> Guardian of the Pure Elements of Harmony.
>  by Aura Zero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"See you later, Spike!" A purple mare named Twilight Sparkle yells down from her study. 

A small purple and green dragon smiles as he is about to exit his and the mares’ library/home. "I'll be back soon after these errands, Twilight!"

As soon as he closes the door, he lets out a big sigh. He is actually excited to get out the library for a little while, but also a little disappointed because he has to run quite a few errands, instead of having some time for himself. 

He looks up in the sky and notices that it's quite a nice day. A cool breeze, no clouds in sight, and the sun is shining brightly. He enjoys days like this and wishes he could have more time to enjoy them.

It's days like this that I wish I could fly. Then I'd be able to get these errands done much faster. He thought to himself.

Over the 3 years he spent in Ponyville, Spike didn't grow as much as he thought he would have. From the day he first came and now, he barely makes it to Twilight's muzzle level. Not much else besides his height has changed at all. Plus there were no signs of him developing wings. He is starting to think he wouldn't ever acquire any, but he banishes that thought quickly.

"I will get them soon enough! Just gotta be patient..." He says with determination.

After a moment, he sighs. "Oh well. Might as well start these errands. First I should stop by the market and grab some groceries. The fridge is running low and I nee-"

"Hiya Spike!"

“Aaah!”

Seemingly out of nowhere, a pink pony with a raspberry mane pokes her head out from under him making the dragon jump up practically 5 feet and land on his rear.

"Pinkie! What gives? You almost gave me a heart attack!" Spike says while still grasping his chest.

Pinkie Pie frowns slightly. "Oopsie. Sorry Spike. Nice jump though. Although the landing could use a little work, hehe." She says while giggling.

"Yeah, sure whatever..." He mumbles while dusting himself off. "So, is there something you want?"

Pinkie perks up. "Oh! I was just walking by and I saw you standing there completely zoned out staring at the sky! I thought you were looking at something so I decided to look up too! But all I saw was the sky and sun! Though I didn't look at the sun too long because that would start to hurt and when I looked at you again you were looking at the ground! So I hopped over and tried to see what you were looking at that time but all I saw was the grass and dirt. So I dec-"

Spike plugs her maw with his claws quickly. "Not that I don't enjoy your....rants, but I really need to go get some errands done Pinkie." He says, trying to stop her before she talks his ears off.

Pinkie moves his claw and looks at him curiously. "Errands? What kind of errands? Oh! Does any involve sweets? Because we can go get some and I can make your favorite sapphire cupcake! I earned some gems for a tip from some ponies."

Hearing 'sapphire cake' immediately snaps Spike to attention and he likes the idea. "Well, I do have to go to the market for groceries. I suppose a stop to the Cakes shop wouldn't be too out of the way..." He says in mock thought before nodding. "Sure Pinkie."

Pinkie claps her forehooves excitedly. "Great! Oh! But first I have to talk to Twilight. Is she in there?" Pinkie asks, pointing towards the library.

"Yeah, she is." Spike replies while shaking his head and closing his eyes. "But it might be a little hard to...Pinkie?"

Spike opens his eyes to find out Pinkie isn’t there. He hears a door close from behind him.

He blinks. "How did...you know what? Forget it. No point in trying to understand that pony." 

And with that, he starts into town to take care of his errands.





The train station at Ponyville is quiet except for two ponies conversing. The silence is broken however as the train approaching from Canterlot comes close. The two ponies gather their belongings and wait patiently for it as it comes close. The rails make a large screeching noise before the train comes to a complete stop in front of them. A large horn sounds and the train doors open soon after, allowing the passengers to exit the train. The two mares outside wait patiently for the others to finish exiting the train, waving to all the familiar faces as they pass them going towards the town. 

There is one pony however, the last one to exit that they have never seen before and become slightly intrigued by his appearance. The pony is a pegasus with a mane and tail that is a solid blue, the color of a sapphire. His eyes are the same color as his mane and tail, but that isn’t what catches their eye. Instead, it's his coat; which is a solid black. They also notice his cutie mark, or lack thereof, surprising the two. They only know of young ponies without their cutie marks, but this stallion looks much older. 

As they are pondering this, the pony notices the two ponies looking at him and proceeds to walk towards them.

"Um...excuse me?" The black pegasus says in a soft tone rather nervously.

"Yes? May I help you with something?" One of the mares says with a smile while still examining him. This mare has an aquamarine coat, her grayish cyan mane having white highlights in them.

"I know this might be a weird question to ask but...what town is this? I was napping and didn't hear what the intercom said.” He says rubbing his mane in embarrassment. 

The two mares stare blankly at the pegasus before giggling.. They couldn't understand how he did not know where he was. After all, the train only goes to Canterlot and back.

"Well, this here is Ponyville." Says the other mare with a light tan coat. Her mane is a moderate cobalt and light fuchsia combination that bounces slightly as she speaks.

The horn on the train sounds off before the pegasus has a chance to reply and he jumps slightly. 

"Oh! I'm sorry for keeping you two. I guess you have to catch that train huh?" He says as he points towards the train.

The mares nod. "Yeah, we'd better go before it leaves us. But before we do, can I ask why you came here? Just curious." Asks the aquamarine mare.

The pegasus seems to hesitate before answering. "Well...no apparent reason. Just a change of scenery I guess. Want some quiet time, ya know?"

"I highly doubt you will find that here." She says with a smirk. 

"Yeah, just make sure to watch for a certain ‘pink’ pony." Said the other mare stifling a giggle.

"Oh...um, okay. Well it was nice meeting you two. Have a good trip!" The pegasus says with a warm smile and wave.

"Thanks!" The mares say simultaneously while entering the train.

Moments later the train's horn sounds once more before it departs, heading back to Canterlot, soon too far to see.

"I hope everyone else in this town is as nice as those two..." The black pegasus says once the train is out of sight. “Though, I wonder what they meant by pink pony..." 

He shrugs. "Oh well. I guess I'll find out soon enough." Says the mysterious pony known as Dark Sapphire before he heads away from the train station.
> New Pony In Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Now where is that house..." 

After leaving the station, the new resident of Ponyville began to search the outer part of the town for his new home. 

"I requested one on the outskirts of town and they said it would be somewhere around here...ah! There it is!" 

The stallion sees it from a distance and heads for it. He also takes notice of another house; though not exactly a house.

A cottage? Hmm, didn't think there would be any ponies living nearby. They told me this house didn't have neighbors because the last occupant wanted to be alone and was to himself.

He shrugs at the thought. Oh well. No point in complaining. The resident might be nice. I'll try to say hi sometime... 

He hesitates, before shaking his head, Maybe I shouldn't considering the last time I tried. I'll just stay my distance.

Just then he hears a sound to his right, pulling him from his thoughts. When he turns, he notices a gray pegasus flying right towards him.

"Look out please! I can't slow down fast enough!" She yells, flailing her arms, one wing flapping behind her while the other is strangely unmoving.

He merely frowns at that before he turns towards her and sits on his hindhooves. He opens his front hooves open to her, surprising the incoming mare. 

"What are you doing!? Move before I hit you!" She says in slight panic getting closer to the ground.

The pegasus shakes his head and stays still, bracing for the impact. At that moment, the gray pegasus ends up ramming right into the stallion's chest, knocking him backwards. After a few yards they slow down, but not until his back collides into a tree did they fully stop. After a few seconds, the grey pegasus notices she isn't in any pain. She also notices that she’s being held by the stallion and gets up quickly.

"Oh gosh are you alright? I told you to move! Why didn't you listen?" The gray mare says in worry, thinking he might be hurt.

However, he merely hops up and dusts himself off as if nothing happened.

"I'm fine. Don't worry, I'm pretty sturdy. And I wasn't going to move while, you're..falling..."

He grows silent once he sees her up close. She sports a blonde mane and on her flank she has a cutie mark of bubbles. But there is one thing that he finds interesting. It is something he can't seem to keep his eyes off of: her eyes. They are a golden yellow color and are...askew. Something he’s never seen before.

"Um, hello?" The pegasus mare says quizzically.

At that he snaps out of his daze. "Oh! Sorry. I kinda zoned out there."

"I could tell!" she says while giggling. "I've never seen you around before. I'm Derpy Hooves! What's your name?"

He smiles at her. "Nice to meet you Derpy. I'm Dark Sapphire, or Saph for short."

Derpy nods happily. "Nice to meet you Saph! So, what brings you out here?" She asks while waving around the area.

"Just trying to get away and ended up here. Seems like a nice place." Sapphire replies while looking around. Derpy suddenly hops in front of him, drawing his attention to her.

"It is! I love it here! Have you been around town yet?"

Sapphire smiles at the giddy mare and shakes his head. "Not yet. I was heading to my new house up the hill over there." He points to said house on top of a small hill. "I was planning to clean up and unpack first, but then I saw you. You looked to be in a bit of trouble so I decided to help you out."

She smiles warmly. "Well, thanks for softening my fall! That would have hurt if I had hit the ground." Derpy says as she rubs her head.

Sapphire waves a hoof dismissively. "I'm glad I could help. But, if you don't mind me asking, why were you falling? You should have been able to at least adjust yourself or slow down so you wouldn't hurt yourself."

Derpy blushes and rubs her head sheepishly. "Oh! Uh...you see, I look up to my awesome friend Rainbow Dash and wanted to try to fly as fast as her, but when I pushed myself too hard, I got a large cramp in one of my wings and I can't move it too well."

Sapphire looks at her right wing and notices it slightly twitching.

Sapphire has a small idea and speaks up. "If you want, I can help you with that." He offers.

Derpy looks at him in surprise. "Really? How?”

"Can you stretch them out it for a second?" He asks while pointing to her wing. 

Derpy nods and turns before slowly spreading her wings. He notices a specific part of her wing is angled incorrectly.

Hmm, it's not that bad. Maybe I could fix it quick without her noticing...

"Is it bad?" Derpy questions, breaking his train of thought.

Sapphire shakes his head at that. "Not at all. Though, can you do me a favor and not look back?" he asks.

"Oh...okay." Derpy replies hesitantly before looking straight ahead.

All of a sudden she hears a low pop sound and a small pain makes her flinch slightly. Then, the pain suddenly leaves as fast as it came.

"There we go. How does it feel?" Sapphire asks after walking in front of her.

Derpy starts to flap her wings and is happy to not feel anything. "Wow! It doesn't hurt at all! Thanks a lot!" Derpy says in excitement. "How did you do that?"

Sapphire hesitates, but quickly waves a hoof nonchalantly. "It was just a bone out of place. I popped it back in, but I recommend you be careful with how you fly. And don't push yourself too hard."

Derpy giggles. "You sound like my friends! They always say stuff like that." she says while nudging him.

"Oh. Well, it seems you have some good friends..." Sapphire replies rather solemnly.

Derpy takes notice of him looking down and kind of sad. "Saph? Are you okay?"

Sapphire looks up quickly and smiles. "Oh, I'm fine it's just...well...actually, can I ask you for a favor?"

Derpy nods quickly. "Sure! You just helped me out, the least I can do is return it. What's the favor?"

Sapphire hesitates but continues, "Well....would you like to..." Sapphire trails off. He doesn't know if he should ask. Come on! Just ask! The worst she can say is no!

Derpy looks puzzled. "Um, something wrong?"

Sapphire takes a deep breath and exhales, steeling himself. "I was wondering if you would.....maybe...show me around town?" His head drops after asking, expecting the worst.

"Sure!"

Hearing that surprises him and he turns to look at Derpy. "Really?"

She nods happily. "Of course! Oh, but first I have to deliver one final letter. It's actually to the cottage right there near your house!" she exclaims while pointing to the cottage he noticed earlier.

Sapphire nods but grows curious. "By the way, if you don't mind me asking, who lives there?"

Derpy perks up. "Oh! She is a really nice pony! She's very timid and shy, but nice. And she lives with animals of all kinds!"

"Lives with animals? Like pets?" he asks in confusion.

Derpy looks up in thought. "Well, yeah but she has wild animals there too. She takes care of them when they get injured and lets them go when they are all better. Her name is Fluttershy."

Fluttershy huh? She sounds nice. Maybe she wouldn't mind if I say hi...

As if reading his mind Derpy asks, "Wanna come see her with me?"

Sapphire shakes his head quickly. "Oh, no thanks. I'll maybe go another time. I want to put up my bags and check out my house. Want to meet me at my house after you're done?"

"Sure!" Derpy says happily.

Sapphire smiles at the enthusiastic mare. "Great! And thanks a lot for agreeing to show me around."

Derpy wraps a hoof around him. "Don't mention it! That's what friends are for!"

Hearing that statement surprises Sapphire. "F-Friends? We're...friends?"

Derpy looks at him confusion. "Well, I thought so. Why? You don't want to be?"

"I do!” Sapphire says quickly.  “It's just...Well, I don't really have friends..."

Derpy giggles. "That's silly! Everypony has friends."

Sapphire looks down slightly. "Well, not everypony considering I don't..."

Derpy frowns at that.  He seems like a nice pony. Why wouldn't he have friends? He should at least have a few if not more. Well I can change that!

"Well you do now! I'll be your first friend!" Derpy exclaims, smiling.

Sapphire's head jerks up and his eyes glow in excitement. "Really? That's awesome, Thanks Derpy!" He says and wraps her in a hug. Derpy is surprised at first, but then happily returns the hug. It lasts quite a while before Sapphire realizes he’s holding her too long and jerks away blushing. "Uh...sorry about that.."

Derpy, also blushing, turns away. "Oh, it's okay." After a moment they turn back to each other. "Well, I'm going to give the letter to Fluttershy. I'll see you soon okay?"

"Okay," Sapphire nods while smiling.

He watches as Derpy takes flight to the direction of Fluttershy's house. Her flying is quite...awkward to say the least. Chuckling to himself, he decides to head over to his home. Once close enough he takes a look at his new home from the outside. It’s a brownish-green colored house two stories high with an attic. It looks old, but is made to be quite sturdy. It is also fairly close to the Everfree forest.

Yeesh, definitely going to change the color of this house... He thinks to himself. After a few more seconds of looking, he heads inside. As he pulls out his key, he suddenly hears a rustling noise in a bush nearby. He turns to the noise quickly. 

"Uh...someone there?" He calls out.

No answer.

He looks for a moment, but then shrugs. "Might have just been the wind." he lies aloud. He knows someone or something is there but just dismisses it. 

As long as it doesn't bother me, I don't mind. He thinks while inserting the key, opening the door, and trotting in.

As soon as he enters, he immediately notices that the house looks surprisingly bigger on the inside. The first room he enters is a rather large living room. He is surprised to see the house completely furnished. In the main room there’s a couch and a lamp on two different end tables. Across from them is a sofa with a hoofstool in front, all new. The room also has a fireplace that looks brand new.

I will be using that for the winter times.

To his left is a kitchen with an overlook into the living room. There is a fridge, stove, and all kinds of other appliances with utensils in the kitchen. Again, they all look new.

"Wow. I wonder if this came with the purchase. They never said it did though. Plus all this stuff compared to how much I had paid for the house doesn't make sense..." Sapphire shrugs. "Oh well. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like this."

To the right, there are stairs that curve upwards over the kitchen. At the top of the stairs is a closet. A window that looks out towards the Everfree forest is to the right. To the left is a hallway that branches to three doors. The first door contains a small room with a bed with covers and desk with a chair and a lamp. He looks into the second room  and there is a restroom with a large tub that can fit two ponies comfortably. He smiles at the large tub before he heads towards the final room which is the master bedroom. There is a dresser, a lamp and night table, and a huge bed! Upon seeing this king size bed, Sapphire immediately hops on it, enjoying the softness of the mattress.

"Wow, I'm loving this bed! I'm tempted to take a nap right now!” He exclaims but pauses. ”Though Derpy did promise to give me a tour around the town.."

After that he notices something: He didn't see a way to the attic.

"I wonder where the entrance to the attic is...I could have sworn I saw a window in the front that proves that this house has one..."

He hops out of bed and decides to look around. Nothing in his bedroom. He checks the other room. Nothing. He heads back to the hallway and frowns.

"There has to be another stairway somewhere...hm? What's this for?"

He notices a button on the wall opposite of the rooms and next to the window that looks out to the front of the house. Curiously, he pushes it and immediately hears a click behind him. He turns quickly and sees the wall in between the small room and the restroom crack open. He pushes it open and Inside are stairs to the attic.

"That's a pretty neat trick."

He heads upstairs to the attic to look inside. The attic is the whole length of the house! The ceiling is quite high up too. There is a window on both sides to see either side of the house outside. In one corner there seems to be a hand-made bar of some sort.

It looks like the previous owner probably made his own bar here. I wonder why when they said he was mostly to himself?

After seeing the attic, he decides to head back downstairs. "Well, I guess I can start unpacking and wait for Derpy now that I've seen everything."

It only takes 5 minutes for Sapphire to unpack and put everything away. Afterwards, he merely sits on the couch with a saddle pack and relaxes.

"I thought Derpy would be done by now. I wonder what's taking so long..."

As if on cue, there is a knock at the door. Upon opening it he sees Derpy smiling. She has some sticks protruding from her rather tousled mane.

"Hey Saph! Sorry it took so long. Lost track of time talking to Fluttershy!" She says excitedly. "Ready to go?"

"Sure, but, you have some twigs in your mane Derpy..." Sapphire says while pointing to her mane.

"Oh, really? It must have been from the tree I ran into earlier." She says, making him frown slightly. She starts removing them forgetting one sticking straight up in her mane. "Did I get them all?"

Sapphire couldn't help but laugh at the mare while she looks at him in confusion.

After a few seconds he calms down and reaches for the last twig. "Here, let me get that for you." he offers as he pulls it out.

"Thanks Saph!" She beams with a warm smile.

Sapphire can't help but admire her smile. It's a cute smile and her eyes end up pulling him into a slight trance. After a moment she notices him staring quite intensely.

"Saph?" She calls out. That quickly snaps him out of his trance.

"Huh? Oh...uh..s-sorry." He replies sheepishly. 

"You seem to like looking at my eyes don't you?" She jokes.

Sapphire quickly turns his head while blushing. “Uh...well I-”

"I'm joking Saph!" Sapphire looks at her and notices her giggling. He sighs and smiles at her. "C'mon let's go!"

"Alright." Sapphire nods and they both take flight, heading towards Ponyville. As they are flying away, Saph notices something black moving in a nearby bush but shrugs and pays no mind to it, too excited about  seeing the town with his new friend.






Upon getting right to the entrance of the town they decide to land and walk around. Sapphire notices Derpy's flying and realizes it might be best considering she almost hit two trees. Once they enter they reach an area that has lots of stands where ponies are selling a vast selection of produce.

"This here is the market! Ponies sell all kinds of fruits and stuff!" Derpy explains happily.

"I will need to come by here later for shopping." Sapphire mumbles aloud, while making a mental note to revisit.

"Yup, this is the best place to shop!"

As they are walking, a pony calls out to Derpy. 

"Howdy there Derpy!" Sapphire turns and sees an orange coated earth pony with a yellow mane and tail, both tied: one on the end of her mane and the other at the end of her tail. On top of her head she sports a Stetson. He also notices her cutie mark are a few apples.

"Hey Applejack!" Derpy yells before running towards the mare. Sapphire pauses slightly, thinking she looks rather familiar before he dismisses it and starts after her. Just as they were getting close, Derpy trips on her own hooves and is sent tumbling towards Applejack's stand. Sapphire notices this and starts sprinting ahead of her and quickly catches the clumsy pegasus before she crashes into the stand only 2 feet away.

"That was close..." Sapphire says with a sigh. "You gotta be more careful Derpy."

"Sorry." Derpy replies sorrowfully. Sapphire offers her a hoof and she cheers up immediately, happily accepting it as he helps her up.

They both turn to the earth pony who is smiling at the black pegasus. "Thank ya fer stoppin' her from hittin' mah stand. It would have been a hassle getting everythin' cleaned up."

"Don't mention it. It seems she is quite the klutz." Sapphire says while rubbing the back of his mane and looking at Derpy. She is busy dusting herself off from the tumble.

"Ah never seen you around before...nor have Ah seen a pony wit’ a black coat. Ya new round these parts?" Applejack asks while examining the pegasus.

"Yeah. The names Dark Sapphire or Saph for short. I got here today and ran into Derpy...well...she ran into me." Sapphire says with a chuckle.

Applejack returns it. "Yea that sounds like her. The names Applejack by the way. Nice ta meet ya Saph."

"Nice to meet you too Applejack." Sapphire replies while smiling. He then takes notice of the apples she’s selling. "Those apples sure do look good."

Applejack tilts her hat slightly in pride. "They sure are. Best apples y'all ever taste that's fer sure. Tell ya what, Ah'll give ya one free ta try since ya did keep mah stand from topplin' over."

"Really? Thanks!" He says in excitement before taking the apple from Applejack. He then tosses it up in the air and it falls right into his mouth and he chomps it. The apple tastes amazing. Better than any apple he has tasted like she said.

"Wow, that is delicious!" Sapphire exclaims out louder than he wants and lowers his head once he notices others staring. "Heh my bad. Too loud."

Applejack and Derpy are holding back their laughter from his outburst. "Well thank ya fer the kind words. Ah take pride in the apples we harvest. Best apples out there ah can guarantee that." Applejack brags with a grin.

"No doubt! I haven't tasted any nearly as great as these, and I've been places."

She smirks. "Well if ya like em so much why don't ya buy some?"

Sapphire nods. "Sure! I'd like half a dozen."

"No prob. Here ya go." Applejack places 6 apples in a basket and gives it to him. "That will be 12 bits."

Sapphire hoofs over the bits and takes the basket in his mouth. He tosses the basket in the air, making the apples fly high in the sky. Each one falls into the saddle on his back as he catches the basket with his mouth before placing it back on the stand.

He takes notice that the two mares are staring at him with wide eyes and their mouths slightly open. Others are staring too from a distance. Applejack says something first.

"Why, that was some pretty talented skills ya got there."

Spike smiles sheepishly. "Thanks. It took lots of practice. I can only do around eight things tops before I have trouble."

Applejack raises a brow at that. "Only eight? That's pretty high up there. Ah don't even know if Ah could do five."

Sapphire smiles. "Well, I think you could if you practice too."

Applejack nods. “Maybe so.”

"Well, we're gonna head out now. Still got more of the town to see." Derpy says after she snaps out of the trance.

Applejack nods. "No prob. If ya ever in the neighborhood, stop by Sweet Apple Acres. Y'all can find me there later. Ah can then show ya all the ways we can make the apples taste much better."

Sapphire grows slightly excited at that. "That would be awesome! I'll try to stop by later today."

She smiles. "Ah will keep ah eye out for ya. See ya later Derpy....uh...Derpy?"

They both look at her. She is staring into space with a small grin on her face.

Sapphire waves a hoof in front of her. "Derpy? You in there? It's time to get moving."

Derpy blinks. "Huh? Oh! Okay! See ya Applejack!" She says and they both leave the earth pony.

"Sometimes Ah just don't get that pony." Applejack says, shaking her head.






After leaving the market Derpy starts to show him more places more quickly. They passed the residential area, the school house, and the town hall. One specific place they stop at looks rather fancy.

"This here is the Carousel Boutique! Rarity works here and she makes lots of dresses and stuff! They are all so pretty...let's go in!"

"Okay!" Sapphire agrees while proceeding to open the door. There is a bell that rings once the door opens. "After you, Miss Derpy." He ushers with a slight bow.

She smiles with a slight blush as she walks in. "Thanks Saph!"

Once they are both inside, Sapphire takes a look around. The place is really fancy; a place that would be a better fit for Canterlot than Ponyville. He also takes notice of music playing in the boutique that he knew well. However what really interests him is all the outfits and dresses. He looks in awe at the stylish dresses worn by some ponnequins.

"Wow, these dresses are really nice." Sapphire says while admiring them.

"Why, thank you darling!" Replies an angelic voice.

Sapphire and Derpy look around for the pony the voice belongs to, but don't see anyone at first.

"Uh...hello?" Sapphire says aloud, still looking around.

"Be right there!" The voice replies again.

Not many seconds later, a pony comes around a corner. When Sapphire sees he, he pauses in awe. She has a pure white coat with a purple mane and tail that are curled rather elegantly. Her eyes are azure blue and she wears eyeshadow that matches. She also has a pair of thin framed red glasses on. He notices her cutie mark are three gems.

She is absolutely stunning! She seems to sparkle even as she comes close. He couldn't look away the whole time she is approaching them.

"Welcome Derpy! How have you been dear? And who is your friend?" The pony says eyeing Sapphire.

Sapphire doesn't reply.

"Hello Rarity! I'm great and this is Dark Sapphire or Saph for short. He just came to Ponyville today!"

Sapphire still says nothing, still stuck in a small stupor.

"Well, it's very nice to meet you Sapphire and I must say I simply adore your coat! I've never quite seen a pony with your color. If you don't mind me asking, where are you from dear?"

Luckily, at this time Sapphire snaps out of his trance. "Huh? My coat? Oh, yeah most ponies are surprised when they see me around. And I'm not from anywhere specific; If I had to pick a place I'd stayed the longest, it'd have to be Canterlot." Rarity's eyes show a slight spark when he mentions that. "But I have to say, your dresses are amazing! I've seen clothing lines before and they pale in comparison to these dresses."

Sapphire notices a slight blush on her face upon hearing that statement. "Why thank you! I do take pride in the dresses I make. Would you like to see more?"

Derpy cuts in at this time. "We would love to Rarity but I have to show him the rest of the town. I want him to have an idea of the town before it gets dark."

"Oh, well that's fine dear. Maybe another time then Sapphire?" She asks with a smile.

Sapphire nods quickly. "Of course! I'd be happy to come back some other time."

"Great! And maybe I could make some outfits that might work for you. A black coat is one I've never experimented on. It would be a new experience! Ooh, I can't wait!" Rarity cheers with glee.

Sapphire chuckles at her giddiness. "Okay, then we will see you later Rarity."

"Yeah! Bye Rarity!" Derpy says exiting the boutique with Sapphire.

"Ta-ta! See you soon!" Rarity waves as the door closes.






"Wow. Rarity is quite something." Sapphire voices happily.

Derpy looks at him and frowns slightly. "So you like mares like that?"

Upon hearing that statement, Sapphire hesitates and looks towards Derpy. He notices her frowning at him. "W-What? I was talking about her dresses. I don't like her like that."

Derpy moves closer to him. "Are you sure? Cause you were staring pretty hard at her."

Sapphire blushes and turns his head away, mumbling, "If that's the case then it would be same with you..."

Derpy’s ears twitch slightly. "What was that?"

Sapphire snaps back up and starts to walk a little faster. "Nothing! Nothing at all."

Derpy glares at him, but he keeps his head turned to avoid her gaze. "Ok then. I have one more stop to show you before I have to go and this is one of the bestest places here!"

Just then Sapphire hears something coming from behind him, and it’s coming fast. Right before it gets to him he side-steps to the right and out of the way. Derpy wasn't so lucky and gets hit by what seems to be a cyan pegasus. They both start rolling before going to a complete stop. Sapphire rushes over to help them out but the cyan pegasus merely hops up and suddenly starts laughing at Derpy.

"Hah! Got ya good Derpy! Betcha didn't see that one comin huh?" Says the cyan pegasus. Upon closer inspection the mare has cerise eyes and a cloud with a lightning bolt as her cutie mark. But her mane and tail surprises him. She has quite a few streaks of colors like a light brilliant red, a light brilliant vermilion, a light gold, sap green, a cornflower blue,  and a violet. She practically has a rainbow for a mane.

"Yeah, you got me good Rainbow Dash!" Derpy replies while getting up and dusting herself off.

Sapphire remembers Derpy speaking about her. She turns to him and smirks. "Nice dodge. Didn't think you could evade my sneak attack."

Sapphire shrugs. "Well, I sensed you coming, so I had time to evade. You were moving pretty fast though.”

She nods. “Ya new here?”

“I am. I'm Dark Sapphire or Saph for short. I assume you are Rainbow Dash?"

She puffs her chest out proudly. "Sure am! Fastest pony in Equestria, and the coolest!”

Sapphire raises a brow. "Fastest and the coolest huh?"

She smirks. "What, you don't believe me? Ask anypony and they will tell ya! I've never lost a race and I don't plan to!"

Sapphire merely shakes his head in amusement and decides to keep quiet.

Derpy speaks up. "So, what ya doin Dash?"

She stretches slightly. "Nothin. I was just relaxing on a cloud and saw you guys walking. I have to admit I've never seen a pony with a black coat. Is that your natural color?"

"Are those colors in your mane your natural colors? Cuz I've never seen a rainbow mane." Sapphire says while wearing a grin.

"Touché," Rainbow Dash says with a smirk. "So where ya headed?"

Sapphire shrugs. "Beats me. Derpy's showing me around.

Derpy chimes in. "We're going to Sugarcube Corner! Wanna come?"

She waves a hoof. "Nah, I just left there. Besides, I'm long overdue for a nap. I'll catch you guys later!"

"Later!" Says Derpy, waving.

"Don't sleep too long." Sapphire adds.

"Don't worry I will!" She says jokingly as she heads toward a lone cloud.

"She seems pretty lazy.." Sapphire thinks aloud.

"She is sometimes! She takes naps all the time!" Derpy says while giggling. "Anyways on to the next stop! The building right there!" Derpy points.

Sapphire turns to look and is astonished. There is a large building up ahead that looks like it's made of sweets. Even the sign looks edible. The sign says Sugarcube Corner only making him more convinced it is indeed made of sweets, but he isn't one for testing that theory out.

They walk inside and once in, Sapphire is attacked by so many sweet aromas that he feels he could develop a toothache.

"Wow! I smell a lot of sweets in here."

"Yup! This is the best place to get any kind of treat you want plus treats you've never heard of!" She says happily. 

"Well, I have to say I'm very impr-"

Sapphire stops suddenly. Something peculiar catches his eye. In a seat not too far away is a purple and green dragon with emerald eyes merely sitting there. The dragon looks rather young and seems to be waiting for something, or someone.

"Uh...is that a dragon?" Sapphire asks aloud, while thinking he is probably imagining it.

Derpy looks and sees the dragon as well. "Yup! Hey Spike!" Derpy says while waving to the dragon and walking over. Sapphire follows closely in surprise.

The dragon turns and notices them. "Hey Derpy! Who is your friend? Never seen him before."

Sapphire is quite surprised at this dragon. Most dragons he encountered before disliked ponies extensively and didn't want to be around them, let alone live with them. Yet here one is, relaxing, in a pony establishment. This piques Sapphire's interest.

"Hello, my name is Dark Sapphire or Saph for short." The black pegasus says cordially while extending a hoof.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Spike!" Greets the dragon reaching out with his claw and shaking.

"Sorry if I sound too forward but...I don't know how to put this..." Sapphire pauses as he fumbles with his words.

"Let me guess...you are wondering how a dragon came to live with ponies correct?" Spike says flatly.

Sapphire's eyebrows raise. "Yeah! How did you know?"

Spike shrugs. "I get that a lot from ponies that come here. It's nothing new."

He nods. "Oh, that makes sense. So, care to answer that question if you don't mind? I'm quite excited to know!"

Now it is Spike who is surprised. No one was as eager to know this information before, except Pinkie- but that's how she usually is- and Fluttershy- but that's because she found him very adorable- and that makes the dragon smile slightly at his demeanor.

"I was actually hatched by a pony." Spike starts.

Hearing that floors him. "What! How did that happen?" Sapphire asks dumbfounded.

"Well, a unicorn used her magic and I hatched."
He elaborates.

"Wow! And who may I ask is this unicorn?" Sapphire asks getting slightly closer. 

"Her name is Twilight Sparkle. Me and her live in the Golden Oaks Library just a little ways away from here."

Sapphire perks up at hearing a certain word from that statement. "There is a library here?!? Where? Is it big? Does it have a lot of different kinds of books? More than the Canterlot Bookstores?"

Spike rolls his eyes. "Oh great! Another bookworm."

Sapphire flinches at that statement. "Hey, I am not a bookworm!"

"You did get super excited when Spike said they live in a library and then ran on about books..." Derpy points out.

He blushes in embarrassment. "Uh...well...that's because I'm looking for some information and most libraries don't have it. I wanted to know if this library has the books I'm looking for." He says while looking away.

"What kind of books?" Spike asks curiously.

"Books like magic spells, dragons, maps of the areas around here and other things that might require exploring." Sapphire says with a hint of excitement.

"Still sounds like a bookworm to me. And besides, why do you want to study magic? You're a pegasus." Spike points out. 

Sapphire hesitates and looks away. "I'm just curious is all.."

Spike is still skeptical but lets it slide. "Well, we don't have any books on dragons. I wish we did. Then I'd be able to know about myself more and if I get wings..." Spike says with a hint of disdain in his voice.

Sapphire is surprised by that statement. "You don't know what kind of dragon you are? Your hatcher didn't tell you?"

"She doesn't know. She couldn't find anything about my species." Spike replies, still a little down.

Sapphire nods thoughtfully. "Well, that is understandable considering you are quite a rare kind of dragon..."

Spike pauses at that, but then jumps up at him. "Wait, you know what kind of dragon I am?!"

Sapphire lifts a hoof. "I have an idea. You could be one of two dragons which are both rare. One much more than the other.  I can't quite figure out which one based only of your appearance though. But just to be sure that you could be one of the two dragons I can make one observation. Do you by chance produce an emerald colored flame?

"Yes! I do!" Spike replies excitedly.

Sapphire tries to say something else when out of nowhere a pink pony hops over Sapphire's head and lands next to Spike surprising the three of them. She is holding a cupcake that has Sapphires in it.

"Here ya go Spikey! One Sapphire cupcake! Hi Derpy! Hi-"

The pink pony stops and stares at the black pegasus. After a few seconds of being stared at, Sapphire feels slightly uncomfortable so he speaks up.

"Um, hi there. My name is Dark Sapphire or Saph for short. Nice to meet you."

The pink pony says nothing for a few seconds. Then she gasps and smiles widely.

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! You must be the new Pony that's moving here! Where are you from? Are you living in that house on the outskirts? I hope you like the decor! They told me it was a guy that was moving in so I made it as manly as I can! And since you are living here I have to throw you a party! It will be lots of fun! We'll have games and sweets and balloons and-"

Spike silences the ecstatic pony with his claw to her muzzle. "Forgive Pinkie. She gets excited whenever someone new comes here."

This might be that pony the two mares warned me about. And she was the one that put the furniture there? That's rather nice of her." Sapphire thinks, but then he smiles. "It's fine. So, I'm guessing you work here Pinkie?"

Spike removes his claw and she nods rapidly. "Yup I sure do! Did ya want something?"

Sapphire looks at the menu on Spike's table for a moment. "If you don't mind, could I have half a dozen brownies?"

"Sure!" She then turns to Derpy. "Did you want something too Derpy?"

Derpy smiles. "Can I have six blueberry muffins please?"

"Okay! That will be twelve bits each!"

Derpy tries to look for her bit pouch, but Sapphire stops her.

"I got it Derpy don't worry." He says while giving Pinkie twenty four bits. Pinkie smiles and hops away.

Derpy is surprised. "Are you sure? I don't mind paying."

"It's cool. Consider it my thanks for showing me around." He says smiling warmly.

"Gee thanks Saph!" She says while bringing him into a hug. Sapphire blushes slightly but returns the gesture.

"You two dating?" Spike asks simply.

The two pegasi pull away from each other immediately, blushing hard at the question. Sapphire speaks up first. "N-no! We are just friends! We barely met today!"

Then Derpy chimes in. "Y-yeah! And besides, he likes Applejack anyways."

"Yeah, and you shou- What?!" Sapphire nearly trips over himself after hearing that statement. He quickly turns to Derpy with his blush growing more intensely. "I-I do not! I just met her at the market and we talked! That's all!"

"But you were looking at her a lot and complimenting her." Derpy says while pouting.

"I was just saying the apples were good!” He retorts, but then mumbles, “and it isn't my fault she is kinda cute..."

Derpy misses the last part and continues. "And what about Rarity? You were practically drooling over her."

Sapphire blushes even more. But before he could say anything, Spike speaks up.

"Hey! Rarity is mine!"

Both pegasi turn towards the dragon. Spike, just realizing what he had said rather loudly, starts blushing as well.

"You are dating Rarity?" Derpy asks.

"N-no...well...not yet..." Spike mumbles while fiddling with his claws.

Sapphire becomes curious. "You like Rarity? Didn't expect that."

"What, you don't think I have a chance since I'm a dragon?" Spike says a little irritated.

Sapphire is surprised to hear that. "No. I don't think that at all. Why do you say that?"

Spike looks down. "Well, it's obvious. A pony and a dragon can't be together."

Sapphire asks, "Do you think that's true?"

Spike shrugs. "I don't. I think it could happen."

Sapphire nods. "That’s good." Spike becomes confused with that response but he continues.

"You shouldn't care what others think. All that matters is that you don't give up on what you want. I honestly think it would be pretty cool to see a dragon and a pony together." Sapphire says while nodding.

Spike perks up at hearing this. "Finally! Somepony that understands! So you think I have a chance?"

Sapphire rubs his head. "Honestly, I don't know. I don't know either of you that well. But I think you deserve as much of a chance as a stallion."

Spike smiles widely at hearing this. "Thanks Saph! I won't give up then!"

After he says this, Pinkie appears with Sapphire and Derpy's sweets surprising Sapphire slightly.

"Here ya go! Six brownies and six muffins! Hope you like them! Well of course you will! Cause I made them!"

Derpy smiles and grabs her bag of muffins. "Thanks Pinkie! And thanks for paying for mine Sapphire!"

"Anything for a friend." Sapphire replies happily.

"Oooh! We have a gentlecolt in here! Trying to woo Derpy are we?" Pinkie cooes while nudging Sapphire.

Once again he starts blushing a dark shade of crimson. "N-no! I was just thanking her for giving me a tour of the town."

"Suuuurrrreeee!" Pinkie says sarcastically, while rolling her eyes playfully.

"You guys sure like to embarrass others..." Sapphire mumbles and then looks at Derpy. Her head is facing down, a faint blush on her face as well.

"Anyways," Spike cuts in, "do you want to come to the library and see if any books are there that you want? Plus you could talk to the other bookworm in the town."

"I am not a..." Sapphire sighs. "Whatever. Sure we can go. Wanna come Derpy?"

Sapphire looks over to Derpy. She is daydreaming while looking up with a smile.

"Uh...Derpy?"

This time she snaps out of it.

"Huh? Wha?"

"I asked if you wanted to come to the library with us?" Sapphire repeats.

"Oh!” She smiles but pauses, “I'd love to but I gotta go. It'd be great if I could see you tomorrow though!" She says while smiling.

Sapphire was a little disappointed to hear that but smiles. "Oh. Of course. You know where to find me."

"Okay! Have a good time at the library!"

Derpy gives him one quick hug and then quickly leaves the shop, but not without first crashing into a table. "Oops! My bad!" She says sheepishly.

Sapphire just shakes his head and smiles. "She is one clumsy pony. It's one of her good traits."

Spike rolls his eyes. "Yeah if you consider her destruction good."

Sapphire merely watches until she leaves the store. Then he turns to Spike. "Anyways, ready to go? I can also tell you some good things about what kind of dragon you are on the way."

"Awesome! I been wanting to know for like forever! Anything special about me?" Spike asks as he quickly gets up and they walk out of the store, treats in claw and saddle.

"There are quite a few things that are special about your kind but first I want to know some things."

Spike shrugs. "Sure. what ya wanna know?"

"How old are you in pony years?" He questions.

"I'm 17. Why?"

Sapphire seems to go into thought at that. "I figured you were....also do you prefer to be small?"

Spike is surprised. "What? Of course not!"

Sapphire raises a brow. "Then why do you have a growth restriction spell on you?"

"WHAT?!? I DO?!?" Spike shouts in surprise.

"Well, yeah. You see..." Sapphire starts to explain but is cut off by three ponies, two of which ends up tackling Spike.

"Hiya Spike!" Says the unicorn that didn't attack the dragon. Sapphire notices she has a offset white coat with a mixed light pink and light purple mane. She also has light green eyes.

The dragon quickly removes the other two ponies and dusts himself off. "You two need to watch where you're going. And hey Sweetie Belle."

"Heh, sorry ‘bout that Spike." Says an earth pony as she looks at him. This mare looks like Applejack slightly. Sounds like her too. She has a pale yellow coat with an offset red mane and tail. Her eyes are a lively mixture of orange and yellow...kind of like a sunset. Very pretty in Sapphire’s opinion.

"It wasn't on purpose. We just couldn't slow down in time." Says the pegasus as she dusts herself off and relaxes. This mare has an orange coat with a cerise mane and tail. Her eyes are a grayish purple.

"It's fine." Spike says merely waving it off.

"Who is your friend Spike?" Asks the unicorn.

The three begin staring at Sapphire, which makes him slightly nervous.

"Uh, hi. My name is Dark Sapphire, or Saph for short."

"Hiya! I'm Sweetie Belle!" says the unicorn with a warm smile waving her hoof happily.

"Nice to meet ya Saph. Ah'm Apple Bloom." Says the earth pony with a wave.

"And I'm Scootaloo! Coolest pony in Ponyville...second only to Rainbow Dash of course." Says the pegasus with a smug expression resembling the mare from earlier. 

The other two ponies and Spike roll their eyes at this statement.

"Well, I met the two coolest ponies in Ponyville today. I must be getting lucky all of a sudden." Sapphire jokes.

"You saw Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asks excitedly.

Sapphire nods. "Yeah, she flew off a little while ago to take a nap."

Scootaloo looks down after hearing that. "Aww man I missed her. Was hoping she could help us get our cutie marks."

Sapphire didn't notice it at first, but none of the three had their cutie marks. It did rather surprise him since they looked like they should have had them by now. "Cutie marks huh? Sounds like you three are trying hard to get them."

"Of course! Everyone our age in town has theirs! We are the only ones who don't!" Sweetie Belle fumes, but then frowns sadly.

"I don't have mine and I think I'm about your age. Probably older." Sapphire says simply.

All three ponies look and gasp. Sapphire and Spike wonder how they didn't notice earlier.

"Whoa, you don't have one either! How old are you?" Scootaloo asks getting close to Sapphire.

He hesitates. "I'm 17..."

"Whoa y'all older den us but still don't have yours?" Apple Bloom questions.

He shakes his head. "Nope."

"Wow it must have sucked to be the only one in class without one. Bullies must have been a pain. Luckily we have each other." Sweetie Belle says and smiles at the other two mares. They smile back as well. 

Sapphire turns his head at that. "Honestly, I didn't really have to worry about bullies and stuff like that."

All three ponies are surprised. "Ya didn't get teased in school at all?" Apple Bloom asks curiously.

Sapphire looks down. "To tell the truth...I didn't go to school."

The three ponies and Spike gasp, not expecting that response.

"Wait...why not? Didn't you have to go to school?" Spike asks.

“Yeah, your mom and dad made sure you went, right?” Sweetie Belle asks.

Sapphire takes a deep breath and sighs before replying. "My parents...they died when I was six..."

The ponies and dragon are speechless. None of them knew what to say. After a few moments Sweetie Belle speaks up.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Sapphire didn't want them to feel sorry for him so he tried his best to put on a smile. "It's fine, really. Don't worry about it. Everything turned out okay now so that's all that matters. Even without school I still became smart by going to libraries and reading up on everything I could...well, I guess that does make me a bookworm in a way." Sapphire chuckles lightly at the realization and rubs his mane.

Everyone perks up at his sentiment. "Well if you are a bookworm then you would become great friends with our town bookworm!" Scootaloo says jokingly.

"Yeah! Ya should head over to the library!" Apple Bloom adds.

"We were heading there before you two tackled me." Spike says in mock irritation.

"We said we were sorry Spike." Scootaloo replies quickly with a frown.

Spike nudges Scootaloo. "I'm just kidding. Besides what are you three doing anyway?"

Sweetie Belle answers. "We had nothing planned; we were just walking and talking. Is it okay if we join you two to the library?"

Spike looks at Sapphire and he shrugs and nods. Spike shrugs as well. "Sure. Why not? Sapphire was gonna tell me some stuff about what kind of dragon I am along the way if you three wanna hear too."

The three ponies gasp. "He knows!?! Wow! Even Twilight didn't know." Scootaloo says excitedly. "So what kind of dragon is he?"

Sapphire rubs his head. "Well, I haven't exactly found that out yet. I do know he is one of two dragons. I was going to find out once we see this Twilight mare."

"Why do you need to see her?" Spike asks confused.

"I will explain that when we get there. But until then, I can tell you a very special thing about your fire." Sapphire says with a smile.

"Let me guess.. I can send letters through my flames?"

Sapphire is surprised by his response. "Wow, seems you know a little already."

Spike sighs. "Yeah, I always send letters from Twilight to Celestia."

Sapphire's eyes grow wide. "Celestia? As in Princess Celestia??"

"Yeah! Twilight is her faithful student and Spike is her assistant!" Sweetie Belle says happily.

That was something Sapphire didn't expect to hear. "Well, that's....pretty cool. But before we change topics, is that all you can do? Send letters?"

Spike looks at him in confusion. "Yeah, why? Don't tell me.."

Sapphire smiles, happy that he can at least tell him something new. "Before I tell you anything else let me tell you what exactly is so special about your fire. It's magical, and is called Spellbreathing."

Spike's eyes grow wide. "Spellbreathing? So I can use magic with my fire?"

Sapphire nods sagely making Spike chuckle. "You are correct. The spell you use for the letters I assume is a basic teleportation spell, one of the..smaller spells you can use. I believe you already know how it works so I'd say you mastered that spell especially since teleportation to long distances is extremely difficult from what I know. If you want, I could tell you a few more that you could perform right now, I'm sure."

"Whoa! Really? Yes! Tell me!" The dragon says happily while hopping up and down eager to learn new spells for his flame.

The other ponies are surprised as well. They never guessed that Spike can use magic. They also become excited to see what he can learn.

Sapphire nods and gets to explaining. He also starts to look around. "Okay then. First, I can tell you that your fire can become three types of flame hues. There is the destructive type, healing type, and teleportation type. Since you know teleportation, and I'm pretty sure you know the basic fire breath, let's teach you the basic healing spell.”

Sapphire notices a tree nearby. “That tree there. Follow me."

The three ponies and dragon follow Sapphire and once they get there, he turns to them.

"Okay, before I tell you how to perform the spell, I want...to...show.."

All of a sudden Sapphire grows quiet and merely stares past them in awe. 

"Uh, Saph?" Spike looks at the stock-still pegasus.

Sapphire says nothing. He merely stays still staring behind them.

The group curiously turns around to see what or who he is staring at. Not too far from them they see a pegasus mare trotting along humming a tune. The mare has a yellow coat with a light pink mane and tail. She had the cutest happy cyan eyes. Sapphire can't see her cutie mark from the distance but the others knew it: three butterflies.

Sapphire is awestruck. She is the most beautiful mare he has ever seen. He thought Rarity is stunning but this mare has a natural beauty; the calm atmosphere around her highlights this and only makes her even more radiant. He can't pull his eyes away and he really wanted to know who that mare was.

"Hey Fluttershy!" Spike says while waving toward the pegasus.

“Fluttershy? That's Fluttershy? She is the one that lives nearby me! Wow, how lucky am I to be living nearby such a beautiful mare..." he says aloud absentmindedly.

"Beautiful huh?" Sweetie Belle says while eyeing Sapphire.

Sapphire blushes as red as Apple Bloom's mane. "Oh crud! You heard that? Um...d-don't tell her I said that.."

By then Fluttershy is in front of Spike who had walked a few feet ahead of the others. "Hello Spike. How are you today?"

"I'm doing great. How about you Shy?"

"Oh, I'm doing wonderful. And it's such a nice day!"

Spike nods. "Yeah it is. Hey, I want to introduce you to someone."

Fluttershy hesitates. "Introduce?” She notices another pony nearby and backs up slightly. “Oh. um...I don't know..."

Spike wraps an arm around her. "Come on Shy. He's a really nice guy."

"Well..." Fluttershy sighs. "Okay. If you say so Spike."

Spike and Fluttershy then walk up to where the four ponies are, Fluttershy slightly dragging behind before they reach them.

"Hey Saph. This is Fluttershy."

Sapphire looks at the mare and blushes slightly at her shy demeanor. "H-Hello Fluttershy. My name is Dark Sapphire or Saph for short. Nice to meet you."

The timid looking pegasus lets out a small squeak and then tries to hide her face behind her mane. Seeing this display makes his heart race slightly.

That has got to be the cutest thing I have ever seen!

"Hey Saph why don't ya tell her what you just said before she got here?" Apple Bloom teases.

Sapphire blushes immensely at the question. "I-I don't know what you're talking about!" He says and looks away. Fluttershy notices his rather red face and grows slightly curious. 

"Are you sure? Because I could have sworn that when you were staring lovingly at her you were saying how bea-"

“Hey girls can I by chance talk to you three for a second?” He says cutting her off and starts to pull the three away before they could say anything. When he is far enough, he starts whispering. 

"I'll give you each five bits if you act like that never happened."

"Make it ten and we got a deal." Scootaloo says with a smirk.

"Seven." Sapphire bargains still whispering.

"Nine!" Sweetie Belle raises.

"Eight!" Sapphire persists.

The three looked at each other before nodding. "Deal."

"You mares are some good smugglers. You know that?" Sapphire says while hoofing them the bits.

"Proud of it!" Scootaloo says with a smirk.

They then turn back to the confused dragon and mare.

Spike speaks up. "What were you guys talking about?"

"Oh nothing, just a little bet that we won." Sweetie Belle says happily.

Spike raises a brow but doesn't care to press further. "Okay. So anyways, Fluttershy do you want to chill with us for a bit? Saph here is gonna teach me how to use my fire! Turns out I can use magic!"

Fluttershy grows interested. "Oh, that's a surprise. Well, I'm not really busy at the moment. I guess I can stay and watch...that is, if you don't mind.." She says quietly while looking at Sapphire.

Sapphire could have melted from her words. "O-Of course you can stay! I'd be happy if you did."

"Oh, okay." She says with a warm smile.

It takes every bit of strength Sapphire has to keep from admiring her more as he begins. "Okay so where was I...oh yeah! I want to show you the differences of your flame when using different Spellbreathing. So, to start off we will do the magic externally since it's easier that way without a book. Spike you think you can make a fireball in your claws?"

Spike raises a brow. "Huh. Uh...I never really tried. How would I do that?"

Sapphire taps on his chin. "Hmm. Well to put it simply, it's like spitting except you use your fire. Can you try that?"

Spike nods. "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Spike holds out one of his hands and takes a breath. On the first attempt he makes a fireball land in his hand, surprising the group. It merely floats there like a large flame similar to one in a lantern.

Sapphire looks at the flame closely. "Okay that's good. Now even though the fire is outside your body you can still control it. Now I want you to focus and try to make the flame disappear. Just imagine it going away."

Spike merely nods. He closes his eyes, focuses and in a few seconds the fire flickers before going out. "Cool! I did it!"

Sapphire smiles. "That would be a useful trick when you accidentally burn something and want to put it out. I'll give you another example. Sweetie Belle? Can you hold that large branch straight up with your magic?" Sapphire says while pointing to a broken branch nearby a tree.

"Sure!" she complies while happily floating the branch in position all the while thinking, maybe I might get a 'helping a dragon learn Spellbreathing' cutie mark! Although, I have no idea what that might even look like..

When Sweetie Belle has it in place, Sapphire speaks up. "Now I want you to make another fireball and toss it on the branch. Now keep in mind that you can also control the spread of the fire and make it only sustain in one area, preventing anything near or connecting to the object to get burned. As an example try to make a specific design on the branch. Maybe a ‘S’ for Spike?”

"Okay! let's see. First make a fireball..." Spike quickly shoots out a fireball. Then he tosses the ember onto the branch and tries to focus. The fire stands at the top of the branch, only burning that portion of the wood. "Hey! I'm doing it!"

Sapphire smiles at him. "Great job for a first try. Now try making an 'S'."

"Okay here goes..." The dragon starts focusing and the flame starts moving along the bark, slowly making the letter. The others are staring in awe. It’s sloppy, but it’s an 'S'.

"Wow! Nice job Spike!" Fluttershy cheers.

"That looks more like a backwards two than an 'S'." Apple Bloom criticizes with a smirk.

"Hey! It's Spike's first time! Cut the dragon some slack!" Scootaloo says defending Spike.

"I think it was a good first try." Sweetie belle says while looking at it.

"Thanks guys. I'll get better with it over time." Spike says happily admiring his first time using his flame this way.

Sapphire speaks up as the flame soon disappears from the branch. "Alright now I'll teach you the basic healing flame. After that let's go to the library. Is it far?"

"Not at all. Actually, it's right behind you." Spike says  pointing behind Sapphire.

He turns around and all he sees is a large tree. Then after a second he notices something strange on the tree: it has a window.

"That tree is the library? Heh, that's funny." Sapphire chuckles. "Anyways let's get this done so we can head over. We will need an example." He looks and notices a sharp rock nearby. He picks it up and proceeds to cut himself quickly, drawing blood. Everyone gasps in shock at him doing that.

"W-What are you doing? Don't hurt yourself!" Fluttershy shrieks with panic.

Hearing her show concern for him surprises him slightly. "It's fine Fluttershy. It's just a scratch." He says waving his arm.

Hearing Sapphire say that doesn't ease her concern, but she notices that Sapphire is smiling and doesn't seem to mind it. She calms down and decides to see what happens. 

"Now, Spike make another fireball. After you do, focus on trying to make it heal someone." He explains.

"Okay, I'll give it a try." He proceeds to make another fireball and then focuses. After a moment, the dark green flame becomes lighter; a more lime colored green.

"There! Now I want you to throw that flame at me." Sapphire says, pointing to himself.

"Huh? You want me to throw this flame at you? Won't you get burned?" Spike asks confused.

"Just trust me I'll be fine. Come on." He says extending his hoof.

"Well, okay." He then throws the flame towards Sapphire.

When the flame gets close, Sapphire puts his injured hoof up to meet the flame. After it touches Sapphire, it engulfs the whole scar. Shortly after, the scratch heals and disappears. They all stare, eyes wide at his uninjured arm.

"That...was...awesome! Spike could totally be a doctor and heal everypony!" Scootaloo says excitedly.

"Actually, I don't think that would be the best idea. He has to be careful with his healing magic. It takes more than three times more magic than the others." Sapphire says while nodding to him.

Scootaloo looks over and sees Spike panting before he speaks up. "Yeah I can tell. That took a bit outta me."

Sapphire taps him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, it won't be as tiring when you get used to it. Oh, and by the way, you can also do all the magic internally before you breathe the fire. However, that is much more difficult and requires practice."

Spike nods at him, but then a thought comes to mind. "Say, how do you know all this stuff? And why have this info? Seems useless for a pony to have." Spike says quizzically.

Sapphire frowns but then shakes his head. "Well trust me when I say this; learning these things was far from useless. I've seen and fought plenty of dragons to prove that."

They all gasp, looking at him incredulously. "Y-you fought a d-d-dragon!?" Fluttershy stutters in shock.

"More than one honestly." Sapphire says while looking up and  imagining all the dragons he has came across.

Everyone's eyes widen. "But...but you're alive! How did you live?" Sweetie Belle says in shock.

Sapphire raises a brow. "Well, by beating the dragons of course. They are one of the toughest things I've ever fought, but they aren’t impossible to beat. You just have to outsmart them. Fortunately I have the knowledge to do so. But, I did have a lot of close calls and had to escape a few situations as well.” He says while rubbing his mane.

"Wait..." Spike starts. "How many dragons have you came across?"

Sapphire looks up to the sky in thought. "Huh, I never really counted how many I've seen. But if I had to guess, over fifty."

All of their jaws drop at hearing this. "You fought fifty dragons?!?" They all say in shock.

Now it is Sapphire that is surprised. "What? No, no. I only fought like twelve of them. And three of those I had to run away from because they were too strong.” He corrects. 

"So you still fought nine dragons and won?" Spike says  still in shock at this proclamation.

Sapphire notices the surprised looks of each of them. "Well, yeah. I traveled a lot and saw all kinds. So, I read up on them more to survive. It's not that big of a deal."

“I think it is.” Sweetie Belle says with a smile.

“Ah agree. Ah’d be too afraid to fight one mah self.” Apple Bloom adds.

"I have to say that's pretty cool that you can beat one." Scootaloo admits.

Sapphire blushes slightly at the praise. "Thanks. It's rather surprising to hear the second coolest pony in Ponyville call me cool. I must really be having a lucky day." Sapphire says with a smile.

"Don't get used to it." replies Scootaloo with a smirk.

"Anyways let's head to the library. Twilight might send out a search party if I come back any later." Spike says with a serious tone.

Sapphire looks at him in confusion. "Are you serious?"

Fluttershy chimes in. "Oh yes. He is quite serious. Twilight can be a bit...overprotective. She almost went mad at a restaurant when she didn't see him go to the restroom."

"Yeah and now I have to announce it whenever I do, ugh." Spike says while rolling his eyes.

The other mares and Sapphire try their best to stifle their laughs. The three mares fail and fall on their backs laughing. After a few seconds of laughter and Spike saying "it's not that funny", they all head towards the library. From the back it looks mostly like a tree, but from the front it’s a different story: Windows are everywhere.

Spike walks up to the door and opens it. "Twi, I'm home!"

Out of nowhere a purple unicorn appears in front of them making them cover their eyes from the flash of the teleportation. Once he can see again he takes a good look at the mare responsible. She has a dark blue mane and tail with a strip of pink rose and violet in it. Her eyes are a dark violet and her cutie mark is a star with small sparkles around it.

"Spike! You're late! I was about to call up a search party for you!" The unicorn says angrily.

Spike turns and looks at Sapphire with an 'I told ya so' look before responding to the mare. "Sorry Twi. When I was out I met Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and somepony new that just came into town today. I wanted to bring him over to introduce you."

She turns and sees everyone and looks in surprise like she didn't even know they were there. "Oh, hey girls didn't see you there." The mares frown at that.

She then notices Sapphire and walks towards the black pegasus. "Hello there. I'm Twilight Sparkle."

"Hello Twilight. I'm Dark Sapphire or Saph for short." He greets with a smile.

"Nice to meet you Sapphire." She then quickly turns to Spike. "So did you do all the errands?" Sapphire is surprised at her quick change of topics.

"Yup. But forget about that! There is some cool stuff I have to tell you!" Spike says excitedly.

Twilight looks at him curiously. "Oh really? Like what?"

"Saph here might know what kind of dragon I am!" Spike says pointing to him.

Twilight ears perk up at this and she looks at Sapphire. "What? You do? What kind do you think he is?"

Sapphire pauses in thought. "Well, he is one of two dragons but I'm not exactly sure yet. Have you heard of a Grand Dragon?" He asks the mare.

The mare sighs before replying. "Yes, I have however, Spike couldn't be that type. He should have grown taller by now and had his wings grown in..."

Sapphire is surprised at this. It seems she doesn’t realize either. Before he could say something, Spike speaks again.

"Sapphire said the reason I haven't grown is because I have a growth restriction spell on me."

Twilight eyes grow wide. "What!? How? Since when?"

"Well, from the looks of it, since birth." Sapphire replies.

Twilight thinks aloud for a moment. "Maybe when I used a spell to hatch him, I might have mistakenly used another spell simultaneously." Then Twilight realizes something. "Wait, how do you know this Sapphire? You're a pegasus. You can't use magic."

Sapphire hesitates. "Oh, well...that's because...I read a lot! Yeah! About dragons and that seems like the best reason."

Twilight eyes him, but decides to let him slide with that explanation. After all, he seems to know about dragons that she could learn at this time.

"So if I reset that spell then he should go to his supposed height?" Twilight asks.

"I'd suppose so. Never actually seen it happen." Sapphire says while rubbing his mane.

"Well it wouldn't hurt to try." Spike says. "Let's give it a try Twi."

"Alright then. Now hold still." Twilight starts to focus and her horn begins to glow. An aura of purple magic envelops Spike, but then the purple aura leaves him and goes toward Twilight's horn and disappears. "Done. Turns out I did use the spell a long time ago. How do you feel Spike?"

Spike looks at himself. "Hmm. I feel the same. Do I look any different?"

"Ya look the same ta me." Apple Bloom says.

"Hmm. Well maybe-Ugh!"

All of a sudden Spike feels lots of pain and starts to change. His arms and legs start extending, bringing him taller than Twilight and about the same as Celestia. His chest becomes broader and his scales grow longer and slightly sharper. Two small horns sprout on top of his head and angle backwards.

Everyone stares at the not so little dragon as he slowly stands up again.  "Ugh, what happened?"

"Whoa! Nice new look Spike!" Scootaloo says happily.

Spike is surprised to hear that. "Really? I need to see this!"

Twilight snaps out of her stupor and levitates a mirror to Spike. "You really do look nice Spike."

Spike examines himself and definitely likes what he sees. "Wow! I look great! This is awesome!"

Sapphire speaks up. "Not only do you look different but you are your supposed height and your Spellbreathing should be stronger."

Twilight looks at Sapphire surprised. "Wait, Spike can Spellbreathe?!?"

Sapphire looks at Twilight in confusion. "You didn't know? You make him Spellbreathe all the time from what I heard. With teleporting letters and all."

She shakes her head. "I didn't know that was Spellbreathing. I don't know much about it except that it's when dragons use magic."

"Oh, well if you want, I can give you two my book on dragons if you want it.."

Twilight beams at this offer. "Really? That would be great! I've been wanting to learn about the dragon Spike is!"

Sapphire frowns. "To tell the truth...I don't have the book that talks about the kind of dragon Spike is...."

Twilight and Spike become surprised and confused. "Wait, I thought you said you just did?"

He shakes his head. "No, I have the book that talks about Spellbreathing and the one that talks about Grand Dragons."

Twilight pauses. "Well, Isn't he a Grand Dragon?"

"No, he isn't. Look at Spike again."

She turns and looks at Spike. She examines him closely and realizes something major.

"No wings..."

Spike was too excited about his new look to notice either. "Aww man. Wait, if I'm not a Grand Dragon, then what am I?" He asks.

"You're a Harmony Dragon." Sapphire says with a smile.

Twilight gasps loudly with her eyes wide. "H-Harmony Dragon?!? He can't be!!"

Spike looks at her in confusion. "What's a Harmony Dragon?"

Twilight turns her head quickly to Spike. "Harmony Dragons are mythical dragons. They are so rare that there is little to no info about them. The last Harmony Dragon died before Celestia became the sun riser!"

Everyone present are shocked to hear this. To know that the dragon they know now is a legendary one is unexpected to say the least. Twilight turns back to Sapphire.

"How do you know for sure that he is a Harmony Dragon? How much do you know of them? Where did you get information that even Celestia herself does not have??" With each question she gets closer to Sapphire, making him nervous.

"Whoa, calm down." Sapphire says trying to calm the frantic pony. After a moment she starts to calm down. Then Sapphire speaks up.

"For one simple reason I know he is a Harmony Dragon is by his horns. They are the only dragons that have two horns angled backwards besides the Feral dragons, but those dragons only come in black and blow amber flame. There is also another way I can prove it...in a way I'm sure Spike here would enjoy very much."

Spike becomes intrigued. "How so?"

Sapphire smiles. "Give me one second." He then takes off his saddle and hops in it. Everyone's eyes grow wide wondering how in the world he did that. A few seconds later he hops right back out with a box. Before he can say anything however, Fluttershy speaks up.

"Um...I was wondering...if you don't mind...how did you do that?"

Sapphire is confused. "Huh? Do what?"

"Well, you um...jumped in your saddle and disappeared."

Sapphire hesitates. Crap! I forgot about that! I don't want them to find out my secret...I have to think of something! He thought.

"Oh! That's because....I uh...got it from a merchant! A unicorn merchant! He made the bag deeper magically. It cost a lot too."

Fluttershy smiles. "Oh, okay. That makes sense."

"So what is in the box?" Spike asks looking at it curiously.

Sapphire walks up to him and presents it to him. "It's a gem. I wanna give it to you."

Spike is surprised. "A gem? Gee, Thanks! What kind?" he asks while taking the box.

"It's a surprise and I'm sure you will be. Open it." Sapphire urges.

Spike did just that and opens it. As soon as he sees it, he gasps with his eyes wide. From the angle, no one else can see the gem, so Twilight speaks up.

"Spike? What kind of gem is it? I want to see before you eat it."

Spike snaps out of his trance and picks up the gem for everyone to see. Once they see it, they go in the same kind of trance he did a few seconds ago. The item is, in fact, a gem, but it’s no gem they've ever seen. It’s a perfectly round gem but the thing that made it so strange is the color, or colors. It has a multitude of colors; Just like a rainbow. After a few seconds Twilight snaps out the trance and turns to Sapphire.

"What kind of gem is that?"

Sapphire smiles. "It's a very rare gem. So rare that less than three are made every fifty years. It's called a Harmony Crystal. Dragons say it's the tastiest gem they have ever eaten."

At that, Spike smiles wide. "Wow! Thanks a lot Saph! But, I don't think I should accept this. If it's that rare, I wouldn't feel right taking it from you. After all, all the other ones might be eaten by other dragons and this might be the last one left for another fifty years."

Sapphire waves his concern off. "Don't worry about that. I gave it to you cause I consider you a friend." Spike smiles at that. "Besides, there are three good things that will come out of you eating that."

Spike grows curious. "Really? What are they?"

"I suggest you eat it and find out." He prods.

"Okay. Don't mind if I do!" The dragon then proceeds to chomp down on the gem crushing it with his teeth. The flavor for the dragon is indescribable. Better than anything he has ever eaten. He then takes the rest and devours it until there is nothing left.

"Wow! That tasted amazing! Thanks a lot Saph! Man I hope...huh?"

All of a sudden a white aura surrounds Spike. But before anyone could say anything about it, it disappears and leaves two noticeable changes on him. One, he looks more toned and stronger. His chest and tail are more noticeable than the other parts of his body. The other change is on his back. Twilight spoke up about this change.

"Spike! You have wings!"

Spike quickly turns to look back and he indeed sees a pair of wings. "What! Where did these come from?"

"It's from the Harmony crystal. It's made to bring a Harmony dragon their true strength and their wings."
Sapphire points out.

"So, that crystal is mainly made for Harmony dragons?" Sweetie Belle asks.

Sapphire shrugs. "I'd suppose so, the knowledge I have doesn't tell me how or when they were created. I'm still trying to find that out."

"So that means, Spike really is a Harmony Dragon..." Twilight mumbles, still slightly in shock about the information.

"Whoa. You sure do know a lot. You could probably rival Twilight in being a bookworm." Scootaloo says impressed.

Sapphire and Twilight both turn to Scootaloo, "I am not a bookworm!"

Everyone erupts in laughter while the two ponies sat there in annoyance waiting for them to finish. After a few more seconds they calm down. Spike speaks up first.

"But seriously though you are pretty smart. How did you have time to learn so much in a short time?"

Sapphire shakes his head. "I've had plenty of time to learn these things. Over ten years of mostly learning everything myself and traveling makes you smart in order to live."

Twilight raises a brow. "10 years? Yourself? If I didn't know any better I'd say you didn't care much about school or what you parents did to help you out throughout your life."

Sapphire frowns and looks down. Spike and the trio glare at the oblivious mare.

Twilight looks at them in confusion. "What? Did I say something wrong?"

Sapphire takes a deep breath before speaking. "Well, my parents died when I was six so I never had a chance to really enjoy school. Honestly, I didn't even finish one year."

At hearing this both Twilight and Fluttershy stare at him in horror. Their ears droop down, as with their heads. "Oh...I'm so sorry."

He didn't like seeing them down about hearing that. "Thanks, but it's not your fault. I found out in life that you have to accept things how they are and just move on. I don't mind talking about it, really."

Fluttershy speaks up this time. "Well, If you don't mind...can I ask how they...you know..."

He nods. "Have you ever heard of a town called Hoofton?" Everyone shakes their head no. "Of course you don't...well, have you heard about the Flame Massacre?"

Twilight ears perk up at this. "I've heard about that. There was a major massacre of an entire town and that town was burned to the ground by the attacker. It didn't say what town it was though."

Sapphire clicks his tongue. "Figures they wouldn't say the town in the news. But yeah that town was called Hoofton."

Twilight is still confused. "So where are you going with this?"

Sapphire’s gaze hits the ground. The others notice anger etched in his face. "That town is where I was born...my entire family was killed there. I was the only survivor of that town..."

Everyone gasps. "What?! That's horrible! But wait, how did you survive? I'm not saying that I'm not glad you are okay but why didn't the attacker come after you?" Twilight asks.

Sapphire sighs. Might as well tell the truth. They would have found out anyways... He thought before speaking up. "He did...I was stabbed four times."

"WHAT!?!" They all yell.

Sapphire flinches at their outburst, but continues. "Honestly I thought I was going to die too, but-"

*RING RING*

Before he could finish there is an alarm sound coming from outside the library.

Twilight knows that alarm. It only sounds when something is wrong with the town. "Oh no! Something is wrong!" Twilight says before running to the door. She opens it and looks around. She hears voices above her and looks up.

"Everypony please stay in your homes and lock all doors and windows! We are under attack by strange creatures! Protect yourselves and stay hidden!"

"Oh no! It's just like in Canterlot!" Twilight says while turning to the others.

Sapphire is confused. "Wait what's going on?"

Twilight rushes over to Sapphire. "We are under attack by changelings!"

Everyone gasps except Sapphire. He doesn't know what a changeling is.

"What! Why are they coming here?" Spike asks in slight panic.

"I don't know but we have to stop them! Are you up to help Spike?" Twilight asks the now rather large dragon.

"Of course! I can handle these guys no problem now!" Spike says confidently.

"We will help too!" Chimes the trio of ponies.

"I'll come too...though I don't know if I will be much help..." Fluttershy adds shyly.

"Good we will need all the help we can get. You think you can help Sapphire?"

"I'll try my best." Sapphire says with a nod.

"Great. Then let's move out!" Twilight says with a determined look before they exit the library.
> Sapphire's Secret
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group quickly heads toward the open field nearby the Canterlot train station. They overheard the pegasi above warning them that they are invading from that direction. Before they get far, a cyan pegasus flies toward them.

"Guys!" She says before she lands in front of them.

Twilight turns to see her. "Rainbow Dash! Did you hear what is happening?"

"Yeah I was looking for you guys!" She says as she starts to look at them all. "Where have...you...."

She turns silent when she sees a not so small dragon. "Spike? Is that you?"

Spike smiles proudly. "It sure is! How do I look?"

She dashes over to the dragon and examines him. "Whoa! You look completely different than when I saw you earlier! And you have wings! AWESOME! What happened?"

Twilight walks over to Dash. "We don't have time for that! We will tell you later. Have you seen the other girls?"

Dash nods at Twilight. "Yeah, they are already up there confronting them things. They kinda look like changelings but more vicious."

"Wait, so they aren't changelings?" Twilight asks in worry.

Rainbow shrugs. "I don't think so...anyway let's hurry and head over there. I'll fly ahead! Spike, you should come too! Tell me how you changed while we head there."

Spike slowly spreads his wings and gives them a test flap, trying to feel them. It's weird to him, like he just grew two limbs, however somehow he feels like he's always had them and could use them. He looks at Dash and smiles. "Okay, let's go!" They both take to the skies, Spike a little shakily, and fly off towards the others.

"Uh... I don't think she noticed that any of us were here too." Sweetie Belle points out. Sapphire chuckles, agreeing to that statement.

"Ah agree." Apple Bloom says. "But Ah guess we should keep movin'."

"You're right; Let's keep moving." Twilight says as they head out.





"These creatures are annoyin'!" Applejack says before ramming her rear hooves into the face of a creature, sending it far into a large horde of dark changeling-like monsters that were rushing them. She notices another one running towards her and tries to tackle her, But she swiftly dodges and smashes one of her hooves into its chest, knocking it backwards. Both of the injured creatures disappear into smoke after sustaining damage.

"I agree completely! These beasts need to leave. I'm glad I learned some offensive magic from Twilight." Rarity adds while firing a magical bolt at a creature, hitting it in the arm and removing it. Soon after the creature disappears as well.

"Hi-yah! I don't know about you two but I'm having fun!" Pinkie says while doing weird moves on a creature she calls Mare-Fu. She is standing on her hindhooves and has her forehooves in a peculiar position similar to a stance. A creature rushes her and tries to attack her, but she merely sways to the side. 

"Hi-ya!" She exclaims before doing a chopping motion on the neck of the creature, knocking its head clean off and making it dissipate.

"Well we can't keep this up forever and they keep comin'." Applejack says while bucking another creature in it's face making it disappear.

Rarity fires another beam at a creature that tried to scratch at her neck. "I don't have as much magic as Twilight. I do hope that help is arriving soon!"

Right as she finishes that sentence, more creatures start to rush her. However before they can get close, someone speaks up.

"I'm here for you Rarity!"

A green fireball passes her and burns the three creatures at once, incinerating them. She turns to see where it came from and seed Rainbow Dash with a rather large purple and green dragon that looks quite familiar.

"S-Spike? Is that you?" Rarity stutters in shock.

The other two mares turn and look. Their eyes grow wide and are in awe as well.

"Oh my Celestia! Spike! You're so big! And you have wings! When I saw you earlier today, you were small, but now you are big!" Pinkie says hopping around the dragon.

"Yea it's a long story..." Spike starts.

"Well let's save that there story fer later. We got some critters we need to take care of." Applejack says while readying to fight again.

"I'll provide aerial support with my fireballs." Spike says while taking flight.

"But won't you burn everything else?" Rainbow points out.

"Don't worry. I can control what I burn with my fire. Only these creatures will be burned." He says smugly before flying above the creatures.

He then starts launching fire ball after fire ball into the swarm burning multiple at once. Spike is quickly making work of the creatures swarming in, however something starts happen where some of the creatures start morphing. Some grow wings and take to the air, some of which also ends up passing the others and heading off towards town. There are also others that grow horns and start shooting projectile blasts towards the group.

"Whoa!" Dash evades one of the creatures in the sky and then proceeds to kick it in the back making it disappear. "Looks like they are getting serious! Might as well start to myself!" She says before dashing towards another creature and ramming a hoof into its chest.

"Some of them passed us and are headed for town! Should we chase them?" Rarity asks.

"Don't worry about them! Twilight and Sapphire can take care of them." Spike replies before shooting another fireball into a creature.

"Are you sure? I know Twilight can handle herself but how do you know that Sapphire can fight?" Rarity asks while dodging another attack from a magical creature.

Spike thinks of what he has learned from his new friend and smiles. "Trust me, he can. Let's just try to keep as many as we can from the town."

"Easier said than done." Dash says noticing more heading towards town.

"Ah guess we all got our work cut out fer us. Let's show em what we can do!" Applejack says before charging them with the others close behind.





The others are halfway to the battlefield and notice the streets are in a panic. Ponies are moving fast to retreat to their homes, some falling in the process as well as damaging flowers and strands in their way to safety. After making sure no one is hurt, which takes over ten minutes, they finally reach the other side of town and can see the others still a distance away fighting off the creatures...but some are still heading their way.

"There must be too many for them to handle! We have to go help them!" Twilight says on edge.

"But what about the ones that are coming into town?" Sweetie Belle asks pointing at the ones that are nearing them.

"You guys think you can watch over the town while I go over to help them?" Twilight asks.

"Of course we can! We will annihilate any that come over here!" Scootaloo boasts proudly.

"We can take em but how are ya gonna get past them to get there?" Apple Bloom asks.

Twilight ponders for a moment. "Hmm well I can try teleporting there but I don't know for sure  if I can teleport that far..."

"Well, how about we both go and if you don't get close enough, I'll watch your back until we get there." Sapphire offers.

Twilight nods at that. "Sounds like a good idea. Fluttershy, you think you can stay here with them and make sure everyone else is at home safe?"

Fluttershy perks up at this offer and nods quickly. "Of course! But...what if one tries to attack me? I'm no good at fighting..."

"Don't worry, Ah'll come with ya to make sure ya safe." Apple Bloom offers.

Fluttershy smiles at her. "Oh, thank you Apple Bloom."

Twilight nods as she turns back toward their destination. "Great. Now that we have a plan, let's get going Sapphire."

Sapphire merely nods and places a hoof on her back. They both soon disappear with a blinding light. Luckily everyone turns away so to not be blinded by it. They turn and stare down the creatures closing in.

"Alright bring it on! I'm ready for some action!" Scootaloo says before taking flight, excited to be able to use her training with Rainbow Dash to help the town.

In the meantime, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom both head off to ensure everypony is safe in their homes.

"I'll use my magic to shoot them out of the sky." Sweetie Belle says as she focuses her magic.

"You can use offensive magic?" Scootaloo asks surprised.

"Yeah. I learned from Twilight." Sweetie Belle says proudly.

Scootaloo hit her hooves together. "Cool. I think we can both handle this fine!"

"I'll help you guys out too!"

Both mares turn to the location of a familiar voice. They see Derpy flying over and land next to Sweetie Belle with a determined look on her face.

"Derpy? Are you sure? Do you know how to fight?" Scootaloo asks.

Derpy frowns. "Hey! I can so fight! I learned Mare-fu from Pinkie!"

Both of the mares look at each other, then back at Derpy.

"Alright then, let's see what ya can do! Here they come!" Scootaloo exclaims turning to the creatures that are rushing them.





The battle drags on. The mares and the dragon are starting to get tired and any injuries they received while fighting the creatures are starting to burn. Rarity is the one that seems to be in the worst shape. A powerful blast hit her in her right hind leg drawing blood and she can't move it without feeling a lot of pain. She is slowly trying to heal herself with a magic spell that Twilight taught her, while Pinkie and Applejack cover her. 

Spike almost exhausts his Spellbreathing by shooting so many fireballs. Since he still isn't completely used to it yet, he exhausts his Spellbreathing a lot faster and decides to fight with his claws, cutting the creatures to pieces. Rainbow Dash isn't faring too well either. She is the most agile of the group but as time went on she drags a bit, making her an easier target for multiple at once. However, the creatures didn't seem to tire out and they keep pushing them back, closer to town.

"They just keep coming! I don't know how long we can hold out like this!" Dash says while avoiding two of them at once.

"Well we gotta keep fightin'! They will let up eventually! And it seems there are less around now." Applejack says while kicking another away that was trying to attack Rarity.

Suddenly something happens behind the horde. A large void appears out of nowhere and two large creatures thrice the size of the others comes right out of it. They have wings and a horn.

"Whoa, those might be a problem." Applejack says staring at the larger creatures. One takes flight and darts over the others straight to town. Before Applejack can react, she notices the other start to rush in the direction where her and Rarity are. Rarity notices this as well and, since she healed herself enough to move, speaks up.

"Applejack I'm fine now! You don't have to protect me!"

Upon hearing this, Applejack goes on the offensive and rushes the large creature. When it gets close enough, it swings one if it's claws toward her and she evades it, moving to its side. She then tries to buck the large creature, but it jumps and avoids her kick before swinging its spear-like tail toward Applejack, hitting her hard and sending her back a few feet before sliding on the ground.

"Applejack!" Rarity cries running toward her. While she is running over, she doesn't notice a magic projectile flying straight towards her. By the time she does notice it, it's too late and it hits her in the side sending her into a nearby tree, the blow knocking her unconscious.

"Rarity!!" Applejack yells. Pinkie turns and sees Rarity unconscious. She tries to rush towards them to help but before she can, three small creatures jump her. She knocks one away but the other two get to her and claw her, drawing blood before kicking her in the barrel, knocking the wind out ofHerr before she hits the ground.

Applejack gets to her hooves and turns to the creature again. It attempts to impale Applejack but she sees it coming and evades it in time. She then takes this opportunity to slam her hindhooves into its face, making the creature recoil. "That's fer hurtin' mah friends!"

At that moment she doesn't realize the tail once again coming straight at her and hitting her hard in the face. She is sent flying to the side and slides a few yards in front of Rarity. She tries to get up but collapses. She is in too much pain from that hit, compiled with all the injuries, to get up. She then notices the large creature rushing towards her. But before it gets too close, Spike comes at it like a bull, ramming the large creature in the side and knocking it into a tree. Also by Pinkie, Dash speeds over and smashes a hoof into both creatures faces at the same time, knocking them away from her. Both disappear after the impact.

"Pinkie? Are you okay?" Dash asks is worry.

She doesn't answer. She is unconscious as well.

Dash groans. "Dang! We are getting our flanks handed to us! We really need some help here!"

Spike then turns to Applejack. "Applejack are you okay?"

Applejack tries to move again, but is only greeted by pain and collapses again. "Ah'm afraid not partner. I can't really move. And Rarity isn't holdin' up that well either. She's actually unconscious."

Spike feels a bit of rage at what they did to his friends, but keeps calm. "Dang. This is getting annoying. I can't really use my Spellbreathing either. We are really in trouble. I'm going to put you and Rarity on my back." He then turns and looks towards Dash and sees Pinkie unconscious. "Dash! I need you to get Pinkie. We have to fall back and come up with a plan!”

"Roger!" Dash says before placing Pinkie on her back. She quickly heads away from the creatures towards Spike who had already lifted Applejack and is heading to Rarity. But then she notices the large creature running straight to Spike.

"Spike! Look out!" Dash yells.

Spike turns around to see the creature rushing towards him. He can't fight it because he is holding Applejack but can’t avoid it either because then it could get to Rarity. He doesn't get a chance to make a choice before something else happens.

A black pegasus smashes down hard on top of the creature with a hoof, digging it into the ground. There is a loud snap and a yelp from the creature. Spike, Dash, and Applejack all stare in surprise at what happens right in front of them. Spike even notices a faint glow on his hoof as he hit him. 

"Don't you dare hurt my friends!" Sapphire yells before  the creature disappears.

They merely stand in surprise before hearing another voice. "Guys!"

Spike and Dash turn to see Twilight running up.

"Thank Celestia you both got here in time! Any longer and it might be worse." Dash says while catching her breath.

Twilight notices they are all in pretty bad shape. Rarity and Pinkie are unconscious, Applejack is in Spike's claws shaking slightly and can't move, and Dash and Spike both look close to collapsing themselves.

"We have to go back to town and prepare a strategy. We can't win like this!" Spike proposes.

Twilight sees the creatures closing in on them. "That's a good idea. While we are there I can heal you guys too. Sapphire can you pick up Rarity?"

"Yeah of course." He says and begins to pick Rarity up.

"Ok! Now Everyone hold on!"

Spike, Sapphire and Dash place a hoof (claw for Spike) on her and they teleport away before the creatures reach them.






"Take this!" Sweetie Belle shouts as she fires a beam of magic at a creature. The beam hits the enemy dead in the forehead and goes right through it, making it disappear. She then turns and fires two more beams at two rushing creatures, getting them both in the head as well before they disappear. She smiles at her precision on those creatures but suddenly gets hit in the side by a rather strong magic shot, knocking her down. She however, gets up angrily and stares down the creature responsible before charging a large beam and firing straight at it, the beam completely erasing it's head from the body before it disappears.

“Dumb monster.” She says as she rubs the area she was hit by the beam.

Meanwhile Scootaloo dodges two creatures in the sky that tries to come at her from both sides, making them run into each other. 

“Hah! What a couple of knuckleheads!” Scootaloo jokes and takes this opportunity to smash her hoof into one of the creature's faces and kicking the other in the gut hard, making both disappear.

Derpy is also having a stare down with the last creature with her good eye. Suddenly it rushes her fast and makes a quick jab, hitting her but she comes back quickly with an uppercut to his chin with one of her hooves, knocking it high in the air. She takes flight and gets above the creature and before it can recover, she slams both forehooves into its face and sends it straight to the ground hard, making it disappear.

Once she lands, she wipes her head, even though she isn't sweating. “Phew.”

All the creatures that had tried to attack the town are finally beaten by the three mares. They have a few scratches and are a bit tired, but are all fine.

"Well, that's all the creatures here. That was easy!" Scootaloo says smugly.

"There weren't that many that came though." Derpy points out.

"Uh girls? That one might be a problem though." Sweetie Belle points her hoof to one creature three times the size of the others heading their way and fast.

"Great! A challenge! Bring it on!" Scootaloo says charging the creature by herself.

"No Scootaloo! Don't rush it alone!" Sweetie Belle yells.

She doesn't listen and instead keeps charging towards the creature. When she gets close she quickly swings one of her hooves straight at its face, however the creature seemingly easily dodges the attack and swings a claw of its own towards the mare. She dodges it as well. However, she doesn't notice its tail coming right after, getting a clean hit in her side, knocking her into the ground hard.

"Ugh, this one is way faster and stronger than the others..." Scootaloo says while trying to get up.

The creature tries to dive towards the mare but is cut off by a magic laser projectile cutting into its side. It turns to the unicorn responsible and rushes towards her instead. Sweetie Belle keeps firing shot after shot at the creature, which in turn evades them all still heading towards her. She panics and turns and tries to run but ends up tripping over herself and falling. She looks towards the creature in terror as it rushes straight towards her with its horn pointing at her like a lance. Just as she thought she was going to be impaled, she feels herself get pushed out the way and instead of her getting impaled, somepony else takes her place.

"Derpy!" Sweetie Belle yells.

The creature missed it's intended target, but it still hits Derpy. It's horn pierces through Derpy's right wing and pins her to a tree. The pegasus yells in pain from it and tries punching the creature in its face to make it let go. However, the creature merely pulls its horn from the mare, and before she can hit the floor, it swings its tail at the mare hitting her right in the barrel, knocking her several yards away. The blow, along with the fact that she hit the ground so hard makes her cough out blood. She can't move because of the pain either. The creature is heading towards Derpy, intending to finish the job when a familiar laser shot hits it in the side. It turns to see the unicorn nearby the other pegasus that is still struggling to get up. It then starts to proceed towards the two.





Twilight, Sapphire, Spike and Dash are quickly heading to the town. The teleportation got them pretty close. They are nearly there when they heard a loud yelp like somepony was in pain.

“Derpy?” Sapphire says in surprise.

"It sounded like it came from over there!" Twilight says and points in the direction the yell came from. They hurry past the few buildings and once they get to the clearing, they see something that horrifies them.

"DERPY!" Sapphire yells and makes a beeline towards her, the others close behind. When they get closer Sapphire places Rarity down and they take in her condition. She has scratches all over but one specific injury stands out. In her right wing, there is a hole like something pierced right through it, blood coming from the large gap.

“No…” Seeing his first new friend laying there coughing blood, Sapphire stares at her, the horrible scene reminding him of a specific day:

Don't worry, I'll protect you this time.

Sapphire mentally snaps.

"She is badly injured. I'll try to maintain her wounds so she doesn't bleed out." Twilight says before using her magic to do just that.

They then hear another yell and they turn to see what is happening. Quite a ways away is another large creature scratching at a barrier that Sweetie Belle made. The barrier seems to be getting weaker by each hit.

"Oh no! They need help!" Spike says. But before they can run over, the creature stops attacking them. It turns to the right looking at something. Everyone looks in the same direction and sees Apple Bloom in front of Fluttershy yelling something but they can't make out what she is saying because she is too far. The creature then spreads its wings and dashes toward the two with its horn out like a lance.

"Oh no! Apple Bloom can't take that thing on! It will rip her to shreds! We gotta help her!" Applejack panics.

"I'm going to kill it."

Everyone pauses before turning to the pony that said those words. It's Sapphire. He is standing there, shaking, however, his eyes surprise them all.

They are glowing.

"Sapphire? Are-" Twilight starts but doesn't get to finish.

Sapphire suddenly spreads his wings and bolts towards Apple Bloom and Fluttershy with astounding speed. The force and wind ends up pushing them back slightly, surprising them all. Even Dash is awestruck.

The two are about a hoofball field length away but he manages to get over there in less than a couple seconds, hovering in front of Apple Bloom and Fluttershy. Both mares are surprised; it seems like he came out of nowhere.

"Sapphire?" Apple Bloom says in surprise.

Sapphire says nothing. The creature is still rushing but picks up speed while coming straight towards them.

"Sapphire look out! It's coming!" Apple Bloom manages to say but the creature is too close. They all watch in horror, thinking that Sapphire is going to be impaled.

However, that wasn't the case. The creature that is rushing at high speeds is immediately halted. Sapphire has one hoof extended towards the creature's horn and stops it in its tracks, a blue glow surrounding both his hoof and the creature's horn. Everyone watching is in awe.

"I'm going to kill you for what you did to Derpy!" Sapphire yells in pure anger, eyes glowing more intensely.

What happens next makes all their eyes wide and their jaws drop. Sapphire grabs the creature by the horn and lifts it off the ground like it's nothing. Once it's high enough, he slams the creature down so hard that it makes a small crater in the ground, the impact also snapping its horn off. The creature makes a loud yelp in extreme pain before it disappears.

Everyone is speechless. They couldn't believe what they just saw, especially the ones that actually fought the creature. Before anyone can say anything, Sapphire turns to the two mares behind him.

"Are you two okay?" He asks in slight worry.

"Y-yeah thanks." Apple Bloom manages to get out, still in shock.

"I'm fine. Thank you Sapphire." Fluttershy says in relief with a warm smile.

Sapphire smiles back before heading towards Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, checking to see if they are okay as well.

"Are you two okay?" He asks as he makes it to them.

"Yeah. Thanks! And nice slam!" Scootaloo replies while smiling.

Sapphire returns it with a slightly embarrassed look before looking at Sweetie Belle, who is already looking at him in a small daze. "Sweetie Belle?"

She quickly snaps out of her daze upon hearing her name and smiles warmly at him. "Thank you Saph. You saved me. I thought I was a goner."

Sapphire smiles. "I would never let anything happen to you. You guys are my friends after all." He then takes flight and bolts back to Twilight and the others, not noticing the large blush that appears on Sweetie Belle's face. He makes it back just as fast as he left. The other four decide to head over there as well.

Once he gets there, he slows to a stop right in front of Twilight and Derpy.

"How is she?" Sapphire asks with worry.

Twilight snaps out of her stupor and frowns. "She is in pretty bad shape. I can sustain her but she really needs medical attention. I can't do much here but we don't have enough time to take her to the hospital, with the creatures closing in."

Sapphire hesitates for a moment as he takes in what she just said. He knows that she is in bad shape and that the creatures needed to be taken care of before anything can be done to help her.

I have to save her! She's my friend! I have to use it...what happens after I'll deal with later. Regardless of what they think of me afterwards I don't care. I will save her!  He frowns and takes a deep breath. He closes his eyes before speaking up.

"Twilight, can I ask you a question?" He asks calmly.

Twilight is surprised by his change of attitude. "Sure. What's on your mind?"

"If you were to see something that defied all logic happen right in front of you, would you shun it?"

Twilight is even more surprised than before but replies nonetheless. "No. I'd admit I'd be surprised and wonder how it was possible, but I wouldn't shun it. Besides, I've already met a pony that defies logic and she is one of my best friends; Pinkie Pie."

Sapphire smiles slightly. "Thanks. I hope everyone here has that same attitude."

Twilight returns it. "Trust me when I say that they do. Why do you ask?"

Sapphire stares angrily at the oncoming horde of creatures. "I'll take care of these creatures. I want you all to just stay here."

Everyone's eyes grow wide and they stare at him incredulously. "What? You can't take all of them alone! That's suicide!" Dash exclaims.

Sapphire continues to glare at the creatures angrily. "Don't worry, they won't reach this town. I can promise you that."

"How are ya gonna stop them all? There are just two many!" Applejack protests.

Sapphire ignores her and starts to walk towards the swarm of creatures that are rapidly approaching. Twilight rushes in front of him and stops him.

"Sapphire don't! You can't handle all those things alone. There are way too many!"

Sapphire pauses before he slowly turns to the group. By then, the other four had caught up to them.

"Listen, I haven't been completely honest with you all...and I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for?" Sweetie Belle asks curiously.

Sapphire sighs. "I have a secret; A big secret."

"What kind of secret Saph?" Apple Bloom pries.

Sapphire turns back around, facing the creatures. They are less than half a mile away and gaining.

"I think it's best if I show you..."

Before anyone can respond, he rushes ahead. He gets 50 feet in front of everyone and stops.

"I hope things turn out better this time.." Sapphire hopes while closing his eyes.

Everyone watches the pegasus intently, concern and worry etched in their faces. They know he is strong; He just proved it in their faces. But there are way too many of them for him to take alone. 

However, something happens that no one has ever seen a pegasus be able to do.

Covering Sapphire's whole body is a blue aura. Everyone knows instantly what that means.

He can use magic.

The creatures start getting dangerously close to them. All of the creatures decide to head to Sapphire since he is the closest to get rid of him first.

"I won't let you bastards get past me!" Sapphire shouts angrily.

He then turns his back towards the creatures. He lifts his front hooves up before slamming them into the ground, digging them a few inches into the ground. Then he proceeds to get in a position similar to getting ready to buck a tree. While in that position, his hind hooves start glowing white. Everyone is watching him trying to figure out what he is doing.

When the creatures get less than fifty feet from him he speaks.

"Let's see how you bastards like this! Forbidden spell 13, Shockwave!"

Sapphire then proceeds to kick his legs back, his hind hooves seeming to hit a white spark before sending a large shockwave towards the creatures, the force crushing the ones in front to smoke and blowing the ones in back farther away. Everyone’s jaw drops at the scene in front of them in awe.

He then turns to face the creatures and spreads his wings. They start to glow white similar to when his feet did.

"I'm not done with you! Forbidden spell 11, Tornado!"

Sapphire flaps his wings once hard and produces a mini tornado which increases in size every second. Soon enough the tornado is easily over a hundred feet tall and engulfs every single one of the creatures into it while it keeps expanding. Some of the creatures collide with each other in the tornado and disappear.

While the tornado is still tossing the remainder of the creatures, Sapphire speaks up while still facing the tornado and focusing.

"Spike! You think you can shoot one more fireball?" Sapphire shouts out to him.

Spike snaps out of it and replies. "Uh, yeah. I think I can."

"Okay then make one and throw it towards me!" He says quickly. 

Spike does as he is asked and makes a fireball. It isn't as big as the others he used before but it is one nonetheless. He then throws it straight at Sapphire.

Sapphire quickly turns around and catches the fireball between his forehooves. It merely seems to float there. Also, the tornado dissipates after he turns which leaves all the leftover creatures in the air. He bolts straight towards the swarm high in the air, and positions himself directly in the center of the swarm.

"This is the end! Forbidden spell 10, Phoenix inferno!"

The fire in between Sapphire's hooves expands immensely, engulfing him and every single creature in flame. From where the group is it looks like a giant green Phoenix. They also start to panic slightly because Sapphire is the epicenter so he could be getting burned as well.

After a few seconds, the flame condenses and all the creatures are gone in a large black smoke. All that is left is Sapphire as he suddenly starts to fall. It looks like he suffered some damage as well but they don't see any burn marks.

While he is falling, a magic circle suddenly appears next to him and he hops off of it, angling his fall but it doesn't slow him down much. He ends up landing on his back and flipping onto his hooves before sliding to a stop. After he catches his breath, he slowly proceeds towards the group. When he gets close, he notices them all just staring at him.

"Whoa!" Scootaloo exclaims, still quite surprised at what she saw.

"That...was...awesome!" Dash cheers excitedly.

Sapphire sports a small smile but it quickly turns into a frown as he heads towards Derpy.

"How is she? We can get her to the hospital now right?" He asks.

Twilight looks at him sadly. "I've done all I can...but I found out she also has internal bleeding. Some of her ribs are shattered and it punctured vital organs.. I don't think we can get her to the hospital in time...I-I'm sorry."

Sapphire's eyes grow wide at that information. He can't believe his first friend here is about to die.. He knows for a fact he isn't going to sit by and let this happen. As he rushes through his mind on what to do, he remembers something.

Are you willing to give your own life to save others young colt?

"Yes, I am!" He shouts, surprising the others. He suddenly begins to glow with his blue aura and the others look at him in curiosity. Suddenly, out of nowhere a blue void appears next to him. The group hesitates, thinking more creatures might come out of it, but instead a cloth comes out covered in a similar blue aura and starts to wrap itself around Sapphire's right wing.

"Saph? What are you about to do?" Spike asks in confusion.

"I'm about to save her." He says adamantly before closing his eyes.

All of a sudden the whole group except for Twilight, Apple Bloom, and Fluttershy become engulfed in a blue aura.

"Hey, what's going on?" Applejack asks but after a moment, quickly realizes what is actually happening.

Her, along with everyone else's injuries soon start to fade away. In just a few seconds, all of them feel good as new.

"Wow! I feel great!" Spike says examining his body.

Applejack hops off of Spike's back and stretches. "Yeah, me too. It's like ah didn't even fight."

"Ugh my head hurts. I want something sweet!"

Everyone turns and sees Pinkie hop up, along with Rarity awakening.

"What's going on? Last thing I remember is being shot by one of those atrocities and feeling quite a bit of pain. Though the pain is completely gone now."

Twilight smiles and looks at Derpy. All of her injuries are gone as well. She opens her eyes and hops up. She looks at herself in surprise.

"The pain is gone! I’m okay!" Derpy says happily.

But before they can celebrate their great fortune, they hear a thud, like someone hitting the ground. They turn in the direction of where they heard it and see Sapphire collapsed on the ground.

"Sapphire! Are you alright?" Twilight asks while rushing toward him. The others rush to him as well. When she gets close enough, she is shocked. He has scars and scratches all over his body that she didn't see earlier. However, one thing stands out. On his right wing, where he wrapped the cloth, is blood. After she sees that, she knows what happened.

"What's going on? He didn't have all these injuries a second ago. Where did they come from?" Spike says in worry.

"That's because they are everyone else's injuries! He took all of your pain and injuries and transferred it to himself." Twilight replies in shock, shaking at the absurdity of the action.

Everyone gasps. "What? How can he do that? How is that even possible?" Dash wonders in shock.

"It's a spell called Health Swap. It's a spell that transfers all the pain and injuries from a subject to the caster. It's actually banned because of how dangerous it was for the caster." Twilight explains.

"So he has Derpy's...oh no!" Spike panics. "This is bad! Not only does he have Derpy's critical injuries, he also has all of ours! He needs to go to the hospital now!"

"T-Twilight?"

Everyone turns to the voice. To everyone’s surprise Sapphire is awake, and is getting up barely. They can't believe he is even able to move let alone stand knowing he has all their pain combined. As he is getting up, he almost collapses but Twilight rushes over and catches him.

"You shouldn't be moving around Sapphire." Twilight scolds.

He shakes his head slightly. "It doesn't matter. Is everyone okay?" He asks.

Twilight nods with a smile. "Yes. Thanks to you." She then frowns at him. "But why would you do something like that? What if you couldn't handle it and died?"

He smiles weakly. "That's what friends do...right?" After he finishes that sentence, he closes his eyes and Twilight feels his body go limp.

"Sapphire? Oh no! Sapphire!" Twilight yells.

That is the last thing he hears before he loses consciousness.
> New Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 week later...

The town of Ponyville is bustling as usual. Everypony is out and about in the early morning taking care of their daily routines. 

Derpy is out delivering mail, nearly running into things along the way. Applejack is selling apples at her stand, making a large haul as usual. Rarity is in her boutique finishing up some last minute orders for dresses, which seems to always happen. Fluttershy is at home tending to her animals, one in particular is being greedy and insisting on more than just the everyday carrots for lunch. Pinkie Pie is at Sugarcube Corner making treats for everypony that enters, occasionally snacking on a treat herself. Rainbow Dash is taking her daily nap in a cloud she kept after clearing the sky, as usual. The Cutie Mark Crusaders are running around town trying to partake in the days activity of being auctioneers, getting scolded by Applejack because they try to auction her Stetson. Twilight is in the library, studying a new book that came today after she ordered it a while back. And lastly Spike is getting ready to head out after completing his chores for the day.

"I'm heading out to see Saph again Twilight!" Says the dragon grabbing his bag and heading for the door.

"Okay Spike! Let me know if anything changes!" She yells out to him.

"Will do." He agrees before closing the door.

Ever since that incident a week ago, Sapphire has been unconscious and in the hospital. The nurses were amazed to see him alive after they saw Spike bring him in. Ever since, Spike has decided to visit Sapphire everyday to see if he awakens but no such thing has happened yet. He usually stays there for a little while so he can notify the others should he awake and they aren't around. But every once in a while, some of them will pop up on their own time to see for themselves. Most still have lives and things to do as Spike only has chores before he is allowed to do what he wants. That's what makes him the perfect candidate to check up on him, at least that's what Spike figures.

Spike decides to walk there today so he can say hi or to chat with others while heading towards the hospital. He greets a number of passerby's like Bon Bon and Lyra walking around as well. He also sees Berry Punch chatting with Carrot Top at their stands but they turn and wave at the dragon once they see him. Most are surprised at his new look but they quickly get accustomed to it. He smiles and waves back but hears a familiar voice call out to him.

"Hey there Spike!" Applejack calls out to him from behind her stand.

Spike walks up to greet the cowpony with a smile. "Hey there Applejack. How are the sales going today?"

"Why, they are goin' great! Sold over half my stock already!" Applejack says proudly.

Spike nods sagely. "That's good to know, but not too surprising. Everypony loves your apples after all."

Applejack tips her hat and nods. "Yer right about that. So ya heading to the hospital again?"

Spike looks towards the hospital. "Yeah. Hope he wakes up today. It's been a week already."

Applejack sighs before she walks around her stand. "Ah know. Ah still can hardly believe what Ah saw that day. I'm sure me as well as everypony else would want some answers. Especially Twilight. She probably has an essay on what ta ask em."

Spike chuckles at the thought. "Yeah, but don't bombard him with too much. He'd probably be out of it when he wakes up."

Applejack nods and places a hoof on his shoulder. "Don't worry Ah won't. Can't say the same fer Twilight. Make sure ya inform me when he does come to."

Spike nods. "I will as soon as he does."

He waves at the earth pony before he departs again. As he is walking, he looks up in the sky. He has a slight urge to join the skies but pushes the urge back down. He notices a lone cloud floating and upon closer inspection, he sees a rainbow colored tail hanging from it.

Dash is probably napping as usual. He thinks but then gets an idea. I can probably sneak up on her and scare her! The look on her face would be so priceless! He chuckles at the idea.

He puts his plan into motion, taking to the sky and hovering behind Dash's head. As he guessed, she is asleep. He takes a deep breath and shouts near her ear.

"HEY DASH!!!"

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"

She proceeds to jump over 5 feet higher into the air and lands right back on the cloud clumsily. She turns and sees Spike laughing hard, barely able to keep himself from falling.

Rainbow glares at him "Spike! What the heck! Why did you do that?"

Spike calms down enough to speak. "I'm sorry, but it's the only opportunity I had to ever scare you; I had to take it. You should have seen yourself! It was hilarious!" He starts laughing again.

Dash rolls her eyes "Ha, ha very funny. What are you doing over here anyway?" Rainbow notices her cloud has moved quite a distance from her place nearby Fluttershy's cottage and she sees the hospital nearby.  "Are ya heading to go see Saph?"

By now he is slightly calm and he nods. "Yeah, hoping he is awake by now. You wanna come with since you are not napping anymore?" He asks with a smirk.

Dash rolls her eyes again. "Nah I cant. I promised I'd hang with Scootaloo today. You know how she gets."

Spike shakes his head imagining her number one fan. "Yeah she practically worships you. How does it feel to have a fan of you that big?"

Dash shrugs. "I honestly don't know what to think of it. Sure it's great to have a pony that admires my greatness, but I don't want her to be too clingy. But I don't want to push her away either, ya know?"

"Yeah. Celestia forbid your greatest fan not admiring your 'greatness'." He says jokingly.

Dash merely stares at him with a deadpan expression.

"Well, I'm going to head out now. See ya Dash." He says as he prepares to leave.

"Later Spike and don't wake me from my naps again!" She yells at him.

He smiles before he heads back to the ground and proceeds with his walk. He is nearly there; he just has to pass Rarity's boutique.          

I wonder if Rarity is there... He ponders but before he can make a decision, he already finds himself walking up to the door. He decides to knock, but before he can, the door opens to reveal three ponies.

"Hiya Spike!" Sweetie Belle says happily upon noticing the drake.

"Oh hey girls. What ya up to?"

"We're tryin' ta get our cutie marks as auctioneers but we couldn't find anything ta auction." Apple Bloom says dejectedly.

"Don't worry girls. I'm sure you will get your cutie marks soon." Spike sympathizes.

Scootaloo smiles. "Thanks Spike. So are ya heading to the hospital again?" She asks noticing his backpack.

Spike nods. "Sure am. Do you guys wanna come?"

Sweetie Belle lights up at the offer. "I'd love to!"

Suddenly a voice from inside calls to her. "Sweetie Belle? Would you be a dear and help me finish these last few dresses?"

Sweetie Belle groans. "Ugh, NOW she wants my help? Sorry Spike. I'll try to come after."

He waves off her concern. "It's okay. How about you Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom shakes her head no. "Sorry Spike but my sis is finally gonna let me buck apples with her today. Ah'm so excited!"

He nods. "Okay well I’m going to head out then. I'll see you girls later." Spike says and turns to leave.

"Hey! Aren't you gonna ask me too?" Scootaloo says as she rushes in front of him.

Spike shrugs. "I already know that you will be busy with Dash, Scootaloo. She already told me."

She scuffs the floor with a frown. "Yeah, but you still could have asked me..." She mumbles while looking down.

Spike sighs and lays a claw on her shoulder. She looks up at him and he smiles. "Yeah, you are right. I'm sorry Scootaloo. Tell you what, I'll get you a treat from Sugarcube Corner. Sound good?"

Scootaloo lights up quickly at that. "Really? Thanks Spike!"

"Hey! What about us?"Spike turns and sees the other two pouting and staring at him with wide eyes.

Spike raises his claws. "Fine, fine I'll give you all one.” 

They all cheer and Spike shakes his head at their antics. “Well I'd best be heading off. I'll see you girls later. Give Rarity my regards Sweetie." He says with a wave.

"Bye Spike!" They all say as they go their separate ways. Apple Bloom heads towards the farm, Scootaloo flies off to see Dash, and Sweetie Belle goes inside to help her sister.

Spike makes it to the hospital not too long after leaving the boutique. As he heads inside, a nurse inside waves him over.

"Hey Spike! Here for Dark Sapphire again?" Asks the nurse.

He smiles and nods. "Hey nurse Redheart. And yeah. Any new news?"

Redheart looks at a chart. "He seems to be healing quite nicely. Nearly all the scratches on his body are gone. All that is left is the damage to his left wing that is also healing well, but slowly. If something like that happened to any other pony, they probably wouldn't be able to fly. I'm still rather surprised that a pegasus can even use magic!"

Spike nods in agreement. "Yeah, everyone is..."

Redheart smiles. "I sure do hope he wakes up soon. I would like to thank him personally for saving the town."

"I'm sure he would be happy to hear that. I'm going to head over now." He says before heading towards the stairs.

"Okay take care. Let us know if you see any changes."

"I will." He says and heads up to the second floor toward the room numbered 214.

He opens the door and walks in. The room is bland as usual; a small table with two chairs, a door that leads to a restroom, and finally a bed that is currently occupied by his new friend. He walks over, grabs a chair, and sits it next to the bed backwards. He sits on it and his arms fold on top of the back of the chair before he rests his head on them.

"Hey Saph. You've been asleep for a week now. You need to wake up so we can thank ya."

Sapphire merely lays there unresponsive; his breathing the only indication he is alive.

Spike smiles as he continues. "We really appreciate what you did. Not only did you protect the town, but you got rid of all our injuries and saved Derpy's life. I think she is the most grateful. She visits a lot and always asks me if you are getting better. I even caught her here earlier than me one time with her delivery outfit on. Said she wanted to see you before she went to work.”

He pauses, but continues. “But that doesn't mean she is the only one. From your first encounter I'm pretty sure you already know that Twilight will have mountains of questions for you when you wake up. I’m sure she won't go too overboard...Maybe.”

He chuckles slightly at the thought but continues, “Dash was impressed by the speed you flew and has been itching for a race. Says that you may be fast but she could have passed you easily if she was at full strength.” 

He rolls his eyes as he imagines the cocky pegasus. “Anyways, Rarity also made a nice suit for you and is hoping for you to try it on when you see her. It made me kinda jealous but I know it's just her way of thanking you.”

He hears two ponies chatting as they walk past the door. Once it gets quiet again, he continues. “Pinkie wants to throw you a party for saving the town. She may be a little eccentric at times, but she is a good mare and trust me, you will love her parties. Last party she threw for me was pretty wild and we all ended up passing out in the library. Last time I will agree to have a cider drinking contest with that mare. She drank all of us under the table.”

He wonders again how she manages to keep all of that cider down when she had had six challengers but chalks it up as another mystery before he stresses his mind on it. 

He remembers something else and speaks on it. “Oh! Applejack wants to share some of her secret apple pie with you too! She rarely makes it unless it's a special occasion. I can tell you right now that once you have a bite, you will be hooked! My mouth is watering just thinking of it!”

He wipes his mouth and tries to think of other friends that has came to see him. “Fluttershy, is a little different. She worries for you of course but she is too overcome of fear that you might not make it. So she doesn't come as much because she always leaves in tears. I always go after her of course to calm her down and tell her you will be okay. If you even saw one tear come from her, I’m sure you would have woken up immediately for her.”

He smiles slightly as he remembers the look Sapphire had when he first saw her. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders visit too at times. Scootaloo is also impressed by what you did, even calling you the third coolest in Ponyville, after her and Dash of course. Apple Bloom is kind of similar to Fluttershy in the sense that she is afraid you won't make it, but she makes sure to visit as much as she can. And then there's Sweetie Belle. I think she might have a small crush on you. She is here even more than me and is always willing to come see you. She is more positive and believes you will turn out okay and wanted to be first to find out when you wake up.”

He looks out the window. “Other ponies ask how you are doing too. Some heard rumors of what happened and some even saw from their windows. All were surprised to say the least, but I can honestly tell you that not one pony has shunned you. They all want to be your friends and thank you for what you've done. But first you have to wake up..."

Spike notices something move out of the corner of his eye near the bed. He quickly turns to him, hoping he might be coming to, but Sapphire is still. After a few seconds, a large yawn comes from the dragon.

"I guess I can take a quick nap before I go..." He says before he closes his eyes and welcomes the sleep that overtakes him.





Sapphire slowly opens his eyes and notices he is in a dark room. He looks around and can’t see anything.

"W-Where am I?"

"You are inside yourself..."

Sapphire jumps at the voice and looks around again. "Who's there?"

"It’s you."

Sapphire grows confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I am the you that you shut away...the guilt, anger, regret, and sadness that you hide..."

Suddenly a light shines behind Sapphire. He turns around and sees a pony. This pony looks just like him...but he is also different. His mane and tail are as black as his coat and his eyes are red instead of blue.

"You are alone in this world. No one will ever accept you. You are a freak that goes against the normal laws of the world." He sneers.

"T-That's not true!" Sapphire shouts back. "The ponies in Ponyville said they will accept me! I made friends!"

"Are you sure you accepted them yourself?"

Sapphire blinks. "What do you mean?"

"Look around you. What do you see?" He gestures with a hoof.

Sapphire hesitantly looks around. "There is nothing here..."

He chuckles darkly. "Exactly. You haven't accepted them and you don't know for sure they've accepted you. This place is inside you! You have nothing here! You are alone..."

Sapphire hesitates, but shakes his head. "I-I don't believe that! Derpy said she would be my first friend! And all the others accepted me too! Twilight said they would never shun me!"

"Say what you want, but that doesn't change the fact that nothing is around you. You don't believe your words."

Sapphire stomps a hoof angrily. "I do! I do. I...do...don't I?"

The pony grins. "You are doubting your words!"

"No!" Sapphire slams his hoof on the ground as he yells. "I believe them! I will trust them all! I'll prove it!"

"Then wake up and show me!” He yells.

All of a sudden a blinding light engulfs Sapphire.

He jerks awake.

He blinks a few times, getting adjusted to the light before he surveys his surroundings. He finds himself in a small room. There are two doors to the left, a table with a chair in front of him, and a window to the right. Also, a purple and green dragon is asleep on a chair.

"S-Spike?" He breathes, coughing slightly.

The dragon stirs at hearing his name. "Huh? Wha?"

Spike looks and sees Sapphire staring at him weakly. "Sapphire? SAPPHIRE!" The dragon yells in excitement before rushing over and giving his friend a bear hug.

Sapphire is hit with a surge of pain and taps on his shoulder three times. "Pain...hurts...Spike.."

"Oh, Sorry! My bad." he says, pulling away quickly from the injured pegasus.

Sapphire catches his breath and leans back on his pillow. He smiles weakly at Spike. "It's no problem. Where are we?"

Spike’s eyebrows rise. "Can't you tell? We are in the hospital. You sure are a crazy pony to transfer all of our injuries to yourself."

Sapphire chuckles weakly. "Yeah I kind of don't think things through sometimes. How long have I been out?"

"A whole week." Spike says pointedly.

"Whoa, that's a long time..." He then remembers something. "Derpy! Is she okay?"

Spike chuckles. "Calm down Saph. You took all of her wounds remember?"

He shakes his head slightly. "Yeah, but I've never dealt with internal damage and Twilight said she had broken ribs and internal bleeding...I didn't know if I took those also..."

Spike's eyebrows raise once again. "Wow. And here you are, surviving even that. I didn't even know. I guess the doctors spared us from some info. But don't worry; Derpy is fine. Everyone is."

Sapphire sighs like a weight is lifted from his back. "I'm glad everyone is okay."

"Speaking of everyone..." Spike starts but then grabs his bag and pulls out multiple scrolls. He proceeds to blow fire on each of them, making them disappear out the window.

Sapphire takes note of the strong wisps of flame he shot per scroll. "Looks like your fire is stronger."

Spike blushes slightly and nods in embarrassment. "Heh, yeah. I've been practicing."

Sapphire looks towards the window as the last one leaves in a green flame. "So who were those letters for?"

Spike smiles. "Everypony that wants to see you."





"Whew! We got a good amount of work done. Let's take a quick break and get a drink." Applejack says while wiping the sweat from under her Stetson.

"Okay sis. How did Ah do?" Apple Bloom asks while following her older sister to the barn.

"Ya did mighty fine fer yer first time. With practice, Ah bet ya will be buckin' all the apples out in one kick." She compliments as they head into the barn.

Apple Bloom smiles happily. "Thanks sis. Ah just hope Ah can be as great as you are someday."

Applejack pours herself and her sister some apple juice and slides Apple Bloom a glass. "In due time sugarcube."

They both drink their beverage rather quick. Right after they finish, out of nowhere, two scrolls appear in front of them and land on the floor.

"Huh? Spike sent us some letters." Apple Bloom says while picking up one.

"Ah wonder what's up?" Applejack says curiously as she grabs the other and begins to read. She notices it only says two words:

He's Awake!

"He's awake? Wait, he must mean Sapphire! Sapphire's awake!!" Apple Bloom says in excitement.

"Well what are we waitin' for! Let's go see em!" Applejack says with a large smile.

They both place their dish in the sink and hurry out of the barn and straight to the hospital.





"Aaaannd done!" Rarity says while putting the finishing touches on the last dress. "Perfect! And I wouldn't have been finished so quickly without you darling sister. I have to admit, you have become quite helpful as of late."

Sweetie Belle smiles. "Thanks sis. I learned a little more about making dresses so I could be more help."

Rarity smiles and nuzzles her sister. "And I'm very glad you did. Thank you Sweetie."

Just then, two scrolls appear right in front of them.

"Scrolls? Wherever did these come from?" Rarity says as she picks one up. Sweetie Belle does the same in curiosity.

"Oh, they are from Spike. I wonder what they say." She says before reading her scroll.

He's Awake!

It takes Rarity only a second to realize what this means. "Oh my Celestia! Sapphire is finally awake! We need to get over there as soon as possible! Sweetie Belle, I need you to..."

Rarity turns and pauses when she sees Sweetie Belle already bolt out the door.

"Well, somepony is excited!" She says with a giggle as she closes the door of the boutique. She changes the sign to ‘closed’ before hurrying to catch up to her sister.





"Ding! An order for two! One hot blueberry muffin for Derpy and a strawberry cupcake for Fluttershy!" Pinkie says happily while giving sweets to the two mares.

"Thanks Pinkie." Derpy says, but she doesn't reach for her treat.

"Thank you Pinkie." Fluttershy says sadly, still looking at the ground.

She frowns at the two mares who look depressed. "What's wrong girls? You two are down in the dumps today."

Derpy looks up. "I'm just worried about Saph. He's been unconscious for so long."

Fluttershy fiddles with her cupcake. "Me too...what if he doesn't wake up? I'm so worried..."

Pinkie didn't like seeing her friends sad. She wanted to cheer them up somehow, but before she can, she starts shivering and twitching. The two mares notice it as well. After the series of twitching ends, Fluttershy speaks up.

"That was your Pinkie sense! What's going to happen?" She asks while looking up to make sure nothing was going to fall on her.

Pinkie smiles. "That was the good twitch! Something good is about to happen!"

As soon as she finishes, three scrolls appear in front of them.

"Scrolls?" Derpy says in confusion while picking one up. She opens it and reads it, the other two leaning in to see what it says.

He's Awake!

Their eyes grew wide.

"Sapphire is awake!" They all yell excitedly before bolting out the door. Pinkie stops before she leaves and turns around.

"Mrs Cake! I'm taking my break early!" Pinkie yells as there is a sudden crash outside.

"Why? Something wrong?" Mrs. Cake asks once she exits out of a room.

"No. Something right!" She smiles before she bolts out the door.






"Looking good Scootaloo! Keep up the pace!" Rainbow Dash yells while watching the orange pegasus swivel through some poles at high speed. She is doing well, but at the second to last pole, she bumps it, knocking her off balance and making her hit the ground.

"Ow." Scootaloo groans as she gets up.  " Dang, I was so close!" Scootaloo pouts.

"Don't sweat it. Let's take a small break." Dash says as she walks towards a sports bag.

"Sounds good." Scootaloo agrees as she heads over to a bench and relaxes. Dash comes over and tosses her a water bottle.

Scootaloo catches it with a wing. "Thanks coach!"

Dash smirks. "No prob. You are improving a lot. And you are getting pretty fast."

Scootaloo absorbs the praise like a sponge and smiles happily. "Thanks! That means a lot coming from you. But I'm not nearly as fast as you or Sapphire..." She then remembers that day. "Wow...he moved so fast that I couldn't even see him!"

Dash nods. "Yeah even I have to admit I was surprised." She then puts on a cocky grin. "But now that I know this guy has speed, I gotta have a race with him when he wakes up!"

Scootaloo frowns. "Do you think he will?"

Dash turns to the mare and rubs a hoof in her mane. "I'm sure of it. He looks to be one tough pony. I'm sure something this small won't make him kick the bucket."

Scootaloo smiles. "Yeah you are right. The third coolest pony in Ponyville wouldn't die over some scratches!"

Like on que, two scrolls suddenly pop up in front of them.

"Hey, Spike sent us some scrolls! Wonder what they say.." Scootaloo says while picking up one and reading it. Dash does the same.

He's Awake!

"Sapphire's awake? Finally!" Dash says excitedly.

"Woo! I knew he would wake up!" Scootaloo cheers.

"Let's go and see him!" Dash says as she spreads her wings.

"Yeah!" Scootaloo says and gets ready as well before they both take flight and dart towards the hospital.





Twilight is still engrossed in her new book. She gets to a good stopping point and decides to go get a drink and a snack. She quickly heads to the kitchen and opens the fridge. She sees a bag with two daisy sandwiches and a note on it that says 'Twilight's lunch'. She smiles and grabs the sandwiches with her magic as well as making a cup of apple juice before heading back to her study. She finishes the meal quickly and sighs.

"I really hope Sapphire wakes up soon. I have so many questions for him. Plus I want to properly thank him. Without him, the town could have been overrun by those things..." Twilight pauses. "What were those things anyway? And why did they attack here?"

As she is lost in thought, a scroll appears right in front of her.

"Hm? Spike sent a letter. Maybe it's from the princess. Let's see.."

He's Awake!

"Huh. That's pretty short for a message from the princess. I wonder what...it..."

Her eyes grow wide. "He's awake?! Sapphire is awake!! Oh gosh I have to get there now!" She says before rushing downstairs, changing the library sign to 'closed', and locking the door. After she is done she quickly focuses and in a second there is a blinding light before the library becomes empty.





"So who do you think will be here first?" Spike asks a few seconds after he sent the scrolls.

Sapphire ponders for a moment. "Hmm, good question. Who do you think?"

They both grow quiet before saying at the same time,

"Twilight."

Just then a flash of light shines in the room. After blinking a few times they see who made the light. A certain lavender unicorn they just mentioned. She is facing away and looking side to side.

"Huh. I hope I went to the right room..."

"Hey Twilight."

The mare turns around so quickly it surprises the two males.

"Sapphire! You're awake!" She says while happily rushing over to the pegasus and hugging him. He feels a bit of pain at the contact, but happily returns the gesture.

"Yes I am. Glad to be awake." He says as he enjoys the embrace of the lavender unicorn. Her fur is nice and soft and she smells delightfully like berries to him.

They break the hug and she stares at him. "So, how are you feeling?"

Sapphire spreads his wings slightly, flinching from the pain. "Very sore. The only real pain is my wing. Other than that I'm fine."

"Oh that's great!" She says happily before frowning at him.

Sapphire looks confused. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Why did you take everyone's pain to yourself? That was dangerous and you could have died!" Twilight scolds.

Sapphire flinches at her anger and looks down. "I'm sorry; I panicked. I couldn't let anything happen to Derpy. She became my first friend here...I was desperate to save her. Out of desperation I used too much magic and ended up taking the pain from anyone nearby."

Twilight's frown softens considerably. It seems Sapphire really cares about Derpy even though they've only met for less than a day. 

How can I stay mad at anyone so devoted to their friends? She sighs and smiles. "I understand. I also want to thank you for saving us and everyone in town."

Sapphire smiles. "Anything for friends....we are friends, right?"

Both are surprised at this question. "Of course! Why would you ask that?" Spike asks in slight confusion.

Sapphire looks down. "You'd be surprised at how many ponies avoid me because of this problem..."

"Problem? You think that you using magic is a problem?" Twilight asks, slightly bothered by that statement.

Before Sapphire can reply, he is assaulted by two pegasi that comes in from the window.

"Saph! You're awake! Awesome!" Dash says happily.

"We knew you would wake up!" Says Scootaloo, both of them still hugging Sapphire. He returns the hug happily.

"Good to see you two too." He notices both of these mares coats are nice and soft, Dash's especially. Scootaloo smells like outside, which wasn't that bad, but Dash's coat smells sweet, like strawberries. It’s a pleasant smell. He is so entranced in the smell, that he didn't notice that they already broke the hug.

"So how ya feeling Saph?" Dash asks.

Sapphire snaps out of it and smiles at them. "Much better, thank you. I see you two are fine. Scootaloo you look a little different.."

Scootaloo perks up. "Yeah! I've been training with Dash like every day to get stronger and faster and stuff. Dash says I'm improving fast."

Sapphire nods. "Nice. The two coolest ponies in Ponyville working hard I see."

"Well, we added a third to our group." Scootaloo replies with a smile.

"Oh? And who would that be?" Sapphire asks curiously.

Scootaloo shrugs. "I don't know, maybe a pony that just single-hoofedly destroyed those creatures that attacked and protected Ponyville! Plus saved a pony's life!"

Sapphire blushes immensely and rubs his mane. "Heh, I guess that was a little cool."

"A little? Try a whole lot! And that's something coming from me." Dash adds happily.

"Thanks girls."

Dash waves it off. "Don't sweat it, although me and you are definitely going to have a race when you get out of here."

Sapphire hesitates at that. "Uh, I'm honestly not the competitive type..."

Dash frowns. "Oh no, we are going to race! I've been waiting to have one this whole week! You can't flake on me!"

Sapphire notices the determined look on her face that says if he doesn't accept, she will make him. He sighs. "Fine. I'll race you."

Dash cheers. "Finally! I can't wait!"

"I'm so gonna watch this!" Scootaloo says excitedly.

"I'm watching this too!" Spike chimes in.

Just then they hear hoofsteps coming from outside the door. The door slams open to reveal Sweetie Belle and Rarity. They both are wide eyed when they see him smiling at them.

"Hey Rarity, Sweetie Belle." Sapphire says as he waves at them.

"Sapphire!" They both say before bombarding him with hugs.

"Darling, I'm so glad you are okay!" Rarity says while nuzzling him, Sweetie Belle doing the same on the other side.

They both smell amazing to him. Rarity's coat smells like lavender and is amazingly soft and comforting. Sweetie Belle smells like mint. Her coat is just as soft.

"I'm so glad you finally woke up! It hasn't been that great since you've been in the hospital." Sweetie Belle says while smiling at him.

"You've only known him one day." Scootaloo points out.

"So? And we became friends that day!" Sweetie Belle retorts.

"We all did." Rarity chimes in happily as she gets off the bed. Sweetie Belle decides to stay on the bed. Sapphire doesn't mind at all and merely smiles at her.

"Now, I know that since you haven't eaten in all those days you've been unconscious, you must be starving. Though I am quite surprised that your physique hasn't changed at all." Rarity says while analyzing Sapphire.

"Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing." Twilight agrees.

Sapphire smiles. “ Actually, I learned a spell that uses my magic as food for my body if I can't get food in. It keeps my body the same but takes quite a bit of magic from me every 12 hours. But, it doesn't keep me from feeling hungry. So yeah, I am starving." Twilight has a small spark in her eye at this information and makes a note to ask about it later.

Before anyone can speak about the matter, they are once again greeted by more ponies; Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Derpy.

"Hey girls." Sapphire waves as he notices them.

When they see him waving, Fluttershy and Derpy pause. Tears suddenly start to well up in their eyes.

"Saph! You're finally awake!" Pinkie says before jumping on the bed, the impact ending up knocking Sweetie Belle off while she gives Sapphire a hug. She smells like all kinds of sweets which makes him even more hungry. Her coat is nice and soft too. She is also nuzzling him rather affectionately which makes him blush a little, but no one notices except Sweetie Belle.

"Hey!" Sweetie Belle pouts.

"Oops sorry Sweetie Belle!" She says while climbing off the bed and helping her up. "Well? Are you two just gonna stand there? Don't worry! He doesn't bite...much." She says jokingly looking at the two frozen ponies.

Sapphire shakes his head at the mare. "I don't bite at all Pinkie. But I would like a hug from you two if that's okay..."

At hearing this, the two leap over everypony and dive right to him, hugging and nuzzling him, tears running down their faces onto his coat.

"Sapphire! I'm so happy you're awake! I kept getting scared thinking that you wouldn't make it! I'm so glad I was wrong." Fluttershy says while still nuzzling his left cheek.

"You saved my life Saph! No one has ever done anything like that! Thank you so much!" Derpy says with tears as well, squeezing him even tighter but not too tight.

They both feel and smell amazing to him. Fluttershy smells like vanilla, while Derpy smells of cinnamon. A great smell mixed together in his opinion. Plus they feel so soft, he could have fallen asleep.

"We're so glad you're okay Sapphire." Fluttershy whispers.

Sapphire smiles warmly and any pain he feels is washed away from hearing that before he nuzzles her. "I'm fine, don't worry. And I will do all I can to be there for all of you. I've never had so many friends before and I treasure you all."

Everyone smiles at his confession.

"Now all we're missing is Applejack and Apple Bloom." Spike says.

As if on cue, they hear a voice

"We're right here Sugarcube."

Everyone turns to the door and sees them standing there with smiles on their faces. Apple Bloom decides to get a head start on her sister and jumps towards the bed to hug Sapphire.

"Welcome back ta the world of the living sleepyhead." Apple Bloom says while nuzzling him. He happily returns the hug. She smells of apples and her coat feels rather different than the others; more firm, but still comforting.

"Glad I'm alive and kicking." Sapphire jokes while smiling.

After a second of hugging, she pulls away but not without first doing something that surprises everyone. She lands a soft kiss on Sapphire's cheek.

Sapphire blushes hard and becomes flustered. "W-What was that for?"

"That's fer protectin' me." She answers with a smile.

Everyone is surprised that she did that; one mare doesn't like it so much.

After she hops off, Applejack gives a quick hug as well. She smells like apples too, but she is even more toned and firm than the others. He actually enjoys this feeling quite a bit and slightly wishes it lasted longer as she pulls away.

"Thanks fer everythin' ya did sugarcube. Ah want ta reward ya with a little something when ya get out of here." She says with a smile.

Sapphire shakes his head. "You don't have to. I was glad to help my friends out."

"Naw, Ah insist. Ah'm sure you will like it." Applejack insists.

Twilight gasps. "You don't mean your special pie do you?"

Applejack smirks proudly. "Ah sure do!"

At hearing this Sapphire looks around and sees the others either drooling, or fantasizing. Some are doing both.

Sapphire chuckles. "From the looks of everyone here, it must be really good."

"It's unbelievable! I would pay so much just to get another slice!" Spike says while still drooling.

"Yup and ah'm gonna give ‘em the whole pie."

Everyone’s eyes grow wide. "What? I've never had more than a slice!" Dash complains with slight irritation.

Sweetie Belle hops back up on the bed and scoots very close to Sapphire. "You wouldn't mind sharing a small piece with your favorite unicorn would you?" She asks while putting on the most adorable puppy dog eyes Sapphire has ever seen.

"Uh, sure Sweetie Belle." He says while smiling, a faint blush on his cheeks. That is so cute! How did she do that? He thought.

"Yes! I get a piece!" She cheers happily.

"Hey no fair! Ya can't do that!" Apple Bloom says angrily.

"Yeah! You can't do that Sweets. That's cheating." Scootaloo agrees.

"Too bad!" She says before snuggling up to Sapphire. He blush deepens at the contact. The unicorn receives a few glares from the group, but she doesn't mind; she is happy.

"Hey Applejack, ya think you could make another one for everyone else to share?" Dash practically begs.

Applejack shakes her head. "No can do Dash. He deserves it, and if he decides ta share then that's on him."

Everyone snaps their heads towards Sapphire with pleading eyes.

"Don't worry, I'll share." He says with a smile.

They all cheer and thank him.

Twilight clears her throat, getting everyone's attention. "So, now that you are feeling better, we can get down to business." Twilight says in a rather serious tone.

Hearing her say that makes Sapphire flinch, but he already knew the questions will come eventually. Though he really didn't have time to prepare. However, he lets out a big sigh and nods.

"Yeah. I'm sure you all have a lot of questions. I'm ready when you all are."

"Ok I'll start with the biggest question. How can you use magic when you aren't a unicorn?" Twilight asks the question that has been on everypony- and dragon’s- mind.

Sapphire sighs again. "I figured you would ask that first Twilight. Well, I can't very well give you a textbook answer because I haven't found one, but I can tell you how I'm able to perform magic."

Everyone nods at that before he continues. "You know how unicorns focus their magic to their horns before they cast any spell like that is their pentacle? Well, my pentacle is my entire body."

Twilight eyes grow wide. "Wait so what you are saying is when you use your magic, like our horn,  your whole body glows? Like when you fought those creatures?"

"Well that makes sense since he was glowin' and all." Applejack points out.

Sapphire shakes his head. "Not exactly. My magic is a little different. I have two types of magic. Basic magic, like the one unicorns use, and burst magic that I used a week ago.

"Burst magic? What's the difference?" Dash asks curiously.

"Well for basic magic, I can use magic like unicorns until I exhaust myself out from overuse or something like that. And as long as I don't use magic, I'll be fine. However, burst magic is different. It basically multiplies my magical power exponentially."

"Wait, so you can increase your magic power by yourself? But why don't you just keep it to that level or just keep using burst magic?" Twilight asks in confusion. 

Sapphire rubs his mane as he tries to explain. "There are a few problems with that question. First, I can't increase the burst magic on my own. I can only unlock it, which in turn increases my magic by a set amount that is based off my basic magic's power. So the stronger my basic magic is, the stronger my burst magic will become. Also when I'm using Burst magic, it never stays the same. Whether I'm using magic or not, my burst magic is slowly depleting. Can you guess why?"

Everyone grows quiet. Then Sweetie Belle speaks up.

"Does it have to do with that aura around you?"

Sapphire smiles. "Yes, that's exactly it Sweetie Belle. You catch on quick."

Sweetie Belle blushes slightly at the praise. She cuddles more into Sapphire, making him blush before he continues.

"The aura isn't like when a unicorn uses their magic to cover an object or themselves. It's basically my magic in a visible form, coming out of my body. It's always slowly exiting my body as time passes. Over time, the burst magic will run out.

Twilight nods. "That makes sense. But, is there anything special about using burst magic? Or does it just mean you can use magic continuously?" She asks.

Sapphire puts a hoof to his chin. "Well, I could shoot hundreds of laser projectiles without tiring out. But it is mainly for other major purposes. You remember the attacks I used on the creatures?"

Scootaloo chimes in. "Yeah and they were cool! First you got in position like you were bucking a tree, but when you kicked, it destroyed everything behind you! Then you made a tornado with your wings! And lastly you made a huge green Phoenix that burned them all to a crisp! It was awesome!" Scootaloo explains excitedly.

Sapphire blushes slightly but nods. "Thanks. The last spell was actually much more powerful because of Spike's fire. But anyways those are too powerful to use from my Basic magic. I could use them, but...let's just say I'd be in the hospital after using just two of those spells and in worse condition than this..."

Everyone's eyes grow wide. "Those spells sound dangerous to have backlashes that can put you into worse situations than this!" Sweetie Belle says in a panic.

"Yeah, and that's why they are called Forbidden Spells."

Twilight perks up at that. "Wait, I've heard of those! There are thirteen in all. They are the most dangerous spells that even the princesses didn't use. But I heard that the book that contains those spells is locked up in the abyss by the princesses' mother. How did you learn them?"

Sapphire smiles. "Well, what do you think?"

Twilight gasps. "You didn't..."

He nods. "I went into the Abyss."

Twilight's mouth drops in astonishment. "But...but...how is that possible? No one has ever lived going in there! They had to seal it off and the three keys that were to open it were lost!"

Suddenly a small void appears out of nowhere and 3 different keys emerge from it. One key is a solid black color. It's blade has Spikes protruding from both sides and its bow is a circle with spikes aiming in like sharp teeth. Another key is a dark red color. It's blade has a solid back but the teeth are jagged and sharp. The bow is in the shape of a triangle and has a smaller triangle in the middle of the hole connected by three thin bars. The last key is a dark purple that seems to have its own aura around it. This one's blade is like a simple key but there are only four teeth and they are rounded. The bow is shaped as a spade but in the center, there is an eye. Sweetie Belle shivers as she looks at it.

"The chaos, destruction, and doom keys." Sapphire introduces.

Twilight is shocked. "How? How did you find them? The were hidden everywhere in Equestria!"

Sapphire smiles. "It was actually quite easy. The first two I found at a random shop in Manehatten. I got a tip that someone was selling them there. The third one I found hanging around this stallion's neck in Trottingham. He gave it to me for two thousand bits."

"TWO THOUSAND BITS?!?!" They all yell incredulously.

"Ow. Way to yell in my ears." Sapphire says as he rubbed his ears slightly.

"Sorry." they all apologize.

“Two thousand bits seems like an insane price for a key. That's like a thousand of Applejack’s apples!” Apple Bloom adds.

"So how did you get all that money Saph?" Derpy asks. 

"Well, I never really had any money problems. Otherwise it would have been hard to travel. When my town was burned to the ground, I decided to take my family's money from our underground vaults. No point in leaving it there." He points out.

"Oh, well how much was in there?" Fluttershy asks in curiosity.

Sapphire pauses for a moment. "Uh, I think it was a little less than fifty thousand bits."

"F-F-Fifty t-t-thousand..." Rarity breathes before fainting. Applejack catches her.

Spike whistles after hearing that. "Wow. So your parents were are rolling in bits huh?”

Sapphire chuckles at that and shakes his head. "Not anymore. I don't have any of that money actually."

"Wait, so you spent all that?" Spike asks. By now Rarity has woken up and blushes at her sudden faint spell before listening as he speaks.

"Nope. I actually gave it away to charities when I got old enough to get jobs. I only kept enough to hold me over until I got my first job." He says proudly.

They are surprised to hear that. "Wow. That's really nice of you." Twilight says with a smile.

Sapphire nods with a thoughtful smile. “Yeah, I felt it was a good choice.”

"So, how much do you have now? Since you're working and all?" Dash asks.

“Stop prying Dash.” Twilight scolds at the nosy mare.

Sapphire smiles and waves it off. "It's fine. I'm actually not working at the moment. I’m hoping to find a job here as well as start this idea of a job I made myself. As for the amount, I have about eight thousand bits.

"That's still enough to keep ya going for at least a year. Why do you want ta work so bad?" Applejack asks.

Sapphire rubs his head. "Honestly, I kinda enjoy it and it gives me something to do. I've done quite a few things. I'm not the best at a lot of them, mostly because I don't like to use magic much or at all, but I'm willing to learn."

"Ya sure are somethin' aren't ya?" Applejack says, rather impressed at how hard working he sounds.

He rubs his head smiling, a very faint blush visible on his face. “Thanks.”

"So back to the other subject." Twilight interjects, still wanting to know more. "How did you survive the abyss? I heard there are monsters much bigger and more viscous than Ursa Majors in there."

"What?!? Bigger than a major? That sounds dangerous!" Rarity says in shock.

"Yeah, it was. I really thought I was going to die.” He pauses, but continues,”It was horrible there. You see things that I wouldn't wish upon even criminals." He says, shivering while thinking of that dark place. Sweetie Belle suddenly nuzzles him, which surprises him, and he smiles at the contact before continuing.

"It took 4 months of being in there before I found the book of forbidden spells and left the place."

Twilight gasps at that. "Whoa! Four months?!? So you slept in there? With all that crazy stuff for four months?!?" Scootaloo asks with major interest.

Sapphire nods. "Yeah. It's not like I could have left anyways. The door shuts as soon as you go in."

"That's right. You have to find an abyss key to leave." Twilight says in thought while remembering what her mentor told her.

"Yep. I almost died fighting a ghost dragon to get to it."

"Ghost dragon?" Spike says in confusion. 

"A dragon made from the greed and malice of other past dragons that faded with time." Twilight replies to her assistant.

"Exactly. They were one of the hardest things I had to face in there. If I didn't have burst magic in there, I probably would have died..."

"Whoa. So did you find anything else in there?" Dash asks curiously.

Sapphire nods. "To tell the truth, the book of forbidden spells wasn't the reason I went in that place. I actually found out about it while I was in there."

"So what did you go in there for?" Fluttershy asks.

Sapphire sighs at that question and looks to the ceiling. "To see if the rumors of a magic elixir that can revive anyone from the dead was there. I wanted to use it to revive a mare that was very close to me.” 

They all frown at that. “May I ask her name?” Fluttershy asks quietly.

He nods. “ Her name is Quick Decisions."

“You two must have been pretty close.” Sweetie Belle says.

He smiles at the thought of his treasured friend. “More than you know.”

"So, about the life potion? Was it there? Did you get it?" Twilight asks with a hint of excitement.

"Yeah it was there, and I got it but..." Sapphire sighs.

"Was something wrong?" She asks in concern.

He looks down. "It doesn't revive anyone that has been gone over 24 hours."

"So you couldn't use it..." Twilight surmises sadly.

"What was she like?" Pinkie asks.

Sapphire smiles remembering her. "She was like my best friend. She was a unicorn that had a light pink coat with a long light purple mane and tail. She also had lavender eyes. Her cutie mark was a light bulb and a question mark. She got her cutie mark at a very young age too. I have a picture if you want to see her."

The group nods and Sapphire makes a blue void appear. Out of it comes a photo. It looks slightly charred but they can make out the picture. There are two ponies with one having a hoof over the other pony. One is a tiny Sapphire smiling widely. He looks happier than they have ever seen him. The other pony is the mare in question. She looks like she is giggling when the picture was taken.

"Wow! Sapphire looks so cute!" Pinkie says while giggling. It makes Sapphire blush.

This pony reminds me of someone... Sweetie Belle thought as she examines the mare.

Sapphire continues. "We were always playing together when everyone else ignored me...we were even playing together before...that incident."

The knowing ponies frown at that. "Was she with you when it happened?" Spike asks carefully.

Sapphire shakes his head. "No. She went home because it was dinner time. We promised we would meet at the park to celebrate my birthday when we were done...that never happened."

"It happened on your birthday??" Pinkie says in shock.

He nods. "Yeah. After the incident happened, I went to look for her."

"Did you ever find her?" Scootaloo asks.

"Yeah..." Sapphire frowns deeply. "After I got attacked myself, I thought I was going to die...someone called my name..."

"It was her." Twilight says quietly.

Sapphire nods. "I opened my eyes and she was there. She said she was going to try to help me. But before she could..."

Tears fall from Sapphire as he continues, "He stabbed her...right in front of me!"

Everyone's eyes grew wide.

"She fell next to me, coughing out blood...and...I blacked out. Next thing I knew, I was standing up next to her with a blue aura around me. All my wounds were healed and only a few yards away was that pony. He was impaled, with a metal object..."

"Wow. So that's when you realized you could use magic?" Sweetie Belle asks curiously.

He nods. "I didn't know exactly at first what was going on, but I quickly accepted it. For some reason I knew how to heal. So I did and tried to heal her. I healed her wounds, but she didn't wake up... Her heart had already stopped... I cried for what seemed like hours. But then something happened. Her body started glowing white and shifts, forming into a necklace..."

Everyone looks at him in confusion.

"I was surprised, but I just grabbed it and put it on. After that I made a promise to do everything I can to bring her back to life. And after a few years, I heard of the life potion."

"But you couldn't use it because she was gone for too long..." Sweetie Belle says sadly.

"Yeah...but I haven't given up yet. Also, there was one other book I found in the abyss."

Twilight's interest is piqued. "Another book? What was it about?"

Sapphire raises a hoof. "First, there is one thing you should know. I can't say much about the book because when I touched it, it disappeared. Like the forbidden spells book, it turned to information that went straight into my head. So I don't have those books."

Twilight frowns. "Well, that does make sense. If the books were to come out, there might be problems."

Sapphire nods in agreement. "Also I can't describe how the spells work. For one major reason is I would die,” All their eyes grow wide slightly at that, “and two is because I haven't been able to unlock all the forbidden spells yet. I have to get stronger I guess. Right now I can only use four."

"Wait...you would die?" Rarity asks incredulously.

Sapphire rubs his mane. "Heh, Yeah. If I tried to teach the spells, a magic spell would trigger, stopping my heart. It's to prevent others from learning the spells."

"Okay...so what about the other book? What can you say about it?" Twilight asks, hoping to get any new information possible.

"Well, you all heard of the Elements of Harmony right?"

Everyone is surprised at this question. Twilight speaks up first.

"Well, yes. Why do you ask?"

Sapphire rubs his mane again. "Well, that book says that they are incomplete. It talks about something called the Pure Elements of Harmony."

Everyone's eyes widen. "Incomplete? Pure Elements of Harmony?" Twilight asks in surprise.

He nods. "Yes. Honesty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic are the initial Elements of Harmony. However, there is much more to the Pure elements. There is the Element of Concern, the Element of Bravery, and the Element of Resolve."

None of them can believe what they are hearing.

"Whoa whoa whoa! You are telling me that there are more elements?" Rainbow Dash asks in confusion.

Sapphire nods. "Yeah. The book says there is more info but I can't access it in my mind...so I decided to at least go and find the initial Elements of Harmony. I heard that they were nearby Canterlot and had been searching, but I haven't been successful, and the guards wouldn't let me have an audience with the princesses. I had a tip to come to this town to search, but I have no idea where to start either." He says sadly.

"Well they are closer than ya think Sugarcube." Applejack says with a smile.

Sapphire ears perk up. "Wait, do you know who they are Applejack?"

She smiles. "Well, ya lookin’ at the Element of Honesty right now."

Sapphire's eyes grow wide.

"I may be the coolest pony ever, but I'm also the Element of Loyalty!" Dash says with a smirk.

"Yes dear and I'm the Element of Generosity at your service." Rarity says with a smile.

"I'm the Element of Laughter! I'm always laughing and having fun!" Pinkie exclaims while hopping up and down.

"Oh, and I'm the Element of Kindness. If you ever need anything, I'll help the best I can..." Fluttershy says while slightly hiding behind her mane.

"And I'm the Element of Magic. So it seems you made friends of the elements already. And you didn't even know." Twilight points out with a smile.

Sapphire is speechless. He made friends of the elements without even knowing it. And it is faster than he would have ever thought. 

 Wow, I’m really making progress.  He tries to calm down before speaking.

"Wow...I didn't think...I didn't know...wow..."

"Hah! He's speechless!" Dash laughs while pointing at him.

Rarity giggles. "Oh hush Rainbow. He is probably just surprised is all."

"I would be too if I didn't know you girls." Derpy points out.

Sapphire smiles. "Well I'm glad I met you all for another reason now." 

I'm getting closer, Que....

"Now, back to the original subject." Twilight starts.

Sapphire chuckles. "Heh, yeah we did seem to drag off a bit. So yeah, I've talked about the forbidden spells, I'm betting you are curious about how I healed you guys."

Everyone nods before he continues,  "that was actually from a book I got from an ancient relics dealer on the outskirts of Equestria. I went there on an anonymous tip that he had some books about healing. However the books' magic is quite dangerous. It contains 5 magic spells in great detail, four of which are very powerful and dangerous for the user. If you want I can lend that book also Twilight."

Twilight grows excited. "Yes please! Now about the one you performed?"

"That is one of the dangerous ones. Its called Health Swap. It takes other's pain and puts it on the caster. But there is one specific spell in that book that I'm still trying to find a loop in somewhere..."

"Which one?" Twilight asks curiously.

"Its called Life Swap. It uses all of the casters magic to revive someone. However, the caster loses their life."

"Then there would be no point!" Sweetie Belle says while frowning.

"Yeah. She would be alive and then you would be gone!" Apple Bloom agrees with a frown as well.

Sapphire looks down. "Yeah, that's why I haven't tried it yet."

"Yet? You mean you are thinking of trying it??" Rarity asks incredulously.

"I've thought about it..."

"No!" They all yell making Sapphire jump.

"It's not worth it if you lose your life!" Derpy says getting close to him.

Sapphire sighs. "Yeah I know.”

“Promise you won't do that Saph. I mean it!” Derpy urges.

Sapphire notices the serious look on her face and nods. “I promise.”

Everyone calms down. "So what do you plan to do now? Ya know, now that you know the elements?" Apple Bloom asks.

Sapphire lifts a hoof, then pauses. "Well...nothing. Now that I know you all are here, it says the others will show themselves soon enough. The elements would know the last three very well. I also have this spell that let's me know if someone is an element…but I'm not too keen on using it."

"Wait, why not?" Rarity asks in confusion.

"You should. That way we can find out who the other elements are quickly." Twilight explains.

Sapphire shakes his head. "I'd rather not. It requires me to do a certain something I'm not comfortable with doing."

"Well, what do you do?" Sweetie Belle asks.

Sapphire blushes slightly and looks away. "Well...I have to kiss them..."

Blushes encompass everyone's faces as their eyes grow wide from hearing this.

"I guess going around kissing everyone wouldn't be a good idea." Spike says chuckling at all their embarrassed faces.

"Yeah I agree." Sapphire says while nodding.

"So we know them? I wonder who they are..." Twilight says in thought.

"What if it is Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom?" Derpy guesses.

Everyone's eyes grew wide. The three mares in question smile at the idea.

"Well we do know them..." Twilight admits.

"That would be awesome! I'd be an element just like Dash!" Scootaloo cheers.

"And I'd be one like mah sis." Apple Bloom says while looking at her sister smiling.

"But if we were, who would be which element?" Sweetie Belle asks.

"I so want to be bravery!" Scootaloo raises her hoof and shouts in excitement.

"Hey I wanted that one!" Apple Bloom complains.

"Well there is only one way to find out. We have to kiss Sapphire!" Sweetie Belle chimes, a small blush on her face as she looks at him.

Everyone's eyes grow wide. Sapphire jerks back a little away from Sweetie Belle and almost falls out of the bed.

"I don't think that would be a good idea..." Sapphire says hesitantly.

Sweetie Belle frown. "Aww, why not?"

"Well...uh...I kinda have never kissed anyone before and I was waiting to save that kiss..." Sapphire says while blushing madly and looking away.

Sweetie Belle is sad to hear that. "So you have a special somepony already?"

"Well, no..." Sapphire pauses. "I'd rather not talk about it right now."

"Oh, okay." Sweetie Belle sighs. She is happy he doesn't, but there seems to be more to his story. She decides to leave it at that for now.

"Well if it is you three we will find out soon enough. I'm going to have to write a letter to princess Celestia about the situation. Spike, you think you can help out?"

Spike nods. "Of course Twi."

Twilight looks at Sapphire. "That's all the questions I'll ask for now. Spike and I are heading out now. I have some things to research on."

Sapphire nods but remembers his offer. "Oh, okay but before you go..."

Sapphire focuses and a blue void appears again. Out of it comes three medium sized books.

"Here are the three books you wanted."

Twilight cheers and quickly takes the books out of his magic. "Yes, yes, yes! I'm going to read these immediately! Thank you Sapphire!"

"You're...."

Before he can finish, her and Spike both disappear leaving a blinding light.

"...welcome?"

"She always does that without warning anyone. Oh well. Me and Scootaloo have to get going too. Get well soon so we can race!" Dash says happily. And with a wave, they both leave out the window they entered.

"Well, me and Apple Bloom gotta go finish up on our work." Applejack says while looking at her sis.

"Yeah! Turns out Ah'm gonna be a natural at bucking trees pretty fast!" Apple Bloom exclaims happily.

"I'm sure you will be great at it." Sapphire compliments with a smile.

Apple Bloom blushes and smiles. "Thanks. We will see ya when ya get out!"

And with a quick hug, they both leave as well.

"We should also get going. I have to deliver the dresses I made today to the customer. Are you coming dear sister?" Rarity says looking at the mare still clinging to Sapphire.

Sweetie Belle groans. "Do I have to?"

Rarity makes an adorable face as she looks at her sister. "Please? It would be greatly appreciated."

Sweetie Belle looks at Sapphire. He smiles and nods at the mare.

"Go on. She needs your help. I'll be out by tomorrow."

"Promise?" Sweetie Belle says hesitantly.

"I promise Sweetie Belle." He assures her with a smile.

After a moment, Sweetie Belle gives in. "Fine."

She hugs and nuzzles Sapphire tightly. He returns the hug and enjoys the smell of mint once more. But before she lets go, she copies Apple Bloom's earlier action and kisses him on the cheek, making him blush profusely.

"W-What was that for?"

"No reason." She replies with a smile before she hops up and walks towards Rarity. She has a knowing smile on her face as her and Sweetie Belle leave the room.

"I guess I should go as well. The animals might be hungry..." Fluttershy says while in thought.

"Me too! I got to go back to work! Cupcakes don't bake themselves you know." Pinkie says with a giddy smile.

Sapphire chuckles and nods. "That's true. Thanks for coming girls." He then turns to Derpy, whom is smiling widely at him. "What about you Derpy? Got some mail to deliver?"

"Nope! I was hoping to keep you company for a while if you don't mind." Derpy offers with a smile.

Hearing his new best friend wanting to stay brightens his mood even more. "I'd love to have your company Derpy." He says happily.

Derpy cheers lightly. "Great!"

The other two mares give a hug once more. Fluttershy gives a longer one and Sapphire loves every second of it, even zoning out when she lets go.

"Sapphire?"

He blinks at her in a half daze with a small smile on his face. "Huh?"

"Are you alright? You’re staring..."

He slams his mouth shut and starts blushing again. He can't believe he was just gawking at her like that. “It was a great hug is why.” He says quickly.

Fluttershy starts blushing as well and hides her face behind her mane. "Oh, well I'm glad."

Pinkie smiles a mischievous grin. "Alright let's go Fluttershy! I need to talk to you!" She says while pushing her out the door.

"Oh, okay." She then looks at Sapphire, blush still intact. "Goodbye Sapphire."

"See you Shy. Bye Pinkie."

Pinkie waves at him with an unreadable smile on her face. "Bye Saph! I cant wait to see you when you get out!"

And with that they are gone. As soon as they are alone, Derpy jumps in the bed and cuddles with Sapphire making him blush hard.

"D-Derpy?"

Hearing her name makes her nuzzle deeper into him and sigh quietly. "Hm?"

"What are you doing?"

"Cuddling with you." Derpy says simply like it was normal.

Sapphire merely stays quiet. He is actually wondering why she was doing this.

Derpy looks up into his eyes cutely. "Why? You don't like it? Sweetie Belle was doing it. I was curious how it felt so I wanted to try."

Sapphire relaxes at that. "Oh okay. I don't mind at all. I really enjoy it actually."

Derpy smiles before nuzzling into him again. "It does feel nice! I can see why she did it!"

Sapphire laughs and holds the mare. He also starts to brush her mane with his hoof, which she seems to enjoy. It stays like that for a few moments before Derpy speaks up.

"I'm glad you came to Ponyville Saph." Derpy says while sighing happily.

Hearing that warms Sapphire completely. He moves his head to nuzzle Derpy's mane. "I am too Derpy."

She smiles and nuzzles him back. Afterwards a nurse comes in the room.

"Hello there Sapphire, Derpy."

Derpy turns to her with a smile. "Hi nurse Redheart!" Derpy waves.

"Hello there." Sapphire says with a smile and a wave as well.

"I see you two are pretty close for your second day together." Redheart points out while giggling.

They both realize what they look like and quickly move away blushing.

"We are just friends Redheart." Derpy blurs out, blushing even more.

Redheart rolls her eyes. "Okay, if you say so. But I'm here to inform you visiting hours are over. He needs all the rest he can get."

Derpy frowns. "Aww. I wanted to stay with him a little longer."

"You can always come back tomorrow." She points out.

Sapphire speaks up at that. "Not really. I'm getting out tomorrow actually."

The nurse raises a brow. "Tomorrow? What do you mean? Your injuries require you to stay another few days."

Sapphire shakes his head. "I think you might have forgotten something about me nurse: I can use magic. And a lot of it. I can literally heal all these wounds now if I wanted to."

"Oh? No unicorn I've seen could heal injuries as bad as yours that fast. Can you prove it?" She asks with a smirk.

"With pleasure." He says while closing his eyes. A second later he is engulfed in a blue aura Derpy remembers he talked about earlier. The nurse stares in awe, and after 10 seconds, it's gone.

"And done." Sapphire says while getting up.

He spreads both of his wings out and lets the bandages come off. His right wing seems perfectly fine. The nurse gawks at the like new wing of his.

"Wow. I have to say I'm impressed. You sure do have some impressive healing magic. You could check out today if you want."

Derpy cheers at the idea. "Yeah! And we could walk home together!"

Sapphire sits back down and looks at his hooves. "Heh, I don't know if that will be the best idea for me..."

"Why no-" Derpy pauses once she takes notice of something. Sapphire is shaking a lot. "Are you okay Saph? You're shaking."

Sapphire starts to take slow deep breaths. "Well, it's kind of because of the spell I used. It heals the wounds completely, but the pain of the injuries increase substantially...so I honestly don't think I could even make it to the door without collapsing."

"Then what was the point of using that spell? You still are going to be in pain that's now even worse." The nurse says in slight worry.

Sapphire winces slightly as there's a sudden pain on his right side. "Well the time to recover is a decreased. I'll be back to normal in two hours."

"Oh....well I guess it still is useful then. So you want to wait two hours before leaving?"

Sapphire nods slowly. "That would be nice, thank you."

"Okay, well I'll be going and be back in two hours." Derpy says happily.

"Sounds good to me. I'll try to nap this off if I can." Sapphire says, still wincing from the pain.

Derpy has a slight worrying look before she shakes it off and smiles. "Okay. See you soon!"

She gives him a quick hug, which still hurts but he doesn't mind, before leaving past the nurse.

After she leaves, Redheart speaks up.

"I also wanted to say thank you for what you did for our town." Redheart says with a smile.

Sapphire is surprised by this. He blushes slightly and rubs his head. "Heh, it was no big deal really."

Redheart shakes her head. "No Sapphire, it is a big deal. I heard the story from the others. You basically saved us from having Celestia knows what happening to us. I know all the residents here want to thank you as well, so I'm pretty sure I speak for us all when I say thank you for what you've done." After she said that, she does a small bow before smiling warmly at him.

Sapphire is speechless for a moment before a large smile and a thin line of tears flood his eyes. He quickly wipes them. "I'm glad to be of help."

Redheart nods at him before excusing herself and leaving.

Sapphire lays down and thinks about the one day, consciously, he has had here and how impossible it can be better than it is now.

"I told you I have friends..." He says before succumbing to unconsciousness.
> A Warm Welcome
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Um, Sapphire?"

Sapphire suddenly feels a hoof on his head, which startles him up.

"Huh? What? What's going on?" He says while jumping up, clearly not out of his sleep state.

The nurse giggles at his half asleep face. "Hello there."

After she speaks again, Sapphire remembers where he is and blushes. He also gets a good look at the new nurse that has woken him up. She has a yellow coat with a pure white mane and her eyes are a light gold. She also has on a white nurse hat and an overcoat that is currently covering her cutie mark. He finds her rather beautiful.

"Oh hello. I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you.” He says politely, blushing slightly.

The nurse giggles again. "I'm Pillpop but the nurses call me Pill. Pleased to meet you."

Sapphire smiles and nods. “Likewise. So, did you need something?"

"I was informed that you were supposed to leave thirty minutes ago. I came by to check up on you." She says while pointing at the exit. 

Sapphire notices the time and jumps up. "Oh! Okay. I'll get ready to head out then."

"Alright. Then if you will follow me." She starts while walking away and out the door.

"Wow, she is cute. A mare like that must already have a stallion." Sapphire says absent-mindedly.

Sapphire hears giggling, surprising him. "No, I'm single."

Sapphire blushes hard, realizing she had heard him as he rushes out the door. "I'm sorry! I tend to ramble when I'm half awake."

She smiles and looks at him. "It's fine. That compliment actually made my day, Sapphire. Thank you."

He still has his blush on when he speaks, "Oh, well you are very welcome."

He then follows the nurse to sign out and pays his bits in full for the treatment. However just then he remembers something.

"Oh no! Derpy! I hope she isn't gone and mad at me!" Sapphire says in a panic and turns to leave, but stops once he hears Pill speak.

"You mean that gray pegasus outside? She's still there. But it's bad manners to keep a mare waiting." Pill says, poking him with a hoof.

Sapphire nods rapidly. "Yeah that's a mistake I plan on rectifying as soon as I see her. Shoot, whatever she wants, I'm going to get her."

The nurse is surprised. "Wow, such a gentlecolt, hehe. Well, you better hurry along!" The nurse ushers him to the exit.

"Thanks for waking me nurse Pill and enjoy the rest of your day!" He exclaims before rushing to the exit.

As he leaves, she speaks up. "What an interesting young stallion. I will definitely have to see him again someday." She says with a smile before heading back to work.





Sapphire rushes outside and looks around. Not too far away he finds Derpy sitting on a bench, looking up. He rushes over.

"Derpy! I'm so sorry I'm late!" He says quickly as he gets close.

She perks up when she hears his voice and sees him come over. "Calm down Saph, its okay." She says with a smile.

Sapphire shakes his head. "No it's not. I didn't keep my word so I'm going to make it up to you. Is there anything you want?"

Derpy is about to object the offer, but pauses and remembers something. "Well, since you're offering, let's go to Sugarcube Corner! I want a muffin!" She demands happily.

Sapphire hops up at the mention of food. "Of course! I want a brownie or two anyway. Or maybe even ten! I'm starving!"

Derpy giggles. "Then let's go!"

At that they begin their walk towards Sugarcube corner. On the way, a lot of ponies call out to Sapphire saying hi or to thank him for saving the town. A town florist named Roseluck stops him as well and offers him a flower. Sapphire smiles and looks at his new best friend before agreeing.

"Do you by chance have both a blue and a yellow rose?" Sapphire asks.

"Of course. The blue roses are pretty rare but the yellow ones are actually common." Roseluck says while grabbing the two roses.

Sapphire nods. "That's good to hear. No one else really has them. How much for them?"

"Oh I'll give these half off! Only 3 bits."

Sapphire hesitates. "Oh are you sure? I don't mind paying full price for them."

She waves his concern off. "Nonsense! You saved this town as well as my shop! You deserve it." Rose says happily.

Sapphire smiles. "Wow! Thanks! This town really is the greatest." He says while giving her the discounted price of three bits.

"Thank you Sapphire. So if you don't mind me asking, who are those for?" She asks curiously.

Sapphire grins as he puts one behind his right ear. "Well the yellow one is for me, and the blue one..." He then walks up to Derpy and slides the blue rose in her mane behind her left ear. "...is for my best friend."

Derpy put a hoof up to the flower and blushes. "Thanks so much Saph!" She says as she pulls him to a hug. He enjoys the hug happily, until Rose speaks up.

"Smooth move Sapphire." Rose cooes.

Sapphire pulls away and rubs his neck with a blush on his face. "Um thanks, I guess. So, ready to go Derpy?"

"Yup! To the muffins!" Derpy says while pointing with a hoof.

Sapphire laughs at her goofy demeanor. They both wave to Roseluck before heading out. He didn't get too far before he hears Roseluck say something but can only hear 'stallion like that'. He ignores it thinking it was none of his business and keeps walking. Very soon they make it up to Sugarcube corner. When Sapphire opens the door for Derpy, the place is surprisingly dark.

Sapphire is confused. "Huh? Is it closed? I could have sworn-"

"SURPRISE!!!!"

At this, Sapphire literally jumps to the ceiling out of shock. The lights come on and ponies pop up from behind furniture and other equipment. Everyone laughs at how surprised he looks as he looks down at them.

"What's going on?" Sapphire asks while still attached to the ceiling using his magic. A few are actually surprised to see it.

Pinkie Pie comes out of a tile in the ceiling, scaring him again. "It's a party silly! For you!"

"For me?" He asks after calming from his second shock of the day.

Derpy speaks up. "Yup! Now can you come down from up there?"

Sapphire drops to the ground and lands on his hooves. When he lands, he notices there are lots of ponies here along with his new friends. Pinkie goes back in the tile she came from.

"Wow! Thanks! But how did you know?"

"Know what?" Pinkie asks, suddenly appearing behind him.

Sapphire wonders how she had gotten behind him so fast but decides to ignore it. "Well, that today was my birthday. That's what this party is for, right?"

Everyone looks at him in surprise.

Pinkie gasps. "Today is your birthday? Oh my gosh! I didn't know! Happy birthday Saph!" She says excitedly as she pulls him into a hug. Once again he is assaulted by the smell of sweets but he tries his best not to think about the food just yet.

"Thanks! I guess this isn't for that. So, what is this party for?"

By this time, Twilight and the others walk up. "It's a welcome to Ponyville as well as a thank you for saving the town party." Twilight says while smiling.

"But now we can add birthday party to it too!" Pinkie says, still holding onto him.

"Wow...never had a party before. This is great! Thank you!" Sapphire exclaims happily.

Pinkie gasps. "Wait! You've never had a party!? It's my duty to fix this right now! Let's get this party started! Hit it!" After Pinkie says that, the music comes on and everyone starts to mingle and dance.

Sapphire smiles but takes notice of a table full of sweets. He immediately makes a beeline towards the snack table and starts to inhale the snacks like a black hole. Derpy and Applejack burst out laughing while they walk up to him.

"Slow down there Saph. Ya might get sick eating so fast." Applejack says while tapping him on the back.

Sapphire finishes the treat he is eating before speaking up. "Yeah heh, sorry. I just was starving not eating for a week and all."

"It's fine sugarcube. Just make sure ya save some room for mah pie." She says with a wink.

Sapphire smiles. "You bet! I can wait to taste it. Did you make it already?"

"Ah sure did. But ah couldn't put it in the open, otherwise there might be a riot."

Sapphire is surprised to hear that. "A pie that can cause a riot? Wow, that must be one amazing pie! I can't wait!"

"Well follow me and come get some sugarcube." She says while motioning him to follow. He does so and Derpy follows as well. The others notice him with Applejack and rush over to join him knowing where they are going. When they get to the other side of the place, Pinkie is standing like a guard next to a covered dish. She notices them coming and waves. They all get there and surround Sapphire and the closed dish.

"Go ahead and open it Sugarcube." Applejack urges.

Sapphire nods and does just that. Once he does open it, he is assaulted by an amazing smell. He can't figure out all the smells he is experiencing, but he can tell there is obviously apple in it, some cinnamon, and honey. His mouth starts watering but he prevents himself from drooling. He notices others around him don't and drool drops to the floor.

"Wow this smells great! Time to dig in." Sapphire says while cutting himself a slice. He lifts it up and takes a bite. When he chews it, it tastes great, but they honestly made it seem like it would be better. However, when he swallows it and it rolls all over his tongue, that's when he tastes everything. It's better than amazing! It's indescribable to him! He feels like his taste buds went through a whirlpool of pleasure by the taste. After he finishes his slice, he merely sits there admiring the leftover taste that is still on his tongue.

"So how was it?" Applejack asks him.

"I think I'm in love..." He says, still in a dreamy state.

Everyone's eyes grow wide at that. Applejack immediately blushes from the compliment. "Well, that's one way ta put it."

Sapphire snaps out of his state and realizes what he had said. "Uh, I mean...it was great! The best thing I have ever eaten." He says while blushing himself.

Applejack smiles and grabs a slice for herself. "Why thank ya Saph. Ok now y’all can have a slice. But make sure everypony gets one."

After she finishes saying that, everyone attacks the pie like it's the last piece of food in Equestria. Sapphire has to literally crawl out of the horde of mares. He sees Spike sitting to the side merely waiting. He trudges over.

"Wow. I thought I was gonna die, or get chewed on! Are they always like this?" He asks after climbing onto a chair.

Spike laughs. "Yeah, you have to break for it after you get your piece. I usually wait til they are done to get my slice. I'd like to keep my limbs."

Sapphire shrugs. "That's a good idea. I'll keep it in mind next time."

After a few more seconds, the mares move away from the table and there is one more slice, which Spike promptly takes. After they all finish the treat Sapphire speaks up.

"Thanks for the pie Applejack. No pie could ever compare to that one."

Everyone else nods in agreement. Applejack smiles at him. "Thanks Saph. Glad ya liked it."

"Saying I liked it would be a huge understatement." He says while shrugging. "So, everyone ready to rejoin the party?"

"Yeah! Let's go party!" Pinkie says before dashing towards the rest of the party. Everyone follows her lead. Sapphire decides instead to head back to the snack table because he is still hungry. However as he gets close, he gets a tap on the back. He turns around to see Rarity.

"Hey Rarity. What's up?"

She smiles. "I was just wondering after the party would you mind coming over to the boutique? I have a gift to give you."

Sapphire is surprised. "Really? Of course I'll come!"

Rarity giggles at his excitement. "Excellent! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go talk to my dear sister. Have you seen her?"

"Yeah, she is right there with Apple Bloom." He says while pointing to the two mares.

"Thank you darling. Hope you enjoy the party." She says before heading in the direction of her sister.

Sapphire heads to the table and finishes what he had started, which is promptly filling his belly. After a few more brownies, he notices two punch bowls, one of them marked as 'Adult'. He smiles before pouring himself a glass and drinking some. He drinks about four cups of those before he heads to a chair and sits down. 

“Maybe I shouldn't have drank so much at one time..” Sapphire says, feeling the drinks already.

He takes notice of the song playing and smiles. He actually likes this song and starts nodding to the tune. He notices Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle heading his way. When they get close, Scootaloo speaks up.

"Hey Saph! You enjoying the party?"

Sapphire nods excitedly. "Sure am! I'm glad you all threw one for me."

"It was nothing." Sweetie Belle says happily. "So, we were wondering something."

Sapphire raises a brow. "Oh? And what is that?"

"Are there any other magic spells you can use besides the ones you told us? Just curious." Scootaloo asks.

Sapphire smiles. "Yup, a whole lot actually. Defensive spells, attack spells, fun spells..." Sapphire remembers a specific spell and smiles wider at them. "...actually, as a matter of fact, I know a spell that you three would like."

Their ears perk up at this. "What kinda spell?" Apple Bloom asks.

"I wanna know! Tell us!" Scootaloo demands with excitement.

"Please?" Sweetie Belle begs with a pleading face. 

Sapphire finds them to be rather cute. He can't help but smirk at their interest. "Its a spell where I can see how ponies got their cutie marks, as well as see how they can get them."

The three mares eyes grow wide. "REALLY?!?!" They yell in unison quite loud making others turn and look. Sapphire's friends see them and head over to see what's up.

"What's going on over here?" Dash says curiously as she comes over.

"Sapphire has a spell where he can see how ponies got their cutie marks and tell us how to get ours!!" Scootaloo says excitedly.

The others are surprised at this. "Really? How did you learn that?" Twilight asks.

Sapphire puts a hoof to his chin in thought. "Some old man I met in Fillydelphia. He taught me it and then disappeared. He was a weird stallion."

"So ya tellin' me ya can see how ah got mah cutie mark?" Applejack asks skeptically.

Sapphire catches on to that. "Yup. I'll prove it to you if you want."

Applejack nods. "Okay then. How did ah get mah cutie mark?"

Sapphire's eyes start to glow, and then a second later it stops.

"You got yours after you returned to Ponyville from Manehatten to help with the farm." Sapphire explains.

Applejack is surprised. "Why, yes that's right."

"Cool, it works!" Scootaloo says happily.

"That was a lucky guess." Twilight says not completely believing it.

Sapphire looks at her with a raised brow. "Oh? Well then how about I tell you how you all got your cutie marks?"

"You do that and I'll believe you." Twilight replies smugly.

Sapphire smiles as his eyes start to glow as he looks at each of them.

"Twilight, you got yours during a test to enter Celestia's school for gifted unicorns when you used very powerful magic to hatch Spike." Twilight's eyes grow wide and she nods in surprise. 

"Rarity, you got yours after you found a rock filled with gems and used them to create nice outfits for a play." Rarity nods with a smile. 

"Pinkie, you got yours after you found out about fun and decided to bring a party to your family." 

Pinkie giggles happily. “Yup!”

"Fluttershy, you got yours after you helped the animals when they got scared, and learned how to communicate with them." Fluttershy smiles and nods slowly.

"Rainbow Dash, you got yours during a race after you performed a sonic rainboom." Dash rubs a hoof on her chest proudly. 

"Lastly Derpy, you got yours after you clumsily flew into a moving cart which shifted over, saving mayor Mare." Derpy smiles and nods as well.

Everyone is surprised at how Derpy got hers.

"You saved the mayor Derpy?" Spike asks in curiosity.

"Yup! She even gave me a medal!" Derpy says excitedly.

"So, do you believe me now?" Sapphire asks.

Everyone nods, agreeing that there was no other way for him to know how they got their marks.

"So, can you tell us how we get ours?" Scootaloo asks excitedly.

Sapphire frowns. "I don't think I should honestly."

"Aww, why not?" Apple Bloom pouts.

"I think it would be better if you earned it yourself." Sapphire states matter-of-factly.

"But that might take forever!" Sweetie Belle complains.

Sapphire starts to think. He then has an idea. "How about I give you each a hint? Will you be satisfied with that?"

All three of them smile and nod rapidly. Sapphire's eyes once again light up before fading again.

"Okay for your hint Scootaloo, you can earn it much faster with Dash helping you. And you will get it very soon."

Scootaloo grows excited. "Really? Awesome! Rainbow Dash can we start tomorrow?"

"Sure thing Scoots!"  She replies with a smile.

"Alright, Apple Bloom, you will get yours last, but it will be the same day when Scootaloo gets hers. You won't know she has hers and you won't even realize what you are good at until you actually do it."

"So me and Scootaloo get ours on the same day? That's great!" She says happily.

"What about me?" Sweetie Belle asks happily.

He smiles at her, "Let's just say I look forward to your special talent. Also the day you get it is closer than you think. You are the first to get yours."

"I'm the first? Cool! I can't wait!" Sweetie Belle says while cheering.

Twilight and Rarity suddenly pull Sapphire away to ask him something.

"Why do you look forward to Sweetie Belle's talent?" Rarity asks curiously with a grin.

"Yeah and why didn't you say that about the others?" Twilight asks while eyeing him.

Sapphire is confused by the questions but still replies. "Well, I do look forward to seeing the others' talents too, but Sweetie Belle's talent is one of the things I enjoy doing myself." Sapphire admits.

Both mares merely look at him in confusion. He smiles at that. "You will see soon enough." He says before rejoining the others. The two mares shrug at each other before they begin to follow.

"Hey Saph. Can I ask you a question?" Pinkie asks.

"You just did Pinkie." Sapphire says jokingly, the punch making him act rather silly.

She giggles. "Hehe good one! Well, can I ask you two more questions?" Pinkie says with a smile.

"Well that one was one. What's the other?" He asks while smiling.

"If you can learn cutie marks, why don't you have yours yet?"

"I agree with Pinkie, what is your special talent darling?" Rarity asks in curiosity.

Sapphire immediately turns somber and looks down, saying nothing.

"Sapphire? Are you okay?" Derpy asks while noticing his demeanor.

"Well, I don't think I really have one..." He says sadly.

Everyone is shocked to hear that. "What? That can't be true! Everypony has one!" Twilight says adamantly.

Sapphire looks at them and sighs. "I do have one...but...it's not something I want to do..."

"Oh, Well why not?" Fluttershy asks quietly, Sapphire barely able to hear over the music.

"Yeah. What do ya have ta do ta get yer cutie mark?" Applejack asks as well.

Sapphire pauses. He knows they would have wanted to know eventually, and they have a right to since they are his friends.

"Well, in order to get it I have to...I have to..." He hesitates, not able to finish the sentence.

"Have to what?" Twilight urges.

Then he says one word that no one ever would have expected from him or anyone at all:

"Die."

Everyone is speechless. Sapphire has to die to get his cutie mark? That makes no sense! At this thought Twilight speaks up.

"That can't be right...if you died, then you couldn't see your cutie mark! That's against all reason! How can your special talent be to die?"

Sapphire shakes his head. "I don't know but that is what this spell shows me... I die and I earn it. I guess I will never know what my cutie mark looks like..."

"Ah can't believe that...why would...that makes no sense..." Applejack is fumbling with her words, too shocked at his revelation.

Sapphire doesn’t want them to be sad over it so he puts on a smile and speaks up.

"But hey I don't mind. Being blank doesn't really bother me. It's not like I'm not good at some things without it. Besides, as long as I have my friends, I'm happy." 

Everyone takes notice that he is trying to lift the mood and smiles. "Let's go back to the party! I have a surprise for all of you as well."

"A surprise? What is it?" Spike asks.

"You are about to find out." He says before turning and leaving the group of confused and curious ponies and a dragon.

Sapphire heads over to the DJ stand and walks up to the pony while she is rocking hard on a record table. She looks oddly familiar to him as he gets close. She has a white coat with a mane mixed with cobalt blue and cyan. She also has purple glasses on. Her cutie mark is a music note and Sapphire quickly ponders where he may have seen that familiar cutie mark. However he pushes that thought aside as he reaches her.

"Hello there!" Sapphire yells out to the DJ.

The DJ turns and stares right at Sapphire. A smile starts to creep on her face and out of nowhere she pounces on Sapphire, surprising him.

"H-Hey! What was that for?" He asks after recovering and looking up at her.

"Hey Saph, it's been a while." She says sensually in his ear.

He blushes at the way she had said that. "Uh, do I know you?" Sapphire asks while trying to remember her.

"So you run out on our threeway session that night and then you forget about me?

"Run out on you? What ar-" Suddenly it comes to him after seeing her eyes over the glasses. "Vinyl Scratch?"

She bops him on the nose. "Bingo! There you go. Guess ya do remember me. For your prize? How about we finish what we were about to start that day." She says sensually.

Sapphire hops away as quickly as possible, a large blush heavily encompassing his face. "I don't think that would be a good idea..."

Vinyl laughs at him and waves a hoof. "I'm just kiddin'. We can save that for later. So what's going on?"

Sapphire decides to ignore what she had said about saving it for later and speaks. "I was wondering if you can play a few specific songs for me."

She nods with a smile. "Sure, no problem. What are they?"

Sapphire focuses and makes a piece of paper and an ink feather appear out of a blue void nearby and starts writing out songs.

Vinyl moves back in surprise. "Whoa. I kinda forgot you could use magic."

Sapphire chuckles. "Heh, yeah.” It takes a moment before Sapphire hoofs over a slip of paper. “Here are the songs. Do you have them?"

She skims through them and looks up at him. "Yup I got ya covered. So what's in it for me?"

Sapphire is surprised for a second but then remembers that night and how the same thing is happening as that day when he had asked her for a favor as well. "Uh, what would you like?"

Vinyl smiles a mischievous smile. "I'll tell ya after the party. Do we have a deal?"

Sapphire hesitates. He doesn't have any clue to what she will want. However he knows he wants to have her play those songs. He sighs and gives in. "Alright fine but nothing dangerous."

"Don't worry, it's not bad." She says happily with a wink before she heads back to the stand.

"Thanks Vinyl!" Sapphire says with a smile.

She turns her head to him and smiles. "Don't thank me just yet!"

Sapphire then turns and heads back to the group. He is surprised to see them staring at him rather intently when he gets back.

"What were you and Vinyl doing over there? Looked like she knew you from the way she jumped on you." Dash says while eyeing him with a smirk.

Sapphire thinks he hears a little edge in her voice when she had said that but ignores it and nods in response. "Yeah, I met her at a club in Canterlot. She was with a mare named Octavia and we talked."

"Are ya sure ya only talked?" Applejack asks in a curious way.

Sapphire blushes at the thought of what Vinyl tried to have him do the last time they met. "Of course! That's it."

The group still eyes him suspiciously.

"A-Anyways are you all ready for the surprise?" Sapphire says trying to change the subject.

"What exactly is it darling?" Rarity asks taking the bait.

Sapphire smiles and looks towards the stage. He locks eyes- or eyes on glasses- with Vinyl. She nods before looking down. "You will see..."

All of a sudden the music changes and another type of song comes on. Everyone is surprised about the rather old song, but one specific pony likes it.

"Oh! I love this song!" Twilight says happily.

Sapphire smiles. "How about we go dance then Twilight?" He offers while extending a hoof.

Twilight blushes immediately. "I-I don't know. I'm not that great at dancing..."

"Then follow my lead and you will be fine." He says confidently.

"Well, okay." Twilight gives in while taking his hoof. They head to the dance floor, leaving everyone else behind.

"Hey! I thought this was a gift for everyone!" Sweetie Belle says while pouting.

"I agree I'm quite surprised." Rarity says with a frown.

Spike has a small idea of whats going on. "Just wait a second. I think I know where this is going." Spike says trying to calm the mares.

"Well, okay if you say so Spike." Scootaloo says while watching the two.

Meanwhile on the dance floor, Twilight is enjoying every minute of the dance. He leads her and she learns to follow and catches on surprisingly quickly. Soon, they are completely in sync. Twilight never even knew she could dance like this but all she does is follow Sapphire and everything works out smoothly. While they are dancing, Twilight looks at Sapphire and he smiles while looking at her. They end up both staring in each others eyes while dancing. Not too long after, the song ends and they hear stomping. They look around and notice they created quite a crowd. Sapphire makes a quick bow at Twilight which makes her blush and then motions towards Vinyl to toss him a mic. She happily does so. When he catches it, he speaks.

"That song was dedicated to my friend here you all know as the library bookworm Twilight!"

“Hey!” Twilight says while she glares at him with a blush on her face. He merely smiles at her.

"I actually have a few more songs I would like to play if that's okay with everyone here.” The crowd stomps their hooves and cheer, signifying their excitement. Sapphire smiles and continues. “This next song is a song I enjoyed back in Appleloosa! It's dedicated to two cowponies that are actually sisters! Come on over here Applejack and Apple Bloom and dance this next song with me." After he finishes, a black Stetson comes out of a blue void and lands on his head. “You aren't the only cowpony around here.”He says with a smile.

The music starts to play and a nice country song comes on that the two cowponies know immediately. They both happily rush to the dance floor.

"Yeehaw! Let's get this party started! Ya ready sis?" Applejack says in excitement.

"Sure am!" replies Apple Bloom with just as much excitement.

The two mares and Sapphire start to dance to the music. A few other ponies decide to jump in on the fun. They are hopping and skipping and having a good time. At the end, Applejack and Sapphire both throw their Stetsons in the air and they end up landing on the others head.

They laugh as they return each other's Stetson. After he got his, he makes a void appear and he puts it inside.

“That was a mighty nice choice in music. Didn't know ya had it in ya Saph.” Applejack says with a smile.

Sapphire chuckles. “You’d be surprised at how much I know when it comes to music.”

Apple Bloom happily walks over to Sapphire. "Thanks fer that Saph. That was really fun."

Sapphire smiles and nods. "Anytime." He then turns and grabs the mic.

"Whew, that was a good song right there. But I still have a few more up my sleeve. This next one is for the two coolest ponies in Ponyville! And it turns out I'm the third! So I will be dancing too. Dash and Scootaloo! Come on over and show everyone how awesome you both really are!"

All of a sudden a fast pace song comes on, one which the two mares know all too well.

"Aww yeah! Let's show em how it's done Scoots!" Rainbow says as she spread her wings.

Scootaloo copies her action. "Right behind ya Dash!"

They both dash to the dance floor, accompanying Sapphire and as soon as they do, they start dancing. They start sliding and gliding all across the dance floor. They even get on their hind legs and spread their wings out to keep them level while dancing like they are bipedal. Scootaloo decides to show a few tricks she learned from Dash in the past and starts to fly. She does loops before landing and starts to perform awesome moves. Dash smirks and decides to join in, performing similar moves with her. Sapphire also decides to jump in and takes flight, performing a few aerial moves himself while keeping himself only a few feet above the ground. Everyone is staring in awe and amazement. Shortly after, the song ends and Dash and Scoots are sweating. After they catch their breath, 
Dash smirks and extends a hoof at Scootaloo who immediately bumps hooves with her. She turns towards Sapphire and speaks. 

“Nice moves ya got there Saph.” She says with a hoof extended. Sapphire smiles and lifts his hoof to bump hers. 

“Thanks.” 

“Now that was awesome!” Scootaloo says happily. 

Sapphire chuckles before he turns and grabs the mic once again.

"You just got an awesome display of the three coolest ponies in Ponyville! But it's time to slow things down a bit. This next song is much slower and pretty old. I actually might need some help with this one. Preferably a purple and green dragon."

Spike jerks at that. "Who, me?"

Sapphire nods. "Yeah, unless you see any other dragons around."

Spike chuckles and nods. "What do you need my help for?"

"This next song requires a group of four. I need you to help me lead two gorgeous mares in this dance." Sapphire says as he walks over.

Spike smiles. "Sure. Who are the two mares?"

Sapphire smiles as well. "Why, Rarity and Sweetie Belle of course!"

The two mares are surprised at their names being said, but before they can say anything, the music comes on and it's a song that is played at the boutique quite often. Then they are met face to face with the pegasus and dragon: Spike in front of Rarity, and Sapphire in front of Sweetie Belle.

"Would you two grace us with a dance?" The two males ask simultaneously with a bow and extend a hoof/claw each.

Both mares blush slightly and giggle before agreeing, grabbing their partners hoof/claw and heading for the dance floor. As soon as the get there they immediately start to dance. Everyone starts to watch the pairs intensely; both Sapphire and Spike are leading the two mares and they follow flawlessly. The crowd soon becomes entranced by their dancing. They can't help but stare in awe as the pairs dance. Also during the song, they switch partners where Spike is with Sweetie Belle and Sapphire is with Rarity. They still perform amazingly, Spike even having an idea and separating the two before pulling Sweetie Belle close and lifting her high up before bringing her down in an excellent display. Sapphire notices this and decides to spice his routine up as well by twirling Rarity before letting go, sending her away but appearing on the other side thanks to his magic to catch her; also leaning down before pulling her up again. Rarity and Sweetie Belle are actually enjoying this the most. It feels like a fairy tale with them dancing with such a handsome dragon and stallion; the amazing dancing only making the experience even more remarkable. They make one final swap back to their original partners and the song comes to a slow close. Sapphire holds Sweetie Belle close and she merely lays her head on him and sighs happily. After the song ends, the pairs are side by side as the two males separate from their partners and perform a slight bow making the crowd cheer loudly. The two mares give their respected partner a peck on the cheek making them blush slightly before they walk off the dance floor. Sapphire then whispers to Spike.

"Hope you enjoyed that buddy." He says with a wink.

Spike nods with a satisfied smile. "Very much. Thanks for that."

They both chuckle before they bump limbs and Spike heads off as well. Sapphire takes the mic and speaks.

"That was pretty amazing if I say so myself. But I'm not done yet. This next song is a challenge. For who, you may ask? I challenge the biggest and best party pony in Equestria to a dance off: Pinkie Pie!"

Pinkie comes falling from the sky right in front of Sapphire. "You want a dance off? Then you got one!" Pinkie says happily and rather serious at the same time.

The music booms loudly at the start; It's a fast paced song but not as fast as the song earlier. Pinkie starts it off by doing all kinds of sliding and bouncing that excites the crowd. After she finishes, Sapphire comes in and does some dance moves of his own. He starts moving smoothly as he slides across the floor, also doing a few flips and twists. The crowd is enjoying it a lot. After he finishes, Pinkie comes back and starts spinning and doing things others didn't think is possible for a pony. The crowd is both surprised and awestruck. After she lands her last move, Sapphire once again comes in and surprises them also. He starts gliding and spinning, using his wings to give him a boost for each twirl and spin. Suddenly Pinkie jumps in and they both start dancing together, making everyone cheer out for them. After the song ends, The crowd is even louder than the music, applauding and cheering the two. The two ponies smile at each other and bump hooves. 

“We will call that a draw for now.” Pinkie says with a silly smirk. 

Sapphire chuckles. “Sounds good to me.” 

Pinkie happily hops back to the group. Afterwards, he picks up the mic.

"Wow. Now that was some amazing dance moves! But I wouldn't expect anything less from the best party pony in Equestria. Now this next one is a song dedicated to a certain friend that has a mane color similar to the rose that I have on my ear. And she also has a rose that is the same color as my mane." Sapphire says as he points to the rose. "Can anyone see her?"

Everyone looks around and takes notice of who he is talking about. Even their friends don't notice at first.

"Come on over Derpy and let me see how you can dance."

Derpy smiles and happily walks over to him. When she gets to him, the song starts. The song definitely surprises everyone. But Derpy knows this song well. She grows excited and pulls Sapphire to her and starts to dance. A lot of ponies enjoyed this song and decide to jump in. Derpy and Sapphire were mainly just enjoying each other's company for this song, and dancing all goofy. Derpy takes an opportunity to bump Sapphire with her flank as they are dancing. Sapphire has an idea and teleports away, surprising Derpy. She looks for him until she suddenly feels him bump her softly on the other side. She giggles lightly before dancing with him, trying to be as close as possible, even nuzzling him a few times. Sapphire has to admit he is enjoying this very much. Even though he is making guesses, the mares all seem to like the songs he has picked so far. After the song ends, everyone except Derpy and Sapphire walk off the floor, thinking Sapphire might have more planned. Derpy happily pulls him into a hug.

"Thanks Saph." Derpy says sweetly.

Sapphire nuzzles her happily. "Anytime for my best friend."

She giggles happily before she turns and walks back to the others. He grabs the mic once more and speaks.

"That was fun. But it's now time to slow things down a bit again. This is the last one where I'm going to actually dance since I am getting a little tired, but there is still more to come!"

Sapphire turns and walks over to his friends.

"Go ahead and start it Vinyl." He says in the mic. She nods and plays the next song. It's slower than the others and rather peaceful. Sapphire then walks up to the only mare friend he hasn't danced with.

"Fluttershy?" He calls out.

She turns to him with half of her face hidden.”Y-Yes?"

"Will you honor me with a dance?" He asks with a smile and a hoof extended towards her.

The shy mare blushes hard at the thought of dancing with him and looks down. "Oh, I don't know...I'm not really good at dancing...I don't want to embarrass you..."

The drink Sapphire had earlier gives him courage to be bold and he gently lifts her chin to look at him. Once she makes eye contact, he smiles. "I don't mind. When I'm with you, everything else tends to disappear anyways. I just want to have fun with my friend."

Fluttershy starts blushing even more, her face turning a dark crimson. "A-Are you sure? You don't mind dancing with me?"

"Nothing would make me happier right now Shy." He says genuinely.

With this she smiles and hesitantly extends her hoof slowly. He grabs her hoof and pulls her gently towards the dance floor. When they get there, Sapphire gets on his hind legs and pulls her up as well, holding her close. This surprises her at first and she doesn't think she can maintain balance that way, until Sapphire whispers in her ear.

"Don't worry, I got you. I won't let you fall."

She smiles and relaxes, enjoying the moment in his embrace, her head resting on him. To them, it feels like they are in their own little world. All they can hear is the music and the sound of their hooves while they are moving. A little in their dance, Fluttershy notices his wings are out along with hers and it helps steady them. She removes her head and stares into his eyes with a small blush and smile. He does the same. He becomes lost in those beautiful cyan eyes, and he doesn't look away even if he could. They are so lost in their own world that they don't notice the song ends. However they do hear someone whistle which snaps them out of it. They look around and notice everyone staring at them with smiles and a few smirks, some even whistling at them. At that they both pull away, blushing in embarrassment. Before Fluttershy leaves the floor she looks at him once more and smiles. 

“That was wonderful Sapphire. Thank you.” 

Hearing her words makes his blush intensify and he doesn't get to say anything before Fluttershy quickly rushes back to the others. Sapphire decides to pick up the mic, blush still intact.

"I have to admit, that was pretty amazing.” He says with a smile while looking at the mare. She quickly hides her face behind her mane at the eye contact. He chuckles slightly and continues. “Well that's it for me dancing. Now I have a special request for a specific pony."

Everyone grows silent, waiting for who he’s going to say. Sapphire instead walks up to the group, standing in front of a specific mare.

"Sweetie Belle, would you like to do me the honor of singing two songs?"

Hearing him ask that surprises everyone, including Sweetie Belle, however she isn't against the idea at all.

"Sure, I'd be happy to!" Sweetie Belle says happily.

Sapphire is actually slightly surprised at her quick agreement to singing, but says nothing as she takes the mic and heads to the stage. Sweetie Belle herself is actually excited to sing and even more thrilled Sapphire wants to hear it. 

“This could be my chance..” She says quietly and nods at the DJ. Vinyl plays the first song and Sweetie Belle smiles, knowing this song all too well. She brings the mic to her lips and then begins to sing: 


"High dive into frozen waves where the past comes back to life.

Fight fear for the selfish pain, it was worth it every time.

Hold still right before we crash cause we both know how this ends.

A clock ticks till it breaks your glass and I drown in you again."


Sapphire is in awe. Wow. Her voice is beautiful… He thought as he admires her. He has to admit it's one of the sweetest voices Sapphire has ever heard. He merely stands there in a trance as she sings:


"Cause you are, a piece of me I wish I didn't need

Chasing relentlessly, still fight but I don't know why.

If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?

If our love's insanity, why are you my clarity?"


Sapphire is still amazed at her voice. He listens intently to her sing until she finishes the song. He is a little disappointed it's over but he knows she is willing to sing another. Everyone cheers and applauds when she finishes making her smile and bow slightly.

Sapphire walks up to her and grabs a second mic. "That was amazing Sweetie Belle! It was so great that I was hoping you could do another."

Sweetie Belle smiles. "Of course! Just give me the music."

Sapphire smiles and nods. "Okay, and for the record this will be my last requested song."

And with that, the song starts. It surprises everyone, including Sweetie Belle. She knows this song well, but it has parts where a male has to sing that she isn't familiar with. When her cue comes, she decides to just skip the male parts and begins.


"If I should die before I wake, it's cause you took my breath away.

Losing you is like living in a world with no air."

"I'm here alone didn't want to leave. My heart won't move it's incomplete

Wish there was a way that I can make you understand."


Everyone present freeze in shock as they see Sapphire sing. Sweetie belle is surprised too but she can't stop to admire it because she has to sing her part. She smiles wide and continues.


"But how do you expect me to live alone with just me,

Cause my world revolves around you and it's so hard for me to breathe"

"Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air.

Can't live can't breathe with no air.

Its how I feel whenever you ain't there,

No air, No air."


Their voices in unison are amazing and everyone becomes awestruck. All of Sapphire's friends are in a state of admiration as well. Twilight is fixed on them with wide eyes in a trance, Fluttershy is blushing and hiding her face with her mane looking between Sapphire and the ground frantically. Pinkie is giggling and surprisingly blushing as well. Applejack is trying to hide her blush with her Stetson, failing miserably. Rarity is fanning herself with a fan in her magic while watching with a deep interest. Dash's tongue is out and her wings are extended. Derpy's wings are extended as well but she’s looking at the ground blushing and scuffing the floor. Apple Bloom is merely gawking at them, and Scootaloo has her jaw hanging, staring at Sweetie Belle and Sapphire in surprise. Even Vinyl is staring intently at them, but mostly Sapphire. Spike is just looking at them all with amusement.

When they finish, the crowd starts roaring, which snaps the group out of their trance. The crowd is both whistling and shouting their names. 

Sweetie Belle adores the praise. She has always enjoyed singing and now with him, it actually makes her love it more. With excitement, she trots over to Sapphire.

"Wow, you are a great singer Saph! I think you should get a cutie mark for singing that great!" She says happily.

Sapphire chuckles. "I don't think so. Actually, that cutie mark seems to be taken already by you, Sweetie Belle."

Sweetie Belle grows confused. "Huh? What do you-" she starts, but when she turns and sees something, she freezes.

On her once blank flank is a microphone with music notes around it. It also has two bells tied around the mic.

"I GOT MY CUTIE MARK! I GOT MY CUTIE MARK!" She screeches happily and runs towards the group of friends, surprising them. Sapphire nods at the DJ with a smile and she nods back before shuffling the music again to random songs. He then turns and heads over to his friends.

"Wow, that's an awesome cutie mark Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo says while examining it.

"That means your special talent is singin'!" Apple Bloom says in awe while also looking at it.

"So you knew all along that she’s getting her cutie mark today Sapphire?" Rarity asks him as he comes over.

Sapphire nods. "Yeah, as I said, it's something I enjoy as well."

"And very good at..." Derpy mumbles. Pinkie giggles at  hearing it.

Sweetie Belle admires her cutie mark for a moment longer before turning to Sapphire with a big smile.  "Thank you so much Saph!" She says happily while jumping towards him and hugging him.

He smiles happily as he returns the hug. "You're welcome. It's a really cool cutie mark.”

She pulls back and looks him in the eyes at that with a small blush. Then something unexpected happens: she moves forward and presses her lips against his. 

Everyone's jaw drops at seeing this. Sapphire froze on the spot with wide eyes, however the feeling he gets from her kissing him feels amazing and he doesn't pull away.

Sweetie Belle herself feels a jolt go through her body at the touch. And even though she doesn't want to, after a moment she pulls away.

When she does pull away, Sapphire is redder than Applejack's apples and extremely flustered.

"W-what w-was t-t-that f-for?" He barely manages to say.

"It's my way of thanking you." Sweetie Belle says while blushing and looking down.

Sapphire can't manage anything else. He’s frozen from the feeling of her soft lips that were pressed on his. This is the first time he has ever felt such a thing.

"Hey! You can't just do things like that!" Apple Bloom says with a frown.

Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes. "You're one to talk. You kissed him first."

Apple Bloom blushes. "That was on the cheek! Lips is completely different."

"Y-yea and he wanted to save that for a special somepony..." Derpy says, growing quieter by each word.

"Well, he said he considers us all special, so I decided I will be the first to do it. It was my first kiss too!" Sweetie Belle says with a huge blush while still looking down. "Besides, I'm sure he liked it. Right, Sapphire?"

Sapphire says nothing for a moment. His blush is even redder by hearing all that she has said if that's possible. But after a moment, he finally speaks up.

"Uh, I did, but well...I'm kinda parched from all that stuff I did so, I'm going to get a drink real quick." He says quickly and teleports away before anyone can respond. 

He appears next to the snack table and decides to take a lot of 'Adult' punch and down it. After, He grabs a brownie and devours it. After more brownies and a few more cups of the spiked beverage, he becomes tipsy. He decides to get some fresh air, so he walks rather clumsily outside.

When he gets outside, he notices it's dark out. He smiles.

He loves the night. It's always more peaceful than the days. He would always lay outside in the past and enjoy the sights of the stars and the moon casting a glow on everything.

"Another beautiful night. Princess Luna did an amazing job tonight..." He says out loud.

"Oh? A fan of Princess Luna?"

Sapphire turns around and sees a lavender unicorn looking at him with a smirk.

Sapphire smiles and merely turns back to look at the sky again. "To be honest, I am. These nights she creates are beautiful Twilight. Though, I would say one of the few things more beautiful than this night is her herself.” 

Sapphire’s eyes grow wide, ”Wait, did I say that out loud?" He facehooves himself at that. "Aww crud I drank too much."

Twilight giggles and walks over to sit next to him.

"It's fine. The princesses are beautiful. No one would fault you if you thought that. However, if you perhaps had a crush or something like that on her, then ponies would say something."

Sapphire blushes and looks down. Twilight notices it and eyes him.  "You have a crush on her don't you?"

Sapphire plays with his hooves. "Maybe just a little one."

Twilight stars giggling. "Good luck with that mare Sapphire."

Sapphire waves his hooves in the air. "I know I have no chance but a colt can dream can't he?"

Twilight smiles. "Yup! And who knows? She might come in your dreams to say ``hi."

Sapphire's eyes grow wide at the idea. "She can do that?"

She giggles. "Of course. After all, She is the queen of the night and dreams."

Sapphire looks down. "I'd be too flustered In my dreams if I saw her there."

Twilight smiles. "So is Luna the only one you like?"

Sapphire blushes. "Well, not really. There are others...but I'd rather not say..."

Twilight looks at him with a brow raised. "Oh? And why not?"

"Because." Sapphire says simply.

"Because what?" Twilight continues curiously.

Sapphire turns away. "Because it's a secret."

She looks at him for a moment longer but then sighs. "Okay. I'll leave it at that." Twilight says before looking back into the sky.

Sapphire smiles and looks up as well. He then feels warmth on his shoulder and turns to see Twilight had laid her head on him. He smiles and wraps a hoof around her, then starts to run his hoof through her mane. He realizes she likes it by how she cooes quietly. They merely stay like that for a while until they hear a voice.

"There you two are!"

The pair turns around to see all their friends at the entrance.

"Hey! No fair Twilight!" Sweetie Belle says while running over to them. She immediately lays on the other side of Sapphire and cuddles on him. He starts blushing slightly but doesn't move away.

"Hey! I wanna join too!" Pinkie says and hops over to the three, getting next to Twilight and cuddling on her.

The others decide to join in as well. Rarity sits next to her sister and Spike sits near her. Dash and Scootaloo lay down in front of Pinkie and Twilight. Derpy decides to lay on Sapphire's back, trying to be as close as she can. Fluttershy likes the idea and joins her, cuddling up to each other as well. Applejack and Apple Bloom sit in front of Rarity and Sweetie Belle. They all stay that way, enjoying each other's company and the night sky. After a while, Sapphire remembers something.

"It's funny that the party was for me and I'm not even in there."

Everyone jumps up, realizing the same thing.

"Yeah, we should probably head back in." Twilight says in embarrassment.

They all agree and decide to head in. Sapphire is the last to get up, still admiring the night for a bit longer. Once he starts to head in as well, Sapphire hears something faint. It sounds to him like a muffled yell. He pauses and decides to go and investigate.

He walks to the direction of the noise. He passes a nightclub that is still going on but can barely hear the sounds from inside. He figures they may have put a sound barrier around the building as to not bother others. As he looks at it, he suddenly hears a voice.

"Let go of me! My dad is Filthy Rich! If he finds out you mmmph!"

Sapphire traces the voice to an alley. He looks down it and sees four ponies dressed in black with face covers dragging two ponies away.

"Wow. Are you guys seriously kidnapping ponies?"

The ponies stop and look toward Sapphire, the mares coming into view, tied up with tape on their maws. "Who are you kid? Buzz off before you get hurt!"

Sapphire walks forward. "And leave these two beautiful mares to get kidnapped? I don't think so-wait did I just say beautiful?" He shakes his head. "Dang I need to watch what I say more..."

Sapphire takes notice of one of the ponies rushing him. The pony tries to swing at him, but Sapphire easily dodges and throws a hard back hoof to his head, knocking him to the wall.

"You shouldn't attack someone when they are talking; It's bad manners." He says to the surprisingly unconscious pony. He then turns to his surprised accomplices. "Now for the rest of you, let them go and walk away. You have three seconds."

"Who do you think you are punk?"

Sapphire began counting. "Three...."

"We aren't afraid of you boy!"

"Two..."

"You don't scare us squirt!"

"And One."

"Might as well stop counting. We're not going any-"

The crook couldn't finish his sentence. Sapphire immediately dashes at him and smashes a hoof right in his face before he can even realize it and it sends him flying back several feet. Sapphire then does a back kick into another crook, hitting him in the gut and  knocking him away from one of the mares. He catches the mare and lays her down. He then turns to the last one holding the other mare.

"And then there was one. If you don't want to get hurt, I suggest you place the mare down and leave."

He does just that and quickly runs to the other side of the alley and disappears. Sapphire sighs and turns to the two mares. He uses his magic to cut off the ropes and remove the tape from their mouths. He removes the tape slow as to not make it painful. Once he takes the blindfolds off, he speaks.

"Are you two okay?" Sapphire asks.

They both get up and dust themselves off. Sapphire gets a good look at them now. One has a gray coat with a lighter gray mane tied in a braid. She has light purple eyes and a cutie mark of a spoon. She is also wearing a bead necklace. The other has a pink coat with a light purple mane and a white stripe going through it. She has aqua eyes that Sapphire finds to be pretty cute. Her cutie mark looks like a tiara. He notices they are both earth ponies.

“She reminds me of...no. It can't be..." He mumbles while staring at the pink earth pony.

"Yeah we are fi... Wait, where are my glasses?" The gray mare says in slight panic.

"Oh no! My tiara! It's gone!" Exclaims the pink pony in full panic.

Sapphire notices the two items in question on the floor spilling from a bag and gives them to their respective owners.

"Here you go." Sapphire says with a smile.

"Thanks." Says the gray pony.

The other pony merely takes her tiara and puts it on. When they get their bearings, they merely stare at him.

Sapphire feels slightly uncomfortable from their staring, so he speaks up. "Well, I guess I should go. Stay safe you two." He says as he turns to leave.

"Wait!" The gray pony says with a hoof extended to him.

Sapphire stops and turns to them. "Yes?"

The pony pauses before speaking up. "Well, I was wondering if you could maybe walk with us home. Who knows if more of those idiots will show up."

"Sure, I don't mind." Sapphire says with a smile.

"We don't need this blank flanks help Silver. We will be fine." The pink pony says flatly. Hearing that makes Sapphire frown. He has never been called that before.

The gray pony looks at her and frowns as well. "Diamond, we don't know if more crooks will come. He just saved us. He could at least get us home in one piece." The gray pony surmises.

The pink mare rolls her eyes. "Whatever."

She sighs before turning to Sapphire. "Sorry about that. She is a little grumpy. I'm Silver Spoon, and this is Diamond Tiara. What's your name?"

Sapphire smiles. "It's fine. And my name's Dark Sapphire or Saph for short.

Both of their eyes grow wide. "Wait you're Sapphire?" Diamond asks.

He nods. "Yeah. I'm guessing you've heard of me?"

"Well of course! You saved the whole town from those creatures! You are like a hero here." Silver says with a smile.

"Oh, well thanks." Sapphire says happily and a little embarrassed.

"But you can't be him. They said he used magic but you're a pegasus. You can't use magic." Diamond says with a frown.

Sapphire shrugs. "I guess you didn't hear everything about me."

"What do you mean?" Silver asks curiously.

"I can use magic." He says simply.

"What? Yeah right! Prove it." Diamond says, not convinced.

He then proceeds to lift the tiara with his magic and hover it in front of them.

They stare at the object and at the pegasus in shock.

"How can you be a pegasus and use magic?" Silver asks.

Sapphire shakes his head. "To be honest, I don't know. I was born this way I guess. It's best if I just accept it."

"A blank flank that's a pegasus but can use magic. Now I've seen it all." Diamond says while rolling her eyes.

Sapphire starts to get a little irritated and hurt by her words. She is behaving just like  ponies in other cities he has been in. He prefers to stay away from this mare.

"It seems like I'm not wanted here so I guess I'll just be going." He says while replacing the tiara and turning to leave.

"Wait! You don't have to go!" Silver says quickly.

Sapphire stops and sighs. "I'm sorry, but I prefer to stay away from ponies that act the way your friend is." 

After saying that he walks away, turns a corner and leaves...well from their perspective.

Once he’s gone Silver Spoon turns to her friend. "Way to go Diamond. What if we get attacked again?" Silver says with irritation.

"They won't be dumb enough to repeat a kidnapping. Plus they got me by surprise. I'm sure I could have handled it myself." Diamond says flatly as she starts to walk.

Silver rolls her eyes. "Oh please Diamond! You couldn't even handle your way out of a fish net."

"That was one time!" Diamond yells with a blush as she stomps a hoof in embarrassment.

They are soon out of the alley and start going through a park, still conversing with a hint of argument here and there.

"They weren't that strong by themselves. They just overwhelmed us. Plus they were just kidnapping us for the money." Diamond says simply.

"Regardless, if there were more of them, they could easily overpower us." Silver says.

"Like this many?"

The two mares jump at the familiar dangerous voice and turn to see five crooks in front of them. Behind them, four more appear. All of them are unicorns this time.

"I came back with a few friends to take care of that chump, but it turns out he isn't around. I guess we can take you without any resistance." The pony that escaped says with a crooked smile.

"Dang, and I was hoping to get that guy back. Our other two guys are still unconscious. He got a lucky hit off of me. Oh well, we can still get our money for this." Says another familiar crook.

"You won't take me that easily!" Diamond says angrily before she rushes a crook. She gets close and slams a hoof into his face.

"Ugh! You Bitch!" He retaliates by swinging a hoof of his own fast, hitting her square in the face, knocking her away and drawing some blood.

"Diamond!" Silver says in a panic while running to her. "Are you okay?"

She grunts from the pain before looking at Silver. "I guess I should have listened to you. We might need a little help. Turns out these guys are dumber than I gave them credit for."

"Hey bitch! Who you callin dumb?" A crook says  angrily before kicking her in the side, the blow knocking her away from Silver Spoon.

“Diamond!” Silver Spoon says before running over and standing between Diamond Tiara from the angry crook.

“Back off losers!” She says angrily.

“Losers? You two have some crappy mouths.” Says one of the crooks.

"I think we need to roughen them up a bit." Another spat with a smirk.

They proceed towards the two mares and both mares become frightened, afraid of what they might do to them. Silver out of fear whispers something.

"Sapphire...help us..."

As those words leave her lips, suddenly a blue aura engulfs her and Diamond. They panic, thinking the crooks are using magic on them and close their eyes tightly, expecting the worst..

But when nothing happens for a moment to them, they open their eyes to see that they were lifted in the air above the crooks, moving away. They look toward the direction they are going and see a familiar pegasus. They land behind him and he smiles back at them. .

"Hey girls. Glad I made it in time." He says with a wink.

"Sapphire? You came back? Why?" Silver Spoon asks.

Sapphire shrugs. "I just had a strange feeling I should check up on you two. Glad I did."

"I am glad you did too! Thanks." Silver says happily.

"Yeah..." Diamond says quietly.

Sapphire smiles and nods. "You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to hurt a few ponies that hit a mare and called her a name that should never be spoken to such a cute mare."

Both are surprised at his statement. "You..think I'm cute?" Diamond asks looking at him.

Sapphire blushes slightly and rubs his mane. "Well, in all honesty I think you two are very cute...aww crud! I said that aloud again!” He says and facehooves. ”No more alcohol tonight..." He says while turning away.

They start blushing as well from his compliment, but before they can say anything, the crooks catch up to them.

"Hey it's that bastard from earlier! I'm gonna enjoy this!" Says one crook.

"You four got beat up by this kid? He looks weak!" Laughs another crook.

"Well it won't happen again. I won't hold back this time!" Says the one from earlier.

Sapphire sighs. "Listen guys, I really don't feel like fighting or dragging this out so just take your best shot so I can prove you're not strong enough to hurt me."

The crook in the middle speaks up. "Punk, you have a lot of courage. Alright then, but don't blame us if you die."

Sapphire shrugs. "Don't plan on dying."

"Tch. Alright boys let's kill this kid."

Suddenly, all of their horns began to glow at once. A ball starts forming above them. Sapphire realizes It’s a large amount of destructive magic and it's getting bigger by the second.

"This ball has enough strength to decimate an entire town! But, we need this town standing so we’ll focus the force on your face. Let's see you handle it runt!" Says a crook.

The two mares look at the ball in horror. If that can do what they say it can do, they will be in a lot of trouble.  They turn to Sapphire and take notice that he isn't even fazed. In fact, he's smiling which surprises them.

"A whole town huh? Sounds interesting. Haven't fought anything that strong in one attack in a while. Well, might as well get my attack ready then."

He then closes his eyes. A second later he opens them and they are glowing. An aura appears around him also but it looks different than other normal ones the mares noticed before. He then proceeds to turn around and face the mares. He smiles at them before getting on his hind legs. He then slams his forelegs down, digging them inches into the ground. The mares stare at him in confusion.

"Alright guys, whenever ya ready." Sapphire says with a smirk.

"This punk is messing with us! Show no mercy on this bastard!" They then launch the large destructive magic ball towards Sapphire. The mares look at him with pleading eyes.

He smiles at them. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."

As the ball gets close, Sapphire’s legs start to glow white.

"Take this, Forbidden spell 13, Shockwave!"

He kicks at the air hard, sending a large shockwave towards them. The ball reverses its direction from the force and flies high into the sky. The crooks get blown back, injured by the force of the attack. After a few seconds, the ball of energy explodes in the sky in large electric sparks.

Sapphire admires the little light show in the sky and speaks up. "That wasn't so bad. Nice firework display guys." He looks at the crooks again. "Now if we’re done here I want you to apologize to Diamond for hitting her and calling her that name. Then I'll let you be on your way." Sapphire says with a smug smile, the alcohol making him want to show off more than he should.

The crooks struggle to their hooves, one speaking up angrily. "I won't apologize for nothin! That damn mare is an annoying bitch!"

"Yeah! Both of them are a couple of snobby bitches with stuck up rich families!" Another says while pointing to them.

"Those trashy families need to be taught a lesson so we are taking their precious children and will force them to cough up thousands of bits to get them back!" Says a third as he gets in a fighting stance.

"Yeah! Especially that pink bitch and her idiot father!" The first crook says with a dark smile.

The two mares stare in horror at the mean insults the crooks just threw at them. They don’t think any of it is true, but to think somepony hates them this much and hearing the insults actually cuts deep. But before they can defend themselves, somepony else speaks up instead.

"SHUT UP!!!"

The crooks and the mares are surprised by the outburst. Both mares notice Sapphire is shaking, anger in his eyes. They don’t understand however, why he is getting so mad. The crooks are talking about them, not him.

"You getting mad punk?" Says a crook with a smirk.

"I'm done being nice to crappy people like you! I swear to Celestia if you insult them one more time, you will experience the worst type of pain!" Sapphire shouts in fury. His eyes start to glow and the aura appears around him once again.

The crooks merely laugh at his threat. "Aww the squirt is getting mad that we are insulting his little friends!"

"Yeah. His little snobby friends must be so important to him." One coos jokingly with a crooked smile.

"They still bitchy kids though." One says with a shrug, smirking at him.

"Bitch." One says teasingly and the others jump in as well.

"Sluts."

"Trash."

Sapphire can’t believe how disgusting these crooks are. He feels like he is on fire from all the rage he has from their words. He grits his teeth in anger as he speaks to the mares. "Girls, please turn your heads. I'd rather you not see this." He says softly.

Both mares merely nod and turn their heads looking down and away. Meanwhile they hear another crook speak up.

"Oh you gonna do somet-"

"Forbidden spell 12, Death dance."

A strong wind hits the girls. Next thing they hear makes them shiver. They hear sounds like bones breaking and the crooks yelling in pain from being hit. After a few more seconds, it gets quiet. They turn to look and see the aftermath.

Every single one of the crooks are beaten to a pulp; All unconscious. Some have obvious broken bones, while others have hoof bruises everywhere on their bodies. They also notice Sapphire pull three ropes out of seemingly nowhere and ties the crooks up in sets of three. After he is done, he turns and walks over to them.

Sapphire rubs his head sheepishly as he gets close. "Sorry about that girls. I lost my temper at what they were saying. I can't stand ponies like that..."

Before he can say more, Silver rushes him and throws her hooves around him.

"Thank you Sapphire! You saved us again." Silver says happily, very thankful for all his help.

He smiles and returns the hug. "You're welcome."

Diamond merely stares at them with a raised brow. She is about to speak up, but a voice calls out from behind her.

"Sapphire!"

The three ponies turn and are surprised as they see ten ponies and a dragon running towards them.

Sapphire waves at them. "Oh, hey everyone. Sorry I just up and disappeared on you."

Spike immediately takes notice of the two mares.

"Diamond Tiara? Silver Spoon? What are you two doing with Sapphire?"

As he says this, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle run in between him and the two mares, glaring at them.

"Ya over here messin with our friend?" Apple Bloom says angrily.

"Yeah! You better have not been teasing him!" Sweetie Belle yells with just as much fury.

Sapphire is surprised at how hostile they seem towards them. "Whoa calm down girls. They had a little trouble so I helped them out."

"Trouble? What kind of trouble?" Twilight speaks up curiously.

Silver Spoon answers. "We were kidnapped and Sapphire saved us." She says while pointing behind Sapphire.

They look in the direction she is pointing and see nine ponies tied up. Dash flew over to them.

"Yeah, they were trying to take them for a ransom so I decided to roughen them up a little..." He says growing quiet.

"A little? Ha! You beat the stuffing out of them!" Dash laughs while examining them. Twilight heads over to look as well and is surprised.

"Wow, they are beaten up pretty badly. You didn't seem to hold back much."

Sapphire frowns and looks down. "Yeah, I apologize. It's just that when they hit Diamond and kept insulting them, I kinda...snapped. I was so angry I used a forbidden spell on them."

Everyone snap their heads to Sapphire at that in surprise.

"What? You did? I'm surprised they are still alive." Scootaloo says eyeing the bodies again.

Sapphire frowns at that. "I'm not a killer. I just wanted to make sure they couldn't move."

"I think those idiots deserved it."

Everyone turns to look at Diamond and notice the indifferent look on her face.

"They were annoying calling me those names. They deserve worse actually. But whatever." She says while rolling her eyes.

"Diamond, you didn't even thank him." Silver says walking up to her.

"Why would I thank a blank flank?" She says flatly.

At this, the three younger mares storm angrily to the pink pony, inches from her face.

"DON'T YOU EVER CALL HIM THAT AGAIN!" They yell, practically screaming her head off.

Diamond flinches and leans back. "What's your problem?"

"What's our problem? What's YOURS?" Scootaloo says angrily.

"He comes an' saves yer sorry flank from gettin' hauled ta Celestia knows where and all ya can think of is insulting him?" Apple Bloom says with disgust.

"You're the worst Diamond! And don't you ever call him that again!" Sweetie Belle says, fuming.

Sapphire is in awe. He didn't understand why they are so angry towards her in the beginning but he knows now why they were angry. He snaps out of it and realizes he needs to calm them down.

"Hey girls, it's fine. It doesn't bother me." He says trying to calm them.

The three turn to him with frowns on all their faces. "But it bothers us!" Scootaloo objects, surprising him.

"Yeah! She has no right to be calling ya that when she don't know why ya are the way ya are!" Apple Bloom adds.

"Isn't it because he hasn't found his special talent?" Silver Spoon says assuming the obvious.

The three turn to her and glare at her, but not as menacing as they were with Diamond.

"No, it's because he doesn't have one." Sweetie Belle says firmly.

Silver's and Diamond's eyes grow wide. "What? How is that possible? Everypony has one!"

The three fillies frown. "Well, he could get one but he has to die to earn it..." Sweetie Belle says sadly.

The two mares’ maws drop at that revelation. They can't believe what they are hearing.

"That can't be true! How do you even know this?" Silver Spoon says with doubt.

Sapphire speaks up. “I told them. I actually know a spell that can tell me how ponies have earned their cutie mark, as well as show me how ponies will earn theirs."

"Really? Can you prove that?" Silver Spoon says, still doubting such a possibility.

"Sure." Sapphire nods before his eyes start to glow for a few seconds, soon stopping. "Silver I can see you got your cutie mark because your father allowed you to mold silver for the first time and you made a spoon perfectly, showing your talent in molding silver. Diamond, you earned yours when you got that tiara for your birthday by your dad because you demanded for it when you turned ten and I assume you've treasured it since."

The two are shocked that he knows this.

Silver Spoon speaks up after a moment. "That's right...so what Sweetie Belle said..."

Sapphire nods but smiles. "Yeah, it's true. I don't mind though, really."

Silver Spoon turns to Diamond Tiara. "Diamond, I think you should apologize."

"Why?" She says indignantly.

Silver Spoon snaps. "DIAMOND!!"

Seeing her friend yell angrily at her makes her flinch. Silver Spoon has never yelled at her like that before. She sighs and rolls her eyes. Sapphire notices this. "Sorry that-"

"No Diamond, I'd rather you not say that." He speaks up, cutting her off.

She looks at him in confusion.  "Oh really? And why not?"

He frowns at her. "Because you don't mean it."

Before she can reply, he turns around and walks away. The others decide to head back as well. The crusader trio that are near the two mares cast a quick glare towards Diamond Tiara before walking away as well. As they leave, Diamond Tiara takes notice of Sweetie Belle’s cutie mark.

"Seems like one of the blank flanks finally got her cutie mark." Diamond Tiara says with a smirk. "Although mine is still better."

"I can't believe you..."

Diamond Tiara turns to Silver Spoon in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean? WHAT DO I MEAN?!? Do you not see what you just did?? I can't believe you Diamond! I never thought you could be this heartless!"

Diamond Tiara is taken aback by this. "Heartless? Don't you think that's a little much Silver?"

Silver Spoon stares angrily at her friend, tears welling up in her eyes. "I always knew you were bad Diamond Tiara, but I never thought you would stoop this low. He saved our lives for Celestia's sake! The least you could have done is thanked him!"

Diamond Tiara starts to feel a little guilty. "I-I was going to but..."

"But you didn't mean it; Even he noticed that!" Silver Spoon looks down, not even able to look her in the eyes at the moment. "I've forgiven a lot of things that you have done before Diamond, but this one is too low, even for you...at least I thought that. But you proved me wrong...I'm going home." she says before she turns away and starts towards home.

Diamond Tiara hesitates and walks after her. "Silver, you're not gonna forgive me? What about the promise we made to stay friends forever?"

Silver Spoon stops in her tracks, making Diamond Tiara stop. She slightly turns her head towards her, but doesn’t look at Diamond. "Right now I'm wondering if I should keep that promise..." She says quietly and turns to walk away.

Diamond feels tears welling up in her eyes after hearing that. She never thought this could ever happen; she was about to lose her best friend, her only friend. She has never wanted to be friends with anyone else because she has her. Something in her snaps and she starts to cry hard all alone in the park with no one to blame but herself...






"So how did you guys find me?" Sapphire asks as they are walking back.

"Well, I noticed you didn't come in when we did and when I looked outside you were gone. I checked around for a bit but didn't see you. So I ran inside to get the others." Twilight starts.

"When we all came back outside, we saw this giant magical ball of destructive magic floating out of nowhere going towards the park." Sweetie Belle says as she points in the sky.

"But before we could do anything, suddenly we saw a huge shockwave push it away and knew it was you so we rushed over." Scootaloo says with a hint of excitement.

Sapphire rubs his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry about that. I should have told you guys but I thought they might have gotten away by then."

Sapphire notices Fluttershy shake her head. "Don't be. You saved two ponies because of that. I think you did what was best.." 

"Although I can't stand that it had to be those two." Scootaloo says with mild irritation.

Sapphire picks up on her irritation. "Do you not like them or something?"

"No, we don't like them." Apple Bloom says flatly.

Sapphire looks at them in confusion. "Why? I don't care that I don't have a cutie mark."

"That's not the only reason we don't like them. Although what Diamond said did tick me off, she does the same to us at school about us not having our cutie marks and had always messed with us for years." Sweetie Belle explains.

Sapphire is surprised. "What? Really? Wow. I can't see that from Silver. Diamond more so though."

"Silver doesn't do all that much. She just follows Diamond around like a minion or something. I don't know why though. Even other ponies don't seem to like them much." Scootaloo says while shrugging.

Sapphire frowns at hearing this. "So, they don't have friends beside each other?"

"Pretty much." Apple Bloom surmises.

Sapphire doesn't like that answer. Although they have each other, having only one friend to confide in sometimes is not enough. He knows that first hoof since he didn't really have anyone before. If your one friend isn't around, then you would be alone.

"Sapphire, you okay?" Derpy asks the frowning pegasus.

Sapphire is pulled out of his thoughts when he hears Derpy talk and nods. "Yeah, I'm fine. Is the party still going?" He asks while walking around a corner, but his question is quickly answered for him. 

Everyone at the party is starting to head out. 

"Guess not." Sapphire says as he sees them.

"Speaking of which, Saph, Vinyl was looking for you." Dash says with a smirk.

Sapphire's eyes grew wide. "Oh no I forgot! I owe her something for playing those songs for me."

"What do you owe her?" Twilight asks curiously.

Sapphire shrugs. "I don't know. She said she will tell me after the party. She also said I will like it or something."

Dash frowns. "Oh, I think I might have an idea..."

They all look at Dash. "You do? What does she want?" Sapphire asks.

Dash shakes her head in disdain. "You will find out soon enough."

Sapphire gulps hard at that. Hearing that only makes him more nervous. They proceed to the door and while getting there, lots of ponies wave at Sapphire as they leave. He thanks them for coming and soon heads inside. 

Sugarcube Corner is a mess. They certainly have some work to do.

"Whew, looks like another successful party! Gotta clean up the fun now!" She says happily. "Anypony wanna help?"

They all nod except Dash, whom they catch creeping towards the exit.

"And where do ya think y'all going? Ya gonna help too." Applejack says before grabbing Dash. She groans and Sapphire laughs at her disappointed look.

"Well, we better get started." Sapphire says.

"Oh, you are fine Sapphire. You don't have to help. It was your party after all." Twilight says to him.

Sapphire shakes his head. "All the more reason I should help. I want to thank you all for the party and this is one of the ways I can."

Everyone smiles at that. "Well, if you say so, but I think a certain pony is getting impatient waiting for her reward." Twilight says while pointing to an impatient mare looking at him.

"Oh! Yeah, it would probably be best to see her first. I'll help after." He says before walking towards Vinyl.

He notices she is tapping a hoof impatiently as he comes over. As soon as he gets close enough, she speaks. "Dang! About time ya showed up! I was looking everywhere for you!"

Sapphire rubs his neck. "Sorry about that. Something came up."

"That's no excuse. And for that I get two rewards now." She says adamantly.

Sapphire hesitates, but thinks it's only right so he nods. "Sure, sounds fair. What exactly would you like?"

She uses her magic and lifts her glasses off and above her horn. Her eyes are a beautiful cerise color. She takes a look toward the mares that are staring right at them as they are cleaning and smiles. "Are you dating anypony?"

Sapphire jerks back at this and blushes. "N-No. No I'm not."

She smiles wider. "Good." That's all she says before planting her lips right on his. This completely catches Sapphire off guard and he froze on the spot. Vinyl notices this and pulls her lips away just slightly and speaks. "Hey big boy you have to kiss back or this won't feel like a reward."

Hearing that, he snaps out of it and relaxes slightly. Vinyl notices this and reconnects her lips with his. He is slightly surprised but it isn't unexpected, so he decides to do as she had asked and starts to kiss her back. After he starts responding, she wraps her hooves around his head, pulling him closer. She is enjoying this a lot and can tell he is too. She pulls away to let him catch his breath quickly before going in for another. This time she decides to do a little more and has her tongue probe his lips, begging for entry. He complies and opens his maw, to which she throws her tongue in his mouth and starts to massage his tongue. Sapphire feels euphoric from this pleasure and even though it is his first time kissing like this, he tries his best to mimic her and do the same. Eventually she lets him take over and their tongues dance with Sapphire being more in control. She notices he is inexperienced but she doesn't mind at all. It still feels amazing to her. 

Sapphire is in complete bliss. She tastes so good to him. He wishes he could keep like this forever but he starts to feel his lungs burning for air and he knew it has to end or he could suffocate. So he finally breaks the kiss, to both of their disappointment. Sapphire is still in a daze. Vinyl notices and starts to giggle. She then looks at the group of mares. All of their eyes are wide and jaws are hanging down in shock at what they had just saw. She smiles at seeing them.

"Wow...." That's all he can say, still in slight bliss.

She smirks. "I had a feeling you would like it. Now for my next reward."

Sapphire snaps out of his stupor. He forgot for a moment that she wants two rewards. He is actually curious at what she is going to ask.

"What would that be?" He asks.

She smiles. "Remember my roommate Octavia?" He nods at the familiar name. "Us and another stallion are going to hang out at this restaurant place. I want you to come too."

Sapphire flinches and blushes in surprise. "Y-you mean like a double date?"

Vinyl pauses. "Well, yes and no. Those two aren't dating. That stallion is annoying in my opinion and she thinks so too but he also interests her and they work together. I don't want to be a third wheel and that's where you come in."

Sapphire both likes and dislikes the idea. He is glad it isn't a date because he has never been on one, but he is also hesitant because he doesn't like being used. However, he decides he will because he owes her that much, and in a sense it could possibly be fun.

"Sure, I'd be happy to join." He says finally after a moment.

She smiles wide and hugs him. "Thanks Saph. You really are a nice guy."

He chuckles. "I try." He says while hugging her back.

She pulls away and plants a soft kiss on his cheek that becomes red from her touch.

"Consider that early payment." She says with a wink. "We will be going in a week. Meet at the fountain by town hall at 5 sharp. Don't make me wait this time."

Sapphire rubs his cheek with a semi goofy smile on his face. "Don't worry, I won't."

"You better not, otherwise I might just take another reward from you." She says with a seductive smile and wink. She then turns and heads for the door and leaves.

Sapphire sighs. "She will be a hooffull. Well, back to cleaning. Hope I...can...."

He pauses and looks around. The place is spotless. "Wow. I didn't even notice. Guess I was too spaced out."

He looks back and sees the girls all at a nearby table. Spike was quite a few tables away with worried look on his face. This confuses Sapphire and he decides to walk over to Spike.

"Hey Spike, why you over here by yourself?"

Spike looks at him and frowns. "Well, let's just say I needed to get away from them for a second before they tried to erase me from existence..."

That makes him even more confused.

"Why would they do that? Are they mad or something?"

Spike nods. "Yeah, seemed like it. After they saw you and Vinyl kissing, they started acting strange. When I asked them what's wrong, they snapped at me. So I decided to get away to stay alive."

Sapphire thinks something is wrong. As he starts to head over, Spike stops him. "I honestly don't think you should go over there right now."

Sapphire looks back at him. "Why not?"

"Something is telling me that it's directed towards you for two reasons: one, they acted like that after you kissed Vinyl, and two, when I left them, Twilight said something along the lines of 'he seems to be enjoying it'. How she said it was kinda creepy and it sent chills down my spine. So to keep you from getting erased yourself, I suggest you stay here."

"Yeah, I guess you are right..." Sapphire says before taking a seat. He is still confused though. 

Did they not like me kissing her? If so, why? Were they jealous? No, that can't be it. Why would they be? We only just became friends. Plus they never showed me any interest besides friendship… Except maybe Sweetie Belle… 

Sapphire blushes but shakes his head. No, I can't just assume things. Every time I end up doing that, it backfires in my face, especially with...her. He pauses in thought. Sapphire is so caught up in his thoughts that he doesn't see Spike move a little away from him. Nor does he notice the mob of mares coming towards him.

"So I bet she liked her reward."

Hearing something, Sapphire snaps out of his thoughts and sees all the mares standing close to him.

"Oh, hello girls. Did one of you say something?" Sapphire asks.

Sweetie Belle speaks up with a frown. "I said I bet she liked her reward. Are you two dating now?"

Hearing the edge in her voice from those words actually stung him for some reason. "No. Why do you think that?"

"Just the fact that you were smooching with Vinyl a second ago and seemed to be enjoying it." Dash says simply.

Sapphire flinches, a blush returning to his face. "And that makes you think we are dating? Yes she kissed me. And yes, I did like it. Just like I liked it when Sweetie Belle....." He gets quiet and starts to blush. "I mean...we aren't going out. It was just a reward she wanted. That's all."

"I thought you said you were saving for somepony special." Sweetie Belle says with a slight blush, thinking about what he was going to say.

"I was talking about my first. And, well, you had it." He says while looking away.

"So you regret it?" She says in disappointment.

Hearing that crushes him and he looks at her quickly. "No! I would never regret that! You are special to me. You all are...I'm glad you were my first." After he says that, a few mares blush, even him. "I was just mostly surprised by it anyway. And besides, she doesn't like me like that. And I don't feel that way about her either."

"Yeah you only love Princess Luna." Twilight teases.

Hearing this, Sapphire's entire face turns red and his eyes grow wide. Everyone else becomes surprised as well.

"T-Twilight!" Sapphire sputters in surprise.

"Whoa. Is she serious Saph?" Applejack asks with a raised brow.

Sapphire merely says nothing, deciding instead to look away, face still red.

"Good luck with that mare Saph." Spike says jokingly.

The others laugh at that. Sapphire stands there glaring at Twilight and Spike. After a little while they calm down.

"That's aiming pretty high there Saph." Dash says with a smirk.

Sapphire frowns. "Hey, I can't help who I like. I never thought I had a chance with her either. I just hope I can meet her someday..."

"Well, that day actually might come soon. They might agree to see you." Twilight says with a smile.

"What? Really? When!?" He asks in excitement, the possibility of meeting the princess of the night making him talk louder that he had initially intended.

Twilight giggles at his obvious excitement. "Well, they haven't scheduled a day yet. I'll let you know when they do." She replies.

"Oh okay." He replies while calming down, though still internally excited about possibly seeing the princesses.

"Do you like anyone else that's not a princess?" Sweetie Belle asks suddenly.

That question makes his blush return full force. "I...well..um..."

"He does; he told me." Twilight chirps.

"Twilight! Why did you have to say that?" He exclaims, slightly bothered at her disregard of his secrets..

Twilight smiles. "Well, you were going to tell them anyway."

"Wait, so who else does he like?" Scootaloo asks curiously.

"Oh, he didn't tell me who..." She says dejectedly.

"So who else ya like Saph?" Apple Bloom asks while looking at him.

"I'm...I'm not saying..." Sapphire replies and looks away.

"Why?" Sweetie Belle asks with a frown.

"Hey, it's getting pretty late. I think we should head home." Sapphire says, trying to change the subject.

"True, but we can leave after you answer Saph." Derpy insists, rather curious as well.

Sapphire sighs. "Honestly, I don't know if I really like them or not. I haven't sorted out my feelings yet. That's one of the reasons I don't want to say..."

Everyone merely looks at him. He starts to think they will pursue another response until Twilight speaks up.

"I understand. No point in pushing something when you don't even know yourself."

Sapphire sighs and relaxes. Everyone else seems to accept what she has said.

Applejack speaks this time. "Well ah guess we should all head home then. It is pretty late."

"I agree. I'm exhausted. Sapphire, would you mind coming over tomorrow around noon to see your suit instead?" Rarity asks.

Sapphire is surprised. "You made me a suit? That's awesome! Of course I'll come. I need to head into that area anyways. I'm going to go to that bulletin board tomorrow and post up my job flyer. And also look for another job."

"Well if ya want, ya can always help out at the farm. We could always use a helping hoof." Applejack offers.

"Oh and since Cloudkicker is sick, you could fill in for her." Dash suggests.

"Sweet. Two job offerings already. I'll try to do both. Just let me know when you need me." Sapphire says, happy to already have things to do. "Alright well I guess I'll see everyone later."

Everyone says their goodbyes and head their separate ways. While he is heading home, Sapphire remembers something.

Those crooks! I left them at the park! I should probably take them to the station and write a note.

He quickly turns back and heads towards the park. When he gets close he hears something. He first assumes one of the crooks might have woken up so he gallops faster. But when he gets to the park, he sees something he was definitely not expecting.

In the middle of the park, Diamond Tiara is there sobbing. Silver Spoon is nowhere to be found. 

Why is she here crying? Did they get in an argument? Sapphire ponders and frowns. Even though she doesn't like him, or respect him for that matter, he definitely isn't going to ignore her, so he heads straight to her.

"Uh, Diamond Tiara?" Sapphire says quietly.

Her ears perk up at hearing her name and she looks up. Who she sees is someone she least expected to see.

"S-Sapphire?" She manages to say while still sobbing.

"Are you alright? Why are you crying?" He asks in worry.

Seeing him look at her like that surprises her. After all she has done to him she’d think he wouldn't want to be anywhere near her. But yet here he is. 

She feels tears well up again and all of a sudden she lunges herself at Sapphire, wrapping her arms him and hugging him tightly.

"I'm sorry for how I acted! It was wrong of me for acting like that when you have done nothing but help me. I'm so so sorry!" She says, still crying into his barrel.

Seeing her like this hurts him. He didn't want her to feel bad over him. He quickly embraces her and starts to run his hoof through her mane trying to calm her.

"It's okay. Please don't cry. I was never mad at you so you don't need to apologize."

She pulls away and looks at him. "How are you not mad? I treated you bad! I didn't even thank you when you saved us twice! I even-"

Sapphire puts a hoof up to her and she gets quiet. "Diamond. It's okay. All that matters is that you and Silver were okay. I'm actually glad I was able to help two beautiful mares out. I wasn't expecting anything else."

After hearing this, she calms down considerably and he pulls her close. Her tears stop, and her breathing slowly returns to normal. After a minute or so, she speaks up.

"T-Thank you Sapphire. Thank you for everything."

Sapphire smiles. "You're welcome Diamond."

Sapphire lets go of her slightly, but when she notices it, she hugs him tighter. Sapphire smiles slightly and continues to hold her, stroking her mane all the while. After a few more moments, she releases him and pulls away, looking him in the eyes and smiling slightly. He smiles back before speaking.

"So where is Silver? I thought she would be here with you."

Diamond frowns and looks down, eyes starting to moisten again. "She...left. She is mad at what I did. She said she doesn't even know if she wants to be my friend anymore.."

Sapphire is shocked. If that happens then they would both be alone. He isn't at all okay with that.

"I don't think she meant that..." He starts but pauses when he notices tears hitting the ground.

"What if she did? What if she never talks to me again? She is my best friend! My only friend! I don't want to lose her! If I do I'd be all alone..."

Sapphire lifts her head up with his hoof. Her eyes are closed and he frowns.

"Diamond, look at me." He urges.

She doesn't at first, but then she slowly opens her eyes, her aqua eyes starting to start in his sapphire ones.

"You will never be alone. I will always be here for you, and I know Silver will too." At this moment, Sapphire knows that she needs friends in her life and as Luna as his witness he was gonna do something. He continues, "Something like this will not break up a friendship you have had for so long. Yes, the others told me about it. You've know each other for too long. I promise she will forgive you no matter what, and I will see to it myself."

Diamond stops crying. What he had said makes her feel a lot better. At that moment she is glad he found her and helped her.

"Thank you Sapphire." Diamond says with a big smile after wiping her eyes.

Sapphire finds her smile adorable. "You're very welcome. Do you want me to walk you home?"

"I'd like that." She says happily.

"Then lead the way princess." He ushers with a smile.

She becomes surprised by this and starts blushing. "Princess? Nopony has called me that except Daddy."

Sapphire takes a thinking pose. "Huh. I wonder why not. You have a tiara and you have a sort of royalty to you. I can see why your dad would call you it."

Her blush intensifies. "You think I'm like a princess?"

Sapphire nods with a smile. "I sure do." He then gets an idea. "And to prove it, I'll start calling you that from now on. Is that alright with you princess?"

Her face is completely red by now. "W-well if you want to..."

Sapphire chuckles as he sees the large blush on her face. "Great. Then shall we go?"

She nods and they start their walk toward her house. Fortunately, It wasn't too far.

"So, what do you have planned for tomorrow morning princess?"

She blushes again, still not used to the nickname and looks down. "I was hoping to hang out with Silver but I don't think that will happen..."

Sapphire nuzzles her. "I think it would be best we both go and see her together."

Diamond enjoys the attention and nods when he moves. "Okay, but around what time?"

Sapphire ponders for a moment, remembering he still has plans tomorrow. "Anytime before noon. Your pick."

"How about 8? We usually see each other around then."

"Sounds good." Diamond stops nearby a large gated house and Sapphire figures it has to be hers. "I'll meet you here and we can head over."

Diamond smiles at him. "Well thanks again for everything Sapphire. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime princess." He says with a slight bow.

She giggles lightly at the gesture and the gates open to her huge house once she gets close. Sapphire turns to leave. Diamond stops and turns around. "Sapphire?"

Hearing his name, he stops. "Yes Prin-"

He is cut off when he feels lips press against his cheek. After she pulls away, she is blushing a lot. Sapphire has quite a blush as well from the contact.

"Goodnight Sapphire..."

"Goodnight Princess."

And with that he heads out to complete his errand. He decides to fly to get there faster. Within minutes, he finishes and after a few more, is near his home. He notices that Fluttershy is in her garden out back. He decides to say hi before he heads home.

"Hey Fluttershy." He says softly as he comes in for a landing.

She is shocked at first but quickly realizes who it is.

"Oh, hello Sapphire. You are still awake? I thought you were asleep because your lights were off."

Sapphire smiles. "I just had some last minute things to take care of. I was just heading home when I saw you."

Fluttershy smiles. "Oh okay. Well I'm glad you came. Did you want something?"

He shakes his head. "Not really, just wanted to see you and wish you a good night."

Fluttershy blushes. "Oh, thank you Sapphire...but if it's not too much trouble...can I ask something of you?"

Sapphire grows curious. "Sure. Ask away."

Fluttershy's blush grew. "Well, I um, have these free tickets to a museum in Canterlot in two days and well...I was maybe...wondering if....um..."

"Are you asking me to go with you?" He asks with a hint of excitement.

Fluttershy immediately hides behind her mane. "Oh, you don't have to if you don't want to..."

Sapphire smiles wide. "I'd love to!!"

Fluttershy lights up. "Really? That's great! Well, I guess I'll see you in two days?"

Sapphire nods rapidly. "Yes you will. Goodnight Fluttershy!"

"Goodnight Sapphire."

With an excited hop, Sapphire flies off towards his house. If he would have turned around, he would have noticed Fluttershy also hopping around happily.

Sapphire makes it to his house, opens the door, walks upstairs into his room, and hops on his bed.

"Today is one of the greatest days of my life. I wouldn't change anything for the world." He says happily as he sighs into a pillow.

He smiles thinking about the day before closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep.  His mind soon enters straight into dreamland with all his new friends on his mind.