I woke to the sound of chirping birds and the occasional howling of timberwolves which means I won’t have to buy an alarm clock at all. I got out of bed and recalled what happened yesterday, the fight with Carnage, saving Twilight and Carnage disabling Venom. Speaking of which, it made me remind myself to check on him.
“Hey buddy, you alright?” I asked Venom as I brushed my teeth
“Yes, I am sorry about yesterday.” Venom responded instantly
“What happened?” I asked him and trying not to raise my voice
“Carnage hit one of my weak points which forced me to pull back from battle and left you exposed. I am sorry for letting you get hurt Manny.” Venom apologized again
“It’s fine, I healed up nicely overnight so nothing to worry about, ok?” I assured Venom for his own concern.
“Fine but can we get something to eat because I am starving and I am going to be glad you have a healing factor so I can feast on your liver over and over again.” Venom said hungrily
“Ya, I was just going into town.” I responded as I opened the front door, closed it behind me and started my way to town but something grabbed my full attention when I looked up into the sky.
“Whoa, what the…” I said as I looked into the sky and saw a gigantic cloud of black smoke, covering the bright blue sky.
“Manny!” a soft voice shouted and I turned around to see Fluttershy running towards me.
“Morning Fluttershy.” I greeted her “Why is there smoke in the sky?”
“I don’t know.” Fluttershy said quietly “But we need to warn everypony about this.”
“Agreed.” I said and we both ran until we saw ponies doing their normal routine, too busy to notice or even look up at the black-smoked sky.
“Everypony!” Fluttershy said softly “There’s smoke in the sky.”
Rainbow Dash came into view while she was bouncing a ball on her while Pinkie Pie counted but both paid no mind to Fluttershy’s words.
Nopony payed any attention to her words as she continued to speak in a low voice which was starting to annoy me because these ponies are too happy to believe something bad could happen.
“EVERYPONY!” a voice shouted from the bridge
We all turned to see the speaker was Twilight who was standing on the bridge with Spike on her back.
“Listen up, smoke is spreading all over Equestria.” Twilight announced
Now everypony was looking at the sky and mumbling about the smoke.
“I swear these ponies are gonna get themselves killed if they don’t be aware of their surroundings.” I mumbled
“Yes, luckily there are beings like us who won’t let that happen.” Venom responded
“Princess Celestia has informed me that the smoke is not coming from a fire.” Twilight said and everypony sighed in relief including Fluttershy who was next to me.
But that was ruined quickly when Twilight said, “It is coming from a dragon.”
Fluttershy looked shocked, “A dr-dragon?!” she squeaked
I was scared too because one of Venom’s weaknesses is fire so it is dangerous for both of us.
“A dragon. Why did it have to be a dragon? Why couldn’t it have been a fire?” Venom complained while I was busy trying to compose myself.
You see, ever since me and Venom bonded we did get stronger and more powerful but it made our weaknesses stronger to us than before. If fire touches me, I can probably get a third degree burn rather than a little sting.
“Out of all the things that could have been your weakness, it had to be fire.” I said with annoyance
“Not my fault.” Venom replied back
“W-what?” Fluttershy asked confused
“I was talking to Venom.” I replied
“What did he say?” Fluttershy asked
“He said its not his fault his weakness is fire.” I replied
“H-he’s scared of f-fire too?” Fluttershy said widening her eyes
“Yup and whatever weakness Venom has, its more deadlier to me than it was before I met him.” I explained. Fluttershy nodded and looked at Twilight who was running back to the library with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie at her side.
“W-we should meet up with the others.” Fluttershy suggested
“Sounds good to me, let’s go.” I agreed and ran to the library with Fluttershy flying beside me
We entered the library and saw Twilight talking with the rest of the girls who look like their going to pass out except Rainbow Dash who was flying in the air.
Me and Fluttershy walked up to the girls and Applejack greeted us, “Mornin partners, how y’all doin?”
“Besides the giant clouds of smoke that happens to come from a dragon, I’ve been having a good day.” I said with a smile
“Alright, so Princess Celestia chose us for this mission for a reason because we’re probably the only ones that can convince him to take a nap somewhere else.” Twilight announced as she packed her things needed for the trip.
“I say we give him a good buck!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she did kicks in the air and then at one of the wooden statues which caused Twilight to stabilize it with her magic.
“No Rainbow Dash, we have to encourage him to leave nicely.” Twilight said as she used her magic to move the wooden statue out of the way when Rainbow Dash went in for a dive-bomb but missed completely.
“Well then I suppose we should all go get prepared.” Rarity suggested which made me realize that I barely even talked to her ever since we met so that means I have a long way to go before the Gala comes knocking on my front door.
“Be a stallion and go talk to her.” Venom said with absolutely no faith in me but probably just said that to ‘try’ to make me feel special.
I decided to ignore his advice for now and focus on the real world that is right in front of me.
“Alright, everypony go pack the things you need and we’ll meet back here in less than an hour.” Twilight decided
All the girls and me of course exited the library and went to our homes to get whatever’s necessary but for me I just hanged around town for the next hour or so and wait it out because I usually don’t need anything to carry except my friend of course.
“Before we go the journey, you want something to eat?” I asked Venom
“That might not be such a bad idea.” Venom agreed and I started walking to the center of town and looked at the concession stands around me that were selling a variety of delicious snacks.
“Ok so what do you want to eat?” I asked and mentally hoping it wasn’t a cupcake.
“A fruit breakfast might be good enough to eat.” Venom replied
“Alright a fruity delight it is.” I said and walked over to the fruit concession stand and bought some carrots, raspberries and grapes from the mare that was selling it.
I munched on the carrots and ate the grapes in between plus eating the raspberries every now and then and a couple minutes later there was nothing left.
“Ok that was delicious, but its still hasn’t been an hour yet and there isn’t much to do around here.” I noticed
“Well since there isn’t much to do, then it’s time you do me a favor.” Venom suggested
I had a bad feeling about this ‘favor’ Venom was asking me to do so I decided I might as well do this to kill some time.
“Alright, what’s the favor?” I asked Venom with dry boredom in my voice
“Go talk to Rarity.” Venom simply said
My blood ran cold and my heart started thumping really really loud when I heard this, I couldn’t do it.
“WHAT! What makes you think that?!” I yelled at him but trying not to make a scene
“Because we have talked to the other girls but her and we risk breaking her heart if we don’t strike up a conversation with her.” Venom explained
“But out of all the times we could have done this, you choose now?!” I said with irritation
“If we don’t do this now then the Gala will be meaningless.” Venom replied
I thought about it and I hate to say this but, “You have a point.”
“Good, now we have a good 45 minutes and The Carousel Boutique is to our left so let’s get to it.” Venom said with a tone of happiness
I look to my left and saw that the Boutique was to our left and I looked at the clock which meant only 15 minutes has passed since Twilight sent us out to get our things.
“I hate you so much.” I grumbled as I walked to the front door of the Boutique and stared at it. I took a deep breath and I opened the front door and gasped at the inside. It was pink and shimmering with gold as it literally radiated the word ‘Magnificent’ as I looked around and saw that everything was neatly organized including the mirrors.
“Wow, this place is… remarkable.” Venom awed
“Yup, I gotta agree with you pal.” I agreed as I walked around and realised that I don’t see Rarity anywhere. I looked around a little bit more and heard a sound coming from one of the back rooms which was covered by an elegant dark pink curtain to block my view.
I didn’t want to be a peeping tom so I just listened to the humming and it had to be the most peaceful thing I ever heard in fact, it was so peaceful that I didn’t even realise that I was sitting down and listening to it like foal sleeping to a lullaby.
I was so caught up with the humming that I didn’t notice that it stopped and thank Venom he snapped me out of my daze. Venom shot out a black tentacle and pulled me to the front door which confused me.
“Why did you pull us here?” I asked in confusion and still in a daze from the humming
“To pretend that we just entered the building.” Venom said with an obvious tone
I decided that makes sense and got up and looked towards the curtains which apparently started to open to reveal Rarity. She looked beautiful and her mane and tail was looking gorgeous and neatly brushed plus her eyes… Oh I don’t even have the words!
I must have been staring because Rarity noticed that I was here and made eye contact with and blushed deeply, I hate to say this but so did I.
“How long have been standing there?” Rarity asked with a blush still on her cheeks
“Long enough to listen to your humming.” I replied in an honest tone
“Oh dear.” Rarity flushed in embarrassment “It was horrible.”
I walked a little closer to her and said, “No its not, it was the most beautiful sound I ever heard.”
Rarity blushed a deep and bright red from the compliment that I gave her and Venom replied with respect in his voice, “Your doing excellent.”
Rarity managed to compose herself and asked me the question I knew she was going to ask, “Why did you come here?”
“Well…” I started out nervously “I haven’t been talking to you a lot so I was wondering if we could… um… get to know each other.” I said nervously with a blush on my face
Rarity’s blush returned with a vengeance when she heard what I said and responded, “O-ok.”
I nodded and looked around and noticed the outfit that was on a pony quinn and walked towards it, marvelling the design and colors.
“So you design outfits?” I asked still staring at the outfit
“Why yes I do! I have a dream of becoming the best fashionetta in all of Equestria!” Rarity exclaimed
“Turns out that might be true if you keep this up.” I commented and Rarity blushed at the comment
“So what do you do?” Rarity asked and now that I think about it, I didn’t really know what I normally do
“I don’t really know, its been just me since my parents went missing and I haven’t really talked to anypony since that happened.” I said with sadness
“Oh! I’m sorry for asking!” Rarity apologized to me
“No no no its fine, I just needed somepony to talk to, that’s all.” I said
“Well, we best get to Twilight, she’ll be waiting for us.” Rarity suggested and I totally forgot about the dragon and the 45 minutes.
“Ya might as well.” I agreed and began walking towards the door before Rarity shouted, “WAIT! I need to get ready!”
“OH, I’m sorry, I’ll be by the door!” I shouted back in response
I sat down and thought about what just happened and smiled.
“You did better than I expected you to do.” Venom complimented me
“What did you expect me to do?” I asked curiously
“Bail out at the last second.” Venom said with honesty and laughter in his voice
“Huh, I wish I could strangle you right now but I can’t.” I complained as Venom erupted into laughter in my head and making my brain shrink.
“Ok! I am ready!” Rarity shouted and she came into view with a beautiful sun hat with a lovely rose in it.
I stared at her and awed at her beauty as she admired herself in the mirror before she caught me staring and blushed.
“It’s rude to stare, you know.” Rarity said playfully and I snapped out of my stare.
“I was.. uh.. sorry.” I apologized and Rarity was carrying a couple of with her magic and her face showed exhaustion in carrying it.
“Here let me help.” I offered and Venom extended a black tentacle, took the bags and secured it on my back.
“Thank you, darling.” Rarity thanked me with a blush and we both walked towards the door but I ran to it and held it open for her which caused her to blush even deeper.
“My, what a gentlecolt.” She commented with a wink at me and smile which made it my turn to blush
“Nice work, this is going good, very very good.” Venom said excitement
We both walked back to The Golden Oaks Library where the rest of the girls were waiting for us and looked in our direction when we approached.
“About time you two showed up!” Rainbow Dash said “We thought you went without us.”
I looked confused at why would she say that, “Why would you think that?” I asked
“Well sugarcube, you do have enhanced powers and Venom with ya so we thought you were gonna handle it yourself.” Applejack explained
“Ya, with you and Venom together you two can do anything!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed
“Just because I have Venom and I have powers myself doesn’t mean I could do anything I mean even Venom has limits.” I explained
“True I do have weaknesses.” Venom agreed
“What do you mean Venom has limits?” Twilight asked
“Well he has weaknesses which is fire and sound so that’s why I’m kinda nervous of convincing something especially a dragon to move.” I replied nervously
“So your scared of fire?” Rainbow Dash asked
“When me and Venom bonded, we share each others weaknesses so now sound and fire are deadlier to me than before.” I answered
“Don’t worry, the sooner we get rid of the dragon the better, I already mapped out the fastest route to the mountain.” Twilight assured us all
“M-mountain.” I heard Fluttershy squeaked
“Alright everypony let’s move, we should get their before nightfall.” Twilight said and she led the way with us right behind her.
We walked through the forest and approached the mountain and began climbing it but Fluttershy started struggling with simple things like jumping over a little ditch and now having trouble walking.
I noticed Fluttershy hanging in the back of the group and a memory triggered through my brain.
I was a little foal learning to walk and my parents were a little ways in front of me with their hooves open and encouraging me to keep walking. I walked but then I fell down and started crying because I thought they were going to be mad at me but they weren’t. My mom looked at me and said, “Shh there’s nothing to be afraid of my sweet.”
“Wow, your parents really loved you.” Venom said sadly
I returned to reality and looked at Fluttershy before slowing down to her pace and was now walking beside her, she looked at me confused.
“Why are you slowing down?” Fluttershy asked confused
“I’m not leaving you behind, even though the other girls are doing so.” I said
Fluttershy smiled and walked beside me as we ascended the mountain and watched out for any danger but so far we were fine.
“Um, Manny?” Fluttershy said nervously
“Yes?” I responded trying to speak at Fluttershy’s level quietness but turns out I stink at it.
“You are like a… big brother to… me.” Fluttershy said quietly
I stopped as if I lost the ability to move and looked at Fluttershy like I imagined what she just now said before responding, “What?”
Fluttershy hid behind her mane as she spoke, “You actually care for me and I never had a friend who can listen to my problems and help me out along the way, plus you were the only one who listened to me so that’s why I consider you are the brother I never had.”
I looked at Fluttershy before giving her a hug which she was shocked at first but returned the hug, after about ten seconds, we released it.
“If I’m the big brother than you are the little sister huh?” I said playfully
“N-no!” Fluttershy said in a childish tone but gave me a smile
I looked to where the girls are who were happily moving on without us and then I looked back at Fluttershy, “We should catch up, so RACE YA!” I said before running after the girls
Fluttershy flew right beside me as we both stopped when we reached the rest of the girls and just in time to hear Twilight’s instructions.
“Alright, we’re about to walk through an avalanche zone so everypony please, do not say anything.” Twilight warned us as she led us through the pass
I looked nervous because the wall of rock to our right was cracked and looked like it was ready to break at anytime, also the cliff to our left which meant obvious death to anypony unfortunate.
“Careful.” Venom warned me with caution
Fluttershy was shaking beside me and gave her a look that meant ‘Calm down’ but she was still shaking.
I thought we were gonna make it but something had to happen.
We would have got by scotch free but Fluttershy heard a crack and shrieked, “AVALA-” but I put my hoof against her mouth to stop her.
Everypony froze and didn’t dare move or make a sound but when everything stopped we released our breaths.
We celebrated too soon though because the mountain started to shake and rocks started to fall down on us.
“EVERYPONY TAKE COVER!!!” Twilight shouted as she dodged the rocks, Applejack and Pinkie Pie jumped over the rocks when they landed, Rainbow Dash was flying around and dodging the rocks with ease but I couldn’t see Rarity anywhere.
I moved Fluttershy to where the other girls were and looked for Rarity and then I saw her, she was dodging around and doing good and made it to where we are.
“Above us!!!” Venom shouted
“AAAAHHHH!!!!” Pinkie Pie screamed and pointed above us.
Everypony looked up and saw a huge slab of rock coming down on us, I had to take action because all the girls were paralyzed with fear as they stared at the rock coming down on us.
I shot out a black tentacle and grabbed them then looked to my left and set them down far away from me. I just had time to hug the giant rock that happily crushed me in its embrace.
My whole body was compressed and squished under a huge amount of stone and I struggled to get to my hooves.
“Come on, we can do it!!!” Venom encouraged me
I looked up and saw that Venom created a pair of giant hands that held the rock and prevented it from flattening me but I saw that it was getting closer and closer every passing second. I pushed up with all my might and even with my enhanced strength, I was struggling to lift it.
I heard the girls screaming my name in worry and that fueled my body with strength and I pushed upward and slowly I began rising and my forelegs and hindlegs felt like jelly but nevertheless I kept pushing until I was standing on my hindlegs straight up and tossed rock away which crashed into something down the mountain. I looked in front of me and saw the girls looking at me with shock before they drowned me in a big group hug.
“We thought we lost you!” Twilight said as she hugged me
“I swear, if you ever do that again, I WILL KNOCK YOU INTO NEXT MONTH!!!” Rainbow Dash scolded but nonetheless gave me a hug.
“You need to stop risking your life for us, sugarcube.” Applejack said
“We would have been flattened like a pancake if you didn’t shove us out the way!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily
“Yes we would have, darling.” Rarity said which made me remember that I was still carrying her stuff.
“Glad to see your safe.” Fluttershy said and smothered me in a hug
“Alright alright, I’ll try not to kill myself.” I promised them “Now can we please deal with the dragon?”
“Of course, follow me everypony!” Twilight exclaimed and led the way for us yet again. A few minutes later we arrived at the entrance of the dragon’s cave which occasionally released a huff of black smoke because of the dragon’s snoring.
“Ok, how are we going to do this?” I asked Twilight
“I’ll go in first and try to convince him and if it doesn’t work, the rest of you will try.” Twilight suggested
“Be careful and if he gives you trouble, I’m coming in and giving him a good buck!” Rainbow Dash said and pounded her hooves to emphasize her point.
“Ok.” Twilight said and walked inside the cave and we waited outside for the results and a couple minutes later Twilight came back out covered in smoke which she shook off.
“Any luck?” I asked and Twilight shook her head in response
“I’ll try.” Rarity offered and went in the cave next but came out a few minutes later complaining how she almost got it and so close to getting some diamond.
“OH OH OH MY TURN!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted in an outfit that seemingly appeared out of nowhere and went into the cave but came out a few seconds later with her outfit ruined and most of the balloons popped but somehow had a grin on her face.
“That’s it!” Rainbow Dash said and her patience has finally worn out and pointed to Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Rarity “You all tried but this dragon won’t budge so now its my turn.” and she flew into the cave while Twilight was yelling at her to stop.
“I hope she didn’t anger the dragon because if she did then we are in serious trouble.” Venom said
A moment later we see Rainbow Dash flying out of the cave followed by an angry roar that shook the mountain and we all looked at Rainbow Dash who forced a smile but a loud slam was heard and looked back at the cave to see a massive red and yellow dragon emerged from the cave and stared at us angrily.
“You jinxed it.” I whispered to Venom and we all quivered underneath the dragon’s gaze. The dragon roared and a wave of black smoke slammed all of us into a rock which cracked and broke.
I was seeing spots in my line of sight but a voice was heard from above me, “HOW DARE YOU, HOW DARE YOU!!!” and when I looked up it was… Fluttershy.
Everypony watched in shock as she flew straight up to the dragon and gave it a good scolding which made him cry but Fluttershy convinced him to pack up his things and move to another place to sleep. Fluttershy flew down to us and we all gave her big smiles and positive compliments.
“That was great!” Twilight said as she complimented Fluttershy and so did the other girls.
“I knew you could do it.” I complimented Fluttershy and she smiled at me for that.
A few minutes later the dragon remerged with his things and flew off into the sunset, looking for some other place to sleep.
“Well I guess we should head back to town.” Applejack suggested now realizing that the journey was over
“Ya, I need to break a ball bouncing record.” Rainbow Dash added as she started bouncing a ball on her snout
“And I will count!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily and started counting for Rainbow Dash
“Yes I do have some outfits to improve.” Rarity added and looked at me with a smile which made me blush.
“You really got a soft spot for her.” Venom teased
I mentally ignored him but it followed by him yelling in my mind telling me how I wasn’t taking his advice.
“Well I better put Spike to sleep so come on let’s go!” Twilight said and led us back down the mountain and back into old Ponyville.
“Well goodnight y’all.” Applejack said with a smile
“Goodnight!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted and jumped up and down
“Goodnight.” Fluttershy said in her shy tone
“Goodnight darlings!” Rarity said happily
“Goodnight!” Twilight said happily
“Well see ya!” Rainbow Dash said and zoomed off to her home
“Had to break the streak.” I mumbled and all the girls laughed then went there separate ways but Twilight and Rarity stayed with me which got me confused.
“Manny if you’re not busy tomorrow, can you stop by so I can do research on your healing factor?” Twilight asked nervously
“Ya sure, normally I don’t have much to do.” I said and Twilight gave me a big smile and nod before heading home and then I looked at Rarity.
“I’ll walk you home since I’m carrying your stuff.” I said and Rarity blushed at the offer
“Are you sure because you look tired and been through a lot today.” Rarity said
“Nah, its fine.” I said and we began our way to The Carousel Boutique which was dark due to Rarity’s absence and we stopped at the door.
I handed Rarity her stuff and she gave me a smile, “Thank you Manny, for everything.”
“Anytime.” I returned the compliment and Rarity went to open the door but I beat her to it and opened the door in which she blushed and giggled at the kind gesture.
Rarity looked at me at the doorway and said, “Goodnight Manny.”
“Goodnight Rarity.” I said she softly closed the door but not before looking at me one more time.
“Well this is the start of something.” Venom said
“You haven’t really said much you know.” I observed as I began my trip home
“That was because I’ve been thinking about something.” Venom said in an honest tone
“About what?” I asked
“Carnage.” Venom said in a shaky tone
“How many times do I have to tell you? I’m fine.” I assured him
“It’s not about that, I’ve been wondering who is Carnage’s host.” Venom clarified
Now that he said that, I realised that got me thinking as well, who is the host of Carnage?
“Alright now that grabs my attention but to start off the investigation, who would Carnage bond with?” I asked confusingly
“Hmmm usually he bonds with someone with negative thoughts in the past but now he can pretty much corrupt anybody.” Venom explained
I sighed as I approached my house, “So it could be anypony?”
“Yes.” Venom responded
“I’m rip Carnage in half and discover who it is the next time I see him.” I growled as I opened the door to my house
“If we are going to stand a chance against Carnage, then I must help you awaken your Reflex Sense.” Venom said
“My Reflex Sense?” I said confusingly
“Remember how you saw the moon glowed bright on the Summer Sun Celebration? Remember how you moved Rainbow Dash out of the way before she got shot? That was your Reflex Sense which alerts you of danger even when you let your guard down.” Venom recalled and spoke in a tone that is telling me to remember those events which I clearly remember.
“So if I awaken my Reflex Sense…” I said
“We can defeat Carnage together.” Venom finished
“Great! But first..” I jumped onto my bed “Sleep.” I ordered and closed my eyes.