A Light in the Darkness

Chapters

Chapter 8: The Party
Chapter 9: The Truth
Chapter 10: Escort
Chapter 11: Roommate
Chapter 12: Old Friends
Chapter 13: The Trio
Chapter 14: Reunion
Chapter 15: Brotherly Love
Chapter 1: Arrival
Chapter 2: Uninvited Guests
Chapter 3: A New Face
Chapter 4: Into the Fray
Chapter 5: Carousel Boutique
Chapter 6: Sweet Apple Acres
Chapter 7: The Jacket

Chapter 8: The Party

Chapter 8

The Party

Sky made his way through the dark streets of Ponyville dimly lit by the street lights. It was peaceful night he could hear the crickets chirping and was enjoying the calmness of the night, which was interrupted by a familiar rainbow maned pony landing in front of him.

“Hey Sky, what’s up?”

“Not much just enjoying the night, got my jacket back from Rarity.” he said as he was trying to make the situation less awkward.

“Well I was on my way to sugar cube corner. Wanna come along?” Dash asked as she blushed.

“Um...yeah why not.” Sky said as he and Rainbow Dash made their way to towards the center of town. Not one of them said a thing until they got there. For some reason, the lights were out and no-pony was around.

“Um Rainbow. It doesn’t look like the place is open, I don’t see any-pony around either.” he said with a concerned look.

“Oh don’t be a baby c’mon in.” Rainbow said as she went inside and disappeared in the darkness of the shop. Sky realized that there was no stopping her. As he entered the door shut behind him, suddenly he remembered the brief conversation earlier that day. He let out a heavy sigh.

3......2......1...

“SURPRISE!!!” The light flickered on and revealed that the small pastry shop was jammed pack with almost every pony in Ponyville. It didn’t take long for the hyperactive pink earth pony to pop up in front of the unsurprised pegasus.

“Well were you surprised were ya, were, ya were, ya?” she asked with her eyes beaming. Sky looked around the room and saw the amount of work she had put into it.

Wow this took some work. I may as well humor her.

“Yeah, I’m just speechless that you managed to pull this all together. On such short notice.” Sky said as he put on his best surprised face he had.

“YAY! I can’t wait to introduce you to my friends!” Pinkie said as she grabbed Sky by the hoof and led him through the mass of ponies gathered in the small bakery. Sky was introduced to almost every-pony in Ponyville, he had brief conversation with Zecora about herbs and potions which he found very interesting. He eventually managed to find Rainbow Dash and the rest of her friends and began to sit down and talk with them. He was introduced to a timid yellow pegasus by the name of Fluttershy, she was ponyville’s veterinarian. They talked about places he’s been, ponies he’s seen and life as a traveler. Eventually Sky suggested they turn the conversation to their accomplishments.

“Wow, I didn’t know Twilight was Princess Celestia’s private student. That’s gotta be interesting.”

“Yes it is, I enjoy working for the princess.”

“So this is a peaceful little town from what I’ve seen.” Sky said as he looked back at the six mares.

“Yeah for the most part. But we still get problems from time to time.” Rainbow said.

“Like what?”

“Well, when we first met Twilight we had to take down Nightmare moon, then we had to fight the god of chaos Discord, go up against the changeling Queen and save an entire empire from being consumed by darkness.” Rainbow Dash finished as Sky’s jaw dropped in surprise.

“WHAT!!? HOW DID YOU GUYS MANAGE ALL THAT? I MEAN I KNOW YOU’RE STRONG AND EVERYTHING, BUT NOT THAT STRONG!!

“Well we are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, so that probably has something to do with it.” Pinkie said in a nonchalant tone. Something clicked in the back of Sky Blazers mind.

“Elements of Harmony where have I heard that before?” Sky said as he scratched his chin with his hoof.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know about the elements!” Twilight said as she looked at Sky with astonishment. None of them noticed that Sky’s necklace had begun to glow again.

“Um refresh my memory what are they again?”

“The Elements of Harmony are Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty and Magic.” as Twilight finished explaining Sky felt an incredible pain in his head and began to scream. His pupils tuned to the size of pin points, he raced out the door with the six ponies in pursuit. Once he was out in the street Sky couldn’t take the pain anymore and passed out.

As Twilight and ever-pony else got outside they saw Sky Blazer being pulled off the ground by his necklace which was now shining brighter than the moon and he was wrapped in a magical blue aura.

“SKY! WHAT”S WRONG?” Rainbow called out to him. Sky opened his eyes to reveal that they were glowing white with magic, the air around him was crackling with raw power. Sky Blazer suddenly felt a burning pressure in his chest. As he opened his mouth to scream, a beam of raw magic erupted from his mouth and eyes and shot straight into the sky piercing the clouds and Luna’s night. Sky then lowered himself to the ground, still engulfed by the magical aura.

The trance seemed to leave him and the magic dispersed leaving only an unconscious Sky Blazer laying in the center of town. The Six mares rushed to his side.

“Sky! Sky! Speak to me!” Rainbow said as she landed beside him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At Canterlot Castle Princess Luna was admiring her stars from the observation platform, until something bright caught her eye, she re-maneuvered her telescope until it came upon the source of the light; Ponyville. Not only could she see it, she could feel the magical pressure that it was being displayed. Luna then rushed to her sister’s room, before she could knock on the door Celestia had opened it and held a look of shock on her face as she looked down at her sister. Luna looked up at her sister with worry in her eyes.

“Tia, did you feel that?”

“Yes. Where did it come from?”

“Ponyville.” Luna replied.

“I will send Twilight a letter at once.” she said as she walked over to her desk.

“Sister, what is happening?” Luna said in a scared voice.

“I don’t know Luna, but I intend to find out!” Celestia said as she began to write.

Chapter 9: The Truth

Chapter 9

The Truth

Rainbow Dash and the rest of her friends waited in Ponyville Hospital lobby hoping that Sky Blazer was okay. Twilight was deep in thought, thinking about the discharge Sky had sent out. Pinkie and Rarity were comforting Fluttershy who was sobbing in the corner. Applejack was sitting down and had her hat drooped over her eyes. Rainbow Dash was looking out the window at the rain that had started to come down. The doctor came out about to give the group an update.

“How is he doc?” Rainbow asked with worried eyes.

“He’s stable and going to be fine.”

The group of mares gave a sigh of relief.

“So what happened exactly.” Twilight asked the doctor.

“Basically, he had a concentration of magic built up inside of him, some how it was activated and was released. We call it ‘discharging.’

“Why is it so dangerous?” Applejack asked.

“Let’s say that Ms. Sparkle here stops using magic for a month, and after that month she decides to cast a spell. It could be as simple as lifting a quill or as complex as building a house, either way, all that stored magic is going to rush out the first chance it gets, which results in an extremely powerful discharge.”

“So, it just means they shoot off one massive spell, then they’re fine right?” Rainbow Dash interjected.

“It’s not that simple Dash.” Twilight said as she looked down at the floor.

“Why?”

“Ms. Dash, the discharge nearly dispels all the magic a pony has, and runs the risk of draining their magic to absolute zero. Simply put, you can die from it.” The doctor finished as he looked at the now horrified group of friends. “Luckily, that wasn’t the case here. He held a bit back and that restraint is what saved him.

“Now just wait one minute! You said this only happens to unicorns, Sky Blazer’s a pegasus how can he use magic in the first place?” Applejack interjected.

“All pony races have their own type of magic, earth ponies are stronger, unicorns can levitate and manipulate objects and pegasi can fly and control the weather. Unicorns can use their magic easier than other ponies due to their focal point.”

“Focal point?” Rainbow said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Their horn, Ms. Dash. every race has a focal point for magic, unicorns have horns, earth ponies have their bodies and pegasi have their wings. Given enough time and practice pegasi and earth ponies can use spells as well.”

“Is that really true doctor?” Twilight asked in amazement.

“It’s a theory, but possible.” The doctor said as he scratched his chin. Twilight couldn’t believe what she was hearing, pegasi and earth ponies can use magic on the same level as unicorns. “However, this would take years of extensive research on their part.” the doctor finished as a nurse came up to him and handed him a chart. He then turned back to the group of ponies. “Well it looks like your friend is awake, if you want to see him.”

“Yes, we would. What’s his room number?” Twilight asked.

“Room C14. Just keep it brief he need his rest.” he said as he went to go check on another patient.

The six friends made their way down the hall until they came across room C14. They opened the door and saw their friend hooked up to a heart monitor and bandaged up. The group could barely contain their emotions.

“Hey, guys.” Sky said weakly while raising a hoof.

*SMACK*

Dash went over and smacked him with her hoof across the face. Dash’s eyes were now filled with tears.

“Okay, ow!” Sky said as he winced in pain.

“JERK! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT STUNT YOU PULLED BACK IN TOWN?” Rainbow said as she backed away from the bed in tears. Applejack then came over and led Rainbow away from the bed and sat her down at the table. Twilight then stepped forward. Sky began to rub the part of his face that Rainbow had just struck.

“Sorry about that Sky.”

“It’s cool, I’ve taken worse hits. Plus, I guess I did freak you guys out a little back in town there. Sorry for ruining the party Pinkie.” he said as he looked towards the pink mare with tears in her eyes.

“It’s okay Blazey, now I can throw you a ‘recovery party.’” she said as she fought through the tears.

“Can’t wait.” Sky said with a grin.

“Sky the doctor said that you suffered from a discharge, it’s when-” Twilight tried to finish but was cut off by Sky.

“I know what it is, and yes that’s exactly what happened. I guess now you all have questions, so let me just start off by saying that yes, I am able to perform magic.”

“By using your wings as a focal point right?” Twilight said.

“Yes, I’m able to cast a couple basic spells and a few I’ve been developing on my own for a while. Like how I was able to detect Pinkie Pie earlier.”

“How did ya do that darling?” Rarity asked.

“I sent out a small pulse of magic that bounces off objects and then returns giving me a mental picture of things in my brain.” 
“What?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s like I have eyes in the back of my head.”

“Oh I see....That is so cool!” Pinkie exclaimed. Sky then looked at the pink mare with a surprised look on his face.

“Wait, you mean that you guys don’t care that I can do magic, you don’t find it unnatural?”

“I’ll admit it’s a little odd, but I don’t think that it should come between our friendship. Plus now I can get started studying this.” Twilight said as she clapped her hooves together in excitement.

“Twi, if I wake up on a slab table somewhere, missing my wings or anything else I’m blaming you.” he said as he gave her a grin. “And one other thing, don’t tell the princess about this.”

“Why not? I know she’ll want to hear about this.”

“That’s exactly the point! If she hears that theres a pegasus flying around that can use magic, how do you think she’s gonna react to that?”

“I don’t understand what are you so worried about?” Applejack asked.

“Ugh! If she finds out that I can use magic Then she’ll see me as a possible threat or be taken prisoner and experimented on!”

“Do you honestly think that the princess would do something that cruel?”

“She sent her sister to the moon for 1,000 years and that was her little sister that she loved to death, she doesn’t even know me. I know how leaders think, they want to protect their subjects at all cost even if it means hurting some-pony in the process, and another thing-” Sky was cut off by the door being slammed open revealing an out of breath baby purple dragon.

“Twilight.......urgent........message........from the.....Princess.” he said as he handed her the scroll

“Who’s he?” Sky asked.

“That is Spike Twilights assistant.”

“Oh right, Rarity mentioned him earlier. I just didn’t think that he was a dragon.”

“Uh-oh. Sky, you’d better take a look at this.” Twilight said as she handed the letter to Sky Blazer.

“What’s it say?” Applejack asked.

Sky began to read the letter aloud.

Dear, Twilight Sparkle

I understand that there was a massive magical discharge in Ponyville last night. I hope that no-pony was injured. however I would like to see the pony responsible, for you see Luna and I managed to feel it all the way in Canterlot, who ever the pony is they’re extremely powerful and I would like to assess their skill level and see if they pose a danger to themselves and those around them. Please write back to me as soon as possible.

-Princess Celestia

Sky stared at the message blankly, he then turned his gaze to the group of mares who had the same look on their faces. He crumpled up the letter and threw it on the floor.

“See! What I’d tell ya, they see me as a threat.” Sky said as he crossed his hooves over his chest.

“The letter said ‘to see IF you were a threat’ nothings set in stone yet.” Twilight said as she un-crumpled the letter.

“And they will see me as a threat. Every-pony else has.” Sky said as he let out a sigh.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“You know why I keep moving from town to town? It’s because sooner or later someone see’s me do magic and they flip out and try to turn me over to the authorities. When I have done nothing wrong! Heck, one time used my magic to save some ponies life and they still tried to turn me over, luckily I’ve managed to make sure that they don’t tell any-pony.”

“How?” Twilight asked.

Sky bit his lip and decided that these ponies could be trusted with one of his most precious secrets.

“One of the spells I’ve developed is a memory spell, when I leave town IF some-pony discovers that I can do magic I cast it and they forget all about me.” Sky said as he looked at the shocked expressions on the mares faces.

“Were you planning to do that to us?” Fluttershy asked.

“If you discovered my magic and freaked out..then yes.” Sky said with a flat tone.

“HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK OF DOING THAT TO US?” Rainbow exclaimed with tears running down her face.

“YOU THINK I WANT TO DO THAT? NO! BUT I WILL IF I HAVE TOO! PONIES HAVE TRIED TO KILL ME BECAUSE OF THIS MAGIC!” Sky said, he was now trying to calm his nerves. “Listen! I’ve had to say goodbye to a lot of friends I knew and trusted, even my own parents!” Sky then shut his mouth. The group looked at him with fear in their eyes.

Nice one genius, NOW THEY KNOW!

“What are you talking about?” Twilight said.

“They died protecting me from an angry mob.” Sky said as he looked down at the hospital bed. Tears began to fill his eyes. “Every night in my dreams, I see my fathers face before he’s over powered by the mob, saying ‘Don’t worry Sky, it’ll be alright.’ he then put his coat around me, with the smile he always had. My mother teleported us out of the house. After we escaped, the teleportation spell was too much of a strain even for a unicorn of her expertise and she died soon after.” Sky couldn’t stop himself from going into an uncontrolled sob. He had held that secret in all his life and now that he finally told his tale, all of those memories and emotions came rushing back at once. Sky then felt a hoof on his shoulder he looked up to see Rainbow Dash looking down at him with tears in her eyes, she then brought him into a hug. They were soon joined by the other five mares in the room, all of them crying, all of them finally realizing the life long struggle Sky has had to endure.

“Sky we’re so sorry we had no idea how much pain you’ve been through.” Twilight said wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Now do you understand?” Sky said as he broke the hug and glanced back at the mares.

“We understand completely.” said a voice coming from the door way. Every-pony in the room looked in horror to see two royal guards and Princess Luna standing in the door way.

Chapter 10: Escort

Chapter 10

Escort.

One million thoughts raced through Sky Blazers mind as he tried to grasp the reality of the situation he was currently in. The princess of the night stepped forward only to be blocked by a lavender unicorn.

“Princess Luna what are you doing here?” she asked in surprise.

“We are here to collect that stallion and bring him to Canterlot immediately.” the seven ponies looked in horror at the dark princess. “Stand aside Twilight Sparkle.” Luna commanded. Twilight took one look back at Sky Blazer who was frozen in fear, her gaze then shifted back to Princess Luna.

“No.”

“What did thou just say?” Luna said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“I said no. Your not taking him!” Twilight exclaimed.

Twilight...

“Yeah, you want him you gotta go through me!” Rainbow said as she flew up next to Twilight in a defensive position.

Rainbow...

“That goes double for me.” Applejack said as she trotted up next to Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

“Twilight Sparkle, since thou art our friend and our sisters protegee, we will over look that sudden outburst.” Luna said as she began to frown.

“Girls, it’s fine just go I’ll be alright.” Sky said as he got to his hooves.

“No way! Were not leaving you.” Rainbow said as she glared at the princess.

Sky then flew in front of the six ponies and locked eyes with them. They saw a flash of light and then blacked out. The princess of the night was stunned at what happened, this stallion had just knocked out the six friends that were trying to save him.

“What did you just do?” Luna bellowed.

“I hit them with a sleeping spell, they’ll be like this for about an hour.” Sky said as he began laying their unconscious bodies on the bed.

“Why did you just do that? They were trying to stop us from taking you.”

“I know. But I’ve ruined enough ponies lives because of my magic, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let it happen to them.” he said as he glared at Luna. “Let me just get my coat and we’ll go.” Sky said as he walked over to the closet and collected his coat.

“Very well.”

Sky then trotted over to the pile of unconscious ponies he stacked on the hospital bed, he withdrew a piece of paper and began to write a message on it. He then trotted over to Spike who was cowering in the corner.

“Spike, when they wake up give them this okay.”

“Ye-yeah, sure n-no problem.” he said as he took the letter and rushed over to Twilights side.

“Are you ready?” Luna asked as she waited in the door way.

“Yes, lets go.” Sky said as he took one last look back at the mares that had befriended him and accepted him. He knew he had to do this. A guard trotted over and put shackles around his wings and front hooves. Sky, Luna and the guards walked out of the hospital and onto the princess’s chariot. During the ride to Canterlot Sky kept his head down. Luna then trotted up next to him and puts a hoof on his shoulder.

“We apologize for the chains but we do not know what you are capable of doing yet.” she said with a glum look on her face.

“It’s fine princess, just don’t be mad at the others. They were only trying to protect me.” he said as he looked at the princess.

“We understand, but why were they trying to protect you in the first place?”

“Well I’m assuming that you’re here to escort me to Celestia right?”

“That’s correct. She simply wishes to talk with you.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you, but the world hasn’t exactly been kind to me when I talk about my magic it usually ends up with other ponies shunning me. Since your sister is ruler of Equestria I thought that’s what she might want to take my magic away.” Sky said as he lowered his head.

“We are not sure what she has planned for you yet, but from what you’ve said about your past, we can see why you would be suspicious.” she said flatly. “We will be arriving shortly, we suggest that you prepare thyself.”
“Prepare for what?” Sky said as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Thou will have to see for thyself we’re here.” Luna said as she stepped off the chariot. Sky followed behind her, as they entered Canterlot castle Sky was remembering all the experiences he’d had, the ponies he’s seen and loved. But he mostly thought of Rainbow and her friends, the only ponies to accept him and his gifts.

Ironic isn’t it, I finally find a place to fit in and it gets ripped away from me. I guess I should have seen it coming.

Sky and Luna entered the main hall where Celestia sat atop her throne waiting for them.

“Leave us.” she said to the guards. The two guards took their leave and trotted out of the room.

“Now let us begin.” Celestia as she stepped forward and removed Sky Blazers shackles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash’s eyes snapped open remembering what had transpired in the room before she lost conciseness, the other ponies soon began to wake up and show their worried faces.

“What the hay happened?” Rainbow yelled out.

“He knocked you guys out and left with Princess Luna about an hour ago.” Spike said with a sad look on his face.

“And you did nothing to stop them?” Rainbow said as she glared at the baby dragon.

“What could I do?” Spike said as he sat on the bed in sadness.

“Ah, don’t get it why did he just give up when we were trying to help him?” Applejack said with a confused look on her face.

“He left you guys a letter, it’s over there on the table.” Spike said as he pointed over to the small coffee table. The six ponies hurried over and began to read the letter.

Dear, Rainbow, Twilight, AJ, Rarity, Pinkie,Fluttershy.

By the time you read this I will be in Canterlot, why the princess want’s to see me is a complete mystery to me. I’m sorry for knocking you all out, but it was the only way to protect you, I didn’t want you all to suffer because of me. Enough already have, I wish we could have spent more time together. But life is not always fair.

You’ve all asked me what kept me going through the years of solitude and I never gave you a proper answer. Here it is, no matter how dark things get there is always one flickering light in the darkness to keep any-pony going. In the past few days that flickering light has morphed into six. You all are the first real friends I’ve ever had, I hope we meet again someday.

-Your friend, Sky Blazer.

The six friends started bawling uncontrollably, even the tough as nails cyan pegasus couldn’t stop her self. The six friends were all to busy crying to notice that someone had opened the window and stepped inside of the room. Rainbow Dash looked up to see a familiar blue pegasus smiling at her.

“Miss me?” he said to the six sobbing mares. Rainbow quickly brought him into a wet sobbing hug. The others soon did the same. Princess Celestia and Luna soon stepped into the room as well.

“But what happened? The last thing I remember Luna was going to take you away to Canterlot.” the distraught cyan mare said.

“She did and we had a little chat concerning your friend here.” Celestia said in a warm voice. “I was so amazed that a pegasus was able to use magic that I just had to see it for myself. Sky Blazer did an excellent job.”

“But why did you say in the letter, that you though he was threat?” Twilight asked her mentor.

“I needed to make sure that his ability was not going to be abused or squandered. He is allowed to keep his magic but he must learn to control it properly and who better to teach him than my student.” Celestia said as she grinned at Twilight.

“Really, Princess? You’re letting me tutor him?”

“Yes, Twilight just make sure he doesn’t do anything too risky.” Celestia said as she gave her pupil a warm smile. Sky then trotted in front of the princess.

“Princess Celestia, I just want to say that I’m sorry for accusing you of possibly wanting to...well experiment on me.” Sky said as he bowed his head.

“Originally I was quite curious about your powers and your goals. But now I see that you are a trust worthy pony and will not abuse your gifts.” Celestia then looked at the clock. “I’m sorry ever-pony, I must return to Canterlot. Good luck to you Sky Blazer.” the sun goddess said as she took flight. All eyes then turned to Sky Blazer who had begun to scratch his mane in embarrassment.

“So, what just happened?” Applejack said with a confused look on her face.

“In a nut shell, I can keep my magic, Twi is my new teacher and I don’t have to leave Ponyville due to being run out of town by an angry mob.” Sky said with a grin.

“Do you know what this calls for, a PARTY.” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Okay Pinkie, only one condition.” Sky said with a flat tone.

“What is it?”

“Make. It. Big.” he said as he began to laugh.

“Roger!” Pinkie said as she ran out the door. The six ponies then left the hospital with their dark blue friend wearing a black coat. Rainbow started to eye the garment.

“Hey Sky, why do you always wear that thing?” Rainbow asked her friend.

“Well its cozy, has sentimental value and I keep all my stuff in it.”

“What do you mean ‘all your stuff’?” the cyan mare said with a confused look on her face.

“Oh right you don’t know. My jacket has a few quirks to it.” he began as he fiddles around in his pockets. “my pockets are bigger on the inside.” he said as he withdrew a massive text book from the coat. The ponies mouths flew open in surprise. “Rarity had the same reaction when I showed her earlier.” he said with a laugh and slipped the book back into the pocket.

“How is that possible, that’s not physically possible.” Twilight said as she stared at Sky.

“I had a unicorn put an extension charm on the pockets. Let’s not worry about it now, c’mon we’ve got a party to get too.” Sky said as the jacket morphed two holes for his wings and took flight. “Well, c’mon slow pokes lat one there’s a rotten egg!” he said as he took off with alarming speed. Rainbow then took off after him leaving the other mares in the dust. Twilight then looked at her friends with a surprised look on her face, which they all shared. The ponies then made their way to back down into Ponyville and let the suspicion slip out of their minds.

Chapter 11: Roommate

Chapter 11

Roommate

Sky shot into Ponyville and landed in front of Sugar Cube Corner making a patch of dirt rise on impact. Rainbow was seconds behind him, unfortunately she needed to work on the slowing down part and slammed into him. The two crashed into a nearby tree as Rainbow regained her balance she noticed that she was on top of Sky Blazers chest, She tried to hide the blush. When Sky saw the mare laying on top of him his face turned scarlet.

“Um, Rainbow do you mind getting off me?”

“Yeah sorry, I guess I gotta work on my landing.” she said as she got off the stallion.

“Ya think?” he said with a grin. Rainbow then slugged him in the arm. “Ow! Was that necessary?”

“Yes, plus it’s just fun seeing you get hurt.” she said with a laugh.

“Your a peach Dash.” Sky said with his voice dripping in sarcasm. “Actually there was something I wanted to ask you.”

“What?”

“Do you know any good inns around here? If I’m gonna stay, I need to have a place to crash.”

“Um, I’m not too sure, but maybe you could....never mind.” Dash said as she tried to hide her blush.

“What, tell me.”

“Well you could always crash at my place.” she said as she gave a weak smile.

“Um....okay, if your cool with it.”

Why is she acting like this all of a sudden?

“Yeah, it’s totally cool if you crash with me, I’ve kinda always wanted a roommate. So what do you want to do? I have no work today.” Rainbow said as she adverted her eyes from the blue pegasus.

“Don’t really know. What do you do for fun around here?”

“Well I mostly nap, Twi reads, AJ and Rarity both work, Fluttershy takes care of her animals and Pinkie does what ever Pinkie does.”

“You nap? that can’t be it.”

“Well I like to make new flying moves.” she said with a grin.

“Okay, so let’s go do that, I need to stretch my wings anyway.” Sky said as he cracked his wings. The two pegasi took flight, they spent the afternoon flying around Ponyville. Rainbow showed him all of her usual hang outs and places she recommended. “So what’s your best trick that you can do?” he asked the cyan mare.

“I guess my specialty would be the Sonic Rain-boom.” she said with a grin.

“You can do that! That’s awesome!”

“Yeah, it won me the best young flyer competition, so I guess it is pretty awesome.”

“Sounds cool, I’d love to see it eventually.”

“You...you would?” Dash said as she blushed.

“Sure.” he said with a grin. He then looked up at the sky and saw it was getting late. “So Dash where is your house?”

“Oh, right follow me.” She said as she took off into the night sky. The two were soon standing in front of a massive cloud house. Rainbow led Sky inside and showed him the guest room. It was small quaint and very nice. Wonderbolt posters were covering the walls.

“Looks like some-pony is a Wonderbolt fan.” Sky said as he let out a chuckle.

“Yeah, you can put your stuff where ever, the bathroom is at the end of the hall.”

“Thanks Dash I appreciate this.”

“No problem. Just promise me you won’t burn the place down.” she said with a chuckle.

“You drive a hard bargain Ms. Dash.” he said in a playful tone.

“Yeah, yeah. Goodnight.” she said as she closed the door. Sky hung his coat up and laid down to rest. Soon his eyelids became heavy and he drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Gah!” Sky woke up to a pale of cold water being splashed on him. He looked up to see a hysterical cyan mare holding an empty bucket. “Dash! What in the name of tartarus was that for?”

“What? How else am I going to get you up?”

“Maybe by lightly tapping on my shoulder?”

“Hmmmmm......No!” Dash said as she trotted out of the room with a sly grin on her face. “C’mon let’s get something to eat.”

“ I can already tell this is gonna be a great relationship.” Sky said with a sarcastic tone. He trotted down stairs to the kitchen, it smelled of burnt toast. He saw Rainbow standing there with an embarrassed look on her face.

“Heh, heh..Cooking isn’t my strong suit. Lets just go to Sugar Cube Corner.” Sky trotted over tot he refrigerator and withdrew a carton of eggs.

“Well I can cook pretty well.” he said as he started to crack the eggs into a pan. Sky made his hostess and himself an omelet, Rainbow gobbled the egg down with haste.

“Sweet Celestia! That was amazing, where did you learn how to cook like that?”

“When you spend your life on the road you tend to learn a few things.” he said with a grin. The two pegasi then left the cloud home and made their way into Ponyville he decided to leave his jacket home now that he knows it’s in a safe place. They touched down in front of Sugar Cube Corner. “So what do you want to do?”

“Well I got work until three so sorry your on your own.” she said with a sheepish grin.

“That’s fine I’m sure I can-”

“HEY RAINBOW DASH!” both ponies turned around to see Scootaloo with a huge smile on her face. Rainbow rolled her eyes at the small filly. “I was wondering if you wanted to hang out.”

“Sorry kid, but I’ve got work.” she said as the small filly made a sad look appear on he face. “But Sky is free to hang.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof around his neck.

“WHAT!?”

“Yeah you just told me you were looking for something to do.” she said with an evil grin.

“Really? Sky you don’t mind?”

“Well I-” he was cut off by the filly giving him the puppy dog eyes.

Damn it! That look should be made illegal!

“Yeah, I’d love to hang.” he said as he let out a sigh.

“Have fun! I gotta go.” Rainbow said as she took off into the sky, leaving the two pegasi in front of Sugar Cube Corner.

I’m gonna get you for this Rainbow!

Sky then turned his attention back to the orange filly, who had a disappointed look on her face. He gave her a nervous grin trying to lighten the mood.

“So Scootaloo what do you want to do?”

“Well I wanted to see if Rainbow Dash wanted to teach me how to fly. But now that dream has gone and went.”

“Wait you can’t fly?” he said as he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Yeah, never learned how and Rainbow is just too busy to teach me or just doesn’t care.” Scootaloo said as she hung her head down.

“Hey, that’s not true.” he said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. “Tell you what, how about I teach you a thing or two today.”

“Really?” she said as her head perked up in happiness.

“Sure, why not.”

“Thanks! So when do we start?”

“First lets go somewhere a bit more.....spacious. How about the park?”

“Cool, lets go!” The two pegasi then made their way to Ponyville Park.

“So what do we do first?”

“Well, show me what you can do.”

“I can go around on my scooter really fast.”

“I saw that the other day. So your wing strength is good?”

“Yeah it’s just the whole ‘in the air thing’ that I need help with.”

“Okay then show me how many push ups you can do.”

“Why?”

“I want to test your endurance.”

“Okay, I’ll try my best” Scootaloo then started to push, lifting her tiny body off of the dirt. She soon collapsed in to the earth.

“Wow, thirty push ups that’s impressive for a filly your age.” he said as trotted over to her.

“Thanks. So now what?”

“Well I suggest you take breather and drink some water. It’s hot today and I don’t want you passing out on me.” he said as helped her to her hooves. Scootaloo trotted over to the water fountain sky saw Sweetie Belle and Applebloom coming from town.

“Hey Sky. What’re you and Scootaloo doing?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“He’s giving me flying lessons.” Scootaloo said as she joined her friends.

“Really? Hey can you give me magic lessons?” the white unicorn said as her two friend stared at her with a confused look.

“Um he’s a pegasus, he can’t do magic.” Applebloom said.

“Yeah I know that but Rarity said that he can do magic.”

“Yeah right!” Scootaloo said with a laugh.

“Actually, Sweetie is correct. I am able to do magic, It’s just not as strong as Twilights’.”

“What! Prove it.” the orange filly said with surprise.

“Okay.” he said as he scanned the area and found a tree with a broken limb. “See that broken branch?” he said as he pointed with his hoof, the three fillies nodded. “Okay stand back.” Sky steadied himself and closed his eyes. He focused his thoughts and he felt the magic flowing through his body, he then flapped his right wing in a diagonal slash motion. A small blue line appeared and was traveling towards the branch, soon it made contact and cut the limb in half. The three fillies jaws seemed to hit the ground in astonishment.

“That. Was. Awesome!” Scootaloo said, the other two ponies nodded in agreement. “How are you able to use magic?”

“Years of practice.” Sky said as he trotted over to the fillies.

“But I though only unicorns could do magic.” Applebloom said with a confused look on her face.

“Look girls we can spend hours talking about this, so I’m just gonna give you the short version. All ponies can do a certain degree of magic, but there are some who can take it to the next level. Basically any-pony can do what I just did if they have the drive and patience.” he finished his statement he notice that the three fillies now had smiles across their faces, Sky let out a sigh.

Okay, I can see where this is going.

“Let me guess, you guys want me to-”

“Can you teach us?” they all said in unison.

Called it.

“Well yeah I suppose I could.” he said as he scratched his mane.

“YAY! CUTIE MARK CRUSADER MAGIC USERS!” the three screamed in excitement.

“Alright girls, but listen we need to keep this topic on the down low. Okay?”

“Okay, C’mon crusader’s time’s a wasting.” Applebloom said as the three fillies sped off towards town. Sky couldn’t help but smile at their excitement. He then decided to go visit the library and see how Twilight was doing.

“Hey Twi.” he said as he spotted the lavender mare organizing books.

“Hey Sky, how are you settling in?”

“Good I’m saying with Rainbow for the time being.”

“I bet she’s happy about that.” Twilight said as she let out a giggle.

“Why?” Sky said as he raised an eyebrow.

“Um, nothing. Was there something you needed?”

“Oh right I was wondering if I could check out a few basic spell books, if you had any?”

“Practicing magic I see. Well as long as your careful.” She said as she levitated a book over to Sky.

“Yeah, best to start with the basics.” he said as he took the book in his mouth.

Twilight might object to the fact I might teach the CMC a few tricks.

“Good start and if you need any help..”

“I won’t hesitate to ask.” he said as he raised a hoof. “Thanks fro the book Twi, I gotta get started.” he said as he raced out the door. He went back to the park with the book and began to read.

Hmm. Illusion is too advanced. Maybe just some simple levitation magic..no. Ugh, this is going to be a chore. And your talking to your self again! Damn It!

“Hello Sky.” said a familiar voice.

“Hey Fluttershy. What’s up?”

“Just spending some time with my animal friends.” she said as she turned her head back to the ducks that were following her.

“Well that’s nice.”

“What are you doing?”

“Just picked up a beginners magic book from the library, figured I might as well start studying.” he said as he turned back to the book, Fluttershy suddenly started to giggle.

“What?”

“You sounded like Twilight for a second there.”

“Heh, guess I did. So what are you and your friends going off to do?”

“Well they wanted to go play in the pond only one of them doesn’t swim so well so I’m here to make sure he’s alright.” she said with a smile on her face. Sky then noticed a rather large bruise on the yellow mare’s leg.
“Hey Fluttershy what happened to your leg?” Fluttershy then adverted her eyes from the blue pegasus.

“I....um....fell down the stairs this morning.” Sky eyed her for a second but dismissed the thought

“Okay, well try and be more careful alright.”

“I will, thanks for the concern.” she said as smile returned to her face.

“Well I’de love to stay and chat but I need to go. See ya later.” Sky said as he took flight with the book secure between his teeth. Sky decided to head to Rainbow’s house once he got there he decided to make himself some lunch and decided to look around the house to better acquaint himself with his surroundings. He started from the top and worked his way down as he got to Rainbow’s room he had hatched a genius plan in his mind he spent the next half hour ‘rearranging’ some items. Sky then decided to go see Twilight about lessons. He flew back down to Ponyville with book in teeth, Sky stopped in front of the library, as he opened the door he saw a familiar lavender mare. “Hey Twilight.”

“Hey Sky. How’s the book?”

“Well that’s kinda the issue, you see unicorn magic isn’t working for me. I think it’s better if I just practice what I know. Sorry for the inconvenience.” he said as he put the book back on the table.

“Oh, it’s no trouble. But since I am your new teacher I must get an understanding of your abilities.” she said as she grabbed a clip board and a pair of glasses.

“Fine by me. What should I do?”

“Anything as long as it doesn’t destroy my library.”

“Fine. If you want to take all the fun out of it.” he said with a grin.

“Ha-ha. But just to be safe let’s move this lesson outside.” she said with a nervous grin. They decided to head out back behind the library. “Okay, so show what you can do.”

“Alright, I’ll try.” Sky closed his eyes and felt a familiar sensation flow through his body. He felt power coursing through his body, he tried to focus.

“TWILIGHT!! THERE YOU ARE!” Pinkie said as she came charging up to the two ponies.

“Pinkie? What’s going on?”

“HE’S BACK!”

“He?” Twilight and Sky said as they raised an eyebrow.

“YOU KNOW! STAR GAZER!” Twilights pupils shrunk at the name, Sky just stood there with a confused look on his face.

“Who’s Star Gazer?”

“He’s Fluttershy’s ex-coltfriend. He’s bad news and if he’s back that means Fluttershy’s in trouble!”

“Last time I saw her she was in the park.” Sky said as he took flight.

“Pinkie, go get the others Sky and I will head to park, hopefully we can get there before anything happens.”

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” Pinkie said as she took off towards Sweet Apple Acres. Sky and Twilight soon hurried to the park.

“So what did this guy do exactly?” Sky asked as he flew next to the lavender mare.

“He used to beat Fluttershy, until Rainbow AJ and I put a stop to his treatment, we haven’t seen him since.” Something clicked in the back of Sky’ mind.

“Earlier today I saw that Fluttershy had bruise on her leg, but she passed it off as ‘falling down the stairs.’” he said as he looked at Twilight.

“Oh no, we’d better get there quick!” Sky then lowered himself near the ground.

“Get on!” Twilight then hung on to Sky’s neck and positioned her self on his back. “Hang on!” Twilight’s vision began to blur as Sky’s speed increased ten fold, she only hoped that they weren’t too late.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Y-you!” Fluttershy said as four ponies surrounded her. The red unicorn with the white mane was the ring leader. “S-Star G-Gazer w-what are y-you doing here?” she said as she looked for an escape route.

“What, an old friend can’t come and say hi?” he said with an evil grin. Soon he and the other three ponies started to back Fluttershy against a tree.

“P-please don’t!” she said as she cowered in fear.

“Don’t even try it! Your friends aren’t here to help you this time!” he said as he licked his lips.

“I wouldn’t bet on that!” Star then saw a blue blur ram into his side separating him from the group. Twilight then teleported in front of Fluttershy. “Twi! Get Fluttershy out of here! I can handle these guys!” he said as he turned his gaze to the group of ponies.

“But-”

“No but’s! Go!” Sky said as the lavender and yellow mare disappeared in a flash of light. “Alright gent’s who’s first?” he said with a grin.

“Who in the hay are you?” Star Gazer said as he spat blood from his mouth.

“It’s common courtesy to give your name before asking someone else's.” the three pegasi grabbed hold of him and started to beat him to the ground. Sky tried to break free but there was no way out of the mess of hooves that had pinned him to the ground. Star then lifted him with his magic and began to whip into the surrounding trees. Sky started to cough up blood when he soon saw a rainbow blur knock Star off his hooves releasing his hold on Sky.

“Sky you alright?”

“Yeah, thanks.” he said as he got to his hooves. The three pegasi soon got their hooves around Sky once again and Rainbow was soon trapped in Star’s magical grip.

“Oh, well isn’t this sweet. Looks like the filly-foolers’ got her self a colt friend.” Rainbow grunted at the statement. “Now, you are going to watch as I break your mare friends wings!”

What! No, he wouldn’t.

“No, please don’t!” Rainbow said as she felt the grip tighten around her wings. The two pegasi held Sky by his wings as the third held his head towards the scene in front of him.

“NO! DON’T!” he yelled at the red stallion. Sky then felt a burning sensation inside of him, he felt power flowing through him. His mane soon turned into blue flames and the three pegasi jumped back in surprise.

“What the-” they were cut off by a glowing light that came from Sky’s wings, a small sphere of magic started to form and was soon shoot out towards the trio, they were soon sent flying backwards against a tree. Sky then turned his attention to the red stallion, who now had a look of fear spread across his face.

“S-stay back!” he said as he tightened his grip on the cyan mare that passed out from the pain. Sky took flight towards the plummeting mare. The blue stallion raced toward the mare, she was falling faster and faster. He was inches away until he felt a resistance at the base of his hooves, the pain was excruciating. Sky soon began to reach his target, he felt the force starting to thicken around him. Sky then felt himself being shot forward, he grabbed Rainbow before she hit the ground, as he looked up into the sky he saw a blue blazing line from where he once flew. They both crashed into the ground, Sky took the brunt of the hit, and slid into Ponyville creating a crater. As sky crawled out of the hole with the unconscious Rainbow Dash on his back he noticed that a group of ponies had gathered at the scene, including Twilight and the rest of their friends.

“SKY! WHAT HAPPENED? I WAS JUST ON MY WAY TO THE PARK WITH AJ AND RARITY!” Pinkie said as she rushed to her friends side.

“Fluttershy’s ex attacked us and-” he was cut off by a burning pain hitting his back, he turned his head to see a furious red unicorn stallion. Sky narrowed his eyes and his voice became flat. “Pinkie, get Rainbow to safety, I’ll deal with him.” he said as he put the cyan mare on Pinkie’s back. Sky began to trot toward the red stallion, who now had malice in his eyes. “LISTEN UP STAR GAZER! LEAVE FLUTTERSHY AND MY FRIENDS ALONE!”

“And why should I do that?” he said with a wicked laugh.

“I’m only giving you this one chance to back out.”

“Well then, YOU CAN SHOVE YOUR OFFER UP YOUR FLANK!”

“The what happens next is your own doing!” the red stallion suddenly shot a beam of magic at the blue pegasus, Sky was ready this time and he wasn’t going to hold back. Sky began to gather what ever magic he had left and began molding it into a sphere only this time it was larger then the one he used to stop the pegasi in the park. The sphere glowed a vibrant blue, as Sky looked at the stallion he saw the look of sheer terror spread across his face. “Here! Catch!” Sky’s wings flapped once sending the sphere hurtling towards the red stallion. Star calmed his mind and shot a singe beam directly in the sphere’s path in hopes of slowing it down. To his dismay the sphere of magical energy only seemed to increase in speed and size as it made contact with its target is exploded. Massive pressure was released from the orb, no buildings were damaged bit there was now a badly wounded red stallion where the orb had detonated. Sky trotted over to the pony and looked down with daggers in his eyes. “My offer still stands. What’s your choice?”

“Buck you!” Star said as he shot another beam at Sky.

“That is it!” Sky yelled as he brought his hoof down on the unicorns horn snapping it in two. Star let out a cry of agony and began to limp away from the small town. Sky's mane then turned back to it's normal texture, he turned back to his friends who all had looks of shock on their faces, as he stepped forward some ponies backed away in fear. Sky hung his head and started to take off towards Rainbow’s cloud house, when his tail was being held down by a familiar yellow pegasus. Sky hovered back down awaiting the cries of fear and hatred, instead they were met by a sobbing yellow mare wrapping him in a hug.

“Th-thank y-you so m-much!” Fluttershy said as she cried. Sky stood there motionless as the other ponies began to cheer

“Woo doggy, I knew you could do magic but not that kind of magic!” AJ said as she went over to Sky.

“Are you alright darling?” Rarity said as she galloped to his side.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Wow that was amazing!” Pinkie said as she bounced up and down.

“How’s Rainbow doing?” he said as he looked at Twilight.

“She’s going to be fine, theres not even a broken bone. She should be waking up any time now.” As Twilight finished her statement a cyan mare came trotting over to her friends. some ponies then came over and started to carry Sky around town.

“What’s every pony doing out here?” she said as she rubbed her head.

“Dashie you missed it! Sky blew that mean stallion away all on his own! He made a giant blue ball and...It was just too awesome for words!” Pinkie said as she tried to contain her excitement.

“Hang on a second, I remember Sky and me fighting off Star and his goons in the park, he got me in a magic grip and then....I woke up here.” she said with a confused look on her face.

“C’mon girls lets fill her in on what she missed.” AJ said as they went after the group of ponies that had taken their friend. The crowd seemed to stop at Sugar Cube Corner as thy went inside AJ had finished filling in the blanks for her cyan friend. “And then you woke up.” Rainbow had a dumbfounded look on her face.

“I missed that! That sounds awesome.” Sky then caught sight of his friends and went over to join them.

“Hey guys, sorry about the ruckus. How are you feeling Dash?” Rainbow’s cheek’s suddenly turned red.

“I’m good and thanks for saving me...again.” she said as she scratched her mane in embarrassment.

“Well, I wasn’t about to let my roommate be squashed by some unicorn with a superiority complex.” he said with a laugh. He then saw the cyan mare look down at her hooves. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah I’m just really, really tired. “

“Same, I think I’m gonna split and head to bed. You coming?”

“Yeah sure, just give me a minute.” Dash said as she trotted over to her friends, with a nervous look on her face. Applejack soon joined Rainbow.

“So, you tell him yet?”

“Tell who what?”

“RD, don’t lie to me, you know darn well who ah’m talking about.” she said as she eyed the cyan pegasus.

“No, I don’t!” AJ then let out a huff and pointed towards the blue pegasus.

“Sky? Please, me and him?” she let out a weak laugh. AJ just stood there holding the same blank look. Rainbow let out a sigh. “Fine, I admit it. I like him okay.” she said as she started to blush. AJ had a smug grin on her face. “When did you figure it out?”

“Since I saw you two at the farm the other day. Your reaction to Scootaloo’s comment made it obvious.” she said as she let out a laugh.

“Ha-ha. Laugh it up.” she said with a cold tone.

“Easy now sugar cube, I’m trying to help ya because if you don’t make a move, you can bet your flank that some-pony else will. Especially after what he did today.”

“I know, but how? I’m not exactly the best when it comes to this type of thing.” AJ scratched her chin as she thought.

“Ah don’t know, I’ll sleep on it and I’ll tell ya if I thought of anything.”

“Thanks AJ and please don’ tell any-pony.”

“My lips are sealed hun.” AJ said as she made a zipper closing motion across her mouth.

“Ready to go?” Sky said as he trotted up next to Rainbow.

“Yeah, let’s get going.” the two pegasi took off towards the cloud home. As they entered the house Sky stopped for a second in the door way. Rainbow turned around to see what he was doing. “What’s up?”

“Just can’t help but think that I forgot something, oh well. Goodnight” he said as he continued upstairs and trotted into his room.

Something about a room.

“AHHHHHHHHH! WHAT HAPPENED IN HERE?” Rainbow screamed.

Oh right now I remember.

Rainbow then burst through the door with anger in her eyes. Sky laid there with a smug grin on his face.

“Hey roomie, like the remodeling?” Rainbow then held him dow on the bed in anger.

“What did you do! How did you?” Sky then got off the bed and led her to her room.

“I just moved your furniture around a little.” he said with a laugh. Rainbow looked up to see her bed, nightstand and dresser on the ceiling. “Call it payback for this mornings wet awakening.” he said with a grin. He then looked over to see a less than amused Rainbow Dash. “Sorry, I’ll fix it in the morning.”

“Fine. I’ll just have to get you back harder.” she said with a grin.

“Alright then, goodnight.” Sky climbed back into bed and drifted off to sleep.

Authors Note: Holy crap over 4,000 words I din't know I had it in me. Hope you enjoyed it.

Chapter 12: Old Friends

Chapter 12

Old friends.

Sky woke up late, as he sat up he noticed a cyan pegasus sleeping soundly next to him. He was a little shocked, but he let it go considering it was his fault that she had to share a bed with him. He then trotted to her room, and put things back where they were. As he moved the dresser back in place he accidentally knocked a photo down off the piece of furniture. He picked the photo up it showed a young Rainbow Dash being held by a dark stallion and a bright blue mare. As he put the photo back in its proper place he looked up to see a tired cyan pegasus.

“Hey, thanks for moving my stuff back.”

“No problem, sorry but this picture fell down and I think the frame might have-” Rainbow then snatched the photo from his hooves, she then put the photo in a drawer.

“Th-thanks I’ll take care of it.” she said with a nervous smile. Sky then gave her a quizzical look.

“O..kay? Well I’m gonna go get some breakfast.” he said as he left the room. Making sure that Sky was out of range she withdrew the picture from the drawer and held it in her hooves close to her chest and let a single tear roll on to her cheek. She put the picture back into the drawer, and headed downstairs for breakfast. Sky was making pancakes, after they ate the went down into Ponyville and stopped to see Applejack. Sky was chatting with Applebloom and Big Mac mostly while Rainbow went to go find Applejack. She found the farm pony in the back of the barn.

“Hey AJ, over here.” she whispered.

“Dash what in the hay are you doing whispering for?” she said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Did you think of anything? you know concerning my ‘situation?’” 
“Oh that. Well uh....Rainbow I’m gonna be honest I don’t know the first thing about romance, to get advise for that you need some-pony like Rarity.”

“Good point.” she said with a sad look on her face.

“Look Dash this is something you need to work out for yourself, ah wish I could help ya but like I said it’s not my area of expertise.” AJ said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder.

“Yeah thanks AJ, I gotta get to work see ya later.” Rainbow said as she exited the barn. Sky then flew next to her with a grin on his face.

“So what did you and AJ talk about?”

“Oh just mare stuff.”

“Oh....never mind then.” he said as the two pegasi trotted into Ponyville.

“So what are you going to do today?”

“Maybe see what Rarity’s doing.” Rainbow shot him a glance.

“Why?”

“Don’t know just bored I guess, you and AJ are working, Twi is probably studying and Pinkie is doing...what ever she does. Rarity said she needed my help with modeling clothes anyway.” he said as he took flight. “I’ll see you later Dash.” he sad as he sped off towards Ponyville. He trotted into the dress shop to see a familiar whit unicorn. “Hey Rarity.”

“Sky, I’m glad you came, shall we get started?”

“Alright. So what do I do?”

“Just stand there and look pretty.” she said as she looked through her fabric.

“Pretty?”

“Handsome, cute, hot whatever. Just stand still.” Rarity then wrapped the black fabric around Sky’s shoulders stretching down to his flank. “Well Sky you certainly take care of yourself.” Rarity said as she eyed his flank.

“Um. Rare’s you’re cool and all but I’m starting to feel a little uncomfortable.”

“Why darling?”

“Well how would you react if I said ‘Hey Rarity nice flank’?”

“I’d be flattered.” she said as she gave him a wink. The two were then startled by a grey pegasus mail mare bursting through the wall.

“Hey, Rarity I got a letter for you.” the mare said as she withdrew a white envelope from her saddle bag.

“Thank you Ditzy.” Rarity said in an aggravated tone, Ditzy made her way over to Sky.

“Hey I know you! You’re the stallion that beat up Fluttershy’s ex yesterday. That was so cool.”

“Thanks. Nice to meet you I’m Sky Blazer.”

“Sky Blazer? Why does that name sound familiar?........Oh I have a letter for you too.” she then withdrew a chocolate chip muffin.

“Um. I didn’t know the mail service was handing out muffin-grams.” he said with a confused look on his face.

“Oh sorry, That’s my lunch. Here’s your letter.” Sky traded the muffin she just gave him for the letter, Ditzy then exited the shop the same way she entered it, through Rarities wall. Sky opened the letter and smiled at it with a mischievous grin.

“What is it darling?”

“An old friend of mine is going to be in town for a few days, he wants to chill on Saturday.”

“Oh dear don’t you know? Saturday is Rainbow’s birthday.”

“Really? She hasn’t mentioned anything.”

“Well she wants to keep it small she doesn’t really like her birthday for some reason.”

“Why not?”

“She’s never told us.”

“Well maybe he can hang out with us, think Dash would mind?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. Is your friend nice.”

“Yeah he’s cool he’s...........Rarity I just had the best idea in the history of ideas.” He said with a smile.

“What is it darling?”

“It’s a surprise, You’ll see at Dash’s party.”

“You tease.” The two spent the rest of the day chatting about recent events and occurrences in Ponyville.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Canterlot Princess Celestia was speed reading through her entire library. Piles of books and documents covered the floor of her study. She raced back and forth between book shelves. Suddenly Princess Luna walked through the door with concerned look on her face.

“Sister, what is wrong with you? You’ve been like this since we returned from Ponyville. Thou hasn’t slept in a fort night.”

“No time! I need to find it. I know it’s here somewhere.”

“Know where what is? Tia you’re starting to scare me, you’ve barely eaten or slept since we’ve returned to Canterlot. Is this about Sky Blazer?” Celestia put the book down and glared at her sister with tears streaming down her face. “Tia what’s wrong?”

“Luna, Twilight and her friends may be in more danger than we know.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday had finally arrived, Rainbow Dash crawled out of bed in a very sluggish manner. She just wanted this day to be over and done with, she trotted down stairs to see that Sky had left a note for her.

Rainbow,
Left to help a friend in Canterlot. I’ll be back later.
~Sky Blazer.

P.S. Happy Birthday!

Rainbow let out a huff as she crumpled up the message and tossed it in the trash.
“Great the one pony I want to be with on my birthday isn’t here.” she said as she poured herself some cereal. As she finished doing the dishes she mentally prepared herself for the never ending ‘happy birthday’s’ she was going to receive from ponies she didn’t even know. As she trotted out the front door she let out a small sigh and put on her usual grin brimming with confidence. The day went pretty much as expected, ponies she didn’t even know waving to her as she flew by, constantly putting up a fake smile for the ponies and finally being ‘surprised’ at Pinkie’s party at Sugar Cube Corner. She was happy to see her friends having a good time, they talked played games, and danced a bit.

“So Rainbow how’s you’re birthday been?” Rarity asked.

“It’s been.....okay.” she said with a weak grin.

“I bet you would feel better if Sky was here right?” Rarity said with a giggle.”

“What? Why?”

“Darling please, I know quite a bit about romance and you are definitely smitten with our favorite pegasus stallion.”

“Fine, I really, really like him. Just please don’t tell any-pony. Please?” Dash said in a begging voice.

“My lips are sealed, but I suggest you get a move on I’ve heard a few mares have their eye on him.” their conversation was cut short by a pink mare suddenly appearing in between the two ponies.

“C’mon Dashie it’s time for you to open your gifts!” she said as she took the cyan mare by the hoof and brought her over to the pile of gifts. They were very kind and thought full, Twilight got her the new Daring Do book signed by the author, Rarity gave her a pair of earrings that went with her gala dress, Applejack gave her a case of her world famous cider, Fluttershy knitted hat’s for her and tank and Pinkie pie got her a one year supply of pranks. As the last of the gifts were unwrapped, Twilight trotted up to her friend and withdrew an envelope.

“It’s from Sky. He told us to make sure it was the last one.” Rainbow opened the envelope and looked at the message with a confused look on her face. The other ponies looked at the two worded message

“Head outside” The mares did as they asked and trotted outside the bakery. Rainbow’s jaw dropped at who she saw standing in front of her. Soarin of the Wonderbolts.

“Hey Rainbow Dash I haven’t seen you since the wedding. I came here to wish you a happy birthday.” he said with a grin.

“H-how did you know it was my birthday?” she said as another Wonderbolt trotted up next to Soarin.

“A friend of mine told me.” Rainbow was confused, she looked back at her friends who all shot glances at one another in surprise. When Rainbow looked back around she saw that the pony standing next to Soarin had removed his mask revealing the face of her roommate.

“Surprise.” Sky said with a smile. Rainbow then proceeded to faint. Sky and the others soon crowded around the cyan mare. “Great, I think I just broke my roommate.”

Rainbow slowly opened her eyes to see her friends looking down at her. As she got to her hooves she tackled Sky to the ground and began shaking him.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE A WONDERBOLT?!”

“I’m not a Wonderbolt.” he said as he got to his hooves “Soarin just loaned me this suit for the surprise.”

“Well why didn’t you tell me that you knew Soarin?” she said with as ad look on her face.

“And miss that priceless reaction?” he said with a laugh. Rainbow glared back at him with a cross look. “Oh don’t give me that look, I brought Soarin her to hang with us.” he said as he pointed to the other wonderbolt.

“Yeah Spitfire will be here soon to.” Soarin said

“Really, cool I haven’t seen her in ages.”

“How do you know the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow asked with eagerness in her voice
“We have a complicated history.” said a mare’s voice coming from the door way. The ponies then looked to see a golden pegasus in her uniform. “Nice to see you Sky.”

“Like wise.” he said as he gave her a hug.

“Yeah, we go way back.” Soarin said with a grin. “This guy here totally saved our flanks once from a horde of fans.”

“He let us crash at his place for a few days until the crowd died down. Those were some crazy nights. One night we-”

“SPITFIRE! We swore never to talk about that night again!” Sky interjected.

“Right sorry. Any way’s when Sky here told us he needed a favor we came right over, I just didn’t know that our number one fan had such connections.”

“Well Rainbow here is my roommate, and I felt bad about not getting her anything and I knew that she liked the Wonderbolts.” Sky said as he put a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. Rainbow blushed at the action. Soon the party was in full swing, Sky was chatting with Twilight and the others while Soarin helped himself to the desert table.

“So Rainbow looks like you got a crush on Sky.” Spitfire said with a chuckle.

“How did you-”

“They way your eyes lit up when you saw him, not to mention that blush while he was standing next to you.” Spitfire said with a grin.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Kind of if you know what to look for. Hey I have an idea Soarin and I are going to hit up a bar later why don’t you and Sky tag along.”

“You mean like a double date?”

“If you want to call it that. Then yeah, but it’s up to you to make it a date.” Spitfire said as she pointed to Dash. “Can I tell you something?”

“Sure.”

“If theres one fault Sky has it’s that he can’t take a hint when some-pony has a crush on him, I talking from experience here.” she said with a small blush. Rainbow looked at her with a quizzical look.
“You and Sky dated?”

“Only for two weeks, we decided to call it quits because of his traveling and my job.” she said with a sad look.

“Oh, do you still-”

“Care about him? Yeah but only as a friend. I’ve moved on and couldn’t be happier with Soarin.” she said with a reassuring grin.”But I suggest you get a move on because the mare’s are gonna go after him like a manticore during mating season.”

“So I’ve heard, but I don’t know about the-” Rainbow started to say until Spitfire waved Soarin and Sky back over to them.

“Hey Sky, Soarin and I were going to hit up a bar or two you want to come along?”

“Sure, I know a great one in Canterlot. Can I bring a friend?”

“Of corse.”

“Rainbow you want to go?” Rainbow’s eyes shrunk to the size of pin tips and her face started to turn red. “Rainbow you okay?” Sky said as she snapped back to reality.

“Um..yeah...sure.” she said nervously.

“Alright then lets go!” Sky hollered.

“Sure..I just want to let the girls know I’m going.” she said as she trotted over to Twilight and the others. “Hey gals, Sky, Soarin, Spitfire and I are going to hit up a few bars, hope that’s alright with you.” AJ and Rarity had a sly grin across their faces.

“Sure thing sugar cube, It’s your birthday. We’ll be fine here.” AJ gave a wink to her cyan friend.

“Of corse darling whatever you want to do is fine by us. Have fun.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Thanks guy’s I’ll be back later.” she said as she left to go join Sky and the other pegasi. THe four took flight and flew for over forty minutes until they saw the bright city of Canterlot. They touched down in front of an old brick building. They trotted up to a big iron door with a slot at eye level, Sky gave five knocks and the slot opened to reveal a pair of auburn eyes squinting at them.

“What’s the password?” the pony asked

“Password.” Sky responded, the slot closed and the massive door opened. As the group stepped inside the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and smoke. The room was filled with ponies and griffins alike. Sky took the lead and bellowed. “HEY BUCK ASS HOW BOUT A DRINK!” the ponies and griffins all looked over to the blue stallion and started to cheer and shake his hoof. “Good to see you guys again!” the three ponies behind him followed closely as they made their way over to the bartender. A dark orange earth pony with a martini glass as a cutie mark. “Rusty, how ya doing?”

“Well I’ll be a dragon’s arse! How are yah Sky?” he said in a thick Irish accent.

“Good, just out for a night on the town with some friends. Put them on my tab. In fact...” Sky then stood up on the bar. “Alright every one! Next round is on me!” the crowd cheered a second time. Sky then got off the bar and sat down next to Rainbow. They spent the res of the evening talking and drinking until a large griffin came over next to Sky.

“Hello there.” Sky said with a cocky grin on his face. The griffin stared at him with a smirk across his face.

“Word has it you’re quite the drinker.”

“I’ve been known to hold my liquor from time to time. Why?”

“I’m quite the drinker myself, I propose a challenge the one who can drink the most wins.”

“What are the stakes?” Sky said with a grin.

“Loser covers drinks the rest of the night.” Sky shook the griffins talon.

“Challenge accepted, let’s get a table then.” the two trotted over to a table in the center of the bar and sat down on either end. “Rusty, break out the good stuff, ‘black dragon number five’ it you would be so kind.” the bartender had a surprised look on his face as he bent down behind the bar and withdrew a black bottle with a dragon embroidered on the glass. Rusty trotted over and put the bottle down in between the two along with ten shot glasses.

“Alright let’s get the show on the road.” Sky started the challenge off, by shot number five the griffin was starting to get hazy. The entire bar was captivated by the challenge, Rainbow watched in amazement as Sky downed shot after shot. The griffin was on his eighth shot, the griffin held up three claws.

“Three shot’s at once.” he poured himself the shots and guzzled them down with haste. He looked back at the blue pegasus who now had an eyebrow cocked.

“Impressive, usually any other guy would be on the ground by now. But it’s time I finished this game. FIVE SHOTS!” he exclaimed as he poured the liquid into the glasses. Every one in the room held their breath as he downed the five shots and slammed them down on the table. He looked back at the griffin who had fear in his eyes. “Your call.” Sky said with a grin on his face. The griffin raised his shot glass to his lips and fell on the floor with a loud thump. The crowd started to cheer as Sky rose from his seat. “Undefeated!” he said as Rusty trotted over to a chalk board and put another mark under the Win box. Rainbow rushed to his side in amazement.

“WOW, that was awesome.” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Thank you....” he suddenly started to stumble. Rainbow helped him to his hooves.

“Relax missy, he usually drinks more than that in a challenge. He’ll be fine after I give him this.” Rusty said as he handed him a glass of water and a tablet of Advil. Sky took the pill and drank the water with haste.

“Thank’s Rusty.” he said. He looked over to see Rainbow Dash and Soarin drinking what was left of the bottle. “Rainbow don’t!” his warning came too late as Rainbow started to drink the bottle. Rainbow soon felt woozy and fell on the ground next to the already unconscious Soarin. “Great, looks like I have to call it a night. Spitfire can you handle Soarin?”

“Yeah, we’ve got a room in the city what about you?” she said as she lifted Soarin onto her back.

“I’ll be fine, Ponyville isn’t that far away, plus her friends will kill me if I don’t bring her home.” Sky said as he did the same with the cyan mare. “See you all later and remember, he’s got the drinks for the rest of the night.”sky said as he pointed to the still unconscious griffin. The occupants cheered as he and the golden mare stepped out the door. Sky Spitfire and Soarin said their goodbyes and took off in opposite directions. As Sky flew through the night, he felt the cyan mare on his back starting to stir.

“Ugh, what happened?”

“You drank a shot of the ‘black dragon’ and ended up on the floor.” he said looking back to the mare.

“Where are we?” she said as she rubbed her eyes.

“About twenty minutes away from Ponyville.”

“Let me off I need to fly.” she said as she began to move.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, you’re still drunk.”

“No I’m not! Watch.” Rainbow then jumped off the blue stallions back and started to plummet straight to the ground. Rainbow tried to flap her wings but found herself unable to. She was rocketing towards the ground until she hit something fairly hard. She then looked up to see Sky on his back and on the ground.looking up at her with an annoyed look in his eyes. “Sorry.” she said with a small chuckle and blush on her face. Sky then got to his hooves and cracked his neck

“Look how about we just walk back?” he said in an annoyed voice.

“Sure, I’m cool with that.” The two pegasi started to trot down the path that was lit by Luna’s moon. As they did Sky tried to strike up a conversation.

“So, enjoy your birthday?”

“Yeah best one I’ve had in years.”

“Rarity told me that your usually glum. Any reason for that?” Rainbow than stared down on the ground with a sad look on her face. “Sorry, too personal?”

“No it’s fine. It’s just that eight years ago my parents kicked me out on my birthday.” Sky looked back in surprise.

“What? They kicked you out on your birthday, that’s just cruel! Why did they do that?”

“They wanted me to give up on my dreams of becoming a Wonderbolt and become a boring business pony like my dad or a secretary like my mom. They started to berate me and say that I couldn’t be their daughter because of my attitude and views.” a tear started to roll down her cheek. “One day, after I dropped out of flight school they pushed me over the edge. They went into my room and tore down all my posters, destroyed my books and burned my diary.” her eyes were now filled with tears. “I had it with them and left that night, Fluttershy gave me a place to crash until I got a job at the weather factory and bought my current house. I’ve been on my own ever since and I’ve never looked back.” Rainbow slumped to the ground in tears. Sky put a wing around the sobbing mare and held her close.

“Hey, it’s okay. You’re not alone now are you?” he said with sympathy in his voice.

“No, I’ve got Twi, Rarity, AJ, Pinkie, Fluttershy and....”

“And?”

C’mon Rainbow it’s now or never. she thought to herself.

“And you.” The cyan mare then moved her face closer and locked lips with the stallion. Sky returned the kiss. The two sat there for what seemed like hours. As they broke the kiss Rainbow looked back at the stallion with a smile.

“Best Birthday ever?” Sky asked the mare.

“Yeah.” she said as she hugged the stallion. They continued back down the path. “Hey can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“How did you REALLY cope with being alone all those years?” Sky let out a sigh.

“My father had a saying. ‘Don’t let your past control your future.’ Most ponies in my situation would’ve given up. I didn’t, I looked ahead and hoped for the best.” he looked back down at the cyan mare. “And I can see that it’s paid off in the long run.”

“Wow, that’s heavy.”

“Yeah, of corse not everyone turned out okay.”

“Really like who?”

“No-pony important. They’re probably doing fine now.” he said with a calm look in his eyes.

“Well, I’m glad you moved past it. So you’ve let go of your past completely?”

“No, no-pony can do that. You just learn how to carry it.” he said as he looked down to the mare.

“That’s true, but-” she was cut off by Sky pressing his lips against hers.

“Rainbow, it’s okay. I’m happy, I’ve got a roof over my head, friends I can count on and a beautiful mare friend.” Rainbow then slugged him in the arm.

“Dude you are so corny, and that’s why you’re with me.” she said as she nuzzled him.

“Again with the physical abuse.” he said with a laugh. The two soon found themselves below the cloud house. Sky picked Rainbow up by her hooves and carried her up to the house. As they trotted up to their rooms. Rainbow stopped Sky in front of her door.

“Look let’s just take this slow okay?”

“Of corse I don’t want to put pressure on you.” he said with a smile.

“Well, down the road I won’t mind having your pressure being forced on me.” she said with a sly grin. Sky kissed her goodnight and went to his room and laid down to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Canterlot Princess Celestia and Luna were deep in the Canterlot Archives, still looking through the books. “Sister you still have not told us what we are supposed to be looking for.” Luna said as she eyed her sister.

“We are looking for a book, a very old book about the Element’s of Harmony.”

“Sister if thou are curious about the elements then thou could just ask Twilight-”

“No, this is knowledge not even she or even you know about the elements.” she said coldly. She continued to trot down the massive corridor until she came to a massive locked gate with six key holes. “And I believe we just found it.”

Author's Note

Sorry for the lateness ever-pony Final's just got over so no I have loads of free time to get back to my stories.

~Silent.

Chapter 13: The Trio

Chapter 13

The trio.

Sky got out of bed and trotted down stairs and began to make breakfast. He started to make scrambled eggs when he heard the sound of hoof steps coming down the stairs. Rainbow came into the kitchen and sat down holding her head in her hooves. “Ugh, worst hangover ever........of all time.”

“Yeah, the ‘black dragon’ will do that to you the first time you drink it.” Sky said with a laugh, he set the plate of eggs down in front of her and began to cook his own.

“Hey, about last night.” Rainbow began.

“Let me guess it was spur of the moment mixed with alcohol.” Sky said with disappointment in his voice.

“What? NO, no. I meant every word I said and everything I did.” Rainbow said in a panic.

“Oh, good I was beginning to think that I lost my touch.” he said with a sigh of relief. Rainbow then trotted over to him and gave him a quick kiss. “Looks like I’ve still got it.” he said with a grin.

“I was talking about all those ponies and griffins that knew you last night.”

“Oh them! They’re just old acquaintances of mine.”

“But you said that you did a mind erasing thing on all the ponies you’ve met.”

“No I said I did that if they freaked out about my magic. Then I would erase their minds”

“So who back at the bar knew?”

“Rusty. Thats it.” he said as he ate.

“So, Soarin and Spitfire don’t know?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“They’ll freak out and try and report me.”

“I doubt that, you’ve known them for years. Plus look at me and my friends, we accepted you.” Rainbow said giving him the puppy dog eyes.

“Alright you win. Next time I see them I’ll tell them.” he then glanced at the clock. “We’d better get going and let your friends know we made out alright.”

“Good idea, plus I think we should let the mare’s of Ponyville know your taken.”

“Good, I was catching vibes from some of the mares during the party including Rarity. It was creeping me out.”

“Rarity tried hitting on you?”

“She didn’t try she succeeded.” Rainbow then looked at him with a cross look. “Hey, I can’t help it if mares are attracted to me.” Dash was about to protest but let the comment slide.

“Fine. Let’s just get down to Ponyville and let them know you’re mine.”

“Alright let’s get going then.” Sky said as he got to his hooves and trotted towards the door. “Oh wait, let me just grab my coat.” he said as he trotted back upstairs. Rainbow waited fro him by the door he soon returned wearing the black jacket.

“Why do you need that thing?”

“Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Plus you have to admit I look good in it.” he said with a grin. “Well let’s go.” the two ponies took flight towards the small town and touched down in front of the library. As they opened it they were surprised to see all of their friends inside. “Well this is convenient, now I don’t have to spend the whole day tracking you all down.”

“Why would ya need to do that?” AJ asked in anticipation.

“Sky and I are going out.” Rainbow said as she put her head on his shoulder. In the back round Applejack was holding her hoof out to Twilight who levitated a few bit’s into her hoof with a sour look on her face.

“That’s wonderful darling it took you long enough.” Rarity said as she rolled her eyes. Spike then came running down the stairs with a letter in his claw.

“Twilight, I’ve got an urgent letter from the princess.” Twilight took the letter and read it aloud.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I’m sorry that this is short notice, I request that you, the elements and Sky Blazer join my sister and I today for lunch.

~Princess Celestia.

The six ponies began to gallop towards the train station. Once on board Rainbow and Sky began telling their friends what happened during the previous night. The bar, the drinking challenge with the griffin and the walk back to the house.

“Oh that’ so romantic.” Rarity cooed. Applejack then pulled Sky closer to her and whispered.

“If you hurt her, I swear to Celestia I will buck you into Trottingham so fast you wont even have time to say ouch.” she said with across look on her face. Sky looked back at her with fear in his eyes.

“Noted.” he said as he moved back into his seat next to Rainbow Dash. He put a hoof around his mare-friend and turned his attention to Twilight. “So any idea what the princess want’s with us?”

“No, she just said that she needed to see us and you.”

“That can’t be good.” Sky said with across look on his face.

“Why do you say that?”

“Notice how she used ‘element’s’ in stead of ‘your friends’. That means it’s serious, well according to me it is.”

“True.” Twilight said as she scratched her chin.

“I’m hungry!” Pinkie whined.

“We’ll arrive at Canterlot in thirty minutes, just wait.” Rarity said.

“But I skipped breakfast!”

“Hang on.” Sky said as he riffled through his pockets. He withdrew a small bag of peanuts, along with an old photograph that fell to the floor. He threw the packet to the pink mare. “Those should hold you over until you get to Canterlot.”

“Thanks!” Pinkie said as she started to gobble the snack down, the other ponies rolled their eyes at the action. Rainbow’s eyes then fell upon the photograph, she picked it up with her hooves. The photo showed a small blue pegasus, a red unicorn and a light green earth pony filly with their hooves around each other smiling. Sky suddenly snatched the photo out of her hooves.

“Who’s that?” Rainbow asked in an eager tone, soon the other ponies had their eyes on the photo. Sky looked down at the photo and gave a deep sigh.

“My brother and an old friend.”

“You have a brother?” Twilight said in surprise.

“Had a brother.” the group fell silent.

“Are they..”

“Dead? I don’t know.”

“Is he older or younger?”

“We’re twins. But I’m a few minutes older than he is.”

“What happened to them?” Rainbow asked.

“After my mother, brother and I escaped we took shelter in an old cave.” the ponies began to fabricate the scenario in their minds.

The two brothers found an old cave and took shelter from the storm carrying a very weak unicorn mare on their backs. A red unicorn with a black mane sat in the corner and went into the fetal position. Sky trotted over to his brother and brought him into a hug. “We’ll make it through this. We make it through everything as long as we’re together.”

“But what about dad!? he’ll be alright, right?”

“I don’t know. I hope so. After we get our strength back, we’ll go and find out.”

“We should go NOW!”

“We don’t even know where we are. We need to keep a cool head.”

“Sky! We need to go after him!”

“That’s just what their hoping for, to draw us out and kill us!” Sky said as he looked at his brother, who was in tears. “I’m sorry Pyro. But we need to calm down and think, dad was most likely captured.” The maroon unicorn mare started to stir and open her eyes. The two brothers rushed over to her. “Hey mom, how do you feel?”

“Better knowing that you two are all right.” she said with a smile.

“Save your strength.” Pyro said as he held her hoof. Shining Star looked up at her two sons with tears in her eyes.

“I won’t need it. This needs to be said.” Star brought Sky close to her and whispered something. Sky had a confused look on his face.

“What did she say?”

“She’s delirious, mom you need to shut up and save your strength. What are we going to tell dad when we find him.” Sky said as he began to cry.

“Tell him that I love him.” she then brought her two son’s close and kissed them on the forehead. “I love you two both very much. Promise me you’ll look after each other.”

“We will.” the two colt’s said with tears in their eyes.

“Then here, take these.” The mare then withdrew two necklaces Sky’s had a blue crystal and Pyro’s had a red one, both were beautiful. “Your father got these for you when he was visiting the griffin kingdom. He said it reminded him of you two. Here take them.” the two colt’s did as they were asked and took the gems. “And one other thing.” she said as she took their hooves in hers. The two brothers suddenly felt like they were getting electrocuted they held on to their mother with whatever strength they had left. Their mother had let go of them, when the two brothers looked back at their mother she looked...weaker.

“Mom, what just happened?” Pyro asked as he looked back at her.

“I transferred.....what magic I had left.......into you two.......for......your protection.”

“But mom you said for me to never-” Sky was cut off

“That’s all in the past now.......do what you need to do......to survive.” she continued to breath heavily.

“What do you mean? You’re going to be fine....We’re going to find dad and then we’ll be happy again.” Sky said as he started to cry.

“I’m so sorry dear......but that’s going to be impossible......I’m so sorry to do this to you two. I love you both so much.” she said as she hugged the two colt’s and began to cry. Sky an his brother hugged their mother in a tight embrace. “I love you both so much..look after each other...happy birthday.” she said with one last smile. She closed her eyes and entered the endless sleep. The brothers sat there crying until day break, holding their dead mother in their hooves. In the morning the buried her within the cave. Sky looked over to his brother with tears in his eyes.

“Let’s go find dad.” Pyro nodded in agreement, he hopped onto his brothers back and the two took flight and rose above the forest. They flew until their eyes fell upon a familiar town. Their eyes were filled with rage of the memories of the night before. “Let’s go have a closer look.” he said as he landed outside the town. Sky pulled his father’s coat over him and his brother and began to walk through the streets. They kept their heads down and made their way to a friends house. They knocked on the wooden door, a light green filly earth pony with a golden mane and tail answered it. Once she looked into their eyes she pulled them inside.

“I’m so glad you two are okay. All the stallions and mares are saying that you’re criminals.” she said as she hugged the brothers. They then began to explain what had happened during the night and what happened in the cave, the filly began to cry as she hugged them. “I’m so sorry, you two can stay here for as long as you need to.”

“Sorry Lilly, we’re only here to get dad.” Pyro said as he broke the hug.

“He’s right. Do you know where he is?” Lilly looked at the two brothers with tears in her eyes.

“They took him to that big prison in the in the middle of the city.” The two brothers looked at each other with a concerned look.

“Great, now all we have to do is bust him out and-” Sky was cut off by a light green hoof.

“Are you two insane? The entire town is after you two. You won’t make it passed two blocks without being spotted.” Sky started to scratch his chin in frustration. Soon they heard a knock at the door Lilly quickly moved the brothers into a closet. A dark orange stallion trotted through the door. “Hello dad.” Lilly said with a nervous grin. “How are things? Out there I mean.”

“Not good Lilly, I heard that Scorching Comet’s trial is not going to end in his favor.” the stallion said as he looked down at his daughter with a sad look in his eye. Pyro started to cry, Sky tried to muffle his brothers cries but not before a few sobs left his lips. The stallion then rose to his hooves and opened the closet to see the two colts frozen in fear. “Lilly....why are these two here?”

“Dad, they need help. Please is there anything you can do?” The stallion looked at his daughter and then back at the brothers.

“I can get them out of town and send them on their way.” he said as he looked at the blue colt.

“What about dad? We can’t abandon him.” Sky bellowed.

“Look I’m sorry I can’t-”

“WE’VE ALREDY LOST OUR MOTHER, HOW MUCH MORE CAN WE LOOSE?!!!” Sky said with tears rolling down his face. The stallion looked down at the brother’s with sympathy in his eyes.

“I can’t stop the trial, but I know where it’s being held.” the colts looked up at the stallion. “It’s tomorrow at the court house at 10:15 am.” the stallion then left the room and trotted upstairs. Lilly looked back at the two brothers and gave them some dinner.

“So what are you two going to do?”

“Get dad out of this place.” Sky said as he took a sip of water.

“I mean after that.”

“Find a place to settle down and try and forget this nightmare.” Pyro said to the filly.

“Will you come and visit me?”

“We’ll try but no promises.” he looked back at the green unicorn who had a sad look on her face.

“I just don’t understand why the grown ups are doing this. You two didn’t do anything wrong!”

“It’a because of me.” Sky said with a sad tone in his voice. “It’s because I can do magic.”

“THAT’S THE REASON? WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT?” the filly screamed.

“Ponies consider it ‘unnatural’ and think that only unicorns can do magic. Do you remember how I levitated that vase the other day in class and all the teachers and student’s started giving me dirty looks?” Lilly nodded. “I basically threatened the way of life they’re used to and they’re scared of what I can do.”

“What?”

“Plus, Sky and I are are stronger than before.” Pyro said as he put a hoof on his brothers shoulder. “Our mom transferred her magic to us before she-” Lilly raised a hoof.

“I understand. But what are you going to do?”

“Stop the trial.” Sky said with a determined look in his eyes.

“How are you going to do that?”

“We’ll improvise.” Pyro said with a grin.

We’d better get some rest. We’re gonna need it for tomorrow.” Sky said as he got up from the table.

“You two can take the guest room, head upstairs, first door on your left.”

“Thanks Lil.” the red unicorn said with a smile. The two brothers entered the guest room and got into their individual beds and drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The brothers woke up and mage their way downstairs they were both surprised to see Lilly there waiting for them.

“Morning Lil.” they both said.

“Look I’m not gonna beat around the bush. I’m here to try and convince you not to go through with this rescue mission.”

“What! Why?” Sky bellowed.

“You two are my best friends and I can’t bare the thought of you getting arrested.” she said with tears starting to form in her eyes. “So that’s why I’m coming with you.”
“Come again?” Sky said as he raised an eyebrow.

“When you two leave I want to go with you!” her eyes now filled with tears.

“Lil you can’t. You have life here and we’ll only-”

“You two are my best and only friends. If you leave then I’ll have no-pony!”

“What about your parents?”

“I don’t care! You guys are the only real family I have.” the green filly started to break down in tears. “I hate living here! No-pony likes me, my parent’s resent me and every-pony is so cruel. I can’t stand it anymore!” Sky then put a hoof on the filly’s shoulder as she looked up at him.

“Lilly, you realize that if you go through with this then you can never come back here. Understand?”

“So you mean...you’ll let me come along?”

“Yeah.” the two colt’s said in unison. Lilly hugged her friends tightly as she cried.

“O-okay, how much can I bring with me?”

“Whatever you can carry, we travel light. In the event we get separated then we’ll meet back at the club house, okay?” Pyro said with a grin.

“Okay. I’ll be right back and then we’ll go to the trial.” she said as she trotted upstairs. The brothers waited for her, she soon returned with a saddle bag on her back. “So how are we going to get into the trial?”

“We’ll sneak in through the back door and take a seat, there will probably be so many ponies there that they wont bother to check us.” Sky said with a grin.

“Alright then let’s do it!” The three ponies high hoofed and trotted out the door into the busy street. They all fit underneath the coat as they made their way through the crowd and entered the courtroom undetected. The found a seat way in the back as the trial started.Sky and Pyro saw their father take the stand. Scorching Comet didn’t try and defend himself , he just sat there and took it. Suddenly the Judge turned to the jury.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?”

“We have you honor, we find the defendant Scorching Comet guilty of practicing dark magic.” the three ponies gasped at the statement.
“Then by the power invested in me I sentence you to life in prison with no chance of parole!” as the judge was about to strike hiss gavel Sky leapt out from the shadow and on to the court’s main floor.

“NO! HE’S DONE NOTHING WRONG! HE DOESN’T DESERVE THIS!”

“SKY WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? GET OUT!” his father bellowed.

“It’s the colt! Kill him!” the judge shouted soon two stallions wielding knives came at the colt, Sky shut his eyes and awaited the pain. He looked up to see his father looking down at him with two silver blades protruding from his chest.

“Sky......run!” Sky watched in horror as his father fell in front of him, dead. Soon Pyro and Lilly galloped to his side Lilly was comforting a crying Pyro as two more ponies continued to advance. Sky started to feel a burning rage inside of him, his eyes began to glow with magic and anger. The stallions stepped back away from him in fear, the air started to crackle and hiss with magic in a blinding flash of light Sky, Pyro, Lilly and Scorching Comet were gone from the court room and appeared in front of the cave where their mother was buried. As the children came too the brothers were overcome by sadness and grief. They soon pulled themselves together, Sky and Pyro buried their father right next to their mother, Lilly helped of corse. The three spent the night there and talked about their plans.

“So...we’re really leaving then.” she said as she looked up at the two.

“If you want to back out then now’s the time, I can still fly-”

“No, I’de rather die than go back to that place.” she said with a decisive tone.

“Alright then let’s get some shut eye.” Pyro said as he put a hoof on his friends shoulder. The three ponies laid down to rest with hope of a new future filling their minds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sky Blazer looked back at the mares in the train car who had tears in their eyes. “ I was eight years old and that was the dawn of our adventure.”

“What happened?” Rainbow asked as she put a hoof on her colt-friends shoulder.

“When we were traveling, something happened. Pyro and I were discovering our new strength. We went into the nearest town to get some supplies when some hot-shot unicorn started challenged Pyro to a duel. Pyro won but..”

“But?”

“Pyro didn’t stop until he had broken almost every bone in his body. It took me, Lilly and two other stallions to pull him off. After that incident Lilly and I understood that we should keep out powers hush-hush.”

“Wait Lilly had powers?” Twilight interjected.

“Remember what I said at the hospital? Any pony can use magic if they have enough time and the right teacher, so I was teaching her how in order to defend herself.”

“You taught her magic?”

“Yes, only low grade stuff like levitation and some illusions, smoke or anything like that. Spells that we can use at a moments incase we get into trouble.”

“What happened with your brother?” AJ asked. Sky gave a heavy sigh.

“We had a fight, our last fight we’ll ever have. Pyro had tried holding up a store for some bits, we made promise never to use our powers for things like that. After we grabbed him and went back to our hotel room the fight started. Lilly was trying to calm us down, but I wouldn’t have it.” Sky’s tone was soon filled with sadness. “Pyro’ was ‘different’ the power he had gained had started to drive him crazy, he kept hearing voices in his head. I tried to calm him down but, it was too late he had gone completely crazy and attacked Lilly and me. After I got her to safety I teleported him somewhere safe.”

“Where?”

“A place where no one can find him, and where he can’t get out.”

“You sent him to prison?” Rainbow exclaimed.

“What? Celestia no! He’d probably kill them all, I trapped him in....look it’s not important, all that’s matters is that he’s gone and can’t come back!” he shouted at the mares.

“What about Lilly?” Rainbow asked.

“After our fight, she went off on her own, She was scared of me, of him. We went our separate ways, I hope she’s doing alright.”

“Did you two have a thing?”

“No, we were just friends, but I think she liked Pyro. She’d always blush when he talked to her, those two were so cute together.” he said with a laugh.

“Wait you said he began to hear voices, do you?”

“Yes, but they’re not as strong because of the locks I have in place.”

“Locks?”

“I locked away most of my magical energy, to save myself, to save my sanity.”

“How much power to you have?” Twilight asked.

“You remember what I did to Fluttershy’s ex?” the group of mares nodded. “That wasn’t even a fraction of the power I have.” the ponies looked back at him in wonder.

“So what will happen if you access all that power?”

“I could pose a threat to Celestia herself but at the cost of my reason, my logic and sanity. Kind of poetic if you think about it ‘Is sanity the price to pay for power?’ Ha!” he said in a very dramatic fashion.

“So how many of these locks do you have in place?”

“Seven, I’m able to control it up to three levels, then I start to lose it.” he said as he hung his head in shame. Rainbow held him tightly.

“It’s okay, I think that it’s very wise for you to chose happiness and love than power.” Twilight said as she put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Thanks Twi, I needed that.” the group looked out the window to see the busy city of Canterlot. “Well don’t want keep Celestia waiting now do we? Allons-y!” the mares looked back at him with a confused look. “That means let’s go in Filly-rench.” the mares then nodded and followed him off the train, as they made their way through the bustling city, they decided to stop at a tea shop for a quick bite, the seven friends sat down at a nearby table and the waitress came out to serve them.

“Alright every-pony what can I get you?”

“Just some green tea for me please.” Twilight said the other mares nodded in agreement.

“Okay so that’s six green tea’s and what can I get you sir?” Sky sat back in his chair and took his hood off an scratched his mane.

“Umm, I’ll just go with some-” he was cut off by a crash. He looked up at the waitress, she was alight green earth pony mare, she had tears streaming down her face. “Lilly?” the mare nodded and brought him into a teary hug.

Author's Note

Yes the 'Allons-y' is a Doctor Who referance, I'm planning to put more in future chapters.

Chapter 14: Reunion

Chapter 14

Reunion

She broke the hug and struck him with her hoof. Rainbow stood up about to tackle the mare when Sky raised a hoof. “It’s alright Dash. I deserved that.” he said as he rubbed the sore spot.

“Damn right you do!” she said with rage in her voice. “After what you did...”

“I had no choice Lilly! I’ll regret that day until I die. I’m not asking for your forgiveness, I don’t deserve it.” the mare looked down at him with tears in her eyes she wrapped her hooves around him.

“I understand why you did it...Is he still......you know trapped?”

“Yeah, he’s still there, safe and sound.” He then turned his glance back to the six mares who looked at him in confusion. “Ah yes, Lilly I want you to meet my friends, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie pie and lastly my mare friend Rainbow Dash.”

“Hi.” she waved a hoof at the mares who all had a weak smile on their face.

“So this is the same Lilly that helped you all those years ago?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, she’s my oldest friend.”

“And best friend.” Lilly added.

“True, no offense Rainbow.”

“It’s cool.” Rainbow said with a smile. The green mare whispered to Sky.

“Do they know?”

“Yeah they know. They’re cool.”

“Oh that’s a relief, I’ve had to hide it for so long.” she said as she sat down. “Well it was great see ing you again but I need to get back to work.”

“Well we’re on our way to the castle to see the princess, do you want to come along?” the mare looked at him in shock.

“Are you crazy if she finds out that you can-”

“She already knows and she’s fine with it. I’m sure that she’ll welcome you as well.”

“But my job...”

“Do you honestly expect me to believe that you’re happy working here? At a Canterlot tea shop? C’mon It’ll be just like old times.”

“Well.....I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Oh think nothing of it darling any friend of Sky’s is a friend of ours.” Rarity interjected.

“Oy! Lilly enough chatting and get back to work!” bellowed the pony behind the counter. Lilly got up from the table and handed him her apron and name tag and stormed back to Sky.

“I’ve wanted to do that for months!” she said with a smile. “Let’s go then!” the ponies then began to walk towards the castle, Sky and Lilly began catching up. Applejack then trotted next to her cyan friend.

“Looks Like you’ve got competition RD.”

“What her? Why should I worry about her when Sky’s got me?” she said in a cocky attitude.

“Well, she’s beautiful, can do magic and-” Rarity was interrupted by an orange hoof.

“Darling, I suggest you shut yer mouth before Rainbow does it for you.” she said as she looked at the flustered pegasus.

“Sorry, dear.” Rarity said with a sad look on her face.

“I’m sure I can handle Lilly.” Rainbow said with a grin. “Watch and learn.” she said as she flew next to Sky and Lilly. “So Lilly what kind of magic can you do?”

“Rainbow right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well some illusion spells, some levitation and some others.” Twilight’s ears perked up at the conversation.

“Wow, that's pretty impressive."

“Well I had a great teacher.” she said as she looked at Sky. Twilight then shifted her gaze to Sky Blazer.

“Why didn’t you tell me you could teach?”

“I don’t like to brag, plus I thought you might be jealous.”

“Well yeah. Now I want to see it!”

“After we get back to Ponyville, then I’d be happy to show you all my tricks.” he said with a grin.

“And you can do that with ease?” Twilight said to Lilly.

“Yeah, I may not be as strong as Sky, but I can hold my own in a fight.” The friends continued to chat until they arrived at the castle gate. The guards eyed the group of ponies Twilight Sparkle stepped forward.

“Good afternoon sir’s my friends and I are here to see the princess.” the guards looked at each other and let the group pass except for Sky and Lilly.

“Um hello, we’re with them.” Sky interjected.

“I know who they are, not sure about you two though.” the guard said with a cross face.

“Sir they are with us they-” Twilight was cut off by Lilly raising a hoof.

“Relax, I’ve got this.” Lilly said with a grin. She suddenly glared at the two guards and her eyes glowed for half a second. The guards then stepped aside.

“Terribly sorry ma’am.” the guards said as they stepped aside.

“It’s alright, just a slip up.” she said with a smile as the two trotted inside and joined the others. The mares looked at the two in astonishment. “What? A girls got to have her tricks.”

“But how did you-”

“Simple mind trick, glad to see you haven’t gotten rusty.” Sky said with a grin as he looked at the green mare. He then looked back to Rainbow who had a cross look on her face. The group began to make their way to the grand hall. Sky trotted next to Rainbow who still had a cross look on her face. “Hey what’s the matter?”

“You getting all chummy with that mare over there.”

“That ‘mare’ is my oldest friend, she’s the only connection I have to the past.” Rainbow looked down at her hooves.

“Alright but I still don’t like it.”

“Why are you being so difficult all of a-...Oh, you’re jealous! That is so cute.” Rainbow’s face suddenly turned crimson.

“What? I am not jealous! Why would I be jealous?” she said as she tried to hide her blush.

“Rainbow you’re almost as bad as AJ when it comes to lying. Plus, Lilly is just a friend and she knows it. I’ll prove it to you.” he then trotted over to Lilly and brought her over to the cyan mare. “Lilly answer me this, are you not my best friend?”

“Of corse. You’re like a brother to me, why?”

“Rainbow here is afraid that you might try and steal me from her.” Lilly then began to laugh at the statement, while Rainbow glared at the two with a bright blush on her face.

“Rainbow you have nothing to worry about! I have no interest in stealing you’re colt-friend.” she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Re-really?”

“Of corse, he’s so vague all the time and very cheesy.”

“Oh, I know you should hear how I asked him out.”

“Still thick headed I see." Lilly said as she looked back to Sky who had a confused look on his face, she then turned back to the cyan mare and put a hoof around her as the two walked down the corridor. "Rainbow, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Lilly said with a smile. The two mares trotted ahead as Sky face hoofed, AJ walked up next to him with a smug grin on her face.

“AJ what just happened?”

“Simply put sugar cube, ya done goofed.” Sky looked back at her with a sarcastic smile.

“I’m never going to hear the end of this am I?”

“Nope.” she said with a grin. The group continued down the hall way until they reached the grand hall. The ponies soon entered the grand hall to see the royal sisters sitting on their thrones. Twilight stepped forward and bowed to the alicorn’s, the others followed suit.

“Twilight Sparkle my prize pupil. It’s so good o see you and your friends again.” he gaze then fell upon Lilly. “Who’s this?”

“Oh, sorry princess she’s an old friend of mine. I kinda told her she could come along. Lilly here like me. She can use magic.” he said the two princess’s looked at each other and then back to the green mare.

“She can do magic?” Celestia said in a surprised tone.

“Yeah, taught her myself. Is that a problem?” Sky said in a challenging tone.

“No, we are just surprised that there are more-” Luna was cut off by Sky.

“More of what?”

“Just ponies that can do magic that aren’t unicorns.” she said with a nervous look on her face.

“It’s alright princess I’m only pulling your hoof.” Sky said with a smile across his face. “So what are we doing here exactly?”

“I just wanted to chat about your progress over some lunch and tea.” Celestia said with a warm smile. The ponies took their seats and began to chat about what has happened in Ponyville since Sky has stayed in the small town, the manticore, the incident with Fluttershy’s ex and Rainbow’s birthday. “Well it sounds like it’s been a busy couple of days, I’m very happy for you and Rainbow Dash.”

“Thank you princess.” Rainbow said with a smile on her face. Princess Celestia then brought her attention to Lilly.

“So...Lilly is it?”

“That’s right your majesty. What is it?”

“How do you and Sky know one another?” Sky and Lilly looked at one another, Sky shook his head at the green mare.

“Well...we’ve known each other since we were foals and we bumped into each other while he was trotting to the castle.”

“Well that’s convenient.” Luna said with a smile.

“Yeah, it was a stroke of luck.” Sky said with a grin.

“So Sky tell me about your family.” Sky coughed on his drink at the statement.

“Well, I’ve told you about my parents and theres not much else to tell.” he lied.

“What about your-” Pinkies words were muffled by Lilly’s hoof over her mouth.

“His what?”

“My...my....Pet. Yes my pet, he’s such a good boy, quite the companion.”

“You have a pet?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah.”

“What is he? I’de love to meet him.” Fluttershy spoke up with a massive smile.

“Well, I don’t think that such a good idea. With the princess-” he was cut off by Luna raising a hoof.

“Don’t be ridiculous we would love to see your companion.”

“Well alright, but let’s just do it outside.”

“He’s not house broken?” Luna said as she raised an eyebrow.

“Something like that.” Sky said as he flew outside into the courtyard. He pulled out a whistle and blew a loud note. Suddenly the ground began to shake, the ponies inside struggled to keep their balance, a massive purple bear with razor sharp claws and teeth came into view. It was an Ursa Major. Sky flew on top of the beast’s head and started scratching it with his hoof, the beat let out a sound of comfort. “Every-pony this is....Fluffy.” The ponies stood there in shock as the pegasus petted the massive beast, Rarity had fainted, while the others had the expression of fear and amazement on their faces. “What?”

“Th-that’s and Ursa Major!” Twilight shouted.

“Yeah, so?”

“So that thing is dangerous!” the beast started to growl.

“Hey be nice. He’s a good boy, a little intimidating yeah but, he’s really sweet once you get to know him. He’s considered nice compared to the others.”

“Others?”

“Yeah I’ve got quite a few pets, I’d call them too but they don’t exactly get along with one another. Except for Ash.” he then turned back to the massive bear. “Hey Fluffy, did Ash come with you?” The large beast opened his mouth and a large black bird, swooped in front of the princess and her companions. “This is Ash he’s a..”

“Phoenix.” Fluttershy finished.

“A Black Phoenix.” Celestia said as she marveled at the bird that had perched itself in front of the princess. “That race is almost extinct, where did you get it.”

“I found him as an egg, when we were on a job for the dragon king.” the princess’s eyes widened at the statement.

“Y-you know the dragon king?”

“Sure, very nice species the dragons, if you’re ever in jam with them always go with flattery. They have a massive ego, stroke it and they’ll purr like a kitten.”

“What job did you do for them.” Celestia said with a cold stare.

“I helped them reclaim a lost treasure. What was it? The Lidless eye?” Celestia’s eyes shrunk at the statement. “What? It was only a jewel.” Celestia then stepped forward with anger in her eyes.

“The Lidless Eye diamond was hidden away from them by me 300 years ago. How could you have found it?” Celestia exclaimed.

“It took some digging and going through a lot of traps, but at the end we found it and returned it to it’s rightful owner. I nearly died six times in there, you remember that adventure right Lil?” he said as he looked at the green mare who was deep in thought.

“Oh, Yeah! The massive red diamond right?”

“Bingo! Those were the days.” he looked back at the sun goddess who now had a confused look on her face.

“What bout your brother, did he go with you?” Pinkie exclaimed, Lilly and Sky looked back at her with daggers in their eyes.

“Brother? You have a brother?” Celestia exclaimed. Sky looked down at the ground in shame, Lilly shot a glance that could frighten a manticore at Pinkie as she trotted over to her pegasus friend.

“Yes, I had a brother. He’s gone now.”

“Oh I’m so sorry.” Celestia said as she put a hoof on his shoulder. “If you don’t mind me asking how did he die?”

“He’s not dead, just imprisoned, by me.”

“What?” It was Lilly’s turn to speak up.

“His twin brother Pyro, he was dangerous. Sky had no choice.”

“Where is he imprisoned?”

“A place where no-pony can see him, except for me.” Lilly looked back at him with a look of horror.

“You’ve seen him?”

“Yes, I’ve tried to reason with him but he is lost to me.”

“Where is he?” Luna exclaimed.

“Fine I can’t escape it forever. It’s a prison of my own design.”

“I don’t understand.” Celestia said.

“He’s in me! I imprisoned him in my mind!” Sky bellowed in frustration. “The perfect prison. inescapable, he can’t get out without my approval.” he looked back at the ponies with tears in his eyes. Lilly brought him into a hug.

“I want to help him.” Celestia said, Sky and Lilly looked at her with shock.

“Are you insane? He’ll attack everyone in here!”

“We won’t know unless we try.”

“No! He stay’s.” Sky suddenly felt himself being held up by an invisible force.

“This isn’t a negotiation! Bring him out!”

“Never!” he said as he struggled in the magical grip, the mares rushed to help him but were held back by the princess of the night. Sky began to feel a presence inside his mind he let out a cry of agony and every thing faded to black.

Celestia found herself inside a dark room with a single light lit inside a cell. The cell was average size, in side was a red unicorn wrapped in chains and looking right at her with a sad look on his face.

“A visitor, strange I don’t get many visitors in here.”

“Who are you?” Celestia asked.

“Pyro Blaster, at your service.” he said as he tried to bow his head.

“Why are you here?”

“What did ‘he’ tell you?”

“That you went mad with power.”

“Ha! Still playing the innocent role I see. Why are you here?”

“To try and help you.”

“Well how can you possibly help me?”

“I’ll let you out, if you swear on your life that you will obey me.”

“And why should I trust you?”

“If you don’t then you’ll rot away in this prison.”

“True, but what’s waiting for me out there?”

“Your brother.”

“Is that it?”

“And an old friend, Lilly I believe her name is.” Pyro’s eyes lit up at the mares’s name.

“Lilly! She’s alright?”

“Yes, they both are. If you agree to my terms than I will set you free.”

“I’ll do what ever you want!”

“Very well, hold still.” the royal horn began to glow and the chains and locks began to click open. The red stallion began to move towards the cell door and opened it.

“Fool.”

Sky opened his eyes to see a pair of red hooves standing in front of him, as he looked up in horror to see a red unicorn stallion glaring down at him with an evil look in his eye.

“Hello brother.” he said with a laugh.

“You-” he tried to get up but felt a red hoof forcing him down on the floor.

“Oh, don’t bother getting up, the fun’s just about to start.” he then saw the princess starting to rise, he shot a beam at her rocketing her back against the wall. Pyro saw the entire room starting to fill with guards. “Looks like it’s time for me to leave, but don’t worry bro I’ll come and visit really, really soon.” In a flash of light he was gone. Rainbow rushed over to him as he got to his hooves he looked over at the white Alicorn.

“What have you done?”

Chapter 15: Brotherly Love

Chapter 15

Brotherly love

Rainbow Dash galloped over to her colt-friend and helped him get to his hooves. Once Sky regained his balance he rushed over to Princess Celestia who was still getting up.

*SMACK*

Every-pony in the room looked in shock as Sky slapped the sun goddess across her face leaving red hoof mark, ten guards with spears drawn surrounded the blue pegasus, Sky backed away from the sun goddess who started to get to her hooves.

“Do you realize what you’ve just done! You stupid IDIOT!” he bellowed his voice dripping in hatred.

“I-I just..”

“Just what? Huh? Explain, what were you trying to do?”

“I just wanted to...help.”

“Help? you wanted to help? Oh I’m sorry, here I thought you just released the most dangerous unicorn in Equestria, now that I know you were trying to help I apologize for thinking otherwise!” Twilight rushed to his side, trying to calm him down.

“Easy Sky. You’ve made your point.”

“Your right Twi. I’m sorry, now we need to prepare.”

“Prepare for what?”

“The apocalypse. Pyro won’t stop until he see’s this world burn to the ground.”

“Is there anything that can stop him?” Rarity asked.

“We have two choices, One: I try one more time to reach him and reconsider, or Two: I kill him.” Every-pony except Lilly looked up at him in shock.

“Y-you’d kill your own br-brother?” Dash said with a quivering lip.

“If I can’t get him to reconsider, then yes. I’m hoping it won’t come to that.” Sky said as he put a hoof underneath her chin.

“So what happens now?” Twilight asked.

“We have to find him.” He looked at the six mares and started to think. “Fluttershy, Talk to the animals. Tell them to look everywhere, under every rock, tree and in every cave.”

“o-okay.”

“AJ, Rarity and Pinkie. I need you three to tell every-pony about him and if they see him tell me immediately.”

“Alright.”

“Rainbow, I need you to alert Cloudsdale. Scramble every pegasus to look for him, can you do that?”

“Easily.”

“Good. Finally Twilight, I need you to help learn spells at a really fast rate.”

“Okay I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, one more thing. Don’t cause a panic, fear will only give him strength.”

“How, does that work?” Princess Luan asked.

“It’s like when changelings feed off another ponies love. He feeds off fear, it’s like a drug to him.”

“So if no-pony is afraid of him...”

“Then his power will decrease substantially. Maybe even enough for me to take him.” Sky said as he noticed Celestia and Luna wanting to join the conversation.

“What can we do to help thee?” the princess of the night asked. Sky looked up at the two with an angry look.

“I think you two have done quite enough, try not to release Discord while I’m tracking Pyro.” he said as he moved to the door, the massive doors suddenly slammed shut by a yellow aura. Sky turned back to see a very cross Princess Celestia.

“How dare you! How dare-”

“Oh don’t give me that. You two can’t even protect your own country!”

“What are you talking about?” Sky bit his lower lip.

“You really want to know? Alright then! You two are weak, not even a shadow of your former selves!” the two sisters were taken back by this statement. “Who beat Nightmare Moon? Twilight and her friends. Who beat the god of chaos? Twilight and her friends. Who beat the Changeling Queen? Your niece and Twilights older brother and who saved the Crystal Empire? Twilight, her friends and Spike! Face it you two have lost your touch.”

“How dare thee-” the dark princess was cut off.

“Shut up Luna! Where were you during the Changeling invasion anyway? You’re always saying how you want to step up and be there for the kingdom, well where were you on that day? Celestia you got beaten by an over grown insect so how can you expect me to believe that you can handle a unicorn that’s more powerful than both of you!” Sky took a step back and looked at the princess’s faces, frozen in shock. “That’s what I thought. So if you two want to help me than do this, Stay out of my way!” Sky began to trot away, when he saw a flash of blue and yellow light being shot at him, he spun around with his wings spread out and caught the two bolts with his feathers. Every-pony looked in surprise at the spectacle, he then launched them back at the sisters, as they collided the two were sent flying back against the wall. “I believe I’ve made my point, now if you don’t mind I need to find my brother.” he said as he took flight off towards Ponyville.

Twilight and the others rushed to the princess’s side, as the royal sisters got to their hooves the looked at each other with a sad look in their eyes. Celestia looked back at the ponies with tears in her eyes. It was a full forty five minutes before Celestia finally said something.

“He’s right.” she breathed out.

“What? No princess, we need you. Sky is just upset, he didn’t mean it.” Twilight said as she comforted her mentor.

“Thank you Twilight Sparkle, but your friend is correct.” Luna said as she hung her head in shame. “We have lost much of our old strength. Here we sit behind the safety of Canterlot’s walls while our subjects suffer.” she looked back at the group of mares with tears in her eyes. “We sent you six on such dangerous assignments, while we waited patiently on our thrones.”

“Well no more! It is time that we did our duty!” Celestia said as she looked at her subjects. “we have sat behind the walls of Canterlot for too long, it’s fine time that we take action. I think I know just how to help Sky with his ‘problem’.” Celestia said as her horn began to glow. Soon a battered and bloodied Sky Blazer along with three small fillies appeared in the room with tears in their eyes, Sky fell to the ground and began to cough up blood and soon passed out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sky flew back into Ponyville with anger in his eyes, he made his way through Ponyville deep in thought, until..

“HEY SKY!”

“WHAT?” he bellowed, he looked behind him to see three small frightened fillies glaring at him. “Oh it’s you three, sorry for yelling at you. I’m just having a really, really bad day.”

“What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked with a worried look in her eyes.

“It’s my brother, he’s coming to visit.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“Not really, we don’t really see eye to eye on a lot of things.”

“Why?”

“A long time ago we had a fight, haven’t spoken to each other since. Now he’s come back to screw up my life.”

“Well, sometimes Rarity and I get into a fight. But deep down I know she loves me and I love her.” Sky ruffled the fillies mane.

“That’s a nice statement Sweetie but it’s a little more complex than that when it comes to my brother and myself......But on a lighter note did you three need something?”

“Oh we’ve been practicing what you showed us and ah think we’ve got something.” Applebloom said with delight.

“Really?”

“Yeah watch.” the three fillies lined up and started to concentrate, Sky saw Sweetie’s horn begin to glow, as well as Scootaloo’s wings and Applebloom’s body. In front of each of them a tiny little ball started to appear, they soon fizzled out and the three fillies fell to the ground in exhaustion.

“That was amazing! You three really show promise.” Sky said as he clapped his hooves.

“What are you talking about? It fizzled out!” Scootaloo said in surprise.

“Still, that’s way more progress that I showed when I was your age.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I do have some advise for you though.”

“What is it? Anything will help.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

“Try working together to form one in between you three and then gradually work to form your own.”

“Um ah don’t understand.” Applebloom said with a confused look on her face.

“Here I'll demonstrate.” Sky then made two copies of himself, they stood in a circle with one hoof stretched out. The three pegasi closed their eyes and concentrated, soon a blue sphere began to appear between them. The copies vanished and the ball fizzled out. “Like that you see?”

“Okay, alright Cutie Mark Crusaders let’s-” they were cut off by a blast of red magic being shot over their heads. The three fillies jumped in surprise and looked over to see a dark red unicorn with a black mane staring at them with malice in his eyes Sky dashed in front of them with his hooves outstretched.

“GIRLS RUN!”

“Why? Who’s he?”

“Just run!” the red stallion laughed at the sight before him.

“Oh, you didn’t tell them about me, I’m hurt brother.”

“He’s your brother?” Applebloom said in shock.

“JUST GET OUT OF HERE!” the three ponies did as he said and hid in a nearby bush. “What do you want Pyro?”

“Well, lets see you trapped me in that prison for close to seven years.”

“I’m sorry, I really am but you gave me no choice. Please let’s not do this.”

“Oh, scarred are we?”

“Yes, I’m scarred to what I have to do to you if don’t stop, we can be happy again, Lilly is here she want’s to see you.”

“Sounds like a trick to me!” the red pony bellowed as he shot a bolt at Sky sending him into the nearest shop. The fillies looked with tears in their eyes at one another.

“We gotta help him!” Applebloom said.

“Are you crazy! That pony will demolish us.” Scootaloo said back to the yellow filly.

“Sky already saved us once! We all owe him! Let’s try his advice and do that magic thing.” Sweetie Belle said as she glared at the orange pegasus.

“Fine let’s do it.” the three fillies put a hoof in and began to concentrate. Meanwhile Sky was dodging spell after spell that Pyro was throwing at him. Sky tried to fly above the pony with was gripped by a magical whip that wrapped itself around his back hoof.

“Oh no you don’t you slippery little snake!” Pyro said as he yanked the whip bringing Sky down into the library, and into a few nearby houses. Sky could feel his bones begin to crack, and splinter from the attack. Sky was on the ground trying to get up when he felt his mane being yanked by the red stallion.

“Do you know what I thought about when I was locked in that prison?” he said as he held Sky so that their eyes met. “I though about all the ways how I was going to make you pay. But standing here now....I honestly don’t know which one to pick.” Sky spat in his face. Pyro wiped the blood off of him. “That’s very unsanitary brother.” he said as he punched him in the eye. “So back to my predicament, I though of approximately 395 ways for me to punish you, so let’s start with....”

“GET AWAY FROM HIM!” Pyro looked back to see three fillies rushing towards him with a small pink sphere in between them, Pyro had no time to move. The fillies orb made contact with the unicorn’s back sending him flying off of their friend and into a nearby building. Sky looked at the three tired fillies in amazement. Soon they saw the unicorn exit the ruined shop with a small limp.

“Looks like I need to prepare for this fight....I’ll be back!” Pyro said as he vanished from their sight. The three fillies turned their gaze to their blue friend, they started to cry at his state.

“Thank you.” he said has he hugged the small fillies. He felt a strange presence flow within him and felt himself being pulled by an unknown force. He closed his eyes and felt the small fillies holding on to him, he closed his eyes and held them tighter when he opened them again he saw the familiar faces of Rainbow and the rest of his friends glaring at him with deep concern in their eyes, as he tried to get up he felt his legs give under his own weight and slipped into unconsciousness.

Rainbow and Lilly rushed to his side and brought him over on the couch, Rarity and Applejack galloped over to their sisters and hugged them tightly. Celestia trotted over to the injured pegasus and examined him. Sky opened his eyes to see Celestia looking down at him.

“What happened?” she asked in a sympathetic tone.

“Pyro.” he spat out. “He attacked me while I was with the girls.” he started to rise form the couch but was held down by a sobbing Rainbow Dash.

“Applebloom what did-”

“AJ stop, I owe them my life, they saved me.” Sky said as he raised a hoof.

“How could mah little sister possibly-” Sky nodded at the three fillies who formed a small circle, they started to re create the orb they used against the red unicorn. The other ponies watched in amazement. Even the royal sisters were impressed by the spectacle. The three fillies let the orb dissolve between them, they adverted their eyes from the mares.

“How did they learn that?’ Luna asked.

“I taught them.” Sky said with a grin. The other ponies looked back at him with shock in their eyes.

“You taught them magic!” Twilight said in surprise.

“Yeah, I offered to teach them and they said yes.”

“And you wouldn’t tech me?”

“Where’s the fun in teaching a pony who’s already an expert? These three are quite the challenge and I love challenges.” he said as he grinned at the three fillies. “And they’ve made good progress. It took me years to form a sphere, these three managed it in a few days. You should be proud.” he said as he glanced over at the white and orange mare.

“Why should ah be proud? mah sister is a fr-” Applejack stopped herself from finishing the statement, but Applebloom finished it with tears in her eyes.

“Freak?”

“Applebloom ah didn’t mean-”

“YES YOU DID!!! YOU THINK I’M A FREAK! WELL FORGET YOU!!” Applebloom said as she stormed out of the room. Applejack started to go after her but Lilly put a hoof on her shoulder.

“No, I’ll go talk to her. I know what she’s going through.” Lilly got to her hooves, and began to trot after the small filly. Lilly found her looking out the window with tears in her eyes. “Hey are you okay?”

“Ah’m fine. Who’re you?” she said with a sniffle.

“Some-pony who knows how it feels to be called that. You and your friends are like Sky and me.” the small filly looked at her in confusion. Lilly suddenly made the plant in the corner of the hall grow twice it’s size then back to normal. “See?”

“So Sky...”

“Yeah he taught me, so did his brother. I know what it’s like to get those looks from ponies. But you have something I wish I had back then.” she said as she put a hoof on the filly’s shoulder.

“What’s that?”

“An older sister who loves you.”

“But she said-”

“I said the same thing when I found out my best friend could do magic, but I realized something.”

“What?”

“That Sky was still the colt I knew and played with. I was the only one outside the family who knew the truth about him.”

“And you accepted him?”

“Yes and Applejack will too, she just needs some time.” the small filly began to cry again. Lilly got Applebloom to her hooves and walked her back inside where the other ponies were. Applejack rushed towards her sister and embraced her in a hug.

“Applebloom ah’m so sorry I didn’t mean it I swear.” Applebloom hugged her sister and smiled at her.

“Ah know. You were weirded out, ah was too the first time ah saw Sky use magic and if you want me to stop then-”

“You do what ever makes you happy.” Applejack said with tears in her eyes.

“Thanks sis!” The mares in the room all ‘awed’ on cue. Sky then shifted until he was sitting up.

“Okay, I don’t mean to break up this whole sister sister moment but we need to think about what to do out about Pyro.”

“Valid point. Do you know if he has any weaknesses?” Luna said with a stern voice.

“Nothing too big, we’re basically the same except for our power control.”

“What?”

“I locked most of my powers away to save my sanity.”

“Could you clarify?”

“My brother went nuts as he got stronger. I started to as well, I locked a lot of power away so I can keep my sanity.”

“Well that’s smart.”

“Yeah.”

“So how strong are you?”

“If I went all out? I’d say about as strong you two.” he said as he looked at Celestia and Luna.

“Really?”

“Well I don’t know, I’ve never done it!”

“Why not?” Celestia asked.

“Because I can’t control it, I put seven locks in place, I can releasing three of them. Then I start to turn rampant. Lilly is my witness.” the mares then turned to the green mare.

“It’s true, last time he went past lock four he almost burned down a town.”

“So if I face Pyro I’m going to need 100% of my powers and if I do that then I will go insane.”

“Maybe not.” Celestia said with a warm smile.

“What are you talking about?”

“I can train you to control your powers and you can still be sane.”

“How?”

“I can’t tell you-”

“Well that’s a lot of help.”

“Let me finish. I can’t tell you but I can show you.” Celestia said as she trotted out of the room, she looked back at the ponies with a confused look. “Are you all coming?” the ponies followed her Rainbow helped Sky to his hooves and the group followed the royal sisters down into the catacombs, Twilight’s eyes boggled at the amount of books that were held down there. The three fillies and Fluttershy kept to Applejack’s and Rarities side in fear. The dampness of the air filled Sky’s nostrils, once or twice he felt Rainbow grab his hoof in fright, they stopped in front of a massive gate with six locks on the outside. “Now we begin.”

Chapter 1: Arrival

The Seventh Element.

Chapter 1. Arrival.

A young pegasus stallion trotted his way through an unknown forest hoping for a way out. He had been lost for days forced to scrounge for food and shelter. As he stumbled through the never ending woods, he tripped on a tree root which sent him and the contents of his saddle bags flying out. As he got up and began re-packing his supplies he yelled out in frustration.

“Gah! Why dear goddess, WHY did I listen to that stupid show unicorn’s directions? What was her name...Lexi? Minxy? Trixie? Whatever...Next time I see her she is SO GONNA GET IT!!” he said as he finished putting the items in his bag. The stallion didn’t have much, he had maybe seventy five bits, two apples, a map,a pocket knife, a necklace with a deep blue crystal in the center and a jet black cloak he always wore. The cloak had been his fathers, the necklace was his mothers’ they were the only two things he had left of them. As he got to his hooves he called out loud. “There I go again, talking to myself. How many times now today four? Five? Damn it, Not again!” he said as he face hoofed at his stupid habit. He continued down the path for what seemed like hours, until it looked about five o’clock.

He decided to make camp for the night in a nearby cave. As he went inside and made sure nothing else was inside. He set his saddle bags down and made himself comfortable. He removed his dark cloak to reveal that his right wing was in bandages. He had sprained it the day before trying to fit through a tight crack in a boulder. He then looked at the contents of his saddle bags, he withdrew the map and laid it on a nearby flat rock. He stared at the map for what seemed like hours, he finally gave up and started to look over his food.

“Hmm. So If I have half an apple tonight then I can go for around one, maybe two more days.” he glanced at the cave entrance noticing that it was still light outside. “Might as well try and make a fire while there’s still daylight.” he said as he rose to his hooves as and exited the cave. He decided to leave his gear there so he didn’t loose track of it. He stepped out into the sun, the light hit his light blue coat and made the red streak in his navy blue mane and tail stand out. His dark brown eyes winced at the change in the light. His eyes quickly adjusted themselves and he began to collect fire wood.

After an hour of collecting wood he decided to turn back to his cave with wood for the fire. As soon as he got back the sky had turned dark and the ground quickly became wet with rain drops. He managed to get the fire started by using his steel knife and a piece of flint he had with him. “What I’d give to be a unicorn right now.” he said in frustration. After ten or so tries he finally got a spark and ignited the fire. The stallion spent the next two hours tending and feeding the fire. After he ate half of one of his apples he laid down to rest, using his bags as a pillow and his fathers coat as a blanket. In the darkness and dampness of the cave he finally fell asleep.

A sudden nudge awoke him from his slumber. “What the..?” he said aloud as he looked around and saw the face of a pegasus . “Who are you?” the stallion asked the stranger. He could clearly see that it was morning, and that the fire had gone out. He could hear the birds chirping and the bugs buzzing. His attention then turned back to his “guest” he saw that she was cyan colored and had a flowing rainbow mane and tail. Her eyes were a deep maroon, and her cutie mark was a white cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt.

“Names Rainbow Dash. Best flyer in Equestria.” she said with a cocky voice.

“Well then Miss Dash, why are you in my cave?”

“Dude, call me Rainbow and I spent the night here.” she said with a sheepish grin.

Did I just she her blush?

“What do you mean you stayed the night?”

“I’m on the weather patrol and I got lost in the storm last night, It was too dangerous to fly back to Ponyville so I looked for a place to crash. I saw your campfire and came here, I was gonna ask you if I could stay but you were already asleep and I didn’t want you to get mad at me and kick me out.” she said as she scratched the back of her mane with her front left hoof in embarrassment.

“Okay, make sense. But she still could’ve asked before barging into my campsite.”

‘Ummm. Dude, I’m right here, who’re you talking too?” Rainbow asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry, I talk to myself sometimes it just slips out every once in a while.” he said with an embarrassing look on his face.

“Okay then....well I’m gonna go and head back.” she said as she began to walk out of the cave.

“Wait! You mentioned a town, is it close?” the stallion asked with hope in his voice.

“Yeah Ponyville, It’s like two miles east.” Rainbow said as pointed with her right hoof.

“Thanks Rainbow.” he said as he finished packing his things and swung on his fathers coat.

“Okay, see ya round” she said as she zoomed in the direction she was pointing at leaving a cloud of dust where she just stood.

“Damn she’s fast.” he said as his jaw dropped to the ground. He wasn’t even out of the cave when he saw a familiar cyan pegasus appear back in front of him.

“Hey, before I forget what’s your name?” she asked sounding a little nervous.

“My name is-”

“RAINBOW DASH HELP!!!” the two pegasi turned their heads toward two small fillies rocketing towards them with alarming speed. One was a yellow earth pony with a red mane and a red bow in her hair, the other was a white unicorn with a light purple colored mane. The unicorn was carrying what looked like an injured orange pegasus on her back.

Chapter 2: Uninvited Guests

Chapter 2.

Uninvited Guests.

Rainbow recognized the trio immediately.

“Huh? Applebloom? Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo? what in the hey are you three doing out here?” she asked in confusion.

“We were try’n to get our cutie marks in wild life studies when we accidentally spooked a manticore, it attacked us and stung Scootaloo.” the little earth pony said tears running down her cheeks.

“We grabbed Scootaloo and tried to make it to Zecora’s hut but it cut us off from the trail.” the white unicorn exclaimed. Rainbow was now looking at Scootaloo who was shivering due to the poison. The group then heard the manticore roar as it approached the group.

“Every-pony into the cave NOW!” he said at the top of his lungs, the group did as the pegasus said and ran inside the cave. The group of ponies all looked at each other and then their attention turned to Scootaloo who was still shivering. He had seen this before it was one of the most basic signs of manticore poisoning, Rainbow or himself could most likely last a day but he doubt this little filly could last two hours at best. His glance turned to Rainbow.

“Rainbow, you said that town was close right?”

“Yeah, only two miles. Why?

“Get this filly to the hospital fast! She need treatment Then after you drop her off come back and get these two. Got it?” he said as he pointed a hoof towards Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“What about the manticore?” Apple bloom asked.

“I’ll distract it and lead it away from the cave while you four escape.” he said adverting their worried looks.

“What? That’s suicide! I can’t stand up to a manticore alone and that’s saying something!” she said as she flew in front of the stallion and crossed her front hooves.

“DAMN IT RAINBOW!! THERES NO TIME TO ARGUE! THAT FILLEY NEEDS HELP NOW!! AND YOUR THE ONLY ONE FAST ENOUGH TO GET HER OUT OF HERE!” he bellowed. Rainbow shrunk back at this statement, she wanted to protest but deep down she knew he was right.

“Okay, are we agreed?” he said as the other ponies nodded.
“Alright then I’ll distract the manticore while Dash carries her off.” he said as he picked up Scootaloo and put her on Rainbows back. “As soon as she gets back I want you two to get on top of her as quick as you can and take off. Don’t look back and don’t worry I’ll be right behind you.” He said giving the group a reassuring grin.

“I can probably take both at once, once I drop Scoots off.” she said with a worried look on her face.

“Okay good.” he said as he put his saddle bags on and put his pocket knife between his teeth. “Every pony ready?” the ponies nodded.

“Alright then, 3......2......1..........GO!!” he yelled as he engaged the manticore.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a rainbow trail leave the cave in the direction of the small town she mentioned earlier. The manticore swung it’s massive claws at the stallion he managed to dodge them and swipe his knife across the manticore’s fur once, which only made it angrier. The manticore then hit the stallion with its tail and send him flying back against the cave wall. The stallion cried out in pain as his sprained wing had most likely been broken on impact. The stallion slumped to the ground in pain,he started to cough up blood. The manticore drew closer to him, he then saw a rainbow trail dash in front of it stunning the beast.

“Hey! Leave him alone!” she bellowed.

“Rainbow...get them.....out of here.” he said as he got to his hooves.

“Right!” Rainbow said as she went over to where Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were hiding. As the stallion got to his hooves he noticed that the manticore had regained itself and was about to attack Rainbow and the fillies with it’s poison filled tail.

Crap! No time to warn them.

The pegasus charged forward hoping to make it in time. As Rainbow Dash was preparing to take off she saw that there was no time to defend her self and the two fillies she was holding on to from the rampaging manticore, she closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable pain.

Rainbow waited, and waited but there was no pain, no poison, there was a grunt of pain. It did not come out of her mouth nor did the two frightened fillies that were holding on to her in fear. Rainbow looked up to see that the strange pegasus that she had met just this morning used his body as a shield to protect her. The stallion had his back towards her spreading his upper body in a “T” shape. He looked over his shoulder to meet her gaze that now had tears.

“Run..” he said weakly.

As he felt the massive force from Rainbow’s take off. He had taken the manticore’s tail blow in his chest. He then grabbed the manticore tail and twisted it with what ever strength he had left. The end that contained the stinger was ripped off and the manticore started to wail in pain and agony. The stallion then dropped to the ground feeling the poison start to take effect. The manticore then looked back at it’s prey with anger in it’s eyes. The pegasus knowing that he would be dead if he didn’t move, picked up his knife in his teeth and charged at the beast. The manticore now scared of the small pony, stood there in bewilderment, It tried to dodge in time but failed. The pegasus’s knife had made contact with the manticore’s abdomen. The beast now in more pain then it had ever been in it’s life decided that this prey was not worth it and retreated back into the dark jungle.

The stallion then laid there, paralyzed by the manticore’s venom that coursed through his body. He couldn’t help but wonder if Rainbow had mad it in time to save that filly. He then saw a dark figure approach him, as he tried to raise his head, the poison had taken its toll and he passed out in the middle of the forest.

I guess this is it....

Chapter 3: A New Face

Chapter 3.

A New Face.

The pegasus found himself in a dream. He was in a swamp like forest, with the sound of frogs, insects and other animals around him. As he squinted through the dense fog, a voice called out to him.

“Fear not young one, death does not claim you today.”

Suddenly the pegasus felt a wave of pain coarse through his body. He collapsed to the ground in agony, he got to his hooves just in time for a second wave to hit him. The stallion then had the sudden feeling of falling. His eyes shot open for him to see a unicorn in a white over coat staring down at him with a worried look in his eye.

“We’ve got a pulse! Nurse stabilize him!” the unicorn said as he looked over to a white mare.

“Yes sir! C’mon kid hang in there!” she said as she looked down at the injured pegasus. The last thing he remembers is the nurse fastening a rubber breathing apparatus to his snout and then all fades to black.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pegasus woke up in a hospital room. The sun was pouring through the massive window on his right, he figured that it was about eight o’clock in the morning. the room it self was a standard issue hospital room, he’s been in plenty to know what they look like. He can even tell by the smell.

*Sniff, Sniff*

“Great, nothing like waking up to the smell of bloody gauze and antiseptic.” he said with a sarcastic tone. “What happened last night?” he said as he rubbed his head with his front hoof. As he tried too, he felt a wave of pain wash over him, as he looked down at his chest he saw that his entire mid section was covered with bandages. He then remembered what transpired the last time he was conscious.

“Oh, thats right the manticore thing. Hope that cyan pony made out okay. What was her name? Rainbow Bash? No...Rainbow Crash? No, but that’s a little funny.... Rainbow Dash? Yeah that’s it Rainbow Dash!” he said out loud.

Ugh!! Not again!! I have got to stop talking to myself!! he thought as he face hoofed.

He then saw that the door opened and a cream colored unicorn with a black mane and a needle for a cutie mark came into the room. The pony was sporting a white lab coat, the pony was staring at him with a surprised look on his face.

“Your already awake?” he said in surprise.

“Apparently. Who are you?” he asked the doctor.

“My name is Dr. Syringe and you are one very lucky stallion.” he said as he examined the pegasus’s chart. “Not many ponies can go head to head with a fully grown manticore and live to tell the tale.”

“I guess so. How long have I been here?” he asked as he looked around the room.

“About three days, honestly you should have been out cold for at least a week.”

“THREE DAYS!! SERIOUSLY??” he yelled in surprise.

“Shhh!..You’ll wake the other patient.” He said as he pointed to the bed next to you. As the pegasus looked over he saw that the other patient was the orange filly that Rainbow had carried off first.

“How is she?” he asked the doctor.

“She arrived just in time, thanks to you and Rainbow Dash.” he said as he put down his chart.

“That’s a relief.” he said as he let out a sigh.

The doctor began making his way towards the door.

“I have to go check on my other patients, but I’ll be back by this afternoon to check on you. In the mean time I will alert Ms. Dash, down in the lobby that you are awake.”

“Wait. She’s here?”

“Yes, she hasn’t left the hospital since you were admitted.” he said as he left the room and closed the door behind him. The pegasus decided to lay back down and try to collect his thoughts.

She stayed here for three days and nights? Why? Probably wanted to check on the filly.

His mind began to relax and he decided that it didn’t matter. As he tried to get back to sleep his hospital door burst open revealing a very worried and sleep deprived pegasus mare standing in the door way.

“YOU’RE ALIVE!!” Rainbow yelled as she took flight and practically tackled him into a hug. He screams out in a little pain “Oh my gosh I’m sorry!” she said with a worried look on her face.

“Yeah, I’m alive. Not sure why I wouldn’t be.” he said as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Dude, you took on a fully grown manticore. By yourself no less and saved Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom at the same time.” she said with an amazed look on her face. “And you, uh..sort of saved my life too.” Rainbow said ash she started to blush.

Okay now that time I KNOW she blushed.

“What do ya mean ‘sort of’? he said with a smug grin on his face.

“Fine! You totally saved my sorry flank back there! Happy?” Rainbow said as she got an annoyed look on her face.

She’s kinda cute when she’s annoyed.....Wait what? Shut up brain!

“It’s fine Rainbow.” he said putting his hoof up and giving her a light chuckle.

Rainbow’s ears shot up at the sound of her name.

“How do you know my name?” she asked as she raised an eye brow.

“You told me three days ago, remember? In the cave.”

“Oh yeah, what’s your name again?” she asked in an embarrassing tone.

“It’s Sky Blazer. You can call me Sky, Blaze or what ever.” Sky Blazer said.

“Okay, Sky thank...” Rainbow had just let out the longest and possibly the most adorable yawn Sky had ever heard.

“Awwe, is little Rainbow tired?” Sky said while putting on his best baby sounding voice.

“Shut Up! I’ve been up for three days and those couches in the lobby don’t have much support.” she said as she cracked her back. “Hey do you mind I I crash here for a while? I really need some sleep.” she said as a slight blush appeared on her cheeks.

“Um....okay.” Sky said as he was trying to hide his own blush from the mare. Rainbow then pulled over one of the chairs from the table and planted it next to Sky.

“Thanks. G’night” Rainbow said as she laid her head down to rest at the foot of his bed. Within seconds she was out. As Sky did the same and as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but think that this mare was a bit cute.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ahem, hope I’m not interrupting anything.” the doctor said as he looked down at Sky with a grin on his face. As Sky Blazer and Rainbow Dash woke up they realized that the cyan mare had moved from her sleeping position from laying her head on the bed, too wrapping her hooves around him and lying next to him.

“Gah!” Rainbow said as she jumped out of the bed in embarrassment. “Sorry doc, I guess I just dozed off for a while.” she said with a blush on her face. Sky glanced at the clock and realized that it read five o’clock in the afternoon. Rainbow saw the clock and realized that she had slept for over nine hours.

“Looks like it’s almost supper time.” Sky said as he rubbed his head with his hoof.

“Yes, I was going to check on you earlier but I didn’t want to disturb you two.” he said with a smug grin on his face.

“Listen doc it’s not like that...we weren’t.....ya know what I’m saying right?” Rainbow said with a look of embarrassment on her face.

Daaww how cute, she’s blushing..Damn it brain SHUT THE BUCK UP!

“Quite right.” the doctor said with a hint of sarcasm. Sky then looked over to the bed next to him and saw it was empty.

“Hey Doctor, what happened to the filly that was in the bed next to me?”

“Ms. Scootaloo was released today around noon. She wanted to thank you but I told her you both needed your rest.”

Rainbow’s jaw hit the floor realizing that her number one fan/stalker saw her asleep with a random pony.

“OH NO! I GOTTA GO! See tomorrow Sky.” Rainbow said as she leaped out of the window and literally made tracks in the sky. Sky Blazer and the doctor just stood there taking in what just happened.

“Anyway....I’m here to see how the wounds healed and to check your wing.” he said as a nurse stepped into the room balancing a tray of fresh bandages on her back.

“Glad to see you’re awake, I’m nurse Red Heart by the way.” she said with a smile on her face.

Sky Blazer looked at the two with a smile on his face. “Thank you, both of you. Without you two we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

“It’s our job to help ponies in need.” the doctor said with a reassuring smile.

“Alright enough chit chat. Mr. Blaze hold still.” the nurse said as she removed the bandages, after she did she and the doctor both jumped back in surprise.

“What?” Sky Blazer asked. He looked down to see a huge scar where the manticore had poisoned him.

“Remarkable, It’s completely healed and only after three days. Lets check his wing.” the doctor said as his horn started to undo the bandages around his right wing. Once the bandages were off the doctors horn began to glow and a horizontal line scanned the appendage. “Not a single fracture. It’s as though it was never broken at all!” the doctor exclaimed. Both the nurse and doctor started to eye Blaze with an odd look almost as if he wasn’t a pony at all.

“So am I free to go?” Blaze asked as he started to scratch the back of his mane.

“I suppose theres no reason to keep you here, but I want to keep you over night for observation. Just to be sure there’ aren’t any problems. Is that alright by you?” the doctor said as he marked the progress down on the chart.

“Sure, it’s not like I have any where to stay at the moment.” Blaze said with a small grin.

“Alright then I’ll discharge you tomorrow morning.” nurse Red heart said as she left the room.

“Hey doctor.”

“Yes?”

“Where are my things? I had a coat and saddle bag on me when I came in didn’t I?”

“Ah, yes your coat and bags are in the closet over there. But Ms. Dash did say that the pocket holding your bits was ripped open and was lost in the Everfree Forest.”

“The Everfree Forest?” Sky blazer said as he raised an eyebrow.

“Where Rainbow Dash found you. It is well known for being dangerous.”

“Great no bits. WAIT WHAT ABOUT A NECKLACE? THERE WAS A NECKLACE IN ONE OF MY COAT POCKETS!!”

“Hmm.. let me see.” the doctor moved over to the closet and retrieved his things. He levitated the coat and bag.

“This them?”

“Yes, now please give them to me. Just don’t touch it!” Sky Blazer said in a pleading voice.

“Alright, calm down.” the doctor said as he levitated his possessions to his patient.

“Thank you doctor. Sorry for snapping at you like that. It’s just that these things are really important to me.” he said as he took the necklace out of the coat pocket, he breathed a sigh of relief and put it around his neck.

“It’s alright. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night Mr. Blazer” the doctor said as he exited the room.

“Good night doctor.”

As the door closed Sky Blazer looked down at his possessions. As he pondered his next move he wondered how he was going to get the supplies he needed to complete his journey.

Chapter 4: Into the Fray

Chapter 4

Into the fray.

Sky Blazer woke up feeling very rejuvenated. He got out of bed, stretched his wings and decided to make an early start, he put on his long coat and saddle bags, found Doctor Syringe and Nurse Read Heart and thanked them again for their kindness. As he made it to the lobby he saw a very familiar rainbow mane’d mare.

“Hey! You got out that quick?” Rainbow asked him as she flew up to him.

“Yeah, they said I was healed so they discharged me this morning.” he said with a grin on his face. The two trotted out of the hospital and made took flight towards Ponyville. The two touched down in the town square. Sky had never seen such a lively little town, so many shop to see and so many things to see.

“Hey Rainbow, thanks for saving me.” Sky said as a blush appeared on his face.

“What are you talking about? You saved us from that manticore.” Rainbow said with a surprised look on her face.

“Yeah, but you came back to save me. Any-pony else would have probably just ran away.” He said giving her a grin.

“True, I’m pretty awesome like that. But I still owe you in a big way.”

“How about being my tour guide? I don’t know my way around here so well.” Sky asked the rainbow mare.

“Sorry, maybe tomorrow I gotta go to work. But i’ll introduce you to my friends.” she said as she led sky to an old hollowed out tree in the center of town. The two stepped inside the tree Sky’s eyes boggled at the amount of books that laid before him.

“Wow, that’s a lot of books.”

“Yeah, my friend Twilight is the librarian here. Let me go get her in the mean time relax.”

Rainbow flew to the upper levels to fetch her friend. Sky sat down and began reading the first book he found. Daring Do and the quest for the Sapphire Statue.

Excellent a classic.

Sky began to read, reading the action book made his mind wander and he began to remember his child hood. Rainbow returned with lavender unicorn with a purple mane and violet eyes.

“Hey Twi, this is my friend Sky Blazer.”

“Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m the librarian here.”

“Nice to meet you Twilight. You can call me Sky.” Sky said as he set his book down.

“He’s the stallion I told you about.”

Twilight then looked at Sky with a surprised look.

“You’re the one who saved Rainbow and the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

“The Cutie Mark what?” Sky said in confusion.

“The three fillies you saved.” Rainbow interjected.

“Oh those three, yeah thats me.” he said as he scratched the back of his mane.

Rainbow’s attention shifted to the book he was holding in his hooves.

“You like Daring Do too?” she squealed in excitement.

“Yeah, It’s an old favorite of mine.” Rainbow realizing that she would be late for work said her good bye’s and darted out the door, leaving only Sky and Twilight in the library. Sky returned to his book and began flipping through the pages. Twilight then descended the stair case and started a conversation, they talked for what seemed like hours until Twilight looked at the clock and realized that she had to get going.

“Well, I need to go shopping for food and some supplies, you want to come along?”

“Sure, lets go.” Sky said as he got up and accompanied the lavender mare out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two ventured out into Ponyville. It was a nice little town filled with shops and all different kinds of ponies. After a small stop at the quill shop they decided to take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. After the two ordered their meals Twilight tried to strike up a conversation.

“So Sky, you’re not from around here are you?”

“No, last major city I was in was Trottingham, before that Baltimare, and before that I was in Detrot and so on and so on.”

“Wow, so you like to travel?”

“You could say that.” Sky said as he sat back in a relaxed position.

“What about your parents, do they like the fact that you travel around so much?”

Sky took a moment to gather his thoughts.

“My parents are dead. They died when I was eight.”

“Oh I’m so sorry.. I didn’t mean too..”

“Twilight It’s fine. I was put in an orphanage soon afterwards, when I was ten I decided that I had enough and went off on my own. Been that way ever since.” He said as he sat back in his seat.

“I’m sorry to hear that. So how long have you been on the road for?”

“Well, what day is today?”

“Today is Wednesday, June twenty fifth.”

“Oh okay. Then I’ve been on the road for eleven years, three months, four days, six hours, twenty one minutes and thirty seconds. But who’s counting?” he said as he let out a small laugh.

“Wow, how did you survive for so long?”

“Trust me, I’ve had to do a lot of things that wouldn’t fall under the categories of ‘decent’ or ‘honorable’.”

“Okay, I’ll take your word for it but how do you deal with the loneliness?”

“Look Twilight I really don’t want to talk about this right now. I just got out of the hospital this morning and I really don’t think that you need-” Sky stopped as he felt a chill flow down his spine.

“Hey you okay?” Twilight asked as she raised an eyebrow. Sky then grabbed Twilight and threw her under neath the table just as he saw a pink blob fly over his shoulder, sending their meals crashing on the ground. The two the rose from underneath the table, Twilight was trying to collect herself and Sky was looking around for whatever tried to attack them.

“Ugh...That hurt.”

Sky turned his attention towards the bushed where he saw a bright pink earth pony trying to get the sticks and twigs out of her mane.

“Who are you? And why are you following us?” Sky asked as he glared down at the pink mare. The pink mare had just gotten to her hooves and glared back at Sky.

“Wow! You’re good, no-pony’s ever been able to detect my sneaking ability before. How did you do that any way Blazey? I’m Pinkie Pie by the way.” she said as she hopped up and down around Sky Blazer with glee.

Blazey?

Twilight now rushed to the pink mare’s side.

“Pinkie!! How many times have I told you don’t tackle hug me in public.” Twilight said with an annoyed look on her face.

“Wait how did you know my name? I’ve never met you before.” Sky said as he eyed the pink mare.

“Oh, thats easy I just skimmed the last chapter and found your name.” she said as she stopped bouncing.

“What?” Sky said in an aggravated tone.

“Pinkie, how many times do I have to tell you. We. Are. Not. In. A. Story.” Twilight said releasing a sigh knowing it was pointless to try and explain it to her.

“Well suit yourselves then. Humph!” Pinkie said as she stuck her nose up in the air and began to walk away.

“Hey, wait a minute!” Sky said as he put his hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder “That still doesn’t explain why you were following me.”

“I was following you to find out what you like so I can set up the party to your liking.” She said with a huge grin on her face.

“Party? What party?”

“Um hello! Your ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’ silly.” she said as she glanced at the clock tower. “Oh still so much to set up, gotta go bye.” The pink mare suddenly disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Sky then looked at Twilight with a very confused look on his face.

“Twilight, what just happened?”

“Oh that’s just Pinkie being Pinkie, she’s always like that.”

“Was she serious about throwing me a party?”

“Afraid so. She throws one whenever she gets an excuse.” Twilight said with a chuckle.

“Alright, then so what’s next on the list?” Sky asked getting ready to go.

“I need to go to Carousel Boutique.” Twilight said as she glanced at her to-do list.

Chapter 5: Carousel Boutique

Chapter 5

Carousel Boutique

“So does another one of your friends own this place?” Sky asked as he and Twilight trotted down the road.

“Yes, her name in Rarity. She is a master with the needle and thread, she made dresses that my friends and I wore for the Grand Galloping Galla, free of charge.” Twilight said with a grin.

“That’s very generous of her. You guys must be close.”

“Oh yes we’re the best of friends. Oh look we’er here.” Twilight said as they both arrived in front of the classy boutique. As the two went in the aroma of vanilla perfume filled Sky Blazer’s nostrils.

“Wait here this will only take a minute.” Twilight said as she ascended the stair case. Sky decided to sit down on the couch trying to relax.

“HEY IT’S YOU!!” said a small voice coming from the stair case. Sky turned around to see that it was the small white unicorn that he had rescued. “I can’t believe that you’re already walking around. The doctor said you would be in the hospital for weeks.” she said as she hurried up to him.

“Hey, Sweetie Belle right?” Sky said with a small grin.

“Yeah, what’s your name mister?”

“I’m Sky Blazer, but you can call me Sky.” He said with a smile on his face. “How are you? Did you get injured?”

“Only a scrape or two, Applebloom and I got nothing compared to you and Scootaloo. I’m really glad you’re okay.” she said with a big smile on her face.

“Same to you.” Sky said returning the smile.

“Sweetie Belle! What have I told you about pestering the customers?” said a very classy voice coming from the stairs. Sky turned and saw Twilight was walking with a white unicorn with a flowing purple mane.

“Sorry sis. But this is the stallion that saved me, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Rainbow Dash from the manticore.” she said as she shrunk back.

Rarities gaze shifted from Sweetie Belle to Sky Blazer.

“You’re the stallion that saved my little sister and her friends?” she asked in a surprised tone.

“Yes, why?” Sky said while raising an eyebrow.

Rarity then walked over and wrapped her front hooves over Sky’s neck and brought him into a hug and soon began to cry.

“Th- Thank you so- so much for bringing my s-sweetie back to me safely.” Rarity said trying to fight through the sobs.

“It was no trouble Ms. Rarity, I just did what any-pony else would do in a situation like that.” he said as he broke the hug between him and the sobbing mare.

“No darling, you have my undying gratitude. I simply must repay you some how, and please call me Rarity” the white unicorn said as she regained her composure.

“You don’t have to do that Rarity.”

“Oh yes I do! I insist, how about I fix up that raggedy old coat for you?” she said as she pointed to Sky’s black cloak.

“Um, I guess this thing has a few holes that need patching. But I don’t want to trouble you.” Sky said as he looked over his cloak.

“Oh it’s no trouble darling, let me see it and I’ll fix it right up for you.”

“Okay, if you insist.” Sky said as he removed the cloak and handed it to the white unicorn. As he removed his cloak the three ponies now saw the massive scar on his chest. At this sight Sweetie Belle started to tear up while Rarity and Twilight tried to avert their eyes from the scar. Sky’s attention turned to Sweetie Belle who had started to sob in the corner.

“Hey Sweetie Belle, Look at me.” Sky said as he put a hoof on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder. “This was not your fault, manticore’s are known for attacking ponies and trust me I’ve been through way worse things than this.” Sky said as he pointed to the scar on his chest.

“But-but why di-did you save us anyway?” Sweetie Belle said as she fought through the sobs.

“Because the pain I felt as the manticore attacked me, would be nothing compared to the pain I would feel if you or the others got hurt.” he said as he brought her into a hug.

“I-I’m sorry.” she said as she returned the hug.

“Apology accepted. Now lets let your sister get to work okay?”

“Okay, Rarity I’m gonna go see Applebloom.”

“That’s fine Sweetie just be back by dinner time and be careful! We can’t count on such a handsome stallion to come and rescue you every time you get in trouble.” she said as Sweetie Belle bolted out the door.

Handsome? Where did that come from?

Sky then turned his attention back to Twilight and Rarity who now had a slight blush on her face.

“So..I will get started on this right away.”

“Alright, Twilight you don’t have to hang around, I’ll be fine here.”

“I actually have to go back and check on Spike.” Twilight said as she put a hoof over her face. “Gotta make sure he didn’t burn down the library. I’ll see you around Sky.” Twilight said as she trotted out of the boutique.

“Who’s spike?” Sky asked.

“Oh Spike is Twilight assistant at the library. Now darling if you would follow me, we have much to do.” Rarity said as she walked back up the stair case. Sky followed her up to her work room. The room was decorated and organized down to the last detail. There were mannequins around her room with unfinished projects draped over them.

“So, you make all the dresses your self?” Sky said as he tried to strike up a conversation.

“Why yes dear, I make them all from scratch. Have you done any sewing in your days?” Rarity asked as she put the cloak on an unused mannequin.

“I’ve dabbled a bit in the art of the thread. Mostly to fix patches on clothing.” Sky said as he scratched the back of his mane.

“Really? It’s so rare to find a pony that can sew without magic.” she said as she began to examine the coat. “Tell me dear, where did you get this jacket?”

Sky bit his lower lip at the question. “It was a gift from my dad.”

“Oh he must be a very generous stallion, I would love to meet him one day.”

“Yeah, he was.”

Rarity then looked back at Sky with a puzzled look.

“What do you mean darling?”

“What?”

“You just said a second ago ‘Yeah he was.” What did you mean by that?”

“Great, I said that out loud. I guess you should know, my parents died and the jacket was the one thing my dad left me.” He said as he let out a sigh. Rarity then put a hoof to her mouth is shock.

“Oh darling I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have been so nosy.”

“It’s alright Rarity you didn’t know.” He said with a grin.

“So this jacket has extreme sentimental value to you. I will do my very best to repair it.” Rarity said as she turned back to the jacket.

“Take your time Rarity I’m in no rush.” Sky said as his stomach growled loudly. “Heh-heh, sorry, my lunch got interrupted by a hyperactive pink mare.”

“Pinkie Pie?”

“Yup, she tried to tackle hug Twilight, but I got in the way.”

“She didn’t hurt you did she?”

“No, I managed to detect her before she could tackle Twilight.” he said with a reassuring grin.

“You managed to detect Pinkie while she was sneaking up on you? Thats impressive.” Rarity said with a surprised voice.

“Why’s that?”

“Pinkie is notorious for sneaking up on ponies when they least expect it. The fact that you managed to evade her is a feat that deserved praise.” Rarity said as she gave Sky a grin. Rarity then brought her attention back to the coat, as she began to work she noticed that the breast pocket was glowing.

“Um Sky, did you leave something in your jacket pocket?”

“Oh right my crystal!” he said as he trotted over and took the necklace from the pocket. “Thanks Rarity I totally forgot I had this in there.” Rarities eyes shifted to the blue crystal It’s glow seemed to fade.

“What kind of crystal is that?” Rarity asked as she eyed the necklace.

“I don’t really know. I never took the time to find out.” he said as he put on the necklace.

“Well this jacket will take some time to mend, how about I give it back to you later tonight?” Rarity said as she put on a pair of glasses.

“Perfect idea, right now I need to get some food I’m starving!” he said as his stomach growled a second time.

“Try Sweet Apple Acre’s. My friend Applejack owns it, I’m sure she will be happy to accommodate you.”

“Thanks Rarity, I’ll see you tonight.” Sky said as he trotted out the door. Once Rarity heard the door close she started thinking about that crystal, She managed to push the though out of her head and began working Sky’s jacket.

*Authors note: I am not sure If I'm gonna do an intro like this for all the mane six, but I will try.
~Silent.

Chapter 6: Sweet Apple Acres

Chapter Six

Sweet Apple Acres

Sky Blazer was trotting down to Sweet Apple Acres with the hope of finally getting some food in his empty stomach. He decided to fly over head and see if he could spot the farm from above. It had been days since he flew, it felt good to soar through the air again. The wind running through his mane, the feeling of total freedom and peace. He spotted an apple grove and began his descent, He landed in seemingly never ending column of apple trees. As he trotted along the column’s of apple trees his gaze fell upon a brown leather stetson hat that had abandoned by some-pony. Sky picked up the hat and tried it on.

“Eh, not my style. This probably belongs to one of the farm hands, might as well return it. Damn it! Quit talking to your self.” Sky said as he face hoofed. He then made his way towards the farm house. Sky couldn’t help but be impressed at the size of the orchard. He suddenly saw a flash of orange as something made contact with his face knocking back against a tree.

“Gotcha! Ya hat thief!” said a voice as Sky regained his vision. An orange earth pony mare with blonde hair and emerald green eyes was standing in front of him with an angry look on her face. “Thought you could get away didn’t ya?” she said as she pinned him to the ground with her front hooves. Sky managed to wiggle himself free and jump back from the enraged mare.

“Look, miss I have no idea what your talking about!” Sky said as he returned the mares intense stare. “And for the record hitting some-pony in the face is not a proper greeting method.”

“Shut it! And don’t play dumb with me, you know darn well what I’m talkin’ about. That hat you have is mine!” she said as she pointed to the hat that was resting on Sky’s head.

“Oh this thing? Why didn’t you say so? I was on my way to check the farm house to see if this belonged to any-pony.” Sky said as he took the hat off and gave it back to the orange mare. She snatched it from his hooves and placed it back on top of her head.

“Well...Thanks. Sorry for bucking ya in the face earlier.” she said as she let out a sigh. Sky then touched his right eye which winced in pain, he realized now that it was black and blue.

“It’s fine, I’ve taken worse hits. Maybe you can help me, I’m looking for some-pony name Applejack. She’s supposed to work here.”

“Yer look’n at her.” she said flatly.

“Great.” he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Why were you look’n for me anyway?” she said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Well I was going to ask-” Sky then felt his left wing clench up.

“Ask me what?” Applejack said as Sky shoved her out of the way of a rainbow mane’d pegasus’s collision path. Sky and the mare had both crash landed in a near by tree. Sky opened his eyes seeing that the cyan mare had a worried look on her face, Applejack ran up next to the cyan mare and started scolding Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow! How many times do I have to tell ya to watch where your going!”

“Ugh...My head.” Sky said as he rubbed his head and got to his hooves. Rainbow then rushed over and gave Sky a crushing hug.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! Are you alright?”

“Can’t........Breathe......” Sky managed to say through the pegasus’s iron grip.

“Sorry!” Rainbow said as she released the hug. “What are you doing out here any way? And WHAT happened to your eye?”

“Well as to what’s wrong with my eye you can ask her.” he said as he pointed at Applejack. “as to why I’m here. I was about to explain that before I was hit by SOME-PONY with a rainbow mane.” he said in an aggravated tone.

“You know this guy Rainbow?” Applejack asked as she eyed Sky with a condescending look.

“Yeah, this is the stallion I told you about! The one who saved me from the manticore.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof on Sky’s back. Applejack’s look turned from angry to surprised.

“YOU’RE THE HERO OF THE EVERFREE EVERY-PONY’S BEEN TALKIN’ ABOUT?” Applejack said in shock.

Hero of the Everfree? Where did THAT come from? Sounds cool though.

“Uh, yeah that’s me.” Sky said as he blushed in embarrassment.

“Oh my, I’m awfully sorry about bucking ya in the face earlier and accusing you of stealing ma’h hat.”

“YOU DID WHAT!?” Rainbow blurted in surprise.

“Relax Rainbow it was just a huge misunderstanding.” Sky said as he calmed the pegasus down, he then turned his attention to Applejack. “Ms. Applejack, apology accepted.” he said as his stomach let out a roar of hunger.

“Um? What was that?” Rainbow asked while trying to hold in her laughter.

“Oh, that brings me to why I’m here. I don’t suppose you have any apples you can spare.” he asked the orange mare with a blush on his face.

“I can do ya one better, and please hun, call me Applejack.” she said with a grin on her face. “Com’n RD?”

“Yeah, my shift just ended and I can use a something to hold me over till the part-” Rainbow said as she put a hoof in her mouth.

“Relax Dash, I already know about the party. I ran into Pinkie earlier today, or rather she tried to run into me and Twilight.” He said as he walked with the two mares down the pathway to that led to the farmhouse.

“What do ya mean tried?” Rainbow said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“She tried to tackle hug Twilight at lunch, but I managed to get Twilight and myself out of the way while Pinkie was in mid jump. Plus I knew she was following us for like ten minutes before she tried tackling Twilight.” he said as he continued down the path. Sky didn’t notice that the two mares had stopped in their tracks. Sky turned around to see the two ponies have looks of shock on their faces. “What?”

“You managed to avoid Pinkie Pie’s sneak attack!” Rainbow said in surprise. “I’ve been trying to do that for years.”

“Rarity said she has this habit of popping up out of nowhere at random times.”

“Yup, just last week she nearly gave me heart attack when she popped out of a barrel of apples. Ah really should have seen that coming.” Applejack said with an annoyed look on her face.

“Relax AJ, I was able to find her with my-. Never mind!” he said as adverted his eyes from the two mares.

“You were able to find her with your what?” Rainbow asked as she flew in front of him. Sky then tried to back out of the awkward question.

“Nothing Dash, just me rambling nonsense.” he said as he gave a weak grin.

“Sugar cube I can smell a lie a mile away and right now you reek of it.” Applejack said as she held a blank look on her face.

“Okay fine, I’ll tell you guys. But please keep it a secret.” Sky said as he let out a sigh.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” the two mares said in perfect unison while going through the motions.

“What was that?”

“That was a pinkie promise, Once you make it you can’t ever break it.” Rainbow said with a serious look in her eye. Off in the distance Sky could have sworn he heard some-pony yell FOREVER.

“Well what happens if you do break it?”

“Trust me sugar. You don’t want to know.” Applejack said as the memories of their last trip to Appaloosa came creeping back.

Sky looked at the two mares, who now showed eagerness in their eyes. “I’ll tell you two after I get some food in me I haven’t eaten all day. Deal?”

“Fine the farm house isn’t to far away, once were there you can take your pick.” Applejack said as she led the way.

The rest of the way was completely silent, even the rainbow speed demon was lost in thought. Sky kept digging through his mind to try and see how he was going to explain his ‘talent’ to them. As the three friends got inside Sky could smell the fresh apple pie being taken out of the oven. Sky’s eyes boggled at the steaming pie that was cooling in front of him. The three friends sat down and began to eat. Once Sky had had his slice of pie he decided to hold up his end of the bargain.

“Alright, that was best apple pie I’ve ever eaten.”

“Thank ya kindly. Now about that story.” Applejack said with a grin on her face.

“Right I haven’t forgotten. I suppose that I should start talkin. I have this little ‘talent’ that allows me to detect other ponies movements. I don’t know how it works but I get little tells that mean different things. Like when I tackled Applejack, my left wing tightened up and that means something is about to hit me. This ‘gift’ has saved my life more times than I can count.” Sky finished as he glanced back at the two mares who’s both jaws hung in amazement.

“Well all be. You’ve got Pinkie sense!” Applejack exclaimed.

“I’ve got what?”

“Pinkie has the same ability. She is able to predict things at random times.”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me! I’ve been all over Equestria and I’ve never met another pony with the same ability." their conversation was interrupted by three small fillies that came bursting into the room. A yellow earth pony, an ornage pegasus and a white unicorn

“HEY APPLE JACK WE WERE WONDERING IF-” the three fillies then saw that Applejack had company and quickly shut their mouths. Sky recognized the white unicorn instantly.

“Hey Sweetie Belle.” Sky said with a grin on his face.

“Sky!” Sweetie Belle said as she turned back to her friends. “Girls, this is the stallion that saved us from the manticore!”

“Yeah I remember you now!” said the yellow earth pony.

“Wait, I though Rainbow Dash saved us?” said the little orange pegasus.

“You’re half right darlin, Rainbow carried you three to safety while he distracted the manticore for y’all to escape.” Apple jack said as she pointed to Sky Blazer.

“See I told you that’s what happened.” Sweetie Belle said to the orange pegasus.

“I still don’t see how this guy could’ve taken down a manticore.”

Ouch! Right in the pride.

Rainbow then proceded to give the orange pegasus a light tap on the arm.

“Hey, watch it kid, this guy saved our flanks and if you don’t believe me then take a look, he’s got the scar to prove it.” Rainbow said with an angry look on her face.

“Dash!” Sky yelled as shot a dirty look at the cyan pegasus.

“Really, can we see it mister?” the earth pony asked while giving the puppy dog eyes.

How can I say no to that look?

“Applebloom! Don’t be rude to the nice stallion.” Applejack said as she glared at the little filly.

“It’s alright AJ. If they want to see it then it’s fine by me.” Sky said ash he got up and showed the them all the scar from the manticore. Sweetie Belle was glaring at it like a science project.

“Weird. It was bigger before at Rarities place.” Sweetie said as she scratched her chin. At this statement Sky hurried over to a mirror and notice that it had gotten smaller.

“Huh, you’re right it has gotten smaller. I must be a fast healer then. No biggie give it another day or so and it’ll be just another scar.” At this statement the three fillies backed away and decided to go back to playing outside. Sky then shifted his gaze back to AppleJack and Rainbow Dash who just sat there with a dumb look on their faces.

“I’m mighty sorry about that sugar cube.” Applejack said as she blushed in embarrassment.

“It’s fine AJ. I know how kids can be, they’re just curious and I’m pretty sure they didn’t mean to cause offense.” Sky said with a slight chuckle. The three small ponies suddenly zipped back into the room unannounced.

“Oh yeah I almost forgot! Hey Rainbow Dash when are you and Sky Blazer gonna get married?” the orange pegasus asked. Hearing this Rainbow’s face lit up like candle in embarrassment.

“WHAT?” Rainbow said at the top of her lungs.

“Why would you think that sugar cube?”

“Well when I was in the hospital I saw him and Rainbow sharing a hospital bed and sleeping together.” Scootaloo said now noticing an enraged Rainbow Dash glaring at her. “Well....uh...I...gotta....go.....do........ my homework. Yeah, go do my homework! See ya later.” she said as she zipped out the door, hopped onto her scooter and made tracks away from Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack suddenly had a smug grin on her face and looked toward Rainbow and Sky who were now blushing profusely.

“Well, looks like Rainbow’s found herself a colt friend.” she said in a teasing manner.

“AJ, let me explain. Rainbow was tired, so I allowed her to rest her head on my bed and she must have moved her position while she was sleeping.” Sky said as he was trying to calm the angry pegasus down.

“Right! That’s exactly what happened!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Fine, fine. I won’t pester ya about it. I’m not Rarity.” AJ said as she tipped her hat back. “Ah, just got one more question for ya sugar cube.”

“What?”

“What in the hay is that thing and why is it glowing?” Applejack said as she pointed to Sky’s necklace which was glowing brightly.

“Yeah that’s pretty weird.” Rainbow said as she eyed the piece of jewelry.

Sky pit his lower lip thinking how he could explain.

“Well, this necklace was a gift from my mother, as to why it’s glowing. I haven’t the slightest idea.” Sky said as he eyed the necklace. “Come to think of it, it was doing the same thing when Rarity was around it. Weird.”

“Well why don’t you ask your parent’s. Maybe they know the answer.” Rainbow said.

And there it is.

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re dead.” Sky said as he looked back towards the two mares who now had a sad look on their faces.

“Um....Sorry to hear that. I’m sorry for asking.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Sorry if we brought up bad memories sugar cube.” Applejack said as she put her hat back on and trotted over to Sky’s side.

“Girls it’s fine. I already told Twilight and Rarity, it would only be a matter of time before you two found out.” he said as he gave them a reassuring grin. He then saw the two mares give a nod and brought him into hug.

“Ladies I’m fine really. It’s taught me to look out for myself.” Sky said as he broke the hug.

“But, how do you cope...ya know...being alone all the time?” Applejack asked.

“I travel a lot and I meet new ponies, usually they’re nice. But eventually I take my leave and go to the next town.”

“Are, you gonna leave us?” Rainbow asked with a sad look on her face. Sky didn’t know how yo respond to this question without hurting their feelings.

“I’m not gonna lie Rainbow. Yes, I will leave eventually, but I have no idea when that is. It could be in a week, a month maybe even a year from now. Point is I don’t like to stay in one spot for too long, I have to keep going, I have to keep searching.”

“Wait searching? What are you searching for?” Rainbow asked as she backed away. Sky realized he said too much and decided that it was time for him to leave. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost dinner time.

“Well, I gotta go. See ya tonight at the party.” he said as he zipped out the door and back onto the orchard, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash sitting at the table.

Chapter 7: The Jacket

Chapter 7

The Jacket.

“Whew glad I got out of there.” Sky said as he walked to the edge of the orchard. He saw Sweetie Belle and Applebloom playing on the edge and realize Rarity said that she had to be home by dinner. He made his way over to the two playing fillies.

“Hey Sweetie Belle, Rarity said that you need to be home by supper. You’d better get going before she gets worried.”

“Oh right, see ya later Applebloom. I gotta go.” Sweetie Belle said as she trotted over to Sky’s side. The two continued down the path that led back into Ponyville not saying a word to one another until Sweetie Belle finally broke the silence.

“Um Sky, you don’t have to walk back with me.”

“I know but I want to, plus I need to pick up my jacket that your sister offered to fix up for me.” Sky said as he grinned back to the small filly.

“Um, Sky I want to apologize for Scootaloo’s behavior earlier.” she said as she looked to ground in embarrassment.

“It’s fine Sweetie, I’m used to getting asked those weird questions.”

“Well, okay.”

“I heard that you three call yourselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Mind telling me what that’s about?”

“Applebloom, Scootaloo and I are on a crusade to discover out special talents and earn our cutie marks.” Sweetie Belle said as she put on a huge smile.

“Well that’s certainly a huge undertaking. Any progress yet?”

“No, we’ve tried every thing from gardening to zip-lining.” Sweetie Belle said with an aggravated look on her face.

“How did you three-. You know what, I don’t even want to know how you three tried that.” Sky said as he let the though go.

“What’s you cutie mark mean?” she said as she glanced back at Sky’s flank. She saw a blue flame with a red center.

“Honestly, I have no idea what it means. It was just there one day.”

“Oh, well got any advise?” she asked as she looked up at sky with sad eyes.

“Well when it comes to cutie marks you usually have to stick with what you already know. What are you good at?”

“Well Scootaloo said that I’m a pretty good singer.”

“Okay, that’s good we’ve got a starting point now try and expand on that.” Sky said trying to reassure the sad unicorn.

“But I can’t sing in front of crowds, I get stage fright.”

“That’s no problem most professional performers go through that when they’re just starting out.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, have you heard of Octavia?”

“That classy cello player in Canterlot? Yeah, my sister has a few of her records, she’s really good. Why?”

“Well when I was in Baltimare I found her at a bar minutes before she was supposed to go on stage. She was a nervous wreck and I helped her calm down and she sounded great.” he said as Sweetie Belle looked back at him in amazement.

“Wow, I didn’t know you knew some-pony famous. That’s so cool.” Sweetie Belle said as they arrived at Carousel Boutique. Sky and Sweetie Belle made their way inside the boutique and headed upstairs to Rarities work room.

“Hey, Rarity sorry we took so long.”

“Sky, how wonderful to see you I’m just finishing up the final touches on your jacket. And you brought Sweetie Belle back, how generous.” She said as she turned to face the stallion with a smile on her face.

“Yeah I was down at Sweet Apple Acres talking to Applejack and Rainbow Dash when Sweetie Belle and her friends were playing. So when I decided to leave it only made sense that I bring her along. Plus I wanted to see how my jacket turned out.” Sky said as he eyed his jacket. It was still jet black but this time it had a blue stripe stretching down the back, and to end of the sleeves.

“I just need to fix this pocket here. But I cannot get this open! I’ve been trying all afternoon.” she said as she glared back at the jacked in rage. Sky then remembered the enchantment he had a unicorn put on his jacket.

“Uh....Rarity.”

“Yes?”

“I probably should have told you this earlier. I had a unicorn put an enchantment on my pockets so only I can open them. Sorry.” he said with a weak grin and scratching the back of his mane.

“WHAT!?”

“When I was in Detrot, the place was literally filled with thieves and muggers. So I had a unicorn cast a spell so no-pony could steal my bits. Hang on.” Sky said as he trotted over to the jacket an opened the pockets. “See.”

“Oh well that explains it. I’m sorry for that outburst earlier.” she said as she returned to her work. “I hope Sweetie Belle didn’t disturb your visit at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“No no, It was fine, she didn’t bother me at all.”

“And.......Done! Sky your jacket is now repaired. Do you like it?” Rarity asked as Sky put on the jacket and moved around in it. Once he was done he turned to Rarity with a blank stare.

“No, I don’t like it.”

Rarities heart sank at the statement. “Oh I’m so sorry darling, I tried my best.”

“Let me finish, I don’t like it. I LOVE IT! It’s completely different than before, I was hoping to make some modifications to it, I would’ve asked earlier but I didn’t want to intrude.” Sky said as he smiled. Rarities heart skipped a beat and glared back at him basking in her work.

“Thank you darling you’re too kind.” Rarity said as Sweetie Belle trotted up next to sky and began to eye his jacket

“I still don’t see why you needed to put a lock spell on your pockets, they don’t look like they hold much.” she said as she was examining the jacket on Sky. Sky decided to tell them one of the bonus’s his jacket has.

“A good point Sweetie Belle, you see this jacket has a few tricks. Like my pockets you see, the pockets are bigger on the inside.” Sky said as he pulled out a massive book from his pocket. Rarity and Sweetie Belle’s jaws hit the floor at the size of the book.

“How is that possible?” Rarity exclaimed.

“I had a unicorn put an extension charm on the pockets.” Sky said as he put the book back in his pocket. “This thing is really handy, so I can have all my stuff on me at once.” he said as he grinned back at Rarity and Sweetie Belle who had gotten over the initial shock.

“Wow, first you save me, then you tell me you know Octavia and now you have a jacket with bottomless pockets. THIS.IS. SO. COOL!!” Sweetie Belle squeaked in delight. Rarity hearing that last comment stared at Sky in amazement.

“Wait, you know Octavia? How?” Rarity asked.

“I helped her with some stage fright issues before a show and we became close friends afterwards.” Sky said proudly.

“Oh my, I had no idea you had such connections with the higher ups of society.”

“I usually don’t like to let others know, they would bombard me with pointless questions.” Sky said as he glanced at the clock.

“Wow it got late quick, thanks Rarity I gotta go. See ya later Sweetie Belle.” Sky said as he zoomed out the door.