A Broken Warrior

by Stonehearth


Call of The Cutie

Skystrike was lying on his couch, reading a book called ‘Magical Beasts and Anomalies’. Next to him was Zecora, reading her own book, ‘Potions and Herbs’. Spike and Stardust were sitting on the floor playing a game of cards. Skystrike flipped through the pages, looking at the checkmarks he wrote at the corner of the pages. Each check showed the being he defeated, whether it be through submission, or death. Out of all the pages, about 20 beings weren’t checked off. A few are alive. The rest being beings of myths. Luna, he didn't really count since it was both a mock battle, and neither were going all out. 

“I am fucking bored.” Skystrike sighed as he threw the book across the room.

“We could go walk around. Something to do, I’m sure can be found.”

“Wanna have a picnic?” Stardust asked, looking up from her cards.

“I actually want to see you and Zecora spar. I’ve never taken Zecora as a fighter.” Spike said as he placed down the 3 hearts card.

“Speaking of which, whose stronger?” Stardust asked.

“Me.” “Him.” The two said at the same time.

“Ok, better question, How strong are you, Zecora?”

Zecora looked up from her book, before thinking for a moment. “Magnus would be a difficult feat, though he, compared to what Skystrike did, would be harder to beat.”

“Were you thinking of who to compare yourself too, or how to get that into a rhyme?” Skystrike asked jokingly.

“Yes.” Zecora answered. Before the two shared a laugh.

“Anyway, I want to find something to do today. Is there anything going on?” Skystrike asked.

“I think? Twilight said something about a kid having her cutie mark party. I never paid much attention.” Spike shrugged.

“Eh, we’ll worry about it later. Let’s just wander.” He shrugged it off. “You coming, Zecora?”

Zecora thought for a moment before answering. “I may come, though I have work that needs to be done.”

“Why are you always talking in rhymes? Is it some bet you lost before I met you or what?”

“Nearly all of my people do it, though you’ve never been to Zebrafrica. It’s natural you’ve not understand why, even if only a bit.”

Skystrike looked at her, pondering for a moment. “You’re saying, nearly every Zebra does it?”

“Y-Yes?” Zecora answered awkwardly.

“I’d hate to spend even an hour in your country.” He laughed.

“Besides the heat, it actually isn't bad. The sand, however, gets annoying, a tad.” 

“Huh. I guess I’ll have to visit sometime. I’ll put it on my list.” He chuckled to himself. “Oh yeah, you know you can use my lab to work. I have some equipment in the drawers. At least enough to make some simple stuff. I’m working on making a cauldron.

”I’ll make sure to come by, but for now, I must say goodbye.” Zecora said as she stood up to leave.

“Alright. Same time tomorrow?” He looked over the couch to see her at the door. She nodded. “Alright. I’ll see you later.” 

Spike threw his hands up in victory. “Winner is me!” He laughed. Stardust put her cards down in defeat.

“It’s my loss.” Stardust sighed. 

“Sooooooo, who wants to come with me to find something to do?” Skystrike looked at the two.

“I actually wanted to go to the spa with Rarity.” Stardust said as she reshuffled the cards. “I have about an hour before I go, so I have time to kill.”

“Twilight’s making me help with the library today. Honestly, I don't see how a library gets so dirty when I have to clean it and reorganize it everyday.”

“It doesn't. She just likes her things to be over organized. Hell, one time in magic kindergarten, she organized her crayons by color and gradient.” 

“...I can see her doing something like that actually.” Spike thought aloud.

“Oh yeah, catch.” Skystrike threw something to the dragon as he caught it in his claws. “That's a key to my house. It unlocks most doors, save for my workshop, me and Stardust’s room, and the lab and library. If you need a place to sleep or hang out, you can use the new guest room that’s next to Stardusts room.”

“Oh, thanks, Skystrike.” Spike smiled as he put it in his pocket.

“No prob. Just don't let anypony in at random. Not even the princesses. Also not Twilight please.”

“Ok?” Spike responded kind of confused.

“Alright, good. Now, I’m heading out. I’ll be back around 6.” He said as he put his armor and cape. He looked himself over for a moment. “Should I change the colors of my armor? I’ve been going with raven black for a long while.”

“I think white would go well, though not too much. Maybe just a bit here and there?” Stardust said, imagining his look.

“How about adding some purple? I like purple.” Spike said with a smile. “You’d look so cool.”

“Aight, good ideas. Lock the door when you leave. I’ll see you two later.”

“Bye.” The two said as they continued their game of cards.


Skystrike walked down the road to see a schoolhouse at the end of it. As he walked, he witnessed four filly talking to each other out of earshot. However, as he looked on, it seemed like two of the fillies, the ones with cutie marks, were picking on the ones without. One of the ones without, noticed Skystrike coming down the road.

“Mr. Nebula!” Applebloom called out as she waved. 

“Hey, Applebloom.” Skystrike said, walking by a pink filly and a grey filly. He patted Applebloom on the head. “Just got out of school?”

“Yeah! This is my friend Licorice Twist.”

“It’th nice to meet you, Misther Nebula.” She said with a lisp. She had a bright red mane and a cream coat, wearing an overly large pair of glasses.

“Please, just call me Nebula. Nice to meet you too, Twist.” He chuckled. “Oh, do you two know if Cheerilee is still there? I was hoping to see her.”

“She sure is! Right inside.” Applebloom pointed to the door.

“Aight, thanks. I’ll see you two later. Tell AJ I said hi.”

“Wait!” Skystrike stopped before turning around and seeing the grep filly looking up at him with wide eyes. “You’re Atlas Nebula?”

“...Yeeeeah?” Skystrike asked. 

“It’s soooo nice to meet you! My name is Silverspoon, and I’m a huge fan!”

‘Oh no.’ Skystrike thought to himself. ‘She’s fangirling. I never was prepared for this, and I’m prepared for so many other things. Fuck, how do you get yourself out of this situation? Brain, solution please!’ 

‘Nah bro.’

‘Fuck!’ He thought of all the possibilities he could, before deciding on one. “Well thanks. I’m glad to see somepony likes me that much. Thanks, Silverspoon.” He patted her on the head, to get a squee in response. ‘Mission accomplished.’ He thought to himself. “Well, I gotta go, so I’ll see you kids around.” He said before walking through the door.

A purple pony with a pink and light pink mane and tail looked up from her desk, a slight look of shock on her face. “Oh! Mr. Nebula, I didn't notice the time.” She said as she straightened her stack of papers.

“Hello, Ms. Cheerilee, how are you today?” Skystrike greeted the mare.

“I’m doing well, just grading some of the fillies schoolwork.” She said as she pushed a stack of paper to the side. “So, what brings you here today?”

“Actually, I wanted to see if I could get Spike to start going to school. From what Spike has told me, he hasn't gone to school at all, and he learned from books while under Twilight’s care. From what Applebloom and Sweetie Belle have told me, you’re a good teacher. I figured I’d at least get to meet you.”

“Well, I haven't met him personally, but I can give you some paperwork to look over and bring to Twilight. If she agrees, I can get Spike to start school fairly soon” She said as she opened a drawer and pulled out a few sheets of paper and a school handbook before handing them to Skystrike. 

Skystrike skimmed over the packet quickly, looking over all the legal stuff, then looking through the small book, looking over the school rules section quickly. “Well thank you. I will go talk to Twilight about this. I hope I can come to you if I have any other questions?”

“Of course. Come by anytime.” Cheerilee smiled as Skystrike put the paperwork in his bag..

“Then I’ll be taking my leave, and be out of your mane.” He said as he started to walk towards the door. “Have a nice day.”


Skystrike walked into town towards Twilight's library. He turned a corner to see Applebloom sitting next to a well with a glum look on her face. Skystrike walked up to her. “Hey Applebloom. Is this seat taken?” He asked. She only shook her head. “So, what’s the matter, kiddo?”

Applebloom took a deep breath. “There’s a cutesinara this afternoon and everypony in my class will be there and they’ll all have their cutie marks and I wanna get my cutie mark but i'm no good at selling apples but I really wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I dont have my cutie mark and my big sister said I’ll get it eventually but…” She finally took a deep breath. “I want it now!” She pouted. 

“Ok, first, take some breaths. You made me tired by listening. Second, who said you actually needed a cutie mark?” Skystrike asked.

“Huh?”

“Well think about it. You seem to be the only one pressuring yourself to get a cutie mark, but you don't really need one, do you?” 

“Well that’s easy for you to say! You’ve done so many cool things. Your cutie mark is probably the most amazing one there is!” Applebloom said matter of factly.

“Even if it was, I don't really need it.” He shrugged.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“Well… let me ask you this. Cutie marks are supposed to represent what you excel at, right? You’re great with all the work at your farm, right?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Why don't you have a cutie mark in any of those things?” He thought aloud. “Just because you’re good at something doesn't mean you’ll have a cutie mark of it. Your sister is actually great with lasso tricks, but that isn't her cutie mark. Basically, what I’m saying is, keep trying out things that you like, and don't worry what others think about you having a cutie mark. It isn't going to help you get it faster.” He put emphasis on the last part.

“Speaking of cutie marks, what is yours? I’ve never seen yours.” Applebloom asked, curious of what it could be.

Skystrike only chuckled. “Tell you what, if you go to that party thing, I’ll show not only you, but everypony there.”

“I’ll… think about it.” She said, looking down at her hooves.

“No pony is forcing you. I have some work to do, so I’ll see you around, kid.” He said as he stood up and began walking away.

He stopped in front of the sugarcube corner. Walking up the steps before knocking on the door, he was greeted by an older greyish amber stallion with a dark grey mane and tail.

“Ah, Mr. Nebula. Good to see you.” The stallion put out a hoof.

Skystrike shook it. “Good to see you, Filthy Rich.” 

“Please, call me Rich. Filthy doesn't sound all too good.” He chuckled.

“Alright then, Rich. I already got the food and party favors prepped, as per your request. I just need some time to set them up.”

“That's great, but I don't see anything with you?”

Skystrike reached into his bag and pulled out a party favor to hand out for the kids. “I got about 20 of these for the kids, a special one and a gift for your daughter that was hoof made.” He said, pulling out a pink gift box with a grey ribbon. He handed it to Rich. “I know you told me she has high taste, so I hope that’s enough. 

Rich took the present and handed it back to Skystrike. “I think she’ll enjoy it more if you gave it to her. She seems to be a fan of yours.”

“Alright, I will. I’m guessing that she’s out right now?” 

“Yes, and my wife is here with Pinkie Pie in the kitchen.”

“Alrighty. I’ll set up in here, then see if Pinkie needs help in the kitchen.” He said as he walked inside. Looking inside, he saw tables lined against the walls of the bakery. He got to work and started placing dishes on the empty parts of the tables.

“Pizzas, check. Candies, check. Chips, check…” He listed off all the foods as he bought them out of his bag. After filling the majority of the tables, he looked over his work. Proud that he made food so good, but disappointed he won't be able to eat most of it. “Fuck.” He said under his breath.

He sighed as his stomach growled. Pinkie probably needed help in the kitchen, and he still needs to meet Mrs. Rich. He walked into the kitchen, finding Pinkie Pie multitasking, trying to bake a batch of cookies and decorate a cake at the same time. All while a mare with a grayish pink coat and magenta mane sat on a chair, watching her with a displeased look.

“Looks like I came at the right time, huh, Pinkie?” He said as he went over to the sink and washed his hooves. “I can make the cookies. You focus on the cake. Tell me if you need anything.”

“Oh, thank Celestia. You’re a lifesaver.” She smiled as she continued decorating the cake. Skystrike pulled out the sugar, flower, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and a bit of salt and set it on the counter in front of him. He got out two bowls from the cabinet and put flour, baking powder, and salt in one of the bowels before whisking the ingredients together. He then began putting the rest of the ingredients in the second bowl. He got to the sugar and began pouring some in before the displeased mare spoke.

“That’s too much sugar! Those cookies will be too sweet!” The mare stood up from her chair. Pinkie had her normal smile, but looked at Skystrike, and one could tell from her eyes that she was annoyed.

Skystrike slowly turned towards her. “And you are?”

“Spoiled Rich.” The mare said.

Of course that’s Rich’s wife. Ironic name too. “Mrs. Rich, have you ever baked cakes, cookies, or sweets?” Skystrike asked.

“Of course I have.” She scoffed.

“Professionally, like Pinkie and I? Because I’d assume that because of your husband, you don't have to cook much, if at all. If that’s the case, let us do our job that your husband, mind you, is paying us for.” He quipped before pouring a bit more sugar in and began mixing the ingredients.

“How dare you talk to me like that!” Mrs. Rich said angrily.

“Can you shut your mouth? I am TRYING to do my job.” He said, not looking away from mixing. After gradually mixing the mixtures from the two bowls together, he made small balls out of the now cookie dough and put them on a few trays to go into the oven. As he put the cookies into the oven, Pinkie finished decorating her cake.

“Aight, Pinkie, anything else you need help with? I got shit else to do.” He asked as he washed his hooves.

“Nah, I think I got it from here. Thank you, though.” She smiled at him.

“Aight. I got about 2 hours to kill, so I’ll see you in a bit.” He said before walking towards the door. He stopped mid step when he realized he'd have to walk past Spoiled Rich. He turned around, opened the window and jumped out of it. “Don't ask, this is quicker.” He said before Pinkie snorted a laugh.

He started to stroll around town, looking for something to do. Walking by a music store, he remembered something. He always did want to teach himself an instrument. All the other members, save for Spike and Stardust, played some type of instrument as a hobby. Figured he’d match. 

Skystrike walked in the store and was greeted by an earth pony with a yellow coat and blue mane. “Good afternoon, sir! My name’s Fiddlesticks, and welcome to my store.” She said with a slight country accent. “Anything I can help you with today?”

“Actually, just looking around for now. If I need anything, i’ll let you know.” He said before walking past her and beginning to look at the stuff she was selling. Music sheets, various instruments and string for said instruments, some in display cases, and some music players and headphones.

He walked up to the various headphones and eyed them for a bit. He figured he’d get himself a few things, as he hasn't bought himself something in a while. He looked up from the items to see a unicorn with a white coat and a cobalt blue mane with cyan stripes. She wore a pair of headphones over her ears and a pair of purple glasses over her eyes. 

Skystrike waved to get her attention before making eye contact. She took off her headphones and looked at him as she straightened her shades. “You look like you’d know a thing or two about headphones. Which of these would you recommend?”

Without speaking, she looked at the pairs on her side before picking up a pair and handing it to him. He grabbed it and looked it over. It was a pair similar to hers, but black in color. She then pointed to a wall that had some stickers you could decorate your headphones with.

“Thanks for the help, miss.” He said before he began to walk away. The mare stopped him before he was able and gave him her card. It had a head shot of the mare, and an address of a place in Ponyville. Also written on it was her profession and stage name ‘DJ-Pon3’. “Ah, you’re a DJ and you got a show tonight? I’ll be sure to check it out then.” 

She smiled and nodded before continuing to browse the store. Skystrike then looked at the items in the glass cases. Some expensive trumpets, violins, and the latest piece of pony technology, the ‘pony-pod’. With the use of magic in this world, the need for technology isn't very high, as most things can be solved by a simple magic spell. The need for magic then made unicorns on high demand. 

Skystrike however, didn't have the luxury to pay for unicorns to do random jobs for him. Therefore, he’s made some of his own technology. Most of them though, especially his secret room, was a mixture of his world technology that he modified from magic tools that he happened upon. The thing about his secret room was that it was there before his house. The reason why, though, he still doesnt know for sure. It being near the former castle of the two sisters, his best assumption was that it was a lab of sorts. Their technology would most likely be lost to age in that scenario.

“I’ll look into it later.” He said to himself before walking over to the display of instruments. Beside each instrument was a beginners guide book for said instrument. He looked around, trying to find something that could catch his fancy. 

He stopped at a magic powered piano. It’s advertised to play different sounds depending on some small discs, enchanted with magic and able to produce the pre-recorded sounds, sold seperately. He pressed down a few notes on the piano, each letting out a loud note. He then switched the soundboard to the ‘gag’ soundboard. He pressed down another key, a loud raspberry sound being the result. “Heh.” He laughed to himself before picking up one of the piano boxes next to it. He then got some of the soundboard dist and walked up to the cash register.

“Hello there, Fiddlesticks. I’d like to buy these.” He placed the items in front of her. “And one pony-pod, like the one up there.” He pointed to the display case.

“Alright! Let me get that for you!” She said happily before reaching under her desk and pulling out a pony-pod. “With this and everything you bought up here, that will be…” She quickly pressed some buttons on the register. “250 bits, with another 10 bits as tax.”

Skystrike pulled out a pouch full of bits and sat it on the desk. She put the bits in the cash register and gave him his receipt, and bagged the smaller items and handed him the bag.

“Thank you. I gotta go, because I got some party to go to in like half an hour.” Skystrike said as he stood on his hind hooves, one forearm having his bags in hoof, and his other around the piano. He walked out the door and jumped into the air, beginning to fly home.


Skystrike began flying to the party, looking down at the terrain below as he flew. The lush green grass, the light blue lake with some fish jumping out from time to time, ponies walking wherever ever they're going to, just the normal stuff.

“...You know I never really paid any attention to things like this.” He said to himself.

“That’s because you stay inside too much and you're too worried about being found out.” Echo responded.

“Can you blame me? You saw how they treated me when I came, and how they treated the changelings. If they find out I'm alive, and living under their noses, my life will be the least I would be worried about losing.” He sighed.

“They will find out sooner or later won't they? You’ll either tell them, or they will find out. What then?”

“...I don't know. Hope for the best I guess. I want to earn their trust. Then I can tell them. If they want to stay friends, then maybe I can confront Celestia with some friends behind my back.” He sighed.

“And if they find out?” Echo Asked.

“I don't know. Back to hiding I guess. I’d rather no one die. For now, I just want to enjoy the time of.... relative peace we’re having.”

“Then enjoy it to the fullest. You still have a few friends to rely on.” He said reassuring him. “...Also you’re here.”

“Oh, so I am.” Skystrike said to himself, looking down at Sugarcube Corner. “...Ever thought about how this isn't even a corner?” He softly landed on the ground.

“...I have noticed before.” 

Skystrike walked into the bakery, instantly smelling all the sweets in the room. It was good but-

“Hey!” Pinkie Pie popped out of nowhere, interrupting his train of thought. “Good to see you could make it to the party!” She smiled as she balanced a cupcake on her head. She put a hoof around his neck. “Also, thanks for what you did earlier with Ms. Rich. Though I think you should be a teeny bit kinder.”

Skystrike let out a chuckle. “No problem Pinkie, but as for that second part, maybe next time. I’m only kind to ponies who aren't… what’s the word for it?”

“Rude? Entitled? Condescending?” Pinkie offered.

“A bitch, yes.” He answered his own question.

“You know, I never asked, you keep using all these words that I’ve never heard of. What is a bitch?”

It was then that Skystrike realized that there were, of course, words ponies wouldn't know with him being human. He also realized that he couldn't explain it to the mare without children hearing.

“It is… a different way of calling somepony a horse. Anyway, where’s Applebloom? Did she come?”

“Actually, she’s behind that Chocolate pony statue!” She said as she hopped over. “Don't forget your party hat!” She giggled and quickly fastened one on Applebloom’s head. “You too, 
Nebby!” Pinkie giggled more as she placed a party hat on the two horns on his helmet.

“Nebby?” Skystrike asked.

“What? I give all my friends nicknames. You don't like it?” She had asked. “I can give you another.”

“I’m fine with it. Just surprised me. Different, but fitting I guess. Thanks.” He smiled.

“You're welcome!” She smiled back before hopping off again.

Skystrike chuckled at her antics before looking at Applebloom. He took a seat on the floor next to her. “So.” He began. “How’s it going kid?”

“Mr.Nebula, you gotta help me get out of here!” Applebloom whispered before hiding behind him. “I can’t let ponies see me without a cutie mark!”

“Forgive me for not understanding, but isn't having a cutie mark really that important?” He said as he motioned for the filly to hide under his cape.

Applebloom got on his back and poked her head out from under said cape. “Of course it’s important! Everyone from school was invited, and I’m only one here without a cutie mark!” She said before hiding back in Skystrike’s cape to not be seen. “They’re going to make fun of me!”

“...Well, what I should say as an adult is ‘don't let it bother you’ but I know from experience that saying that does nothing.” Skystrike began walking towards the door. “But you know that running now wont stop them from bullying you?”

“Well what am I supposed to do? Just be humiliated in front of half the town?” She moped.

Skystrike stopped in front of the door before pulling Applebloom out from under his cape. “It takes much more courage to stand and fight than to run, though I cannot make that decision for you. What I will say is that I said I’d tell you my cutie mark if you came.” He smirked, hoping she’d stay at the party.

Applebloom looked down for a moment before turning towards the ajar door, smacking her head against her older sister.

“Applebloom, you made it!” Applejack said looking at her younger sister. “After I heard about the twist, I was afraid you wouldn’t show up!” She spoke as she walked forward, Applebloom stepping back as she did so. “Sure glad you came to your senses about this whole cutie mark thing.” As she spoke, the door grew farther and farther away from Applebloom’s reach. “These things happen when they’re supposed to happen. Trying to rush it will just drive you crazy! I’ll let you be, looks like your friends wanna talk to you.” 

The two sisters looked at two fillies standing in front of them. Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon each had a sinister look on their faces. Applebloom quickly ran and pulled off a tablecloth to hide her blank cutie mark.

“Applejack…” Skystrike sighed as he face hoofed. “You… you’re dense…” 

“Oh, Nebula, howdy! What do you mean?” She asked.

“Look at the situation.” Skystrike said as Applejack turned her head. “See how those two fillies look like they’re about to start something?”

“Uhh… I think so?” She said unsure.

“See how your sister isn’t over her cutie mark as she’s trying to hide it?”

Applejack nodded.

“You think meeting her at the door was a coincidence?”

“No…” Applejack began catching on.

“Now, doesn’t this remind you of when you got bullied for getting your cutie mark last?”
“Oooooooh….” She said in realization. “Oooooooh.” It then changed to mild worry.

“Yeah.” Skystrike said plainly. “You’re dense.”

“Well, well, well. Look who’s here.” Diamond Tiara said walking up to Applebloom.

“Nice outfit!” Silverspoon mocked as the two snickered.

“It’s just something I uh… pulled together last minute.” Applebloom said, ignoring the jab.

“It really shows off your cutie mark. Oh, wait, that’s right! You don't have one.” Diamond Tiara smirked.

“That dress doesn’t show off theirs either.” Skystrike whispered to AJ, the mare trying not to show her snicker at his comment.

“...I have a cutie mark!” Applebloom lied matter-of-factly. Skystrike and AJ face hoofed.

“What? Since when?” Silverspoon asked, calling her bluff.

“Since… earlier today!”

Diamond Tiara looked unamused. “Oh really? Let’s see it then.”

Applebloom paused to think of something. “I shouldn’t, I couldn’t! My cutie mark is so unbelievably amazing that if I show it off, everypony would start paying attention to me instead of you!”

The pink and grey fillies stared at her, then each other in a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. Skystrike had to give her props. It was somewhat good for being made up on the spot. It would be found out later, but for the time being, it was a perfectly reasonable argument for a grade schooler.

“Your sister is smart.” He said to Applejack as the two watched on. Applejack elbowed him, making Skystrike laugh a bit.

“Outshined at your own cutesinara? Could you imagine how embarrassing that’d be?” Applebloom put a hoof on Diamond Tiara’s shoulder, the filly bit her lip in worry in return.

“Forget it, I didn’t wanna see it anyway.” Diamond Tiara looked away.

“Ok! Well, Imma go mingle. Enjoy your party!” Applebloom said walking away, ignoring the glares she got from the two.

“That… went surprisingly well.” Applebloom said in disbelief.

“Yeah, but here’s the part where the universe decides to make your life a sitcom.” Skytrike sighed, being through this before.

“What do you mea-” Applejack cut herself off when she noticed her sister trip on her make shift dress, it coming off as she rolled into a low table holding the turnable. “Wha- how’d you know that’d happen?” Applejack asked, confused.

“I learned a bit from Pinkie Pie. You should try it. It helps you avoid a lot of stuff.” He shrugged.

The music stopped. Every pony let out a gasp, looking in Applebloom’s direction. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked along with smirks, before laughing at Applebloom. “Wow! That is an amazing cutie mark!” Silver Spoon mocked her as the two laughed. 

“Nice try, blank flank” The two said in sync before laughing harder. The crowd around them let out small giggles, repeating blank flank amongst themselves.

“You got a problem with blank flanks?!” The voice of a young girl could be heard from behind the crowd.

“What?” Diamond Tiara said, looking for the voice.

The crowd moved aside to reveal two more fillies hiding under a table. Sweetie Belle stood up alongside an orange pegasus with a purple mane and tail. “I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?” The orange one repeated, the two walking towards Applebloom.

“The problem is she’s like, totally not special!” Silver spoon said.

“Not special at all!” Added Diamond Tiara.

“No…” began Sweetie Belle. “It means she’s full of potential!”

“It means she could be great at anything!” The pegasus added on. “The possibilities are, like, endless!” She mocked their speaking.

Sweetie Belle continued. “She could be a great scientist, or a good artist! Or a famous writer! She could even be mayor of Ponyville one day!”

“And she’s not stuck being stuck up like you two.”

Skystrike lurched forward, trying his best not to laugh. He looked over to Applejack, her cheeks puffed out trying not to laugh either. The two made eye contact before letting out air through their teeth. The majority of the crowd failed to do the same.

“Hey! This is my party! Why are you on her side?” Diamond Tiara asked angrily.

“Because…” The two fillies showed their cutie marks, both blank to Appleblooms surprise. 

“I thought I was the only one!” Applelboom smiled.

“We thought we were the only two!” The pegasus replied. 

Twilight stepped out of the crowd. “I think you are three very lucky fillies!”

“Lucky?” Diamond Tiara asked. “How are they lucky?”

“Because one, they’re able to take more time to find out who they are, and who they want to be. And two, because they have all the time in the world to figure it out.” Skystrike pitched in.

“You’re on their side too, Mr. Nebula. I bet you have the best cutie mark here with all you’ve done!”

“You could not be further from the truth there.” He said lifting his cape. “I don’t have a cutie mark.”

“Whaaaaaat!?!?” Everypony in the party said in unison. 

“But… why!?!?” Asked Silver Spoon.

“I mean, I guess I just never needed one. I mean, I didn’t need one to tell me I’m good at something, I just worked hard for things and got lucky sometimes.” Everypony continued to stare, their jaws dropped. “Like, I’m pretty happy with my life so far. A while back, I just realized I didn’t need one to continue doing what I liked. I mean, I'm sure most of the ponies here have other things they like to do that aren't related to their cutie mark.”

“I can see your point, but… it’s kind of weird.” Twilight thought aloud. The crowded murmured in slight agreement

“But Nebula, having a cutie mark is like, your most defining trait!” Applejack butted in.

“Well yeah, but pretty sure everypony here’s defined my character by what I’ve done.. Everypony did that when I first came to town. We all did that before we got our cutie marks. We can do the same for these three as they grow and find out who they are.” He said pointing to the three fillies.

“Well, yeah, but why didn’t you say anything about it before?” Applejack asked.

“No pony asked, nor bought it up, so I didn’t really have a reason to until now. Besides, how do I bring that up? ‘By the way, I don't have a cutie mark!’” He shrugged. “Anyway, I’ve said what I needed to. I’d rather move on from this conversation, as it tends to have an awkward silence as currently shown.”

“Do you really think you can be a scientist?” A filly said walking up to Applebloom, breaking the silence. Skystrike inwardly saluted that brave soul.

“I wish I could be an artist.” Another filly added, walking up to Applebloom as well. Soon nearly all the fillies huddled around the three new friends and chatted about what they want to be when they grow up, all to Diamond Tiara’s dismay. 

Skystrike had a thought. This was the perfect time to escape. If Sweetie Belle’s here, Rarity must be too. If Rarity is here, Stardust most likely tagged along. Twilight is here, so Spike most likely is still at the library. He scanned the room for Stardust, seeing her eating a slice of cake. The two made eye contact as she was mid bite. Skystrike waved the mare over.

“We’re escaping.” Skystrike whispered. “We gotta rescue Spike.”

“Uh… ok?” Stardust said, finishing her cake and throwing the paper plate away.

“I’m also doing this to avoid everypony asking questions. I’d rather wait until later.”

“I… have a few questions myself actually…” Stardust admitted.

“...You get one question.” Skystrike sighed before walking through the doorway.

“Do you even want a cutie mark?”

Skystrike thought as he walked. “Well… I wouldn’t say no to one, but it seemed like the only reason ponies want one is because others pressure them to do it since birth essentially. Through my eyes at least.”

“Are you sure you can even get one? You don’t have any magic.”

“I said one question and you used it.” Skystrike said, walking up the Library’s steps. He knocked on the door.

“Coming!” Spike yelled before running down the stairs. He opened the door to see Skystike and Stardust looking down at him. “Oh hey! I’m almost done, come on in.” The dragon said, leading them inside.

The three walked inside, the two ponies looking around for a moment. “I’m almost done, just have to finish dusting the shelves!” Spike spoke as he ran across the room to climb up a ladder with a feather duster.

“Or I can flap my wings really hard and you can sweep up the dust?” Skystrike offered.

The young dragon looked at him for a moment, registering what he said. “A-alright?” He answered, somewhat hesitant. Skystrike flapped his wings hard a few times, the wind generated sending most of the dust in the room up towards the ceiling, before it started falling down around into a small dust pile in the center of the room.

“Huh, wings are useful, aren’t they?” Spike said before getting a broom and dust pan. “So, what’re you two here for? Doubt it’s for a book.”

“Skystrike said we had to ‘rescue’ you.” Stardust said, making hoof quotations.

“Well of course! We never leave comrades behind!” Skystrike said in jest. Also, I got invited to some DJ’s party that starts in like…” He looked at the sun, then the card he got. “3 hours. Figured I’d invite you two.”

“Skystrike… I have a confession.” Stardust said, tapping her hooves together. “I can’t dance.

“Here’s a trick I always use. Do what you do in confidence, and ponies think you know what you’re doing.” Skystrike chuckled.

“Wait, when did you do that?” Stardust asked.

“A couple times. Most recent one was when I took on Nightmare Moon myself.” He thought.

“You WHAT!? How!?”

“Well, I needed to hold her off while Twilight and her friends found the elements. Of course, they didn’t want me to, but I acted with confidence!” He laughed.

“No, not that! You took on NIghtmare Moon by yourself, and you’re still alive!?”

“Uh… yeah? I mean, to be fair, I think she held back. Plus, she just got back from the moon, so she wasn’t at her prime I don’t think.” He thought aloud.
“I-... Ok then....” Stardust said with a sigh. 

“Anyway, you two coming?” Skystrike asked, changing the subject. “We don’t have to dance, but I do wanna go since I’ve been invited, plus, the mare looks like she knows what she’s doing.”

“I mean, I guess I can…” Stardust agreed hesitantly.

“Ok!” Spike said happily. “I’ve been practicing, and I think I’ve been getting better!” 

The two ponies looked at Spike in mild surprise. “Can’t wait to see you break it down, my guy.” Skystrike patted Spike on the back. “...Oh, that reminds me, I’m trying to sign you up for school, we just need Twilight’s permission. Evidently, that’ll be the hardest part.”

“Wait, I’m going to school?” Spike asked, wide-eyed.

“Hopefully. You do need an education, and it’ll be good for you to get to know the kids in town. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but I think it’s a good idea.”

“I’m not sure… Twilight never talked about school, since she’d always read books and didn’t have many friends.” Spike chuckled in mild worry.

“Well, I went to like 4 different schools, but it’s pretty enjoyable if you make friends with the right ponies. In my case, I wasn’t able to stay in one place long enough to make long lasting friends. I was lucky enough to meet a few here in Ponyville. I think it’s worth it though.”

“If you say so. I’ll ask Twilight for permission then!” Spike smiled.

“Ask me for permission for what?” Twilight said, opening the door to the Library.

“Oh hey, Twilight. Quick question, can Spike go to school?” Skystrike asked overly casually.

“...What? I never heard of this!” Twilight stated, somewhat annoyed.

“Well yeah, I went and asked Cheerilee before the party today. Nothings confirmed yet, she just gave me this booklet and this form for you to fill out if you agree.” Skystrike said, holding up the two spoken items. “And I can help him with school work and everything if needed, since I am the one that brought it up.”

“But this is just too sudden! What if I need help at the library when he’s gone? What if the princess sends me a message? I can’t handle all of this by myself!”

“You’ve done fine by yourself when I’ve taken Spike for a while, Celestia can just teleport the message in front of you like she has when Spike wasn’t always with you, and I can help when needed. Besides, he’ll only be gone when the library has customers in it. You mostly have him help clean and organize after the school day is over.” He listed off. “I don’t know why you don’t want him to, and it is your choice at the end of the day. I’d just rather the kid live like a kid, to be honest.”

“While I agree with that last statement, you teaching him combat isn’t exactly the best way for a kid to live like a kid.”

“...Sooooo is that a yes?”

Twilight made a face, then inhaled deeply. She let out a long sigh before looking at Spike. “Do you want to go, Spike? School is a big thing to go into, you know.“

“Yeah! You seemed to enjoy it, and Skystrike did I think.” Spike said excitedly.

Twilight gave a small smile before levitating the document from Skystrike and signing it. Twilight levitated it back to Skystrike who grabbed it. “Alright, there. Spike, make sure to behave yourself when you go.”

“Ok, Twilight! By the way, do you want to go to a party with me, Stardust, and Skystrike?” Spike asked the mare.

“Spike, you know I can’t dance.” 

“Skystrike said just be confident and ponies will think you know what you’re doing.”

Twilight made eye contact with Skystrike, who smiled under his helmet. “There’s no way I’m going to-”


“-that party… wait, we were just at the Library! How did we get here!?” Twilight yelled to Skystrike in the middle of a small crowd over the loud music.

“Plot convenience! We need to move the chapter along, plus, the author likes cliches!” Skystrike yelled back.

“What!?”

“What!? I didn’t say anything!”

“Wait, where's Spike!?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, he’s breaking it down on the dance floor!” The two looked over to the young dragon busting a move. This kid was going crazy as the crown cheered him on. “Is he break dancing? Damn, he wasn’t kidding about the book! Holy shit, my man did a flip!” 

Spike waved Stardust over, who hesitantly joined in. The dragon lead her through the steps, getting her into the rhythm of the music, before busting a move on her own. “Damn, she got the moves too.”

Spike and Stardust both looked at Skystrike before grabbing him and pulling him into the middle of the crowd. Spike made a wave go through his body before passing it on to Stardust, who then passed it to Skystrike, who carried it throughout his body before break dancing and doing a couple spins on his head. Finally, he did a flip before moon walking back into the crowd next to Twilight, the crowd cheering around him.

“You know…” Skystrike said, slightly huffing. “Dancing is much, much easier when you aren’t wearing heavy armor.”

“Since when could you dance like that!? That was honestly impressive!” Twilight asked.

“Oh, I learned hoof work from Zecora, and break dancing from Pinkie. Honestly, not going to lie, Pinkie kinda scares me with all she can do.”

The two chatted amongst each other for a few moments before Stardust and Spike joined them. “Hey, did you two stretch before dancing?” Skystrike asked.

“No? Should I have?” Spike asked.

“Eh, you’ll definitely feel it in the morning.” Skystrike chuckled a bit.