Artemis

by gcsmith

First published 3rd of May, 2012

The story of Artemis, an average young adult and his adventures of Equestria.

Artemis is out jogging where he falls and finds him self in a strange yet somewhat familiar world.
Sent to the town of ponyville to live with the princess's student he has to find a role in which to live.
How will he cope, especially when around every corner is something which will merely bruise a pony but slay a human.

Chapter 1 and 2 rewrites complete.

Chapter 1 - Jogging (rewrite x2)

Author Note: this is the second rewrite of the original chapter 1, hopefully it is of better quality than what came before it.

A wizened figure stood in front of the barrier in between worlds, studying the dark wall.
He placed his leg against the surface, feeling the beating heart of reality underneath. For eons he had been imprisoned, for eons he had searched. Finally he had found what he had searched for, the chink in the prison wall.

The wall in front of him, stretched on for as far as he could see. It formed the edge of the prison where he, and his master, had been imprisoned by the six all those years ago. Time had gone on, taking its toll on his lord, but he had not given up hope. He was patient, and knew no prison was eternal. No prison had no weak spot.

For the millennium he had searched, poured over the tomes of knowledge they had taken with them, studied for something, anything he could use. Last night he had found it, a spell to pierce the wall. It required tinkering, and the right spot, but it would do.

The spell itself could not break the prison, but it would ensure the prisons downfall. After all, every journey began with a single step, and the prophecy said it could be done. All he had to do was create a crack, and he could send the ball rolling.

Carefully leaning on a staff, he pulled out a small silver blade. Where the wall absorbed all light, this blade emitted it. A unique piece of equipment, the entity had carried it for as long as he had remembered. Handed through his family, father to son, for many generations. It was this blade that had ensured his immortality, it was right it would be this blade that would free him.

Lifting the blade into air, he muttered some words and withdrew his limb. The blade remained suspended, not falling with gravity. Lighting a horn, the figure continued to chant words. Words began to form in mid air, orbiting around the blade. Next, the words began to flow over one another, forming sentences and paragraphs. Constantly moving, constantly changing.

Suddenly, the words burst into flame, leaving nothing more than smoke in their wake. The chanting ceased, but power remained in the air. Inspecting the blade, the figure noticing with a sense of satisfaction, runes had been engraved. Exactly as planned.

The horn shone again, this time brighter, and a field enveloped the runed blade. Suddenly it shot forwards, pressing against the barrier. For a moment, it seemed all for naught, the dagger resting against the surface. But, slowly and surely, inch by inch. It sunk in.

Soon the Blade was up to the hilt in the surface. Lighting his horn again, the figure pulled his blade out and examined the damage. A small crack, barely noticeable, existed in the now blemished surface. It was small, but it was all that was needed.

He began to cackle, he had succeeded, not that there had been any doubt. Doubt could not be afforded, not when everything had to go exactly as planned. The cackling intensified as the figure dropped his staff, his form now beginning to change. Before long, the figure was gone, his position replaced by a raven.

The raven flew up to the crack, studying it with his eye. ‘If all had happened as it should, then this should work.’ It thought to itself. Placing a tiniest bit of a claw upon the crack, he disappeared. The prison, had been breached.

-x-

The Hyundai i10 was driving steadily down the road, music blaring as it zoomed through the empty barren landscape.
The driver's name was Artemis and he was smiling, glad his parents had managed to insure the car for him to drive as soon as he passed his test, the feeling of being able to drive anywhere you want was completely freeing.

Today Artemis' destination was a small car park in the middle of Dartmoor, a region of empty boggy terrain in the south of England. Artemis chuckled, he imagined if at any other time of year he would of thought about coming to such a desolate place, its empty flatness marred only by a few low rising hills felt almost like a cage, no civilization for miles around. It was easy to see why so many people got lost in a place like this.

Luckily Artemis took all of this into account, and wasn't here for a serene sight seeing tour. He was here to get some alone time and jog, as such, the emptiness of Dartmoor was a fitting companion.

Eventually Artemis reached his destination and pulled his car to a halt, not to his surprise his was the only car in the whole car park, it seemed even the only glorious day of weather that you get in a British summer couldn't lure people to this secluded part of the moor.

Checking a map he brought with him he made sure he memorized his route, leading away from the car park, up a nearby hill to where he could have lunch, around some of the wetter parts of the moor and back to the car. It seemed safe enough.

Artemis grabbed his iPod and his bag which contained his lunch and a note pad and headed on his way.

As he headed outside he breathed in the fresh air, boy was he glad it was summer. His first year at university had been a bit stressful and he was glad he could just relax. Sure Jogging wasn't the most relaxing of things Artemis could do, he would much rather sit at home with his computer and various games. However, he had promised himself he would make an effort to get a bit back into shape, and Jogging seemed perfect, he wasn't much of one for team sports so the solitude of jogging suited him fine.

-x-

A couple of hours later Artemis was jogging steadily on and slowly climbing the hill, he was a bit behind schedule, having miss interpreted the scale of the map. Still not to worry, so he would finish a few hours later it wasn't the end of the world.

Eventually Artemis reached the top of the hill and found a nice dry spot under a tree to eat his lunch and have a quick gaze across the moor, it was quite beautiful, in a empty flat plane sort of way.

After a quick break, the refreshed Artemis stood up and started to make his way down the other side of the hill.

The jogging was easy sailing, at least until Artemis tripped. Artemis went rolling down the hill eventually coming to a stop near the edge of a steep drop down into the moor below. He breathed a sigh of relief, even with a few cuts and bruises a drop like that could of made the situation a lot more serious.

Artemis stood up and started to brush himself down, checking for all the little injuries his tumble had inflicted upon him, he smiled, other than a few cuts and a torn trouser leg he was alright.

Suddenly his vision was filled with blue as a bright orb of light appeared in the moors below and Artemis shut his eyes, the brightness overwhelming. Artemis stood still, he was still close to edge and didn't want to walk off the hill while disoriented. Sadly however, the decision was taken from him as the whole earth began to shake and he was shaken forward right off the edge of the hill rolling towards the moor.

Luckily for Artemis, it seemed he had misjudged the drop and closer to the moor the slope became far more shallow and the thick grass started to slow him down.

Artemis kept his eyes shut, both to protect from small rock and plants as he fell but also because the light was getting more intense, quickly he prepared himself for a soggy landing in the moor below.

However to his surprise, a soggy landing never came, and soon he felt a strange feeling pass through him as the grass beneath him suddenly became rock and he collided with something solid.

Artemis felt a large pain in his back and lay there for a few minutes, dazed and confused he was glad the light streaming through his eye lids was no longer blue but rather a pale white light, far more like the sun.

As he lay there, waiting for the pain to subside Artemis could hear the murmur of voices, that was strange the moor was clear and empty, he was the only one around for miles as far as he had seen.
He also noticed the temperature had changed, even thought it was summer the moor had been rather cold, now he could feel a gentle heat bearing down on him.

"Who dares interrupt thy Court? Guards! Clap them in chains." a feminine old fashioned voice commanded.

"Come now sister, that is really not necessary," a kinder female voice called out dismissing the newly summoned guards.

"Not needed? A creature of foreign nature has just appeared from the air and you think the guards are not needed?" The first voice shouted again, "Me thinks your new student and her friends have made the soft sister!"

Suddenly Artemis heard the second voice again, this time far more menacing. "Luna, you will not insult me in my court. It is day and I shall decide the creatures fate here!" Artemis felt really grateful that the kinder person was the one in charge, at least for now.

Artemis heard a snort and what appeared to be hooves clattering off into the distance, it appeared the first person had taken their leave on horse back. Strange, why would they allow horses in a council chamber?

Artemis heard a clamor of voices rise up chatting about the confrontation that had taken place and heard a set of hooves clatter up to him.

"Lets see here, whats wrong with him." Artemis heard a low hum and felt a weird tingling sensation flooding his body.
"Hmm, a few scratches, but nothing broken. Hmm this is interesting it seems he is some sort of bipedal creature, and aha he's awake."

Artemis felt the strange tingling sensation stop along with it so had the pain, and he could tell from the breath on the side of his face that whoever had spoken had leaned in close.

"You can open your eyes now, no need to be afraid," she whispered.

Artemis opened his eyes and almost wanted to laugh, there standing above him seemed to be a giant white unicorn, her neck bent down low and her face mere inches in front of him, 'I guess that explains the sound of hooves, he thought to himself.'

As Artemis stared up in silence, he thought he vaguely remembered the pony, but from where he could not tell at this time.
Seeing his look of shock and awe the unicorn smiled and ruffled her wings, not just a unicorn then but also a Pegasus. The word Alicorn flitted through Artemis' mind but he didn't know where it came from, he was still confused from the crash and thought to himself this must be a dream.

The great white pony opened her mouth to speak, her soft voice calming Artemis' nerves, "What's your name little one? if of course you can speak."

Artemis looked around scared noticing now that all the voices in the room had stopped to listen to the conversation, noticing that all the members of the chamber were also ponies he whispered a single word, "Artemis," before fainting.

Chapter 2 - Breakfast (Rewrite)

Artemis came back to reality in a bed. It was a large comfortable bed, and the quilt was really thick and warm. A cool breeze blew across his face, it was gentle and played through his hair. It brought with it the sweet smell of lavender.

He felt a shadow across him and gently opened his eyes. For a moment as he wiped the sleep from them, he believed he was at home, his mum waking him. He froze however, when he realized that the sound was not of footfall against carpet, but instead of hoof against stone. And the figure he could see between his fingers was rather too long to be his mum.

He pulled his hands away from his eyes, and felt them twitching, before him was a real life pony. It made no sense. He managed to get enough sense of mind to say the only thing he could say in that situation. "You're not my mother."

"Well I should hope not," the dark pony that stood before him replied. "I haven't had a mate in over a thousand years, and there is no way I would sire a child like you." Contempt was obvious in her voice.

Contempt in her voice? Artemis was shocked out of sense of logic, the pony could talk. He felt headache coming and clutched his hand to his head, it made no sense. He reached his head and felt cloth, a bandage.

Artemis felt his body being bushed back and noticed the pony making him lay back down in the bed. "As much as I loathe it, you are in my care. Now you hit your head pretty badly, so your memory might not be too good for a while. Now open wide."

He did what he was told and felt a thermometer being inserted into his mouth. "Good, at least you can obey simple instruction. Now leave that in there, I'll be back in a moment." As she left Artemis felt that there was something familiar about her voice. Slowly an image formed in his head, moors and a blue light, then the falling.

He clutched his head as the memories came flooding back, there weren't many, after all he wasn't conscious for long after the fall before he fainted. But he remembered why he recognized it, it wasn't that he heard her a couple of hours ago, he had heard her voice in a television show. More importantly a cartoon. She was Luna Princess of the night.

Luna returned to see Artemis clutching his head. "I see some memories have returned, do you remember who you are?" she asked in monotone, clearly not actually caring about his mental state.

"Yes, I remember everything about getting here." he replied, clearly in pain. "Thanks for the treatment," he said sincerely.
She paused for a second, not prepared for the compliment. However, she quickly recovered and went over to inspect the thermometer.

"Hmm, you're temperature seems to be OK. I guess you are well enough to stand." she picked up some clothes from a table beside his bed and dropped them on top of him. They were his clothes he saw, he realized for a moment he was actually naked. "Put those on, you cannot come to breakfast with the Princess's without looking suitable."

Ten minutes he was walking along a sunlit corridor towards what was apparently breakfast with Princess Celestia and Luna. He was happy despite his surely company.
"My sister really loves to make an impression," Luna said studying the day, "I can't see why she would want to impress you." she went on looking at Artemis.

"I can't see why either." he said, "Also while I enjoy the day, I am rather partial to the night."

"Why do you say that?" she questioned, her gaze burying into Artemis making him feel uncomfortable.

"No reason, I just like the night as well as the day, I find the stars are beautiful and some times much better than the sun shinning."

She eyed him suspiciously but said nothing. She simply carried on and led Artemis towards the location for breakfast.
Eventually they arrived at a small sun lit terrace overlooking the main square beneath the Royal Palace. The center of the terrace was taken up with a large round table, this was covered with various plates of pastries as well as bowls of fruit and large jugs of water and juice. He noticed there were also three pots of tea and the facilities for coffee. The breakfast was prepared for virtually any taste. Although he also noticed there was no meat.

As he stepped onto the terrace A white mare who was hiding behind a rather large arrangement of flowers stood up to greet him. "Welcome Artemis, I hope my sister has been taking care of you." she said and Luna replied with a snort. Ignoring her sister she carried on "It is always nice to have guests. Especially ones from as far as I sense you are."

Where Luna was surely and grumpy her sister was kind and friendly to him.

"I am Princess Celestia," the white mare said bowing low, "And this is my sister Princess Luna." she indicated with one of her wings. "We are creatures known as ponies, more specifically of the race Alicorn." All while of this the Princess studied the strange being, he seemed completely relaxed despite what was happening around him. This was rather a strange occurrence.

"Hmm perhaps you have encountered our kind before?" she asked.

Artemis looked uncomfortably at the two ponies, his lack of a response prompting Luna to whisper something to Celestia.
She simply shook her head, "Perhaps this discussion could wait until we have eaten. I do hope you eat any of the things displayed before you."

Artemis smiled, "Of course I love pastries and fruit." he said gratefully, thankful to eat.

The next twenty or so minutes were spent in near silence as Artemis ate his fill of food rather greedily, however long he had been out had given him rather the appetite. The Princesses ate their fill also, but rather more gracefully as their lifestyle dictated.

After they had all eaten their fill, the Princesses whispered to each other while leaving Artemis to ruminate on what was going to happen to him. Eventually it was Luna who broke the silence, and with a sinister smile she spoke "We have decided that you cannot stay here and that we should send you some place else to live. At least for now." His heart was beating a sombre, 'did she just smile and say send me somewhere?' he thought to himself. It was all he could do not to think of the moon when Celestia spoke up.

"That is right, we have decided we shall send you to Ponyville, there you shall live with my student Twilight Sparkle."

Artemis couldn't contain his excitement, he was going to get to meet with the mane 6 and live with one of them no less. He let out a rather abrupt cheer which shocked both of the Princesses.

"You know of Twilight Sparkle?" asked Celestia, Artemis stopped mid cheer realizing his mistake.

"Well, uh..." was all he could stutter.

Luna cracked her sinister smile again, "Oh sister, I believe there is something he has hidden from us." She stared at Artemis, "please continue."

The rest of the morning was spent with Artemis explaining about how he watched them all in a program called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. There was little interruptions, Celestia sitting quietly and nodding every so often, while Luna just laughed.

"Please, you expect us to believe this drivel?" Luna asked when the tale was finished, he shrunk under her angry gaze.

"Luna please," said Celestia. "I admit this story sounds, different, but how else can you explain his knowledge of the events. Especially the Wedding, this boy is clearly no changeling and no-pony like him was near."

"Speaking of the wedding," Artemis finally speaking up. "How long ago was it?"

"Hmm about two months," Celestia replied. "Anyway, we need to decide what to do with you. I think me and my sister," she looked at Luna with a glare, "need to discuss some things. For now, I think we shall have a guard escort you around the palace, should be nice to get your opinion on some things." Celestia stood up from the table, "I'll be right back." she excused herself and left Artemis and Luna alone on the terrace.

She stood up and approached him with an accusing hoof, "I don't know what your game is Ar-te-mis," punctuating every syllable with a poke, "but whatever it is I will put a stop to it and show your evil to my sister." She finished just as Celestia entered with a guard and quickly lowered her hoof to hide any aggression, leaving Artemis staring at her scared. 'Are they sure they banished her Nightmare', he thought to himself.

"Artemis this is Iron Hoof," Celestia said as she entered. "He is one of my most experienced guards and I trust will not find you a frightening creature."

"Frightening, huh. Ive seen more frightening creatures in a petting zoo." He said in a gruff voice, then going up to Artemis he presented a hoof and a smile. "Pleased to meet ya chuck, Iron Hoof's the name. I hear you're a long way from home, well I shall do the best I can to make you feel comfortable. You get dirty jokes where your from? I have plenty of dirty jokes." His laugh was infectious, Artemis could see why he was chosen. The guard might be trusted to defend him, but he was also social and chatty, especially to what must be to him a strange and alien creature. Something Artemis expected probably wasn't too prevalent in the Royal Guard, not after the Changeling attack.

"Come on lad, lets show you around," he nudged Artemis in the lower of his back and they went walking. The last thing the Princesses heard was Iron Hoof going, "so did ya hear the one about the Gryphon with a talking spleen..."

Celestia laughed, she hoped Iron hoof wouldn't be over bearing for that strange creature. Luna however was scowling, why was her sister wasting time time on this human.

-x-

Later that night Luna was staring up at her night sky, tears in her eyes. She and her sister had a rather frank conversation that afternoon, and what was said was still in her mind. She of course had been rather confrontational, her sister being silent throughout the outburst. 'The human is evil, why can't you see that dear Sister' she had said. To her credit, Celestia had been rather calm, trying to change Luna's mind without causing any issues.

This calmness had broken however, when Luna had chided her saying 'That student of yours have made you soft; made you blind to evil.'

The sudden outburst at Twilight had caused Celestia to lose her nerve, 'Is that why I was blind to your evil, was her blindness why she tried to help you on Nightmare Night. Maybe it is you who is blind to good, maybe evil is all you know.' With that Luna had been left alone to cry in the royal court, she retreated to this balcony to think. 'My sister is right', she thought, 'my sister is always right'.

Luna heard a noise stir her from her thoughts and turned to see the human walking towards her, "come to gloat?"

Artemis was taken back, "gloat? about what?"

"About how I was wrong to think I was evil, how my 'darling' sister was right as always."

"Princess, I..." he didn't know what to say, so instead he just gave Lunar a hug. Taking her completely by surprise.

The tears she had been resisting the whole time started to flow free, "Artemis, why?"

Artemis looked up into her eyes, tears falling onto his hair, "because Celestia doesn't need one. Even if she did, I've always liked the night."

Luna blushed for a second, her forelegs quivered for a second before she returned the hug. "I've not seen such kindness since that unicorn and Nightmare Night."

-x-

Three days later Artemis was sitting on the terrace where he first had breakfast. He was alone and drinking tea, normally he hated tea, but Equestrian tea was rather a lot sweeter, easier to pallet. It was really early, but he had to leave early to avoid a lot of hustle and bustle.

He was just finishing his breakfast when Luna, Celestia and Iron Hoof walked in, Luna offered him a wink; Celestia a smile; and Iron hoof trotting straight over to him. "Greetings laddy, I trust you are ready to depart?"

Artemis smiled, "I hope so, although I will miss you Iron Hoof your rudeness beside, your a good guy."

Celestia approached him next, "If you are ready I will send you now, do not forget what we have taught you. I hope you remain safe, and know we will inform you when we have made progress in finding a way to return you home."

He smiled and her, Luna and Iron Hoof. "I am ready, and thank you for everything. Where exactly are you sending me?"

"To the edge of the Everfree Forest, there you will meet Twilight Sparkle. She has been informed of your coming, although there is stuff she doesn't know. I don't forbid you from telling her anything, not that I can, but I would advise you to take care what you say and how you say it."

She smiled at Artemis, "Now take care." With that Celestia's and Luna's horns glowed, Artemis felt his body full of energy. The last thing he saw before transportation was all three of the ponies who knew so far smiling, small tears in Luna's eyes.

Chapter 3 - Twilight Sparkle

The sun began to rise over the horizon, and first light started to settle over the little town of ponyville. To call the town little would mean sleepy and quiet to many people, but that would be a mistake, the town had seen its fair share of hardships.
However, despite these hardships there were 6 ponies which recently were always there to help. One of these, Twilight sparkle had been slowly getting over the events of her brother’s wedding. Not only did she have to get used to the fact her brother was married, to a princess no less, but she also had to get over the events of the Changeling Queen Chrysalis.

On this day, twilight was up at the crack of dawn, when the cockerels on sweet apple acres were crowing. Usually she slept through this, still having several hours until the library had to be opened. However, today there was something special she had to do, sitting bleary eyed and letting herself wake up, she tried to recall what that special thing was.
When she felt suitably awake, she walked over to her calendar and froze at what she saw, the words, greet Artemis (human), were written upon the current date on her.
The first thoughts that crossed her mind were “Late,” she exclaimed.

“Calm down twi,” Spike said quietly, “The library doesn’t need to open for several hours.”
“Yes Spike, but we have to meet the human at the edge of the forest before then, the princesses said they were sending him not too long after first light.” While saying this Twilight was hurriedly brushing her mane and trying to tidy it up from sleeping in bed.

“Do you think my mane is ok spike?”
“Twilight, he’s a human, not even a pony” Spike exclaimed, “We have no idea what he looks like and you’re worried about your looks?. Just calm down and go, just make sure you’re ready to meet him. I’m sure you’ll do whatever you need to do fine.”

“Your right spike, i’m overly worried as usual. I'll try to be a bit calmer.” she started to head out but her stomach rumbling made her think to more immediate goals. Diverting herself to the kitchen, she grabbed her dandelion sandwich she had prepared the night before and a couple of apples, putting the apples in her saddle bag, she hoisted it over her shoulder, and with a quick “goodbye” to spike was out the door.

Ponyville was really quite beautiful this time of the morning, everything starting to get going. She could see the distance shadows of other ponies leaving their homes, recognising one of them as Ditzy doo, often known as Derpy, off to go start her mail rounds. She could also hear the distant sounds of the Apple’s farm starting its day. Yawning she started to trot towards the everfree forest, the walk not really that long, but in here half awake state, she could hardly be said to be moving at any real speed.
On the way towards the forest, she passed the cottage of her good friend, fluttershy, who she could see was not yet up. She stopped and thought about going over to knock and wake her up, but she could see that none of the animals were really up and needing care as of yet, so decided to let her friend sleep.

A sense of static brought her back to her senses, and realising that the burst of feedback was the feeling of powerful magics, she looked towards the forest, there she saw a bright blue shape beginning to form and cantered off at speed towards it. When she was still a little way out, she could notice the light disappeared and in its place, a strange creature, bipedal like a dragon, but soft and not scaly, covered with bits of fur stood in the place of the light.
Seeing the creature looking around in confusion, she called over,
“Hey there!” she shouted, The creature turned towards her, and she noticed the creature seemed to be rather pleased to see her.

Upon reaching the creature, a human as she was told it was called, twilight bent her head down to catch her breath, she wasn’t really out of shape, but wasn’t really used to a sprinting distances either. The human seemed to wait to for her to catch her breath, and when she was ready she said “You must be the human the princes messaged me about, Artemis was it?”

“That’s right.” Artemis replied, “and you must be Twilight Sparkle, the element of magic and the princesses’ protogé”
Twilight stared in disbelief, she didn’t expect the princess to tell the human so much, noticing her confusion, Artemis calmed her down.
“The princess’s gave me some history of equestria before sending me out, to help me blend in I think.”

“ahh that makes sense.” responded twilight, “Anyway if you would kindly follow me, you shall of course be staying with me in the library for now, until we kind find more permanent arrangements.”
“If you are hungry,” she said indicating towards her head towards her saddle bags “then there are some apples in the left pocket. The princess’s warned me as to your dietary requirements and sent some funds to help keep you, until we can find you some work that is.”

For the rest of the short walk back to her home, they just walked in silence, neither knowing what to say, until twilight opened her mouth.
“Perhaps you’re wondering why you have to arrive so early?”

“that thought had crossed my mind.”
“well to be honest.” Twilight answered “Your arrival has been kept secret to stop people being worried. Not even my 5 mane friends know anything about you.”
Before Artemis could respond, they arrived at the tree that was the town’s library and Twilights Home.
“Welcome to my humble abode” Said Twilight calmly. Turning around, she noticed Artemis’ wander as he took it all in, ‘I am really here’ he thought to himself’.
After letting them in she closed the door and said excitedly, “Spike I’m home”...

Chapter 4 - The Library

Spike sat opposite Artemis, eyeing the human suspiciously. Like twilight he noticed that he noticed that Artemis walked bipedal like him, however the thing he noticed most was the human's hands. The only creature he noticed before with hands like that, at least a creature with any real sentience was a dragon. This had spike worried, after his last experience with dragons, he knew that they mostly thought only for themselves and the harm of others.

Spike left the human gawking around at the inside of the library, and expressed his fears to twilight, who was busy making tea for all of them.
“Oh you little worry wart, he was staying with the princess’s. I’m pretty sure if he was a dragon spy they would of noticed.”
“Besides,” she said in a hushed tone so Artemis wouldn’t hear. “He’s soft and flabby, not scaly like you, and have you ever noticed a dragon so amazed by a library?”
She quickly added, “Besides you?” as he went to indicate himself.
“You’re probably right Twilight, and he is kinda funny looking.” Spike exclaimed, the loud part coming out of his mouth a little too loudly.

As they entered the living room again, twilight hovering a pot of steaming tea and a plate of biscuits to the table, Artemis gave spike a grin.
“Ahh you heard that last part?” Spike said shamefully.

“It’s alright” answered Artemis “I’m just amazed to be in equestria, and besides, I know you can act first and think later spike.”
“A bit like Rainbow Dash i guess.” Artemis continued thoughtfully.

“About that” Twilight interjected, pausing only to pour herself, spike and her guest a cup of tea and to take a sip of her own. “How exactly do you know about us?”
“The princesses weren’t exactly clear with all the details. All I had been told was to expect a guest, that the guest was a human and not from around here, a list of certain, ‘requirements’, shall I say, that you were to be kept secret, at least this morning anyway. Which reminds me I need to open up soon. And that you seemed to know certain things about us already.”

After twilight had finished talking, Artemis sat drinking his tea carefully, it was bitter and he wasn’t used to the taste, but he did so not to offend his pony host. He thought quickly on about to respond.
“I’m not sure how much I can tell twilight, Like you I was told to be careful about what I said to anypony. Although I would imagine you, as the favourite student of Celestia.” Spike glared at him as he made this error.
“Um princess Celestia I mean, I would imagine you wouldn’t count as just anypony”
Twilight just smiled a bit at the compliment, and a small blush reddened her violet cheeks.
“But the story is complex, and may not be believable, Although I guess if anypony would believe me, it would be you.”

All through the speaking, Artemis couldn’t quite believe how easily he was finding it to substitute pony terms for his own.
“Anyway,” Artemis continued, “You need to open the library and it may take a while to explain.”

“hmm” “You may be right Artemis, but I’m sure Spike can handle on his own for a while. In any case, lets show you to where you will be staying for now.”
Twilight headed up the stairs that lead to the balcony where her bed lay within the tree, Artemis wondered for a second if he would be staying up there with her, but halfway up the stairs, twilight pressed what seemed to simply be a knot in the wood and a door in the side of the wall opened up.

Behind the door lay a spacious room, that was bright and airy, if a bit on the small side. At first it looked like the only source of light was a lamp in the ceiling, however twilight went over to a circular shape in the wood, pressing her front right whoove to the circular shape, she stated.
“Here’s a window in case you need it, hopefully everything is suitable for you.”
I examined the room, and nodded readily.
“Good,” Twilight said, smiling honestly, now for the rest of the morning I think we should discuss how you know so much about us.” Looking at me carefully, studying me it seemed, “I’ll do my best to understand, and believe you. This afternoon we can see my friends, after all there are some supplies we still need to get you” Twilights horn glowed purple as she summoned a list through the door from downstairs.

Twilight consulted the list for a minute “Hmm lets see, we still need to get you some clothes, so I think Rarity should be the first stop, give her time to take some measurements and whip something up for tomorrow at least.”
“Next on the list is some food, I’ve heard from the princess’s that you’re an omnivore, well we don’t eat meat, and It also says you can't eat things like hay, So I guess we should go visit The apple’s stall in town, that means meeting my friend Applejack. We should also pick up some foods to provide things like iron so we can quickly visit the other stalls. Although not for too long, we won’t have too much time left and we don’t want to cause too much of a stir.”
After studying the list a little more, “That should be enough for today, no doubt you will run into my other friends out and about, and word won’t take long to spread and they will probably come see you here soon anyway.”

After hearing about how much stuff they had to buy, Artemis spoke up “Um, Im grateful for the help, but it’s not as if I have any money to pay for those things, and I can hardly expect you to pay.”

“Not to worry” Twilight explained cheerfully. “The princess’s sent some money to tide us over for now, as I said, and it shouldn’t take long to find you some way to earn some bits.”
“But anyway...” She said grabbing my arm with her right foreleg and dragging me down back to the living room. “Let’s discuss where your from and how you know us.”

Chapter 5 - Rarity and Applejack

Heya readers, just want to say I worked my hardest to give you a longer chapter, hope you enjoy.
And I hope I wrote the characters fitting how they are on the show.

In the end, it didn’t take too long for Artemis to tell Twilight his story, she seemed willing to sit silent and listen, despite her nature to quickly question things she didn’t understand.
However, as he progressed, Artemis could see Twilight was desperate to jump in and question various points, but much to his relief, she kept herself in check until the stories end.

There were some interruptions of course, a few ponies came in to check out and return various books. However, Artemis seemed to get the idea that the people stayed far less that they wished to, either because Twilight was otherwise busy, or more likely there was a strange bipedal creature, the likes of which they had never seen before sitting there and chatting to her.

When Artemis had finished his story, Twilight had just sat quietly for several minutes muttering to herself. In the end she had stood up “While I think there are many things I don’t quite understand, I trust both the princess’s and they are far more knowledgeable than I am . Overall, what you say makes sense, explains how you know us at any rate. Shame your timeline isn’t ahead, foreknowledge would be useful. But I guess it might of caused lots of problems.”

Anyway, with the morning events behind them, they ventured into town to go and collect the food from the town and get some clothes organized. With the fact that Rarity would need time to take some measurements, as well as time to actually make at least one set of clothes for tomorrow, they decided to head to the home and business of Rarity, Carousel Boutique.
While they were walking, Artemis noticed he gathered some strange looks from variou ponies, not something he wasn’t used to, always the focus of some curiosity during his school years. Even at university his constant wearing of shorts in Scotland got him strange looks, even from the Scottish who should've been used to the cold in their kilts. No the thing that got to Artemis was the children, colts and fillies, hiding behind their parents at the sight of him. Although it did give him some comfort when the parents pushed their children away, chidding them and asking them to be less silly. Although Artemis did notice the parents did stare at him with a strange look, even after he passed.

As they entered the Boutique Artemis noticed the familiar scene all around him, and when the door closed and he heard the noise of the bell tingling followed by the voice of none other than Rarity.
“Coming...” Her words caught in her throat when she noticed Artemis standing there. Next thing he knew, Artemis watched as Rarity ‘fainted’ with the traditional flourish on red fainting couch in the middle of the room.
Wait a minute, he could’ve sworn the couch wasn’t there a minute before.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Oh Rarity... really?”

Rarity Shot up with a flash.
“Oh Twilight I didn’t notice you there.”
and turning to Artemis,
“Sorry about that, I'm just not used to erm, Customers of your like around here.”
“So anyway you’d be?”

As he opened his mouth to answer Twilight interjected.
“A friend.”
Noticing that this didn’t fully satisfy Rarity’s curiosity Twilight went on.
“Look Rarity, it’s getting late and we need some clothes for my friend here. I know its a challenge, it’s not your usual style, and well we kinda need at least one set by tomorrow morning so he has something clean to wear. I know this is late and well you may hate me for it, but he was sent by the Princess’s and I was told to keep his arrival a secret. If it makes it any better, the Princess’s gave me some money to deal with anything.”

Throughout all of this Artemis watched as Rarity’s left eye twitch, until Twilight mentioned the Princess’s that is. At the mention of the two alicorns Rarity positively brightened up.

“Oh don’t worry yourself none darling, if this is to do with the Princess’s the first outfit will be free.”
“now what kind of things can we do for you?” Rarity muttered turning her eyes to Artemis. As he looked into her eyes he feared for his life.

As Artemis felt Rarity grabbing him and dragging him towards the back of the shop, picking up various tape measures and tailoring materials, he turned to Twilight and mouthed help. Twilight just stood there with a cheeky smile and waved.

Within seconds Artemis was exposed to the strangest moment of his life, a wild white blur of a mare, either commanding him to certain garments off or tugging them off, obviously not afraid to tear the clothes off to gain access to suitable regions to measure.

Soon Artemis stood there nude, covering himself with his arm, and having taken all her previously needed measurements Rarity stood analyzing his undergarment, obviously baffled by the need for such a garment, even if she did somehow seem to understand that Artemis wore clothes out of necessity not just for fashion.

With a click of her tongue she commanded Artemis rise his arms. At first he refused, but then he felt his arms rise of their own accord, noticing the tip of Rarity’s horn beginning to glow. Artemis stood there, arms held by magic and a blush on his face.
“hmm”, the pony said to herself, “so this is what the undergarments are meant to cover. “Well I can see their function, but I don’t find them necessary.”
Looking at Artemis she continued. “Still... If you want I’ll make you more pairs, as well as more socks and shoes for your feet.”

Artemis nodded and he felt even more shame as Twilight peaked through the doorway, giggling as she saw the position he was in.
“You guys nearly finished there,” Twilight giggled.

“Oh, yes Twilight” Rarity stated as she finished scribbling measurements on a sheet which Artemis noticed contained various different concepts of clothing. ‘that pony really is good’ he thought to himself.

As Twilight popped back into the main room, Rarity released her spell on Artemis’ arms, he sighed in relief, and quickly covered himself. Rarity, noticing what he did giggled and brought another blush to his face.
“Feel free to get dressed again Mr...?”

“Artemis”
“And thanks for the clothes miss rarity.” Artemis quickly hammered out while he was getting his clothes on.

Rarity walked other to her bountiful supply of materials and pulled out some red fabric, “Think nothing of it Mr Artemis. Its a pleasure to help out a ‘guest’ of the Princess’s.”

As Artemis and Twilight began to leave, twilight quickly stated she would explain more to Rarity in the morning, and Rarity explained she would have a set of clothes sent over first thing in the morning.
Just as they left and started to walked away. Rarity shouted at Artemis, “See you again soon I hope, Darrrling” The emphasis on that last work made him blush the hardest he had done all day.
Twilight who noticed a sudden change appear over Artemis snorted and came over in fit of laughter as she noticed his bright crimson face.

Twilight’s laughter carried on all the way into town, and Artemis felt so much shame that he lowered his face to the ground not just to hide his blushing from Twilight, but so he didn’t have to endure the strange looks sent their way.

It wasn’t until Artemis collided with someone else that he raised his head again.
“What ‘n tarnation?”
Artemis picked himself off the ground, dusting himself as he went and inspected who he collided with, in front of him was the familiar orange form of Applejack.

As Artemis gave his apologies, he noticed that Applejack gave him a confused once over.
“It’s ok sugar-cube, just make sure you look where you are going ‘n future ok?”
It was only then that the still giggling Twilight stepped into the fray.

“O’ hey there Twilight,” Applejack said as she turned to the laughing pony. “This strange looking fella’ with ya?”

“That he is,” Twilight Confirmed, “Not too much I can say at the moment, but if you come across to the library tomorrow once he’s settled in I can tell you.”
“Hopefully I can invite pinkie, rainbow, and fluttershy tomorrow morning, without pinkie finding out and trying to organize a party.” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“I doubt a party will be the best thing for my friend right now.”

“I see what you need twi, anyway what can I do for you and ya’ friend?”

“Well..” Twilight began “My new friend here isn’t exactly like you and me, he can’t really eat things like hay.”

“What can he eat then?”

“Well, his species is an omnivore.” Twilight said

“But we don’t eat meat, twi?”

“Exactly, so he can only eat fruit and vegetables.” Twilight stated matter of factly.

“Well sugar-cube, I got all the apples he can eat...”
“At least I assume he can’t eat my whole crop at once.” Applejack looked at Artemis questionably.

Artemis defended himself, “Hey, I probably eat less than anypony around here, Humans are far less active compared to Ponies, at least from what i’ve seen anyway.”

“Well here you go mr....?”

“Artemis,” Twilight butted in for no some unknown reason.

“Well hay, here you go Artemis, Try one, Apple family Apples are the best the ‘hole of equestria. First ones on the house.” And with that Applejack chucked an apple towards Artemis, who despite questioning the cleanliness took a quick bite of the apple.

After taking his first bite, Artemis was quickly hooked and quickly wolfed down the whole apple in seconds.

“Well a’ll be, guess he doesn’t get apples like from where he comes from.”

A quick shake of his head and Artemis confirmed exactly what Applejack said.

“We’ll take a dozen Applejack,” Twilight said,
“Here you go,” She handed Applejack a pouch that seemed to jungle as it floated in mid air due to Twilight’s magic.
“That should cover it, The princess’s gave me some money to cover for some of his expenses. at least until he can find some work to earn some bits.”

“Bits you say? Well, the farm work is going a bit slow, I mean he doesn't look like he could be
much of a help with the bucking, maybe he could help out my lil’ sister with the dealing with tools.”
Then noticing the face Artemis pulled, “Well, ma’be he could put some help in somewhere, if he turns up first thing, on Monday.” and she handed Twilight a sack of apples which she picked up with her magic.”

As Artemis and Twilight turned to walk away back to the library to end for the day, they said their goodbyes, “Seeya Monday Sugarcube, I hope”.

Twilight chuckled as her and Artemis walked off, she noticed that Artemis was once again red as a beetroot.
“My my, you sure you’re not bursting any blood vessels there Artemis?”
“You got a soft spot for Darling and sugarcube any chance?”

Artemis responded, maybe a little too quickly, “No, not really...” he stuttered, “Just never heard it much back in my life on earth.”

With that they entered the library, Twilight looked at Artemis and said “Don’t worry yourself, I didn’t mean anything by that. Anyway, you look tired, maybe you should go to bed, hopefully you’ll get to see the rest of my friends tomorrow.

Looking down at himself, Artemis realized that twilight was right, between telling his story, bumping into Applejack, and being harassed by Rarity, he was Dog-tired. He said his good night to Twilight and wandered off to bed.

“Night Artemis.” Twilight muttered, as she headed towards her own bed, as she lay down to sleep, she thought about Artemis below. Then as she began to fall asleep, she gave her own little blush.

Chapter 6 - Artemis' dream

Heya readers, chapter 6 here.
I would warn you it is kind of short, and I don't think its exactly what want. Anyway i thought I should chuck it on here and see what people think.
If its no that good Ill probably rewrite it, See what you think

Artemis walked down the familiar streets of ponyville, his smile wide at everypony he met, Pinky Pie had long ago completed her aim and now artemis nearly always had a smile plastered on his face.
To be honest, Pinkie Pie wasn’t the only reason to smile, after all he no longer any reason to frown, sure he missed his home and family, however, he had all he could ever want right here.
He had seven awesome friends, and he had settled in very well in the short months he had been in equestria, that’s not to say he didn’t have any more friends, but the seven, Spike, Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, AJ and rarity were the closest friends he had.

Not to mention Artemis was doing well at his job, he still worked at the Apples Farm, and due to the long work hours he has also built up the strength and stamina, to help him participate in the buck apple harvest.
The job was amazing, plenty of fresh air and work, Artemis was at his fittest he had ever been in his life, not to mention the pay was great. However, there was more to the job, and as he walked passed Applejack tending her stall, he admitted to himself that the view wasn’t often bad either. This thought quickly followed by a short blush.

His job was finished for the day, so he quickly popped into the library and the boutique to see how both Rarity and Twilight were doing. The library was in a entire state of chaos, indicating that twilight was in one of her ‘moods’, noticing spike caught in the middle of a magical vortex of swirling items Artemis decided to take action.

He waded into the mess and quickly located Twilight in the middle of a makeshift book fort, which looked from the outside nothing more than a pile of discarded books. Inside Twilight was in a craze trying to recreate some kind of spell, Artemis just went over and gave her a large hug from behind.

Twilights reaction to such a thing never ceased to amaze him, feeling arms clamp around her she would squirm around and see Artemis, then usually she would blush and teleport away in a fit of Spike giggling. Today however was different, she did the usual squirm and blush, but then out of nowhere she bucked Artemis right against the library wall.

Spikes giggling fit stopped abruptly as he noticed something went wrong with the well established routine. He just stood in silence as twilight approached Artemis’ still body as it laid slumped at the bottom of the wall. Twilight knew that humans had lower ability to take damage, after some ‘research’ she had performed on Artemis had left in hospital for a week, as such she feared the worse from the large kick and thump against the wall she had instilled on Artemis.

As she got near the body, her eyes slowly started to water, and choosing this as the perfect time to strike Artemis got up and declared “it’s on”.

The next hour was spent in a furious tickling war, where Twilight lacking the arms advantage of Artemis, had to enlist Spikes aid.

As Artemis got up to leave, all three giggling, Twilight turned to Artemis giving him a huge hug.
“You know that was a mean thing to do there, I could have killed you.”

“Oh Twilight, you’re the one who bucked me.”

“Yes but you’re the one who hugged me out of nowhere.” Twilight retorted a bit weakly.

“I was only doing it to save Spike from the hassle of items you were nearly pelting him with.” Which made twilight look sympathetic towards her young dragon assistant. “Besides” Artemis continued, now leaning close to whisper in her ear, making her blush even more as his breath touched her on the side of the face. “I know you like it.”

The look on Twilight’s face was priceless as he headed to walk out of the library. Opening the door and giving a quick high five to Spike, he said a quick “goodbye to spike and was out the door, leaving Twilight still in same position, completely still, and still with a large red blush across her face. Spike did a lot of laughing that night.

After finishing up with Twilight, Artemis headed towards Carousel Boutique. The journey was mostly uneventful, apart from a random alligator falling out of the sky and attaching itself to a nearby pony’s mane, everyone nearby had giggled much to the oblivious pony’s chargrin.

Opening up the door to the boutique, Artemis heard the familar Unicorns voice calling out from beyond the back room, the same room he had been first accosted by her those two months ago.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is Chic, unique and magni....” She cut herself off as she noticed it was Artemis.

“Well welcome darling, what can I do for you today?” Rarity asked Artemis.

“Well um... Actually Rarity I wanted to get a suit for more, ‘formal’ occasions” he stated, a huge blush coming to Artemis’ face.

“Oh,” Rarity said thinking for a second what he meant, then a huge grin came to her face.
“Well that’s definitely something I could do for you, step this way.”
Again Artemis felt himself being dragged into the back room he had first been accosted in by Rarity those two months ago.

Artemis however felt much more calm than he first did, while he still blushed when she made him undress, at least she let him keep the underwear that she made for him on.
“So tell me dear, how you finding life in ponyville? met anyone ‘special’ yet?”

Artemis couldn’t help but notice that Rarity had managed to deduce the meaning behind his ‘formal’ suit.

“Special?, um not really.” Artemis blushed,
“Not yet anyway”

“Really?” Rarity asked, maybe a bit too enthusiastically.
“Well Then why’s that, I mean you must have someone you have your eyes on?”

“It’s complicated,” Artemis replied,
“I’m a human, everyone around here I could like is a pony, it just feels wrong.”

“Feelings aren’t about Right or Wrong Artemis, they are just feelings, it’s what you do that matters, you understand.” with that, Rarity blushed and battered her eyelids, leaning close to Artemis.

Artemis felt worried, the moment felt tense, and well, he was standing there partially naked in front of the pony, he made to move back but his ankle was caught in something, as he tried to move his leg he slipped.

Artemis fell over and landed on his back with mighty ‘Crack’

Chapter 7 - All 6

Here we go guys, the incredibly long chapter 7, hope you enjoy. As always Comments and constructive criticism welcome.

Artemis opened his eyes, he was lying on the floor in his room in the Library, his sheet was wrapped around his ankle. He sighed, great only one day in ponyville and he was already dreaming about the only ponies he had met.

He stood up and shook his body, ok so everything was working, the fall wasn’t as bad as it was in the dream.
As Artemis started walking around the room, he noticed to his cheer that the room also included a previously unseen en-suite shower, well at least he was able to clean himself before he had to risk facing Twilight almost nude to collect his clothes.

After a quick shower he draped a towel, a large one across himself, covering himself almost completely. He went to the door and opened it carefully, after all while wearing a towel the last thing you want to do is drawn the attention of crazy ponies who would probably think you silly for wearing a towel around the house and use their magic to take it off.

Artemis was soon glad he had chosen to open the door quietly, as soon as he did he heard the voices of several female ponies from below. Good thing he avoided attracting their attention, especially given the state he was in.

Tempted to wait until the other people were gone he started to walk back towards his bed when he heard his name being mentioned down stairs. He slowly crept back over to the door and listened, aiming to not make any noise to attract their attention.

“Speaking of Artemis, how is he?” The voice of Rarity carried up to him.
“I really do hope he likes the clothes I made him, I didn’t have much time but I put all the effort I could into making them perfect.”

“I’m sure he will like them Rarity, you’re the best designer around, and besides, I think he has a soft spot for you.” the Reasonable voice of Twilight carrying on from yesterday trying to embarrass him at every opportunity it seems.

“Oh don’t be silly twilight, I'm sure the little darling was just a bit shy, after all not many ponies are used to have clothes designed just for them, the measuring process can be a bit daunting.”

“No its true Rarity, he blushed every time you called him darling.”

“Oh the poor thing, it probably didn’t help when I said an extra long Darling when he left then.”

“Oh cheer up sugarcube, I’m sure he’s already over it.” the voice of the ever stalwart applejack chimed in. Twilight just giggled in response.

“What’s so funny twi?”

“Oh,” she giggled, “Just he blushed every time you called him sugarcube as well.”

“Aw shucks really? well a’ll be that's a bit sweet of him.”

“Anyway,” a new voice interjected, “who is this guy? he better keep his hands off my friends if he knows what’s good for him”
“Of course he knows what's good for him silly filly.” a giggly voice joined in,
“He’s chosen to be friends with Twilight out of all the ponies in equestria.”

“Well,” twilight blushed “I’m sure the princess’s had more input into the decision than he did.”

“um, Twilight?” a soft quiet voice that was barely audible squeaked.

“Yes fluttershy?” The violet unicorn responded.

“Um, well if its not too much trouble, I mean if it’s ok to ask?, who is he?”

“Well im sorry I wasn’t able to give you any more information before, the princess’s barely gave me any warning and as you all know, I asked you guys over here so I could tell you what I know.”

Unfortunately it was at this point a certain clumsy mail carrier flew into the doorway, the shock causing Artemis to go flying out the doorway over the stairs and to fall directly into the midst of the 6 ponies who had all fallen silent at the crash.

To the six ponies, who the regularly experienced the sight and sounds of Ditzy’s derps, the sight of a toweled human suddenly emerging out of nowhere caused a bigger effect than just silence.

For Pinkie Pie the effect was to go up the stairs and apparently copy what she mistook as Artemis trying to have fun in some strange unknown to her human pastime.

For twilight the effect was to cringe at her new friends obviously painful entry.

For Rarity, the effect was to just cringe at the sight of the towel Artemis was wearing.

For Fluttershy the effect was to hide behind a sofa at his sudden appearance, and then reappear straight as his side to provide any comfort she could to the human who was in obvious pain.

For applejack the effect was to just plant a hoof into her own face.

Finally for Rainbow Dash, the effect was to cheer and whoop loudly, mistaking the sudden entry as a way to be as cool as possible.

“Ohhh Yeh, now thats what I call an entry.”

“Rainbow! shut your feathered brain mouth, can’t y’all see he is in pain.” Applejack chided the multi coloured pegasus.

“um, mr Artemis sir.” said Fluttershy gently brushing his forehead. “are you alright?”

Artemis sat up collecting his senses as quickly as possible and brushing himself down, making sure to keep his towel close.

“Yes fluttershy, I’m ok.”

The yellow pegasus blushed, “you knowwwww mmmmy nammme?”

“Ahh about that...” Artemis started.

But thankfully for him Twilight interrupted. “I was about to get to that fluttershy, before we were interrupted at least.”

“Speaking of interruptions.” and with a flash, Rainbow dash zoomed over to the door.
“Are you alright Derpy?”

“Rainbow! Now that’s not a very nice thing to say to a friend.”

“Nah it’s ok rarity, “ Ditzy interrupted, “I know rainbow is only being affectionate.” Winking slyly at the rash pegasus who stood flabbergasted and denying it. “Anyway here is your mail twilight.”
With that, the clumsy mail carrier went off back into the air, narrowly missing twilights balcony in the process.

“Well that was interesting,” went twilight “and She got you good and proper this time rainbow.”

“Well I.I.I.I.I” Stuttered rainbow, “ I mean, even derpy has to win occasionally I guess.”

“Well its nice to see you up finally Artemis,” said Twilight as she turned to see the human awkwardly sitting on the sofa, wrapped in a towel and being accosted by both Pinky Pie who was sneezing confetti all over him, and Fluttershy who was gently nuzzling his shoulder where he had landed on the floor. “You ready for something to eat?”

“Actually,” replied Artemis who despite being incredibly hungry was feeling increasingly strange at the situation around him. “I would rather get the information about my knowledge out in the open quickly. Might make the room a little less tense.”

“Know what else makes a room a little less tense, Arty-Warty? A PARTY!”

“Um Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow pointed out, “Right now probably isn’t the best time to introduce a Artemis to your kind of parties.”

“But i thought someone said he knew all about us? how could he know about me and not my parties?” The thought of someone not knowing Pinkie Pie for her parties clearly upset her, her eyes quickly filled her with tears and her curly hair went straight.

Hating the sight of the deflated party pony, “Of course I know of your parties, Pinky, who wouldn’t?” upon hearing that pinky returned to her usual perky self. Artemis continued, “But Rainbow is right, while I look forward to any of your parties I get to visit, after all I’m sure they’re the best in this universe or mine.” This statement making pinky blush, “It’s only fair you know how I know you guys.”

“So Twilight,” Artemis went on to ask, “you care to do the honours or shall I?”

“Hay, why can’t you tell us Artemis?” Asked Applejack.

“Well I would applejack, but I think Twilight might be better at explaining, I don’t quite have her ability to explain things, at least from what i’ve seen?”

“you sure Twilight’s the best one to simplify something darling? Last time she tried to simplify something I got a headache.”

“Well, I guess that might be true, but I am afraid I may not be able to give the important stuff and bore you. Last thing I want to do is keep you 6 stuck inside all day.” Artemis said thoughtfully. “I know you guys are busy ponies, besides, i want to spend this afternoon seeing the town.”

“Really?” Asked Pinkie, “Well i can show you around town, and introduce you to everypony ‘cus I know everypony and everypony is my friend.”

“Thanks Pinky, I think I would like that, but don’t you have work today?”

“Nopey, I kinda made a mess in Sugarcube corner yesterday, and well the cakes said that I probably should take tomorrow, now today, off.”

“Erm Pinkie, that seems a bit extreme, even from the cakes.”

“You do not want to see the mess she made artemis,” came the reply from Rainbow dash. “Seriously, the building was more flour than wood at one point.”

“Ahh ok I see, well, sure Pinkie you can show me around town, just remember I can’t get around the place for me, and I am new so make sure you don’t lose me.”

“Well Duh mister grumpy pants, Of course your new, or you wouldn’t need me to be showing you around and...” she gasped. “I just remembered,” she said slapping her head with her foreleg, “your new. Silly Pinkie Pie.” she chided herself.

Next thing he knew, Pinkie Pie was standing there next to a strange box Artemis vaguely remembered.

For a second Pinkie Pie just stood there, then she kicked a button and music started.

“Welcome welcome welcome, A fine welcome to you.”
“Welcome welcome welcome, I say how do you do.”
“Welcome welcome welcome, I say hip hip hip hooray.”
“Welcome welcome welcome to Pony-ville to-day.”

Throughout the entire song Artemis was amazed. It seems Pinkie’s ability to dance, sing and blow trumpets through your head where real.

At the end of the song Artemis just sat there stunned, and not to anypony's surprise, covered in cake mix.”

“D’aww I put the cake mix in the confetti cannon and the confetti in the oven again didn’t I? silly pinkie.” Then turning to Artemis, “So what do you think?”

Artemis stood silent for a second, but noticing Pinkies face turn from that of expectation to sadness he quickly went and covered her in a big cakey hug.

“That was wonderful pinkie, thanks.”

Next thing he knew, Artemis was wrapped up in Pinkies tongue as she went to eat all the cake mix and let none go to waste. For Artemis, this was a strangely not displeasing experience.

“It’s ok Artie.”

“Artie?” asked Fluttershy

“Its his name silly filly.”
“Artemis, Artie” she explained waving her hooves around enthusiastically.

“Grr!” Interrupted rainbow dash, “Can we get a move on here, I got some serious napping to do since you got me up so early.” she complained, then turning to Artemis, “Not that your story will be boring.”

“It’s ok Rainbow, I kinda know what you mean.”

“um did you not get much sleep?” asked a concerned fluttershy, who was now leaning against Artemis, her wings tickling his cheek.

“No, I did,” he replied, then blushing, “Just I had some weird dreams.”

“Oh ok, I hope they were pleasant ones.” squeed fluttershy.

“I guess you could say that.” choked Artemis, his voice at this point barely more audible than fluttershy, as he sank slowly down the sofa turning a deep shade of mauve.

Twilight noticing his discomfort at the situation came to his rescue.

“Artemis, why don’t you go and get dressed, Rarity’s clothes are right over there on the table by the door. While you’re at it go and get some breakfast, I know you wanted to talk beforehand, but I can start it off and you can join in where your ready, I really can't stand to see a guest go hungry.”

“Ok Twi, to be honest I’m going to be happy to get out of this towel and try on Rarity’s clothes. Not to mention try another of Apple Jack’s apples.”

With that Artemis got up, the sudden movement causing Fluttershy to go scampering behind the sofa. Making sure the towel is securely in place, he headed towards the kitchen, picked up the clothes and closed the door behind him, so nopony could see him change.

A quick inspection of the clothes found not only the promised pair of crisp white briefs, but a nice dark purple t-shirt, a pair of denim jeans and a pair of black trainers. Artemis had to say Rarity was good, even with human clothes.

Artemis got dressed quickly, and soon came out of the kitchen, bringing with him one of the apples Twilight had purchased for him the day before, still perfectly fresh.
Noticing that Twilight was in the middle of explaining all about Artemis’ arrival to equestria and how he knew so much about them, he went and silent sat back next to fluttershy who had come out of hiding it seems. Afraid of making too much noise, and wanting to gauge everyponies reactions to what was said, he decide to wait until after Twilight finished speaking before beginning to eat.

As Twilight came to the end of her talking, Artemis expected for everypony there to find the story a load of sour apples. However much to his pleasure everypony seemed to take it just as well as Twilight did the day before, or in Rainbow Dash’s case, even better.

“Wait so I’m famous in your world as well she asked?” Realising Artemis was back in the room. Artemis gave a quick nod, finally taking a bite of the apple.

“Awesome” the rainbow mare exclaimed.

“Artemis, couldn’t ya of said no, now this mare is going to be twice as stubborn to deal with.” came the nugget of truth from Applejack.

“Speaking of Awesome,” said Artemis, “This apple is the best I’ve ever tasted, you really do grow the best apples Applejack.”

Applejack who now had a taste of Rainbow’s medicine blushed and humbly replied, “Shucks Artemis, you really know how to make a mare blush.”
“And Rarity” Artemis went on to say, “These clothes are some of the best I’ve ever worn.”

At first Rarity’s eye twitched, some of the best not being quite what she aimed for, but realising it was a compliment quickly regained composure and replied, “It was no trouble, it was nice to design something different for once, I mean designing for ponies is all well and good, but to design something for everyday use is a different challenge completely.”

“I just hope these clothes can survive my work for Applejack tomorrow.”

“I’m sure they will sugar cube, that Rarity is the best in the business.” Applejack assured Artemis.

“I know she is.” said Artemis.

“Anyway, speaking of work, I gotta get back to sweet apple achres, Big Mac will be waiting for me, nice to meet you again Artemis, ill pick you up bright and early tomorrow, so you might wanna get more sleep tonight.”

“Well it was nice to see you again Applejack” came Artemis’ reply, then turning to all of the ponies, “Was really nice to meet you too.”

Rainbow dash yawned, “Nice meeting you too.”

“Anypony staying for lunch?” asked Twilight.

“Nah, I need to go sleep.” And with that Rainbow dash followed Applejack out of the library.

“I’m sorry Twilight, I need to go and open the boutique, got some very important clients coming this afternoon.”

“Pinkie Pie? Fluttershy?”

“Of course I can stay Twilight,” giggled Pinkie Pie, “I’m showing around Artemis this afternoon.”

No response came from Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy?” Twilight asked again.

still no response.

Artemis looked at fluttershy who was starting to fall to sleep her head nuzzling Artemis’ shoulder gently, but noticed she gave a little nod.

“I’ll take that means a yes.” Laughed Artemis, moving his arm around to pull her body close to his.

Fluttershy blushed a little, but didn’t try to escape, instead she nuzzled closer and started to snore.

“D’aww how cute.” squeed Pinkie, who then sneezed confetti all over the apple Artemis was still eating, “oops sorry,” she said. Everyone including Artemis laughed.

As Twilight left the room to prepare lunch she agreed that it upon the cuteness of the scene, but upon turning away from the other two ponies and Artemis, blushed and gave a small wish that it was her instead of Fluttershy that was nuzzling up to Artemis.

Chapter 8 - Atemis' first full day in Ponyville

Well here we are ladies and gentleman Chapter 8, easily my longest and possibly my most interesting and painful chapter so far. Hope you enjoy it, please all Constructive criticism is wanted and welcome. well all real comments about what you like, don't like and where you think it is going really

Fluttershy awoke just as the other three were finishing their lunch. The first thing she saw was Artemis’ neck, which she appeared to have gripped between her two forelegs and had been nuzzling in her sleep. She gave a small blush, she never normally did such a thing, but she realised that being next to Artemis, in his arms, nuzzling him like that, she felt safer than she ever usually did. It was so warm there that as she started to wake up, she shifted her wings to cool down, one of her wings coming to brush gracefully against Artemis’ cheek.

Artemis blushed, the wing was the softest thing he had ever felt in his life, and having Fluttershy in his arms like that, her nuzzling him, it felt so natural and peaceful, looking down he wished this moment never had to end.

“Looks like she’s starting to stir.” Said Twilight, noticing Fluttershy beginning to move, oh how cute they looked, and for the second time that day she ended up silently wishing it was her nuzzling against Artemis, safe in his arms.

“You ok sleepy head?” Artemis asked Fluttershy.

“oh, yes” she smiled up at him, “I’m fine thanks.” She looked at the time, “uh oh, I mean if it’s ok, I need to go, my Animals need some care. Thanks for the nap though.”

“It’s ok.” Said Artemis, releasing his grip. As Fluttershy got up, he couldn’t help notice that her wing rested against his cheek longer than was needed. Artemis returned the favour by watching Fluttershy a little longer than was seemly as she left.

“So Artie you ready for your tour?” bubbled Pinkie Pie, her face covered in the remains of a cupcake that had appeared from nowhere.

“As ready as I’ll ever be for a Pinkie Pie adventure.”Artemis chuckled. Pinkie didn’t get it, but always ready for a laugh she joined in. Not long after Twilight joined in as well, soon the laughter was so loud that a little purple and green dragon peered over the balcony leading to his and Twilight’s bedroom.

“Would somepony please keep the noise down? There’s a dragon trying to sleep.”

“Oh spike, It’s time you were getting up anyway, we have a lot of library work to catch up on after yesterday.” Then turning to Artemis Twilight continued, “Not that it’s your fault, it was lovely to help you, see you this evening after the tour.”

“So Artie where should I take you first, ooh ooh Carousel boutique, Oh but you were there yesterday. Ooh Ooh, what about Sweet Apple Acres, nope that won’t do silly filly, he saw Applejack this morning.”

While Pinkie Pie was busy mumbling some more stuff to herself, Artemis put his hand to her mouth, her mumbling continuing despite her mouth being held shut.

“How about, Sugar Cube Corner? after all you owe me a cake.”

“Ooh yay, sugar cube corner, with all the eclairs, strudels, cupcakes, muffins.”

Artemis noticed Pinkie’s eyes glaze over, her mouth drooling at the prospect of seeing all those sweets. Then she sneezed, a little confetti coming out and came back to her senses.

“oh and I can show you where I work, good Idea Artie.” She beamed a massive smile and gave him a huge hug burying Artemis in her mane. He noticed it smelt strongly of bubblegum.

The walk to sugarcube corner took a lot longer than Artemis expected, despite it being fairly near to the Library, due to the amount of stops they had to make.
Every time a pony came by, Pinkie Pie stopped them and introduced them to Artemis.
Before long Artemis got lost in a sea of names of ponies he had never heard of, even when watching the show. Eventually they ended up meeting two ponies who were the focus of many a Fanfic back in Artemis’ world.

“Excuse me Lyra, Bonbon.”

“Heya Pinkie Pie, how are you?” said Lyra.

“To what do we owe the pleasure?” asked Bonbon.

“Oh, I’m just showing somepony new around.” responded Pinkie Pie.
“Girls this is Artemis,” she said with a flourish pushing Artemis into the conversation, figuratively and quite literally, Artemis nearly falling over, causing the three fillies to giggle.

“Oh heya Artemis, I’m Bonbon, and this is lyra.” Bobon explained, both ponies offering their hooves to shake.

It was as they shook that Artemis noticed that Lyra had changed, no longer smiling and listening to the conversation taking around, rather just standing staring at Artemis’ hands.

“Nice to meet you,” Artemis said. “So what do you two fillies do?”

“Well I make various kinds of confectionery; chocolate; lollipops; and my piece de resistance, Bonbons. The best in equestria I’ve been told.” said Bonbon.

“And your mute friend here?” Artemis asked, then noticing the vacant expression on Lyra’s face, “is she ok?”

“Oh lyra? shes just fascinated by hands, you see she plays the lyre, and well even with her magic she wishes she had hands to play it all the better.”

“Oh ok,” said Artemis, “Lets see if this helps.”
Artemis snapped his fingers in front of Lyra’s face.

“Hands!” lyra yelled. Everypony giggled as she came back to reality.
“Um did I really say that?” Lyra asked, blushing slightly.

“Oh Lyra,” Bonbon sounded Exasperated as she covered her face with her hoof.

“So anyway” said Artemis trying to break the tension, “How do you two know each other?”

“Oh we’re school friends turned flatmates.” Answered Lyra now out of her stupor.
“Why do you ask?” Questioned Lyra, now speaking with a strange grin.

“Now reason really,” Artemis responded, “Just wanting to get to know everypony, I mean if we are going to be friends might as well get to know you.”

“Artie, we going to sugarcube corner or not?” interrupted pinkie Pie, the party pony obviously hated standing still, especially when it delayed cupcakes.

“Well I guess I have to be going, not wise to make Pinkie mad,” at this lyra and bonbon glanced strangely at each other, “So as I’ve been told.” Artemis quickly continued before they got any wrong ideas.
“Was Nice to see you two.” Turning to Bonbon, “Hope I get to try some of your confectionary when I have earnt some bits,” then turning to Lyra, “And hope to listen to you play sometime soon as well.”

“Well...” Lyra started glancing down as if shy and digging at the ground lightly with her hoof. “you could always come round tonight, after all your tour I mean, I’m sure pinkie would show you the way.” Pinkie nodded.

“Well sure, I'll be around right after dinner.”

“That’s settled then.” Lyra said as she and bonbon turned to continue with their day, as she left, lyra turned around however and waved “Bye Artie,” and giggled.

As the giggling Lyra and Bonbon walked on, Artemis turned to Pinkie, “So is lyra always that strange?”

“Oh no she just likes you silly billy.”

“Likes me?”

“Yes Likes, you know likes likes.”

“But why?”

“‘cus of your hands.”

“Really? she likes me just because I have hands?”

“Well duh, she even flirted with spike once until she realised he was just a baby.”

“Right... so should I still go to listen to her play?”

“of course you should, she’s a friend as you said, and you should never disappoint friends, that might make them cry!” Pinkie shouted the last part and a frown appeared on her face.

As ponies all around started to look, Artemis started to feel self conscious and quickly put a hand to pinkies mouth to make sure she didn’t keep shouting.

Pinkie looked down at Artemis’ hand, it felt weird against her lips. She was used to having ponies shutting her up in a similar fashion but a hoof is a lot harder and colder than a hand, nor were they as smooth as a hand.

Artemis noticed how pinkie had fallen so still as was looking at his hand, blushing he quickly withdrew his hand and gave pinkie a hug, “Don’t worry Pinkie, I promise to do my best not to upset Lyra or anypony.”

“Pinkie promise?”

“Ahh come on Pinkie do I have to?”

“Artie...”

“Fine... Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.”
At that pinkie smiled and returned Artemis’ hug.
“Speaking of cupcakes you owe me a cake, lets go.”

Artemis and Pinkie Pie set off down the street together, saying hello to some of the ponies they passed they soon reached a large building which reminded Artemis of Hansel and Gretle.

“Home sweet home,” Pinkie Pie said.

“You know Pinkie for most ponies that would be an expression, but I guess for you its quite literal.” Artemis chuckled.

Pinkie Pie chuckled along, however, quickly said “I don’t get it.”
Seeing Pinkies blank face Artemis chuckled all the harder but shook his head, he realised that trying to explain it to the pink pony would probably end up driving him mad, and Artemis valued his sanity, what was left in a world surrounded by talking ponies anyway.

As they entered Artemis noticed the female earth pony behind the counter freeze on seeing them.
“P-P-Pinkie, I thought we gave you the day off.” she said.

“Yes indeedy, I’m just showing my new friend around,” Pinkie waved her arm indicating at Artemis.
“Artemis, Mrs cake. Mrs cake, Artemis.” Pinkie said introducing them to each other.

Artemis nodded at Mrs cake “Nice to meet you.”

“You to.” mrs cake returned.

“Now mrs cake, can i get a cupcake please?” asked Pinkie then turning to Artemis, “what would you like?”

Artemis walked up to the counter and stared at all the various treats on offer.
“These all look delicious.”

“Well thank you very much,” came a male voice as Mr cake came out of the back room. As he came in he noticed Pinkie and froze for a second, until Mrs cake gave him a look to tell him everything was alright. “We take great pride in our cakes.”

Then noticing who he was talking to Mr cake said, “Oh hi there, you must be new around here, I’m Mr cake, co-owner of this fine establishment, I see you’ve already met my wife and our crazy assistant Pinkie.”
“So what will it be?”

“I don’t know really, they all look so nice, what would you recommend?”

Mr cake opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Pinkie Pie interrupted. “Well duh cupcakes, you silly filly”

Mr cake sat silent for a second watching pinkie pie jumping around hoping she wouldn’t break anything, then he heard a bing and a bright smile came to his face.

“Actually Pinkie, I would recommend to your friend here something thats just finished cooking, it's a new recipe.” With that Mr cake went out back and quickly returned with a tray in his mouth.

On the tray were 2 dozen weird multicoloured cakes, and seeing both Artemis and Pinkie’s jaws fall open in unison mr cake smiled.

“W-W-What are they?” Pinkie stuttered.

“Why these are our latest creation, meet the MMMMM.”

“MMMMM?” Artemis asked.

“Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness Muffins” replied mr cake.
“We’ve been trying for months to get them right, but it seems this last batch is finally perfect, so anyway Sir would you like to have one?”

“Well Pinkies paying, so if its ok with her then sure.”
“Is it ok if I have one of those?” Artemis asked Pinkie, Pinkie didn’t respond.

Artemis turned around and saw Pinkie just standing there mouth open and drooling. Artemis went over and closed her mouth and she came to her senses. Artemis asked again, “Can I have one of those Pinkie?”

“Sure you can Artie,” Pinkie smiled, “I said I would get you a cake, and a cake you should have, and you're lucky, if these are anything like the MMMM then you’re in for a treat.”
Then pinkie scratched her chin with her hoof, “Actually Mrs cake can I change my order to a MMMMM?”

“Sure Pinkie,” With that Mrs cake took two muffins from the tray and handed them over to Artemis and Pinkie, while pinkie took a bag out of nowhere and paid for the cakes.
With a quick warning from Mrs cake about the MMMMM’s being hot they bounded out of the bakery, Pinkie devouring her cake in seconds.

Artemis stood there cake in hand for a few seconds, looking over the muffins multiple colours and several delicious layers of cakey goodness. He looked up at pinkie, noticing her drool while looking at his cake, but what he saw behind her drooling face made him pause.

He saw Ditzy Doo, walking down the street, clearly downtrodden, her wings still somewhat unkempt from that morning's accident.

Walking past pinkie, who now had a confused expression on her face, and hiding the MMMMM behind his back he went over to ditzy.

Ditzy looked almost as confused as Pinkie did when Artemis approached her, she regularly had small accidents and everyone had seen it happen so much they didn’t really notice any more when events didn’t go very well for her. Still Ditzy assumed he must be walking to meet somepony behind her, so she was even more surprised when he stopped in front of her and talked.

“Heya your Ditzy doo right, the mail pony who crashed into the library this morning, you alright?”
Ditzy didn’t really know how to respond, she knew her friends cared about her, but knew by now that she was often ok, but she was surprised to see this strange creature who was staying with Twilight wonder how she was.

“Gee mister, I guess I’m ok,” Ditzy eventually responded, “I mean I guess its been a long day and all that, and my wings could use a rest, but other than that i’m fine, thanks for asking though.”

“Well i’m glad you’re ok, but anyway I just wondered if you would like this, Artemis drew his one hand from behind his back and offered the MMMMM to Ditzy. Ditzy in response stood wide eyed as she was presented with what could only be described as the most beautiful cake she had ever seen.

“Is that a muffin?” She quietly asked.

“It sure is ditzy, Pinkie bought it for me, and while i’m sure it would be delicious and I would enjoy it, I think you could use the pick me up.”

Ditzy teared up, here she was after a long work day, ruffled but otherwise ok, and this strange pink creature who somehow knew her name was offering her one of her favourite treats, a rather special one at that it seemed.

Ditzy carefully picked the cake from Artemis’ hands and looked it over and gently inhaled the freshly baked aroma. She started to say “Thanks mister,” but her words started to fail her and just embraced Artemis in a hug.

Artemis stood their uncomfortably, but decided to return the hug. After a minute or so Ditzy let go, “Thanks again mister...?”

“Artemis,” he responded.

“Well thanks mister Artemis, i’ll definitely enjoy this, But I got to get going, I will see you around.”

As Ditzy left Artemis felt pleased that he was able to help cheer up a pony in need, he stood there for a second enjoying the warmth inside him when he was tackled to the ground from behind. The next thing he knew he was being hugged by all 4 of pinkies legs as he lay pinned to the ground.

“Ohh Artie that was so kind, and you managed to make her smile.” Pinkie said, her smile bigger than Artemis had ever seen it. “I’m sure Derpy will enjoy that muffin.”

After much squirming Artemis was eventually able to get Pinkie off him and stand up, he brushed himself off and looked over at the town clock.

“Thanks for the tour pinkie, it was a lot of fun.” He gave pinkie a small ruffle of her mane.
“but i’ve got to get going, need to have dinner, can’t wait to see what Twilights cooked, and I need to get ready to listen to lyra this evening.”

“Oki Doki Loki Artie, see you tomorrow I hope.”

“Maybe,” artemis responded and started to head back to the library, bruised from his tackle from Pinkie but otherwise happy about how his first full day in Ponyville had gone so far.

---

It was 8 o’clock in the evening and Artemis was standing outside Lyra and Bonbon’s shared flat in another of Rarities designs, apparently word really did travel fast and while she had been doing the clothes anyway she had heard what Artemis had done for Ditzy and decided to give them to him for free, a favour for which Artemis was really grateful. This particular set of clothing was similar to the first but instead of red, was a nice dark blue colour.

As Artemis rang the bell and waited for either of the mares to answer the door he could smell the various treats that bonbon cooked for her livelihood, the scent was intoxicating if only he hadn’t already had dinner, and actually had bits to his name.

Not that dinner was in any way bad, its just that well despite being great at magic, it seemed Twilights spell repertoire didn’t include any cooking spells at least not for humans. The dinner was a simple fair, consisting of carrots and mashed potatoes, along with Apple Pie for dessert, simple but filling, and because of this he didn’t think he would be up to eating any of Bonbon’s treats even if he had the money to buy them.

Artemis stopped his pondering as he heard the patter of hooves against wood and the door was gently opened by bonbon who stood in an apron obviously still cooking. She looked worn out from a busy afternoons work, however she smiled as she looked at artemis.
“Come in, Come in, no need to stand in the cold like that.” she said, “Sorry about the mess” bonbon indicated to all the boxes that littered the hall. “I have been finishing up a very large order for a party up in Canterlot which needs to be sent off in the morning, otherwise I wouldn’t be working this late.”

“Its ok bonbon, my room back home was much worse anyway, besides its important so who am I to judge.”
Bonbon smiled again, “Lyra’s in the living room, first door on the right. Sorry I can’t join you but I still have much work to do if I want to be ready.”

“Thats ok, we will try not to disturb you, or at least I will.” and with that Artemis headed towards the living room.

As he entered two things caught his eye, firstly was the heat, a large fire was lit in a hearth at the back of the room and the second was Lyra sitting on a chair lyre at her side and her eyes closed. Artemis couldn’t tell if Lyra was asleep or merely meditation or something else similar so he went up and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

Lyras eyes jumped open shock, that was until she noticed Artemis standing there and then she seemed to calm down. “Oh you’re here, was beginning to think you wouldn’t show up.”

“Oh I would never stand a friend up.” Artemis said but Lyra looked at him quizzically.
“It’s an expression where I come from, means I wouldn’t not turn up, if that makes sense.”

“Oh right, that's an interesting expression, anyway, is there anything I can get you? Some tea or something to eat?”

“I’m ok” Artemis replied, “Just had dinner with twilight.”

Lyra looked downcast when she heard about twilight, “Oh yes, that’s right.” then perking up, “well is there anything you want to hear?” Lyra asked.

“Well as you could probably guess i’m not really from around here, so I guess you can play whatever you want.”

Mentioning free rein of music seemed to really perk lyra right up and she sat that thinking with a large grin on her face, “I think i’ve got just the right piece to play you for your first ever piece of music of Equestria.” With that Lyra bathed her lyre in light green light, picked it up and started to play.

The music was to say the least something which Artemis wouldn’t normally choose to listen to, however Remembering how Pinkie stalked Twilight after she made a Pinkie promise he decided to give it a chance, for the sake of peace at least.

Lyra’s music started it rather soft and slow, the strings producing a melody similar to a gentle breeze blowing through a set of windchimes. After a while, the music started to pick up pace, the sound changing as if the gentle breeze was now a torrent of wind. As the sound continued it seemed to start echoing around the room, and Artemis noticed how Lyra changed now she was playing, no longer staring at Artemis’ hands or even tired or timid, she looked lively and in her stride. He could see clearly that this was indeed her special talent and was amazed, after all everything back on earth suggested that because of her hooves she wouldn't be able to play very well, that clearly was not the case.

As Artemis sat there dumbstruck, he soon realised that the music had finished and Lyra was looking at him expectantly. “So how was that?” she asked.

“I can honestly say that wasn’t what I expected, and I have never heard anything like it before.” he replied.

“Is that good?”

“Lyra that was amazing, that really is a special talent.”

“Really Artemis? Thanks,” Lyra was beaming as it seemed Artemis really enjoyed her music.
“you want to hear another.”

“sure, the night's still young and besides Twilight gave me a key to the library to get in without waking her.”

“Awesome!” Lyra nearly shouted, and plunged into the next song.

Her second song was completely different than her first, it seemed to be playing two very different parts of the lyra at once, the effect was a very strong urgent tune that reminded Artemis of Ride of the Valkyries from back on earth. This song was loud and enough to overcome a slight sense of tiredness that had come over Artemis during the first song.

The second song soon came to an end, but instead of halting or waiting for Artemis’ opinion, Lyra carried on into a third song, again different in tune and tone. This third song was slower than the second but a quiet windy song like the first, it was more of a romantic tune, similar to the Disney songs that Artemis listened to occasionally, as ways of remembering his childhood.

As the song carried on, Artemis noticed Lyra indicating with her head for Artemis to look at the fire, and he did as she bid. The fire was wrapped in a green glow, a tell tale sign that Lyra’s magic was at work.

As the music played and Artemis stared at the fire a scene began to take shape, a scene of mare and a stallion, first they met, entering from opposite sides of the scene, then they embraced as old friends, and soon they danced in time to the beat of the song, swaying to and fro in the heart of the fireplace.

Artemis couldn’t believe his eyes, this scene was magical and seemed like something that could only happen in the Lion witch and the wardrobe.
Soon the scene changed all the more suddenly and to Artemis’ surprise the stallion suddenly stood up tall on his hind legs and the form shifted away from equine to a form similar to a human.

Artemis was shocked, I mean Pinkie had warned him about her fascination with hands but this? Still he had to admit it was a bit flattering.

Lyra noticed Artemis losing himself in the fire, she grinned, her plan coming together rather perfectly.

The music continued with the human form dancing with the mare. Slowly the scene zoomed out, the pair no longer dancing alone in the fire but at the centre of a fantastic ballroom. Artemis couldn’t believe his eyes, I mean it seemed Lyra’s magic was just as impressive as Twilights, though I guess in a very different way.

Soon the song was reaching its climax, the ballroom started spinning and lyra got out of her chair, luckily for her plan, Artemis was too engrossed in the fire to notice.
Suddenly the image in the fire stopped spinning and zoomed back into the two figures in the middle of the floor, the mare and the human shape coming closer and closer as the music reached a higher and higher pitch and Lyra got closer and closer to Artemis.

Then as the mare and humanish stallion’s lips touched the song ended and Lyra lifted Artemis’ face to meet hers and gently planted her lips on his.

‘Crash’, the silence of the songs end was broken by a sound in the doorway. Lyra turned her head and her eyes opened in shock, there was Bonbon standing open mouthed in the doorway, her eyes lit with anger. As Bonbon started to stride purposefully towards Lyra and Artemis, Lyra tried to explain what was happening, however her voice came out of mumbling as her lips were still placed against those of Artemis who was sitting there dumbstruck to surprised to even do anything.

Lyra could only stand and watch with shock as Bonbon turned around bent her legs and bucked Artemis out of an open window.

Lyra her lips now free from Artemis and able to speak screamed at Bonbon.
“What the Cud?!”

“He was kissing you Lyra, how dare you let this strange creature come into our lives and take advantage of your fascination with hands?” she snorted angrily.

“Bonbon,” Lyra sighed, “He was sitting down, I was standing up, think, I was kissing him. He wasn't involved at all, heck he wasn’t even kissing back.”

Bonbon stood there dumbstruck as she replayed the scene in her head and put all the facts together.
“But then....” her eyes opened in horror, “Oh cud.” she muttered and sprinted out of the room, out of the flat and into the night.

Lyra followed quickly to see if Artemis was alright, what she saw wasn’t pretty.
Bonbon was standing over the still body of Artemis, his legs bent at a strange angle and blood trickling from a gash in his head. Bonbon turned around and screamed at Lyra.

“Go and get Twilight, NOW!”

Lyra didn’t think twice and bolted off to the library.

Chapter 9 - The Hospital

So it seems you guys are lucky the second chapter in two days, spent a lot of today to make sure it was right, didn't seem right to only have 1 chapter in a week.

Twilight was reading silently in the library, spike had long since gone to bed so she was surrounded by all the books she thought she might be interested in reading that night.
She was brought out of her current book, Runes and Runic Meanings: Anthology, by a loud knock at the door. Well that wasn’t quite true, it was more the sound of the door knocking against the back wall as it was blasted out of its hinges.

Twilight shot up at the loud bang, knocking books in every direction she sighed, Spike would have his work cut out tomorrow. As she looked towards the door she saw the ruins of the frame and sighed again, until she noticed a distraught crying Lyra standing in the doorway, panting heavily.

As Twilight started to open her mouth to ask what on earth was wrong with her, Lyra’s legs gave way beneath her and she collapsed into a heap on the floor. A concerned Twilight went over to see what was wrong and as she did so Lyra grabbed hold of her and started crying into her mane.

“Lyra what on earth is wrong?” Twilight asked calmly, forgiving her friend for staining her mane with tears. Lyra responded with a explanation so fast pace Twilight couldn’t gather any of it.
“Lyra, please you have to be a bit slower.” Twilight snapped, she instantly regretted it but she was tired and Lyra had disturbed her perfectly peaceful reading time.

Lyra again explained a bit too quick, however one word stood out to Twilight, Artemis.
Upon hearing the human’s name she instantly sprang to attention and gripped Lyra tightly with her forelegs, “Lyra, speak carefully, what’s happened to Artemis?”

Between the tear falls Twilight picked out a few words, “Artemis... Bonbon... Road”.

With that Twilight looked terrified, she picked Lyra up with her magic and ignoring the ruins of the door she sprinted towards Lyra and Bonbon’s flat.

As she ran towards the flat she couldn’t help be think of terrible scenes of Artemis badly injured, or worse, Artemis being the cause of some issue. However what she saw as she approached the flat was worse than all expectations.

From a distance she could see the form of Bonbon, partially illuminated by the street lights crying and pressing down on a shape in the road. However, as she got closer she could see it wasn’t just a shape.

There in the middle of the road, with Bonbon pressing a piece of cloth against a wound in the head, was Artemis.

Twilight knew that somehow Bonbon and Lyra must be involved but she was too upset to think clearly, too upset to even cry. Here was her friend, her ward, the first human in equestria, a person far away from home and had been put under her care by the princess’s and he was lying completely still in the road with what appeared two broken legs and how many other injuries beyond the wound in the head.

As Twilight approached the body even closer she was worried at first he might be dead, but the noticed he was breathing. Noticing someone approaching, Bonbon turned her head and tried to begin to speak, “Twi..” but she couldn’t finish her sentence or meet Twilights eye.

Twilight held the tears and fear at bay and tried to regain her composure, right now her friend needed her, and feeling sorry or crying wouldn’t help him.

Putting Lyra down by Bonbon she turned to both of them,
“We need to get him to the hospital.” and both Lyra and Bonbon nodded.
“I can carry him on my back, Lyra you take over putting pressure on the wound on his head, and Bonbon can you run ahead and make sure they know we are coming.”
Twilight lifted Artemis onto her back using his magic, and Bonbon and Lyra switched over, Lyra particularly glad she wouldn’t need to do any more running. Bonbon seeing Twilight was ready to go, she wiped her eyes and after a quick flex of her legs she sprinted towards the hospital.

As Bonbon arrived at the hospital it was beginning to slow down for the night shift, with several doctors preparing to punch out for the day.
All of the doctors as well as the receptionist were shocked when a tear and bloodstained bonbon sprinted into the hospital lobby.

Feeling like she wanted to collapse bonbon managed to stand up just long enough to explain the situation before falling into a heap.

While the receptionist went to comfort Bonbon, the doctors, all tired and weary sprang into Action, it seemed like they would be working over time. While all the doctors went to prepare for their incoming patient, all bar one of them were solemn. One however, was positively beaming, this Doctor in particular had a cane cutie mark and walked with a limp. Cracking open a canister he took some pills for his bad leg and smiled, a human patient, this sounded like a real challenge for once.

Realizing he was now alone with the receptionist and Bonbon, he turned and limped after the other doctors to help prepare. For the first time in a while he was smiling. His name was Doctor Hoof, head of diagnostic medicine.

---

Artemis awoke to a world filled with pain and a headache the likes he had never felt before, he thought his head would split open with the pain.
Before moving Artemis thought he would assess the situation, his body ached all over, with the main sources of pain being in his head and legs. It also appeared that Artemis was in a bed, but it felt different, the sheets softer than the sheets he had at his bed at the library the night previously.

He tried to think back to how he got here, but all he could remember was a fire and Lyra, and no he didn’t did he? He thought he remembered a kiss but that could never of happened. Could it?

Feeling no point in feigning sleep, or at least he wouldn’t learn any more information by doing so Artemis opened his eyes.
He instantly wished he hadn’t, a bright white light scorching his cornea.
Artemis emitted a small groan, which didn’t go unnoticed by a gruff brown pony sitting beside his bed.

“You’re awake then?” the pony asked, and Artemis lifted a hand to his eyes to filter them in response. “Good, you’re lucky you know.” he continued.

Artemis opened his eyes again, his hand blocking the worst of the glare and glanced around. Next to him was a brown stallion, with a cane on his flank, the stallion appeared to have 1 bad leg and was in the process of consuming some pills as Artemis was looking around.

Next Artemis noticed his bed, which consisted of bright white silk and the room around them also appeared white without a blemish, nothing such as a picture or a vase of flowers breaking the sea of white he found himself in.

“Where am I?” Artemis asked, his throat hoarse.

“Why my fellow, you’re in Ponyville Hospital.” the Brown stallion replied, “And a good thing too, that bash on your noggin was a serious one.”

Artemis lifted his hand to his head and felt more silk, a bandage of course.

“If you don’t mind me asking, who are you?” Artemis inquired of his bedside sitter.

“Why I am Doctor house.” Of course Artemis should have known, the bad leg and the pills as well as the cane cutie mark. Artemis laughed.

“Does my name amuse you?”

“Nope,” Artemis coughed, his laugh being cut short at being accused of making fun of the stallion. “You just remind me of someone.”

“You better not be, after all I saved your life.”

“My life...”

“Oh dear me, you mean you don’t remember.” It was Dr house’s turn to laugh. “I guess that’s understandable after such an injury, still there should be no lasting damage and your memory should return soon, ish.”
“Anyway last night you were caught in some sort of Altercation, you suffered a cranial fracture, luckily with no swelling, and suffered fracture in each leg, which lucky for you we were able to set, and restore to beyond new might I add.”

“Still you were lucky that Bonbon got here when she did, we had almost left for the night.”

Upon hearing Bonbon’s name, Artemis’ memory started to return, he remembered her angry snort and the last thing he remembered was flying through the air after her hooves had kicked him out of the window.

A fleeting look of pain and anger flitted across Artemis’ face but was gone as soon as it had come. “So Bonbon brought me in?”

“Yes, her Lyra and Miss Sparkle brought you in.” The Dr chuckled, “And what a state you were in, it made me all excited.”

“My injuries excited you?” Artemis wondered incredibly puzzled and possibly insulted.

“But of course. I mean you’re a new creature and with such extensive injuries, it was such a challenge to get you mended properly, it was rather invigorating I should thank you.”

Artemis sighed, this guy really was like house.

“Anyway,” the Dr started, “Now that you’re awake there some ponies that would like to see you.”

With that the Dr got up and left the room, leaving a slight serene atmosphere, that lasted at least until eight ponies and a dragon came streaming into the room.

All of a sudden Artemis was mobbed by 8 sets of teary eyes, all happy to see him. After the initial rush they noticed they were crowding him and back off, all save Bonbon who was still hugging Artemis deeply and sobbing into his hospital gown.

As Artemis looked down at the sobbing mare, the room seemed to hold its collective breath each of the ponies and spike wondering how Artemis would react.

Sensing the silence in the room Bonbon looked up at Artemis, not quite making his eyes.
“Sorry,” was all she managed until she broke down into tears again, burying her muzzle deep into his chest.

Slowly Artemis started to respond, he raised his arm and everyone in the room collectively flinched as he moved it towards Bonbon, but to everyponies surprise, especially Bonbons, he embraced her in a deep hug.

As everypony stood still in amazement they heard Artemis start to laugh. This caused everypony looking, including Bonbon to stare quizzically at him.

“Why is everyone so glum?” he asked, “Anyone would think I was actually dead or something.” With that he looked down again at bonbon and gave her mane a quick ruffle.
“That means I forgive you.”

At those words Bonbon removed herself from his chest and instead went to hug his upper torso, nuzzling him in the neck she started to cry once again. This time however, they were tears of gladness.

With that, everypony around and spike went to join in the deep hug and Artemis felt he truly had made some friends here in Equestria.

As all the ponies gathered around to chat to him and say how glad they were to see he was ok, Artemis noticing that Twilight and Fluttershy both had particularly tear stained faces, and even Rainbow dash had the tell tale signs of tears in the fur under her eyes.
Artemis noticed that both Lyra and Bonbon had disappeared and was going to mention something when they both came back into the room, a saddlebag now on Lyra's back.

They both approached Artemis, all the other ponies pausing in their chatter and parting to let Lyra and Bonbon through.

Lyra coughed, “Artemis, me and Lyra are really sorry,” Artemis was about to interrupt but Twilight used her magic to pull the bed covers over his mouth to make him stay quiet.

Lyra continued, “Artemis, me and Bonbon have a little something for you,” as she did this Bonbon retrieved a bag from Lyra’s saddlebag.

“This is a selection of treats, including Bonbons,” she smiled a weary smile, “stayed up all night to make these for you, its a token gesture, but I had to do something.”

Then Lyra produced a small bag of coins.
“I heard from Twilight you planned to do some work for Applejack today so I went and did it for you,” placing the bag on a bedside table along with the treats, “this is the pay from it.”

Artemis didn’t know what to say, he felt what remained of his anger at the pair dissolve as he thought about how they sacrificed themselves to try and make it up to him.

He beckoned them closer, and embraced both of them in a hug at the same time.
“Thanks to both to you,” he said giving them a warm smile and then turning to the other 7 in the room, “Thank you all.” With that they all came in to embrace him.

“So do any of you have any Idea when i can get out of here?”

With that Twilight smiled cheekily, “The doctor said you will be able to come home today, and you don’t need to worry about medical fees, the princess’s have sorted that out.”

Then Rainbow butted in, “The best thing is though, you still need around a week to recover so you can walk, so each of us,” She indicated to the 6 of them, “have agreed to spend 1 day each looking after you.”

Artemis looked and it did indeed seem that each of them was really looking forward to spending a day looking after him, even Fluttershy at that moment seemed more eager than shy.

However, Artemis felt a pang of guilt, he had only known the 6 for 2 days and already they were willing to spend a whole day away from work to look after him.
“Guys you really do that.”

“We all thought you’d say that,” Applejack stated, “However y’all have to admit, not much you can do to stop us with you in that state.”

Artemis sighed, she was right. “So who do I have looking after me first.”

At this Rarity stepped forward, “why me darling, well me and Sweetie Bell, oh I know she’s just going to love meeting you,” she batted her eyelashes.

“Anyway,” Twilight stepped in again, “time to get you back to the Library.”

With that Fluttershy went out to get the nurse who came in with a wheelchair and all three unicorns withheld their magic to get Artemis into it seeing how eager Fluttershy was to help.

As they headed out, Spike who till now had been staying at the back of the group, clearly embarrassed, hopped onto Artemis lap, Twilight tutted but seeing Artemis was happily talking to him held her tongue and let it be.

As they went past each of the ponies homes, they slowly drifted off until only Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow and Rarity remained.
When they reached the Library, the three ponies who were to head off to their homes bid their goodbyes, with Rarity adding that Artemis better get a good nights sleep as apparently he would need it.
Wheeling Artemis and Spike into the tree Twilight felt ecstatic, Rarity may be looking after Artemis tomorrow, but she had him for tonight.
“So what do you want for dinner then?” She asked both Artemis and Spike as she closed the door.

Chapter 10 - Day with Rarity

Well here we are finally guys, Chapter 10. It is a lot shorter than I wanted, only 1 day instead of two, but it is the longest chapter than the rest and does have a cliffhanger ending so I guess that makes up for it. Hope you enjoy.

Artemis woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, most of his pain having subsided during the evening with Twilight taking care of him.
As he allowed his body to slowly wake up he took in the surroundings, light streaming through the window bringing with it a gentle warmth and the sound of birdsong. All in all he felt cosy, at peace and most of all, at home.

Slowly he became aware of the sounds of somepony else breathing within the room and turned his head, only to find it inches away from the sleeping face of Twilight, who for reason unknown to him was sleeping on the floor of the room with her head against his bed.

Artemis didn’t want to disturb her out of some much needed sleep so was content to let her rest. For a while he just lay there watching her sleep, and as he did so he blushed, she really was quite cute when she slept, especially when the reason she was so tired was looking after him.

After a while the light from the window slowly edged across the room until it was shining directly onto Twilight’s face, illuminating her features and her mane. This new heat on her body slowly caused Twilight to stir.

Slowly Twilight opened her eyes and smiled when she Artemis’ face inches from her own, then realizing where she was bolted upright and blushed rather embarrassed.
“S-sorry Artemis, I must of dropped off while reading here last night to make sure you were ok.” she picked up a book off the floor with her magic to indicate she had in fact been reading.

Artemis gave her mane a little tussle which made her blush more but she didn’t resist.
“It’s ok twilight, you looked rather peaceful when I awoke, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

On hearing that she jumped back, “You were watching me sleep?”

“Only for a little while. Why does that bother you?”

She turned her head away, “Not really,” she replied, “Just seems kinda strange.”

“Anyway,” Artemis said, sensing a tension forming, “I believe breakfast is in order, after all got to be ready soon for my day with Rarity.” Artemis noticed a twinge go through Twilight’s body at the mention of spending the day with Rarity but thought nothing of it.

“Of course Artemis,” Twilight smiled, she headed towards the door, however before leaving turned around with a look of concern on her face, “You reckon you’ll be able to shower”.

“Probably not,” he replied, he screwed his face up in concentration, suddenly his face lit up in a lightbulb moment. “You got a bath?”.

“Of course I have!” Twilight retorted somewhat offended, “A pony has to have somewhere to relax as she cleans all her troubles away at the end of a day.”

Artemis looked down at the bed downcast, the sight softening Twilight up a bit, “I’m sorry Twilight, it’s just... well you have a shower, so I didn’t know you’d need a bath.”
He silently chided himself for insulting his friend.

It was Twilight's turn to look downcast this time, she had been aggressive with her new friend and hurt his feelings, and what had he been doing? Asking an innocent question, that’s what.
“It’s ok Artemis, I’m the one who should be sorry,” she smiled weakly at him and touched the sheets where it covered his legs, “I keep forgetting you’re new around her.” she shook her head, “I shouldn’t have shouted at you like that.”

It might of been the sight of her smile, which when splayed out on her face with her head leaning towards her made her look really cute, or the warmth and comfort of her hoof against his leg, but Artemis cheered up rather quickly.

Seeing him cheer up Twilight continued, “Anyway, I do have a bath, well actually its not a bath but more of a Jacuzzi.” she said tentatively, clacking her front hooves together and looking rather nervous.

Noticing her rather obvious nervousness he got rather intrigued, “what's wrong Twilight?” he asked.

“It’s that...” she looked around nervously and then leaned closer to Artemis, “I don’t want you to think i’m some sort of... Party Pony.”

Twilight said that last part with such shame that it was all Artemis could do not to just hug her.
Instead he simply questioned her.

“Party Pony?”

“You know, with all the drinking and sex and...” she looked even more distraught, “disregard for books.”

“Oh Twilight,” Artemis said, his urge to hug Twilight impossible to resist any longer, “I barely know you, but why would I ever think of you like that. There's nothing wrong with having a jacuzzi and i’m sure they are perfect for relaxing.” he smiled and gave her mane a little tussle.

“Anyway,” he said, noticing a small smile appeared on her face and slowly clawing his way out of the sheets which entangled him, “can you bring over the wheel chair please?”

Twilight, who no longer feared that he thought of her as some lout of a mare, obliged and retrieved the chair from the corner of the room to which it had rolled.

As Artemis slipped into his chair, Twilight went and opened the door, holding it open as Artemis rolled on past.

“Any of my clothes washed yet?” Artemis asked, “I doubt this second pair of clothes from Rarity are clean enough for another day’s wear,” he said pulling at his dirt encrusted shirt.

“Actually,” Twilight grinned, “both the first pair of clothes Rarity made for you and your original set are washed, dried, and ironed.” she answered rather pleased with herself.

“You can find them in the small cupboard beside the bathroom door,” she carried on.
“Anyway, you go and have a bath and I’ll make us some breakfast.”

“Um, Twilight...” Artemis said as Twilight started to head down stairs. “I think you are forgetting something,” he pointed at the staircase and his wheelchair.

She blushed rather embarrassed, “Oh right, sorry.” she said. Twilight went back up to Artemis and surrounded him with a field of magic, “It’s a good thing it’s easier to take you down than bringing you up,” she uttered as she staggered downstairs, helping Artemis down.

As they reached the ground floor Artemis turned to Twilight, “Thanks very much for that.”

Twilight was panting exhausted, “It’’s no problem” was all she said before collapsing to the ground. Artemis took this as his queue to go and have a bath.

Artemis eventually found the bathroom, and looking to the side of the door he did indeed find a small cupboard, although small was a bit of an overstatement, it was blooming tiny, in fact it barely had room to contain two sets of clothes. Artemis sighed, well at least he had clean clothes, and he would have to ask Twilight about such a small cupboard later, right now he needed to have a bath and breakfast before Rarity came.

-x-

Artemis exited the bathroom a mere 40 minutes later, feeling clean and refreshed and sporting the first set of clothes Rarity had made for him. He felt that wearing a pony made set of clothes in Equestria would be better. Besides, the clothes made by Rarity were far more comfortable and more fashionable than anything he had ever owned, he decided.

As Artemis rolled his way towards the kitchen he could smell the tell tale scent of Spike’s cooking, and sure enough he found Spike cooking up some eggs, tomatoes and mushroom. Looking for Twilight, Artemis continued into the dinning room and he found her sitting there eating some toast and a cup of coffee at her hooves.

Hearing Artemis squeak into the room, Twilight looked up from her plate and smiled, “You look much more awake,” she said and then sniffing the air, “smell more pleasant too,” she gave Artemis a cheeky grin.

Artemis rolled right up to her and gave her a dig in the ribs, “You’re just lucky you can run away at the moment.” he threatened, his mouth also turned into a cheeky grin, “I see you’ve perked up after that collapse, thanks again by the way.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied rather cheerily. “I do think however we need to make some alternate arrangements for this week.”

“hmm?” was all Artemis said as he was busy looking into the kitchen at what spike was cooking, his mouth drooling at the smell.

Twilight sighed, the smell was intoxicating for her as well but this was something they needed to talk about. She sighed and grabbed his face with her forelegs and turned him to face her, bringing him out of his trance.

To Twilight’s credit, that was a very effective way to get his attention, the sudden heat of her body, and the softness of the fur on her legs causing him to not only blush but snap straight to attention.

“This is serious Artemis,” she said with his full attention, “I can’t just keep dragging you upstairs, it’s not fair to you or me, I mean what do you do if you need to go out for some reason in the middle of the night?”

Artemis thought for a second then agreed, “I guess you're right, I can’t expect you to keep taking me up and downstairs, I’m your guest, I shouldn’t be a burden.”

Twilight shook her head, this human’s concern touching her, “You’re not a burden Artemis, it’s just, I don’t think I can do it every morning and night, and what if I’m not here to help you? No I think its best we see if somepony has a spare downstairs room to house you in.”

“hmm you’re probably right,” Artemis said, “but I’ll miss that bed, even after only two nights of sleep, it’s really comfortable.”

Twilight grinned, “Thanks, but it’s nothing special, besides i’m surprised I’ve not woken you up with a late night study session.”

“Meh,” he replied, “I guess the beds that comfortable, or i’ve been that tired. Perhaps it’s all the clean air out here.”

All of a sudden Artemis’ stomach gave a loud rumble, he looked down embarrassed. Luckily Twilight didn’t think much of it, simply giving a chuckle and calling out to Spike.
“Breakfast nearly done yet Spike? I think Artemis is a little peckish.”

“Just dishing it up now Twilight,” the dragon called back, “Can he wait a minute?”

Artemis’ stomach gave another rumble, causing Artemis to go bright red in the face and to make Twilight fall of her chair in laughter.

“I don’t think so,” she snorted, getting up from the floor still snorting with laughter, however that soon died down when she saw Artemis’ face.

Twilight suddenly felt really ashamed of herself, admittedly she had been laughing rather innocently, but even that innocent laughter was embarrassing her friend. Quickly thinking of a way to cheer her friend up she sighed and launched herself at Artemis, wrapping her legs and hooves around him she embraced him in a near bone crunching hug.

“Oh Artemis I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” she said as she sent her, Artemis and the wheelchair across the room and narrowly missing spike who was somehow balancing three rather tasty fried breakfasts into the room.

Unfortunately the sudden full body contact only embarrassed Artemis more and his face looked like it would almost burst.
Luckily for Artemis, his blood vessels were saved with Spike breaking the tension with a shout.
“Careful you two, You almost knocked me over, and I am not cooking a second time.” he shouted rather grumpily, setting the food down on the table.

Twilight turned her head to face Spike without letting go of Artemis, “Sorry Spike, guess I forgot his chair would roll back.”

“Yeh well, you owe me ice-cream next time,” the small dragon stated, starting to tuck into his breakfast.

“Um Twilight,” Twilight was brought back to the fact she was hugging Artemis, “Can you let go please, I have some breakfast I want to eat before it gets cold,” he said, giving twilight a slight poke in the ribs.

“Oh right,” she said letting go of Artemis and going back to her seat as Artemis rolled forward to eat his breakfast. Twilight felt stupid, she had tried to cheer him up and all he did was brush her off, she had a good mind to go off in a strop until she felt a hand at her shoulder. It was Artemis.

“Thanks for the hug by the way, I appreciate the sentiment.”

Nothing else was said for the rest of breakfast, all three too busy stuffing their faces to talk.

Eventually the monotonous sound of chewing and swallowing was broken by a knock at the door.

“Ahh I guess that will be Rarity,” Artemis said, and he hurriedly finished the last of his breakfast before turning to Spike, “thanks for breakfast.”

“No problemo,” Spike replied with a mock salute.

Next Artemis turned to Twilight, “Seeya this evening,” he said quickly before wheeling towards the front door.

“Have a good day and stay safe,” Twilight called after him before turning her mind to the breakfast plates.

Artemis soon reached the door however he was confused since he couldn’t see a shadow behind the doors window. That's strange he thought to himself and opened the door.

At first he couldn’t see who had knocked the door, that was until he heard an excited gasp from below his viewing height and looked down to see a little filly with a white coat and a two toned mane. He instantly recognized the filly as Sweetie Bell, Rarity’s little sister.

For a second Sweetie Bell stared at Artemis before she called back to a worn out Rarity who was only just traipsing up the path, it appeared the excited filly had ran ahead.
“You’re right Rarity he does look strange.” she called, turning Rarity a bright shade of crimson.

“Sweetie Belle! What have I told you about being rude?” the crimson Rarity exclaimed as she got closer to Sweetie Belle and Artemis.

“But sis I was only saying what you...” however, Artemis didn’t get to hear the rest of the sentence as Sweetie Belle was magically lifted out of earshot.

Rarity finally reached Artemis, “Sorry about her,” she said, “Sweetie Belle can be a bit insensitive.”

By now Artemis himself was red faced, but not from embarrassment but from laughter.
“It’s ok Rarity, really, I’m not surprised more ponies have commented on my strange appearance.” Well not in earshot anyway Artemis thought to himself.

By now Sweetie Belle had caught back up to Rarity and Artemis and came into the conversation looking rather sheepish, “Sorry mister,” she said while looking rather pitifully at her sister.

Artemis looked down at the little filly, his gaze causing Sweetie Belle to shake for few seconds before he spoke.
“Sweetie Belle is it?” he asked and the filly nodded, “Well then Sweetie Belle, it’s ok really it is,” he said with a grin, “I remember being like you at that age.”

Upon hearing she wasn’t in any sort of trouble, Sweetie Belle perked right up. “It’s really nice to meet you mister Artemis sir,” she said and she leaped up onto Artemis’ lap. She landed with thud drawing an ‘oomph’ from Artemis.

Before Rarity could object, Artemis gave Sweetie Belle’s mane a little tussle drawing a small blush from the filly’s features, “so what are we up to today Rarity?” he asked. “Twilight didn’t really know.”

Rarity opened her mouth, but before she could speak she was interrupted by the excited sweetie belle, “We’re going gem hunting.” the filly said jump up and down on his lap, barely avoiding his injured legs.

Rarity, devoid of her grand announcement looked rather annoyed but then her features softened, “Yes we are indeed going gem hunting,” she confirmed, “I have a large order of clothes for Canterlot and I need to get supplies, hope its ok?”

Artemis smiled, “of course it’s alright, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Well...” Rarity began, “it’s hardly exciting work.”

“And Dirty,” Sweetie Belle screamed excitedly, causing Rarity to look disgusted “I love the Dirt, it has so many uses.”

Rarity sighed, “Sometimes little sister, I really don’t think I'm related to you.”

Sweetie Belle laughed, rather cutely “Oh Rarity don’t get your mane in a twist. Why are you so afraid of dirt anyway? It’s harmless.”

“Harmless? Harmless! Oh Sweetie Belle you have a lot to learn about fashion.”

Artemis finally found his way into the conversation, “Rarity, the whole point of today isn’t to do something exciting it’s to spend time with you, I mean you guys are looking after me and I barely know you guys.”

Rarity blushed, “you really want to get to know us?” She asked.

“Well I guess you’re my friends now, so yes” he smiled, his sarcasm carrying over to Rarity but passing straight over Sweetie Belles head.

“Am I a friend,” the young filly questioned him, batting her eyelids.

Artemis really didn’t know what to say, but as he stared into her wide open eyes he realized there was only one thing he could say “Of course you are.” Upon hearing those words Sweetie Belle had a large happy smile, and she excitedly jumped up off Artemis’ lap and down towards Twilight’s gate.

“Come on you two, we got gems to collect.” she called behind her.

As Rarity and Artemis began to head down the path towards her, Artemis turned to Rarity,
“So what’s she doing with us today?”

Rarity looked rather indignant at that question, “Have you got a problem with her coming with us huh? and just after you said she was a friend.” she humphed and started to walk away angrily. However, before she could get away Artemis grabbed onto her tail. She turned to face him.

“It’s nothing like that Rarity,” he replied, “I just thought she would have school today.”

“Oh really?” she thought to herself for a moment and blushed, “Sorry for that little outburst, I guess being an Artist leads one to get a bit carried away.” she giggled a bit before carrying on, “Usually she would be, but...” she looked at her sister who they had now caught up with, “she had a bit of an incident with paint yesterday and was told to have the day off, to think about what she had done.”

Sweetie Belle looked downcast as they came to a halt just outside the path to the tree house.
“It wasn’t my fault, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara started it.”

Rarity sighed, “I know sis but you should behave yourself, after all a proper Lady rises above the actions of riffraff.”

Artemis turned to Rarity and asked, “Is this a regular occurrence?”

However, before she could respond Sweetie Belle responded, “yeah but you get used to her boring talking about being a lady eventually.”

This unexpected outburst not only caused Artemis to burst into a fit of laughter, but also brought a chuckle to Rarity’s face.

“Oh sweetie,” she chided, however all sense of threat was lost because of her laughter.

After the laughter died down Artemis spoke up, “so where we heading?”

Rarity dried her eyes and regained her composure before answering, “We are going to the western fields, I don’t usually go there but I this morning I felt my horn pulling me there and I am sure I’ll find the gems I need there.”

Artemis was sure there was an innuendo in their but he refused to look.

“Anyway,” Rarity said, taking position behind Artemis so as to push, “Lets get going, we have a lot of gems to find and only a day to do it.”

With that Sweetie Belle jumped up back onto Artemis’ lap obviously wanting to avoid walking all the way there, and they set off towards the western fields.
-x-

A little while later Artemis was sitting in the middle of a field, surrounded by holes and with a lap full of gems as the two sisters went around with Rarity finding gems, and Sweetie Belle who was not so afraid of dirt doing all he digging.

He sighed, it was almost noon and he had done very little besides sitting and watching the two sisters run around, search for gems and occasionally play around. Other than to dump the gems onto his lap, they had seemingly ignored him for the most part, not that he blamed them. It was such a beautiful sunny day, and besides, the two probably didn’t often get chance to play together what with school, Rarity’s work and the amount of saving the world that happened around here.

Still, Artemis couldn’t help but feel all alone.

With nothing but his thoughts to occupy Artemis just sat there staring at the sisters frolicking about. Suddenly a thought struck him, something he hadn’t thought about in nearly a week, his brother, his family. He felt dreadful, how could he have not thought about them for so long? Sure he was in a strange land surrounded by ponies but he should’ve at least thought about them once.

Now that he had thought about them, the flood gates came tearing down, oh how he missed them. Not that he wanted to rush back home.

As he sat there thinking about home, unknown to him, he had began to hum a tune.
He only became aware of this fact when a tired Rarity and Sweetie Belle came over to him and Sweetie Belle brought him to his senses, “That's a lovely tune you were humming there Artemis.” she said.

Artemis shook his head and took stock of what she just said, “oh, you really think so?”

“Yes I do,” she said again, her eyes bright and cheery despite her morning's work. “what's it called?”

Artemis, ashamed that he had been caught humming blushed and said “I don’t quite remember.”

However, Sweetie Belle was not to no for an answer, “Oh come on Artemis, I’m sure you do, there’s no need to be embarrassed I sing all the time.”

Artemis sat silent for a minute with the filly batting her eyelids again, realizing it worked earlier so it might work again now. Eventually Rarity piped up, “Oh come on Artemis darling,” she said, using the fact that Twilight told him he blushed when she called him that to his advantage. “Why can’t you tell us? besides Sweetie’s such a great singer, you should consider it a compliment that she is interested.” and Rarity joined her sister in pouting.

Eventually, after a short amount of time Artemis relented, the cute pony(dog?) eyes of Sweetie Belle, and the kind of sexy pout of Rarity proved too much.

“Fine...” he sighed, “the song I was humming is called home.”

“Home?” Sweetie Belle questioned, “That’s an interesting title.”

While Sweetie Belle sat there thinking about the song title, wondering it could mean, Rarity’s eyes opened wide with realization. “Oh you poor darling,” she said ignoring his blushes as she hugged him, “you’re missing your family aren’t you?” Artemis nodded glumly.

They sat there quietly for a minute, Rarity hugging Artemis tightly with her tail brushing against his feet, causing him to have a rather strange pleasurable feeling.

After Rarity finally let go, Sweetie Belle jumped back up onto Artemis’ lap her eyes again opened into their wide cuteness, “Maybe singing the song to us will cheer you up?” she suggested.

Now Artemis really wanted to refuse, while he loved singing himself he just couldn’t face singing in front of barely made friends. Still he thought to himself that it would be harder to endure their gazes, especially Rarity’s sexy pout since his foot was still tingling from where her tail had been swishing against it.

Reluctantly he agreed, “Fine.”

As both of the sisters sat there with baited breath Artemis began.
“Another summer day, has come and gone away.
In Paris and Rome, But I wanna go home.” He opened up, his voice rather dry and husky but otherwise ok and so he continued.

A few minutes later Artemis reached the end of the song,
“... It will be alright.
I’ll be home tonight.
I’m coming back home.”

As he finished, Artemis noticed that both of the ponies were now lying in the grass their mouths agape. He also noticed to his surprise that Rarity’s eyes were filled with tears and Sweetie Belle’s gaze was filled with awe.

It was Rarity who spoke first filling the awkward silence, “Darling that was just...” she could barely speak but she managed to choke back the tears long enough to finish, “beautiful.”

Next Sweetie Belle spoke, “Yes Artemis that was amazing, I bet singing is your special talent.” This was said so sincerely that Artemis nearly cried himself, he couldn’t believe that someone that good at singing would compliment him.

“Thanks both of you,” he sniffed. “That means a lot to me,” and he gave them both a large hug at once. This large display of affection caused Rarity to burst into a large fit of tears, and fall back recline on a sofa which had appeared impossibly exclaiming.

“This is the BEST POSSIBLE THING.”

At the same time the hug just caused Sweetie Belle to blush and giggle profusely.

The next few minutes were spent with Sweetie Belle returning the favor and singing to Artemis some local Equestrian tunes, which were popular with her and her friends, while waiting for Rarity to recover.

After Sweetie Belle finished her third song, titled ‘Rainbow Tonight’ both she and Artemis checked over to see if Rarity had recovered. What they saw astounded them, Rarity was not only completely recovered, but was sat on her sofa wearing not only a large summer hat but reading a magazine and on the ground in front of her was a fabulous spread of food.

Noticing that the singing had stopped she gazed over at them while peering over the top of her glasses. “Finally you guys are finished, I’ve been waiting like forever.” she exclaimed waving her hooves in the air like an actor trying to ham it up for an Oscar.

“Rarity...” Sweetie Belle started to say, her face bright red with embarrassment. However before she could continue she was interrupted by Rarity.

“Oh calm down sister, am I the only one not allowed to impress Artemis with their talents.” she said winking quickly to Artemis over her glasses which made him blush.

Artemis was so busy blushing at Rarity who he was sure was intentionally fanning her tail at him to make him embarrassed that he missed the small filly saying. “Sisters.”

Despite the extreme awkwardness of the situation, all three of them were acting normal again in seconds, Artemis thought about it for a second and realized it must have had to have something to do with all the food, not that he was complaining, he just wanted to eat.

Lunch for the most part was a fun affair, heaps of food and just general larking about, the climax being Sweetie Belle being covered in blueberry pie.

However, there was one point of awkwardness when Rarity asked Artemis a question.
“Artemis, What are your family like?”

Artemis looked up from the piece of carrot cak he was eating confused, “huh?”

“Your family, what are they like?” she asked again, “Do you have any brothers or sisters? and what do your parents do?”

Artemis sighed, he expected he must of had to answer that question one day, but it was a hard question to answer, not least since he had to remember he was so very far away. Still it was worth it not to have to put up with ‘those’ looks again.

“Well...” he started but struggled to continue, until Sweetie Belle jumped up on his lap and began to do her face again, “I have one brother, who is four years younger than me and is massively into sports. I guess he is a bit like Rainbow dash in that respect.” Rarity and Sweetie Belle looked at him expectantly.

“And your parents?” Sweetie Belle piped up.

“My mum is unemployed, but she loves cooking and my dad is a vicar.”

“A what?” the little filly asked, both her and Rarity looked confused.

“I don’t know how to explain it to you, I guess it’s similar to a priest if you have them.”

“So you mean some sort of spiritual adviser?” Rarity questioned.

“I guess that's the best way to put it.” he said smiling, glad they had something similar in Equestria.

“Well your family definitely sound interesting, but the way you talked about your brother liking sports...” Rarity tried to think of the correct way of wording what she wanted to say. “Well, it just sounds like you don’t. I mean I don’t love them myself but I see the importance in keeping fit.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of physical Activities. I just find most earth sports boring, I guess I’m rather Twilight in that respect.” he said.

Rarity laughed and reached over and poked Artemis in the chest, “I guess in more ways that you admit.”

Artemis joined in the laughter, he was annoyed but he knew Rarity was joking. He hoped anyway.
“yeh I know, so whats up with your family? what is your family like apart from your sister here?” he gave Sweetie Belle’s mane a tussle.

“Well out Parents are always traveling,” said the little filly, “They always seem to have so many adventures, but I miss them.” The filly frowned as she realized how she missed her mum and her dad.

Rarity embraced her sister in a hug, “They always come back every so often, and when they do they always bring back a special gift.”

“Yeh, I guess so.” the filly said starting to smile again.

-x-

Soon lunch was eaten, all three had had their fill of food, and the afternoon continued in much the same way as the morning.

However there was one small difference, Rarity and Sweetie Belle made sure to try and include Artemis a lot more, not leaving him at one side but taking him around the field with them.

By evening the pile of gems on Artemis’ lap was simply huge, Sweetie Belle was covered in dirt from head to toe and Rarity didn’t know whether to hug her for her efforts or give her a bath first.
Eventually the lesson Rarity had long learnt about caring for her sister won out and thus when Rarity, Artemis and Sweetie Belle all reached Carousel Boutique both ponies were in need of a large bath.

As they entered the boutique Rarity turned to Artemis, “Could you please take those gems to the back room,” she pointed to the room where mere days before she had accosted Artemis, “you should find a chest which should be unlocked, the gems should be fine there. That will give me time to run me and Sweetie a bath.”

“Sure Rarity, then I’ll be out of your mane.”

“What do you mean darling?” she asked.

Artemis blushed at being called darling again, “well, I’ve had a really fun day with you two,” now it was Rarity’s turn to blush. “However, I guess I should head back to the library.”

“Oh I wouldn’t hear of it Darling, not yet anyway, you’re staying for dinner.” and she stomped her hoof down to emphasize her point.

Artemis looked at her, and realized he really couldn’t turn down the offer without causing offense, not that he wanted to leave her, he had genuinely had tons of fun today, but he had to head back to the library to find out where he was staying for the next few days.

“Well ok, I can’t turn down such a generous offer, but you’ve done plenty for me today already Rarity.” Rarity’s blush got deeper, “But I do have to leave soon after, I need to find where I’m staying for the next few days.”

“What do you mean? I thought you were staying with Twilight.” Rarity asked

“I was, I mean I am but my room in Twilight’s is upstairs and its a lot of hassle getting up and down so she was going to find me somewhere to stay for the next few days.”

“Oh,” Rarity looked down heartened, “well i would have you stay here but my spare room is upstairs. Anyway I’ll make sure you get home in plenty of time, but you are staying for Dinner.”
Her eyes taking on the sheen of demonic hellfire.

“Ok,” a slightly scared Artemis said, “I’ll stay for dinner.”

“good, now darling can you go put those gems away and I’ll go and get Sweetie Belle and I sorted with our baths.”

With that Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who was looking at dresses the entire time, went up stair, and Artemis who was blushing went to put those gems away without thinking about Rarity in a bath.

Twenty minutes later, Artemis was still assigning gems into various compartments. Apparently Rarity had neglected to mention the fact that all the gems had been colour coded inside the chest. It was tedious work but he was going to do it to the best of his abilities.

All of a sudden Artemis felt a hoof tap him on a shoulder and he span his wheelchair around to sight of Rarity standing there in a full crimson evening gown, one of her own creations he had to guess. Apparently he must of been sitting there open mouthed because next thing he knew Rarity was closing his mouth with her mouth saying “I take it you like?”

Artemis could only nod and stare.

Rarity smiled and blushed “I’m glad you do, I thought it would make more sense to go out to eat, I’m far too tired to cook, besides I’m not much of a cook at the best of times. Is that ok?”

Artemis who hadn’t tried any of the restaurants in town was worried they wouldn’t carry much for him but consented anyway.
-x-

Two hours later a rather content and well filled Artemis squeaked through the doors of the Library, his ears instantly filled with the sounds of shouting.

“He can’t stay with ya sugar cube, after all with all your critters someone is bound to get injured.” came the southern drawl which could only be Applejack.

“But, um well, he needs a lot of care and attention. You can hardly give him that you’re out in the fields all the time...” the timid voice of Fluttershy squeaked.

After this, the room fell into silence as all three ponies: Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy turned to face Artemis.

“Ahh Artemis, you’re home.” Twilight quickly said before the situation could get awkward, “How was your day?”

“It really good,” he responded, “Rarity isn’t a bad pony to spend time with, if a bit over dramatic.”

Applejack chuckled, “Yeh that’s our Rarity alright.”

“So what’s going on here then?” Artemis asked, looking at all three ponies, “Bit late for a social call.”

“um, we were trying to decide...” Fluttershy said her voice becoming an inaudiable squeak towards the end.

“What she means to say sugarcube is that we ah trying to decide where you should stay, with me.” she swept her hat off proudly indicating to herself, “or with Fluttershy.” who hid her blushing face under her wings as Artemis looked at her.

“Wait a minute so you’re arguing over who gets me?” he asked and all three ponies nodded, well Fluttershy’s was more of a full body shake but Artemis took it for a nod. “and both of you actually want me?”

“Yes siree sugarcube,” Applejack replied, “Why would we argue it another angle?”

“Well I’m just used to people saying you take him when arguing over me, not i’ll take him.”

Fluttershy removed her face out from behind her wings and had a look of pity on her face, “oh Artemis, of course we want you.” she smiled at the end creating a large squee.

“Anyway,” Artemis said, “what’s the problem with deciding where I go?”

“Well, they both want you to stay with them, and they both have valid reasons why you staying with them would be better for you.” she answered, but thought privately to herself, ‘or for them’ but chided herself for thinking that. All the time she had known them, they did all they could to put others first, so in all honesty they were most likely thinking of Artemis first.

“Hmm, why couldn’t I stay with one of them for three nights and the other for three nights.” Artemis suggested. The eyes of both Applejack and Fluttershy lighting up.

“That's a howdy good Idea Artemis, but gosh darn it who will you stay with first?” Applejack asked.

“Well if you’re that eager I guess it would be you.” Artemis said, causing Applejack to get really excited and causing Fluttershy to shudder and timidly run off into the night.

Artemis looked at the two ponies with a flabbergasted expression, what the heck was Fluttershy up to.
“Excuse me,” he said before wheeling himself off into the night to go after Fluttershy, leaving a bemused Applejack in the Library while Twilight sighed and went off to collect Artemis’ stuff ready to take over to Sweet Apple Acres.

Chapter 11 - The Lord

Well here it is you prayed or wished loudly enough so here it is, Its not long but its a mood setter. But beware for something Wicked this way comes.

Smoke and steam coiled around the chamber, the smell of coal and and the sound of metal on metal filled the air. The chamber was large, easily large enough to fit the Royal Canterlot palace and then some. The walls and the floor were cluttered with anvils and forges of various sizes, ponies at work at each one. The forges were fed with molten metal from a large furnace that hang in the air connected to the roof of the chamber, and which took up the vast majority of the free room left.

Large steel doors at one end of the chamber opened and figure of pure dusk entered the room. The figure descended a flight of stairs into the chamber, its very presence causing a trail of shadow in its wake.

The figure approached a large brown stallion who appeared to be in control down here.
The Stallion stood proud and tall above the other ponies who toiled in the hot environment. his armour which appeared as white as bone stood out in the half gloom.

“Toil harder you cretins!” The stallion shouted. “The lord demands his arms and they will taste blood soon, I do not think he would care it was yours they spilled, so toil harder!”

The figure of shadow approached the Stallion, its footfalls ringing out like thunder.
“General, I see you have not lost your touch with the slave folk.” it said. its voice slick with sycophantic pleasure.

Hearing himself mentioned the General turned round to see who dared interrupt him during such a crucial part of operation. Upon seeing the shadowy figure before him, he prostrated himself low to ground.
“Ah my Lord, welcome. I trust you see everything is as to your liking?”

“We shall see Tellus, we shall see.” the shadowy figures dark green eyes burned into the stallions soul and made him quiver, first names were never a good thing with the Lord.

“Production rates?” the Lord asked Tellus.

“50,000 blades; 10,000 bows; 100,000 bolts and 5,000 suits a day my Lord.” he answered, never once breaking contact with those cruel green eyes. The lord believed the breaking of eye contact a sign of cowardice, and cowardice was punished ever so severely here.

“Good Tellus, good. Keep it up. It seems your existence is not a disappointment to me.” The General let out a sigh of relief, “Not Yet.”

Tellus flinched, the Lord always cut into him more than the others. Still he had a job to do and he would not fail the Lord, he looked at his armour, and the remains of the last pony in his position who had failed the Lord. Failure was definitely not an option.

The Lord studied Tellus for a few precious moments, causing beads of sweat to form on the generals face, before retreating back up the steps and out of the chamber, the doors closing behind him. Tellus did not rise up until he was sure the Lord had gone, as soon as he was, he returned to yelling at the ponies “Work faster fools, or your bones shall join my armour.”

The Lord traveled the halls and chambers of his domain, nay prison with contempt. Still, he chuckled to himself, there was hope. If his plan could work, and with the years of planning there was little chance of failure, then soon he would be free to wreak a vengeance on those who had wronged him. Those fools who had stood in his way would perish, as would their children and their children’s children. None would escape his wrath.

Still, there was much work to be done, and if it was to work he would have to lend a personal hoof to the situation. It would not be easy and would take most of what scant power he could retrieve over the years. But soon, very soon he would be free. He could feel it in his very being.

Eventually the Lord reached his private chambers, a series of guards snapping to attention as he arrived. It approached the doors and with a flick of magic they swung open for it and the Lord went inside shutting and locking the doors behind itself.

The Lord looked around his chamber, the grandeur of black marble meeting his gaze and he felt anger rising up inside him. Those Ponies would pay extra for having the gall to taunt it with such glory in exile. Still the room served its purposes the Lord supposed.

The figure of shadow moved over to the single wooden object in the room, the only reminder of the Lord’s true home, a simple perch. Upon which sat a raven.

The Lord approached the raven, “I assume you have some good news to tell me Entrol? My wrath is easily aroused this night.”

The raven left its perch and fell towards the floor, its form shift as it did so until hooves landed with a clatter on the black marble and before the lord stood a wizened cloaked pony, its left foreleg clutching a stave.

“My lord, I bring you not good news.” the cloaked figure wheezed, “For I bring you the greatest news possible. I bring you the news you have craved since our interment began. A who-man has stepped foot in Eequestria.”

The Lord’s eyes lit up like fireworks and he gripped Entrol’s stave, his hoof shifting as it went becoming a claw which nearly broke the stave in two.
“Is it true?,” the hooded form of Entrol nodded, “then that means?”

“That the prophesy is on its course my Lord.”

“Excellent, then soon we shall be free. But one problem still remains.”

“Yes my Lord?”

The shadowy form of the Lord shifted again, it’s body changing to sharp edges and spikes as it’s anger took control, “The second part of the prophecy, will not our end come from that beast as well as our freedom.” the Lord spat.

Entrol giggled, it was a high pitched laugh like that of a mare or one you would receive off a clown at a circus. “I have a perfectly delicious plan my Lord, one which will involve the very breaking of Celestia and the elements themselves.”

The Lord smiled and laughed, his manic insane laughter joining the girlish giggles of Entrol. “My dear Entrol, this is joyous news indeed, if what you say can come to pass, then you shall be rewarded beyond any other.” The form of the Lord shifted again as joy began to overtake the anger it had previously felt and it took the form of a mighty Alicorn. “And,” he cackled again. “The Reign of Chaos will be Eternal.”

Chapter 12 - Day with Pinkie

Well here it is, chapter 12. Hopefully you guys like it. I need to hope a lot because the people I asked to pre-read it disliked it. Still I guess thats more to do with some grammar mistakes instead of story. I really want to write a Good HiE series which can make people realize it's not all crap. Anyway as of this publishing chapter two is being rewritten. So look froward to that.

Fluttershy was running down the road towards her cottage, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t know why she was crying, after all Artemis was within his right to choose Applejack before her. Still, after the cuddling session a few days before, and all the care she had shown him she would have thought he would have chosen her first.

As she ran her eyes filled with tears of sadness and of those drawn out by the wind, soon she could barely see and quickly tripped over her mane. Her body flew through the air and she skidded across the ground as she landed, cutting her body and causing feathers to fall out of her wings.

Some distance behind, Artemis saw the incident and pushed himself as hard as he could to reach the troubled Pegasus. He reached her just as she tried to rise upon her shaking legs and was able to grab her around the waist as she fell again.

He drew her close, holding her against his body. Sensing the warmth, she buried her head in his clothing, not caring who it was that was holding her. All she cared about was that she was wanted.

They sat like that for a while, tears running thick and fast staining Artemis’ clothing until the Pegasus could cry no more.
At last Fluttershy looked up to see who it was had came to her aid and felt bile rising up in her throat.

It was him, the one who had scorned her, had made her cry in the first place, she felt like striking him with a hoof. Yet she could not do it, it simply didn’t make sense. Why would someone who scorned her come out into the night, chase her and then pick her up when she needed it. She must of been missing something.

“You picked her.” she whispered moving her head closer to his ear. “Why did you pick her over me?”

Pick Applejack over Fluttershy? Artemis wanted to snort but held back.
“Fluttershy, I haven’t picked anyone over anypony.”

Fluttershy weakly smiled with that, “so you like me more?”

He frowned, “I.. I don’t like any of you more than another, your all... friends and that’s all that matters. Though I will admit you probably give better hugs than she can.”

Hearing that Fluttershy held him tightly pushing her muzzle against his neck as hard she could. She wanted to really hug him and even used her mane to tickle him. The fact he didn’t like one of them more than another wasn’t the best answer, but he didn’t like Applejack more; loved her hugs; and hesitated when saying friends. It was a decent answer, and it led her to believe there was stuff he wasn’t telling. Still she would know in time.

She shivered, and Artemis looked her over, she was in a state. There was no way after the care she had shown him he could leave her alone.
Carefully he managed to wheel them both back to the Library where a worried Twilight and Applejack came running out to meet them.

“Oh sweet Celestia, what’s wrong with ‘er?” asked Applejack, offering Artemis a threatening glare.

He was about to answer however Fluttershy answered instead.
“um... well... I was running and I... Kinda tripped... and Artemis here helped me.” she coughed, her voice no more than a whisper.

Twilight shined her horn over the injured Pegasus to study the injuries. She noticed only a few cuts and bruises, a couple a of lost feathers but nothing more.

“Well she seems ok,” the unicorn said and then transferred her Saddlebag to Applejack’s back. “I can take her home Artemis, and you can go with Applejack, all your stuff is in that saddlebag.” Twilight finished and started to levitate Fluttershy off his lap and onto her back, but Fluttershy clung on with a stubborn grip.

“Fluttershy, what’s wrong sugarcube?” asked Applejack, concerned for her friends unwillingness to go with Twilight.

“Mhmhmh,” Fluttershy responded, her normally barely audible voice further muffled by being buried in Artemis’ chest.

“What’s that?” Applejack asked again, pulling Fluttershy’s mane gently so as to allow her to speak freely.

“um... well... I said I want to stay with Artemis tonight. If that’s ok I mean?” she said, the last part aimed at no pony in particular.

“Well Sugar cube I ain’t got a problem with you staying at mine, but Artemis migh’ find it awkward with another Pony sleeping in the same bed as him.” Applejack replied.

Everypony looked at Artemis expectantly and his face turned red, really bright red. He himself had no real qualms with being in the same bed as another pony itself, but when this pony was Fluttershy and after what had happened that evening... Still he didn’t want to cause any problems and she was a friend in need of some company.

Eventually Artemis said, “Well... it’s ok, for one night at least.”

Fluttershy smiled and let out a massive Squee, well massive for Fluttershy anyway, and it cause Artemis to blush even more.

With the situation resolved to a degree everypony said good night and the three of them headed off towards sweet Apple acres.

When they arrived the farm looked dark and quiet.
“hmm, big mac must of already headed off to bed,” the farm mare said. “Well lets git on inside, just be quiet and try not to bump into anything in this here dark Artemis.”

Artemis sighed for a moment, thinking she was unfairly assuming his lack of skill with the wheelchair, that was until he saw the inside of the farm house. There was clutter everywhere.
Pans were strewn all over the floor and a couple of cupboards worth of ingredients were piled high at the foot of the large kitchen table. Artemis was about to ask what had happened when Applejack, noticing his expression, spoke.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, well two thirds of them anyway. Not as if living with one third of them is hard enough.” she sighed, “I hope Big Macintosh is ok.”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders? oh gosh they can be hoofful sometimes.” said Fluttershy now surveying the mess, “I hope nothing was broken Applejack.”

“Naw, ain’t nothing here a good hoof and a lot of effort can’t clean up, those girls better hope they have both.” she said, the look in her eyes made Artemis fear her for a brief second, until she returned to her natural friendly demeanor.

“Anyway Artemis, your room is through here,” she said, leading the way and clearing a path for the wheelchair.

The room she led them to was a simple room, a style inspired by being in a farmhouse, however the bed it contained was larger than the one at Twilight’s which was good. No way he and Fluttershy would fit in one that size.

Applejack yawned behind them, “Goodnight to ya both, I need to go an’ check on me brother. Seeya in the morning.” with that she left Artemis and Fluttershy alone in the dark room.

Artemis noticed a curtain at the side of the room, and in the darkness slowly made his way carefully towards it, he shifted it aside and was greeted by a large full moon in the sky which lit the room up. At least the room was easier to traverse now.

Fluttershy was quiet on his lap, her breathing slow and her eyes half shut, however she became far more active as his hands made to pick her up, instinctively wiggling to try and get free. “Fluttershy I’m just trying to move you onto the bed so I can get out of the chair” he said.

Fortunately he didn’t need to, as he said that Fluttershy shifted her wings and was soon sitting on the bed. Artemis wasn’t far behind her as he carefully leapt onto the bed, careful to not strike his legs against anything.

No sooner had he laid down did he feel a pair of legs wrap themselves around him, and Fluttershy bury her head against his neck.
“Thank you.” she whispered before becoming still, he assumed she was already asleep. In the process of embracing him, her mane had fallen over his face so he was surrounded by the scent of it.

Her mane smelt of open fields and country air, as well as the wild flowers in the field. It was definitely a sweet and comforting smell. For a moment Artemis wished he would never have to be without that smell, but he sighed and shook his head.

“Don’t be stupid.” he said to himself out loud, but quietly as not to wake Fluttershy. “You can’t feel anything for these ponies, not like that anyway. You’re a human and it would be much too weird.”

He sighed again, “Besides, even if I did feel anything for any of them, how would I decide between them. I wouldn’t know how to decide, beside it might make the whole situation far too strange. Nope better to not do anything.”

Artemis shifted his head and looked at Fluttershy’s face mere inches away from his, “you’re so cute” he said before wrapping his arms around her and giving her a little squeeze. Then he closed his eyes and was soon far asleep.

Unbeknownst to Artemis Fluttershy had been quietly awake all that time, too excited to sleep in his arms yet, she had heard the entire thing.

-x-

Artemis and Twilight were lying back on her bed, both breathing heavily and sweating profusely. “That was the best fun I have ever had doing that,” she said, “and Just think I didn’t read a book the entire time.”
She turned to Artemis and gave him a hug. “Thanks, I normally have to do that kind of thing myself.”

“Doesn’t Spike help you?” he asked.

“Sometimes, but he usually leaves me frustrated.” she sighed. “It was much better with you, I guess a general lack of experience makes it far more fun.” she nudged him with a hoof.

Artemis was rather embarrassed, “Hey I’ve done it before, just not with a pony.” he said trying to defending himself.

Twilight raised her hooves to her mouth and giggled, “Oh Arty, I was only teasing,” she said. Beside it’s payback for that time you tickled me.” and she jumped on top of him.
“But I never tickled you before that was a...”.

Artemis awoke his head pounding and chest aching, “dream” he whispered to himself.
He sighed, It may have only been a dream about him tidying the Library and Stacking the shelves with Twilight, but it was a fun one.

He suddenly felt another thump on his chest, ok so that hadn’t been part of the dream. In fact it was probably what had woken him up. He slowly opened his eyes to see a bright yellow filly with a red mane standing on top of his chest. She noticed his eyes were open and became really excited.

“Why hello mister, ‘bout time you woke up.” the filly said.
“Names Applebloom, an’ no need to tell me yours since ma sis told me it right before telling me to not come in here and wake you...” her voice trailed off as she realised what she had done. “consarn it.”

Applebloom leapt off his chest and onto the bed beside his head, she ran a hoof through her mane all the while looking rather embarrassed, “Sorry mister. I forget myself sometimes.”

“Its ok.” Artemis said, as he looked around and saw only Applebloom in the room with him, “I remember what it’s like to be young, well younger anyway. Do you know where Fluttershy is?” he asked her.

“Fluttershy?” she looked confused, “Why I ain't seen her in ‘bout a week. Why you asking?”

Artemis blushed, “No reason, must be still confused, still partially asleep.”

“It’s ok, I get that too sometimes, especially in class. Miss Cheerliee says that I could daydream for Equestria.”

Artemis chuckled, “So what you in here for? what got you so excited that you forgot Applejack told you not to?” he asked, rather honestly with no sense of menace, or at least he hoped no menace was in his voice. It seemed he was right since the filly just smiled and answered.

“oh that? Oh Just granny wanted to know what you wanted for breakfast.” she said.

Artemis was soon wide awake, the talk of food always grabbing his attention. As he hauled himself up and over to the edge of the bed he asked, “What choice is there?”

The excited filly jumped onto the floor and kindly brought the wheelchair over without asking, seeing what Artemis was about to do. “well there are Pancakes, waffles, muffins as well as toast.” she said, “no eggs I’m afraid though, Applejack ain't got back from the coop yet.”

Artemis swung himself into the chair and smiled at her, “It’s ok, I love pastries.”

He settled himself into his chair and followed the little filly into the kitchen, where the smell of various pastries was overwhelming. He looked over to the stove to see an elderly Pony cooking up some treats, “Heya Applebloom” she said as she looked over as they entered, “and our special guest, welcome to you too.”

“Nice to meet you too Granny Smith,” said Artemis bowing his head a little.
“mmm smells lovely.”

“Ooh aren't you the charmer,” the old mare said, “There's some pancakes and stuff already on the table, help yirself.”

Artemis wheeled himself over and started helping himself to some pancakes while Applebloom helped herself to some waffles.

-x-

Twenty minutes later Applebloom, Artemis, and Granny Smith were all sitting eating their breakfast when there came a crash at the front door. Despite her age, Granny Smith was rather nimble and was quickly over to the door.

Artemis continued to eat as he heard the door open and shut and granny pie returned followed by a grey mail mare.

“Artemis.” Ditzy shouted as she zoomed across the room, causing mess similar to the destruction the state had been in last night.
She embraced him in a hug. “Twilight told me I might find you here.”

Artemis was confused, “you were looking for me?”

“Yeh I got a letter to give you,” she said and rooted around in her sack for a minute before taking out a bright blue envelope. “Here you go, bit crumpled maybe but it’s all right.”
she handed him the enveloped before rooting around in her bag again. This time she withdrew a slight squashed box.

“This is for you as well.” Ditzy said as she handed him the box, “It’s slightly squished but should still be edible.”

“Edible what on earth are you on about?” Artemis asked.

“Just open it,” she said. nudging his arm gently with her fore hooves. He did as he was told and lifted the lid, inside was a slightly crushed mmmmm. He smiled.

“What is this for?”

“Well after you cheered me up the other day, I wanted to cheer you up after your injury. You’re a friend after all. Just tell me you will eat it now, I can’t stand muffins not being eaten.” She said. Artemis took her advice and scoffed it down, it was thick and tasty, but a look in Ditzy’s eyes made him not waste a second.

The muffin was the tastiest he had ever tasted, all the different flavours and textures. For a moment he regretted he had given that one to Ditzy, then he remembered how it felt to help her. Besides she was a nice pony, and clearly cared about her friends. Overall it had been worth it.

As he ate tears began to form in his eyes, and as he finished he pulled the surprised mail mare into headlock and gave her head a tussle. “Thanks Ditzy,” he said.

“It’s ok, I look after my friends. Speaking of which, you can call me derpy, all my friends do.”

“Doesn’t that name upset you?”

“Nah as I said to Twilight the other time, I understand I’m clumsy, it’s who am.” she said.

“Well as long as you want me to, I will.” he said, “Thanks again Derpy.”

Derpy removed herself from the headlock and turned towards the door, “Anyway I got to go, seeya around guys,” she said to everyone. And then winking to Artemis, “Seeya.” She was gone.

Artemis was left there feeling happy and turned back to his pancakes, Applebloom was sitting and drinking some juice. Granny Pie however was just sitting there and smiling. She stood up and walked up to Artemis, and said in a low enough voice for Applebloom to not hear her, “she likes you son.”

Artemis was taken aback. “you mean Derpy?”

“Ye’ that gal has a thing for ya,” she said and poked Artemis in the side with her hoof before returning to her breakfast. He felt something digging into his side where she had poked him, he looked down, it was the letter he had received a moment ago. It must of slipped his grip and fallen resting between him and the arm of the chair when Derpy handed him the muffin.

He picked it up and studied it, It as bright blue and as he turned it over he saw it was sealed with a white wax star. Interesting. He could feel that the envelope itself was made with a thick grade of paper, must be expensive.

He opened it, inside was a thick piece of card as well as 2 smaller laminated pieces of card. He picked them out and read the thick piece of card. It was also coloured Bright Blue and the background contained faint silver stars, like the envelope the card felt rather expensive.
On the front there was print which Artemis now read to himself.

‘The Great and Powerful Trixie extends her invitation and requests the presence of Artemis to come and see her perform live on 30th of june. Included are two backstage passes for you and one guest. Look forward to seeing you.’

Hmm this was most certainly interesting and proposed many questions. For starters how did Trixie know he was here and who he was. Also backstage passes? Since when was her show that big, last he had seen she was run out of town with a caravan. Artemis guessed she must of got more popular since then.

He turned over the card and reached for the laminated pieces of card and sure enough they were two passes in a similar style to the first piece of card, both complete with some sort of stamp which Artemis guess worked like a holographic authenticator seal back on earth.

He was just checking them over to make sure they were actually there and what they claimed to be when he heard a voice behind him, “Hey you’re up them Artemis. hmm what you got there?” It was Applejack, she came trotting in the back door accompanied by Big Mac.

“Oh these...” Artemis tried to hide them before anypony could see, after all Trixie wasn’t the most liked of ponies. Unfortunately Applejack scooped them up before he could try.

She studied it for a second before shouting. “Trixie? what is this bitch sending you an invitation for?”

Artemis was going to answer when Big Mac calmly replied to his sister. “I’m guessing it’s to go see her perform.”

“I know that! but why is she sending one to Artemis, how does she know who he is, or more importantly know he is here?”

She stared at Artemis and he shrank under her death gaze. “um.. well she didn't. she sent it to Twilight's originally.” he said sheepishly.

Applejack stared at him for a second trying to see if there was any trace of a lie. However, she seemed satisfied and placed the pieces of card back into his grip. “So you thinking of going?” she asked.

“I dunno, I mean I know she can be a bit arrogant, but it’s not everyday you get backstage passes to see a magic show like that. Besides maybe she learned some humility after what happened.” he said shrugging. “Besides who would I take?”

“Well don’t look at me,” she said, “I don’t want to see her again.”

“hmm, I’ll find someone, say when is the 30th?” he asked.

“30th? that's in four days time I think sugar cube.” she said.

“Four days? damn, I’m spending the day with one of you guys then. You know who it i?”

“I think it was Rainbow Dash.” she replied.

“hmm, anyway do you know who I have to spend today with?” he said.

“Oh that's easy, it’s Pinkie,” she said. And almost as if on queue, a particular pink party pony decided to prance through the door and pounce upon Artemis.

While everyone in the kitchen just stood and stared at what had happened, even Big Macintosh, Pinkie Pie just stood on Artemis’ lap as if the whole thing was quite natural.

“So you ready for today, Arty warty?”

Artemis was just sitting there stunned, the sudden appearance of Pinkie Pie plus the whole random ordeal kinda scared him. “I guess so.” he eventually said, “I mean what are we going to be doing.”

She stood there smiling and exclaimed “Cupcakes.” and for a second Artemis felt a shiver through his spine. He was sure she wasn’t some demented pony and that she meant baking, but still he couldn’t shake that story from his mind.

“Ok, I'm game for it.” he said.

“Oh this is going to be so excited Arty, I get to show you how to bake and make cupcakes and then we get to spend time eating them at the pa..” she quickly quietened. “But I've said too much already, lets go.” With that quickly went to wheel him outside, but not before Applejack slipped a piece of paper into his hand.

The next five minutes were spent whizzing through the streets of Ponyville at a pace which should have been impossible for any earth pony to achieve. Especially when pushing a rather heavy human and a wheelchair not designed for those speeds.

Artemis used this time to study the piece of paper Applejack had slipped him. It was a simple piece of paper folded in two, with the words “For Artemis’ Eyes only.” written on the front.
He thought back the urge to read it then and there, after all it was highly likely Pinkie Pie would see and he didn’t want to spoil the confidence of Applejack or whomever had written this. He slipped it into his pocket to read later.

Soon they got to Sugar Cube Corner, and before he knew what was happening, Artemis was in the kitchen with a apron already tied around him. Pinkie Pie was hopping up and down in front of him.

The rest of the morning was spent with Pinkie showing Artemis how to bake properly, which didn’t go so well. No matter what advice he followed, Artemis’ cupcakes always came out burnt, despite the fact that he even used the same ingredients and tools and measures and everything that Pinkie did, they even spent the same time in the oven.

Artemis looked distraught at his latest batch as it came out of the oven. He placed it with the rest of his burnt creations while Pinkie placed her perfect cupcakes with her ever growing pile.

“It’s ok Arty,” she said as she saw his face, “How about this afternoon we bake a huge chocolate cake together.” Her face was mere inches away from his, her mane tickling his nose. It smelled of strawberries, or bubble gum. He couldn't decide.

She held her face there a while, pulling faces as she did, eventually making him laugh.

“Yeh that cake idea sounds ok, I mean as long as you're helping what could go wrong.”

They quickly tidied away all their mess and went out to lunch, a cafe which Pinkie wanted to treat Artemis to. It wasn’t a large place, but it was cosy and Artemis could see why Pinkie Pie liked it, it was very art deco. Different colours were everywhere, it was very Pinkie.

“So Artemis, how are you enjoying your time in Equestria?” she asked as they waited for their lunch to arrive.

“It’s ok Pinkie, apart from my broken legs. But even that I guess is a good thing.”

Pinkie looked confused, “How are broken legs a good thing?”

“Well it allows me to spend a whole day with each of you.” he said, causing Pinkie to smile.

“Oh Arty, that so sweet. Speaking of sweet.” she said, nodding her head as the waiter came over with their orders. For Artemis, a huge plate of different kinds of vegetables. For Pinkie a plate of sugared orange.

Artemis watched as Pinkie devoured her food, the plate literally licked clean in seconds. It was kind of strange, but for some reason he thought to himself as he sat there that Pinkie looked rather cute when she smiled after eating.

He shook his head he promised himself last night he wouldn’t think like that.
“Are you ok Arty?” Pinkie asked, noticing his shaking head.

“Yeh I’m ok, just thinking.”

“Oh I do that sometimes,” she said, “It does hurt though.” Her face scrunched up imitating her pained thinking expression.

Artemis laughed. Causing Pinkie to laugh. Filling the whole cafe with laughter.

-x-

They got back to Sugar Cube Corner just after the lunchtime rush, which was lucky as it meant Pinkie wasn’t needed to help at the till.

To begin with the large chocolate cake went well, it was a lot longer to make that the cupcakes, Pinkie seemed obsessed with using a very hard and detailed recipe. However, eventually the cake started taking shape.

Finally they came to add a custom made chocolate sauce which appeared to consist at least six different chocolates, however as Pinkie picked up the bowl of sauce her tail began to twitch and the sauce went flying. Both Pinkie and Artemis tried to catch the bowl before it hit the floor, resulting in a mid air collision and both of them being covered with chocolate.

Artemis lay on the ground, Pinkie Pie apparently passed out on top of him, I guess it was his fault he kicked her in mid air. As he lay there, her weight pushing down on him, he couldn't help but look at her, how peaceful she looked when sleeping. Then there was the smell, the smell of bubble gum and chocolate. Her hair and face were plastered with some of the chocolate and for some reason Artemis found she looked rather nice like that, smelt lovely too. He found he just wanted to stay there and stare at her all evening, It helped he couldn’t get up due to her weight and a tingling in his leg where it had hit her.

After a while he found himself just wanting to lick the chocolate off her, no he mustn’t think like that. It didn’t help that her chocolate matted mane was tickling his face and filling his nostrils with that scent. Slowly he raised his hand and moved her mane away from him, as he did however, her eyes began to flutter and she started to stir.

“Huh? what happened?” she asked as she stirred, and then she noticed the chocolate and Artemis’ hand in her mane. She sighed, “You know Artemis I’m not ready for this kind of relationship.”

Artemis was stunned, “Huh? what?,” he noticed the situation and blushed, “Oh no it’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh so it doesn’t look like we tried to catch a bowl of chocolate and I passed out and trapped you and you were moving the hair out of your face innocently? what does it look like then?” she asked.

Artemis was yet again. “Thats exactly what it looks like, but what was that thing about a relationship?”

Pinkie Pie stood shakily up on her feet, helping Artemis back into his chair afterwards, “Oh, I was just joking silly billy Arty Warty. I love seeing you blush, you’re so cute when you do.”

Artemis blushed even harder and she flicked her mane against his face. “See, cute.”
He was left flabbergasted as Pinkie cleaned all her chocolate from herself, again wrapping herself in her tongue. As soon as she was finished she turned to Artemis, “Need any help cleaning yourself up?” she pointed to her tongue.

He shook his head, no way after what happened did he feel he could survive being wrapped in her tongue, all that would do is cause erotic thoughts which he wanted to not have at the moment. “It’s ok, I can clean up at Twilights later.”

Pinkie frowned, “Waste of chocolate, but ok.” she walked over to the cake. “Hmm it’s a shame it has no sauce, but it should do for the pa..” she stopped mid sentence noticing Artemis was there. “do for the purpose.” she finished nonchalantly. She added a whistle, it was almost as if the only way she could look more suspicious is if she was stroking Opaliscious and saying ‘Nice to meet you Mr Artemis.’

Artemis looked at the clock, noticing it was around five o’clock he said to pinkie. “I guess I need to get going now. Probably be having dinner soon at Applejack’s.”

“Oki Doki Loki, seeya later Arty Warty,” she said, sneezing and covering him with confetti as he left.

He was like that ten minutes later when he got back to Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Applebloom both roaring with laughter at his chocolate and confetti covered appearance.

-x-

Later that evening, Artemis was clean and wearing his second pair of clothes from Rarity, his first pair drying on a line outside the house. He really needed to buy some more from her, but first he needed his legs repaired and start doing work.

He was sitting playing an equestrian game of snap, which Granny Smith was trying to teach him with her and Big Macintosh, when Applejack came up to him. “Artemis, sugarcube, you mind coming with me to Sugar Cube Corner?”

He was blushing again from being called sugarcube, but why did he need to go with her. He guessed she would have a valid reason, something she needed him to carry. “Sure I’ll come along.”

Applejack smiled and led the way, opening the front door for Artemis. Then taking pole position again he followed her to Sugar Cube Corner. He couldn’t help but look at her flank, in the sunset she did look rather beautiful. He blushed again, yet again he was thinking like he promised himself he wouldn’t he sighed.

When they got the bakery, he was really confused, it looked shut all its lights off. “Um, Applejack you sure anyone is there?” he asked.

“Oh sure as sugar, just go on in.” she said and gave him a large push through the front door.

For a second he just sat there, in the dark silence of the bakery. Until... The lights came on and it seemed the whole of Ponyville Jumped out and yelled “Surprise!”

Artemis was stunned speechless and Pinkie came over to him. “You like?” she asked, bouncing excitedly on the spot, the four other friends were behind her. He could see that Fluttershy was hiding her face and refusing to look at his direction. That was strange.

He turned back to Pinkie. “Of course I like. But what is this party for?”

“Itsyourwelcometoequestriaandhopeyourlegshealsoonparty.” she said in a long stream without a breath, no longer able to contained her excitment.

She took his look of stunned amazement as a signal and yelled, “Lets party everypony!”. With that sound started blaring and he noticed in a corner there was DJ-PON3 with her equipment. Pinkie had spared no expense.

Artemis took his time to explore the party, all his close friends he had made here were having fun, Rainbow and Rarity playing pin the tail on the pony. Applejack was apple bobbing, and Twilight was doing a very awkward dance with Pinkie Pie on the dance floor. He saw all the cupcakes they had baked that morning piled high along with plenty of other treats. Artemis helped himself to some punch while making sure gummy wasn’t lying inside the bowl.

He didn’t see gummy, but he did hear crying which seemed to come from the back room, looking around he didn’t think anyone else could here so he went alone to deal with it. He hoped no one would miss him.

In the back room, where the cakes kept all their ingredients was Fluttershy, crying.
He went up to her and tried to comfort her, she flinched at his touch but when she noticed it was him she smiled and settled down. “um I guess you got my note.” she said...

Chapter 13 - Coco Bell

It was a cold, wet, windswept day. A small pegasus was flying over the forest below with determination. This particular pegasus was a milk chocolate colour with a dark chocolatey mane. Her name was Coco Bell and she had a mission. She had been escorting her friends to the front lines when Changelings attacked, she had stopped to fend them off while her friends went on ahead. She hoped they were ok.

Her fight with the Changelings had been successful but she had suffered a few scratches as well as a cut to her left wing, so her flying was unstable and took her a lot longer in the wind than it otherwise should.

As she neared the edge of the forest and the grass plains it boarded she heard the clash of metal on metal upon the wind. Her friends were alive at least. She reached into her saddle bag and withdrew a necklace. It was a peculiar trinket, fashioned of what appeared to be gold and had a single gem the shape of a butterfly attached to the front. The friend who had given it to her told her it was called an element, of what she did not know, but it had saved her life on several occasions recently. She was grateful for it, and was glad it was safe.

She was told it was necessary for what was to come and shuddered. The prospect of the fight to come didn’t fit well with her, and no amount of magical necklaces, rings or tiara’s would make her feel safe.

Coco Bell saw a large blue spear of light in the distance, she chuckled. Starswhirl had always been a gifted unicorn. It was he after all who had managed to, procure the elements for them to use. Thinking back to how they obtained them, it was risky, but he had said they were the only way to rid the world of the evil it had been enduring.

She got got closer to the sound of the fighting and could just make out her five friends surrounded by a mixture of ponies and shadowlings. Sighing she wondered what her friends got themselves into. She put on her necklace and sped up. One of the interesting effects of the necklace was that she could tap into it and feed herself energy, this she did now as she hurtled towards the battle, a cone of heat forming around her. She drew herself in, increasing the aerodynamics of her body and forced herself onwards.

She timed it just perfect and broke the barrier surrounding her, erupting into a sonic rainboom, just as she hurtled into the enemy forces. It was a peculiar ability she had, and as far as she knew she was the only one who could perform it. As it erupted around her, the force knocked many of the enemy to the ground. She zipped through the ranks of the forces around her attacking any who stood in her way at break supersonic speeds.

She could hear her friends cheering as she zoomed past. One friend in particular was her friend Sapphire Spark, a strange unicorn with the ability to zip around the place at will, which Coco could tell she was using between her giggles as enemy troops ran into each other.

“Yahoo,” the Blue unicorn with pink hair screamed as she tricked two more shadowlings to collide before zapping them with a bright blue bolt of lightning. “I can see the Coco-alvary has arrived.”

“Sapphire, can you please focus.” came the studious voice of Papyrus Reed, a green earth pony colt who spend most of his time reading books. “Even with the elements I only predict a 85% chance of success. We need all the focus we can get.”

Coco smiled, her friends were all crazy, but she loved them for their differences. She looked ahead of her in time to avoid a huge spout of flame. The flame cut a huge swath of destruction in the enemy ranks. She followed it back to its source and saw her friend Dragon Fire floating there, her fiery mane being whipped around lethally as she hovered in the air. She smiled, about time Dragon had a use for her constantly life threatening birth defect.

As Coco flew ahead a large brute of a Shadowling stepped in front of her, she tried to maneuver out of the way, but her injured wing and her velocity made it impossible. She collided with the Shadowling with a sickening crunch and fell to the ground. She sat there dazed as he picked her up by her back legs. Dangling there, her wings flapping in a mad attempt to free herself she noticed the beast prepare to swing a large spiked steel club.

She closed her eyes expecting the inevitable demise, but no pain came. Instead she saw a bright streak of blue and felt the beasts grip on her weaken. She flapped like a mad mare and soared into the sky as the beast toppled over. She looked down and saw a that the head had been removed, the wound cauterized by the magic. Coco looked over to Starswhirl who was standing triumphant at the shadowlings feet. “Always have to save your life Coco.” he chuckled looking up at her. “Seriously I think the stress you cause me will turn my beard white.”

She laughed, it did always seem like he was saving her life from one thing or another. Gazing down at the unicorn who was now fending off waves of ponies she started to laugh. He was an arrogant colt, as stubborn as a mule, but he was powerful. Not to mention some of the theories he had on magic had started to earn him some fame. Even at such a young age. She wondered if it was his new views on magic that had allowed him to understand the abilities of the trinkets they all bore, his tiara obvious on his brow.

She laughed again, the absurdity of one of the most powerful unicorns she knew using a tiara to help fight his battles. She shook her head, realizing what she had just seen, If Starswhirl was using his tiara then he battle was far more important than she had thought. Better take it more seriously.

Choco paused for a second, scanning the battle below. She could see each of her friends holding their own, for now. Taking a moment's respite to recover from her less than cautious entry she scanned the horizon, her keen eyes picking out dark shapes in the distance.

Her heart froze. This was not good, not good at all. In the distance was large military force, and heading it was... Him. She cursed, the forces below them must have been a scouting party of sorts. She drew more power from her element. Starswhirl had cautioned them that to do it often was to invite doom, whatever that meant. Still this was important, if they didn’t finish this small skirmish soon they were definitely doomed.

Coco took stock of the battle, rising in the air as she went. It was time, it seemed, for her experimental move. The sonic flash. She prepared herself and dived straight at the ground.

Chapter 14 - The Party

“Um, I guess you got my note?” Fluttershy said, her voice strained and her face stained with tears.

Artemis felt into his pocket and pulled out the piece of paper he received from Applejack earlier that day. “Actually Fluttershy, I haven't had time to read it yet...” But he didn’t get time to say anymore as she rose up from the floor and tore past him crying.

“What the hay was that about?” said somepony behind him. He turned around and saw Rainbow Dash floating in the doorway tapping her hoof, waiting for an answer to her question.

Artemis quickly stuffed the note into his pocket, determined to read it later. Honestly he answered, “I have no clue, I just came in here after hearing somepony crying, asked her what was wrong and she tore off.”

Rainbow thought to herself for a minute, “Hmm strange, but then again Fluttershy does tend to overreact. I guess it was probably nothing to worry about, but still...” she eyed him suspiciously poking him with a hoof. “I have my eye on you, you be careful around me mister.”
He nodded.

With that said and done, she left the room and went zooming out of the bakery chasing after Fluttershy, causing quite a commotion and a large amount of mess. The room was quiet and everypony turned to look at Artemis, that was until Pinkie got up and shouted, “Come on everypony is this meant to be a party or what!?”

He felt grateful as the music started up again and everpony went back to partying, well everypony except one. Pinkie trotted up to him and sat down on a stool which definitely wasn’t there moments before, beside Artemis.

“Cheer up mr grumpy wumpy, this is a party, and not just any party but a Party For You.” The last three words were punctuated with Pinkie gently poking him in the side. She stuck her large smiling face in front of Artemis to see she had caused even a simple smile on his face. He just sat their silent and mopey, staring off into the party, his initial joy of the event wiped from his features. She had failed but was never one to give up.

She left almost as quickly as she arrived and went over to Vinyl Scratch who was hard at work at the decks, she tapped vinyl on the shoulder and whispered something in her ear. Vinyl nodded and chucked Pinkie a mic, the music was suddenly cut off as she switched records and Pinkie moved to the front of the stage. The room looked on with collected interest to see what was about to happen.

Pinkie paused for a moment taking in the sight of all the townsfolk who had turned up, and even spared a glance over at Artemis who was still sulking in the doorway.

“Greetings everypony.” There was a loud noise as the audience responded in kind. “I trust you’re all having a good time.” Again another load cry through the room as the audience responded with a loud yes. “Well that's good to see, but it seems one guest can’t quite bring themselves to smile, and as you know Pinkie hates not making people smile.” The crowd laughed as her hair deflated as if to exaggerate the point.

“So lets see if we can’t make him smile. Artemis can you come to the stage please.” Magically a spotlight illuminated Artemis in his doorway and the whole crowd cheered at him, still he sat their surly and quietly ruminating on somethings.

He was brought back to reality when he felt himself being pushed to the stage, Twilight behind her chair and Rarity behind her. It seemed he had no choice. Soon they reached the stage, and Twilight and Rarity left him in the care of Pinkie, not before magically locking his breaks that is.

The crowd cheered at him, and Artemis squirmed, being the center of attention wasn’t something he liked that much.

Pinkie nodded to DJ-PON3 and music started to play, it was a tune familiar to Artemis, and obvious hit with the crowd as they roared and cheered as it started.

“Come on everypony, you all know the words.” she screamed.

“My Name is Pinkie Pie. (Hello)
And I am here to say. (How you doing?)
I’m and Gonna make you smile.
And Brighten up your dayyyy.

It doesn’t matter now (what’s up?)
If you are sad or blue (Howdy!)
‘cause cheering up my friends
is just what Pinkie’s here to do.

‘Cause I love to make you smile, smile, smile (Yes you do)
It fills my heart with sunshine all the while (Yes it does)
'cause all I really need's a smile, smile, smile
from these happy friends of mine

I like to see you grin (Awesome!)
I love to see you beam (Rock on!)
the corners of your mouth turned up
is always Pinkie's dream (Hoof-Bump!)

But if you're kind of worried
and your face has made a frown
I'll work real hard and do my best
to turn that sad frown upside down

'Cause I love to make you grin, grin, grin (Yes you do)
busted out from ear to ear, let it begin
just give me a joyful grin, grin, grin
and you fill me with good cheer

It's true, some days are dark and lonely
and maybe you feel sad
but Pinkie will be there to show you that it isn't that bad

There's one thing that makes me happy
and makes my whole life worthwhile
and that's when I talk to my friends and get them to smile

I really am so happy
your smile fills me with glee
I give a smile, I get a smile
and that's so special to me

'Cause I love to see you beam, beam, beam (Yes I do)
tell me, what more can I say to make you see that I do?
it makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam
yes, it always makes my day

Come on everypony smile, smile, smile!
fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine
all I really need's a smile, smile, smile
from these happy friends of mine!

Come on everypony smile, smile, smile!
fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine
all I really need's a smile, smile, smile
from these happy friends of mine!

Yes a perfect gift for me
is a smile as wide as a mile
to make me happy as can be
smile, smile, smile, smile, smile!

Come on and smile!
come on and smile!”

The song came to an end and Pinkie Pie was left panting, exhausted from all the dancing and bobbing about she had done during the song, including a crowd surf which ended surprsingly when. Especially since Pinkie was involved.

Throughout the song Artemis had been thinking. About being stuck there, about the problem with Fluttershy and probably Rainbow. However, he came to realize that right then and now, he was in a Pinkie Pie party. The worrying could wait, so by the end of the song he was grinning and waving and clapping along with the crowd.

Pinkie turned to see if she had managed to make any changes with his mood, and was ecstatic to see she had managed to make him smile. ‘Now that is how you’re meant to be at a party’ she thought.

Walking off stage, the crowd started to cry ‘encore’ causing the exhausted Pinkie to smile, she loved being the centre of attention. Walking back onto the stage Pinkie handed Artemis a piece of paper with some lyrics printed on it. He looked at it questioningly, “The words in pink are mine, the words in blue are yours,” she said.

“And orange?”

“Both of us.”

Artemis just sat there looking at the sheet, until Pinkie put her arms around him. “Come on Arty, you’ll be fine, no one minds bad singing. Look at how they reacted to me.” She gave him a squeeze and winked. “Besides, do this for me and I owe you a favour.”

“Well when you put it like that...” he smiled. That smile was all she needed, she pointed at DJ PON3 who started the music up. It was a familiar song which Artemis had heard before. Starting off shrinkingly he began to sing the opening line.

“I know a place where the grass is what’s for dinner.

Charmed, fun and wild there must be something in the water.

Sippin' rainbow juice Talking Elements of Harmony.

Bronies Hang out too, ‘cus they know we’re awesome fillies.

You could travel the world, but no one can groove like the girls with the hooves.

Once you party with ponies, You'll be seeing Rainbooms! O-oh o-oh o-ooh!

Equestria girls, we're kinda magical
Boots on hooves, bikinis on top
Furry coats, so cute
We'll blow your mind
Aoaoah oh, aoaoaoh!
Equestria girls, we're pony-fabulous
Fast, fine, fierce, we trot till we drop
Cutie marks represent
Now put your hooves up
Aoaoah oh, aoaoaoh!”

With a flourish, they finished and the crowd was jumping up and down. It seemed even with his raspy voice they didn’t mind his singing. Although that might of had something to do with singing with Pinkie.

The rest of the party was a blast, even without Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. By the time he was headed home with Applejack, he was extremely tired and could see why Pinkie was hailed as ‘THE’ party pony.

He and Applejack talked quietly as they went on, discussing the awesome party they had partaken in. As they walked, they failed to notice the Raven that followed them the entire way.

Chapter 15

A shorter chapter again, and probably some grammar mistakes. I want to progress the story a bit at the moment, and with other stuff going on, I want to give you guys updates. Will aim to have larger chapters again soon.

Artemis awoke to several poundings, the first of which came from his head, and the second from his chest. Opening his eyes, light seared the corneas as he shook off his headache and looked down. Applejack stood in front of him, her eyes wide open and gleaming, and her hoofs were pressed on his chest. She was obvious the reason for his rousing, her and her hooves.

Looking out at the sun, he could see it barely peeking up beyond the horizon. "Applejack,are you crazy? It's barely morning," he murmured grumpily. His early waking hardly helping his aching head.

She chuckled warmly, "bout time you got up Mr sleepy head, I got a day to spend with you and I ain't wasting a moment of it." She lifted her hat off and batted him across the face to get her point across. Realizing sleep was out of the question, he lifted his head and started the slow process of waking up.

After what seemed like ages, filled with Applejack's impatient tapping of her hooves, Artemis slipped into his wheel chair ready for a really early breakfast. Despite the early time, the kitchen was filled with heat as they entered, a small fire was blazing away in the hearth at the one side of the room. Since Granny Smith was asleep, and Applejack wasn't much for cooking so early, breakfast consisted of cold leftovers from the day before.

As they ate, he asked his dinning companion a question. "Why you so eager to spend the day with me?"

"Not too much of a reason, to be honest. I barely know you, so a the more time we spend together, the more we get to know about each other." She replied, he noticed a shifty look in her eyes as she talked, but it seemed reasonable. "So, what you got planned for today?"

She chugged back a glass of what appeared to be an apple liquid product of sorts, and smiled. "Hiking. Well, hiking for me, more being pushed around all morning for you. But. I thought a pleasurable stroll will do us good, fresh air and all that. Plus I can show you all around the acres and get a good ol' chat."

Artemis sighed, the country had never been a favorite thing of his, still he had to do something today, and he would get to spend plenty of time with Applejack. There were at least upsides, it seemed.

-x-

The morning went fast, despite the monotonous terrain, Artemis looking at the farm as they went. He never really appreciated it before, but the farm was huge. At the beginning of the journey silence hung in the air, eventually however, they struck up a conversation.

"So how did you find the party, sugarcube?" asked Applejack, clearly enjoying the walk.

Artemis didn't respond for a second, thinking of how he should reply. "The party was fun, although I found it embarrassing how I was dragged on stage."

She chuckled, "Well Pinkie meant well, besides you looked like you enjoyed it. And it seemed to dissolve some of the fears some of the residents had for you."

He looked concerned, "Some of them feared me?"

"Well, of course they did. Not everyday we get a creature like you around here. In fact, I feared your coming when Twilight mentioned it, until I met you at least." She offered a smile, Artemis having turned around to look when she mentioned her fear. The sight of her smile, as well as the light glinting of the sweat of her brow, brought a small red tinge to Artemis' cheeks.

"I'm glad you got over that fear, I doubt I would want a pony with a buck as powerful as yours to dislike me." This caused Applejack to chuckle again. "However, there was something that upset me about the party," he continued.

Applejack frowned, she knew what he was talking about. "You mean that thing with Fluttershy and Rainbow?" He nodded.

"I don't know what it was all about. I saw Fluttershy crying and when I asked her if she was ok she asked about the note, I mentioned I hadn't read it yet. and she went of crying."

Applejack gave a large, audible, facehoof. "Artemis your a fool," she sighed. "You didn't read that letter she wrote?"

"I didn't get a chance, what with Pinkie Pie, and everything else." He looked down at his legs, ashamed.

Applejack looked down at him, she didn't know what to think. On one hand he had upset a friend of hers, with a act of obvious carelessness. On the other hand, Pinkie was around, and he was right. It wouldn't of been wise to open it around her, not with what she had been told about it by Fluttershy. Suddenly, a thought came to her mind.

"Artemis, why don't you read it now?" she asked. "I wont look, I promise."

He looked up at her, it was a bit late, but it was a good idea. At the very least it would tell him why Fluttershy was upset, and let him know what he had done wrong before he next met Rainbow, and she bucked him into the Gryphon kingdoms. Slowly reaching the pocket where the letter was kept, he slipped his fingers in and pulled it out. The paper was crumpled, but otherwise readable, no tears of series damage present.

He checked around, and seeing Applejack looking away, he opened the letter to read:

He sighed as he finished reading, at least he knew what it was all about now, she had overheard him and wanted to talk about what he had said. Thinking hard, he tried to think back to what he had murmured. Vaguely remembering something, something to do with not being able to liking ponies, there was also something to do with choosing them.

His face went a gentle shade of red, he had basically confirmed that he had some sort of feelings to the pegasus, no wonder she wanted to talk. However, for some reason he was only slightly anxious. It was true he had some feelings, but he realized now they were little more than slight flutters of the heart, nowhere near a crush. Besides, it might help to talk to some pony about it.

Folding up the paper back up, and placing it back into it's pocket, Applejack took the rustle as a queue to turn back around. She noticed his awkward expression, but said nothing. The letter was addressed to just him, and if he didn't want to talk about it he didn't have to. Still, she couldn't stand to see his frown.

"Cheer up Artemis, I'm sure it's not all bad. And, even if it is, ah'm always here for you." As she said this, she placed her hoof under his chin, lifting his head to meet her gaze. Her soft touch, the smoothness of her hoof, and her careful eyes all worked to sooth any possible worry about the situation.

"Do you mind if I go see Fluttershy this evening?" he asked her, as they shared that moment.

"Mind? Of course Ah don't mind. You got an issue to sort out, ya get it sorted out," she replied. Then, increasing the pressure in her hoof, and increasing her gaze. "If you need me to come with, I'm there for you Artemis. I don't want to see two of my friends upset, especially not with each other"

He smiled and nodded, glad he had someone at least, who wasn't going to buck him in the situation.

-x-

Lunch, was a pleasant experience, sitting in the shade of a great oak tree at the edge of the farm. A soft breeze blew over both of them, keeping the shade cool. Like the day with Rarity, lunch was a picnic. However, it was a far simpler assortment of food, but no less filling, or delicious.

They passed the time discussing the work Artemis could do when his legs were repaired.

"Ah don't you'll be ready to do anything heavy, even when your able to walk. But, I guess you could help me tidy up the farm for the first week or two." Applejack said happily.

He nodded and smiled, "I'm just glad I'll be able to earn some of my own bits, can't rely on Twilight and the Princesses all the time. Need to get somewhere for myself eventually, once I know my special talent anyway." She nodded her agreement.

Suddenly there was a crack from somewhere close by, due to his position with his chair, Artemis couldn't see. But, Applejack, could see clearly. She looked over to where the noise originated from, her face becoming the picture of alarm.

Artemis just had chance to register her saying, "Horse apples," before he was hit by a rainbow coloured torpedo. Hit like a truck, he felt a jolt of pain, before the oblivion of darkness.

Chapter 16 - Violet Skies

Ok a second chapter for today, I really hope its rather epic. My attempt at a bit more action. It is another short one, but I don't want to do too much on these guys yet.

Violet Skies looked at the battle forming around her, many shadowlings and ponies lay injured. She smiled, they were doing well. Unfortunately, Chaos was fast approaching, and with him was a vast army, an army ready to quash Equestria and all that stood. The six of them were the lands last hope, she knew that. But, if they weren't ready to face him before he arrived, then all hope was lost. They would be overwhelmed and that, would be that.

Despite being just an earth pony, the element of loyalty was hardy and her legs packed a punch. Working down mines would do that to a pony.

She ducked under another clumsy shadowling, really where did their master get these, and bucket him in the face. Dispelling the creatures skull into the vapors, and leaving the rest to fall to the ground, shadow like blood exuding from it's neck. If you had told her six months ago she would be fighting for her life, and killing creatures no less, Violet would have laughed herself to sleep. However, time has a funny way of presenting less than shall we say. perfect, choices.

Slowly the enemy around her started to dwindle, she was only one pony, and was cut off away from her five friends. Because of this, the enemy were sending less and less of their forces still alive or capable of standing, after her. Sadly, she was tiring, and despite her best efforts it wouldn't be long before they could over power. They really needed an ace up their sleeves, something to finish this now so they could regather themselves before Chaos arrived.

Looking up, she smiled, they didn't have an ace up their sleeves, but they had an aerial ace. Far above the battle, she could see Coco Bell, her friends form coming to the top of an ascent, wings held close to her body. Studying closely, she could just about see Coco's element glowing. It looked like she might just be performing a move which could really end this fight.

-x-

Coco Belle looked down at the field below, seeing the dark shadow in the distance, she knew the battle had to finish soon. Despite, all her friends power, she knew she had one way at hand to finish it right now. She swallowed and bid a silent farewell to her friends, the move she had was experimental. If all went right, it would work. If all went wrong, it would probably still work, but, she wouldn't walk away.

Reaching the top of her ascent, she tucked her wings in and dived, summoning all the power in her element as she fell.

-x-

Light danced across Violet's eyes, her head throbbing with pain. She paused a moment too long, gazing at her friend above, and suffered the consequences. A large club to the back of the head. In her weakened state, she doubted she could stand, maybe with the power of her element...

She gazed down, her neck was bare, the element must of fallen off when she was hit in the head. Of all the things to happen, that was the worst possible thing.

Without her element, and with her head ringing, she felt helpless. Laying on the dirt she began to close her eyes, when a shadow fell over her, a shadowling to be more precise. She felt its breath on her face, the rotten stench of decay filling her sinuses. Did these creatures never hear of toothpaste? Not that it mattered, as it raised its club over it's head she closed her eyes, it would soon be over. They, had, failed.

She drifted off into a sleep, brought on by exhaustion and her injury, just as a flash of light over took their field of battle. The shadowling, caught in the lights path, dissolved into thin air. It's club falling to the ground with a thud, but Violet, was not longer able to register the sound.

-x-

The land was fast approaching, Coco felt the air around her buzz, static causing her hair to stand on end. The element at her neck was glowing brightly, the light getting more intense with each passing moment. Closing her eyes, to avoid the light, and the end of her journey that was rushing towards her, she began to spin. Counting reverberated through her skull, how she knew what to count, she did not know. But count she did, down from 10. As soon as she hit one, her wings spread out, arching her body up as they did so. She collided with the ground, energy discharging around her. A light she couldn't see was emitted from her body, but she was gone.

Chapter 17 - Rainbow Crash

Fluttershy was out in the fields, her animal friends around her, and her face buried in her hooves. She had been there since that morning, after waking up with Rainbow Dash nearby. For moments she had been confused as to her friend nearby, and then she remembered the party. The comforting hand of Artemis, then the dread as he hadn't read her letter, the letter she had tried to word right so not to upset him.

She didn't know why she ran out like she did, after all, there could be many reasons he hadn't read the letter yet. Besides, the letter didn't really contain anything important, merely an invitation to meet and talk. He had come, hadn't he? even without reading the note. She could of talked to him then and there, but oh no, she had to be so sensitive and get upset over nothing.

Of course, Rainbow, the element of loyalty had stuck beside her as she left. Despite telling her nothing was wrong. Unfortunately, she didn't accept that, and only made Fluttershy feel worse. Rainbow kept talking about Artemis, as if he was somehow to blame for how her friend felt, yet he wasn't. He couldn't help how she felt, no more than she could help how he felt.
Fluttershy felt completely hopeless, was there any chance she could get over this?

She began to sob again, her tears flowing over her arms and nourishing the grass around her. A small furry hand touched the side of her muzzle, she ignored it's gently presence, until it drew back and struck her roughly in the face leaving a large red mark. Angel Bunny stood angrily next to her, his expression attempting to say get a grip girl. Looking at her rabbit she sniffed, he was right, this wasn't how she should behave.

Shaking her head she began to stand up, she didn't know what it was she felt, not fully. But, there was no way she would work it out by lying there crying, she would have to mull it over and discuss to Artemis soon.

Just then there was a mighty crack, like the sound of a tree breaking, coming from the top of a nearby hill. She could just notice a pillar of dust appearing in the sky, and just hear the words "Rainbow!" shouted in a southern drawl. Holding onto her tears, and drying her muzzle, she set off. She hoped her friends were ok.

-x-

Artemis was lying back on a bed, light streaming into the room, and feathers tickling his right ear. He turned to see a buttermilk coloured pegasus, the pegasus of his dreams, lying there beside him. Her smiled was obvious on her face, as she used her wings to get his attention.

"Twilight is here, honey." She said, his face contorting into confusion. 'Did she just call me honey?' he thought to himself.

He didn't have time to process it, she came in close and kissed him, right on the lips. He noticed Twilight in the doorway, she saw, and apparently did not approve. The last thing he remembered was being seared by a very angry Rapidash.

-x-

Artemis awoke, another thumping head ache and another dream involving Twilight and some romance, were his constant companions in the morning it seemed. He felt something sting his head, and then land on his chest, a carrot. Looking over, there was a rabbit in the room, a very grumpy rabbit. Angel, of course, if there was any reason for Artemis to have a pain in the head, it would be him.

"Could you cut that out, please?" asked Artemis. Angel shook his head, throwing another carrot for good measure. Sighing, Artemis realized there was no reasoning with this rabbit. Instead, deciding to take a different approach, he lifted a carrot to his mouth and munched on it.

If looks could kill, the stare Angel was giving him right now would. It looked like the rabbit was furious that his weapons of assault were being used as food. The pet jumped up onto Artemis' chest, kicking the carrot away, and grabbing onto the human's collar. It then went on to shake it's other fist, as if to bash him one for his cheeky behavior, when a wing gracefully wrapped around the rabbit and pulled it of his chest.

Looking around, he spotted the owner of the wing, sheepishly hiding from his gaze under her mane. Fluttershy, for who else could it be, looked a mess. Her eyes red and poofy, a large red mark on the side of her phase, it was rather small and shaped similar to the furry fists now waving at him.

Anger welled up inside Artemis, no one should slap Fluttershy and get away with it, he made a mental not to talk to Angel later. For now he settled for getting up out of bed, however as he began to sit up, a sharp pain ran up his side. Seeing his pained expression, she quickly put the rabbit down, and approached him. Her best motherly expression across her face.

"Oh dear, are you ok Artie..?" she caught herself before continuing. "I mean Artemis." He tried to move again, another shot of pain causing him to spasm, before she forced him to lie down. "Hmm, it seems Rainbow got you harder than I first thought," she gave him a weak comforting smile. Not that she needed to, her presence was enough to calm him. "Don't you worry now, I have something that shall make it all better."

He was surprised, the mothering, get well soon Fluttershy, was clearly more self confident. 'Must be because of her animals, and the care she shows them,' he thought to himself.

She soon returned, a tray in her fore hooves, balancing a bowl of soup and a vial of a strange green liquid on top. She placed the tray on his lap, and uncorked the vial. A fowl stench assaulted his sinuses, whatever was in that vial, he was determined not to swallow. Noticing a change in his demeanor when she opened the vial, she placed her hooves on her hips. "Now don't be like that, this potion is something I got from a friend of ours, Zecora. I kept in case of a series injury, and it just so happens it should work wonders. Now open wide."

"Fluttershy, I am not going to..." Artemis began, unfortunately he didn't get to finish his protest. She took complete advantage of his open mouth and poured the contents of the vial into it. Before he could recover from the shock of her brazen attitude all of a sudden. Next, she jammed his mouth shut, holding a hoof there to keep it closed, and she pinched his nose shut by lightly biting on it. The closeness, and the fact she was biting his nose, made Artemis blush. But, it did have the desired affect, forcing him to swallow the foul tasting mixture.

Hearing the swallow, she spoke. "Good, that didn't hurt you now, did it?" Her voice rather quiet, barely more than a whisper.

Feeling the bridge of his nose, ensuring no more damage had been done to him, he responded dryly. "No, I guess not."

She gave a smile, and a squee, and took the bowl of soup from the tray. "Well, as a reward for being so co-operative..." Angel gave a rather obvious cough, interrupting her speech, this earned him a stare from her which caused him to be rather still. "As a reward for being so co-operative, you can have this soup, it's not much but its home made and I'm sure you'll enjoy it." With that, she placed the bowl of soup, as well as a rather old looking wooden spoon, within his grasp.

The soup looked like a vegetable soup of some kind, it also looked and smelled delicious, and would at least get rid of the horrible taste from his mouth. Artemis turned to thank her, however she was gone, obviously busy tending to her other animals. Shrugging his shoulders, he tucked into the food, he could thank her later.

-x-

After giving him some medicine and soup, Fluttershy had left her small cottage to continue her discussion with Applejack and Rainbow. Well more like sit and listen while they argue, but she felt it was important for her to be there.

"Ah swear Rainbow, y'all did that on purpose!" Applejack was yelling when Fluttershy approached them again.

"Of course I did, I also flew into the tree nearly breaking my win again, on purpose as well." Rainbow retorted, sarcasm dripping off her tongue.

"Girls..." Fluttershy tried to interrupt, her soft voice not carrying over to the two in heated debate.

"Well sugarcube, you have hardly shown him much of a welcome, you know."

"I don't see why we should show him a welcome, he just appeared out of nowhere, and were expected to trust him?"

"Girls..." Again, Fluttershy was far to quiet to interrupt.

"Rainbow! Is that how mah family treated you when you turned up out of the blue one day, stealing apples from ah orchard?"

Rainbow looked dejected, "No, but..."

"Girls!.." Fluttershy yelling now, still far too quietly to be heard other the two bickering ponies."

"No buts, Artemis is all alone here Rainbow, something I would thought you would understand. Yet instead of trying to be friendly to him, you go and crash into him at the first opportunity, even after his broken legs."

Rainbow was almost crying now, tears welling up in her eyes, "I said it was an accident..."

"Girls!" screamed Fluttershy, flying in-between the two to finally get their attention. Both ponies turned their attention to their friend, who suddenly became sheepish again under their combined stares. "I mean, can we stop the arguing? Please"

There was a moments silence before the farm mare spoke. "Your right, Shy, We shouldn't be arguing like this. Sorry Rainbow."

"It's ok Applejack, your right, I should of given him more of a chance. But, he did make Fluttershy cry, you can't say he doesn't have to say sorry."

Fluttershy shook her head, "I've told you, Rainbow, he didn't do anything to make me cry."

"See, told you Rainbow, now you go on in there and say you're sorry." Said Applejack, nodding her head.

"Fine. But, I still don't trust him" said Rainbow, landing on the ground, determined to take as long to get to him as possible.

Inside, Artemis was just finishing off his soup. He agreed with Fluttershy, it was rather delicious. He was even beginning to agree, no matter how loathe to do so, that the medicine was doing him some good. He could hardly feel the pain in his side. Just about to lay down to sleep again, he didn't know how long he had been out, but he felt he needed some proper sleep. Suddenly, he saw a face peer around the doorway, a cyan face which he hoped wasn't here to pound him again.

Silence hang in the room as Rainbow stepped in without knocking, until they both blurted "Sorry!" out at the same time.

Both of them looked rather confused, why was the other one apologizing. As far as Rainbow was concerned, she had been unfairly treating Artemis. Whereas, from his point of view, he thought he deserved her to dislike him. After all, he had somewhat upset Fluttershy.

Silence reigned again in the room, until a Artemis coughed, clearing his throat and spoke. "Why are you sorry?"

Rainbow mumbled a barely audible reply.

"What was that?" he asked

She approached the bed, and a little louder replied. "Because of how I treated you."

He smiled, "Oh that? I don't have a problem with that."

"But..."

"No really, I'm surprised the others have been as welcoming as they have. I mean I must be a rather strange creature to you. Don't get me wrong, I don't like how you treated me, but it's understandable, especially if you thought I was hurting your friends."

Rainbow began to smile, at least the human wasn't going to hold anything against her.

"So, how long was I out?" he asked.

"Ah, about that..." she took to the air, ready to get out quickly in case Artemis got angry. "You've been out for one and half days."

Artemis' face went blank, his eyes starting to twitch. "So, I guess I've missed my days with Fluttershy and Twilight?" His tone rather neutral.

She rubbed her neck rather sheepishly. "Yeh, I'm sorry about that. Still... Twilight studied you rather a lot while you were out. Although she did do a rather lot of giggling, so I'm not sure it was all good..."

Artemis smiled, crazy thoughts involving Twilight wearing a white lab coat cackling over his unconscious body, running through his mind. "I guess I ended up spending time with her in a way then, and I guess this is Fluttershy's cottage?"

"Yeh, it is." Rainbow smiled, glad she had got off rather free. She moved up to Artemis, giving him a nudge on his arm with her hoof. "I guess you're ok."

He laughed, "That's good, didn't like having one of you dislike me. So anyway about tomorrow..." He swallowed, rather nervous about how she would react to this. "I kinda have some tickets to see a certain show, if you want to go..?"

Chapter 18

Early next morning, Artemis was sitting on a train, nursing a hot drink. It wasn't exactly coffee, not that he minded, he hated coffee. It was a rather sweet drink, but had similar waking up properties, another gift from Fluttershy. Her attitude had improved massively over the night, her eyes were still red in the morning, but at least her muzzle wasn't stained with tears. It had been a rather interesting night for him, determined to at least spend some of Fluttershy's day with him, with her. They had stayed up late taking, nothing big, mainly small talk. But, it had done wanders for them both. He was able to see beyond her simple caring and see some of her hopes, and she was able to see he was much more like them than she previously thought.

They had slept in the same bed again, while Fluttershy had kindly offered him to stay there, it seemed she hadn't thought properly. She only had one bed, the camper bed been trashed two months previously by a very angry Angel. Not that either of them minded, Artemis enjoyed her gentle touch, especially her soft wings. Whereas, she enjoyed the hold, normally the one giving care instead of receiving.

Brought back to reality by large thud, he looked across at his traveling companion, a very grumpy Rainbow Dash. "Look, I'm sorry alright." He said to her, for what must of been the tenth time that day.

"Stop saying your sorry, it doesn't change the fact we had to get up this early, nor the fact we are going to see Trixie."

"Well, if you didn't want to come, you could have said no."

"What, and leave you at her mercy? no way. If she sent you a letter a mere week after you arrived in pony ville, then something is up, and I wouldn't be the element of loyalty if I abandoned my friends."

"Thank you," he said, nearly burning his tongue on another sip of the strange drink. He offered her some, but she politely declined, well declined at any rate.

"No thanks," she exclaimed shoving the cup away with a hoof, nearly spilling it all over Artemis. "Can't drink that stuff, never sat right with me. So anyway, why do you even want to come to this? You should know as well as any of us that, Trixie, is a total blow hard."

He chuckled, he hadn't expected her to take it well, in fact, he hadn't expect her to come at all. It wasn't hard to guess that her pride had been hurt by Trixie, the show mare besting Rainbow in her own challenge. "Well, to be honest, we all deserve a second chance. Besides, if her show has back stage passes, it probably means she has a theater of some sorts in Canterlot. If her show has grown that big, maybe she has actually become rather powerful. And, whats the point of being stuck in Equestria, if I don't go see what it has to offer?"

"Fine," she said, crossing her fore legs. "But, I'm telling you now, she won't have changed. That bitch can't change her attitude, the same way a gryphon can't change it's feathers."

Artemis pulled her into a quick hug, causing her to blush profusely and struggle against his grip. "Well, I'm glad I have the fastest flyer in Equestria with me. If you can't protect me if she tries something crazy, then I doubt anypony could."

Rainbow quickly pulled himself from his grip, glaring at him rather grumpily, such display of affection hardly helping her mood. Although, she did seem to have a tinge of reds to her cheek after the compliment.

"Yeh yeh, anyway, I need some sleep. Gotta catch up what I lost from waking up earlier, wake me up when we get to Canterlot will you?"

The rest of the journey passed in quiet contemplation for Artemis, sitting thinking about the week as well as his family, nothing but the rattle of the train and her snoring to accompany him. For a while he stared at Rainbow, all her tomboyish arrogance lost, replaced by a gentle grace. The colours of her mane framing her face, he had to admit she did look quite cute. He could even see the muscles, well toned from constant use, as her legs twitched in response to some unknown dream.

A couple of hours later, the train rumbled into the Canterlot station, the sudden stop sending the unprepared Rainbow flying to a floor. The sudden shock waking her up with a start.

"Who's there? Who pushed me?" She asked angrily and bleary eyed, as she looked around. Coming to her senses, she quickly stood up, hastily arranging her mane. "I guess we're here then?"

"Yes, It seems so. It will be nice to actually see some of Canterlot."

"See Canterlot? I thought you came to Ponyville from Canterlot." He eyes narrowed accusingly.

He laughed and patted her on the side as they exited the train together, "Don't need to be so accusing all the time, Rainbow. Of course I came from Canterlot, but I wasn't allowed out of the palace, the first time I left was when then teleported me to Ponyville."

As he laughed, her face fell again, she felt ashamed. Always assuming the worst of him, she felt weird about it, after all she was the element of loyalty. "I'm sorry..." She was interrupted by a hand gently touching the side of her face, the heat coming through her coat easily. She felt the hand move away a few strands of her mane from her eye, then it lifted it up to meet his gaze. There was something about his eyes, the green of the iris gazing at her with no judgment or prejudice. She felt a small flush run to her face.

"Rainbow, I've already said I don't mind how you treat me. I don't like it, but it's fully understandable, they are your friends and you don't want me to hurt them. You don't need to say sorry to me."

She smiled slightly as he said that, suddenly she realized his hand was still on her face. She pulled away, halfheartedly pushing his hand away, for some reason it didn't bother her as much as contact like that usually did.

Slightly nodding their heads to the train engineers and conductors, they left the station. The immediate area was deserted, they were the trains only passengers after all. Looking towards the center of town, they could see it was about 9 AM. 'Wow' Artemis thought to himself, 'We really did get up early.'

There was a clear purpose for such an early rise, while the invitation mentioned where, it never mentioned what time, or where actually in Canterlot the show was. So they had to arrive early to find out the details. It did help to convince her, that the Wonderbolts training center was in Canterlot, that and he promised to get her one of the programs from the last derby. They continued down the road into the center of town, Rainbow moaning, and a bag of coins jangling as they went.

A short while later, he and Rainbow were standing outside the Wonderbolts store, she was caught up in staring at the large window displays. In particular, she was staring at a mannequin displaying a replica Wonderbolts uniform. What was interesting, he noticed, was that her reflection looked like she was wearing the uniform. It looked good on her, then again she was already blue.

Reluctantly she was able to tear herself from the display, but perked up inside, the entire store was blue. Wonderbolts merchandise, absolutely everywhere. Artemis chuckled a little as he entered behind her, noticing her mouth open as she gawked.

"You never been in here before Rainbow?"

Realizing she had been asked a question, she shook herself out of her excited stupor, although he noticed she maintained a look similar to that he had when he was really hungry and looking at a plate of food. "Huh? No, I haven't. I've meant to, but, every time we're in Canterlot there is one life threatening event or another. So glad to finally be in here."

The door shut behind him as he brought his whole wheel chair in, causing a bell to chime somewhere out back, an elderly stallion came out from back in response. He noticed the two potential customers and smiled. "So, what can we do you for today? A Wonderbolts plushie, or a poster perhaps?"

"Actually," began Artemis, noticing Rainbow was back to staring at the wide range of merchandise. "Could we get a program from the last Wonderbolts derby, if there's any left that is?"

For the first time, the shop keeper noticed the wheel chair bound pony wasn't in fact a pony. Nervously, reaching a hoof under the counter top, he was tempted to call security. The strange creature wasn't something he was used to, however, he or at least the shop keeper assumed it was a he, seemed nice enough so let it slide.

"Certainly sir," he responded, beads of sweat running down his neck. He was being extra careful not to offend the strange creature, not that he knew what could offend him. "Would that be a standard, or a collectors version?"

"Is there much difference?"

"A standard costs five bits, and is the basic program. The collectors, is twenty five bits, and contains a random signed poster of one of the Wonderbolts themselves."

Artemis thought for a moment, he could definitely afford the collectors, and he knew Rainbow would probably enjoy it immensely. However, he only had thirty bits from the work Lyra had done, and twenty five was a lot for one book. In the end he decided to save his bits.

"I'll go for the standard please," he said, the store keeper beginning to bag his selected purchase. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know how much the replica Wonderbolts uniform is would you?"

The stallion looked up rather quickly, surprise rather showing on his face. "Eh, that thing?" he asked, nodding towards the display. Artemis nodded, "Well, its three thousand bits, but I doubt it would fit someone of you, stature."

Artemis looked at the store keeper in stunned silence for a second, then chuckled nervously. "Oh you mean it wouldn't fit me? It wouldn't be for me, I was just interested on behalf of my friend here."

The stallion looked at Rainbow Dash, who was now floating over and drooling over near the life size Soarin plushies. "Ahh yes, your companion. Well, I'm certain your mare friend would enjoy it."

This caused the human to blush and stutter profusely, "E-eh, n-no she's n-not m-my marefriend, w-w-we are j-just friends."

The shop keeper, who had by now finished packing the program, chuckled. He had seen many reactions to that kind of accusation in his life, and if anything that kind of reaction meant, it wasn't they were just friends. He handed the program over to Artemis, collecting the five bits in return. "Of course sir, well at any rate, I'm sure she would enjoy it as a gift."

Smiling back, his cheeks still bright crimson, Artemis replied. "Of course, I shall keep it in mind." Then he turned and began to leave, calling Rainbow, several times. And they left together.

The way she eagerly thanked him as he handed over the program, a rather large squee involved. Made the Shop Keeper laugh, yes, there was definitely something more than friends between the two.

Chapter 19 - Rainbow Smash

In the end, it wasn't that hard to find out more information about Trixie's performance, posters were plastered all around the market area of Canterlot. The show would take place in one of the towns smaller theaters, not that it wasn't a classy place. From the look of it as they walked past, it would cost lot to rent it for the shows. It was about ten in the morning as they passed the place, and a small group of ponies were moving some equipment into the place. Today would be Trixie's first show there, so a lot of last minute preparations were having to be made.

They approached the group, a small balding pony noticing them and coming forward, he seemed to be smoking a cigar. This shocked Artemis, he had yet to see any semblance to cigarettes in Equestria, but it seemed where you went, you couldn't escape their foul smell. Even to a world of magical talking ponies.

"Hey, you," he said as he got near. "Shows not till three o'clock, we're a wee bit busy." The ponies breath reeked of alcohol, and made no effort to be polite. It seemed Trixie's rise to fame hadn't earned her the cash to spend on a decent stage crew, yet.

"Actually, we were wondering where Trixie was."

"The 'Great' and 'Powerful' Trixie, does not do personal talks with members of the public before shows." He said, pointing a hoof at Rainbow. Then turning his attention to Artemis, "Nor, does she associate herself with freaks."

Rainbow got rather irate at this last statement, it's fair enough someone needs to prepare before a show, even if that person was an arrogant boastful mare. But, you never ever, called one of her friends a freak. "Freak? You think my friend here is a freak?!" she shouted. "Well this freak, was personally invited by Trixie herself, and even has a backstage pass." Then she turned to Artemis. "Come on, it seems Trixie hasn't changed a bit, I guess we can go see the Princesses while we were here."

Artemis didn't know what did it, the mention of his personal invitation, or the Princesses. But, suddenly, the demeanor of the pony changed. "Hang on," he started, so clearly worried that he didn't even notice his cigar falling down to the ground. "Lets not do anything hasty, I thought all backstage passes were for the press, and that they included all meeting details with them. The again, Trixie is free to send out personal invitations, it is her show." He grumbled wordlessly for a moment, clearly annoyed about the development of events. Eventually he held out a hoof, "Names Chuck, I manage the equipment for Trixie's shows."

Nervously he shook Chuck's hoof, Rainbow instead choosing to glare at him menacingly. "So about Trixie?"

Chuck spat a large gob of phlegm into the gutter before replying, his behavior causing a level of disgust in Rainbow that surprised Artemis. "Aye, she's around somewhere, although the show doesn't begin till three. How 'bout I let her know you turned up, and you come back at say half past one? Gives you time to get something to eat, and us time to set our stuff up without an extra couple of 'ponies' to get under our hooves."

Artemis agreed, while Rainbow continued to glare at the workmen, Chuck in particular. With great difficulty he managed to pull her away, and move back on into town, after missing out on breakfast brunch called.

It didn't take long to get back into the town center, and after looking at how busy the cafes in the main square were, they decided to find a smaller side street cafe to eat. Hopefully, they would avoid any queues and all the staring as ponies noticed Artemis.

The side streets of Canterlot were like a maze, and it was a good half an hour before they found a nice little place. The 'Hoof and Wing Cafe' as it was called, was a rather small cafe that seemed to be empty, apart from a rather short and really aged earth pony. As they entered and sat at a table, Rainbow having to sit on a rather cheap looking plastic seat, they noticed the cafe was also across the road from a small park. The sound of a fountain and birds chirping in the trees, as well as the sight of some foals playing on the small patch of grass gave the cafe a really welcoming feel.

They had barely sat down when they heard the sound of hooves clopping over to them, it was the elderly pony, who they now noticed was a mare. She hobbled over to them, and with agility that defied her age, placed a menu in front of each of them. "How are you today, dearies?" she asked, flashing both of them a smile.

"We're good," they replied at the same time. Artemis rather cheerily, and Rainbow through her teeth, still rather chewed up over Chuck's behavior.

"That's nice. Welcome to the Hoof and Wing, my name is Sandy, is there anything I can get you two to drink while you look over the menus?" Her voice was raspy, she clearly used it often.

"Do you have any fruit juice?" asked Artemis.

"Sure dear," said Sandy, reaching out for an old notepad and making a note. "And for you dear?"

"Um, I'll just have a mineral water please," said Rainbow.

Sandy made another note, "I'll just go get them for you."

They were left alone at the table, both reading their menus in silence as the waitress or possibly owner, went about preparing their drinks. Artemis studied his menu closely, his hunger requiring to find something filling, and hopefully a lot of it. Unfortunately, a lot of the menu was pony fair, it seemed this cafes specialty involved flowers or hay. A concerned look appeared upon Artemis is face, which the waitress noticed as she came back over setting their drinks in front of them.

"You ok hun? You don't look so good."

"I'm ok, just, have you got anything based around fruit or vegetables. Rather than hay or flowers?"

The waitress thought to herself for a second, hoof to her head. "Hmm, I guess I can do you some fruit salad if you like, anything you got against flowers and hay if you don't mind me asking?"

"Can't digest them, so they wouldn't do me any good."

Sandy laughed, "Oh, well on that case. Sure I'll do some, and for you miss?" she asked as she turned to face Rainbow.

The pegasus had the look of a hungry predator ready to go in for the kill, "I'm going to have the jumbo lily burger and hay fries, and don't hold back on the ketchup." Sandy just laughed as she noted down the order and went off to prepare their food.

Artemis stared at Rainbow with a look of disbelief, "I can't believe you just ordered that."

"Hey, don't give me that!" she snapped. "Just because you can't eat that stuff, doesn't mean I shouldn't."

"I wasn't commenting on what you're ordering," he retorted. "Rather, the volume. For someone wanting to join the Wonderbolts, you're doing all you can to put on love handles."

"I'll have you know I spend plenty of time exercising," she said poking him with a hoof. "Unlike you wheelchair boy. Besides, you made me miss breakfast, so I'm eating two meals at once."

Artemis punched her on the hoof that was still pressed against him, "You know I was only joking right?"

"I know you were, but I wasn't. Seriously, when you get out of that wheelchair me and Applejack need to run you through your paces." She paused for a second, "Maybe we could get Twilight involved, she could use the exercise. Not that she would agree, unless of course we say she could study you while she does it. That ought to get her to say yes."

He looked at her confused. "How will that get her to agree?"

"It just will, trust me."

"I could trust you, but you just called me fat."

"Well, you kind of are."

"Rainbow, that's not the point, you don't go around calling people fat willy nilly." He fixed her with an evil glare. Eventually, she faltered.

"Fine... I'm sorry." This caused him to burst into laughter. "Hey what gives?"

"I was only joking, Rainbow."

"Good, because I never intended to stop, tubby." She gave him a vicious grin. "So, what do you think of that Chuck guy, such a creep huh?"

"I dunno, seemed like a typical kind of truck driver character to me, at least from where I'm from."

"So you've got a lot of jerks like that where you're from, shesh, it must be bad back there. Come to think of it, you haven't told us much about where you're from, beyond the watching of a show."

The sudden talk of home made Artemis pause before replying, tears beginning to form in his eyes, he did miss his family.

"Oh, did I hurt a nerve there?"

"It's ok, Rainbow." He said not too enthusiastically, "Just, talking about them makes me realise I may not see my family again. And, besides, even I could go back, why would I? I may not be able to return back here, and then I would miss you guys, and you guys are far more interesting than people back home."

Rainbow placed a hoof on his back, comforting him. "It must be hard, but I'm sure your family miss you."

For a moment, he enjoyed the gentle warmth coming from her contact, before coming to a realization. What was up with her family?

"Rainbow, what about your family? Do they miss you?" the moment he asked it he wished he hadn't. He felt her arm stiffening, thrusting him forward and smashing his head against the table. Instantly, the blackness, that was becoming a constant companion, rushed up to greet him.

Sorry it has no Trixie, I got to the head smash bit and really wanted to end it there, seemed right that we end it with Rainbow getting true justice.

Chapter 20 - Tricky Trixie.

Artemis awoke to a world of pain, something he should of been used to by now due to his time in Ponyville bringing pain on almost a daily basis. The one good point was it seemed he wasn't out for long, food was now on the table, and Rainbow was only half way through her burger and fries. He felt his head for any major wounds, apart from a bump it seemed he was fine, no cuts at least.

Noticing his movements, Rainbow paused at her eating and turned her attention to Artemis. "Ahh, I see your awake, foods here by the way."

Lifting his head off the table, he sighed at the obvious statement. Despite wanting to continue the discussion, and perhaps ask for an apology, he was ravenously hungry, and decided to sate his appetite first. He wolfed down his food at an alarming rate, and soon caught up and even surpassed his dinning companion.

Soon he was finished eating and waiting for her to finish her meal. He used this time wisely, firstly to nurse his injured head, and then to work out what to say to her when she was finished. Unfortunately he didn't get chance to, as the moment she finished she tossed the bits for her meal on the meal and walked out of the door. He was left with no choice to do similar, not forgetting to thank Sandy for her lovely food, and chase or rather roll after her.

It was hard work catching her up, she may be the fastest flyer in Equestria, but she was no slouch when it came to speed on the ground either. Finally, he caught up with her outside the train station.

"Wait! Rainbow, please, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm going back to Ponyville."

"But why?"

Up until now she had been talking to him with her back turned, however at this she turned around to face him, and glared at him menacing. "It doesn't matter."

"Doesn't matter?! You're leaving me alone in Canterlot, after knocking me out without even apologizing, and you're saying it doesn't matter?"

"Fine... You really want to know? It's because this day has been rotten so far. First you get me up early, I miss breakfast and I get moaned at by Trixie's goons. Its bad enough I have to see her, and then to top it off you asked me about my family."

"So?"

Rainbow sighed, running a hoof down her face. "Look, I know it's not your fault, you're new to Ponyville, Equestria even. But, I don't talk about my family, nor do I like to talk about it. It's a tough topic, for me anyway."

"I don't see what that has to do with you leaving."

"It brings back bad memories, alright?! I just need to be alone for a while." With that, she took off into the air, zooming over a crowd of ponies as they emerged from the station. There was no time for Artemis to respond and no way for him to pursue, not through a crowd with his wheel chair. He was all alone.

He couldn't believe his luck, first he had been injured, twice, by Rainbow. Now, she had abandoned him as well. There was little point in following, either she was telling the truth and simply needed to be alone. Or she didn't, but beyond saying sorry, which he didn't really think he should do, after all, she had knocked him out again, there was nothing he could do. It looked like he would be going to Trixie's on his own.

Making his way back to the town center, he found that she must of knocked him out longer than he had presumed. It was now one o'clock, and with nothing or nopony else to kill time, he decided the best course of action was to go back to the theater and wait.

The walk to the theater took the better part of quarter an hour, and by the time he got there, he found a long line of ponies. It appeared as if most newspaper companies in Equestria had turned up, it was unlikely that Canterlot had over 30 different newspapers available. As he took his place at the back of the line, the news reporters were all being incredibly loud, arguing with each other and declaring he superiority of their own paper. Glad to be at the back of the line, he stood well back, making sure no to get in the middle of anything, he'd suffered enough pain or one day.

Before long, a hushed silence fell on the queue and the ponies began to move forward. The cause of the silence and where exactly they were going were unknown to Artemis, the pony standing in front of him was large and stocky, blocking his view.

Finally, the pony in front entered the building through a door to his left, and revealed the pony standing in front of him. It was none other that the hostess herself, Trixie, who was looked rather different without her star spangled cape and hat. Her face was hidden behind a clipboard that she suspended in front of her face with her magic.

As he approached her, she didn't look up and simply acknowledged his existence by asking, "Name?"

"Uh, Artemis."

"Artemis. Artemis, Artemis, wait a minute! There's no Artemis on this..." She was obviously about to moan at him until she lowered the clipboard, she paused mid sentence as she noticed who was in front of her. "Oh, I'm sorry" she said regaining her composure. "Don't know what came other Trixie, I mean me, there. You must be that, what is it called, Human, I invited, are you not?"

"I guess so, not met another Human in Equestria yet, and I have your invitation and back stage passes here."

"Bah, mere trival formalities I had to go to due to some legal stuff here in Canterlot. Come in, come in, let Trixie, I mean me, have a look at you." She slapped her head with a hoof, "Sorry about that, have problem staying in first person when I'm preparing for a show. Hope you understand."

"It's ok," he said as he followed her into the building. "I've heard of stage performers doing worse things than trying to stay 'out' of character."

"That is good to hear, now we need to turn left here and a right at the next turn after that I think." She mumbled as they approached a turn in the corridor. Artemis followed her obediently, however found it surprising when they went pass the press room.

"Aren't we going in there?"

"In there?" she asked indicating to the room they had just passed. "Oh, no-no-no-no. We shan't be in there, those peasants are only here to give me reviews. A formality I wish I didn't have to pursue, unfortunately, one can not simply exist in Canterlot without getting a review, the posh snobs won't turn up without one." She finished talking as they turned around a corner to the right. "Aha, here we are, my dressing room." She entered quickly, leaving Artemis lingering outside. That was until her voice called from inside, "It's rude to keep your hostess waiting, you know that right?"

He lingered no longer, and bit back any fear he had at entering a private place. Still, he closed his eyes as he entered the room. "I'm sorry, I know sometimes artists are strange with people entering their dressing room."

"Artist, you really think I am one?"

"I guess you are, you perform do you not?"

"That is true, anyway, you say Artists you know of are a bit sensitive about their dressing rooms. How then do they interview in private, or hold private conversations?"

"Often, they don't"

Trixie chuckled, "I feel sorry for the artists you know of."

"As do I, the world I come from values privacy poorly, especially of those in the lime light."

"Lime light? You can use limes to power the lights? Interesting, if only I had known. Would of saved me a fortune in lighting this place."

Covering his face with his hands, Artemis regretted his turn of phrase. "No, you can't, it's just an expression where I am from."

Trixie's face became flushed with embarrassment, her composure broken he noticed her eyes twitching. "Of course, I should have known. Trixie smacked her head with her hooves, "Trixie is a fool." She repeated smacking her face over and over again, until he came to his sense of mind and held back her legs to stop her.

"Stop that at once," then noticing the look she gave him, he sheepishly said "please?"

The tension in her legs gave way, and let his grip go, "You're right, I shouldn't be hitting myself. It's just, I haven't been the same since Ponyville."

"Ponyville?"

"Ahh, yes Ponyville, the site of my downfall. Initially it left me destitute, I wandered from town to town for months, begging for work just to feed myself. But eventually, I realized, there were truths to the claims of Twilight and her friends. I had forgotten how to separate the stage from real life. My persona had become my identity. While some ponies loved the act, I was often rude and aggressive to others, causing them to shun me after the Ponyville incident. My wondrous acts of magic they believed nothing more than cheap tricks."

"How did you get back into performing again then?"

"That, that's an interesting tale. Well after a string of bad luck, I found myself run out of yet another town. It was the middle of winter, and I found myself lost in the forest near the town as I tried to evade the ponies chasing me. I stumbled around for days, not knowing where I was or which direction to go. Now you may be wondering why I didn't use my magic to help me, but I had never needed to learn navigation spells before. Traveling by road meant I had clear sign posts to follow." She paused in her tale to drink some water out of a large jug she conjured from somewhere.

"As I was saying, I was lost in the forest for days, and just as my supplies were about to run out, I stumbled upon a small logging village. I spent several days recovering there, their kind hospitality vastly different to anything I had experience in the towns I had visited previously." By this point, tears were beginning to form in her eyes, and any contempt Artemis may of had for her, due to her arrogance, was gone. She had suffered enough for her behavior it seemed. "I was taken in by an elderly mare, who looked after her granddaughter, where I repaid the kindness with household chores. After being there a couple of weeks, the granddaughters birthday approached, and having learned of my profession, my hostess asked me if I could perform."

She paused again, to down more water and dry the tears from her muzzle, he moved to comfort but she pushed him away. "In my time there, I had come to know the filly quite well, and it was with great joy I willingly accepted the offer. In the end, it turned out to be a rather profitable decision, the whole camp turned out. By the end, I had them giving me a standing ovation, I had almost forgotten the sound of cheering. By the time I left the camp, it was with a purse full of bits and my confidence restored. The time in the village had taught me the difference between real Trixie and stage Trixie."

Finishing her talk, Trixie downed what was left of the water and looked like she was about to talk again when a knock on the door interrupted her. "Come in," she called.

The mare that opened the door had black fur, apart from her muzzle which was white, and a white mane and tail. "The press are getting a bit impatient, miss Trixie, perhaps you best meet with them now?"

"Ahh yes, thanks, Razzle. I'll be with them in a minute, just finishing up here. By the way, let me introduce you two. Razzle, this is the special guest I told you about."

"Ahh yes, Nice to meet you." Said Razzle, studying him with large violet eyes.

"And Artemis, this Razzle Dazzle, my personal Assistant. She deals with general tasks while I'm to busy. Anyway, I'm afraid I have to leave you, help yourself to any snacks while I'm gone, and I believe there are some magazines near the table as well." With a flourish she magically pulled back a curtain to reveal a table laden with snacks of different sorts, as well as several beverages, including Apple Family cider. Next to the tale was a pile of magazines, although to his dismay he noticed they were all gossip mags.

While Artemis was busy examining the table, Trixie and Razzle stepped out of the room, closing the door behind them. "So how did it go?" asked Razzle.

"Oh, it went well, I threw him some sob story and he bought it."

"So do you reckon he will accept the offer?"

"There is a high probability he will, after all who doesn't want to work for the Great and Powerful Trixie? But just in case, I brought a little extra insurance." She levitated a small vial of silver liquid out of her mane.

"Is that what I think it is miss Trixie?"

"Indeed Razzle, and I want you to give it to him if he refuses. Got it from a friend of mine, and he guarantees this stuff will deliver."

"You are extremely wise miss." Complimented Razzle.

"Oh it's nothing, after all when you've been in the business as long as me, you learn a few tricks. By the end of today he will be mine."

They shared maniacal laughter all the way to the press room, where Trixie regained her composure before stepping in. "Greetings Stallions and Mares, the Great and Powerful Trixie hopes you will enjoy tonight..."

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and hope it was rather epic, I wanted to continue a bit, but thought a cliff hanger would be nice, and besides. 2.3k words is a nice chapter length, not too short, not too long.

Chapter 21 - Ghosts of Rainbow's Past

Rainbow was sitting on the train back to Ponyville, her feelings of rage at Artemis had subsided over the last hour, replaced with embarrassment and self loathing. She had come to realize, as she trundled through the countryside, that she had acted in the same way she had under Discord's spell. Selfish and against the loyalty she represented. A small part wanted to chuck herself under the train, she had resisted Nightmare Moon's corruption and yet failed when no temptation was placed in front of her.

The larger part of her wanted to return to Canterlot, but Artemis would despise her wouldn't he? She had abandoned him in the city, and forced him to see Trixie on his own. He had begged her to go and see it with him, and she had accepted, and like a little girl ran away the moment she got annoyed. "It was hardly his fault, how was he supposed to know about her family stance?" She began to think to herself.

She raised a hoof to steady herself against the carriage, with the mental barrier around her memories blow open, she began to remember. Her parents, both pegasi had been a loving couple. Her father, a librarian, worked at the Cloudsdale Library. He was an intelligent man, who could always astound Rainbow with his wisdom and knowledge. Her mother was a weather pony, she worked at the main weather station, primarily in the rainbow factory. It was always funny seeing her come home covered in remnants of her work, the colorful stains on her coat practically glowing in the darkened streets in the late hours of early evening. In fact, it was often said by the other parents, it was something to do with working with the Rainbows while pregnant that had given her daughter the rainbow mane and tail.

Despite his bookish nature, it was her father that originally piqued her interest with the Wonderbolts, insisting even from an early age in taking her to the various derby's. She didn't know if he actually thought she would get into it, or just wanted the company, but soon she became a dedicated fan. Often waking up far too early on event days. Her mum sometimes came too, but despite her rather more exciting job - at least in her daughters opinion - she didn't have much of an appetite for speed. She preferred the dedication and attention to detail that came from creating weather.

It was this passion for weather that also rubbed off on her as well, after all she loved both of her parents dearly, and so wanted to please them both. Because of this, when she wasn't at flight school, or with her father at a derby, or even with Fluttershy, she was out with her mum learning the finer point of weather control. Something that would come to benefit her greatly in future, and times she would cherish forever.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to last. All good things come to an end, some quicker than others, and by the age of 9 Rainbow was at a funeral in the wind and rain looking at a tombstone, the name Sky Dancer engraved into it's surface, her mothers name. She had died two days prior in a freak accident at work, the apprentice that her mother had been teaching had put nitroglycerine into the rainbow vat instead of nitrogen, when her mother wasn't looking. This led to a violent reaction, and a rather large explosion. Luckily only two ponies had been caught in the blast, her mother and the apprentice, who survived with minor burns. He was reprimanded of course, but it didn't bring back Sky Dancer, who had died valiantly trying to save the apprentice from his own mistake. At least she would of died instantly, or at least that's what the medics said. Rainbow was glad her mother didn't suffer.

After that her father was never the same, his behavior becoming erratic and far from the man she knew. He banned Rainbow from continuing her learning at the weather center under her mother's colleague and even stopped going to Wonderbolts events, forcing her to read about them in newspapers.

If that was the worst of it, she probably would of chalked it up to grief, but it didn't end there. Her father began to view strangers with suspicion, often hiding when post arrived and soon began to stop leaving the house all together. His paranoia didn't stop with that, and before long he was trying to remove Rainbow from flight school and banned her from seeing any of her friends. Even Fluttershy.

This was the last straw, she could understand some differences, she was after all acting different herself. Colder to other ponies, often ignoring them all together, except Fluttershy of course. In fact, it was this time in her life that many began to question her behavior, labeling her a filly fooler as she shot down a string of colts who vied for her affections. It wasn't that she wasn't interested, it was just with all that was going on, she was far to busy to deal with romance issues as well.

Her father had now gone too far, and so she started secretly rebelling, continuing going to school and meeting with Fluttershy. Often this involved sneaking out at night, going off for midnight misadventures with her friend. Unfortunately, these acts of defiance didn't go unnoticed by her father, and it only fueled his weird behavior. Soon, he even stopped leaving his room, insisting Rainbow bring him his food and leave it outside the door before retreating. She began to hear hushed conversations from the room, and weird smells came from it all times of day.

Then one day, it stopped. Where before she was woken up by the whispering from her fathers room, there was silence, and the house smelt almost fresh. She was excited, could it mean her father was well again, or at least had come to his senses. She looked around for him, but that morning he wasn't around the house, and his room was locked. Still, the feeling of unease that had been clinging to her for weeks was lifted, and she felt wonderful. For the first time in months she enjoyed school, and actually began to talk openly to the other ponies.

School went well, she managed to regain contact with some of the friends she grew apart from after her mothers death, and laughed for the first time in what seemed like forever. Her coach even commented on her new attitude, praising her for finally getting to grips with everything. It seemed like life was starting to improve. Sadly, that was not the case.

She approached her house in high spirits, talking excitedly with Fluttershy. However, they both fell into silent confusion as they turned into Rainbow's street. It was busy, which was uncharacteristic for this time of day. The other residents were mostly elderly, so weren't out all that much, and the ponies that filled the street were definitely not elderly.

As they pushed through the crowds, Rainbow recognized some of the types of pony. There were police and medical teams, as well as news reporters, some of the same ones who had covered her mothers death. But what could be so important that they were down this street. On the way back to her house, they passed a wagon, its rear gate open and a stretcher being loaded into it. The stretcher hid a form under a black cloth, by the looks of it a pony, a rather large pony.

At least that explained the commotion, a dead pony, but not why the press was here. Pony deaths were a fact of life, and no celebrity lived around here. She pushed through the crowd, hoping to ask her dad who the dead person was, giving a silent prayer to the ponies family as she went.

She began to walk towards her house with its familiar garden, pathway and door, when a police stallion emerged from the building closing the door behind him. Gears whirred inside her head, piecing the jigsaw together and before she knew what she was doing, she was tearing back towards the wagon. As she ran, her wings began to beat, knocking her off balance and causing her to fly into a medic at the back of the cart. Fluttershy could only shiver, and hide behind her mane as a police pony approached her stunned friend.

"What's all this then?" he asked through his bushy mustache and the young filly. "We don't have time for trouble makers right now, this is a serious operation and the area is out of bounds to non residents for the present moment."

Rainbow spat out her tail, which had somehow got caught in her mouth in the collision. "I am a resident, that's my house you just came out of."

"Your house? Then you must be..." he paused for a second before continuing. "I think you better come with me." With that he picked Rainbow up, and carried her to a waiting cart, located near to the wagon. He deposited her in the back seat, and said a few words to the driver, who took off after the wagon as it started to move. She could only sit and watch as she left Fluttershy behind.

Around an hour later, Rainbow was sitting in a hospital, and for a the second time in her life, receiving the news of one of her parents death. "I'm sorry for your loss," the doctor finished before sitting on the bench beside her in silence and watching her intently. She felt strangely empty, when her mother had died she had been terrified and tremendously upset. But now, hearing he news of her father's death, she felt nothing more than an empty numbness.

The doctor put a hoof around her, "It will be alright, Rainbow Dash." She didn't respond, just continued to look into empty space. "It will be alright."

A door into that section of the hospital opened up, a very nervous looking police pony entered. Where the ponies that dealt with before were large and gruff, this one was timid, probably a new recruit. He beckoned over the doctor, who stood up and cantered over to him. Rainbow sat and listened to them whisper to each other, even though she couldn't hear what they were saying.

Finishing their discussion, the doctor left the wing and left the timid pony to do his task, whatever it was. He walked over to Rainbow and knelt down in front of her. "I guess you must be Rainbow Dash. You sure are one tough cookie."

She looked up at him surprised, all day ponies had been talking to her but their tone had been condescending, treating her like a little filly. Yet this one, this pony talked to her as normal, as if she hadn't lost her parents, it wasn't mean and she preferred it.

"What do you mean?"

The pony chuckled, "I mean I'm surprised how well you're holding up." He raised her face with a hoof and gave it a quick inspection, "See not even a single tear."

"Huh?" She looked at him perplexed.

"Normally, the ponies I deal with are too busy to cry to talk to for days, and here you are as if you've seen it all. Then again, I guess you have, compared to most of us anyway."

"Who are you? Why are you here?" she asked aggressively.

He looked at her understandingly, "I'm inspector Gentle Hoof, and I've been asked to discuss a difficult subject with you. I know it's soon, but we need to talk about housing you. Do you have any family nearby?"

She just gave a small shake of the head.

"I see, then that leaves foster families." She recoiled from his grip at the mention of that alternative.

"I ain't going with some strangers."

Gentle Hoof just smiled her, "I thought you might act like that, but I think you will like the family that we've assigned you to. In fact, the moment they heard about the situation, they offered their services."

Silently, she contemplated what the Inspector had said, who would be that eager to look after her. Almost as if he read her mind, he answered the question for her. He went over to the door of the corridor and stuck his head out "You can come in now!" he called.

As she heard the ponies walking down the hall towards the door, she awaited her fate. Her heart was beating our a samba as she contemplated flying out of a nearby window. Hoof gave her a smile as the sound of the ponies got closer and closer, Rainbow's breathing increasing with each step, causing her to almost hyperventilate. Soon the hoof steps stopped, and time seemed to stop as the door slowly opened to reveal the ponies on the other side.

Rainbow almost fainted with joy, standing on the other side was Fluttershy and her parents, Gentle Whisper and Careful Gaze. As soon as the door opened fully, her filly friend rushed towards her.

"Oh Rainbow, I hope you're ok, as soon as I saw what had happened I rushed home to tell my parents. Can you believe it though? We're going to be roommates." Fluttershy finished her speech by embracing her in a large hug.

The next few years were hard for the adult Rainbow to remember, apart from a few key points, the gaining of Fluttershy's and her own Cutie Marks for one. What she could recall was that it was a happy period of her life, which despite her great loss previous, was a time of great gain. She gained many great friends, and her new foster parents supported her throughout, even when she flunked flight school.

Coming back to reality, the vision of her memories giving way to the seats and passengers of the train, she realised there were tears on her face. Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy, despite her pain. Her family or families had provided the care and support she had needed, she had never been alone in her life.

Guilt filled her, how selfish had she been? She had punished Artemis for simply being interested in her past, and she had to admit, the question had helped her to understand that her family past wasn't something to be ashamed of or to hide from, but something to embrace. She had always had people for her, and she made a silent Pinkie Promise right there and then. While he may be stuck in a strange land, Artemis will never be really alone, despite his lack of family, she would make sure she was there for him. It was the least she could do after how he had been treated.

First however, there was a matter to deal with. She stood up, and despite protests from the conductor. launched herself into the sky. She gave a call as she zoomed through the sky, "Don't you worry Artemis, I'm coming."

-x-

In Ponyvile, Twilight was taking advantage of the peace and quiet from both Rainbow and Artemis' absence to do some reorganizing in the library. It was hard work, but she and Spike were assisted by the less than overwhelming efforts from Pinkie Pie.

Spike was in the middle of placing some books into the bookcase while Pinkie held the ladder when she began to shake up and down violently. He cascaded to the floor with a loud crash that stunned him and garnered the attention of Twilight.

"What was that?" she asked, annoyed to be disturbed from her own organizing task, then she noticed Pinkie's rapid bouncing. "Pinkie, what's up?"
"I-I-I-I D-d-u-n-n-o T-t-w-i-i-l-i-g-g-h-t" she struggled to speak. "B-b-b-u-t i-t-t s-e-e-e-e-m-s-s-s t-o b-e-e a d-o-o-o-z-y-y."

Placing a hoof to her head, Twilight sighed, "Not another one." She thought to herself. Gripping Pinkie in a field so she could talk normally, she asked, "Where?"

"Canterlot, I think."

"Oh my goodness," exclaimed Spike, pulling himself up from his heap on the floor. "I hope Artemis is ok."

Twilight gave a worried expression. "I'm sure he's ok, he's got Rainbow with him," she said unconvincingly. Turning her attention to the window, she gazed into the distance where she thought she could just make out Canterlot's outer walls. 'Please Celestia, may he be ok,' she prayed silently to herself.

Chapter 22 - Chaos Show Down

Six ponies, one severely injured with blood streaming down her flank, stood between two black tides. The black tide of the unconscious and the dead behind them, and the black tide that was bearing down on them at a rate which would give little respite.

Starswirl turned to the brown injured mare beside him, "Coco, are you ok to continue?" She returned something between a grimace and a smile.

"Don't you worry about me, Starswirl, as long as your plan works I'll be fine." Her voice was ragged, and flecks of blood and spittle sprayed from her mouth as she spoke. He smiled when he had seen she'd survived the dive, but he guessed that it was only by the soothing power of her element that she still stood.

"Coco, it will be alright," he replied, a large grin plastered across his face. "I've done all the calculations, and besides, this is why the elements were created. There is no way this plan can possibly fail."

Papyrus Reed, standing nearby, raised a hoof to his face. "That's what you said about that multi-teleportation spell and the far gaze spell. We all know how they turned out," he groaned. Suddenly Papyrus yelped as he felt the heat from the flames lick at his shoulder.

"Shut it Papyrus!" exclaimed Dragon Fire. "The last thing we need is your whining, I'm sure Starswirl has got it all worked out properly - this time."

Throughout this exchange, Sapphire, who was usually giddy when she was least excited, stood strangely still and silent. Her change in demeanor showing how the stress was getting to even this usually bubbly pony.

Studying his friends, Starswirl slowly stroked his small beard, something that was strange for a pony to have. Strange, but not unheard of. It was a comfort he was glad to have, something that marked him as special beyond his almost outstanding skill with magic. He was glad they were alive, however, what they had fought against so far had only been a tiny portion of Chaos' army. There was no way they could defeat the horde in front of them. Luckily, his plan involved defeating one being. The Lord Chaos himself.

Starswirl stepped out of the group of friends towards the advancing line of Chaos' forces. It wasn't a large distance, but to him it felt like the whole of Equestria. "Friends, we cannot afford to argue, we must hurry to set up the ritual in the scant time that remains."

"Yes, you're right, of course." Said Violet Skies, "What do you want us to do?" Starswirl smiled again, he could always rely on Violet to be serious.

"I need to draw some runes, Papyrus, do you have the crushed jade?"

"Yes, of course I do." Said the disgruntled green pony as he hoofed a bag of salt out of his saddle bag. "Why do you need this anyway?"

"It's to do with the crystalline structure," he replied, "It absorbs magical energies and reflects it around itself. Crushed jade is small enough that the amount of crystals in close proximity amplifies the magical power around us."

"Um, Starswirl?" asked Sapphire, now coming out of her trance. "Why do we need this, surely the elements were made for this?"

"Well, yes, of course. However, their power will be stretched thin, the runes are to cast a protective ward over us. Surely that much would be obvious, especially to a fellow unicorn!"

She blushed, embarrassed by her lack of what appeared to be obvious unicorn knowledge. She mumbled a reply, "Of course, sorry."

Working frantically, Starswirl placed the runes on the ground, taking great care in their shape and the amount of salt placed in each line. The others just watched silently, but restless, as they observed the approaching tide of darkness and shadow.

The ground was rumbling when he finished his work, beads of sweat falling into his eyes, clearly drawing runes was draining work. "Alright guys, get into the rune with the symbol of your elements," he mumbled. Already standing in his rune, he took a quick breather to regather his energy and charged up a spell. It went off without a hitch, after all it was a relatively simple one, used for nothing more than to amplify the voice.

"Chaos, we challenge you to single combat, do you accept or are you a cowerd?" His voice rang out across the field. Behind him, all five of his friends facehoofed at the insult, mocking someone as powerful as Chaos was probably not a good thing.

A roar was heard in response to the challenge, and the six ponies noticed the lead figure of the army rise up far into the sky, its form changing and consuming nearby shadowlings as it grew. Like a tidal wave, the figure swept down upon them, crashing against what seemed to be an invisible barrier as he attempted to assault the elements.

"It seems you ponies were more prepared than those at Stalliongrad," he chuckled, his voice dark and booming. "They were an amusing appetizer before my main course. No matter, I shall swipe you aside soon enough." Once again Chaos descended on the barrier, this time engulfing them completely. Darkness consumed the ponies as all traces of light were blocked out, laughter ringing out around them.

"You think we're afraid of the dark? What do you take us for, fillies?"

"Fillies? No, fillies would have had more sense than to attack me. It is hopeless, I'm the all consuming darkness, I am chaos incarnate. Nothing can defeat me"

At his words, the barrier between them and chaos began to glow bright red, it was clear it wouldn't hold for much longer. Four of the ponies closed their eyes, accepting their fate, only Coco and Starswirl's eyes remained open.

"Starswirl, whatever it was you gave us the elements for, it would be nice if you did it now," said Coco.

A huge smile plastered itself across his face, "Friends, do you remember what I said when I gave you your elements?" He heard murmured yeses, "Good, think about it now. Let the reason fill your mind."

As one, the five elemental necklaces lit up, a crackling of energy could be heard inside the barrier. Detecting the magic, Chaos doubled his efforts against the barrier, it seemed like they had a weapon that could possibly harm him after all.

Starswirl stood in the center of the cascade of energy, bathing in the magic that flowed around him. He admired his friends, they were doing their task perfectly. Muttering a couple of words, he focused his mind and his magic causing his element to glow as well.

One by one each of the six ponies began to rise slowly into the air, ending with Starswirl being the last to rise. He felt his body fill with pure energy and focused it into his horn and tiara. The build up of energy was massive, and soon streams of magical energy flowed visibly around them It was a sight like none he had ever seen, pure magic visible to the naked eye. A slow but beautiful tune appeared to come from the six elements as their energies combined, however this was quickly drowned out by a large roar and a crash. The barrier around them collapsed into motes of light which danced around in mid air before evaporating as they fell towards the ground.

Chaos let out a cry of triumph, he had reached them before they could fire off their energy, but his cry was short lived as he rushed to crush them. Cries of triumph turned to pain as the shadow that made up his arms melted as it came near the light of the elements. He paused for a split second, his young mind almost whirring as he calculated his mistake. He should have wondered how these six had beaten his vanguard, or why they dared challenge him.

He thought for a second to escape, flee and fight another day. But he, like a child believed that would not help, after all what would stop them coming after him. Instead, he charged them with everything he had, absorbing all the shadowlings he could reach in order to destroy them before they could destroy him.

He lay himself upon them reaching out with everything he had to crush them, his body burnt until he could take no more and eventually recoiled, his body nothing more than tatters. He gazed upon the ponies, floating in mid air appearing as they did before, not even a scratch upon them.

As they remained hovering there a pony general who had been standing by idly walked over to him. "Chaos, Sir, what are your orders?"

"Crush them!"

The general nodded and barked an order, within seconds the air was filled with bolts of magic as hordes of unicorns; some willing servants and some not, fired upon the six. Just before the collision, Starswirl's eyes opened and all the magic exploded in mid air like a clumsily organized fireworks display. His eyes, bright white energy flowing from them, surveyed the scene.

"Chaos, we give you one last chance to surrender."

"Or what?"

"Your end."

"I am a god, you cannot end me." His army roared with agreement, although his tattered body was evidence to the contrary.

"So be it."

With a cry, a beam of energy linked the six ponies and fired upon chaos, breaking into fine lines that traced over him upon impact. As the beam weaved a web over him, it intensified and spread out across the army. Seeing this, the army turned to flee and trampled themselves in panic. Soon the light built up so no one could see, blinding everyone around.

Slowly the light receded and the view astonished five of the ponies as they fell down to the ground, they were alone, of Chaos and his army there was no sign. Rising from the ground they looked at each other in silence before cheering in triumph. After a few seconds, however, confusion appeared upon the group, Starswirl was missing. For a few moments they were worried that the ritual had banished their friend in the process, but he was soon found after a frantic search and what they saw shocked them. It wasn't that he was unconscious, after all his effort that much could be expected, it was that appeared wrinkled as if aged and his beard had grown long and had faded to white.

The Doozy

A/N: I know Authors notes are normally at the bottom but I needed to say this before you guys read this chapter. This is an unedited chapter, the reason I'm putting this up like this is because it took me a month to write and I want you guys to see it. I hope you enjoy it and be sure I will edit at a future point. Please tell me below what you think.

The show was a spectacular sight, the likes of which Artemis had never seen before. On stage, Trixie was in her element and the audience were hers to command as she dazzled them with wondrous feats of magic. From levitation magic to conjuration, Trixie performed feats which caused even all the unicorns to holler away like crazy. She also performed a story telling using her magic to make the characters come to life as she talked in a way which reminded Artemis of holograms you saw in the movies.

Of course there was also the audience challenge, Trixie succeeding to outdo every pony that dared test their skills against her. It did seem she had learned her lesson however, offering condolences instead of barbs as the competitors left the stage.

Artemis ended up leaving the main theater and walking backstage amazed, trying to work out which trick was the best. He couldn't decide between when she covered that baker with pies during his own challenge, or if it was when she did that amazing balancing act with four of the oddest shaped boulders he had ever seen.

As he approached Trixie's dressing room, he decided he liked them both and let himself in. Before the performance Trixie told him to come back here and wait for him afterwards. She said she was going to be busy dealing with the press and that he shouldn't be left standing around in the corridor.

He sat down in his previous seat and was brought out of thoughts of the performance by Trixie's assistant entering the room. She barely registered him sitting there and busied herself replacing her employers water before leaving. His eyes followed her as she walked across the room and could of sworn she was smiling, but he couldn't be certain.

After she had left, he was left alone for what must of been at least thirty minutes. Time which he spent nosing around the room, trying to discover more about his host. Possibly her particular likes or information about her past. His scouring of the room didn't reward with much, just some pictures of her with her caravan, that was until he found what appeared to be an old leather bound photo album.

He heaved it out of a space in the bookshelf where he found it and was about to open the front page when it was magically torn from his grasp. He turned around to find Trixie standing in the doorway, the album floating beside her and noticed a gleam in her eyes. It was there for less than a second, but it made him shiver uncontrollably.

"Um, Trixie, I didn't mean to be..."

"Don't worry about it, this old book would have nothing of interest to you anyway, just some old family pictures." Placing the book back on the shelf, she sat down, indicating for Artemis to do likewise. "So, how did you find the performance? Did you enjoy it?"

"Oh yes, I loved it. Don't get magic tricks like that back home, then again, we don't have magic back home."

"Really..?" Trixie looked aghast, "I don't see how anyone can get by without magic personally. But a world without magic at all... Now that's what I call a nightmare." She shook her head trying to get rid of some conjured image, her face soon returning to a casual smile. "Still, at least you got to see some real magic for a change. May I ask, what was your favorite trick?"

He was silent for a minute, trying to think under her gaze a suitable answer to the question. As his host, he had to make sure what was said didn't offend her. "Um, that's hard to say. I mean, I've never seen anything like it before. I don't think I could choose a particular point as being my favorite. It was all fantastic."

Trixie's face broke out into a massive grin, "I knew you would enjoy it." She clapped her hooves together happily. "I just wish... your companion... could of joined us. Might of helped her see me in a new light." Small beads of sweat dripped down her face as she said this, secretly she was glad Rainbow wasn't here. It would make her plan far easier to execute.

"Yes, I wish she was here too." Artemis wasn't too enthusiastic, he expected to be verbally slammed a lot when he got back to Ponyville. Not just from Rainbow either, after all it would look strange when she arrived alone and word would soon reach Twilight and the others. Apparently his worry carried across to Trixie rather clearly.

"Anything wrong, Artemis?"

He shook his head, bringing himself back to reality. "Hmm? Oh not really, just thinking of something."

Trixie was smiling inside, if she could get him to open up maybe he would be easier to coerce.

"Come on, you can tell me." She leaned her head close to his, so close they could feel each others breath against their faces.

He wasn't sure that he could, after all, Rainbow may not want people to know she abandoned him. Nor the affect asking about her family has. If anything, she would rather no one mentioned her family at all. And betraying the Element of Honesty was probably not a wise thing to do. However, as he sat there stalling, she just stared at him wide eyed. It seemed unlikely she would leave him be without some sort of answer.

"Well, ok then. I'm just feeling a bit alone since Rainbow had to go back to Ponyville." It was at least partially true.

Trixie put her hooves around Artemis, suddenly embracing him in a tight hug. "You don't need to worry about being alone, Trixie is here." She made sure to make her voice sound sickly sweet, and noticed with joy a red blush appearing across his face.

"T-thanks, I guess." He couldn't help but try to look away from her, something about this seemed off. Even from a reformed Trixie.

"You're welcome. So what have you got planned for the rest of the day?"

Artemis shook his head sheepishly. "No, no as such. Me and Rainbow were going to go straight back after the show. But now..."

Trixie blinked at him, pressing him for further information.

"I'm not in such a rush to get back." He said with a sigh.

"That's ok, I'm not in any rush to get rid of you. I only had the one show today, afternoon and evenings are hard enough when you know the ponies like your show." She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. It didn't look like she was sleeping. More like she was resting. "I'm glad to have some company," she said with a casual flick of one her hooves.

Artemis gave a nervous grin, "Sure. I guess I can stay for a bit, but what would we do?"

"Well... I could show you some magic tricks. Maybe teach you to perform a couple of less 'magical' tricks."

"Huh? Less magical?"

"You know, tricks that require slight of hoof instead actual magical skill."

"I thought such things would be beneath the 'Great and Powerful' Trixie?"

"I thought them beneath me to begin with. However, I realized it might be a good idea to have tricks to sell after the shows. Stuff anyone could perform. Sadly without magic that meant I had to devise such tricks for my Pegasi and Earth pony audiences."

"Clever."

Trixie smiled, "Quite. So what do you say, you up for learning?"

"Sure."

"Then follow me." Trixie stood up from her seat, donned her star banged hat and led the way out of her dressing room.

Artemis followed behind her, hypnotized by the fact she seemed to have a sort of skip to her walk. He was paying so close attention he failed to notice her turn her head and wink to someone in the gloom.

---

Two hours later, they were back sitting in the dressing room and Artemis flicked a card out of a deck in front of Trixie. It was a clumsy move but it brought a smile to her face. Finally, after much instruction, he had got her card correctly.

"Bravo," she excitedly clapped her hooves together "you definitely have a knack for this."

"You really think so? I can barely do the trick after all this practicing."

"Oh you fool, of course you're doing well. Do you think you will master the technique in this short amount of time? The fact you can even do it basically is good enough." She finished her talk by giving him a playful hoof to the shoulder.

"I guess. Thanks for teaching me this trick by the way."

"No problem, you can keep the cards as well. You'll need them if you want to improve."

"Cheers," Artemis gave her a quick hug which took her by surprise, she didn't resist however. After, he looked at a clock on the mantlepiece in the room and noticed it was coming up to five in the evening. He probably would have to get going soon if he wanted to catch the train back to Ponyville. "Thanks for everything, but I probably need to get going."

"Do you really? So soon?"

"Trixie, I appreciate everything, but I need to get going if I want to get the train back."

"Train back? Oh, you mean back to Ponyville? Of course, how silly of me." She shook her head, a little too forcefully. "But you don't have to go."

"Well, I need to get back to Ponyville, where else would I go?"

Trixie lifted her hoof to her face, she appeared to Artemis to be deep in thought, but she was really just acting. "Hmm," then suddenly her eyes opened wide, it looked like she had an idea.

"I know, you could stay here"

"Huh? Here? What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said, you could stay here."

Artemis opened his mouth but didn't quite know how to respond, was she really saying he could live here with her?

"I mean, we've had fun this afternon. And you said it yourself that you dreaded going back to Ponyville."

"Yes, but..."

"But..?"

"That was more a, I don't want to go back yet but I know I have to, kind of statement. It's not that I don't really want to go back, I mean why wouldn't I? Twilight looks after me well, and all the others are fun to be around."

"Really? Including Rainbow?"

Artemis visibly shuddered at the mention of her name. What happened earlier today must have caused a lot of damage to their relationship, and it didn't seem to be in any good shape before that.

"Well... She has her charm."

"Really? So what is it? The fact that she abandoned you?"

"Ok, so maybe Rainbow is crap, but the others are good. And they accepted me so quickly, no calling me an evil monster and running away like children at the sight of me." As he said this, he remembered when he first laid eyes upon Twilight. The nervous smile that played across her face when she saw him. The memory caused him to go slightly gooey eyed, something Trixie clearly noticed.

"Really? That good?"

Artemis noticed how he had been staring, and blushed. "No-no, of course not."

"I think thou doth protest too much." Giggled Trixie.

"No-no I don't, I just don't like them in that way."

"Hmm, of course not... So do you want to stay?"

He looked away from her before stumbling a reply. "I-I-I I can't, thanks for the offer, but I need to go back to Ponyville. That's here the Princesses sent me and that's where my friends are."

"Of course." Trixie replied as he stood up to leave, a small smile appearing across his face. "Well, I'll have my assistant show you out. But perhaps a drink before you go?"

Artemis - who was hovering over his seat - plonked himself back down on his chair. "Sure, I could use a drink after all of that teaching, especially with the walk back to the station."

"Water ok?" He nodded in response.

Trixie stood up and busied herself with getting the water. Due to his distracted state and his only recent exposure to magic, he failed to notice the strangeness of her gathering the water without magic. He also failed to notice a small vial of clear liquid being dispensed into one of the glasses.

With that stage of the task done. She walked back over to the chairs, two glasses of crystal clear water suspended by her magic. She sat down and levitated one over to Artemis who grabbed it and was about to eagerly drink it when she interrupted him by speaking.

"I propose a toast."

"A toast?"

"Yes, a toast. To your adventures in Equestria. May you enjoy your time here and may you one day get home in piece."

They knocked their glasses together and Artemis quickly wolfed down his water. Trixie, instead of drinking just sat and watched over the top of her glass.

Artemis quickly finished his drink, wiping his mouth of excess water with the back of his hand and stood up.

"Thank you for having me...." He stopped talking mid sentence, his mouth was already dry and his head began to spin slightly. He leaned his hand against the chair to steady himself and shook his head. After a moment the spinning stopped and he took a step forward only to trip headfirst towards the floor below.

As he hit the floor Trixie sprang into action. She quickly moved over to him and provided a hoof to him as he started picking himself back up. He grabbed hold of her helpfully provided hoof and together they got him to his feet.

"Thanks Trix...ie." That last syllable was strangely high pitched as he noticed that Trixie looked strangely different.

"Oh my goodness, Artemis, that looked like a bad fall. Are you ok?"

"Yes, I'm ok thank you. Although I think I must of banged my head."

"Why do you think that?"

Silence, he just stood there staring.

"Hello, Equestria to Artemis. Are you there?"

She waved her hooves in front of his face bringing him back to reality.

"O-oh r-right, yes I'm here. And my head feels a little funny." As he spoke he couldn't help but stare into her purple eyes.

Trixie noticed this and it brought a smile to her face, her potion was working. Time to put the next stage of her plan into motion.

"Well, if you're ok, I guess you better be going."

"Right, of course." But instead of moving just stood their clumsily gazing at her.

"You are going aren't you?" Her tone was not that of annoyance and contained a slight tinge of sultriness. She flicked her tail towards him slightly as she talked.

"Well, um. I... don't... What?" For some reason he couldn't focus on anything apart from the mare standing in front of him. His head felt fuzzy and he couldn't focus on anything.

"Well you don't have to, the offer to stay is still open." Her voice was even more sultry than before and she played with her mane with a fore-hoof as she spoke.

He didn't know how to respond, a moment ago we knew he had to leave and get back to Ponyville. But now... Now part of him couldn't think of anything better than to sit down next to Trixie. And that part was getting louder by the second.

A minute later Artemis was sitting back down next to Trixie, this time leaning closer to her than he did before. He didn't even know how he got from standing up to sitting down. Nor why he suddenly found her blue coat alluring or why her eyes seemed like really deep and enticing.

"So Artemis," His ears picked up immediately, somehow her voice seemed like the sweetest honey all of a sudden. "Are you really going to stay?"

The part of him that was being drowned out, the part that still had sanity started screaming no as loud as it could inside his head. But, he nodded all the same. "Y-yes."

'No, why am I acting like this' he thought to himself. 'Her coat is dreamy though... Damn it, why do I think that.

"So, Artemis, what made you change your mind?" She played her tail against him teasingly.

"I-it..."

'No, don't answer.'

"W-was..."

'Please brain, don't say it, please. Anything but I know what you're going to say.'

"You."

'Damn you brain, that's the last time I give you any mental stimulation.'

Trixie gasped, "Me? Why would I change your mind."

He felt the last of his resistance give way and the response came freely.

"Just you. What about you wouldn't change my mind? From your beautiful blue coat and shining - waving silver hair. To your great ability with magic. Everything about you is amazing, you are truly the most beautiful mare I have ever met."

"Really?" Trixie purred, her hoof slowly grazing gently against his shoulder. "Would you say you loved me?"

"Y-yes. Yes I do."

The smile that appeared on her face was sinister, but he didn't seem to notice.

"Good, so what would you do?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, what would you do to prove your love to me?"

"Anything."

"Anything, really? Completely sure?"

Artemis nodded, "Yes. I am sure."

"Then you shall be my slave."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what I said. You shall be Trixie's slave. Do you understand?"

Inside what remained of Artemis was screaming out to stop this, but his body ignored him and nodded.
"Yes, Trixie."

She raised her hoof and smacked him hard across the face, causing him to stumble but otherwise he didn't react.

"You are Trixie's slave! You do not refer to me by my name, instead, call me mistress."

"Yes, m-mistress."

"Good, it's nice to see you know your place already. The love potion I slipped you seemed to work correctly, despite how shady the dealer seemed." She did a little jump for joy before stopping and raising a hoof to her chin. "Still, you need to learn your place as my slave, and I need to see just how far this potion will make you go."

She paused to stare at him while she thought of something suitable for him to do, at the same time he just stared at her, waiting for her command.

"I know what you shall do, it's suitably humiliating and should test the skills of the potion. You must lick the Great and Powerful Trixie's Hooves."

Artemis hesitated for a second as Trixie sat down to present her hooves, however a quick book magically hitting him in the back of the head set him in motion.

Slowly, and hesitantly, he walked over to her. Eventually he reached her and bent down, gripping one of the hooves in both of his hands. As he opened his mouth and tentatively poked his tongue out, Trixie almost squealed in delight. She had a human slave who was about to lick her hooves.

His tongue made contact with her hoof and a wave of pure ecstasy swept over her. The feeling of his soft fleshy tongue against her fur felt like true bliss. It was such a pleasurable experience she missed the door to the dressing room open as her personal assistant entered.

"Miss Trixie, I see your plan worked. Although I guess you resorted to the potion?"

"Ah-Ah-Ah... Yes I did.... Ah-Ah-Ah." Trixie could barely spoke through the waves of pleasure she was experiencing. "Artemis, stop for a second."

Artemis halted and Trixie used the reprieve to calm down and turn her attention to her PA.

"I take it you have the 'equipment'."

"I do indeed, miss Trixie, here you go." She presented Trixie with silver tray that was topped with a a whip, chains, and a leather dog collar.

"Excellent," she studied the pieces before picking up the collar with her magic. "I think this piece will be what we start with. Come here slave, lets see how you look..."

---

The sun was steadily falling towards the horizon as Rainbow reached the outskirts of Canterlot. She was tired, far more so than she expected. It turns out the train had traveled further during her flash back to the past than she had expected. Still, the element of loyalty wasn't going to give up.

As sweat dripped from her brow she cursed the designers of the city. Its design made it virtually impossible to work out where to go from above, unless you lived here of course. Approaching the center of the city, she went down and rejoined the street levels. Firstly, so she could rest her wings. Secondly so she could easily locate the theater where Trixie was performing. She had checked all the trains that had passed her as she flew and he hadn't been on any of them, so she assumed he was still there for some reason.

Landing on he ground, she found herself standing in the same square that they had stood in that morning. That morning... She had reacted so badly, he just wish Artemis could forgive her. She knew she was going to get an earful from Twi when they got back.

Finding the theater wasn't that hard. The side road was quite easy to find, and there were signs left out from the performance earlier that day. Despite this, it took her a good twenty minutes to walk there, due to a mixture of exhaustion and dread at how Artemis would react.

The front door appeared to be locked as Rainbow approached it, and a quick go at pushing and pulling the handles confirmed that suspicion. "Dammit, can't anything go right for me today?" She banged her head against the door a couple of times before trying to find the stage entrance they had been to earlier that day - another locked door - another smack of head on door.

"How in Tartarus am I meant to get in there?" She didn't know if they were still in there but it would be a good place to start if they weren't. She paced on the spot for a minute before a light went on above her. "Of course, maybe there is a door on one of the other sides of the building." She walked away, noticing the light that was on above her. "Hey, that's kind of funny."

The third side of the building was a blank, which left her only the fourth side of any hope of an open door. Sadly the wall was bare of any door. She was about to give up and continue the search elsewhere when she heard a distinct crack. It reminded her of the whip Applejack sometimes used herding the livestock.

"Where could that have come from?" She looked around, however none of the nearby buildings gave much clue. There was another crack, and this time she noticed there was an open window along the wall of theater. She wondered why she didn't see it before.

The answer was obvious when she was ducking beneath the window. The curtain was closed, blocking most of the light. However, a small gap in the curtain allowed of sliver of light to escape the room - a small gap which might also mean she would be able to see inside and find out exactly was causing that sound.

She carefully looked through the gap and had to stifle as she observed Trixie - her hat and cape discarded - holding a whip in between her teeth.

"Faster slave. Trixie said faster!"

Rainbow almost burst out laughing. She thought Trixie was a nutcase, but she never expected she was into this sort of thing. Then again, she did have a need to be better than everypony else, so it kind of made sense. She just felt sorry for the poor pony who was engaging in this sort of activity with her. What desperation they must have when Canterlot was filled with sane ponies. Sadly she couldn't see who it was because Trixie was standing directly between them and the window.

'If only that fat plot would move...'

A moment later her prayer was answered as Trixie stepped out of the view to retrieve something. Who she saw kneeling there made her want to simultaneously vomit and laugh. "Artemis, what they hay are you doing?" She muttered under her breath, in order not to be overheard.

She was right, he was a backstabbing traitor. The first moment he could, he made fresh with the first mare that presented herself to him.

"Yes mistress."

"Wait, is that Artemis speaking?" She peeked through the gap again and couldn't see anypony else in the room. "Must be. Wow, I didn't take him for the dominated type. Then again, it explains all his injuries."

Artemis turned his head towards the window and for a moment Rainbow ducked out of sight before she realized that he couldn't see her. She returned to looking and got yet another shock. Artemis' eyes had gone from green to pink - both of them were completely pink, including the Iris and the white parts. 'Something must be up, I don't know much about him. But from what Twilight was babbling on about during her scans his eyes shouldn't look like that. What could of caused that?'

Trixie walked over to Artemis and rubbed a hoof under his chin, he just sat there - completely nonreactive. "Trixie never thought her plan would go so well. Trixie guesses it helped that the rainbow tart left him alone."

Rainbow couldn't believe her luck. Was Trixie really doing monologue like that villain from her Daring Doo books? She always thought that was cheesy. But at least she knew it was what really happened. Or at least she knew Trixie was really that cheesy. For a moment she smiled at her internal insult at Trixie before frowning. 'Wait a minute, did she just call me a tart?'

"Well, it's a good job she did abandon him. Just shows what an idiot she is. With him under the power of the love potion, he will be at my beck and call. Not only that, people will gather from all around to see magic shows involving the only one of a kind." She gave his hair a little tussle with her hoof before visibly shuddering.

"It's just a shame that to make the affects of this potion permanent that I have to resort to this."

Rainbow watched with fascination as Trixie walked over to what appeared to a bed in the corner of her vision and lay down. However, in a moment her fascination turned to bile as Trixie spread her legs revealing herself. She couldn't see it due to the direction Trixie was facing - but she could easily tell that was what she was doing.

"C-come and g-get me." Trixie stuttered, her own disgust at the event clear in her tone.

Rainbow could only watch with a mixture of horror and mirth as Artemis struggled to his feet and started taking down his trousers.

"Alright, this has gone on long enough. I just hope this doesn't hurt . Me." Rainbow flexed her wings and back-legs and leaped through the window, smashing straight through it causing complete chaos in the room.

Well, Trixie was thrown into chaos - quickly closing her hind legs together and leaping to her feet. Whereas, Artemis just stayed standing motionless, his trousers hanging around his ankles.

"I am not an idiotic tart! Oh, and get your lying hooves away from him as well... I guess." Rainbow declared, gracefully landing amongst the shards of broken glass.

"What..? How...? Why..?" Was all Trixie could say in response.

"I think you mean, 'Oh my, it's Rainbow Dash. Please don't hurt me.'" Rainbow smirked. "You are so busted."

Trixie groaned in frustration before quickly recovering. "Ha, you think you can stop this?" Trixie assumed a battle stand and pointed her horn at Rainbow. "Take this."

Rainbow only had a second to realize that mindlessly charging into the fray without a plan was such a bad idea before she was captured in a blue field of magic. "Cud!"

"My, my. What a mouth. That's something I'll have to change when Trixie makes you her slave as well." She said mockingly.

"A what? There's no way you will make me a slave."

"Oh really?" Trixie walked over to the mantlepiece and withdrew a second vial of clear liquid, causing Rainbow's eyes to open wide in fear. "Oh, you're right to be afraid. I can imagine you know what this is, but just in case it hasn't made it through that thick skull of yours I'll tell you. This is a second vial of love potion, just a few drops and you'll be willing to serve me as eagerly as your friend over there."

"Y-you know Trixie, I was wrong about you."

"Really? Pray tell, Trixie is all ears."

"I thought you were just a gloating nag. But now I see you're an evil bitch."

"Sticks and stones, Rainbow, sticks and stones." She let out a large cackle. "You know, I've always liked a slave who can move super fast, and I do enjoy the taste of skittles." She leaned towards Rainbow and whispered in her ear, "With you, I can taste the rainbow."

"I wouldn't give you the pleasure."

"Oh come now, not as if you can do anything to stop it, now just hand there and open your mouth like good obedient slave you're going to be and no one gets hurt more than they need to."

Trixie uncorked the vial of liquid and started walking towards Rainbow, causing her to struggle in vain against the magical bonds.

While this was going on, the small part of Artemis that sill existed could only look on in horror as he was unable to do anything to help. 'Come on dammit, move. We need to help Rainbow.' He struggled internally for some sort of control, but only succeed in moving one of his feet slightly forward. It was only enough to cause him to catch his trousers on the chair and fall face first into the carpet, landing with an audible thud.

To him it was a clumsy failure, however it caused Trixie to whirl around to identify the source of the noise, losing her grip on the vial in the process. For a moment she looked on in horror as the open vial flew across the room, before she realized she was a unicorn and used her magic to stop it mid flight.

She smiled to herself and then turned to Artemis to chide him when a sudden realization came over her. If her magic was holding the vial, what was restraining the probably very pissed Pegasus she was threatening with said vial? The answer came quickly as she felt a pair of hooves buck her across the room knocking her out against the opposing wall.

She briefly enjoyed her triumph before frowning as Artemis stood up in front of her. She quickly took a slightly embarrassed stance as she prepared to apologize for the way she behaved. However, she gave a yelp as she was forced to dodge a clumsy punch.

"Hey, what gives? I just saved your tail feathers from that witch."

"You hurt mistress, now I hurt you." He released another clumsy punch that Rainbow easily dodged.

"Artemis, please." She pleaded, "Please don't make me hurt you."

"You hurt mistress."

Rainbow sighed, she really wish she didn't have to do this. "Artemis, I hope you can forgive me later." She unleashed a savage hoof to the gut, knocking him out and launching him across the room. She walked over to his limp body and carefully placed hooves under him to lift him up while supporting his head and body.

"Such a crazy day, time to go home." She sighed.

---

Rainbow was flying through the darkness, Artemis carefully cradled in her arms. A single tear raced down her cheek, this day had been absolutely horrible and given what happened, she wouldn't be surprised if she lost her element. How could she be the element of loyalty after everything that had happened.

She heard some mumbling coming from the human in her arms and felt him squirm. He was beginning to stir. She looked down at him and could see his eyes in the moonlight, they were still a milky pink.

Feeling his arms constrict around her she began to worry. She was wondering if it would be necessary to knock him back out when he began to speak.

"R-rainbow..?" His voice was raspy and barely audible over the rushing wind. "You, you came back?"

It seemed a knock out wasn't necessary.

"Yes, Artemis, I did. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you." She continued flying, expecting a response however none was forthcoming.

"Artemis?"

Silence... she thought he was asleep but a sudden movement beneath her proved that theory wrong. She didn't pay much notice but was surprised when she felt his breath against the side of her head.

"Rainbow. I... I l-love you."

She was still processing exactly what he said when she felt his lips against her cheek. A strange feeling flowed over her, distracting her long enough to nearly impale them on a tree above the Everfree forest. Luckily she came to her senses managed to regain height.

"A-Artemis?"

There was no response, she looked down and saw that he was fast asleep.