//------------------------------// // Come Again? // Story: Three Equestrians and an Engineer // by Greasebrony //------------------------------// A/N: I'M BAAAAACK. The sun had risen high above Equestria that morning. Fall was yielding to make way for winter and the pegasi were hard at work making sure everything was prepped for the coming season. In Ponyville it was business as usual, the shops were open, while the adults worked the children frolicked around down. At the library Twilight and Spike gingerly stepped outside to breathe in the cool air. “AH, what a wonderful day, isn’t it Spike.” “Why yes it is Twilight.” Twilight turned to Spike. “Okay, remember the plan.” Spike cocked an eyebrow. “I thought we already took care of that.” “No no the other plan. The one where we gather the others.” “Oh! Right.” He grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, didn’t sleep too well last night.” “Trust me, I don’t think half of Ponyville slept last night.” Twilight responded with a deadpan tone soon immediately perking up. “But, no worries, justice is served.” “If you say so. So I’ll go talk to Fluttershy and see if we can use her cottage for tonight’s meeting.” “And I’ll talk to the others.” “Alright. In the meantime I might as well check on company.” “Alright, Sugarcube corner in one hour?” “First one that makes it has to pay.” “You’re on.” With that they went their separate ways. While Spike headed in the direction to Fluttershy’s cottage Twilight began by making her way to Rarity’s boutique. The town’s inn was at the edge of town. Its occupants within found it warm and welcoming whenever they entered and were always promised a peaceful time there. However, this morning that would be changed thanks to the cussing that was coming from Jericho and Laura’s room. Meanwhile down stairs in the main lobby Jennifer and Joseph were letting the elderly mare in the front desk know that they would be out for the day and not to worry about tidying up. With a smile both made their way to Joseph’s EVO. “What a nice lady.” Jennifer began. “Yeah, she’s really sweet, wish people back home were more like that.” “Yeah.” As they got inside the EVO and were about to set off for what would be a day in paradise both of them spotted a familiar green and purple dragon walking towards them. When he got close Joseph lowered the passenger window and the dragon crotched down to meet the humans at eye level. “Hey guys.” Said Spike. “How was your first night?” “It was heavenly. We want to thank you all again for letting us stay here.” Said Jennifer. “Hey, no worries. To Twilight myself and the rest of us you guys are practically family.” He replied with a smile. “Aw, that’s sweet of you Spike.” Replied Jennifer. “Yeah, no wonder Rare’s into you.” Said Joseph. Spike blushed and looked down as he scratched the back of his head with a small smile on his face. “Y-You guys really think so?” “Oh yeah dude. Just keep doin’ what you’re doin’.” “I will.” He replied and turns back to them. “So where’s Jerry and Laura?” “They’re up stairs getting ready for the day.” Said Jennifer. “Yeah, probably going to go for a ride on the Harley and then rut somewhere in the woods.” Joseph joked. Jennifer nudged him. “Joseph!” Spike chucked at her reaction. “And where are you guys headed?” “We were thinking of heading to the park for a picnic for two.” Said Joseph. “Ah, gotcha.” Spike said with a wink. “Well don’t let me hold you back. You two have fun.” “You know it.” Said Joseph. “Of course.” Smiled Jennifer. With that Joseph slowly set the car in motion and both himself and Jennifer made their way to Ponyville Park. “Do you know why your bother was screaming earlier?” Jennifer asked. Joseph chuckled. “Well, I may have messed with the water heater for his room.” Jennifer gasped. “You didn’t.” “Yeah I did. Did you hear how those two were last night? I swear half of the hotel must have heard them. And for six and a half hours no less.” “Well I have to admit they do have impressive endurance.” “Yeah I’ll give them that, best not to bring it up though.” “Goes without saying.” Chuckled Jennifer. “AH!” Eduardo yelled as he shot out of bed breathing heavily. He closed his eyes. ‘Mental note, don’t let Spike handle the nitro methane, especially during sneeze attacks.’ He plopped back on the bed, his head resting heavily on the pillow and his eyes focused towards the wooden ceiling. He took a deep breath through his nose. ‘Mental note 2, apologize to Spike and Twi for the guest room smelling like hot sex. Subsection 1, keep an eye out for pranks.’ “Mmmm baby, stop moving around, its early.” Said Alison as she wrapped her arm around his chest and snuggled closer to him. He checked his watch for the time which was 11:34 in the morning but what caught his attention was that immediately noticed he once again had a hoof. ‘Edit last entry, fuck the apology, I will strike down upon them with great vengeance and furious anger. Supsection 1, Set Spike’s scaily ass on fire’ “Babe.” “Yes honey?” Alison replied sweetly. “It happened again.” He said looking down at Alison’s navy blue foreleg resting across his chest. Smiling sweetly half opening her eyelids she pulled his face towards hers and kissed his lips. “I know and I’ve already got something planned just for that.” She said winking at him. He knew that look all too well and in response he smiled. “I love you.” “I know.” She smirked. After getting out of bed they opted to take a shower together to help save on the water bill as well as washing each other’s backs and wings. As they finished and stepped out of the shower feeling rejuvenated, they began inspecting their new bodies. “Why do I have a Yin-Yang on my butt?” Alison asked raising an eyebrow. “Twi explained to me that a pony’s special talent is reflected on their rears. Guess what yours is.” She smiled. “Balance.” “And helping others achieve it.” Eduardo said looking at Alison with a smile. She looked back at him and started making her way toward him stopping once his flank was in view. She raised an eyebrow. “Where’s yours?” “You’re kidding.” Eduardo said looking at his flank. “You’re not.” “You’re an engineer and business man for a living and a fast driver and a beast on the guitar for kicks and a pretty good on vocals.” “And none of those are represented? Not even my skills with the 1911? What the hell man? If its not one thing its another.” “Well I guess there’s no better place to find it.” Alison chuckled. “I guess.” He groaned. “Hey, cheer up Eddy.” She placed a hoof on his shoulder. “We have a lot of time to find that out, besides we’re still on vacation right?” “Yeah.” Alison then looked at herself and back at Eduardo and laughed. “Whats so funny?” “I guess the question of whether or not we were too loud last night has been answered.” Said Alison as she took a seat on the bed. Eduardo chuckled as he opened the window to let some cool air in and sitting down on the bed next to Alison. “I guess we gotta learn how to make use of these.” He said extending is wings. “Well for that we have to go outside.” Eduardo deadpanned. “I’m not leaving this room naked.” “Says the guy that let his robe get blown over the edge of a roof and showing the goods to 8 equally naked women.” Alison giggled. He let out a tired sigh. “I’m never living that one down am I?” She covered mouth with her hoof to conceal the grin and slight blush on her cheeks. “Not really, but how many guys can say they lived though that same experience.” Eduardo smiled a little and chuckled. “Not many I guess. But it was a bit fun looking back on it.” “Hey, careful.” Alison said narrowing her eyelids. “Aw babe, don’t tell me you’re getting jealous.” Eduardo replied in a playful tone. “High School buddy, remember that.” She replied putting a hoof to his muzzle. Grinning sheepishly at the beating he almost took for that girl from that day, he chuckled nervously. “SO WHAT DO YOU SAY WE FIND SOME OVERALLS AND GET FLYING?” After 20 minutes of finding clothing that was deemed ‘expendable’, Eduardo and Alison made their way around town looking for a clearing for their flight practice. Eduardo wore a pair of loose-fit work jeans that had various stains of oil and grease, he also wore a grey hoodie with his Ka-Bar knife sheathed on his waist. Alison wore a clean pair of straight jeans and one of Eduardo’s plain white tee shirts. Both sets of clothing had holes cut open to accommodate their wings and tails. As they walked though the town market Eduardo noticed he was receiving strange looks, particularly from the mares in town. It was making him uncomfortable. “Eddy?” Eduardo turned to Alison seeing with a concerned look on her face. “Something wrong?” In the corner of his eye he caught a certain mint green unicorn accompanied by a cream colored mare blushing and covering their muzzles as they whispered amongst each other. “I don’t know what it is but I think we’re attracting a little attention to ourselves.” He said with a nervous face keeping his pace. Alison stopped and turned her head to see a few of the mares in town eyeing Eduardo some of them blushing, and others taking a glance and talking amongst themselves. She looked back at Eduardo and smiled deviously as she caught up with him. When she got close she set her wing up and smacked his flank. He let out a yelp in surprise and was forcefully kissed by her with a slight blush adorning her cheeks. She pulled out of the kiss leaving him in a daze trying to figure out what just happened. Alison then looked around and seeing the other mares quickly turn their heads. ‘That’s what I thought bitches.’ Smiling in satisfaction she continued on in a canter. After looking back and forth between her and the mares in the street it dawned on him as his cheeks got a little redder and began have a hard time keeping his wings in check. “Real subtle Ali.” He quietly said to himself as pulled the hood over his head to hide his embarrassment and continued fourth to catch up with Alison. “You two stop right there.” Both Alison and Eduardo stopped and looked above them to see a purple pegasus in a royal guard uniform. He then descended from the air and landed. “Who are you and where are you headed?” He asked. “Jeez Blaze its nice to see you too.” Eduardo Chuckled. Purple blaze raised an eyebrow at the crimson pegasus before him. “I’m sorry, have we met?” “Uh, Eddy? You know this guy?” Alison asked eyeing Blaze quizzically. “He’s the guy that played the guitar from yesterday.” “Nu uh.” She took a closer look at him narrowing her eyes. “Oh it is you.” “Wait a minute, how do you know me?” Blaze asked. “Dude I ran you over in my car and drove your ass here. Didn’t know ponies got Alzheimer’s.” Blaze took a close look at the stallion in front of him looking into his green eyes and noticing the scar over his left eye. “Wait, Eduardo? Dude whats up? Better question, what in the name of Celestia happened to you?” “Its a long story man.” He said rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh how can I forget. Purple Blaze, Alison. Alison Purple Blaze. He’s the guy that was sent over to be my escort and to keep me ‘out of trouble’. She’s my baby mama.” “We met yesterday.” Alison said. “Really? When?” “After you passed out. Congratulations by the way.” “Thanks man, we are both very excited about it.” “Oh I wouldn’t doubt that, I could hear you two celebrating from my place. Didn’t get any sleep till 3.” He laughed. “I am impressed by your endurance though.” Alison nervously raised a hoof. “A-and where do you live?” “Oh, the other side of town two blocks from Sugarcube Corner. Twilight was nearby too.” He said nonchalantly waving a hoof in the air. “Come to think of it she did seem pretty chipper this morning. So how’s your day so far?” He asked with a smile. Eduardo’s jaw was on the floor and his eyes became the size of saucers. Alison’s eye was twitching slightly as she took in a deep breath through her nose, her face turning as red as Eduardo’s coat. “Morning Fluttershy.” Spike said as he closed in on the cottage. Fluttershy turned around from watering her orchids and smiled at the approaching dragon. “Oh good morning Spike.” She said with a slight yawn. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get much sleep last night. Somepony was making an awful lot of noise last night.” He fought the urge to laugh and quickly recovered. “That we’ll talk about it later but Twilight and I were wondering if the rest of us can meet in the cottage tonight. Theres something that needs to be brought to everypony’s attention and it has got to stay between us.” “Well that isn’t a problem. Most of the animals are entering hibernation now and the birds have already begun flying south so we’ll be alone.” “Great. Can we show up at around 7?” “That would be fine.” “Okay, I’ll go meet Twilight and tell her now. Thanks Fluttershy.” “Anything to help.” She said with a smile. ‘I wonder whats going on.’ Spike turned away and began making his way toward town when he heard a scream coming from the town making him duck down and cover his ears. “My goodness what was that!?” Asked Fluttershy. Spike smiled deviously. “Somepony getting their just desserts.” After letting out a blood curdling scream Alison fainted. Eduardo quickly caught her in his forelegs. “Shit. Blaze help me get her to the hospital will you?” “On it.” Blaze carefully loaded Alison on Eduardo’s back. After using his wings to stabilize her he then began to trot to the hospital with blaze next to him. “Dude your lady’s got some lungs on her.” “Forget the vocals, I’m more worried about the girl and my kid man.” “Oh jeez are you one of those guys?” “What do you mean ‘One of those guys’.” Eduardo replied narrowing his eyes. “Over protective, slightly paranoid, and think the universe is out to get you.” Blaze chuckled. “No!” Eduardo said with a scowl on his face moving ahead of his escort. Blaze smiled smugly to himself as he increased his pace. “Okay Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity down. Now where in Celestia’s name is Rainbow Dash?” Twilight looked towards the sky for any sign of the Wonderbolt. It didn’t take her long to spot her signature multicolored trail in between two trails of thunder clouds and an orange and purple spec following closely. “The park, of course.” Once she made her way to the park she spotted the mare in question talking with two of her team mates and what was still her biggest fan. “Rainbow Dash!” She called out. Rainbow Dash spun around to see her lavender colored friend trotting towards them. “Hey Twilight, whats up?” “Can I steal you for a moment? That’s if of course if Spitfire and Soarin don’t mind.” “Nah its okay, we just finished practice anyway.” Said Spitfire. “Yeah, and besides its not us you have to ask.” Soarin said pointing a hoof at Scootaloo. Scootaloo giggled. “Oh c’mon guys I’m over that already.” “Says the filly that sleeps with the plushie of her favorite Wonderbolt.” Rainbow Dash said. Scootaloo’s eyes darted back and fourth. “I don’t know what you are talking about. Say did it get hot all of sudden or is it just me?” “Aw, lighten up Scoots you know I’m joking.” She said nudging the orange mare with her wing. Scootaloo smiled. “Okay, I’ll let it go this time.” “Okay kids are you done? Applejack’s pies won’t eat themselves.” Said Soarin. “I don’t think it’s the pie that has your attention buddy.” Spitfire said. “You’re just jealous.” Soarin said taking to the air. “He never changes.” Spitfire chuckled taking to the air. “You coming, Scoot?” “Yeah I’m coming.” Scootaloo said catching up with Soarin and Spitfire. “Hey Dash are we still going to have that race you promised?” “I’m a mare of my word Scoots. I’ll catch up with you guys later.” With that the three pegasi took off and Rainbow Dash turned her attention towards Twilight. “So what did you want to talk about?” “I just wanted to tell you we are having a meeting over at Fluttershy’s cottage tonight.” “Um, okay. Why whats going on? Don’t we usually meet in the library?” “Yeah but Alison and Eddy are staying there and what we need to discuss is something that they can’t know about, not yet at least.” She said her tone becoming grim. “Well no pony else is around so you can tell me now.” Twilight looked over her shoulder and cast a force field. She raised her head over to Rainbow’s ear and told her everything from the vision to the reason the humans are here. The more in depth she got into it the more serious Rainbow’s face became. Once Twilight was done she pulled away and let the force field down. “Woah, that’s bad.” She said looking towards the ground. “I know how it sounds but we’ll figure out a way. We always do and the princesses are working on it too.” “Are you sure it’s a good idea to keep that sort of info from them?” “Knowing them they won’t take this sitting down and they will do something about it.” “And that’s why they are here? To keep them from doing anything?” “Yes.” “I don’t know Twilight. It sounds like we are keeping them imprisoned here.” “I know it sounds bad and trust me not one of us likes this but its for the best.” “Best for who?” Rainbow asked looking into Twilight’s eyes. “Good question.” She said turning away. She looks over her shoulder. “Are you still going to the meeting?” “I’ll be there.” The smell of bleach and other cleaning products were in the air. Voices could be heard in the distance. The surface was soft yet firm. “Mmmm.” Alison opened her eyes slightly as she came to, letting them adjust to the dark room. “Oh, my head. What happened?” After a moment the memory of the last conversation came back to her. Her eyes shot open. “Oh, god. The whole town heard us.” She said face hoofing. ‘Damn you Eddy and your skills in the sac. How am I supposed to show my face out there now?’ She frowned dragging her hoof down her face. “This is so humiliating. I wonder if Celly and Luna will let us back in the palace. And knowing HIM he’s probably wearing that stupid shit-eating grin of his saying ‘JUST DOIN’ MY JOB AS A MAN!’ I’m breaking him in half when I see him.” Crossing her forelegs she pouted and looked towards the ceiling. The voices she heard from earlier were getting closer to the door. Quickly she laid down on her side and closed her eyes as the door opened. The voices she recognized as Eduardo and Purple Blaze. “She’s still sleeping.” Eduardo said. “That makes 6 hours! I Honestly didn’t expect that sort of reaction, much less for her to believe it.” “Just consider yourself lucky nothing happened to her. Otherwise your head would be up your ass right now.” “Hey I said I was sorry. I’m positive the only ones that heard were in the house with you. I would know I was passing over the library at around 11 last night making my rounds. You’re not the only love birds around here too you know. I’ve been asked several times to help keep the noise down all around town, specifically at the hotel where your cousins are staying and by the Everfree forest. Freaking bears.” “So you didn’t hear us?” “No, like I said, it was just a joke.” Alison’s eyes shot open burning with fury. Meanwhile in a field nearby Fluttershy’s cottage, “Auntie Pie, are you sure about this?” “Yes Pound I know it. Twitchy tail, remember? And its extra twitchin’ so its gonna be a doozy!” “Okay, if you say so.” Pound Cake placed the large cloud directly where Pinkie asked and landed next to her and Pumpkin in the ditch Pinkie had dug out. Jericho was under a nearby tree sitting on the passenger fender of Dana, his blue 1969 427 Camaro. “Pinkie I’m pretty sure that no one is going to need a ride back to town aside from the kids.” “Wait for it, wait for it.” Said Pinkie. Off in the distance a loud smack was heard following a flaming purple comet that could be seen closing in. Pinkie then blows a whistle as the trio of ponies duck. Moments later it lands on the cloud with a loud thud. They poke their heads out and see Purple Blaze on his back with his legs sprawled out and his head over the edge with his tongue lolling out of his mouth, his left cheek smoking red and throbbing and his eyes spinning in opposite directions with little canaries circling his head. The three ponies looked at each other for a moment before jumping out shooting their hooves in the air. “ITS GOOD!” Jericho leaned forward with his jaw slack, dumbfounded by what he just witnessed. ‘First she pops out of Eddy’s truck and now this. Whats next?’ “Hey, Pinkie?” “Yes Jerry?” Pinkie replied looking at Jericho with a smile. “How do you do that?” “Ask the writer.” “Wait what?” Pinkie only looks slightly to the right and winks. “Purple comets flying across the sky, Ah swear Ah thought Applebloom would know better! She’s 15 for Celestia’s sake.” “Oh calm now Applejack I’m sure the girl just wanted to have a little fun.” “Actually Rarity, wasn’t Sweetie Belle saying something similar?” Spike asked. “Can we change the topic?” Applejack asked. “Okay, what would you like to talk about?” Asked Rarity. “Ah would like to know why we are meeting at Fluttershy’s cottage. Twilight looked a little uneasy.” “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling the same. Can’t you tell us Spike?” Spike let out a sigh. “Look I would tell you but this is need to know information.” “Oh is this about some gossip?” “Ah don’t think so Rarity, Twilight wouldn’t be asking us all to meet if it was just that.” “Don’t worry you’ll find out soon enough.” Said Spike grimly as Fluttershy’s Cottage came into view. Both Applejack and Rarity stopped for a moment and looked at each other and back to Spike who continued to make his way toward the cottage. Inside Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Twilight sat patiently waiting for Applejack and Rarity to show up with Spike. A knock came at the door. “That must be them.” Said Twilight as she opened the door with her magic. “Princess Celestia?!” “Hello Twilight.” She said as she made her way inside the cottage closing the door behind her. “Have you informed them yet?” “I’m just about to. Right now we are just waiting on Spike Rarity and Applejack. They should be here anytime now. Where is Luna?” “She opted to stay at the palace, Miami is out of view and she has been devising a strategy. Right now she is raising the moon and lowering the sun and will be making security tighter in Canterlot in case of anything. In the meantime the elite of the guard has been called to action spanning from here to Dodge Junction.” “The elite? You don’t think it will come to that will you.” “Nothing can be left to chance given the circumstances.” “Strategy? Security?” Fluttershy asked. “Twilight what is she talking about?” Another knock came on the door. “Twilight, its Spike. Rarity and AJ are here with me.” “Come in.” She replied. The door opened and the two ponies came in followed by the dragon. “I take it everypony is here?” Asked Spike. “Yes.” “Whats going on Sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “I’ll tell you now but its best you take a seat first.” As they took their seats Twilight used her magic to draw the curtains and place a force field around the cottage. “Okay girls what I’m about to tell you is something that cannot be mentioned to the humans.” Twilight looked toward Celestia and she nodded. She looked around and took a breath to calm her nerves. “Girls, the Nightmare has returned.” “WHAT!?” Everypony exclaimed. “What do you mean the Nightmare is back? From what Ah understand we destroyed it when we freed Luna from it. Right?” Said Applejack. “I thought the same thing. I mean HELLO we shot a RAINBOW at it. One does not simply get up after getting hit by the ULTIMATE weapon of the friendship arsenal.” Said Pinkie Pie. “GIRLS! Please try to calm down.” Said Twilight. “Calm down? CALM DOWN! How can you ask us to calm down when the ultimate evil is upon us, AGAIN!” Rarity said as she paced nervously. Spike gently placed a claw on her shoulder in hopes to calm Rarity down. “I know it sounds bad.” He got up and took a spot next to Twilight. “And it doesn’t make it any better that the elements alone are not enough to stop it this time around.” It was then Fluttershy spoke up. “Princess?” “Yes Fluttershy?” Celestia replied. “If the elements were used against the Nightmare wouldn’t it have the same effect as it did on Discord and turn it into stone?” “It is possible but that is not our only problem. In its current form it is a mist that lingers about, able to wield magic and take any form it chooses. The problem is that it is only temporary and the Nightmare cannot cast strong spells for too long. And if the elements were used there is no telling what would be done against it because of its physical form.” “Princess, I don’t want to sound like I’m doubting what you know, but how do you know?” Rainbow Dash asked. “One thousand years is a long time to get to know somepony. While on the moon if Luna wasn’t fighting it for control, they simply conversed. It took her, from what she could tell, 700 years just to get that bit of information.” “And she’s the only one that can feel her presence?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Yes.” “And Ah’m guessin’ y’all want us to keep this quiet around the humans.” “That is not the worst part though.” Stated Spike. “THERE’S MORE!?” Exclaimed Rarity. “We have reason to believe that it has joined forces with a Human from Earth.” “C-C-Cortez?” Fluttershy nervously stated. “The very same.” The room fell deathly silent as the 7 ponies and dragon felt a chill run up their spine. “It doesn’t make any sense, of all the humans in that planet why would it get itself involved with the one human that Eduardo considers a monster?” “Who knows, probably because it knows what he is capable of and it knows the lengths one must go to stop him or the fact it somehow knows we were with him. Either way to us he is nothing more than an ape with no magic. But to Eduardo and his cousins he is an Evil that must be eradicated, however they chose not to pursue him in the hope that justice would finish what they started. Lets not forget they nearly lost their lives trying to avenge their loved ones.” “And they don’t want to go through that again. That was a fight they never wanted a part of and yet they were forced into it. They never had a choice.” Said Twilight. “We have seen their weaponry, and we have seen what they can do. I’m not surprised how they were able to hold themselves like they did but to blatantly refuse to fight anymore shows how much they really care, not just about each other, but their significant others and us. Fighting again would come at a great personal cost.” Finished Spike. On a hilltop just on the outskirts of town, two brothers and a pegasus stood proudly together feeling the cool wind on their faces and thanking the heavens for one more day with their family and friends. “…Amen…” From a distance, a shadowy figure watches their every move as the humans turn away and head back towards town, leaving the crimson pegasus alone to admire the night sky. “Wouldn’t that be even more reason to tell them?” Rainbow Dash stated. “Its not right to keep that from them! Look at this from their point of view. They think they are here on vacation but we are just keeping them as prisoners! What if they do find out? What then?” Rainbow snorted. “I don’t like to pull rank but as the Element of Loyalty I will not sit on my flank and watch my friends lie to each other.” “Ah agree with Rainbow. Lying is one thing, but keeping secrets is what leads to it. We’re supposed to be settin’ and example for everypony and our trust for each other is what is keepin’ our friendship alive and strong. I don’t mean any disrespect Twilight but you of all ponies should know better than that.” Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement. Twilight let out a heavy sigh hanging her head. Whether she liked it or not Applejack was right. She knows it wasn’t fair to keep this from them and they had more right than anyone else to know. But the vision of the Nightmare’s possession still haunted her. Based on Luna’s testimony all that was needed was emotions of envy, wrath, lust or pride for the possession to be successful. She looked toward her mentor and read the expression on her face. She made no attempts at hiding it, her mind weighed heavily on the same thing. Looking into Twilight’s eyes she nodded. She looked toward her friends. “Fine, we’ll tell them.” Everyone let out a sigh in relief . “But on one condition.” She added. “Name it.” Said Rainbow Dash. “They are here on holiday. For the time being we will keep it like that. From what we can tell The Nightmare is only a credible threat in Miami as is Cortez and even though it is more powerful than before I am confident we will find a way to defeat it should it ever come here, but only if we work together.” Said Celestia with a slight smile. “And what about Cortez?” Pinkie asked. “Myself and Luna will handle him personally. While it is true that what he has done before is well outside the reach of our laws, and vigilantism is something we frown upon and find unnecessary in our world. However, if we have confirmation of the Nightmare’s joint effort that puts him firmly in our grasp in which Luna and I can try him for Aiding and a Betting, High Treason and any other law that he has broken in collaboration with the Nightmare. Though I will admit I am unfamiliar with the sentencing is should those laws ever be broken. Its not like we use the dungeons much anymore. It also goes without saying that the Nightmare’s sentencing is Capital Punishment without the right to trial. All in favor?” Everyone raised their right hoof and claw in the air. “Then its settled. We will tell them when the time is right.” Eduardo sat alone on the hilltop looking off into the distant stars the adorned the night sky. Looking upon the tapestry before him he entered a state of mind of peace and tranquility. For the first time since he entered Equestria did he really begin to really look around. In every direction there were endless seas of luscious green forest. He took a deep breath inhaling through his nose. The air felt so pure in his lungs. He felt the grass underneath his hooves, soft and thick. He closed his eyes and let his mind go blank to let the other senses get lost in a euphoria of this new world. The scents of life coming from every direction. The feel of the autumn wind in the hair and face. The sounds of trees and wildlife ranging from birds and critters to the chirping crickets. But there was something else. He felt some energy in the atmosphere swirling all around, he couldn’t quite place it but this planet was alive. Alive in all the ways he wished Earth was. “Damn, do I really have to go back after this month?” Eduardo said quietly to himself as he opened his eyes. ‘What if I don’t want to?’ “Well it wouldn’t be too much of a problem really.” Eduardo followed the voice and saw Luna standing behind him. “I’ll have to talk it over with Tia and see what she has to say.” She giggled. Eduardo chuckled softly. “Did you forget what nearly happened the last time we met like this?” “Yeah, but all work no play makes Luna a dull mare.” She sat beside him. “Besides, anything to make life a little more interesting right?” “For royalty you sure like living dangerously. Say where is Tia anyway?” “Hm, hay if I know. I just wanted to check up on you guys to see how you are liking our home. By the looks of that silly smile you had on earlier you’re considering making this place a permanent home.” “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. Ali and I were actually talking about how nice it would be to raise a kid here.” “How would you find employment?” “I’m an engineer by trade Luna. I’m sure there’s a demand for a mind like mine. If not I can always fly solo.” He looks at his wings. “So to speak.” “Well you are a few centuries ahead of our time and ponies might call you crazy for it.” “In my world’s history they would say the same stuff as the things that was said about Leonardo Da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin. People thought those guys were insane and now they are considered pioneers that were far ahead of their time. Earth’s history is full of people like this.” “Well it seems you have it all figured out. So why not move in tomorrow?” Eduardo let out a heavy sigh and looked toward the ground frowning. “Several reasons.” “Tell me.” “First, it would be too easy. In the way I was raised, life without trauma would be dull and grey. The trials I have gone though, the people I have lost and the battles I have fought has made me strong and the man I am today. If I try to make some friends here and tell them the less graphic details of my life, they would have no idea. The second is the way I think. My ideas, thoughts, and opinions just don’t apply here as my expectations. It would be a culture shock to me.” “And the last one?” “How well versed are you with the word ‘fuck’?” Luna burst out in a fit of laughter with Eduardo joining in. After catching their breath Eduardo continued. “As awesome I may seem to be here is the inconvenient truth. I’m vulgar, short tempered, violent, impatient, rude, loud and have no shame what so ever about what I say or who I piss off and not to mention my bodily functions. A guy like me is dangerous in this place. Do you REALLY want to put your subjects though that? I know I wouldn’t.” Luna looked at him wide-eyed. “Wow, you really thought this through haven’t you?” “I have no problem admitting my faults. Everyone has them. Besides, its good to laugh at yourself every once in a while.” “How about admitting other people’s faults?” She said narrowing her eyes with a devious smile. Eduardo responded with a devious grin of his own. ‘Oh this is gonna be good.’ “All right, try me.” “Lets start with my sister.” “Too easy, the woman is a walking contradiction with her diet. A couple of times I caught her worrying about her figure yet she turns around and dives into some cake with a speed that would make Rainbow Dash’s head spin.” Luna fell on her back clutching her sides laughing. “Do Twilight! Do Twilight!” “Twilight needs to get her head out of those books and learn a real life skill like making a salad without burning the kitchen down. Next?” “OOOHHH Rainbow Dash!” “What can I say about Rainbow Dash? She athletic, attractive, and has her moments where she impresses the intellectual side of me. But she is so conceded that if she saw a cardboard cutout of herself she would probably make out with it and claim that its masturbation if she ever got caught. Next?” “PINKIE PIE!” “As hyper as she is coupled with the fact that if she was ever caught doing HALF of the impossible things you told me about and the shit I saw for myself by some scientist she would probably be studied with the end result being she is the equivalent of Pi times fucking infinity squared ASSUMING she would be caught to begin with. Next.” “Rarity!” “She’s a lot like me, too much like me. A fucking workaholic who is a goddamn perfectionist and would likely drive herself crazy over some stitching that was done in a slightly off pattern the NO ONE ELSE would catch except her. Next.” “APPLEJACK!” “Another workaholic that would make any southern country girl in my planet both green with envy and swelling with pride. Though that may not sound all that bad trust me, its worse. I’ll bet you anything that on more than one occasion she’s been accused on incest. Next.” “Spike!” “Dude’s a little too in touch with him feminine side with a hard on for a woman nearly ten years his age. Assuming he gets that far he would probably break poor Rarity in half. Next.” “OOO Fluttershy!” “What? Fluttershy? I can’t make fun of sweet, sensitive, demure, cuddly, cute fluttershy.” “AW why not?” “Because she’s Fluttershy. An angel that sits quietly being the warm little center the world crowds around. Unless I count what I’ve been told about the Grand Galloping Gala where animals from locations unknown ran the other fucking way because she was too eager. Talk about the ultimate case in irony, hell in all probability she’s probably the one within the group with the filthiest mind. I’m pretty damn sure if I allowed her to look through the internet for porn BONDAGE would probably first search she would do with BDSM and Latex following.” Eduardo watched Luna rolling on the grass laughing loudly with tears streaming from her eyes smacking the ground with her hoof. “Diet?” “Making Salad?” “Conceded?” “Pi?” “Workaholic?” “Incest?” “Feminine?” “Eager?” Eduardo felt his heart sink and his bowels empty as he slowly turned around to see 7 very aggravated looking mares and one very upset dragon. He gulped nervously as his ears drooped back and his eyes widened with horror. In the back of his mind he was mentally writing a will leaving his belongings to his cousins and his fortune to Alison. “Oh, fuck.” With Celestia taking the lead they slowly marched towards him. Eduardo for the first time in his life was frozen with fear. He could barely breathe with the amount of tension and pressure that was bearing down on him. Taking their time they passed Luna still rolling on the floor laughing. Eduardo couldn’t decide whether it was because he was that funny or because there was no other way to describe how fucked he really was. When they got within 5 feet he could only hear his heart beat. Merely inches from him Celestia began to speak. “You know Eduardo, you are right. You are vulgar…” “…short tempered…” “…violent…” “…impatient…” “…rude…” “…loud…” “…and have no shame what so ever about what you say…” “…or who you piss off.” “Don’t forget his bodily functions!” Luna eagerly added. Celestia face got dangerously close to Eduardo’s. “But more than anything else, what bothers me is that you somehow got my favorite flavor of cake. Double Chocolate with Strawberry Icing.” Eduardo blinked. His face went from horror to pure confusion. “HUH!?” Immediately they started laughing falling back on the grass leaving Eduardo in a dumbfounded spot between 8 mares, a dragon and a hard place. “I knew he was funny but wow that was HILAROUS!” Exclaimed Pinkie. “Tell me about it, he got you good RD!” Said Applejack between breaths. “ME? What about Rarity? You got hammered HARD!” “I will admit that style of humor is not my cup of tea but my word that was marvelous.” Eduardo shook his head trying to process what just occurred. “Hold up a minute! You mean to tell me that you just got roasted dirty and you don’t mind?” Twilight wiped a tear from her eye. “Its like you said Eddy, we all have our faults.” “Yeah and its good to laugh at ourselves every once in a while.” Spike added. Fluttershy stood next to Eduardo and nuzzled him. “Besides we know you don’t mean it.” “Yes, plus you started with yourself. But don’t think you’re getting away clean scott free either.” Celestia said. “There’s one pony missing from the group.” “Oh yeah you have to roast Luna.” Said Rainbow Dash. “Yes please do me!” Eduardo sat there watching the group recovering from their laughter waiting for him to take a shot at Luna. With a devious grin he looked at Luna. “Do you? Lu Lu if I didn’t know any better I’d say that since that day we had our moment in the bathroom you were probably having dirty thoughts about me. Not like I blame you either, the look on your face said it all. My Johnston was the first one you have ever seen and you didn’t know whether to hop on it or give it a peanut.” After another burst of laughter came from the hill top everyone bid each other a good night and preceded on going to their respective homes. On the path to the Library, Twilight and Eduardo trotted next to each other. “Hey Eddy?” “Whats up Twi?” “About the whole me turning you and Alison into ponies…” He chuckled. “Hey, don’t worry about it. If anything that was a good comeback prank.” He stopped. “Just know that we will retaliate.” He said looking back with his brow furrowed, his green eyes visibly shining with the angle of the moon casting a dark shadow over his body and his smile in a menacing grin letting out a dark chuckle. Twilight could only watch as he faced forward and cantered ahead. She felt a cold chill run down her spine and wore a worried look on her face. ‘Oh Celestia what did I get myself into?’