Prologue (1)

Prologue

"Damn! I almost had it this time!" Shouted Firebolt, a yellow unicorn with an orange and crimson mane.

"Why can't I make this work? It's possible! I've seen it happen, at the best young flyer's competition." The mare shouted. Another attempt had her horn glowing brilliant red. Flames appeared at her back, singing her, before fizzling out. Firebolt was a unique pony. Although she was a unicorn, she had a special ability that was not magic. It's known as pyrokinesis, or flame manipulation. Every time she get's angry or frustrated, she would burst into flames, like a certain purple unicorn when she couldn't figure something out. Her cutie mark was an arrow of fire, further exemplifying that her true talent was being a hotheaded little ball of napalm.

For as long as she could remember, Firebolt had been enamored and entranced by all things with wings. She would dream of flying, soaring through the clouds, but she would always wake up, back on the ground. Ever since she saw Rarity at the best young flyer's competition 5 years ago, she worked endlessly to try and create her own pair of magical wings. Not just any wings though, stable, sturdy wings, that could lift her with strength and grace, and would be, most importantly, permanent. She has tried these past 5 years endlessly to create a pair of wings, but every attempt went up in smoke, literally.

Firebolt was not particularly gifted in magic, but possessing a natural ability, like the hero Nightshade of two years past. It didn't require her magic to use, and any magic she tried always ended up catching things on fire. She was living in a run down apartment in Fillydelphia, which although it was not very opulent, it was fire proof, which was absolutely required when you burst into flames at least 3 times a day.

"Why was I born a unicorn? I should have been a pegasus. I've always wanted to fly, and I'm useless at magic, except burning things. My magic can't even give me the wings I've dreamed of for my entire life! Stupid horn! Why can't anything go right?" Living alone since nopony could handle her incendiary nature, Firebolt had a rather nasty habit of talking to herself when she was frustrated. After all, nopony could hear her, so what did it matter?

"Nightshade, you had a gift, like me, something that makes you different from everypony else. Maybe if I had known you... maybe." Firebolt mused. Nightshade was a national hero, but more than that, he was her idol. An alien, from a different world, with an amazing and mysterious power? He was as different as it could get, and yet he lived a good life while he was in Equestria. He met with the elements of harmony, became friends with the princesses, wrote a best selling survival book that catered not only to ponies, but to griffins and dragons and every other creature that could read. He started up the famous Shade and Shy Sugar Shack, Equestria's sole producer of maple sugar. He saved a student and teacher from a school fire, then paid to help rebuild it.

"You were so different, and life here must have been hard for you. How did you do it? You were brave enough to fight the princesses to a stand still, determined enough to overcome Nightmare which even princess Luna could not defeat, and kind enough to sacrifice yourself to seal it away. Why? You gave and gave and never expected anything in return, and for some reason the world saw fit to give to you anyway. Is it karma?"

The emblazoned mare had so many questions, and no answers. Perhaps she should go to Canterlot, to the gardens, and see his statue. It wasn't just a carving of him, a replica, it was his actual body, turned to stone. Maybe seeing him would give her some insights.

Firebolt traveled to the capitol, and entered the garden. It was open today, as often times it had tours come through. She moved along through the green rows, passing statue after statue.

"Discord 'Q' Draconequuis, Spirit of Disharmony, turned to stone by the Elements of Harmony, 2 AL (After Luna, referring to the time of Luna's return), may you never wake." She said, passing the frozen spirit of chaos.

"Phalenx the Conquerer, Griffin Warlord, defeated in 415 AM (After Moon, referring to the time of Nightmare Moon's banishment) With his defeat by his own pet cockatrice, Equestria and the griffin alliance finally overcame their differences, and war was avoided. May you never wake." She read, passing another statue, this one a griffin, carrying a rather large sword, almost the size of his body.

"Marigold Stem, friend to all, turned to stone by a basilisk *date obscured* May your rest be peaceful." This time, a unicorn, carrying a pot of stone flowers. She met an unfortunate fate, and was placed within the garden as a reminder of the dangers that all ponykind face.

Firebolt passed many other statues. Some were actual creatures that had been petrified, and some were simple statue replicas, carved in memory of someone. It was easy to tell the difference, the ones who had been turned to stone always ahd a look of panic, fear, or pain on their faces. She knew Nightshade had been turned to stone, so where was he?

Then she saw it. She almost missed him. With two legs, kneeling, arms stretched in an unmet embrace, wings forward to provide comfort to whoever was within his arms. Taking a closer look, she saw that his face was not wretched in pain or fear like the others, who had been turned to stone, but smiling. When he had been turned to stone, he went willingly.

"Here stands Nightshade, friend to all. He came from a world far worse, but made ours far better. Gave his life to forever bind the ancient Nightmare, standing watch forever, guarding us from it's return. May his rest be peaceful." Firebolt read with a tear in her eye. He gave his very life, taking Nightmare into his body, then allowing himself to be turned to stone so he could forever serve as it's prison. She took a closer look at the pedestal.

She saw a microphone, a dragon's scale, a pressed Nightshade flower, a paintbrush, an apple, mysteriously not rotten, a black cloak which she had seen in many photographs in the news paper, a book she recognized as 'Forest Survival: Life in the Everfree', a bottle of maple syrup, one he no doubt created, a plaque reading 'Trottingham Shade and Shy's Sugar Shack', and a Wonderbolt member's pin. These were rather unremarkable. What caught her eye was a necklace he was wearing, not petrified, a small bottle, and a sword. Looking at the bottle first, she saw it had a shaped cloud within it, spelling out 'dad'.

"He was a father? But he's not a pony! He couldn't have had a child. That and the time frame is way too short. Unless he adopted. That's right! I remember reading in the paper that he adopted a young pegasus filly. She must have made that for him." Firebolt said yet again to herself. Her long list of his known achievements just had one added to it. She wrote it down on a piece of parchment that she had enchanted to be fireproof, like the rest of her belongings. Then she took a closer look at his sword.

"Odd, he was never depicted as having a sword. He always fought without weapons, using his powers. I wonder if it was added later for aesthetics?" She said, before finally looking at the necklace.

"Strange design. A ring, with a spiders web of string woven in it, and 3 feathers hanging down. It looks like something that would have been made by the buffalo tribes, but there's no record of it. It must have been placed here after he was petrified though. It seems to have a strange black shine to it. Probably part of the design. What I don't understand is why he has wings. There was never any record of him having wings, he doesn't have them in any pictures, when did he get them? I have to know." Firebolt was determined to find out who he was, where he came from, everything he did in his life, how he died, and most importantly, how he got his wings. She looked back at the statue again, and was compelled by some unknown force. She reached up to the necklace, took it, and put it in her saddlebag.

"Nopony will notice if I take a little keepsake of my idol." Firebolt laughed to herself. With that, she headed off to Ponyville to get some answers.

Well Firebolt, you happy? Here ya are! I know I had to take some creative license with your character, but hey, my fic, my rules. There's going to be some more intro, meeting the mane 6, and a little bit of explanation coming up in the next chapter of 'Ascended'.

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Fluttershy: *yay.wav* Nightshade! I missed you so much! It's only been 4 hours in the real world since you turned to stone, but it felt like 2 years to me!

Applejack: *nope.pny* It was 5 hours, and it's gonna be like 2 weeks for the audience, cuz BlackWing's making em wait for it instead of givin it to em right away.

Rainbow Dash: Why are you punishing us like this BlackWing? We want it NAO!

BlackWing: You always were impatient, Dash, a lot like me. I want things right away, but I don't mind making everyone else wait. I could be REALLY mean and write the whole thing before posting any of it, and then everyone's track boxes will have 20+ notifications! I won't do that though. I'm not that cruel. Still, I'm gonna get ahead writing this fic before I release it, that way it takes some of my self imposed pressure off.

Pinkie Pie: Ooh, Firebolt's coming to town? Should I throw a welcome party? Or maybe a 'Don't Burn Down the Town' party? We'll have cake and candy and sasparilla, and MAPLE SYRUP!

Discord: Well, It's the sequel, and the star has finally arrived! That's right, moi, the most handsome spirit of disharmony there ever was. When is the scene where Celestia professes her eternal love to me?

Celestia: You're sick.

Aurora: That's my daughter you're talking about. You don't have the Black Law anymore, and so help me, once you die and come to the afterlife, I'm going to kill you again!

BlackWing: Well, I'm gonna stop this before Aurora kills Discord and takes away one of the story's villains. See ya in the next chapter!

Answers (2)

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Answers

"Finally here. It took me so long, but I made it." Firebolt said to herself. She wondered why ponies as famous as the bearers of the elements would live in such a small town. Perhaps they liked the peace and quiet? Firebolt had to come here and ask them herself, since most of the records in the Canterlot archives were obscured, and anything regarding Nightmare was kept in a high security section, 'Royal Eyes Only'.

"Oh my gosh? Are you new in town? Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! You must be new because I know everypony in Ponyville, and if you're new in town then you probably don't have any friends here and you'll be lonely so I need to throw you a welcome party so you can make lots and lots of friends!" A bouncing pink pony appeared out of nowhere, startling Firebolt. Pinkie Pie's mane got singed when the surprised unicorn's orange and red mane flared up. It was Pinkie's turn to be startled.

"Heh, sorry. That happens some times. Usually if I get made, afraid, or surprised, or anything else really." Firebolt said shyly.

"Ah well, that's alright, accident's happen." Pinkie said excitedly.

"You said you know EVERY pony in Ponyville?" She asked the pink mare.

"Yuppers!" She responded.

"What about someone from two years ago?" She asked again.

"Yep, I've lived here in Ponyville all my life! I know everypony who's been here and I never forget a face!" She said while hopping.

"Well, I'm looking for information on a certain somepony who lived here 2 years ago." If Pinkie knew everypony, then chances are she knew about Nightshade.

"Ooh, do you have a friend here you're coming to visit?" She asked.

"Well, no. I didn't actually know him, but he's my idol, and I wanted to know more about his life." Firebolt asked meekly. "His name was Nightshade."

Pinkie got a look of recognition, her mane deflated ever so slightly, and she stopped bouncing. A few tears formed in her eyes as she remembered something, then she shook her head to get rid of the thoughts.

"Yeah, I knew Shady. He was... a good friend. Follow me, we'll go to his house." Pinkie said somewhat more sullenly than her regular tone.

Pinkie Pie had since moved out of Sugarcube Corner, and into Nightshade's house with Fluttershy. Scootaloo had moved in with Rainbow Dash, so they could work together more easily, which left Fluttershy all alone. Since Pinkie was the one working the Sugar Shack, and Fluttershy needed comforting, Pinkie moved in with her.

"Hiya Fluttershy, we've got a guest!" Pinkie said, regaining her usual demeanor.

"Oh, umm, hello. Fluttershy said quietly.

"Hi, my names Firebolt." She said quietly, trying not to make the shy pegasus feel off guard. "I'd like to ask some questions about Nightshade."

Fluttershy's ears drooped. She still hadn't gotten over what happened two years before. He was the love of her life, and he was gone.

"Well, umm, I'm Fluttershy, And this is the Shade and Shy Sugar Shack." She said, starting to shake. "We umm, founded it together, even though I really didn't do all that much. He lived in the forest for two years, so he knew all about the trees, and where he came from, it was really popular, so he brought it here."

"Where did he come from?" Firebolt asked, not sensing the yellow pony's discomfort at the subject.

"He came... um, he came from..." Fluttershy trailed off. "I'm sorry, I can't do this. I'm sorry." She ran to her bedroom, tears streaming down her face. Pinkie's mane had deflated a little more at seeing her friend sad, but knew better than to try and comfort the crying Fluttershy. At times like this, she just wanted to be alone, and besides, she had somepony that needed a tour around town.

"What was that all about?" Firebolt asked.

"It's a touchy subject with her. She's already timid, and they were..... close." Pinkie said softly. "Let's go talk to Twilight."

Twilight lived in a giant hollowed out tree, filled with books. This made Firebolt extremely nervous.

"Umm, Pinkie, maybe I shouldn't go in." She said.

"Why's that?" She asked.

"Well, she lives in a tree and umm...." The yellow unicorn said, making herself catch fire slightly before extinguishing it.

"Oh, right." Pinkie said knowingly. She went inside, and after about 5 minutes, she came out with a lavender unicorn.

"Hi, I'm Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville librarian." She introduced herself.

"Hi, I'm Firebolt. Sorry about doing this outside, I just, well, didn't want to burn your house down." She replied meekly, causing herself to flare up again.

"Understandable. Now, Pinkie said you were here to ask me something?" She said. She was always happy to share knowledge with others.

"Well you see, Nightshade is kind of my idol, and I wanted to know a bit more about him, like where he came from, what he is, what happened to him." Firebolt said this as gently as possible, knowing now that he was a difficult topic.

"Well, he came from another world, and I actually helped bring him here. Although all I did was supply the magic to do it, if you want to know more about him specifically, you'll have to talk to Lyra. She was the one who brought him here, and she knows more about him than any other, except the princesses and Fluttershy of course." Twilight said, simply stating facts. She also didn't really want to talk about him. She had fared much better than Fluttershy though, as she and Rarity were the ones who knew him the least.

"By the way, be careful around Lyra, she still blames herself for what happened. She might not tell you anything. She's beaten herself up over it for the past two years, please be gentle."

"So, you had a telepathic connection to him?" Firebolt asked Lyra, now in her house along with Bon Bon and Pinkie.

"Yeah, at first it was only in my sleep, and then I learned to do it while I was awake. I was obsessed with humans, and since he was the only one here, I went a little crazy." Lyra explained, Bon Bon raising an eyebrow.

"Okay, a lot crazy. I pretty much stalked him, real world and in his mind. I didn't give him any space, and while I though I loved him, I tried to force myself on him. I didn't consider how he felt. When I learned he didn't return my feelings......" Lyra had broken down crying now. "I understood what he had been through. His only friend betraying him? Having to run from everything. I knew everything about his past, but I was blind to his emotions." Lyra paused. "Everypony forgave me. Even he forgave me. But I still can't forgive myself for what I did. Because of me....."

"Maybe I should go." Firebolt felt sad that everyone was so hurt by her questions, but also very frustrated that she wasn't getting any answers, or at least as many as she wanted. He was her idol, and he somehow gained wings before he died. Maybe she could learn how he did it, and do it herself.

Speaking to Rainbow Dash, who simply said he was the only one to ever outrun her, Scootaloo who gave the story of how they lived in the forest, how he adopted her, taught her to fly. Because of Lyra, she finally knew where he had come from, and because of Scootaloo, she finally knew how he spent his first two years in Equestria.

"If I was him, I wouldn't have been able to adapt. Heck, I still haven't adapted to living in Equestria, and I was born here." Knowing where he came from was half the puzzle, but what she really wanted to know, was where he went. She thanked everypony for their time, and left Ponyville. Taking out the necklace, which she saw a similar one being worn by Fluttershy, Pinkie had explained that it was a dream catcher, mean to ward off evil spirits. Once outside of the town, she reached into her saddlebag, and took it out.

"So, that's what you are. Maybe I should put you back. After all, it has an extremely high sentimental value. Seems like that Fluttershy gave it to him, she'd be crushed if she went to visit and it wasn't there.

"What is it you desire?" A voice inquired

"Who said that?" Firebolt asked.

"What is the thing you desire above all others?" The voice asked again.

Firebolt had to think about it. Sure, she wanted to know more about Nightshade, but a lot of that was knowing how he got his wings. No, flight was definitely the top of the list.

"I desire wings, that I might fly through the clouds, and across the sky." She answered the voice.

"Become my bearer, and I shall grant you your wish, and anything else you have in your heart." Firebolt recognized the voice coming from the necklace, and a grin appeared on her face.

Meanwhile, within Nightshade's mind, encased in stone. Something had happened.

1 Year Ago

"Thank's for the birthday present, and the song Fluttershy." Nightshade cried. "I know you miss me, and I miss you, but I have to stay here and keep Nightmare trapped." Suddenly, Nightmare, which had been taunting him for the past year, telling him to use their combined power, break out of the prison, and go see his loved ones, became silent.

"What's the matter tall dark and gruesome? Can't stand to see someone happy?" He turned, and saw that Nightmare had been imprisoned in a circle. Taking a closer glance, the circle was actually a dream catcher, the strings stretched out, wrapping the black smoke in a kind of spider web. Nightmare could no longer move within his mind, and could no longer speak. It had been bound within the trinket, now worn around his neck.

"Silly superstition my ass, those things actually work!" The reason dream catchers ward off evil spirits is not that they are a barrier, they are a trap. If an evil spirit enters the web, they become hopelessly entangled within it, while good spirits and dreams are funneled into the wearer. Since the spirit was in him, and then the dream catcher was placed on him, Nightmare didn't have a chance to escape. It was trapped.

"Well, this is pleasant. Your soul has left your body. That black smoke that gave me an upgrade, as well as the Black Law, you're not in them anymore. Your new body is that little ring. But now there's a problem. Your old body and mine are fused, but I've got two life sparks now. My spark with 10 seconds left, and yours, which is immortal. I could break out of here, but I'd explode, unless...." Nightshade always was a thinker.

"My spark is small enough to move, I think I'll keep yours, and you can have mine. My life force should be enough to sustain you in that little ring for the next, oh ten thousand years? Still can't break out though. If I do that, your binding will weaken. You'll still be stuck, but you'll be able to possess me. Maybe if I'm lucky, in 100 years the string will wear through and the necklace will fall off, then I'll can break out, thank you soooooo much for telling me how, by the way, and I can give it to Celestia, who will lock it in a dungeon for all enternity. So yeah, in a hundred years, you will totally regret taunting me with the knowledge of how to break out of here." Nightshade laughed at the evil spirit, bound within the net of spiritual strings in his mind. Having been all alone, nobody to talk to, he was starting to go slightly mad.

Present Time

"Huh, who's this?" Nightshade asked himself, as he saw a yellow unicorn walk up to the statue. She had an orange and red mane, and a flaming arrow for a cutie mark.

"Hey now, don't cry over me, we don't even know each other." He said to himself in a slightly teasing tone. She began looking at the objects at his feet. She stopped when she saw Scootaloo's cloud carving, spelling out 'Dad'.

"Ding ding ding, we have a winner! Hmm, are you trying to learn about me for the archives? No wait, Twilight already took care of that. Maybe a fan? Pfft, I don't have any fans. Or maybe I do, I am a hero after all." He said proudly, the same way that Spike talks when he's acting macho, which Nightshade was sure by now he actually was.

"Okay, next round in the Guess the Facts: Nightshade Edition game show!" Once again, having gone slightly mad from being all alone and having nothing to do, he was trying to pass the time by having fun with this unicorn, even if she wasn't aware of it.

"Odd, he was never depicted as having a sword. He always fought without weapons, using his powers. I wonder if it was added later for aesthetics?" The pony said.

"Well, I never had a sword, right up till I got stuck in here. It wasn't aesthetics though. Eeeh, I'll give you that one. It's not like Celestia wants anyone to know that a weapon capable of killing her is sitting out in the open, right in her back yard. Okay, final round!" Nightshade was laughing. This was the most entertainment he had since Fluttershy sang to him almost a year ago, but that was sad, and everyone cried. This was more of a happy entertainment. "Oh, that's right, my birthday is coming up. Two years stuck in here, eternity to go!"

The fiery unicorn was looking at his dream catcher now.

"Right once again. If the buffalo tribes are anything like the natives of my world, then you're probably right, and it was put here after I got turned to stone. Although it wasn't black, it was ivory. It's probably black now since Nightmare is in it. And you're right about me not having wings. Such a smart pony." Nightshade said. She began to leave, presumably to go look for more information.

"Wait! Don't go!" He yelled, even though he knew she couldn't hear him. She was the most fun he'd had since he got locked in there. "At least take something for a prize, since you won the game!"

The unicorn turned around, and looked at the necklace. She seemed drawn to it.

"Oh no, not that. Don't take that. Take the syrup, or the plaque, or the dragon scale." He said more quietly. She reached up, and took the dream catcher. Nightmare and it's prison vanished from his mind.

"Okay, good, now change your mind, and put it on the pedestal." He said, like he was trying to get out of a hostage situation.

"Nopony will notice if I take a little keepsake of my idol." The mare laughed, putting the necklace in her saddlebag.

"Gah. Well, at least she didn't put it on. Nightmare is still weak. Now I just have to break out of here, find her, hope she didn't put it on, and bring it back here to Celestia so she can throw it in a safe or something for the next eon. Then I'll have Pinkie Pie throw a massive party for my hotheaded little friend and everything will be right as rain." Nightshade got to work. It would take him about a month to break out. He just hoped he wouldn't be too late.

Well now, that explains a lot. He coming back! Albeit a little less sane this time around, but at least it's a Pinkie Pie crazy instead of a Hannibal Lecter crazy, and it's only slight. So, what's going to happen to Firebolt? Please don't put it on, we don't want to go through the whole Lyra incident again, except this time with FIRE

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Fluttershy: *Squee* I'm so happy, I could just hug the life out of everything.

Pinkie: Can't... Breathe...

Fluttershy: Sorry.

BlackWing: Well, that's chapter 2. Hope you enjoyed.

Freedom (3)

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freedom

"WOOOHOOOOOO! THIS. IS. AWESOME!" Firebolt said, soaring through the sky. She was so excited, she had caught fully ablaze. The spirit in dream catcher she was wearing had given her wings, and she was having the time of her life, flying as she had always dreamed. She was quite a spectacle, sailing through the air, both wings and a horn, wrapped in an inferno. After a time, she flew to the ground, and the wings disappeared.

"Hey, what gives?" She asked the necklace.

"I am still weak, I must recover my power before I can make your dreams come true." We all know Nightmare, it had no intention of making that happen. When asked what it was, it had lied and said it was Nightshade's 'helper', a spirit bound within his dream catcher, and made him great by lending him it's power. It claimed it was weak because it left much of it's power in his still petrified body, and that part actually was true.

"So, how do we get your mojo back?" She asked the spirit, which was trying to be as friendly as possible, so as not to be discovered. It was strange to Nightmare, this pony had been pushed down her entire life, and instead of being depressed, she was happy. She had flown without a care in the world, even though she had been made fun of, betrayed, and turned away by everypony else because she was different. Now that it thought about it, Nightshade had been as well, but both of them had been happy.

"It will take time, and a little something else, but we don't need to worry about that right now."

It made Nightmare feel ill, to have these happy thoughts swirling in it's head. It found it hard to focus on it's goal, of destroying the world. This was made all the more difficult by having to not just witness joy, but act happy as well. This winged unicorn (not an alicorn, doesn't have earth pony abilities) had been so sad before, and was quite possibly the happiest thing alive at that moment.

"YES! Alright! I'm out! Awesome!" Stone crumbled, a small flash of light, and Nightshade found himself standing atop his pedestal. He picked up the year old bottle of maple syrup, and since sugar never goes bad, he drank it.

"Oh, there's no way I'm EVER going without YOU again." He said after chugging the think and sweet substance. He noticed Black Law stabbed into the ground.

"On the other hand, you I can do without." He brought up his hand, the sword flew to it.

"Hmm, looks like I inherited Nightmare's power. It really is just a soul now. It can probably do really little things, but nothing like what it did to me." He stabbed the sword into the center of the stone he had been set on, and covered it with both the cloak he had been wearing, and his original one. He didn't want anyone to see the sword, and the cloaks would cover it nicely.

"Besides, now that I've got wings, the cloak would just get in the way. Right! Wings!" He said excitedly. He was more than happy to be out of his prison. He was ecstatic. Bringing his black wings forward, he examined them. They shimmered in the moonlight. There were a couple ruffled up feathers, which he plucked out. His eyes lit up.

"So soft! Wait, am I preening? I guess I am. I wonder if pegasi do that? They must, since the pillows at Fluttershy's are made with pegasus feathers. Fluttershy!" He rubbed his face in his wings, feeling their softness. His mind was running a mile a minute, being happier than Pinkie Pie at having his freedom. He wanted to see Fluttershy so badly. But wait, his birthday was in two days, and he needed to find the unicorn that took his dream catcher. He got a wonderfully devilish idea.

Wearing blue jeans and a muscle shirt, he brought his wings up and flew. Having been connected with Nightmare, who had flown just about everywhere, he knew instinctively what to do. He flew to Ponyville and on his way, collided with a pony that had both wings and horn, and was burning like a falling star.

"Hey, watch it bub.... OH MY GOSH!" The pony squeed with delight.

"Oops, sorry about that I, huh?" Nightshade looked at the burning mare, who was flying around excitedly.

"It's you! I mean it's really you! You're you!" She said, acting like a school filly.

"Do I know you?" He asked skeptically.

"No, but I'm your biggest fan!" Squeeing like a fangirl.

"Hey, ouch, watch the flames, they're kinda hot." He said, sucking on his burnt finger.

"Umm, maybe we should land? Then we can talk more." Said the emblazoned pony.

"Good idea."

Once they landed, the fires went out, and Nightshade recognized her.

"Hey, wait a minute. I know you!" He exclaimed.

"You do?" She asked, part confused and part excited that he knew her.

"Yeah, you're the one that took my dream catcher while I was still a statue!" He said.

"Oh, umm, yeah. Sorry? I was going to give it back, but.." She started to stammer. She didn't want her idol being mad at her.

"You didn't put it on did you?" He asked with a very stern tone. He looked at her, and found that she was indeed wearing it. It hadn't even been burned by her flames.

"Quick! Take it off!" He screamed in fear, grabbing it by the string and pulling it over her head. He dropped it on the ground, and her wings disappeared.

"Hey, why'd ya do that?" She yelled, a little mad at him for taking away her wings.

"Do you have any idea what that is?" He asked.

"Umm, it's your spirit helper, part of your human magic? It gave you powers and made you awesome?" She repeated the voice's story.

"No, it's a dream catcher. It doesn't catch good spirits. And humans don't HAVE magic. You know Nightmare, the one I turned myself to stone to defeat? It's trapped in that ring. If you had kept it on, it would have regained it's strength, possessed you, and tried to destroy the world AGAIN, using your body this time." He explained. She looked like she was about to cry.

"I've always wanted to fly, even though I'm a unicorn, flying has always been my dream! It finally gave me that dream, it, it can't be. It wouldn't lie." She tried to reason.

"It's Nightmare, lying is what it's best at. Sure, it helped you now but that's because it's weak. If it regained it's strength, sure you'd be able to fly, but at the cost of your freedom. I'm sorry, but it's not meant to be." He tried to break the news that she was almost the pawn of an evil spirit to her gently, it didn't work. She started bawling.

"Are you mad I took your necklace?" She asked, crying.

"Heck no! I was waiting for someone to come along and take it off me. Once it was on, Nightmare got trapped in it. Soon as it popped off, I went to work on getting out of that statue. If not for you, I'd be stuck in there for the next who knows how long. You just can't wear it. I don't want what happened to Lyra happening to you." Nightshade said, becoming a little sad at the memory.

"Why, what happened to Lyra?" She asked.

"You know her?" He asked in return.

"I met her in Ponyville, when I was asking around for info about you. She was really sad." She answered.

"After all this time, even though everyone forgave her, she still hasn't forgiven herself. Lyra was... human obsessed. She brought me to Equestria, and thought that because she saved my life, and knew my past, that I'd love her. When she found out I didn't feel the same way about her that she felt about me, she tried to make me love her. Nightmare used her pain and jealousy to get her to accept it. Nightmare possessed her, and almost ended the world. I accepted Nightmare into my body, in order to save her. Then, I overcame it, and allowed myself to be turned to stone to seal it forever." He explained.

"And then?" She asked, no longer crying as she was more interested in his story.

"I had no idea that dream catchers would actually work. Almost a year ago, Fluttershy gave it to me, and Nightmare had it's soul trapped inside, leaving almost all of it's power with me. Part of that was these wings. Now its trapped in this necklace, and it was promising to give you wings in return for wearing it. Once it regained it's strength, it would possess you. Seeing as how you have a strange power like my own, you're the perfect choice."

Hearing what Lyra had done, and seeing the state she was in, Firebolt realized how close she was to becoming that, and having all that pain and misery happen all over again.

"No wings are worth going through what she went through." She said, her fire extinguishing. He agreed.

"Well, since I'm back, there's no need for tears any more! They can all stop crying! And it's thanks to you. I'm not just going to reveal myself though, there is always a certain procedure to go through with stuff like this. I need your help, umm...."

"Firebolt." She realized she had not given him her name.

"Hi Firebolt, I'm Nightshade, or just Shade, for short. I need your help."

"Help with what?" She asked.

"A prank."

He's back, so it's the perfect time to pull off a prank! Or rather, a series of pranks that will make everyone's heads spin. After all, once they realize he's back, there's no way he'll get in trouble for the stunts he pulled, they'll be too happy. Lucky for Firebolt that Nightshade bumped into her, or else we'd have this whole fiasco all over again. This chapter was super happy. Firebolt got to fly, then meet her hero, Nightshade got out of jail, and can now get rid of his cursed necklace. And there's going to be major hilarity when he get's back. All in the next chapter of 'Ascended'

Playful Return (4)

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Playful Return

After picking up the blackened necklace, and storing it safely in his jean's pocket, he grabbed Firebolt under his arm. He told her they needed to go back to Canterlot for a some things. When she asked how they were going to get there, he simply gave her a wicked grin and said,

"Try not to catch me on fire."

Stretching his wings, he took off into the air, heading back to where he came from. He flew quite quickly, until a mach cone appeared in from of him. He didn't even need to use his life force to get there. Deciding it would NOT be a good idea to make a sonic boom in the middle of the night, he slowed down, and landed back at where his statue had been. Setting the sleeping Firebolt down, (she had gotten excited by flying, and he decided that she would be far less combustible while unconscious) he woke her up.

"We're here." Nightshade told her.

"Okay, Shade, but why are we here? And how did we get here so fast?" She was curious, as such a trip would normally take a lot longer.

"Well, I flew just below the speed of sound, as not to make a ruckus. Since I got an upgrade from Nightmare before I turned to stone, and Nightmare left while I was stone, I guess that means it's permanent. Lucky me. I didn't even have to use my powers for it." He explained.

"What are your powers?" She was finally getting to what she wanted to know.

"I don't really like to talk about it, since on my world I had to leave everything behind once someone found out. While Equestria is a much nicer place, I still don't wanna risk it. I ran faster than sound before I got this awesome plumage by using all of my body's strength, but that wears you out in 8 seconds. With my power, I can keep that state up indefinitely. What about yours? That's not magic, I can tell for sure." He asked her.

"Well, when I get nervous, angry, excited, afraid, or any strong emotion, I burst into flames. I can also manipulate fire as I see fit, but it's really difficult. The trade off is all my unicorn magic comes out as fire too." She said sadly.

"Ah, pyrokinesis. If that's your power, I suppose mine is vitokinesis. Except I can't MAKE life, I just move it around. You can probably think of the implications and moral dilemmas on your own. As I said, I really don't like to go into it in depth. What we're here for, are these." He said, taking the Wonderbolt's pin, both his cloaks,(one for each of them) the book, and Black Law.

"What's that sword? You never had one before, and it's obviously not there for looks." Firebolt had almost as many questions as Lyra, they'd probably get along great.

"Can't tell ya. All I can say is it was a part of Nightmare, and is now a part of me. Just something else in the inheritance, a dangerous something. I can't just leave it here, so I'm going to give it to Celestia for safe keeping, along with this." He said, showing the dream catcher. He asked for some parchment, which he wrote something on,and then rolled it up.

"Well, since the princesses room is right there, I guess she's first." Nightshade grinned, showing off his sharpened teeth.

"You're going to prank the princess?" Firebolt said with disbelief.

"Ah, we're good friends, and besides, she of ALL ponies can appreciate a good prank. And it's not really a prank, more of a 'hello'. Just wait here, this will only take a moment."

Carefully picking the lock on the princess's window, (yep, I've still got it!) he silently flew inside, not making any noise when he touched the floor. He put the parchment against the wall and hung the necklace in front of it. He drove Black Law through the parchment, into the wall, so the dream catcher would be hanging down from it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Happy Birthday to me! Please take this necklace, put it in a safe, put that safe in a bigger safe, and bury it under your bedroom, eight miles down.

Sincerely, Guess Who?

Ps: Keep the sword safe will ya? I'd hate for it to fall into the wrong hooves.

That kind of letter would be just the thing to make Celestia smile, and she'd see it as soon as she woke up, it was right next to the door. He could only imagine the look of shock that would appear on her face, seeing the one thing in the world that could kill her with ease, being used as a tack on a notice board. He slipped out quietly, and closed the balcony window he came in through. Celestia thankfully still asleep, as breaking and entering was a federal offense.

"Okay, next up, Twilight."

The pair arrived in Ponyville with the previous method of Nightshade knocking her out. As it turns out, having an unlimited life force was the same as being next to one, except the rate of transfer was exponentially larger. It's the difference between counting 1, 2, 3, and 1 infinity, 2 infinity, 3 infinity. There was no way to measure health and life in units, but if there was there would be no unit large enough to describe his. Thus, he was able to switch his new friend between knocked out and ready to run a marathon in less than a second, without any effect to himself.

The pair stared through the window of the library, an saw Twilight asleep on the floor. Spike had already gone to bed. She had apparently been at another late night study session, and passed out on the spot. Nightshade took out 'Forest Survival: a Guide to the Everfree' and turned to one of it's blank pages, between chapters. He had put those in there so the reader could write their own notes on what they found useful, and specifics of the forest they were living in. He bookmarked the page, and placed it softly atop the sleeping unicorn's head, so when she woke up, she'd have a book hat.

"Twilight, try to sleep in a bed. Sleeping on hard wood will give you back problems. Pleasant dreams my little bookworm." Would be the first thing she'd read when she woke up, and she hated being called a bookworm, almost as much as she hated being called egghead.

"Okay, now all that's left are Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. You said you knew where they were living?"

"Yeah, Fluttershy is in your house, Pinkie moved in with her, and Rainbow is in her cloud house up above that." Firebolt told him.

"Okay, Dash, then Pinkie, and finally Fluttershy. This is gonna be good." He responded.

Sneaking up to Rainbow's house, he found Scootaloo sleeping in the same room, on a separate bed. Two Wonderbolt's outfits were on hangers by a pair of mirrors.

"Well, I'll be damned. For the little filly who couldn't fly, you got in the Wonderbolts in record time Scoots. I couldn't be more proud." He said. He took out the Wonderbolt's pin, and fastened it to Rainbow's hair, making it look like a bow in her hair. "She'd hate having a hair bow, that's something Rarity would make her wear."

Flying down to his own house, he opened the door, (luckily still having the key) and found his way to the storage cellar. Pinkie had sure been busy running the place, there was LOADS of syrup, all bottled. "Well, looks like someone likes this stuff a little too much. Still, it's good she kept it going. He took five bottles of it, and snuck into Pinkie's room. The pink mare was still fast asleep. He noticed the bed was pushed against the wall, which means she'd have to get out on one side, which was perfect. He opened the bottles of syrup, and one by one, poured them on the floor next to the bed. When Pinkie woke up, she'd step in it. If he was lucky, she'd fall and get covered in the sticky, condensed tree sap. It wouldn't hurt her feelings, because she actually enjoyed being covered in the stuff. She had taken a bath in it once. (insert disturbing mental image here)

Finally, was Fluttershy. She was sleeping soundly in her bed, curled up under the blankets. Her eyes were red. She had obviously been crying.

"No more crying after tonight my dear." He said. Laying down on the floor, and waited patiently. He had instructed Firebolt to stand outside. Unfortunately, the only reaction that would be seen by her was Pinkie's, and maybe Rainbow Dash's if she didn't notice the pin. Once she was sure everything was in place, she took out an air horn, and squeezed it.

*BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN*

Twilight heard the sound, and awoke to find a book on her head, which Spike, now looking like a teenager, laughed at. Rarity awoke, complaining about the dreadful noise. Rainbow Dash fell out of her cloud bed, and began flying groggily down to where the noise was coming from. Pinkie jumped from her bed, landing in the maple syrup and rolling in it. Fluttershy hid further under the sheets, till the noise stopped.

After it was over, she slowly pulled herself out of bed, intending to go comfort the animals which would probably have been scared by the sound. She stepped out of bed, and instead of the hard floor, landed on something soft, but firm. Not expecting it, she fell, and found herself face to face with, none other that Nightshade himself, she was laying on his torso.

"Hello my love." He said simply.

"I, I'm still dreaming." Fluttershy stuttered.

"No, you're not. That's just silly. You're a silly pony." He responded. Then whispered in her ear, "I like silly ponies." The same way he had previously, giving her a quick peck on the lips, and then grinning stupidly at the very confused pony.

It took her a moment to realize that she was in fact awake and that this was all real. Her eyes welled up, and tears streamed down her face. She buried her eyes in his shirt.

"I thought I'd never see you again!" She cried, throwing her usual caution and subtlety to the wind. He wrapped his arms around her, followed by his insanely soft wings, wrapping her in a kind of feather cocoon.

"Shh, I know, I know. It's okay. I'm back, and I'm never going to leave you again." Nightshade said, kissing her forehead softly. He let her cry for a time, and they were interrupted by a screaming Pinkie, a yelling Rainbow Dash, and a confused Twilight.

"Okay, that's enough crying now. This is a happy day, and besides, you're going to have some very confused friends standing outside, wondering why they're wearing a book on their head, a silly hair bow , and are covered in maple syrup."

A great deal of hilarity, follow by near lethal amounts of d'awwwww. I hope you're happy people.

Welcome Back (5)

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Welcome Back

After Fluttershy had finally dried her eyes, she and Nightshade stood up, and she asked him, "How?"

"Well, It's a rather complicated explanation, and I'd prefer to save it till everyone is present, if that's okay with you." She accepted, and they headed outside. Twilight had the book, no longer on her head, Spike was complaining about being awake so early, Rarity was whining about the noise, and demanding to know who interrupted her beauty sleep, Pinkie Pie was trying to lick maple syrup off her mane, Rainbow was glaring at Rarity for putting a Wonderbolt's pin in her hair like a hair bow, not knowing how she did it, Applejack was laughing at Rainbow for 'lookin purdy', Firebolt was grinning ear to ear, Fluttershy walked out to meet her friends.

"Fluttershy, do you know what's going on? Firebolt says she does, but won't say anything about it. She says she's waiting for something." Twilight asked.

"Well, umm, you'll see, umm, I guess." Fluttershy said. Her eyes still had tears in them, but she was smiling.

Nightshade had snuck out the back, and flew up above the clouds. Once they were all there, Firebolt stepped towards the door, and pulled out a camera.

"What the hay is that fer?" Applejack asked.

"You'll see." she said. She flared up, giving the signal that she was ready. Nightshade saw the burst of flame, and went into a nose dive. Faster, faster! The rush of moving so quickly after having held perfectly still for two years was amazing. All the ground crew except Fluttershy and Firebolt looked up, after hearing a massive boom. They saw a black shock wave spreading out over the town, with the center being right above them. A black blur slammed into the ground, causing dust to kick up. When the dust cleared, Nightshade stood before them, with the same stupid grin on his face, and his wings spread full. The mane six looked at him, and all their jaws dropped. Fluttershy had been expecting something, but not something that, magnificent. All the rest were just stunned to see him. A camera flash went off, Rainbow with the Wonderbolt's pin in his hair, Twilight's hair all messy from having slept with a book on her head, Pinkie still covered in syrup, Rarity having not put on any makeup, getting up that early. Applejack looked normal, having already been up, and not having been pranked. Same with Scootaloo.

"N...Nightshade?" Applejack stammered.

"Did'ja miss me?" Nightshade said, raising an eyebrow and tilting his head slightly to the side.

"DAD!" Scootaloo screamed, running up to him, giving him a hug. She was a lot bigger now, almost full grown, but not quite.

"Hey Scoots, I see you made the Wonderbolts, you've come pretty quick in three years. Not being able to fly at all, straight to one of the best in Equestria." He was proud of her.

"Yeah, well, she had a good trainer. We pulled of some crazy stunts in the advertising biz, and well, eventually, they took notice. She's the youngest ever member." Rainbow said, not full of pride, but humility.

"Nice hair bow, Rainbow." He replied. She looked at him strangely, before finally understanding that he was the one that put it there.

"Little bro! You've grown up!" Nightshade told the dragon, who was now as tall as Big Mac, which was natural, since he was bipedal. Spike accepted the compliment, and flexed.

"What do ya think?" He asked.

"I think getting some fresh air did you some good. Just LOOK at you. Pretty soon the girls will be all over you, so you better watch out come spring, we don't want a repeat of THAT year." They both laughed at the joke, everyone else was still speechless, and Pinkie had finally gotten the syrup out of her mane.

"Pinkie, thanks for running the Sugar Shack while I was gone, I figured waking up covered in maple syrup wouldn't be the worst surprise to have. You all can just call this payback from mating season. I still haven't gotten Big Mac, but, that'll come later." He laughed.

"You mean, you pranked us?" Asked Rarity.

"Well, seeing as how I just came back, it's the only time I can get away with it without getting you all mad, so yes, I pranked you. Although really wasn't much of a prank, except for Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy, all I did was get you up early. Besides, Rainbow looks nice, Pinkie likes being covered in syrup, and what better way to wake up than being next to the one you love?" He laughed again, giving Fluttershy a slight nudge. Firebolt had was rolling on the ground ablaze. She wasn't trying to put herself out, she was laughing her flank off, and the excitement had been too much for her. Spike belched up a letter, the princess had obviously noticed Black Law, the note, and the dream catcher, as well as the missing statue in her back yard. She wanted an explanation.

"Spike, please take a letter, and everyone else, please listen in."

Dear Princess Celestia,

I thought you of anyone would appreciate a good prank, but here's my explanation of current events. As it turns out, dream catchers are NOT a silly superstition, and actually act as a prison for malevolent spirits. Fluttershy placed one on me last year, and Nightmare's soul became trapped within. Since I we were both encased in stone at the time, Nightmare's body is now permanently part of my own, Nightmare however, is trapped in that necklace, only capable of affecting anything by being worn. I am now also, much to my disliking, an immortal, as Nightmare now has my life spark, and I, it's. Please lock it away somewhere, so none may ever find it. After 10,000 years or so, my 30 second life span, now forced into a couple bits of string and feather, will run out, and Nightmare will be gone forever.

On another topic, Black Law now responds to me the same way it responded to Nightmare. I'm it's new master, but I have no need for it. Since it's much to dangerous to keep lying around, please lock it away, somewhere safe. If I need it, I can just call out to it.

I also have a new friend, the one who took the catcher off me in the first place, allowing me to escape without being possessed. Pinkie Pie will be throwing a party for her and myself a week from today, (she wanted to do it today, but I want to give everyone time to adjust, she's nodding telling me it's okay) I hope that you and Luna can attend. Being stuck in stone for two years was terrible, I knew everything that was going on around me, but couldn't do anything about it. I actually started going a little crazy. I'll be okay though, once I get some outside time. I'd like to catch up with friends before any official announcements are made.

Sincerely, Nightshade.

Ps. I took the opportunity to play a little prank on everyone, I hope they don't get too mad.

After Spike sent the letter, Nightshade took a good look at him.

"Hey Spike, since when do you have wings? I always thought that you were some kind of wingless dragon." He asked, spotting the purple dragon's bat like wings. The skin on them was green, same as his spikes.

"Shows how much you know. Dragons get their wings once they reach the age of 'eligibility'." He said.

"Well, then maybe come spring, rather than looking out for the ladies, they might have to look out for you." He said, teasing. "If you keep growing, pretty soon I'll be the little brother."

"Nah, you'll always be big bro to me." They both had a laugh, and the others finally joined in. Okay, come on now, group hug! Firebolt, get a hold of yourself, we need a group photo to commemorate our reunion!" Nightshade made the burning unicorn pass out, then woke her up, to get her over her laughing fit. She took the photo, all of them smiling, in a group hug.

"Now set it on a timer and get your spicy head in here too." He told the incendiary pony. This time, they all struck a pose, unique to their individual characters. All three of the photos printed off.

"Hey Spike, send these to Celly will ya? She'll want to see them." Spike took a deep breath, and sent the letters away. His flame accidently caught Firebolt, who ignited in surprise, landing full flamed on the dragon.

"Oh I'm so sorry, are you okay?" He asked her.

"Yeah, I catch fire all the time, what about you?" She replied.

"Thick scales, I'm completely fire proof." He returned her response. She climbed off of him. She began eyeing his wings, and he, her fiery mane. They turned and looked at one another, staring into each others eyes.

"I know that look. Come on, I think I need to get retintroduced to Ponyville, and I think Spike and Firebolt need some time alone."

Wow, bet you weren't expecting that. Here's a bit to know about Firebolt, she's not a full adult, she's actually 18. Since Spike was a teenager age wise in Secret of my Excess, (His age was about 15, but his body was still that of a child, and reverted to that when he gave up his greed.) He's now about the 18 or 19. This makes Twilight and crew about 23, and Nightshade 24, if you count the time he was in the statue. So now you know that there is nothing underage going on here. Back when Spike grew huge, his body had gotten bigger, but he still wasn't mature age wise, meaning although he became massive, he still didn't have wings. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it! Also, as for why Nightshade does NOT want to be an immortal, that will be explained later.

The cake is a lie. Wrong story, but still a spoiler for those you you who haven't played it yet. THE GAME, you just lost. Enjoy breathing manually for the next 10 minutes.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

BlackWing: By the way, this line I draw is the 4th wall. Everything that happens after it is outside the story, and is mostly for explanation and hilarity.

Familiarity (6)

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Familiarity

Leaving Spike and Firebolt alone to 'get acquainted', Nightshade, the mane six, and Scootaloo headed into town. Pinkie had finally licked off the last of the syrup, but Dash was still wearing the pin in her mane.

"Oh, Dashie, I thought you didn't like girly things." He said teasingly.

"It's not girly, it's awesome! It's a Wonderbolt's pin, and I wear it proudly." She defended herself.

"I say, it really does look quite fetching my dear." Rarity added. "Well, Shade did always have an eye for fashion."

"Speaking of having an eye for something, Rarity, has Spike still been chasing you around like a love sick puppy?" He asked.

"Oh, goodness no. About 8 months ago he gave up. I do kind of miss the attention, but, we're just not meant for each other." She said, musing.

"Ah, so, going after a handsome prince?" He asked. Rarity looked on in memory, then shuddered. She had just remembered something particularly unpleasant.

"Well, let's just say I have lowered my standards quite a bit. Who needs royalty anyway?" She said.

"I findst the fact that thine opinion of royalty is as such quite disturbing." We all looked behind, to see none other than Luna standing behind us.

"Oh, princess, that's not at all what I meant. What I meant was..." Rarity looked nervous.

"Oh relax, I know you're talking about Blueblood. I never could stand him, spoiled little brat." Luna had apparently taken up her sister's hobby.

"Hello there my little Loony, how have you been these past two years?" Everyone but Luna seemed shocked with how he was speaking to the princess.

"Quite well, Shady. Since you trapped Nightmare, the whole of Equestria seems much brighter. And now that it is, how you said, buried eight miles under my sister's bedroom, things are looking much brighter still." She replied with a laugh. She knew how much he couldn't stand that nickname, it made him sound like a kid. Well, Luna always childlike, despite being several thousand years old. Ah, the young at heart.

"She took that seriously? I figured she'd just lock it up somewhere, but it's actually in the mountain under Canterlot castle? I guess that's her way of playing a joke on me. So, will you be attending Pinkie Pie's party in a week?" Nightshade asked.

"Actually, no. Neither myself nor my sister will be able to make it to Ponyville on that date, in fact, all of you are required to come to Canterlot on that occasion. If you must, you may host the party there." Pinkie's eyes lit up and her face had her signature 'Imma throw the biggest party ever' look. They all agreed, and Pinkie went to tell Spike and Firebolt.

"Say, before we go further into town, what have Applebloom and Sweetie Belle been up to?" He asked.

"Applebloom is at the farm right now, she's running an interior decorating business out of it." Applejack said.

"Sweetie Belle was on tour, but she's in Ponyville, at my boutique. We were actually planning on heading off to Canterlot in three days to celebrate your birthday. Oh dear, neither of them know you're back yet. We should go tell them!" Rarity exclaimed. With that, the two each headed off to their own place of residence, agreeing to meet up at the library.

"Nightshade, are you, okay?" Twilight asked. "You seem a lot, happier, then you were before. Not that there's something wrong with that."

"Well, when you spend two years in stone, you tend to get bored. I guess I'm just really happy to be out. I had to make up all sorts of games, that also got boring after a while. I may have gone slightly crazy in there, but when I came out, I was a little more like Pinkie Pie. I understand your concern though. I mean, I did just eat an ancient unspeakable evil, then came out of it more chipper than a chipmunk. Maybe I should have the princesses give me a check up? You know, make sure I don't get indigestion?"

The way he spoke about eating Nightmare like it was a tub of ice cream made everyone laugh. Sure, he was a little different, and a lot happier, but what didn't he have to be happy about? He was out of stone, Nightmare was gone forever, he was surrounded by friends, he had the worlds softest feathers, which he continually HAD to touch, just loving their feel. Fluttershy also kept rubbing against them. At first, she was worried that he might get annoyed, but when he wrapped his wing around her to make it easier for her to do, she lost all her embarrassment.

"You know, I just can't get over how much I love these wings. Still, if I had to choose, I would have picked the past two years with you all instead of them." Everyone gave an 'awww'

"Didn't really get a choice though." Nightshade looked a little sad, but then perked up. "Oh, and I'll have to do something about these teeth. They really look like a monster's, like they're meant for eating ponies. While they look awesome, I don't want to go around scaring everyone. Hmm, I guess they'll get used to it in time though, I mean, they probably won't even notice since my wings and all." He said, mostly to himself. Once again, being in solitude had made him start talking to himself. He was so distracted that he didn't even notice he had been tackled by two of the crusaders.

"Nightshade!" They both screamed.

"Hey kids, although, I guess you aren't kids anymore are you? Geez! Scoots joins the Wonderbolts only 3 years after learning to fly, you're running your own interior decorating business out of the old barn, and you're a famous singer? I go away for two years and look at you! You're all grown up, Spike's grown up, everything has changed!" Nightshade said.

"Actually, one thing hasn't changed." Then he kissed Fluttershy on the cheek, making her blush. "God she is cute when she does that." He received stares from everyone present. "I said that out loud again didn't I? Doesn't matter!" He grabbed Fluttershy under his arm, and tucked his wing around her, letting her nuzzle in the soft feathers.

"I've missed you all so much!" He had a tear in his eye, but it was a tear of joy.

Elsewhere

The sound of whirring machines was overwhelming, light poured out of the contraption, blinding any who dared to look at it. A small explosion, then darkness.

"Damn it! So close! Shut it down. We'll fix the machine, make some modifications, and try it again next week!"

Ponyville

Spike and Firebolt caught up with the rest of them, who were walking quite slowly. They kept glancing at each other, and blushing slightly. Figures the dragon and the fire ball would fall in love. After a full round of introduction to their new friend, Luna left, headed back to Canterlot.

"See ya later Loony."

"See ya later, Shady." They teased each other so much. When Firebolt asked a strange question.

"So, are you and the princess lovers or something? From the way you talked with her, you seem closer than 'just friends'."

"Lovers? No. Although she tried during mating season, I made it quite clear who my heart belongs to." Nightshade said glancing at Fluttershy. "I still get the feeling Luna likes me, but I can't tell if it's real, or she just likes to tease. She still is a kid inside after all, and likes to cause embarrassment, just like her sister. Which means when you meet them at Canterlot, keep an eye out. They'll probably try some sort of prank, they always do." Firebolt was happy to have an advanced warning.

"Also, you may want to stick with Spike. Since he's the only one of us who's fireproof, I'm sure he'll take care of you well. Won't you Spike." He said, giving him a 'go get her tiger' look. Firebolt got a little embarrassed and blushed, and started to flare up..

"Maybe I shouldn't do that." He said, not wanting to burn the town down. "I just remembered something. Isn't the day we had planned for the party, the same day that we all have to go to Canterlot instead, also the same day as the Grand Galloping Gala?" Everyone got a look of sheer dread on their faces, save for Nightshade, Spike, and Firebolt. They all remembered how dreadful it had been, Spike didn't see the commotion because he was in a doughnut shop the whole time, and neither Nightshade nor Firebolt had ever been.

"What's with the long faces?" (Lol, horse joke)

"Well, it's just that the gala is so dreadfully dull." Rarity spoke up, clearly not telling the whole story.

"A whole bunch a fancy ritzy type folk that don't got their heads on straight." Applejack added.

"It's a party, but it's not fun." Pinkie Pie, looking glum.

"It was.... nice...." Fluttershy, saying nice in the way she did when you knew she hated something.

"Yeah, we only FINALLY had some fun once everyone did what I intended all along." Spike piped up.

"Still going on about that Spike?" Twilight growled.

"Hey, I don't see what the problem is, I mean, how bad can it be when you're surrounded by your friends? Why don't we all go, together. It's sure to be much more fun that way." Nightshade's idea wasn't bad. Everyone else looked at him with an 'If you only knew' look.

"Well, I'm actually performing at the gala." Sweetie Belle said.

"And I was hired to do the decorating." Applebloom added.

"Me and Dash are in the Wonderbolts, and were performing again this year, so we kind of have to be there.

"I got hired to bring the food!" Pinkie squealed. Everyone knew she'd be eating most of it anyway.

"Really? I think I've got an idea. How many of you know how to play an instrument?"

Royal Pains (7)

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Royal Pains

After learning that Twilight could play piano, (and thus keyboard), Fluttershy can play base, (Wait what? Apparently, the slow, steady vibrations of her strumming made the animals feel at ease), Firebolt could play guitar, (if she didn't end up lighting it on fire), and Rainbow could play drums, (You really shouldn't be surprised by that one), they all grabbed their instruments, and headed over to Vinyl's.

Walking through town, it was like the first time he had been there all over again. Everyone ran inside, closed their doors, and hid. nobody else had gotten up when they heard the horn. Apparently, since the sound came from the direction of Pinkie's residence, they all just dismissed it, but now that it was a little later, they had all begun to go about their business. That is, until they saw him.

"Aw come on, THIS again? You all know me, why ya running away? Is it the teeth?" Nightshade wasn't happy that everyone was afraid of him, he had worked so hard to stop that the first time around. That's when he was bumped into by a familiar filly.

"Hey, watch where you're...." The filly stopped. "You, you died!" She screamed.

"No, I was trapped in stone, and now I'm out." He replied with a smirk. Silver Spoon ran up to the frightened filly, who he now recognized as Diamond Tiara. Silver nudged Diamond, who spoke quietly.

"Listen, I, umm, never got to thank you for saving my life." She said softly, hoping nobody else would hear.

"Don't mention it." He said back. That was old news.

"Yeah, well, you're still lame, even if you did save me!" She said, ready to storm off.

"We'll just see how lame I am at the grand galloping gala, by request of the princess." Nightshade hated to pull the 'I'm an important person' card, but seriously? How can you call the guy who saved your life lame?

Diamond left with a 'hmmpf', and Silver gave a quick apology about her friend's behaviour, before following after her.

They finally arrived at Vinyl's house, she opened the door right away. She had a look of disbelief, and pulled off her sunglasses, revealing her baby blue eyes. (Magic colour = eye colour, watch the episode, although I prefer to think of her's as red)

"Now I know I ain't dreamin. Who'da thought you'd be back? What can a get for ya?" The DJ pony said in a smooth tone, like jazz music. How a voice can be like jazz, I don't know, but hers was.

"We need a place to jam, we're planning on taking the gala up a notch this year, and I know just the song to do it."

After thanking Vinyl for her time, they all left, and headed back to their respective homes. It only took them a day to memorize the song. After all, they were skilled with their instruments, and had been randomly breaking out into musical numbers for years now. Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, and Nightshade all flew home, seeing as how they all had wings, and were all headed in the same direction. Suddenly, with a flash of light, Nightshade was gone.

"Wha? Nightshade? Where are you? Oh no!" Fluttershy started thinking that she had already lost him.

"Relax Fluttershy, I know what that light is, it's the princess. Luna probably told her about the checkup, and she zapped him right to her. He'll be back. He told you he'd never leave you, and he's almost as loyal as I am." For once, Rainbow was sensitive, could it be she was feeling more girly, having that hair pin?

Nightshade on the other had, had been flying particularly quickly, and slammed headfirst into a wall. The royal sisters had a giggle at that.

"Ow. Celly, next time you're gonna do that, PLEASE give me a little notice." He said, the wound healing up immediately.

Irked at being called 'Celly', she wasted no time getting to the point.

"Well, it's time for your checkup. Here's hoping you don't have, *snort* indigestion." Luna couldn't contain her chuckles. With that, Celestia burst out in laughter, something quite uncommon for her.

"Okay okay, yes it was funny, but can we please be professional about this?" Nightshade tapped his foot, waiting impatiently for the sisters to stop. Once they regained their composure, they gave him a once over, using their horns like scanners at an airport.

"Okay, you're all clear. No traces of residual... whatever Nightmare was. It's been fully fused with your body. Even if Nightmare were to possess you again, here's hoping it doesn't, it looks like it wouldn't be able to turn you back to normal." Luna gave the report. Having had first hoof experience with the demon, she knew much more about it than her sister.

"Well, just in case." Nightshade pulled out a dream catcher from under his muscle shirt. "Don't wanna take any chances. Fluttershy gave me mine back, I'll have to make her another one. She never took it off even once the entire time I was gone." He said thoughtfully.

"She loves you, you know." Celestia pointed out.

"And I, her." He responded poetically.

Same Elsewhere As Before

"Ok, we've got it ready, we'll try again in three days."

Ponyville

Celestia had teleported Nightshade to Twilight's house, and he went home to apologize to Fluttershy for worrying her, after visiting a craft shop to for a certain something. They slept soundly that night, her using his wings as a pillow, and him using hers as a blanket. He never recalled her wings being so warm. Then he realized that, as the most sensitive part of a pegasus, he had never touched them out of respect for her, since she was so timid. The fact that they were sleeping like this meant they trusted each other completely. They both awoke, feeling the best either of them had in years. Fluttershy looked at him, and almost had a tear in her eye.

"I kept thinking that it was all a dream, that I'd wake up, and you'd be gone." She said, nuzzling him.

"Well, it looks like you'll be needing one of these then, now that we know they work." He took out another, expertly crafted dream catcher, using some of his own feathers for decoration, and some strands of his own hair for the netting. It was beautiful, and represented him perfectly. She loved it.

"Now, no more nightmares."

The rest of the days leading up to the gala were spent busily. Rarity had to make a whole slew of new dresses for her friends, as well as one for Firebolt, and a pair of tuxedo's for Nightshade and Spike. She had to design them taking their wings into account, given the odd shape compared to pegasus wings, they were quite a challenge. Firebolt's however, had to be completely fireproof, and had Rarity shrieking in frustration. Everyone just left her alone the whole week. They didn't want to get chased with scissors. Nevertheless, she finished them on time, and they were perfect. The rest of the ponies did their own thing, Fluttershy, Firebolt and Rainbow Dash getting in some extra practice for their performance.

Nightshade had popped up on Lyra's doorstep, and she fainted. Forcing her awake, he explained what had happened. She hugged him and couldn't apologize enough for what she had done. He told her that since he was back, there wasn't any problem, and gave her and Bon Bon tickets to the gala, telling them it would be a night to remember.

The whole group arrived at the palace the day before, not wanting to be in any rush. They still had preparations to make. Pinkie brought the food, and stored it in the fridge. Sweetie and Octavia set up the stage where they'd be performing, Applebloom did decor, filling the place with tapestries and various art pieces that complimented the room perfectly. Vinyl set up Nightshade's groups secret stage, with proper sound system and everything, hidden under the orchestra stage so it could slide out.

Once everything was prepared, Celestia and Luna took Nightshade to a private room. It had a fairly long, oval table, half marble and half obsidian, with the minerals swirling through it. Celesita and Luna took their seats, and motioned for Nightshde to take one next to Luna. Pretty soon, various other creatures came in. There was one of each flavour of pony, a griffin and his two bodyguards, a bipedal dog and his two guards, and various other creatures that he had never seen before. The guards stood at attention, while what must be diplomats, took their seats. They all seemed to know each other, at least to some degree, but were eyeing him cautiously, not knowing what to make of him. Finally, a white unicorn, wearing fine clothing and a snobbish air walked in and took a seat next to Celestia, opposite of Nightshade. He looked at the human, and gave a huff in disapproval.

"Just what exactly is thing thing and why is it sitting amongst the diplomats?" The unicorn asked. Celestia had a scowl. Nightshade opened his mind, as there may be something she wished to say in private. Celestia told him. "This is my nephew, Prince Blueblood, feel free to shut him up, this is embarrassing". Having the okay, Nightshade decided to have a bit of fun with the spoiled prince.

"That's MR. Thing to you sir. As for what I am, I am an extremely intelligent, highly civilized monster." He told the royal pain in the flank in as 'hoity toity' of a tone as possible, giving him a grin that fully showed his sharp teeth. Blueblood shuddered at the sight, and quickly shrank in his seat. The diplomats stifled a chuckle. They were obviously glad to see someone stick it to the snob as well.

"As for what I'm doing here, I haven't the slightest clue. Celestia, perhaps you would care to elaborate?" Everyone was a little startled that this unknown creature was speaking with Equestrian royalty on a first name basis, but Blueblood was downright shocked.

"Ah, yes. Well, several times a year, the various nations of this world hold a summit. Equestria, being located in the center of all of them, is the usual meeting place. The meeting is actually tomorrow, before the gala, however, I wanted to have everyone present tonight to discuss tomorrow's business, as well as to make them aware of you." Celestia said, expertly keeping her composure, despite having her nephew finally put in his place. Luna giggled slightly.

"As yes, well, shall we begin the introductions? I'm sure you all know each other, so, I'll begin. My name is Nightshade, I am a human from an alternate dimension, who has been staying in this realm for the past five years." At the mention of human, everyone started looking a little worried, especially Blueblood. Having a real live monster in the room was quite unsettling.

"Judging by your looks, you have heard the old rumors as well. I assure you, most of them are true, however, they do NOT apply to me. I am, unique in a sense. Now, shall we continue? Do forgive me if I do not remember your names right away, I tend to have a terrible memory when it comes to such things." Having to hold in his happiness at finally being free was difficult. These were not your average stuck up politicians. They really looked like they just wanted to have a good time, but couldn't since they were on official business, with the exception of the prince, who was always a stick in the mud. How he was related to Celestia, he couldn't tell. Personality wise, he was nothing like her. They went around in a circle, starting with Nightshade, and ending with Blueblood.

"I, am Prince Blueblood." While Nightshade hated using the 'friends in high places' thing, like with Diamond Tiara, it looked like that was what the prince used EVERY time.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Blueblood." He said nonchalantly.

"That's Prince Blueblood." He restated.

"Come now, I don't think there's any need for titles here, we're all on equal standing in this room." Celestia simply mind chatted her approval, and gave him a few pointers on what to say. It was joint operation trolling on the prince. He'd never expect it. "Formalities aside, It's a pleasure to meet you all. Was that all I was required for, or is there something anyone would like to add?"

"You, on equal standing with me? Just who do you think you are?" The prince demanded to know of the human.

"I think Luna could answer that best." He motioned to Luna, who had also been in their little mind chat. She was in on the 'humiliate the prince' plan as well. Having the attention of the group, she began.

"Thank you. 3 years ago, Nightshade's existence became known to us. At first, we believed him to be a herald of Discord, however, that proved to be false. Since then, he wrote a famous book on survival in forests, started the worlds first maple sugar company, rescued students and faculty from a school fire, used his acquired wealth to rebuild said school, and finally, when Nightmare, the entity that had possessed me for over a thousand years returned, he fought it single hoofedly, and defeated it, saving all our lives. Then, to save it's host, he took the ancient evil into his own body, and allowed himself to be sealed in stone."

"If he was sealed in stone, then what is he doing here now? Nightmare is a threat to the whole world, not just Equestria!" The griffin spoke up.

Luna motioned back to Nightshade.

"I ate it." He replied plainly.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" The diamond dog said.

"I ate it. More accurately, it's body became fused to mine when a certain magic trinket ripped it's soul out, leaving all it's power behind with me, which I then absorbed. Basically, I'm possessed by Nightmare, except I'm the one in control, and Nightmare's mind is trapped in a necklace eight miles below the surface, in a secret location, unable to affect anything. It's safe to say that it will NOT be coming back." Everyone present had a sudden understanding, and Blueblood had a sudden realization.

"Auntie, you mean to say that this creature is the topic of the business tomorrow?" He asked in disbelief.

"Yes nephew, tomorrow at the gala, with officers of each of this world's nations present for recognition, he is to be knighted." Now it was Nightshade's turn to for a double take.

"Excuse me Celestia, did I hear that correctly?"

"Why yes, you did. Tomorrow at the gala ceremony, you are to be knighted. It is a great honour. Yourself and the bearers of harmony are the only ones to be knighted in Equestria in the past 3000 years. I cannot think of one more deserving, considering your accomplishments. The gala, your knighting ceremony, and the celebration of your return are all tomorrow, after the summit." Celestia was beaming. "Of course, we will be discussing the normal politics as well, but you need not be present for it. You simply need to show up at the gala, enjoy yourself, and accept the honour."

"Thank you princess. With you're permission, I'd like to stay after the meeting with the prince, I am very interested in his many achievements, and who better to tell me of them?" Celestia agreed. Blueblood knew he was mocking him, as he didn't have any achievements.

After the discussions, the diplomats left the room, as well as the princesses, leaving Nightshade and Blueblood alone.

"How could you embarrass me like that? Do you know who I am?" The prince was infuriated.

"You are Prince Blueblood, nephew of Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and reagent of the sun. And the reason why I embarrassed you is because both Celestia and Luna agreed that you needed to have your attitude dropped a notch. Think about how the conversation would have gone if you had used some humility." He may have hurt his pride, but this was for the best. He needed to change.

"I wouldn't have insulted you, and therefore would not have been made a mockery of in front of the delegates." The prince was getting it slowly.

"We must always remember to treat others with respect and dignity, even if we don't think they deserve it. Who knows, they might actually be important. Even if they're not, you don't want to take that chance. Just fake it till you make it. I am curious however, as to how you didn't know about me. I've been in the Equestria Daily practically nonstop for a year, before I got petrified." Nightshade was genuinely curious.

"I tend to avoid dealing in the affairs of the lower classes." He said proudly.

"Yes, but those same lower classes are what make up this country. Their troubles are the country's troubles, and as royalty, your troubles as well. There is a reason Celestia and Luna hold court almost nonstop, and usually only take a single day off every year. They are making themselves as available as possible to their people. Working nonstop for thousands of years has got to be straining, yet they do it anyway, because the citizens count on them. It's why they're held in such high regard." He explained.

"You seem to know a great deal about how a country operates, for someone who lived in a forest." The prince was now actually curious about this strange creature, who, in a single year, had done enough to be knighted.

"The world I come from, the politics are much more..... complicated. The rulers are elected by the people, but usually, the only ones running for office are those who want power in order to abuse it. Because of that, the people live in misery, and the world has begun to rot. Look out the window. What do you see?" He brought the spoiled prince to the window.

"I see Canterlot, the ponies are happily going about their business. Beyond that, I see a vast green field, and a blue sky above it. There is a forest, and it's raining above that." The prince said, pointing out several features.

"Good, in my world, if I were to have such a vantage point, I would see filthy streets, with homeless humans begging the wealthy for money, so they could hopefully get something to eat, only to be spat upon. The vast expanse is a barren wasteland, the sky is grey, and the forest is dead because the rain falling on it is not water, but acid. That is the difference between Celestia's way of thinking, and the way of thinking my world has. Your way of thinking is disturbingly similar to the way most of my people think. People starve every day, even more die from disease. Droughts and plagues are frequent. Natural disasters like earthquakes and tidal waves, hurricanes and tornado's. It's like the planet itself is trying to get rid of a rash that just won't go away, and the rash is my people." Nightshade began to cry.

"It's not like that everywhere. Some places are really good, and the people strive to help each other. There are some places that just get ripped up, and the other, better off countries try to help, but most of it lies in the average citizen. The problem is, after constantly being called to aid, they begin to ignore the pleas. They became insensitive to the plight of others, and only sought to help themselves." Blueblood thought that at least is wan't all bad, and there were some places that were similar, but judging by how Nightshade was reacting, there weren't many.

"I lived in a country that had been blessed with wealth, global influence, mild climate, natural resources, everything. The people lived in happiness. Then, the leaders of that nation decided they wanted more, and attacked other countries, claiming to be helping them overthrow an oppressive government. It was an excuse to ensure their own seat of power. Pretty soon, it all headed down hill. I don't know how it turned out, but if it continued the way it was heading, my old home is now a dump."

"I had the power to help them." He continued after a time. "I still do, but when they found out about it, instead of letting me help, they tried to wretch the power from me, even though it was impossible. They would drive the world even further into those depths to advance their greed. I left everything behind. I had to run for my life. I was called a monster by my own people, because they tried to kill me, and I fought back. I didn't want to die, but more so I couldn't let them discover the secret of my power, because if they did, my world would end inside of two decades. I had to do things, things that nobody should ever have to do, things that will haunt me for the rest of my life, which is now infinite." Blueblood looked at the one he had insulted and spoken down to, and realized that in trying to help him become a better pony, he had willingly opened up his old wounds.

"That is why, once in a while, we all need a slice of humble pie. Even the princesses had a piece, and unfortunately, it seems I'm the one who always has to give it." He had stopped crying, but his eyes were red. Seeing this creature, with wings that shimmered in the sun, dressed in black, weeping over the loss of it's people, and doing all he could to improve this world, he couldn't help but think of the angels of legend. Looking at Nightshade, he saw him in a new light. He actually looked quite magnificent, now that he thought about it.

"I, I had no idea. I never knew that things like that could happen. This whole time, I took life for granted, and relied on my title to see me through things, never achieving anything on my own." The prince had his share of humility, and he found that it tasted terrible.

"That's why you need to get out more. Tell you what, why don't you come camping with me in the Everfree, before fall?" The mere mention of that name sent shivers down his spine.

"Oh come on, don't be such a wuss, I lived there for two years, and I'm fine. Heck, my adopted daughter lived with me for a year before I went public, and she was just a filly. Went camping last year with a dragon, and he could practically be a male model now. It's a good place to get your head out of the clouds, and find out... or remember, what's important." The prince reluctantly agreed, then headed out of the room to contemplate his life.

"That was very well done, Nightshade. I know it was uncomfortable, but he needed this. It's changed his outlook for the better. Besides, other than Spike, he's the only guy around you can talk to, since Big Mac doesn't say much." Celestia said in his head. "You gonna be okay? I know it's something you'd rather forget."

"Yeah, I think I just needed to get it out. Still, I'm glad I'm here, I never want to go back, too much pain and misery."

"Yeah, I've seen it too, and I agree completely." The sun princess knew this was a touchy subject, and tried to be as comforting as possible. He needed to cheer up, it was the day before the gala, and he couldn't show up to be knighted all depressed. Celestia reminded him to keep quiet about the ceremony, since she wanted it to be a surprise to all his friends.

That night, sleeping in Canterlot castle next to Fluttershy, Nightshade's thought drifted to Earth. He wondered what was happening there. Was there another war? Were they still looking for him? Had they wiped themselves out? He didn't really want to know. In fact, Earth could go buck a dead apple tree for all he cared. He was still curious though as to whether or not his people could resolve their differences for a better tomorrow. Little did he know that he'd soon find out.

I'm getting really good at cliffhangers aren't I? I always though Blueblood needed a reality check, and this was a good chapter to recap the events of monster, all the while giving a bit of humor and balancing out the obsessive happiness of the previous chapters. Also, I know Earth isn't THAT bad of a place to live, if you're in a first world country. Nightshade is taking the entire planet into account, like how people in Africa die every day. And let's face it, using Equestria as the reference, Earth is a shithole by comparison.

Try Again (8)

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Try Again

The next morning, everyone felt apprehension. The mane 6 and Spike due to their previous experience with the gala which was that evening, Scootaloo because she was performing in the biggest event of the year, as was Sweetie Belle, although their performances were different, their feelings were the same. Applebloom hoped that the decorations would be good enough. Nightshade was worried about something else entirely, something he couldn't put his finger on. It was like knowing something big was about to happen, but not knowing what. It wasn't about the ceremony, it was... elsewhere. It was a feeling he just couldn't shake.

"Are you alright?" Twilight asked as they walked the streets of Canterlot.

"I'm okay. I was just thinking about home. I mean, Ponyville is my home now, but, before. I just can't shake the thoughts." Nightshade explained, not being his happy self that he had been since getting out.

"What brought them up?" She asked, playing psychologist.

"Oh, I was talking to Prince Blueblood and....."

Rarity's face turned red with rage.

"If that pompous, arrogant, little..."

"Bad experience?" He asked the fuming unicorn.

"We met at the gala 4 years ago, where he was the most ungentlecolty stallion I have ever met." She said, still angry.

"Yeah, I could see that. Celestia introduced me to a bunch of foreign representatives, and he was more than a little rude to me. We had a little chat about it and, let's just say he's not the same unicorn as he was yesterday, or 4 years ago for that matter. I plan on bringing him camping a little later this summer, introduce him to the 'real' world. I ended up telling him some of my past, and why his way of thinking was wrong, and I guess the topic just got stuck in my head." Nightshade said quietly. He wasn't exactly happy about having to go over it again, but the prince needed a wake up call.

Elsewhere

"Alright, I think we've got it this time. Yes! It's stable, okay, send them in. Don't come back until you succeed!"

Canterlot

The time of the gala quickly approached, and everyone got ready for their specific roles. Everyone had already arrived. The Wonderbolts did their show, which was quite the spectacle. Rainbow and Scootaloo introduced Nightshade to the group.

"So you're the crazy dude that taught Scoot to fly. Awesome. I heard about all that business two years ago. Glad you're back man."

"This here's Soarin, I'm Spitfire. You already know Dash and Scoot. Last time I checked, you didn't have wings. So, you planning on trying out too?" The pegasus asked.

"Nah, that's your thing, not mine. Glad to see Rainbow finally get in. It was her dream for years."

"How do you know Dash anyway?"

"He's the only one to ever outrun me, and that was before he went flight capable, AND during mating season." Rainbow said before he could answer. The rest of the Wonderbolts were pretty impressed. Even they couldn't keep up with her. The only reason it took so long for her to get in was because she had a hard time falling in line. He could probably get in easy, if he could outrun the speedy mare while she was in heat. Still, he refused. He didn't want to steal their thunder.

Once the shows were over, it was time to head into the party. Entering the foyer, the group was met by both princesses. Nightshade gave them a nod, which they returned, signalling that all was going well, before heading into the main room. Everything had already been set up, so now all that's left was to enjoy. At seeing the group enter, many ponies had a look of disgust on their faces, remembering when they had crashed the event all those years ago. It didn't last however, when they spotted the two bipedal figures, one six foot tall and the other five. They recognized the shorter one as a dragon, but didn't know what the taller one was. They were a little afraid, but this was the gala, and they had been used to seeing different species come and go. Since they were in tuxedo's, they were obviously there for the event.

Spotting Prince Blueblood on one side of the room, Nightshade waved to him. The prince looked, and suddenly had a look of dread on his face. He had seen Rarity. He had to do something about this.

"Why hello there Blueblood, nice to see you again, how are you this evening?" The group he was speaking with were a little surprised to see the tall figure speaking to the prince, foregoing formality. Many of them stuck their noses up and left.

"Why is she here? Oh, I was hoping to never have to see that mare again. It was simply dreadful." The prince stammered.

"Yeah, I found out what happened last time. Admittedly, she did go a bit far, and is normally not like that. Perhaps you should apologize? Rarity can be quite reasonable when handled correctly. First time we met, she attacked me with scissors. Something about a crime against fashion. Don't hold it against her." Nightshade's pep talk did little to Blueblood's confidence, but just enough to move him into action. He gulped, and went to talk to the mare.

"Miss Rarity?" He said weakly.

"Yes? What is i.... YOU!" She started fuming again.

"Yes, me." He hung his head in shame. At seeing this, she calmed down a little.

"What do you want." She was now annoyed instead of mad, her moods always did change rather quickly.

"I came to apologize for my behaviour the last we met. It was downright despicable. I am truly sorry. After speaking with a, good friend, I realized how I had been acting." His head still hung low.

"Well, it's not like I'm just going to forgive you with that, especially given the way you acted." She wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.

"Yes, I know. I only hope that one day I can make it up to you. Till then, have a nice night." He said, then walked away. Nightshade walked towards Rarity, giving the prince a pat on the back as they passed.

"Did you make him do that?" She asked.

"I didn't make him do anything. It was his own choice. I just gave him the idea, and a little push in the right direction." He replied.

"You are rather good at bringing out the best in ponies, aren't you?" She complimented him.

"Yeah, but only after I endure their worst."

In the Everfree

"Where are we? Some kind of forest?" Asked a young sounding voice.

"Obviously, although most of it is unrecognizable. Most of these plant species don't exist back home." Said another, this time a little older.

"Can it maggots, we're being watched." Said a gruff voice.

"Fifteen, lean, size of a large dog. No heat signature." Said a female. "We're surrounded."

"OPEN FIRE!" Shouted the gruff one. The sounds of creaking wood and gunfire filled the forest that night.

The Gala

It was finally time for the ceremony to begin. Celestia took the stage. Everyone became quiet, and watched what unfolded.

"Thank you all for coming to this year's grand galloping gala. Tonight, we have something special planned, to recognize an outstanding member of Equestrian society. He came to us five years ago, from a very different world. Three years ago, we discovered him living within the Everfree. He had coexisted with our people for two years without anypony even knowing it. Then once found, he spent an entire year making all our lives better. Two years ago, he sacrificed himself to seal away the Nightmare. As of a week ago, he was freed from his stone prison. This is the grand galloping gala, but it is also the celebration of his return. Nightshade, please step forward." He walked up to the stage, and knelt.

"For your many achievements, and service above and beyond the call, I proudly name you, Sir Nightshade, Defender of Equestria." Celestia brought her horn to either side of his head, like it was a sword. After the ceremony was done, he stood, and was met with the thunderous sound of hooves stomping in approval, the pony version of clapping. Now was the time to give a speech.

"Thank you all. I don't have a speech planned, I do however, have a performance that I think you all will like." As he said that, the stage under the one he was on extended, giving an extra 4 feet to it. Some ponies moved the instruments on stage. Rainbow, Twilight, Firebolt, and Fluttershy got on stage and took their positions. Fluttershy seemed nervous, but he reassured her that she would do fine. Nightshade himself took the microphone.

The opening beats played. This song was actually classified as classical, but the ponies did a slightly more rock twist. Nightshade began to sing.

"We're no strangers to love,

You know the rules, and so do I.

A full commitment's what I'm, thinking of,

You wouldn't get this, from any other guy.

I, just wanna tell you how I'm feeling,

Gotta make you, understand.

Never gonna give you up,

Never gonna let you down,

Never gonna run around and, desert you

Never gonna make you cry,

Never gonna say goodbye,

Never gonna tell a lie, and hurt you.

We've known each other, for so long,

Your heart's been aching but,

You're too shy to say it.

Inside we both know what's been, going on,

We know the game and we're,

Gonna play it.

And, if you ask me how I'm feeling,

Don't tell me you're too, blind to see.

Never gonna give you up,

Never gonna let you down,

Never gonna run around and, desert you

Never gonna make you cry,

Never gonna say goodbye,

Never gonna tell a lie, and hurt you."

He sang the rest of the song, and they all thought it was beautiful. Nightshade had a private laugh, that he had just Rick Rolled the entirety of Equestrian high society at a knighting ceremony, but they were none the wiser to the inside joke. The orchestra packed up, and he had Vinyl take the stage. He had given her his iPod years before, and she had taken the time to turn many of the better songs into record form, that way they could be played for all to hear. 'Stamp on the Ground' was Pinkie's favorite, and many of the ponies liked the 'Party Rock Anthem'. Finally, the gala ended, and everyone went home, or off to bed. Nightshade and the ponies stayed in Canterlot that evening, and would head back to Ponyville first thing in the morning. Now that he was immortal, unless he used his lifespan for stamina, a habit it didn't like, he did need to sleep, so they all headed off to bed. He and Fluttershy slept the same 'wing pillow' way as usual, but he felt very uncomfortable.

Everfree

"Damnit, Jimmy's gone. What the hell. Wolves made of wood? They just kept getting back up! We shouldn't have to freaking BURN them to kill em permanently. What the hell is wrong with this world?" Said a female voice.

"No time for burying the dead major, we've got a job to do." Said the gruff one.

"Hq, this is bravo leader, LZ has been secured. One casualty do to indigenous life, we're ready for the delivery."

"Rodger bravo leader, care package is on it's way." Said a voice over a radio.

Uh oh, Military? That ain't good. Apparently, some humans have found their way to Equestria. What do they want? Only time will tell.

This chapter is called try again. Blueblood get's a second shot at a first impression with Rarity, Nightshade get's a second chance at life, and a bunch of other second chances that will be explained in another chapter.

Ps, I just Rick Rolled all of you too. U mad? Considering he's in Equestria, there are very few 'Earth songs' he could use. You know, since most have X-rated content. Besides, if you get past the fact that it's from the 80's, it's actually a good song. Given their technological standing, as well as the fact that they break out in song every three episodes, it's not out of place. So yeah, Rick Rolling in Equestria is totally legitimate. I was originally going to use Ozzy Osbourne's, 'Crazy Train', but I decided to take it a little easier.

Revelations (9)

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Tragedy

As the brilliant light faded, the six soldiers uncovered their eyes, and viewed what had appeared. A Challenger 2 tank. Whatever they were up to, they saw the need for heavy fire power, or at least wanted it just in case.

"Sir, we've got a settlement on the eastern edge of the forest." Said the female voice, now known as Claire.

"Specifics?" Asked the gruff voice, the commander.

"Varying time periods. Some have thatched roofs, while other's have a Victorian style decor. Nothing past 1800's style." She said, peering through her telescopic goggles.

"Inhabitants?" The commander asked.

"Sir, you're not going to believe this." Claire said.

"Out with it major."

"Ponies, sir."

"What?"

"Multicoloured ponies. I'm looking at a market area, they seem to be going about business, buying goods, having conversations. It all looks like it's straight out of a cartoon for little girls." She said, taking off her headgear. She passed it to the commander, who put them on and to take a look.

"By god. What is this? Some of them are flying. Is that a unicorn? What the hell is going on here!" The commander had been in dozens of battles, and had seen men die right in front of him, but nothing could prepare him for the overwhelming level of sugar coated, rainbow, absurdity that he was seeing, and he lost his composure. The commander was good at his job, but he did not enjoy it. One should never take pleasure in war. This was the opposite of war. This was the opposite of everything he knew, and he actually felt a little happy. He had to keep up appearances though. Claire on the other hand, being the only female member of the group, was giddy.

"Should we report this to HQ sir?" She said with a laugh.

"There is no way in hell I'm gonna tell the head of Vendetta Securities that I'm looking at candy coloured, sentient ponies!"

Vendetta Securities is a mercenary group, sanctioned by the government, that provides protection of personnel and product being transported through dangerous territory. They also go on manhunts, to capture or eliminate fugitives, corporate protection and sabotage, and various other hazard pay jobs.

"Yeah, they'll think you've gone bonkers, then I'll have your job."

"Can it Mitch, you're too much of a loose cannon to be in command of a troop." It was true. Mitch had an itchy trigger finger, and a shoot first, ask questions later mindset.

With the tank, also came supplies, enough to set up a temporary base camp, and feed the whole crew of 3, plus the tank crew, for three months. There were medical supplies, fuel, and ammunition. After setting up their tents, and hiding the tank under a camouflage net, Claire, the commander, and Mitch headed into town, in order to have a closer look around. These ponies didn't seem hostile, and the soldiers had weapons, so it's not like there was anything to be afraid of.

"Claire, you stay here, at the edge of town, we need you to cover us as we go in. We don't know what the deal is with this place." The commander ordered. Claire was a sniper, and so she was often out of the action. She took up a position just outside the forest, on top of a house that appeared double as a maple syrup shack. It even had an engraved plaque, 'Shade and Shy's Sugar Shack' hanging in front of it. She was a little upset that she couldn't go see the ponies, but she had a job to do, and besides, where she was laying down was oddly peaceful. Looking through her scope, she saw a carriage, pulled by a number of pegasi. It landed in the center of town, and out stepped a number of ponies, plus a human with black wings.

"There are humans here? I thought it was just ponies." She said to herself. Seeing the human's face made her blood run cold. She recognized him from the briefing. He looked a little different, but there was no mistaking his face.

"Davis."

"Thanks guys, alright, let's head home. Being gone for three days, we're definitely behind on our work. AJ, tomorrow after I finish helping Fluttershy with the animals, and Pinkie with the Sugar Shack, I'll drop by the farm." Nightshade said.

"Aww shucks, you don't need ta do that sugarcube." Applejack said, not one to easily accept help.

"Sure I do, if you can get the apple's harvested ahead of schedule, then you won't have any excuse why we can't all go to Fillydelphia beach this year." He wasn't going to let her get out of having fun that easily.

"Commander." Claire said over the radio. "I've spotted the target. He's 200 meters northeast of your position, on the other side of the gingerbread house. He is surrounded by a group of the natives, and has black feathered wings. You can't miss him."

The two soldiers had been hiding in the evening shadows, not wanting to cause a commotion. They headed in the direction of the group, and spotted them.

"Okay, we move in on my signal. 1. 2. Ah shit, he's gone." The commander watched as Nightshade, a rainbow maned pony, a yellow one with pink mane, and a smaller, orange one took to the air. The rest headed in different directions, but the group of four were headed straight for her.

"Claire, they're inbound to your position, get out of there!" She heard on the radio.

"Too late." She heard right next to her. She gulped.

"Well well well, what have we here. I never thought I'd see another human in Equestria. From the look of you, you're military. Don't tell me that after all these years, that bastard Richie's business friends still haven't given up on finding me." The imposing figure said. Claire swallowed hard again.

"Davis, by order of the government of the United States of America, and Vendetta Securities, you are under arrest. Do not resist, and you will not be harmed." She didn't know what it was, but having him just standing in front of her, she felt like she was being crushed. He was not the same as the last time she had seen him, back when he first disappeared. in the flash of light. She had been one of the troops that surrounded him when he first came to Equestria.

"Nightshade, what the hay is going on down there?" Rainbow Dash flew down.

"Rainbow, remember how I told you that I had to run away from my own people? Well, apparently, after five years, they finally figured out a way to come after me. This is one of the people hired to chase me, that thing she's holding is a weapon, like a cannon you hold in your hands. It can kill from over a mile away, but it almost useless up close."

"Nightshade? But you're Davis!" Claire yelled. Rainbow looked at him, and began to laugh.

"Davis? DAVIS?!? Baaaaahahahaha." She fell over laughing.

"Now you know why I changed my name. Don't go telling anyone, or I'll have to tell everyone about that time that you..." Rainbow stopped laughing and cut him off, wide eyed.

"Okay, you made your point, so what do we do with her?" The cyan mare asked.

"Well, she's a support fighter, so there are obviously more, I want to know how many, where they are, and how they got here. I already know where their base camp is." He said, showing Claire his teeth. She shuddered.

"I'm not telling you anything!" She drew a pistol, only to pass out.

"Let's get her inside, and get these weapons and armor off of her. I'd like to have a chat with her without a gun in my face." He said, turning off her radio.

Mitch and the commander headed back to base in the forest, still having not been seen. They passed right by where Claire was supposed to be, but didn't find any sign of her. She didn't respond to her radio. They arrived at the camp, very upset.

"Damnit! that bitch Claire went and got captured!" Mitch yelled.

"Calm down, we don't know that." The commander was trying to prevent the hotheaded youngster from blowing up.

"There's no sign of her, and she isn't answering her radio. There's no way she'd just bail. Face it cap'n, she's been nabbed."

"There's nothing we can do about it now, we'll have to wait till morning."

Morning

Claire awoke to the smell of raspberries, maple syrup, carrots, and celery. Fluttershy had made a fried vegetables, using a maple glaze, and some fruit sauce, but Claire didn't know that. She got up, and found that her combat armor was gone, and just her rifle was standing in the corner of the room. She grabbed it, and swore.

"No ammo. He's not stupid."

She opened the door of the room she was sleeping in, and heard faint singing. She headed down the stairs, to find a yellow pony with pink mane making a breakfast of some kind. Taking a step, one of the boards creaked, and the pegasus turned around. Claire instinctively pointed her rifle at it, only to see it drop to the ground, cover it's head with it's hooves, and hide under the table, shaking. Realizing that she was scaring the poor thing, she put the rifle in the corner, and bent down.

"Hey, I'm sorry for scaring you. It's just, I woke up here, and got a little scared." She said in as soft a voice as possible. The pony stopped shaking, and looked up to see her smiling face. She got out from under the table, and looked at her.

"Why do you have a weapon?" She asked.

"Because, it's my job. I need it to protect myself and others." She reasoned.

"No you don't. This is a peaceful place, it has no need for them." She replied.

"My name is Claire."

"I'm Fluttershy."

"Listen, Fluttershy, I'm looking for someone. He looks like me, but is male, and has wings. He's very dangerous. He's a criminal, and I need to arrest him." She said, trying to convince.

"No he's not. He's kind and caring. He risked his life many times to save the innocent. He blocked this sting of a manticore, taking the venom into himself to rescue a filly, He ran into a burning building without a second thought to save a student and teacher. He took an ancient evil on himself to save it's host, then let himself be turned to stone to bind it forever. Through blind luck, he's free, and that evil is gone for good. He's a hero. Yesterday, he was knighted. We built this house together, started the worlds first maple sugar business. He adopted an orphan, who became one of this worlds best fliers, after he taught her to fly." Fluttershy recounted the things he had done for them. Her tone was not one of fear, or anger, or joy. It was plain.

"He killed a man at the head of medical research, he ran from the authorities. He killed three men who were chasing him. He crashed a helicopter, killing the pilot, and those who were near the crash." Claire told her in the same tone.

"Any who died chasing him did so by their own hooves. When they tried to kill him, he turned it back. Every injury inflicted was passed to the one who gave it to him, nothing more. When he first arrived here, he was stained with blood, ALL of it, his own." Fluttershy did not yell, but her tone was getting a little more forceful.

"We chased him because he killed an innocent man." Claire started crying, finally starting to realize what she had been doing all this time was wrong, not wanting to admit it.

"You chased him because you were lied to, and those of you who know the truth were paid to ignore it. You chased him because you wanted to get paid for catching him. Those who want him want him so they can make money off abusing his power. He ran from your world to prevent his power from being used by the rich to oppress the poor. To prevent your world from ending because of greed. He came here, and despite his pain, made this world a better place for all of us. I am truly sorry." Fluttershy said coldly. She was the element of kindness, but Claire needed to hear the truth. Once she heard it, she needed to be left alone with it for a while.

"Now that you know, what will you do?" Nightshade asked, flying in the window.

"You're lying to them and brainwashing them!" Claire screamed, not wanting to believe.

"No, that isn't my power." He said, drawing the knife he had taken from her. He handed it to her, and turned his back.

"If you don't believe her, or me, then go ahead, stab me in the back. Do your job, then go home, and get paid." Claire stood there for a moment, holding the knife. She didn't understand. Now looking at him, he didn't seem scary at all. The crushing pressure she felt when she first saw him was gone.

Claire took the blade, and quickly slashed along his arm, causing a thin line of blood to appear. She felt a pain in her own arm, and found that it was bleeding profusely. It caused her to drop the knife. He turned around, and looked her straight in the eyes.

"And now you know." He said with a frown, and walked out. Fluttershy came back in, dressed the wound, and hugged her. She knew beyond a doubt what Fluttershy had been saying was the truth. If she had gone for a lethal stab, she would have died.

"I know you've done things you regret. I can see it in your eyes. I see the same regret in his. He would never kill unless he didn't have a choice. Neither would you. But now you have to think, how many jobs have you done that you may have been lied to? I know it hurts, but it's something that needs to be done." Claire just sat there, crying into the pegasus' shoulder. She wasn't evil. Sure, she killed people, and she got paid for it. But she was killing evil people. Criminals, fugitives, assassins, terrorists, gang members, was that all a lie? Was she really just eliminating people who got in the way of big business? There was no way for her to know.

Claire had worked in the American military, and was later given a promotion to Vendetta. Every time she went on a mission, she had always been told that she was busting a crime lord, a terrorist, something. She thought that there was nothing wrong with protecting the world from evil people, and getting paid well. Vendetta were the go to guys for the really important missions.

She thought for a while. Davis, or rather, Nightshade, was no threat to them, he was in an entirely different world. As for justice, by testing his powers, she knew what Fluttershy had said to be the truth. The fact that she had been lied to about this job led her to believe she had been lied to on other jobs as well. How many innocents had she killed, or captured, who had just been trying to live their lives, and who those with more money than morals wanted out of the way? It completely broke her resolve. What about the others? Was the rest of her team being lied to as well? Or did they know the truth, but just not care? There were too many questions and no answers.

"By the way." Nightshade had poked his head back in. "Princess Celestia is on her way here. I had Spike send a letter. The rest of the group are coming as well. I'll be meeting them at town hall. Fluttershy, do you think you can bring her there after?" Fluttershy just nodded. "Thanks, now I've just gotta go pick up our other guests."

Taking to the air, Nightshade spotted two life signs. He flew down directly in front of them. The younger one fell over in shock, while the older one stood his ground. Both bringing up their rifles.

"What did you do with Claire?!" The younger one demanded.

"Oh she's fine. She's just resting at my place. She'll be at town hall later, you'll see her there." He explained.

"Kidnapping is a federal offence boy." The older one said.

"Yeah, except we're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy, your laws don't apply, and you have no authority. Besides, attempted murder is a much more serious crime.." He spat back. The man prepared to fire his gun, only to pass out.

"Commander!" The younger one yelled. Nightshade grabbed the commander by the neck of his armor, then did the same to the soldier on the ground.

"Come'ere cupcake. You've got a date with the princess."

I'm moving the tragic tearjerker to the next chapter. Also, notice how he's got absolutely no patience for dealing with humans. Fluttershy was a little harsh, but Claire needed to see what was happening, and was quick to comfort her once she had the realization that she was actually one of the bad guys. Come're cupcake is one of the phrases of the TF2 Soldier.

Ps. Claire is actually a nice gal, she's just been fooled. You know how easy it is to brainwash someone into believing they're doing the right thing? Actually pretty easy. Unlike other military types who just follow orders, she won't do something she thinks is wrong, meaning she is actually pretty strong willed.

Laws and Loopholes (10)

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Tragedy

Nightshade flew into the air, carrying the two soldiers. He had woken the commander up. Since they were flying, there was no way he'd try anything. He wasn't stupid.

"Where do you think you're taking us?" He asked in his usual gruff tone.

"To the ruler of this world. Princess Celestia. I suggest that, since you will be in the presence of royalty, you show some manners. She may not look it, but she's been alive for several thousand years. Since you've only been here a little bit, let me explain a few things. See the sun?" He asked

"Yeah." The younger soldier said.

"Well, when it rises in the morning, it's not because of the planet's rotation. As far as I can tell, this planet doesn't even rotate. It's because Celestia moves it. While she and her sister are called princesses, a more accurate term would be godess."

Both the soldiers started laughing.

"You can't be serious." They said in unison. "That's absurd!"

"What's absurd is you are in a land of talking, candy coloured ponies. There are pegasi who fly, and move the clouds, because they don't move on their own, and unicorns who can do magic, like teleportation, levitation, mind reading, transformation, whatever you can think of. There are ponies without wings or horns, who have a magical connection with the land, and are the only ones capable of growing food. And then there are the princesses, who have both wings AND horns, and they move the skies themselves. Look at me, I have freaking wings. There are wolves made out of wood, lions with the tails of scorpions, bitchy griffins, and dragons who send letters by breathing fire on them. You best start believing in fairy tales, you're in one." His explanation just brought more laughter.

"Okay, since you're not gonna listen to reason, I guess I just need to show you. Have either of you ever gone faster than the speed of sound?" Nightshade asked them.

"We're army, not air force. Besides, I don't see a jet anywhere." The commander said skeptically.

"Hold on to your helmets."

*BOOOOOOOOOOOM*

The soldiers tried to say something, but the sound waves were left behind as soon as they were out of their mouths. Nightshade finally slowed down, so they could talk again.

"That's impossible. You'd be ripped to shreds by the g-forces." The commander said, white as a ghost.

"Yeah, but I said before, you're not on Earth anymore. You're laws don't apply. And that includes the laws of physics."

Landing at town hall, Nightshade dropped the pale pair of people on the porch. Claire was already there. (try saying that 10 times fast)

"I suggest you collect yourselves, you don't want to be freaking out when you see her, oh, and leave your weapons at the door, you won't be needing them." He said, taking their guns, knives, and anything else he could see that might be dangerous, and putting them in a box. He gently pushed the pair into the room, and Claire followed, gently nudged by Fluttershy, telling her that it would be okay. The rest of the mane 6, the mayor, and Celestia were already inside. The CMC were told to wait outside.

"Hi Celestia." Nightshade said, putting on an air of formality in front of the guests. "I've brought them here. I believe introductions are in order?" He gave a bow, and motioned for the other's to do the same.

"I am commander Curtis of the Vendetta Securities, private branch of the United States military." He said with a salute.

"I'm Claire, ranged support for Vendetta Securities." She said with a bow.

"I'm Mitch, explosives expert for Vendetta." He just stood there.

The three stared at the regal looking horse in front of them, not knowing what to expect. While they had seen the ponies from afar, and they looked like they were speaking, they hadn't actually heard any voices. Hearing her speak caught her totally off guard.

"I am Princess Celestia. Along with my sister, Luna, I rule Equestria, this land that you are in. What is your purpose in this land?" She asked. Mitch nearly fell on his ass, but quickly recovered. Curtis had much more composure.

"We are here to apprehend the dangerous criminal, Davis, and return him to Earth to be sentenced for the crime of murder, as well as destruction of military property, resisting arrest, and assault, and grand theft auto, among other crimes. Should he resist, we are authorized to use lethal force to subdue." He said. Nightshade was just standing in the corner, listening.

"Myself and my sister have seen his memories in full. We know exactly what has been done. The murder of one Richard Trip, was self defense. In fact, the very reason he is dead was due to the wounds he inflicted on 'Davis' by that individual being returned to him. Resisting arrest. He was chased by mercenaries, hired by corporations who wanted to run illegal experiments on him, not law enforcement. Assault, causing a number of workers to fall asleep at their posts is hardly assault, as they would have fully recovered with no damage to their bodies. While he did take a vehicle that was not his own, it was returned to the rightful owner, and given the circumstances that his life was in jeopardy, it was warranted." Celestia defended him.

"Destruction of military property was not by his hand, but actually a magical mishap involving a transdimensional portal being used by my student, Twilight Sparkle. Having seen his history in full, as ruler of this land, I find him not guilty on all charges, and hereby offer him sanction in this land, on grounds of unjust oppression." Celestia had spoken with Nightshade before, and knowing the way Earth law works, they were pretty sure that would shut him up.

"You, on the other hand, have come to this land with intent to kidnap one of it's citizens, held another of it's citizens at gunpoint, and your presence threatens the very peace and harmony that this land strives to uphold. Seeing as how there has been no damage done, I am willing to let you off with a warning. However, you must immediately return to your dimension of origin, and make no further attempts to gain access to these lands. Next time, I will not be so lenient. I know quite well that you are being paid for this task, however, the lives of people and ponies in THIS land, cannot be bought or sold. While here, he is of no threat to your people, and the charges laid on him are unfounded. Deliver this letter to your superiors, officially detailing what has transpired here, and begone from this realm. Any further unauthorized intrusions into this sovereign nation will be considered an act of war."

Celestia was not fooling around. In fact, she and Nightshade had prepared official documents to deal with this issue just in case it ever arose, before he was even put in stone. Since he found his way to Equestria, it stood to reason that eventually, other humans might as well, although highly unlikely. They decided it was a necessary preparation, and it wasn't going to waste.

"Well, that's it boys, time to go. We're not authorized to start a war." Claire was really hoping to just go home. Despite how much she liked the ponies, and thought Fluttershy was adorable and wanted to hug her to death, she had friends and family back on Earth, she didn't belong here. The fact that he had been given sanction meant that trying to haul him back was against international treaty, and unless they had the go ahead from HQ, they couldn't do it. Sure, businesses had billions of dollars which they used to lobby the government for this expedition, and most often the politicians would buy into it, there was no way they could possibly fund sending an entire army through an experimental interdimensional wormhole, just to bring back one guy. That and the fact that it was an unknown enemy, and they might even have to face attack by the Equestrians, there was no way the government would go for it. It was over.

Nightshade saw them out. He handed them back their stuff, and offered to show them the way back to base.

"DAMNIT! Another mission, down the tubes! I can't FUCKING believe this!" Mitch was pissed.

"Calm yourself. The law is clear, and these papers are official. Our hands are tied. All that's left to do is head home, and file the report. Besides, he's not the same guy we chased five years ago. He can't even be called human anymore. We could probably just report that Davis is dead, go home, and get our paycheck." The commander was thinking quite clearly.

"Hell no, they're not just gonna take our word for it. They want the body. That was the whole point of this!" Mitch yelled.

"You knew?" Claire asked him.

"We both did Claire. We're Vendetta Securities, we work for the United States government, but really, we're just mercs. The US just has the biggest payroll, since the businesses have the biggest bank. They want something done, they pay the government, and we get hired to do it, that way it's inside the law. We kept you out of the loop, because you're a nice girl Claire, who always wanted to do the right thing. It would break ya to know that you were killing innocents." He said, trying to sooth her.

"How many jobs?" She asked.

"All of them." He replied.

"Even Jimmy?"

"Even Jimmy knew."

Claire collapsed. She had always thought herself to be a force of justice, helping people to make the world a better place. It had all just been lies. She was nothing but a murderer, who killed for money. The fact that her entire team knew the whole time, even the recently deceased Jimmy, who was always light hearted, and her best friend, had lied to her for the past ten years, it was too much. She broke down on the spot.

"Quit being such a pussy Claire, we're all in the same boat. We're all killers, and when we die, we're all going to hell for it. Get your act together, we're going home." Said Mitch, sensitive as always. Didn't help that he was pissed off at failing yet another mission.

"Have a nice trip. Don't come back. Claire, I'm sorry about all this. At least you know now. You can go home and rethink your life, have a fresh start. It might take a while, but you'll eventually forgive yourself." Nightshade told the group, but then was comforting to Claire. He could clearly see that she was a nice person, who had just been caught up in something bigger than her. Fluttershy walked up to her, and pulled a feather from her wing.

"So you can remember us." She said, handing her the yellow plume. Claire hugged her, then with tears in her eyes, looked up at her two partners.

"I quit."

"What?" They did a double take.

"I quit. I can't do this anymore. They've done nothing but lie to me. You've done nothing but lie to me. I'm going to go home, and I'm going to live my life without regrets, and try to forget all this." Claire said.

"You sure?" Curtis asked.

"Yeah." She replied softly.

"Sorry Claire." Mitch took out his pistol, and pointed it at her head.

OMG NO! She was NICE! Well, they are an ultra high level of military, doing things that are technically illegal. Probably should have seen that you can't just quit, you know too much. She could blow the lid right off their whole operation, and she probably would, given what happened to her. I know you all don't really like the military mumbo jumbo, frankly, I DON'T EITHER! But it's something I need to do to advance the plot, and there won't be any more of it after next chapter. You all saw how late in monster it was before I finally got around to the story, this is gonna be the same. Also CLIFFHANGER! Since I know how much you all love them. So, would you be mad if I took the next three days off writing? Not saying I am, just trying to piss you off.

Ps. I was gonna make it this chapter, but the tearjerker is NEXT chapter. You're all going to hate me, and I think many of you actually might stop reading. I'm crying thinking about it, and I haven't even written it yet. I spent all that time getting ahead, and now I gave you all a quad update, so you're all caught up now. But yeah, next up, everybody cries, people hunt me down and murder me, everyone else rage quits. Aren't I a wonderful author?

Tragedy (11)

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Tragedy

"Wait, what?" Claire asked in terror.

"Come on, we're mercs who operate above the law. A quitter would blow the lid off the whole operation if they went to the UN. Considering your feelings on this matter, it's not like you could just keep quiet. Nobody ever quits Vendetta, you're in it till you die, or they trust you enough to retire you. Even then, they still watch you like a hawk." Cutis explained.

"Whoa, hold up. We can't just let you kill her. For the same reason you can't have me. Sure she made some mistakes, but that's no reason why she has to die." Nightshade reasoned.

"She signed up for it. It's her own fault, now it's a problem she's gotta deal with." Mitch said, preparing to shoot. Scootaloo and the crusaders had stayed behind a little, but seeing that human pointing a gun at Claire, and also Fluttershy, she couldn't just let that happen. She didn't see her dad, because he was around the corner. She flew, and grabbed him.

"Get away from Fluttershy!" She yelled, flapping her wings, trying to throw the human off balance. Mitch grabbed her, and threw her to the ground.

"Little brat!" He yelled. He instinctively pointed the gun at her, and pulled the trigger. Nightshade saw what was happening, and tried to get in the way. He didn't make it.

*BANG*

He watched as Scootaloo fell to the ground, the bullet passing through her head. With Nightshade, he can heal wounds from a head shot, but only if he's prepared for it. In the instant it took him to react, she was already dead.

"NOOOOOOOO!" He screamed, and ran to her body.

"What the hell is the matter with you soldier!" Curtis yelled at Mitch. "You just killed a civilian, in a country that already has strained relations!"

"The kid attacked me sir!" He defended himself.

"Because you were pointing a gun at one of their own!" Mitch looked, and saw that Fluttershy had been covering Claire, trying to protect her. "We could have at least waited till we were back home!" Twilight grabbed him with her magic, ripping the weapon from him, and holding him in the air. All the other's were shocked at the turn of events, but she and Celestia were furious.

Nightshade was on his knees, clutching Scootaloo's body close to his heart. He didn't feel her heartbeat. He tried healing her wounds, but the life force just wouldn't stick. She was already dead.

"Come on. No. Nononononononono. Come on Scoots. Come on!" He said, crying, desperately trying to heal her.

"Don't die, come on, COME ON!" His plea's went unheeded, because she was already dead.

"Can't you?" Fluttershy asked.

"Even with a life to trade, her brain..... She'd be alive, but Scootaloo is gone. She'd never wake up. It's the same as being dead." Nightshade's powers allow him to repair damage, and if he's quick enough on it, can even negate damage from a brain injury. The problem is, the damage has to be reasonable to repair. For it to work, they'd have to pack her brain back into her skull, and place it just right. It just wouldn't work. Staring at Scootaloo's body, he saw that she had a smile on her face. He looked up into the sky, arms limp at his side, and screamed.

Fluttershy saw what had happened, and turned to look away, as did the rest of those who were watching. They all were crying their eyes out. Claire sat there, unmoving. She couldn't believe that Mitch, who had been with her so long, just killed an innocent kid who was trying to protect her friend.

"What's the big deal? It's just a pony, a stupid animal!" Mitch said, trying to justify his actions.

Inside Nightshade's Head

"A stupid animal? She was just as much a person as any human. Even more so because she was kind. She had hopes, dreams, friends, family, a LIFE. She had a soul. Just an animal?" His thoughts were running slowly, as he tried to comprehend what had been said. All the while, he could hear his own heart beat. It was raging against the inside of his chest, as though it were fighting to break his rib cage and rip itself out.

*Thump thump*

*Thump thump*
*Thump thump*
*Thump thump*
*Thumpthumpthumpthump*

*THUMP*

Real World

Nightshade's expression changed, from one of sorrow, to one of pure , unrelenting rage. He stood up, letting Scootaloo's body drop to the ground. He coldly walked up to the floating Mitch.

"Just an animal? What's the big deal? She was my adopted DAUGHTER!" He screamed in the soldier's face, his razor sharp jagged teeth in full view.

"Oh fu.." Was all that Mitch could say. Nightshade blinked, and his eyes were no longer blue, but green and slitted, much how they were when Nightmare possessed him. With a puff of smoke, Black Law appeared in his hand, and with a quick flick, the soldier's head rolled to the floor. The sword didn't have a drop of blood on it. Twilight released the body in shock, and Celestia scowled.

"Private Mitchell, executed in the field for disobeying orders, and prompting an international incident." The commander said coldly, as he had been used to such things. "Princess, I am truly sorry. He was one of my men, and I didn't have him under control. I.."

"Shut up!" The princess yelled. To her, every life was precious. No matter what he said, it would not change the fact that one of her subjects, an innocent child, was dead. In Equestria, the punishment for that unforgivable crime was death, and it had been carried out. Claire began to cry at the sight of the dead Scootaloo, as did Fluttershy. They wailed. The young filly who's life he had saved, who he adopted, who he shared his life with. The one who he taught all he knew, who he taught to fly, who had joined the wonderbolts, was gone forever.

"Leave.... NOW!" She ordered commander Curtis, who was quick to comply. Fluttershy looked at Nightshade, carrying the terrible blade. She walked up to him, to try and comfort him.

"Nightshade?" She said weakly.

"Stay away." He said, barely audible.

"Are you okay?" She was cut off.

"STAY AWAY!" He yelled, looking at her with those green eyes. She froze in fear. He realized he was yelling at her, and dropped the sword. He blinked, and his eyes went back to normal, tears running down his face.

"Please... I need to be alone." He said, flying off as fast as he could.

"I, I'll keep an eye on him." Rainbow Dash chased after him, being the only one who could keep up. She was just as broken that her flying partner had been killed, but as the element of loyalty, she just couldn't sit there and grieve while other's were doing the same.

"Claire, you help the tank crew pack up, I'm headed back to deliver the letter, and a full report." She had quit, and didn't have to take order from him anymore, but she nodded her head. Their presence in this world had caused enough of a disturbance, and because of Mitch's short fuse and itchy trigger finger, an innocent child was now dead. When she got back, they'd kill her too. She could never see her friends or family again, they would hunt her to the ends of the earth, because she knew too much. She couldn't stay in Equestria either, she had already caused enough damage.

She said goodbye the Fluttershy, packed up her gear, put on her armor, and headed back. She passed by the house, realizing now that it was his, and saw him sitting on the roof.

"I have to go back." Nightshade said.

"What?" She asked. She looked up and saw Rainbow hiding above the clouds, watching them, probably to make sure he was okay.

"They'll never stop coming. Even with that letter, they'll just do it under cover. They'll send in spec ops who will get in, do the job, and get out, and nobody will even know till a week later. As long as I'm here, they will never stop chasing me. And when they can't get me, they'll hurt everyone else close to me. I have to go back, and I have to put an end to all of it. I have to tear my world apart at the seams, so this never happens again." He said, crying.

"What about Fluttershy?" She asked.

"I'll miss her, but I can't come back here. How can I face her now? I'm stained in blood, and this time, it's not mine. She won't want to be around me. I'm a monster now, in the truest sense of the word. He killed her, and I killed him. I got mad, and I took revenge. I HATE him, and I took it out by yelling at her." He said, his wings and hair drooping.

"She loves you, she'll forgive you in time. You did what you had to do. He killed a child, your daughter no less. He'd do it again. And even if he left Equestria and never came back, he'd kill more innocents, just on earth. All for the sake of greed." Claire was telling him his own advice, and what she had told herself countless times, except that this time, is wasn't a lie, nobody was being fooled.

"I still have to stop them from ever coming back. I have to protect this world." He reasoned.

"You leave that to me. In the mission briefing, we heard about a bunch of junk, just some planks and dirt, that came through. It obeyed the laws of our universe, but only loosely. Using it, the company we're hired out to built a gate way, allowing us to come to this world. All of the pieces of this world are stored in the same building the gate is in, as well as all the data about it. It's not saved anywhere else, because that would risk other companies getting a hold of it." She explained.

"What will you do?" He asked.

"I don't have a life anymore. As soon as I get back, they'll kill me. So, I'm gonna commit one last sin, and do something right for once. I'm gonna kill people, and a lot of them will be innocent scientists, or business men, who have families waiting for them back home. I'm gonna wipe every trace of your world from mine, that way, this will never have to happen again. I'll die, they'll get me, call me a terrorist or what ever, but death is the least I deserve after what I've done. Maybe this way, I can make amends for my past. Don't try and stop me. This is your world now. Fluttershy was willing to sacrifice her life to save mine, Scootaloo sacrificed hers to save Fluttershy. I'm gonna sacrifice mine to save this whole world. That way, you can stay here, and pick up the pieces." Claire was crying. Committing yourself to death was never easy, but she was going to die no matter what, she figured she might as well do something meaningful before she went.

Fluttershy walked up behind Nightshade as Claire walked away.

"Nightshade?" She said softly.

"Please don't look at me. I don't deserve you. I just killed someone. I yelled at you. I let anger and hate get the better of me, and you shouldn't be around me. I'll only bring you pain and misery." He said, turning away from her. Suddenly, he felt a hard knock on his head.

"IDIOT!" Fluttershy yelled. He just realized that she had hit him. "No matter what happens, I will always love you! None of what happened here was your fault! It's the same as if a manticore attacked town. YOU ARE NOT A MONSTER. You have always done what is best for everypony, even if we didn't know it at the time!" She looked into his tear filled eyes with her own, and hugged him.

"I couldn't do anything. I couldn't stop him. I couldn't save her! She was my daughter, and there was nothing I could do!" He sobbed, crying into her mane.

"Nopony's perfect. You did all you could. Nobody think's any less of you. You need to forgive yourself. I know what you were going to do, and I know Claire went in your place. She's a nice human, who just got lost. You promised me you'd never leave me, remember? Let her take care of it. She's strong, and will do the right thing, just as you always have."

Everfree

Claire came across the tank crew, who were packing up the tents and supplies.

"Hey Claire, help us pack up so we can get out of this hellhole." He was interrupted by two soft *pew* sounds, as her silenced pistol fired, killing both of the crew members. She climbed into the tank. While she wasn't a tank operator, she knew how to drive one, from her time in the army before joining Vendetta. She switched on her radio.

"HQ, this is Bravo 1, Claire reporting. All packed up and ready for evac."

"Rodger Bravo 1." With a bright flash, the tank was gone, and all the supplies were left behind.

She looked on the screens inside the tank, hooked to armored cameras on the outside. She was in the middle of the four archway gate. She turned the turret to the control center, and fired.

"What the hell! Armor one has gone AWOL!" She heard over the radio. She loaded another round, and fired at the arches, which were what opened the gate. Then she blew a hole in the wall, and drove her 10 ton war machine out into the desert surrounding the facility. Spotting an armored jeep, she fired, blowing it up as well.

"To the driver of armor one, cease and desist immediately." Claire knew damn well that wouldn't get her out of anything. In her best mimic of HAL, she said.

"Sorry, I can't do that, Dave." She was about to die, so she figured she'd have a little fun. Driving around the base, she fired on the store house, where she knew the artifacts from Equestria would be stored. It exploded satisfyingly. She continued to drive, blowing up the various parts of the compound. More storage areas, military garages, the command center, where she knew the head of Vendetta as well as the head of the company that hired them was, along with all the data. She didn't know how far she could go, but she was going to do as much damage as possible. As she did this, she sang one of her favorite songs, very slowly.

"Daisy, Daisy,

Give me your answer do,

I'm half crazy,

All for the love of you."

She spotted another tank come out from the rubble, and shot it, causing it to explode.

"It won't be a fancy marriage,

I can't afford a carriage."

A helicopter flew overhead, aimed at her, and fired it's rockets. The tank stopped moving, completely crippled. After a couple minutes, she heard the sound on a welder. They were cutting into the tank.

"But you'd look sweet,

on the seat,

Of a bicycle built for two."

Claire was crying, she took out all the grenades she had taken from supply, and took the pins out of all of them.

"I'm sorry." She whispered softly, then turned off her radio. A flash of red light, then darkness.

Back in Equestria

The group buried Scootaloo. At the funeral was the mane six, Nightshade, the Wonderbolts, Celestia and Luna, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and most of Ponyville. Each said a few words about the filly, before moving on. Lastly, only Fluttershy and Nightshade remained.

"It's wrong. Parents should not have to bury their children." He said, nearly choking up.

"I know. This should never have happened. It shouldn't have been this way. She died trying to save me." She responded.

"I was only out for a week. Everything was so happy. We had so much to catch up on, and just like that, she's gone. She had even agreed to help plan it." He said weakly.

"Plan what?" She asked. Nightshade pulled a small black box from his pocket, and showed it to her. She opened it, to find a ring inside.

"Oh, my." Fluttershy was taken aback. Even though he had only been out a week, they loved each other, and they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. He was going to ask her to marry him, and the crusaders were going to be the wedding planners. It made sense. Sweetie Belle could sing at the reception, Scootaloo and the wonderbolts could do an air show, and Applebloom could decorate the event.

"I still want to, but, after this, I think we just need some time."

Nightshade and Fluttershy sat at the grave into the long hours of the night, gazing into the sky. At the stroke of midnight, the Aurora Borealis appeared. This was unheard of, since they were not anywhere near the poles, and it was mid summer, only two weeks after the summer sun celebration. Once it passed, they looked into the sky, and watched as two new stars twinkled into existence.

"Scootaloo, Claire, I hope you'll watch over us."

Okay, hold on, I need a minute. I'm crying as much as when I read the end of My Little Dashie. Please, I just need a minute.

Letting Go (12)

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Letting Go

It is now mid August. The entire time between the funeral and up till now, Nightshade was barely seen by anyone. Everyone else still had duties to take care of, but with Pinkie running the Sugar Shack, and maple season over, he didn't have anything to do. He spent a lot of time inside, and when he went out, it was to help AJ get ahead, and he would do it at night, for the peace and quiet. Sitting on his roof, he felt a familiar presence, and looked to see Luna behind him.

"Hello Nightshade."

"Hey Luna." He replied sullenly.

"How are you feeling?" She asked.

"How do you do it?" He answered her question with one of his own.

"What do you mean?" Luna didn't understand.

"You live for thousands of years, while other ponies rarely see a hundred. All your friends, family, loved ones. Everyone who matters to you will die, and you'll be left all alone. Sure, you've got your sister, so she'll always be there, but what about everyone else?"

"We have been separate from the majority of Equestria since birth." She explained.

"So, your parents knew what kind of lives you'd lead, and to protect you from the pain of loss, stopped you from having friends, lovers, because they knew that they'd just die, and in heart ache, you would as well?" He asked. Luna just nodded.

"The thing is, I'm the same as you now. I'll live forever, or, at least as close to forever as possible. I have friends, loved ones, ponies who I call family. After Scoots, I can't help but feel it's all too much. One day, they'll be gone, and I'll still be here. What then? Do I move on? Find new friends to replace the old ones? Find another lover? Or do I stay stuck in the past, never forgetting those who I cared for, even though I'll never see them again? They wither and die, and pass on, into the sky, where I can never go. I will never see them again until I die." He said, sitting there, weeping.

"Yes, but even yourself, Celestia, and I will die one day, just as our parents did. We simply have drastically more time than everypony else. The day the stars rain down, the earth quakes, the moon turns red, the sun, black, and the world itself ends, we shall as well, and then we will meet them there." Luna was speaking in a soft tone, trying to comfort.

"We have our royal duties, and we must perform them, no matter what. We cannot afford to be stricken with grief, as we would become lax in our misery. I envy you, you have friends, family, and one whom you love. I will never know that feeling. It is better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all." She looked sad.

"What of Celestia? There is her nephew, the prince, and her student, Twilight. You cannot tell me that she will not feel pain when they pass." Nightshade asked.

"Celestia decided that it was wrong to stay away from love, from family and friends, and began to interact with the others, despite knowing her fate. Those of us who choose to deny our fate, must be strong enough to face the pain that comes from it." Luna said.

"Which is why she's stronger than both of us. You who decided to accept your fate, and I, who's fate was changed. When the time comes, I don't think I'll be strong enough to face the pain." He cried.

"When that time comes, know that I will be here for you, a shoulder to cry on. Maybe we'll be strong enough to face that pain together." Luna winked, before taking off into the sky. She flew back for a moment. "By the way, Blueblood was asking about when you were going to take him camping. There's only two weeks left in summer after all."

"Tell him to drop by in a week. It'll be good to get out, and take my mind off things. I gotta go tell Big Mac, Spike, and and Rainbow.

"Such wonderful chaos. I think it's about time to make my grand return...... Okay, maybe after a quick nap."

Nightshade was waiting in front of his house, where the camping group were supposed to meet. Rainbow Dash was already there, with her standard coach equipment. She was the unofficial 'camp' councillor. They saw Big Mac approach.

"Glad you could make it."

"Eeeeyup. Since you been pullin three time your weight at the farm, we ahead of schedule, and I get to take a break, since mah sister went to the beach with 'er friends a few weeks back."

Nightshade didn't go to the beach with them, he was much to depressed. He still wanted them to go, because they also needed to get out. It was only for the day, but they needed it.

Spike walked up, looking manly.

"Hey bro, glad you're here."

"You know I wouldn't miss this for the world." He said, Firebolt coming up behind him.

"Good to see you here too. Note to self, set up camp by the river." He was starting to get his humor back.

"Ha ha, very funny." She said, snuggling up next to Spike.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked up.

"Nice to see... wait, what? The two of you?" He was genuinely surprised.

"Yes, the two of us. Our parents said we needed to 'get out more'." Diamond said, annoyed.

"Well, you're welcome here either way. Oh look, this is getting better by the second." He said as Twilight walked up.

"Really? I didn't think you liked this kind of thing." Rainbow asked.

"Well, Seeing how much healthier Spike is, I figured it would do me some good. Too many late nights in the library have made me, well, heavier, and not in a good way." She said blushing. "Besides, it would be a good chance to learn about the nature of the Everfree. Not much is really known about all the different stuff in there."

"Well then get your fat flank in here!" Rainbow laughed. Twilight looked like she was going to say something, but then just accepted the criticism, head hung low.

Blueblood arrived in a chariot, and with him, two griffins, both around 10 years of age, looking to be twins.

"Ah, finally the guest of honor! And who have we here?" Nightshade said, crouching down to the griffin pair.

"We're Switch and Scratch." they said in unison.

"So wait, which one is which?" He was confused. "Never mind, I'll never remember the difference, so from now on, the two of you are one unit. You work together on everything, you go everywhere together."

"We do that anyways." They joined the group and laughed. Blueblood had the ponies at the chariot empty a bunch of supplies on the ground.

"Whoa whoa whoa buddy. What do you think you're doing with all that... stuff?" Nightshade asked.

"Well. I went to the library and......" He started to explain before being cut off.

"You took Twilight's method of learning about things. Reading. Well, it's good that you came prepared, however, we won't be using any of it. No tents, no firewood, no hairdryers, no shampoo. Oh, you brought an ax? We can use that. Good thinking. You brought food? While that is the basic of any survival situation, we won't be needing it. There is plenty of food in the forest, we can grab it for ourselves. Would you two be so kind as to take the rest of this back?" He said, handing the chariot ponies some bits for the extra trouble. They were happy to oblige. Seeing all his supplies flying away, supplies that were going to keep him comfortable this whole week, Blueblood began to sweat, and gulped hard.

"Ahh, don't be so worried Princy, you'll be fine. Remember, I lived in this forest for a long time, follow me and you'll all be fine." Diamond and Silver were surprised, and quite happy. They would be camping with the prince? That was like a dream come true.

"Oh, I've been meaning to ask, where is that little filly of yours? I'd like to meet her." Blueblood had no idea. Nightshade sat on a log, looking depressed.

"Something I said?" He was oblivious. Rainbow flew up to him, and whispered in his ear.

"You heard about that human invasion? Back in the middle of summer? One of them....." She gulped, and started to cry. Scootaloo was her flying partner after all. "One of them, did something unforgivable."

Blueblood thought. There were only one crime that could be considered unforgivable. Murder.

"Oh, I, I didn't know." He said, honestly feeling for his first true friend, who cared about him not because of his title, but because of who he really was.

"It's alright, just, don't bring it up again. It's a really soft spot. She was, my friend too. I was practically her idol. We don't want this whole week to be full of crying ponies." Dash had taken to wearing her wonderbolt pin in her hair. Ever since he came back and put it there, she couldn't bring herself to go out without it, and Rarity often saw her looking at herself with it in store windows. It was definitely having an effect on her personality.

Alright, listen up you ponies, griffins, and whatnot! I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in Equestria! I'm co-hosting this campout. If you have any questions, you either ask Nightshade, Spike, or myself. We've been here plenty of times, and we know what's going on. You do not touch anything, eat anything, or go anywhere without a partner, and without our approval, YOU GOT THAT?" Rainbow went into full coach mode. She also wanted to get attention off Nightshade so no one would ask him what was wrong. It still hurt her as well, but she had to be strong, and couldn't let other's see her break down.

"Come on Shady, get your head in the game. The point of this was to get out and have a bit of fun, right?" Dash said, putting her hooves on her shoulders.

"Yeah, you're right. Thanks Dashie." He teased her a bit. She just took it in stride. "Let's get started, shall we?"

Nightshade stood up, Spike at his right, and Dash at his left. Twilight, Diamond and Silver, Blueblood, Mac, Switch and Scratch, and Firebolt all stood in a line before them.

"Listen up campers. The Everfree forest is dangerous. There are hungry monsters, and poisonous plants. Many things are beautiful, but also deadly. The forest is strange. Clouds move on their own. Strange wind and mists blow. If you do not know the way, you can easily get lost. It is actually a lot like my homeworld. Before you all ask, yes, I am an alien. I won't explain anything more about it, because we'll be here all day. Okay, so, when I come up to you, I want to all to say a little about yourselves. I don't really care about history. In this forest, nobody is better than anybody else. We work together to survive. Since Spike, Dash, and myself have been here before, we know what's going on. Listen to us, and we can guarantee your safety. Spike, please continue." Nightshade was finally taking charge.

"Rule number 1, ASK. If you don't know what something is, don't assume. Pretty blue glowing flower? Poison joke. Dash stepped in it, and woke up the next morning with her wings on backwards. You don't know what it is, we do, so ask us before you go touching anything okay?" The dragon barked, used to doing Twilight's checklists.

"Rule 2, Stay together. If you get lost, you're survival chance drops by over half. Stick with your buddy. We'll pick buddies in a minute. You don't even go to the bathroom alone." Dash continued.

"Rule 3, Teamwork. We are to work together to find food, gather supplies, whatever. Lots of things that are impossible alone become easy when you have someone else." Spike went on.

"Rule 4, Don't die." The three camp leaders looked at the group with sinister grins. "If an extreme situation arises, do not hesitate to call for help. If you find yourself attacked by a manticore, call us, and we'll deal with it. We'll explain more on the way, time's a wasting!" Rainbow said with excitement.

"Okay." Nightshade began. "It's time to pick your buddies. I'll be doing the picking, so, one at a time, tell us a little about yourselves." He stepped up to Firebolt.

"Even though I already know some of you, the others do not, and this is a perfect time to get to know each other better. You first."

"I'm Firebolt. I'm a unicorn who's always dreamed of flying. When I feel any strong emotion, I burst into flame. I can also control fire to some degree. Unfortunately, all my magic comes out in flames, so I can't do many of the things normal unicorns can. I learned to do things the earth pony way." She started.

"Good, okay, next." He went to Twilight.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia. I've studied magic for year, and am a bit of a prodegy." She said, trying to be modest. "I'm physically weak, and don't know much about surviving, so I'm here to better myself."

"Good. That's perfect. Who you are, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Okay, next." He walked up to the griffin twins.

"We're Switch and Scratch, and we're twins. We do everything together. Even though we're young, we can already fly, and we're strong too. Umm. I'm fine, but he's a bit brainless sometimes." They said, pointing at each other.

"Good, nice to meet you. Next."

"I'm Diamond Tiara, my father is Filthy Rich, the business owner. I, umm, know about resource management?"

"That's good. It's alright. Looking at others is easy. Looking at yourself is hard, even with a mirror."

"I'm Silver Spoon, my mother is Sterling Silver, the geologist. I know about precious metals and gems."

"Alright, that might be helpful."

"Ahm Big Macintosh, but ya'll can just call me Big Mac. I work Sweet Apple Acres. Eeeeeeeeuuuuummmm?" He was trying to find something else to say.

"It's alright Mac, I'll continue. He's strong enough to easily pull a house, and he doesn't talk much, as you might be able to tell." Twilight giggled.

"And I am Prince Blueblood, nephew of Princess Celestia. I am learning politics so that I may one day run Equestria. Admittedly, I don't have very much in the common sense department." He said, head hung low. That was all the campers.

"I'm Spike, a dragon. I've been Twilight's library assistant for years. 2 years back, me and Shade were forced into the Everfree by a mob of mares during mating season. I've been coming here ever since. I'm fireproof, can breathe fire, and know everything there is to know about organization." The dragon introduced himself, glaring at Twilight.

"And I'm Nightshade. I'm strong, fast, can fly, heal almost any wounds, and know the forest like my own face. I'm a quick thinker, and know what to do in tense situations. I can do almost anything, so when the time comes that I DO need help, I'm way too stubborn to ask for it, or accept it. I take failure especially hard, and need to learn to rely on others a bit more. Just because this trip is meant to help all of you, it doesn't mean it won't be helping us. There is always time to learn."

"And I am Princess Luna. I raise and lower the moon, bringing night. I am skilled in magic, but I don't get out much, and need to learn to socialize."

"PRINCESS?" Twilight yelled. Everyone else just looked shocked.

"Oh, I hope you don't mind if I tag along, do you Shady?" She teased. Nightshade just face palmed.

"I guess it's fine. I hope you know this isn't just some camping trip though. It's survival training. It's designed to make you strong of mind, body, and soul. To overcome your weaknesses, and discover your strengths. There will be no free rides. In this forest, we are not who we are on the outside. While we three are the camp leaders, we are campers ourselves, and will be pulling our own weight. We're headed into the forest, once we make camp, we'll sort you all out. Until then, everyone takes a piece of this tree bark. Do NOT lose it. If you get in trouble, just howl like a wolf. Don't ask why, and pray you don't have to use it."

The group entered the forest, and found their way to a clearing, near the river. On the way, the three leaders whispered to each other, discussing how to split the campers up.

"Okay, so now that we're here, here's how it's gonna go. We've got a lot more campers than expected, so we're gonna have a little game. More like a competition, and a simulation at the same time." Dash began.

"That's right, we camp leaders will split you up into teams, so that each team has a varying skill set. Then, we each set up different camps in an area around this clearing. We won't know where the other camps are. All we'll know is where here is, as well as our own camp. We'll come back here each night, and discuss things. Now this isn't only survival, but also a test of character." Spike added.

"It's not really a competition, since everyone can win. In fact, we're hoping everyone will win, since losing means you died at some point. Of course, we're here to make sure that doesn't happen. The only other way to lose is if you can't stand the forest anymore, and bail out." Nightshade said with a grin. Everyone but Luna, Firebolt, and the griffin twins were getting a little nervous, what with all the talk of not making it through the week.

"Okay, Firebolt, you're with Dash. I got Twilight, and Spike, you get Luna." Nightshade began. This wasn't a casual retreat, they needed to focus, and couldn't do so with Spike and Firebolt going gaga over each other. Putting Twilight with Spike or Dash wasn't any good, because Dash was her friend, and Spike was basically her servant. He didn't want Luna, since he was sure that she actually was coming on to him, and that would just make everything awkward. Luna was immature, and putting her with Dash screamed failure.

"Okay, I get Blueblood, and one of the griffin kids. Nightshade, you get Mac and Silver. Spike, you get the other griffin and Diamond. Dash sorted the rest of them according to their plan, not wanting to waste any more time.

"But, I thought we were gonna be together?" Whined the griffin twins, as well as Diamond and Silver.

"We changed our minds. Having a close friend is great, but the four of you need to learn to cope otherwise. They may or may not be there for you at points in the future. Let's see if you can work as well with others as you do with yourselves." Spike explained.

"With this setup, there is a nice even spread of skills. Spike, and Firebolt can make fire, and I'm sure Twilight knows a spell for that. Twilight, Luna, Diamond, and Silver can use magic, although the fillies not as well as the other two, meaning they'll have to work harder. Mac is strong, and I'm sure once Blueblood get's into things, plus having magic is an advantage. He'll be right up there. Silver knows about the ground, so you'll have an advantage there, and the griffin twins can fly."

With the teams made up, they would spend the night at the clearing, and in the morning, begin their adventure.

In case it was too confusing, these are the groups.

Nightshade: Twilight, Big Mac, Silver Spoon. '1 flyer, 2 magic, 2 strength (Nightshade is fly+strong)'

Spike: Luna, Diamond Tiara, Switch. '2 magic, 3 flyer, 2 strength (Luna counts as all three, and spike is fly+strong)'

Rainbow Dash: Firebolt, Blueblood, Scratch. '2 flight, 1 magic (Firebolt doesn't count) 2 strength (RD and FB)'

Taking their special skills into account, as well as the fact that Diamond and Silver are weak magic users, this counter balances Twilight and Luna's magical strength. There is also at least one kid on each team, and all the leaders can fly.

Camping (13)

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Camping

Nightshade, Spike, and Luna all stayed awake that first night, while Dash fell asleep, being her lazy self. Luna still did her duty of raising the moon, which Diamond and Silver were quite impressed with. The fillies tried warming up to Blueblood, who acted like they had a plague. Twilight and Big Mac shot glances at each other warily. Nightshade rubbed his eyes and sighed.

"What is it Shady?" Luna teased.

"I'm not sure, I just have a feeling that this trip is going to either go extremely well, or be a total failure. I don't mean dying, I mean I think they won't be able to work out their differences. They'll either get along fine, or they'll split camp. Then again, that's kind of the point of this camp, and I guess I did it again didn't I?" He replied.

"Did what?" Asked Spike.

"It seems that whenever I come across anyone, I bring out their true self. I always change them for the better, but only after enduring their worst. This was supposed to be a simple camping trip, but I couldn't help myself when the opportunity arose to help everyone become better people, ponies, whatever. If I had a cutie mark, I wonder what it would look like? I already know my special talent, it's helping everyone else find theirs. Even those who have already found what they are good at, learn something new about themselves. Blueblood is Dash's team's only magic user, he's gonna have a lot of pressure on him, but much less than trying to run a country. Diamond and Silver have Luny and Twilight to look up to as role models, and I'm hoping each of the griffin twins will look to Mac and Dash as their role models, while making relationships with the fillies. I'm not sure what Firebolt is going to learn from this, while Twilight is learning to do more and think a little less. To accept things, even if they're not perfect. I'm not sure what Mac is going to learn either. As for us, Spike, you've already learned your lesson a while back, I'm not sure what else you can learn, but you never know. Dash is gonna have to learn the same lesson as me, we can't do everything ourselves." Nightshade explained.

"But if you already know the lesson, isn't it lesson learned?" Spike asked.

"I may know the lesson, but that doesn't mean I've accepted it. I have yet to take it to heart." He said sadly. They knew what he was talking about. He needed to accept that there were things he couldn't do, like saving Scootaloo. You can't be everywhere at once.

"Except this time, you're having them help each other bring it out, instead of doing it yourself. Quite clever." Luna smirked, giving Nightshade a strange look.

"Well, we have to stay up all night and watch the camp. Anyone got a deck of cards? No? Okay, then how about we wake Dash up and go over what we're gonna do tomorrow?" As he said it, Luna levitated the sleeping pegasus to them, and dropped her.

"Ow, hey what's the big idea?" She nearly yelled.

"We're going over how we're gonna torture the campers tomorrow. We figured you might want to be in on this."

Morning

Luna lowered the moon, and at the crack of dawn, buckets of water were promptly dumped on each sleeping camper's head.

"Gaaah!" Screamed Twilight, Diamond, Silver, and Blueblood. The griffins shook themselves off, Firebolt lit up and evaporated the water off of her. Big Mac, Nightshade, Luna, Spike and Dash were already up.

"Come on campers, sun's been up for five minutes already, get your lazy flanks out of bed." Dash barked. All the wet campers simply glared at her.

"When's breakfast?" Asked the twins.

"As soon as you find it." Spike answered. "Split up into your groups, and follow your team leader, after you dry yourselves off that is. While you're doing that, Shade will go over the rules."

"Okay, here's how this game will work. No interfering with the other camps. No stealing from the other camps. If you run into a group from another camp, you do not talk to them. If for some reason they are alone, that is the only time you go up to them, because being alone is dangerous. Spying on the other teams is allowed, and each day we will meet at this spot, talk about stuff that happened, trade goods if we want, what ever. We are simulating three small communities. For example, if Spike's team finds a lot of fruit, and Dash's team find a lot of vegetables, you may want to trade so you have some of each."

The campers had each 'fire capable' member dry the rest of them off, then split into their groups, and headed into the forest in different directions. They all traveled a ways, before finally stopping.

"Alright, this looks like a good place to set ourselves up." Nightshade said to his group. They looked around.

"But, there's nothing here!" Twilight and Silver cried.

"To the untrained, yes. Just sit here, and listen. For a moment." He told them. Big Mac was already doing that.

"What do you hear?" He asked.

"I hear birds." Twilight said.

"And?" He asked in turn.

"Ah hear runnin water." Big Mac replied.

"Good. Birds means that there is something to eat nearby, as they won't nest far from their food source. Running water means just that. A river nearby. I chose this spot specifically because it's near the river. The other campers probably did the same. Since I'm the only member of our team that can fly, we won't be sleeping in trees, so we need a nice hidden area. There is an empty cave 500 meters away. We'll sleep in that, and store our food there as well. Twilight, since you and Mac have to most muscle, magical or otherwise, I'll need you two to pull up some trees. Silver, you're with me getting food. Remember, if you're not sure what something is, don't go near it. We'll meet back here in an hour."

Spike's group settled in a little further up the river. Switch was sticking close to him, not wanting to get near the 'icky' girls. Diamond was sticking with Luna, seeing as how Luna was royalty, she was the only one 'worthy' of being in her company. Luna didn't like that.

"Alright, we're here." Spike said.

"Um, shouldn't we be in a clearing or something? You know, open space?" Diamond asked.

"Under normal circumstances, yes, but this is hardly normal. You see, three of the four of us can fly, and you're light. Instead of clearing out a place for us, we'll sleep in the trees. We'll put everything we gather up there." He explained.

"I am NOT sleeping in a tree." Diamond fussed.

"Would you rather sleep in the dirt, where monsters can get at you?" He raised his eyebrow. She gulped.

"Trees sound great."

"Good, now me and Luna will get the area ready, while the two of you look for food by the river." In hindsight, leaving the kids with each other may have been a bad idea, but Spike knew better, and left Luna to do the work, since it was easy, and she was more than capable. He followed and hid in the trees so he could keep an eye on the junior campers.

Rainbow Dash and crew settled downstream from Nightshade's camp.

"Okay, we gotta sleep on the ground, since we don't want to burn down the Everfree, me and the griffin will get some branches and stuff for bedding, Firebolt and Blueblood, you go look for eats."

"That's Prince Blueblood." He stated.

"Nope, in here, titles are nothing, so we get rid of them. Shade didn't go calling himself sir Nightshade, and Luna hates formality. Once we entered the forest, we dropped all that, so you're just Blueblood in here." She explained. He just gave a huff.

"Well, since umm, Switch?" Dash looked confused.

"Scratch." The griffin corrected.

"Since Scratch is the only one that can even eat meat, we're not gonna get any, and focus on foliage. Since he's a griffin, he can't eat just leaves, so we gotta get fruit or berries too."

They all went about their specific chores. Nightshade caught fish, and explained that he, Spike, and the griffins could eat them, so he'd trade with them for other things they needed, as well as the fact that since he was the only omnivore in the group, he could eat fish, so she could just focus on getting pony-specific food, and didn't have to go for fruits at all.

Firebolt and Blueblood found some berry bushes, but she wasn't able to pick them with her magic. This meant Blueblood had to do all the work. Picking them with hooves would crush the delicate things, and they wouldn't be able to eat them. Firebolt instead got the more durable leaves and such, remembering what Dash had told her about which ones being good and what not. She was accidently poisoned by a couple, but a flare up now and then would neutralize the organic poison by burning it out of her system. "Well, that's useful."

Blueblood on the other hand, being used to lifting no more than a teacup or crumpets, was having a very difficult time lifting the multitude of small items. His concentration had to be everywhere. In the end, he wound up just taking the whole damn bush, and was sweating profusely in his attempt.

Arriving back at Twilight and Mac, they had uprooted four medium sized trees. These would be used to barricade the front of the cave to protect them from predators, as well as for fire wood. Nightshade, Twilight, and Mac each got a hold of one, and began hauling it to the cave. Silver, try as she might, using physical force combined with magic, simply could not get hers to move. Big Mac walked over to her, and she looked like she was going to cry, she had failed them.

"Ah'll pull yers if ya make sure that none o the food falls offa them." He offered with a smile. This was, she would be doing something useful, and contribute to the team. He had fully taken into account his own weakness, of being a little clumsy with his strength, and since they were pulling the logs with the food on them to save making multiple trips, he thought he would probably drop some of what's loaded on his log. She could use her magic to make sure the logs didn't turn. Twilight and Nightshade didn't have this problem, because she was skilled in magic, and he could just carry the log on his shoulder.

Reaching the cave, Silver rubbed up against Mac's leg.

"Thanks."

"Don mention it." He replied with a smile.

"You sure are good with foals." Twilight commented. Since Big Mac is already red, she didn't see him blush.

Diamond and Switch were going about their jobs, trying not to look at each other.

"Up there, there, and there. Hurry up! I don't want to be here all day." She bossed.

"It would go faster if you did something you know." He responded with snark, flying up to the various tree tops and taking food down.

"I can't reach that high up with my magic. Good, we have enough, now haul it all back." He raised his eyebrow, and dropped the round fruit as her feet. She gasped.

"I picked it all, you gotta bring it back." The griffin said.

"I am NOT carrying all that. You should be chivilrous and do it for me." She put her nose up in the air.

"So, you think you're above work then, is that it?" He stared at her.

"I am Diamond Tiara, daughter of Filthy Rich, the business owner." She stated proudly.

"And I am Switch. Me and my brother Scratch are the heirs to the northern most province of the griffin alliance. You don't see me flaunting it. Did you not see how we arrived here, riding WITH the prince? Just because we're privileged, doesn't mean we can slack off. It's even more of a reason to work, so we can maintain the empires of our fathers. I'll split carrying it with you, but you heard the camp leaders, there won't be any free rides here, we all have to pull our own weight."

Switch picked up roughly half the food he had taken down from the trees, a strange mix of an apple and an orange, and began carrying it back to camp. Diamond just sat there.

"Well, come ON! What are you waiting for?" He asked annoyed.

"I.... I can't okay? I've never had strong magic. I can barely lift a filled water bottle. My horn is so tiny, it hides under my hair. Half the time, the others think I'm an earth pony." She said, starting to cry. "I get along with Silver so well because she's the same way." Switch just groaned.

"You know, maybe if you stopped crying about what you can't do, and started trying anyway, you wouldn't be in this situation. Instead of stopping at an obstacle, you should overcome it, and become stronger. Look at my wings. They're smaller than normal. The doctors said I'd never be able to fly, and yet here I am, flying, carrying twice my weight in fruit. We're two different sides of the same coin, you and I. If you cant pick it up with magic, then I'll load it on your back, and drag you back to camp if I have to, but you will carry it. Otherwise, you'll never learn." He dumped the fruit into a basket on her back that he had her weave together with blades of grass. Then he picked up his share. She began to buckle under the strain, and dropped it several times as the basket unweaved under the strain. He'd have her put it back together, and he'd load her up again. Progress was slow, but they made it back in time.

Diamond was sweating, complaining about being achy and sweaty, but Switch just laughed.

"Next time you do it, it will hurt a lot less."

Spike had been watching them the whole time, and just smiled.

Scratch and Rainbow went to work getting branches to use for bedding. Rainbow worked quickly, but the griffin seemed a little shaky.

"What's the hold up squirt? We gotta have our job done by the time they get back, so we can rub it in their faces!" She yelled, losing her sensitive side.

"It's just, I've never gone this long without Switch. We always did everything together, and, I'm barely going to see him this whole week." He said, eyes quivering.

"Yeah, I had someone like that. A griffin named Gilda. We met at flight school, became the best of pals. We pranked everypony, all the time. We did everything together. We were inseparable." She looked a little down.

"What happened?" The little griffin asked.

"She changed. She became cruel, and didn't care about anyone else, then left. We met up years later, and she couldn't stand to see me with other friends. Saw her again some years ago, this time, she was a criminal. It hurt, knowing one of my friends went down such a bad road, until she wasn't a friend anymore." She said, near tears. He began crying too.

"I don't want to lose Switch!"

"You won't. Just always remember to listen to each other. Keep each other in check. Friends don't let friends do bad things. You may not always be with him, but as long as you're there for him when he needs you, you'll never lose him. I learned that the hard way, and swore to always be there when a friends needed me." Rainbow Dash smiled, as did Scratch.

"Alright, now let's finish this up!"

Nightshade, Twilight, Big Mac, and Silver Spoon arrived at the cave. Nightshade entered first, to make sure that it was bare of anything living. They dropped their loads in front of the cave. Silver looked nervous.

"Alright, let's bring everything in."

"WAAAAIIIT!" Silver yelled.

"Yeah?" He asked.

"You said you know the forest like your own face, what about this cave?" She asked.

"Well, no. I've never had a really good look around it." He said, scratching the back of his head.

"Twilight, can I have some light?" The lavender mare obliged. The filly took a close look at the walls, and traced her hoof along a crack, her eyes following it up into the dark expanse above.

"There's a reason this cave is empty. It's unstable. Look!" She bucked the wall as hard as she could. She wasn't very strong, but it caused a cave in part ways in. Rocks tumbled down, sealing them out of the back of the cavern. if they had been inside, even with Nightshade and Mac's strength, and Twilight's magic, they wouldn't be able to get out.

"If we had been in there, we'd be done for!" Twilight yelled.

"I had no idea. I almost lead all of you into a death trap. We could have been trapped inside, or crushed by the rocks." Nightshade was wide eyed. "It's a good thing we had you with us, or we'd likely all be dead. You've definitely earned your keep, just like the rest of us. There are many ways to be strong, you've just showed yours." Silver blushed, and Twilight gave her a pat on the back. She smiled, happy to have been of use.

"Knowing me, ah probably woulda been the one ta cause the cave in." Mac said sullenly.

"I guess we're even then." Silver said, jumping playfully on his back.

"Okay, now we know that even if there was another entrance to this cave, nothing can get at us now. Let's split this wood up, make a barricade, and get a fire going."

"I'm here!" Blueblood said panting. Firebolt was strained as well, not from having to carry her load, but from concentrating on not catching it on fire.

"About time!" Dash yelled, as it was nearing nightfall. Scratch popped out from behind her shoulder, like pikachu riding Ash. They had been getting along rather well, and having completed their jobs ahead of time, spent the spare time chatting, going over game plans, getting to know each other. After dropping her load, Firebolt dug a hole in the ground, and Blueblood dropped the bush in it, to stop it from falling over.

"Well, that's one way to do it. Thankfully, this bush is full of berries, so rather than picking them all, we can just take what we need from the bush. That'll keep it fresh longer, and save from having to get more so often. Tomorrow, show us where the bushes are, and we'll haul a couple more over here. We won't have to worry about food for the rest of the week that way, and can focus on other stuff. Nice one, princy." She was clearly teasing him, but he was so exhausted, he didn't care, and just collapsed.

"Ahh, that's better." Firebolt shuddered in delight. Now free of her load, she finally let go of concentrating, and became engulfed in flames.

"Hey, get your flaming flank over here so we can roast some marshmallows. With you around, we don't NEED a campfire." Scratch said.

"Hey, where'd you get marshmallows?" Dash asked as the griffin pulled out a bag of the sugary white puffs, which in this forest, were certainly a rarity.

"Old Shady said we were supposed to find our own supplies in here, and tossed away Bluesy's stuff. I hid em. He just said he wanted us to find it ourselves, he never said bringing stuff in was against the rules." The child griffin snickered.

"You know, I think I'm starting to like you kiddo." Dash said, eating a burnt marshmallow.

Switch and Diamond arrived at camp, to find that Luna had used her magic to set up some very comfortable nests in the trees for them to sleep in. They were immaculate, fit for royalty, and Diamond had no qualms about sleeping in them. Switch hoisted her up, but as he was about to leave for his own nest, she stopped him.

"I know I don't have any right to ask this, but, maybe you could sleep next to me? It's probably going to get cold, and I really don't want to be alone out here."

Being chivilrous, the griffin laid down in the nest, and she snuggled up next to his warm feathers. It wasn't anything 'adult', just two kids trying to keep warm. They fell asleep with smiles on their faces. Luna d'awwed, and raised the moon, before heading off to sleep herself.

Spike, Nightshade, and Dash flew into the sky, and met above the clouds. They didn't stray too far from the camps, lest a wild animal approach.

"So, what have we learned today?"

Marshmallows are a rarity in the forest. Get it? Because Rarity is white and puffy? Oh come on! You know it's funny. The griffin kids are nobles, bet you didn't see that one coming did you? Well, there was a reason they arrived with the prince after all. Also, I got a few comments about how Diamond and Silver were earth ponies, not unicorns. Well, you got me. I had always thought they were unicorns. I made a MAJOR oversight there. Not sure how I missed it. So I gave the explanation of 'They have small horns which are normally hidden by their hair, and it makes them weak at magic.' Then I worked it into the plot, making it part of Diamond's lesson. Oooooooh I'm good aren't I?

Paradox (14)

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Paradox

After the three leaders went over their camper's progress, they all went back to their respective camps. It was astonishing how far they all had come, especially since it was only the second night they slept there. The forest had a unique way of making or breaking any who entered. Starting day three, the trio wondered what else they might discover.

"Alright! Up and at em! Let's get moving!" Nightshade was up, as was Big Mac, who was used to being an early riser.

"Listen up, we're headed to the clearing. Gather up anything we want to trade, and let's move out!" Nightshade brought most of his fish, which would probably be used to trade with Spike's group, as they had two members who were omnivorous, one of which could not eat leaves or grasses. They also brought some wild blueberries Silver had found.

Spike's group brought some of the fruit they had collected, having Luna carry it. Diamond insisted on carrying her fair portion, with Switch helping her. She wasn't really taking a load off the princess, but she wanted to get stronger, and according to her new griffin friend, this was the way to do it.

Rainbow Dash's team didn't bring any trade goods, as they had everything they would need, and didn't think the other teams would have anything of use. All three teams arrived at the specified location. Diamond and Silver ran to each other, as did Switch and Scratch. Firebolt ran to Spike as well. After getting re acquainted, they all sat on three separate felled trees, one for each team.

"Alright, we're here. Let's begin the trade negotiations shall we?" Nightshade began.

"We have 20 tang apples, (the apple and orange hybrid fruit) to trade." Spike said, stepping up.

"We have 15 fish of various types including trout, perch, and fiddle fish." He responded.

"We have all that we require, and have brought nothing to trade." Dash finished.

All on Nightshade's team were eyeing the fruit. They clearly wanted them. Spike and Switch were looking hungrily at the fish. Scratch looked, but with a head shake no and a pat on the back by Dash, he just looked away. The fish being bigger than the fruit, they traded 10 fish for 15 fruit. Spike roasted two of them, which he and Switch proceeded to devour greedily. Each member of Nightshade's team bit into the sweet and sour fruits, and finished them as well.

"Now that that's over with, what have we all learned so far?" Spike spoke up.

"I learned that there are many ways to be strong, and unless you try, you'll never find yours. Just never give up." Silver said.

"I learned that no matter what, to always be there for your friends. If you do that, they'll never let you down." Scratch added.

"I learned that just because you can't do something, doesn't mean you should give up. Keep trying and you will find a way." Diamond added.

" And I learned that often the best solution is the simplest." Blueblood commented, remembering how much easier it was to just take the entire bush instead of picking each berry.

"Alright, that's very good. We're off to a good start. Everyone, time to go back to camp. This trip is far from over."

As they all headed back to their respective homes for the week, Nightshade and Luna felt as though they were being watched, followed by something. They simply dismissed it as the forest trying to play tricks on them. If they had been in the same group however, they would have had a second opinion, and would not have dismissed it so easily.

"We should have brought something to trade. Next time, let's bring something, even if we don't think we'll trade it." Scratch told Dash.

"I know, you wanted some of those fish didn't you." She looked to her little friend knowingly. He just nodded.

"Well, since me and Blueblood are headed back to the berry bushes to go grab some more, you take Firebolt down to the river. Grab a couple and cook them up there. Don't stock up on them, we don't want to attract any wild animals with the scent." Scratch looked really happy at this, and merrily ran off, Firebolt following close behind.

Nightshade teamed up Big Mac, and Twilight with Silver. Silver was glad to spend some time with the skilled magic user, and went about learning all she could. Twilight was glad to have somepony actually listen intently to her rambling, rather than Spike's usual tuning her out. She taught the filly a bit about magic, little tricks she picked up that made it easier, how to conserve your energy, stuff like that.

Big Mac and Nightshade walked a ways, taking care of the cave area. Mac wasn't much of a conversationalist, so he had to try and break the awkward silence.

"Sooo, umm, is there somepony special you've got your eye on Mac?" He asked. The stallions eyes went wide at the question.

"Eeeeeeyup."

"Gonna tell me who?"

"Nnnnnoooope."

"Come on, I won't tell anyone." He was getting desperate.

"Ya promise?"

Nightshade sighed. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Yes, you see? Now If I tell anyone Pinkie will kill me. Your secret is safe with me."

"It's Twilight." Big Mac said quietly.

"Wait, really? Why?" He was confused.

"She's so smart, an' she knows what to do. Ever since that winter wrap up, where she got everything done in half the time, I got ta thinkin. If she could get the farm workin like that, we'd have no trouble. An she's cute, with her little bookish ways." The stallion explained.

"Well, I'm not gonna judge ya. Best of luck to ya!" He patted Mac on the back.

"He he, n...n....nice kitty." Firebolt said shaking. She and Scratch were staring down a manticore. The very reason that Dash didn't want them to stock fish at their camp, was now standing in front of them at the river. Scratch looked at the giant cat, who returned his gaze while licking it's lips.

"Hey, kitty, if you don't eat us, you can have some nice tasty fish! How about it? Come on! I'm scrawny, and she's waaaaaay to spicy for you." At this, the manticore seemed lost in thought for a moment, before laying down on the ground. Apparently, it accepted the deal. Scratch fed his fish the the giant cat, scratched him behind his ears, and then the two of them backed away slowly.

"That was too close."

The next few days went well. everyone finally settled in with their jobs. They all had plenty of food, and Dash nearly had a nervous breakdown when Scratch brought his 'pet' manticore back to camp. As it turns out, this particular manticore recognized the rainbow pegasus. It was the very same one that had a thorn pulled from it's paw by Fluttershy, and became a weclome fifth member of the team for the rest of the week. Late at night, Twilight was still awake, and Nightshade took to talking to her to pass the time.

"It's strange, you know?"

"What is?" She asked.

"I come from a completely different world, yet, when I look up, the stars are the same. Orion, Scorpio, the dippers, they're all there. Even the moon looks the same, minus having a man's face on it. All this time, we've been from two entirely different worlds, but looked at the same sky each night. This is a world I never knew existed, but now that I've seen it, I never want to leave." He stared at the night sky, and spotted two specific stars.

"Those stars appeared the night of Scootaloo's funeral. In ancient times, some humans believed that the stars were their ancestors, watching over them forever, until they joined them in the sky. Now I know where the belief came from. That one is Scoots, and the other is Claire. I don't ever have to be lonely, because I can look to the sky, and see them looking right back at me." He smiled.

"Even in death, so long as we hold our loved ones in our hearts, they are never truly gone." Twilight spoke of some words of wisdom she read in a book once.

"Speaking of loved ones, is there a certain pony you hold in your heart?" He asked.

"You have to promise not to tell anyone." Twilight said sternly. After going through the Pinkie Pie swear ritual, she told him.

"Big Mac? Really? Why?"

"He's just so strong, so dependable. He's quiet, a great listener, and always deep in thought. That and he's got the flanks of a god. And now I know he's good with kids." she explained.

"Fair enough." He replied.

'Wait a minute.

Big Mac, I promise I won't tell anyone you like Twilight.

Twilight, I promise I won't tell anyone you like Big Mac.

Damn. Now what?'

Nightshade had a sudden look of frustration on his face, and when Twilight went to look at him, he quickly wiped it away.

"It's just, I don't know how he feels about me, and I'm too embarrassed to ask. I don't really know what to do." Twilight looked a little nervous.

"Well, I'm not sure either. I like Fluttershy, and she likes me. We both know how the other feels, and we're open about it. Heck, I plan on proposing this winter. I have no idea how to go about it if you don't know the other's feelings. This may surprise you, but I don't exactly have much experience when it comes to matters of the heart." He said.

"Much?" Twilight asked.

"Okay, so none. I pretty much weirded out everyone back home, girls included." Nightshade gave a weak laugh.

"You know, I've got some books on that." She offered.

"I'd rather figure it out along the way."

The campers finished their week. They had all come out of it better. Blueblood, Diamond, and Silver learned the value of hard work. Having 'Fluffy the Manticore' help around the camp made things a lot easier, and took a huge load off of the rest of the team as they lacked serious muscle like Big Mac and Luna. Dash learned to listen to others, specifically Scratch who said it was a good idea to have some fish. Firebolt practiced not catching things on fire, and accepted the fact that she couldn't fly. If she had her Spikey Wikey around, he could be her wings, and she couldn't hurt him. Luna got to make some friends, specifically Switch, since she liked his work ethic, and they were both playful. Twilight put on some muscle, which came in handy when she had to run from a certain misbehaving cockatrice, who apparently didn't learn his lesson from Fluttershy. Big Mac learned to actually be sociable a bit, and that he liked kids, while Spike just had fun.

"That was great!" Blueblood said. "Let's never do it again." Although he enjoyed it a little, having to go without soap, and instead bathe in the frigid river had taken it's toll. At least he had an appreciation for things like that now. He, Luna, and the griffin twins headed back to Canterlot for a very long bath.

The rest of the crew walked into Ponyville, glad to finally be out of the woods. Giving Fluttershy a peck on the cheek, apologizing for being away from her, and saying it was just what he needed, the two of them headed inside to clean themselves off.

"So, you're not a mopey dopey droopy whoopy saddy mc sad pants anymore?" Pinkie said in her usual tone.

"Nah, I'll see her again. I'll see Claire again. I'll see everyone again, one day. Until then, I know they're watching over me."

Slipping out of his dirty clothes,and getting into the bath, he began to sing.

"One day we'll meet Davy Jones,

And on that day we'll turn to bones,

Until that day we'll wander in our never ending tale."

Standing on her balcony, overlooking the garden, Celestia thought that something was missing. She looked at the statues.

"Griffin Warlord, check. Florist, check, Nightshade's empty pedestal, check, Discord........"

"Well hello there my dear! It has been such a long time! Nearly five years if I'm correct, although that's not nearly as long of a time as the last time around! Apparently, somepony has been causing quite a stir, and I figured it would be a good time to come out. I was going to break out earlier, but I overslept. Being turned to stone makes you lazy, although you wouldn't know that, would you? Either way, I'm out, and I've gotta get the spring back in my step!" The Draconequuis said laughing, wrapping himself around the now infuriated alicorn.

"You will lose this Discord. You will go back to being a statue by week's end. The bearers of the elements have only become stronger. They beat you before, and will not fall for your trickery!" Celestia reamed at him.

"Tsk tsk, you ought to know me better than that Celestia my dear, I'm no fool. I won't be facing them alone this time. I will not go back to being a statue. Since your garden is missing a decoration, I've decided to add one of my own. BOOP!" He poked her nose, and a look of fear filled her eyes. She turned into a statue right there, and Discord teleported the two of them to the garden.

"Oh don't worry you're little head, you won't be a statue forever, just the next couple days. I can't have you chasing me around while I make preparation. I know, I know, I'm Discord! I don't plan anything! But if I'm always chaotic, then not being chaotic for a moment is completely unexpected! Besides, I really want to win this time. I can have my fun after I get rid of the little elements of harmony. Tata!" He snapped his fingers, and with a poof, he was gone.

"I learned that there are many ways to be strong, and unless you try, you'll never find yours. Just never give up." Silver said.

"I learned that no matter what, to always be there for your friends. If you do that, they'll never let you down." Scratch added.

For all those who avoided my Rick Rolling last time, *Boom Headshot*

The song in the bath is a verse from 'Bink's Sake' It was fan translated from the original Japanese version, found in the popular anime 'One Piece' It's a good song, look it up. It's fitting because even though other's may die and leave him behind, all that's left to do is keep living, wandering through life, weaving a story in his past, until he too meets his end.

So, I'm getting to the plot. About time. We're gonna learn a little bit about Discord and Nightshade, and it's gonna be fun. Discord is hard to write, because nothing he does is believable. For him, being in character is out of character. It's basically going to be me writing a bunch of random nonsense, since that's what he is.

Discovery (15)

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Discovery

Luna was still on her way back to Canterlot, while Discord had teleported to the underside of the castle, 8 miles down.

"Ah, yes, here you are. Nightmare, you lost weight." The draconequuis teased about the new body, being a mere necklace instead of a sword.

"Discord, shut up and get me out of here." The medallion quivered as it spoke.

"Ah yes, but first, I need to borrow Black Law again, I have some certain ponies I need to wipe off the face of the planet, and as much as I am loathe to go without my wonderful chaos for even a moment, sacrifices must be made." He said, staring at his fingernails nonchalantly.

"I am too weak in this state. I require a host to regain my strength, and I think I know who."

"So, did you have a good time?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, I think it was just what I needed." Nightshade responded, rubbing his two fingers down her spine as they sat next to each other. She had a kink in her back for the past couple days, and the gentle massaging was just the thing to relax the tension.

"The way I figure, I'll see Scootaloo again one day. Until then, she's watching over me. I think I can finally accept what happened." He said, giving her a peck on the cheek. The two of them had become much more comfortable around each other. That didn't mean each touch didn't set the other on fire with emotion, it just meant they no longer had to worry about fainting.

"Still, I wish it never happened, and I certainly wish to never go through it again, but I know that since I'll live longer than anyone, except maybe the princesses, that it will. I can't even think about what I'd do without you my little butterfly." He gave her a firm hug, and she let out a squeak like a dog toy being squeezed.

"Hey, I just remembered, it's fall now. School is starting up again. Maybe I could teach?" Nightshade was looking for ways to make money again, as he had given his portion of the sugar shack to Pinkie Pie. She ran it all on her own for two years, and was better at it than he ever was. It didn't make sense for him to pop in and stop her from doing what she loved, so he made it a gift for her birthday. That and he was trying to fill the void left by Scootaloo. What better way than to teach, since he'd be around kids all day? The school had increased in size, and a number of foals were now at that age, including the cake twins.

"But what would I teach? Cherilee has already got the basics, and Lyra is teaching beginner magic. I'm glad they let her teach, after all, it was Nightmare that burned the school down, not her, and it would help her take her mind off things. Soarin is teaching flight to the pegasi now that he's retired from the wonderbolts. I'm not really sure what to do about it." He didn't really have to worry about money, since he was still getting his fair share from Trixie's branch of the sugar shack, and it's not like Fluttershy would ever kick him out. He just wanted to contribute, as he had been gone for two years, and then moping around for a month and a half in a depression.

"Don't worry." She returned the kiss. "You'll figure something out, you always do."

Their chat was interrupted by Twilight teleporting into the room.

"Quick, grab on!" She instructed, giving no explanation. The look in her eyes screamed urgency. They both obliged, and with a flash, found themselves in the library, along with the rest of the mane six, as well as Luna. They quickly grabbed hold of the moon princess, and after another flash, they all found themselves in the Canterlot royal garden, looking at a statue of Celestia.

Here lies a stick in the mud. She'll be out in a couple days, and I'll be having fun.

Insincerely, Discord.

Luna explained what happened.

"The chaos those humans caused must have allowed Discord to escape."

"The very thing you thought I would do?" Nightshade inquired.

"That is correct." She said with a sigh. "Unfortunately, we can't find him. This isn't like him at all. Normally, he'd go around causing a ruckus, but there hasn't been a single sign of him."

"So, he's the guy who flipped Ponyville upside down the week I got here? If he's the spirit of chaos, you have to expect the unexpected, but, then he's just as likely to do something expected just to throw you off. The way I see it, he's not going to do his normal thing. He's probably laying low to gather his strength, or allies. It's not something he'd normally do, which is exactly why he's doing it." He explained.

"I don't get it." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash had her hooves on her head.

"Oh silly! It's easy! If Discord's always Discordy, then we expect him to be Discordy, if he's Discord all the time, then we get used to Discord, and it would be an even bigger surprise for him to NOT be Discord, and while it's a surprise, it's not fun like a surprise party." Pinkie Pie apparently got it, and everyone else was just even more confused.

"Okay, so, me and Pinkie Pie are the only ones here capable of comprehending his motives and means. That gives us an edge, because we can figure out what he's likely to try next. If he's looking for allies, he'll probably try for Nightmare, since he used Black Law to fight your parents Luna, except Nightmare doesn't have Black Law anymore, I do. It's hiding in the basement. Ever since I called on it back when the humans attacked, I've kept it in a vault, with the blade sticking in the inside, making the vault itself magic proof. That way, the blade is protecting itself." He told the group. Luna was relieved that the sword was safe, and that given the clever way it was locked up, even the spirit of disharmony couldn't get to it.

"Okay, let me just check something." Luna disappeared in a flash of light, then reappeared. "Yep, Nightmare is gone. It's trapped in the dream catcher, so Discord took it with him. Now what?"

"Well, if he wants Black Law, he'll try to recover Nightmare's strength. That means he'll either try for me to regain it's lost power, or for someone else, to have it recover it naturally. Nightmare probably told him I'm a no go, so that means he'll be looking for someone who's susceptible to it. The only other ones who've had contact with it are Lyra and Firebolt. There's no way Lyra would ever go near that thing again, so that leaves..... oh no." Nightshade's eyes went wide.

"What is it?" Fluttershy asked.

"She originally had Nightmare because she wanted wings. She still wants to fly really badly, and given what you've told me about Discord, he'll twist her desire to make her accept it. Just like how he manipulated the six of you. Even if she says no, he'll just override it. We have to get back to Ponyville, RIGHT NOW."

"No way. I know what that is. There is no way I'm going near that." The unicorn ignited in fear. "Get it away from me, what ever you are!"

"Have you ever thought that they lied to you? They just doesn't want you to fly. They're jealous of you! None of them could control Nightmare, and you can, it's as simple as that. Nightmare is weak, you are strong. You can easily control it. Poor naive little Firebolt. Always mocked. Always forgotten. Nopony ever cared about you. You've always been on your own. Take hold of your dream! Fly!" Discord was in the form of an eagle, sitting on Firebolt's window, holding Nightmare in it's claws, and trying to be as convincing as possible.

"No pony maybe, but I have Spike. He cares for me." She said, a small quake in her voice, but her decision resolute. The shape shifted trickster looked at her for a moment, but his patience ran out.

"Oh for goodness sake!" Discord appeared in his regular form. "That dragon brat only fell for you because he was tired of getting rejected by Rarity! He doesn't love you, he's on the rebound!" Discord touched her head, and all the colour drained from her, making her grey. He flung the necklace down in front of her, and with a wicked smile, she put it on. Solid, feathered wings appeared on her, and she flew off into the sky after the draconequuis, who was fleeing the scene. Spike ran up the stairs and was about to take off after her, when suddenly 6 ponies, the princess, and Nightshade appeared in front of him.

"Guys! You gotta stop her! Discord came and did some really weird thing, then she took Nightmare and flew away!" Spike was looking with tears in his eyes. The group could still see the emblazoned mare in the sky, chasing after the mix-matched form of Discord. Luna, Rainbow, Nightshade and Spike flared their wings, and took off in hot pursuit, while the rest of the group followed on foot.

Firebolt found herself surrounded, Nightshade was the first to speak.

"Come on. We've been through this. This isn't you. We know it isn't. Snap out of it."

"Lies! You just don't want me to be happy! You're jealous of me!" She was clearly under his influence. They were about to argue, when the group was interrupted.

"What? Hohoho! This is wonderful! I never thought I'd see the day! I thought all of them were sent away, but one or two must have survived in hiding! Oh happy day! My wonderful creation, come to spread some chaos? Let's fly away and shake up the world!" Discord was talking to the human flying behind him, and turned to face him.

"Wait a minute. I never made any pegasus humans. At least, I think I didn't. That was so long ago, but who cares! A human, here in Equestria! This is wonderful!" Discord proceeded to do a celebratory dance, grabbing Nightshade by the arms and swinging him around in his little jig. The winged human just looked at him confused, as he was tossed around like a rag doll.

"Wait what? What do you mean 'creation'? What do you mean pegasus human? I'm confused. Do you know something about me?" Nightshade asked once he had finally been let go of, and had regained his bearings.

"Oh do forgive me, in my excitement, it seems I've forgotten introductions. I am Discord, the handsome and all powerful spirit of disharmony, your creator and GOD. Alright, you may now bow before me." He said, looking up and to the side, clapping his hands like he was summoning a servant.

"Eeh, no. That's not gonna happen." Nightshade raised his eyebrow. "I've got a better idea. How about we sit and have some tea while you explain my origins in detail, then we have some witty banter, followed by a heaping helping of me kicking your ass?" Discord nodded in agreement.

"Oh, I do so love your attitude. Very well." The mix matched serpent said. He was particularly fond of his creation's cleverness.

"Hey everyone, I'm gonna have a chat with Discord, can you handle things over there?" He asked, the whole group nodded and began their fight. Discord snapped his fingers, and a table, two chairs, two teacups, a teapot, and a serving tray appeared, all upside down, 30 feet above town hall.

"Only a half cup for me thanks, too much and I'm running to the bathroom all day." Nightshade said, flipping himself upside down and sitting in one of the chairs. It didn't phase him in the slightest. Discord proceeded to take a teacup, slice it in half vertically, then fill it with tea, streaming up from the upside down kettle, and filling the half cup, without the hot liquid spilling from it.

"Ah, very nice." Nightshade said, still not surprised. "I never thought I'd see the Alice in Wonderland tea party up close. The upside down thing is a nice touch by the way."

"Wait, WHAT?" Discord looked shocked that the creature before him took his chaos in stride. "You mean, this has been done before?"

"On several occasions actually. What? You thought you were being original?" He replied. At that moment he couldn't help himself, more than anything, he wanted to troll the spirit of chaos into oblivion. He thought better of it. He didn't exactly want to piss Discord off, not knowing what he was capable of.

The tea party abruptly stopped, as the table, chairs and teapot disappeared, but not the cups. The two righted themselves, and Discord began to explain. "Well, if it's already been done then that's boring. Shall I begin?" They both sipped tea as the draconnequuis cleared his throat.

"A long time ago yaddi yaddi yadda, there was a bunch more earth ponies than pegasi and unicorns, so I changed a whole whack of em into bipedal, hairless, tailless monkeys. While they were omnivores, I gave them a specific craving for the meat of Equines, and made them incredibly violent. It was so funny, all the ponies running around as their mutated family members tried to eat them!" The draconnequuis began.

"Eventually Aurora and Chronos got mad about me changing their precious little ponies into monsters, so they collected the whole lot of them, and used the elements of harmony on them. They weren't very good with using them as those six are, so instead of changing them back, they were only able to make them less violent. The humans spent a couple generations here, and were quite good at making things. Inventors, designers, and what not. They made a whole bunch of things that the ponies still use today. I guess they had my creativity and brilliance." Discord laughed, and took his arm off to give himself a pat on the back at his own compliment.

"They still had some chaotic tendencies though, starting several wars, trying to kill each other, so the whole lot of them got sent somewhere else." He sighed. Nightshade was just wide eyed. Discord had actually managed to surprise him. Who would have thought that would be humanity's origin.

"Well, all my little children got sent away, and I couldn't get them back. I got mad that they ruined my fun, so I borrowed Black Law from old smokey, who was ever so glad to help after I used the hatred expelled from the humans by the elements to create it, and killed the hag and geezer. Things were great for a while, spreading chaos all around. Then I found out that those two had some kids, who were NOT HAPPY about me killing their parents, and turned me to stone. I escaped after a couple thousand years." The draconequuis didn't look to happy about having been a statue.

"Ah, yeah, I popped up about a week before that happened. I ended up being a statue for two years, and let me tell you, it is SOOO boring. I mean, I almost went crazy in there." Nightshade said, sipping from his cup. It was Discord's turn to be surprised again.

"What do you mean, 'popped up'? Weren't you in hiding or something? Also, I remember I made sure not to make any pegasus or unicorn humans, how do you have wings? Did a human breed with a pegasus or something?"

"Is that even possible?" He replied.

"Actually, now that I think about it, no. If a human and pony were to eh hem, 'do the do wah diddy', the pony DNA would take over, so the offspring wouldn't be human in the slightest." He explained.

"Okay, so wait. Not only is a human/pony union capable of producing children, but the child would be entirely pony, since humans were ponies to begin with and your chaotic magic would be negated by the non chaotic parent?"

"Yep, that just about sums it up. So how do you have wings anyway?" Discord asked. Nightshade looked over his shoulder at the battle taking place. He was confident they could handle Firebolt, while he took on the very important duty of keeping the draconnequuis distracted. If he got some answers out of the deal, it was even better.

"Well, that's a very long and very boring story. To sum it up, I ate Nightmare. Yes, that's right, ATE it. Like a slice of cake. Didn't get sick or anything. It possessed me, but I was stronger than it, and trapped it in that little necklace." Nightshade said, pointing his thumb over his back towards Firebolt.

"It left all it's mojo with me, but none of it's mind. So I'm not a pegasus human, I'm an..... earth pony human? Actually, given my powers, maybe I'm a unicorn human? Don't really know at this point. And I don't really care much either." Nightshade finished his tea, and tossed the cup away. Discord didn't know what to make of him. Was he an ally, being powerful and naturally chaotic? Or was he an enemy, having defeated Nightmare, and arriving with the ponies he wanted to destroy? Or even worse, was he a rival, intent on taking over his position?

"What's you're game anyway?" Discord asked.

"I like Monopoly, but I have to say 'Go Fish' is my favorite." Nightshade responded with a smirk. Discord let out a sarcastic laugh, then asked again.

"What is your intention?"

"To live my life." Giving Discord another vague answer was starting to wear on his nerves.

"You know what I mean." The spirit of chaos said, annoyed at being played with.

"You're the spirit of unpredictability, how can ANYONE know what you mean?" The human smiled.

"WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON! MINE OR THEIRS?" He was getting mad.

"Hmm, well, let's see....." With a flash, Nightshade was behind Discord, and drove his fist into his spine.

"Gah!" Discord coughed. He clearly wasn't expecting him to suddenly become violent, and definitely not be that powerful. He snapped his fingers, and his head popped out from Nightshade's neck, only to have a fist meet his chin. Discord flashed away, and appeared under him. He flew straight up at the human, but was sent back down with an ax kick. He teleported again, before hitting the ground, this time above, only to be met with the reverse motion of the previous kick, sending him upwards.

"How do you know my every move?!" The serpentine creature demanded.

"Because, nothing you do surprises me. Really, did you honestly expect to be able to catch a being you created off guard? That's like trying to trick yourself." Nightshade laughed as he drove his fist into Discord's face.

"Alright, that's enough of that. Time for the old switcheroo!" His talon popped out from behind the human, and poked him on the nose. All the colour drained from him. His main personality trait being switched.

"Alright, so, are you ready to help me kill the princesses and cause some chaos?" Discord asked the now grey human. Nightshade seemed lost in thought for a moment, scratching his chin.

"Nope! I'm still gonna kick your ass!" He laughed, bringing his leg high and driving it into Discord's neck.

"How is this possible? I changed you! You should be all different from when you were before!" The confused trickster yelled.

"Because you reversed my main trait. My main trait is being helpful and kind. I was helpful to my friends. Now it's being hurtful and mean. I just decided to be hurtful to you instead. Pays to know what you're dealing with. That way you can plan for every outcome." Nightshade stared at his fingernails nonchalantly, mimicing Discord. The draconnequuis for furious.

"I AM THE KING OF CHAOS! NOPONY CAN MAKE SENSE OF ME!" He was actually throwing a temper tantrum.

"For starters, Pinkie Pie can, and she's a pony. Secondly, so can I. In fact, most of my species can. Nothing you do surprises me, because I've seen it all before. There are SIX BILLION humans, and each and every one of them is at least as.... creative, as you are. We needed an outlet, so we made the internet, where anyone can take their ideas and give them form, to show to others, and to be saved permanently. An entire planet of idea factories, cranking out everything from ways to split an atom in your own back yard, to poptart cats who fly through space pooping rainbows. While here it may be original, and nobody laughs because what you're doing is mean, to me, everything you do is a cliché, and I don't laugh because it's lame. Drinking a chocolate milk of glass? Reversing personalities? You aren't the spirit of chaos, you're the spirit of irony. You are the equivalent of giving a six year old human the keys to the universe, and letting them go on a 100 thousand year joyride. Face it pal, you lose. Humans invented over 150 different languages, so I will never run out of ways to tell you how much you suck." Nightshade began laughing maniacally. Discord looked like he was about to cry.

"Forget this, I liked you better the other way. You're much too mean like this, and that's no fun." He snapped his fingers, and the colour returned to the human.

"Well, sorry about that. I get cranky when I get messed up by ancient spirits of disharmony. Well, now that the witty banter is out of the way, we can skip straight to the good part." He cracked his knuckles. Grabbing Discord's beard in one hand, he pulled the draconnequuis' head down, so he could look him in the eyes. He opened his mouth slightly, showing off all his razor sharp teeth, and said,

"Boo."

"Nightmare, change of plans, we're getting out of here. This human is a freak!" The spirit of disharmony yelled back to Firebolt. Nightshade was about to hit him, but he snapped his fingers and disappeared.

"Well crap, he's gone. I guess that means I can help deal with miss hot head herself." He said, his balled hand striking the air where Discord had been just a moment ago.

In the mean time, Firebolt was holding up against Dash, Luna, and Spike surprisingly well. She wasn't taking Nightmare's normal, rage filled approach. She was doing it playfully. She was actually having fun. Darting around the trio of aerial combatants in a kind of battle dance, lashing out once in a while to try and hit one of them. She hummed the entire time.

Spike got lucky, and was able to grab the blazing mare. He tried to get his claws around the dream catcher, but to no avail. She just kept moving it out of his reach. She threw the dragon off her back, and with him now belly up in the air, drove her hooves into his stomach. She descended at fast as she could, causing the draconic teen to plummet ever faster, until he crashed into the ground, her hooves being forced further into his soft underbelly at the sudden impact. Spike coughed up blood, due to broken ribs puncturing his lungs. The thick red fluid splattered on Firebolt's face.

"Sorry, I couldn't save you." Spike said between gasps before passing out from lack of air. Even at his death, Spike was not worried about himself, he was apologizing to her. This made her come to a sudden realization.

"That dragon brat only fell for you because he was tired of getting rejected by Rarity! He doesn't love you, he's on the rebound!"

It was a lie. Spike cared for her more than anyone could ever know. The colour returned to her. She was no longer grey, but her normal yellow with red and orange mane, and tears streaming out of her eyes.

"SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!" Twilight ran to her fallen assistant. The rest of the ground crew followed, as well as Luna, Dash, and Nightshade.

"No, nonononononono! Spike! I'm so sorry! I never wanted to hurt you, I...." Firebolt was crying her eyes out. The dragon coughed again, allowing a little more blood to come up.

"Hey, don't worry about it. Part of the reason I love ya is 'cause you can kick my ass, you feisty little pepper." He said with a smirk, small drops of blood running down his cheeks. She looked at Nightshade and Luna, both of which were lying on the ground, clutching their stomachs.

"Heh, too much for one, but between the three of us it's nothing more than a medium kick to the ribs. Lucky Luna was here to split it with me, you dragons are tough suckers, takes a lot to hurt ya, as well as heal ya." The trio of injured immortals, (Spike is a dragon, he'll live till something kills him, and they get bigger, and thus stronger as they age) let out a laugh, and Firebolt looked at the dream catcher she was wearing.

"As for you, I'm not gonna put up with you any more. Try to hurt MY Spike? Ill show you!" She took off the necklace, which was shaking in defiance. As her wings of flesh and feather disappeared, she became alight with brilliant white flames, as bright as a supernova, as she brought her hoof down on the pendant with as much force as she could muster. It shattered.

"WWWRAARRARARARARARARARARAARARARARYYYYAYRYARYAYRAYAY-sssssssssssssssssss" The malevolent spirit escaping from the broken knotted ring was caught in her flames, and screeched in anguish as it was burned into nothingness with a hiss. Luna simply looked in surprise at the angry unicorn, who had just permanently obliterated the ancient evil which she had fallen prey to previously.

"Well, fire always has been a force of purification. From disease to evil spirits, it's all cleansed in flame." Nightshade said plainly. "I guess that means it's gone for good."

"But what about your dream of flying? I mean, flying is AWESOME! Aren't you sad you'll never be able to?" Rainbow Dash wasn't making her feel any better about giving up her dream.

"I can't burn Spike with my flames, so even if I get excited, I still can't hurt him. I'll let him be my wings. That way, we can fly together."

"You know, I can't help but feel we're forgetting something." Rarity said thoughtfully. The rest just pondered what it might be that they couldn't remember, something important.

Meanwhile, in the Canterlot royal gardens, the Celestia-statue was raging mad.

"I can't believe they saw me like this and just left me here! I mean, between Luna and Twilight, they ought to have been able to break me out! I suppose that chasing Discord was more important, but still. It is BOOOOOORING in here. Note to self, when I get out of here, don't turn Discord back to stone, kill him. It would actually be merciful."

Okay so, we learned a bunch of stuff. First we found out that humans are actually discorded earth ponies. Second, we found that because of that, it's possible for Nightshade to have a foal with a pony. It only works on Equestrian ponies though. Weird. Then again this is Discord. He's seriously screwed up. I also like the bit where Nightshade insults the hell out of him, and he throws a temper tantrum. Spike is gonna be just fine, and now Nightmare is gone for good. What happened to Discord? He ran his immature little ass away. He's gonna go in the fetal position in a corner for a bit, suck his thumb, and try to come up with a NEW plan, since the first one was a miserable failure. Nightshade didn't use Black Law, because for one, he doesn't like to use it, it's an object of pure hatred. Two, even though magic won't work when he's carrying it, Discord is a trickster. He'd hate to wind up on the wrong end of the blade. As for why they didn't use the elements of harmony, they're locked up in that room, and only Celestia is able to open it. Not even Luna can. She bumped up the safety measures on it since Discord stole them the last time.

Excerpt from chapter 29, Sacrifice, part.1, of 'Monster' (Outside the fourth wall)

Aurora: You twisted my little ponies into freaks, no offense, and then murdered me and my husband.

Nightshade: *Looking at Aurora like she either just spoke nonsense, or unravelled the secrets of the universe*

She was saying no offense to Nightshade, since she just called him a freak. Didn't see that one coming did you. Nightshade didn't get *Ponified* because technically, in Equestria, human's are mutant ponies.

That's right, I planned this right from chapter one of monster. I hadn't even written it yet, and I already had the sequel half thought of. Of course, I added Firebolt later, but the character addition was early enough that it was easily workable.

Didn't release chapter yesterday because I was busy with college. WHAT? I have a life BESIDES writing fanfiction? Yes I do. I don't have a job or a girlfriend, but I do have school. Sorry for depriving you of your fix. It's not my fault ponies are more addictive, and infinitely healthier in terms of body, mind and soul, than heroin.

Celebration (16)

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Celebration

"Well, Discord escaped, but he'll be back. Nightmare's gone for good, so his original plan was a bust. He's probably coming up with a new plan as we speak. It'll probably be a couple months though, since have to admit, I scared the pants off him, and he wasn't even wearing any to begin with." Nightshade explained to the no longer a statue Celestia. Meanwhile, in a mountain side cave.......

"How? How could he be more chaotic than me? An entire planet! I'm Discord. Chaos is what I do. Six Billion humans, all better at it than I am. Impossible. I..." The spirit of disharmony began to babble incoherently, all the while curled up in a ball sucking his thumb. "I just have to become better, yeah that's it, but how?"

Since Nightmare was gone, and Discord would be taking a break to recover his wit and come up with a new plan, life went back to normal pretty quickly. The princesses were on guard, never leaving each other for even a moment, in order to prevent Discord from sneaking up on them. Unfortunately, since he had gone into hiding, there was no way of knowing where he was. As for the mane six, Firebolt, Spike, and Nightshade, a week had passed uneventfully, until the dragon burped up a letter.

Dear Nightshade and friends,

Due to Nightmare's destruction, and the temporary defeat of Discord, I am hosting a party in celebration of all your accomplishments. It is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, at 6 pm. I do hope you will all be able to attend. It is a fairly private party, having none but yourselves and a few other guests of my choosing, hosted in the Canterlot main hall. The word required to gain entry is 'Phoenix'. It is not a formal gathering, and as such casual attire would be appropriate. I look forward to seeing you all.

Sincerely, Prince Blueblood.

"Well hey, look at that everybody. Blueblood is throwing us all a private party in Canterlot this coming Wednesday. The password to get in is phoenix." Nightshade told the group after gathering them. Of course the mane six, as well as Spike and Firebolt, would go, but he also invited Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Vinyl and Octavia, Lyra and Bon Bon, and Trixie. They wouldn't be performing, they were guests. Rarity cringed at the mention of the prince, but then remembered how much he had changed his behavior since the last time.

"Well, I guess I won't have to make new dresses. And I was so looking forward to creating some new formal attire." The white unicorn had a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Actually Rarity, I need some new casual wear. I know it's not a formal party, but I can't very well show up in a T-shirt and jeans. Do you think you could make some for me? I'll pay you of course, I can't simply allow you to keep giving me freebies." She perked up at the thought. Making clothes for the human always was a challenge, especially now that he had wings. She quickly agreed, and the pair went off to Carousel Boutique. Fluttershy went with as well, although he told her she didn't have to go with, but was welcome to come if she wanted.

"Oh umm, I'll just wait out here while she takes your measurements." The shy pegasus said.

"Why?" Nightshade asks. "You're not the least bit curious what I look like without all the clothing?" Rarity gave him a scoff telling him 'You're getting your measurements taken in a clothing store, not stripping in a club'.

"Come on, It's not like I'll be naked, I'll still be wearing my jeans. Besides, you ponies go around naked all the time, and it doesn't bother me none." He said. Fluttershy blushed. For some reason, even though she never wore clothes, pointing out that she wasn't made her embarrassed.

"Oh umm, I just remembered that I need to go, and um, feed Angel! It's lunch time, and I totally forgot to give him his carrot before we left." She was clearly making an excuse, but she wasn't lying. After being reassured by Nightshade, she headed home to feed the very annoyed bunny.

Nightshade took off his shirt and stretched out his wings as Rarity went over him with her tape measure. He noticed that she was biting her lip the entire time.

"Something the matter Rarity?" He asked. She immediately blushed.

"Oh, it's nothing. Nothing at all." She replied. She spotted her eyeing his muscles.

"You know, you may not be the element of honesty, but you're a terrible liar. I can see it in your eyes." He told her.

"Well it's just, you're so muscular. I never got to see you up close like this, but I have to say, you're kind of a hunk, even if you're not a pony. No wonder Fluttershy is mad about you. I mean, your personality, but just LOOK at yourself." Rarity explained. It took him a moment.

"Ah, that's right. I was meaning to take a good look at myself, but I never got around to it." Nightshade flexed in the mirror. He didn't have bulging muscle like a body builder, it was lean and firm, the muscles of someone who had been slowly building them for years of work. It looked like a cross between a marathon runner and a blacksmith, the perfect balance of size and shape.

"Yeah, now that I think about it, I am kinda hot. If I were back on Earth, I'd probably be a male model. The wings kind of add to the image too. Now that I think about it, Spike's as much of a hunk as I am, although I could be wrong, since I have nothing to reference him to seeing as how he's the only dragon around." At the mention of Spike, Rarity swallowed hard. Nightshade picked up on it right away.

"You have feelings for Spike, don't you?" He stared at the unicorn, who seemingly shrunk under the pressure of his gaze. She opened her mouth to say that it was absurd, but she couldn't bring herself to lie.

"Yes. I do. The entire time he chased after me, I didn't give him a second glance. Now that he's not, I suddenly find myself wanting him. Is that wrong?" She asked nervously.

"It's not wrong. We often find ourselves wanting something we can't have. That's probably why Spike went after you in the first place. Forbidden fruit. It's a challenge. It only has an allure until we get it, then we find out that we don't actually want it. The thing we have to realize is that we're just being jealous, and a relationship built on jealousy can't thrive. If you really have feelings for Spike, you'll be satisfied in having him as just a friend, and letting him be with Firebolt. She's the one who will make him happy, I can already tell. If he's happy, then you should be happy he's happy. That's the basis behind generosity after all. Sacrificing what we want in favor of what someone else wants."

"You know, it's strange. The rest of your kind are cruel, but then there's you, kind and caring, always open and honest, able to speak your mind, always giving of yourself, and always loyal. The six of us represent the elements of harmony, but you seem to exemplify them even better than we do, and you're just one person." Rarity thought.

"Naw, I may be honest, but I hid myself from the world for years. I may be loyal, but that's only because I've been betrayed, and I know how it hurts. I may be kind, but that's only because I was shown kindness in the first place, and I may be generous, but that's because I always try to repay the generosity of others. As for laughter, well, I'm still working on that one. Maybe I ought to hang out with Pinkie Pie more. Magic..... well, I don't think that's even a possibility for me, so no, you don't have to worry about me taking over your positions. I may have a bit of each in me, but it's only because all of you have given of yourselves to make me into who I am today. If not for all of you, I'd still be hiding in that forest, hating my life."

"And that's the other, main reason Fluttershy loves you so much. Last year, Ponyville and Appleoosa's mating seasons were on the same weeks, so a bunch of stallions came to town not knowing. Three of them ended up falling through her roof. Poor dear went crazy trying to restrain herself. Middle of her heat, and three hunky guys literally fall into her lap. She kept herself though, and she did it by thinking of you. She always believed you'd come back one day. Even though the rest of us thought you'd be a statue forever, she kept telling herself that you'd somehow be with her again, and she was saving herself for you. That's why when you showed up she thought she was dreaming. She always keeps to herself, but we could tell her heart was singing."

Rarity's revelation struck straight to the bone. She had been crazy with him, and that was only the first day of mating season. When it was in full swing, not one but three sweaty, muscular stallions literally dropped from the heavens, and she still held out, all for him.

"Thank's for the measurements Rarity. Rather than going for the regular black or white, I'm thinking something a little more colourful. I can't go around being a checkerboard all the time." Nightshade said humorously.

"Oh don't worry, I have something in mind." She smiled.

"Alright. I'll be back sometime around 3 on Sunday to take a look. Right now, I need to go see Fluttershy."

"Naked! Okay, maybe not naked, He would still be wearing his pants, but still." All the times they had fallen asleep next to each other, he had always been fully clothed. She had never actually seen his body. While for Rarity it wasn't a big deal, it was HUGE for her, being as shy as she was.

"Oh Fluttershy." Nightshade called out, walking into her cottage. While she lived in his house, she spent most of her time in her old home, helping animals. It was a place of relaxation for her. Hearing him downstairs, she froze up. She didn't know what to think. She was in her bedroom, which still had her bed in it, as she sometimes had slept there during the two years that she was alone, since it gave her peace.

"Oh hi Angel, have you seen Fluttershy?" He asked the bunny. He simply glared at him.

"Okay, listen. I'm planning on doing something all romantically smushy, but you're the man of the house, and you've been with Fluttershy a lot longer than I have, so I can't unless I ask you, and you give me the okay." He bent down so he was looking the bunny in the eye. Angel looked at him momentarily. He was highly protective of the yellow mare, as she had been raising him ever since he was a little baby bunny. He didn't like how the human had been moving in on her, but the fact that he was actually bowing before him, asking him permission had an effect of him. This of course made the little bunny feel high and mighty.

'This guy's not actually so bad. He's nice, he makes her happy, he's asking me for the go ahead. Eeeeeh, why not.' Angel thought. He crossed his bunny arms, nodded, and proceeded to point towards the stairs.

"She's upstairs? Thanks. don't worry, we won't be doing anything, just being romantic. I know how much you hate that mushy stuff. I'll have to ask her about getting you your own bunny friend." He said. Angel's face perked up at this.

Fluttershy noticed the footsteps coming up the stairs, and let out a soft 'eep'.

"Can I come in?" Nightshade asked. She stiffened up.

"Y-y-yes." Fluttershy said timidly.

"Hey, what's wrong? You seem worried about something." He asked gently.

"Well, umm, I, I , umm." She was stuttering.

"Well, if that's the way it's going to be, then I guess I have no choice." He took off his shirt. Her eyes went wide, and her pupils shrank, slowly going over every aspect of his form, from his abs to his chest, to the arms that had held her so many times. She trusted him completely, but if she was ever going to be completely comfortable around him, he had to expose himself to her, much more quickly than she would have liked.

Fluttershy sat stunned, looking at his highly masculine form, and bit her lower lip. He sat next to her on the bed, and began drawing a line down her spine with his fingers, as he so often did. This was his way of making her relax, as the sensation always brought about calm. Instead of tracing it all the way down as he usually did, he brought his hand to the base of her wings.

"EEP!" She jumped.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong?" He asked, genuinely concerned.

"Oh, it's just that, pegasus wings are...." She trailed off.

"Super sensitive? I know. I have wings too remember. Back when I first got out, when you kept rubbing them, it was all I could do to not scoop you up and hug the life out of you." He explained. Fluttershy blushed. At the time, she hadn't been thinking quite clearly, and given that his wings are soft, she had just been caught up in the moment. They had slept using their wings as pillows, but that was different that having them rubbed and massaged. A gentle touch would cause the entire body to be filled with a warm fuzzy feeling, like wrapping yourself in a blanket fresh out of the dryer. It was something special, only done by those with a special bond. Unicorns were the same way with their horns, although the sensation was different.

"If you want me to stop, I...."

"No!" She interrupted him, suddenly realizing that she had spoken loudly. "I mean, please don't."

He rubbed her wings gently with his fingers, slowly feeling the rigid bone, and tracing along the apex of the wing, straight to the tip. Her wings were still folded up close to her, and he was a little surprised when they suddenly popped open. Normally pegasi keep their wings folded up when not in use, the exceptions being if they were trying to cool off, as the feathered masses trapped body heat, if they were trying to be intimidating, or if they were excited by something. Rainbow Dash's wings would often open up when she was talking about the wonderbolts. Fluttershy was clearly excited, although in a much different way.

"Oh, well then." Nightshade said, seeing her wings suddenly spring out, he brought his own around her so she could rub it. She giggled softly as he gently massaged both her wings, putting his fingers between the soft feathers on the underside of the limbs. She tingled in delight, as did he when she nuzzled into his own plumage, before she fell over, laying on her back on the bed.

"I'm ready." She said softly. He knew her meaning instantly.

"Well, I'm sorry, but that's too bad. I'm afraid we can't do that. Not yet anyway." He said calmly. Fluttershy pouted.

"You are such a tease, you know that?" She huffed.

"Yeah, but that'll make you all the more excited when spring comes, and I spend mating season with you."

Fluttershy proceeded to do a combination of a squee smile, a gasp, and a blush all in one. She got up and flicked her tail in his face seductively.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Something else needs to happen first. Something I've got planned for you this winter. What do you say we go for a fly, before Angel comes up here and kicks me out? He's welcome to come along of course. You know, I've never been to Cloudsdale. Think you could show me around?"

Fluttershy nodded, and Nightshade went to his house to grab his black cloak. Rarity had made alterations to it to fit his wings properly, so it wouldn't impede flight. He arrived back at the cottage, and Fluttershy was ready, with the bunny in a saddlebag.

"By the way Fluttershy, I had a talk with Angel, and we both think it's about time that he got his own lady bunny friend." Angel nodded in approval, and Fluttershy just blushed again, before agreeing to finally find her beloved pet a mate.

"Well, here's the cloud factory. It makes all the clouds for the Canterlot area. And over there is where they make the rainbows. I wouldn't suggest tasting it though, it's really spicy." Nightshade had wings, but he wasn't a pegasus, and couldn't stand on clouds. Given that this was a problem for tourism, there were a number of unicorns at the various landing pads who would cast a spell allowing non pegasi to walk on them, for a price of course. Twilight made a fair bit of money from teaching other unicorns how to do it, at Nightshade's suggestion of course, and this caused the cloud city to have an economic boom.

"You know, If it really is spicy, it might make for a funny memory. I'd rather try it and regret it than regret not trying it in the first place." Fluttershy just nodded. She didn't want him to go embarrassing himself, but she wasn't about to try and convince him otherwise. He dipped his finger in the liquid rainbow, and put it in his mouth. Rather than the Pinkie Pie reaction, he simply stood there thoughtfully.

"It's like chewing an entire pack of cinnamon gum, all at the same time." He commented.

"You've done that before?" Fluttershy said shocked that her love hadn't been burned by the extremely hot rainbow.

"You'd be surprised the torture humans would put themselves through for a laugh. I did it on a bet, and found that I actually liked it." He said, thinking of the movie 'Jackass'.

They went around exploring the city, seeing all the sites, such as the Cloudsdale arena, the Wonderbolt's training ground, as well as the various cloud cafés, when they came across two pegasi. One was a tan colour, and the other a darker brown, bearing three basketballs and an exercise weight respectively.

"Oh hey, look, if it isn't Klutzershy. Finally able to fly back up here?" The darker one said.

"Hi Hoops, Hi Dumbbell, I've been up here plenty of times." She defended herself meekly.

"Lemme guess, you keep falling off the clouds since you're so clumsy and have to spend the next three months flying back up?" Dumbbell insulted her.

"Okay, that's enough now. We're trying to enjoy the scenery, if you wouldn't mind getting back to whatever you were doing and leaving us alone, that would be just peachy." Nightshade said with a slight hint of malice in his voice. He hated bullies, and these ones were making fun of Fluttershy.

"Oh, and if it isn't the freak of nature. What brings you here? Looking for some foals to steal candy from?" Dumbbell said again. Hoops just laughed his normal stupid laugh. "hehe, foals."

"Actually yes, although neither of you seem to have any, so we'll just be on our way." Fluttershy giggled a little.

"Are you calling us eduuuh, foals?" Asked Hoops.

"And if I am? It would be accurate given your behaviour." He shot back.

"Nopony makes fun O' us and get's away with it!" They said in unison.

"Listen, I was trying to be pleasant, but your attitude is wearing on my nerves. Besides, you both are clearly out matched. I highly suggest you leave us in peace." He said, clearly annoyed.

"Let's just go." Fluttershy whispered.

"Oh, I get it now. He's sticking up for his little mare friend. How can you like someone who's not even a pony Klutzershy? Or should I say, Slutzershy." Dumbbell taunted. Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry.

"Shut up." Nightshade said in a voice cold as ice. The very sky seemed to darken for a moment, as if to reflect his mood. He snapped his fingers, and the two of them passed out.

"Didn't your mothers ever tell you that if you don't have anything nice to say, not to speak at all?" He said to the pair of unconscious stallions, as the sky regained it's usual brilliance.

"Sorry about that Fluttershy, you know how I feel about bullies, especially since they were picking on you of all ponies. Being put to sleep in the middle of the day is far lighter of a punishment than they deserve. Nobody hurts my precious little butterfly." He said, stroking his hand through her mane.

"It's alright, I know. They've been picking on me and Dash ever since we were little fillies. It was about time somebody put them in their place. They're lucky it was you, and you only made them pass out." Fluttershy pulled a permanent marker from her saddlebag, and drew wacky mustaches on the pair of snoozing stallions. Then she and Nightshade just fell over laughing, before flying back home.

The time leading up to the casual party flew by. Nightshade got his new clothes, some long sleeve shirts in various colours, as well as some sweaters. He also got some dress pants and black jeans for a little more of a classy casual. He decided on the black jeans and a dark green shirt. Rarity said it would bring out his eyes. He also wore his now trademark black cloak, the very same white one Rarity had made that was turned black when he was possessed.

The whole group of Nightshade, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Firebolt, Spike, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Trixie arrived at the castle, and were met by some guard ponies blocking the entrance. A fair number of other ponies were there, trying to gain access. Apparently, news that the prince was holding a private party got around, and many uninvited guests wanted to get in. Each member of Nightshade's group walked up to the guards, one at a time, and whispered "Phoenix" in their ears before being allowed inside.

"Is that Nightshade? The human who beat Nightmare? Is that Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolt's? Is that Fluttershy, the star model from a few years back who suddenly disappeared from the spotlight? Are they the ones in the prince's private party?" All sorts of questions were buzzing about the media, and several photos were taken of the group. They quickly went inside to avoid the press.

"Ah, so sorry about that. All this media attention. Honestly, I go out and host a couple charity events, and suddenly I'm the talk of the town! As it turns out, as soon as I mentioned that it was your idea that I get involved in public affairs, I suddenly got swarmed by reporters asking how I knew you. It's like everything you touch turns to gold around here!" Blueblood exclaimed.

"Well, I sure hope not, or I'm gonna have some problems in the near future." Nightshade responded with his arm around Fluttershy. She blushed, and the prince got the hint.

"Ah, Lady Rarity, how nice to see you again. While I did say that this was a casual party, your attire never ceases to amaze." Blueblood had learned quite a bit on flattery. He continued to greet the rest of the group, as well as some of his own invitees. Princesses Celestia and Luna were already there, seated in their own special seats. The all bowed as they passed, then proceeded to mingle.

"Ah, hello Octavia. It's nice to finally meet you. I know you were performing with Sweetie Belle at the knighting ceremony, but you left before we could be properly introduced." He said, giving her a hand/hoof shake.

"Ah yes, Vinyl has told me so much about you. I have to say, your taste in music is quite... interesting." The musician said.

"You got it Octy, he's got some sick beats from home!" Vinyl added.

"Everything from orchestra to rock, except country and pop." Nightshade declared.

"Wait, you mean there was classical music on that thing too?" Octavia said wide eyed.

"Yeah. Wait, don't tell me Vinyl only went through the dance and techno! There were entire play lists of classical music on there! Aw, you would have loved it!"

"Well, actually, I got it right here. It was tough, but I found a way to charge it. Don't know how to use it too well though." Vinyl said pulling the familiar white rectangle out of her backpack. Nightshade went through the settings, and found the orchestra playlist. He opened up the 'Shadow of the Colossus' soundtrack, and gave Octavia the headphones. As soon as the songs started, she went wide eyed.

"Well, I know what I'M doing when I get home." The cellist smiled.

Nightshade met with some other ponies, Hoity Toity, Sapphire Shores, and then someone caught his eye. An orange pegasus, wearing an explorer's hat.

"Nice ta meet'cha, names Daring Do, adventurer extraordinaire!" He recognized her as the pony from the famous book series. "Yer book saved my flank plenty a times when I was goin though a bunch a forest temples. Gotta say, nice bit o work there."

"Rainbow Daaaaaaaaash. I think there's somepony here who'd like to meet you." He called out through the small crowd. The rainbow maned mare flew over, and nearly fainted when she saw who he was talking to. Being the main character of her favorite book series, that was actually based on her adventures and not fiction in the slightest, was more than the pegasus could take. Dash began squealing in excitement.

The rest of the party went on fairly smoothly, that is until they brought out the alcohol. Nightshade had alcohol before, but only ever one drink. Rarity drank wine on occasion. Applejack happened to love hard cider, seeing as how it was an apple product and all. Fluttershy and Twilight had never drank before in their lives, while Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were quite used to getting plastered. Firebolt could drink endlessly and never get drunk, because it would just ignite in her body and disappear.

A cart was wheeled out carrying every type of alcohol imaginable, although it was mostly fruit flavoured 'girly' drinks, as these were ponies who happened to love fruit, as well as the majority being female. Most of the more 'dignified' guests had already gone home at that point, leaving the mane six, Big Mac, Blueblood, Vinyl, Trixie, Lyra, Bon Bon, Nightshade, and Luna to do one of the most time honoured traditions of party goer's everywhere. The drinking contest.

"Aw come on, it'll be fun!" Pinkie reasoned. Spike and Firebolt sat it out, because they would just burn the alcohol away, as did Rarity and Octavia, because they didn't want to seem unladylike. Applejack sat it out because she had to work on the farm the next day, and she was also worried that her friends might get sick. The crusaders didn't take part because they wer just quite not old enough for alcohol, while Granny Smith was too old. Celestia sat out because she had to remain alert in case of discord, and called the medic ponies in before the contest even began. After all, Fluttershy, who had never drank before, was taking part.

"By the way, nothing that is said or done here will leave this room, understood?" Celestia said. She didn't know what would happen, and she definitely didn't want the public to find out if something scandalous happened, especially if it involed her sister.

"And, BEGIN!" They each downed their first drink, a banana coconut concoction.

"ONE!" Applejack counted. They each downed another, this time, a mango drink. "Two!"

"Sixteen!" Twilight and Blueblood had long since dropped out, Pinkie and Dash were looking a little wobbly. Surprising everyone, Fluttershy didn't even look phased. Luna fell from the table as they all downed a shot of cherry whiskey. They were starting to move on to the stronger stuff.

"Looks like da moon princess has never been to a late night partaaaaaay." Pinkie laughed.

"Das cuz they don got bars on da MOOOOOOOOOOOON." Dash said. Celestia laughed. Luna muttered something along the lines of 'very funny' followed by some harsh words that I will not repeat here. She then got back up and sat at the table, but didn't continue to drink. Applejack was keeping score, while Spike, Firebolt and Rarity took care of the inebriated. Suddenly, Fluttershy fell from her seat and passed out, snoozing on the hard tile.

"*Hic*, she made it farder den we thought." Pinkie giggled in between hiccups, before downing another shot.

"Ya know, you look reaaaaallly good Shady. Maybe you me find private spot?" She was leaving out any words that weren't required to make a point.

"Nope. Even drunk off mah ash, I still belong to da fuzzy pink and yellow butterfly." He was fairing about as well as Dash and Pinkie. Alcohol in Equestria was actually weaker than the earth stuff, and having a larger body meant he was able to handle it better. At 20 drinks, he wasn't quite plastered yet, while Trixie, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Vinyl had finally lost it. The rest continued to drink as they talked amongst themselves.

"You know, I love ya ya crazy monkey." Luna said giggling. "If ya weren't with Flutters, I'd be jumpin yer bones right about now." She was clearly drunk, and lost any semblance of dignity.

"Well, dat would be no guud, cuz den we'd have sum crazy lil royal foal runnin 'round here, and I am far too drunk to take car of a babbie." All the non drunk equines looked at him with shock.

"You do know that since you're a different species, that would be impossible right?" Rarity asked.

"Not sho. I hadda lil chit chat with mr mix an match. Found out dat we hooomans are nutin but a bunch discorded urth ponies. If two peoples do it, it comes out another people, but if a people and a pony, then itza pony. I dunno why. Crazy dracoooonequhs. He stoopid. Discord eez stoopeed. Itza guud thing I waddn't drunk durin matin season, or wouldn't a been able ta get away, and I'd 'ave a crazy lil pony babbie wit every one a ya, and der's no way I can take care of all of em." He said with a slur before passing out.

Pinkie and Rainbow just laughed as they too passed out, heads on the tables. Celestia used her magic to teleport each of them to their own rooms, and put a magic barrier on all of them. Partly because she didn't want Discord to get at them in their moment of weakness, and partly because she didn't want anyone sneaking into anyone else's room and doing something they'd regret in the morning. The sober ponies just looked at each other, then Celestia.

"He's not just saying that because he's drunk right?" Asked Twilight, who was not drunk, simply tipsy from her third drink and had quit before she felt any worse.

"Well, who knows what he talked to Discord about, and how much of it was Discord lying. Still, in the event that he's right, that means that we were all very close to unplanned parenthood. It also opens up some unique opportunities for Fluttershy." Celestia said knowingly.

"Hmph, lightweights." Big Mac said as he downed his 40th, not even tipsy in the slightest.

A bit of a longer chapter. First, Discord is sucking his thumb, curled up in the corner of a cave. Then Nightshade got some new duds, then he got Fluttershy ready to do 'it' before suddenly turning it into a date to visit Cloudsdale, but not before telling her that when mating season comes around, he's gonna be spending it with her. I mean, she's been waiting long enough. They also had some humor by getting wasted on weak booze, and we found out that Luna really does like him 'that' way.

babbie= bah bee

Sorry about all the drunken dialogue. I thought it was pretty funny, and it's a lot funnier if you read it out loud. You kind of need to picture the scene playing in your head as you read it for the full effect.

Dancing Of The Leaves (17)

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Dancing Of The Leaves

"I have never been drunk before, and now I never want to do it again." Nightshade was holding his head. He had a splitting headache due to a hangover. Fluttershy was sitting next to him for breakfast at Canterlot, whimpering.

"Sorry I put you through that." He told her.

"No, I wanted to do it. Everypony is always saying I need to loosen up a bit." She said while cringing from the pain.

"Except me. I love you just the way you are." He put his hand on her head, and the pain went away, before clutching his own in renewed agony.

"I guess it works on that too. Remind me to never touch alcohol again."

After everyone had eaten, they felt much better, and had overcome their hangovers. That's when Celestia called Nightshade for a private talk.

"Ah, yes. About last night...." She began.

"Did I do something..... uncharacteristic?" He asked worried.

"Well, yes." She replied.

"Well, what did I do?" He said nervously. Celestia just giggled, and put on bedroom eyes.

"Oh hell no. I didn't.... with you?" He started freaking out.

"Gotcha!" She laughed. "No, you didn't. You did say some things though. Just what exactly did you talk with Discord about?"

"Well, first he told me that he changed a bunch of earth ponies into ape like creatures, and made them like drug addicts for pony meat. Then he said your parents used the elements on the humans, making them less violent. It didn't destroy their hatred, just ripped it out of them. Apparently they weren't very good at using the elements. Then for a couple generations the humans stuck around, inventing things like sewing machines, as well as waging war on each other. Then your parents sent them to an alternate dimension. Discord got mad that his puppets were gone, and used Black Law to kill them, after making Nightmare using the collected hate driven from the humans. As for why he made Nightmare, I have no idea. Then he told me he never made any 'pegasus' humans, and theorized that a human had mated with a pegasus, but then dismissed the thought saying that if that were to happen the offspring would be a pony. Something about the non chaotic parent cancelling his magic's influence in making a new life. Then I kicked his scaly butt, and he ran away."

"That's surprising to me. I knew humans originated in Equestria, but I had no idea that they were actually altered ponies. They were around before I was born, and mother never told me their origins before sending them away. Luna was born after they were gone. I watched Discord murder them both in his rage, all the while hiding in a cupboard, cradling my sister. We had to hide for 10 thousand years while we became strong. We discovered the elements of harmony, but since you say our parents had them before, I guess we just found our inheritance is all. Now the elements have passed to their proper bearers." Celestia began to cry when she spoke of Discord's cruelty, and the loss of her parents. She suddenly found an arm wrapped around her, giving her a hug.

"It's okay. I know, it hurts. Now we know that Discord is the cause of all the pain and misery in both our worlds. He killed your parents and created Nightmare, he made humans into cruel and wicked creatures who thrive on pain and madness. We will find him, and we will beat him. The elements can bind him in stone, but he'll eventually break out yet again. On the other hand, I have something he can't overcome. There's you, and Luna, and there's the elements, AND there's me and Black Law. As soon as he shows his ugly face, we'll have him. He can't possibly beat all our powers combined. Maybe this time, we can destroy him for good."

Celestia perked up at the thought. Destroying Discord for good instead of just sealing him away? It would bring an end to all the suffering he caused. Certainly it was possible, now that they had the god killer of a blade, and a proper wielder for it.

"Soon as you find a sign of him, just send Spike a letter, and we'll be here faster than Pinkie Pie on a sugar high."

In A Mountainside Cave

"He popped up. That means he came from somewhere else. Which means he came from wherever they got sent too. I can't just go there, I have no idea where it is, and I wouldn't be able to get back. This is so frustrating! After all this time I still can't get to my creations. After all this time, do I even want to? I like causing chaos, I don't just want to wallow in a pit of it that's already there. Graaaah! I need to think. I need to come up with NEW idea's. Yes, that's it." Discord laughed as he began planning furiously, trying to come up with something original.

In Ponyville A Few Months Later

"Say Fluttershy, the running of the leaves is coming up. Do you want to enter it with me?" Nightsahde asked the pegasus, who just having dried herself off after a bath, had become extremely poofy.

"I don't know. I wouldn't be able to keep up with you, Dash, or any of the other ponies for that matter." Fluttershy said timidly.

"I never said I'd be racing I'd just be running. With you." He replied.

"I wouldn't want to slow you down....." It's not like she didn't want to, she just didn't want to be a burden.

"Silly, walking through the woods with you as the leaves fall is my whole reason for entering the event. I don't care if the two of us come in dead last, we'd be having fun, together. Angel and Valentine would probably like to have the house to themselves for an evening anyway." Nightshade explained. Valentine was a female bunny, Nightshade's pet. The bunny pair took to each other immediately. Nightshade even went as far as to get a mini table, table cloth, plates, and candles, so the two of them could have a romantic dinner now and then. Having his own special somebunny made Angel's opinion of the human infinitely improve, and he no longer cared if he got smushy with Fluttershy.

Fluttershy agreed, and they both signed themselves up. The running was in two days, which were wasted sleepily as most of the animals had gone into hibernation.

"FLUTTERSHY? YOU'RE entering the race?" Dash exclaimed, causing the butter yellow pegasus to press her ears against her head. She didn't shrink at the voice however.

"I'm not racing though, we're just going to relax." She explained.

"We?" Rainbow noticed Nightshade walking up wearing a sweater, and pressing his wings against himself to keep warm.

"You mean you're NOT going to actually race me?" She asked.

"That's right, since we both know you'd win. I'm just going to relax and spend time with my favorite pony." Rather than being happy about being complimented, she got angry that he wasn't even going to try. She knew for a fact that she would not win if he actually tried, but since he was going to be spending time with Fluttershy, she couldn't really argue. After all, she had spent a great deal of effort to get the two of them together, and they were a cute couple.

The race began, and to everyone's surprise, there were three ponies at the head of the pack, not just the regular Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Firebolt was also racing, and was keeping up with the pegasus and earth pony rather well.

"No offense, but I thought you unicorns were weak, you're keepin up like it was nuthin." Aj commented.

"That's because I can't use my magic for normal things, and had to learn to do them the earth pony way. Left me in a lot better physical condition then any normal unicorn." Firebolt replied.

"Aren't you worried about burning the forest down?" Asked Dash, insensitive as always.

"Nah, I practiced a lot and I can keep my flames in check now." She smiled before running ahed of the other two. They quickly caught up. Dash had been training her running ever since she got beaten so badly by Nightshade, as did Aj who was sick and tired of coming in second. The rest of the ponies were running as well, but a pegasus and a human were at the back of the pack. They weren't running, they were dancing.

Leaves swirled into tiny vortexes as the pair of winged lovers spun and leaped. They danced gracefully along the path, still moving towards the finish, just at a very slow pace. They smiled at each other, looking deeply into each other's eyes.

"See? I told you this would be fun." Nightshade said in an 'I told you so' voice. Fluttershy just giggled.

"You were right."

Pretty soon, most of the spectators weren't watching the race, but the dance. Seeing the pair moving in complete unison as the leaves danced with them was truly a sight to behold. They looked like spirits of nature itself, which given Fluttershy's affinity with animals and Nightshade's gift for life, they could probably be considered as such. They smiled wide as they locked lips, still dancing, mane and cloak flowing in the gentle breeze. Octavia, who had been watching, and never going anywhere without her cello, began to play a song, and Nightshade sang softly.

"You are the love of my life,

Before I met you there was nothing but strife.

You make my heart sing,

So please take this ring,

And tell me that you'll be my wife."

He knelt down, opening a box that he took from his pocket, containing a golden bracelet with a diamond on top. (Ponies don't have fingers, how are they supposed to wear a wedding ring?) Rather than the expected reaction of fainting, Fluttershy stood there on the path, leaves on the ground, as a gentle snow began to fall signalling the begin of winter.

"Yes." She whispered softly, bringing up her right hoof. He closed the bracelet around it, clasping it shut. With that, the camera's flashed from beyond the tree line, capturing the couple on film.

"Hey, what do you say we get away from the press, and win this race?" Fluttershy asked. Seemingly having the same idea, Nightshade picked her up as a groom would carry his newlywed bride. She wrapped herself around him as a massive boom occurred. Rather than closing her eyes to the wind, she had them open, all the while looking at him.

"What the hay?" Applejack asked feeling a rumbling in the ground, Rainbow looked back, and saw a black, yellow, and pink shock wave opening up into the sky.

"Everypony RUN!" She shouted. Rainbow, Aj, and Firebolt made a mad dash to the finish, trying desperately to not be beaten by the human who wasn't even racing. There was a photographer at the end, looking in line with the track instead of beside it for judging purposes, since that job was already taken. He took a picture at just the right moment, catching a full face view of Nightshade carrying an overjoyed Fluttershy, right next to a surprised burning unicorn, an annoyed rainbow pegasus, and a confused orange earth pony. For the first time in history, there was a five way tie.

"What the heck are you doin Nightshade!" Rainbow asked angrily. He put Fluttershy on the ground. She was smiling ear to ear. Rarity came up and asked.

"My dear, is that what I think it is?" Pointing at the ring wrapped around her hoof. Fluttershy nodded, before she, Rarity, and Twilight all grabbed hold of each other and began jumping in circles.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE." They squealed in excitement. Dash, Aj, and Firebolt were more dense than the two unicorns, and needed an explanation.

"I asked her to marry me, and she said yes." Nightshade explained, standing behind the three confused ponies. The just looked at him, shocked, before Rarity spoke up.

"We have to plan a wedding! Of course, I would be more than happy to provide the attire." She said, pointing at her chest with her hoof.

"Ah can get the food." Applejack offered.

"And I'll do the decorations!!!!!!" Pinkie Pie, hanging upside down from a rope hanging from her hot air balloon.

"I would be honoured to provide the music." Octavia, with a bow.

"Me too!" Piped up Sweetie Belle.

"I bet I could get the Wonderbolts to put on a show." Bragged Rainbow.

"I could build a gazebo for some outdoorsy type atmosphere." Applebloom stated.

"And I could organize the whole thing!" Twilight said excitedly.

Once all the ponies had decided on what they were going to do, they decided on a date. June 17th, of the upcoming year. It was now December 1st, which left slightly over 6 months for all the planning.

The two arrived at Fluttershy's cottage, and walked in on Angel and Valentine being very busy, so they decided to head to his place instead. Before they left, Nightshade slipped a note under the door.

Thank's man, your idea was perfect. I owe ya one.

Wow, Angel planned all that? Smart bunny. I guess he's finally in approval of Fluttershy's human friend, so much so as to help him propose to her. The song is one I made up all on my own. So now they've got a wedding planned for around the start of summer. I wonder what discord will be up to. No, seriously. I'm having a hard time working out an original scheme for the dastardly draconnequuis. I've got the ending planned, I just can't think of what to have right before it. I'll figure it out soon enough, I always do. So, here we are. By popular demand, Fluttershy is marrying Nightshade. By the way, since she was passed out during his drunken rant, and not present during his explanation to Celestia, she still doesn't know about him. Of course, he doesn't know she doesn't know, since he was drunk at the time. Can you say, 'plot device'? Every single action, no matter how meaningless, becomes another important part of the story later on.

Frozen Feelings (18)

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Frozen Feelings

It was now the middle of winter. Snow falling, frozen lakes and rivers, and warm fires. The Frostbite Festival was approaching, a ceremony dedicated to having fun in the snow. They made snow ponies, drank hot chocolate, and carved ice sculptures. Nightshade tried again and again, but couldn't make his sculpture turn out right. He never was an artist. Fluttershy on the other hand made a first prize winning ice carving of Angel and Valentine. Each of the bunnies rode on their respective owner's backs, and kept nudging the two of them closer together. Unlike Angel, Valentine was a good natured bunny, content to snuggle and cuddle as much as possible. She balanced Angel's temper quite nicely, as he would do his best to behave around her.

"That's alright Shady, nobody is good at everything." Fluttershy told him, as he failed his fifth attempt to make an accurate representation of her.

"You're right. How am I to recreate beauty itself in ice?" He gently scratched behind her ear. She giggled. The pair were cold, so the walked into the cabin set up for the festival, and got some steaming hot mocha to warm themselves up. Pinkie Pie and Braeburn were inside, having a grand time.

"Hey, since when we're you two together?" He asked.

"Well, since we met in Appleoosa a couple years back, we've been mad about each other. We'd write pretty much every day. Soon the letters turned into visits, and next thing you know, I'm moving to Ponyville to be with my cotton candy honey bunch." He replied.

"Well, good on ya! Pinkie finally has sompony to go crazy with, maybe she'll lose a little of her energy." Nightshade hoped. They all looked at the puffy pink mare, who was covered in hot chocolate, drinking it as fast as she could.

"Nnnooope." Said Big Mac. He had become a lot more social lately. It helped that the farm didn't have anything that needed doing during the winter, so he started hanging out with the group more. Rarity and Blueblood were now dating casually, having forgiven each other after seeing their worsts, they were now looking forward to seeing their bests.

"Darling, you worked miracles on him. He's like a completely different stallion! He's kind, caring, generous!" Rarity exclaimed.

"I can't thank you enough for all you did for me Nightshade. I needed a reality check, and while it left a bad taste in my mouth at the time, I couldn't be happier." The prince stated.

"Hmm, I wonder if Rainbow, Aj, and Twilight have found a special somepony?" Big Mac perked up at the mention of the purple unicorn, something everyone present noticed. No sooner did the words come out of his mouth did the three walk in.

"Well, no. Not really. Ah mean, I've been lookin at that Soarin feller quite a bit. He's a kindly sort, and he loves apples. He wouldn't be too bad ta settle down with, ah just haven't asked him yet." Applejack told the group.

"What about you Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked softly. She began to blush.

"Well, I don't have anypony, and while I'm looking, I haven't really found what I'm looking for. Well, actually, I have, but he's already taken." Dash explained, shooting Nightshade a glance. Firebolt and Spike, who were holding each other close, quite obviously a pair, looked at the rainbow maned mare.

"That get's awfully tough doesn't it? Especially with Hearts and Hooves day, followed by mating season coming up?" Spike asked.

"Well, it is kinda hard on H&H, but mating season not really." She cast a nervous glance at Applejack, that betrayed her secret.

"What do you mean by that......" Firebolt asked.

"Ummm, err, uuuhhh." Dash began to stutter. Applejack took the burden of explaining it on herself.

"Well, it's kinda embarrasin but, ever since two years ago, when ya tricked us into landing like that in the barn, well, let's just say that instead of chasin after stallions like madmares come that time of year, we help each other, deal with our urges." She said blushing.

"Huh?" Nobody else got it.

"We ain't filly foolers, but when that time comes around, she eats my apple pie and I taste the rainbow okay? Saves us a whole lot of crazy. Besides, it's not a relationship, it's just between friends. Dash better hurry up and get somepony though, cuz once I get Soarin, I won't be helpin her out anymore." The orange earth pony was clearly embarrassed, but being one who has to speak her mind, she couldn't help but spill the beans.

"So, Twilight, anypony you got your eggheaded eyes on?" Dash was desperately trying to change the subject. She should have made Aj Pinkie Promise not to tell, but she had forgotten to do so.

"Well, yes, but I don't know if he feels the same way. I haven't asked him, and I'm kinda nervous about it." She stammered, trying to not make eye contact with anyone. Nightshade just facepalmed.

"You know who she's talking about?" Applejack asked.

"Yep, but I can't say anything. I Pinkie Promised, and as much as I don't want Pinkie Pie to kill me, even more so I don't want to make Twilight mad. If I told you, she'd probably hate me....."

"FOREVER!" Pinkie yelled, her head popping up from behind the couch.

"Well, then you're pretty much bucked then aren't you?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah." Big Mac looked at him. He knew who Twilight liked? Was it him? He couldn't say because he promised, just like he had promised the stallion not to tell anyone, including Twilight. They all went home for the evening, and Fluttershy asked Nightshade a question.

"She likes Big Mac, doesn't she?" She asked.

"You know I can't say anything. But I'll tell you she definitely does not, NOT like him." He said. Fluttershy was always in tune with the feelings of others, so she picked up on how her friend felt.

"And he likes her, doesn't he?" She asked. He made a motion of zipping his lips, and throwing away the key.

"Oh dear, I got into a situation like this once with Rarity. She was jealous of my modelling, but she didn't want me to find out because she didn't want to hurt me. I hated modelling, but I didn't quit, and I didn't want her to find out because I thought she wanted me to. It ended up being a great big problem because we wouldn't share our feelings, and poor Twilight got caught in the middle. But you ended up making a Pinkie promise, so you can't just get them together and tell each of them how the other feels." Fluttershy said,thinking back to that time. (Episode 'Green isn't your colour')

"Hmm, well, I think I know a way I can get them together without breaking my promises. It involves doing something a little out of the ordinary, and it will also let me get Big Mac back for mating season two years ago." He proceeded to tell Fluttershy his plan. She blushed the whole time, saying 'Oh my' once in a while. It was a particularly good plan, and it would work out best for everyone involved, although it was a little risky.

Hearts and Hooves day came and went, Nightshade got Fluttershy a pair of sapphire earrings, while she got him a watch that could flip open and hold a picture. He immediately put a photograph of her and Scootaloo inside, so he'd always have them with him, no matter where he went. Her earrings looked stunning in contrast with her yellow coat and pink mane. Plus they matched her eyes. They both wore their gifts non stop.

"It's winter wrap up. Twilight's got me working like crazy this season. First I'm helping you with the animals, then I'm helping Dash on the weather team. I can't kick the clouds, but a sonic boom pushes all the clouds together nicely, meaning the rest of the weather team's jobs get easier. So me and Rainbow are going to be pulling them off all day. It'll be at high altitude, so we don't have to worry about scaring the animals, but we're going to be pulling it off non stop. In fact, we're thinking of making a show out of it."

Nightshade, being capable of doing so much, meant that he was helping pretty much everywhere that was needed. It was important that they wrap up winter on time, because occasionally, mating season would be the first two weeks of spring, and that meant that nobody was in any condition to wrap it up. If they were late, they'd risk having mating season come around, and then they wouldn't be able to start spring for another two weeks, getting terribly behind schedule for everything the rest of the year. It's something they just couldn't afford to do.

"Wake up little otters, it's time for spring." Fluttershy's job was a lot easier, as the animals were very much ready to get up, since Nightshade had given them all such energy, they were raring to go.

"Hey there snakes, come on, up an at em." After waking the animals, he flew into the sky with Dash.

"Are you ready for this?" The cocky mare asked.

"You know it. Let's give Ponyville a show." Rainbow flew as high as she could, and went into a free fall. She flapped furiously, trying to gather more speed. Nightshade went from the ground up, straight at her. Mach cones appeared around them both, as they pulled of a simultaneous sound barrier breach. Her front hooves collided with his outstretched hands. Grabbing hold, the pair spun around each other, creating a mid air, super sonic cyclone of rainbow and black. It didn't get anywhere near the ground, but it sucked up all the clouds not driven away by the booms, and condensed them into one big cloud. As their momentum died, and they came to a halt, Dash gave the cloud her hardest kick, and it poofed into nothingness.

"That. Was. AWESOME!" Rainbow screamed. Being the only member of the wonderbolts capable of flying faster than sound, she had never pulled off a double boom, or done any synchronized faster than sound flight. It was a whole new experience. She looked at him dreamily as she put her hooves around him.

"Whoa, hold on there hot shot. I'm Fluttershy's remember? You know, getting married in 4 months?" Nightshade said pushing her off of him.

"Yeah, okay, I know I know. It's just, you're so awesome! All those years ago, I never would have believed that there was somepony more awesome than me, but, you are. I don't know how, or why, but you are. You're the only one who has ever kept up with me, the only one who's ever escaped, and, I WANT you." She looked lustfully at him. He gulped.

"RAINBOW! How could you? You know I'm with Fluttershy. Doing that would be betraying her. It's something neither of us can do, and you know it!" He was a bit angry that she'd suggest that.

"What's the big deal? Plenty of stallions are with two mares, or more. Remember? Only 10% of the population? Even with all the filly foolers out there, somepony's gotta share. Lots of times they borrow a married stallion." She had a valid point.

"Yeah, too bad humans are, for the most part, monogamous." He explained.

"Mono-what?" She was confused.

"They only have one girl. I mean. Not that there's anything wrong with you, I do like you, and I'm open minded, but you'd have to talk with Fluttershy about it. Then I'd have to talk to her about it. Then we'd have to talk to her about it. And, she'd still always be number one in my book. Are you sure you'd want to go through life being someones, 'number two'? Also, I don't know if I'd be okay with it either. We spent years getting to a comfort level that we're okay with each other. Would it be right for you to just jump in?" Nightshade tried reasoning with her. It worked.

"I guess you're right. Maybe one day, if you're all okay with it, I could borrow you?" She said, a little sullen.

"This is because you don't have a special somepony, isn't it?" He asked.

"Yeah. I mean, I look at you, and you're everything I want in a stallion. You're strong, fast, loyal, way smarter than me, and kind. Not to mention a hotty. I've never seen anypony else like you. I've felt this way for a while now but, you know how I am with feelings and stuff." She was looking down.

"Whenever we do things together, it's always so much fun. You make me smile like nopony else ever has. Because of you, I ended up getting in the wonderbolts. Even that prank with putting the pin in my hair, you're the first one to ever make me feel beautiful. Rarity tries, but she's just way too stuffy." She was near tears, knowing that she couldn't have him.

"Well, let's go talk to Fluttershy then shall we? This is something you need to tell her. If you keep it a secret, then things will never work out, and you'll drift apart. You two are friends, you always have been. You need to talk to each other." She looked like she was going to fly away. He grabbed her tail when she tried, and dragged her to the ground. Standing in front of her yellow and pink friend, she stopped trying to escape, because she didn't want to appear afraid.

The three of them went to Fluttershy's cabin, and they all sat down.

"Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash has something she needs to tell you." Nightshade began.

"Yes, what is it Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked innocently.

"Well, umm, I, umm." Dash stuttered, before getting an elbow in the ribs.

"Okay, this might sound weird, and I know you two are getting married and all, but umm, I kind of like Nightshade." She said. After getting another elbow to the ribs, she spoke up.

"Okay, I REALLY like him. He's strong and fast, he's nice, he's smart..... he's got the flanks of a god....... " she trailed off, trying to take a peek at his back end.

"And um, I was wondering, if you wouldn't mind, um, sharing him?" Rainbow winced, like the last part had actually caused her pain to say.

Fluttershy just sat there for a moment, before she giggled.

"Oh you feather brain, I've known for a long time how you felt. Just how you're bad with telling your feelings, you're also bad at hiding them." Both Nightshade and Rainbow Dash had a look of shock. She had known this whole time? Why didn't she say anything?

"And yes, I'm okay with sharing. I was okay with it three years ago when the princesses came around. You're my best friend Dash. I want to see you happy. I guess this means the three of us will be a big happy family now? I mean, if that's okay with you Shady?" Fluttershy giggled, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Um, I don't know. I mean, it's kind of weird. A lot of polygamist relationships on earth end poorly. I really didn't think you'd be okay with this. I guess there's things I still need to learn about this world." He was clearly nervous. One of the rare times in his life that he didn't know what to do. The pegasus pair looked at him with pleading eyes. Just as much as Dash wanted him, it seemed Fluttershy wanted Dash to be a part of it. Looking at them, there was no way he could say no.

"Oh alright alright already. You know I can't take the puppy dog eyes. So long as you're both okay with it, I don't mind. But nobody else okay? I know for a fact that Princess Luna has it on for me, and I don't want her knowing I'm available. She's crazier than Pinkie Pie when it comes to her heat. She was ready to jump me back at the drinking contest." The two mares tackled him and hugged him tightly, each giving him a kiss on one of his cheeks. Rainbow had tears of joy. He thought it was beyond strange that Fluttershy was totally okay with sharing him with her best friend, especially given what was coming up, but then again, she was her best friend, and Fluttershy would give anything for her friends to be happy.

"It's not really like that." Rainbow added. "You'd be married to Fluttershy, so she'd get first dibs. I'd just live with you, and you'd just be with me sometimes is all. Maybe, all three of us together once in a while?" She said, nibbling on Fluttershy's ear. She was actually suggesting a menage a trois. (Threesome)

"Are you sure you're not a filly fooler Rainbow?" Fluttershy teased.

"Just because I prefer guys, doesn't mean I'm not okay with girls. You both know that since AJ spilled the beans." She confessed.

"That reminds me, are both of you feeling okay? I saw something in your eyes earlier Rainbow, something I saw 3 years ago." They mares looked at each other.

"Well, okay, maybe it's starting. I've been craving sugar for a while now, but not so much that I'm going crazy for it. We're both still very much in our right minds." Fluttershy explained.

"Alright, Fluttershy, since I can't break my Pinkie Promise, can you let Rainbow in on the plan?" Nightshade asked. Fluttershy whispered in Dash's ear, who got a stunned look on her face, before breaking out in a mad grin, and finally falling on the floor laughing.

"That's rich! Oh, I never would have thought of that! Brilliant! I'm more than happy to help! And I know just the way...."

First Fluttershy, then Lyra, then Luna, now Rainbow Dash? Geez, Nightshade, is EVERYPONY after you? But seriously though. In a culture that only has 10% male population, there IS going to be a lot of multi-partner relationships. Even the same sex couples borrow a guy when they want foals. The difference is, this is a female centric society, so it's not like in our world where a lot of polygamy results in men dominating the women. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash have been friends as long as they can remember. Dash has liked Shade ever since he beat her in the running of the leaves, the first time around. It's more like having a wife and a mistress, but the wife and mistress are totally okay with each other, and it's actually accepted by society, and the wife is actually the boss. He was actually more shocked about it than they were, because it happens all the time in their world, and when it happens in his, there's always a huge fight and legal battle, broken hearts, crying, yaddi yaddi yadda. Just goes to show how different the worlds really are. Also, I did not come up with this at random. It's going to fit into the plot near the end I swear.

[IMPORTANT] Right here, I'm about to give you control of the next couple chapters. That's right! Now, I KNOW I said that this isn't a clop fic, and that there would be no sex, HOWEVER, seeing as how this is a dedicated fanbase, and a lot of people like my story, I'm giving you all the choice. Do I continue on my regular method, using innuendo and nothing more, or do I change the content rating to mature, and let and enraged Pinkie Pie slap me upside the head for going the rule 34 route? If I go the second method, I'll make the chapter be non plot relevant, so that if anyone here does NOT want it, they can just skip the offending chapters over without missing anything. Don't get me wrong, there's still going to be an innuendo chapter, but if the vote is to go cloppy, there will be an added 'clop' chapter. After that, the rest of the fic will continue as normal. So really, what I'm asking is do you want one clop chapter in here, and an innuendo chapter to be a little more descriptive, or not?

Please please PLEASE only one vote per person. Any duplicates and I'll delete the doubles. I'm giving you all two days to put your votes in the comments, after which I'll pick which ever has more. I won't give an update chapter, I'll just write the next chapter with a header giving the result. This is your chance to participate in the creation of the fic, and since I didn't have a cover art contest, I went with this instead. I got the idea from watching the Tobuscus interactive vacation. Let the audience have some choice. Bless your face. Peace off BOOP!

Innuendo Take 2 (19)

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Innuendo Take 2

"Okay, so we all know the plan? Dash, you make sure to tell AJ to control herself around Soarin, at least until we're ready." Nightshade instructed. Rainbow gave a salute and flew off. Big Mac would spend all his time on the farm, seeing as how it was now growing season. This meant he wouldn't be aware of happenings in the town. The only way for him to know was if Granny Smith or his sisters gave it away. This is why Dash needed to instruct them on what to do.

"You're gonna do what now with my brother?" AJ asked.

"Just a little revenge prank Shady cooked up. Don't worry, he'll be fine. You saw how Mac and Twi were looking at each other. As it turns out, he knows, he just Pinkie promised not to tell, so he's not going to say anything." Dash replied.

"Ah, so that's what that was all about. Well, you can count me in. I'm still lookin to get back at him for that stunt he pulled last year. Ya don't mess with family, cuz they know where you live. Y'all can count on me to restrain myself with Soarin, at least till the time comes." The orange earth pony replied.

"Everything's all set big guy." Dash informed Nightshade, poking him in the chest with her hoof.

"Good, now, we wait. So, who's up for raiding Sugarcube corner before they get all sold out?" Both mares looked at him wide eyes, followed by getting devious smirks on their faces. Hauling home enough sweets that Pinkie Pie would get full, the three proceeded to chow down on all the various cakes, cookies, and pies they had brought. They knew what sugar would do to them, and they were running into it headlong. Luckily, Pinkie had moved in with Braeburn on the inside of town, so they wouldn't be disturbed by the sex god pony while they were up to their own activities during the rapidly approaching mating season.

"I just hope Braeburn knows what he's in for." Fluttershy squeaked, thinking of what would happen to the stallion.

"He'll be lucky to have any bones left once she's done with him." Dash added. Nightshade just nodded his head knowingly.

The three spent their time idly. They all started flying together. Dash learned to start caring for animals, and to be gentler and more sensitive, while Fluttershy learned to be stronger. She had always been a weak flyer, but the two of them decided that needed to change. They would do everything together, as a trio. Mating season was still some time away. It appeared to be starting slowly, rather than the normal sudden onset.

Rainbow was really starting to warm up to him. Little things, like running his hands through her mane, scratching behind her ear, meant everything. They were still not okay with touching each other's wings however, as Dash wasn't used to it, and Nightshade said that it was 'Fluttershy's spot', and that it would take a long time before he would be comfortable with her touching them as well. They were so soft he didn't want to deny anything that comfort however, and at one point he gave her a pillow filled with his own plumes. Fluttershy didn't get a pillow, because he was her pillow.

Waking up one morning, Fluttershy and Dash were on the bed, looking at him with droopy eyes.

"It's time?" He asked. The both nodded.

"Okay, now I know this is gonna kill ya, but we have to stick to the plan. Day two is Big Mac revenge day. Until then, we have to act completely normal. I found Soarin at the school, and he's in on it. He's gonna drop by Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow. Until then, we have to act like everything is still normal. I'll need the two of you to go and buy some apples today, and make sure Mac see's you acting normal. If you start feeling funny, just remember that I'll be here, waiting for the both of you. Please make sure to keep each other in check."

The pegasus pair shook themselves all over, ridding themselves of any dirty thoughts and feeling, heading off to the farm to pick up the apples.

"Hiya Big Mac. Things going well over here?" Rainbow asked the red stallion.

"Yeeeeup." He replied.

"Good, me and Fluttershy are lookin to buy some apples, AJ around?"

"Yeeeeup." He motioned towards the barn. The two went in, finding Applejack and Soarin already there. AJ was looking sweaty.

"Okay, so we all know the plan right?" Fluttershy asked.

"I don't know if I can go through with this. I don't think I can hold out till tomorrow." The orange farm pony was shaking a little.

"It's alright my little apple pie." Soarin spoke up. "Soon as tomorrow comes around, we can do it till neither of us can see straight. For this to work, we gotta be strong. It ain't exactly easy for me either you know, you and your firm, ripe...."

"Ahem!" Dash cleared her throat.

"Ah, right, sorry." Soarin hung his head a little.

"Alright, me and Fluttershy gotta each take a bushel of apples to keep up the front. Shady's making some candy apples at home. That's our story. That, and he really is making some. Ooh, they're gonna be so good, perfect for my sweet tooth. Once I get all hyped up on them, I'm gonna..."

"Ahem! Rainbow, ain't ya fergettin sumthin?" Applejack cleared her throat this time. They were all trying desperately to not think about what they were gonna do later, lest they start the party early.

"Right, okay, the apples. Then tomorrow, I show up bright and early with Soarin, and we get this plan underway." They each took a bushel. Fluttershy was able to handle one all on her own, as she had been working out the past two weeks. Not only did she want to get stronger, but it helped suppress her urges.

"See ya Big Mac. I might be coming back tomorrow for more if the candy apples sell well." Rainbow waved as the pair flew back to Nightshade's house.

"Whew, all done. Now we just refrigerate them for a day, and tomorrow they'll be perfect for eating. After I get Big Mac tomorrow, I'll come home and we can eat them together. It'll be nice to have a nice, chilled, caramel apple, especially given the weather lately. Has it been getting hotter or something? It's not even close to summer yet."

"Well, looks like it's mating season in Canterlot. The everypony can tell when Celestia's in heat, because the sun becomes unbearable for two weeks." Fluttershy explained.

"You know, I think I might be forgetting something, but I can't figure out what." Nightshade said. No sooner had the words come out of his mouth, there was a bright flash, and an insane looking Celestia standing next to him. Another flash, and he was gone.

"Fuck."

Okay people, if you want to see the cloppy scene, too bad, it's gone. I deleted it.

Springing The Trap (20)

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Springing The Trap

Glad to be out of Canterlot and back home, still intact, Nightshade walked in on something very surprising. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, making out on the couch.

"Room for one more?" He asked, causing them both to jump.

"Oh, um hi?" Fluttershy said meekly from underneath Dash, blushing.

"It's just, well, we got bored waiting for you to come back and, since you were with the princesses, we decided to have some fun of our own?" Rainbow said jumping off of her friend, hoping that the excuse would work.

"Fair enough." He replied. The pegasi pair looked him ever, eyeing his crotch.

"So, um, how were they?" Fluttershy asked softly.

"How were who?" He asked in turn.

"The princesses dummy." Rainbow shot back.

"They are doing fine." He replied.

"That's not what we meant." Fluttershy said getting a little annoyed.

"WAS THE SEX GOOD?" Rainbow yelled.

"Let's just say I can now add 'escaping from sex with royalty' to my list of special skills." He said with a smirk. It took the pair a minute to let the meaning sink in.

"You mean, you DIDN'T do it?" Rainbow asked.

"That's right." Nightshade replied.

"But, they sent you back here, of their own will, after THREE HOURS. What were you doing the whole time?" She asked again.

"I um, well..." He trailed off.

"Yes?" Fluttershy asked sweetly.

"I taught them to take care of themselves okay? We don't have to worry about them coming after me again, because they are dealing with each other's issues from now on. Same way you were dealing with Applejack's" He said looking at Rainbow.

"You went through all that, for me?" Fluttershy squeaked.

"Hey, you held your own against three stallions last year for me. There's no way ANYONE is getting this before you do sweetheart." He said, scooping up Fluttershy and giving her a loving kiss. Their tongues danced for only a moment, before her put her down. The two mares took deep breaths, smelling the air, thick with his scent. They became droopy eyed again.

"I'm sorry, not till tomorrow. We still have Big Mac to deal with. As soon as we're done with him tomorrow, we can do it non stop the entire rest of the two weeks." They looked a little down thinking they'd have to wait, but the prospect of two weeks of never ending sex was enough to get them to agree to it.

"Besides, the two of you looked like you were having fun." Nightshade teased. They both blushed. Looking at each other, they both got the same idea of 'Tackle him and have our fun now'. They both dove, only for him to grab one in each arm. He then wrapped a wing around each, pushing them against his body with the powerful, yet soft limbs, restraining them.

"Now now, none of that." He said. The pegasus pair, stuck in his wings, became content to snuggle into them. The warm sensation made his cheeks turn red as they nuzzled the sensitive plumes, wrapping themselves around his waist and torso. He held them close, then lay down on the bed next to them. The three headed off to sleep, with Nightshade helping them along with his powers to prevent them from taking advantage of him while he was asleep.

Nightshade's alarm went off, and he woke the trio up. They looked at him lustfully, only to be reminded, "Tonight".

"Okay, Dash, you ready for phase one? Meet Soarin at the school house, and 'chase' him to Sweet Apple Acres. Be sure to control yourself. Once Big Mac goes in the barn, begin phase two." He instructed.

"So, I've got to keep myself in check around Soarin AND Big Mac?" She asked.

"Well, if you can, when you get home, I'll..." Then he whispered into her ear. Her eyes shot wide, and a lecherous grin grew across her face.

"Just think of it as a bet. Make sure you win."

"You got it!" She said enthusiastically as she flew off.

"So, what do we do while she's gone?" Fluttershy asked seductively, only to find a cool candy apple stuck in her mouth.

"Well, since the sun isn't unbearable, I guess Celestia and Luna are taking good care of each other." He said, ignoring her question He took a bite out of a candy apple of his own, giving Fluttershy a close hug.

"Don't worry, when I get back, I'll take real good care of you and Dash. Remember, you still have first dibs on me. Once we're done with the prank, I'll let you do ANYTHING you want." With that, he left the house, and took off into the air. He wanted to make sure the plan went smoothly.

"Hey Big Mac, can you come in the barn a minute, I need yer help with somethin." Applejack asked. Dash had already come by, giving her the go ahead to start the plan.

"What do ya need?" Said the stoic stallion entering the barn, only to find the door close behind him.

"Well, Soarin ain't here, and I've gone mad with heat. I needja ta buck me." She pinning him against the barn door.

"But AJ, that's wrong. We're family. We can't do that!" He said getting scared.

"Either you buck me, or AHM bucking YOU." She said sternly. He slipped away, sweating, looking for a means of escape. Soarin saw his moment, dove through the open window, tackling Applejack to the ground.

"Run Big Mac! I'll hold her off!" He yelled at the red pony.

"How?" He asked.

"I'll sacrifice myself so you can escape!" He said with a smile. He didn't look too upset for somepony who was about to sacrifice himself.

"Ah can't let ya buck my...." Before Mac could say sister, Applejack had reversed the tackle, and was now riding Soarin. As she moaned in pleasure, Big Mac opened the barn door, anxious to get out of there.

"Don't make a lick of sense. They was all fine yesterday. Just gotta get out of town." Spotting the Everfree forest, he made his way towards it, only to be cut off by Rainbow Dash.

"Well hey there Big Mac." She said in a normal, non lusty voice.

"Hey Rainbow." He said nervously.

"I'm looking to buy a pair of apples." She stated.

"Well, there's a whole bunch of em stacked up by the barn." He explained.

"Oh, I don't want those apples. I'm looking for a pair of big, RED apples." She said, putting her hoof on his chest, glaring down at his family jewels. He swallowed hard. He knew what she meant. He darted around her, only to have her get in his way time after time. She wouldn't let him get to the forest. He turned around and looked at his only option for escape. He had to head IN to Ponyville, hopefully finding someplace to hide. He couldn't go in his house, because Applebloom, who was now of age, and Granny Smith, who now had a fixed hip, were in there. It wouldn't be pretty.

Big Mac ran towards the small town, all the while chased by Rainbow Dash. He spotted a small group of mares, and ran into an alleyway before they spotted him. Rainbow Dash, having completed phase two, headed home for a candy apple. Nightshade saw which alley he had run into, and flew in to a nearby alley. He touched down, and snuck into the alley the stallion was hiding in.

"Big Mac? What are you doing here?" He asked, startling the large pony.

"Ah geez Nightshade, ya scared the apples outta me." He was looking pretty scared. "You get caught up in this too?" He asked.

"Yeah, all of a sudden, they just started going crazy. I was gettin chased by Rainbow Dash a while ago, till I hid in an alley, then she went and flew off after Soarin. I'm gonna try and make it to the library. I gotta save Spike. Twilight will be the only one in there, and I can just knock her out. Then we'll be able to hole up in there till it's dark, and make our escape under cover of night." It was a clever plan, and an ever more clever lie.

"Ah don't think that'd be a good idea. You know ahm sweet on the girl." Big Mac reasoned.

"Well, you're welcome to stay here, with Rainbow Dash flying overhead, and the rest of Ponyville acting like a pack of wolves looking for you." The though of that crowd finding him was more than enough to make his skin crawl.

"Point taken, lead the way."

Nightshade and Big Mac carefully crept through the shadows. Ever since the camping trip, he had learned to be more careful with his movements. They slid past Pinkie Pie's house, and took a quick peak in the windows. What they saw sent shivers down their spines.

"Poor Braeburn, it was nice knowing him." Nightshade said, putting his hand over his heart.

"I doubt he'll ever walk again." Said Big Mac solemnly, as if he were at a funeral.

The two sat in the alley across from the library for a long time, waiting for the mares who were prowling like sharks to leave.

"Once we get inside, I'll knock Twilight out, grab Spike, who's probably locked himself in his room, and we'll barricade ourselves inside till the sun goes down." Big Mac nodded. The two of them carefully walked into the library, hoping they wouldn't be seen. Nightshade picked the lock, a talent that he had found great use for ever since arriving in Equestria, and they both hurried inside, locking the door behind them.

"Well hello boys. Nice to see you around. Wasn't expecting anypony this time of season." The purple unicorn said, ogling them both.

"Eh, hi Twilight, is Spike around?" Nightshade asked nervously. It was fake though, as he could easily overpower her if need be.

"Oh no silly, Spike is in the forest with Firebolt. You two are the only guys around here, and I get you all to myself." She said, licking her lips.

"Oh, I know. It's time to end these games." He took a length of rope that Big Mac had on him and skillfully tied the stallion around the legs.

"What the hay are you doin Nightshade?" The somewhat angry stallion asked.

"Remember three years ago, mating season?" He said, raising an eyebrow. "How I told you I'd get you back?"

"Oh no." Big Mac said, coming to the realization.

"Oh yes. Especially since the two of you put me in a tough spot with those Pinkie Promises. It's payback time. Have fun Twilight. I know you'r birthday isn't for another month, but I figured I'd get you an early present." He said as he climbed the stairs, waving his hand behind his back. "I couldn't have done it without Rainbow, so now I need to go take care of her."

"You planned all this?" Nightshade turned back to look at Big Mac.

"Eeeyup." He climbed out the window, and flew home, Rainbow Dash in close pursuit.

"You like me?" Twilight asked, almost in disbelief.

"Eeyup. You like me?" Mac returned an incredulous look.

"Eeyup." She said, as she used her magic to untie him. They looked at each other, letting their eyes close, as they leaned in for a kiss.

"Hey you two, the plan went off without a hitch. Rainbow controlled herself, I didn't get raped, and now Twilight and Big Mac are together." Nightshade told the two, all three of them eating another candy apple.

"I think this calls for a celebration." Fluttershy said.

"I know just the way." He replied, all three walking upstairs as Rainbow pinched his behind.

He FINALLY got Big Mac back for what he did, and helped set him up with Twilight at the same time. Is it just me, or does anyone else REALLY want to know what Nightshade promised Rainbow Dash in return for controlling herself? I don't know what he told her, and I'm not sure if I want to. Okay, YES. I want to know. It's just going to be one of life's many unanswered questions.

Ascended Clop is gone, stop asking about it, I'm not bringing it back.

Fastest Flyer In Equestria (21)

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Fastest Flyer In Equestria

"Ready for round two?" Rainbow Dash asked as she licked her lips.

"First, we need to take care of that promise I made you. Besides, I'll need a little time to prepare, and by the looks of it, so do you." Nightshade replied as he got dressed. Rainbow blushed, smiling sweetly.

"You big tease."

Nightshade gave the sleeping Fluttershy a gentle pat on the head, whispered 'I love you', and covered her in the bed sheets. He headed outside, followed by Rainbow Dash, who was flicking her tail.

"So, what's this you said about a race?" She asked.

"We need to find out once and for all, who the fastest flyer in Equestria is." He said, the two of them flying up above the Everfree forest.

"And we're going to do that how?" She asked again.

"I'm going to fly in a straight line as fast as I can. After counting to five, you're going to chase me. Soon as you can tag me, we land right there and do it. Doesn't matter if it's in a snow bank, or on someones roof, or in the middle of a photo shoot. By the way, try not to catch me over Canterlot, else you'll probably get ripped apart by mares trying to get at me." Nightshade smiled. It was a wonderfully devious idea. A race, followed by doing it, possibly in public. That kind of thing was right up the rambunctious rainbow mare's alley. She loved it.

"Ready?" He said.

"Set." She replied.

"GO!" He flew straight, due east, about a mile above ground.

"One." Rainbow counted, watching as he flew away.

"Two." She could barely contain her excitement.

"Three." The excitement turned to horror as he started to get smaller.

"Four." It turned to anger. He wasn't going to do it at all. He was going to escape over the horizon. Not if she had anything to do with it.

"FIVE!" She yelled in a voice near the level of Royal Canterlot, taking off after him, screaming in fury as she broke the sound barrier instantly. The rainboom was felt throughout the entire forest, the vibrations of which caused a certain flaming mare and purple dragon untold delight as they shook during the act.

"I'm going to catch you, and when I do, you are going to RUT ME TILL YOU DIE!" She yelled, freaking out.

Nightshade hadn't even broken the sound barrier, but spotting the fuming mare coming after him like a bat out of hell, he too passed the speed of sound. Such a thing was supposed to be difficult, but he and Rainbow pulled it off frequently, a testament to their skills.

"I can't let her catch me yet, we've only just begun. To be fair, I'm not gonna sap her strength." He thought to himself as he accelerated. He looked over his shoulder, only to see the furious magenta eyes. If he didn't know any better, he could have sworn she had fangs given the face of unadulterated rage she was wearing. Desperate to escape, he flew faster still. He was worn out from his 'activities' with Fluttershy, so he used a portion of his immortal life to restore himself. With renewed vigor, he picked up speed.

Looking at the ground passing under him, the winding roads and rivers seemed to be a blur. They were both moving many times the speed of sound now, and all the features of the ground seemed to blur together. He was able to think very quickly, his eyes and brain being enhanced by Nightmare's remnant as well as his body. He was basically getting a full view of the entirety of Equestria in mere moments. Rainbow Dash was getting a full view as well, but only of Nightshade's behind under his flapping cloak.

"Give up! You can't escape me!" She yelled at him. Given the speed they were moving at, there was no way he could hear her. He sped up once again, passing over Canterlot. The many ponies in the city saw the figured fast approaching. Wondering what they were, numerous pegasi flew up to see what the commotion was. They didn't withing 20 feet of them before being knocked back down by the torrents of air. A one pony landed on none other than Derpy Hooves, who asked them if they would eat her muffin.

Rainbow Dash flew faster still, reaching her hoof out to grab his leg, just barely out of her reach. Her frustration, and tension, built as he noticed she was close, pulling away again. It was like he was toying with her.

'Geez, she almost got me there. I gotta keep my head in the game. She really wants it bad. Gotta keep going.' Nightshade thought to himself. He pulled away again, creating more distance between the two as they now flew over the ocean.

"Not good, I can't let her catch me here. We'll drown!" Nightshade used his powers some more, going with the overload method he used before fusing with Nightmare. His speed drastically increased, feeling the adrenaline pumping as he was chased by the rainbow madmare. Suddenly, he felt a dull, burning pain all over his body. He looked, and saw that due to the friction caused by flying at such speeds, small licks of flame were appearing on his body. He dared not go any faster, or he'd risk catching ablaze. Spotting the ocean's far shore, he flew over a mountain range, into an endless field beyond. Flying close to the ground, millions of butterflies took flight at the disturbance, being caught in draft, pulled behind him in a rainbow stream. Miraculously, they weren't ripped apart by the strong winds, rather dancing inside them.

"You. Will. NOT. ESCAPE!" Rainbow screamed. Nightshade suddenly thought.

'I have the sense to slow down before I catch fire. She doesn't. Shit.'

Looking back, he saw the licks of flame appearing on Dash's body. He screamed for her to slow down, but the speed at which they were traveling made it impossible. She screamed as she burst into flame, creating a burning, multicoloured arc across the sky. Suddenly, she stopped moving, and began to fall. Nightshade watched in horror as she fell from the sky, her feathers and coat singed black from the fire.

"RAINBOW!" He screamed, flying towards her. She was still high up. If she hit the ground, that would be the end of her. He flew furiously, tears streaming from his eyes as he scooped her up, not even 10 feet from the ground. He brought her to a nearby river, dunking her in it, trying to cool the overheated mare off. The river was from the mountains, caused by the melting of snow in the heat. It was frigid, but that didn't stop it from turning to steam as her body slid into it. His hands burned from the scalding water, but he didn't have time to worry about that now, he had to cool her off and heal her injuries.

Rainbow was in the darkness of her own mind, barely conscious. She squinted her eyes to find Nightshade, kneeling next to her. He was pouring frigid water on her, but rather than feeling cold, she felt relief. Green mists flowed from his hands, making her feel pleasant. Tears flowed from his eyes as a multitude of butterflies landed on him, covering him with vivid colours.

"Come on Rainbow, wake up! It wasn't supposed to be this way! I'm sorry! I let it get out of hand! It's all my fault that you're like this." He sobbed as he healed her wounds, desperate to lower her temperature. The relief of the cool water and him taking away her pain was so soothing, she finally felt able to move. Dash lifter her hoof, jabbed him in the arm and smiled weakly.

"Caught you."

At her sudden movement, he scooped her up in his arms, holding her close, tending her injuries even as he hugged her.

"Don't scare me like that. I thought you were gonna die!" He scolded her. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"You'd be fine, you'd still have Fluttershy after all." She said weakly, tears in her eyes. After all, he really did belong to her yellow friend, she was just borrowing him, she was just an afterthought. He was doing this for her, as a favour to the one he really loved.

"I'd be lost if I lost either of you. Fluttershy is kind, sweet, gentle, and caring, but you challenge me. You're hot headed, competitive, and make me strive to be my best. When I won the running of the leaves, all those years back, It was the proudest moment of my life. I had never competed in anything before. YOU made me give it my all. Don't you get it? I LOVE you." He held her tight against him. That was the first time anyone had ever told her that, ever since her parents passed, and it left her stunned. After several minutes, she finally was able to think again.

"You're just saying that." She said, looking down.

"While it's true that I don't love you the same way I love Fluttershy, it doesn't change the fact that you are important to me. She was kind, and she cared for me when I hurt, tending my wounds and my heart. You were brave. You stood up for me and defended me when I was weak. When you first hit me in the head with your hoof, if you had knocked me out, you would have felt guilty about it, then come and spent time with me in that jail cell. I would have ended up making that connection with you first, and I'd probably be having a wedding with you instead." He explained.

"But I didn't. What if's don't matter. You were all alone, and I left you alone. She went to make sure you were okay, while I went and had breakfast with the rest of them. You needed me, and I wasn't there for you." She cried.

"I seem to remember hearing that a certain pegasus told Gilda to 'Shut up before I come back there and break your jaw' because she was taunting me. You stood up for me, something nobody else did." He argued.

"After the running of the leaves, I was still struggling with my emotions with Fluttershy. I didn't know whether or not she liked me, whether or not I really liked her. When I beat you, you fell for me. When I saw you holding up your end of the bargain, helping me day after day, night after night, building my house with me, I saw something in you. I know that even if I lost, you still would have helped me." Nightshade continued.

"During that time, I was torn between the two of you. Fluttershy had helped me so much, and I knew I liked her, but you tried to make things better between yourself and Scootaloo. You were practically her mother. More than like, I respected and admired you. I had a very hard time deciding who I wanted to be with, and just when I thought I couldn't make the decision, fate came and made it for me, picking Fluttershy. Where I'm from, having more than one spouse is wrong. It's against everything I know, yet when you told me your feelings, saying you wanted to be with me. It was the second happiest moment of my life. The happiest was when Fluttershy agreed to it openly. Didn't you see how easily I was persuaded? I went against everything I know by having the two of you, due to mere puppy dog eyes? Everything in my head screams that I shouldn't do it, yet, everything in my heart tells me I should. I followed my heart, and I'm happy, because I love you both."

Rainbow sat there for a moment. For the longest time, they had been so stubborn and out of tune with themselves, that they had never admitted to each other, nor themselves, how they really felt.

"Your prized possession, the wonderbolt's pin. When I was trapped in stone, you put the one thing that meant most in the world to you, your dream, that you had finally achieved, and put it at my feet. We tease each other, challenge each other, strive to make each other do their best. Even now, you flew so fast that you caught ablaze, casting a flaming rainbow across the sky, you can't tell me that it was just your heat, and that it wasn't largely due to me beating you and you wanting to improve?"

"You're right. I wanted to beat you so bad, I trained every day. I don't even take naps anymore. I joined the wonderbolt's because of you. I adopted Scootaloo because of you, having her live in my home, and I was never happier. I finally started living for somepony else. If not for you, I never would have known that joy." She nuzzled close to him, and he wrapped his wing around the cyan pegasus, much the way he would with the yellow one.

"While my love for Fluttershy is full of tenderness and care, my love for you is full of passion. It's just, you never told me how you felt, and so I swallowed those feeling, hiding them away, thinking you'd never return them. You were so, brash, egotistical. Then, when I saw you with Scoots, I couldn't help but think you'd make a great mother, and secretly wished to be with you, even though I was with Fluttershy. I couldn't do it, I couldn't betray her. That was why I was so hell bent on escaping you last mating season I was around, and why I got mad when you said you wanted me. I was with Fluttershy, preparing to get married, and then the other mare of my dreams comes waltzing in, telling me to be with her? It was like a nightmare, until you pointed out that it could work. Then I dragged you to her, kicking and screaming, so you could try and make it work. I'm just glad she knew about you for so long, probably even long than YOU knew about you. I love the both of you so much, although in slightly different ways. There is nothing I wouldn't do for either of you." Nightshade said, tears in his eyes now.

"Then why did you try to get away so badly just now?" Dash asked.

"Because, if you caught me, and I hadn't tried my best, you would never forgive me. Which, by the way, you flew fast enough to catch on fire, I did not. That means you are still the fastest flyer in Equestria, and have won the race. While Fluttershy may be the cutest pony around, you're the hottest, in both meanings of the word." He looked into her eyes, much the same way he looked into Fluttershy's. They were different, but the feelings they gave were the same. She wrapped her hooves around him, placing her chin on his shoulder.

"I never knew how you felt." She said calmly.

"That's because, when it comes to emotions, I'm as bad as you are."

Dash had finally cooled down, and her injuries were healed. She leaned in, giving Nightshade a peck on the cheek, as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Well, here's where you caught me, right in the middle of this field filled with millions upon millions of butterflies and flowers. The sun was setting when we left, but look, it's rising over the horizon right now. We just flew halfway around the planet in about an hour. Perfect setting for some romance, don't you think?" He asked.

"You know, Fluttershy would love this." She said, looking into his eyes as the sun rose.

"Yeah, but she'd never be able to make it here on her own. Maybe one day the three of us can come here for a picnic or something, but until then, this is a place all our own. I didn't see settlements of any kind as we flew over." He replied.

"Equestria, as well as the griffin kingdom, are the only civilized places on this world. Celestia's sun and Luna's moon travel all the way around, and they can see everything the light from them touches. This land is unexplored. We're the first ones to ever set hoof, err, foot here." Rainbow said with a smile. She wasn't looking lusty, just content.

"An unexplored land, an open field, filled with butterflies and the sun beaming down on us. Ready for your trophy, champ?" Nightshade asked. Just as she was about to ask what he meant by that, he leaned on her, knocking her over. She lay on her back on the ground, grinning as she suddenly got his meaning, and as he undid his belt buckle.

I had broken the plot, making Nightshade be with Dash was completley out of character, because I didn't explain it at all. Serious error on my part. I hope I'm not slipping. It was an amateur mistake. The fact that I AM one doesn't help at all, because my readers have come to expect better than that. So, I went from being wordsmith to word mechanic on this chapter, I took it down and fixed it. I hope this all makes things better. I like it better. It's not as awkward, doesn't feel forced this time around, and it keeps everyone in character. The things I do for a story.

I removed the clop fic.

Preparation (22)

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Preparation

After the two weeks of activities, the exhausted trio lay in bed, wrapping each other in their wings, like a massive blanket.

"I love you two, you know that?" Nightshade whispered. Rainbow and Fluttershy simply gave him a kiss, on on each cheek.

"Hey Shade, do you think, maybe, I ....um...." Rainbow seemed nervous.

"What is it? It's not like you to stumble on your words." He asked.

"Do you think I could get married with you and Fluttershy?" She spat out.

"Are you proposing to us Dashie?" Fluttershy mocked, but sweetly so.

"I guess I am." She said meekly, in a manner that was more like Dash's yellow friend than herself. Shade and Shy looked to each other, and nodded in unison.

"We're going to be spending the rest of our lives together, I don't see why not." He replied, to which Rainbow said, 'Yay'.

Dash had been dressing herself up since Shade had come back, combing her mane, and wearing hairpins to keep it tame. She had also started acting more feminine, and less like a tomboy. Fluttershy had started coming out of her shell, and began brimming with confidence. It was like a small portion of their personalities had been shared with the other, balancing them out.

"I think we all need to go to the jewelry store."

The three went to the local jewelers, where they picked out their new pieces. Nightshade had chosen the wedding bracelets that he would give to them, while Rainbow and Fluttershy picked out their gifts for him, two rings, one with a storm cloud with rainbow lightning, the other, a single pink butterfly, the two pony's cutie marks. They all had to be custom made, but it was assured that they would all be ready by the time of the wedding in one month.

"I'm so happy! This is awesome! I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and a hunk!" Rainbow bounced with glee, much like how Pinkie Pie would.

"I get to live with my best friend, and my love." Fluttershy said with a smile.

"And I get to be with the mares of my dreams." Shade added. The three of them decided to go check on Twilight.

"Awwwwwwww." Shy and Dash said in unison, seeing Twilight curled up with Big Mac, rubbing their muzzles together.

"I trust you two had fun these past two weeks?" Nightshade remarked.

"Eeyup." They replied.

"While ah ain't too happy about'cha trickin me, it was payback fer three years ago, and I'm glad I got to spend these two weeks with Twilight. It's good to finally have them feelins out in the open." Mac said.

"About time you got a special somepony. So Twi, is he any good?" Dash asked, only to receive an elbow in the side and a stern look from Fluttershy.

"Well um......" Twilight trailed off.

"You did do it right?" Dash asked.

"Well, not exactly." The unicorn said, avoiding eye contact.

"Let me get this straight, in the middle of mating season, two ponies who are madly in love with each other spent the entire time cuddling?" Shade cut them off.

"It's just, he's so strong, and calm, and it's like all my worries and excitement just melt away when he's around. It like just by having him with me, I get relaxed and stop being so nervous." Twilight explained.

"Ah guess ah jus have that effect on folk. That an she's jus way too cute. We're takin things slow, no need ta rush." Mac said.

"Well, I'm not gonna judge ya. I hope you two are happy together. Right now, we gotta go to Rarity's, and tell her to make Dash a wedding dress." Shade said.

"WHAT?" Twilight exclaimed.

"Yeah, she proposed to me and Fluttershy. We're already in the middle of planning a wedding, so it shouldn't be too hard to make it a double." He explained. The unicorn couldn't wrap her mind around it, and just went back to hugging her teddy bear of a stallion. The trio walked out, and Dash asked a strange question.

"You think they were lying?"

"Definitely."

"Oh I'm so glad you're all here, we need to go meet Pinkie Pie in the hospital." Rarity said exasperated.

"Wait what? What's wrong with Pinkie?" Shade asked.

"Oh, nothing other than having pulled muscles, she's not the injured one." She replied.

"Braeburn......"

Nightshade, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity went to the hospital to find Pinkie sitting by a bed, her mane deflated and tears in her eyes.

"Shady, I, I rode him too hard......" She said crying. Pulling back the privacy screen, he saw the stallion had his entire lower half in a cast. Looking at the x-rays, everything seemed normal, except that there was no hip or femurs. They weren't broken, they simply weren't there.

"Ground into dust I'm afraid. There's nothing left. He's never gonna walk again." The doctor said solemnly.

"The bone dust is still there right?" He asked.

"Yes, there was no point in removing it. They were ground into a fine power by miss Pie's excessive activities, and can cause no harm to the rest of his body." The doctor replied.

"I was too rough on him, and now I broke him. He's an apple, so he's tough, if it weren't for that, he coulda died!" Pinkie looked up at Nightshade with begging eyes.

"Oh, alright, I'll see what I can do." He said with a sigh. Calling on his powers, using some more of his eternal life, he made Braeburn's body repair the damaged cells, and replace the destroyed ones. Slowly but surely, the bones began to reform, taking the small shards and moving them back into place. It was exceedingly difficult, as he pretty much needed to rebuild it from scratch.

"Whew, there, all done." He said sweating. It had taken a huge amount of concentration to pull it off, but his hips and legs had reformed.

"You'll still need surgery to reattach the muscles and ligaments, but I say you'll be walking around inside of a month."

Braeburn, who had been quiet up till now, finally spoke.

"Yeehaw! I may miss planting season, but I'll be out in time for applebuck!" He whooped and hollered, bringing shushes from the other patients.

"Yeah, but from now on, Pinkie, Braeburn is on top okay? And, try to take a break now and then."

"Alright, if you say so Doctor Nightshade. I'll be okay Pinkie, you can head home now." He said mockingly.

"Umm, about that, I can't exactly walk right now........"

After walking in on Applejack and Soarin having some post season fun at the farm, they promptly left the two to themselves and headed home after leaving a note with Applebloom, telling her the changes to the wedding plans. Rarity, who didn't have anypony for mating season, had spent the time making Fluttershy's wedding dress, and now needed to work with Dash to make her's. Pinkie, who couldn't walk, and wanted to stay by Braeburn, had some art supplies delivered so she could make the wedding invites. Everything was going according to plan.

"Oh Angel, Valentine! I had no idea! Why didn't you tell me?" Fluttershy went into her cabin to check on some animals, to find four baby bunnies being cared for by Nightshade's pet. They had been so distracted that they didn't notice Valentine had been pregnant, and had delivered no more than two days ago.

"Way to go you two. You must be so happy." Shade commented. Angel was snuggling his bunnyfriend, clearly happy to be a father. Angel then went through another complex series of motions, indicating that he was indeed happy. He also used his charades to say that Fluttershy looked quite satisfied with herself, and he was happy she had been taken care of. Something along the lines of 'About time she got laid', which brought her to giggle. They headed back to his house across the path.

"So, mating season is over, but since we were taken care of pretty well, we weren't so stuck in our urges that we were still able to do our jobs. So now, instead of having catching up to do, we have some free time. What do you want to do?" Fluttershy asked. Shade and Rainbow raised their eyebrows.

"Just cause mating season is over doesn't mean we can't keep having fun. Surprisingly, after two weeks of it, I haven't gotten tired of it at all." He stated, which brought Fluttershy to blush.

"Threesome?" Dash asked, which Fluttershy responded to by nodding slightly, with her eyes behind her hair.

Well, it was a bit shorter, I wonder if you can guess where the next chapter will be? Dash wanted to marry Shade, so she proposed to the two of them. That's how it works in Equestrian society. If someone want's in on an already existing pair, the third wheel proposes to them both. So basically, Dash isn't marrying Shade, she's marrying Fluttershy AND Shade, as if they were one entity.

Aftermath (23)

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Aftermath

I told you all in the last chapter to guess where the next one would be. I never said it would be in the clop fic. I just said to guess, and you ALL guessed wrong. Trololo. Let's begin the story shall we?

"Well that was....."

"It was......"

"Well, I mean, it wasn't THAT bad."

"Maybe it was normal, and we're just used to over the top amazing?"

"Yeah, that's it."

The trio sat on the bed, thoroughly disappointed in how they had performed.

"Well, I guess mating season is officially over." Dash spoke up. "Two weeks of fantastic sex, followed by another year of no drive at all."

"Wait a minute, if almost all of it happens during those two weeks, then how come there are spring, fall, and winter birthdays?" Nightshade asked.

"Well, earth ponies babies only take nine months to grow, while pegasi and unicorns take a full year, given that they need more development. The rest all depends on whether the season happens at the start of spring or the end." Fluttershy explained, knowing the most about child growth and care.

"So you mean that there are almost no summer birthdays?" Shade asked.

"That's right, except for a few cases, there are none." Shy responded.

"That doesn't mean it doesn't happen at all the rest of the time, and there's still romance, cuddling, and all that. It's just, it's never quite the same as during the season."

"Well, even if that's true, I still love both of you. That just means we can have other kinds of fun the rest of the time, like picnics, skiing, nature walks, aerobatics, whatever you two want to do. Relationships are more than just sex." (Something a great many humans have forgotten)

After helping Fluttershy with the animals, specifically four brand new bouncing baby bunnies, checking in on Braeburn and Pinkie, as she could now walk, and picking up the wedding jewelery from the craftspony, Nightshade headed to Rarity's.

"Ah, no, sorry, you can't come in!" The door to Carousel Boutique slammed in his face as he tried to open it.

"Why not?" he asked.

"No seeing the wedding dresses before the wedding! You only have two weeks to go. I'm working with Rainbow right now. Don't fret dear, I have your suit already made, as well as Fluttershy's, no need to worry at all. You can come and pick it up tomorrow. Now Rainbow, hold sti....*rrrrriiiiiip* oh dear, that's a problem." The unicorn said sounding frantic.

"Err, I'll come back later." He decided to go to the hospital.

"So Pinkie, how's Braeburn doing?"

"Oh he's doing just great! He'll be out just in time for the wedding, isn't that just super duper? I'm feeding him lotsa cakes and candies and pies!" The pink mare had regained her usual mannerisms as she was no longer feeling guilty about paralyzing her special somepony.

"You know, he'd heal a lot faster if you gave him some leafy greens, and some fruit and dairy too. Lots of iron and calcium." Shade tried convincing.

"Oh silly, he get's enough of that from the hospital, he'll be out in no time. It's weird though, I wonder why I didn't end up in the hospital too. I guess it's just cause I'm bouncy!" She said, bouncing on her head, using her puffed up mane as a trampoline.

"You know Pinkie, maybe YOU should eat some more vegetables too, it's a lot healthier than all that sugar." He suggested.

"Are you calling me FAT?!?!?!? You are aren't you! How dare you! Get out!" Pinkie began to yell, her mane becoming spiky.

"But I didn't say......"

"OUT!"

Nightshade quickly left the room, actually afraid of the pink ball of hyper that suddenly turned to rage.

"Oh no! I yelled at him. I shouldn't have done that. He was just trying to be helpful as always." Pinkie began to cry, Braeburn pulled her into a hug.

'I wonder where that came from.' Nightshade and Braeburn thought at the same time. Shade continued to walk through town, going to his various friends and having a look at them.

"Hey Spike, hey Firebolt, I trust you had a good time as well this season?"

"Sure did!" Said the mare, igniting into flame briefly as she bounced in the air like Pinkie.

"Dude, she's like a wildfire. We had to shelter in a cave or else we would have burned the forest down." Spike said, obviously satisfied with how things went.

"Well, I'm glad you two got together, you're perfect for each other, and not just cuz of the fire." He replied.

"You made quite a ruckus that one day with Dash. We could hear her all the way out in the forest. And the sonic rainboom, oooh the vibrations....." Firebolt closed her eyes remembering.

"Well, glad to see that you two are normal, something's up with Pinkie." He cut her off.

"Dude, it's PINKIE PIE. When is something not up with her?" Spike stated sarcastically.

"I guess you're right. Spike, grab Bolt, I'm headed to Applejacks, then finally Twilight's. You may as well come with, and I know how much she likes flying."

Spike grabbed Firebolt and held her against his stomach. She ignited at the excitement of being able to fly, and all three took off into the air.

"Heya AJ, how are you?" Shade asked.

"I'm doin pretty good. Me and lover boy here are just takin a break. Uuh, this ground is so sooooooft. I just wanna lie here and never get up." She replied.

"Aj, we got work ta do, member?" Big Mac gave her a gentle kick to get her up.

"Ow, hey! I'm gettin already! Geez. I swear Big Mac, I don't know what's goin on in yer head sometimes." The for some reason lazy farm pony snapped.

"I should get going back to school, them fillies and colts don't teach themselves." Soarin said flying off.

"That Soarin sure is good with the yunguns." Aj commented, before slowly walking out into the orchard. Nightshade, Spike, and Firebolt then headed to the library to see Twilight. On the way, they started talking.

"Okay, did anyone else think that was beyond weird?" Nightshade asked.

"Yep. A lazy Applejack? I wonder what the heck is wrong with her." Spike replied.

"You said Pinkie was acting different too right?" Firebolt questioned.

"Yeah, she seemed, well, she seemed fine at first, but then suddenly snapped when I told her she should eat stuff besides cake and ice cream. She thought I was calling her fat."

"That is weird. So we have a spazzy Pinkie Pie, and a lazy Applejack. What's next?" Spike wished he had never opened his mouth.

"Twilight! Oh, wow, look at this mess, books all over the place! I'll get started cleaning up. Wanna help Shade?" The dragon said on entering the library, looking like a tornado had been through it.

"Alright, I'll stack the books, you sort them and put them away. I don't know anything about the system in here, so I'll leave that to you." As they began putting the books away, Twilight walked over, and purposefully knocked them off their shelves.

"Oops." She said with a smirk.

"Hold on, I'll get them." Spike said desperately trying to clean up the mess, as he knew how obsessive the purple mare was.

"Pfft, don't bother. I like it much better this way." To which the trio of guests replied.

"WHAAAAAAT?"

"I need to make a good mess now and then. It's just so... liberating."

"Spike, Firebolt, if I can have a word with you?" Shade asked.

"Okay, Twilight is definitely not herself. She want's to make a mess? Fine. We'll bring to to Sweet Apple Acres where she can make all the mess she wants, digging up the dirt and planting apple seeds. There's no way the library can function like this, and you'll end up dying from overwork Spike. I'll knock her out and bring her there. Big Mac will probably be happy to have her around, and they could use the help since Aj is like that." They all agreed on the plan.

"Nighty night, Twilight."

After dropping her off with Mac, waking her up, and giving her instructions, Nightshade took Aj back to the library.

"Here's a nice quiet place for you to sleep Aj, you're probably just tired from working so much. It's not much, but nobody will interrupt you here. Spike, Firebolt, make sure she get's up to eat something at least. I'm gonna go deal with Pinkie Pie."

"Um, hi Pinkie?" He said cautiously.

"Oh hi Shady. I'm sorry I got mad at you before, I know you didn't mean anything by it." The pink pony replied.

"I'm so glad you're doing okay. Applejack and Twilight...... well, they're not acting like themselves. Twilight became messy, and Aj became lazy."

"Are you insulting my friends!?!?!?!" She began yelling again.

"No no no, not at all, I'm just worried about them. This isn't like them. They're acting different. YOU'RE acting different. You're normally happy as can be, but you snapped at me twice already today."

"Oh no. I'm so sorry. I've been a bad pony and a bad friend. I should just curl up in a ball and let nopony see me." She did just that.

"Hey now, I'm not mad, I'm just worried about all of you. I haven't seen any changes in Dash or Fluttershy, Spike, Firebolt, and Rarity are acting normal as well. I just want to figure out what's happening." He said, putting his hand on Pinkie's mane.

"You're sooo nice and.... even though I yelled." She sniffed.

"Hey, I know what'll cheer you up. Maybe you could think about the wedding party we're gonna have. You like parties right?" He said, desperate to make her stop crying.

"Of course I like parties dummy!" She said, her mane going back to normal again. "Ooh, I can't wait. All the decoration, and the rainbow butterfly theme, and the food, and the....."

"Okay Pinkie, I'm gonna go. Take care of Braeburn okay?"

Nightshade flew home, finding Dash and Fluttershy.

"Please tell me you two are normal." He said with pleading eyes.

"Of course we're normal. I just finished pulling off a wicked triple corkscrew, and Fluttershy is taking care of the baby bunnies. Why?" Rainbow asked.

"Thank goodness. Applejack suddenly went lazy, and is sleeping in the library. Twilight became obsessed with making messes, so she's helping out at the farm in place of Aj and Braeburn, and Pinkie, well, she's got mood swings. She went from happy to yelling to crying and back all in under a minute. Now I know she is random at times, but this is ridiculous, and it's a different kind of random. Rarity is fine though, same with Spike and Firebolt. I'm just glad you two are okay."

Shade breathed a sigh of relief. At least not everyone was going crazy. He flew back to the library to find that Spike and Firebolt had very carefully sorted and shelved all the errant books.

"Glad you got it all cleaned up. I had to go check on all the others. Sorry I couldn't help ya. Do you think you can take a letter to the princess for me? I could write it myself, but I know how much you like to do it." He teased his brother dragon. He knew Spike HATED writing, but it was a test to see if he was normal as well.

"Very funny, fine, I'll write it, but only because you're my brother."

Dear Princess Celestia

Today I learned that everyone has a bad day once in a while, and may start acting differently, but even so it's important to be there for them when they need them, even if they don't think they need you.

Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie have started acting strangely, With Twilight suddenly no longer caring about messes, and purposefully starting a few. Applejack has become exceedingly tired, and Pinkie Pie is having mood swings. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash however, are all fine. Firebolt, Spike, and myself are also normal. I am wondering what might be the cause of their behavioural change. If the bearers of the elements become ill, it represents a problem in security, as we are still unaware of the Discord situation. Please write back should any developments occur.

Sincerely, Nightshade.

"Okay, send it, and thanks again Spike." The dragon blew his green flames on the letter, which turned it to a wisp of smoke and carried it into the distance. After five minutes of idle chatter between the three, Spike suddenly burped up a letter.

Dear Nightshade,
Prepare for teleportation.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia.

No sooner did he read that did he mentally prepare himself, attempting to hold down his lunch against the yet to happen dizziness of a location change. A flash of light, and he found himself in the Canterlot throne room.

"Celestia, Luna, is it important? Have you found something?" He asked once his head stopped spinning.

"We are not sure. I believe it may be an attempt by Discord at destabilizing the element bearers. He's done such a thing before, and if that's the case, then it means he's preparing to make his move. As we cannot understand his motives, we brought you here for your input." Luna explained.

"Do you think it's him? We haven't found any signs of chaos, but he may just be going the subtle route, taking care of the threats first." Celestia asked.

"Well, it's too early to tell. The only way to know for sure is if all six of them start acting strange. I probably won't because I've got Nightmare's power to shield me from anything he might do, but if all of them do, then I can say with absolute certainty that it is him causing it. That's the problem, I can predict chaos, but only if I have enough information. I don't have enough. All I know is that if all six of the element bearers go bonkers, that it is definitely him. Right now, it may or may not be. He might think that simply getting half of them is enough. They haven't turned gray or anything, and they still have their element trait. Aj is still honest, Twilight is still magic, and Pinkie is still laughing, unless she's angry or crying, but still most of the time laughing." He explained.

"Well, then, it is your duty to keep track of them, and report any findings on their conditions to us. Do not fail us, Sir Nightshade. By the way, your stipend. I know you said you didn't want it, that you wanted to work for your bits, but as a knight of Equestria, you are working to preserve the peace." Celestia said, levitating a bag of the coins over to him.

"What have I done to preserve the peace? I don't recall working." The winged human asked.

"Oh? Assisting the royal family in dealing with their personal problems before they affected the general populous, despite your qualms about it due to the nature of the issue? You did us a great service, and have earned it." Luna replied with a sultry smirk. He took the bag while thinking something along the lines of 'Great, I'm the royal prostitute now', gave a bow, then left.

Meanwhile

"Aha, here it is. Think you can hide from me? Clever, but I'm more clever...er. Just a sec, ah, yes, there it is. Now get in here, I don't want you messing things up." Discord laughed as he teleported away.

"Hmm, here looks like a nice spot. I think I'll make this cave my base of operations. It's spacious, perfect for my needs. Now I just need a sofa and a spy glass so I can watch the mayhem." He conjured a large couch, then proceeded to bring up a large crystal. He checked on the six, and had a look of surprise.

"Twilight making a mess? But she's always so uptight. A single speck of dirt makes her cringe! Applejack sleeping on the job? Pinkie Pie, ah, my dear Pinkie Pie..."

"I'm GONNA KICK YOUR FLANK DISCORD!" Pinkie yelled, looking off at nowhere. Braeburn was starting to have second thoughts. Perhaps Pinkie did need to be in a hospital, but not for any injury or illness.

"Euugh, okay, that's no good." He shuddered as he turned off his looking glass. The loud yell from the perilously precarious pink party pony echoed through the cavern. Suddenly, the draconnequuis heard a very loud growl behind him.

"Uh oh."

Wedding Crashers (24)

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Wedding Crashers

"Hey Shy, hey Dash, how's it going? Only two weeks left! Are you excited? I'm excited."

"Are you okay Shady? You're acting a little like Pinkie Pie." Dash asked.

"It's just I haven't been this happy since I got out of that rock. We're getting married in two weeks! Can you believe it?" He replied.

"I know! Who would of thought that me and Fluttershy would be settling down, and with the same guy!" She replied.

"I don't think it's settling down Rainbow, because we're still going to do fun things, just, together now." Fluttershy responded.

"Darn right. I was thinking, maybe, after the wedding, we could go to that field on the other side of the world and have a picnic. I'd have to carry Fluttershy though. In fact, I could probably carry both of you there, and you could hold the food and stuff." Fluttershy began bouncing excitedly, which was quite frankly strange behaviour for her. Then again, she had been steadily opening up, becoming less shy, and more assertive, and happy, for a while now, so it wasn't surprising.

"Can we Dash? I mean, I know it's kind of a special spot for the two of you......." She asked.

"Of course we can, remember, I'm marrying both of you, and you're marrying him AND me. We'll share everything. Besides, you'll really like it. It's just, so peaceful. It makes you want to lay there and just soak up the sun, covered by hundreds of butterflies, the sound of the creek, the tall grass. It's just..... nice." Rainbow said. Nightshade looked at her and raised an eyebrow. It wasn't definite, but they were both starting to act a little strange. Then again, they had been starting to go this way for a while now. Maybe their personalities were just.... balancing out?

"Well Rarity, I don't know, at least you're acting normal." Nightshade said.

"Dear, are you sure you're no just nervous about getting married? Oh, what's the term you used... cold feet? while I do agree that Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack's behaviours have definitely changed, Applejack's I chalk up to working too hard. She really does work herself to the bone. Pinkie is well, she's as random as it gets, so it shouldn't really be surprising. She might just be sore after that dreadful two weeks. I truly feel sorry for Braeburn, trying to keep up with her. As for Twilight, I'm not sure. Perhaps it's Macintosh's personality rubbing off on her? She doesn't worry about a thing now that he's around, and maybe she's trying to express herself?" Rarity had several good points. She may be all high class and fashion, but she has a good head on her shoulders. Comes from being a business pony. She knows what's what. Still, it sounded like she was just making excuses.

"Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have been slowly and steadily heading that way for years now, and are still working out the..... kinks.... in their personalities. They've finally stopped being fillies, and are full grown mares. Of course they're going to start slowing down, becoming more mellowed out." She explained.

"True enough. Thank's Rarity. By the way, how are things working out with Blueblood?"

"Well, he's not a romantic interest. He's a friend now, a good friend, but he's not what I'm looking for in a life partner. I kind of wish I had given Spike more of a chance, but as always, you're right. I only want what I can't have." She said with a sigh.

"Don't worry about it, you'll find somepony perfect for you. You just need to look around a bit more. Maybe, travel a bit? You certainly aren't going to find the man.... stallion, of your dreams just sitting around in Ponyville. Then again, have you really looked? I mean, Dr. Clockwork is nice, albeit a bit eccentric, but always a snappy dresser. He's refined, and takes his work seriously." He suggested.

"Are you trying to set me up with him?" Rarity raised an eyebrow at her human friend.

"Well, just maybe he happened to mention that he might possibly think he likes you." He paused. "You didn't hear it from me!"

"Well, maybe I should look into it. After all, I haven't actually looked around. I was kind of hoping my prince charming would fall into my lap. Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should take looking for a partner more seriously. By the way, would you like to see your suit?" She was attempting to change the subject. He let it slide. After making sure it fit properly, he headed back to the cottage to find Rainbow Dash laying on the floor, snuggling the four baby bunnies, with Angel and Valentine standing on Tank's shell.

"Well, hey Rainbow, what'cha doin?" Shade asked.

"Well, Fluttershy is going a bit loopy right now. Can you believe it? She's trying aerial tricks. I have to say, she's pretty graceful. I'm just watching the bunnies while she does it. I have to say, they are pretty cute. Not as awesome as you though Tank, you don't have to worry about getting replaced." She explained.

"Uh oh. I better go find her."

"Hey Shady! Look what I can do!" Fluttershy said, doing a triple backflip.

"Woohoohooo!" She said, not in her soft 'woohoo, did my cheering do that?' voice, but in a full blown, actual cheer.

"Impressive. Did Dash teach you that?" He asked.

"Yep! I may not be as fast, but I'm a lot more graceful! Oh hey! Can we go really really really fast? I wanna break the sound barrier again! Pretty please?" The normally timid and shy pegasus was as hyper as Pinkie Pie, and started talking like she usually did. He agreed, and they took off towards Manehatten, leaving a black and pink trail behind them.

"Ooh! The big city, I haven't been here in a long time! Want to go shopping?" She asked.

"Sure we can go shopping, but, I have a question. Are you feeling okay? You seem a little, different. More, happy? I mean, it's not a bad thing. I like to see you happy. But remember when I first got out, and I was abnormally happy, and you were worried about me? It's kind of the same." He asked nervously.

"Of course I'm alright! I'm better than alright! I'm having a great time! I'm super duper looper!" The fact that she was now using Pinkie Pie's mannerisms, (ponyrisms?) was a little unnerving, but if she said everything was okay, then everything was okay. They went shopping for a bit, but didn't buy anything. Fluttershy was pouting like an anime teenager because she didn't see anything she liked. He brought her home to find Rainbow snoozing on the couch with Valentine and the four baby bunnies held tightly under her left wing. Angel patted the cyan mare gently on the head, brushing her mane. When he saw Fluttershy come in, he was pleasant, until Shade left. Then he bopped Fluttershy upside the head, and acted out,

'What's the matter with you girl? You've been wonky all day!'

"I guess I'm just excited to be getting married. My heart's all a flutter!" She squeaked in joy. Angel wasn't buying it.

"Okay, fine, if two weeks after the wedding, I still haven't calmed down, I'll go to the doctor to see what's up, okay?" Angel nodded in approval, then proceeded to scarf down a glazed carrot.

"Welp, today's the day! I'm getting married!" Nightshade said with a slight eye twitch.

"Nervous?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, not at all. I'm only marrying the two loves of my life, and I don't want anything to go wrong. Applejack will fall asleep during the ceremony, so that's not too bad, and Soarin is looking out for her. Pinkie Pie will probably say 'I OBJECT!' when we reach the 'Speak now or forever hold your piece' part, and Twilight is liable to start throwing pies at the reception. Everything is just peachy! Oh, and Celestia is the one who's marrying us, so it's not like it's a big deal. I can't remember my speech which I spent hours preparing. Then there's Discord, who I'm praying to whoever ponies pray to that he doesn't show up, my feathers are all out of order, and I'm ready to just rip them all out so they'll lay flat!"

"Sarcasm is not flattering on you...." Rarity said with a scowl.

"Sorry, it's just..." He was cut off.

"It's the biggest night of your life, and countless things could go wrong? I've been to plenty of weddings, and I've seen it all. Well, maybe not all of it. If Discord shows up, you'll just kick him into next month like last time. Both the princesses, and we six bearers of harmony, while still in possession of our harmony trait, plus you. Braeburn is out of the hospital, and has been having a difficult time stopping Pinkie from eating dirt along with the grass, but he's managed to keep her under some degree of control. Big Mac will keep Twilight in line. We're all looking out for you. Just in case, I had Lyra memorize your lines. So just do that psychic thing and let her walk you through it. You'll be FINE. Your feathers are all ruffled because you can't settle down. Now take a deep breath, and let me cut that disobedient hair of yours."

"Thanks Rarity, I'd be totally lost today if it weren't for you. I just can't shake the feeling in the pit of my stomach that something is going to go wrong."

"My dear little ponies, we are gathered here today to bind these three forever in marriage, if any wish to object to their union, speak now, or remain forever silent in your denial of their bond. Pinkie was struggling to speak, but Braeburn had his hoof in her mouth, which she was chewing on.

"Then let the ceremony begin." Celestia motioned to Nightshade, wearing a tuxedo.

"Fluttershy, you are kind, caring, and beautiful. I lived in constant pain, and you were the one to share my burden. You took me in when I had nowhere to go. You gave me back my life, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Shade then turned to Dash.

"Rainbow Dash, you are brave, loyal, and fierce. When I was weak, you protected me, and you helped me to become strong. You lifted me when I was too weak to stand on my own. You challenged me to become a better person, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Celestia then turned to Rainbow Dash, wearing a faded multicolour dress, like a wedding dress, but with rainbow undertones.

"Nightshade, you are so strong, and challenged me to become the best I can be. You made me fly higher and faster, and yet, you were always there to catch me when I fell. You gave me my dream, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Dash said, before turning to Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, you are my oldest and best friend. We have always been together. When I flew, I flew for you. When I fought, I fought for you. I lived my life to help you in your time of need, but when I crashed, when I fell, when I was in pain, you were the one to come to me. You treated my wounds, your tender words washing away the harshness of the world, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Finally, Celestia turned to Fluttershy, wearing a leaf green dress, much like her gala dress, but done wedding style.

"Rainbow Dash, you have been my friend for my entire life, when I was down, it was you who cheered me, when I was scared, you protected me. You have always been there for me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Finally, Fluttershy turned to Nightshade.

"When we first met, I was filled with fear. I would shy away from danger, from friends, from anything unknown. You showed me the wonders of the world. You made me confident, and made me feel safe. While I was kind to others, you were the one who showed kindness to me. You gave everything for me, for us. Now that you've been given your life back, I would be honoured to spend the rest of my life, with you." The three looked deeply into each other's eyes.

"As the godess of night, and matron of the love that blooms under the stars, I know that the words they speak are the truth. I hereby entwine the fates of these three to each other, that they may forever live in love and harmony. You may now seal your union with a kiss." Luna spoke. Normally, weddings were done by an official marriage counselor, but given who was getting married, the princesses themselves decided to do the honours. The trio kissed, all at once. Cameras flashed, Pinkie began crying in happiness into Braeburn, and Applejack woke up, gave a few stomps in approval, then fell back asleep.

"The ceremony is complete." Celestia boomed, grabbing the attention of all present. "Now, without further adieu, let's PARTY!"

Nightshade, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash smiled. They were married. This was the beginning of their new lives together. They went to the reception, which was in a clearing in the Everfree. It had been prepared before hand to be protected from monsters, and every guest wore a flower from the wolf tree. The normally dank and dreary forest seemed to come alive with light, being blessed by both the royal sisters, as well as the love of the newlyweds. Many photographs were taken, which Fluttershy seemed to dislike.

'Well, at least that's normal.' Shade thought. 'Nothing went wrong, everyone is behaving themselves. Maybe this feeling in my gut is nothing....'

"Why hello there everypony! You're dashing and handsome hero has arrived, to rescue you from the thralls of boredom!" A very familiar voice spoke.

"Discord, you've resorted to being a wedding crasher? Show some class." Celestia spat.

"Wedding? What wedding? Did somepony get married?" The confused serpent asked. Everyone present just face hoofed and pointed at the newly weds.

"You three? My beloved little chaotic creation and two of the elements of harmony? Oh happy day! Finally settling down. Wait, that's not good. Finally getting riled up I see? So, are those two any good in bed? Also, I can't help but notice that I didn't get an invitation....." Discord said in a dark and sinister tone. Everypony present looked nervous, but Nightshade rolled with it.

"Ah, well, when you go into hiding and don't tell anyone where you are, things like that tend to just get lost in the mail.........." He replied in an equally serious tone. Celestia asked him about it in his head, to which he replied, 'Let's not piss him off till we've found out what he wants.' The tension between the two was so thick you could cut it, everyone waiting for the conflict that would inevitably break out.

'Not good, there's a whole bunch of bystanders, and I really don't want to do this on my wedding day.'

"So, Discord. enjoying the party? I hope there's no hard feelings about me beating the snot out of you before. Nightmare just puts everyone in a bad mood I suspect."

"Yes, that must be it. While it could have been a powerful ally for me, it's always just such a downer. I'm actually glad it's gone." They both laughed weakly while looking at each other, but at the same time avoiding eye contact.

"Well dad, I'm gonna go talk to my wives, I know a certain two lovely mares who just can't wait to see you again after all this time!" Discord laughed a little at being called 'dad', although, given their relationship, it was technically true. Nightshade forcefully directed the draconnequuis into a seat between Celestia and Luna, mind speaking 'Keep an eye on him.'

"Ahem, Discord?" Celestia asked.

"Oh my dear Celestia, it's been too long, have you gained weight?" Discord mocked. He was clearly in a good mood.

"Just what is it that you're after?" Luna asked in a serious tone.

"Well, Luny, when you're dear sister boomed 'THE CEREMONY IS COMPLETE!' I woke up from a nice nap, and decided to see what the ruckus was, maybe begin the reign of chaos, have a bit of fun. Then I saw such delightful decorations, and decided, 'Ehh, the end of the world as you know it can wait, let the love birds have some fun.' And so, now I'm here."

"What did you do to the element bearers Discord!" Celestia said, not yelling to disturb the event, but loud enough for him to know she was serious.

"Why, I've done nothing. I noticed that they were a little off, and I was actually hoping you'd tell me, that way I don't recreate the event at some point. Being unoriginal is extremely boring." He explained. Nightshade, who had been in a mental connection with the princesses at the time, while talking with the mane six, spoke to Celestia and Luna's minds.

"Pfft. Hipster." Then in the voice of an old man. "I was spreading chaos BEFORE it was cool." Celestia giggled at the image in her mind of a grumpy old Discord, waving his cane at kids, telling them to get off his lawn, and Luna laughed aloud.

"You find something I say funny?" The spirit of chaos asked, genuinely intrigued as to what they could be laughing at, hoping desperately it was him.

"Us, no, him, yes." Luna said, pointing at the equestrian knight. "I have to say, he has a much better sense of humor. Can you believe there's an entire group of humans called trolls, who do nothing but play tricks on others? Not just any old pranks, classy tricks. Dear sister has taken to it quite fondly."

"Really now? I wouldn't have thought that old stick in the mud Celestia would be in to pranking. Well well well, you learn something new everyday don't you? Also, talking with somepony who's not here is very rude you know." Discord scoffed as Celestia shot Luna a death glare, to which she replied, 'Just trying to stop things from being awkward. The more we can get out of him, the better.' Truth was, Luna just wanted to embarrass her.

"Well then Discord, perhaps I should be here." Shade said, flying upside down above the spirit of disharmony, much the way he himself would talk to others. "I have to say, Pinkie out did herself, the cake is delicious. Try some!" He said, driving a slice of rainbow cake with butterfly icing into his face, smearing it all over his head.

"I do hope you'll behave today. This is a happy occasion, and I wouldn't want anything to ruin it." Shade spoke, his tongue dripping in the venom of his speech, before returning to a chipper mood and heading off to the stage. Spike joined him, and the pair of blood brothers began to sing to their respective mares.

"Karaoke. Vinyl! Hit it!"

Ain't easy bein this kinda lover when you never call my way.
Ain't easy bein this kinda lover, won't you ever call my way?

Well, I'm dedicated, yes I'm a forgiver,
I'm dedicated, sure I'm a giver,
I'm dedicated YES I'ma a forgiver,
I'll forgive you al-ways

Although I know you turn it on yeah! (turn it on)
Although I know you turn it on yeah! (turn it on)
Although I know you turn it on yeah! (turn it on)
Although I know you turn it on yeah,
TURN IT ON!

You don't wanna know how I manage alone oh no
You don't wanna know what goes on on my own oh no
You don't wanna know how I plan on my own oh no
You don't wanna know how I know when you're on your own

I'll never be alone yeah! (turn it on)
You know I'd follow you to Rome yeah! (turn it on)
I know the places you call home yeah! (turn it on)
You know I'll get you on your own yeah,
TURN IT ON!

You know I know where you are
You know I know where you are
You know,
I can't have another (you turn it on)
I can't stop thinking of you (you turn it on)
If I can't have you then nobody can

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,
You Turn it On (you turn it on)
You Turn it On (you turn it on)
You Turn it On (you turn it on)

You know you turn it on yeah
TURN IT ON!

The human dragon duo sang quite well.

Several other songs played, they narrowly avoided a food fight caused by Twilight magically flinging various pies, and Applejack actually woke up and had a good time. Pinkie started her mood swings, but the fact that she was at a party kept her in check, as she still loved parties, and it was impossible for her to be angry or cry at one.

"You know Discord, this kind of chaos, is actually.... fun? If you were like this instead of trying to bring about the apocalypse, things would probably go better for everypony. We wouldn't have to worry about you ending the world, and you could still have fun. Controlled chaos perhaps?" Celestia said.

"Ah, but my dear, the whole point is being out of control, I'm not trying to bring about the end of the world, if it just so happens to be caused by my fun, then so be it. After all, if everything is destroyed, then there's nopony left to prank, but at the same time, then there would be room to make something new." Discord replied.

"What about my world? You made an entirely new species, all throwing around their own brand of chaos. Couldn't you just find some empty dimension, fill it with all your..... wonderful..... chaos and creativity, then move on to another, once in a while, taking the time to stop and watch it all play out?" Shade suggested.

"Well, I have thought about it, but I decided that I have to be done with this one first before I move on. After all, it takes a great deal of effort to make, so why not just spread disharmony on a premade world? I mean, making new worlds, I haven't done that in a long time. That's what all the other Draconnequuis do. You might say I'm a little different." Discord replied.

"So basically, you're lazy." Shade spat.

"Yep, oh, and just because we had fun at this party, doesn't mean we're all going to be buddy buddy from now on. I'm still gonna kill the sisters, and since you're sworn to protect them, and those elements of harmony everypony is so fond of, I'll have to do away with you too. Since you DID just get married, I'll wait three months before I come back. Enjoy them, because after that, you'll be meeting Aurora, and I'll be free to spread my chaos once again." Discord said.

"And I'll be waiting, ready to kick your ass. Three months until the end of the world huh? Nah. Not gonna happen. There have been countless 'end of the world' nutjobs, all of them were wrong. Then again, they didn't have the power to make it happen, and nobody had the power to stop it if it did. That's where the situation differs. I don't know how tough you are, but when we met the last time, I was playing with you. This time, I'll be trying to finish it, and I won't be alone."

With that, Discord poofed away. Celestia and Luna looked worried, and Nightshade looked confident. He explained to the element bearers what was going on.

"Well, we shall defeat that uncouth ruffian once and for all when he returns. I for one, will be glad to have him out of my mane." Rarity said.

"Mmh hmm." Applejack replied lazily, awake and aware of what was happening, but too tired to care at the moment.

"Soarin you really ought to get her some coffee, or a salt lick, or something. If Discord isn't doing it, then I wonder what's causing it?" Shade asked.

"Who cares? We'll kick his flank either way, now that we've got you Shady." Rainbow boasted.

"You know it!" Fluttershy said excitedly.

"The not so great and powerful me would be glad to help." Trixie spoke up. "After all, I owe you all a debt of gratitude."

"I'm gonna mess him up REAL good." Twilight said, her horn smoldering slightly.

"When I'm done with him, I won't be throwing a party, I'll be throwing a funeral..... THEN a party!" Pinkie yelled.

"Is it just me, or did Pinkie get..... scary?"

Sorry it took so long, but this chapter was long, and I had to write Discord. I really wanted it to be good, but it feels like something is missing. If you spot it, please tell me so I can fix it mmmkay? By the way, the song is Turn it on, by Franz Ferdinand. He has good music, go have a listen!

Future (25)

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Future

"That was so beautiful! I'm glad you brought me." Fluttershy said after she, Shade, and Dash got back from the other side of the world.

"I'm glad, we thought you'd like it." Dash replied.

"Well, we've been gone for a week, we probably have a lot to catch up on. I hope Pinkie, Aj, and Twilight are back to normal.

Making his rounds, Nightshade found Applejack was back at the farm, red faced, bucking trees so hard they creaked.

"Umm, AJ? You okay?" He asked warily.

"Sure as sugar I'm okay. I been slacking off and I gotta make up for it! First apple harvest is up, and I got lots a work to do!" The orange earth pony replied.

"Well, it's just, you're bucking those apple trees awfully hard, I think you broke a couple of them. Let me help."

"NO! I mean, I can take care of it all on mah own thank you."

'First she's narcoleptic, and now she's got more energy than Pinkie Pie, what the heck? Speaking of Pinkie.'

"Oh hello Nightshade, care for some tea?" The pink mare asked when he arrived at her house.

"Um, Pinkie? Since when do you drink tea? And, is that non sugar coated food you're eating?" The human asked.

"Of course. I remember you said I should really start taking care of myself, and well, I was feeling a bit off, and I noticed I was gaining weight, so I decided to start eating healthy. And this herbal tea is just so relaxing. It makes me all giggly. Thank you so much for suggesting a lifestyle change. They say too much of a good thing is bad, and I've been eating far too much cake." She replied.

"Well, okay. Just checking up on you. I'm glad you're eating healthy. I heard about a while ago you tried eating dirt, but I guess Braeburn sorted that out of ya."

"Oh, my shnuckems has been so helpful. Thanks for checking in, but I'm fine."

'Okay, that is definitely NOT Pinkie Pie. Since when has she ever been calm? At least she's not got mood swings anymore, and she's still happy and bubbly, just a calmer version.'

After checking on Rarity, who was still fine, and Twilight, who had gone crazy with organization and cleanliness, wearing herself out as she shuffled the books in her library once a day, as well as taking on as many projects as possible, it seemed like everyone had more or less gone back to normal, except a little more extreme version of normal.

"Alright, I know we just got married, but Discord gave us a 3 month timeline. There's no guarantee he'll keep it. I need to go to Canterlot and come up with something with the princesses. I'll be back in a week, I need to help prepare the defenses. Just, promise me you'll take care of yourselves and each other okay?" Shade instructed. The six ponies, as well as Trixie, and Derpy, who was also listening in for some reason, gave a salute. Spike would of course serve as the information system between the Capitol and Ponyville, relaying messages if something came up.

"Celestia, Luna, you saw the element bearers at my wedding. What's your take on their behaviour. They've gone back to normal, mostly, but they're still different than before, with the exception of Rarity and Rainbow Dash, who were fine. Rainbow's personality has changed, but it's been a stable change, which was going on ever since I showed up in this world. What do you think is happening with them?" Shade asked.

"Well, we cannot be certain, mostly because we've had very little experience with such a thing, but it is highly likely that the element bearers are pregnant."

"PREGNANT?!"

"Yes, the tiredness, mood swings, sudden personality changes which come and go, Pinkie Pie, who eats nothing but cake and pies suddenly begins gaining weight, when she never used to? It is very likely that they are with foal. I thought it was a possibility, but with Discord's disclaim of interference, and your own report, I believe it is most likely the case."

"Wait, Fluttershy as well? Then that means, if she's pregnant, Discord was telling the truth, and, I'll be a father. But wait, shouldn't Dash be pregnant too? I guess I'll just find out when I find out. until then, we've got to prepare."

"Oh my oh my, I want to fly! Ooh, I'm so excited. Why can't I calm down?" Fluttershy was running around her cottage without direction. Angel proceeded to toss his carrot at her, in order to get her attention. He pointed at the calender, two weeks after the wedding, then at her, then a medical kit on the table.

"Oh, alright. I'll go to the doctor to see what's wrong with me." She conceded, heading to Ponyville hospital. Angel then looked to Valentine, raising his eyebrows seductively. The baby bunnies had grown up to be able to take care of themselves, and the pair were empty nesters. Angel had been trying to get Fluttershy out of the house for a reason.

"Well miss Fluttershy, from the tests, we can only conclude that you and your foal are perfectly healthy, I don't see anything wrong." Nurse Redheart said.

"Wait, me AND my FOAL?!?!?!?!?" Her eyes went as wide as dinner platters and her pupils pinpricks.

"Ah, so you didn't know you were pregnant. Well, that explains why you're feeling different."

"Oh no oh no oh no oh no." She started getting nervous.

"It's alright Fluttershy, this is perfectly natural. Its a wonderful, beautiful thing. You're going to be a mother. I can understand why you're nervous. We need to get you started on prenatal vitamins right away, to give your baby the best start it can get."

"But, I CAN'T be! I don't understand! I need to go. I, um, thank you nurse Redheart, I'll, um, come back later. I need some air." She said as she flew away, as fast as she could, back to the house.

"Rainbow! Rainbow! Please, where are you! I need you!" She cried into the house, hoping her cyan friend would be home.

"Fluttershy, what is it? Are you okay?" The loyal pegasus asked.

"No, I'm NOT! I was feeling weird, so I went to the doctor, and it's impossible!"

"Whoa, the doctor? What's wrong?"

"The doctor is wrong! They have to be! They said I was pregnant!" She cried, scared.

"What? that's great news! You're going to be a mom! Have you thought of a name? Oh, do you know filly or colt?"

"NO! Why does everypony think this is a good thing? I can't be pregnant!" Fluttershy screamed.

"Why not?" Dash asked, genuinely confused.

"Because Shady's not a pony! He's a different species! Oh no, what if he thinks I cheated on him? What if he get's upset? Oh no!" She started freaking out.

"Wait, you don't know? I thought you knew! We all thought you knew! How could you not know? Wait, were you passed out at the time? That must be it!" Dash started rambling.

"Know what?" Fluttershy asked, confused.

"Shade IS a pony."

"What?"

"It was at the drinking contest. He told us that Discord explained his origin. Human's are earth ponies that got messed up by his chaos magic. Besides, you didn't cheat on him, and he loves you. He loves US. He wouldn't get upset. You must have been passed out when he told everypony. We all thought you knew. I'm sorry." Dash explained. Fluttershy just sat on the ground in shock.

"I, I'm pregnant?" She tried to come to terms with it.

"Yes, and our husband, Nightshade, is the father. Wait, am I pregnant too? What about Pinkie? And AJ, and Twilight? We all need to go get checked! This is wonderful! Come on, we need to spread the good news!" Just as Rainbow was about to fly away, she stopped.

"Wait, better idea. I think we should keep it a secret, just for now. We'll tell our friends, but we won't tell everypony just yet. And we won't tell Shady for a while. I'd rather see the look of shock on his face!" Dash suggested.

"Um, yeah. It's not for sure, um, we should make sure first." Shy said, still unsure.

"You two can do that? Geez, remind me never to piss you off. Okay, so, we've got the plan, I'll tell the rest when I head back in a week. For now, we need to train you two is close quarters combat. That power of yours will take time to set up, and it won't work if one of you gets taken out."

Nightshade spent the rest of the week training with Celestia and Luna, helping them learn to dodge and block, getting them back into shape for the fight with Discord. He didn't bother training with Black Law, it's main trait not being sword fighting, but magic negation. He didn't like to use it, it was an object of evil, making him feel terrible even touching it. It could stay in the safe in his basement for all eternity. After all, even if someone got it, he could just get it back whenever he wanted.

"I'm sorry Miss Dash."

"No! It's not fair! Why?"

"Most likely high level stress and g-forces on your underdeveloped body. You performed the rainboom when you were, 8 was it?"

"Yeah."

"That's far too much strain for a non mature body to take, I'm sorry. At the moment you preformed your first rainboom, while still underdeveloped, you were damaged beyond repair. There's nothing that can be done. I'm sorry." With the doctor's revelation, Rainbow Dash could do nothing but cry.

"They're wrong. I know they're wrong!" She yelled. "It's not fair....."

"Well, I'm back! You miss me?" Nightshade said as he walked into town. The first one he met was Rarity.

"Hello. It's been a while, hasn't it? Oh, your weeding was so superb, all the high society. The princesses, prince Blueblood, they were all there. The dresses I made were the talk of Canterlot. Since there isn't much call for casual or party dresses, I've decided to convert Carousel Boutique into a wedding shop! I've got huge publicity from making all your clothes, as well as the attire for your wedding, now, everypony wants my dresses for their wedding!" The white unicorn cheered.

"Well, I'm glad. Any idea where the girls are at?" He asked.

"Ahh, yes, they're all at the library, you should go wait out front. They said something about having a surprise."

"I'm on my way!"

"Big Mac? Soarin? Braeburn? What are you guys doing here?" The winged human asked, spotting the three outside the library.

"Not sure, our mares just told us to meet them here, saying something about a surprise." The former Wonderbolt explained.

"Good, now that everypony is here, I'll tell them you're ready." Rarity said, heading inside the library. She lead Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Twilight out of the tree. Rainbow and Rarity flew to beside the stallions, while the rest lined up in front.

"Ready?" Rarity said softly. The four ponies all took a deep breath, shouting.

"WE'RE PREGNANT!"

Soarin and Braeburn fell over onto their backs, while Big Mac's legs popped out from under him. Nightshade just stood there.

"Well Pinkie, I can't say I'm surprised. I mean, considering how you rode Braeburn, I'd be more surprised if you weren't." Shade said, looking at the smiling pink mare.

"Twilight, I thought you said you spent the whole two weeks cuddling." He said sarcastically.

"Hey, I'm the element of magic. Applejack is the element of honesty." She shot back.

"Oh, I know you were lying, it's just more fun to make you THINK we bought it." He replied, she shrunk.

"Well, I guess that explains why you were exhausted. Doing strenuous stuff will be bad, so I'll be taking over your job on the farm NO BUTS. You take care of yourself. You are NOT allowed to go applebucking." He said sternly before the orange earth pony could object.

"Fluttershy." She had a look of horror in her eyes, shrinking under his gaze. She let out a surprised *eep* when he bent lower and hugged her.

"I'm so happy. You're going to be a mother, I'm going to be a father. WE are going to be parents." He ran his hand over her stomach, feeling the ever so faint second life hiding under her own, kissing her on the neck at the same time, making her blush.

"I thought you would be upset." She said nervously.

"Why would I be upset. I love you and Dash more than anything in the world, and now, we're going to be parents."

"No. You and Fluttershy will be parents, not me." Dash said upset. Shade let go of the yellow pegasus and grabbed the blue one.

"Hey, just because you're not pregnant doesn't mean anything, what do you say we have another try at it?" He suggested.

"Yeah, let's do that. Are you all going to be okay?"

"Yeah, we need to go get started on pregnancy stuff. Nurse Redheart is going to go over it with us, have some parenting classes." Twilight said.

"Alright you stud, let's head home and get started!" Dash said as she dragged Shade towards the house.

Oh no! Dashie was all upset. Can you guess why? I think I made it pretty obvious. I also think she's in denial. I'm releasing this chapter today, because again, it's been far too long since I've done one. Anything after will be for my birthday. Right now I've got three Griffin chapters held, and I've half written another Summoned chapter.

Worth (26)

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Worth

One month passes, while the four pregnant ponies continue to develop, With Nightshade picking up the slack, helping at the bakery in place of Pinkie, and on the farm in place of AJ. Twilight was still able to perform her tasks at the library, although, now knowing what was causing her behavioural changes, she kept them in control, and Fluttershy still able to care for the animals. Rainbow and Nightshade frequently attempted to get pregnant over the course of the month, as well as all of them preparing for the showdown with Discord in a month.

"Hey, I'm home!" Nightshade called out as he went inside, finding Fluttershy, happily cleaning the house.

"Hi handsome." She said, flying up to him and snuggling into his feathers.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Just peachy, but Dash is acting weird. I tried asking her, but she won't say anything. I'm worried." She replied.

"I'll go talk to her, where is she?"

"She's in the cottage with the bunnies."

"Please come with, just wait outside though right yet. I have a feeling I'll need you there, but she might not open up unless it's just me.

"Oh, you're a cutie wooty snuggy wuggy bunny aren't you? Yes you are! Oh, and so are you, and you, and you!" Rainbow was cuddling Angel and Valentine's four children, acting very strangely.

"Hey, Rainbow? Can I talk to you about something?" Shade asked warily.

"Yeah, sure." She said in a tone that said 'I don't care', very different from the loving tone she used with the rabbits.

"What is this all about? I mean, you seemed almost upset when Fluttershy told me she was pregnant, then you went crazy trying to get pregnant yourself, then you suddenly just gave up trying, and now you're playing mommy to a bunch of bunnies. I'm worried about you. Don't lie, I know something is bothering you. Remember? We promised to share everything between us, no secrets. Please tell me." He said in as soft and caring of a voice as possible. She looked up at him with her magenta eyes quivering, tears forming in their lower lids.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash jumped into Nightshade's arms, putting her head into his chest, crying. they just sat there for a moment, her bawling, and him running his fingers through her mane.

"I can't." She finally said.

"You can tell me anything." He replied.

"No, what I'm telling you is I can't."

"Can't what?" He was confused.

"I, I went to the doctor a month ago. I was so happy, all my friends, except Rarity, are with foal. I thought for sure I would be too, and....." She stammered, trailing off.

"It's alright, tell me." She closed her eyes, the red of her crying making a stark contrast against the blue.

"I'm infertile." She choked. He couldn't quite hear her. He could hear Fluttershy when she whispered, and he couldn't hear Dash.

"I couldn't hear you. It's okay, you can say it. I'm here. It'll be alright." He said patting her head. She simply fell into his lap.

"My first sonic rainboom, I was only 8 years old. I was so proud, because of it, me and all my future friends got their cutie marks. It gave us an unbreakable bond, letting us wield the elements of harmony together to save the world, but, I was too young. Flying that fast, having that many g-forces, did a number on me. I had microfractures and tiny muscle tears. I didn't need medical treatment, just a week off my hooves to recover. It doesn't cause damage anymore, because I'm full grown, but back then, back then......" She stopped to take several deep breaths, she no longer cried, because she had already gotten rid of all her tears.

"I was too young, my bones and muscles were under developed, and they healed, but my organs took damage too. They all repaired, even my brain is fine since it was still growing, but, the doc said the eggs are shredded. There's a chance one or two of them are okay, but even if we do it every day, It's pretty much hopeless. I can never have a foal. I'm worthless!" She cried.

"Whoa, hey now. Someone's worth goes way beyond if they can have kids or not. You're the fastest flier in Equestria, a national hero, a good friend and a wonderful wife. You have so many who care about you. How can you say you're worthless?" He cooed soothingly.

"I will never have a child. I will never make new life. I want to be a mother! I want to have a baby grow, I want to raise them and give them a good life! I want them to look up and say, 'My mom is so cool!' And it'll never happen." She just put her head down, laying there, moping. Angel, Valentine, and their four kids hopped up and snuggled next to the depressed pegasus pony, trying to make her feel better, as Shade stroked her mane. Fluttershy, having heard the whole thing, came in.

"You know Rainbow, just because you can't be a mother, doesn't mean you can't be a mom." She said. When Dash looked up, she saw her yellow friend pointing at her own stomach.

"I know, but, it just wouldn't be the same. How can I take being a mom away from you so I can be one? That's just selfish."

"Well, nothing is for sure. There's still a chance for a miracle you know. Miracles happen you know. You think Twilight knows a spell for fertility? Or Zecora a potion?" Shade asked.

"You're just grasping at straws now." Rainbow deadpanned.

"Well, I mean, It's upsetting you. I want to see you happy" He replied.

"Maybe you could use your powers to fix it?" Fluttershy suggested.

"I already thought of that. If the cells got shredded that long ago, they'd have been reabsorbed by her body already. I can only repair damaged ones, and speed up the creation of new ones. With this, there's a certain number at the start, and that's all you get. There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry." He explained.

"It, it's okay. I mean, I'm still awesome, even if I can't get pregnant." She tried puffing up her ego.

"That's right, and don't you DARE forget it Rainbow Dash! Besides, you already WERE a mom. You raised Scoots for two years remember? She saw you as her mother as much as anyone."

Bringing up Scootaloo, thinking back on all the fun times they had together, the sky writing business, getting in the Wonderbolts, it brought a smile to her face.

"It's almost been a year now. In fact, the anniversary is set for the day of Discord's return." Rainbow said, not frowning.

"It's weird. Events in Equestria just, line up for some reason. I was turned to stone on my birthday, and Discord will be back on the very day Scoots passed. It's almost like someone is setting these things up."

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

BlackWing: *Shudder* Did any of you just feel that? No? Damn, I need a coffee. Let's skip ahead a month while I drink it.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The final month before Discord's deadline, everyone was on edge. The princesses spent every moment preparing the citizens of Equestria, developing a system to deal with chaos as it occurred, while alerting the royal sisters of it, and sending communication to Ponyville. Surprisinh enough, Prince Blueblood was heading up the operation.

"Well, my special talent IS strategy." The prince said, turning to the side to show off his rose compass cutie mark.

"As soon as that old drake shows up, we'll give him the what for! I've sat on my flank my whole life, and I'm finally going to take a stand for something! I will give you my full support in handling the situation as it arises." The prince spoke with conviction, he was dead serious about making sure Discord got trounced while Equestria remained untouched.

"As will I. You changed my life, making me a better pony then I ever could have been. I'll be heading up the Trottingham defense." Trixie said.

"As will I." Nightshade heard a voice he hoped never to hear again. A voice he hadn't heard in years. A voice he hated.

"Gilda. When did you get out of prison?" He said with spite, glaring at the griffin, who wore a large black great sword across her back.

"About a year and a half ago. I, I'm sorry okay? I went through some therapy and found out why I'm so angry all the time, and how to deal with it." She said sullenly.

"We don't need your help." He spat. She just looked down.

"Now, Sir Nightshade, Gilda here is one of our connections with the Griffin nation, they have offered to help keep tabs on the situation, as Discord is just as much a threat to them as they are to us. She was released following her recovery and resocialization, and graciously offered to assist during this time." Celestia said with a scowl. She knew that there was bad blood between them, but this was a time they needed to come together, not divide themselves because of petty differences. Throwing his title at him was a way to keep him in line. After all, he had sworn to protect Equestria, and putting up with a bitchy griffin was just another part of that.

"Fine, but I still haven't forgiven you for what you pulled." He scowled.

"I know, and you probably never will."

"Don't forget about us!" Came a pair of voices from behind a griffin Shade recognized as the diplomat from his knighting.

"Switch? Scratch? Man, Am I glad to see the two of you little buggers. What's happening?"

"We're envoys! The youngest ever! Pops said we came back good since last time and decided we should spend a bit more time here, helping out during the crisis in any way we can, even if it just bringing the control room their refreshments."

"Do not forget me." A voice boomed.

"I'm sorry, I don't think we've met." Shade replied, looking at a massive red dragon standing on the mountainside above Canterlot. (It's the same one from dragonshy)

"Nightshade, this is Nohvak, he has agreed to help us in this endeavor as well." Luna introduced them.

"As are we." Came a gravely but high voice, belonging to a diamond dog.

"I am Rover, we will be scouting the underground. As soon as the wretched draconnequuis appears, we will evacuate the ponies through underground tunnels."

"Well, I'll be. We've got ourselves quite a large network of scouts, evac teams, and fighters. Every pony with medical experience is in on it too. You come up with all this BB?" Everyone seemed a little surprised to hear the human speaking casually with Equestrian royalty, save for the griffin kids and the princesses themselves.

"BB?" The prince asked.

"You've earned a nickname from yours truly, not something given easily. Means I count you as a friend." He explained.

"Well, yes I did." Blueblood replied smugly. "When he shows up, he's definitely going to cause some destruction. Homes can be replaced, lives cannot. I will make absolutely sure that no matter what, there are no casualties. Griffins to guard the escape, dogs to guide them through the tunnels. Since he's targeting Auntie and Luna, he'll be coming here. We've got the entire colonized half of the planet covered, watching, waiting. As soon as Discord pops up, we'll let you know where, and so you can head him off."

"Listen, Ponies, Diamond Dogs, Griffins, Dragons, everyone. I'm glad we have your help on this. Discord is tough. I gave him kicks that could crush stone, and he brushed it off. I know he has something planned. Don't fight him yourselves. Leave that to the princesses, myself, bearers of harmony, and Nohvak. Just focus on containing the devastation." Just as he finished, he heard a very familiar voice in his head.

"Don't forget about me." Everyone looked around to see where it was coming from, as they had heard it as well. Nightshade turned to find Lyra walk into the room, her eyes glowing softly.

"I'll be your personal coordinator Shade, keeping you up to date on everything, and watching over everything I can. I've made links with the leaders, so we can issue commands more effectively."

"Geez, when you said she had hidden psychic talent, you weren't kidding Celestia. Why's her cutie mark a Lyre? Shouldn't it be a brain or something?" Shade asked sarcastically.

"Just because I'm good at something, doesn't mean I like it." Lyra replied as her eyes stopped glowing. "Damn, that makes my head hurt." She said normally. "I'm finally going to make up for what I did before." Scratch brought her the pony version of a Tylenol, which she downed with haste.

"Thank's again everyone. I'm headed home now to fill the girls in. When the deadline is up in a week, we'll be ready. When Discord shows his ugly face, with whatever he has planned, he won't know what hit him."

Well, Dashie feels terrible. She doesn't actually think she's worthless, she's just not thinking straight because of grief. Yeah, I broke the fourth wall a bit, and coffee is damn good. I like the fancy brews. What? You thought I didn't have any class? Shame on you chaps. All his former allies, and even some former enemies, all of them raring to kick some twisted draconic ass. Gilda has a chemical imbalance in her brain, making her pissed off. She manages it with meds. Also, the sword she's packing IS the same one from Griffin the griffin, but the two story lines do not coincide, I just wanted to give it a cameo. Well, the final battle is coming up. Wonder what's gonna happen? You probably all know already, since you're freaking mind readers, but I'm going to have a twist ending anyway.

Attack (27)

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Attack

"Well, today's the day." Nightshade gulped nervously, standing atop a Canterlot balcony with the princesses. "Today's the day Discord said he'd be back. I hope we're ready."

"We will be fine, Sir Nightshade." Luna said, trying to calm his nerves, not letting on that she too was scared. He had been so full of confidence when they had fought the last time, and he was cheerful at the wedding, but now that it was a serious fight, and he had no idea what Discord had planned, it was eating him up inside. Seeing him in such a state also made the princesses wary, especially Celestia, who had seen first hand the horrors their ancient adversary was capable of. He didn't want anyone to get hurt. The quicker it was over, the better.

"Hello there everypony. Did you miss me?" Discord said as he appeared in a flash of light, wearing beach gear.

"I've had such a wonderful vacation, time to get this over with so I can get back to it."

"I have to say, I'm surprised Discord." Shade said.

"Oh, by what?" The draconnequuis asked.

"You said you were giving us three months, I didn't expect you to actually show up on time. I figured you'd either be early for the element of surprise, or wait a month or two, so constantly being on guard would wear down our resolve." Discord looked at the human for a moment, then stroked his beard in thought.

"Well horse feathers, why didn't I think of that?" Shade facepalmed.

"I thought it was pretty obvious. I can't believe you missed an opportunity to fool us all like that. You're slipping." Taunting is a very big part of combat, as it makes you lose your fear and take the edge off.

"And YOU'RE pissing me off." Discord scowled.

"I've thought up a little game. I call it Shady locks and the three bears. I have three ursa's, each near a major town. They're going to start wrecking everything, and you lot have to try and stop them, and me. Let's spin the wheel and find out the lucky cities. After all, Ursa sighting's are rare, and they'll never see one again." The meaning was clear. While Discord was normally mirthful, this time, he was murderous. Snapping his fingers, calling up a big wheel with a number of cities on them, he spun it.

"Trottingham? Ooh, good choice. I wonder if the Great and Powerful Trixie can vanquish an Ursa Major? I think you all know the answer."

Nightshade was about to move, but Lyra stopped him.

"Wait..... Nohvak is there. He's handling it. He has fought an Ursa before. The town is already beginning the evacuation. The Ursa is still outside, and he's holding it there. He seems confident.

"And next is...... Hoofton! Little backwater place like that will probably get wiped off the map. Oh well, it was practically falling apart anyway. Nothing lost there."

Shade felt his rage building.

"Joke's on him. Hoofton was evacuated already. They knew they were vulnerable, so they left by boat. They're laying over at the Zebrican isles. That calmed him down a bit.

"Finally, ooh, lucky for all of you! It's Canterlot!" Snapping his fingers again, the wheel of misfortune disappeared, and a massive Ursa took it's place just outside the city.

"Well, I'm headed to Ponyville to deal with the pesky elements. Have some fun with these little ponies would you?" He poked the ursa, which suddenly got a look of rage. It turned red, as if all the stars within began to supernova. It's spikes extended, and it slammed the ground, causing earthquakes that shook the city. In retrospect, building the capitol on the side of a mountain wasn't the best idea. Shade was about to take off when he felt Celestia's magic holding him back.

"No, trust in them. They can handle Discord. Just in case, we will be going too. You handle the ursa here, then head after us." With a flash of light, Celestia, Luna, Gilda, and a number of guards disappeared. With a roar, the Ursa sent trees flying, and began to lumber towards the city.

"Everyone! Evacuate to Stalliongrad! Follow the plan! Commanders, to the cave command center. I'll try and subdue it!" The winged human yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice. All the city heard him, and began doing as they were told.

"I wonder where that came from? I could never do the voice before."

"Injury reports coming in, Canterlot and Trottinghom, minor scratches and scrapes from the quakes, nothing serious. Damage reports, Hoofton is getting ripped up, it's a good thing there's nopony there. It can be rebuilt easily enough, as it has been destroyed several times in the past. Evac report, well underway. Affected area's are 35% finished clearing out. The shelters are beginning to fill, half of them are already at capacity. Lyra reported psychically.

"Have the diamond dogs dig out more space underground to hold them, and unicorns make supports for the cave systems." Blueblood commanded.

"Hoofton is lost, Zebrican vessels have began shelling the ursa in an attempt to drive it away from shore. Minimal effectiveness."

"Have the griffins chain it, try to bring it down. We don't want to kill them, just subdue them until Discord is taken care of."

"Nohvak is losing ground in Trottingham, he's slowly being pushed back. City is 50% evacuated. Casualty report, 14 dead, 20 injured. There was a cave in from all the shaking."

Prince Blueblood had a scowl on his face. In the short year he had spent traveling, doing charity and such, he had come to think of the population as Celestia had. They were HIS little ponies, and he had failed to protect 14 of them. He shook his head. 'There will be time for mourning after, right now I need to focus on preventing any more loss'.

"RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" The ursa roared, furious at the audacity of the small creature barring it's way. It had been pushed back several times from it's goal. It wanted nothing more than to rip the mountaintop castle right off and throw it into the ocean, but a small winged monkey was holding it back. As it's rage grew, so did it. It grabbed the obstruction in it's claw, and swallowed it. Since he was only holding it off while Canterlot evacuated, Nightshade couldn't fight it to his full potential. He wanted to get it further away from the city before he brought it down, hoping he wouldn't have to kill it, as it was simply being used by Discord. It wasn't the poor bear's fault.

"Hello you six, thought you'd never see me again?" discord laughed at the mane six.

"Never would be too soon Discord!" Twilight yelled.

"Oh ho! Somepony is awfully grumpy. Are you upset because you've all gotten fat?"

"Excuse me, I resent that." Rarity spoke up. "While the other's may have gained some weight during their pregnancy, myself and Rainbow Dash are still trim and fit."

"Pregnancy? Oh my, looks like several someones have been very naughty ponies." He was interupted by Pinkie Pie grabbing hold of his beard, and painfully ripping it off.

"YOU WANT NAUGHTY? I'LL SHOW YOU NAUGHTY!" She said as she bit the spirit of chaos, causing him to yelp in pain.

"Pinkie! The elements, remember?" Twilight scolded.

"Okie dokey lokie!" They all got into formation and were surrounded by a familiar light. A bright shining rainbow shot out of the group, striking Discord, who just yawned.

"Wait, what, huh, hold on a minute!" Twilight said after she picked herself back up. "Why didn't it work?"

"Oh, that would be because of this." Discord said nonchalantly, holding up a black sword with a slight curve, that seemed to drain the light from the area around it.

"That was hidden in Shady's basement! How'd you get it?" Pinkie demanded to know.

"Well, before Nightmare kicked the bucket, it told me where the sword was hidden. Then I teleported in, opened the safe using my wonderful safe cracking skills, put the sword in a sheathe to seal it's power temporarily, then teleported out. I drew it just now, making you waste your one shot with the elements." Discord explained.

"So that's what you were planning?" Twilight asked. "Now Shade will just take the sword from you. That was pointless."

"Aha, except that he doesn't know I have it!" He replied in a 'Na na na na boo boo' melody. "And as of right now, he's in the belly of an ursa, so I don't think him finding out will be a problem."

Fluttershy and Dash looked furious. There was no way they were going to let him get away with it. Shy flew up and gave him 'The Stare' while Dash prepared to do the 'Sonic Dive Bomb'. Discord looked unamused, simply catching them both, one in each claw.

"Well now, we can't have that can we? Those eyes are trouble, I'll have to take care of them right away. And those wings, yes, I think I like you better as an earth pony. No, I'm not just going to make them disappear, I think you all need to learn a lesson in humility. Hmm, yes, the eyes first." Making a cage pop up and throwing Dash into it, the spirit of disharmony tightened his grip around the yellow pegasus's neck, brought his eagle talon forth, preparing to pluck the sky blue orbs from their sockets.

"Gaaaah! What the hell!" Discord yelled as he found he was no longer holding Fluttershy. Looking at his lion's paw, he was shocked to see that it wasn't there. A griffin carrying a massive black sword was holding it, smirking.

"Geez, you lameo ponies can't do anything right can you?"

"G-g-g-g-g-g-g-GILDA?!?!?!?!" All of the six yelled in surprise.

"So what if I am? I got out about a year ago, and now I'm here to kick ass." She said with a proud smirk.

"You're annoying." Discord deadpanned, cutting the cocky griffin in half with his claw. Her eyes became pinpricks as she noticed she was missing her lower half, before they closed as she fell to the ground. Discord just took his missing limb and reattached it.

"GIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!" Rainbow shrieked from her cage, crying. While they did have a falling out, Gilda was still her oldest friend, and she wouldn't wish what she saw on anyone.

"Well, I guess I can't go around killing a pregnant pony, otherwise I won't have any little chaotic minions running around in the future, so I'll just settle for one of you, that way you can't use the elements again. Hmm,yes, you. You like that griffin so much, you can join her." He coldly walked over to Rainbow's cage, brandishing Black Law, ready to slice it, and her within, in half. Just as he swung, the blade disappeared, causing him to smack his hand on the cage.

"Ouch! What the?" The draconnequuis brought his hand to his head, feeling that both his horns had been cut off.

"Damn it! I don't have time to sit around, being eaten by a stupid nebula bear! I'm sorry, it's not your fault you're like this, but I'm going to have to kill you." At that point, even several miles away and inside the stomach of an ursa major, Nightshade heard a scream. One he recognized as belonging to Rainbow Dash.

"I hate using this thing, but I don't have any other choice." Calling Black Law to him, Shade swung the sword in a great upwards arc, letting out a deafening roar and flying up at the same time. He sliced the ursa in half, from it's stomach out the top of it's head. Black blood sprayed all over, soaking much of the now evacuated Canterlot. The bear fell forward, the two haves landing on either side of the mountain with a crash. The great capitol city of Canterlot came loose from it's foundation, sliding to the bottom of the mountain, and breaking in two. Nightshade didn't even see it. He was already gone.

Igniting into a brilliant while flame from how fast he flew, time seemed to be moving in slow motion. He spotted Discord, bringing his claw down on a caged Dash, Gilda's corpse lying nearby. He swung the sword, cleaving the spirit's horns from his head. Coming to an immediate stop on the far side of the chaotic spirit, he turned around, his eyes changed to glowing green. Twirling the black blade, which hummed as it cut the air, Nightshade pointed it at the confused draconnequuis, and using the full force of his new found voice, said,

"DISCORD. I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU."

That's right, Nightshade flew about 30 miles in a half second, and used the Royal Canterlot Voice. Can anypony tell what's going to happen next? I bet you can't! Well, other than Discord getting slaughtered.

Clash (28)

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Clash

DISCORD. I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU! Nightshade boomed, the force of his voice causing several trees to topple over. The sky darkened without cloud, even though it was midday. A chill wind blew, even though it was the middle of summer. The sun and moon were at 10 and 2, sharing the sky, drawing closer to each other with each passing second.

"Is that so? There's no need to yell. Looks like little Davy wavy is having a tempuh tantwum." Grasping the fallen Gilda's sword, he effortlessly lifted the titanic blade and pointed it at the ascended human.

"You hurt my friends. NOBODY hurts my friends. If someone does, I turn them INTO a no one." Red lightning arced between the two, Discord's malice taking physical form, lashing out at the human, only to be negated by Black Law. Dark clouds filled the sky, with the only clear spot being a ring above the two, the sun and moon resting on it's edges, drawing ever closer. Their blades hummed, Discord's borrowed blade changing from a sleek and smooth blade into a warped, jagged, and pitted one. It looked as though black water had been kicked into a wave, then frozen solid while still in the air, while Nightshade's own shimmered, gaining a black aura that spread to his whole body. The two of them lost all emotion, becoming cold, almost machine like, while all across Equestria, ponies, dogs, griffins, and even a certain red dragon shivered, feeling the absolute hatred emanating from the two.

"Casualty and damage reports coming in, Trottingham Ursa subdued, Nohvak knocked it out, minor damage to the city due to quakes, no further casualties." Lyra reported monotonously, taking another pain killer for her headache.

"Hoofton Ursa subdued, chained by combined diamond dog and griffin effort. 6 death, 14 injured. 1 ship lost." The control room was solemn for those who had fallen.

"Canterlot ursa slain, Shade moving to intercept Discord at Ponyville. City damages, oh Celestia it's horrible! The city slid right down the mountain and cracked in two! Injury reports are flooding in from all over the city I, I AAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH"

"Shh, Lyra, calm down. It's okay." Blueblood cooed, moving from his chair to comfort the distraught unicorn.

"So many voices! They're all screaming!" Lyra yelled.

"It's alright, shut them out, just focus on my voice. My voice. Tell them help is on the way, tell the support crews to ignore evacuation and focus on helping the injured. Listen, my voice okay, my voice." He said, looking straight into her crying eyes. When she opened her own, which had been shut from the pain, she saw only care and concern in his.

"Thank's BB, I'm okay. Ponyville report, city fully evacuated, save for the bearers. Princesses almost finished preparations. Harmony has been used, ineffective. Shade is engaging."

"Enough chatter, your speeches bore me!" Discord taunted as he brought the blade in a wide slash. Shade blocked it, only to find the blade become a liquid and go right past his sword, avoiding touching it. He leaned back hard to avoid the slice aimed at his neck, using the momentum to plant a reverse ax kick in Discord's groin. Following through, he brought his own blade in an upwards arc. Discord did a back flip to avoid, suffering only from a very small gash. Shade dove forwards in a stab, which Discord avoided by jumping up and kicking his opponent in the face.

Staggered for a moment, Shade brought his blade up just in time to knock away one of Discord's slashes. Since he couldn't block them outright, he had to parry them. Swinging his sword forwards, Discord blocked it, causing them to enter a blade lock. Each pushed against the other, neither gaining any momentum.

"Quit playing with me Discord!" Shade demanded.

"It is rude to ask something of somepony when you yourself are not willing to provide the same service." Discord replied. The look of shock on the faces of the six ponies below, the fact that their clash was rocking the very foundations of the town from 60 feet in the air, and they were only toying with each other.

"Just how strong is he?" Twilight asked her friends shocked.

"When it comes to helping his friends, he's unmatchable." Pinkie replied with a smile. "He'll win." Fluttershy was comforting Dash, who was weeping over the corpse of her former friend.

"Gilda, even after everything, you came back. I left you all alone in the world. I betrayed you when you needed me most, and you died to save one of the friends I betrayed you for. I'm, I'm so sorry." She just sat there crying.

Discord became wrapped in blinding aura of twisting orange, yellow, and red, while Nightshade caught alight in a black flame, with only the green glow from his eyes visible through the darkness. Every once in a while, a gust of wind would blow some of the darkness from him, revealing his face, which bore no expression. What he was feeling could not be described by word, song, or image. The two of them flashed in their respective colours, disappearing then reappearing next to each other, shock waves that could be felt by all of Equestria spreading out from their clash.

"You tried to hurt Fluttershy, you made Rainbow dash cry. You exist only to cause ruin. You shall be removed. A happy, peaceful Equestria, or Discord the draconnequuis. There can be only one, and I am making the choice." His voice was not loud, but it echoed, making Discord hear the one phrase over and over. As Shade looked to the sky, he saw the sun and moon were now just barely touching, the moon beginning to pass in front.

"A choice? What a good idea!" Discord laughed evilly, grabbing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy from the ground, and bringing them up the the site of the battle.

"How about this, one of them lives, and the other dies? You pick. Won't this be fun? If one of them is dead, they can't use the elements, and I'll win." The pegasus pair looked in horror as they were grabbed by the sinister serpent. Shade looked into their eyes, seeing his reflection. What he saw horrified him. The shadows wrapping him dissipated, the black aura gone, and his eyes stopped glowing.

"Yes, that's it. You know the situation. You can't attack me because you'll hurt your precious ponies. Now, one will live, and the other will die? Take your pick. I think it's obvious." Discord laughed.

"Shady, pick me. Choose me to die." Rainbow said.

"What?" Shade asked.

"Fluttershy is pregnant, I'm not. I can never give you a foal. She had you first, and I would gladly give my life to save her." She replied, crying.

"I, I can't do that!" He yelled in reply.

"Oh, so you want the yellow one to die? Alrighty then!" Discord said as he began to squeeze Fluttershy's neck.

"NO!"

"Oh will you make up your mind? That's it. The blue one said she wants to die, so I guess she dies." Throwing Fluttershy down, who was caught by Twilight's magic before she hit the ground, Discord brought his sword to Dash's neck.

What do I do? It's happening again! I can't let it happen again! What do I do? WHAT DO I DO! He screamed inside his head as he began to cry.

Break the sword He heard another voice, not Lyra, the princesses, Nightmare, or anyone he knew.

Break Black Law The voice said. It wasn't a scary voice, it was a voice expressing almost motherly love. He felt he could trust it. Laying the blade flat across his knee, he placed his palm on the flat of the blade, and snapped it. Discord looked at what the human had just done and in shock, dropped Rainbow Dash. Falling 60 feet to the ground, he landed, then got up without a scratch. Discord flew after him, the pair standing in the center of the circle of friends, with the eye of the storm directly above them, and above that, a full solar eclipse. The elements of harmony worn by each of the mane six shattered and turned to dust, as did Black Law.

"Heh, heh, heh, ha, haha, HAHAHAHAHA! I can't believe this!" Discord fell over laughing. He watched as Nightshade fell to his knees, a black mist escaping from his body, which then fizzled out of existence. His wings disappeared, he shank slightly, his teeth turned to normal, and his black clothes turned white. Green mist swirled around him, building in intensity, until they flew outwards. The great gust caused by it sent all of the bearers of harmony flying, straight out of the city. They landed softly on the outskirts of the town, outside the black circle on Ponyville cast by the eclipse. The storm covering Equestria disappeared as fast as it had arrived, leaving clear skies.

"The Elements of Harmony are gone, Black Law is gone! The princesses lacked the power to stop me last time I was here, and you just gave up your power! I WIN! You have my thanks human. Whatever possessed you to do that, your foolishness just won me the game!" Discord laughed insanely.

"Before I go kill Celestia and Luna, I think I need to put an end to you however." He spoke over the wind coming from him. Nightshade just sat there, kneeling on the ground, looking up at the sky, screaming in pain. Discord brought the sword in line with his head, wound up, and swung.

"It hurts. It hurts so much. The pain. Why? Why did you tell me to break the sword? Why? I don't understand."

It is so good to see you after so long. Please, do not give up. Bear with the pain. Nightmare's influence is gone for good, so the artificial enhancement's it gave you are gone. You have an immortal spark, housed within a mortal body. As we speak in your mind, your body is being broken down and rebuilt to house that flame. The Elements of Harmony, as well as Black Law, were created by the creator of all life. She made Equestria, and in doing so, used her entire infinite life. This was a dead world, and she gave it her own spark so that it might house life of it's own. She served to balance all things, life and death, creation and destruction. You may know her as Gaia. The voice replied.

"Gaia, mother nature?" Nightshade asked.

Yes, before she gave herself to make this world, she divided her power. As she served to balance, she made one good, and the other evil. The elements, and the blade. With their destruction, the power sealed within was released, and is being given to you.

"But why me? I don't understand. Who are you?" As he spoke, an alicorn, seemingly made of the stars themselves, appeared.

I am Aurora, you may know me as the mother of Celestia and Luna, the current rulers of this world. I guard the afterlife, bringing those I deem worthy to the sky. When a star falls, the spirit it belonged to is reincarnated. Gaia's star fell, heralding her return, but when I foolishly sent the humans to the other world, the star went with them. It wandered for years, lost, until it found it's way. As Aurora spoke, Scootaloo and Claire appeared behind her.

"Scoots!" He cried, holding her in his arms again.

Hey dad. You miss me? She said with a smirk.

"Only every day."

Don't worry, I've been looking out for her. Claire said happily. She gets to go back soon.

Yep, just you wait and see! Actually, I should be going right about now. Scootaloo faded away, becoming a single bright star, which fell to the world below.

"You said Gaia fell to the human world. You mean...." Shade trailed off, talking to Aurora.

Yes, you. You're powers never resided in your mind or body, but in your soul. You were not gifted with immortal life, but Nightmare fixed that didn't it? Aurora giggled. Now all you must do is bear the pain. Harmony and Law together create a much greater power, YOUR power. With it, you will be able to weaken Discord enough for my daughters to finish him. Your entire life, all the struggles you've face, all the trials. It was to make sure you would be ready, to make sure that, even though you were twisted by Discord's magic, that you exemplified the spirit mother spirit of friendship and love.

"And that is?"

Sacrifice. It is not always easy to be honest with your friends, or yourself. Though it may bring great embarrassment, or you think your friends will think differently of you, you must be honest with them, else you are not truly their friend. Often times, we have to make hard choices. Choices between those we care for, and what we want. Sometimes, we're given an impossible choice, like you were. You were not able to betray either of them, it was that final unwillingness to give up, begging for help to save them both, that let me contact you, knowing that you were ready. It is not always easy to be kind, as you must often put the needs of others before your own. It is not easy to be generous, as you must give something you cherish to another. In an unfair world, it can be hard to laugh, sometimes, you have to swallow your own pride and make a fool of yourself in order to cheer another. Your pranking pulled that off marvelously.

"And magic?" He asked.

We all have magic, even humans, who don't know how to use it. True magic is hard work, striving to accomplish. Twilight is a powerful unicorn only because she immersed herself, striving with her all. While you may not represent the elements as well as the six, you represent ALL of them, and so you became strong.

"If I had failed these tests?"

Then you would not have trusted me and broken the blade. You would have fallen prey to Nightmare, and joined Discord. Needless to say, I am pleased you passed. Your mind is here, in the afterlife, but you are not actually dead. It is time for you to go back, finish the fight, and save the world, Gaias.

OMG. Final battle. Scoots! No, I will not cry. Damnit eyes, you traitors!

Godhood (29)

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Godhood

"YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!" Discord was thrown off balance by the war cry. Looking into the sky, he saw a massive ball of flame, obscuring the eclipse, casting it's glow on the entire town. It was headed straight for him. The ball narrowed, becoming like an arrow as it sped up. Even though he was in terrible pain from having his entire body destroyed and rebuilt what he was conscious, Nightshade opened his eyes, and saw the most amazing thing he had ever seen. Spike was holding Firebolt under his body, his wings spread wide. She was aglow, brighter than the sun, making her painful, yet beautiful to see. Her flames had wrapped around her dragon boyfriend, the two of them becoming a massive arrow of flame, with his outstretched wing as a plane. They arced across the sky, coming in low, headed straight for the chaotic serpent. As they flew through the town, the building they passed caught fire just from being in proximity to them. They collided full force with the Draconnequuis, pulling up, lifting him into the sky.

"NOVA!" The mare and dragon pair shouted at the same time, Spike adding his own flames to the mix. They flew up above the cloud line as they stopped and sent their flames forward. To Discord, it was the equivalent of standing on the sun.

"NOBODY HURTS MY BROTHER!" Spike yelled. The sheer force of the directed explosion sent Discord clear to the moon, literally. He collided with the massive rock, causing it to shudder slightly. Exhausted, they flew down to Nightshade, who was writhing in pain on the ground.

"Hey, come on, the princesses are gonna do it, we need to get you out of here!" Firebolt proclaimed.

"Leave me!" He shouted through the pain.

"No way we're leaving you behind!" Spike argued.

"No! You don't understand, I'll be fine! I'm not just saying it! Something is happening to me! I can't explain it! Just trust me!" He yelled back. They looked at each other, before suddenly they were knocked over by another massive gust of wind. Shade was glowing bright white, with a small tint of green.

"Shade?" Spike asked nervously. His older brother stopped glowing. He had regained his former musculature, white feathered wings, wearing green robes, wrapped in a green flame, and wearing a green crown, similar to that of the princesses.

"Call me Gaias. Geez, First I'm Davis, then I'm Nightshade, now I'm Gaias, I have way too many freaking names. Anyway, you two clear out of here. I'm gonna finish Discord."

"Well, if you're sure...." Before they could argue anymore, he opened his wings with such force that the gust sent the two flying. Spike grabbed his marefriend and flew her out of the city.

Lyra, tell the princesses to do it. He said in thought-speak.

Got it!

Standing on opposite ends of Ponyville, Princesses Celestia and Luna raised their horns to their respective heavenly bodies, and at the same time shouted in their loudest voices.

"ECLIPSE CANNON!"

"I don't believe this, those two sent me clear to the moon. What the hell. Where did little Firebolt get that much power? Oh, right, she's fueled by her anger, and that gust of wind was full of energy. I've been fighting for the past hour, and I was tired till Black Law broke, then I was all hunkey dorey. Well, until that last hit. Well, time to go kill ever......." Discord stopped. He looked at the two celestial bodies, feeling a strange energy coming from them. His eyes went wide with shock.

"ECLIPSE CANNON!"

A brilliant spiral of magic, both light and dark at the same time, struck him square in the chest. The power of the sun, focused through the moon, right at him.

"They wouldn't, they couldn't! Ponyville is...... deserted. Oh for goodness sake!" He yelled in pain and anguish as the combined might of both alicorns, and all the force of the great orbs they represented, was forced down upon Ponyville, with him in between the two.

Seeing a flash from above, and hearing the Royal Centerlot Voice, Nightshade pushed off from the ground, creating a crater that knocked over Twilight's library. It didn't matter, the whole town was going to be toast anyways. Spotting Discord, he flew directly at the screaming serpent, with a smile on his face.

"It's OVER!" Nightshade said with a smile, his fist colliding with the fiend, driving him upwards into the beam of light and shadow. It was unstoppable force meets immovable object, and Discord was right in the middle of it. As he contacted the spirit of disharmony, he used his powers to drain every last bit of energy he could from him, weakening him. Discord said nothing, simply crumbling into a fine stone powder with a look of horror on his face. The remainder of the blast went past them, incinerating Ponyville, turning it to ash and leaving a black burn mark and indent where the entire town was, save for a single spot, directly under where Shade and Discord had been.

All the Ponyvilliens watched in horror as their town was reduced to cinders. At least nobody was in there. Slowly the human with far too many names flew down, landing on the only unscathed spot, standing with his arms crossed.

Lyra, it's over. Take a look. Closing her eyes, Lyra saw what her human friend saw. Suddenly, a mental brodcast went out across the entire world.

Report from Ponyville! The town has been destroyed, I repeat the town has been destroyed. All who heard it suddenly prepared for mourning.

Only one casualty, and it's Discord! It's over! We won! A massive cheer was heard across the entire world, the bound Ursa's returning to normal, giving the bear version of an apology, returning to their various caves. The sun and moon slowly moved back to their regular positions, ending the eclipse. The evacuees returned to their homes to check the damage. Although it had happened in the past due to a tidal wave, the Hoofton ponies still cried at the loss of their beloved home, which the Zebra's gracefully offered to help rebuild. Trottingham was okay, only having a few smaller buildings topple, and some broken windows, with Nohvak being the center of a massive, city wide group hug, to which he replied,

"Oh you guys!"

Canterlot was much worse for wear, as it had fallen off it's foundations and split in two, it could not be rebuilt. They would have to break it apart piece by piece for building materials as they built a brand new capital. There was a prime building location nearby, which had just been cleared. The sight of Discord's demise was a perfect place for the new city. As the mane six, and the rest of their friends entered their former home, they began to cry.

"Sweet Apple Acres! Yer okay! Musta been cuz you were outside the town!" Applejack jumped with joy.

"The Sugar Shack! I don't know what I'd do without you!" Pinkie squealed.

"Our house is okay! I would be pissed if all the hard work I did building it went to waste." Dash said sternly.

"My cottage! Oh, all the poor animals must have been so scared! I'm glad they're all okay though!" Fluttershy.

As the continued into town, Rarity, Twilight, the Cakes, and most of the remainder of Ponyville criednot in joy, but in loss.

"My boutiiiiiiiique." Rarity whined.

"My, my, my boooooks!" Twilight did the same.

"Oh relax Twilight, What do you think I was doing in Ponyville while everypony else escaped? I was sending all your books, notes, and whatnot to the royal archive. They're all fine! Except, as soon as this place gets rebuilt, I'll be burping for a month and a half nonstop. My stomach already hurts thinking about it." Spike said sullenly.

"Well then I guess I'll just have to put on that nurses outfit won't I Spiky?" Firbolt smirked.

"Where did you two learn how to do that? I saw it from outside of town." Twilight asked.

"What, you think you're the only one who has super strong magic? We practiced that move a lot. Okay, so maybe we had help from Shade's weird green wind thingy, but that's besides the point!"

"Shade, wait, where is he?" Fluttershy looked at the center of town to see a strange, white winged, green robed form.

"Shady, is that you?" Fluttershy and Dash asked, gawking at the majestic form standing with his arms crossed.

"Yep."

"Are you alright?"

"Nope. I'm better than alright. I learned a whole bunch of crazy stuff that'll make your head spin. Let's go find Celly and Luna."

The whole group walked to the edge of Ponyville where the princesses were waiting. They didn't look regal, they looked exhausted. Their manes weren't flowing, rather hanging limply at their sides.

"Discord?" Celestia asked.

"Gone for good. He turned to stone and crumbled." He replied.

"Ponyville?" Luna inquired.

"Obliterated, but nobody was hurt."

"You?" They asked in unison, looking at his new form.

"Apparently, I'm father freaking nature. Have been the whole time. Reincarnation of the creator of this world. Aurora called me 'Gaias'."

"You met mother?"

"Yeah, she told me to break the sword, destroying it and the elements to regain 'my' power. So pretty much, Black Law and the elements were originally a part of me, and now they are again."

"So, what do we call you know, Gaias, Nightshade, what?" Twilight asked.

"Ahh, screw it, just call me Dave."

Well, that's the end. Not. There's going to be a few more chapters, going over what happened after. Yeah, I know the end seemed a little like an anime where they have to call out their attacks when they use them, but the reason they do that is because it's way more epic. I mean, it just wouldn't have been the same if Shade punched Discord and said nothing, or maybe something completely out of context like boom headshot. I told you all we'd see Scoot's and Claire again. So, Shade is basically a god now, even more so than the princesses. Absorbing all the power of the Elements AND Black Law, which HE created in his past life. Everyhting he's ever done was just to prepare him for that, meaning Aurora set him up! That bitch! I guess she can do what she wants though since she's dead. By the way, if you don't like the ending, TOO BAD. It took me a whole day to write, and I'm not changing it, and it's not actually the end, just a chapter or 2 BEFORE the end, but it was the final battle.

Rebuild (30)

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Rebuild

"1472 injured and recovering, 117 dead, billions in damages. What a nightmare." Blueblood said with a frown. "While I'm all for helping rebuild, why does it take so much FREAKING PAPERWORK?"

"Calm down dear, getting upset isn't going to help anything. Besides, would you rather be out there hauling debris, or in here doing paperwork with me?" Lyra said lovingly. It had been two months since the 'Chaos End' as they were calling it, and everyone was working triple time to put the world back together. The minor damages in Trottingham had already been repaired, and New Hoofton was halfway done construction. It was weird, after the fight with Discord, all the different species in the world just sort of, banded together, as if their differences which had been fought over so many times suddenly didn't matter anymore. Blueblood and Lyra were now officially in courtship, having fallen for each other during the battle preparation and the clean up afterwards.

"By the way, are you coming to the party?" Lyra asked.

"Of course. Soon as I finish the next 2 thousand forms I'll be right there." BB replied.

"Hey, if it wasn't for your planning, my coordination, and Shade... I mean, Dave's strength, it would have been a lot worse."

"And so, I, Princess Celestia, dedicate this statue to all the brave ponies, griffins, diamond dogs, and dragons who helped in the fight, protecting our world and way of life, as well as all those who lost their lives." She said, magically lifting a white covering cloth. It had a dragon facing east, a griffin with a blade facing west, a diamond dog facing south, and an alicorn facing north, with a small pillar in the middle atop which stood a winged human. There five figures stood atop a larger pillar with the names of the deceased on its sides, with a large gold plaque at the base, with the names, Nohvak the dragon, Gilda and the griffins, Rover and the gem biters, Equestria Whole, and Dave Gaias Nightshade of the Fallen written on it. the statue was placed on the only undamaged spot in former Ponyville.

"And so, here, at the site of Chaos End, the site of Harmona, future capital of Equestria, we erect the statue of the five guardians who shall watch over the world, as a constant reminder of the events that have taken place here, so that we may always remember."

After the statue dedication, the dragon, human, princesses, mane six, Firebolt and Spike, diamond dogs, Switch and Scratch in the place of Gilda, Blueblood and Lyra, and everyone else, threw a party that made the end of 'Return of the Jedi' look like coming over for a quick cup of tea.

"Well, Sir Dave, looks like you're royalty now." Luna giggled.

"Let me guess, you need help with the paperwork?" He said sarcastically.

"Please?" Blueblood begged.

"Sorry, you're on your own on that one. Besides, I don't think Dash or Shy would like all the publicity. I'm perfectly happy just being a knight thank you. Besides, I've got to relocate the animals in the Everfree to the south jungle. They won't be too happy about having a capital next to them, but since Discord kicked the bucket, they've all been a lot more... passive. I'm sure they won't mind."

Another couple months passed, New Hoofton had finished being built, providing much better facilities for trading with the island nations. The Canterlot rubble had been cleaned up, the Everfree forest life moved to the jungle where they could be wild as they were, and the forest itself was cut down, becoming the new Sweet Apple Acres. Taking all the various rare plant life and relocating it, as well as getting Zecora a new, high grade apothecary building, separate from her house so she wasn't always inhaling the fumes, construction of Harmona began. The remnant of the castle of the two, located within the forest had also been deconstructed for materials to build the new city. Living in a small settlement outside the under construction capital, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Applejack were in the hospital maternity ward, holding their newborn foals.

"A colt, Apple Cider." Pinkie and Braeburn smiled as they looked at their burgundy earth pony foal with pink mane.

"Colt, Cloud Diver." Soarin and Applejack looking at the sky blue pegasus she held.

"Colt, Zap Apple." Twilight said looking at the electric yellow unicorn with blue mane.

Finally, coming to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, Nightshade picked up his child. She looked EXACTLY like Scootaloo, the same orange pegasus, except with a pink mane that had black streaks.

"She looks, like a doughnut, with pink frosting, and chocolate sprinkles." He said with a smile.

"Maple Eclair." Fluttershy and Dash said in unison.

"Maple Eclair."

'So, when Scoots said she was getting reincarnated, and that I'd see her soon, this is what she meant.'

5 Years Later

"Momma Dash? Will you take me out to fly today?" Maple asked.

"Did you help Momma Fluttershy feed the animals?" Dash asked in turn.

"Yeppers!"

"And did you eat all your alfalfa?" Maple pouted.

"Oh, alright, good enough. I'll bring you somewhere special today. It's an awesome statue."

"Wow, hey wait, that's Daddy!"

"Yes, it is. Bet you didn't know your dad was a hero. He helped build this city, Harmona. The statue is called Chaos End, because it's where he beat Discord and saved the world."

"And there's the princess!"

"That statue represents Equestria as a whole, all the ponies who fought to protect their homes."

"Why's there a diamond dog and a griffin? I know about Nohvak from uncle Spike."

"The diamond dogs dug the massive tunnel system to help all the ponies evacuate, and the griffin...... she was my friend. Before you were born, Discord attacked Fluttershy. Even though she didn't stand a chance at beating him, Gilda fought him anyway, and died saving her, and you." Dash explained.

"And I finally forgave her for what she did before. She did something terrible, and ended up giving everything she had, even her life, to make up for it. Which is why we must always treat others with kindness and care. I heard you were picking on Apple Cider again." A voice spoke from behind.

"Daddy!" Maple struggled to flap her wings, and very slowly and wobbly, flew up to him.

"You're getting to be a better flyer every day, but that doesn't change the fact that you're in trouble young lady." He said sternly.

"He has a pink mane, and he's a boy!" She said.

"Yeah, but look at me. I'm not exactly normal either. That's no reason to go picking on someone. Who knows, you might end up marrying them one day, isn't that right Dashie." He said shooting her a look. She just smiled and called him a tease.

"If he would just kiss me and get it over with, then I wouldn't have to tease him all the time." Maple said pouting.

"Well, then next time you see him, instead of poking fun, plant one on his cheek. If you're stuck in a relationship, you gotta give a little push sometimes." Dash just laughed.

"Say, dad, where did you come from anyways?"

"That, my little pony, is a very long story"

End! By the way, if you didn't understand, Maple is a reincarnated Scoots, and Maple Eclair, as in Claire. A clever way to name her after her.