Stepping out of the shower, I sat on the heavy porcelain toilet and wrapped my thick head of hair in a towel while using another to dry my body. Despite having one less upper limb than your average person, the disability didn't hinder me much, if at all, since I had had more than enough practice to work just as efficiently as I would if I still retained said lost limb.

It had only been a day since my brawl with the Trickster Spirit and word had already gotten out that I had returned and only more than a few hours after Blossomforth and Thunderlane had visited, landing me near the tail end of the evening. It was still...odd to be back, to say the least, and it still hadn't really sunken in fully yet. It left a very bittersweet taste.

Hopping out of the bathroom, I sat in front of my vanity table and ran a hand through my beard. Humming to myself, I prepared and applied a thick layer of shaving foam and ran the nearby shaving knife through. I ran my fingers delicately over my now smooth skin, nodding to myself before removing the towel fron my head.

A soft knock rapped on my room's door and I called out for them to come in, Walter stepping in not a second later.

"Apologies, Sir, but you have some visitors," He said, hands behind his back as usual. "The Princesses and the Elements are here to see you along with young Master Spike."

Pausing to stop blowing a hot blast of air from my palm through my thick head of hair, I glanced at my Head Butler as a soft smile graced my lips. "Let them in please, Walter. Let them know I'll be down with them as soon as possible."

"At once, Sir," He nodded, swiftly closing the door behind him as his footsteps faded downstairs.

Drying the rest of me off with practised ease, I applied some deodorant and some other body spray. I dressed quickly, rolling up the right leg of my blue jeans, and exposing the thick titanium rod bonded to the bone. Throwing on my purple coat out of an instinct I was glad to still be there, I paused for a second, furrowing my brow before focusing. A brief lilac flame and pink sparks fill my hand as my gauntlets and armoured boot appear in my hand. To say I was surprised would be underselling it a bit. They were worse for wear from when I last saw them, sporting more dents and dings in the metal than usual and the fabric was lifelessly dull and faded but all things considered, I could have them easily fixed.

I hobbled over to my bed and screwed my prosthetic leg onto the exposed rod, tightening the buckle strap around my lower thigh for extra security. With that done, I strap my old armoured effects and swiftly make my way downstairs.

Sitting in the living room were the guests Walter had mentioned, all already seen to as they drank their drinks of choice as I entered. Immediately their heads snapped to me as the sound of the rubber sole thudded lightly on the wooden floor, all instantly cringing the moment they saw me, awkwardly trying to avoid looking at my arm and leg much like Blossom and Thunderlane this morning.

"Well isn't this a surprise," I state with a grin. "And to what honour do I owe for such a visit?"

Before I knew it, I was surrounded at all angles, arms and wings wrapped tightly around me as I was pulled into a group hug. Now that my body wasn't exhausted or that my senses weren't weaning off of the surge of extreme adrenaline, the sensation was...odd. It was pleasant and I was obviously comforted by it but it disturbingly felt more hollow than I expected. But it was obviously still more than welcome. Breaking the hug, the group stood in front of me.

"We did not get the chance yesterday, but we are pleased to see you safe and well, Percival," Luna said, smiling warmly at me as her sister nodded beside her.

"Indeed, it's been a stressful time in your absence," Celestia added.

"Yeah, Ghost explained what happened," I nodded back, swallowing a slight lump in my throat. "Thank you...for not giving up on me."

"You would do the same for us, would you not?" Luna asked with a knowing expression.

I chuckled slightly. "Yeah, you got me there."

"We also wanted to return your belongings," Celestia said, prompting a flash of light to appear in front of her, my boot, glove and gauntlet materialising in her hand, devoid of severed limbs. Rather convenient the apparel that was left behind was left unharmed while my limbs were cut off. Oh well.

Taking the items, a few ideas crossed my mind to see about integrating my boot into my prosthetic. The armour anyway, at least. I had gotten used to it and had become quite fond of the peg leg. Makes me feel like a pirate. And pirates are awesome.

"Thank you. I appreciate having these back," I said, the items disappearing in a puff of smoke and embers much like when I summon or desummon my sword. The group flinched slightly at the sight as I chuckled at their reaction.

"We had heard of you being able to do such a thing," Celestia said. "But we were under the impression it was exclusive to your sword."

"What can I say, I'm full of surprises," I said with a shrug.

Twilight was quick to rush forward, taking my hand and closely inspecting. "But how? You don't have a horn! How can you do that? What kind of Magic is that? Can anyone learn it? Where did you learn it?"

Swiftly realizing everyone was now staring at her, she stepped back and rubbed the back of her neck. "Sorry," She said sheepishly.

"It's no problem. Besides," I said, putting my hand lightly on her shoulder as the sound of heavy set footsteps registered in my ears. "I'm chock full of tricks."

The girl's eyes all shifted behind me as the footsteps stopped behind me. Turning around, I opened my mouth to greet my bodyguard, only to stop as I quickly noticed him looking off into a corner, his body froze and his eyes squinted slightly. Following his gaze, we looked at where he was staring, finding it empty.

"Uh...Ghost? You alright there bud?" I ask cautiously.

Blinking, he looked at me, glancing back to the corner before shifting his gaze slowly away and back to me. "Sorry. Thought I saw somethin'," He said with a slight shake of his head.

"What did you see?" I ask.

"A silhouette...I think," He said, shaking his head again. "Stress must be gettin' to me."

Nodding, I patted him on the shoulder. "You and me both."

"So," I turned back towards the group. "Anything else I can help you out with?"

"We also wished to discuss what happened to you during your absence," Luna said, her and her sister seemingly not noticing how Ghost cringed very slightly under his mask and averted his gaze.

"What's to tell?" I shrugged, noting Applejack squinting at me subtly. "I was teleported, shit happened and now I'm back."

"Surely it cannot be so simple," Luna commented. "Whatever happened seemed to have left an impression on you. If there is a way to ease that impression, we wish to help."

"You're really not gonna take no for an answer are you?" I said, causing most present to smirk. Before I responded, a thought crossed my mind and a smirk of my own spread across my lips. "Alright then, but telling you outright would just be too easy and plain wouldn't be fun. So how do you guys feel about a game?"

"What kinda game?" Pinkie said, peeking her head out from behind the Solar Matriarch.

"Ever hear of Spin the Bottle?"

Instantly, there was a collective inhale as the woman in front of me gave me various reactions. The Princesses were initially shocked at my suggestion but quickly became interested. Twilight was uncertain but it seemed the prospect of gaining knowledge outweighed everything else. Applejack was wary but seemed willing to participate given she was in trusted company. Fluttershy looked cautious and nervous but there was a subtle glint in her eyes that told me she was eager to join in. Unsurprisingly, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash were all for it but most shocking of all was Rarity gained a dark smirk as she nodded, looking like she was more than happy to join in as well.

However, once the offer seemed to be fully registered, the group slowly turned to Spike, who seemingly knew what was about to be said.

"Spike, I think you should head home," Twilight said.

"Oh come on!" He huffed. "I'm eighteen!"

"It's nothin' to do with your age Spike. It's just..." Applejack spun her finger in the air slightly, trying to find the right words. "I just wouldn't be comfortable with ya playin' is all. Plus with Twi bein' here..."

Nodding slowly, his shoulders sagged slightly. "Okay."

Leading him to the front door, we stop just short of it, the Draconian turning to me slightly as his head hung a little.

"Hey, cheer up," I said, patting on the shoulder lightly.

"It's just not fair," He said softly.

"Yeah, I understand, but they're like sisters to you. Quite literally in Twilight's case," I said. "It would be a little weird for them for you to be in a situation like that with them."

"Yeah, I get it it's just..." He trailed off. "it just feels like I'm never included in anything."

I rubbed the back of my neck before a thought swiftly crossed my mind. "Hey, you ever been fishing?"

He lifted his head to look at me. "No, why?"

"Well, how about you and I go tomorrow?" I said before leaning in and whispering conspiratorily. "I might even tell you what happens tonight. Or maybe a little secret of mine. Up to you."

His face immediately lit up. "Really!?" He whispered back.

"Hell yeah," I said before leaning back. "Yo Ghost! Come here a minute!"

Almost instantly, Ghost was beside us, a curious look behind his brown eyes. "You wanted me, Sir?"

"How do you feel about going for a little fishing trip?" I grinned.

"Been a while but sure," He nodded. "May I ask why, Sir?"

"Well this one needs some time with guys for a change," I said, clapping the Draconian on the shoulder. "You need to destress and I..." I trailed off, pinching the bridge of my nose and rubbing my eyes. "I need a fucking break."

"Awe man, it's gonna be awesome!" He said excitedly. "I can't wait."

Ruffling his spines, he swatted my hand away as he laughed lightly. "Alright wee man, head on home. We'll pick you up when we're ready."

He left easily enough after that, allowing Ghost and me to head back to the living room. Stepping back into the room, the furniture had been moved slightly, letting the group sit comfortably on the ground with the couches behind them to lean on. I wasn't surprised by their speed at setting everything up as I spotted a glimpse of Clean Wing, Sunrise and Honey Bee giggling between themselves as they swiftly left. What surprised me was how eager everyone looked, especially Pinkie. The girl was vibrating.

"Well, you girls look excited," I said as I sat between Pinkie and Celestia while Ghost sat opposite me and between Twilight and Applejack. "Got a bottle?"

"Uhhhmmm....hold on," Pinkie said before reaching into her hair, her arm disappearing up to the elbow as her lips pursed in concentration. The sound of clutter and clattering filled the air while the pink-haired woman rummaged through her thick head of dishevelled hair. Her tongue poked out as she reached a little further in.

"You uh.....need a hand there?" I asked.

"Yeah, can't seem to find it," She replied, tilting her head towards me.

Reaching into the pink void, my hand felt as though it was going through a thick, never-ending supply of cotton candy. Smelled like it too. My hand brushed against various objects, a guitar, candles, a hurdy-gurdy, crates of some kind, some rings, and I swear there was a piano in there too. Eventually, my finger brushed against a cold, wet surface, cylindrical in nature with a tapered top. Wrapping my hand around it, I pull away from her head. Lo and behold, in my hand, was an ice-cold beer.

"How the hell is this cold?" I mumbled as Pinkie simply smiled at me innocently while she pulled her arm from her hair. "Never change."

Breaking open the cold one with my teeth, I spit away the bottle cap before bringing the bottle to my lips, swishing it slightly to get the contents swirling. I quickly open the back of my throat and let the cool beverage flow unhindered. As the last droplets of beer drip from the bottle's lip, I dab away the little bit that dribbled down my chin. Looking at the rest of the group, I saw a few of them staring at me silently, the tips of their pointed ear reddening slightly while the rest laughed at their reactions.

"Dayum," Pinkie muttered as I sat the bottle in the middle of the makeshift circle.

"Alright," I said. "Who wants to go first?"

"I think as the one who suggested the game, you should go first," Celestia said from beside me, the rest easily agreeing with her.

I shrugged. "Fair enough."

Reaching to the bottle, I briefly glance at the two Princesses, both of whom wore excited grins. It was easy to tell they never got out as much as they'd like and were planning on making the most of the evening ahead. Around and around the bottle went, slowly coming to a stop, the tip pointing to the also excited but equally shy Fluttershy.

"Truth or dare?" I ask.

She stammered for a moment or two before stopping, getting a hold of her nerves as she looked at me through her bangs. "T-truth."

"Ok, let's go easy to start with," I said, readjusting my position slightly on the floor to sit more comfortably. "Who's your favourite animal?"

She seemed to think about the question before she spoke. "Angel bunny," She said softly. Not terribly surprising. Although, I was surprised that she didn't say all of them. Spinning the bottle, it landed on me and she stared at me intently.

"Why did you want to kill Discord?" Fluttershy asked me in a strange, almost disturbingly calm voice.

If I had been drinking, I almost certainly would have done a spit take. I wouldn't have expected a question like that so soon and from her no less. Though she was always pretty sharp in the show when she wanted to be and in the interactions I've had with her, the real-life counterpart was no different. Guess it pays to be the quiet, observant type. My brow raised slightly and everyone else seemed surprised by the question. Glancing to my sides I saw that both princesses were also interested.

"Damn, we're going for the heavy shit already. Ok, have it your way," I shrugged. "There are few beings I hate in the world and tricksters are one of the few I almost physically can't stand. Had one decent interaction with a trickster out dozens of others."

"Plus," I quickly add. "Discord was personal."

No one said anything as I reached and wordlessly spun the bottle until it landed on Ghost, who seemed to look at me with a challenging stare. Squinting back, my lips curled upwards slightly. "Truth or dare, Ghost?"

His glare deepened while his mask shifted and I could tell he was grinning underneath it. "Dare."

I smirked as I leaned back into the couch behind me, inclining my head. "The mask. Go on. Take it off."

"Show my face?" He asked.

"Aye," I nod.

He chuckled softly before swiftly removing his thick boots, placing them next to him as he seemed to look at me with a triumphant stare. "Negative."

"Are you ugly?" I smirked.

"Quite the opposite," He replied, reaching for the bottle, the tip facing towards Rainbow Dash. "Truth or dare?"

"Truth!" She exclaimed excitedly.

"At your best, what's the fastest you've ever flown?"

"Oh, shit, how fast have I gone?" She muttered to herself, idly scratching her chin. "Uh...well I've broken the sound barrier so I'd say...seven fifty? There or there about?"

"Well shit, faster than I expected," Ghost nodded to himself.

"What can I say? I'm just that awesome," She said proudly, puffing out her chest, causing most to roll their eyes playfully. Spinning the bottle, it landed on me. "Oooo~ Truth or dare, Percy?"

"Truth," I said quickly.

"What's the weirdest thing you've ever fought?" She grinned, her wings ruffling behind her excitedly.

"Weirdest? Umm...oh, yeah, that's easy," I laughed as a memory flashed through my head. A tall, wide figure, a thick axe in his spidery grasp as tombstones crumbled around us. "There was this guy who'd graft limbs to his body to make himself stronger. Absolutely obsessed with gold. Utter pansy as well, had him groveling and licking my boot at one point. I forget his name, God-something or other."

"I can't say I've ever heard of such an individual," Celestia commented, looking at me with a curious expression.

"I'd be shocked if you had," I replied, reaching for and spinning the bottle again. It landed on Pinkie.

"Truth or dare?"

"Ummmmmm...truth," She said, almost cautiously.

"Full of truths tonight aren't we?" I asked no one in particular, getting a giggle from most of the group. "How can you do the things you do?

Pinkies eyes widened and her pupils shrank. She started hyperventilating and seemed to be having a bit of a mental breakdown before she suddenly kicked her feet out from under her and made her shoes go flying. They flew into the kitchen and over Walters's head, who ducked slightly, making sure not to spill the tray of drinks in his hand as we all heard something break, which made most flinch, while I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"I would under normal circumstances ask you to refrain from such actions but given your odd abilities, I am not too worried," Walter said, handing out refilled refreshments. "But please do still keep damages to a minimum."

"Plus, it's not like I'm stuck for money at any rate," I shrugged as I thanked Walter, who handed me a simple glass of water. Pinkie smiled innocently and quickly grabbed the bottle, and it spun to Luna.

"Truth or dare Princess?" She asked, a devious grin spreading across her lips.

Luna squinted her eyes slightly, suspecting the next thing Pinkie would say would most likely lead to some form of embarrassment. "Truth," She said warily.

"Can you give people naughty dreams?" Pinkie asked, not an ounce of hesitation present in her body.

Luna stiffened, the tips of her pointed ears going slightly red, but to her credit, she straightened up and softly nodded. "Yes," She said slowly.

I chuckled slightly as I picked up my glass of water. The bottle landed on Celestia, and the look Luna gave her sister told me instantly that this was going to be a good one.

"Truth or dare, dear sister?" She asked mischievously.

Celestia seemed to understand her tone, instantly sensing that her little sister was up to no good. That being said, she played it cool, not outwardly giving any indication anything was wrong "Truth."

"Oh my sweet Jesus, someone choose dare, please!" I loudly complained, the back of my head hitting the couch behind me before I lifted my drink to my lips.

"Those stares you gave Percival when he would train with the Guards, they were not because you were just curious, were they?"

The question made Celestia's face instantly light up like a Christmas light and made me snort into my glass, sending water up and out my nose and causing me to cough, sending the rest of the glass's contents across my face. Luna and a few others laughed at my expense while the rest shook their heads amused. Celestia, however, stuttered heavily from the question. Seems the poor girl, while knowing her sister wasn't going to be kind, hadn't expected such a question so early in the game.

"I-that...you!..." She spluttered before quietly, and unsurprisingly, removing her regalia instead.

Pinkie patted me on the back and pulled a towel from her hair, wiping my face while Celestia rolled her eyes at her sister's giggles. She spun and it landed on me. Uh oh.

She gave me a moment to compose myself. "Ready?" I nodded. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare," I replied, wiping the last of the moisture from my face.

She sat for a second, scratching her chin, seemingly still reeling from her sister's question as she tried to think of a dare for me to do. "I dare you...to...show us another one of your abilities," She said finally.

I was momentarily stuck, unsure of the safest thing to show them. Then, my face lit up as I stood, hobbling over to a more open area of the living room. The group watched me intently, their eyes never leaving me. Looking to my sides, I made sure it was clear.

Flexing my back, I threw my arm and the nub of my right arm out and a bright flash of deep, brilliant purple burst from my shoulder blades, the light coalescing into dazzling feathered wings. Only each "feather" was comprised of thick stone plates, taking the general shape of a feather, the spaces between appearing as a bright gold. All the girls present gasped and immediately stood, getting close to inspect the glowing stone-like wings. All the while, Ghost simply stood and looked on in quiet intrigue.

"Told you I was full of surprises."

"Dude! Since when did you have wings!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, running her hand across the stone.

"Always had them I think," I replied with a shrug. Flexing my back again, the wings disappeared in another flash of purple light, golden sparks falling to the ground before turning to nothing. "Just learned how to use them after a while."

"But how though!?" Twilight exclaimed as the Princesses shared in her confusion, if only mildly. "You don't have a horn! You shouldn't be able to cast any form of magic, let alone something this advanced!"

"Ah ah ah," I voiced, wiggling my finger. "If you want to ask then you'll have to wait until the bottle lands on me again."

"You gotta let me race you!" She said, her excitement palpable as the rest of the girls expressed their own excitement.

"Oh fuck yea. I can see it now, "World's Greatest Race."," I said back, mirroring her excitement as I spread my hand in the air in front of me. "Now that would be a sight to behold."

"I'll hold you to that!" She said while we all got back to the circle, this time sitting in different spots.

We continued the game from there and the girls decided to add drinks to the mix. To say it was interesting to watch would be an understatement. I was learning more than I thought I would and everyone was enjoying the game more and more. The girls actually managed to get Ghost invested as well even getting him to do a fully vertical push-up. And let me tell you, his posture was immaculate. Getting his mask off was still unsuccessful though. However, after getting me down to simply my lower half and a glove, the bottle since then stopped landing on me, much to their disappointment.

It was now later into the night, and Celestia and Luna had lowered the sun and moon, momentarily pausing the game, allowing everyone to stand and stretch their limbs that had slowly fallen asleep. Now with several articles of clothing removed while still being decently modest, my luck was meant to last forever and the bottle eventually landed on me.

"Oh sweet Helis, finally!" Rainbow Dash, who had been left with her thick black hoodie and joggers, exclaimed.

Applejack, who unsurprisingly the one of the group with the most amount of clothing still left, looked at me, her posture slightly unsteady as she had partaken in no small amount of my cellar's alcohol. "Truth or dare?"

"...dare."

"Ah dare ya to....ask someone in this room.....out on a date!" She asked, taking a swig from the bottle of cider in her hand.

My body suddenly stiffened at the dare, my eyebrow twitching as I breathed in slowly, glancing around the room to gauge reactions. Most were simply interested in knowing what my response was going to be, however, two stares seemed to be more interested than the rest.

Swallowing a small lump in my throat, I reached for and undid the buckle strap around my thigh and unscrewed the leg, placing it on the couch behind my head. The group was shocked by my action, none more so than the Princesses in the circle. They were also left fairly unsettled as the titanium rod in my leg thunked on the hardwood floor. No one uttered a word as I spun the bottle. It landed on Luna.

"Truth or dare?"

Luna, who had been left with only her tiara and her dress, blinked for a moment before composing herself. "Uh...truth."

I decided to inject a bit of levity "You are aware you have fans right?" I asked. She nodded. "Who's your biggest fan?"

Like clockwork, her face lit up, smiling widely. "A small boy named Pipsqueak. He lives in Ponyville, actually."

"I've seen him around," I smiled as well as did a few others. "Good kid."

"Indeed," She replied, spinning the bottle before it slowly landed on me. Great. "Truth or dare?"

I'm going to regret this. "Truth."

"What happened while you were away?" She asked, her voice soft and delicate.

"So much. So much more than you can imagine," I thought to myself before speaking aloud. "...I don't where I'd start and I honestly don't have the time to regale you with everything so I'll give you an abbreviated version-"

"No," She interrupted, her voice getting somehow softer, her face matching her tone. "What really happened?"

Sighing, I gripped the velcro strap of my glove and pulled it off with my teeth

It wasn't until I had removed my glove, that they slowly began noticing something. Something they were shocked to have missed until then. There, on my ring finger, which had been blocked until my gloves removal, was a simple gold band, worn and dulled.

It was only Ghost who looked at it with understanding, as I had told him the story some hours prior. Not the full story, but the story nonetheless. The girls looked shocked upon seeing the dulled ring on my finger, the Princesses most of all as all sound within the once lively room died down almost instantly. All at once, a look of realization washed over the room.

"Percival...is that...?" Celestia asked quietly. "Is that why you removed your leg?"

Looking at the ring, the corners of my lips twitched and subtly moved up, my thumb running along its remarkably smooth surface. I nodded.

"What were they like?" Rarity asked.

Looking at the window and out into the dark, black sky, I could tell that the game was nearly at its end, having lost a little steam over the last few questions, so I thought I'd at least give them something to leave with.

"Words alone couldn't come close to describing her," I said softly. "But the best way I could would be....she felt like home."

The room fell to silence again, the girls unsure how to respond. Eventually, Luna glanced at the clock on the wall, doing a double take before Celestia did as well. Standing, they gathered their garments.

"As much as it pains me to say, we should be heading back to Canterlot," Celestia announced. "It's getting rather late and we still have our duties to attend. And it is better to stop now before we all bare ourselves," She added, to which the girls seemed to agree with as they nodded.

As they too gathered their clothes, I noticed that some of them seemed...not disappointed, more uncertain. I hadn't shared much whenever I was picked, but that in itself gave them some things to think about and with the last revelation, they had plenty to sink their teeth into.

Showing the girls out of my house I was left with only one. Celestia.

She paused at the front door, turning to face me slowly, seemingly nervous for one reason or another as she slightly fidgeted with her hands. Looking me in the eyes, she sighed lightly.

"I...do not know what it is you have gone through," She started. "But I hope one of these days you can share. I may be your superior, but I am also your friend. And I hope that one day you'll let us help you with whatever burden you have."

"One day, I'll sit you all down and tell you," I nodded. "Just...not today."

"Good," She nodded back with a gentle smile. "I like a good story."

"Good because have I got some stories to tell," I grinned. "Goodnight Chief."

"And to you as well. Goodnight Percival," And just like that, she was gone in a flash of gold.

"You should have told them," Ghost said from behind me, putting what little clothing he took off back on.

"I know. It's just..." I trailed off. "They're not ready."

"Are you sure it's not that they aren't ready yet to be told," He started, as we both moved to make our way to bed. "Or is it that you're not ready to tell them?"

"I don't know."

Author's Note

What's this? He as wings? And he was married!? What other secrets does our boy Percival hold? Find out next time on Dragon Ball!!

Big apologies for the wait for this one, been a busy couple of months, moved house and had to get a new job
It'll be a little hectic for a little longer, but hopefully, it'll calm down soon 🤞

Hope you guys enjoyed this one, gave me a little trouble but I'm quite pleased with it

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!