Power of Emotions

by awdawfddsgse

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Princess Celestia, Dark, Human, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Other, Romance
Length: 22184

Second person story featuring the unexpected powers that come to you after getting sucked into Equestria.

You, Mark Thomson, had always been anything but simple. A very unpredictable nineteen year old music lover, who was the lead guitarist and vocalist of your own band. After winning a bet with your brother, you awake in an unfamiliar place with strange supernatural powers, surrounded by anomalous beings. Yup, time for HIE.

Rated teen for swearing and a bit of gore (Not enough to deserve a tag)

Authors note: Just wanna say comedy and dark will both be minor categories. Some dark moment here, a funny reference there, things like that.

Published 2013-02-17 07:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-21 17:58:27 UTC

Chapter 2

After a very boring lecture about most likely everything there is to know about Equestria and what lives in it, you were properly introduced to Fluttershy, the timid animal caretaker, Applejack, owner of sweet apple acres, Rarity, the elegant dress designer, and Spike, who as an egg was hatched by Twilight which apparently makes him her assistant/slave. After that, Twilight wrote a letter to her mentor, who was also the ruler of Equestria, explaining how she and her friends found you in a forest, and how you were intelligent and could talk, but had unknown powers that could possibly be dangerous.

Yeah, not sure how that is going to sound, just an unheard of creature that appeared out of seemingly nowhere with uncontrollable, possibly lethal powers. You thought to yourself.

You were now standing in what was Twilight's house that was also a library. You had gotten over the initial shock of everything that had happened. You were now feeling rather calm and collected now that you knew more about Equestria and who inhabit it. Spike had just sent the letter to princess Celestia via burning the shit out of it.

"Now that that's taken care of, how about we take you to meet the rest of our friends." Said Twilight.

"Sure, why not." You responded.

"Dear, your mane has changed color again. Its back to the light brown that it was when we found you."

"Good to know its back to normal. Now lets go meet these friends of yours."

Twilight opened the door and motioned for you to go through. You had to bend your head down a bit to get through it You stepped outside, and the rest of the group walked past you. You caught up with them and all of you walked in a horizontal line, blocking most of the path you were walking on. You remembered when girls did this at school and walked only half as fast as everyone else. Damn did it piss you off. Enough for you to occasionally say things like "hey bitches, mind walking any faster?" But in this case there weren't many other ponies on the path. The ones that saw you looked shocked, and some even scared.

"Lets introduce him to Pinkie first i bet somepony could use some cheering up. Or somehuman i guess it would be in this case." Said Twilight.

"Humans just say somebody or someone." You responded

She thinks you need cheering up? This is all new to you but to be honest your kind of enjoying it. Other than the fact that you will most likely never see your family and friends again. By family you meant your brother, Your mom had died of natural causes, and you had always hated your dad, he was such a horrible parent. You had never been to close to your sister either. And then by friends you meant your band, Tyrone and Jordan.

After about thirty seconds of walking, you could feel something was wrong. Something was going to hurt you. You could feel its presence closing in from behind, moving rather fast.

"Wait." You said.

Everyone stopped and looked and you as you stared straight ahead.

"Whats tha' mat-"

You turned around and reached your hand about six and a half feet from the ground, where you then grabbed a blue hoof. With one fluent motion, you used this mystery ponies momentum to throw them over your shoulder and slam them into the ground, their back to the ground. You then dropped on their chest with your other shoulder, knocking the wind out of them and pinning the pony under you under you. The whole thing took barely a second, and it was undoubtedly the most bad ass thing you've ever done. It took the others a bit to catch up.

"epee!"

"*Cough* g-girls help!" Said the Pegasus that was pinned under you while she was trying catching her breath.

"Mark what did you do!?" Asked Twilight. You were overflowed with a feeling of pure bliss from what you had just done.

"She was going to attack me Twilight. I'm not just going to stand there and take it." You said calmly.

You were positioned in such a way so that you could see your own hair. It had just finished turning black again.

"Wait your all friends with this thing? I thought it was trying to hurt you." Said the Pegasus under you.

"Yes Rainbowdash we are, this is mark, we will explain everything later. Mark this is Rainbowdash one of our friends. Now if you wouldn't mind..."

"Oh, right."

Your not sure why but you felt like you were now full of energy. Instead of just getting up off Rainbowdash you bent your legs, put your hands on her chest, and pushed off of her with your hands while you jumped with your legs. You shot up about two feet into the air, you then quickly slammed your knees into your chest, and balled up to make you spin. You always thought flips and stuff like that were bad ass, so you learned from YouTube videos how to do both a back flip, and to roll to break a fall. Yup, fucking YouTube. You finished your flip and opened up again preparing your legs to land back on the ground. Only you didn't. There you stayed, hovering about two feet from the ground.

"Um...how about you explain that now. How is it flying with no wings?" She emphasized "that" while pointing a hoof at you as she got back to her feet.

Damn, and you thought the others looked like they took a bath in a rainbow. This one literally had a rainbow mane and tail.

"I have...NO idea how i'm doing this, And its he, not it." You said.

You felt like you were floating on water, and you were loving every second of it.

"It must be another power like the teleporting from earlier. I'm going to try and control it."

You concentrated, imagining moving farther down the path you were on. No use. Your thought about how you felt. Like your floating on water, so maybe...you mentally pictured yourself doing a breaststroke. You were on a swim team when you were a kid, so you were a pretty good swimmer. The second you imagined it, you flew 20 feet in the direction you were facing, moving way faster than you could have ran. You did it again and flew another 20 feet.

"Okay i got this." You yelled back to your group.

Twilight had been giving Rainbowdash a brief explanation of how they found you and what had happened since. Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy had been watching you and were now stomping their hooves against the ground rapidly. I'll take that as the equivalent of clapping. You thought to yourself.

"Alright mysterious human!" Rainbowdash flew up to your eye level. "how did you know i was going to attack you, and exactly were i was, do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?" She asked.

"No, i just sort of sensed it. I felt like i knew exactly where you were and what your intentions were." You replied.

"I've got my eye on you! And you only beat me because i wasn't ready!" Said Rainbowdash

*Sigh* whatever makes you sleep at night. You thought to yourself.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

You had been flying around for about three or four minutes. The whole time Rainbowdash had been speeding ahead thinking it was a race or something, while you were just doing loops and other tricks having the time of your life. However, the more fun you seemed to have the slower you went and the more you had to concentrate to stay floating. You were mid flip when you noticed your hair. It was now a very dirty blond instead of black. Another minute passed, and you could barely stay afloat let alone do flips and barrel rolls. You took another look at your hair. Still dirty blond, but not as dark as before. Noticing this made you loose your concentration. Resulting in a face plant on the ground. Rainbowdash, Applejack, and Spike all erupted in laughter. While Twilight was unsuccessfully trying to hide a her giggles, Rarity just stood there and looked at her friends, and Fluttershy flew to your side.

"Oh my goodness! Are you alright?" Asked Fluttershy

"How rude of you all! Mark might be hurt, and here you all are laughing at him. Said Rarity.

"I'm fine, only a punch in the pride. Thanks." You replied.

You imagined yourself swimming upward to get yourself levitating again, but nothing happens. You did a back flip with ease, but fell back to the ground.

"How do you do that?" Asked Twilight.

Cool I impressed someone for a change. You thought to yourself.

"Not a lot of humans can do it, it takes a lot of practice. But i cant seem to fly anymore" You did another flip with similar results as the last.

"Just walk the rest of the way, its right there." She pointed a hoof toward a building about one hundred yards in front of you that looked like a giant gingerbread house.

You went back to walking and quickly the last of your adrenaline and happiness died out. You could always see a bit of your bangs in your vision at all times, and it was hard not to watch as it turned from blond to brown fairly quickly.

"Here we are!" Said Applejack.

You watched as she kick the door with her hind legs twice. Wait why the hell is she kicking it? Is she trying to break down the door or knock? Your question was answered when a pink earth pony open the door.

"Hey girls! Ho-*GASP*" she noticed you, and defied gravity raising up to your eye level as she gasped.

Not sure how thats possible but okay you're just going to roll with it.

Twilight used her magic to pull her down, she then whispered something in the pink ponies ear. Even though she was whispering you could slightly hear her, and make a out a couple syllables.

"...par...tom...ight...rise...ty..."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Was her response.

"Mark this is Pinkiepie. Pinkie this is Mark, he is a human." Said Twilight.

"Yourahumanohmygoshthatssocooliveneverseenahumanweshouldthrowapartyoopsiwasntsupposedtosayanythingaboutthat!" She said at an incomprehensible rate.

"Um...what?" Was your response.

Twilight covered pinkies mouth with her hoof and whispered something in her ear again. You could hear it a little better this time.

"...rise...kie...pony...stand...you...that fast."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinke She said once again."

Spike all of a sudden belches loud as fuck, and a letter appears out of nowhere. The fuck? Twilight then levitates it up to face and begins reading.

"Theres no time to explain, Mark we have to get back to my house! Bye girls!" shouted Twilight as she began running off towards the direction you came.

"Twilight wait whats wrong? What did the letter say? Whats happening? Damn it i hate not knowing whats going on!"

For a small animal, she sure can run fast. And now my hair is turning white again. you thought to yourself.

"Sounds important whatever it is. Ya' better give chase." Said Applejack. Twilight was already a good distance ahead. With the head start she got you probably couldn't catch up, and could lose her when she turned a couple times. You stared a few feet in front of her wishing you were there when...You're staring at yourself from far away, with blue tinted vision. This is all too familiar you knew whats happened and were you now were. Your other self burst into a cloud of white smoke and your vision lost its blue tint.

"Uhg!" Twilight rammed straight into you, knocking you on your back , but you cant really blame her. You did just teleport inches in front of her.

"What, how did yo- just never mind. Princess Celestia is Probably already at my house waiting to meet you!

Guess that's what was in the letter.

"Alright lets book it then!"

"Lets what it?

"Just get off me and lead the way."

You thought you saw a slight blush on her face as she got up and continued running.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx

The library was in your view, and both you and Twilight were panting heavily running towards it.

You made it to the front door and Twilight immediately kicked it open and shouted "sorry were late!"

You bent your head down and stepped through the doorframe. There in the middle of the room was a Large white alicorn, with a long, colorful, mane of many colors, that you knew was princess Celestia. She stood almost eye level with you, being about an inch too short. Beside her stood a smaller, but still taller than the average pony, blue alicorn with a Darker blue mane that seemed to sparkle with stars. You had to admit, compared to the other ponies, these two were pretty intimidating.

Author's Note

Just a heads up. I plan on using music in the next chapter. Mark is a musician after all! Don't freak out, you don't need to listen to it, i just think it will help you understand whats up if you listen to the song once and truly listen to the lyrics. Also if anyone wants to be an editor of a proofreader it could really help. Thanks -mac

Chapter 3

Authors note: during the parts with music, if you see stars before and after the link(***** link *****)then i want you to read as the song plays. If its just the link, then i want you to stop reading and listen to the song before continuing. Now back to Twilights library!

"Why dont you have a seat?" Celestia gestured toward the couch. Her voice was soothing, with a motherly tone.

She said that just like the "to catch a predator guy" you thought. You were suppressing a laugh. Who knew what this princess was planing, better keep your guard up.

"I would prefer to stand."

Wait that might sound disrespectful. You quickly realized.

"Its a human thing."

"I see. Now, humans, as you call them, are unheard of in Equestria. I'm sure you have many questions but first, i would like you to tell me everything that has happened to you from the time you arrived, to now."

You had just finished explaining to Celestia in great detail, who you are, and the events that had taken place today.

"Well it sounds to me like your hair color changed, based on the emotions your feeling. And with each emotion, you get different powers." Said princess Celestia

"Of course. Everything makes so much more sense now!" You said. This made her giggle

"And as for how you arrived here, the forest you were found in, has strange connections to other dimensions, sometimes opening portals, and sucking in whatever in near."

"Well i was asleep in my room last time i was in my dimension." You responded

"Sister, tis' time to set the sun and raise the moon!" Roared princess Luna, who had been mostly quiet until now.

"Oh my, so it is. My sister and I must depart. Mark, do you have a place to stay for the night?" Asked princess Celestia.

"No, but i don't mind sleeping on the stree-"

"He can stay with me!" Twilight blurted out.

"oh, okay then. That's very generous of you Twilight. Now we must be off." Said Celestia

Princess Luna teleported first, then princess Celestia a second after.

"You sure were quick to let me stay here." You said.

"Mark, you were about to offer sleeping out on the streets! You're my friend. I couldn't possibly let you do that."

"Oh, well thanks Twilight, i appreciate it. I'll try not to be a burden."

"I'm going to go make dinner, what are you in the mood for?"

"Do you have chicken? I'm really craving chicken right now!"

"Ch-ch-Chicken?" She looked horrified.

"Um, yeah. Whats wrong?" You asked.

"Y-you eat m-meat?

"Yes."

Twilight screamed and ran up the stairs. You heard a door slam. What the hell has gotten into her? You ran upstairs and went next to the only door, and knocked.

"Go away! Don't eat me!" She screamed back.

That's what she's worried about? You guess all animals in Equestria are herbivores.

"Twilight, i'm going to give you multiple reasons why i cant, and wont, eat you!" You shouted back.

"I'm listening."

"It is true that most humans are omnivores, so we do eat meat. But we cant eat it raw, over time we lost our immunity to the bacteria, and parasites that are all over raw meat. If i ate you i would get very sick. I think i could even die if i tried eating enough. Also i wouldn't be able to bite through your skin and muscle, human teeth aren't anywhere near sharp enough. Now aside from the reasons i physically cant eat you. Like you said before Twilight, we are friends, i would never try to intentionally harm you."

The door slowly opened and Twilight stood there, staring at you, will tears on her cheeks.

HNNNNNNGGGG! You couldn't bare to see anything as cute as her cry. You bent down and wrapped your arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. It took a second, but she returned the hug, squeezing you tight. It was then that a thought occurred to you. Do you like this pony... that way? You quickly pushed the thought out of your head. You were the first to retreat after a few seconds had passed. She pulled back as well, and you looked at her face. Her cheeks were red, which you assumed was from the crying. You wiped the remaining tears off her face with your thumbs. You stood back up.

"Come on, i'll help you make dinner."

It had been a quiet dinner of carrots and rice. But conversation picked back up as you were both sitting on the couch. She was asking you all kinds of questions about where you were from.

"So did you have music on earth?" She asked.

"Yeah, i was actually a musician."

"What genres of music did you have?"

"Alternative, rock, reggae, techno, dubstep, pop, metal, classical, country, rap, and about ten others i can remember off the top of my head."

"What? How do you have so many? The only ones i recognized were techno, and classical."

"Those are two of the worst genres where i'm from. I tell you, you're missing out."

"What about organs? Where are all you organs and joints and everything located?

You grabbed one of her hooves and pressed it against your chest over your heart.

"Here's my heart."

She blushed. You moved her hoof back and forth pressing both sides of you chest.

"These are my lungs. Thats all the common human really knows. I mean you could look it up easily and find out, but not many people know more than this off the top of their heads."

She moved her hoof to your waste and lifted an end of your shirt.

"Why do you wear these?"

"Well two reasons. The first is to keep us warm, for as you can see, humans don't have much hair. The second is because its considered impolite, rude, and even illegal to show yourself in public without at least..." You pulled your pants down about an inch, and slipped your thumb under the waste band of your underwear."...these."

This continued for a while. The two of you exchanging questions. And before you knew it the clock rang ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding. signaling it was eleven o' clock.

"We should get to bed." Said Twilight.

"Alright, am i crashing on the couch?"

"No way, come sleep in my bed. Its big enough for the both of us." This made her blush hard.

"If you say so." You really didn't mind. You had woken up after being drunk at a party one time, with three other guys in the same bed. Thank god you had all been fully clothed.

The two of you went upstairs. Twilight lied down on the bed. You took off your pants, but kept your shirt on for the sake of Twilight. You got in bed, but were met with the problem of part of your calf resting on the hard, wooden, bed frame. Twilight noticed this and used her magic to open a closet, pull out a folded up cover, pull you legs up, and put it under, so your legs wouldn't be getting cut into by the bed frame.

"Good night Mark."

"Good night Twilight."

A lot had happened that day, and you were exhausted. It didn't take long for you to drift off to sleep.

You awoke as you almost always did. Crusty eyes, dry throat, and groggy. It took you a moment to realize you were awake as it always did. It took you a moment to notice, your arm was thrown over Twilight, and she was balled up next to you, with her head pressed against your chest. You were actually enjoying it, but it made you think again. Do you feel...that was about this pony. You had just met her yesterday. You watched for a few seconds as her chest rose and fell a smile on her face. Then another thought occurred to you. If Twilight were to wake up right now, it would be to damn awkward. You got up out of bed and put your jeans back on. Unfortunately you weren't wearing shoes when you got pulled into Equestria. You went downstairs and found Spike sleeping on the couch. Come to think of it this was the first time you had seen Spike since you and Twilight abandoned the group yesterday. Twilight had told you he lives here but he didn't return last night. You can ask him when he wakes up, for now you needed water. You walked in to the kitchen, got a glass, got yourself some water from the fridge, and drank it thirstily. Just then Twilight walked into the kitchen, looking rather groggy herself.

"Oh, there you are." Said Twilight

"Hey. So what are we doing today?" You asked

"Well its already noon. Princess Celestia asked me in her letter to ask you about your civization,economy,things like that. But last night i didn't really ask you anything she would want to know. Than later this evening i want to show you something."

"Um, okay i guess."

Twilight and you were now walking to this "thing she wanted to show you." The morning had been a slow one. This time Twilight asked you rather boring questions while writing them down. Like unemployment rate. How we choose a leader, things like that, But at one point she asked how technologically advanced humans are.

"Well the fastest manned vehicle we have is the SR-71 Blackbird. I'm pretty sure it can exceed two thousand miles per hour, Easily breaking the sound beerier." Then in termed of space exploration, we have recently made it out of our solar system with a vehicle called "Voyager1" that is moving at around 38,000 miles per hour." You said

"Whoa slow down. Your telling me that a bird went over two thousand miles per hour? And whats a sound barrier? And what do you mean by You left your solar system? She asked

"Well first of all its not a bird. Its what we call a jet. The sound barrier is how fast sound travels, which is seven hundred sixty something miles per hour. And when exceed that speed. A sonic boom is created."

"I think its safe to say humans are more advanced than ponies."

She looked at the clock.

"Come on, its time to go." She said as she walked out the door.

You were on the outskirts on ponyville and you could see a building a couple hundred yards away. You started to get that feeling again. The feeling that something was wrong. It was coming from the large building, that you could not identify as a barn, you were walking towards, and now in front of. You were right behind Twilight. She extended her hoof to open the door. That feeling was now much,much, stronger.

"Twilight, wa-"

She quickly swung the door open, and took one step inside. A light was turned on but not by her.

"Look out!" You yelled.

You wrapped your arms around her mid section and leaped to the right, landing on your back with Twilight on top of you. You heard the word "surprise" as you landed. She immediately began cracking up. Followed by lots of others from inside the barn.

"Mark this is a surprise party for you!" She said.

You got up and looked into the barn, there were ponies everywhere laughing, with lots of streamers and balloons littering the place. You immediately face palmed. Twilight got up and came to your side.

"Its nice to know you would try to save me if i was in danger, but its just a party. Come on lets go have some fun." She said still giggling."

You were standing near the snack table lost in thought. You had begun thinking about how you would never see your brother or friends again. You were feeling pretty depressed.

"Are you okay? Your looking a little...see through."

You looked up to find Twilight and Rainbowdash standing in front of you. There was a wagon with a white tarp over it behind them. You looked down at your hand. You could see straight through it to the wooden floor below.

"Fine." you responded

"Well i got something that will cheer you up!" Said Twilight.

"What is it?"

"Well Celestia said that a portal opened sucking in everything near it. And you said you were in your room. So... "

She took the tarp off the wagon. In it there was your guitar case, backpack, amp, computer, lots of clothes, and your shoes! Both your amp and computer were broken. But you still had your portable mini-amp which was almost just as loud as the big one.Seeing these items made you the happiest you've been since you arrived here. Your hair turned bright gold faster than you could have blinked.

"Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!" You yelled.

Twilight giggled

"Rainbowdash and I went and got it when you were asleep last night. So... did we earn an explanation of what this stuff is?"

"You earned yourselves live music."

You grabbed your guitar case and opened in for them to see. In it was your black, sg guitar.

"That looks like some kind of classical instrument that Octavia would play. Oh please don't start playing it. You would make half the party leave!" Said Rainbowdash

This genuinely made you laugh. What you were about to play was about as opposite as you could get from classical.

"Rainbowdash, i'm sure it will sound great. He told me humans had like twenty genres of music last night." Said Twilight.

You grabbed your backpack, and pulled out everything you needed. First you pulled your iPhone out of your pocket. You had recorded just Tyrone, and Jordan playing every song you guys played so you could sing and play guitar while you played the recording, when you were alone. Some songs would require a second guitar. So you would play the less fun part in the recordings for those songs. You could jam alone just like when you were with the guys. You thought for a second on the song you should play. Break would be perfect. You connected your guitar, iPhone, and mic/headphones to the portable amp, and strapped it to your belt. You then put the headset on and turned the amp on, and to full volume on everything. To them your sure it looked like you were arming a bomb or something. Finally you put your guitar strap around you,pulled out a pic, and selected "Break jam alone" from your iPhone. The noise at the beginning caught everyone's attention and the room went silent.

***** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4VCpTZye10 *****

*strange noise at the beginning stops and drums start*

You now have the rooms full attention. There were likely over one hundred ponies staring at you.

"Tonight, my head is spinning. I need, something to pick me up!..."

Now, a good amount of your audience was either slightly headbanging, or taping a hoof along to the beat. Twilight, and Rainbowdash had backed up into the crowd to avoid seeming out of place. Your hair was now black again.

"Tonight, I stop the fire. Tonight, I break away, break!..."

The cheering has started by now, and as soon as you yelled "break" you shot up into the air a few feet.

You finished the song. (Wait till the song it over before continuing to read) You had flown around on your back, over the audience, during the parts that didn't require too much guitar action. They had been screaming their heads off by the time you finished and landed back over by the snack table where you had started. Twilight ran up to you.

"That was amazing! You have to play another one!" She yelled over the crowd.

A couple ponies heard Twilight and started to yell things like "Yeah do another!" You pulled out your iPhone again. All the songs in your "jam alone" album were numbered in order. You started think about lyrics, and what would fit the situation. "Drown."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9EY2xlQqAE

You finish your song, still levitating in air. with this feeling of bliss, it took no effort to fly around. The crowd once again starting cheering for more.

"Alright last one everybody! Or everypony I guess, i'm new here cut me a break! Twilight pick a number under one hundred!" You shouted at the crowd. Everyone quieted down for her to speak

"nineteen!"

You looked at your iPhone. nineteen was "someone who cares". One of your favorites. You tap it and start playing again.

(its important that you listen closely to the lyrics on this one especially for the first minute and a half.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwLbuKvNpE

Everypony had been pretty quiet, for the first minute and a half. But they picked back up after that.

The rest of the party consisted of ponies constantly swarming you, asking questions, you never got a break with them. Most of the ponies had left by now except for a few. One with a white coat, a blue and white mane, and purple shades was walking towards you.

"Hey, uh, Mark, right?"

"Yeah" You replied.

"I'm Vinyl Scratch. That was some awesome music you played! What kind of instrument was that? She asked

"Its called a guitar."

"Never heard of it, but how were you playing it without a bow?

You had been carrying your guitar and backpack with you the whole party for fear of getting it stolen. You opened up the case, and pulled out your guitar and a pic. You played a few chords.

"Cool, but why is it so much quieter than before? And it sounded much much different before."

"Look, if i tried to explain all my equipment we would be here until tomorrow."

"Okay fair enough. Now i was thinking, people would pay to hear that music. So how about i try and score you some gigs, and you give me ten percent of the money? i'd be like, your manager!"

"Alright sure. I'm living at Twilight's house for the time being, so come find me there once you have a gig for me."

"Will do. I'm going to go now, see you soon!"

"Bye."

Once she left, Twilight approached you.

"Your ready to go Mark? I'm exhausted." She asked.

"Yeah, lets go." You replied.

It was a silent walk back to the library. Both you of you too tired from partying to ever try and spark up conversation. When you got home, both of you simply marched up to Twilight's bedroom. She hoped in bed, while you set down your guitar case, backpack, and undressed yourself. You got into bed with her, and she blew out the candle next to her. You both faced each other.

"Mark...about that last song you sang."

"Yeah?"

"There is room for you here, and i care about you.

Author's Note

First off, HUGE shout out to Machiniman20 for being my new editor, he finished editing chapter one and is working on two, and giving me some writing tips. Cant thank you enough man! Everyone tell me how you liked the music, i'm curious to know. Also tell me which songs you liked more than others if possible. Thanks -mac

Chapter 4

You awoke to the sweet scent of some kind of flower. You looked down and found the purple mare balled up in your arms once again. The smell made you think about yourself. It had been three days since you had last showered, and the smell was starting to get noticeable. You gently let go of Twilight and got up, being careful not to awaken her. You grabbed your backpack that you had filled with clothes last night, along with your shoes, and went to the bathroom that was connected to the bedroom, closing the door behind you. You hadn't worn your shoes home since your feet were very dirty and you wanted to clean them first. You took off your shirt and boxers, and got in the shower. Most showers on earth only had the options of third degree burns, or skinny dipping in Antarctica, but with this shower, it was easy to get the temperature just right. You finished your shower, changed into a new pair of clothes from your backpack, and put your shoes on. Your neck ached a bit from having to bend down to get under the water faucet. You walked out of the bathroom to find Twilight still asleep, in bed. You put your backpack next to her bed along with your guitar, still in its case, and were about to tiptoe out of the room, it was then you noticed your dirty jeans on the floor. You took the phone and butterfly knife from its pockets, and put them in the pockets of the shorts you were currently wearing. Then you quietly went downstairs, and saw Spike sitting on the couch reading a book.

"Dude, Spike where the hell have you been? Don't you live here?" You asked.

"Yeah, I've been helping Zecora find potion ingredients lately to get some extra bits. I do plan on moving out eventually."

"Who's Zecora, and what are bits?"

"Zecora is a zebra that lives in the Everfree Forest who makes potions, and magic remedies. And bits are the currency here in Equestria. Now if your hungry I made eggs, they're on the stove."

"Alright, thanks." You replied

Yes, eggs! Some actual protein.

You walked into the kitchen and saw a skillet full of scrambled eggs on the stove, with two plates on the counter next to it. You helped yourself to a full plate. As you sat down, Twilight appeared in the doorway, and started levitating eggs onto the other plate.

"Morning Twilight. How'd you sleep?"

"Fine, but i couldn't get the songs you played at the party out of my head. They were really good."

"Thanks, I don't often get the chance to play in front of an audience. Especially not ones that big."

"Um...do you think, you could maybe...play another song after breakfast."

"Maybe later. I really feel the need to go for a walk right now, not sure why."

"Oh, okay, just don't get lost."

You quickly finished your breakfast, and took off down a random path. You weren't sure why exactly you felt you needed to do this. You had been walking for about five minutes. A majority of the ponies that walked past you would say things like "nice music last night." or "i never knew humans were so good at playing music." The only ponies who didn't say things like this, are ones you didn't recognize, and most likely weren't at the party last night. You saw an alley that you felt the need to look into. As you started walking toward it, for a tiny fraction of a second you heard a high pitched scream. None of the ponies around you seemed to be phased by it. You increased your pace toward the alley, feeling something was wrong. You peeked your head around a building and looked into the alley. Nothing was there, the alley was about ten feet wide and maybe forty yards long. But it was one of those allies that had a turn turned and most likely ended in a dead end. You walked down the alley and started to hear voices. You peeked around the corner to reveal a light gray earth pony with a black mane laying on her back about another forty yards away. Her legs and mouth were covered in what looked like the Equestria equivalent of duct tape, and she had a treble clef for a cutie mark. Surrounding her were two earth stallions, one light brown with a darker brown mane, and the other black with a white mane, a navy blue unicorn stallion with a brown mane levitating a knife, and a Pegasus stallion with a green body, and a very short Light green mane. You could slightly hear one of them.

"Your not leaving here until every single one of us get what we want." Said the light brown earth stallion, in a devilish voice.

It was fairly obvious what they were about to do to the poor mare lying on her back being held down against her will. You had to think quickly, if you left to get help, chances are you wouldn't make it back in time before at least one of them had commuted their crime. So you had to fight them. Chances are the unicorn would be the most dangerous, you would have to take him out first. You still had your knife, but if you went in to stab him, he would most likely hear your footsteps before you got close enough. Okay you were going to have to throw it, but you were too far from here. You would have to sneak up close enough to throw it, but far enough so they wouldn't hear you. You pulled the knife out of your pocket and flipped it open as you tiptoed toward the unicorn. You were about twenty five feet away, it was close enough, it had to be. You grip the blade of the knife between your index finger and your thumb, in your right hand. You had remembered watching a TV show about guns, where in one episode the contestants had to use throwing knives. You remember the instructor teaching them that it doesn't matter how hard you throw the knife, if you tried to put too much strength into it, you would surely miss. You brought the knife up to your eye level and aimed at your victims back. You didn't wanna flat out chuck a knife in his head and kill him. You hoped that he would just be injured, and teleport to the hospital to let you deal with the other three. You moved your arm back and forth, taking aim. You quickly swung your arm forward, and released the knife.

"AAAAHHHHHH"

The unicorn howled in pain as the knife sank into his back on the right side, and he fell to the ground. The brown earth stallion noticed you and yelled orders.

"Hey! Get him!"

The brown stallion that was likely their leader, grabbed the knife that you had throw in his mouth. He pulled at it, and with another cry of pain from the unicorn, the knife released its grasp. dumb ass. The unicorn simply said one word.

"Hospital!"

With a bright flash he disappeared, leaving nothing but a puddle of blood behind. Your plan had gone perfectly. But now you had a Pegasus and an earth pony charging at you. The earth pony was slightly quicker than his buddy, with one quick fluent motion, he spun around 180 degrees and tried to buck you with both legs. You made a quick hop back and grabbed onto his legs. With adrenaline and rage fueling your muscles, you spun around carrying his legs with you, and released after your 180 degree spin. He went flying at least ten yards, and landed on his head. two down. You quickly spun back around and landed a punch to where you estimated the Pegasuses head was. You had estimated perfectly, and had delivered a punch straight to his forehead. His inanimate body fell to the ground. One left. You eyed the leader of the group. He was holding your knife in his mouth, glaring at you from about ten feet away. You needed something to distract him. You looked at the mare behind him who was still on her back, and opened your eyes and mouth wide, like something had surprised you. He followed your gaze and turned around. Perfect. You lunged at him, wrapping an arm around his neck, getting him in a perfect choke hold. He immediately began flailing his legs around, trying to get you off of him, but your grip was to strong. He slowly but surely stopped moving. You dropped him, picked up your knife, and looked at your work. A puddle of blood and three unconscious stallions. You turned around, pocketed your knife, and started walking toward the light gray mare.

"Hey what did you do!? Come on Shadow, lets get him!"

You turned around and saw two Pegasus flying toward you. You quickly picked up the mare and flew into the sky.

"Don't worry I wont let them get you!" You shouted as you flew

She was trying to talk through the tape, not being very successful. You started flying in a random direction and tried to think of a plan. I cant retreat to twilight's house, that would put her in danger. I most likely wont be able to outrun these two. You looked around for something to help you. You spotted a forest not too far away. Maybe you could hide in their and loose them. You turned in the opposite direction of the forest, and slowed yourself down a bit, letting your pursuers catch up. When they were about a yard behind you, you made a quick turn around, now going straight towards the forest at full speed. The pursuers made a sharp turn and gave chase once again. This time moving much faster than before. They must be pissed. You wouldn't be able to make it to the forest before they caught up. You had to land and fight them. You angled yourself down into a nose dive. You slowed your self as you neared the ground. You gently sat down your cargo and turned around, only to get bucked in the face and knocked to the ground. You tasted blood. The other Pegasus tried to stomp on your chest and face, but you caught one of his hooves unfortunately the other one hit your face again. You held his other hoof tight, and with your other arm, you pushed up at the leg, making it go in the opposite direction it was made for.

*SNAP!*

"AAAHHH!"

You had successfully broken his leg. He wobbled away with three legs for a few steps before taking flight, and retreating. You were left with the last of the group standing by your legs.

"Loo-"

You kicked him in the head before he could finish. You got back to your feet and walked over to the pony you had just saved. You pulled the tape off her mouth and cut the tape off her legs with your knife. She didn't move, she just lie there staring at you.

"Who...Who are you?"

She must of been one of the ponies that wasn't at the party.

"The names Mark."

"Oh yeah, you were the one playing the music at the party last night right?"

Or maybe not.

"Yeah."

"I'm Octavia. I was in the back so i couldn't really see what you looked like, even though you are very tall it was still hard to see when other ponies heads are blocking my view. But aside from that, thank you for saving me."

"No problem. Where do you live? I can fly you home if you'd like. Well as long as its not more than five minutes away."

"I think i can walk. You've done enough. But why no farther than five minutes?"

"Because ill have lost my ability to fly by then. Its the rush of adrenaline that allows me to do so."

"Well I wont forget this Mark. I'll return the favor someday." She said as she got up.

"Consider us even. Now get on home before I need to save you from another six stallions." You replied

She giggled as she trotted off. You flew up into the sky and made your way toward the library. When you got there you landed on the doormat, stepped inside, and closed the door behind you.

"That should be him!" You heard Twilight say from upstairs.

She appeared at the top of the stairs with Applejack, Rainbowdash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkiepie right behind her. She started walking down the stairs.

"I hope you don't mind, I invited the other girls too s-" She stopped when she was close enough to see the blood dripping from your mouth and nose.

"Mark...what happened?" Asked an obviously worried Twilight.

"What in tarnation did this to ya mark?" Asked Applejack.

Fuck what do i tell them? If i tell them that I took out six ponies, they might be scared of me. But what am I supposed to say about the blood?

"It's...not important." You replied.

"Well I think its obvious what happened!" Said Rainbowdash "You got your butt kicked by a stallion! Well now we know that ponies are better fighters tha-"

"There were six of them! Two are most likely in the hospital, and the other four are probably still unconscious! They were going to rape this pony named Octavia, but I saved her! You roared. "And now I'm and idiot because I just fell for reverse psychology." You face palmed.

Everyone stared at you with their mouths hung open. All except for Rainbowdash who appeared to be lost in thought, and Pinkiepie.

"Whats reverse psychology?" Asked Rainbowdash

You face palmed the face palm of your life.

"We will just have to throw them a get well soon party then!" Said Pinkie with a smile on her face.

"Six ponies verse you and Octavia?" Asked Twilight.

"No Octavia was tied up. It was just me." You replied.

"Wait dear, did you say they were trying to perform sexual acts on Octavia without her consent?" Asked Rarity.

"That's what rape is, yes."

"What am' more interested in is 'ow you managed to take out six ponies all by yurself."

"Yeah what gives? I don't even see anything on your body you could even hit them with. Us ponies have hooves the good old hooves." Said Rainbowdash as she flew up close to your face.

You quickly swung her body around and wrapped your arm around her neck, getting her in a chock hold, however you didn't apply pressure. You looked back at everyone.

"This is called a chock hold. Normally I would squeeze her neck as hard as I could, and she would pass out in about fifteen seconds from lack of oxygen." You said.

You released her.

"And just because I don't have hooves doesn't mean I cant kick."

"That's great, but next time ask me before using me as a test dummy." Said Rainbowdash with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Right, sorry. How about I make it up to you with some music."

All their shocked faces turned to smiles.

"Deal!" Cried Rainbowdash.

"You can all go get comfortable. I'm going to get my stuff ready."

As you walked up the stairs you started thinking of what song you should play. Play whats on your mind right? You entered Twilight's bedroom to find your stuff right where you left it. First you washed the blood off your face in the bathroom. Then you did your procedure of hooking everything up to each other, only you didn't use your mic, and you turned the amps volume way down. It was a small audience, and you could get by with your unaided voice. You walked down the stairs with your amp clipped to your belt, and guitar hanging from you by its strap. You saw Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy sitting on the couch, and Rainbowdash, Rarity, and Pinkie sitting on the floor, in front of the couch. You walked about ten feet in front of the couch and taped "Animal I Have Become jam alone" from your iPhone.

***** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqds0B_meys *****

(*Bass and drums start*)

You looked down at your guitar, and waited for the basses forth repetition.

(*You start playing your guitar*)

I cant escape, this hell. So you many times I've tried. But I'm still caged inside.

You looked up at your mini audience.

Somebody get me through this nightmare, I can't control myself!

You backfliped and hovered in air.

So what if you could see, the darkest side of me! No one would ever change this animal I have become! Help me believe! its not the real me! Somebody help me tame this animal! This animal!

There was a knock at the door.

This animal! I can't escape myself.

You flew over to the door and turned the knob with both your feet.

So many times I've lied.

You pulled the door open and flew back over to your spot in front of the couch.

But there's still rage inside.

Three ponies entered through the door and stood behind the couch.

Somebody get me through this nightmare, I can't control myself! So what if you could see! The darkest side of me! No one would ever change this animal I have become! Help me believe! It's not the real me! Somebody help me tame this animal I have become! Help me believe! It's not the real me! Somebody help me tame this animal!

Two other ponies walked through the door.

Somebody help me through this nightmare! I cant control myself! Somebody wake me from this nightmare I can't escape this hell!

A sixth pony walked in. You scanned everyone over.

"This animal...this animal...this animal...this animal...

You vaguely recognized two of them from the party last night.

So what if you could see! The darkest side of me! No one would ever change this animal I have become! Help me believe! It's not the real me! Somebody help me tame this animal i have become! Help me believable! It's not the real me! Somebody help me tame this animal! This animal I have become!

(*You finish the song*)

Everyone stomped their hooves as a seventh spectator walked in. Always leave them wanting more. You thought to yourself.

"Okay everypony that's it, shows over"

There was a collective series of "awws" from the small crowd. You chuckled as you flew upstairs to put your stuff away.

Everyone had left after your song. Twilight and you had finished dinner about an hour ago. You were now sitting on the couch, reading a book about Equestrian science. It amazed you to find almost nothing happened naturally here. Not even rainbows couldn't be made without aid from a Pegasus. Twilight had gone up in her room about thirty minutes ago, when the thunder and lightning started, and you hadn't seen her since. Maybe you should go check on her. You couldn't deny the fact that you did care about her. After closing your book and returning it to the right shelf, you ascended the stairs to Twilight's room. You eased the door open to reveal Twilight laying on her bed with a pillow over her head. You thought you heard...crying? You approached the bed and put a hand on Twilight's back.

"Twilight?"

She looked up at you with her red, tear soaked eyes. As soon as you saw this, you wrapped your arms around her, hugging her close, letting her cry in your shoulder.

"My p-parents...my parents h-house was struck b-by l-lightning last year. It caught fire, and burned down. N-n-neither of them m-made it out a-a-alive. I've g-gotten over my p-parents death for the m-most part. B-but I l-live in a t-tree! The same thing c-could happen to m-me! She said between sobs.

You hugged her for a while longer, saying nothing, before gently laying her down on the bed, and sitting next to her. You picked up your guitar, amp, and phone. You connected them all, again not using your mic, but turning up the volume on the amp a bit so it could be heard better over the rain. You picked up your iPhone and selected "No More jam alone".

***** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB70LFhGPQc *****

You looked down at your guitar.

*(about thirty seconds in when singing starts.)*

Give me a reason to stay here...cause I don't wanna live in fear.

You turn your head and look into Twilight's eyes.

I can't stop the rain, but I can stop the tears. Oh I can't fight the fire, but I can fight the fear. No more! I just cant live, no more! I can't take it, can't take it! No more! What do we stand for!? When we all live in fear!

Twilight was simple staring back up at you, into your eyes.

Give me a reason to believe...cause you don't wanna see me leave.

You inched closer to her face, now about a foot away.

I can't stop the rain, but I can stop tears. Oh I can't fight the fire, but I can fight the fear. No more! I just cant live, no more! I can't take it, can't take it! No more! What do we stand for!? When we all live in fear!

*(Guitar solo, still eye locked with Twilight)*

No more! I just cant live, no more! I can't take it, cant take it! No more! What do we stand for!? When we all live in fear.

*(finish song)*

The two of you very slowly started inching toward each other. Oh merciful god please don't let something ruin this moment. Your eyes never broke contact. Your faces were inches away, then centimeters, then millimeters. You lips finally met, kissing each other with much passion, for several seconds. You were the first to pull away, setting your equipment down beside the bed. As soon as you turned back to meet her gaze, she jumped on top of you, and pulled you into a tight embrace. You returned the hug, holding her for several minutes, before you were sure she had fallen asleep. You quickly realized that you were growing drowsy as well, the combat from earlier that day had caught up with you. It wasn't long before you fell asleep too, with Twilight still in your arms.

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long to get out, but its the longest chapter so far, and it took a LOT of time to make. I used all the material i had been storing in the back of my head on this chapter, so its going to be a while before chapter 5. I'll work on it over the weekend and try to get it out by Monday.

February 23- sorry everybody but I won't be able to get any chapters out this week. Hope you understand -Mac

Chapter 5

You awoke with Twilight still wrapped in your arms, sunlight shining through the window, the storm had been reduced to a light drizzle that was next to nothing. You were still fully dressed from last night. The events of last night flashed through your mind. You smiled to yourself. Damn, I really am in love with her. And judging from last night, I guess she likes me too. You thought to yourself. You looked at her and started petting her hair. Maybe you should wake her with a song, she seemed to really like them. All the ponies did. It was strange how much they all loved them, considering how happy and colorful Equestria was. Yet the music you played was usually either sad or angry. You gently eased Twilight off of you, onto the other side of the bed, being careful not to awaken her. You looked over at your guitar, which was still leaning against the bed from last night. You were about to grab it but stopped when you saw your hair was now a bright blond. You had discovered all the other powers fairly easily, but still didn't know what happiness/blond hair did. You looked back at your guitar after being lost in thought for the past minute. You were about to reach for it, when it was surrounded by a golden glow, and floated onto your lap. You looked over at Twilight who was still asleep, then around the room searching for the presence that levitated your guitar towards you. After being unsuccessful in finding one, you looked back at your guitar. You were about to reach your arms out and get it in the right position, but the same golden glow surrounded it, and put the guitar where you had imagined it. Am I doing this? You imagined your guitar floating up about a foot into the air, which it then did. You imagined it coming back down into your hands, which it once again did. Yup, this is mine. You set everything up and began thinking of a song to play. You selected "Its All In Your Hands jam alone" from your iPhone. It was something soft, the guitar in it was barely audible, and it would be nice to wake up too. You gave Twilight a nudge as you began.

*****(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBBrTaDY9g)*****

*Piano starts*

Twilight began to stir, and slowly opened her eyes.

"Reach for my hand. As you fall in the dark. Imprinted on me. You have left your mark. I wanna keep you safe, and run to where you are. Lost out in the sea, I will be your ark. I will be your ark."

Twilight smiled and leaned against you, her head on your shoulder.

"Take the sky, and take the land! Take the moon and the stars! Its all in your hands! All of my soul! It feels so empty, but this whole in my heart, feels so heavy."

You closed your eyes and continued to play.

"Its you that shines the light. And all of this time, you are always with me, you're everything that's right. I know when you're scared. You're fighting to be brave. I wish that you would see, its you I'm trying to save. Its you I'm trying to save. Take the sky, and take the land! Take the moon and the stars! Its all in your hands! All of my soul, it feels so empty. But this whole in my heart feels so heavyyyyyyyyyyy...heavyyyyyyyyyyy...heavyyyyyyyyyyy...heavyyyyyyyyyy...Take the sky, and take the land! Take the moon and the stars! Its all in your hands! All of my soul, feels so empty, but this whole in my heart, feels, this whole in my heart, feels, this whole in my heart, feels so heavy!"

*Song ends*

You heard the stomping of hooves. Your eyes shot open to reveal princess Celestia standing in the doorway, clapping her hooves against the ground. Twilight lunged off of you onto the floor. You and Twilight both blushed very hard. Princess Celestia giggled.

"I heard the music and let myself in." Said princess Celestia.

"Oh, um, of course. Did you need something?" Asked Twilight still blushing.

"Yes, I come because of a letter I received from one of my subjects here in Ponyville regarding Mark." Celestia responded as she made eye contact with you.

"And what exactly did this letter say?" You asked.

"Well its her claim of a new creature in Ponyville that can play amazing music, and take on six stallions while barely being touched." She said smirking.

"Oh, yeah, that. Well it wa-!"

"Don't be alarmed I know you were defending her. But I wanted to talk to you about who exactly you were fighting." Said princess Celestia.

"Yeah who were those guys? I thought Equestria was a happy joyful place where crime didn't exist." You said.

"Well I try and make everypony think that. About a month ago, a gang known as the Aifam originated in Canterlot. It was easy to keep them under control with the large amount of guards there, but recently they moved their operation here in Ponyville. But a felony hasn't been commuted here in over five years, so there is not a single guard in the entire town. Now this brings us to my next set of questions. First I would like to ask you if your willing to be a guard here in Ponyville. You would be payed of course."

"Sure, I'd be happy to be protecting peo-ponies. What are the hours and how much would I be payed?" You asked.

"Thats brings me to my next question. You would be payed twelve bits an hour, but how much sleep do humans need, and how long can they stay awake for?" She asked.

"I wanted to ask you the same thing, since you always wake up before me. The pony record is fifty two hours" Said Twilight.

"I'm no record holder, but I was awake for seventy two hours before I went to bed and woke up in Equestria."

They both appeared shocked to hear this. Twilight's mouth even hung open.

"And as for how much we sleep a night, an average adult usually sleeps for about seven to ten hours a night. However we can still function fine with as little as four or five hours a night."

Again they seemed shocked. You guessed ponies needed much more sleep then humans.

"Well then you wouldn't mind working evenings and nights on weekdays?" Asked Celestia.

"Nope not at all. Can I get some specific hours?"

"Three to eleven PM, with an hour break for dinner at six of course. Now I would like to give you this"

Of course? You had never heard of a dinner break. You hadn't even noticed Celestia had been wearing a necklace. She levitated it off her neck and on to yours. The chain was silver, with purple and pink gem on it, that looked nearly identical to the sign of karma.

"This amulet has been specially crafted for you using the magic of some very talented unicorns including me and Luna. It was very hard to do, but we believe it will make it easier to use your powers. For example, you don't need to go through such a pure state of bliss and adrenaline to be able to fly. It also makes you immune to unicorns casting spells directly on you. However they can still levitate items to throw at you, and cast projectile magic at you. However me and my sister can disenchant it at any time should you give us a reason to."

You wanted to try it out. Your happiness had been numbed down significantly since this conversation began, but your hair still had a subtle tint of gold in it. You looked over at your musical equipment. You imagined reaching your arms out to unplug the guitar from the amp, and put it in its case. The guitar obeyed your thoughts while being surrounded in a yellow aura, and put itself back in its case. Then you made the amp, plug, and your phone. do the same, and go in the backpack. All done with ease. You looked back to Celestia and Twilight.

"When did you learn to do that?" Asked Twilight.

"When you were asleep." You responded.

"I still have a few more questions to ask. How violent are humans? What is their method of attack? What weapons to they use?"

"Well in terms of weapons we have used many over time. What we use presently are hand held devices called guns that project small metal balls which we call bullets. These bullets go straight through any living thing known to man, destroying organs, killing in seconds if hit multiple times."

"But-but why would you ever need to kill anypony, or human?" Asked Twilight.

"Three reasons. If a criminal commits a crime with a gun, then police, which our my worlds equivalent of guards, would have to kill that criminal in case he tries to kill anyone. The next is war, enough said. Now the last purpose is...like I said and Twilight probably mentioned in a letter to you princess, humans are carnivores. Now our method of attack. When we don't have weapons, we punch, kick, and choke, along with using our environment to our advantage. Such as throwing sand in your opponents eyes."

"I'm not familiar with some of your terms. Could you demonstrate?" Asked the princess.

Princess Celestia used her magic to create a yellow, transparent, pony form between you two. You set down your guitar which was still on your lap, and walked to what was supposed to be the training dummy. You bent down and stuck your hand out to feel its head. It felt just like a pony, it was even warm. You looked up at princess Celestia. She nodded. You stood up and delivered swift punch to the top of the dummies head. Its bent down to the ground like a pony would. When it got back up you gave it a roundhouse kick. After that, you grabbed its neck and lifted it into the air with one arm. Its weight was similar to ponies you fought yesterday. You held it up for several seconds before dropping it and looking back to Celestia. The dummy disappeared and Celestia spoke.

"Very good. Now please, if you will, follow me."

You and Twilight followed Celestia down the stairs and to the door. She opened it and gestured for the two of you to walk through. You didn't feel right. There was danger near, coming from outside, to the left of the door. You could judge where it was coming from a little better then usual, which was undoubtedly from the assistance of your new amulet. You stopped, but Twilight walked to the door and took a step outside. As she was almost all the way outside, you ran up behind her, wrapped your arms around her neck and lunged back with her. As you fell backward, a bright figure flashed past the two of you, barely missing. You landed on your backs on the library floor.

"What was that!?" Cried Twilight as she got up.

Princess Celestia sighed.

"That was one of my guards. He was supposed to fly away with you. It was a test for Mark." Said princess Celestia.

"What were you trying to test?" You asked as you regained your footing.

"Well many things, two mainly though. If you would try to save Twilight, and how exactly you would chase them down if you did chase them. You saved Twilight all right, just not in the way I expected."

"Oh, sorry I guess." You said, unsure of what else you could say.

"Its alright, but I have to get to a brunch meeting. I only expected the chase to last a couple minutes anyway, looks like I'm a tiny bit ahead of schedule." Said Celestia as she walked out the door.

"Goodbye princess!" Said Twilight.

"See ya!" You said causally while giving a sort-of half wave.

"Have fun you two." Celestia said with a wink as she trotted off.

Twilight swiftly closed the door. Damn did she just create an awkward moment. You quickly tried to change the topic.

"So is there a way for me to tell the time other than the sun and moon?"

Twilight walking over to a trunk and started pulling random items out of it with her magic.

"Do humans have watches?" Asked Twilight as she levitated a wrist watch toward you.

"Eeyup." You said as you snatched the watch out of the air, and put it in your pocket.

"Ha, you sound like big mac."

"I sound like a burger that gives heart attacks?"

There was a long silence as Twilight gave you a look of pure confusion.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" You all of a sudden burst into laughter. You laughed at the stupidest things some times.

When you finished laughing, Twilight was still staring at you, looking even more confused.

"You know what, i just remembered i can use my phone instead."

"Whats a phone?"

"Come on ill show you." You said as you ascended the stairs.

You got to the bedroom and pulled your phone out of your bag. Twilight caught up and stood by your side. You bent down so she could see.

"Oh, that thing. I've seen you holding it before. What does it do?" She asked.

You pressed the circular button and slid to unlock.

"Well it does a lot of things and its very complicated."

You went to the settings, general, then time. It currently read 1:12 AM.

"What time is it?

Twilight looked away from you. You followed her gaze to see a wall clock.

"Eleven thirty nine AM."

You changed your phone to the correct time, you were about to lock it when a blue rectangle popped up with white text saying "20% battery remaining" You tapped dismiss.

"Hey Twi I need your help. This thing is powered by electricity that is stored in a battery, but its almost out. The electricity is supposed to go in here." You pointed to where the charger is supposed to go. "Think you can charge it?"

"Maybe."

Twilight took the phone in her magic and held it close to her horn. She looked up and to the left, as if she was relying only on her sense of touch. She did this for about a minute before levitating the phone back to you. You plucked it out of the air and pressed the main button again. In the upper right corner of the screen, you saw the battery shape was now completely white. You showed Twilight the screen and let her see the digital numbers.

"Good job, you did it. Now i have the time with me wherever I go."

You turned off you phone and put it in your pocket. You also took the watch out and put it on the nightstand next to the bed.

"Cool, I'm going to take a shower."

Twilight went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. You took a moment to look at all the clothes you had. Three t-shirts, two pairs of jeans, three pairs of boxers, five socks, a brown "hoodie", and your shoes. You only wore shorts when it was extremely hot out, and you didn't even think you owned a long sleeved shirt. When it was cold you could just wear a coat. You heard the shower turn on and undressed yourself. You changed your boxers, shirt, and socks, but you had to wear the same pants. The shirt you changed into was a cyan color, with black symbols, marks, and words covering most of it. It was pretty flashy, and you were a bored students best friend when you were wearing it. People would just stare at it, trying to find all of its "secrets".

The day had consisted of Twilight studying, and you desperately trying to find something to do until three. You had tried reading, but long reading seasons just weren't your thing. The time did eventually come for you to start paroling the town. You waved goodbye to Twilight and took your first few steps out the door.

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long everyone. I went through writers block, procrastination, school work, and an addiction to battlefield 3, but I finally finished chapter 5. I know it ends kind of suddenly, but i just needed more time to think, and i already promised this chapter by today. Leave me comments or private messages giving me suggestions on what should happen next and all that, I'm REALLY going to need it. Also A like would be much appreciated if you enjoyed.

PS:I know the Aifam is a strange name for the gang, but look at how its spelled backwards ;)

Chapter 6

You had been walking around Ponyville for the past hour and a half, paroling every street, looking for any suspicious activity, giving it one hundred percent of your attention. Ponies would almost always go silent and start whispering to each other when you passed them. News must of gotten out of your collaboration with The Aifam. You were now making yet another lap through the marketplace, when an Orange mare managing a carrot booth called out to you.

"Hey you! Human, come here!"

You obliged and walked up to her booth.

"What's up?" You asked.

"You've walked through here quite a few times over the past couple of hours. Ponies are starting to worry. Whats wrong with you?"

"Just doing my job. I'm a new guard here in Ponyville." You responded.

"Guard? There's never any crime in Ponyville, we don't need any guards."

"Well apparently princess Celestia thinks other wise."

You walked away leaving her with that.

You had just walked through the door into the library. You took off your shoes and walked into the kitchen. Spike and Twilight were setting the table for dinner.

"Hey Mark." Said Spike.

"Hey." You responded.

Twilight remained silent with her head hanging down as she levitated a big bowl of salad onto the table. You were getting really tired of the no meat diet, but that wasn't important right now. Something was obviously bumming Twilight out. You sat down at one of the four chairs around the rectangular table next to Spike. Twilight sat in the chair across from you and started "pouring" salad onto everyone's plate by levitating the bowl on its side over a plate, and shaking it. Spike immediately started digging into his salad with a fork. Twilight just seemed to stare at hers.

"Something wrong Twilight?" You asked her.

"My brother is getting married." She said quietly.

"Congratulations! Looks like you'll be getting a new step ste-"

"No not congratulations!" She cut you off. "He is marrying somepony I've never met, I haven't seen him in months, and he didn't even tell me he was getting married in person, I just got a stupid invitation from Princess Celestia!"

You took a moment to put together what you wanted to say.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I'm sure he had his reasons for not telling you in person."

She sighed. "No...i'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. princess Celestia wants you there too, she said this letter was for your eyes only."

Twilight levitated a scroll off the counter next to the fridge toward you. You grabbed out of the air as you chuckled.

"That's what your society calls "taking it out on"? You're lucky to live in such a kind environment."

"What would "Taking it out on" be like in your world?" Spike asked.

"Usually lots of swearing, screaming, sometimes it would come to violence if two males were angry enough, oh and it would last between one minute and an hour depending on if the two arguing were of the same gender or not."

"Whats swearing?" Asked Twilight.

"Swears are words used to offend or insult somebody else, they are also often used when in pain. They usually have a literal meaning and another completely different meaning when used as swears. Some commonly used ones are, fuck, which literally means to have sex, but is used as an adjective that is randomly throw in sentences. Shit and crap both literally mean waste, but are used when something bad happens. Bitch is literally a female dog, but is used to define someone who wont shut the hell up."

"Uh, um, okay...whats hell mean?" Asked Twilight.

"Its believed to be a horrible place you go after you die. In your afterlife."

Twilight didn't respond and finally started eating her salad. You broke the seal on the scroll she gave you and started to read.

Dear Mark the human,

As my faithful student Twilight Sparkle has most likely already told you, there will be a wedding in Canterlot held Friday night.(In two days) It is mandatory that you be there, for an anonymous threat has been made on the city. You do not need to patrol the down, I simply require your presence there. You will be staying in room two zero two on floor three of the Canterlot hotel. There is only one and it is a rather tall building near the castle. It is quite difficult to miss.

Sincerely, princess Celestia

PS:Please keep quiet and avoid looking suspicious about this anonymous tip, for I don't want my subjects to worry.

PPS:I have already informed the royal guards of you coming, so no need to worry about explaining anything to them.

You rolled up the parchment and set it on the counter top closest to you.

You were now walking on the outskirts of Ponyville. You checked the time on your phone. It was ten fifty six. There was a large hill to your left side, outside of Ponyville. You decided to take a load off for a few minutes before heading back home. You lied down near the top of the hill and looked up at the stars. You finally had time to think. Twilight immediately came to mind. More specifically, the time you spent with her last night. You had seriously kissed a pony. And one that you hadn't even known for a full week. Why did you even kiss her!? You just got caught up in the moment! But then again you did want to kiss her, and...you had enjoyed it. But she probably didn't even want to kiss! And interspecies relation ships were most likely banned here! Things were totally going to get so awkward. She might even kick you out! And tell every pony in town about it, and they would all look down on you, and...and...and...why does your life have to suck so much!? All these thoughts rushed through your mind. You looked up at the night sky and tried to forget about it for now. For the first time you noticed how beautiful all the stars were in the night sky. There was next to no light pollution. You watched for a while before you found your eyelids getting heavy.

"Mark?!"

You opened your eyes and sat up. Your vision was a bit blurry, and it was still night.

"Mark?!"

You looked to the nearby three way intersection, two roads stretching around the town, one leading to the core of it.

"Mark?!

A figure with cool colors emerged from the path leading to the center of the town. You blinked a few times and squinted.

"Mark!"

The figure you had quickly identified as Twilight was now running toward you. You made it up the hill to you and was panting.

"What happened? *Pant* Why didn't you come home? *Pant* Are you okay?"

You pulled out your phone and checked the time. It was nearly two in the morning.

"Shit. Sorry, I was looking at the stars and I guess I fell asleep."

Twilight lied down belly up next to you.

"Yeah, I guess the stars are pretty nice."

"There were never this many out in my world. There was always too much light coming from towns and cities to see many."

"Um, Mark...since we're alone...I wanted to talk to you about...us."

Everything you had been thinking about before you dozed off rushed back to you.

"I'm so sorry! I just got caught up in the moment! I didn-"

"Mark relax! You didn't kiss me, we kissed each other. And...I liked it."

"But isn't there some law against different species relationships?"

She inched closer.

"Not in Equestria."

"So then, you think we can make this work?"

"Yeah, I just don't know how to tell the other girls, so lets keep quiet for now."

She pecked you on the lips. You smiled and blushed.

"Now lets change the topic to something less edgy. Tell me something cool about humans."

You scratched your neck and felt the cold metal of your necklace. You brought the amulet up to your face and closely examined it. It was about the size of a silver dollar, (roughly twice the size of a quarter) had a thin golden boarder, and was identical to the sign of karma except it was pink and purple instead of black and white.

"Have you ever heard of karma?"

"No." she mumbled.

"It's a common belief that if you do good things, good things happen to you, and if you do bad things, bad things happen to you."

You took off the amulet and showed it to her.

"The sign for it is the same as this gem, but its supposed to be black and white instead of purple and pink."

"mm."

You looked at her and saw her eye lids were only about half way open.

"Come on, lets go home, you look tired." You said as you got up.

"mm hmm." She responded as she got up and followed you down the hill.

You hadn't realized it before, but it was very light out for not having street lights. The moon and stars shone very bright. You stopped hearing the light clop of hooves. You turned around and saw Twilight walking very slowly with her head hanging low. You waited a few seconds for her to catch up.

"I don't know how you humans have so much energy, I feel like i'm about to pass out." Said Twilight.

When she got close enough, you scooped her up in your arms and continued walking. Twilight didn't say anything, she had already fallen asleep. You continued your walk home with Twilight in your arms for several minutes until you arrived. You turned the knob with one foot and kicked the door open. You walked in and closed it behind you, afterwards taking off your shoes. The library was very dark. You waited a minute for your eyes to adjust before proceeding to the stairs. As you past the couch, you saw Spike sleeping on it with a mini pillow and blanket. You ascended the stairs and entered the bedroom. You went to Twilight side of the bed and were met with a minor problem, You needed to pull the covers back, your hands were full and your foot couldn't save your this time. Maybe if... You concentrated on the covers, imagining your hands were free and you were lifting them. A golden glow surrounded the blanket and obeyed to your command. You set Twilight in bed and got in the other side after taking your clothes and necklace off. You kissed Twilight on the forehead and whispered goodnight into her ear before drifting off to sleep yourself.

Author's Note

Okay a lot of things to talk about this time but please read it all. First off I wanna say I'm very sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I only get free time every other week. I would explain things to you, but frankly I don't think anybody cares. The next chapter wont take as long, I thought up a lot of ideas over the past week. Second, I usually hate fics that copy episodes of the show, but in this case I will try and make things as different as possible. I kinda need to copy "A Canterlot Wedding" for something that will happen in the future. Things will really be picking up in the next few chapters. Third, I will be using "Linkin Park" and possibly some "Avenged Sevenfold" in future chapters. If you know a band that might sound good in this story don't hesitate to tell me. Finally, I know this is a big thing to ask, but are there any artists out there that would be willing to make a story cover picture for this fic. I mean a guitar doesn't really draw eyes. Please private message me if your up for the job. I tried to draw my profile pic but after about an hour in paint I have concluded that I suck at drawing. I'll keep practicing though.

Chapter 7

Authors note:I ended up having to make an edit to princess Celestia's letter a few hours after I released the chapter. If you read the chapter shortly after it came out, I had her say Mark was staying in room 202 on floor 3 of the Canterlot hotel. Enjoy!

You were waiting at the train station with Twilight, Spike, Rainbow dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. It was still early in the morning, the sun had risen only about two hours ago. A shower had helped but you were still feeling very groggy. The day before had gone by rather slowly, with Twilight still bummed out about her brother. Spike had washed all your clothes, and you were now wearing the three days grace shirt you were wearing when you first arrived in Equestria.

"You may now board the eight o clock train to Canterlot!" Roared a voice over an intercom.

"Finally." Groaned Rainbow Dash.

You slung your backpack over your shoulder, picked up your guitar case, and followed your group onto the train. Everyone went to the train car in front of the caboose. There were plenty of booths, so you lied down on one, with your legs hanging off the end, into the isle. You put your stuff on the ground, between your booth and the one facing you. Twilight sat in the booth across from you and stared out the window while you closed your eyes and tried to get some rest. You awoke to the screeching of the trains breaks. You sat up and looked out the window. You were in an enormous city. There were all kinds of buildings scattered everywhere, all leading up to a gigantic castle. You grabbed your luggage and followed everyone out of the train. The first thing you noticed was the huge amount of guards surrounding the general area. Had they all been there because of you? A lot of them seemed to be eyeing you so it was defiantly a possibility.

"I need to talk to my brother! I'll catch up with everypony later!" Twilight said as she began trotting away towards the castle.

You looked towards the castle trying to place the hotel Princess Celestia had told you about. You quickly spotted a building in the distance, much taller than the houses, but still smaller than the castle.

"I'm gonna go settle in my suite at the hotel. Catch you guys later." You started walking in the same direction Twilight had gone.

"We're not guys!" You heard Rainbow Dash yell at you.

You turned around and walked backwards.

"Sorry, it's a habit!" You yelled back.

You spun back around and continued walking. Ponies would stare at you, and often snicker as you walked by, as they did in ponyville when you first arrived. Not too much walking later, you were approaching the front of what you thought was the hotel. You looked at the large sign hanging above the front door. "The Canterlot Hotel". Yes, It literally said "The Canterlot Hotel". Real creative. You walked through the glass double doors as a little bell rang. You immediately caught the attention of everyone in the lobby, which thankfully was only about four ponies including the employee at the main desk. The place had a red carpet, some sofa, and several doors branching off from the room. You walked over to the main desk, the worker still eyeing you.

"Hi, im M-"

"Mark the human, yes I know. Here is your room key." He interrupted you.

He was obviously expecting you. He pulled a key from under the desk with his mouth, and dropped it on the surface.

"It's room two hundred and two, on floor three. The stairs are right over there. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Canterlot hotel." He said while pointing a hoof at a nearby door.

He seemed to be in a hurry, or just a bad mood. You grabbed your key in your left hand. The other one was occupied by your guitar case. You walked over to the metal door, and opened it to reveal a seemingly normal gray staircase in a well lit, rather dull room. After proceeding up the stairs for a bit, you approached a door identical to the first, except this time with a large black number three on it. You went through this door that reveal, a long hallway, with a red carpet, white walls, and two lit candles on each side of every door. You strolled down the hallway looking for a room number two hundred two. The doors were all wooden, with a small golden plate on them telling the room number, and a brass door handle.

200, 201, 202. That was fast.

Your room was only the third on the floor. You stuck your key in the lock and opened the door to what was a strange design by your standards. The main room was a bed room with a kitchen connected from the left, and a bathroom to the right. You took your shoes off, and set your bags on the queen sized bed. You went into the kitchen and opened the pantry. You quickly spotted one of your favorite foods.

"Fuck yeah, didn't know they had pasta here." You said quietly.

You went through the process of the making the spaghetti and eating it. Afterwards you lied down on the bed. No more than seconds later, there was a knock at the door. You walked over and opened it to reveal the crazy party mare, Pinkie pie.

"Pinkie? How'd you know where I was?" You asked, confused since you had only told Twilight where you would be staying.

"Oh well when my left eye blinks point zero zero two one seconds faster than my right one, it means one of my friends is staying in room two hundred two of the Canterlot Hotel!" She responded in her usual upbeat voice.

"What? That didn't make any sense!"

"Whatever, that's not important right now! I need to ask you something!"

There was a long pause as you waited for her to ask her question. You spun your hand in circles a couple times before saying.

"Go on."

"Oh, right! I'm hosting the party part of the wedding, and was wondering if you could play your lute thingy for it!"

"Okay, first of all its called a guitar, and second, I don't think my music would be very fitting for a wedding. It's pretty much the exact opposite of formal."

"But the party part isn't supposed to be formal! Its supposed to be loud and fun!"

You briefly considered if you should play or not, and quickly came to the decision that you should as long as Pinkie Pie says its okay.

"Alright fine, ill give it a shot."

"Woo hoo!" She cheered as she stood up on her hind legs, getting eye level with your lower chest.

"Come on, we gotta go get everything ready! Princess Mi Amore Cadenze will be checking in on us later tonight." Pinkie Pie said while taking off down the hallway.

Princess Mi Amore Cadanze? What a mouthful.

You looked down the hall towards the door that Pinkie Pie was already opening.

"Wait up!" You called as you ran after her.

"Okay, we've been over the games, and the dances, now for the music! Take it away Mark!"

Pinkie Pie had just finished showing off the wedding dances and games to Princess Mi Amore Cadenze who didn't seem very pleased. You thought they were rather strange, childish even, but hey, you didn't know anything about Equestrian weddings, maybe it was all normal. At one point you heard her mumble "This party would be perfect, for a six year olds birthday party." The moment she had stepped in, you got a weird, uncomfortable feeling. Similar to when you had sensed danger, but at the same time different. Like it was wrong for you to feel something was wrong. It was very complex and hard for you to comprehend. Aside from that, you had been deciding a song to play. Now it was time to show off what you could do.

"Ah yes, human, lets see what your capable of." Said the alicorn Princess that now stood a few yards in front of you.

You pulled out your phone and searched threw your "jam alone" album until you found "The Good Life".

***** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzRk5EIHAoI *****

You turned your amp up and began to play.

"The good life is what I need, too many people stepping over me! The only thing that's been on my mind, the one thing I need before I die! All I want, is a little of the good life! All I need, is to have a good time! The good life! All I want, is a-"

"Stop, stop, stop!" Shouted the princess you were playing to.

Confused, you turned your amp off which ceased the music entirely.

"I don't want that rambunctious trash played at my wedding!" She yelled at you.

You slumped and let your guitar hang from you by its strap. What a prick.

"I'll show myself out." She turned around and left the room, leaving you and Pinkie Pie alone in a large balloon and confetti filled room.

"Aw, that's too bad! Oh well, come on, were supposed to meet the others for drinks!" Said Pinkie Pie as she started trotting towards the door.

"This is news so me." You said.

"Well of course its news. Its news I was supposed to deliver, now come on!"\

"But I don't even have any bits."

"Don't you get paid for being a guard?"

"Yeah, but I haven't gotten my first paycheck yet. Wait how did you know about that? I thought Twilight was the only one who knew."

"She told us all at a picnic a couple days ago. She also told us about that new amulet of yours. Now shut up and take my bits!" Pinkie pulled a hoof full of bits out of seemingly nowhere, and held it out toward you.

"Wow, thanks Pinkie. I'll pay you back as soon as possible." You said as you took the several bits and put them in your pocket.

"You don't need to pay me back, now come on we're gonna be late!"

Pinkie Pie took off in a full sprint towards the door. It then occurred to you what she had said. Did Pinkie just say, shut up and take my bits? She did.

"Wait up!" You called out as you ran after her.

"Glad you could make it mark." Said Applejack as you sat down on a pillow between her and Pinkie Pie. You quickly noticed the absence of your love interest.

"Not like I had anything better to do. Wheres Twilight?" You asked.

"Running late I suppose." Said Rarity who was on the opposite side of the table from you.

A cold breeze made you realize how cold it was, luckily you had your sweatshirt in your backpack. You put it on as a unicorn waiter with a pencil and notepad showed up and started taking orders. You didn't pay much attention to what the others were getting, but soon the waiter was ready for your order.

"Alright I've only been here for like a week so bare with me. Does Equestria have a drinking age?" You asked.

"Um...a drinking age?" The waiter said rater snobbishly.

"Yeah, for like, alcohol."

"Alcohol?"

"Screw it just get me an apple juice."

He scribbled it down on his notepad.

"And you miss?"

"Oh, I want the cherry surprise! Because I love cherries, and I love surprises! Don't you love surprises? Because I just love sur-mm mmm hmm"

Rarity sealed Pinkie Pie's mouth shut with her magic.

"Yes dear i'm sure he loves surprises. Can we also get a grape juice for our tardy friend?" Asked Rarity still sealing Pinkie's mouth shut.

"Very well then, your drinks will be ready soon." Said the waited as he began trotting off towards the small building your table was near.

You thought Pinkie Pie had enough. You took off your necklace that had been mostly concealed by your shirt collar, and put it on her. The light blue aura around her mouth vanished.

"Looks like I just got..." Pinkie Pie pulled out a pair of black sunglasses from under the table and out them on. "...an-muted."

"Yeaaaaaaaaah." You yelled quietly.

Pinkie took off the amulet and put it on you.

"Thanks Mark!" She said as she returned the sunglasses under the table.

"Oooooooh, I get it. Its like a combination of "un", "am", and muted, because Mark's amulet unmuted you." Said Rainbow Dash at a slow pace.

Applejack sighed.

"Yes Rainbow, we understand wordplay. I jus' don' understand that whole sunglasses and "yeah" thing." She said.

"Yeah first the "shut up and take my bits", and now that CSI Miami bit. I'm starting to suspect you've been to my world Pinkie Pie." You said.

You squinted your eyes and pointed a finger at her.

"I'm watching you."

Everyone giggled. Just then the waiter came levitating a large plater with several drinks on it. He gave everyone their drinks right as Twilight showed up.

"Sorry I'm late everypony. Did I miss anything?" Asked Twilight.

"Just some confusion from Pinkie Pie and her new side kick Mark." Answered Rainbow Dash.

"O, a title." You said while straightening an unexistant tie.

You received a few more giggles from everyone.

"Um, Mark, whats alcohol? I mean, if you don't mind me asking." Said Fluttershy.

"It's a depressant that alters ones body and mind." You responded.

"Uhg, so your Twilight's side kick now? You're talking in egg head language!" Said Rainbow Dash.

"If Mark could just pick who's side kick he wants to be, that'd be great." Said Pinkie Pie

Again?

"Okay, okay, now onto current events. I bet I can guess what your all thinking. Cadence is the absolute worst bride to be ever." Said Twilight.

Your "yup" was barely heard over everyone elses "huh".

"Who me?" Spike said in a high pitched voice while holding a doll of the pony in question.

"Spike, that goes on the cake!" Said Applejack.

"Twilight, whatever do you mean? Cadence is an absolute gem." Said Rarity.

"Rarity, she was so demanding."

"Well of course she was. Why shouldn't she expect the very best on her wedding day."

"Applejack, did you know that after she told you she just love love loved your treats, she threw them in the trash."

"She was probably just trying to spare my feelings." Responded Applejack.

"Well she did the exact opposite with me and Pinkie. She said her party would be great for a six year old, and my music was rambunctious trash." You chipped in, taking Twilight's side in the argument.

"Thank you! I really need to talk to my brother after this." Said Twilight.

The next couple minutes went by in silence. You noticed everyone was almost finished with their drinks, and got an idea.

"Hey, you girls wanna pull a prank."

"Yes!" shouted Rainbow Dash as she leaned forward in her seat.

"Count me in!" Said Pinkie Pie.

There was some murmuring, but in the end everyone was on board. You slid your glass towards the middle of the table.

"Alright everyone pour the rest of their drink in here."

They all obliged and soon you had a glass that was three quarters full of brown liquid. You grabbed a stack of napkins that were in the middle of the glass table, and placed them over the glass. With one swift motion, you flipped the glass and set it down, then slowly pulled the napkins out from under the glass. You trap was set, now someone couldn't pick it up without the contents going everywhere.

"That's genius!" Rainbow Dash cried out as she burst into a fit of laughter.

Everyone started laughing.

"Alright come on, lets go before the waiter comes back!" You whispered loudly.

"See everypony tomorrow I guess." Said Twilight as the group began to separate.

"Bye." You said as you picked up your things, and started your way back to The Canterlot Hotel.

You had just arrived back in your room. You dropped your bags by the door and took off your shoes. Since you had nothing to do, you decided to turn in early. You undressed yourself, leaving your clothes on the floor, turned the light off, and hopped in bed. You got comfortable and cozy before saying aloud...

"Today was a good day."

Author's Note

Did I spell Mi Amore Cadenze right? If not please correct me in the comments so I can change it. I hope I'm doing a good job mixing the story up a bit from the original episode. I've literally seen fan fics where they copy the shows dialogue word for word but change just one detail, like, oh I don't know, changing the gender of Twilight and change her name. I'm looking at you "The Unexpected Love Life of Dusk Shine". Well actually I cant really judge it since i only read the first 3 chapters.

4/1/13:Okay, not everyone seems to understand that when Mark said "Cadense" insulted his music, he wasn't saying she cant have an opinion or she doesn't know good music. Applejack said "Cadense" was trying to spare her feelings when she threw her treats away. Mark was saying she was doing the opposite to him and Pinkie Pie by not trying to "spare their feelings".

Chapter 8

Your eyes shot open. You felt slightly groggy, and could probably sleep a bit longer if you really wanted to, but you decided against it. The way you awoke hadn't felt quite natural for some reason. You slowly but surely got out of bed, and made it the bathroom where you proceeded to do your business. You took a drink from the faucet as you rinsed your hands. You didn't have an appetite this soon after waking up, you never did. So you put on some clean clothes, put your knife and room key into your pocket, and put on your shoes. You checked the time on your phone before putting that in your pocket as well.

1:23 PM

"Damn I slept long, but I might have a lucky day seeing as its one two three."

You had decided to go for a walk seeing nothing better to do since the wedding wasn't until later that evening. It would be better for everypony to get over the initial shock of see you now, rather than at the wedding.

You strolled down the streets of Canterlot getting the reactions you had expected, while waving and smiling, trying to seem as friendly as possible. You were passing by the royal castle on your way back to the hotel after what felt like about an hour of walking.

"Mark!" Called a voice somewhere to your right.

You looked up at the large flight of stairs leading up to the castle when you saw all your friends with the exception of Twilight running towards you.

"Something wrong?" You asked as they reached the bottom.

"We were rehearsing the wedding for tonight when Twilight stormed in claiming Princess Cadense was evil, and how she had used mind control magic on Shining Armour!" Spike had spoken first.

"And?" You gestured for him to continue.

"Shining Armour got really, really mad at her, and explaining how Cadense wasn't evil, and that she had been healing the migraines he had been getting from using his shield spell."

"Then?"

"Everyone kinda awkwardly started to leave the room. Princess Celestia made it clear she was disappointed by saying 'You have a lot to think about.' in an angry tone to Twilight on her way out."

"And you just left her there all alone!? Even I know how important it is to Twilight that she impresses Celestia! She is probably bawling her eyes out up there!" You shouted sounding a little harsher than intended.

Everypony's ears flattened. You didn't bother waiting for a response. You went around them and fast-walked up the stairs two at a time. Arriving at the top, you jogged over to the palace doors where two guards stood on duty. You reached your arm out, and was about to open one of the double doors when one of the guards held out his spear across the door, blocking your path. You didn't speak, you slowly turned your head down and to the right where you met the guards eyes. You gave him as angry and serious a stare you could make.

"And just who are you?" He asked.

"Hey, let the human threw!" The other guard said as he nudged the one who had decided to block your path, making him drop his spear.

You gave him a nod of appreciation.

"Thanks, do you know where the wedding is being rehearsed?" You asked.

He held one of the two doors open with a hoof and allowed you to look inside. Inside was a large room with a very high ceiling, a purple and white checkered floor, and various banners hanging on the walls. A red carpet made a four way intersection in the middle of the room with two branching off, leading to hallways, and one leading up to, a small staircase with two larger flights of stairs branching off of it, one to the left, the other to the right.

"Go up the right staircase and down the hallway. On your second right, that hallway will end in double doors much like these where the wedding will be."

"I appreciate it." You said as you stepped inside.

You heard the door close behind you as you walked toward the staircase. You followed the guards instructions and quickly arrived at the door. You pushed the one on the right, but it wouldn't open. You tried the one on the left with similar results.

"Is it locked?" You thought.

You didn't see a keyhole on it. You pushed harder on the right door. It wouldn't budge. You were about to ram it with your shoulder, when the door on the left flung out into the hallway, and out came Princess Mi Amore Cadanze. The doors were pull, not push. You face palmed.

"They will fear my intelligence."

"Hello princess, Twilight in there?" You asked.

"That's Princess Mi Amore Cadenze, and no, that immature foal left after treating me so rudely." She said with her chin high as she rounded the corner out of your view.

"Why the fuck would Twilight's brother marry a bitch like you?"

You opened one of the doors and examined the room just to make sure. It was another large room with a marble floor that was partially concealed by a red carpet leading up to about four or five steps, that ending on a platform with three big windows behind it, undoubtedly where the bride and groom would say their 'I do's'. The room was however empty. If you had been told correctly, Luna and Celestia had left first, then Shining Armour, then Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity, then Twilight, and finally Princess Mi Amore Cadenze. That didn't quite add up. If Twilight left between the rest of your friends, and Mi Amore Cadenze, you should have seen her on your way in. Maybe Twilight was staying here, and just took a different hallway to get to her room. Yeah, that was probably it.

You had just finished eating dinner back at your hotel room. Weird calling it dinner with it being your first meal of the day. You lied down in your bed and thought about what had happened that day.

"I hope Twilight patches things up with her brother. Or maybe she already did. Or if she didn't will she even show up at the wedding? It starts in like an hour."

You hadn't even noticed that you involuntarily closed your eyes.

"What if a guard didn't get the message and tries to attack me at the wedding because he thinks i'm a monster or something? I'd just grab him by a hind leg, hold him up high and be like 'whose guard is this?' Now that would be hilarious."

Your smiled to yourself.

"I'll just lay low, try to blend in, smile and wave, things like that will hopefully lower suspicion. If it doesn't ill hide behind a curtain, or paint myself gray and pretend to be a statue. Yes, these are realistic options."

You sighed and put the topic aside.

You opened your eyes. For less than a second, there had been a violent rumbling. You noted it as a hallucination of some kind. You pulled out your phone and checked the time. You dropped the phone on your face. The wedding should of started half an hour ago.

"I fell asleep!? How the actual fuck did I manage to sleep even more. Lucky day my ass."

You quickly put on your shoes before you heard several what you guess were either explosions, or an earthquake.

"What the fuck is happening?"

You took off in a full sprint threw the hallway and down the stairs. There wasn't any pony in the lobby. You charged out the door to reveal a scene that made you stop, and spectate in confusion. The sky was a complete cluster-fuck of black shapes flying in ever direction imaginable at great speeds. It was nearly impossible to track one for more than a second.

Your gaze shift to the streets. There were far less black shapes, all running at slower speeds than their flying counter-parts. You focused on one and tried to identify it. It appeared to be a mostly black, mane-less alicorn with blue, transparent wings and blue, pupil-less eyes. You were taken back when you saw it had holes all over its legs. It made you wonder how it even had enough muscle tissue left in its legs to stand.

You heard somepony scream, and saw the very creature you were spectating leap onto the pony with a pink coat, and a yellow mane, that had just let out a terrified scream. You charged at the animal while pulling your knife out of your pocket and flipping it open. You pumped your arms as you ran, ducking under another black flying critter at one point, until you were right behind the couple. The creature was leaning it's head down with its mouth open, about to bite the neck of it's victim, until it stopped proceeding, your knife firmly planted in it's chest. You slowly lifted it off the earth pony with a grunt, and onto the ground, where it let out it's final exhale before the rising and lifting of it's chest ceased permanently.

"I...killed it."

Your focus shifted back to the mare you had just saved. She was lying on the ground, staring at you in shock, panting heavily. She slowly raised a hoof, and you thought she pointed it at you.

"It's okay...I'm no-" A large mass hit your right shoulder, and knocked you onto the ground, making you drop your weapon.

You rolled over, face up, just in time for a monster identical to the one you just defeated to land on your chest and lunge at you with its wide open maw. You stopped it just inches from your face; your right hand pushing the top part of it's mouth up; your left pushing the bottom down. You could smell it's warm, foul smelling breath on your face, and feel it's saliva on your hands, as well as all it's teeth, including two sharp fangs that had pierced your right hand, causing a trickle of blood to run down it and into the creatures mouth.

You applied more pressure on both halves of it's jaw. You received a soft wine in response, as well as nerves alerting you of the growing pain in your hand from your attacker's fangs. You pushed harder. A louder whine, and slightly more pain. With a final effort, you heard a very audible crack. The animal leaped off of your chest, and landed on its back next to your legs. You spun yourself around counter-clockwise on the ground, and drove your left elbow into its chest. It squirmed, and tried to get away. You looked to your right and saw your knife on the ground. You quickly grasped it, and planted it into the monster's head.

It instantly stopped moving. You got to your feet and rubbed your shoulder where your attacker had throw itself at. The mare you saved was still lying on the ground, obviously scared out of her mind. It quickly occurred to you she had probably been pointing at the creature. You were about to speak, but decided to briefly scan the area first.

You quickly noticed another hostile flying at you at an impressive speed from the direction you had just come from. They were pissing you off to say the least. You gripped your knife tightly, your knuckles turned white. It was nearing you. You gritted your teeth.

"I'm tired, of your BULLSHIT!" You roared the last word as you jabbed the knife at it's head.

The two of you collided, and were brought to the ground. You let go of your knife and quite literally threw yet another hostile animal off of you using both hands, the corpse landed a couple feet to your right.

You brought yourself to your knees and noticed a bit of blood had sprayed onto your shirt. You crawled over to the fiend and inspected it. It appeared to have opened it's maw at the last second, and allowed your knife to pass threw the roof of it's mouth. You yanked your weapon out of the corpse. The still warm blood on it reflected the sun. You wiped it on your shirt, closed it, and pocketed it. You brought yourself to your feet.

"Enough of this."

The mare was still lying on her back, paralyzed in fear. You lift her up onto your shoulder to which she didn't object, and ran as fast as you could back to the hotel. You kicked open one of the glass double doors, and ran to the door that led to the staircase. It was quiet inside. You gently set your passenger on the ground.

"Wha...What are you?" She asked unsteadily.

"The name's Mark, and I'm a human. Now a better question would be, what in the name of Satan's asshole are those!?" You shouted. She flinched at your sudden outburst.

"T-The-They're changelings. T-They feed off of your love for others by t-taking on the appearance o-of them." She said shakily.

"Jesus Christ am I really that scary? The way she's talking would make Fluttershy proud."

"So what they shape-shift or something?"

"Um...yes."

"Well that's fan-fucking-tastic, now stay here and wait it out." You said as you slipped out the door back into the lobby.

"Not only do I have to fight, but now I have to try and figure out who is the real-insert friends name here-every time I see one of them. Isn't today just turning out great so far."

Author's Note

An abrupt stop I know I'd rather post a shorter chapter now, than have you guys wait another week for a longer one. I apologize for it being almost three weeks since my last chapter.

Chapter 1

It was just one more minute until you had officially been awake for seventy two hours. Your twenty one year old brother (who was also your roommate) had made a bet with you a few days ago, stating that if you could stay awake for three days straight, he would pay you twenty dollars. It was easy money, how could you refuse? You put your phone down and took a second to look at yourself in the mirror. You had blue, very bloodshot eyes and light brown, almost blond hair. You really liked your hair, the bangs came down a little past your eyebrows, which you though looked cool. Your sister had always called you blond, but it was clearly a light brown with a subtle hint of gold. You then saw the knife in your hand.

"The hell? Why do I have a knife? Wait a second." You said, to no one in particular. After having been awake for so long, you weren't sure if you were talking or thinking any more.

Suddenly you remembered, sleep deprivation was just getting the better of you. You had been borrowing your brothers butterfly knife, and were flipping it open and closed, because it was something that required just enough concentration to keep you awake. You continued flipping it, and checked your phone timer.

72:00:04 You smiled to yourself.

"Easy money."

You stopped the timer on your phone, latched the knife closed, put both in your pocket, and trudged back to your room, feeling like you were ready to fall with every step you took.

With the last bit of your energy, you stumbled towards your bed through all the clothes that lay on your floor, trying to keep your eyelids up, you noticed your hard plastic guitar case, laptop, amp, microphone, and backpack with the rest of your recording equipment in it, all sitting on or near your desk.

You tripped over your bed frame, and started to fall onto your bed. You were asleep before your head hit the pillow.

You were conscious, you could feel that you were laying on something fairly soft, with your right arm dangling off into space. Your eyes were closed tight. You tried and tried to open them, but they refused to budge. It was like they were being held shut. You knew this wasn't a dream, you could feel everything, and you could hear voices, from... somewhere.

"Whaddaya think it is, Twi?" Said a voice that came from somewhere to your left.

"I'm not not sure, Applejack. I haven't seen anything like it in any of my books. Rarity, Spike! Where did you two find this thing?" Said a different voice from your right.

They had to be talking about you. Judging by how close their voices were, you could only guess that they were standing directly over you, while you lay on this unknown, yet comfortable object.

Wait did she say thing? Ouch.

"Why, we were just searching for a special type of gem in the Everfree Forest, for a new dress of mine, when we found it laying on the ground, surrounded by some...strange contraptions that I have never seen before in my life."

This voice sounded British, and it sounded like it came from in between the other two voices.

Wait a second, now I'm "it"? Double ouch.

"Then we went straight away to get Applejack. When we got back, she and my little Spikey Wikey wheeled it here in a wagon."

"Anything for you, Rarity!" A fourth voice said. This voice definitely sounded more masculine then the others, though it was still high pitched, like a boy before puberty. He said what he did in an odd way, like he was in love with this "Rarity" figure.

"Oh Spike, thank you. You're such a great friend!"

A moment of silence for our brother in the friend zone.

"The Everfree Forest? Well that most likely has something to do with it."

"Golly! jus' lookit the size of it, its gotta be at least twice as tall as any of us."

You were confused. You were only six foot one, how could you be double their size? That seemed illogical.

"And I absolutely adore its mane! Just look at how white it is, just like my coat!"

Whats a "mane"?

You thought it was that part of a lion that looked like hair. You tried to think of some part of you that was white and looked like a lion's mane. She couldn't have been talking about your clothes... you remembered that you were wearing a mostly black Three Days Grace shirt and faded jeans before you passed out. Did she mean your skin? While your skin was considered white, it was technically more of an off-tan color. You then felt a soft object touch your head and pet your hair. Did she mean your hair? Your hair was light brown, not white...

"Don't touch it Rarity, it could wake up any second!"

So apparently, they thought you were asleep. Well better not keep them waiting. You thought to yourself. If... whatever they were got violent, you still had your brother's knife in your pocket, so you felt a bit more secure. Now then, it was time to "wake up".

You tried again to open your eyes, and they finally slid open, feeling dry and crusty. You immediately regretted trying to wake up. For a split second you could make out three oddly colored heads looking down at you, though your vision was still blurred. They screamed at you without any hesitation, which startled you, and made you scream as you rubbed your eyes. Your viewpoint suddenly changed, and your vision was tinted blue. You could see yourself, about ten feet away laying on a couch staring back at you. It was a cold, wide-eyed, dead stare. You broke eye contact to observe the rest of yourself. You now had white hair, and you were surrounded by three, small, multicolored... things, and one even smaller thing. You then saw yourself burst into a cloud of white smoke before your vision lost its blue tint.

You had a moment to survey what was happening. These were... Horses? Surely enough, there were three horses screaming at the spot where you had been. One of them was orange, with blonde hair; the other was white, with purple hair. The other "thing" you had seen appeared to be some kind of reptile, and it was standing very close to the white horse. The third horse was purple, with slightly darker purple hair. It had stopped screaming, but the other three saw that you were now just behind the purple one, and screamed even louder.

"What? What happened? Where did it go? Why are you all still screaming?" The purple one managed to get out.

"Twilight, behind you!" The reptile called out while pointing what looked like a finger or possibly a claw at you.

The purple horse who had been called "Twilight" turned around with a look of shock on her face. Wait did those horses just talk? You barely managed to sputter, "What the-?" Before a purple glow surrounded you and lifted you into the air.

"Wait, did it just talk?" Said the reptile.

You tried to move your arms, but to no avail. You had always been uncomfortable with being restricted. It was the opposite of who you were, and it was one of your greatest fears. Nevertheless, you couldn't move the slightest bit, and this genuinely scared the hell out of you. You began screaming again.

Once again, your vision tinted blue, and your perspective changed. You were now about fifteen feet behind the white and orange horses; your former self giving you the same lifeless stare. You broke eye contact once more and now noticed that the white one had a horn, as did the purple one. You made eye contact with yourself for a split second before the other you burst into another cloud of pure white smoke and disappeared, like before. Your vision was no longer tinted blue, and you could move again. This resulted in more screaming before the one they had called "Twilight" noticed you, and spoke up, surprisingly calmly.

"Girls! Calm down, I think we're scaring it. We need to go get Fluttershy, and see if she can communicate with it."

"Wait, I heard it say something earlier!" Exclaimed the reptile.

This was all too much for you. You had no idea where you were, you were surrounded by talking horses that looked like they'd taken a bath in a rainbow, and not only could they talk, they were intelligent. Your vision glowed purple again, and you found yourself getting very tired.

"Where...My...You..." You mumbled, as you passed out again.

You awoke in a different room, with both your arms tied to a wall with coarse rope. You tried to reach to rub your arm, and maybe loosen the rope, but you discovered that your arms were too far away from each other to untie yourself. You looked around at the rather empty room. There was a desk with some scattered papers on it, a couple bookcases, and a staircase leading up. You could hear muffled voices coming from upstairs, and you managed to make out a few words. You recognized this voice as the purple horse, Twilight.

"...Apple...tied...wall...shy...it...careful..." She said.

You stopped trying. You had been struggling against your bindings for about a minute and that was long enough for you to start getting really uncomfortable. You tried pulled at the ropes one more time. Nothing happened.

"No. I can't take this! I can't move, I can't move..." You mumbled to yourself, as you began to panic.

You could feel the fear and rage boiling up inside of you, as you kept pulling at the ropes. You turned around so that your legs were up against the wall, pushing with all of your strength to break the ropes. With a grunt, a groan, and a muffled yell, you managed to break free. You sighed with relief, as you fell to your knees.

You turned around, and saw your face in a mirror across the room that you hadn't noticed before. Your hair was now jet black.

My hair changed color again? What is going on? You thought to yourself.

Just then you heard a door burst open from the top of the stairs, and Twilight's voice echoed through the room.

"Fluttershy, its probably upset about the ropes, go calm it down!"

You sat and stared at the staircase, waiting for the one Twilight had called Fluttershy to appear.

"Oh... Oh my." She mumbled, as she got to the bottom of the stairs. She looked over you with an air of fear, as she noted the torn rope that was still tied to your arms.

This one was yellow with pink hair, and it had wings. You had given up being surprised at this point. Her voice wasn't much louder than a whisper.

"I don't like being tied up." You said, flatly. Fluttershy gasped, quietly.

"You can talk!?" She said, much louder this time, but still quiet.

"It can talk!?" You heard the southern voice say from upstairs. They must have been listening.

Twilight, the reptile, and the other two horses that you had seen before ran down the stairs and stared at you.

"Yeah, and I really don't like being restrained. Now as I was saying before I passed out, Where am I, who are you, what are you, and what is going on?!" Twilight Stared dumbly at you, before stuttering into speech.

"I-I'm Twilight Sparkle, we are currently in my basement, in Ponyville, and I... am a pony. Well, a unicorn to be more exact." That explained the horn. She was obviously nervous.

Wait, wait, wait. I'm talking... to a unicorn. I have most definitely gone completely and totally insane. You thought to yourself. Your thoughts were portrayed on your face, and the only word that could describe your expression was "confusion". Twilight began stumbling with her words again.

"Th-This is Applejack," she motioned toward the orange pony, who nodded, cautiously.

"R-R-Rarity," she stammered, as she motioned toward the white pony, who just stared.

"Fluttershy," she motioned toward the yellow pony who was the first to come down the stairs, who tried to hide behind her hair, obscuring her face from view. She seemed to be calming down.

"And, last but not least, my baby dragon assistant, Spike. Now allow me to ask you the same questions. Who are you, and what in Equestria are you?"

"I'm Mark, and I'm a human. Now, where is... uh... Ponyville, and how did I get here?" You stated, your voice remaining surprisingly calm for how startled and confused you still were.

"Well Ponyville is a town in Equestria, and we're not quite sure how you got here, either. My friends found you in a forest off the edge of town."

"Equestria? Where would this 'Equestria' be?" You asked, mind completely blank.

"Equestria, is the country we live in. We've never had humans here before, so can I ask you some more questions?"

"Go ahead," you say, cautiously. Suddenly, a purple flash brightens the area around you slightly, and then you see a piece of what appears to be medieval parchment, as well as a quill and ink levitating in front of her. She prepares to write.

"Well, firstly-" Twilight began, before being interrupted by the other unicorn, named Rarity.

"Dear I absolutely have to know, how do you do that with your mane?"

"My... mane?" You replied, still unsure of what she meant.

"Yes your mane." She pointed a hoof at your head.

Okay, mane definitely means hair... You thought to yourself.

"When we found you, it was light brown, But when we brought you to the library and started talking, it turned white. Then, when we first came down here it was black, and it just turned white again!" She said, sounding incredibly excited.

You glanced back at the mirror. Your hair was gray, but definitely leaning more towards the white side.

"I'm not sure. It just started happening when I woke up, apparently. All of this is completely new to me," You mumble, rather sad that you don't know, yourself.

"That's strange, but it doesn't change the fact that I need to ask you some questions." Said Twilight.

"Right, go ahead." You said, feeling better now that you realized they weren't going to hurt you.

"When we were upstairs, before I, uh, knocked you out and brought you down here, sorry... you were teleporting, but you don't have a horn to use magic, so... how were you doing that?"

"I don't know how a horn relates to magic. Magic doesn't even-" You begin to say, and then you realize where you are. Surrounded by colored, talking horses, one of which appeared to be using magic to levitate her writing utensils. "I was just kinda startled, and it started happening. I honestly don't know. Anyway, what did you mean by 'horn'?" You replied, changing your tone for fear of offending these ponies.

"Oh, well there are three races of ponies. There are Earth Ponies, who are incredibly strong, Unicorns, who have horns and can use magic, and Pegasi, who have wings and can walk on clouds."

"Wait, Earth ponies? I'm from Earth." You say, surprised and hopeful from hearing the name of your home.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asks, clearly confused.

"Earth. You know? The planet? Inside the Milky Way galaxy? Andromeda and all that?"

"Not sure what or where Earth or the Milky Way are. But anyway, how did you break the rope? Asked Twilight.

You looked down. You weren't even in the same GALAXY any more. What happened? You fought back tears as you contemplated the fact that you might never see home again.

"Yeah, ain't nopony that strong." said Applejack.

Still holding back sadness, you replied shakily.

"Once again, I-I'm not sure. I just got scared, and angry, and somehow, I broke it."

"Interesting, I'll have to write to Princess Celestia about this." Said Twilight, thankfully ignoring your bitterness as you began to tremble slightly.

"P-Princess Celestia?"

"Yeah, she and her sister Luna rule Equestria together. Since you're still completely foreign to this place, how about I tell you about some of its history, so you don't have to feel so left out?"

You jump on the prospect of something to distract you from your current situation, and nod rapidly.

"Well... it all started when..."

Author's Note

Edited by: Machiniman20