The Legend of Courage

by Shadow Master

Chapter 1: Welcome to New Home

At his office, Shorty Thinking received the word that Twilight and all of her friends make the appointment about relive on the past. He prepared his RESTORE machine for their arrival. The story continues with Ben staying and living together with Twilight and her friends.

As the door opened, Shorty Thinking was about to greet his friends but...

"What is that smell?! Is that Hydragoon's scent?!" Shorty asked in shock while covering his nose, "Ben, did you provoke Dragoking again?"

Ben groaned in annoyance, "No... He tried to eat me again..."

After the Gauntlet of Fire at Dragon Land; Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Chase, Spike, Phobos, Nyx and Drake Trio were on their way back home. Spike and a few dragon friends were summoned to compete Gauntlet of Fire for retrieving the Bloodstone Scepter and become the next Dragon Land. They succeeded it while preventing any dragon especially Garble and Drago from launching the invasion on Equestria. Not only Princess Ember became Dragon Lord, she also reunited and reconcile with Zygon about him and his team alive at Demon Land.

For some reason, they have forgotten about someone else. They gasped in realization now. Where is Ben?!

ROAR! SCREAM! Everyone looked up as they found Ben was running from the hills. As he jumped off from the edge while sliding down, a familiar Hydragoon lunged his head out as the monster took a bite on the stallion before swallowed him up. And just before Dragoking could do anything, he yelped as he looked down and found blade coming out.

SLASH! Dragoking's head came out. Ben jumped and landed on Twilight and her friends to the ground hard.

"Ben, where were you?! You have us worried!" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Ben sighed, "You're not gonna believe of what I've been through. That monster never stopped!"

"Yeah, we can see that," Chase remarked. He noticed Dragoking slowly regenerated his one headed snake back. He hissed, "We'd better go. He's coming after you again."

"Why won't he leave me alone?!" Ben demanded in annoyance.

Twilight and her friends quickly made a run before Dragoking recovered from the loss of his head. The Hydragoon roared in anger as his meal has escaped!

"Honestly, Ben..." Shorty Thinking sighed in annoyance as he was setting his computer and RESTORE machines up. He continued, "How many times did you have to get yourself eaten by monsters?"

"Monsters?! You're telling me that lots of monster want to eat me alive?!" Ben asked in shock.

Shorty Thinking nodded, "That's right. Ever since you earned Triforce Element of Courage, a lot of monsters and even giants come after you. They believe you have special powers for them to feast for power and live."

"And that Dragoking?"

"That's different. You disturbed him from his napping especially wanted to eat his meal. And that's not all. You have escaped Dragoking for five times."

"What about it?"

"If anyone who escaped the Hydragoon, they're bound to hunt and swallowed their prey back to stomach, no matter how long it takes for them."

"Seriously?! How do I prevent that?!"

"You have to repay the beast by giving 100 meal. And by my calculation of escaping his stomach, you owe him 500 meals."

Ben was in shock and fury, "Are you kidding me?! Is this some kind of joke?!"

"Hey, don't blame me! That's their nature," Shorty Thinking defended, "Anyhow, we should proceed with RESTORE at once."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Well, relive into new past will calm you down from the problem."

Ben sighed, "Hopefully, no more of getting eaten by monsters..."

Flash Sentry chuckled uneasily, "I wouldn't count of that yet, buddy. You're not gonna like this one..."

"Entering 'The Legend of Courage' Chapter..." Shorty Thinking said as he was typing the keyboards in ready to send everyone into the past, "Now!"

Ponyville Train had arrived at the Ponyville Town. Twilight Sparkle and her friends exited the train as they headed straight to town.

"Ben Mare, welcome to Ponyville," Twilight Sparkle greeted warmly.

Ben Mare awed in amazement and surprise upon looking at the ponies and their town. He was surprise to see how peaceful and friendly it is, compare to his home.

Twilight Sparkle gave a wink to her friends, who winked back at her like they have some kind of plans or surprise up in their sleeves or hooves. All of her friends remarked and commented that they're all very tired and sleepy after last night's crazy adventure and battle especially saving Ben from Boris. They but Twilight Sparkle, Nyx, Spike and Ben went home at once.

Ben was in shock and surprise, "What was that about, Twilight?"

Twilight smiled, "Let's just say that they didn't get much of sleeps, and so do we. Shall we go home?"

"Sure. I wanted to see what kind of home you have especially you're an egghead for books."

"Oh, very funny, Benny Shy."

Twilight Sparkle and her two adopted children led Ben all the way back to Golden Oak Library...

Twilight and her family have arrived at Golden Oak Library...

"Welcome to Golden Oak Library," Twilight Sparkle introduced proudly and gently, "And of course, our home..."

Ben whistled as he looked around of his surroundings, "Twilight, you really enjoy reading books, don't you? I do read books but sometimes I find them boring."

"I don't expect you to read them whole day. That's my doing."

"I know. I know."

Spike spotted the bags of books near on the floor. He picked and carried them up.

"I'm gonna put these books back on the shelf." Spike informed.

Twilight Sparkle nodded as she turned to Owlowiscious, "Owlowiscious, can you help Spike?"

Owlowiscious hooted happily as he went and helped Spike by picking and putting the books on book shelves. Peewee also helped Spike. Ben was surprised of it. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx guided Ben to their bedroom.

Spike and two pets climbed up the stairs to the room.

"I didn't know you have owl and baby phoenix as pets." Ben remarked in amazement.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I found Owlowiscious when he entered my home. So not only I adopt him as pet but also a helper if Spike get worked up during the late night."

"And don't forget about Peewee," Nyx added happily, "Spike rescued the baby when he was on Dragon Migration to Dragon Land."

Ben whistled, "That's so cool. I wish I can be part of adventure."

"Speaking of adventure," Twilight Sparkle said in surprise while looking at the bag, "Doesn't look like you've brought much here."

"I don't think so, Twi," Ben smirked as he looked at his bag, "Alright, Shrink-It-Back-Up!"

As if the word has given, the bag spitted and hit most of stuffs like phoenix doll, action figures, comic books, books, clothes and more out on the empty spots. The room is filled with Ben's stuffs especially the bed near to Twilight's.

Ben smirked, "Ta-da!"

"Wow..." Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Nyx awed in surprise and amazement, "How did you do that?!"

"Magic Bag," Ben explained happily. Twilight Sparkle looked surprise. He continued, "Moochick gave it to my mom some years ago. She said it comes in handy."

"What a way to pack and unpack," Nyx remarked in amazement.

Ben smiled in relief as he took both quill and notebook, "So, wanna tell me what does Librarian do?"

Both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx smiled happily as they helped and explained about what librarian do and do not at Golden Oak Library.

At Canterlot Castle's throne chamber, Princess Celestia have a discussion with Headmaster of Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns about Ben's Cutie Mark. Spell Nexus hummed in concern.

"Do you know something, old friend?" Princess Celestia asked in concern.

Spell Nexus hummed calmly, "I think I've heard this somewhere before. I'll do some research about it, your highness."

"Thank you, Nexus." Princess Celestia thanked calmly. As Spell Nexus left, he turned and looked at the window, "If this is what I think it is, then Ben have to prepare for the worst..."

Night time...

Everypony was asleep in their own home. Nyx, Spike and even their own pets were asleep at Golden Oak Library. Twilight Sparkle was setting her bed up. Ben was at balcony while looking at the moon as he wondered about his identity of not only about Demon Pony, but also being Son of Princess Celestia and Prince of Equestria. Nopony but his friends learned about this.

Twilight Sparkle noticed as she approached and checked on him. She had the feeling that he needs some comfort.

"What's wrong, Ben?"

"I don't know, Twilight. Do you think I should tell everypony and even the mayor about me," Ben asked in concern, "I mean I know it's the right thing to do, but I'm just worry about the attention and their reaction. The last thing I want is trouble. It's something I don't want, Twilight."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I understand, Ben. I've been through that before like my Grand Galloping Gala Ticket and even Fluttershy when Photo Finish made her a model."

"Do you know how to overcome it?"

"Nope. But I do know one thing - be firm and decisive of what you wanted. After all, you're the prince, they will listen and understand about it."

"That's... That's great. But what happen if ponies found out about me being Demon Pony? They maybe afraid of me."

"Well..." Twilight Sparkle struggled before sighed, "I can't promise of that. But I do know one thing - prove to them that you're good pony. Just like what Nyx have been through. Even Princess Luna been through that before."

Ben hummed before smiled, "I guess you're right. I should be myself, and not worry about being prince or Demon Pony. If that happen, I'll prove that I'm just a pony."

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Good to hear. Come on. Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, it's gonna be great. And you're gonna love it."

Ben smiled, "Can't wait..."

On the next day...

Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare, Spike and Nyx were heading straight to Ponyville Schoolhouse after the breakfast they had.

"Aw! Why can't I come with you, mummy?" Nyx complained in upset, "I want to see how your tour goes. And why Spike gets to go with you?"

Spike smirked slyly, "Coz I'm a dragon. And of course, I'm older than you."

Twilight Sparkle smiled while rolled her eyes in amusement, "First of all, Nyx, you've got school. You don't want to disappoint Cheerilee again, now do you? And second, you and your friends will be joining us by afternoon. So lastly, we don't want to ruin the surprise, now do we?"

Nyx groaned, "I guess so..."

Ben chuckled, "Wow. You make it sound so bad like it's a big thing."

"That's Twilight for you. She expect perfect and nothing less," Spike remarked in amusement.

"Very funny but true," Twilight Sparkle admitted. She and her family have arrived at Ponyville Schoolhouse where Cheerilee was standing. She smiled and greeted, "Morning, Cheerilee."

"Morning, Twilight. Glad to see you and Nyx come," Cheerilee greeted. She turned and found Ben Mare standing on Twilight's side. She asked, "Oh, who is this handsome gentlepony?"

Ben Mare smiled, "I'm Benjamin Maregillian. Call me Ben. I'm also Twilight Sparkle's boyfriend."

"Oh. I didn't know she has boyfriend. How did you and her meet and become couple?"

"It's a long and complicated story."

"I see. Don't worry, I won't ask. Well, it can't be that bad as my last date with Big Mac from Hearts and Hooves Day."

"You mean the Love Poison Incident? So, you were involved of it?"

Cheerilee yelped, "You knew?! Please, don't tell anypony about that."

Ben winked, "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Seriously, what were Nyx and her friends could be thinking about using Love Poison?"

"Hey," Nyx protested in annoyance, "We were just trying to get Cheerilee and Big Mac get together. We think they both make a good couple."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "While it's a good reason, but it's bad idea to do it. It's best that you leave Cheerilee and Big McIntosh to decide."

Nyx sighed, "I guess so."

"Now behave," Twilight Sparkle reminded Nyx firmly and sternly, "And meet me and the rest at Sugarcube Corner, okay?"

Nyx smiled, "Okay."

Cheerilee smiled and bowed as she and Nyx entered the Ponyville Schoolhouse. Twilight Sparkle turned to Ben Mare.

"Now, let's go for our tour," Twilight Sparkle said, "Next stop - Sweet Apple Acre."

Ben smiled, "Sure. Lead the way, Twilight."

Sweet Apple Acres...

Applejack and Big McIntosh were doing some apple-bucking across the Apple Tree Orchards while screaming and cheering wildly and happily. Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare and Spike have arrived at the area.

"Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres," Spike introduced, "An Apple Farm where they grow mostly of apples. And they're famous for making Apple Cider and Zap Apple Jam."

Ben whistled, "Amazing..."

Twilight Sparkle approached Applejack, "Hey, Applejack."

"Howdy Twilight," Applejack greeted happily as she turned to Twilight Sparkle and her two friends, "Coming here as your first tour for Ben?"

"You bet. It's where my friendship with you begins. And I'm pleased of it too. So, what you've been doing?"

"Doing some apple bucking. You're welcome to join if you want."

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Sure, why not? Ben do need some exercise."

"Very funny, Twilight. But yeah, I could use some exercise," Ben Mare remarked.

Big McIntosh and Granny Smith approached Applejack. Applejack smiled as she introduced them to Ben Mare. Big McIntosh smiled happily while Granny Smith gave a glance look at Ben Mare firmly yet suspiciously.

Granny Smith hummed, "Do I know of you somewhere, mister? You oddly look familiar. Well, mostly your eyes."

Ben gulped in concern as he knew what Granny Smith was referring to...

Before Apple Cider Day in nighttime...

Ben Mare as Demon Pony slowly approached and sneaked into Sweet Apple Acres. He looked hungry and thirsty as he was searching for food. He spotted some crates and barrel near to the stall. He approached and opened the crate and barrel. He began ate the apples up while drinking the Apple Cider as well.

A light from Apple Residence turned on. Granny Smith emerged from the house as she checked the area due to hearing some noise. She spotted a creature who was chewing their supplies. She even saw his greenish eyes.

"Why that no good vermin!" Granny Smith exclaimed in anger. She shouted, "BIG MAC! APPLEJACK! We've got some pest! And it's eating our food!"

Demon Pony yelped in shock as he quickly turned and trotted off before he get caught. Granny Smith, Big McIntosh and Applejack charged out as they looked around the area in making sure the wild animals didn't come near to their home and eat their food and drink. They hated it a lot.

Ben shook his head in snapping back to reality. He smiled uneasily while looking at Granny Smith.

"Uh, no. It's the first time to meet you," Ben smiled uneasily.

Twilight Sparkle, Applejack and even Spike suspected otherwise of what and why Ben was so worried and scared.

Granny Smith sighed, "I guess not. I thought you look like that ugly Timberwolf or something."

"Never mind of it. Come on. Let's get working," Applejack smiled as she pushed Ben to the Apple Orchards, "These apples don't fall from the trees by themselves."

Applejack, Big McIntosh, Ben Mare, Twilight Sparkle and even Spike were kicking and bucking some apples falling down from the trees into the buckets.

"So, that was you?" Twilight Sparkle asked in amusement.

Ben blushed, "Yeah. I was hungry that time. Think about it."

"It's understandable. I ain't gonna tell Granny about this," Applejack smiled as she was putting her bucket of apples on the cart, "Just make sure you don't cause some ruckus again."

Ben smiled in amusement of what the just said. He, Twilight Sparkle and Spike continued helped Apple Family in bucking the apples down to buckets while loaded them up on the cart.

After leaving the Sweet Apple Acres; Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare and Spike were returning to Ponyville Town.

"I've gotta say. The Apple Family are amazing especially their food," Ben commented.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I'm glad you like it. And now, let's find Rainbow Dash. She's supposed to clear the clouds."

"So, you call me?" The familiar voice called. Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare and Spike looked up as they found Rainbow Dash dived and landed on the ground. She smirked, "Never fear, your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash is here!"

Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes, "Seriously? You still using that motto?"

"What? It makes me cool and heroic."

"Yeah. That would making you a little bit more of egotistical and arrogant. And of course, you wouldn't let got of your pride so easily when you got bested."

"Hey!"

Twilight Sparkle smirked, "Anyhow, don't you have something to show for Ben?"

Rainbow Dash winked as she passed stopwatch, "Are you ready to see why I'm gonna be part of Wonderbolts?"

"I wouldn't doubt of it. But prove it," Ben remarked.

As Ben stared his stopwatch, Rainbow Dash dashed in high speed while hitting and bursting most of the clouds for the moment. She then landed straight before him. Ben was in shock and surprise before he stopped the stopwatch's time. He looked at it before yelped in surprise.

"No way! 10 seconds! No Pegasus could go that fast!"

Rainbow Dash smirked, "I know. I'm so awesome, especially when I made an awesome Sonic Rainboom. Right?"

"Yeah, you sure are... If it were Flash Sentry, I can't imagine that you both will become rivals in seeing who's the fastest Pegasus in Equestria." Ben commented.

Rainbow Dash scoffed, "I doubt that. See ya at Sugarcube Corner."

Rainbow Dash flew off at once; leaving her friends behind to talk and chat.

"She likes to show off with her awesomeness, doesn't she?" Ben asked in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "That's Rainbow Dash. But she's a good friend. What's next?"

Spike sighed happily as he looked at the scroll while showing lovely eyes, "Rarity..."

Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes in amusement while Ben Mare looked surprise yet confuse about Spike's behavior.

At Carousel Boutique, Rarity was sewing and making some fashion and dresses. Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare and Spike entered the area as they found her at the stage working on her latest dress.

Rarity turned to her friends, "Twilight darling, welcome. So, tell me, Benjamin Darling, are you ready for some fashion design?"

Ben smiled, "Sure. But just leave my red collar alone."

"Sure thing, darling."

"And seriously, do you have to call me that? It might make Twilight uncomfortable about it."

Twilight smiled as she patted Ben, "It's okay. She loved to call everyone 'darling'. It's her traits."

Ben sighed, "Okay. Let's get started. Shall we?"

"Sure thing. Now, hold still, Ben. It might sting a bit," Rarity remarked in amusement.

Rarity began working and designing the clothes for Ben. For the moment later, it was done. Ben was dressed in his white shirt, black jacket and pants. He looked at three mirrors for display. He hummed in amazement.

"This looked good, but the pants..." Ben cringed in annoyance and pain as he heard a rip on his pants. He chuckled uneasily, "Tight..."

Rarity giggled uneasily, "Sorry, darling about that. I sometimes get carry away with it. Don't worry, I'll fix that."

Rarity changed Ben's pants while putting all the clothes in the bag. She passed it to Ben Mare.

"Thanks, Rarity. You're quite a fashionable fashion designer, alright," Ben commented.

Rarity smiled, "Oh, Thank you darling."

"You know. You should try and get yourself a stallion. After all, your fashion works are the best. No stallion could resist that."

"I tried. I did have someone to like but it's not what I had hope for. Your cousin is certainly rude and unappreciated gentlepony I ever met."

Ben sighed as he knew who she was referring to, "Sorry about Prince Bludbood. He maybe a bit jerk especially when he's big cowardly and irresponsible prince. But he got someway to admit his mistakes especially when it comes to his charismatic and diplomatic on some ponies and culture."

"Him? I hardly believe in that, darling." Rarity fussed in annoyance.

"I'm sure you'll find out soon, Rarity," Ben commented, "Kudos for the suits."

"Kudos? Like no thank you or something," Spike asked in annoyance.

Twilight Sparkle giggled, "It means thank you, Spike. Don't go sensitive."

Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Ben Mare arrived at Fluttershy's Cottage. They spotted Fluttershy tucking the bunnies to sleep.

"Hey Fluttershy," Twilight Sparkle greeted.

Fluttershy turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Oh, hi Twilight. Hi Ben. Hi Spike. Welcome to my home."

Ben awed in surprise and amazement upon looking at the area, filled with different yet friendly critter and animals.

"I didn't know you own the animals. It's amazing," Ben commented in surprise.

Fluttershy blushed, "Oh no, Ben. Not all animals are mine. Some owners left them under my care when they went for business trip or vacation. Others were just orphan or wild. And sometimes, I even help some ponies to get and adopt one pet."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "And it's where Rainbow Dash had her first pet - a tortoise named Tank."

Just before Ben could say anything, he heard some noise and even noticed a box moving around. He approached to check it out. He found a grayish wolf cub that has black eyes and three spots on his flank. He barked happily.

"Hey, little guy. What are you doing in the box?" Ben asked in amusement as he helped and carried the wolf cub out from the box. He turned to Fluttershy, "I didn't know you keep wolves especially it's almost like Tomberwolves."

Fluttershy explained, "Not really, this cub just appeared at my backyard weeks ago. Seems that he's lost or away from his family, I decide to let him stay with my animal friends. I was hoping somepony to adopt him. But I guess nopony did since he's a wolf. It scared them off sometimes."

Ben sighed while looking at wolf cub, "Poor guy. I know what it feels like to be alone especially ponies mistreat you as outsider. Just like me..."

Wolf cub whined unhappily before licked on Ben's face for few times, making him laughed a bit. He then patted on the wolf cub's head gently. Ben put the wolf down.

"Wow. He seems taking a liking on you," Fluttershy commented, "Surprisingly, you're the only pony who treated the wolf cub as a friend."

"Yeah, I guess. He does remind me of myself especially when I'm a Demon Pony" Ben admitted before he gave some thoughts, "Hey Fluttershy, think I can adopt him?"

"Really? You do?"

"Yeah. Since nopony want to adopt him, I might as well take it. After all, he does like me. And so do I. What do you think, buddy?"

The wold cub barked happily before jumped and pounced on Ben to the ground. It licked on his face for few times.

Fluttershy giggled, "He's all yours, Ben."

Spike whistled in amusement, "First the owl, then the phoenix and now the wolf. Our home is becoming a new park attraction for pets."

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I think it's lovely. Nyx would like him too. So, what are you gonna name him?"

"Koga," Ben explained as he gave a pet on his wolf cub pet. It barked happily. He smiled, "I think he likes it."

"Let me guess? You got that from the storybook?" Twilight Sparkle asked in amusement.

Ben nodded, "Something like that. It does sounds better..."

Twilight Sparkle, Ben Mare, Spike and Koga were on their way to Sugarcube Corner. They entered the area. But for some reason it's dark and quiet.

"Wanna tell me why is it dark and quiet?" Ben asked in concern.

Suddenly, the lights turned on. Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders especially Nyx, Dinky Doo and Twist were at the restaurant while the area was filled with party decoration. There's one word for them to say.

"SURPRISE!"

Koga yelped in shock and concern before he barked wildly and angrily. Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in concern of the wolf's aggressive barks. Ben chuckled in amusement as he patted his pet.

"Easy, boy. It's okay, Koga. No need to be afraid of it. It's just a surprise party," Ben comforted his pet. Koga panted happily before nuzzled his master. He chuckled uneasily, "Sorry about that. He's just getting use to it. But nice surprise party."

Nyx gasped as she approached Koga, "A wolf pup? Cool! This is amazing!"

Ben nodded, "He sure is. He's my pet now, Nyxie. And his name is Koga."

"Other than 'Welcome to Ponyville Town, Ben' Party, we also make another one called 'Ben Got A PET' party!" Pinkie cheered wildly and happily as she bounced happily before Ben, "Do you like it, Ben? Do you like it? He likes it! I know he likes it!"

Ben nodded, "I sure do enjoy it. Thanks."

Pinkie Pie hummed, "Maybe I should get some ponies in here, so maybe you can-!"

"No!" Ben exclaimed in concern before cleared his throat, "Sorry, Pinkie. It's best that we keep to ourselves."

"Why?"

"The last thing I was is some attention. And I'm not exactly comfortable with it especially talking about my secret identity and my past. The last thing I want is ponies freaked out."

Pinkie realized of what Ben was talking about, "Ooh... I get it now. Okie Dookie Lookie! Just enjoy the party!"

Ben sighed, "Thanks, Pinkie. Let's just enjoy our party. How about it?"

Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement about it. They all started to party happily and wildly. Some chatted and others play games.

Twilight Sparkle approached Ben, "Enjoying Pinkie's Party, Ben?"

"Yeah, I do," Ben nodded before he sighed in relief, "I'm just glad that to be here. I'm relax and have nothing to worry about especially spending some time with my girlfriend."

"Oh you..."

"And don't worry, I'm gonna do my best to help you out with anything I can."

Twilight giggled happily before nuzzled on Ben's head, "I'm pretty sure that you've got nothing to worry about. Believe me, me and my girls can handle everyday's big mess. Promised."

Ben smiled, "Okay. Shall we dance?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled in amusement as she and Ben began dance around happily. Everypony continued dancing and partying happily and wildly.

To be Continued...

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