//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: The Reason I'd Never Make Friends 
// Story: Curse of the Demon Pony 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

Twilight Velvet was cleaning the house, in making sure it is good and perfect. Night Light and Sparky Comet entered their home while smiling to her.

"Honey, we're home!" Night Light called.

Twilight Velvet smiled, "How's everything at Sports Day, Sparky-Wikey?"

Sparky giggled happily as he held his golden medal up, "It's awesome, mum! And I've won the first medal for the long jump! That is the best game I ever play."

"You sure you didn't cheat this one, Sparky?" Twilight Velvet asked suspiciously, "Because the last time, teacher informed me that you cheated your exam because you didn't study enough."

Sparky groaned, "Mum... No way! This one is my favorite."

Night Light chuckled, "He's telling you the truth. Our son worked very hard for the sport. He's just like our son." Twilight Velvet remained silent as she was looking at the picture. He yelped in realization. He approached and patted her, "Velvet, I didn't mean it. I was just-!"

"I know... I just missed those two..." Twilight Velvet said painfully as she held her hoof gently, "Our third son... Our Shadow Lion was killed by the Demon Dragon. And then Twilight's Twin - Stealth ran away from here. I just don't want our Sparky to end up like them. I just wish they were here."

Night Light sighed in shame, "I know... I just wish I could have been a better father to Stealth. I just want our children be safe from danger. I don't want to see Twilight get hurt again because of me."

"Honey... You have to let her grow up. She's a mare and heroine now," Twilight Velvet said as she turned to Night Light.

Night Light sighed, "I don't know how... All I could think of is her safety..."

Twilight Velvet touched her husband's face, "Have you try to talk with her and spend a special day with her for Father-Daughter Day?"

Night Light smiled a bit, "I could try..."

BANG! The Sparkle Family yelped in shock as they turned and found angry Twilight Sparkle running up the stairs. 

"Twilight Sparkle, what's wrong?" Night Light asked in concern. 

Twilight ignored her father's question as she headed to her room. Both her pony and human friends went after her. Her father, mother and youngest brother were confused and concerned for her. They turned and found Shining Armor and Princess Cadance entered while Flash Sentry climbed the stairs to the top.

"Shining Armor, what happened?" Night Light demanded.

Shining Armor sighed, "Boris happened!"

"That ruffian?!" Twilight Velvet demanded angrily, "Did that bully insults her friends and the poor boy again?!"

Princess Cadance nodded in confirmation, "He did..."

Night Light growled, "Tell me what happened!"

Shining Armor sighed, "This is how it happened, dad..."





Twilight burst and entered her room in anger and fury while levitating and putting her stuffs down near to her drawer. Her friends followed her to her room.

"Can you believe- Grrr!" Twilight groaned in anger as she levitated her book and thrown it to the wall hard. Her friends were in shock and concern as they'd never seen how furious she really is. She sighed, "I will never be his girlfriend or even wife! Never! Ever!"

Danielle scoffed, "Tell me about it. What's his deal about the Humans and Earth Ponies?"

Megan nodded in agreement, "My daughter was right. Why did he think like that? That's not how you treated others that way just because they're very different."

"What a big meanie!" Pinkie, Molly, Michelle and Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in annoyance.

Twilight huffed as she was glaring at the window, "Boris has that attitude when he was the colt. He always think Earth Ponies and Humans are beneath the Pegasi or even Unicorns. He doesn't even want two species to be equal as others. He's a real jerk!"

Rarity huffed as she held Sweetie Belle close to her, "Well, someone needs to give him some time out! And I mean going to jail for the rest of his life!"

"Yeah! That guy deserve that!" Danny said in annoyance.

Rainbow Dash gave a hard punch from her hooves, "I would like to give that jerk pieces of my knuckle sandwich. I want to see if he likes that!"

Mike nodded as he turned to his wife, "Honey, it's best that you tell Princess Celestia and Princess Luna about this. That pony deserve some punishment for his attitude and badmouths to everyone and even Twilight about her old friend."

Megan nodded, "Don't worry. She'll deal with this."

"I'm pretty sure he doesn't mean that..." Fluttershy protested in concern.

Spike huffed in annoyance, "Forget it. Even you saved him, no way he's gonna change his way about Earth Ponies."

"How would you know that?" Nyx asked in surprise.

Spike sighed, "Twilight told me of how bad and selfish Boris is. And no matter how many lies or excuses he make, I mustn't let him in or tell him about Twilight Sparkle. And so I did. I just wish he gets eaten by dragon or something!"

Nyx huffed, "I'd think that too."

"Me too!" Cutie Mark Crusaders and Molly agreed.

Applejack sighed as she too hated Boris for insults about Earth Ponies and Humans. She ignored it as she asked, "Twilight, is there something you haven't told us? Like about this Ben fella?"

"Forget it! I don't want to talk about it." Twilight said angrily.

Applejack shook her head as she spoke, "Twilight... Keeping to yourself isn't going to help you out. Tell us, we want to help."

Nyx walked to the front of Twilight Sparkle, "Please, mummy! Tell us about Ben. I want to know about him!"

"Me too!" Everyone agreed, "Tell us! Who is Ben?!"

Spike approached Twilight, "Come on, Twi. It's time to tell us. In fact, I also want to know why you keep telling me not to let Boris in when I became your assistant. I also want to know about Ben too. I need to know - is he so important to you?"

Twilight groaned, "I'm not telling you anything!"

"Twilight..." Megan said calmly as she approached and lowered herself down before Twilight. She patted on unicorn's head, "Please tell us. Not because we want to know more about Ben, we want to help you. You're not just our best friend, you're our family..."

Twilight gasped in shock and surprise of what she just heard, "Do... Do you mean it?"

Everyone nodded calmly and confidently because Twilight was like a sister than just best friend to them. They want to help her out.

Nyx nuzzled her mother's legs gently before looking at the latter, "Please, mummy - tell us. Tell us who is Ben?"

Twilight had some thoughts about telling her friends about Ben. After some thinking, her friends were right. They were more than just best friends, they were like her family. They had always been there for her, just as she was there for them. They deserve to know the truth...

Flash Sentry took a peek through the door as he saw everyone has been gathered while Twilight was looking at them. He hummed in silent as he knew what's going to happen next. 

Twilight turned and levitated her Year Book. She placed it in front of her friends as she levitated and turned all the pages to the picture of classmates, herself and the Earth Pony with red bow-tie. Everyone looked at it with pure curios and surprise.

"His name is Ben Mare..." Twilight answered before blushed a bit, "He's a colt from my class before I got into Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns. Other than Shining Armor and Spike, he was also my best friend..."

"Wow..." Everyone said in surprise and shock.

"Wait a minute!" Apple Bloom said in concern, "Ben Mare? Ain't 'Mare' a female word for pony?"

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo, Danny, Molly, Michelle and Spike covered their mouths while struggled in holding theirs from laughing out. They don't want to test Twilight Sparkle's temper again. They all knew it too well. 

Megan nudged her siblings on their stomachs. Mike and Danielle gave the glare at Michelle. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Nyx gave the glare at Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Spike for trying to be funny at their own friend.

Twilight smiled a bit, "Don't worry. You weren't the only one who laughed at that. I was too but it was kinda wrong for me to do that."

"Sorry," Everyone apologized about the laugh.

"But he's a nice and gentle pony I ever met." Twilight sighed happily. Everyone hummed in amusement as they couldn't help but noticed her sudden crush on Ben Mare. She cleared her throat as she explained, "It all begins when I was 10 and right before the very day..."






Flashback:


8 years ago...

At the school, the classmates were minding their own business such as playing cards and board games, drawing and coloring, chatting with each other, reading comics and more. Twilight Sparkle was reading and studying her Magical History.

"It was usual and daily routine for school days, of course. I was minding my own business in reading the books until..."

RING! The classmates immediately returned to their own seats. The an old grayish Earth Pony with white gentle mane and short tail while wearing his glasses - the teacher entered the room as he smiled to them. He checked on his students in making sure that they're inside the class.

"Alright, class; settle down," Teacher called. The foals settled themselves down as they all listened to what he has to say. He continued, "Thank you. Now, class; we would be having a new student joining us today. So remember what Princess Celestia has taught us? Help and make him welcome here. And most important of all - be nice and befriend to him."

He cleared his throat as he turned to his left door, "You can come in."

As the door was opened, the brown colt Earth Pony with lighter spiky mane and short tail while holding the bag of his stationary stuffs, books, food case and drinking bottle entered the class slowly yet meekly like he's still afraid of boogieman. Nevertheless, he stood in front of everyone.

The teacher smiled, "Everyone, this is Ben Mare. Now what do you say, young stallion?"

Ben sighed fearfully while looking at the class. He gulped while chuckled nervously a bit. He bowed a bit down before the class.

"Hi... I'm... I'm..." Ben said meekly yet fearfully. He gulped, "I'm Ben Mare..."

Everyone remained silent while looking at him. Ben Mare sighed as he looked down - knowing that everyone will never befriend him since he's too shy or weak. 

Young Boris scoffed, "What? What are you? Are you like a turtle stuck and stayed in his shell? Afraid of the light, little bat?"

Everyone laughed in amusement at Ben's shyness while some and even Twilight remained quiet as they felt it wasn't very nice to comment or insults him. They all feel pity to see him being shy and timid. No one will befriend with him. For Twilight, she feel sorry yet concern for him since he's not use to society. She can tell by his looks.

"Boris, that's not the way to treat your new classmate. That's enough, class," The teacher scolded. He then sighed, "Okay, then. Young Ben, why don't you take your seat close to Miss Sparkle?"

Ben nodded meekly and timidly. He then walked and approached to the table. He gasped in surprise and amazed as he noticed Twilight Sparkle who he is supposed to seat close to her. She looked very beautiful and graceful yet cute he has ever seen. No one can compare to hers. It amazed and surprised him a lot...

As Ben was passing his classmates by, Boris smirked as he left his back hoof to side. Ben got tripped by the bully's. He fell to the ground hard, along with his stuffs. Some students laughed at his clumsiness while others remained silent.

"Mr. Bountyhunt!" The teacher exclaimed furiously, "I warned you not to mistreat the new students!"

Boris shrugged innocently, "Mr. Loi, it wasn't my fault if someone wasn't watching where he's stepping!"

Mr. Loi huffed in annoyance, "Either way, I would be happy to send you off to the detention class for a month!" Boris yelped fearfully. He smirked in amusement, "I'm letting you off. So, watch your mouth or you might get suspended."

The class then laughed in amusement, and even his own stooges. Boris growled in annoyance. He hated being laughingstock!

Ben got himself up while packing his stuffs back in his bag. He approached and sat down on his seats. Twilight glanced at him for the moment. She remembered what her parents had advised and told her few times - make some friends.

Twilight cleared her throat in attracting Ben's attention, "Uh... Hi... My name is Twilight Sparkle... And of course, welcome to our school."

Ben turned and smiled a bit, "Uh hi... I guess..."

Ben turned to the front as he placed a book on his head from being laughed or been seen from others. Twilight looked upset and disappointed yet understanding pony. Every first day of school is never been very good for some new student.

Twilight not only feel sorry for him but she felt something... special about him... She can't help but wondered if there's anything more about him or not...





"So... Is he like Fluttershy?" Scootaloo asked curiously through narration.

Pinkie and Michelle giggled during narration, "That is so cute."

"More or less," Twilight narrated in amusement, "Ben is having some troubles fitting in. After all, he's still shy, timid and scared around new ponies. But there's another problem - Boris..."

Mike hissed, "No kidding..."

"I wouldn't want to imagine of what he did to Ben," Megan hissed.

During the recess, the students were enjoying their break from the studies for 4 hours. Some were playing with each other at the playground while others were still eating. 

Twilight Sparkle was reading her book under big tree's shade since reading is her only hobby. After some minutes passed, she took a glance at Ben who was playing the swing alone. Nopony even bothered to call or ask him to join the fun with them. Usually, new students would go and ask to play with others of making friends or playing but not shy and timid one like him.

She then noticed Boris, Boxco and Dum-Dum were approaching Ben. As Ben was playing his swing quietly while looking down, as three bullies went to his back. They pushed him off the swing hard. He yelped painfully to the ground. He moaned painfully a bit. 

She gasped in worry and realization as she recalled that Boris often enjoyed teasing and messing with Earth Ponies and Humans since they're beneath him. He also wants to prove that Unicorns are superior while Pegasi are mighty warriors.

Boris smirked, "What's the matter, Mare? Got problem with the swing?"

Boxco chuckled in amusement, "Yeah... He doesn't even know how to swing him. And that's why he fall so easily! Everypony knows how to swing, baby pony!"

Dum-Dum chuckled wildly, "He's like a baby! He's like a baby! He's like a baby!"

Boris and his gang laughed in amusement. Ben groaned painfully as he slowly getting up from the ground. He turned and glanced at the bullies.

"Come on, guys... Just leave me alone..." Ben pleaded meekly yet painfully, "I haven't done anything wrong to you..."

Boris smirked as he used his magic in lifting shocking Ben upside down, "It's something you've done wrong, kid. It's something you should have followed from the start - Unicorns ruled superior! Pegasi ruled the might! Earth Ponies and Humans ruled dirt! Everyone knows that! Now I wonder what I should do with you?"

"I know! I know! Give him an air spin! That's always a good warning!" Boxco exclaimed in amusement.

Dum-Dum chuckled in amusement, "Yeah! Boss! Give him that! Give him that!"

Boris smirked devilishly while Ben yelped fearfully. The crimson Unicorn magically spun Ben around him on air while the Earth Pony screamed fearfully. Boris then slammed Ben to the ground hard before pulling his tail hard.

Twilight hissed angrily. Even though Ben is not her friend, she couldn't bare to see somepony bully others. She galloped towards Boris and his gang. She poked her horn right at his flank. Boris yelped and shouted painfully in letting Ben off.

"Boris! Leave him alone!" Twilight exclaimed in anger.

Boris groaned painfully as he rubbed his flank hard, "Seriously? I was just giving him some lessons of how the school rules goes!"

Twilight huffed, "Oh give me a break, Ape Barbarian. Nopony is better than anyone. All of us are equal. If you don't know how the rules go, then you're nothing but stupid baboons.

"Hey! I'm not a monkey! Look, how about this? I'll let him off if you go with me for a movie?"

"How about this? I would be happy to inform Mr. Loi about this. And you know what happen the last time you bully other Earth Ponies."

Boris yelped fearfully as he hated going to detention or even suspended because of his parents. He growled in annoyance. Boxco and Dum-Dum remained silent yet frightened as they know it's nice to mess with Mr. Loi as he will not tolerate the attitude of disrespect and bully.

"Fine! I'll let him off for now!" Boris exclaimed in annoyance. He turned and glared at Ben, "You've got lucky for once, brat. But next time, remember your place! Come on, guys! We're leaving!"

As Boris and his gang left, Twilight approached and helped Ben up.

"Are you alright?" Twilight asked.

Ben sniffed tearfully while rubbing tears off, "Yeah, I'm fine. What's with him?"

"Boris is just stupid. He thinks that Unicorns are superior to anything while Pegasi are mighty warriors. That guy really needs some history lessons."

"What about you? Why... Why would you help me?"

"Huh? What kind of question is that? Boris is a jerk! He has no respect for others too!"

"Well... I mean... Lots of ponies around here didn't actually want to be my friends or help me especially a smart, beauty and cute like you."

"Smart? Beauty? Cute?"

"Forget what I said! I didn't mean it!" Ben yelped as he explained frantically and fearfully, "Well, of course - I meant it. I mean - you're really-! Ah... Look how cute and beautiful you are-! That's what I meant! I mean it's just compliment! I seriously wasn't asking a date! I was just trying-well-I was-! I was just trying to be nice. I just don't want to-!"

As she listened, Twilight couldn't help but giggled happily, making Ben blushed in embarrassment. Great... His first impression was bad for the girl he has his first sight

Twilight stopped while smiling at Ben, "It's okay. I wasn't laughing because you embarrassed yourself. I was laughing at how funny you are. You're really nice and gentle pony, Ben."

Ben gasped, "Funny? Nice? Gentle? You mean it..."

"Yeah... This is the first time that someone make me laugh. It's nice actually because I'd never laugh before in my life, not even a clown can make me."

"Wow... Thanks. I guess..."

"You're the first friend I ever make so far. Well, other than just helping my classmates - they're just my partners or I'm just assistant to help them to solve their homework."

"Really?"

"Yeah... Really..."

Ben smiled a bit, "Thanks... I felt the same way too."

"You smiled! That's great!" Twilight gasped happily. Ben gasped in surprise of what he just heard. He smiled? She held her hoof in front of him, "Let's try again - My name is Twilight Sparkle."

Ben smiled as he shook hers, "Mine is Ben Maregallian."

"Maregallian? But I thought it was Mare."

"Well... Nurses didn't actually finish my birth certificate in time. So, they gave me a short sir name - Mare. But my mom told me my real sir name is 'Maregillian'."

Twilight smiled, "Either way, I'll be glad to be your friend..."

"Me too..." Ben smiled.

Thus, the start of new friendship...





Flash scoffed in amusement, "That kid... He's got something alright..."

"Wow... Sounds like you and Ben must have been good pals," Spike commented through narration, "Well, I don't know why you didn't try with other girls."

"Yeah, I want to know too. Don't keep us suspense!" Danielle added.

"Come on, guys. Be patient. Mummy'll tell us what's really going on," Nyx explained through narration.

"I will. Don't worry," Twilight narrated calmly, "So, both me and Ben became good friend. We hang out together. We also did some studying, playing and even having our own lunches. Well... Someone wasn't happy with it."

Shining Armor found Twilight Sparkle waiting at the school's entrance. As they both were walking and passing some alley, they both stopped and heard some beatings and noises from the cornered and narrowed alley. Something bad has happened!

As they approached to the alley, they gasped in shock. They spotted Boris and his gang punching and kicking Ben hard.

"That's for making fun of me!" Boris exclaimed in annoyance before kicking on Ben's guts hard, "And this is for taking my Twilight Sparkle away from me! No one takes her away from me!"

"YEAH! Stupid Earth Pony!" Boxco and Dum-Dum exclaimed in amusement.

"HEY!" Shining Armor called angrily.

Boris and his gang turned to the front. The trio yelped fearfully as they quickly turned and ran off before they messed with the wrong crowds.

"Punks!" Shining Armor commented in annoyance. He and Twilight Sparkle turned to Ben. He helped Ben up, "You okay, kid?"

Ben groaned painfully as he struggled in standing up, "Yeah... Yeah, I'm fine..."

"No, you're not, Ben!" Twilight exclaimed in concern. She gasped upon looking at black patches and marks on his right eye, weakened legs and guts, "Sweet Celestia! You're hurt!"

"It's nothing! I'm fine! Really! I'm fine!" Ben insisted yet cringed painfully, "I just need to go home now."

Shining Armor hissed, "No way, kid! You need to see a doctor now."

"No! Really!" Ben insisted as he turned and walked away. He grunted painfully, "I'll be fine. Don't worry! I'll see you guys tomorrow. See ya!"

Ben galloped at once yet screamed and yelped painfully. Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle looked worry and concern for him. They didn't want him to get himself not only troubles but hurting himself...

"Ben..." Twilight said sadly as she shed some tears out. Shining Armor came and patted her gently. She sniffed, "I'm sorry..."

She really want to help her best friend...





"Because of me, Boris will not only bully Ben but also mocked and teased him until he gives up. I feel sorry for him. And I feel responsible for it." Twilight narrated in shame, "But nevertheless, he slowly pushed his shyness and timid aside. He became a bit bolder and braver. He even stood up against Boris a bit for others or even use his cunning to beat him before because he had some help..."

"Wow... Sounds like Fluttershy comes out from her hiding spots but gives up so easily," Rainbow Dash commented in amusement through narration, "No offense!"

Fluttershy sighed through narration, "None taken..."

Danny chuckled, "He sure got some guts."

For two years, Ben and Twilight have been friends for long as they studied together, play together with her family, working together as a team and having lunch together. Boris often came to bully and insult Ben. Tired and sickened of it, Ben insulted back while running away from him and his gang but often cried for help or pretended to get hurt by him in making teachers to punish him or send him for detention class. Ben sometimes stood up for others or help them in their situation, even though they're not his friends...

"And you're still friends with Ben?" Rarity asked through narration, "Or... maybe something more?"

Twilight giggled in amusement through narration, "Yes... He and I are still friends no matter what. But for some strange reason, I feel something else for him. I feel special for him."

"Oh... Somepony got crush..." Applejack joked in amusement.

Apple Bloom giggled, "Wow! Really! I thought Applejack is the only pony got crush on Caramel!"

"Apple Bloom... That wasn't funny..." Applejack said in annoyance, "Then again, you do have some crush on him, do ya? When did that happen?"

"Yes, I do. It happens after Summer Sun Celebration. He did something amazing in my life. He encouraged me to go to do it. And so, I decided to go to Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns. But..." Twilight smiled.

"Boris again..." Everyone said in annoyance, "What did he do?"

Twilight sighed, "It's something that Boris should never have said that in first place..."

As Twilight was exiting the school's entrance to playground, she spotted Boris and his gang are bullying at Ben again. Ben can take care of them by reporting to teachers or other ponies but not this time as she noticed him cried and sobbed tearfully and painfully. He turned and ran off. Boris must have have insult him or something!

Twilight groaned angrily as she glared at Boris, "What did you do to him?!"

Boris smirked devilishly, "Just the truth. I didn't expect him to take that very hard."

"Liar!" Twilight exclaimed in anger, "I'll report to headmaster about this!"

Twilight turned and headed off in finding Ben as she hoped he doesn't get himself hurt of what Boris has insulted him...

For hours, Twilight looked around and searched of her best friend. She came across the bench where she found him. He was looking at the pond with his sad and painful looks. Twilight approached Ben as she sat on it and closed to him.

She asked, "Ben... Are you alright?" Ben remained silent as he was still looking at the pond. she sighed, "Look. Whatever Boris has said, it isn't true. Don't let it get to your head."

"But... I won't get to see you again..." Ben said in upset, "I'll be all alone. I would be happy to transfer but... That school is for unicorns only. I don't think here would help me make more friends..."

"Ben, don't talk like that. I mean... Yeah, you weren't brave or strong, but you're kind and gentle Earth Pony I ever met. Look what you have done for the school - you helped some students about history and homework, you often helped them get their stuffs back and sometimes you stood up to any bully especially Boris. You still have friends..."

"I guess so... But I need to know... Did you become my friend because of who I am or I was just bothersome to you..."

"Ben..."

Twilight thought of Ben's question. Truthfully, she just couldn't stand on bullies in insulting and teasing others but also didn't want to involve the mess. She helped them deal with the situation. 

But Ben was different the than others. He wasn't just funny but a kind and caring pony who only wants to help ponies. He also wants to be strong and brave as any heroes. She felt something special about him that wants to stay and be together with him.

Twilight sighed, "I can't be honest, Ben. But I know one thing for sure - I'd never think bad about you. Like I said before, you're funny, nice and gentle pony I ever met. I'm happy to be your best friend, Ben as you are to me. After all, who make me laugh in the first place?"

Ben sniffed as he wiped his tears off. He smiled a bit, "Thanks..."

"Ben... I've got something for you. And I want you take it as the token of our friendship." Twilight explained as she took something out from the bag. She put it around Ben's neck and tied up gently. She smiled, "There. It's a perfect fit for you like a gentlepony."

Ben looked at the pond. Beneath his neck was a red bow tie. He smiled and blushed a bit, "I guess so... Thanks."

Twilight smiled, "No matter what happens, I'll always be there especially the red bow tie. I'll see you soon."

As Twilight climbed down, Ben looked at her for the moment. He sighed in defeat. He has to do it before he lose the chance.

"Twilight," Ben called. Twilight turned and looked at him. He shuffled his hooves in embarrassment while looking at her, "I need to know.... Will... Will... Will you... Will you be my special somepony when we grow up together?"

Twilight yelped in surprise as she blushed in surprise. She thought for the moment as she didn't expect it so soon. She smiled, "I'll let you know tomorrow, Ben. And believe me, you are already special to me."

Ben was surprised yet amazed as he smiled back to her, "Thanks, Twilight. You really are special to me..."

Twilight smiled as she nodded. She turned and headed off while Ben watched and looked at her walking towards the sun. She really is something special...





"Wow... That's something..." Molly said in impressed during narration, "Usually everyone will feel the love when they're in teens, but didn't expect now."

Danny snorted in narration, "Just like how my sister fall for Mike."

"Hey!" Mike and Megan exclaimed in annoyance during narration.

"You really do like Ben, don't ya?" Applejack asked through narration.

Rarity smiled, "Sounded like one, indeed."

"What happen next? You did passed the exam and hatched Spike!" Nyx asked happily through narration.

Twilight smiled as she narrated, "Yes... But something happen... Something terrible... I... I... I met a monster! And I found out of what happen to Ben!"

"What happened?!" Everyone asked in concern.

In the evening, Twilight Sparkle was at the West Courtyard as she was looking for him. She hummed in fear and worry but prayed that nothing bad has happened to him. As she waited, she heard the bushed rustled. She turned to her back. It must be him!

"Ben, is that you?! Hey, I need to-!" Twilight was interrupted upon spotting something emerged from bushes. She saw the blackish furred Earth Pony with sharp fangs, silver spiky long wild mane and tail and his eyes were crimson as the devil himself. He growled angrily while looking at her. She gasped, "What-! What are you?!"

"Twi-Twi- Twilight!" Mysterious creature howled, "Help... Help... Help!"

"Sta- Stay away from me! Stay away from me, you monster!" Twilight exclaimed in fear while moving back slowly before knocked the tree's trunk. As the creature approached and looked at her, she quivered and shivered in fear. As if she lost her oxygen, she fell to the ground hard with her eyes closed. She panted, "Ben... Ben..."

"I thought I was finished... Moments later, he was gone. I was alive..." Twilight narrated, "When I returned to my family, I learned something terrible about Ben. I learned who was that creature! And I learned what happened to him!"

Twilight slowly opened her eyes as she found the creature disappeared and nowhere to be found. Why was she spared alive?

As Twilight returned to Canterlot Castle, she found her family was talking to Commander Azuma, Captain Rexstrike and Headmaster Spell Nexus. She also found Boris was treated as his face was clawed badly, along with his friends treated from their bruises. She approached and asked of what happen. They told her.

Twilight gasped in shock as she refused to believe it. She started crying tearfully and painfully. As her family was about to comfort her, she quickly turned and ran off while screaming in pain and despair. Ben is gone!

"Ben was 'spirited away' by Demon Pony! I'd never see him again. He's gone!"


Flashback Ends...






Back to reality...

Twilight's friends were in shock and concern of what they have learned. Not only that, they were all sad and pained to hear Twilight's painful past especially losing someone she has cared when she was a filly.

"Sweet Celestia..." Cutie Mark Crusaders said in shock.

"Is... Is that the reason why you have these dreams?" Nyx asked.

Twilight nodded, "Yes... Now, you know why I'd never bother to make friends or be with my classmates again. I chose studies over others. It's not because I hate it but I'm scared of losing them again. I don't want to put anyone in danger because of me!"

Spike hummed, "Make sense... That's why you excused yourself a lot because of that monster."

"Twilight..." Applejack said in shock. She approached to her best friend as she gave the latter a pat, "You shouldn't be worry about making friends. You won't lose any of us because we're staying with you till the very end."

Rarity nodded in agreement, "Applejack's right. We won't be gone so easily. You shouldn't let your guilt stop you."

"Even if your friends do leave you, they aren't really gone." Pinkie smiled as she pointed her hoof at her own heart. "They're still in here."

Twilight thought for the moment while wiping her tears off, "Thanks, everypony. You really are best friends a girl could ask. You really always be there for me." She sighed in upset, "But... It's never so easy to move on from someone you loved is gone... I feel responsible and guilty about not been there for him, and not to mention - I didn't give him my answer. I've missed him."

Fluttershy sighed, "I'm pretty sure that he knows the answer."

"Yeah... She's right about that. The way you talk about him, I'm pretty sure that he thinks that," Rainbow Dash supported. She hummed calmly, "You know... If we did capture that monster, he might know something about what really happen to Ben."

"To be honest, Dash. There hasn't been sight of him since Ben's disappearance. Commander Azuma and Captain Rexstrike have been on that for a long time. They found nothing..." Twilight said in concern as she turned and looked at the window. She hummed, "But you're right... A friend of mine did told me that 'spirited him away' doesn't mean he's dead. He could be alive... If we catch that thing, I might find the answer."

"Whatever it is, we'll be there for you. We always do..." Applejack said calmly, "Right, girls?"

"Right!" Everyone exclaimed happily.

"We know you can do it, Twilight. Don't worry, Ben will be found. Don't lose hope." Megan sighed, "We've gotta go. Celestia and Luna expected us to be there and stayed at the castle. If you need anything, call us."

"Alright, thanks..."

"Okay... Good luck, my friends." Megan said.

As Megan and her family walked out and down the stairs, Twilight continued looking at the window as she wondered of how she is going to find and capture the monster. Her friends came and stood besides her. Seeing them besides her make her confident and hope that they can accomplish the mission. She can't give up now. They will find and hunt Demon Pony down. They will find Ben. they will find the truth behind the incident...

Outside of Twilight's room, Flash Sentry had overheard everything. He sighed in upset while showing pained and heartbroken face like something bad has happen to him.

"You're not the only who lost his best friend, Twilight. He is mine as well," Flash said painfully and guilty, "I should have been there for him. I should have stopped him..."

"You can't change what happen to the past," Shining Armor said as he walked the stairs up, "Twilight told everything to others?"

"Yeah... She did. So, what's up, captain?"

"Captain Rexstrike and Commander Azuma need you now. They said they need your help..."

"For what?"

"Investigating Ben's disappearance and Demon Pony's appearance..."

Flash was in shock and surprise. His military officers needed him to solve the investigation about Ben Mare's disappearance? He wondered - will he able to solve the mystery and find his best friend in time?





The mysterious creature was climbing the mountain of rocks which led straight to Canterlot. Why? What is the reason of him going to Canterlot? And more importantly, who is he? Could he be...

"Twilight... Twilight... Help... Me..."

To be Continued...

Review and Suggest...