a way to send me home. I tensed all of my muscles as intense anger rose within me, completely obliterating the sandness.
The princesses might be the only ones powerful enough to do it. Night said as a cool sensation spread through me, somewhat quelling my anger.
And considering they no love for you and most likely can sense you, they're off the table. I rubbed my face at my stupidity. I couldn't believe I was so FUCKING STUPID and never asked! Celestia holds AUDIENCES, I could have take some time off to meet her and ask but NOOO! I stayed put and kept living in Ponywhille, hoping whatever phenomen brought me here would bring me back to Earth.
I leaned my face against my palm while clenching the other one into a fist. My face tensed as I fought back tears. I closed my eyes and entered my subconscious. It kinda works like a microsleep or being half asleep. Not fully conscious but not fully sleeping either.
I conjured a boxing bag and began beating the shit out of it, letting my anguish on it. Every punch, every kick, every combo, every slam, every takedown I did on it echoed thunderously and made small quakes. I didn't relent even when I felt like collapsing at any moment. Only after what felt like a long time I stopped. I panted heavily as sweat dribbled from me while my muscles ached and shook like crazy as fatigue slowly settled in.
I don't know how it was possible but my guess is my subconsciousness was acting instinctually. Like when you undergo a rigerous workout after which you have trouble moving.
I turned around and saw Night laying on her side while in her natural form, looking at me with worried and expectant eyes. I slowly made my way towards her while she lifted her wing. I fell on my knees and carefully layed down on her side while she covered me with her wing. I closed my eyes as she nuzzled my head. We stayed like that for a while before I spoke.
"Sorry you had to see that... it was..." I sighed before Night nuzzled my face.
"It's alright. I don't hold it against you. I don't think I would've reacted differently." I took her hoof in my hand and gave it a firm squeeze.
"Thank you." I said as I idly stroke her side. We were silent for a moment before Night spoke.
"Martin, I want to tell you something." She said with an uncertain voice. I looked up to her and saw her looking at me with nervous face as I kept stroking her. "I wanted to tell this for some time now..." She trailed off before I began stroking her withers. She took a deep breath before looking into my eyes. "I lo-"
I awoke with a start and looked around to see what woke me up. My sight soon landed on Fluttershy. I was surprised she was the one to wake me up as she usually keeps her distance from me. "Yes, Flutters?" I asked, hoping using her nickname would eazed her fear.
"Um... uhh... s-s-sorry to wake you u-up. But y-y-you were t-twitching in your sleep a-a-and I thought som-m-mething was wrong so I-I decided to ch-check up on you." Aw, despite being scared shitless of me she still cares.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bad dream. Thanks for the concern though." I said with a small smile which made her smile in return.
"O-okay, that's good to hear." She's wrming up to me. Nice.
"THERE IT IS!" Pinkie screamed excitedly, startlig everyone in the waggon while Fluttershy clinged onto me. I looked out of a window and saw we were aproaching Cunt-harlot- uhh I mean Can-enter-alot- agh! CANTERLOT. The city of the whiners and the bitches if what Twilight told us is true. And she's not the lying type. I also saw it was covered in a pink bubble shield. Something Night and I deduced was to keep invaders and assasins away.
I came to a realization as we neared the shield. It was put up to keep bad things such as dark magic away and Night is MADE OUT OF IT. I braced for impact as our waggon began passing through shield. I passed. I quickly looked behind me if my eyes weren't deceiving me. It was no illusion, I really passed through the shield.
Magic is about intention, silly. Night giggled at me.
Oh yeah. Night told as much when I started training with magic. It's not about gestures, sentences or incantations. It's about what you intent to do with your magic. It could be compared to using a kitchen knife. The knife itself is just a knife. It's your intent which turns into a tool or a weapon. Same with magic, your intent either turns it into a tool capable of marvelous miracles, or a weapon of horrifying destruction. That's why we were able to pass.
Another hour passed before the train arrived at Canterlot Train Station. We got off the train and made our way towards the castle. I marveled at the architecture of the city along the way. One really has to admit it's impressive to build a city and a castle on the top of a moutain.
"Highly impractical in my opinion. If an enemy was immensely powerful and smart, they would disrupt the structural integrity of the moutain. This would bring down the entire city along with the castle down." I frowned at that.
"Did something like that happen before?"
"Why do you think I said that?"
"Kurvafix."
"Exactly."
I noticed Twilight separating from the group when we got into the castle. Her step was determined, head leaning foward a bit while angled down and ears pulled back. I've been with ponies long enough to know they are furious when they do this.
"I hope she doesn't do anything stupid." I thought to myself
Pov: Third person
Guards were everywhere, standing at stoic and rigid attention as they watched Twilight make her way towards their captain.
"I've got something to tell you, mister," Twilight said loudly, her tone low before Shining Armor poked his head over the wall.
"Twily!" he exclaimed excitedly before coming down the stairs to meet her. "I'm glad you could make it. How was your train ride, what about Ponywhille? Are you happy there?" He reached a hoof to stroke Twilight's hair only for her to jerk back before frowning at Shining, catching him off guard.
"How could you not let me know you're getting married in person? I'm your SISTER!" Shining sighed dejectedly.
"I wanted to surprised you. I thought you would be happy about the news. Plus Princess Celesia has requested a major increase in security so I couldn't leave Canterlot to tell you personally." Twilight tossed her hooves into the air theatrically, gesturing at the bubble shield.
"Yeah, I noticed. Why do you even need that much guards stationed? I thought Canterlot is safe as it is." Twilight raised her eyebrow, momenterily forgeting her anger.
"Usually, that would be the case. However the Princess said a dangerous individual is headed towards Canterlot. Nopony knows who it is or what's their agenda." Twilight looked at Shining with nervousness.
"So you have no idea who they are?" He shook his head.
"None whatsoever. She only said she had one of her visions and to trust her on this." Twilight looked at the ground in conteplation.
"Alright, I guess that's fair." She said slowly before looking back up with displeasure, "but I would still like to know who this "Mi Amore Cadanza" is. I thought you were in love with Cadance!" Shining raised an eyebrow at that.
"You're joking, right? Twilight, Mi Amore Cadanza IS Cadance." Twilight gasped as stars appeared in her eyes.
"You mean THE Cadance? The BEST foal sitter in ALL of Equestria?" she asked happily, excitement coarsing through her entire body.
"The one and only." He confirmed proudly.
"OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!" Twilight yelle as she began jumping circles arounf her brother before hugging him. "OH SHINING! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!"
Shining grunted at his sister's surprising bout of strength. He chuckeled before hugging her back.
"Am I interrupting something?" said Cadance as she descended the stairs before she noticed the pair. Twilight in her direction before quickly making her way towards her.
"Cadance!"
"Twilight!"
Cadance met Twilight halfway before they did their dance. They laughed a bit before huging each other lovingly.
"How's my most favorite unicorn doing? I haven't seen you since you moved to Ponywhille." Cadance asked with a huge smile which Twilight returned in kind.
"I'll tell you both while we go inside the castle," she replied before going into the castle with her brother and to be sister-in-law.
Martin looked up from the blueprint he was given and checked on how the boys were doing. He then began directing them where to put up the decor and how to set everything up.
The Royal Sisters observed as this was happening from a hidden room. Ever since Celestia returned after visiting Martin in the hospital, she couldn't shake off the feeling something was not right with him. Nopony can survive being impaled with a lamppost. Not unless they had someone or something on their side.
"Are you certain you are not wrong?" Celestia look down at Luna before looking back up.
"Quite." She answered.
"But how can it be? The elements destroyed it!" Great fear flooded Luna's mind at the thought of her or anypony being possessed by that monstrosity.
"I do not know, Luna. But if I am correct, we have to be prepared to face it again." Martin looked down at the blueprint just to be sure and jerked when something heavy and metallic fell down. He looked up again and saw a stallion hanging by on an alcove. He tossed it away and ran beneath and picked up the fallen ladder. He and others put the ladder under the hanging stallion. The stalion tried to step on it but slipped. Marting acted quickly and caught the stallion in his arms. He set him down and told him to get checked up by a doctor. "However I sincerely hope I AM wrong. I do not wish to fight him or have any harm come his way due to being possessed by Nightmare Moon.
P.O.V: Martin
I opened my room's door I was given when we arived at the castle. I sighed heavily as I droped onto the bed. The stallion I caught is fine, he was just shaken a bit. We had few more incidents like for example, one mare almost sawed her colleague's head off after he accidentally scared her. Or how we almost dropped the chandelier we were putting up, or how I kneed a stallion to his head while I was checking the blueprint and many more.
"Ahhhhhh!" I yelled my frustration into the pillow until I couldn't breathe anymore. After that I just kept laying on bed, not moving even a single muscle. A warm feeling spreat through my body which helped me to gradually relax. Eventually I got off the bed and headed straight for the bathroom. I came up to the bathtub, clogged its drain and turned the nob all the way to the right then up. The showerhead began slowly filling up the tub with searing hot water as I took off my clothes before looking at the mirror as I ran my hand over the scar on my stomach. I turned a bit to see the same scar on my back. The warm feeling intensified at that.
"Slow down a bit or I'm going to desolve in the water." I said with a mild laugh.
"Sorry, I can't help it." She replied with a laughter of her own. I came closer to the mirror and looked at my face. My hair was freshly trimmed while a stuble was growing on my face.
"I should shave myself before coming here." It wasn't bad enough to require an immediate shave but it was getting close.
"I don't know, you would look good with with a beard." I snorted at that.
"Yeah, all I would need is a flannel, jeans, wood cutting axe, a forest and then I would be perfect." Night laughed at that.
I turned off the water before entering the bathtub and sighed contently as the hot water engulfed my body. I leaned back and enjoyed the water burning my flesh as thick steam rose from the tub. I stayed like that for a few moments before retreating into my subconsciousness.
I opened my eyes and looked around for Night before making my way towards her. I sit down on a couch and watched her play Xcom: Enemy Within. Her soldiers were cornered and low on health, any shot could have been lethal. I glanced at her as she focused intently on the TV screen which made me smile. She's cute when she's focused like that. I looked back at the TV and watch her deciding on what to do. She eventually decided to send her infantry on a elevated position and take a shot at a Cyberdisk. Critical hit.
"Nice shot." I comented as she let out a giant sigh relieve.
"These soldiers can't aim for shit!" I chuckeled at that.
"Yeah, I know the feeling." Next thing she did was for her heavy to shoot a rocket at a car which exploded and killed 2 muttons and a sectoid commander. I pursed my lips in amazement and clapped.
"Another day, another successful operation." The screen showed all enemies and one soldier dead, making me wince at that
"Your soldier died." I said dryly.
"You don't say." Night replied dryly. She leaned foward and clutched her face on her hands, "Oh Emily, what am I going to do without you." I gave her shoulder a pat.
"Was she a good soldier?" Night straightened up and looked at me.
"The best." I nodded.
"Who was she?"
"My geneticaly modified combat medic. Carried me through a lot of shit." I nodded again, "I don't know how am I going to finish the game without her."
"Well you can always reload-"
"Not happening. First, that's cheating and second I don't want go through THIS fucking mission again." I nodded one more.
"Then you're going to have manage somehow. Believe me, I know how it feels to lose your best or your most deployed soldier." Night nodded.
"I suppose you do. I got this game from your memories after all." I stood up and offered her a hand. She took it and stood up, making the couch and TV disappear.
"Uh, on second thought, perhaps it'll be better if we sit down for this one." The couch reappeared and we sat on it. I cleared my throat, "Okay so uh... back on the train you wanted to say something to me before I was woken up by Fluttershy." Night looked away for a second before speaking.
"It was nothing. I figured it out." I raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't seem like a question about an unknow topic, more like an uncertain statement or a declaration. So what is it." She looked away again. I took her hand in mine, causing her to look at it then at me, "Look, we've known each other for a year and a half. You helped me distract Discord long enough for Twilight and her friends to show up and deal with him. You also helped me learn about magic and helped me to settle a few skirmishes, you also helped me when I was sick, injured and more." I looked her straight in the eyes, "Point is, you helped me a lot and I see you're struggling with something. As in having a serious issue with something. Whatever it is, let me help you, let ME share YOUR burden for once." Tears welled up in her eyes.
"You saved me from the Elements and showed me kindness when no one else would."
"That may be, but that happened once and a year and a half ago. I'm talking about here and now." Night closed her eyes and sighed deeply before nodding. She opened them again and look into mine. Her voice trembeled when she spoke.
“Martin, for the past year and a half, you have been an immense help in my growth and development as an individual. Something everyone considers impossible. For them, I'm an irredeemable monster who has to be put down.” A single tear escaped her eye. I reached up and brushed it away with my thumb before gently cupping her cheek. Night smiled softly, resting her hand over mine before putting it against her lips and giving it a small kiss.
My eyes widened, mouth open slightly in suprise at the display. I stayed silent, giving her the space to continue, awaiting what she might say next.
She took a deep, steadying breath while entwining our fingers. “You… you saved me when no one believed I couldn’t be saved. Not even myself. I was lost, broken, but you were there." She looked into my eyes once again, "For me. You treated me like I was worth something. You showed me I could be more than what others think of me… time and time again. And... somewhere along the way, without realizing it… I fell for you, Martin. More than I ever thought I could.”
My heart pounded at her words. I swallowed, barely able to whisper, "What are you saying?"
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Martin… I think I fell in love with you.” Her voice was soft, barely more than a whisper.
The words hung in the air between us, vulnerable and raw. I felt my chest tightened as I let go of her hands. I looked away, processing this new information.
She's in love... with ME? I looked back at her and opened my mouth to speak but couldn't. I didn't even know WHAT to say. I stood up and began pacing in front of her. Caught between disbelief and a rush of emotions I hadn’t expected. She looked away, likely regreting speaking, and I could see the fear in her face. A fear I might see her differently, or even turn away.
As I paced back and forth, Night remained seated, her eyes following my every move. I could feel her watching, waiting for me to say something, but my mind was racing in too many directions for me to speak.
She’s in love with me? I still had hard time believing it. She’s in love with me. I steeled my resolve and turned toward her, “Night, this is… I mean, I’m…” I shook my head, pissed off with myself. “I don’t know what to say. This is all just… I don't."
She looked down, and for a brief moment, I saw her expression falter, defeat crossing her face. “I shouldn’t have told you, should I?” she said softly, her voice barely audible.
“No, it’s not that!” I stepped forward, taking her hands again, feeling the warmth of her fur against my skin. “It’s just… I’ve never been in love. Not really.” I took a deep breath. “Back on Earth, I had a couple of flings, nothing serious. And I had a crush once, but it didn’t go anywhere. I’ve never…” I paused, looking into her eyes, realizing how deep her confession reached. “No one ever loved me in a romantic manner."
She nodded while a small, sad smile tugged at her lips. “I know,” she said quietly. “ And I don’t expect you to feel the same way, or have an answer about your feeling right now. I only wanted you to know.”
I sighed frustratedly. Leaning down, I pressed my forehead against hers, "I know it's not a kiss but... that's the best I can do for now." Her grasp on my hands tightened as she leaned in into the nuzzle.
"That's okay. I know emotions aren't your strong suit." I chuckled lightly at that.
"Yeah, I guess they aren't." We stayed like that for several quiet moments, our foreheads pressed together. It felt... good. I felt a part of me actually liking it. But that was it for now, time to put these thoughts aside and let everything we’d said settle. I wouldn't be suprised if my body managed to melt in the meanwhile.
With a final squeeze of her hands, I pulled back, looking into Night’s eyes. “Thank you for trusting me with this,” I said softly. “But I think… I think I should go for now. Catch you later?” I said with a small grin.
She nodded, a small smile touching her lips. “I would like that.”
I managed a small smile. “see you, Night,” I said.
With that, I returned to the waking world. Sighing, I began scrubing my body before putting shampoo on my hair. I unclogging the drain, I took the showerhead and began washing away the foam. After a few minutes of cleaning, I exited the bathroom. Dressed in a bathrobe, I fell on the bed and just breathed the air around me.
I growled irritably when someone knocked on the door. "Who is it!" I barked.
"It's me, Martin." Came Spike's voice. I got off the bed and opened the door. Folding my arms, I leaned against the door frame as I looked down at the little dragon.
"Yeah?" I asked with an raise eyebrow. He fidgeted whilst looking at the ground.
"Can I come in?" I move to the side so he could enter. He did so and sat down on the bed.
I folded my arms over my chest, "So, what bring you here at this hour?" He fidgeted so more, probably looking for a way to word hos thoughts.
"It's about our ongoing argument."
"I'm all ears." Spike sighed nervously as I waited for him to speak.
"Twilight noticed my mood has been... uh... melancholic so to speak and asks me what's wrong." I pinched my nose.
"Please tell me you didn't tell her."
"I tried to change the subject!" He quickly defended, "but she refused to let go so eventually I had no other option." I sighed before looking at spike.
"What did she had to say?" He pursed his lips.
"She told me I should apologize to you." I raise an eyebrow.
"And will you?"
"I've... been thinking, contemplating our arguments and..." He trailed off.
"And?" I pressed, awaiting his response.
"And came to the conclussion I owe you an apology." He began looking at the ground, "I've been an awful dick to you when you didn't deserved it." I sighed again.
"Spike, if you want to apologize to someone, it's a good idea to loom into their eyes. Otherwise your apologz may come off as insincere." He shut his eyes tightly and took a deep breath. He hold it for a few seconds before releasing it and opening his eyes. He looked up and into my eyes.
"I'm sorry for being a dick to you," he shrunked a bit, "and for breaking the promise I gave you six months ago." I nodded at him before extending a hand.
"Apology accepted." He took my hand and shook it while smiling from ear to ear, "altough I guess I owe an apology too." His smile morphed into confusion.
"For what?"
"For being so forceful with you." I sighed and sat down next to him, "you see, the reason I teach you the thing I do is because I don't want you to go trhough the same heartaches I did. However, I neglected the fact some lessons can only be learnet on one's own skin. I can tell you infinite times about your crush on Rarity and how you shouldn't worry about such things yet but unless you go through it on your own, it won't stick." I rubbed my face, "But that's no excuse," I looked into Spike's eyes, "for what it's worth, I'm sorry."
We sat in silence for several seconds before Spike leaped foward and hugged my torso. I lifted my hands when did so before giving his backa few pats. He let go of me eventually before speaking.
"I know you don't like being hugged but it felt appropriate." I nodded. "I probably should go already. Big day tomorrow for my brother, have be fresh for it." He got off the bed and headed for the door. He grabbed the door handle before turning to me, "Night, Marting."
"Night, Spike." I said with a nod. He closed the door as he left. I let out a large breath before falling on the mattress. I sat back up after a bit and took off the bathrobe before returning to the bed. I fell on the center and covered myself with the covers. Closing my eyes, I entered my subconsciousness and spent some time with Night.
P.O.V: third person
Spike traversed the castle halls with cheerful step as he though about his recent interaction with Martin, happy they were able to come to a conclusion where they both admited their mistakes and apologize.
As he thought over, he didn't notice the coming maid and bumped into her.
"Oh, sorry. Didn't watch there I was going." The maid in question gave him a small smile.
"That's alright, little one. I too was caught up in my thoughs and plans and didn't notice you." Spike chuckle a bit at that.
"Well, goodnight I guess. Hope your plans go as you wish." He then walked past her and rounded a corner. The maid watched him as he did so.
"So do I, little one." The maid turned her head and begun walking towards her destination, "so do I."
Author's Note
Well, here we go. Hope it's readable.
