> The journeys and adventures of Grand Shield. > by Equestriapatriot > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Book1. Chapter1. My little pain. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Book one: The portal to were my heart belongs. The multiverse. One of the great theories that have enchanted our minds and opened up new ways of thinking. If it is true that there is an infinite number of worlds, then there is no limit of the possibilities. Arthur and his knights of the round table and the wizzard merlin by their side. The ring bearer frodo and his brethren, and all the superheroes in the comic books must exist somewhere in the universes. If so there must be a way to connect to those worlds, but how? Now matter how much i read about it there is not a satisfying explanation. The technology needed to do so is years and years ahead from now. But somehow i think there must be another way to do it, although there is no other way according to my beloved physics. I still can't help but think about if magic existed then maybe it could work. But first you have to find it. My name is Mikael, and my life is not tragic or sad in any way. I live in a big nice apartment in a good neighborhood and i have plenty of friends and a loving family. But i still feel an empty space in my heart that i have been trying to fill for so many years without any luck. When I was about eleven years old I had a dream that soon after i woke up left a scar. I do not remember the dream but i do know what it did to me, and thats when i felt it for the first time. The sensation that something was just not right in my life. I started to hang out a lot more with my friends so that I wouldn't think about it. We went to the arcade a lot, and some of the games made me happier, especially one where you played a knight who were supposed to save his lost love from an evil sorcerer, and all throughout the game you helped all the people in need on the way. I played it so many times that I got all the highest scores on it. But after a while the emptiness reappear, and none of my friends noticed. I needed to find something else to put my mind into. When I started the seventh grade I found that i actually liked to study, and when i started to be serious about it i was once again unaware about my hole. I got the highest grades and my parents was really proud of me because before i was barely advancing to the next grade, and my friends always turned to me when they needed help in school. Alas then again my studying was not enough to keep the hollow sensation at bay, and no matter how much i read it was not enough. Then i started to read fantasy. That genre engulfed me as i read trough all the works of Eddings and J.R.R Tolkien and many others. It spoked to me in a way that nothing els had. I still concentrated on my studies and was still the best student on my school. And yet again it was not enough i found out when i was in the middle of ninth grade. My mom noticed that there was something wrong, so she introduced me to the art of painting which was her profession in hope that it would help me. And it did, for a short while. I graduate from junior high and started on one of the finest art high schools in Sweden, that teach art, music and acting. Where i learned how to play the piano and how to act properly. I took courses in dancing, composing, writing and many other things in hope they would cover my void that was starting to grow to pain. But now i couldn't hide it completely anymore, no matter how much i tried it was still there. It was getting harder and harder now to ease it, no matter how many things i did. School is over now and i got myself a good job in a theatre where i was starring in many of the plays. My day was filled with attempts to cover my emptiness. I wake up, get dressed, go on the internet to find new things to try, make and eat an advanced vegetarian breakfast, go to work to rehearse, go home, paint, make an even more advanced dinner that was also vegetarian so that i must concentrate on it, met up with some friends, play my piano and write some music, go on my coputer and search yet again for something new, go to bead and read a book about physics and then go to sleap. It goes on like that for about two years until one morning just three months after my twentieth birthday i once again stumble upon a My Little Pony friendship is magic website, and for once it actually catches my interest. I have seen many sites like this and read some of the memes, but i have never watched the show that i first thought was only for little girls. I read a post that some guy had put up saying that those out there that haven't watched the show should give it a chance and that they would love it. It was a weekend so i had way to much spare time according to me, so i thought *What the heck, why not?* I watched the first episode and thought that this was not half bad. I watched the next episode and was then sold, and before I knew it I had watched the entire first season, and then i felt something strange. The void in my heart had disappeared... I had always felt it, even when I had my mind on other things it was still there. But now it was completely gone. For the rest of the weekend I rewatched the first season before I watched season two the next weekend. And when i woke up monday morning my mind was at ease for the first time in... forever. I ate a breakfast of normal toast and cereal and then walked to work whistling on my way to the theatre. I had the best day in ages and was always thinking of MLP as i stood on the stage rehearsing macbeth. When i got home i felt that I had to celebrate and opened a bottle of my favorite champagne, i knew that i had saved it for a good occasion and that I had work in the morning, but i dont know if there will be any better time to open it than now. So i took a box of strawberries from the fridge, filled a glass with champagne and then sat down on my sofa and thought about watching MLP season one again but turned down the thought in the fear that if i watched it to many times my hole would return. So instead i watched Lord of the rings and went to bed when it was done. The next morning i feel the same and had no side effect of the yesterdays champagne. But the morning after that one i felt a sting in my chest once more, and the day after that was worse, and again the day after that. The everyday felt like an endless struggle for survival. But today was finally friday, and as soon i got home I watched season two of My Little Pony and rewatched it until sunday evening. Monday to friday was the exact same as last week and when i got home friday evening and watch four episodes into season one something struck me. I had just been enjoying the show and wished what every brony have, that I could go to their world and live there, and then i figured out why i am not satisfied although i have a great life, and why my little pony is chasing away my pain. *I do not belong here... I belong in equestria....* > Book1. Chapter2. I read, and read and nothing... Something? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That explains everything!" I said excitedly and raised from my chair so fast that I felt a little bit dizzy. I paced through my apartment and my brain was on highest gear as i thought through everything in my life. I always frown upon when someone offers me, or eat meat, I do not like needless violence, and the colorful world of the ponies moves me in such a way, and always make me feel like i belong there, wich i could not say about earth. I was supposed to live in Equestria, but somehow i was misplaced... That must be it! I stopped in my pacing as i said out loud. "How will i get there?". I sat down in my chair and thought about what i had read one time about the multiverse theory and decided that i should read everything i could about the subject. The following weeks i read nothing but books in that matter and a few texts on the internet, it explained different theories of how the other universes where built and how they where conected to our universe. they even explained a few theories on how to travel between them, but none were something you could try in at least a few ten years or so. I was not going to give up, for my real home awaited me, and I awaited the chance to travel there. But the weeks become months and I found nothing that could help me, and soon my void return and it was deeper than ever. I watched Friendship is magic in hope that it would help, but the hole was replaced by an incredible longing that was almost worse. i was going to shut down my computer screen when i saw Twilight sparkle and her friends connect with the elements of harmony to defeat Discord, when i thought that maybe i had been searching in the wrong place. *maybe science is not the answer... Maybe magic is?...* I clicked up google on the screen and searched "Multiverse magic." I scrolled down a few links and found one who said. "Multiverse theory older than you think." I clicked on it and found a site that explained that the faith of different worlds that have existed for thousands of years and have popped up in all cultures and their explenations of it and ways to go there. I read through the whole page and saw that there were links down below for more explanations to different beliefs. I read trough the nordic one with Asgard and jotunheim and also the native american belief in the spirit world and all the different ways to travel there. I was starting to get tired, but i told myself that i should just read one more and then go to sleep. I choose one about the Druids, and started to read. It was quite interesting, though I didn't find anything useful until i got to one part about one world that was the origin to all the souls that then sent them to the worlds they were created for. There was another link for more facts about it and i clicked on it. The Druids believed that sometimes a soul would end up in the wrong world and then later on in its life receive a memory of that life it was supposed to live. That caused the human a pain of loss for the rest of their lives that was unbearable to them. The Druids who was a peaceful and compassionate people, built a gateway that worked in a way that if one of these souls entered it they would go to what ever world they belong in, and stay there. The portal is said to be nothing else but the Stonehenge monument, but that is just one of the theories behind it. "So I have to go to england." I said quietly to myself. It is my best led, and i still have my vacation days left. I didn't need to think more about it, I called my boss at once. After four tones he picked up. "Mikael! do you know what the time is?!" He yawned tired and annoyed. "I know I know Jasper, but this is really important." I replied. "What is it." Jasper sighed. "I Need to take a few weeks of if that's alright?" "It most certainly is not!" He almost yelled. "We need you to play Hamlet on thursday. Could this not have waited till tomorrow?" No Because tomorrow i will be in england i thought to my self. "Ok, if i can't have my vacation i will tell the labor union that you haven't given me a days of since I started to work for you." Only silence came from the other line for a while. "that is not fair Mikael," he said. "I never gave you time of because you asked me not to." "Nonetheless I still want my vacation now." "Fine... I guess that Leon can step in for you. Where are you planning to go that was so important that you had to wake me up in the middle of the night for?" "Stonehenge." I answered shortly. "It's not that special if you ask me, but have fun i guess. See you when you come back." "yeah, see ya." Klick....... ----------------------------------------------- I was just about to board the airplane when i realized that I had paid my parents no thought at all. They may not have been my destined parents, but they raised me and i owe them a goodbye at least. I took out my mobile and dialed my mother's number. She picked up at once. "Hi sweetie, how's it been? You haven't called me in a while.", she said with her normal worried voice she had when i haven't called her in at least a week. "Hi mom, everything is alright. i was meant to call you two days ago but i guess i was too busy." "Too busy to talk to talk to your own mother? First Nathaniel and now you. what is happening to my kids?!", she said playfully and laughed. I chuckled a little bit to. "I know , I know I will call you more often from now on.", I hated myself that my last words to my mom was a lie. But what should i say? No mom i wont be able to call you anymore because I'm going to travel to the world i belong in by using Druid magic and will be too busy being a pony to do so. "Well, what owes me the pleasure to talk with you now?" "I'm going on holiday and will be abroad a few weeks, i thought that I would tell you." "Ok, can you stop by so i can say goodbye to you in person?" "No, sorry. The plane is leaving in half an hour." "You're leaving today?!" "yeah, um, sorry about that, I... entered a competition and I was notified today that i won and that i was to leave this day.", i said with a tiny bit of nervousness in my voice The truth is that i was afraid that if i had to say goodbye to her in person I would change my mind and not go through with it. So I had to lie. "Okay Mikeal, if you say so. But you have to promise to take lots of pictures. Where are you going by the way?" "I'm off to England.", I said with true excitement. "Well say hello to the queen for me will you?" she said and laughed. "Do you want to talk to your father?" "Yeah, put him on." "I'm already on son", dad said." Of course mom had put the phone on speaker when she answered. "Hi dad. I guess you already heard what im doing right?" "You mean the part about you being too busy to talk to your mother and that you are leaving the country? Then yes." "Good. Then i don't have to repeat myself." " There is no need for that no. Have a nice trip son." "Bye mom, by dad. I...", I felt a big lump in my throat that made it hard to say the last part without sounding sad. "Love you." "Love you to.", they said in unison. Klick.... --------------------------------------------------------------------- London calling, i thought and chuckle as I traveled through the great town one step toward my goal. "We will not be in Amesbury for a while.", the cab driver named Gabe said. "You should sleep for a while." "I don't mind.", I said and where already engulfed by the scenery that london had to offer that no city in sweden ever had. But a while after we left the town I was growing more and more tired until i fell asleep. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Wake up mister, we are there." I woke abruptly and looked around. "We are outside my cousin's house. You know, the guide. He will take you to Stonehenge, just mention my name and he will be cheap. And speaking about money..." I handed him a bunt of pounds and then started to walk towards the house. "Thank you so much sir. Have a good stay in England.", he said and waved as goodbye I waved back and then knocked on the door as the driver left. The door opened and in the hall there stood a long and muscular man with a weather-beaten face and a black goatee, who looked at me and said with a soft voice that did not fit his apperance. "Hello there, who are you?" "Hi, my name is Mikael", I said and stretched forward my hand to shake his. He took it and smiles as he shakes it. " I was told by your cousin that you where a guide around these parts." "Thats right. Norton Siamsa at your service. The best there is." " I want the Stonehenge tour please." "That's fine, but you have to wait until tomorrow. It will be dark in a few hours if you don't want to spend the night outside that is." I nodded at my backpack and sleeping bag at my feet to confirm that that was the case. "Ok, just hang on a minute and let me get some things and we will be off." ------------------------------------------------------------------- After a few hours of beautiful scenery and entertaining stories we were finally at Stonehenge. I paid Norton eighty quid and said goodbye and then waited for him to go until i really looked upon the monument. It literally took my breath away in the light of the sundown. it was truly magnificent, but i had preparations to do. I emptied my bag of the candles, incense and herbs and went to work. I lighted and placed the candles were their were sopose to be and placed the incense in the middle not to be lit untill moonlight. It was already dark when i started to grind the herbs together with water to make an anointing oil, and when i had removed my clothes and smeared the oil over me the moon was there. I took my place in the middle with the now burning Incense and closed my eyes.....................? *Nothing is happening. God I am stupid. I actually trusted a website about magic, I read, and read, and nothing...* Then I felt the sharp pain in the back of my head. I fell to the ground. No, through the ground.... And further....And further........ > Book1. Chapter3. So many colors > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ow my head." I say and raise my hoof to rub the backside of my head. My first attempt to open my eyes is a failure when I feel the bright light burn them. I try once more to open my eyes and end successful by the attempt. My gaze turns all over the place to figure out where I am, because I'm no longer in Stonehenge, but in a quiet forest glade. I try to figure out what happened and come to the conclusion that one or a few people must have seen me and thought that I were some dangerous nut job and desided to knock me out before I would get violent or something, and then dragged me here. I stood up on all four and shaked my whole body, all the way from my hooves to my wings and then started to walk to a nearby water stream and...... *Wait a minute.... All four?.....Hooves?.......WINGS!!??* I rushed as fast as I could to the stream and locked down on my reflection. The face looking back at me was a pegasus colt with light gray fur and a long dirt blonde mane and tail and with a darker beard stubble on my chin. I turned my head to inspect my long and powerful wings, and then I just remember the dream I had that started all this so long ago. I soared through the dark night sky and bathed in the moonlight like liquid silver and stretched my wings as far i could and felt as free as one could ever feel. Other pegasuses joined me in my flight and they all smiled at me. I smiled back and felt the cool night air play with my mane and gently tickled my face, and every inch of body was tingling in a way that made my chest swell up in excitement. I looked on the ground that was so far down that I almost couldn't see it in the dark if it wasn't for the city lights down below that were shining like tiny fireflies. I could keep going for hours to come, but i felt my wings growing heavier. I looked at my sides and found the other pegasuses gone. I felt a pain starting in my front hooves as they slowly and painfully turned to hands, and then the back hooves turned to legs. It spred to my face and torso and soon the only thing unchanged was my wings growing even heavier, and eventually smaller. The ground was now pitch black and no light where to be found anywhere, but in some way my body was still illuminated, and i could see my wings disappear and then feel the gravity working on me as i fell to the ground. I tried to find something to hold on to, but I found nothing, nothing but despair... I Felt tears running from my eyes as I snapped out of my memories. "No need for those now.", I muttered out loud. "I'm finally home." I looked around the glade once again and realized that i must be in the everfree forest. *I guess I need to get out of here.*, I thought to myself. But before I did, I had to thoroughly investigate my body. I happily noted that i was a young and handsome pegasus with no defects what so ever. Or at least i thought so untill i noticed my blank flank. "No cutie mark!", I screamed and immediately wondered what was wrong with me. My breath became heavier and i started to panic, but then i made myself calm down and think about it. * I have only been a pony for maybe a few hours, and most of them unconscious.*, I reasoned. *I have not had time to earn my cutie mark. But i need to find something as substitute if i don't want to be either a laughing stock or an outcast when i meet the other ponies.* "What can i use?", I murmured. "Maybe i can just cover it up with some bandages... If I had some that is. Hmm." Finally i decided to smear some dirt on my flank and use a better solution when i figure one out. *Now i will need to find ponyville.*, I thought, and tried to figure out which way i should go. Then it hit me. * I'm a pegasus. I can just fly above the trees to figure it out and then soar straight over there.* But i have never done this before. How do I do it? I shaked my head and decided that the best way to figure it out was to try. So I took a few steps back and made a running start, spread my wings and jumped into the air. I flapped frenetic and clumsily with my wings in attempt to stay airborn, but after a few seconds i fell headfirst on the ground. "Ow ow ow!", I said out loud in pain. This was nothing like in my dream, but i did not intend to stop now. I tried and tried until I finally could stay in the air, it was not pretty, but I still was able to fly. Slowly but safely i reached the treetops, and I started to look for a settlement or other ponies. *Everything is so colorful... It's beautiful.* I thought and almost missed what i thought was ponyville. I was not sure if i could fly that far, so I landed on the ground and started to go towards that direction as I felt like humming on one of my favorite songs. I was on the second chorus when I saw the first pony. She was so fast that i almost didn't see her flying through the air, but the rainbow trail that followed her made me sure of it. It was rainbow dash, probably just practicing her signature moves. This meant that I was definitely on the right direction. I watched Rainbow dash do a few formidable loops in the air before i turned away and once again focused on getting to ponyville. As I walked I wondered what I should do once I got to ponyville. I had no money and I didn't know anyone there, or more exactly no one knew me. I could not tell anyone about my situation either. Because even if some of these magical stuff is normal here I think they still would believe that i was a madpony if i told them my story. I probably got distracted by my heavy thinking because I must have gone the wrong way somehow, because i was suddenly standing on a broad road with the forest on both sides. If there were a sign standing a few feet from where i stood saying Ponyville 4 miles i would probably be lost, and since i already were on it i could just as well follow it. "AAAAAH! SOMEPONY HELP!!", I hear a mare yell somewhere along the way. I had no time to think before my body reacts on its own and gallops towards the screams. Soon I saw three ponies with a carriage that were being attacked by some kind of huge wolfish beast that were holding a young pegasus mare in one of her wings high in the air and dealing blows on an older pegasus colt with a light green coat, green eyes and a gray mane and tail with a matching mustache that was trying to fend himself and the others. Once again i heard the screams of the mare from before who was a unicorn with hair as red as fire, just as red eyes and with a whitish pink coat that was standing on the roof of the carige throwing firebolts from her horn towards the beast, but they were useless as the beast ducked easily. I had to hurry if they were to make it, and in the moment of the heat I threw myself into the air and dashed with a surprising speed and skill at the monster and hit it with my front hooves in the back of its head. It fell over and lost its grip of the mare who fell to the ground a few meters away. I flew upwards gaining more and more height until while aiming at the monster i made a loop through the air and dived down on it. The impact was massive, but at least it worked. While i was just a little scruffy the monster was either unconscious or dead. I stand up on wobbly legs and look around for signs of any more of them. I decide that if there would have been more they should have attacked by now, so instead I turned to the both ponies by the carriage who looked at me with awe. I myself felt the same way about how I acted, but I pushed my feelings aside for later. "Are you alright?", I asked them. They both snapped out of the trance of wonder and the colt answered my question. "Well, we are now, thanks to you. If it wasn't for you me, my wife and Wish would have been dead for su... WISH!!", He screamed in panic and ran to the pegasus lying on the ground. "Wish! Wish! Are you alright?!", he yelled while shaking her shoulders. "Ow. Dad?", she murmured. "Yes sweetheart!.. It's dad. How are you feeling?", he said and continues to shake her. "Could you stop that. I think my wing is broken, and it hurts." "Oh. Sorry.", he said and quickly let go of her shoulders. "Oh my baby!", the unicorn said and suddenly hugged her daughter in a tight embrace. "OW OW OW! Mom what did I just say?!" "Oh sorry, sorry.", she said and loosened her grip a bit. "What happened? Where is the worgen?" "It's been defeated, this brave colt here saved us.", he said and pointed one hoof at me. "We owe him our lives." She looked at me to see who I was, just as I looked at her. She had a golden brown fur that now was full of dirt and dust but still in some way looked good. Her mane was somewhat tousled, but you could see that her hazel brown hair usually was nicely combed. When i saw the wings i felt as sad as one could feel . Her wings was perfection itself, except that the wright one was bent in an unnatural angle. I felt the need to mend her into perfection once again, but I didn't know how. Although what ensnared me the most about her was her emerald eyes that was both as strong as steel and as soft as kashmir despite she was a bit groggy. She nodded and said. "Thank you... Mr?" And there one of the questions I dreaded to face was asked. My name. I don't have a pony name, at least not yet. I were sopose to pick one on my way to the town, but then this happened. "Um? My name? Um. it is" *Think Mikael, think! What is my name supposed to be?* "My name is Grand. Grand shield." "Well, you certainly live up to your name.", the colt said and laughed. "Can you just do me one more favour? Help me carry Wish to the carriage if you're so kind?" "Sure.", I said bent down to help him carry his daughter. "I can walk on my own thank you very much.", Wish said and tried to stand up, but failed and blushed of embarrassment as she hid her face behind her mane. we helped Wish up on the carriage where her mother jumped in and took care of her. The colt once again turned to me and scratched the back of his head. "Thank you again mr Shield." "Please, call me Grand." "Well, thank you again, Grand. My name is Flapping wing, this is my wife Ember dance and of course my daughter Wish wing. If there is anything we can do for you, just ask and it will be done." "It's quite good for now thank you, and for the time being I think we should get Wish to a doctor." Oh yes, of course.", he said, then faced his carriage and frowned. "The problem is that you need two ponies to pull it. Wish is hurt and Ember needs to look after her, so..." "I'll help you dragg your carriage.", I said and shrugged my shoulders. "Oh, thank you my good sir.",he said and lightened up. "I was afraid to ask you since you helped us so much already." "No worries. I am glad to help for as long as you need it." We took our places in front of the wagon that soon was strapped on our backs, and then started to walk, with what I thought was an incredible ease. "What are you doing on the roads?", I asked Flapping, so we could start a conversation as we walked towards Ponyville. "My family and I are performers", he said and nodded at the wagon as if he wanted for me to look at it. I did and read *The Fire Wings*, written in big, elegant and golden letters. "Me and Wish are air acrobats and my wife is a fire juggler. You probably have heard of us. We are actually quite famous.", he said and walked proudly. "Oh, sorry no. I have not.", I then saw that i had hurt Flappy's feelings so I quickly added. "But I would love to see you and your family in action." "Of course you are", he assured. "But first my daughter need time to heal. Damn that worgen! We were supposed to go to Canterlot in a few weeks to perform at the Grand galloping gala. But I dont know if we can do that now." "That is too bad." "Tell me about it. It was supposed to be our chance to get to take a place next to the big shots, but I guess that will never happen." "I'm sure your daughter will be fine by then.", I assured him. "I do hope so.", he responded with worry. I wanted to change the subject, so I asked. "What brings you to Ponyville?" "We live there. Or at least we do when we're not out on the road, then this wagon is our home and castle.", he told me with warmth in his voice. "The question is though, what brings you to Ponyville?" "I'm out to find a new home." I answered honestly. "Yea?  What happened to your old one.? Wait... ", he quickly said when he saw the expression on my face. "You don't need to tell me. we all have things we don't want to talk about, and I guess this is one of yours?" "Thank you.", I murmured, truly thankful for his delicacy. "It is still me who should thank you, and now I know how." "Yea? And what's that." I asked curiously." "You don't have somewhere to live right now, right?" "I guess not, no." "Well, you do now. You will stay with us from now on, for as long as you like.", he claimed with a smile. "Isn't that right honey?!", he yelled backwards. "Of course it is! it's the least we could do.", she yelled back. "Then it's settled.", Flapping stated. "Well, thank you kindly." "No no no. Don't thank us. This is us  thanking you, remember?" "Sure.", I chuckled. Soon enough we arrived in Ponyville where Flapping cried to the first pony he said to get a doctor to met them up and that it was an emergency.  The doctor with two unicorn nerses met us halfway to the hospital and asked "Flapping! What happened!" "Doctor stable! Thank Celestia... We got attacked by a Worgen not far from here.", he told the doctor. "Wish broke her wing, and if would not have been for this young colt here we all would have been in much worse shape." "Where is the patient?" "I'm right here.", Wish said and tried to stand up on wobbly legs, and walk out of the carriage her self, but she was stopped by her mothers gentle but also firm hooves. The nurses lifted her onto the stretcher and took her to the doctor. He examined her wing and frowned, "Take her to the hospital with haste.", he ordered. "I'll be there soon." He turned to the couple and looked worried. "What is it doctor?", Ember asked. "Is she going to be alright." "I really can't tell now. the only thing i know that it is broken on several places, and i first have to look at the X-ray pictures to see how it will end up." "What is the worst case scenario?", Flapping asked. The worst case scenario is that she may not be able to fly again, but lets not get your hopes down. Now follow me, she needs all of us right now." We darted towards the hospital with worry in our hearts. But i still couldn't help but look around the town and think. *Wow. So many colors.* > Book1. Chapter4. Home sweet home. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buuuuzzzzzzz.......Buuuuuzzzzzz... Is the only sound I can hear in the waiting room at the hospital. My mind wanders as the hours goes, and i think back at the rescue. I never thought that I could have done anything like that in a million years. As a human I was never anything close to an athlete, and how could i move like that in the air? I was terrible at it just minutes before. But the more i thought of it, the more questions popped up in my head, so I decided to let it go for now. Instead I was about to break the silence, when the doctor came in the room smiling. Ember dance was up on her hooves as quick as lightning and was just as fast in front of the doctor and said. "How is she doctor?! How is my little filly?!" "your daughter is fine. as i said her wing was broken in several places and on top of that two of her ribs got fractured.... But.", He said before she could interrupt. "they were all clean. So she will recover in no time, and I think that her wing may become even stronger than before." We all sighed in union as we heard the good news and the tension that had been built in the room disappeared. "Can we see her?", Flapping asked doctor Stable. "Of course you can, right this way." He showed us the way to the room where Wish was located, who was awake, alert and well. "Hi mom, hi dad." "Oh, sweety!", her mom exclaimed and hugged her daughter tightly as Flapping did the same. "Ow! Ow! It still hurts you guys!" "Sorry.", they both said, loosening their grip a little bit. I just remembered when i had broken my leg once from falling off a tree. I was knocked unconscious, and woke up at the hospital where I found my parents standing by my bed looking really worried. When they saw that I was awake they embraced me in the same way as Wishes parents did now and my mom was telling me over and over again how worried I've made her and dad, and that I should never, ever do it again. I felt sad and just a tiny bit of regret. But I am home, and well. My parents would not begrudge my happiness. I just wish I could have told them this, and show them that everything is fine. "Why are you crying?", I heard Ember ask me with concern. *Crying?! I'm not crying....*, I thought and searched my face with a hoof to find the tears that was pouring from my tear ducts. "Um, um. i'm just so happy that you're all well.",I said in attempt to save the situation. "That is so sweet of you.", Ember said and smiled again, as did Flapping, but I could see in Wishes face that she saw I was hiding something. She didn't look pleased. Doctor Stable told us that Wish needed to stay at the hospital over the night and that we could come and get her to morrow. While leaving the room so that she could rest I could feel her glare the whole way out burn into the back of my head in the search for an answer to what I was hiding. -------------------------------------------------------------- "And this is our house.", Flapping said with warmth. "It may not be much, but it is our home." Not much was a serious understatement. It was two times higher than the neighbors houses, and was in a surprisingly good shape to be left alone when they are out on the road. The facade was in a beautiful bright yellow color and the roof was made by what looked like still fresh straw, neatly laid by hoof. The garden was full of different kinds of flowers in all the colors of the rainbow and no weeds were to be found. "It is beautiful." "Thank you, but don't stand there all day. Come with us and we will show you the inside." I followed the couple as they showed the rest of the house which was just as beautiful as the outside. The kitchen was small but cozy and very neat, although Ember dance said that she was not much of a cook. The living room was well furnished with plush armchairs and one big sofa in front of a big fireplace. They also had a room dedicated to their years as performers, with walls covered with posters and pictures of their group, and display cases were filed with old outfits and gadgets. They also showed me the bathroom, in case I wanted to wash of some of the dirt. I politely declined the offer because I didn't want to show them my blank flank. "Here is your room boy.", Flapping said when the tour of the house was over. My room was just as i liked it, big, bright and with a big bed. "It may be a bit spartan.", Ember excused. "No, i like it this way." "That's good then. And remember, you can stay for as long as you want.", Flapping said. "Now if you excuse us, we must go to the market to buy some food. You should also go out and look around for a while.", Ember told me. I followed them out and then walked the opposite direction to were they were going. The town was lively, and full of ponies in all the colors of the rainbow wich almost every singel one of them was looking at me as I passed them. I tried not to think about it as I awed over the colorful and magnificent town of Ponyville. *Wait a minute.*, i thought as I closed in on a building. *I recognize this shop... It's sugarcube corner* And that's when i felt how hungry i was. *A muffin or two should be nice.*, I thought as i walked over and in to the shop. It looked just as it looked in the show, with desks full of pastries and cakes of all sorts, I walked to the counter and rang the bell, and was soon greeted by mr cake. "Hello there, what can i get for you today?" "Hi, i would like two chocolate chip muffins please." "Coming right up, that will be four bits, mr?" "Shield, Grand shield.", I said as I was reaching for the wallet I did not have. Mr cake stopped in his effort to get me my muffins and stared at me with his mouth wide open. "Oh, sorry. It seems I've forgot my money at home and... "Did you say Grand shield?!", He interrupted. "Um... Yes i did. Why?" "Why?!.. You're a hero, that's why! Honey! Honey! You'll never believe who's here!" "Who is it!", she asked. "It's that hero, shield!" "Oh! I'll be right there.",she said excitedly. "I'm just going to put the finishing touches on the cake." I think i speak for both of us when I say, your money are no good here mr shield, here have as many muffins you want.", he exclaimed and swooped with his hoof to emphasize his words. "In that case.", I said and shrugged. "I will have a few of those over there." "Coming right up.", he said and started to fill a bag with the goods. As he filled the bag to the brim I heard a well known voice coming from behind me, and the sound of hooves coming closer. "Oh I hope that that Grand guy will like the party.", I heard Pinkie pie say really excitedly to somepony. "I highly doubt that he will do anything but love it Pinkie.", Twilight assured. "Your right, besides....", she stopped. I turned around to see what was the matter and saw her looking at me. It looked like she was thinking really hard, and without any warning she lifted from the air, just like she did the first time she saw Twilight and exclaimed. "NEW PONY!! DOUBLE PARTY!!" And then sprung out of the shop with a big dust cloud following her until she was gone. All three of us was looking at the door with raised eyebrows, until Twilight spoke. "You must excuse my friend, she really loves parties and making new friends, and we were about to make a party for some colt named Grand... shield I think. Anyway, when she saw you I think she got the idea to make it into a double party instead." "Well that won't be such a good double party then, since I can't duplicate, at least last I checked." "I'm sorry?", she said and looked confused. "Im the one you were throwing the party to in the first place. I'm Grand.", i said and put my hoof in front of me to shake hers. "... Oh. So you're Grand." She said and blushed. "Um, I'm Twilight sparkle." She took my hoof and shook it as she studied me as she have studied the countless books she read over the years. "I've heard what you did. That was really heroic of you, standing up against a worgen on your own like that to save some strangers." "I did what anybody else would do." "Anybody?" "Um, i mean anypony." She forgot my blunder and continue the conversation. "I highly doubt that. Even Rainbow dash would think twice before doing something like that. In all of my books about monsters it always says that the fastest and easiest way to deal with one is with magic, and even then it's hard. You must be a really skilled flyer and warrior to pull something like that of without any magic." "Yeah, something like that.", I said and scratched the back of my head. While i was talking to Twilight Mrs cake had entered the room and started to fill another bag with a bunch of other sweets. "Anyway, I gotta find pinky and stop her before she does something way beyond a normal party when she thinks there are two of you. Bye." she waved her hoof and started to walk. "Cya at the party.", I said and winked. She looked me in the eyes for a split second and then turned away, and I could swear that she blushed. I didn't know why though. "Here's your goods.", Mr cake said and handed, or shold i say hoofed me the bag which was filled to the brim. "Plus some extra, hero.", Mrs cake added and gave me the bag she had filled. I thanked them and small talked for a bit, and with the bags safely hung around my neck I said my goodbyes as I was on my way to find some nice place to sit down and eat some of my pastries. I found a nice spot near the river, where i sat down and digged in. It was delicious. Way better than all of the things my favorite café Günter's could make, and Günter himself was the one who made the wedding cake for the Crownprincess victoria's wedding, so that is not a small feat. As i was about to grab my second croissant i felt something fussy in the bag. I looked down and saw a snow white rabbit munching to it's hearts content. "Hey there little guy.", I said and caught the rabbits atencion. "I think i know you." "Angel!" I heard the the soft voice all bronies known so well as the voice of fluttershy. "Where is your manners!? You can't just... Iiiph!" She reacted just as I thought she would when she found out that I was a stranger, by screaming in her own little way then cower and hide her face behind her hair and look away. "Is this your bunny?", I asked and nodded at Angel. "Mhm.",she nodded. "I'm s. .o.y .. sh. .ous.. y.u a.. tr....e", she whispered with no way for anyone to understand. "I'm sorry, what did you say?" "I'm so sorry if she caused you any trouble." "Not at all.", I said, picked up angel in the angle scruff and carried her to fluttershy. "Here you go." I said and put her down. "Thank you." She murmured and watched her hoof as it kicked the ground softly a few times. I was just about to say something when Angel darted towards town and fluttershy chased after her trying to convince her to stop. "Angel bunny! Wait!" My glance followed them as they moved away from me and I smiled. I decided that i was full and i took a few of the pastries and throw them in the river to a few ducks and took the rest of them with me to share with the family I had saved. I could still not believe what i had done, but there was no denial that so was the case. *Maybe all the time I spent in the arcade was paying off.* I chuckled. ---------------------------------------------------- "Welcome home!", I herd Ember say as I entered the house. "I poured you a bath before the dinner, you are a bit dirty on your flank." *SHIT!*, I thought as my mind were going on overdrive to find a solution. "There's no need for that. I'm not that dirty." She stuck her head out from the kitchen. "I think you need it, and dinner is not done in at least half an hour so you got time. Go on.", she almost ordered, pointed with her hoof at the stairs and then went back to whatever she did in the kitchen. I stood still and considered my options for a while and was then stopped in my thoughts once again by Embers voice. "I don't hear anyone going up stairs and taking a bath.",she sung. I decided that it should be best if i did what she said and I dropped my bags on a bench and then walked up the stairs, went all the way the hall and entered the last door to the left where a big round tub was filled with hot soapy water. *I'll just take the bath and then figure out what to do afterwards.* I dipped a hoof in the water and i decided that it was just perfect. The rest of my body followed in with it and before I noticed I really enjoyed the means of the revelation of my blank flank. After I scrubbed my fur coat thoroughly for about twenty minutes I got out of the tub, shacked my body like a dog and then grabbed a towel that was neatly placed on a shelf for me and dried what was left of the water from my body. I saw that they had a full body mirror, so i wiped of the condensation from the glass and once again inspecting my body. Now my fur was shining along with my hair that i had combed to a backslick as i usually do when I lived in sweden and I also noticed that my eyes were blue as they were when I where human. I was glad for that, because I had always loved my eyes... My mother's eyes. "I have no time for this!", I snapped at my self. *I need to cover my flank.* I was looking around in the bathroom after something i could use, and a thinking of a good excuse to why. I looked behind the mirror and found a roll of bandages that I took and wrapped it around my flank until you could not see it. I tied it and thought it looked good enough. When I was just about done I herd Ember dance yelling. "Dinner's ready!" I took deep breaths from my nose as i walked down the stairs, it smelled outstanding. Only on my best days I could cook something that smells as good, and that don't happen often, and even though I had eaten myself full only an hour ago I instantly got hungry again. I walked into the kitchen where several dishes were placed on the table, to my surprise they also had one of my favorites, Ratatouille. "Come on and sit down lad.", Flapping said with his mouth full. Embers elbow found its way to his side as she said. "Manners honey, we got an honor guest in the room." "Ouch! Yeah, sure, sorry.", he said and rubbed his side. I sat down and helped myself to some of the ratatouille, which was just as tasty as it smelled, and listened and answered to what they had to say. "So where do you come from?", Ember asked. "Not that it is really noticeable, but you do have an accent that i can't put my finger on." "I come from a little village in the outskirts of Equestria, which has it's own dialect.", I lied. "What do you call this village?", Flapping wondered. "We called it Sweden." That's an odd name." Flapping pointed out. "Whait. What do you mean with called?" "It is no more. Sweden was destroyed by dragon a few years ago." I was shocked on how good i was att making these things up, and that they were actually buying it. *I guess that all those years on stage was doing some good.* "I have been moving on from village to village and from town to town since then." "That's terrible.", Ember said compassionately. "Why didn't you return to rebuild?", Flapping asked. "I had no family there, and i have not had any for a long time before. So the thought to return was just silly. so i left, and as far as i know it may still be in ruins." There were an awkward silence in the room, if you don't count the sound of teeth chewing until Flapping broke it by saying. "This food is truly wonderful honey." "Thank you love, you want another Grilled dandelion?" "Yes thank you honey. So just lived on the road, hu?", he said and turned to me once again. "Yeah, I guess I did." "It must be awfully lonely when your on your own like that.", Ember said. "Very.", I assured her and thought about how lonely I had felt on Earth. "But you get used to it." We keep on talking about several other things as we ate, and when we were done Flapping and I went to the living room as Ember prepared the dessert. "Your wife is a splendid cook.", I said to flapping who took his place in one of the armchairs. "I know, it's terrible." "Excuse me?" "Her cooking usually stinks, and when it's starting to taste good you know that something is wrong. I think she is worried about Wish." "Aren't you then?" "No, not any more. I have complete and utter trust in Doctor stable. Ember has that to, but she is the kind of mare that will not stop worrying until every scratch has heled on our daughter." "Vanilla ice cream and apricot sauce with chunks of sugar cube corner brownies.", Ember introduced while entering the room with three bowls hovering around her head. "Oh how i missed those cakes.", Flapping said with a longing smile. "Only in ponyville. You know what they say, home sweet home." > Book1. Chapter5. What a party. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wake up by Ember dragging the curtains aside and saying. "Wakey Wakey, it's time for breakfast. And then we will go to the hospital for Wish." I may be many things, and morning person is not one of them. But even though i wanted to stay in bed i went up and was about to put on my pants, and once again realised that i didn't have anything like that with me, not that i needed it though. "Do you need help changing your bandages?", she asked and nodded at my loosened wrappings. "Um, no thank you. I'll do it my self if you don't mind." "Of course not. I'll see you at breakfast." *Phew.* I went to the bathroom to changed the unneeded bandages and to wash of my face, and then straight down stairs to the kitchen where i was warmly greeted by Flapping and Ember. "Good morning Grand.", Flapping said and looked over his newspaper."You had a good night sleep? Toast?" "Good morning, yes, and yes, please." "Honey, some toast.", he said to Ember and returned to reading his newspaper. Her horn started to glow and two pieces of bread flew up in the air and was struck by a firebolt each, then as quick as lightning a butter knife flew through the air and smeared it's butter on the toast, they later landed neatly on a plate in front of me. "Wow.", I said and clopped my hooves. "That was nothing.", Ember bragged. "You should see one of our shows." --------------------------------------------------------- "Can we go now?", the golden brown mare impatiently said to doctor Stable. "I need to do some standard tests first before I Can let you go, or more precisely, roll.", he said as he examined her grayish blue eyes. "Roll?" "In this.",he said and showed Wish her wheelchair. "No way! I am not going to sit on that." Young lady, two of your ribs on your left rib cage are broken. You are not walking on all four for at least three more days." "How long will it take for her wing to heal?", Flapping asked nervously. "Two weeks until it's healed. But I don't want her flying on it for three." "Three weeks!", Wish and Flapping yelled in unison. "At least.", The doctor added. "But doctor. We are performing at the grand galloping gala in two weeks. Is there any way that she could be able to do it?" "If you don't want to risk your daughter's health I advise you not to." The room suddenly got quiet, and the Fire wing family looked at each other with sad eyes and had to accept the bad news. "I'm ready to roll out now.", Wish said depressingly. "I'm very sorry about this, i wish i could do something more but.." "I said I am ready to go.", Wish interrupted. "Ok.", the doctor said and helped her on to the wheelchair. Flapping took his place behind the chair and started to push. "Bye doc, thank you that you did what you could.", Wish said a bit softer than before. "No worries. I bet you will get a chance next year again, right?." "Yes, probably.", Flapping answered. But i could see what they all were thinking. Not at the Grand galloping gala we're not. We were quiet as we went out of the hospital and after a long walk of gloominess Ember spoke some warming words. "Well, what if we cannot attend at the gala? We still are very much alive, and we have each other. Opportunities like this come and goes, but a family sustains, and thank to this colt we are able to enjoy this time together, even if it looks a bit grim." I knew i should have kept my mouth closed, but seeing the family like this made me say it anyhow. "I can take Wishes place if you want?" Flapping and Ember both stopped at the same time, and all three looked at me in shock. "I mean...", I started but got interrupted by Ember. "You would do that for us?!" "Well.. yes, I..." I did not get any longer before she embraced me. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Celestia as my witness when i say that you have done more than enough for us already, if you do this for us you should be sainted." I had lit a hope in each of them and i did not want to put it out, so I agreed. They all shined at me and laughed in relief, and for the first time wish did so to. She had such a beautiful smile, even if it was a somewhat vague one. "I will need some help though.", I said. "I dont know youre routine, and I'm not that good of a flyer." "Not that good of a flyer?!", flapping exclaimed aghast. "Then how do you explain how you took care of that worgen hu? I think you are way better than you think you are. And don't you worry about our routine. Wish will train you.", he said lightly like there was not a care in the world anymore. When Wish heard what he said about her teaching me she first looked at her knowing father with murderous eyes, and then she looked at me for a few seconds, and then turning her head straight forward to sulk. For some reason she didn't like me. I think she didn't trust me, i just didn't know why? ------------------------------------------------------- once we were home Ember decided that she should go and do some more shopping, then make some lunch and said that it should take a while and that me and Wish should take this opportunity to get to know each other and talk about the routine. Whish did not protest when i went behind the wheelchair, although i knew she would have loved to, and we went back outside once again as I steered of somewhere randomly. After a few minutes of silence she pointed at a direction that led us out of town and said. "Go that way." I did as she said and soon we were at some grass covered fields next to the everfree forest which was perfect for anything from a picnic to a outdoor summer party, I highly doubted we were going to have any of them. "Show me what you got, hero.", she said in a playful tone with just a hint of sarcasm. "Show you what?", i asked confused. "Your gardening skills, what do you think?", she said and pointed at the sky. "Oh.", I blushed. "Um, I don't know if that is such a good idea." "Why not?" "Well, because... Um?.." "Just fly." I did what she asked of me and tried with a running start... It did not go well. I jumped through the air and flapped my wings frenetic to stay airborne. I was slowly rising and was soon above the trees and i thought to myself. *This didn't go to bad.* I thought to soon. My head was leaning a bit to much towards the ground and before I knew it I was upside down, just like Rainbow dash in the poison joke episode. I panicked and tried to navigate through the air, but it was no use. I flew in none and all directions and then hit the ground with a loud bang. ".....? If you are trying to be funny...", Wish said "it's not working that well. Come on, show me what you got!" I tried, and tried, and tried for about fifteen minutes until Wish finally said it. "You're not joking, are you?" "No.", I spat out together with some dirt from my latest crash. She looked at me with shock and surprise engraved in her face. "How is that possible? Just yesterday you were one of the best flyer I've ever seen." "Yeah, that was kind of a special occasion for me." "Special occasion?!!", she yelled, and did something i never seen or heard a pony do. She cursed... A lot. I watched, hypnotized at her while she cursed all throughout the english vocabulary at least four times, altogether with some special Equestrian ones. She keeps on going for a good while as she stoops a few times to yell something inaudible at me. When she's just about to tell me that I am a disgrace to the Pegasus race I see a shadow moving, just almost out of my gaze. I turned and reacted just as I did yesterday when I saw the Worgen running out of the forest towards us. I darted through the air and circled around the Worgen who took a battle stance to show that he was ready for me. After a few laps I noticed blood on the top of it's head and I figured that it was the same Worgen. *So you just got knocked out, hu?* This time I didn't have the element of surprice with me, and that was a huge disadvantage. But the Worgen was a bit unsure. It looked like it hadn't counted on my quick reaction and it was really on it's guard. We measured each other and waited for the other to do the first move. The Worgen took a chance and swooped with its huge right paw that I easily avoided with a barrel roll and then striked upwards, aiming at its chin. I missed. But I kept on climbing a few meters and then fell with all my weight downwards, pretending to aim at the top of its head again. I must have convinced it, as it backed a few steps with its paws above its head. When i was about two meters from the ground, I spread my wings and leaned them upwards to do an upwards loop. It worked just as i planned, and i hit the Worgen in the face and heard the sound of cartilage and some bone break. It was not enough to fell it to the ground, but it was enough to make another opening as it grabbed its face, bent forward and whimpered. I landed in front of the beast, turned about, stood fast and kicked as hard i could on its chest with my hind hooves. It fell hard on the ground and was now whimpering worse than ever. with a breath that sounded like a bagpipe full of holes. *I must have punctured a lung*, I thought and approached it carefully. As I reached the Worgen i could see that i had completely bashed its wolfish face and chest. Its eyes found mine and with a weak voice it said with a growling and gurgling sound. "Me am dying.", It said sounding really surprised, like it was not even on its maybe list of things that could happen today. "Yes.", I said a bit down. "You... defeated me...two times??" "...Yes." It growled a few times on what seemed to be the Worgain language and then said. "Come here...pony." I neared the fallen beast with even greater care than before. "Me am not...", It started after some time of silence but then started to cough up blood. "Me am not happy to do this pony. But It is one of our...What is it called?", it wondered and coughed again. "Customs, to give our greatest...owning to who ever that is able to defeat a Worgorg warrior more than one time. According to my peoples... rules me must give you this,", he said and took of a steel bracelet from his wrist and reached it to me. "if not me will not rest well in my Rorin Wragh, my forever sleep." It coughed up some more blood and said. "Take it." And locked it around my right hoof. "And use it,", it coughed. "more... wisely than i did." The Worgen took a deep breath and yelled as loud it could with its wounded lungs "Worgorg grorar erg Worgar!"  It took another deep breath and howled untill its voice was reduced to a sigh, and was then breathing no more. I thought that i would feel regret or sadness after killing it, killing a living thing, but an unexplainable calm was going through my body like a warm liquid. This was no tragedy. I had all right to kill it. If not it would have killed me, then Wish and then it would keep on harming others. By knowing that I could strangely enough forgive myself, and after sending a small, quiet prayer to whoever that listened, I turned around to face Wish, who was stunned and said one thing, and one thing only. "I knew you were joking." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nothing happened on our way back, except for a few ponies glaring at us through the town, but I was getting used to it so I paid it no attention. I had asked Wish before we went back if we should go to the mayor . "No.", she had answered. "First we will have to tell my parents, and then they can talk to the mayor." I had just nodded and done what she said, and now we were home. "Are you home already?!", We heard Ember yell from the kitchen. "I've not even started on the lunch yet,", she began and walked out the hall to greet us. "I thought...? Oh Celestia Grand! What happened?! Your hooves are stained with blood!" I looked down, and she was right. My hooves were dyed red by the fallen Worgens blood. I was amazed on how much the Hub had sugar coated the real world of Equestria. There were blood and death and real fights. I had eaven seen a unicorn carrying a real sword on our way back, with an edge and everything. But the show was originally for little girls so I guess that they couldnt show it eaven if they knew how it was. "A Worgen.", Wish answered for me. "Another one?!", Ember exclaimed. "What did they say?!", Flapping shouted from the living room, and then galloped to Embers side. "Were you attacked by another one?!" ""No, it was the same one.", I answered. "And i killed it, this time for sure." They both shared a worried look and as they turned back their eyes to us Ember said unvoiced. "For now you will take a bath,", she pointed at me."you will go and lay down.",she nodded at Wish. "In half an hour we shall sit down for some lunch and you will both tell me what happened." A bath and a delicious silent meal with no sound except for my voice explaining in detail what had happened later, we sat in total silence, as Ember and Flapping were thinking with their faces dead serious . "This was really unsettling.", Flapping said. "It looks like the Worgens are getting braver and more stubborn. We have to talk with the mayor tonight at the party, and sort out this mess." "What was that bracelet it gave you?", Ember asked and looked at me with her horn glowing. "I don't know. He yu..." I didn't get the chance to finish until the bracelet, together with my hoof floated through the air towards Ember. "I've never seen anything like it.",she murmured as she watched the wide and thick steel jewelry, witch was full of different kinds of celtic like knots and onyx stones, and what was the weirdest of all was that it was enclosed and didnt have a lock of any kind. "Can you take it off?", she asked as she let go of her magic. "I don't think so.", I said and tried once again to remove it with no luck. "You watch out for that jewelry.", Ember warned. "For what we know it may be cursed." "I will watch out.", I promised. Still I didn't believe that so wasn't the case. strangely I Trusted the Worgen, and I didn't believe that his greatest possession would be cursed. "Good.", she said and looked a bit less worried. "Now let's take it easy a few hours, then go to the party and don't let anyone know about the second attack until the major mayor decides to brake it to the town." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BANG!!! "Congratulations!", Pinkie yells as she had fired her party canon. "Um, if you don't mind me asking, where is that Grand guy?" It looks like Twilight either hadn't catched up with Pinkie pie, or more likely, Pinkie had just been Pinkie pie and hadn't listened. "Actually, I'm grand.", I explained. "You are?!", she exclaimed with a classical surprised Pinkie, face with her chin almost to the ground. "Yes.", I laughed. Aw, and here i prepared a double party for nothing... Wait a minute! Applejack!" she said and turned around to Applejack. "When is your birthday?" "Not in another three months i reckon, why do you ask?" "That's close enough. Hey everypony! It's Grands welcome and thank you for saving the Fierwing family party, and Applejacks birthday party!!" "But Pinie.", Applejack protested, but was too late as Pinkie pie was already out to spread the word. "God dang it Pinkie!", she sighed. "Oh, hi ya there.", she said as she turned to me. "I'm Applejack if you didn't know, and of course i know who you are Mr Shield. Here, have a mug of sweet apple acres apple cider. A real drink for a real hero." "Thank you." I said and took the mug she had reached me. "and please, call me Grand." I took a sip from the container and two thoughts ran through my head. *Delicious*, and. *Alcohol?* It was just as good as they said it would be in the series, maybe even better. But the alcohol took me by surprise. It made me think about how other things were different compared to the show. "This is fantastic.", I told Applejack. "It's even better than i've heard." "You've heard about Sweet apple acres?",she asked. "Of course. Your apples are supposed to be the best in all of Equestria." "That's true.", she said as she laughed and blushed. "I'm glad you liked it. Now if you excuse me, I've got to... um?... Go and get some more apple tarts, there starting to run out." I looked at one of the tables which were full of apple tarts, then returned my gaze to were Applejack were for about a second ago but not any longer. "You kids should mingle, while Flapping and I talk to the mayor.", Ember said and hurried towards Major Mare. Wish who now could maneuver the wheelchair by her self quickly rolled out of my presence. I was really confused to why she didn't like me, but I decided to let it go for now and just enjoy the outdoors party that took all of the place in the town square where the whole town were invited. I looked around the square and let the whole scenery with it's bright colors and happy music sink in. "Oh dear!", I heard a ladylike voice say in slight dislike. "No, no, no, no no. This won't do!", The mare who could be none other than Rarity said to me after I had turned around to face her. "Is something wrong, my lady?", I asked. "Oh something's wrong alright." She stomped her front hoof. "You are supposed to be the guest of honor, and here you are, being outshined by moi.", she said and pointed at her self. She were dressed in a white summer dress with bright blue details and a wide white hat, wich was mainly the reason i had called her lady, because she clearly looked like one. "I won't feel right if I don't do something about it. Luckily I always have a sewing kit with me in case of emergency.", somewhere, probably from the thin air, she grabbed a colorful bag whit her horn, and a folding screen popped up blocking others views. She worked her magic and I watched helplessly mesmerized until she was done not even a minute after. I was dressed in a black ceremonial militaryl coat with silver buttons, a white shirt, and a band with Equestrias colors going from my left shoulder across my chest, and the icing on the cake was the silver and sapphire shield that crowned my chest. she took my mane and made a ponytail, and then walked back a few steps to look at her work. "You look absolutely smashing.", she said with sparkling eyes as she packed away all her things. "What do you think?", Rarity asked, and a mirror appeared in front of me. "I think you did a wonderful work miss Rarity. Thank you." "You know who I am?", she asked hopefuly. "Of course, I've seen your works many times.", *From a computer screen that is, but it still counts.* "Oh, so nice to hear. It's always good to meet a pony with taste of fashion." j "Not as good as yours I presume.", I said with a smile. "Oh, i don't know about that.", she laughed and blushed. "Yea, yea.", Spike said and came out of nowhere and pushed Rarity away from me. "You both know alot about fashion, now let's go. We were supposed to help pinkie and the others with the surprise, remember." "Oh, that's right. Thank you spikie wikie for reminding me. Um, I'll see you later mr Shield." "See you later miss Rarity, and thank you once again." "You're very welcome." The evening was moving towards night, and it had been full of mares and colts shaking my hoof, foals and fillies gaping and telling me that when they grow up they wanted to be just like me. I was not used to this kind of attention, and to put it lightly, it made me a little uncomfortable. Luckily i used to be a actor, so it was easy to hide my unease. "Everypony! Can I get your attention!", mayor Mare uttered from a improvised stage. "Thank you.", she said. "Now if I may ask Grand Shield to enter the stage." Now this was not quite what I had expected, and for the first time in my life in my life i had stage fright. I cursed a silent helvete, in Swedish, and thought. *Goddamnit Mikael, you've entered the stage thousands of times before, just go up there and smile and maybe wave a little then go back down again, it's that simple.* I was still a bit scared, but i forced myself on the scene where i summoned all the strength i had, to keep my body from shaking and for my smile to stay on. "As some of you may have heard there was another attack by a worgen this day,",The mayor spoke through a megaphone "and it was attempting once again to take wishes, and Grands life. But also he, once again saved the day, and slayed the beast, thus saved more than one life, but countless others to come, and for this, and the heroic act before that we will honor him with the best I as mayor can grant him." She waved with a hoof and the drapes behind us was pulled aside. In this moment I was considering if these ponies was insane or not. Because what was behind it was the mane six standing next to a ten feet long bronse statue of me standing strong and proud in the same outfit as I was in now. Everypony applauded and whistled and then Pinkie pie was standing next to me shouting. "Woo! What a party, congratulations Grand, and happy birthday Applejack!" God dangit Pinkie, It's not ma birthday. > Book1. Chapter 6. Practise makes perfect. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a long night of music, laughter and cheers, me, the mayor and the fire wings were located in a quiet mayor's office with nothing but seriousness in the air. "I'm sorry I'm late", Twilight sparkle hisses breathless as she enters the room with parchments floating above her head. "I needed to finish a few things and pick up some stuff before I could get here." "No problem.", Mayor mare said. "It's good you're here. Now we can get started. There have been, as you know, a problem with the Worgens for a long time now, and it seems like It's getting worse. If it wouldn't have been for Grand, Ponyville would have had it's first death caused by an worgen since twenty years back. So once again you will know that we are grateful to you for dealing with it, but we shall also know that this may be a provocation towards the worgens, and tha..." "Provocation!!", Ember exclaimed with her face shining red and horn reeking alarming. "It attacked us!! Were we supposed to die so they wouldn't take offence by killing one of their own killers?!" "Of course not, you know I didn't mean it like that. But we have to take it to consideration that they may not be so very pleased by this, and that they may even come here to show it. That is why I need you Twilight to send a letter to princess Celestia explaining what has happened here and that we need a few of her colts here as soon as possible." "You can count on me miss mayor.", she said and started to write. "Flapping, I'll need you to find a few weather ponies that know when to keep their mouth shut, to keep an eye out for anything but the usual, and if they do they should tell me about it." "I can think of a few.", he replied absently. "Good.", she nodded. "Ember, I need you to find a few combat-efficient ponies that can do just the same and keep their mouth shut." Ember had calmed down but was still somewhat upset, so she just nodded at the mayor. "And Grand."; she said and turned to me. "I want everypony to act like nothing, and especially you. I want you to walk around with strength and confidence like nothing is wrong. They all trust and look up to you, youre their hero. And if their hero is calm, they are calm. Can you do that?" "Of Course.", I answered. The mayor acknowledged my answer and started to deal out a few other tasks to the ponies in the room. After the third time she had told us to keep this quiet to the townponies to keep them from panicking, Twilight sparkle uttered. "The letter is done, if you don't want me to do something else I'm going home to send it and then I'm going to go to sleep." "Yes, one more thing before you do that Twilight. I know that you want to tell your friends about this, and It's your choice to do so because I trust you. But keep in mind that they must be able to keep quiet about it." "I will, miss mayor.", she said and walked towards the door. "Oh. And grand.", she said and turned to me. "If you dont mind I would like to talk to you in the morning, lets say three Pm at my house, just ask anyone and they can show you the way." She went out before I could answer, but i was going to say yes anyway so it didn't matter. What was weird though, was the look i received from Wish that was full of suspicion, like when a mouse gets released from a cats paws and then wonder what the cat is going to do next. And apparently I was the dangerous cat that the family of mice had let in. ------------------------------------------------------ I woke up when it still was dark outside. The watch was showing 4:00 Am and I felt that a run to the toilet wouldn't be that bad. When I was just about to reach out to open the toilet door swung open and in it sat a drowsy Wish in her wheelchair, who looked at me questionably as she started to roll out. I opened my mouth to say something, but that just made her picking up the pace so i decided not to. *Why does she hate me?*, I thought when I was done and laid in my bed. But no matter how long I thought about it I couldn't find a reason why. ------------------------------------------------------ It's 3:00 Pm, and I'm standing outside Twilight sparkle's house after hours of hard exercises, practices and other trials made up by Wish who was still quite reluctant to teach me the routines, but if the Fire wings would ever get a real breakthrough, then this was it. So whether she likes it or not, I was their only hope of success since apparently I was the only pegasus in ponyville who could move like a real air acrobat. If I could just figure out how to, that is. As soon as my hoof touched the door to knock it started to glow and then opened. "Come in!", I heard Twilight yell from her study. "I'm upstairs, come on up!" I did as she said and heard the door shut before I entered the study, that looked just the same as in the show except for a liquor cabinet in one of the corners that took me by surprise. "You want one?" Twilight asked as she saw what i was looking at. "Isn't It a bit too early for that?" "Maybe, but i read in a book that it's rude to not offer something to drink when you have someone over." I couldn't help but to giggle a bit. "What?" "Oh, nothing, nothing at all.", I assured her. *Classic twilight.* "Okay. But now to the point of your visit." She pulled out a cushion next to hers and asked me to sit. I did as she asked. "Now then. I want you to tell me about yourself.", Twilight said with interest. "What?", I said and was truly confused. "You know. Where do you come from? Who were your parents? What were they like? Do you have any siblings?" "Um, well.", I went with the story I told the Fire wings, and told her that I came from a village called Sweden that is no more, I had a Mom who was a painter, a dad who was a weather pony and an older brother, and they were all dead. She went to one of her shelves to grab something and as she did she continued to ask questions and I answered a few honest, and the rest with lies. Half an hour with nonstop questions later Twilight asked one question I had hoped would show up much, much later. "Exactly where was Sweden located? I've studied these maps several times now and I just cant find it." "Oh. Um? Well, I honestly don't know,", I said, smiled and hoped that it was enough. "all I know is that it was quite isolated." "Uhu.", she said sceptical. "Oh well, let's not go there then." She let it go, but started once again to ask a row of never ending questions, and some of them a bit personal for my taste. "This doesn't make any sense!", she suddenly exclaimed. She took me by surprise so badly that I fell backwards and hit my head on the floor. "Ow! What?! What doesn't make sense?!" "You! You don't make sense! I'm trying to figure out what's up with you! You beat up a worgen! A WORGEN! Only special ponies can do that!! Or at least ponies with some kind of special tool! But you didn't have a special tool as far as I know, and what you told me about yourself doesn't fit any of the descriptions for special or supernatural ponies!" If this would have happened on my computer screen it probably would have been fun to se her snap. But I will tell you that in real life, it's far from fun. "I just don't get it! you!..." Krash!... The sound of a window breaking and then a sharp pain in my side. I was tumbling through the air, across the room accompanied by a wide variation of colors. Then a loud bang together with an even sharper pain in the back of my head, books raining, and then a voice I think I recognised that said. "What's going on here?! I heard somepony screaming. " Black........... Warm and comfortable... *A bed, perhaps?* "I think he's waking up.", I heard Twilight say. "I hope he's okay." "For the fifth time, I'm sorry. I thought you were in danger or something." The way the voice cracked at fifth time made me certain of who it was that had tackled me even before I opened my eyes. And yes, next to Twilight, Rainbow dash stod and looked remorseful. "It's him you should apologize to, not me." "Yea, yea. Oh he's awake. Um, look I'm sorry about tackling you and stuff, I honestly thought that someone was attacking Twie." "No worries." I said and tried to get up, and strangely I almost didn't feel any pain at all. But Twilight shoved me down the bed again. "Are you crazy?!", Twilight exclaimed. "You got hit badly in the head, you shouldn't try to get up yet." "I'm just fine.", I assured and got out of the bed. "See.", I said and stomped around a few times. The both mares looked at me for a while in disbelief. "Ok. I see that It's all good,", Rainbow dash said and started to hover. "so I'll just skadoosh and go back to napping." "Hey! Rainbow wait! You have to help me clean up this mess first!" "Can't hear you Twie!", Rainbow dash yelled as she flew out of the busted window. "Damn it Rainbow! How am I supposed to clean all this by myself.", she said and looked at the mess of books, glass and something red that i believed was my blood. I noticed that my head was wrapped in bandages. But when I took of my blooded bands and felt on the back of my head I felt no wound. "I'll help you.", I offered when i was done. She accepted with gladness, and a few hours and a daffodil sandwich later the room was as neat and tidy as it was before. It was starting to get a bit late so I said goodbye to Twilight who apologized for screaming at me before, and was then on my way back to the Fire wings house where the supper was a a bit less tastier than before, so I took it as a good sign. Wish was still avoiding me as much as she could, and still gave me disliking looks. No change there. ----------------------------------- "Wake up you sloth!", I heard Wish skream in my ear as she pulled on my sheets. "It's time for practice!" She pulled even harder, this time so hard that I fell on floor. "Ouch! Hey what are you?!... Your not in your wheelchair?" "So what?" "So what? According To doctor Stable you're supposed to stay in it for one more day, that's what." "There's no need for that,", she assured. "I'm strong." She took a few steps, and barely noticeable she made a little grimace on her third step. "See. And now if you please get of the ground and try not to crash in to it like your the one with a broken wing, maybe this day you will be able to learn something for a change." she turned around to walk out of the room but then stopped to say something. "Oh, and one more thing. It's still early, so mom wont be able to prepare breakfast, but even if she could you wouldn't get any untill you are able to do at least one loop without a disaster.", she said with a smile and walked out of the room. After a quick morning wash to freshen up I headed down stairs where Wish where waiting for me. We headed out where it still was a bit dark outside and the morning air was cool and fresh, and not befor long we were once again out on the  big field. Once we were there wish made me do a few stretching exercises as warm up, and then up in the air I went. This time I could actually stay airborne without looking like an idiot, and i could see that even Wish was happy about it. "Good, now ponies may actually believe that you went to flight school once or twice. Let's see if you can pull of a loop." *Maybe so.*, I thought and tried, and failed. *Well, at least now I seriously know how the ground taste.* "One more.", she sighed. I did it over and over again, and after the sixth try I actually did it, and the time after that, and the time after that, and the time after that, and eventualy I could do four loops in a row. "He's not merely as bad as you said he was Wish.", I heard Flapping say. I just turned my gaze for a moment to catch the glimpse of Flapping and Ember observing me, but that was enough to bring me of balance and the ground welcomed me with open arms. "Well, he's not the best either.", he finished. "But I'm sure we can do it if he can move like he did before." "Honey, manners.", Ember said and shoved an elbow in her husband's side. "It's rude to speak about someponye like they weren't there." "Ow, ow. Yes dear." "Now If everypony will take a seat,", Ember said an spreaded out a blanket on the ground next to a picnic basket. "so I can serve you your breakfast." "Now,", Flapping started after we sat down. "don't take this the wrong way, you can fly, but not good enough." "I know." "Then how come that you were one of the best flyers I've seen when you were fighting the worgen, and now you're on the same level as my dead aunt." "That, I honestly don't know. When it happens it just happens." "Hm...", Was everything Flapping said for a while as he just stared at the distance. "How about how you felt during that moment.", he uttered as he turned back to me. "Do you remember the sensation?" "Maybe, I'm not really sure." "Try." So I did. But everything that happened, had happened so fast that most of it was since long forgotten, so there were no way that I could remember something as unimportant as how I felt. "Nope, nothing. Sorry." "Oh well, I guess you'll get the hang of it eventually." The conversation changed into a debate of which things they should do at the gala and then carried on as conversations did. Eventually the food was gone and Flapping and Ember left us to carry on with my training. After about two hours of exercise I had gotten better but also gotten tired, I was just about to ask for a brake when I heard the well known howl of a worgen. *Oh no, not again!* I thought and feared for Wish who was just a few feet away from the beast, she was stricken with fear and couldn't move. This time It happened again, my thoughts and emotions was numbed, like someone had covered them with a dark cloth. I felt my senses growing stronger together with my body, and all my exhaustion were gone. It felt like I was going on instinct as I dove at the worgen who was prepared and jumped aside. I were quick on my return as I did a sharp left turn to punch it in its face. It threw it self and rolled forward as it mocked me with a growling laugh. I flew a few feet back, landed and stared at the beast who stared back at me with an evil grin. We measured each other for awhile, then it darted towards me with ready claws and sharp teeth. It barely missed me with its paw as I flew straight up like a rocket, looped two times and then dove straight down with my right hoof in front of me, and I must have been mistaken as I saw the bracelet glowing green. I was ready for the impact, but it was delayed as I went right through it and hit the ground in stead. I quickly got back on my hooves and turned my gaze all over the field, but there were no worgen there. "Fantastic!", I heard Flapping yell as he came out of the forest where he had hidden behind a tree together with Ember and Twilight. "Quickly! Memorize this feeling!" I started to get a bit confused, but I did as he said. "Don't you dare forget it,", Ember said with a sinister tone as they walked towards me. "I don't know what you know about illusion spells, but they are not easy to do." I nodded and tried to sustain my state of mind which was slipping away in a rapid speed, but it was just as easy as convincing a dragon to leave its nest, so If I would have been fluttershy this would have been a cakewalk. The last piece of that mysterious state was gone just about when Flapping, Ember and Twilight had reached where me and Wish were standing, and now Wish's angry look was turned at her parents in stead of me. "Do you recall how you felt this time?", Flapping asked and ignored his daughter's murderous gaze. "I think so.", I said and still felt a bit confused. "Good,", he sighed relieved. "good. You don't know how much effort this took." "And neither do you honey.", Ember said. "Me and Twilight sparkle did almost all the work." "Well... Um... ", he coughed "That may be, but... Let's not forget what's important here. Young colt, tell us about it." I told them about the numbing of all feelings and the sensation of strength flowing and building up in my body, how all the senses got stronger and how instinkt took over. "Splendid!", Flapping exclaimed and danced a little jig. "Now we can get somewhere!" "Okay, why wasn't I informed about this sneak attack!?", Wish almost growled at her parents "Because it had to look as real as possible sweetheart.", Ember answered shortly and tried calm her daughter down with no luck. A heated argument emerged between the three and they excluded Twilight and me like we weren't there.The both of us were bothered by being so close to the battle zone so we started to walk a few feet back. "You handled that simulation quite well there.", Twilight said. It felt like she said that just to have something to talk about, but I welcomed the conversation. "Yeah, I don't know about that, it wasn't a real one so it doesn't count." "It doesn't matter if this one wasnt real, you've won two fights before and that's something." "It was the same one both times." "It doesn't matter, you did it, and really well too. You have a talent in fighting and in protecting ponies." As I thought back I realised that she was right, I was good at fighting. I still didn't know why, but I accepted that I was good at it. The sun which had been behind some clouds picked that moment to come out ans shine on us. It felt nice as i felt the warmth all over my boody, and especially on my still bandaged flanks. "You know what?", Flapping exclaimed. "We don't have time for this, let's agree to disagree." "Fine.", Wish said. "Good. Now then, does anyone have any idea on how to make Grand step in... Well whatever he steps into when he fights, without someone attacking him that is." "I think meditation might be good to start with.", Ember suggested. "Yes that might work.",Twilight agreed. "I think I have a few books in the subject." "If that doesn't work we could always try shock therapy.", Wish said with a smile. "I've got books for that too." "Even though I'm against stuff like this and I shouldn't say it, but maybe some kind of drug might work." "I think Zecora can help us with that, and I have a few books about that to." "Ok, Twilight.", Flapping said and put his right hoof in his face. "If you are going to get that many books for everything we're going to try it's going to take for ever until we're done." In a bang and a flash Twilight were gone, and before anyone could say My little pony friendship is magic she was back with a small pile of books and a smug smile. "You were saying?", she asked. "Nothing.", the old colt replied. "Now what do you want to try first?", he asked me. "How much I would like to try shock therapy," I said sarcastically and looked towards Wish. "I think meditation is our best shot." "Okay then,", Twilight said and opened a book on the subject. "let's begin." The hours went on, and the number of methods of meditation we had tried were countless. Some results had shown as I could feel the beginning of the numbing, but is faded away before the rest of the things could happen. "Nothing is happening.", Flapping said impatiently. "Well you didn't think it would work after just a few hours, did you?", Ember asked her husband. "I guess not." He turned around and murmured as he thought intensely. "Maybe meditation isn't the way to go.", Twilight said. "No, meditation works,", I told her "but not all the way. There is something missing." "Like what?", she asked. "As I said.", Wish uttered. "Shock therapy." I ignore her and tried to remember what I had read about the indians online. When they meditated they used to take some kind of narcotic that would help them with something. *Well if it worked for them, it could work for me. "How about we give up for today and go over to that zecora and see what she can help with tomorrow." "But, but the grand galloping.... There is no time to... OW!", Flapping exclaimed as his wife's hoof had discreetly stomped his. "Calm down.", Ember said. "We still have time and I think we've pushed Grand as far as he can for today." "Of course. Your right as..." "Twilight!", Spike shouted as he ran towards us with a scroll in his hand. "Princess Celestia has sent her reply!" "Thank goodness! I was so worried something had happened." Twilight received the letter from Celestia and read it out loud. My dearest student Twilight and involved ponies of Ponyville. I am sorry for answering your letter this late, but there has been coming in letters from all over Equestria with the same Incidents, concerns and requests as you have. I'm sending my royal guards to all places that needs them, it will take time to prepare them so don't expect your group of eight fighters in at least three more days. I wish i could do more, but this is all I can do for now. For the moment, good luck. Princess Celestia "Three more days to wait.", Flapping said and looked worried while he was thinking. "Worgens usually travels in pack teams of seven, exept a few ones like the one Grand defeated. More likely the next worgens that will come here for revenge will be in teams, that will make it hard to defend the townsponies when we only have a dozen colts and mares with no fighting experience and with just a hoof full of weapons to go around." "How many unicorns do we have?" "With you and ember, we have five. I know what you're thinking and it's not going to work. When they attack bigger settlements they always bring a shaman to keep magic users busy, and where there's shamans there's also timberwolves." "How do you know this much about worgens?", Twilight asked. "Oh, um.", he said and looked distressed by the question. "I've read it." "Where? What you said is not mentioned in my books." "Well..." He coughed. " You know what, I just can't remember. Anyhow, We need to go to the mayor with this." "Oh, you're right. Hang on everybody.", the purple pony said as her horn started to glow." "Oh no your not", Ember roared and stopped Twilights teleportation spell. "You're not teleporting my little filly when she's still in bad shape." "I assure you that it's safe for her to teleport", Twilight tried to convince Ember. "I don't care, she is walking and I'm going with her." "Honey.", Flapping said. "The mayor will need your opinion when we get there. Grand." He turned to me. "Can you please walk with Wish." I nodded and before Wish could protest they disappeared in a flash. "Shall we go?", I turned around to ask the mare who already had started to walk away. I followed her and heard how she murmured angrily. I tried to ignore her and enjoy the weather in stead, but after a while she spoke louder and i started to hear her say some very offensive things about me, and then I finaly asked. "Why do you hate me!?" She stopped in a step. Turned around. looked me in the eyes and said with a shaking voice. "You honestly don't know?" "No.", I answered simply. "Because you're a liar Grand!", She exclaimed. "You're a fucking liar!" "...... What do you mean?" "What do I mean!?... What do you mean!? The very first things that came out of your mouth were a lie, and after that there has been nothing but lies. The story of your origins, I've never heard of Sweden, and so has no ane else, I eaven borrowed a feaw maps from Twilight sparkle and what a surprice, it wasn't there! I hate liars. But why, why are you lying? You saved me and my family, and that is the only thing keeping me from beating the living crap out of you for the last days. Are you a worgen spy or something?" "No I'm..." "Then what!? What!?" I felt the danger of the situation in the air, and I guessed that the real story wouldn't do any more harm than I had already done. So I told her... Everything. In the beginning she was scepticism itself, but toward the end she looked really unsure, and at the end she didn't know what to believe. "So you come from another world?", she asked. "Yes." "And you didn't look like you do now and just recently became like this?" "Yes." "You know, this story is supposed to be even harder to believe than the first one, but strangely enough I think I'm starting to believe you. Do you have any proof?" "Yes.", I said and started to remove my bandages. "I still haven't earned my cutie mark yet, so If my story is true I should have a blank flank, right?" "I guess.", she said and went silent when she saw my uncovered flank. "See, I told you th..." "Shut up! You liar!", she exclaimed and pointed at my flank. I looked puzzled at where she was pointing. My flanks were no longer empty, but was decorated with a cutie mark of a big silver shield with two swords crossed behind it. I did't hear what Wish where screaming and I didn't feel it when she punched me over and over again, the only thing I felt was shock and the only thing I could see was my very own cutie mark.