Full Metal Pony: The Re-Write

Chapters

Prologue: My Life Before
Chapter 1: First Impressions
Chapter 2: Of Magic,Plans And Unwanted Memories
Chapter 3: New Living Arrangements
Chapter 4: Welcoming Old Friends
Chapter 5: This Equestria's New Prince And A Little Fun
Chapter 6: The Visit

Prologue: My Life Before

Prologue: My life before

Hi, my name's Stephen Cleary, but my friends call me Clearshot, or just Clear. Reason: I always seem to give them a clear chance to take a shot at me, whatever I say or do. It's all in good fun though, so I laugh along with them. I'm also a brony (someone who likes My Little Pony for those who don't know what that means, although I doubt that'll be the case), but I don't tell most people. I definitely don't tell my sister cause she would never let me hear the end of it. My favourite pony?

Probably Twilight, since I'm a lot like she was at the start of the series. I don't really spend much time making friends, and the ones I do have I only really get to see in college. I always have my face buried in a book too. I always preferred reading to socialising, seeing as I never really felt I could relate to others. I recently learned that I had aspergers, which sort of explains my dislike of social interactions.

So anyway, it's a normal weekend day. In other words I'm doing what I always do. Slept in till 9am (Yes, I consider that sleeping in), had some cereal for breakfast, read some books, grabbed my iPod, phone, keys and wallet, and got the bus into the city center.

As usual, the front seat is unoccupied, and it's my favourite spot on the bus, though I still don't know why. Anyway, after about 10 minutes, I arrive at my destination and I immediately head to Patrick Street. I instinctively bob and weave through the crowds, having had much practice doing so while reading on the move, and it's even easier when I can actually watch where I'm going. I

walk past the street performers and go straight for the local bookshops. I spend a good few hours just looking at the books on offer, then I see someone I didn't expect to see at all. My friend Christian, and what does he do? He calls out my name and runs over, playfully punching me on the arm. I don't mind though, because although sometimes he can seem a little random, he's always there for anyone who needs him, never turning away anyone who asks for his help. So, I

spend the next hour walking around the shops with him. I look at my watch and decide to head for the bus. As we get to the traffic lights however, I start feeling dizzy, and my vision starts playing tricks on me. I could swear that for a few seconds, instead of humans, the town was

filled with ponies. Then my vision clears, just in time for me to get hit by a van, sort of. (Somehow, all that gets hit is my arm, but the impact spins me right into a pole, and that's what knocks me out. Christian however, took the full force of the accursed vehicle.)

Chapter 1: First Impressions

When I finally started to wake up, I found myself in what appears to be a hospital bed. I heard voices, the most distinguishable being Christian, and from what I heard, he was either in immense pain, or he was immensely terrified of something, so I willed myself out of the bed to try and get there to help him. When I got up I almost fell over immediately, and I was surprised to

hear the clop clop sound you'd hear when a horse or pony walks across a hard surface. I found a mirror, and to my surprise, saw that I'd somehow turned into a pony, (a unicorn to be more specific). My body was a very dark shade of grey, bordering on black, while my mane and tail

were both very short and pure black. I had a sword strapped to my left side, the right front half of my body was heavily bandaged, and my right foreleg was just gone, though somehow I just can’t feel it, which actually scared me more than the fact that it was missing.

That's not what terrified me most though. No, what sent my common sense, and myself, jumping out the window, was the entrance of a very large white pony with wings, a horn, a picture of the sun on her flank and a multi-colored mane that flowed in some non-existent wind,

wearing a necklace and a crown.That's when my instincts had me jumping out the window and galloping as if my flank had just been set on fire. I didn't even wait to see her face soften, or to hear her apologise and ask if I was feeling better.

After running a few miles, I took a rest, and after managing to calm myself down sufficiently, realised just why that pony seemed familiar. It was none other than Princess Celestia, the ruler of the day. And that meant that somehow, I was in the land of Equestria. I couldn't believe it. I was actually in Equestria, and judging from my surroundings, I was in none other than Ponyville. I

was still afraid after finding out I was down an arm, or leg as it were, but not as much as I had been when I woke up and actually saw it. In the meantime, I had to check out my surroundings, just to be sure I was in the clear for the moment.

I decided to just rest a little longer and then tried to figure out if I was dreaming, dead, or if I had really somehow travelled to an alternate reality. (I was hoping for the latter, cause then it might mean I had a chance to get home to my sister). So, I decided to make the library my next stop after my rest. Then, I heard shouts and saw multiple ponies in medical attire running around, probably looking for me. I decided to take a raincheck on that rest, and started running.

It only took me a few minutes to find it, although it felt like hours. When I got there though, I couldn't see anypony inside. As I approached however, I could hear voices, which I recognised as Twilight and Spike. The latter suddenly burst out the door with a big grin on his face. Then he noticed me, or to be more precise, he noticed the fact that I was missing a leg and carrying a sword, and his grin was replaced by a very nervous smile.

All he said was “H-Hi there, you n-need anything?”. I shook my head.

“Ok then, s-see ya”. And he was off. I guess I looked worse than I felt. I walked nervously to the door, half expecting something bad to happen when I touched the door. What I didn't expect was for the door to slam into me at incredible speed. I hit the floor like a sack of apples. The last thing I heard was “Oh my gosh, I am so sorry” and then I slipped into unconsciousness. Again.

__________________________________________________________

I woke up in a daze with a bandage covering my head, and my vision was very weak. Everything was a blur, but I could still make out that one blur was purple, and a part of it was glowing. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and rubbed them, and when I opened them again, everything was back to normal. In that I could see properly. I was still a pony. And I found that the purple blur

was none other than Twilight Sparkle herself. When she saw I was awake she just started going “Oh thank Celestia you're alright” over and over again until I put a hoof over her mouth and asked “What happened?”.

I was surprised to find my voice was still the same as normal, I half expected it to sound like it did when I was a kid. Anyway, Twilight explained what happened after she knocked me out (It had been an hour more or less). Apparently, she took me into the library and started treating my head injury, cleaning and disinfecting it, then putting the bandage on. A while later, she noticed

several ponies from the hospital running past. A few even came to her door asking if they'd seen, well, me, and if so to please inform them immediately. However, against her better judgement (Which I am more than thankful for), she said that she had seen nopony at all.

After telling me all this, her face became deadly serious, and I was more than a little frightened. She asked in a very calm, yet firm voice, that I explain myself before she put me at the mercy of the hospital staff. I explained as best I could.

“I have no idea. All I know, is I woke up in a hospital, and found that somehow, I had turned into a pony. Then, as if I didn't feel crazy enough, a pony with a horn and wings shows up, and all I could think was, ‘Oh God, I am so dead’. So I jumped out the window and ran, acting solely on survival instincts. Then I realise where I am and who I just ran from, and now I think I've lost my mind and-” Now she placed her hoof over my mouth and told me to calm down and slow down.

So I took a deep breath and began again, taking care not to speak too quickly. When I was finished, all she could say was “Well that's.... different”. All I could think was She probably thinks I'm crazy, and I don't blame her, I'd probably feel the same way if I was in her position.

But then she said “Sorry, but I'm just a little surprised by all this. I can't believe that there are actually other realities, let alone that travelling to those realities is possible.” I nodded and said “Same here. So, any ideas on how I got here or what I'm gonna do now?” “Well.....”

Twilight and I had been talking for about an hour discussing possible explanations for my sudden appearance in Equestria when suddenly, I heard the door open and shut and the unmistakable

voice of a certain baby dragon. “Hey Twilight, there's a huge commotion outside, something about some three-legged pony with a sword running around causing trouble and-” That's when he noticed Twilight's suddenly less than comfortable guest.

“Ah, it's you! You're the one I saw outside. Don't worry Twilight, I'll save you” And with that he jumped at me, claws out, only to be stopped as Twilight used her magic to catch him in a telekinetic grip.

“Spike, stop that. Stephen is our guest.”

I saw Spike's jaw drop “G-g-guest? Him? And Stephen? That's a weird name.” He chuckled.

But Twilight seemed to ignore his remark and continued “As long as he's staying with us, you are to be nice, understand?” The poor purple and green dragon could only nod at Twilight's stern face.

But his gaze never left me, and he left the room saying “I've got my eyes on you...”. Twilight apologised, but I told her it was ok saying “Don't worry about it, I'm used to stuff like that by now. Anyway, the fact he's suspicious of me only says that he cares about you. I think...”

She laughed at this and said “Maybe so, but he should know by now that I can take care of myself, and he's technically still a baby dragon.”

“Well, he reminds me of someone I used to kno-” was all I managed to say before I suddenly lost consciousness. Again...

When I managed to get up, I noticed that Twilight and Spike weren't the only ones in the room with me. The entire mane 6 were there, looking at me with a mix of confusion, worry and suspicion.

The first to speak was Rainbow Dash, and I doubt I'll ever forget what she said. “Ok buster, I don't know who you are, but unless you wanna experience a fall from cloudsdale at sonic rainboom speeds, you're gonna explain who you are, where you're from and why all those doctor guys are looking for you, you got that”.

All I could do was stare at her. Then Applejack stepped in before she could make good on her threat. “Hold on there sugarcube. Ah'm sure if we give him a chance to calm down, he'll be more than happy to explain the situation, right?”.

Once again, I could only stare. It was as if somehow I'd lost my voice and my ability to control my own motor functions. The next one to speak sounded more dignified. “Honestly Rainbow, there's no need for such vulgarity. Applejack is right. Just let the poor dear calm down and explain himself at his own pace”.

Then a softer voice. “Um, I agree with Rarity on this one Rainbow. We should give him a chance to calm down, he looks terrified”.

“Yeah, and then we can PAR-TAY!”. This was quickly followed by four of the five telling Pinkie in no uncertain terms to “CALM DOWN!”.

At this, I suddenly lost control and started laughing. I had no idea why I was even starting but once I had, I couldn't stop. All 6 turned to look at me with looks that all said the same thing. They thought I'd gone crazy, if I wasn't already. Twilight was the first to speak after I finally managed to calm down from my laughing episode.

“Ok, why don't I make us all some tea, and then we'll talk, does that sound alright to you girls?”. Everyone agreed to let the questions wait until after tea.

I drank my tea in silence, my head flooded with questions, both for Twilight and her friends, and for myself. The most obvious of which was still How the buck did I get here and how in the name of Celestia do I get home? But the more important of which (to me anyway) was Is my sister alright? Are they worried about me? Or did reality rewrite itself so that it was as if I never existed or something?

However, I was willing to wait and answer their questions before I asked my own, despite how excited I was to be in their presence. I could see a mix of emotions as they all looked at me while they drank. Twilight and Fluttershy looked concerned more than anything, and Rainbow looked

like she was ready to take me down the second I tried anything. Applejack looked at me with eyes that seemed to pierce my very soul. Rarity seemed to be torn between suspicion and concern while looking at where my arm Leg now dammit! used to be. She also occasionally glanced at my sword, which was propped against the wall.

I hadn't really taken a close look at it myself, but now that I actually had time, I noticed that the sheath and the hilt of the sword were golden in colour. There were two jewels set into the sheath.

I remembered how much she liked jewels, so I took a deep breath and said “If you want, I don't mind loaning you the sword for so you can take a closer look. After all, I don't think I can use it anyway in my condition” and I gestured to my missing limb to emphasise my point.

She took one look at me and said “Oh heavens no, dear, I couldn't possibly. I was just admiring it. Are those amethysts in the sheath?”.

I scratched my head and told her “I honestly don't know. Other than today, I don't even remember ever seeing a real sword. I don't even know where it came from”.

I felt kind of stupid admitting that, but when I saw the way they were looking at me, I relaxed. None of them seemed to think any less of me from what I could tell. Then Rainbow decided to give her two cents.

“Ok, so you're saying that you have absolutely no memories at all from before today? That sounds suspicious to say the least”, to which I replied “I didn't say I had no memories at all, I just said I didn't remember anything involving that blade. I told you I'd try and explain all this after we were finished, and I don't plan on backing out now. I wanna figure this out just as badly as you, maybe more so”.

She looked like she was about to say something else, but she just sighed and sat back down. We then continued to drink our tea in silence. After we finally finished, I got up and began to explain as best I could what happened to me.

“Ok, once I start, I don't want to have to stop, so if you have any questions, ask them now, or wait 'till I'm finished. Is that ok with you?” They all agreed to my condition, with Rainbow's impatience at waiting for an explanation getting the better of her.

“GAH, just hurry up and tell us already!”. I sighed and got started.

They all listened intently as I told them a little about myself and my sister, who I've been taking care of ever since our parents passed away. I explained what had happened to me and my friend Christian and my sudden awakening in this world. I even mentioned my not so comfortable first meeting with Celestia. That one got a laugh from Rainbow, who shut up pretty quickly when

Twilight looked at her with a face that could have caused hell to freeze over. And that made me chuckle a bit. Afterwards I continued with my explanation, up to the point where I woke up to find them staring at me. I let out a deep breath, as if expelling the air would somehow make this feel less crazy.

I hadn't realised that I had closed my eyes when I had recounted the story, however. I guess it was my way of trying to remember more accurately, or maybe I was just hoping that when I opened them I'd be in my room, thinking it had been some crazy dream. When I opened them again, their expressions all said one thing. They believed me. I couldn't comprehend it. Here I

was, telling a story that would've gotten most people locked in a mental institution, and they actually believed me. Just goes to show how you can always be surprised. They're faster to believe this than I am. I'm still not convinced this isn't just some crazy dream.

After that last thought, all the fatigue I had put out of my mind suddenly caught up with me, and I felt the warm embrace of unconsciousness again...

Chapter 2: Of Magic,Plans And Unwanted Memories

This time I woke up in a bed, much like the first time. Except this bed was normal, not one of those hospital ones with those pulley things that can adjust the angle. I got up and walked downstairs, noticing as I did that there was some sort of metallic sound as I walked. It wasn't till I

tripped and fell down the stairs that I realised what it was. I noticed as I got back up that I had my right foreleg back. Well, not exactly. This one was made of metal, yet it felt like it was a part of me. It felt so light, yet at the same time I could feel some sort of power coming from it. Like it had been made by..... and then it hit me.

Magic. Twilight must've managed to make this for me. But where did she even learn to make something like this? I decided to ask her myself. When she noticed me she smiled and asked me how I was feeling. I told her that I was alright and then I asked her about the leg. She turned away, as if she was ashamed of something.

And then she told me “I-I'm sorry, but when you were asleep I noticed something attached to your sword, so I removed it and it was actually blueprints for the leg I made for you. I didn't actually have all the parts I needed for it, so I had to make most of them myself with magic. But

because of that, it's actually a lot stronger and lighter than the original one from the blueprints, so you should be able to move faster than you would with the original and then I used my magic to make your sleep deep enough so that you wouldn't feel any discomfort when I attached it and...”

She stopped rambling as I wrapped my forelegs around her and said “Thank you”. She only blushed as I released her a moment later and apologised for embarrassing her like that. She only said that I hadn't embarrassed her, that she was glad to help. Then Spike called out that breakfast was ready from the kitchen. Our awkward moment forgotten, we proceeded to the kitchen for breakfast.

Breakfast apparently consisted of hay and milk. Twilight happily started eating, while I, unsure of how exactly I was meant to act, never having eaten as a pony before, sat there trying to figure out what I was going to do.

“Stephen, are you alright? You're not eating” Twilight's concern broke me out of my stupor and I apologised.

“Sorry. Just a little...lost in regards to Equestrian table manners”.

She looked at me once and gave a small chuckle. “Just use your magic to control the hay and bring it to you, it's easy. Anypony can...”

She stopped as she remembered what I'd told her, then immediately began to apologise while her face started to turn red from embarrassment.

“I'm so sorry, I forgot that you weren't a pony before and I should've realised that you wouldn't know how to use magic yet and...”

Once again, I stopped her saying that there was no harm done.

“Ok, so, can we just get to using it in a way that keeps me from starving for now” I asked with a smile. “Of course, just focus on the hay and imagine it floating in the air”.

I closed my eyes, did as I was told and sure enough, as I opened my eyes I could see the hay floating in midair, and there was a slight glow from my horn.

“Impressive Stephen” I smiled at the compliment.

If learning magic is gonna be this easy for me I thought maybe I can figure out a way home sooner than I thought.

“So, what're you gonna do now, Stephen?” I smiled at Spike and told him my plan.

“I'm gonna go get Christian out of that hospital, that's what. I'm not leaving him in there when I know for a fact he's probably scared out of his mind. And after all, he wouldn't leave me there. It's just not who he is. I can't call myself his friend if I'm willing to leave him behind”.

Spike actually grinned at me. “Well then, guess we've got a friend to help out, huh?”

I was a little taken back by his response.

“We? No way, this is my problem, not yours”.

“Yeah, but you're still recovering, and I happen to know someone who can get us in no problem”. I gave up the argument, feeling sure that there was no way I was gonna convince him not to get involved and instead just asked “Who do you have in mind?”

He smiled and whispered his plan to me. It was only sheer willpower that kept me from calling him crazy, but then again I still wasn't sure I was sane myself. I just walked and listened while he continued with explaining his insane plan.

_________________________________________________________

“Special Delivery! It's one of the patients birthdays, and the Cakes asked me to deliver this big scrumptious birthday cake to them” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with absolute glee in her voice.

This is so not gonna work I thought, hidden in the extremely large cart carrying the extremely large tray.

“Who is the patient?” The doctor asked.

Pinkie just smiled and said “Red Rocker of course silly filly”.

The doctor's heart actually seemed to skip a beat. “Oh, well alright then. I was sure his birthday wasn't until next week, are you sure...”

But Pinkie was already gone, bounding through the hospital doors with mirth.

“Okie dokie Lokie, so where's this Christian guy? Oh, I love a good rescue mission”.

“I don't know, but I think he was in the room next to mine”.

“Wait, so you don't even know which room he's in? Ugh, and here I thought you actually had a plan for when you got in”.

“I did Spike, if I had just gone by myself, as I had originally intended, I was gonna find the window I'd jumped out of, get back in, and from there, find Christian and get him out. I certainly had enough practice at being unremarkable back home to be able to get in without causing a panic”.

“Says the guy with a metal leg, and a sword?”

“Oh shut up”

Suddenly, the cart stopped. “Found him! So, did I win?”

I felt myself tense up. “Are you sure that it's his room Pinkie?”

“Yup, it says right here on the door that the patients name is Christian, and I've never heard of anyone named Christian before, or Stephen either, say what other funny names do you use, cause I could...”

I got out and shoved my biological hoof across her mouth and said “Calm down Pinkie. Now, let's just get Christian and get out.”

I opened the door, not knowing what to expect. What I saw somehow didn't surprise me that much. After all, Christian always did say he wanted to fly. So when I saw a dark red pegasus with a maroon mane and tail, I didn't freak out like I did when I first woke up. Instead I felt strangely calm, and relieved to know that he was alright.

I also noticed that I wasn't the only one who somehow got a weapon when he arrived. Christian had a hunting knife strapped to his neck, in a position that allowed him to draw it with his teeth. He always did like knives I thought as I went to wake him up. When I did, I half expected him to lash out. What I didn't expect was to be locked in a massive bear hug when he opened his eyes and somehow recognised me.

“Dude, what happened? And can we get some pie, I'm starving!” Yup, definitely Christian.

So there we were, me getting hugged until I almost passed out from lack of oxygen, Christian looking mortified and repeating “Guess I don't know my own strength” What is that his motto or something?, Pinkie with a now empty tray (She must've eaten it while Christian was hugging

me) and Spike, with a pretty good poker face in place. That was when I heard the doctor coming

to the room, and a shadow I recognised all too well, a shadow that made me think of what a jackass I'd made of myself after waking up in the hospital. And they were walking through the door right now.

“So you see Princess Celestia, we still haven't managed to find the other one, but never fear, we have everyone working on this, so it's only a matter of time before we...” And that's when he saw me. With my new leg and everything.

“What are you doing here? Guards, apprehend them at once!”

That was all I needed to hear before I repeated the action that made me look like a jackass the first time. The only difference was this time I actually took a moment to address the Princess.

“Sorry ma'am, places to go, ponies to see and stuff”. She chuckled, amused at my comment. Then the four of us (Me, Christian, Pinkie and Spike) were out the window and headed for the library.

`I finally convinced Pinkie to go home to Sugarcube Corner and to pretend that she'd been there all day (She only agreed once I made it sound like a game, she was more than happy to after that) while Spike and I brought Christian to the library. When we got there,

I heard Twilight talking to Applejack. “Are you sure that's a good idea AJ?” “Why ah'm more than sure Twilight. I'm absolutely positive. They should earn their keep after all, and this place is too small for you to have any more guests”.

They stopped talking when I came in the door with the semi-conscious Christian.

“Well, this is the second time I've jumped out a window in front of Princess Celestia. At least this time, I wasn't too terrified to actually say something to her”.

They both looked at me with mixed reactions. Finally, Twilight asked “What exactly did you say Stephen? I hope you didn't insult her....."

The look in her eyes was enough to convince me that if she thought I had insulted her, even indirectly, I was a dead man.

“Basically, I said sorry ma'am, but I had things to do, and that's when I jumped out the window”.

She seemed to accept my explanation, although she looked like she was about to blow a gasket. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Twilight went to see who was there and I caught the words “Princess Celestia” before I headed for the window with Christian, only to find they had suddenly locked. I turned around to see her staring at me with a look of amusement on her face.

And then she spoke. “So, I take it you're the two newcomers who've been causing trouble for everypony at the hospital. And may I ask why you're staying at my faithful student's home?”.

Suddenly, I got a really bad headache, and I started seeing...memories. But I wasn't the only one seeing them, judging by the looks on everypony's faces. It was as if the memories were a movie and I was the projector. Pretty short film, it just showed me and Christian getting knocked out, then me waking up in the hospital, and then it was over. My headache immediately disappeared after that. And then I fell asleep...

I woke up to hear Twilight talking with Princess Celestia. Applejack had gone home, and Christian was still asleep.

“Hmm, I see, and you say he is from another reality?”

“Yes, and we're trying to figure out how he could've gotten here And I'm also the one who made him that metal leg he uses”. I walked in at that moment and they both turned to look at me for a second, and then Princess Celestia continued.

“I see, well, don't worry, I hereby pardon your new friends of any and all misdemeanours they may have committed since their arrival. However, I want you and your friends to keep a close eye on them my faithful student, just to make sure they stay out of trouble”.

I was about to say something, but Twilight gave me a look, and I smartly kept my mouth shut, although I still had a question to ask the princess. I decided to go outside and wait until she had finished speaking. I brought my sword, feeling that if it appeared when I arrived, then I should learn how to use it. The only problem... How in the name of Celestia and Luna am I gonna use it? Am I gonna hold it in my mouth? Or what?

I then remembered what Twilight had said to me when she taught me how to levitate my breakfast. Ok, all I need to do is adapt that so that I levitate the blade instead. Simple.

I focused as hard as I could, imagining the blade sliding out of its sheath and floating in front of me. I felt as well as saw my horn glow and then my blade was in front of me.

“Quite impressive, I must say, young Stephen”.

I turned to see none other than Celestia herself looking at me in a way that suggested that she was impressed. I immediately lost my focus and dropped the blade.

“Uh, thank you ma'am. Although I think I still need to work on my concentration. After all, if I can get distracted enough to drop it after recieving a compliment, no doubt I'll drop it in a fight, and that's where I really need to keep my focus”.

She laughed and for a second, I saw something weird. I could've sworn that I saw my mom standing where Celestia was. But then the illusion ended, and my mom disappeared. Celestia looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“What's wrong? You looked lost for a second”.

“I'm sorry, I-I have to go”. And I ran, ran before the painful memories could surface. I ran and didn't stop until I was just too tired to run anymore. And then I began to weep, remembering the most painful days of mine and my sister's lives. The deaths of our parents. I wept until there were no more tears. Afterwards, I just lay down and slept.

Chapter 3: New Living Arrangements

I woke up to see Celestia herself standing over me, and I immediately got up and backed away, fearful that more unwanted memories would surface, like they did the last time. But none came, and I finally started to calm down. That was when I noticed that her eyes were puffy and red. She had been crying.

“I saw the memories. It seems that you and your sister have both gone through painful times as well”.

That caught me off guard. But then I remembered. Her sister became consumed by darkness once, and Celestia lost her for a thousand years. I keep forgetting that I'm not the only one in the world who knows what it feels like to lose someone they care about.

I was about to ask her if she wanted to talk about it, but then there was a bright flash. I couldn't open my eyes for a while, but when I did, there were two ponies on the ground between us. One had a light blue body and a yellow mane, and the other had a white body and a brown mane. The blue pony was first to wake up, and I recognised her voice immediately.

“Ow, feels like I jumped in front of a bus”. I was stunned, but only for a second.

“Meadhbh? What the? How'd you get here?”.

“Stephen, do you know this pony?”.

“Of course I do, she's my sister!”. Celestia actually seemed surprised by this.

“What about the other one?”.

That one I didn't know, but I got to know him soon enough.

“Hi, I'm Riley. Nice to meet you. So, I'm guessing you're her brother? She was looking for you and I said I'd help her out”.

He seemed to be completely unfazed by the fact that he had turned into a pony.

“Uh, yeah, I am. So, how'd you guys get here?”.

“Dunno. She was looking for you, but everyone was looking at her like she was crazy, saying they'd never heard of you. I went up and offered to help. So we went to the city center, then we lost consciousness, and now we're here”.

I still couldn't believe he was so calm telling me all this.

“So, Stephen, shall we take your sister and your new friend back to the library?”.

I nodded, not needing to be asked twice. “Lead the way ma'am”. And off we went. Back to the library, which was already past full capacity. Little did we know, we were being watched by five shadows. Shadows, which by all accounts, should never have been part of this world, but which somehow came into being with the arrival of myself, Christian, Meadhbh and Riley. They watched us leave, then departed for a long forgotten location.

When they arrived, Twilight, her friends, and Christian were all waiting at the library. They all seemed relieved to see us, but they didn't seem surprised to see the two extra guests. That's when AJ stepped forward.

“Listen Stephen. The gals and I have been talkin', and we thought your sister and friends could each stay with one of us, seein' as how there's barely enough room for you, Twilight and Spike to stay here. Your sister could stay with Rarity, Christian could stay with Rainbow Dash, and Riley could stay with me and my family at Sweet Apple Acres. You could stay with Twilight if you want, since we all noticed you eyein' those books like Rainbow Dash at a Wonderbolts show”.

“Oh, yeah, I always was the kinda guy who preferred books to people. My school days didn't help much with that”.

Twilight decided to change the topic, probably noticing I was uncomfortable talking about school.

“Then it's settled. You'll stay with me, Meadhbh with Rarity, Christian with Rainbow and Riley with Applejack”.

I smiled. Sometimes I'm surprised at how much they're helping us. Then again, I didn't get much help back home with my own problems. Actually, it's more like I refused it. Too stubborn to acknowledge when I needed it.

“Uh, Stephen, you ok dude?”

I snapped out of my thoughtful trance to see Christian looking at me worriedly.

“Oh, yeah, just thinking you know. It's sort of what I do best, remember?”.

“Yeah, but you haven't zoned out like that in a long time. The last time was a few years ago at least”.

I just smiled and told him I was fine. He dropped the subject and turned to face RD.

“So, which way to your place then?”.

“Over there” she pointed to a small place in the clouds. I knew where this was going.

“Ten cloud pies say I can beat you there.”.

“Oh yeah? YOU'RE ON!”. And off they went.

“Well, your friend Christian certainly is... spirited”.

“More like hyper. Sometimes I think he eats too much pie and is constantly on a sugar high”.

Everyone just smiled sheepishly, except for Celestia who was in the process of stifling a chuckle.

“I see. Well, I'd better get back to tending the animals. I'll see you girls later” And with that Fluttershy took off for home.

“OH! I forgot I have to help the cakes with a super-duper special rush order, bye!” And she was off like a rocket. A pink,sugar fueled, party rocket.

Applejack then started leading Riley away. “Ok Riley, time to show you where you'll be staying while you're here”.

He smiled and went without a hint of protest.

“Alright Meadhbh, shall I show you where you'll be staying. After all, it's getting dark, and a lady should never stay out too late”.

“Ok, that sounds good. Thank you miss Rarity”.

“Oh please, just call me Rarity my dear”.

“Ok then Rarity”. And with that, my sister was off to her new, temporary home at Carousel Boutique.

That left me, Twilight, Spike and Celestia.

“Well, I really should be getting back to Canterlot. I trust you can handle things from here my faithful student”.

“Yes Princess Celestia. I won't let you down”.

“I know you won't. And Stephen”. She turned to look at me, and I felt nervous.

And then she smiled slightly. “Keep practicing with that blade of yours, and maybe if I can find some free time, I can give you some pointers. Until then”

And with that said she took off for Canterlot, leaving me and Twilight alone outside the library. She turned to face me, and for a while I thought she was going to start yelling at me, but she was smiling.

“Wow, she offered to help you practice your swordsponyship. She must really see a lot of potential in you”.

“You think so? Wow, I used to learn how to use swords back home, never with real ones, mind you, just wooden practice blades, but I didn't actually think I'd ever end up using those skills in real life. It was just something to keep me occupied”.

“Ok, well it's getting late, so we should get some sleep. Agreed?”.

“Agreed”.

“Yeah. Let's hit the hay”. And so, the three of us went into the library for some much needed rest. Still unaware that the shadows were watching us, waiting for the chance to make their move.

Chapter 4: Welcoming Old Friends

It was the middle of the night and I kept feeling like something was off. There was a *THUMP* noise downstairs, and I immediately assumed it was a burglar, or worse, so I grabbed my sword and tried to tiptoe down the stairs, albeit unsuccessfully, as my metal leg kept making its

signature wood-meets-metal noise. Despite that, whoever was downstairs was unaware of my presence, and I managed to get to the bottom of the stairs without being detected, I guess would be the most accurate word. When I actually reached the ground floor, I started to hear snoring coming from the kitchen.

The hell!? What kind of burglar breaks into a house just to sleep? And in a kitchen at that! Wow, this pony must be a dumbass.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts before I slowly entered the kitchen, drawing my sword. The snoring was getting louder the closer I got to the fridge. But what I saw was no burglar. My jaw almost hit the floor. The only person I knew that made a pony that looked like the one

sleeping on the floor was Damian, and he was dead. But there was his OC, Shooting Star, sleeping in front of the fridge. I dropped my sword in shock, and the *THUMP* when the sword hit the ground caused the little guy to stir. Eventually his eyelids slowly opened, and upon seeing the ‘freaky’ pony with the metal leg, he started to backpedal away from me with fear in his eyes, saying “Who are you? Where is Twilight?”

I still couldn’t believe it. It really was Shooting Star. He was exactly as Damian had drawn him, except for one thing. He didn’t have his cutie mark. I went out on a limb (pardon the pun), and tried talking with him.

“Damian? Is that you?” The little colt just cocked an eyebrow at me.

“Who is Damian, you dummy? And tell me where Twilight is now!’ He said angrily.

“Ok then, Shooting Star, Twilight is a-”

“H-h-how do you know my name?” He asked fearfully

I let out a sad smile. “A friend of mine who died a long time ago made up a character he called Shooting Star, and you look just like him.”

“You’re lying! Who are you?” He said, his little wings flaring up. I was confused as to why he did not try and use his magic, so I decided to ask him about it.

“I’m not lying. And my name is Stephen. And now I have a question for you Star.”

“Well, ask it already so I can have you apprehended.” He said.

“Why don’t you use magic?”

“I am still learning it, you moron.”

“Is that so? So you didn’t go through the whole rearranging the stars thing when you tried making them look like Sweetie Belle’s face so you could show her how much you loved her?” I asked

“Who is Sweetie Belle?” He asked. My jaw dropped.

“Ok, you cannot be serious!”

“I have only been in Ponyville a few days, and you are breaking in this house.” He said

“Sure, and I’m a griffon!” I retorted. Immature, I know, but I was pissed off at discovering this kid didn’t even know the filly he would fall in love with.

“I only came here a few days ago to start learning magic, but I can still do this!” He said, bucking me somewhere that is self explanatory.

“*GRUNT* Ok, that settles it. You are definitely just like Damian. Right down to the dead-eye accuracy.” I said, placing my forehooves protectively over my groin.

“Now leave you dummy or else I will do it again but harder” He said.

“You will do what again, little colt? Who are you and why have you attacked my guest!”

Star turned to see Twilight coming down the stairs, and she did not look happy. “Twilight, there you are! Why are you acting like you don’t know me?”

“Because I don’t. Who are you, and why did you attack Stephen!?”

“I-it’s me, Shooting Star! I came here so you could teach me magic. My mommy sent me.” Star said sounding a little hurt, and I started to feel a pain in my heart.

“Really? And just who is your mother?”

“Princess Celestia, that’s who!” Star said with pride, ignoring the jaw that hit the floor.

“That, that’s impossible. Princess Celestia never had any children!”

“Twilight...” I started.

“And even if she did, I would know about it!”

“Well, yes she did or else I would not be born.” Star said. Subsequently a letter came from Princess Celestia.

The Letter Read As Such

__________________________________________________________________

My Faithful Student,

I have received a letter from one of many parallel versions of Equestria that exist, just before it fell into darkness. The reasons for this are unknown, but I do know that my counterpart from that world had a son, Prince Shooting Star. She could not save her world, but she did manage to send him to ours, hoping that even if one pony from her world remained, that there would be a

chance of saving it someday. Sadly, from what I have researched, this is not the case. Her Equestria is forever lost. I know this is a lot to ask of you since Stephen arrived, but I want you to look after Shooting Star for me.Teach him how to control magic like the Twilight from that world was meant to, and Stephen, please protect him as well. If you feel it necessary, you have my permission to teach him anything you can about wielding a sword.

Now I must warn you he did have what he believed were just dreams but they were actually memories of a past life of his, one where he was friends with Stephen, before he took his own life and ended up in his Equestria. I promised I would act as his mother and everypony in Equestria now knows that I have a child, after a spell I was able to put on everypony. Cadance and Luna

will be acting as if he is my child and the other element bearers think that he is my son, but I know that it did not work on you, as the element of magic protects you from mind-altering spells, so I must ask that you do this for me.I have constructed a room to look like the ones he had in his Equestria at the castle and at the library.

Yours Truly, Princess Celestia

__________________________________________________________________

“Twilight is that a letter from my mommy? Is it, well is it?” Star asked bouncing a little, while I went into shock. It really was Damian. He was somehow reborn as his OC. I couldn’t fight the urge and I scooped him up in a massive bear-hug.

“HEY, PUT ME DOWN!” Star shouted

“Damian dude, you have no idea how much I missed you!”

“I don’t know who Damian is! Put me down!” Star was saying

Twilight placed a hoof on my shoulder and stared at me sternly, whispering “Stephen, please, put him down. No matter how much you wish it, he’s not Damian, not the one you knew anyway. Unless he starts to really remember who he was, he won’t remember who you are. I’m sorry.”

“Wait Twilight does that letter mean that this is him though, he was one of my best friends!” I asked hopefully.

“Yes, he was, but he won’t be him unless he remembers his past and accepts it.” I nodded slowly and released Star, who was pouting a little.

“Twwwwiiiillliiiggggghhhttt, who was that letter from?” Star asked whining a little to get our attention.

“It was from your, mother, Star. She was just reminding me that I was to teach you magic, that’s all. Oh, and Stephen will be teaching you how to handle a sword, though you’ll only be using wooden ones. I don’t want what happened to him to happen to you.”

“Uggggg, studying is booorrriiinnnggg.” Star said in the kind of whiny bitch voice you’d expect from a spoilt little rich girl, and the whole time I was thinking,

Wow he acts like Damian did at that age, right down to the voice. It’s scary.

“Hey, do you think learning how to use swords will be boring?” I asked him.

“I don’t know, but studying is BORING.” Star stated.

“I hear ya. Back home, when I wasn’t interested in something, I wouldn’t pay any attention to it. Kinda got me in trouble when I didn’t do well in school. It’s also the reason I have this.” I waved my metallic foreleg in front of him.

“Ok now back to bed with you Star, me and Stephen need to talk.” Twilight said in an authoritative manner.

“Awww, fine.” Star said walking back to his room which had just magically appeared

“Star...” I said, just loud enough for him to hear.

“What is it?” He asked shouting back

“Um, do me a favour, when you see a maroon pegasus with a knife strapped to his side tomorrow, tell him that there’s pie if he helps you with training too.” I said.

“Ok, now let me go to sleep!” Star shouted back shutting his bedroom door.

“*SIGH* I couldn’t tell him. I wanted to say that I was glad to see him, but like a coward, I backed out at the last second.” I sighed.

“Why is Damian such a good friend to you? He seems a little whiny.” Twilight asked. I snorted, a little angry at the insult to Damian.

“Don’t talk about him like that. After what his dad put him and his mom through, it’s a miracle he can even socialise in at all!” I half-shouted.

“Well he does seem a little whiny, but why did he take his own life?” Twilight asked me seriously.

“His father physically and emotionally abused him and his mother.” I said simply. She looked shocked for a second, but she quickly regained her composure and faced me with a slightly angry face.

“What? How is that-I mean, why would they-Well, he does not seem to remember any of that, but the letter did say he was having what he thinks are nightmares but are really memories from his past life.” Twilight stated.

“Yeah.”

“But seriously why is he so whiny? Please tell me, why was he like that at that age?” Twilight asked.

“Not all the time, only around me and Chris. He couldn’t talk to anyone about it because he was too scared that his dad would find out, but he knew we’d never tell anyone unless he wanted us to. He would just cry and ask us why his dad hated him, and he’d whine about all the horrible things his dad did to him. All things considered, ” I said a little pissed at her insulting him

“Yeah, I guess I understand why then. So you two were close friends, I take it.” Twilight asked, but after a few seconds, a letter came saying to her that Celestia, Luna, Cadance & Shining Armor would be coming to Ponyville to see Star and Twilight.

“Hey, Twi, what was your relationship with your brother like?

“Woah, where did that one come from?” She asked, a little surprised.

“Sorry, but I just thought I’d ask so I could try and figure out if the relationship with my own sister could be considered normal.”

“We were always close, he is my BBBFF.” Twilight said a little giddy.

“BBBFF?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Best big brother friend forever.” Twilight said. Twilight and I didn’t even notice Star sneaking back into the kitchen, trying to get to the cookie jar until he knocked it over, shattering it and scattering cookies all across the floor. Twilight looked furious, but I was amused.

“Same old Damian. He did that a lot when we were kids too.” I chuckled.

“ STAR WHAT WERE YOU DOING AND WHY ARE YOU NOT IN BED!? ” Twilight was yelling at him, making him cower a little.

“Twilight, calm down, he just wanted a cookie.” I levitated a cookie over to Star, who grabbed it in a hoof and shoved the whole thing in his mouth in one go before mumbling a full-mouthed apology.

“Sowwy, I wahas twying to gwahb a cookie.” Star said with a mouth full of chocolate chip cookie, making both Twi and I chuckle a bit.

“Fine, now go on and get some sleep Star. I’m gonna be heading off myself. G’night Twi.” I gave her a lazy wave with my mechanical foreleg before heading up the stairs to bed.

“Aww, do I have to?” Star asked.

Twilight just gave him a stern stare that screamed ‘Get your flank to bed or I will send you to the moon’, and he shot off like a rocket. A few minutes later, the only sounds to be heard were the light snores coming from the four of us, Star, Twilight, Spike and I, in our respective beds...

Chapter 5: This Equestria's New Prince And A Little Fun

I awoke with a groan to find Star on my bed, more specifically on my stomach, jumping around like a madfoal, shouting excitedly about learning to use swords and imagining himself as a great hero slaying all sorts of monsters with just a single stroke of his blade.

“Come on, wake up Stephen! Geeze, you’re lazy! Wake up!” Star said, still jumping on me. Seriously, how I haven’t thrown up yet, I don’t know.

“Alright Star, I’m up, I’m up. Please get off me so I can get out of bed and stretch my legs.” I said exasperatedly.

“Ok.” Star said, jumping off me and landing on the floor.

“ SSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR! ” Twilight screamed from the kitchen. Spike ran in with a terrified expression.

“Dude, what did you do!?” I asked Star as I turned towards him.

“I..uhhh.....I........I.....” Star stammered, before Spike took the initiative and answered for him.

“He tried to cook us breakfast with magic and set the kitchen on fire, then he barely managed to put it out, and now the kitchen looks like I was running through it breathing flames like there was no tomorrow.”

“Umm....I....I....I-I......I.....I...I...I.....I....I” Star was still stammering when Twilight came in with a look of pure rage on her face. Her eyes were red, her coat had turned white, and her mane and tail had burst into flames. Needless to say, I was terrified myself, but I still managed to step between the two.

“Twi, stop, you’re gonna traumatize him.” I said calmly, despite my fear.

“Don’t stand up for him, he almost burned this place down.” Twilight said, still PISSED, while we looked at Star, shaking like a leaf with a puddle growing under him. When I saw that he’d wet himself out of fear, my own fear was replaced by anger.

“How dare you, Twilight. How dare you scare him like this.” I growled.

“How dare I? How dare he almost burn my home down.” Twilight said, still angry

“And he’s still a little colt. You know, for a smart pony, you sure can be an idiot sometimes. Even I know that getting angry at him won’t help, it’ll only make him terrified of you, and if he’s terrified of you, do you really think he’ll want you to teach him magic? No, he won’t. He’ll be too afraid to even be anywhere near you, and if Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor are really coming today, how do you think they’ll react if they find out you traumatized Star over an accident in the kitchen?” I said in a flat tone, not once letting my gaze falter.

“Well even if he is a little colt, he needs to be careful, and he needs an adult around when he is in the kitchen, trying to cook.” Twilight said, though the edge in her voice had disappeared at the mention of the princesses and her brother.

“That still doesn’t mean you can terrify him when all he wanted to do was make breakfast.” I retorted.

“It was a grease fire, and he tried putting it out with water.” Twilight stated.

“And he was supposed to know that wouldn’t work, how, exactly?” I asked venomously.

“I am sure somepony has told him.” Twilight said a little annoyed.

“No, nopony told me about fires before. I didn’t know there were different kinds.” Star said, still a little afraid. I walked over to him, and gave him a hug, rubbing his back trying to console him as he sobbed a little into my chest.

“Don’t worry about it Star, it was just an accident. Stuff like this used to happen all the time to me. I’m still not allowed to enter a kitchen with the intention of cooking after what happened when I was seven.” I said, chuckling as I recalled the massive sea of batter that I somehow created trying to make pancakes.

“Is Twilight going to hurt me now? She seems really mad.” Star asked.

“No Star. I promise, I won’t let anypony hurt you, ever, not as long as I live. I swear on my life that I’ll protect you, no matter what.” I said, while glaring at Twilight, who had finally managed to calm down and return to normal. Well, normal for Twilight anyway.

“Ok Star, go and get cleaned up, and Spike, please clean his mess up.” Twilight said, pointing Spike to the puddle which made him laugh.

“Wait a second, did Star wet himself? Wow this is too funny!” Spike said, laughing at the poor little colt, only to start shaking when I shot him a glare and started reaching for my sword with my magic.

“What, it is a little funny.” Spike said.

“Would you want us laughing if it was you, Spike?” I asked seriously.

“I guess not...” Spike said, getting to cleaning while Star walked out heading to the bathroom with his head hung low. I made a weak smile in the hopes that he would cheer up a little.

“Star, don’t worry about it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Hell, I would’ve wet myself too.”

“Ya, but you didn’t, so...” Star said

“Star, listen to me. You’re still young. In a situation like that, I’ve seen grown stallions run in terror or crap themselves.” I said.

“Whatever Stephen Cleary.”

“Hey, when you’re washed up, how about we go outside and-WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!?” I asked, a little shocked by what he called me.

“I said Stephen Cleary, i just guessed thats what your name is.” Star said

“How did you know my last name, I never told you!” I said, still shocked.

“I just guessed like I said.” Star said lying through his teeth, knowing he had a nightmare again and that name was said.

“Star, please, tell me the truth.”

“I JUST GUESSED IT, OK!” Star was screaming now

“Star, stop it. I promised to protect you no matter what, remember. I can’t do that if you aren’t honest with me.”

“Stephen, remember what that letter said?” Twilight asked, me reminding me not too tell him unless he asked about it. I sighed in defeat.

“I know, I know. Star, I’m sorry, it’s just, I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Then stop asking stupid things.” Star said, growling a little.while slamming the bathroom door shut

“Dammit. Why can’t I just tell him. I hate lying to him like this. It makes me feel like I’m betraying him.” I whispered to myself.

“Imagine how his real mother felt about lying to him. She said not to tell him unless he asked.” Twilight kept reminding me.

“I know, but I know what those nightmares are about. Damian used to remember the abuse in a similar manner when he was still human. They were driving him insane, so he chose to end his life so that he wouldn’t hurt anyone in case he did lose it. I just want to be there for him, and I feel like if I don’t tell him, I can’t help him.”

“Well as far as he is concerned, he is a little colt, and son of princess Celestia.” Twilight said.

I nodded silently, letting a few tears make their way down my face. “Ok, but if the nightmares start posing a danger to him in any way, I don’t give a damn what Celestia says, I’m telling him.” I said with absolute conviction.

“The worst they can do is cause a magical discharge.” Twilight said. We didn’t notice Star walking out of the bathroom.

“What are you talking about?” Star asked with the same curiosity he had when he was Damian.

“Nothing dude, just discussing the schedule for your studying and sword training.” I replied a little hastily.

“Oh, ok then, I guess I am going outside for a while.” Star said running down the stairs

“Ok, but be back soon. The princesses are arriving in about an hour!” Twilight called after him. Her face suddenly switched to panic as she realised what she had said.

“Oh no! An hour? Oh, I have so much to do! I have to clean the library, reorganise the shelves, get that bust of Starswirl the Bearded brought up from the basement-” She started hyperventilating until somepony snapped her out of it with a rude comment.

“NERD!” Star shouted from the door before closing it, making me chuckle a little until Twilight started glaring at me.

“AT LEAST I DID NOT WET MYSELF!” Twilight retorted, even though Star was already out of earshot.

“Really you really just did that? You know, he is a child, and he’s acting more mature than you!” I mocked. There was a flash and the next thing I knew, I was falling through the sky several hundred feet in the air.

“DAMMIT TWILIGHT!” I yelled as I fell through a house-shaped cloud...

__________________________________________________________________

Almost an hour later

“Well he is telling the truth Twi, he is still young.” Spike snickered. After a few minutes there was a knock at the door and Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Captain Shining Armor walked in.

“TWILY!” He exclaimed, running to embrace his younger sister, while Star ran in behind them, giving his mother, aunt and cousin a hug.

“Mommy, Aunt Luna, Cadance!” Star shouted excitedly.

“Hello, my little Star.” Celestia said lovingly as she embraced her ‘son’. Luna and Cadance smiled warmly at the sight, while Twilight was busy embracing her brother. However, they all jumped a little when I kicked the door open, with one eye twitching and my entire body soaking wet.

“Hi everypony, how’s things?” I said in a calm voice. Twilight immediately released her brother and gave me a sheepish grin.

“Wait Twilight you never made tea.” Star reminded her.

“Not now, Star. So, Stephen, how’d your little trip go?” She asked nervously.

“It was alright. Except for the fact that you ALMOST KILLED ME!!” I shouted.

“What the hell, Twilight?” Star said making everypony in the room’s jaw hit the floor.

“Twily, what is he talking about?” Shining asked his sister with a confused look.

“Uh, well, I uh, that is to say that, eh...” She couldn’t even come up with a straight answer.

“Oh this is hopeless, I’ll tell you myself.” I declared...

__________________________________________________________________

What happened exactly...

After falling through the cloud-house (Yes, it was a house, I was wrong when I initially thought it was just a house-shaped cloud, go figure.), I realised I was right above the lake from the episode Winter Wrap-Up. More specifically, I was approaching it at terminal velocity (ie: The maximum speed I could go at without an external force acting upon me), so I was pretty sure I was about to

die right there and then. Imagine my surprise when at the last second while my eyes are closed the falling sensation stops, yet there is none of the pain that is associated with hitting a large body of water from the sky. When I worked up the courage to open my eyes, what should I see

but the water just below me, neither growing closer nor farther away. Looking up brought me face to face with Rainbow Dash, who was smirking a little, and flying right alongside her was Chris, who was trying, and failing, not to laugh.

“Are you really that desperate to see me you have to get yourself into a life-or-death situation?” She said.

“Sorry, I kinda pissed off Twilight by challenging her about something concerning a friend.” I replied, trying not to move for fear of falling, despite the fact that there was only a few feet between us and the lake.

“Dude, what exactly did you say to warrant an attempt at murder?”” Chris asked, still chuckling.

“I kinda called her more immature than Shooting Star.” I mumbled.

“Who?” Chris asked in confusion.

“WHAT!?” Rainbow exclaimed, throwing up her hooves in shock, forgetting about the pony she had been holding onto.

“DAMMIT RAINBOW!” I shouted as I hit the water.

“Sorry about that!” Rainbow said sheepishly. I ignored her and swam back to shore, and tried my best to dry myself off.

“Oh and Chris, me and you need to talk later today.” I said, before heading back to the library with a long lecture on my mind...

__________________________________________________________________

After the happy reunion, Twilight, Cadance, and Shining Armor had and Star with his ‘mother’ and ‘aunt luna’, and the lecture about almost killing me, we all sat down to talk.“So princesses, how have you been?” Twilight asked breaking the silence while Star was sleeping in Celestia’s lap, which I found adorable.

“I have been quite well, Twilight. I trust that Star hasn’t been much trouble?” She inquired.While Twilight just sighed, earning her a glare from me.

“Not too much, but he did do a few things.” Twilight said.

“Twilight, he’s still a foal. And like I said before, accidents happen!” I said just loud enough for her to hear.

“Might I ask what happened” Celestia asked

“He nearly burned the library down.” Twilight muttered.

“Oh, come off it, Twi. It was a small fire, and he was only trying to cook breakfast! Spike put it out, right?”

“He almost burned the library down and broke a cookie jar made of jade, and I don’t know how he did it!” Twilight said.

“Twilight, he’s a colt. Children are bound to break things, it’s part of being a child!” I retorted. All the while Star was stirring in his sleep

“Man, I can’t believe I have a crush on-” I clamped my mouth shut before I revealed it, earning a raised eyebrow from everypony in the room.

“Hey, what is everypony talking about?” Star asked.

“Nothing.” I quickly replied.

“Well that’s not true, you were just about to say who you had a crush on...” Twilight said with a smirk, earning a small chuckle from everypony except for Cadance, who was eyeing me seriously.

“Oh, he has a crush on Twilight, I know that!” Star said with a big cheesy grin.

“Ok gotta go, bye!” I quickly said, running out the door before anypony could see the blush appear on my cheeks.I ran out the door passing three fillies, who walked in with a brief look of confusion before they saw Star, causing their moods to brighten considerably.

“Hey Star, what’s up?” The CMC said in perfect sync.

“Hey Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, AppleBloom.” Star said

“Won't Cha look at what ah got?” AppleBloom said, showing off her newly acquired cutie mark. It was an apple made of wood in front of a hammer and saw.

“Lucky, I wish I had my cutie mark.” Star said.

“Ya, we are going crusading. Wanna come with us?” Sweetie Belle asked. Star looked at all of us, in a way of silently asking.

“Go on Star, I will see you later.” Celestia said. “In the meantime, We have something important to discuss with Twilight and Stephen.” Her horn glowed briefly, and I found myself back in the library, completely dry, and confused as to what happened, till I saw Celestia’s horn dying down.

“Ok, see ya!” Star yelled as he ran out the door with the rest of the crusaders, leaving me in the presence of all three princesses, as well as Twilight and her brother.

“Sooooo, what’s up?” I asked sheepishly.

“Well Stephen, I need to know a few things.” Celestia said in a more serious tone.

Chapter 6: The Visit

Celestia looked at me. “So, Stephen, what was the first thing that made you noticed about Star.” Celestia asked him.

“The hair. It is a faded blue and the black highlights in it were just like Damian’s OC, Shooting Star.” I said.

“I see so what else was there be specific like the green eyes what was his first reaction when you called him Damian” Celestia asked me digging deeper.

“He had no idea why I called him that.”

“Well as you know why, I also heard he hit you. I am sorry for but where did he hit you” Celestia said.

“The one place that I would forgive only him for hitting me. My, private areas.” I said.

“You forgave him for hitting you there!?” Twilight exclaimed

“Yes. One, he is a little colt now, and colts will be colts. Two, he was my friend back home, and his life was bad enough there, so I’m not gonna make his life bad here by holding a grudge.” I replied flatly.

“Ya Twilight, after what you made Star do.” Spike said

“And just what was that Spike?” Celestia asked looking at the baby dragon, ignoring Twilight’s horrified gaze.

“She made Star wet himself.” Spike said.

“Twily how could you do that to a little colt.” Cadance said jumping out of her chair

“He apparently set the kitchen on fire trying to make breakfast. Twilight overreacted.” I said, stepping between Twilight and everypony else, though I wasn’t sure why.

“Well I can understand her being mad at him, Stephen.” Celestia said

“Yeah, but she went too far. She probably scarred him for life!” Spike retorted, earning a glare from Twilight.

“Dude, enough. What’s done is done. We just have to focus on the here and now.”

“Now has there been any other problems with him?,And where did you find him when he came here?” Celestia asked, trying to dig deeper.

“No, but considering he’s with the CMC, there are going to be some problems most likely involving tree sap in a couple of minutes. And I found him in the kitchen.” I said.

“That will be a bit harder to get out of his coat I bet.” Cadance said while giggling at the thought

“Yeah, probably. So, anything else you wanna talk about?” I asked.

“Well, I’d like to talk to you in private, if I may, Stephen.” Cadance said.

With a nod and a knowing smile from Celestia, Cadance and I were left alone in the library. She turned to me with a small grin.

“Um, what’s this about, Princess Cadance?” I asked.

“Just Cadance please, and I think you know.” She said, still smiling.

“Sorry, I have no idea...” I trailed off, my eyes widened and my urge to facehoof rising as I realised what she was talking about.

Duh, she’s the princess of love, of course she’d see it!

“You know what I am talking about. You have a crush on Twilight, even Star could tell.” Cadance said teasingly

“Uh, I’d probably deny it, but I know better than to try and lie about emotions to somepony whose special talent is love. So yes, I like Twilight. Happy?” I said.

“Yes, I am.” Cadance said poking my nose, and after a little bit of gentle ribbing and dating/relationship advice she too took the leave of the library.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A couple of hours later the Princesses, Cadance and Shining Armor left for Canterlot, leaving just me, Twilight and Spike waiting for Star while dinner was cooking.

“So Twilight any ideas on when we are going to train Star to use magic?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“I was thinking about sometime tomorrow.” Twilight said, finishing up cooking dinner. She levitated all of the dishes with food on the table and just like I thought a few seconds later Star came in, covered in tree sap, which earned a laugh from me.

“Hey Star, did you have fun with your friends?” I asked when i noticed a bit of pink and purple on his forehead.

“Ya I did, it was the best day EVER.” Star exclaimed as he tried to open his wings but they were stuck by the tree sap which made me laugh even more.

“Ok Star. Let’s get you cleaned up for dinner or Twi’ll have a fit.” I said.

“Awwww, do i have to?” Star asked.

“Yes. Do you want Twi to get angry, cause I don’t!” I said, shaking a little.

“No sir.” Star said, remembering.

“You don’t need to call me sir, Star. Just call me Stephen.” I said.

“Sorry, I am used to doing that from the castle.” Star said

“No worries good buddy.” I replied, ruffling his mane and being rewarded with a hoof getting covered in tree sap.

“Wait how hard is tree sap to even get out of somepony’s coat?” Star asked, shuddering.

“Don’t worry, when I was a colt I got much harder stuff stuck in it. I know just what to do, but you’ve gotta trust me, and we’re gonna need Rainbow Dash’s help. You in?” I asked with a mischievous grin.

“No way, if it includes her i am out.” Star said trying to run, but getting caught in my magical grip.

Ha, practicing paid off. Thank you Twilight.

“Sorry Star, but this is the only way.” I said. “Twi, we’re going out to get cleaned up for dinner. We’ll be back in a few minutes!” I yelled as I started dragging Star towards Rainbow’s house.

“No way don’t make her do anything to me please” Star begged.

“Star, I promise, you’ll be fine. Besides, do you want me to tease you about your little crush.” I said, smirking.

“Wh-what crush” Star said, his eyes almost popping out of his head

“I know about Sweetie.” I replied simply.

“What are you talking about?” Star asked, nervously

“I saw some of her mane attached to you. So, how was your first kiss?”

“It was great.” Star said dreamily, forgetting about his fears for a moment.

“That’s great. Do you like her alot?”

“Yes I do.” Star said zoning out from the world, thinking about Sweetie Belle while I smiled at my now young friend remembering the zoo prank, and how we released all those penguins. The look on that zookeeper’s face when he got knocked down like a bowling pin was priceless.

“Are we almost to Rainbow Dash’s house” Star asked

“Actually, we’ve been there for a few minutes, I just didn’t have the heart to snap you out of your daydream.” I said. “RAINBOW! I NEED SOME HELP GETTING STAR CLEAN!”

“Not so loud.” Star said covering his ears.

“GIVE ME A SECOND YOU JACKFLANK!” Rainbow Dash shouted back.

“I DON’T HAVE A SECOND!” I yelled.

“Ok, I’m here, what is it?” Rainbow said, trying to stifle her laughter as she caught sight of Star. “Oh hey Star, how did you get tree sap on yourself?” She asked.

“Not important RD, what is important is that we get him cleaned up before Twilight kills us for being late to dinner. You got any spare rainclouds?” I asked hopefully.

“WAIT, RAIN CLOUDS FOR WHAT!” Star shouted attempting to run again. Once again, I caught him before he could succeed.

“Ah ah ah, Star, I told you, this will get us clean. So, Rainbow, you got any?” I asked.

“Ya, I have a few.” Rainbow said bringing down a spare cloud and preparing to kick it.

“Ok Star, this will be cold for a few seconds.” I said, bracing myself.

“What do you mean by...COLD!” Star shouted as the water hit us, making him jump.

“See...cold.” I said, shivering. “Thanks Rainbow. So, can you get us dry too? I don’t want Star here catching a cold.”

“Don’t worry about it, and sure.” Rainbow said, going around in circles around Star and myself, creating a miniature tornado that sucked the moisture right off of us. It also puffed up our coats, making us both look like big fuzzballs, much to the amusement of Rainbow.

“What the heck Rainbow!?” Star said, while he looked like a talking fuzzball and I fixed my coat.

“Dude, chill. Thanks Rainbow.”

“I am but what the heck! Look at my coat.” Star said, waving his hooves around

“No worries little Star, I’ve got this.” I said, using a spell Twilight showed me to forcibly smooth down his coat. “There, better?”

“Ya, a little.” Star said while trying to fly to Rainbow’s house to do something

“Dude, what’re you doing?” I asked.

“Trying to fly up here to make her house into a rain cloud.” Star said.

“That sounds like something a friend of mine would’ve done.” I said with a laugh.

“Oh, who is it?” Star asked while his wings gave out.”Oof” He said landing on his rump

“His name was Damian. He actually looked a lot like you.” I said, ruffling his mane.

“Wait he was a alicorn?” Star asked

“No, there’s actually a difference between alicorns and what he was, a pegacorn. See, alicorns are pure magical beings with the abilities of all three races. Damian was a pegacorn, which is a cross between a unicorn and a pegasus.” I lied.

“Creepy then, and don’t explain alicorn anatomy to me.” Star said with a huff

“Oh, you scared I might know more than you?” I smirked.

“No, just don’t do it.” Star said

“Fine. You are definitely just like Damian used to be.”

“Why do you keep saying that I am nothing like him” Star said

“Sorry. But I miss him a lot, and you do too happen to look and act like him. I don’t mean to offend you Star. Damian was one of my closest friends.”

“I can tell.” Star said

“Oh? How so?”

“You just talk about him SO much!” Star exclaimed.

“Well sorry.” I huffed.

“It’s cool.” Star said while his stomach was telling us something too

“So, should we get to Twi’s before she kills us?”

“Yes, I am hungry.” Star said

“Alright then, hang on tight. I haven’t gotten this down perfectly, so you may suffer some hair loss!” I said jokingly.

“Wait, what!?” Star asked right before I teleported us back, making him go flying, hitting his head on a table.

“Ouch, you ok Star?”

“Ouch my head.” Star said

“Oh man, that is a bad bump. We may need to get it checked out.”

“What happened Stephen?” Twilight asked glaring at me as she came in from the kitchen.

“I may have teleported us here, and during it, Star may have flown forward and banged his head.” I said. “Don’t worry, I’ll take him to the hospital.”

“That really hurts.” Star said standing up while his left wing went limp. “WAIT, HOSPITAL!? NO WAY!” He yelled in what sounded like a mini royal canterlot voice

“Dude, watch the ears!” I said, “And yes, you are going to the hospital if I have to drag you there myself.”

“No, I am going to be fine don’t worry.” Star said

“Star, alicorns may be immortal, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna sit by and let you suffer brain damage because you were too stubborn to let someone make sure you were alright after suffering a head injury!”

“Fine, I will, just to let the hospital tell you something and make you feel stupid.” Star said.

“Oh, what exactly will they tell me?”

“For somepony who knows a lot about alicorns you don’t know one thing that applies to most of them like my aunt luna and my mom and me.” Star said

“Star, right now, I don’t give a damn. I want to make sure your head doesn’t split open. So can we save the argument for later!?”

“It won’t so i am not going.” Star said sitting down

Same old Damian still stubborn as hell

“Oh, after you wanted the hospital to make me feel stupid? What happened to the colt who kicked me in the balls? Did he turn into a sissy?”

“I won’t go and you can’t make me.” Star said

“Stephen, stop teasing him now.” Twilight said giving me a stare to rival Fluttershy

“I am not going.” Star said once again

“Fine, I will just get nurse redheart here.” I said walking out the door

“You two I swear” Spike exclaimed, shaking his head...

_________________________________________________________________

(A few minutes later)

“For the last time, stop struggling and let me examine you!” RedHeart almost yelled.

“NEVER! RELEASE ME!” Star yelled, breaking free from my grip and making a mad dash for the door, only to crash into a barrier constructed by Twilight.

“Star, I’ve had it. Sorry, but I’m gonna have to knock you out.” I said, shooting a stun spell at him.

“That was a little much.” RedHeart said

“Sorry, but he wasn’t going to go quietly. Anyway, you can proceed with his examination.” I said calmly.

“Yes, sure thing, but wow.” RedHeart said, continuing.

“What?” I asked. “Is something wrong, other than his head injury I mean?”

“No, nothing really, just one thing.” RedHeart said with slightly widened eyes.

“Ok, well what is it?”

“Oh just a little pink on him how did that even get in his..oh my” RedHeart said with a blush

“Oh, that was from his little make-out session with Sw-mmmph” I found myself cut off when a zipper appeared over my mouth, effectively silencing me.

“With who now?” Asked Redheart

“Mmmph.”

“Nopony it was nopony Stephen is just being dumb” Twilight said

I glared at her and removed the zipper myself. “Twi, I still can’t believe I have a crush on you.” I said, before my eyes widened in realization at what I had done.

“zzzzz-Hey, wha-LET ME GO!” Star said as he jolted away.

“Star, get back here!” I yelled as I went after him, only for him to slam the door in my face as he escaped. Twilight walked up to me with a small smirk on her face, accompanied by a blush.

“So you have a crush on me” Twilight smirked

“Owww....Yes. No point denying it. I, Stephen Cleary, have a crush on you, Twilight Sparkle. Happy?”

“A little.”

“Ok then. So, wait, do you, y’know, feel the same way?” I asked nervously.

“In a way.” Twilight said.

After a few seconds of awkward silence the intercom came on “Security there is a alicorn colt running for the door please get him”

“The hell, when did you get an intercom system? Or security?”

“I don’t even know, I think it’s Spike messing around.” Twilight said

“Ok. Kinda late though, since Star’s already out of the library, huh?”

“No, he cant get out, remember i put the barrier up” Twilight stated

“Ok. Soooo, why are we still in the basement?” I asked. “Unless you’re planning something. And if you are, save it for the third date.” I chuckled.

“Woah now, I don’t do that.” Twilight said with a furious blush covering her face.

“Pffft, gotcha. The look on your face.” I said, rolling on the floor and holding my sides as I laughed..

“Ok just for that, STAR COME AND BUCK STEPHEN IN THE NUTS FOR ME” Twilight shouted.

“Sorry Twi, gotta go.” I said, teleporting out.

“Hi Stephen” Star said standing in front of me

“The buck. How’d you get outside the barrier?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It was gone so ya” Star said bucking me somewhere.

“Owwww....oh, also, just so you know...substitution spells are awesome.” I said, as a log appeared where I’d been standing, a massive dent in the exact spot where Star had bucked.

“What? how?”

“That’s what we call, ‘ninja spells’.” I said with a laugh, staying hidden and using an echo spell to make it sound like my voice was coming from everywhere.

“That is so not fair” Star said

“Neither was refusing to let RedHeart examine you. I mean, did you have to threaten to buck her into next week?”

“Shut up she had a needle”

“That was for Spike!” I retorted. “He needed his shot today.”

“So what, I hate needles...dammit.” Star mumbled

“Trypanophobia?”

“What a what now” Star asked

“It’s the medical term for the fear of needles. Just like Claustrophobia is the fear of small spaces.”

“Who cares, I want food.” Star said bouncing inside “Wait a second, there is somepony missing. I can’t remember who but he is missing, it feels like.”

“It’s probably Spike you’re thinking of.” I said, teleporting beside him.

“No, not Spike, it’s somepony else. Oh well, it will come back to me.” Star said

“Ok then. So, you gonna hang out with Sweetie Belle again tomorrow?” I asked.

“Maybe I will, I don’t know.” Star said

“Well, I already know the foals will be adorable when you two get married.”

“Like with you and Twilight” Star snickered

“Yeah, like with me and Twi. I just wonder how her brother will take it if we start dating.”

“I dunno, I never talked to him.” Star said

“Well, here’s hoping he doesn’t try to kick my flank, I’d hate to have to hurt him.” I said with a chuckle.

“Ya with that freaky metal leg” Star said looking at it

“What? You wanna know how I got it or something?” I asked.

“Sure why not”

“Ok, first thing I remember is waking up in Ponyville hospital and all I have left of my leg is a bloody stu-”

“Uhh Stephen, maybe another time.” Twilight said

“I haven’t even gotten to the funny part yet where Celestia showed up and I jumped out the window.”

“Yes well I think maybe Star might want to make it through dinner without getting sick.”

“Ugh, fine. Y’know, we’re already acting like a married couple.” I said with a smile.

“Wait, acting? I thought you were married.” Spike said

“The buck Spike? How could Twilight and I be married if I’ve only been here a few weeks at most?”

“A drunk marriage” Star spoke up

“Or maybe a shotgun wedding?” I joked.

“Or maybe shut up all of you.” Twilight said, “And what’s a shotgun?”

“Uhhhh....hey look, a distraction!” I said, pointing my leg in a random direction.

“That won’t work on me.” Twilight said while Star and Spike were looking that way

“Didn’t have to work on you, bye!” I said, teleporting to a random location.

______________________________________________________________________________

(Later That Night)

“Ok...gotta be quiet. Just gonna grab my sword, and head out for training...” I muttered to myself as I snuck into the library.

“Darkness everywhere.” I heard a voice mumble

“Who’s there?” I asked, looking around for the source of the voice.

“The darkness is all around us...everywhere...can’t escape....no please...dont send me away.” the voice mumbled again

“Enough, show yourself.” I said, grabbing my sword from the nearby shelf and drawing the blade.

“AHHHH, WHAT!? DARKNESS IS ENGULFING US ALL?!?” Star yelled shooting up to the ceiling

“DAMIAN!” I yelled, pulling him down and wrapping my forelegs around him.

“What I’m awake now, I did not fall asleep.” Star said

“Well it sure sounded like you did. I think you were having a nightmare.”

“What does that even mean, I was not having a nightmare” Star asked

“Star, you were screaming about being engulfed in darkness. If that’s not a nightmare, I don’t know what is.” I said, still holding him close.

“What, no I was not! Geeze what is wrong with you?” Star said

“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong is that you were screaming in your sleep and I had no idea what was going on.” I replied.

“I’m going back to my room now.” Star grumbled as he slammed his bedroom door shut

“Night Damian. Stay safe.” I said quietly, walking towards the door.

“And just where have you been” Twilight said

“Nowhere in particular Twi. Now, I’m going out to train.” I declared.

“Ok, but the darkness he was talking about was his old world”

“I know. That’s why I’m training. Whatever took his world is coming for ours. I have to be stronger to fight it.”

“How do you know that and one thing Stephen: What if his world comes back and his real mother wanted him back?”

“You read the letter. His world can’t come back. But if it ever did, I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to leave my friend again, but I wouldn’t want to leave everypony here either. And she’s his mother, I wouldn’t deny her the right to bring her son home.”

“Thought so, and trust me, crazier things tend to happen. I mean look he was reborn by who knows what.” Twilight stated

“Multiverse theory. I have my own belief regarding it.” I said, opening the door.

“What if it was something else though, then what if it wants to take him back?” Asked Twilight

“If whatever brought him to his world tries to send him back to the hell that his old life was, I’ll fight tooth and nail to protect him.” I replied as I left and headed for the Everfree Forest.

“Are you sure about that one” A voice asked.

“More sure than I’ve ever been about anything in my entire life.” I answered, not both

“What if I was coming to take him somewhere else now “

“It depends on where you were coming to take him.”

“I cannot be sure. Oh, and one more thing; take this, you might like it.“ The voice said throwing a locket my way