‘Cupcakes. I could really go for some of Pinkie’s cupcakes right about now’ was one out of many of Mark’s thoughts as he wearily walked behind Lyn.
The following morning at the fortress, a woman named Natalie had stumbled into the fortress, exhausted and barely standing as she looked for her husband. Soon after, bandits had attacked including Natalie’s husband, a large burly man named Dorcas. Luckily, Lyn was able to persuade him to join rather than fight them. Then the battle just became that of holding the bandits off until they left, though it didn't hurt when Lyn took an opening and cut down the one leading the attack.
Afterwards, Dorcas and Natalie's home was on the way so they traveled with the group for awhile, Natalie even made them all breakfast since they had to skip it initially. Instead of parting ways however, Dorcas decided to join Lyn as a form of payment and as an apology for attacking them. He was a very quiet man, and seemed expressionless most of the time, but was good company as they now neared the Lycian border.
‘Dorcas is pretty strong, and now I’ve got an axe wielder to command. Neat.'
'He seems familiar though. Not like you've met but...I don't know, familiar.’
‘I agree. But what is it? I just can’t put my hoof on it.’
‘Fingers and hands, remember? Anyway, what is it about him?’
‘Lets see, strong, big, loves family, doesn’t talk mu- HOLY CRAP! He’s a human Big Mac!!!’
‘That's why!’
‘I like Big Mac. He was pretty cool, especially since he didn't try to kick my flank when he found out about the applecart.’
‘Well, you did already get bucked by AJ. Twice. And you were working to pay it off. So I don’t think he had anymore bones to pick with you.’
‘Eeyup.’
Mark glanced at the legion to check their conditions. He noticed everyone was only a little bit tired, and that Sain was currently trying to stay as far away as possible from Mark.
‘So, when are you gonna apologize to Sain?’
‘For what? And why am I the one apologizing?’
‘You know what and you know why. He thought you were making the names up.’
‘I think that he should apologize first.’
‘Do you really have anything better to do?’
‘Well no, but-’
‘And despite all that, you still consider him a friend although not of the best sort.’
‘No, I don't.’
‘Stop trying to lie to me, I’m your subconscious. I read your damn mind before you even think it!’
Mark let out a sigh, ‘Fine. I'll apologize for not just telling him off and instead, using my "stare".’
‘On a scale from one to Fluttershy, I’d give it a seven.’
‘I...don’t even know how to judge that.’
Mark snapped out of his thoughts as Kent began to speak.
“We’ve almost reached the Lycian border,” Kent said.
“Once we cross, we’ll be safe from the bandits, right?” Lyn asked, hopeful that the worst was over.
Wil stretched in an easy-going manner. “We should be.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t still be cautious,” Mark muttered to himself, though Wil and Lyn heard him.
“I doubt they’ll be willing to pursue us across the border,” Wil responded confidently and began to move at the front of the Legion.
A few more trots and Sain recognized where they were in reference to a map. “Lycia at last! It’s been a long time. Tomorrow, we’ll dine on a feast of Lycia’s finest food.” Sain said.
‘That doesn’t sound too bad actually-’
“And the mistress of the inn at the crossing is said to be a beauty. Ah, yes... Food and love. No better way to restore a man’s soul!” Sain continued, eliciting facepalms from Kent and Mark. “This is going to be a fine evening, eh, Kent?” Sain said nudging the red knight in the side.
“If your behavior is as deplorable as ever, we’d best stay elsewhere. We’re not here for sightseeing!” Kent spoke through gritted teeth.
“Oh, come now! That’s not fair!” Sain remarked, looking as if Kent had just kicked his puppy.
‘I guess this could be considered a first step to an apology...’ Mark thought before sighing and tapping Lyn’s shoulder to get her attention. “Lyn, I think we’re all tired of sleeping on the ground, and actual bed sound really good right now.”
Lyn looked thoughtful, before turning to Kent. “Kent, the inn will be fine.”
Kent looked between Sain and Lyn and sighed. “As you say, milady.”
Sain practically jumped off his horse in glee. “Lyndis! You are truly an angel from on high!”
Just as Sain was probably going to scoop up Lyn and give her a hug, she sidestepped out of his reach. “It’s nothing. Forget it. Besides it was Mark who convinced me.”
Despite the negative implication, Mark couldn't help but smile as Sain suddenly froze at the mention of his name. 'Seems I left a strong impression.'
“Ah! We’ll finally be able to get a good night’s sleep,” Florina said excitedly to Lyn as she rode on Huey.
Mark turned to their newest addition, “Dorcas, what do you think? You’re excited at the thought of a bed too, huh?”
‘That would be frickin hilarious if he said, Eeyup.’
Dorcas just looked at the tactician before looking over at some hills, “...........bandits.”
Mark turned to where Dorcas was looking and sure enough, he saw armed men approaching. “Dammit. Lyn we’ve got company!”
Lyn readied her weapon as she followed Mark’s gaze. “Oh, no... Those bandits are persistent, I’ll give them that much.”
“Here they are, Found 'em!” shouted one of the bandits, who carried an oversized sword on his shoulder.
Mark’s scanned the surroundings as more armed men began to appear.
“Everyone into those woods now!” Mark said as he began running to the mentioned woods.
“What? Not again! They’re still after us?” Wil said more to himself as he followed Mark’s lead.
Quickly and surgical, Lyn's Legion entered the woods before the bandits could reach them, with Mark, Lyn, and Dorcas near it's edge.
“Hehe, Don’t think you’re getting away so easily!” The bandit with the sword called out.
“You leave alive, and everyone’ll think the Ganelon Bandits have gone soft!” Another bandit said, though this one had a bow.
“So? We care nothing for you or your reputations! We must get to Lycia! Get in our way, and you’ll pay!” Lyn said as she took cover behind one of the trees next to Mark.
“I think you’ve already gone soft since you’re compensating with that sword!” Mark shouted at them and wiggling his pinkie finger, eliciting chuckles and smiles from the Legion.
The bandit's face turned red from anger. “Cheeky little things, aren’t you? Lets get’em, lads! And no holding back just ‘cause there’s women with’em! Wipe’em out!” The bandit yelled before raising his sword and charging at the woods.
Lyn jumped out quickly and almost immediately cut the bandit down before she took cover back in the safety of the woods. The first moves were made and the battle had officially begun.
“Sain! Kent! Dorcas, your together! Go north and stick to the woods to take them out then go past the other side of those hills!” Mark ordered them pointing in the indicated direction. He turned to Florina, “Florina! Fly over that lake and take care of whomever you can. If you see an archer or are outnumbered, don’t take any risks and get back here.”
“Lyn, Wil, you’re with me and-” Mark stopped and listened when he heard a high pitched voice in the distance.
“Wow! A fight! A fight! Erk! Take a look! Fighting those bandits... It’s a young girl!” Said a sixteen year old pink haired girl in white robes.
A young man of similar age and purple hair looked like he was about to strangle her. “Fool! Keep your voice down!”
“Eh? What’s this? You in league with that she-devil?” A bandit asked pointing his bow half-drawn and now pointing an arrow at them.
The girl looked oblivious. “Hm?”
“Ah.. This is so wrong...” Was all the young man said as he pointed his hand at the man and fire shot forth from it, hitting the bandit in the chest, killing him.
‘That was pretty cool.’
The bandit that was next to the now toasted one, jumped back and charged at the robed girl, “Gyaa! I’ll take care of you with one swift stroke!”
“Eeeeeeek! Eeeeeeek! Eeeeeeeeeeeeek! Erk! Help me!!!” The girl shrieked right next to the boy’s head as he covered his ears.
“So...loud... Serra! Behind me! You there! See if you can match me!” The mage named Erk, challenged as two more fireballs shot out from his hand hitting the charging bandit.
“That scream...Look! Mark, someone’s over there!” Lyn said pointing at the two. Apparently, she hadn't heard the girl like Mark had.
“I know Lyn, lets go see if they're willing to assist us,” Mark said, walking out of the cover of the woods now that the immediate threats were taken care of.
“Or they may need our help.” Lyn strode past Mark and spoke to the pink haired girl. “Um, excuse me... Hello?”
“Hm?” The girl turned to Lyn.
“Why are you fighting these bandits?” Lyn asked.
The purple haired stranger was pinching the bridge of his nose. “...It just happened.”
“That’s not true! Those ruffians thought that we were with you!!! You got us into a terrible situation! Now, how are you going to get us out?” The girl said, crossing her arms in annoyance.
‘Did she seriously just blame us for this?’
‘Technically it’s true though, the bandits are here for you.’
‘Still she doesn’t need to be so annoying about it. Plus, didn’t she just involve herself?’
Purple hair spoke up. “Serra, if you’d not been so meddlesome this all could have been avoided. My apologies. Please trouble yourself with us no more.”
‘See, purple head gets it.’
“But...if you’re going to have to fight anyway, shouldn’t we team up? It will end things faster, right?” Lyn said, confused at the other girl’s arrogant tone.
The girl looked like she had an epiphany. “That’s true! Yes! That’s good! Erk! Go and help these ladies,” she said, striking a pose.
'Do I look like a girl?'
'I dunno, you sure act like one sometimes.'
“Do I look like a girl?” Mark asked Lyn, who just shrugged.
“But I...Fine!” The purple haired guy named Erk said, pinching the bridge of his nose again. Mark could almost see the mage’s vein popping out of his head.
“Very good. My name’s Lyn this is our tactician, Mark. So tell me, will you join arms with us?”
“Yes, we’d be glad to. My name is Serra. This is my escort, Erk. Be a good boy, and go fight now, Erk,” Serra said, making a shooing motion with her hands.
Erk let out a loud sigh as he off-handedly blasted an archer that was trying to get the drop on them.
‘Is he even trying?’
“Um, Lyn, Erk, go catch up with Florina at the other side of that lake and back her up,” Mark said. Lyn nodded and began jogging towards the destination with Erk reluctantly following.
Mark turned to Serra who was currently making sure there was no dirt on her robes.
“Do I really look like a girl?” Mark asked, genuinely concerned for his image.
‘Narcissist.’
“Oh, hello. You’re Mark, right?” Serra asked, examining him. “I’m Serra. Nice to meet you. I am Erk’s employer. “Master,” I suppose you could say. No, now that I have a better look at you I can’t say you look like a girl.”
Mark released the breath he was holding. ‘At least thats taken care of.’
“Although,” she grinned and her eyes fluttered, “You are kinda cute, so I think I’m generous enough to allow you to court me.”
Mark’s eyes widened in shock. ‘Is she serious?’
‘Sweet Celestia, I think she is.’
“I know, I know, I’m generous to a fault. Hm?” She noticed Mark’s current expression. “Why are you looking at me like that? Praise my generosity!” She shouted.
‘How did that mage deal with this.’
‘He probably has a happy place somewhere in his mind.’
Suddenly Mark’s attention shifted to the movement in the woods behind Serra. A bandit wielding a sword came out and was raising his weapon to cut the girl in two. Reacting, Mark ran up and tackled the girl away just as the sword sliced through the air where Serra was just standing.
Mark and Serra locked eyes before looking back to the bandit, both their eyes widening as the sword was about to follow through. Mark blinked for a moment and as he opened his eyes he saw the bandit fall backwards, an arrow protruding from his eye.
“Did you seriously just forget about me Mark?” Wil said as he walked up to the two, notching another arrow. He stopped, raised an eyebrow and grinned mischievously when he saw them. “Am I interrupting something?”
Mark looked down to where Serra was and noticed that he was over her and her face was flushed.
‘Wait, what’s so weird about this?’
‘Oh I don't know, your over a cute but annoying girl, your heart is racing from near death, and the girl’s face is red. WHAT DO YOU THINK IT LOOKS LIKE!’
Mark jumped away from Serra who was still flushed. As she picked herself up currently looking away in the distance lost in thought.
“Um, Wil this is Serra. Serra, Wil. Now that introductions are over lets go catch up with Lyn.” Mark said at twice his normal talking speed as he power-walked the direction he sent Lyn and the rest of the Legion.
******************************************************************************************
“Nicely done, Mark. That should just about do it,” Lyn said with a smile. After Dorcas had cleaved the last bandit in two.
“What a surprise. You are very strong, Lyn, and you travel such good company.” Serra glanced at Mark who was currently checking his map to try to find the inn.
“Well your healing abilities amaze me!” Lyn said with enthusiasm, remembering how Serra had used her staff to heal some of the Legion.
“I agree, I’ve never seen anything quite like that,” Mark said, eyes not leaving the map.
‘I don’t think Twilight even knows any healing spells to that extent. I should bring her one of those staffs.’
‘See. The girl isn’t as useless as you thought.’
‘I wonder if either she or Erk could teach me about the magic in this world.’
Mark raised his head from the map as he faced the inn’s direction. “Well, it’s time for us to go. Hey Erk could you-”
“What have we here? Another wildflower? Perhaps a butterfly? What an absolutely delectable creature!” Sain interrupted, eyes intent on the pink haired cleric.
‘Sonofabitch.’
“Oh my! Are you one of Lyn’s companions?” Serra said with a flattered expression.
Sain bowed on his horse. “Please, call me Sain.”
“Idiot, oaf, fool, or Greenie Beanie, work too,” Mark said offhandedly, deciding to focus on one of his books about humans rather than glare at Sain for interrupting. His reason simply, it wasn’t worth the effort right now. ‘And you still want to try to apologize.'
“I’m Serra. I serve House Ostia.”
“Serra... What a lyrical name. I am in service to Castle Caelin.”
“Oh! So is Lyn a member of the marquess’s family?”
“She is the granddaughter of our Lord, the marquess.”
“Hmm... Such an important person along with fine company.” Serra smiled devilishly while glancing between both Sain and Mark. The former swooning while the latter surprised and blushing by something in his book.
‘Is that what I think they are?!’
‘So that’s what those mounds are.’
‘I was curious, but now I’m regretting it a bit.’
‘Why? Cause you’ll stare now that you know what and where human teets are?’
‘I had wondered why he did it but am I...am I as bad as Sain?’
Mark glanced at Sain, then Serra but quickly brought his eyes back to his book so his eyes didn’t wander.
‘Lets just say maybe for now since you can at least control your eyes.’
“Serra...What deviousness are you contemplating now?” Erk asked, seeing Serra's maniacal smile.
“Tee Hee! Having a person of power in your debt is never a bad thing!” ‘Plus, I’ll be able to get closer to him.’ Serra thought to herself.
“You can’t be serious...” Erk said bringing his hands over his face and looking to the sky for help.
“Oh! Sain, Mark! Do you think we could join the lady Lyndis’s company?” Serra asked, adding a pout for good measure.
That got Mark’s attention as he closed his book and started to rub his chin in thought.
‘This could actually be good.’
‘True but everything has a downside.’
‘It’s probably going to be dealing with Serra, but Twilight would kill me if I didn’t learn about or bring back a staff.’
‘So now your confident you’ll get back home?’
‘Call it optimism, but from what I can tell magic brought me to this world, magic can take me out of it.’
‘You know you just made a double entendre right, especially with purple-head mcfirehands over there.’
‘Yah, but it doesn’t matter. Besides, I’ve never had an opportunity like this to use what I’ve learned and lets face it, Equestria isn’t getting a war anytime soon.’
‘Just don’t tell Bassy that, he’ll think you jinxed it.’
Mark turned to Lyn, “Lyn we’ve got two new members for the Legion.”
********************************************************************************************
“- and that’s the story my faithful student.” Finished Celestia, after informing Twilight about her history in other world and her plans to return Mark.
“But Princess, what if Mark’s changed for the worse like you said was possible?” Twilight said, worry in her voice.
“Twilight, during the five years I’ve known Mark, nothing short of disaster has ever been able to truly change him,” Celestia said in a motherly tone.
Twilight began pacing. “But Princess, this is a disaster! Mark is in an unknown world where events that haven’t happened in Equestria in over a thousand years like war, possibly happen every ten!”
Celestia’s horn glowed an almost white yellow as she lifted and placed Twilight in front of her. “Twilight, I know that world better than you do. There are its fair share of evils, however, there is also so much good in that world as well. You should also never forget that Mark wouldn’t like you worrying over him this much. I guarantee you, my faithful student, Mark will be found and he will be safe.”
Twilight sighed before putting on a smile. “You’re right Princess, and when he gets back, I’ll make sure he feels as welcome if not more than his first day.”
Celestia giggled. “You know, he did tell me all the details of that day.”
Twilight's pupils dilated and all the blood seemed to drain from her face further adding to Celestia's giggles.
“Don’t forget to tell the rest of your friends about Mark’s inevitable return,” Celestia said in a sing-song voice before teleporting out of the treebrary, leaving a still stunned Twilight.
Luna was hopping like a little filly when Celestia returned.
“Sister, I have done it! I have found Marked Defiance!” Luna said in her Royal Canterlot Voice.
“Luna, dear sister, calm down before you deafen the poor maids,” Celestia responded, glancing at a passing maid who was thrown back by Luna’s voice.
“Sorry,” Luna said, scratching the floor with her hoof sheepishly.
“Then if you’re able, tonight contact him and tell him how to get home. Everypony will be happy to see him. With the exception of Blueblood."
*****************************************************************************************
Mark and the Legion had arrived at the inn, luckily they had two large rooms available, unfortunately, both rooms were only able to house a total of four guests each.
“So what your saying is that one of the guys has to bunk with the girls,” Mark repeated.
“I volunteer in this. I couldn’t possibly leave those beautiful flowers without the protection of a knight,” Sain said as boldly as possible.
“Absolutely not, you oaf/idiot!” Mark and Kent said in unison.
Mark cast his gaze over to Erk. “No, I’ve had to deal with that banshee since Etruria. This is the break I need or I believe I may snap.”
“.....I snore.” Was all Dorcas said when Mark looked to him.
Kent sighed. “I guess this means that it’s between you and I, Mark.”
Mark scratched his head, ‘Man, hands are really nice.’ “Alright why don’t we let the girls pick between us over dinner then.”
“That sounds like a fine plan,” Kent responded.
Fifteen minutes later..............
The atmosphere in the inn was quite pleasant as the fireplace crackled and other guests enjoyed their time conversing, eating, and drinking. The Legion had gathered at the largest table since there were nine of them. Florina sat between Serra and Lyn, Mark between Lyn and Dorcas, Sain across from them between Kent and Wil, and Erk just sat as far away from Serra as possible.
“So first order of business, Erk. Serra. Welcome to Lyndis’ Legion, Mark said raising a mug of something as everyone did the same. ‘It’s called mead, but it smells interesting and Equestria doesn’t have this.’ He thought before taking a sip of the honey wine.
‘Woah.’
‘Yeah, I know.’
‘This shit is awesome.’
‘I’ll need to ask how to make it later.’
“Ok, second order of business, girls between me and Kent, whom do you want staying in the same room?” Mark asked.
‘It’ll probably be Kent.’
‘Why’s that? No more confidence and narcissism.’
‘No, but between a trained knight and a pony-turned-human, I’d go with the knight. And I’m not narcissistic just because I’m sexy and I know it.’ Mark thought taking another sip of the mead.
“Mark.”
“Mark.”
“Mark <3”
Mark almost choked on his drink when he heard his name thrice, especially with the last one’s tone. “Wait, what? Why, if you need someone to protect you-” He looked at Lyn as she raised an eyebrow. “Nevermind I forgot who I was talking to. Alright then, third order of business- oh food’s here.” Mark exclaimed as the barmaid/waitress came and dropped off their food. On a Silver platter, there was fruits, vegetables, and some kind of brown loaf of something familiar Mark couldn’t put his finger on. All in all, it looked a lot better than the bread and cheese that they had to eat on the road.
Everyone grabbed what they wanted, and began to dine. Mark was however, still testing his portion of the brown loaf as he couldn’t recall why it seemed familiar. Shrugging, he cut himself a piece and placed it into his mouth. As he began to chew, pure bliss was expressed on his face. Whatever he was eating, was tender and with every chew, the juices from inside of it was released. It was delicious and Mark decided to screw manners and eat the loaf with vigor.
Lyn stopped as she noticed how fast Mark was eating for the past 5 minutes. “Mark if you keep eating your steak that fast, you’ll get sick!”
Steak. Mark froze, face turning very pale. ‘Oh sweet Celestia, what have I done.’
‘Well your not a pony right now, and pony physiology can handle meat anyway.’
‘But this used to be a living thing!’
‘And now its a dead, delicious, juicy, tender, and succulent thing.’
‘At-at least I know what these canines are for.’
‘Don’t freak out over dinner.’
‘I’m not freaking, who’s freaking out, certainly not me, I just ate a cow or a buffaloe, or a-’
‘SHUT UP! You ate meat and you liked it, now accept that fact and man up!’
Mark set his utensils down and pushed his plate away as he took deep breaths.
“Mark are you okay?” Lyn asked worried at how Mark had reacted.
“It-It’s fine Lyn I’ve just... never had meat before is all.” Mark’s face began to regain some color.
“No meat? Mark where are you from that you don’t have meat?” Lyn asked before her eyes widened at the memory of the previous night. “I-if you want to talk about it that is.”
“That reminds me, third order of business, Sain. “ Mark turned to the green knight. “I need to make a formal apology for last night’s behavior. I may have been mad at you for insulting my friends, but that doesn’t excuse me from threatening my new ones either. Can you forgive me?” Mark said lowering his head.
“Mark my good fellow, that’s all I need. Apology accepted. I on my part should never have said something so crude about them. All ladies have their unique beauty after all. Although it would sweeten the deal if you switched room-”
“Don’t push it,” Mark interrupted, casting a quick 'shut your mouth' glare at him.
“It was worth a shot to be with these beauties from the heavens,” Sain said, gesturing towards the girls and getting mixed reactions, Lyn rolling her eyes, Florina blushing, and Serra giggling haughtily.
“I’m sorry, dear knight, however, my own knight in shining armor is waiting for the opportunity to court me properly as we speak,” Serra said.
‘Shining Armor...I wonder how he's doing. I haven't seen him since his wedding day.’
‘You should go to the Crystal Empire and visit sometime. Back to the present, I wonder who's the crazy bastard Serra's talking about.’
“Why dear Serra! Why don’t you tell us who could possibly have won the chance to gain your affections?” Sain asked.
‘Oh, Lord Pent, forgive me but if she says my name, I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold back throwing a fireball.’ Erk thought to himself.
Serra blushed. “Well, I was going to keep it a secret so that he would eventually come out of his shell on his own. However, I think that it will matter not if I reveal his identity.”
‘Not me, not me, not me, not me, Oh please don’t be me.’ Erk continued thinking.
Mark took a large sip of mead, ‘This should be interesting, I bet she’ll say Erk just to piss him off.’ Mark thought with a smile.
“The identity of my future suitor and current savior, is none other than our very own tactician.”
Several things happened at once.
Erk had jumped out of his seat and practically screamed, “YES, NOT ME!”.
Dorcas’ eyes widened in surprise but otherwise his face remained stoic.
Florina blushed and looked between Lyn, Serra, and Mark.
Kent and Sain’s jaw dropped.
Wil started laughing his ass off.
Lyn looked to Mark, shocked and...crestfallen?
Mark did a spit-take upon hearing the news. Unfortunately, he turned his head at the same time Lyn did, and the mead was now covering the upper portion of Lyn’s face and some of her hair.
Lyn didn’t say anything as she just took a deep breath, napkin, and left the table towards the stairs in a hurry.
“S-so, is it true you want to court her?” Florina asked quietly having gotten used to Mark, at least enough to talk to him.
Mark was still shocked at everything that just happened as watched Lyn walk away. “I-I hadn’t planned on it.” He stated absently.
“Oh, don’t be so modest Markey, I remember how you saved my life. How you looked deep down into my eyes. It was love at first sight for you, admit it,” Serra continued arrogantly.
Mark’s shock quickly festered into anger as his eyes narrowed and fell to the cleric. He kept his voice as calm as he could however. “Serra, I have no idea how relationships here work, however, when a mare- I mean woman, asks for a date it is generally done when both parties are consensual and aware of the other’s affection. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have someone I need to apologize to for spitting mead in her face!” Mark stood abruptly and walked upstairs to where Lyn had gone, fists clenched.
When Mark had entered the room he would be sharing, he noted several things, one Lyn was leaning on the window sill as she looked towards the night sky. Second, her hair was wet and down from her usual ponytail. Third, she had not noticed him.
He let out a sigh, ‘This is gonna be bad.’
‘Shouldn’t be any worse then getting bucked by Applejack.’
‘Until she pulls out the sword.’
‘She wouldn’t do that.’
Mark placed a hand on her shoulder, but before he could react he was laying on the floor, Lyn straddling his chest, and Mani Katti mere centimeters from his throat.
‘I stand corrected.’
‘And I think I’m about to piss myself.’
“MARK! I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was you!” Lyn said removing the offending blade and getting off of him.
‘Ok disaster averted.’
‘Don’t worry you’ll probably make another soon.’
‘Shut up brain.’
Slowly getting up as his heart rate returned to normal, “I-its no problem Lyn. I really shouldn’t have snuck up on you like that,” he chuckled half-heartedly. Lyn however, was frowning.
“Is...Is what Serra said true? Are you really going to court her and become someone special to her?” Lyn said quietly.
“NO! I think she’s just infatuated by the fact that I had saved her life earlier. I have no such feelings for her. And even if I did it wouldn’t work out because of what I am and how relationships work where I’m from!” Mark said rapidly.
“What you are? Mark what do you mean? What about relationships?” Lyn asked.
‘Crap. Improvise.’
Mark sighed, “What I mean Lyn, is that I’m a foreigner. I don’t belong here yet here I am. To be honest, my showing up was entirely accidental and I guess fateful since I got to make such a great friend as you. About the relationships, I’ll tell you tomorrow when there’s less...drama.”
“Thanks Mark I-” Lyn began before being interrupted by Mark.
“No, don’t you dare thank me. Lyn, you’ve saved my ass multiple times, some of them in the same day. If anything, I’m thankful to you. I came up here to apologize for what happened down there.”
“Mark, I...It’s just...” She sighed but then noticed how close their faces were before jumping back as if shocked, face flush as she stared, her green eyes staring into Mark’s blue one’s.
‘Probably from the adrenaline.’ Mark thought as he noticed her red face as they kept their eyes locked.
A knock at the door jolted them out of their staring contest.
“Um, Mark, are you in there?” It was Serra’s voice, but it had lost its arrogant vigor from earlier.
Mark looked back to Lyn before walking over to the door.
“Serra, I’m angry. What do you need?” Mark said, through gritted teeth.
“I-I-I w-wanted to say I’m s-orry.” Serra said quietly before sniffling.
Mark opened the door to see that the cleric’s eyes were red from crying.
“A-after you left, the big burly man, Dorcas, scolded me. He told me that you were right, and that-" She sniffled again. "-That I wasn’t taking you seriously and h-hurt your feelings.” Serra said as the tears began to flow again.
‘Crap, why am I such a sucker.’ Mark thought before wrapping Serra in a hug.
‘Because she reminds you a little of you.’
‘What the hay are you talking about now?’
‘Why did you pull pranks?’
‘Cause its funny and Blueblood deserves it for all the crap he pulls.’
‘Let me rephrase, why did you pull pranks before Gambit adopted you?’
‘Cause nobody paid attention to m- AH FUCKING CRAP!’
Mark sighed and patted Serra’s head as she sobbed into Mark’s shoulder. “Serra, why do you act the way you do? Like an arrogant noble when you clearly aren’t?”
"Its cause no one at the orphanage cared for me I didn’t have anyone nobody would care for a poor, useless, nobody. So I acted like it didn’t bother me. Then I thought if they thought I was someone important, they’d treat me better. T-that they’d care,” Serra managed to say before crying into Mark’s shoulder again. “Then you showed up y-you didn’t even know me and then you saved me, when everyone else would have probably ju-just let me d-die.”
Mark wrapped her in a tighter hug, “Serra, let me tell you a secret. I was also a nobody. No one cared for some street urchin whose parents abandoned him. I resorted to stealing to survive. And destructive practices,” ‘Like setting a cart on illusional fire’, “to get attention. Luckily, somepony actually found me and took the time to take care of me. In a sense he saved my life too, and he was my older brother.
Mark let out a heavy sigh, “Serra, I don’t think I can handle you as a lover,” ‘EVER!’ “but would you like me to be your big brother?” Mark said patting her head again.
Serra’s looked to Mark, and slowly nodded, “Y-yes, someone as pure as myself shouldn’t submit to being alone. Fine then, Mark from today on I, the ever generous Serra, adopt you as my big brother.” Serra replied going back to her arrogant tone.
‘Wasn’t it the other way around?’
‘Just roll with it’
“Then I, the ever amazing tactician, am honored that someone of such high standing is asking me this, and I will happily call you my little sister,” Mark said matching Serra’s tone.
“It was such a sweet moment until the end,” Lyn giggled causing Serra to jump in surprise and Mark to raise an eyebrow as he smirked.
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“Why would you do that?! You could have died! Nopony cares for a stupid foal on the streets!” Marked Defiance shouted at the older orange stallion.
The stallion rubbed his chin for a moment before flicking the little yellow unicorn’s head. “First off, kid, don’t tell me what I can and can’t do. Second, I care because you did sorta try to steal my bits. Third, no one should ever be alone. So how’s this, lets make a bet, if you win I’ll never bother you again. But if I win, you have to follow me around calling me big bro. All you have to do is catch me in the next ten minutes.”
Marked was rubbing the spot the stallion flicked. “And why would I even want to take that bet you big dumb-head!”
The orange stallion smiled, and held up a bag, “Because I also got what bits you had,” he said before running off, “Catch me if you can!”
Mark watched this exchange, usually when he dreamed a memory, he was never on the sidelines, or lucid for that matter.
“Jeez, was I really a brat like that back then?”
“You know it.” came a voice from a shadowy clone of Mark.
“Did you know you look kinda evil like that?”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
“That doesn’t make sense. So we’re in a lucid dream?”
“Yup.”
“Then what are we doing just standing around,” Mark said as he held out his hands which were now transforming into hooves. A mirror popped into existence and Mark looked at himself in it. Instead of the human whom he had been, he was now back to his original unicorn self.
“Glad you didn’t forget what you looked like.” the clone chuckled as he transformed as well.
“Who could possibly forget this devilishly handsome face?” Mark said with a wry grin.
The clone pointed its hoof at Mark, “See. There’s that narcissism again.”
“Whatever.” Mark huffed before the world around him changed and he and the clone were on the summit of a large mountain. Mark looked over the edge, “Eh, maybe a bit farther.” He looked up and blinked, now along with the clone, he was on the moon with his dream planet below.
“You ready?” he asked the clone.
The clone responded “Does a bear shit in the woods?”
Mark stopped and rubbed his chin in thought causing the clone to deadpan.
“The answer is yes. Dumbass.”
“But if I was really dumb I’d be dead by now.”
“You already got close to death multiple times. Now are we gonna do this or not!”
A large grin spread on Mark’s face as he nodded. Then both he and his clone jumped towards the dream planet, enter it's atmosphere, and sky dive. Due to this being a dream, Mark made the falling last, for as long as he liked.
“Wish the girls could be here.” And just like that all the element bearers , Luna, Celestia, and Prince Blueblood tied to an anvil, appeared next to him and was enjoying the rush of the wind as they all skydived in the dream. except for Blueblood. He was screaming like a filly.
“So Mark, do you always do things like this for your dreams?” Asked Luna as she did circles around him.
Mark chuckled, “Never but then again I've never been lucid enough before. He seems to be having a good time.” Mark said pointing at his clone who was more or less copying Rainbow Dash as they did stunts.
Luna’s eyebrow raised, “Isn't that you?”
“Yeah, the voice in my head. You know how it is.” Mark said shrugged before looking at Luna and suddenly grabbed her head. “Oh I always wanted to do this.” he said as he began rubbing his head through the constellations that made up Luna’s hair.
“M-M-Mark! We are flattered that thou enjoy our mane but we need to speak.” Luna said in a flustered voice as she pushed Mark away, her face purple from her current blush.
“Wow, this dream has a pretty realistic grip on how Luna speaks. Isn’t that weird Brain?” Mark called out to his clone.
“Mark, subconscious! And what is Luna Princess of again?” the clone said before going back to trying to out-stunt Rainbow Dash.
“Let’s see, the moon, the night, and dreams why do you-” Mark’s eyes widened and pupils dilated the size of pinpricks.
The world seemed to warp again and now Mark, the clone and Luna were floating in empty space.
“L-Luna, is that really you! Oh no, you saw all that. You felt that. Oh boy! On a scale from one to ten how much shit am I in now?” Mark asked, panick causing him to spin in the space.
“Marked Defiance. Calm yourself. It was fine, we-I am just glad that you are okay after being in your current world,” Luna said calmly although the blush was still present.
Mark took a deep breath before talking again, “I’m sorry about that Luna. I just kinda always wanted to feel your and Celestia’s mane. But that’s beside the point. How are you here? Have you been to this world before? Brain stop that your making us look bad.” Mark said as his clone was waving his hooves through Luna’s mane repeatedly. "Subconscious."
Luna ignored the clone as she recounted the history that Celestia explained to Armored Bastion and updated Mark on the current events of the Equestria, mainly how the element bearers were doing.
Mark smiled warmly, “Luna, when you get back flick Twilight’s forehead or poke her until she stops worrying. Also tell Rainbow Dash I won’t miss the Wonderbolt’s show, I mean come on, just cause I’m on another world she thinks that she can’t go to it without me.”
“Mark, they had every right to worry. You were gone somewhere and nopony knew where. Now next, Mark, I’m going to teach you the spell that should get you through the outrealm gate and back to Equestria.”
And so Luna began her lesson. Overall, it was just a heavily modified teleportation spell so Mark was able to get a hoof on it after awhile.
“Hey Luna, I know I can do magic as a unicorn, but what about-“ Mark transformed back into his human form, “ this form? I tried before but nothing happened. Other humans like, Erk and Serra are able to do magic with staves and tomes but what about me?”
Luna gave Mark a questioning stare. “Mark, you should still be able to do magic like any unicorn if you focus it through a single point, thank you for reminding me of your situation. And once you wake up you can easily cast the spell.”
Mark frowned and shook his head, “No Luna, I’m sorry, but I can’t leave just yet. Tell the girls I’m sorry too. But something important is going on that I have to help with.” Mark then smiled. “When I do get back, I’ll tell you all the full story and trust me when I say, it will be worth the wait.”
“If you survive that long that is.” Said Mark’s clone who was still in pony form.
“Celestia dammit! Brain, I’m trying not to worry them.”
“Well it will have to wait till later since you’re waking up.”
Mark looked to Luna who was now fading, and opened his eyes to the bright morning sunlight.
********************************************************************************************
Luna sighed as she walked down the pristine castle hallways to inform her sister about her visit with Mark. ‘Mark, just what have you gotten yourself into this time.’