A Broken Warrior

by Stonehearth

Paranoia

Skystrike grunted, waking up with the sun in his eyes. Man, he felt so refreshed from that. His torso and wing were still sore, but it wasn't a piercing pain anymore. More felt like he had an open scab. He went to grab his helmet on his nightstand, but when his arm fell and the pain hit him, Skystrike remembered he fell asleep on the couch. The pegasus checked the time, it being 10 a.m.

He looked to the side, seeing Tethys lying against the couch, with Casta and an open book on her lap, both sleeping. Thinking of the time, Astral Night and Dawnstone were probably still asleep or out doing something. Skystrike tried to push himself up, grunting as he got in. Rolling into the kitchen, he was surprised the girls cleaned it. He thanked the heavens that he was only marginally shorter in a wheelchair, as he could still reach the ingredients on the upper shelf. Man, he was hungry as fuck... He could eat a... eat a... eat a... He felt as if that phrase was either problematic or an innuendo.

Tethys and Casta snapped awake at the clicking of the stove, looking at each other before running and teleporting to the kitchen respectively. Skystrike looked over his shoulder as he cracked a few eggs. "Good morning. I'm making breakfast. Pancakes sound great right now."

"Oh thank Celestia!" Casta released a deep breath. "I couldn't help but think the worst!"

Skystrike flipped the eggs with a pan flip. "What? You saw I was alive. I was just tired. Thanks for cleaning the kitchen by the way."

Tethys walked over and put a hand on her hip. "Skystrike, you must have been really tired..." She patted his head. "Glad you're still breathing though."

"...I feel like I'm missing some context here."

Tethys smiled. "It's Friday, Skystrike. You were out for a whole day."

Skystrike turned to look at the two. Their faces said they weren't kidding. "...Mother fucker... It... well that does explain how you got this kitchen clean so fast... What happened while I was out?"

The day before, Casta woke up in the guest room, immediately coming down the stairs to check on her friend. Skystrike was still asleep as Tethys watched over him. Neither realized how late they slept, it being noon. Tethys bit on her claws. "...He doesn't normally sleep this long. Should we... I don't know what to do here..."

Casta put on her glasses and put a hoof over his mouth. "Well, he's still breathing, quite steadily too, but no, he doesn't normally sleep this long... should we get a doctor?"

"Let's try Zecora first. I'll get her if you can change his bandages. I'm afraid I'll hurt him." Tethys kept biting her nails as she left to get her zebra friend, almost running out of the door.

Casta made sure to be careful with replacing the bandages. It wasn't until she took them off that she realized how bad the bite was. He was bruised to Tartarus and back, there still being teeth marks in him. Not to even mention the stitches. She could see where they cut him open. They couldn't use magic on him to speed up the healing, so it was just left out for the world to see. That being said... he was healing really fast... unnaturally fast... Questions for later. She made sure to be as careful as possible as she un and rewrapped him, but that didn't stop his grunts of pain.

Eventually, Zecora and Tethys came back to see Skystrike, but was surprised to see the mane 6 at the door with Astral and Dawnstone. Applejack saw the two out of the corner of her eye, motioning to the group of their arrival. "Howdy, you two!" She said with a tip of her hat. "Just 'ere to check on Sky, and have that talk he promised."

"I'm hoping to get some actual answers on some things." Twilight hummed. "I know he's getting a bit more trusting of us, but... even with all the time he's spent there, I still feel like I barely know him." The rest of the girls nodded.

Dawnstone put a hoof to her chin. "Now that you mention it, honestly I don't know much either. I know now that he was always out working, but even when he visited us in Canterlot, he mostly asked about us... I don't even know something like what his favorite color is."

Tethys sighed. "I can relate. It took almost a year for me to learn the little things like that about him... His favorite color is green by the way. Threw me off when he said he liked my eyes." Skystrike pushed open the door. "Anyway, you all can come in, but at the rate things are going, that talk will have to wait for another day."

"AUUUUUUUUUGH!!!"

Rarity cursed under her breath. "There's no bucking way."

Casta turned her head. "Oh, familiar faces. Hello again. Sorry, I don't remember all of your names yet." Casta teleported away the bloodied rags. "Zecora, anything you can do?"

Zecora walked over and stuck a thermometer in his mouth, then put a hoof on his to feel his heart beat. "Resting deeply, in slumber's embrace, yet deeper than usual, a worrying space. Blood loss perhaps has led to this fate, though my concern arises for his heart's rate."

Fluttershy pitched in. "Can't that be because of blood loss? His heart and lungs need to work more to make up for the surgery, right?"

Casta nodded. "More than likely. I also replaced his bandages but he's healing unnaturally fast. The wounds have already mostly closed..."

Applejack sighed. "Well I bought these apples for 'im to eat, but he can't really do that now..." She left a basket of apples on the coffee table. Then Fluttershy left some tea, then Rarity left some incense.

"So uh, what now?" Stardust asked.

"And then everyone went home, seeing that you weren't waking up anytime soon." Casta finished.

"God damn it..." Skystrike finished cooking and set the table. "I'm really hungry... lets eat, then bring everyone over. Oh right, Elytra, I haven't seen her in a bit. Where is she?"

Casta and Tethys looked at him. "She didn't tell you?"

"...Casta if I ask a question, that means I don't know. Tell me what?"

Casta shuffled in her chair. "She's been in Zecora's place the last several days. It's... that time of the year."

Skystrike was about to open his mouth to ask before Tethys slapped the table. "Sky, there's no fucking way you don't know what a heat cycle is."

"..."

"You're fucking STUPID!" Tethys banged on the table. "Literally every fucking species in the entire planet has one! Have you never noticed!?"

"Jesus Christ, Tethys! I never knew ok!?"

"We've FUCKED, Skystrike! WHILE I WAS IN MY CYCLE!!"

"I thought you were just horny???" Skystrike put out his hooves.

Casta was laughing. "There's no way you're real! Ahahahaha!"

"Skystrike, I was saying I was because I, like any other girl, was too embarrassed to fucking admit it." She grabbed her horns and sighed, the items on the table jumping as she hit her head on it. "I thought you fucking knew... By the dragon king, you're so damn dumb sometimes."

Skystrike put his hooves up in defense. "Look, I've never asked. Who'd think to ask?"

Casta kept laughing. "You went twenty five years not knowing we have heat cycles!? I'm never letting you live this down!"

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it admittedly. He finally took a bite of his food, suddenly realizing how hungry he was and scarfing down all of his food. It took him minutes to finish his rather large portion of four thick pancakes, six eggs, and some apples. But he was still hungry. Casta offered him the rest of her food, pushing it over to him. "You're an angel." He said as he continued eating.

Tethys was just glad he was in better spirits. "Hey, Sky, just so you know, we haven't told Casta about that yet. Your sisters are out, so... I think it's' best to tell her about it before everyone else comes back."

Skystrike thought about it, then nodded. Thankfully, he didn't have to go through the whole song and dance again, since Tethys already knew. "Casta, let me preface this by saying this is going to be a lot to take in..." Skystrike pushed himself away from the table. He sighed as he took off his bandages. Casta was about to protest before Tethys put a hand on her back, making her sit back down. Skystrike clenched his fist as he grunted, forcing his mana into a magic barrier around his body. Casta's eyes went wide as she saw his wounds close and his bones move back into place. Before Casta could even ask what he just did, a neon fire surrounded him as he turned into his human form.

Skystrike stood up and stretched. "You know, I really need to stop going shirtless. But yeah, this is what I am. I trust you enough to be able to tell you."

Casta rubbed her glasses, thinking she was seeing things. When she put back on her glasses, she realized she wasn't. "Y-you're... a human?"

Skystrike waived a brow. "You... know what I am? And why do you sound... afraid?"

"...Tell me something about me only Skystrike would know..." Casta demanded.

"What?"

"I need to KNOW you're him, and not some monster that took his form! I haven't seen him for two years!" She backed away a bit.

Skystrike was a bit hurt at that, but couldn't blame her. "I assume Celestia told you about my race. I'll answer however many questions you need to make you feel comfortable. You first left your parents as soon as you turned 18, and you were being hunted down by an assassin hired by your parents. I found you during a round for supplies, as Tethys and Zecora weren't welcome in Canterlot, hiding in an alleyway near the northern castle gates." He put up both of his hands. "You're my friend, Casta."

She wasn't convinced yet. "Who did I look up to as role models in the group?"

"From my memory, you said Zecora, and being able to adapt so well after leaving her old life behind, and Jeshan the Diamond Dog because of his philosophy."

"What happened to Skybeak? As in why didn't he stay in Equestria?"

"He had a wife and daughter back in Hippogriffia, and was the last member to join 'All'. His membership was temporary, since he was a family man at heart."

The two stared at each other for a bit. She asked her last question... Skystrike would have to know this. "What was my biggest secret I told you?"

"You have a little sister called Avada Kedava ten years younger than you that you want to go back for, but you need to wait until she's of age, since your parent's haven't let her out of the mansion."

Casta let out a sigh of relief. "Thank Celestia, you are him- er you're you... I'm really sorry about all that. Princess Celestia gave me a wildly different idea of who and what you were."

Skystrike sat back down. "Don't blame her. From what my kind apparently did to yours, I think the same sometimes... that I'm a monster. But... she told me not to speak on it to anypony. How much do you know."

Casta sat back down in her chair. "Apparently as much as you do. I haven't been into the forbidden section of the Royal Library to check if she and princess Luna actually destroyed all traces." Then she hesitated. "I'm... not supposed to tell you this, but-"

Skystrike put up a hand to stop her. "I don't want you to do anything that'd put your job or loyalty at risk. I already have some semblance of what Celestia want's you to do. Let me ask you this, and it will confirm my theory; did you know about humanity before or after I was in the capital for Maud's graduation?"

"After... She gave me an... 'assignment' after I concluded my research of mana." Casta made air quotes with her hooves.

Skystrike grabbed his head and put his elbows on the table, bouncing his leg with a strained look. "Haaaaah... I'm sorry, Casta. I hate that you're in this situation."

Casta tipped her hat as Tethys looked confused. "...Can one of you nerds here explain what I'm supposed to be upset about?"

Skystrike and Casta looked at each other. Casta fought back tears, trying to avoid eye contact. "The reason I'm so much more dangerous compared to the humans that came before me, is because compared to this world, our magic was rudimentary, basic. Only spells we were able to use were those in the time before Starswirl the Bearded, the pony who made nearly every spell ponies use now. Sure, we understood it, but humans couldn't use anything beyond elemental spells. I was made to surpass anything a normal human could do... and I know now, with me as a prime example. On a side note, the way magic works in this world is that if a spell hits a pony for example, the magic within a pony absorbs some of that damage. Still hurts, but doesn't damage the physical body. That makes me dangerous, as I not only have no magic within my body, I'm resistant to the magic used on me... And right when I stupidly told Celestia that I was still here, Celestia told Casta about the threat I could be."

"That does sound bad... but why are we upset?"

"Tethys... Casta, by Celestia's order, started making a mana extractor. By nature, this world's races turn mana into magic. Only my race does it consciously. It's what let me live so long in this world... hell, the reason I'm alive. She knows that without my mana, It'd be a piece of cake to kill me."

Tethys tried to piece it together, her worry growing as she did so. "She's-... making Casta make a weapon to kill you...?" Tethys looked to Casta. Her face said it all. "Shit..."

The three sat there for minutes. No one knew what to do. Silence hung heavy, fractured only by the terse breaths of the three. Tension crackled like electricity between them, each one wearing expressions etched with a blend of anxiety, frustration, and apprehension. Words previously spoken lingered in the air like the morning fog. Skystrike's voice stabbed through it. "I... can't put you in danger... Not again."

"Skystrike..." Tethys growled. "You are not running again, you promised."

"I know Tethys... I just got too comfortable... too trusting... you're all in danger again. I'm not strong enough." He said angrily.

Tethys reached across the table, using her hands to make him look in the eyes. "Then stop holding back. This is one of those times where you must fight for yourself, not for others. I won't let you leave again."

Skystrike thought of a lot at that moment. Should he do like he did before and run? They'd be safe, but starting over would suck. He'd need a new identity... Or maybe just fight... for all this world took from him, the pain will be returned in full... The family lost, the abandonment, their hatred. He grit his teeth as he shook those thoughts out of his head.

"I won't tell Celestia." Casta nearly yelled it. "I won't tell Celestia... there might be a way out of this... I can't delay it long... maybe you can figure out a way to get on Celestia's good side?"

He thought about it. "I assume it's still only in the design phase... I have time." Skystrike scratched his head. He'd need to do it eventually. It's now or never. He got up and grabbed a roll of paper and began writing, finishing quickly and rolling it back up. "Casta, send it to Celestia. I've wrote in here that the human will meet her at the abandoned castle in the Everfree as sundown. I'll be going alone. There's a chance for me to solve this without bringing anyone else into this."

Tethys protested. "That's way too dangerous! If she saw you as a danger when you first came to this world, It'd be on sight if you gave her the chance."

"Rather that, than having Casta and whoever else come after me in the first place. But I don't have much of a choice. I need to at least attempt to stop this if I want to eventually come out as a human. I want to live without hiding what I am." Skystrike clenched his fists, trying to figure out what to do next as Casta sent the letter. "No matter what happens, you two are my friends. If I have to end up leaving again-"

"You're not!" Casta and Tethys both said. Casta wasn't done though. "I've just got you back. It hasn't even been two months yet!"

"You're right..." He covered is face. "I don't... know what to do here."

It dawned on Tethys. "I get it now. You're hesitating." Skystrike looked up at her as she chuckled a bit. "Didn't think you'd be doing that. Skystrike, you have to protect yourself if it comes to that. I'll do something to help you at least. I owe you that."

Casta nodded. "I don't know all I can do yet, but I can at least think of something..."

Skystrike shook his head. "You're in the most danger here. You work directly under Celestia. If even a trace of your magic shows up on anything I do, Celestia is coming for you." Skystrike thought for a moment. "...You and my sisters are going back tomorrow morning. I'm going to be busy for a little while. Keep working on the extractor. I'm... not going to hold back anymore. I don't have a choice anymore.' Skystrike stood up. "Can... you two go get everybody? I just need a moment to myself."

The two nodded as Skystrike went to his room, looking in the mirror with his helmet still in his hands. His grip tightened on it. This was going to happen eventually. He knew Celestia wouldn't give up on finding him. Why was he surprised? Why was he angry? He won't let this life he made for himself be taken away from him. He stared at his reflection for a long, long while, thinking of what he could do. There were only a few options that could work. One was to threaten the destruction of Equestria. He's capable of it, and she knows it... it'd just be a matter of making Celestia believe him. He could also just plead for his life, say he doesn't want to hurt anyone, but... that'd be much harder for Celestia to believe. Still worth a shot. His last option was to... run again. Start a new identity... No one would ever think to look for him outside of Equestria. That's the worst case scenario, though... but it'd still be safe to keep it in mind.

But something within him burned... urging him to fight. As if it was what he was meant to do, in his nature. But was it his nature as a human, or his nature as a lab rat... He already knew what he was meant to do, he just didn't want to admit it. Skystrike stared into the hollow eyes of his helmet, pondering. How... different would his life had been if he just stayed at that laboratory? He knew he wouldn't enjoy it, but... it'd be simpler than what he has to deal with now. Just follow orders and live. No... that's not living. Maybe if he decided to not escape the capital those years ago? Sure, Celestia couldn't trust him then, but maybe he... could've gained her trust? No, that wouldn't have worked... even with 17 years of laying low, she was still after him, distrusting, thinking he's biding his time. He let out a long, pained groan. He should've never came back to Equestria... should've went to Griffonstone or Hippogriffia... hell, living off the land, something...

But as he thought it through, he realized that no matter the choice, he'd end up here, his friends in danger because of him. His life he worked hard to build, crumbling around him. Skystrike gave a sad chuckle. Even with everything that happened, sure, he wished it went differently, but he didn't regret the life he lived, the friends he made, nor the time spent with everyone around him. "Echo... you've been with me since before this life. Even if we're stuck with each other despite what we want, even if you were made by the ones who put us in this mess, you're the only one who knows the true me, the only one I can trust... I want your opinion on what to do."

"My core programing demands that I put your survival first and foremost, no matter the cost. Reason with Celestia. Luna knows of your humanity, so there is a chance that she may help us somewhat." The blue eyes of the helmet flashed to stare back at Skystrike. "If reason does not work, then we must fight. We can always rebuild later. But that must happen if we have no other choice."

Skystrike grunted and took that into account. He looked in the mirror to take in a view of himself. He's grown so much over the years. He saw the person he was when he first came to Eques. Scared of what he could do, coarse in who he was, but full of hope that this would be a world he could live in. Then, himself after Khrusalis died. No longer scared, but... reluctant about making any new connections, angry at what was taken from him, and hateful of of himself and his lack of power.

But now, he saw who he was. Skystrike. Not truly a pony, but not truly human either. Even after everything he went through, he doesn't regret the lives he lived. He made a family, made friends, a life worth living. Skystrike would do anything to keep it. But to do that, he needs to give everyone the decision to let him be a part of their lives. He'd need to tell them the truth. But the human part will have to be put on hold for a while. For now, he would at least tell them all about the time he has left.

Skystrike turned back into a pony and put on his helmet. He also changed pants after he realized he wore them for three days straight. He was about to go for his black sweats, but then he remembered how Tethys said it was basic. Fine, black and white sweats. He looked himself over as he brushed his mane and tail, then realized he hasn't cut either in a long time. His tail was touching the floor and is mane was down to his shoulders. Then he smiled. At least he had the luxury to think about these things.

Skystrike folded his helmet into a collar as he walked downstairs, looking over the railing and seeing everypony. He didn't even realize how many he knew. Tethys, Casta, Zecora, Stardust, Astral, Dawnstone, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack. He was a bit glad Spike wasn't here to hear all that was going to be said.

Applejack immediately stood up to help him down the stairs. "Skystrike, what're ya doin' without yer wheelchair!? You broke your ribs!"

Skystrike laughed a bit. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm fine. I heal really fast." Applejack didn't believe it for a second, pushing him on his hind legs and lifting his shirt. "Bro???"

Applejack stared in awe of the lack of wounds. "I... I don't get it! You could barely move two days ago!"

"I'm a really good sleeper." Skystrike pulled his shirt down. "But that part of my weird biology isn't what you're all here for." The two walked down the stairs and took their seats. "I don't really know how to say this, so I'll start from the beginning. I have 'magic' in my body, but not in the sense a normal pony would. Thanks to Casta and her research, she was able to discover mana, which is what you ponies use to make magic. Difference is, every living being it this world makes magic unconsciously, as if they were breathing." Skystrike sighed. "That leads into what I learned last month. Due to 25 continuous years of absorbing mana, as well as the strain put on my body to keep up with the average pony with no magic, among other factors, it's had irreversible effects on my body. Because I can build my strength to impossible levels for my body, as well as store near impossible levels of mana and other factors, it's... affected my life expectancy. I've ran tests and quadruple checked the results, changing any factors that would gave me a wrong result. If I'm lucky, I will live until 40. If my condition gets worse, 30. If it stays the same, between 30 and 35."

Several gasps came from the group as that last part set in. Twilight was the first to ask a question. "...What do you mean, store near impossible levels of mana? Everypony has a mana capacity that grows as one gets older, and would stop gathering mana once it's full! This doesn't make any sense! This shouldn't happen in the first place!"

Skystrike thought for a moment. "Let me think of the best way to explain it... Imagine you have... a cup you want to fill with water. Water is the allegory for mana, and fills a cup at a set pace. But you're blind folded. You don't know how big your cup is, and you can only feel it get heavier. You have a way to let it out, but it's dangerous, and not fast enough to spill all that water you let sit."

"Then... how do you let it out?"

Skystrike rolled up his right sleeve, showing his metal hoof. "This is the hole in the cup, letting out some water constantly, but only slowing the build up. I could increase the size of the hole, but as I said, It's... dangerous."

Applejack huffed. "You know, somethin' about that arm of yours has always thrown me off... Where'd you get it?"

Astral asked a question of her own. "How did you get it?"

Skystrike looked at Astral, then at his arm. "That's... something you all should know as well, we just have to go further back. I did not come from these lands, I came from far, far away. It was... not a nice place..." Skystrike clenched his hoof. This was still so hard for him to talk about. "I wasn't treated as a living being. I was an object. A means to an end. A weapon..." Skystrike took of his sweatshirt, showing how far his metal arm went up. His entire arm up to his shoulder was replaced with metal, burn scars around where it connected to his torso. "I was taught morality, and showed mercy to one of the ones I was supposed to kill. As punishment, they took my arm from me. They gave me a new one, with some... upgrades. But those upgrades aren't just in my arm. You all can probably guess them, given my size, strength, and how I healed so fast. Those... also affected my life expectancy. Since I was a prototype, they could ignore the long term effects. I was eight when I executed my plan, taking as many of my captors with me before I decided I didn't want to live in that world anymore. It was by pure luck that I was able to find an escape."

"There's... there's no way you're telling the truth right now." Casta shook her head.

Skystrike looked at her, then sighed. "Casta, my very existence isn't natural. What I've said should make sense. But if I have to prove it to all of you..." Skystrike took off his arm and passed it to Casta. "It connects to my nervous system, and takes in my mana to power itself. By putting in a strong enough electric current, you should be able to make it move. In theory, at least. I've never tested it. There should still be enough mana in it for you to move it. You ponies focus more on magic, rather than electricity, so there's no way you will be able to understand how that's been made. If fact, electricity is how my most of the items I make work."

Casta looked over the arm. "So that's why this house felt so... empty. It felt like there was no magic, but there actually barely is any." She kept looking at it, figuring out a way to take it apart.

Meanwhile, Rarity bought the conversation back on topic. "I don't know about all of that electricity stuff, but backing up a bit, what all did they do to you?"

Skystrike sat back down, a bit uneven lacking his arm. "Well, the mana thing is the most important. It should be impossible to have an infinite mana capacity, so I would assume I was given a mana capacity that just hasn't reached its limit yet. The long term affects that I can predict is that... if I have too much in my body, mana poisoning, which has similar symptoms to a unicorn going through a magic fever. Difference is, I can't get better unless I can expel this mana. There's... too many to remember."

"You said 30 at worst. How do ya slow it down?" Applejack asked.

"Well... I suppose... The obvious answer is just release more mana, but that comes with some problems."

"...Go on."

Skystrike sighed. "There's not so much a good way to do it, just... less dangerous ways. The least dangerous way would be to increase the amount of mana I use. Casta, can I get my arm back?" She wasn't able to figure out how to take it apart and passed it back to him. He put it back into place with a grunt as he rolled his shoulder. "Think of my arm a bit like... a unicorn's horn. I can turn my mana into magic just by having it attached. If I wanted to use more mana, I can use spells-"

"You can use spells!?" Twilight nearly jumped. "Wait, then why haven't you been doing it this whole time!? Why hide it!?"

"Because, that comes with its own set of problems. Ignoring the amount of trouble that a pegasus with unicorn like magic will bring me, I'm... still being hunted by the ones I thought I escaped all those years ago. Using spells out in the open is a no go. On top of that, in all of my studies on magic, the only spells able to make a dent in my mana are... high cost destruction spells. I was made to have an affinity with destruction magic after all."

Dawnstone was a bit confused. "Well... now I know why you never talked about your past... You keep saying you were made for these things. Can you be more specific?"

Skystrike nodded. "I... was nurtured to... kill. I thought it was obvious, I just have a really hard time saying it."

Tethys raised a brow. "Not to get off topic, but don't you kill beings?"

"Only when I deem it necessary. I've taken enough innocent lives."

"Your parents?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, no. I don't regret killing them. I don't even see them as my parents, it's just that I've never changed the title. My 'father' forced me to do unspeakable things like kill my 'siblings'. Originally, I didn't hate my 'mother' but she was complacent with our treatment, and was just in it for the pay check. My 'father' killed her because of me though so, whatever that's worth."

Zecora put a hoof on her forehead. "Skystrike, heavy words in such a casual spree is not the way to speak, that should be plain to see."

Skystrike shrugged. "Look, at this point, I've come to terms with most of that. I had one of my guards commit suicide in front of me because he didn't want to kill me, knew he couldn't stop me even if he did, and he would die if he went back to father empty handed."

"...Holy shit Skystrike, what in Tartarus!?" Stardust's eyes went wide. He hasn't told her about that before.

"I'm... still having a hard time believing all of this." Fluttershy admitted. "It's hard to believe there's beings out there that'd do something so awful."

"You can say that again." Tethys growled. "I want to find whoever did all of that to you, but you already got to them."

"So... what now?" Astral asked the question on everyone's minds. "I thought I'd have more time with you... It's weird knowing how much time we have left with you."

"I'm... sorry, everyone." Skystrike said before thinking about what to say for a minute. "I... had a friend years ago named Steel Ace. He left this world too early... But one of the last things he said to me was to focus on the time we have left, rather than what could've been... I want to follow in his word, and just enjoy the time I have left with you all. Wish I could give a more satisfactory answer."

"We'll take what we can get." Astral hugged him.

The group talked over the next few hours, making plans between each other for the next month or so, as Skystrike said he planned on doing some traveling out of country. He had a fun couple of days coming up. But now, it was soon to be sunset. It was time to meet them. Everyone else, save for the ones staying with him, left by then. Skystrike finished cooking dinner, serving fried rice to Tethys, Casta, Stardust, Astra, Dawnstone, and- hol up. "Since when were you here, Zecora? I thought you went home?" Skystrike served her a plate anyway. "Let me guess, forgot to get groceries?"

"That's a piece of it, my potions, not many bought, This month's been slow, sales taking a drought." She sighed as she took a bite of food. "Mmm... so good."

"Damn, good enough to make you not rhyme? All I added was a pinch of lime." Skystrike took off his apron, then realized. "...Zecora how the fuck do you do that!? Stop making me rhyme, you're fucking with my head!"

"Well maybe you shouldn't be so predictable, open like a book to be read."

"Don't rhyme off me! That shouldn't count!" Skystrike laughed as he sat at the table and began eating. "Oh, right, Tethys, you going ok, diet wise?"

"You calling me fat?"

"Tethys-"

"I'm messing with you. Why do you ask about my diet?" She asked as she shoveled food into her jaws.

"I haven't seen you eat meat in a while. I know you need proteins and vitamins that you can't get from an a vegetarian diet." Skystrike twirl his fork in his hoof.

"...Admittedly, I haven't eaten any meat since I've started living here. I didn't want to scare off any ponies."

Skystrike thought about it. "You don't have to worry about that. The girls already know that I give Spike fish from time to time. I'm sorry, I thought you were going hunting or something before I found out you were hanging out with Rarity. I'll make sure to prepare a manticore first thing tomorrow morning. That should last us a few months. I can also go catch some fish. Alligator also tastes good."

Everyone, save for Stardust looked at him when he said that last part. "You eat meat?" They all asked.

"It's kinda the only reason I'm this size. Remember how I was thinner as a colt?" Skystrike shrugged. "Turns out, because my body doesn't partially run on magic, I need my nutrients from other sources."

"Well... if you know what tastes good, go for it. I'm just... surprised you eat it raw..." Tethys scratched at her horns.

"Oh, hell no, I cook my food." He wiped his mouth. "Again, I'll be hunting first thing tomorrow, and I'll be back in time to see you three off." He motioned to the unicorns. "For now, I have some ponies to meet."

Skystrike got up, went up to his room, and got some clothes to cover himself. He couldn't choose anything that would make it seem like he was living with the ponies, or Celestia would up the search for him. Something hand made would work well... He remembered the Manticore skin he got from Naga as a sort of gift. The pegasus got the yellow pelt from his closet and made a quick sarong out of it. He'd change clothes in the forest. He put it in his saddlebag before leaving his room and heading towards the front door.

Skystrike was stopped by Tethys and Casta, each hugging him before he left. "Stay safe, Skystrike." Tethys said.

"Don't do anything reckless." Casta sighed. "And come back safe."

"I'll do my best." Skystrike said as he opened the door. His friends watched him walk away and into the forest. He went in deep enough and off the path where no light would breach the roof of leaves. He knew from his chat with his friends earlier that the princesses returned back to Canterlot, so they would have to arrive by teleportation. But he still had to make sure he was completely alone before he transformed. With a tap of his hoof, a thin layer of magic expanded from him and into the forest. It was simple detection magic, letting him know that nothing in the forest that was even aware of him. But he did notice a presence that was approaching the forest. Maybe it was Zecora... but he still needed to be careful. He took off his clothes, transformed, then put on his sarong.

Skystrike hid the rest of his stuff by throwing it up in a tree, then marked it by leaving a cross in it by digging in the index finger of his metal arm. With that, he walked for a few more minutes, seeing the abandoned Castle of the Two Sisters. He had to admit, it took more force than he thought for it to open the door to the castle, even with it being covered in rust and moss. It took him a while to walk down the main hallway. Then he thought to himself: where would be the most fitting place to meet? The throne room would be too obvious... the top of a tower would make a cool scene, but also kinda predictable... Then it hit him. He walked for a bit more, remembering the path he took to get to the room almost a year ago.

The chamber of Elements, where those six found their elements while he held off Nightmare Moon. He stood on top of the large ball of marble with his back facing the entrance and his arms crossed. He always wanted to do this... now he just needed to wait.

The crackling and bursting of two sets of magic notified the arrival of the second party. Celestia and Luna looked to the center of the room, seeing Skystrike standing on the marble sculpture looking to nowhere in particular, his silver hair flowing in the wind. He knew he looked so cool right now. All he had to do was stick the line. He made sure to change his voice first though, making it deeper and more coarse to not sound like his pony counterpart. "Ah... so this day has finally come..." He slowly turned to face the two princesses, uncrossing his arms and throwing his hair out of his face. "It's been 17 years. I'd say good to see you again, Celestia, but I know that isn't really true for either of us. And Luna, I believe this is the first time we've met. I'm sure you already know a lot about me. Hope big sis put in a good word."

Celestia spread out her wings as she took a few steps forward. "Seventeen years too long, 34... I still don't see how you managed to escape, but it is far too late to worry about that. She stopped a couple yards away from him. "How do you know about this room?"

He chuckled. "Let's answer that question... with another question... Why are you worried that I know about the Elements of Harmony? Is your rainbow laser trump card something I shouldn't know about?" The human sat down and crossed his legs. Celestia looked to her sister as 34 continued. "Flattered you remember my number by the way, but before we continue any further, let's get rid of the third party. Can't exactly have a private conversation otherwise."

"What are you talking about?" Celestia tried to play dumb.

"Let's say... Skystrike and I talk about our personal lives between each other. Apparently he was being spied on, and said spy is here now." Skystrike pointed to the hole in the ceiling. "I come here alone, with no intention to harm, because I wanted to see what you have to say. the least you could do is return the good will and let us have this in private."

"What to you mean by 'good will'?"

"Would you have preferred I came into the capital on purpose?" 34 rested his head on his hand. "If not, then I don't believe we have anything left to say to each other, and you can go back to searching for a person who can only be found when he wants to."

Celestia and 34 stared at each other. Luna put a hoof on her sister's shoulder. "...Benefit of the doubt, sister... we believe we should at least hear him out."

Celestia grit her teeth. "Agent Sweetie Drops, you're dismissed."

After a few moments, the sound of hoof steps were heard on the roof, getting further and further away with each step. "Thank you. Now, to answer the first question about how I know about the Elements and their bearers, that's pretty easy. I've frequented this place over the years. I got curious and started reading some books." He laughed. Then he calmed himself. "But that's not a satisfactory answer for you, is it?"

Celestia then asked her next question. "Well... since you're so willing to answer our questions, how did you escape Canterlot?"

34 smiled at the memory. "I was given a chance to do better by two of your guards. Made a promise to leave some good in this world, and I intend to keep it. Hope those two are alright. And no, I'm not gonna rat them out. I literally owe them my life." The human sat up and put his hands on his knees. "My turn for a question. I figured you'd have gave up by now. Why are you so hell bent on capturing me?"

"Because, human, you're a danger to this entire world." Celestia stomped. "I've seen what you've done as a child! As if I'd let you walk free!"

"Well... ignoring how that probably was racially motivated, I feel like I've already said that that entrance was not on purpose. Though I will admit, being older now, I understand why you wanted to keep me contained." 34 admitted. Celestia's posture didn't change, but her ears did perk up at that. "That being said, I still stand by my actions. I will not be caged again. I simply wish to live. That leads into my next question. You seem to have a stigma against humans, seemingly more than me... what do you have against my kin?"

"Don't play dumb with me." Celestia growled. "Your kin bought terror to this country over a thousand years ago, starting in this very castle!"

34's eyes widened. "...Well damn, that's news to me. I... know it doesn't mean much, but I'm sorry."

"Why would you be?"

"Because, Celestia, even though I'm human, I can recognize the mistakes of my race." He sighed and said the next part to himself. "You'd think a technologically advanced race would use it to better themselves, rather than conquer."

Luna whispered to her sister. "Celestia, we think he is telling the truth."

"Luna, you know the humans. You would do well to remember their deception."

34 interrupted the two. "So I'm confused. You come in and automatically assume I am here to deceive you, what point is there in talking?"

Celestia thought for a moment. "Very well, let's say we do believe you... Have you had any contact with humans since your arrival?"

34 shook his head. "No. At least, not exactly." Celestia's magic flared. "Calm down. I was going to say I'm not a fan of them like you, given how I escaped them to get to your world. There were a few labs that I've destroyed and one I kept intact, though the most recent one I found was the only one that connected to the home universe. Made sure they wouldn't be able to use that place again."

Luna spoke this one, surprised. "There were hidden labs? How many? Where?"

34 counted on his fingers. "The badlands, the northern mountain range near some village, and here on the edge of the Everfree, so that makes three."

Luna stuttered. "You- wh- You left one intact!?"

The human nodded. "Of course. I need some place to repair my arm, and in case the humans come back, you need better weapons." 34 pointed to himself. "If a prototype like me is enough to put you on edge just by existing, I imagine you're going to shit yourself if they come back with a better version of me, one not so chatty."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, then back to the human. Celestia shakily forced her words out. "They... They're coming back?"

34 nodded. "Most likely. The lab I found in the north was made to track me, and they were making weapons to neutralize me at the very least. I don't know when, I just know they have a way of getting here. And if that happens, I cannot say with full confidence that I can handle them alone." He let the weight of his words hang in the air for a time. Celestia and Luna shuddered. How many ponies would die if 34 is right? How much blood will be shed for their lust for conquest? It can't happen again. "So, let's make a deal." Celestia and Luna's ears perked up at that. "We continue to keep to ourselves for a bit. I'll live away from the eyes of the ponies you love so much, and you will stop hunting for me as I search for any traces of humanity. If the humans never come, it's a win for both of us. If they do, then we work together until the threat is dealt with."

"...A decent offer on paper, but your kind is less than trustworthy. How do I know you will keep up your end of the deal." Celestia finally folded in her wings.

"Well, if you remember how I came to this world, your kind wasn't too good either. The only reason I even began to interact with you ponies was because of those two guards. I can't really trust you either, but neither of us have a choice here." 34 stood up and jumped down in front of the princesses. Celestia glared at him as she prepared her magic. He leaned over a bit to be at her eye level. "So, I'll say it this way. If you want to have your country, this world, continue to be independent from humanity, then we must work together if they ever come..." 34 put out a hand to shake her and Luna's hooves

Celestia still hesitated. "...And if I refuse?"

"Then we are both fighting a war on two fronts. But you'll have it a lot worse than me. You could barely handle me as a child, but to be fair to you, you weren't trying to kill." 34 smirked a bit,. "And while I don't wish to fight you two, as I've seen how well you take care of your subjects, and Skystrike, I will do what I must to survive." He made sure to say that last part with determination. "So, do we have a deal?"

Celestia and Luna knew it wasn't even a fair deal. It wasn't even a trade. They could not take the chance of 34 running wild in Equestria. And if they do come, they would need all the help they could get. Luna surprised her sister by taking his hand and shaking it. Then the two looked to Celestia, who begrudgingly did the same. "Very well, but know this, if you do anything to harm my little ponies, the Elements of Harmony will surely stop you."

34 crossed his arms. "If it comes to that, then that is on me, and I wish you luck... I'll make sure to tell Skystrike that everything went fine." 34 turned his back. "Though I must say, glad this didn't end badly."

Luna put out a hoof. "Wait, human..." 34 turned his head to look at her. "You said that there was a lab kept intact. Where is it?"

"Oh, right. Ask Skystrike. He told me your sister asked about his launcher thing. How do you think he made it? But I've said enough." 34 jumped through the hole in the roof and looked down at them. "I'm gonna dip. I need to go get dinner."

He returned to his bag, making sure he wasn't followed and changing back to his pony form. Skystrike put back on his sweats and sighed. His heart was racing that entire time. He sat down for a minute to catch his breath. Then he realized, there's no real out for him, is there? Celestia will never stop going after him, and humanity won't leave him alone either. He'd have to stay hidden, or at least be very careful who he tells. Then he realized another thing, it's over if Luna tells her sister. He'd need to do his best to keep his distance... or earn their trust.

"Thoughts for later." Skystrike said to himself as he exited the forest. For now, he had some ponies to see.

Skystrike pushed open the door to the bar, greeting the bar tender and owner. "Hey, Berry! How's it hanging?"

Berry didn't look up from the glass she was cleaning. "Hey, Nebula... Didn't expect you to come in. I heard what happened on Wednesday, good to see you're still in one piece. Your friends are in the booth at the corner."

"Thanks Berry. Get us the house special, and one for yourself." Skystrike left a bag of bits on the counter, then went to the booth. "Mayor Mare, Cheerilee, Redheart, and Snowheart! Decided to join us today, I see."

The four turned to greet him, then almost spit out their drinks. Redheart wiped her mouth with a hoof. "By Celestia, Nebula, what in Eques are you doing without your wheelchair!?" She got up in an attempt to help him sit down. "Oh dear I hope that your stitches haven't come undone..."

Skystrike chuckled. "I'm fine, Redheart. Look." Skystrike pulled up his sweatshirt to show his ribs.

"Oh my god, you can grind grain on those- I mean-... What? How??" She stuttered.

"I'm a really good sleeper." Skystrike laughed. "Also, I ordered us some drinks..."

Mayor Mare held her head. "Thanks, I need one. After I heard what happened on Wednesday, I'm just glad you're ok."

Skystrike sat down. "Pssh, I don't die. But thanks for worrying. So, how've you all been?"

"Well, you know, same routine." Cheerilee said, looking into her half full glass. "You coming in on Wednesday was great, don't get me wrong... It's just been... slightly annoying when one of those air cannon things launches all the papers off my desk."

Skystrike snickered. "My bad. Honestly, I didn't think of that aspect."

Mayor Mare did the same. "The princesses gave a surprise visit Wednesday as well. I wish somepony told me beforehoof that I'd have to file an entire airship..."

He snickered again. "My bad."

Snowheart downed the rest of her drink. "Well, Redheart and I actually had to do surgery on Wednesday. It was weird... Personally, I normally want a stallion in me, not the other way around."

The group laughed as their drinks came. They each thanked Berry before clinking their glasses together. Skystrike took a sip. "Mmm... damn, this is really good!"

Berry smiled. "Family recipe. Glad you enjoy it... You know, I'll let you have that one for free if you can guess what's in it, colt."

"Challenge accepted..." Skystrike took another sip. "Taste's a bit like Brandy, but not what's normally in it... there's a hint of citrus, but more tangy than an orange, so I assume lemon or lime juice. It's almost drowned out by the orange juice and strawberry juice. I don't know what type of bitters you use though..." He took a longer sip after a sniff. "There's... one more thing in here that I can't put my hoof on... Something sweet, but savory, and a little salty. Caramel?"

"How the buck..." Berry smiled as Skystrike threw up his hooves. "I'm impressed. I didn't take you as a sommelier. How often you drink to know what's in it?"

"Honestly? Not much. But if you ever hang out with a dragon, you pick up on a lot. But for real though, this is really good." Skystrike downed the glass. "Can I get another? Also whatever you'd think this would go well with for the five of us. I'm hungry as hell." Berry nodded, taking the empty glasses and going to do so. "So, girls, what do you all wanna talk about?"

Snowheart took a sip of her brandy. "Mmm, you were right, this is good. Anyway, I always wanted to ask, how do you always walk around in that armor? And how come you haven't been wearing it?"

Skystrike though about it. "Well, as to the how, my original armor when I first started my job was the civilian grade armor you could get from any blacksmith shop. As I got older and more refined in my craft, I realized I needed sturdier armor, and it ended up getting heavier as I made new sets. The reason I haven't wore it recently is because after my fight in the capital, it got dented. I've been working on new armor since."

"Really now? I haven't heard of any spar, but I haven't been reading the newspapers recently... How long does it take to even make armor? I assume longer than normal, given your size." Snowheart put and elbow on the table.

"Well, to put it into perspective, one of my swords takes a week, minimum. That set of armor I wore used took me... two months. There were a lot of parts needed to complete it, but I don't want to bore you with my rambling."

"Fair enough... Did you hear about that diss track on the princesses?" Redheart changed the subject. "I haven't listened to it yet, but apparently it's really funny."

"Oh yeah, I've heard it..." Cheerilee giggled. "Well, not personally. The kids have been singing it for the past week."

"I haven't heard of it, and I'm pretty into music. Are they new?"

Skystrike tried to hide his laugh... failing miserably. "Haahahaha! Yeah, that was great! First release, and we were so glad it was a hit, not a miss."

"That was you? You made a diss track on the princesses??" Cheerilee put her hooves on the table to stand up. Then blinked and sat back down. "You know, I'm not really surprised actually."

Redheart raised a brow and sipped her brandy. "Hmm, wanna give us a live show?"

"You know, I would, but this isn't really the setting for it. Plus, rapping without a beat just doesn't hit the same." Skystrike said as Berry came back with their food and his drink. "Thank you, Berry." He bit into the hay burger. "Oh my god I needed that."

"Damn, you can eat." Snowheart took a bite of her own food. "Oh, here's a fun one, what were your nicknames in school? Mine was beach, since I apparently look like one."

"That's actually really cute." Mayor mare wiped her mouth. "Better than mine at least. Mine was just Mare. I wasn't too talkative, and never really shared my name, so it just stuck."

"So that's why you're called Mayor Mare..." Redheart took a few gulps. "During medical school when I was bisecting a frog and I got blood everywhere, I mean my hooves and face were covered in it. They called me crimson heart for a while."

Cheerilee went next. "I... actually I don't remember if I had a nickname."

"You know, I don't think you did... huh, that's so weird." Mayor Mare said before taking a bite of her food. "What about you, Nebula? If I remember right, you had a few."

He nodded. "Yeah, I had a couple, though some I were more fond for than others. By some, I was called 'scrap heap'. I wasn't exactly wealthy back then. Sure, I had money, but I spent it on my sibllings first. I'd go by the blacksmiths in Canterlot to get any scrap I could to make weapons and armor. As the name implied, I ended up looking like a scrap heap." Skystrike thought for some time. "One I was a bit self concious of was 'leech', since some ponies were jealous of the ponies I was around. But a more light hearted and funny one I had was 'Ass beater'."

Cheerilee and Mayor Mare laughed as the former spoke. "Oh, I remember that! That was great!"

"What's the story behind that one?" Snowheart asked.

Skystrike laughed, remembering back. "It was at prom. Some guy who's name eludes me right now was talking a lot of shit to my friend and the girl he was going for. He was all around just an unpleasant stallion, so when I stepped in to back up my friend, he started saying all sorts of shit. In the end, I said 'I'm going to beat your ass.' And then, I indeed beat his ass."

They all laughed at his story, continuing to talk as the night went on. They had a few more drinks, since no one had work in the morning. They all made sure not to get drunk like last time. They paid their tab before leaving. Skystrike decided to continue their small talk. "Hey, Snowheart, you said you have a cat? Also, unrelated, we're leaving the bar earlier than last week."

"Oh, every once in a while, we hang out at each other's houses and we gossip. Redheart and I have cats. They're pretty nice if you want to stop by."

"Sure, I love cats!" Skystrike followed the four for a bit to Redheart's and Snowhearts house. They all entered, the two nurse ponies being last. Skystrike was a bit confused as he looked around the living room. "Where are the cats? Are they shy?"

Redheart and Snowheart both whispered into his ears. "Meow~"

"...You know what, that's a new one."

About two weeks passed since Friday, and not much happened. Of course, there were heart felt goodbyes from his sisters and Casta as they returned to Canterlot. At least they could come visit him often if they wished. Casta, Astral, and Skystrike were able to make a teleporter from his living room to Casta's Mage tower. They'd work on making one in his airship another time. He spent the last while working on his armor first and foremost. Like he planned, it looked exactly like his old set of armor, though slightly bulkier. He didn't realize until sizing himself that his old armor was tight.

Anyway, there were just a few more things to add to his armor, and it would be the longest process. Now that he has access to that book of enchanting from the royal treasury, he need to figure out how to enchant things. Before that, he needs to properly test the magic stones he got from the mission reward a while ago. He didn't really need it, but it's more to test if he can use electrodynamics to activate magic. But that was a thought for later.

Right now though, Skystrike was helping Twilight rearrange her library with the help of their friends, save for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Twilight put a book from the stack in a shelf with her magic. A question came to mind. "Hey, Sky, you said you could use magic. You said Destruction magic was what you were best at. Can you use any other types?"

Skystrike nodded as he balanced a stack of books in his arms. "Well, yes, I can. I can use Alteration, Restoration, Conjuration, Enchanting, and Illusion magic, though to a lesser degree. I've tried to get better, but I can't really use anything past the intermediate level of those branches of study."

Twilight was interested in that. "Really? And what level of magic can you use for Destruction? Most unicorns have affinities for one study, rarely two like your friend Casta. I specialize in Alteration and Conjuration, but thanks to my cutie mark, I can use advanced level magic in the other trees." Then she thought some more, shifting some of the books around. "It makes sense now that I think about it. I was hoping you could use levitation magic to speed this up a bit, but no hope if you aren't good at Alteration."

Skystrike put up the book as he jumped down the ladder, landing on his hooves with a thud. "Actually, that's the fun thing about magic, you can recreate spells with other spells."

"...What do you mean?"

"Well, take levitation magic for example. It's an Alteration spell and makes things levitate." He put out his right arm, pointing his hoof at a book on the floor. "But I can replicate it in different ways using destruction magic. For example..." A ball of wind surrounded the book. "By using a wind spell and combining that with a barrier spell to contain that wind, I can move the barrier, and thus the book." He moved his palm up and made a pushing motion with his arm, moving it into a shelf before dispelling his magic.

"...Interesting..." Twilight made a mental note of that. "But that's really not magically efficient... then again, you don't really have to worry about that."

"I'unno much 'bout magic, but that was mighty impressive. I haven't seen unicorns use magic like that in my life!" Applejack turned to him and took a stack of books out of his hooves. "What other types of fancy magic can you do?"

"I am a bit interested myself, since we're on the topic, darling." Rarity gave her horn a rest.

"Ooh! Ooh!" Pinkie jumped. "Show us a party trick!"

Skystrike thought of something. He put the tip of his hoof to his temple. "Pinkie, pull my tail." She did so and his eyes lit up like a flashlight. Pinkie laughed, pulling it a few more times and watching his eyes flash on and off. The other three laughed as well. Pinkie turned him off, and Skystrike blinked a couple times to regain his sight.

Twilight pushed in the last book. "Alright, everypony! We're finally done. Thank you sooo much for helping me clean up all these books, guys. It was a crazy weekend of studying!" She rolled her eyes like pin balls.

"How the actual fuck did you do that?" Skystrike wondered.

Twilight was about to answer, but a worried and disoriented yell was coming closer and closer. They all looked to the window. It sounded like... "Whooaoaoaoa! GAH!" Rainbow Dash flew head first into Skystrike's chest.

"AAEGH!" He screamed as he got launched backwards. The sheer force of their crash launched a cloud of smoke as well as a shockwave that knocked every book off the shelves. Now everyone was disoriented. Skystrike held his head as he pulled himself out of the mountain of books. He inhaled deeply. "Everypony ok?" He said with a groan.

He heard several "Yeah..."s as heads poked out of the books.

Fluttershy landed on the window frame that Rainbow dove in from. "Rainbow Dash, you did great! Woohoo!" She said with the loudest voice she could. But it was a whisper. It was pretty cute. Then she looked at the chaos in the room. "...Did my cheering do that?"

"Two fucking hours, Rainbow Dash!" Skystrike shook off the pain.

She gave a nervous chuckle. "Heheh... sorry about that, guys." She shook her hair out of her face, then had a look of annoyance. "That was a truly feeble performance..."

Fluttershy jumped down. "Actually, it wasn't all bad. I particularly liked it when you made the clouds spin!" She made a spinning motion with her hoof.

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "I'm not talking about my performance, I'm talking about yours! That feeble cheering!"

"What are you two arguing about?" Twilight asked.

"Were we arguing? I'm sorry..." Fluttershy shrunk a bit.

"Ugh... I wish you guys could come to Cloudsdale to see me compete in the Best Young flier competition!" Rainbow sighed.

Twilight asked for clarification. "What's that!?"

Pinkie leaned forward excitedly. "It's when the best fliers get together and show off their flying styles! Some are fast!" Pinkie began running around the room as fast as she could making plane sounds. "And some are graceful." Then she began spinning around like a ballerina and fell into the books below her.

"Golly... I'd love to see you strut your stuff in that competition." Applejack straightened her hat.

"I wish you guys could be there. Fluttershy is a great support, but her cheering isn't exactly inspirational." Rainbow said as Fluttershy looked away a bit defeated.

"Rainbow, I get you're nervous, but please think about what you say, how you say it, and how it could come off." Skystrike pulled Pinkie out of the books like a carrot. "Fluttershy is already willing to go to Cloudsdale with you to cheer. That should be enough, knowing you have her support."

Rainbow winced a bit. "...You're right... I'm sorry, Fluttershy."

"Ooh! I'd love to see you make a sonic rainboom!" Pinkie got back on topic. "It'd be like the coolest thing ever! Even though I've never actually seen it, but I mean come on, it's a sonic rainboom!" She hopped up and down. "How not cool could it possibly not be!?"

"What's a sonic rainboom?" Twilight was confused agian.

Fluttershy gave her an answer. "Remember when Skystrike had that ring around him back when he showed Spike he wasn't ready? That."

"You really need to get out more." Pinkie touched noses with the unicorn. "Basically, it happens when a pegasus goes really fast, and BOOM!" She jumped into a pile of books. "A sonic boom and a Rainbow happen all at the same time! It's legendary!"

"And Rainbow Dash is the only pony to ever pull it off! Well, besides Skystrike, but Rainbow did is as a filly." Applejack said.

"You did it as a kid!?" Skystrike asked. "Damn, that's impressive! I couldn't do it until I was like, 22! Nice job!"

"Yeah, it was a long time ago. Like she said, I was just a filly..."

"Yeah but you're gonna do it again, right!?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow Dash wasn't sure... "A-are you kidding!? I-I'm the greatest flier to ever come outta Cloudsdale!" She puffed her chest fluff out, then she looked to Skystrike. "I can do sonic rainbooms in my sleep! But I wouldn't be against some pointers on how to do it better..."

They all looked at Skystrike. "Oh uh... I guess get the angle right? The hardest part is getting to that speed. Dive straight down, fold your wings almost inward, but not completely closed, and make sure your body is straight as it can be. Squint your eyes, and control your breathing. I can't really give much more advice than that..."

"Well, how'd you do it the first time?" The skittle pony asked.

"Zecora was falling off a cliff, and my adrenaline was doing work." Skystrike answered with a shrug. "But hey, if you're able to pull it off, you'll win that grand prize for sure! Just make sure you got your routine down."

"The grand prize is an entire day with the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow began to day dream as her eyes grew wider in anticipation. "A whole day with my life long heroes... It'll be a dream come true!"

"Yay!" Fluttershy cheered as Skystrike snickered.

Rainbow was about to say something, but thankfully stopped herself. "I'm gonna go rest up, don't wanna overprepare you know?" She began walking towards the window. "And thanks, Fluttershy for coming to cheer me on. It means a lot." And then, she flew out of it.

"Oh yeah, that's fine, leave us with the mess you made." Skystrike stomped his hooves.

Fluttershy shook her head. "Thanks, Skystrike... She's practiced that move a hundred times an still doesn't have it down. I don't know if me cheering loud enough will make up for that..." And then Fluttershy flew to follow her.

"Welp, guess we better clean this up... again..." Twilight picked up a book with her magic.

Rarity poked her flank with a horn. "Well, go on, go on!"

"Ow! What!?"

"Find us a spell to get us flightless ponies into Cloudsdale! Didn't you see how nervous she was?"

Applejack nearly laughed. "Nervous? She was tootin' her own horn louder than the brass section of a marchin' band."

Skystrike laughed. "Alright, that was a good one. But she was definitely nervous. Some ponies act overconfident when dealing with stress. Rainbow is a perfect example."

"Indeed." Rarity nodded. "I've put on enough fashion shows to know stage fright when I see it! We've got to find a way to be there for her!"

"Well... finding a spell is easier said than done in this mess. Besides, it wouldn't work on Skystrike."

Skystrike waved a hoof. "Oh, don't worry about me. I had a old pair of shoes I used to wear when I was in Cloudsdale that helped me walk on clouds. I should be able to copy the spell and move it onto a new pair." Skystrike said as he made his way towards the door. "I'll make sure to meet you guys at Cloudsdale."

It took Skystrike about 20 minutes to get the magic right, but he put it on a knew pair of shoes that fit him. Then he thought, why the hell do ponies have shoes? They're naked nearly all the time, and they have hooves? Confusing... Anyway, he started his flight to Cloudsdale. Zecora denied the invite due to her fear of heights, Stardust was doing a report, and Tethys was trying to teach herself how to cook. He had to admit, it was nice seeing her try new things.

He hoped his shoes worked, since he couldn't really test them on the ground. It would not be nice to have to fly the whole time. But what Skystrike hoped for most was that Rainbow would do well in her turn in the event. She's talented, but doesn't do too well under pressure. She could wipe the floor with the competition easily if Rainbow was just able to shut off her mind. Maybe a few words of advice to her would do some good before her flight.

Well, since he had time to think... "Hey, Echo..."

"Yes?"

"We never named the Stake Launcher..."

"We are not calling it the 'Special Beam Cannon'." Echo said.

"Well why don't you think of a better name for an attack?"

"Very well... how about... Metal Devil?"

"... Doom~ Cannon?"

"Ares's kiss?"

"...Shit, that's good!" Skystrike moved his head to the side.

Skystrike landed at Cloudsdale with many more ideas for names. It was a good talk. But as he landed on the outskirts, he noticed the stares he was getting. It reminded him of how ponies normally acted around him, and how Ponyville was when he first came. He'd try not to take it personally.

He walked a bit, trying to figure out where he was going before he saw some familiar faces. It was Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy talking to three stallions in work uniforms. The former was visibly upset, while the latter switched from standing tall to shrinking in on herself a few times. Skystrike got a bit closer, hearing one of the stallions laugh with saying "Rainbow Crash!" He sighed... it was one of these situations. At least he joined in on what seems to be the later half of whatever conversation they were having.

Skystrike walked next his two friends. "Hey, I made it. I forget how long a flight it is here." He yawned. "What's happening?"

"Nothing..." Rainbow grunted. "Fluttershy and I were just leaving."

The brown pegasus began mocking her. "I can't wait to see you screw up your show, Rainbow Crash!" He said before laughing and beginning to fly off.

Skystrike grabbed the orange one by his uniform and pulled him out of the air and back on the ground. "So, I see you three must be old friends of Rainbow Dash... You know, I think I figured out the reason you're all such queefs of a pony."

The other two landed as Skystrike pushed the orange one away. The orange pegasus grunted. "What do you mean by that? Who are you anyway? One of Crash's friends?"

"You see, you three peaked in Flight School. Now that you all are working some job you don't enjoy and every other pony has left you because they grew past the angsty teen phase, you see ponies like Rainbow Dash that still have dreams they want to follow. You all antagonize and pick on ponies like her because you see somepony you could be if you actually put in effort into your lives. And now, you're stuck in the past, hoping to get that high of 'people liking you because you were the biggest guys in school'. Everypony else you could've had some semblance of a relationship with has left you all flailing in the mud, and the only reason the three of you stick together because misery loves company." Each word he spoke came out with more and more annoyance and frustration than the last. Skystrike took another step forward, making the stallions back up. "Now, you all can fly off and enjoy the rest of your lunch break doing a self pity circle jerk, and if I ever see you bad mouthing my friends, I'll rain down Tartarus upon you all." Skystrike made his eyes flash as he loomed over them.

The three took the hint and ran the complete opposite direction. Skystrike sighed as he saw them round the corner and turned back to the two. "What?" He asked.

"...And I thought I was assertive." Fluttershy said.

"Damn, dude, you went in! Thanks I guess??? You were a lot harder on them than I thought you would be." Rainbow dash coughed.

"Rainbow, you have a talent. Don't let assholes like them bring you down. I won't let anyone trample on another's dream."

Rainbow sighed. "...They're right... I'll never be able to do it..."

Fluttershy tried to cheer her up. "But Rainbow Dash, just because you failed the sonic rainboom a hundred thousand times in practice doesn't mean you won't be able to do it in front of an entire stadium full of impatient, super critical sports fans!"

...Holy fuck that was trying??? "Fluttershy..." Skystrike was trying not to laugh. "We need to work on your pep talks..."

Rainbow Dash's nerves finally got to her. "AAAAAAH!" Skystrike covered his ears. "What do I do!? Everypony is gonna see me fail! The Wonderbolts will never let a loser like me join! Princess Celestia will probably banish me to the Everfree forest! My life is ruined!"

Skystrike was gonna tell Celestia about that later. Fluttershy blinked and stared off into space. "...Rare-?"

"Wh- The sonic rainboom is way more than rare!" Rainbow stood back up from her wailing.

Skystrike noticed that Fluttershy was looking at something behind Rainbow Dash. "Rarity??"

They all looked behind Rainbow Dash. Skystrike was confused. "...Butterfly wings?"

"Rarity, are you flying!?" Rainbow was making sure she saw things right.

"I certainly am~!" Rarity flew down with her wings, almost like stained glass. "Aren't my wings smashing? Twilight made them for me, I just adore them!"

Skystrike closed both of the mouths of his jaw dropped pegasus friends. "I'm more surprised you learned to fly so quick."

"Well, it's rather easy, to be quite honest. It's kind of like... having a second horn. But Fluttershy, Rainbow, Why so shocked? We couldn't leave our favorite flier without a big cheering section."

"We?" Rainbow asked before seeing a purple hot air balloon bring the rest of her friends up. "I-... I can't believe it! This is so cool! You guys made it!"

"Sure did!" Pinkie jumped out of the hot air balloon and onto the cloud. Rainbow Dash's heart nearly stopped until she saw Pinkie didn't fall through. They Twilight and Applejack followed. "...How'd you do that? I thought only pegasus ponies could walk on clouds?"

Pinkie began doing cart wheels as Twilight explained. "I found a spell that gives temporary wings, but it was too difficult to do more than once, so I found an easier spell that lets the rest of us walk on clouds!"

"And we came to cheer you to victory!" Applejack got on her back hooves.

"...To be honest, I was getting just a teeny bit nervous. But I feel a lot better now that you guys are here." Then she had a thought. "Hey, we have some time before the competition! Why don't Fluttershy, Nebula, and I show you around Cloudsdale?"

The tour started by showing them a view few important parts of Cloudsdale. Skystrike would remember what he was talking about if he didn't keep getting distracted by the ponies ogling Rarity and her wings. Twilight explained to Rarity that her wings were delicate when she started to do rolls and loops... If Rarity was a pegasus, she'd be talented too. Soon, Applejack bought up wanting to see where the weather was made.

As he was in the weather factory, it made him think of a lot of things, mostly doing with this world's weather system. The water cycle doesn't work the way it does in his world, since the ponies, and what ever other races that can control the weather, have to make the clouds themselves. He found it a bit interesting. It was also interesting how they gave them special clothes to enter the factory... well his friends got the clothes. He was too big.

Rainbow did most of the talking. Each snow flake is hoof made, which seems really time consuming considering how much fucking snow he had to move during winter wrap up. Rarity blew them everywhere with her wings though, so they moved on quickly to the next part. Apparently, they make Rainbows to? But, liquid ones instead of the ones made with light. Unless they're the same? He was fucking confused. Magic is fucking bullshit.

Pinkie stuck a hoof into a pool of rainbow and licked it, turning every color of the rainbow before going "Spicyyyyyy!" weakly.

Applejack and Twilight laughed as Rainbow explained. "Yeah... rainbow's aren't really known for their flavor..." Skystrike was curious. He stuck in a hoof and licked it. Then kept licking the rainbow off his hooves. It was definitely spicy, but it was good. Each 'color' he tasted was giving ideas for meals. "Bro, what the buck?"

"It tastes good, okay!?" Skystrike wiped his hoof on his clothes. "I know what I'm getting from the gift shop."

The five of them looked to se Rarity being followed by the three stallions he saw earlier. First, they saw Rainbow and were about to mock her again, but then they saw Skystrike staring daggers. They made the smart choice not to say anything to her. But it didn't stop the mare in question from feeling self conscious about the comparison they made of her wings and Rarity's. It even continued into the cloud part of the factory. Rainbow put some distance between the group and herself as Rarity kept getting the attention of everypony. She was enjoying herself too much.

Skystrike walked over to Rainbow Dash. "...You aren't looking too good, Rainbow."

"I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be? Everypony will be too busy looking at Rarity's wings that they wont see me bomb the competition!" She held her head in her hooves.

Then some random pony suggested that Rarity enter the competition. Rarity quite liked the idea. "Hmm... there isn't' anypony who uses their wings quite like me... maybe I should compete!"

As Rarity flew off with the crowd following her, Rainbow Dash grew more distressed. "What am I gonna do!?" She pranced back and forth. "I'll never win the competition now..."

Skystrike put a hoof on Rainbow's back. "Rainbow, I know how easy it is for me to say something like 'Don't worrry' so I'm not going to say that. We've all felt what you're feeling, so there's not really anything we can say to make you feel better. But know this. Even if you feel like you're going to fail. you do your best. Failure is something we learn from, something that makes us strive to be better. You must believe in yourself. If you can't believe in yourself, believe in the friends that believe in you." She looked up at him. "Each of us do, and know you're going to win it by a landslide. Even Rarity. Despite her... actions, she was the one to recommend finding a spell to Twilight."

Each of the girls nodded and hugged Rainbow. "...Thanks, everypony.... Hey Nebula, can I ask you something?"

"Go for it."

"Don't... be too hard on Rarity."

"Aight." Skystrike nodded. "But that depends on if she recognizes her mess up and she apologizes to you."

It was the time of the event. Skystrike, Twilight, Applejack and Rarity were all making small talk over the competitors. But he was cutting them out of his mind a bit. Skystrike didn't feel too good about what was happening. He remembered Rainbow Dash was a single digit, but they were in the doubles now. Either she left by now, or she switched out her number for a later one. Stage fright got to her.

He thought about going to get her, but she came out right as he was moving to get up. Well, she and Rarity came out at the same time. Hold on, what the fuck is she wearing? A feather dress with spots? And a feather crown too... he was going to stop thinking on it, he'd never understand fashion. Rarity and Rainbow talked to each other, each on opposite ends of the social anxiety spectrum before doing their sets. Skystrike decided to focus on Rainbow Dash.

She started off by weaving between a line of poles. Her form was pretty good, but her problem became obvious to the trained eye. Each cloud pillar she passed she was a tad too early on starting the next turn. That came back to bite her as she bumped into one of the poles, flinging her head first into one of the walls of the colosseum. Those three stallions from earlier laughed at her. Skystrike must admit, she had one hell of a glare. Rainbow pushed herself off the wall and shook her head and went into phase two. She flew out of the colosseum and towards a set of clouds above it. She flew around one with a rather impressive speed, leaving the cloud at the right time to let it keep spinning as she went to do the same to the next one, then the next. They all cheered as her plan seemed to work... until a piece of the cloud fell off and hit her in the face, and making the cloud spiral towards- Hold on, when did Celestia get here? Was she here the whole time? Anyway, she and her guards ducked under the cloud rushing towards her head.

Skystrike grit his teeth at that, then followed Rainbow's eyes to see what she was looking at. Rarity was moving on to her final part... well, saying it like that implies that she planned all of this out, and she isn't just in the heat of the moment. The two mares both flew as high as they could into the sky. Rarity stopped just in front of the sun, letting her stained glass wings shine a beautiful light down on them. "Look upon me, Equestria, for I am Rarity!"

Skystrike sighed as the crowd looked in awe. Then he worrying thought. "...Twilight, what's her wings made of again?"

Twilight looked at him. "Gosmer and Morning dew. Why- ooooooooh... oooooooooh... ooooooh no..." They all kept looking at Rarity before her wings began to sizzle at the intensity of the sun, then combusting into flames before quickly turning to ash, leaving her suspended in the air. "OH NO!" Twilight gripped her face. Rarity began screaming as she fell through the stadium and was going towards the ground at soon to be terminal velocity.

Three of the Wonderbolts quickly jumped off to catch her, diving to get close, but Rarity was flailing so much that she knocked each of them out. It was kinda funny. Then Skystrike remembered they were falling to their death... probably... He got up to intervene, but then saw Rainbow zoom by to catch up to them... He decided to let her cook.

"Hold on Rarity!" Rainbow said as she dove, going faster and faster with each passing second. The air seemed to bend around her front hooves. Holy shit, he think's she's gonna do it. Skystrike and his friends all got up and looked in suspense. Rainbow flew with all her might as a Rainbow seemed to form around her, the friction in the air making lightning that surged through her.

And she did it, a rainbow explosion burst from behind her as she reached mach one, catching Rarity and the rest of the Wonderbolts just before they hit the ground. Fluttershy began jumping as she gave a cheer that would give Pinkie a run for her money. "A SONIC RAINBOOM SHE DID IT! WAHOO!"

Skystrike felt proud, watching her make a rainbow over them before landing. He flew down to pick up Rarity out of her hooves, as other bystanders pulled each of the Wonderbolts off of her. The crowd cheered in her honor. She couldn't help but cry at the sight. She even heard Fluttershy's cheering. "I-I did it! A sonic rainboom! I DID IT!"

Rarity gave a relieved sigh from Skystrike's arms. "You sure did! Oh, Thank you, Rainbow Dash! You saved my life!"

"Oh, heh, I did that too!" It took her a moment to realize. "Best day ever!" She pumped a hoof.

Skystrike smiled. "Knew you could do it, Rainbow."

"Thanks, bro." She gave a hoof bump. Then she thought. "Hey... you noticed Rarity fall before me... how come you didn't do something?"

"Well, you're able to do a lot with adrenaline. You did a rainboom the same way I first did mine." He shrugged.

Rarity realized what that implied. "You-... you let me fall?"

"Well I wouldn't say it like that, but yes. I thought it was your kink." Skystrike said, making Rainbow laugh a bit. "On a more serious note, take it as a learning experience. Besides, I knew Rainbow could've done it. That's why I didn't go to catch you."

"Dang, man, I said don't be too hard on her." Rainbow said a bit sheepish.

"I'm not being hard on her." Skystrike clarified as Twilight bought up her air balloon. "Oh, perfect timing." Skystrike put the unicorn in the basket as the rest of their friends came down. He rolled his wings as he landed.

Rarity took the hint from the look Skystrike was giving her. "I... want to apologize to all of you for getting so carried away with my..." She shuttered at the loss. "Beautiful wings... I guess I just lost my head." They all forgave her pretty easily, but it wasn't a big deal. "And I'm especially sorry that I was so thoughtless to jump into the contest at the last minute after you had worked so hard to win it." Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash. "Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Aw, it's ok! Everything turned out alright, right?" Rainbow shrugged it off. "I just wish I could've met the Wonderbolts when they were awake." A hoof tapped her shoulder, making her turn and almost pass out. "Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!"

The lead, Spitfire spoke first. "So you're the little pony who saved our lives! We really wanted to meet you, and say thanks!" The two behind her, Soarin and Misty Fly nodded. "You're even better than what I heard about you!"

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" Oh god, she was fucking losing it, fan girling! "Wait, you've heard about me???"

"Yeah! Your friend Nebula here says you have potential. Figured if he spoke about you so often in the letters, It'd be worth meeting you."

Rainbow's jaw dropped again, turning to Skystrike. He smirked. "You know I got your back."

They heard somepony clear their throat from behind them. "Hello, Twilight Sparkle! And hello to your friends too!" Celestia said as she approached.

They each gave a quick bow. Rarity and the princess made eye contact. "Princess Celestia, I'm sorry I ruined the competition... Rainbow Dash here really is the best flier in Equestria!"

"I know she is, dear. That's why thanks to her incredible act of bravery, and her spectacular sonic rainboom, I'm presenting the grand prize for best young flier to this years winner, Miss Rainbow Dash!" She put a ceremonial crown on her head. Rainbow couldn't hide how ecstatic she was.

Skystrike watched as the rest of his friends began to carry her off. Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. "Spitfire, Soarin, Misty Fly. How's things been?"

Spitfire gave a hoof bump. "First time I see you again and years and that's how you greet us?" She pulled him into a friendly hug. "How many years has it been since the princess put you in that flight camp?"

"Going on eleven... man, time flies by." Skystrike did the same to Soarin and Misty. "But hey, you two made it into the big blues!"

Soarin and Misty hesitantly returned it. Soarin asked the question the two had. "Sorry... have we met you before?"

"Eh, don't worry about if for now, you two will find out about the gala. Just figured I'd say hi while I'm in the area." Skystrike shrugged. "Spitfire, you can tell them in private if you want. Just too many eyes here for me to reveal. And I live in Ponyville if you ever want to visit. I'm trying to be more open with ponies. Actually, I can just come visit you here in Cloudsdale."

"Well, kid, if you got time, I do. Soarin and Wave Chill are going to be spending the rest of the day with Rainbow Dash." She moved her goggles out of her eyes and around her neck. "Misty, you game? Gonna grab a bite to eat on the way."

"Meh, sure, I need time to work off this head ache too." She rubbed her chin where Rarity hit her.

"Sure, I'll come. I just got a quick stop to make."

Spitfire and Misty watched from the path as Skystrike stood over a tombstone with a bouquet of flowers. The tombstone wasn't anything special, but it meant a lot to him. Carved into the head of the stone was a cutie mark of an ace of clubs with a steel sword vertically behind it. The flowers in his hooves were Forget-me-nots, Gladiolus, and Crimson Roses. To remember him, to signify his honor and integrity, to mourn. "Been a while, Steel Ace. I've never forgotten you, and... I'm always thankful for the time we spent together..." He put the flowers in a glass left by the previous visitors. "I did it. Made it to the top of the mercenary rankings in your stead. Helped not only ponies, but anyone who needed it... You inspired me to do that... I hope I made you proud, and... I hope I bought you closure. Rest well, old friend. I'll make sure to visit more often." Skystrike stood there for a moment as he felt the wind pick up and blow against his back.

Spitfire and Misty each gave him a solemn look. Skystrike gave a small sigh. "Alright, I haven't been to Cloudsdale in years... know any good places to eat?"

Spitfire and Misty looked at each other as they thought. Misty hummed. "Well, today is one of my cheat days. You two feel like hayburgers? My favorite place isn't that far of a walk."

"YES!" Spitfire and Skystrike said together, then looked at each other and laughed.

The three walked for a bit before Spitfire asked what the two mares were thinking. "Hey, Nebula... can I ask who you were paying respects to?"

Skystrike nodded. "Yeah. When I was 16, I first started being a mercenary, that guy, Steel Ace, was the first pony to give me a helping hoof. Origionally, I didn't know why he wanted to help me specifically, but... he was one of the first ponies I grew to trust, and he left an imprint on me. He was just a good stallion all around, never hesitating to help somepony, always spoke about being a hero. Somepony I strived to be, wanted to make proud." Skystrike looked at the setting sun. "He failed the Royal Guard entrance exam because his morals went against what he stood for, and wouldn't let red tape stop him from being of use, so he became a merc. Taught me the ropes and all that... he would be 34 by now... Damn, it's been almost ten years."

"...What happened to him?" Misty asked.

Spitfire elbowed her. "Sorry, she's not too good on social queues..."

Skystrike waved a hoof and chuckled. "Oh, it's all good. I do the same sometimes." He went back to looking forward. "He... there was a mare he knew... I don't know how Ace knew the mare, but she had it out for him. She accused Ace of one of the worst things you could do to a pony... Of course, he denied it, but no one but me believed him. I knew Ace didn't do it because I was with him the day it supposedly happened." He grit his teeth. "Everypony left him alone... his friends, his colleagues, his family, just left him hanging. Nopony besides me even interacted with him for months, and the rumor spread too far. I told him that I'd support him no matter what. It was the day after his birthday... and I was the only one to accept the invite. That day, he had a genuine smile on his face for the first, and last time in months. The day after, he was gone... He hung himself. Found out when he didn't come down for breakfast."

Misty flinched. "Dear Celestia... I'm so sorry... but... what was he accused of that he lost everypony?"

Skystrike growled. "Something that rhymed with grape."

"...And what happened to that mare? Do you remember her name? I hope karma got to her." Spitfire asked.

"Oh, I made sure of that, I was the catalyst... If you two were in Canterlot nine years ago, you'd know how my name first started getting around. Does the name Silver Chalice ring any bells?"

"A bit. Remind me."

Skystrike nodded. "I wanted revenge for the friend I lost, so I plotted and waited. At first, I just wanted to give Chalice the same fate that befell Ace, but I knew he wouldn't want that, and I knew it was too good for her. I didn't care what happened to me, I just wanted him to have closure... I lured her to Canterlot clock tower, saying I knew what she did. When she showed up, let's just say I... coerced her to admit to what she did. Every lie on his name she told. What she didn't know was that I set up a magic circle to amplify her voice so everypony who could hear the bell could hear what we were saying. Sure, I had to do some community service because what I did technically counted as entrapment. But I was underage, and she wasn't. Her reputation was ruined after that."

"Damn... sorry you had to go through that, Nebula. But at least she got what she deserved... And I'm sure you made Steel Ace proud." Spitfire put a hoof on his shoulder.

"I hope so... I've just realized as I grew older that... we represent different things. He always tried to see the best in ponies, to a fault. Giving too many chances to ponies not deserving, saying it wasn't our place to judge. But I've seen too much to have his optimism. I rarely give ponies the chance to make the same mistake twice. Judgement was the mantle that was given to me. Hopefully, he can forgive me for that."

"I'm sure he already has. But lets move on from the sad stuff... Soarin, one of my cadets have been listening to your diss track..." Spitfire gave a slight jab with her elbow. "I gave it a listen. Didn't know you knew how to sing. That was a ballsy move!"

Skystrike couldn't help but laugh at that. "Oh man, that was great. I'm just glad the track landed. That was my debut, if that didn't work, it was over!"

Misty pushed the door open to their destination, a place called 'Burger Barn'. "Any ideas for the next ones?"

The three sat down at a booth. "A couple, actually. Just need to decide what I want to sing about exactly, and what type of music. Like, I could go for something smooth and calming, or something upbeat and hype. I thought about singing about parts of my life, but not sure if it'll land, since my life isn't exactly a happy one."

"Well, in my opinion, those are the ones I like most. Songs I can relate to I mean." Misty looked up from the menu. "There aren't too many that do that. I want something that I can relate to when I'm down. It makes me feel a bit better knowing I'm not the only mare going though something tough."

"Honestly, I think my favorite is Drum 'n Bass. Pop is a close second, there's just too many types." Spitfire took a look at the menu. "Ooo, they got cucumbers!"

Skystrike looked at the menu too. "There's so many styles I like, and the mare I'm working with is really talented. She's also willing to try out all the different types. Pop is what I'm going to try next... that or breakcore. But Drum 'n Bass is really good... That gives me ideas for lyrics. Thanks you two." Skystrike reached into his saddlebag and began writing. "I'm still in this convo, I can multi-task."

"What's your ideas?"

"Just some lyrics I'm writing. I decide the genre after the Lyrics are done... I also need to decide the tempo..."

"Well, I know you just started, but what do you have so far?" Misty asked as they placed their orders.

Skystrike cleared his throat to give a small demonstration. It was fitting for his life right now, and for his visit earlier to Steel Ace. He'd dedicate it to him.

Another week came. Skystrike could hear the music that he and Vinyl made as he was in the sound booth, in her studio, tapping his hoof to the beat. Vynil gave him a nod to signal that she was recording. Skystrike would make sure to sing one for Ace. They decided to name this one "Young Girl A". He began singing into the microphone.

"Let me tell you all about 'my' life.
Speaking in a round of 'someone's' life.
Every now and then off once or twice,
everything all ends up right it seems!

Suffocating sun is blinding the eyes.
Drowning in a feeling choking the mind.
Counting on the rain to douse the skies.
How do I survive the thundering?

Loving and the hate all wash away.
Loving and the hate all wash away.
Tell me where it is you hide the pain?
Smiling alight so gracefully?

Spitting out a phrase without a shape.
Spitting out a phrase without a shape.
Somewhere on the road we lost our way.
How can I convey the same to you?

Collecting all the scraps of dreams that never came.
Hey~, wait! Hey~, wait! Seems it all was my mistake...

Ah~ 'now and then~', 'now and then~', 'I'll just break again' It's-
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold.
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold!
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold! You left me alone now!

Ah~ what is left~? What is left~? Oh the words you said? It's-
Fading away, away, away, away.
Fading away, away, away, away!
Fading away, away, away! I'm breaking in pain, so
Any place you can find my name, it would be okay,
'Cause just the thought is all it takes...

Every little promise ever we made.
Every little promise ever we made.
Carrying the weight of each mistake.
Somehow, we arrive at the coming of day!

Loving and the hate all wash away.
Loving and the hate all wash away.
Tell me where it is you hide the pain?
Smiling alight so gracefully?

'A pair of flowers budding calms me ever so...'
Although~, although~, you had all but lost your hope.

Ah~, 'chasing dreams~', 'chasing dreams~', ever out of reach, It's-
Speeding away, away, away, away.
Speeding away, away, away, away!
Speeding away, away, away! I can't keep the pace. The-

Feelings~ that can't be erased, bid my blood to take, It's-
Hurting, a rage, a rage, a rage, a rage.
Hurting, a rage, a rage, a rage, a rage!
Hurting, a rage, a rage, a rage! It's never the same right?

Ah~, this is just... how I dreamed... Or it seemed to be but,
Crying alone, alone, alone, alone.
Crying alone, alone, alone, alone!
Crying alone, alone, alone! Don't come any closer!

Trading~ the code we had made in our better days, It's-
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold.
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold, the cold!
Bitter, the cold, the cold, the cold! It's all that I know, so
Any place, you can find my name, it would be okay,
So let me keep it all the same..."

Skystrike gave Steel Ace one last thank you. He needed to stop thinking of what could've been, the life he could've had if he wasn't given a time limit. It was time to focus on the present, and the friends he had around him. Even if this world wasn't fair, he had to make do with the cards he was given. It's what he'd want for him.