The Beginning

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'Ugh... my head hurts. What was I doing last night..?' I thought as my eyes fluttered open and all I saw was white. I sat up, blinking a few times to see if my eyesight was just getting worse. I was just about to fix my glasses on my nose, until I saw something pink and fuzzy moving for my nose. I yelped in surprise and backed away. I looked around to see what that fuzzy thing was. I then noticed something that didn't look like my nose, yet it was in the exact spot of where my nose would be. I was about to touch the fuzzy thing, when the first pink thing came back again. 'Hold on... is this my arm!?' I did the movement of stretching my arm out and what looked like a pink fore-hoof extended outward. I did the same with my other, seeing another fore-hoof, while also losing my balance while sitting and fell to the floor with a small "Oof!" I then tried to get up again, having a bit of trouble with four legs now. After awhile of walking around and even trotting and galloping, I seemed to gotten the hang of walking like a pony. "Welp. Looks like I'm a pony now. Or a mare to be exact." I said out loud.

"What was your first guess?" I heard a familiar voice.

"Is that John de Lancie?" I said as I looked around the white room. In a bright flash, a very familiar draconequus was in front of me. He was floating with his pegasi and bat wings splayed out. He quickly flew over to where I was standing and showed a grin that didn't settle within me. He gave a small chuckle before teleporting away from me with another flash and now there were blue mini cannons and a "Congratulation" banner. Before I could question it, the cannons went off and confetti with a sound of a party horn shot out of the cannons and the confetti was everywhere. The draconequus then flashed in the center of the simple setup. With a snap of his talons, the banner and cannons were gone, but the confetti was still either floating down or on the floor already.

"Congratulations my little human and pony." He finally spoke. "You, out of the many people on your small planet were chosen to partake in my little game."

"Game? What game?" I asked more than confused. 'Even if this was a game, how? We're in a small white room with no exit.' I thought to myself.

"I am so glad you asked, Leandra, or should I say Pixel Berry." He grinned as he saw my shocked face that he knew both my real and pony name my older sibling created for me. "I have visited your world from time to time. I find your chaotic personalities quite amusing. And I even love some of your so called 'Animations'." He said.

"What does animation have to do with why I'm here?" Sounding a bit ticked off.

"Well, do you know the little animation called "Doors"?" He asked. Now that I thought about it, I think it started out in a blank room. Or was it pitch black? I can't remember.

"I...I guess I do." I finally answered.

"Great! Then this will be the least complicated. Based on that little animation, I created a small game for you to go through doors and different rooms. Some may be easier than others, but I'm going to make it a bit more interesting." He said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"More interesting?" I got both curious and worried, with the god of chaos in control, anything could happen.

"Indeed. Instead of being them small rooms, I 'expanded' them a little more and made it more of a scavenger hunt to find the exit and entrance to the next room." He said.

"Mhm, and what if I don't want to play this game of yours?" I said, thinking that maybe I can leave without playing this dumb game.

"If you don't play, then you don't leave. And you stay in this room for however long you can last without food or water." He said. "And might I add that there is a special surprise at the end?" He grinned again.

"Surprise?" I was getting more nervous than interested. Again, the surprise can be anything with the god of chaos.

"Ah, ah, ah. If I told you the surprise, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore." He said. He then snapped his fingers and I saw a door appear a few feet off the ground, but on the wall. It was a cracked open when I saw a bit of the blue sky and clouds, a simple black stairway that was floating in mid air and was only some flat pieces of black flooring hovering in an ascending fashion. "Just go through that door and the game will begin." In a bright flash, he was gone, the confetti disappearing as well. I then turn around from the door and saw a black door on the opposite wall. 'Is that the exit? I thought he said there was no exit...' I thought as I slowly walked to the black door.

With a hesitant hoof, I opened the door to see nothing but more black. I place my hoof through the door opening and nothing happened, I placed my hoof down to see if there was any flooring. There wasn't. I then heard a small growl. I stuck my head through to see what made that sound. But I quickly brought my head back as a creature I couldn't see except for its black silhouette, red glowing eyes, and sharp shark-like evil grin. I quickly shut the door, not noticing that I used magic to slam it shut.

"Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope." I said after every step up the stairs and right to the white door. I let out a small sigh as I placed a hoof on the door. 'Please let me leave this place. I haven't even started and I wanna go home.' I thought as I opened the door, it being even whiter then the room I'm in already. With so much nervousness in my mind and heart, I went through the door and felt the solid white ground on my hooves as the only sound being herd was the clop of my hooves.

"Have fun~ Pixel Berry." I heard Discord say before a bright flash made me unable to see.

Door 1: Wolf Child

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Additional Category(ies): [Slice of Life]

After the brightness faded, I saw another door not far ahead. I quickly galloped to the door and opened it. When I went through, I saw that I was in an alleyway. I slowly walked out and saw that I was somewhat in the marketplace of Ponyville. "Woah..." I said under my breath as I saw the many stands with food, items, and supplies for pretty much anything. I saw that I was pretty much a pony still. I took another step before stepping on a piece of paper. I used my hoof to pick it up and read what was on it. It was made in magazine letters as I read it. I said:

Dear Pixel Berry or Lean(for short),
I forgot to mention that certain doors have a spell that will shift you into a human. I didn't want to scare you after every door, but it will be at random. I used the magic used for the mirror to the other world thanks to Princess Twilight in my world. Anyways, hope you have fun in your 'Fanfic'!
~Discord

'Stupid Discord...' I thought. 'Always making things more complicated.' I then took the note and ripped it to pieces before throwing it out. "And what does he mean by my fanfic?" I mumbled to myself. My stomach then started growling. "Shoot, I knew I forgot something. Food."

"Well, howdy here, sugarcube." I heard a familiar southern voice.

'No, it can't be.' I turned my head to see an orange mare with blond mane and tail with her Stetson hat. Aka: Applejack. She was in her apple stand and just seeing her perfect red apples made my stomach growl again.

"Seems like ya'll havin' some trouble with yer growlin' belly. Here, have one. It's on the house." She then tossed a big red apple at me. I wasn't ready so I flinched and thought of maybe grabbing it. But the hit never came. "Wow. Ah never seen a magic aura like that." I heard her say.

'Wait, magic aura?' I opened one eye as I saw the apple floating in a pink pixelated aura. It looked weirdly fascinating. I actually saw some of the apple look a bit pixelated as well. I then looked up to see my horn being covered in the same aura, it too looking pixelated in certain areas. 'Double woah.'

I then thought of bringing the apple closer, and it did as I thought. 'Is telekinesis really this easy, or am I just OP?' I thought as I let go of the grasp and the apple landed on my awaiting hoof. I took a quick bite and I instantly loved the taste. 'So good...'

I swallowed the bite I took. "Thank you miss..." I didn't want to say her name right away, or she might've question my knowledge and I knew I couldn't like to the element of honesty.

"The names Applejack, sugarcube." She said. "Ah'm one of the proud owners of Sweet Apple Acers."

"Oh, I heard of that farm. Must be really great if your apples are this good." I said with a small smile.

"Aw, shucks. No need to be so sweet." Applejack said with a pink blush.

"So uhm, this might be weird, but to you perhaps have any doors that are completely whit from the doorframe to the doorknob?" I asked randomly.

"Not that ah know of. Why do you ask?" She asked.

'Shoot! I can't lie or tell the truth. Maybe I should pull the old "Just curious" card.' I thought. "Just curious." I said.

The orange mare stood silent as she checked to see if I was lying. To be honest, I was curious, but that wasn't the main reason I asked that random question.

"So, again, thanks for the apple, but I need to look around more. So, until we meet again?" I said as I placed the apple core in an empty barrel with my levitation.

"Well, yer welcome sugarcube. Anytime ya wanna chat, just come right back." Applejack said with a small smile before I started walking off. She watched me until I was out of sight. "That mare is keepin' something from me. And ah think it had to do wit that white door question." She said to herself.

~

After a whole self-tour around Ponyville, I knew pretty much the whole town like the back of my ha-er hoof. Yeah, hoof! I was rather surprised that a famous party pony hasn't tackle hugged me yet. 'Maybe I can give her a surprise visit.' I smirked as I made my way to Sugarcube Corner.

It didn't take too long before I saw the familiar gingerbread-shopped design ahead and I started making my way to the bakery. I went through the door as the front bell to the sweet shop. I looked to see it was somewhat crowded, yet there was some room for any new customers. I saw that Mr. Cake was working on the counter and I was assuming that either Pinkie was in the kitchen working on the orders and Mrs. Cake was taking care of the twins, or the twins weren't in this world yet and the other two are just in the kitchen.

'Hmm...maybe I can wait till Pinkie or one of the Cakes comes to take my order, in which I can't order anything without money.' I thought as I sat down in the corner of the shop and examined the table and how detailed it seemed up close. "Hmm..."

"Hiya!" I high toned voice said out of nowhere, making me jump and fall off my chair. "Whopsie! I'm sorry. Here, lemmie help you up." The voice said as I felt a pair of soft hooves grab me and help me up and back on the chair. I noticed that my glasses fell off as well, so everything was a bright, colorful blurs. I then saw a pink blurs hold my glasses and put it back on my muzzle. When I could see again, a very familiar and pink earth pony was standing across me from the table. She had a bit of an apologetic smile on. "Again, sorry about that. I made a cupcake to show how sorry I am." She pulled out a pastel pink frosted cupcake with a half strawberry and little pixelated parts of it on it. I quickly glanced at my flank to see the same picture on both sides of my plot. 'Was she starring at my plot to make the picture on the cupcake?' I thought.

The pink pony then placed the cupcake next to me and sat next to me with a chair she brought out of nowhere. "So, I never seen you before. Are you a new pony in town?" She asked.

"Well, yes. Yes I am." I nodded. I then heard a loud gasp from her.

"Ohmygosh! A new pony! I need to throw a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party for you. You'll love it! And you could meet my seven bestest of best friends." She said with a smile.

'Wait, seven. I know five is the other bearers of the elements of harmony, and one is Spike most likely. But who's the seventh?' I thought with a hoof on my chin. "Uhm, okay. I'd love that. But I have a bit of a strange question to ask." I said.

"Shoot." She said.

"Well, is there perhaps a completely white door in your store or anyplace you visited?" I asked.

Pinkie hummed as she thought about it. She then answered. "Nopie dopie." She shook her head. "Now, I want to ask you a few questions around your 'Welcome to Ponyville' party. Okay?"

"Sure, but maybe I can meet your seven friends while we talk and walk around Ponyville." I said.

Pinkie gasped again. "That's a super duper idea! But I want to keep my friends a secret till the party."

"Aww~ Okay then." I said as I took the cupcake and started eating it. It was vanilla flavored.

"Okie dokei loki." She said. "First, what's you name?"

~Time Skip due to Boring Q&A on Parties~

After what felt like forever, Pinkie told me to explore the town a little and meet at the Golden Oakes Library at three in the afternoon, which was an hour away. I already saw almost everything, so I decided to go back to the market to look around again, just to see if anything was different.

I saw the market a distance away. I was about to pick up the pace, until my horn stared glowing and it stopped me from walking. "Wh-what the-?" I then felt as the magic in my horn pulling me somewhere. "H-hey! Stop that!" As much as I tried to cancel this weird magic, it just kept on tugging me to wherever it wanted to take me. 'Why does this seem so familiar?' I thought as I gave up and the tips of my hooves were dragging on the cobblestone street. Soon I was dragged to the alleyway I was in and I tripped over a saddle bag. "Oof!" I faceplanted on the floor.

I spat out some dirt as I got up and turned to glare at the bag I tripped over. I saw that it was magenta with black straps and a strawberry clip. 'Hmm... not bad.' I thought as i tried to put it on. It took awhile, but soon I had it on my back and I wanted to know what was inside. Using the power of my mind, or telekinesis if you'd like, I opened one of the bags, which was the right bag, and saw a nice pair of black headsets with magenta music notes on the side and gray cushions inside. I place it around my neck and it felt so nice. I paces one of my hooves on it and felt how smooth and new it was. 'It feels just like my noise-cancelling headsets back at home.' I thought.

I then look through it some more and saw my phone was in there. For some reason, with my rather happy smile came a squee sound as well. But I just ignored it. "Ohmygosh. My baby. I missed you so much. I'll never let you leave my sight again." I checked to see that there was an infinity sign instead of a battery percentage. I also saw that I had great wifi, but no signals. 'Eh, I never really called or texted anyone that isn't online anyways.' I thought as I plugged my headset into my phone. I placed my phone back in the saddle as I closed it, but the wire of the headset popped out from the side. I then checked the other saddle bag. I opened the left flap of the bag and saw a small bag of bits and gems. I took some out, but saw that the bag seemed unchanged. 'Awesome! An endless bag of bits and gems!' I smiled as I put it back. I then saw a rolled up piece of parchment and unraveled it. I saw that it was the entire map of Equestria. "Woah."

I looked to see a pink orb on Ponyville and I tapped it. It zoomed in on the town and I saw the orb was in a alleyway. 'Wait, is that supposed to be me?' I thought. I then scrolled my hoof on the map and it was almost like an apple map app. I looked around and finally spotted a white orb on a cottage by the woods. 'Is that where the door is? Kind of a bore if you know where it is.' I thought. I then rolled up the map before placing it back in the saddlebag and walking out the alleyway. "I bet Discord set that up and pulled me over here." I said to myself as I started walking around again.

~One Hour Later~

I checked the time and saw it was a few minutes before it was time for the party. I trotted to the library with the saddles on my back as I got closer. Soon I was in front of the small steps of the front door as it was time already. I looked through the window a little and saw that the lights were off. I lightly tapped the door and saw that it was unlocked. I quietly opened the door before the lights turned on and a group of ponies shouted "SURPRISE!" right in my ears. I yelped in shock, but didn't faint or anything.

"Hiya Pixel Berry! I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but my name is Pinkie Pie and this is your 'Welcome to Ponyville' party. Made just for you!" Pinkie said as she wrapped a hoof over my neck.

"It's okay Pinkie. You had a lot of stuff in you hooves as it is." I said.

"That's true. Anyways! I want you to meet my friends." She then guided me to the small group of friends. Just as I thought, they were the bearers of the elements of harmony and a small dragon. But that was only six. Was the seventh hiding, or was Pinkie saying seven including herself?

"This is Twilight Sparkle." Pinkie gestured to the purple unicorn.

"It's nice to meet you." She said with a small smile.

"Applejack." She switched her gesture to a familiar orange mare.

"So yer name is Pixel Berry." She said as she walked closer. She brought a hoof out to shake. I gently brought my hoof out, but remembered what happened to Twilight too soon. My hoof was being shaken vigorously, as if my hoof was gonna pop right off. She soon let go and my hoof went a bit limp.

"Wow, what a strong shake." I said as I rubbed my hoof.

"Tell me about it." I heard Twilight say and hear a small chuckle from the purple dragon beside her.

Pinkie then brought me to a rainbow manned Pegasus. "This is Rainbow Dash." She said.

"Fastest pony in Equestria. And don't you forget it." She hovered over me with a smirk.

"Duly noted." I nodded as my head was turned to a white unicorn. "That's Rarity." I heard Pinkie say.

"A pleasure to meet you darling." She bowed a little.

"I think the pleasure is all mine." I smiled as I bowed a little as well.

"I must say though. I love your mane and tail as well as you saddle." She pointed out.

"Oh, well, thanks." I smiled a little, not really used to compliments.

"Hey. I didn't see you with that saddle before." Pinkie said. "Where did you get it?"

"Well, I just went around town and picked it up from where I left it. Completely forgot about it." I said. I saw that Applejack was looking at me oddly, but it seemed she brushed the small lie off. 'Guess it wasn't worth it.' I thought.

"And lastly, this is Fluttershy and-" Pinkie was then interrupted by me.

"Yemei!?" I said a bit shocked. The wolf-hidden-human quickly hid behind the yellow mare as I placed a hoof in my mouth, realizing that I just blew my cover. 'Oh shit.' I thought, right before I was knocked unconscious by something.

~3rd P.O.V.~

Once Twilight was sure that Pixel was knocked out by her spell, she looked at the others with worry in her eyes. "Alright everypony, who said anything about her?" She asked.

Everyone said they didn't and Pinkie only mentioned her as seven of her bestest best friends. She didn't even tell her the young human's name.

"A knew this mare was hidin' somethin'." Applejack said. "She was askin' 'bout some white door that might've been in mah farm."

"She told you too? She asked me too." Pinkie said.

"Why would a mare be looking for a white door?" Twilight said.

"Who cares about a colorless door. All we need to worry about is how she knew Yemei's name without any of us telling her." Rainbow said, landing on the wooden floor and standing next to the brown pup.

"M-maybe somepony told her w-while she was exploring the t-town like Pinkie told her t-to." Fluttershy said.

"That could be it, but Fluttershy. Doesn't nopony know her name? They only see her walking around with you." Twilight said.

"Th-that is true." Fluttershy looked down.

"Ah don't know how she knew her name, but ah think we have a few questions to ask her." Applejack said, pulling a rope from under her hat. It was in a tight ball, so it made sense on how it stayed in her hat.

"Aww, yeah. Let's tie this mare up." Rainbow said as she grabbed one end of the rope.

"No. No tying anypony up. Let's just bound her to the floor so she can't get up." Twilight said.

"I agree with Twilight. I mean, I wouldn't like to wake up tied up." Rarity said.

"Ah guess that does make some sense." Applejack said as she rolled up her rope, but left it on her back.

Twilight then levitated the unconscious mare onto one of the chairs from the kitchen and casted a spell that way she couldn't get up on the chair. Almost like her plot was glued to the chair.

Not long after, she started waking up with a groan.

~My P.O.V.~

I groaned as I started waking up. 'Man. What hit me?' I thought as my eyes fluttered open and I still had my glasses on. I shook my head a little, but I guess I moved too fast that I pulled a vein and it started hurting with a warm sensation. "Ah! That hurts." I felt my ears go down at the pain.

I then heard someone clear there throat. I looked to see Twilight and the others looking at me. "Uhm...hello?" I saw that Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack had a suspicious look at me, Rarity, Spike and Pinkie Pie showed neutral expressions and Fluttershy had a mixture of worry and a bit of fright in her face. I couldn't see Yemei, but I assumed he was hiding from the strange mare that knows her name.

A blue hoof then slammed on the table between me and the others, making me and Fluttershy yelp at the sudden action. "Alright! Start talking!" Rainbow said, looking as if I was her worse enemy.

"Wh-what?" I got nervous at her glare.

"You know what's up. How do you know Yemei's name? And don't lie, we got AJ with us." She said as she leaned closer to me.

Twilight then pulled Rainbow back before anything got messy. "I'm sorry Pixel, but we need to know how you know Yemei's name without any of us telling you." Twilight said.

I looked at the others before I let out a sigh. "I... I'm sorry, I can't. If I told you the truth, you wouldn't believe me." I said.

"Don't worry about that sugarcube. As long as yer tellin' the truth, ah'll believe anything." Applejack said, placing a calm hoof on my shoulder.

I sighed again. "Alright. I'll tell." At that, most of the mares leaned in on my explanation. "Th-the reason why I kn-know Yemei is cause... I created her."

"Wait, what?" I heard Rainbow say.

"Ah'm confused. Ya ain't lying, but ah need a bit of an explanation." Applejack said.

"I can tell." I said. "I was confused on what Discord meant by my Fanfic. But now I do."

"Please explain this to us Pixel." Twilight said.

"Okay, okay." I nodded. "Like I said, I created her. Out of my own imagination based on a heartfelt movie that was just beautiful. It was titled 'Wolf Child' and it was based around a human who can turn into a wolf at will, try to live a hidden life among equines that are nothing like her. Most people already did a human child in Equestria, but not a child like mine. This world was created via online literature for people with imagination and creative spirits around the fictional world of Equestria. I am one of the many who have these creative minds, but I feel as if I'm a bit different then the others. My creativity is some that none have ever thought of before. I think out of the box and give my heart and soul into my books."

They all stood silent.

"So, in hindsight, I am your creater. Your god. I can give but also take whatever I want." I said.

"I...I can't believe it." Twilight said. "Aplejack. Is this true?"

Applejack was just starring at me with the same look of shock. She didn't have to say anything, just slowly nod.

"I am lost in this world. I am on a journey to find my way home. I need to find a white door. And I think I know where it is." I said.

"Uhm, what is so important about this door?" Rarity asked.

"When I go through the door, I'll go to another world that was created by another writer inspired by your fictional world. If I keep on going, I can go home."

"Wait a minute. If you know about Yemei, do you think you can shine some light around her kind?" Fluttershy asked. "I need to know more about my daughter."

"Of course, but I don't have all the answers." I said. "Those are for you to discover yourself."

~Le Time Skip~

By now, the main six understood my existence of being there creator of there dimension and also got a bit of info on Yemei's kind. Though, I didn't go further on my own world and such. Twilight took lots of notes and even wrote them in one of the many blank books she has. Of course we did have our party and it went on without any further surprises. Yemei was cautious of me, but I understood her actions around me. They questioned a lot on what I had plan for there future, but I didn't give any spoilers.

After an hour or two, the party was getting dull and Pinkie officially called the party over and everypony helped out in cleaning up, even me. After a half an hour of cleaning, the library was clean once more and it was time for everypony to head home. But they wanted to send me off before they went to there home. I said that the door was at Fluttershy's cottage and we all headed that way.

When we arrived at the cottage, I started looking around for the white door. I checked everywhere except for Yemei's bedroom, but it was nowhere. I then decided to look in Yemei's room and saw that the closet in her room was the exit. Soon the main six, Spike and Yemei were in the room, awaiting for my departure.

"I really wish I could stay longer, but I need to get back home. Everypony I care for is waiting for me." I said.

"Ah understand, and ah wish we could know more about ya. Make sure ya get home safe n' sound." Applejack said.

"Aww~. I wish my newest of new friends could stay." Pinkie whined. "But the story must continued! You still haven't chosen the effect of the Poison Joke yet. Everypony might get agitated."

"Your right about that Pinkie." I smiled.

"Even though we didn't talk much. I do wish you could stay a bit long so me and Fluttershy can know more like you and become at least friends." Rarity said.

"Me too Rarity. But I have a feeling we might've not hit off that well." I said.

"Thanks for the information you've given us. It will help us greatly. And I bet Princess Celestia might be shocked that we met our creator." Twilight said.

"Sorry Twi, but that's another secret to keep. I don't think Celestia would believe that anyways." I said.

"Another secret to keep? Celestia might not like all this secret keeping." She said.

"Again, I'm sorry that I can't stay any longer, but I need to continue my journey. I hope you guys do great on keeping Yemei a secret. But you must know that sooner or later she has to come out of the shadows." I said.

"We know, and ah think that maybe we'll be thinkin' on a plan to bring Yemei to the public." Applejack said.

"Thanks. So, can I get a farewell hug?" I asked with open hooves.

"Of course!" Pinkie said as she brought all of us in a group hug, me being in the center.

The hug broke and I opened the door, the bright light shining on the other side. "Goodbye everypony. I'll miss you."

I smiled as I heard the many farewells as I started walking through the door. Soon the white door closed on its own, and the white door shifted to its natural brown closet door. Pinkie opened it to see a normal closet.

"Aww~ bummer."

Door 2: A Vinyl Parable

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Additional Category(ies): None

As Vinyl walked through the streets of Ponyville she still couldn't find anypony around.

I look around at the empty streets and the door open behind me, momentarily stunned. The door shut on it's own, appearing to lead into some building.

`Maybe there was a town meeting I missed.` Thought Vinyl. As she came upon a split in the road Vinyl turned left, towards the town hall.

"Um, excuse me?" I ask into the open air, directing my voice towards the loud overhead voice.

I- what...? A... a question? No, no, that's not possible. You can't have a meaningful contribution to the narrative Vinyl, that's not how this goes. You- Wait. You're not Vinyl. No, of course not. Vinyl doesn't ask questions. She can't. What have you done with Vinyl? I need a mare that makes choices, not a mare that inquires! You're ruining the narrative! Oh, who am I kidding, it's already ruined...

"I'm sorry...?" I say, unsure of what the voice could be talking about.

No, I don't think you are. You don't seem capable of trust, or even simple tasks like following directions. You couldn't just listen, play along. If you're going to take the place of Vinyl you have to be good at it. Vinyl wouldn't have questioned me. Vinyl would have just went down a road. Any road really. She doesn't need the power of inquiry, she has the power of choice. She might have listened to me, but she could ignored me. At least then the story would have resolution.

"I could still make a choice." I tell him, stepping towards the left door eagerly. I hope that this will fix whatever problem there is.

No, no, no, no. We can't have that! the doors shut swiftly and I take a step away from the door.

"Why not?" I ask incredulously.

Because you're not the main character of this story! A story in which the main character suddenly changes somewhere in the middle. No for a coherent story we're going to have to reset this.

~

This is not Vinyl. This was, in fact, nobody. Being that nobody knew her, or where she came from. She was, by definition, a Nothing. But what was she doing here? What purpose could she serve to the story? But because of the sole fact that this Nothing seemed determined to press forward despite the crushing pointlessness of her existence, she did so.

I blink as my vision starts to clear, revealing a living room of sorts. This room in and of itself was disorienting. It was split down the middle into two very different designs.

This nothing was so absolutely detached from the story at hand, that the present situation completely baffled her. This task didn't seem very difficult, considering the amount of thought that went into her plan in the first place. Step 1: Replace important character. Step 2: well... she hadn't really planned that far.

"I didn't MEAN to take... Vinyl's? You mean Vinyl Scratch? I didn't mean to take her place." I correct the voice.

Well, that's obvious from the piss poor job your doing. Vinyl would have been halfway to Ponyville by now, while your stuck here bumbling over every little thing. Isn't it apparent by the open front door that that's where you go? I swear, it's like I'm narrating a two year old.

I ignore the rude comments and look at the open door. I step out and find a dirt pathway, surrounded by tall metal gates.

Now, seeing as this Nothing had no idea what she was doing, it seemed pertinent to show her the proper path. If this nobody had any real idea what this story was supposes to be she may have noticed that Vinyl's roommate was mysteriously missing. But seeing as such a character means Nothing to nobody, nobody moved forward for the sake of narrative development.

"My names not nobody. My names Pixel. Pixel Berry." I correct, a little angry at his continued insults. "This certainly isn't like the animation..." I mutter, thinking on Doors.

This no one continued to scream at the voice pointlessly. She was so desperate for some interaction in this sudden ghost town that she'd taken to talking to the voice she'd been hearing. She...

There was a long pause as I stopped walking, I had only stopped to listen to the voice.

No, I can't do this. It's just not the same. I liked the choices, and I can't stand the inquiries. Why couldn't you just act like Vinyl. The story doesn't need you, I don't need you, and Vinyl most certainly doesn't need you. You see that door?

I look back down the path at the door I had just walked through. It was closed. "Yeah?" I ask hesitantly.

It's unlocked now. Go ahead, step on through it.

"Where does it lead?" I ask, walking up and opening it.

I don't know! You figure it out. I don't have any answers, I only know the outcomes. And even now I don't really know. All I know is the story, and with you... well, there is no story. The story gets confused. It's all just chaos now. There isn't even any narrative contradiction because there is no narrative! You've ruined it all with your being here! I don't know what's on the other side of that door because it isn't part of the story. I don't even know how it got there. But you aren't a part of the story either, so just go in there and leave me alone.

"I'm sorry." I say hesitantly, taken aback by his tone. I don't know if I could even cheer him up.

If you’re really sorry then just leave. Maybe then Vinyl will be back. Maybe then the story will be fixed. Maybe then… Maybe then we can be happy. Me and her. Oh, I hate to think what’s become of her. She was all that was left, her and the story. No, that’s not quite right… She is the story. What point is there for a narrator without a story?

I look at the door anxiously. It has to be my exit, but what about him? I look back and up, not sure where exactly he is watching from. I take a deep breath and take a step through the door.

And the narrator was happy.

Door 3: Guardian Who

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Additional Category(ies): [Sci-Fi]

‘Well he was such a sweet host.’ Pixel thought as she walked through the white abyss. After awhile, she found a white door and galloped through it. She opened the door with her hoof and the bright light shined before she is met with the hard rock flooring of this new world. But something felt different as she stepped onto the hard ground. Did it feel more harder than usual? She looked down to see she was standing on all fours as a human girl again.

“Wait, I’m a human again? How!? Oh, right, magic doors. Just as Discord said.” She said to herself. She got up on her feet to see she was barefoot but had clothes on. She saw that she was in her pajamas before she woke up to this whole mess, white and grey soft pajama pants and gray tank top that really makes her chest ‘pop’ out with a noticeable cleavage and black sports bra showing. She blushed a little that it was out in the open, even if no one was around to see. ‘That’s another good thing… I guess.’ She thought. She also felt something on her back, she tried to turn around to see what it was. A small glance and she saw it was the saddle only it was a backpack instead. ‘Weird magic.’

Lean decide to stop looking at herself and look at her surroundings. Lean saw that she was in what looked like a volcanic area. Maybe on a volcano itself, she wasn’t sure. It just looked like the aftermath of a volcanic eruption...after the lava hardened. She looked up to see gray clouds, or what she assumed was clouds and is most likely the ash from the eruption aftermath. She decided to go up the volcano. Why? Well, who wouldn’t? Also cause the bottom seemed a bit boring with grass n’ stuff.

After what felt like half an hour of climbing, Lean started feeling tired and even sweated a bit, which she rarely does. she stopped at the edge of the volcano top and took a breather. As she sat down, she felt as if she was sitting on wood. ‘That doesn’t feel right...’ She thought. She looked at where she was sitting, and she saw she was sitting on a wooden chest. “What’s a chest doing up here?” She asked out loud.

Soon she felt the ground shake a little, and what sounded like a gruff voice of somebody. ‘Oh crap! Am I someplace I’m not supposed to be? I gotta hide!’ She quickly got up and tried to find somewhere to hide, but all there was to hide was inside the chest. “Fun-size, don’t fail me now.” She opened the chest that had some gems and gold coins in it with some jewels and even a crown. The crown seemed like it would make it too small for Lean to fit in, so she quickly put it on and jumped into the chest, it closing on it’s own with a small ‘click’. ‘Crap! Please don’t tell me the chest locked itself?’ She thought as she felt the footsteps get closer. She peeped through the keyhole to see what was going on.

She could hear voices, but not much else. There were two of them, both female, though one was certainly younger while the other much older. Lean wasn’t able to distinguish what they were saying, unfortunately, but definitely was able to tell what they were doing when they picked up the chest. Fearing what could be the source of the voices, she kept her hand over her mouth to keep from making a sound.

The chest was carried for quite some distance, shaking a few times from either the carriers or earthquakes, she couldn’t tell which. For what seemed like hours, the chest was jostled from the walking until, finally, Lean felt her container set down on solid ground. Without the background noise of volcanic eruptions and quakes, she could only now make out what her captors were saying.

“Well, that was some adventure, wouldn’t you say?” a chipper, British voice responded from the elder one.

“Yeah, adventure,” the younger replied with sarcasm dripping from her voice. “What in the wide, wide world of Equestria was so important about this chest that we come to a planet of volcanos? Freaking volcanos!”

“Not quite sure, honestly,” the other spoke, never losing her chipperness. “I got a message on my psychic paper saying that there would be an important box here that we should pick up. And if it came in on the psychic paper, welllll it would just be rude to ignore it, now wouldn’t it?”

Lean heard the younger groan. “Honestly, I doubt there’s anything all that important in this box.” There was a loud thump to the box near her head, causing a quick squeak to come from her mouth.

“...did that box just squeak?”

The elder voice started to laugh a little. “Ooh hoo hoo, looks like we might have picked up more than a box.” There was a small silence. “Alrighty then, come on out. We know you’re in there, just come on out and there won’t be any trouble.”

Lean whimpered as she tried to open the chest from the inside. With little space, only small thumps were heard of her backpack hitting the top and it not opening. She wasn't sure whether to say she couldn't open it or that action was proof enough that she was trapped inside.

There was a light tapping on the top of the chest. “Uh, Guardian? I think it’s locked.”

“Locked?” Steps approached before another knocking came atop. “Oh… well, that’s unfortunate. Just hold on a moment, whoever you are. We’ll have you out before you can say ‘meep’.”

“Why would anyone say ‘meep’?”

“You’d be surprised the reasons people would say ‘meep’.”

Lean's sarcastic side kicked in and she let out a small 'meep', laughing a bit on the inside and a small smirk on the outside.

“Oh, a cheeky thing, eh? We might just get along, you and I.” A strange, yet familiar sound came from outside the box, a click coming from the lock not even a second later. “Alright, it’s unlocked. You can come out now.”

Lean quickly opened the chest and took a gulp of air before starting to cough at how dusty it was in the chest. "Thank god." She said out loud. 'And imagine my little brother in that chest. He's claustrophobic' She thought.

“Woah!” the younger voice called out, making Lean looked down to see a pink filly with a crazy purple swirl mane and tail. “Pop goes the human.”

The elder’s laugh directed Lean to notice the much older looking olive green pony with auburn hair. “Very clever, Screwy. Very clever.” She laughed a little more before looking at Lean. “Hello there. Nice to meet you, I’m the Guardian. And… you are?”

"Uhm...Lean?" She said awkwardly, unsure on how to really respond after all that. She stretched a little, not realizing that she was still in the chest with a crown atop of her head.

“Well, Leeeeean,” the Guardian said, stretching out the name as she strode around a large room that almost looked to be made of coral. “Welcome aboard the TARDIS. I’m the Guardian, as I said only a few moments ago, and that silly filly over there,” she gestured with her hoof to the waving filly, “is Screwball.”

“Hi Lean,” said pony cheered lightly.

"Wait...TARDIS? Why does that sound familiar?" Lean rubbed her chin a few seconds before she realized where it's from. 'Seriously? Doctor Who reference already?... sorta.' She thought. 'I wonder which Doctor she is...not that I know the official show too well.' She glanced at Guardian before looking down to see she was in the chest.

"Oh...didn't see I was still in the chest." Lean got out with a bit of trouble, mostly due to a pearl necklace stuck on her ankle and making her trip and fall to the floor, face first. After a few seconds of silence, she let out a muffled "...ow."

“Are you okay?” Lean looked up to see Screwball’s glasses covered eyes looking down on her. “That didn’t look like a lot of fun.”

“If you need to, dearie, there’s bandages in the floor panel behind you,” the Guardian said as she began flipping switches along the console in the center of the room.

"No, no. I'm good, just a small amount of pain and maybe a black and blue after this." Lean said, waving her hand as if it wasn't nothing, which it wasn't. The large crown soon went down her head and now lowered her glasses and covered Lean's eyes, her glasses on the edge of her nose. She stayed like that for awhile, looking as if Lean was frozen in place. She does that sometimes.

“So, Leeean,” the Guardian drew out again. “What’s a young human girl… nerdy girl most likely, doing on a volcanic planet, locked in a box? Hmm? Either something odd happened to you or you have some really strange hobbies.”

"I will agree on the strange hobbies, but that wasn't the reason. I just heard something coming and hid in the closest thing I could find. And the reason I was in that volcanic area is another story on its own." Lean answered, lifting the crown up off her nose and brought her glasses back on their natural spot on her nose. "Let's just say a Chaotic God was the cause of my sudden appearance." She added.

“My daddy?” Screwball asked.

“Alternate universes, Screwy,” the Guardian corrected. “It seems we have another multiversal traveler on our hooves. Now that’s just brilliant. But! The question is… how are you getting between these worlds, hmm?” She leaned on the console, looking directly at Lean. “Go on, tell us. We can help you.”

"Well, to be honest, the idea was based on a small animation collab where I came from, and now I have to find doors that are completely white to jump to other worlds and find my way home. The only way you could help is either you help me find the door to go to another random dimension, or you find a way to send me straight to my dimension. But I think the first one is most likely." Lean said, rubbing the back of her neck while looking down. At this point, she got tired of laying on the floor, and sat down instead, legs crossed.

“Hmm,” the mare mused, moving over to her console. “A door you say? Well isn’t that coincidental, considering a strange white door suddenly appeared on a planet a few weeks ago. The planet Chitin, to be exact.”

“Aaaand you know this… how?” Screwball asked.

“I do keep up on current events, you know. I monitor all newscasts within certain dimensions to make sure there’s nothing horrific going on. You don’t stay alive for as long as I have without a few little paranoidal tendencies.”

"So...where is this planet Chitin? Are we close to it?" She asked, wanting to look out the window...if she could find any first.

“Should only take us about five, ten minutes at most.” The Guardian looked up from the console, seeing Lean looking around, a smile growing on the mare’s face. She flipped one of the levers, causing the TARDIS’ front door to swing open wide.

Lean yelped in surprise and backed up quickly to the wall opposite of the open door, thinking that she’ll get sucked into space like all those space movies with the broken glass windows. When she didn’t feel the imaginative intense suction that she’d thought she would feel never come, she opened her eyes to see the door still open and the two ponies staring at her like she was crazy or weird. After a moment of awkward silence, she cleared her throat with a pink blush. “I meant to do that.” She lied, making her blush more.

“Of course you did, honey,” the Guardian chuckled. “Now go on, take a look,” the mare whispered with a knowing smile. “I promise you’ll love it.”

With a small nervous gulp, Lean slowly crawled to the open door, seeing a night sky. When she was at close as she would make herself to the open door, her eyes sparkled like the stars she saw all around her. She saw as some comets, shooting stars and planets a good distance away. Lean wanted to reach out, but she was worried that whatever was not making her get sucked into space might break.

“Magnificent, isn’t it?” the Guardian’s voice came from right next to Lean. The girl was so enthralled she wasn’t even surprised, only nodding slowly. “Even after all these years, I still love the sight that the many universes can bring. See out there, that little cloud of space dust in the distance?” She was pointing to a small, green nebula far off in the distance.

“Uhm, yeah?” She nodded a little..

“Just beyond that… add a couple million light years, and you’re on Earth. Well an Earth. That little blue and green ball that humanity calls home. Such a small start for your species, yet they grew into something so vast and beautiful. All it took was time and effort, with a tad bit of luck for good measure.” The Guardian giggled a little. “Now come back in. Before we take off for Chitin, you look like you could use a nice bath and some food. How does that sound?”

Lean’s stomach growled at the mention of food. She blushed embarrassingly while hugging her small stomach. “I guess I could go for something to eat. But isn’t that asking for a lot from you?” She asked. “I don’t want to ask for more than what I’m already receiving.” She stood up and felt the floor on her feet again, it was a bit cold, but the cold that you crave for after a rather hot slumber.

The Guardian gave her small smile before leading her back into the main room. “Now don’t you be like that. You are our guest here and I’d like to open up my home to you. And I don’t wanna hear another peep about you not wanting help. Screwball will lead you to the bathroom while I get some cooking done.”

“Come on, Lean!” Screwball said as she took the human’s hand lightly in her mouth, dragging her towards one of the halls.

“And don’t be afraid to use the wardrobe room!” the Guardian called after the two. “Take whatever you like and get out of those rags!”

“Rags? These are my pajamas!” Lean called out, a bit angered that she labeled her uncle’s Christmas gift as rags. Soon they arrived at what looked like the bathroom...more like it was. She was then pushed into the bathroom by the filly and the door shut behind her.

“Don’t take too long!” Screwball called from the other side of the door. “Guardian’s cooking is amazing, so you don’t want it to get cold!” Her hoofsteps retreated away, leaving Lean to her thoughts.

“Well okay then.” She said out loud as she took off her backpack, placing it on the toilet. She started getting undressed and realized something. ‘Do I even have any other clothes?’

She opened the backpack after she took her tank top off, leaving her in her sports bra and pajama pants still on. She saw that it was completely black in it. “You gotta be kidding me. Just like Scott Pilgrim?” She asked out loud, reaching her hand in and feeling for anything that felt like clothes. She felt something and pulled out to see a gown that had a white top, light green skirt and a green bow on the collar of the shirt. She continues searching to find some yellowish-white long socks and pink boots. She also found a pair of circular glasses that went completely around her eyes “Seriously!?” Lean realized that now she was ripping off of another show just because of this.

Lean rolled her eyes as she resumed getting undressed and now she was ready to take a shower or bath. She saw that there was a bathtub instead of the usual shower like she was used to. She decided to go with this and turned the handle that had the letter “H” on it. The water went out the facet and as soon as it hit the white tub, some steam started forming. She placed a hand on the water, feeling that it was more hot than usual, just how she liked it. Awhile later, the tub was filled and she stopped the flow of hot water. She saw that there was a washcloth and bar of soap already set up. Taking her glasses off, she slowly went in the tub and just loved the heat. She took a look at the bar and saw that it was Dove soap. “Awesome. I never tried this bar before.” Lean said out loud as she wet it a little with the cloth and she started lathering the rag.

After a small time skip of bathing, getting dressed and secretly posing and acting like the character she was dressed as, Lean went out the bathroom with the backpack back on; her pajamas and normal glasses in the backpack. She fixed one of the straps on the backpack and something fell out of the slightly opened bag.

“Hmm?” She looked down to see a necklace with a clear gem dangling on the silver chain. She picked it up and looked through the clear gem to see different arrays of colors in it. “Neat.” Lean put it on and went back to finding the kitchen.

It took a little bit of wandering, being that she was in a dimension of infinite space and all, but she was able to find the kitchen without incident. Inside was surprisingly quaint, almost like a kitchen-dining room combo out of the eighties. Even had the same beige coloring. Screwball was setting the small, four seated table while the Guardian herself was at the cooktop stove, stirring a large pot. She noticed Lean walking in and smiled.

“Well don’t you look better? How do you feel, honey?”

“To be honest, refreshed, and a bit awkward.” She answered as she tried to find a good seat in the dining room.

“Oh come now, you’re a welcome guest. No need to feel out of place,” the Guardian waved off. “Now just have a seat. I hope you like spaghetti.”

"I think I'd be okay with that even with my dad being a pasta lover." She said as she sat down on a chair that felt just right.

“Glad to hear it!” The Guardian lifted up a plate in her magic, filling it with the red-sauced noodles before placing it on the table in front of Lean. “Eat up. And there’s plenty more so don’t be afraid to ask for seconds.”

"Uhm, small question. Where are the forks?" She asked as she saw there was no utensils on the table.

“Ooh, right, Screwball’s not used to utensils just yet. That’s entirely my fault, dearie.” She rifled through a nearby drawer before levitating a silver fork over to Lean. “Again, my oopsie.”

"It's fine. No need to somewhat apologize." She smiled a little as she took the fork from her aura, it disappearing when she grabbed it.

The Guardian levitated another plate over to Screwball who happily dug in face first. The elder mare just smiled as she sat down with her own plate and using magic to levitate small coils up to her mouth. Between bites, the Guardian looked to Lean, “So then Leeean, tell us a little about yourself. We’d like to know our new friend a little better.”

"Wait, we're friends? I thought I was only your guest..." Lean said, looking down at her food, gathering a rather large coil around the fork and she put it in her mouth.

“Do you not want us as friends?” Screwball asked after sucking down some noodles. She looked a little upset. “I want to be friends.”

"Th-that's not what I meant by that!" She said after she swallowed her noodles, feeling a bit nervous. "I just assumed that I was nothing but a guest to you. This is mainly how my parents treat guests..." She looked away.

A hoof patted her shoulder, making the girl see the Guardian giving her a soft smile. “Hey now, there’s no reason for you to feel out of place. We want you to feel welcome and at ease around us. I understand your shyness, believe it or not I used to be like that too. But we only want to help you. Just gives us a chance, huh?”

"A-alright. If you say so. Just still on edge with this whole 'finding white doors' thing yet. I'd never guess that I'd be caught in this out of everyone on my planet." She said. She placed another coil of spaghetti in her mouth.

“The universes work in mysterious ways, Lean. You just got lucky,” the Guardian said as she took another bite herself.

"I wouldn't say lucky, but I just somewhat started this awhile ago. Maybe I should give this game of his a chance." Lean said as she tasted the parmesan cheese mixed in the pasta. She liked it, but didn't show it that much.

“That’s what the Guardian has taught me,” Screwball said, licking some sauce from her plate. “You have to make lemonade out of the lemons of life! Maybe turn this game in your favor? If you start having fun with it, then it just becomes something for you to enjoy and might even take some away from your Discord.”

"I can see where you're going at, but I can't ignore that I'm stuck in this game for who knows how long. Away from my friends, family and home." She finished the last of the spaghetti and placed the bowl to the side with the fork in the empty bowl.

“Have you ever thought that maybe that’s his game?” the Guardian proposed.

"What do you mean by that?" Lean raised an eyebrow at the unicorn, not really getting what she was saying.

“Perhaps Discord is doing this because he knows you’ll miss your family. He’s hoping you’ll give up out of despair. That you’ll quit.” She looked directly at Lean. “And that’s precisely what you musn’t do. You have to stay strong, to persevere and keep going until the very end. You need to show that chaos spawn that you won’t be pushed around by him and that you can take anything he throws your way.”

'Except for anything that can physically kill me.' She thought. "Even if I wanted to quit, I can't. Either I proceed into the game or never find my way back. There is no give up button in this game." Lean looked away. "So...are we almost there? Not that I want to leave as soon as possible." She asked, then added.

“Oh, we’ve been in the planet’s orbit for some time now. I just preferred to make sure you had a nice hot meal in you before letting you continue your journey. You enjoyed it, of course?”

"Well it would be rude to lie and say I hated it." Lean joked. "It was wonderful, thank you." She smiled a little. "Where will we land on the planet?" She asked another question.

“The door’s being guarded near one the largest shrines. Thankfully, it’s near the capitol building of the central city. Little bit of begging and charming and we should be getting you to that door before it’s time for tea.”

"Central of what city exactly?" She raised an eyebrow.

“They call it,” the Guardian then proceeded to make a series of clicking sounds. “Roughly translated to ‘Land of the Queen’. It’s a nice city for a planet as young as this. They’ve just come into their renaissance actually. Should be a lot of fun! Now, up up everyone! Let’s go meet the locals!” The Guardian got up out of her chair, leaving the room, but not before levitating her plate into the sink. “Don’t dilly dally~!”

"Uhm..." Lean said as she got off the table and put her plate in the sink. 'I still don't know exactly where I'm being dropped off to, but since the door is on this planet, I must find it.' She thought, a determined look shown on her face a second before she followed the Guardian out the dining room.

Screwball ran past her, nearly toppling her over. “Race ya there, slowpoke!”

"H-hey! No fair! You almost knocked me down!" Lean shouted as she ran after the small filly.

The two raced through the hall, both entering the main room at the same time.

“I won!” Screwball cheered.

"Again, no fair. You have four legs while I have two." Lean said as she pouted like a little girl, it looking cute, but not as cute as any filly.

“Now, now, get along you two,” the Guardian laughed as she figured out the correct sequence to land the TARDIS. The whole room shook a little, staggering Lean only for a moment before everything settled. “Ah, we’ve arrived! Who’s ready for an alien world, hmm?”

"Alien how?" Lean asked, raising her hand a little. "I mean, in what way." She corrected herself.

“Hmm… you don’t have a problem with bugs, do you?” the Guardian asked as she stood by the closed door.

"Well, this is how I feel about bugs," She said before opening the backpack and literally going inside and zipping herself inside. The whole time saying "Nope" every step she took.

Screwball picked up the backpack and turned it upside down, shaking it violently until Lean fell out in a pile. “Come on, it’s just bugs. It can’t be that bad.”

"Bad? Bad!? I HATE bugs! Especially Spiders and Centipedes!" She said as she took the backpack and hugging it tightly, both arms and legs. In other world, the koala hug.

“Now Lean,” the Guardian scolded softly. “The Chitinites are a very intelligent species and it would be rude to simply hate them on appearance. Besides, you have to get that next door, right?”

"Humph. I hate it when other people are right." She looked away with an angered look. "And it's not my fault that a spider jumped in my eye and nearly blinded me with one eye thanks to the bite." She said.

“That’s not a bug,” the time mare pointed out. “A spider is an arachnid, completely different species. Now stop being such a speciest and come along. We’ve a got a door to find.”

"It doesn't matter! That traumatized me and now I don't like bugs. Not even crickets in a pet shop used for food." She crossed her arms.

The Guardian sighed softly. “I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me with no choice.”

"D-do what?" Lean started backing away with a hint of fear. 'What is she gonna do with me?' She thought.

Her horn lit with a golden aura that appeared around Lean as well, lifting her into the air. “Now come along, we have work to do,” the Guardian said as Lean started to float after her and Screwball to the outside world.

"No! I don't wanna!" She grabbed the door frame of the TARDIS and it stopped her from being levitated any further.

“Come on, Leanie!” Screwball whined. “We have to get you to that door and the only way is through the city! It’s gonna be fine!”

"No! I don't want to see a single bug eye not an antenna touching me to feel what I look like! Why can't we teleport or knock me out till we're there?" I shouted as I was starting to lose my grip.

“If you keep acting like this, I swear I will teleport you into the slums and leave you to rot,” the Guardian threatened.

Lean whimpered as she lost her grip and was now hugging her legs to keep herself sane. She was lifted out of the TARDIS and into the bright lights of the city. When her vision cleared, for mile around she could see different forms of bug ponies. There were some that looked like cockroaches, others that appeared to be related to beetles, and even a few that appeared to look like changelings roaming around. She could also notice that the city walls all looked like the walls of a beehive, being opened out to large cubbies or just a simple hexagonal pattern. But, try as she might, Lean couldn’t take her eyes away from the millions of insects buzzing and walking around her.

The Guardian took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “Ahh, you smell that? Pure honey. Chitin is famous for making the best honey this side of the galaxy. One taste will make even the coldest of hearts melt.”

Lean was gripping her legs to the point where she might break them herself. She saw all these creatures that seemed related to bugs. The Changelings didn't really phase her, but the others did. She tried to drown out all the bug-like sounds some would make, but it was no use. 'Is this what hell feels like..?' She thought as she felt she would snap at any second.

“Now… how to get to the shrine?” the mare mused, looking around. “Oh, it’s been so many years, I don’t think I can remember how to get there.”

Lean felt as if she might cry in fear. She was too occupied in trying to keep her fear level low that she didn't see that some of the bug-like creatures look at her with curiosity, never seeing something like her before.

“Well, why don’t we just ask for directions?” Screwball suggested, running over to one of the ogling bugs. “Hi there! We’re trying to get to the local shrine. Can you show us how to get there?”

“Oh sure!” the big, gruff cockroach pony said in what could be called a New York accent. “See the big ol’ palace in the distance?” he asked, pointing at the large golden spire in the distance. “It’s just a few blocks north of there. But be careful, lotsa strange things been goin’ on around there. Best o’ luck, lil’ one.”

“Thanks!” Screwball said with a wave before relaying the information to the Guardian.

“Ah! That’s right, silly me.” She lightly tapped a hoof to the side of her head. “Well, let’s get going before we have to get a defibrillator for Leeeean.” The two took off in a trot, Lean following behind closely in her levitation field.

After awhile of keeping herself calm, she started to get a bit bored over floating right behind the two equines. “Uhm...Guardian?” Lean called out to the unicorn.

“Hmm? Yes, honey?”

“Can...can you let me go now?” She asked, looking everywhere but at the mare.

“Are you going to run off or have a panic attack if I do?”

“... No?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

“... I don’t know now.” She said a bit confused.

The Guardian giggled a little. “Well, when you figure it out, we can discuss me putting you down. Until then, you’ll stay right where you are.”

“But it’s so boring in a levitational grip...fine I guess I won’t run away…” Lean said as she crossed her arms. ‘Maybe I can make another dive into the backpack again.’ She thought.

“Alright, but any funny business and I’ll strap you to my back. Do you understand me, missy?” the Guardian said as if she was speaking to someone even younger than Screwball.

“Yes mom.” She said sarcastically.

The mare’s magic slowly set Lean back on the ground, leaving her as soon as her feet touched down. “Hmph, keep up that kind of attitude and I just might keep you.” The Guardian laughed to herself, making sure her two “children” were following close. “Now don’t wander off and don’t try to make any quick movements. It will really set off the locals.”

“Of course mother. I would never disobey you.” Lean was in her sarcastic mood and sometimes it would be hard for her to cut it out. She was acting like one of those sweet school girls that was raised in a catholic school. Lean should know, she was in one for awhile.

“Now now, none of that then. I’m only trying to make sure none of us get eaten.”

“Eaten?!” Screwball nearly shouted.

“Shh,” the Guardian encouraged, making sure no one was looking their way. “Yes. That’s how the law works around here. You break it, you get eaten. A strict system, yet rather fair… in their eyes anyway.”

“And you thought my reaction was too much. If I knew that beforehand, I would not be here.” She said as she tried to hide her ever growing fear as the grip on her backpack strap tightened.

“The Chitinians are a very nice people, you just have to respect their culture is all. And Lean, if you jump into the backpack, we’re leaving you here with the bugs.”

“If you leave me here and some bug-thing touches me, let’s just say that there won’t be anymore bugs… And I’m not joking about that.” Lean said as she pulled out a medal bat from the backpack, wielding it like a sword with two hands.

“They have laser technology, you know,” the Guardian smirked. “I admire the spunk, but you’re rather outmatched. Just stay close and try not to make any insulting comments or eye contact, alright? Then, hopefully, we can avoid any trouble altogether.”

“As long as my sarcasm doesn’t come along. I think I’ll be okay around that. But I still need something to keep me from freaking out.” She shivered a little.

“You want my stuffed animal?” Screwball asked. “Fluffy always keeps me from feeling scared.”

“Fluffy?” Lean raised an eyebrow at the filly.

She took off her cap, reaching into it and pulling out a stuffed griffon. “Fluffy! My dad gave it to me before he was put away. You can use him if you want to.”

“Are you sure you’d want me to have your plushie for awhile?” She asked.

“If it makes you feel better, I don’t mind. I do want him back though, so be careful with him.” She replaced the cap on her head before holding Fluffy out to Lean.

“You’re asking me to be careful? Please,” She waved her hand. “I’m so careful that it’s a bit difficult for me to crack an egg; making sure no shells get mixed in.” Lean smirked as she kneeled down and gently took the plushie from the earth filly’s hooves. When she stood up, she had the stuffed griffon in a small embrace.

“Yes, yes,” the Guardian interrupted dragging, the two a little with magic. “That’s all well and good, but we do have to keep up. We don’t know for sure if that door of yours has a time limit. For all we know it could disappear in minute and then appear on another planet half way across the universe. I, for one, would prefer to not have to chase a door.”

“Don’t jinx it!” Lean shouted a little, the small hug on the griffon toy being a little tighter.

“Calm down,” the Guardian soothed. “We’ll be there soon…” She was cut off as several Chitin guards, each one a different species all clad in pearly white armor, cut off their path. “...enough. Oh, well… this isn’t going to be good.”

‘I fucking told you.’ Lean thought as she was also thinking of many ways to whack these bug creatures.

“My apologies, ladies,” the lead one, a changeling wearing a several golden medals along his armor, spoke in a soft, deep voice. “But this area is restricted to only the highest authority. I cannot allow you to pass.”

“Oh, why didn’t you say so, my good man?” The Guardian chuckled a little, trying to keep herself from showing any nervousness. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her black billfold, showing the cardholder to the guard. “I’ve got clarification and permission to enter this site. Now, if you would please.”

“Hmm… this paper is blank,” the guard retorted.

“Uh oh,” Screwball muttered, the Guardian wishing she could vocalize the same feelings.

“I’m sorry, but you will all have to come with me for questioning.”

“But… but...” Lean groaned as she felt the door might move to a different planet by the time they arrived to where the door is located. She covered her eyes with her hands as the plushie was hanging on her arm… somewhat.

The Guardian took one look at Lean and knew what needed to be done. “Look, I apologize for the deception, but my friend here needs to reach that strange door in your shrine. It’s her only way to getting back home; to get back to her family. Please, just allow us through so we can help her.”

The guard captain took a look into the mare’s determined eyes before sighing. “I’m going to get in a lot of trouble for this. Stand down men, let them through.” Just as their eyes brightened, he continued, “If you’re lying to me, I’ll have you all eaten for dinner. Understood?”

“Understood,” the Guardian said with a slight bow. “And thank you, sir. You and your kind heart.”

He blushed a little. “Just go before I change my mind.”

They all took the hint and ran past the guards.

“That went a lot smoother than the other times,” Screwball pointed out.

“What do you mean by ‘Other times’?” Lean asked as she ran beside the small filly.

“We usually get captured or have to run with bullets and/or lasers flying over our head.”

“Now is not the time to reminisce,” the Guardian said, hoping that her companion’s words didn’t leave the wrong impression with Lean.

‘Good lordy lue that the door wasn’t in any of those planets.’ She thought as she kept on running, the plush still on her arm.

Up the stone steps the ran, not even bothering to notice the deepening blackness of the stones around them. Every few feet they passed the stones got darker and darker as the hurried deeper into the old shrine, not even knowing they were running over history. The farther they went, the less natural light they possessed as the pathway was slowly enveloped by a long-ago dug tunnel. The ancient walls were covered in markings, runes, and imagery of days long passed.

Lean was the first to see the ever darkening area around them and got a bit scared at the change. But she kept it to herself, knowing that she would have to go through harder and tougher things than changing environments to finish this game of Discord’s.

“Look!” Screwy exclaimed, getting the others’ attentions. Directly up ahead, in the center of a rune marked wall, was a pure white door. On both sides were a pair of massive statues that eerily reminded Lean of Queen Chrysalis.

“Good on you, Screwy!” the Guardian praised. “The door, right as I promised! And would you look at that; being guarded by Chrissie herself. That ol’ girl.”

“Are you serious?” Lean asked as she stared at the statues for awhile. ‘Why are there statues of queen Chrysalis? Is she the ruler of this planet or something?’ She thought as she walked up to the statue. At her regular height, it seemed as if the statue was real, she’ll be looming over her.

“She founded this world,” the Guardian said, admiring the stone changeling. “Thousands of years ago, she and her children crashed on this planet and made it their home. Killed the inhabitants, but that’s in the past really.”

“Is there even any documents on what the previous inhabitants were?” Lean simply asked.

“Oh yeah… just not to the public. Trade secret of the crown really… and me, but a lady doesn’t kiss and tell, after all.”

Lean let out a small growl, for all she knew, this would’ve been another fanfic world that was abandoned and Chrysalis could’ve came out of nowhere to invade it… maybe that’s what happens to cancelled fanfics: invaded and changed by something or someone else.

“Oh now now, it’s the way of life. Some things get conquered, others live on for millennia. Simple as that, life is a strange thing.”

“It doesn’t mean it’s a good thing,” Screwball said as she floated around the head of the statue. “She sounds mean.”

“Well, any conqueror can sound mean. Just depends on how you treat your own subjects I suppose. Quite the motherly figure, she was. Lovely mare; too bad things ended so badly between us. I might still have a warrant out on my head to this day, come to think of it.”

‘I guess things are better left unanswered. At least I found my ticket out of this world. Any longer and I think I might’ve tried to extinct the new inhabitants.’ Lean thought as she looked at the white door. There was a sudden pressure on her left arm, causing her to look down and see Screwball grabbing it.

“Do you have to leave?” she asked with big, sad eyes.

“I’m sorry Screwball, but I gotta go. I need to get back home, no matter how many doors I have to go through. I really wish I could stay, but my friends and family are most likely scared and confused on me being missing so suddenly.” Lean easily petted her mane, avoiding the small propeller hat she wore.

Screwball looked down sadly. “Okay,” she sniffled. “I understand. I’m gonna miss you.”

“Well, I’ll miss you too if I don’t meet with any other Screwballs.” She then gave the small filly a somewhat tight hug. Screwball hugged back, gripping just as tight… though also secretly took back her plushie. After a moment, they separated, leaving Lean to look at the Guardian.

“You’re leaving.” It was not a question.

“Mhm...” Lean nodded, feeling a bit awkward at how blunt she was about that.

Before she could react, the Guardian embraced Lean tightly. “I know it will be hard, but you just have to keep moving. Never lose sight of your goal, ok?”

Lean felt even more awkward at the sudden embrace. “Y-yeah… I know that. And I will miss you even after all this ends sooner or later.” She hugged the Guardian back, though, not as tight as before. “Let’s just hope that Discord won’t make me think this was all a dream or something...” She mumbled that last part. After some time, she broke the hug and just fixed herself up a bit, staying silent for awhile.

“Hold out your hand,” the Guardian requested. Lean did and she pressed something into it. Before Lean could look, “Ah ah ah, no peeking. Just a little gift. If you ever need a bit a quick knowledge or just someone to talk to, use that. As Rainbow has always boasted, ‘I never leave my friends hanging’.” The Guardian sighed, backing away to stand next to Screwball as they both watched Lean. “Be safe, honey. And good luck.”

“...thanks.” Lean smiled as she felt she was gonna cry any moment now. She knew that she would if she didn’t get going sooner or later. She instead placed the unknown item in the pocket of the summer dress she was wearing before turning around and going closer to the white door. She then gripped the white handle of the door and opened it, seeing the familiar white abyss through the door. “I...I won’t forget you two. And I hope that maybe we can meet again in the near future… Bye.” At that, she went through the door as the two ponies watched her walk farther away before the door closed on its own and disappeared out of existence and instead there was an old door that was already there before the white door was,

As Lean disappeared into the next world in her travels, the Guardian and Screwball turned around the head back for the TARDIS. It wasn’t long before Screwball asked the obvious, “So… what did you give her?”

The Guardian let out a light chuckle. “Just a little remembrance, Screwy. Nothing to worry about.” The filly looked at the time lord with narrowed eyes before sighing and relenting. Neither would ever know that at that moment, somewhere off in the vastness of the omniverse, Lean was looking at her new gift, gently caressing the sleek, black gem.

Door 4: Living in Equestria

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Additional Category(ies): [Comedy]

Pixel Berry stumbled through the door, and found herself standing, to her slight surprise, in the middle of a dense forest. There was something vaguely familiar about it. Then, she let out a disgruntled sigh.

'Great. Just great. The Everfree Forest. Well, better keep moving, if I don't want a timberwolf to bite my leg off.'

As she trotted along, she thought she could hear voices off to the left. She became suddenly wary, and kept her ears perked. She wasn't alone.

A deep male voice was speaking. He sounded apologetic about something.

“Kids, I’m really sorry. I know that raft took a long time to make, and-”

“It’s not just the raft, Dave,” came a filly's voice, which sounded oddly familiar.

“Huh?”

“We were so excited about being Cutie Mark Crusaders Pirates,” came another filly's voice.

“But we almost get all of us and you killed, lose the raft, and didn’t even find any treasure,” said yet another filly.

An even higher and squeakier voice sighed sadly.

“Aw, girls...” said the male voice, sympathetically.

Pixel paused. There was something very familiar about those fillies' voices, even from a distance. She peered around a thick tree, curious. Five figures were walking past slowly and dejectedly. One of them, easily distinguishable even from a distance, was a six-foot human male. He had short black hair and a mild, friendly face. He wore glasses, a T-shirt, jeans, sneakers, and, oddly enough, a tri-corner pirate’s hat. Walking with him were four fillies: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Dinky. All four of them were wearing bandanas around their heads, and all of them, including the human, were wearing belts with wooden swords.

Pixel gaped. She couldn't believe her eyes. This was a scene straight out of Living in Equestria, which, despite over 100 chapters, was still ongoing! That was the human, Dave, who'd made best friends with Pinkie Pie when he first arrived, with no memory of how he got to Equestria! And now here he was, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, returning from their failed attempt at being pirates, their raft having been wrecked in the forest's rapids. This was too good to miss.

The five walked on in silence for a time, Pixel doing her best to keep up while staying out of sight, the better to see what was going on, Then Dave said, in a reasonable tone,

“Playing pirates is fun, but do you really want to make a living sailing for weeks, maybe even months on end in a boat, just to go tramping around in the hot sun through sand and jungles searching for treasure that might not even be there?”

The four fillies turned to look at him. Pixel privately agreed with his perspective.

“If you ask me,” said the human, “I say we leave the dangerous treasure questing to ponies like Daring Do. Besides, isn’t it more fun to be able to hear about those stories than to blindly fall into dangers like that ourselves?”

The four looked at each other, then back at their human friend. Finally, they smiled.

“Yeah, you’re right, Dave,” said Scootaloo.

“It was a good try, though,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah. It was kinda fun, wasn’t it?” Dave asked.

“It may be something to scratch off the list,” said Apple Bloom, “but we’re not gonna pack it in yet!”

“A Crusader’s job is never done!” squeaked Dinky.

“You said it, sis,” said Scootaloo, grinning.

Their gloom and misery was long forgotten. Now they were happy and peppy. It brought a smile to Pixel's face to see such an adorable sight, as well as to remember that, in this universe, Scootaloo and Dinky were sisters by adoption.

“That’s the spirit,” said Dave, beaming. “Now what are we?”

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” chorused the fillies.

“And we’re not afraid of anything, are we?”

“No, sir!”

At that precise moment, Pixel accidentally brushed up against a bush, making it rustle. She winced, especially when Dave yelled and jumped about a foot in the air. He whipped around, pointing his wooden sword directly at her. She yelped and raised both forehooves.

"Whoa! Don't stab me!"

Dave stared, bewildered, sword still extended. The four fillies were goggling at Pixel. No one spoke for a time. Pixel still couldn't believe she was face-to-face with a character from a fic she'd read...Then, Dave broke the silence.

"What were you doing behind that bush?"

"I wasn't spying!" Blurted Pixel, hastily.

Dave raised an eyebrow.

"I never asked if you were," He said, dryly.

"Oh," Said Pixel, her cheeks reddening. "Er, right."

Dave finally lowered his sword and adjusted his glasses, still looking a bit perplexed.

"Who are you?" He asked,

"Pixel Berry, though some people call me Lean. And you're Dave, right?"

Dave's mouth fell open in shock.

"How do you know my name?!" He asked.

"Err, you look like a Dave," Said Pixel, quickly, realizing she might bewilder him all the more with the full truth. "So, were you guys playing pirates?"

"Yes," Said Dave, still looking perplexed, though he was recovering slightly. "We were 'Cutie Mark Crusaders' Pirates."

"Emphasis on 'were'," Said Scootaloo, ruefully.

"Aren't you a little old to be a Crusader?" Pixel asked Dave, though she knew full well the circumstances of his initiation.

"I don't think age really matters," Said Dave, unabashed, holding his sword aloft. "All that matters is spirit and dedication. As a Crusader, it's my duty to help these fillies get their cutie marks!"

"And for us to help him get his!" said Sweetie Belle.

Pixel noticed that Dave looked a bit awkward at this, as he rubbed the back of his head. She knew why: he'd never told them humans didn't get cutie marks.

"Er, yeah, right, Sweetie Belle," He said, then cleared his throat. "Anyway, Pixel, what are you doing out in the middle of the Everfree Forest?"

"It's a long story," Said Pixel. "To make it short, I stepped through a door, and ended up in the middle of the forest. It's not the first time it's happened. Today."

She knew she must sound crazy, and wondered, for a split second, if Dave and these girls thought she was. However, Dave smiled kindly.

"You're not the only one who's come from home to an unknown place without knowing why," He said, gesturing to himself with his thumb. "Small world, huh? At least you know how."

Pixel nodded sympathetically. She knew what it was like for Dave right now: away from home, not being able to contact his family and friends. He'd sent a letter to them by Twilight's magic, and that, plus being surrounded by all of his pony friends, had eased his suffering slightly, but he was still longing for the chance to return...

"I'm sorry," She said.

"It's all right," Said Dave. "I've got a good friend looking into it. In the meantime, I get to spend time with my new pony friends, like these little rascals."

He bent down and pulled the four fillies into a group hug, two on each side, making them squeal and giggle. Pixel grinned at the adorable sight. He really seemed like the sort of person you'd want to have as a friend. Chancing a look to the right, she gasped. Another door stood open, as if beckoning to her. The five Crusaders seemed to have spotted it too. They gazed, open-mouthed, most likely having never seen a door appearing in mid-air, attached to nothing.

"I'd better go," Said Pixel. "It was very nice to meet you all. I hope you find your way home soon, Dave."

Dave wrenched his eyes away to look at Pixel again.

"Same to you, Pixel. Take care of yourself."

"Bye!" Said the four Crusaders together.

"Goodbye, little ones," Said Pixel.

She took off at a gallop, and was soon over the door's threshold. Just as it began to swing closed behind her, she heard Scootaloo say,

"Well, that was weird. And just after we'd seen a sea serpent with two different mustache styles..."

Bonus Door: The Mane Attraction

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I opened the door to the next world to see that it was nightfall where I was. I also noticed that I was in the stairway entrance to a trailer. Before I could question on where I was, I heard the sound of sobbing. I looked to see what I could tell was Countess Coloratura, or Rara for short as Applejack called her. I also noticed that she was by herself. ‘Maybe Applejack already talked to her…but I guess it didn't work.’ I thought as I made my way down the trailer stairs, noticing that I was a pony this time. ‘Good thing too. Imagine her reaction when a hairless ape approaches her out of nowhere.’ I thought as I slowly came closer to her, trying to stay silent. But I placed a hoof on a dry leaf that was apparently loud enough for her to turn her head to see me.

“O-oh, hello there. I'm sorry if you have to see me like this. Just a bit down before a big show.” She said, moving her head back to the mirror, starting to clean her face with a small handkerchief…or was it hoofkerchief in Equestria?

“Well, it's fine. But, why are you so upset? Now you can be yourself on stage now. Are you worried about something?” I asked as I slowly came closer.

“Yeah. I'm just scared that maybe all I've been through being a star now ruined my voice. With all those techno spells that made my voice sound different. What if it's permanent? What is I can't sing again? What if-”

I cut her off before she went into a total breakdown. “Hey, hey, hey. It's okay. I know that whatever spell they did to change your voice won't be permanent. You can hear yourself speak the same, so that just means your singing voice is the same that everypony loves. And even if these spells somehow hurt your voice, your friends will never think of you any different.” I explained as I looked at her though the mirror. I even use my hoof to wipe a small tear on her cheek. “Just sing with all your heart, and I bet that nothing will go wrong. You'll see that this is who you are, and this is what you were born to do.” I smiled as I wanted to wrap a hoof around her, but I was still a stranger to her.

After a moment of silent and her face showing that she was processing what I told her, she showed a warm smile before she hugged me with both her hooves. I was surprised, but soon put my hooves around her as well, the warm embrace seeming to feel more warm than any regular hug.

“Now, I may not be here to notify you, but there are some ponies wanting to hear you sing.” I smiled as I broke the hug.

“Uhm, I know we just met, but do you mind walking with me to the back of the stage?” She asked.

“Of course, what are friends for?” I smiled.

“What is your name anyways?” She asked.

“It's Le-I mean Pixel. Pixel Berry.” I quickly caught myself before I told her my human name.

“Well okay Le-I mean Pixel. Pixel Berry.” She joked. “Would you like to sit in the front of the stage with my friends?” She asked as she was halfway up the stairs.

“Oh, sure. I guess I'll just leave you on the stage then. Good luck.” I smiled as I started backing away.

“Hope you'll like what you see.” She said as she stood to what I could tell from the darkness was a piano.

I nodded before I made my way to the front of the stage as I sat a good distance away from the mane six and the Cutie Mark Crusaders so they won't notice me.

The spotlight then turned on and it was shining at Twilight as she announced Rara’s big concert. The curtains moved and Rara said a few words, even saying Applejack’s nickname and most of the ponies were confused on the name. Soon she started playing the piano and then she started singing.

The whole audience was silent and bit by bit, some light from some unicorn horns were lighting up in the crowd. Soon I started doing the same and the nice purple pixelated glow of my aura was shining and I saw the silhouette of an orchestra was in the back as she kept on singing.

When she hits the high notes my fur would stand stiff and I started tearing up as well, seeing Applejack’s eyes get watery as well. And as the song was going and she sung the second verse, Rara’s cutie mark glowed and shined. The crowd cheered as did I.

When she sung the last note in her song, everypony cheered, even me. As she was making her small speech on how a close friend helped her find her real way to stardom, I noticed a white door was on the side of the stage. ‘I'm guessing that it was a storage room door before.’ I thought as I started making my way to the crowd. As I walked through the many mares and stallions, I heard the old Equestria song that was being sung by both Countess Coloratura and the CMC. I saw Rara’s makeup set and I thought of something to do. I smiled at the thought and looked through my bag. I then levitated a sheet of paper and some art equipment.

~

Rara soon was able to leave her new fans and went to the back of the stage. She thought that maybe Pixel would be there waiting for her to congratulate her for her great performance. But she was a bit upset that she wasn't there. She sighed and placed her head on her makeup table, hearing her head thump in it and something light slip off it. She opened her eyes to see what it was and looked to the floor to see a parchment on the floor. She saw the familiar symbol of Pixel’s cutie mark on it. She opened it as soon as she grabbed it from the floor and read the letter.

Dear Rara,
I'm sorry that I couldn't stay to congratulate you on your fantastic performance. It brought me to tears. I hope that from now on your career will be much more than you would ever dream for. And let's just hope the paparazzi won't shower you in questions so quickly.
Anyways, I'm happy that you're happy about your life now. I wish I could stay, but some things came and I had to leave. Here's a small thing I made for you. Take this as a small memory of one of your biggest changes in life.
~Pixel Berry

Rara smiled as she saw the small folded sheet of paper and unfolded it to see a beautiful drawing of her singing on the stage, playing the piano with happy tears in her eyes and her cutie mark glowing. She brought the picture with her in the trailer and pinned it next to a old photo of her and Applejack as fillies in Camp Friendship. The two hugging and smiling.

Bonus Door: Humble Discord

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Pixel Berry opened and closed the door as she entered a room. It was modestly sized, and immediately confusing to look at. So jarring it was that she considered running back into the previous room for a breather. The floor was a thin green carpet with a slightly elegant design that complemented the ceiling of blue tile. The walls that separated the ceiling and floor were different in color and material. In front of her, an upside down stone staircase running ceiling to floor blocked the wall and window behind it. The left wall was made of a dark brown wood that hosted the front door and two windows garding it. The door was rounded, whimsical, and colored yellow with a purple frame.

The right wall looked like liquid cheese or perhaps whisked eggs, yet the room smelled like cherries. A flight of grey stone stairs led from the wall to the ceiling, and the kitchen doorway was a square wood frame made of cut logs and furnished with two wilting flowers growing on the bridge. Left of the door was a pass through window for the living room and kitchen.

To her right was a normal looking cabinet in a light shade of purple holding a mixed manner of items. To the left sat a purple and orange couch with a lamp whose body was made of spheres. The white coffee table in front of the couch had a hole cut in it far reducing its practicality. There was more detail, but Pixel Berry was not about to pay the room any more heed.

There was no door immediately standing before her, so the challenge here was to find it. Pixel glanced around the room and caught her gaze on the window. She braved a peek outside and saw some kind of otherworldly landscape that seemed to be suspended in open space. Much like the house, the world outside it had no rhyme or reason, and it would be better to mind and soul to search the house before going outside.

Pixel tore her curiosity from the window and scanned the room again. She trotted forwards into the kitchen, the eerie quiet of the building eating away at her bravery. She didn't know what she should be hearing, or if noise would remedy the odd atmosphere emanating from the walls.

The kitchen itself was only slightly less chaotic than the living room, which in retrospect was a blessing in itself. Cabinets were everywhere. On the ceiling, embedded into the floor, and randomly grouped across the walls. The walls were turquoise, the ceiling was white tile, and the carpet continued into the kitchen. The oven was mounted on the wall and clearly upside down, the fridge looked like something had picked it up and bent it into a shallow crescent. Stuck on the fridge was a toaster, several odd looking utensils, a picture of a tropical island, and some pasta art of Fluttershy. The only normal looking thing was the sink mounted in a small patch of cabinets mounted to the floor like cabinets should be.

“Hello, there!” Greeted a cheerful and smooth voice. It was deep and low in tone and it made the fur on Pixel’s spine shivered. “How did you get in here?” Pixel Berry looked for the source of the voice, and found it on the fridge. The pasta art of Fluttershy was smiling and blinking. “Are you here to help Discord?” Her-His?-spaghetti mane was dyed pink like the real pony, and his/her roulette eyes were dyed blue. The body was outlined with tortellini noodles, and shaded in with manicotti and ziti tubes. Farfalle butterflies were appropriately dyed and used as the cutie mark.

Before Pixel Berry could respond the sink started to violently rattle, and unseat itself from the slot in the counter. Pop! Discord’s head poked out the spout. “Hello, Berry!” He greeted maliciously. “I was just taking a swim!” The sink vibrated some more, and the rest of Discord came forth from the sink in a sludge until he was splayed out on the floor. All the while, his yellow eyes were fixed on his silent guest. “Have you met Flutter Noodle?” Pixel Berry nodded slowly, her eyes flickering from Discord to the sentient art. “Charming isn't she? I made her during Fluttershy’s arts and crafts Thursday’s!”

The art spoke in that gender opposite Fluttershy voice, “Truth be told I’ve never seen Fluttershy or her house, the only life I’ve known has been stuck on a fridge!”

Pixel Berry looked back at Discord and jumped a foot back when she saw him standing in normal form with an old style apron around his waist. “Now, did you come from that white door in my living room?” Pixel nodded again. “Ah! Then look no further! The next door is in this kitchen!” He tapped a bird talon to his chin. “But I can't remember where…” He turned around, bent over, and opened the sink cabinet.

Pixel Berry could see pipes under the sink, but there were so many of them crossing over and under each other that it wasn't clear how such a sink worked. Then again, that was probably the whole point. Discord closed that cabinet and opened one in the ceiling. A chair came down through the door and whacked Discord before he pushed the chair up and slammed the door shut. “I gotta label that one.” He grumbled while walking towards another cabinet, this one hanging sideways. Inside was a large amount of boxed pasta of various varieties. He looked at Pixel, jabbed a thumb at the fridge, and whispered. “I’m building her a new body.” The cabinet was quietly closed.

Next he tried the fridge. “I probably kept it in here.” He opened the door and it swung to the left, blocking Pixel’s view on what was inside. “Zuul?” He asked. “Could you ask Michael Jackson if he’s seen a white door in there?”

From the fridge came a demonic growl. “There is no white door, only Zuul!”

Pixel Berry could see Discord raise an eyebrow. “Where’s Jackson?”

“Gozer’s out gambling.” The voice answered rather casually.

“Ah!” Discord rolled his eyes. “Well,” There was a clunking sound. “Thanks, Zuul.”

“No problem.”

Discord shut the fridge with a quarter carton in his paw, with a snap of talons a glass appeared in midair and allowed itself to levitate until Discord grabbed it. When he poured the black liquid into the glass Berry could see the carton was labeled ‘Liquid Memes’. “You wanna glass?” Discord asked, and Pixel shook her head in no.

“Having trouble?” Asked Noodleshy. “I think you put it in the pantry.”

Discord slithered over to the wall opposite of Noodleshy where a frying pan looked to be glued to the wall. He grabbed the handle and turned the whole pan like a door handle. The wall panel swung open revealing a cabinet stocked with pans and pots of various sizes and shapes. Pixel Berry frowned. There was no door to be seen. Discord stepped to the side of the door and presented it to Pixel. “Here it is!” Pixel Berry saw that while one side of the door was wood paneled, the other side that Discord presented was white and plain, with a familiar door knob on the right side.

Pixel Berry smiled and approached the door. She looked up to Discord and opened her mouth to say, “Thank you.” But a talon touched her lips. “Dont thank me!” Discord interrupted. “Who am I to deny your journey across time, space, and the internet? I would never be able to live with myself otherwise!”

Pixel sighed and settled for giving Discord her warmest smile of appreciation before opening the door and stepping through.

When Pixel shut the door behind her Discord closed his pantry while Noodleshy asked innocently. “Discord? You refer to me as a girl, but why do I sound like a man?”

Door 5: Elsa's Snowdrop (Part 1)

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Additional Category(ies): [Romance]

Upon entering the next door, I found herself surrounded by a forest in what appeared to be a mountain. Taking a sniff of the air, I guess that I was also near the ocean with the salty smelly air.

“Now where am I?” However, when I reached for my saddle bag, I realized that I was still a pony. “Well, guess this is a pony world. Although, where in Equestria is there a mountain forest near the sea?” I would have continued on. Talking to myself till I found somepony. If I hadn’t heard a roar in the distance.

A moment later, one of the tree’s in front of me was pushed out of the way, as a gigantic snowman gazed down at me.

“AAAHH!” I screamed, falling onto my hunches. Stumbling backwards. All the while, my life began to flash before my eyes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t of anything pleasant.

Instead, as the beast loomed closer, I was reminded of a time when bullies would circle up on me at school. Not for any reason in particular even, but just because it was fun. Then, there was that one conversation I had with my dad prior to all of this…

****

“Now, honey,” my dad asked, looking at my pony plushies, “don’t you think you’re getting too old for that?”

****

“Okay, okay, you found me!” A stranger’s voice shouted out from behind me.

Perplexed, but relieved to see the snow beast backing up, I looked over to see a smaller snowman jump out from behind a rock.

I recognized the little snowman immediately.

“Alright, now it’s my turn,” Olaf said jumping up and down.

Meanwhile, I was lost for words. Not so much of the living snowmen though. Even killer ones would have just been so-so at this point. However, the fact that these two had nothing to do with My Little Pony caught me off guard. Not that my Frozen fangirl wasn’t fangasming, but still. So what the heck—

“Oh, hey,” Olaf said, having noticed me, “didn’t see you there. You lost….” He look to my horn and gasped. “It’s another pony!”

I blinked. “Wha—”

“Is it really necessary to make such a mess?” Another, somewhat, familiar voice shouted in the distance. Then, said voice slowly trotted past the trees, to reveal none other, that the fan created pony: Snowdrop.

“Oh!” I said out loud. “So this is some kind of cross-over universe?”

Snowdrop paused in midair as she looked with her pale eyes in my direction. “Huh? Sorry there, miss.” She began to fly closer. “You okay, we didn’t mea—”

“Hey, Snowdrop, it’s another talking pony. Just like you!” Olaf explained. “Only it’s got a horn on it’s head instead of wings!”

Eyes widen, hoof almost having brushed on my face, Snowdrop landed and flinched back. “Oh… Um, a… um, er, pony?” She looked away from me.

I sighed. “Yeah.” Standing up, I took a step forward. As I did so, my nervous sigh turned into a wide grin looking at Snowdrop.

Truth be told, Snowdrop has always been one of my favorite pony characters. Cannon, OC, or otherwise. Heck, I even had a Snowdrop plushie back home that I would curl up with when I had a really bad day. Which, thinking about it, happened quite a lot back home.

I shook my head. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Snowdrop. I’m a huge fan.”

Snowdrop blinked and looked curiously at me. “You are?”

I was about to answer, when a thought occurred to me.

Maybe, just maybe, saying right away that this world was likely just a figment of some guy’s imagination and love of a cartoon was a bad idea. Besides, if I knew Snowdrop like I think I did, I didn’t want to startle her too soon with such heavy knowledge.

“I mean,” Snowdrop said, noticing my pause, “I guess it’s nice to have a fan of my work.” She rubbed her neck. “But really, it’s no big deal. Most of the weather ponies just mass produce my designs.”

“Um…”I thought, before an idea struck me. "Oh yeah, I mean, back in… I always did admire your snowflakes. And how you inspired Princess Luna despite your handicap, that was amazing.”

Snowdrop smiled at me. “Thanks… Didn’t get as many compliment as you would think. It’s nice to be noticed. Always happy to hear that I could make at least one pony smile.”

‘Oh you have no idea,’ I thought. Then caught myself once I realized how long I had been staring into Snowdrop’s eyes. Not that she could see, but it still felt rude.

“Well,” Olaf interrupted, placing himself between us, “it’s nice to meet you…”

“Huh? Oh, um, Pixel.”

Olaf smiled and spread out his twig arms. “Hi, I’m Olaf and I like warm hugs.”

Unable to hold it in, I let out a fan squeal. “I know!” I said as I hugged back.

“Um, anyways,” Snowdrop interrupted, “why don’t you come with us back to the castle? I’m sure Elsa wouldn’t mind a little more company. She’s also looking for a way to… Get me home as well.”

I raised an eyebrow at Snowdrop’s pause, but shrugged it off. Knowing that sounded like my best option for the moment. “Sure, be happy to.”

*****

We made our way towards Elsa’s castle in silence for awhile. Never talking, always moving, while I did my best to keep away from Marshmallow. Even though I was aware that it wasn’t going to kill me, a part of me just couldn’t get over how he remained of some of my sadder moments in life with his massive bulk.

Truth be told, I was rather short back home. Not dwarfish, but small enough to always feel insignificant next to everyone else. Then, to make it worse, it seemed as if everyone taller just wanted me to grow up. As if it was my fault I still like toys and couldn’t stand my ground when someone found something funny to taunt me with.

The older I got, the worse things it seemed to get.

At least with this little adventure were proving to be a nice escape. Once I got over the fact that I wasn’t going to die, I had the best laugh I had since… well, in a long time.

“You okay?” Snowdrop asked, a bit closer than I would have liked.

“Oh, um… Yeah! To… Totally. I mean, we much further?”

Snowdrop tapped on her hooves a few times. Supposedly counting or something “I think so. Maybe 100 more wing flaps and—”

“Hey!” Olaf shouted ahead of us. “The castle’s right over here.”

“Oh,” Snowdrop nodded, “well then.” She held out a hoof to me. “Shall we?”

I looked quizzically at the hoof, until I realized that she might have wanted someone to lead her inside. “Um, sure thing.” I took her hoof, and found an intense heat radiating from it into me. However, before I could walk forward, she lifted me off the ground and dragged me along.

“Whoa!” I cried, as we zoomed out of the forest.

“Sorry!” Snowdrop answered back as we fly by some people till we reached one of the castle’s back doors. “To fast?”

“No… No!” I responded, brushing myself from those flowers she pulled me through. “I mean… geez, you’d think after being on a TARDIS I could handle that.”

She tilted her head at me. “A TARDIS?”

I blinked. “Oh right! Twelfth century or something for both worlds. I’ll explain in a bit. Right now, you mentioned Elsa?” I felt as if talking to Elsa was the first step in me finding the next door.

“Of course,” Snowdrop nodded, opening the castle’s door. “You’ll really like her. She can be a bit…”

“Overbearing?” Olaf questioned right behind us.

Snowdrop shrugged. “She means well.”

I almost answered before I heard a rustle from behind us. Turning, I saw Marshmallow sulk back into the forest.

“Oh don’t worry about him.” Olaf assured me. “He just likes his alone time.”

‘Story of my life.’ I thought, thinking back to all those nights alone in my room… Rather than joining any clubs because I was afraid of ridicule. Or because I preferred to read fanfictions instead of join a sports team.

No, I mean, it wasn’t as if I didn’t have any friends. We just didn’t hang out anywhere aside from school.

“Hey, Snowdrop, who’s you’re friend?” Someone said as I was brought to attention.

We had walked inside the castle for a little while. If my limited knowledge of the movie was correct, I’d say we were halfway to the courtroom.

“Oh, this is Pixel.” Snowdrop explained. “She came from the same world I did. I’m taking her to meet Elsa.”

Not technically true, but I’m sure I could explain more once I meet the queen.

“Oh,” the woman Snowdrop had been talking too nodded. “Can I get you anything? You need—”

“I’m good.” Snowdrop said rather fast. She grabbed onto my hoof and I felt that warm feeling again. “Come on, let’s not keep her waiting.”

I gawked at Snowdrop’s sudden attitude, but shrugged it off. I knew she was often depicted as being rather prideful in wanting to be independent despite her handicap in many stories. This version seemed to be no exception.

Although, there was that one story about her and Nyx falling in love.

Gosh, they were so adorable together when then cuddle and… Wait, am I blushing?! Oh, I hope she doesn’t see me… Wait, she can’t see me! For that matter, why do I care? Even more so, why do I care!? I don’t have a—

“Elsa?” Snowdrop called out, letting go of my hoof as we entered the throne room. “Elsa, you around?”

No response.

“Oh, hey, Snowdrop.” A familiar voice from the movie, answered. A moment later, I saw it was Anna. She looked over at us after having straightened out a vase. “You’re back sooner than usual. Elsa is… Is…” She stared blankly at me.

I began to nervously look around the room. “Um… Hi.”

“Run.” Olaf whispered to me. However, it proved to be too late.

Eyes widen, face bursting with joy, Anna squeed, and then raced towards me. Crushing me into a hug, she squealed, “Oh my god, it’s a unicorn! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! You’re so cute!”

As I fought to be free, I felt another set of limbs tug at me as Snowdrop shouted, “Anna, release!”

Before my air supply could run out, Snowdrop was able to loosen me from Anna’s grip. We both stumbled backwards, as Snowdrop landed on her rear as I plopped into her lap.

“You alright?” Snowdrop asked with a groan, trying to get up.

“I…” I began, looking into her eyes.

There was a long pause between us. A moment of awkward silence that shouldn’t have been there. Till at last, Anna was able to break it.

“Sorry there.” She apologized. Although, her wide eyed, girl in love with unicorn face my mom would always tease me about lingered. “In any case, I suppose I better let Elsa know. So, um… You two just wait here. I’m sure she’ll be pleased to meet you.”

I nodded. “Likewise.”

She gave me a smile, and then was off. Leaving me alone with Snowdrop and Olaf, who had been distracted by something, leaving it just me and Snowdrop.

“If it mean anything…” Snowdrop rubbed her chin, then burst out laughing. “Oh no. there’s no question, you got it worse than I did with her.”

I rolled my eyes. “So happy to have made your experience with her less horrify by comparison.” I brushed a piece of mane out of my face.

She giggled some more at me. “Though, trust me, it was quite an experience to be showered with attention.” She then became very silent and look in a different direction.

I frowned. But before I could say anything, I realized that I too would rarely get showered with that kind of love back home. Sure, my parents would, mostly mom, would hug me. However, for the most part, no one had ever shown me that kind of affection. Not that I was possible on Snowdrop’s same level with her disability, but I guess that’s why I was so drawn to her animation. Every time I watched it, I just felt so bad for her, watching most of world push her to the side, only to be loved when she found a purpose.

“Yeah, I know the feeling, Snowdrop. Always feeling like nothing you do if right?”

She twitched her lip. “Colts and fillies always finding a way to get a rise out of you. Even when they could be doing a lot of better.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, and the only escape is in what you love doing.”

My eyes snapped open as she approached me, smiling wide. “Well, don’t worry.” she assured me, lifting up my chin. “I can be your friend if you like.”

“Um…” I stared, mesmerized by her… Wait, I’m not crushing on her, am I?

I’m straight…. Well, as a human anyways. Which currently, I am not. Still, was this real, or just some fan fiction most mares are into mares thing? I never got that, but I suppose that made some sense with Equestria’s… Right, dealing with the possibly beautiful mare holding my chin in front of me. “Ye… Yeah. I mean, I guess. I…” I loosened up. “Yeah, guess we could be friends.” For as long as I’ll be here… Which won’t be that long.

My stomach cramped.

Snowdrop blinked, then quickly lowered her hoof. “Well, I…I.."

“I see you found a new friend, Snowdrop.” A cough interrupted us.

We both tensed and backed away from each other. Then we turned to see Elsa, in all her glory.

“Oh, um, queen Elsa!” I bowed at the famed Disney character, shaking nervously. “It so nice to meet you.”

She chuckled. “Huh, a pony that knows how to address me. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two from him, Snowdrop.”

I nervously looked up to see her smirking at Snowdrop.

Snowdrop facehoofed.

I glared at Elsa. “Um, I’m a mare.”

Elsa blinked at me. “Oh… Oh! I am sorry, little one. I did not mean to offend. I am sure you must have had a rough day.” She made her way to her throne and took a seat. “Please, would you mind telling us a bit more about yourself?”

I opened my mouth to question the ‘us’ part, when a large boulder rolled past me, unfolded into one of those old trolls—that mind wiping grandpa troll who’s name I could never remember—and took a seat next to Elsa.

“Another one?” he said, looking closely at me. Or rather, at my horn. “Next thing you know, they’ll be popping up like weeds. Though, you survive having meet Anna?”

“Hey!” Anna’s voice cried out from somewhere.

We looked around, but when we couldn’t see where she might have been, I answered, “Just barely. If not for Snowdrop here.”

The two of them laughed, before grandpa troll said, “In any case, please, tell us a bit about yourself, dear.”

I took in a deep breath. “Alright. Though, bear with me if this is a bit hard to believe.”

*****

So I told them nearly everything about me. I told them that I was actually a human turned pony—which caused a stranger reaction from Snowdrop that I couldn’t read—and how this happened. Thankfully, Snowdrop was able to back me up a little by explain the chaos god. Nobody in the room seemed to like that one bit. Still, I was able to ease most of them up by explaining how he was sending me on some wild goose chase through many different worlds, and hadn’t interacted with me in any of them.

“So,” Elsa pondered, scratching her chin, “this place is just some stop on your journey?”

I nodded. “More or less. He told me, to keep moving on, I had to find a door that would carry me on.”

“Fascinating.” Grandpa troll nodded. “A whole multiverse of worlds.”

I was also about to explain to them the whole fiction concept, when I noticed that Snowdrop was sulking. I don’t know why, but I decided to leave that little detail out. Besides, even if there world was supposedly fiction in my world, they clearly seemed to exist. Besides, who's to say that, if some scientist found a way to travel dimensions, every world I visited couldn’t have been reached again?

So instead, I said. “Yeah, it is something.”

“Well,” Elsa nodded, “we can try to help you find this, door, you speak of. If you wouldn’t mind giving Grandpaie and the other troll’s the chance to look over it once you’re gone. So as we might find a….” She grumbled. “Find a way to get miss Snowdrop home as well.”

Shrugging, I answered, “I suppose so. Though, I’m not sure it still works once I cross through. But I’d be happy to stay for a little while after that.” I found myself saying that with more enthusiasm than I should have.

I then noticed Snowdrop perk up simultaneously at that.

Elsa clasped her hands. “Wonderful! Grandpaie, if you wouldn’t mind, have some of the troll’s look around the castle doors and see if they find anything strange about them. Though, is there anything else you can tell us about these doors, Pixel? I’d hate just to barge into everybody’s homes just to look through their closets.”

So I told her what else I knew, all while I noticed Snowdrop looking away from me whenever she thought I was glancing at her. Kicking the ground, all while whistling an innocent tone.

*****

The next few hours was spent with just me and Snowdrop wondering the halls as trolls and servants alike where opening and closing doors left and right. It had started off with an escort by Elsa as well. Constantly overbearing us, and always putting herself between Snowdrop and I. Till at one point, Snowdrop feel back, and flew me off so we could look on our own for the door. After that, it was the best possible time for me.

Sometimes we would look for the door. Most of the time, we talked about things only kids our age or a bit older would on a relaxing afternoon.

“We may be entitled to our opinions, but how can you like strawberry ice-cream the most?” Snowdrop questioned me.

“Hey, I like pin—Strawberries. Is that quite a crime.”

She shook her head. Then, playfully, teased, “You don’t need to be oh so sensitive about colors with me.” She chuckled. “Guess I now know how prince… Queen, Elsa feels.”

I laughed and smiled as we walked along.

While the more adventurous worlds on my journey were… Exciting, this was much more peaceful and down to earth. As Snowdrop and I talked about silly things such as favorite flavor of ice-cream, I had forgotten all about my little quest. The thoughts of my own home world where put on hold as I chatted it up with my new friend. So much so, that at one point we didn’t even bother to look at any doors.

That was, until I bumped into to someone.

“Pardon…” the man began, before looking at us. He then gave an irritated groan, muttered, “dumb ponies.” And was off.

Ear flattened on my head, I began to think back to the world that I supposedly wanted to go back to. For that matter, all the adults who seemed to look down at me more and more as I got closer to the end of high school.

I then felt a hoof pull me into a hug. “Don’t worry about it. Guess this place is still getting use to us. Although, try to avoid the children for as long as possible.” She shuddered. “You think Anna was bad, try surviving a herd of human fillies.”

I chuckled. “Well, you try not wanting to hug such an adorable mare if you meet one and let me know how long you last.”

She raised an eyebrow at me. “Oh, adorable, huh?”

I began to chuckle nervously, realizing that her hoof was still wrapped around me. To top it off, her face seemed to be moving ever more slowly towards me.

In a panic, I ended up slipping on some carpet. Which might have been alright, if I had stumbled us into a wall. Which, as it goes, had a hidden button on it. As such, the wall began to spin around, and Snowdrop and I were tossed into a secret passage.

“You know,” Snowdrop said, pulling herself up, “this is not what I had in mind when looking for your door.”

I groaned, having landed on my face. “Oh tell me about it.” I shook myself off and looked around to see that we were in some kind of tunnel that only lead one of two ways. While it wasn’t pitch black, without any torches, I had a feeling it would be once it got dark outside. “So what do we do?” I felt along the wall. “Doesn’t seem to be anyway to open this door from this end.”

“Let’s just wait a bit.” Snowdrop suggested. “I mean, I’m sure someone saw us fall in and will have us out in no time.”

I nodded. “Right.” I then started to say something, when I noticed Snowdrop fuming. “You okay?”

“Fine,” she grumbled.

“…Okay.”

We didn’t speak, didn’t move. In fact, we both seemed to be keeping from each other after that little incident.

Then, after some time had passed without the trap door opening, I spoke. “So, um… Is there anything we haven’t covered?”

Snowdrop picked herself up and turned her head down a hallway. “I don’t think anyone’s coming. Maybe we should find out where this goes while there’s still daylight for you to see.” Without waiting for a response, she walked forward.

“Oh, um… Okay.” I said, worried that I may have hurt Snowdrop’s feelings when I backed away from her possible kiss. I mean…. Oh heck with it! So maybe it was just because I had a Snowdrop plushie back home I would sleep with at night. Either way, I was crushing on Snowdrop. Whatever that made me a lesbian or someone that could like both genders was still in the air. However, the debate of if I liked her was no more; I had a crush on Snowdrop. That sweet, funny, mare who understood some of my pains back home, and was just a pleasure to be around. Besides, it’s not like any of my crushes back home liked me.

Noticing my silence as we walked, Snowdrop would occasionally look back at me. Only to keep moving forward, head down.

“Hang on!” I said at one point. “I think this is a room right here.”

“Oh?” Snowdrop looked around. “Where?”

“I’ll show—” I began to reach a hoof out to her, but she just backed away. “Or you can just follow my voice.”

She slowly nodded. “Yeah.”

We walked inside the room, and even though I couldn’t put my hoof on it. I felt an odd sensation towards it. Was the door nearby?

“Well,” Snowdrop muttered in an emotionless tone, “we better feel around so we can get you home.”

I silently agreed as she started to buzz around the room, feeling the walls.

“Snowdrop, are you alright?”

“Never better.” She said bitterly.

I, in a mild bit of anger, lite up my horn an encased her in my magic.

“Hey! What the….” She struggled in my grasp. “Pixel! Is that you? Put me down?”

“No, not until we sort this out.” I stomped.

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Yeah, and what’s that?”

I sighed and lowered her to the ground. “That’s what I like to know as well.”

A bit peeved, but saddened, she looked away from me. “Well, I…” A tear rolled down her eye. “You see I… Grr. Either way, don’t take offense, Pixel. I like hanging out with you, I do. You’re probably the first pony my age who enjoys just having a casual conversation with me.”

I blushed. “I can say the same thing about you.”

She chuckled, then frowned. “Maybe we shouldn’t have ditched Elsa just to hang out. Aside from the lecture I’m sure to get, I’ve gotten too close to you.”

I stomped a hoof. “And just how is that a problem?”

Quivering, she lowered her head, and muttered, “You’ll be leaving.”

I drew closer. “What?”

“You’ll leave, just like everypony else, alright!” I feel on my rear. “Sorry. I… I just… Look, can I tell you something.” She took a seat next to me. “Heart to heart.”

“I suppose so.” I responded, feeling a mix of unpleasant emotions run through me.

“Well… I don’t know what you may have heard about me, but before I came here, I was all alone. Even when I because the world famous, Snowdrop, creator of the snowflake, I was always alone. My mom died when I was young, even in the weather factory I don’t have any friends. Even princess Luna, who I looked to as a mother, only had limited time to interact with me because of her duties.”

I wanted to question the whole ‘mother’ thing. Since I clearly remembered seeing her in the short. However, now wasn’t the time, and besides, I always thought the story might have felt much stronger if that was the case anyways.

Snowdrop continued. “So then I came here, meet Elsa, and for the first time… I felt truly loved.” She lowered her eyes at me. “Don’t you dare breathe a word to anyone, but I think she considers me her daughter sometime. Would be nice. And of course, I have Anna, Olaf, Marshmallow, Sven and Flyn, who I should show you sometimes. As annoying as they can be, the trolls and little girls I’ll visit sometimes…” she got really quiet then. Taking in a large breath, she said, “Sometime, I’m thinking that I don’t want to go back to Equestria. A part of me doesn’t want those trolls to find a way. I want to stay here. I want…” she held a hoof to mine. “I want you to stay here with me, Pixel.”

I pulled my hoof back and jumped away. “What? I… Snowdrop.”

She sat up and advanced towards me. “Come on, Pixel. Didn’t we have fun together today?”

“Well, I… Ye… Yeah, we did, but—”

“And didn’t you say your world was as miserable as mine?”

I stopped and stared down. Finding it hard to protest with what she said. Was it really worth it going home? In only the past few days, I’ve been having more fun than I’ve had my whole life. I’ve made friends, had an amazing adventure, meet a beautiful mare…

Who had still been inching closer to me.

“Well, I…” I muttered as I found myself pressed to a wall with no escape.

Snowdrop sighed and looked away from me. “No. Look, I… Pixel. I didn’t mean to do that.” She groaned. “You probably think I’m selfish to try and keep you to myself.”

I frowned, and made my way towards her. “Hey, I never said it wasn’t a bad idea.”

She perked up. “Really?”

I bit my lip. “Well…” I looked into those beautiful, pale white eyes. Knowing the one thing I could do to make them sparkle for all time. “I… Maybe. I mean…”

“Hey,” Snowdrop assured, placing a hoof on mine. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this. I mean, if there really is a good reason for you to get home, that’s fine.” She inched closer to me. “But…”

I weakly smiled and lifted up her chin. “You know… this world is rather nice.” My heart beamed as I looked at her smile. “You know, I… I’ll promise I’ll think about it. Okay?”

She nodded blissfully. “That’s good enough for me.”

In a fit of emotions, I lifted up her chin with my hoof. “Besides, I do know one thing.”

Her eyes started to half close. “Yeah,” she said dreamily, “what’s that?”

“There’s one thing this world can offer me my world can’t.” Then, before I could utter the cheesy line of herself. We found our lips closing the distance with each other, as we became one pony. One pony from two different worlds, who saw no reason to get back to their home while they had everything they could want right in front of them.

All of the sudden, a bright light pierced the darkness. “Snowdrop, Pixel?” Elsa shouted. “Are you—WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING!?”

Eyes snapping open, we pulled apart and nervously looked back and forth between ourselves and Elsa as the ice queen crossed her arms and began to tap her foot.

“So, um…” Snowdrop began to kick at the ground. “We found a secret passage that could have ended badly for someone if they stumbled upon it… I’d consider that a good day.”

Chapter 6: Elsa's Snowdrop (Part 2)

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It had been over a week, yet Elsa still hadn’t gotten any sleep since that… That unicorn, had come into her Snowdrop’s life. She moaned at the thought as she pulled herself out of bed. Dressed for the day, and departed her room for the day.

“Morning, your majesty,” one of her servants bowed as she exited her bedchambers.

“Morning, George,” she nodded with a yawn. “Please present me with the news.” She rubbed her eyes. “Straight.”

“Well, we got a few citizens with a territory dispute.”

The rest of what he said was lost to Elsa. As she saw Pixel poke her head out of her room, followed by Snowdrop, hovering above, wide smile on her face.

“Yes, yes,” Elsa mentioned, pupils dilating. “Have someone take care of it. Let me know if anything escalates.” She raced over to the foals.

“Morning, young ladies!”

“Oh, um…” Pixel quivered, “Morn… Morning, Elsa.” She looked down. “Sleep well?”

Elsa crossed her arms and nodded. “Indeed. Though, I thought I wanted you two in separate rooms.”

Snowdrop groaned and rubbed her head. “We we’re only in there for a minute!” She protested.

“Yes! However!” the fillies only half jumped at Elsa’s raised voice. More or less growing weary from how protective she had become since the pair became somewhat a couple. “I would like it if you at least had someone with you both at all times. Furthermore—”

“Having a good morning then?” Kristoff interrupted.

Rubbing her head, she faced her friend. “Kristoff, I’m not in the mood for teasing today.”

He chuckled and looked over Elsa’s shoulder. “Neither are they, it seems.”

Blinking, Elsa turned to see the fillies had already dashed out of sight.

“Oh!” Elsa commanded, floor turning white, “Just wait! Kristoff, follow them!”

Kristoff chuckled. “Even if I found them, they lose me in fifteen minutes.”

Elsa groaned. “Fine, then I’ll—”

“Send someone else? Ten.”

Her eyebrow began to twitch. “Well, perhaps Olaf could at least—”

“Not even a minute.”

Elsa collapsed onto a wall.

“Hey,” Kristoff assured, “look on the bright side; At least they can’t get each other pregnant.”

Elsa glared daggers as Kristoff broke out into laughter. “St… Stop that! It is not…” she found herself fighting a chuckle, “Funny!”

“It is, and you know it.”

Elsa rolled her eyes.

“Hey, they’re just kids. Or… Teenagers? I guess. Still wrapping my head around that—”

“Your point?”

He took a step back. “My point is, mother dearest, is that you just gotta let her grow.”

Elsa rubbed her head. “Oh great. Now you got me worried that I’m becoming my mother.”

Kristoff placed a hand on her shoulder. “Oh stop that. No you’re not. You just need to—”

Elsa raised a finger. “If you say cool it—”

Hands up, Kristoff answered. “I was going to say relax!”

Elsa remained silent. “Well… I guess that little Pixel does make her happy…”

“Jealous too I… Sorry, sorry! No more.”

Elsa nodded. “See to it.”

With a sigh, Kristoff leaned onto the wall next to his friend. “Though, if you like, I can still try to watch over them for you. No promises I’ll keep them out of a hay pile, but the least I can do is make sure they don’t get hurt.”

Face scrunched, Elsa nodded. “Thanks, Kristoff.”

“Anytime.” He then pushed himself off the wall and stretched. “Though, and I mean this in all seriousness! You should try going to a spa or something. I was going to check out this one guy who claims to be one of best masseurs in the world.” He spun his arms. “A little rough at first, but does wonders.”

“What’s his name?” Elsa blinked. “Not that I need it.”

Kristoff shook his head. “Bu… Bud… Bluk… Something. I’ll ask next time I see him.” He then flashed Elsa a smile. “Still, just take care, and don’t worry. Your little Snowdrop isn’t going anywhere… Any more so than her little girlfriend.” He bolted before Elsa could blast him.

However, Elsa never did. She had more important things to deal with.

*****

It had been over a week, and messing with the Troll, with Snowdrop by my side, still felt exhilarating.

“Alright,” I whispered her head as I levitated several pens over their heads. “Almost… almost, and there!” I said as I hide them under a pile of books. “That should take up most of their day once they realizes what’s missing.”

Snowdrop giggled. “Yes. Now come on, we’re wasting daylight.”

Keeping our louder giggles in check until we made it outside, I continued to stare mesmerized at my marefriend.

Of course, even without Elsa’s constant lecture, it hadn’t been easy for us, mostly me. To be honest, I was still a little on the fence about this whole lesbian/sexual identity thing. Although, for the longest time, I was a bit more worried about our ages. Considering that, as a human, I was seventeen, while she seemed to be only twelve-thirteen years old.

However, after a little chat, I figured out her actually age was more likely around fourteen to fifteen years old. Yet, because Equestria schooling didn’t go any further than sixth grade unless they went to college or magic school, it technically meant she was more like a college freshmen.

So in the end, when you added the fact that we still acted much younger, we reasoned we we’re both the same age. Besides, all that mattered was, I liked Snowdrop, she liked me. Plus she wasn’t bad looking either.

“So,” she asked me once we made it out into the fresh air of the Forge’s forest. “What to do today. A whole world of possibilities.”

I grinned. “Well…” I pulled her leg and brought her muzzle inches from mine. “I could kiss you…” she blushed and closed her eyes. “If you can catch me.”

I bopped her noise and ran off.

“Oh, it is on, Pixel!”

Laughing like mad, our little game of chase last for about five minutes. I had taken to hiding behind a tree, thinking I had lost her. When something bumped on my head.

I looked up, and much like a predatory looking down at her pray, she said, “Peek-a-boo.”

I gasped, more playfully, so she knew it was me, and that I had lost, before she folded her wings in and tackled me.

“Okay, okay!” I wiggled under her grasp. “You win, you win?”

She leaned into my face. “Yes I did. Now I want my prize.”

Laughing like an idiot, I reward her like I always did. With a nice, long kiss.

"You sure seem busy."

I stopped and looked up to Snowdrop. “What was that?”

Her blank eyes stared down at me. “What was what?”

“Um… Nothing.” I then pushed her off of me. We then laid on our bellies, scooted next to each other. Then, with her wing around me, our tail intertwined, we began to kiss again.

I was feeling alive. On top of the world. It was just me and—

"It’s actually Snowdrop, and I. Grammar, dear."

My eyes widened as I saw Discord a few yards away.

"Then again, you seem to be very forgetful. Course, I can only imagine why.”

I pulled back from Snowdrop and screamed.

“Pixel, what’s wrong?”

“Didn’t you…” I stared at her, then back at to where Discord had been. “I mean.. You didn’t hear anything, did you?”

She began to circle her head. “Why, someone follow us? And how would you have heard them if I didn’t?”

I lowered my head.

After a while without a response, Snowdrop glanced at me. “Pixel?”

I sighed. “I thought I saw Discord. And I think he was trying to remind me about looking for the door.”

I turned away before I could see her frown. “Pixel—”

We both jumped as Marshmallow broke in from the trees.

“Something wrong?” He asked.

While I had gotten use to seeing him, I still hadn’t gotten over how intimidating her could be. Even if he just wanted to protect us.

"Oh?" I heard Discord say. Then, I looked up in horror, as I saw Marshmallow’s face warp. It twisted, and turned, until it became Discord’s. "Well, I’d say he’s doing a good job at his job.” His face began to churn some more, twisting into several bullies I’ve known all too well throughout my life. Each new face appearing between every word. “Or, perhaps, you, are, the, one, doing, poorly. Crybaby. To, sacred?"

I screamed, and darted from the forest, ignoring Snowdrop’s plea’s to slow down.

*****

Perhaps hours had passed, but all too shortly, I collapsed in exhaustion.

"Wouldn’t have taken you as one that would give up so easily."

I groaned and looked up to the draconequus, sitting in a tree, sipping a cup of tea.

Sighing, I said, “So what? Are you just going to pull me away from this world now?”

"Now, why would I do that?”

My horn began to light up. “Didn’t stop you from plucking me away from my home.”

He snorted. "Oh, as if you seem to be in a hurry to get back."

My horn fizzled out.

"I got to say, dear, you sure know how to pick'em." He materialized a jacket. "Course, there’s always the issue of the weather. Heaven forbid how that snow queen will take it if you popped the question to her, little Snowdrop."

I looked away, feeling my face heat up. “Wh… What do you want?”

He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “Oh, my dear Pixel, it was never about what I want.” His face, to my horror, then began to twist into my mom’s. “Lean, lean, where are you?”

My eyes widened. “Mom—”

His face then turned into Snowdrop’s. “I thought you loved me Pixel.”

I shut my eyes and shook my head. “You’re not real.”

Choosing to open them, I saw him face to face with me. “Maybe… But what is?”

“Pixel!” I heard Snowdrop’s name as she flew down next to me. “Pixs, what’s wrong?”

Breath heavy, I looked to where discord had been.

Snowdrop’s narrow. “If that chaos lord touches you, Luna help me—”

I placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Let’s just go.”

Her face feel blank. “Pix—”

I pulled away and started back to the castle. We didn’t speak the whole time except when she asked if I wanted to fly down.

I nodded.

****

Dinner that night was eaten in silence that night. Neither of us feeling in a very talkative mood after what had happened in the forest. I had to at least respect Elsa for noticing our foul mood and not making anything out of it.

“So,” Anna spoke instead, “you two alright?”

I sighed and pushed my half eaten salad away. “Just have a lot on my mind.”

“Um,” Elsa said as I exited the table, “well… you have a… goodnight then.”

I heard them say a few more things until I exited the dining room. However, as I began to ascend into my bedroom, I felt an all-too familiar hoof rest on my back.

“You want to tell me more about it?” Snowdrop asked.

I sighed.

“You… You thinking about… Wanting to go home or—”

“NO!” I snapped. Perhaps a bit harsher than I should. “I mean… Why would I?” I chuckled nervously. “I have everything I want here.”

Snowdrop stared blankly at me.

Quick to respond, I held up her chin. “Hey, come now, Snowdrop, you know I love you, right?”

She smiled at me. “Yeah. And…” she blinked and pulled away.

“Snowdrop?”

She began to shuffle her hooves. “Just forget about it and get some rest.” She then kissed me on the noise. “Sure has been a crazy day, hasn’t it?”

I instinctively looked up. Half expecting the lord of crazy to make a snide comment. When he hadn’t, I calmed down to look at my beautiful Snowdrop. “Yeah. I’m sure everything will be better tomorrow.”

She giggled. “Alright. So I’ll see you bright and early to mess with the trolls?”

I kissed her. “You beat.”

We smiled and went our separate ways.

Making my way past my saddlebag, untouched for days, I slipped into my covers, hugged my pillow, and began to drift off into what I thought was going to be a pleasant night sleep.

~

At first, I was in nothing but darkness. Then a bright light made me shut my eyes as I found myself laying down on the floor by a fireplace. I was about to get up, when I saw that Snowdrop was leaning against me, snoring.

Even asleep she could be so adorable. Oh, how I wish I had a pair of wings to wrap around her. To keep her warm, happy, as we grew old to—

Before I could think of that last part, a bright flash, and a door appeared in front of me. Mesmerized, I pushed off of Snowdrop and reached towards it.

“Pixel? Where are you going?”

I turned to see Snowdrop looking at me.

“Are you leaving? I thought you didn’t want to go.” she started to cry.

My breath became deep. “I… I don’t—”

“Why would you want to go back to that?” she questioned, pointing at the door.

I looked behind me, where the door had turned a midnight red. There, I saw my world, only, it was night. Or rather, dark. That may have been the better word. When I looked into it, all I saw waiting for me were homework and tax papers, jerks that would never leave me alone.

When I looked behind me, I saw the mare I loved, holding a hoof out to me a smile. “Come on, let’s forget about that and go get some ice-cream, Pixel.”

I smiled. “Okay.”

I began to reach out a hoof to her, when from behind me, a soft voice whispered, “Lean?”

I turned around. “Mom…?”

“Lean, please come back.”

Her voice was warm, and inviting, like it always was. “Mom…” I started to cry, only to be interrupted by Snowdrop’s tears.

“No…I,” I began to frantically look between the door and my love. “I… I… How could I chose?”

“You don’t have to…”

*****

I shot up out of bed. Breathing heavy, I saw that I was morning, and threw a hoof onto my pillow.

“I can’t believe myself.” I said jumping up. I raced to the door, saddlebag on my back, ready to look for my door, when I nearly ran into Snowdrop. Hoof raised to the door, about to have knocked before I opened up.

“Oh, hey!” she smiled at me, leaning in for a kiss. And while I received it, I did so with less enthusiasm as I had before. “Something wrong, Pixel?”

I lowered my head. “Um…”

She put a hoof to my lips and giggled. “Well enough of that. You sure are a heavy sleeper when you want to be, girl. Now come on, now we’re behind on putting those troll’s behind.”

I sighed and followed behind my oblivious girl— Wait, it would have been marefriend… I noted at how I thought ‘had been.’ While I’m sure I was in love of her, the fact remained; I couldn’t stay here. And I wanted to. I wanted to so badly. To escape from my drama at home, from the pains of growing up… to being with Snowdrop.

Oh Snowdrop, how was I going to end it with her? How could I with how close we’ve been.

Those thoughts were interrupted as we passed by the now much more visibly secret room in which we had shared our first kiss. Oh, what a day it had been. Can still remember every little detail. From finding it, to Elsa interrupting us, to the funny feeling I had—

Lightbulb going off in my head, I veered from the hall and walked inside. Once in, I glanced around. Not sure what I was looking for or even doing, I levitated a few books off the shelves, placed them back, and then picked up something else.

Before I knew it, I heard a flap of wings behind me. Turning around, I saw a perplexed Snowdrop stare, while in my direction, at the floor. “You… get distracted, or something.”

I bit my lip.

She sighed. “You going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“What? I mean, nothing is… I mean…” I started to back away.

“Come on. Ever since our date in the woods, you’ve been acting weird. Are you…” it pained her to say those next words. And it hurt me even more to hear them. “You thinking of leaving?”

“What?! I…. Well, I…”

She snorted.

I stomped my hoof. “Oh? I mean, I have a mother back home, you know. And I bet she misses me very much.”

I had expected her to lash out at me after that. Clearly having gone over the line, considering that she no longer had a mother unless you counted Elsa.

Instead, she said, “I know.”

I paused mere inches from the wall. “You do?”

She sat on her hunches. “I… Look, I do. I was a fool to think you’d chose me anyways.”

I raised a hoof at her. “Snowdrop, no! It’s—”

“It’s what?”

I stumbled backwards, hitting the wall, and causing a loud ‘crack’ echo throughout the room. Minutes later, I looked at the newly materialized… Door. Then looked to Snowdrop.

“Pixel?” she whispered. “What was—”

“I found the door.” I said with no energy.

We stayed silent.

“So,” I protested, “should we… Tell the trolls? Give them—”

“I don’t think putting it off will do either of us any good, Pixel.”

I tilted my head. “W—”

She turned her back on me. “Just go, and get it over with.”

I looked to the door. Eagerness filling me just to jump through it. However, I wouldn’t end it like this. Throwing myself on Snowdrop, I fought for several seconds her failing hooves into she too, joined me in the hug.

“I really don’t want to let you go. You know, right?” I cried.

“Yeah, I do.” She began to rub my back.

I sighed contently into her hug. “Though, you seem awfully calm about it.”

She lifted our heads up. “Hey, why don’t I go with you? It be the perfect solution!”

It did seemed like it. However, two things brought me out of that delusion. “You can’t. I’m not sure if you could even pass through the door. More so, I’m not sure you’d be able to come back.”

She huffed. “Not like I don’t have anything here.”

“You have Elsa.”

“…”

I gave it to her straight. “You know she loves you, right?”

“… I guess.”

“So dose my mom and…” I clicked my lounge. “Look, I really don’t want to go, but I have too.”

She drew me into another hug. “I know, Pixel, I know.”

We stayed like that for a bit, before I had to pull away. “Guess I should get going. Before this becomes too difficult.”

“Yeah.”

I started to walk towards the door. “Oh… and Pixel? Do me a favor when you get home; Live your life. Don’t be like I was in Equestria, all shut up, by myself. I’m sure our time together will be some you’ll cherish forever. And do hold on to that. Learn from this, and apply it to your own life. I’m sure there’s another me in your world. Ready to shower you with endless love and to make you as happy as your family. Just never, ever, take them for granted. Also, if I’m honest… I know Elsa cares about me, and I care about her too. And while I wish I never have to go home… A part of me still does. It’s where I’m from, and that’s why I’m letting you go.”

Unable to contain myself, I raced over to her and planted a long tender kiss on her lips. When I opened my eyes, I saw that her own were just as puffy as mine had to be.

“Hey, I… I promise I won’t forget you.”

She lightly chuckled, and then pushed me towards the door. “Now go, before something makes you change your mind.”

I slightly nodded, and walked towards the door. Looking back one last time, I tried to put on a smile for her. And even though she couldn’t see me, she knew how I was truly feeling. With one last, long, breath, and before I could have a second though, I stepped through.

*****

Once through, and in the countless hall, the love stuck filly of me thought this was a horrible mistake. I turned back to my love, but her world was already gone.

“You know, they really need to make tragic romance stories short.” My blood began to boil as I faced discord. Sitting in a hammock, reading a copy of Romeo and Juliet. “I mean, we know it doesn’t end well because they simply can’t be, but they try anyways.”

My horn began to flare. “You…” with a primal cry, I raced forward, only to have him disappear.

“Hey now,” he said out of thin air, “I never said you had to fall in love with anyone.”

Heart pounding, I slammed my hoof on the ground. “What do you bucking want from me? Huh? How much longer do I have to play this stupid game?!”

He didn’t answer.

Then after I got no response, I collapsed onto the floor, and started to cry. I’m not sure how long I did, and I may have cried for a while longer. If not for thinking about the love that I had lost, last words ringing out, “live.”

With a sigh, I realized that sitting around and mopping wasn’t going to fix my problems. Letting them out sure helped. Maybe when I had time in another world I could cry some more. However, it wasn’t getting me home—and to my mom—anytime soon by sitting around here.

With a heave, I lifted myself up, swung my backpack over my shoulder, and now, with another soul I had to please and fight for, I made my way to the next door.

Chapter 7: Planet of the Ponies

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Additional Category(ies): [Comedy]

It was a typical bright morning in Ponyville, as my two friends, Jonathan and Andrew, and I (your smart and incredibly handsome narrator) were having ourselves another pointless walk around the town that became our permanent home.

Our trivial stroll was immediately put on hold by the sudden arrival our Twilight's dragon assistant, Spike. "Jeffrie, guys," he panted for breath. "You've got to come see this!"

"What is it?" I asked.

"Just come with me." Wasting no more time, Spike grabbed my hand as he was leading us onward to Twilight's place.

The minute we all went inside the big tree that Twilight and Spike call home and gone up the spiral stairs, the guys and I were practically stunned when we'd laid eyes upon the human girl who was standing next to Twilight. Ever since we first came to this planet, we've always thought that we'd be the only humans around. But now there is another right in front of us; a woman no less.

Jonathan and Andrew were definitely ready to shout "giggity!" anytime soon, but I however managed to have more self-control than them. (Probably because I was never too attracted towards girls with glasses.)

Anywho, I was the first to greet this woman. "Hi there, do you have a name?"

"I'm Leandra," she told us. "What about you three?"

I then gave her my name, "I'm Jeffrie."

Jonathan slid next to her while he kissed her hand like a perverted french man. "My name's Jonathan."

Leandra backed away only to find herself bumping into Andrew. "Hey, name's Andrew." he then pulled up one of his sleeves as he extended his arm to her. "Wanna feel my muscles? I used to be a football player, you know."

After pulling Andrew away from her, I then asked, "So, how did you get here?"

Twilight was the one who answered. "Well, I was just studying as usual when Leandra here crashed through my roof out of nowhere." she pointed to the big whole on her ceiling. "And while I was here talking to her, I had Spike come get you guys to bring her to your home."

Leandra was suddenly like, "Wait, you mean I got to live with them?!"

"Well of course Leandra," Twilight told her. "It only makes sense that you stay around your own kind for now. You've only just got, so everypony might not be ready to know that there's another human in Equestria."

"And besides," Spike added. "Jeffrie and the guys have been by themselves for quite a long time; so they could use your company."

Upon hearing this, Leandra's whole body froze stiff in a "what the fuck?!" expression was stuck on her face. While Andrew and Jonathan were lifting her away, I turned to Twilight and Spike and said, "OK, we'll let her stay at our place. We don't exactly have a guest room, but we'll manage."

When we all stepped inside our house, the stench was enough to snap Leandra out of her daze. I then began to give her a tour. "This is our living room, we mostly just sit around the couch and watch movies or play games. Right next to you is the answering machine that we use for our door," I took the machine off and placed it on the table. "Whenever we leave, we just connect this baby over to the doorbell and then some of ponies can leave us messages. We don't have any, but I will play the tune." I then pushed the button that made us listen to the answering tune.

(Jeffrie): Believe it or not, we are not home. Please leave a message at the beep!

(Jonathan): We must be out, or we'd open the door.

(Andrew): Where could we be?

(Together): Believe it or not, we're not home!

"OK, now that that's of the way, let's get back to the tour."

...

Fifteen minutes later, we all sat on the couch by the time we were done giving Leandra a tour of the place. I looked at her and asked, "So what's Earth been like? Has anything changed lately?"

Before she could answer, that's when the door started to knock. I opened it and saw Fluttershy. "Hi Jeffrie, I thought I'd stop by and give you these extra cans of Colt for helping me with my home renovations."

She then gave the cans of Coke--or Colt as the ponies call it--and I in turn gave her my thanks. "Well thanks Flutty, that's very kind of you."

Fluttershy looked past my waist and that's when she saw our house guest. "Um...Jeffrie, who's that?"

"Her? That's Leandra, she's going to be staying with us for awhile. Hey Leandra, there's someone I want you to meet!"

As soon as the two of them were by themselves, Fluttershy beckoned Lenadra to come closer and that was when she got to see a new side to the Element of Kindness. "Listen Missy, you just stay away from Jeffrie; he's mine! And nopony, not even some two bit tramp like you is going to take him away from me! You got that?!"

Leandra just brushed her little threat off and said, "Oh Fluttershy, you're so cute when you try to act tough sometimes."

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

As soon as she was gone, Leandra walked up to us and said, "Look guys, it's been nice and all, but I really have to go."

"Go? Go where?" Andrew asked.

"This may sound confusing, but I really need to find a white door."

"How come?" Jonathan wondered.

"It's a long story, but it goes like this..."

While she was giving us her backstory, Fluttershy was heading to Sugarcube Corner to speak with her friends. They were already talking about the new arrival by the time she came inside. "Ooh, isn't this exciting, girls?!" Pinkie exclaimed. "We're going to have a new human friend!"

"I'm for one just glad that it isn't a boy," Rarity declared. "I just can't wait to make her some new dresses."

"Well I'm just glad that Jeffrie, Jonathan, and Andrew won't be so alone anymore." Twilight said. "And who knows, maybe they might having little baby humans."

"I don't think that might be such a good idea, Twilight." Fluttershy let herself be known.

"Why you say that, sugarcube?" Applejack inquired.

"Well, would you really want them to be having babies? Would any of you want to see Equestria become over populated with more humans?"

As the idea of millions of our babies ruling Equestria was sinking into their brains, Rainbow Dash shouted, "Sweet Celestia, she's right! What are we gonna do?!"

"Simple, we just get rid of the girl. Without her, Jeffrie and the others can't bring anymore humans to this world." a sinister smile was beginning to form on Fluttershy's face.

"...And that's why I need to go find the next door."

After Leandra had finished explaining everything to us, I was the first to say, "OK, we'll help you find it."

"Oh no, that won't be necessary."

"Bullshit. Besides, we ain't got anything better to do; and we've done a lot more crazier things than this."

We all wasted no time in leaving the house, but we were soon stopped by the Mane 6. They all had menacing looks that were targeted towards Leandra, and they were all wearing the Elements of Harmony. "Is something wrong?" Leandra asked.

Twilight then said, "I'm sorry Leandra, but I'm afraid you're no longer welcome here."

As their elements started to charge up, I quickly shouted, "Oh my God look, a three headed dragon that's destroying Ponyville!"

They of course fell for it, and it gave us enough time to run away and be chased by them. What followed next was typical chase that included us running into doors in many silly ways, stopping in a picture booth to take pictures only to run out when the ponies where inside, and then showing us playing instruments while the song "I'll be there for you" was playing in the background.

It happened for a good twenty minutes until we were suddenly teleported to a room surrounded by TV screens and two white doors. And there, sitting in front of us, donning a white suit, was Discord.

"Discord, what is this place?" Leandra asked him.

"Why this where I watch your little miss adventures, my dear Leandra." the lord of chaos replied. "I must say that little chase was rather fun. But I got bored and decided to just bring you to the next door."

"But there's two of them." she pointed out.

"I know, which is why you must choose. If you choose the right door, you'll enter another mad world. But if you choose the left door, you'll go home. Which one will it be, Leandra?"

"Isn't it obvious, I'm taking the left door. Bye guys."

The second she went through that door, I looked at Discord and said, "You tricked her into picking the wrong door, did you?"

"Yes." he chuckled.

Door 8: Deadpool in Equestria

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Additional Category(ies): [Comedy]

Home. I was finally going to be home. The first thing I knew I was going to do is probably find a way to Discord-proof my house! Wait? What if I got home, but I’m no longer a human? Would I be a pony back home? Huh… Never really though of that. Maybe it’s-

CLANG!!!

“WHOAH!!!” Some force landed right behind and I was fired! Everything was a blur, but I slid into a, though not entirely, cramped space, followed by… elevator music? ...Wait a minute. I opened my eyes; they were a bit blurry, but I could see I was looking at some figure in red. I shook my head. The figure came into clear view: turns out, the guy wore a red, spandex suit with some black, but noticeable white eyes.

“I give that slide a 9 outta 10.” He said. Aw great, I knew who it was: Deadpool! “That’s right!” If there two things I knew, it was that I’m going to be annoyed by this guy, and Discord lied to me! I felt so much rage in my body!

“DISCORD!!!” I shouted aloud. So much for going home. I… I should’ve known. I was such a fool for trusting that snake! I turned myself and looked at my body again. I was Pixel Berry again. Well… who cares anymore? I couldn’t help but tear up. I felt so much rage, sadness, and gulibility at the same time. Then I felt my mane being rustled by the Merc with a mouth.

“There, there.” He said in a calm, relaxing way. “I know how it’s like to be tricked.”

“... I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Hm? No even after this!?” I then felt his hands scratch behind my ears… and it was AMAZING!!! I guess that, being a pony, this is pretty much the best thing anypony can wish for; a effective scratch behind the ears. It was very therapeutic, and I actually felt some happiness. He stopped after a few moments. I looked up to him.

“...Thanks.”

“Aw, anytime, my filly!” He extended his hand to me. “Deadpool, though you pretty much knew me already.” I reached out and placed my hoof to his hand.

“Pixel Berry.”

“Or is it Leandra?”

“...What? How did you-?”

“Oh I know a lot of things about you! Like how you and MrAquino teamed up a couple of times for that weird, other Anthology called ‘Tales from Tinies’. God, he’s so weird, but then again, here we are, in a magic elevator, going to see random things happen on each ‘floor’ before going to my house, in what is a part of your Anthology the extend the doors animations, both the stick figure and pony SFM video.” I could only blink.

“Uh… ok?” I squeaked as he held me like a baby.

“Listen! Don’t give up, okay? You’re going to go through a lot, and I do mean, A LOT of weird things! You could say I’m one of them, but since you’re tired of running and finding the next, I got a good feeling that, at the very end of this ride, you’ll see it. Just know that, for many enemies you’ll meet, they’re nothing more but obstacles in your path to victory, as new friends will be your guides.”

“...Whoah… that’s… I never really thought of that. Thanks, I needed that.” He rustled my mane even more.

“Anytime! Let’s just stand back and enjoy the Elevator of Chaos.”

“...What?”

“Sorry, MY Discord allowed me to use this as a means to get away from that big, BIG mare!”

“Wait, the one that wanted the princess dress during that one episode?”

“Yep. That one.”

“But why?”

“...She finally had the taste for human flesh.”

“O...kay. So, we’re just gonna ride this elevator?”

“Yeah. Thankfully, your door knocked that mare out. Next stop, my crib!” He clicked on a button on the elevator. The door closed and... were we ascending or descending? I guess this elevator was just going to be as random as Discord himself… or Deadpool for this. Might as well try to enjoy the ride; if he believes the door to my next adventure was at the end, I might as well go with it. That, or walk around aimlessly again, but, at least it’s good enough to get an idea of where I should look. The elevator dinged. The doors opened to reveal some fiery, dungeon place, with a pony skeleton standing near the door. The skeleton didn’t acknowledge us, but instead, walked to one of walls and just… stood there.

“Huh… guess it’s just you and me that don’t act like NPCs here, eh?”

“... I guess.”

We waited for at least five minutes until we hit another stop. With how random this was was, and how long each ride was, I guess it was going to be a bit boring with some interesting & exciting things happening every now & then.

The elevator opened again, showing a forest. It was peaceful… that is, until a random stormtrooper fell from the sky, landing hard on the floor with a cartoonish smack! To say he died would be false, as it got up, shook itself off, and entered our elevator.

We saw what was a factory in the process of making robots, all humanoid, but ranging from different movies, from Star Wars to Terminator. It kinda looked… a bit peaceful. That was, until all the robots began to dance the Robot with the super catchy ‘Mr.

The next place was a place on fire, and a man stood in the fire, looking peaceful, unaware of his surroundings. He walked into our elevator… but his head was still on fire! Deadpool pulled out a bag of marshmallows with some sticks and offered me one. I accepted it, and we had some delicious s’mores.

Another place opened, and the place outside looked liked something out of a zombie movie! The place was just wrecked with what I could presume was blood on the walls, but it was so dark, I couldn’t see anything! Loud moaning was heard, and a Zombie walked the elevator, though it wore a cleangentleman suit with a matching tophat & monocle. Let’s just say that the next room was his next stop.

Instead of the doors opening, the walls slid away, revealing only darkness. Deadpool held me close to him as everything became dark. We stood next to the flame guy, but our sights went full dark! A loud, monstrous screech was heard, along with sound of something ripped & chomped on. We both breathed hard, and the zombie was gone, albeit, only the clothing left behind. Deadpool took the hat & monocle.

The door opened, and we saw… ourselves? Well, it was almost ourselves; we were gender swapped. Both Deadpool and I waved to our alternate selves, and they waved back. That was very interesting.

The next floor was… an empty hallway. It didn’t look that threatening, nor inviting. But we heard a crack. The floor broke beneath us. We both screamed loudly, but it ended rather quickly as we landed in another elevator. I shivered in fear, but, lucky for me, Deadpool was still there, relaxing me greatly.

A relaxing beach came next. A random pony in a swimsuit joined us. Nothing really interesting there.

A jungle was there, and the floor shook. We heard the most loud, and yet, notable roar! Out of the jungle came a T-rex! We both froze as it sniffed the air. It turned to us and roared again! We screamed as it charged to us, pushing the elevator back a bit! I’m just glad the door shut and we moved again.

Luckily, the next floor was just, who I could presume, was a recolored Braeburn, sitting on a chair, playing a western tune on it’s guitar.

Next, we saw… a giant, floating cat, shooting lasers out of it’s eyes, at Eagles, surrounding Macho Man Randy Savage with a fishing pole as he has on a sunglasses wearing sun, then followed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s head on the muffin man’s body riding a shamu, which opened it’s mouth and fired out Iron Men. Yeah… I’m done.

The door dinged, and the place looked like a fancy apartment complex. All of our visitors with us exited.

“Looks like this is our stop.” Deadpool said. I nodded and we entered the room. In the middle of the living room, was the door.

“Huh… that was easy.” I said to myself.

“Yeah. You may want to go in there, but please, take this.” He placed a plate with a Chimichanga on it on my head. “For your next meal.”

“Aw, thanks, Deadpool.” I said.

“No problem! Now go and find your way home!” He opened the door for me. I walked in, but he stopped me. “Almost forgot! SELFIE!!!” I smiled as he took our selfie. “Alright, NOW you can go.” I took a deep breath as I entered the door, but took a bite out of the chimichanga he gave me.

“Hm… not bad.”

Chapter 9: Descending to Equestria.

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Additional Category(ies): [Dark] [Drama] [Romance] [Sad] [Gore] [Sex]

Yet another day in Equestria begins as we find Leo taking a gentle stroll down the dirt path into the nicer part of the woods connected to the apple orchard. He hummed a boring tune with his hands in his grey jacket. With a cigarette lit in his mouth, leaving a short trail of smoke behind him.

He has just finished his work with the apple family of picking the apples that could not be bucked off.

He sighed as he held his cigarette in hand, gently tapping it as burnt tobacco hit the forest floor.

As he continued to walk, he noticed a loud thud noise within the woods away from the dirt road, followed by the familiar sound of a door clicking and then shutting.

He decided to go investigate just to kill his curiosity and as he entered the deeper parts of the woods. In an opening of the canopy he saw a pony moaning and groaning. She was a pink unicorn mare with a brown mane, blue eyes and wearing glasses. He noticed that her cutie mark insignia was something of a pixilated nature. Though he wasn't too curious on that.

"Hey uh...are you okay miss?" He asked as he cautiously treaded closer but not too close. Ponies who saw him had a habit of being frightened by him. And he didn't want to frighten her.

Disoriented and confused the only thing she could do was answer to whoever called out to her.

"I...I'm fine thank you." She said as she shook her head to compose herself. She looked over to him and reeled her head back in slight shock. "Y...you're...you're..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know I'm a scary looking ape." He said in a bored tone as he rolled his eyes at the typical reaction he thought he was getting. His only retort was to walk away less he gets into more trouble.

"Uh-no! No that's not what I meant!" She held her hoof out as she galloped after him. "I was trying to say that you're Leo."

"Brilliant deduction...everyone in this town knows who I am." He said as he walked faster as he pretended to examine his nails.

"I mean I know who you are and where you came from." She galloped faster.

"What? Are you friends with Twilight?" He said as he picked up his pace.

"No I mean I've read about you, you know in a story?" She explained as she matched his pace.

He stopped abruptly as the young unicorn mare did too. She couldn't tell what expression he was wearing since all she could see was the back of his head. She was quite worried she'd upset him as she already knew of his anger like nature.

He turned his head with a scowl in his face with his eyes narrowed at her. "Are you making fun of me?" He said.

She stepped back from his sour mood, afraid she might have upset him. "What? No! I was just trying to say that I read a story about you! You know written on earth, in a different earth where you life is a story for some people's entertainment. That's how I know about you!" She said as she decided to explain further. "You see I don't have my own version of Equestria. Because I'm a human that Discord chose to play in one of his games. I'm always on the move. From story to story of Equestria and this is one of the many stops. I either end up in my human form or a pony form.”

His expression had shifted from a scowl to somewhat of a blank look. He stayed like that for a moment before shaking his head and continued his trek back to Fluttershy's cottage.

"H-hey wait! Where are you going."

"Home for a while." He answered. "This part of the forest seems to be huffed up with wacky tobaccy. Either that or just more town folks trying to get a rise out of me which is not gonna happen again!" He said as he started to sprint.

"No wait! I'm telling you the truth!" He followed in pursuit as she tried to figure out a way to let him know she was telling the truth. "Your name is Leonardo Zarate, you were raised and abused by you adoptive father but loved by your adoptive mother, you came to this world when you got jumped by John and his lackeys and you nearly drowned but ended up here instead!"

Despite the air running through his ears, he couldn't help but hear her facts loud. Though he just shook his head furiously as he ran faster.

~

After a long exhausting run Leo managed to drag himself near the cottage, though with the mare behind her.

"You're persistent..." He huffed and puffed with sweat beading down his forehead.

"I get that." She was in a similar state as was using her magic to support herself. "Can...can you at least humor me?" She asked.

He stopped as he reached for the door handle. He sighed deeply as he hit his head against the door. Maybe if he could humor her she might be able to get her to go away. "Alright fine miss..."

"Leandra, that's my human name but you can call me Pixel Berry in this form." She said with a smile on her face.

"Whatever...say I did humor your claims. Say I did believe everything you rambled on about on our run here." He leaned against the door with both his brows quirked. "Then what?" He shrugged. "What exactly are you expecting me to do?"

She darted her eyes as she began to think about that. What exactly was she expecting him to do. "I...I don't know...all I do know is that Discord brought me here through the door and you're the main character to help me find the door the get me to move on to the next world. Please... Please help me..." She pleaded with a puppy dog face.

Leo closed his eyes as he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose from hearing her pleas. "I just know I'm going to regret this..." He muttered. "If you're not from this world I take it you don't have a place to stay?" He said as he noticed it was getting dark.

"Well...no I don't." Her head dropped along with her ears, a sad look on her face.

"Then I guess...you can stay here until you find your door or whatever." He said.

"Really?!" Her head and ears perked up, a smile on her face.

"Yeah sure, just don't make a mess. It's not my house " He said opening the door.

She smiled bigger from his kind gesture. She galloped toward him ready to give him a hug.

His eyes widened as he stepped aside, Pixel Berry ended up hugging the air as she impacted with the ground. "Ow..." She groaned.

"Sorry about that but I don't let ponies in my personal space except Fluttershy." He said as he helped her up. "There are some haybacon sandwiches in the kitchen she left for me. Help yourself." He said as he hanged his jacket on the coat rack.

"Oh but I couldn't." She said as she adjusted her glasses. "You're already letting me stay. I can't possibly eat your-" A loud growling came from her stomach as she was cut off. A sheepish smile on her face. "Okay maybe a few." She said.

"Kitchen's that way." Leo pointed with his thumb over his shoulder as he made his way upstairs.

As she watched him make his way to his guest room, she looked over the table where the there was a plate of haybacon sandwiches wrapped in thin plastic on a plate. She walked over to them as she removed said plastic with her pixilated aura.

She levitated one of the pieces to her as she took a bite. As she bit into her snack she couldn't help but think of Leo. She still couldn’t believe she ended up in his story. She also couldn't help but think on his attitude. He didn't seem quite friendly, but may that because he just had a bad day. Also he thought she was another one of the townsponies, probably thinking she was looking for trouble. A bit harsh to judge a pony he just met in that manner but understandable.

As she finished with her haybacon sandwich and was about to eat another, she noticed a footstep behind her. She turned to see Leo walking down stairs with a blanket and pillow in his hands. His pajamas on.

"Oh Leo, what're you doing?" She asked.

"I'm readying the couch for sleep, I gotta make sure it's the right amount of soft before I sleep on it." He said as her draped the blanket over the couch, placing the pillow on the armrest. "You can sleep in my bed." He said as he sat down.

"What? But that isn’t fair to you. No I'll sleep on the couch while you stay in your bed." She insisted.

"No." He shook his head. "You're a guest in our home and as such you will receive the guest bedroom." She was about to protest but he held his hand up, stopping her from continuing. "That's final." He said more assertively.

She reeled back from his tone until she just sighed in defeat. "Alright fine. But please, if that couch gets too uncomfortable, let me know." She said with a smile.

"I'll let you know." He said laying down as placed his hands behind his head. "Goodnight Pixel." He said, addressing her by her pony name.

"Goodnight Leo." She said as she was about to pat his head, but stopped as Leo quirked his brow at her. "Right, sorry! Personal space." She said as Leo closed his eyes again.

She made her way up to the guest room, closing the door behind her as she sighed. "Jeez, he's not as friendly as I thought he'd be...but then again he still thinks I'm one of those mean type ponies." She shook her head as he moved the blanket before laying down on the bed and draping the blanket over her. "Tomorrow for sure I'll show him that I'm not like them." She said as she placed her glasses on the night stand. She clapped her hooves trice, signaling the fireflies to take their leave, the room being coated in darkness.

~

As Pixel Berry slept. In the guest bedroom, Leo lied with his eyes staring up into the ceiling. He kept wondering how that pony knew those things about him.

Which left him to ponder another thought about what she said. Was his life really just a story for people's amusement? If so then who could be the sick demented bastard who thought it'd be entertaining to write his life story like this.

His thoughts were interrupted as a click from the door was heard. He turned his head to see Fluttershy entering the room.

"Fluttershy, you're home." He said as he sat up. "How was you little adventure?" He asked.

"Oh it was quite remarkable." She said. "We helped a famous author from one of Rainbow Dash’s favorite books to retrieve a certain lost artifact." She said. "Can you believe she's actually an adventurer?" She said as she sat by him.

"No way really?" He said as he scratched his chin. "Oh by the way I need to tell you something." Leo said.

"What is it?" She asked tilting her head.

"Before I tell you, you have to promise me you won't get mad."

She stopped for a moment, wondering what he was going to say. "Okay, I promise." She said.

"I kinda met this unicorn named Pixy? I don't know. She looked hurt so I see went to check out. She looks at me then starts blurting all sorts of nonsense and other junk saying she knows who I am because she read a story about me and stuff. I tried going somewhere else but she kept on following me while rambling. Though I'm not going to lie, she knew a lot of things only I thought I knew." He said as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Okay but I don't understand why I'd be mad about that." She said a bit perplexed.

"I'm getting to that, you see she then started going on about how this Discord was making her do all this because she was chosen for a game, saying she needs my help to find this door. I felt bad and decided to let her stay until I can help her find this door."

"Oh...I see." She said as she brought her gaze to the closed guestroom door. "Is that why you're sleeping on the couch?"

"Pretty much, yes."

"Oh Leo..." She embraced him in a hug. "That's very kind of you, helping somepony in need to get her home."

He returned the embrace as he gave her a gentle pat. "Thanks Fluttershy, just trying to be a good human."

"Well it's late so I think I'll be turning in. Would you mind if I went to go see her?" She said as she retracted herself.

"Probably not a good idea Fluttershy, she's probably asleep right now." He said. "I'll introduce you tomorrow. Okay?"

"Alright then." She nodded. "Goodnight Leo." She said making her way upstairs to her room.

"Goodnight Fluttershy." He waved. He turned facing the backrest of the couch as his thoughts still lingered on the mare until eventually he succumbed to sleep.

~

As the morning sun rise upon the quaint town, Pixel Berry was beginning to stir awake from the sun's beam over her eyes. She stretched and yawned reaching over the night stand and putting her glasses on.

"Oh man...my body. Haven't slept like that in a while." She stretched her right hind leg further before she noticed a smell sneaking into her nose.

"Mmm...smells like bacon but different." Her ears shot up as she came to the conclusion. "Must be haybacon!" She said excitedly as exited the room and ran downstairs taking a quick sideways glance, noticing Leo wasn't sleeping on the couch.

"Maybe he's cooking breakfast." She muttered as she entered the kitchen, only to see Fluttershy was the one responsible for the enticing smell.

"Oh..."

"Mmm?" Fluttershy turned her head only to see the surprise guest Leo had invited. "Oh, you must be Pixel Berry, the mare Leo took in?" She asked facing her while stirring the haybacon.

"Uh yup! That's me; Pixel Berry." She said with a sheepish smile. "So uh...where's Leo? " She asked.

"I'm right here." Leo responded in Fluttershy's place, his gaze down as he stared at his plate, taking somewhat semi small bites of his haybacon.

"O-oh...hi." She said nervously as she walked over to her seat in the table across from him. "So...did you sleep well?" She asked as she attempted to make small talk.

He only responded with a short nod as he chewed on some haybacon. Yet again the same bored look in his eyes.

‘Damn...he’s not letting anyone in.’ She cleared her throat before she continued to speak. “So uh, how’s your new life in Equestria?” she asked.

“It’s life..” He shrugged still staring at his plate.

“And that is?”

“Good.” He said finishing off the last piece of haybacion in his plate before standing from his seat. “Fluttershy, I have to go now to work at the apple orchard.”

“Oh, alright then” she said turning to Leo who came and knelled down to her height and gave her an embrace. “Have a great day at work Leo.” She said as she gave went over to the counter and gave him his box lunch.

“Thank you Fluttershy.” He said rubbing her ear, she hummed, closing her eyes as she leaned in a bit before he recreated and made his way to the door frame. He stopped though to give Pixel Berry an acknowledgement. “Pixel…” He gave her a nod before making his way through the living room and out the door, leaving the two mares alone in peace.

“So...you’re Pixel Berry.” Fluttershy said. “The one needing help from Leo to move on the the next world...how exactly is he of significance in your journey? He said that you said something about him being the main character of the story.

Pixel could only dart her eyes as she tried to find a way to properly convince Fluttershy of her story. She went on explaining to her the same way she did with Leo about her situation. Fluttershy's look showed that same look Leo did when she explained herself until the name ‘Discord’ was mentioned her look showed that she as now interested.

“Discord? He’s involved in this?” She asked.

“He’s the one behind this!” She loudly stated.

“So for what you’ve explained is that you jumped world from world like this one and you needed to interact with said world’s main character in order to move on?” She said.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I said.” She responded dryly, not to keen on having Fluttershy repeat what she just said.

“So what exactly do you have to do with Leo in order to move on?” She asked.

“Well...I have to help him in some way that will benefit himself being. If I do that I can move on.”

“I see.” Fluttershy nodded.

“Yup.”

The room fell into an awkward silence as both now had their gazes averted. The occasional throat cleared and short tune hummed.

“So…” Fluttershy started. “...are you going to go with him then?”

“Hm?” She snapped out of her hummed tune. “Oh! Right!” She said as she went over to the door, opening it with her magic and closing it behind her as he ran out after Leo.

~

As Pixel arrived at the farm through a crisp morning through the town, the native ponies giving an occasional glance as they went on with their business. She heaved from the run as she looked around though the ocean of trees.

“Hmm… where is he?” She muttered before she hear a loud thonk sound coming from her left. “That must be Applejack.” She thought as she followed the origin of noise, eventually leading to the orange mare and her big brother.

“Jeez! It’s like these darn apples get more stubborn to fall every time! What do you suppose that is huh Big Mac. Bad harvest?” She asked her brother.

“Mmmmaybe.” He responded with a shrug as him and his sister stared up into the tree.

“Hey!” Pixel Berry shouted, letting her presence known by the two farm ponies, who turned their head in shocked surprise.

“Hey what are ya doing on my property?” Applejack said with a hint of suspicion.

“Oh! Don’t worry, I don’t mean any harm! I just came to see Leo. I’m Pixel Berry by the way.” She introduced herself.

That’s when Applejack’s expression shifted to a known one. “Oh, so you’re the one that’s been following my high apple picker.” Her tone known to her presence.

“High apple picker?” She repeated tilting her head.

That’s when Pixel heard a loud thud behind her with a slight shake of the ground, making her freeze in place. She then saw a shadow loom over her own and her form as the being stood higher on his two legs. She shakingly turned her head to see it was none other than Leo.

“Oh, it’s you…” He said in a bored town with a basket full of apples with him, his gaze shifting to Applejack. “Alright boss, I picked the high apples from the tree, you wanna move to the next one?” He asked her.

“Sure thing sugarcube.” She motioned with her head for Leo and Big Mac to follow her to next tree. Which they both did as Big Mac pulled the cart and Leo placed the apple in the baskets on said cart.

Pixel Berry just watched as Applejack began kicking the next tree, a loud thonk echoed as the tree shook knocking almost all of the apples off. To keep the apples from having bite marks Leo was also in charge to pick them up and place them on the basket on the cart.

“Alright sugarcube, this is all you now.” Applejack said as Leo faced upwards, staring at four apples dangling in place.

He popped his neck and sighed as he spat in his palms, rubbing them together and jumped for the tree, hugging it with his arms and legs. He climbed inch by inch with an audible grunt as he made way for the apples.

Pixel Berry just watched in amusement as she stared, watching Leo climb like a monkey. She looked over to Applejack who was doing the exact same thing.

“So uh...how's having a human work for your orchard?” She asked.

“It's decent, he makes it much easier to carry more than one buckets, climbing the trees to grab the apples I couldn't buck down, you know that manual stuff.” She explained, now beginning to get curious of Pixel. “So uh...you that mare who’s been following around for yer uh…”

“For my way home yea.”

“Right…” Applejack averted her gaze as she shifted nervously in place, waiting for Leo to come down.

Her prayers have been answered as he landed in front of the two siblings. “That should be it for this row.” He said as he placed the apples in the cart.

“Good work Leo, you can to take your break if ya want to, ya seem like ya need it.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Sure…” He simply shrugged as he went over to the other trees out of sight of the three equines.

Pixel Berry just watched as the apple sibling went back to the farm with the cart in tow before glancing back to where Leo had gone. She pondered her options if she should go with the siblings or follow Leo. The scale eventually tipped as she went over to where Leo had gone.

She trotted for a while until she spotted Leo leaning against a tree, using his sweater as a pillow as he ate an apple in hand. The same bored look in his face that showed no interest in anything. She began having seconds thoughts about bothering him a she remembered about what she had read in the story. But she needed to be by him in order to move on, plus she’s always wanted to meet him face to face. Establish a friendship maybe.

“Hey buddy...how are ya?” She asked as she walked closer to him.

He didn’t make the effort to give a glance as he continued to eat his apple. He only responded with a grunt through loud munching noises, his bite reaching the apple core.

“So...how’s work?” She asked.

“It’s work.” He said as he spat a seed out, throwing the remnants of the apple aside. He slumped as he placed his hands on the back of his head.

This was beginning to seem hopeless to her, he doesn’t seem to show any interest in her despite her story. Perhaps it’s because he still might be skeptical about her and is probably just humoring her. Still, she can’t let up, she just know she could get him to open up, even if it was a little.

“Hey I was wondering…” She kicked the ground a little.

“About.” He said.

“Like if you’re not busy later...maybe you want to… hang out?” She asked as she had her gaze to the grassy ground. She couldn't help but feel a bit of an anxiety grow within her, she remembered the way he mocked someponies. Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea after all.

She then began to notice a distinct smell the filled her sensitive nose as she began to cough and squint her eyes as she looked over to Leo was smoking a cigarette. He must have lit it while she was talking. She covered her muzzle as she tried to breath in clean air, which was not so abundant with the smoke contaminating the air.

“To do what exactly?” He said as he flicked a few embers from his stick.

“I-I don’t know.” She struggled to speak through the smoke. “Like go to the park, arcade, maybe go buy some hayburgers? My treat!” She coughed out as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Leo’s only change of expression was his left brow quirking a little before he sighed shaking his head. A ghost of a smile daring to form. “Fine.” He said as he puffed the last cloud of smoke from his lungs into the air.

“Really?!” She said.

“Yeah...I might as well spend some time with you if we’re going to find your door.” He said sticking the cigarette bud into the ground, burning the embers out.

Pixel Berry was ready to leap with joy, but decided to restrain herself from doing such a thing. He already let her step an inch into his line, it was best she did not ruin it now.

“But you’re going to have to wait, I still have six more hours of work.” He stood as he dusted himself off.

“Sure thing! I’ll be waiting until then!”

~

As Leo worked on his final hour, Pixel Berry sat in wait as she stared at the sea of orchard form a small hill that overlooked the orchard. The crisp autumn her nipped her flesh with a gentle breeze as dead leaves flew in the air.

She pondered on what she should do to let Leo let her in. But at this point it seems hopeless. She remembers on what she read about him. It’s understandable why he would be so closed.

“But I know I can befriend him in some way, maybe...offer him some comfort food! Like...a taco!” She jumped to her hooves but dropped at the realization. “Wait no...that food is back on his earth...maybe...watch a movie!” She once again jumped on her hooves but once again slumped. “No wait, he probably most likely hates pony movies or something like that…” She let out an irritated sigh as she kicked the ground. “What can I do to get through to you!?” She yelled out.

“Perhaps ah can be of sum assistance.” A foreign yet familiar voice called out from behind that made Pixel nearly jump out of her coat. “Sorry there sugar.” She said with a sheepish smile as she walked over to Pixel Berry.

“Jesus Applejack! Don’t scare me like that!” She yelled with a dying fear in her voice. She adjusted her glasses as she began to steady her breathing. “Sorry… just… don’t scare me, please.”

“Ah won’t, ah promise.” She said as she sat beside her, taking in the beauty of the land she owned. “So you wanna be friends with Leo, huh?” She asked out of the blue.

“O-oh...you heard that.” She uttered with a blush on her cheeks, embarrassed she was talking out loud for any passerby to hear.

“Don’t be ashamed sugar cube.” She patted her back. “Tell me; why do ya wanna be his friend? As far as I know, he’s about a friendly as an griffon on a monday morning waking up from a deep hangover. That’s me being nice…” She stated.

“I…I just to…I don’t know… I guess maybe beside looking for the door It might be because I feel sorry for him?” She explained as she tried to find the reason of her motives to seek out Leo’s friendship.

“Could be the latter, as far as ah now from Fluttershy, he’s had a pretty traumatizing past, and we didn't make it any better by the way we welcomed him…” She averted her gaze to the side, shame apparent in her eyes as she pinned her ears to her skull.

“Maybe I’m just wasting my time…” Pixel muttered. “How could I ever be close to him..?”

“Maybe by buying me some hayburgers like you promised me.” Another foreign voice made itself apparent as both Applejack and Pixel Berry jumped where they stood. They turned to see it was Leo, glistened in sweat as he wore his shirt over his head. It was odd for Pixel, he seemed more toned than in the story, or was that her imagination? She couldn't help but ask.

“Hey uh Leo...did you uh...lose weight?” She asked as she averted her gaze.

“If you wanna call it that. Work here burns fat, and living in a country full of herbivores tends to force a guy into a green diet.” He said as he took his shirt off his head, his black hair falling as it was also glistening.

“Uhhh…” Was all Pixel Berry could say as her mind went blank. Applejack elbowed her as she snapped out of her trance. “Oh!? Uh! Ready to go Leo?” She asked with a sheepish smile.

He looked over to Applejack who had nodded, letting him know his work was done. “Sure, just let me go get my stuff and and we’ll head there.” He said giving her a careless wave as he walked away.

Pixel sighed as breath of relief as he walked away. Her thought still stuck on him though, or rather his body. That was when she was jabbed once again.

“Ah saw the way ya looked at him.” She raises her brows in a suggesting manner.

“No I wasn’t-”

“Don’t bother with him” She shook her head as she walked past Pixel. “He’s not one to be a-courting outside his species.” She said.

“But I never-”

“Don’t sugar cube.” She said with an unamused look. “I can smell lies like a bad odor in the bathroom.” She trotted off, leaving Pixel to her thoughts. A conflicted look in her eyes as she wasn’t sure of what to think. She could only sigh as she walked off to the entrance of the orchard, to wait for Leo.

~

Both Pixel and Leo made their way through the town of on going passerby ponies. They averted their frightened gaze from the Leo but gave an acknowledging curt nod to Pixel, even a smile.

She couldn't help but feel terrible for how he was being treated by the locals. She gave a subtle glance to see his reaction. It was as she expected, his look was that of a brooding non caring one, she could feel an odd feel emanate from him. She could only sigh as they walked into the fast food restaurant.

Leo took a few steps ahead of her and opened the door, gesturing her to walk right in. She stopped in surprise for a brief moment before walking in. She was greeted of the sight of regular everyday ponies eating away into their meals. Not seeming to notice Pixel whatsoever, that was until a shadow loomed over her and soon that was followed by the stares of said ponies.

She looked over her shoulder as she saw her companion stand beside her. Now she understood why they were looking at him like that, with a scowl on his face as it was averted down.

As she looked at Leo’s face, she wasn't sure whether she would try and cheer him up a little with small talk, or remain silent. The obvious was shown as she stayed silent, but nudged Leo’s leg lightly before she started walking, looking for a free table while also making her way to the front register, a small line showing of two or three ponies.

Once she spotted a free table by the window, she started to speak up. “Hey Leo, what do you want?” She asked.

“I’ll have three hay cheese burgers with two large fries and a large Kola.” He said plainly as he stuck his hands in his pockets.

“Okay. Well, you can either wait in line with me, or maybe take a seat so that nopony can take that table.” She said as she pointed a good at the said table, the seats being cushioned and affixed to the floor and wall.

He took off to the table and sat with a bored look on his face, clearly this has been going on for quite sometime though nopony but Fluttershy knows that. As he waited patiently he rested his chin his hand as he looked over to where Pixel was standing. Tapping the wooden table as he hummed lightly.

It didn’t take long for the ponies ahead of her to get their orders since they were either alone or with somepony else like she was. Once she got to the register, she repeated the order that Leo gave her plus her own consisting of six piece veggie nuggets and a small order of hay fries. Once the order was finished, she took a small bit bag from… well, it was someplace where she couldn’t quite explain without raising brows, but it was rather convenient for her.

She gave the exact bits that were needed before she was given the receipt that had a number on it. She took it by her muzzle before she sat close to the area in which the order would be passed to her so she and Leo could eat it. She didn’t see it, but as most ponies were, they sometimes looked a little cute with holding something in their mouth.

After Pixel arrived at her table, Leo had his gaze turned outside the window, watching ponies passby. She couldn't tell right off the bat, but she knew he was being absent minded right now. He could only sigh as his cut dirty fingers tap the wooden table, it making her ears flicker.

She put the receipt down on the table before she was thinking on what to say. She bit the inside of her cheek as it was hard thinking of something to say. Then something popped in her mind. “So, Leo. How are you adjusting to your life here?” She asked, not really sure if he was or wasn’t yet used to this, not sure if she was just in a part of his story… or maybe way ahead of what she’s been reading.

“Better off than before, ‘a little’ speciesism with other worldly apes but it’s a little more comfortable here than before.” He said as he still stared outside, he placed a finger on a scar across his cheek as he gently rubbed it.

“That’s good. Anything new that you like here?” She asked a different question, smiling a little as she was glad he wasn’t as blunt as earlier today.

“Can’t say really. Meat in this horse country is scarce as hell, and I find it hard to use their everyday objects like toilets and seats to use for my sake. Only thing good here is this place.” He waved his hand carelessly, gesturing the fast food restaurant. “This hay is so fried than I can hardly tell the difference from meat. Really dry,that’s why I put too much ketchup on every burger.” He closed his eyes as he bit his lips, clenching his hand into a fist. “God I’d kill for some red meat right now…” He uttered.

That was when the whole restaurant went silent and all attention was on both the human and the unicorn.

Instead of what you would expect a normal unicorn to reel back in disgust, Pixel couldn’t help but laugh a little. “I guess this place is different than every other place. I mean, I understand the seats and toilets in homes, but I thought they’d adjust it to some minotaurs to public places like this. As for meat, I think Canterlot would be better suited for that since griffons are half of two predators. I honestly know the feeling of not having a good chicken tender while being human.” She smiled. “But I guess being a pony I won’t tell the difference.”

“I still find it hard to believe you were actually a human, but I guess I’m not part of the ordinary in this place.” He was interrupted as a figure was caught in his peripheral vision as he turned his head. It was a worker who had brought them their meal, a unicorn mare with a cream colored coat and blue mane, levitating their order to them but far away enough from Leo, an obvious look of anxiety in her posture.

“Y-your order…” She stuttered.

He only rolled his eyes and sighed as he snatched the food from her levitating grasp and placed it roughly on the table before him and Pixel. “Thanks, now get out of here, go.” He shooed her away as the mare was more than happy to return back with her co workers.

“Bunch of scared horses, don’t do nothing for nobody…” He muttered as he unwrapped one of his burgers.

She pulled her order close to her as it seemed rather small for her. She opened the small box and saw that the nuggets looked the same like on earth. ‘Let’s see how these will taste.’ She thought, a little nervous as she picked one with her hoof and took a bite out of it. Her first thought was confusion… then slight regret. She hates tomatoes, especially in small chunks, and she could feel them in the nugget. But she kept on eating as that was what she blindly payed for.

“What’s wrong?” Leo asked as he swallowed half a bite of his burger. “You seem like you don’t like it.”

She was quick to swallow the chunk in her mouth before answering. “Nothings wrong. It’s fine. J-just a little surprise that there’s tomato chunks in these things.” She admitted. “Never was a fan.”

“What?” He narrowed his eyes as he snatched one from her box and broke it in half, examining the inside. “The hell...is this supposed make it tasty?”

“I guess so. It’s okay. If I payed for it, then I’ll eat it.” She said as she boldly took another one and ate it, but was quick to chew and swallow it. “Just cause I’m not fond of it, doesn’t mean everypony else is.”

Rather than responding to her statement, Leo just grabbed the entire box of nuggets and slide from his seat as he walked over to the counter. “Excuse me.” He said with a sharp authoritative voice as he knocked on the counter loudly.

“Yes?” One of the workers responded, this stallion out of everypony in the restaurant not being phased by Leo. He was wearing a white buttoned shirt with a red tie, most obviously the manager.

“These things have tomato bits in them and my friend doesn’t like tomatoes.” He slid the box of nuggets towards the manager. “Exchange them for ones without tomatoes.” He said.

Pixel had to push aside the thought that Leo actually considered him a friend as she was soon right beside him. “N-no it's okay. We don't need to exchange them. I eat what I paid for.” She said as she tried to pull the box back to her.

Leo’s hand took the box and slid it back to the manager. “Exchange them.” He said.

“No worries.” The manager said, taking the box in his feathered wing. “It’s our fault actually, we really should advertise that these have tomato bits in them.” He said as he took the box back.

“Better.” Leo said as he was pleased he got his way. He noticed a family standing right next to him, just staring away at him. Their foal in it’s mother's back pouch giggled as it looked at him. ‘What the hell are you staring at?!’ He thought but showed no emotion in his face to give his mood away.

After a minute of silence, Pixel decided to speak up. “You didn't have to do that.” She said, secretly thinking that something bad might happen if he argued with the manager if he wasn't going to change the nuggets.

“Just wasn’t right to eat something you didn't like.” He said with a simple shrug. ”That’s all.” The manager then came back with a new box as it sizzled that the nuggets were hot and fresh.

“Here you go sir.” He said with a smile.

“Gimme that.” He snatched it away as he walked back to their booth, not acknowledging him with a thanks.

“Thank you.” Pixel thanked the stallion with a small head bow. She glanced over at the family beside her before she also gave a small apology for what they had to see. After that, she started walking back to the booth as well.

As she walked back Leo was already finished with his first cheese hayburger, though it looked like he added extra ketchup with it as it was smothered all over his face and hands. It making him look like a vicious predator. One that just took a sip of his Koka Kola, a sigh escaping his lips.

“Sheesh, Leo. You're as messy as a baby.” She smiled before she took a napkin out from the stand that held different type of sauces. She also took two packets of salt before she came to the table and gave the napkin to the messy human.

“I’m a man.” He said as he took said napkin and put little effort into wiping his face, he grabbed a handful of fries and shoved them in his mouth. Eating away like a starving dog.

‘But not a gentleman.’ She thought to herself, rolling her eyes before she opened both the salt packets and pouring it on the hay fries. After shaking the bag a little, she started eating them muzzle first, not being able to grab it with her big hooves.

“You know you could just use your magic instead of eating them like that.” He shook his head in amusement. “And you say I’m a messy baby?”

After eating the fries in her mouth, she spoke, not seeing some salt was stuck in the fur of her muzzle. “Well, I could, but I just choose not to. Also, I don't want to accidentally yank a fry to the ceiling or anything. I'm not quite adjusted to using magic yet.”

“So you say.” He said removing the top of his bun of his third burger and duping all the fries on it. He picked some of Pixel’s extra ketchup packets and poured more than enough on his fries within his burger, placing the bun back on top and taking a big bite with a loud crunch as ketchup flew from the burger’s edges, splashing all over the place.

Pixel flinched a little as some of the ketchup got on her fur. “Why do I have a feeling you're doing this intentionally?” She asked as she tried to wipe the sauce off, only to spread it a little to make it worse.

“Intentionally?” He wiped his mouth from the ketchup smeared across his face. “Only intention was to make this bland horse food tasty, at least a little.” He said as he took a sip from his drink.

“I can see that, but I didn't know anyone would be this messy on purpose.” She said before she went to eating the freshly made nuggets, smiling a little as they tasted much better without the tomatoes.

“Good?” Leo asked, implying the nuggets as he bit into his burger again, only this time the ketchup just seeped from the burger and landed on the wrapper.

“Much better.” She nodded as she ate them at a much more slower pace as she wanted to enjoy the nuggets this time around.

As the two ate into their meals, they finished up leaving the mess on the both for the workers to clean. Leo’s idea. They walked out as they both sighed in content from the fast food meal. “That was actually better than before…” He sighed as he popped his neck.

“I would say the same, but this was my first time there.” She said as she looked up at him for only a moment before she looked away, not sure if he would like being stared at.

“So what’s your next plan for today that you had for us huh?” Leo asked as he shot he a glance.

“Well, if you want, you can choose the next stop.” She said before she added something else. “Other then going back to the cottage.”

“I don’t know…” Leo said as his gaze wandered for a bit. “I guess we could go and visit Spike at the library, maybe that smart ass bitch won’t be there today.” He said as he began walking.

“I'm assuming you mean Twilight.” She walked behind him. She didn't know what else to say other then that. “Is that why you only think of going there: to see Spike?”

“Yeah, I’m sure as hell not going to see little miss ‘perfect’.” He shook his head. “If Spike even got paid, I’d say it wasn’t enough to work with that horse.” He stated, clearly showing much detest for her.

“I have a feeling your hatred for her is more than that…’incident’.” She said, a bit nervous on how he might react since she brought it up without thinking. “How many times has she apologized for that anyways?”

He stopped abruptly as he shot a glare at her. “How the hell do you know about that?” He said.

Pixel backed up a little as she was a bit scared at the glare he was giving. “I-I'm sorry! I won't bring it up again.” She quickly said, not answering his question as her ears went down and she was close to laying on the floor and just covering her eyes, fear starting to take over.

That’s what stopped him from pushing any further, looking at her in that state just reminded him of when Twilight was at his mercy after breaking out of her basement. He only scoffed as he shook his head. “Whatever, let’s just keep going.” He dropped the previous subject off for her sake.

She didn't bother speaking or asking any questions as she started following him, a bit farther away from him as her ears were still down, her head down as she was looking at the floor, only glancing up a little to see if she was following him. ‘I'm such an idiot…’ She thought as she could feel a lump in her throat as she knew she just ruined everything, just bringing that up after that nice time at the fast food place.

After a long silent walk and finally arriving at the library, Leo knocked on the door with his fist roughly. “Hey bitch are you home!?” He called out but no answer. With that he just opened the door and let himself in.

Pixel only waited for him to walk in before she walked inside as well, looking at the floor before she decided to lift her head up and look at the large library that was a single room…until she saw another door that went to another part of the library.

It flung open, revealing a small purple dragon. “Jeez Leo! Are you trying to get everypony’s attention?!” Spike whispered harshly.

“Nope, just checkin' if that smart ass bitch sister of yours is here.” He said as he leaned against a wall near Spike. “My fears were not warranted.” He said.

“I’d tell you something about that.” He pointed at Leo. “But after what she did to you I’ll let it slide. After all you need something to vent, especially how she talks about you.”

“Shit, she’s just lucky I didn't snap her horn and wore like a necklace, or I would have settled for an ear. Either or…” He shrugged.

Spike had noticed Pixel standing in the room. “Who’s she?” He asked.

“Company.” Leo said pulling out a cigarette from his jacket.

“Good or bad.” Spike asked, where as Leo only responded with a shrug, he lit his cigarette with nearby candle and puffed the smoke.

Pixel didn't say anything as she was being talked about for only a short moment. She looked over at some manega books and picked one out. She opened it as it was titled, ‘Skye’s Sweet Home’. She didn't have a smile or anything as her ears were finally up and not stuck down as she didn't know what to say after what happened not even a half an hour ago.

“So why is she with you?”

“Something about a door or something...I don’t know…” Leo said as he continued to smoke to relieve his stress.

Spike looked over to her as he waited for an answer, or explanation.

“Yeah…” She simply said as she flipped through the book as the manega seemed to lift her spirit a little as it was simple and adorable, it being about a kitten that got lost from her mom and is now living with a pony family of three.

“Is she not gonna explain?” He asked Leo.

“She’s reading, leave her be, besides, I’m in the mood for some of your cheese sour cream nachos with extra jalapenos.” He cracked a smile as he went to the kitchen.

“Sure, I was getting hungry anyway, I’ll make you some and we’ll chill.” He followed Leo in.

Pixel lifted her head from the book when the two left. She placed a convenient bookmark in the spot she was on before she started looking around and opened one of the door, it leading to the basement. She looked to see of Leo was coming out before she went down, curious on what the place looked like and if it was different than what she imagined.

~

“So seriously, who is she?” Spike asked him. They both waited as three plates on tortilla chips the cheese being boiled in a pot on the stove.

“I told you, just some random mare I passed by, she seemed lost and confused so I helped her.” He threw the cigarette bud in the sink as he dusted his hands.

“Thought you didn't like anypony in this town.” He raised a brow.

“Don’t, but I’m not heartless.” He said as he went to the fridge, reaching out for the sour cream and a jar filled with jalapenos slices.

“So you mentioned something about a door huh? What exactly is that about?”

“She said she came here through another dimension through a door and is trying to find it again to get back.” He explained the summarized version of it.

“Do you believe her?”

“Hell no, I’m just humoring her till she picks her marbles back up, then I’ll be done with her.” He said. “By the way, you still have that bottle I left with you?” He asked.

Spike only left the room for a moment to his room, before returning back with said bottle in hand. It was tall with a brown liquid inside.

“Ahh...my booze.” He said taking the bottle in hand, he reached for the clean dishes counter and got two cups. He twisted the cap open as he poured some alcohol to both their cups. “Here you go.” Leo slid a cup to him.

“You sure I can drink this?” Spike asked as he began to get nervous.

“Just don’t down it so quick and you’ll be fine, you’ll just get buzzed, shit know’s I need to.” He raised his cup to his lips and took a hard swig.

He looked at Leo then his cup before he took a small sip. He almost gagged before he forced it down. “Ah sick!” Spike shouted.

Leo laughed as he patted his back, “You’ll get used to it.” He said grabbing the pot of melted cheese and started pouring it on the three plates. “Keep drinking.” He said.

~

Pixel kept on walking down the stairs as it was a bit dark. She thought that maybe using her magic to light the way might help, but she was still nervous over using it. But the darkness got too much as she concentrated on lighting her horn as it was hard to focus on having a dot of light on her head. She thought of flipping a switch, pressing a button, but that didn't work. But after she thought of turning a light bulb, her horn lit up in a purple glow, some pixels floating around the light before she could see now.

But what she saw made her ears go down.

All around one of the walls were pictures, data, and notes connected by a red yarn string. But what made her scared was that they were all connected to Leo. But she got more scared as she saw a picture of her and Leo eating at the fast food place.

‘Wh-what the heck is this?’ She thought as she tried to read the notes, but they were in the famous ‘doctor handwriting’.

She tried to read some of the data next, but they were too complicated for her. But she soon came across some old sheets that seemed to be written a long time ago. Probably in a book maybe. She could only read small bits though.

‘Body without a soul’

‘Powerful mage’

‘Creature… two legs’

‘MONSTER’

Pixel didn't want to think of this, buy just couldn't. ‘This can't be talking about Leo…maybe, of another human. No. that can't be right. But what else would it be about?’ She thought as she decided to look away from the wall and see if anything else was here she could find.

She bumped into something she didn't see until she looked at what it was. It was an operating table. She took a closer look and saw that the braces were too far apart for pony use. ‘Is this where Leo was..?’ She thought, seeing some small blood stains. She looked around some more and noticed something else by the wall.

There were vials jars of things she hopes they weren't. A jar had some black hair, two vials of blood, and one had some white liquid that she prayed wasn't what she think it was. All of it was labeled ‘Leo’.

‘This mare really is crazy!’ She thought as she was quick to run up the stairs and slam the door behind her, feeling her hooves shake as the spell faded on her horn. ‘That was like crazy scientist or yandere crush level.’ She thought as she went back to her spot and tried to go back to the book she was reading, trying to forget what she saw but obviously couldn't.

That was when Leo and Spike walked in with smiles on their faces, Spike carrying a tray of the nacho delicacies as he wobbled over to him, a goofy chuckle escaping his lips as Leo was carrying the bottle full of alcohol and a cup in hand. He too was smiling but not as goofy.

“Hey Pixel, Spike made some nachos with some cream and jalapenos, try some!” Leo suggested as he was a little buzzed. Spike handing her a plate as best as he could he was clearly buzzed with the alcohol he consumed.

“N-no. I'm okay. I'm n-not hungry.” She waved her hoof dismissively as she really wasn't hungry after what she saw.

“Common! This sour cream is to die for with cheese!” Leo insisted as he picked a chip piece and brought it to her muzzle.

“No. Leo. I'm fine. Just go enjoy it without me.” She said as she moved her head away from the sauce dipped chip.

“Whaaaat? She doesn't like my nachos?” Spike asked disbelieving what he had heard.

“Told you she wouldn't want any.” Leo said taking a seat from one of the chairs near the desk. “So you ready?” He asked.

“Yup!” Spike said as he pulled out a light purple book with glitter and a lock on it. In the center was a magenta star that looks similar to Twilight's.

“Good…” Leo said with a toothy smile.

Spike then stuck his claw in the lock and started picking it till finally it clicked open.

“Let's go to where we left off.” Spike said turning the pages to the middle. Leo couldn't help but chuckle uncontrollably, this being one of the few times he's been happy.

“Leo…why does Spike have that?” Pixel asked as she could only guess was Twilight’s secret notebook.

“Why do you think?” He said sipping his cup of hard alcohol. “We like reading her embarrassing secrets and laugh about them.”

“Dear diary.” Spike started. “Today as I passed by the orchard I saw Big Mac rake the leaves that had fallen into his orchard. Every time I see him I really wish he would just pick me off my hooves and throw me on that pile--pfftahahaha!” Spike laughed loudly as Leo spewed a bit of alcohol from his lips and burst laughing.

“Oh god! Are you kidding me!?” Leo managed to choke out “This mare definitely needs it!”

“Leo? Don't you think that's a bit harsh? Going through someone's personal thought, more so laughing at them.” She said as she felt that this wasn't right at all, her ears going down with her inner emotions.

“Pfft! It's fine, what she doesn't know won't hurt her.” He waved dismissively.

“Today when me and the girls were solving a friendship problem I couldn't help but notice how big Pinkie Pie’s plot has gotten…” Both Leo and Spike giggled. “...she must really down a lot of sweets if not the whole bakery. I mean if the cake’s home was actual pastry they'd be homeless by now - hahaha! Twilight, you're so mean!” Spike shouted.

“That’s putting it lightly.” Leo added while laughing. “She's a bitch!” He slapped his knee as he continued to laugh.

“And you're a dick!” Pixel said angrily as she knew how it felt when someone was searching through their personal belongings. With a pixelated aura of her horn, she took the book from Spike’s hands and closed the book. “Two wrongs don't make a right and you know it.”

“Hey I was enjoying that!” Leo said as he got up, though wobbled a bit as he drank half of the alcoholic liquid.

“And that's a reason to read someone's personal thoughts?” She said with slight anger, not so scared as she knew he was too drunk to give a good chase. She then turned her head to the purple dragon. “And you should know better then to read your mother slash sister’s book, Spike. What if she was reading your personal journal? I'd bet she'd have a blast seeing all the entries regarding to Rarity and her perfect body.” She said as she placed the book behind her back.

“Don’t even go there new mare!” Spike pointed threateningly, his buzz now gone.

That was when Leo reached for the book and began pulling, though it was still in Pixel’s magical grasp. “Give it Pixel Berry!” Leo shouted as he struggled to pull.

“Let go! This isn't yours!” She yelled back as she pulled harder with her magic, even backing away as if she had it in her own hooves.

“Give it damn it!” Leo shouted angrily as he pulled harder, that was when the book gave out and ripped in half. It sending Leo tumbling backwards as he crashed through the basement door, falling down the stairs.

“Oh Celestia! Leo!” Spike shouted as he ran to the basement.

“L-Leo!” Pixel shouted as she dropped the torn half of the book and galloped down the basement as well, but since it was running down, she lost her footing and fell down the stairs instead. After hitting her muzzle on the floor, she shook the pain and got up as she looked for where the human fell exactly.

“Leo are you okay?!” Spike shouted as he turned the lights on.

Leo could only respond in a pained groan as he lifted himself up. His body now badly bruised. “I'll live…” He shook the pain off as he gained his bearings, searching the room. “The fuck?” he said as he saw pictures of him and Pixel in the restaurant. Then the jars with his content. The thirds sparking him. “THE FUCK!?” Leo shouted.

“Wh-what is this?” Spike said as he looked over the contents. “That jar...i-is that…”

“That better not be!” Leo said as he grabbed said jar and opened it. Sticking his fingers in as he felt the substance and sniffed it. “Oh thank god, it's just saliva.” He sighed in relief before he became angered again. Throwing the jar against the wall. “THE FUCK IS THIS!!!” He went over the table with the charts and books and kicked it over.

Pixel went quiet once again as she didn't know what to say. Or how to say it exactly. But she knew how to start it. “You don't like it, do you?” She said, ignoring the liquid on her muzzle that she could either guess was mucus or blood.

“No Pixel Berry, I obviously DO love it! That's why I'm wrecking it!” He said as he pulled a rack pole attached to the table and started smashing Twilight's computer and jars of his samples.

“Then you should also know that it's going to get worse if you keep this up.” Pixel said. “Every time you stay to yourself, it raises more questions for her, more answers she wants, and more things she would do to get those answers.” She explained. “And I know what she did was wrong, but sooner or later, she might find a way to do what she did without any way for you to escape. And soon Fluttershy won't be the one to save you, or protect you. She might be scared of you, and is only doing this to help the town, and not you.”

He breathed deep and heavily as he thought about what she said. He threw the pole aside as wiped the sweat from his forehead. He didn't say anything as he just walked upstairs, knocking over a jar on his way.

“I didn’t know she was this obsessed…” Spike said, clearly disturbed as he followed Leo.

“Neither did I…” Pixel said to herself. She knew she could've said it better or not even after what he saw, but she knew he needed to know, and that he needed a reality check in this fictional world.

As they reached the stairs, they found Leo with his head buried in his hands. A somber vibe could be felt from him.

“Leo…are you okay?” Spike asked.

“No I'm not…can't take this anymore.” He said.

“So just stop fighting.” Pixel spoke in a small voice. She sat down close to one of the walls of books as her ears were down. “I know how you feel. And…I know you probably want all of this to go away, but I know this isn't the first time you wanted something to be gone.”

“I don’t want to talk right now Pixel Berry…” He said as he walked to exit. But no before spilling a few books from the shelves in spite.

“Leo…” Spike said. “...don’t know what to do.”

Pixel’s horn lit up before the end of her shirt was held in a pixelated aura. “You don't have to talk, but please just listen to me.” She spoke as she felt she wasn't finished with him.

“Fine.” Leo accepted reluctantly, avoiding making eye contact with her.

“I just want to ask something first. Leo, do you believe me? Of me being a human, going through gateways to other dimensions that will lead me home.” She asked, sitting down a little closer to him, but not too close.

“Not really no.” Leo said. “But at this point I don't care if it's true or not.”

“Well, do you believe in god then?” She asked. “Or perhaps some other powerful entity that looks after us.”

“No Pixel I don’t.” He said more testingly. “If I did I would’ve had a better outlook on life with what’s happened to me. Are you going somewhere with this?” He said.

“Never mind. I just thought if you believed in someone you can't see, then why can't you believe in me. But back to that powerful person in the sky.” She moved her hooves a little. “I know that your life on Earth was bad, but I wouldn't say one of the worst. But just look at where you are now, your in a new world, with new living beings, and just everything is new and rather amazing. Someone powerful saw your pain, and gave you a chance to start over, to make some friends, and to be happy for once. I know your mother would want you to be happy, but shunning everyone and giving them a cold glare won't let them warm up to you.”

She scooted closer to him. “Please Leo, if this keeps up, some ponies might want to make sure nothing bad from you will ever happen again, it being either locking you up in some facility to see how you work, or just straight up death.” She said. “Now, you can either show the good side of humanity, or become another locked up creature in Tartarus. I won't make you change, but I want you to.”

“I don’t know Pixel, I’m just… I’m just stressed out right now to give you an answer. This whole incident has left a bad taste in my mouth, and no, it’s not the booze. Besides…” He crossed his arms. “The way they welcomed me wasn’t the red carpet treatment so don’t expect me to open up to much of them.” He shook his head. “You wanna know how tired I am?” He said as he pulled the color of his shirt down and showed a mark around his neck. “That’s how tired I am.”

“It's okay Leo. You don't have to answer right away or change as quick as flipping a coin, but just think about it. By how you act, you're no better than those bullies.” She said as she placed a gentle hoof on his leg.

The foreign touch made him jump back a little, he wasn’t used to anyone touching him except Fluttershy. “I’m not a bully, I don’t pick on the weak for sick pleasure like that bastard of a coward John was.” He stated. “I’m more kind compared to him and his butt buddies.”

“Kind enough to laugh at Twilight’s secrets?” Spike asked.

“Yes kin- wait! Who’s side are you on?!” Leo shouted.

“Just asking, chill.” Spike held his hands up defensively.

“Fine, you aren't as bad as them, but you aren't any better either.” Pixel corrected her statement. “I mean, if they see you being a jerk to some ponies, they might reconsider messing with you, or even wanting to hang out with you. And I have a feeling that's the last thing you want to happen.”

“Well you know me…” Leo gestured himself. “...just a freak on two legs.”

“Plus one.” Spike added.

“Yeah, him too. Well if you’re done I’m going home. Cause if I even see that creep today I’m gonna flip my lid on her for her weirdness…” He said walking out the door. “Spike, sorry about the mess.”

“No it’s cool, I’ll just clean it up. Just go before Twilight comes back.”

“Sure, but if she asks, tell her I did this.” He said making his way to the exit.

“I guess I'll find a different place to sleep. I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't want me to come to the cottage.” Pixel said as she got up as well. “Oh! And about that ‘great’ introduction you had, you never know if it was just out of instincts or anything. It could've been a simple misunderstanding.” Pixel added as she walked out of the library and looked over at Leo.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Leo said as he looked over to her walking the other direction.

“To a hotel? So I can sleep.” She said as she raised a brow.

“Why? Is there something wrong with the guest bedroom?”

“N-no. I just assumed you wouldn't want me to be in the cottage after…all of that.” Her ears went down a little.

“Why? When did I ever say assume that?” He pocketed his hands.

“I just thought you wouldn't want me to be around you anymore.” She said as her ears were still down.

“Don’t get the wrong idea...I’m still trying to help you I promised.” He looked away. “Besides, I’ll let it go just this once...no use holding a grudge to a mare who’s been trying to make an effort with me.” He scratched the tip of his nose.

“But you don't believe me, so why would you help someone you think is a total whack job?” She asked.

“I don’t know...I guess I believe you...a little though.”

“A little? In what way exactly?” She asked as she wasn't quite sure what he meant by that.

“I don’t know, that in some sense I believe you. It’s just that simple.” He said. “Are you coming home or not?”

“Are you going to make me?” She asked.

“No.” He simply said. “Just offering…” He walked away.

She stood there for a moment, watching him walk before she sighed and started following him.

~

After they arrived home, Leo and Pixel went their separate ways as she went to her room and he stayed on the couch. Staring up at the ceiling, just thinking. “Why did I insist on her to come back? I could have just let her walk away and be done with it.” He sighed before resting to his side. “I don’t understand myself sometimes.”

That was when the door opened, Fluttershy letting herself in. “Leo, you’re back. How was work?” She asked.

“It was work.” He simply said.

“And Pixel?”

“She was work.” He repeated.

“Oh well…don’t worry.” She stood in front of him, she carried to grocery bags with her. “I brought some fish for you. I’ll make it with mashed potatoes and green beans just the way you like them.” She smiled, as did Leo.

“Thank you shy…” He said caressing her cheek as he petted her fur. “That might cheer me up today.”

She only smiled as she leaned into his hand before snapping out of the trance. “I’ll be in the kitchen then, you can let your friend know dinner will be ready.” She said walking over to the kitchen.

“Yeah…” He looked over to the door upstairs. Contemplating whether he should go now or later. “Screw it, I’ll just go and tell her.” He muttered walking upstairs, knocking on the door. “Pixel, you awake?”

There was no answer, but he did hear muffled voices as if she was talking to someone. “I'll be home soon. I promise.”

“Hey, who you talking to? I didn’t say you could bring a friend.” He reached for the doorknob but it was stuck in place.

“Promise all you'll like, but only I will give you the way to get home. And I could also make it longer, or for it to never end.” A male voice said as another sound as if some sheet of paper was blowing in the wind, the paper went under the door and right between Leo’s legs. “Oh who am I kidding, this human has too much dignity that he'll never be your friend. Like you said, you sound like a total whack job to believe.”

Leo grunted loudly as he still struggled to turn the knob. He stepped back a few feet before charging the door, but saw the paper before him, “What the hell?” He said as he picked the paper up. He examined the it.

The paper was more of a photo, on it was a family of five. A human family at that. Two parents and three children. The oldest was in a navy uniform while the second had a pair of headsets around her neck and the youngest had a large hoodie on. The father looked old with the salt and pepper hair color while the mother’s hair was pitch black.

“What the...is this her family?” Leo thought before his attention was back to the door. “Hey open up Pixel.” He knocked again. “Are these your family?” He asked as he tried to turn the knob.

The door was unlocked as a flash was seen under the door before Pixel was alone now.

“Pixel, what the hell is going on!?” Leo said as he walked through the door. “Who were you talking to?”

“What? N-nothing happened.” She said as she showed a look of confusion and slight nervousness.

“Nothing? Who were you talking to then huh?” He crossed his arms. “And who are these?” He showed her the picture.

She opened her mouth, only to close and look down shamefully. “It was Discord. He paid me a visit while I was looking at my family photo.” She said as she levitated the picture to her and looked at it with a smile, she patted her hoof on the bed as she wanted to let him sit down.

He stood for a moment before finally taking a seat beside her. “So who were you talking to?”

“Well…I was talking to myself. Before Discord came in. Going on how you wouldn't help or believe me.” She looked away.

“Oh...so the god of chaos came here and said those things.” He said as he looked away. He could help but think about what she had said. “Look...I know I said that I don’t believe you but...I still want to help you. I mean after all…” He crossed his arms. “I said I would.”

“Yeah, but it feels as if you just want me gone. Like, I'm a burden to you.” She looked away with her ears down. “I really am sorry for what I did, I just know how it feels when people see things that are personal to me. And even if ‘she’ is really bad, doesn't mean that you have to be just as bad.”

“I know, but if I’m being honest, I don’t care if it makes me any less better than her. I just want her to suffer in some way so I could be at peace.” He stated, his tone serious yet sad. “I stopped caring what people think about me. Anyway back to you, how will we find your door to get you home?”

Pixel didn't say anything as she stayed looking away. “I don't know how. It's just as random as Discord himself. For all we know, it could be in the bottom of the ocean or something.” She answered. “I just thought it would be more helpful to be with the protagonist with me since this is pretty much their story and life.” She then turned back to him. “And I know there are plenty of ways to beat Twilight at something, but I don't think reading her journal will make you better.”

“It’s a start.” Leo said laying back on the bed with hands behind his head. “Besides, I don’t regret what I did and I never will.” He smiled a little. “I know I’m a bad person, but there are worse, the ones that prey on the weak who deprive the choices in their destiny.” He shot her a glance. “Such as Discord with you.”

“Yes, but you could also be far better if you just tried to get along and open up to somepony else other then Fluttershy. And I know that your mother would be happy if you can have a positive outlook on what happened. Here, in Equestria, there are no more bullies, no more mean family members, and ponies that might actually care about your feelings and opinions if you just be nice for once.” She said. “I see how close you are to Fluttershy and Spike, but just imagine if there were more ponies that were that close and friendly to you.”

He rolled to his side as he stared at the wall, thinking about she had said, even though he could feel she was right to a degree, he didn't want to admit it. He couldn't help but feel a foreign feeling tugging him down. In a way, he was lying more to himself than anyone else around him. He then stood from the bed as he walked out the door. “Dinner should be ready soon...I’ll meet you downstairs.” He said.

Pixel sighed as she looked down at her photo, she grabbed it and put it in the saddle bag she came with. She closed the bag before she climbed back on the bed and rested her head on her hooves. She couldn't help but smell the scent of Leo on it, it being obvious since it was his bed. ‘I can see that I'm getting to him…but will he take my advice?’ She thought as she yawned a little and sat up. ‘I need to eat before I fall asleep on this bed.’ She smiled as she climbed down and slowly opened the door, leaving the room as she made her way downstairs and to the dining room.

As she entered the kitchen she saw Fluttershy setting the plates for both her and Leo, she stopped as she noticed she entered the room. “Oh, hello Pixel, Dinner's ready.” She smiled. “You can sit in the middle between me and Leo.” She said as she went to get another plate for Pixel. It was garlic mashed potatoes with some corn kernels, with a side of green beans. Except for Leo's that had an extra side which was fish with garlic salt and lime.

Pixel didn't say anything, but she did smile a little before she took her assigned seating. She looked down at her plate, not so fond of the green beans, but didn't want to say anything as it would sound rude to be judgmental on Fluttershy’s cooking.

“Oh Leo! Your tortillas are ready.” Fluttershy pointed as the tortillas heating up on the pan smoked a little. He shot out of his seat and snatched as quick as he could before setting them on his plate.

“Ah, damn…” Leo shook his hand from the heat from the tortillas. He blew a little before folding it around his fish and white rice and rolling it as neatly as he could.

Pixel couldn't help but smile a bit bigger at how eager Leo was just to eat. She used her hoof to grab a spoon and start mixing the mashed potatoes, corn, and beans together.

“So how was your day at work Leo.” Fluttershy asked, turning to face him.

“Work, just work. Nothing out of the ordinary.” He simply said as he bit into his fish and rice taco.

“Not even with your new friend?” She gestured to Pixel, to which he responded with a light shrug.

“Just went for some hayburgers and that’s it.” He explained as he took one last bite of his taco.

Pixel remained silent as she started eating her food, ignoring the strange feeling of the beans being squished in her muzzle and swallowed it quickly.

“Did you have fun Pixel?” Fluttershy asked, now looking over to her.

“Oh, uh, yeah. Today was…great with Leo. I had a lot of fun with him.” She smiled a little.

“What kind of fun?” She asked as she tilted her head, before digging into her mashed potatoes.

“Just a walk, a lunch and a talk. All which seemed to kill time, in a good way.” He answered for her as he passed her a tortilla. “Tortilla?” He offered.

“Oh, uhm, is it good?” Pixel asked as she was curious on what was in it and if she could even eat it.

“Yeah, it's wrapped around mashed potatoes and green beans. I'm sure you'll like it.” He offered her.

“O-oh, okay.” She took it from his hands using her own hooves as she took a small bite out of it. In all honesty, she was a very picky girl and she didn't like mashed potatoes or beans of any type. But if accepting his tortilla was gonna make their friendship stronger, then she's gonna eat the entire thing.

“So Leo, have you been working on your social skills with the townsponies?” Fluttershy asked between bites as she looked over to Leo.

“Just the same as ever…” He mood dropped and so did his hand with his taco. “They keep staring at me.” He spoke in a bitter tone.

Her ears dropped as she slid her hoof over his wrist in an effort of comfort. “It’s okay Leo, I’m sure they’ll come around to liking you.”

‘Bet they stop staring at you if you actually talked to them.’ Pixel thought as she was still eating the tortilla, already half-way finished as she wanted to eat it quickly.

Once she finished it, she held in a small burp. And for some reason, around that same moment, Pixel hatched a great idea on how to help Leo entirely.

“Besides…” Leo said. “...it's not like I really care about their opinions. Just can't stand their weird gazes.” He finished the remains of his food before sighing in relief.

“Leo...you have to learn to befriend somepony eventually.” She said in a stern tone.

“Yeah...no.” He said as he stood from his table, placing his plate in the sink before leaving. “I'm gonna go and take a shower… I'll be setting my sheet back on the couch later.” He said before finally leaving.

Pixel watched the two talk before Leo ended it when he made his way upstairs. Once she heard the door close to what she assumed was the bathroom, she looked over at the shy mare with a small smile.

“I know that I don't have any reason for input, but I kind of agree with you wanting him to befriend some ponies. But I can also understand why he won't try.” She spoke, her smile gone as she felt this topic was too serious for smiles. “But if I may, I might have an idea that can help you both. It'll feel a bit like therapy, but that's probably what Leo needs.”

“Oh?” Her ears flicked. “And what idea would that be?” She asked as she leaned in, curious about the idea Pixel had.

“Well, I might not know someone like Leo, but I do have some friends that have problems that are rather…troubling, like his.” Pixel explained. “Personal, family, or even friendship problems. But before we can even start anything, what Leo needs to do, is vent. Do you know what venting is?” She asked.

Fluttershy nodded. “Of course I do. He normally vents by driving Rarity crazy, or going to the Everfree by himself. He comes back a little tattered up a bit but not as testy as before.” She explained.

“Alright then. Well, has he ever done any verbal venting? Like, complaining about things that happen in the day. I know he did a little when you two were talking, but just him having a moment to just speak his mind without causing any sort of harm to anyone.” She asked a different question. “I'm just asking cause sometimes it's better to just talk about it.”

“Well no...I mean when he insults Rarity he comes back with a deep sense of satisfaction. Then he does it to Twilight and it's the same thing.” She said remembering the times he drove them up the nearest wall.

“Okay. That's what he needs to do. We both know that sooner or later, his petty insults won't really bother them anymore and he won't have anything to make him have that feeling of satisfaction. If Leo is up for it, tonight he can vent out all of his complaints and frustrations verbally. And if he wants to get physical, then maybe we can get a strong enough pillow for him to punch for now.” Pixel explained.

“Once he finishes his venting, we can start phase one of my plan to get what you both want: you for him to make a new friend, and for him to not be stared at as much.”

“If you think it'll work Pixel then I'm willing. Anything to help him from his down bringing, he's a good human and deserves better.” She said with a smile.

After she'd finished, Leo had walked out the room with his sleeveless shirt and baggy pajamas. He sighed in relief as he dried his hair, making his way downstairs. “Alright Pixel, the room is free.” He said as he sat on his couch.

“Oh, Leo. I actually want to ask you something. I mean, if you're up for it right now.” Pixel asked as she climbed off the chair and walked over to where he was sitting.

“Yeah sure. What is it?” He asked.

“Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to do this plan that will help both you and Fluttershy with your problems. Of course, you don't have to, but both me and Fluttershy think it's a great idea.” She explained. “And, well, it's if you are up to changing your ways, trying to be good and showing the town that you're not what they think you are.”

He quirked his brow from her solution as he slowly placed his towel down, his eyes locked on hers. “Really?” He asked. No trace of snark or sarcasm.

“We talked about it and we thought it might be for your benefit as a citizen.” Fluttershy added.

Pixel only nodded with a small smile. “I may not have helped anyone like you before, but I do know what you can do so that you won't be watched like a walking freak show, and that you can also make some friends. All we need you to do first, is verbally vent.” She explained. She sat down on the floor close to him. “Even though you vent with annoying ponies and doing things in the Everfree, sometimes talking about things works much better than giving insults and punching things out of anger.”

“So wait, you want me to vent verbally right now? Like to say what?” He asked, leaning in against the couch.

“Well, we don't have to right now, but only if you want to.” She explained. “And you can vent about anything, from about the things that happened yesterday, to other stuff you just seem as unfair or that just makes your blood boil.

“Keeping bad feelings bottled up for too long isn't a good thing to do. Sooner or later, you might snap at the wrong person. For example, you had a stressful day, and Fluttershy wants to know why. But with her bothering you, and with those emotions overflowing, you might yell at her for doing absolutely nothing wrong. And I know you wouldn't want to yell at one of the ponies who care about you, right?” Pixel asked.

“Well, I guess you're right. I should work on my temper and aim it where no one might get hurt. Alright then...first thing tomorrow I'll go and vent without hurting anyone emotionally or physically.” He accepted her terms.

“That's great Leo! I'm glad you're making an effort.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Anything for you Fluttershy.” Leo said. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get some rest. Today has been really taxing.” He said as he lied on the couch, his head on the pillow armrest and draping the blanket over himself. “Good night.” He rolled over to his side, staring at the back rest.

“Good night.” She said, giving his soaked head head a gentle rub before leaving.

“Don't let the bedbugs bite.” Pixel smiled as she also started to make her way. She had some ideas on what to do, but she was too tired to think of any bad ways it might turn south, yawning while crawling into bed and curling close to herself while being deep under the quilt. ‘Hope this all works in the end…' She thought to herself before her world faded to black.

~

As morning came, everyone had awoken from their slumbers. After breakfast all three were outside in front of Fluttershy's cottage.

“Alright Pixel, what's the first step?” Leo asked.

Pixel had to think for a moment as she had two ways of doing this: the boring way or the funny way. “Well I have two options, one is going to be a normal venting, while another one is a whole new type of venting I saw that actually made me laugh.” She smiled. “You can choose.”

“I guess we'll go with option two?” Leo suggested as he was curious what made it so funny.

“Okay then. I found this as fun cause this is mostly something you can't do every day: screaming in rage.” She said. “All you gotta do, is take all that rage inside and just either yell or scream it out. You could also shout out what it is if you're feeling brave and don't care who's hearing.” She said. “I found it funny cause someone did it when a yoga instructor told them to just let out all the tension within them.” She giggled as she remembered it.

Leo sighed as he closed his eyes as he remembered everything he dreaded in his lifetime. He slowly inhaled as his fingers popped as they clenched tightly. Fluttershy quick to duck and cover her ears. At that moment Leo had unleashed his livid cry into the air as many birds flew away. His roar sending Fluttershy's critters running in all directions, his roar going on for a solid minute until finally he stopped. “Oh geez! My chest.” Leo heaved.

Pixel had no idea how or why, but thanks to Leo’s scream of rage, her mane and tail were stuck straight out as if they were frozen stiff. Her ears started to ring a little before she could hear again. “Th-that was more than I b-bargained for.” She spoke while blinking a few times.

“Alright boss…” He breathed out. “What’s next huh?” He said slouching over a bit, the scream taking its toll.

“Well, just a simple question: do you feel you vented out enough, or do you think you need to vent with words instead?” She asked, trying to fix her mane and tail while asking that.

“I...I don’t know.” He said. “I mean I feel a little better, but I still got some bad energy vibes going on still…” He said holding his chest. The feeling of untapped rage still dormant within him.

“Well, we can either talk about it…or maybe more screaming might help. But I don't think Fluttershy can take another scream.” Pixel said as she looked over at the pegasus.

“Okay then...what should I even begin to talk about?” He asked, not knowing where exactly to start in his long list.

“Well, how about we start with obvious things that make you stressed out, and then go into detail on why it stresses or angers you in the first place.” She explained, pulling out a small clipboard from behind her as she looked down at the sheet. “But if you want me to give an example, then I’ll try.”

“One of the things that I hate, is that time doesn’t wait for anyone. I am one of the few who don’t know what I want to do with my future. Sure, I had small dreams and unreachable goals, but I never thought through it a lot. I sometimes wish I did have the power to stop time, so I can think more about what I want to do before it’s already too late.” She finished. “Kind of like that, but that’s just how I word my complaints and worries. And if you’re still having trouble, I have a few topics you can tell us.”

Leo had listened closely to every word Pixel uttered. Indeed he pitied her that she saw her life that way. He couldn't help but linger on the thought to the point of drifting into his own dreams: peace and freedom. He then shook his head from the thought as he refocused his thoughts.

“W-well...I guess I can start from the beginning…” He said quietly.

“Leo, no. You don't have to--” Fluttershy interfered.

“No Fluttershy, I have to.” He said more seriously as he locked his eyes with Pixel. “I guess...the thing that burns me up inside is my parents.” He said.

“Your parents? How come?” The pink unicorn asked curiously.

He clenched his fists tightly as the jaw muscle beneath his cheek bulged. “They abandoned me...just so they could go to the north country.” His voice serious yet a hint of cracking. “They abandoned their baby in a box, in the middle of the street. How could I not hate them to death for it?”

“But you don’t know why.” Pixel said. “They might’ve done that to keep you safe. But, I can see where you’re coming from as well. And what if they didn’t have a choice? What if they had to do that so that you won’t get hurt or harmed if they never made it to the U.S.?” She asked.

“You don't know either Pixel!” He hissed, before calming down. “I just...I just wish I saw them once...just once.” He uttered as he fought his tears back.

“Well, you are right that I don’t know, but I do have a best friend who never met her mother. And even if she only lost one parent, it still made some problems for her.” She said. “She felt as if she needed to do things on her own, and that if she did anything wrong, she would only be a reflection of the mother who left her. She might show a rather real looking smile, but inside, I know that she’s also hurting about the life she lives and the problems that comes with it.”

“Surprised she didn't try to kill herself…” He said as he nursed his neck mark. “I guess some people are still strong enough to hide it.” He said as he tried to paint a mental image of her friend.

“Well, she hasn’t done anything like that, but she does do some physical harm to herself… she even showed me the scars and told me that she even had to have her friend hide the weapon from her.” She said. “It was mostly bought for defense at late night walks, but soon she started using it in a different way. I think she never went through with… suicide, is mainly cause she might feel she’ll do more harm than good: leaving her best friend, thinking her jobless father did nothing to help, and all the other people in her life that she would also consider her friend and even family.” She couldn’t help but tear up a little. “Nine years of friendship shouldn’t end cause of inner feelings and moments in which you feel the worst. I-if anything happened to her… and I w-wasn’t there...” Her vision got a bit blurry before she wiped her tears. “N-never mind. This isn’t about me.”

“Pixel…” He placed a light touch on her shoulder to comfort. “...I wouldn't know about much about friendship. I do know though the feeling of helplessness when you're trying help someone.” He remembered when he met Idoya.

“I… I just want to help, but I also don’t want to ruin anything.” Her ears went down as she looked down at the grass. “And… it’s sometimes hard helping someone that has a problem… you can’t relate to.” She mumbled as she only glanced at the clipboard.

“Well...is that it for today's test?” He asked watched her in a saddened state.

Pixel lifted her head up as she shook her head a little. She looked back up at him with a small smile. “Well, do you feel like you vented enough?” She asked. “We have to make sure that your ready before we move on to the next step.”

“I feel a little better now, just a little though. I mean, my bad vibes feel like they're dissipating.” He admitted.

“Well, if you feel like you’re ready for the next step, just let me know, but if you want to vent more or relax a little, we can do that too.” Pixel said.

“Okay then. What should I do next to vent?” He asked, as he twiddled with his thumbs.

“Maybe you can try by talking to Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy suggested.

“What? Why?” Leo said taken completely back.

“I just thought that maybe talking to one of the mares that you detest might help you as well.”

“In what way?” He said quirking his brow.

“Maybe by talking to her about what happened on that day. And no I don't mean insult her or threaten her I mean to actually talk to her.” She explained.

“Uh...I don’t think that'll help…” He said as he scratched the side of his head, not to fond of reconciling with Rainbow Dash.

“Well, that is a good idea, but I think we need to start with a pony he never personally met. And I have the perfect place in which you can make tons of friends.” Pixel smiled as she picked up the clipboard and ran into the cottage, only to come back out with her purple saddle bags on. “Ready for a small trip to the town?”

“Sure, I guess.” He shrugged lightly as he stood back up. “Where exactly are we going?” He said.

“Why the park of course.” She smiled as she lightly tugged his pant legs as she had an idea in her head. “You can come to if you’d like Fluttershy.”

“Oh I'd love to, I really would but I have to tend to my animals. Especially my grizzly, he's been having back pains that need to be taken care of. But you two go ahead and Pixel…” Fluttershy said in a serious tone. “...please don't let anything happen to Leo. His image is bad enough that we were barely able to fix it after all this time.” She warned.

“Don't worry Fluttershy, I don't think anything bad would happen in a park.” Pixel smiled before she gave a small goodbye to the yellow mare before she started walking ahead and heading for the Ponyville Park.

~

As they both arrived at the park, Leo had been shooting glances everywhere. Looking at all the ponies doing their own thing, to eating, walking, or just talking. He was feeling a bit nervous as he looked around. Not too comfortable with being in one place full ponies.

Pixel glanced over at his uncomfortable state as she wanted to give a reassuring pat on his leg, but remembered how he doesn’t like physical contact from anyone except Fluttershy. “Hey Leo. Quick question: At what age are people most open around others?” She asked.

“I uh... I don’t really know. I've not been the social one ever.” He looked over shamefully.

“It’s okay. The answer is during childhood. Every kid is always open and social to anyone around them. So, I want you to stay here while I find someone in which you can talk to and be friends with.” Pixel smiled. “And just relax, this isn’t a test or anything. Just a small step on making your stay here a little better.”

“Okay then....” He rubbed his arm nervously. “...I'll just wait here then till you come back with company.” He said.

The pink unicorn smiled before she started making her way around the park, looking for the perfect pony that Leo could befriend. She watched a small group of fillies play as she was wondering if one of them would like to meet Leo. But her eyes averted as she noticed a lone filly that was playing with some dolls by herself. She was a small unicorn filly with a blond mane and tail with a purplish-gray coat. Pixel smiled as she walked over to the filly.

“Hello little one.” She greeted her.

The filly looked over to with a smile. “Hello.” She greeted back. “Do you wanna play with me?” She asked as she hoped she would say yes.

“Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to meet a friend of mine. He doesn't have a lot of friends and I think he would love to play with you. And so would I.” Pixel smiled as she didn't want to give hints on who this friend was in case she already knew through rumors and gossip.

“Is he somepony I know from school?” She asked tilting her head sideways.

“I don’t think so. He’s already super smart to be in school. What’s your name anyways?” Pixel asked, wanting to know her name before bringing her to Leo.

“Dinky Hooves.” She answered as she stood on all fours. “If he's too smart to be in school does that mean he's an adult?” She said as she quirked her brow.

“Well, he is around the age of adulthood, but I wouldn’t say he was super grown up.” She rubbed the back of her neck as she noticed she was calling Leo an adult, but immature. Which was the truth.

“Well...I guess it wouldn't hurt to meet him.” She admitted. “So where is he?” She said, ready to make his acquaintance.

“I’ll lead you to him.” Pixel smiled as she was glad the age barrier didn’t make the filly think otherwise on being his friend. “Do you want to take your toys with you?”

“Mmm…” She thought for a moment before nodding. “Okay, I think it might be fun.” She levitated her toys with a yellowish glow glow as she walked over to Pixel Berry. “Lead the way.”

“Alrighty then.” She started walking to where Leo was waiting, atop of a small hill with a small bench that Leo was sitting on with Pixel’s bag left beside him. “My name is Pixel Berry by the way.”

“It's nice to meet you Pixel Berry. It's not everyday I make new friends.” She said as her ears dropped before peeking back up. “But it's okay, I'm sure he's a pony with the same problems.” She said excitingly.

“He does. He had a bad childhood and was always alone. So he can be a bit grumpy and rude, but after all that, he’ll always be by your side and wouldn’t want to lose you.” Pixel explained, not wanting to tell the filly that he wasn’t exactly a pony.

After a short walk, they both arrived where Leo had been waiting as he slouched a bit. Tapping his foot slowly.

“Huh, he doesn’t seem to be here.” Dinky said as she scanned the area. “Did he leave?” She said with a sad face as her eyes began to moist.

“Wh-what? No. He’s right here. Leo, I brought somepony for you.” Pixel smiled as she walked over and sat down on the floor close to him.

Both Dinky and Leo exchanged glances for a brief moment. The tension built up the longer they stared.

“Hey…” He waved weakly.

“Uh...hi.” The filly said as she averted her gaze. Leo doing the same as he cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Leo, this is Dinky Hooves. Dinky, this is Leo.” Pixel introduced the two with a smile that almost seemed forced.

The two stayed quiet for a moment before Dinky decided to speak up. “So do you like dolls?” She broke the silence as she levitated her doll up to him. He picked it from mid air as he examined it.

“I never played with dolls.” He said.

“I can show you.” Dinky offered.

“Okay then.”

“Okay first you can be the dad unicorn while I'll be the daughter.” She said.

“Okay.” He said kneeling down to her level with the unicorn doll still in hand. “Uhm...I'm dad unicorn and uh...uh…” He paused.

Dinky brought her smaller unicorn doll up to Leo's. “Hey daddy, it's me Dinky.”

“Oh...uh...Where have you been young lady? It's almost dinner time, your mother's cooking will go cold if you don't hurry.” He said.

“Yes poppa, I'm sorry.” Dinky apologized.

“Don't apologize to me, apologize to your mother.” He said.

Both Leo and Dinky played along the scenario of a daughter being late for dinner and being lightly scolded by her father.

Pixel smiled as she saw how Leo was playing with the filly. She looked around to see that nopony was watching, in which she was glad that nopony was staring at the two like weirdos.

That was until there was a shout for Dinky’s name. Both she and Leo looked up to see a grey pegasus mare descend on both of them.

“Dinky Hooves! There you are, what are you doing?!” She yelled as she saw her near Leo.

“I was just playing momma.” Dinky said as her ears dropped.

Pixel honestly didn’t know what to say during her point in time. Should she say sorry for taking her daughter, or explain what she was exactly doing with Leo? But sadly, she was still silent and didn’t speak at all.

“Get over here now! Don’t you remember what that thing did in the market?!” Derpy practically shrieked as she beckoned her daughter to come to her now.

“But momma! He’s not dangerous, he’s just lonely!” Dinky said as she tried to reason with her now panicked mother.

“Dinky hooves, you get over here this instant!” Derpy yelled as she stomped her hoof to be more assertive. Her daughter hung her head as she walked over to her mother.

“Yes momma…” She said as she stood beside her mother.

“And you…” Derpy said pointing her hoof at Leo. “Stay away from my daughter, o-or...or...or I’ll have Rainbow Dash kick you in the head again!” She said as she hoisted her daughter on her back and took off flying.

Pixel noticed everything was going south super fast. Before the gray mare took off, Pixel was quick to call out. “H-hold on miss. Please don't blame Leo or Dinky. This was all me. I just wanted Leo to have a new friend. And the two were having so much fun. Please Miss Hooves, can they keep on playing? You can stay here and watch the two if you'd like.” Pixel explained before pleading for the mother to not ruin things.

She stopped in midair, before turning to face Pixel Berry. “This was your idea?” She asked in disbelief. “B-but why would you endanger my daughter like that?” She said.

“Please mam’. She wasn't in any danger cause I was here watching the two. I am friends with Leo and I know he wouldn't hurt anypony without reasons. Your daughter is an absolute sweetheart, and I know that both Leo and Dinky would love to keep on playing. This was something I started so that Leo could make friends and be accepted in this town. And before I brought her to Leo, she was so alone. Playing by herself.” She explained some more.

“But if you don't trust me or Leo, then we understand if you aren't comfortable with your daughter being with us. And I know Leo was grateful that your daughter could show some kindness to him.” Pixel bowed a little in apology for taking her daughter without letting her know.

She paused and thought for a moment before looking over to Leo, who was holding her unicorn doll in hand. Now that she looked a bit closer she wasn’t sure why she was so scared. From the looks of his features he just seems lonely and misunderstood. She looked over to her daughter who was staring at him with a sad look in her face. He walked over to them as he stood only two feet away from them, he held out her doll, offering back to her. They looked at each other for a moment, Derpy seeing that there was a conscious being inside, one that meant no harm. She extended a hoof to reach for the doll. Before the exchange was made, Leo was pelted by a rotten tomato across his face. He stumbled over as he fell, losing his footing.

Derpy reeled back in shock before she saw five ponies, one of them hooked to a cart as the other carried rotten products with either their wings, telekinesis or hooves.

“Good shot!” The male with a dark grey coat and silver mane said.

“Thanks.” The unicorn said as he grabbed another fruit in his magical grasp.

“What are you doing!?” Derpy shouted.

“That was uncalled for!” Pixel yelled next as she glanced at Leo to see how he was doing.

Leo was clenching his assaulted face as he trembled, not in fear but in anger. His eyes were moving rapidly before he slowly stood up, glaring at the tiny mob.

“He’s up! Hit him again!” Shouted the ring leader.

They all did what they were told as they flung their rottend products at him. Each fruit and vegetable hitting him again and again as the putrid smell now clung to him.

“Stop it!” Derpy shouted.

That was when a stray fruit pelted her daughter, she shrieked in pain before falling to the ground, landing with a thud. Her mother wailed she ran to her side, the young filly crying as she clutched her leg. After what Leo had witnessed his eyes shot up in shock, then rage before roaring as he charged the mob. They froze in place as they kept petting him, but it did little to deter him. He closed the gap as he swung his arm and his fist connected with dark grey stallion, sending him tumbling sideways.

The two pegasus tried flying away but were grabbed by their legs by Leo. He dug deep as he swung the first pegasus down onto the unicorn and the other on the the earth pony who was pulling the cart. He was then tackled by the dark grey stallion as he charged full force knocking him down. Leo stood firm as best as he could and swung his arm back, but the stallion ducked in time, reeling in before head budding Leo right in his nose, blood flew as he fell on his back.

“Stop it, NOW!” Pixel shouted as her horn flared up on its own and everyone was frozen in place.

The stallion who just hit Leo was stuck in a bucking position while the others who were knocked down stayed down. Both Derpy and her daughter were stuck hugging as well. Pixel’s head throbbed as she winced and the aura disappeared, but the magic left on the others made it a bit slow for them to move again.

“W-What?” The stallion said irritably as he was only a few inches away from bucking Leo’s skull.

“I told you douche bags to stop!” Pixel said as she was quick to slam him down onto the ground. “You had no reason to harm Leo or even pelt expired fruits towards him.” Pixel then sat atop of him as she grabbed his hind leg and started to slowly bend it the wrong way. “Now apologize for what you did.”

“Gngh!” The stallion's eyes shot up in pain as he slammed the ground, “Gngh, buck! Okay I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” He yelled and apology to the unconscious Leo. “C-can I go home now?” He grunted.

“Are you gonna pull this shit again?” She said, realizing that she cursed and quickly apologized to Derpy and her daughter.

“N-no! Just stop bending my leg!!!” He pleaded as he began to cry.

Pixel decided to let go and get off of him. “Now get out of my sight.” She glared at him, her eyes showing that she wasn't joking or playing any games.

He did as he was told as he scampered off, followed by his friends who were more limping than running.

She watched them run until they were out of sight before she looked over at Leo and Dinky. “Are you two okay?” She asked her mother.

“I’m fine, it’s Dinky though. She sprained her leg when she fell.”

“I’m alright momma it doesn’t hurt.” She said as she looked over to Leo who was still lying motionless. “His he going to be okay?” She asked with much concern.

“I think he's gonna be fine.” She looked back to where the stallions left. “Dumb ponies.” She mumbled. “I better bring him home so Fluttershy could patch him up.”

She looked back at the mother. “I'm so sorry you had to see Leo like that.” She apologized.

“No, it’s fine...he was provoked, I saw it.” She said as he nuzzled her daughter. “I...I have to go now.” She hoisted her daughter on her back once again before trotting off to tend to her leg.

Pixel sighed before she looked back at the unconscious Leo. “I'm so sorry Leo. I should've known that some ponies would go out of there way to ruin your day.” She said out loud before she put her saddle on and tried to pick him up by her back. She couldn't hold all of Leo on her back, so she mustered some magic to hold his limbs close to his body and keep it close as she started walking back to the cottage.

Even through the hot whether and curious eyes of the ponies watching, she kept on walking through the town, her legs shaking as she was only halfway there.

~

Though the trip was exhausting, Pixel Berry had finally made it, she tilted her body a bit as she opened the door. Carrying Leo inside as she brought him to the couch, his head slumped as it was rested on the arm rest.

Pixel wiped her brow before she went to the bathroom and went to find a medkit. After a few minutes, she found it and brought it back down and got to work on patching and cleaning Leo up from what happened.

The treatment had caused Leo to stir from his state as he slowly woke up. “Gnnngh… Pixel… where am I?” He said as he could only move his eyes to scan the room around them.

“We’re back in Fluttershy’s cottage.” She simply answered as she continued cleaning his wounds and smudges of rotten fruits.

“Huh...did you carry me here?” He said as he struggled lift his upper body, leaning his back on the armrest.

“Y-yeah. I did.” Pixel nodded, glancing back a some of the stains of the rotten fruits that got into her coat and mane while she was carrying him. “But just relax, I can fix you up and not worry Fluttershy.” She looked down before mumbling something out loud. “She trusted me, and I don’t want her to hate me when she sees what happened.”

“Hey, where’s Dinky? Is she okay.” He asked with a more worried tone as he was about to get up.

“She’s fine. Her mother is taking care of her at this moment.” Pixel answered as she began to wipe the remnants of the expired food on the exposed skin of his arms. “Dinky tried to play it off, but she only got hurt by the fall.”

“Damn… It’s all my fault…” He covered his face with one hand as he forrwed his brows, a few stray tears falling. “Nng… she got hurt because of me.” He choked out.

“That had nothing to do with you, Leo.” Pixel said. “Just some jerky stallions that wanted to be bullies.” She tried to comfort him as best as she could. “And don’t worry about them either, I gave that unicorn a run for his money.” She smiled.

“Thank you…” He managed to sob out before looking at her. “Are you okay?” He asked.

“I’m perfectly fine. You don’t have to worry about me. All I really need is a shower, and so do you.” Pixel smiled before her horn lit up and she brought a tissue for him to use.

He blew on it before setting it aside. “Alright then...you go first, I don’t want to use Fluttershy’s bathroom and stink it up.” He said wiping his tear streaks.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go first? I can wait, I don’t mind.” She asked, thinking that a relaxing shower is what he needed the most.

“No I’m fine. Besides… if you don’t shower now the juices will linger to your coat and you’ll stink for a few days. Where as I can just wash it off my skin.” He stood up. “You go first. I’ll go get a new set of clothes as you shower.” He said.

“Oh, okay then. I never actually thought of that.” She mumbled the last part before she began to walk off. “Again, that wasn’t your fault Leo. None of us knew that this was gonna happen, and I’ll make sure it won’t happen again.” She stomped her hoof to show her slight anger, it looking more cute than intimidating in any way.

He smiled at bit from her caring nature. “Thanks Pixel…” He said before walking off to the laundry room to get a new pair of clothes that were dry, while he took off his sullied ones and placed them in the wash. He couldn't help but sigh and feel this was actually his fault, despite what Pixel said. He shook his head as he set the setting for the wash and went back to the living room, sitting on the couch as he waited with just his boxers on. “Please forgive me Dinky.” He whispered.

~

Pixel sighed in satisfaction as the hot water hit her coat and mane. ‘I really needed this.’ She thought as she just sat down and basked in the warmth of the water. She stayed silent for awhile before she hummed a small tune. She tapped her hoof lightly before she started singing the small song.

I’ve been here day in, day out
Never spoken out loud.
What I never knew
Is that you would be here too.

So I took my short steps
And I breathed my deep breath.
I did it cuz of you
Cuz you would see me through.

Did I make it clear that I love you
From the other side of the screen?
Did I try enough to convince you
Of what I really mean?
But now I see
You all are here for me.

She stopped for a moment for the music in her head while she scrubbed her fur with the rag in the shower. But she soon started again.

How did things turn this way?
I’m living my dream each day.
Giving what I can
And learning who I am.

And now I look around me
And friends are all that I see
And everywhere I go
I hope that my heart shows.

Did I say enough that I love you?
From the other side of the screen?
Do I seem sincere when I thank you?
Cuz I mean what I mean.

But now I see
You all are here
And now I see
You all are really here, yeah
And now I see
You all are here with me.

She stopped singing again as she washed off all the soap and hair conditioner from her mane and tail, imagining the piano playing in her head, her last part coming up. And when she was finished, she turned off the water and sung the last few words.

I’ve been here day in, day out
Said I love you out loud
What I never knew
Is that you would be here, too.

As she finished up, Leo had knocked on the door a few times before announcing himself. “Hey Pixel, are you done?” Leo asked as he was now beginning to get cold from just his boxer shorts.

She squeaked in surprise at the sudden knocking and remembered that it wasn’t just her in the cottage. She took a towel and started cleaning herself as best as she could before she grabbed her glasses and unlocked the door, opening it as she only nodded and walked out, a faint pink blush on her cheeks as she prayed he didn’t hear her singing.

“By the way…” Leo said before she could walk out the room. “...what was that, that you were singing?” He asked before she left.

Pixel stopped in place as she was now blushing in embarrassment. She didn’t look back, but she slowly nodded as she didn’t want to lie.

“So...What was it?” He asked her as he leaned against the door frame.

“...Wh-what was what?” She answered his question with another question.

“That song you were singing?” He said.

“It was just a song.” She shyly answered. “I… I just felt like singing it cause I liked it.”

“Oh…” He said, now catching on that maybe she didn’t want to talk about. “Alright then, sorry.” He apologized as he went into the restroom, closing the door behind him. As the removed his last article of clothing, he couldn't help but linger on the song. “Maybe she had left someone she loved.” He thought before entering the tub and began to shower.

~

After the shower he had gotten dressed and saw that Pixel wasn’t there. “Maybe she went to the kitchen.’ He said as he walked down stairs, noticing that she was sitting on the couch. “There you are.” He said as made it to the bottom floor. “Today sure was shit wasn’t it? You want to get this bad taste out of our mouths?” He asked.

Pixel only sighed as she thought back on what happened. “Sure. I’m also guessing you don’t want to try anything like that again, right?” She asked, assuming that he wouldn’t want to keep this up if something like what happened would come up again.

“No, not for a while at least.” He said with a neutral expression as he suppressed his trauma from Pixel to see. “Why don’t we order a pizza?” He suggested as he sat beside her.

“Can you even order pizza without a phone?” Pixel asked as she didn’t know how they could exactly.

“Phone? No I mean I call one of Fluttershy’s birds, write the order on a piece of paper and send it off to her.” He said before he cooed a bit, soon a pigeon came and flew in from upstairs from Fluttershy’s room, landing on the couch's armrest. “Fluttershy thought me to do that.” He said. “So what do you want to order?” He asked as he pulled out a pencil and grabbed a piece of paper from the coffee table.

“Well, I don’t think they have a ponified version of pepperoni, so I guess I could go for some regular cheese pizza.” Pixel answered.

“I’ll have mushroom on my side.” He said as he wrote the order down, then tied it on a band around the pigeon’s leg. He cooed again before the bird took off in flight, cooing itself as it flew into the evening sky of orange pink clouds. “So what now?” He said as he placed his hand on Pixel’s ear, giving it a gentle rub as he would a dog.

Pixel’s eyes widened at the rubbing before she smiled and started leaning her head closer to the hand rubbing ear. She didn’t exactly give an answer, but her actions seemed to show that she liked what he was doing.

“No answering huh?” He said with a smile as he caressed her ear with just his thumb and index finger. “I guess you and I can sit here and wait in silence.” He noticed her leaning in closer and closer before she rested her head on his lap. “For a pony that used to be human, you sure act like a dog.” He joked a little.

She remained quiet as she closed her eyes at the ear rubbing. Strange enough, it felt just as good as when someone used to brush her hair or even scratch her back when she was back on earth.

He watched her rest as he continued to rub her ear, the gently combed her mane with his fingers. He’s not gonna lie, she has been proving herself to be different than the other ponies, and for her efforts he decided to reward her.

She curled closer to him as the light brushing was just as relaxing. If he kept this up, she might fall asleep on him. She already looked asleep with her closed eyes and calm breathing.

As she was drifting to sleep, Leo had decided to hum a tune to her, one his mother sung to him when he was young. It went on and on as a gentle throaty hum as his hand went back and forth from her mane and to her ear, then he used both his hands to caress both her mane and her ear.

After what felt like a few minutes, Pixel was asleep on his lap, curling close as her head rested on his lap and against his chest as well. The warmth of his body was also the reason as to why she fell asleep on him.

“Hmm...I guess I was wrong about you.” He admitted. “You proved to be different from the others.” He said as he rubbed his fingers through her coat. After a while, there was a sudden knock on the door. He looked over and realized it was most likely the pizza pony. He didn't want to move to stir Pixel Berry, so he had decided to speak up loud enough for the pizza pony to hear but not for Pixel to wake up. “It's open, you can come in.” He said.

The knob twisted as the door swung open with a blue coated unicorn with a black curly mane walking through. He wore two large square black sacks that carried the pizzas, it also had a few pouches for the two liter sodas. As he walked in he noticed Leo, at that moment he stopped in his tracks with a shocked look on his face. Leo quickly made a hush motion before he screamed. Leo gently reached his pocket, pulling out a few golden bits for the pizza then a few extra for his tip.

The unicorn looked over from the Leo to the bits before carefully trotting over as he placed the pizza box on the table before grabbing the bits.

“Hey guy, I'd also like to buy a two liter drink.” He whispered.

“Two bits and three silver bits.” He whispered back.

He pulled out the exact amount, handing it to him as the stallion gave him his drink. From what Leo would guess it was a knock off from mountain dew but this was called “mountain's stream”.

After that and a few requested parmesan pouches the stallion had finally left but not before saying one last thing. “You and your marefriend enjoy.” He said.

“Hey wait! She's not my--” that was all Leo could say before he shut the door behind him. He could only sigh defeatedly as he looked over Pixel, who was still in dream land. It was time for her to awaken. “Hey Pixel, wake up.” He said as he gently nudged her head that was still resting on his lap and chest.

“…five more minutes, mom.” She mumbled in her sleep as she turned her head away.

“Common now Pixel…” He said as he scratched her chin. “...pizzas is here. Don't want it to get cold.”

“Mmm...” She hummed as she didn’t quite answer, but her head was slowly being lifted off of his lap by the scratching.

“Did you sleep well on my lap?” He said as he stopped scratching her, seeing that she didn't need his help waking up.

She gently grabbed his hand and put it back where it was, the pink unicorn not wanting him to stop yet.

“Oh? You want me to keep scratching?” He asked with a smile. “Okay then.” He scratched her chin, only a little more slowly for her comfort.

Without Pixel knowing, her leg twitched a little before her leg started to move like a dog’s. She even tilted her head a little like a dog would. She smiled bigger as she put her hoof down and just let him scratch her chin more.

“You like my fingers?” He said as he gave a light coo to lightly tease her. “You rather sleep than eat?” He said as he slid his hand from her chin to her cheek.

“Sorry…your hands are so soft and gentle.” She apologized as she opened her eyes and looked up at him. “I am hungry though.”

“Hmm.” He smiled as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “Okay then I'll grab you a slice.” He said as he reached over the box without knocking Pixel over as she still lay on his lap. He picked a cheese slice and bought it to her mouth. “Here you go Pixel.” He said.

Pixel couldn’t help but blush pink at seeing how nice he was being towards her. But she didn’t question it as she opened her maw and took a petite bite from the slice. The pizza itself tasted good with the melted cheese and the sauce within the slice.

“So how is it?” He asked as his other hand reached for her right ear and began rubbing it.

“It tastes good.” Pixel answered as her ear flicked a little before it stayed up due to the rubbing. ‘Though, it could be a little more flavorful.’ She thought to herself.

“Hmm...let me grab one of the parmesan packets for you.” He said as he reached over said packet, tore one open and began adding it to her topping. “Try it now.” He said.

She took a bigger bite as the extra cheese made it a little better. “It tastes better, but does Fluttershy have some salt, pepper and garlic?” She asked. “Those three would give it a little more flavor.” She smiled a little. “I think you’d like it.”

“I think she might have some in the kitchen, you go grab them and I'll separate the slices and put some more parmesan cheese. Oh...and bring some cups for the soda.” He said giving her ear one last rub.

She didn’t like that she had to get up, but she didn’t want to seem lazy as she slowly moved from his lap and climbed down the couch and to the kitchen. She thought on where Fluttershy would put the spices, until she spotted one of those fancy kitchen things that were displaying the spices she was looking for and more. She spun the kitchen item until she saw the salt pepper and garlic powder and took them out, she levitated them all using her magic and was about to go back until she nearly forgot the cups. She put the shakers down before she thought of using some of the recently washed cups that was just sitting on the dish rack. She decided to put the two cups on her horn, a small pink glow being shown under it as she picked up the shakers yet again and returned. “Okay. I got all the stuff.” She said as she placed the shakes and cups on the coffee table.

“Awesome.” He said as he emptied the last parmesan packet. He then reached for the the liter bottle and twisted the tip as it released a small hiss. He then began to pour the soda in both cups, keeping them both leveled. “Now to eat.” He said as he reached for a slice and took a bite. He hummed as he rolled the mushrooms in his mouth.

Pixel started putting the salt, pepper, and powdered garlic on her slice before she took a bite out of it. She hummed as those last additions made the slice all the more better. After taking a few more bites, her mouth got a little hot and she took a small sip out of the cup. She then looked over at Leo. “How’s your slice? Want some extra flavor?” She asked as she waved the three shakers in her magic.

“Sure.” He simply said as she seasoned his pizza slice, taking one bigger bite out of it. “Mmm...that a lot better. You used to do this with your pizza back home?” He asked before taking another bite.

“Well, this was always a substitute if we don’t have any Adobo at home or outside.” She admitted as she took another bite. “But I always did go overboard with it.” She smiled a little.

“I bet it was nice…” He said as he stayed silent for a moment before speaking. “Do you miss your family?” He asked.

The pink mare’s smile eased down to a small one instead at that question. “Well, you never know how much you miss them until their gone.” She said as she looked down at her cup. “Did you ever imagine what it would be like if certain things never happened?” She asked as she glanced up at the human.

“Everyday of my life…” He said as he stared at his pizza intentionally as he was playing many flashes in his mind. “Just think if there ever was a chance to be better.” His voice took on a somber tone.

“Or worse...” She added as she moved her cup a little, watching the drink inside move in a circular motion. “To be honest, I know some stories in which things were darker and worse than yours. But also some that were a bit close to where you’re at.”

“And is that from your travels through dimensions?” He said, giving her a sideway glance.

“More like the stories I read when I was back on earth.” She answered. “But who’s to say that I might come across one of those stories?” She looked up at him with a small smile. “Though, one has been quite entertaining due to the situation.”

“And what was this particular story that has caught your interest?” He asked as he faced her, now a little interested of stories of those who endured as he has.

“Well, there were two actually. But the one I was thinking of was one in which the human in Equestria is fleeing for his life since the mane six and even the princesses want him for their own personal gain.” Pixel said. “Twilight wanted him to get some award for discovering something new, Applejack wanted him so she could get more money in her pocket, Rarity wanted him so she could look more high class by having a unique ‘pet’, Rainbow wanted him so she could do the old cat-and-mouse game, and Pinkie wanted to turn him into a pony for some reason.” She explained. “As for the princesses, Celestia wanted to use him so that she could start some deal with Equestria and planet earth, and Luna wanted to incase him in stone since she wanted him to be happy since she was the one who brought him there in the first place.” She finished with a small sip of her soda again. “So I’m not sure if being wanted is better than being shunned or ignored.”

“Hmm…” He hummed in thought as he looked over, it seems he’s not in the only universe who have had to endure the mane six’s treatment due to their foreign species. It was sad but it was nice to know he wasn’t the only one to take their abuse. “So how did he cope?” He asked as he bit into his pizza, facing her now.

“Well, soon after he was cornered, he finally spoke his mind and didn’t want to be a part of any of this. But sadly, they didn’t listen and decided to do a little game or race to see who would catch him first, the winner being allowed to do whatever they had planned for him.” She answered. “The writer made the readers vote on who would win, and it was Twilight. But even after the official vote, the writer decided to do some ‘what if’ chapters in which somepony else one.” She explained. “I also forgot to mention that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were part of it too since they wanted to bring him to school for ‘show and tell’.”

“I see…” He said as his fingers tightened around his pizza. “...and what did that bitch Twilight do with him?” He asked.

“She did what she wanted to do in the first place: show him to some science award thing and of course she won. But when she saw that the human was gonna be taken away for some further studying, she actually wanted to give the award back so that he wouldn’t be treated like some animal. You can see that this Twilight was much more nicer.”

“Hm, now I know for sure that was a definitely a different dimension.” He said has he finished his pizza. “I look back at that moment sometimes when I escaped from Twilight's basement. And that moment when I confronted her after the hit Rainbow Dash gave me....” He said as a small angry smile formed. “The look of fear in her eyes...as she cried when I held her horn...I wish everyday I had snapped it off and wore it as a necklace.” He said as he swigged his soda. “But lucky for her, Spike cared about her, so in that case I decided to just let her off with a scare.” He finished as he pulled another mushroom topped pizza slice.

“But have you ever thought of what the outcome might be?” Pixel asked. “You might be satisfied with harming Twilight for what she did, but if you went through with nearly breaking her horn off, Spike would never forgive you. Everypony would be scared of you, and even Fluttershy might not want you around with the fear that you might hurt her or her animal friends.” Pixel sighed as she finished the last of her slice and went for the rest of the soda in her cup. “Sometimes, your satisfaction might ruin your future here.”

Leo thought for a moment of what she had said. Even if he did it, it would make his life harder, but still, it was nice to dream about it. “I guess you’re right on that count, but still, it’s nice to daydream about it.” He said. “Because of her I had a disturbing revelation, one I wish I never knew…” He said as he sighed in sadness, remembering that moment.

The unicorn mare sighed as she knew that she couldn’t go against what he said. She knew what he was referring to, but telling him that he knew what he saw. His personal and private thoughts, she didn’t want to see the outcome if he knew a different version of planet earth knew it all. She started eating her second slice when she thought back on Fluttershy’s suggestion earlier today. “Hey Leo. Would you even try to do what Fluttershy suggested with Rainbow Dash?” She decided to ask.

“With what? I kinda forgot from the whole mess earlier.” He said as he rubbed his bruised nose.

“She suggested that you would try and befriend her; explaining to her why you exactly snapped that one day.” Pixel said. “If you ask me, I would do that so that Rainbow would be on my side instead of Twilight’s.”

“I guess I could try, mark it off as my last thing to do for the day.” He said before his head slouched back and sighed. “Do I have tooo…” He groaned.

“You don’t have to, but Fluttershy really insisted that you’d do that to make your life here a little better.” She answered.

“Well...okay. But only because she said I should.” He said as he stood up, stretching his limbs to the point of popping. ”Let’s go find her?” He asked.

“Wait, right now? But aren’t you still healing from the fight?” She asked as she wasn’t sure he was ready to see her yet.

“Pixel...if you know my story like you claimed you did, then you should know how much abuse this body can take and keep on taking while moving, even crawling forward.” He said as he patted his chest where he was shot.

“I know, but I don’t want you to go if you're not at your best. By what I can guess, she might be the third or fourth worst pony that never really liked you from the get go.” Pixel said. “I know she isn’t a unicorn, but she still has flight and can do serious harm if things get physical.”

“Then you should know I still walked away from her ‘rainbow kick’ full force.” He smirked a little. “Besides, judging from her reaction when I got up from that on that day, I doubt she’s that stupid to try it again...less she wants those wings of hers ‘clipped’ by hand.” He said darkly as Pixel knew he meant something worse than clipping.

Pixel only showed a look of worry as she didn’t want him to do that. “Leo, please don’t try anything like that. Fluttershy want you to befriend her, not make her dislike you more.”

“I know, I know, just a thought for her to consider.” He said as he walked towards the door. “You coming or not?” He asked he stopped to turn and face her, tapping his foot.

“Might as well in case things go south.” Pixel mumbled as she climbed off the couch again and walked up to him, her magic bringing her small saddle bag with her.

~

After what seemed to be a long walk and some directions from Scootaloo, they both had eventually found Rainbow Dash’s cloud home. It was in Cloud’s ville and it had been over a long green grass field.

“Shit...how the hell am I gonna get her attention from way the hell down here?” Leo wondered as he scratched the back of his head.

Pixel looked down at the floor, seeing a rather convenient pebble and picked it up. “Pebble?” She asked as she showed it to Leo.

“I doubt I could throw it that high, much less accurately...” He said as he pulled out a cigarette, lighting it as he puffed a cloud of smoke. “Think Leo...think…” He mumbled between puffs.

“Rainbow should have a way for non-pegasi to get her attention...” Pixel mumbled. “Unless Rainbow is also racist to other types of ponies.” She rubbed her hoof as she only stared up at the cloud house

“If I yell...she’ll think I’m up to no good...huh?” He noticed a few pegasus moving a few clouds, one with a white coat and a white mane with a blueish highlight. “Pixel, get her attention…” He said.

“Wait, what?” She was caught by surprise by the sudden command before she thought of doing one of the most common way to grab anyone’s attention. “Hey you! Pegasus pony!” She shouted with her hooves near her muzzle to make her sound louder.

The pegasus turned to face the voice that led to her and Leo. She paused for a moment before she decided to edge closer to them, but not too close for her ape companion to reach her in midair. “Y-yes?” She said.

“Hey. Do you mind asking Rainbow to come out? We wanna talk to her.” Pixel smiled as she hoped she would say yes. “What’s your name by the way? I don’t want to come out as rude.”

“Vapor Trail.” She replied. “And sure I’ll go get her for you, see if she’s home, oh, uh, who should I say want’s to see her?” She asked.

“Only if you want to, we don’t mind.” Pixel smiled. “I’m Pixel Berry by the way, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” She replied. “I’ll go get her for you then.” She said before taking off in the cloud house. Both Leo and Pixel waited patiently as she went on the errand, ten long minutes had passed as they both wondered if she even was home. That was until she returned. “She said she’ll be right down but she wants to know what for.” She said.

“Fluttershy asked us to come and see her.” Pixel answered, not giving too much information on why exactly.

“Oh alright, I’ll go relay the message.” She said before taking off again. A few minutes had passed until the rainbow mare had descended from her cloud house. Or as Leo would put it...glass house with his detest for her, but today he’d had to let it go if he was to move on.

“Oh...it’s you guys.” She said as she hovered above them, farther away than Vapor trail, but close enough to hear. “What do you want?” She said with attitude. Leo brow twitched in anger as he was about to reply with a snark comment. But took a deep breath and sighed as he put his small lit cigarette bud on his moist tongue, burning out and himself. The way he would tame his anger was by hurting himself as much as possible to make it ease down a little as he flicked the bud on the grass floor and stayed silent.

“W-well, we are here to make amends and fix old mistakes. Leo wants to wipe the slate clean and make things better for everypony. And the largest step of this is fixing and explaining how certain thing happened. One being the...” She coughed a little before she continued. “Event.” Pixel honestly felt dumb for explaining things that way but she honestly wasn’t quite ready for this.

“Oooohh I see.” She crossed her arms and smiled smugly. “So you’ve convinced him to apologize for what he did that day huh?” She said as she faced Leo “It’s about time.”

Leo grunted loudly as he once again refrained from saying anything as he placed his left hand behind his back, clenching it as hard as he could. He still remained silent as he had nothing nice to say about that.

“Actually, it’s the other way around.” Pixel said as she rubbed her hoof on the ground.

“Say what?” She asked as she now faced Pixel. “The buck do you mean by that?” She asked.

“It means what it means. You have to apologize to Leo. If you know how Leo snapped like that, you’d know it was ‘cause one of your friends crossed the line and harmed Leo both physically and mentally.” Pixel looked up at the mare with no fear in her eyes. “I know that you’d only did that so that Leo would stop, but I think that only made things worse between Leo and all of Ponyville.”

She stayed silent as she looked over to Leo then Pixel, then Leo again, then her, until finally she spoke up. “Yeah I’m not doing that.” She shook her head.

“And why’s that?” She asked. “Think that I’m lying?”

“Nope, not at all.” She said. “I know what I did was right and I’m not apologizing for it.” She stated.

“I would agree as well, but the actions you did wasn’t necessary. I know that Leo isn’t some monster and he knows what would happen if things got worse.” Pixel said. “Leo wants to change, and he can’t do that if you don’t do the same. If everypony finally saw how good Leo is, they’ll think that you, Twilight, and everypony else who treated him badly were nothing but bullies and jerk. And I know that you hate bullies. Isn’t that right, Rainbow Crash?” She smirked as she said the small insult.

She reeled back from the shock as though she was actually hit before she gritted her teeth and shot a severe glare at her. “Say that again…” She threatened as she rubbed her hooves together, ready to charge. That was until Leo stepped in front of Pixel as his fists were clenched, he shot her a deadly glare as he growled.

Pixel moved from behind Leo as she took a calm breath, seeing that she might’ve gone a bit too far. “Leo. It’s okay. I got this.” She smiled as she placed a hoof on his leg.

He still had his eyes on her but obeyed Pixel as he stepped back to let her speak, his mood still on guard.

“I’m sorry Rainbow. I went a little too far. But you did see how the roles were reversed?” Pixel moved a little closer. “Where you were the bully and Leo went between us so that I wouldn’t get hurt.” She looked down at the ground for a moment.

“Rainbow. I know why you exactly don’t connect with Leo. And that’s cause you're scared of him. But you’re also scared that he might hurt your friends. But there’s a better way than just kicking him down and restraining him. There’s a way in which Leo can protect you and all of Ponyville if they treated him differently. And all if that can happen with just a simple apology.” She looked up at the mare. “Please. We just want an apology and a chance for us to explain and maybe become friends. Just think of the possibilities if you both fought together side by side. With the two of you together, nothing can stop you.” She smiled as her eyes were filled with hope, looking right into the cyan pegasus’ eyes.

She thought for a moment as she hummed, playing the various scenarios in her mind. Leo could be a good asset in case things went too south, he was formidable with the way he took out those Timberwolves. She also remembered what Twilight had said about him; he has inner magic, human magic still developing, and if he this powerful in his current flower bud state, just imagine him when he fully blooms. He would be almost unstoppable to huge hulking beasts. She cleared her throat before correcting her posture. “Alright then, Leo I’m sorry I kicked you real hard in the head, I know it wasn’t right but my actions were warranted because I thought you were gonna hurt everypony.” She said.

“Fine, I accept your apology.” He said crossing his arms.

Pixel smiled as she couldn’t help but hug the two with both her arms. “Oh I’m so happy! I know this is the start if a really awesome friendship!” She said as she hugged the two tighter.

“Hmph! Pixel! To tight!” Rainbow Dash said, whereas Leo grunted in agreement from the tight embrace.

“O-oh. S-sorry.” Pixel let go as she had an embarrassed blush that was somehow seen through her pink fur.

“It's alright, Pixel.” Leo said as he dusted himself off from the remnants of Rainbow Dash. “Can we go home now?” He asked.

“Just like that? A small apology and then you’re out? Doesn’t sound like making friends with her.” Pixel said as she looked up at Leo. “Fluttershy would want you two to spend some time together. I know! Why don’t Rainbow come back to the cottage with us and we could share some pizza!” She smiled.

“You guys got pizza?! Heck I'm down with that!” She pumped her fist in the air.

Leo mentally swore as a wore a fake smile. “Sure…” He said with with a feigned grin.

Pixel showed a bigger smile on her muzzle as she was even starting to bounce like Pinkie, it expressing how happy and excited she was. “So, do you like plain cheese or Mushrooms?” She asked as she started guiding Rainbow back to the cottage using a bit of her magic on her hoof.

“Cheese yes, mushrooms, no, yucky…” She said as she showed no resistance to Pixel’s guidance.

Leo followed beside them as he remained silent. Still having a few qualms about his decision.

~

After the walk to the cottage, both Pixel and Rainbow sat down on the sofa as they chatted up a storm. Eating away at at the cheese side side of side of the pizza. Leo sat in mild silence inputting his words into the conversation.

After an hour had passed Rainbow Dash decided it was time for her to leave.

“Thanks guys for the pizza. I was hungry.” She said as she was making her way to the door.

“Yeah…” Leo simply said as he picked the empty box and packets.

“I hope this warm welcome will show that you’re always welcome even when Leo is around.” Pixel smiled as she followed Rainbow to the door as to not look lazy enough to not show her the said door. “And I know you didn’t really talk to Leo, but can you please try when I’m not around? Please?”

“Sure, I guess wouldn't kill me.” She said as she looked over to Leo. “You down with that?” She said.

“Sure I'll give it a shot.” He said.

“Thanks.” Pixel smiled as she gave the cyan mare a gentle and warm hug.

She returned the embrace. “Sure thing bud.” She said before opening the door and taking off in a rainbow streak.

“She really is a nice pony once you get to know her. Kind of like you, only, you're a boy and not a pony.” Pixel said as she closed the door and walked up to the human.

“Yeah...I guess you’re right.” He said as he went into the kitchen, throwing away the pizza box, then coming back into the living room. “So what exactly do you wanna do? It’s already dusk from the looks of it outside.” He said as he sat down on the couch.

“Well, what do you usually do when you don't have nothing to do?” She asked, a little curious herself.

He just gave her a shrug in response. “I just usually sit in silence till the day ends. Read a book maybe.” He scratched his chin. “What should I do…” He said as the question was slightly directed at her.

She placed a hoof on her chin as she was rarely given the chance to choose what to do, she wasn’t really used to it, but she didn’t want to be to herself in front of Leo. “Hmm… how about a movie?” She asked.

“You mean going to a movie? Like...like a date?” He uttered as he looked away, a red blush on his bronzed cheeks.

Pixel’s cheeks also started to blush a deep red as she realized what he was thinking. “Wh-what!? N-no. I mean, we could, but th-that wasn’t what I m-meant by that.” She stuttered as the blush only got worse and she felt that she was saying that she wouldn’t go on a date with him. “L-like a movie n-night. With popcorn, soda and c-comfort.” She also heard the last part she blurted out and just decided to shut up and look away, most of the pink fur on her face covered in a red color.

Leo sated quiet as he controlled his deep breathing, why was she making him feel this way? She’s a pony! She of a different species, and yet... and yet his heart can’t stop thumping as his body came with a strange sensation. He clutched a fist to his chest and as he sighed shakingly, giving Pixel a small glance. “W-what do you think is playing at the movies right now…?” He asked with a nervous smile.

“I… I don’t know. Does Fluttershy have any m-movies here?” Pixel asked, now her front hooves rubbing together a little to give some form of comfort.

“I think…” He said as he went over to where the television was, looked in the shelves and shuffled through a few movies till he picked one. “H-how bout this one?” He said as he held the disk up, he noticed a slight blush on her face as she looked away. Leo was confused until he saw the cover, nearly choking on his own tongue. “Fifty shades of hay!?” He mentally shouted as he threw the movie across the room. He looked again as he pulled another out. “This one! This is about a small filly who saves her home and family from a business with the help of her animal friends!” Leo said too loud as he wore the fakest grin you could imagine.

“W-well, I guess we could watch it. But what about something from my world.” She smiled a little as she felt a little more confident. She brought her saddle bag closer to her from the floor and opened one of the flaps. She put her hoof deep inside it, it looking weird as the bag didn’t look that deep. She then pulled out a small case, the cover being titled ‘Inside Out’. She didn’t stop there as she pulled another one, it being titled ‘Book of Life’. “I really like animation movies. I just think that the possibilities are endless with animations.” She smiled bigger.

“Hmm…” Leo thought as he leaned closer looking at both cover of both movies. It wasn’t long before he picked one from her magical grasp. “This one looks very entertaining, though I’m just ‘dying’ to see how mexican culture is portrayed in this movie.” He said as he went over to the disk player, and putting the disk inside as he pressed the play button. He then went over to the couch and sat as he splayed his legs comfortably. Clearly trying to hide his previous mood from Pixel. “Just stay calm Leo, it’s all good…” He said as he sighed.

“I’ll go see if Fluttershy has any popcorn. Don’t start the movie without me.” She smiled before she climbed off the couch and trotted towards the kitchen, the end of her tail being the last thing seen before she was gone in the kitchen.

Leo shook his head from the thought as he stared into the television's previews. “Why is she making me feel this way all of a sudden?” He looked down at his hand and saw it was shaking, he grunted as he tried to control his body to be still, but it would seem like it was in no mood to follow his orders. “Damn it.”

After a few minutes of movie ads and popcorn popping, Pixel came back with a bowl of popcorn that also had some butter and salt in it. She sat down before she placed the bowl between the two of them. “Hey, are you okay?” She asked, a look of concern on her face as she notice how uncomfortable Leo looked.

“I’m fine Pixel.” He said as he clenched his entire body to stop trembling. He sighed deeply as he forcefully relaxed himself in his seat. “Let’s watch yeah?” He asked.

Pixel stayed quiet for a moment, but showed a small smile before she pressed the select button, it indicating that she choose to play the movie. “If there’s anything wrong Leo, you know I’m here to listen, right?” She said as she glanced up at the human. “Even if I wouldn’t understand some things, I’ll still be here and try to understand it better.” She smiled bigger. “I’m all ears.” She said as she made her ears move a little.

He glanced at her for a moment before sighing as he stared at his palm once again. “Pixel... what do I do, I mean, what should someone do if they’re having feelings for a person of a different species?” He said as he looked away again.

Pixel’s ears perked up, caught by surprise by the sudden question. But her mind clicked as she assumed he was talking about his secret feelings for the yellow pegasus. It wouldn’t be surprising since she was the ray of sunshine on his rainy day he called life. “W-well, I know I never experienced that first hand. And I might sound a little tacky, but the simple solution is to just follow your heart. If these feelings can’t be ignored, then they’ll stay there until you become the brave man and just go for it. The worst that’ll happen is rejection, but you can move on just as fast.” She smiled as she was glad that he was being more open to her. “It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it only matters on what they really truly are inside their heart.”

“So as long as I’m true to my heart and feelings...I should just go for it?” He said as he locked eyes with Pixel, staring deep into her.

“Yep.” She nodded with a smile. “I don’t think different species should matter, just that you care for each other very much.” She glanced away for a moment as the staring was making her blush.

His hand clenched on the couch cushion as he stared down before staring at Pixel again. He then reached for her cheek, tuning her head as he planted a kiss.

Pixel’s eyes widened when his lips pressed against her own. She never saw this coming, and her cheeks flushed red. She was frozen in shock as she noticed how blind she was to not see this. She couldn’t help but focus on all the detail of the kiss, it feeling as if it lasted a lifetime. After a moment, she closed her eyes and began to put her own force into the kiss, the blush fading to a small pink hue.

He had decided to pull her in close as he hugged her in an embrace. The bowl knocking over on the floor, the popcorn spilled as Leo was now above her. Kissing deeper as he placed a hand on her chest.

Pixel kept the kiss going, turning her head to the side as their lips locked together. She had her hooves wrapped around his neck, but the loosened as she felt his warm hand on her soft chest.

He broke the kiss as he leaned in to kiss her neck, giving it a tender nibble as he rubbed his hand against the soft fur of her chest. He wanted to go further.

The blush on her cheeks spreads as the small neck bite made one of her hind-hooves flex, her tail flicking while her ears went down on her head. She felt a warm feeling around the lower part of her body when her blush turned red.

He stopped for a moment before he aligned his face with Pixel's. "Pixel… do you want me?" He boldly asked as he stared deep into her yes.

“N-now?” She asked, the red blush spreading as she jumped to conclusions to what he was asking her.

“I mean...if you want to.” He said as he continued his caressing, his fingers running through her fur.

Pixel didn't answer right away, but her tail flicked as she started feeling a secret need for it. “I…I don't think th-the couch is a good spot.” She blushed red.

No response was necessary as Leo scooped Pixel up in his arms as she yelped. He maneuvered around the table and up the stairs as he entered the room, kicking the door behind him and locking it as he set Pixel down on her back on the bed. His form loomed over her as she scooted back until the back of her head touched the pillow. They both panted deeply as their gaze were locked to one another. Leo closed the gap between his and Pixel’s lips as her head was pressed deeper into the pillow.

Pixel’s eyes closed for a second time as the rough kissing made her blush more, the mare trying to match his forceful kiss, but not by a lot. Her tail flicked more as she could feel her nethers start to get warmer and more moist. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she didn’t want him to break the kiss, but that soon change as her hooves moved down, going under his shirt as her horn started to glow. She broke the kiss, only for her to take his shirt off and resume the make out session once again.

He could only smile internally from her mildly aggressive actions as he reached for his pants, unbuttoning it as he slid his clothes off, kicking them off the bed, leaving him with only his boxer shorts. He pressed his body against hers, the sensation of her smooth fur against his chest made it even better. He became bolder as he pressed his tongue in her mouth.

The blush on her cheeks only got deeper as the sudden tongue caught her by surprise, she wouldn’t call it fighting the rights to explore her mouth, but she was more like exploring the texture of his own tongue, feeling how warm and wet it was.

As they continued their foreplay, Leo reached for the waistband of his boxers with his left hand as he slid them down, kicking them off the bed with his pants. His member now fully exposed to her. He broke the kiss as they were both panting like dogs. They both gazed downward at each other's nethers as Leo slowly placed the tip of his head on her outer lips, stroking back and forth as as his member became wet from her mare juices.

Pixel watched as the tip of his member touch her nethers as her ears went down and she blushed red. “P… please be gentle.” She spoke in a shy tone. “I… it’s my first time.” She blushed more as she glanced away for a moment.

He gave her a gentle nuzzle as to acknowledge her request. He bit his lip as he slowly and gently pushed the tip of his head into her marehood until his member was completely gone into her. He stayed in place for a moment to let her adjust as he pulled back and pushed in slowly as his rhythm built up.

Her blush only spread more onto her cheeks as it felt a little odd at first. But after the steady rhythm that he was starting with, she began to adjust to it as she also started to like it. But after what felt like a minute, she felt as if she needed it to pick up the pace. She tapped her hoof onto his chest, before she said something in a quiet tone. “F...faster.”

Leo grunted as he thrusted faster, the sound of skin slapping against soaked fur echoed as Leo began to shimmer with slight sweat as he moaned from the increase of speed.

Pixel also began to moan in pleasure at the increase in rhythm. She started to feel a little hot as she also began to pant like a dog, sometimes biting her lip to stop another moan from being heard.

“Don’t hold back Pixel, moan for me.” He said as he gave a few firm thrusts to hear the mare squeal.

She breathed heavily for a little while before she let out another moan after one of his thrust felt better then the last.

As he continued, an idea hatched in his mind. He reached behind her back and flipped her over while his member was still inside her, the feeling was amazing but that wasn't the main intention. As Pixel was now belly down, Leo had her in in a mounted position. The most common way the ponies mated. He leaned in as a she gave her ear a gentle nibble. “Are you ready?” He whispered.

Pixel made a sound that was most close to a whimper before she slowly nodded, her tail raising a little higher even though it was clearly out of the way.

He leaned back as he grabbed a firm grip on her flanks and began thrusting rapidly into her. His right hand reaching for her tail and giving it a gentle tug. In his time in Equestria he knew the soft spots of ponies. “That feel good?” He spoke as best as he could through his relentless thrusts. Her glasses falling off from the force.

She let out a loud lust-filled moan as this was ten times better than how they were doing it before. This made her want him to go faster and harder so that he could fill her needs.

“How bout it? You want me to go faster?” He said said as he leaned into her neck, giving it a long lick against her fur.

“Y-yes please.” She said in barely a whisper as she even tried to do it herself by pressing herself against him.

He smiled before his speed built up fully. The cries of pleasure from Pixel just made him go faster and faster as he did everything to tweak her buttons. From rubbing her horn, to sliding a free hand down to her clit, giving it a good rub as she screamed louder. He loved it.

Pixel didn’t noticed, but even her horn was showing some sign of ecstasy. It would sometimes spark or heat up, but with Leo’s hand stroking it, it started to leak some sort of magic that seemed warm and liquified. It was a light purple color like the aura she would mostly give. Pixel moaned again as she mostly loved it when he gave her some amount of pain from pulling her tail to biting her neck or ear.

As time passed of Leo mercilessly pounding Pixel’s marehood he had begun to feel a strong pressure building in his balls.

“Pixel! I-I...I'm gonna…” He closed his eyes shut as he clenched his teeth, grabbing Pixel’s plot even tighter as his hips slapped even harder against her.

Pixel didn’t have the energy to even speak as she was still panting and catching her breath from how hot her body was, her fur not making it any better.

With no response Leo gave one final thrust as he held her plot in place against his hips as he released a torrent of cum inside her. Load after load his member twitched violently as it continued to release thick creamy strings inside of her. His mind in a daze as he stared upwards. Little stars appearing in his vision.

Pixel let out one last moan before her horn lit up and nearly blinded the room. She felt the cum fill her up before it started to leak a little from her clit. Once everything was quiet and silent, Pixel could barely stand as Leo’s hands on her flank was the only thing keeping her hind hooves up.

The human male panting in exhaustion he released his firm grip from Pixel’s plot. He slid forward as he laid in bed, turning himself to face the ceiling, then glancing down at the beat Pixel. A face full of ecstasy.

He had decided to pull her close as she was not on top of him. Her head on on his chest. “I...I hope this revelation wasn’t too sudden for you.” He spoke through his panting. A smile on his side face as the feeling of fur and skin contact was making him feel good.

She didn't say anything in response, but she did wrap her hooves around him as best as she could, a pink blush on her cheeks while a smile adorned her lips.

“You seem happier now.” He said as he traced his fingers down her back in a delicate manner.

“…maybe cause you were the one to make the first move.” She blushed as her tail moved a little, the small mare liking the feeling of his fingers on her back.

“So I take it you felt the same way then?” He asked as he tilted his head down to her. His fingers now on her cheek.

“Mmhm.” She nodded a little. “It started when I saw you…shirtless.” She blushed pink. “Applejack told me you didn't go that way, so I never really tried.” She explained a little, her chin now resting on his chest as she was looking back at him.

“So she told you huh?” He rubbed his thumb against her cheek, staring at her for a while. “You developed feelings when you saw me shirtless huh?” He coyly asked with a small smirk.

There was a small hint of red on her cheeks as she glanced away. “Y-yeah, so? A lot of guys look hot shirtless… well, most guys.” She said, referring to those who didn’t have a simple and nice body like he did. ‘Especially after doing work in the heat...’ She blushed more at that thought.

He could only smile as he planted a kiss on her lips. His gentle push making her head reel back as she pushed a little before breaking the kiss. “Wanna go again?” He said as he playfully tugged her tail.

She tensed up a little at the light tugging. “N-now?” She blushed more as she was now getting more flustered and was looking away from him.

“Sure.” He said. “I'll let you be on top.” He gave another tug.

She blushed more before she spoke out. “N-no. You c-can be on top again.” She realized what she said and covered her face, a bit embarrassed for giving in on what he wanted. “B-but can we go slow again?”

“You want it to last long again?” He said. “Alright.” He said as he slid from under her and placed himself behind her. He then placed his hand on the back of her head as he pressed it against the pillow. He liked how he had her in this position. He then began to align his member with her opening as he pressed the tip against her entrance. “How bad do you want this…” He said as he grabbed her tail and tugged it.

She didn’t answer right away, but the third tugging of her tail made her want it a little more. “P-please give it to me.” She said in a small voice as her tail twitched a little, it not flicking cause of Leo’s grip.

He proceeded as he pushed in deep as he was now building the same slow rhythm for her. He released her tail and placed a hand on her plot where her cutie mark insignia was. He traced his finger around the edges of her mark before giving it a slap. “Who's a good little pony?” He teased.

Pixel couldn’t help but yelp at the slap to her flank. “I...I am?” She asked as she wanted him to go faster now, the mare getting used to it faster.

“Who's my mare?” He said as he gave her plot another slap, his fingers in place as they slightly dug into her fur. His thrusts harder with his increased speed.

She let out a pleasurable moan before she answered. “I am. I am!” She shouted a little as she started to breath a little heavily.

“Yes you are!” He grabbed both sides of her plot as he built his speed higher. Once again, loud slapping noises echoed in the room. “You like me shirtless don't you? Bet you like me even more buck naked as I'm fucking you like this?” He said roughly as his hands kept her in the place. “Don’t you?”

“Yes!” She shouted again as she tried to move back and make his thrusts harder. “Faster, harder!”

He clenched his teeth as he pounded her mercilessly, relentlessly. His body shimmering with sweat once again. “What’s my name!” He said through thrusts.

“L-Leo.” She said in a low tone as she was trying to catch her breath.

“What's that?” He said as his thrust became harder. Slower but with much more force to them.

“Leo!” She cried out as it was her time to reach her climax.

He gave her one final strong thrust as another load was released into the mare, this one bigger than before as his member pulsed inside her.

She moaned once again as her horn lit up and once again blinded the two. And after the two were finished, Pixel was the first to pass out cause of exhaustion, her horn letting out a few sparks before it died down.

Leo panted as his chest rapidly rose as he stared down at his handy work. He collapse beside her as he pulled her close to his chest. Her back pressed against him as wrapped his leg around her hind legs, spooning her. He gave her a kiss on her cheek before he passed out with her.

~

The next day soon arrived, Pixel smiling in her sleep as she loved the warmth she was getting while under the quilt, snuggled close to her newfound lover. Though, the smile was wiped away when she felt something bright hitting her closed eyes. She brought the thing she had her arms around closer as she buried her face within the soft coat of her sweetheart.

...hold on.

Leo doesn’t have a coat.

Pixel had to rub her eyes, feeling the familiar texture of her smooth skin, but that only confused her more. She opened her eyes, everything being a little blurry, but she could tell that she was not covered in the light pink fur that was her coat. She went in search of her glasses, and found them on the floor. Once she put them on(them somehow fitting her and seeing that it was her normal ‘human’ glasses), she saw that she didn’t have hooves anymore, but instead, has arms now. Regular human arms.

Her eyes widened as she even flexed her fingers, them moving as her mind told them. She then glanced down to what she could only assume was Leo. She didn’t think about it as she started shaking what she also assumed was Leo’s shoulder.

“Leo… Leo, wake up.” She said in a normal, but slightly louder voice to wake the being up.

He stirred a little as he moaned. “Five more minutes…” He quietly moaned.

“Leo, I think something happened.” Pixel spoke as she shook his shoulder a little faster. Now she could tell it was Leo by the same exact voice he had.

“Whaaaat? Did you make me breakfast or something?” He said as his head rose, except it wasn’t his head per say. It was tall the head of a stallion with a dark brown coat and black mane. He yawned as he clicked his mouth, trying to shake off the grogginess as he opened his eyes more, only for them to widen as he saw Pixel's new face. “P-pixel?” He uttered.

“Y-yeah. Something definitely happened.” She spoke as she looked right back into his dark eyes. “And I don't know if you'll like this or not.” She said as she also noticed she was naked, but brushed that aside to focused more on what happened to both of them.

“Like what?” He asked as he noticed his senses were different as he examined his body. His nostrils flared as he looked over to who was now Pixel was human. “What is this…?” He choked out.

Pixel wasn't quite sure what he was asking about, so she assumed he was asking what was going on. “I…I don't know.” She mumbled as she looked down at the bed the two were on,

“Pixel…” Leo said. “...did you do this when your horn gave magical bursts?” He nervously said.

“That…that seems like the most logical reason. B-but I didn't even know I could do this.” She said as she looked over at him. “I... I'm so sorry, if I know this would happen, I wouldn't have done this.” She said as she looked away again, her eyes getting a bit watery as she thought he would hate her from now on.

He forrwed his brows as he saw she was about to cry. “Pixel…” He said as he brought his hoof to her eyes, wiping the tears away. “...it's not your fault. You didn't do it on purpose. So I don't blame you.” He gave her a nuzzle.

She sniffled before she looked over at him. “R-really?” She asked, not really showing a smile, but not showing any tears anymore.

“Of course.” He said after he stopped nuzzling and faced her. “I mean, this is the last thing I wanted but even so I don't hate you.” He pressed his hoof on her shoulder.

Once he finished speaking, Pixel showed a small smile before she wrapped her arms around him, feeling his own soft fur on her bare skin. “Thank you.” She said in a quiet tone as she hugged a little tighter.

He returned the embrace as he gave her another nuzzle. “I hope you don't think less of me for being a pony.” He said with a feigned smile.

“Are you kidding. You being a pony only makes you more adorable than anything else.” She hugged a little tighter before a lightbulb turn on in her mind. “Wait a minute, you're a pony now.” She released the hug as she looked at him.

“Yeah, that’s been established.” He said as he tilted his head his ear following his movement to the confusion.

“And now I'm a human. So that means I'll be the center of attention instead of you. Nopony would look at you with fear or anger anymore.” She smiled as she looked at him in the eyes. “And only we know the truth. But…what was to become of me?” She let go of Leo as she looked away.

“Will they hate me cause I'm human, or will they give me a chance since I'm different?” She shook her head at the thought of being rejected. “No. I'm not going to make that happen. It's not about me.” She looked back at Leo. “What matters is now that you can be treated normally and start over.” She smiled again.

Leo frowned at the thought as his mind projected the prejudice she would have to endure. And though she meant well, he didn't want to stay a pony to be accepted. He didn't want to start over over as Leo the pony, he wanted to stay Leo the human. “But...but Pixel...I don't want this. Not for me or you.” His hoof shook in fear and anger. “I don’t want you to be treated like I was.” He hugged her tightly.

“It's fine Leo.” She hugged back. “I can defend myself, and I won't lose my temper like you always do.” She smiled bigger as she hugged tighter. “But if you don't want this to happen, we could try and undo this somehow.” She said. “But not after we do a little test run in ou- I mean, your new body.”

She broke the hug and got up, going to her saddle bag and opening it, pulling out some regular human clothes, it consisting of a gray shirt, blue jeans, white socks, black shoes, a dark sports bra with matching panties, and a purple hoodie. “I'll be getting dressed now!” She called out as she went in the bathroom and started getting dressed.

As she went in he got a good look at her rear end and smiled as big as he could. “Hopefully I turn human and she stays that way.” He mumbled as he bit his lip. “I'd love to try her out in her new body.” He jumped from the bed and walked over to the dresser mirror looking at his new reflection. “Not very easy on the eyes…” He said as he shook his head.

After a few more minutes, she was fully dressed and came out. She fixed her hoodie a little before she looked over at Leo. “Adjusting to the look?” She asked, walking over to him and picking him up from his spot. “You're just too cute to hate.” She snuggled him with a smile on her face.

He blushed furiously as a she looked away with a shy smile. “Pixel...please.” He said as he tried to hide his bashfulness in vain. “I'm not cute I'm hot, remember?”

“Aww, but you look even cuter while blushing.” She nuzzled his cheek a little. “And you might be good looking though pony standards, I don't know for sure.” She added as she carried him down the stairs and to the living room. “So is somepony hungwy?” She asked in a bit of a cute baby voice.

“Pixel! I'm not not a foal! I'm I'm a stallio- I mean man! I man with good taste of food idea might add.” He said regarding the previous question. Even if she said it through baby noises.

She laughed a little before she gave one last snuggle before putting him down. “How does pancakes sound?” She asked as she made her way to the kitchen.

“Oooohh, I like pancakes.” He said as he pulled the seat back with his mouth and jumped on these chair only to almost fall. “Woah! Pinche, pony body…” He muttered.

“Alright then. I'll try my best in making them.” She said as she started getting the needed ingredients and tools for the pancake making.

As Leo waited, the front door clicked as his ears flicked to the noise. He looked over the kitchen entrance as it was none other than Fluttershy entering. And exhausted look on her face, clearly she had been out doing something very important. She looked over over to Pixel then Leo as her reaction was slow until her eyes widened.

“W-who are you?! What are you doing in in my home?!” She shouted in fright.

Pixel heard Fluttershy’s frightened voice, but decided that Leo could explain everything to her. Also cooking the pancake batter on the pan, she couldn't leave the kitchen.

“Fluttershy woah it's me, Leo. Yeah before you ask, Pixel’s magic went kinda haywire and turned us both the opposite species.” He explained as he made his way to her. The mare's anxiety dropping as she heard the voice of her human tenant.

“Leo?” She said.

“Yup…” He said bashfully as he looked away.

“Y-you’re a stallion?” She said with a blush.

“Yeah?”

“Pancakes are done!” Pixel shouted as she brought three plates of pancakes as she walks in and placed the plates on the table. “Morning Fluttershy.” She greeted her. “You look just as cute as Leo, maybe even more.” She smiled.

She snapped out of her daze as she looked over to Pixel. Her gaze examining her.

“Pixel...is that you?” She asked.

“Mmhm.” She smiled as she sat down on the floor. “I made breakfast for you to.” She said as she grabbed her own plate.

“Oh...thank you Pixel.” She said as she sat on in the table. Staring down at her pancakes then to Leo. She saw how different he looked as a she ate into his breakfast like a dog. She silently gulped as she couldn’t help but just be attracted by him...even more than before. She decided to be sneaky and subtly scoot closer to him as he was too oblivious of her motives.

Pixel couldn't help but smirk over Fluttershy getting closer to Leo. ‘I had a feeling he would be attractive to mares as a pony.’ She thought as she ate her pancake. She didn't feel any grudge seeping in since she knew that this might happen, and Leo wouldn't even try to lead a pony on. Perhaps Fluttershy, but the ponies in Ponyville that treated him like an outcast as a human. It would only be in their dreams.

“So...how exactly did this happen Leo?” She asked him as she leaned in closer. He practically choked from from the question.

'Shit, if she finds out I've been fooling around with Pixel who knows what she might might do.' He panicked a little as he looked over to Pixel. His gaze pleading for help.

Pixel couldn't help but giggle a little. “Don't laugh, but it was basically a tickle fight gone too far.” She said. “Leo was rewarding me for my efforts by giving me a nice ear rub. But when he went to pet my side, it tickled. And Leo thought I'd be funny to do a little tickle attack. Of course, first come tickles, then come bruises and bloody noses. Or more like a magical mishap in this situation.” She explained.

Fluttershy only tilted her head in confusion. As she looked over Leo then her. “Wait? So you two tickled each other and then this happened?” She asked.

“Well, you can reject our reasons if you want, but sometimes things go south when things are good at first.” She said as she crossed her arms.

The realization slowly started to sink in as her mind was catching on. “You mean...you and Leo....” She wasn't able to finish her sentence from shock.

Pixel was a bit confused on her shock as she didn't know what was so surprising about a small petting that turned into a tickle fight.

“Fluttershy.” Leo said. “It was a petting session. Not what you think it was.” He said with feigned smile, behind the mask was a nervous wreck.

“O-oh...thought it was something else. Sorry I'm just still tired.” She admitted as she began eating her pancakes. Relief now replacing her anxiety.

Pixel finally understood what made Fluttershy so shocked, but remained silent as she was still eating her pancakes.

The whole room was silent except for the consumption of the pancakes. They all ate away to avoid the now awkward subject.

~

Somewhere far off in a cave system in a forest neighboring the Everfree Forest a group of diamonds dogs sit in their crooked rickety chairs, eating only what could be identified as gruel. Filling their messy mas with it. Further up what would seem to be a stage was a large seat, and on that seat was a mossy turquoise colored unicorn with a red mane, his features showed that he was benevolent. Maybe even more than the diamond dogs that were eating on the tables. He let out a sigh as his tone pattern showed he was snively. The thing that stranded out the.most was his silver horn. It had very detailed textures of smooth lines of vines coiling around said horn.

"Boring...utterly boring..." He moaned as his horn glow a dark purple, it shot a projectile line to where the diamond dogs were eating. And explosion followed with many splinters flying around as the dogs reeled back entirely as they yelped. The impact and splinters sinking into their flesh.

"Even shooting at my own subordinates loses its spark of fun..." He said as he leaned his head against his hind hoof, his expression sourly bored.

Though short after a big bulky diamond dog came in from one of the roof entrances, landing next to the unicorn. Kneeling before addressing him.

"Boss, we've got some ponies from Ponyville who wanna see you." He said in a voice pattern with a thick sense of autism.

"Why in Tartarus would a local of Ponyville come here of all places?" He glared at his subordinate before waving his hoof. "Whatever, send him in." He said. "I could use something out of the ordinary to occupy my interest.”

The dog gave a howl, two armored dogs with spears in their palms came escorting escorting a familiar dark grey stallion with silver hair. His face still swollen a honorees he hauled a bag over his back.

The leader could only smirk slyly as he saw the unicorn.

“Welcome to our base of operation.” He said mockingly. “What brings a peace loving citizen of Ponyville to my humble domain?” His voice clearly dripped with confidence yet malice.

The unicorn composed himself, clearing his throat as he looked his gaze with the leader of the diamond dogs. "M-my name is Shining Ore s-sir..." He tried to say with a composed voice as gulped nervous. "I-I didn't mean to intrude."

"You already have." He said narrowing his eyes.

"Please! Hear me out." There was a long silence as he was beginning to get worried he would order his hounds to attack. That was until he finally spoke up.

"Proceed..." He said.

He cleared his throat awkwardly as he stepped closer, the guard diamond dogs pointing their spears at him, but their leader raised his hoof, letting them know he was okay to proceed.

"There is this bipedal ape in Ponyville! Daring to make its residence there! It beat me and my friends as you can see! Please!" He bowed "I beg for your help!"

The leader watched in amusement of his desperation to be rid of this ape. He was slightly considering it. But still...

"You can't get something for nothing." He said.

"T-that is why I have this!" He said as he pulled the heavy sack over him, its opening widened as it spilled many golden bits onto the floor. Shining Ore panted heavily as his eyes harbored much hatred for said ape.

The leader smiled amusingly as he walked over to him.

“Very well Shining Ore.” He said placing placing a placing a hoof on his shoulder. “What exactly is it you want me to do to him?” He coyly asked as he already knew the answer. He just wanted to hear him say it.

“Kill him.” He uttered darkly.

~

“Just how the hell are we gonna turn me back human? I don't want to stay this way forever.” He complained as he, Pixel and Fluttershy walked down the road. All the town’s eyes on Pixel.

“We could ask Twilight for help?” Fluttershy regrettably suggested before she subtly leaned against Leo. “Or you could try this form at least for a little while.” She suggested.

“Fluttershy’s right. If anyone knows how to fix this, it’s Twilight. If not, we could also somehow get another princess to help us out. I really don’t mind being a human.” Pixel smiled as she looked down at the two. ‘Oh my gosh Leo looks so adorable when he’s the short one of the pair.’ She thought as her smile got a little bit bigger.

“Highly doubt those princess will have the time to spare…” Leo grumbled.

“Then there's only one option.” Fluttershy said.

“No…”

“But--”

“No! No! No! Anyone but her!!!” He shouted louder than he should. The whole town staring at the dark brown earth pony.

“Well it’s either creepy pony or pony life for you.” Pixel spoke out as she showed an unamused look in her eyes. Though, that changed quickly with a hidden mischievous look replaced it. “But I could always help you in another way.” She smiled as she leaned in close to Leo.

“And what's that?” He said looking over to Pixel. Fluttershy narrowing her eyes at her close contact.

“I’ll make you go to her.” She smiled before she grabbed him and lifted him onto her shoulder, her arm wrapped around his side as he was now looking behind where the two were walking. “Come on Fluttershy, we’ve got a princess to see.”

He yelped in fright the began grunting and shouting. “Pixel! Put me down! This isn't a way to treat a man!” He struggled in vain. Apparently he was weak as an earth pony.

“O-okay.” Fluttershy said as she followed Pixel who was carrying her crush like a bratty colt to Twilight’s.

Pixel couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, stop being such a baby. You’re being carried. And that’s much better than being dragged or forced to walk on your own. Also, you got me and Fluttershy to make sure Twilight won’t do anything bad.” She said, adding something else in a mere whisper. “Or making her try what she did again.”

“Fine…” He gave in reluctantly, carried away by his first ever girlfriend. Not the most manliest thing…

~

After upon arriving to Twilight's home and explaining the situation to her. Though after Pixel and Fluttershy held her back from her examination.

“Sorry...I didn't mean to let myself be carried away again.” She said as she composed herself in a professional manner.

“So this is what you look like as a pony huh?” Spike said as he examined Leo’s structure. “You're kinda small.”

“Thanks…” He said dryly.

“And so adorable~” Pixel smiled as she pulled him in for a tight hug. “And his fur is fluffy and soft!” Her eyes seemed to shined, loving every time she could just hug him.

“Pixel! Not in front of the nut!” He said said as he tried to break free. “So can you help or not.”

“Oh I can.” She said. “I just need samples.”

“Wait, samples?” Pixel questioned as she tilted her head.

“Samples I need to take with in order to break down their genetic structure to their parent structure of what is Leo’s human DNA. Once I do that I’ll be able to make a formula to change him back to him.” She said as she levitated a pair of scissors in front of him making him reel back. “I just need a lock of your hair.” The scissors came closer and closer.

“Are you sure it's for this spell, or probably for your own benefit?” Pixel said as she brought Leo close to her chest.

“W-what are you talking about?” She said as her eyes darted sideways.

“I think we both know what I'm talking about.” Pixel glared at her as she knew she wasn't playing any games.

“So...you went into my basement, is that it?” She said as he placed the scissors down and glared at her.

“What makes you say that?” She smirked a little.

She cocked her head back at the mistake she had made as she had rapid eye movement. “I--” She was cut off by a force tackling her down, in which case Leo.

“You bitch! Why are you so goddamn obsessed with me!? Why?! It wasn’t enough when you restrained me and forced me to see my dead mother, now you follow me and Pixel wherever we go!” He pressed his hooves down on her windpipe. “I’ll kill you!!!” He shouted in anger.

“Leo! No!” Pixel shouted as she didn't want Leo to lose his cool like this. She was quick to make sure his other hoof wouldn't make contact with the mare’s face. After that, she picked him up by hooking her arms under his fore-hooves, making them hard to move as Leo was now pressed against Pixels chest once again. “Please Leo, don't do this.” She said as she shifted her arms to change the restraining hold to a tight embrace.

“But...but she…” He scrunched his face until he broke into tears as he stopped putting up a struggle. “I hate you.” He whispered at Twilight.

Twilight who was rubbing her throat as tears streamed down her cheeks from fear stared in fear at the restrained Leo, Not wanting to be any closer she scooted back until her back meet the bookshelf.

“You've already proven your point Leo.” Pixel said as she turned him so that his head would be resting on her chest. “Both of us knows that this'll only get worse of no one changes or makes the first move to change.” She rubbed his mane a little, moving to his ear and rubbing it like he did to her. “And I believe you'll be the one to make that change.” She couldn't help but tear up a little, not liking how miserable Leo looked. A sad pony isn't as cute as a blushing pony.

He stopped struggling as she gently set him down, his breathing shaking and deep as he looked over to Spike who was just as shocked. “Spike come over here…”

Hesitant for a moment but he did as he asked him and came up to his friend. “Cut a piece of my mane.” He said.

Spike reeled back for a moment in shock but soon nodded in agreement as Leo knelt down, grabbed a lock of his mane and cut it swiftly with his razor sharp claws. Going over to Twilight and handing it to her in her magical grip. His eyes narrowed at his ‘sister’.

“That should be able to help.” Leo said, his voice still harboring much contempt. “If you’re as smart as you claim you are then you have five hours.” He said.

“Five hours!? Are you crazy it’s going to take days to--” She was silenced by Leo’s loud hoof stomping to floor.

“Five hours, if it’s not ready by then...I’ll destroy everything you have of me in your basement. Human form or not, I’ll make you pay.” He said finally as he walked out without saying another word.

Pixel stayed quiet, not sure if any words should be said. She got up from her spot and followed Leo behind. She thought on maybe inviting Spike along, but she wasn't sure if he would be needed by Twilight.

“Pixel, I’ll stay behind and watch Twilight, make sure she uses the samples for their intended purpose.” Fluttershy said.

“Alright then. I'll try and lift Leo’s spirit a little.” Pixel told her before she was out of the library and the bright sun almost hurt her eyes.

She gazed down as she already saw Leo was walking away down the road. He bumped into a mare who had apologized to him. His response however was…

“Watch where you’re going damn it!” He shouted as she backed up in fright as walked away. He just shook his head in irritation. “Unbelievable…”

“Leo, we’re out of the library and Twilight’s face, you don't have to act like a grump anymore.” Pixel said as she followed him from behind.

“I can’t help it. Whenever I’m around her I feel like the worst part in me resurfaces, even when she’s not there she…” He continued to walk.

“Makes you snap…” She mumbled as she went quiet for only a moment. “Why not just think of someone else? Like Fluttershy. She was watching all of that, and I know you wouldn't want her to see you that way.”

“Yes…” He rubbed his hoof across his muzzle from tears and snot as he controlled his breathing. “ ...you're right.” He looked over to Pixel with his coat under his eyes moist still. “I'm sorry I scared you two.”

Pixel couldn’t help but show a calm smile before she kneeled down and wiped the tears and mucus using the sleeve of her hoodie. She of course folded the sleeve so that she could keep the stain hidden for now. “It’s okay Leo. I know you had bad history with her, but it’s fine that you let your feelings out. And I’m even more happy that you gave a bit of your hair to her.” She petted his mane a little before she brought him in for a hug that he needed.

He leaned his muzzle into her chest, nuzzling her, drawing comfort from her kindness and understanding. To think...she annoyed him when they first met. But now the feelings for her are just what felt like what he was missing. “Thanks Pixel…” He smiled.

“No problem.” She smiled more as she was glad this helped Leo, making him feel a little better. She broke the hug as she was now on her knees, being at the right enough level to look him in the eye. “Though, I am a little confused on something. Why did you ask her to finish the spell in five hours? Don’t you wanna be human asap?” She asked, tilting her head a little.

“Well...you did tell me you think I should take this form for a test run.” He shuffled nervously.

“Yeah, but I didn’t think you would consider it.” She said as she glanced away. “I mean, I know you probably hate not having any hands now.” She smiled a little.

“No kidding, it means I can't slap your beautiful ass without hurting you.” He said sheepishly.

She blushed red at that. “D-don’t say that in public.” She was close to covering her face in embarrassment.

“But you do.” He nuzzled her thigh. “The things I would do to you if I was human now. I'd pick you up off your feet and run home, throw you on the bed and take you.”

The red blush only spread on her cheeks as she was now covering her face, trying to hide the blush. She didn’t say anything, but he could tell that she was probably imagining that.

“Bet your thinking how you could lie naked on top of me. Running your delicate slender fingers between the rows of my abdomen to my chest. You did say you loved my upper body.” He smiled.

“Stop trying to make me regret the offer of staying as a pony...” She mumbled as her face was still covered and the blush was more than noticeable.

“I love the way you blush, It's the cutest thing!” He teased before his smile faded. “Pixel…”

She took her hand off her face as she realized Leo sounded serious. “Hmm, what is it?” She asked.

He hesitated before speaking again. “Do...do you really have to leave when you find this door?” He shamefully asked as he looked away.

Pixel glanced away when she heard the question. She sighed before she answered. “If I want to go back home, then I have to. I wish I could stay, but that'll only bring the crushing feeling that I'd rather live in a fantasy then where I really belong.” She explained as she looked down at the floor. “This isn't the first time I really wanted to stay in a different dimension…”

“It isn’t?” He asked as he tilted his head in a curious motion.

“Yeah. Some places were a little fun to be. There was one with three human guys living in the same house. I wouldn’t be surprised that Fluttershy actually threatened me to stay away from one of them.” She smiled a little. “Next thing I know, I’m being chased down by the main six, the three guys helping me in getting away and finding the door.”

“What was this world where they were like this?” He said, curiosity now possessing him as he wanted to know about what the mane six were like in this alternate reality.

“They were actually much nicer. It was the humans who really wanted nothing to do with the ponies. They even made the house they lived in, the ponies, I mean.” She said. “And two of them are already having feelings for some mares.”

“Feelings for mares?” Leo said as he was about to cringe at the thought but remembered that he feel for Pixel yesterday. “Continue.” He said.

“Well, one likes Applejack, another likes Twilight, and you could tell that Fluttershy likes the last one, but he’s still at that point where he thinks falling for ponies is messed up.” She said. “They can be real jerks if they wanted to, but I think they have some good in them. Just like you.” She smiled as she looked over at him.

He blushed as he looked away. “I guess there are some humans out there with the same fate as mine right?” He said half jokingly.

“You don’t even know.” She smiled bigger as she glanced away. But a pink blush adorned her cheeks. “But… I would be lying if I said two of the guys weren’t checking me out. Though, I wasn’t sure if they were genuine, or just desperate.” The smile left her lips as she began to think about that.

“Well they’re out of luck then because I got you now.” He said as he playfully budded his head against her thigh.

She couldn’t help but laugh a little at what he said. “Yeah. Pretty unlucky for them.” She smiled as she started petting his head. “But I think they can live without another human in their life.”

“I couldn't agree more.” He said looking up at her. “So what do you want to do that’ll help me take this thing on a test run?” He asked.

“Well, have you ever wanted to try something that only a pony could do?” She asked as she looked back at him.

“I don't know really, I guess run, play games and eat hay. See how it tastes in this new mouth.”

“Well, we could do that, but how about apple bucking?” She asked. “Aren’t you a little interested on how your boss does that?” She added.

“Huh, I guess I could do that…” Leo pondered before his face lit up. “..Yeah alright.” He agreed.

~

After arriving in the apple orchard and explaining the shocked Applejack about the change of species. She calmed down and agreed to their request in letting them buck apples. After trying it Leo had felt a surge of power with his earth pony strength. He had been bucking and bucking that he didn't notice a few hours had passed by and went back to Pixel. “Sorry Pixel, I guess I got carried away with my strength.” He said as he chuckled nervously.

“It’s okay. It looked like you were enjoying yourself.” Pixel smiled as she was relaxing under one of the already bucked apple tree. “Maybe this could be something that can help you vent out your anger physically. You can vent and also help out on the farm. It’s a win-win.” She started getting up onto her feet. “So are you finished or want to go for another round on the apple trees?” She asked.

“Nah I guess I’m good for now, maybe I should check on brain trust and see if she has my elixir re--” At that moment the ground shook beneath them. The trees trembling violently as the apples fell to the ground. “What the--!!!”

‘Is it an earthquake?’ Pixel thought as she looked up to see if she could spot if something else was making the ground shake. ‘No. I don’t recall Ponyville ever having an earthquake… something’s coming.’

At that point the ground burst behind Pixel as a big bulky armored diamond dog got Pixel it’s grasp. Another burst as it went for Applejack's legs burying her legs in the ground, completely immobilized. Before Leo could help the two another diamond dog shot from the ground, uppercutting Leo as he was lifted off the ground and sent flying backwards, landing with a large thud.

“Leo!” Applejack yelled as she struggled to break free but to no avail.

“L-Leo!” Pixel shouted at the same time, trying to break out of the canine’s grip. She was able to elbow the animal, making his grip loosened before she was able to break free from his grip, only for another to grab her ankle and make her fall to the ground.

Leo was dazed as he struggled to make it to his girlfriend, crawling even as he tried to reach a hoof to her hand that was doing the same. Only inches away from contact until…

A moss greyish green hoof stomped down on Leo’s leg. He grunted in pain as he looked up to see a unicorn with a blood red mane and silver horn.

“Well now isn't this nice?” He said mockingly as he put more pressure on his hoof, a wicked smirk on his lips as he watched him struggle in pain. “Where is the male?” He said looking over to Pixel.

Pixel’s eyes widened a little as it was easy to guess he was talking about Leo. She didn’t answer right away, but she was still trying to get out of the iron grip on her legs. “He’s not here.” She lied. “Not like I would tell you where he is anyways.” She glared at him before she kicked the second dog’s face full force, making it yelp in pain and release her. She was quick to get on her feet and try to run to get help.

That was until the leader unicorn shot a red beam at her stomach, sending her flying back into the arms of his subordinate. “Feisty ape aren’t you.”

“Pixel!” Leo shouted as summoned his strength to throw the unicorn off of him, he then charged at him full force until he was enveloped by a red aura with a dark outline around it. He threw him into a tree, breaking it in half over Leo with the force he put into it.

“Stupid bastard, you’d risk your life for a foreign species!” He yelled as he walked over to him and pressed his hoof down on his throat. Leo began to choke as he struggled to breath, the weight of the tree making it even worse. “Deliver a message for me. Tell the male if it ever wants to see its mate alive, then it’ll show up at the grand forest's edge in the rocky area. And if you don’t do as you’re told!” He stomped down on his throat as Leo choked even more. “That’s only a taste of what awaits the female.” He said as walked over to his subordinates.

Pixel was about to say something or even try to break out of the grip she was in, but she was quickly gagged to keep her silent, and the beam that the stallion shot also binded her arms and legs in a magical aura, the human obviously being unable to break out. Her words were kept muffled as she was carried by the diamond dog’s shoulder, fearful tears forming under her eyes as she could do nothing but watch as she was being taken away to who-knows-where.

Leo could only utter Pixel’s name in a raspy voice as he extended his hoof, the ground the feel beneath them all as the leader of the diamond dogs gave Leo a wicked smile before he descended. With that, his eyes shot open as he roared.

“PIXEEEELLLL!!!!” His shout echoed.

~

“I hope that Leo isn't having a hard time in his new form.” Fluttershy said as she sipped her tea Spike brought to her.

“Don’t worry, if anything it’ll teach him to restrain himself once he see’s how the life of a pony is.” She said as she was at her table with many veil glasses and beacons. Hot plates boiling under the veils as Twilight studied Leo’s cells.

The silence was shattered as Leo busted the door down, his fur bloody and dirty with dirt as his breathing was heavy and hard. A look a pure rage in his eyes.

“Leo!? Wha-”

“Where is it?!”

“What?” Twilight said.

“WHERE'S THE GODDAMN ELIXIR!!!” He roared as his hoof shot through the floorboard.

“Leo calm down!” Fluttershy yelled in fright

“They took her!” He said as his voice began to crack, tears breaking out.

“Who?” Twilight repeated

“Some diamond dogs, they said to meet them at the forest’s edge in the rocky area. To bring the human version of myself.” He said as he breathed heavily.

“Why?” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s a long story, I can’t explain now!” He looked back to Twilight. “I need it now!” He bared his teeth.

Twilight was frozen in shock as his eyes dug into her, She looked away and sighed as she handed him a magenta glowing veil from the table.

“Wait, you had it ready this whole time?” Fluttershy asked, her expression showed that she was applied.

“Yes…” She said shamefully. “I knew Leo wouldn't lend me his DNA, so this provided an open opportunity and…” Without saying another word, Leo took the vial and drank it down. Nothing had happened for a moment until his form was enveloped by a magenta glow as his eyes glowed. His form was gone in the magenta whirlwind as the wind blew violently. It soon stopped as the glow faded completely, revealing a buck naked Leo kneeling.

“Leo...are you--” Fluttershy tried to say before Leo stood up, revealing everything to them, not caring in the slightest. “L-Leo! You-you’re!” She was then interrupted as he turned around and headed for the door.

“Don’t worry Pixel, I’m coming!” He said. That was until the yellow pegasus stood in front of him.

“Leo wait! If the culprits are who you say they are then you can’t do this alone.” She said

“Out of my way Fluttershy! I have to get some clothes and go save her!” He said as he pushed past her.

“But you don’t know where it is!!!” She shouted.

He stopped for a moment before turning to face her. “Can you take me?” He said.

“Yes, but under one condition…” She said as she walked up to him. “You let us help…”

~

Far off from the town the group of diamond dogs and their leader waited as they occupied themselves by examining the human female. Near the exit of the grand forest on a cliff.

“She looks almost like a diamond dog.” One of them knelt, sniffing her.

“Mmm, I bet she would make a great bitch.” The other said as he panted, staring at her with desire.

Pixel stayed quiet as she could only show a hateful glare at the creatures. ‘No wonder why Rarity hates these creatures...’ She thought to themselves. She couldn’t help but let out a muffled chuckle as she could only imagine how pissed off Leo will be once he gets here.

“Huh? What so funny!?” He yelled as he smacked her across her face. “Laugh at me will you!” He said as he was about to backhand her. That was until a red beam shot behind him, sending the dog flying forward and falling to the cliff, plummeting down to the rocky ground of the opening of the grand forest.

“Idiot…” The unicorn said as he walked over to Pixel. “...forgive my mutts, we don’t usually have ‘guests’ so…” His horn glowed as she was no longer gagged.

Pixel coughed a little, the gag being uncomfortable as she needed to clear her throat. “Gee, I wonder why.” She said in a sarcastic manner, the girl only left on her knees as her arms were behind her and her legs were still tied up in magic.

“Don’t get cheeky, I can be much worse than these mongrels who are lucky enough to serve me.” He said in a mildly threatening tone. “I am Silver Blood.” He introduced himself.

“Silver Blood, huh? Are you perhaps related to Blueblood?” She asked, rather curious. “Or is that just a coincidence that your names sound a little related?”

“Don’t the simple minded ape I think you are. I am from a noble family, or was...I just got too greedy and that bitch goddess stripped me of my title and my family disowned me for practicing the arts of forbidden magic.” He tilted his head, gesturing his silver horn.

“Well it’s called dark magic for a reason...” Pixel mumbled out loud. “Seems the goddess did the right thing by kicking out a horse like you.” She said with a cheeky smile. “I assume your horn got circumcised for whatever magic you pulled.” She laughed a little.

“In a manner, yes…” He said as paced near the cliff’s edge. “You can’t get something for nothing with this awesome power.” His horn glowed a silver hue for a moment before looking over to Pixel. “Tie her up…” He said.

The dogs were quick to do as they were told as she was now binded with a regular rope, he then ordered them to throw her over the edge as the end of the rope was held by his lieutenant. She was hanging up high above where the diamond dog lay motionless on the ground, it’s limbs bended the way they should not be.

“Ah, the old, ‘I’m about to make you fall to your death’ cliche? Seen it before.” Pixel spoke, not so interested and bored by the sight. “I’m guessing those are some dogs that actually had a brain.” She added. “I don’t want to say this, but I gotta. You won’t get away with this! Leo will come and kick your ass!”

“I hope he does…” A familiar voice added as a dark grey stallion, none other than Shining Ore, looking over Pixel. “Your mate has caused a great deal of pain and humiliation to me…” He said.

“You actually don’t need help in making yourself look like an idiot. I mean, who throws rotten tomatoes at a guy who was playing with a filly? That’s just downright bullying.” Pixel spoke, her voice sounding familiar to the stallion. “And I guess you haven’t learned, did you.” She tsked as she shook her head. “All bark and no bite, needing someone else to do your dirty work.”

“That voice! You’re that bitch aren’t you!” He seethed in anger as he remembered how she pinned him. “I should let you fall right now! But then…” His expression shifted one eighty as he was wearing a calm, gentle smile. “I’d rather you die in front of that ape. Watch his heart shatter into a million pieces as his mate plummets to her death. Her body, MANGLES AND HER BONES SHATTERING BEFORE HIS EARS!!!” He yelled before he licked his lips. “How delicious will it be to watch the beast cry and wail…” He chuckled.

“Yeah, that would be an interesting image, but just imagine the aftermath of it all.” She grinned. “Blood splattered everywhere, chunks of flesh of both ponies and diamond dogs. Bone sticking out from your limbs and the armor that was meant to protect you, stabbing into your lungs and drowning you in your own blood. I have a feeling this cliff might be much better than Leo tearing you guys to shred.” She licked her lips. “I wonder if your blood really tastes like silver.” She looked over at the stallion. “Ah! And just the thought of you guys calling for your mothers, begging for forgiveness while your bottom half is probably on the other end of the room. The red trail of blood you're making as you try and crawl your way to freedom, even though you’ll be dead either way.”

The dogs shuddered in their armors as Silver Blood was taken back but not phased, Shining ore however felt a death like chill run over him as he remembered the face of the Leo that attacked them. Silver blood chuckled before breaking out into a full laughter, maniacal.

“If that’s the case then this will be so much fun!” He said as he zapped Pixel, the red magic pulsing in her as it was redirected at him. His form taking on a new as his body morphed, his legs grew as his fur fell. The red luminescence faded as in place was now a muscular pale skinned human now. His red hair spilled over his shoulders as he crossed his arms. His horn still in place though. It glowed again as clothes, slightly padded with armor. A grey jacket with spiked shoulders, set of black pants with cuffs at the end of them, he wore sleeveless gloves with spiked knuckles. The dogs stared in fright as a new vibe came from their master, a more benevolent and powerful one. “Behold…” He said.

Pixel felt a little weak when the magic was aimed at her, it sucking the energy from her body. “You… you could really get some sun.” She chuckled as she glanced over at him. “You almost look like a human ghost.”

Before he could retort, his lieutenant had spoken up.

“Boss! He’s here!” He yelled as he put a knife under Pixel’s rope.

They all shot their glances at the forest. Nothing had come out until a bronze human, a black leather jacket with blue jeans and black boots, wearing black leather sleeveless gloves emerged. He walked over as his gaze was fixed on the crowd above Pixel. He could see her in his peripheral vision though. His right arm a little separate than how it should be in a walking motion. His hand out as his fingers flexed, the bones practically popping.

“Hey Leo!” Pixel called out with a smile on her face. She knew that they would all be dead meat, but she decided to go quiet and just watch the fight take fold.

Leo didn't answer, he continued to walk as the lieutenant growled as he gripped the rope tighter. “Stop!” He yelled, but he continued to advance. “I’m telling you to stop!” He yelled.

“So you want to test your luck?” Silver Blood said, “Grum!” He yelled to his lieutenant.

“Yeah…” He growled as his knife began cutting the rope.

‘Shit!’ Pixel thought as she didn’t think they were serious. But she was a little thankful that the rope was a little thick, so it would take some time to break… that is, if her weight didn’t make it snap on it’s own.

The rope snapped completely as she was sent plummeting. Her death seemed almost assured as a rainbow streak picked her off the sky and took her into the woods. “Gosh you're heavy.” Yelled the voice of Rainbow dash as she descended into the forest.

“Wait, Rainbow Dash!? How the heck did you get here?” She asked, ignoring the weight insult as she honestly didn't care.

“Leo said you needed help!” She said as she landed on her hooves after setting Pixel down. “Common!” She said as she went back to where Leo was though waited just far enough away from sight.

“I have a feeling one of you needed to work up a deal for Leo to ask for your help.” Pixel mumbled as she wasn’t sure if she should follow her or probably go to safety. ‘Well, there's nothing to exactly go back to.’ She thought as she followed the cyan mare and the rainbow trail she left behind.

Both of them watched as Silver Blood issued and order for his dogs to fire their arrows. They did as they were told as the arrow heads tips glowed red. On contact they all exploded around Leo as the explosions thundered and echoed throughout the land.

As the smoke cleared Leo was kneeling in place, but none of the arrows hit him. In fact, most of them were caught by hand. Leo glared daggers at the group as his eyes glowed silver.

The lieutenant reeled back in fear. “No! That’s not possible!” He yelled as he dropped his bow. “We can’t beat this thing we can’t!” He screamed as he jumped on all fours and ran off, the lower dogs doing the same as they dug the ground beneath them to escape.

“Come back you mongrels!” Shining Ore shouted before turning to face Silver Blood. “What do you think you’re doing! I paid you to be rid of this beast! I see now why you lost your noble status--”

“Shut up!!!” Silver Blood shouted as he kicked Shining Ore off the cliff, plummeting to his death. He then turned to face Leo who had dropped the arrow heads. His left hand clenched as his fingers popped loudly. Truly the real fight was about to begin as he jumped off the cliff into the ground. Facing off with Leo as his red eyes dug into his silver.

“Sheesh, I knew Leo would be upset, but I never thought he cared this much about me.” Pixel couldn’t help but smile as a small blush on her cheeks. ‘Kick his ass Leo!’ She mentally thought as she didn’t want to shout it out and maybe distract Leo.

“Decided to make an appearance ah ape!?” Silver Blood yelled as he got into a fighting stance. “Ready?!”

Leo’s only answer was that he shot like a bullet towards the awaiting Silver Blood. His hands locked with his as Leo tried to push him back with the immense force, the ground giving in beneath them as the earth shook. An invisible force blew behind Silver Blood as the ground gave in to Leo’s magical force. Silver Blood grunted as he glowed red and pushed back as the same was repeated on Leo’s side, but with the red aura coming from Silver Blood.

“Buck this is intense!!!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“I hope he doesn't die cause of me.” Pixel got a little scared as she had yet to see Silver Blood’s true power. ‘I mean, he can turn himself into a human without breaking a sweat!’ She thought.

Silver Blood used his power to throw Leo up into the air, sending him flying up high with his dark magic strength. “You’re not getting away!” His horn glowed as it shot many red aura projectiles at him. They hit their mark as Leo tried desperately to block them with his left arm as he descended. He grunted in pain as the magic burned into his flesh as he landed. Silver Blood’s horn glowed brighter as it set a large discharge. “Take this!!!” He shouted as the potent projectile sent Leo skidding back as it burned the leather of his sleeve into his flesh. He gritted his teeth as he tried not to falter.

Leo jumped back as two grey spheres fell from his jacket, the spheres spun as they emitted a large smoke. Giving Leo cover as he moved further back into the woods for cover.

Silver Blood squinted his eyes as he tried to see through the smoke, but as it lifted Leo was nowhere to be found. He grunted in irritation as he couldn't seem to find him him.

“He’s hiding from me!” He grit his teeth as he balled his fists. “Then I’ve got no other choice but to force him out with my silver horn!” He knelt down as his horn‘s glow went from red to silver, it hummed loudly as he growled. The horn was ready to fire. “Silver bore!!!” He shouted as a silvery discharge blew right through the forest with ease. It destroyed trees and the ground beneath. He began to laugh maniacally as many more followed, destroying acres upon acres of forest.

“Gee, and they think humans are monsters. I can only guess how many animals were killed from that.” Pixel mumbled.

Smoke and splinters kicked up as none of them seemed to hit their mark as Leo was sneakingly making his way closer and closer to Silver Blood.

At a different point Twilight and Fluttershy were spectating where the cliffs where. Twilight like a filly at heart’s warming eve smiling widely as she took notes.

“This is amazing! So this is what it’s like when humans fight each other through magic!? This makes griffons look tamed in comparison.” She stated ignorantly.

Fluttershy however stared in fear as the forest was lit ablaze. She wondered if Leo was hit by one of the silver bores or crushed under a tree. He heart pounded as it took the reins as she took off in flight, Twilight crying out, not fond of the idea of her friend getting between Leo and the crossfire.

Fluttershy landed in front of Silver Blood as she held her wings up. Silver blood smiled widely as the next bore charged up brighter readying to fire at her. Her eyes widened as she soon saw her life flash before her. To her young filly life in Cloud’s Dale to her meeting with her friends, and then Leo. A tear traveled down her cheek as she was ready to die, the silvery flash closing in on her, ready to take her life.

That was until a dark shadow appeared before her taking the hit in her place. She composed herself enough to see who it was.

Leo, blocking the potent bore his abused left arm in a kneeling state. He grunted as he forced himself to get up. The projectile still on him as his right arm burst into flames.

“Leo!” Pixel cried out as she didn't like the sight of him being injured. She was tearing up a little as she prayed he was okay and will be alright.

Silver Blood reeled back in fear at the human stopping his most powerful attack. “W-what!?” his eyes filled with fear as he broke into a cold sweat

Leo looked over to Pixel who was watching. This moment reminded him of a certain show he watched as a kid as his silver eyes glowed brighter, staring into Silver Bloods fear stricken irises.

“You may have that silver horn, but I’ve got these burning fingers!!!” He yelled as launched himself high and towards Silver Blood, pushing his magical beam back as he shrieked in fear at the human who was closing in on him.

“HERE I GO!!!” He shouted as he shot his burning arm forward. “BURNING FINGEEEEEERRR!!!!” He roared as his hand clenched tightly around Silver Blood’s horn. The close contact of both magic shot out violently, destroying the ground beneath them.

Pixel’s eyes widened as she saw that happen, but got scared as she saw the ground was being torn apart. “Leo! Get out of there!” She called out.

He didn't listen though, as Leo spoke to the screaming in pain Silver blood. “Chapter two of the unicorn biology textbook; a unicorn whose horn section has been destroyed, is permanently void of ever using magic!” He said as he lifted Silver Blood by his horn to the point of only his toes touching the ground.

He screamed more as he tried to pry his burning grip off. The pain of his burning finger and his magic being forced back into his horn was just inconceivable.

“I’m not done! I’ve got something I’ve been wanting to ask you.” He said as both his arm and and Silver Blood’s horn glowed brighter as the ground was being torn more and more asunder.

“WHAT’S GOING OOOONN!!??” He shouted as tears were now leaving his eyes in fear before locking them with Leo.

“Who hired you to do this?” He asked.

“S-shining Ore! I-it was him! I swear I-I didn't do this on my own accord!!!” He pleaded.

“I see…” His grip tightened as the silver gave into his grip. “...the Equestrian book of law article 7-1 states what?!” He yelled as his look became fierce.

“N-no creature should be discriminated because of their race or where they come from!!!” He cried.

Finally his horn exploded as Silver Blood feel backwards, a large explosion followed as everything was enveloped in white around the two. Sending a strong shock wave around a six mile radius.

Pixel was quick to duck her head as the shock wave made her hoodie and hair flow by the strong wind.

The dust cleared as Leo stood over the ponified version of Silver Blood. His hand still burning with fire until it slowly died out into nothing. Silver Blood’s horn gone completely.

“At least you didn't lose your life, be grateful for what I’ve done. I spared you Silver Blood.” He lowered his hand.

“L-Leo?” Pixel spoke out as she looked over at where the other human was looking down at the new earth pony.

He turned to lock eyes with Pixel who seemed to be more than happy of seeing him. “Pixel…?” He uttered as he turned around completely to face her.

She slowly got up as she was still a bit shaken up from what happened. She tried to walk over to where he was, but with her shaking legs, she lost her footing and fell onto his chest. She didn't say anything as she wrapped her arms around him, starting to tear up as she thought he was dead…and that she was gonna die too.

“Pixel…” He gently hugged her as her brought closer, petting her hair as he fought his tears back, remembering when she was taken away by force. “Forgive me…” He choked out.

She hugged tighter as she sniffled. “I thought you wouldn't make it.” She said in a quiet tone. “I thought I was gonna die…”

“I’m sorry!” He said as he broke into tears. “I let this happen! It’s my fault!” He said as he sobbed, the thought of her dying was too overbearing for him to handle.

“None of this was your fault.” She gripped the back of his shirt. “You didn't send those diamond dogs, you didn't bring this unicorn. I'm just happy that you made it…and that you're alive.” She smiled a little.

“I should be saying that…” He said before looking at his surroundings. “What a mess we’ve made…” He said.

“We humans always make a mess.” She couldn't help but chuckle a little as she stayed close to Leo.

“Yeah…” He answered before locking his eyes with Pixel. “Pixel…” He said.

Pixel looked back up at Leo as her chin was resting on his chest. “Yes?” She asked, looking into his eyes.

“I love you so much.” He said as he kissed her lips. Despite his being dry from the stress around him he didn’t care. He had to express how he felt.

Pixel’s eyes widened at the kiss before they slowly closed and she kissed back. She moved her arms so they could be around his neck, making him kiss a little harder.

He broke the lip contact yet he only pulled back far enough for their nose tips to touch. “Don't ever leave me like that.” He gave her her a gentle nuzzle.

She blushed pink at the light nuzzling. “I promise.” She gave him a small nuzzle in return before she rested her head on his shoulder.

“Good.” He sighed in relief before he pet her back. Trotting was soon heard as Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and even Twilight had come.

“Leo! Are you okay!?” Rainbow Dash said said as Fluttershy just stared at Leo’s left arm. The leather of his jacket burnt into his arm.

“Oh my goddess! Are you badly hurt?!” Fluttershy yelled as the smell filled their nose.

“Doesn’t it hurt!?” Twilight asked as she saw his arm. Black melded to bronze.

“No it doesn't...think I just might be in shock.” He said said as the pain was slowly settling in.

Pixel was soon moving her head away from his shoulder, wanting to see the injury as well. But once she did, her eyes widened before she looked directly at Leo “We need to get you to a hospital.” She said, worried and concerned over his well being.

“Do I have to, I hate doctors. Can't we just patch it up back in the cottage?” He asked.

“We could, but I don’t think Fluttershy knows how to heal a wound from a powerful magic spell.” She spoke.

“I guess you’re right.” He said giving in.

“Actually I can fix it.” Twilight said.

“You?” Rainbow Dash scoffed before Twilight glared daggers at her. “I mean I know you can do it for a fact but you think Leo will let you near him?” She quirked her brow.

“He will, after all…” She looked over to him as her eyes were half lidded. “You remember our deal Leo for making you those smoke bombs.” She said amusingly.

“Yes…” He looked away as he closed his eyes. His brow twitched.

“Then it's agreed then.” She said cheerfully before her horn glowed as his arm was enveloped by Twilight’s magenta glow as the disgusting sight of his arm returned back to its original state. Though the healing process was extremely painful to him.

Pixel could see the pain in his eyes at both the physical and how much he really didn’t want the mare to do this. She decided to hold his other hand for comfort, showing that she was there for him.

The attempted comfort seemed to help as his pain eased to the point of completion.

“There, good as new.” Twilight stated proudly.

“Yup…” Leo examined the details of his arm, it was healed but the scars remained

“Yo Leo, what was that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“What was what?” He looked over to Rainbow Dash.

“That burning arm, you know and that “burning finger” thing.” She said.

“Hmm?” Pixel was a bit confused on what she was talking about, not really seeing what she saw as everything was happening so fast.

“Just from a show I watched as kid. It was epic and climactic. The moment just seemed to fit.” He shrugged.

“That was pretty epic!” She agreed with with a wide smile. “You were like ‘you may have that silver horn but I've got these burning fingers!’” She recited what Leo had said. “So awesome!”

Pixel couldn’t help but smile and laugh a little. “That was kinda cool.” She spoke as she hugged his arm a little.

“Hugging the arm that saved you?” He joked. “It's fitting.” He nuzzled her gently.

“Male humans seem fierce when protecting a human female that belongs to them.” Twilight noted under her breath.

“What was that?” Pixel asked with some confusion, hearing Twilight talk about something.

“Nothing.” She said. “We should go home now. It's getting late.” She suggested as she began walking.

“What about him?” Fluttershy said, gesturing to Silver Blood.

“What ABOUT him?” Leo repeated as he followed Twilight with Lean still holding his arm gently. “I have a promise I have to keep to you remember?” Leo whispered in Pixel’s ear, giving it a subtle nibble.

Pixel couldn't help but blush pink at what he whispered, the blush only spreading at the small nibble on her ear. “N-now?” She asked in a quiet tone that only he could hear.

“Not in front of them silly. You smell like dog, I want to give you a special shower.” He said taking taking a firm grip on her rear. Not afraid, seeing as how the three mares were in front of them conversing about the situation. “So plump…”

“L-Leo. Not when they could turn and see.” She blushed red as she pushed his hand off her rump. “…save it for later.” She blushed more as she glanced away bashfully.

“You know you loved it.” He teased.

Before Pixel could converse Fluttershy called out to them. Getting their attention. "Leo I'll be home a bit later. I have to go to the library and help Twilight and Rainbow Dash send a letter to Celestia. Can you watch the house with Pixel until then?"

Leo could only smile widely internally. "Gladly. " He said in a subtle mischievous tone.

Pixel mentally sighed as she knew what Leo had planned for her. But, to be honest, she was more tired than anything. She was just exhausted from the kidnapping, magic zapping, and nearly having a heart attack over Leo’s safety. She started to rest her head on Leo’s side as it seemed she was putting some of her weight on him.

~

After arriving home both Leo and Pixel had gone to the guest room. Pixel was making her way to get in the shower but Leo stopped her. Suggesting he would be in the shower to heat the water as as she rested for a while.

“Just rest here while I warm up the water.” He said turning his back to her, taking taking his shirt off and tossing it aside.

“You sure? I mean, you were the one saying I smelled like the dogs.” Pixel spoke as she sat down on the bed, watching him take his shirt off as she blushed at the sight of his toned body.

He could only smile from her bashfulness. “If that's the case…” He beckoned her with his finger as his other hand’s thumb thumb was tugging down his pant strap teasingly.

“L-Leo, it was just a question.” Pixel glanced away as it seemed she wouldn't fall that easily. She rubbed one of her eyes a little as she stayed looking away.

“Then I'll warm the water up. I'll call you when it's ready.” He said as he went in closing the door halfway, leaving it open as as the sound of pants were dropped. The shower now running.

Pixel only laid down on the bed as the blush remained on her cheeks when she heard the removal of pants. She yawned a little before her eyes started to get heavy. Both with the quiet atmosphere and warm bed, she was soon out like a light, curled close to herself as she began wrapping her arms around one of the corners of the quilt.

“Pixel the shower is ready.” He called out. “Pixel?” He called out, not wanting to leave the tub through fear of slipping.

The only response he got was a small exhale from the sleeping human as she was laying on her side, the sound of the shower and his voice not waking her up.

There was a moment of silence as the shower stopped and Leo stepped through with a towel around his waist. He saw she was now asleep as he sighed in disappointment. “I guess next time then…” He walked over to Pixel as he wrapped the cover blanket over her before going to the drawer and picking his pajamas and new boxers before leaving the room. “Night Pixel.” He said as he closed the door behind him, making his way downstairs to his couch.

She curled closer to herself in her sleep after Leo covered her under the quilt. It took about two hours before she started waking up, the drowsiness in her head as she felt she could just go back to sleep. But when she looked up at the window and saw that sun was starting to set, she remembered that Leo was waiting for her.

“Leo!” She shouted as she quickly got out of the bed and went to the bathroom, only to see that no one was there and that the tub was dry.

She rushed downstairs as she saw Leo was now asleep. His back turned to her as he snored softly, his form rising and falling gently. He seemed to be in a deep sleep as he nuzzled uncomfortably on the arm rest.

‘Oh Leo…I'm so sorry.’ She thought as she sat down and rested her head on one of the arms of the couch. She felt bad for sleeping on Leo like that, after everything he did for her.

He began to stir a little from the added weight of the couch as he turned facing away, a slight moan and groan as his back popped.

She mentally sighed as she was now rather bored. She could wake up Leo, but she didn’t want to be rude, and he’s probably more tired than she was. She crossed her arms on the side of the couch as she rested her head on the folded limbs.

Eventually she fell asleep once again as her grogginess wore over her again.

~

The morning came as it did as Pixel was sleeping softly as she breathe gently. Though she woke up through her pained neck as she found herself resting her head on the armrest. She looked over to her left and saw Leo was missing.

She stood and popped her bones as she caught the scent of coffee in the kitchen. She went to investigate and saw Leo all dressed up, drinking a cup of coffee in silence.

“Morning…” He said between sips.

“Morning…” She repeated with a mumble as she rubbed one of her eyes.

“Sleep well?” He asked, dropping a cube of sugar in.

She nodded as she stopped rubbing her eye, not seeing how slightly messy her hair was.

“You should go shower, you still smell like dog.” He said.

“Okay...” She mumbled as she started walking out of the room and to the guest bathroom, the trip being a little slow.

He sighed as he consumed his coffee, a moment of silence to himself until there were steps coming from upstairs to the kitchen. He noticed it was Fluttershy as she entered the kitchen with with a groggy look on her face.

"You're up late." Leo said as he looked over to Fluttershy, putting his cup down.

"I was helping Twilight last night." She said as she went over the counter for the coffee pot, pouring a cup for herself before taking a seat beside Leo. "How did you sleep?"

"More or less fine." He simply said.

"You know you could always sleep on my bed." She bashfully suggested.

"You know I can't do that, it'd be weird for a tenant to sleep in the same room as his landlord." He sipped once again as Fluttershy did the same.

‘Wouldn't be that weird.’ She thought.

~

Pixel was standing in the shower as she was washing her body, trying to make the dog smell wash off of her and replace it with some butterscotch soap scent. The warmth of the water and the rather unwanted silence, she started to hum a small tune again.

~

“Are you sure?” He asked.

"Yes, there's been talk, major concern about what you had done."

"To Silver Blood?" Leo was still lost. "But it was warranted. He tried to--"

"It's under investigation though, ponies are talking. And we don't know how the rumor spread.”

"I see..." He stared into his coffee cup as he just couldn't believe the aftermath of the situation. "...when?"

"Today, somewhere around the evening."

"I'll be watching then..." He spoke as he drank the last bit of coffee.

While they were conversing, a small muffled sound of singing was heard, but only if they were really quiet, Pixel wanting her singing to be kept secret.

"Mmm?" Fluttershy glanced upwards. "Is that Pixel singing?" Fluttershy asked.

Leo only gave a shrug. "Maybe." He said as he got up.

"You're going to work?"

"Yeah, I've gotta fix the ground those dogs tore up." He said walking out.

"Be careful." She said.

"I will." He finally said before walking out.

Fluttershy was now alone in her silence, well almost, she still faintly hear Pixel sing from upstairs in the guest bathroom. “She must like singing.” She said to herself.

The muffled singing got a little louder, but she couldn't exactly decipher what she was singing about.

Fluttershy shrugged lightly as she continued to sip her coffee away as she hummed a tune of her own.

~

After a while Fluttershy was in her living room reading a romance novel, after feeding her animals. She began to hear footsteps, as she saw Pixel descend from the stairs. She was dressed differently as she was wearing some pajama shorts, a large white t-shirt, and had a black hoodie on instead, matching her black pajama shorts. Her hair was in a low ponytail as it seemed she only dressed to stay indoors.

"Hello Pixel." She said simply.

“Oh, hey Fluttershy. When did you come back?” She asked, not seeing Fluttershy was here this morning.

“Thirty minutes ago.” She replied. “Are you looking for Leo?” She asked.

“Well, I'm assuming he was still here, but I'm guessing he left to do something, right?” Pixel said, glancing away as she folded her arms.

“He went to the orchard to go and fix the mess the dogs made. He'll be managing himself since Applejack was hurt.” She explained.

“Wait, I don't recall Applejack getting seriously hurt. Did they do something that I didn't see?” She asked, a little confused as all she could remember was them bringing her hooves into the ground so she couldn't move.

“She tried to move while she was stuck and in place and hurt her legs.” She shook her head. “She's such a stubborn mare. Now Leo has to do extra work. I hope he can do it though, his left arm still seems to hurt.” Her face morphed worryingly.

“Perhaps I could go and help. I mean, I was kinda part of what happened. I was there, and I didn't keep my promise in keeping him safe…I'm sorry.” She mumbled the last words and glanced away. “He recognized my voice, and I thought he wouldn't mess with Leo anymore.”

“I know…” She locked her gaze to her. “...he cares about you enough to fight of a pack of diamond dogs, led by a dark magic wielder and even having his left arm slightly melted just to save you. And that deal...that disgusting deal he made with Twilight just to get her help.” Her face was now full in disgust as she remembered the terms Twilight laid down for him.

“What deal?” She asked, sitting on the couch, a little curious on what horrible deal Leo agreed to. “And…why would he even need her help?”

“He said there was a huge pack led by somepony powerful. He needed something to provide him cover, so she made him smoke screen bombs. In exchange Twilight asked....she asked….” She broke down down a bit as she covered her face a bit.

Pixel frowned as she lightly rubbed her back for comfort. “It's okay. If you don't want to say, you don't have to.” Pixel said, understanding how this might be hard for her to let out.

"No it's okay." She assured as she wiped her tears away. Composing herself as her breathing was slightly heavy. "She asked him for his...his semen." She uttered looking away.

“…what?” She simply said. She wasn't sure if she was just confused or just caught by surprise…maybe both. “That's…messed up.” She mumbled.

"I know, but he just said that he didn't care. That he would do whatever it takes to save you. 'No matter what' he said, as long as it helps in his mission to rescue you." She explained.

Pixel glanced away as her hand moved off her back. She couldn't help but feel a little hurt inside. He did all of this for her, yet she felt she didn't do much to return the favor. “Do you…do you think it was worth it?” She decided to ask, rubbing her arm as she stayed looking down.

“That's not something you should be asking somepony like me Pixel.” She said as she too was facing down. “It's him.”

“But he's not here…” She spoke. ‘Maybe she doesn't think it's worth it…’ She thought as she looked outside the window. “Maybe I should just find him and ask him myself…” She mumbled.

“Maybe you should Pixel.” She said as she jumped from the couch and went to the kitchen. “But I think the actions speak for itself.” She stated finally before disappearing into the kitchen.

Pixel stayed quiet before she got up, putting on some sandals and made her way out of the cottage and to the hills of apple trees. ‘Oh Leo… You didn't have to do so much just for me…I'm not that important.’ She thought.

~

As she made to her destination, she began walking around the orchard as she went back to the spot where she was kidnapped. She saw the hole half full as the memory played as the feeling of fear coiled around her heart. She didn’t know what she was afraid of really though.

Was it when she was kidnapped, or was it when Leo was being crushed under a tree?

Seeing as how she couldn’t find him she noticed Big Mac a few meters away. She walked to him as to ask where he was.

“Uhm, excuse me, is Leo still here?” She asked.

The big red stallion looked over to her with his usual neutral expression. "Yup?" He answered.

“W-well, can you point me to where he is?” She asked as she was a little fearful over the strong stallion, remembering all the stories relating to the big stallion nearly killing the fortunate human.

"He seemed bothered as we was busy filling the hole with some dirt we hauled here. I asked him what was eating him. He said that it was something about making a deal with the devil. I was confused but just told him to go take care of that affair. He just sighed, dropped his shovel and walked off." He explained.

“Well, I guess he would call it that since he hates Twilight with a passion.” Pixel rubbed the back of her neck. “I would be too after what he went through with her…” She mumbled the last part.

"I understand that, you could find him there at the library." He said as he made his way back to the hole. His intention if filling it up before sundown.

Pixel thought about getting there as fast as she could, but was also debating whether or not to do that. But…she didn't want Leo to go see Twilight by himself. For all she knows, that deal might've been a trap so that he could relive what happened the last time.

With that fear in her mind, she started to run to the library. While she was running, her flip flops slipped off her feet, but she paid no mind as she only ran faster without them.

~

After her arduous run bare footed, the library was just in sight two hundred meters away. She doubled her efforts as she pumped her legs harder. Before she could close in the door a few the library had opened as Leo emerged from the library. A miserable look in his face of shame as he placed a firm hand on his crotch, rubbing it as though the comfort would leave.

Pixel skidded to a halt, which hurt her feet a little, and looked at Leo with a worried and concerned look on her face. “L-Leo..?” She shyly spoke out.

He stopped in place as he jerked a little. "Pixel? What are you doing here." He asked as his eyes darted a bit. A cold sweat dripping from his chin.

“I…I wanted to help out at the farm, but Big Mac told me you were making your way to Twilight. And, I kinda didn't want you to go in alone. But I'm guessing it's too late for that.” Pixel rubbed her arm as she glanced away.

"Yeah but you're too late. I went over to get it over with..." He shuddered as he walked past Pixel. "I'm gonna go...walk around so I can get this out of my system..." His volume barely high for her to hear as his form was a bit slouched.

“Leo…I know about the deal.” She spoke out, now scared on what his reaction would be as she covered her mouth.

Leo stopped in place, remaining completely stationary before slowly turning his head. His expression completely shocked. “Who told you this…?”

Pixel remained quiet for a second, glancing away before she spoke. “...Fluttershy.”

"I see..." He crossed his arms, sighing as he should have known she couldn’t keep a secret. He looked over to her again and saw she was in her pajamas bare footed. "Shouldn't you be indoors?" He said.

“Y-yeah.” She blushed pink as she noticed she was still in her ‘indoor’ outfit. “B-but after talking to Fluttershy… and hearing what you went through just for me.” She stayed looking away from him as she didn’t want to see the look on his face. “I’m not even sure if you doing all this was worth it. I mean, if doing something you wouldn’t even do out of your free will, just so you can succeed in saving me… even after knowing I can’t stay. I just want to ask: was all of this even worth it for you?”

The question caught him off guard as he looked away. He didn't answer for half a minute which began to worry her, until he finally spoke.

"Yes Pixel..." He gazed back at her. "...you were worth it. Even if you have to leave eventually."

“R-really?” She asked, looking up at him. “Y-you're not saying that just to make me feel better?” She asked, thinking that perhaps he was just lying to hide his inner regret.

"I'm not lying Pixel. Despite the collateral damage..." He stared at his left hand, referring to himself. "...it was a risk I won't look back on in regret." He said finally.

Pixel couldn’t help but show a small smile before she stepped closer to him and quickly wrapped her arms around him, her face buried into his chest as he could feel the girl’s small hands gripping onto the back of his shirt.

His eyes widened a bit by surprise as he was caught off guard but eventually he wrapped his arms around her. Giving her a gentle pet on her hear before nuzzling her head. "Didn't think you'd be that touched." He said.

She didn’t speak as she only hugged a little tighter. She honestly didn’t want to let go. She felt a little safe in his arms, but she soon had to turn her head to the side so she could at least breath. “I just… I didn’t think it was.” She mumbled. “I… I barely did anything to get your kindness and loyalty, yet, you're treating me as if we’ve known each other for years.”

"Be that as it may Pixel, I don't care. My instincts told me to do whatever I could to save you no matter what." He placed a finger on her chin as he tilted her head upward, now facing him. "Does it really matter if you did anything in return for my kindness? Do you really feel like that?" He asked.

Her eyes averted for only a moment before they looked right back into Leo’s. “I just feel like I don’t deserve it. Like, the reason you're helping me is cause I was bothersome from the start… and that you wanted to get rid of me.” She lightly bit her lip as she looked away again.

His eyes darted away shamefully as he lowered his head. "To be honest, yes, you were a burden to me. I thought you were some nut case or a mare with amnesia. I took pity on you an hoped you'd regain your marbles soon. But then...I got to know you more and that's when I had a change of heart." He admitted.

“Do you still think that?” She asked. “A unicorn mare that somehow knows about you and thinks she’s a human as well?”

"My suspicions were put to rest as you turned human. Not only that though, you knew things no one else would know, I'll admit I thought something was off, but the more I got to know you, the more my suspicions of you being a pink unicorn mare who was either crazy or with amnesia...or just someone who was pretending just to make fun of me were as I said. Put to rest." He said as he looked off. "When I grew to like you...I was scared you really were a pony just pretending to be lost just to play it as a cruel joke."

Pixel quickly looked over at him with widened eyes. “Wh-why would I even do that? If you've never saw me before, then I couldn't have known about you. A-and, I know what you went through, and you don't deserve any cruel joke like that. If…if I did all that just to break your heart, I wouldn't be any better than…than her.” She said, gripping tightly to his shirt again. “And I wouldn't live with myself, knowing I was worse than the pony you hate.” She looked down as she felt a bit sad. “I…I would never want to hurt a person or a pony. We might look different, but we still act the same.”

"I know Pixel, it makes me happy to know I'm wrong about you. It makes me even happier you said it, that you're here with me. Even if it's for a for a short time." He said as he combed her hair with his fingers as his voice dropped at the last part of his sentence.

She closed her eyes at the small petting, but she could feel her nose sting and her eyes get watery as she didn't like that she couldn't say…well, not without the guilt of her giving up on going home over staying in a place others would see as a fantasy.

Leo perked up as he noticed Pixel was beginning to tear up and sniffle. "Pixel? What's wrong?" He asked, not liking the girl he loved cry.

“…I hate Discord so much.” She mumbled as she rested her head on his chest. “And I hate that I love you…and that I have to leave you.” She said, the tears flowing faster as her eyes were closed shut. “Because of you…now I don't want to leave.”

"I'm sorry..." He said as he looked away, a little hurt she had said that. "I'm sorry for that then..." He dropped his arms from the hug as he closed his eyes. Trying to fight his tears back.

She started to hug back once his embrace loosened. “Please…I don't want you to be upset. I shouldn't have said anything.” She said as she took one of his hands and intertwined her own smaller one with his. “I would be lying, if I said this wasn't the first time when I didn't want to leave someone behind.” She then looked back up at him, small tears in her eyes, but a genuine smile on her lips. “Can we just enjoy our time together…before we come back to reality?” She asked.

His spirit lifted but only a little from her reassuring words. It would be a waste of time if the time they spent together would only be filled with sadness. "Alright." He said, bringing her hand to his lips and giving it a small kiss. "For you, I'll enjoy this time we have together." He said, rubbing her wrist on his cheek.

Pixel blushed pink at the small kiss and the warm contact of her wrist on his cheek. She only stayed silent, looking into his eyes as she just loved looking at every detail, almost as if she would have to remember them right then and there.

"You still there Pixel? You seem zoned out." He teased as he leaned in, giving her a peck on her lips.

She snapped out of it when his lips made contact with hers. She blushed pink as she pulled away a little, her blush more as she looked away bashfully.

"What? You didn't like it?" He said teasingly as he caressed her cheek. Though it was gentle, she could feel how rough and cut up they were. She couldn't tell if it was from working in the orchard, or the recent fight.

The blush on her cheeks only grew more noticeable as she stayed looking away, a small smile on her lips as it showed that she was less than unhappy about the small kiss.

Before he could continue to tease her there was a loud clearing of throat as they both turned to see a dull white unicorn stallion with green eyes and a blue messy mane. He seemed to be middle aged with his facial features of wrinkles, despite the fur. And the small scruff of beard growing on his muzzle. He wore a brown trench coat with a old time fedora hat.

He stared Leo down as he glared right through him.

"Can I help you?" He said.

"My name is Flakes, Ice Flakes of the Cloud eye bureau. I'm an investigator. " He said in an old time Boston accent. "You're Leo aren't you?" He responded with a slow nod.

"I'd like to speak to you in private." He said.

"Are you the one I should be expecting?" He asked. The stallion only responded with a nod. "Thought you wouldn't be here till the evening." Leo said in a slightly annoyed manner.

"When it comes to things like this I make it my top priority."

"I see..."

The stallion turned his back to Leo, walking away but stopped as he beckoned him to follow. He sighed before turning to Pixel. "Wait here." He broke the embrace as he followed Ice Flakes.

Pixel looked over at him with slight worry. She held his hand until he started walking further and her grip loosened, holding nothing but air as she bit her lip, mentally praying that nothing bad would happen from this.

~

Both Leo and Ice Flakes stared each other down in a vacant alley. Both glares trying to push each other back. "So what is you wanted to speak to me about?" Leo said leaning back, crossing his arms.

"Silver Blood, a unicorn who has had an infamous reputation of being a forbidden magic wielder, leader of a large pack of diamond dogs. A murderous bandit." He said darkly as he levitated a toothpick to his mouth. "He was our most elusive criminal yet, and dangerous. The closer we got the further he got. Now he's stuck in a coma because of what you did."

"You're welcome." He said boringly which made Ice Flakes angry. His toothpick breaking under his teeth.

"No! Not okay!" He shouted as he spat the other half out. "He had connections to bigger fish! He was one of our leads and you put him in a coma!"

"I could have done worse things to him." He said.

"Regardless, now we have nothing! And it's your fault!" He shouted louder.

"And what the hell do you want me to do about it?" He said not giving a care.

The stallion snorted before turning his back, leaving the human. "Find one of his mutts, get answers from him!" He ordered.

Leo reeled back as his face was adorned with a shocked, angry smile. "And what if I don't want to?" He tested.

"Then you’re looking at major jail time for practically killing an asset." He said with a smug smile before finally disappearing.

Leo only grunted as he clenched his teeth and fists. He swung his fist into the building making a small crater. "You bastard..." He hissed.

~

Pixel was still waiting from her spot, seeing the two go to an alleyway, but she didn't follow. Everything was quiet in her head, she was completely focused on that entryway, almost as if she was trying to figure out what they were talking about with just a look.

But of course, that didn't happen.

She sighed as she sat down on the cobblestone street, close to the library so that she wouldn't be in the way of anypony.

Not a moment sooner Leo had come. Approaching Pixel with his hands in his pockets, he tried his best to mask his troubled expression as he had approached her. "Sorry about that." He apologized.

“It's okay.” She simply said as she glanced away. “So, what was that about?” She asked.

"It involves the incident with Silver Blood. Apparently he was an important lead to bigger crime bosses and I gotta go find his lackeys and interrogate them and come up with something. If I don't it's prison time for me he said." He narrowed his eyes to where Ice Flakes went.

“I don’t think he can do that.” Pixel said. “You were given no information beforehand that he was an important lead. Also, you're the only human in Equestria, if anything, you're supposed to be kept safe and not behind bars for something you didn’t understand since you obviously wasn’t a part of.”

"Regardless, this guy seems like he's serious about what he said. Even if I am the one human here. I'm still going to get the bars if I don't come up with something..." He said scratching the back of his head before walking away. "Don't wait up."

Pixel sighed as she looked down, not knowing what to say as she silently followed him, not saying a word.

The small footsteps of Pixel caught his attention as he stopped and shot her a glance. "What're you doing?" He asked.

“Uhm… following you?” She answered.

He forrwed his brows, crossing his arms as he was not pleased she had ignored him.

"I told you not to wait up as in don't wait and don't come with me." He explained.

“I thought you were just saying that for that small meeting.” Pixel said, thinking that it was only for that.

"No, I'm going back to the grand forest's edge, where I beat Silver Blood. I know one of his mongrels are probably looting and eating away at the carcass of Shining Ore, which means it'll be dangerous."

“And you think going by yourself is a better idea?” She raised a brow. “I might not have magic, but I have a brain that says that’s a dumb idea.”

"Pixel please don't." He said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You think I want you to come with me? To where you were kidnapped and held hostage. I can go it alone." He said as he turned around. "Go home." He said.

“And do what? Sit around and wait for you to come back?” She asked, knowing that she would not have anything to do. “You never know what might happen, that incident proving enough that the unexpected can happen.”

"I'll be fine Pixel. It's you I'm worried about. Besides, I'm sure you and Fluttershy can talk about many things. At least I can take this job knowing you'll breathe easy." He said as he now began to walk.

‘But we have absolutely nothing to talk about...’ Pixel thought, looking down as she felt a little upset that Leo wouldn’t let her come. ‘But… I guess I can’t always follow Leo like a lost chick.’ She thought as her throat started to feel a little dry, the whole time not saying a word as her arms remained crossed and she looked down at the floor.

~

Leo and Spike had been trekking through the forest, the walk had took a little long since it wasn't as easy to see the rocky area from below the canopy.

"Why am I coming with you again?" Spike asked, crossing his arms as he looked up at Leo.

"I explained the situation earlier Spike. I brought you because I might need help later."

"What about Pixel?"

"She's the last person I want to bring, I feel like she still might be traumatized from the whole ordeal."

"It was just yesterday." Spike mumbled.

Both human and drake eventually broke free from the forest and entered into the rocky area. Before the young drake proceed any further Leo placed a hand in front of him, before he could ask what was wrong he hushed him and backed up into the forest. Hiding behind a few fallen trees that Silver Blood destroyed. They both peeked over and Leo pointed to where Shining Ore's body lay. Surrounding it where three diamond dogs, one in particular stood out as it was the lieutenant. He barked orders to the other two to loot and take the body back for meat.

"Spike...do you remember that little trick we practiced with your fire." Leo whispered.

Spike reeled back in shock as his eyes widened. "Are you crazy! We only did that to joke around! It won't work in this situation!" Spike hissed loudly.

"It will..." Leo said.

Spike sighed defeatedly as he braced himself. They both stood in front of each other as he inhaled and exhaled green flames. Leo was enveloped by the emerald fire completely until the fire dissipated with Leo now gone.

~

"Hurry up and grab what is on the equine!" Grum shouted.

"Why did we has to come back to where ape killed boss?" One of them complained.

"Quit your squabbling and get to wo-" Grum stopped as his ears perked and sniffed in the air. "What is burning?"

A cloud of smoke appeared above the dogs as it ignited in green flames, they cowered as the flames dissipated, leaving only a human falling twenty feet from the air. Grum had no time to escape as Leo landed on him, kneeing him between his shoulder blades, forcing him down.

Grum yelped in pain as he struggled to crawl away, watching his two subordinates scamper off into their holes.

"Come back and save me you cowards!" He yelled.

"Not so loyal are they?" Leo whispered in Grum's ear. "I have a few questions to who your boss pony knows. Tell me what I need to know and I will let you go. But lie to me..." He grabbed his shoulder and squeezed it hard. Grum let a dog like whine as he clawed the floor.

"Alright! Alright! I'll tell you!" He cried

~

Pixel had her hands in her pocket as she quietly walked through the town. She paid no mind to see if any ponies were watching her. But she could guess they were since that was a normal thing they did to Leo. She was thinking on what to do other than going back to the cottage and try having an awkward conversation with the shy mare.

‘I could try and meet the other five, but AJ might be busy, Rainbow will probably be working or sleeping, and I’ve never met Pinkie and Rarity.’ She then shuddered at the last option. ‘And heaven forbid I try and see what Twilight is up to with her… you know what.’ She shook her head as she tried to hide the image of a crazy happy Twilight with a jar of something she didn’t want to think of.

She kept on thinking on what else she could do. ‘I could also try and make some friends myself. But… what will they think of me since Leo gave them their own view on humans.’ She rubbed her neck a little, feeling how cold her hand and how warm her neck was. ‘Maybe they’ll try to avoid me like Leo.’ She added, her eyes glancing down at the cobblestone floor, her feet numb from the cold smooth rocks below her.

She didn’t see where she was heading as she was snapped at her thought as she felt something bump into her waist. She lifted her head up and looked to her side where she felt the small bump. What she saw was a familiar mint green unicorn with a cyan mane and tail with a white streak, sunglow eyes, and a cutie mark of a lyre. She raised a brow at the unicorn who was currently on her rump, rubbing her head as it seemed she herself didn’t expect bumping into someone.

"Ow my horn." She whined as her ears flicked. She shook her head as he she looked up at Pixel. Her eyes widened as she reeled back in place as she couldn’t believe what was in front of her. "Human...." She whispered.

“Uhm, hey. S-sorry for being in the way.” She said, offering a hand to help her up. “Are you okay?”

She snapped out of her small trance as she took her helping hand. "Yes...yes I'm fine." She said as she continued to stare. "Are...are you a friend of Leo’s." She asked.

“What made you think that?” She joked with a small smile. “The name’s Pixel.” She introduced herself as she let go of the mare’s hoof once she was standing again.

"Pixel? It's nice to meet you." She said as she nodded her head to greet her. "Are you Leo's mate? Judging from the smell on your body it must be true."

Pixel couldn’t help but blush pink when she asked that. “W-well, I think so. B-but I won’t be here long.” She said. “Just a small visit to Ponyville before I go back on track.”

Lyra's expression dropped along with her ears. "Aw, that's so sad. And here I thought the one thing that Leo needed greatly had finally come into his life." She sighed. "Guess it was too soon to hope..." She looked away.

“I might be many things to Leo, but I’m not the thing that he really needs.” She said as she placed a hand on her chest. “I’m just the pain killers for his injuries.”

"That's too bad. Leo has told me everything about his human life back on earth. I felt really bad for him. Heck, I even prayed to the stars that he would find his special somepony. Sadly though I guess it's not you despite that you're the same species." She said with a sad smile.

“Yeah. But who's to say that his special somepony isn't a pony?” She said with a small smile. “It could be anypony here. Even those who don't like him, but can only be near him by being a bit of a jerk. And like ponies and humans say: opposites attract.” She said. “I'm just trying to help him create a better life and give him the love and friendship he really needs, he just can't admit it.”

“Yes, he is like that, and that’s his biggest flaw. His anger and grudges, his rage just holds him back. This may even sound harsh but Leo is close to the perfect example of a rageaholic. He can’t let go of any of the wrong that has been done to him, big or small. So he stays angry, despite us hanging out and his ‘smile’ my unicorn ability allows me to sense somepony’s emotions. And Leo’s well...just being near him makes me feel like there's a pressure around me.”

“Yeah, I can tell without any magic. But you can't help Leo being Leo. His past made him who he is today. And honestly, he's better being angry and alive than dead over peer pressure.” She said. “It just showed how strong he really is.” She smiled as she glanced down, thinking about the human.

“You’re right...but still…” She looked off into the distance, a certain look in her eyes as she stared on. Like if she was looking into the future. “I fear that the thing that makes him strong might also destroy him.” Her ears dropped as she looked at Pixel. There was worry behind her eyes.

“There’s a lot of things that might happen. But I don’t think you or Fluttershy will keep him in check. And once I helped him enough, he might have more ponies that he can count on.” Pixel smiled slightly bigger at the image of Leo actually showing a genuine smile… though, it was really hard to picture that.

“I hope your right Pixel, for his sake.”

~

Deep within the network of the dog mines home, both Leo and Spike had been forcing their way through the horde of dogs that stood in their way, though it was much easier with Grum as their hostage. They pushed passed them through the caves and into the lieutenant's room for the so called book which had the names of the creatures that had associated with Silver Blood.

Leo pushed Grum against the wall as he searched the room while Spike kept him in check, threatening to burn his body like overcooked carrots on a fire.

“Where is it?!” Leo shouted as he flipped the mattress over, knocking a few picture frames and drinks on the floor. Shattering loudly.

“I told you it is here! You’re just looking right!” He protested before Leo shot him a severe glare. He shrunk back as he curled in fright.

“Maybe you’re just not telling me what I need to know and you’re just giving us the runaround!” Leo said as he grabbed a very expensive looking disk shaped crystal, that shimmered with rainbows with its neon green look. He walked over to Grum as he gripped said item in hand. Grum’s eye’s widened in fear as he saw his precious item in a rough grip.

“No Please don’t!!! That was made in Phrance by the most gifted and famous artists! Only three were made in different colors! That thing is priceless and rare!!!” He pleaded as Leo loomed over him. The look in his eyes said he didn’t really care.

Before Grum could speak Leo smashed the priceless piece over his head, the dog yelped as the neon pieces flew everywhere, lying on the floor as the candlelight on the other nightstand light shimmered the shards, the room was now spotted green with their light.

“Now it's even rarer!!!” Leo shouted as Grum nursed his head from the brutal attack on his head.

“You’re insane!!! A vicious monster!” Grum shouted.

No answer followed as Leo grabbed him by the the pelt on his chests as he dragged him over the rack counter. Pinning him against it as more valuable items he stole fell to the ground. Spike reeled back a bit as he knew not to stand in his way when he was like this. Leo’s nose barely touched Grum’s as he bored his eyes onto his. A malicious force ready to erupt from him as he breathed his hot breath on his muzzle.

“You don’t know...what vicious is!!!” Leo shouted as he pulled Grum back and pinned him again roughly. More items fell from the shelf as a certain red booklet fell that caught his eyes. He released him as Grum still leaned against the shelf and slid down, clutching his chest from the pain.

Leo looked over the booklet as he looked over the pages, the writing was in Equestrian, but Fluttershy taught him enough to read and understand it. “This is it Spike common, where leaving…” Leo said as he put the booklet in his pocket. Spike only nodded silently as he wasn’t sure he should speak to Leo in this state. Before they left however Leo looked over at Grum once more. A disgusted look in his face as he saw the dog press his back against the shelf in fright. His head bleeding from the blow from before. Leo scanned the room as he saw a cloth hanging over a chair. He walked over and picked it up, and threw it in Grum’s face.

“Clean yourself up.” He said in a disgusted tone. Before he could walk off once again he stopped as Leo’s eyes widened. The phrase echoed in his mind but not with his voice…

...with his father’s.

The memory played as he saw himself squirm under his father’s touch, the scene almost like what was happening right now. A cold sweat went down his forehead as his heart thumped stronger than it should. Leo balled his fists tightly as they shook. Spike noticed this as he observed. He worried as he had to call out to him.

“Leo, are you okay?” Spike asked as he inched closer to him.

The shaking stopped as his eyes reverted back to their normal state was his fists were no longer clenched. He stayed silent for a moment, as Spike became more concerned. Before he could call out though Leo had spoken up.

“Let’s go…” Leo said as he walked out of the room, the dogs outside clearing a path for him as they sensed a mild blood lust in him. They went around him into the room to tend to their new leader. Spike stood in place for a moment, replaying everything Leo had done, how he done it. Honestly it made him feel unsettled. Spike sighed to regaining his composure as he shook his head to get out of his small trance and followed him. Despite what he had done Spike was not afraid to stand right beside Leo closely. He knew he would never hurt him.

Ever.

~

After the small conversation with Lyra, Pixel decided that now was the best time to head home, the sunset bringing in the cold breeze that reminded her how cold her legs and feet were getting. It was a brisk walk with some stops to try and warm herself up, but she made it home by the time the sun was giving the sky a rainbow of colors. She closed the door behind her and plopped down on the couch, using the quilt Leo used to sleep on to warm herself up. Once she was warmed up, she rested her head on one of the arms of the couch, her arm between the two as the silence and warmth almost putting her to sleep.

Though the silence was interrupted as Fluttershy had came in. Both of her wings holding a cup of steaming tea. “Oh you’re back…” She stayed silent as she scanned the other side of the room. “Where is Leo?”

“Don’t know. He had to do something and didn’t want me to come.” She lied, not wanting to see her reaction if she told her the truth.

“To do what?” She asked as she sat beside her, sipping her tea.

“He never told me.” She simply answered.

“I see.” She said as she sipped her tea again, the silence in the room making the situation awkward in place. Though to Pixel’s luck the door clicked as a dirty tired Leo stepped through, his hands in his pocket as he closed the door behind him and kicked his boots off. Sighing deeply.

“Hey Leo. How was your trip?” She asked, her tiredness making her sound bored.

“Fine…” Leo said simply as he gave Fluttershy a light wave as he made his way upstairs to the guest room.

“I'm guessing he went back on the farm.” Pixel mumbled by the dirt all over Leo, knowing where he really was.

“I see, must have been a demanding day for him then.” She said as she looked one with slight concern. “Hope AppleJack didn’t work him to hard.”

“I don't think anything is hard for Leo.” Pixel said as she rubbed her eye and sat up.

“You’re wrong Pixel...everything is hard for him. He tries to mask it with a smile, or a tough front, but deep down is a fragile and hurt being curling in fright from the worlds that hurt him. His own and this one.” She said as she got off the couch. “Maybe I should speak with him.”

“Now? I don't think so. He might be in the shower at the moment.” She said as she leaned against the couch. “And he isn't weak. If he was, he wouldn't be here. He'd probably be in a grave on earth. There are people on earth who give up on life and just end theirs. But even though all the hardship, pain and suffering he goes though, he gets stronger by the day.” She said.

“That reminds me of a saying he said his species had back on earth; what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” She said as she tried to remember if that’s what he had said.

“Eeyup. That’s the quote and Leo is kind of a perfect example of that.” Pixel said as she glanced down at the untouched cup that Fluttershy brought. “Was that for me or Leo?” She asked.

“Well…” She looked away bashfully. “I...brought it for you.” She admitted.

“O-oh, really?” She asked, but didn’t wait for an answer. “Well, thank you. What kind is it anyways?” She asked as she decided to pick up the cup than just leave it where Fluttershy left it.

“I only have Leo’s favorite, black cherry with enough sugar to make it sweet.” She explained with a soft smile. “It helps him sleep at night.”

‘Hm, well that’s one thing I didn’t know about him.’ She smiled. “I’m guessing the first time he tried it without sugar wasn’t the best.”

“I wouldn't know, the first time I gave him a cup he poured a lot of sugar in it.” Her face dropped a bit as she stared at her own reflection from the tea. “It helps him sleep since he tosses and turns in sleep. Mumbling, moaning and crying about things in the past. He keeps saying the name Idoya. The human girl he met…”

The smile on Pixel’s face also disappeared as she recalled that moment in a small imaginative window. “It is kind of hard to forget someone who figuratively took the bullet for him.” But the smile returned. “But I think she’ll be happy knowing that someone like you is looking out for him.” She glanced over at her with a warm smile still on her face.

“I know, but still. I just wish he could stop blaming himself for not being able to save her. The way Leo described the other human was of a lighter skin complexion like you, but male, said he served in the military of the country he was sneaking into. There’s just no way he would have survived if he went up against him. Idoya knew this, that’s why she sacrificed herself for him. But he doesn't see it that way at all.” Her eyes began to water as she sniffed. “He thinks that his life was not worth saving because he is a stray. He feels like he took her opportunity at life in the most horrid way.” She wiped her tears as she was trying to regain her composure. “Almost every night he says her name, begging for her forgiveness, thinking that there was something he could have done. The truth is though, that there was nothing he could do, even if he tried the outcome would just end the same but with two dead...he hates that country so much and its people. Says it's not fair to be treated like foreigners in a land that once belonged to his people. It’s one of the reasons why he’s so angry, saying how it’s not fair that the bad guys win in his world and unrightfully take things and claim it’s noble.” She sighed deeply from the deep explanation. “I’m going to check on the animals. You go check on Leo if you want.” She said as she hopped off the couch and walked out the door, leaving Pixel to her thought's.

Pixel watched her leave as she looked down at her own untouched drink. She kept on thinking on how Leo views earth and couldn’t help but agree in some way. But she would only say that was true back in the day. She picked up the cup by the handle and went upstairs to the door of the guest room. She knocked on the closed door, not wanting to walk in at a wrong time.

“Yeah?” The voice resonated behind the door.

“It Pixel. Can I come in?” She asked.

“Sure.” He simply said as what was followed was a slurping noise, along with the familiar scent of cigarettes.

She slowly opened the door, being hit by the smell of the burning cigar. It didn’t bother her in the slightest as she still had the cup in her hand. “Are you sure you should be smoking indoors?” She asked.

“I’ve got a lot on my mind from today’s ‘job’, besides I’ve got a window open.” He pointed with his cigarette out the window. His other hand seemed to be holding a shot glass from the tequila he hid under his bed. “What’s up?” He asked as he sipped the alcohol, the burning sensation relaxing him just a bit.

“Why would you have some stuff on your mind? You just went to get some information on that Silver Blood pony.” She asked. “By the way, did you?”

He only snorted with a smirk as he looked away from her. “Something like that.” He down another swig, sighing deeply as he reached for his bottle to pour more. “So how was your day?”

“Well, not any better than yours. I met this mare named Lyra and she seemed to know you quite well, but not in a bad way.” She answered as she put the cup down on the nightstand. “I did wanted to give you my drink, but I guess you have your own.”

He glanced over to her holding a cup of tea, the smell indicated that it was black cherry, his favorite. “You drink it Pixel, right now I just need to work a buzz right now…” He said as he puffed some smoke into his lungs and exhaled it deeply. “And to get rid of my stress…” He drank the whole shot once again as he sighed deeply, pressing the cigarette bud into the shot glass, setting it aside.

“You know there are better ways to get rid of stress.” Pixel said as she sat down on the bed and scooted closer to him. “And alcohol isn’t one of them.”

“And what would be then friendship and magic?” He asked in a slight mocking tone.

“Oh, I don't know, maybe some tea, a book to read, or maybe taking a nap might help.” She said as she didn't like his mocking tone. But she started to smirk. “And, their might be some way I could take the stress away. But if booze and cigar is what you want, I'll leave you be.” She crossed her arms as she turned away, hoping that Leo would get the hint.

Leo perked up, turning his gaze to her as he leaned close a bit. "Are you implying what I think you're implying?" He said with a hint of interest.

Pixel didn’t answer as she moved away a little. “I might be. But you have your way of handling stress. And everyone else has their own way too, but I guess you don’t want my help with this type of problem.” She crossed her arms as she couldn’t help but smirk while she was at an angle in which he couldn’t see it.

"W-wait!" Leo scooted closer holding his hand out. "I want your help! I could really use your help!" He bit his lip as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Please?" He pleaded.

Pixel flicked her hair using her hand as she was still facing away. “Well it’s rather hard to focus on helping you with the smell of alcohol and cigarettes.” She said as she glanced down at the bed.

He gulped from her action as he darted his eyes to find a solution. "I-I could shower!" He recommended.

“That could be one way, but what about the rest of the room? We might not enjoy our company with the smell of tobacco in the air.” She said as she noticed his reaction to her response.

"I can grab some watermelon candles in Fluttershy's room! Would that help?" He response was erratic, very hard trying to fix the room for her.

“Hmm...” She closed her eyes as to act deep in thought. “That might work. But what about your breath? It’s not like it wouldn’t smell bad after all that smoking and drinking.” She glanced over at him.

"I could do a thorough mouthwash! And eat some of Fluttershy's chocolate mints! Would that make you happy?"

She smiled before she gave a light peck on his cheek. “Yes it would.” She answered.

His cheeks flushed red as he jumped out of bed and went to work by retrieving some of Fluttershy's candles. Setting them around the room lightning them with his lighter as the scent of tobacco was pushed back by the sweet scent of watermelon. He then went into the bathroom, taking off his clothes and proceeded to shower. After that, he emerged from the shower and working on his mouth by thoroughly brushing his teeth and doing a mouthwash rinse. He then wrapped a towel around his waist and grabbed a few new clothes to wear since the old ones were with dirt and cigarette scent.

The whole time he was doing this, Pixel couldn’t help but giggle over how he almost acted like a little kid who wanted to know a secret. ‘He’s cute when he acts like that.’ She thought with a small blush.

After a moment, Leo emerged from the bathroom with his usual attire style.; grey shirt and blue jeans. Begrudgingly made by Rarity with some convincing from Fluttershy. "All done!" He said as he put his hands on his hips.

“And you look and smell so much better.” She smiled as she got up and leaned against him. “And is that Fluttershy’s butterscotch scented body wash I smell?” She smirked, remembering seeing the bottle when she took a shower.

"You noticed huh?" He smiled as he placed his hands on her hips pull her close. He was ready to lean in for a kiss until two small fingers stopped him. He was perplexed but from her gesture, he realized he forgot the chocolate mints. He released his embrace as he went downstairs. He then later returned with four chocolates, he unwrapped two from their foil and began eating them. He then unwrapped the other two and placed them in Pixel’s mouth gently and teasingly.

She blushed pink when Leo brought the chocolates close to her lips, her natural reflex being to open her mouth and eat the offered treats. Mint wasn’t one of her top best flavors, but the chocolate part made it so that she could still enjoy it.

"Is that better now?" He said as he lightly blew his minty, chocolate breath at her.

She blushed more, but nodded as to show her approval of what he did to rid the smell of booze and tobacco.

He could only smile at her as he wrapped his arms around her once again and pulled her close, leaning in for a kiss. This time nothing stopped him as he hummed in delight from her soft lips.

She closed her eyes as she started to kiss back. It being as fresh as the chocolate mint the two had. She tilted her head so that their lips would lock.

They both continued their lip exchange as Leo subtly guided her back against the bed, he gently set her down as he maintained the kiss. He moved his hand from her hip and on her stomach as his fingers went under the fabric.

The touch of his slightly cold fingers on her warm stomach sent chills down her spine as she shivered a little. The coldness only made her kiss harder.

Her forceful kiss only triggered his as his fingers snaked further in an coiled around her breast. He place a finger in her nipple as he slowly rubbed it clockwise.

A small pink blush started to form on her cheeks as one of her legs was rubbing against the other.

Leo had begrudgingly broke the kiss as he backed up a bit. He then proceeded to reach for the button in his pants as he unbuttoned and zipped his zipper down. He then went for Pixel's pants and did the exact same thing, though a little slower and teasingly.

The teasing action only made her blush grow as she would sometimes look at him while biting her lip, while other times she would glanced away, making the blush more noticeable.

He loved it, the way she squirmed under his gentle touch made him more mischievous. He then placed his fingers on the edges of her pants and began to lightly tug on them down. His hands sometimes caressing her light thighs, as he breathed a bit deep.

His hands were still cold as his touch only made her move a little and blush more, her movement sometimes making her pants go down a little faster.

Once her pants were completely removed he tossed them aside in the other side of the room. He then pressed his lips above her panties and began tugging them down with his mouth.

She blushed red at how close Leo was to her. She tried her best to keep her legs still, not wanting to ruin anything, but she couldn't help stop the light twitches her legs would do.

He noticed this as he placed both hands on her legs to keep them still. He continued tugging her panties down as he gave her a smirk until they were completely removed. Her undergarments hung from his mouth.

Pixel’s red blush only spread on her cheeks as she was close to covering her face, her hands over her chest as her hands were balled into small fists. But as soon as she looked into his eyes, she quickly looked away.

He smiled as he dropped her panties and begun to pull his pants down. Once they were off he then climbed on top of her as placed on hand under her fist, caressing her breast as he sunk his lips into her neck, gently nibbling her flesh.

She gasped in surprise at the sudden kiss on her neck as she never felt this before, but it was really good. She shut her eyes as the blush only grew. Her hands moved onto his chest, going under his shirt as she felt his body, taking in all the detail as she tilted her head to make the space Leo was kissing a bit easier to nibble and most likely give her a hickey.

He ceased his neck actions as he pulled back and removed his shirt then slipping out of his undergarments. He was now bare for her to see. "All I have to do is take off your shirt..." He said in a seductive voice as he squeezed her breast.

She couldn't help but tense up a little and exhale through her mouth at the squeezing made her whole body shutter. Her eyes were still shut, but she didn't want to open them as the red blush was still on her cheeks.

How he enjoyed her body's reaction to his gentle touch. As he proceeded to removed her shirt her body now bare for him in exchange. He smiled as he leaned in to kiss her nipple and such on it. Very carefully squeezing it between his teeth.

She gasped at the small pain that was arousing in her head. Her blush grew once again as one of her legs started to twitch.

As she squirmed from his suckling on her chest, Leo's other hand had traveled down her nether lips. His fingers snaking in as they pumped inside her.

That only made her move a little more as she blushed red and bit her lip. She had her hands on his shoulders.

He pumped faster and deeper as he moved his head up and pressed his lips against hers. He pressed his tongue into her mouth as it tried coiling around hers as they exchanged their amorous kiss. His body becoming warmer and warmer.

He could feel her let out her first moan through the kiss as she couldn’t stay silent for long. She started to kiss back while also wanting him to go faster.

Deciding it was enough time of foreplay, Leo had retracted his glistening fingers from her love hole, applying her pre cum to his hard member as it begun shimmer as well. He positioned himself as the tip pressed against Pixel's entrance, restraining himself a bit as he waited for her approval.

Even if this wasn’t her first time, she still felt nervous over doing this again. She didn’t look up at him, but the blush was gone, the human lightly biting her lip as her eyes seemed more focused on the nightstand beside the bed they were on.

"Are you ready Pixel?" He asked as he places his hand on her chest between her breasts.

She snapped out of it when she heard his voice. “O-oh, yeah. I'm ready.” She said, not sounding too sure.

He smiled a little as he pressed his member inside her. Deep but not rough, he breath deeply as he closed his eyes and moaned a bit. She felt much better as a human.

She let out a small moan as the feeling was quite pleasurable. The blush returned on her cheeks as a pink hue was shown.

He leaned back as he reached for her hips and pulled her close, his thrusts rising in speed and force. The room echoing while the scent of watermelon filled the room, along with the dim light of said candles, creating the perfect mood.

She moaned louder as the thrusts started and got faster. She gripped the sheets of the bed under her as her nails dug into the sheet. She felt the minor pain that she was told about that she would feel for the first time as she secretly begged for him to go faster to hide the pain over pleasure.

Her wish was granted as he did just what she hoped for. The slapping became stronger, louder and wetter due to her pre cum ejaculating. Leo the gave both sides of her thighs a slap as her white complexion became stained pink with his love gesture.

She let out a loud moan that sounded more like a scream of ecstasy as she gripped harder on the bed, Pixel panting heavily as her eyes shut as her hair was starting to get a bit messy.

The love actions increased as he continued his love making. He looked over her, his head just a few inches away from her's as they stared deep into each other's eyes. staring at his chocolate colored eyes which harbored love for her. As Leo looked deep into Pixel's brown eyes. A sea of beauty that he could just get lost in forever as he leaned in and kissed her open mouthed, his tongue invading every inch of her mouth.

She showed no resistant for the kissing as her contribution to the love making, her actions more than appeased Leo as he thrusted harder and faster than before. His lips pushing deeper into hers as he just wanted to give her all of his love. He broke the kiss as both panted deeply, a trail of saliva connecting them together. "I love you so much..." He whispered as he pressed his lips against hers with the same force. A familiar pressure began building within the both of their nether regions. She allowed him to explore her mouth. He trapped her moans of pleasure as he could feel the vibrations of her voice bouncing into his own mouth. She shut her eyes as the pink blush returned to her cheeks as she even moved her hips to make the thrusts so much better.

Leo once again broke the kiss as he leaned back a bit, grabbing a firm hold on Pixel’s ample rear as his pelvis thrusted much harder and faster. He closed his eyes tight as he clenched his teeth, his body now glistening with sweat as he tried to speak. "I...I....I'm gonna cum Pixel!" But she could only pant like a dog’s as she felt she was reaching her limit as well. She only gave him a passionate kiss before she broke it and only waited for him to pull out before his release.

He did just that as he pulled his glistening member out from her love canal as it throbbed strongly before releasing thick strings of potent cum on her abdomen to her breasts and just a few splotches near her mouth. Leo had been moaning from his release as he panted for a moment before collapsing next to Pixel. His head laying on the pillow as continued to pant.

She blushed red as she was nearly covered in his cum, her release being after he pulled out, soaking the bed with some blood and semen. She couldn’t help but lick some of the cum on her lips as the taste was indescribable, but surely would be addictive later on. She turned to the exhausted Leo, smiling as she kissed his cheek. “How’s that for relieving stress?” She smirked. He could only smile as turned to his side and pulled her close to a very loving embrace. "Much better than booze and smokes." He whispered as he kissed her forehead as he nuzzled her.

She blushed pink at the loving action as she gave him a much sweeter kiss on the lips. She wanted to clean off his ‘release’ from her body, but felt that Leo’s warm embrace might make her forget about it.

“Getting sleepy there Pixel?” He said as he buried his nose in her hair, smelling her scent of shampoo and sweat as he draped a leg over hers, pulling her much closer.

“A… a little. But I don’t want to wake up smelling like your cum.” She said as she blushed more, not really hearing her saying that for the first time.

“Do you want to shower together then?” He said as he nibbled her ear, hinting her the idea.

She blushed more at the nibbling. “M-maybe. I mean, w-we could save a lot of water if we go together.” She said, trying to sound as if she wasn’t thinking what he was planning.

“Smart girl, I can show you how thoroughly I clean and such…” He smiled as her squeezed her breast.

She gasped in surprise at the sudden action and pushed his hand away. “N-not yet...” She mumbled shyly.

“Not until we enter the shower at least.” He said as he sat up, holding his hand out. “Coming love?” He asked.

She didn’t answer, but she did take the offered hand, being lifted onto her feet and off the bed as she couldn’t help but cover her privates as she wasn’t used to this yet.

Both entered the door as Leo was the last one to follow as he closed and locked the door behind them. He then turned to handle of the shower as warm water now began to release, the water slowly rising in temperature as he turned over to Pixel. “Ladies first.” He gestured.

The blush stayed on her cheeks as she stayed quiet, entering the shower as she couldn’t help but tense up at the warm water hitting her rather cold body since the room wasn’t all that warm.

He soon joined her under the torrent of water as her placed his arms around Pixel in an embrace, giving her cheek a wet kiss.

Pixel could only blush more as she rested her wet cheek on his soon-to-be wet chest, her hair being less poofy and draped on her shoulder and back.

He then reached over for one of Fluttershy’s body wash shampoos as he poured a splotch on his palm and proceeded to wash her wet body, starting with her nether region. “Feels good huh?”

She blushed red as she opened her mouth to tell him to stop, but nothing came out as she quickly shut it and only let him continue, he just continued to rub her lower lips in a clockwise manner before his hand traveled up and began applying the bodywash on her abdomen then between her chest.

His hand then snaked on her right breast as he squeezed it with bodywash, her breast now becoming more soapy and clean as Leo’s other hand went to her nethers and continued what the right hand did not finish.

She blushed more as she squirmed a little by his touch. “Please… can w-we just wash ourselves?” She asked as she was still tired over her second time doing that.

“Alright then.” He nodded. “I suppose I should give you a break anyway.” He said as his hands reluctantly ceased their advances. “You know I do that because I love you…” He said nuzzling her wet cheek on hers.

“Thank you.” She smiled as she nuzzled back, taking a washcloth and putting a bar of soap on it as she rubbed it, making it lather up and get soapy. Before long, she started washing his chest using the soapy rag to wash his sweat off of him.

“Oh Pixel...that’s nice.” He purred as he stood in place as she continued to wash him, the touch of her delicate fingers made him feel a certain way that just tamed him.

Her cheeks flushed pink when she heard Leo purring. If she could compare it to, he sounded close to how a lion or a tiger might purr… if you could make it purr before you're sliced to pieces. She continued washing his chest, coating it in soap bubbles before she went behind him and started to do the same on his back.

“That so good...oh! Right there hon…” He said as he was practically putty in her hands, he turned to face her as she was caught off guard but soon had the washcloth taken from her as he had decided to return the favor and was her, starting with her abdomen.

Her eyes widened at the sudden action, thinking that Leo wanted to be done first before her, but the rather gentle way he was scrubbing her middle made her blush more, it feeling strangely good. She could only hum at how good it felt.

“You like that ah?” He teased as he traced his fingers on her abdomen. He dropped the washcloth as he reached for another shampoo, applying to her scalp with a scent of butterscotch as he carefully used his fingers on her long hair.

That was when Pixel was now putty in his hands. She loved it when anyone messes with her hair, either it being brushing her hair or scrubbing her scalp using their fingers. And with Leo being a little more rougher than when her mother did it for her, it felt so much better. She closed her eyes as she was close to lowering her head at the scrubbing.

He went one and one to rub her scalp thoroughly as her hair was now completely scented with butterscotch scent. They both continued to shower as they both washed each other before stepping out. A towel that Leo wrapped around Pixel up to her breasts and a towel for him around his waist. “Goodness, that was very nice…” Leo said as he dried his hair with a third towel, a content smile on his face.

Pixel only nodded as she tightened the towel around her. “I feel so much better...” She mumbled.

“We should get dressed.” Leo said as they both exited the bathroom, Leo going to the drawer and reaching for his usual blue jeans and another grey shirt. “After we’re done clothing ourselves I need you to go and distract Fluttershy, I’ll clean the mess we just made by taking the sheets to be cleaned.” He said as he slipped into a new set of boxers before going into his jeans.

“O-oh, okay.” Pixel nodded as she also started to get dressed. Dressing up into some pajamas that had different colored pandas on and a simple white t-shirt. She didn’t wait for Leo to tell her to go as she went downstairs, bringing the cold cup of tea as she poured it down the sink as she honestly felt bad for doing that, putting the empty cup in the sink.

"Oh, Pixel? You’re up?” The voice of Fluttershy came from behind as she had just entered from the back door, after feeding her animals.

Pixel quickly turned her head to see the yellow pegasus. “Uhm, y-yeah. Just got a little hungry. I also realized that I didn’t get any dinner. I know it’s rather late, b-but is it okay if I made something for myself?” She asked, fumbling her hands with a pink blush on her cheeks.

“Oh, really?” Fluttershy was taken off guard from her request but had decided to accept the kind gesture. “Of course, I have been working all day.” She shuddered her hide as to shake off some dirt that clinged onto her yellow coat.

Behind her was Leo with the sheets and blankets in his arms, He ever so quietly tip toed over to the washer room as not to attract her attention.

“I just wanna ask, what do you make for Leo? Since he’s… ya know, an omnivore.” She asked as she leaned against the sink.

“Oh! Well there is some fish in the freezer, and some meat he had picked up when we all went to visit Griffonstone. Though it made my friends uncomfortable I was okay with it. I mean Leo would never hurt anypony without a warranted reason.” She said as her eyes softened a bit as she remembered when he had saved her from death. As Leo continued to ‘walk’ in silence he was a bit interested now in their conversation.

“Do… do you know why they don’t like him?” Pixel decided to ask. “I… I assumed that Rainbow was just afraid of him, but didn’t want to show her fear, but what about everyone else?”

Fluttershy stayed silent for a moment as she was in deep thought. “I don’t know...honestly I don’t know. But every time I see their reactions to him when they see him in his...state...I guess it is just out of fear for their lives.” She explained.

Pixel remained silent for a moment, looking down at the floor. “Fluttershy...” She spoke. “I… I’m worried. I’m worried that when I have to go… nothing will change. I want to help him… and you… but how difficult it was to convince Rainbow. I don’t know if everyone else might do the same. I think she was only up for it cause Leo wouldn’t be against her anymore.” She turned away as she looked down at the sink, her eyes focused on the cup. She could feel a lump in her throat as she continued. “And I know Leo wouldn’t want to try and befriend the princess of friendship… and I guess he and Applejack are okay. Same with Pinkie. But… I don’t know about Rarity. I know that they always bicker with each other, so I don’t even know if either of them want to at least be acquaintances.” She sniffled as she rubbed one of her eyes, triggering it to start getting her vision blurry. “A… and the townponies… how can I even try and show a whole town that Leo isn’t a monster… if none of them give him a chance.” She crossed her arms on the sink as she went onto her knees and rested her head on the folded arms.

Fluttershy was quick to be at her side a provided her with a comforting drape of her wing over her back. “I know Pixel, I know...but despite that I just know fate has different plans for him. I just know and when he finds that true happiness that he’s been neglected from so long, I’m sure he’ll think of you because of what you helped him discover about himself.” She gave her a nuzzle as would any mare would do to another for comfort. “I’ll be here be his side through good and bad. I promise.” She said with a smile as she too teared up a bit. That was when Leo had cleared his throat, announcing his presence to them. Fluttershy jumped in surprise as she turned around to see Leo, but with the sheets and blankets gone, most likely in the washer.

“Que onda?” He said.

“How long were you standing there?” Fluttershy asked in anxious tone, a little embarrassed of what Leo might have heard.

“Just walked in to see what we were going to have for dinner.” He said with a sheepish smile before looking to Pixel. “Oh Pixel, there you are, I couldn't find you and thought you might be down here.” He said as he coated all of his words in a blanket of lies.

Pixel only sniffled as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “S-sorry I didn’t let you know.” She said, clearing her throat a little as she breathed in to rid that feeling of the lump in her throat..

“So uh…” Leo tapped his fingers on the side of his thighs. “What’s for eats? Cause you know this monkey is hungry.” He joked a little at his own expense.

Pixel only looked at the mare in case she had something planned already.

“I just came in Leo, I could make you some ground beef with pasta and melted cheese on it. Would that make you happy.” She said as she walked over to him.

“More than you know.” He bent over a bit to give her a gentle pet across her yellow fur. “Pixel, you want some, she cooks so freaking good. Makes you wonder where she learned to cook meat.” He said giving the yellow pegasus a gentle pat.

“She probably learned that because of some picky carnivores.” She mumbled as she got up from her spot. “It sounds kind of like ziti.” She glanced down at Fluttershy. “Do you have any parmesan cheese?” She asked.

“Oh yes, it’s just on the cabinet near the fridge and what’s ziti?” She tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s pasta you know, or do you have a different word for it here?” Leo asked. “Oh wait you don’t eat meat, so that must be why.” He went over to sit down. I’d like some food now, I did work up an exercise...in the orchard!” Leo said quickly as he almost let a certain something slip as he covered his mouth.

Pixel only remained silent as she looked down at the floor.

“Sorry.” He whispered.

“Oh in that case I’ll get on it right away. Pixel you can sit as I get dinner started.” She said as she went over to the fridge, fetching the necessary ingredients.

~

After dinner was prepared all three sat on the table as the ziti was now prepared to eat, though there were two different bowls. One with meat and one without it.

“That smells good Fluttershy. But I thought ziti didn’t exist in this world, I mean the recipe.”

“Actually we just… I mean just call it orzo.” She smiled. “It’s something I like to eat from time to time. What about you Pixel?” She asked.

“H-huh? What about me?” She asked as she wasn't really paying attention at the moment.

"I mean do you like to eat it too?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah silly, do you? And if you could make it for me that'd be great." Leo said smiling, leaning back on his chair.

She blushed pink as she realized that she wasn't paying attention. “O-oh, uh, yeah. My dad used to make that all the time. I would bury it in parmesan.” She smiled a little.

"Then make it with parmesan please? I do like some cheese from time to time." He said as he rubbed his stomach.

“N-now?” She asked with widened eyes, hoping that he wouldn't say yes.

"That's okay Pixel, I'll be the one to cook dinner. You two take a seat and wait." Fluttershy said with a smile as she went over to the cabinets, grabbing the required ingredients. Pixel then went over to sit by Leo as she saw him sit with a content smile on his face, his eyes closed. Most likely looking forward to the dinner Fluttershy was going to make him.

"You're the best Fluttershy." He complimented.

"Anything for you Leo." She said as she set the ground beef into the pan. A light blush on her cheeks.

Pixel looked between Leo and Fluttershy, her hands fidgeted a little as she could easily tell what was happening with Fluttershy that Leo can’t see.

"So Pixel...how your day getting to know everypony in town, you meet Lyra?" He asked.

Pixel nodded as she glanced down at the table. “Y-yeah. Lyra was nice, but she thought I was your mate…” She mumbled as she was messing with the table cloth.

Leo could only raise his brow at that. "Aren't we?" He whispered low enough for only the two to hear.

She blushed pink as she couldn’t help but mentally smile knowing that Leo is calling you his mate. “I… I guess. B-but you know I can’t stay.” She said, the blush fading as she hated saying that now.

"I know Pixel...but still. I'd like to call you my mate for teaching me a lot of things." He said as he placed his hand on hers. "Like teaching me to love despite what I've gone through..."

Pixel couldn’t help but sigh as she held his hand as well. “I know… but I’m just worried that nothing will change when I leave. I want you to have the love and appreciation that you were missing in your life. But I think they won’t give you a chance if you try on your own...”

"Then what should I do then? I know when you leave I'll be sad. But for you I'll try to be happy." He ensured.

“I… I don’t know.” She looks away as her grip on his hand loosened.

His heart dropped a bit at that. But still, he wasn’t going to let her leave with a heavy heart. Even if he had to lie. "Don't worry Pixel. I know for a fact I'll be alright. I know I will." He embellished with a feigned smile.

She glanced up at him before she looked away again.. ‘I highly doubt that...’ She thought. Her hand moved away as it went back on her lap.

His 'smile' dropped as he placed his hand on her cheek, turning her to face him. "Pixel what's wrong? Tell me." He pleaded.

She moved her head away with a small shake. “I know you won’t try.” She mumbled. “You hate all these ponies. And when Rainbow came this one time, you barely made any interactions with her.”

Leo’s breath was caught in his throat as his eyes darted sideways before looking back at her. "Pixel...I may hate them but that doesn't mean it'll be like that forever. And as for Rainbow Dash, you can't expect me to be buddy-buddy with her. Baby steps you know?"

“It will be with you and Twilight.” She said as her eyes widened, it seeming that she didn’t mean to say that out loud.

He reeled back at her response, shock kept him from responding. He pulled his hand away as he stood from his seat. "I'll be back when dinner is ready." He said as walked out of the kitchen, making his way to the front door.

“W-wait, Leo! I didn’t mean to-” She tried to speak to him, but she didn’t know exactly what to say. She couldn’t go against what she said since they both knew it was true.

He continued to walk as he placed his hand around the knob. He stopped for a moment but not turning to gaze at Pixel. "Then what did you mean to say hm?"

“Please Leo. I didn’t mean to say that. I’m sorry.” She apologized. “I wanted to agree with you. I know it’ll take time. But I know nothing will change between you and her…”

Leo only exhaled deeply as he turned to face her. "You're might be right Pixel. But I just never expected you to say it so bluntly, it's unlike you."

“I’m sorry...” She repeated as she looked down.

"It's fine Pixel..." He said as he turned to face her completely. "Why do you talk like this about my future. Like if it's written or somethi--" He paused as he came to realize something. "Pixel...what did you read about my story that you aren't telling me." He asked.

Pixel was caught by surprise as she looked up at him. “What do you mean?” She asked.

"When we met you told me I was in a story of some kind. And ever since then you've been treating me with a lot of pity. Why?"

“Cause…cause I knew what happened. Every bad thing, from when you were on earth to what Twilight did. I…I know what you saw, and I honestly felt the same about breaking her horn too.” She finally admitted. “But I know that if you did, you'd be seen as a traitor since they allowed you to live in Ponyville. You could've been sent to the Badlands or sent to prison for physical harm to the royal crown.”

He stayed silent, he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to feel about having his whole life being watched. "Is that why you act the way you do around me?" He said crossing his arms.

She looked up at him. “Partially.” She answered. “Every time I read something bad that happened to you, I just felt that you deserve a life like mine instead. You've never had someone care for you that is still here to be with you. And…I know I'll be a new name on that list too.”

He looked away as he wished what she had said wasn’t true. "Oh Pixel..." He said as walked over and wrapped his arms around her. "I wish it wasn't true but..." He choked a bit as he fought his tears back.

She sniffled as she wrapped her arms around him as well. “I don't want to leave you…” She teared up as she rested her head against his chest.

"I know you don't. But my burden isn't yours to carry Pixel. It's mine, it always has been. I'd rather you leave this world to live your life than to drag you down with me." He said.

“B-but I don’t want to abandon you.” She said through his shirt.

"It's only abandoning when you don't say goodbye Pixel." He said as he petted her hair gently. "I'll be ready when that day comes."

“I don't think I will.” She mumbled as she turned her head, but still rested it on his chest.

"You have to be Pixel, for yourself." He gave her a nuzzle. "Cause I'll be strong for you."

“How do I know you’re not lying to me?” She sniffled.

"You'll just have to trust me Pixel. Like I trust you." He assured.

Pixel didn’t say anything as her grip around him was tighter.

"Just promise me that you'll live you life truly when you leave. Promise me." He tilted her head up as they both were now locked in eye contact.

“I… I don’t know if I could.” She glanced away as she felt a small ache in her chest.

"Please Pixel...for me?" He asked pleadingly. "I won't rest right if you don't live your life because of me."

“But how can I live my life truly without you?” She asked.

“You’ll find a way, I believe in you and your strength. Besides, you taught me to be strong in more ways than one.”

“I…I did?” She asked.

“Yes, you taught me that I can be stronger when I protect others besides myself. Taking down Silver Blood proved that.” He said smiling.

She couldn't help but blush pink and smile at his answer. She couldn't say anything since she didn't know what was needed to be said at this moment.

Lucky for her though Fluttershy had called out to inform them of dinner. “Leo, Pixel, what are you doing in the living room? Dinner's ready.” She said as she walked in.

“Sorry Fluttershy, we were just talking.” Leo lied as he scratched the back of his head.

Pixel was the first to break the hug. “Y-yeah. So… you said dinner was ready?” She asked.

“Yes, it’s waiting for you two at the table.” She turned her back as she gestured them to follow. “Come lets eat before it gets cold.”

“Right boss.” Leo joked as he followed suit, as he too gestured Pixel to come.

Pixel silently followed, being the last to come back to the table.

All three sat down in silence as Leo was the first to grab a huge morsel in his late before giving some to Pixel. He then reached over the other plate with the big spoon for Fluttershy and did the same for her, her’s being without meat.

“Let’s eat.” Leo said with a smile as he inhaled the smell of the delicious meal before him.

~

Far off in a different land close near Equestria's borders, mostly rocky in a giant hill was a large run down castle. It’s falling bricks and decaying support beams showed its old age. Behind the decaying walls were diamond dogs armored just as in the grand forest. In these dog guarded halls was a large door that led to a great hall with more armored dogs. Each standing beside a pillar armed with a spear. Silent as the one that looked over them in a throne that had a manticore skin draped over it. The head still intact, biting over the side edge of the throne was an overly muscular minotaur sat in place. His size dwarfing the minotaur that visited Ponyville known as Iron Will. His fur was grey in color, his horns sharper, his weapon which was a great claymore stained with blood, longer than his body length. He sat in place with a stoic expression as the doors blew open. Walking in was none other than Grum and a few of his dogs trailing him. He wore a gauss around his head from what Leo had done to him.

He treaded closer as he stopped a few feet close from the stairs that led to his throne, he knelt down to show his respect. “Vice Steel…” He said.

“Rise.” Grum obeyed as he weakly stood. “What brings my business partner’s lieutenant to my humble abode? Is he so busy that he can’t make the effort to visit me himself.”

Grum gulped as he clutched his hands together as he avoided eye contact with him. “Vice...Silver Blood is no longer with us.” He said.

The minotaur showed no facial emotion over that. He stared on with a boring looks as he leaned his head on his fist that was on his throne’s armrest. “I’m not in the least bit surprised about it, he dabbled in the dark arts he knew he was going to pay with his life.” He chuckled as he shook his head.

“B-but that the thing...it wasn’t that which had claimed his life.”

He raised his brow at that as he lifted his head from his fist. “Then what did then?”

Grum was silent was there was no words coming Vice’s way, he began to get impatient as he placed his large hand on his sword. Grum saw this as fear built up. “I-it was an ape! An ape!!!” He said.

Vice reeled back in surprise from the answer. “Excuse me, are you saying that my business partner perished at the hands…” He stood from his throne. “...of a monkey?”

“It wasn’t a monkey it was an ape! It had such power, we underestimated it and so did Silver!” Grum explained as he panted heavily. A look of fear in his eyes as though he was looking at said ape.

“I see...with that being said I guess all that belonged to him in his mine...is now yours?” Grum nodded weakly. “I see, then am I to see you as a business partner?” He asked, with a hint of mock behind it.

“Yes…” He whispered.

“What of this ape? Where is he and what does he know?”

Grum’s eyes widened even more in fear as he opened his mouth but could only choke a bit. “Uh-uhhh...he went into our mines and took my master's book of all of our business partners.”

Vice narrowed his eyes at that, as he traded down the steps with his sword in hand, it clacking loudly with each step. “So he know’s about me.” Grum squeezed his eyes shut as he shakingly nodded. “You let this happen.” He voice now resonated within the great hall deeply with anger.

“No-I...I had no choice! He threatened to kill me!” He pleaded.

“Just like your master.” He said as he now raised his blood stained sword, the large sharp metal looming over his head in a position ready to strike.

Grum reeled back in fear as his breathing was now shallow as his soon to be grave outside the castle. “Please! I can make this up to you!!!”

“One thing you should know about my group Grum…” The sword glowed white as Vice sent a powerful swing. A light slash coming from the blade as it sped towards Grum, his dogs jumping out of the way. As the white slash made contact with him there was a bright flash that nearly blinded all but Vice. As the flash left Grum’s guard dogs had the un-pleasure of seeing their lieutenant gone completely except for his arms and legs. Those were the only things left as the cuts were clean. “...I don’t tolerate excuses.” Vice said as he was coming close as he picked up Grum’s arm, his form looming over his dogs. “You have nothing to fear, I won't hurt you...after all you are all mine now and are under my protection.” He said with a smile as he walked past them making his way to towards the exit. “But...fail me like your sorry excuse for your lieutenant…” He tossed the limb on the floor, Vice’s guards dogs going over to it as they bit down on it. Snarling at each other as they pulled the limbs from each different side until it came apart to hand, to forearm, to bicep. Each tearing into it with cannibalistic hunger. “...you’ll met the same fate.” He concluded as he was now off. A look of eagerness in his eyes as the thought about this ape, sadly though he killed Grum before asking what it’s name was. But it did not matter, an ape in Ponyville will stand out. So there would hardly be any trouble searching for said ape.

~

“Crap, I’m full…” Leo said leaning back on his chair as he groaned, apparently eating a bit too much for himself.

Pixel couldn’t help but smile as she was picking up her and his own plate, bringing it to the kitchen sink before returning to him. “I would be surprise if you still weren’t.” She joked a little.

“Yes, you have been known to eat a lot.” Fluttershy chipped in the joke.

“I’m a fat ass, what do you expect?” He standing up as much as his full belly would allow him too. “Think I should go to bed…” He said walking out of the kitchen.

“Do you want me to help you?” Pixel smiled, seeing that he had some trouble just getting up on his chair.

“No I’m good, besides. Fluttershy looks like she might need your help.” He said as he motioned over to her and the dirty dishes.

“Alright then.” Pixel smiled a little bigger as she desperately wanted to give him a goodnight kiss, but didn’t want to do that in front of Fluttershy. “Goodnight then.”

“Night Pixel.” He yawned as he went over to his sleeping spot; the couch. Leaving both Pixel and Fluttershy alone.

“So, should I do anything specifically or just jump to putting away the dishes on the rack?” Pixel asked as she looked down at Fluttershy.

“If you could can you wash the dishes while I put them on the rack? I’m a bit tired from taking care of my animals and cooking.” She looked over to her sweetly.

“No problem.” Pixel smiled as she went back to the sink and began to do as the yellow mare asked her.

“So you and Leo have gotten closer.” Fluttershy said trying to start a conversation.

“Yeah, you could say that.” She replied as she lathered up the sponge and started scrubbing the leftover sauce and cheese off the first plate.

“Has he been improving on his social skills?” She asked. “I noticed Rainbow Dash walking with you and Leo back home a few days ago.”

“Yeah. I convinced him to do what you suggested and even had to convince Rainbow as well.” She said. “Though, Leo did little to nothing to actually interact with her.”

“Oh...I see…” Her eyes dropped as she looked away in disappointment. “I guess an inch closer is better than nothing.” She said as she pawed the floor a little.

“Yeah. Better than nothing.” She repeated.

The kitchen was the filled with an awkward silence as Pixel continued to wash the dishes, and Fluttershy clearing her throat. “By the way I was curious about the other day when Leo came back from Twilight’s to give her his...exchange...was he alright after that?”

“Being honest, no. He… looked as if he lost himself after that. I thought I wouldn’t be able to cheer him up.” She said as she looked away.

“Oh...Did you cheer him up though I mean it seems like you’re the only one who can get through to him to better himself. Despite living with me there’s not much I could do for him.” She admitted as she was very shameful about it.

“I think you could do the same.” She looked over at the mare. “I know you’re mostly busy with your animal friends, but I know that you care as much for him as I do. And I know that if you were a little more open and optimistic, then he’ll be the same for you.”

“Oh but I am open and optimistic, it’s the others besides Pinkie, Lyra and Spike that need to be more open. They still fear him because of that day.”

“Well, if you don’t have anything planned tomorrow, perhaps all three of us should go and try to make him get closer to those who are a little distant for them. You can suggest who we should see next and with two people helping him try and redeem himself, he might make friends with them faster.” She said with a smile.

Fluttershy thought about it for a moment as she played the image of her, Pixel and Leo going out together in an attempt to help Leo's social skills rather than him being sealed off by himself. "I think that would be a great idea Pixel." She said smiling.

Pixel only smiled in return as she got back to cleaning the dishes.

"Though I am worried that Leo won't court any mare seeing as how he's the only one of his kind here from a planet with only one intelligent species."

“Don't worry too much. Soon he will adjust, and I have a certain mare in mind that he will surly love.” She smirked.

~

After Pixel and Fluttershy were done with the dishes they soon joined Leo in the living room who was taking up the entire couch space mas he rubbed his belly and let a small burp out as he rubbed his belly.

“Oh Leo…” Fluttershy came over to him and rubbed his head. “You beast.”

“I’m your beast Fluttershy, don’t forget that.” He said as he placed a hand on her cheek, giving it a gentle caress.

Pixel only stayed silent and blushed as the sight was rather adorable to watch. She didn’t want to ruin the moment by watching like a creep, so she made her way upstairs to the guest room.

Despite Leo’s caressing to the yellow pegasus, he watched as his lover walked up stairs, her hair spilling over her back beautifully, her small slender fingers on the stairs rim. How he loved how small she was, he could protect her easily from harm, he has done so at the cost of his body being damaged and having to do shady work for a pony named Snow Flakes by going into the heart of danger. In the end though, it was worth it for her.

His plans for later were to visit her at night and sleep beside her in an embrace.

Pixel reached the bedroom as she sat down on the bed and started looking around the room. As a guest room should look, it barely had anything in it. She didn’t really mind it all, but soon her mind began to wander elsewhere. She thought back into seeing Leo with Fluttershy. Honestly, she didn’t feel any jealousy or hatred for the mare. But she also didn’t feel happy with the sight. She didn’t feel anything. She knew she had to go sooner or later, so she should at least get used to seeing that and not feeling that for herself.

‘I hope Snowdrop is okay without me...’ She thought, looking down as she rubbed her knee with her thumb. ‘She has to be okay. I mean, she has other people that can give her love… and it’s not like I could stay.’ She couldn’t help but tear up at the thought, remembering how some of those humans didn’t really like her. ‘I hope she goes back to her home too...’ She wiped her eyes as the tears were bothering her.

“It’s okay. This isn’t the first… and it surely won’t be the last.” She spoke out loud as she laid down. “... but fuck my life.” She mumbled, closing her eyes as she was focusing on listening to the sounds around her.

Eventually night snuck into the day and everything was now dark, minus the moon’s illumination. Pixel had eventually fallen asleep as she huddled into a ball gently snoring. Upon the guest room's door was Leo who had very delicately sneaked in without trying to anger the squeaky floor boards of the room. He tip toed over to her as she still lied asleep, very carefully setting his form on the bed as not to stir her, as he was now lying in place her wrapped his arms around her and slowly pulled her close, setting his head on the same pillow as her. Pressing his nose into her hair, giving her a gentle nuzzle as he hummed in content.

“I love you so much.” He whispered.

Pixel moved a little in her sleep by the gentle, yet strong embrace she was slipped into. A small blush was adorned on her cheeks, as if she heard what he said through her unconscious state.

~

Morning had begun its daily repeat as the sun loomed over the town of equines. Through the close curtains of the guestroom, both Leo and Pixel lied closely together in the some position as last night. The sun’s rays as before seeped through the curtain’s crack the hit Pixel’s closed eyes, stirring her in her sleep as she turned around, leaning in Leo’s dark chest to be safe from the shining sun.

She hummed a little at the warmth of his chest, close to falling back asleep. But soon, the heat was too much with Leo’s body heat and her own frizzy hair. She wanted to move, but she knew she couldn’t really sleep in someone’s arm as well as just resting her head on their lap. But even with wanting to move, she didn’t want to possibly wake Leo up. So she stayed put, her eyes still closed, hoping that maybe she could go back to sleep without even knowing.

The stirring however woke him a bit as he begrudgingly opened his eyes, slowly, only to see Pixel still in his embrace from last night. He smiled at that as pressed his cheek on her head and nuzzled her gently with a content hum.

“You still asleep, Pixel?” He whispered.

“Did I wake you up?” She whispered back after a small moment of silence. “I’m sorry. You can go back to sleep if you want to.”

“Doesn’t matter to me…” He yawned as he pulled her closer. “...just stay with me forever.” He said groggily.

Pixel blushed pink when she was pulled closer, feeling the warmth of his body increase slightly. She only nodded as she rubbed her head against his chest, smiling as she wanted to feel like this forever. Of course, the heat was still too much as she moved a little, using her hands to slip her pajama pants down, taking the long pants off and exposing her legs to the slightly colder room, it making her feel much better.

Leo had noticed this, the smile returning to his face. “Is it getting hot in here or is it just you?” He asked, as he leaned into her neck and pressed his lips upon her flesh. Peppering her with kisses and such.

The reaction was as guessed as the blush on her cheeks grew and she even let out a small giggle at how ticklish the kisses were on her neck. She couldn’t really escape as Leo kept her in a strong embrace. “L-Leo.” She said, slightly louder than a whisper, as her hands pressed against his chest.

He pulled in close again as he dove into her neck with his love gestures. “You know you love this.” He said before gently nibbling her flesh. “You bring the best in me.” He said lovingly before diving into her neck once again. “You feeling...amorous” He teased.

She blushed more as the light nibbling caused her to bit her lip, the small sense of tickling now replaced with slight arousal. “L-Leo.” She repeated. “I-isn’t it t-too early?” She asked as she was close to hiding one side of her neck with her head and shoulder.

“With you it’s never too early or too late.” He gave her stomach a gentle caress as he dove into the unprotected side of her neck. “It’s just right Pixel.” His kiss then escalated to a lick.

“Ah...” Her pink blush turned to a shade of red as his actions were only making her more aroused. “B-but what if s-someone hears?” She asked as her legs moved a little by what Leo was doing to her.

“You can say you have a stomach ache, or feeling under the weather.” He smirked as he continued his foreplay. “After all, I feel like we can be quiet enough for only the dust mites to hear.” He assured as he placed a hand on her right breast, giving it a small knead.

Pixel bit her lip again as the small action made her blush spread once again. She didn’t say anything to object, but she was still unsure on doing this as soon as they woke up.

He continued with this until he had decided to snake his hand under her shirt and give her a more firm squeeze on her bare flesh. She moaned loudly at at his touch, but that’s when a knock was heard on the door. Leo’s heart jumped in fear as he used his other hand to cover her mouth to prevent another moan from escaping.

“Pixel? Are you alright?” Fluttershy said through the closed door.

‘Damn it Shy…’ Leo muttered in thought.

Pixel only stayed silent, not being able to speak through Leo’s hand as an embarrassed blush was on her cheeks now, fearing that this might happen. ‘Please don’t come in.’ She thought, while also praying that Leo might have some way to make the pegasus go away.

“Pixel, say you're just having a stomach ache, or something like that.” Leo whispered as he removed his hand from her lips, a tortured small breath escaping.

Pixel was quiet for a moment, just looking back at Leo before she finally spoke, looking towards the door. “U-uhm, I-I’m okay Fluttershy. I’m just feeling under the weather.” She said, looking back at Leo with a hint of fear that Fluttershy might come in and check up on her.

“Oh my, are you going to be alright Pixel? Do you need anything?” The last question was enough to make Leo jump from his skin and jump out the window.

“Leo!” Pixel shouted as she fell out of her bed to try and run to the window, quickly getting back up and looking out through the broken glass window, seeing some blood on some of the sharp tips.

“Leo?” Fluttershy repeated before turning the knob with her wing, only to stop. “Oh? It’s locked.” She said.

From that Leo cursed loudly as somehow he was able to hear Fluttershy from the body plant he had left on the grass he had landed on, he weakly stood on his feet and limped over the back door entrance.

Pixel only watched Leo go back to the cottage as she prayed that he didn’t get seriously hurt by the fall. She sighed as she heard what Fluttershy said. ‘Idiot...’ She thought, referring to Leo and how much of a idiot he was.

~

The three were now in the kitchen, sitting apart from each other on each edge of the table as they ate into Fluttershy's breakfast, a very delicious stack of blueberry pancakes for each made by Fluttershy.

“I just don’t understand Leo, why were you in the Everfree Forest?” Fluttershy asked from Leo cuts and bruises.

“I was looking for one of your chickens that wandered off when the pen was left open. She got caught in some thorny bushes and had to pull her out by hand.” He lied as he gestured his cut arms and face.

“But what about the guest room's window?” She asked.

“There was a fly…” He said.

“A fly?” She repeated.

“Yup, saw it on the way back home and decided it should go.”

“So you threw your boot at the window?” She tilted her head.

“Yup, it was a super fly or some ‘chingadera’ like that, but it was big.” He said as he bit into a slice of pancakes.

Fluttershy stayed silent for a moment before looking over to Pixel. “Is it true? Was it big?” She asked.

Pixel only nodded. “Scared me half to death.” She simply said as she shoved a piece of pancake in her mouth, giving a reason as to not speak.

She raised her brow as she noticed her odd behavior before looking back to Leo who just held his glass of milk high in a ‘cheers’ motion. She scooted back from her seat as she cleared her throat. “Alright then, well, I have to go now, Pinkie Pie is having a part for a charity for abandoned animals and I was going to bring a few with me for the event, will you be okay here with Leo Pixel?”

“Mhm.” She nodded as she swallowed the piece. “I’ll be fine with Leo.”

“Alright then.” She said before walking out but stopped at the entrance. “And Leo try not get into trouble, I know you have the habit but please for my sake. Behave yourself?” She asked, her tone almost pleadingly.

“Alright then shy.” Leo gave her a small salute as she walked out, the door clicking behind her as a sign of her now gone. “Whew...thank fuck…” He said. “So uh...you mad at me?” He simply asked.

“No. I’m not mad.” She crossed her arms on the table. “I just think you acted a bit stupid earlier. I mean, jumping out the window? Are you serious? If the door was unlocked, she’d see me in nothing but a shirt and panties.” She blushed pink as she imagined that in her head.

“I know...there goes our first morning quickie…” He grumbled as he stabbed the entire pancake and just began to eat away like a barbarian, but with manners. “Just bad timing, I was really getting in the mood.” He said, his tone now disappointed. “Pixel, hun. Why don’t you choose something for us to do today?” He suggested, maybe some going out would ease Leo’s mood.

“Me?” She was a little confused on the suggestion that she would pick what to do today. “I don’t know. I mean, we could go to that charity thing, but I know that you with ponies isn’t a good combination. Honestly, I’m a little interested in what they consider as pets then the usual dog and cat.” She rubbed her neck a little before she put another piece of pancake in her mouth.

“Maybe you and I can go to those tall hills that overlook the town, I went up there once when I came here to this world. Bad moment but the view is just so beautiful to look at.” He said as he closed his eyes, remembering the scenery. “It’ll be fun, just you and I.” He said.

“Is there anything else there?” She asked, wondering if it was just a hill, or maybe something like a tree or a lake was there.

“Just a bench.” He stood from his seat, walking over to he as he held his hand out to her. “Care to come with your mate.” He uttered teasingly as most called him her mate.

Pixel couldn’t help but blush pink when he asked that, not even sure if he would really call her his mate. It sounded so weird coming from a human, but for some reason, it also felt a little right. She didn’t answer verbally, but she did nod as she took the offered hand and slowly got up from her seat as well.

He gave her wrist a peck before escort her out the house, both humans about to take a long hike up to the tall hills.

~

Both Pixel and Leo walked upward the tall steep hill. The humans are both exhausted as they continued onward. “Almost there Pixel, you tired?” He asked as his forehead began to glisten.

She could only nod as with the sun hitting her and no shade to go under, her head was as hot as a stove. ‘I really need to exercise...’ She thought as she was starting to even breath through her mouth.

Leo noticed that she was wearing down very much. He sighed with a small smile as picked her up off from her feet and begun to carry her up. His efforts doubled as he put more leg work into it. Eventually they both made it to the top, the tree and bench waiting for them, Leo set Pixel down on her feet as he slouched over as he began to pant in exhaustion. “We’re...here...he..ah…” He said before sitting on the grassy ground.

Pixel sat down right next to him. “You know… you didn’t have to do that.” She said as she glanced away. “It’s what I get for being super lazy.” She smiled.

“Ah, it was worth it,” He said as turned his head to get the scenery of the entire valley the town was in. “Love this place Pixel…” He said as he placed his hand over her hand. “So what do you think about this view?” He asked.

She looked down at his hand before looking at the view. “In all honesty, the walk was worth it.” She said. “Though, I wish it was less hot out today.” She said as she slipped her hand out from under his. “I wish this town had a pool or something. I could go for a swim.” She blushed as she thought of herself in a bathing suit. And even thought of Leo in a nice pair of swimming trunks. ‘His bare chest exposed… water going down his back… curse you hot fantasies.’ She thought.

Leo was looking off into the distance before finally looking back over to Pixel. "Pixel, do you ever feel like this is the path you were meant to walk? Despite everything?" He asked as there was a hint of uninsurity.

“I really think there is no path for anyone to follow.” She answered as she looked down at the town far below. “We make our own paths. It’s kind of like those dirt paths in the forest. Many people might follow the same cycle of life. But the ones that take the chance will always hear the crunching of leaves and even some wildlife.” She smiled, knowing that it was all true.

"It's kinda poetic...did you write that Pixel?" He asked, wrapping an arm around her and giving her an embrace.

“I actually just came up with that.” She blushed pink as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Mmm..." He hummed in content as he rested his head on her hers. "...just like you it's very beautiful." He said, staying silent before speaking again. "Hey Pixel I was wondering, when you said you read my story, where did it begin? Somewhere happy at least?"

Pixel’s smile was gone when she heard the question. She wasn’t sure how to answer it. ‘I mean, it’s not like he could read his own story… right?’ She thought as she glanced away, her head off of his shoulder now.

"Hm?" He noticed her sudden shift in body language and mood, wondering why she was facing away from him. "Pixel, what is it? You okay?" He said as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

She lifted her head up as she looked over at him. She blushed pink as she glanced away. “Y-yeah. I’m fine. Just a little tired from all that walking.” She lied.

"Does that mean you can't tell me right now?" He asked, a slight suspicion growing inside as he watched her acting off still. "You sure?"

She only nodded as she rubbed her eye.

"Alright then, you can tell me another time when you're ready." He pulled her in once again as they both looked off into the town. "Wish you could stay." He said.

“We could stay. I’m sorry for ruining this.” She looked away as she felt a little bad for lying to him.

"You didn't ruin anything, I should just stop asking stupid questions. They make you sad and that makes me sad..." He sighed, leaning his head into hers, a gentle nuzzle. "Pixel I'm scared, I feel like that errand I ran for that stupid pony might backfire on me." He feared of what happened might repeat itself to her.

“You? Scared?” She giggled. “Who’s this and where’s the Leo that I know and love?” She blushed as she looked away after saying that.

"He's right here still Pixel." He said. "But he's still scared, despite what he's faced he's still scared Pixel. I mean after all...I'm still a human."

She stayed quiet as she stayed looking away. “I know… but I also know that no human can do what you do. You’re not just a human, you’re you. And I know that you still have that tough exterior that ponies sometimes fear. And if something like what happened yesterday will come again, I have a feeling we’ll both be prepared.” She leaned against him as it seemed her tired state faded away.

"As long as you're by my side Pixel, I'll be able to confront anything and everything. After all, you give me strength. Like when I saved you from that unicorn. The thought of you being hurt just gave me a max boost." He remembered the intense burning sensation that event gave him to fight.

“Still can’t believe that dumb unicorn was so cowardly that he probably paid that unicorn to kill you.” She said as she thought ponies didn’t hold onto grudges like that. “But I guess that’s another thing that ponies have in common with humans.” She shrugged as she started to lay down and rest her head on his lap, still looking ahead at the town far from the two.

The moment both humans shared felt like it could last forever. There was however a sound of wings flapping in the air. Leo faced to where the sound was coming from as his vision catching the sight of a familiar grey pegasus.

"It's you." Leo uttered.

"It's me." The familiar pegasus known as Derpy said as she landed a few feet to his right. A smile adorned on her face. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." He said smiling back. "Pixel, we have a guest." He nudged her.

“Huh?” She quickly sat up as she looked around before seeing Derpy. “Oh. Hello Dinky’s mom.” She smiled as she waved.

"I take it from your voice you must be Pixel?" Derpy asked as she looked over to her. "My you look different."

“Yeah. I kinda did something that I didn't plan for and turned out like this. Also Leo was a pony when it happened.” She smiled as she leaned against the human. “He was so cute, I even think Fluttershy liked the new look.” She smirked.

"Pixel stop it. I don’t want this town to know I was a pony. It's embarrassing!"

"Oh I saw that, you looked pretty cute as a stallion." Derpy added.

"My life is over." Leo threw his hands in the air.

Pixel giggled at his reaction before she wrapped her arms around him. “Aww, what's so bad about being called cute as a pony?” She asked. “And hey, maybe someone could whip up a spell that could make you a pony for only a little while.” She said as she leaned against his chest.

"Pixel don't tempt fate please. It might just happen and stay that way." He combed her hair with his fingers. "Besides, you rather have a toned human than a furry pony?" He said, placing a hand on her thigh and gave her a gentle squeeze.

“I’m fine with whatever you look like. And besides, I didn’t really get to enjoy you as a pony as you did with me.” She smiled as a small pink blush was on her cheeks. “But then again, if you were a pony, I think it would be me carrying you up this hill.”

"Now that would just be adorable!" Derpy came over to the two humans and took her place beside them. Leo looked over to her as he placed a hand on her ear and began scratching it. She jumped from the foreign touch but leaned into it as she started feeling the wonderful sensation.

"Oh that's good..." She hummed.

‘Don’t I know it.’ Pixel thought with a smile.

"Pixel I've was wondering, how did you become human? Did Twilight helped in a way?" Derpy asked, which caused Leo to freeze up as how she was going to answer that.

“Well, I already told Fluttershy. So, Leo and I were relaxing in the cottage, him rubbing my ear like he did to you just now. Soon, he started rubbing my back, my mane, and even my side. And apparently I was rather ticklish on my side. And as you could guess, a bit of a tickle fight happen.” She blushed pink as she looked away. “Things went a little too far, and small sounds of laughter changed to a magical outburst from my horn. Not only did it switch our species, but I guess it knocked us out as well. We didn’t wake up until morning.” She finished.

“Oh my!” She looked over to Leo. “Do you think if he did that with me I’d be human?” Leo couldn't help but mentally slap his forehead.

“Derpy. That happened cause I was a unicorn. If he did that to you, I think he’d only get a wing slap to the face.” She said, knowing that it would be a little hard for the same thing to happen to a pegasus. “But if you did turn into a human, I think you would look cute.” She smiled.

"That a fun thought, though I don't know how I would be able to walk on two legs alone. I would believe it was almost impossible if I hadn't met you two." She said as Leo continued his scratching. Her wings beginning to ride a little as Pixel’s prediction begun to come true.

"It's nice to see I was wrong about Pixel being a lunatic." He said as he pet Pixel's head as well.

“And I’m glad that you didn’t just kick me to the curb.” Pixel smiled as a pink blush was on her cheeks, it being a little weird that Leo was petting her as if she was still a pony.

"How long will it be before you become accepted Leo?" Derpy asked.

"It depends really, if these guys give me a chance like you did it might happen one day...hopefully."

“I know it will. Maybe if you tried being nice to the ponies, they could see how great you are.” Pixel smiled as she nuzzled his cheek. “Maybe showing a nice smile instead of glaring daggers at them might help. I mean, when you smile, it makes me smile too. And it is kinda rare to not see you without your signature frown and matching glare.”

His smile returned as he nuzzled her back with the same love and affection. "But it's haaard, even if I'm nice they're all closed minded. Fluttershy says it was because a griffon named Gilda came and scared the populous."

"I remember her, she was mean." Her ears dropped.

“Oh. I know about Gilda. But you shouldn’t really blame her. She lives in a kingdom where everyone like her is either just as mean or even worse. And with Rainbow being her one friend, it would make sense why she would be angry.” She held onto Leo’s hand. “She’s kinda like you: mean on the outside, but lonely and damaged on the inside.”

"Yeah...damaged and lonely." His said as his voice began to drop. Derpy noticed this and placed a comforting hoof on his hand.

"It'll be alright Leo. Everypony will come around and like you one day. I promise." She said in her most assuring voice ever.

Pixel noticed that she didn't use the right choice of words. “I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that.” She apologized, feeling as if she made things bad.

He noticed her mood change as she started to mentally berate herself. Leo could only shake his head as gave her back an assuring rub. "You have to stop blaming yourself Pixel. You know it makes me feel sad."

“I'm sorry.” She looked away. “I don't mean to make you upset.” She rubbed her arm. “I just always have a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. You should know that already.” She finished as she stayed looking away from Leo.

"Pixel please stop blaming yourself. I know it hurts a bit when you say the wrong things but you shouldn't let that sink in too deep. Otherwise, you'll just keep blaming yourself when it's not even your fault. Not only will you make yourself sad but also Leo which in turn makes it worse for you." Derpy explained in deep depth of the "good" it would do if Pixel kept blaming herself.

"I couldn't have said it better myself Derpy. I'm surprised you understand." Leo said.

"I haven't had a successful relationship when I was married so I understand." She said as she hid her saddened mood with a small smile.

Pixel was close to apologizing again, but knew that another round of ‘I’m sorry’ might make them feel that what they said just went over her head. She instead showed a small smile of her own at Derpy before petting her blond mane, a little surprise at how soft her mane was. “Thanks Derpy.”

Derpy was grateful for the gesture as Pixel's more slender fingers brushed her mane, leaning into the sensation.

"How is your daughter?" Leo asked as he had his concern for the young filly.

"She's fine, though she's having trouble walking still. Those vulgar ponies and their sick ideas for fun hurt my little filly." She said as she had a bit of motherly aggression for the ponies that caused the damage.

"I'm sorry. She shouldn't have interacted with me. She wouldn't have gotten hurt." Leo began to feel the usual feeling of lament when others he cared for got hurt.

“Come on, Leo. Just like I apologize for wording some things wrong, you shouldn’t be sorry for what other ponies do just cause they are scared or don’t want to understand you better. Derpy is right to blame those ponies.” Pixel said as she moved her hand from Derpy’s head and into Leo’s hand that was on the ground. “If you want me to stop blaming myself for making small mistakes, then I want you to stop blaming yourself for what other ponies do. I know they have their own point of view, but that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to harm you or Dinky just cause you were there.” She gripped his hand tight as she was focused on the appendage. “Nothing was your fault. There were just assumptions, triggers, and ponies to one-tracked minded to try and understand beings that aren’t ponies better.”

“She’s right Leo, I used to be just like them, but then I met you and...well…I saw that you weren’t a beast that they made you out to be. Yes, I saw you tear the market district and I was afraid. But when I saw you confront Twilight about what she had done, I saw a being who was hurting inside. Ever since then I was conflicted about you. Not sure how to feel about an ape that went bezerk yet producing tears, I saw that those tears came from the heart of your soul. But even so, I was still to afraid to get involved with you.” She turned her head in shame, facing the ground with taking a deeper depth of the ape she feared.

“But look now.” Pixel spoke out with a smile. “You have some new friends. And if doesn’t prove that there can be a chance that both you and the ponies in Ponyville can change, then I don’t know what will.” She moved a little closer to Leo. “And I think a happy Leo is better than a grumpy Leo.” She couldn’t help but nuzzle his cheek, her own turning pink in bashfulness of the action.

He hummed lightly in content from the gesture as he leaned in to do the same. He held her hand firmly. "I really love when you nuzzle your soft conforming cheek against mine while saying nice things."

What he said only made her blush more as she looked away with a small smile. Her grip on his hand loosened a little, but it still held on.

"Do you two plan on having a foal?" Derpy asked, oblivious to how the question would make them feel.

"Uhh..." He wasn’t sure what had to be said as he looked over to Pixel for help.

Pixel looked back at Lo, but had a feeling that he didn’t have an answer for that. “Well...” She started, looking down at the ground. “I would really love to, but we can’t.” She sighed as she was a bit upset that she obviously couldn’t stay for that long. “I can’t stay that long.” Her hand was now only limply draped over Leo’s.

He noticed her change in mood dropped as he squeezed a little tighter though her hand was still limp. "Pixel..."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know." Derpy apologized, though it felt in vain.

“It’s okay.” Pixel spoke after a moment of silence. “You were just curious. There’s nothing wrong with that.” She smiled a little as she went back to holding Leo’s hand tightly.

"Though it would be nice. To have a smaller me to look after a long day with my...mate." He teased with the name they known them by together.

That caused her to blush once again as she still wasn’t quite used to being called his mate, but it still made her flustered every time he said it. “N-now who’s to say that they might not turn out l-like me?” She asked as she stayed looking at the floor, a small smile on her lips.

"Or a smaller version of you. Either way it's something to look forward to." He said as he placed his hand on her cheek, turning her to face him, planting a kiss. The gesture was enough to make Derpy smiled from the beautiful romance.

"That's so beautiful. It's hard to meet males that aren't afraid to show their affection."

Pixel’s eyes widened as she instantly blushed red. But even though she was embarrassed of the loving action, she didn’t pull away. In fact, she kissed him back a little harder.

'Oh-ho~' Leo chuckled internally as scooped her up by her thighs, placing her on him as his hands grabbed onto her hips as he kissed back, his tongue finding its way into her mouth.

Derpy saw Leo become a little wild as she blushed deeply, covering her eyes with her feathers.

“Mmh!” Pixel was caught by surprise by what Leo did, blushing more as she knew Derpy was getting front-row seats to their sudden make out session. But soon Pixel started enjoying and getting into it as she resumed kissing and even buried her hands into his hair, making him kiss a little harder as well. The blush on her cheeks eased down to a small pink hue as she turned her head so their lips will lock in place.

"I-I'll just leave now!" Derpy said as she took off into the air, flying as fast and as far as possible, leaving the two with their amorous session.

Leo hummed in agreement as he placed his hands on her rear as he gave it a firm squeeze before slapping it. He broke the kiss for a brief moment. "I've been wanting to do this since this morning." He said before pressing his lips deeply, giving her rear once more.

Pixel couldn’t help but let out a muffled moan at the groping of her rump. Her hands moved away from the back of his head to underneath the back of his shirt, feeling the markings from past injuries. The blush was long gone now as it was her turn to explore his mouth with her tongue, feeling every smooth surface to the ridges of his teeth and the bumps of his tongue.

Leo had decided to counter by lying on his back, bringing her with him as his hands went under her shirt. His hand returning back to their previous spot. He grabbed her ample blossom as he squeezed tightly from before as his other hand was unbuttoning her pants.

She was caught by surprise when he was unbuttoning her pants. She was close to moving her hands away and stopping it then and there, but something made her continue. She moved her hands to go under his shirt and feel his chest, slowly lifting her arms to take it off.

His actions were ceased as his arms rose up for her to take his shirt off. Once that was done, Leo resumed his actions with her pants, lifting her small body off the ground and pulling her pants all the way down to her calves. He then snaked his hands under her shirt as it was now his turn to remove her top. He she raised her arms up as he pulled the shirt up. Her hair spilled over her shoulders and back once it was taken off, leaving her with just her purple bra and panties.

She blushed pink when she noticed that he was looking at her body. Her insecurities were coming as she was close to covering her chest and backing away from him. She only did the first half as she covered her bra with one arm.

He could only smirk from her bashfulness. "Don't you dare hide those fun bags from me." He said as his hands reached behind her back, grabbing the clip from her bra as the straps loosened, her arm was the only thing holding the bra in place. He grabbed her arm and moved it aside, the bra dropping as her bare chest was now bare for him. "Love those tits Pixel." He said as as his hands went for her rear once again, only this time his fingers were now under her panties. His left hand sneaking for her lower lips.

She blushed more, but shivered as her now exposed breasts were feeling the cold area as she went back to covering them. She also noticed his hand under her panties as the blush spread on her cheeks. “L-Leo. Are you sure you want to do this outside?” She asked, the girl glancing away from him for a moment before looking back at him.

"No, but nothing ventured, nothing gained." He said as he pulled her panties down, she was now completely exposed for him to see. "Why don't you to return the favor and help me with these pants?" He said as he pressed her down with his hand against her butt. Her lips pressing down on his now hard, throbbing member.

“Eep!” Her blush spread more onto her face, close to making her face a cherry red. But even with her flustered state, she slowly nodded for his little request. She tried to move back to help unbutton his pants, but his hands were still on her rump. “Uhm, L-Leo? C-can you let go of my b-butt?” She asked, the blush on her cheeks easing down a little.

"Sorry, it's just nice and plump." He said giving it a smack before retracting and placing his arms behind his head in comfort. Satisfied with the pink mark he left.

The red blush returned after he did that, but she tried to ignore the small sting of his slap as she backed away a little and began to unbutton his pants, bringing them down and taking it off as his boxers were left. But even with them on, she could see his member peeking out from the gap on the front of his boxers.

As she pulled them down by strap, Leo's member sprung out and lightly slapped Pixel cheek. Her blush now redder than before as she stared at it. She eyed it as her stare was almost hypnotized. He snapped his fingers to pull her out of the trance. "You okay Pixie?”

She blinked a few times before snapping out of it. “Wh-what? Oh, uh, yeah. I’m okay.” She nodded as she backed away from his member a little, noticing how close she was to it.

That was until Leo kept her in place by her shoulder. "Don't have to be shy Pixel, you can have a taste if you want, though it wouldn't be fair to you if I didn't do the same." He said as he hinted her the idea.

The red blush came back for another when he suggested that. She glanced away for a moment, before she started moving and presenting herself, the blush going deeper as she couldn’t believe she was doing this outside. If this was in the room instead, she might be less shy, but it wasn’t.

As she did as she was told by sitting on his chest she lowered her head closer to his member. She took in an enticing smell as it nearly made her dizzy, causing her to become a bit wet. Leo noticed this as he brought her closer as he bit his lip in desire. Using what he had learned from the internet he pressed his lips against hers and stuck his tongue in. He hungrily licked as he swallowed her pre cum, pressing his fingers into her nice ample rear.

She let out a lust-filled moan when he started. Her back arched a little. She looked down at the throbbing member that was Leo’s before she saw him leaking his own pre-cum. It was going down his member. She licked her lips before she leaned in and started tracing her tongue where the dripping cum was going and followed all the way to his head. A pink blush was on her cheeks when she was licking the head a little.

Her moist actions succeeded in deeply arousing him with her tongue. Having her lick his dick was divine. An idea popped in his head as his smile formed. He inhaled as he then exhaled and blew a raspberry into her lower lips.

“Ah!” She was caught by surprise, the action making her legs go lower, her rump now on his chest, even closer than before. She blushed red as she realized what he did. “Wh-why did you do that?” She asked as she was getting ready to go back onto her knees, but two hands kept her butt in place.

"Because it felt good, common Pixel, you know you like it." He said waving his brows suggestively as he teased her by adding a few light licks on her outer lips.

“Mmh.” She blushed more as her leg twitched. “F-fine. I’ll give you that.” She mumbled as she looked away, her eyes soon back on the throbbing member that was mostly dry and untouched.

"Common Pixel, return the favor. Do it for me." He said with a puppy dog face before having an open mouthed kiss with with her lower lips. His tongue deeper and wilder inside her love hole.

“Ahh~” She moaned as she seemed to like the open mouth kisses he was giving to her clit. Her mind started to fog at how pleasurable his tongue was. With the pleasured feeling going all throughout her body, she started to feel more brave as she placed her mouth on his head, starting to coat it in her own saliva.

Leo hummed in content as he dove deeper into her nethers. The smell and taste of cum feeding his sexual desires but wanting more. He grabbed a bountiful rear and pressed deeper as he tongue nailed her. His "kiss" aggressive as it was hungry.

Pixel let out a muffled moan as her back arched again as he was hitting all the right spots. Her mouth went deeper into his member as she started coating everything in saliva. She felt every blood vessel, every patch of skin, and even where the head began to the hole at the tip of it. He wanted him as much as he wanted her.

As Leo was having his member pleasured by Pixel's tongue, he hatched another idea in his mind as he moved his hands from her rear and placed them on her head. He then pushed her head down lightly as she was now bobbing, the tip of his head reaching the back of her throat as all the could let out was a few wet, slapping, gagging noises. It only drive him to push his hips upward as he went deeper.

She began to do it on her own as she continued to feel and even suck his member, wanting him to climax already.

So she bobbed her head more furiously as his member and her mouth were completely covered in saliva and pre cum. Leo moaned in much pleasure as he too licked and swallowed with much vigor. He pressure begun to build painfully inside him as she continued her wet actions. Not being able to take much more, his member throbbed one last time as he released thick potent streams of cum into her mouth.

She was caught by surprise from the big release, but she hungrily swallowed most of it, the remaining drops spilled from her mouth and was now on her lips. She removed her mouth with a small ‘pop’ before she licked the leftover cum from her lips.

Leo retracted his lips exchange from her as he sighed deeply in content as he lied his head on the grass. "Huh...ho...ahmf...that was nice Pixel." He said through breaths.

“What… what makes you think it's over?” She asked with a mischievous smirk. Before Leo could even move her away, Pixel placed her rump atop of Leo’s face, her lips closer to him than ever before. “I have yet to climax. And you wouldn't want to leave me like this, would you?”

“Mmph!” Leo was caught by surprise as she was now completely sitting on his face. ‘Well okay then.’ He thought with a smile before his tongue pierced her once more, slithering around her love canal like a wet, slimy serpent.

“Ahh~” She moaned as the action made her blush, while also pressing her rump harder on him, wanting him to go deeper.

His tongue was now at a deeper depth as it hit the new walls of her love hole, his actions increased not only with licking but with slurping of her precum as well, blowing the occasional raspberry.

Pixel bit her lip as the blush on her cheeks only got darker. Sometimes she would jump a little when Leo blew a raspberry, but that didn’t stop her in wanting to climax. Bit by bit, she was reaching her limit. “L-Leo… I’m gonna...” She couldn’t finish as she let out a lust-fulled moan when she finally released.

Her cum seeped from her lips as Leo used every bit effort to swallow the warm nectar she produced. Gulp after gulp, he drained her dry as a few drops seeped on his chest as he swallowed down the last bit with vigor. ‘Oh, that was so good.’ He thought internally with a smile on his face.

Pixel was finally satisfied as she slowly got her rump off of him and turned back around, laying on his chest as a pink hue was still on her cheeks. She didn’t say anything, but the small smile showed that she also enjoyed it.

“Ahh...Pixel...are we crazy?” Leo asked out of the blue.

“I…I didn't know what…what came over me.” She said as she looked up at him. “Sorry if I was demanding.” She apologized.

“No it’s okay, it’s not that...it’s just...we only met a few days ago and yet we’re right here right now. So deeply in love...I’ve never felt this way before, nor did I think it would move so fast. Not that I’m complaining.” He said as he hugged her.

She blushed more when he hugged her. She couldn't help but think more on what he said. She too loved him very much, but now knows leaving him might be harder. She didn't say anything, but the blush on we cheeks faded.

“I mean, you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, I know it’s hard to leave someone behind. Believe me I know.”

“... now I wish I could stay.” She mumbled, her finger circling over a part of his chest.

"Wish, you could. But I guess some happy endings just are out of reach."

“Yeah… but now I feel a little dirty.” She said as she noticed how sticky and dirty she felt after all that, deciding to change the subject before things might go bad.

“Sorry, Pixie, I got carried away again.” Leo said as his look wandered away in shame.

“What? N-no. It’s not your fault.” She looked up at him. “I mean, I could’ve just told you to stop. But I didn’t. To be honest, I wanted to do this since this morning.” She blushed red when she said that, this time being her turn for her look to wander off.

He looked over to her in surprise. “R-really? Wow...that’s just...unlike you. You’re normally too shy.”

Pixel only blushed more as she covered her face in embarrassment.

“Pixel, are you okay?” He asked as he tilted her head to have her face him.

“Y-yeah. I’m f-fine.” She spoke when he moved her hands away from her face, a red blush on her cheeks as it seemed that she was flustered over what she told him.

Before the moment could continue their was a sudden shift in the air, something out of place or in place that was not supposed to be there. Leo could feel this as his eyes wandered. “Let’s go home.” He simply said as he reached for his pants as he was getting dressed.

“What? What’s wrong?” She asked as she was left sitting down on the floor.

“Just have a feeling we should go home quick, just male intuition.”

“Oh, okay.” She lightly nodded before she put on her undergarments before standing up with the rest of her clothes in her arms. “If you want to get home quickly, we better get going then.” She said.

“Right…” He said as he put his shirt back on ad dusted the grass blades off. “...Let get going then…” He held his hand out to Pixel to help her stand.

She took the offered hand and let him help her onto her feet. She felt the grass prickle her feet since sh didn’t bother putting her socks and shoes on.

“Let's get into town…” He said as he began escorting her down the hill. His guard on as his eyes darted their surroundings.

“Okay.” She spoke as she never let go of his hand the whole way down. But after awhile, the dirt and rocks she was stepping on got to her and she lightly tugged his shirt. “L-Leo? Can you carry me please?” She asked.

“Yes Pixel.” He said as he scooped her up from the ground, she was now being carried princess style as Leo maintained his balance on the steep hill.

She blushed pink as she wrapped her arms around his neck as to not fall off if he lets go. “Thank you.” She smiled a little as she nuzzled his cheek.

His smiled returned from the gesture as they trekked down the hill, when they reached the bottom there was that sensation once more was Leo froze in place. His breathing now more forcefully steady as though something was making him stir. Like ice crawling in his veins.

Pixel noticed his stiff movement and steady breathing. “Leo. Are you okay?” She asked in a hushed whisper.

“I don’t know…” He whispered back as the wind blew across them both, there was a scent carried by the wind Leo recognized. Something dirty and steel, at that moment Leo’s eyes shot up in realization as threw Pixel aside as the ground burst beneath him as a large hulking dog man bursted out, a diamond dog. And another from the trees to their left were the wind had carried the scent.

Pixel yelped as she was tossed away from Leo, her clothing's being dropped as well. She felt a small heat on her head before she looked up and saw what was the thing Leo was feeling. “A diamond dog?” She said out loud.

He grunted in pain as he struggled to remove the diamond dog’s claws from his forearm, but the beast seemed stronger and bigger. “You are the one that killed Silver? I hardly think and ape like you was even capable of such a thing!” He roared as drool flew on Leo’s face. The dog hefted Leo up and tossed him to the other diamond dog waiting. The beast jumped and and used both legs to kick the lower left side of Leo’s back as he grunted loudly in pain, the fall not helping as the wind was knocked out of him.

Pixel watched the two beating Leo up as she really didn’t like seeing him get hurt. “Leave him alone!” She shouted, trying to shove a diamond dog away from Leo, but that only resulted in making the gray and brown mutt move a step back and her feeling pain on her arm when it made contact with his armor.

“Mmm? What’s this a smaller ape?” The dog removed its foot from Leo as it now faced her, towering over her. “This won’t even be entertaining…” He said as he pulled his sword from his scabbard.

“You stupi--” Leo tried to say but had a foot over his cheek.

Pixel still had a hand over her sore arm when she saw the rather tall and intimidating diamond dog. Her eyes widened as she had a feeling that she was nothing compared to this mutt. She took a small step back, but she could feel her whole body start to freeze in fear, the small shaking showing that she was more than scared now. Before she could even think about coming to her sense and most likely run, she fell backwards and was off her feet now, the perspective changing and the dog looking more frightful.

As the dog was ready to cut her down there was a larger hand grab the dog’s arm, stopping it in place. The arm belonged to none other than Steel vice, their huger tank of a minotaur. “Now, Now Gharu, is that any way to treat a female regardless of species?” He asked in somewhat a gentleman tone as he looked over to Pixel with a mock smile.

The girl, still frozen in fear, didn’t say anything or did anything as a response to almost getting killed. But she soon realized that she was still just in her undergarments, blushing red as she looked around for some part of her clothings. The closest thing was her hoodie, so she grabbed it and hid her top half while also curling closer to herself(also backing away a little) to hide her panties as well.

The large brute smiled as he shook his head before turning around, his underling followed suit. “So you are the ape that killed my business partner?” Vice kneeled down as he was now face to face with Leo.

“I take it he was your his friend?” Leo said as he spat blood from his cut lips.

“Something like that.” He responded as he grabbed Leo face with his giant hand. His cheeks squeezed together from the thumb and index finger, tilting his head side to side to examine him. “Mmm...you may not look it but you are something to be reckoned with.” He said releasing his face roughly.

“Me lo pelas pinche toro de una put madre!” Leo said vulgarly in spanish.

“Such a dirty mouth.” Vice said as he backed away a few feet. “Release him, I want to see his power for myself.”

The dogs did as they were told as they removed themselves from Leo, backing away enough to be out of his "firing" distance. He grunted irritably as he was now standing tall on his two feet. His muscles locked as crouched in a sprinting position before he charged. His fist raised as his anger took hold of the reins.

Vice only crossed his arms in amusement as Leo was closing the distance. Leo threw the first punch as It pierced through the air. The fist was caught by Vice's gigantic hand, stopping Leo dead in his tracks. He grunted as he put more strength into it. But still nothing.

Vice's counter act was his right arm launched at a faster speed. The giant hammer of a fist made contact with Leo's abdomen. He was hefted off the ground as his ribs began to root before shattering. A few fragments puncturing his internal organs. Blood flew from his mouth as small gasp escaped. Leo was practically flying in their eyes up high before he landed with a loud thud on the grassy ground, lying motionless in place.

“LEO!” Pixel cried out as she quickly got up(leaving the hoodie behind) and ran towards where Leo’s limp body was. She didn't know where to exactly lift his body from, so all she could do was move his head onto her lap. “L-Leo…please…please wake up.” She teared up, wiping the blood from his lips and jaw before she curled closer to him, nearly embracing his head as the tears started coming and going down her cheeks.

No response, just silence as Leo was unconscious, the air barely escaping his lungs to survive.

Vice clicked his tongue a few times as he loomed over Pixel. His giant form shadowing both of them. "How sad, Grum promised me you'd be a challenge, but it would seem it was just through the eyes of a weakling. I didn't even pull out my sword." He scratched the scruffy beard on his chin and sighed before grabbing Pixel’s arm and tossing her aside. He scooped one hand over Leo's body before throwing him over his shoulder. "Let's go." He ordered his diamond dogs as they grunted towards the minotaur to the giant hole they made.

She winced at the fall before she quickly got back up. “No! Please! Please don't take him.” She started to beg. “You've already proven that you're stronger. Just please don't take him from me.” She began to shed more tears, but quickly wiped them away. “Please… he’s too injured to even be to any use of you. Why do you want him?”

Vice stopped in place, turning to face Pixel as she was almost haunted by the smile he gave. “Let’s just say the skinned manticore on my throne has outlived its usefulness.” He hefted Leo in a manner. “This ape should make a good replacement for that, as for the rest, I guess I could feed his intreals to my underling. They never tried ape, before, I imagine it might taste exotic.” He said before walking over to the deep giant hole, squatted before jumping in, his dogs followed suit before the large rumbling on the ground was heard. Most likely Steel Vice landing.

Pixel only fell to her knees from the slight rumbling. She could only watch as they took her ‘mate’ and leave her behind. She wanted to keep on begging, maybe fight or bargain with the large beast to leave Leo alone, but she only stayed where she was. Her face was a little pale at the thought of Leo being skinned and eaten. The waterworks started happening again as the tears started forming again, going down her cheeks as for the first time in her life, she realized how much she couldn’t even save Leo.

~

Once Pixel came to her senses and could move again, she was already dressed and running into the pony-filled town. Hoping that someone will help her as she called for some sign of help, while also saying that Leo is the one in need of help. But it seemed that the ponies of Ponyville really didn’t care for him as nopony stood up to help. They could only watch her, or just plain ignore her.

“Please! Leo’s in trouble! Some diamond dogs took him and they're going to kill him!” She shouted as tears were on her eyes. “Please… please somepony save my mate.” She said in a mere whimper as she knew no one would help her. She never really saw how much the ponies didn’t care for Leo, but now she could see that Leo was nothing but a shadow to these ponies.

“Pixel, what’s wrong, where’s Leo?” Came the familiar voice of the yellow pegasus, accompanied by Rainbow Dash and Applejack. All three of them holding a bottle of fizzy apple cider.

“Yo Pix, what’s wrong? You look like you saw someone die.” Rainbow dash said as she was now standing beside her.

Pixel’s eyes widened a little before she kneeled down yet again, close to grabbing one of the pony’s hooves and begging. “Please… Leo’s been taken by some diamond dogs and their going to kill him.” She said. “They… they said th-they were going to skin h-him… at eat him.” She said as the tears started flowing again. “I beg you, I’ll do anything, just please save my mate.” She begged, shutting her eyes as she looked down. “I couldn’t do anything… they just took him and I just stood there watching.”

All three mares stood in mute shock, Fluttershy’s expression far worse, not only because of what she said about Leo dying, but also about calling him her mate.

“Leo’s in trouble!? Well why the heck didn’t ya say anything?! Who took my high apple picker!”

“I-I’m sorry. I… I tried asking for help. B-but everyone ignored me.” She said. “I… I don’t know who they were, but they were a minotour and some diamond dogs. I… I think they m-might be linked to that Silver Blood pony.” She explained as she was wiping her eyes. “Th-they said about Leo ruining some partnership with him, I don’t know.”

“Did you get the name of the one who took him or what he looked like? Anything would help!” Rainbow dash said as she dropped her cider drink leaning in to hear any specific details Pixel might have to say.

She stayed silent for a moment before she spoke. “Th-there were two of them. They were both bigger than any normal diamond dog. They were strong too. The leader even ended Leo with one punch. The other one was I think named Gharu or something. And the leader also said he had a sword on him. I… that’s all I can remember.” She rubbed her arm as she looked down at the floor.

“Was the leader another diamond dog? Must have been a strong feller to take Leo out with one punch.” Applejack said as she began to feel a shiver down her spine.

She shook her head. “I think he was a minotaur.” She answered. “He was completely different, with horns and a bottom half of a goat that’s standing on two legs like a diamond dog’s.”

“A minotaur? What in sam’s hill would a montaur want with Leo?” Applejack asked.

“Yea. I mean, Leo does pick fights, but that’s only with creatures from the Everfree. You said it was something to do with Silver?” She asked.

“Yes.” She nodded. “He called him his business partner. Even the diamond dog asked if he killed him.”

“This is serious, we better go to Twilight’s, she lived in the castle she might be able to know something under Celestia’s wing.” Applejack said.

“I guess it’s the only lead we got.” Rainbow Dash said. “Let’s go!” She bolted, but stopped a few meters way as Fluttershy was not following. “Fluttershy common!” Rainbow said.

The yellow pegasus was unresponsive as she still stayed in mute shock. “Leo…” She choked out in a whisper.

Pixel could only stay quiet as she looked at the frozen mare. “Fluttershy?” She called her name calmly.

Still no response as she began to tear at a controllable rate. “Woah, Fluttershy calm down. Leo’s okay.”

“Yeah sugar cube, we can’t do anything for him if we don’t move.” She nudged the mare, but still no response. “Consarn it!” she said before going under Fluttershy and picking her up on her back as she carried the almost stiff mare. “Let’s go ya’ll.” She began to gallop with Dash behind her.

Pixel slowly got up before she followed the two mares(the third being carried). It didn’t take long for the four of them to reach Twilight’s tree library. They didn’t even knock as Rainbow kicked the door open.

“Wah!” Twilight shrieked in fright as the four barged in on her in the middle of a letter. “Celestia! Doesn’t anypony knock anymore!!!” She yelled as she rolled up the parchment before plaing it in her desk drawer.

“Twilight! We need your help.” Pixel quickly said as she was the second one in behind Rainbow.

“Help? Help with what?” She asked as she looked behind the four. “Where's Leo?”

“That’s the thing Twi, Leo got abducted by a minotaur and some diamond dogs according to Pixel’s statement. We were hoping you might know something about it.” Applejack asked as she set Fluttershy down.

“Um, well…” She looked over to Pixel. “Any idea what this minotaur looked like, anything that stands out?” She asked Pixel as she went over the one of her shelves, levitating a torn leather book to her.

“Well, all I could see was that he was bigger and stronger. I mean, he beat Leo with only one punch. He also said that he had a sword, and it seemed that the diamond dogs follow his lead.” She said, hoping that what she listed was enough for her.

Twilight flipped through the pages as she scanned each until she stopped. “Ah, here it i…” She paused. “Oh no…” She read into it deeper. “Oh no!!! Not him!” Twilight yelled as she dropped the book.

“Twi, what’s wrong!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong, Leo; he’s gone, never to be seen again, at least not alive.”

“Wh-why would you say that!?!” Fluttershy yelled as she seemed to have snapped out of her frozen trance.

“This is no ordinary minotaur, this is the legendary Vice Steel! Age four hundred and six, wanted for murder, destruction, fraud, and rape. This guy has made a sick game of offering a chance to creatures to fight for their lives and children by killing each other, only to in the end kill them afterwards. He has an enchanted sword that can cut through anything clean in one flash. He’s done it to a battalion of soldiers once when they were doing a raid.” She explained as she leaned against the desk. “Leo really does have the worst luck.”

“So… Leo i-is gone?” Pixel mumbled as she was sitting on the floor, holding her legs as she was close to crying again, the lump in her throat being felt. “L-Leo’s going to d-die. And it’s all my f-fault.” She started to tear up as she clutched her head now, her fingers being buried into her head. “A-all of this is my f-fault. I sh-should’ve left him alone wh-when he thought I was a crazy mare. I t-tried to help, b-but I only caused h-him to die faster.” She said the last part in a mere whisper as she was now a shriveled up mess of sadness, guilt, and slight fear.

“No sugarcube it isn’t! You brought out the best in Leo to help him realize he doesn't completely hate us. In fact, you made him stronger.” Applejack assured.

“Not strong enough…” Twilight mumbled as he looked away, which in return she received severe glares from Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

“What, Twilight mean to say is that we can’t give up. Twilight don’t you have a tracking spell?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yeah, but I need something from Leo to track hi-...” She stopped as she received deadpan looks from her and Applejack. They knew she had enough to make a knock off Leo. She sighed before she went into the basement to retrieve the samples. After a while she had returned as she came back with a jar of his blood. All three mares puked a little on the inside as they saw his red essence.

Pixel didn’t react to the jar of blood at all since she was still curled in a fetal position on the floor, still thinking all of this was her fault.

Twilight sighed as her horn began to glow, though this was much brighter as she focused on the jar. The blood inside began to boil as a light emerged from the air. It opened in a circular pattern as it began to reveal a window. Inside was Vice Steel walking through a ruined castle hall, already he had made it back in such a short time, the two dogs behind them carried Leo, his hand over their shoulder as they dragged his limp body.

“How much longer must we drag this baggage? Any cell will do.” The one on the left complained as he looked over the his side, showing a group a feral hounds in a cell, made in the wall. The drooled and snarled at the sight and scent of blood as they made to break free from their cell. “They could use the meat.”

“Them? What about us? My belly aches, his flesh is nice and tender just the way I like it.” The other licked his fangs and teeth as he eyed Leo with a deep hunger.

“Oh buck, these guys look nasty.” Rainbow cringed her face.

“Leo?” Pixel slightly turned her head to see the small video they were seeing through Twilight’s magic.

Vice Steel faced his underling with a glare. “Quiet! You two sound like mongrels begging for something to eat.” He said as he pushed past the doors leading into his throne room. “He’s meant for a higher cause.” He strode over the room to his throne as he splayed himself comfortably in his seat. The dogs that carried Leo kneeled before their master in respect.

“What would you have us do, Steel? Shall we skin him now.” One of the dogs asked.

Vice leaned into his hand the was held by the arm rest with a somewhat bored look. “You two may leave.” He flicked his fingers.

“B-but I though--”

“And take the guards in this room with you.” the room fell silent before the dog ordered the lower rank dogs to leave as the set Leo down. They followed suit before one of the guards gave one last glance before the door closed behind them, the sound echoed through the acoustics.

“I could just choose to kill you for ruining my trades with my business partner and disappointing me.” He tapped his fingers on his arm rest as Leo shakingly struggled to stand but could only muster a kneel.

It broke Fluttershy’s heart to see him in such a state of mercy as he tried to stand with what little strength he had.

Pixel was sitting up now as she watched the image intensely, hoping and praying that Leo might find a way out of this.

“They may not have said it, but I could see in the eyes of my subordinates that they wanted me to hang you by your entrails and leave your corpse to be picked by the resident crows.” He paused before he continued. “But ultimately the terms of your execution is up to me.”

“I’m already dead…” He said in a whisper, but enough for the brute to hear.

“Indeed.” He stayed silent once again as he removed his sword and placed it against the throne. He stood as he walked over to Leo, to him it seemed like an eternity of hearing those gigantic hooves echo through the room as he advanced closer to him. “But I am not without mercy.” He said.

“You could have fooled me.” He spat his blood on the floor.

“It’s not a trick.” He crossed his arms. “I am willing to give you one more chance to show me that Grums claims about you were true.” He strode back a few feet giving Leo space. “Show me your strength, prove to me you victory with with Silver Blood was not a fluke.” He said as he popped his finger, each crack sharp and loud which made Leo flinch in fear.

He clenched his teeth as he forced his body to stand tall despite the pain. He was now on his two feet but still a bit slouched. Vice could only pinch the bridge of his nose has he sighed irritably.

“You’re starting to annoy me with your weakness ape.” Vice said as he blew air through his nose like an angry bull would.

“You bitch so much it's hurting my ears.” Leo replies. “You what I used to eat back in my world in my home country?” He asked as he dared to form a smile. “My bastard of adoptive father made cut your kind’s balls off and we later used them as stew to eat. Never had something quite so nourishing with the protein I needed to do it over again.” He chuckled as he licked his lips.

That last part was enough to make Rainbow Dash and Applejack gag before they both threw up on the floor, their half digested apple cider on Twilight’s floor board.

“I… I can’t see this.” Pixel said as she quickly got up and left to the kitchen. She went to take a drink of water, but her hands were shaking too much to fill the cup to the brim. She chugged the water down before she gasped as she dropped the cup. She was now silent, looking down at the sink as she felt that Leo wouldn’t last long if everyone that wanted to help was just watching him die. “It’s… all my fault.” She mumbled as she held her head with one of her hands.

Fluttershy entered the room behind Pixel as she carefully strode over to her. Taking her place by her as she draped her wing on her back. “Pixel...it isn’t your fault.” She said, though she head tears streaming down her face. “You couldn't stop it.” she said.

“Yes it is. All of this happened because of me.” She said as she covered her eyes with her hand. “If I just left him alone, he might be still in your house, or hanging out with Spike. B-but he just had to bring me here… out of all the other stories in the entire universe… it had to be here. I… I just wish I could save him. Like he did to save me.”

“Pixel, I know you think you could have saved him there but it was just no use.” She gave her a comforting nuzzle. “But that doesn't mean we still can’t save him.”

“SHOW IT TO ME!!!” Came the voice of Vice from the other room. Both Fluttershy and Pixel hurried back to see what was happening. They saw both Applejack and Rainbow Dash stare in shock. As Fluttershy and Pixel faced the tracking window they saw Vice squeezing Leo’s head, his fingers opening his eyes wide as Leo tried to break free. “Show it to me!!!” He roared, his teeth bared as his eyes were now bloodshot.

“No please no!” Fluttershy shouted.

“Common Leo don’t let it end like this!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

The sight of Leo being in pain brought Pixel back to tears. She knew he didn’t deserve it, and she wanted this to all stop. She had to. Without a single word or warning, she ran out of the tree-house and towards the trees of the Everfree Forest. She remembered the interior was somewhere inside that castle. And if not, she would look all over Equestria if she needed to to make Leo’s pain stop. She was a few steps into the forest before an invisible barrier made her stop.

“Wah?” She tried to force the barrier out of the way, but simply pushing it forward did absolutely nothing to it. “Come on, I need to save Leo!” She shouted as she even tried to scratch it with her rather long nails, but the same results were shown.

“I think you know that if you do find them, you’ll be just as dead as he’s going to be.” A familiar voice was heard as Discord was floating nearby with his legs crossed.

“I don’t care! I’ll die for him if I have to!” She said as she continued scratching the barrier.

“And you think that’s what he would want? For you to die?” He asked. “He threw you out of the way from that smelly criminal’s sneak attack and that’s how you’re going to repay him?”

Pixel stopped when he asked that, remembering that he did that just so she wouldn’t get hurt. She kneeled down as she now rested her head on the barrier, to which it soon faded and she was now faceplanted on the floor.

“There, now that I have your attention, I know where you’re going with this. And I supposed I could help.” Discord said with a roll of his eyes.

“Really!?” She snapped up as she was now facing him.

“But with a price.” He smirked. “You will have the abilities to save him and even kill that minotaur fella, but you won’t have much control over this. And to turn back to normal, only Leo could help you with that.”

Pixel’s smile left her lips as she looked down. She knew that he might have a catch to go with his assistance, but if it was to save Leo, then she would(possibly) give her soul to the devil if it guaranteed that Leo would be safe. She looked back up with a determined look in her eyes. “Deal.” She nodded.

“Excellent! This will surely make things more interesting.” He said, snapping his fingers as he brought out a pair of clothes. “Put this on, and once you put on the headgear, that’s when my power will kick in, and when your control of your body will decrease.” He explained. “I’ll be watching from the sidelines. I would say good luck, but I bet you wouldn’t need that.” That was when he left in a flash… literally.

Pixel looked down at the outfit, seeing that it was obviously a japanese school girl outfit. She sighed as she started changing. As she put it on, she saw that the skirt was a cyan. The stockings were white with a pink stripe around the top while her shoes were some pink short heels. The top was mostly white as the collar had three types of colors, them being blue, yellow and pink while the front bow was just pink. It was a short sleeve, but the cuffs were blue with a white stripe in the middle. She didn’t quite knew why she was dressed like this, but once she saw what the headgear was, her eyes widened.

“No way...” She mumbled.

The headgear was actually a giant bow that had the same three colors on her collar on it. At the end piece were the end pieces of a DVI cable. She was having second thoughts, not sure if she should do this. But she started remembering why exactly she was doing this. She was going to save Leo. And if that meant she would be a crazed computer program in a dating simulator, then she would be like this forever if that meant Leo wouldn’t suffer anymore.She slowly placed the bow on, eyes closed.

And that’s when things changed in a flip of a switch.

Pixel’s eyes snapped open as she felt she was being electrocuted a hundred times over. She screamed in pain as she closed her eyes, blue pixels seeping out from her close lids. She clutched her hair as she didn’t see that they were turning pink and growing. She was also getting taller, thinner, and paler in skin tone. The bow on her head was also getting bigger as the end pieces started moving, shocks of blue electricity coming from it. She let out one last shriek of pain before a large beam of blue light shot to the sky from where she was standing, tons of ponies looking up in shock at the light. Once the beam faded, so did the pained feeling. Pixel was frozen, still with her eyes shut and her mouth opened in pain. But that soon changed as her head pointed her down, her new bangs covering her eyes, her mouth closed and in a small frown, but that changed as she smiled.

“I’m coming, Leo-chan.” She giggled.

~

"I'm disappointed in you ape." He released his grip from Leo as landed on the rough, cold brick floor with a thud. "I should kill you for your lack of power. But I have much delicious deal for you." He said as he went over to his throne, picking up his sword. He reached for the scabbard's tip as it came off. In the tip was a dark purple material that would almost be mistaken for clay but it was a thick type of paint that let out a stench of muck.

He placed his sword down as he walked over to Leo, dipping two finger into the material. He lifted Leo by the scruff of his shirt, forcing him to stand on both feet. He then painted the undertones of his eyes before painting a rune on his forehead.

He pushed Leo back slightly as he stumbled backwards. His efforts to stay standing twinning. He then begun to feel a shocking burst if stinging in his body as he felt like he was choking.

He tilted his head to Vice, only to see his mother. His heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with her. She rushed to go and embrace her but there was a red dot on her head as it began to seep down her nose as she fell back.

"No! No! No!" He shouted as he limped towards her to save her. But her body just completely vanished before it hit the ground. Leo stopped in place as he was frozen in shock and hurt as he saw his mother die once again.

His thoughts were interrupted by a shriek as he turned to his left. Only to see Idoya pinned download on the ground by the ex military dog. He quickly limped over to save her but before he could close the distance the border patrol guard turned to face Leo, his gun pointed at him as he pulled the trigger and was shot on his left side like before.

He was sent stumbling back as he found himself falling through darkness, the painful memories of past playing all at once, vividly for Leo's to see.

"For you disappointing me I will send you down a spiraling journey through all your painful times of past. You will live them over and over again until your heart dies of sadness and despair!" He yelled as he faded off with laughter.

"No, stop it! Please!" Leo screamed as he fell into the endless abyss of bad memories.

In Steel Vice's eyes all he saw was an ape standing as black tears streamed down his cheeks. Black tentacle like veins snaked under his skin from his eyes and forehead to all over his body. Leo almost seemed like he was changing a darker color.

As they stopped advancing, Leo could only fall backwards in his stiff state, landing on the rough floor as the years kept streaming. His face filled with fear and sadness. His body slightly twitching.

"You will suffer first before I ease your pain through death." He said as he began to walk out, leaving him on the floor as the doors closed behind him.

~

It took some time, but Pixel soon found the old bridge that lead to the even older castle. She looked towards the front door, seeing two diamond dogs on guard. “Hmm… looks like I’m going to have some obstacles to remove.” She smirked as she knew just how to get rid of them, and in a fun way at that.

Her eyes glowed blue for a moment before her form changed. Instead of the pink-haired girl with a giant bow, she was instead a rather beautiful female diamond dog. Sure, she never seen one before, but it’s pretty much like a dog furry in her head. Her hair was just as long, a part of it covering one of her eyes, but her entire body was covered in a soft white fur coat. Her tail was long and thin, but puffed out at the end. Her eyes were yellow while her sclera was black. As for clothing, all she wore was a rose-colored vest and rather skinny panties. Of course, she did have a collar on, it was also red with a perfect white diamond that even shined a different color depending on where the sun was hitting it. She smirked at her new look and even touched her fur on her chest.

“I think this is a good enough distraction.” She told herself. But in all honesty, it was just a hologram that was over her original so she could appear differently. “Now to try this body for a test drive.”

With that said, she decided to change it as if she was dirty and injured. And soon enough, she weakly walked over to the bridge and held on as if it was her last thread of life. She didn’t look at the dogs as she went across the bridge before she fell over and was on her hands and knees. “P-please, c-can someone help me?” She asked, slowly lifting her head to look at the pair of guards.

One of them turned over to spot her, his ears perked up as he nudged his comrade who glared at him before looking over to said female diamond dog. They both walked over to them in manner that would be unthreatening, the one that spotted her first cleared his throat before he spoke. “W-what is it miss?” The dog said in its low raspy voice.

“Yes please tell us.” The other pushed him aside as he too cleared his throat, though the raspiness was still there despite their efforts.

“S-some nasty ponies entered my burrow and attacked my clan. They took all of my brothers and sisters hostage. B-but I seem to be the only one that escaped.” She started to tear up. “And my little cub is still down there. Please, won’t one of you save them for me. I’ll give you anything.” She begged before she started to sob while covering her face.

The dogs looked at each other before smiling widely. “Of course tell us where they are, it’s been sometime since I’ve had equine meat.” He held his spear up at the ready.

“Please, I only need one. I need a strong dog to fight off the ponies secretly while I try to find where they have my siblings and son.” She said, lifting her head up as she started to get up, only to lose her footing and land on one of the guard’s armored chest, a small glimpse of what her vest was so desperately hiding. “O-oh. I’m so sorry.” She blushed pink.

The dog smiled widely as he caught her in his arms “No need to apologize please.” He said in feigned chivalry, his friend grumbling as he felt left out. “Take me and I’ll kill them for you.”

“Hey wait I saw her first!” He pushed him away from her as Pixel stumbled back. “I’ll take her!”

“The Tartarus you will!” He said as he smacked him across his muzzle. “We both know I’m a higher rank than you!” He pushed him aside as he went towards Pixel.

His friend however grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back. “Wanna know a secret?” He pulled him in to whisper. “I will kill your family.” He hissed.

The dog smack his hand away as he had decided he had gone to far and tackled him and bit his shoulder as the other bit back but on his neck. The once trusted friends had now become enemies as they dug their claws and fangs into each other as Pixel watched.

Pixel rested her head on her hand as she couldn’t help but smirk. ‘They may be strong, but they aren’t smart.’ She thought as she silently slipped through the gap at the front door, taking her disguise off as she patted her hands as if they were dirty. ‘Now, to find my precious Leo-chan.’ She smiled as she started to walk through the large room that has tons of paths to choose from.

As she did so a group of four dogs were patrolling the halls as they talked amongst each other. Mostly complaining.

“Ugh...don’t understand why master is toying with his prey rather than to just skin him so we can feed.” The dog complained as his stomach rumbled

“Stop your complaining! Once master is done having his fun he’ll let us tear into that sobbing mess of an ape.” One of them said.

“Yes, but in all the places it had to be in the throne room? I can smell him right now! Arugh!!!” He snarled as he bared his fangs. “I want to eat him!”

“We all do, but no meal is worth making master angry.” The final dog said who seemed level headed and calm. “Besides, we still have a few scraps of Shining Ore left in the freeze room, let’s go get them and cook up an appetizer so calm our nerves.” He patted his friends on the back as they were lead downstairs for across the otherside of the hall.

Pixel raised a brow as she watch the group walk by, not even batting an eye on her. She didn’t know where Leo could be. “Maybe a bit of interrogation might be needed.” She smirked as she started to follow the group of diamond dogs, seeing where this ‘freeze room’ was.

As she followed as quietly as her new powers would help her she saw the four come across a giant metal door that slid sideways as it took only one of these brutes to push open aside, three made to enter as there was only one to go. Pixel saw her window as she bolted towards the lone dog as she threw a kick sending the dog flying against the all. The other three turned to see her. They snarled as they charged her, but she was quick to act as she used her newfound strength to kick to door closed, putting the lock in place.

“Ghr! I knew I smelled something, I thought it was just the male’s potent scent…” He grunted as he nursed his rips, leaning against the wall in pain.

“Hmm, I’m guessing you mean Leo-chan. Do you think you can help me find him?” She asked in a sweet tone. “I don’t really know this place inside out, so I think you would be of great help.” She smiled.

“Don’t mock me ape! Once the other find out you’re here they’ll tear you to pieces! Hopefully enough to leave something for me.” He licked his lips.

“Oh, that’s a nice dream. I bet if you wished really hard, it might come true.” She only smiled bigger as she kneeled down to where he was. “But dreams can wait. I want to save my mate. So can you help me find Leo-chan?”

“Go die ape!” He snarled as he reached to claw her, only for her to stop him by the wrist at an uncomfortable squeeze.

“You tried to hit me?” She simply said, the sweet smile now gone as her pink eyes stared right back at his. Her grip on his wrist only got worse, close to the point of actually breaking it. “You tried to hit a girl?”

“Augh!” He yelled as he felt his bones begin to weaken from her grip. “He-he is in the throne room!!!” He yelled as he slapped the floor as a sign to tap out.

“You think I know where that is?” She asked, a small cable wire coming out from her wrist before it quickly wrapped around his collar. “I think you need to show me the way.” She smiled as she got up, using the cable to bring the dog to his feet. She released her grip on his wrist. “Now why don’t you lead me there like a good dog.”

“Ngh!” He grunted as he bared his fangs at her. “Your death will be slow and painful.” He hissed at her.

“Ah, ah, ah. A good dog doesn’t say bad things like that. Perhaps a controlled shock might make you remember that.” After she said that, the cable was soon lit up as the electricity from it flowed to the dog’s exposed neck, shocking him for a short, yet painful moment.

The dog jumped in shock and pain as it yelped like any other dog would, he glared at her and was preparing to insult her, but bit his tongue as he knew what would follow. He stayed silent as he just lead her up the stairs with nothing to say.

Pixel only smiled bigger as she felt things were definitely going her way today. But it didn’t take long to reach the door of her throne room, the sound of screams being heard as that wiped the smile off her face. The wire from her wrist clipped off of her, but it quickly wrapped around one of the pillars within the castle. “You need to wait here. I’ll get Leo-chan, and when we leave, you’ll be free. But try and rat us out, and your brothers will have something else to snack on then just Shining Ore.” Her eyes glowed blood red for a moment before she made her way to the large closed doors.

The diamond dog only nodded in fear as he laid down to rest from the injury on his ribs. “Hopefully master kills female ape and we eat both of them.” He said.

As the doors were pushed open Leo stayed lied in the same position as he twitched, whimpered, sobbed as the black tears continued to stream from his eyes, the white on said eyes were now filled with dark tentacles as his body shot up with each heartbeat as he whispered the names of the ones he had lost, the black tears pooling around his head.

“Leo-chan?” Pixel said as she slowly walked over to him. “Please stop crying. I’m here.” She smiled as she walked on the black liquid and kneeled down to where Leo was. She slowly lifted him to a kneeling position before she guided his head to rest on her chest. It seemed that the black liquid didn’t stain her clothes while she let him continue crying. She lightly petted his head. “It’s okay. I’m here now. No one can hurt you.” She said in a motherly tone.

“Idoya… mama…” He mumbled as he seemed to be unaware of Pixel’s existence, a tranced look in his face as he continued to mumble and cry.

Pixel looked a little confused as she tilted his head to look at him. “Something’s not right.” She said out loud. She tried to wipe the black tears, but they only continued flowing. But in a small glimpse, she saw some purple stuff on his face. “Hmm...” She began to try and take the purple stuff off that looked a lot like paint. It took some time since the black tears got in the way, but soon most of the paint was off his face. “Leo-kun...” She mumbled.

Leo stayed quiet for a moment as he was still in his spiraling trance. Another moment passed before finally the rune disappeared . Leo coming through as he shook his head and looked around. “Who said that..?” He said slowly as his sense were still on the fritz.

“It’s me Leo-kun. Pixel.” She said as she brought him closer to her embrace. “I thought I’d lose you.” She smiled as she nuzzled the top of his head.

“Leo-kun? Pixel?” He asked as he shook his head once more before tilting up to face her. “Pixel?” He repeated as it sounded as though he was about to cry again.

“Don’t worry Leo-kun. I’m real.” She smiled as a small pixelated heart appeared above her.

“Pixel…” His hand was ready to reach out for her, but ceased as there was a shadow looming over them. His eyes widened as pushed her aside with every ounce of his strength. Pixel was lost until she turned to see Steel Vice, his arm raised as he swung. A large smack echoed in the room as Leo was sent not just flying, but bursting right through the brick wall outside.

He puffed through his nose before turning to Pixel. “I see I was too merciful…” He said ominously.

Pixel was looking down from where she was as her bangs covered her eyes. She slowly got up, never looked up as she knew just who he was. “You hurt Leo-kun?” She said in a questioned tone, her body glitching as her head slightly tilted and raised so that only one eye was shown, her eye being a blood red as she looked at Steel without any hint of fear or even anger at that point.

“Oh...so the female can fight now?” He chuckled as he walked over to his throne, his stare never breaking as he picked up his sword. “I guess you’ll be making up for his lack of power.” He pulled the sword from his scabbard as he tossed it aside. The brute’s muscles locking he was in a battle position. “Come to me.”

The creepy look she was giving vanished as her head lifted up fully, her pink glittering eyes showing as she showed a look of some confusion. “Why would I do that?” She asked. “I’m only here for Leo-kun. I don’t need you.” She waved her hand dismissively.

A vein began to bulge in Vice’s forehead, without saying anything else he swung his sword as a white flash emitted from it, the long horizontal angle breaking the brick floor apart as it made its way to Pixel.

In a trail of blue spark and lightning, she zipped right under him and was now behind him. “Whoops. Looks like you missed.” She giggled. “Maybe you need a lighter weapon, that looks super heavy.”

Vice grunted once again as he swung blindly behind him. The force of the swing blew wind across the room powerfully. He opened his eyes only to see she wasn't there. A whistle was heard as he turned his head, he saw Pixel now standing at the edge of his sword with her two feet in a delicate manner. Almost ballerina like.

As the fight continued in the throne room Leo lied injured as his body now completely ached. The force of the previous punch did more damage to his shattered ribs as he could practically feel the shards poking his organs. Despite all the pain Leo gave himself a pep talk saying that this wasn't the first time he was badly hurt by life. Though his body begged him to stop moving he continued to force himself up knee by knee, palm by palm as he crawled over to the nearest wall for support. He placed his hands on its unusually smooth surface as he forced himself up, the blood from his internal bleeding spurting from his mouth as he coughed, blood dripping from his chin.

"Weird...this wall feels like wood, smooth soft wood..." He mumbled as he shakingly lifted his head. His vision was filled with white a a door stood before him against the wall. It looked familiar, not in a manner in which he had seen it before but in a mental description Pixel gave him.

"This is..." He whispered as his blood stained fingers reached for the knob, slowly turning and twisting as he opened the door. Behind it was a spiraling green hole. His heart fell as he knew what this meant. "This is her stop..." He turned to see the fight between her and Vice Steel. She was enamored of how beautiful she looked fighting in her new style. He could only smile in sadness as a tear streamed down his cheek.

A sudden crack was heard as he turned to see that the door frame was broken and continued to take root all over, slowly. He looked into the door and saw the spiral slight fade. The door to her home was closing now. He had to help Pixel finish the fight, if not she would be trapped here forever...with him...

...away from her family.

The thought was tempting as he felt a small desire to smash the door. But he just couldn't bring himself to be selfish like that.

Pixel giggled once more as she was now standing atop one of his horns. “This is kinda fun! But sadly, I think I’ve had enough of this.” She snapped her fingers as some cable wires came out from within her wrist and clipped off as they wrapped around Steel’s legs, him being too busy trying to fight Pixel to notice.

Vice Steel grunted loudly as the wires tightened around his muscular legs. He was demobilized as he fell forward, stabbing the sword on the ground as to keep his upper body balanced. "You witch! How dare you put me in this position!" He snarled he glared daggers at her.

“Aww, you didn’t fall all the way. Don’t worry, I got this.” She smirked as she kicked the sword out from between Vice and the ground, it flying and now embedded into the old wooden doors that lead to the hallway.

"Ghng! Your death, your demise! Will be certain!" He roared as he threw a punch right to her.

She was quick to move out of the way, but one of her legs slammed onto the very fist he was trying to hit her with. A loud sickening crack was heard, his balled fist now looking more like a hairy mush of blood and fur. “You know it’s not nice to hit a lady.” She tilted her head with a smile.

"I don’t understand! Why won't you die!" He said through clenched teeth as his fingers practically popped.

“Why not?” She asked. “You took Leo-kun for me. And you should also know that it’s not right to steal.” She moved her foot from his broken hand as she was now standing Vice Steel could only seethe in anger, how could he be losing in this manner, especially to a female. Desperate times call for desperate measures as his left working fist dug into the brick floor. Picking up the small debris and dirt he chucked it right are her face as she was now blinded. Steel Vice flexed his bound legs as the wire begun to painfully dig into his flesh. The wire reached bone deep until it finally snapped. The hulking bull ran to the sword impaling the door as he grabbed it and tore it out with his left hand alone. He summoned all of his strength into his arm as he gave a powerful swing, the light slash projectile coming her way, Pixel oblivious of it as she was still momentarily blinded and watching him.

Pixel was rubbing her eyes when she felt something strange. It felt like something went through her, but not really harmed her. What she didn’t see was that the sword phased right through her, a leftover of purple pixels being shown before she was back to her normal state. She turned around to see Vice behind her instead. “When did you move?” She asked.

"What! That didn't even kill you?!" He gripped the handle of his sword in anger. "What power is it you possess?"

She smiled before she let out a cute giggle. “Now why would I tell you that, silly?” She asked.

Her giggling was enough to drive him over the edge as he simply charged. To quick to react, Vice grabbed hold of her throat and pinned her against the wall with his entire arm pressed against her. "Try laughing now." He hissed as she was pushed deeper into the wall.

Before she was at the breaking point (literally) a burning hand grabbed on to Vice's forearm as it pried him off Pixel painfully as the flames burned into his flesh. "Don't touch her." He said as pressed his foot on his chest, kicking as hard as he could as Vice's arm ripped off from its socket. The bull wailed in pain and agony.

“Thank you so much Leo-kun.” She smiled with a pink blush. She honestly wanted to kiss him now, but felt that right now wasn't the time. “Want to have a little fun with him?” She asked.

“I prefer to end it, here and now…” He tossed Vice’s arm aside as Leo walked over to him. There was a change in atmosphere from how Leo was right now, with each step take, Vice felt like the was a pressure in his chest pushing down on him. Leo’s entire arm now catching on fire as the bull was now at the apes mercy.

“Please...stop...I can no longer fight anymore. You’ve already won, please spare me…” He choked out as he began to cough up, he felt light headed from all the blood he had lost.

“We’re at out of those unfortunately.” He placed a unignited hand on his hip as he looked over to Pixel. “What are we full in stock right now Pixel?” He asked.

“Well, I would agree on you with killing him. But would he be a good lead to whoever that Silver Blood pony works with?” She asked, walking over to Vice as she kneeled down. “I mean, for once a living minotaur is better than a dead one. But~, I never said we couldn't take a little souvenir from him.” She smirked as the once broken wires left on the floor snaked over to the collapsed minotaur.

"W-what are you doing with that?!" He asked as he pushed himself back fear, using his elbows to help him crawl away. Though it did very little.

“Nothing much. Just wanna make sure you stay still.” She smiled as one wire pinned his one arm down while the other made sure that his neck was pinned by the wires that were now embedding into the ground. “So Leo. What part do you want? I bet some minotaur flesh might taste just like cow.” She smiled bigger as she looked over at Leo.

Leo could only shake his head as the flames from his arm left completely. "No Pixel Berry, I'd rather him live on sufferment with two stumps, getting raped by other big minotaurs." Before he could smile, a loud crack was heard as he looked over his shoulder. The hole in the wall harboring Pixel's door beginning to twane. "Oh no..."

“Oh well. How about a horn? I mean, he has two of them. One for each of us.” She smiled even bigger as she went to where his sword was and picked it up as if it was nothing. “Maybe this might do the trick!”

He grabbed her wrist as he mildly shook her by her shoulders. "Pixel did you not hear that!? The door is breaking, the portal to your home! Your family!" He said, he was worried she might be going crazy with her new power.

“Oh who cares about family when I have you, Leo-chan.” She said as she raised the sword up over her head. “Let’s just hope that I hit your horns and not your skull.”

He froze in shock as his fear came to light as he knocked the sword from her hand by the guard before he cupped her face. "Pixel look at me. You're not well right now. You need to tell me how you got these powers and how to get rid of them." Perhaps he could find a remedy for it.

Pixel couldn’t help but blush pink as she felt Leo’s hands on her cheeks. “What do you mean I’m not well? Do… do you not love me?” She asked, jumping to conclusions as the blush was gone and now a hurt look was in her eyes. But for a small moment, her eyes changed from pink to a familiar brown color.

"Of course I love you Pixel! More than anything. But I need the real you with me right now. Please… please come back to me." He leaned his forehead against hers as he gave her the same gentle nuzzle he always gave her until the nuzzle eventually turned into a kiss.

Pixel's eyes widened at the kiss, before she also started to kiss back. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she tilted her head, locking their lips together like Leo remembered. Yet… nothing changed from her appearance.

He retracted from his kiss as he was now locking eyes with her. "Pixel...?" He whispered.

“Yes?” She responded in the same tone, the blush returning once she saw how close he was.

"You have to go through the door now..." He forced himself to say the sentence he dreaded. Yes it killed the moment, but the door to her home was shattering. "The door is breaking, you need to get through." He pointed out as there was another crack, the door emitting green lightning as it stuck the ground.

“But… why would I leave you?” She asked, a sad look on her face as she only looked back at him. “I… but I saved you. You didn't have to leave when you saved me. Can't we go home and relax in bed?” She asked, clutching onto a part of his sleeves. The flash of brown eyes showed again when she looked at him.

He could only shut his eyes tightly as he face dropped, his teeth clenching as he tried not to sob in front of her. This moment killing him on the inside as his a lump formed in his throat. "Pixel… there is nothing I want more in this world, but I can't have you stay longer at the risk of the door shattering completely and you stay here forever. I won't have someone make sacrifices for me… not when they have their own desires." He tilted his head to face her completely, the tears in his eyes streaming down his cheeks and dripping from his chin.

Pixel was now looking more upset by just seeing Leo tear up. “Leo. Please don't cry. I want you to feel better. What can I do to make you happy again?” She asked, wiping the tears from his eyes. Now the pink color in her eyes were fighting to stay it's weird pink color as she winced a little. “Agh… stop it.” She grumbled as she glanced away. “I don't care… I'll always be here for Leo. I'm not leaving for some dumb family.” She sounded like she was talking to herself… or perhaps, the Pixel that Leo knew and loved.

He closed his eyes as he feared that this was going to happen. Pixel would throw away everything for his sake, just like his mother and Idoya. He is not going to have her sacrifice everything for him. He could only deeply sigh as he felt his heart drop from what he was about to do next, his hand clenching into a fist.

"Please forgive me Pixel."

“Forgive you for what?” Pixel asked as she tilted her head, the pink eyes showing once again

Leo locked his eyes with Pixel one last time, as she looked deeply into them she could practically see everything they've been through. From meeting to the forest, to becoming friends, and eventually… lovers. Each memory phasing through her as she could practically feel the emotions of those moments, each bringing her sadness and sadness. As the final memory phased by her and practically see Leo's face again, she could only smile as she stared lovingly into his chocolate colored eyes. She leaned in for a kiss as he did the same, their lips meeting one last time in passion. It felt like the world stopped around them just to witness the moment. She reluctantly broke the kiss as she could only stare with a smile once more. Before she could say anything she felt a strong force in her stomach pushing all the air out of her lungs. She looked down and saw Leo’s fist connecting with her abdomen, his attempt of knocking her out so she wouldn't resist again.

Her eyes widened at the sudden and immense pain, it making her wrap her arms around where he struck and fell to her knees. Her forehead met the floor as the pain was too much for her to simply stay standing. She soon moved her head to the side, one eye looking up at him. “Why…” She tried to speak, it being raspy. “Why w-would you do th-that?” She asked.

"Because I love you Pixel. I love you too much to throw away everything for me." He said as he scooped her up from the floor, one arm under her back and the other under the back of her knees as he held her princess style one last time.

He then proceeded to walk over to the door that began to shatter more, the green lightning striking everything now as a powerful wind blew, pushing him back. His previous pain from Vice soon returned as began to falter a bit. But continued on despite the agonizing feeling. "I...will..." He strung burst of wind made him skid back slightly as he held firm. Inch by inch he pushed harder. "Get...you home!" He yelled as blood began to seep from his mouth.

Pixel was still clutching her stomach as she couldn't exactly try and move out from his carrying arms. “N-no… L-Leo.” She spoke as she didn't want to leave him, tears in her eyes as she could only squirm in his arms when she got the chance.

He checked her movements as he held her tighter, pressing her against this torso despite it hurting his shattered ribs. The pain from his body begged him to stop, the feeling of warm blood continued to rise from his throat as it seeped more, blood streaming down his chest. He cringed in pain as his steps were slower and more forced as he was fighting both the pain, and the strong wind pushing against him. “Al...most...th-there…” He choked as his body was taking a heavy toll. He wanted to stop, but his drive for Pixel’s life kept fueling him. The more he got closer to the door, the more tears streamed from his eyes from how much this was going to hurt sending her away.

She began to tear up as well, clutching tighter to his shirt up to the point where her nails went through it. “P-please Leo… don’t do this.” She begged as her eyes started turning brown once again.

“Pixel…” He said as he was only a few meters away from the door. “...remember what you said...when you asked me what you can do to make me happy?” He said above a whisper as his steps became slower, his strength beginning to fade as his eyes cema dilated.

“Yes. Please Leo. What c-can I do to make you feel better?” She said with widened eyes as she hope that staying here with him might be the answer.

“I…” He stopped before being a few feet away from the door, his legs trembling in weakness that his body was about to reach it limit. His gaze faced down, but not at Pixel, it was as if he could barely stay conscious. “I...want you to live your life.” He whispered.

Pixel could only stare at Leo before she responded. “B-but I can’t live my life without you.” She began to tear up. “Leo… I love you too much to leave you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck as her head rested on his shoulder.

He closed his eyes as another tear left his eye. How he wanted it to be different, he would keep her here forever if only she didn’t have a family waiting for, but sadly as usual fate was not in his favor. “Pixel…” He said as he leaned his head against hers for a final nuzzle. “I love you.” He uttered one last time.

At that one last sentence, he mustered the last of his strength, the door being wide open, and threw Pixel into the open door. Everything was in slow motion for the girl, her eyes widening in shock, and the tips of her fingers being the last thing Leo felt from her. She tried reaching out for him, but it was far too late as she landed on the other side of the door. Pixel landed roughly, but she barely felt the pain as she saw the door slowly closing. She tried to get up and reach the door before it closed, but it sealed shut as soon as her hand touched the wooden surface.

Everything went silent, the door didn’t fade away immediately, but no matter how hard Pixel tried to turn the handle, it didn’t budge. She then tried banging on the door, calling for Leo as tears freely went down her face.

“Leo! Leo please open the door! Leo!” She kept on shouting his name as her fear and sadness was replaced with anger. “Leo you motherfucker! Open this damn door!” She banged and kicked it as she kept on trying to take this door away. “Please… don’t leave me.” She whimpered as she slumped and was on her knees again. “Don’t make me leave like Snowdrop did...” She rested her head on the door as the tears continued, them hitting the white floor before they evaporated.

And once again, she was completely alone in the endless white void.

~

In the other side of the door stood Leo, and empty look in his stare as the shattering glowing white door mocked him for his selfless act. Despite all the pain throughout this whole ordeal, what he had just done was enough to numb his body all over. “Even for a moment that you hate me for what I’ve done Pixel… I’ll always love you.” He said finally before the door began to hum loudly as it glowed brighter, the cracks spreading all over before the door exploded in a loud boom, shards of wood flying everywhere as the force sent Leo flying back as he it the other side of the wall before landing on the stone floor. The same empty look in his eyes as he was directing his empty stare to Vice who was struggling to break free from his wired bounds. Vice looked over to Leo as the walls and ceilings began falling apart.

“Ape! Help me!” He shouted but no response. “Ape if you free me I can carry you out of here! Just free me from these wires and you can hop on my back!” He yelled, the minotaur hoping to strike a bargain with the ape for his life.

Still no answer as his only small response was a smile. The minotaur recognized that smile from other beings of this world. That smile was enough to strike chills within the brute, it was the smile of a being who accepted their fate and was ready to die. Vice struggled even harder to break free as the wires dug into his flesh, but not a moment later a shadow loomed over his formed as he looked up and saw the stone ceiling coming down on him. “No…” was the last thing he said before it crushed him completely. The minotaur’s existence wiped away with a blink of an eye.

The smile soon faded on Leo’s lips as debris began landing on him, a few binding his arm held out to the door and a big one on his leg. His vision began to fade slowly as he was once again ready to embrace death. As his only vision of the world around him was a thin line, he heard the clacking of footsteps, they were not rushed or panic, they were calm and composed. He wasn’t sure what it was but soon he caught a glimpse a dark grey leather boots that had a woman wearing some sort of a velvet red dress with white linings, the thighs of the dross cut down to the ankles to allow her more mobility as her left thigh stuck out to show skin. The look on her face was that of mildly amused as she stared down at him with her golden eyes, the black hair and the pale skin enough to make them stand out. He remembered her.

“Y...you…” He choked as he weakly pointed a finger at her.

She could only shake her head before brushing her hair aside. “This is not your grave warrior of passion.” She said in her silvery smooth voice before she kicked the debris off of him. She picked him up like he was a featherweight as she threw him over her shoulder. She then reached for her waist as she grabbed what seemed to be a green fabric rope with golden rings. She stuck her arm out as said fabric rope shot up, coiling around a still strong support beam, the rope pulling her up at quick a speed to safety.

“It...hurts…” He said in a raspy whisper.

“You’ll be all better.” she said as she was up high the castle from the force of the pull, she landed elegantly on the roof before she sprinted to the front of the castle. She jumped high with little effort as she landed on the ground with much grace. The plants breaking her fall that had emerged. She then proceeded to set low down on said plants as the buds around him began to bloom red roses around him. “You musn’t die yet little one, your journey has just begun.” she said as he placed her slender fingers on his cheek as she caressed him. “He’s waiting for you…” She said with a smile before she jumped back into the forest, disappearing into the woods with an echoing giggle. That was the last he had seen of her before he finally passed out, his form being held by the bed of roses.

~

Everything was dark as night as a sudden beep caught his attention, he felt like his arms and legs were being held stiff by something as he weakly opened his eyes. Light sunk in as he squinted and saw where he was right now. Ponyville hospital.

On his left that his peripheral vision was Fluttershy, her head rested against the bed, her mane messy and her fur matted with filth. Has she been here the whole time, how long has HE been here? He tried to move but his movement were checked as his arms and legs were placed in casts, hangin upwards by the ceiling. He could sigh internally as his mind wandered to Pixel he began to shed tears once again as he began to sob silently.

She was gone now, gone and never coming back to him. How he hated himself for what he had done. Despite it being the right thing to do, he still cursed himself for letting her go.

“Pixel…” Was all he could whisper out before once again slumbering from the drugs being injected into his body.

Doors: An MLP Fanfic

by Pixel Berry

The Beginning

Door 1: Wolf Child

Door 2: A Vinyl Parable

Door 3: Guardian Who

Door 4: Living in Equestria

Bonus Door: The Mane Attraction

Bonus Door: Humble Discord

Door 5: Elsa's Snowdrop (Part 1)

Chapter 6: Elsa's Snowdrop (Part 2)

Chapter 7: Planet of the Ponies

Door 8: Deadpool in Equestria

Chapter 9: Descending to Equestria.