//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: Fame is Pain! 
// Story: The Legend of Courage 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

On the next day...

At Canterlot Palace, Princess Celestia sighed in upset. She hasn't heard a word from Spell Nexus yet. She grew in concern about the mysterious Cutie Mark Ben has inherited. She can't help but feel like she has seen it before from somewhere but from where.

KNOCK! Princess Celestia looked up. She ordered to come in. Corporal Flash Sentry entered the throne chamber. He bowed before the princess.

"You summoned me, your highness?" Flash Sentry asked curiously and concern.

Princess Celestia nodded in confirmation, "Yes, Flash. I need a favor from you. Will you go and check on my son?"

"Well, of course. I do plan to visit him. But why?"

"Be sure he's out of danger, Flash. That's all I ask."

"Danger? Why would he be in danger, your highness? He has some friends with him especially Twilight Sparkle. He would never get himself into troubles."

"I know. But I want he be out of it, no matter what happens. He's not ready for the combat like you, Flash. Or even being resourceful and clever for one step ahead like Sunburst. He is not prepared for this. You know that well, Flash."

Flash sighed, "I guess so. I have a bad feeling that Ben may not like this one."

"Like it or not. That's an order," Princess Celestisa said firmly, "Take some guards to help. And be sure, he's stay out of it."

Flash saluted, "Understood. I've got bad feeling about this..."





At Ponyville...

After sending Nyx and Cutie Mark Crusaders off to the school, Ben have some chats with his girlfriend and other friends at the restaurant. They were discussing about Mane Six and their adventures. Though Ben may have kept on her, but sometimes he missed out due to feared of Ponyville Ponies may come and chase him off. He sometimes got lazy off.

Ben was surprised and shocked of all the adventures Mane Six have been through, and even Spike, Nyx and Cutie Mark Crusaders such as Battle with Nightmare Moon, Cutie Mark Crusaders Foundation and Hunt on Cutie Marks, Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense, Nyx's Adventure, Discord, even Changeling Invasion on Canterlot Castle.

"I've gotta say. That was impressive and shock too. I wish I could be part of it," Ben commented.

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I rather you'd stay out of it, Ben. The adventure and mission we went through is very difficult and scar than you think."

Applejack nodded in agreement, "Twilight's right, Ben. I reckon you stay out of it and be a good librarian. Some adventure is not worth to go and have fun with."

"I agree with that. I especially hate to see my mane, hooves or even my beautiful appearance to get dirty and messy," Rarity complained before she grunted in disgust, "I especially don't like to be at Diamond Dog's territory. That is very disgusting and terrible."

"Aw, come on! Sure, there's got some bad times, silly times, dumbest times, stupid times, ridiculous times, funny times, happy times, sad times but best of all - good times when you're with friends together to have fun and adventure," Pinkie Pie giggled happily.

Rainbow Dash smirked, "Yeah, true. Those things we did is so cool and awesome. And of course, I'm awesome at it because I'm the leader."

"As if!" Mane Five exclaimed in annoyance and amusement.

"Well, I'm not sure of that, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said in concern, "I still think the adventures still could or could not be dangerous. I don't know what to decide about it."

"Either way, it's best that you should stay out of it, Ben," Twilight Sparkle said calmly.

Ben sighed, "But Twilight, I want to help-!"

"I know you want to help, Ben," Twilight Sparkle interrupted, "And believe me, you'll be a grateful helpful. All you have to do is stay at library and look after it especially some customers want to come for books. That's all. And best thing is that you're out of troubles. That's all I ask, Ben."

Ben groaned, "I guess so..."

"Ben, was being hero is what you really wanted?"

"Yeah. I read lots of comic book, movies and even some novels about the heroes especially Daring Do. I was inspired by them. I can be a hero like you and others. My buddies helped and trained me to be the fighter and clever boy. I'm ready for this. I don't want to get cooped up in library."

"Yeah, I still don't think it's good."

"But Twilight-!"

"Ben, the last thing I want is to lose you. Please do it for me. I don't want you to get beaten or tricked badly by somepony else like what Boris did to you. You're not ready yet."

Mane Five commented and remarked in agreement about Twilight Sparkle's concern for Ben Mare. They knew his history and weakness. They believed he's not ready. And it's best that he should stay out of it for a long time.

Ben sighed in defeat, "Fine. I will stay behind as librarian."

Twilight sighed as she gave Ben a hug, "Thank you, Ben. And don't worry, when the time comes, you will had the chance to prove the world that a prince can be a hero."

"Yeah. Hopefully, it comes earlier..." Ben muttered in upset.





Twilight and her friends were on their way to Ponyville Schoolhouse to get Cutie Mark Crusaders. Unfortunately, they heard some cheering and fighting noise. They became worried, shocked and concerned about it. They quickly trotted off to the playground area where they spotted colts and fillies cheering while two ponies were fighting each other. Filthy Rich was there as well. They had the feeling of who were they.

Cheerilee came to the scene while shouting, "Nyx! Diamond Tiara! Stop! Stop this instance!"

As both Nyx and Diamond Tiara continued fighting, Twilight Sparkle and Filthy Rich quickly stopped and pulled their own child away from fighting each other.

"What were you doing?!" Twilight Sparkle and Filthy Rick demanded.

Cheerilee sighed, "Please, girls. Tell me of what's really going on."

Nyx and Diamond Tiara snarled while pointed at each other, "She started it! I didn't do it! You stop lying! I mean it!"

Cheerilee groaned, "Girls, just tell me what happened?!"

Diamond Tiara huffed as she exclaimed in annoyance, "This brat just attacked me for no reason! And believe me, I've done nothing wrong!"

"Liar!" Nyx exclaimed in anger, "You bullied Pipsqueak! You even threw his favorite doll up to the tree just because you hated Nightmare Moon a lot like hating Princess Luna! And not to mention, you call me a 'freak'. That really annoys me!"

"First of, I don't hate Princess Luna, just her bad side! And second, I call you a 'freak'. It's because it's who you really are ever since you became Nightmare Moon, Nightmare Moon! You will never be anyone or anything but a freak!"

Ben got snapped suddenly as he remembered of what Diamond Tiara had said. It reminded of what Boris had told him during his childhood. He actually hated somepony call him 'a freak', 'a weak' or 'a loser'. He hated it a lot.

Apple Bloom growled, "You can't tell her off like that!"

"Yeah! She saved our lives and even our daddy's too!" Sweetie Belle added.

Scootaloo nodded in agreement, "Don't try to cheat your way out of this. We all saw everything."

Nyx and Diamond Tiara continued snarling and glaring at each other but the parents stopped their own fillies from attacking.

"That's enough, young lady!" Filthy Rich exclaimed in anger, "That has gone too far!"

Diamond Tiara hissed in upset, "But daddy, she-!"

"No more buts, young filly. You better apologize to that filly and a colt now! I don't know what your mother taught you when I'm not around, but that's very bad!" Filthy Rich scolded angrily. He turned to Twilight Sparkle, "I'm terribly sorry for her behavior, Miss Sparkle. It won't happen again."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Just make sure she learned her lesson."

"Will do," Filthy Rich nodded. He turned and nudged his daughter to move along, "Now get going, Diamond Tiara! You're grounded, young lady!"

Diamond Tiara groaned angrily and upset. Filthy Rich and his daughter walked away from others. Silver Spoon gulped as she went after her friend now. Everyone sighed in relief of it. They're glad that somepony finally teach her some lesson.

Nyx turned to Cheerilee, "I'm sorry, Ms. Cheerilee. I was just looking out for my friend."

Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement that they all just want to help and look after Pipsqueak from getting hurt.

Cheerilee sighed, "I know. But you will get the detention class for a week after school. That's for starting the fight with Diamond Tiara. Promise me that you won't pull that stunt again."

Ben nodded in agreement, "Next time, Nyx; tell the teacher about the bully. That's what I did when I was dealing with Boris."

Nyx sighed in defeat yet annoyance, "Okay, promised, Ben."

Twilight Sparkle turned to Pipsqueak, "Are you okay, Pipsqueak?"

Helped by both Dinky Doo and Twist, Pipsqueak grunted in a bit of pain, "Yes, I am. Thank you, Nyx. You're a life savior."

Nyx blushed while scratched her back mane gently, "It's not a big deal. Just glad to help around especially stood up on Diamond Tiara."

Pipsqueak blushed as well before he looked away. Nyx also did the same thing. Everyone smiled and giggled a bit at the sights. They then looked up where Pipsqueak's doll got trapped on the tree's branches.

Pipsqueak sighed, "There goes my doll. It was my favorite."

"Don't worry, Pip. I'll get your doll down. Now sit tighter and let-!" Twilight Sparkle said calmly as her horn glowed. As she was about to levitate the doll, she stopped as she found Ben was climbing up the tree, "Ben?! What the hay are you doing?!"

Ben grunted as he was climbing up on the tree, "Getting the doll down. That's what!"

Twilight hissed in concern, and so does everypony. Ben's not very athletic and sporty as his best friend. They're worried about him getting himself hurt!

"Ben! Get down! You're gonna get yourself hurt!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern.

Ben groaned as he was climbing towards the end of branch, "Twilight, don't be such like my mom. I can do it. Just watch. Taking the baby like-!"

SNAP! The branch got snapped as both Ben and the doll fell from the tree. Ben grabbed the doll but who's grabbing him?! 

Everyone gasped in shock and concern. As Ben continued screaming, Twilight Sparkle was about to levitate him. But Ben disappeared, who and how?! As they looked up, they found Flash Sentry grabbed Ben on his back as he slowly landed on the ground.

"Seriously, dude? I can't even let you stay put for one minute. And the next, you get yourself into this mess," Flash Sentry joked.

Ben grunted, "Very funny, Flash. But thanks for the save as usual. So, what are you doing here?"

Flash scoffed, "What? Don't tell me that an old friend of yours can't visit you for the moment?"

"I guess so," Ben scoffed. He turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Hey, Twilight. I-!"

Twilight Sparkle winked, "I got this. We'll meet you back at the library. Enjoy your brief time with your old friend."

Twilight and her friends turned and trotted off, while leaving two boys behind to have their own chats.





Ben and Flash Sentry were walking across the Ponyville Town while having some chats about the Prince's stay at Ponyville Town, and he even told his best friend about Twilight Sparkle and her friends denied him from helping her on adventure, mission or even defending Ponyville. As Ben was frustrated about Twilight Sparkle's decision, Flash Sentry hummed in concern about his best friend's desire as he recalled the order of Princess Celestia's firm order.

"Sorry to hear that, Ben," Flash Sentry apologized before sighed in concern, "But I think it's the wisest decision Twilight Sparkle have make."

Ben groaned in upset, "Aw, come on! Not you too!"

"Look, Ben. All I'm saying is that it's for the best. You're not strong. You're not fast as me. And not to mention, you're not smart as Sunburst. And besides, your mother doesn't want you get hurt either."

"So, you and my mom are on Twilight's side? Thanks a lot."

"Ben, being hero isn't easy. It's not only about saving the world or kicking bad guys, it's about making right decision for the world. And believe me, Ben; it's very hard."

"But isn't it why we have each other to help, so we don't make mistakes? Isn't that what you teach me about being hero?"

"I... I supposed so..." Flash Sentry admitted reluctantly. He noticed Ben's looks and tone. He knew something bother his best friend. He sighed, "Okay, Ben. What is this about? There's definitely something bothering you..."

Ben sighed in defeat, "You always know me better than anypony else, Flash. Ever since I became Demon Pony, I was on my own to survive the wild, running away and especially fighting some crazy bad guys. Nopony help me or even come to me. So, I realized that if ponies are in trouble, who will help them?"

"So, you have to be ready to help them. And I can tell that you hate leaving ponies behind especially Twilight Sparkle, right?"

"Yeah. And I know she and others will be trouble. So, I want to help and save them. I want to be heroes, just like the comic books and movies especially you, BFF."

Flash thought for the moment about Ben's desire. He sighed, "Well, I have my own orders. But I'm about to break it anyway. It happens for dozen times. No differences at all. I'm here to help and train you to be the best."

"Really?" Ben asked in surprise. Flash nodded happily. He squealed happily as he jumped and hugged his best friend passionately, "Thanks, buddy! I owe you a lot!"

Flash chuckled happily, "Owe me nothing, buddy. Just glad to help around, buddy."

"So, what's the first lesson, buddy?" Ben asked in amusement. Suddenly, he and Flash Sentry heard some noise. They turned to their back as it's coming from the main street. He sighed, "Never mind. I think I know where to start."

Ben and Flash trotted straight to the Main Street. Upon arriving at the area, they saw Twilight and her friends battling with the wild Manticore. The Royal Guards were keeping and moving the crowds including Cutie Mark Crusaders to safety.

Ben smirked, "This is it. Time to see if I got the moves."

"Don't get cocky!" Flash Sentry exclaimed as he passed the sword to Ben. He looked to the front, "Just remember you're not the wild Demon Pony anymore."

Ben and Flash Sentry charged in to the battlefield. As Twilight Sparkle and her friends surrounded the Manticore, they were armed and readied to attack.

"Okay, girls; remember the plan," Twilight Sparkle said calmly. 

Mane Five nodded in agreement. Twilight Sparkle smirked as she looked closely at Manticore in waiting for it to make a move. As she was about to give the word, Ben and Flash screamed wildly. The boys charged straight at the monster while the girls yelped in concern and shock.

As the Mane Six were about to call the boys off from attacking, but Ben and Flash Sentry charged in as they gave a powerful swing of their swords at the Manticore's body. It growled in anger as it gave the boys a hard slap of his paws. Mane Six gasped in concern. 

Twilight Sparkle growled, "Girls, now!"

And just before Manticore could do anything, Fluttershy flew straight at him as she gave him 'The Stare'. As the monster was stunned, both Applejack and Rarity charged in while wrapped its leg and tail with both lasso and long blanket. Rainbow Dash charged in as she gave a spinning around and around him while Twilight Sparkle summoned the lullaby song in making the monster both dizzy and sleepy. Pinkie Pie fired her Party Canon at Manticore straight into the cage.

Ponies awed in amazement yet happily. They all cheered wildly and happily. Mane Six have defeated, subdued and captured the Manticore. As four Royal Guards approached and put the cage of Manticore on the wagon, they're ready to move it out.

"Take him back to Everfree Forest, guards," Twilight Sparkle ordered firmly. Four Royal Guards saluted as they turned and took the Manticore away. She turned and gave an angry looks at Ben, "Benjamin Maregillian! What were you thinking?!"

Ben yelped, "I was just trying to help..."

"Like getting yourself to get killed?! That's a brilliant idea for you to get killed, mister! Really brilliant!"

"Hey! I just can't stay behind and do nothing. I can't let my girlfriend to get hurt! It's the least I can do is you let me get into the fight."

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "First off, I've been lots of battles and adventures which barely get me hurt! Okay, except the part where my friends and my big brother left me because I was crazy about Cadance being evil. And second, you're not a fight or even an advisor. You're the prince who never experienced of fighting or even surviving the wild before in your life!"

"Been there, done that! I was the Demon Pony, remember? I survived and fight for my survival from crazy monsters and wild!"

"Yeah, I remember! I remember that you almost scared out of me and running away from everypony, without telling any of us that you were alive! And not to mention, you almost got killed by Boris!"

"Hey, I survived, didn't I? You should be grateful that your Prince is alive! And you couldn't just let him help his subject defeat with monsters like savage Manticore!"

"He wasn't savage! He was scared like something scared him off to our town! And we're not trying to defeat the monster, we're trying to put him sleep! So, we can send him back home! But it almost ruined, if it weren't for you, your highness!"

"Well, sorry for that, my mother's faithful student! If it weren't for me, my mom Princess Celestia wouldn't have made you not only her student but also help you make some new friends!"

Twilight Sparkle groaned in annoyance as she had left eye twitched like she wanted to give a punch on his face for thinking he's high mighty. But instead of wanting to lose temper, she sighed in defeat.

"You're right. I'm sorry for insulting you. I just want to keep you safe."

Ben sighed, "I know, Twilight. I just want to help. I want to be like you - saving the town, helping friends and best of all - be a hero."

Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes in amusement, "Well, I don't know if it's gonna be easy. We're happy to help you."

"Yeah," Mane Six and Flash Sentry exclaimed in agreement.

"Wait a minute, did you just say that this stallion is a prince?" Lyra Heartstrings asked in surprise. Mane Six, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Ben yelped in concern of their mistakes. She squealed happily, "You really are the Prince! He's the son of Princess Celestia!"

"But didn't he say he's a Demon Pony," Bon-Bon asked in concern.

"Who cares! If this is prince, he's the one I want!" Lily exclaimed happily.

Daisy squealed happily, "Me too! If he's turned into monster, I'll be the first mare to kiss and turn him back to my handsome prince!"

Rose squealed happily, "Oh, the horror! The horror!"

"Enough!" Photo Finish demanded firmly, "I need pictures! More! More of him! He shall be shine across the Equestria! Prince of Equestria is here at Ponyville Town!"

The Ponyville Town ponies cheered wildly and happily as they surrounded Ben and all of his friends. Some begged and pleaded him to sign the autograph for them, others want to take the picture with the prince, a few like foals want to hug him and most of girls screamed happily as they want to touch, hug and kiss him. But most of ponies were fighting with each other in wanting him!

As ponies continued hugging and bothering him, Ben groaned and grunted painfully while his other friends struggled in reaching him.

"Now, ponies! Calm down! There's no need to fight over him! He's the Prince!" Mayor Mare exclaimed in concern as she tried to push the ponies off. She grunted and struggled, "Please, everypony! Stop! You're hurting Princess Celestia's son!"

"This is why I don't want to let anypony to know me being prince or being Demon Pony," Ben exclaimed in concern yet painfully as he struggled to get out of it, "Twilight! Do something!"

Twilight Sparkle groaned painfully, "Everypony, hold my hoof!"

Mane Five, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Phobos, Ben and even Flash grabbed Twilight Sparkle's hoof. She then had her horn glowed brightly before all of them disappeared from everyone's sights. The Ponyville Town ponies gasped in shock and concern of what they just saw - the prince disappeared?! Where are they?!





At Golden Oak Library, three pets were sleeping together happily while Spike was arranging the books until something sparkled and woke them up rudely. Twilight and her friends have teleported back to their home. They all looked dizzy, along with their eye pupils whirling and spinning around the eyeballs.

Spike gasped, "What happen?!"

"I thought I was done with that modeling," Fluttershy said in concern yet meekly, "but this is the worst!"

Rarity nodded, "I couldn't agree more. Now everypony knows who you are, Ben."

Ben groaned in concern before slammed his head on the ground, "What am I gonna do now?! No way these ponies will leave me alone!"

"Well, we could try talk with Mayor Mare about Prince Ben's decision," Fluttershy suggested, "She'll understand it. After all, she's the mayor of this town."

"Maybe with me, I could get him to the place he wanted to go," Rainbow Dash smirked, "Nopony could catch me up. Well, except Pinkie Pie - she's the only pony can keep it up with me and not to mention, how fast she can really go."

Applejack hummed, "Or maybe we could get you in disguise. That way nopony could recognize ya."

"Ooh! That would be my department," Rarity exclaimed happily.

"That could work," Flash Sentry nodded in agreement, "But for how long? Ben do need to get some fresh air rather than keep disguising."

Spike gasped, "Twilight can teleport all of us to the place we want to go.

"That could work, Spike," Twilight Sparkle said thoughtfully, "But I can't keep teleporting. That could tire me even more."

"A Party Canon to shoot him to another place?" Pinkie Pie asked happily. Everyone gave a glare at her. She squealed in embarrassment, "Just kidding. I wasn't really trying to blow him up or something. That is so out of me."

Apple Bloom gasped, "Maybe we could provide some distraction! We're good at it."

"Yeah! When we disturbed and make the ponies mad, they'll give chase on us," Scootaloo added happily.

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, "And then, you get Ben to the best place you want to go."

"We'll try to get back to you whenever we can," Nyx said happily, "And of course, we can't let ponies follow us too."

Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity and even Rainbow Dash looked at each other. Though they don't like putting the fillies in troubles, but helping Ben from getting noticed and get him some peace and quiet. They nodded in agreement and approval.

Ben was in shock and surprise of what he just saw and heard. His friends are willing to help and keep him out of ponies' sights no matter what.

"You really doing this?" Ben asked in surprise. Everyone nodded in agreement. He trotted and gave them a big hug, "Thanks, guys! For everything!"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "No problem, Ben. Let's just hope our plan works tomorrow. And hopefully ponies don't get their eyes on you for too long."

Ben nodded, "Yeah! Let's do this!"





On the next day,

Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were at the Golden Oak Library. Twilight Sparkle and her friends will do whatever it takes to get Ben out from everyone's sights. Rainbow Dash took a peek from the library as she was checking if there's any sign of ponies coming at her or library. When it's cleared, she and her friends charged out at once.

Whenever Ben and his friends go, the ponies followed them at once. Twilight and her friends did their best to distract the ponies from following him such as Cutie Mark Crusaders disturbed and made ponies to catch them, Twilight Sparkle teleported her friends as far away from other ponies before exhausted herself, Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry made a quick speed in getting him away from ponies, and Rarity gave everyone some coats and hats for disguise to confuse the ponies.

But the attempt was a failure. Each time Ben and his friends tried to trick or mislead the ponies away from him, they managed to find and catch up with him such as they were having some lunch at local restaurant, having fun and picnic at the green hill, training at gym, buying some souvenirs and stuffs, and a few more things they want to do.

All end up being a failure...





That night, Ben groaned in upset as he fell on his bed hard. As his head wad covered by the pillow, he screamed in frustration and upset. Flash Sentry was with him. Twilight Sparkle and her friends feel sorry and upset that Ben couldn't find some peace and quiet for once especially away from getting attention. They decided to leave him alone.

"Sorry, Ben for everything," Flash Sentry said in concern.

Ben groaned, "What am I gonna do? I can't find some peace and quiet for myself."

"I don't know. And I'm not gonna think that you're gonna change your mind and go home, aren't you!"

"Of course not. I came here, so I can start my own training to help my friends. That way Twilight and others won't need to watch over me. I hate being helpless."

"I know, Ben. I know." Flash Sentry said in concern before gave in some thoughts, "Wait... I think I've got idea of how."

Ben got up and looked at his best friend, "Really?"

Flash Sentry smiled and nodded in confirmation. He then whispered to Ben about his plan, which may help him to finally get a place to train and work hard for him to be a hero...

To be Continued...

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