The Sparkle of his Eye

Chapters

Chapter 1: Arrival
Chapter 2: Ponyville
Chapter 3: Setting Up Shop
Chapter 4: An Egg Heads Guide to Art
Chapter 5: Hearts and Hooves Day
Chapter 6: The Ultimatum
Chapter 7: The Truth
Chapter 8: Rehabilitation
Chapter 9: A Bright Future Ahead
Epilogue

Chapter 1: Arrival

Chapter 1: Arrival.

It’s been thirteen years, thirteen long years since Ink Blot, a jet black unicorn stallion with a black mane and a white stripe in the center had lost his sight. He had managed to find an alternate way to see using his other four senses, his hearing, touch and sense of smell were extremely sharp. Those were his back up, his magic had become extremely useful in the past few years, he could see an echo of objects when he sent out a pulse of magic form his horn. He kept his eyes hidden behind a pair of white polarized sunglasses to hide the scars, from the ‘accident.’ He sat on the train that was inbound to the small town of Ponyville, he had moved there to get away from all of his problems in Manehattan.

Ink kept to himself most of the time, he didn’t want to be bothered with the problems of other ponies lives. He could feel the wheels hitting the tracks and hear the pony sitting across from him flip the pages of her magazine. Ink sniffed the air, she smelled of tulips and butterscotch. he sent out a pulse from his horn that outlined the mare in a yellow aura. His magical pulse was invisible to every-pony except for him. The mare looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Can I help you with something?” she asked.

“No. Why?”

“You were looking at me, weren’t you?”

“No. Just staring off into space.” he said in a low tone.

“Well could you please not do that in my direction, it’s a little creepy.” she said in a flat tone.

“Sorry.” he said as he turned his head towards the window. He never told any-pony that he couldn’t see, partially because if he did then he’d be lying. He didn’t want to tell others, he didn’t want their pity, sympathy or special treatment. All he wanted to do was live his life like every-pony else. He felt the brakes engage the wheels and the train come to a stop, Ink got to this hooves and levitated his belongings onto his back. He sent out another pulse and began to walk towards the exit of the train car. He stepped onto the wooden platform of the train station and marched into town.

Okay...made it to Ponyville, all I need to do is keep a low profile. Now to get a layout of the town.

What do you think? 100 meters?

200, just to be thorough. His horn began to glow and the small town’s outline became clear to him, as the pulse moved through the town he noticed several outlines of ponies, each having a different color aura to them. Ink continued to make his way through the town his vision was suddenly clouded by a bright pink glow.

“Hi there!” she yelled. “Ooh, a new pony in town YAY!” she yelled in excitement. Ink’s ears quivered at the amount of volume she was using.

“Hi.” he answered in a low tone.

“Welcome to Ponyville! I’m Pinkie Pie! You can all me Pinkie, all my friends do.” she then let out a gasp. “Do you wanna be friends?” Ink looked at the mare in surprise.

So much for keeping a low profile.

“Um...sure.” he said nervously.

“YAY! See you later!” she said as the oink blob vanished from his ‘sight’.

What.....the.....buck?

Here five minutes and you’re already making friends.

Shut up. he thought to himself as he continued down the path way. He sent out another pulse and saw an object speeding towards him, he quickly ducked at the object flew over his head and landed in a nearby bush. He trotted over to the object and stamped his foot on the ground sending vibrations through the dirt outlining what appeared to be a pegasus mare.

“Ow...my head.” she said as she got to her hooves.

“What’s the matter with you? You could’ve killed me!” he yelled.

“Sorry, I was trying out a new trick and I-”

“Rainbow! How many times have ah told ya to watch where your going?” said a thick southern voice. Ink tapped his hoof again, the voice came from an earth pony mare. “Are you alright there?” she said as she looked at him.

“Yes. You’re friend here missed by by about five inches.” he said as he pointed to the pegasus who was getting to her hooves.

“I said I was sorry.” she said in an annoyed tone.

“Still Rainbow, you almost turned.....what’s yer name?”

“Ink Blot.”

“Right, you almost turned Ink here into a pancake.” she said as he quietly began to walk away from the feuding mares. Ink had no intention of getting a migraine on his first day in the small town. He continued to make his way through the town when he felt something hard hit his side, causing him to fall over onto his side. He sent out another pulse, this time it was a unicorn mare that was holding what looked like a book.

“Sorry about that I, was so busy reading this book that I forgot to look where I was going.”

Okay, I’m the blind one here and these mares seem to run into more things in one day than I do in a year.

“It’s fine. Accident’s happen.” he said as he helped the mare to her hooves. Her outline had a deep purple glow.

“Thanks, my name is Twilight Sparkle.” she said as she put her hoof out.

“Ink Blot.” he said as he shook her outstretched hoof.

“Nice to meet you Ink.” she said with a smile. He turned around to hear two familiar voices.

“There he is.” the pegasus said. “Hey where’d you go?”

“I continued walking.”

“Ya could have at least told us that instead of pulling a disappearing act.” the southerner said.

“You two seemed to be having a conversation and I didn’t want to interrupt.” he said in a sarcastic voice.

“You two know him?” Twilight said as she raised an eyebrow.

“We just bumped into him.” Rainbow said.

“Well...almost crashed into is more accurate.” he said as he looked at the mare. Rainbow stuck her tongue out at him.

“Rainbow, how many times have we-” she started.

“Yeah yeah, AJ already gave me the rant.” Ink was quickly becoming annoyed with the mares. “So why did you run off on us anyway?”

“Ugh, look I’m trying to find where Vinyl Scratch lives. Do any of you know where that is?” he said with a grumble.

“You know Vinyl?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah we’re old friends, she’s letting me crash at her place until the rest of my stuff get’s here.”

“I know where she is. I was heading in that direction anyway.” she said with a smile.

“Okay then, lead the way.”

“I’ll see you girls later.” she said as she waved goodbye to the mares.The dark stallion followed the purple outline through the street’s of Ponyville. “So Ink, what do you do?”

“I’m an artist.”

“Really? That’s interesting, what kind of art do you do?”

“All kinds; sculpting, painting, drawing that sort of stuff. What about you?”

“I run the library.” she said with a smile.

Oh great. Just what I need, a book.

“That must get boring.”

“No, I really enjoy learning. What about you?”

“I’m not much of a reader.” he said in a low tone. Twilight stopped in front of a large house.

“Well here you go. I’d go up to chat but I’ve got some errands to run.”

“Thanks Twilight.”

“No problem and feel free to stop by the library any time.” she said with a smile. The mare continued along her way leaving Ink at the front door of the house. He could hear a steady rhythm of dubsteb could be heard from inside. The unicorn trotted up to the door and gave it a loud knock. Ten seconds later it opened to reveal a white unicorn mare with an electric blue mane and a pair of purple shades propped above her horn.

“INK!” she yelled as she wrapped him in a hug. “Bout time you got here!” she teased.

“Sorry I was met with a few.....distractions.” he said as he stepped inside.

“Was one of them a pony named Pinkie?” he nodded. “Figured.”

“Plus I almost got smashed by some crazy pegasus mare.”

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Yep.”

“Have any difficulty finding the place?”

“No, a mare named Twilight showed me the way.”

“Oh yeah Twilight is so nice. Does she know about-”

“No, no one does except for you and I would like to keep it that way if you don’t mind.”

“Okay...I understand. How are your eyes anyway?”

“Same as ever.”

“And that spell is working?”

“Better than ever, I can now see farther than 300 meters if I concentrate.” he said with smile.

“Not to bad for a blind pony.” she teased.

“That hurts.” he said in a playful tone. “So hows the music business going? I’ve bought a few of your albums.”

“Awwe, thanks. It’s going great. How’s your art coming along?”

“It’s getting there. Thanks again for letting me stay here while my house is finished up.”

“No problem. What are you putting in anyway?” she asked as she sat down on the couch.

“Sound proof room.”

“.......Oh, for a studio right?”

“Bingo, you know me so well.” he said with a smile. “So you’re roommate doesn’t mind me crashing on the couch?”

“Nah, she’s actually away in Canterlot at a gig.”

“She’s in the music business too?”

“Yeah, she plays the cello for the Canterlot symphony.”

“That’s cool, I’m not much for classical stuff though.” he said as he sat down next to the mare. “I’ll be out of here in three days at the least.”

“Stay as long as you want, it’s no trouble.” she said with a smile.

“Thanks Vi, you’re the best.”

“I know. How about I give you a tour around town?”

“Sure why not.” he said as he got to his hooves.

“Awesome!” she said as they walked out the door and back onto the busy street. They began to reminisce about the old days. “Remember Professor Note?”

“Oh man, that stallion was hilarious!” he said as he let out a laugh. He felt small shiver run down his spine. “Yes Rainbow?” he said as he looked up towards a cloud. The cyan mare’s head popped out of the cloud in surprise, she flew to the ground in front of the two unicorns.

“How did you know it was me?”

“I have a sense that tells me when a crash test dummy is nearby.” he said with a smirk. Rainbow glared at him in surprise.

“Watch it pal!” she said as she raised a hoof.

“Oh we’re pals now?” he said with a smile.

“Whatever, any pony that’s able to dodge me while I’m at full speed has got my respect.” the cyan outline said with a smile. “I still don’t see how you were able to dodge me.”

“I saw you coming and I reacted.”

“You must have really good eyesight.” Ink narrowed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

“Yeah something like that.” Vinyl had a nervous look on her face. “So do you need something?”

“Just wanted to chat.” she said as she began to walk with the two unicorns.

“Okay about what?”

“Well how do you know Vinyl?”

“We go way back. We went to the same school in Manehattan when we were foals.” she said with a smile.

“Manehattan huh? So why did you come here?”

“I never really liked the big city, I always felt more at home in small towns. They’re a lot less noisy.” he said with a smile.

“So what do you do?”

“I’m an artist.”

“Really? So you paint?”

“I paint, sculpt, draw, almost anything.” Rainbow looked at him in surprise.

“Hey you should draw me, I am one of a kind after all.” she said with a cocky tone. Ink shook his head and let out a small laugh.

“Maybe, once my house is finished and I set up my studio.” he said with a smile.

“Awesome! Just make sure you don’t screw it up.” she said in a playful tone. Ink rolled his eyes at the comment.

“Eh, I’ve seen better.” he teased. He looked over to a bush and raised an eyebrow. “Need something Pinkie?” the others looked over to the bush to see a bright pink mare pop her head out of the bush.

“Awe, how did you know it was me?”

“I could hear you giggling to yourself.” he said as he pointed to his ears.

“You must be really good at hide and seek!”

“I guess so.” he shrugged. “How much did you hear?”

“Oh I heard everything. So you’re really an artist?”

“Yes.”

“Can you show us something?” Pinkie asked with a smile.

“Well..I-”

“Awe come on Inky, Please?” Vinyl said as she made a pouting face.

“Ugh! Vinyl how many times have I told you not to call me that!” he said in an annoyed tone.

“Around 275 times, but who’s counting?”

“Fine.” he breathed out. Ink summoned a sketch pad and began to draw. “Hold still.” the pencil began to move rapidly. He turned the piece of paper over to reveal a black and white portrait of the three mares standing there. Their jaws dropped at the spectacle.

“WOW That is so awesome!” Rainbow yelled.

“Nice to see you haven’t lost your touch.” Vinyl said with a nod.

“That’s super duper cool!” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Thanks, but I’m still rusty.” he said as he made duplicates of the pictures and handed them to the mares. “I’ll hold onto the original but you guys can have the copies.” the mares smiled in delight as he made the original vanish.

“Sweet! I gotta go bye!” Pinkie said as she took the picture and trotted away.

“Thanks Ink. I’ll see ya later.” Rainbow said as she zoomed away from the unicorns.

“Are they always like that?”

“Oh yeah, you’ll get used to them. On with the tour!” she said as she led them to another shop. As they stepped inside Ink immediately cringed back and began to cough. “What’s wrong?”

“Celestia almighty! What is that smell?” he said as he held his snout.

“What? It’s perfume.” Vinyl said as she sniffed the air.

“Well who ever own this joint should tone it down a little.” he said as he stepped back into the shop. He heard hoof steps coming towards them.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique how can I-....Oh Vinyl! Darling it’s been ages.”

“Hey Rarity how’s it going?”

“Good, what brings you here?”

“Just showing my friend around Ponyville.” she said as she put an arm over the stallions neck. Ink tapped the floor and got another outline. He nodded at the mare who returned the gesture.

“Nice to meet you sir, I am Rarity.” something clicked in the back of Ink’s mind

“Rarity?....I’ve heard that name before.”

“Really?”

“Yeah one of my client’s mentioned that name.....Do you know a Fancy Pants?” Rarities eyes boggled.

“You know Fancy?”

“Yeah. I’m Ink Blot by the way.” he said with a smile.

“Nice to meet you. What did you mean by he was a client of yours?”

“Oh I did his and his wife’s self portrait.”

“You’re a painter! How delightful.” she said with a smile.

“Just an artist in general.” he said in a bashful tone. Rarity looked at the clock and let out a small squeal.

“I’d love to stay and chat but I simply must get this order filled.” she said with a worried tone in her voice.

“That’s fine. Goodbye.” Vinyl said as the two unicorns trotted out of the shop. “Looks like it’s getting late, wanna grab a bite at Sugar Cube Corner?”

“Sure.” he said as they made their way through Ponyville. They arrived at the bakery and Ink stopped. Vinyl looked back at him in surprise.

“What’s up?”

“Why are there around twenty ponies in there?”

“Ugh! Buzz-killer. It’s a party for you, Pinkie throws one for all the new ponies that come here.”

“Is it going to be loud?”

“Yeah.” Ink summoned a pair of headphones and placed them over his ears. “You still use those things?”

“I’m already blind Vi. I don’t want to be deaf.” he said as they walked inside. The light’s turned on and the ponies jumped to their hooves.

“SURPRISE!” they yelled. Ink saw many different colored outlines smiling at him. A bright pink one suddenly popped up in front of him.

“Well how does it look?”

“Looks great.” he said with a weak smile.

“YAY!” she said before she disappeared again. Ink made his way over to a familiar cyan and purple outline. The ponies began to talk while Ink listened, he then felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked over to see Twilight staring at him.

“You know it’s kind of rude to be listening to music while we’re talking to you.”

“I’m not listening to music.”

“Then why are you wearing these.” Twilight asked as she took them off his ears.

“NO DON’T-” the wave of sound beat against his ears. He instantly put his hooves over his hears trying to muffle the sound. He dropped his head on the table in pain.

“INK! You okay?” Rainbow asked.

“Just...give those back!”Twilight handed the headphones to him and he quickly slipped them on. He let out a sigh as the sounds began to fade. “Don’t do that!”

“What was that about?” Rainbow asked.

“I have really sensitive hearing, these help ‘lower the volume’ so to speak.” he said as he pointed to the headphones. “I only use them when I’m in a loud place.”

“Oh...I’m so sorry I didn’t know.” Twilight said with a sad look on her face.

“It’s fine.” he said as his ‘vision’ returned.

“So...Rainbow tells me your an artist.” she said as she tried to change the subject.

“Yeah.”

“That’s neat, what kind of art?”

“Drawings, sculpting, painting stuff like that.”

“Cool. Can we see something?”

“Um...sure hang on a second.” his horn glowed and a small bag appeared. He pulled out a small wad of white clay and he began to shape it with his magic. A small model of a pony was forged in a matter of seconds. “Ta da.”

“Amazing.” Twilight said as she looked at the figurine.

“Eh...I’ve seen better.” Rainbow said with a smug grin.

“Rainbow I only accept constructive criticism.”

“I’m just saying you could do something bigger.” she said as she floated above him.

“Oh..Bigger, I can do that.” he suddenly pulled out a much bigger wad of clay and formed it into a ball. “Think fast!” he said as he threw the wad at the pegasus, Ink’s horn ignited and the clay turned into a small cage that stuck the pegasus to the wall.

“What the heck!?” she said.

“I call this piece ‘Capturing the Rainbow’ has a nice ring to it.” he said with a smug grin. Twilight let out a small giggle at the joke.

“Let me out!” she said as she tried to hit the clay bars. Ink’s horn began to glow and the clay began to retreat from the pegasus. Ink placed it back inside the bag and teleported it out of the building.

“Still have any comments?”

“Sorry.”she said in a defeated tone and went to go get a drink.

“How did you do that?” Twilight asked.

“Just a trick I made up.” Rainbow stuck her tongue out at him behind his back. “Sticking your tongue out at some-pony is very rude Dash.” the ponies looked at him in surprise.

“How did you see that?” Rainbow asked as she walked over to them.

“I developed a spell that allows me to see 360 degrees.”

“How does that work?” Twilight asked.

“I send out a pulse of magic from my horn that bounces off hard surfaces, when it comes back I get a mental image.”

“So you have eyes in the back of your head?” Applejack asked.

“Pretty much yeah.”

“Why do you need a spell like that?” Twilight asked. Ink bit his lower lip.

“Well, I grew up in Manehattan so I always had to be careful. It was a way to see if any-pony was following me or who would try to mug me.” he said in a flat tone. “I’d better get going, I’ll see you guys around.” he said as he got to his hooves and walked towards the exit, Vinyl soon caught up to him and the two left together.

“He seems nice.” Pinkie said with a smile.

“I don’t know....he’s hiding something.” Rainbow said as she narrowed her eyes.

“Calm down Rainbow. He seems really interesting, I’d love to learn that spell he uses.” Twilight chimed in.

“I still think that he’s hiding something and I’m gonna find out what it is!” she said as she raised her hoof.

“Whatever Rainbow.” Applejack said as she rolled her eyes.

Back at Vinyls house the two unicorns made their way inside, Vinyl threw on the light switch and made her way upstairs.

“I’m just gonna take a quick shower.”

“Okay, third door on the left.” she said as she trotted into her room. Ink made his way into the shower and turned on the hot water. He removed his glasses and sat inside, allowing the warm water to wash over him. He ‘looked’ down at the floor and some blood splattered on the floor, his tears were dark red. The stallion turned off the water and threw his glasses on. Ink made his way down stairs and positioned himself on the couch. He summoned his ear phones and turned them up to the ‘mute’ option. He laid down and began to sleep.

Chapter 2: Ponyville

Chapter 2

Ponyville

15 years ago.

Ink walked down a white tile hallway as he looked around to see unfriendly faces. As he got to his locker he felt some-pony barge into him and push him to the ground. He looked up to see a massive blue Pegasus colt glaring down at him. His gaze seemed to burn a hole through Ink’s own eyes, which were filled with fear.

“Watch it loser!” the colt bellowed as he stepped on his books. Ink quickly picked up his things and hurried to the back of the lunch room where no-pony sat. He set his lunch tray down and started to eat his salad, Ink opened his book and began to read the chapter. As he levitated his dandelion sandwich to his mouth he felt his head being slammed against the table. “Thanks for the lunch, blank flank.” the colt said as he took the food from him. Ink raised his head and let out a heavy sigh, his stomach then let out a loud growl.

Guess no lunch today....again. he picked up his books and moved out into the hallway. He reopened his book and continued where he left off. As lunch reached the halfway mark a shadow fell on the page of his book. He looked up to see a white unicorn filly with an electric blue mane and vibrant red eyes looking at him.

“Hey why are you sitting out here by yourself?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I just like to be by myself.” he said in a low tone. His stomach let out a massive growl which caused the filly to giggle.

“What was that? Didn’t you eat lunch?”

“No.” he said as he hung his head.

“Oh...well. You can have half of my sandwich.” she said as she levitated half a sandwich over to him. Ink looked at her in surprise.

“Um..thanks.” he said as he ate the food. The filly sat next to him and began to eat her half. The bell rang and the two got to their hooves.

“Hey what’s your name?” she asked.

“It’s Ink Blot.” he said in a surprised tone.

“Mine’s Vinyl Scratch. I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Y-yeah. Sure.” she smiled at him and left to go to her class.

What just happened? he quickly dismissed the thought and hurried into his history class. The rest of the day progressed as it usually did, Ink dealing with paper airplanes, crumpled up paper balls and the occasional spit wad being thrown a him. Soon enough it was time for his last class, Art. Ink made his way into the large room and took his usual seat at the back of the class, Away from every-pony else, not that they’d ever want to sit by him. The teacher, a bright green earth pony mare with yellow hair stood in front of the class.

“Good afternoon class. We have a new student joining us today, let’s have a warm welcome for Vinyl Scratch.” she said as she stepped aside to reveal the white filly from lunch.

“Hey what’s up?” she said in a cheery voice.

“Okay Vinyl, let’s sit you next to....Ink.” his head shot up hearing his name.

“Wha-huh?” he said in confusion. The other ponies chuckled at him. Vinyl took the seat next to him.

“Looks like we have the same art class, cool.” Ink nodded and continued to focus on his work. As he looked up his face collided with a spit ball. He wiped the paper off his face to see the colt’s and fillies from across the room laughing at him. He kept his head down, he then heard sounds of discomfort. Ink looked back up to see that some of the ponies had spitballs on their faces. He looked over at Vinyl who tore another piece of paper out and chewed it into a small ball, she put a straw to her mouth and returned fire. Just in time for the teacher to turn around.

“Vinyl! You and Ink have detention after class.” she said in a stern voice. Vinyl let out an irritated sigh and looked over at Ink who frowned at her.

“Thanks a lot.” he said in a harsh tone.

“Sorry.” she said as she put on a sheepish grin. The rest of the class got to their hooves and left at 3:30pm. Vinyl and Ink remained behind for detention. The teacher let them go at 4:15pm. As the two walked out of the room Vinyl tapped him on the shoulder. “Hey sorry about before.”

“Just leave me be.” he said as he continued walking.

“Hey, I was only trying to help you out!” she protested.

“Look, it’s gonna be better for both of us if you just leave me alone!” he said as he quickened his pace and ran out of the building onto the city streets. As he made his way home he was cornered by the blue Pegasus colt form before.

“Well, looks like we found ourselves a lost skunk.” he said as the two other colt’s surrounded him. Ink looked for an escape route but found none. “Whatcha got in the bag?”

“N-nothing just my homework-” the colt took the bag and continued to rip up his school work.

“Oops.” the colt said in a sarcastic tone. Ink tried to pick up the shredded remains of his work, but he soon felt a hoof collide with his face. Ink got to his hooves just in time for two more hooves to hit his stomach. Ink’s eyes began to tear up as he slumped to the ground. “What a little filly! Can’t take a few punches.”the blue stallion continued to kick him in the stomach and leave him on the ground. Ink slowly got to his hooves, he limped over to his saddle bags and slowly made his way home. As he walked in the door his mother a bright red unicorn mare with a brown mane greeted him.

“Hello Ink how was-...Oh my Celestia! Ink, what happened to your eye?” she said as she hurried over to him.

“Nothing mom, I just...bumped into a door knob at school.” he said as he trotted past her and hurried up to his room. He closed the door, laid on his bed and curled up into a ball as he began to cry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink woke up on the couch in a cold sweat, he ‘looked’ around to see that he was in Vinyls house. He walked over to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on his face to help slow his heart beat.

Calm down. That happened a long time ago. he thought to himself. Ink then heard a knock on the bathroom door.

“Ink? You okay in there?” a familiar voice asked.

“Y-yeah. Just a nightmare.” he said as he trotted out of the bathroom.

“You still have those? Was it about-”

“No. It was the day we first met, remember?”

“Yeah.” she said with a grin.

“What time is it anyway?”

“Around 9:00am.” she said as she glanced at the clock.

“How about some breakfast then?”

“Yeah sure, Sugar Cube Corner sound good?”

“All right .” he said as he put his glasses on and trotted out of the door next to Vinyl. He sent out another pulse and the town was illuminated. He then saw a purple outline approaching them.

“Morning Ink, morning Vinyl.” Twilight said with a grin.

“Hey Twilight.”

“Hi.”

“So what are you two doing?” she asked.

“We’re about to grab something to eat, wanna come?” Vinyl said with a grin.

“Sure. I was heading there myself.” she said as she walked next to the dark stallion. Ink couldn’t help notice how radiant Twilight’s outline was. The three unicorns walked into Sugar Cube Corner and grabbed a booth.

“I’m gonna go to the mare’s room.” Vinyl said as she got to her hooves. Twilight looked over at Ink who looked like he was staring into space.

“So Ink, you and Vinyl have known each other a long time?”

“Yeah since we were foals.”

“Are you two.....together?” Ink let out a laugh at the statement.

“No, she’s just my best friend.”

“You said you grew up in Manehattan?”

“Yeah, rough neighborhood.” he said in a flat tone.

“So how did you two meet?”

“Well, one day I forgot my lunch and Vinyl came over and gave me half of her sandwich.” he lied.

“Awwe. That was sweet of her.” she said with a grin.

“Yeah.”

“So listen, I was thinking about that spell you told me about last night, the 360 degree vision one.” Ink nodded. “I was wondering if you could show me how it works.” she said with a small blush on her face. Ink looked back at her with a cold expression on his face.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“The risk is too great.”

“What risk? It’s just a spell.”

“This isn’t like some simple spell Twilight, it’s dangerous.” he said in a flat tone.

“How can it be-”

“Hey guys! What can I get you?” Pinkie said as she withdrew a pen and paper, Vinyl returned just in time to order.

“I’ll have some pancakes.” Vinyl said.

“I’ll take some oatmeal.” Twilight added.

“Same as Twilight.” Ink said.

“Okay. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” she said as she trotted away with a grin on her face.

“So Twilight, what do you do? Besides being the librarian I mean.” Ink asked trying to change the subject.

“Well, I do research for Princess Celestia.”

“WHAT?” he said in surprise.

“I’m her personal protegee, so I send her reports on anything I find interesting.” she said with a grin.

“That must be fun. What happens if you turn in a report late?” Twilight’s eye began to twitch as her mind flashed back to the Smarty Pant’s doll incident.

“It’s only when I find something that I make a report.”

“Oh, I see.” he said as their food arrived.

“This looks really good.” Twilight said with a smile. Ink threw on a fake smil, he sent out a more concentrated pulse to outline the food. The three finished eating and made their way out of the shop.

“Well, I have to head to the music shop. What about you?”

“I have to swing by the post office to see if my stuff is here.” Ink said.

“I need to send a letter to my brother anyway, so I’ll be heading there as well.” she lied.

“Okay then. I’ll see you two later.” she said as she trotted away from them Ink looked at Twilight.

“Twilight, don’t lie to me.”

“What? I wasn’t lying.”

“Yes, you were.” he stammered. “When somepony lies their heart rate increases, yours just skipped a beat.” Twilight looked at him in shock.

“How do you know that?”

“The pulse I send out can detect the smallest change if I concentrate.” he said as he started to walk down the road with the lavender mare beside him.

“Another reason I want to learn this spell.”

“Too bad, I’m not teaching you.”

“Fine. I’ll just look it up then.” she said as she stuck her tongue out at him.

“That won’t work either, this spell is 100% original.” Twilight looked at him in surprise.

“YOU made the spell?”

“Yes, and I’m the only one who knows how it works.”

“Ugh! You are impossible to talk to!” she complained.

“Yup. Just how I like it.” he said as he walked into the post office. He made his way over to the counter and waited until a teller was free.

“Next?” the teller said.

“Hi. I’m expecting something from Manehattan.”

“Name?”

“Ink Blot.” the teller sifted through the paper work and pulled out a brown box.

“Here you go.” she said as she handed him a large box.

“Thank you ma’am.” he said as he levitated the box onto his back and trotted out of the post office with Twilight walking next to him.

“What’s in the box?”

“Is every mare in Ponyville as curious as you?” Twilight frowned at him.

“I just want to know more about you. Is that so wrong?”

“Trust me, the less you know about me the better.” he said as he trotted away from the mare. Twilight looked in confusion as the dark stallion left her side. She rolled her eyes and continued back to the library.

Ink made his way through the town with his package on his back. His mind tried to calm itself down from the conversation with Twilight.

Why is she so nosy?

She want’s to learn.

I CAN’T teach her that spell.

That was a long time ago and-

NO! I won’t risk that again.

You need to stop doubting yourself.

YOU need to SHUT UP. He dismissed the thought’s as he opened the door to Vinyls house, he then ‘saw’ a charcoal outline standing at the base of the stairs. “Can I help you?” he asked.

“Who are you?” she asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Ink Blot....I’m guessing that you must be Octavia correct?”

“You must be Vinyl’s friend from Manehattan.” Ink nodded. “Well, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” she said as she shook the stallions hoof.

“Likewise.” he said as he trotted over and opened the box. It was filled with his acrylic paint, pencils an assorted paint brushes. Octavia looked over his shoulder and looked at the box.

“Why do you have paint brushes?”

“I’m an artist.”

“But...Vinyl told me that you were blind.” Ink’s eyes shrank at the statement.

“SHE TOLD YOU?” he said as he looked at the mare.

“Yes, don’t worry I didn’t tell anypony else.” he sent out a pulse and saw that she was telling the truth.

“Thank you and PLEASE don't tell anypony.” he pleaded

“I will, but I still don’t see how you’re able to paint.”

“Fine I’ll show you.” he said as he summoned a piece of white canvas and a pencil. “Feel the canvas.” Octavia put a hoof against the art supply and rubbed the surface.

“It feels normal to me.” she said as she removed her hoof.

“Just wait.” he sent out a pulse and shot a bolt at the canvas. “Now feel it.” Octavia complied and repeated the action, this time there was a rough surface as she moved to the corners the rough patch vanished. “Shade over the rough patch.” he said as he handed her the pencil. She did as asked, soon a face shot of her soon appeared on the canvas. Her jaw dropped at the spectacle.

“How did you do that?”

“Did Vinyl tell you how I ‘see’?”

“Something about a magic pulse right?”

“Correct. My ‘pulse’ takes a mental snapshot of what ever I focus on. I then take the image and stencil it onto the canvas, the I trace over it.” Octavia nodded.

“But what about color?”

“Living things give off a type of aura that I can see with my pulse. For example you give off a lightish grey aura. If I concentrate I can focus it on specific parts of the subject.....your eyes are...a deep purple correct?”

“Y-yes! That’s amazing! But what about the paint?”

"It's mixed with magic. I enchanted the paint so they glow their color. So I know which ones to use." he finidhed.

"That's brilliant!" she exclaimed.

"Not too bad for a blind stallion.” he said with a smile, the door suddenly opened to reveal Vinyl with a grin on her face. Ink rushed over to her with a cross look on his face.

“What’s up Ink?”

“If I could see, my eyes would be boring a hole through you right now Vinyl!” he bellowed.

“What are you-” she then noticed Octavia leaving the two unicorns while whistling a tune with an uneasy look strewn across her face. “I’m really, really sorry Ink. I had to tell Octavia.” she said in a sad tone.

“Did you tell her how?”

“No. I’d never tell anypony about...that.” Ink let out a heavy sigh and looked back at the mare. He sent out a pulse and gave a slight nod.

“Okay, who else have you told?”

“No pony, I swear!” she said with tears starting to form in her eyes.

“You’re not lying.” he said in relief.

“You...used it on me?” she said in shock.

“Well considering you practically told her my biggest secret. I need to be sure I can still trust you.” he said in a cold tone.

“Look Ink, I messed up. But it was the only way you could stay here.” she said with sadness in her voice.

“Well that’s no longer a problem. The last of my stuff arrived to day and I’m moving in to my place this afternoon.” his voice barren of any emotion.

“Do you want some help?” she asked trying to hold back her tears.

“If you want to.” he said as he put his supplies back into the box. He trotted past her and let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry. It’s just that....you know how I feel about my...situation.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have told her. Friends?” she asked with a weak smile.

“Yeah.” he said as he gave her a quick hug. “C’mon I may need you to help me sign some stuff.” he said with a laugh. The two ponies walked outside, back onto the streets of Ponyville.

Chapter 3: Setting Up Shop

Chapter 3

Setting Up Shop

The two unicorns had arrived at the house and began unpacking Inks art supplies. He trotted over to a large empty room lined with foam and had a massive window facing the rest of the house. Ink dropped the box and pulled out a large black safe, he set it in the corner away from everything else. Ink trotted out of the room and made his way over to Vinyl who was almost done unpacking a box of clay.

“Thanks for the help Vi.”

“No problem. Sorry for telling Tavi about...you know.”

“It’s fine.” he said as he waved a hoof. Vinyl smiled at him and pulled out an old photograph. Three pony bodies were seen, a jet black unicorn colt with a bright red unicorn mare standing behind him. The top half of a grey stallion was torn off. Vinyl looked at the photo in surprise. She set it back down in the box and withdrew a rolled up piece of parchment, she flattened it out to see that it was a portrait of her.

“What’s that?” he asked as he trotted over to her.

“The painting you made of me when we were in school.” she said in amazement. “Y-you kept this?” she asked.

“I never throw away good memories.” he said with t a smile. Vinyl returned the gesture and finished unpacking the last of the boxes.

“I gotta head back to the shop. We’ll catch up later okay?”

“Sure, I think I’ll go find a place to draw.” he said as he lifted his supplies on to his back.

“Okay, see you later then.” Vinyl said with a smile. Ink mad his way out into the street and walked towards the outskirts of the town. His gaze then fell upon a wide landscape covered in trees, he found a spot at the top of a hill overlooking the orchard. Ink withdrew his canvas, and pencils. He focused his pulse to outline every tree in the orchard, including the barn, the plow left in the middle of the field and the sleeping orange blob underneath one of the trees. Ink’s horn glowed as the pulse came back to him. He focused the imprinted outline of the scenery and began to trace over the now rigid outline. He put his assortment of pencils beside him and began to fill in the canvas with life. As he reached the halfway mark, the stallion heard hoof steps coming up behind him, he sent out another pulse to see an orange outline facing his direction.

“Can ah help you?” she said in a thick southern accent.

“Sorry, I was just drawing. Hope you don’t mind.” he said with a smile.

“What are ya drawing?” Ink pointed to the canvas to show a half done painting. The mare’s jaw dropped at the sight. “That’s fantastic!”

“Thank you. You’re Applejack right?”

“Yep.”

“Thank’s for letting me use your land for the drawing, if you want a copy I’d be more than happy to make another one.”

“Oh ah couldn’t ask ya for something like that.”

“I insist, think of it as payment for allowing me the use of your land.” he said with a smile.

“Well....Okay.” she said with a smile. “I’ll leave you to it then.” Ink gave her a nod and continued working on the art work. The image became clearer and clearer with each stroke of his pencil, he wiped the sweat from his brow as he finished his art work. He took a second to take in his work and let out a heavy sigh.

Not too bad. Ink made a quick duplicate and rolled the piece up and put it in his bag. The dark stallion began to trot down the road taking in the scenery as he walked by the seemingly endless rows of trees. As he approached the farm house he saw three small fillies playing together outside the barn, he approached them with a smile on his face. “Excuse me, do you know where Applejack is?”

“Why do ya wanna know mister?” the yellow outline said with a curious look on her face.

“I have something for her.” he said with a smile.

“What?”

“Just a drawing.” he said as he took out the parchment. The three fillies eyes boggled at the canvas.

“That looks awesome!” the orange Pegasus said.

“Yeah it’s-” the white filly was cut off by a thick southern accent.

“Applebloom? Where’d you run off too?” Applejack then noticed the dark stallion standing n front of the fillies. “Howdy there Ink.”

“Hey AJ. I just got done with the drawing, here you go.” he said as he levitated the picture over to the orange mare.

“Golly! That looks amazing!” she said with a smile.

“Thanks, I’m happy you like it.” he said with a smile. “I’ll see you later AJ.” Before Ink could take a step back away from the farm a bright cyan blur landed in front of him.

“Hey AJ, what's up?”

“Not much. How about you Rainbow?”

“Nothing.” Rainbow then noticed the dark unicorn stallion staring at her. “What’s he doing here?”

“He was just dropping of a drawing.”

“Can I see it?” Applejack nodded and showed the picture to her rainbow friend. Dash’s jaw dropped at the picture, she looked at the stallion who grinned at her. “Awesome!” she said with a smile. “How do you draw that well?”

“Don’t know, just comes naturally.” he said with a shrug.

“Can you draw me?” she asked.

“Sure, just not right now I’m pretty tired from unpacking all my stuff.” he said with a smile.

“That’s cool, how about tomorrow?”

“Sounds good, I’ll see you later AJ.” he said as he turned away from the mares.

“You going into town?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah.”

“Mind if I walk with you, I need to head to the library anyway.”

“Fine by me.” the two ponies made their way into the small town in silence. As they cleared the entrance to the orchard Rainbow spoke up.

“So why did you come to Ponyville anyway?”

“Just wanted to get out of the city.” he shrugged.

“You’re from Manehattan right?”

“Unfortunately yes.” he said with a grumble.

“Was it bad?”

“Yep.”

“How so?”

“Every time I walked down the street I either got mugged or the tar kicked out of me. Sometimes both.”

“Oh....I’m sorry about that. Did you ever fight back?”

“If I did then they probably would have killed me. It was a rough neighborhood but it taught me to look out for myself.”

“What about Vinyl? I thought you two grew up together.”

“We weren’t always best friends.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing.....ancient history.” he said as he looked down at the ground. Rainbow was about to protest until Ink had started to trot towards the door to his home. “See ya round Rainbow.” he said with a wave. Ink closed the door behind him as he went inside. The dark stallion made his way into his bedroom and laid down on the bed. Ink removed his glasses and put them on the nightstand next to him, as he slowly nodded off.

Ink woke up an hour later hearing a loud knocking on his door, he put his glasses on and walked out of his room. He sent out another pulse, outlining the house and interior. As he opened the door he was met by a familiar lavender blur.

“What’s up Twilight?”

“I just came by to apologize for my rambling this morning.” she said in a low tone. “I shouldn’t have asked you so many questions.” Ink was surprised by the mares apology and gave her a nod.

“Thank you and I’m sorry for snapping at you like that. It’s just that......this spell is really tricky and to be honest I don’t have a clue how I made it.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know it just sort of.....happened. I was practicing one time and it just became as it is now.”

“That makes no sense!” she yelled in surprise.

“Trust me I’ve told myself that about a million times, but you know how unicorn magic can be.” Twilight nodded in agreement.

“AJ showed us the drawing you made, it amazing.” she said with a smile.

“Thank you.” he said with a small grin on his face.

“The girls and I were going to head to Sugar Cube Corner, do you want to come along?”

“Are you asking me out on a date Ms. Sparkle?” he said with a smug grin on his face.

“In your dreams.” she said as she rolled her eyes. “I was just being a good neighbor and offering you a chance to socialize with my friends.” she said as she held her head high.

“Relax, I’m just messing with you. You need to learn how to have some fun Twilight.” he said as he closed the door behind him.

“Hey, I know how to have fun.”

“Oh really? Like what?”

“I research and-”

“That doesn’t count, that ties in with your work. I’m talking about a hobby or something like that.”

“Well, I read.”

“What do you read?”

“Some ancient history, Psychology, Sociology and tons of other things.”

“What about fiction?” her cheeks began to blush at the question.

“Y-yeah, I read some when I’m bored.”

“Like what, Horror? Adventure? Conspiracy?”

“An even mix but I mostly read Ro-. Never mind.” Ink had a sly smile across his face.

“I’m going to assume you were about to say Romance.”

“N-no.” she said as her blush brightened.

“You read Romance novels don’t you?”

“NO!”

“C’mon Twi. Remember what I said about lying to me?” he said with a raised eyebrow. Twilight’s face turned scarlet.

“Fine, I admit it.” she said in a defeated tone.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of Twi.” he said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. “So you like to read about relationships and what not. Big deal.”

“Promise not to tell anypony?”

“I promise.” he said with a smile.

“What about you?”

“I’m not much of a reader.”

“Why?”

“I just don’t like too.” he said in a flat tone.

“Now I know that’s a lie.” the lavender mare said as she looked at the stallion.

“Look it’s.....private.” he said in a hushed tone.

“Oh don’t give me that. I just told you my secret now I want to hear yours.” she said with a frown on her face. Ink stopped moving and began to scratch his mane.

“All right, I suppose that’s fair. The truth is I can’t read.” Twilight looked at him in confusion. “I’ve got a condition where my brain screws up words and letters.” he lied. “It makes my ‘J’s’ look like ‘T’s’, it’ll flip an ‘R’ around to the point where it looks like a ‘B’.”

“I’m so sorry.” she said as she put a hoof on her mouth in shock.

“It’s fine, you didn’t know.”

“How did you get through school?”

“The teachers gave me audio books to listen too.”

“What about paper work?”

“The teachers were aware of my condition, most of them gave me oral exams and I had Vinyl who helped me out with the beuqacratic field.” he said with a smile. “My hoof writing was atrocious to begin with so it all worked out in the end.”

“So you can’t read at all?”

“No, but I did learn braille.”

“Braille?”

“Yeah, I figured if I couldn’t see the letters next then the best thing was to feel them. That worked out well in my High School days.” he said with a smile.

“Is that why you became an artist?”

“Yep. No writing required, just me and my talent.” he said in a low tone. Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder and smiled at him.

“I have some audio books at the library you can borrow, if you want.” she said with a warm smile.

“Thanks, I need to catch up on a few Daring Do books.”

“So that’s what you mostly listen too?” she said with a chuckle.

“Yeah when I’m in the mood. I love the stories by Colt Brown though.”

“Which one’s your favorite?”

“Hmm. I’d have to go with ‘Pegasi and Demons.’”

“That one is so good!” she said with a smile. “Looks like we’re here.” she said as she stopped in front of the pastry shop. The two unicorns walked inside and were greeted by the other five mares. The two unicorns trotted over to the table and sat down next to each other. Pinkie suddenly popped up in front of the dark stallion with a wide grin on her face.

“Did you really make that drawing Applejack showed us?”

“Yup.”

“It’s great!” she yelled.

“I’d have to agree with Pinkie, it’s simply marvelous.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Thanks, it was nothing special.” Ink said as he blushed.

“How is that nothing special?” Rainbow said with a surprised look on her face.

“Art isn’t my only talent.” he said with a smirk.

“What do you mean?” AJ asked.

“Just watch.” Ink summoned a quill and a piece of paper in front of himself and the mares. He drew two small simple pony outlines on the piece of parchment. His horn began to glow, a small magical beam shot out and touched the drawing. The mare’s eyes boggled as the two drawings left the paper surface and began to walk around on top of the table. “Not too bad eh?”

“THAT IS SO AWESOME!” Rainbow yelled. The two miniature ponies then stopped moving and laid flat on the table.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t last too long. I have better luck with clay and sculpting than I do with paper.”

“That was amazing! How did you do that?” Twilight asked.

“Magic.”

“Well, duh. I mean what spell did you use?”

“That was another one of my original pieces. I call it ‘The Art of Living’.”

“You have to tech me that one!”

“Sure. Can you draw?”

“I’m not that good.” she said in a defeated tone.

“Looks like I’ll have to teach you art too.” he said as he sipped his drink. Twilight’s smile increased and shook her head in agreement. “How does tomorrow sound?”

“Sure! Should I prepare anything?”

“Nope, I’ll take care of the materials. I’ll meet you at the library at eleven o’clock.” he let out a yawn and stretched his arms. “I’m gonna take off. See you tomorrow Twi.” he said with a smile. Twilight waved goodbye as he left the establishment. Twilight turned back to her friends to see them having smug grins strewn across their faces.

“What?”

“Don’t hide it Twilight, you like him.”

“I do not!” she said as she blushed. “I’m just interested in the spell he used.”

“Sure you don’t.” Rainbow said in a sarcastic tone. Twilight gritted her teeth at he can mare. Rarity put a hoof on her friends shoulder and gave her a nod.

“Come now darling, he’s smart, sophisticated and he’s an artist. Quite a combination if I do say so myself.” she said as she bit her lower lip. Applejack then nudged the white unicorn. “I’m just saying that you’d better get a move on before somepony else gets the same idea.”

“I DO NOT LIKE HIM!” she yelled with crimson cheeks. “UGH! I don’t need this right now, I’ll see you girls later.” she said with a stern tone. As Twilight exited the bakery the friends turned to each other and snickered to one another.

“She likes him.” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Totally.” Rainbow said with a devilish smirk.

Ink had made it into his house, it was just as he left it; dark, warm and welcoming. Ink let out a sigh as he got into bed and pulled the covers over his dark body. As he closed his eyes he welcomed the blissful sleep. Unfortunately all that laid ahead were nightmares.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been two months since Vinyl had moved to Manehattan, since her detention with Ink she had started to treat him like the others. She ignored him, made fun of his appearance and even went as far as to sit at him. Ink was fairly used to the abuse he got on a daily basis from the other ponies. He knew that it would be better if he ket his mouth shut and just endured the pain. Day by day he felt what was left of his endurance beginning to fade and wither. Everyday he dealt with the torment that he faced at school and everyday it almost killed him. One day as the dark colt was making his way home he heard a crash come from the alleyway, he glanced over to see a familiar white filly being punched in the ribs by a large blue Pegasus colt. He could see tears start to form in her eyes. Ink quickly rushed in between the two.

“Look who’s here.” the blue colt said as the other two pegasi stepped out from the shadows.

“Y-you...L-leave her alone!” he yelled as he began to shake in his hooves. The pegasi laughed at his statement. Vinyl looked up at him in sadness and confusion. The blue colt slammed Ink in the jaw and followed up with a kick in the ribs while the other two started to stamp on his back. Ink was letting out cries of pain and agony as the colts continued their assault on the unicorn. A small tear escaped the filly’s eye as the colt’s walked away laughing at their work. Vinyl approached the shaking and bleeding black ball on the ground, as she put a hoof on his shoulder a shiver of fear rippled through the colts body. Ink began to cough up blood as he tried to get to his hooves. As he took his first step he felt woozy and began to fall towards the ground. Vinyl hurried over to him and levitated the unconscious colt onto her back. The white mare ran to the nearest hospital and bursted into the emergency room.

Ink woke up to the sounds of a heart monitor and other machines working. He looked over to the corner to see a familiar white filly with tears in her eyes. Ink immediately cringed back in fear. Vinyl trotted over to him slowly and looked down at the ground in shame.

“Why did you defend me?” she asked in a saddend voice.

“Just returning a favor.”

“What fav-....You mean that day in Art class?” the colt nodded. “Even after I’ve been so mean to you? How could you want to protect me?”

“It....didn’t seem fair that he was hitting one of his friends and-”

“HE is not my friend!”

“Then why hang out with-”

“The popular crowd...you know how it is. If you're not with them then you’re against them.”

“Yeah I know the feeling.” Vinyl drew closer and wrapped him in a teary hug.

“I’m so sorry.” Ink was moved by the filly’s action and returned the gesture. “Do you think that we could.....start over?” she asked as she broke the embrace.

“Y-yes.” he said with a smile. The door suddenly burst open to reveal a crying red unicorn mare.

“INK ARE YOU OKAY?” she said as she hurried over to them, she quickly wrapped the colt in a bone crushing hug. “What happened?”

“N-nothing I was-”

“It’s my fault ma’am.” Vinyl interjected. “I was being picked on and Ink saved me.” she said with a sad look on her face. The mare looked back at the dark colt who gave her a nod.

“Hey mom, where’s dad?”

“He’s at work.” she said wiping the tears from her eyes. She then looked at the filly who had a guilty look on her face. “So how do you know Ink?”

“We’re in Art class together.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a friend?” she said as she looked at her son.

“Well,.....um.”

“We never really talked since this afternoon.” she said with a grin. “You must be his mom right?”

“Yes....It’s nice to meet you. I’m Star Shooter.”

“Nice to meet you Mrs. Shooter.” she said with a smile. “Sorry Ink, I have to go, my parents will be wondering where I am. I’ll come visit you tomorrow after school okay?” Ink nodded and gave her a smile. As the white filly left the room the red mare looked at her son with a raised eyebrow.

“She’s cute Ink.”

“Mom! It’s not like that. I didn’t even talk to her until today.”

“It’s nice to see that you have a friend.”

“How long do I have to stay here?”

“The doctors are going to run some tests, I’ll pick you up tomorrow evening after work.” she said with a smile. Ink let out a groan at the information.

“Can you get my art supplies? I’ll need something to keep me busy.”

“Of course dear. What ever you need.” she said as she kissed his forehead. “I’ll come back after I’ve made your father supper okay?” Ink nodded and the red mare got to her hooves and walked out the door. The dark colt laid back in his hospital bed and took in the events that had just transpired inside the room.

Chapter 4: An Egg Heads Guide to Art

Chapter 4

An Egg Heads Guide to Art

Ink let out a yawn as he made through the streets through Ponyville with his art supplies in his saddle bags. He rubbed his tired eyes to feel a familiar warm liquid meet his hoof. He quickly mixed the blood in the dirt as he made his way to the library. As he approached the door he laughed at the fact that he was entering a building that sold books. He gave a hard knock and the door opened to reveal a small purple dragon.

“Um.....Is Twilight in?”

“Yeah she’s in the kitchen. You must be Ink right?”

“Yup.”

“I’m Spike.” he said with a smile. Ink gave him a nod and made his way inside the hollowed out tree. He sent out a pulse, the magical line rippled over the thousands of books the library had stacked on the shelves.

“Hey Ink.” Said a familiar voice. The dark stallion turned around to see a familiar lavender outline standing over in the kitchenette. He nodded and turned his attention to the massive pile of books that were stacked on a nearby table. “I spent the whole night studying Art.”

“Are all of these books about Art?”

“Yeah I pulled them out to-”

“We won’t need them.”

“What? Why?” she said in surprise.

“Art cannot be explained with words, that’s the beauty of it.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Welcome to my world.” he set his supplies down and lifted the pile off books off the desk, he pulled out a quill and paper. “Now, draw a circle.”

“Okay.” she said as she levitated the quill and drew a perfect circle. Ink took the piece of paper and sent out another pulse outlining the circle.

“Sweet Celestia, looks like this is going to be harder than I thought.”

“What do you mean? Is it that bad?” she said in a nervous tone.

“No, quite the opposite. It’s a perfect circle.”

“So what’s the issue?”

“Art isn’t supposed to be perfect it HAS to have a flaw in it.” he said as he crumpled up the piece of paper.

“Why? The book said-”

“Forget what the book said. The book is a collection of facts and figures, the complete opposite of what Art is truly about.” he said as he withdrew a fresh sheet. “Watch.” he put the quill to the paper and drew a very slim circle. “Now tell me what do you see?”

“I see a crooked circle.”

“No. Open your mind! Think outside the box, use the unorthodox!”

“All I see is a crooked circle! What do you see?”

Seriously?

“I see a pancake, a trash can lid, a possible eye ball and hundreds of other possibilities. Art isn’t about it being perfect, it’s about seeing the world around you in different ways.” he said as he looked at the confused mare.

“I don’t get it.”

“Ugh. Follow me.” he said as he trotted towards the door.

“Hey wait you said you’d teach me that spell!”

“Before I teach you that which gives Art life you must first understand what Art is.” he said as he continued to walk out into the street with the confused mare following him. The two unicorns made their way through town until they reached a nearby cafe. “Now I want you to look at that mare sitting at the table over there and tell me what you see.” he said as he pointed to a mint green unicorn sipping on a smoothie. “Be sure to really look, there are no wrong answers in Art. Only your opinion.” Twilight focused on the mare, she could feel the gears in her brain beginning to turn in frustration.

“I don’t know....she’s waiting for some-pony.”

“Good. Who’s she waiting for?”

“How would I-”

“Use your imagination.” Twilight looked at the mare harder but found nothing.

“I don’t know.”

“Just watch.” Ink took a moment to ‘stare’ at the mare. “She’s sitting at a table, waiting for her friend who’s running late. This is not the first time it’s happened and she is becoming very annoyed at her partners’ tardiness. Her anger is beginning to peak and when the guest arrives all hell will break loose.” he finished.

“That is completely-” she was cut off by the green mars shouting, the two looked over to see a cream colored mare with a pink and purple mane standing there with a guilty look on her face.

“Seriously Bonbon! This is the third time this month you showed up ten minutes late!”

“Sorry Lyra, I got a new shipment today at the candy shop.”

“I know...It’s just that. I feel like you don’t want to spend time with me anymore.” she said in a sad tone.

“That’s crazy! I love you. I’ve just been so busy because Hearts and Hooves day is only a month away and I’ve been getting all of these crazy orders. It’s making my life a living hell.” Lyra’s face turned from angry to sad hearing the information.

“I’m sorry Bonnie.” she said in a low voice. “I was just being selfish.” the cream colored mare hugged her and gave her a smile.

“You help me forget all the work I have to do, that’s why I love you so much. I’m sorry that I’ve been so busy lately and I’ll be sure to pencil in some more time for us.” the green mare gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Twilight was staring, mouth agate at the action while Ink had a smug grin on his face.

“H-how did you know?”

“I didn’t. I just guessed and let Art do the rest. Believe me now?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Good. Come along then, we still have much more to see.” he said as he began to trot away with Twilight following close behind. As she walked beside the stallion she noticed that his Cutie Mark was a quill and paint brush criss crossing.

“How did you get your Cutie Mark?”

“That old thing? Hmm.” he scratched his chin for a moment. “Oh right, I was entered in an art show at school and I accidentally spilled paint over the drawing I entered. There wasn’t time to clean it so I sucked it up and braced for failure.”

“Did you fail?”

“Nope. I won first prize.” he said with a smile. “The judges said they hadn’t seen anything like it before. I explained to them that it was just a fluke, but they didn’t care. The judge told me that, ‘sometimes the greatest works of art are made by accident.’ I was so proud of myself that day as was my mother. The rest is history.” Twilight looked at him in amazement.

“Wow! That’s cool.”

“Yeah. That phrase applied to me immensely.”

“How so?” Ink bit his lip at the question.

“I wasn’t born......On purpose If you get my meaning.”

“Oh...I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. My mom loved me all the same.”

“What about your father?” Inks eyes shrank at the memory of the stallion.

“He was never around all that much.”

“Oh, I see. What do they do?”

“My mom was an editor for the news paper and my dad was a doctor.”

“That sounds interesting. Where are they now?” Ink lowered his head at the question.

“They’re...dead.” Twilight looked back at him with a sad look on her face.

“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have-” she was cut off as he raised a hoof to the mare.

“It’s all right Twilight.” He said with a smile. “Now on with the lesson!” he said as they two made it to the edge of Sweet Apple Acres.

“What are we doing here?”

“Just wait and see.” He said as the two trotted up a hill. “Look down there.” he pointed to an orange blur kicking a nearby apple tree.

“What? It’s AJ bucking apples. Don’t tell me that’s art.”

“It is. Applejack is doing something that makes her happy and allows her to express herself in her own unique way.”

“She’s working.”

“Yeah, it reflects her hardworking personality and stamina.” He explained. Twilight looked at the stallion in confusion as her brain processed his comment.

“That’s very observant.”

Not bad for a blind pony if I do say so myself. He thought as he looked at Twilight with a smile. “Comes with the job, you learn to see the world in a whole new perspective.” He said as he began to trot away from the scene and made his way back into town with Twilight following close behind him. The two stopped in the park and sat down at a bench next to the lake. “Now that you have a basic idea of what art is let’s try that circle exercise again.” He said as he summoned a quill and paper. Twilight took a deep breath and drew a jagged circle. “Good, now what do you see?”

“I see a broken wheel.”

“Good, why is the wheel broken?”

“Somepony was pulling a cart and hit a pot hole.”

“Excellent what was in the cart?” he said as he observed her.

“Food supplies, camping gear and a tent!” Twilight looked at the stallion in amazement. “I saw it, I saw it on the paper!” Ink clapped his hooves together in happiness.

“You’re ready.”

“For what?”

“To draw.” he said as he packed up his things and got to his hooves. “C’mon, back into town we go.” he said with a smile. “Lead the way Ms. Sparkle.” he said with a smug grin. Twilight blushed at the formal greeting and started to lead the two back into the busy town. As they walked through the park Ink couldn’t help but glance at the lavender mares flank.

“What are you staring at?” Twilight ask as she looked back at the dark stallion.

Oh crap! She caught me looking, hurry Say something!

“Nothing, just admiring the trees.” He lied.

Seriously? That’s the best you could think of?

“The trees?” she said as she raised an eyebrow.

Great, I peeked at Celestia’s pupil. I hope there are beds on the moon.

“Yup, I don’t see to may like these in Manehattan, it’s refreshing.” he said as he put on a fake smile.

That’s it, I’m dead!

“I can see that.” She said with a smile.

Wait, she’s buying this?

“Yeah, never seen these kind before. But enough about that lets-” he was cut off a a familiar cyan Pegasus landed in front of them. “Sup Rainbow?”

“Hey guys, what are you two doing here? Is this a date?” She said with a smirk across her face. Twilight’s face started to blush at the statement.

“No, Ink was just teaching me about art.” She said wit a heavy sigh.

“Sure he was.” She said in an innocent tone. “I bet he’d love to draw you on a bed, fluffy pillows with a pleading look in your-” she was cut off by Twilight summoning a small storm cloud and shocking the cyan mare. “OW! Jeez Twi, I was only kidding.” She said as she rubbed the sore spot on her flank.

“Dash don’t push me!” She said as she frowned at the mare.

“Sorry, didn’t know you were so touchy.” She said in an annoyed tone.

“Did you need something Dash?” Ink asked with flat expression on his face.

“Just wanted to hang out.”

“I’m still giving Twilight a lesson.” He said in a stern tone.

“Fine, let me know when you want to see some real art.” She said in a cocky tone. The mare extended her wings and rocketed towards the sky as Twilight face hoofed and shook her head.

“Why did Rainbow assume we were on a date?” Ink asked as he ‘looked’ at the lavender mare. Twilights face started to blush profusely at the question and began to search her mind for the answer.

“You know how she is, always jumping to conclusions like that.” She said with a weak grin.

She’s cute when she tries to lie.

“Yeah, I guess.” Ink said as he and the mare made their way back to the library. Ink’s horn glowed and a canvas and paint brush appeared before them. “Okay, now go ahead and paint.”

“Just like that?” She said as she looked at him in confusion.

“Yep, give it your best shot.” He said as he sat down on the couch. Twilight levitated the paint brush and drew a stick pony. She looked back at him with a disappointed look on her face. “Relax, you’ll get it eventually.”

“I don’t know Ink. I’ve never been good with art, that’s why I always preferred academics and books.” She said in a sad tone. “Sorry for wasting your time.”

“You’re gonna give up just like that?”

“Look at what you can do and compare it to my little monstrosity.” She said as she pointed to the canvas.

“You think I was born with this talent? No, I spent hours on end perfecting it. Everypony I knew told me to give up, that it was a waste of time and effort.” He said as he trotted over to the mare. “It just takes practice, I’m sure you weren’t born with all the knowledge that you have right now.”

“Well, no but-”

“But nothing, these things take time. You’ve already shown some progress.” He said with a smile.

“Really?”

“Yeah, a little progress is better than no progress.”

“I wish I could see the world like you can.” She said with a smile.

Trust me, you don’t.

“Well, ya can’t. What time is it?”

“Almost six o’clock. Wow time really flew by.” She said with a smile. Ink trotted over to his supplies and made them vanish.

“I’ll get out of your mane then and-”

“Would you like to stay for dinner?” She asked with a bright blush on her face. Ink looked at the mare with a smug grin on his face.

“That eager to spend time with me huh?”

“Oh get over yourself.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

“Relax, I’m just messing with you. If it’s not too much trouble then yes, I’d love to stay for dinner.” He said with a smile. Twilight nodded and called for her dragon assistant. While the dragon cooked their meal the two unicorns sat and talked to one another. “Seriously? That many Pinkie’s?”

“Yeah it took us quite a while to round them all up.” She said as Spike put their food on the table.

“Sounds like it.” He said as the two walked over to the table and started eating.

“So what was it like growing up in Manehattan?”

“Rough. I had to watch my back on a daily basis.” He said as he took a bite from his sandwich.

“What about you and Vinyl?”

“We weren’t always friends. Before her most ponies treated me like trash.” He said as he took a sip. Twilight put a hoof to her mouth in surprise. “Manehattan is a tough place to grow up in, if you don’t learn how to survive it’ll swallow you up.”

“Oh my.”

“What about you? All I know about ya is that you love books and your Celestia’s student.” He said as he leaned back in his chair.

“I grew up in Canterlot. I had extremely powerful magic for my age so my parents enrolled me in ‘Celestia’s Private School for the Magically Gifted.’” She said with a smile.

“Sounds cool.”

“There was just one small problem, I had to pass an entrance exam.”

“What was it?”

“I had to hatch a dragon egg.” She said as she looked over at Spike.

“So that’s where Spike came from. I was wondering how you got a dragon as an assistant.” He said with a grin. “So you passed with a perfect score right?”

“Kind of. My magic went haywire and I accidentally made a two foot baby dragon grow into a fifty foot behemoth and I turned my parents into plants.” She said with a blush. Ink’s jaw dropped.

“Remind me never to get on your bad side.” He said as he gulped.

“It all worked out though. The Princess was so impressed with my potential that she took me under wing and I’ve been her student ever since.” Twilight said as she finished her meal.

“Awesome! What about your family?”

“My dad is an astronomer, my mom is a psychiatrist.” Ink levitated the glass to his lips and began to drink. “and brother is captain of the royal guard.” Inks eyes shrank and almost choked on his drink. “You okay?”

“Your brother is captain of the royal guard!” He said in surprise.

“Yeah. I guess I didn’t mention that.” She said with a sheepish grin.

“I take it that scares most stallions away.” He said with a weak grin. Ink looked over to see Twilight lowering her head. “Hey, I was only kidding.” He said in an apologetic voice.

“I’ve....never had a date.” Inks jaw dropped and face-hoofed.

Oh crap.

“I’m so sorry, I just assumed that-”

“It’s fine.” Twilight said as she poked at her food. Ink let out a sigh and put a hoof on her shoulder.

“If it’s any consolation, I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve never been on a date either.” Twilight looked at him in surprise.

“Really? I figured that the mares would swoon over the artist type like you.”

“Oh they do. The ones that usually do are dumb as rocks and don’t even know who painted the Mona Celestia.”

“Leoneighdo Da Vinci. One of his most popular works and is displayed at the Royal Canterlot Museum of Art and is guarded twenty-four seven by armed guards.”

“Finally somepony who respects the classics!” He said as he raised his hooves.

“So you’ve really never had a date I figured that you and Vinyl-” Ink burst out in a fit of laughter.

“Vinyl? No way, she’s my best friend and I’m so not her type.”

“What do you mean? You’re both artists.”

“Vinyl isn’t ‘into’ stallions if you know what I mean.” He said as he looked at the blushing mare who had a look of confusion on her face.

“Oh. I see. I’m sorry I just assumed that you two had a thing.”

“Relax, many ponies suspected that.” He said with a laugh. “Vinyl is just my oldest friend, she’s my sister after all.” Twilight looked at him in confusion.

“Wait I thought you two were just friends. What do you mean by she’s your sister?” Ink bit his lip at the next part.

“When my mom died Vinyls folks took me in and looked after me.” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth in shock.

“How old were you?”

“I was around ten.” He said in a low tone.

“How did your mom..Forget it, I shouldn’t ask.”

“Carriage accident, she died on the operating table and my dad started drinking.....a lot. So until he got his act together I stayed with Vinyl.” He said as he took another sip. “Unfortunately that day never came. He couldn’t care for himself let alone me. So Social Services came and Vinyl’s folks adopted me.” Twilight started to cry and wrapped him in a hug.

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” She said with a sniffle. Ink patted her on the back and smiled.

“Relax, I’ve moved on. It happened a long time ago.” He said as he broke the hug and made his way towards the door. “Thanks for dinner Twi. I’ll see you later.” Twilight bit her lip and turned around to face the dark stallion.

“Are you doing anything tomorrow?” She asked in a nervous tone.

“I’ll probably go around town to see if anypony needs a painting.”

“Mind if I come along? Tomorrow’s my day off and I’m ahead of all my studies.”

“That eager to spend some more time with me eh?” Ink said with a smug grin on his face. Twilight’s face instantly turned beat red.

“No, you’re just interesting to talk to and it’s refreshing to talk to somepony who’s so cultured.” She said as her blush increased.

“Whatever, you’re free to join if you want.” He said as he trotted out the door. “Goodnight.” He said with a wave. Twilight smiled and returned the gesture. After Twilight closed the door she turned around to see Spike with a smile stretching from ear to ear.

“You like him don’t you.”

“Not now Spike.”

“Come on Twilight, it’s obvious that you like him.” He said as he walked up next to her.

“Just shut up Spike. I’ll admit that Ink is interesting and fun to talk to that’s all.”

“Sure, I totally believe you.” He said in a sarcastic tone. Twilight let out a grunt and trotted upstairs and crawled into her bed. The mare stared up at the ceiling trying to get the dark stallions image out of her mind.

“Ugh! I don’t like him! Sure he’s charming, smart, has great taste in art and he’s cu-” She stopped herself before the words left her lips. She buried her face in her pillow and let out a sigh. “Who am I kidding? I like him.” She laid still until sleep eventually claimed her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Ink closed the door his smiled vanished and was replaced by flowing red tears. He angrily made his way into the kitchen and withdrew a bottle of Vodka and an orange bottle of pills. He popped two in his mouth and chased them down with a swig from the bottle. He sent out another pulse and noticed a mirror standing in the corner. He cursed and threw the bottle at the mirror causing it to shatter. He made his way to his room and closed his eyes, he felt the sleeping pills take effect and he soon drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long update everypony, I've been busy with other fics and school.

Chapter 5: Hearts and Hooves Day

Chapter 5

Hearts and Hooves Day

Ink and Twilight made their way through the busy streets of Ponyville. The lavender mare kept blushing as she walked next to the dark stallion who kept his eyes forward to hide his own red cheeks. Twilight looked around and saw the other ponies laughing together. The mare let out a disappointed sigh and continued to walk down the road in silence. “Want some lunch?” Ink asked. Twilight felt her heart stop in surprise.

“S-sure.”

“You okay Twi? You seem kind of...off.” He asked as he raised an eyebrow.

“Y-yeah. I’m just hungry.” She said with a fake laugh. Ink shrugged and the two unicorns made their way into the pastry shop. The two unicorns sat down as a familiar pink mare walked up to them with a smile on her face and two glasses of water balancing on top of her head.

“Hey guys. Happy Hearts and Hooves Day! What can I get ya?” She asked as she gave them a glass of water.

“Same to you Pinkie, I’ll have a daffodil sandwich and some hay fries.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Likewise.” Ink said as he closed his menu.

“Okay, I’ll have those ready for you in just a second.” The pink mare said as she made her way back into the kitchen. Ink and Twilight avoided eye contact and sipped their drinks in silence.

“It’s Hearts and Hooves Day?” Ink said as he broke the silence.

“Yeah, I almost forgot myself.” Twilight said as she sipped her water. Pinkie returned with their sandwiches and left the two unicorns alone with each other. Twilight kept glancing up at the stallion and started to blush. The two unicorns trotted outside the establishment as they finished their food. Ink let out a sigh and looked at the lavender mare.

“Hey Twilight, are you doing anything tonight?” The mare felt her cheeks flare up at the stallions question.

“N-no. Why?”

“I was just wondering, if you’re not too busy that is if you wanted to have dinner with me.” Ink closed his eyes and waited for the expected rejection. Twilight’s jaw dropped and she felt her heart increase it’s speed ten fold. Ink held his head low and let out a sigh. “Forget it. I understand if you don’t want-”

“NO! I’d love to have dinner with you!” She blurted out. Ink ‘looked’ at the mare in surprise and smiled.

“Okay....I’ll pick you up at six then.” He said as he started to walk down the road, leaving the purple mare stunned in the street. Twilight snapped back to reality as she felt a hoof touch her shoulder. She looked to her left to see Applejack looking at her in confusion.

“You okay sugar cube? Ya look kinda woozy.” She said with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m fine.” She said with a massive grin on her face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink made his way into Carousel Boutique where a familiar white mare was sewing away at her work table. She looked up and smiled at the dark stallion. “Morning Ink, how can I help you?”

“I need a suit. Nothing special just something quick and easy.” He said as he trotted over to the mare.

“Not a problem.” She said as she withdrew her measuring tape and wrapped it around the stallions body. “Might I ask why you need a suit?”

“I have a date tonight and I don’t own any formal attire.” He said as he raised his right hoof for the mare who had a massive smile on her face.

“Oh how wonderful! Who’s the lucky mare?”

“Twilight.” He said with a blush. Rarity started to giggle and hop in place.

“Oh you two are so cute together. I was wondering when you’d ask her out.” She said as she held up the fabric. “What color do you want?” Ink gritted his teeth and gulped.

Buck me. Fabric color; the one thing I can’t see with this spell. He thought as he let out a sigh. “Doesn’t matter, you’re the fashion expert.” He said with a smile.

“Oh that’s sweet of you to say, but this is your suit. I want your opinion.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never paid attention to how I look.” He said as he rolled his eyes.

“Why not?”

Mostly because I’m blind and I can’t look in a mirror.

“I never really cared, until now that is.” He said in a nervous tone. “I’m sure what ever you pick is fine.” He said as he felt his forehead beginning to sweat. “Mind if I use the restroom?”

“Go ahead. Down the hall third door on the left.” She said as she pointed towards her staircase. Ink gave her a nod and hurried up the stairs. As the dark stallion walked past the mare Rarity looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Ink found the bathroom and quickly made his horn flare. A headset with a microphone appeared around his head.

“Hey Vinyl. You there?” A small static noise filled the headset.

Hey what’s up? You only use this when you’re in trouble.

“I am. I’m at Carousel Boutique with Rarity and she wants my opinion on the suit she’s making me.”

Why do you need a suit?

“I have a date tonight with Twilight.”

Oh you guys are so cute together.

“That’s beside the point, I need ya over here fast! I’m not sure how much longer I can keep stalling. Where are you right now?”

I’m leaving Sugar Cube Corner now I’ll be there in a few minutes.

“Please make it quick.” He said as the headset vanished. Ink let out a sigh. He wiped his forehead and closed his eyes. Several images flashed into his mind and he let out a small yelp. He turned on the sink and splashed the cold water over his face and started to pant heavily.

“Ink? Are you alright in there?” Rarity asked as she knocked on the door.

“Yeah, I’m fine I just need a minute.” He said as he wiped the bloodied tears from his eyes. He waited until he heard the mares walk back down stairs. He let out another sigh and washed his face with the warm water. He took a final breath and put on a fake smile. As the dark stallion trotted downstairs the door opened to reveal Vinyl with a smile on her face. “Thanks for coming Vi. This is really important to me.”

“Don’t sweat it.” She said as she rubbed his head. The two walked back into the sewing room where Rarity had laid out a number of suits.

“Hello Vinyl. What brings you here?”

“Ink asked me to help him pick something out. He has very lousy taste when it comes to fashion.” She said with a laugh.

“Very well. I have a few suits laid out for you to try on Ink.” She said as they trotted over to the table. “What do you think?” She asked as she looked at the two unicorns.

“I think he’ll go with the black with white trim and the red bow tie.” She said with a smile. Rarity looked at Ink who gave her a reassuring nod.

“Bow ties are cool.” He said with a smile.

“Very well, there’s a try on room just down the hall.” Rarity said as she pointed with her hoof. Ink nodded and levitated the clothes as he walked down the hall. As the dark stallion moved out of range Rarity looked at Vinyl with a concerned look on her face. “Vinyl can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Sure what’s up?”

“It’s about Ink. I think theres something wrong with him.” She said in a hushed tone. Vinyl gulped and adverted her eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. But I think I heard him scream, I’m not trying to be nosy. I’m just worried about Twilight, this is her first date after all.”

“Same can be said for Ink.”

“Really? I thought that mares would swoon over him because of his profession.” Rarity said in surprise.

“Yeah, Ink never dated. I’m surprised that he and Twilight are going out. It’s nice to see him finally enjoying himself.” She said as she let out a happy sigh.

“What do you mean ‘finally’ enjoying himself?” She asked as she raised an eyebrow. Vinyl felt sweat beginning to form on her forehead at the question.

“Look Rarity, it’s not my place to tell Ink’s life story. I’ll just say that he’s had a hard life and he deserves some happiness.” She said in a low tone. Rarity put a hoof on the mares shoulder and gave her a smile.

“I understand. I won’t pry.” Rarity said with a smile. Vinyl looked over and smiled at the dark stallion in the suit.

“How do I look?” He said as he faced the mares.

“Great! That suit looks good on you. Nice work Rarity.” Vinyl said with a smile.

“Just doing my job.” Ink summoned a small coin pouch and paid the mare for the suit. “Thank you darling, come again if you need anything in the fashion department.” She said as the unicorns walked out of the boutique. As they walked away Vinyl looked at the stallion with a worried look in her eye.

“What’s up?”

“Ink be honest with me. Are you getting flashes again?” Ink bit his lip and let out a sigh.

“Yes, only a few and nothing too bad.”

“Have you seen ‘it’ yet?”

“No and I hope I never do.” He said in a low tone. Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder and held back tears

“You okay?”

“Yeah. I just need to lie down for a bit.” He said as he walked away from the mare. Vinyl let out a sigh and started to trot in the opposite direction. The dark stallion made his way into his home and hung the new suit on the door. He laid down on the bed and let sleep take hold.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in town Twilight had just finished explaining her conversation with ink to Applejack who had a massive grin on her face. “I’m real happy for ya Twilight. Ink seems like a good stallion.”

“I know but I’m really nervous! This is my first date! What if I do something stupid or I say the wrong thing or-”

“Settle down there sugar cube. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” She said as the lavender mares mane started to go haywire. “Granted I’m no expert on relationships but we both know somepony who is.” She said with a grin. Twilight took a deep breath as the two ponies made their way inside the boutique.

“Hello welcome to...Oh Twilight, Applejack! What brings you two here?” She said in a happy tone

“Twi needs a fancy get up for her date tonight.” Applejack said as she pointed to the lavender mare. “Some advice would be helpful as well.”

“You’re in luck dear, Ink left here fifteen minutes ago with one of my best suits.” She said as she withdrew a tape measure and began taking measurements from the mare.

“Did he say anything about where he’s taking me?” Twilight asked in a nervous tone.

“No, I didn’t ask.” She said as she levitated some fabric over to her work bench. “He was acting strange though.” She said as she started up her sewing machine.

“How so?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know he just seemed off somehow.”

“He was probably nervous about tonight.” Applejack said with a reassuring smile.

“I don’t know Applejack. He seemed out of focus and I’m not sure about this next bit, but I think I heard him crying while he was here.” The mares looked at her in confusion as she shrugged. “Vinyl said he’d had a hard life. I didn’t ask why. It’s not my business.”

“From what Ink has told me that sounds accurate.” Twilight added. The mares looked at her with a concerned look on their faces. “Ink said he had a rough life and I’m not going to force him to tell me things he doesn’t want to talk about.”

“I understand completely darling. He’ll tell us when he’s ready.” She said as she started to stitch the fabric.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink made his way through the halls of the large school with a cloak on and his head held low. He ran his hoof over the lockers until he felt the familiar number plate. He ran the lock through his hooves and unlatched the lock and withdrew his books. After he closed the locker a familiar white filly trotted up next to him with a weak smile on her face. “Hey Ink, how are you feeling?” The colt remained silent as he kept his head hidden. The two made their way into the art room and sat in the back of the class away from the other ponies.

“Okay my little ponies, lets stop chatting and get to work.” The teacher said in a sweet tone. Her gaze then shifted to the white filly and the hooded colt. “Ink you know how I feel about hoods in my-” She was cut off as the black colt trotted up to her and handed her a note. The teacher took the note from the young colt and put a hoof to her mouth in surprise as she read the message. “Oh..I see as you were then.” She said as she held back tears. As Ink made his way back to his seat one of the other colts got up and pointed at him.

“Why does he get special treatment?” He protested.

“Sit down Lightning.”

“But-”

“Sit down or you spend two hours in detention after class.” The teacher said in a cold tone. The colt sat back in his seat and cast a nasty look at the two ponies. Ink levitated his quill and started drawing a semi circle.

Ink sat with Vinyl at a lunch table in the corner of the room. Vinyl got to her hooves and got on the lunch line. Ink let out a sigh and pulled his hood tighter over his head. Ink heard three ponies come up behind him and slammed his face into the table. Ink let out a cry of pain as Lightning and his two goons laughed at his state. One on the colts hit the floor as Vinyl bashed him over the head with a metal lunch tray.

“Back off!” She yelled. The Pegasus Colt landed a punch to Vinyl’s face causing her sunglasses to shatter. Vinyl quickly got to her hooves and took a defensive stance. Ink began to recover from the attack only to be stopped by a blue hoof connecting with his face. Lighting delivered a quick blow to Vinyls gut causing the mare to throw up. The red Pegasus trotted over to the black unicorn who was on the ground in pain.

“Let’s see what you’re hiding under there.” He said as he began to rip the hood off the colt’s jacket.

“No, please don’t!” Ink pleaded. The Pegasus heard a satisfying rip and heard a collected gasp from the crowd that had formed around them. He looked at their faces in confusion. Some were shocked, others had tears in their eyes and some refused to look. Lighting looked back at the black colt to see that he had a bloodied bandage wrapped over his eyes. Four teacher burst into the room and broke up the crowd. Ink remained frozen in shock as the teachers took the three colts away. Vinyl slowly got to her hooves and hurried over to the stunned colt. Ink could feel tears running down his face as the white filly hugged him tightly. A tall brown Pegasus stallion walked over to them and let out a sigh.

“Vinyl I think you should take Ink home. I called your parent’s and they’re on their way over. Do you need to see the nurse?” He said as he put a hoof on her shoulder.

“No, I’m fine.” She said as she walked the dark colt out of the room and into the office. “Thanks Principle Quill.” As the two small ponies waited in the office the brown stallion sat at his desk across from a white Earth pony stallion and a pink Unicorn mare who had tears in their eyes.

“I’m so sorry that this happened. I can honestly tell you that the three colts responsible will be expelled and I’ve filed a report with the MPD, they’re scheduled to be taken to Manehattan Juvenile Corrections Facility.” The brown stallion said in a calm tone.The two parents let out a sigh of relief at the news. “I know that Ink is now in your care and I think it would be best for everyone if the teachers home school him.”

“No, that would only make him feel worse.” The mare said with a sniffle.

“I understand this is a very difficult time for you all. I think it’s best to take him home and take a few days off. Granted I don’t know the full story and I probably don’t want to.” He said in a low tone. “The teachers will understand. Make sure Vinyl stays with Ink, he needs a friend now more than ever.” The two ponies nodded and shook the brown Pegasus’s hoof.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink’s eyes shot open as he panted heavily and felt a river of sweat form on his forehead. He wiped the sweat off his face and felt the familiar red tears run down his face. He quickly went into the shower and turned on the water. The dark stallion felt the warm water wash over his body taking the sweat and blood filled tears with it. Ink sat in the shower and waited until the red tears had washed away and were swept down the drain. As he walked out of the bathroom the clock rang, he sent out another pulse and saw it was 5:45pm.

Ink made his way into his room and threw on the suit Rarity had made him earlier that day. After he donned the suit he walked over to a black case and withdrew a pair of clear, wire rim glasses. As he put the glasses over his face the glass showed a pair of crystal blue eyes. He blinked twice and let out a sigh. He walked out of his house and back onto the busy street.

The dark stallion stopped in front of Vinyls house and knocked on the door. The white mare smiled at him. She then saw the crystal blue eyes behind the pair of glasses. “Those still work?”

“I don’t know you tell me.” The stallion blinked and the blue eyes followed the gesture.

“Yeah, I’m surprised the illusion still works after all this time.” She said as she looked at the stallion. “Shouldn’t you be picking up Twilight?”

“That’s why I’m here. I know that her friends are curious about me, I hate to ask this of you but-”

“You want me to run interference right?” She asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah.”

“No problem.” She said with a smile.

“Thanks Vi. I gotta go get Twilight. We’ll be at the Blue Rose restaurant." He said with a smile. Ink quickly made his way towards the massive library. As he approached the tree he let out a sigh. Ink knocked on the door and felt his jaw hit the ground as he ‘looked’ at Twilight in a stunning dress. “I’m sorry. I must have the wrong house. I’m supposed to be meeting my date here, have you seen her?” He said with a smug grin on his face. Twilight giggled and looked at his attire.

“Very funny. How do I look?” She asked with a blush on her face. Ink’s right eye twitched at the question.

“You look great.” He said with a smile on his face.

“Really? I was starting to get a little paranoid that you wouldn’t like it.” She said as she let out a sigh of relief.

“Nonsense. You look amazing.” He said as he focused his pulse to outline the fabric of the dress. “Shall we?” He said as he offered the mare his hoof. Twilight happily grabbed it and the two made their way through the dark streets of Ponyville.

“So where are we going?”

“The Blue Rose.” He said with a smile

“But that place is super exclusive! How did you get a table there?” She said in surprise.

“The manager owes me a favor.” He said with a smirk.

“What favor?”

“He’s an old client and I dropped the price of his wife’s self portrait for him. He’s been looking to pay me back ever since.” The two spent the rest of the way in silence until they arrived at a bright blue building with two stone pony sculptures out in front. The dark stallion trotted up to the front desk and was greeted by a bright green mare with a smile on her face.

“Good evening sir. Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, it’s under Ink Blot.” The mare withdrew a clip board and scanned the list.

“Oh here you are table for two? Private booth?”

“That’s the one.” He said with a smile. The mare grabbed two menu’s and led the two unicorns outside to a private table. “Thank you ma’am.”

“No problem, should I start you off with some water?”

“That’d be great.” He said with a smile. Ink sent out another pulse and noticed that Twilight was looking at him. “What’s up?”

“I just realized, this is the first time I’ve seen your eyes.” Ink felt his stomach jump into his chest cavity.

“Y-yeah. I only wear these when I’m doing something important.”

“You should wear them more often. You have beautiful eyes.”

Oh Celestia this mare is killing me!

“Thanks, but I prefer my sunglasses. My eyes are really sensitive to light and the sunglasses help filter it out.” He lied.

“Oh, thanks for making the sacrifice.” She said with a smile. A tall red unicorn stallion wearing a suit.

“Ink how is everything?” He asked in a kind voice.

“Just fine Sparkler. How’s the wife?”

“Wonderful, we’re expecting a foal in three months.”

“That’s great, I’m happy for you. Send my regards to Lilly.” He said as the stallion trotted away from the two Unicorns.

“Who was that?”

“The manager.” He said as the waitress came back with their water.

“Are we ready to order?” She asked as she withdrew a note pad.

“Yes, I’ll have the dandelion salad with a side of cucumber.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Okay, and for you sir?”

“I’ll have the hay pasta with a side of carrots.” He said as he handed the waitress the menu’s.

“Okay that should be ready soon.” She said as she trotted away from the couple. Twilight looked at him in shock.

“What?”

“You told me that you couldn’t read normal writing.”

“I can’t.”

“Then how did you see that menu?” She asked as Ink took a sip of water from his glass.

“I sent a little bit of my magic through the menu that made the letters turn into braille. The I use my pulse to outline it and presto I can read.” He said with a smile.

“That’s amazing! Can I see it?”

“Sure got a quill and paper?” Twilight nodded and summoned the items next to her. She scribbled a quick message and levitated it over to the stallion. Ink took the message in his hooves and sent a small pulse of magic through it. The letters began to rearrange themselves into dots and became hard to the touch. Ink ran his hoof over the message and smiled.

I’m having a good time.

“I’m having a good time too.” He said as he handed her the parchment. Twilight looked in amazement as the dots transformed back into the letters. “The parchment has to have physical contact with me in order for it to work.”

“Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about you permanently changing my books.” She said with a smile.

“I only use it for simple things like reading a menu or a small report. I prefer to listen to everything else.” He said as their food arrived. Ink sent out another pulse and saw three outlines hiding in the bushes ten yards away.

Rainbow, Rarity and Pinkie had ducked into a nearby bush and leaned their heads out trying to hear the two unicorns. “Ow! Pinkie you’re stepping on my hoof!” Rarity complained.

“Oops. Sorry Rarity.” She said with a smile.

“Shhh! I can’t hear what they’re saying.” Rainbow said as she tried to listen closer.

“What are they saying?” Rarity asked.

“Ahem!” The three mares jumped at the noise. They turned around to see Vinyl and Applejack staring at them with frowns on their faces.

“Oh hey guys what brings you here?” Rainbow asked with a nervous grin on her face.

“I can ask you three the same thing.” Vinyl said as she eyed the mares.

“Ah can’t believe ya’ll would intrude on Twi’s date like this.” Applejack said as her eyes narrowed.

“We were just curious and I wanted to see how the date is going.” Pinkie said with a weak grin.

“Yeah and I bet you’re curious too.” Rainbow said in an accusing tone. Applejack then withdrew a rope she had wrapped around her tail.

“Listen sugar cube we can do this the easy way or the hard way.” She said as she put one end in her mouth. Rainbow tried to take off from the ground but was caught by the farmers’ lasso. Applejack pulled the Pegasus back onto the ground and hog tied her.

“Thanks for the help AJ.” Vinyl said as she nudged the other two mares away from the restaurant.

“No problem, ah figured Rainbow and Rarity would do something like this.” She said as she dragged the cyan mare behind her who struggled in her restraints. The white unicorn looked over and saw Ink smile and nod at her. Vinyl let out a sigh and walked with the other mares away from the establishment.

Ink and Twilight had finished their meal and walked out of the fancy restaurant with smiles on their faces. “Wow that food was amazing.”

“Yeah this place is really great.” He said with a smile. As they approached the library Twilight had a massive blush on her face. She reached for the door and let out a grumble when the knob wouldn’t turn. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s locked and my key is inside.” She said with a sigh.

“That all?” He said as he summoned a small ball of clay and pressed it against the lock. His horn flared and the clay shifted into a key which started to turn. Ink twisted the knob and opened the door for the lavender mare. Twilight looked in amazement as he removed the clay and made it vanish. “Like a charm I haven’t needed a house key in years.”

“Thank you kind sir.” Twilight said as she stepped inside. Ink took a deep breath and gathered his courage.

“Hey Twilight.” He said ina nervous tone.

“Yes?” She asked as she smiled at him. At that moment every doubt and bad memory came rushing back to Ink’s mind and he began to panic.

“I-I just wanted to say that I had a really good time tonight.” He said as he tried to block out the memories.

“Me too. Would you like to...I don’t know do this again tomorrow maybe?” She said with a bright blush on her face.

“Yes, I’d love to.” He said with a smile. Ink started to turn around to head home, but stopped when he felt a pair of hooves grab his face and a pair of lips met his. Ink’s eyes shrank and returned the gesture. Twilight broke the kiss and smiled back at him. “First kiss?” The mare nodded with bright blushing cheeks. “Mine too. I’ll see ya tomorrow then.” He said as he gave her a peck on the cheek. Twilight went back inside the library and giggled to herself.

Ink stormed into his home and slammed the door shut. He took his glasses and threw them on the coffee table. Ink tore off his suit and made his way into the bathroom. He opened the medicine cabinet behind the mirror and withdrew a small bottle of pills. He took one and closed the cabinets’ door. He ‘looked’ at himself in the mirror and slammed his right hoof into the surface, shattering it. He sat on the ground and let out a sigh. “I’m such a bucking coward.” He said as he felt his hoof beginning to bleed. He quickly disinfected it and wrapped it with a few bandages. He made his way down stairs into the studio and looked over at the black safe against the wall. The dark stallion out stretched his hoof and touched the dial. He quickly withdrew his hoof and made his way back upstairs and laid down to rest.

Chapter 6: The Ultimatum

Chapter 6

The Ultimatum.

It’s been two months since their date and Twilight couldn’t be happier as she sat in the pastry shop with her five friends gossiping. Ink trotted into Sugar Cube Corner with a dreary look on his face. Rainbow waved him over with a smile on her face. Ink sat down next to his mare friend and let out a groan as he rested his head on the table.

“Something wrong dear?” Rarity asked as she sipped her drink.

“Ugh. I haven’t had a customer in days and the rent is due next week. I either need one massive client or find a different place to live.” Applejack patted him on the back and gave him a drink. “I have no idea what to do.” Twilight scratched her chin for a moment, her eyes enlarged and a massive grin appeared on her face.

“I think I have the perfect client for you.” She said with a smile.

“Who?”

“Princess Celestia told me that she was looking for a painter to paint her portrait. Her personal artist is out of the country on tour. I could throw in a good word for you if-” He grabbed the mares head and kissed her on the lips.

“Thank you so much! You just saved my flank Twi!” Twilights face was now bright red.

“No problem. I’ll send Celestia a letter telling her I found an artist.” She said as she summoned a quill and parchment. As she finished she handed it off to Spike who sent the letter to the Princess immediately. The ponies waited in anticipation for the return letter. Soon the purple dragon burped out a rolled letter. Twilight read it aloud to her friends.

Dear Twilight,

I would love to have one of your friends paint for me. It saves me the trouble of going around Canterlot looking for somepony who would fill in for Gustav while he is away in the Griffin Kingdom. Tell your friend Ink Blot to be in Canterlot by this afternoon. He is free to stay at the castle.

~Princess Celestia.

Ink smiled and hugged the lavender mare.

“Awesome! This could be my big break! Thanks again Twilight. You’re the best mare friend ever!” He finished his drink and got to his hooves. “I’ll see you guys later I gotta get packing!” Ink said as he galloped out the door. Twilight sat in place frozen at what the stallion did. She looked over to the other five mares sitting next to her with smiles on their faces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink made his way to the train station with is art supplies on his back. As he galloped to the train he saw a familiar white unicorn mare waving him over.

“Hey Ink, I haven’t seen you in a while. Where’re you going?” She asked as she looked at his over stuffed bag.

“I got a gig painting Celestia’s portrait.” Vinyl’s jaw dropped at the information. She slapped him on the back with a smile on her face.

“No way!”

“Way!”

“How did you manage that?”

“Twilight sent a letter to the Princess and-” He noticed that Vinyl had a massive grin on her face, Ink narrowed his eyes and met the mares stare.

“Oh don’t look at me like that.”

“Last time I checked I can’t.” He said in a flat tone.

“You know what I mean!” She said as she narrowed her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah I know.”

“Does she know about....ya know?” She said as she pointed to her eyes.

“No. I only told her that my parents are dead and that I’m your adopted brother.” Vinyl shook her head at him.

“Ink you need to tell her soon! You’ve been dating for like what? Two months? The longer you wait the more painful it’ll be for both of you.”

“I know Vi. Every time I try I either get interrupted or I get a flash and clam up. It’s a defense mechanism. I can’t help it.” He said in a low tone. Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder and let out a sigh.

“Did you tell her about your-”

“NO! I’d rather tell her I’m blind then about ‘that!’” He said in a scoff.

“I understand. It’s just that you’ve never told anypony about it and I’m worried about how you’re handling it. If you really like her then you need to tell her soon.” She said as she put a hoof on his shoulder.

“It’s more than that Vi, I love her. I’m just scared.”

“Of what?” She said as they continued walking.

“If she finds out then not only wreck our relationship but my business goes down the crapper.” He said in a low tone.

“I understand, I’m sure she’ll accept it.”

“I know, you’re right. I’ll tell her when I come back from this job.” Ink said as he let out a sigh. “So on another topic, how are things going for you?”

“Great, Tavi and I are going out tonight.” The white unicorn said with a wide grin.

“You mean your roommate?” Vinyl nodded. “Awesome, I’m happy for you two.” He said with a smile. The two continued to walk in silence towards the train station. Ink bought his ticket, gave Vinyl a goodbye hug and walked into his train car. Vinyl waved goodbye as the train left the station. The white mare trotted back down the road to see Twilight and her friends trotting towards her.

“Hey girls what’s up?”

“Have you seen Ink?” Twilight asked.

“He just got on the train to go to Canterlot.” She said as Twilight turned around and began to leave.Vinyl grabbed the mares tail and pulled her back towards her and gave her a stare that could kill a manticore. Vinyl closed the gap between the two and pressed her forehead against Twilights so that their eyes were inches away from each other.

“Let’s just get one thing straight here Sparkle. If you do anything to hurt Ink then so help me I will blast you out of my bass cannon so hard so that you’ll be able to hoof deliver the next letter you plan on sending to Celestia. Got it?” She said as she took a step back.

“Y-yeah I got it.” Twilight said with a gulp. She had seen Vinyl angry before but never like this.

“Great!” Vinyl said as her mood shifted back to her usual cheery self.

“Wait! I need your help. I like Ink but I still don’t know that much about him and since you’re his sister maybe you know somethings that can help me.”

“Sure I don’t mind.” Vinyl said with a smile. The mares looked at her in surprise.

“Wait, I thought Ink was just your friend.” Rainbow said in confusion.

“My parents adopted Ink when his parents died.” She said in a low tone. The other five mares lowered their heads in sadness. “He didn’t tell you did he?”

“I thought that it would be best if I kept quiet about it.” Twilight said as she scratched the back of her neck.

“Good call. Ink doesn’t like ponies meddling in his personal life, not even me.” She said as they continued to walk down the road.

“Was Ink always like he is now?” Rainbow asked.

“No. He used to be even more timid than Fluttershy.” The mares looked at her in surprise.

“What? But, he’s so confident and cocky.” AJ said in confusion.

“That was my doing, my parents made Ink look out for me to make sure I came back in one piece whenever we were out in the city. When we were in High School he’d sometimes act as my body guard when we went to parties.”

“Body guard?”

“Yeah Ink may not look it but he can hold his own in a fight. He managed to take down two muggers without a scratch.” Vinyl added. Twilight gulped and looked at the white mare with bead of sweat. “Manehattan was a tough neighborhood and Ink had the worst of it growing up.”

“How do you mean?”

“He was tormented nearly all of his foal hood. Everypony picked on him, called him names. Hell, even threw things at him.”

“You defended him right?” Twilight asked. Vinyl bit her lip at the question.

“Eventually yes.” She said in a low tone. The mares looked at her in confusion while Twilight and Rainbow narrowed their eyes.

“YOU picked on him?” Rainbow said as she stared at the unicorn.

“I was stupid and young. I felt like I needed to be part of the popular crowd. I’ll regret those days for the rest of my life.” She said as the cyan mare backed off.

“So what changed your mind?” Twilight asked.

“When we were foals he defended me from some punk colts.”

“He beat them up right?” Rainbow asked with a smile.

“No, Ink got his flank handed to him. I carried him four blocks to the nearest hospital. He had three bruised ribs a concussion and minor internal bleeding.” The mares eyes began to water. “After that we became friends.”

“Why did he defend you after you were such a bitch to him? No offense.” Rainbow asked.

“None taken. I honestly don’t know why.” She said with a shrug.

“Wait, if he could take two stallions easy how did he get his flank kicked?”

“That was when we were foals, Ink was still very shy and weak. It was when he could still-” Vinyl shut her mouth as she almost gave away the dark stallions biggest secret.

“Back when he could still what?” Applejack asked.

“Back when he still...considered himself a nobody. He had a lot of self esteem issues.” She lied.

“He’s better though right?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah. You’ve seen him.”

“Yeah, but I still don’t know that much about him.” Vinyl bit her lip at the next part.

“Look Twilight, it’s not my place to tell you his life story. Ink will tell you when he’s ready.” She said wit a reassuring smile. “Now if you guys will excuse me I’ve got a hot date tonight.” She said as she continued to trot down the road. Twilight looked back at her friends with a concerned look in her eye.

“Wow, I had no idea he’s been through so much.” Applejack said in a low tone.

“Me either.” Twilight said as she hung her head.

“Let’s not dwell on it dear. Let’s get you ready for when he comes back.” Rarity said as she took her friend by the hoof and dragged her towards her boutique.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink’s eyes snapped open as the train pulled to a halt. He wiped the sweat from his brow and sent out another pulse and outlined his path. The dark stallion breathed a heavy sigh and made his way to the castle. He kept his head low and mad his way through the busy street. Ink sent out another pulse and saw two familiar ponies waving him over. A white unicorn stallion with a flowing blue mane, white coat and wearing a monocle over his right eye. While the mare was white with a pink hue as was her mane.

“Ink, how are you old boy?” The stallion said as he shook the dark stallions hoof.

“Great. A pleasure to see you again Fancy. You as well Fleur.” Ink said as he gave her a nod.

“Likewise.” She said with a warm smile.

“What brings you to Canterlot?”

“I’m heading up to the castle. I got a job painting Celestia’s portrait.” The two ponies jaws dropped at the news.

“That’s spectacular! How did you manage that?” Fleur asked as she sipped her wine.

“I’m her students’ colt friend.” He said with a blush.

“Oh yes, she’s good friends with Rarity.” Fancy said as he looked at his wife.

“You’ve certainly made good connections.” She said with a grin.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t let us keep you. We’ll have to chat over some brunch sometime.” The stallion said with a smile. Ink made his goodbye’s and continued towards the massive castle. As he entered the grounds he was stopped by two guards.

“Halt! State your name and business.” The white Pegasus said as his horn glowed.

“My name is Ink Blot and I’m the painter the Princess hired.” Ink said as the stallion withdrew a clip board and scanned the list.

“Ah yes, the painter from Ponyville correct?” Ink nodded and the guard opened the gate for him.

“Thank you.” Ink said as he trotted inside. He sent out another pulse outlining the massive hallways. He quietly made his way towards the grand hall, as he slipped inside he saw the outline of three Alicorns sitting and talking to one another. Celestia saw the stallion and waved him over. Ink bowed to the three Princess’s and smiled.

“You must be Ink Blot.” Celestia said with a warm smile.

“Yes, milady.” Celestia looked the stallion over and rubbed her chin with her hoof.

“You seem somewhat familiar. Have we met before?” Ink’s eyes shrank at the question.

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure. Twilight has told me so much about you that it feels like I know you.” He lied as he threw on a fake smile.

“According to Twilight’s letters she’s quite fond of you.” Cadence said with a small giggle.

“Sh-she’s told you about me?” He said with a gulp.

“Only that you’re extremely talented.” Luna interjected.

“I wouldn’t say I’m extremely talented. I’m just as good as the next pony.” He said with a blush.

“Tell me, was it you that painted Fancy Pants’ portrait?” The dark Alicorn asked.

“Yes, why?”

“We recently had an outing with him and his wife, he was kind enough to show us his portrait.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it was wonderful and you claim to be average.” Luna said with a smile.

“He’s just being modest Auntie Luna.” Cadence said with a chuckle.

“I don’t like to draw attention to myself.” He said as he scratched the back of his mane.

“Understandable, but we will credit you with this whether you like it or not.” Celestia said with a chuckle.

“Fine by me, I figured it was time I branch out. Whenever you’re ready to get started ma’am.” He said as he ‘looked’ around the room.

“Does it matter where we do it?” Celestia asked.

“Where ever you feel most comfortable.” He said as the other two Alicorns got to their hooves. “Feel free to bring music.”

“Won’t that be a distraction?” Luna asked.

“No, music is a part of art. I work a lot better with it to tell you the truth.” He said with a smile.

“Yes! I just got a new record player the other day.” Cadence said with a smile. Ink followed the three Alicorns to a comfortable furnished study.

“Okay, Princess Celestia what’s the message of the portrait?”

“The message?” The white Alicorn asked in confusion.

“What do you want the image to portray? Is it authority? Hope? Kindness? Something that describes who you are as a pony and as a Princess.” He said as he set up his supplies. The Alicorns looked at one another in surprise.

“Um....I suppose my love towards my subjects.”

“Okay, just look how you feel and don’t force a smile. If you do that then it ruins the whole image.”

“My usual artist says that a smile is always art.”

“Then he’s an idiot.”

“I’ll have you know that Gustav has been knighted.” Celestia said in a stern tone.

“That makes it official then.” He said as he lined up his bottle s of paint in a circle around him. The two young Alicorns looked at the arrangement in confusion, while Celestia struck a pose. “Perfect, now hold still.” Ink said as his horn flared and sent out a pulse of magic. The three mares felt a small shiver move down their spines as the pulse washed over them.

Ink imprinted the image onto the canvas and began to levitate the different colors of paint he moved his hooves to the sound of the music that Cadence had put on. The ponies watched in amazement as the streams of paint filled blank canvas with vibrant color and life. Ink could feel his forehead beginning to sweat from the concentration he was putting into his work. “Just a few more minutes.” Ink said as he switched the bottles and continued to manipulate the paint into it’s proper place on the image.

Luna and Cadence looked over his shoulder to see the image becoming clear. Ink cut the stream of paint and gave it a small blast of magic and levitated the paint into their bottles. He took heavy breaths and felt his heart beating fast. “Done.” Ink said with a grin. The ponies looked in amazement at the picture before them. The three were speechless at the photo. The dark stallions smile disappeared and he lowered his head. “You don’t like it, do you?”

“I love it!” Celestia said as she closely examined it. “It looks almost alive and the eyes, such detail and precision.” Ink let out a sigh and smiled.

“I see what you mean, if I didn’t know any better I’d say it was a mirror image.” Cadence said with a smile.

“That’s because it is alive or at least as close as you can get.” Ink said with a smile.

“What are you talking about?” Luna asked. Inks horn glowed and the picture began to shine. The ponies watched in amazement as the image of Celestia stepped out of the portrait and onto the tile floor.

“Greetings.” The picture said. The Alicorns jaws dropped in amazement and shock. The stallions horn flared and the image returned to it’s proper place. Ink let out a sigh and staggered in place.

“How did you do that?”

“I infuse my paint with my own magic. With it I’m able to manipulate the painting.” He said as he let out another sigh. “One drawback, it taxes my energy substantially.”

“OH! That must be the spell Twilight mentioned.” Cadence said in excitement. Celestia stared at Ink in amazement.

“Ink Blot. I remember you now, the blind artist from Manehattan.” Ink felt his stomach jump into his throat. The other Alicorns looked at him and the white Alicorn in confusion. Ink looked at the Princess in pure fear and started to back away from the three Alicorns. Celestia trotted over to the dark stallion with a saddened look on her face. “I apologize for that. I didn’t wish to cause you any hardship.”

“Auntie, what did you mean by-”

“I’m blind.” Ink said as he lowered his head.

“Surely you’re joking.” Luna said. Ink took his glasses off and ‘looked’ at the three Princess’s. Cadence and Luna let out a gasp at the sight. Ink quickly put his sunglasses back over his eyes. “I-I’m so sorry. I thought that-” She was cut off as Ink raised a hoof.

“It’s fine, you didn’t know.”

“How are you able to paint?” Cadence asked. Ink explained how his pulse worked and how he is able to see. “Oh my.”

“It’s worked so far and I’m begging you all to please keep this to yourselves.” He said in a pleading voice. “If you tell anyone I’ll lose my job.” He said as he hung his head. Cadence stepped forward and put a hoof on his shoulder.

“I understand. We won’t say a word.” Cadence said with a smile. “How does Celestia know you?” The white Alicorn looked at the dark stallion who shook his head.

“It’s a private matter Cadence.” Celestia said in a low tone. “I’m happy to see that Twilight is able to look past-”

“She doesn’t know.” Ink said in a flat tone. The Alicorns looked at him in surprise. “I’m begging you three not to tell her. Please.” He said as he was close to tears.

“You have been dating my student for months and you haven’t told her?” Celestia asked in a stern tone.

“I just don’t know how to tell her.” He said in a defeated tone. “I’m planning on telling her when I go back to Ponyville.” He said in a stern tone. Celestia trotted over to him and put a wing on his shoulder and let out a sigh.

“Very well. I will honor your request.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Thank you Princess.” He said with a bow. Ink faced the other mares and let out a sigh. “I suppose you don’t want me to do your portrait’s correct?”

“No, the fact that you’re blind and are able to produce such art it even more amazing!” Cadence said with a warm smile.

“Really?”

“We agree with Cadence.” Luna said with a smile.

“Okay then. Who’s first?” He said as he pulled out a fresh canvas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight was sitting in Carousel Boutique with her other five friends drinking some tea and gossiping until Rainbow finally chimed in. “So Twilight, have you and Ink....you know?” Rainbow asked as she waggled her eyebrows.

“Have we-....THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!” Twilight yelled.

“Hey calm down. I’m just curious.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

“You shouldn’t ask such personal things Rainbow.” Rarity said as she narrowed on the mare.

“Show some decency Dash!” AJ yelled.

“Okay, sorry I asked. But seriously Twi how are things going with Ink?”

“Great, but I can’t shake this feeling that he’s hiding something from me.”

“Like what?” Pinkie asked.

“Well, he talks about his mom freely but whenever I ask him about his dad he either starts up a new conversation or stone walls me.” She said as she scratched her chin. The mares looked at her in surprise.

“Maybe his dad was a diamond thief that stole all these diamonds and is hiding out in the Griffin Kingdom.” Pinkie said with a serious look on her face. The ponies looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “What? It could happen.”

“I’m not even gonna respond to that.” Twilight said as she looked at her friend.

“What has he told you about him?” Rarity asked as she refilled her cup.

“That he was a doctor and-” She was cut off as Spike entered the shop with a letter in his claw. Twilight opened the letter and skimmed the message. “Sorry girls, orders from the Princess. I gotta head back to the library.” She said as she got to her hooves and walked out the door, leaving the other five mares with a confused looks on their faces. As Twilight started to trot down the road she took out the letter and read it again.

Meet me in the park in ten minutes. Come alone.

~V.

Twilight did as instructed and saw a familiar white mare sitting on a park bench feeding some pigeons. Vinyl looked up at the mare and smiled. Twilight walked over to her and sat down next to the mare. “Hey Twi, glad to see you got my message.”

“Yeah, what did you want to talk about?” Vinyl made a quick motion with her eyes to a nearby tree. Twilight looked out of her peripheral vision to see a rainbow tail quickly hide itself in a tree branch. “Rainbow!” She said under her breath. Twilight turned back to the DJ who had raised an eyebrow. “She must have followed me here. Got any place else where we can talk?”

“Yeah, my place.” She said as the two got to her hooves. The two unicorns exited the park and made their way through the busy town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink sat down to eat in the palace kitchen when a white stallion with a flowing blue mane sat down next to him. “Can I sit with you?” He asked.

“Sure.” He said as he offered him a seat.

“You must be Ink Blot.” The white stallion said as he sat down.

“The one and only.” He said as he took another bite of his food. “You are?”

“We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Shinning Armor.” Ink almost choked on his food at the name. “It’s come to my attention that you’re dating my sister.” He said as he looked at the dark stallion.

“Twilight has mentioned you a few times.” He said as he tried to remain calm.

“Odd, she’s never mentioned you.” He said in a stern tone.

“I like to lay low.” He said as he sipped his drink.

“That includes not telling my sister that you’re blind?” He said in a hushed tone. Ink spat his water out in surprise. Shinning handed him a napkin and glared at the dark stallion.

“How did-”

“Cadence told me. The real question is what are you going to do about it?” Ink gulped and started to sweat. “Relax I haven’t told Twilight or any one else.”

“Thank you.”

“That doesn’t mean I won’t.” Shinning said as he stared at the artist. “I did a standard back round check on you. Nothing bad, no drugs, no crime and no acts of violence of any sort. Remarkable considering you came from Manehattan.” Ink gave him a slight nod. “You seem like a good stallion Ink and I’m happy my sis found one as nice as you, but if you don’t tell her about your eyes then I will.” Ink was suddenly filled with fear.

“I’m going to tell her when I go back to Ponyville tonight.” He said as he tried to calm down.

“Good and if you break my sisters heart then I’ll go public with this info. Got it?” He said as his eyes narrowed on the dark stallion who was shaking.

“Crystal.” He said as he calmed down.

“Good and for what it’s worth, good luck.” He said as he got to his hooves and trotted away from the stallion. Ink picked up his tray and disposed the rest of his food. Ink made his way back to the study where cadence was waiting for him.

“Sorry about that Princess.”

“It’s perfectly fine. Even I can’t work on an empty stomach.” She said with a smile. Ink laid out his art supplies and took a moment to collect himself.

Calm down. You’ve done this a million times. He thought as he sent out another pulse and outlined the pink mare. He let out another breath and started his work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Ponyville Vinyl led Twilight inside of her home and down into her music studio. A small room with a chair and table in the center and a small refrigerator in the corner. Twilight looked at the white mare in confusion as she closed the door behind them. “This is my studio, it’s sound proof so we don’t have to worry about anyone walking in on our conversation.”

“What did you want to talk about?” Twilight asked as she took a seat.

“It’s about Ink. I know you have questions about him and I’m going to answer the ones I’m able to answer.” She said as she sat across from the mare. “So ask away.”

“Ink told me about his mom, but he’s told me next to nothing about his father.” Vinyl bit her lip at the statement.

“What has he told you about him?”

“That he was a doctor and he became an alcoholic after his mom died. That’s it.” Vinyl nodded in agreement.

“That’s half the story.” She said as she bit her lip. “Ink’s dad resented him.”

“Why?” Twilight said in shock.

“Ink told you that he wasn’t born on purpose right?” Twilight nodded. “Well, he was considered an accident. His mom wouldn’t stand to have an abortion, while his father wanted her to or at least put him up for adoption. She didn’t care, she always wanted a foal of her own and she was determined to raise him with or without his help.” Vinyl trotted over to the mini fridge and withdrew an energy drink. “Want one?”

“No thank you.” Vinyl shrugged and opened the can. “So Ink’s father didn’t like him?”

“Yeah, he considered him ‘dead weight’ and a pest.”

“So why did he stay?” Twilight asked in confusion.

“Guilt mostly. He cared more about his work and status as a doctor.” She said as she took a swig from her drink.

“So why didn’t she leave with Ink?”

“You didn’t grow up in Manehattan Twi. Foals that grow up without a roof over their heads are either dead or become a criminal.” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth in shock. “It’s sad but true. Ink’s happiness was more important to her then her own.”

“But from what you’ve told me his life was miserable.”

“Yeah, it was. Ink never told his mom that he was being picked on. He didn’t want to worry her, she had her own problems.”

“What problems?” Twilight asked.

“Inks’ mom and dad fought constantly.” She said as she let out a sigh.

“Over what?”

“Almost anything. Some times the fights would get physical and Ink would show up to school with fresh bruises.” Twilight looked at the mare with tears in her eyes.

“You mean that he....His dad...” Vinyl nodded.

“Eventually my folks called Social Services and they launched an investigation. Ink and his mom were relocated and full custody went to her.” She said in a low tone.

“Why didn’t he tell me any of this?”

“It’s painful for him to remember.” She said as she took another swig. “And Twilight.”

“Y-yes?” She said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Don’t tell any one about this. Don’t even let Ink know. He’ll know I told you and he hates it when I talk about his past.”

“Why are you telling me this then?”

“Ink’s happier then he’s ever been when he’s with you. I know how much you guys like each other and-”

“I don’t like him Vinyl. I love him with all my heart.” She said as new tears formed in her eyes. Vinyl leaned over and put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Then tell him. That stallion has been through hell and back. He deserves some happiness.” She said with a smile. Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes and hugged the white mare.

“I won’t say a word.” Twilight said as the DJ opened the door to the studio and the two mares walked out of the sound proof room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink was trying desperately to concentrate on the painting but the guard captain’s words were making it difficult to concentrate on the portrait. “Are you alright Ink?” Cadence said as she noticed the nervous unicorn.

“I-I’m fine your majesty I just-” He lost his concentration and the stream of paint increased, making the paint splatter all over the canvass. Ink tore it off and crumpled into a ball next to five other mistakes. Cadence trotted up next to him and put a wing on his shoulder.

“Ink, it’s my job to help ponies. What’s wrong?” She asked in a sweet tone.

“Nothing I’m just scared.” He said in a defeated tone. “I’m scared how Twilight will react to ‘this’” He said as he pointed a hoof to his eyes.

“You really care for her don’t you?”

“Honestly, I love her. I don’t want her to pity me. That’s the one thing in this world I can’t stomach.” He said in a low tone.

“I think it’s time you told her.”

“Your husband made that abundantly clear to me earlier.” He said in a stagnant tone.

“What are you talking about?” Cadence asked in surprise.

“He said if I don’t tell Twilight then he will and if I break her heart then he’ll reveal my secret to everypony.” He said in a defeated tone.

“HE DID WHAT?” She yelled.

“Wait Princess don’t do anything!” He said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. Cadence looked at him in surprise. “I know that what Shinning Armor is doing is considered unfair to me, but he’s doing it to make sure Twilight is happy and if it means that we can’t be together...so be it.” He said in a low tone. Cadence put a hoof on the stallions back and gave him a reassuring nod.

“I think it would be best if we postpone my portrait to a later date. When your head is cleared and you can concentrate.” She said as she levitated his supplies into his bag.

“But-”

“Go to her Ink. Tell her everything and all will be well.” She said with a warm smile. Ink nodded and quickly ran out the door with his bag strapped on his back. “Good luck!” Cadence let out a sigh and her horn began to glow. The pink Alicorn vanished in a cloud of smoke.

Cadence teleported just outside of Shinning Armors office and barged in. The two guards saluted her as she entered. Shinning looked up in surprise as he saw daggers in his wife’s eyes. “Leave us.” She said to the two guards who quickly made themselves scarce.

“What’s wrong Cadence?” Shinning asked in surprise.

“How dare you threaten Ink like that! Threatening to tell Twilight his most precious secret? I thought you were better than this Shinning!” She bellowed. Shinning had a weak expression on his face.

“I’m only looking out for my sister and-”

“Don’t give me that! What about going public with his secret. It would ruin his business and reputation!” She said as her mane slowly started to turn into an inferno. Shinning had never seen his wife this angry before and felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

“Y-you’re right. I shouldn’t have said that to him.” He said as his wife calmed down and took a deep breath. “I was just looking out for my little sister, she’s growing up so fast I’m just trying to keep up.” He said in a low tone. Cadence let out another sigh and looked at her husband with a less intense glare.

“Ink is on his way to Ponyville right now to go and tell Twilight. I talked to him and I can tell the guilt was eating away at him. He loves Twilight and I can sense that Twilight loves him.” She said as she put a hoof on her husbands’ shoulder. “I understand your feeling Shinning but you have to learn to let Twilight live her own life and if need be, make her own mistakes.” Shinning nodded and let out a sigh as the Alicorn hugged him.

“You’re right. I’ll apologize to him next chance I get.” Cadence smiled and gave him a light peck on the cheek.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Ponyville Rarity Applejack and Twilight were sitting in the library at the kitchen table. “So AJ, you can take Spike tonight?”

“No problem we have a guest room at the farm and ah don’t mind if he spends the night.” She said with a smile.

“Are you sure about this Twilight?” Rarity asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Yes, I love Ink and I want to be there for him.”

“What did Vinyl want?” Rarity asked.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked as the two mares gave her a weak nod. “Sorry girls it’s personal.” She said in a flat tone.

“Ah get it. I won’t pry.” Applejack said with a smile. A knock on the door startled the group of mares. Twilight trotted over to the door and was surprised to see the dark stallion standing before her smiling.

“Ink! What are you doing here?” She said in surprise.

“Princess Cadence had to reschedule so I came home early.” He then noticed the two mares with smiles on their faces. “Listen we need to talk in private and-”

“I’ll just get Spike and we’ll be on our way.” Applejack said as she trotted upstairs to find the purple dragon. Rarity gave Twilight a wink who blushed at the gesture. “Okay c’mon y’all lets give these two some privacy.” She said with the small purple dragon and white mare walking beside her. After the door closed Twilight looked at the confused stallion with a blush on her face.

“C’mon we can talk in my room.” Twilight said with a warm smile. Ink cocked an eyebrow and trotted upstairs behind the mare.

“Mind if I use the restroom? It was a long train ride.” Twilight nodded and went into her room. As Ink entered the restroom he felt a familiar doubt creep up on him. No! Not this time, she has to know! It’s now or never! He thought as he splashed water in his face. He took a few deep breaths before exiting the bathroom and trotted into the lavender mares room. He looked inside to find it deserted.

As he sat down on the bed Twilight teleported on top of him and pressed her lips against his. Ink almost lost himself in the moment, he broke the kiss and ‘looked’ back at the mare in surprise. “Twilight please, I need to tell you something!” He said as the mare got off of him.

“So do I.” She said as she took a deep breath and hugged the stallion. “I love you.” Ink felt his heart jump into his stomach. The dark stallion felt tears form in his eyes as he began to pace around the room. Twilight looked at him in confusion. “Ink? What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been keeping secrets from you Twilight. I’ve lied to you and it’s not fair.”

“What are you talking about?” Ink slammed his hoof against the wall in frustration.

“I don’t know how to tell you.”

“Ink, you’re my colt friend. Just look me in the eyes and tell me!” She said as tears began to well in her own eyes.

“I can’t!”

“Why? Is your secret so-”

“You don’t understand! I literally can’t!” He yelled. Twilight looked at him in confusion. Ink turned around and removed his glasses to show a massive horizontal scar stretching across his eyes. The iris was not a crystal blue that Twilight had seen instead they were white as the snow and the pupil was distorted “Twilight, I’m blind.” He said as the red tears began to flow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back across town Spike was nestled between the covers of the guest bed at Sweet Apple Acres. He was awoken as a bright red flame erupted a letter from the dragons’ mouth. Spike rubbed his eyes and skimmed the letter. Spike’s eyes shrank at the letter and charged out of his room. He barged into the orange mares room and nudged her shoulder. “Applejack, wake up!” He yelled. The orange mare shot up in surprise causing the dragon to fall on his back.

“What in tarnation?” She said as she looked at the dragon. “What’s wrong Spike? It’s three in the morning.” She said as she looked at her clock.

“Never mind that, Twilight is in serious danger!” The farmer looked at the dragon in surprise. “We need to get the others! Go find Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash I’ll get Rarity and Pinkie. Meet me in front of the library and bring your rope, we might need it” He said as the mare grabbed her hat and charged after the dragon.

Chapter 7: The Truth

Chapter 7

The Truth

Spike, Pinkie and Rarity waited for their friends to arrive outside the library. Spike let out a sigh as Applejack and the two Pegasus mares trotted up to them. “Good we’re all here.”

“Mind telling us whats going on?” Rainbow said in a grouchy tone.

“Do you guys remember when Twilight went nuts?”

“You mean when she made the town fall in love with that doll?” Rarity asked. The ponies cringed at the memory of the dreaded ‘Smarty Pants Incident’ as it came to be known by the locals.

“Yes, since then Celestia put a spell on Twilight that would send me a message if she ever went off the deep end like that again.” He said in a worried tone.

“Did she?” Fluttershy asked in a timid tone.

“Yeah, only it’s worse this time.”

“What?” The mares yelled.

“When Twilight enchanted the doll she was around a six maybe a seven on the stress scale. This time she rates a ten.” He said as he withdrew the letter that only had a red number ten on it. “I’ve never gotten something like this before so I don’t know how Twilight will react.” He said as he opened the library door and braced himself.

The group gave a gulp and made their way inside the massive tree and slowly trotted up to Twilight’s room. “Twilight? You okay in there?” Spike asked as he knocked. No response came. Applejack tried to open the door but it wouldn’t budge.

“She’s locked it.” The farmer said with a frown.

“Hang on.” Spike said as he grabbed his tail and inserted it into the lock. He moved it around inside the door for a few seconds until he felt a satisfying click. Spike slowly opened the door to see the room in darkness except for a lavender mare crying on her bed. The dragon and her five friends rushed over to her with concern in their eyes. “Twilight what happened?” He said as he put a claw on her shoulder. Twilight looked at her friends with tears in her eyes the six friends immediately wrapped her in a hug and slowly calmed her down.

The mares eventually got Twilight downstairs into the main area. Rarity made some tea and offered it to her disheveled friend who took a small sip. Rarity looked at the others who had the same looks of concern strewn across their faces. “Twilight what happened?” The lavender mare took a deep breath as she recollected the night’s events.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Twilight, I’m blind.” The dark stallion said as red tears poured down his face. Twilight’s mind was in disarray at the news. She slumped to the ground and started to cry. Ink approached the mare but she immediately cringed back.

“Don’t touch me!” She yelled.

“Twilight please let me ex-”

“Explain? Explain why the only stallion I’ve ever loved was keeping a secret this big from me? Explain the countless lies you’ve told me?” She bellowed. Her mind was consumed with rage, confusion and sadness.

“Please let’s calm down and talk-” He said as he took a step forward.

“NO! How could you lead me on like this? I thought you cared about me!” She said as her horn began to flare.

“I do. I love you I-”

“It’s just another lie! Just when I thought I found a stallion I had feelings for TURNS OUT YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A BLIND FREAK!” Ink felt as though some one had shoved a knife through his heart. “JUST GET OUT!”

“I know you’re angry and-”

“I SAID GET OUT!” She yelled as a purple bolt erupted from her horn launching the stallion out the door and into the hallway. Ink felt his heart shatter, he levitated his glasses and ran out the door with a river of red tears running down his face. After Twilight had cast the bolt she came to her senses and broke down in a fit of tears and anguish.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The mares looked at their friend in shock. Twilight wiped the newly formed tears from her eyes and stared down at the floor. “I called him a freak, I can’t believe I attacked the one stallion I love.” She said as Pinkie put a hoof on her shoulder.

“He’s been blind this whole time?” Rainbow said as she lowered her head.

“Why didn’t he tell us?” AJ said in a low tone.

“I don’t know darling, but we can’t dwell on it now. We need to find Ink.” Rarity said as she put the tea cups away.

“I doubt he’d accept my apology.” Twilight said with a sniffle.

“It doesn’t hurt to try darling, you weren’t in the right state of mind. I’m sure he’ll listen to reason.” Rarity said with a warm smile “We’ll be there to support you every step of the way.” Twilight took a deep breath and gave her friends a weak smile.

Wub wub.

“Thanks girls you’re the best.” She said as she got to her hooves and trotted towards the door.

Wub wub wub.

“Hey does anypony hear that?” Pinkie asked.

“Hear what?” Applejack asked.

Wub wub wub wub.

“It sounds like a-” She was cut off as Twilight opened the door only to be hit by a bright blue beam knocking her back against the wall. The ponies looked in horror as they saw Vinyl holding what looked like a massive speaker made into a cannon. The DJ’s mane was like a vibrant blue inferno and her eyes were glowing red with rage. Vinyl dropped the weapon and followed up with a punch to Twilight’s stomach.

“You bitch! I’ll kill you!” She yelled. Rainbow grabbed the white unicorn and pulled her off the lavender mare. “Let me go!” She yelled as Applejack looped her lasso around the musician and Rarity trapped her in a magical grip. Vinyl struggled in her restraints and started to curse wildly. Fluttershy and Pinkie helped Twilight to her hooves who shook off the attack.

Applejack felt the rope beginning to loosen as the mare continued to thrash around. Vinyl grabbed the rope around her and threw the farmer into Rarity breaking the magical hold. The DJ lunged forward with malice in her eyes. As she closed the gap between her and the librarian she was stopped by Fluttershy’s stare. Vinyl tried to move but found no freedom to wiggle.

“What’s your problem Vinyl?” Rainbow asked as she helped the farmer to her hooves.

“My problem? My problem is that because of that little egg head Ink almost killed himself last night!” She said as she narrowed her eyes on the lavender mare who was stricken with grief. “I found him lying a pool of his own blood with his wrists cut!” She said as tears began to flow from her eyes. Twilight was ina state of pure sadness as new tears started to form in her eyes.

“Is he okay?” Applejack asked in a shocked tone.

“He’s still in surgery. I’m just here to deliver a warning. If Ink doesn’t pull through then no pony; not your friends, not your brother, not even Celestia herself will be able to protect you from me!” She yelled as she eyed the lavender mare. Fluttershy released the stare and Vinyl’s mane returned to normal.

“We were just on our way to see him. Twilight is really sorry for what she said. Just look at her.” Rainbow said as she pointed to the distraught lavender mare. Vinyl narrowed her eyes and turned to leave, but was stopped by an orange hoof.

“Can we come and see him?”

“If you want to.” She said in a stagnant tone.

“What about-”

“I think Twilight has done enough for right now.” She said as she made the bass cannon vanish. “Just so you know, that was level three. You don’t wanna know what happens when I crank it up to eleven.” She said as she looked back at the mare with daggers in her eyes. Rainbow, Applejack and Vinyl made their way to the hospital as fast as their hooves and wings could carry them.

Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity trotted over to Twilight who was on the ground shaking as a river of tears flowed from her eyes. “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been so stupid he wouldn’t-” She was cut off as Rarity slapped her across her face and glared at the mare.

“I would have reacted the same way! What’s important right now is making sure he’s okay, right?” Pinkie interjected. Twilight looked at her friends and nodded. The mares got up and galloped out the door after their friends towards the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AJ, Vinyl and Rainbow Dash ran through the streets of Ponyville at a breakneck pace towards the hospital. Vinyl noticed that the orange mare had matched her speed and looked at her with a worried expression. “You said you found Ink. How did ya know he’d do something like that?”

“Ink has this black safe that holds something important to to him. I don’t know what it is, he never told me. Whenever he got depressed he’d take it out and look at it.” Vinyl said in a low tone. “His therapist told me to keep an eyes on it. I placed a charm on it that would notify me the next time the safe was opened.”

“His therapist?” Rainbow said in confusion.

“Yeah, like I said Ink has had a hard life and he started therapy a few years ago. I thought he was cured but now I’m not so sure.” She said as they approached the hospital. Vinyl burst into the lobby and galloped up to the doctor. “How is he doctor? Please tell me he’s okay.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“Ink is going to be fine. He’s lost a lot of blood but we have him on an I.V. He’s stable and conscious if you want to see him.” Vinyl let out a sigh of relief and followed the doctor to the room where the dark stallion was sitting up right in the hospital bed. The stallion didn’t bother to look at the mares. AJ and Rainbow cringed back when they saw the stallions eyes. Vinyl rushed over to him and wrapped him in a hug.

“Ink, I’m glad you’re okay.” She said with a sniffle. Ink wrapped a hoof around the mare and sniffled.

“I’m so sorry Vi. Things just went to shit and-”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Yes, it is. If I told them from the start then none of this would have happened.” He said in a low tone. “I should have told Twilight on our first date. I’m just weak.” Vinyl slapped her brother across the face as tears flowed from her eyes.

“Stop saying that! You’re the strongest stallion I know. You’ve made it this far and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let you check out now!” She said as Ink ‘looked’ at her. “I gave Dr. Velvet a call, she’ll be here soon.” Ink nodded and turned towards the farmer and Pegasus mare.

“Howdy Ink.” AJ said in a low tone.

“How do ya feel?” Rainbow asked as she approached the bed.

“I’ve been better.” He said as the two mares adverted their eyes. “Right, hang on.” He said as he materialized his sun glasses. “Better?” He asked.

“How can you see us?” Applejack asked.

“I used that pulse I told you about.” He said in a flat tone.

“But-”

“I can see outlines and the magical aura you give off.”

“Aura?”

“Every living thing gives off a magical aura. For instance, AJ yours is a light orange. If I focus it then I can see details but that uses a lot more magic and concentration.” He said in a flat tone. A knock on the door startled the group. A nurse opened the door and poked her head in.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but you have a few more guests if you feel like having more company.” The nurse said with a smile.

“Sure, send them in.” He said with a smile. Three more mares entered the room with a nervous grin on their faces. “Hey guys.” He said in a low tone.

“How are you feeling?” Rarity asked as she gave him a hug.

“About as good as I look, so I really don’t know.” He said with a small chuckle. The mares looked at him in confusion. “Too soon?” The mares nodded. “Sorry.”

“Look Ink, Twilight is really, really sorry about what happened.” Pinkie said with a quivering lip.

“Yeah, she just lost control of her magic and-” Dash was cut off by the dark stallion raising a hoof.

“I know how unicorn magic reacts to emotions, trust me I’ve been there and I know that Twilight would never hurt me on purpose.” He said as he let out a sigh.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were blind?” Applejack asked.

“I didn’t tell you because you’d act like I wasn’t able to do things on my own. You’d think that I’d need extra help with simple mundane tasks. Like every pony else who knows I’m blind.” He said as he let out a grunt. “I just wanted to be treated like a normal stallion. Is that too much to ask?” He said as he ‘looked’ back at the mares. “For the record I can see you guys and the world around me, just not in the same way you can.” The mares looked at him in shock. “In a way I have better sight then all of you, the one thing I can’t see is fabric color.” Rarity hung her head in shame.

“I’m so sorry dear I didn’t know.”

“It’s alright. Twilight you can come in if you want.” He said as he faced the door. Twilight took a deep breath and entered the room. She instantly felt the DJ’s glare focus on her.

“Ink I-” Ink raised a hoof.

“Can we have some privacy please?” The mares nodded and started to leave the hospital room. Vinyl mad the ‘I’m watching you’ sign with her hoof. “Hey Vinyl.” The mare turned around to see the stallion point to his ear. The DJ nodded and her horn began to glow as she left the room. “Now we can talk.” He said as he sat up on the bed.

Twilight rushed over to him and wrapped him in a hug and started to cry. “I’m so sorry Ink! I-I was just so shocked and I lost control.” She said as he hug tightened. Ink returned the gesture.

“It’s alright Twilight.”

“No, no it’s not! You almost died because of me!” She said as Ink felt the mares tears touch his coat. Ink broke the hug and faced the mare.

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” She said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Then close your eyes and don’t open them until I say so.” Twilight took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Ink put his hooves on her head and made their foreheads touch. Twilight saw nothing but darkness. Suddenly a small line of light appeared and it illuminated her surroundings. She saw the light bounce from surface to surface. She ‘looked’ forward to see the dark unicorn being outlined by a white aura. Ink broke the connection and let go of the mares head. Twilight took a few moments to collect herself and readjust her eyes sight.

“What was that?”

“That is how I see the world.” He said as he let out a sigh. Twilight began to cry and noticed her tears were blood red. She stared at the liquid in shock. “That’s a small side effect to the spell, it’ll pass. Unfortunately if you use it too much and you go blind.” He said as he took a tissue and wiped the tears off the mares face.

“Is that how you-”

“No. I learned the spell after I lost my sight. Celestia herself taught it to me.” He said with a smile.

“You know Princess Celestia?” The stallion nodded. “How?” Ink let out a sigh and pointed to his eyes.

“That story ties in with this one.” Twilight lowered her head in shame.

“You don’t have to-” She was cut off as Ink put a hoof to her chin and raised it so their eyes met.

“I want to, I’m tired of lying to the mare I love.” He said with a smile. Ink let out a sigh and collected his thoughts. “My dad was for lack of a better term, an asshole.”

“Vinyl told me.”Ink raised an eyebrow at the statement.

“Okay, so my mom and I moved out and found a place of out own. It wasn’t the best but we made due.” Twilight leaned her head in and focused on the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink opened the door to his mothers apartment building and found it dark. Ink flicked on the light switch and made his way into the kitchen. As he set his books down he heard a crash coming from the other room. Ink cautiously made his way through the apartment, he continued to hear the struggling noises. Ink poked his head into the living room to see a black Pegasus stallion holding a knife over the red mare.Who’s eyes were full of rage and tears, She noticed the black colt and mouthed ‘run.’ As Ink backed away his back hoof hit a nearby cabinet causing a vase to drop and shatter.

The enraged Pegasus stallion whirled around to see the colt stare at him in horror. The red mare latched onto the stallions back and started to choke him. “INK RUN!” She yelled as the stallion flipped her off and delivered a quick blow to her gut. Ink ran through the apartment and hid inside a cabinet. He placed his hooves over his mouth trying to smother his cries of distress. He heard hoof steps and fell silent. He felt his heart beating a million times a minute as the Pegasus put the record player on and put on a familiar tune.

As the steps faded Ink slowly poked his head out of the cabinet and saw that the coast was clear. Ink stepped out of the cabinet and let out a sigh. The hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up and his eyes shrank to the size of pin tips. Ink gulped and looked up to see the Pegasus stallion floating above him with a surgical scalpel in hoof and a a twisted smile on his face.

Ink Scrambled towards the door only to be caught by the stallions hooves. The Pegasus injected the colt with an anesthetic and Ink felt his body go numb. The Stallion dragged in into the living room where his mother was lying there bleeding from her mouth and cut she had across her chest. The mares struggled in place as the Pegasus threw the colt on the ground. Ink felt himself slipping into darkness as the stallion loomed over him with scalpel in hoof.

“You have your mother’s eyes.” He said in a calm tone as he stared into the colt’s crystal blue fear stricken eyes. The Pegasus raised the hoof holding the scalpel and slashed ink horizontally across his face. Ink cried in agony as he felt the light leave his eyes. He grasped his face in pain. The stallion was too focused on the colt to notice the red unicorn mare getting to her hooves and charged at him with a knife between her teeth. She slammed the knife between the stallion’s wings and crashed through a window. As she fell still holding the knife in place she let out a tear. I’m so sorry Ink, please take care of yourself. As the thoughts passed she collided with the cement and all faded to black.

Ink heard voices coming from the hallway and cried out for help. He heard the strangers say they were police and he yelled with what ever strength he had left. “Oh Celestia. Get a medic up here!” The officer said as he took the colt in his hooves. The cop let out a tear as he saw the black colt’s destroyed eyes. The officers noticed the shattered window and left to examine the two figures below. Ink felt himself being lifted into an ambulance cart and paramedics screaming orders at one another as he slipped into unconsciousness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ink held his head in shame as Twilight wrapped him in a warm hug and cried on his shoulder. “When I got to the hospital I heard that my parents died on impact. Quick and painless.” He said as tears ran down his face.

“There was nothing they could do for you?” Twilight asked as she hugged him tighter.

“There was one thing but I refused.”

“What was it?”

“They could have transplanted my fathers eyes into me, since we have the same blood type. If I accepted then every time I looked in the mirror I would be looking into the eyes of the stallion who killed my mother.” He said with a sniffle. “I told the doctors I’d rather be blind then face that!” He said as he broke down and cried. Twilight put a hoof on the back of his head and ran her hoof through his mane calming him down.

“I understand.”

“Vinyl visited me every day when I was in the hospital and convinced her folks to adopt me. Celestia herself paid me a visit and taught me that spell. She verified the paper work and produced financial support to help Vinyls parents with our education funds.” Twilight was crying harder than ever.

“I’m so sorry Ink I had no idea.” Ink wiped the tears from his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Don’t be. I never really talked about this with anyone except my therapist.” Twilight broke the hug and gently touched her hoof to his cheek.

“I want to see your eyes, if you’ll let me.” She said as she calmed down.

“Go ahead.” He said with a weak smile. Twilight carefully removed the glasses and saw the massive scar across his face. She put her hooves on the side of Inks head and brought him into a passionate kiss. Ink closed his eyes and returned the gesture.

“Your eyes are wonderful.” Twilight said as she broke the embrace.

“Yours look good too. At least from where I stand.” He said with a smile. Twilight chuckled and hugged him.

“That’s another thing. How can you joke about it so easily?”

“I learned a long time ago that if you focus too much on the past then you’ll never get to your future. Plus sometimes my life is just so ironic that it’s funny.”

“How?”

“Let’s see, I’m a blind artist who’s in love with a librarian with a book addiction.” He said in a teasing tone. Twilight rolled her eyes.

“That’s an...interesting way to look at it.” She said with a smile.

“If you can’t laugh at yourself then who can you laugh at?” He said with a smug grin on his face.

“So are we still-” Twilight was cut off as Ink pressed his lips against hers. Twilight was lost in the kiss and let out a moan of happiness and pleasure. The two instantly broke apart when they heard the door open. Ink sent out another pulse outlining the nurse.

“Sorry to disturb you, but Ink’s therapist is here.”

“Thank you nurse send her in.” He said with a smile.

“Mind if I meet her?” Twilight asked.

“Not at all, you’re a big part of my life and I’m sure she won’t mind.” Ink said with a smile. The lavender mare looked in shock as the door opened to reveal a white unicorn mare with a snow white mane and a purple stripe running through it.

“Mom?” Twilight said in shock.

“Twilight? What are you dong here?” Ink ‘looked’ up at the ceiling and raised his right hoof.

“Damn you Irony! Damn you to hell! You bested me again.” The white mare looked at the dark stallion and her daughter in confusion. Her eyes shrank as she put the pieces together.

“Oh for the love of Faust you’ve gotta be kidding me.” She said as she face hoofed. A long silence fell between the unicorns until Ink broke the silence.

“Well, this is awkward.” He said as he scratched his mane.

Chapter 8: Rehabilitation

Chapter 8

Rehabilitation

“You’ve gotta be bucking kidding me!” Vinyl said as the mares sat in the lunch room.

“Nope.” Twilight said as Rainbow was trying to control her laughter.

“Wow, Twilight. Dating your moms psych patient! What plot twist!” Pinkie said with a smile. The ponies were familiar with Pinkie’s rumored ‘fourth wall breaking’ but they shrugged the gesture off. The ponies were cut off as Twilight’s mother walked in and sat down next to her daughter.

“How is he?” Twilight asked.

“He’s better, but just to be sure he’s staying overnight.” She said with a sigh. “Girls would you excuse us for a moment?” Velvet asked as she looked at the lavender mare. The ponies nodded and quickly made their way out of the room. Twilight lowered her head in shame and sniffled.

“I’m a horrible mare aren’t I?” She said as tears formed in her eyes.

“No Twilight. You reacted like anypony would have in that situation.” The white mare said as she put a hoof on her shoulder. “I know you care about Ink and he cares about you. I’m not angry about what happened. I am however a little miffed you didn’t tell me you were dating.” She said as she hugged the mare.

“What?” Twilight said in confusion.

“I was worried that you became addicted to your research and you weren’t living life.” She said with a smile.

“Ink is the sweetest and kindest stallion I’ve ever met.” Twilight said with a teary smile. “The thought of losing him was almost too much to bear.”

“That’s love sweetheart.” Velvet said as she comforted her daughter. “I realize that you’re still adjusting to his...condition and no doubt still getting over the shock.”

“Yeah, I just can’t believe I didn’t notice.”

“He’s very good at concealing things. It took six months for him to finally trust me and-” The two were cut off as a doctor entered the room and trotted up to them.

“I hate to interrupt, but Ink Blot wants to see you.” He said in a flat tone. The mares got to their hooves and followed the doctor back into Ink’s hospital room. Velvet left the room leaving Twilight and Ink alone.

“Thanks for coming.” He said with a smile.

“Of course. What do you need?” She asked as she sat on the side of his bed.

“To help me make a decision.” He said as he withdrew a black safe from his bed side.

“What is that?” She asked as she looked at the safe.

“I have two things in here.” He said as he turned the dial and withdrew a photograph of himself and his mother smiling at the camera. Twilight took the photo and teared up as she saw the colt’s crystal blue eyes. “I’d always take that out whenever I got depressed. Even though I couldn’t see her it just felt like she was there with me.” He said as he felt a tear form in his right eye. Twilight wrapped him in a tight hug and ran her hoof through his mane.

“Shhh. It’s okay. I’m here for you. You said you had a decision to make, what is it?” Ink reached inside the safe again and pulled out a medical container that was cold to the touch. “What is that?” Ink removed the top and a small cloud of cold air escaped the container. Ink’s horn glowed and a cylinder with two sphere’s frozen inside of it levitated out. Twilight let out a gasp as she saw the red iris’s on the sphere’s.

“They’re my father’s eyes. I had them frozen just in case I ever wanted to change my mind.” He said in a low tone. “I never really had a reason to, until....”

“Until what?”

“Until I met you.” He said with a smile.

“But, you said that-”

“That I’d be sick to my stomach every time I’d look in a mirror. Yes, that’s true, but if it means I can see you then it’s worth it.” He said as he put his hoof to Twilight’s cheek. Twilight felt tears form in her eyes and held his hoof against her face.

“Y-you’d do that for me?”

“If that’s what you want.” He said in a warm tone. Twilight looked at the freezing box and back at the stallion she loved.

“I don’t want you to do it!” She said as she wrapped him in a tight embrace and started to cry. “I don’t care about your sight. I just want to be with you, to talk to you as long as your with me I don’t care.” She said as the tears ran down her face and onto the stallions chest. Ink returned the gesture and smiled at the mare. The door opened to reveal the nurse and the other six mares with smiles on their faces.

“I hate to interrupt, but visiting hours are up.” Twilight looked at the mare in disappointment. Velvet tapped the nurse on the shoulder.

“C’mon. My daughter has saved Equestria and this town more times than I can count. Can’t you bend the rules just this once?” The mare asked. Nurse Red Heart bit her lip and looked at the couple.

“I really shouldn’t, but I guess I can make an exception.” She said with a smile. Twilight had a massive grin across her face. “Just remember that this is still a hospital and Ink is still recovering. So no....strenuous activities.” Ink and Twilight blushed at the comment. The mares left the hospital room. Twilight grinned and looked at her colt friend who smiled back at her. The stallion let out a loud yawn.

“Looks like somepony's tired.” Twilight said in a playful tone. Ink laughed and laid back on the pillow. Twilight maneuvered herself under the covers and wrapped her hooves around the stallion. Ink did the same and kissed her on the forehead. The lavender mare rested her head on his chest and was lulled to sleep by the sound of her stallions breathing and heart beat.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long and the shortness of the chapter. Final exams, papers and what not. I'll try and finish this one soon.

Chapter 9: A Bright Future Ahead

Chapter 9

A Bright Future Ahead.

Ink woke up with the beautiful purple mare sleeping on his chest. He raised his hoof and gently ran his hoof through her mane. As she moved her head Ink realized that Twilight was drooling on his chest, not that he was complaining. The mare’s eyes fluttered open and rubbed her eyes. Her eyes fell upon the dark stallion smiling at her. “What are you looking at?” She asked with a coy smile.

“Just watching to sleep.” He said with a smile. Twilight nuzzled against his chest. She stopped as she felt a wet spot, she raised her head and realized that she had been drooling on him. “Looks like somepony needs a bib.” Twilight poked him in the gut causing Ink to sit up straight.

“Any other comments?”

“I think I hit my quota.” He said with a smile. Twilight shook her head and gently kissed the stallion on the cheek.

“Nice to see that you’re feeling better Ink.” The two Unicorns looked towards the door to see Princess Cadence and Princess Celestia smiling at them. The couples faces instantly turned bright red. Twilight almost fell off the bed in surprise. “Oh calm down Twilight. There’s nothing wrong with showing affection.” Cadence said with a smile. Twilight looked at her mentor with sadness in her eyes.

“Princess....I-” She was cut off as Celestia raised a hoof.

“Your mother has already explained everything to me. I’m not angry with you I understand completely.”

“Yeah Twilight, when I found out that Ink was blind I was pretty shocked.”

“You knew?” She said as she looked at the Pink Alicorn.

“That was my fault. I accidentally mentioned it.” Celestia said with a sad expression on her face.

“It’s alright Princess.” Ink said with a smile.

“I still feel bad that I revealed your secret.” Celestia said in a low tone.

“Oh and you don’t have to worry about Shining. I had a very convincing talk with him.” Cadence said with a smile. Twilight’s eyes shrank at the news and gritted her teeth.

“Twilight, take it easy.” Ink said as he held her hoof. Twilight took a deep breath and look back at her mentor and sister in law. “So Princess, while I do appreciate the visit I can’t help but feel that there’s something else going on here.”

“You are correct Ink.” Celestia said with a smile. “Hold still.” Ink complied and sat still with his eyes closed as Celestia’s horn glowed. Ink felt the Princess’s magic wash over him. As he opened his eyes the room was filled with color and light. A stunningly beautiful lavender Unicorn mare was looking at him in amazement. He looked down and saw his black hooves before him. Twilight looked into his deep crystal blue eyes and smiled.

“What? How?” He asked as he looked at the sun goddess.

“This spell is not permanent. It can only be used once a month.” Celestia said as she let out a sigh.

“Princess-” Twilight began.

“I’ve already sent a copy to Spike.” She said with a smile. “We apologize Ink this is the best we could-” Ink got to his hooves and hugged the white Alicorn.

“Don’t be sorry. This is better than anything in the world.” He said with a teary smile. “Well, almost better.” He said as he looked at Twilight who smiled back at him.

“I wish you two good luck, but before I go.” She said as her horn flared and wrapped itself around the stallions hooves. Ink felt a tingly sensation and looked in amazement as his wounds started to heal. “Have a good life Ink. You deserve it.” The Alicorn said before vanishing in a flash of light. Twilight looked into inks crystal blue eyes and smiled. The two unicorns checked out of the hospital and made their way back into the small town.

Ink took in his surroundings and smiled. He looked ahead to see Vinyl and the other mares charging towards them. Vinyl stopped when she looked into the stallions eyes. “Ink? Can you?” The stallion nodded and hugged the white mare. Ink explained to the others what Celestia had told him.

“Too bad it only works once a month.” Rainbow said.

“Dash, I haven’t been able to see in almost fifteen years. I think I can handle waiting a month in between each time. Plus, I know that the view is worth it.” He said as he looked at Twilight.

“Oh get a room.” Dash huffed.

“Actually, I have tree house.” Twilight put a hoof on the stallions back and teleported them inside the library. Twilight gave Spike a quick hug to Twilight. “Um Spike Rarity said that she needed a hoof over at the boutique.” Spike raced out the door leaving behind a trail of dust. Twilight’s horn glowed and locked the front door along with barricading it with the front desk. “No distractions this time mister.” As she walked past him she brushed her tail underneath his chin and gave him a seductive look.

As Ink started to follow Twilight upstairs he was stopped by her purple hoof. “Not just yet. Let me put on something a little more comfortable.” She said in a sultry tone. Ink nodded and patiently waited outside her door. After a good three minutes the door opened. Ink trotted inside to see Twilight laying in a very seductive position. She was wearing fur lined stockings on each hoof and a matching one on her horn. The dark stallions jaw hit the floor and his eyes boggled.

“Rarity?”

“Yeah.” She said as she looked at the stallion with lust in her eyes.

“Remind me to giver her a fifty bit tip on the next item I buy from her.” As he drew closer to the mare her shielded his eyes from her body.

“What are you doing?”

“Your beauty blinds me.” He said with a grin.

“Oh just get over here.” She said as she tackled him on the bed. Twilight had pinned the stallion by his hooves and locked lips with his. “I love you Ink Blot.”

“I love you too Twilight Sparkle.” He said as the mare’s horn glowed and the bedroom door locked itself shut.

Epilogue

Five years later.

Ink waited off stage next to Twilight. The stallion was tapping his hoof nervously. Twilight rubbed him on the back trying to calm him down. “Easy Ink. You’ve gone through the script a million times you’ve got this.”

“Yeah I know.” He said with a gulp. Twilight gave him a kiss before the stallion walked on stage and took the podium. He sent out a pulse and saw the outlines of hundreds of stallions and mare waiting for his speech to start. “Good evening Fillies and Gentle Colts. I am truly humbled to accept the Artist of the Year award here in Canterlot.” Several ponies cheered and stomped their hooves for him. “I had this big long boring speech planned out.” He said as he held up the piece of paper.

“But, instead I’m gonna wing it.” Twilight gulped offstage. “Art isn’t something you can put a tag on or something that you can put behind a frame. Art is life. It breathes, it lives and dies like everything else. The beauty of life itself is Art. I would not have made it this far if it weren’t for my lovely wife Twilight Sparkle and my adoring sister, Vinyl Scratch.” The crowd cheered as the spotlight focused on the blushing lavender mare.

“Before I take my leave I just want to say this. I quote Colt Jobs; ‘Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice. And most Important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.’ Truer words have never been spoken. All my life ponies told me I would never become and artist due to my disability. A disability I’m now tired of hiding.” The ponies in the crowd started to murmur to one another in confusion and anticipation.

“Ponies always ask me how I see the art in the world. When the truth is...” The dark stallion smiled and removed his glasses. The crowd gasped at the sight of his eyes. “The art in the world see’s me. Goodnight!” He said as he levitated the trophy with a golden paintbrush on top and turned. As he started to walk off stage the entire crowd erupted with clapping and cheers. As he got off stage Twilight hurried up to him with a surprised look on her face.

“Wow.”

“Yup, how’d I look?”

“Excellent.” She said as she put a hoof on him and the two vanished from the massive horde of reporters. The found themselves inside the large tree house where a white unicorn mare and a grey earth pony mare were sitting on the couch with two small Unicorn foals.

“Daddy!” He heard a familiar filly’s voice exclaim as the two trotted up to them. The stallion got on his knees and gave them each a hug. A dark unicorn filly with long a long purple mane and tail smiled.

“That was so awesome dad!” The light blue Unicorn with a jet black mane said as he hugged his mom.

“Were they okay?” Twilight asked Octavia.

“Absolute angles.” The charcoal mare said with a smile.

“That daughter of yours has learned the ‘look’ be careful Ink.” Vinyl said with a smile.

“Relax she can only use it on me once a month anyway.”

“Okay kids time for bed.” Twilight said as she clapped her hooves. The foals hurried off upstairs.

“That took some guts Ink. Glad to see that you’re still the colt I grew up with.” Vinyl said with a smile. The friends said their goodbyes and the two unicorns made their way up to their room. Ink sent out another pulse and saw the two outlines of the sleeping foals. Twilight walked up next to him and smiled.

“They’re beautiful aren’t they?” She said in a sweet tone.

“My...Our best works of art.” He said as he kissed the mare. He followed his wife into bed and held her close in his hooves. He let out a deep sigh as she fell asleep in his embrace. There he was, a stallion who had gone through the edge of the abyss and back had ended up with the best mare anypony could imagine and two wonderful children. His children.

The End.

Author's Note

I want to thank all the supporters of this fic. Couldn't have done it without you.