> When life gives you EXP
>  by FanOfSun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Spawn Point (edited July 18)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another perfect day in Equestria. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming and sun is shining.

Suddenly, something fell near to the path, making birds fly away. For a few moments, nothing was happening. Then, muffled groans could be heard from the crater. Human has managed to climb out of the small hole and sat at it's edge, holding his head.

Vlad exhaled some air "Damn...I didn't know that appearing in another world by becoming a meteorite was canon! Argh..." his head was aching a bit, so he decided to wait untill effect wears off.

After headache stopped, he dusted himself off. It took him just a few moments to noticed a conveniently placed path near to his 'spawn'. He shrugged and started walking walking. Vlad was stretching his arms, when he noticed a weird looking dot on his left hand.

Human raised his eyebrow "Eh? What is that supposed to mean..?" he clipped his eyes and touched it.

Light blue light appeared out of it for a moment. When Vlad opened his eyes, light blue panel was before him. It had his name, stats and even health bar! 

First, human wanted to scream, not from the terror, but from the excitement "HOLY SHIMATA!" he had so many thoughts in his head. 

Though first, he calmed himself down and started thinking. He didn't know how much time he had before he started starving. It was weird that Panel didn't have anything like food bar. Vlad also started thinking about what could happen to him. Even though he has some kind of power, human didn't know what would he do if something attacked him.

Vlad didn't even notice that he ended up on the hill. Human looked up and noticed some buildings. They looked...Childish to him. Though there was one thing that caught his attention...

Vlad strained his eyes, because didn't believe what he saw "Is that an actual house in a tree?" Vlad wondered, "And are those...Horses...No, COLORFUL PONIES WALKING ON STREETS?! No, I probably hit myself TOO hard. And where are my glasses?"

Vlad was so busy with talking that didn't notice quiet sound coming from his dot. And so didn't he hear that someone, more precisely, somepony approached him from behind...





Lyra Heartstring was going back to Ponyville after having good walk in the forest "Ahh! What can be better than smelling the forest every morning!" she said with closed eyes. But when she opened one, she quietly gasped. Real, alive human was standing in front of her, looking forward. 

Human didn't expect someone to approach from behind, and jumped away...However, Vlad forgot that he was standing on a hill. Unable to balance, he rolled right into the Ponyville. Without any possibilities to stop himself, Vlad ended up by hitting his head on the wall of the house, which made him fall in the dark. 

Last thing that he remembers before completely passing out, was that one pony who scared him, running towards his body.





It wasn't so bad at all...He was sitting in white room with a lot of sofas. It also had red door.

Vlad sighed "Well...I guess I will wait for my body to wake up..." he looked at his palm where was blue dot, "I saw some stats inside...Perhaps I'm able to...Level up?" Vlad shrugged and noticed that door had opened. Human sighed and said "I just hope that I hit myself to hard. There is no way that it was real..." after that being said, Vlad stood up and exited the room.





Twilight Sparkle was in library, writing to Celestia about this...creature, that rolled inside of a Ponyville? She was so excited, that her letter contained some mistakes. Twilight made bed for creature next to her room , so she thought that visiting him would be a good idea.

After finishing her letter, she called Spike "SPIKE! I need your help here!"

Dragon appeared at the entrance of her room "Your #1 assistant is here!"

Twilight giggled a bit and gave Spike the letter "I need you to send this to Princess Celestia"

Spike nodded his head and took her letter "Sure thing!", he made it go on green fire and paper disspeared.

Twilight watched her letter vanish and, after standing up from her table, she said, "What about we visit our guest?" she walked near Spike.

Spike looked away, sweating a bit "Uhh...Twilight I have chores to do...You know..."

Twilight looked back at dragon with her mocking face "No way! The great Spike is...Afraid?!"

Spike looked at Twilight with serious face "OK look, we've encountered a lot of enemies...But, this...Guy is something else. I watched a lot of films where bad guys looked JUST LIKE HIM! And-"

Twilight booped his nose and giggled "Oh, silly Spike! Didn't you see his face? He is harmless!"

Spike sighed "I just never saw something like this before..."

They heard knocking behind the door.

Twilight tilted her head "Come in!"

Lyra Heartstrings showed her head and waved to Twilight "Uhh...Hello there! How is human doing?"

Twilight answered "Oh! He is fi-" she suddenly made confused face, "What did you say?"

Lyra entered the house and answered "Oh! They are called 'humans'! I was studying them for a while, but nopony believed me..." she sighed.

Twilight and Spike met each others eyes.

Twilight calmed down and said "That's great! We wanted to look how he is do-"

Twilight was interrupted by falling sound from human's room. Everypony looked at the door. 

They heard groaning. Twilight and Lyra approached the door, while Spike was hiding behind them. Carefully, without any noises, Twilight opened the door. 





Vlad woke up in someone's house. He didn't expect to wake up in a bed and accidentally fell on the floor. Luckily, he didn't get hurt.

Vlad groaned "Yaaarn...Dammit..." he stood up and stretched his legs, arms and other body parts.

He looked around. The room wasn't so big. It had old table, decent bed and two windows. Vlad tried to open them and he succeeded. However, human was too big to go through it...

Vlad made confused face "Wait why am I trying to run away? Whoever helped me must be a good guy..." he put arm to his chin "I gotta at least thank them." 

He turned around to see the door that was opened a bit. Two unicorns were peeking through it, and Vlad recognized one of them. 

He rubbed his eyes,turned around, inhaled a lot of air and exhaled it slowly. He thought 'Alright, since they helped me I have to thank them ..After that I will-`

His thoughts were interupted by Lyra's happy scream "AS I THOUGHT! Humans are GORGEOUS!"

Vlad turned around with confused and scared face "W-Wha?"

Lyra with sparks in eyes started to approach human. She tried to touch it, but Vlad backed off.

With fear in voice he said "P-Please! Keep distance!"

Twilight put her hoof on Lyra's shoulder "Lyra, you are scaring him! Calm down!"

Lyra looked at Twilight and then back on Vlad and realized it. She lowered her face and apologized "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to scare you, its just..."

Vlad calmed down a bit and sighed "It's ok...Just, please, don't approach so suddenly..." human stood up and dusted himself off

Lyra looked at Vlad. He had brown hair and dark eyes. Human looked strange in those clothes. White T-shirt and dark blue sport pants were a bit dirty. However, his sneakers were in a good condition.

Spike looked from Twilight's back "Hey, you are not bad!"

Twilight looked at Spike with grumpy face "Spike! It was rude!"

Spike sighed "OK ok! Sorry, I just never saw...Uhh, how is he called again?"

Vlad looked at dragon with curiosity "Wha..? We are called humans" he crossed arms on his chest,",but I actually have a name you know?"

Lyra asked, but calmly "And...What is your name?"

Vlad looked at Lyra again and answered "I'm Vlad"

Everyone looked at Vlad confused.

Spike asked "That's it?.. Just Vlad?"

Vlad shrugged "Some of us prefer short names"

Twilight approached Vlad and stopped in 2 meters in front of him" My name is Twilight Sparkle, but I prefer just Twilight," she nodded her head and pointed at Spike, ", and here is my #1 assistant, Spike!"

Spike smiled a bit "Nice to meet ya!"

Lyra jumped a bit closer, scaring Vlad a bit "O-oh sorry...My name is Lyra Heartstrings, but everypony calls me Lyra"

Vlad sighed in relief "Happy to know we are not enemies...And thank you for taking care of me" he bowed a bit.

Twilight waved her hoof a bit "Oh its nothing!.."

Vlad turned around to window...To see blue pegasus with rainbow mane and shocked face. Vlad fell on his back with surprised face.

Twilight looked at the window and gasped "Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?"

Vlad sighed 'Why do they have those strange names...'

Lyra helped Vlad to stand up with magic "Are you ok?"

Vlad answered "Yeah...I am"

Spike asked "Why didn't you get scared with magic?"

Vlad sighed "It was obvious...I mean, she has horn and other stuff..."

Spike shrugged "Good point"

Twilight ran down the stairs to the door "Spike, try to hide Vlad!"

Spike raised his brow "Wha? Why? Dash is-"

Twilight sighed "She thought he is one of monsters from Daring Doo books..."

Spike gulped "Vlad! Follow me! Lyra, cover us!" he grabbed Vlad's palm and dragged him to another room.

Lyra nodded and ran after human and dragon. They  entered Twilight's room.

Spike pointed at Twilight's bed "Hide under it!"

Vlad didn't understand anything, but still hid under the bed.'Wow, why is it so comfy under it?'

He heard a lot noises coming out of the door.

Spike looked at Lyra "OK uhh...Just try to look confused!"

Lyra shrugged "I am already!"





Rainbow Dash couldn't belive what she saw "That's flesh golem!" she shouted after landing near Rarity, AppleJack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

AppleJack gasped "Is he dangerous?!"

Rainbow Dash answered "Dangerous as hay!"

Rarity gasped "We have to do something!"

Rainbow Dash shouted "CHAAAARGE!"

All of them except Fluttershy rammed the door and ran upstairs.

Fluttershy slowly entered library "G-girls calm down...Can't we talk with this golem?"

But nopony heard her, they entered the empty room with old furniture. 

Rainbow Dash looked back at Twilight and asked "Twi, are you ok?!"

Twilight tilted her head "Uhh, yes why?"

AppleJack looked around "Ya sure 'bout it shugarcube?"

Twilight nodded "Yes, Defenetly sure!" 

Lyra came out of Twilight's bedroom "Uhh, I memorized that I have to go now!" she nervously giggled and tried to go past everypony. 

Rainbow Dash blocked the way "I saw YOU in room near the golem!"

Vlad could hear Twilight and Lyra arguing with other ponies, Spike already left to meet them..."Hm...Why am I hiding?"

Suddenly, another joyful voice answered his question "Maybe because you are playing hide and seek?", said Pinkie.

Vlad shouted and tried to escape, but hit bed and made a lot of noice.

Rainbow Dash heard that and flew into Twilight's room. After she looked under bed, she found the 'Golem' behind Pinkie

Vlad looked at Dash with wide open eyes. 

Rainbow Dash shouted "DONT YOU DARE TO HURT OUR FRIEND!"

Vlad ran from down the bed and tried to open window, but AppleJack pounced on him and made him fall on ground "Yer not gettin' away!" she didn't really hold back and Vlad something cracked in his body...It didn't hurt so bad and Vlad just groaned. Still, one eye teared.

Lyra ran into the room hearing that and shouting "YOU JUST BROKE HIS BONE!"

Fluttershy heard that and gasped "AppleJack! Please  get off him!"

Rainbow Dash looked confused "B-But flesh golems are-"

AppleJack removed her hoofes, gasping. Vlad's arm got broken, and skin around bone was becoming dark "W-What have ah-"

Twilight looked at Dash furiously "It's because he is NOT a golem at all!"

Vlad crawled to the wall. 

Fluttershy tried to calm him down "W-we are s-sorry...P-please let us help you" she didn't approach him.

Vlad looked at pegasus who said it...Even though he was heavily breathing, he answered "Alright..But PLEASE stay back"

Twilight looked at Lyra with hope "Lyra, please tell me you know how to help him!"

Lyra nodded and asked everypony to bring needed items. 

Pinkie Pie looked from under the bed...She noticed human's tear and became sad "H-hey, are you-" her hair turned into a darker tone.

Lyra looked at Pinkie "Please, let him rest."

Pinkie Pie went back under the bed, still looking at Vlad.

Fluttershy carefully approached Vlad "W-What is your name?"

Vlad looked at her, arm didn't hurt so much now "I'm Vlad..." something about this pony made him calm down. He wiped tear and tried to smile...Didn't work out pretty well.

Rainbow Dash looked away "I...I'm sorry .."

Apple Jack looked at Rainbow Dash "Ya made meh hurt innocent guy! And ya'r tellin' sorry?"

"You were protecting someone close to you" said Vlad. Everypony looked at him confused, "I will be ok, just calm down.."

'What the hell am I saying?!'

Twilight and Spike brought needed things.

Lyra nodded, and grabbed everething with magic "Are you ready?" After Vlad nodded, she tried to take his shirt off with magic.

Vlad looked confused and grabbed his shirt with healthy hand "What do you think you are doing?" 

Lyra tilted her head "I can't bandage you without getting your clothes off!"

Vlad wanted to say something when he noticed that dot on his palm started to glow. Everypony noticed this too, ESPECIALLY Twilight 

Twilight said confused "Uhh...Is this supposed to happen?"

Lyra looked even more confused "But humans don't have anything like that nor the magic!"

Vlad pressed the button and everypony gasped after they saw panel. He noticed notification icon and it automatically opened.

Vlad read something "Notification...Location Marked on map: Ponyville...What?.." he also noticed another Message icon. After he pressed  and read it for himself, he sighed,"Phew...Alright!" seems like he forgot that he wasn't alone. After doing combination of buttons, Vlad's arm cracked and healed...

Everypony gasped, and Spike just looked at it with opened jaw...

"Fast Heal used : 1... Fast Heals remaining: 0" panel said and dissapeared.

Lyra made grumpy face "Oh come on! I wanted to help human!" she put items on the table, sat and crossed her hoofs "..not like it's a bad thing he is ok though"

Vlad sighed and looked at everyone "What about we start it all over again? My name is Vlad, a human that got...Lucky" 

Spike looked at human with wide opened eyes "How are you calm?!"

Vlad looked back at dragon and said "I don't know" he really didn't know.

Twilight coughed "Ahem! Girls!"

AppleJack looked at Vlad with her smile "Ah'm AppleJack! AJ for friends!" she tilted her hat "Sorry for uh..."

Vlad nodded "Happy to know ya" he then flexed his fingers "And it's totally fine"

Rarity finally said something "My name is Rarity, and OH darling! Your clothes are so boring!"

Vlad shrugged "Just like I am"

Pinkie Pie appeared behind Vlad "Oh! I'm Pinkie Pie! The best party thrower in the whole Equestria! And I will throw a party for you too!"

Vlad turned around a bit confused "Y-yeah...Sure why not?" 

Pinkie dissapeared and ran off somewhere else.

Fluttershy covered her face by mane and said quietly "M-my name is Fluttershy..."

Vlad looked at her calmly and nodded "Happy to meet you"

Fluttershy blushed a little "Eeep!"

Vlad looked at Rainbow Dash. She was looking away. Vlad stood up, showing his full growth and approached her.

Rainbow Dash looked at him, feeling guilty "Sorry...I just..."

Vlad nodded "As I said, you were protecting someone close to you. It's ok, I'm fine."

Rainbow Dash smiled and flew up "Well! In this case, my name is Rainbow Dash! The fastest pegasus in the whole Equestria"

Vlad smirked "But what about humans?"

Rainbow Dash gasped "You dare to challenge ME?!"

Vlad realized what he said and started to shake his hands "No no no! Not with a single atom of my body"

Rainbow Dash smirked "Not sure what atom is, but yeah!"

Lyra was looking at human with wide eyes and whispered "Humans are truly awesome..."

Vlad turned at Lyra and asked "Did you say anything?"

Lyra gasped and looked in window "Nothing! What a nice weather for a walk!"

Twilight suddenly came up with an idea "Why don't we show Vlad Ponyville?"

Lyra answered "Oh, that's a GREAT idea!" she grabbed Vlad's hand with magic and dragged him out, "You all can rest!"

Everypony looked at Lyra confused. Vlad didn't really understand what was happening, but still followed mare.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "What happened to her?" 

Twilight turned around and smirked "She was learning something that didn't exist in our world after all"

AppleJack suddenly asked "Aight, but where is he gonn' live?"

Twilight answered "Oh, I made him room! He will live with me"

Spike suddenly made strange face "Oooh~ Why is so Twilight? Isn't it better to let him live with Lyra?"

Twilight looked at Spike "Well Lyra is living with BonBon. And besides I want to make some researches!"

Spike made one of eyebrows to go up "But why don't we find him house?"

Twilight tilted her head "Spike where is this conversation going? And besides, it will be hard for him to live alone"

Rainbow Dash understood what Spike meant and with evil giggles approached dragon "What about we talk about it?"

Spike answered "With pleasure..."

They left room, leaving other mares confused.





Meanwhile, Lyra was walking around with human, drawing everyponies attention "And that's where I live!" she pointed at one of the houses.

Vlad nodded "Oh, I see. Thank you for showing me everething here"

Lyra smiled "Oh, its nothing!"

Vlad heard vibration from his palm. He opened his right palm and Panel grew out of it.

Lyra tried to see what is written on it, but Vlad was too high.

Vlad read for himself  'Level 3 reached! 2 points acquired! Skill Tree unlocked!'

Vlad wanted to see the skill tree, but he felt that someone climbed his back. Human turned head with confused face to see Lyra crawling his spine.

Lyra looked at Vlad "What? I was curious about what is written the~ Hey! What are you doing?" she blushed a bit.

Vlad carefully grabbed Lyra with both of his arms, put her down and lowered his face on her level, keeping small distance "Next time you want something, PLEASE, ask me, deal?"

Lyra snorted, hiding her blushing "Yeah, whatever..."

Vlad stood up and put his hands in pockets, looking around.

Suddenly, Lyra turned away completely  "Uhh, Vlad? Can I ask you to do me a favor?"

Vlad looke at her with calm face "What can I do for you?"

Lyra calmed down and turned back at human "Coud you come sometimes? I want to learn more about humans!"

Vlad shrugged "Of course, I will try to visit you regularly"

Lyra sighed "Well then...Goodbye!"

Lyra just opened the door when Vlad coughed several times "Uhm...Could you...Help me get back at Twilight's place? I'm bad at memorizing some things"

Lyra turned back confused "But humans are supp-"

Vlad sighed "Not all humans are alike, Lyra. I will tell you more about it later..."

Lyra wanted to say something, but after hearing last sentence she remained calm "Ahem, so let's go, shall we?"

After showing Vlad way back, Lyra sighed "Well...I guess THAT'S where we say goodbye?"

Vlad smiled so purely, that Lyra thought that she saw light coming out of human's face "Thank you again Lyra! I hope to see you soon!"

Lyra looked got confused because of that smile "Y-yeah ..See you around..."

She walked away and after going out of human's sight, she blushed a bit and said "Humans are even cutier than I thought!"





Vlad looked at Lyra Heartstrings for the last time and came near the door. Suddenly, he stopped, hearing giggling. 

'Something is not right...' He thought.

Vlad sighed, and came inside.

Everypony jumped out of their shelters and shouted "SURPRISE!"

Vlad didn't expect it and covered his ears.

Spike noticed this and approached human "You good man?"

Vlad put hands away from ears "Yeah...I'm just not used to loud noices. Thanks for asking"

Spike sighed "We have more in common than I thought..."

Uncomfortable silence filled the house...

Vlad placed one hand behind his head "Uhm...What about we just have a peaceful talk?"

Everypony, but Pinkie agreed "Oh come on! But I prepared a lot of things!"

Vlad giggled nervously "Well...As you see I'm a fun breaker!" he shrugged his shoulders.

Still, they had good time by just talking. Nothing serious though. They told human about what they were doing for living and about the Ponyville itself.

Suddenly, Twilight asked a question "But how did you get here?"

After human heard question, he nervously smiled and averted his eyes "I'd like to not answer this question yet..."

Spike tilted his head "But why? Was it painfull? Or gross?"

Vlad crossed his arms on chest "Let's say I woke up here?"

Ponies laughed, and Vlad looked in a window.

Suddenly, Rarity looked at Vlad clothes "Ahem...Your clothes are...Not in the best condition"

Vlad looked at his shirt and pants "Yeah, I guessed as much" he inspected his slightly dirty shirt.

Pinkie Pie appeared behind Vlad "OH! I know! What about Rarity makes new one for our new friend?!"

Rarity sighed "I was just about to say it..."

Twilight looked on her clock "Girls! Look at that time!"

Everypony and not so pony looked at devise. It was indeed late. They sighed and started to go home.

"It was the most silent party I have ever threw!" Pinkie Pie jumped out of library.

Flutter shy slowly walked near Vlad "Good luck here" she whispered and left the house.

AppleJack smirked "Hope to see ya 'round!" 

Rarity looked at Vlad's clothes for the last time "You defenetly need to visit my shop!"

Vlad sighed "Alright, alright, I will try to..."

The last one to leave was Rainbow Dash. She flew behind Vlad and pushed him weakly "Are you really ok about what happened?"

Vlad shrugged "Oh well, I don't know! You made someone hurt me and they didn't like it.." he noticed how Dash was becoming sad and sighed," Aw come on! I'm joking!"

Rainbow Dash snorted and flew out of library "I will remember that!" she shouted.

Vlad waved them all and then looked back "Oh well, guess we will have to clean all this mess"

Spike sighed in relief "You just don't understand how much you helped me...If Pinkie DID throw her party.. I just don't want to imagine this" he exhaled "..I don't need though...I still remember the last time"

Vlad smirked and put one of his palm on face standing in a strange pose, pointing into nowhere "That was my plan all along!"

Twilight tilted her head and giggled "You humans are really funny!"

Vlad came back to his previous state and started to help Spike "Not all of us are like that...Grown up humans are mostly...Silent I'd say"

Twilight made interested face "Well, I have a lot things to ask you!" she smiled softly, "But it will wait. Alright, bring dishes over here and rubbish near the door"

After short amount of time, they cleaned the whole house. Spike fell on couch. Vlad sat near to him and sighed. Suddenly, he felt some vibrations, and after opening panel noticed notification about new level "How does it even work?"

Spike looked at panel "Maybe when you are doing activities you are gaining EXP?"

Twilight looked at Spike curiously "How would you know that?"

Spike shrugged "Video Games!"

Twilight then looked at Spike suspiciously "And what were you talking about with Rainbow Dash hmm?"

Spike sweated a bit "Oh, ya know uhh...I will go to sleep!" he ran upstairs, leaving Twilight and human confused.

Unicor sighed "Well, anyway, one question, ok?" she turned around to face Vlad.

Vlad nodded "Sure, I will try to answer it"

Twilight looked at his dot "I suppose there is no magic in your world, right?"

Vlad nodded "Mhm", he then looked at his palm ", I'd call this thing...Rather technology. Since in my world there are this kind of things...It's hard to explain  so don't ask!" He said the last thing after seeing some sparks in Twilight's eyes, "But sure it's not THAT futuristic. We use this kind of technology to do surgery and stuff...Like, mini robots...Ok forget what I said...It's VERY hard to explain"

If Vlad was the one to describe Twilight's face, he would show you slow computer "Ahm...That's A LOT to think about..." she averted her eyes, "So uhm...I guess it's time to go sleeping. Luna will rise the moon soon."

Vlad raised one of his eyebrows "Excuse me?"

Twilight sighed "It's...Well, we have two Princesses..." she then explained the whole thing to Vlad...

Now Vlad took the role of slow thinker. He calmed down and said "I just hope that I won't dissapoint the one who is walking in dreams..."

Twilight giggled "Dont say so! Luna sure is...Not as loyal as Celestia, but she is a Princess! Just make sure you don't act evil. You know, she won't understand you right"

Vlad made a thumb up "Sure thing!..And well...Thank you again...I will try to repay you somehow!"

Twilight shaked her hoof "Oh, its nothing! Perhaps my researches could help to find something out!"

They went to the rooms. Vlad waved his hand "Nighty night, I guess?"

Twilight giggled "Sure thing, sleep well!"

Vlad closed door and sat on bed "Well, guess I will leave upgrades for tomorrow..." he took off shoes and layed on a bed.

...

Vlad sighed and thought 'Who am I lying to, at least imma look at the Skill tree'

He opened Panel under blanket and noticed that there were two icons  Vlad smirked and closed his Panel.

'Now I'm interested...'

Human was able to fall asleep quite fast.
> Chapter 2: New faces and upgrading (edited July 20)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Canterlot...

Alicorn of the night came on the balcony. Her mane was like an ocean wave. Princess's horn glowed and the moon had shown from the horizon. After doing her job, Luna decided to look at everyponies dreams. Going into her room, she closed door, layed on bed and closed eyes. Luna opened them in Dreams Realm. Thousands of doors stood ahead, and Luna starts checking dreams of other ponies.





Vlad was in the same room as he was last day. After sitting on the couch, he tried to open the Panel, successfully. However, Vlad couldn't interact with it "Guess I need to be active. Whelp...Now I wait...", with that being said, human layed down on couch and put his hands on chest, "Yaaarn...Well, if it's my dream..." he stood up and the whole room turned into a grass field with sky full of stars. 

Vlad sighed "Ah...Just what I needed!" he layed on grass and looked at shining stars, mumbling some song.





After helping another pony, Luna sighed "I suppose we are done for tonight...We don't sense any stress"

Suddenly, alicorn sensed that new door appeared...It had...Strange structure. Luna teleported to this entrance.

This door was in a perfect rectangle shape. It was made from pleasant to the touch material, and had light brown color.

Luna tilted her head "Interesting...", she said and opened the door.

Princess appeared on grass and looked around. This pony's dream was just a meadow with sky full of stars. Suddenly, something that looked like a dragon sat and looked around as well, noticing alicorn.

Vlad didn't realize who was that "But I didn't imagine something like that..." he said and looked at alicorn with calmly confused face. Vlad had feeling that something about this pony was strange...

Human closed his eyes and put one of the palms on face"Dark blue coat, this perfect mane an~"

REALIZATION KICKS IN!

Vlad kneeled before the Princess "Forgive me my rudeness, mighty Princess!" he thought for himself 'HOLY SHIMATA! What I was thinking?!'

Luna backed off a bit 'That's strange, I didn't see this creature yesterday night...' she then clipped her eye '..what is it anyway?'

Princess coughed into her hoof "We shall forgive you, however, as an apology, you are going to tell us EVERETHING we ask you!" she looked at kneeled creature.

Vlad nodded "Uhh...As you say, your majesty"

Luna sat on grass "You may sit down as well, mortal"

Vlad sat, crossing his legs. After looking on Luna's face, it took him a lot to not smirk 'I understand that she is Princess...But that "serious" face..."

Princess raised one of her eyebrows "Something funny?"

Human coughed one time "Excuse me your majesty...So uhm...What do you want to know?"

Luna inhaled "Well, first of all..."

And next few hours Princess was asking questions about where Vlad came from, what is his business here and other stuff. Luna became relaxed after first hour of conversation, and after even more time she was talking with human about simple stuff with pure smile.

Luna put both of her hooves on head "So, you are telling us that there is no magic, but technology in your world?!"

Vlad nodded "That's right but," he sighed ", your majesty, may I ask you question?"

Luna nodded "Sure thing, little human"

Now Vlad grabbed his head with arms "Just HOW can you cook without magic? I mean, using mouth is dangerous!"

Luna chuckled "Oh, it's easy..." she wanted to explain something, but made confused face "...huh...We actually never wondered"

Vlad sighed "Great...How I want ask Twilight about it...It might be rude.."

Luna tilted her head "Twilight Sparkle? Did she find you?"

Vlad answered "I actually found Ponyville myself...The first pony for me to meet was Lyra Heartstrings. I got so scared that I hit my head against wall and fell asleep!"

Luna made strange face "And then you woke up in Twilight's house hmm~?"

Vlad looked at Luna with tilted head "Uh, yes, that how it went"

Luna sighed "Perhaps you are too young or pure to understand..." she then looked at Vlad with curiosity "But anyway, how did you end up in our world?"

Vlad put palm to his chin "Well...I was walking back from school..." 

Luna nodded in excitement "Did some kind of special erm...Human, send you here?"

Vlad negatively turned his head "Actually, I felt something from behind...And then~" he gasped "Oh! I got it!"

Luna groaned "Come on! Tell us!"

Vlad put fist on his palm "I got killed!"

First seconds, Luna's face showed nothing, but after realization kicked in, it turned into terrified one. 

Luna backed off "Human, don't joke like that!"  even though she said it, her mind told her that human's words were true.

Vlad shrugged "Well, I guess that was my fate"

Luna looked at human with shocked face "You accepted your...Fall, so easy...Just how old you are?"

Vlad chuckled "Oh! I'm 15! Turning 16 soon"

Luna gasped "YOU ARE JUST 15?!"

Vlad looked at alicorn with confused face "Well, it was fast and not painfull..." he then thought and bowed to Princess "Uhm...It may be rude to ask...But PLEASE! Don't tell anybody about my death"

Luna looked at human with wide opened eyes. She calmed down "It's 'anypony' and don't worry, your secret is safe with us"

Vlad sighed and sat again "Thank you, your majesty!"

Luna looked away "Well, since we got to know each other, you may call us just Luna"

Vlad choked and coughed few times "E-excuse me? Your majesty,  but we just talked for small amount of time! I can't call you like that! In my world, it would be rude..." he sighed.

Luna closed her eyes "Hmpf! In this case..." she smirked "...It's an order!"

Vlad started "B-but~"

Luna made the scariest face she could "You dare to disobey Princess's order?"

Vlad gulped "As you wish, yo~ Luna"

Princess then smiled joyfully and put her hoof on Vlad's head, petting him when suddenly her face became surprised.

Vlad made grumpy face "Uhm...Luna, could you be so kind and not touch me?"

Princess whispered "No way...Your mane is even softer than ours! Can we~"

She got interrupted.

Vlad turned around "Luna, I don't like being touched!"

Alicorn sighed "Excuse us..." 

Her voice and face were so sad...

Vlad sighed "Perhaps I could make an exception ...Since it's a dream, I won't be hurt, right?" he also added "But it doesn't mean that I will allow you to do anything with me in Real world!"

Luna gasped and appeared behind human, making him sit down with even more joy "Well well well, what can we do with this mane"

Vlad laughed nervously "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret it?"

When Luna was about to squeeze human's hair, he dissapeared, and Princess appeared at Dreams Relam. She groaned "Noo! Why did he have to wake up?"





Vlad stood up really fast and looked around.

Spike gasped "Dude! Don't scare me like that!"

Vlad sighed with a relief "Spike, I owe you one...That dream was WAY too realistic"

Spike tilted his head "If it was a nightmare, Princess Luna would probably help you..."

Vlad nervously laughed "Heheh...I prefer to handle some problems myself"

Spike raised his eyebrow and shrugged "Well, Twilight wanted to see ya for researches"

Vlad stood up and stretched, making some of his bones crunch "Ooh~ That one was loud!"

Spike backed off "Sweet Celestia! What is wrong with your bones!"

Vlad shrugged "Dont mind that...Anyway, let's go!"

Spike sighed "Riiight..."

Human and dragon walked down to the first floor "Not gonna lie, this house is amazing...I mean, tree and other stuff took pretty long, right?"

Twilight was sitting on couch "Thank you and yes" she stood up and walked to Vlad "I suppose Spike told you about what are we gonna do, right?"

Vlad nodded "Mhm, so, do you need my hair, tear or blood?"

Twilight gasped "Why would I need your BLOOD?"

Vlad shrugged "Like...DNA 'n stuff?"

Spike sighed "You humans are strange..."

Vlad looked at Spike "Belive me, I think so too"

Twilight coughed "AHEM! So, I will just ask you several questions"

Vlad nodded "Oh, alright then"

Spike sighed "And I will go to sleep..." 

With that being said, Twilight started asking questions, and dragon went upstairs.





Vlad was finishing his sentence "...and that's how our World Net works!"

Twilight wrote that down in her notebook "Impressive...Humans were able to create so much without magic!"

Vlad put his palm up and moved his fingers "We have advantage, hehe"

Twilight sighed and looked at Vlad's blue dot "By the way...How did you get this thing?"

Vlad looked at dot "I'm not sure"

He suddenly gasped, scaring unicorn.

Twilight nearly fell down, but Vlad caught her hoof. Now it looked like they were dancing. Human helped unicorn to get on her four.

Twilight sighed "Phew! Don't scare me like that!..And how did you catch my hoof?"

Vlad shrugged "Back in my world, I was doing some dancing. Perhaps my muscle memory thought it was some kind of move"

Twilight giggled "Well that was cute. Anyway, why did you gasp like that?"

Vlad opened his Panel "Well, yesterday before going to sleep I looked through my...Uhh...Upgrades?"

Twilight nodded "Go on..."

Vlad started pressing something on panel "Well, there is the thing. I think I can...How to say it in the right way...Upgrade my Magical and Physical abilities?"

Twilight tilted her head "What do you mean? Just yesterday we found out that humans dont have any magical abilities!"

Vlad sat, so that Twilight could see panel and pointed to Icons "Well, you see those pictures?"

Twilight leaned against human shoulder "Uhh...Wings and arm?"

Vlad moved away from unicorn and stood up "First of all, PLEASE don't touch me"

Twilight gasped "Oh! Sorry, I didn't notice"

Vlad nodded "Alright...So yeah, those are called-"

Spike spoke behind them "Skill trees, pretty good stuff ya know"

Both human and unicorn gasped.

Spike half closed his eyes and smiled"Aww you looked so cute together~"

Vlad sighed "Spike...PLEASE!"

Spike shrugged "Won't happen again! My promise"

Vlad shrugged as well "Well Twilight is cute, I' d call everyo- EveryPONY cute"

Twilight giggled "Aww! That was sweet!"

Spike rolled his eyes "AWWW MAN COME ON!"

Twilight tilted her head "Wait, I thought you were saying 'everyONE' yesterday..We didnt learn you this yet"

Vlad put his palm behind head "Oh you know, Intuition"

Twilight half closed her eyes "That's not how it works..."

Vlad sweated a bit "Oh, where is the bathroom? I have to wash myself..."

Twilight pointed on second floor "It's up here, just go to the end of corridor"

Vlad sighed "Thanks!..And uhh...Can I get towel please?"

Twilight looked around "Uhh..."

Spike found one in kitchen "There ya go buddy"

Vlad took towel "Thanks bro!"

Twilight asked "But what about your...'Skills'?"

Vlad pointed finger into nowhere "Oh you know, I can't stand being dirty and smelly! So let's talk about it later!"

Twilight sighed "At least we won't worry about smell!"

Vlad entered the bathroom and took his clothes off...

(I won't describe process of washing)





Meanwhile in Canterlot...

Celestia was going to visit Ponyville to meet the 'Creature' that Twilight Sparkle has encountered. After she told this to her sister, Luna asked to come with her.

Celestia turned her head to sister "But Luna, you are supposed to sleep, don't you?"

Alicorn smiled "Dont worry, I've got plenty of sleep last day" she did seem energetic today.

Celestia smiled as well "Well, if you say so, you can come"

Luna calmly nodded, but inside she was screaming with joy.

'Now I can learn more about it's mane...Err... hair!'

Luna ran to her room "I will take some...Items"

Celestia nodded "Sure thing, dear sister" 

She then entered her room and wrote letter to Twilight Sparkle about their arrival.





Back to Ponyville...

Vlad came down the stairs "Ahhh! I feel like I got reincarnated!"

Twilight and Spike were at kitchen arguing and didn't hear like Vlad got behind them "What is goin' on here?"

Unicorn and dragon gasped, turning back at Vlad confused.

Spike sighed "So THAT how it feels..."

Twilight coughed one time "Well, yesterday you ate some cupcakes that Pinkie made...But we are not sure what do you eat usually. I mean, looking at your figure, I can say that sugar is not main thing in your diet, right?"

Vlad nodded "Indeed, but what about you tell me what do you have here?"

Spike pointed at table, showing eggs, bread and some vegetables "Twi is sure you will eat any of those. But I think that you're like me ..I mean, can you eat gems?" dragon looked at Vlad.

Human looked back at Spike confused "You are eating GEMS? Sorry for ya, but Twilight was right"

Twilight looked at Spike with smug smile "See? I was right"

Spike turned away and crossed arms on chest  "At least I tried to guess"

Vlad thought a bit and said "I could cook something if you want"

Spike suddenly appeared on one of the chairs "That would be lovely!"

Twilight started to argue "But Vlad, you are our q-"

Vlad closed his eyes and moved his finger left and right "Nuh uh! I want to share one of our dishes!"

Twilight thought for a second and smiled "Well, if it's not hard for you!"

Vlad snapped his fingers "Alright, so uhm...Do you have frying pan and some oil?"

Twilight nodded and brought everething out with magic and put items on table near human.

Vlad put one hand behind his head "You know, I'm actually jealous...You gu-... Ponies have magic, wings and physical strength while I have uh...Panel with stats"

Twilight giggled "Aw, that's actually-" she suddenly tilted her head "Wait, your uhh...Panel, has stats about your body?"

Vlad started to heat the oven "Eeeyup! Everething about my body, blood and other stuff that I don't understand!" he then cut circle in bread and put it on pan, cracking an egg inside of it.

Twilight looked at his cooking "I will have to look at those later and...Oh wow! I never cooked eggs like that!" she leaned on table with her hooves, accidentally touching Vlad with right one, making him shake a bit.

Vlad looked at Twilight "Uhm...Some space please?"

Twilight apologized and moved away "Oh right, sorry I forgot, hehe"

She sat at the table while Vlad was cooking other 'Egg Toasts'.

After they had breakfast, Vlad stood up.

Twilight collected dishes "It's so simple, yet tasty!"

Spike yawned "Aaah...I wish you could teach me this..."

Vlad shrugged "Sure, why not"

Spike pointed his fist up "Oh yeah!"

Twilight put dishes in sink "Where are you going now?"

Vlad put his fist under jaw "I guess I will walk 'round the Ponyville. Perhaps I could do something. Oi, Spike!"

Spike opened one of his eyes "Yeah?"

Vlad put his palm behind head "Uhh, could you guide me through town?"

Spike jumped off his chair "Sure, but didn't you have some kind of map in you Panel?"

Vlad opened his palm and Panel showed up "Yeah, but the thing is that I have to explore Ponyville and only then I can use it" he shrugged "Balanced enough"

Spike snapped his claws "Let's go!"

Vlad opened the door "See you later, Twilight!"

Spike walked out before Vlad did "Laaater!"

Twilight smiled "Dont get in trouble, you two!"





Vlad and Spike walked to the center of Ponyville. Dragon asked Vlad "Well, what about we visit Rarity?"

Vlad put palm on his chin "Oh, right! She told me to visit her so that she can make clothes!" he then looked at dragon.

Spike sighed "Lucky you..."

Vlad sat on Spike's level and pushed him weakly "Aw, don't worry! It's not like I'm going to take her from you!" he whispered.

Spike blushed "H-hey! How did you-"

Vlad shrugged "Intuition"

Spike sighed "Right...AHEM! Let's go!" Dragon started marching.

Vlad snorted "Hmpf! Lead the way, captain!"

Sooner, they arrived at fancy looking building. For some reason, it looked like an attraction. There were really few details that were telling it was a boutique.

Vlad whistled "Wow, it looks like a toy house"

Spike knocked at the door. Sighnboard was telling that boutique is opened.

Muffled Rarity voice could be heard from the building "Come in!"

Vlad opened door for Spike, and they entered the boutique. Big amount of mirrors and mannequins with dresses on some of them met quests.

Rarity was sitting at the sewing machine and looked at her customers "Oh! Welcome to my not very humble boutique!"

Spike waved his hand "Hello Rarity!"

Rarity put her glasses off and approached Spike and smiled "Hello there, Spiky Wikey!"

Spike smiled and blushed a bit.

Vlad turned his head around and quietly snorted "H-Pft...Hello there..." he put palm to his mouth.

Rarity looked at Vlad "Oh! Hello there Vlad! I suppose you are here for clothes"

Human turned his head at white unicorn "Uh...Well you asked me to come and here I...WE did" he then added "And well...I kinda need some clothes after all"

Rarity grabbed her notebook and pen with magic "Aalrighty! I will take your measurements and start creating!"

Vlad opened his Panel "Dont worry, I have those somewhere around here..." Human started scrolling through the panel.

Rarity tilted her head "That's...Quite comfortable" she gave Vlad notebook and pen after he found needed information. 

Vlad was writing really fast. He spent only a second to memorize some parameters and wrote them down immediately. After two minutes, human gave unicorn the notebook and pen.

Sooner, Rarity was looking through notes "Huh...Humans are built almost like dragons"

Vlad shrugged "Not like I'm against it to be honest"

Rarity went back to sewing machine.

Spike whispered "Heh, thank you dude"

Vlad smirked "You are welcome buddy"

They did Bro Fist and started to talk quietly. Now that Spike got a REALLY good look at Vlad, he realized that humans were really tall.

Spike asked "Are all of you so tall?"

Vlad rolled his eyes "Well, I'm kinda average for my age, so yeah. Though there are even taller guys back into my world"

'Like Daniel...' Vlad secretly bit his chin from inside weakly '..I wonder...Nope, don't wanna become dead inside now!' he shook his head slowly.

Spike put one of his claws to jaw "I wonder how does it feel to be so high..."

Vlad shrugged "You can sit on my shoulder since you are small enough"

Spike didn't argue with human about his size "Well, could you give me A HAND?"

Vlad smirked and helped Spike to get on his shoulder "Hope you will hold my BACK"

Spike sat on human's shoulder "I'm telling you, we are almost same! Whoa...It's VERY high"

Vlad wanted to say something then dragon started to cough rapidly "Hey! Spike are you ok?!"

Spike somehow managed to get on the floor "Yea...On sec-" he blurped out the letter.

Vlad gasped "What the..?"

Spike calmed Vlad down "Don't worry, I'm OK.  Looks like this letter is for Twilight...I will see you later!"

Vlad said a bit confused "Uhh...Yeah, sure"

Spike walked out of boutique "See you later Raity!" 

Rarity answered without distracting from working "See you later darling"

Vlad asked Rarity "Uh...Was that..." he pointed at the closing door.

Rarity giggled "Oh  don't worry! Spike can send and get letters with his magical fire" she smiled "Truly a gifted gentle dragon"

Vlad shrugged "Alright...If you say so..." 

Vlad closed his eyes and started humming quietly.





Meanwhile at library...

Twilight invited Lyra to discuss things about humans. They spent like this around an hour. They had cups with tea on the table and some snacks.

Lyra was finishing her sentence "...and if I'm right, he could appear in Equestria by 3 ways"

Twilight was noting everething "And what are those ways?"

Lyra moved her hoof "Well, he could be summoned here, not sure how though, but still. Second way is being able to control magic, but since humans aren't able to control it, we can forget this way"

Twilight noted this "And...What is the third way?"

Lyra suddenly became serious "Well...Death"

Twilight dropped her pen and notes "D-death?"

Lyra nodded "Not just death...Being murdered..."

Twilight gasped "Murdered?! Lyra, are you saying that-"

Lyra moved her hooves fastly "No! I'm sure that he got summoned in Equestria by accident!"

Twilight exhaled "I hope you are right...Thank you for coming over anyway"

Lyra smiled "You are welcome!"

Suddenly, Spike entered library, heavily breathing "Twi- HUFF...Twilight, you got letter..." Dragon fell down holding scroll of paper.

Twilight used magic to pick Spike up and put him on couch "Get some rest, thank you!"

Spike made a thumb up "You are...welcome..." then his arm fell on the couch.

Lyra opened the letter and read it for herself. Her eyes were widening as she continued.

Twilight turned around worried "Is there something serious?"

Lyra gave letter to Sparkle with surprised face.

Twilight read the letter "Dear Twilight Sparkle..." she mumbled some parts of letter and read the last one aloud "...that's why I thought it would be a good idea to visit Ponyville. By the way, my dearest sister is coming with me to witness our quest.
With best wishes

Celestia"

Twilight dropped the letter and screamed.





Back to boutique...

Rarity was walking around Vlad "So, what do you think? Since you told me you don't really like something fancy (what got me scared), I did something very simple" 

Vlad looked in the mirror. He was wearing shirt with grey torso with black stripe with dots in the middle and white sleeves. Pants looked like his old ones, but a bit brighter.

Vlad turned around "It's AWESOME! Rarity, you just read my mind! Even this detail with buttons!" he looked at his back.

Rarity smirked "Well, I told you I can create perfect clothes for everypony"

Vlad turned back at Rarity "So uhm...How do I pay back?" he made apologetic face "I don't have any money now so-"

Rarity put hoof in front of her interrupting her "Darling, I made those clothes as an experiment, so they are free!"

Vlad sighed "Back in my world charity was rare thing to witness...Don't worry, I will repay you one day, I promise, just tell me what to do!"

Rarity snorted and took her glasses off "Well, if I need you, I will call you!"

Vlad bowed his torso with one hand on stomach and another one on back "You are very generous, mademoiselle"

Rarity giggled "What was that for?"

Vlad shrugged "Well, I sometimes like to act like that" he put his palms in pants pockets.

Rarity wanted to say something when Twilight ran into boutique "IT'S BAD, REALLY BAD!"

Vlad shaked a bit and looked at purple unicorn with confused face "Whoa! Twilight, what's wrong?"

Rarity tilted her head "Twilight dear, are you alright?"

Twilight was heavily breathed "P-princesses are coming to Ponyville!"

Vlad suddenly paralyzed "Did you say...PrincesseS?..Meaning that BOTH of them will arrive?"

Twilight nodded "Everething has to be perfect! Vlad, come with m-"

Rarity suddenly protested "NO TWILIGHT! HE has to look perfect! I wi-"

Vlad interrupted white unicorn "Actually I have only ONE request...It's to...Show humans's traditions" he turned his head to Twilight "I will be at library in a few minutes" 

Twilight sighed "But DON'T be late, please!"

Vlad nodded and made a thumb up. Twilight ran out of boutique back to library. Vlad was a bit nervous...Not about Princesses's arrival though.

Rarity tilted her head "So, what do you want me to create?"

Vlad turned around with a bit nervous face "Something for head...ANYTHING"





Princesses were in a chariot somewhere in the sky. It wasn't cold at all. Pegasi that were leading the chariot were simply flying, without experience troubles.

Celestia looked at Luna's bag "Dear sister, mind telling me what are you carrying?"

Luna giggled "Oh! Those are for...Tests!"

Celestia smiled "I see...It's quite rare for you to go out of the castle at day time. Especially to run those...Tests" 

Luna averted her eyes "Well, everething happens, right, Tia?" 

Celestia giggled quietly "Sure thing, Luna" she looked forward.

One of the pegasi suddenly said "Ponyville ahead! Prepare to land!"

It took them quite a while to find place to land. Chariot landed near to the entrance of Ponyville. Every single pony gasped and bowed to Princesses.





Back to the library...

Twilight was running around the house with Lyra and Spike, preparing it to meet Princesses. It was so clean, that some parts were literally shining. Chairs were put around table perfectly, along with the couch.

Purple unicorn nervously looked around "Alright...Tea, snacks...Everething is ready"

Lyra nodded "AND new notebooks since we finished last one" she levitated two notebooks with her magic.

Spike shrugged "Everething except for Vlad" he put bowl with candies on the table.

Twilight suddenly screamed "EXACTLY! Oh no...What do we do...Maybe there is still time to take him here!"

Twilight ran to the door, and after opening it she bumped into somepony...Unicorn looked up, and her eyes widened.

Celestia was looking at unicorn with warm smile "Greetings, Twilight Sparkle"

Twilight gulped "H-hello- I MEAN- Welcome, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!"

Spike and Lyra bowed to Princesses.

Celestia looked at them "You can stand up, no need to bow every time you see us in your house"

Lyra silently nodded and sat on couch, so did Spike.

Twilight nervously giggled "Uhm...H-human is not in house right n-now so..." she gulped again.

Celestia warmly answered "It's fine Twilight, right, Luna?"

Her sister leaned on her hoof and sighed "'Sure thing, we will wait as long as ne-"

She was interrupted by Vlad who ran into the house "HUFF...Sorry, there were a lot of ponies around your house...I wonder w-" he suddenly stopped talking after noticing that everypony was looking at him. 

Human knelt down, placing his fist on floor "My apologies, sorry for making you wait, your majesty!"

Celestia giggled "I suppose you are the 'human', right? You dont have to greet us this way"

Vlad stood up "As you wish, your majesty" he looked at Twilight with apologetic face.

Purple unicorn sighed "Why don't you sit on the couch?"

Vlad was a bit nervous. After human sat on the couch, silence filled the house. Even Princesses stayed silent.

Lyra spoke first "So uhm...What is that thing on your head?"

Vlad put hand on his head "Well you see? My hair is...A bit messy, so I asked Rarity to sew this hat for me" he meant red wool hat that completely hid his hair.

Celestia giggled "Dont worry, it's totally OK if you don't want to show your...Hair"

Luna was looking at hat with childish grumpy face and thought 'Perhaps human is much more clever than we thought...'

Celestia drank a bit of tea "Twilight Sparkle and Lyra Heartstrings, why don't you show me your notes about our guest? I'm sure you wrote some"

Twilight gasped "O-oh right! Please follow me!" she quickly stood up and headed upstairs with Lyra.

Celestia teasingly looked back at Luna "Please, don't be rude to human"

Luna smiled "Dont worry dear sister, we won't lay a hoof on him"

Celestia nodded and followed Twilight with Lyra, leaving alicorn, dragon and human alone. They were silent for some time.

Vlad whispered to Spike "Dont leave me alone, please!"

Spike nodded with warrior face and whispered back "I won't leave my bro alone!"

Luna looked at them with skeptical face "You DO understand that we can hear you, right?"

Human and dragon shaked a bit.

Luna giggled "Didn't you hear our words? We won't hurt you in any way, Vlad" last word sounded a bit louder.

Spike put one of claws to his jaw "Wait...Princess knows your name...You woke up scared today..." Dragon gasped "Did Princess Luna visit you in dream?"

Vlad silently nodded, holding on his hat. It looked really ridiculous.

Luna sighed "Perhaps we look too dangerous for you..." she made sad face "Maybe it would be better if we stayed at castle..."

Spike pushed Vlad a bit "I think you have to apologize"

Vlad looked at Luna and sighed "I'm sorry, your majesty. I'm just very nervous. I mean, BOTH Princesses arrived at Ponyville just because of me. Forgive me my rudeness and tell me what can I do so that you can forgive me"

Meanwhile in his head 'Ah shimata...I think I will regret this. But at least I can finally...'

Vlad pointed at Luna "Your next line is: 'Then what about you show us your hair?' !"

Alicorn answered with childish smile "Then what about you show us y-" her eyes were wide opened "Wh...How did you know this?"

Vlad looked back at Luna surprised "O-oh...It actually worked..."

Spike shrugged "Intuition, right?"

Vlad looked back at dragon "Yeah, probably, anyway" he took his hat off, showing hair "Your wish is my order...Or how did that guy say..."

Luna gasped and opened her bag.

Vlad suddenly opened his Panel "One second!" he started to interact with it, while Luna and Spike were looking at him confused.

Vlad was mumbling something "Huh...So now I'm level 5...I could invest points sooner..." he finally looked at Luna and Spike "Sorry, just wanted to check on my stats"

Luna tilted her head "You humans are always so rude?"

Vlad gasped "No no no! Sorry for my attitude. I just got two notifications and well uhh.." Human was trying to find words.

Spike pushed him "Calm down!"

Vlad coughed "AHEM...So uhh, what can I do for you, your majesty?"

Luna closed her eyes "First of all, we ordered you to call us Luna"

Spike whispered to Vlad "Wait what? Strange order"

Human whispered back "Yeah, it was back in my dream...Did she say 'First of all' ?"

Suddenly, Luna pulled out comb from her bag "And second is..."

Vlad slowly stood up "Uhh...I have to go to the bathroom..."

Spike looked at comb, then on Vlad "Huh?.."

Luna giggled "Dont worry, we remember our promise" she put comb on table "We just wanted to understand if you know what is this"

Vlad blinked few times "Oh...You could just ask me"

Spike was sitting with confused face "Wha..? What was that question?"

Vlad sat back near Spike "I will explain everething to you after Princesses are done with their business"

Luna put her hooves on table "Anyway, we have some time to talk, do we?"

Spike and Vlad synchronously shrugged and said "As you wish...Wha?"

Luna giggled "Perhaps you could become very close friends"

Vlad nodded "Yeah, I think so too"

Spike smirked "We call each other 'bro' already"

Luna asked "Human, could you show us your ability again?"

Vlad nodded "Mhm, sure!" he activated Panel "Actually, I wonder what will happen if I use my points"

Spike looked at the Panel "Choose magic!"

Vlad looked at dragon "Why? I think it's better to upgrade my physical stats...Besides, it's safer to learn magic when someo- somepony who can use it around"

Luna coughed "You are forgetting about US, human"

Spike pushed Vlad "Come on! I know you want it too!"

Human groaned "Fine! Let me open the tab..." 

After clicking needed buttons, Vlad opened black tab.

Spike climbed Vlad's shoulder "But there is just one upgrade...It's an upgrade, right?"

Vlad nodded "Yeah...Uh, Spike, you better hide behind Pri-"

Alicorn coughed several times.

Vlad sighed "..behind Luna. I'm not sure what will happen after I press this button"

Spike shrugged and jumped down, standing near to Princess.

Vlad sighed "Well...There we go!"

Human pressed the button and...





Meanwhile at the second floor...

Celestia was looking through notes "Interesting..."

Twilight was talking to Lyra "So you're telling me that he had glasses?"

Lyra nodded "Yeah! The way he was trying to look around yesterday, gave me the idea. Besides, before scaring Vlad yesterday, I heard him talking about his lost glasses!"

Twilight sighed "Poor thing...He has so many problems..."

Lyra pushed her a little bit "Don't worry! He will be ok!" she then explained "I'm sure that humans are really good at adapting to anything"

Celestia turned back at unicorns "It's good to know that humans can't use magic. By just looking at him, I can say that he is harmless"

Twilight sweated a bit "Well uhh...About magic..."

Lyra tilted her head "What do y-"

Suddenly, white flash sparked on first floor.

Lyra gasped "What the?!"

Celestia walked out the room with unicorns "Luna wouldn't do anything like that..."

Twilight continued "Meaning...Oh no..."

Lyra looked at Twilight "Wha?! What is going on?!"

Everypony ran downstairs...

Vlad was pointing at the roof, his fingertip had small bulb of light on it's end "Oh...wow!"

Spike was was hiding eyes behind his arms "AAH MY EYES! Make it go away!"

Luna was covering her face with wings "We would like you to stop too"

Vlad gasped "O-oh, alright I will try..." light on his fingertip slowly dissapeared "There we go! Spike, Luna, are you alright?"

Spike rubbed his eyes "Yeah...Just need few moments"

Luna hid her wings "We are fine, however, you are about to have a lo-o-ong conversation" she pointed her hoof behind Vlad.

Human sighed "Let's get it over with qui-"

He turned around to see Twilight's angry face.

Purple unicorn pointed at Vlad "You will explain EVERETHING!"

Lyra nodded "AND, you will show it again!"

Vlad shrugged "You're, asking, I'm answering"





After couple of minutes...

Twilight furiously put her hoof on table "Do you understand that somepony could get hurt?"

Vlad averted his eyes "That's why I asked Luna to be prepared. Besides, this is the first upgrade!"

Lyra noted something "Can you show it again?" she looked back at angry Twilight "What? He said it's just some light coming from his fingertip!"

Purple unicorn wanted to argue, but Celestia interrupted her "I'm actually interested too"

Twilight sighed "Alright then..."

Spike asked human "But uh...Can you make it not so bright?"

Vlad nodded "Yep!" he pointed his finger out and some light appeared on it's tip.

Celestia looked at it for a while and said "I see nothing dangerous in this light, it's totally safe"

'Though I have to admit...It's quite weak, for now at least. It has a big potential. Fortunately, young Vlad seems like a reliable person'

Lyra looked at human's eyes "You are hiding something, don't you?"

Vlad opened his Panel "Yes, yes I do" he started pressing on buttons.

Twilight protested "Hey! What are you do-"

Vlad calmed her down "For now I won't do anything like this without someone nearby"

Twilight sighed "Wel uhm...Princess Celestia..."

Alicorn looked back at her "Twilight Sparkle, I'm sure you can take care of this human"

(Haha, classic)

Luna, Spike and Lyra were standing near Vlad. He was explaining something to them, while pointing at Panel.

Twilight turned back at alicorn "Princess Celestia, I will help Vlad as much as I can!"

Celestia smiled "Good to hear, besides, he will need education. And I don't know anypony better than you for this job"

Twilight nodded and looked at human.

Vlad looked at the second Skill Tree "Hm...I wonder what this one does..."

After human pressed it, he snorted "Looks like I was right, Twilight!"

Purple unicorn tilted her head "Huh? What do you mean?"

Vlad showed her the Panel "Well, this skill tree is to upgrade my physical stats and stuff...BUT! It has some skills that I had back in my world!"

Twilight looked at the skill tree "Interesting...You can make your body better...Huh? Dancing?"

Lyra gasped "You can dance?"

Vlad shrugged "I guess so, but it was so long ago...Still I remember some moves!"

Twilight continued reading "What is Judo?"

Vlad smirked "It's kind of martial art in my world...I spent around 5 years on it but then I left due to problems with neck...I actually don't regret leaving"

Spike gasped even more "NO WAY! It's like karate?"

Vlad put palm on his hip "Well, it's focused on fortitude and moves...Not just swining your arms"

Twilight read last one upgrade with surprise "Intuition?..But that's..."

Vlad closed Panel "Told you! But the worst part is that I can't upgrade it with points...None of those actually"

Spike shrugged "It's better than nothing, eh?"

Lyra nodded "I agree...Besides, you promised to visit me!"

Vlad thought for few seconds "Can Spike come?"

Lyra looked at Spike "Yeah, why not?"

Vlad and Spike did Bro Fist.

Twilight coughed several times "Uhm...Didn't you forget that Princesses are still here?"

Celestia warmly smiled "We are actually leaving, right, Luna?"

Vlad turned around to see another Princess sneaking on him with hoof aimed at hair.

Spike and Vlad made confused face while Luna backed off and collected her items back in bag "We actually have to to leave, thank you for the meeting"

Twilight answered confused "You are welcome?"





Few minutes later...

Both Princesses were in chariot.

Twilight moved ahead "Thank you for visiting us!"

Celestia nodded "If you need anything for our human friend, I can always help you"

Vlad kneeled down again "Thank you for your kindness, your majesty!"

Luna looked at Vlad "We will see you soon" she winked to human.

Vlad sweated a bit "I'm waiting for our meeting..." he stood up.

Chariot took off, and everyone and everypony waved their hands and hooves before vehicle dissapeared in sky.

Vlad looked at Spike and Lyra "Whelp, let's go, shall we?"

Spike climbed human's shoulder and said "Lyra, lead the way!"

Lyra nodded "Aye aye, captain!"

Twilight stopped them "You are not going anywhere today. We will do researches on your magic for the rest of this day" she stomped her hoof into the ground.

Vlad sighed "Sorry Lyra...Not today..."

Lyra sighed as well "What about you visit me and BonBon tomorrow?"

Vlad put his arms in pockets "Yeah, why not"

Spike groaned "Aww...We could have so much fun today!"

They went back to Twilight's house silently. When they arrived, Lyra went back to her house.

After trio entered the house, Vlad put Spike down and said "Twilight...I'm sorry for acting stupid"

Unicorn turned around "What do you mean?"

Vlad sighed "Well...How I met Princesses and stuff..."

Twilight giggled "You don't have to be sorry! You've been in Equestria only for few days after all!"

Spike added "Besides I noticed how you were acting when Luna was around. Did she threaten you or something?"

Twilight thought for a second "By the way I noticed it too..."

Vlad averted his eyes "Let's say I promised her something that I don't like doing..."

Spike shrugged "If you don't want to tell us, it's your choice"

Vlad sighed "So uhh...We are good? I'm free to go?"

Twilight turned back at human with strange smile "Perhaps you forgot but..." 

Vlad thought for himself 'Am I seeing things? Why does it look like she has menacing aura?'

Twilight grabbed some items with magic "We are going to do researches"

Vlad calmly answered "Cut the act, crazy scientist is defenetly not your role"

Twilight tilted her head "I thought I did well"

Spike crossed his arm on chest "We all know you wouldn't hurt anypony just for 'researches'"

Twilight sighed "Well, you are right..."

Vlad looked at items that unicorn held with magic "Besides, how would you use books to learn my abilities?"

Twilight put everething back on shelves "I just wanted to check on your so called 'Intuition' "

Vlad looked around "So...What next?"

Twilight turned around "Let's see what can you do for now"

Vlad suddenly smirked "Well, you see...There is one thing I want to check"

Twilight tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Vlad pulled his finger out "When I thought about my magic awakening, I thought it would be like a flash bang"

Spike rubbed his eyes "And it actually was...Damn my eyes hurt when I memorize it"

Twilight sighed "Get to the point"

Vlad clanched his palm into fist "I saw only two upgrades on my magic side. Those were 'Capacity',  and 'Regeneration'. That gave the idea that..."

Human unclenched his palm, releasing some white transparent tentacles out of it. They moved for two seconds and dissapeared.

Vlad fell on his back with shocked face "IT ACTUALLY WORKED?!"

Spike and Twilight stood with even more shocked faces.

Unicorn started talking "W-what did you do?!"

Vlad answered a bit louder than usual "I never thought that it would work! That's...Aww man..." he said last words with annoyance in his voice.

Spike suddenly understood something "You spent your last pieces of energy, didn't you?"

Vlad opened his Panel "It's actually called Mana but whatever...And yeah, I have to upgrade regeneration"

Twilight looked at Spike with surprised face "You understand what is going on?"

Spike shrugged "Not really...I mean, at least we know that he has limits."

Vlad added "Pretty small FOR NOW! I will be able to regenerate mana if I-"

Twilight interrupted him "BUT YOU SAID THAT HUMANS DIDN'T HAVE MAGIC! WHAT IS MANA THEN?! HOW SPIKE KNOWS ABOUT YOUR MANA?!" she heavily breathed "So could you PLEASE explain everething to me?"

Spike and Vlad got confused, but still they were able to explain some things to her.

Some time later...

Vlad was finishing his sentence "...so that means that when I unlocked my magic, Panel gave me small amount of mana. However, I can't regenerate it until needed upgrades are discovered"

Twilight was writing everething down "And...Why did you name this energy 'Mana' ?"

Vlad shrugged "I played a lot of RPG games back in my world so I thought it would be cool"

Twilight sighed "You humans are addicted to those video games..."

Spike came back from kitchen with tea and one dish with an egg "Hope you are OK with fried egg since we don't have any bread left. By the way, good choice with naming your energy 'Mana'! Pretty simple ya know?"

Vlad shrugged "At least I explained something to you guys. Thank you for the food!"

After human ate his food and unicorn drank her tea, she  "Alright, last question and we are moving on with your researches!"

Vlad was washing everething in a sink "Yeah, what is it?"

Twilight grabbed her notebook with magic "You started to talk about your uhh...Awakening. How does it apply to our situation?"

Vlad finished with dishes and turned around "Oh that! Well, I thought I can materialize my thoughts...You know, imagination and stuff?"

Twilight wrote it down "Mhm...Got it. So you are telling me you can fo anything with your magic?"

Vlad put finger to his jaw "Theoretically, yes. Practically, no"

Spike was drying off dishes and turned around "Eh? You mean your energy capacity?"

Vlad sat on couch "Not only that...What I'm trying to say, is that my power is Over Powered!" he said it with serious face.

Twilight tilted her head "But what is the problem then?"

Vlad looked at her with confident face "Isn't it obvious? There HAS to be weakness. There is ALWAYS weakness to something"

Spike shrugged "Well, for now we know that your weakness is capacity of energy"

Vlad nodded "Yep, FOR NOW! But I guess we will worry about it later!" 

Twilight put her notebook away "And now we will do researches..."

Spike suddenly saluted to Vlad "I will remember you...Till my last breath..."

Vlad looked at Spike confused "Come on! It can't be that bad...Right?"

...but Spike was already upstairs.

Twilight asked human "Don't mention it. Could you activate your magic again?"

Vlad shrugged "Nope, I don't have any energy left"

Twilight looked at his blue dot "You said that you can solve this problem, right?"

Vlad opened his Panel "Yep, one second" 

After human tapped Panel few times, he smirked "There we go! Now my mana regenerates overtime! I still have 2 points left by the way!"

Twilight nodded "Alright...Let's see if you can carry items with magic like I can!"

Vlad crossed arms on his chest "Twilight, it's called REGENERATION for a reason. We need to wait. Besides, I think I won't be able to do it like unicorns"

Twilight tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Vlad thought for a second "Well...You unicorns have horn to channel magic...My mana goes through my whole body"

Twilight grabbed her notebook "Interesting...Go on!"

Vlad pointed at her horn "You guys are focusing magic in one place, making it easier to control and detache it. Thats how I think it works" human then shrugged "I sure can focus magic magic in my arm or something, but I won't be able to control my mana after it goes off my body. I'm trying to say, that if I grab items like you do, I won't be able to control my magic and they will just stay still or something like it. Here is the conclusion: unicorns can control magic remotely, but can't channel it through body. Humans have FULL control on their magic as long as it attached to their body. That's it...Phew!" he inhaled a lot of air after his speech.

Twilight wrote it down with sparks in her eyes "Impressive! It's so simple yet true that even I wouldn't be able to think of it! How did you come up with that idea?" she looked at human.

Vlad smirked "It simple!" he put palm against his face again "I have the power of video games and anime on my side!"

Twilight's face changed from amazed into annoyed "Seriously? Games? And...What is 'anime' ?"

Vlad shrugged "Dont look at me like that! I played a lot of games and watched even more anime to come up with this theory and was right, wasn't I?"

Twilight groaned "Sweet Celestia...Now i dont want to know what is 'Anime' "

Vlad opened his Panel "Besides, my mana is fully regenerated!"

Twilight smiled "Great! Now show me how are you going to grab this book with magic!" she put book on the table that was near to human.

Vlad put palm to his jaw "So...Just grab it with magic? That's it?"

Twilight nodded "Yes, as simple as that!"

Vlad rolled up his hand and summoned few tentacles out of his arm that grabbed book and gave it to him "As I said, full control as long as they are attached to my body!" tentacles dissapeared.

Twilight wrote down something "OK...How did your so called 'Mana' react to your spell?"

Vlad opened his Panel "My mana is getting absorbed after I cast something. Like, I can summon a lot of those things and keep them as long as I want"

Twilight averted her eyes "Hm...Can you feel your new limbs?"

Vlad nodded "Yeah, it's like I'm growing myself more parts"

Twilight tilted her head "Can I touch one of those"

Vlad shrugged "Sure, why not?"

He summoned one tentacle out of his hand and Twilight touched it with her hoof "They are pretty soft"

Vlad made it dissapear "I felt nothing though, nice"

Spike walked downstairs "Whoa! You are still alive!"

Twilight answered "Spike! I would never hurt anypony for no reason!"

Spike put his arms up "Alright, alright! By the way, can you create something else? I mean, something hard, not soft?"

Vlad thought for a second "Well I think I can, why?"

Spike shrugged "Because why not?"

Vlad nodded with clever face "True, true...Alright then" his arm got caught in white transparent aura.

Spike groaned "That's it? Aww man..."

Vlad shrugged "What did you expect? Shield? Dude I unlocked my magic today, what do you expect from me?"

Twilight wrote something down "And...I suppose this aura acts like shell?"

Vlad nodded "Yeah, it's like I'm putting more clothed on myself"

Spike came closer "Uhm...Can I touch it?"

Vlad sat on his level "Yep, sure"

Dragon touched it with his claws "Wow! It's SUPER hard!..I actually don't know how strong it is, but you get the point"

Vlad made his 'Shell' dissapear "And there we go. Need regeneration again"

Twilight sighed "Alright...Let's finish for today" she went upstairs with pen and notebook.

Vlad opened his Panel "I actually want to upgrade one thing in my body"

Spike tilted his head "Why do you need to upgrade body when you have magic?"

Vlad shrugged "Well as you saw my mana capacity is low. I want to have Safety pillow just in case"

Twilight was walking downstairs "What do you mean by that?"

Vlad shrugged "Sooner or later I will need to find myself a job. Since magic is not rare at all here, I could use my hands"

Spike turned back at Twilight "I'm actually surprised, you didn't test Vlad's strength yet"

Twilight sighed "Apple Jack or Rainbow Dash can do it much better than I can. Maybe tomorrow we will meet with them"

Vlad was still looking through his Panel "Besides, who knows what kind of threats I can encounter here. I'm not fighting type, you know?"

Spike pointed his finger at human "Good point..."

Twilight snorted "Come on! You are completely safe in Ponyville! It's not like some evil forces are going to show up!"

(Yeeeeah...)

Vlad shrugged "Still, I want to upgrade my body!"

Twilight sighed "Well, it's your choice after all"

Spike yawned "Ah...Guess I will go sleeping"

Twilight looked through the window "Oh wow, it's already sunset!"

Vlad pressed some buttons on Panel "Mana capacity...And I still have one point. I wonder if there is THAT one upgrade..."

Spike looked at Vlad "You DO realize that if you talk to yourself, it doesn't look mysterious at all, right?"

Vlad sighed "At least I tried...Anyway, last point is going into my Body!" he pressed something on his Panel and it closed.

Twilight curiously smiled "And what did you upgrade?

Vlad snorted "Something that will help me avoid surprises I guess?"

Spike suddenly remembered something "Maybe I'm asking too late, but what was that Fast Heal?"

Twilight gasped "Right! I completely forgot about it! And what was that...Message?"

Vlad shrugged "I get Fast Heal every 5 levels. I will get next one at level 6, and after that at level 10. Why didnt I get it now though...Besides, I dont know how they are working"

Spike crossed arms on chest "But what about the message?"

Vlad yawned "Instructions...Aww man I sure do feel sleepy!"

Twilight sighed "Alright...Oh yes! What about your glasses?"

Vlad gasped "Oh no! I completely forgot about them! Eh...It's going to take a while to create new ones, but I guess I'm ok without those for now"

Spike got confused "You had glasses?!"

Vlad nodded "Yep, something is wrong with it?"

Spike shrugged "No I mean...Uhh...Yeah I don't know why I got confused to be honest. Maybe because I can't imagine you wearing glasses"

Vlad sighed "Alright, I'm washing myself and going to sleep, that's it"

Twilight nodded "I will look through my notes for a while"

Spike stretched his body "I don't feel sleepy to be honest...Guess I will do some chores"

Vlad walked upstairs "Sleep well I guess!"

Spike and Twilight wished him 'Good night' and human walked into the bathroom. 

He noticed his old clothes 'They are not dirty anymore. Not sure if it was Spike or Twilight, but tomorrow I will try to repay them'

After Vlad washed himself, he changed clothes and entered his room. Human looked through the window and fell on his bed.

Vlad thought for himself 'I thought I could make my body stronger with that skill tree. Eh...There were just three upgradeable stats. At least one of those looks interesting. I hope I didn't waste my last point for something useless"

With those thoughts, he covered himself with blanket and fell asleep.
> Chapter 3: Pay for your luck, fool!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unknown location...

Giant creature once again raised an equally huge sword to strike one of it's opponents. Both figures dodged it.

Mysterious creature in cape talked "We need to destroy it's sword! I've got the plan!"

Dragon landed near to the figure, clenching his glowing gauntlets into fists "Alright! My special attack is ready!"

Figure in cape pulled out it's purely white blade "Mine is too. Here is the plan! You need to catch executioner's sword with Perfect Block. After that, I will jump on it and slice it with my awakened Muramasa"

Dragon smirked and bumped his fist into each other, drawing monster's attention "You got this!"

They ran at the Executioner together. Monster raised the sword for another attack. After Executioner swung it's sword, dragon caught it with both of his arms.

Figure in the cape jumped on the sword and ran forward, slicing it "I need few seconds! Hold him!"

Dragon groaned "Come on!"

Figure jumped away, making pieces of sword fall apart. Executioner got stunned. Figure landed near to the dragon.

Dragon's gauntlets started to glow stronger "And now we will finish him!"

Figure nodded, charging it's sword "Let's do this!"

They charged at stunned monster and jumped really high, staying together. Dragon clenched his gauntlet into fist and figure charged it's sword with blue energy.

They both shouted "BURST! Complete Tornado Energy!"

They almost hit the target when suddenly...

Twilight came downstairs and grabbed joysticks from Vlad's and Spike's hand with magic "And that's enough games! Time to eat!" she accidentally pressed button that closed the game.

Vlad and Spike shouted "NOOOOO!"

Twilight sighed "Oh come on! It's not that bad, is it?"

Spike groaned "Noo...We could defeat this boss with the BEST combo attack..."

Vlad pushed sad dragon weakly "Well, we saved before fighting Executioner, so it's not that bad!"

Spike sighed "Yeah...Well, what do we have today?"

Twilight smiled proud of herself "Today we are having pancakes!"

Vlad stood up "Oh boy! It's time to taste another world pancakes!"

Spike snorted "Dont expect too much"

Human and dragon sat at the table. Twilight brought three dishes with three pancakes on each and put them on table.

Vlad looked at them "Yep, just pile of ordinary pancakes...Oops! Need to go to the bathroom!" Human stood up and went upstairs.

Spike bit one of the pancakes and coughed several times "Wh- WHAT DID YOU ADD IN THOSE?!"

Twilight snorted "I only used ingredients that are used to make pancakes!" she pointed at the kitchen.

Spike drank some water and asked "Since when KETCHUP is used to make pancakes?!

Twilight tilted her head "What do you..." she looked back at the kitchen and gasped "Oh no! I accidentally added spicy ketchup in the pancakes dough!

Spike did a facepalm "Why do we even have SPICY one?"

Twilight walked into the kitchen "Somepony gave it to me as a gift"

Spike approached unicorn "I guess it was a joke..."

Vlad went downstairs and looked at his pancakes. Human didn't hear Twilight and Spike, so he ate his portion and brought dish to the kitchen.

Vlad noticed that dragon and unicorn were looking at half empty bottle of ketchup "Something is wrong?"

Twilight turned around "I acci-...Did you eat those pancakes?"

Vlad put dish in the sink "Well, as you see"

Spike looked at Vlad with surprised face "Didn't you feel anything well...Gross?"

Vlad shrugged "Well I felt something, but I liked it. Secret ingridient eh, Twilight?"

Twilight pointed at ketchup bottle "I accidentally added sauce in pancakes...Did you actually like it?"

Vlad nodded "Yep! Maybe because I like ketchup TOO much, but I think it was amazing!"

Spike sighed "Humans are strange..."

Vlad shrugged "Well, as I said yesterday...I think so too"

Twilight sighed "That's why I'm never cooking food"

Spike opened cupboard and took out bowl with gems "Dont know about you Twilight, but I still want to have my breakfast" dragon then threw gem in his mouth.

Vlad looked at the mess "Need a HAND here?"

Twilight giggled "Actually, I kinda need to cook something for myself now..."

Vlad shrugged "I can cook only eggs..."

Twilight sighed "And we are out of those..."

Spike put bowl with gems on table and sat on chair "We still have vegetables"

Vlad shrugged "Sorry, can't cook anything with those"

Twilight sighed "Guess we are visiting Square today" 

After they had breakfast, Spike wrote down everething that Twilight named and Vlad washed dishes.

Human asked unicorn "Can I come as well? I saw square already, but I'm still interested about what do you ponies do for living"

Twilight smiled "Sure! You can come with us!"

Vlad suddenly looked around "Wait...Where is my mask?"

Spike tilted his head "Wha?..It won't make you invisible you know?"

Vlad sighed "No I mean-...Oh right, I forgot..."

Twilight got her bags ready "What did you forget?"

Vlad shrugged "Eh...Thing that happened in my world. Quite hard to explain"

Twilight grabbed new notebook "Then what about you explain it to me while we are going to the square?"

Vlad nodded "Yeah, why not"

Spike sighed and wrote something on the list "We will need more notebooks too"

Meanwhile...

Rainbow Dash was lying on the cloud near to the Ponyville.

She opened her eyes and yawned "Strange...I thought I would fall asleep...Guess imma visit that human!"

Pegasus stretched a bit and then took off with incredible speed.

She thought for herself 'I still feel bad for the accident...Eh! He had probably forgot about it already!' 

Back to Ponyville...

Vlad was finishing his sentence "...and that's why I  was wondering about mask"

Twilight was walking with confused face "So...There is virus in your world..."

Vlad nodded "Well, yes...And don't worry! I'm totally safe!"

Twilight sighed "Just HOW cruel your world is..."

Vlad shrugged "It's not the world. It's because of humans. I mean...We were able to create weapon that can destroy whole city...Don't look at me like that! I'm just telling you things about humans"

Twilight shaked a bit "That's...Horrible..."

Spike pushed unicorn "HEEY! This is sure interesting, but we are at the square!"

Vlad looked around "Wow, I didn't notice those stores last time"

In the town center there were many stalls with different goods. Food, flowers, toys and even one with gems!

Spike looked at the last one "Oh boy! I wonder what are they having today!"

Twilight tilted her head "But you still have some left"

Spike shrugged "Why not stock up? Just in case"

Vlad agreed "He is actually right. Don't worry, I will help you with groceries"

Twilight sighed "Alright then! Where was my list again.."

Spike gave Vlad scroll "There you go, good luck" with that being said, dragon ran to the stall with gems.

Vlad opened the scroll. It wasn't very big.

Human read something "Wha...Why do you need extra thermometer?" 

Twilight looked back at Vlad "For you, silly!"

Human snorted "Well uhh...Thank you but...You spent a lot on me already"

Twilight giggled "Well, money are not the main thing on our world you know?"

Vlad sighed "They are one of the main factors in mine though"

They started to walk around. Everypony was still looking at Vlad surprised, but at least without being terrified. Some of the ponies even talked to Vlad!

Meanwhile...

Rainbow Dash was standing at Treehouse door. There was a note on the door saying 'Library temporary closed!' Pegasus flew around it, looking into windows.

She landed on the nearest cloud "Hm...Where could they go..."

Rainbow Dash sat down with thoughtful face. She looked around and noticed square with big crowd on it.

Pegasus shrugged "Well, since I couldn't find 'em..." 

Back to human's location...

Since ponies understood that human means no harm, they crowded him and started to ask questions. Twilight wasn't nearby, but Vlad was able to answer them calmly.

He then sighed "Uhm...I'm sure happy to know that you all are friendly, but I have to go, alright? I will answer all questions a bit later"

Ponies nodded understandingly and parted. Vlad looked around to find Twilight, when one thought appeared in his head:

'Behind!'

Rainbow Dash was looking at human from behind the wall. She was planning on getting near from the back, when Vlad turned his head right at her.

Pegasus gasped and hid behind the wall "Wha? How did he notice me? I made no sounds!"

She heard voice from behind "Uhm...Did you need anything?"

Rainbow Dash jumped up from surprise and turned around. It was Vlad.

She leaned on the wall with chilly face "Hey there...How did ya sleep?"

Meanwhile in her head:

'Oh HAY no! I don't want to look like freak!'

Vlad shaked a bit "Don't ask..."

Rainbow Dash raised here eyebrow "What do you mean?"

Few hours earlier, Vlad's dream...

Luna was doing something with hairbrush. 

Vlad sighed "I wonder when I'm going to wake up..."

Luna snorted "Dont worry, human, we will make sure to finish tonight's session in time"

Vlad gulped "Does it mean. .This will happen continuously?"

Luna tilted her head "It's not like we are torturing you, are we?"

Vlad shrugged "As I said. For some reason I don't like being touched...Or touch someone without permission"

Luna giggled "Dont worry, tomorrow night we will bring something else"

Back to our current situation...

Vlad sighed "Let's say that I have extraordinary dreams...So what did you want?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged "Oh you know...I was...I was on the mission that is connected to Elements of Harmony, yeah!"

Vlad tilted his head "Elements of what again?"

Rainbow Dash snorted "Oh come on! Twilight HAD to tell you about this!"

Vlad put fingers on his jaw "Hm...I don't remember anything about Elements or Harmony..."

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and made clever face "Maybe I could tell you about them..."

Suddenly, Vlad heard voice behind his back "Uhm...Excuse me, tell about what exactly?"

Vlad sighed "For some reason I didn't get scared"

Rainbow Dash waved with her hoof "Heya Twi! I was going to tell him about Elements of Harmony!"

Twilight blinked few times "Oh right, I completely forgot to tell you about them! Let's head back to the library!"

Vlad shrugged "Alright I guess"

Unicorn, pegasus and human arrived at gem store to take Spike...

Dragon's hands were busy holding bag of gems that was as big as he is "That was a GOOD catch!"

Vlad snorted "I see, need help with carrying your booty?"

Spike shrugged "Eh, why not!"

Human got the bag and threw it over the shoulder "Whelp, let's go, shall we?"

They headed towards the Twilight's house. 

Vlad put bag at the kitchen "You are sorting those alone"

Spike shrugged "Like I would let somepony touch them without permission!"

Vlad smirked "Not even Rarity?"

Spike looked away "Well uh...I...Whatever!"

Vlad snorted and started to help Twilight with groceries. Rainbow Dash looked at books bored. 

She then approached human from behind "So how did you notice me? I mean, not like I'm interested or stuff..."

Vlad put vegetables on table "Well...Yesterday I upgraded one thing..." he opened the Panel "..It's a passive skill that works if someone is near to me...I guess that current area is 10 meters and-"

Rainbow Dash put her hoof on human's mouth "Keep it to 20 words or less!"

Vlad backed off and covered his mouth with palm "First of all, don't do that EVER again, please"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Did I do something wrong?"

Twilight sighed "I forgot to mention, he doesn't like to be touched. Though it's ok for him if Spike does"

Vlad shrugged "Well, I don't see anything dangerous about him...No offense, it's not like I don't belive you guys"

Rainbow Dash smirked "So that means if I touch you without warning-"

Vlad did a facepalm "What is wrong with this world...Why everyo-...pony wants to touch me?"

Spike walked near Vlad with bowl of gems "Guess you are some kind of magnet"

Twilight looked at pegasus "So uhm...It makes him uncomfortable when we fouch his skin. Try to-"

Human's hand made a strange noice "Oh! I'm level 7, sweet! Oh, sorry Twilight, I interrupted you"

Spike snorted "What will you do with the point?"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Wha..? Level, point? What do you guys mean?"

Twilight sighed "It's his uhm...Ability"

Vlad shrugged "I will keep it for now. By the way, why did you stalk on me, Rainbow Dash?"

Pegasus sweated a bit and averted her eyes "What do you mean? I didn't do anything like that!"

Vlad stared at Rainbow Dash "Right...You said something about those Elements. What are those things?"

Twilight inhaled a lot of air when suddenly Rainbow Dash interupted her.

Pegasus smirked "Those things are protecting Equestria from bad guys!"

Twilight sighed "Well ..Something like that. And she is one of bearers"

Vlad clipped his eyes few times and looked at Rainbow Dash "So basically you are some kind of a superhero?"

Pegasus snorted "The fastest and the only!"

Spike was sitting on the couch with bowl of gems "And others are Twilight, Rarity, AppleJack, Fluttersy and Pinkie"

Vlad opened his mouth but then closed it.

Rainbow Dash smirked "Speechless huh?"

Vlad put palm on his forehead "So basically, you guys were taking care of me even though you have duties..."

Twilight calmed human down "Dont worry! We are using Elements only in urgent situations! We are still simple ponies in our freetime"

Vlad sighed and looked at pegasus"So uhm...Is there something wrong with my aura or something? I mean, if you were on the mission"

Twilight gasped "What? Is there a  problem with him that requires help of Elements?!"

Rainbow Dash made clever face "Well uhh...Yeah! There is something about Vlad that-"

Twilight interrupted pegasus "Did you actually think I would fall for it?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged "Well, I could try, right?"

Vlad made confused face "So why did you say that you were on the mission?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged "Well, I wanted to apologize for the incident. And besides, scaring you from behind would look funny"

Vlad sighed "Some of you are just mean..."

Twilight sighed "Dash, that's indeed rude"

Pegasus shrugged "Well, what about we visit AJ then? I mean...She kinda feels bad for hurting you n' stuff"

Twilight nodded "By the way, could you take Lyra Heartstrings with you? We wanted to take some notes on his body functionality"

Vlad clipped few times "That sounded like I'm a cyb-...Nevermind, let's take Lyra and go"

Spike waved his hand "Good luck out there, solider"

Vlad snorted "As you say, captain.."

Some time later, they met with Lyra near square. Unicorn, pegasus and human walked out of Ponyville and headed to Apple's farm...

Meanwhile...

AppleJack was walking around farm. Since all apples were collected yesterday, she had nothing to do.

Pony sighed "Ahm better visit dis human. Didn't even apologize properly"

Suddenly, sounds from farm outskirts caught AppleJack's attention. There were 2 figures running and one flying...Was it Rainbow Dash?

Vlad was running full speed "STOP IT! Rainbow Dash, I already told you not to touch me!"

Pegasus was flying nearby slowly "Aw come on! It's no use running away. I mean, I just wanna pet your hair"

Lyra somehow was able to ran as fast as Vlad with notebook "DONT...HUFF...DONT STRESS HIM OUT! Humans are known for...Puff...For their rage problems!"

Vlad turned back at unicorn "Well that was just mean!"

And so they ran the path for few minutes...Vlad zig zagged through apple trees. Lyra and pegasus lost him.

Rainbow Dash groaned "Not fair! I can't even see you now!"

Vlad stopped near tree to have rest and thought for himself 'Man...Just how fast Rainbow is...And why did she want to touch my damn hair...Are only problematic guys here have this addiction?'

He then sat under one of the trees and looked around...Apple trees, path, farm...Yeah, it was defenetly where Twilight sent him. Though path caught his attention. He was sure he walked this one when he landed in forest. 

Vlad got closer to the path "Huh...Perhaps it could be connected to the one I walked few days ago...And why I'm talking to myself again?"

Human listened to his surroundings...It was okay if he met Lyra, though Rainbow Dash would just pin him to the ground...Vlad even imagined what face would she have if-

Voice from behind cut human's thoughts "Uhm...'Xcuse me, Mr Alien?"

Few minutes earlier...

Apple Bloom was asked to meet her sister's friends. Not like she had anything to do today, so she agreed. Walking down the path, filly hummed some melody. 

Though AppleJack's last words were strange...

'They have duh friend with dem. Don't be afraid of him tho!'

Apple Bloom looked at the Everfree Forest...Few days ago somethi-...Somepony landed there and made a lot of noice. Sweety Belle said that her sis Rarity even made clothes for this...Hoo-man?

Apple Bloom looked down the path and noticed strange creature. She hid behind tree and watched it. Filly then memorized AppleJack's words and inhaled. She approached human from behind and...

Our time...

Vlad turned around and looked at filly that asked the question "Uhh...Hello there?"

Apple Bloom averted her eyes "Are...Are you here to visit mah sis...I mean AppleJack?"

Vlad blinked few times "...I guess so?"

Filly suddenly smiled "Mah name is Apple Bloom! Follow me!"

Vlad looked at the sky "Uh sure, but can we walk under trees?"

Apple Bloom tilted her head "Why tho? Path is much better"

Vlad sighed "Let's say that someo-..Somepony is out here for my head"

Meanwhile...

Lyra and AppleJack met near barn.

Unicorn sighed "And so, Rainbow wanted to challenge Vlad...I actually hoped he would be there...Or at least Rainbow"

AppleJack smirked "Poor guy...Ah can see Dash flyin' 'round...Tru predator eh?"

Lyra nodded "Though humans are also know for their ability to adapt! I'm sure he will be here soon"

AppleJack sighed "Ah hope Bloom met him instead of Dash. Though why is he so stressed 'bout touches?"

Lyra shrugged "No idea..."

Meanwhile in the sky...

Rainbow Dash was flying around, trying to find Vlad "Where could he go...Maybe he is already with AJ?" she looked at barn, noticing her friend waving to her "Nope...Guess I will-"

She suddenly noticed two figures walking to Lyra and AppleJack. Those were filly and human.

Pegasus flew towards them "NOW I GOT YOU!"

Vlad sighed with relief "Phew...Thank you, Bloom" he looked at AppleJack and waved his hand "Heya"

Mare waved with her hoof "Guess ya made it"

Lyra made some notes "I wouldn't be so sure..." she pointed behind human with pen.

Vlad heard accelerating sound from behind. He turned around and Rainbow Dash bumped into his chest. As a result, human and pegasus fell down.

Vlad sat down and coughed several time "Oi, you good?"

Rainbow Dash moved her head left and right and put hoof on it "I guess so...Though I still won!"

Vlad shrugged "Congratulations I guess?"

He thought for himself 'Are they all so soft? I mean...It could end up much worse'

Apple sisters giggled, while Lyra walked near human "Need a hand?"

Vlad sighed "Ha ha, very funny. Though I can get up myself"

Rainbow Dash flew up "Good luck next time"

Vlad dusted himself off "Yeah, yeah...Anyway, Twilight sent me here for some kind of researches"

Lyra continued "We want to see what he is capable of...For now I know that his body is WAY more flexible than I thought"

AppleJack nodded "So ya want meh to look on his muscles?"

Lyra nodded "Yes, he was uhm...Way too shy to show us his body"

Vlad crossed arms on his chest "Well Excuse me, I personally don't like being without clothes in front of someone"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Then how are you having fun on beach?"

Vlad snorted "Never being on one...Though we have enough of those in my world"

Apple Bloom suddenly asked "How are ya bucking trees?"

Vlad tilted his head "Wha?"

Lyra explained "Humans are not very strong, but they have arms that let them create a lot of things. They are collecting apples"

Apple Bloom tilted her head "But it's WAY too long!"

While filly and unicorn were talking, AppleJack went to the barn.

Rainbow Dash looked at human's hands "Can I touch those?"

Vlad sighed "Just why...I mean, really. Why do you guys want to touch my skin so bad?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged "What is the problem?"

Vlad crossed arms on his chest "Either way I'm not letting anypony except Spike touch me...Don't ask why, I don't know myself"

Rainbow Dash smirked "Well, if you say so..." she prepared herself.

AppleJack invited everypony inside barn before pegasus could do anything. 

She pointed at big amount of barrels "Those are from last Fall. We gotta get 'em into basement. Big Mac is with Granny in Canterlot due to our family buisness"

Vlad shrugged "Alright, I think I can help you out..."

Apple Bloom tilted her head "But how will ya..."

Lyra sat down "Now we just observe..."

Vlad put some barrels so that they could roll. He then summoned tentacles from his palms, which made everypony except Lyra gasp. His 'limbs' started to direct barrels to the exit of barn.

Vlad sighed "Wow, I actually thought it won't work...Though I can roll only 5 of them at a time"

AppleJack, Rainbow Dash then joined him. They were able to transport barrels quite quickly.

AppleJack exhaled "Phew! Yer don't understand how ye help meh out!"

Apple Bloom and Lyra were sitting near basement.

Lyra finished writing "Well, I think we are done for today!"

Vlad smirked "Wow, didn't know you were interested ONLY in researches"

Lyra giggled "Well, it doesn't mean that I'm leaving you alone for today"

Human shrugged "Well, at least I'm free to go now, right?"

Apple Bloom suddenly asked a question " 'xcuse me, you were mentioning something about our path"

Vlad nodded "Yeah, I was wondering if it's somehow connected to this forest" he pointed at Everfree one.

AppleJack nodded "Eeyup! Though we are not usin' it at all, why?"

Vlad didn't even try to lie "I want to have a closer look on my landing spot...I mean, why not? I think it's totally safe!" he then added "Though it's better for someo-...Actually, I'm going myself"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "But AJ promised to give us cider!"

Vlad waved his  hand "Nah I'm good!"

After human said this, he walked down the path to the exit from farm.

Lyra looked back at Vlad "I would come with him...But I need to give notes to Twilight"

Apple Bloom tilted her head "But what is problem with him going alone?"

Lyra sighed "How to say it in the right way...He is going into the Everfree forest"

AppleJack added "He didn't even try mah cider!"

Rainbow Dash smirked "Oh, I could help you both...For a decent price"

AppleJack crossed hooves "Nuh uh! Ahm not givin' ya THIS kind of cider"

Rainbow Dash groaned and they started arguing...

Meanwhile...

Human approached Everfree Forest...

Vlad closed Panel "Whelp, just in case if someone attacks me...I mean, I st-...Ok i should stop talking to myself"

Human entered forest. It took him few minutes to get to the needed place.

Vlad looked at the hole and thought for himself 'If I'm right, there might be uhh...Starter loot around?'

Human then looked around...He checked inside of 'crater' but found nothing.

'I mean...I already got superpowers...That would be WAY too over powered. And then it would surely come back...'

He then got out and sighed.

'Whelp, at least I didn't get into anything...Though it would be cool if I got my glasses. It's kinda hard for me to live without those'

Vlad started to walk away, when something hit his head from behind. Human groaned and turned around, finding green case on the ground.

Vlad blinked few times and picked it up "Well, guess I'm WAY too lucky...Though sooner or later, I will have to pay for this"

Suddenly, Vlad stopped. He turned around once again and sweated.

Human gulped "That's...That's WAY too soon!"

Meanwhile...

Rainbow Dash was looking for Vlad "Yarn...Twilight will kill me if something happens to him..."

Pegasus finally noticed human. He put something in his pocket and started to walk away when suddenly stopped.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Did he spot me again? Nope, ther is no wa-"

Timber Wolf walked out of the darkness. It growled and charged at Vlad at incredible speed.

Rainbow Dash screamed "VLAD, NO!"

Human saw wooden wolf. It had green eyes, sharp teeth and-

Vlad dodged it's attack, and wolf landed on it's four, blocking path to Ponyville.

Human got up and sighed "There we go..."

Suddenly, he heard somepony's voice. He turned around and saw Rainbow Dash.

Pegasus landed near human "What is this Timber Wolf doing HERE?"

Vlad shrugged "How do I-"

He pinned Rainbow and himself to the ground, saving them from another attack.

Pegasus gasped "What the..."

Vlad stood up with serious face "Looks like I have to use it..."

Rainbow Dash stood up "Wha..?"

Vlad continued "Look at his legs, wolf needs some time to prepare for another jump...Meaning that he is immobile" human pointed at Timber Wolf's legs "That means I will use MINE legs!"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened "Does it mean...You have special skill?!"

Vlad nodded "Back on Earth I used it twice...It always worked...Repeat everething I do, and we will survive..." he strained his body.

Rainbow Dash nodded "Let's do this!"

...

Human turned around and ran "SPECIAL TECHNIQUE! FULL SPEED RETREAT!"

Rainbow Dash looked at human shocked. Even wolf tilted his head confused.

Vlad turned his head around "RAINBOW, RUN...OR FLY I DONT KNOW!"

Pegasus flew after human at incredible speed. Wolf blinked few times and growled even angrier.

Rainbow Dash caught up with human fast "Are you just going to run?!"

Vlad answered "I actually have a plan! We won't let it come near Ponyville!"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "What do y-"

Pegasus smacked into the tree and Vlad stopped, turning around. Timber Wold was approaching, and human ran back.

He picked her up and continued running "Whoa, you are quite light"

'Alright, I have the plan...But Rainbow can't run away...Where do I hide her...'

Meanwhile...

Pegasus slowly opened her eyes...She was carried by somepo-...

She slowly turned her head at Vlad, then at Timber Wolf. It was getting closer, and human was getting tired...

Wolf made a huge jump, Vlad threw pegasus forward and covered his body with 'Shell'. She fell on ground and rolled away a bit. Rainbow Dash heard grinding sound.

Vlad was able to block wolfes claws with both of his hands...Unfortunately, it was pressing on Vlad with its full weight. 

'Dammit...I spent all of my mana on this armor...Just if I could reach his leg, I could make him fall and hit head with rock...Wait, since when I can think of plan in this kind of situations?'

Suddenly, light blue pegasus appeared behind wolf. She looked at it's legs and then on human.

Vlad nodded and channeled all his strength into last push "He is yours!"

Wolf got pushed back, and Dash used her back to make it fall down. It hit it's head just like Vlad predicted (which made him surprised) and got itself destroyed...Just like the rock.

Humans 'Shell' dissapeared and he sighed "Daamn...That was insane. Dash, are y-"

Rainbow Dash rammed into Vlad, hugging him "IDIOT! What were you thinking?!"

Vlad fell down pinned "Uhh...First of al-"

Rainbow didn't let him finish "Couldn't you just run away? I would catch up with you!"

Vlad told with quiet voice "Rainbow...You are breaking my ribcage..."

Pegasus gasped and let human go. Vlad inhaled a lot of air and stood up.

Rainbow Dash put hoof behind her head and smiled nervously "Uh...Sorry for this one"

Vlad stretched his body, making cracking noices "Nah, don't worry. So, uh...How would I leave you unconscious? I mean...That would be cowardly and stuff..."

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "What..? Did I-" she groaned and covered her head with hooves "What the hay happened?"

Vlad sighed "Well, you didn't watch the road and hit the tree...I'm glad you are not a car driver or plane pilot"

Rainbow Dash groaned "Yaarn...Should have watched the road..."

Vlad sighed "Well, at least you are OK...Right?"

Pegasus nodded "Yeah...Just need a little nap and I'm fine" she tried to fly up but fell down on human, making him fall down again.

Vlad turned his head at Rainbow "Nope, this is kinda serious"

Pegasus sighed "Damn you, gravity...What do you mean?" she got off the human

Vlad dusted himself off "Well I don't even know...You hit your head on high speed and lost consciousness"

Rainbow Dash almost fell down when she tried to walk down the path "Now that you say it this way, I do feel a bit dizzy...But I can-"

She tripped on a rock and Vlad had to catch her again.

Human sighed "Guess I will make another exception..." he looked at pegasus "Want me to carry you? I mean...It's not like you can actually walk and stuff..."

Rainbow Dash snorted "Dont think that I'm-" she suddenly memorized how human was running away carrying her. 

Pegasus shrugged "Well...I do feel kinda tired so...Go ahead!"

Vlad picked her up like the last time and started walking. 

Rainbow Dash thought for herself 'Were his arms always THAT soft and comfy? And oh man! His whole body is so warm!'

Vlad sighed "It's temporary thing"

Rainbow Dash looked at human's face "Wha?"

Vlad smirked "Dont think that I will allow you to touch me without permission...No, it's not like you are not worthy or this kind of stuff! It's my uhh...Fobia...One of them"

Pegasus tilted her head "What do you mean by 'Fobia'?"

Vlad averted his eyes "Fobia means fear in my world...Like psychology thing"

Rainbow Dash smirked "Does it mean that I can scare you just by touching?"

Vlad sighed "Nope, I will just experience little discomfort, why?"

Rainbow Dash made cowardly face "Oh, no don't worry about it"

Human thought for himself 'Great job Vlad, now you have another person that will prank you for your entire life...'

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow "I didn't know that you were THAT strong. I mean...Timber wolfes are kinda...Well..."

Vlad answered "It's not me, it was that armor. But it was risky. If I didn't have enough mana to cover some parts of my body, they would break"

Rainbow Dash clipped her eyes "Wait...So you like...Could get hurt?"

Vlad snorted "Of course I could! If it wasn't to you, I would get smashed already! And-...Aww man...Rarity is going to kill me..."

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "What do you..."

She then noticed that human's shirt was damaged. It's sleeves were teared apart, showing human's skin.

She gasped when Vlad calmed her down "Don't worry, I'm totally fine!"

Rainbow Dash thought for herself 'Man...He risked to save me...'

She then changed the topic "So uhh...Are you humans always THAT warm? And what is this vibration?"

Vlad giggled "Seriously? Is this the only question that bothers you?"

Rainbow Dash blushed weakly and made grumpy face "Hmpf! And what is the problem?"

Vlad snorted "Well...Right now my body is hot due to the adrenaline...But mostly I'm just warm, that's it. And I think that vibration could be my breathing...I mean you are leaning on my chest with head"

Rainbow Dash shrugged and smiled "That means you are just a walking pleasure huh?"

Vlad answered "Says light blue marshmallow..."

'Wait, how did she call me?'

Rainbow Dash glared at human "How did you call me?!"

Vlad sweated "UHH...I mean that you are light and fast, yeah!"

Pegasus snorted "That's what I thought!"

They approached Apple's farm. Lyra and AppleJack gasped after they saw human's and pegasus's condition.

AppleJack looked at Vlad "The hay happened?! Are yall 'right?!"

Lyra noticed that human was carrying Rainbow Dash "And why are you carrying her...I thought..."

Vlad sighed "It would be better if Rainbow Dash could...Seriously?" he looked at her and noticed she was sleeping.

Apple Bloom approached as well "Ah thought we gave her ordinary cider"

Lyra coughed several times "Ahem! We have injured human and pegasus here!"

Vlad shrugged "I'm not injured, but Rainbow kinda is. She hit her head while flying"

AppleJack tilted her head "How..."

Vlad sighed "Uh...Lyra, I have more to tell you about humans. Let's go, shall we?"

Unicorn tilted her head "But...Are you sure you are fine?"

Vlad snorted "Mhm! But uhh...We better head to Twilight. I want to...Learn how to cast spells, yeah!" he turned to Apples "Can I leave her to you?"

AppleJack smirked "Of course ya can! Tho what happened?"

Vlad started going "Well uh...She will tell you I guess?"

Apple Bloom tilted her head "Oi...I can't smell alcohol...And is Rainbow smiling?"

Few minutes later...

Human and unicorn were walking down the path to Ponyville. They entered the town and were walking

Vlad groaned "Dammit...Rarity is going to kill me..."

Lyra wrote something down "And Twilight as well..."

Vlad looked at unicorn "Wha?"

Lyra looked back at human "You guys got in fight, didn't you?"

Vlad sweated a bit "Nope, not at all!..Well, maybe a little..." he sighed "Yeah...Uhh...How was it...Timber Wolf at-"

Lyra shouted "TIMBER WOLF?!"

Everypony looked at them confused. 

Vlad made a facepalm "Seriously..."

Meanwhile...

Twilight was writing letter to Celestia in her room. Spike was doing his chores.

Unicorn sighed "I wonder where is Vlad"

Suddenly, voice answered her question "Oh! I think he was fighting with Timber Wolf and now in Ponyville!"

Twilight smiled "Oh, don't be silly! How w-...Pinkie?"

Pink pony was under the bed "Heya Twi!"

Twilight sighed "I won't even ask...Wait, what did you say?"

Pinkie Pie appeared behind unicorn "Every pony was talking about it! I heard that he came back to Ponyville with damaged shirt!" she was bouncing with smile.

Twilight gasped "What?! Where is he?!"

Pinkie Pie averted her eyes "Oh, I know!"

Back to Vlad...

Human and Lyra were walking the path in Ponyville.

Vlad asked "So...Why are we going this way?"

Lyra turned back "We gotta make sure you are ok!"

Vlad stopped "I already told you I'm fine! Rainbow was-"

Lyra used her magic to pull human with magic "Nope! We are checking you on injuries!"

Meanwhile in her head 'Besides, I wonder how does his body look like'

Vlad sighed "OK, alright! Just give me one second..." he checked his pockets "Aw man .."

Lyra tilted her head "What is wrong"

Vlad sighed "I lost something that I took from forest..."

Meanwhile at farm...

Three ponies were in house at kitchen...

Rainbow Dash was finishing her sentence "...and then wolfe's head was no more!"

Apple sisters were standing with wide opened mouthes.

AppleJack asked "So...Ya guys just..."

Rainbow Dash smiled proudly "Yeah! We beat this wolf!"

Apple Bloom went outside "Ahmma tell Scoot and Belle!"

AppleJack sighed "Well, at least yall safe..."

Rainbow Dash nodded "Yeah!..Though I'm sure I would be ok if Vlad didn't carry me..."

AppleJack narrowed her eyes and smiled "Did ya enjoy the ride?~"

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes "Well...Even when this wolf was after us he was trying to give me some comfort...And when I couldn't walk, he carried me with even more care..."

AppleJack snorted "And ya eventually fell asleep~"

Rainbow Dash opened here eyes and blushed "W-well it was comfy! His warmth, breathing...I felt sa-...ARRGH!" Pegasus grabbed her head with both hooves.

AppleJack put hoof on pegasus's shoulder "It's ok, shugarcube"

Meanwhile at Forest...

Three fillies were walking the path in Everfree Forest. 

Apple Bloom pointed her hoof at Timber Wolf corpse "See? Ah told ya this was truth!"

Scootaloo's mouth was wide opened "No way! Just how did they defeat it!?"

Sweetie Belle put hoof to her mouth "Just HOW strong this hooman is..."

Scootaloo noticed something green on ground "Huh? What's that?"

Sweetie Belle picked up the case with magic "Hm...There is something inside"

Meanwhile...

Vlad and Lyra were running the path to Apple Sweet Acres.

Human groaned "This is just pissing me off..."

Lyra turned her head into Vlad's direction "What do you mean? And why are we running?"

Vlad answered "Well, you see? I'm sure that fate wanted to make me pay for my luck, so while running, it made my uh...Item fall"

Lyra tilted her head "I don't get it..."

Vlad slowed down and breathed "Man...I should work out more...So uhh...What I mean, is that there are two possible things happening. First: Someone found it"

Lyra corrected human "It's 'somepony'!"

Vlad groaned "Whatever! We are here" 

They slowed down to walking speed at needed path. There were some new hooveprints.

Vlad did a facepalm "Damn it..." his face was showing stress.

Lyra looked at human worrying "Hey...You are kinda aggressive..."

Vlad sighed "That's the thing. I can get stressed or angry for no reason...Sorry that I uhh...Acted like that"

Lyra smiled "Oh, it's fine"

Vlad put fist to his jaw "Maybe you were right about our 'rage problems' part..."

They continued following hoovesprints. Sooner, they approached Timber Wolf corpse with fillies around it.

Scootaloo was jumping on wolf "Take this! And this! An-" she noticed human and nearly fell down.

Sweetie Belle caught her and looked around "Eep!"

Vlad sighed with relief "Phew...Good thing it wasn't scenario N.2!"

Lyra snorted "Anyway, what are you doing here? It's dangerous!"

Apple Bloom approached human "We are sorry...We just wanted to see if Vlad said truth..."

Sweetie Belle put Scootaloo on ground "We are going home already!"

Pegasus snorted "Hmpf! It's not like something will happen here anyway!"

Lyra sighed "Follow me, I will lead you home"

Vlad walked towards Timber Wolf "And imma try to find that damn case..."

Sweetie Belle turned her head "You mean, this one?" she pulled out case from her mane with magic.

Vlad nodded "Yep! Can I please have it back?"

Small unicorn nodded and levitated it into himan's hands "There you go"

Vlad exhaled and smiled "Phew! It went much better than I expected!" he said it with VERY optimistic voice.

They started walking away. Human put case in his pocket and sighed.

Lyra groaned "Aww come on! What is wrong now?"

Vlad giggled "Well...I still have to deal with Twilight an-" he suddenly stopped.

Scootaloo turned around "Oi! What are you waiting for?"

Vlad did a facepalm "You guys go, I memorized one more thing"

Lyra used her magic to drag human with her "Nuh uh! You had enough fights for today!"

Vlad groaned "BUT LYYRAA! There is somepony  watching us!"

Sweetie Belle turned around "What do you mean sir?"

Scootaloo snorted "If there was somepony, I would notice them!"

Apple Bloom looked back at human "What 'cha gonna do anyway?"

Vlad tried to shrug, but could because of Lyra's magic "Well, talk? I mean, it's not like they would attack me after hearing what I and Rainbow did to this poor thing"

Lyra looked back at fillies "Will you be able to go home yourselfes?"

Apple Bloom nodded "Yep! Actually, what about we have a sleepover?"

Two other fillies jumped out of joy and all of them ran towards farm.

Lyra didn't release human tho "Come out whenever you are!"

Vlad sighed "I already said they are on that tree" he pointed at tree. "And can you release me?"

Lyra snorted "Nuh uh! You will get some rest! Uhh...Whoever you are, please come do-"

Suddenly, knife flew into Lyra's face from tree's direction. She gasped and closed her eyes...

Sound of impact and loud groan could be heard...

Unicor opened here eyes...Human covered her with palm. Droplets of blood were falling on the ground. She looked at palm that was impaled by this knife, then on Vlad.

Lyra quietly said "Y-you..."

Figure flew away from tree. It was black bug like pony, with holes in legs.

Lyra gasped "Changeling?!"

Vlad gasped as well "OVER SIZED BUG?! WHAT THE HELL?!"

Changeling successfully escaped. 

Lyra looked at human "Oh no! We have to get you to the hospital!"

Vlad politely coughed "Uhm...Excuse me, but before that..." he inhaled a lot of air and screamed "MY DAMN HAAAND!"

Meanwhile...Ponyville:

Twilight and her friends were looking for human and Lyra. AppleJack and Dash were looking at farm.

Rainbow Dash landed near friends in town "Girls, girls! Bloom, Scootaloo and Belle appeared on farm and said that human and Lyra were in Everfree Forest!"

Twilight gasped "What?! Where are they now?!"

Rarity joined Twilight "My dear sister was in Everfree?!" she fainted on a sofa...In the center of town.

Rainbow Dash shrugged "Well I dunno! Damn...This human likes getting in trouble..."

Twilight nervously giggled "I should have come here first...Sweet Celestia..."

Spike ran to her, hardly breathing "Twi-..Huff...Twilight! They are in hospital!"

Unicorn gasped and ran towards the destination. Her friends followed her, and dragon with groaning tried to keep up with them.

At hospital...

Red Heart pointed her hoof at the corridor "Uhm...Human and unicorn went this way. It was an emergency, so doctor is having them right now"

Rainbow and Twilight ran in the shown direction.

Unicorn thought for herself 'PLEASE be alright! PLEASE be alright!'

Meanwhile in pegasus's head 'If you are not alright, I will make sure to bother you to the end of your life!'

They stopped at the door. Voices could be heard from behind it. Everypony else caught up with Twilight, and they sat at the door, waiting.

AppleJack and Spike then joined them "Ah heard that Vlad is here"

Twilight was too nervous to answer, just like Rainbow.

Spike answered  "Yeah, he and Lyra seem to encounter another bad guy...Man, Vlad is sure magnet for troubles!"

Pinkie Pie was bouncing as always "Yeah! He also got his clothes destroyed!"

Rarity gasped "HE WHAT?!"

Door opened and Lyra came out, exhaling.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash asked in one voice "IS HE OK?!"

Lyra sighed "Well...It's too critical for humans...His wound will stay with him forever..."

Everypony but Pinkie and AppleJack gasped.

Vlad was coming out of the door "Lyra, it's not funny at all"

Lyra snorted "Worth it!"

When he showed up, everypony noticed that his left palm was bandaged.

Vlad turned back at medic "Thanks doc!"

Voice could be heard from the door "You are we-"

Suddenly, human jumped away. All mares (except for Spike and Fluttershy) jumped into Vlad to hug him. Unfortunately, they leaped into doctor's office and a lot of noices could be heard after 'landing'.

Vlad sighed "Good thing I upgraded Instincts and Reflexes..."

Spike pushed him a bit "Man, you had quite a beating today!"

Human nodded "I sure did...But at least ev-Wah!"

He shaked a bit after Fluttershy petted his wound "O-oh I sorry! I-I didn't mean to..."

Vlad clipped few times "Oh it's uhh...It's ok I guess"

Fluttershy sighed in relief "But what happened to you? I thought that Timber Wolf didn't-"

Lyra corrected her "Well, we got attacked by Changeling back in the forest. If it wasn't to Vlad, I wouldn't stand here!"

Twilight with groans came out of the office. Doctor and Spike were helping other mares.

Unicorn looked at Lyra "Wha..? Did you just say changeling?!"

Vlad shrugged "Well I dunno! At least this oversized bug didn't try to jump on my face..." he shaked after imagining this.

Months earlier...School...

Vlad was walking down the corridor. He looked at glass cage with spider in it.

Vlad approached it and smiled "Well hello there, Igor"

Spider was crawling around the cage. He was quite big, but Vlad knew he wouldn't bite him.

"Heya Vlad!" voice from behind called. 

Vlad turned around and noticed his classmate and only friend in school, Danya. He was just as big as our guy was (Though he was bad with some lessons at school). If you were to describe them, you would imagine Yin and Yang. Danya was kind of trickster and had LOADS of energy. Meanwhile Vlad was just a silent guy...Or was he? 

Besides, Danya had bright hair, and our guy had dark brown ones.

He then saluted to Danya "Aye aye, Sparky"

Danya parried with grin on his face "How is it going, Jack!"

Vlad groaned "I told you not to call me like that!" he then looked around "Not in public at least!"

Danya shrugged "Well, you know...You earned this title yourself...Besides, I didn't call you like that in front of class"

Vlad sighed "What did you want anyway?"

Danya pushed him a bit "What about visiting your place, eh?"

Vlad pushed him in answer "You got this!"

Danya suddenly froze in place "O-oi! Look out!"

Vlad smirked and waved his hand "Yeah yeah, I'm not a kid any-" he finally noticed spider on his palm "Oh, hello again Igor"

Danya sighed "Man...I thought you were scared of buggy stuff...I still remember 'Incident' "

Vlad shrugged "Well, this guy is harmless. I mean, what is the worst thing that could ha-"

Spider jumped on his face...After that, animals were restricted in his school...Especially insects and spiders.

Back to our time...

Vlad was SO deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice how other mares sat in front of him.

AppleJack tilted her head "Is fella alright?"

Twilight shrugged "I...guess?"

Fluttershy patted his wounded palm "He was through a lot today...Poor thing..."

Vlad snapped out of his head and clipped few times "Uh...Sorry, was eh...Out there, you know?" he then noticed that two unicorns were looking at him...MENACINGLY!

Rainbow Dash saluted to Vlad "Farewell...I will remember you in my he- I MEAN GOOD LUCK!" Pegasus flew away, leaving everypony a bit confused.

Lyra and Fluttershy however took human's side.

Unicorn stood in front of Vlad "Wait! Don't kill him yet! He saved me after all!" she then whispered something in Twilight's ear "...besides I noticed few more interesting details about subject..."

Vlad coughed politely "I heard that"

Fluttershy hugged human's arm "He is already hurt! Vlad needs rest and care!"

Rarity (with wrath in her eyes) answered "Oh, don't you worry about him dear..." she crunched her...Hooves? "I will make sure to give him proper massage!"

Fluttershy gasped and let go of human's arm. Mares started to argue with each other. AppleJack was standing in the middle of it confused.

Vlad sweated a bit "Uhm...Spike?"

Dragon stood near to the human "Yeah, Vlad?"

Human looked at him "Should I be afraid about this?"

Spike nodded "Yeah...A lot..."

AppleJack and Pinkie Pie were trying to stop them (though the pink one was just having fun).

Vlad came up with plan "Uhm...Spike. Get on my shoulder and close your eyes"

Dragon sighed "I already don't like it..." but still he did what human said.

Vlad prepared himself "They are going to be SO upset..." he pointed his finger forward.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash came back "Heya again! I thought I could in-"

She couldn't finish because Vlad shouted "FLASH BANG!"

Big amount of light appeared on his finger tip. Everypony screamed and closed their eyes. After few seconds, Vlad with Spike on his shoulder were walking to the exit.

RedHeart looked at the corridor "Uhh...Mr..."

Human turned around "It's Vlad...And PLEASE don't call me Mr"

RedHeart coughed politely "Wel uhm...Vlad, what is going on here in corridor?"

Human sweated "Well...They were fighting and..."

RedHeart sighed "Very well then..." she looked at human and dragon with a smirk "I suppose it would be better not to tell where did you go?"

Spike nodded "Yeah...It would be nice"

They calmly exited the hospital, getting ready to face consequences of their actions.

Meanwhile...

Everypony were rubbing their eyes and groaning.

Lyra sighed "I should have seen this coming!"

AppleJack sat down "Aww...He got us good"

Fluttershy sighed "It was natural reaction...He couldn't stand s-"

Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow groaned and shouted "WHERE DID THEY GO?!"

Pinkie Pie was wearing big sunglasses "Oh! They went into your library!"

In no time three mares were out of hospital. Others calmly trotted (bounced) out of building.

Redheart waved her hoof "Have a good day!"

Meanwhile...In library...

Vlad and Spike were in basement playing their video game.

Spike was trying his best "Should we worry about others?"

Vlad's fingers were moving on an incredible speed "Nah...Pick Healing potion up, I will cover you"

Spike nodded "On it!"

Vlad turned around and checked the door "Uh...I think hiding is useless"

Spike was focused on game "Why so?"

Vlad turned back "Well...There is no reason. We could just talk to them"

Spike shrugged "Eh! It's better to let them chill"

Vlad shrugged "Maybe...But was it necessary to barricade it?"

Spike nodded "Mhm...They could just ram in. You know, they kinda don't think when they are acting"

Vlad sighed "Yeah yeah...Ouch..." he dropped his joystick.

Spike paused the game "You good man?"

Vlad snorted "Well, if we don't include mad mares and my hand, I think yeah! Just need a lil' bit of rest"

Spike sighed "Alright...So, how did this happen?"

Vlad picked up his glass of water "What do you mean?"

Spike shrugged "I mean...Timber Wolf, Changeling...Too much for one day I think?"

Vlad looked at dragon "Do you want it long or short?"

Spike crossed his arms "Short of course. They can run in any second"

Vlad shrugged "Well, you s-"

Loud noices could be heard from the door. Then human and dragon gulped.

Spike whispered "Next time..."

Vlad nodded "Yeah..."

Meanwhile in the library...

Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash rammed into library. They looked around.

Twilight whispered "Let's split up"

Rainbow Dash flew upstairs, and Rarity started trotting around library. They checked every corner, but couldn't find them.

Twilight called "Spike, Vlad! We are not mad at all! Come out!"

Rarity continued "We totally won't hurt you! Not physically at least!"

Rainbow Dash bumped her hooves into each other "Well, I WILL take my revenge!"

Twilight looked at her basement door. She quietly called pegasus and unicorn.

Twilight knocked into the door "Ooh Vlaad!~"

Rarity continued "Spiky-Wikey! Open up!"

Strange noices could be heard from behind the door.

Twilight knocked again "Open up! Or we will use force!" she tried to open door, but didn't succeed.

AppleJack, Lyra, Fluttershy and Pinkie arrived at library. It was total mess.

AppleJack made a face hoof "Poor guys..."

Fluttershy noticed that Rainbow flew down into the basement "Oh no! They are in dang-"

Lyra ran ahead "I CAN'T ALLOW ONLY HUMAN TO GET HURT EVEN MORE!

Pinkie Pie bounced with unicorn "Oh! I can throw "Basement shelter party"! Can I?"

Rainbow Dash knocked the door with strength "Don't worry! If you open now, I won't be too cruel to you!"

Rarity sighed "It's not like they ar-"

Vlad's voice could be heard from the door "OK, but only in one condition!"

Rainbow smirked and Twilight asked "What is this condition?"

Vlad answered "Spike remains untouched! I still want someone to play with me!"

Other mares approached from behind.

Lyra shouted "NO! DON'T GIVE UP!"

Rainbow Dash started to lose her patience "COME ON! Open the door already!"

Spike answered "Let us at least move this table!"

Groans could be heard from behind the door. Everypony prepared themselves.

Door opened and Vlad stood in front of it with closed eyes "Well, what are you going to do now?"

Twilight tilted her head "Huh? I thought..."

Spike exited basement "It's not like you will really hurt us. I mean...Not me at least" he went upstairs and waved to others "Heya"

Fluttershy exhaled with relief "Good thing it's settled..."

Vlad shrugged "I mean...We would still need to come out and stuff. Resistance would be useless"

Rarity coughed "Ahem...I should apologize...I didn't mean to harm you darling"

Vlad shrugged "Eh...You have the right to be angry. After all I destroyed your creation"

Rarity sighed "Either way, I'm sorry"

Twilight made apologetic smile "Uhm...I probably wanted to teach you a lesson and keep safe"

Vlad snorted "And you thought that chasing me would help?"

Twilight made a squee face.

Rainbow Dash crossed hooves on chest and turned her face away "Hmpf! I will think about revenge sooner!"

Vlad snorted "Like cute ponies like you could hurt me!"

AppleJack, Pinkie, Rarity and Twilight giggled, Fluttershy blushed a bit and Lyra made some notes (Yes, she was carrying notebook and pen everywhere). 

But Rainbow Dash looked back at Vlad furiously "What did yo-"

Vlad opened one eye and it sparked with red colour. Pegasus gulped and backed off just like everypony else.

Suddenly Vlad laughed "AWW MAN! I got you third time already!" his eye became normal again.

Rainbow Dash was confused "Wh...Huh...Whaaa?"

Vlad inhaled some air after laugher "Alright...I'm sorry PFTT...I won't do that again, I promise"

Twilight gasped "You can change colour of your magic?"

Vlad nodded "Mhm, but it just drains more of my mana..." he noticed that pegasus was looking at him furiously.

'Ah shimata...Well, at least I have plan'

Before Rainbow Dash was ready to smash Vlad's face when he shrugged "What about this: Truth or Dare tomorrow here, at library?"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Eh? What is this game?"

Vlad's eyes went wide "Wha? You don't know 'Truth or Dare' ?!"

Lyra dashed into a basement "That means it's a game from your world?! CAN I COME?!"

Vald gasped and fell on his back "Yarn...Stop that!" he sighed "But I guess so. Uh...Twilight?"

Twilight smiled "Sure! I'm ok with this!"

AppleJack put hoof to her chin "Ah dunno...Can mah sister come?"

Vlad shrugged "Ask Twilight, not me"

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash appeared behind human "Whatever this game is...I will make sure to have my revenge"

Vlad sweated a bit "Uh...As you wish..."

Pegasus smiled and flew out of library, scaring Fluttershy.

Pinkie Pie appeared behind Vlad as well "Oh, can I-"

Vlad finished "-bring food and other stuff?...Ask TWILIGHT, not me!"

Everypony started talking to Twilight about tomorrow's game. They came upstairs and asked what did they need to bring.

Vlad shrugged "Well, it doesn't require anything...Bring whatever you want I guess?"

Suddenly, Rarity gasped "Darling, how did you fix your shirt?"

Vlad pulled his arm up. Sleeves were untouched.

Human shrugged "Magic...No seriously, I fixed it with magic"

Twilight and Lyra turned their faces to Vlad...They looked interested.

Human sighed "Ah shimata..."

Sooner, everypony left except Vlad, Twilight, Lyra and Spike.

Before unicorns could ask anything, Vlad turned around and waved his hand "Nuh uh! Only one question!"

Lyra pointed her hoof at Vlad's arm "How did you bypass my magic?"

Twilight and Spike gasped "He did WHAT?!"

Vlad put damaged arm to his chin "Well, it's quite fragile from inside. I just focused all of my mana in one place and...You know what happened next. Though if you focused just a bit more, I wouldn't be able to open it"

Lyra cringed "Lucky me...Thank you again..."

Vlad shrugged "You are welcome"

Twilight put hooves on her head "Just HOW do you know so much about magic...You didn't even have it in your world!"

Vlad put palm to his face "I have the power of-"

Twilight did a facehoof "Not again..."

Sooner, Lyra left. Vlad asked her about visit, but she said that had enough for today. Spike went upstairs to sleep.

Vlad was going too, but Twilight stopped him "Uh...Vlad, can we talk?"

Human turned around "Sure thing" they sat on the couch "What seems to be the problem?"

Twilight pointed at his arm "This! You are endangering yourself too much!"

Vlad shrugged "Well, at least Lyra is safe and sound!"

Twilight looked at human with sad face "You are getting hurt way too often...I just want my friends to be safe...I don't want anypony to be hurt..." she looked down.

Vlad sighed "Twilight it's-"

Twilight looked back at human with tears "No it's not! I shouldn't have send you to AppleJack for those stupid researches...It's my-"

Vlad put his hand on her head "Twilight, how would you know that would happen? I mean...Are you Diavolo or something?"

Twilight got confused "Wh-..Ohhh~"

Vlad started to pet her "What about this. If I get hurt, I'm granting you a wish, hm?" he winked "You have one right now by the way"

Twilight wiped tears away "Yeah...sniff...I accept your offer" she thought for a second "Uhm...Could you continue..?"

Vlad blinked few times "Wait...Did you actually like uhh..." he was confused "Alright I guess?"

Twilight smiled "Tha-...Oh~ Right there..."

Vlad moved his hand behind her ears "You ponies are so soft...Like marshmallows"

Twilight closed her eyes in delight "I never thought it would feel so good...Those arms of yours..."

Vlad sighed "Man that's getting awkward..." he pulled his palm away.

Twilight blinked few times "Oh...I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable..."

Vlad shrugged "It's fine...So uhm...Night?"

Twilight yawned "Night..."

Vlad stood up and walked upstairs.

'I wonder what Luna will do with my hair tonight..."

Vlad washed himself and went into his room. After making himself comfortable, he closed his eyes and fell asleep...
> Chapter 4: Sudden Changes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time for useles Flashback~

Vlad and Danya were in the library. 

Danya groaned "Vlaaad...Why are we wasting out holidays HERE?"

Vlad was calmly reading "Today I'm chosing the activity. Besides, you better be quiet, we don't want to be banned from here..." he adjusted his glasses.

Danya hit table with his head "Yaarn...Bookworm..."

Vlad answered "Whatever you say..." he finished another book "Well, if you have any other ideas, I could let you choose today's activity"

Danya's eyes sparkled "Oh! Karaoke!"

Vlad looked at his friend surprised "Uh...Are you sure about it?"

Danya snapped his fingers "ABSOLUTELY!"

Librarian approached from behind "Shh! It's your second warning already!"

Vlad crossed arms on his chest and Danya sweated a bit "Oh uhm...Apologies?"

Few minutes later...

Friends were walking down the street. It's was kinda quiet, and Danya was humming some melody to himself. 

Vlad sighed "You DO realize that I'm better as a backup, right?"

Danya pointed his finger into nowhere "That's right! That's why I need you to sing with me!"

Vlad looked at his finger "...stop doing that. We are not in an anime..."

Danya shrugged "Hey! It's summer and we are going in the karaoke!"

Vlad sighed "Good grief..." he lowered his cap.

Danya pushed him from behind "And you're telling me that we are not in anime?!"

Vlad mysteriously smiled "Who said that we can't change it?"

Danya pointed both of his fingers at Vlad "Now THAT'S my boy!"

Vlad sighed "I was waiting to say it for 2 damn days!"

Danya chuckled "Well, we are here anyway!"

They stopped near dark building. Streets here were more alive. Music and singing could be heard from the inside of building.

Danya put his hand down on Vlad's shoulder "Dont worry! We will sing something that we both know!"

Vlad shrugged "You know me well enough...Choose yourself"

They put on their masks and entered building. It was a bit dark inside. Stage was kinda too big, but it's size allowed two persons on it.

Vlad sat down on sofa and put arms on table. Danya was talking to the guy behind the stand. Soon enough, he joined Vlad with two cans of soda.

Danya threw orange one to Vlad "There ya go"

Vlad caught it and smirked "Fanta? Man, you are the best!"

Danya fell on the sofa near Vlad "You are welcome. We will sing in 15 minutes or so"

Vlad shrugged "Eh, I just hope I won't faint after getting noticed by so many people"

Danya opened his red can "Well, can't help there!"

They enjoyed their drinks and talked a bit. After few songs, Danya noticed their names on screen.

He stood up "Well, are you ready?"

Vlad looked at song and his eyes widened "Are you insane?"

Daniel shrugged "You said that I can choose song...You saw this one coming!"

Vlad sighed "Man...I wish it was Persona 5 music...Whatever, let's do it!" 

They walked towards the stage. 

The song that they had to sing was  called Red Sun

Equestria...

Twilight was downstairs, drinking coffee. Spike was doing his chores.

Dragon looked at Vlad's door "Strange...Is he still sleeping?"

Twilight looked at the same direction "Perhaps. I'm still trying to figure out his sleeping time"

Suddenly, somepony knocked at the door. Spike jumped down and walked to it.

He then opened the door "Oh, hello Fluttershy!"

She smiled "Hello there, Spike"

Twilight looked at her friend "I suppose you are here for the game?"

Fluttershy nodded "Oh, yes. I got interested in it"

She entered the library, and Spike wanted to close the door when he noticed AppleJack and Rarity.

AppleJack waved with her hoof "Heya, fella!"

Rarity looked at Spike with smile "Hello there"

Spike smiled as well "Oh, hello there!"

Twilight pointed at couch "Make yourself at home...Tea? Coffee?" she levitated her cup away.

AppleJack opened her saddlebags "Ah brought cider" there were some bottles of apple liquid.

Spike JUST closed the door when he heard another knocking.

He opened the door "Oh, hello there, Lyra"

Lyra waved her hoof "Heyaa! BonBon will come soon!"

Twilight put hoof to her chin "We will need more places..."

Spike shrugged "Can't we just play on floor? I mean, Vlad said that nothing is required to play so..."

Twilight looked at Spike "That's...Actually a good idea!"

Suddenly, light blue figure flew into the house "Heya everypony! If I'm right, I heard word 'Cider' "

AppleJack sighed "My my..."

Pinkie Pie bounced inside library "Aand I'm here!" Door closed on it's own after she entered, which made Spike confused.

Everypony started to prepare place. After placing foods and drinks on nearby table, they sat in a circle.

Rarity looked around "So uhm...Where is Vlad?"

Twilight sighed "Still sleeping..."

Rainbow Dash snorted "Man...How is it possible to sleep for so long?"

AppleJack smirked "Same question for ya"

Rainbow Dash flew up "Nah! I will wake him up!"

Fluttershy argued "But he needs some sleep after yesterday troubles!"

Lyra continued "Besides, it's dangerous to wake human up...At night at least"

Rainbow Dash flew upstairs and opened the door. Vald was sleeping under the blanket quietly.

She approached and pushed him a bit "Oi! Wake up! I'm bored!"

Vlad just turned another side and mumbled "..Danya...leave me 'lone..."

Rainbow Dash snorted "Hmpf! I could go easy on you but..." she landed on his chest and started jumping "WAKE, UP! WAKE, UP!"

Twilight looked through the door "Rainbow! What are you doing?!"

Fluttershy gasped "You can hurt him!"

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie appeared near Vlad and pulled out comically large air horn "Rise and shiiine!" 

Lyra ran in the room "PINKIE NOOO!"

Very loud noice made Vlad and Rainbow Dash fall down. Luckily, pegasus landed on human's back.

Vlad groaned "What the actual...UGH MY EARS!"

Rainbow Dash put hoof on her forehead "Aw man...Hey! You are finally awake!"

Vlad sighed "Yeah yeah...What's the emergency anyway...And why are you sitting on me?"

Rainbow Dash flew up and landed near to human "Man, did you forget about MINE revenge?"

Vlad stood up and stretched "Oh, right! I suppose that others are downstairs?"

Twilight nodded "Yeah! We are waiting for you and BonBon"

Rainbow Dash flew downstairs "Come on! Don't make me use force!" 

Twilight sighed and followed her. Fluttershy, Lyra  and Vlad went downstairs as well. They joined the lap and human looked around.

Vlad asked "So your sisters are not joining us today?"

AppleJack shrugged "Well, Mac and Granny are back and girls wanted to have some fun on farm..."

Vlad nodded "Alright...Did you have breakfast already?"

Everypony but Pinki Pie nodded.

Vlad sighed "Whelp, guess while we are waiting..." he stood up "Pinkie, mind helping me a bit?"

Pinkie Pie nodded with smile and pulled comically large frying pan out of nowhere "I brought the stuff!"

Vlad took the pan "Great! Just the ting I needed...What?" everypony looked at human confused "I mean...She had the needed thing...Ah whatever!"

Lyra tilted her head "Just what are you going to make with THIS pan?"

Suddenly, Vlad shouted "MAKING THE MOTHER OF ALL OMELETS!" intense music started to play out of nowhere and it made everypony confused.

Pinkie Pie saluted "What do we need?"

Vlad pointed his finger out "Step 1: GET 24 EGGS!"

Everyponie's eyes were wide opened.

Rarity talked "Darling...That's WAY too much!"

Twilight continued "Besides, those are the only eggs I have left!..Not like I was eating them a lot, but-"

Vald and Pinkie ran into the kitchen. A lot of strange sounds could be heard from it. 

Sooner, Vlad's voice could be heard again "Step 2: THROW EVERY EGG ON THE PAN!"

Insert HowToBasic egg barrage sound

Pinkie Pie gasped "Wow! This is so much fun!"

Vald continued "Step 3: Add sault and something for your taste" he said it calmly "I will put cheese and green stuff as well"

Everypony shared confused look. Knocking on the door could be heard once again.

Spike approached the door and opened it "Oh! Hello BonBon, we were waiting for you!"

Earth pony with beige coat and blue-pink mane was standing at the door "Yeah sorry, I was looking for my keys...What is that awesome smell?"

Now that everypony sniffed the air, they noticed that it smelled indeed good.

Vlad once again said something "And the last step...BURN THE EGGS!..Wait...WHERE DID YOU GET THIS BARREL OF GAS?! F-"

Wall of fire came out of the kitchen, surprisingly, without damaging house.

Vlad leaned on a wall and coughed few times "Sorry...I just HAD to do it this way...At least once in my life"

Pinkie Pie bounced out of kitchen with pan in her mouth "Buf fe coulh mahe it!"

There was a perfectly looking and smelling giant omlete. It had cheese and onion on it.

Rainbow Dash sniffed the air "Were you always able to cook so good?"

Vlad put hand on his chin "No actually...Anyway, who wants a slice?.." he FINALLY noticed new face "Oh hello there! I suppose you are BonBon?"

BonBon clipped her eyes confused "Uh, yeah...And I suppose you are the human...Lyra told me about you, too much though"

Lyra put hoof behind her head "Whoopsie, hehe!"

Vlad grabbed pan "So uh...Noone wants piece of this? Me and Pinkie are going to eat it!"

Rainbow, BonBon and Lyra raised their hooves.

Some time later...

NOW they were sitting in the circle. Human put on his glasses that he got yesterday (Which made him look cute somehow)

Vlad started explaining the rules "It's very easy to play Truth or Dare! Basically, you choose someo-...Somepony and they choose Truth or Dare (Obviously). If they choose Truth  you ask them question"

Spike looked at Vlad "And how do we know if they are not lying?"

Vlad shrugged "Just belive in each other...And now the part that Rainbow was waiting for. Dare! If they choose Dare, you tell 'em to do something! Like uhh...Do a flip or anything else, you know"

Rainbow Dash cowardly giggled "Well well well...Let's start then, shall we?"

Vlad sighed "Good grief..." he pointed at Spike "He is starting anyway...Go ahead I guess?"

Spike blinked few times "Oh uh...Fluttershy! Truth or Dare?"

Fluttershy answered "Truth..."

Spike put claws to his chin "Hm...Have you ever saw something like Vlad before?"

Vlad face palmed "Aw man..."

Fluttershy thought for a second "The only thing he is comparable with are apes..."

Vlad shrugged "Well, you are partly right...Now it's your turn!"

Fluttershy looked at BonBon "Uhm...Truth or Dare?"

BonBon shrugged "Eh, let it be dare"

Fluttershy looked at pile of candies near her "May I have the red one?"

BonBon picked the candy up "There you go" she gave Fluttershy the candy "Cherry flavored"

And so they played for 10 more minutes. Suddenly, they noticed that sky became darker. Then, rain became to fall. 

BonBon sighed "My my...Well, at least today is my day off so-"

Suddenly, lightning thundered. Fluttershy gasped and hugged Vlad's hand, shaking.

Human sighed "Ouch..."

Fluttershy blinked few times and calmed down "S-sorry..."

Vlad shrugged "Eh...So, was it Dash?"

Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof at Vlad "Oi! Truth or Dare?!"

Vlad thought for himself 'Huh...Now it's my turn...If I pick truth, she won't be satisfied and will keep calling me...Whelp, at least I will die in an epic way'

Human pointed his finger back "I choose DARE!"

Everypony gasped and looked back at Rainbow.

She menacingly chuckled and rubbed her hooves "Well...You will have to..."

Few moments later...

Everypony was looking at Rainbow Dash confused. She was laying in human's lap, delighted.

Pegasus stretched and exhaled "Ah! The best place in library!"

Vlad sighed "I won't even ask ..Anyway!" he looked at his surrounding "Oi, Lyra!"

Lyra got confused "Oh! Uhh...Truth!"

Vlad raised his eyebrow "How did you know about humans?"

Lyra sighed "It was long ago..."

Insert clouds effect here...

Lyra continued "I was around 7 years old when-"

Vlad interrupted her "OK, you saw humans in your dream or what?"

Lyra snapped out of her reality "Oh uhm...Basically?"

Vlad shrugged "Eh...Knew that"

Lyra looked at Rarity "Well...Truth or Dare?"

Rarity put hoof to her chest "For sure I'm chosing truth!"

Rainbow Dash looked at Vlad, he was listening to Rarity and Lyra talking.

She thought for herself 'Can't belive he fought that Timber Wolf...I mean, he is so calm right now. And man...It's so comfy here!'

Vlad shrugged at Pinkie's question "Guess I will go with truth?"

Pinkie Pie smiled "Do you know any good recipes?"

Vlad thought for a second "Guess I do...Like, blini...Those are going good with anything!"

Rainbow Dash opened her eye "Man, you gotta cook those sometime!"

Vlad shrugged "Eh...I could!"

Vlad turned to AppleJack "Hey! What are you chosing?"

AppleJack drank some cider "Amma choose Dare!"

Vlad pointed at Rainbow Dash "Uh...Some help here?"

AppleJack smiled "I got cha!"

Rainbow Dash blinked few times "Eh? Uhh...Apple Jack? What are you doing with this lasso?"

AppleJack menacingly approached Rainbow Dash  "Dare is a Dare Dash.. "

Vlad sighed "No wait, I meant like..."

Rainbow Dash sat near to human "Hmpf!"

AppleJack smirked and pointed her hoof at Vlad "What cha choose?"

Vlad shrugged "Truth..."

AppleJack tilted her head "How did ya appear in Equestria?"

Vlad sweated a bit "Oh well uh...I don't know myself!"

AppleJack nodded and closed her eyes "Ah see..." she sniffed the air "But.."

Vlad raised his eyebrow "But?"

AppleJack approached Vlad "This smell..." she stood just a meter away from human "IS A SMELL OF A LIAR!"

Everypony gasped and looked at Vlad.

Human stood up "Uh...Bathroom time!" he went upstairs.

Spike shrugged "He doesn't like to talk about it..."

Next hour or two they were continuously drinking and eating...Everypony except Spike and Vlad were...Drunk!

Spike sighed "Just...Ugh..."

Vlad sighed as well "Guess we have to at least cover them with blankets..."

They managed to find enough blankets to cover their friends. They then went downstairs into the basement and started playing games. Sooner, Spike blurped out a letter.

Vlad sighed "Aww man! We were so close!"

Spike turned off their 'Hoove Station' and opened the letter "Oh, it's for Twilight!"

Vlad groaned "Ah yes...Just in time!"

Spike opened the letter and read it. The more he went through it, the bigger his eyes were.

Vlad pushed Spike a bit "Uh...Are you alive?"

Spike looked at Vlad and chuckled nervously "Hah! All 3 Princesses want Twilight, her friends and you appear in Cantherlot..."

Vlad face palmed "Good grief...Can you write back to them about uhm..."

Spike was writing on a paper "On it...And...Done!" he then put letter on green fire and looked upstairs.

Vlad stood up "Let's check on them?"

Spike crawled on his shoulder "Yep! Let's go"

They went upstairs and noticed that Rainbow Dash was awake. She was trying to fly up, but was always falling down.

Vlad sighed "Rainbow, you need some rest"

Rainbow Dash approached human with a grin on her face "And...How do y-Hiccup!g-gonna make huh?! I'm t...the F-FASTEST!"

Vlad looked at Spike confused "Uh...Is she .."

Spike nodded "Mhm...Oi, I noticed how you massaged Twilight's head yesterday, maybe try to do it with Rainbow?"

"OI! D-DID YOU FORGET ABOUT MEH?!"

Vlad sighed "Fine...How will it help though.."

Rainbow Dash looked at Vlad with grin "Heh! You are af-afraid eh?! That's r-...O-oi! What are y-" she suddenly melted in smile and closed her eyes.

Vlad was scratching her head and ears "Dude...That feels awkward..."

Spike agreed "Yeah...Prob-" he blurped another letter down.

Vlad sat on the floor and picked it up, while scratching Rainbow Dash "Spike?" he gave it to his friend.

Dragon opened the letter "Oh...They are telling that they will arrive here...NOW?!"

Vlad put finger to Spike's moth "Shush!..Guess we are going upstairs..."

Rainbow Dash hugged Vlad's hand "Nuh uh...I'm Hiccup...Not done...yet..."

Vlad wheezed "Man...THAT'S why I didn't do it at the first place..."

Spike chuckled "PFT...I will meet them upstairs..." he jumped down from Vlad's shoulder "Have a good time, you two~"

Vlad pointed at Spike "Oh, I will remember that!"

He sighed and continued to 'massage' Rainbow Dash.

Meanwhile...Canterlot...

Cadence laughed non stop "No way! PFFT! TWILIGHT IS DRUNK?" 

Celestia sighed "Seems like it...But we still need to make sure that human and they are safe" she was holding the same knife that was launched at Vlad with her magic.

Luna looked at her sister "Why would Changelings attack young human?"

Celestia put hoof to her chin "I suppose Chrysalis is afraid of him. Though I thought she would like to drain his love..."

Luna sighed "Then we must not hesitate! Let's go, shall we?"

Cadence inhaled "Wait...Let me get camera!"

Ponyville...

Spike was waiting at Vlad's room...Sudden flash made him fall down, but he got caught with Cadence's magic.

Spike exhaled "Phew! Thank you Princess..."

Cadence put him down "Hello again, Spike!"

Luna looked around "And where is the human?"

Spike grinned "Oh, Vlad is pleasing Rainbow Dash downs-"

Luna gasped and ran out of the room, confusing everyone.

She looked downstairs and noticed that Vlad was scratching pegasus's head and ears "Oh..."

Vlad looked upstairs and waved with his injured hand "Yo, Luna!"

She raided her hoof as well with confused face "Y-yo?"

Celestia and Cadence left the room as well and noticed that everypony were sleeping.

Cadence approached Twilight and took a photo "And it goes into my collection~"

Vlad bowed a bit "I assume you are the Princess of Love?"

Cadence turned around "I am indeed. My name is Cadence"

Vlad returned to his previous position "My name is Vlad, pleasure to meet you in person"

Celestia went downstairs with Spike "Greetings, Vlad"

Vlad looked at knife that Celestia was carrying "Hm? Oh, I remember this knife!" he shaked a bit "Brr...Oversized bug pony..."

Cadence took a photo of Vlad and Rainbow Dash as well "Mhm! I think she will like it!"

Vlad coughed politely "So uhm...What did you want to talk about, your majesty?"

Celestia approached Vlad "You are in a big danger. Chrysalis, Queen of Changelings wants to take you out"

Vlad memorized something about her "Oh...Right...Is she scared of me or what?"

Luna looked at Vlad's arm "She is scared of your power. Ability to infinitely become stronger just by existing..."

Vlad blinked few times "Now that you put it this way...Yeah, I can understand her..."

Spike approached Vlad and sat on his shoulder "So uhm...What are we gonna do about it?"

Cadence smiled "Well, we thought that we could let you live in Canterlot palace!"

Vlad shaked a bit "Uh...Why?"

Celestia pointed at ponies in the room "They could be in danger"

Vlad looked around and sighed "Well, guess I can agree with you...Besides I think that they are slowly getting used to my uhh..." he moved his fingers a bit.

Celestia smiled warmly "Very well then. It's not too late to get onto the train for you"

Vlad tilted his head "What? I thought you could uh...Teleport?"

Cadence shrugged "We are not sure how Teleportation is going to affect you. And besides, my dearest husband is already waiting for you at station!"

Vlad sighed "Guess I didn't have a choice...Whelp!" he stood up and approached his room "Give me 5 minutes!"

Spike looked at Princesses "Uh...So that means he is going away..."

Luna nodded "It's for yours and his safety"

Spike shrugged "I mean...In his freetime he helped others a lot...But I guess that's better for all of us"

Few minutes later...

Vlad entered the station with Spike on his shoulder and umbrella in his hand "Hm...Shining Armour?"

White pony with blue mane turned around "Whoa! You are...Bigger than I expected! Hey Spike!"

Spike waved his claw "Heya!"

Vlad put away his umbrella "And you look pretty buff, you know?"

Stallion smiled "Well, let's go, shall we?"

Vlad nodded and put Spike down "Will you be able to get to the library yourself?"

Spike smirked "Aw come on! It's not like I'm going to get kidnapped by ch-...Oh..."

Vlad sighed "Uhm...Mr. Armor, are you sure they are going to be safe?"

Shining Armor saluted to Vlad "Yeah! After all, Twilight is my sister!"

Vlad looked shocked "Oh...I see..." he coughed in his fist "So uhm...Spike, I left some notes about my current magic in my bedroom. Give those to Twilight and Lyra"

Spike saluted "Aye aye!"

Shining Armor looked curious "So it was true...You have magic?"

Vlad stood up "Kinda, if you want, I can tell you about it on train" he looked at Spike "Take care!"

Spike gun pointed at human "Same for ya!"

Vlad and Shining Armor boarded the train. There were no ponies in this part of train.

"You know, to make your ride better!" Shining explained.

Vlad shrugged "I mean...I do look kinda scary"

They sat near window. Vlad waved to Spike and sooner their train departed.

Shining Armor looked at Vlad "So...How was my sister treating you?"

Vlad chuckled "Don't worry man, it's not like I'm going to do something with her..."

Shining Armour face hoofed "No, I mean-"

Vlad continued "Besides I'm just 15! I mean, even in my world it's kinda early for this kind of stuff"

Shining Armour looked at Vlad shocked "YOU ARE 15?! I thought you are much older like...19 or 20!"

Vlad looked at stallion confused "Why?"

Shining Armour put hoof behind his head "I mean...Two fights in one day..."

Vlad shrugged "Eh...Playing a lot of video games, reading enough of fantasy books and watching anime made the thing I guess? Don't ask what anime is, too long to explain!"

Shining Armour looked in Vlad's eyes "I mean...If everyone in your world are-"

Vlad groaned "Man stop talking about my world already!" he crossed arms on his chest "My home is BORING!"

Shining Armour shaked his head "Not that, I meant your urge to protect somepony. Are uhm...All humans like you?"

Vlad answered "Nope! I think you ponies are too cute to let me see you get hurt" 

Shining Armour sighed "Let's talk about something else..."

Vlad apologized "Yeah...Don't know what got in me. I mean, I'm not always that edgy"

Shining Armour looked at his palms "So I heard you could uh...Summon some kind of panel"

Vlad sighed "Due to the injury I can't summon it. That means I can't get stronger...At least with magic...For now"

Shining Armour nodded "Hm I see...So uh, what do you think about Equestria?"

Vlad shrugged "Pretty good so far...I mean, you guys are kind, and it's not boring at all here. Though I will need to find a job sooner or later..."

Shining Armour sighed "Well, can't help here..." he smirked "Can't belive Chrysalis got scared of you!"

Vlad rolled his eyes "Can't blame her...I mean, my magic can form anything that I imagine...And mine imagination is...Not pure at all"

Shining Armour sweated a bit "Yeah...Let's just hope you won't be our enemy..."

Vlad smiled "Don't worry man! I promise to use it ONLY in combat...The dark part I mean, I still want to get used to my everyday magic"

Shining Armour exhaled "By the way, I heard about your magic. It's quite...Interesting"

Vlad nodded "Yeah...I recently realized I can also cast spells...Like, actually spells! Not channeling my energy"

Shining Armour raised his eyebrow "Oh wow! Guess you are full of surprises"

Vlad yawned "Man...I feel sleepy all of the sudden..."

Shining Armour looked out if the window "Guess trip will take some time..."

Vlad made himself comfortable and fell asleep...

When he opened his eyes, he was in his dream...But something was not right.

"Ah...Greetings human..." voice was all over the place.

Vlad sighed "Dammit...And there we go! Mega villain that wants me on their side!"

Voice got confused "Wait wh-...How did you know?!"

Vlad sat on the red sofa "Intuition. Anyway, I'm rejecting your offer, you can go away"

Badass laugher could be heard all around his 'world' "Then I have no choice but to ELEMINATE you!"

Vlad sighed "OK look, how are you going to 'eliminate' me in MY world?"

Chrysalis finally appeared before him "Since when did I tell you that I'm going to attack you here?" she put hoof on her chest "Though it would take no t-"

Vlad backed off "HOLY SHIMATA, ARE YOU THAT BUG PONY?!"

Chrysalis raised her eyebrow "Mortal, it's CHANGELING! Not b-"

Vlad suddenly leaned towards her with glasses on his face "Though if I take a better look...You look kinda cute. Beautiful I'd even say"

Chrysalis's eyes widened "What are you-"

Vlad suddenly appeared behind her and aimed something at her "You are too slow!"

Chrysalis turned around "And you hope to defeat ME, the Queen of Changelings with this yellow th-"

Vlad shot it and two wires connected to Chrysalis's neck. She fell down, shaking.

Vlad sighed "Man...Tasers are really nasty, aren't they?"

Chrysalis's eyes sparked with fury "YOU,DISGUSTING HUMAN!"

Vald sighed "Actually, the thing about your cuteness was true..." he raised his hand.

Chrysalis grit her teeth "I will take my revenge! Just you wait, I have you just where I want!"

Vlad's eye shined with bright red "Get out of my realm..." he held something in his hand.

Chrysalis gulped and...Vlad hit her head with bat, doing 'Bonk!' sound. 

Queen woke up.

Chrysalis groaned "This creature..." 

She looked at her Changelings. They were the best of her hive. Each of them had dagger and some armor.

Chrysalis pointed at bridge "CHANGELINGS! BRING ME THIS HUMAN!"

Vlad woke up "Shining Armour, I met Chrysalis in my dream" he took off his glasses and put them in case.

Stallion looked at human shocked "WHAT?! Are y-"

Vlad interrupted him "'They will attack sooner! We need to protect everypony!"

Shining Armour blinked few times "Uh...Alright, I guess?" he then ran to the door.

Vlad looked into the window "Dammit...It would be better if I bought some time..." he noticed some black figures flying towards bridge.

Luckily, there were very few ponies on train. They now were in one place, and Shining Armour ran back to get Vlad.

When he appeared in the needed place, human was looking into the window "Come on! We got everypony in one place!"

Vlad crunched his neck and knuckles "You know what? I will take the fight"

Shining Armour looked shocked "YOU...You stand no chance against them! They are elite, best of best! Only by staying together we can have chance to win!"

Vlad put finger to his chin "Well...Actually you are right. Lead the way!"

Shining Armour sighed "Good this you are not like me..."

Sooner, everypony and not so pony were in one carriage. Surprisingly for Shining Armour, Vlad was able to communicate with other ponies without experiencing discomfort. Same applied to other ponies.

Vlad was finishing his thought "...and that's why I think board games are awesome!"

Young pony with light green coat nodded "Yeah! I mean, they can be entertaining AND epic!"

Pegasus filly with pink coat tilted her head "But I thought that rules are making games boring!"

Vlad smirked "Well, who said that you can't change them or create new rules?" he pointed finger to his head "Think outside the box!"

Colt put hoof to his chin "Huh...I never actually thought about that!"

Filly gasped "Wait, that means I can finally make chess interesting to play for others!"

Vlad turned to Shining Armour "Pft...Never thought that I could communicate with kids easily"

Shining chuckled "Well, guess you could work as a foalsitter!" 

Colt snorted "I'm not a kid! I'm almost 14!"

Filly crossed hooves on her chest "Hmpf, maybe I'm young, but it doesn't mean that I can't be left alone!"

Vlad shrugged "Yeah yeah, just be happy untill you can" he stood up and looked at Shining Armour "...I think we got lucky enough to lose 'em!"

Shining Armour sighed with relief "Well...That's a good th-"

Suddenly, one of glasses shattered and pieces flew towards passenger. Before Shining Armour could do anything, Vlad covered filly and colt. Shining Armour covered others with his magic (Vlad was covered in shell of course).

Vlad looked at filly and colt "Phew! Guess I don't have to ask if you are ok"

Colt slowly nodded "Y-yeah...Thank you.."

Filly looked amazed "What is your name?"

Vlad stood up and put two fingers to his head "Vlad at your service!..As long as it's not dealing with insects.."

Shining Armour looked back at Vlad confused "You are scared of insects?"

Vlad nodded "Yep, a lot. Thought  changelings are not scary, not as much as l-"

One of the passengers screamed "SWEET CELESTIA WHAT IS THAT?!"

Chrysalis's eyes were seen through the darkness "Perhaps even my elite can't be as fast as your train is...But I'm the Queen after a-"

Vlad punched her in face "Good grief, shut up already. You are making me lose my patience!" he looked angry "You could hurt the innocent kids! Don't drag others into this!"

Everypony looked at Vlad shocked.

Chrysalis hissed and grabbed him with magic "I'm taking you with me! I will make you pay for your actions!"

Shining Armour tried to save human, but Queen was able to bring him out of reach.

Vlad shouted "TELL EVERYONE AT TOWN THAT I don't regretdyingthis way! "

Shining Armour looked down into the darkness "VLAAD!!"

Vlad sighed "Well, what now?" he was falling with 'meh' expression.

Chrysalis grinned "I will explode the bridge!" she casted a spell and wanted to throw it "I sure feed on love, but making you suffer will be the best reward!"

Vlad grabbed her horn "Nuh uh! You wont!" his armor was still active.

Chrysalis gasped "You...LET ME GO YOU MORON!"

Vlad smirked "Well well well...Now you are not so brave huh? Besides, how deep is this hole?"

Chrysalis didn't answer his question...

Shining Armour saw a flash and the a giant explosion.

Stallion looked shocked "I was given just one task...To bring a kid into a Canterlot..." he breathed hardly and some tears fell down from his face "He was just a filly...Just a young guy who wanted to never bother anypony...Why?.."

Meanwhile, down part of bridge...

Chrysalis was able to survive the explosion (It was her magic after all). She retreated ASAP, without even bothering to look for human.

'Tch! He couldn't survive it...But...I didn't want it to end this way...It would be just an illusionary spell but then...TSK!' 

She flew away, looking for her 'elites', not noticing small flash in the bush...

Two years later, Castle of Friendship... 

Twilight Sparke was finishing her sentence "...even though we knew human for a few days, he left an impact on us...After I visited another world, I realized that Vlad was not from it..." she sighed "If it wasn't to that cider...If it wasn't to ME!.."

Starlight put her hoof at Princess's shoulder "Twilight...I'm sure that he wanted each of you to have a good life! Would Vlad be happy if he saw you sad like this?"

Twilight sniffed "After what Shining told me, I made sure to never leave my friends alone with their problems" she then smiled "You are right! I will not dissapoint him!"

Starlight sighed "Guess I will thank him later for this..."

Twilight exhaled "Thank you...I feel better after talking about it with somepony who didn't know about it..."

Starlight smiled "You are welcome! Besides, I couldn't do this paperwork myself!" she put bunch of paper near Twilight's table "After all, you are the one who founded this school eh?"

Twilight groaned "Should have seen this coming..."

It was an after-school time. All students were outside the castle having fun, in library and other places. It's being quite a long time since school was opened, and it got quite popular.

Smolder was walking around the town, when she saw a weird looking dragon. He was as big as she was. Stranger was wearing grey sweater and a glove on left hand. His body was light blue and yellow colour. Scales on his body looked sharper and more detailed than they are supposed to be. Dragon's chin and ears had sharp ends. His tail had yellow spikes and yellow rhombus on it's end.

Smolder approached him from behind "Well well well! And who are YOU supposed to be?"

Dragon shaked a bit and turned around "Oh...Uh, hello there uhh?"

Smolder crossed arms on her chest "It's Smolder, never saw you around here. New to Ponyville?"

Dragon put hand behind his head and smiled nervously "Uh yeah, kinda"

Smolder looked in his eyes "Whoa! What is wrong with your eyes?"

This dragon's eyes pupils were different colors. Right one was brown, and left one was light blue.

Dragon snorted "You know, it was kinda rude...Anyway, my name is Vl-" he suddenly coughed politely in his fist "I mean...My name is Ferum"

Smolder put claws to her ching and narrowed her eyes "You are kinda sus-"

Voice from behind caused Smolder to lose her thought "Heya Smolder! What do you have here?"

It were her friends Silverstream along with Ocellus. 

Changeling looked at the stranger "Oh, hello there Sir. How may we help you?"

Ferum groaned "Aw come on...I'm just 15!"

Silverstream gasped "Oh, sorry my friend's rudeness! We didn't know!" 

Dragon sighed "Actually, I kinda need help..." he caught their attention "I lost my bag somewhere in town. You know, brown with metal things on it...Though I can't really understand what is their purpose"

Smolder shrugged "Heh...Guess we can help you!"

Ferum looked at her with small smile "Really?"

Silverstream nodded "Yeah! Let's do it!"

Ferum sighed "Thank you so much, I was ready to give up!"

Girls flew up and looked around. Ferum continued searching.

Smolder looked a bit confused "Why are you not going up?"

Ferum shrugged "Well, I never actually used my wings..."

Every creature looked at dragon confused.

Silverstream chuckled "Well, that explains why you couldn't find it!"

They flew around the Ponyville, while Ferum was asking locals about his thing.

While girls were flying, Ocellus asked "Didn't you notice something strange about this dragon?"

Smolder chuckled "Well, he DOES wear clothes and DOESN'T use wings! THAT'S strange!"

Ocellus shaked her head "No, I noticed some kind of shape-shifting magic..."

Silverstream nodded "Yeah, I saw some kind of weak aura around his body too. Though he seems friendly!"

Smolder suddenly stopped "Wait wait wait! You are telling me that he can be a spy?"

Ocellus looked back "Well, not really. He could use another kind of magic that is LIKE shape-shifting. Maybe to hide something embarrassing?"

Silverstream put claw to her chin "Though I must agree, his clothes look kinda awesome!"

Smolder groaned "Fake alert again UGH!" 

20 minutes later, they landed in the park and sat on a bench.

Ocellus sighed "Maybe he already found his bag?"

Smolder shrugged "Well...We tried to help him! I mean, we looked through the whole town an-"

Silverstream pointed at nearby bench "Hey look! There it is!"

There was brown bag with metal zipper on it. It wasn't big.

Ocellus smiled "Now we just need to find Ferum!"

Smolder grinned "OR...We can inspect it...You know, to be sure"

Silverstream gasped "But it's rude...And bad...And-"

Smolder put her claw on hippogriff's beak "Aw come on! I'm sure he won't be mad!" she then approached the bag and opened it.

Ocellus gasped "Smolder! Stop it!"

Smolder tilted her head "There is just a small notebook...Two pens...What is that?" she pulled out green case.

Silverstream tilted her head "Huh? It has something inside?"

Ocellus sighed "It won't end well..."

Meanwhile...

Vlad (in dragon form of course) was walking around the Ponyville. It completely changed! There is no Library. And that castle...

But there was only one thought on his mind...

'SERIOUSLY?! FERUM?! Good grief...Guess it's better than Shugar Free or something like that'

Vlad sighed "How did I end up here..."

Two years ago. Unknown location...

Vlad opened his eyes and looked around. It was his dream again.

Vlad sighed "Whelp, at least I died in an epic way!"

He opened his Panel. 

Vlad blinked few times "Wait...Since when did I..."

He was level 20. Also his Panel said that he will 'Respawn' in 2 minutes.

Vlad blinked few times "Wait...Does it mean that I survived?" he looked opened his Skill Trees "Huh...Well, I have four Fast Heals...and 16 points!" he then sighed "Man...Still gotta wait until I wake up...By the way, isn't Luna supposed to like, visit me?"

And so, 2 'minutes' have passed and Vlad stretched "Whelp, here I go!" he closed his eyes...

Vlad felt air pressure. He opened his eyes and noticed that he was falling. 

Human groaned "Shimata not aga-"

He landed near some kind of a lake. Human groaned and looked around, noticing old (and maybe abandoned) hut.

Vlad sighed "My my...Well, let's see..." he tried to open his Panel, but it didn't work "Strange...What does it-" he FINALLY noticed...

His left arm looked VERY damaged. Vlad fastly took off his shirt. It was fully red, though it didn't hurt. This 'injury' covered his arm and shoulder.

Vlad wanted to start screaming but... "Wait...It doesn't hurt at all" he then put his clothes back on "How am I supposed to upgrade my skills though..."

When he thought about upgrading, Panel appeared in his eyes. 

Vlad blinked few times "Oh, I see now...That's WAY better" he entered his 'Stats' tab "Health...Map...Time spent? I don't remem-" his eyes widened.

It said that he was in Equestria for 2 years now...

Vlad inhaled a lit of air and slowly exhaled it "Alright...So I was away for two damn years..." he opened his Panel again and upgraded 'Mana capacity' 5 times "That means they will probably think that I'm not real" he then noticed new tab.

Tab was called Spell Casting. After Vlad opened it, interface with text met him. 

'Welcome into the Spell Casting tab! By creating spell in this tab, you will be able to use it without any problems. That means that you will be able to cast it without using MANA. Please, enter the name of spell'

Vlad shrugged "Uh...Disguise!"

Interface changed 'This spell will allow you to change your body into another creature. You will not gain all abilities of the creature you have been turned to. On the other hand, abilities that are left will get boost.

Cost: 5 points'

Vlad shrugged "Eh! Probably good one!" he accepted the upgrade.

Interface changed once again 'To activate your Disquise, open Panel and enter Spell Casting tab!'

Vlad did what was said. His body started to reconstruct. Few moments later, Vlad noticed that his body changed. 

Hu-...Dragon looked at his body "Damn! I look sick!..And where are my pants now?" he then felt his wings and shaked "W-what is that feeling?! No, I better turn back"

He then turned back the same way. Luckily, his other clothes were back on.

Vlad stretched a bit "Alrighty, I have disquise...Now I need to figure out what to do now" he looked at the hut "Well, guess there is nothing more to do!"

Two days later...

Vlad thought for himself 'Then I found this notebook and pens...Luckily case with glasses was with me. Then I found a path and followed it. Strange, but I still don't feel hungry' he sighed 'I better focus on finding my bag, I mean, no one needs it, but who knows what might happen. After all, I was using it as my journal'

"Hey there! I heard you were looking for something!" voice called Vlad from behind.

Dragon turned around and saw light green earth pony with green mane "Uh yeah, I was looking for my bag...Brown, with metal things on it. Have you seen it somewhere?"

Stallion nods "Yeah, I saw it in the park. Want me to guide you? I mean, you look like you've never being to Ponyville before"

Vlad nodded "Yeah, that would be cool! What is your name?"

Sandbar smiled "My name is Sandbar! And you are?"

Dragon nodded "Name is Ferum, thank you for helping me"

Sandbar smirked "Well, let's go, shall we?"

They then started walking towards the park. Vlad told him something about himself (hiding part about being human).

Sandbar looked at Ferum surprised "Whoa! So you couldn't fly and breath fire since your birth? And you never ate gems?!"

Ferum shrugged "I don't think that I lost much. I mean, I HAVE wings and I can feel them. I just can't move them" he said the truth "Besides, my skin is harder than it should be. I'm good with those things"

Sandbar averted his eyes "Headmare Twilight Sparkle would be interested in your story. I mean, you are defenetly not from Dragon land..." he then looked at Ferum again "By the way, where are you from?"

Ferum sweated a bit and changed the topic "Uh..And who is Twilight Sparkle?"

Sandbar looked at Ferum shocked "You gotta live  REALLY far away!" 

He then started to explain who are Twilight and her friends. Sandbar also mentioned her 'School of Friendship' that is opened for every creature.

Ferum put left palm to his chin "Hm...Does it mean I can join you guys as well?"

Sandbar nodded "Yeah! They are giving room to every student that joins their school!" he then looked at Ferum "Besides, I'm sure you will find a lot friends there"

Ferum shrugged "Well, now I just HAVE to enroll! I mean, I think I finally found life that I was looking for!"

Sandbar smirked "I will help you with that later" he then pointed his hoof forward "I saw your bag he-" he looked confused.

Ferum looked at Sandbar "Huh? What is-" he noticed Smolder, Silverstream ad Ocellus inspecting his bag.

Smolder was wearing glasses "What is the point in wearing them?"

Ferum approached them from behind "AHEM!"

They jumped in place. 

Smolder hid glasses and bag behind her back "Oh uh...Heya!"

Ferum raised his eyebrow "And what is THAT supposed to mean?"

Ocellus sighed "Uhm...Sorry Ferum. Smolder was very interested in your identity and..."

Silverstream suddenly put glasses on Ferum's face "See? I told you Smolder, they fit him perfectly!"

Ferum got a bit confused "Alright uh...Thank you for helping me find it anyway"

Sandbar walked towards his friends "Oh, so you know each other already?"

Ferum shrugged "Kinda"

Smolder gave Ferum the bag "Well uh...There you go!"

Ferum took the bag "Yeah, thanks"

Silverstream looked at Sandbar "Heya! Is Ferum your friend?"

Sandbar put hoof behind his head "Uh, no. We just met and he told me about himself" he sighed "Man...Headmare Twilight is going to be VERY interested in his story!"

Every creature except for Ferum looked at Sandbar interested. 

Stallion looked at Ferum "Uh...Can I tell them?"

Ferum put on his bag "Yeah, I'm kinda too lazy to repeat it again" 

Group of creatures started to go towards the Castle. Sandbar told his friends everething about Ferum (except him not eating gems). Sooner, they approached the Castle of Friendship.

Sandbar finished his thought "...and now he is here!"

Silverstream gasped "Wow! You've being through a lot of troubles!"

Ferum shrugged "Well, I guess we can say so!"

Ocellus tilted her head "Uhm...Sorry for asking, but do you have any magical abilities?"

Ferum chuckled "Why would I have any?"

Ocellus sighed "Right..."

They entered the castle.

Sandbar pointed his hoof at nearest door "Now we need to find Twilight Sparkle. She will write your name in the students list"

Smolder's eyes widened "Wait, he is becoming a student?!"

Every creature looked at her confused.

Smolder crossed her arms on chest "I mean...He looks older than he actually is!"

Ocellus sighed "I'm sure that they will belive him"

Ferum put claw to his chin "Actually, Smolder is right. Even if I get enrolled, they will keep looking at me...I mean, I don't like being ALWAYS watched, you know?"

Silverstream giggled "Oh yeah! Like Sandbar watches Yo-"

Stallion put hoof on her mouth "Well, I think that we could call Miss AppleJack. She is an element of Honesty after all"

Ferum shrugged "Well, I guess I will need someo-...Somepony to lead the way to her office?"

Silverstream hummed for herself "Sorry, gotta find Gallus and Yona to tell them about ya!"

Sandbar sighed "Sorry man, I had some buisness in town"

Ferum smiled "It's absolutely fine. I mean, you guys helped me a lot already"

Hippogriff and stallion then left, leaving changeling and two dragons standing in a hall.

Smolder shrugged "Guess I'm showing you the way!"

Ocellus looked at her friend with grin "Smolder, you are getting lost in this castle quite often. I suppose it would be better if I lead the way"

They then started walking through the Castle. Surprisingly, they didn't meet any other students or teachers.

Smolder looked at Ferum's left arm "Sooo...Why are you wearing a glove?"

Ferum raised his arm "Just a reminder that I shouldn't rely on my luck too much" his face looked serious

Ocellus tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Ferum snorted "I actually wear it because it looks cool"

Smolder rolled her eyes "PFT! Weirdo"

Ferum shrugged "Can't deny it or agree"

Ocellus pointed her hoof at the big doors "Well, Headmare Twilight is supposed to be in her office now"

Ferum nodded "Uh huh...So I just enter and like...Ask to be enrolled?"

Smolder shrugged "I guess"

Ferum inhaled some air "Well, there goes nothing" he knocked at the door.

Twilight and Starlight just finished dealing with paperwork when they heard knocking. Both of them looked at the door confused. It was kinda rare for somepony to come to the Headmare after school day was over.

Twilight cleared her throat "Come inside!"

Door slowly opened and light blue dragon's head poked out of it "Uhm...Headmare Twilight?"

Twilight nodded "Yes, this is me. How may I help you? And why won't you come inside?"

Starlight giggled for herself 'Wow, never knew dragons could be shy'

Dragon blinked few times and entered the room. Twilight and Starlight tilted their heads. They never saw any dragons that wore clothes.

Twilight pointed her hoof at another chair "Please, take a sit Mr..?"

Dragon nodded and sat near to Starlight "My name is Ferum, and PLEASE don't call me Mr or Sir, I'm not that old"

Starlight tilted her head "Then how old are you?"

Twilight sighed "Starlight, it's not polite to ask such questions" she levitated cup of coffee to her mouth.

Ferum shrugged "Being straightforward is better, and I'm 15"

Twilight placed cup on her table "Alright, Ferum, why did you arrive at School of Friendship?"

Ferum shyly put left arm behind his head "Well...I heard a lot of good things about your school and well...I would like to become one of the students"

Twilight's eyes widened "For real?! You mean it?!"

Ferum made poker face and Starlight grinned "Well, who is being rude now? Scaring poor guy" she put hoof on dragon's shoulder "Don't worry, she...Eh?" she could swear that just a second ago she saw him closer.

Twilight coughed in her hoof and opened eyes "Excuse me for my behavior" she didn't notice anything strange "Of course you can enroll, though I will need to see your parents first"

Ferum sweated a bit 'Shimata...Didn't think about it. I better make it half true'

He averted his eyes "Uh...They are not in Equestria"

Starlight blinked few times "Wait, does it mean you arrived here all alone?"

Ferum shaked his head "Uh, kinda. I'm not sure where are my parents now. I got uh...Teleported here by accident. I was traveling across Equestria for around 2 years now...Not like I learned anything though"

Twilight's eyes widened "TWO YEARS?! All alone?!" she put her hooves on the table.

Ferum chuckled "Well, I did have few friends. So uh, is it possible to register me?"

Twilight calmed down "Uh, yes sure. Give me a second, I will get the needed papers..." she turned around and started to open cupboards.

Starlight looked at dragon's bag "So...What do you have here?"

Ferum waved his hand "Oh, just notebook, pens and other stuff" 

Starlight raised her eyebrow "And you were with those for two years?"

Ferum sighed "I actually got those two days ago"

Starlight put hoof to her chin "You do have some secrets, don't you?"

Ferum crossed arms on his chest "Of course I do! I mean, any living being does"

Starlight closed her eyes and nodded "True, true" she then opened one eye "What with the clothing though?"

Ferum suddenly turned away "It's a bit private"

Starlight grinned "Well, I will make sure t-"

Twilight put hoof on her head "Starlight, calm down!" she then levitated paper and pen onto the table "Sign here. After you do, this will mean that School will have full responsibility for you"

Ferum clipped few times "Just like that? I mean, no under water rocks?"

Twilight tilted her head "Why would I do so?"

Ferum chuckled "Right, you are the Princess after all" he then pulled out glasses from his bag.

Vlad thought for himself 'Good thing I didn't show off my case. I'm sure she would recognize it'

Ferum then put glasses on and wrote his name down. 

Starlight chuckled "And of course you are wearing glasses"

Ferum put away the pen and glasses "I mean, I'm wearing clothes. Wasn't this part obvious?"

Twilight put papers in her cupboard "Now, I will have to ask several questions about your diet and other things"

Starlight approached the door "Well, good luck there"

Ferum exhaled and his scales became...Softer? Now he looked smooth and a bit fluffy.

Dragon made a poker face "Huh?"

Twilight clipped few times and pulled out some paper "And perhaps I could ask even more questions, if it's ok with you of course"

Meanwhile...

Six students were waiting outside the Headmare's office. They were talking about Ferum.

Silverstream was talking to Yona and Gallus "Oh, did I mention that he is wearing glasses?"

Gallus snorted "You are probably pranking us! There is NO WAY that DRAGON would wear clothes AND glasses!"

Smolder shrugged "I thought so too"

Yona was looking at the door "Yona wants to see this dragon"

Sandbar put hoof to his chin "I wonder where he will live...Like, at school or somewhere in town?"

Yona and Gallus looked at Sandbar confused.

Ocellus explained "Well, he wanted to enroll in school, so we helped him to find the way here"

Gallus snorted "Poor guy doesn't realize what he is signing for..."

Yona looked at Gallus "Yona doesn't understand what do you mean"

The door opened and students stopped talking. 

Starlight closed the door behind her and looked at students confused "What are you all doing here?"

Stilverstream smiled "Oh, we are waiting for Ferum to enroll!"

Starlight wanted to mess with them.

Her face changed "Oh...Well, I have bad news for you then..."

Students looked at her confused.

Ocellus tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Starlight sighed "It turns out that..." she couldn't resist her grin.

Sandbar groaned "It's not funny!"

Starlight snorted "Fine fine, he is a student from now on. Right now, Ferum is talking with Headmare Twilight about his diet and other stuff"

Gallus sighed "I just hope he is not as annoying as Smolder"

Smolder leaned on the wall "Hmpf! Who says!"

Ocellus sighed "Guys, calm down!"

Suddenly, door opened once again, and Ferum walked out. 

He turned around and said "Uhm...I will tell you more after I deal with the problem"

Twilight's voice could be heard "Great, I will be waiting for you here today"

Ferum closed the door and looked back. Every creature was looking at him shocked, except for dragon.

Smolder was trying to hold her laugher back "You- PFTT.."

Starlight clipped few times "I literally left a minute ago...And how in the Celestia's name you were able to get rid of her so fast?"

When Ferum wanted to answer, Gallus finally talked "A dragon...Wearing clothes and glasses...THAT IS FLUFFY?! Now I have seen everething!"

Ferum groaned "OK look guys, I don't know what happened myself. The only thing I know for real is that I-" Loud growl could be heard from his stomach "...that I didn't eat for two days straight...Yeah..."

Ocellus giggled "You are probably the cutest dragon I've ever met..Wait, TWO DAYS STRAIGHT?"

Ferum facepalmed "Yeah, but im ok...And what was that part with my cutiness?"

Starlight coughed in her hoof "Ahem...I think that I have to show you around, right?"

Ferum shrugged "I dunno, would be nice to see the canteen first"

Starlight turned around "Follow me"

Dragon started to follow the unicorn. Other students followed them as well.

Ferum turned his head around "So uh...What are your names?"

Yak started "Yona is Yona"

Griffin continued "You can call me Gallus pal!"

Dragon put his glasses off "Call me Ferum"

Smolder finally calmed down and looked at Ferum with grin "So, what happened to you?"

Ferum shrugged "I don't know. I became a plushie for some reason"

Silverstream gasped "Can I hug you?"

Ferum closed his eyes "Nope!"

Yona looked at his glove "Yona thinks that Ferum hides something"

Ferum snorted "Of course I do! I mean, isn't it obvious?"

Sandbar did a face hoof "Man...You just don't understand what you got yourself into..."

Gallus saluted to Ferum "We will remember you..."

Ocellus sighed "Guys, don't scare him..."

Starlight FINALLY got their attention "AHEM! We are here!"

They arrived at canteen. It had several tables and long stand. 

Starlight looked around "My my, you are a bit late. We just had lunch"

Ferum sighed "Alright, I guess I can wait"

Ocellus tilted her head "Are you sure?"

Ferum shrugged "I mean, it's not THAT b-" his stomach made another sound.

Silverstream giggled "Your friend says otherwise"

Ferum coughed in his fist "I will be ok, so what is next?"

Starlight shrugged "Well, I can show you your room, or we can continue excursion"

Ferum put hand behind his head "I think it would be better to get to the room" 

Starlight turned around "Follow me...Again"

Sooner, every creature left, leaving Starlight and Ferum wondering in castle. Sooner, they approached one of the doors.

Starlight pointed at the door "And you will live there!"

Ferum opened the door. There was bed, chair and table that stood near to the window. It also had some shelves and a cupboard near bed with lamp on it.

Ferum smirked "Ah yes! Average room, perfect!"

Starlight started to walk away "Keys are in cupboard. Oh yeah!" she turned back at Ferum "DONT eat castle!"

Ferum looked at her confused "Wuh?"

But Starlight already trotted away...

Ferum sighed and looked around "Whelp, guess it went better than I thought! Though I need to correct one detail..." Ferum moved table and chair away from the window, opened it and leaned on it's edge "Ah yes, MUCH better!"

Window offered a view on Everfree forest. All you could see were trees, rare houses and mountains far away.

Ferum inhaled a lot of air "Ah! Now THAT'S what I call a view!" he then turned back at the door and closed it "Disquise, off"

Few seconds of reforming later...

Vlad sat on the bed and sighed "Man...Those wings make me feel awkward..." 

He was wearing the same sweater (though it was smaller) with dark T-shirt under it, light grey sport pants and white snickers. He also had black glove on his left arm.

Vlad looked at his clothes "What is happening to those when I transform?.." he then shrugged "Eh! Probably doesn't matter!" he fell on his bed and relaxed.

Vlad put glove off and looked at his injured arm. He clenched it in fist and then unclenched it.

Vlad snorted "Pft...Now I look like some anime character. How was it...'Blah blah blah i have to control my power' pft!" he put his glove back "Disquise"

His body turned once again and now there was a dragon laying on the bed. Vlad took his glove and sweater off. Large injury didn't go, though in this form it didn't look THAT bad. Still, it was better to hide it. 

Vlad put his clothes back on "Brr...My wings are WAY too sensitive..."

He then sat at the table, put on glasses and opened his 'journal' "Hm...So I figured out that I can make my scales soft and hard...Let's think about the possibilities" 

Ferum wrote two words on left and right pages. On the left one, was word 'Combat' and on the right one was 'Simple stuff'. He spent next hour experimenting with his body and writing something down. 

Meanwhile...

Twilight was walking in library with notes about new student. Before leaving to the canteen, Ferum told her something about his body.

One hour ago...

Ferum was looking at his body "Whoa..."

Twilight was shocked "I didn't know dragons could do this!"

Ferum ran hand over his head "I didn't know too!"  

Twilight prepared her pen "So, what do you know about it?"

Ferum put hand on his chin "I think that my scales harden in response to stress...Like, I DID feel kinda stressed all this time"

Twilight nodded "Uh huh! So that means that you are relaxed right now?"

Ferum shrugged "I guess so. Now that you mention it, my body feels much more relaxed and-" his stomach made growling sound.

Twilight clipped her eyes "When...When did you eat last time?"

Ferum nervously smiled "Uhm...Two days ago?"

Twilight gasped "What?! Researches can wait! Starlight will show you where canteen is!"

Ferum saluted "Roger that!"

Our time...

Twilight was looking for a book about dragons anatomy "There is NO WAY I don't have this book!" 

Spike on the other side of library "Twilight, I found it!" he ran towards alicorn with book in his claws.

Twilight nodded "Thank you Spike" she levitated book on the table with notes.

Spike put claws behind his head "Why do you need it anyway? I mean, it's not like I or Smolder are hurt"

Twilight opened the book "Oh, it's about new student. He is a dragon"

Spike shrugged "Still, I thought you could memorize this book easily"

Twilight turned back at Spike "I CAN, I just have to be extra sure"

Spike sighed "Eh, if you need me I'm in canteen helping Pinkie" with that being said, dragon left the room.

Twilight stayed at the library with book for the next hour. Unfortunately, she couldn't find anything about this kind of scales.

Twilight put hoof to her chin "Hm...Maybe I could ask Ember to help me with this..."

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew inside library "Hey Twilight! What cha doing?"

Twilight closed the book "I'm trying to figure something out about new student"

Rainbow Dash smirked "Oh! Who is it this time?"

Twilight put book on it's place "It's a dragon"

Rainbow Dash groaned "Yaaarn! Another one!"

Twilight looked at Rainbow "But it's not any other dragon. He is uhm...Able to change his body"

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow "He can what? Oh, you GOTTA show me!"

Twilight closed her eyes "I think he is in canteen. Poor guy didn't eat for two days..."

Rainbow's jaw was down "Whaaa?"

Twilight sighed "Two years alone on an unknown land...Poor thing..."

Rainbow Dash got confused "Wait wait wait STOP! What do you mean?"

Meanwhile...

AppleJack was walking through the hallway. The school day had already ended, so she decided to visit Twilight. When she was trotting near empty room, she heard something like...Humming?

AppleJack looked at the door "Wha?"

Noices from behind the door subsided. AppleJack heard some creature walking towards the door.

Door slowly opened and fluffy dragon head pointed out of it "Uhm...Excuse me, can I help you?"

AppleJack blinked few times "Uh...Who are ya?"

Dragon stepped out of his room "Oh, I'm new student. My name is Ferum"  

AppleJack smirked "And there Twi goes..." she offered her hoof for a shake "Mah name is AppleJack. Ahm the teacher"

Ferum chuckled nervously "Uh...Excuse me, but I prefer to avoid physical contact with others..."

AppleJack tilted her head "Oh, 'ight then" she looked at his clothes "Ah never saw ya 'round Ponyville"

Ferum sighed "Well, it would be better if Ms. Twilight explained it to you. I hate telling same thing several times"

AppleJack shrugged "Ah was goin' to visit her anyway"

Ferum gasped "Oh, can I come as well? I just figured some things out for her"

AppleJack nodded "Sure thing shugarcube"

Ferum  pointed his finger out before dissapearing in door "One second please!"

AppleJack stood in front of the door waiting for dragon to get ready. Few moments later, Ferum appeared in front of the door with notebook and glasses on his face.

AppleJack held her laugher "Whelp, PFT- Let's g-go" she put hoof to her mouth.

Ferum groaned "I don't look THAT ridiculous"

AppleJack chuckled "Ah dunno. Never saw dragon with fluff 'n clothes"

Ferum sighed "Yeah whatever...Let's go already..."

AppleJack snorted "Aight, follow meh"

They started walking through halls.

AppleJack looked at Ferum again "So...Why are ya wearin' clothes?"

Ferum shrugged "Cuz why not!"

AppleJack raised her eyebrow "Ah mean...Yer gonna burn it with yer breath"

Ferum FINALLY realized "So THAT'S what you guys were wondering about!" he chuckled "I can't breath fire!" he then crossed arms on his chest "And I will answer all questions after we get to the library. As I said, I HATE repeating the same thing"

AppleJack opened mouth to say something but then closed it. They were walking through halls silently. The only one to make sounds was Ferum. He was humming some song. Sooner, they approached the door that was bigger than others in this castle.

AppleJack opened it "Heya Twi, Dash!"

Rainbow Dash was sitting at the table with her head on it "Heya..."

Twilight waved her hoof "Hello there AppleJack, need something?"

AppleJack shaked her head "Nah, ahm here just to relax 'n hear 'bout new fella"

Ferum entered library as well "Damn, I think I found my domain..." he then looked at Twilight and Rainbow Dash "Hello there"

Rainbow Dash looked at dragon and clipped few times "Oh...Heya"

'He is wearing GLASSES?!'

Twilight smiled at Ferum "Hello there, do you need anything?"

Ferum shrugged "Actually I do" he then showed his notebook ", but it can wait"

Twilight tilted her head "What's that?"

Ferum smirked "I made some researches about my scales, and found something out"

Twilight gasped "One second! I need to find-"

Ferum interrupted her "I wrote everething here" he put notebook on the table and opened it.

Twilight levitated the notebook to her face. Rainbow Dash was still looking at dragon. AppleJack trotted towards Twilight and looked into the notebook as well.

Twilight clipped her eyes few times "So uhm...In 'Simple stuff' column I can see you researches...But what is this crossed out column?"

Ferum shrugged "It was for combat. You know, just in case something like Timberwolf or changeling attacks. But hey! Since Ponyville is safe I can forget fighting, right?" he smiled.

Twilight looked shocked "You...Did you encounter both?"

Ferum nodded "Yeah. Timberwolf got rekt, though changeling got me" 

AppleJack's eyes widened a bit "Twi he ain't lyin'!"

Twilight just sat down on chair "Just what have you being th-"

Rainbow Dash flew up with sparks in her eyes "AW MAN! You sure are not as cool as I am, but beating TimberWolf alone? Duuude!"

Ferum chuckled "I wasn't alone. I had a friend, though I'm not sure where he is now" he then looked at Twilight "Anyway, back on the topic"

Twilight sighed "I just don't know what to wait from you..." she then chuckled "I mean, what is next? We will find out that you encountered Chrysalis?" she giggled.

Ferum sweated a bit "Yeah, would be funny" he coughed in his fist "So, I found out that my scales can harden if I wish so" 

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Wait, that means you weren't fluffy all this time?"

Ferum nodded "Yeah, I used to look like..." his scales became sharp all over his body "...this" 

Now he looked...Menacing! All scales around his body were sharp and hard. You could even mistake him for a villain!

Rainbow Dash gasped "WHOAAA! I mean...It could be 20% cooler!"

Ferum clenched and uclenched his fists "Alright...I feel kinda uh...Uncomfortable when I'm fully covered so..." his body became fluffy again "I'm trying to figure out how to turn parts of my body like arms or legs" he shrugged "I mean, even though I won't need to fight, we still got other dragons around"

AppleJack tilted her head "What do ya mean?"

Ferum pointed at his fluff "I think I can be affected by fire while I'm plushie"

Twilight nodded "Interesting...I will need Ember's help for sure..."

Ferum tilted his head "Who is Ember?"

Everypony looked at him confused.

Rainbow Dash snorted "Hmpf! Nice joke!"

Ferum looked at her "I'm not joking, I hear this name for the first time"

Twilight summoned a piece of paper and pen "I'm writing to her"

Ferum clipped few times "I still don't get it"

AppleJack approached dragon "Fella, she is a DRAGON LORD! There is no way ya didn't hear 'bout her!"

Ferum shrugged "Eh, lord or not, I still hear this name for the first time"

Twilight then looked at Ferum "Do you know the name of a land where you lived?"

Ferum put hand behind his head "Well...It's...Uhh-" his belly made another growl "'Oh uhm..."

Rainbow Dash and AppleJack looked at dragon confused.

Twilight clipped her eyes and looked at Ferum "Didn't I tell you to eat something?"

Ferum smiled nervously "Well, you see...I got late and canteen was uh...Not working"

Twilight put hoof on her forehead "My bad...Should have warned you..." she then looked at clock "Well, dinner time will arrive soon. We will discuss this topic later, if it's ok with you of course" 

Ferum put hand behind his head "Well uhh ..Sure, why not!" he then grabbed his notebook "So uhm,  before I go, are there any other questions?"

Rainbow Dash flew behind him and pointed at his back "What is with your wings?"

Ferum shrugged "Well, I can feel them, but can't move" he then put hand to his chin "Though it doesn't make any sense..."

Rainbow Dash then flew in front of him "And what is with your eyes?"

Twilight looked at her friend annoyed "Dash, that was rude!"

Ferum shaked his head "Nah it's ok. Though it's a bit personal"

AppleJack narrowed her eyes "He seems to be tellin' truth"

Ferum smirked "After all, it's useless to lie in front of Element of Honesty, eh?"

AppleJack snorted "Yer seem to know enough 'bout us"

Ferum put off his glasses "I mean, I heard something about Elements and assumed that you, miss AppleJack is the Honesty"

Twilight smiled "You guessed right"

Rainbow Dash smirked "I'm sure he knows which Element am I!"

Ferum wanted to answer but grabbed his head and groaned. He made one small step back.

Twilight gasped "Ferum? Are you ok?!"

Ferum opened his eyes "Yeah...Just need to eat something and I will be good as new"

Twilight looked at clock once again "Oh, would you look at that! Dinner time!"

Rainbow Dash shrugged "Whelp, off I go!" she then flew out of the window, leaving rainbow trail behind her.

AppleJack trotted out of library "See ya 'round fella!"

Ferum made a poker face "Wait...And how do I find canteen myself?"

Twilight smiled "I can help you with that!" she then grabbed notebook and pen "Besides, I have few questions left"

Ferum shrugged "Alrighty, lead the way then"

They then went through halls of castle. Twilight kept asking questions, and Ferum just answered them. 

'Looks like she forgot about my home land. Good, I think I will need to come up with something. Hmm...Brain damage? Yeah, probably that will do!'

Twilight smiled and wrote something down "And now to the obvious part!"

Ferum was humming some song "Mhm~"

Twilight looked at him "What kind of gems do you prefer to eat?"

Ferum started to quietly sing "When the wind is slow and th-" he looked at Twilight confused "Excuse me, what?"

Twilight repeated her question "Do you have any favorite gems?"

Ferum clipped his eyes few times "I..." he then memorized how he, Twilight and Spike went to the square two years ago...Or a week ago? "Oh, that!" He chuckled "I don't eat gems!"

Twilight suddenly stopped "Wait...So you are telling me that you are a dragon that can't fly, breath fire and eat gems?"

Ferum shrugged "Well, yeah!"

Twilight looked at him with narrowed eyes "Are you sure you are dragon?"

Ferum wanted to argue but then put hand to his chin "Now that you mention it..." he then shook his head "No, I'm EXTRA SURE that I'm dragon!"

Twilight sighed "In this case I'm defentely asking for Ember's help..."

Ferum then memorized something "Oh uhm...Do you know someo-...Somepony named Lyra Heartstrings?"

Twilight nodded "Yeah, she is helping me sometimes! Why?" she looked back at dragon.

Ferum sighed "Well, I arrived here, at Ponyville for two reasons. First: Give something to Lyra. Second: To find quiet life"

Twilight tilted her head "Huh? What do you mean?"

Ferum smirked "It's from my friend, that's all I can tell you"

Twilight shaked her head "No, I meant quiet life. You are not thinking like dragon would too!"

Ferum rolled his eyes "Guess my parents did a good job! I mean, you don't see polite dragons a lot around here, eh?"

Twilight nodded "Indeed...But it's in dragon's nature to be rough!"

Ferum shrugged "Eh, probably  doesn't matter anymore. That just means that you will have less problems to deal with" he then made a mysterious face "Or would you?"

Twilight then looked at Ferum with a smirk "Are you telling me to worry about your actions even after telling me not to?"

Ferum smiled nervously "Uh...I'm just telling you not to let your guard down. Just in case, you know?"

Twilight tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Ferum put hand to his chin "It's kinda hard to explain..." he then snapped his fingers "OK look, imagine a glass of water"

Twilight raised her eyebrow "Alright..?"

Ferum continued "OK, now imagine water slowly dropping in it. Like, filling it slowly"

Twilight nodded "Uh huh..." 

Ferum then clenched his fists "And when it's full, it gets destroyed!"

Twilight had confused face "I don't get it..."

Ferum smirked "And now the badass part! The glass is my patience. Like, it's what keeps me sane or something like this" 

Twilight summoned paper and pen "Now I'm starting to get it!"

Ferum continued "Water represents stress that I take. Like, when I get injury or get mocked..." he then snorted "Though the last one won't work with me, I just don't care as long as noone else is involved"

Twilight nodded "That's an interest thinking!" her ears perked up on word 'noone' "Excuse me, you meant no creature?"

Ferum sweated a bit "Uh, yeah! My bad!" 

Twilight narrowed her eyes "Riight...So what happens if your 'Glass' breaks?"

Ferum shrugged "I will go nuts"

Twilight made confused face "Wha..?"

Ferum sighed "In another words: I will stop controlling myself. Like, something else will take  my body and..." he stopped talking with blank expression on his face.

Twilight looked at him terrified "Y-you dealt with it earlier?!"

Ferum facepalmed "Well, I kinda did, though my friend stopped me from uh...Doing something that I would regret"

Twilight sighed "Thank Celestia..." Her ear suddenly perked up "But what did your friend do?"

Ferum shrugged "He knocked me out"

Twilight's eyes widened a bit "Whaa? How did he go through your skin!"

Ferum chuckled "Well, there is ALWAYS a way or a weak point! It's one of the simplest rules I've discovered!"

Twilight sighed "I just hope that I won't have to use force against you..." she then looked on the clock in the hall "Sweet Celestia! Dinner is almost finished!"

Ferum gasped "Uh oh!" 

He then opened map on his Panel.

'Ah yes, I need to explore Castle more, great! Wait, does it that this school is big enough to be a location? Or does my map change when I enter buildings?'

Meanwhile, Twilight was looking at dragon's eye shocked "Uh, Ferum?"

Ferum looked at her "Something is wrong?"

Twilight pointed at his left eye "Uh...Is it normal for your pupil to...Change shapes?"

Ferum raised his eyebrow "What do you mean?"

He didn't notice, but his changed. Now it was in spinning gear shape.

Twilight summoned mirror "I'm afraid this is not normal for you...Just try to stay calm"

Ferum grabbed mirror "I don't know what do y- Whoa it looks SICK!" he looked rather surprised than shocked.

Twilight looked confused "So uh...Is it fine or..."

Ferum gave back the mirror "Naw,  I think it's fine!" he then fastly looked around "OH NO THE DINNER!"

Meanwhile, canteen...

Smolder, Gallus, Sandbar, Yona, Silverstream and Ocellus were sitting at the table. They were just talking about stuff.

Gallus finished his sandwich and looked around "Where is that newbie anyway?"

Sandbar looked at his friend "You mean Ferum?"

Gallus nodded "Yeah, I haven't seen him since we left him with Starlight"

Smolder shrugged "Eh, he is probably getting tortured by Twilight" she then threw gem in her mouth.

Ocellus gasped "Smolder! Headmare Twilight would never do so!"

Smolder swallowed gem "I meant by questioning him too much, you know?"

Yona rolled her eyes "Yona thinks that Ferum will be fine. After all, dragons are strong  aren't they?"

Silverstream giggled "That would be a shame to lose such a plushie!"

Pinkie Pie appeared near to the group "I know right?"

They just looked at her and said 'Hello Ms Pinkie'

She continued "I've never seen a fluffy dragon before! Have you seen a fluffy dragon before? Oh, oh, did you know that he can't eat gems?!" she then put hoof to her chin "Wait...Then what am I gonna prepare for him?"

Smolder clenched her hand into a fist "Perfect, my gems are still mine!"

Sandbar looked at Pinkie confused "He is not eating gems? What kind of dragon he is then?"

Pinkie shrugged "I dunno!" she then bounced back to the stand.

Gallus rolled his eyes "I guess I will just deal with it"

Ocellus then looked worried "Though dinner is almost finished and he didn't show up yet" she looked at the canteen's entrance.

Smolder shrugged "Guess he is not hungry then"

Ferum then said "I'm actually kinda hungry"

Every creature gasped and looked back at dragon who stood nearby.

Gallus looked rather surprised "Man, how did you  approach us without making sounds?"

Ferum shrugged "Played Metal Ge-" he coughed in his fist "I played hide and seek a lot, you know?" he then put arm to his chin "Though if I had cardboard box, you wouldn't even notice me!"

Silverstream tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Ferum waved his hand "Eh, whatever!" he then looked around "So...Other students already left?"

Sandbar nodded "Yep, we are still here because we like talking in canteen...For some reason"

Ferum then asked "So uh...I just come over to the stand and ask for food, right?"

Smolder raised her eyebrow "Well yeah, isn't it obvious?"

Ferum shrugged "Not for me at least" he then approached stand.

Gallus saluted to him "I will remember you..."

Sandbar looked at him annoyed "Stop it already, it's not like Miss Pinkie is going to go crazy...Right?"

Ferum approached stand with food "Uh...Excuse me Ms..?"

Pinkie Pie looked at dragon with GIANT smile "Oh, it's Pinkie! What cha want? What cha eat?" she was talking kinda fast.

Ferum shrugged "I eat pretty much everething that you do I guess?"

Pinki Pie gasped "Oh, what about cupcakes and juice?!"

Ferum averted his eyes "Well, actually it's better for me to eat something saulty before sweets. Otherwise I will get sick.."

Pinkie Pie tilted her head "Huh, why?"

Ferum shrugged "It's just how my body works, don't ask..." he then noticed something "Is that...Is that rice?"

Pinkie looked at big pile of rice "Yep! Nopony wants to eat it, so I'm thinking about removing it from menu!"

Ferum shrugged "Eh, they probably didn't give this awesome food a chance" he then looked at drinks "I guess I will take rice and tea...please?"

Pinkie looked at him confused "That's it?"

Ferum nodded "Yep, I prefer to eat something simple...Like rice!"

Pinkie shrugged "Eh, alright!" she poured rice in his bowl and put it with cup of tea on a tray "Ya sure this is all you need?"

Ferum put hand to his chin "Oh, I know! Do you have ketchup?" Pinkie looked at him with tilted head "What? Ketchup makes everething taste better!"

Pinkie Pie smiled "I know right? Ketchup is like cream for cake!" she then ran into the kitchen "It was somewhere here...AHA!" she then bounced out with jar of ketchup on her head.

Ferum pointed his finger at the jar "Just...How are you balancing it?"

Pinkie stopped near to Ferum and tilted her head making jar slide down "What do you mean?"

Ferum caught the jar "Alright, nevermind!" he then added ketchup to rice "Now that looks pretty epic!" 

Pinkie Pie shrugged "Eh, enjoy your food!"

Ferum took his tray and sat at the empty table "Hm hm~" he mixed ketchup and rice together.

Gallus tilted his head "Seriously? Rice?" he looked at Sandbar "No I mean, anything but rice?"

Sandbar shrugged "I dunno, never actually tried it"

Smolder shaked a bit "Ew ketchup...Gross..."

Yona sighed "Rice is actually tasty, but ketchup?" she rolled her eyes "Yona thinks that Ferum has awkward taste"

Silverstream nodded "Yeah, I thought he would choose something interesting"

Ocellus looked at Ferum "Well, at least he is not a bully type" she turned back at her friends.

Smolder snorted "Pft! If he was a bully, I would beat him up!" she then giggled "But look at him! He is just harmless!"

Ferum spoke with annoyed tone "I can hear everething, you know?"

They didn't seem to hear him. Ocellus though heard it, and approached dragon.

Changeling apologized "Uhm...Sorry for my friends talking"

Ferum shrugged "Nah it's fine. I mean, she is right, I'm MOSTLY harmless...Or not mostly..." he put arm to his chin "Guess I will think about it later..."

Ocellus tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Ferum shaked his head "Doesn't matter...At least as long as I'm sane and stuff"

Ocellus sat in front of Ferum "By the way, what kind of creature you are?" she then gasped "I-I didn't mean to harass you! It's just that you lack some abilities an-"

Ferum chuckled "Good grief, calm down! It's totally fine" he then raised his eyebrow "Besides I wanted to ask you the same thing to be honest"

Ocellus looked a bit confused "Oh uhm...Haven't you seen changelings before?"

Ferum clipped his eyes and snorted "PFT! Nice joke!" he then looked back at her "Wait, you are serious?"

Ocellus slowly nodded "Uhm...Y-yes, why?"

Ferum's jaw was down "Y-...Ju-...Whaa?"

Ocellus smiled "Well, seems like you didn't hear about what happened to us" she then added "Which is strange..."

Ferum rubbed his forehead "Yeah...Mind telling me what happened to your kind?"

For the next ten minutes Ocellus was talking about how changelings got reformed. 

She was finishing her tale "But Chrysalis is still well...She is still not reformed. She didn't reform and escaped" she sighed "Some say that she is still feeding on others love"

Ferum rolled his eyes "Hmpf...That was predictable" he then stood up "Whelp, thank you for the nice talk, but it seems to get a bit late, and I still have one task to do"

Ocellus smiled "Do you need any help with it?"

Ferum waved his hand "Nope, this is something only I can do!..Not like some special talent, I mean that I have to deliver something to somepony myself" he then put tray to other trays "Whelp, guess I'm going! See ya!" he marched towards exit.

Ocellus waved her hoof "Oh, see you too" she came back to her friends.

Gallus looked at her "Just what did you say to surprise him?"

Ocellus tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Gallus shrugged "Well, he looks kinda...You know, like this type of guys who are always calm"

Ocellus shrugged "Well, he didn't know about changeling's reform"

Silverstream gasped "My my! It was like, a BIG event!"

Sandbar nodded "Yeah...Just where was he all this time?"

Ocellus put hoof to her chin "The question is, what happened between Ferum and changelings"

Yona raised her eyebrow "What do you mean?"

Ocellus explained "Well, I can assume that in his past he encountered changelings..." she sighed "I just hope they didn't break his life apart..."

Smolder snorted "Well, it's not like he is COMPLETELY harmless, right?"

Ocellus nodded "He said something about not being harmless as well"

Gallus gasped "Oh yea! I've won!"

Every creature looked at him confused.

Sandbar sighed "Fine...We will do what you asked me to..."

Meanwhile...

Luckily for Vlad, his Ponyville map was updated enough to walk around town without being lost. There were some new buildings, and his map was changing overtime. Sooner, he arrived at needed place.

Dragon knocked at the door and voice could be heard from behind it "Gimme a second!" 

BonBon trotted to the door and opened it "No, I'm NOT interested in your prod-" She noticed strange appearance of the intruder "...Who are you?"

Ferum waved his hand "Good evening ma'am, I'm here to deliver something for uh...Lyra Heartstrings"

BonBon groaned "Oh no...Did she order something by accident again?" she sighed "She is not home at the moment. I'm her room mate"

Ferum snorted "Luckily for you, it was my friend who sent her this" he pulled out green case "Uh...could you please give it to her?"

BonBon narrowed her eyes "Why do I have feeling that I saw it somewhere earlier?"

Ferum shrugged "No idea, anyway I have to go!" he turned around.

BonBon stopped him "Hold up!" she trotted towards dragon "How did you know where Lyra lives?" she then examined his look "..and what kind of creature are you?"

Ferum rolled his eyes "I have my ways. And it was rude, you know?" he walked away anyway.

BonBon snorted "Pft! Softie!" she picked up the case and closed door.

Meanwhile...

Spike set letter on fire "Alright, done!" he then looked at Twilight "So uh...Is this newbie really THAT strange?"

Twilight rolled her eyes "He is not 'strange', I'd call  his situation...Complicated"

Spike shrugged "Well I mean...Do you think that calling Ember is a good idea? Not like I'm against it or something, but why?"

Twilight approached balcony "I thought she knew something about this kind of dragons" she then looked down on Ponyville "Besides, I'm sure she will be interested as well"

Spike shrugged "Guess I will go read comics now, see ya" he walked out of map room.

Twilight leaned on balcony and noticed Ferum. Dragon seemed to be in a good mood, because he was nearly dancing while walking.

Twilight giggled "I wonder how he didn't become bad after 2 years of being alone..." she then raised her eyebrow "Wait, he is wearing his bag? Probably gave Lyra that thing...I wonder who is his friend" she then trotted back into the room "Question for another day!"

Some time later...

It was already kinda dark. Vlad was walking through halls of castle, trying to find his room.

Dragon groaned "Just when will my map finally update..." he closed Panel and looked around "Alright...Guess everyone are in their rooms, gotta be quiet" he continued walking.

Sooner, he FINALLY noticed the painting that was hanging on the wall in front of his door. Vlad examined the picture. It had dark unicorn with red eyes and armor painted on it. He looked like an evil guy.

Vlad shrugged "Eh, at least I was able to find my room" he turned around and entered his room.

Eyes on painting were following him.

Vlad closed his door and turned back into the human form "Phew! Mysterious stuff is done! Guess I will just go to sleep!" he closed his window, curtains, made sure that door was locked and fell on his bed "...I wonder how Lyra is going to react to my epic comeback" 

He shrugged and closed his eyes, trying to go to sleep.
> Chapter 5, Part 1: Never underestimate gamers and nerds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was another night for Equestria. Moon and stars were shining, and everypony and creature in Ponyville were asleep...At least most of them.

Breaking glass SFX

Vlad opened his eyes. For some reason, he wasn't able to sleep.

He groaned and sat in his bed "Good grief..." Vlad approached window and opened the curtains "Man...What time is it?"

Suddenly, his Panel activated itself and showed him the time. It was 3 AM.

Vlad clipped his eyes "Oh uh...Thanks" he then turned into Ferum and slowly opened his door "Whelp, guess a little walk won't hurt" 

He walked out of his room and locked the door. Vlad looked at the painting. Something was odd...

Ferum turned to the left and started walking. Even though it was dark, he could see everething good enough. Ferum was walking slow to avoid making any sounds. After walking for five minutes, he entered library and quietly closed door behind him. 

Ferum turned around and sat at the table, leaning his face on fist "You can come out already"

Firstly, there was no reaction to his words. Then, one of the shadows moved and jumped at dragon, entering his head.

Vlad sighed and closed his eyes, falling into the darkness.

...

When Vlad opened his eyes, he noticed that he was still falling.

Voice from nowhere laughed menacingly "FINALLY, I WILL BE ABLE TO GET MY RE-..Wait, what ARE you?"

Vlad groaned "That was rude, you know?"

Voice stopped for a moment and continued "Doesnt matter! Do you know who am I?"

Vlad shrugged "Nope, care to tell me?" he then put arm to his chin "Actually, I will think about a nickname...What about Bob?"

Voice shouted "I'M EMBODYMENT OF DARKNESS ITSELF! I'M SOMBRA, EMPEROR OF-" 

Vlad didn't listen "Actually, what about Lazarus hm?"

For a second, there was silence, then, voice answered "I suppose I will have to show you WHAT am I" black tentacles started to approach Vlad "You are trapped in your head with me, I have FULL CONTROL of you and your body!" he laughed "SUCCUMB TO M-"

Vlad suddenly put his fingers in snap position "Whelp, I guess games are over then"

Voice chuckled "What are you going t-"

Vlad snapped his fingers and bright light filled this realm. It consumed darkness and was growing non stop.

Sombra shouted "No, IMPOSSIBLE! WHAT IS HAPPENING?! WHAT IS THIS?!" the light was so strong that you could barely see his body.

Vlad answered with different voice"This is...Requiem"

Sombra screamed before he got absorbed with light. Few seconds later, Vlad landed near to the red couch.

He looked around and spotted dark unicorn "Ah ha, there you are!" 

He approached Sombra. Unicorn was so weak, he couldn't move his hooves.

He moved his eyes on human "How...How did you...do that?.."

Vlad squatted down "Let me remind you, you are in MY head! That means you've trapped yourself with me" 

Sombra groaned "But...The fear...You had to-"

Vlad snorted "Aw come on! You thought you could scare ME by putting myself into darkness?" he then added "Though tentacles part wasn't so bad"

Sombra's head fell down "Just what...are you..?"

Vlad rolled his eyes "Good grief, didn't I tell you that was rude?" but he answered the question "My name is Vlad, and I'm human"

Sombra smirked "Very well then" his body started to dissapear "I will take my revenge on you as w-"

Vlad groaned "Blah blah blah! I got it already!" he stood up "Just leave my body!"





Few hours later...

It was 7 o'clock. Twilight was walking through halls into the library. She was always the one to wake up first, and the first to check library every morning. Twilight yawned and opened the door. Everething was on their place: Shelves, books, table and chairs and Ferum (who was reading a book with glasses on his face). 

Twilight yawned "Good morning"

Ferum waved with his arm weakly "Mornin' "

Twilight turned around to leave the room when she suddenly stopped in her tracks. She rubbed her eyes and turned around, looking at Ferum.

Twilight raised her eyebrow "What are you doing here at this time?"

Ferum closed the book and took off glasses, showing his tired face "I had some problems with sleeping, so I decided to read some books, why?" he looked at unicorn with blank face.

Twilight blinked few times "Just...Since what time did you..."

Ferum sighed "Since 3 AM. And no, it's not normal" he put arm to his head "Man...I sure need a shot of S44-UL1..."

Twilight gasped "Since 3 AM?! We gotta show you to-..A shot of what again?"

Ferum mumbled "Stimulant that fills body with energy" he stood up "Black tea could do the work too though"

Twilight tilted her head "How can black tea be compared to something you have described?"

Ferum pointed finger at his head "Caffeine hits me really hard...I just don't like the taste of coffee" 

Twilight sighed "My my...You are full of surprises ar-" she then noticed the book he was reading "Uhm...Ferum?"

Dragon took the book and wanted to put it on it's place "Yep?"

Twilight pointed her hoof at the book "Why are you reading about threats that affected Equestria?"

Ferum put the book on it's place "Well you see? It seems that I'm attracting troubles"

Twilight didn't understand "What do you mean?"

Ferum sighed "Two years ago, I encountered...What was her name again..." he put fist to his elbow "Chrono...Chris...Ah ha! Chrysalis!" he snapped his fingers.

Twilight' jaw was down "Y-. Ho-..."

Ferum then raised his left arm "She left me quite a gift!" he then put it to his face "But if it will continue happening, I mean bad guys appearing near to me, I will have to..." he suddenly started to talk quieter "To..."

Twilight looked around confused "Uh...Ferum?" she looked back at him and put hoof on her mouth trying not to giggle.

Ferum fell asleep! He was literally sleeping while standing. His arm was still on his face.

Twilight approached him "Uh...Ferum?" she waved her hoof in front of him.

Ferum opened his eyes and continued talking "...enter combat mode" he yawned "I mean...This guy called Sombra was in my head, so I gave him small beat down and-"

Twilight backed off "Wait wait WAIT!" she shook her head "Did you say that S O M B R A was in your head?!"

Ferum tilted his head "Well...Yeah, why?"

Twilight's eye twitched "And you gave him...A 'Beatdown' ?"

Ferum shrugged "He though he could defeat me from inside" he then smirked "But he just underestimated me" 

Twilight's jaw was down "Y- WHAT?! SOMBRA IS BACK?!" she started trotting around the room "No no no...This is bad...He is attacking my own students. What if this is not the first time! Who will get attacked next? I gotta tell girls an-"

Ferum coughed in his fist "Ahem! I think that I'm his target right now"

Twilight looked at dragon confused "Wha?"

Ferum explained "It's obvious, he wants to take me down because I'm the first one to 'parry' his attack that easily" 

Twilight nodded "Right...He thinks of you as a threat..." she then gasped "But wait! That means you are in danger! Who knows what he is going to do next...Maybe he will use his full power to take control over you and..." she looked at Ferum and sighed, he fell asleep again.





Meanwhile...

Lyra and BonBon were sitting in the kitchen. 

BonBon drank her coffee and sighed "Man, that dragon yesterday..."

Lyra finished her food and looked at her friend "What do you mean?"

BonBon explained "Yesterday there was a dragon that wanted to give you something. I started asking some questions and that made him go away" she snorted "Softie!"

Lyra tilted her head "Something...For me?"

BonBon nodded "Yeah, I've put it in your cupboard" she collected dishes and put them in the sink.

Lyra shrugged "Well, guess I will look at it!" she trotted upstairs and then in her bedroom.

Lyra opened cupboard with her magic and froze in place...

BonBon finished washing dishes and looked at the stairs 'Hm...Lyra is supposed to meet with Twilight today, right?' she trotted upstairs and knocked on the door "Lyra! You don't want to be late, do you?" after she didn't hear anything in answer, BonBon groaned and entered the room.

Lyra was holding case with magic, her eyes were widened "BonBon...How did this dragon look like?"

BonBon put hoof to her chin "Well, he doesn't look exactly like dragon...He was light blue, fluffy and wore clothes" she then looked at the case "What is this anyway?"

Lyra suddenly dashed towards her closet "I GOTTA FIND HIM AS FAST AS POSSIBLE!" she pulled out her saddlebags and put them on.

BonBon groaned and stomped her hoof "Lyra Heartstrings! Explain everething to me!"

Lyra stopped for a moment and sighed "Bonnie, remember what happened 2 years ago?"

BonBon rolled her eyes "We've being through a lot of troubles, can you clarify?"

Lyra nodded "Do you remember..." she looked down "Do you remember Vlad?"

BonBon's eyes widened a bit and she sighed "Lyra, I already told you that this is not your fault...But you have to let it g-"

Lyra interrupted her "You don't get it!" she levitated case to BonBon's face "This is case where he kept his glasses!"

BonBon clipped her eyes few times "And...What does it mean?"

Lyra sighed "It means that he wants to tell me that he is alive!" she then put case in her saddlebag "I have to meet this dragon, maybe he knows where is Vlad!"

BonBon sighed "Lyra..." she looked at her friend "We talked about this a lot"

Lyra stopped in front of the doorway.

BonBon continued "If Vlad was alive, he wouldn't need to be that sneaky" she added "I mean...Sending somepony just to give you this case? Pft!"

Lyra turned her head around and smirked "This is EXACTLY what he would do!" she ran down stairs and shouted "I will be back when dinner is ready!!" 

BonBon heard door slam and sighed "And this dragon had to show up JUST after Lyra finally forgot about this incident..."





Meanwhile...

Ocellus Silverstream and Yona were sitting in the canteen. 

Yona rolled her eyes "This is exactly why Yona never plays table games"

Silverstream argued "But they are so much fun! Just because you can go nuts doesn't mean you can't play them!" she then gasped "Wait, did you even try to play any?"

Yona shook her head "Nope, never"

Silverstream gasped and moved closer to Yona, explaining something. 

Ocellus was sitting at the table with cup of tea and confused face "How did we end up talking about board games..."

She sighed and closed her eyes 'Smolder, Gallus and Sandbar are walking in the town...I wonder what is Ferum up to'

"Ocellus"

'Maybe he needs some help socializing. After all, he is not like anybody else here' she smiled 'I hope I will be able to help him. He is kinda interesting person'

"Ocellus look!"

Changeling giggled for herself 'I'd even call him cute. Polite, fluffy and cute dragon'

Silverstream inhaled some air "Ocellus, look at Ferum!"

Changeling got confused "Eeeep!" she looked at the Silverstream "W-what is wrong?" 

Silverstream pointed at Ferum. He didn't look so good. Dragon was walking slowly (and menacingly) towards food stand, you could even see those m e n a c i n g parts levitating around him. There was one word to describe his face: Tiredness. Oh yeah, he was also covered in his hardened scales.

Pinkie Pie looked at him and waved her hoof at EXTREME speed "Oh hiya Ferum! What can I do for ya?"

Ferum pulled his finger out "Just give me a black tea..." his voice was weak "No wait, give me extra strong tea with three spoons of shugar and-" he closed his eyes for a few seconds "...piece of bread with chocolate pasta on it" he pulled arm down "Thanks"

Pinkie Pie nodded and smiled "Okie-Dokie-Lokey!" she bounced inside of the kitchen.

Every single person was looking towards Ferum. Some of them didn't know who he was, some found his behavior strange. 

Yona shivered a bit "Creepy..."

Silverstream snorted "Aw come on Yona! You can just buck him outta here if something happens!"

Ocellus gasped "Dont say so! It's not like he is bad...Right?"

Silverstream giggled "I was acting!" she then changed her face to serious one "Or was I?"

Yona rolled her eyes "Oh, come on! It's not like Yona will hurt her friends" she smirked "She will help them instead!"

Meanwhile, Ferum grabbed his order and sat at the nearby table. He put tray with food on table and yawned.  

Ferum smiled "Ah yes, nothing can be better than cup of tea in the morning..." he took the cup and made a sip.

TF2 healing SFX

Meanwhile...

Yona finished her sentence "...and that's why knocking him out would help him!"

Silverstream put claws to his beak "But wouldn't that be mean?"

Yona snorted "Hmpf! We are doing it for his own good!"

Ocellus sweated a bit "Uhm...Shouldn't we at least ask him?"

Silverstream nodded "Yep! Give me a second" she jumped off the chair and walked towards Ferum.

Dragon was enjoying his bread with chocolate "Man, not bad! How are they making this choco?"

Silverstream shrugged behind him "I dunno, maybe they are usi-" she gasped "How are you ok already?"

Dragon was fluffy again and looked a lot better.

Ferum smirked "Magic of caffeine" he then turned around "Did ya need anything?"

Silverstream waved her claw "Oh, since you are fine it doesn't matter!"

Ferum shrugged "Alrighty then..." he looked around "But where are your other pals?"

Silverstream put claw to her beak "I dunno, Gallus and Sandbar ate really fast and left. Smolder didn't even bother coming"

Ferum put cup and small plate back on tray "Whelp, guess we don't have to worry 'bout them!" he picked tray up.

Silverstream nodded "Yep!" she then tilted her head "But why did you look so tired?"

Ferum waved his hand "Eh, doesn't matter" he approached stand with food and left his tray nearby.

Ocellus approached Silverstream "So...Is he alright?"

Silverstream nodded "Yep, that means our plan won't come in handy"

Ocellus sighed with relief "That's a good thing to know..."

Meanwhile...

Lyra was galloping around Ponyville, asking locals about 'Fluffy dragon with clothes'. Everypony looked confused and didn't know what she meant. Sooner, Lyra trotted inside the School of Friendship to meet Headmare.

Twilight was in her library when Lyra came in "Oh hello there Lyra!" she flew down on the floor from ladder "Is something wrong?"

Lyra sighed "Yeah yeah...Sooner or later it wont be" she then looked at Twilight "So, why did ya want to see me?"

Twilight put hoof behind her head "Uh...I wanted you to look after the library"

Lyra tilted her head "You are going away?" she smirked "Let me guess, it's your 'friendship' call?"

Twilight shook her head "No, I wanted to meet Ember to discuss something about dragons"

Lyra shrugged "Alrighty then!" she then asked "But can't Starlight or somepony else do that? Not like I don't want to look through the library..."

Twilight smiled shyly "Well, Starlight asked for a day off, and others got stuff to do so...Yeah"

Lyra put her saddlebags on the table "You can rely on me!" she looked around "Hm...I wonder where can I find the Spell book..."

Twilight collected some papers and put them inside one of her bags "Hm? Why do you need it?"

Lyra gasped "Twilight, you won't belive wh-" she then froze in place.

'Wait, if Vlad wanted to let her know she would already tell me...That means he wants to stay anonymous for now..."

Twilight tilted her head "Belive what exactly?"

Lyra sweated a bit "Uh...Belive that...I met...An old friend!" she smiled and made a 'squee' sound.

Twilight raised her eyebrow "That's a good thing, but why did you need a spell book?"

Lyra averted her eyes "Uh...We wanted to...Uh...Exchange magic experience!" she smiled nervously.

Twilight put hoof to her chin "Wasn't your friend a dragon by any chance? He is also wearing clothes"

Lyra thought for a second "Uh...Yes?" she seemed unconfident.

Twilight's jaw dropped "Dear Celestia!" she collected some more items in bags "Lyra, I will be back in a hour! That's just amazing!" she dashed out of library "Dragon that posseses magic!Unbelivable!"

Lyra blinked her eyes few times "Huh..?" she then snapped out and ran after Twilight "WAIT! You know him?!"

Meanwhile...

Vlad walked inside the park and sat on random bench. He stretched his body and yawned (accidentally making a 'meow' noice).

Vlad put hand to his chin "Alright...So turns out Sombra got trapped in my head, Lyra will eventually find me and Twilight will meet some kind of a Dragon Lord..." he sighed "Just great!" 

Vlad felt like he was being sucked inside of his mind "Aw man, not again!" he facepalmed and fell asleep.

Now Vlad was back into his dream realm. He looked around and spotted Sombra.

Vald said with annoyed tone "It's the 5th TIME ALREADY!" 

Sombra had a smug face "My my, so angry already?" he then started levitating "This time...I wil-"

Vlad appeared in front of him. His face was darkened.

Sombra smirked and his eyes glowed with dark purple with green "Way too predictable!" 

Dark tentacles appeared out of nowhere and launched at human while they were in mid air.

Instant transmission SFX

Sombra gasped and turned his head around with widened eyes...Vlad was levitating behind, caught in white aura. Human's eye blinked with red and he sent sombra flying, by kicking him up with leg. He then levitated higher on an incredible speed and chased unicorn.

Before Sombra could do anything, Vlad appeared above him and spinned with his leg out. Human hit unicorn once again and made him fall down on even higher speed. Sombra hit the floor, making a lot of cracks on it. When he opened his eyes, he saw human's upside down face above him.

Vlad smiled "Thank you for letting me practice"

Sombra groaned "You win...Once again..." he hit floor with his back and moaned.

Vlad smirked "So you give up on defeating me this way?" he summoned pack of crackers with ketchup flavor.

Sombra snorted "Don't get to cocky, you are still vulnerable in real world!"

Vlad threw one of the crackers inside his mouth "That's why I locked you in my head" he sat on the red sofa.

Sombra smirked "Oh, did you?!" he turned into shadow mist...And then turned back, confused "What...NO!" he was trying and trying again untill he fell, exhausted.

Vlad finished with his snack "Whelp, guess you finally got it eh?"

Sombra looked at human with fury "How do I get out?!"

Vlad threw plastic bag out and it dissapeared "Two ways. First: Defeat me in this realm" he then snorted "Not like you had any progress though..."

Sombra groaned "And what is the second one?!"

Vlad rolled his eyes "I'm sure you won't like it but...Just stop being evil"

Sombra suddenly stood up and approached human "I'm NOT evil! I'm taking my REVENGE!" he stomped his hoof loudly.

Vlad looked at him "That's EXACTLY what an evil guy would say" he then put hand on the sofa "Well, I could hear you out, you know? Here, take a seat"

Sombra blinked few times and snorted "Hmpf! YOU, listen to ME?!" He laughed loudly "Don't make it look awkward! I don't need a therapist!" he then frowned "You wouldn't understand me anyway..."

Vlad shrugged "That's exactly what sick person would say back in my world" he than noticed that his hand started to dissapear "Oh great, now someone is waking me up" he looked at Sombra "I  suggest you to think twice before rejecting my offer, I want to stay as a badass pacifist in this run" he snapped his fingers and dossapeared.

Sombra looked down "Just...Talk about it..?" he then made confused face "Just what did this fool mean by 'badass pacifist'?!"

Back to the Equestria...

Ferum opened his eyes slowly and looked around. He noticed Gallus and Sandbar behind him.

Ferum clipped his eyes few times "Can I help you?"

Gallus was holding orange ball in his claws "Yeah, we are looking for extra player in our team for dodgeball!"

Sandbar put hoof to back of his head "Yeah...Turns out Spike ate too much gems and...Well..."

Ferum thought for a second "Hm...You know what? Let's do this!" he stood up and looked around "Where is the field though?"

Gallus did a lap and shouted "Oh yeah!" he then added "Oh well...The whole city is a field so-"

Voice from ahead shouted "FOUND YOU!"

Ferum looked up and saw Smolder and...another griffin. They were holding same orange balls.

Smolder raised her hand "ARTILLERY STRIKE!" both of them threw balls towards Gallus and Sandbar. 

Stallion shouted "TAKE COVER!" They ran behind Ferum.

Dragon looked at approaching at high speed projectiles "Seriously?" he sighed and raised both of his arms.

Meanwhile...

Gilda and Smolder launched their balls towards trio and laughed.

Dragon looked at griffin "I can't belive they want to team up with softie!"

Gilda raised her eyebrow "Eh? Another stud in school?" she looked at light blue fluffy dragon "What can he even do to protect them!"

They then noticed that dragon raised both of his arms. 

Smolder snorted "Pft! It takes A LOT to stop our Artillery Strike! He doesn't stand a chance!"

Back to the trio...

Balls were approaching at incredible speed. Ferum raised his arms and put palms towards projectiles.

Gallus gasped "DUDE RUN!!"

Sandbar shouted "NOOOO"

When balls hit dragon's palms, scales appeared and stopped projectiles instantly. Strong air pressure appeared around his hands. Gallus and Sandbar stood behind with jaws dropped.

Ferum threw one of the balls towards Sandbar "Don't just stand there, we gotta regroup and win this..." he then added "And you gotta tell me what are the rules"

Sandbar managed to catch ball with hoof "Uh eh...Right!" 

Gallus shook his head "Uh, alright, I know the spot!"

Meanwhile...

Gilda and Smolder watched their foes running away with dropped jaws. They looked at each other.

Gilda was pointing her claws in different directions "HE- WH- HOW?!" she then put claws on Smolder's shoulders "Why didn't you tell me that he is invincible?!"

Smolder put hands on her head "HOW DID HE SURVIVE DOUBLE CANNON?!" she then pushed away Gilda "Calm down! We gotta think about a plan...If we won't take him down, he will...Take us down?" she said it with unsure voice "I mean...He is not a jerk, as far as I know but-"

Gilda groaned "I GET IT!" she then put claw to his chin "And I think I got an idea..."

Back to Vlad...

Gallus, Sandbar, Ferum and Spike were hiding under the houses, making everypony look at them confused.

Ferum sighed and waved his arms a bit "Damn...Those throws were strong. So, what are we going to do next?" he then looked at Spike "And what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to like...Rest or something, Spike"

Spike answered "Well you see, I lied about my-" he stopped talking "Wait, we didn't meet bef-"

Gallus gasped "You LIED?!"

Sandbar put his hoof on griffin's shoulder "Dude, calm down, it's fine"

Ferum though averted his eyes 'Damn...I gotta be a bit more careful...' he then looked at Sandbar "So, what are the rules?"

Sandbar shrugged "Well, we are playing simple dodgeball..." he then smirked "EXCEPT the fact that entire Ponyvile is the territory of game" he then added "Oh, also sooner we will start hunting Smolder and Gilda down" he then added "The only restriction is for Spike and Smolder. They can't use fire. Other methods are welcomed though"

Ferum nodded "Uh huh! So it's like changing roles!" he then asked "So what do you have to do to win?"

Sandbar put hoof behind his head "Well...You gotta hit the head...Like, let the ball touch it"

Ferum snapped his fingers "Alright, gonna be easy then! Here is the p-"

Gallus sat down frustrated "I can't belive it! Spike, you jerk!"

Spike rolled his eyes "Well, EXCUSE ME! I didn't want my face to be turned into a hole!"

Ferum coughed "AHEM!"

Spike and Gallus continued arguing anyway.

Ferum facepalmed "You know what? It's going to be harder than I thought..."

Sandbar sighed "True..."

Meanwhile...

Twilight, Ember and Lyra were walking through Ponyville to Castle.

Twilight put papers in her saddlebags "So...You want me to shorten information?"

Ember nodded "Yes, you gotta know that I hate all those scientific words"

Twilight put hoof to her chin "Huh...This is going to take so-"

Lyra interrupted her "Basically there is a dragon that lacks some of dragon's abilities, wears clothes and can become fluffy" 

Ember looked at her confused and chuckled "Hmpf! What a joke! I can understand lacking abilities and even wearing clothes. But dragons just CAN'T become fluffy!" she then added "Besides, who are you?"

Lyra put hoof to her chest "I'm Lyra Heartstrings! And everething I said is true!"

Twilight nodded "This is indeed true. Ferum didn't know that he could change his scales as well. He also lacks abilities to fly, breath fire and eat gems...Though his scales are WAY harder than they should be. I suppose his magic resistance is on absolutely another level as well" she then added "And he is acting WAY too peacefull for dragons"

Ember put claws to her chin "Huh...If you say so..." she then smirked "I guess I will visit him. Besides, I'm sure he will appreciate that Dragon Lord herself is interested in his case!"

Twilight put hoof behind her head "Yeah...About that..." she exhaled "He told me that he didn't know there was a Dragon Lord"

Ember's eyes widened "He WHAT?!" she cracked her knuckles "Then I gotta show him that there IS one!"

Lyra put hoof to her chin "Huh...That means he lives far away..." she then gasped "I gotta talk to him before Ember annihilates him!"

Suddenly, orange ball flew towards Ember. Dragon got hit in her back and turned around, noticing Smolder and Gilda.

Ember shouted furiously "WHAT THE GEM IS YOUR PROBLEM?!"

Smolder smiled nervously "Sorry Ember, I thought it was Ferum..."

Ember's eye twitched "HOW?!"

Twilight put hoof to her chin "Huh...Now that I think about it, he kinda looks like you..."

Ember looked at Twilight with widened eyes "Huh...I see..." she cracked her knuckles (again) "OI, SMOLDER! WHAT KIND OF A GAME WERE YOU PLAYING WITH THIS 'FERUM'?"

She walked towards Smolder and Gilda menacingly. They then flew into the sky.

Lyra followed them with eyes "Uh...Twilight? Should we do something?"

Twilight nodded "Of course we should! I can't let one of my students get hurt!"

They galloped towards Castle...

Back to the BoyZ team...

Ferum stood in the middle of a small field. Trees were literally 10 meters away from him. Sooner, Sandbar, Gallus and Spike approached Ferum.

Sandbar pointed his hoof into the nearby trees "Alright, traps are set! Now we need projectiles!"

Ferum nodded and looked at griffin "Did you collect as many balls as you could?"

Gallus saluted "Yes sir! I collected around..." he started counting "Uh...A lot!"

Ferum nodded and looked at Spike "Alright, Spike, put ball in each part of the trap. Make sure that path is clear to run around" he then looked at griffin "Gallus, patrol surroundings and alert us if you see something" he then finally moved his face to Sandbar "Sandbar, make sure that trap's parts are ready, we don't want this plan to fail"

Spike and Gallus saluted to Ferum "Aye aye!" Spike ran into the 'woods' and Gallus flew up.

Sandbar turned around and looked back at Ferum "And what are YOU gonna do?"

Ferum picked up rope's left overs"I'm going to upgrade trap a little bit!"

10 minutes later...

Ember was in team with Smolder and Gilda. Their main foe was Ferum. They were flying around, when Smolder noticed Gallus flying down.

She pointed her claws at trees "Ember, Gilda! They must be hiding under the trees!"

Ember bumped fist into her palm "How USELESS! Let's show them Tartarus!"

Gilda threw orange ball up and caught it with her claw "As you wish, Princess!"

They flew after Gallus. Sooner, they noticed small field in the forest...With Ferum in the middle of it. They started gliding around him.

Ember wanted to throw her ball, when Smolder stopped her "It's no use! This guy was able to stop my and Gilda's attack. We gotta take care of him in close combat!"

Gilda nodded "Besides, taking him out is our first priority! I don't want to lose to this team of losers!"

Ember groaned "Ugh! Fine!" 

They landed on different sides to surround Ferum. He was just standing in the middle of the field, hiding his palms in sleeves.

Ember thought for herself 'Huh...So it was true. He is indeed strange dragon..Wait, is he fluffy for real?!'

Ferum snorted "Took you kinda long..." his eyes were closed.

Gilda smirked "You are going down!"

Smolder added "Any last words?"

Ferum started to look...Menacing "You have played right into our...Uh..." his 'menacing' effect faded away as he tried to come up with the word "Claws, hooves and arms?"  he put arm to his chin "Clooms?"

Gilda groaned "Doesn't matter! ATTACK!"

Smolder and Gilad ran towards Ferum with balls ahead. Ember smirked and thought for herself 'He just gave up...Heh!' 

Suddenly, strange noice could be heard from the woods. The next moment, big amount of ropes appeared from under the grass, covering Ferum from attackers. Ropes were attached to tree trunks and branches, so it wouldn't be possible for Gilda and Smolder to fly away.

Ferum revealed his palms, some ropes were attached to his claws "You forgot one thing...It's OUR time to hunt!" he inhaled some air "Take this! 10 meter radius, Ruby Ball Barrage!" Ferum pulled his arms towards his chest.

Some crunching noices were heard from tree's and balls started to launch from random sides rapidly. Smolder and Gilda tried to move, but ropes slowed their movement.

Gilda covered her head "OH YOU EGGHEADS!"

Smolder used her claws to break out "Hah! Is that all what you g-" she felt something touching her head from above.

When Smolder looked up, she noticed that Gallus was flying above her with ball in his claw and smug smile.

Griffin chuckled "Got 'cha!"

Smolder facepalmed "For real?!"

Meanwhile, due to his size, Spike was able to go through ropes easily "Watch out!" he leaped towards Gilda's confused face and touched it with his ball "You're out!"

Gilda smacked her head into the ground and groaned...

Ember on the other hand, simply deflected projectiles with her wings and tail "Hmpf! And THAT'S all you got? Impr-"

Suddenly, Sandbar threw up the ball behind Ember and bucked it, sending projectile towards Ember's head "Don't let your guard down!"

She simply turned around and caught ball with her palm, creating air pressure "Hmpf! I didn't!" 

Meanwhile...

Twilight and Lyra were running through the park. They casted a tracking spell, that allowed them to know where was Ferum.

Lyra looked towards park's part with trees "Twilight, I think he is here!"

Twilight looked towards trees "Right, spell tells that he is here along with somepony else!" 

They turned tight and galloped through trees. Sooner, they heard wings flapping and looked up, noticing Ember, Gilda and Smolder.

Twilight looked forward "Huh? Is that...Ferum?"

Lyra looked forward as well. She noticed that there was a field 20 or 30 meters forward with Ferum in the middle of it. 

Lyra gasped "Oh hey! He is f-"

Twilight stopped Lyra with her hoof "Lyra wait!" They stopped 15 meters away from the field "Look at those ropes..."

Area around field was covered with balls and ropes. They also noticed that there was a quick made path around it to provide faster movement.

Lyra's eyes widened 'Wait...Did he do it all alone just to win a simple game?!' she then noticed another movement.

Twilight gasped "They are here!"

Smolder, Gilda and Ember landed around Ferum. Itw as hard to hear what they were talking about....

Lyra smiled nervously "Uh...I think if he gives up, he will be fine, right?"

Twilight sighed "Right, I'm sure he is wise enough not to fight them!"

Suddenly, some movement appeared nearby to trees. Gallus picked up the rope and pulled it. A lot of ropes appeared around Ferum, covering him from attackers. Gallus picked up the ball and prepared himself.

Ferum raised his arms. Twilight and Lyra overheard only one thing "Ruby Ball Barrage!"

Suddenly, some branches snapped, letting some balls fly towards the center of field. Sooner, Gallus and Spike took out Gilda and Smolder.

Twlight's and Lyra's jaws were down.

Princess mumbled "He...THEY...HOW?!"

Then, Sandbar tried to take out Ember, but didn't succeed...

Ember smirked "You are going down!" she raised her arm with ball and threw it at stallion.

Suddenly, Ferum dashed towards Sandbar. He was fast enought to get pin stallion on the ground.

Ferum sighed "Phew! Man, couldn't you do it yourself?"

Sandbar shook his head "Eugh...Wha-" he gasped "FERUM BEHIND!"

Ember fastly picked up one of the launched balls and ran towards Ferum "Got you now!"

Ferum pushed Sandbar away and rolled away before Ember smacked earth with ball "ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!"

Ember didn't answer his question and threw ball at him, missing "I will win this!" she dashed towards him using wings.

Ferum smirked "Oooh! Classic boss fight!" he dodged her dash and prepared himself.

Ember slid through the ground a bit and stopped "You are done!" she didn't pick up a ball. She just charged at him, spinning like a drill.

Everybody looked at Ferum and shouted "DODGE!"

Time was slowed for Ferum. He could see each move, and counter it. Even though this 'Ember' was just ramming into him, he doubted that he could block it as easy as balls from before. He wasn't planning on blocking anyway. When Ember was 3 or 4 meters away from Ferum, he jumped up, placing his hand with ball on her head and landed behind with a grin.

Ferum turned around with smug expression "Got you, GG" 

Gallus, Spike and Sandbar ran towards Ferum with cheers.

Griffin leaned on his shoulder "Dude! You can't be THAT over powered!"

Sandbar nodded "True! I didn't think that you could defeat Dragon Lord in this game!"

Ferum snorted "Well, I was just lucky eno-" he stopped talking and turned on his poker face "Uh...Excuse me? Did you just say...Dragon Lord?"

Spike approached him and crossed arms on his chest "Yep! It's impressive! Ember is quite a fighter, and you were able to outplay her!" he then looked nervously towards Dragon Lord "No offence"

Smolder slapped Ferum's back "AHOOY! That was something!"

Ferum nearly fell and looked back at dragon with grumpy face "NEVER do this again..."

Smolder shrugged "Eh, can't promise anything!"

Gilda rolled her eyes "Yeah yeah, you win. I have something else to do, so see ya eggheads!" she flew away quite fast.

Twilight came out of the woods. She trotted towards Ferum.

Twilight looked at Ferum with a frown "You DO realize that you could get hurt, right"

Ferum shrugged "Well, as you can see, I'm totally fine, Ms Twilight"

'Though I won just in time...I feel that caffeine starts to fade away already. Strange, I thought it would hold for at least 2 more hours. Eh  doesn't matter'

Twilight sighed "OK look. Safety of my students, is my FIRST priority! I don't want you to get hurt on your second day of being my student"

Ferum nodded "Yeah, right...Sorry for acting reckless, that wasn't kind of me" 

All this time Ember was standing nearby, speechless. She was simply looking at others.

Spike approached Ember "Uh...Are you ok?"

Ember waved her hand "Yeah yeah, totally" she then added "Though there is just one thing for me to do..." she started walking towards Ferum.

Spike turned around and gulped "A-alright..."

Ferum sighed "Alright, after all it was just a game, right?" 

Twilight coughed in her hoof "Anyway, I wanted you to meet Ember, The dragon Lord. Since you have already met, we can discuss everething in ca-"

Ember approached Ferum from behind "Oi, kid!"

Ferum turned around and gulped "Uh...Y-yes?" 

Ember put her hand on his shoulder and...Made a thumb up? "Good job on defeating me! You really are skilled!"

Ferum clipped his eyes few times "O-oh...Uh...Thank you..?"

Ember put her hand away and looked at unicorn  "Anyway, I don't think I can help you, Twilight" she shrugged "I never saw somebody like him" she then smirked "And I wonder, where do you see fluff on him? Seriously, there is no way that-"

Ferum interrupted her "Oh, I actually can turn fluffy" he inhaled some air and slowly exhaled it "I just need to calm do-" his body turned fluffy with 'pop' sound "...There we go"

Ember looked at him with surprised face "You...Are you sure you are dragon?"

Twilight sighed "I asked him the same thing"

Ferum rolled his eyes "Alright guys, it was nice game and all, but I got some uh...Problems to deal with"

Gallus tilted his head "What do you mean?"

Sandbar added "And can we help you somehow?"

Ferum waved his hand "Nah nah, I'm fine" he then turned around "If ya need me, I will be in a cas-"

Suddenly, Ember stopped him "Hold on! You are not acting like dragon would as well...Like Sparkle said" she then bumped her fists into each other "I wonder...How did you fight those who attacked you on your way here?"

Ferum clipped his eyes few times "Uh...Well..." he started to walk away "You see, I REALLY gotta go...Maybe later we co-"

Twilight put hoof to her chin "Huh...Now that you mention it...How could changeling break through your defence, if you were able to deal with a timberwolf?"

Gallus, Sandbar, Spike and Smolder looked at Twilight with opened jaws "HE DID WHAT?!"

Ember snorted "Why are YOU wondering Smolder? Just burn those dogs and...They will..." she frowned "Oh right..."

Gallus put claw to his chin "Maybe this changeling was uh...Overpowered?"

Spike raised his eyebrow "What do you mean?"

Sandbar explained "I heard that before reforming, changelings had elite units. I'm not sure what was special about them though..."

Everyone turned back to dragon to ask-..

Smolder tilted her head "Where did he go?"

Vlad was going through Ponyville slowly. Because caffeine faded away, he started to feel tired again.

Dragon yawned "Man...If it wasn't to Sombra, I could have felt better..." he then frowned "Even my 'Instincts' and 'Reflexes' upgrade didn't work when Smolder hit my back...Strange"

He noticed strange looking building. After looking for it for a few seconds, he memorized that it was Raritie's boutique.

Ferum continued walking 'Alright, I promised Sombra to talk with him about his uh...Revenge? Man, that's just stupid. Since when do I have to...' he sighed 'Good grief, I'm already a bit stressed. I better get to my room and close myself until I calm down'

He looked around and opened his map...

Meanwhile, Lyra was following Ferum through Ponyville. She heard everething at park, and started to put all pieces together.

Lyra was trotting after Ferum "Alright, so he had Vlad's case, knew my name and even BonBon's. He fought Timberwolf and won, but 'lost' to changeling. It means, that it happened quite long ago" she noticed that Ferum approached the Castle "Oh...I had to watch the library..."she sighed "Either way, he has way to many similarities with Vlad..." she then stopped behind one of the buildings after Ferum entered Castle "Just in case, I gotta check one thing..."

Vlad went through the main doors of the castle.  There were some other students. They were talking, laughing and doing their stuff. Vlad entered the canteen and noticed that there were more ponies and other creatures.

'Alright...I might wanna get tea and something NORMAL to eat. This choco sandwich was probably nothing for me' 

"So go ahead and take something, silly!" Pinkie Pie stood behind him with a wide smile.

Ferum slowly turned his head around "Yeah...I was about to..." he slowly approached the food stand.

Pinkie's head appeared from behind the stand "Hiya Ferum, what can I get ya?"

Vlad didn't question her 'teleportation' "I will have bl-" he suddenly stopped "Actually, I'd like to have the carrot soup over there!" he pointed at steaming pot behind Pinkie.

Pink pony looked around "Alrighty then!~" She bounced towards pot with bowl on her head.

Ferum pointed his finger out "Uh...Ms. Pinkie, I don't think it's a good idea to-"

It was too late. Pinkie poured soup into the bowl and grabbed it with her hooves.

She gasped "AAAH HOTHOTHOTHOT!" Pinkie threw bowl away and accidentally aimed at Ferum.

Dragon tiredly chuckled "Haha...Man I'm dead..."

Bowl hit him right into his face. It shattered with loud noice and fell down, spilling soup. Everyone gasped and looked at Ferum...

His face was covered with hardened scales. He lazily clipped his eyes.

Ferum wiped soup away and his scales turned fluffy again "Oh well, maybe not that fast..." he then crouched to pick up what was left from the bowl.

Some creature galloped to him from behind "F-Ferum, are you alright?"

Vlad turned around "Oh, heya Ocellus" he waved his hand "Yeah, I'm totally fine"

Ocellus exhaled "Good thing to know..." her horn glowed up and pieces got caught in magical aura.

Ferum sighed "Thank you, it would take me some time" he then looked at clock "Speaking of which, I should probably get in my room...I'm not that hungry to be honest"

Pinkie Pie appeared behind dragon, scaring Ocellus "Not on MY watch! If you wont get fed enough, you won't have strength for future chapters!" she explained and gave him another bowl with soup.

Ferum grabbed bowl and his scales hardened "Yeah yea-..Wait what?" but Pinkie Pie dissapeared again.

Ocellus exhaled "I still can't get used to her...Abilities" she levitated pieces towards bin.

Ferum shrugged "Eh...I just accepted it"

Silverstream approached them "Oh, heya Fe-" her eyes widened "What in Celestia's name happened to you?!"

Ocellus raised her eyebrow "What do y-" she turned around and gasped.

Now that she got a better look, she noticed that Ferum looked even worse. Bags under his eyes got darker, and his tail was laying on the ground without any strength left. Another difference were his spikes. They looked...Whiter than they should be. 

Silverstream tilted her head "But...Didn't your 'Caffeine magic' suppose to help you?"

Ocellus looked at her friend confused "Excuse me?"

Ferum shrugged "It's a temporary thing. When I drink caffeine, I get loads of energy. But after this effect ends, I'm becoming EVEN MORE tired"

Silverstream gasped "Oh no! Then why did you use it?" 

Ferum facepalmed "I actually had no reasons...Just wanted to stay awake for a while" he was holding bowl with one hand "Alright, Imma eat soup and go have a nap..."

Turns out Yona was behind Ferum with a bat "Oh...That means there was no need to..."

Ocellus clipped her eyes few times "N-no..? Yona, what were you going to do?"

Ferum turned around "Huh?"

Yona hid bat in her coat and whistled.

Silverstream looked around "By the way...Have you seen Sandbar, Gallus and Smolder?"

Ferum nodded "Yep, we had a nice game of dodgeball with uh...What were their names..." he hummed "Right, Gilda and Ember" he then added "And I'd prefer not to meet with the last one again..."

Ocellus, Yona and Silverstream looked at him confused "Say whaa-"

Ferum walked away "I know she is some kind of a princess or something...Let me just have my meal and nap already!" he sounded a bit stressed.

Ocellus watched him going away to take the table "Maybe he does need some sleep..."

Yona sighed "Yona thinks that he DID need some...Therapy"

Ocellus looked at her with widened eyes "Dont say so! I know that he is actually a very good person!"

Silverstream grinned "How come? If I recall correctly, you had just two conversations" she giggled "Is there a way..."

Ocellus looked at her friend with smile "Silverstream, I'm just saying obvious things. He is a good person, compared to other dragons (Not including Spike of course)" she then added "I wonder why you thought about this in first place"

Silverstream shrugged "I dunno, I thought it would be funny"

Yona shrugged "Well, as long as he is not hurting Yona's friends, he is safe"

Meanwhile, Ferum sat at the table and ate his meal 'Damn, I should apologize to them sooner. I don't wanna look like a jerk' he looked at the doors 'Well, guess now it's time to come back to the dark guy'

He stood up and walked towards food stand. Ferum put bowl to other ones and exited canteen.

Sooner, he walked inside his room, locked the door, window and curtains "Alright, time to get some sleep...And perhaps help a bad guy?" he layed on his bed without transforming.

Vlad closed his eyes and immediately fell asleep, not noticing that curtains weren't completely closed.

Meanwhile...

Twilight, Ember and students were talking at the park. They simply took the opportunity to have some fun and relax.

Ember crossed arms on her chest "I gotta admit...You ponies just won't stop surprising me! Set all those traps in just 10 minutes...Impressive, really!"

Twilight smirked "Well, they are learning at the school full of magic and other creatures to learn from after all"

Gallus, Spike and Sandbar raised their limbs "Actually it wasn't my idea" they said it synchronously.

Twilight and Ember looked at them confused.

"Then...Does it mean..." Twilight's eyes were widened "That's just...AMAZING!" she jumped up, surprising everyone around.

Smolder raised her eyebrow "Uh...Ms Twilight, what do you mean?"

Twilight mumbled to herself "A unique dragon that posseses ability to use magic AND create something like this..." she put hooves to her head "That's just CRAZY!"

Ember looked confused "Say WHAT again?"

Twilight clipped her eyes few times "Oh uhm...Well you see, before I arrived to meet you, I asked Lyra to look after library for a while"

Ember snorted "And instead she arrived with you..."

Twilight nodded "Well, she said that Ferum was her old friend. Lyra also mentioned that she wanted to exchange magic experience with him, meaning that Ferum can use magic!"

Spike and Sandbar shouted "HE CAN DO EVEN THAT?!"

Smolder looked at Gallus "You are not surprised?"

Gallus shrugged "I mean, it's impressive and stuff. But I'm just tired to get surprised every time we find something out about Ferum"

Ember looked around "By the way, where is this Lyra?"

Twilight clipped her eyes few times "Huh?"

Meanwhile...

Lyra was trotting through halls of the castle. Students were greeting her, and she was answering back. Lyra was asking everypony about new student, but they weren't able to help her. 

She stopped near to the strange painting and frowned "Huh..? Since when did Twilight get interested in 'fancy' art?" the painting was just white, without anything on it.

She heard steps and turned her head to the left. Silverstream along with Ocellus were going through the hall, chatting about something.

Ocellus rolled her eyes "My point still stands. It's very rude to interrupt some creature's sleep" she then frowned "Especially when they are THAT tired"

Silverstream snorted "Aw come on! I'm sure that he would be interested in-" She turned her head towards Lyra "Oh, hello there, Ms Lyra!"

Ocellus raised her eyes "Good afternoon"

Lyra smiled at them "Hello there fellas"

Silverstream looked at 'painting' "So...What does this picture is supposed to mean?"

Lyra shrugged "I don't know, ask Headmare I guess?" she then sighed "Why is it so hard to find him..."

Ocellus tilted her head "Uhm...Are you trying to find somepony?"

Lyra nodded "Yeah...I heard about newbie at the school, so I wanted to talk to him" she then mumbled "In private..."

Silverstream snapped out of her thoughts about art "Huh? What was the last one again?"

Lyra waved her hoof "Eh, just wanted to know where is he right now! I mean, Princess Ember arrived here to meet with him and he just went away so-"

Silverstream gasped "WHAAA? Even Ember herself decided to meet him!" she then put claws to her chin "Damn Ocellus...You are getting strong rivals..."

Ocellus was covering her ears "S-Silverstream, stop it!" she sighed and looked at Lyra "Well...As far as I know, Ferum lives here" she pointed at nearby door "Though it might be a bad idea talking to him right now..."

Lyra clipped her eyes "Huh?" she then memorized Ferum's look from 20 minutes ago "Oh...Right..."

Ocellus put hoof behind her head "He is uh...Not in the best condition to talk right now...We could tell him about you when he wakes up"

Lyra put hoof to her chin 'Hm...I guess it will be better to wait...I don't want to look rude to some creature who seems to be friends with Vlad...' She sighed "Well, guess this is the only solution for us...I still gotta look after the library for Twilight so...See you guys around!" she turned around and started trotting away.

Silverstream waved with her claws "Goodbye Ms Lyra!~"

Ocellus suddenly asked "Uhm...Excuse me?"

Lyra stopped and turned her head around "Huh? What is it, Ocellus?"

Changeling put hoof behind her head "I was wondering, who are you to Ferum?" she then added "'I-I mean, you seem to know him a bit"

Lyra put hoof behind her head "Well you see uh..." she averted her eyes "We are uhm...Pen friends!" 

Silverstream and Ocellus tilted their heads "Wha?"

Lyra smiled nervously "Uh, we were writing to each other years ago and uh...When I heard about newbie I assumed he was my friend so..."

Ocellus clipped her eyes few times "So...You know little about him, right?"

Lyra sighed "Yeah...We didn't even meet in person yet!"

'Damn, I feel bad for lying to them...' She sighed and trotted away.

Silverstream looked at Ocellus and grinned "What was that question for?"

Ocellus blushed weakly "Uhm...I hoped to know something new about Ferum..." 

When Silverstream wanted to say something, both her and Ocellus shivered. Sudden cold appeared out of nowhere, catching friends by surprise.

Ocellus looked around "Guess somepony forgot to close windows"

Silverstream nodded "Yeah...It's kinda windy today!"

They walked away to the library to avoid cold breeze. Little did they know that shadows in Ferum's room got bigger...

Meanwhile, somewhere in the sky...

Rainbow Dash was having a nap on the clouds. Suddenly, something blocked sun, sending shadow on her face.

She groaned and half opened her eyes "Ugh...Move!"

Familiar voice talked "Aw, now THATS how you greet your friends?"

Rainbow's eyes widened "Gilda?! Is that you?!"

Griffin smirked and crossed claws on her chest "The one and only!"

Rainbow flew up and raised her hoof for a bump. Gilda clenched her claw into a fist and bumped it into Dash's hoof, creating air pressure.

Rainbow Dash smirked "What are you doing in Ponyville?"

Gilda shrugged "Eh! Just wanted to relax a bit. Thought it would be a good idea to visit you"

They were talking about what happened to them since their last meeting. Sooner, they were walking around Ponyville, relaxing.

Rainbow Dash's ears perked up "Oh, forgot to tell you!" she put milkshake away "We got a new kiddo in our school!"

Gilda snorted "Already met him while playing with other kids..."

Rainbow smirked "Since when you got interested in foals games eh?"

Gilda then told Dash about the game and how did  opposite team fool her team. She also mentioned that Ember lost to Ferum.

Rainbow Dash's eyes were widened "Y..He did WHAT?"

Gilda nodded "Yeah...This guy is something.. " she then looked at her friend "So, what are we gonna do now?"

Rainbow Dash put hoof to her chin "You know, I wanna talk to this guy. Seems like he has some cool tricks in his sleeves" she then smirked "Nightmare Night is coming soon after all! It's becoming boring to use lightning bolts, you know?"

Gilda snorted "Didn't think you would plan something THAT early"

Rainbow shrugged "If there is a thing in this world that I take seriously, it's the prank!" she then flew up "Well, it was nice meeting you here! See ya!" she flew away, leaving rainbow trail behind.

Gilda put claw to her beak 'Hm...What should I do now?'

Meanwhile, Vlad's realm...

Human appeared out of nowhere "Heya d- WHAT THE ACTUAL?!"  he looked around, shocked.

Entire place was covered with different items. Vlad could recognize each of them. Those were weapons from the games he used to play back on Earth. They were very different. From strange looking swords and accessories, to heavy machine guns and futuristic rifles.

Vlad looked around and noticed confused Sombra. He was holding with magic dark umbrella with crystal like cover. Unicorn wasn't wearing his armor anymore as well.

Sombra had eyebrow raised "Just...Why do I feel so much danger from those things?" he accidentally threw umbrella at human and turned his head to the pile of other items "What is the point in memorizing each of those...Things"

Vlad approached Sombra from behind "Because, they look and/or act cool!"

Sombra quickly turned his head around "You...How lo-"

Vlad interrupted him "25 seconds" he then looked around "You better explain yourself, MISTER!" he crossed arms on his chest and looked at unicorn strictly.

Sombra fully turned around and rolled his eyes "Well, since you somehow seem to belive me, you didn't block anything in your head from me"

Vlad sweated a bit "Uh...Yeah, because I want to make you a good guy!" 

'I could block my memories?!'

Vlad shook his head "So uhm...What is your answer to my offer?"

Sombra was silent for few seconds "I...I think you were right.."

Vlad clipped his eyes few times 'Wait, did it actually work?'

Sombra continued "About me I mean...I was thinking only about the revenge, never noticing that I was failing. Whenever I tried to do have my revenge, I was always left defeated..." he sighed "Maybe there was another way for me"

Vlad raised his eyebrow " 'Was'? You mean like...You can't get a new body?" 

Sombra snorted "HMPF! I can easily create myself new body! Who do you think I am, amateur?" he then averted his eyes "Obviously its because of what I did, I didn't call myself 'Embodyment of darkness' for no reason"

Vlad shrugged "Well, what about you tell me..?" he looked around "Uh...And where is the sofa?"

Sombra motioned his head towards pile of ash still steaming "And that's another reason why I chose to...Listen to your advice" he looked around "Each of those items hide enormous power...It's just futile for me to try to defeat you" he then looked at human "Just where did you find and learn those things?"

Vlad put hand behind his back "Well...It's kinda complicated and awkward..." he snapped his fingers and red sofa reappeared in front of him "So  what about you tell me what happened?" human fell on the right side, inviting unicorn to sit nearby.

Sombra sighed "It's...Now that I look back, that is terrible..."

Insert Sombra's backstory and crimes because author is not fully aware of them

Unicorn exhaled "..and now I'm here, in the mind of creature from another world..."

Vlad had arm on his chin "Well...I mean, of course being tyrant is bad, but at lest you didn't go any further"

Sombra looked at human with raised eyebrow "..any...Further?"

Vlad sighed "Well, now it's time to tell you something..." his face became more serious "My kind is intelligent...and very cruel" he crossed arms on his chest "Humanity did a lot of really bad things, much worse than yours"

Sombra snorted "And how did you do it without magic?"

Vlad put fingers in snapping position "Technology" he snapped his fingers.

A lot of images and videos appeared around them. They were showing different things like cars, rockets, robots and other stuff. Then they changed, showing machines created for entertainment like rollercoaster, virtual reality glasses and phones.

Sombra was surprised "That is...Truly impressive" he then looked at human "But where is cruelty in this? Not even I feel anything dangerous"

Vlad sighed "And THAT'S where our cruelty shows up..." all images and videos dissapeared "Even if something was created to do good things..." he clenched his fist...

There was only one square with a video. It was a small town. You could see small dots walking nearby to the buildings, cars driving around...Then, something small flew above the town. It dropped something even smaller on town.

Vlad continued "...we change into a weapon..."

When black dot touched the ground, giant explosion appeared in the middle of a city. All buildings got consumed by it. Even parts of city that weren't in radius of explosion got damaged from it's shock wave. When everething settled down, ruins were the only thing that was left.

Vlad put arm behind his back "And it's not even 10% of what humanity did...Bio weapons, fire arms, nukes..." human looked down "I'm usually not that serious about this stuff, but since you though you were THAT bad..."

Sombra was shocked, his eyes were widened "You...You are like-"

Vlad snorted "PFT! Of course I'm not!"

Sombra looked around "Then...What are th-"

Vlad interrupted him once again "And now to another part!" he snapped his fingers and all the mess dissapeared "Video games!"

Sombra looked confused "You...HOW CAN YOU MOVE ON LIKE THAT?!"

Vlad smirked "See? You are not as bad as you thought!" he then sighed "Though my point still stands, video games from my world are cruel, and those games are played by kids"

Sombra grimassed "Are you saying..."

Vlad nodded "Kids can be cruel..." he snapped his fingers and strange long stick eith handle and barrel in the middle appeared in his hand "For example, what do you think this weapon can do?"

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Weapon? I mean, I can feel aura around it but..." 

Vlad aimed at sofa and pulled the trigger. Loud 'Bang!' thundered, and Sombra grimaced. When unicorn opened his eyes, he saw hole in the sofa.

Vlad rolled revolver in his arm "And that's just the gun...Powerful one, but still" 

Sombra looked at the gun with...Curiosity? "So much power in one little item...If I had it, I-" unicorn cut himself off when he saw human's blank face "I mean...I'm not like that anymore..."

'He can just evaporate me from his head with this power...Even just with a snap of his fingers dammit! But...'

Vlad snorted "Listen, I might look confident right now and stuff...But it's only because I have power here" he looked at Sombra with serious face "Humans are very fragile, so anyone...AnyPONY could easily defeat me even if I have magic. Damn, even in my dragon form I would lose in a fight!"

Sombra looked puzzled "What are you saying?.."

Vlad stood up "I'm saying that I'm believing you, but if you betray me..." he looked back "Belive me, rage makes humans REALLY strong...And I won't calm down untill I get my vengeance" he looked truly menacing...

Sombra sweated a bit "I...Understand it..."

Vlad clapped his hands "Great! Besides, since you are going to become good, I'd like your help!" he then added "If it's ok with you, 'course"

Sombra frowned "My help..?"

Bald nodded "Yeah! You look like you are experienced magic user, so I thought you could teach me!"

Sombra chuckled and then started laughing "BHAHAHA!" entire realm was shaking because of it "ME teaching YOU?! ARE YOU TRYING TO DEFEAT ME WITH LAUGHER THIS TIME?!"

Vlad crossed arms on his chest "I mean...Our magic is kinda similar"

Sombra stopped laughing "Ph..Eh?" he looked at human confused "You can..."

Vlad snorted "Of course I can! I mean, I can turn into a dragon, wasn't it obvious?" 

Sombra rolled his eyes "Right...So what did you mean anyway..?"

Vlad unclenched his arm and a lot of light blue squares came out of it "Alright, I didn't expect it to work..." he started sorting them out "Now where was it..."

Sombra was still sitting on 'damaged' sofa "You know, it's amusing to look at your actions" 

Vlad rolled his eyes "Am I a clown to you or something?.." he pulled one particular tab in the middle of others "Alrght..."

It represented simple line. Line had small dark blue part on start, and even smaller part on end. Middle of it was just white.

Sombra approached human from behind "And this is..?"

Vlad put his finger to the line "My ability" he explained "I can upgrade myself just like I want. Video game leveling up basically" he then turned around "I think that after 'respawning', my Panel got an upgrade as well"

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Respawning..? What does it even mean?"

Vlad sighed "Alright, now what about you sit back and listen to my story?"

10 minutes later...

Vlad was finishing his sentence "..and after Chrysalis nailed the spell, I guess I died. I mean, it was kinda small explosion, but focused" 

Sombra looked REALLY confused "So basically...You died, reincarnated in Equestria, died again and got new powers?!"

Vlad shrugged "Eyup! You are not bad in shortening someone's story"

Sombra pointed his hoof at Vlad's arm "And...You can form anything out of your 'energy'..Right?"

Vlad unsummoned all squares except for the one with line "Yep, mostly anything. My only weakness is that I can't control my magic after it's detached" he put arm to his chin "It could just stop in mid air, dissapear or explode...I dunno!..That's why I'm asking for your help" he turned around, so did the tab.

Sombra went silent 'He is...Believing me? He might not know what I really am, but still...He is just naive or-'

Vlad interrupted his thoughts "Just so you understand, I don't really want to bother girls at the moment. They have school to run, job to do...And you are stuck with me in my head"

Sombra looked at Vlad "Didn't you say 'trapped' earlier?"

Vlad put arm behind his head "W-well the truth is that...I.."

Sombra narrowed his eyes "The truth is what?"

Vlad sweated "I might...Not know how to let you out.." Squee

Sombra's eyes widened "YOU WHAT?!" he dashed towards human, grabbing him with hooves and shaking him.

Vlad didn't resist "I'm so-o-orry! It didn't look like I could think rationally" his face had T-T expression while he was shaked "Besides...It's not like you could do anything outside.."

Sombra stopped shaking human and thought for himself 'But he is telling truth...Anypony would run in terror from me...Just what is-"

Vlad continued "..for now"

Sombra looked at human confused "What..?"

Vlad pushed unicorn a bit away "Well, I kinds nailed my part with trapping you, so what about this?" he snapped his fingers "You are teaching me how to use my magic so that I can let you go, and I will help you with problems in future!"

Sombra looked down "It's not like I have a choice..." he sighed "Very well then...My student"

Vlad cringed "Damn...You gotta work on your phrases" still, he smiled "But it's good to have you as my...Sensei?" he put arm to his chin "How should I call you...Sempai? Or maybe-"

Sombra groaned "Just...Call me Sombra!" he sighed "But I will need to do one more thing before we start"

Vlad looked at unicorn a bit surprised "We are starting already?"

Sombra turned around "As much as I'm interested in your abilities, I want to have guaranty that I will be able to get out.." he then added not confidently "No offence..?"

Vlad shrugged "None taken. I mean, I kinda have a sick mind. Wouldn't want to stay here long too, if I was you"

Sombra nodded "Good  now I will need your cooperation" he turned his head around realm "I will need to fuse with your mind, so that I will be able to see through your magic structure"

Vlad saluted "You got it!" he then stayed silent for a few seconds "..wouldn't it be easier for you to fuse with my ability though?"

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Your so called 'Panel'?" he averted his eyes "I'm not sure if I will be able to do it. It's absolutely another kind if magic..."

Vlad shrugged "Well, I offered you to do it, you are the boss for now" he then crossed arms on his chest "So uh...How are you going to...You know"

Sombra rolled his eyes "Just give me few moments. Since I have your permission, I can do it without tormenting you"

Vlad clipped his eyes few times "Oh..Huh..." he sat on the sofa "Well uhm...Go ahead and...Do your stuff, I guess?"

Sombra snorted and turned around. Few tentacles.appeared out of his horn and dug into the ground. Silence appeared once again. Vlad was looking at the hole in sofa, and Sombra was focused with 'merging'.

Human stretched a bit and whispered "By the way, it's possible to die of laugher"

Sombra's ears perked up "Did you say something?"

Vlad smirked "Hm? Nope, not at all"
> Chapter 5, Part 2: Finally
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vlad's realm...

It's being just 10 minutes since Sombra started  'fusing' with Vlad. Human on the other hand, wasn't nearby. He just decided to 'prepare something' and dissapeared with flash. Unicorn didn't pay attention to this detail and focused on his current objection.

Sombra frowned "Weird, I thought I would be flooded with his thoughts and memories..." he then looked at the hole in sofa "And it wasn't even half of potentional that weapon had..."

Suddenly, weak flash appeared behind unicorn. Sombra didn't turn around.

Vlad exhaled and fell on sofa, yelling "OUCH!" he jumped up, looking at the hole with springs sticking out of it.

Sombra blinked few times "Why didn't I feel it?"

Vlad held arm on his butt "Ouf...I kinda blocked everething connected to my mind so that you wouldn't have to experience hell" he hissed a bit and made sofa dissapear with snap of his fingers.

Sombra half closed his eyes and sweated a bit "Thank you...I guess"

Vlad sat on the floor and waved his hand "Yeah yeah..You are welcome" he crossed his legs together.

Silence once again filled the realm. The only sounds that could be heard were Sombra's tentacles pulsation.

Vlad averted his eyes "So...Is there anything happening to my body after that?"

Sombra hummed "Hm...Well, after I finish fusing, your body shouldn't change. Not physically at least" he then added "Though it would better if nopony wakes you up during this time"

Vlad shrugged "Well, even if somebody enters my room, (which I would count as a break in 'cuz I locked the door) I doubt they will be able to wake me up" he put both of his arms behind his head "I didn't sleep for 3 day straight after all"

Sombra rolled his eyes "Yeah whatever..." he then thought for a second "..were there any windows in your room?"

Vlad lied down on the ground "Well duh! It's not a prison here after all" he then added "I closed it anyway. Just in case"

Sombra exhaled "Well that's good"

Vlad clipped his eyes "So what would happen if I didn't close the window?"

Sombra groaned "Listen, I will tell you after I finish. I already-" some tentacles from unicorn's body pulsed a bit but then became still again "Hrg...Already lost a lot of focus.."

Vlad clipped his eyes few times "Uh...Yeah, sure buddy"





Meanwhile...

Rainbow Dash was slowly flying towards Castle. Slowly for her of course. When she was near enough, she felt something weird.

Pegasus slowed down "Was it actually so cold today?"

When Rainbow approached Castle, she felt that air became slightly colder. It wasn't critical or something like that, it was rather pleasant.

Rainbow shrugged "Well, doesnt matter I guess. Where was that fella again?"

She decided to prank him, by sneaking into his room and scaring him. Evern though Rainbow was a teacher now, it didn't lower her love to pranks. Surprisingly, she found his room quite fast. There was just one little problem...His window was closed!

Rainbow raised her eyebrow "Hmm...Why would somepony lock themselfes THAT much..." she narrowed her eyes and noticed that window was covered with curtains "Now that's suspicious..Why would somepony use CURTAINS? It's not like somepony will spy on them, right?"

(Sure thing Rainbow. Sure thing...)

She snorted and crossed hooves on her chest "Well, guess I-" Rainbow FINALLY noticed that curtains had a small spot that wasn't covered "Bingo!"

She approached window an-

Her body shuddered, temperature around the window was lower than it should be. MUCH lower.

Rainbow hugged herself with hooves "W-what in Celestia's name..?"

She tried to peek through the spot in curtains. It was...Dark. It wasn't due to lack of light, darkness seemed to just appear out of nowhere in the room. Rainbow tried to find Ferum...

Dash's eyes widened "No...No way!" her heart skipped a beat.

Dragon was sleeping on the bed. Though the thing that scared pegasus, were his eyes. Even though they were closed, dark purple aura was coming out of them, meaning...

Rainbow turned around and flew away, leaving rainbow trail "WHERE IS TWILIGHT!?"





Meanwhile, at Cantherlot palace...

Luna was sleeping in her room. This night, nopony was stressed, so she didn't have anything to do. No need to say that she still had a lot of energy. Out of boredom, Luna decided to enter Dreams Realm. 

She appeared in an...Empty place. Since nopony (except night guards) were sleeping right now, there was nothing much to see...That's what Luna thought. Very few doors stood around this realm, those belonged to the Night Guards, and none of them weren't experiencing stress right now. Since there was nothing to do, Luna started to count the doors...

Some time later...

Luna was finishing counting "..98...199 and finally...200!" she looked around "Well, I suppose tha-" she noticed another door.

It looked familiar to her. Door was in perfect rectangular shape, with few dark purple cracks on it's ends.

Luna raised her eyebrow "Weird, I don't recall anypony having this kind of door..." she smiled weakly "Though it's shape almost reminds me of..." Luna shook her head.

Suddenly, cracks got a bit bigger. Their colour slightly changed to brighter purple.

Alicorn frowned "That's..." she tried to touch door with hoof..

Cracks on the door pulsated and blinked. Quick, but powerful wave of energy came out of it. As it went through Princesse's body, she felt cold. Luna quickly moved away from it. Few moments later, cracks became still again.

Luna put hoof to her chin "Highly unstable spell...This colour..." she gasped "In the name of-!"

Princess woke up really fast. She stood up and her horn glew up. Second later, Luna dissapeared from the room with quiet 'pop'





Ears of one of the guards outsed Luna's room perked up. His coat was white, mane brown and eyes green. This guard was a unicorm. He looked at the door with raised eyebrow.

Another guard looked at his comrade "What is it?" 

This one had dark grey coat, light yellow mane and brown eyes. He was a pegasus.

Left guard answered "I swear to Celestia I heard something...Maybe we should-"

Right guard stomped his hoof quietly "No, we are not allowed to enter Princesse's rooms"

Left guard looked at right one confused "Aren't we supposed to check on them sometimes?.."

Right guard smirked "I knew that you spy on mares, but this is COMPLETELY another level my guy!"

Left guard blushed a bit "I-I'm not THAT brave! Besides, I'm sure that Princess is fine, yeah!" he stood on his side again...





Celestia's room...

Princess was sitting at the table full of papers to sign. She had bored expression on her face. Feather that she was using to write rested on her nose. Sudden flash behind Celestia's back made the feather fall on the table. Princess turned her head around to meet Luna's tense face.

Celestia stood up and smiled "Good day sister, what made yo-"

Luna interrupted Celestia's words "Tia, it might sound very foolish, but I think that Sombra is back once again!"

Celestia clipped her eyes few times "Sister, take a seat and calm down!" she pointed towards the big bed with her wing "After you do, please tell what gave you this thought?"

Luna exhaled and sat on the bed...

Literally 3 minutes later...

Luna was fully covered in different plushies. Her face was beaming with happiness and pleasure. Celestia put all her power not to start laughing.

She put hoof away from her mouth "So, are you feeling better?"

Luna slowly nodded "I do indeed, Tia.." she dug deeper into her 'armor'

Celestia levitated cup of tea towards her mouth "This is a good thing to know"

Luna raised her eyebrow "TIa, I was always wondering...How are you taking those cups out of nowhere?"

Celestia took a sip from her cup "What about you tell me about Sombra's returning instead?" her expression didn't change a bit.

Luna narrowed her eyes but let it go...for now " Well, since I didn't waste any energy last night, I decided to look through Night Guards dreams. There was nothing bad with those, so I was about to leave" she frowned "When I noticed new door that I never saw before" she then added "Even though there WAS something familiar, another detail caught my sight..."

Celestia put cup on the table "And what was that 'detail' ?"

Luna put some plushies away with her magic "Rarely I saw some...Weird ornaments on doors in dreams realm. Though this detail is...Quite exotic I'd say" she put hoof to her chin "Those were chaotically placed purple cracks"

Celestia raised her eyebrow "I don't think that I understand what is wrong"

Luna explained "Every ornament on those doors is supposed to be built harmonically and predictable. Those cracks seemed like they didn't belong to this ponie's mind, because they were placed chaotically and just didn't fit in the main idea of this door" she then looked at her right hoof "Another disturbing detail was the highly unstable energy I felt" Luna looked at Celestia "Tia, I just touched one of those cracks with my hoof. The energy I felt wasn't only powerful, but also had aura that was like Sombra's" 

Celestia averted her eyes "I must admit, it's very hard to make you feel disturbed.." she then wrapped her wing around Luna's back "Still, we have to stay calm, even if it's true. What about you try to look at this ponie's dreams first? Maybe this is just stress" she then added quietly "Which is still quite disturbing since it takes a lot of stress to generate energy"

Luna nodded "I will"





Meanwhile...

Since Ember already departed back to the Dragon Land, Twilight decided to find Ferum and talk to him about his abilities. She also wanted to find Lyra. Gallus, Sandbar and Spike decided to go somewhere else.

She trotted towards Sugarcube Corner to grab something before coming back to the Castle. After she got herself two cupcakes (with a new recipe) and wanted to eat one when-

Rainbow Dash bumped into Twilight on a high speed. They fell down, rolled 2 meters back and stopped. Rainbow dash was on her back, while Twilight bumped into the wall.

Pegasus groaned and opened her eyes "Ouf...Twilight are y-" she turned her head back, to see Twilight's face covered in cupcakes...She snorted and covered her mouth with hoof.

Twilight used magic to put cupcakes away and wiped her face with magic "I REALLY hope that you have an explanation for this..." she looked at her friendwith narrowed eyes.

Rainbow exhaled "I actually was trying to find you because there is an emergency!" her face became serious.

Twilight rolled her eyes "What is it this time? Did you forget where you put your 'papers' again?"

Rainbow Dash raised her hoof "Well, actually I did.." she then shook her head "BUT IM SERIOUS!"

Twilight's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't joking, alicorn could see it in Dash's eyes. 

Twilight nodded "Alright, I just REALLY hope you didn't get something wrong this time"

Few minutes later...

They were galloping through the Ponyville. Twilight had confused and terrified expression on her face.

She looked at Rainbow, who was flying nearby "So just to put it clear. You think that one of our students got controlled by Sombra?"

Nopony was around, that's why Twilight asked straight forward.

Dash nodded "Y-yea! It was that newbie!"

Twilight's eyes widened "Oh no, oh no OH NO!"





Meanwhile...

Lyra closed another book and sighed. Even though there were a lot of interesting books at the library, she couldn't focus on them. There was pnly one dragon on her mind: Ferum. It seems that he AT LEAST knew about Vlad. Not mentioning that he got a message from human for Lyra.

She sighed "This is so messed up..." she jumped from a chair and levitated one of the book on the shelf "Maybe there IS a chance that Vlad survived...But why didn't he just come back then?" Lyra turned around and trotted outside the library "Maybe this newbie already woke up"





Meanwhile, Vlad's realm..

Sombra exhaled, and all the tentacles evaporated. 

Vlad opened his eyes and moved into a sitting position "Done already?"

Sombra turned around and nodded "I am indeed"

Vlad stood up, stretched and looked around "Huh...Nothing changed to be honest"

Sombra rolled his eyes "Your mind surrounding WOULD have changed if I tried to take control by force..."

Vlad suddenly asked "Hey, what would have happened if you got interrupted?"

Sombra explained " I actually never was. I used this kind of magic only...2 or 3 times if I'm right. I suppose it would cause damage of your mind and turn you into twisted minded creature"

Vlad clipped his eyes few times "Oh...I see.."

Sombra put hoof to his chin "Now that you mention it, I got interrupted not because of your talking" he then added "Though I would...You were getting VERY annoying"

Vlad shrugged "Yeah, sometimes I can become way too..You know..." he then looked at Sombra with raised eyebrow "But what happened then?"

Sombra pointed his hoof nowhere in particular "Somepony seemed to notice something while you were asleep. I felt interaction with your mind. There are very few powerful ponies that are able to do so, and I'd prefer to stay away from each of them for now"

Vlad started to rub his chin "Huh, I think I know who are you talking about" he turned around "Princesses, Chrysalis and MAYBE Twilight...Right?"

Sombra nodded "I can see that you know about them"

Vlad shrugged "After all I met each of them in person"

Sombra snorted "It's a miracle you are still ali-.." unicorn sighed "Right..."

Vlad nodded "So where I was going...Right!" he pulled five fingers out "We can exclude Cadance since she is in answer for love or something like that" he clenched one of his fingers "Chrysalis is also out of question since she would enter my mind instantly I guess...Or not? I dunno if they can see whose mind they enter whe-"

Sombra groaned "You don't have to make it harder!'

Vlad rolled his eyes and left 3 fingers unclenched "That leaves us with three alicorns" he looked at Sombra "What about Twilight?"

Sombra shook his head "I have to admit, she is extremely powerful...But she can't enter others minds" he then added "..yet"

Vlad nodded and left two fingers unclenched "And...Oh..." his eyes widened.

Sombra clipped his eyes and then realized "Luna..." he face hoofed "In the name of the darkest pit..."

Vlad looked up and sighed "AAHAAAH...Guess I better wake up now..."

Sombra nodded "Agreed, besides I have to see your magic in action" he smirked "As stupid as it sounds, you made me interested..."

Vlad snapped his fingers "Got-cha!" and dissapeared.

Sombra looked around "..now what?"





Ferum opened his eyes and groaned. His head was aching really bad. It took him around a minute to settle pain down. 

Ferum looked at the curtains "Guess I could use some fresh air" he approached the window and opened it, letting some chilling wind..out? "Alright, now to wash myself and after that apologize to the girls" he didn't seem to notice that room got a bit warmer.

With that being said, he approached bathroom door. Vlad closed door behind him and turned back into his human form. As he expected, clothes and glove were still on him. Vlad took off the glove from his left hand and approached sink.

The water started running from the tap and Vlad carefully put his hand under it "Phew! All good!" he smirked and washed his hands before splashing some water on face.

Vlad looked up in the mirror...His eyes were covered in dark purple aura. It was coming out with waves. He also FINALLY noticed that everething around him was still darker than it should be despite having enough light.

Vlad inspected his face and nodded "Damn...That looks sick!" he then clipped his eyes "..How do I turn it off though?"

He tried clipping his eyes really fast, holding them closed and pressing on them with his hands. Nothing helped. Vlad was standing in front of the mirror with hand on his chin.

Human hummed "I should probably talk to Sombra..." he then shrugged "Panel first tho"

He activated the panel. Nothing seemed to change. He looked through his stats, upgrades and magic as well. 

"Well, guess he was ri-"

Vlad noticed that he had one unread message. He waited for a few moments and opened it.

'Unknown entity tried to connected to Panel. 

Allow the 'Sombra' to connect?'

Vlad facepalmed "Dammit...Why does it sound so cringy..." he sighed and chose the option 'yes' with his mind.

For a few seconds, there was a 'loading' sign. Vlad wanted to close the panel, when everething around him started spinning. He fell on his knee and grabbed head with right hand. Then, he started hearing someone's else groaning...It was Sombra's. World around human started to go into the dark, when suddenly everething settled down. 

Vlad clipped his eyes again "What the..? Damn, it su-"

"WHAT IN THE DARKEST PIT's NAME HAPPENED!?" 

Vlad recognized it's voice. He looked around, but found noone.

Human put hand behind his head "Uh...Sombra, you there?"

There was no answer...

Vlad chuckled "Well, what was I expe-"

Loud and angry voice echoed in his head "WAS IT YOUR FAULT THAT I HAD TO EXPERIENCCE THIS PAIN!?"

Vlad covered his ears "Whoa man, chilll out!" he shook his head and looked into the mirror, not finding 'flaress' "Hey, they are gone!"

Meanwhile in Vlad's head...

Sombra was holding his head with front hooves. Few moments ago, the whole realm shuddered and Sombra experienced a lot of pain. 

He angrily looked around, trying to find human "What the hay do y-" but he didn't find him...

Voice from nowhere in particular answered "You know, those things on eyes like yours when you tried to attack me. They sure look sick, but I kinda want to keep 'em off"

Sombra looked around a bit irritiated "Stop fooling around and show yourself"

Human's voice answered "Well I dunno if it's a good idea to fall asleep while I'm in the bathroom you know?"

Sombra clipped his eyes few times "You are...You are conscious?"

Voice answered with joy "Yeah! I think we are able to communicate now without falling asleep!" he then gasped "Oh wait! I wanna try one thing!" 

Sombra put hoof to his chin "Huh...So that means that fusion was a full success..." he exhaled "Well, guess I will have to get used to-"

Suddenly, grey panel appeared near to Sombra insert Discord ringtone here. He gasped and fell on his back. Panel followed his head.

Suddenly, it's surface lit up, showing a bathroom "Ok..Uh, can you see everething?" 'camera' moved around, showing more parts of the room.

Sombra groaned and opened his eyes, looking at the 'view' "Dammit..." he stood up and looked at the panel propperly "I guess so...Wait, what did you do?"

Vlad hestitated before answering "Weell I wanted to show you around my room an-"

Sombra interrupted him "NO! I mean what did you do to FULLY connect us?"

Vlad smiled "OOOH, that! Well, I had to accept your fusion in my Panel" he then added "So uh...I will do some stuff and explain everething to you sooner,ok?"

Sombra sat on the cushion "Uh...Yeah...Sure.." he was simply looking at the 'stream'

Vlad put a thumb up in front of him "Good! Well uh...Enjoy the movie I guess!" human started to do his stuff.

Sombra clipped his eyes few times and looked at the cushion "..where did it appear from?"

Vlad finished doing his stuff at bathroom and turned back into a dragon. He exited his room, closed the door and looked around. It took him few seconds before he realized where he needs to go. Dragon turned to the right and...Just kept going to fully unlock Castle's map in the Panel. It was really weird that there was noone aro-

"Nopony"  Sombra corrected Vlad's thoughts

Dragon stopped and raised his eyebrow "You can hear my thoughts?"

Sombra snorted "As you can see.." sigh could be heard "..Castle looks much...Brighter at the day time"

Vlad smirked " 'course it does! You stay in your basement for at least 12 hours every day and come out at night!"

Sombra stayed silent for a few moments "..how did you know I was hiding in the basement?"





Meanwhile...

Lyra was trotting through hallway. Near to her mouth hayburger was levitating. Unicorn was thinking about checking on that dragon since it's being some time. 

Lyra finished the hayburger and looked forward "Alrighty, what do I ask him?" she looked up and stopped "..huh.."

Now that Lyra thought about that, she realized that she didn't have any propper questions for him. What would she ask? 'Oh hi there! Do you know anything about humans? Maybe you know my dead friend by any chance?' 

Lyra cringed at those thoughts "Aw...I better get ready and not look weird..." she continued trotting forward anyway "Maybe...Ask about case? Well, yeah, this is probably the first thing I gotta ask about. Other questions will eventually come to mi-" she suddenly heard someponie's voice in the hallway.

"-ut no! You chose to stalk on teenagers! And don't even try to defend yourself, this is suspicious as hell!"

This voice wasn't loud. Though whoever was talking, was debating with somepony. Lyra's ears perked up at words 'stalking on teenagers'. She started trotting a bit faster, it didn't sound good at all.

Voice waited a bit and continued, though whoever was talking didn't get any answer "Well, since you are not like that anymore which I really hope , we can end this argument "

Lyra peeked around the corner and noticed weird looking dragon. He had arms crossed on his chest and-..

Lyra narrowed her eyes 'Wait a second..He is wearing clothes and looks fluffy..' her eyes widened and she hid behind the corner 'This is him!'

Dragon's voice could be heard again "Anyway, we gotta prove that you are kinda a good guy now"

Lyra frowned '..we?' she was sure that there was nopony nearby to the dragon 'Does it mean he is nuts?'

Suddenly, dragon's voice could be heard a bit closer "Besides, I think we found someo-.." he suddenly stopped talking and groaned "Oh come on! I know it's 'somepony', I wanted it to look badass and give Lyra a hint!" 

Unicorn gasped and jumped away from the corner 'Did he just-..Wait, 'someo-' ? '

Dragon came from the corner and looked at Lyra "Well, the moment have passed.." he put hand behind his head. 

They stood like this for a few moments in awkward silence.

The first one to speak was dragon "..so...I guess you can start asking questions?" 

Lyra clipped her eyes. Did he just read her thoughts?

Dragon smirked and put claw to his head "Intuition"

Lyra had confused face "What in Celestia's name do you-" suddenly, she stopped talking.

Gears in unicorn's head started to be active. Intuition, the way he was able to find her and talking to himself...Everething started to collect into one piece. The truth was scary, awkward and confusing, but it was the only answer...

Lyra looked at the dragon "N-...no way..." Her eyes widened "You are..."

Dragon smirked and looked away "See, I told you she is very cle-"

Lyra started talking "You are human's twin from our universe that got a message from him and got teleported here to replace him because something went wrong in time space!"

Dragon looked at her confused "You...I..." he facepalmed "Lyra...What the actual hell?"





Meanwhile...

Sombra was laughing like a mad pony. Unicorn was laying on the ground and had tears running from his eyes.

"OH MY! I didn't laugh so good since..." he frowned "Since...Huh..."

Back to our situation...

Vlad shook his head 'Great, now you have something to tease me with...' he sighed and looked at confused Lyra "Just...How did you come up with this..."

Lyra tilted her head "Wait, is it actually true..?"

Dragon sighed "Of course it's not!" he facepalmed "Alright, look, I will apologize to Ocellus and other guys and explain everething to you (Since you didn't get the reference), deal?"

Lyra clipped her eyes and nodded "Uh...Sure?"

Dragon put a thumb up "Ok good, meet me at my room in...1 hour I think?" he then turned around and started to walk away  "Oh, and call me Ferum, alright?"

Lyra had an awkward face "O-kay..?"

Ferum was walking through Castle's hallways, trying to find canteen. Besides, something was telling him that sooner he would be able to use map. 

Suddenly, Sombra started talking again "I was wondering...Why don't you simply tell Elements and others that you are back..?"

Vlad snorted "Well, I came back from the dead! How do you think they would react?" he didn't let Sombra answer " 'Obviously, they would be happy!' That's what you guys would say. But now...I have no idea what Twilight and her friends have come through, but I don't think they would belive me..." he explained a bit "Like, they would think that I'm trying to use them and get angry...But then again, I might be extremely wrong"

Sombra hummed "Huh...Now that I think of it..." he shook his head "Still, it sounds absurd"

Dragon shrugged "Besides, I made some promises...They will eventually memorize it and..." he sighed and facepalmed "I guess I'm just paranoid"

Sombra snorted "You defenetly are..."





Ocellus, Spike and Silverstream were in library. They were reading comics that was just delivered to the castle.

Ocellus raised her eyebrow "There is so much combat in this comics...But it's not that bad after all"

Silverstream nodded "I know, right?" she was really interested in those series "I wonder who is the author, but at the same time I can't stop reading!" she (somehow) burried deeper into the comics.

Spike didn't even hear them, he was deep in the pictures and writing. Ocellus rolled her eyes and closed comics, looking at it's cover. It represented a smirking bat pony and a smug dragon leaning on each other's back, both male. The title said "Everyday life of V and D". This comics series were about those two characters living their teen lives, except one of them being from another world. Apparently, this was a second part of the series. They started to come out last year, and became very popular even among nobles!

Ocellus narrowed her eyes "The author is..." she raised an eyebrow "..anonymous?"

Spike smirked "Well, if you read more carefully, author left some clues to his identity!"

Silverstream gasped "Whaaat?! The author is stallion!"

Spike had a smug expression on his face "Eyup! And due to some of the references, the D character is key to his true identity!"

Ocellus put hoof behind her back head "Still, even if it's true, we don't know authors name"

Spike snapped his fingers "And I figured this one out as well!" he put comics on the table and stood on the chair...

The next 30 minutes were spent by listening to Spike's theories. Even though Ocellus didn't really get everething, she was surprised by Spike's attention to every detail.

Dragon finished his sentence "..and due to that, author's name is Dan-"

Silverstream interrupted him "Wait wait wait wait...Did you finish the second part of the comics?"

Spike looked at her with raised eyebrow "Well, of course I did! I wouldn't be able to come up with this theory then"

Silverstream's eyes widened and she put her claws to her head "Oh no..."

Ocellus had a worrying expression "Uh...Silverstream? Is something wrong..?"

Silverstream put claws onto Ocellu's shoulders "DON'T YOU GET IT!?"

Ocellus started to get nervous "I...I'm afraid I don't..?"

Silverstream dramatically pointed at Spike "SPOILERS" she leaned onto her friend.

Ocellus looked at Spike confused, while keeping both of them from falling. Meanwhile, dragon was even more confused. His eyes were narrowed, and mouth slightly opened. Now that he sat back on the chair, there was only head peeking from under the table. Silverstream was still pointing at him.

Door creaked and revealed another dragon "Huh, now that it's not dark, this library lo-" light blue dragon looked at the scene and froze in his place.

They didn't seem to notice him though.

Spike facepalmed "Well you HAD to expect spoilers when asking about authors identity!"

Silverstream and dragon continued to argue, ignoring library simplest rule. Ocellus Meanwhile turned her attention to comic's cover.

'Huh...V character looks kinda like...'

She raised her eyes and looked at dragon's head peeking through the door "..Ferum?"

Dragon smiled a bit and waved with his claws "G'day!" he entered the room "What is going on?"

Ocellus approached dragon "Well...Spike might or might have not spoiled comics to Silverstream.." she looked back at those two.

Ferum nodded "Ah...I see..." he then awkwardly put hand behind his head and slightly averted his eyes.

Ocellus noticed this gesture and moved her head back at dragon "Is something wrong?"

Ferum sighed and looked back at changeling "Well, I wanted to say sorry"

Ocellus tilted her head "For what?"

Ferum bit his cheek from inside "You know...For yelling at you guys earlier. I shouldn't have done it, even if I was tired"

Ocellus clipped her eyes and smiled "But we are totally fine with it. I mean, it was unpleasant, but we are not mad at you"

Ferum exhaled "Still...Should have held myself in hands...I mean in claws" he then looked at Spike and Silverstream that had grumpy expressions "Well, off I go I guess!" he turned around "If ya need me, come to the room!" he marched outside cheerfully.

Ocellus waved her hoof at him "Sure, see you!" she then turned back at grinning Silverstream and Spike "..what?"

Silverstream leaned a bit towards Ocellus "What were you chirping about together hmm~?"

Ocellus groaned and facehoofed...





"Alright, maybe I didn't need the whole hour..." Vlad was walking through the castle.

Sombra yawned "You defenetly didn't..." his voice indicated that unicorn was bored.

Vlad put hands behind his head "And why do you sound like you are about to turn into a pile of butter on the sun?"

"I...What..?" he sounded confused.

Vlad rolled his eyes "Why are you bored?"

Sombra snorted and leaned on his hoof while laying on the cushion "Well I have nothing to do you know..."

Vlad stopped near to the window and leaned on it with his back "What do you mean?"

Sombra sighed "Isn't it obvious? There is just...Whitness around me...And this cushion"

Vlad raised his eyebrow "Cushion?"

Sombra nodded "I guess you made it appear here. Very convenient"

Vlad shrugged "Dunno what do you mean. I didn't do it...Though you might have"

Sombra clipped his eyes "I..can't?"

Vlad smirked "Sure you can. You are fused with me after all. Wasn't it obvious?"

Sombra stayed silent.

Vlad clipped his eyes "Did you not know it..?"

Silence...

Vlad wanted to tease Sombra with laugher, but was able to hold back "Well...Guess I will have to explain the whole thing to you now?"

Sombra agreed "You probably should"





Meanwhile, Twilight and Rainbow Dash were galloping through the halls. There weren't a lot of students, so there was nothing to slow them down.

Twilight looked forward "Ferum's room is straight ahead!"

Rainbow then slowed down "Wait, shouldn't we like...Bring Elements and call other girls?"

Twilight slowed down as well and thought for a second "I...No, we have to make sure" she shook her head "What if it's some kind of missunderstanding?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes "Well, don't blame me if Sombra gets back again!"

They heard talking ahead...

"I mean...You are able to create a nucelar explosion just by imagining it"

Twilight raised her eyebrow "Nucelar...Explosion?"

Rainbow put hoof to her chin "Sounds like something BIG!"

Twilight looked forward "I've never heard about something like this before..."

Voice continued "I mean, you fused with me. Wasn't this REALLY obvious?" 

Twilight froze in place "..fused..?"

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow "Huh, who is that weirdo? Talking to himself..." she was still in air and crossed hooves on her chest.

Twilight suddenly rushed forward. Rainbow clipped her eyes and with 'Hey!' chased her. 





Ferum's ears twitched and pupils narrowed "Listen, I will talk with you later. I think I will have a lot of explanation to do in few seconds"

"Guess I'm about to witness something more interesting than 'routine'" Sombra snorted.

Ferum rolled his eyes and closed Panel. Dragon turned around and leaned onto the window with his arms. Sound of hooves clopping and wings flapping got closer. He turned his head and saw Twilight and Rainbow Dash approaching him.

Ferum raised his eyebrow "Uh, hello Ms. Twilight, Ms. Dash. Can I somehow-"

Rainbow stopped in front of Ferum and pointed her hoof at dragon's nose "Get outta his head!"

Ferum made a poker face "..what..?"

Twilight stopped looked at Dash "Rainbow, calm down. We can't rush this!" she then looked at dragon "and, Ferum? Can we talk about Sombra?"

Dragon clipped his eyes and his expression changed "So...She knows?" he pointed his thumb at Dash (which she didn't really like)

Twilight nodded "In fact, Dash saw you while you were sleeping and..." she pointed her hoof at her eyes.

Ferum nodded "Ah I see-.." suddenly, realization kicked in "Hold on a second, you were STALKING on me while I was asleep?!" he looked at Rainbow confused.

Twilight gasped and looked at pegasus "Rainbow!"

Rainbow Dash cringed "I uh...D-Don't change the topic!" she pointed her hoof at the dragon again "The point is, you are under Sombra's control!"

Twilight looked at Ferum worried "And what did you mean by 'fusion' you mentioned earlier?"

Ferum leaned on the wall (mostly to distance from Dash) "Well, I guess I will just retell you what happened"

And so his tale begun...After he quickly ran through recent events (excluding Lyra encounter), he mentioned that he could reason with Sombra. Ferum also explained that he is able to talk with unicorn in his head and the whole 'inner realm' thing.

Dragon finished his sentence "And that's exactly why I think that he is a good guy"

Rainbow had her jaw down "Y-..YOU HAVE YOUR OWN PLACE IN YOUR HEAD WHERE YOU CAN DO ANYTHING?!"

Ferum snorted "Well, duh!" he pointed at his head "Imagination is a cool thing to be honest, you should try it yourself, Ms. Dash"

Ferum looked towards Twilight. He could swear he saw steam coming out of her ears! 

Rainbow Dash exhaled "Geez...You really scared me back then. Not like in an actual way!" she quickly stated "Just eh...It caught me off guard, you know?"

Ferum nodded "Yeah..." he then narrowed his eyes "So, Ms Dash, why did you spy on me?"

Rainbow's eyes wide opened and she whistled "W-weeell...Uh...I gotta go!" she quickly flew through the window.

Ferum facepalmed "Good grief..." he then looked back at Twilight.

Alicorn finally (mostly) came back to normal "Alright...So, you are telling me that Sombra is living in your head now?"

Ferum nodded "Eyup, untill I find a way to get him ou-"

Twilight suddenly flew up "NO!" her eyes widened.

Ferum covered his ears "GOSH!" he then looked back at Twilight.

She clipped her eyes and landed back on the floor "I mean...How do we know if he isn't lying?"

Ferum crossed arms on his chest "I already told you, if he tried to lie to me, I would sense it. Even now I'm on guard and ready to evaporate him from existence" he then looked up "No offence, Som-Som"

Twilight put hoof to her face "It's not-" she then froze "..did you just...Talk to Sombra?"

Ferum looked back at Twilight "Yeah"

She then looked down "So you were talking with him back there..?"

Ferum was looking at his claws "Eyup"

Twilight turned around "That means he can hear us?"

Ferum was sipping coconut water that Pinkie conviniently left on the window "Absolutely" he exhaled with pleasure and continued "As well as see through my eyes" he tried to put coconut closer to his mouth again.

Twilight quickly turned around and dashed towards dragon "WHAT!?" it startled Ferum and made him drop the coconut outside the window, making somepony yelp.

Ferum turned back a bit and sighed "And there was still some water.." he then turned back at Twilight "Well, duh! I was talking to him there before you and Ms. Dash came"

Twilight moved away and started walking in circles "Oh Celestia...This isn't good. What if he tries to take Ferum's body and.."

Sombra snorted "She DOES understand that I can hear her, right?"

Ferum shrugged "I guess" 

Twilight stopped "What? Did you talk to Sombra?!"

Ferum nodded "Yep, he also mentioned that he can still hear and see you" dragon crossed arms on his chest "Ms. Twilight, I might not fully understand what Sombra is or what he did, but I'm sure he deserves a second chance"

Twilight frowned "Do you even know what he did?"

Ferum nodded "Yeah, he kinda told me"

Alicorn raised her hooves "And you don't think it was evil!?"

Ferum sighed "Well, obviously what he did was a bad thing...But what if he tries to become a better per-..Pony? Doesn't he deserve a chance?"

Twilight bit her lip "Well...I.." she looked troubled.

Ferum put claws to his chin "Hm...What about this. I will keep you informed about his state? I mean, right now he is kinda...Well, scared about this change"

"HEY!" Sombra was not happy about the last part.

Ferum ignored him "That's why I'm talking to him and helping him adapt. I can keep you informed about the progress...And besides, I gotta admit" he smirked "He does MUCH more better than I expected"

Twilight's ears perked up "He does?"

Ferum nodded "Yup"





Meanwhile...

Lyra carefully approached Ferum's room. She was deep in her thoughts...Of course she was joking about her 'theory' from before, but there is still a question. How did Ferum know about Vlad? He even had that thing called intuition! But...There is no magic in Vlad's world, as far as Lyra could say. And he didn't manage to make any other dragon friends except for Spike. That means...Vlad was able to survive..? But that's impossible! Even if he did, guard didn't find even his body...

'They...Didn't find his body..?'

Lyra's eyes widened 'HORSE APPLES! How didn't anypony think about it earlier?! Doesn't matter how strong was the blast Shining Armor mentioned, there would be something left from Vlad..' Lyra cringed at it 'Yeah...It sounds gross...But still!' she sat on the ground with opened mouth and grabbed her head with hooves 'That and Ferum...Are the evidence of Vlad being alive! Oh Celestia! All I need to do now, is-'

A gentle cough distracted Lyra from her thoughts. She turned her head around, and noticed Ferum. He had confused expression.

Silence filled the corridor. They simply stared at each other awkwardly. 

Dragon put hand on his back " So...I think we can start, if you wish?"

Lyra snapped out and clipped her eyes "Oh...Yeah...Sure"

Ferum opened the door of his room for Lyra. Unicorn entered it. After dragon closed the door behind him, he sighed.

Lyra looked around "I must say...You don't have a lot of things"

Ferum shrugged "Didn't have the opportunity to get some. And besides, didn't really need to"

Lyra tilted her head "But...As far as I know you dragons are creating hoards to keep items together, right?" she then added "No offence if it sounded harsh"

Ferum snorted "Well, none taken since I'm not actually a dragon"

Lyra clipped her eyes "..what?"

Ferum(?) chuckled "Oh please Lyra, did you forget your old friend?" he turned his head around with a calm grin on his face "After all...It's being two long years as far as I know"

Lyra narrowed her eyes "What do you..!" 

REALIZATION KICKS IN!

Lyra's face turned into a shocked one. Her eyes widened, mouth half opened.

Ferum chuckled "Oh yeah, you got it!" he snapped his fingers and his body got caught in green flames.

Before Lyra stood a familiar human. He slowly turned around and put hand with glove on his waist.

Vlad waved with his free hand "Long time no see, Lyra Heartstrings!"





15 minutes of chaos later...

Vlad was tackled to the floor by Lyra. She was hugging human, while he was finishing his tale.

"..and then I FINALLY found the way to Ponyville somehow..." he exhaled some air and looked at unicorn lying on top of his chest "I understand that you missed me but uh...Could you-"

Lyra interrupted him "Nuh uh. I came through a lot of trouble dealing with my depression earlier. You will have to deal with me for now" she smirked "I'm just so happy that you are alright..."

Vlad sighed "Yeah, kinda am..." he then exhaled "Geez...I still can't belive it's all happening!"

Lyra opened one of her eyes "Hm..? What do you mean?"

Vlad explained "I mean the whole thing! That I'm in another universe. That I have abilities.." he chuckled "DAMN! I'm somehow staying sane and calm after I died!" he raised his arms without moving Lyra.

She raised her eyebrow "Aren't all humans like, super calm?"

Vlad shrugged "I mean...Yeah, we can control emotions. But I'm pretty sure anyone would freak out if they were in my pants"

Lyra raised her head and put hoof to her chin "Huh...Now that's interesting.." she then shrugged "Well, doesn't really matter now"

Lyra released human from her hug and let him stand up. Vlad dusted himself off and stretched.

Human looked outside the window "Well, guess this day is over...I mean, I did everething I wanted today"

Lyra coughed in her hoof "Well, actually, you have another explanation to do...To the Twilight and her friends"

Vlad put arm behind his head "Well...Sooner or later, but defenetly not today

Lyra exhaled "Oh Celestia...I still can't belive it.." she once again hugged human, but this time, his waist "You are alive...But, when will you tell others?" she tilted her head.

Vlad shrugged "Eh, like I said, sooner or later" he didn't mind the hug this time "So anyway...Can you tell me what did I miss?"

And so another hour has started...
> Chapter 6: Another one's tale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 years ago, Earth

It was a stormy night. For some unknown reasons, there was no rain. Instead, thunderbolts were appearing literally everywhere in the clouds. Everyone were in their houses, hiding from all of this.

Suddenly, one of the lightning bolts hit the ground near to the road. Bright flash lit up the whole place. Storm settled down a bit. It started to rain. 

On the place where lightning hit though, something was moving. It was a young boy. He was wearing an orange hoodie with jeans, and simple shoes. 

He tried to stand up, but didn't manage. Boy looked and his limbs, and gasped. He was confused, scared and horrified.

He screamed "WHAT IN CELESTIA'S NAME AM I?!"

He quickly moved his head around and examined his body. Something was troubling him "Where are my hooves?! And wings?!" he tried to calm down "Alright...Calm down Danny...."

Apparently, it wasn't a human. At least it used to be a bat pony. Her name was Paper Dandelion. Just a few moments ago, she was flying in the storm while heading back home. And now, she is here.

Dandelion tried to move her new limbs "This is...Awkwardly simple...Like I knew how to do it" she managed to stand up and even stretch. Dandelion brightened up a bit "Alright, this is not so bad after all!" she then noticed that her voice was young and...Manly?

Before Dandelion could think about it, voice from somewhere nearby called her "Uh...Excuse me, are you alright?"

She raised her head and looked at another ape like being. It looked young...Though Dandelion never saw those creatures before. It seemed a bit confused and concerned. It also had an umbrella.

It repeated it's question "Do you need any help?" 

Dandelion thought about her answer "Well, yes actually, I'm a bit lost"

It hestitated "Well maybe I uh...Could help you?" boy approached Dandelion and extended his arm "My name is Vlad"

Dandelion looked at it and tilted her head.

Vlad awkwardly put it away "I...I don't think it's a good idea to stand under the rain..."

Now that Dandelion took notice, it was really getting cold. She was shivering.

Dandelion looked up "Well, yeah...I guess you are right..." she approached him, but kept distance.

Vlad gave another boy an umbrella "You look like you need it more"

Dandelion hestirated before taking it "Thanks.." she didn't have any problems with moving her new limbs.

Vlad smiled "It's alright! Come on  let's get you somewhere better!" boy turned around and started walking.

Dandelion walked after him. Something new appeared in her head "My name.."

Vlad slowed down and turned his head around "Hm?"

Dandelion continued "My name is Danya"





2 years later, Earth

Dandelion was sitting in her room...Well, technically it belonged to Vlad's family, but they happily gave it to her...Him...Whatever.

Dandelion was really close to finally coming back to Equestria. Not like she didn't like life on Earth, no. It was awesome actually. The reason was to tell everypony about the whole new world. And also, to finally tell Vlad the truth. She was hiding her true identity for way too long. It was the least Dandelion could do to repay him and his family for their kindness.

But how could she come back if there is absolutely no magic on Earth? Well, SHE brought some! After that 'teleportation', Dandelion managed to collect all this energy piece by piece. However, it was still not enough...

Dandelion wanted to give up, but Vlad once told her one thing...

They were playing a RPG videogame. As simple as that. However, Daniel accidentally picked class that used HP as an energy. 

He laughed at it "Dude, that's just hillarious! Why would you use your own blood to cast spells?"

Vlad shrugged "Everething has a price. It just can happen that it's not always the same"

Daniel looked at him "What do you mean?"

Vlad was ocasionally saying things like that. Sometimes he looked like he was...Experienced in life? Whenever Dandelion asked Vlad about it, he was shrugging it off and saying jokes. 

Her friend explained "Let's take game for example. We use money to buy equipment. Mana to cast spells. HP to keep us alive" he was still choosing his character "We always pay something for something. Whenever you think you got something for free, you are wrong. At least I think so"

Dandelion slipped her eyes "Huh...I actually never thought about that..." she drifted into her own thoughts.

'If you think about it...I could add something to that energy I collected. Maybe my lifeforce, or...I dunno, maybe-'

She was brought back to Earth by Vlad "Are we going to start or something? I'm ready!"

Dandelion gasped and nodded "Y-yea! Let's do this!"

For now, she put that thought away. They had a game to beat.


But now, there she stood, holding the energy she collected over those 2 years. It was a quiet place where noone would ever go because of it's rumors. There were just an abandoned house and empty parking place. After thinking about Vlad's words for a while, Dandelion got it. At least she thought she did. 

Human exhaled "Well, there goes nothing..."

She lifted the ball up. It levitated into the air and seemed to inflate a bit. It was about to explode, when Dandelion clenched her arms and closed her eyes.

'Please work. PLEASE work!'

After standing like that for several seconds, she opened one of her eyes and looked at the ball. It seemed to stop growing. Instead, it was slowly changing colors, from bright blue to dark purple.

Dandelion gulped "Oh..." she stepped back.

Orb emitted a wave. It didn't affect anything, but Dandelion knew what was happening

Magic was choosing it's payment.

Some of the rules Dandelion learnt about Earth, is that nothing here happens out of nowhere and nothing here is for free. Not even a damn stick! Something had to happen before it. Someone had to pay a price for somthing to happen. Even though there is no magic on Earth, this law could be it's replacement.

After wave dissapeared, Dandelion's body slightly lit up with a 'bing' sound. That was something she expected. Now, Dandelion had to endure what was coming as a payment and-

Suddenly, another 'bing' was heard nearby. Dandelion's body froze. 

'What..? But..'

She slowly turned her head around, to notice weak light through the wall. It was another human. They didn't seem to notice anything for some reason. 

Dandelion's eyes widened 'No no! Wait!' she ran towards the passage between buildings. She couldn't allow herself to hurt someone just because she decided to experiment. When Dandelion noticed who it was, her heart stopped for a moment.

There stood Vlad. His back was turned towards Dandelion. He didn't even know what was going on.

Dandelion tried to warn him "VLAD! RUN!"

But it was too late...Dark purple spikes lunged towards human from Dandelion's back. She didn't see what happened to him, because she got caught in a mist.

Payment was a success, but not for Dandelion.

She put her dissapearing hand forward and screamed "NO!"





"NO!"

Dandelion suddenly woke up and flew up. She hit the ceiling and fell back onto her chair. Bat pony hissed and held onto her head with closed eyes. Several pieces of paper fell on the floor. There were pages for new chapter of Dandelion's comic. 

She groaned and opened one of her eyes "Geez, fell asleep again?" she stopped pressing onto her head and started to pick up those fallen pages.

Dandelion had the same appearance like other bat ponies. Grey fur, black wings and dark blue mane. However, there was orange line in her mane, what made her different from the rest. Her eyes were orange as well. Paper Dandelion's qutiemark was...A paper dandelion, with a pen and a pencil above.

When she finished collecting her work, Dandelion put paper onto her table and huffed when strand of her mane fell on her face "Yeah, better get some rest" she flapped her wings and plopped onto the nearby sofa with her belly. Sure, she had a bed, but it was too far. And besides, sofa was better for her. Bed was for quests...Who actually never appeared since she basically lived at the edge of Everfree forest. Still, it was nice to have one.

Dandelion hummed "Maybe I should go 'n buy something tasty...Mango pies?" she opened her eyes and looked nowhere in particular. She spotted one of the pages on the cupboard right in front of her. 

Dandelion reached for it with a hoof and grabbed the unfinished drawing. It was one of those more detailed arts she was ocasionally making as 'specials' for some of her comics. Dandelion got this idea when she was reading manga back on Earth. This one featured a V character. It was a light blue dragon. She created him based on Vlad and his character back on Earth.  Half of his body on this art was fluffy, and half of it was supposed to be sharp. Dandelion didn't finish it yet, since she basically put all her efforts into those. Not like she isn't trying as best as she can with her main comics, it's just that on those arts she is showing character of heroes. On the left side, the fluffy one, V had calm expression with a smile and glasses on his face. On the unfinished right side, V looked menacing, with cracked glasses and blazing eye.

Dandelion snorted "Well, guess he wouldn't really like it. Way too badass, yeah?" she placed painting back on the cupboard and sighed "Well, guess I could eat something and start packing up! Can't let my silliness distract myself from the main stuff!"

She rolled over and landed on her hooves. Humming, she headed towards her kitchen. Next few weeks were going to be extremely intense for her!
> Chapter 7, part 1: As easy as that
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was breakfast. Most of the students were finishing their food in the canteen, including Ferum. Though he was also thinking about new upgrade, as he communicated with Sombra.

Vlad was looking at his Panel. There were still some points to spend. And there was a problem. He could either spend them on his magic, or spend them on his body...Which he did only two times actually.

Sombra was concerned about this as well "Why can't you just spend them on some spell?"

Vlad shook his head 'Nope, having this disquise is already enough...' he pushed empty dishes a bit away 'For now, I have plenty of mana as well. Upgrading body will probably help me really good'

Sombra snorted "Well, I don't know. Help you in which way?"

Vlad hummed 'Well, for starters, I still don't know downside of my magic. It could either damage my body when I use it, or take my sanity. Upgrading my psychological state will help me even if I'm wrong. I mean, I still somehow didn't go nuts over everething that is happening, but it's good to be sure'

Sombra thought about it "Now that you mention it...What kind of power keeps you sane. As far as I could tell by looking through your memories, you are not that stable"

Vlad stood up and took his dishes 'Exactly, anyway, about the body damage theory. Even though I looked through the Body upgrades only once, I can say one thing for sure...It's defenetly not like those Skill Trees from my world'

Sombra cringed a bit, and several games screenshots appeared before him in Vlad's head "So, those are mostly used for upgrading health, strength...Yeah, physical abilities"

Vlad put dishes on the table "Thanks! It was tasty!"

Pinky waved at him "You are welcome Fer!"

Vlad turned around and started walking towards exit 'Yes, basically. But the thing is...I can't really affect my body by using this tree' he opened the door and exited the canteen 'I mean, I can't upgrade those classic stats here, but on the other hand...' he turned towards a corner and leaned on the wall.

Sombra raised his eyebrow "You can...Lean on the walls better?"

Vlad didn't answer that. Instead, he started the countdown 'Five, four, three, two...'

When he counted to 'one', two voices could be heard from the corner "Are you sure it's a good idea to follow Ferum? Because...It's kinda mean. Can't we just ask him?"

Another voice, the more confident one, answered "Oh please! We are just trying to figure out why he is all alone!" voices got closer. Smolder and Ocellus came into the view. Dragon was walking backwards, and changeling was looking around.

Smolder continued "Besides, it's not like he will find out that we are spying on him" she stopped and crossed arms on herchest, not realizing that Ferum was right behind her.

Ocellus sighed "Still, I think that-" when she turned her head towards Smolder, she stopped talking. Her eyes went wide.

Smolder raised her eyebrow "Uh, hello? Equestria to Ocellus?" 

Changeling raised her hoof slowly "Uh, I think you should turn around..."

Smolder smirked "Oh, let me guess. It's one of your pranks, right? Make me turn around and the stick some note on my back, right?" she snorted "Nice try, but we still gotta find Ferum. Where did he go anyway?" she put hand to her chin and looked up.

Voice from behind answered "Right behind you"

Smolder screamed and jumped away "GAAH!" 

Ferum stopped leaning on the wall and raised his arm "Morning"

Smolder looked shocked "Ocellus, why didn't you warn..Oh" she exhaled.

Ocellus smiled "Hello, Ferum"

Dragon crossed arms on his chest "So, anything I can do for you?"

Ocellus shook her head "No, not really. Smolder just wanted to ask you a question"

Smolder calmed down "Well, yeah, kinda"

Ferum looked at her "So, go ahead!"

Smolder raised her finger "Well, why did y-" 

Her sentence was interrupted by Ocellus "Wait, we are late for the class!"

Smolder face palmed "Oh for the gems sake...I can't be late for Ms Rarity lessons. I already did a lot of times!"

Ferum clapped his arms "Well, we better hurry then! I was still looking for you since I don't really know where to go"

Ocellus nodded "Follow us!"

And so, they flew...Well, Ferum ran after them.

Vlad sweated a bit 'Geez...I wish there was a stamina upgrade in my tree..'

Sombra snorted "THAT'S, why I prefer shadows!"

Vlad fought the urge to groan.





Rarity looked up. Her class was about to start. Every creature was on their places...Except for three more. Those were Smolder, Ocellus and a mysterious new student.

Rarity huffed "I swear, if Smolder's excuse is 'bath' again, I will have to call a repair pony!"

She looked at the wall clock. Her lesson was starting in 3...2...1...

Suddenly, door burst opened, letting Ocellus and Smolder fly inside.

Dragon shouted as he bumped into the changeling "WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!"

They fell on the floor, making a lot of noices and attracting all the attention.

Rarity gasped "OH CELESTIA!"

Every creature looked confused. When Ferum entered, huffing, nobody noticed him.

Dragon looked at the picture and puffed "Urf...Whew! now THAT'S a memorable entrance" he approached them and offered his hand "I guess it's not the thing to happen often, right?"

Smolder rolled her eyes "Yeah, not really" she grabbed his hand, and her eyes widened slightly.

Ferum helped both of them. However, there was still one problem.

Rarity ran towards them "What in Celestia's name was that? Smolder, I will have to ask what is your excuse this time!" she then looked at Ocellus "Same question to you, young lady!"

Ocellus gulped and didn't answer.

Smolder sweated a bit "Well uh...You see...It was due to Uh...Unexpected situation..."

Rarity raised her eyebrow "Oh well, enlighten me, what is that 'Unexpected situation'?"

As Smolder raised her finger, Ferum coughed in his fist "Ahem...Apologies, Ms Rarity, but I guess it is partly my fault that we are late" 

Rarity turned her head towards dragon and clipped her eyes "Oh, I suppose you are the new student, am I right? And what do you exactly mean by your fault?"

Ferum nodded "I am indeed. Well, you see, I still have problems with walking around here. I thought I would get lost, if it wasn't for those ladies" he looked at confused Smilder and Ocellus "They were generous enough to sacrifice their precious time, to lead me towards your class"

Rarity looked at Smolder and Ocellus "Is that true?"

Smolder quickly snapped out and put arm behind her head "Well, duh! Couldn't leave him wandering around castle. Right, Ocellus?"

Changeling slowly nodded "Y-yeah, he just looked so lost...That would be just evil to leave him there"

Rarity hummed and her face turned from frowning to the worrying one "Well, that settles it..But are you girls sure you are alright?"

Smolder huffed "Sure am ma'am!"

Ocellus nodded "I am alright"

Rarity exhaled "Very well then. Take your seats and we will start" unicorn took a seat behind her teacher desk.

And so, they took their places. Ferum sat near to the Sandbar, who gave him an odd look. 

Rarity cleared her throat "So today class, we won't be learning about generosity"

Gasps and muttering went across the classroom. It seems like this was a rare occasion.

Ferum's eyes narrowed 'Wait, learning about generosity?'

Sombra huffed "Well, this IS a school of Friendship after all..."

Rarity continued after class settled down "Due to the upcoming event, you will design yourself a costume"

Suddenly, class cheered. Everyone became extremely excited and happy. They were already chatting about something.

Ferum looked at the smiling Sandbar "Wait, what kind of event?"

Pony looked at him confused "You don't know about Author Festival?"

Ferum hummed "Guess not, why won't you tell me?"

Sandbar put hoof on his chin "Well, since you are new to Ponyville...Every year, there is an Author Festival going on in some towns of Equestria. It's a chance for all kinds of authors to get popular. There will be tons of books, comics and games. And this year, it will be held here, at Ponyville!"

Sombra snorted "Ah here we go...Another one of those idiotic occasions"

Ferum ignored unicorn's comment "Uh huh...And now we will just design a costume for it?"

Sandbar shrugged "I guess!"

Rarity levitated bunch of paper out of her table "Please, be quiet during this lesson. Everycreature needs quiet and concentration during their work" her horn lit up, and so did paper. It started to float around the classroom "On each of those, you will have structure of your body. You will have to draw your costume around it" when every single piece of paper was on the desks, Rarity smiled "And just remember, this isn't a test or something. Have fun!"

Class cheered for the last time, and pulled out their writing stuff. However, Ferum still didn't have his piece of paper. 

Rarity approached him and smiled awkwardly "Sorry darling, by that time I knew about you, it was too late" she placed a blank piece of paper on his table.

Ferum shrugged "Well, it is what it is"

Rarity nodded "Sorry again" she trotted back to her table.

Ferum pulled out his pencil and put one of it's ends on his temple "And there we go..."





Meanwhile, on the other part of the class, Smolder was looking at her hand. The one Ferum was holding few minutes ago. She felt something...Weird. Maybe it was because of the fluff on his body, but something just felt off. It was like...Ferum was not the dragon at all? She couldn't explain it.

Finally, Smolder sighed "Yeah, guess it was just fluff"

Ocellus clipped her eyes "Hm? Do you need help, Smolder?"

Dragon snapped out and smiled "Oh, no, not at all! I was just...Wondering"

Ocellus raised her eyebrow and looked at Smolder's hand "And...About what exactly? If you don't mind me asking" she memorized how Ferum helped them up earlier.

Smolder hummed "Well, didn't you feel something weird when Ferum touched you?"

Ocellus clipped her eyes "W-What?" 

Smolder shrugged "Well, you know. Dragons don't usually have this fluff. It just felt...Off"

Now that Ocellus thought about it, Ferum's touch felt really weird...But in a pleasant way "Well, yes, I guess you are right.."

'He was...Cold'

Smolder put fingers to her chin "Well, maybe there was something else..." she suddenly snapped her fingers "You told that you felt something like magic from him few days ago, right?"

When Ocellus wanted to answer, she felt like somepony was watching her. When she and Smolder looked forward, they saw Rarity's stern look. Unicorn put a hoof in front of her lips, gesturing to be quiet.

Ocellus gulped "I think it will have to wait.."





It's being quite some time since the lesson have started. Every creature already had something on their sheet...Except for Ferum. Sure he did draw few sketches, but immediately erased them.

Sandbar noticed it "Having problems there?"

Ferum huffed "Yeah..." he was trying to create something both comfortable and special. 

Sandbar hummed "Well...What about you try to maybe...Memorize some clothes?" 

Ferum looked at pony "You mean...Basically copy something from my memory?"

Sandbar averted his eyes "Well, yeah, kinda"

Ferum hummed "Huh...Guess that would be much easier...Thanks pal"

Sandbar slightly raised his hoof "Anytime" and turned back to his sheet.

Ferum leaned back in the chair 'Mh...Something I saw before...' he then opened his Panel 'Sombra  you there?'

Unicorn answered with annoyed tone "Even if I didn't want to be there, I still would"

Ferum snorted to himself 'Does it mean you like to be in my head?'

Sombra was silent for a few seconds "...as much as I hate to admit it...But I do somehow enjoy being here.."

Ferum wanted to tease him, but held back 'Right, happy to serve ya. Anyway...' he put pencil on the table 'Could you be so kind and look through my memories for me?'





Sombra was laying on the oversized sofa. He was looking through Vlad's head. Even though he saw a lot of stuff back in his days, it was quite surprising to see what this youngling really was.

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Huh? Can't you do it yourself?"

Vlad's voice echoed through the realm "Well, yeah, I can. But I need to see the picture itself. And you can kinda display it on my Panel"

Sombra snorted "Who do you think I am? Your personal assistant or what?"

Vlad let out a chuckle "You have a potential to be one. But really, could you do that? That would help me a lot"

Sombra put a hoof ti his chin and hummed "Hmm...What's in it for me? Why should I do it?" he wanted to tease human a little.

Vlad thought for a few seconds "Well, it would help you to become a better pony? I mean, not like I know a lot about friendship, but helping others is a good deed" he then added "Besides, I could simply do bad things to you if you won't obey...Which I won't. Sorry for adding this one part"

Sombra laughed to himself "Well well well! And there goes your evil spark!" he then exhaled "But alright boy, I will help you. You entertained me good enough"

He rolled down his 'throne', making it dissapear and landed on the ground. Sombra lit his horn up. Surrounding changed, instead of white void, he was now in the middle of a giant...And I mean it, GIANT sphere. It was made from gleaming figures, that were moving around slowly. Another thing was their form. They were in groups based on it. Triangles with triangles, circles with circles etc.

Sombra looked around "What do you need exactly?"

Voice answered "Entertaining, video games, Yakuza series"

Sombra narrowed his eyes and lit up his horn. Rhombus gleamed a bit, and flew towards unicorn. There were THOUSANDS of them. White, gleaming, spinning...Sombra left only those that were quickly changing colors.

Unicorn hummed "Alright...Yaku, yaku...Uh huh, there it is" a rhombus that was surrounded by color changing mist levitated towards him.

Voice continued "Good, now try to find the 'Dragon Of Dojima' folder and send me every single appearance of this character"

Sombra shrugged and did as Vlad asked. He was...Confused by what he saw "Uh...Why in the shadow's name he is half naked..." by looking through the Vlad's memories, Sombra learnt that clothes weren't used to just keep humans warm.

Voice answered awkwardly "It's...Complicated..."

Sombra huffed and with a swipe of his hoof, send those pictures flying upward "No idea why would you need it...But there you go"

Voice exhaled "Thank you man, you really helped he there a bunch"

Sombra awkwardly lowered his head "Yeah...You are welcome"

It was his first time helping anyone after turning into...Well, a dark king.





Rarity was sitting at her table, organizing papers. She looked at the class. Every creature was doing something, drawing, erasing and asking each other questions. Every creature except for a newbie. Rarity noticed that Ferum was simply frozen in one pose, looking upward. It seemed that he was completely stuck.

Rarity put down her glasses 'Poor thing needs an advice' she stood up from her chair and started walking towards the dragon.

Suddenly, Ferum smirked and leaned over his sheet. Rarity's eyebrow raised slightly 'Seems like something clicked in him. Wonder what it is'

As she came closer, Rarity noticed that dragon's movements were...Way too proper, way too fast. His movements were calculated, and made without any mistakes. Straight lines, it looked like he was redrawing it from some kind of instructions.

Rarity approached Ferum and looked at his working "Got an inspiration I see?" 

Dragon nodded "Yup, took me long enough"

He was finishing drawing a two piece suit with a shirt underneath the jacket. He moved a bit right, to draw it more detailed. 

However, Rarity narrowed her eyes on the form of those clothes. They were way too thin for Ferum. She could say it was because of dragon's lack of experience, but they looked familiar to her. Like she worked with something like that in the past...

Rarity shook those thoughts off 'Nonsense!..' she then thought about it '..though it's worth checking on my drawings later'

Ferum looked at the unicorn "Is there anything I could do for you?" his hand continued drawing while his head was at her.

Rarity hummed at it "Oh, no, nothing dear. Keep it up!" she smiled at him and walked towards her table.

'He defenetly is an interesting student. But there is still a second part of this lesson' she made a sly smile as she sat at her table.





Ferum finished his drawing and huffed "Phew! This is not much, but it's something!"

Sandbar distracted from his drawing and looked at Ferum's "Uh...Are you sure that this is enough for the event?"

Dragon nodded "Mhm! I prefer not to stand out too much since...You know" he raised his arm and flexed his fingers.

Sandbar snorted "Yeah, I guessed"

Ferum relaxed and put hands behind his head "Besides...I'm pretty sure it's not just about drawing your costume. That would be WAY too simple"

Sandbar tilted his head "Huh?"

Ferum quickly glanced at Sandbar's drawing "I mean...How do you expect our teacher to create all those complicated costumes alone? She may be a fashionista, but...I guess you know what I'm trying to tell you"

Sandbar's eyes widened a bit "Oh..." he got what Ferum was trying to tell him and quickly reached for his rubber "I have to-"

Rarity suddenly raised her hoof "And...STOP!"

Every creature stopped drawing and looked at her confused.

Rarity put her hoof down "I suppose all of you are ready, right?"

The whole class nodded in agreement.

Rarity smiled and closed her eyes "Good, now..." she approached the board on the wall "It's time for a second part of the lesson..."

The whole class got filled with confused voices.

Rarity's horn glew up, and so did desk "And this is..." the board showed one single word "..would be Crafting!"

Every creature was silent for the first few seconds. Then, everybody screamed in terror, as they looked at their creations. Everybody except for Ferum. He was relaxed.

Rarity looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Ferum answered with a wink which caught unicorn off guard.

She then smirked slyly as the whole class was in calming down 'You tricky youngling'
> Chapter 7, part 2: How convenient!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The whole class was following Rarity to the workshop. Most of them were groaning and crying about future work.

Everyone except for Ferum. 

He was happily following at the back, while humming a melody. Some of the students were looking at him confused.

Smolder was getting annoyed by his mood. Soon enough, she slowed down and looked straight into his eyes "Could you cut it out already? We get it, you got lucky!" she said it quiet enough, so that Rarity couldn't hear her.

Ferum didn't expect it, so he raised his arms "Geez...Alright, calm down"

Smolder huffed and turned back. Ocellus looked at her and frowned "Don't you think it was way too harsh?"

Smolder snorted and rolled her eyes "Oh please! I'm pretty sure some creature would eventually do it!"

Ocellus turned back to the now silent Ferum "Well...Still, it was rude, don't you think?"

Smolder crossed arms on her chest "Tch...Maybe"

Ocellus turned back to Smolder "I suppose you know what to do, right?"

Dragon turned her head around and made a grumpy face "..apologize"

Pcellus smiled "Exactly, now, what about you-" when she looked at the place where Ferum was standing, she didn't find him "Oh.."

Smolder raised her eyebrow "Hm? Something is wrong?" she looked at Ferum...And didn't find him as well "..oh"





Meanwhile, Ferum was already ahead. He approached Galluss and Sandbar. They seemed kinda upset.

Sandbar exhaled "Well...It happened"

Gallus groaned "I can't belive it! We got pranked by our own teacher!"

Ferum approached from behind "I'd say that the right word is trolled"

Gallus looked back at him "Oh hey Fer" he tilted his head "You don't seem too sad..."

Gallus explained "Seems like he knew whatt was about to happen from the beginning, and drew a simple costume"

Gallus opened his mouth "You...HOW?"

Ferum shrugged "Intuittion"

Both Gallus and Sandbar tilted their heads "What?"

Ferum huffed "Nevermind...Anyway, I guess you guys drew something massive, eh?"

Sandbar and Gallus exhaled and started talking about their upcoming sufferings.

Some time later, they entered the workshop. This one was alloted for sewing. There were a lot of sewing machines and shelves with materials for dresses, clothes and other stuff. It had enough space for each student from the class.

Rarity went in the middle of a class "Now, take your seats! We will start creating soon!" she was really happy about this part of a lesson.

All students (with sights) sat behind sewing machines. As Ferum looked over his machine, he noticed that it looked exactly like those back on Earth. However...He still didn't know how to sew.

Rarity smiled "Now, pull out your sheets, and prepare!"

Every sttudent pulled out their drawings and sighed in union. Another reminder about what was ahead...Ferum put his sheet and looked at the materials. He opened the Panel and looked at the outfit.

'Hm...I think I will need-'

Suddenly, some items lit up in light purple color. Ferum DID expect something like that acually, but color caught him off guard.

Sombra spoke up "Didn't expect it, did you?"

Ferum hummed 'Your doing?'

Sombra snorted "Hmpf! Of course mine! It didn't take me long to learn how to interract with your Panel"

Ferum clipped his eyes '..what do you..'

He openned his skill tree tab...All points were missing.

Ferum stood quiet, but he was actually anngry 'SOMBRA! YOU POINT STEALING COWARD!' his ears twitched though.

Sombra started laughing "OH PLEASE! Don't be such a cry filly! Those were just three points!"

Ferum quietly exhaled 'You...We will talk about this later...' he calmed down and closed his Panel 'So...Where exactly did you waste those points?'

Sombra answered "One in Panel, other two into your disquise"

Ferum raised his eyebrow '..there were no upgrades for any of those'

Sombra seemed to shrug "Well, these were the only ones I could see. And don't you dare to be ungrateful!"

Ferum quietly hummed '..seems like you can upgrade skills that I have unlocked..' he was already getting a lot of ideas, but shook them off when his instincts told him to turn around. And so he did, finding Sandbar with raised hoof behind him.

Pony clipped his eyes "Oh, I thought you zoned out there" he put his hoof away.

Ferum sood up and shrugged "Kinda, what are we doing?"

Sanndbar pointed at the group of students, grabbing materials "If you want to grab something, you better hurry. Miss Rarity said that she forgot to fully restock"

Ferum whistled "Huh! Thank you for warning me!"

Most of the students were having troubles finding needed materials, so Rarity was helping them. Sure they were making mistakes, after all, they had a lot to learn. 

Still, Rarity was feeling a bit quilty 'Maybe I should have warned them...Oh, how evil of me! And OH, I didn't even prepare all the materials! How could I be so cruel and foolish!'

She was shaming herself in her head of course. Rarity didn't want students to think of her as crazy after all. 

When she helped Yona, Sandbar approached her "Uh, Miss rarity, could I get some help?"

Rarity turned around and smiled "Certanly!"

She spent another few minutes helping students choose materials. After some time have passed, everyone was seated on their places.

Rarity was finishing her sentence "And always remember, you can call me whenever you need help. This lesson is fully dedicated to preparing for the upcoming event!" she then closed her eyes "And now...You all can start!"

After she said that, almost every student raised their arms, hooves and other limbs. Rarity got so confused that she didn't see those who didn't need any help.





'...'

Sombra snorted "Not so useless after all, hm?"

Ferum rolled his eyes 'Alrigh, I will give you that. You wasted points for something that is actually useful'

Due to the upgrade, Ferum was able to see direct instrucions when he was working wih the sewing machine. Even though Vlad could waste points for something else, he had to admit that this upgrade is quite over powered. and if it works with any activities like the one he was doing righ now...

Ferum hummed as he turned the almost done suit around 'Still, what did you waste other two points for?'

Sombra answered "I already told you that I spent them on your disquise"

Ferum raised his eyebrow while focusing on his work '..and what exactly are they doing?'

Sombra stood silent.

Ferum stopped sewing '..you don't know, do you?'

Sombra didn't answer.

Ferum quietly huffed 'We will figure it out later then' he then turned off the machine. There was just one last thing to add to this costume before it was finished.





Smolder, Gallus, Ocellus and Sandbar were seated together. Each of them had problems that didn't let them create their costumes...And so did every creature in the whole class. Unfortunately, Rarity couldn't help every single student, and the main problem was the lack of materials.

Smolder hit the table with her elbow "Uurgh...Why did I have to draw so much..."

Ocellus tried to comfort her "Well...At least all of us have the same problem. I mean, the whole class"

Gallus groanned "Wrong..."

Every creature looked at him with confused faces. All except for Sandbar.

Ocellus clipped her eyes "Huh? What do you mean?"

Sandbar explained "Well...Seems like Ferum knew this from the beggining. He tried to warn me, but..." he exhaled in defeat.

Gallus clennched his fists "Grr...And how didn't I think of it earlier?!"

Ocellus sighed "Well...I guess it is what it is then?"

Gallus nodded "Yeah.." he turned back to doing...nothing.

Sandbar huffed "Nothing we can do about it now" he tried to sew his costume.

Ocellus looked at Smolder "So, even if-" Smolder's eye was twitching. Ocellus touched her shoulder "Uhm...Smolder, are you alright?"

Smolder was looking towards Ferum "Just HOW? He can see future or something?!" 

Ocellus sweated a bit "W-What do you mean?"

Smolder raised her palm "Well, today for example! How did he know that we were following him?" she then looked up "No, seriously, it's not the first time he does this thing!"

Ocellus hummed "Now that I think of it..." she DID wonder how he manages to predict some things. It didn't happen a lot, but it defenetly looked like Ferum was experienced in...Whatever he was doing "..Maybe you are right.."

Sandbar raised his head "By the way, I noticed this too. Just a few minutes ago"

Gallus leaned on his claws "So...What are getting at?"

Ocellus shrugged "Not entirely sure...But we can simply ask him"

Smolder smirked "OOOOOR~, we could ask Yona and Silverstream for help!" Everyone looked at her with their 'Really?' looks "..yeah, maybe you are right..But do you actually think that he will tell us?!"

Ocellus opened her mouth, Sandbar raised his hoof and Gallus raised both of his claws up.

They would continue talking about this, if Rarity didn't interrupt them "I see you have plenty of time for your arguments.."

Students gulped annd apologized. They decided to leave this topic for future.





Ferum put on another glove on his right hand "Well, at least now it looks better" he clenched and unclenched his arm.

Sombra snorted "So...You think that second identical glove will make you look better? Pathetic"

Ferum sighed 'Listen, I'm a perfectionist, alright? And since when did you become so jerky?'

Sombra huffed "Maybe because I like to annoy you. It's the least evil thing I can do to you"

Ferum wanted to argue, but didn't 'You know what? Alright'

He felt that someone was watching him, but didn't really bother. It probably was someone from Sandbar's company. He coughed in his fist "Ms Rarity, I'm ready!"

Unicorn's ears perked up, and she turned her head around "Oh-ho?" 

The whole class looked in his direction. Most of them were surprised. Some of them were jealous.

Rarity started trotting towards him 'This is...Quite impressive. Sure, he looked like he didnn't draw something hard. But it took him just...30 minutes?' she hummed 'He probably made it as quick as possible' she smiled as she approached him 'There is no way that-'

Those clothes that Ferum made were...Identical to those that were on his drawings. As simple as those were. No more no less. When Rarity got a closer look, she didn't find any weak spots. 

Rarity raised them with her magic "Oh..Uhm...M-Magnificent work! This is quite surprising to see such skill!" she then turned her head towards dragon "I assume you had experience?"

Ferum put hannd behind his head "Well uh...Not really. This is kinda my first time using the machine"

Rarity clipped her eyes at this "..First...Time?"

Ferum looked at the machine "Well, If you understannd how things work, everething gets easier" 

Rarity hummed "Guess you do have a point.." she then looked at dragon's drawing "Do you mind if I take those? Just out of curiosity"

Ferum nodded and handed drawings over to Rarity "Sure thing"

Rarity smiled and took them with magic "Thank you, darling. Now you can...Rest if you want" she wasn't really sure what to do with him now.

Ferum nodded "Thanks" 

He rested head on his arms and...went to sleep.

Most of the students were already trying to work with their projects, so they didn't notice it. Rarity simply put drawings on her table and continued to help others. 

'I will look at those later'

Group of 4 particular students though, exhaled at once and looked back at their drawings.

Sandbar hummed "...maybe like this?"

They all were trying their best.





Vlad appeared in his realm. This time, it wasn't just white void. Instead, it was a big...BIG field? When Vlad turned around, he noticed Sombra. He seemed very buisy moving giant blocks around.

Sombra groaned "No...It simply won't suit me.."

Vlad approached him from behind "Mind to tell me what is going on?"

Sombra dropped all the blocks "Well, since I will be living here for some time, I have to make it suitable for myself"

Vlad looked at the blocks "And...Did you forget you could just summon anything with only one thought here? You don't needd to do all this stuff"

Sombra rolled his eyes and turned around "Do you think I'm a fool? Of course I know!"

Vlad raised his eyebrow "And..?"

Sombra put hoof to his face "There is a problem. Whatever I create, castles, mansions, I'm not satisfied with it" he groaned "I just don't understand what is wrong!"

Vlad looked around "..so...You plan on living in ann endless meadow?"

Sombra took hoof from his face and looked at human "Of course I'm not! I already told you, I want to build something!"

Vlad hummed "Well, then of course you don't like your creations...It's simply unnatural for this kinnd of building to be..There" he raised his arms annd spinned slowly.

Sombra looked around "..well, yes, maybe you do have a point"

Vlad looked at the unicorn "Mind if I help you out a bit?"

Sombra turned his head back at human "You? Help me?" he chuckled "But to be serious...Maybe you could show me a direction where I could go...Not like I really need your help anyway. It would save me hella lot of time, that's it"

Vlad shrugged "Sure thing bud" he then looked around "Well, first of all, let's make it a bit more natural. Let's say by..." he put a hand to his chin "..changing terrain!" human snapped with his fingers.

Suddenly, the earth started to rumble. Here and there hills satred appearing. Somewhere far, even mountains rised.

Simbra clipped his eyes "Huh..."

Vlad then looked at the territory around them "Put a forest there...River over here...Snow for mountains..." he was snapping with his fingers in different directions, creating  JUST enough of everething "And of course, clouds and sun for the sky!" he raised his hand up and unclenched his fist, releasing sparks.

Those soared up into the sky, creating objects that were named earlier.

Vlad put arms on his waist "So, what do you think? Not bad for beggining, eh?" Human turned around to face Sombra.

Unicorn was looking at everething with a bit surprised expression "I...It's.. " he huffed "It's not as bad as it could be"

Vlad snorted "Well, care to continue?" he raised his arm and made a 'gun' out of his fingers.

Sombra hummed "I got it. Now watch how it's REALLY done!"

And so...They started creating...
> Chapter 7, part 3: A little unexpected
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sooner, it turned out that students weren't able to create what they wanted. First of all, all those sketches they made were impossible to create. Not even with the help of Rarity. Second of all...Like it was stated before, there wasn't enough materials. Rarity decided not to torture pure students, and let them go.

While walking past still sleeping Ferum, Sandbar woke him up "Hey! You alive here?"

Ferum quickly raised his head and clipped with his eyes chaotically "Eh? Who?" he looked at Sandbar "Did I miss something?"

Ponny shook his head "Nope. The lesson is over, let's go"

Ferum looked at his clothes "And uh...Do I take those with me?"

Rarity started to take care of the mess that students made. She turned around and hummed "Well, you could either leave them here for me to care or take them"

Ferum thought about it "Well uh...Could you please look after them then? If it's not a burden for you of course"

Rarity smiled "My pleasure! Now, hurry up. You don't have much time before lesson starts"

Sandbar nodde "And that's true, come on dude!" he hurried out of the classroom.

Ferum nodded to Rarity before leaving "Thanks!" dragon then followed Sandbar as fast as he could.

Unicorn hummed as she looked at clothes "Hm..."





Ferum caught up with Sandbar "So, what is next on the list?"

They were the only ones in the hallway. Others seemed to spread across the castle for the break.

Sandbar hummed "Well, next up we have Ms Fluttershy's class. And after that, we have uh...Ms Dash's class, if I'm correct"

Ferum nodded "Alright then" they continued going forward.

Sandbar was ahead "So...I'm just curious"

Ferum raised his eyebrow "Hm, what is that?"

Sandbar turned his head "Did you always look like...This?"

Ferum clipped with his eyes "..what?"

'Wait wait wait WAIT! He couldn't just reveal me, right? I think I didn't show myself or act suspicious...Either way, it looks serious. Still, I can't freak out just yet. He-'

Loud voice in his head roared "Would you SHUT UP ALREADY?! I'm trying to focus!"

Ferum quieted his inner storm 'Yeah...I better stay calm...For now'

Sandbar chuckled "Well, you look like the character from the comics I'm reading right now. I thought maybe...You did some stuff to turn yourself?"

Ferum was silent for a moment "Well, no!" he then stopped "Wait..So, you are telling me that there is a fictional character that looks exactly like I do?"

Sandbar nodded "Yup! Exactly like you!"

Ferum clipped with his eyes "Uh huh...Alright..." he then had a question "Wait, why didn't anyone mention it then?"

Sandbar shrugged "Well it was kinda awkward...And still is" he then put hoof behind his head "I just got...Way too curious, sorry"

Ferum waved it off "Naw dude, this is fine"

And so, they continued to talk about different stuff. Weird, but nocreture appeared before them while they were walking. Sooner, they approached the door to a Fluttershy's classroom.

Sandbar stopped "Well, there is still time left. Wanna do something else?" he turned around.

Ferum shook his head and leaned onto the wall "Nope. I will just wait here for the lesson to start"

Sandbar nodded "Alright then, Imma go and grab something for snack. See ya soon!" he waved with his hoof and left.

And so, Ferum was left in the hallway alone.





Twilight annd Starlight were in the library. They were looking through some books based on mind spells.

Starlight putt another book away "Remind me, why are we doing it again?"

Twilight didn't avert her eyes from the book "Because..." she suddenly stopped ready and seemingly turned nervous "Well...I wanted to uh...Practise?" she sweated a bit.

Starlight raised her eyebrow "So why did you call me then?"

Twilight turned to her "Well uh...You know! It was a long time since we did something like this together!" she smiled and closed her eyes.

Starlight kept looking at her suspiciously "Uh huh..." she then closed all books and calmly said "Spill the beans Twilight, what is going on"

Alicorn sighed and openned her eyes "Alright...But please, promise tto keep it a secret"

Starlight smirked and put hoof on her chest "Promise with my name and horn"

Twilight glanced towards the library door and approached Starlight.





Fluttershy was walking through the hallways of the castle. She had saddlebags on her back, with some items for today lesson. She was humming a calm melody.

'I wonder, who this new student might be'

She heard a 'POP' behind her annd quickly turned around "Eep!"

It was Starlight. She seemed a bit stressed "Fluttershy, can I ask you a favor?" she looked straight into her eyes.

Fluttershy clipped with her eyes and nodded with confusion "S-Sure thing Starlight.."

Unicorn sighed "Good. You know that there is a new student, right?"

Fluttershy nodded again "Y-yes...Why?"

Starlight broke their eye contact "Well, Twilight wanted to fill some papers and needed him to ask questions. Is it ok if he skips your lesson?"

Fluttershy clipped with her eyes "Oh..Well, yes, sure" 

Starlight exhaled "Thanks Shy"

Pegasus tilted her head "Why are you...So stressed?"

Starlight waved with her hoof and chuckled "Oh it's nothing! Just uh...You know how those duties can exhaust!" she smiled and turned around 

Fluttershy looked as unicorn trotted away and hummed "Maybe she could join Rarity on her trip in spa..."

Fluttershy memorized that she wanted to prepare for the lesson and hurried through the hallways. She decided to think about it later.





Ferum stood in the middle of a hallway. He was thinking about going back to Sombra, when purple flash near to him caught dragon off guard. He gasped and fell on his back.

Ferum hissed "Ouch.." he looked up and noticed Twilight. She looked...Rather concerned "Oh uh...Morning?"

Alicorn clipped with her eyes and facehoofed "Oh Celestia...Sorry for startling you Ferum" 

Dragon stood up and dusted himself off "Yeah it's fine. Did you need something?"

Twilight nodded "In fact, I do. I need to make sure that Sombra.." she put hoof on her mouth "I-I mean, to fill documents and-"

Ferum looked at her blankly "Sombra already heard that" he then looked up.

Sombra's voice echoed through his mind "Totally understandable"

Ferum looked back at Twilight "He says he is OK with it"

Twilight looked awkward "Oh...He is?" as Ferum nodded, she exhaled "Phew...So that means I don't have to use any mind splitting spells"

Dragon sweated at it "Hey! That was rude!"

Twilight huffed "Well, I will do anything to protect my students! But since you two seem to...Get along, I promise not to use anything...Questionable"

Ferum exhaled "Alright, that's good to hear" he then looked at Twilight "So, let's go then"

And so they did.





Starlight was already in the library. She was a bit nervous.

'What if it turns out that he is unstable...We don't even know how stronng his magic resistance is,, if Sombra takes over his mind' She was walking side to side 'Well, even if this dragon CAN hold Sombra...What will we do next? Doesn't matter how strong his spirit is, Sombra will tire him down, untill he is in critical state'

Starlight groaned ad put hoof to her forehead. Suddenly, doors of library opened, revealing Twilight along with Ferum.

Dragon looked around the library "Wow, it actually looks MUCH better when it's not dark!" he sstarted to circle in place for a better view.

Twilight huffed proudly "Of course it does! After all, I personally choose all those books!"

Ferum's eyes widened "Excuse me, WHAT!?"

Twilight wanted to add something, when Starlight got her attention "You can brag AFTER we check him"

Alicorn smiled shyly and coughed in her hoof "So uhm...Ferum"

Dragon distracted from the books and looked back at Twilight "Yes?"

Headmare pointed at the table with several chairs around it "Please, take a seat"

Ferum nodded and did what was ordered "Alright, so, what do I have to do now?"

Starlight sat i front of him "Nothing much, you will have to answer simple questions...And make sure that you talked about it with Sombra"

Ferum and Sombra got a bit surprised "What?"

Twilight sat near to the Starlight "Exactly. We want to hear answer from both of you"

Ferum clipped with his eyes as he averted them. 

'What do you think, Sombrero?'

Sombra groaned "What the hell did you just call me?!"

'What, that's a pretty good nickname!' dragon slightly smirked.

Twilight and Starlight looked at each other confused.

Few moments later, Ferum looked back at them "Well, sure thing. I mean, I'm kinda interested in his answers as well"

Starlight nodded "Good, but before we start.." Her horn lit up "Do you mind if I put a spell on you?"

Ferum narrowed his eyes "The one that will warn you if I'm telling a lie?"

Starlight clipped with her eyes but shook her head "Well, in fact, yes" 

Ferum shrugged "Eh, I'm fine with it..." he made a but annoyed face "Well, Sombra is kinda upset about it, but he accepts his fate"

Starlight sighed "Well then, it might sting a little" light on her horn launched towards Ferum's head.

Surface of his head immediately became hard. Dragon closed one of eyes and put arm to his elbow "Geez!" the scales dissapeared.

Starlight got surprised "Uh...Did you just block my spell?"

Ferum looked at her "I dunno. It kinda happened, I can't control it" he shook his head.

Twilight looked at Starlight "Perhaps his instincts are way too sharp" she then looked back at the dragon "So is his resistance...It seems that his scales nullified the effect"

Starlight hummed "Weird...What about we-" she suddenly launched another spell at Ferum.

Dragon fell back from the impact, but scales saved him again this time "WHAT THE!?" he hissed and put arm on his back.

Sombra growled inside of him "IS SHE MAD!? I WILL KILL HER!"

Twilight quickly stood up and ran to him "Ferum?! Are you alright?" she stopped near to lying Ferum and helped him to stand up. After he nodded, holding his head, she glared at the unicorn "Starlight...WHAT! WAS! THAT!?"

Unicornn gulped as she backed away "W-well I thought that maybe it w-would work if I casted the spell unexpectedly an-"

Twilight cut her off "If I didn't know you well enough, I would tie you up, disable your magic-" with each word, she continued to get closer "-and send you to the dungeons for AT LEAST 2 months!" alicorn cornered poor unicorn.

Ferum wass silent, while Sombra whistled "You know? I like her this way"

Starlight looked at the enraged princess with caution "Twilight, you DO know that I would never hurt any creature intentendly!" she pressed herself against the wall.

Twilight narrowed her eyes and sighed "Sorry for that, I just...Could you warn me next time?" she stood back from the unicorn and started to walk towards the dragon.

Starlight dusted herself off "Well, yeah, I should have at least given you a sign" she followed the princess.

Twilight stopped before a dragon "Still...I'm pretty sure that this spell should have worked. It had quite the strength"

Ferum snorted "I could tell.."

Starlight locked her eyes on dragon's head "Well...Guess we will have to find another solution"

Alicorn rolled her eyes in thoughts "OR, we could trust him!" she smiled at the dragon "I'm pretty sure Ferum wouldn't lie to us"

Sombra smirked at it "Right, there is NO WAY that he could try to cover anything from you, Twilight Sparkle"

Ferum quietly snarled 'Oh please, shut up...'

Starlight looked at Twilight "What if he CAN'T say the truth..."

Twilight's eyes widened "Wait...Are you saying..."

Ferum coughed in his fist "Why can't you call Ms AppleJack?"

Starlight and Twilight looked at the dragon "Oh"





Meanwhile, Fluttershy's class...

The class was ready to start the lesson. Today's topic was about the animals that could use camouflage. Most of the class was listening to fluttershy, some even were writing notes. 

But Sandbar defenetly wasn't listening. He was trying to find Ferum around the class. Sandbar was glancing around the classroom.

Gallus, with head leaned on his talons, noticed it "Is something wrong? You've been like that since class started" he then smirked slyly "Trying to find a better look on Yo-?"

Sandbar, red as tomato, stuffed his hooves in the Gallus's beak "Q-Quieter!" he whispered it.

Griffin clipped his eyes and pulled hoof away "Geez, I was joking!" he the put his smirk back on "Unless..."

Sandbar rolled his eyes and sat back "Yeah yeah...Whatever" he then glanced towards Fluttershy. She was showing some pictures and explaining something "I just wonder where Ferum is"

Gallus raised his eyebrow "Wasn't he with you or something?"

Sandbar nodded "Yep, he was. I decided to go and eat something and left him there" he motioned his head towards the door.

Gallus snorted "Eh, he is probably doing...Uh..." he really started thinking about it "Well, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure he is not the one to skip classes"

Sandbar raised his hoof "Exactly! I bet there is some stuff going on around h-"

Fluttershy smiled at him "Yes Sandbar, do you know the answer?"

He slowly put his hoof down and looked at the Gallus...Who slowly started to hide his head under  the desk. Sandbar sweated a bit and chuckled "Oh uhm...What was the question again?"

Smolder looked at it and giggled "Well well well...Look who got in trouble now huh?" 

Ocellus was finishing with taking notes "You do understand that it's not very good to laugh at your friends mistakes, right"

Smolder rolled her eyes "Yeah yeah...Right" she then looked at her notes...Blank sheets actually "..So, what's up with that magic around the newbie?"

Ocellus put the pencil away "Well, it wasn't magic in a way you know it. It was like...He has an oven inside him, and the heat barely goes through his scales"

Smolder snorted "Yeah, oven...I think he has a block of ice inside instead" she then looked around "Where is he by the way?"

Ocellus tilted her head "Hm?" she looked through the class...And didn't find him as well "That's...Bizzare"

Smolder smiled as she leaned on her fist "Didn't know he was the trouble type" 

Ocellus looked down at her notes "I'm pretty sure he has...An excuse" 

Fluttershy shook her head "No Sandbar, that's not correct. Though good try, better luck next time!"

Sandbar exhaled as he plumped back down on his chair "Phew..." he then angrily looked at the griffin.

Gallus shrugged "What? How did you expect me to help you?"

Fluttershy came back to her table, on which stood a chameleon. She whispered something and it changed it's color.

Fluttershy continued "So, most of the animals that can camouflage tend to get away from the predators eyesight. They do it in order to get some time to blend in with the surroundings" she then turned around "They then stand still, not to make any sounds. After the animal feels safe, it will quickly move elsewhere, to avoid contact with the predator"

Chameleon changed back and nodded to Fluttershy. It the jumped ito a bag on the floor and seemed to go to sleep.

Sandbar was writing everething down. He didn't want to nail this up again. Gallus though, was simply sitting and tapping on the desc with his talon.

Fluttershy raised her hoof "However, if predator is the one with camouflage, they will set up an ambush.." she pulled out two figures. One was a red triangle, second was a green square. Fluttershy started to move the second one forward,, seemingly with worrying expression "The predator will...A-Ambush and then.." she shook and sniffed "Oh...Poor thing..."

All students in the class started to sooth her. It was kinda a usual thing when they were talking about preys and predators.

Smolder raised her eyebrow "Why do I think that I saw that somewhere?"





Ferum huffed as he raised his eyes "NO, not me, nor Sombra are interested in turning ponies into slaves..."

AppleJack was really looking up while staggering on a chair "Truth" she then stopped and looked at the alicorn "Twi, Ah think they are safe 'n clear" 

Twilight wrote the answer on her GIANT paper scroll "AppleJack, we can't be too careful when it comess to Sombra"

AppleJack shrugged "Ah mean, they didn't lie or anythin'. Sure, Sombra is one of the most dangerous 'n devious villians we ever fought.."

"I am?"

AppleJack continued "But Ah'm pretty sure he is fine. Ah mean, if Discord was able ta reform, why Sombra can't?"

Starlight came inside, with silver tray in her magic aura "Tea is here!" she put it on the table, revealing four cups of tea and a tea pot.

Ferum took one cup and inhaled the tea scent "Ah...Thanks"

Twilight silently took the cup with her magic, while AppleJack gulped the whole thing down.

Starlight looked at the earth pony with surprised expression "Woah, that was...Unexpected"

AppleJack put the cup back on the tray "What d'ya mean?"

Starlight glanced towards Ferum who was gently blowing on his drink "I mean, even the dragon over here is cautious"

Ferum looked up "Well, let's say that burnt tongue is not fun"

Twilight nearly choked on her tea. She started to caugh rapidly. AppleJack quickly put her hoof at the alicorn's back "Whoa, easy there Twi!"

Ferum put his cup down and got confused "Uh...Is something wrong?" he looked at Starlight. She was looking at him really surprised...And confused too.

Twilight exhaled and looked at the dragon "You got BURNT?!"

Ferum chuckled and looked at her like she was a filly and asked an obvious question "Well, of course I did. Everyone does after all! Even if you are a dragon, your insides are still vulnurable"

Everypony in the room silently looked at him, bemused.

Sombra cleared his throat "Dragons...Don't get burnt from inside"

Ferum nearly facepalmed '..shimata...'

Twilight changed looks with Starlight and AppleJack "Alright, I think that Sombra is safe"

Unicorn snorted "Well, would you look at THAT?"

Twilight then looked at the dragon "Now, would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself?"

Starlight cotinued "You know, to make your life here a bit easier"

The trio looked at him with their eyes. Well, Twilight and Starlight stared, while AppleJack leaed back in her chair.

Ferum nervously brought a cup to his mouth and sipped some tea "Oh wow! What a great tea!"

"Seriously Vlad...SERIOUSLY?"

'Hey, I'm doing my best!'

Starlight smiled "I know, just a perfect one to have a coversation, right?"

Ferum averted his eyes "Right..." he quickly thought about a plan...And came up with one.





"Sombra, I need your help"

Unicorn stoped what he was doing "Huh?" he looked up into nowhere in particular "What do you mean?"

"The thing I just said. I want to give them a bait to swallow and let me go"

Sombra smirked "Well, and why should I do it?"

"I know that what I'm doing is weird and stupid, but I want it to be this way for sometime.." his voice became pleadig "Sombra, only you can help me right now...Please?"

Unicorn did't expect human to ask him like this. He though that Vlad would threaten to destroy him, or torture. But THAT? Sure, Sombra kew that he wasn't a bad guy, but still...

Sombra huffed "Fine, but you owe me one"

Voice became happier "Thanks man!"

Sombra rolled his eyes "Yeah whatever...What is the plan?"





Ferum was watching into nowhere for a while now. His eyes were blank, and his pose didn't change at all.

AppleJack leaned towards her friend "Twi, Ah think we broke fella down"

Twilight nervously shifted in her place "I think so...Maybe he had a traumatic experience in his past and doesn't want to talk about it?" she covered her face with hooves "URGH! I should have thought about that!"

Starlight poked Ferum in his side "I'm pretty sure he is just thinking about the topic" she then walked around him "No seriously, he is a dream of any artist"

A high pitched voice called from the bookshelves "Ah gnow, light?"

Everypony looked towards the source. It was Pinkie. She was laying on top of the bookshelf, holding a canvas with her hooves just in front of her. Pinkie had a pencil in her mouth, which she used to draw something.

She then looked from behind the canvas at Ferum  "Staglight, gould u muve a bit left?"

Unicorn awkwardly clipped with her eyes and stepped aside "Sure.."

Pinkie smiled at it and started to draw again.

Twilight looked back at the dragon "Well, what do we do now?" she rested her head on the table.

Starlight examined him "Hm...I heard dragons have sensitive wings"

Twilight didn't look up "So what is your plan?"

Starlight shrugged "Tug his wings to wake him up?"

AppleJack cringed "Ah don' think dis 's good idea. Last time Ah acciden'tlly pulled Dash's wings, she really felt it"

Twilight quickly shook her head "Starlight, we know not that much about him. Besides, that would be just rude!"

Starlight giggled "Oh please, I won't do it. I'm pretty sure he will wake up sooner or later" she then glanced towards his sweater "...But if he won't..."

Twilight narrowed her eyes "Starlight...Don't"

Ferum suddenly clipped with his eyes and shook his head "Phew! Sorry, I kinda zoned out here!"

Starlight looked at him and smirked "I won't" she used her magic to pick up the cups and a tea pot.

Ferum became confused "Huh?" he looked as she went out of the library and turned towards others "What did she mean?" he then looked up "Oh, hello Ms Pinkie"

Pony happily answered "Hiya!"

Twilight exhaled "Nothing to worry about" she then sat back up "I have to apologize though. I should have noticed that you didn't want to talk about yourself earlier"

Ferum raised his eyebrow "Eh?"

Twilight continued "I put a pressure on you and didn't even see it. I'm not sure if.."

Ferum put a hand to his face, while alicorn kept talking 'God...Do they always act like this when apologizing?'

"Mostly"

Ferum coughed in his fist. Twilight stopped in the middle of her sentence and looked at him "Look, it's all fine. Besides, I do have something to show"

Twilight's eyes sparked a bit "Oh! Even show?"

AppleJack stretched a bit "Well, Ah think yer good without meh ther' " she jumped off the chair and trotted towards the exit "See both of ya 'round"

And so, Ferum and Twilight were left alone in the library. Awkward silence filled the room.

Ferum hummed "So uh...Do I show it or..."

Twilight clipped her eyes and shook her head "Oh, yes sure. Go ahead!"

Ferum closed his eyes. After sitting like that for a few seconds, he opened them again...Though this time, there were purple waves coming out of his eyes. 

Before Twilight managed to send a spell (which was ready quite fast), Ferum quickly waved with his hand "WHOA WHOA WHOA Calm down! I'm in control!" his voice wasn't distorted, nor he was acting suspicious.

Twilight narrowed her eyes, but her horn stopped glowing "..Could you at least warn me next time? We don't want any...Uncontrollable panic"

Ferum nodded "Yeah..." he then noticed that Twilight's body was glowing a little bit.

Twilight exhaled "So, what did you want to show exactly? I hope it's not something...Dark, right?"

Ferum snorted "Well, no! Besides, I can't use magic as dragon! This thing is uh...Sombra's!"

Twilight then memorized something "..are you sure about that?"

Ferum looked calm "Well, yeah?" but actually, he was tense 'Why did she ask this all of the sudden?..I mean, yeah, we kind of showed her a trick. But...I didn't use magic while I was in the human form, right?'

Sombra didn't answer. 

Twilight mumbled to herself "Maybe she misunderstood something.." she then looked back at Ferum "Well then, you are free to go! Sorry for taking too much of your time"

Ferum chuckled "Oh well, it's not a big deal. Besides, I didn't miss mich, right?"

Twilight looked at the clocks "Well, in fact, you skipped Fluttershy's lesson and you are about to miss Rainbow Dash's lesson too" 

Ferum clipped his eyes "..oh?" he then quickly turned around "Oh well, can't keep anyo- creature waiting!" he moved towards the exit, but the stopped before exiting "Where do I go, by the way?"

Twilight giggled "Well, you just need to..."





Meanwhile...

Rainbow Dash sternly looked at the Gallus "Now, mind telling me what is THIS-" she raised her hoof with a whoopee cushion in it "-doing on MY chair?"

Gallus gulped a bit "Well uhm..." he looked around in hopes to find Sandbar...And didn't succeed.

Rainbow looked at griffin for a second and then smirked "..because you almost got me. Impressive!"

Gallus exhaled, defeated "I thought it would work if I changed cushions on the chair"

Rainbow raised her head "Well, it's not enough to take ME!" she then huffed and dropped a cushion onto his table "But, I gotta teach you guys something today so...Get ready I guess"

The door to the classroom opened. Everycreature  looked at it a bit confused. There stood Ferum, huffing.

Dragon shook his head "Did I...Phew! Am I late?"

Rainbow clipped her eyes "Uh well...No?" 

'Wait, wasn't Twilight supposed to do something with him? Or is he fine already?'

Ferum exhaled "Alright, and sorry for barging in like that" he quietly and swiftly moved to the only free chair in the classroom and sat on it, looking down and avoiding glances.

Rainbow Dash looked at him for the last time and cleared her throat "Anyway...What about we all go and train for today?"

In a moment, the whole classroom erupted in cheers.





Some time later, school gym

All students were exercising. Anyone who had wings was flying. Those who didn't, were on the ground doing push ups, squads and etc. Rainbow Dash was scanning the room, making sure that no creature is slacking off. Obviously, her gaze was attached to fliers. As extreme as she was, but Dash couldn't allow any students to get injured. Finally, she looked down at those who were exercising on the ground. Rainbow was about to turn back to the 'fliers', when she noticed Ferum.

'Wait, isn't he supposed to be flying with others?' She hummed and flew down to him.

Meanwhile, Ferum was sweating hard. Not only because of a sweater and fur, but also that fact that he always had low amount of stamina. He decided to reast a bit and huffed "Damn.."

Sandbar approached him. He didn't look as bad "You good there?"

Ferum strained his back and groaned "Yeah...I just didn't exercise in a while" he then looked up at the fliers "Geez...Gallus and Smolder are insane!"

They were competing with each other. Speed, agility, maneuvers...They looked really strong and powerful like that.

Sandbar smirked "I know right?" he then looked at Silverstream and Ocellus "But don't forget about others"

Ocellus and Silverstream on the other hand were elegant. Not extremely fast, but their movements  were careful, beautiful and flexible.

Ferum chuckled "I would fly like they do if I could"

Sandbar processed this for a few seconds "..If you...Wait, you can't fly?"

Another shocked voice called from behind "YOU CAN'T FLY?!"

Everybody stopped exercising and looked at them confused. Even though Ferum expected Rainbow Dash (thanks to his upgrades) but he wasn't prepared for her to shout. 

Dragon covered his ears and turned around "Of course I can't..." he then pointed at his sweater "I'm wearing this for a reason"

Rainbow Dash clipped her eyes "Well uh...Did you at least try to fly?"

Ferum raised his finger "To be honest...No"

Sandbar shook his head "Wait, so you are saying that you can't fly because you never tried?"

Ferum shrugged "Well, if I could move my wings, I would have certainly tried!"

Rainbow Dash's  eyes widened "Wait, you can't feel your wings?" she couldn't imagine life with wings but without flight.

Ferum shook his head "Well, no, I can feel them" he then glanced at his back "I just can't move them..."

Rainbow narrowed her eyes "Are you really sure about that?"





Ocellus, Silverstream, Gallus and Smolder were sitting on the bench further away. They heard the shouting, and decided to take a little break, while watching them.

Silverstream giggled "No seriously, did you see Ms. Dash's face? It was hilarious!"

Smolder snorted "I know right?"

They weren't really surprised since they knew about Ferum's 'weakness'.

Ocellus drank some water and exhaled "You know, maybe he could go to spa or...At least visit a doctor"

Gallus nodded "I'm sure not into all that hospital thingy...But I would defenetly ask a local doc about my wings if they were acting weird"

Silverstream put a talon to her beak "I'm actually interested in what he is hiding..."

Ocellus looked at her a bit confused "What do you mean?"

Smolder sceptically raised her eyebrow "A dragon that is wearing clothes, and glasses, can't fly or breath fire...And FLUFFY. Don't you find ANYTHING mysterious about him?"

Gallus shrugged "I dunno, in my opinion, he tries to look badass...Taking away his flufiness of course. He looks like an oversized plushie" 

Ocellus giggled at the 'plushie' part "Well, sure, he has a...Weird appearance. But I think that he is not hiding anything big"

Silverstream nodded "Yeah, I think I'm exaggerating" she then smiled "I mean, it's not like he is doing something bad or using dark magic, right?"





Some minutes later...

The lesson was over, just like the school day. Satisfied sighs, grins and talking were heard all around the school. 

Ferum was walking through the corridor. After Rainbow Dash offered him to go to the doctor or spa (for some reason), he denied. One of the reasons why he did so, was the scar. It was going through his back as well. Second...He didn't want to.

Dragon was about to exit school, when Sandbar caught up with him "Hey man, want to hang out with me and the guys?"

Ferum turned around and hummed "Well, sorry, but I had some other plans"

Sandbar sighed "Daw...Well, alright then!" They then continued to walk "What are you up to anyway?"

Ferum stretched a bit "I just wanted to meet up with one of my ..Acquaintances. Maybe go on a walk. You know, just stuff"

Sandbar slowed down "Wait, you have friends here?" he raised his eyebrow.

Ferum nodded "Yep, one of the reason I came in the Ponyville actually"

Sandbar stopped "Oh uh...Alright then. See ya"

Ferum waved at him "See you too!"

And so, he walked away from school. The town was alive. Ponies were walking around, chatting and doing their stuff. Some of them glanced at the dragon, but it was only out of curiosity. While Vlad was indeed enjoying this small stroll, he had another plan. 

And it included meeting up with Lyra and introducing her to the Sombra...Who was kind of quiet for a while now.
> Chapter 7, part 4: Practice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Something isn't right...'

That's what BonBon thought about this morning. Yesterday, after Lyra ran off, she thought that she will need to cheer up her friend again. But after unicorn came back, BonBon was surprised to see her...Happy and somehow relieved? After she asked about it, Lyra just waved it off and said something like 'It was just a misunderstanding'.

'Well, too bad for you, Lyra. I know you well enough'

Right now, Lyra was up in her room. BonBon didn't want to disturb her about this...Not now at least. Besides, today was one of those few days when she could actually get some rest, which she did. BonBon was laying on the couch, reading the book. She was doing it for a while now, and as much as she didn't want to say it, but...

"I'm just wasting my day off.." BonBon sighed and closed the book, memorizing the page she finished on. She didn't want to just waste this day, laying her flank off. 

Suddenly, she heard somepony coming downstairs "Hey Bonnie! I'm going for a walk"

BonBon sat on the sofa and turned her head towards Lyra and smirked "What's the occasion?"

Unicorn rolled her eyes "Wow, I can't even walk around Ponyville without being asked where I'm going? I'm not a filly anymore!" 

BonBon leaned on the sofa's back "Well, it's rare when you decide to 'walk around' so suddenly. You usually either sit in your room goofing off and eating hayburgers"

Lyra dramatically gasped "Are you assuming that I am fat?!"

They both giggled at it.

BonBon exhaled "But seriously, where are you going?"

Lyra shook her hoof "You know, just walking around Ponyville and stretching my hooves"

BonBon shrugged "Alright then, have a good time"

Lyra waved at her friend "See you Bonnie!"

Before Lyra opened the door and left, BonBon noticed that unicorn had saddlebags with her. She wanted to mention it, but unicorn already left.

'Going on a walk with saddlebags..? And how didn't I notice them?'

BonBon started to be suspicious. She stood up, and walked towards the window near to the door.





Yesterday evening...

After Lyra finished with her tale, they decided to think about what will they do next.

Vlad hummed "Hey, do you have those notes about my magic?"

Lyra raised her eyebrows "Huh?"

Vlad waved his hand in a circular motion "Well, the ones I gave to Spike before uh...The incident"

Lyra clipped her eyes "Oh, those!" she sighed "Twilight took them. I don't have any of those"

Vlad exhaled "Oh well, should have expected it..." he then put an arm to his chin "Well, I still didn't test it all out anyway. It was just a theory" 

Lyra tilted her head "Why did you mention it?"

Vlad shrugged "I mean...It's kind of interesting where I can get with my magic" he then looked out of the window "Speaking of. Do you know any place where I could practice with it? I can't use it without transforming back into the human form"

Lyra thought about it "Now that you mention it, yeah. I wanna see how does humans magic work!" she then approached the window and pointed somewhere "There is a place I know on the edge of a forest. Nopony comes here, but me"

Vlad looked at her a bit confused "How come?"

Lyra darkened a bit "Because this is the place where I like to be alone.." she sniffed a bit "After what happened to you, I couldn't hold back my tears...So I found this place and cried there, so that I wouldn't make everyponie's life harder" her face darkened and she lowered her head.

Vlad was dumbfounded "I...Oh..." he didn't really know what to do in this situation. But he could certanly try to calm Lyra down. Vlad approached her and put his hand on her shoulder "Look, I'm really sorry for that.."

Lyra sniffed and turned her head around "Don't worry, I'm OK now" she smiled.

Vlad exhaled "You didn't have to beat yourself like that though. It wasn't your fault after all"

Lyra pouted "Well, EXCUSE ME for being worried for my friend, who happens to be the only human too!"

Vlad rolled his eyes and removed the hand "Anyway, what about we meet up somewhere tomorrow and go to your 'place'?" he added "As much as I don't want to bother you, but you are one of the few peo...Ponies, that know about me"

Lyra's ears perked up "Wait...There is somepony else?!" 

Vlad nodded "Yep, I will introduce you to each other tomorrow"





Lyra's ears perked up when she heard a familiar voice "Sorry, got a bit lost"

Unicorn raised her head to see a dragon "Oh, it's ok Vl...Ferum!" she smiled nervously while glancing around.

Vlad rolled his eyes "Lyra, there is noo...Nopony around" he then looked at her saddlebags "So, are we ready to go?"

Lyra nodded "Yep! Follow me!" she started to trot somewhere.

Ferum was about to follow her when his ears perked up. The Instincts upgrade got triggered, and he quickly looked around, trying to find the source of it. 

Lyra looked at him "Hey, are you going or no?" Vlad narrowed his eyes and quickly walked towards her "Is something wrong?"

Ferum shook his head "No, not really. Let's go!"

And so, they started walking, without noticing BonBon's silhouette in the window.

Lyra turned to him "So, how is school treating you?"

Ferum shrugged "Well, I'd say it's WAY easier than I expected" he then made a bit tired face "Especially if we compare my school and this one..."

Lyra then gasped "Oh, I'd LOVE to hear more about that!"

Ferum raised his finger "Maybe another time" 

Lyra rolled her eyes "Alright..." she then looked around, noticing that there were almost no ponies around "So, what exactly are we going to do?"

Ferum glanced around as well, and then leaned a bit to the unicorn "Well, I planned to see what I'm capable of right now and try to cast some spells...With your help of course"

Lyra excitedly stomped her hooves "Oh I can't wait! This is so..." she looked at Ferum and tilted her head "Why are you hiding your mouth behind a hand?"

Ferum removed his hand, revealing a small smile "To be honest, if I were able to ignore the fact that you guys are sentient, I would defenetly pet you. You all are so cute and fluffy and- " he then quickly added "Don't get it wrong though! It's not like I'm disgusted or uh..."

Lyra giggled at his hurry "Hey, it's ok! But just for you to know, we ponies really love hugging each other. I mean, we are very communicative with, so its fine!" she then looked nowhere in particular "..Huh, 

They were already walking down the path in the forest. It was really quiet, not even birds could be heard there. It wasn't dark or creepy too. Just a sunny path with trees around and rare flowers. The path itself had a lot of grass on it. Lyra was right, almost noone walked there. Vlad also noticed that the path had turns, which almost made it like a labyrinth. Just forget about the detail that it has no dead ends.

Vlad looked a bit surprised "You know, now that you mention it...Yeah, I should have guessed myself" he then added "Even though humans are communicating a lot as well, in my world, it's rude and even creepy to suddenly hug someone. I'm not even talking about every other stuff like petting"

Lyra looked at him confused "Wait, what? Then how do you cuddle with each other?"

Vlad looked at her with raised eyebrow "We ..Don't? I mean, as far as I know, couples are doing that" 

Lyra hummed "Well you should defenetly try it!"

Vlad chuckled "Well now you remind me of my very close friend from home"

Lyra gasped "Oh! Could you tell me about your friend?"

Vlad nodded "Well, he is very energetic and communicative. Like, A LOT! Also, now that I think about it, his behavior was similar to ponies..." he then frowned a bit "..Danya also liked hugging everyone. Huh.."

Lyra stopped him with her hoof "Vlad, we are already here"

Dragon nearly fell, but managed to balance "Woah!" he then looked forward...

If he was to describe this place, he would show you meditation. It was a small circle like area with a huge rock in the middle of it. Due to the leaves, sunlight was slightly green. It was like a place from a fairy tale.

Vlad opened his mouth in awe and repeated himself "Woah..."

Lyra smirked "I know, right?" she then trotted towards the rock "Come on, you can transform back. It's not like anypony comes here anyway!"

Vlad followed her, still looking around "Yeah..." 

They approached the rock and Lyra started to unpack. She put paper and pencil on the ground, as well as one book. It had some basic information about spell casting. While Lyra was getting ready, the green flash weakly gleamed from behind for a moment.

Vlad stretched and exhaled "Ah...Being dragon is cool, but having wings sucks" some cracks could be heard from his body.

Lyra cringed a bit at this sound "Why?"

Vlad shrugged "Dunno how it's with others, but whenever I touch something with my wings apart from my sweater, they start to feel...Weird" he yhen took off his gloves "So, let's get to the fun part! How do you guys use magic?"

Lyra kept the wings part in mind "Alright! Let's do this!" she pulled out a book, when suddenly, Vlad raised his finger "Huh? Something is wrong?"

Human lowered his hand "Even though I asked you to bring the book, but I'd rather to hear your oppinion first. And to be precise..." he then pointed at Lyra's  horn "..what do you guys feel when you are using it?"

Unicorn clipped her eyes and hummed, looking down "Well, usually I focus on something and imagine what I want to do..." she looked at the branch, and it levitated up, covered in her magic.

Vlad nodded "Yeah, same thing with mine" he stretched his hand out, summoning some tentacles out of his palm "But what about spells?"

"Well...This is where it gets a lot more complicated..." she moved her hoof in a round like motion "We need to focus on item, memorize the structure of the spell, which is kind of hard, and then BOOM! Magic!"

Vlad made his tentacles dissapear "Uh huh..." he then clipped his eyes "Wait, why don't you just order your magic to do it instead?"

Lyra sorted "Well, if it was that easy, then we could have stopped every evil being easily" she sighed "If we do it like that,, it either doesn't work, or magic just errupts annd does nothing..."

Vlad hummed "Right..." he stood like that for a few secondss with finger on his chin, when suddenly, his eyes brightened up "Hold on, I thinnk I got it!"

Lyra's ears perked up "What? What did you get?"

Vlad poinnted onn the rock "Could you go over here, just in case?"

Lyra narrowed her eyes "I don't like where this is going..." but she still got on the rock.

Vlad exhaled "Alright..."

'Sombra, I need your help'

No answer.

'Sombra?'

Quiet...

'Hey Sombra. Sombra, hey!'

...

'S-'

A loud voice roared "I HEAR YOU DAMN IT!!!"

Vlad winced at his outburst  and grabbed his ear "Alright sorry...I just wanted to tease you a bit!" he said it outloud.

Lyra twitched at it 'What is going on?'

Sombra groaned "WHY would you do it?! What if I was doing something important?!"

Vlad exhaled 'OK ok I'm sorry! It's just...What friends are doing, teasing each other sometimes. At least that's what my very close friend did to me frequently'





Sombra clipped his eyes and looked down on the grass. It was moving with the wind that he created few minutes ago. Unicorn processed what human just said.

Sombra muttered "Friends..?" it suddenly became light and warm in his chest.

He never felt such a weird feeling in his life. Somepony...No, someONE was trusting him enough to call HIM, Sombra, The Emperor of Darkness, a friend. A small smile formed on the end of unicorn's mouth, which he didn't notice. His eyes gleamed a little.

"Either he is too naive, or is stupid. But..."

His smirk became normal. Small yet visible.

"This kid..."

"Sombra, you good?"

Unicorn shook his head "Yeah yeah, what did you need anyway?"

Vlad's voice brightened "Oh thank you so much man!"





Lyra flinched when Vlad came back to motion "Oh Celestia, I though you already casted a spell and nailed it!"

Vlad raised his finger "Well, you better prepare for this scenario too,  just in case"

Lyra narrowed her eyes "Vlad..."

Human shrugged "What? I'm just thinking some steps ahead"

Lyra rolled her eyes "Sure thing...So, what did you want to test anyway? I mean, I gotta prepare the right spell in advance"

Vlad shrugged "I will try to cast levitation spell in the area around me"

Lyra hummed "Well, it's a bit complicated even for me. You sure you know what are you doing?"

Vlad got down on his knee "I can always make my magic dissapear" he then grimaced "I think"

Lyra snorted "Just make sure that you won't fly into the clouds on accident"

Vlad nodded "I will try not to"

And then, he closed his eyes and lowered his head. Human froze in his current position, concentrating. Lyra focused as well, with notebook and pen in her magical grip. For a minute, nothing was happening. Lyra kind of let her guard down, when suddenly, dark purple waves started to come out of Vlad's closed eyelids. Unicorn gasped as she realize what that was.

"D-Dark magic?! But how does HE know how to use it?! What is he-"

Suddenly, Vlad clenched his fists and bumped the ground. This action sent waves around him. The further they went, the weaker they became. Everething affected got engulfed in the transparent purple aura, and started to float up. Rocks, sticks and grass. The book Lyra was holding with magic got affected as well, and started to slowly levitate up. Lyra yelled and slipped on the rock. She closed her eyes before the impact...Which didn't happen.

Lyra opened her eyes, and noticed that she was being dragged with magic as well.

"No, wait..."

She tried to move in the air with swim like moves. She was successful, and managed to move towards a nearby tree and grab it. Unicorn was just above Vlad.

Lyra looked at her hoof, which was covered in the same aura "That's not a levitation spell! He did something else..Did you disable gravity?" she then quickly looked towards Vlad "Hey! You can stop!"

He didn't respond.

Lyra sweated 'Could it be..Oh no...Dark magic must have consumed his mind!' she looked around and noticed a small rock. Lyra grabbed it with her magic "I'm sorry. ." She closed her eyes and launched rock at Vlad.

The projectile met its target. Vlad yelped and covered his head. Instantly, magic stopped working, making everething fall down. 

Including Lyra.

She screamed as she fell down on the Vlad. Human quickly looked up, and his eyes widened "Shima-"

In a moment, Vlad got pinned to the ground by Lyra. Luckily, none of them got hurt. Lyra ended up on human's back.

Lyra groaned and clipped her eyes "Ouf my head..." she raised herself a little.

Vlad turned his head to face her "That's what you get for throwing rocks at me"

Lyra puffed her cheeks out "Well, EXCUSE ME! I didn't want to stay in the air forever"

Vlad rolled his eyes and stood up. Lyra jumped off him just in time "Yeah yeah, sorry. But could you at least throw something else?"

Lyra hummed "Maybe..." Her eyes then widened, as she memories what was her shock about "Hold on, how do you know dark magic?!"

Vlad dusted himself off "Well, that's why I said that I will introduce you to somepony" he huffed "And since my theory was correct, I think I could uh...How do I put it..." he put finger on his elbow "Oh, I think that I could transport your consciousness into my head!"

Lyra's eye twitched "..What? What do you mean by 'theory' and this!? Why do you need me in your head?! Who is that pony!?" she was losing it.

Vlad sweated a bit "Look Lyra...Just calm down, al-"

Lyra sat down "Oh well, EXCUSE ME! Yesterday, I found out that my friend, who is also a human and died, came back from the dead! Then, I find out that he can use dark magic!" she raised her hooves "HOW AM I POSSIBLY SUPPOSED TO CA-"

Suddenly, Vlad did something unpredictable. Not even he knew what he was doing. Sure, unicorn wasn't prepared for it too. Vlad raised his hand...

..and booped Lyra.

She clipped her eyes and focused on the finger, still having her hooves up. Vlad looked a bit annoyed at first. However, after Lyra didn't answer for some time, he started to worry.

Vlad slowly retracted his finger "Uh...Lyra? Are you ok?"

Lyra silently rubbed her nose and glared at Vlad "Why did you do that?"

Human put a hand behind his head "To...Distract you? Did I do something bad or disrespectful?"

Lyra put her hoof away "Well, no. It's just kind of annoying for us" she then shook her head "But...You managed to distract me, so I will forgive you...For now!"

Vlad sighed "I'm sorry, I won't do it again  I promise"

Lyra smiled at him "Don't worry, you didn't know" she then quickly opened her eyes "HOLD ON! You didn't answer my questions!" Lyra stood on her hooves and pointed at Vlad.

Human raised his arms "OK ok! Don't freak out now!" he approached the rock "To explain everething, I will have to transport your consciousness into my head. I thought that it's not possible, but our little experiment showed otherwise"

Lyra clipped her eyes and tilted her head "..what?"

Vlad continued "So all I have to do now, is to reach for your consciousness...Or soul  I dunno. And kind of drag it out" he then cringed at it "..No, it sounds weird"

Lyra put hooves on her temples "I won't even ask how did you manage to come up with that..." she opened her eyes "Look Vlad, why don't you tell me everething instead. Wouldn't it be easier?"

Vlad raised his hand, but thought for a while "..Actually, yeah...I don't know what got into me" he then inhaled "Well, you better prepare then.."





Even though today was a day off for BonBon, she still decided to come to the shop. She could organize her stocks in advance, as well as prepare it for upcoming event. BonBon was already inside, placing jars on their places. Though her thoughts were about something else. It was already a few hours after that dragon and Lyra left.

'This dragon again...What is his deal?' She examined the jars and walked towards utility door. BonBon opened it, revealing some decorations meant for the Authors Festival. She started to put some of those on the shop's windows 'First, he shows up to give something to Lyra. Now, they go somewhere. Kind of suspicious...' she then stepped back and examined windows 'And the fact that he knows something about that human doesn't make it easier. Just who is he?'

She then shook her head "It would probably be better if I asked Lyra about it. Right now I must focus on the preparations" BonBon continued to decorate the shop. After finishing up, she examined her work "Probably way too early, but better than not doing it at all" however, the thoughts about Lyra and that dragon didn't leave her head.

BonBon looked at some of the empty jars "Lyra is more talkative when I give her the treats...Might as well try it in a few days"

With those thoughts, she continued to work. After all, BonBon was looking out for the event as well.





Lyra rubbed her temples "Alright...So you and Sombra are now, how did you call it?"

"Bros"

"WE ARE NOT"

"He doesn't want to admit it"

Lyra exhaled "Right...So, not only you managed to escape death, fool the Elements, but you learn the Dark Magic by making friends with the Emperor of Darkness...Is that all?" she looked at him with a weirdly calm expression.

Vlad moved his wrist "More or less"

Unicorn's head fell on the book that was in front of her "Sweet Celestia...It's too much for me" she then thought for a bit "Hold on...You said that you wanted me to meet somepony, right?"

Vlad nodded "Yep"

Lyra then raised her head, starting to worry "And uh...I think that this is..."

Vlad nodded again "Yeah, it's Sombra"

Lyra's ears fell back, and her eyes widened "W-What?! You wanted me to meet Sombra?!"

Human shrugged "Well, yes? I mean, he still might act a bit evil sometimes. But Sombra is chill now!" he then averted his eyes "..well, mostly"

Lyra's head was starting to ache "OK...So how exactly did you want to do it?" she was starting to get used to Vlad's surprises...At least she thought so.

Vlad awkwardly put hand behind his head "Well, like I said earlier. I want to try to 'Invite' you to my head. It's like hosting a Minecraft world!"

Lyra put a hoof to her chin "Well, I don't know what Minecraft is" she then glanced at Vlad "Which I hope you will tell me about. But the spell you are trying to cast is, well...Really complicated, alright? Not all unicorns can do it"

Vlad snorted "Well, I have plenty of mana now. And besides..." he pointed at his head.

Lyra's eyes widened a bit "You know, now that you mention it...I'm sure not as good as Twilight in magic, but combining amounts of your magic and Sombra's experience, it might be possible!"

Vlad raised his fist up "Then let's get started!" he stood like it for a few seconds "..what do I do first though?"

"You have to make either magical or physical contact with your target." 

Vlad got surprised by Sombra's sudden help "Eh?"

Unicorn continued "Then, try to push some of your magic into the body, but not forcefully. Your tentacles would do a pretty good job at it. After you did it, you will feel a vibration with the ends of your magic. Everething else you will get yourself" Sombra became silent once again.

Vlad sweated a bit "Wait, what do you mean by that?..Sombra?" the unicorn wouldn't answer "Ah screw it..."he turned towards Lyra.

She was looking at him with curiosity, as well as a bit of fear "Uh..Vlad? Did you and Sombra just..?"

Human nodded "Yeah, kind of. He told me the basics I think" he then reached his hand out and started to approach the unicorn.

Lyra jerked back "H-Hey! What are you doing?"

Vlad slowed down "Establishing physical contact..? I mean, I don't think that I should rely on my magic too much when it comes to this kind of spell, not yet. So I better...You know, make a physical contact" he then added "If that's OK with you of course"

Lyra looked at his hand with apprehension, but still approached him "Well...I trust you" she then smirked "Besides, I wanna see what is going on in your head"

Vlad snorted "Sure, good luck with that" Human gently put his hand on unicorn's head and closed his eyes. 

Lyra was waiting for something bad to happen. Maybe a surge of pain or being pushed back. But none of it happened. Vlad's arm glowed weakly, vibrating a little, and warmth started to fill Lyra's body. Her eyelids started to drop. She tried to resist it, but eventually gave in, allowing warmth and sleepness to take her somewhere else.





Vlad opened his eyes. The place around him was white, as usual. However, something was wrong. Human felt something...No, someONE else here, and it wasn't Sombra. Vlad looked around, and noticed one new detail. It was a glowing turquoise  ball with golden lines on it.

Vlad snorted "Seriously? It's THAT easy?" he approached the ball, but hesitated before touching it "Well, Sombra DID say that I will know what to do so...Here goes nothing I guess"

Vlad reached his hand out and pulled it into the sphere. It felt like his arm was slowed in this area. Vlad didn't really know what to do, untill he groped something solid. He tried to get a better grip on it to understand what could it be, when ball suddenly started to blink. Human quickly retracted his arm and jerked back. The sphere started to spin really fast. At last, the bright turquoise flash blinded Vlad.

Vlad fell down and covered his eyes "HOLY SHIMATA!"

As suddenly as it all began, it settled down as quickly. Something lightly flopped down on the ground and made a grunting noice. Vlad was actively rubbing his eyes to adjust to the world once again. Human clipped them and noticed one particular unicorn, laying on her belly with closed eyes.

Vlad stood up and approached her "Hey uh, Lyra? Are you alright?"

Unicorn groaned and rubbed her head "Ouff...Feels like somepony dragged blanket away from me" she clipped her eyes so that they could adjust "Is...Is that your head? It's pretty empty to be honest..."

Vlad looked around "Well, no. I'm pretty sure it's not" 

Lyra managed to sit and shook her head "Then what is this place?"

Vlad shrugged "Maybe some kind of a place where I make contact with you? Like, the lobby before starting the game or something"

Lyra  clipped her eyes in confusion "Wait, wha-"

Suddenly, everething around them started to spin. Whitness slowly was becoming darkness. Lyra and Vlad could barely stand, so they fell down and shouted.

Human hysterically laughed "NO NO NO I DONT WANNA DIE IN MY OWN HEAD!"

Lyra grabbed Vlad's arm and screamed "I DONT WANNA DIE SOMEWHERE WEIRD"

They both closed their eyes. One second of this later, they landed on a grass field. Vlad slowly opened his eyes and opened his mouth in disbelief.

Lyra rubbed her head with a free hoof "Are we...Dead?" Human didn't answer "Uh, Vlad? Are you-" she finally opened her eyes ..and so did her mouth.

Now it wasn't just the endless grass floor Vlad left few hours ago. It was a completely different world. Hills and mountains, forests and rivers, sky and clouds...EVERETHING was there! 

Vlad stood up and looked around "Holy...What is that all?!"

Sombra's voice could be heard from above "Oh, that? Well you see, while you were away doing some so called 'Stuff', I decided to use the power and the advice you gave me" he was levitating in the air. Sombra landed in front of Vlad "I put a lot in this new world. In fact  I have just finished an ocean and a beach" he expectingly looked at the human "So, what do you think?"

Even though Sombra was big compared to regular unicorns, Vlad still had to lean to him. Human put a hand on the Sombra's shoulder "Dude...This is not just awesome..." Vlad then looked straight in unicorn's eyes "This is...Look, I don't know the word, but this is FREAKING AWESOME ok?!" he leaned back and spinned in place "You managed to create another world from scratch!"

Sombra didn't expect such outburst and looked at him confused "Oh uh...Yeah" his eyes traveled to Lyra and he snorted "So, I see that you have managed to bring your friend here"

Unicorn yelped and hid behind Vlad. She shivered and glanced towards Sombra.

Vlad looked down at her "Hey, didn't I tell you that he is trying his best?"

Lyra whispered "Well...He is still Sombra you know?"

Unicorn coughed in his hoof "I can hear you pretty well" Lyra gasped and covered her mouth. 

Vlad sighed "Yeah...I didn't even think about this" he then turned to Lyra " OK look, whatever happened with him and your kind before doesn't matter here. In my head, I'm the strongest, so if he tries anything...Well, he knows what will happen"

Sombra looked at him with annoyed look "Now would you look at THAT? Here I'm trying to be angry, and already getting death threats! Thank you for your support!"

Vlad crossed arms on his chest "Well, EXCUSE ME! It's definitely my fault that you made yourself look like the darkness abomination to them. Besides, didn't you try to assault my mind earlier? That wasn't a good move you know?"

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Didn't you say that you trust me?"

Vlad snorted "Trust but verify, that's a rule I live with!"

Sombra chuckled "Oh, even with oher ponies?"

Vlad bluntly answered "Yes"

Lyra spoke up "Hey! I'm still here you know?"

Vlad shrugged "Well, I had and still have the full right to not belive you all since I have been in this world for...A week or so. I mean, no offence, you all were nice to me and I'm grateful for it. It's just how humans act sometimes" he then crossed arms on his chest "Besides, you still don't trust Sombra, even though 

Lyra huffed "You could at least not be so blunt. And I have the full right to..." she closed her mouth and looked at Sombra when realization hit her.

Sombra sat down "Well...It's a bit awkward now, isn't it?"

Lyra sighed and plumped down on the ground, away from her 'cover'  "Yeah, sorry for the earlier. I still don't really trust you. BUT if whatever Vlad said is true then..." she awkwardly raised her hoof "My name is-"

Sombra cut her off "Lyra Heartstrings, the pony who was obsessed with humans before meeting one in person. You were the first to encounter him in Equestria, and you didn't start well. But you became friends quite fast"

Lyra slowly put her hoof down "How did you..."

Vlad explained "I allowed him to look through my memories" he then put an arm on his chin "By the way, I was never the social type back in my world. Kinda awkward that I made SO MANY friends in such small amount of time" he then shrugged "Not like I'm complaining anyway"

Lyra became a little more brave and carefully approached Sombra. She nervously coughed to get his attention "S-So uhm...How is it going?"

Sombra looked at her in disbelief. It was actually happening. The pony who knew what he was and what he done decided to talk to him! "Well I...Guess it's not that bad. What about you?"

Lyra rubbed back of her head "It's uh...Pretty good I think!"

An awkward silence filled the dimension. Two unicorns were staring at each other.

Sombra clipped his eyes "Wait, where is.." he pointed at the place where Vlad was standing.

Lyra tilted her head and looked at it "Hold on, when did he..?" Vlad (obviously) wasn't there.

Sombra groaned "There he goes again...Acting all mysterious and 'badass' " he huffed and looked up "I hate this particular part of him"

Lyra crossed hooves on her chest "I know! I mean,  instead of telling something straight, he HAS to give hints. Like I'm supposed to understand them!" she raised her hooves in the air.

Sombra glanced at Lyra and smirked "Perhaps we have something in common"

Lyra shrugged "I guess" she then rubbed her hooves against each other "Hey uh, sorry for the...You know, the way I greeted you back then"

Sombra raised his hoof "Totally understandable"

Lyra looked at him with a little guilt in her eyes "So we are good?"

Sombra nodded "Totally"





Vlad was rapidly moving around this world. He still couldn't belive that THIS was in his head. Still, the thing that human was looking for was far away. Sombra did mention the ocean, and Vlad wanted a place for himself...Just in case. Besides, he had noticed a lot of weird things about himself that he needed to re think.

And that was by talking to himself.

Vlad suddenly stopped his movement at once at the beach. A lot of sand got blown into the water because of the air burst "Hey, it even looks natural!"  he then looked into the horizon. Vlad sighed and raised his left arm. It was totally fine there "OK, it's sure all good and stuff...But what the hell is wrong with me?" he pinched himself "The whole 'I'm in another world' stuff? Not like I have any choice but to deal with it. Being calm all of the sudden? Well, yeah, I think I will deal with it since it helps me a lot" he then frowned "The pain however...Ever since my rm was broken, I noticed the lack of it. Sure, there was pain, but it wasn't that bad. Like the most of it got ignored by me...I was never the type to 'endure' " he fell on the sand "What the hell happened to me? Did I mutate or something?" Vlad opened his Panel and looked at the stats. Health - Stable, Mana - 76%...

Vlad snorted "Of course it has something to do with you or whoever gave me this ability. Well, whatever..." he raised from the sand "Guess I will just leave it for later. I'm sane because of this thing, so it's not that bad, right?"

Vlad stretched a bit and turned back, dissapearing back, leaving another cloud of sand. Who knew what could happen between Lyra and Sombra while he was away. Not like he didn't trust the latter anyway.
> Chapter 8: Preparations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ferum opened his eyes. He was in his room, laying on the bed. It's been two weeks since he, Spike and Lyra started to meet each other at the forest and go into his own world. Turned out that dragon had suspicions about Ferum, so it ended up with revealing human's secret. It wasn't a bad decision though. Of course at first, Spike didn't trust Sombra. But in the end, everething turned out just fine. All together, they managed to create an incredible world inside Vlad's head. Every time 
when they were entering it, the grouo would do so many things. Adventures, fights and just chaos...Which Lyra didn't approve at first. But obviously, their dissapearance attracted a lot of attention. So much, that six particular students tried to spy on the trio. Luckily, Vlad's intuition saved the group. They tricked them by going elsewhere while students were spying.

One problem however, was still unresolved. Princess Luna was getting closer to entering Vlad's mind. Last time when he, Lyra and Spike came together, she even noticed them, which made their 'session' come to an end. Sombra was kind of concerned about it too. While it was possible to explain that he is good now to Lyra and Spike, it wouldn't be so easy with somepony who personally knew him. But right now, Ferum was in his room. He didn't have any plans for weekend. 

Dragon stretched and sat in his bed "So, what about some practice, Sombrero?"

A voice from his head answered "I told you to stop calling me like that" 

Ferum shrugged "OK, I won't"

Sombra snorted "But of course, you woul-" he stopped mid sentence "...Wait, you mean it?"

Ferum nodded "Yeah, I would be annoyed too" he walked towards the door "So, are you up for a training?"

Sombra answered quickly "Sure, besides, it's kind of facinating to see your progress" he hummed "It's like watching your doll getting stronger"

Ferum rolled his eyes "Wow, you are so good at not looking evil" he closed his eyes and slowly breathed. Then, dragon opened his non-panel eye. It's pupil was glowing with purple now.

Sombra seemed to clap with his hooves "Not bad, you can now enable the vision without my help" he then added "Though if you let the magic flow out fully, you wouldn't have to focus so much"

Ferum snorted "Well, I don't want to scare anyone here. And besides, learning about the magic control is essential" he then added "Especially when it comes to this dark stuff"

One of the things that Vlad learnt, was the ability to enable 'Umbra Vision' (Another one was that Sombra is bad at naming things). He asked unicorn about it. The reason why Sombra always had those weird waves coming out of his eyes, was not to just look intimidating. He could see powerful sources of magic, living beings and other stuff that he needed to see. Thanks to the time they had, Vlad managed to learn this ability. He couldn't activate it in human form though. Sombra told him that human eyes are not built for this kind of magic, so he could only enable it while in Ferum form. 

Right now, dragon was looking through the door. The hallway was empty, not a single soul. As usual.

Ferum closed his eye and opened both of then "It's still hard to keep it active. It's like I'm holding a fish and it slips away!" he rubbed his head.

Sombra snorted "Well, obviously it's hard. Dark magic isn't the thing everypony can get used to"

Ferum rolled his eyes "Apparently, you did" he then left the room and started walking towards the exit. Vlad was already able to use map in his Panel, so he knew where he was going. 

While walking, he memorized another 'problem' he had. Those two points that Sombra waisted the other day. They both still didn't know what did they stand for. The only clue Vlad had, was that Sombra used those points to upgrade the disquise. Today wasn't really special, so he could use the free time to try and find his new upgrades...Or do it tomorrow. Today, Vlad was in the mood for reading.

Ferum looked through the map "Well, guess library it is then" he was about to continue walking, when hammer noices started to come out of the window in the hallway.

Ferum looked out of it. It was another pony setting up a tent for the upcoming event, another thing that Vlad was interested about. Obviously, it was about to be big. Sandbar and Gallus told him about this event. A lot of authors were opening their shops to try and become more famous. It sounded not like a big deal. But when something here in Equestria was boring?

Ferum shook his head "Alright, let's get going" and so he did.

Sombra suddenly asked "Did you always talk to yourself? Because I didnt see any memories with you doing it"

Ferum hummed "Occasionally, I did to calm myself down. But here? Well, I started to do it way too often...For some unknown reasons" 

The answer seemed to satisfy Sombra, because he went silent again. Meanwhile, Vlad came across Spike.

Ferum called him out "Hey dude"

Spike turned his head and raised the claw "Morning guys, how did the night go?" he stopped walking.

Ferum approached him and got on his knee "Luna didn't seem to get us yet. So I'd say it was fine" he motioned his head towards his shoulder.

Spike nodded and deftly climbed it "Well, that's good. I can't imagine what would she do to Big S" he sat on the shoulder, looking forward.

Ferum stood up and snorted "Don't tell me, I'm starting to think about setting up a shield around him" Dragon started to walk forward.

"I CAN protect myself. If it wasn't for the fact that I am stuck in this weirdo's head, I would-" he then stopped and sighed.

Ferum nodded "Exactly Sombra, you won't fight" 

Spike looked at his 'mount'  "So, where are you guys going?"

Ferum motioned his hand "Well, with this whole festival thing I decided to read something in the library. You know, to fit in" he then moved his eyes on Spike "By the way, can you recommend me anything popular?"

Spike didn't even hesitate "There is this giant comics that has blown up recently. We have some of it's copies in the library. I was on my way there too. Just to finish the chapter I was reading"

Ferum nodded "Good, I might as well try Equestrian fiction" he then looked up and put a hand on his chin "I wonder what counts as fiction here to be honest. I mean, you guys have magic and all!"

Spike raised his hands, excited "You wouldn't belive dude! It's like, another guy was transported into another world, and made friends with a guy here!" he the jumped on the Ferum's shoulder "And he has to keep it a secret!..For some reason" he sat down again "The reason will be explained in the new chapters"

Ferum whistled "Well, would you look at that! It's just like my situation!"

Spike chuckled "Hehe! He...Huh..." he stopped laughing and his face turned into a curious one "Now that I think about it...It is. What a coincidence!"

Ferum snorted "Tell me about it!"

Sooner, they entered the library. There was no creature inside. Ferum approached the shelves and looked up "So, where is the comics you were telling me about?"

Spike hummed "Well, it's supposed to be around...Here!" he managed to pull out a...Book.

Ferum looked at it confused "Uh...Comics are supposed to be slim, arent they?"

Spike smirked and jumped down from Ferum's shoulder "Well, this one is VERY big!" he approached the table "By the way, if I memorize correctly, another one should be behind this shelf"

Ferum shrugged "OK" he walked around to look for the same book. After looking for a while, he found it and joined Spike at the table. Ferum looked at the cover and froze "...uh?"

Spike raise his head from the comic "Hm? Is something wrong with the book?"

Ferum looked at Spike with a shocked expression "Dude, what is that?" he showed the book to a dragon.

Spike leaned closer and narrowed his eyes "There is nothing wrong with it...What are you trying to show me?"

Ferum facepalmed "Spike, seriously?" he then pointed at the dragon on the cover "He..." and then on himself "..looks EXACTLY like me!"

Spike looked at Ferum and bursted out in laugher . He glanced at him holding a book and continued to do so. Spike then looked back at him and frowned "Are you serious?"

Ferum took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes "OK, try it now" he placed a book in a way so that it could stand.

Spike looked at the cover, then on Ferum. He clipped his eyes confused and did it again. Spike's eyes widened as he started to repeatedly turn his head. 

Ferum took the book "See what I mean?" he looked at the cover and hummed "..Not like it should really bother me anyway, but I'm just curious" he started to look for the author's name.

Spike rubbed his head "Author is anonymous..."

Ferum huffed and placed the book on the table "Of course he is...What a luck I have!" he sat like that for a while. Then, his ears perked up "Hold on...Do you think that there will be someone selling this comic?" when they were alone, Vlad could use terms from his world freely.

Spike looked up "Well, author DID announce that he has the next part done so...I think so" he then raised his finger "But I'm pretty sure he won't be selling books himself"

Ferum groaned and his head fell on the table "Obviously..." his tail was slowly moving on the floor "...ok, guess we will forget about it for now" he grabbed the book and opened it "Let's see what is this book all about!"

Spike smirked and went back to his book "Trust me, you won't regret it!"





2 hours later...

Ferum was looking at the pages shocked. To be honest, this was the first time he experienced such a strong emotion since appearing in Equestria. He was now flipping through the pages fast, glancing at the images.

Spike looked at him, concerned "Uh, dude? Are you ok?"

Ferum kept flipping the pages "Each of those stories and chapters, words and images..." he stopped flipping and looked at Spike "They happened to me and my friend..."

Spike clipped his eyes, confused "What do you mean?"

Ferum inhaled some air to calm himself "Alright...So basically, every single event here happened to me when I was back on Earth" he then looked back at the pony character "And my friend is here too..."

Realization appeared in Spike's head. He dropped the book and looked at Ferum shocked "Wait, are you telling me..." he knew what did he mean exactly.

Ferum looked at little dragon seriously "Spike, we will need to go and find this author..."





Twilight and Starlight were in the office. They were filling up some papers about the event.

Starlight exhaled as she put aside last of her documents "Phew! Sweet Celestia, this is a lot!" 

Twilight was focused on her papers, since she had much, MUCH more "Of course, this event is one of the greatest in the whole Equestria" she was working as fast and coordinated as machine would.

Starlight leaned on her hoof and smirked "Well, obviously" she then whispered "Though it's that big only for you"

Twilight's ear twitched "Did you say something?"

Starlight waved her hoof "No no, nothing" she then looked out of the window "..so, about this Ferum"

Twilight hummed "Yeah, what about him?"

Starlight turned her eyes towards alicorn "Don't you think that his story has a lot of...Gaps?"

Twilight slowed down with writing ans lowered her pen "Like what?"

Starlight rolled her eyes "Weeeell, for example the fact that he was able to survive in Equestria for a few years alone?" she tilted her head "Or maybe that he is finding something new about his body that he was supposed to know?" Unicorn raised her hoof quickly "Oh, maybe the fact that he was able to make friends with Sombra will make you feel that something is weird?" 

Twilight's eyes widened "I...I actually never thought about it this way" she lowered her eyes "Now that you mention it, it does seem weird"

Starlight put her hooves down and sighed "Twilight, he is obviously hiding something" she looked up at her mentor.

Twilight was tapping her hoof on the table "I know that there is something about him' she then smiled "But I'm sure it's nothing evil"

Starlight shrugged "Well, you are the boss" she stretched and stood on the floor "Well, I will be going now. See you, Twi!"

Twilight waved her hoof "Good luck, Star!"

The door closed after Starlight left. Twilight came back to filling the papers. However, her thoughts were somewhere else.

'This is indeed fascinating. Ferum actually managed to reform Sombra!'

Last time they talked about it, Ferum gave Sombra control. Even though Twilight was ready for anything, luckily, nothing bad happened. She and Sombra just talked for a few minutes, and that was it.

'Such a progress, in just two weeks!' 

'In just two weeks...'

She stopped writing. Her expression turned into a thoughtful 'I wonder how did he manage to do it' she then shook her head "Nope, I better focus on the Festival for now! I can always ask Ferum later"

And so, Princess continued to do her job...





Ponyville was full of tents and stalls now. Even though the Festival didn't start yet, everypony and creature wanted to be ready in advance. Residents were helping too. Ferum and Spike were going to help too. Though it was mostly a cover up. Their true intentions were to find the author of 'V and D' (They decided it would be easier to use shortened name). However, they were doing it for two hours now.

Ferum sat on the bench and huffed "God, I bet that we are late already..."

Spike managed to climb onto the bench and raised his claw "We shouldn't give up yet! I mean, yeah, it was quite a long time, but don't you want to find out about well ..Yourself?"

Ferum clicked with his tongue and waved it off "Come on man, we did what we could" he then stopped and clipped his eyes, confused.

Spike tilted his head "Something is wrong?"

Ferum facepalmed and groaned "OH GOD I'm stupid..." he looked up.

Spike raised his eyebrow "What do you mean?"

Ferum motioned with his claws "We could just wait untill the start of the Festival!" he groaned again and leaned on the back of the bench.

Spike shrugged "Huh, this could work too!"

...

"So uh, what is this 'God' that you keep mentioning?"

Ferum shrugged "It's just the thing that most people say in my world and don't even notice it. Well, mostly"

Spike moved his hands in circular manner "OK but uh...Who is this dude?"

Before Ferum could reply, groaning could be heard from the entrance to the park. When both dragons moved their heads towards the source of the disturbance, they found a small wagon and collapsed tent. Something was moving under it. When the fabric was moved away, the owner of the wagon appeared from it. 

It was a bat pony with the orange eyes and stripe in her mane. Her cheeks were puffed and she definitely was angry about the tent.
> Chapter 9: The spark and the wind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paper Dandelion huffed as she pulled out the needed items for her tent. She was pretty sure that she could do it all by herself. Bat Pony got out of her wagon and placed the things in the ground.

Dandelion huffed "Alright Danny. You have got this!"

Or so she thought. Dandelion couldn't even make a base for the construction. And because she thought that she knew how to set up a tent, she threw the instructions away. 

After the fifth try, the tent seemed to hold. Dandelion smirked and pointed her hoof up "Take this, physics!"  Right after she said it, the tent trembled. Dandelion's ears flopped back "Uh o-" the construction fell right at her. It wasn't heavy, so bat pony was completely fine. Dandelion groaned and tried to find her way out. She showed her head out and raised her body.

Dandelion puffed her cheeks out and looked at the fallen tent "Stupid oversized bag" she kicked away the fabric and dusted herself off. Dandelion started to collect the details again.

'Gosh, that was embarrassing. Good thing nopony was around to see it!' She then looked at the so called tent turned into a complete mess. Bat pony plopped down on her back and huffed '..though I would definitely need some help here' Dandelion raised her head 'Dang it, I wish I could have just build this damned giant window in when I was ordering this wagon'

She sighed "Well, now it's  not a time to complain. I better deal with this faster!" she started to do everething all over again.

"Uh, excuse us?"

Dandelion's ears perked up. She turned her head and saw a small dragon standing in front of her. 

She chuckled and waved it off "Nah I'm good buddy. Thanks for asking though" she raised her eyebrow "..us?"

Only now she noticed that there was another figure standing nearby. When Dandelion raised her eyes, she froze. There, in front of her, stood noone else than V himself. The exact copy (take away gloves) of the character she created. Even if it was just a dragon that looked like him...He was fluffy! An actual fluffy dragon was right in front of her!

He awkwardly rubbed back of his head "Uh...Hello?"

She clipped her eyes "Oh uh, yeah, g'day!" she chuckled "Sorry for spacing out, just got surprised. You don't see a fluffy dragon wearing clothes every day!"

Dragon snorted "I guess so"

Spike coughed I his fist "So uh, do you need any help? We will be happy to assist one of the participants!"

Dandelion hummed "..is it for free?" both dragons nodded. She clapped her hooves together "Oh, perfect!" she then looked back at the fabric "..and, well, I really hope you know how to set this damned thing up"

Small one crunched his knuckles "You are asking me THAT?" he smirked and started to menacingly approach the ruined tent.

Dandelion started at him "Uh, will he be able to manage all this?"

The fluffy one nodded "I guess so. I mean, it looks like he knows what he is doing, so let's leave him with that"

Dandelion shrugged "Meh, if you say so then"

Dragon put claws on his hips "So, any job suitable for me?"

Dandelion looked up "Well, I still didn't carry out my supplies, soooo!" she walked towards her wagon "It might be messy inside, but I think we will manage to find what we are looking for"

Dragon snorted and said under his breath "You didn't see Danya's room yet.. "

Dandelion's ears perked up and she turned her head "Did you say something?"

He shook his head "Nope, not at all"

Dandelion narrowed her eyes, but decided to let it go...For now.





Ferum followed this pony inside the wagon.

'Now that I think about it...A pony AND a bat?' he glanced at her wings '..looks good on her though' he shook it off and looked at the now smirking bat pony "..wha?"

She was looking at him directly "See something you like?"

Ferum clipped his eyes and his ears perked up in realization "E-Excuse me! It's just uh...I never saw a pony like you before" he averted his eyes.

Pony snorted and then started to chuckled "Ah don't worry, it's pretty alright ya know" she waved her hoof at him. 

Dragon flinched as the door behind him closed, leaving both him and pony in darkness. Ferum huffed in frustration. He looked around the wagon. It was really dark inside. Ferum could barely see in here. Sure, he could have enabled the vision, but it wasn't worth it. All that Ferum could see, were some paper sheets at his legs and a few closed windows with light trying to break through the wood. 

"Are ya just gonna stand here?" a voice from the dark asked.

Ferum shook his head "Well, I don't think that I can really see here..."

Two eyes looked at him from the dark, confused "What do you-" They then closed, and Ferum could hear hissing "Oof riiiight, I completely forgot, you guys can't see in the dark" Dragon heard some movement "Gimme a few seconds here.."

Ferum snorted 'Woah, didn't know that there were those cartoonish effects'

Sombra spoke up 'What about Pinkamena?'

Ferum stretched his back 'As far as I know, we shouldn't question that'

Sombra huffed 'Cant argue'

"Ah ha!" Suddenly, one of the windows opened, blinding Ferum. He covered his eyes with hand. Dragon then slowly retracted it, and blinked to adjust to the brightness.  After they did, Ferum could see how did it look like.

Bat pony wasn't joking about her wagon being a mess. The whole floor was covered in paper with few feathers. The only thing that resembled furniture was bench with bedsheets halfway on the floor and a pillow. Almost every free space was taken by the cubic boxes. Bat pony jumped down from one of those.

She huffed and smirked "Atta stuff, right?"

Ferum awkwardly rubbed back of his head "I...Guess so" he then pointed to the door "So do we just bring them out?"

Bat pony though, was occupied with one of the boxes "Dang, I knew that I shouldn't have tied them up this hard" she was trying to untie the knot.

Ferum approached her "I think that I can help here"

Pony looked at him with raised eyebrow "You do?" she stood up "Well, help yourself" 

Ferum reached his finger out and sat in front of the box. He didn't really notice that pony was carefully observing his actions. Ferum turned his claw into scales and easily cut the rope.

He then stood up "Alright, so do we need to do this with all of the boxes?" 

Bat pony stared at him, she then smiled "Well, I needed to unpack only one of those for now. You know, to show what kind of book I'm selling"

Ferum hummed "Oh, I see" he then looked down at the paper box "Can I have a look?"

She nodded "Go ahead"

Ferum sat down again and started to rummage through the paper. When he managed to grab a book, he pulled it out. 

"..."

They both sat in silence. 

This book had a dragon and a male bat pony on it's cover. The title said 'Every Day life of V and D. Several years'. It would be just a simple book for Ferum, if it wasn't for the fact that dragon looked exactly like him. 

He slowly raised his head "Are you the author?"

Bat pony waved with her hoof "Oh, me?" she giggled "No no no, not at all! I'm just an assistant and the one who takes care of the sales for the actual author!" 

Ferum's shoulder dropped a bit "Oh, I see" 

She then waited and added "..well, at least that's what I'm usually saying" she suddenly put her hoof across dragon's shoulders in the 'pals' manner "So I guess you are lucky today...So am I"

Ferum tensed up a bit. This was for two reasons. First, and the most obvious one, it was the pony he and Spike were looking for. Second, his instincts and reflexes didn't react. Not even his fur/scales from the sudden sensation of the hoof on them.

Bat pony continued "Oh, my name is Paper Dandelion by the way, but I prefer Dandelion. Or just Dan for friends" she looked at Ferum with a smile.

Dragon managed to calm himself down quite quickly "My name is Ferum" he then turned his head towards Dandelion's face "And as you might have already guessed, I have questions"

Dandelion removed her hoof "Well, you can ask them a little bit later" she coughed in her hoof and pointed at the book "You know, I'm VERY interested about this whole 'alive character thing' too. Like, really" she sighed "But those danged boxes are ruining it. Can we please...you know" she moved her hoof in circular manner.

Ferum snorted "Yeah, sure. I guess they do ruin the vibe" 

Dandelion picked up the opened box "Alrighty then! Everething else is on you~" she hummed and quickly left the wagon.

Ferum raises his finger and opened mouth. Then he clenched it and huffed "Dang it...She got me like Danya would" he then turned around to look at (now menacing) mountain of boxes "...got me good though" He started to put boxes on each other.

Ever since Vlad got this disquise, he was trying to find out as much as he could and write about it in his diary. For sure, it wasn't giving him more physical strength or stamina. But this form, for some reason, was much more agile and took 'Instincts' upgrade to another level. As for his scales...It was obvious that their ability was to absorb damage and magic. Maybe it did sound good, Over Powered even, but they can't absorb it as much as Vlad wants. It takes some time to nullify any damage that was done, same with magic. And while scales are 'filled' with any of those, Ferum is much more vulnurable. Vlad didn't really know what would happen to him after they get to their limits, not yet. Maybe they would dissapear, or he would take more damage. But it wasn't that important.

Right now, he was there, One With The Boxes! And as was mentioned earlier, he had A LOT of work to do, because he was still as strong as in his human form.

"For the wrath of...How did you come up with THIS name?"

Ferum chuckled as he picked up two boxes stacked on each other "Sorry, I just couldn't resist the urge. You remember all those titles from games that I told you about? Well, I definitely would-"

Sombra groaned "Not again..."

Ferum smiled and rolled his eyes. This was always making him joyful for some reason. Annoying Sombra, to be precise.

'So that's how Danya felt this entire time'

He shook those thoughts off. Ferum had a job to to and questions to ask. He managed to open the door and walked outside. Boxes weren't too big, so he could see good enough. Ferum walked from the wagon's corner and noticed Dandelion, starring at something.

He approached her "So, where do I put those?"

She started at him. It was obvious that Dandelion was shocked. She slowly pointed somewhere "Just...HOW?!"

Ferum clipped his eyes and looked at the direction she was pointing. A few minutes ago, there was fabric laying on the ground. Now, there stood stable, comfy and kind of big tent. In front of it was Spike, he seemed really proud.

Ferum whistled "Dude, that's...Impressive" he looked inside and his mouth opened "Wait wh- WHERE DID YOU EVEN GET THIS TABLE?! A-AND THIS LANTERN?!" 

Spike snorted and crossed arms on his chest "Well, I have experience in those tents. And they ALWAYS come with something like this inside"

Dandelion sighed and rubbed her face "I...Geez buddy, that's just AMAZING!" she pumped her hoof up.

Ferum pointed with his finger while holding boxes "No seriously, how the hell did I not notice-"

Dandelion interrupted him "Hey, questions later!" she motioned her head towards the tent "Not to be rude or something, but I think that it would be better if we finished with moving stuff first"

Ferum huffed "Right.."





Twilight was looking through the library. It was obvious that she would buy some books, so she had to check on those that they already had. Sure, Twilight could easily memorize them, but it can't be bad to check. Just in case.

She was mumbling something to herself "Mhm...Now onto the fiction section" she moved towards the named bookshelves and stopped in her tracks "Hold on" her horn glew up with aura, as she levitated one of the book towards her. She sighed at the sight of it "Come on, wasn't it in the rules to keep books in their sections? Look like I will have to put them all around the school" she looked at the book title and hummed "Oh, speaking of books. Spike!" she waited for the quiet and fast steps on the floor, but they didn't come "Spike?" Twilight turned around and looked for dragon. She then memorized "Oh right, today is a day off"

Sometimes, Spike would take a day off. Not like Twilight didn't like it or he didn't deserve it. It was just the fact that she was way too used to Spike always being by her side. Twilight wouldn't even worry about it. But recently, Spike started to take them way too often. Small breaks, days offs etc. He still did his chores well though.

Twilight hummed. Her head was starting to boil little by little. Sombra, Festival, Ferum and his abilities and now Spike. Everething was mixing in her head. She had a lot of questions.

Twilight looked at the book again "Oh, I never really got to read this one!" the book showed a dragon and a bat pony Twilight narrowed her eyes a little "Hey, this character looks like Ferum!"

"Almost identical.."

She went silent. Twilight stood there for a a few seconds, starring at the cover. Alicorn simply put the book on the shelf, covered her eyes with hoof and sighed, tired.

"I will definitely have to meet up with Starlight and Lyra..."





It took some time, but all boxes were outside. Sure, Ferum wasn't working alone. After the tent was set up, Spike and Dandelion joined him. 

The bat pony huffed and smiled, proud "Well, all ready for the Festival!"

Spike clapped his palms together "I gotta admit, this tent was REALLY complicated even for me. I'm not surprised that it was hard for you, Miss.. ?"

Bat pony approached the stand and leaned onto it with her hoof "Name is Dandelion, or just call me Dan" 

Spike nodded and puffed his chest out "I'm Spike, the Number 1 Assistant of the Princess Twilight!"

Dandelion smirked "Oh wow, guess I got lucky then!" 

Ferum though, was still a bit tense "So, since the job is done" he motioned his head towards the wagon "I think that we should discuss few things"

Dandelion nodded, knowing what he meant "Right buddy, I have some questions too"

Spike was standing in the middle, glancing both at Ferum and Dandelion "What are you two talking about?"

Ferum raised his eyebrow "Didn't you see the books?" 

Spike narrowed his eyes "Eh? What do you mean by that?" he then thought for a few moments. His face slowly changed from confused to surprised and finally to shocked "Wait...Are you setious?"

Dandelion looked at him "You both were looking for me? Like, I can understand why big guy was doing it" she motioned her head towards Ferum "But you? You wanted to help him or someth-"

Spike quickly dashed towards bat pony, nearly vibrating "OH. GREAT  CELESTIA! ITS REALLY YOU?! THE LEGENDARY AUTHORE OF THE V AND D?!" he then looked away, a little bit concerned "I thought you were a stallion though. Oh well" he turned back with a huge smile on his face and sparks in the eyes "I have so many questions! Can I-"

"Hey shush!" Dandelion picked the moment to close his mouth(and not get her hoof bitten on accident" She quickly looked around and sighed, not finding anypony nearby "Look buddy, it's kind of a secret alright?" she looked at Spike "Can you not snitch on me like that? Like, come on man! I don't wanna go down like that!" she raised her eyebrow "Got it?" Spike nodded and bat pony removed her hoof "Good"

Spike grabbed his head and quietly giggled "Still, we are extremely lucky, arent we?" he looked at Ferum.

Dragon huffed with a little nervous smile "Yeah..."

Without any ado, trio entered the wagon. After the door closed, Dandelion peeked through the windows and closed each of them, making it impossible to see. However, after a few moments,  light appeared in the room again. 

Ferum managed to adjust his eyes to the sudden light "How convenient"

Spike did the same "I thought you bat ponies could see in the dark really good"

Dandelion shrugged "We can, I brought it just because I could"

Ferum snorted "Well, that us sure good and stuff  but let's get to the point" 

Dandelion nodded "Agreed. Besides, I have some questions on my own"

Spike climbed onto the table and Sar on it  waiting.

Ferum raised his hand "Alright, so just to clarify some things" he raised his finger "First of all, everething said and shown in this wagon stays there"

Dandelion hummed "Makes sense"

Ferum raised second finger "And, well..." he looked at Spike, unsure.

Dragon seemed to understand whatever he meant "Well I guess it would better if you showed who you really are. I mean, she made a promise so..."

Ferum sighed "I just hope that I won't regret it" he looked back at the confused Dandelion "The last thing, get ready. It WILL get weird, trust me"

Bat pony rubbed back of her head "Allright, I guess I'm OK with that?"

Ferum lowered his hand "Good. Can I start with the questions, please?"

Dandelion nodded "Sure bud, go ahead"

Ferum put hand on his chin "Alright..." he hummed and looked at Spike "..Actually, I think I have a better idea. Since we need to understand my 'origins', we gotta ask some questions based on the book. Wouldn't you agree, Spike?"

Dragon clipped his eyes and looked at smirking Ferum. Once again, they seemed to understand each other. Spike suddenly clenched his fists and pumped them up, yelling "Ya-hoo!" 

He turned towards Dandelion. She seemed concerned and about to mention something, but Spike accidentally interrupted her "Oh boy I'm SOOO excited!" he then put hands on his head "Alright alright, give me a second..."

Dandelion looked towards Ferum. He just shrugged at it.

Spike snapped with his fingers "OK, so first of all...HOW?" before bat pony could ask anything, he continued "How did you manage to create this world of the D character? No, seriously, this is completely another universe!"

Dandelion processed it and chuckled "Oh well, let's just say I had an accident" She then instantly raised her hoof "No commentary on this one buddy"

Spike lowered his claw "Oh.." he then shook his head "Alright then uh...What about the V character then? He and Ferum act kinda similar!" he glanced towards his friend.

Dandelion did the same "So you do huh..." she seemed to sadden for a moment, but quickly put up a sly smile "Alright then, I guess I can answer your question. This is actually a pretty long tale, but I will just shorten it" she inhaled some air "To put it simply I had an accident a few years ago. And, well, it lead me to this weird town with guys like you are" she pointed at Ferum "And there, I meet the exactly same guy as you are. Like, seriously, the only difference is that he was wearing pants"

Ferum suddenly gasped "DRAGONS CAN WEAR PANTS TOO?!"

Spike and Dandelion looked at him, confused. 

Ferum clipped his eyes and cleared his throat "I uhm...Sorry, go on..."

Dandelion glanced at him but continued "Yeah...So anyway, to answer the inevitable question, D character is basically me"

Spike crossed arms on his chest "Yeah, pretty much guessed it"

Dandelion raised her hoof "Now, my turn!" she looked at Ferum "So, mind telling something about yourself?"

Ferum glanced towards Spike. Little dragon nodded at this gesture. Ferum sighed and looked at Dandelion.

Bat Pony looked a little bit pissed "No seriously, do you guys have telepathy or something?"

They both shrugged "Who knows"

Ferum on the other hand, was serious. He got on his knee and looked straight into Dandelion's eyes "Now listen here, you PROMISED that whatever-"

Bat pony however, shut his mouth with her  hoof "Geez calm down! I know how to keep secrets" it didn't sound convincing at all. 

"Dont worry  she looks reliable enough for me"

Ferum quietly groaned 'That is not the problem...' he removed her hoof "Alright, I get it...But can you not do this again?"

Dandelion shrugged with a smirk "I will think about it. After all, if you are full V from my book, you are supposed to act cute and baffled sometimes" she winked at him.

Spike added "I'm pretty sure he does"

Ferum loudly huffed and covered his eyes "I will pretend that I didn't hear it..."

Dandelion chuckled a little and sighed "Alright fellas, let's get serious" she coughed in her hoof and looked at Ferum "What did you want to show me?"

Ferum got up "Alright then, I will just show it without any stuff or goofy talking" he crossed arms on his chest. As always, green fire surrounded his body.

Dandelion gasped "Holy shoot what is that?!" she jerked back and looked at calm Spike "OI! He is literally dying here!"

Spike snorted and waved it off "Oh don't worry ma'am, he is just fine"

Dandelion quickly looked back at Ferum, as fire started to disappear. However,  by the silhouette she could already tell that it was no longer a dragon. When the fire finally stopped, Dandelion went silent.  Vlad was standing in front of her. He was still wearing his gloves, sweater, pants and shoes. 

Vlad stretched a little "Ouf! It feels MUCH better without the wings" he then looked back at the Dandelion "So uh...As you can tell, I'm not a dragon" he waited for Dandelion to shake her head, scream or any, ANY, other reaction. But she didn't do anything. Vlad looked at Spike, confused.

Dragon was concerned "Uh, I think that you, well...Broke her?"

Vlad put a hand on his chin "Dang it...What do we do now?" 

This is when Vlad felt like something grabbed his palm. He quickly looked down and was about to jerk the hand away. However, he didn't. There was Dandelion, holding his hand with hooves as carefully as she could. Bat pony was slowly moving one of her hooves along the palm, as if checking if human was real. Then she looked at Vlad's face. She looked shocked.

Dandelion mumbled something "But...How is this possible?

Vlad awkwardly rubbed back of his head "Well, I don't know myself. Like, I got here after-"

Dandelion let go of his hand and pressed hooves on her head "You are alive..." she started to quietly sob "Y-You are actually..." everething else turned into mumbling.

Vlad and Spike exchanged glances. Dragon jumped down "I will uh...Go find something for her eyes" he ran to the wagon's door.

Vlad nodded "Yeah.." after the door closed, he lowered himself. Vlad wanted to put his arm on Dandelion's back, but decided against it. Human tried to see her face "Hey, something is wrong?"  there was this awkward calmness again, but he didn't even notice it.

Dandelion tried to wipe her tears offend and calm down "Is...Is it a-actually you, Vlad?" her voice was shaky.

Vlad's eyes widened "Wait, how do you know my name?"

Dandelion sniffed and looked at him "Vlad, I'm so, SO sorry..." she quickly moved and huggedhim with both hooves and wings. She was sobbing.

Vlad didn't expect it, but he didn't jerk away. He was nearly twice as big as she was after all. Vlad awkwardly put his hand on her back "I uh, don't think that I quite understand. But uh...I forgive you for whatever you did?" he moved his hand up and down slowly.

Dandelion's body stopped shaking and her breath became steady. She sniffed for the last time and raised her head "You don't understand what I did to you...You don't even know who I am, do you?" Vlad quietly nodded. Dandelion chuckled and laid her chin on human's shoulder "Well, I think it's obvious. Didn't I act a little bit familiar a few moments ago?"

Vlad sighed "I dont think that I quite..." 

Sombra groaned, annoyed "YOU SLOW THINKING MORTAL, ITS DANIEL!"

Vlad clenched his teeth 'Damn you Sombra! You didn't have to shout like that!' he then closed his eyes 'This is ridiculous, how would Danya get here? And how did you...'

He suddenly stopped his petting. 

"..Act familliar?" 

Now that Vlad thought about it. The way she was talking, acting, how she managed to fool him into doing more job-

'Skill issue'

-..and other stuff. Sure, it was a stupid thought, but Dandelion was obviously giving him those clues, and-

Bat pony groaned "Come on, Jack, don't be such a slowpoke"

Vlad screamed (At a high pitch) and instantly moved away "WHAT THE HELL?! DANYA?!"

Dandelion plopped down on the floor and grunted "Geez man, you didn't have to throw me like that" she shook her head.

Vlad was watching her with wide eyes "But you- I- HOW?!"

"I was out for just a minute..." Spike appeared at the doorway with some napkins.

Dandelion sat herself down and sighed "Alright fellas, it's time to tell you my side of the story.." she got a little bit sad.

Vlad and Spike exchanged glances and silently made themselves comfortable on the ground. It seemed that it was going to take a while.





Smolder huffed and plumped down at the Friendship Castle's stairs. Every single one of her friends was busy, helping authors to prepare for the Festival. Smolder however, wasn't interested in it. Sure, she could go and try to entertain herself somehow, but ever since she met The Five, she was finding it hard.

Smolder groaned and looked up "DAAAARN IIIIT! What is even so interesting in this Festival?!"

The voice nearby answered "Well, a lot actually. You get to meet you favorite author, maybe even help them! Isn't it interesting?"

Smolder looked down. There, in front of her, stood Lyra Heartstrings. Smolder would often Lyra see her at the school.

She pressed her chin against claws "Hello, Miss Heartstrings.." she didn't really like to use 'miss'. But since it was 'polite' , she decided to deal with it.

Lyra smiled "I can see that you are bored, right?" Smolder silently nodded "Well, what about you come with me? Headmare Twilight called me for some reason, and I guess that I could definitely use company with whatever she is about to ask me to do"

Seeing nothing more interesting around, Smolder shrugged "Alright then..." she stood up "I just hope that it's not this...Paperwork you adults are always so crazy about"

Lyra giggled "Well, belive it or not, we all hate it"

They entered the Castle and started to walk throught the corridors. As expected, there were no students whatsoever. They were talking about the Featival on their way. Soon enough, they approached the Twilight's office.

Lyra looked at the Snilder "Now, you wait here, alright?" Smolder shrugged and leaned on the wall "It shouldn't take long" with that being said, Lyra entered the room, (barely) closing the door "Heya, Twilight!"

Smolder sighed 'I bet that I will die from boredom...I should have just taken a nap or something' she sighed 'Gee, I just hope that-'

"Well...Yes I guess uh...I did know Ferum for some time now"

Smolder stopped talking to herself, as her ears perked up. She couldn't make out what was the Headmare saying though.

"Wh-..Twilight, I will repeat. Back there at library, I didnt mean whatever I said. I was confused! How do you even expect a DRAGON to do magic?"

Smolder's interest rised up even more 'Ferum and magic?' She then shook her head 'No Smolder, you learned from past not to assume anything too soon...Not that I'm so interested anyway' she stood a little bit closer to a door 'But just in case..'

Lyra continued after Twilight said something "Ok look, I wanted to introduce him to some  different spells. I mean, turned out that he is interested in magic, so I decided to show him something"

Smilder huffed 'Seriously? A dragon interested in magic?' She shook her head 'And there I thought Spike was weird...' 

Lyra hummed after Twilight muttered something again "Yeah, I will ask him more about his origins. By the way, I heard somewhere that Ferum got Sombra tr-" thats when the door got surrounded with magic and quickly closed.

Smolder clipped her eyes "Wh..a..?" she tried to process what was just said "Ferum, origins and Sombra..?" she pressed claws against her eyes "I'm sure I heard this name somewhere.." she was snapping her claws, but it didn't help at all. She groaned and started walking away, annoyed "Whatever, I just gotta memorize all that and tell others" she looked back at the door "They both seemed...Suspicious"





Lyra sighed as she was about to leave Twilight's office "OK ok geez! You didn't have to-"

Alicorn put her hooves on the table "Lyra, it's SOMBRA we are talking about! Do you understand what will happen if anypony finds out about his come back?"

Lyra nodded "I do"

Twilight sat back down "Then I shouldn't tell you what kind of reputation he has"

Lyra memorized the time when she threw a lot of water bombs at Sombra. To be more precise, his embarrassment and attempts to hide. She smirked weakly at that "I think that we didn't get to know him"

Twilight sighed "I really hope so .." she shook her head "Anyway, since you are the closest to Ferum, could you please find out about his home? Of course, don't push it or something, I understand that you don't want to look weird because of my request"

Lyra rubbed back of her head but nodded "Well, let's just hope that I won't mess this up"

Twilight raised her hoof "I belive in you!"

Lyra pumped it up as well "Gotcha!"

As she left the office, Lyra exhaled "OK, I'm sorry that I took this-.." she looked up to find that Smolder wasn't there "..long?" Lyra just shook it off "Nothing to worry about, she probably just got bored or...Something"

With those thoughts, she started to walk home. BonBon still needed her help with something  and Lyra didn't want to make her even more irritiated.
> Chapter 10, part 1: Upgrading even further? And a De-Buff?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ferum walked through the Castle towards Rarity's classroom. Good thing that the map was usable now, he would definitely get lost in those corridors. It was a Festival day, and it meant that he was finally about to use his costume. 

It was quite a day yesterday. The whole 'Danya being a pony' stuff sure was crazy. However, the main issue for Vlad was that Dan turned out to be a female. Not like he had anything against being friends with one, but it made him rethink a lot of moments from the past. The more he thought about it, the more embarrassed he felt. By the time he was in front of Rarity's door, Ferum's cheeks were pinkish.

He knocked on the door "Uh, excuse me, Miss Rarity? I came for my suit"

A voice from inside answered "Oh, come in come in!"

Ferum opened the door. The room was filled with different costumes, clothes and...Gems? Ferum decided to ignore this and tried to find Rarity in all this mess.

The said unicorn spoke up "Oh, I apologize for all that mess. I was trying to find some sort of replacement for other students. You know, it's a big event after all!" there were some of the those costumes, floating in the air.

Ferum grabbed a straw hat with red line on it "It is?" played with it for a few moments and placed it on another pile of clothes "I mean, there were a lot of preparations, sure. But it's just about books, isn't it?"

Rarity showed up, looking at the dresses in the air "Well, it's the chance for a lot of ponies to get recognition from their favourite authors"

Ferum stared at her glowing horn "Yeah.." he then looked at the levitating dresses.

Rarity looked at the dragon "Is there something you wanted to ask?"

Ferum nodded "Well, yes, I was looking for my costume. I wanna be ready beforehead"

Rarity smiled and put the costumes onto the pile "Right away, stay here" she trotted elsewhere.

Ferum crossed arms on his chest "But are the costumes necessary?"

Rarity chuckled "Oh no, not at all. Like I said, those are more to stand out" she then sighed "But I assume that nowadays most of the costumes are pre-ordered"

Ferum snorted "Guess that's why we were making those ourselves?"

There was a noice of something opening "Indeed. Say, this is your first festival, am I right?" 

Ferum nodded "Yeah, I guess so. Not sure what I will do there though"

Rarity sighed "Ah, I still remember how I visited it with parents in the Cantherlot when I was young! Don't you worry about it, this event is simply marvelous" she showed up with the folded costume in her aura "Here is your creation"

Ferum looked at it "Great, I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't look so neat if I took it with me, thank you!"

Rarity placed the clothes into Ferum's arms "Speaking of your design.." she looked a little bit uneasy.

Ferum looked at her confused "Is there sometthing wrong with it?"

Rarity shook her head "No not at all dear, it's uhm.." she was trying to pick the right words "How did you come up with the...Proportions for your costume?"

Ferum sweated a little "Oh uh, I think I just kinda...Imagined it?"

Rarity clipped her eyes "Imagined?" she then waved her hoof "Maybe there was a chance of you meeting some creature with the same clothing once?"

Ferum narrowed his eyes "I dont think so...Why?"

Rarity chuckled "Oh it's nothing" she then seemed to look away "Oh would you look at that! I have to sort those costumes as fast as I can!" she quickly pushed the dragon out of her office.

Ferum stopped "W-wait! Can I take this?" he raised a straw hat.

Rarity didnt even look at it "Of course dear, have fun out there!" she quickly slammed the door behind Ferum.

This left him stunedd for a moment "..wha?"

'Did you take it?'

Ferum clipped his eyes 'Oh, you mean the hat?' he raised it 'Well yes, why do you need it though?'

'None of your buisness'

Ferum's eye twitched '..Man SHUT YO-'





Spike was helping Dandelion with her last preparations. Sure, she could do it all by herself, but dragon insisted on it. Every pony around was getting ready too. Everywhere were a lot of ponies walking around and looking at the tents. Each of those, but Dandelion's, had the name of an author on it. 

Spike finished with lights and jumped down "Well, that's quite it"

Dandelion huffed "Good to know it's all ready to go! I thought that I wouldn't have enough time!"

Spike was about to leave "Well, guess I'm off to the castle. Got some chores and preparations to take care of. See you on the Festival!" he turned around.

Dandelion raised her hoof "Wait!" 

Spike turned at her, confused with Dandelion's intonation "Uh, yes?"

Dandelion facehoofed "Ah damn, sorry for that" she shook her head "Uh, say, Vl- I mean, Ferum will be wearing a costume too, right?"

Spike thought for a second "Oh, yeah! In fact, he was the only one whocmanaged to sew one"

Dandelion hummed "He did huh.." she then tapped her hoof on the table "Say, what did the costume look like?"

Spike rubbed back of his head "Let me think...I guess it was a grey jacket with the red shirt, pants with the same color and uh...White shoes, yeah!"

Dandelion snorted "Pft, Vlad being Vlad...No, wait, I mean-" she then processed the information and her face changed into the surprised one "Wait, for real?" 

Spike shrugged "Yeah, I think that it had something to do with his Panel. I mean, as far as I know he didn't sew before" he then sat on the chair "Does it mean something?" 

Dandelion just stated at Spike for a few seconds. Then, she snickered. After another few seconds, Dandelion was on the floor, laughing her lungs off "OH FOR CELESTIA'S SAKE! DID HE ACTUALLY DO THIS?! WHAT KIND OF COINCIDENCE IS THIS?!:

Spike sweated a little "I uh...Think that I better go.." he then carefully jumped down and slowly made his way out of the tent.

Breathing heavily, Dandelion raised her hoof "S-Sorry fella. I just...Wait gimme a second" she snorted "Phew...Just tell Vl- I mean, Ferum, that I'm putting on an eyepatch" she had a weird grin on her face.

Spike nodded "I will make sure to...Do so" but Dandelion wasn't listening already. She was mumbling something to herself while walking past Spike towards her wagon. Dragon just shrugged it off and walked elsewhere 'Welp, guess now I understand how does Vlad has those steel nerves'





Ferum was at the place that Lyra showed him. She, Vlad and Spike would come here quite often for the past few weeks. After all, nopony ever was  going here. They usually would either practice magic, or enter Vlad's mind to do their stuff. This time however, Ferum was alone, not counting Sombra. 

Dragon was looking through the Panel. He yawned and closed his eyes "Sombra, any idea where you spent those other points?"

A smirk echoed in his head "You are still on that? I think that you should spend those points that you got already"

Ferum shrugged "Well, I'd rather know what kind of things I can do now. I mean, the huge upgrade for the Panel was definitely worth it. But you did something with my disquise" he then pointed his finger out "And since I'm using it a lot, I'd rather know what I can and can't do"

Sombra huffed "Well, EXCUSE me! After all, I did the unforgivable. I tried to help you, and-"

Ferum facepalmed "Dude, I never said that I'm not grateful. Who knows, maybe it's this kind of the upgrade that you awaken in a particular-"

Rustling grass made Ferum quiet. He swiftly moved behind a rock and focused on the surroundings. His Instincts have been working worse after Sombra appeared in his head-

"HEY!"

-and the range of it's activation lowered significantly. Still, it was working fine whenever someone was either watching or approaching him. 

Two voices could be heard from the trees "This place sucks.."

Another voice that sounded more serious answered "You must understand that-"

"I know it already! We gotta make sure that Sombra isn't back or something..We all know that he is gone for good now!"

"It was the request from Princess Luna herself. We can not ignore her concerns"

Sombra snorted "Well well well, it seems that Moonie is THAT worried"

Ferum frowned 'Shut up man!'

They were getting closer "It's weird though. She said that she senced his aura here, in Ponyville" the voice chuckled "Shouldn't it be the worst place for Sombra to resurrect?"

Two figures arrived at the area where Ferum was hiding. He held his breath, but his heart was beating like crazy. Those two were from Luna herself. She was already getting close to him even in his dreams, and now that? How much worse could it get?

One of the figures seemed to sit on the rock "Hey, this place is so chill! Wonder why nopony comes here"

Ferum nearly snorted 'Seriously?!'

His companion was getting stressed "First of all, for the sake of Celestia's name, take this seriously!" he calmed down "And second of all, if you were more attentive, you would have noticed the hoofprints over here. Besides, it's one of the places where Princess was sensing his magic"

Ferum sweated even more 'Wait, she can already track me down?!'

Sombra was concerned too "It took her quite a while to do it. She is able to enter dreams after all. Of course she can sense the location of the dreams she is watching or interracting with"

Ferum was about to lose it 'Couldn't you tell me it earlier?!'

Sombra seemed to shrug "I thought it was obvious"

The pony who was sitting groaned "Gaaaah! We are finally sent outside! Why won't you just try to enjoy it eh?" it seemed that he wasn't even listening.

His companion sighed "Exactly, this is a chance to prove ourselves as Royal Guards. Or, if we act as incompetent as you do, prove ourselves as those who are not worthy of such rank"

Pony on the rock layed on it. Ferum noticed a horn peeking out of it "Come on Right Wing, I know that you are here because of the Festival!" 

"I-I'm not! And besides, it could be another reason for Sombra to be here!"

The unicorn raised his hooves "Oh come on! I per-" he didn't manage to balance and fell from the rock, right in front of Ferum.

At this moment, something inside of the dragon snapped. Ferum froze in his place. He didn't know what to do. Vlad managed to stay sane before, when appearing in this world, fighting ome of the wooden wolf and even facing Chrysalis herself, not even mentioning making Sombra (kinda) friendly. But that exact thing made him completely unable to function. He closed his eyes tight, preparing for something bad to happen...

The unicorn groaned and shook his head "Geez, I swear to Celestia, if it keeps happening I-" he suddenly stopped talking.

Ferum's ears dropped 'Here it comes...'

He heard hoofsteps coming towards him. It was like in those movies, when character was about to be caught, but unlocked some kind of an ability that would save him. Too bad that it's just a cliche.

The unicorn seemed to stop nearby and picked something up with magic "Hey, what is that candy doing here?"

Ferum opened one of his eyes 'The hell is he doing..?'

This is when he noticed a lot of weird details. First of all, everething seemed to be way darker, but bearable to be seen. Second of all, the unicorn wasn't looking at him at all, even thought Ferum was literally under him. And that's the third detail. For some reason, Ferum was beneath the pony, looking straight at stallions face. Ferum was extremely tence. He didnt know what was going on and, for some reason, he actually was stressed and nervous this time. 

'It's like something stopped assisting me...' 

It was the only thought the dragon managed to generate in his head before going back to watching the pony. However, he wasn't that stressed right now. After all, it seemed like this guard wasn't able to see him... Yet.

The unicorn was about to eat the candy, when another voice called for him "Left Eye, I swear to Celestia. If you won't come here right now, I will make sure to give you a 3 hour lecture about discipline!"

The 'Left Eye' groaned "Geez fine man!" he simply kept the candy and walked towards his comrade.

They seemed to walk away. Ferum however, was still on guard. After waiting in this weird state for a minute, he relaxed a little. This is when something seemed to 'push' him up. Ferum yelped and fell on his back. When he opened his eyes, dragon noticed that his vision and position came back to being normal.

Ferum quickly sat up and opened his Panel "What the hell was that?!" he noticed that his 'MANA' meter was lower than before "But I'm not able to use magic while in a dragon form.." he then memorized the weird feeling of losing something before "..damn, I knew something was wrong. I wouldn't be able to stay calm in the start of all that without any help..." he then looked through the Tree of Skills "Or without a temporary skill I guess.." he managed to finally settle down. Vlad closed the Panel and sighed.

He then noticed that it was quiet "..Sombra?" no answer "Sombra, are you there?"

After a few seconds, the said unicorn finally answered "..This Shadow Dive move.."

Ferum'a ears perked up "Wha?"

Sombra hesitated before continuing "I assume that we have found what did I spend the point for"

Ferum processed what Sombra said "..Uh, could you clarify?"

The voice inside his head groaned "PIT DAMN IT ARE YOU THAT DUMB?!"  before Vlad could protest, he continued "You just used a dark magic you idiot!"

Ferum raised his claw "Well I'm not-" he stopped and re thought what Sombra had said. Dragon slowly put his hand down "..I did WHAT?!"
> Chapter 10, part 2: Left 'n' Right
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two days earlier

Right Wing and Left Eye kneeled before Princess Celestia herself. They were patrolling the palace (well, at least one of them did) a few minutes ago, when one of the guards approached them with a message. For some reason, Princess wanted to see them privately. There was nopony else in the throne room.

Celestia smiled "No need for this, you both can raise your heads" after they did, she continued "I called you there to ask you something"

Left Eye and Right Wing exchanged glances and looked back at Celestia. The pegasus spoke up "You Highness, what do you mean by that?"

Celestia explained "Well, it's actually a favor for my dear sister, Princess Luna. A few days ago, she noticed something quite bizzare while doing her duty" her face then changed "I'm afraid  that there might be a chance that Sombra came back"

Left Eye's ears perked up "W-Wuh-?!" His mouth got quickly shut with a hoof.

Right Wing slowly lowered it "This does sound very concerning, your majesty" he then tilted his head "But why did you tell this to us?"

Left Eye huffed "Isn't it obvious? She-" his eyes widened and he corrected himself "I-I mean, I a-assume that her majesty called us to investigate!" 

Celestia smiled "This is correct. I want you to visit Ponyville and find out more about this. I don't want to alarm more ponies since it could be not that important" she then looked at one of the colored windows. It had Sombra's defeat illustrated on it "Still, I can't risk the safety of my subjects" she looked at the guards now "You do have a choice however. I would never force anypony to do anything that they do not want"

Both guards looked at each other and saluted "At your service, your majesty!"





Both guards came back from their patrol around Ponyville. Due to the risk that this could raise panic, Celestia ordered them to go undercover as tourists. As they came back to their rented room, Right Wing started writing the report to Celestia right away, while Left Eye simply decided to yet again have a reat.

After some time, pegasus was finishing the letter "..and, due to us not finding anything suspicious yet, we will continue to investigate further untill your next instructions" he signed the letter, put the writing tools away and rolled up the paper.

Left Eye glanced at him "So, you wrote it, congratulations" he then yawned "Hiw are you going to send it now?"

Right Wing sighed and mumbled "I'm not even surprised..." he turned at the unicorn with a letter in his wing "I guess you weren't listening, as always, so I will explain it to you as blunt as possible. I hope you DO know that Twilight Sparkle lives here, in Ponyville"

Left Eye snorted "Oh come on, everypony knows that!"

Right Wing nodded "Right, so does everypony know that she has a dragon under her command to deliver letters" he then thought for a second "..no, wait, that just sound wrong"

Left Eye sweated a little and glanced away "Uh I...Yeah, I knew that, obviously! That's just so easy to memorize"

Right Wing just rolled his eyes  "Well then, I hope that you know where does she live" he threw the letter towards unicorn.

Left Eye caught it with magic and shrugged "I will figure it out" he stood up and smirked "As I always do"

Right Wing ignored the last part "Make sure not to cause trouble"

Left Eye waved with his hoof "Yeah yeah sure. I will do my best" and with that, he closed the door.

Right Wing sighed "I hate when he is like that.."





As Left Eye stepped onto the streets, he yawned. As much as he liked being a guard, sometimes it was getting boring. Same could be said about his comrade. But truth must be said, if it wasn't for Right Wing, Left Eye could end up in many troubles. You could even say that he was the least disciplined guard to ever exist. If it wasn't for his passion to help ponies and scouting abilities, of course he would be kicked out. 

Left Eye looked around 'Alright, there should be just one dragon around here. What was his name again...' he shook his head 'Eh whatever, I will figure it out'

Left Eye started walking around the town. Huge amount of tents and wagons were placed around it due to the Festival. Honestly, Left Eye was sure that another reason why Right Wing picked this job was because of this exact event. Now that he paid at least some attention to surroundings, he noticed that there were quite a lot of other species. Apart from ponies, Left Eye saw gryphon, a weird bat pony with an eyepatch yelling something about 'chan', one of the reformed changelings with a dragon and...

"..." he stared at the duo. The dragon Left Eye was supposed to meet had to be small and purple. This one however, was orange and...Not small.

Left Eye snorted "Well well, I guess that Wing is about to get dunked on!" he was always happy to point out his friend's mistakes.

Still, Left Eye had a job to do. After roaming for a little bit longer, unicorn finally found this crystal castle. Left Eye simply entered it (since everycreature was doing the same thing) and hummed while looking for the small dragon.

'Now, what should I do? I was told that the dragon would be here, but where exactly?' he thought for a few seconds '..Nah, I will just wait for him to conveniently show up!' with that idea, Left Eye started to actually examine the whole giant room. Nothing in particular was catching his eye, since everething looked bizzare to him 'Seriously though, how do they manage to live here?'

"Can I help you?"

Left Eye turned around "Oh hey, I was looking just for you!"

In front of him, indeed, stood a small, purple dragon. He tilted his head "For me?"

Left Eye nodded "Yeah, I have this letter to send.." he glanced around and whispered "I'm actually a guard undercover" he then hesitated before continuing "..what is your name by the way?"

Dragon opened his mouth and silently nodded "Roger that, leave everething else to Spike..." he then added "..That's my name by the way" he winked аt him.

Left Eye winked as well "Alright, thanks for that pal" he then approached the door "See ya around!"

After unicorn exited the castle, he smirked "Well, job done good enough, time to get some snacks!" he then noticed yet another dragon. This one was the weirdest one Left Eye had dever seen. He was leaning onto the tree near to the path guards patrolled today and looked...Exhausted? The weirdest thing about him was the sweater. Left Eye would keep staring, if dragon didn't stare back at him. Left Rye sweated a bit and hurried to get away.

As he was far enough  unicorn exhaled "Geez...What a freak" he then chuckled "Like I'm any better, staring at everypony" Left Eye then stopped in front of the wagon that was selling hayburgers. Guard was about to approach it, when he finally noticed that he doesn't have any bits with him.





Right Wing had finished a book he was reading. He looked at the clock '..It's taking him forever' it was nearly two hours since Left Eye left with saying 'It's not that hard to find a giant crystall tree like castle around here, is it?'

Suddenly, the said unicorn entered the room "Oh hey W, and before you ask, yes, I have delivered the letter"

Right Wing nodded "Good" he put the book away "What took you so long?"

Left Eye snorted "Well, for starters, there were several dragons! You told me that there was just one"

Right Wing raised his eyebrow  "I have never said such a thing. If you had read the report about Ponyville population, you would memorize that including students, there are 2 dragons living here"

Left Eye rolled his eyes "Whatever, the job is done" he levitated his saddle bag towards him "I'm going to get some hayburgers, you want anything?"

Right Wing rubbed his chin "I think that I will go with the classic hayburger, nothing ever beats it"

Left Eye put the saddlebags on "Kay got it.." he then looked at Right Wing "..Did you just say that TWO dragons live here?"

Right Wing nodded "Indeed, that's what is written in the latest report we got. Why are you asking?"

At first, Left Eye snorted. Them, he laughed "Hey, then YOU are the one who is bad at planning!"

Right Wing just sighed "Seriously...So, and how can you prove it?"

Left Eye calmed down a little "W-Well, because there are THREE dragons living in Ponyville! I saw the third one on the way here!" he then started laughing again.

At first, Right Wing just stared at him. That had to be a prank or a lie. Then, he memorized one of the best traits his comrade had and went silent.

Left Eye have never ever lied in his life.
> Chapter 10, part 3: Double the backfire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forest, Sombra and Vlad

"I did WHAT?!"

Ferum looked down from where he appeared "You mean...I dived into my own shadow?"

Sombra sighed "Yes you did. Come on, the name speaks for itself!"

Ferum opened his Panel again "Well, yeah, makes sense, but..." there was a new icon resembling a timer "..the hell is that, a cooldown?"

Sombra was able to see it as well "No, I have managed to make this spell work without any recharges, except for energy, obviously"

Ferum rubbed back of his head "That's convenient to be honest" the timer was about to run out "But I really don't like where this is go-"

A sudden jolt of pain in his back head took him by surprise. Ferum wasnt even able to hiss or gasp, before his right arm started to hurt a lot. Ferum yelped and grabbed it.

Sombra groaned in his head "What is that?!"

"How am I supposed to know?!" After that, Vlad's disquise stopped working. His dragon form evaporated, leaving human even more baffled "Oh man, I KNEW something was going to happen!" he hid behind the rock.

Sombra pointed something out "You arm, it's...Becoming purple?"

Vlad looked at his limb. Sombra was correct. His forearm became darker. What was even more confusing, there was a...Hoofprint?

This is when Vlad realized what could that be "Wait, I got my arm hurt like that when Apple Jack pounced on me the first day!.." the wound dissapeared and Vlad clenched and unclenched his fist "But why is it coming ba-"

Another jolt of pain, which was even more powerful, made Vlad bit his tongue. This time it was left arm. Vlad raised his hand, noticing a deep cut in his palm.

Sombra seemed to understand what was happening too. He groaned and managed to say something "That's..The wound changeling left you with the kni" he suddenly stopped talking.

Even though it was painful, Vlad was much more concerned about Sombra's reaction "Why did you cut yourself out?"

Sombra seemed to gulp "..remember how you mentioned the lack of pain in the past?"

Vlad's wound started to dissapear again, but he decided to stay on the ground "Uh, yeah...Why?"

"It seems to be coming back. Like a delayed payback"

Vlad processed it. He then perked up and panicked "W-WA- WAIT! HOLD ON!" he grabbed his head "That also means that my left arm is going to..." 

Vlad looked at his left limb, which was already in a bad shape. It was reddish up to the shoulder. There were some darker red lines seen on it. Last time, Vlad managed to respawn before feeling any pain from the explosion. But now..

Vlad was already running around the rock "NO NO NO! I will just die from the pain shock! WHAT DO WE DO?!"

Sombra however, was calm "Well, I won't die" he then sighed "Don't worry, you will be fine. After all, everething healed up earlier"

Vlad stopped running and answered, mostly angry and annoyed "Didn't you hear me?! It's going to be the pain shock! And my heart is pretty weak, so-"

Vlad blinked one time. After he opened his eyes, human found himself in his head, alongside Sombra. The unicorn was standing in front of the garden, which was built by Vlad the last time he was there.

"- it might just...Stop..?"

Sombra quickly turned his head around. Vlad noticed that his 'eye waves' were gone now, along with the armor. Unicorn was holding a watering can with his magic.

Vlad looked at the flowers and then back on Sombra "..I guess I'm still alive?"

Sombra teleported the can away "I told you that everething was going to be fine" he regained his posture.

Vlad raised his arms in the air, frustrated "Fine for you, but not me!" his eyes widened "Wait, I'm still unconscious! What is someone finds me?!" he started to walk circles around the garden, mumbling something to himself.

Sombra sighed, seemingly annoyed "Calm down now, did you forget who do you have on your side?" 

Vlad stopped and looked at the unicorn "What are you trying to say?"

Sombra smirked "Well, guess it's good to help somepony sometimes, right? I guess I can distract myself from this world and give you a hoof"

Vlad just stared at Sombra "..you know, if I wasn't surprised and grateful, I would have already dropkicked you" he was calm now, due to the unicorn's behavior.

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Is that how you thank me for helping you?"

Vlad shrugged "Well, you didn't do anything yet..."

Sombra was about the object once again "Oh, well now look-"

This was when the whole 'head' world shuddered. The ground felt like it was about to split apart, some trees fell and Sombra with Vlad fell down. It ended as suddenly as it started. Everething was kinda fine, apart from the forest and a little cracks in the earth here and there.

Vlad hissed and rubbed his head "The hell was that?"

Sombra had a bit worried face "I'm...Afraid that we might have been finally found"

Vlad looked at the unicorn "What do you me-" and then he understood "..oh.."

Sombra looked up at the sky, so did Vlad. It looked normal at first. But upon looking closer, Vlad managed to notice that there was a small, translucent gap... And it was getting bigger.

Vlad sweated "I... Guess it's too late to wake up now?"

Sombra nodded "Unfortunately. Even if you do, Luna is still going to come through" he looked at Vlad "I can wake you up if you wish, though"

Vlad hummed "..I think it would be better if I stayed. I mean, you guys must have had a few fights earlier, right?"

Sombra frowned "That's an understatement..." he snorted "And what about your so called 'second identity'?"

Vlad waved a hand "I started doing it only because I thought it was badass... Which I actually find stupid right now"

Sombra smirked "Then why are you keeping this whole 'disguise' nonsense up?"  

Vlad rubbed his back head "Uh... I don't really know. But I spent 5 entire points for this skill!"

The sky became darker. Some stars started to weakly sparkle across the whole world.  The sky itself started to partially split apart. It was obvious that time was running out.

Sombra rolled his eyes "I'm sure that you have a better answer" he then focused on the sky "Let's leave this talk for later"

Vlad nodded and sweated "A- Agreed..."

Finally, the sky got ripped apart, allowing the night to (almost literally) absorb it. The whole world rumbled, as a majestic silhouette started to descend from the rift.

"I HAVE FINALLY FOUND YOU!"

Sombra sweated a bit "Her voice is as powerful as it was..."

Luna landed at high speed, raising a dust cloud as she hit the ground "It appears that I was correct..."

Sombra chuckled nervously "Long time no see, princess"

Luna stood up in full growth "For you, it's Princess Luna" with a single swing of her wing, Luna swept away the cloud of dust, revealing herself "It was a foolish desicion to appear in my domain. I shall eradicate you from this existence here and now"

Sombra snorted "Whoa there, your majesty. Not in front of the young one"

Luna opened her eyes, annoyed "What is that sup-" alicorn silently stared at the human, standing near to Sombra.

Vlad clipped his eyes confused and raised his arm "Hello... Again?"
> Chapter 10, part 4: With clear mind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"..and then, after losing consciousness, I appeared in my head" Vlad exhaled, as he finished his tale "That's basically everething summarized"

Luna put a hoof to her mouth "Oh my... This is horrible!" 

Sombra snorted "Well, if it wasn't for your incompetence, everething would be fine. I'm pretty sure that you could come with him" he then raised his eyebrows "And what is with that weird pose?"

Vlad, while being 'hugged' by Luna's wings raised his finger "Yeah I'd luke to know as well"

Luna angrily glanced towards Sombra "You are not the one to talk. If it wasn't for Vlad, I would have already vaporized you"

Sombra's eye twitched "Do I need to remind you of my power..?"

Luna stood up, making Vlad fall down "Do you really wish to test ME?!"

Sombra raised his eyebrow "And what if I do?"

Luna started to approach him "Why you little..!"

Sombra started walking towards her as well "Now now, that's not very Princess - like, don't you think?"

They were about to clash with each other.

"Selfish dark mage!"

"Useless princess!"

"Stop it already..."

"Tyrant failure!"

"Soft leader!"

"Guys come on!"

Both unicorn and alicorn dashed at each other. 

"I will make sure to give you a proper judgement!"

"Try me!"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!"

The loud voice echoed all around the world. A second later, a powerful wave was unleashed, changing surroundings to the white void.

Sombra and Luna looked at Vlad. He was rubbing his forehead, irrtiated.

Vlad looked up "Look, I'm already stressed a lot. I don't want to deal with all this mess right now, so please, leave your arguments for later" 

Luna blinked, baffled "I..." she looked at Sombra.

The said unicorn looked like he expected this kind of reaction "Yeah, I got carried away" he looked at Luna "Mind if we hold ourselves for now?" Sombra looked completely serious.

Luna frowned "..Fine, I will tolerate your presence. For now" she turned away from Sombra, making her best to hide her surprised face 'Could it be true..? Sombra becoming good is an actual thing?'

Vlad exhaled, partially satisfied with the current situation "Thank you.." he then fell on his back and groaned.

Luna approached and looked down on him "So, is there anything I can help you with?" she was extra loud on 'I' this time.

Vlad didn't move at all "I... Actually have no idea. For now, I gotta find a way to wake up. Can't let others see me like that"

Luna tilted her head "Why won't you simply tell everypony? That would be way easier"

Sombra snorted "Well, at first it was to, quote, 'look cool'!" he then pointed his hoof out "And now he has to pay for his actions"

Vlad raised his arm "Hey, I was under the effect of inhibitors..! Or something like that" he then raised his torso up "But, Sombra is correct. That's basically what happened"

Luna narrowed her eyes "Are all humans like that"

Vlad raised his finger "I'm... Not sure. Anyway!" he opened his Panel in front of him "What is with my sta- WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE LORD IS THAT?!" 

Sudden change of Vlad's behavior caught both Lyna and Sombra off guard. Human's eyes were wide, like he saw something horrifying.

Sombra became concerned and quickly teleported behind Vlad to see what was written on the Panel "What is-" his eyes widened as well. However he managed to hold his 'THE HELL?!' inside "..and what are we going to do with that?" still, Sombra looked tensed.

Vlad grabbed his head and sighed, irritiated "Gotta think a bit..."

Luna was completely confused. Not only Vlad, but even Sombra looked nervous. It obviously wasn't a good sign. Princess stood up and walked behind the two. Obviously, even after looking at the Panel for some time, she didn't understand anything. Those symbols and numbers made no sense to her at all.

Vlad rubbed his temples and slowly exhaled "Alright. At least I'm still alive, that's good" his eyes were fixated on the red line, which was almost drained.

Luna didn't like this phrase at all "What is that supposed to mean?"

Vlad looked at her, rubbing his back head "Uhm, how do I put it.."

Sombra looked at Luna "He is at the verge of death, probably because of the backfire he had" he then rubbed his chin "Now we gotta save him somehow"

Luna stared at Sombra with wide eyes "At the verge of death? And you say it with a such calmness?!" she then looked at Vlad who was... Calm as well. Princess heard Sombra's snort and glared at him "What's so funny?"

Sombra shrugged "I mean, he died several times already... It's not that big of a deal for him now, is it?"

Vlad blinked and looked up "..huh" his eyes widened "Oh damn... I actually did!" Vlad grabbed his head with both hands, acknowledging just what had happened to him "OH MY GOD!" his head was starting to hurt, even though he was already inside his head. Due to having those weird inhibitors earlier, he wasn't thinking too much about traveling to another world and dying. But now, he was slowly but surely becoming himself again. 

Sombra sighed and put a hoof on human's back "Now now, don't start it. We gotta get you out of this trouble first" he then hummed and looked at Luna "Say, you knew him earlier than I did and saw Vlad's primal Panel. Any ideas on how to help him?"

Luna blinked, confused "I..." she could see that Sombra cared about Vlad. It could be sincere, or simply because human was his current host. Still, she couldn't allow Vlad to take any more pain.

Suddenly, Luna gasped "Wait, can't you use Panel to heal yourself?"

Vlad stopped mumbling and froze in place.

Sombra's ears perked up "What now?"

Luna tilted her head "You didn't know about it? I don't know how it's called, but I'm pretty sure that Vlad used it at least once in the past"

Sombra shrugged "I mean, with the amount of information about his world... It's no wonder" he then looked at human "Still, is this true?"

Vlad facepalmed and groaned "It is, I completely forgot about this stuff!" 

Sombra's eye twitched "..you even have the ability to heal yoursef?"

Vlad nodded and started to tap the Panel "Yep, but I can't abuse it" he then started to explain how this ability worked... Which obviously wasn't that Interesting.

Sombra simply exhaled and turned back at Luna, who was staring at him "..So, how is Celestia doing?"

Luna was about to scowl again. However, only now she noticed that Sombra's armor and dark magic were gone. Before her stood an ordinary (kinda) pony, who was trying to start anew. Even though Luna didn't fully trust him yet, Vlad did, so she was willing to give him a chance.

She wasn't sure about Celestia though.

Luna sighed and shook her head "Much better, now that I can actually help her"

Sombra's eyes widened a bit "Oh uhm... Glad to hear that" he turned away from the princess, to hide his surprise.

Luna was about to talk to the unicorn "Hey, liste-"

"I can't leave"

Luna closed her mouth and looked at the human. He seemed concerned, maybe even cornered. She then looked at Sombra, whose reaction wasn't any better.

Unicorn's ears perked up and he quickly approached Vlad "You usually don't need to use Panel to wake up"

Vlad's voice was a bit shaky "Well, I dont! I-I mean, since I'm in the condition when I can't wake myself up, then I thought that I could use the Panel" he then gulped "But... I doesn't work"

Luna didn't like the sound of that "So that's why your consciousness felt heavier.." she then raised her head "Wait, can't you use your healing ability here?"

Vlad shook his head "I tried, b-but..." he slowly exhaled "I can't"

Sombra stared at him, with pupils widened "What do you mean you can't?" 

Vlad turned at him with the desperate look on his face "I... I think I'm going to die again?" he looked both terrified and... Tired.

Sombra stared at him with disbelief. His eye twitched, as his face turned into furious one. Sombra growled and picked Vlad up with his magic "DON'T YOU EVEN DARE TO SAY IT TO MY FACE!" he looked REALLY pissed off.

Luna was about to interfere. However, she stopped right before using the spell. Luna didn't feel any hostility from Sombra. Besides, she decided to give him a chance, she can't just take her words back.

Meanwhile, Sombra was looking right in Vlad's eyes "You were the one who dared to punch Chrysalis onto her dang face! You risked your life several times in the past and didn't even flinch when I invaded your mind!" he then dragged Vlad towards himself "And now you have the impudence to say THIS?!"

Vlad was caught off guard by this behavior "I-I was under the effect of-"

Sombra didn't let him finish "Don't use this as an excuse!" he dropped him on the ground.

Vlad fell down with silence. He was actually touched by Sombra's behavior. After all, unicorn tried to attack him when they firat met. And now, Sombra tries to give him some courage not to give up. Now that Vlad thought about it, he understood just HOW foolish his words were earlier. Back on Earth, he would have never said ANYTHING like that, let alone give up on life so easily. Perhaps he forgot just how precious life is after dying several times here. Still, he should have AT LEAST asked for help from Luna and Sombra. After all, those two were one of the most powerful beings in this world. He couldn't have just given up on life with them by his side.

Sombra sighed "Look buddy, you can't just let yourself die like that" he looked dead in Vlad's eyes "There are consequences to constant resurrection. And I must say that they are quite rough... Even from my perspective"

Vlad averted his eyes "That... Makes sence.." that was the rule he was following back on Earth. Everething has consequences. Now that he thinks about it, perhaps those 'inhibitors' were taken away from him after his death.

Luna inserted herself in the conversation "Besides, what do you think others would think?" she turned her head away, with saddened expression "After your death, Elements were at their lowest. If it wasn't for Pinkie's positivity and Celestia's support, who knows what would happen to Equestria"

Vlad looked at her, as if realizing something "..Dang" he covered his face behind hands, ehile still being on the ground "I-I never thought about it.."





After some time, Vlad was able to bring himself together. After all, time was going even while he was in his head. Luckily, with the help of Luna and Sombra, they managed to think of the plan on how to get them out of this trouble. While they were on it, they also found out that Vlad's body wasn't actually dying. Instead, it was simply losing energy and stamina, which wouldn't be fatal. Still, they had to hurry. After all, it's been a while since Vlad lost his consciousness.

Human rubbed his head "OK... Can we run over the plan again?" 

Sombra huffed "Seriously? We said it loud and clear to you 2 times already!"

Vlad shrugged "Well, I wanna be 100 % sure about it! What if I accidentally do something wrong?"

Sombra stared at him "..you barely have anything to do" 

Luna sighed "OK, I will explain it for the last time" she approached the blackboard (which Vlad created earlier) and used magic to pick up the stick "First, I will help Sombra to wake up instead of you and take control over your body" she looked towards the said unicorn "I can't say that I like this particular part of the plan"

Sombra rolled his eyes "Oh please, it's in my interests that he survives" he smirked and winked "I won't do anything... Wacky"

Vlad stared at Sombra in disbelief "..D-Did you just-?"

Sombra didn't let Vlad finish "Besides, I'm the only one here who can take this much pain. Vlad would simply lose consciousness again"

Luna sighed and continued "Right... Anyway, after Sombra wakes up, he will use the Panel to activate the healing spell" she let the stick back down "It might sound simple, but we don't know if it will actually work" She looked towards Vlad "By that, I mean your part in the plan"

Vlad raised his eyebrow "Me?"

Luna nodded "The thing is, we don't know how will your mind react to Sombra taking control"

Sombra clicked with his tongue "Gotta agree with princess here. Humans have a pretty strong and complicated mind" he snorted "Otherwise, I would be wreaking havoc by now"

Vlad ignored the last part and hummed "I mean, as long as Sombra goes according to the plan, everething should be fine.. I guess?"

Luna didn't like the 'I guess' part, but nodded "I hope so too.. Besides!" she smiled widely "If something goes wrong, I can always move your consciousness somewhere else! Maybe-"

Vlad put hands in front of him in 'X' pattern "No thank you"

Sombra snorted "Good choice"

Luna rolled her eyes "Well, you are losing quite an opportunity..." she then focused "Well, let's get to the 'Rescuing' then, shall we?"

Vlad nodded and looked towards Sombra "I hope that you won't get any funny ideas while in my body"

Unicorn hummed "..Can't promise you that" he then stood in front of Luna "Well, work your magic"

Luna closed her eyes and pointed her horn at Sombra "I hope that you have changed, I really do" 

Sombra stared at Luna with a serious face "Look, I already told you that I'm willing to give 'Friendship' a chance. And as you know, I always keep my-"

Luna quickly interrupted him "Okay the spell is ready!" Before unicorn could answer, she blasted him with a bolt of magic "This might sting a little!"

Sombra's body got covered in blue aura. He hissed as it started to accelerate upwards "I HAte you.." he was screaming something else, but couldn't finish it, as he dissapeared from this dimension.

Vlad stared at the sky "Uh...Was it necessary?"

Luna smirked "It's just a payback. Don't worry about it, he will be fine"her horn was still glowing "I will keep track on his progress"

Vlad looked at the princess "Uh huh..." They stood silently for a minute. Vlad had his arms crossed on the chest "So... Will I feel anything after Sombra tries to take control?"

"He is already waking up"

Vlad blinked, surprised "Oh! Good to hear" 

Suddenly, Vlad's arm glew up. He yelped in surprise and raised it in front of him. The Panel activated on it's own. It looked like someone was scrolling through it, looking for something.

Vlad instantly calmed down "Oh, that must be Sombra"

Luna nodded "Yes, it is him" she then winced a bit.

Vlad didn't like the sign of it "Uh, Luna? What is going on up here?"

Luna tried to smile in order to calm the human "Oh, no no no everething is fine! It's just that Sombra is experiencing some inconven-"

This is when her pupils shrunk and Luna closed her eyes, hissing. She lowered herself to the ground, with her horn still up. Vlad noticed that out of 4 'Quick Heals' , only two remained. This was alarming, to say the least.

Vlad quickly approached Luna and put his hands on her neck "Luna, what is happening?!" 

Another 'Quick Heal' dissapeared out of Vlad's Panel. Luna started to feel a but better, and managed to mutter something out "That... Was unexpected..."

Vlad frowned "OK, I think that it's enough. Can you call Sombra back?"

Luna shook her head and stood up "Y-Yes, certanly.." she looked much better now.

Luna's horn stopped glowing. A small purple spark in the sky appeared, and started to descend with a high speed. After some time, Sombra's body landed near to Luna. Unicorn didn't look so well, to say the least.

Vlad lowered himself above Sombra "You... You are still alive, right?"

Sombra's eyes were wide, and his mane totally ruined "I...Am..?"

Luna looked down at Sombra and tilted her head "That's probably what you deserve"

Sombra closed his eyes and opened them again. His face changed into the annoyed one "Oh piss off..."





Ferum was walking, well, limping, along the path towards Ponyville. After he woke up, he felt awful. Still, he was able to move, and it's all that mattered. Luna had to leave, since she also had other duties. But she promised to visit human and Sombra this night.

Vlad exhaled, as he finally managed to reach the town, and leaned onto one of the trees "Geez..."

Sombra spoke up "Try to think of consequences next time. I don't want to go through this hell again"

Ferum snorted "OK, got it... As if I would rather to experience this again" he sighed and continued "Besides, we managed to find out that my Heals have a limited power. That's-" 

He went silent, after one of his passive skills activated. He instantly looked up and met eyes to eyes with a unicorn. He was staring at dragon, before hurrying somewhere else. Ferum looked at him go and decided to let it slide, for now.

Sombra huffed "Tsk, no maners from ponies nowadays... I remember that when I was younger, they used to..."

Ferum stopped listening to Sombra the second he mantioned his youth. Dragon managed to balance himself and started walking towards the castle. All that he wanted for now, was food, shower and sleep.

Well, and maybe some courage to meet Luna again. She did say that she was going to lecture him and Sombra when she reaches them.
> Mini Chapter: Who is Jack?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vlad was sitting at the school's library with Spike, reading a book. He wasn't afraid of getting caught in his human form, since it was early in the morning. And even if he did, well, he would be able to figure something out. However, something was odd...

Spike stared at the human and rubbed his head, confused "So uh... Does it happen often?"

Vlad raised his head "What do you mean?"

Spike pointed at Vlad's shoulder "Well, this" 

Human eyed the said place. Here, resting at Vlad's shoulder, was Dandelion's head, reading the book as well. She somehow managed to place herself on human's back, gripping him with her wings and hooves. Vlad instantly jumped from his place, forcing Dandelion to fly away from him. He, somehow, managed to both remain silent and catch the chair before it hit the floor. 

Human looked towards batpony, flying a few meters off the ground "The hell?!" he was obviously irritiated. 

Dandelion landed onto the floor and tilted her head "What do you mean?"

Vlad raised both of his hands and pointed them at her "First of all, WHY would you think that I'm OK with that? You know damn well that I'm-"

Dandelion interrupted him "Please Jackie, it's not like it will KILL you!"

Spike's head perked up, as he heard the name. He turned to look at them directly.

Vlad was silent for a moment, but then quickly manages himself "Anyway... How did you manage to ignore my upgrades? They were supposed to tell me whenever anyone is watching or is about to attack me!"

Dandelion raised her eyebrow "Was I trying to spy on you or hurt you?"

Vlad slowly lowered his hands "That... Makes sence" he then perked up again "But, how did you climb-"

"Who is 'Jackie'?"

Both Dandelion and Vlad looked down at Spike. 

Vlad explained "That's a nickname for 'Jack'. "

Dandelion smirked and glanced at the human "He gets pissed a lot whenever I use it" 

Spike tilted his head "Why do you have such a nickname?"

Dandelion slowly approached the little dragon and whispered "You see... Back when he was a bit younger, Vlad was REALLY good with the knives"

Spike sweated a bit "W-What..?"

The batpony looked really concerned "But... Not a single one of the his family knew..."

Spike was really terrified "K-Knew what..?"

Dandelion continued, with a lot of grief in her voice "That... He actually-!"

Vlad decided to bluntly destroy the whole atmosphere "I used to carve some good Jack-o-lanterns. That's it"

Spike was dumbfounded, while Dandelion groaned.

"You just HAD to break the scene didn't ya?!" she then was silent for a few moments "..Wait, I thought you wanted this to be a secret?"

Vlad nodded "Yup, because I was REALLY good at it"

"..You're weird"

Vlad snorted "Of course I am.."

They started to argue about whether being secretive about your talents is weird. Spike however, was not listening. He had put the book on the table, and approached Vlad "Uhm.."

Human looked down and lowered himself to be on Spike's level "Yeah?"

"Hey don't ignore me!"

Spike continued "Can you... Teach me how to carve 'em?"

Vlad stared at him for several few seconds "I... Sure I guess? Though I'm not as good as I used to be"

Dandelion then jumped on his back and smirked "Ah, then you just HAVE to teach me as well!"

Vlad huffed, but chuckled "Dang, ok sure!"

"Oh oh! I wanna too!"

The whole trio jumped and looked back. They saw nopony else, but Pinkid, standing in the entrance to the library. She was staring at them, with her usual grin.

However, she tilted her head, as noone answered her question "Hey, am I not allowed to be taught? I'm really good with the knives!"

Vlad exhaled "You... Can join us too.."

After all, it was Pinkie being Pinkie.
> Chapter 11, Part 1: Before the Festival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was the day..

Well, not really. Of course, the Festival is a very awaited event for ponies. But for Vlad? Not at all. In fact, the only reason he was waiting for this event, was to try the costume that he had made.

Which, to say the least, didn't go that well...

Vlad grabbed his head and groaned "Dammit!" he lowered his head "Dag nabbit dammit damn dag nabbit daggin naggit-"

Sombra interrupted his tirade "Calm down, those are just clothes!" he then snorted "I thought you were the one to ignore those kinds of things"

Vlad sat down on the floor and sighed "I am! But... I made those myself-"

"Ahem!"

"..WE made those ourselves! It's like rasing your own child and then..." he pointed towards the ripped apart clothes "..this happens!"

Sombra wa silent for a few seconds "..do your younglings get ripped apart often?"

Vlad rolled his eyes "OK, nevermind that.." he then rubbed his forehead "But now, Ms. Rarity might have some suspicions towards me. I gotta choose words carefully around her.." he stared into the wall for a few seconds "..why did it sound so stupid and cliché like..?"

Sombra seemed to smirk "Well, now that I have a better understanding of your body, I can take matters in my own hooves whenever it's required" he seemed to ignore the last part of human's speech.

Vlad exhaled and collected the ruined clothes "I assume you will have to do so a lot in the near future.." 

Having this kind of support made Vlad much braver. After all, Sombra was a former evil mastermind... Well, he HOPED that unicorn was reformed. But for now, Vlad had him on his side. 

Again, he HOPED that Sombra was on his side. After the 'payback', Vlad became much more careful and thoughtful, even though he was trying to hide it from Sombra. As much as he appreciates Sombra's help, he can't trust him yet.

But nevermind that..

Vlad put torn clothes into the wardrobe "Well, guess we are going in our regular clothes"

"Eh? Wouldn't it be better to stay here to practice with my magic? You could learn a lot from the former Dark Emperor!" his voice was full of pride... Which both amused and concerned Vlad.

Human sighed "You know well enough why"

Sometime later, Ferum emerged from his room. If it was in his power, he'd prefer to stay in his room untill the Festival is over, and figure out what to do next. But obviously, one particular pony would try to find him, which would turn out even worse, maybe even blowing his cover. At least that's what Ferum was thinking.





Meanwhile outside, it wasn't as loud as Ferum would have expected. You could even tell that it was just the slightest bit quieter. Sure, all ponies were going round and about, but none of them were making as much noice as they usually do. The dragon was walking amongst them.

Ferum was amazed, though he was good st hiding it 'Dang, this kind of organization would put many of my world leaders to shame!'

Sombra snorted 'I still wonder how did Celestia get their loyalty... All she did, was saving them several times'

Ferum nearly rolled his eyes 'It takes way more than that back in my-'

Suddenly, Ferum's back head started to... Vibrate? He started to have an urge to look behind, as if something was happening there without him seeing it. Which, he obviously did, just in time to see the shadowy silhouette quickly hiding in the alleyway.

Ferum stared at the corner 'W-Wuh..?'

'Quick, we gotta go after them!'

'What? No!'

'There is somecreature spying on you, and you won'r even care about it?!'

Ferum turned around and kept on walking 'Not at all..' he stretched his arms up 'I mean, come on! The Festival is here, and I will simply report it to Twilight. She will know what to do!'

'..Seriously? You are going to leave it to others?'

Ferum nearly shrugged (his body was still getting used to the lack of inhibitors) 'What would we do? Interrogate 'em? Dude, I'm not intimidating at all!'

Sombra snorted 'I AM though!'

"Heya Fer!"

This voice caught them off guard. Ferum's fur quickly turned into scales, as he looked at the one who called him.

It was Dandelion. She was wearing a weird looking dark-yellow jacket, with an eyepatch on her left eye. 

Batpony raised her eyebrow and slightly tilted her head "You good?"

Ferum stared at her for a second, before exhaling. He quickly looked around, while his scales dissapeared. Luckily, it seemed like ponies didn't notice his behavior... Somehow. 

Ferum looked back at Dandelion, confused "Y-.. What are you wearing..?"

Dandelion looked down at her clothing "Oh, this?" she smirked" Well, remember how you told me about your costume?"

Ferum's eyes widened a bit "Oh, yes, I did" 

Dandelion turned a bit to the right and posed, while putting the hoof on her chest "Don't you recognize this outfit, hm?"

Ferum stared at her for a moment, emotionless... And then bursted out laughing "W-WAIT WHAT?!" he was laughing so hard, that he quite literally started to suffocate from the lack of oxygen. Ferum calmed down a little, thought he kept on chuckling "W-where did you even f-f-find THAT?!"

Dandelion seemed to like Ferum's reaction. She pretentiously threw back her mane and winked "I have my ways!"

Ferum was about to comment on it, when his face quickly turned to the confused one, and then to the uncomfortable one "Um, that is sure impressive... But.."

Dandelion quickly glanced towards her friend, surprised by his intonation "What's wrong?"

Ferum awkwardly put his hands behind his head and looked down "I uhm... Destroyed my outfit..?"

Dandelion stared at him for several seconds, as if trying to acknowledge the information. Then, her eyes twitched, as she dashed towards the dragon and grabbed him by his sweater "You WHAT?!"





Meanwhile...

The city was practically packed with different wagons. Many authors, that weren't able to arrive earlier, had to place their tents somewhere on the edges of the town. 

Though, one of them was WAY too far from the others. This wagon was almost on the edge with the Everfree. Nopony have noticed it yet, but it was just what the 'Author' wanted.

As the turquoise unicorn stepped out of the wagon and looked over the town, it huffed, with so much venom and hatred, that plants around it almost started to decay.

"Pathetic imbeciles..." 

Obviously, a few seconds later, the pony got engulfed into the green flames. Now, Chrysalis herself was looking down at the town. She glnced back at her wagon, and smirked.

"You will regret your foul acts against the Queen.."
> Chapter 11, part 2: Busted!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It took some time for Dandelion to calm down. Ferum had explained the situation to her and, luckily, she understood him. Still, she was a bit pissed at the fact that they won't be able to have 'paired' costumes.

Dandelion sighed, as she and Ferum moved along the town "Where do I put this suit now?" she looked at Ferum's hand, in which he was carrying her costume.

Dragon shrugged "Save it for later?"

Dandelion hummed for a few seconds "Yeah, that  is the best solution.."

They approached Dandelion's wagon, and entered it. After leaving the clothes there, they decided to walk towards the nearby forest, to get some fresh air before the event.

Ferum looked back at the wagon "I thought your wagon would have a crowd of ponies around it. After all, your comics are pretty popular"

Dandelion waved at him with her hoof and averted her head "Oh please~! It's not THAT good" she then looked up in thoughts "To be honest, I have no idea. Even if nopony knows who is the author, I thought they would gather around my place to find out"

Ferum hummed "Coincidence?"

Dandelion nodded "Probably"

After walking for some time, they have already left the town, with only Sweet Apple Acres ahead. Still though, some of the wagons were still present even here. Though, those looked a bit different.

Dandelion explained "Those are mostly journalists. You know, since there is not much space in town for 'em, they usually stay outside of it"

Ferum raised his eyebrow "Usually?"

Dandelion sweated a bit "I don't want to talk about this..."

However, over some time, even those wagons have stopped appearing. They were now walking across the simple path, which was leading towards the Everfree forest. Ferum and Dandelion were simply talking about stuff, which they used to do back on Earth.

Suddenly, Dandelion looked at the dragon and smiled, looking... Sad? Ferum noticed this and stopped, with his eyebrow raised "Is everething alright?"

Dandelion chuckled "Yeah, all good. Just.." she rubbed her eyes "It's... So great to spend some time with ya again! I didn't even know that this could be possible to see your face ever again and..." 

Ferum listened to her and smiled "Well, even though for me it's been barely 2 months.." he lowered himself a bit and... Shoved her. 

Dandelion yelped and nearly fell, though she was able to use her wings to fly up briefly and quickly land. She frowned "Hey!"

Ferum cracked his knuckles, and finished his sentence "..I still miss the times when we used to spar" 

Dandelion froze in her place "..wha?"

Suddenly, Ferum's face changed from the calm one to begging "I can't take it anymore! Ever since  my inhibitors stopped working, I was barely able to contain myself from punching anything that moves here!!!" he poked his head aggressively "I swear, Sombra is afraid of me now! Every time I go into my head, he tries to hide from me, so that we don't have to duel again!" he was breathing heavily now.

Dandelion blinked several times, confused. Then, her mouth turned into a sly, playful smile, as she positioned herself to lunge at him "Well, if you are THAT desperate.." she dashed towards Ferum, knocking him down "THINK FAST CHUCKLENUT!"





Meanwhile, Everfree outskirts...

Chrysalis was inside of her wagon. She wanted to focus on her plan in quiet... Even though it wasn't any louder outside.

The wagon's insides were pretty simple. A table with a bench, both connected to the floor, along with an ordinary lamp, hanging from above. All in all, it was an ordinary wagon, hollow even. 

Well, obviously, if it wasn't for a weird cube like figure, standing in the corner of the room. It was two times smaller than an ordinary pony, and covered with a piece of cloth. A faint green glow could be seen through it.

Chrysalis was looking at this thing, with a smirk "It took me long enough, but I'm finally ready to destroy those pesky Elements along with their town once and for all" she had approached the closed window, and opened it, allowing the Ponyville town to be seen "Now, all I need to do, is infiltrate the town"

Obviously, Chrysalis couldn't risk by choosing any random day for her vengeance. After digging for some information, she had found out about some kind of a Festival, which was going to take place in the Ponyville. A lot of ponies from all over Equestria, have already arrived into this town, not even including all the authors, journalist and simple tourists. It wouldn't be hard for the former Queen of the changelings to disguise herself among all those crowds of creatures, so she didn't worry about that at all.

What could be a problem however, was bringing this cube right into the Ponyville. Of course, barely anycreature would question her about it. Barely...

Chrysalis placed her hoof on the chin "I should be careful around other changelings, as well as Twilight Sparkle with her friends. While the latter are simply disgusting to be around, my former subjects might sence a fraction of changing magic in the air..."

"Oh I'm going to beat you so hard you will have a twitch!"

"Also, I should be able to bring the Expander into the Town Hall. As far as I know, it's always open..." 

"Think fast chucklenut!"

Chrysalis's ear twitched a bit "Alright, now all I have to do, is wait and-"

Her words were interrupted by a loud cracking noice nearby "Oh no you don't!"

Chrysalis groaned and quietly hissed "For the love of hive, I can't have some quiet even here?!" she transformed into the turquoise unicorn with a red mane. She was about to exit, but stopped and thought for a moment "..maybe I should take them as hostages?" she approached her door and coughed to check her voice, before opening her wagon.

After opening the door, Chrysalis noticed that the voices have stopped, as if whoever was messing around here decided to go away. On one hoof, it was great, since she could simply go back inside and wait for her move. Though, on another one, something was bothering her. Chrysalis knew well, that it's impossible to randomly stop making any noices, at least when it's not intentional. Even her drones were having troubles with silencing themselves, when she was nearby. In conclusion, there was a chance that Chrysalis got caught.

She snorted and shook her head "Tsk..." she huffed 'I'm probably paranoid. Even if somepony saw me, they would have already reported me to those Elements' Chrysalis turned around, rolling her eyes.

"After all, what could possibly go wrong?"

Right after saying this, her glare was met with two things. Number one, being a hoof going straight towards her face, and the second, being a fist covered in scales, doing the same thing. Chrysalis didn't even get any time to react, before she got punched in her face. After being hit, she got launched backwards for a few meters, as her transformation worn off. Chrysalis had managed to successfully stop herself from hitting the earth, by spinning and drifting on the soil. After coming to a halt, she quickly looked up, noticing a single figure standing before her. 

It was an orange batpony, that looked tensed. After all, she hit the former Queen of changelings, she HAD to be scared. 

She spoke, with a hint of being a bit surprised "Huh, so it was really you.."

The queen snarled at her "How DARE you lay your dirty hooves on ME?!" 

The pony smirked a bit "Well, you ain't any better, bug!"

Chrysalis didn't know how she got busted, nor who that pony was, but that punch was really hurtful, even with her hard skeleton armor. Then again, they hit her in the face, and...

..they...

A batpony suddenly yelled into nowhere "Now!"

Chrysalis however, quickly lit her horn up. A green barrier surrounded her, as she started to cautiously look around 'A dragon... How in the name of the Hive it managed to hide itself?!' The next second, she heard a weird sound to her right. After turning her head, Chrysalis was greeted with a weird scene.

A light blue dragon, was holding it's fist against Chrysalis's barrier. He was wearing a pair of gloves, and a sweater, however, it was not the weirdest detail. The dragon's body, was slowly rising up from the shadow, that Chrysalis's body was making. Both of his eyes were closed, as his body was still reconnecting itself from the 'gateway'.

Chrysalis instantly recognized this spell, and she sweated a bit "You are.."

A huge grin spread across the dragon's face, as he took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Both of them were purple, and had a slight blazing effect. Sombra raised his eyebrow in a mocking manner, as he said only one thing

"Yo, Chrissy"
> Chapter 11, part 3: Conflict
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis stared back at the dragon in disbelief. She knew that Sombra was out there somewhere, but to think that she would meet him here? Even the fact that he was able to take control of the DRAGON was shocking, considering that the last time when Sombra was defeated, he was supposed to be regaining energy for at least 10 years. Well, at least that's  what everycreature thought...

Suddenly, dragon's face turned into the irritiated one "You know, I'm just giving you some time to think, only because one silly fella is stoppin' me" he closed his eyes "He doesn't even blame you for his death right now..."

Chrysalis was caught of guard with that. It was true, Sombra wasn't the one to let his opponents get some time. He was merciless and powerful enough to do so. Even now, she could feel Sombra's desire to beat her up. Exactly, just beat her up. Not destroy, annihilate or anything like that. Simply beat her to the pulp. Which was still not an option to be honest...

Still, it was weird for Sombra to feel empathy towards his host. It was obvious, that he was possessing this dragon's body. The spell that Sombra was using, gave him access to his target's memories. Usually, he simply ignored those. After all, Sombra was a Shadow Monarch.

What could have possibly happened to him...

Chrysalis scowled "The hell do you mean?!" she herself was getting angered. She didn't have time, nor patience for this. Chrysalis's horn started to glow even more "Doesn't matter, I will-" this is when she noticed that the batpony was nowhere to be found. Chrysalis quickly spotted her, flying towards the Ponyville. 

She quickly turned her barrier into a shockwave, pushing the dragon away, and was about to take off. Chrysalis couldn't allow this pony to alert the Elements. She had managed to take flight, and started to accelerate... 

Untill she felt something punching her stomach.

She gasped for air, and instinctively looked down. There, was the dragon, using his wings to fly. Sombra had to take off the sweater, so that it wouldn't tear apart. 

He smirked, grabbed her hoof and pulled her down a bit "Where the hell do you think you are going?" 

After cutting the distance, Sombra grabbed Chrysalis's torso and turned upside down, with his and her heads facing the ground. Soon enough, they started to fall down.

Chrysalis yelled with anger "GET YOUR FILTHY CLAWS OF ME!" she tried to free herself, but the dragon's grip was way too tight.

Sombra braced for impact "Nuh uh!"

Right after those words, they hit the ground. A lot of dust, grass and dirt flew into the air. A few moments later, the wind has managed to blow away some of those, revealing Sombra, standing near to the seemingly unconscious Chrysalis. She was, quite literally, stuck with her head in the ground.

Sombra looked up, and yelled something towards the distant bat pony "Make a good use of your wings, bat!"

"Oh shut up  MR BADASS!"

Still, Dandelion was able to fly away safe and sound. After following her sith his eyes, Sombra seemed to be satisfied, and turned back to face moveless Chrysalis's body. He approached it and kneeled down, looking a bit concerned.

"Huh, I thought it would take much more to take you down..." he poked her side "..I didn't kill her, did I?"

However, his face changed after he made a physical contact with Chrysalis. Dragon instantly jumped away, and blocked his face with both of his hands. Right after Sombra's actions, Chrysalis's body started to glow with a green light and, in a second, an explosion had occured.





Dandelion was flying as fast as she could. Of course, she was worried about Vlad getting hurt, which is why she was going to get help as fast as she could. Even if Sombra himself was possessing his body, Dandelion didn't fully trust him. Well, it would be correct to say that she didn't think that Sombra had enough experience with controling bipedal creatures.

Still, all she had to do, was get to the town. Even though Dandelion wasn't as fast as Wonderbolts, she was already seeing outskirts of her destination. 

She smirked 'Heh, guess I DID lose some weight over the past month!'

However, a sudden skip in her own heartbeat alerted Dandelion, and she stopped. Right after getting back to Equestria from Earth, she started to get those as a warning signal, before something not that good was about to happen. Dandelion noticed it, and now was trusting this reliable signal, whenever it occured.

This time wasn't exceptional. Right after stopping,  Dandelion heard a faint, barely noticeable 'Bang' from behind her. She turned around just in time to see a rising cloud of dust. 

"Oh this ain't good.."

However, before she could even start flying towards the 'epicenter', something caught her eye. Something about Ponyville seemed odd... As if a faint mist started to surround the town. Though, she didn't think much about it, as right now, her friend could be in danger. 

With a single powerfull swing of her wings, Dandelion dashed towards the place where Sombra was fighting Chrysalis. She completely forgot why she was even going to the Ponyville in the first place.

"I swear, if Sombra somehow hurt Vlad's body, I will make him suffer inside my head!"

Which, by the way, was quite a fearsome threat and fate for the said unicorn.





A lot of debris have fallen around the hole that was left after the explosion. The huge cloud of dust has already settled, for the most part at least, and the silhouette of a dragon could be seen, rising from the earth.

Sombra groaned and looked down at the body he was possessing "Hmpf, not bad at all..." luckily, the dragon scales were strong enough to withstand this powerful blast. Even though they were designed to counter magic (at least that's what Sombra and Vlad found out), it was still surprising that they did well against the explosion itself. 

Sombra then looked up at the place where the 'Chrysalis' has exploded "An explosive clone, and the powerful one. I thought that Chrysalis would try to save up her powers" he'd walked out of the cloud and dusted himself off.

One one hand, it was a good thing that this Chrysalis turned out to be a copy, and not the real deal. Sombra knew well enough that in his current state, he wouldn't even be a match for her. It wasn't even about the raw power, it was about the body he was possessing. Sombra didn't know the limits of Vlad's disquise, and he'd rather not risk yet.

On another though, this meant that this clone was a bait for others to swallow, a deadly one at that.  Obviously, the actual Chrysalis was already among the ponies in the Ponyville, plotting her plan. Sombra knew well enough, that she would never waste so much energy for nothing, so her plan must have been put in action already.

"What the hell happened?!"

Sombra looked up, to see Dandelion flying towards him. Maybe he wasn't good at reading emotion, but she was definitely stressed.

Sombra raised his eyebrow "Calm down, we are completely fine." he then looked around "Though, I guess the sweater is done for"

Dandelion landed right in front of him, and she didn't look pleased at all "The heck was that explosion!?"

Sombra pointed towards the small crater "Explosive clone"

Dandelion didn't expect such a short answer "Oh. I see .."she then instantly shook her head "I swear, if something-"

Sombra raised his hand "Hus body is just fine" 

Dandelion groaned and rubbed her elbow "Good" she then raised her head, clueless "Wait, but if that wasn't Chrysalis, then what is going on?"

Sombra put his claw to his chin "I can easily recognize her energy, and it was definitely hers" he then looked back at Dandelion "Why are you still here? "

She clipped her eyes, confused "Huh?"

Sombra frowned "You are supposed to be back at Ponyville, reporting what we have found"

Dandelion huffed "Oh well, EXCUSE ME for worrying about my friend, Mr. Totally Reliable!"

Sombra scowled "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Dandelion placed her hoof on her chin "Oh, I don't even know hmm..." she then gasped and pointed back at Sombra "Oh! Maybe the fact that you are one of the most evil creatures Equestria has ever seen?!" Sombra was about to strike back with an insult, when Dandelion started to approach him "And don't even start with 'But Vlad is ok with it'! He might trust you, somehow, but I don't!" 

Sombra looked surprised by that aggression, and started to back down "Y-"

Dandelion instantly cut him off "Ever since I found out about you being with Vlad, I instantly knew that it was bad, QUITE bad. I tried to find out WHY you were able to stay with him for so long, untill it finally hit me!" she then tilted her head "He doesn't know just WHO you are! He has ABSOLUTELY no idea about your actions in the past! Vlad is just one of your countless victims, isn't he?! You are just playing 'friendly' to fool everypony around, so that you can have some time to regain your energy, aren't you?!" Dandelion exhaled some air, as she stopped approaching him "Vlad just doesn't understand anything about this world. Just like me, when I was stuck in his" she looked up, with cold in her eyes "Whatever it takes, I won't let you hurt him in any way"

Sombra might have been bigger than Dandelion was, yet he felt, somehow,  smaller. He looked down, and sighed "I know well enough, that what I did is unforgivable. Years of pain and destruction that I caused. Not even thousand years of Tartarus will cleanse me of my sins. You are right about everything that you've said..." he then clenched his fist "You were right about everething, except one thing..." Sombra looked up  "Vlad knows everething about me" 

Dandelion's eyes became slightly bigger. She knew that Sombra was quite a coward, and that this whole speech could be ome of his lies. Yet... Something was telling her, that he was sincere right now.

Sombra inhaled some air and kept on going "I even tried to control him, when we met for the first time! "

Dandelion's face changed into the annoyed one 'Of course...'

"Yet, Vlad didn't hesitate to help me... And this I could not ignore. " Sombra rubbed his eyes "I know it sounds... Quite childish when we talk about ME. But.." he lightly smiled "I'm truly grateful for this chance he gave me..."

Dandelion stared at him with a hint of suspicion. At this point, it was obvious to her that this speech was WAY too emotional for Sombra SHE knew. Never in her entire life, had she heard about The Dark Emperor ever expressing emotions. Yet, there she was, listening about Sombra's gratitude towards her best friend... Though, Dandelion couldn't blame him. Sombra might have thought that Vlad was merciful and kind.

But the truth was that Vlad was simply too trustworthy... Or maybe even stu-

Dandelion huffed and shook her head "Fine, I heard you. We are on the same page here" she then looked directly into the Sombra's eyes "But if you DARE to hurt him-"

Sombra cut her out "I understand, you don't have to repeat that again" 

Dandelion snorted "I'm glad that I made myself clear" 

They simply stood in one place for a few silent moments, letting the tension dissapear.

Sombra crossed arms on his chest "..So, are you going to go back into the town? We might not have much time, you know"

Dandelion's ears perked up "Oh, I actually wanted to ask you something!"

Sombra slightly tilted his head "Hm?"

Dandelion moved her hoof in circular motion and averted her eyes, as if memorizing something "Say, is it ok for the town to get surrounded by the evil looking green mist all of the sudden?"

Sombra closed his eyes for a moment, so that he would be able to take it in 'It's obviously Chrysalis's doing. What I can't understand though... Why? Up to this moment, her actions made no sense to me.' he rubbed his face with irritiated expression 'First, the clone... Now this? '

Sombra tried to memorize everething up untill now. First of all, the wagon itself was quite empty... He was able to see that while punching the clone with Dandelion. Second of all, the only noticeable object there, was a small cubic like thing in the corner, cowered with cloth. Right before using his 'Shadow Dive', Sombra managed to see a faint glow, underneath the covers....

...well, now that the wagon and it's insides are destroyed, he can't really study what exactly it was. 

'Maybe there are some pieces of this thing left in the debris ...'

Sombra looked down at the Dandelion "Say, was there anything else that was weird?"

She stopped poking the dragon, and hummed "Well, it was quiet. Absolutely no sounds. Quite bizzare, especially since it's the Festival!" 

Sombra frowned "Quiet..?" he then looked at the epicenter of the explosion and approached it.

Dandelion placed a hoof on her face and groaned "Fine, I will make it easy for you. There is something hella wrong with the Ponyville!" she turned back in the direction of the town "And thanks to watching a lot of cliché movies with Vlad, I'm pretty sure that this whole mist is some kind of poison or... I dunno, magical stuff?"

Sombra kneeled down, after noticing one of the weird metallic like pieces and picked it up "As idiotic as it sounds, but you might have a point" he raised the piece above his head, and stared at it. A faint vibration was going through the metal, getting weaker every cycle.

Dandelion stared back at him, slightly surprised "Huh, really?" 

Sombra simply nodded and stood up, tossing the piece in his hand "Say, is this place in particular somehow special? You know these places better than I do" he already had a theory, though he had to be a bit more sure.

Dandelion tilted her head, and hummed "Nkw that you mention it..." she stared at the road they were staying next to. Only now, has she noticed just how wide it was "Wait, that's the main road towards Ponyville! Its hard to miss, since it barely has any turns, and absolutely no lant-" 

"Alright, no need to go in depth" Sombra threw the metal thingy away and stood up "Guess I know just what might have happened" he turned around to face the bat pony "You ar enot stupid, are you?"

Dandelion was about to insult him back, but then she thought for a few moments "Well, I understand that Chrysalis blocked the road with a clone, so that she can do something in Ponytown" she then looked at one of the metal pieces on the ground "But what's that?"

Sombra was about to answer the question "Well, you see, that's-"

And then, he fell to the ground, unconscious.