> Daddy Discord > by KingofSquirrelz > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prelude - A Mother's Sin > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harvest Moon By King of Squirrels Assisted by the late James Fox ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dedicated to my best friend. A man whom I consider a brother He passed away while this story was being written James Fox, you will always be missed. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` The foreboding wind howled through the night, carrying the scent of a mare that charged passed the trees of the Everfree. The unicorn mare ran through the wood of the hallowed forest, her forest green eyes darting back and forth as she galloped. Her quick and shallow breaths left her body; wooden slivers covered her entire alabaster coat. The gnarled branches of the trees stretched off in all direction, each leaf a different shade of varying hues from the change in the fall season. The chill of the wind that caressed her coat, as tiny puffs of mist escaped her mouth as it spread out into the darkness of the night. The mare peered around a thick tree and looked up the trail. It was too dark for any pony to see, but for her the faint moonlight was like sunshine streaming between the trees; every detail was clear and sharp to her searching gaze. A small snap of a wooden branch to the left was enough to alert her it of its presence; she stood on her hind legs and pressed herself into a wedge indentation of the thick willow tree. The air around her chilled to the point of frost as the vines of the willow where encased in ice and withered black. Beyond the vines stood a creature of chaos, a shade that traveled along the wind. Its long bony fingers groped in the darkness, as it drained the energy away from everything it touched. Its face covered in black cloths hiding the rotten flesh below. It clicked away on its tongue as it’s tried to pick up more details about the area. The monster hurried into the brush, hissing as it hid. Soon the rustling quieted and the forest was silent again. The mare breathed a sigh of relief, until the soft cries of one of her charges filled the silence. She bent down and opened the silver latch on the satchel that held one of the twins. Her alicorn horn glowed crimson as she tapped into the mana, the infant foal was surrounded in her light. “Don’t worry Mist, you're safe now,” he cooed in her motherly voice as she grappled on to the eldest of her sons. The tiny ash coated pegasus colt stopped his wailings as he snuggled against her warm fur, the barrier around him stopping the chill from the night wind from touching his small frame. Only the quiet sounds of the forest were audible. There was the creaking of the trees, and the occasional buzz and chirp of insects. An owl screeched, cutting through the silence. She did not relax until the bird flew past. The mare breathed rapid small inaudible breaths as she gently put the tiny pegasus foal into his sheep printed baby blanket inside the satchel. She knelt in a bed of trampled reed grass and scanned the ahead with her practiced eye. The curly red maned unicorn stood with quiet assurance in the dusky moonlight, then strode into the forest toward a glen where she was sure the pond was. She tread forth, taking great care as she walked past the ice covered vines of the willow. The trees blocked the sky from view and cast feathery shadows on the ground. She stepped gracefully past the nameless plants that clung to the bottom of her hooves, into the small clearing where the animals of the forest used as their watering hole. Resting in the center was a large pond that was as still as the night air, resting next to the waters was another willow, banking hard in the direction of the water. The mare walked slowly into the opening, her eyes scanning the area for the shades that prowled the night air. She took great care as to not step on the small pools of water that had iced over from the cold of night, as she made her way next to the willow. She sat at the edge of a still pond, her reflection looking back at her in the water. Her gaze fell upon the reflection of the moon, the beauty of crescent moon danced in her eyes as streams of hot salty tears started to soak through to her coat. “To the six divine that guide this land, and the avatars that dictate creation and destruction, please forgive me,” she said with a shuddered breath. She spoke the words slowly with a voice that carried the tone of a pony regretted her own birth, words that could scar the souls of those around her. Her tiny voice that won the hearts of those around her, her cause was not a noble one. A hissing sound pierced the air as two gem encrusted daggers that were encompassed in a green aura now hung inches above the mare's neck and rib cage. There was a wire-thin scratch curved down the blade that was pressed against her throat. The weapon was thin enough to slip between a pair of ribs, yet stout enough to hack through the hardest armor. “Are you Astral?” Astral held her tongue as she turned slowly to gaze at the figure that now had her life at dagger point. A slender magenta coated unicorn, her horn glowed a bright forest green. Her spiral irises glinted in the night, taking on new life as they focused in from the light of her horn. “I am known as such and who I may ask are you?” the alabaster coated mare answered with a contemptible glare as she stared down her new opponent with her icy blue eyes. “A name, oh what is in a name? Just letters that label a pony, but if you really need to know, it’s Maelstrom.” The magenta mare answered as she willed the daggers away from her throat and ribcage. The mare raised a quizzical brow as the instruments of death sheathed themselves into two black holstered that were bound by a leather strap. “I was sent here to protect you by Disarray.” “Disarray… the king of the dead, that must make you—“ “A demon, you’re quite right. Serving the king of Tartarus has its perks, I help you and I get to breathe fresh air again.” Astral leaned her head side to side as she eyed her unexpected ally over, her silky straight lavender manned looked nothing like the myths and legends that tied to what a demon of Tartarus actually looked like. “How much does Disarray know?” Astral questioned. Maelstrom shrugged as she spoke in a calm voice, “I don’t know how much the old geezer knows. All I was told to do is protect you from Discord’s minions, until you can finish the ritual.” Her gaze turned towards her two satchels that hung on Astral’s sides. “Is this them, the spawns of Discord? So which one are you going to off anyway?” The curly haired unicorn stepped back as she put several feet between her and the creature standing before her. Her gaze growing colder as she back away, Astral’s blood started to boil underneath her coat. “I am planning on using myself as the sacrifice; these two will be fine on their own.” “You know you can’t do that, you’re not trying to bring back the dead. Sorry kids, one of you is going to die real—“The mare stopped herself as the vines on the willow froze over behind the alabaster unicorn, as several shades drifted above the tree. “I guess it is time for the great Maelstrom to make herself known.” She turned her attention to the mare. “Hey, set up the ritual while I hold them off.” The mare charged forward, flinging her dagger at a tree. It passed halfway through the trunk, where it stuck, quivering. She galloped forward as she leapt into the air, taking aim, she stepped hard onto the daggers gem encrusted hilt. She scrambled up the side of the bark to where she could reach higher branches. Maelstrom's head popped out of the top of the tree, her eyes glazed along the tops of the trees for her prey. It wasn’t hard to find the shades in the distance that was closing in on the glen. A wry smile grew on her face, as she stood on her hind legs, propped up as she extended her hoof, her alicorn horn glowed at it tapped into the mana. “Come at me!” she shouted. As nine bolts of energy shot from her hoof, the blazing spectral blue light collided with the shades nearest the large willow tree. The shades exploded in a bright orange light, as the mana ignited the cloth that covered their faces. The wails of the dying shades filled the quiet silence of the entirety of the forest. Under the vines of the willow branches that barely touched the pond water, amidst dim moonlight, a single unicorn sat with her head bent down, as she watched over her sons. A small clear shell of a force field she created covered them. Two foals snuggled against each other, a small alabaster coated unicorn with a charcoal black mane. Sleeping next to him was his twin brother, an ash coated pegasus with crimson mane that had a black streak. The mare fell to their side as she cooed sweet nothings of comfort; she bit hard on her lip. Astral leaned over to the pair and kissed both gently on each other’s forehead. Hot, salty tears started to flow again as she looked down at her boon. Tiny droplets fell from above, crashing into the coat of her young unicorn foal. He stirred as it wandered, too young to even open his eyes. He felt the familiar fur of his brother as a smile grew on his face. He wiggled towards him, he plopped his head onto his brother’s flank and fell back asleep. Astral bit hard on her lower lip, small droplets of blood filled her mouth as she pierced her skin. She buried her face into the grass and wept. “I can’t do it; they are my flesh and blood. Please kill me instead, I beg of you, don’t make me choose.” The mare said to no one. A mare sporadically shot away her mystic bolts, the shades calling forth more of their kind from the depths of the forest below. She screamed in almost pure ecstasy as each shot earned a killing blow. “I wish there was a scoreboard, these things just keep on coming.” One final shot was sent to a shade that bordered the glen; its death cry filling the air as its final moments knew only suffering. A smug sense of triumph came over her as she blew at the end of her hoof, “Like shooting fish in a barrel.” She stated as a spark in the distance caught her eye. The ice cold red eyes of very pissed off draconequus, floating above the trees. “Hey, Astral, your ex-boyfriend is coming, should I tell him to come back later?” Astral winced as the beating of her heart sent small shocks in her body, as she snapped back to reality; again she looked down on the two foals who knew nothing of this world. She breathed a deep breath as she gathered the courage as her nerves steeled themselves. “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” she whispered. She bit down hard on her fetlock, breaking through the fur and skin into the soft pink flesh below. Focused on the wound she had created; it had begun to weep blood. She drew a large circle around the entirety of the small shield she created. The unicorn mare stepped inside the seal; tapping into the font of mana she willed the runes of life into the earthen soil around the crimson stream. “To the gods, I plead to thee; open the door.” Astral’s horn glowed as the lines of blood she had drawn on the forest floor came to life with a silver incandescence. The runes that were carved into the soil came to life as they began to glow with an eerie blue flame. The leafs on the ground scattered as a small torrent of wind began to whip around them. “Light cast forth from the darkness of our realm, set me free from these bonds.” Before her the air started to shiver as an ebony iron gate appeared into existence from the void. Ingrained in its solid iron frame were the bones of dragons, griffins, and ponies alike. Each character in the door looked as though it were alive; its curves looked like the door had been crafted by Death itself. As the gate cracked open, a large brown paw of a bear pushed its way through. A wrinkly old draconequus stepped past the gates and onto one of the many maple roots. His other paw from his diamond dog arm interlocked with the claws on his other paw as the cracking sound pierced the night air. He licked his lips, wetting the dry skin. His crimson eyes watched the area as the scales on his back shuddered from the night’s chill. The long scarily white mane danced about in the wind, until the wind died down and it matted itself against his sides. The magenta mare shifted her way down the bark of the tree, her hoof pressing hard against the hilt of her dagger, freeing it from its imprisonment. She trotted over to the side on the old man and gave a low bow. “Morning Disarray, you look well, need me to polish your scales later?” Disarray ignored the voice of his subordinate as he looked off into the distance. Just past the tree line hovering above the branches was Discord, flying fast, straight to the glen that held his sons. The wrinkled old geezer now looked down at his grandsons, tiny, not a care in the world for one of them had to come with him. “Astral, you know you must choose. You know full well their fate if they remain here. It is not their fault what is happening to them.” The draconequus turned to his charge. “Maelstrom, go hold off my son, he must not interfere.” She bent her front legs, showing the proper courtesy for her king as she back away, her cold glare falling on the tree line at the edge of the glen. The mare just stood there as she looked down on her sleeping foals. She watched theirs breathing as their lungs raised and lowered their chest. He stirred in his slept as Mist’s tail whipped him in the nose. He was having his first dream. “I know… I just wish there was another way.” The old draconequus put a paw on her shoulder, its cold pad giving no comfort to the dishearten mare. “I will make you a deal, when the time comes and you need them most, I will reunite you, so that you may see them again.” The mare looked up into his warm red eyes, “Will you do that, wait, how do I know that you will keep your word?” Disarray chuckled. “The king of Tartarus can’t lie, kill or show favoritism in the mortal realm. A deal however I can do, from your side of it you must give me the existence of one of your sons.” Maelstrom horn glowed as she tapped into the mana; her two daggers came alive as she stood next to the willow tree, eying the horizon for the presence of the Chaos Prince. The smell of brimstone filled the air as a fireball was launched from the forest directly ahead of the magenta mare. It was only a split second that she was able to dodge the torrential flames that now started to burn away at the tree. “Ya’ missed, you over grown salamander!” The magenta unicorn mare yelled as she stared down her new opponent. “Give me back what is mine!” Discord bellowed as a chaotic aura started to burn away on the mana present in the air, causing a shroud of black flames to encompass him. Maelstrom spat on the frosted grass in between them as she tried to hold back the nerves jittering inside her body. The rush of dopamine filled her mind, as pleasure ran over her senses, she wanted a fight. She charged forward as she willed one the slender dagger ahead straight at Discord’s throat. Only to bounce of the blade of a black seven foot bastard sword that he willed into existence, Maelstrom nearly orgasmed as she saw the massive size of the weapon. A spark grew in the back of her mind as she leapt in for a close quarters combat. Discord’s massive paw tightened around the hilt of the chaotic blade as he flex the muscles in his arm and swung the blade hard and fast. Discord smiled as it sliced through Maelstrom, for her to fade away. The death of her after image was to no worry to her as she leapt midair at his side, narrowly missing the edge of her execution. She whipped her head back, focusing on her target, as she willed her daggers back to her side. She only had a moment to duck as the blade swung over her head, its scalpel sharp edge slicing through some of the unlucky hairs that were caught in the crossfire. She sniffed as her eyes crossed, looking at the edges of her missing bangs. “Look at what you did; do you know how long it took me to do my hair this morning? You totally ruined my debut.” Maelstrom’s eyes narrowed, only Discord was in her sites as all else faded from her mind. As she quickened her pace, the world around her slowed as she leapt in. Discord’s movements to her came at a snail’s pace. She work into the crux for Discord’s arms as she planted a dagger into his heart, the other pushed her up into the air for a burst of speed as she kicked off of it sending it through his diaphragm into his lungs. “Time for you to die,” said smirked as her horn glowed, the dagger inside his lungs now spinning inside of him, slicing the esophagus and lungs to pieces, the blade inside his heart now span like a drill as it sliced through the four primary arteries. Discord face did not change as the weapons worked away on his insides, with no effort he dug into his chest cavity with the sharp eagle claws. A loud snap and crack was clear audible as the draconequus ripped the weapons out of his chest cavity. A silver liquid pour freely from the open gaps. The wounds closed as the quicksilver worked away at healing his internal damage. Maelstrom’s eye twitched, “Hey old man, what’s going on? I just filleted his insides, but he is still standing!” she bellowed across the glen, her cold eyes never leaving her target. “Discord is immortal, and he has the stone of life inside his chest. You can’t harm or kill him.” An old scraggly voiced shouted from beyond the willow tree. Maelstrom arched an eyebrow and then lowered her head as she licked her lips, “Well aren’t you an overpowered son of a mule. Can’t die and instantly heals, I call shenanigans. Although, that makes you the perfect punching bag now doesn't it?” KRAC-CROOO-OOOM! The flames now completely consumed the tree trunk, the weight of the heavy limbs causing it to fall forward. The branches burned away from the stump, most fell harmlessly into the water. One found its way into the back leg of an alabaster coated mare, the other however, whistled past as it tore through like a hot arrow, cutting through the flesh of an ash coated foal. “No… NO!!!” Astral screamed as she ripped the branch out of Mist’s soft chest. The foal cried away as no sound left his mouth, until he fell limp in his mother’s arms as the blood started to pool into his lungs. “You must do it now Astral, the ritual needs a living sacrifice.” She turned her gaze to Disarray and back to the Mist, “I never wanted this…” was all she could muster. Astral hugged him tight as she tried to finish, her voice cracking at every word. “I-I give to you, the lords of the land, this, the existence of my son Mist. So lay proof to my claim so that I may see with eyes unclouded by hate.” The mana in the air began to twist and reform, as the runes in the earth shifted as they meshed and pooled together created a prismatic void under the hooves of caster. Mist fell backwards, as he floated in the air, cradled by the energies of the spell. It happened in but an instant, the spell burned away consuming the energy required to finish it. With a bright white flash and one final blast of wind, he was gone, leaving only silence and stillness in its wake. Turning her eyes skyward, Astral glared at the next figure to float down through the hole in the clouds. A white cat, her wings extended showering the area in white feathers, the slits in its eyes burned away on the mare they were cast upon. “The Avatar of Destruction,” Astral forced out through grit teeth as her ice blue eyes locked on the mythical creature. A single feather touched down, as it brushed against her coat. Every fiber of her being wanted her to attack, to smite down the celestial being for cursing them to this fate. A loud snap echoed throughout the woods, as the ritual completed, a feeling of weightlessness came over her as she fell through the ground. She grappled onto the alabaster foal that floated down in front of her, she look up and blinked as they were swallowed up into the prismatic vortex. The old draconequus breathed a sigh of relief as he looked towards the night sky, “I hope we’re doing the right thing.” His white bushy brows moved on how wrinkled face. He huffed as he prepared for his journey. “Maelstrom, come, we have work to do!” He bellowed as he shuffled back to the door of the dead that lead to the realm of Tartarus. Maelstrom dashed back several large leaps as she kept avoiding the near misses of Discord’s chaotic weapon. Her coat was covered in beads of sweat as her chest rapidly tried to force as much oxygen as it could into the muscles that covered her. The crackle and cinder of the burning stump heated the bottom on her horse shoe as she put her weight on the wooden pillar. “Sorry Discord, it’s time for me to go.” She winked at the enraged draconequus as her daggers flew into the blacken leather holsters, sheathing themselves. She closed her eye as she bent down and leapt backwards into the air, her alicorn horn glowed as she fell back. Clang The top on her skull hit hard against the iron door. Her eyes crossed as she rubbed the large lump that started to form below her fur. “Son of a mule that really hurt, what the heck is going on Disarray you’re supposed to keep the door open?” The wary old draconequus pulled on the door, “It’s a pull door Maelstrom.” She winced, and rubbed the back of her neck, shaking off the dry, dead leaves that clung to her coat. She muttered more reprehensible curses as the pair walked back into the great dark iron door. As it finally shut, the air around the door shimmered as it faded from existence. A hissing sound pierced the night, as a black bastard sword flew through the air as it glided on the wind, straight into the clear waters of the pond. The chaotic energies of burned away on the raw emotion, as it feed on the mana font. Discord’s eyes glowed white as the glen was burn away as his flames incinerated the existence that it touched. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic © Hasbro I do not own the intellectual properties this fan-fiction is based on. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` > The Legend Begins in the most Cliché of Ways > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Head down and eyes firmly shut, Now that I think back on that day it seems so far away. James thought to himself as he sat against his mother’s grave. The embers of his cigarette burn down to no avail as all energy escaped him. No one, not a single soul was near. He being the only one to show up for his mother’s funeral was no surprise to him either. His father was never in his life. Mom’s family had disowned her before he was even born, she never did talk about them. The priest left after saying his blessing, James refused to cry in front of him, but when he left, the flood of sorrow and anguish swelled up inside of him, and he started to cry. A patch of dirt next to the grave felt his wrath as he connected a solid punch. Tear after tear swelled and fell from his eyes as memories of his mother passed him by. He didn’t even notice the rain had started and was slowly soaking his clothes. He loved the rain, there was something always calm and cooling about the way it felt against his skin. As he took realization of the situation, he walked to his car knowing it was time for him to leave. James open his door as routinely as it was, although this was different to him, as he took one last look outside the car window, he mumbled under his own voice knowing that she couldn’t hear him “Good Bye, mom.” James said, as if some trick of the light he took a hard look into the rain and noticed the rain was darker that was falling on his mother’s grave, as if the skies themselves weep for her passing. He dismissed it, as he started his car and took off for home. Although it was a short drive, it felt like it took forever for James too make it home. He pulled up to a white house on some now nameless street. Seems the neighborhood kids took the street sign, James thought. Trash was everywhere in his yard from Burger Queen Wrappers to some Mexican taken out boxes he never could pronounce. He opened the door to his house- not even being locked- knowing that this was a safe neighborhood. James walked in to the house to be greeted by… no one. The walls were lined with photos of him and his mother, the only family that he has ever known. He moved a lot due to his weird abilities, knowing that if anybody found out about the strange things that happened around him he would be taken away or even tested on. He couldn’t control it, one time when he was young he turned the table into two giant salt and pepper shakers, he turned the wallpaper to different hues and colors, one time he even flip the furniture so that it stuck to the ceiling. Although he could never control it for it just happened of its own accord, there was one thing that always happened no matter the time or place however. He walked into the kitchen thinking to himself he had gotten better at controlling it. He grabbed a piece of bread, and almost instantly the bread became cared black, he pick another and another, until the loaf laid strewed along the floor of pieces of blackened bread. “Well fuck.” He said to himself ignoring the mess on the floor, as he walked to the living room to get his mind off the events of today. He turned on the tv and change the channel to the hub network to enjoy his favorite show. My Little Ponies: Friendship is Magic. He had love the show since it came on the air, although he wish they had a more manly title sequence, but since it was aimed at little girls, he guess he had no right to complain. It was odd though was this was his mother’s favorite show as well. She was the one that introduce it to him. Although he never would admit liking it in front of his mother. It was still a show aimed for little girls. She loved it, it brightened her mood every time it aired. Or it used too. His mind now at ease, a smile was shown on his face after the mane six bested the Flim & Flam bothers in there cider making abilities. He turned off the television and decided to head to bed. As he walked upstairs past what used to be his mother’s room, he heard... giggling? “Who is there!” James said as he opened his mother's room to find no one. He checked the window to make sure it was locked, and left his mother’s room. He looked out the window and saw that the rain had gotten harder. “I really need some sleep”, he mumbled to himself as he walked into his room. He laid on his bed thinking about the events of the day as he drifted off to sleep. Knowing that tomorrow was going to bring another day, he unplugged his alarm. “I deserve some R & R” he thought to himself knowing that he will be yelled at for being late for work at his job at Burger Queen. He drifted off to sleep, unbeknownst to him this would be the last time he ever see the room again. "Time to come home, my dear little brother." --- “Wake up!” James felt a jab at his side. Groggy from what he felt like the worst sleep ever, James eyes flutter open slightly taking in the morning sun. He woke to a bright light of the sun rays bouncing off that seemed to be gilded armor on… a pony? Is that a pony? Taking a few seconds to take in the information, he found himself on the ground propped up against a statue from what to look like a snake... dragon... thing surround by topiary, as to his best guess was a garden. “What are you doing in the royal gardens?” The gilded pony spoke. James eyes shot wide as he pressed his back up again the pillar of the statue. “You... You spoke?” he stared at the gilded pony. How? What? Where? So many questions entered his mind as he tried to grip what was happening to him. “What seems to be the problem here?” As a pony with a white coat, a mane with pink and blues and a sun mark cast upon her flank. The gilded pony kneeled before her, “Princess Celestia I found this strange creature here resting, and there is no way nopony could get into the garden after nightfall, and he is not one of the royal pets, but he seems to know are language.” Dafuq is going on? She looked him up and down. James could feel her ever pressing stare upon him as he tried to figure out what was going on. “Bring him to the dining hall and gather Twilight and Shining Armor." The white alicorn pony trotted away. The guard bit the scruff of James's shirt and helped him up. “Come with me.” The guard pony said. James followed obediently behind him. To dazed to try and understand why Princess Celestia from a cartoon was now in front of him. How in the world did I get here? he thought. Walking slowly so that he could compose himself. There is no way I can be here of all places. He bit the inside of his cheek to check if he was dreaming or not. Sadly enough it had no effect, save for the blood that now filled his mouth. “So how did…” He stopped himself as he walked though into the dining hall. The walls were high as tapestries hung from the archways; he could hear his footsteps on the marbled floor as he walked with the guard. He noticed who would seem to be the servants of the castle peeking behind the corner of some of the pillars in the dining hall. He walked with the guard to the table. “Sit.” the guard spoke in a monotone voice that seemed new to him. He gladly sat down as he still tried to piece together how he got here in his mind. The guard walked away and gave a quick nod to another guard standing at the opposite end of the hall as he walked out. A minute grew into two, which grew into ten, as he sat there and waited. When he lost count of how long he did wait, a set of hoof steps broke the silence when a pony wearing purple armor and with a stern look on his face walked into the hall. James kept his silence, he remembered him from the wedding episodes. He was Shining Armor, Twilight's Brother. He sat across from me as we locked eyes, studying each other. “Good evening .“ James said with a light bow of his head. Shining Armor said nothing, and just kept on with his cold stare. Well nice to meet you too. When a set of hoof steps walked into the hall. Princess Celestia along with her protégé, Twilight. Not wanting to be rude and basically given up on understanding, James stood and gave a bow to show his respect to the princess. She gave him an understanding, but confused face as she sat at the head of the table. Shining Armor got up and walked to his sister. “Twily,” he smiled which eased James's mood a little so now at least he was not the target of his cold stare. She returned a smile and hugged her older brother. James sent her a smile which levied the mood a tiny bit, the room was silent after however. Princess Celestia was the first to speak. “What is your name and how did you get here?” She said. Simple enough of a question, he thought. I can’t alright and tell them that I’m from a world where you all cartoons. So like in situations like these, he had seen on cartoons and TV shows and movies from all walks of genres he did what had to be done. James winged it. “My name is James,” James spoke in a gentle tone. One that sounded regal and yet simple. Twilight made a noticeable shift in her seat as she looked at him as if he said something outrageous or weird. “How did you get here?” She repeated herself, her voice became sweet as if she could since James had become a little unease. “Celestia I…” “Princess Celestia.” Shiming Armor warned. “Princess Celestia, I do not know how I got here, I fell asleep in my bed and woke up here. I am sorry I do not know more than that.” James said looking down at the table trying not to avoid her gaze; his worlds were true and sincere. Silence filled the room as they thought. A thunderous roar came from the pits of James's stomach, his eyes widened as he had realized that he had not eaten in well over three days. Celestia smiled. "Well let us get you something to eat.” She said. “Do you think that is wise Princess Celestia, we do not know him, and for all we know, he could be a spy.” he stopped to give yet another ice cold glare toward James. “Brother I do not think that is the case, he does not have any magic on him as far as I can tell, nor can I sense any malevolent intention from him.” She said and gave James pretty smile, which did not seem to please Shining Armor. Yah, you tell him Twilight. “Come here.” as the princess called the servant from the corner of the room where she were hiding. “Make are guest here something to eat and please be quick about it.” As she waved a hoof in the air and the little mare darted off into the kitchen. Twilight leaned in and whispered into Princess Celestia ear, “I can’t help get the feeling that I have met him before, it is itching away at the back of my mind." “Only time will tell my student” She smiled and turns to James. “James was your name? Please tell us of the land you come from since there is not another like you in all of Equestria." You don’t know the half of it. He thought to himself trying to subdue the fact he was talking to a something he thought was made up. A young pretty mare walked over to James with a tray in her mouth; “I hope it is to your liking.” she smiled and ran away almost at full gallop. He looked at the tray, James remembered a lot from the show as far as he could tell it was hay fries, an apple, and a sandwich with cheese and lettuce. “If I may?" He looked at her with a questioning stare. “No, by all means.“ the princess said with glee. James smiled; “Thank you, I am really hungry” he picked up the sandwiched and the bread turned black and nearly combusted in his hand, Shining Armor stood up and slammed his hooves on the table. “I am sorry that happens when I touch bread, I don’t know what causes it myself, honest.” he said, hoping they would believe him, for even to him it sounded like a lie. Twilight gave an amazed look at James, as if he we some wild animal that has never been discovered. “You said he had no magic Twily” Shining Armor gave James a stern look. “He has no magic I can SENSE big brother.” and gave him an irritated glance. “You two settle down it is just some burnt toast,” said Princess Celestia; Whew, he thought to himself, Glad she is on my side. James picked up the apple and notice out of the corner of his eye Shining Armor flinch, It won’t explode, he thought to himself, but a smile crept on James's face at the thought of him being afraid of him with an apple. In less than ten seconds flat, the apple had been devoured. “That’s better, thank you, now I come from a land far away, it is a land not connected to Equestria in any way.” “So you know where you are?” she said with a puzzled look. “Yes, for the most part, although I don’t know why I am here or how I got…” Soon James's vision began to get fuzzy; he could feel his heart beginning to beat faster and faster. He saw Princess Celestia say something, but the words never came to his ears. His eyes fluttered shut, and the world became dark. "James… James… Are you awake?" James first sight was… Twilight as his eyes fluttered open, still groggy from whatever just transpired, she stood next to the bed by another mare, with pink hair and a red cross as a cutie mark. “Twilight what happened?” James said in a daze still on the effects of whatever medication they put in him while he was sleeping. “Well I would like to ask you that.” She gave a weird bashful smile like she was hiding something. “Where am I?” He said with a weak voice. “Canterlot Hospital, we did everything we could to try to dispel what happened to you but it seem not even Princess Celestia's magic could anything.” She said in a hurried voice to the point where it was almost inaudible. “What are you talking about?” He focused in, trying to read though the lines of what she was saying. James however let it go. “It’s OK, I guess my body just needed to get accustomed to my surroundings is all.” He had no idea how true that was. She wore a concern frown as she looked him in the eyes. He could tell she wanted to say something. James took his hoof and place it on hers and tried to comfort her. […] […] […] Hoof? James rips off his bedding and looked down at his body, shock over whelmed him as he sat there and stared at what was his body. His hair turn jet black, and ran his neck, he had a coat as white as snow, a white horn, hooves where his hands and feet were, to top it off a onyx black tail. Jesus H Christ I’m a god damn transformer. He laid there stretched out to examining his body, as he looked over to Twilight who was now blushing a deep red, he realized that my new accoutrement was sprawled out for her to see. James quickly covered himself up now blushing as much as her. “How did this happen?” He said keeping his tone as normal as he could. “Nopony knows, after you collapsed on the table you were surrounded in a weird prismatic wind, none, not even Princess Celestia could get near you. After a minute you fell to the floor with your new body. We rushed you over here as fast as we could. You have been in a deep sleep for almost a week." “She has been here every day checking on you, even refused to leave your side the first night.” said Red Cross with a smirk on her face. Twilight's face started to turn dark shades of red. You wouldn’t want to leave the side of a new species of talking life either. “Is Twilight’s colt-friend woken up yet?“ As a purple baby dragon walked into the room, biting into what looked like a sapphire cupcake. “SPIKE!” Twilight yelled, as he cringed in the corner of the room. “Sorry just having a little fun,” Spike informed. “Pleasure to make you acquaintance Spike,“ James said; the little dragon smiled. “Nice to meet ya’, I’m Spike, number one assistant to Twilight” He beamed with a huge smile on his face. Spike's demeanor changed, and he started to cough and hack until scroll flew out of his mouth, bits of cupcake attached the scroll. Twilight used her magic to levitate the scroll in front of her, after carefully removing the food particles. As she sat there reading the scroll, James took a minute to admire her features. She seemed to glow when she was reading… James blinked as he caught himself daydreaming. Dude she is a cartoon pony, I am sure there are some kind of laws against that. Something seemed off to him though, for some reason he felt like this is all happening way to fast, or that something was pushing him. Being turned into a pony was weird beyond all measures, yet he came to terms with it in mere seconds? He puzzled over conundrums in his head until he realized, Twilight was done reading her scroll. “Yes?” James said simply with a quick smile. “Well you should read it; the back half of the scroll is for you.” “Me?” Not here 7 days and I get mail, back in my world, I never even received a letter! Dear James: It has come to my attention that, by what means you came here will remain a mystery to us for now. I have my top magicians working on a way to get you back to normal. Time/Space magic being forbidden here in Equestria, this means that for whoever brought you here did it for somepony purpose. Due to the sensitive nature of your arrival, I am sending you to Ponyville. Until we can find a means to change you back, and find a way to send you back. My star pupil has volunteered loggings for you, and as long as you are here you are to remain secretive about your origins. Henceforth, you will now be known as Brave Knight, the seventh prince of Hoofington. I do hope you enjoy your stay here in Equestria. Yours Truly, Princess Celestia James sat there staring at the page, lulling over what he was reading; he looked up at Twilight and noticed her shifting in her seat. "As if I could say no to such an offer." James thought. “So.” James said with a smile on his face “How long is the walk to Ponyville?” :At the Castle: “Luna what do you think of Brave Knight?” Celestia asked her sister as they looked at him though her telescope on the balcony ledge. “Let’s hope that Twilight doesn’t dissect him trying to find out his secrets.” “He has an aura about him that seems familiar, almost dangerous.” “I see.” she paused for a few moments, “well let us see how things play out, if he is dangerous then he will be dealt with accordingly.” Celestia waited for a response, but got none. “Sister?” She looked at Luna staring into the telescope with derped look on her face. “What are you looking at?” She moved her sister to the side and saw Brave Knight's flank as he was standing near the hospital window. “LUNA!” > Unstrung Hero > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brave got off the train with the lilac mare and tiny purple dragon, he followed them in tow as they entered Ponyville Station.  He took a minute to admire his surroundings.  Being a small town train station there was not many ponies on the train, the main area of the station smelled of sulfur and burning oil.  The stone platform was a light grey color, and even had yellow paint marking the danger zones of the train.       “C’mon Brave move it, or lose it.” said Spike as he scooted ahead of Brave trying anxiously to get home for whatever reason.     Brave gave a quick nod as he trotted over to Twilight and Spike, taking note of the sounds he made as he walked across the wooden floor. That is a sound I need to get used to. he thought to himself as a smile crossed his face.     The group made their way out of the station, and as Brave stood there and took in the amazing sight of Ponyville, The grass was well worn and trotted on, but had green life in it all the same, the shops looked new and fresh in his mind as he walked along the grassed path. "I can’t believe this is all real" he thought to himself.  Taking in the sights of the town, and admiring the view of Twilight, Not a bad view from back here. He thought, suppressing a half-assed smile smile.     “I am going to run on ahead.” Spike said grinning to himself, he was holding a black bag with was looked to be filled with comic books.     "Hi Twilight, Welcome Home!"  A chipper voice spoke.     Twilight jumped in surprise to see standing next to her was Pinkie Pie with a wide smile perched on her face.     “Oh, hello Pinkie…what are you up too today?” Twilight said as she was making a vain attempt to calm her now expedient heart rate.     Pinkie didn’t answer, she moved closer to the white unicorn.  She put her face close to his narrowing her eyes  as if she were trying to peer into his soul.  “Do I know you?” She said questioningly.     “Well no—“     “This is Brave Knight.” Twilight chimed in as if it were a trivia question. “He is new to Ponyville and I—“     “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh.” Pinkie jumped up and down bouncing back and forth “I should have known since I know all the ponies of Ponyville, and I did not recognize you so that must mean your new which means...” Pinkie stopped all movement and just blinked, Brave and Twilight watch her. After what seem to be a minute of a Pinkie Pie statue, Twilight put a hoof on her shoulder, just for it to pass though, and Pinkie to vanish.     An after image? Well that is interesting. Brave thought.     “That’s Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes with a smile. “I have a friend named Applejack that runs a apple stand in town, we are going to head there first, to pick up some more food for the house.” She stopped and changed direction to the central square.     Rows and rows of stalls and carts lined the streets and ponies came and went, a majority of them were mares. The pair walked up to a wooden cart parked along the edge of the street, with a makeshift table an apple sign on the front it.  Behind the table sat three fillies, wearing red aprons with wide smiles, while an orange mare with a cowboy hat sat in the shade of a nearby tree trying to watch over them.     “Good morning girls.” said Twilight as she walked up to the table. “You girls are helping Applejack today with the sales?”     “Were trying to earns our cutie marks!” the three said in unison. “Cutie Marks Crusaders Apple Assistants!” They three started to giggle.     “Well girls, I need three baskets of apples.” Twilight gestured over to the cart where the huge baskets were stored.     Brave trotted next to her, to get a better look at the crusaders, they were just like was he imagined. Brave took a side glance at Applejack under the tree and tried not to make it look to obvious that he was looking her over, you could tell from her build she lived on a farm, a fine coat and lean muscles in all the right places.       “That’s a lot of apples Miss Twilight.” The little filly with the grey coat remarked. “Why do you need so many?”     A long uncomfortable pause struck the air as Brave waited for her to answer. It’s not that embarrassing. he thought. I guess being a male it might be a little weird.     “I will be staying with her at her house for a while.” Brave said, the little fillies stared at him with wide eyes. Damn these girls are too cute for their own good, I bet they make a killing today in apple sales.     Sweet Bell looked back and forth from me and Twilight several times and then a sly smile grew on her face. “Miss Twilight is he your very special somepony? Is he, is he?"     Brave heard a hard cough then a small chuckle from the tree, as obvious as it was Applejack was enjoying this conversation. “Now sugarcube, stop pestering Twilight, you know full well not to go prying into other ponies personal business." said Applejack as she walked closer to Brave, examining him like he was a basket of apples being ready to be sold. “Ain't I have seen you before somewhere? You seem familiar."     Brave changed his stature and introduced himself. “I am Prince Brave, this is my first time in Ponyville, so I am sure we have never met."  As he gave a little bow in show of respect. God this is fun. Almost immediately the sound in the area dropped to nothing.  As if someone turned off the volume of the world. Brave turned and everypony in the square had their eyes on Brave.  Brave felt a little awkward from a now his self-realizing, overzealous way of his introduction.       “OK, OK every-pony nothing to see here move along move along.” Applejack stood in front of Brave with a serious look on her face, “Don’t mind the hassle Brave, we don’t get many hoity toity princely types around these parts."     Brave sat next to the cart until the prying eyes of the square left and the town center came to have some normalcy. Damn I should learn to keep my mouth shut.     “Brave you should really think a little bit before you go saying your title.” Twilight said in a motherly scornful tone. "Furthermore—“     “Oh my gosh!” the little orange filly shouted with a peeped voice as she was looking at Brave. “You…you don’t have a cutie mark!” She said with eyes narrowed to the point of pins.  The crusaders walked over to him and stared at my flank, Apple Bloom even poked it to see if she was seeing was real.       “I never found my special talent.” Brave said in a gentle tone, he gave the girls a big smile but to no avail, what he saw on their faces looked to be the ultimate mixture of horrors and sadness, like some-pony crack the fabric of their very essence. Crap i forgot about these three. They really do obsess about cutie marks.     “What if…” Apple bloom sniffled holding back tears. “What if we become an old fuddy duddy like him and never get our cutie marks!”     Fuddy Duddy?!?!, OLD! I’m 22. Brave thought. Wait... how old am I in horse years? Is that like dog years? Maybe I’m like 90 in horse years.     “Are you ok there Sugarcube?” Applejack walked over and shooed the CMC team back to the table, there faces still sad from the thought of them never finding their cutie marks. “Your eye is twitchin’.”     Brave got up and shook himself off, “Thank you but I am quite alright, sticks and stone and all that.” he gave her a small smile to know that he was not lying. “Now let’s get those apples.”       Twilight’s horn glowed as she lifted the three baskets in the air, “Put the bits on my account Applejack, if you don't mind.”     “You sure about that sugarcube? You're still owe quite a bit of bits.”     “It’s alright I can pay you off at the end of the month.” She looked down at the ground and kicked a little piece of dirt.     “Ok, hun you and Brave have a nice day.” She waved hoof and sat back down underneath the oak tree, now sitting comfortably while she watched over the crusaders. - - -     They walked across town, and took in a few sites, they walked past the boutique. He listened to Twilight talk about all her friends, since she came here to Ponyville, He already knew most of the story but couldn’t help himself seeing how happy she was talking about her friends.  They took a small delay to window shop, to no surprise, Twilight was more enthralled of fancy quills and parchment over the  other oddities that they saw.  After an hour they decided that it was time to head back, although Twilight decided to take the scenic route back, the path had few houses,  and the smell that drifted off of Ponyville Lake was mystical.     “WATCH OUT!” Screamed a voice from above.     Thud.     Brave could feel a deep pinch in his chest as he looked above.     Thud. Thud.     A wooden crate the size of a large couch had fallen from a pegasi moving truck; it was falling straight for Twilight; she looked up, frozen in terror as the crate for toward her.     Thud     *You better stop it or she’ll die.*     Immediately he tried to tap into the magic, Brave focused all his thoughts on his horn to stop the crate from falling… nothing.     Thud. Thud.     Brave did the next smartest thing, he charged over to Twilight and pushed her out of the way. He braced myself for impacted; Well I had a good run, I hope I get major brownie points in heaven for self-sacrifice. I can tell mom I met a pony.  he felt the edge of the crate hit his back, then... then... he felt…wet? It felt like someone drop a tub of water on him. He stood there blinking, soak from head to hoof, Brave looked up and the crate was gone.  The water soaked into the ground below, apples strewed across the ground in every direction.  Brave stood there looking with amazement thinking on how he wasn’t dead. How in the hell am I not dead?     “Are you alright?” Twilight said as she ran over to Brave. ”Did you hurt yourself, how did the crate...” She trailed off asking a million questions at once.  A butch looking pegasus with a clipboard few down from the moving cart.     “Are you two alright?” They both gave a nod, although Twilight was looking over Brave's body over to see if there was any damage. “Strangest thing, the rope that was holding that crate up disappeared.” He reached into the pocket on his side satchel, “I found this though.” he held up some black liquorish. “I found it on the bottom of the moving cart.”     The Pegasi flew down from the cart and gave there apologizes over and over again, they even helped pick up the apples and three movers took the baskets and told there were going to deliver them as a way of making amends.  After what seemed to be forever the crew packed up and moved on. - - -     They walked slowly to Twilight's house, Twilight was looking down the whole time as they walked.     Twilight stopped short of the library, he looked over at her and she looked like she was about to cry.       “What’s wrong?”  Brave said with a frightening thought “Did I hurt you when I shoved you, I really didn’t mean to be honest, and I just could think a better way...” He lowered my head to match hers hoping she could see that he was telling the truth.     Twilight walked and put her forehead against his chest, “Thank you...” he could feel tears coming down the front of his alabaster coat. “Thank you...” she sniffled as she tried to hold back some of her tears. “Thank you...but... WHAT WERE YOU THINKING. I could have stopped the crate from falling. I was about to when you pushed me. What if you died, do you know what the Princess would do to me!?”     “I am just glad you’re alright.” You could be a little more apersheative, damn uppity unicorn. I am the wont who just saved your tail. She pressed her chest against his, the initial reaction catching the stallion off guard. “Thank you though, it was sweet.” The stallion didn't say anything, this felt too much like a cheesy romance scene and it was his first one. He didn't know what to say.     They stood there for what felt like an eternity, she broke away and rub her eyes a bit as she tried to compose herself, they headed for the library.     Twilight opened the door to the library and noticed it was pitch black inside. All the lights were out and the blinds were shut as well. The lilac unicorn went in along with Brave and tried to turn on one of the lights. The lights suddenly flicked on and the blinds opened, letting in a burst of light that almost blinded the pair.     "SURPRISE!"  A large crowd of ponies yelled.     Brave and Twilight jumped and looked around the library in awe. All of the town’s citizens were in the library giving big grins and had party favors in their mouths. The ceiling was covered with balloons and streamers hanging from it. There were various sweets all around from cupcakes to pies of all flavors. Suddenly in the blink of an eye, Pinkie popped up in front of the pair. Brave and Twilight jumped in surprise once more.     “Hey guys, what took you so long we been in the dark her for over an hour.” The pink ball of mare bounced back and forth blowing on her party favor. “Did you get lost, I don’t see how you could have gotten lost since you almost in the middle of town and its easy to get here since the library is so big, I hope you still know how to get to my house, just remember it right above the Cake’s store.”     “Thank you Pinkie Pie.” Brave said and smiled at her, hoping that she would tone it down a bit.     “Call me Pinkie, all my friends call me Pinkie and I am now you friend so now you can call me Pinkie.” She said as she gave Brave a huge smile and she move closer to him.     “Alright thank you very much for the party… Pinkie.”     “Yahoooooooooo.”, she danced back and forth with her hooves shaking in the air with glee.     The door to the library opened behind them, as a white unicorn walked in wearing a white dress studded with gems of all shapes and sizes. On her neck was perched a gold facet with a large red heart shaped ruby. “Did I miss the Prince?” she said, i met her gaze and she strode over to me, walking as elegant as if this were some formal party.     “You must be the Prince that Twilight was showing around town.”     “How did you know that.” Twilight said with a small amount of irritation in her voice.     “Its Ponyville darling, word gets around faster than Rainbow Dash.” She gave him a small wink. “I also heard that you already saved my friends life from a falling crate.” The room quieted down a bit as now there were all listening in. “Pushed at damsel in distress out of the way and sacrificing yourself for her, such a gentle colt thing to do, and such a rare and far between things for a Prince to do."     Brave stood there blushing furiously as she worded his exploits like he was some kind of superhero. “Yes, that did happen.” Brave shrugged trying to keep a leveled head about the situation. Well its been five minutes and i'm already a hero. I think im off to a great start.     “No need to be humble darling.“ She walked over to Twilight and gave her friend a hug. “You saved my friend and for that I am in your debt. If you need anything at all, come by my boutique, I will make it worth your while.” Brave gulped a pool of saliva that have been forming at the back of his throat.      “Three cheers for are Brave,” screamed some-pony in the background who sounded like he was already drunk on the hard cider.     “HIP HIP HARA! HIP HIP HERA! HIP HIP HERA!” Everypony cheered in unison     Ponyville celebrated the rest of the day with their newcomer.  After a long night of pin the tail on the pony, and Monopony, things quieted down and Twilight waited for all the guests to leave before making a makeshift attempt on picking up.     “Don’t worry about cleaning up, you had a hard day, you should get some sleep.” Brave said hoping she would listen since she was obviously tired from today’s events.     “Thank you, your right I should get some sleep.” She trotted besides him with a mad blush on her face.     “I will set up the guest bed in Spike's room tomorrow for now you can sleep in my room."     Brave stared at her with bewilderment No freaking way this is going to happen… awesome. Thank god mom is dead, i would never want to tell her I am losing my virginity to a cartoon pony.     Brave followed in toe with a shit-eating grin on his face I’m going to get lucky. I’m going to get lucky. and found a separate bed opposite to hers.  Brave felt my eye twitch as he resisted the urge to facehoof. Of course there is another bed. Brave watched her crawl into bed; he walked over and nuzzled her cheek. She blushed madly as he smiled and walked over to his bed and crawled in, with a few twists and turns he was now comfortable.     “Good Night Twilight." Brave said.     “Good Night.” Twilight squeaked.     Brave resisted the urge to laugh as his body soon began to get heavy, as his eyes fluttered shut, and he fell into the land of dreams.         :Canterlot Garden:     “Daddy are you sure it’s him?” An earth pony with a purple coat, white and purple mane and a propeller cap on her head with a screw and a baseball for a cutie mark.     *Yes.* came a voice from the darkness. *Your brother has finally come home.* > Black Feilds of Ember Grey > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As night drifted into day as Luna worked her magic on the stars, Brave laid there in bed, fully awake after only a few hours of sleep.  The evening’s festivities still playing out in his mind, from a single dance with Pinkie and her 'Pony-Pokie' that nearly knocked the wind out of him trying to attempt. Rarity making to much of a huge deal about making a suit for him, even after he said it was alright. Brave's mind settled, he leaned forward to get a view of his surroundings.         There was a large window looking out on the left side of the room, the moons light stuck against the rug on the floor.  The rug itself had a pattern of Luna and Celestia raising and lowering the moon.   Not something he would have in his room, but considering she was the princess’s protege, Brave thought it might have been very fitting.  She had a nightstand next to her, wooden and well-polished to with a fine finish, there was even a few books underneath her bed, that looked like...romance novels?  Her bed looked comfy but from the way she was tossing and turning in the bed Brave thought she may have some loose hay or have a vivid dream of some sort.     After a hour of laying in bed, and failing to get any more sleep, Brave decided to make myself useful, and do a little bit of cleaning before Twilight got up.  Brave took in a lungful of air and made his way out of the bed, attempting to make as little of noise as possible. He noticed her shift in a awkward position, immediately reacting to this, Brave slowed his breathing and made every attempt to step as lightly as he could. Thanks to the door being opened, Brave's escape attempt went off without a hitch. Now finding himself at the top of the stairs, he quietly shut the door behind him. Next to Twilight's room, was Spike's room, which was easy to spot thanks to it being the only other room at the top of the stairs, and the obvious scorch marks on the door.         He made his way down the stairs, amazing what a mess was left after the party.   Brave made my way to the kitchen sink and grabbed the pale of water that had gathered from the dripping faucet. He reach for a rag that was at the end of the counter, but a idea came into the back of his mind. He now stared at the piece of cloth, he focused all of his thoughts into the tip of his horn,  the cloth did not budge.  Move... Brave mumbled to himself, he was now staring daggers at the poor, innocent cloth. Arise, shift, teleport, dance... do something! The cloth however remained still.  Giving a defeated sigh he grabbed the rag and got to work, the old-fashioned way.           - - -         The sun peeked into the library; the floors were mopped to a fine shine.  The piles of books they laid across the floor were put into their proper place, while he was putting away the books however, Brave spotted one of Spike’s comic books crammed in between two dusty old tomes on the highest shelf. Curiosity getting the better of him, he opened the comic to see what type of comic he was reading.  Low and behold the inkling he had in the back of his mind was true, why Spike wanted to get home so badly.  The comic book had been gutted out and replaced with a Playcolt magazine.          Brave opened it up to a livid photo of a unicorn pony who had white coat with a black mane, her eyes were deep green, she was laying down spread eagle.  There was a red ribbon tied around her body, obvious wet marking around her marehood were dripping from her onto the bed. Her hair tossed to the side, like she had just finished the worlds best orgasm. The best part was frosting written on her body that said ‘Happy Birthday’.  After taking in the photo in his mind for several moments, he closed the book and put it back in it hiding place. For a dragon Brave thought to himself. He had great taste in ponies. Wait... why did I think that?         A few hours past as Brave finished cleaning the rest of the library, he walked out to the deck and took in the morning sunshine.  The view was magnificent, the sky was painted with a spectrum of reds, yellows, and blues. Celestia herself must have been working overtime to make today.           “Are you there Brave?” Brave heard Twilight call from the next room.         “Yes, coming.” Brave made his way back into the library.         “Did you do all of this last night?” She motioned to the entirety of the library.         “I had time, so I decided to pick up a little.” Brave looked away trying my hardest to be humble. Damn straight i did it.         “Thank you so much this is really sweet, as a thank you, let me take you out to breakfast, my treat.”         “That sounds divine.” Brave said with a smirk on his face         She laughed, “I know your cover is to be a prince but you can talk normally around me.”          “Kay.” Brave said a smirk still plastered on his face. I am glad she wanted to go out, I really didn’t want grass. he thought. Maybe ponies eat meat, this is a magical cartoon land after all.          She walked over to the small closet where she kept her saddle bag, she caught his eye as she bent over to retrieve her bag, her plot basically hung in the air as she tried to wrench out the bag that had gotten stuck on something. She wiggled and pulled at her saddled bag, making grunting noises as she tried to work it free. All the while, shaking her plot in front of him, as it swayed back and forth, Brave's eyes following it like a cat ready to pounce on a yarn ball.  Does she even know what she is showing off? Brave just watched, this was almost as good as the magazine he just found.         There was a small snap, and Brave barely had enough time to look away, pretending to take a heavy interest in the potted plant next to the door. After she put on her saddle bag, they left the library.         “Brave what do you want to do today.”  Twilight she said with a wisp in her voice and from what Brave could see, she had a small bounce in her step.           “Actually there was something, one that I would like to do in private though.” He glanced at her, and the look on her face was priceless, her face bright red shining through her coat.         “Hey none of that now!” she said.         He tried his best to not laugh, he didn't realize what he said until after, but Brave did what any guy would do in this situation, he played the dumb card.         “What are you talking about?  I was hoping you would teach me a little magic.” Which he really did want to learn, he wanted to have abilities he could actually control.         “Oh... that.” she said as if she was disappointed, but it faded so fast Brave never caught it, she was smiling from ear to ear. “I would love to teach you, I have many books that you can read, and we can practice behind the library if you want to.” Thats when he lost her, she went into a tangent of magical properties, while quoting references from ponies that he have never heard of, but she was positively glowing as she spoke about magic.         “Let’s eat here.” she cut off randomly mid-sentence.  Taking in a second to realize that he spent the last five minutes just looking at her and absorbing next to none of what she said.         The place she wanted to eat at was a small sit down restaurant, with an open canopy theme.  They took their seats and almost as immediate as the two sat down, a cute mare with a black coat and blue mane and tray for a cutie mark came bustling over to the table.         “What can I get for the young couple.” She nudged Twilight's shoulder and gave her a empathic wink, Twilight blushed and shifted in her seat a little before telling her that Brave was just a friend.           “I would like the Daffodil Special with some water.” she said after she took a minute to examine the menu.        Dammit there is no meat... CRAP. “I will take a cherry salad with water.” and before Brave could say that was all, she was already gone.   Brave sat there enjoying the view of Twilight in front of him, although he tried not to stare. Brave notice something though, that he did not see before.  She was wearing a hairpin, it was silver with a coil inline pin at the end was pegasus with its wings flared out.           “That is a beautiful pin.” she looked down at the table to give him a better look.           “Thank you, it’s my mother’s.” She bounced her mane back. The waitress came back with the orders. The pair, being slightly taken back by the speed of which she attended to them.         “Tell me a little bit about your mother.” Brave asked her,  in hindsight he should have rephrased the question, but she told him about her mother, giving away more details about her than Brave would care to recall. Time past and she sat there still talking about her mother. How she met her dad. They ate while she talked, he sat there taking in every bit of information she gave him, trying his best to care.  Although a simple “She is nice.” would have been enough.         Oh thank god the bill is here. Wait should I say Celestia now... meh Il play it by ear. Brave thought, never in his life had he been so happy to see such a paper.         “Here you two go, and thank you for your patronage.” she said as she gave Twilight a small wink, and trotted off to help the table at the far side of the restaurant.         Twilight took a small purple pouch out of her bag; as she looked into the pouch and gave an almost inaudible “eep…”         “What’s wrong?”  Brave said.         She didn’t say anything however, she poured the entire bag onto the check and stood and walked away with one fluid motion. Brave could see sweat drip for her brow.  She trotted fast down the street, following alongside of her, she had a freighted face. They walked in silence all the way back to the library.  Once the pair made it inside, only then did Brave speak.         “What was the rush, we were having a great time.” Brave said with caring tone, trying to hide all concern he in his voice.         She mumbled something inaudible, and looked away.         “C’mon you can tell me.” He gave her a comedic smile, she didn’t find it funny.         “I just...”she looked at him with near tears in her eyes. “I barely had enough to leave a tip.”         For the love of Celestia of all the…hmm feels weird saying Celestia. Brave thought, but then it hit him that she, didn’t have enough to even pay for the apples yesterday.         “Are you having money troubles?” He said with more seriousness in his voice than he intended.         “Yes,” she said flatly. “My job here is to run the library, but the income from it is barely enough to keep the place afloat, that along with the small month allowance Princess Celestia sends me, is barely enough to cover food.”         There was a long silence, he looked at her and she the floor.  There is only one thing to do then. She gave him a questioning looked, which he was happy to see, since she stopped looking so sad. Brave walked over to the table and picked up the ‘Equestria Daily Newspaper’, one of the newspapers he found when he was cleaning that morning. He sat on his haunches and began tearing through the 'Help Wanted' section.  Twilight looked over his shoulder, her face her face went stern.         “No no no no no, you can’t do that you’re my guest and—“ Brave put his hoof over her mouth and cut her off.         “I am doing this, there is no way I can consider myself a gentlecolt if I have my friend pay for everything for me.“  She smiled at him when he said the word 'friend'. That and if could look at myself in the mirror if i stayed here rent free and didn't do a damn thing. I am not a bum.          “Alright.” she said and sat next to him looking over the paper.         Time to man up err stallion up. Got to get used to that.  Brave thought to himself, memories of him working as a cook at Burger Queen entered his mind. Brave's left eye gave a small erupted twitch at the thought. I will do anything but fast food. After reading through most of the articles, Brave found out something about myself, he have no dam skills whatsoever.   Then he spotted it, at the bottom of the page, the miracle job that solve most of their problems. Apple Bucking Season, Strong Stallions Needed, Sweet Apple Acres, Apply in Person.           “I got it, and I meet all the skills required.” He showed her the article; she then gave him a besmirched look.           “So the only skill you got is being strong?”  Twilight said.         Brave puffed out his chest, and looked as manly as possible, giving a striking pose. “Yes!” Twilight almost fell over laughing, whether it was from his stupid pose, or of his honesty about himself, it was a good laugh.           “There is no time like the present let’s being off.” He added a tinged of seriousness to my voice.         “Wait… now? Like right now?”         “Yes.” Brave said flatly,  walking out the library and into the street, as he made his way down the road, completely absorbed in his ‘way to serious’ mode.         “Wait Brave, stop.” I heard Twilight calling.         “I am doing this, Twilight! You can't stop me!” Brave shouted back.         “You’re going the wrong way, Sweet Apple Acres is this way.” Brave took an swift 180° turn still in full serious mode.         “Oh.” Brave said, he walked alongside her down a dirt road that led out of Ponyville.  It was about midday and the sun was high in the sky, all thanks to Princess Celestia.  Brave could tell that she was still uncomfortable with him getting a job.  What else a colt to do in this situation?  He thought.  Some other ideas came into his mind, but this seem to be the best one by far. One even involving a magic show and two dancing bears.         - - -         They came up to the archway made of wood; it had the Apple Family logo on the top of the archway.  The wood was white oak with grass growing tall near the posts on the fence. On either side of the fence were fields and fields of apple trees. Brave followed Twilight in toe all the way to the Apple Family main house.  Rustic would be the best word to describe this place, the house though did seem homily at least from the outside.         “Evening Sugarcube.” An orange mare came out from the shed near the left side of the house. “What brings you to these neck of the woods, not pleased as a peach to see ya'.”           “I saw your ad in the paper, I was wondering if it was still available.” Brave said.         Applejack chuckled, “Well I see my ad caught some ponies attention at least, but what would drive a prince to do a work horses job? Don’t you have a mountain of bits to your name?”         “I want to earn my keep.” Giving her the simplest, most honest answer.  She stared Brave down but he stood there unwavering.           “Fine Brave, but I don’t make the final call.  Go to the east field and talk to my brother Big Mac, He will give you a little strength test, if you pass I would love to have you working here.”         “Well alright then.” Brave gave her a small nod and headed toward the eastern field.         “Twilight let’s get something to drink and catch up, Brave will be fine alone.” Twilight agreed and they went inside, Twilight gave Brave a long look before she finally let the door shut.         - - -         Brave made his way down the apple filled path, after about several minutes of walking he finally spotted a stallion with a red coat, the one and only Big Mac.   He struck a tree hard with his hind legs; Brave was quite amazed at the amount of apples that fell from the tree.           “You must be Big Macintosh.” Brave spoke loud enough to get his attention; seeing he was being watch must have threw off his balance, he missed the tree  completely sending himself flying backwards to land on his undercarriage.         “Eeyup.” He said, Brave waited for him to ask the obvious question of “Who are you?” but after getting up he simply walked to the next tree.         REALLY?         “Big Mac!” Brave yelled, he turned back once again.  “Applejack sent me; you’re supposed to test my strength.”         He stopped and gave Brave hard look, and point to the tree next to him.  “Kick.” he simply said, Big Mac obvious a colt of very few words.         Brave walked over and struck the tree with his hind leg with a forceful kick, as a reward, a single apple flew to the ground in the bucket below. “How was that?”, He noticed an irritated glean in Big Macs eyes,         “No like this.”  as he kicked the next tree, oddly though a single apple fell from his kick.         “I see.” Not calling attention to the obvious. “So like this?” Brave kicked the next tree with more force than the one before, by some stroke of luck, he struck the sweet spot, and the rain down apples.         Big Mac's face was turning red, as his eyes flared, “No like this.” he bucked the tree with full force and all the apples few to the bottom.         Brave didn't know why, but he didn't want to be out shadowed by the farm pony. He bucked the next tree and it prized him with all the apples on the tree, he turn to Big Mac and gave him smug smile. Back and forth, tree after tree for almost near twenty minutes. Brave's body was drenched in sweat, as well as Big Mac, an apple landed on Brave face and smashed opened, covering his face and coat in sticky white sauce.  For the first time, Big Mac laughed, Brave didn’t think it was so funny.  Brave lost his temper, a familiar pinch in his chest sent a shock throughout his body as he bucked the next tree.         A loud thundering crack filled the orchard that could be heard for miles around.         “Watch out!”         :30 Minutes before drinking sweet tea in the house:         “Now Twilight what’s wrong with that colt friend of yours, I know I put the ad up an’ all, but I never thought any pony would actually apply, Let alone Brave.”         “He is not my colt friend.” Twilight said with her face turning slightly red. “He is staying at my place under Celestia’s orders.”         “Well you seem pretty attached to em’.” Applejack said as she sipped on her sweet tea. “Although.” She looked out the window toward the orchard. “For a prince he looked to be about as well built as my brother.“ Twilight gave her a questioning look. “Hey don't look at me like your Miss Innocent, you were staring at his flank as much as I was.” Applejack, said with a defensive tone in her voice, and a small smirk on her face.           “Well I...” Twilight mumbled something under her breath.         “What is it sugarcube?" Twilight glance back.         “It’s complicated, I can’t say why.”         “Ahh, Twilight.” Applejack walked over and gave her friend a hug. “Don’t worry about the small things too much Twilight, sometimes you just need to do what feels right.”  The two sat there held in a friendly embrace, “I still can’t believe the body on him though, how could you sleep knowing that was under your roof?"         Twilight laughed, “He is new, I don’t think he is even interested in any pony.”           They both gave a mottled “sigh”, at this moment a thunderous crack sound came from the east orchard. They both looked at each other.         “Let’s go.” Twilight's horn glowed and she teleported her and Applejack to the eastern orchard.         - - -         Twilight and Applejack popped up next to a fallen apple tree, the trunk had been completely shattered with wood every which way, even bits of shards of wood were embedded in the apples on the nearby trees.  Then they heard loud grunting noises, “You’re lucky I came just in time, that was a tight fit.” she recognized it as Macintosh voice as she looked across the broken tree and she saw them.         Big Macintosh was on top of Brave in a tight embrace, sweat covered their bodies as there lean masculine bodies shined in the sun.   “What are you to doing?” She screamed at the two stallions as they frantically tried to get up. Brave was the first to speak “I just finished the job interview.” Twilight noticed Braves face was covered in a white sticky substance. Big Mac was breathing hard and his body completely spent from physical exertion.         “What...did...you!” Twilight felt drowsy unable to comprehend what she was seeing and quite literally passed out from shock.                   :Entrance of the Ponyville:         A pretty young mare, only just old enough to be considered a mare instead of a filly, came bounding up the street with a hop in her step.         Screwball hummed to herself as he made her way across Ponyville. ~Do do do do~         ~Oh big brother of mine, today we will shine~         ~Only time would tell the day you fell~         ~Finally we can be a family of three~         ~All thanks to are special daddy~         She looked at the map that seemed to be nothing but scribbles.  She stopped in front of the library with a smile on her face she opened the door to the library “Big Brother I am HERE!” but found with nothing but silence.         “BIG BROTHER!” she screamed up the stairs.         “Who is there?” said Spike as he made his way off the balcony, irritated that he was woken up from his afternoon nap.         “You’re not my brother.” she looked hard at Spike, as she examined him for traces of chaos. “No you’re definitely not my brother.”         Spike however, was nearly entranced by her; the childlike mare in front of him had the most beautiful eyes he had seen since Rarity. Her pink and purple irises spiraled in on themselves.         “Pretty...” Spike said as he stared at her.         ”Thank you.” she gave him a playful wink.         Spike nearly melted “My name is Spike.” he said, a silly childlike smirk started to grow on his face.         "I'm Screwball.” She walked closer to Spike. “Have you seen my brother?”         “What’s his name?”         “I don’t know.”         “You don’t know your own brother’s name?”  Spike looked confused.         “Nope.” Screwball said it like it was normal.         “Well what does he look like?”         “I have no idea.”         “Ahhh I see, so… how do you know he is your brother.”         “Daddy said so.”         “Who is your dad?”         “I can’t say silly, daddy said I can’t talk about him.” Screwball crossed her hooves and gave a access denied sign.“I got to go and find my brother, so I will see you around.” She turned and bounced out the door.         “Wait…” Spike near yelled.         “Hmmm?” She turned back.         “Can I... see you again, maybe?” Spike nearly froze as the words left his mouth. Did I just say that?         “After I find my brother, I will stop back.“ She gave him another playful wink. “Bye cutie.”         Spike couldn’t move, all he could do was watch her leave the library.         :The road outside Ponyville:         The sun drifted into the evening sky, the sky was flared with purple and red. “Quite a sight to behold” Brave said to myself. Twilight was passed out on Brave's back, he could feel her steady breathing on his neck, accompanied by a slight amount of drool; it was calming and also oddly arousing. The hardest part of the day was trying to get Applejack to stop laughing from the previous encounter.  At least when she got up Brave had good news to tell her.         He got the job. > Filly Fooler & Fever Fun? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz         With a swift jolt, with a hard pressed hoof, Brave shut off the alarm clock that Twilight had given him.  Brave's eyes fluttered open as he looked at the clock...4:30a.m. He gave a long sigh as he drudge out of the bed. Today marked the 3rd day of his new job.  He could see why nopony else even applied for the job, as the aches and pains from his muscles did not fully recovered from the day before.  Brave softly tread along the floor to not disturb Spike sleeping in the corner. He had moved into Spike's room the day before yesterday.  Spike was not pleased with the thought of sharing his room, but since then has come to accept it.  The purple dragon was sound asleep on his bed; or basically it was a large basket with several large black pillows fill with down feathers.           Brave made his way out of the room, and down the stairs, taking great care not to step on the steps the creaked. Brave took the large bucket from kitchen cabinet, and made his way over to the sink filling it with ice cold water.  With the bucket held firmly in his mouth, he step outside the door of the library, he took a moment to admire the morning sky.  It was still dark out, but the moon was still bright as the evening sun.  He picked up the bucket of water, and closing his eyes as he poured it over his head.  The cool feeling ran over his face, and as it, did tiredness left his body.  Then he could taste it. "Chocolate milk?" He licked his lips again to make sure.  His mane felt sticky, and then it hit him, it happened again. A spike of irritation ran throughout his body.  After shaking off the as much of the chocolate milk as he could, he made his way to the sink and showered himself.  A loud rumble left his stomach; he shrugged it off, and decided he would just eat at Applejack’s.         ---         It was about a forty minute walk to Sweet Apple Acres.   The cool morning wind was a nice feeling on his coat, as he made his way past the front gate, to the main house of the Apple Family. The lights were on in the house, as usual this time in the morning, and the mystical smell of Applejack's famous pancakes, red apple pancakes covered in a light syrup, with salted cream butter and strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. The smell alone was enough to put a tear to Brave's eye, he was right to wait for breakfast.         “Come on in Brave breakfast is ready.” It was amazing how she could tell he was there even before he knocked. She was in a green apron with an apple mark on the front. The room had a warm feel about it, it seemed much lived in.  Anypony could tell it was a good home.         “Morning Miss Applejack.” Brave said as respectfully as he could with a tinge of a southern drawl. Brave tried his hardest not to imitate her southern accent, although once in awhile it slips out. If she ever noticed it, she never mentioned it.         “Now cut the Miss part, Brave were friends now. Now come and eat, I have a plate set up just for you.” Brave swallowed the droll that had been forming at the back of his mouth as he seen the stack of pancakes that sat on the table.         “I’d be my pleasure.” Brave licked his lips as he made his way to the table. "Like I would ever pass up a free meal."         “But first can you do me a favor, can you go to the barn and get Apple Bloom and her friends.  They tried to get their cutie marks last night for stargazing.  Silly fillies are trying to hard.” Brave looked longingly at the pancakes and then made his way to the door.           Brave made his way to the red barn near the hill, for what he could tell it seemed quite new like it was built just recently.  Brave pushed his way through the side entrance. It was dark but there was enough sun out to light a dim path to the stairs leading to the hay loft. The barn was littered with tools and hooks for pulling trees and chains. At the back end was a near was a locked trunk on the floor of the basement.  Brave dismissed the trunk and made his way to the stairs.           The hayloft was filled with… hay. At the far end near the hay loft gate was three little fillies cuddle together under a comforter.  It was a precious sight to behold, it was tempting not to wake them, but there was apple pancakes to be had and it was either them or the pancakes, Brave already made his choice.         “C’mon girls time to get up.” Brave said as he walked over and gently took the comforter off the three little fillies. “Time to get… up?”  The three fillies were covered head to hoof in sweat, there bodies were visibly shivering and each had a unhealthy red shine to their foreheads.  Brave leaned down and put his forehead to each of the small fillies, taking their temperature by comparing it to his.         “Ahhh!” Sweetie Bell screamed when she opened her eyes to see Brave with his forehead pressed against hers. ”What are you doing?”         "I am checking your temperatures, now stay still.” Brave commanded in a stern fatherly voice, she listened, she was staring right into his eyes as he check her over.         “You three have fevers, did you stay here all night?” he knew the answer, but waited for her to acknowledge their mistake.  “C’mon, lets go.” They remained still, Sweetie Bell fell back next to her friends, joining them in their sickly state.   Then Brave got an idea…         :Back at the house:         Brave walked into the house with a mouthful of comforter. The three fillies were stack on top of each other, each looking like they had seen the gates of tartarus.  “What in tarnation are you doing?“ Applejack shot Brave a serious look.  He didn’t answer her. "Do you really want me to answer that question right now?" Brave thought.         Brave made his way to Apple Bloom's room upstairs, and set the trio on her bed.  It was kind of small for the three girls, but it would have to do. Applejack followed in after, finally taking note of the situation, she lowered her voice.           “What happened?” Brave walked into the kitchen to not disturb the sleeping fillies.         “They all have high fevers, but it doesn’t seem like any of them are in any danger.” Brave gave his mother a mental ‘thank you’ since she was the one the taught him basic medical skills.         “Ahh, shucks I guess I will have to stay home from the stand today.” She gave a disappointed sigh. “Looks like another tight month.” After a long pause hoping she would think of the obvious Brave interjected.         “I will take care of the fillies for today, Big Mac can tends the fields and you go to the stand.”  Applejack looked at Brave questioningly.         “Are you sure Brave, those three can be a mighty handful when there together?”         Brave rolled his eyes “I can take care of it.”         “You’re the best Brave.” Applejack gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek and walked out the front door.  Brave now starving, had some free time before the fillies bellowed for attention, decided to partake of the magical pancakes Applejack had prepared for him.  However though, where pancakes once sat, was a post it note.                 Sorry – Big Mac         “Applejack~~~~” came a whiny cry from Apple Bloom's room. Brave rolled his eyes and sighed as he forced the hunger pains away as he made his way back to the room to find three awake and sniffling fillies.  The three fillies looked at each other and after a moment of silence, Apple Bloom spoke first “Where is ma’ sister?” she gave out a weak cough.         “Applejack went to tend to the stand today, so I will be taking care of you three today.” Brave sat on the bed next to the small fillies.         “You’re the prince guy from the other day.” said Scootaloo as she started hacking and coughing. A new trail of mucus         “Yes I am, and you three are the cutie mark crusaders.” Their eye shot wide for a moment.         “Are we famous?”         “Oh, yes you are, I have heard many stories of your adventures.” It wasn’t a total lie. he thought to himself.  As if by some chain reaction the fillies started to cough.  Brave took a tissue and a box nearby, he put it to each of their noses and commanded them to blow, changing the tissue after each filly. “I will be back in a moment girls.”         After a minute Brave return to the room with three glasses of water and some medicine. “Now girls I don’t want to hear anything about how bad this medicine will taste.” The three made the same whiny noises, they knew it was coming eventually.  “C’mon girls, it doesn't taste that bad.” Then an idea popped into his mind. “One sec girls.” Brave grabbed the medicine and walked into the hall.         "I hope this works." Brave set down the tray, he looked at the water, he closed his eyes and felt the Æther around the room and tapped into it. He imagined the chocolate milk from this morning and gave his will to turn the water to chocolate milk... Brave watched the glass slightly move... then nothing.         Of course, why would now be any different. he tapped the glass with his hoof, and it turned. No way. he tapped other two glasses with the same result.  The water turned. It actually turned, when I wanted it too!  He stood there in total disbelief. He wasn’t the only one though, being too curious for their own good the three fillies watch in amazement the feat they just witnessed.  They watched Brave grab the tray from the floor and scrambled back into the bed.         “Ok girls.” They all wore innocent smiles on their faces. “Don’t you three look cute.” Brave smiled “Here some chocolate milk, BUT you have to take your medicine with it."  To no surprise the three took the milk and drank it down with the medicine with ease.         “Now you three get some rest, if you need anything at all call me and I will come to your aid.” Brave gave a bow and the three girls giggled. Brave walked out of the room.                 :10 minutes later Apple Bloom's Bedroom:         “Are you two still awake?” came a shallow voice of Sweetie Bell.         “Yup.”         “Ah huh.”         Apple Bloom broke the silence by asking the question on everyone’s minds.         “Did you see that, he turn the water to chocolate milk!”         “How did he do that?” – Scootaloo.         “I don’t know.” said Sweetie Bell “It wasn’t magic; his horn didn’t glow, also though…”         :30 Seconds before in the hall:         Brave could hear a faint noise coming from the girls’ bedroom.  “Are they still up?” Brave let out a long sigh as he set down the sandwich he just finished making, and made his way to the bedroom.         “I think he might be… a...  Fillyfooler.” Sweetie Bell, her two companions gasped.         Brave stood there in shock at what he overheard. Why would she think that! and in almost in the same mindset.         “Why would you think that?” said Apple Bloom.         “Because, when I woke up this morning I saw him trying to kiss you two. When he came to me I kind of freak out a bit, he said he was just checking are temperatures, but I knew better. Colts are always trying to find ways to get close to pretty fillies, Rarity says so."         “So we have a chance to be a very special somepony to a prince?” said Scootaloo. The trio looked at each other over this startling new revelation.         “But wait.” Apple bloom chimed in. “What if he really was just checking is temperature?  We are actually sick.” Brave nodded to himself. Apple Bloom you are wise beyond your years. he thought.         Brave decided to make himself known and walked into the room, the looks on their face were priceless, each looked like they had just had gotten caught stealing. “Now I thought you three went to bed.” They sat there in dead silence looking at Brave.  The stares from the girls pierced him like an arrow.           Sweetie Bell spoke up “Umm… Mister Prince Brave? Do you have a very special somepony?” The two girls looked at Sweetie Bell in amazement, but then looked back at Brave expecting an answer.         Oh this is going to be so funny. Brave thought to himself.  “No Sweetie Bell, I do not have a very special somepony, you see I am torn.” Brave sat down at the edge of the bed. “You see I do have feeling for not one... but three very special some ponies. Since the day I laid eyes on them they have haunted my dreams.“  Brave made a drastic pose putting his hoof to his head. The girls were eating this up. “OH how my heart has been torn since that fateful day, what is a colt to do?” Brave pretended to look off into the distance, but was actually watching the trio out of the corner of his eye.         “What are their names?” Sweetie Bell said almost sitting up in excitement.         ”Oh, my dear~dear Sweetie Bell" Brave looked deep her into her eyes. “I can’t say, for if I did, I do not know what would happen.” She looked down, and then back up with almost a fire behind her eyes.         “What do they look like, you can tell us that right?" The three fillies nodded to themselves in agreement. Brave got up and made his way to the door.          “I am sorry girls that would also give it away I can’t say I am sorry.”           “Wait!” Scootaloo shouted “Can you tell us what kind of cutie marks they have?” The perfect line entered Brave's mind as he turned around and looked at the trio young fillies.         “I never said they had their cutie marks...” Brave gave them a wink, then turned and left the room.         Brave walked down the stair chuckling to himself. What could possibly go wrong.  There is no way they thought I was serious.  When he came back down the stairs, the sandwich he had made was gone, no note in its place, however was mouse droppings.                 :Back in Apple Bloom's Room:         The girls sat in the room in silence; with total and utter disbelief.         “He likes all three of us?”  said Sweetie Bell almost in a complete state of shock.         “Well what do we do now?” Scootaloo chimed in.         “The only thing we can do girls.” said Apple Bloom.         “Find a way to win the prince's heart!” the three said in unison         “How do we do that?”                 :At the library:         Spike was cleaning up the library when his stomach started to rumble, "Oh not again..." he thought. Spike fell on all fours, after a minute of hacking he finally dislodged the scroll.         Spike opened the scroll and nine golden tickets fell from the envelope.           “You are cordially invited…yadda yadda yadda, Grand Galloping Gala.” Spiked sighed as his memories of the last gala flew through his mind.  “I guess I will be all alone again, eating donuts.”         “Why are you going to be alone?”         “Because all my friends will be too busy to hang out with me."         “Ahh I see, then why don’t you take a date?”         “I could never find no pony who would go with me.”         “I will go with you.”         Spike came to the realization that he wasn’t talking to himself, he turned around and found Screwball standing a foot behind him eating cotton candy.         “When did you get here?”         “Just now.” She sat on the floor facing him.         “Ohhh.” his mind wandered back to the previous conversation. “So you…”         “Will go with you.” She said finishing his sentence.         “Why would you want to go with me?”         “Why not it will be fun, besides daddy said I wasn’t allowed to date any pony.” She scooted closer to Spike. “He never said anything about dating a dragon, and besides  I would much rather date a dragon than any pony anyway.”         Spikes mind was jumping around from question to question. “Why would you rather date a dragon?”         “Because silly my dad is part dragon.” she said with a innocent smile.         “Part dragon huh?” Spike brushed off what she said in total disbelief, he was trying to piece together the situation before him. Then she scooted closer.         “What?” Spike asked still thinking over the situation.         “Well…?” She scooted even closer.         “Well what?”         “Well aren’t you going to kiss me?”         Spike’s face froze, his mind went blank.  Like all males since the dawn of time, he said the only thing that came to mind.         “Sure.”         Spike leaned in to kiss her and her to him.  It was like everything that Spike has imagined. Her lips were soft; Spike could taste cotton candy on her lips.  She smelled like wild flowers, she pushed her tongue into his mouth.  Spike eyes fluttered open in disbelief, but willingly accepted it as she leaned into him; she wrapped her hooves around him.  To Spike this felt like an eternity of bliss wrapped up in a single moment that felt like forever.  She broke the kiss panting lightly as she looked at Spike.         “That was my first kiss.” She said breathing heavily in between words.         “Mine too.” A moment passed between them of silence before Screwball spoke again.         “Want to try again?” Screwball said with a smile.         "Sure but wait here, I have to run a small errand."                 :Applejack's Apple Stand-Center of Ponyville:         “Hi Applejack.” Twilight spoke as she walked up to the newly painted white table.         “Howdy sugarcube what brings you here today.”         Twilight turned grabbed a book on from her side satchel.“  Just delivering that book you wanted, ‘Ten easy ways to get your Colt’.” Twilight eyes darted back and forth. “Although I am curious why you wanted this book, I read it through several times.” She a little wink. “I never thought you would be trying to get a coltfriend."         “Keep it down some pony might hear you.” AppleJack leaned in. “This book is not for me, its for Rarity, after what happened last year with Blueblood.” Twilight gave her a confused look.         “Why wouldn’t she just ask me for the book personally.”         Applejack gave a discontinue sigh. “She was too afraid to ask you, I think she might be trying to find a way to get close to Brave, him being a prince and all, but I might have let it slip that you might like him..."         “APPLEJACK!”  Twilight yelled so loud people from the other stalls could hear. ”I told you that he is my friend and its complicated.”         “I’m sorry sugarcube, I didn’t mean to let it slip, honest.” Applejack smiled and put her hoof on her shoulder “You know he is a really nice fella too, the crusaders got sick and he is taking care of em' as we speak.” Applejack made a vain attempt to change the subject.         “Really?” (It worked) Twilight smiled.  “That’s nice of him, I hope the girls aren’t giving him too much trouble."         “I hope so too.”         “Twilgihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht!” Shouted Spike as he barreled down the path to the apple stand when he reached the stand he put two of the Galloping Gala tickets on the table, “No time to talk, there are your tickets, I got to go.” Spike ran back in the direction of the library.         “What in tarnation was that all about.” Applejack looked at the tickets “Are those?”         “There tickets to the Gala, now that I think about it has almost been a year.”         “I wonder why he was in such a rush.”         “Who knows, probably a comic book or something silly like that.”         :Back at the Apple House:         “Ok girls time for dinner.”  Brave walked into the room, and for the first time all day, they were actually asleep. Brave set the trays of food down on the Daring Do night stand.  He walked over to the bed and gave them each a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight you three.” Brave left the room. - - -         “Apple Bloom?” Sweetie bell said in a low whisper.         “Yes Sweetie Bell?” She answered.         “We just got our first kiss, and it was from a prince.” They both giggled to themselves.         Scootaloo was asleep dreaming of her idol, Rainbow Dash.         :Later that night:         Big Mac came in from the fields, having been bucking apples all day, his muscles were sore and his back hurt, but hunger was the first and foremost thought on his mind. Big Mac walked to the table like every night expecting a nice dinner.  All he saw on the table was a note.         Ate your dinner sorry – Brave         Big mac huffed, not thinking that the pancake he ate were such a big deal.  Big Mac decided to go to bed.  He walked over to the making sure to tip toe across the room as not to disturb the sleeping fillies or his sister.  Big Mac was welcomed to a tray of food on his bed with a little note attached to the end of the tray as he picked it up it read.         Just kidding - Brave > Brother in Arms > --------------------------------------------------------------------------         Today was the best day in the world, it was Brave's day off. Brave had made it through his first month of apple bucking. Nothing in the world could bother him today, with the exception of sore muscles at least.   He laid there in his bed staring at the ceiling.  Then it hit him that he literally had nothing to do today, his spirit sunk low. He was leaning on the side of the bed tracing circles in the dirt next to it. Then he saw it, a new box on the far side of the floor, it was a box, but what got his attention was that it was crudely hidden.  Curiosity got the better of him. He made his way over to the aforementioned box, taking great care to unearth it from its cloth and book fortress prison.  In the box was nothing more than blue crystals with opal forensic lens.         “Oh no.” Came the voice of a very scared dragon. “Please don’t tell Twilight, please Brave please don’t tell her.” Spike threw himself at Braves hoofs nearly in tears. “If she knew I had those she would skin me alive.”         “Spike calm down, they're just crystals I see you eating them all the time.” Brave rolled his eyes.         “You…*sniff* don’t…*sniff* know what they are?”  Spikes finally stop tearing up.         “No Spike I don't.”         Spikes mood nearly did a 180°.  “Brave I have a proposition for you.”         Brave raised an eyebrow, getting quite interested were this would go. “Go on.”         “I can’t say why now, but you have to trust me on this ok, it will be worth it,  but I need to you get Twilight out of the house for about an hour or so.”         Brave being more curious than ever.  “Oh, and whys that; and on a better note what is in it for me?”         “I can give you some tips on how to win over Twilight, you have the whole nice guy thing going for you, and thats great and all, but that is not everything.“         Brave raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think I have am interested in her.” Brave was slightly irritated.         “Because I caught you staring at her flank almost thirty times in the past two days alone.” Spike said flatly.         “Ahh, I see.” Brave said not evening making a single attempt to deny it. Over the past month he had not progressed and anything other than breaking a sweat every day.         “Plus, I will throw in the best show of your life for free.” Spikes eyes widened and extended his hand and in return Brave put his hoof to it and they shook.         “I hope your right Spike, because if you not, I might let it slip to Twilight about a certain magazine hidden among those many books.”         Spikes eyes nearly doubled in size “How did you?”         “I have my ways young dragon, I have my ways.” Brave trotted down the stairs, the Library was still clean from when he spent the morning buffing every inch of it.  Although the stack of book on the counter was growing higher and higher.  Behind them was a lilac mare delving deep into a large black book ‘Advanced Levitation’.  Then the idea hit him.         “Twilight?”         She looked up from her book she was chewing on a piece of buttered toast “Myex Mrave?” She then put done the piece of toast and chuckled to herself “Yes Brave?”         “Would you mind if I took you up on that offer for magic training?” She nearly jumped out of her chair.         “I would love to.” Her tail even wagged a little.         “Well when today would you be free.”         “Well the library will have to be open for at least another hour or so, I could teach you a little bit then, but after I need to prepare.”         “Prepare for what?"         “Oh, I guess you don’t know 'hehe'.” She smiled to herself. “Well for a while now me and the girls have had a slumber party here the eighth of every month for almost a year now, oh and we also have pet play dates every other Saturday and on the alienating Saturdays we all go to the spa.”         “So tonight is you slumber party?” He knew the answer, but still just wanted to make sure.         “Mmhmm, oh and speaking of which… umm since it’s a girls thing.  I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind just hanging out in the basement with Spike, you know we will be doing girly things, make up, pillow fights, girl talk, nothing that you would be interested in.”         “I will entertain Spike tonight, don’t worry, besides me and him need a little bonding time.” He gave her an innocent smile.         “That’s great now can you hand me that book…” Time went by slowly, Brave sat next Twilight until the closing hour and not a single pony patron came into the Library.         “Well that was boring.” Brave said bluntly, he caught Twilight's sad face out of the corner of his eye. “At least I got a beautiful mare to keep me company.”         She blushed a deep red that could easily be seen though her coat. “Do you really think I am beautiful?” She looked down and starting playing with small rock that had found its way into the library.         “I am not a liar Twilight.” Brave now giving him a mental pat on the back.         Twilight turned and levitated a few books off the shelf behind her, and made her way to the back of the library. “Spike!” Brave shouted upstairs, his voices changed to a velvety tone. “Me and Twilight are going outside for a bit please do lock up.” Brave hoped that he got the message as he made his way to behind the library.         - - -         “Now Brave the first principal steps of magic are simple, but are the hardest to master.”  Brave sat there taking in every word, actually interested this time in the topic he mopped up the words like a sponge.“         First rule of magic:  Never try to bring anypony else back to life.         Second rule: Never try to create life with magic.         Thirds Rule: All types /shapes and forms of space/time magic are forbidden.         Firth rule: Never attempt transmutation magic.         Brave interjected. “What’s transmutation magic?”  Twilight gave a small smirk, she was enjoying the teacher role far too much.         “It is magic that changes one form of matter to another.” Brave honestly couldn’t see the reason why this was bad then questioned.         “Why is that a bad thing” Twilight gave a quick response.         “Two reasons; one you could change a stone into gold and then make bits out of the gold.  That would destroy the economy.  The second reason is what stops ponies with… lesser integrity from attempting it.  See transmutation magic is not derived from Æther or mana.  Its power comes from life, the purest form of it.  The greatest offset of this is simple transmutation magic is very powerful but deadly since it can’t be controlled.         “Has anyone ever tried to master it?” Twilight's eyes dimmed a little.         “Yes, one pony did master this magic many thousands of years ago, but in doing so his body was twisted beyond all forms of pony.  In doing so he extended his lifespan indefinitely. He caused mass chaos and disharmony throughout the land, and then Princess Celestia and Luna sealed him in stone.  All things weaken in time though, and seals are no different.  He broke free from his prison.  Then we elements sealed him up for a second time.  I hope this time permanently.”         Brave started to clap. “That must have been a hard fight.”         Twilight’s mood picked up “It was, it tested me and my friend’s friendship.” Twilight chuckled to herself. “But in the end though he literally sat there when we blasted him with the magic seal.”         Brave started laughing “No way, he just sat there.”         Twilight almost breaking into hysterics. “Its true, its true, he didn’t think we could do it so he just sat there and let us hit him, you should have seen his face.”         Twilight and Brave found themselves sitting closer to each other before they realized it, they looked at each other he could feel his heart racing.  As they looked each other in the eyes she leaned in, and he in turn… she closed her eyes and so did Brave.           He kissed her, it was magical, although it wasn’t like Brave had imagined, her lips were soft and sweet but were a lot smaller than he thought, she did not have the aroma of books  but she did smell like apple juice.  Brave opened his eyes to see two huge golden orange eyes staring back at him.         Brave nearly jumped a yard in the air. “Apple Bloom!”         Twilight sat in shock when she opened her eyes to find that Apple Bloom was stealing her first kiss. “Apple Bloom what the buck is you doing here!”           “Just finishing a dare.” She said innocently as she hopped away with a spring in her step.           Scootaloo popped out of the bushes behind her “I can’t believe you did that, and you used a chicken token on touching a bug.”         Apple Bloom smirked “That was a big bug, but this is... this is war.” Apple Bloom looked back at Twilight, and gave her the most evil stare she have ever seen a filly give.         The two turned and ran back in front of the library, the bushes started to rustle as Sweetie Bell fell out of the bush “Wait up you too.”         Twilight got up and went back in front of the library leaving Brave to sit there in his confusion. After a few minutes he followed in toe. When he walked back into the library there was Spike picking up a pile of books. “What happened?”         Spike looked up. “Twilight bucked over this pile of books and ran upstairs.” It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know she was pissed.         “Ahh, I see.” Brave knew what she needed and that was the hardest thing to give, time to cool off.         “Did you get whatever you were doing, done?” Spikes eyes shifted back and forth and gave a small nod.         “Good I hope it was worth that.” Brave made a small gesture upstairs.                 :A few hours later:         "Its time to PARTY." Pinkie Pie bounced around the room.         “Pinkie really must you be so hyper all the time.” Rarity whined as she walked upstairs.         “It’s a slumber party sugarcube, not some hoedown.” Said Applejack following in toe.         “I want you two down stairs, in the lab, the whole night, got it!” said Twilight obviously still pretty pissed about the event of this evening. “I don’t want you evening thinking about coming upstairs.”         “Sorry guys, girls only.” Rainbow dash flew upstairs “C’mon Fluttershy.” The small crème and pink pegasus gave a small nod to Spike and Brave as she made her way up to Twilight room. Then shut the door.         They stood there for about a minute looking at the door before Brave spoke. “Ok, spill, what’s up.” Spike chuckled to himself.         “Follow me.” The pair made their way to the basement.  There were books stacked about books.  Lab equipment on a far end of a long counter.  In the middle of the wall was a large crystal mirror. “Watch this” Spike continued to chuckle to him, he went over and took a small red crystal from under nether an old mixing machine.  He went up to the mirror and tapped the crystal against its smooth surface.  The mirror lit up and as plain as day, and there they were.  Twilight and her friends all sitting up in her room in sleeping bags, except Twilight who was on her bed.         “Those crystals were cameras.” Brave said breathlessly as he watch.         “They also pick up sound.” Spike said proudly.         Brave stared at the mirror. “Spike I think we just connected on an emotional level.”         Spike raised an eyebrow “What?”          “Never mind, pass me the popcorn.”         :In Twilight's Room:         “Ok Twilight, time to talk what’s wrong why you are so mad.”         The girls sat in a circle now all eyes on Twilight “It’s nothing, but I never had the urge to harm a filly before in my life.” She looked over at Applejack, she rolled her eyes and she sighed.           “What Apple Bloom do now.” Twilight gave vivid details about the happenings of the evening.  “Then she stole my first kiss!”         (Spike shot an upward glance at Brave, “What I didn’t know, I had my eyes closed.)         “Now sugarcube, I will have a small talk with Apple Bloom later."           Rarity chimed in. “This may be partly my fault.” The girls now more confused than ever.         “I might have given Sweetie Bell some more aggressive dating advice to break the ice.” Her face went a little dark. “Sweetie Bell told me all three of the crusaders had a crush on a colt, I just assumed it was someone at school, not Brave…I am really sorry Twilight."          (Spike-What did you do?  Brave- Long story, now shhh.)         “It’s ok…” Her eyes trailed off.         “Well I am kind of surprised you haven’t already bucked his brains out.” chirped Pinkie Pie. “He not really my type, but he seem really good for you Twilight."         “I even caught him staring at your flank when I walked into the library.” Squeaked a small voice now covering her face in a round pink pillow.         (Spike started to chuckle- You have a real thing for flanks huh Brave? Brave- I wonder if Rarity would like to see those candid photos you took of her. Spike- You wouldn’t. Brave- Try me.)         “He seems nice and all Twilight darling, but I just can’t place my hoof on it though, I swear I have met him some other pony place before.”         “You too?” replied Rainbow Dash.         “Actually I felt the same…” Fluttershy started to speak in a normal tone.         “Girls, girls, this is his first time in his life he has been outside of Hoofington.” Twilight gave a small be muffled chuckle. “But enough about him let’s play some games.”         (Brave- Yes, now it’s getting good.)         “First things first girls, Makeovers!”         (Double Facehoof)         :Two hours later after the priming and primping, plucking, pulling, mudslinging, and hoof polishing:         “Ok, girls what do you want to play now.”         “I know what I want to play.” Rainbow dash leaned in and paused for dramatic effect. “Truth or Dare.”         In almost unison all the girls gave a long sigh. “Are you sure, we all know what happened last time.“Applejack looked at Fluttershy both their faces turning flush.         “Now girls things like that happen, it’s a game after all.” A smirk growing on Twilight's face. “Besides who says there aren’t worse things they could have done.”  Twilight giving a small seductive lick of her lips.         (Brave- Spike. Spike- Yah Brave. Brave- after this is all over you’re officially my best friend.)         “Ok truth or dare Applejack.”  said Rainbow Dash an evil smirk growing on her lips “Since I know what happened last time I accepted a dare from you I will go with truth.”         “Have you ever clopped yourself thinking of your brother?  Oh element of honesty.” She said with a near sadistic tone in her voice.         (Spike and Brave high hoofed each other.)         “Well…”She said nervously. “Maybe once in awhile on those lonely nights when my toy just isn’t doing it for me, maybe I have once or twice.”         (Brave- No bucking way.)         A massive giggle and laugh that was audible even though the basement door.         “It’s ma’ turn now.” Applejack proclaimed. “Pinkie Pie truth or dare.”         “Dare silly, you know me.”         “I dare you to go into Brave's room and clop yourself thinking of him and Spike double teaming you.” The room went silent.         “Okie Doki Lokie, Pinkie Pie said as she bounced out of the room.”         (Brave- Did you? Spike-Already on it.  Spike took a blue crystal and tapped the screen and it was split in two.  Brave- Spike you are my hero.)         Pinkie came bounding into the room with a smirk on her face; she took a minute and looked around the room.  Nothing out of the ordinary. She made her way over to Brave's bed and laid down on the top of the blue comforter. She laid there for a minute then got off the bed, although her mare hood left a small trail on his bed.  She went over to Spike’s Bed and the result was completely different.  She lay on her back as she wiggles back and forth enjoying his bed.  Her hoof made its way down to the pink swollen mare hood. She rubbed it slowly back and forth from her face she was quite enjoying it, she moaned a little. “Oh… Spike!"         (Brave- Spike this show is for you my friend. Spike couldn’t hear him his eyes and mind were totally glued to the mirror.)         She wiggled back and forth enjoying herself.  Her dripping mare hood now soaking though most of Spike's pillows.   Her tongue fell out of her mouth as she panted for air.  Her hips started to buck wildly as if trying to absorb the invisible member she was imagining.  Her eyes fell back into her skull, as a large amount her essence soaked though the pillow and now was soaking into the large wooden basket.  She laid her for a while as she enjoyed her climax.  She got up and left the room as quickly as she came.         (Spike tapped the screen and it went back to its original full screen, Spike's face was twisted in a smile so wide he could have been a circus clown.)         “Did you enjoy yourself sugarcube?” She was greeted with a huge smile from Applejack.         “I tried to do it thinking of Brave" she said, "But I couldn’t but Spike however...” She licked her lips a little “Well he is a different story, almost like cake and pie.” She bounce back to her pink sleeping bag.  “Now…” Pinkies eyes went shallow and her hair went straight “Truth or dare Fluttershy.”         “Ummm…. Truth.”  she said with a nearly inaudible voice.         “Wise choice.” Her hair went back to its normal pink bounciness.  “OK let’s see, tell us a dark secret of yours, a juicy one not like last time were you nearly couldn’t stop crying because you forgot to feed your chickens, because you were in the hospital.”         “I must agree with Pinkie darling that secret was kind of, hmmm stale?”         “Well” Fluttershy squeaked. “……………..”         “Darling I can’t hear you”         “………………..”         “What was that”           “When I’m alone I like to touch my no no place.”  The room was silent for a bit.         “Well sugarcube that’s not—“         “I always wanted Rainbow dash to fluff my wings.”  Rainbow dash was now blushing.         “Its ok Fluttershy your turn is over n—“         “And I always wanted to suck on Twilight’s horn.” There was a long pause before Fluttershy spoke again.         (Spike- I would like to see that. Brave- Me too.)         “Well ummm."  she looked at Rainbow Dash. "Truth or dare.”  Rainbow dash was still a little shocked  from the fluff comment.         “I see ummm, truth.” There was a small gasp throughout the room.         “Wow” Rarity stared at rainbow dash in almost complete confusion.         “What?” Rainbow Dash said in a defensive tone.         “Well this is the first time you ever said truth, ever.” Pinkie Pie was even taken back a little.         “Ummm." Fluttershy froze she looked back at the floor and at her continuing this for almost a minute.  “Well Rainbow, there is something that… I… wanted…” Fluttershy's face was now beat red. Fluttershy got up and walked over to Rainbow dash and whispered something into her ear. Rainbow Dash eyes went wide.  There was a long silence; they all watch then each slowly piecing together the situation before them.         “Yes.” Rainbow Dash said with a small very uncharacteristic whimper. She leaned over and kissed Fluttershy on the cheek.  Every other ponies jaw nearly dropped as Fluttershy sat next to Rainbow Dash nuzzling her mane.         “This seems to be a productive evening.“ Twilight said unable to look away.         (Brave- Did she just? Spike couldn’t answer)         “Twilight truth or dare?” Rainbow said half heartedly as she was now enjoying the company of her new marefriend. Twilight was at a near loss for words.         “Truth” she said, her eyes still unable to look away.         “When are you going to make a move on that Brave Guy?”         (Brave was now at full attention.)         “I haven’t really thought about it that much.”         “Darling why don’t you try to ask him to the Gala, Spike did give him his ticket right?”         “Well yes, he did get it, but he doesn’t know what the gala is.”         “How in the world does he not know about the best party ever?” Pinkie Pie Interjected. “That like not knowing what cherries are or balloons are silly.”         “I know it’s just…” Twilight laid back in her bed. “Don’t you think it’s a little too quick?  He just got here little over a month ago; sometimes I can’t keep my head straight around him.  He even got a job the second day he arrived, just to help me out.”         “I git it now, I thought it was something like that.” Twilight looked over at Applejack         “What wrong”         “Tain't nothin wrong at all sugarcube I just think that stallion of yours likes you alot more than he lets on.”         Twilight nearly flung herself out a bed “Did he say something?”         “No hun, it’s what he is doing, not saying.  He has been pulling a double shifts since the first week.  Even I and my brother only goes for about twelve hours at max.“           “He said that the shifts were normally sixteen hours.”           “Since when have you ever heard of a sixteen hour work shift, he also paid off your debt.”         “He never told me that.”  Twilight's face was now a deep crimson.  “I will ask him tomorrow…” Twilight turned in her blankets her heart was beating fast she could hardly breathe “Girls I know it’s still early but would you guys mind if we went to bed…please?” None said a word after that they knew the only thing they could do was sit and let her think.         - - -         Brave touched the image of Twilight in the mirror, slowly however the vision around his eyes began to blur.         Thud.         A familiar sharp pain ran though his body it was a lot stronger than before. He could hear it.         Thud. thud.         *Open it my abomination.*         Brave could see it, there was a white circle drawn inside mirror with six different symbols drawn on inside.  Small tethers   were attacked to the symbols sending pulsing wave to the other rim. Brave could feel the magic in seal he put his hoof at the center of it.  It was warm to the touch he could feel it pulsating. It was alive.         *Learn it, Make it. Destroy it.*         The Æther around the crest was turning black as Brave touched it with the tip of his hoof. A sharp pain swelled up in his for leg.  The Æther disappeared and the room around him came visible to him again. He found Spike biting him tears flowing freely from his eyes.         “Spike… can you let go that is starting to hurt.” Spike opened his eyes.         “Your back, you’re not glowing anymore.” He sat down breathing hard. “Brave you were starting to scare me.”         “Glowing?”         “Yah, your eyes went all weird and started glowing white.”           “Sorry I worried you Spike, don’t worry about it ok.” Brave could only guess that he saw but it was quite obvious that Spike didn’t see it.  Last thing he wanted was anyone worrying about him.           “I am sorry Spike, just was trying to show you a little parlor trick I learned the other day.”         “That was a prank?”         "A prank!" “Yes Spike, I’m sorry, it wasn’t that funny.  This was a little extreme though.”  He gestured down at his foreleg.         “Sorry about that.” Spike said as he rubbed the scales on the back of his head.         “It’s all good.” Brave said with a brotherly tone. “Now let’s get to bed.“Spike spent a few minutes unfolding his sleeping bag while in contrast Brave just took a pillow and laid on the floor.         “Good night Spike.”         “Night Brave.”                 :Five minutes later:         “Are you sleeping yet Brave.”         “No.”                 :Five more minutes:         “Brave?”         “What.”         “Never mind.”                 :Five minutes later:         “Umm. Brave.”         Irritation erupted in the back of Braves mind like a hot nail piercing wood. “What is it Spike, I can tell there is something on your mind.”         “Well ummm… There is this girl that I have a crush on and—“         “Would this girl happen to be Rarity?”         “How did you kn—“         “A wild guess, continue.”         “Well you see I like her a lot, more than a lot actually, but she doesn’t like me back.”         “That sucks man, I know it hurts, I myself have been there on more than a few occasions.”         “Really?”         “Yes sir, it’s hard but you always have two choices.  Get her to fall for you, or move on.  I hate to say it though, but move on is usually the best option.“         “You really think so?”         “Yah, Spike I do.”         “There is something I been wanting to tell somepony else for a little while now.“ Brave lean over now looking at Spike         “What’s up?”         “For a while, I kind of have been seeing this girl…” Brave now was giving his full attention.         “You have a mare friend?”         “Well maybe, I don’t know, she comes over to the library and teases me, and once in a while we kiss and junk.”         “Sounds like a mare friend to me, how far have you gotten with her?”         “Only kissing.” He said with a slightly depressed tone.         “Spike that’s not a bad thing.  Don’t rush it, she sounds like she may really like you.”         “”You really think so?”         “Eeyup.” Brave gave his best impression of Big Mac. Spike didn’t catch the joke. “So what are you going to do about Rarity?”         “I don’t know.”         “Well, I recommend that you just leave her on the back burner so to speak.”         “Huh?”         “You like this new girl right?"         “Her name is Screwball and yes.”         “Well focus on her and put your feelings about Rarity away for a bit or permanently if you and Screwball hit it off.”         “Do you really think that will work?”         “Do you like Screwball?”         “Well yes.”         “Do you like her alot?”         Spike felt the skin below his scales heat up. “Yah….”         “Then it will work.”         “How do you know that?”         “Some things only experience can teach you Spike.” There was a long pause as if an unconfirmed agreement they both decided to go to sleep.                 :Five Minutes Later:         “Thank you Brave.”         Brave didn’t say anything, although he found himself smiling. > Face it, your cought me doing worse. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- That night Brave could not sleep, as he tossed and turned on the floor next to Spike.  He however was fast asleep, being a young dragon does take it out of you.   Images of the night still dances around in Brave’s mind.  What in the world was that seal. Brave thought.  He tried to piece together what happened, Why then? Why not somewhere else? He got up although being very quiet as to not disturb his new brother in arms.  He touched the mirror with his hoof, nothing happened.  Brave felt distraught after a while of staring at himself in the mirror hoping to conjure the seal again.  Brave let out a long sigh, and decided that taking in some of the cool night air would do him some good.         The night was dark and there was a crescent moon the hung in the sky.  It was beautiful, but in his current mood Brave did not appreciate it and its entire splendor.  He walked along the grassy path, until it turned to cobble stone.  His mind wrapped in only the sound of his own hoof steps.  Then he heard it.  It was a whimsical melody, low and dark but with feeling. Catching his attention he followed the haunting melody around the corner of the street and into an alleyway.  It was dark but there was a neon sign of a pitcher glass and an arrow pointing down to some stairs.           He made his way down to the dive bar.  As he opened the door a foul odor bore its way deep into Braves nose.  The floor was made with polished wood there was round tables that littered the area with a bar on the far side of the room.  An old looking Pegasus with a grey mustache and a black bow tie sat behind the counter.  On the other side of the room, was a earth pony, she had a grey coat, her mane was ebony black and she had a musical symbol for a cutie mark, although Brave recognized it he couldn't remember was the symbol was.           She was standing playing a cello; it looked like it was made of maple with a high glossy finish.  Other than those two the bar had no other patrons. Brave sat near the mare listening as he felt his soul being taken by the melody she was making.  Until the melody past its zenith and slowly died down.  The musician finally took notice that she had an admirer.         “Would you like to make a request?” she said with an elegant sophistication, that Brave thought was uncommon for the present scenery.           “Do you know Greensleeves?” She gave a quiet nod and started to play.  The melody was soft and lovely as the music ran its course throughout the room, Brave could feel a smile growing on his face.  At this moment, all the problems of the world seeped away.  After the music ended Brave put almost 50 bits into the mares tip jar. The equivalent to 3 full day’s work at the orchard farm. The young mares’ eye lit up.         “Thank you! I never thought I would ever get a tip that big.” Brave moved his way to the bar.         “You single hoofedly change my mood with your lovely music my dear, frankly small amount is not enough.” Brave looked at the bartender “Hard Apple Cider.” He gave a small nod and filled up a wooden tankard and passed it over to Brave.  Then he went back to wiping the already clean counter.         “George I am going to take my break.” The young mare said and made her way to the counter and sat to the right of Brave.         “What’s your name?” Her voice was smooth and earnest.         “Brave Knight.” He took a large swallow of the cider, leaving a little foam on the top of his lips. “How about you oh mysterious mare?”         “My name is Octavia.” She lean over on her hoof looking at Brave.         “That is a pretty name Octavia, but I am curious though, you have lots of skill with your craft.” Brave made a small nod over to the cello. “Why are you working here of all places?” He looked over at the bartender. “No offense.” He didn’t say anything.         “That’s a long story my new friend I do not wish to bore you with it.”         “I have a lot of time.”         “If you insist.” She gave a small sigh. “You see I also have a job working at the Canterlot Orchestra, well until recently that is.  I made a small mistake.  I didn’t mean to do it, but I accidentally broke a very expensive cello one night while practicing.  They didn’t fire me, but if I don’t pay off some of the cello they will fire me.”         “I say SCREW EM’.” Brave now feeling a better as the cider worked its way into his nerves. “Why would you want to work for people who make you pay for something you accidentally broke. It not fare.”         Octavia gave a large sigh. “Normally I would agree with you, but this year is different, there is something special I have to do.“ She started to blush.         “Oh my dear, what is so important that you would put up with the concord.”         She gave a long look at Brave and  looked back at the counter. “I guess there is nothing wrong with tell you,  her name is Vinyl Scratch.”         Brave started to chuckle. “Ahhh, mare troubles huh?, it seems you and I are kindred spirits of sorts.” He gave himself a small chuckle as he took another sip. ”But do continue.”         Octavia turned in her seat a little. “Well, this year I am first cello, and I told myself if I was able to get that spot, I would confess my feelings to her at the gala."         "Ahhh, so if you can’t get enough bits to pay off the cello, you can’t go to the gala with the Orchestra, then you can’t confess your feelings for this Miss Scratch?”  She didn’t say anything although her face was a dark crimson, that was enough of an answer that Brave needed. “”You have someone you love, I am jealous.”         Octavia looked over at Brave who just down the last bit of his drink. “Don’t you have a mare?”         Brave mind looked at the back of the bar in a small daze. He could see her face as plain as day it was Twilight, she looked beautiful.  Brave smiled to himself. “I do, but my luck with the opposite sex has always been... lax.”         Octavia and Brave sat there for a minute staring at the back of the bar, both looking at figment images of ponies they cared for. It hit him at that moment, he really did love her.  Something inside of him changed at that moment, although he didn’t know it at the time.         “I will ask her to the gala.” Octavia looked over almost uncaring.         “Stealing my idea?” Brave laughed.         “Maybe I don’t know yet we will see.” Octavia joined in the laugh.         “You know you’re an alright fellow, come say hi to me at the gala.”           “I will if you can get enough to go.” He made a gesture over at the tip jar.         “I will.” she said simply, Brave could almost see a fire behind her pink irises.         Brave dropped several bits on the counter and made his way out the door, turning before he left “Hey Octavia” She turned and looked Brave in the eyes “Good luck.”         “You too.”         Brave made his way out of the door, about a few step out he heard greensleeves being played again from the bar.  Brave smiled. “Thanks Octavia.” Brave listened to the music as he made his way back to the library. Even after he could no longer hear the music anymore, the tune resonated in within him.           It was about three now Brave decided now more than ever he needed some rest.  When he walked in he decided to crawl into his own bed.  He made his way up the stairs being quite as possible not to disturb the girls in the next room who were fast asleep.         Brave opened the door to his room. There was Fluttershy laying spread eagle as Rainbow Dash was rapidly licking her marehood. The two froze as the they looked at Brave in absolute horror.  There manes were in disarray. there was a large pool of their essence the nearly covered the entire comforter.  Brave sat there for well over a minute with nothing more than a straight face.  He made his way over to Spikes bed and grabbed a large black pillow off his pile of pillows and walked back to the door, he turned and gave them two mares a polite nod. “Good night you two.” Brave shut the door and made his way down to the basement.   Brave laid on the floor and went to bed.         - - -          Brave woke up to the sounds of Spike rolling up his sleeping bag,  Taking a minute to compose his memories from last night he took a deep breathe making himself ready for the day.  He shook off the tiredness that still crept in his body from the little sleep he did get.  His mouth was dry thanks to the cider from last night adventure.  After a few stretches he went up upstairs.  There was a smell of pancakes that overran the entire library. It was a great smell to wake up in the morning too.          As Brave and Spike made are way out of the basement they nearly tripped over a... squirrel?  Brave's eyes went wide for a moment as he saw animals everywhere with rags and brushes giving all the wood a nice fine polish.  Spike was just as amazed at the scene he was seeing.         The duo walked over to the kitchen, trying their best not to step on the small wooden creatures underhoof.  Twilight was enjoying a pile of pancakes.  She was beautiful even when she had syrup almost completely covering her face. Fluttershy was dusting the spice rack getting those hard to reach spots that would be easy for a pegasus to get too.  Rainbow Dash was at the stove making pancakes.  She was wearing a kiss the cook apron.           “Good morning ladies, did you all sleep well?” The room went silent. Fluttershy hung in mid-air frozen completely, even her wings were not flapping. How is she doing that?  Twilight's face went scarlet, she stop eating and wiped off as much of the syrup as she could, and looked down at her plate.  Why is she being so shy now? Brave was surprised to hear Rainbow Dash speak up first.         “Good morning Brave, thank you for asking I slept well. me and Fluttershy got to bed really early last night. Slept like a cloud all night long. How about you Brave?”           “I slept gre—“         “That’s great to hear, now sit and have these.” She presented Brave with the most monumental pile of pancake that Brave had never seen in his entire life.  It stood almost 15 cakes high, each layers having been drizzled in syrup and creamed butter, blueberries were imbedding in every pancake.  The top was littered with strawberries, the syrup was multicolored and glinted every color of the rainbow.         “Wow Rainbow you went all out.” Fluttershy didn’t say anything she barreled out of the room the second Brave stepped in.   Brave didn’t need a second invitation, he mowed down nine pancakes before he couldn’t eat any more.  Brave down his glass of milk, and almost immediately Rainbow Dash filled it up with more milk         “Let me get that for you Brave, you strong, handsome stallion you."  This was a little over the top, even for Brave.         Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a dirty look. “Rainbow why don’t you and your MAREFRIEND go home, I bet you two have something to do today.  She ignored her.          Feeling a little slow as to why Rainbow Dash was making him breakfast. Then the memory of her and Fluttershy clicked in his mind.  Wow I am so dumb. Brave thought to himself. Rainbow was now sitting across from him, watching his every move.   Spike was chewing on a ruby that he took out of the cold box.  He was enjoying the show in silence.  It was nice to be flaunted over, but Brave had a plan for today and if Rainbow Dash was going to be at his every beck and word he might as well make use of her..           “Rainbow would you mind if I had a bit of privacy with you in the other room.” Brave said with a smile, Rainbow Dash however was not smiling.  Neither was Twilight she actually looked like a mixture of being pissed and being sad.  This will have to be changed.  Brave gave her a small smile and made his way out of the kitchen.  Brave's face became serious when he turned his head away from her.           Rainbow Dash followed Brave like a child who knew she did something wrong. She did, but she really didn’t know that Brave really didn’t care. Fluttershy tried to fly past Brave when he and Rainbow Dash walked out of the kitchen, but anticipated her move and he grabbed her tail mid-air.  “You’re coming too.” We are going to have a small discussion.         The trio made their way up to Brave’s room. He put two pillows from Spikes bed on the floor next to each other.  “Sit.” Brave then made his way over to his bed. They couldn’t meet his gaze. This last for well over five minutes, Until Brave finally spoke. “Fluttershy.“ She nearly jumped at the sound of her name. “I will ask you some simple questions.” She finally looked Brave in the face.         “What is Rainbow Dash’s birthday?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow.         “How is she suppose to—“         “December 12th at 4:15 in the afternoon.” Fluttershy’s face turned an uncharacteristically serious.         “Good, What is her favorite color?”           “Jade Green.”         “What is her favorite dessert?”         “Pinkie Pie Pink muffins, she doesn’t like eating them in front of other ponies.”         “What’s her favorite time of day?”         “Naptime.”         “Is this all correct?” Rainbow Dash couldn’t look away from Fluttershy. How had she known all these things. They were great friends for sure, but the minute I was born? How could she have known?         Rainbow Dash gave a nod as she slowly turned her gaze back to Brave.         “Your turn.” Rainbow Dash gulped a large amount of saliva that had built up in the back of her throat. “When is Fluttershy’s Birthday?”         “Ummm in July, no wait it’s in January.” Brave looked over at Fluttershy who shook her head no.         “What’s her favorite color?”           “It’s pink.” Giving a confident answer, but fell flat as Fluttershy shook her head.         “What’s her favorite dessert?”         “It’s ummmm, peach pie?”         “It’s... rainbow... frosted cupcakes…”  Fluttershy started to cry.  Rainbow Dash embraced her in a hug.  Letting her tears soak into her cyan coat. She looked over at Brave.         “Are you happy now, you flank hole?”         “No, now final question.”  Braves voice soften.         “Do you love her?” The room went silent, Fluttershy stopped crying as she looked up at Rainbow Dash and she to her.         “I do, I love her with all my heart.”  Rainbow Dash whispered, she leaned in and put her forehead on hers and she started to cry.         Brave said nothing but smiled at the two as they sat there enjoying a wellspring of emotions.   After what seem to be about twenty or so minutes of those two crying on each other Fluttershy broke the silence. “Why… did you do all of this?” Immediately giving a reply because he was expecting this question.         “Three reasons,         One: I wanted to see if you two really loved each other. If I simply just started out with that question you two would never have connected the way you just did.         Two: I was debating whether or not of telling Twilight of this.“ Brave put his hoof to his bed and pressed hard onto it, his hoof getting instantly soak in the leftover essence that was from the previous nights adventure. ”If you used my bed for sex I would have ratted you out in a instant.  Love making however is a different story.“  Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to say something but then decided not to. "Finally, one of the hardest things to do is tell a person you love them in public. Even if it is just one pony.         Third: I need your help."         The two looked at each other more confused than before. “With what?” Rainbow Dash asked, Braves face began turning flush, and then cleared his throat.         “There is something I want to do today and I am going to need your help…” he trailed off in thought trying to organize his words appropriately. He cleared his throat yet again. “I want to take Twilight on a date tonight, but there are some things I would like for you to do so that it goes over smoothly.”  A familiar feeling of high school came bounding up when they smiled and started to giggle to each other.  They both smiled and gave a nodded in unison.  "Good, now here is the plan."  He went over from every detail; everything had to be perfect for the evening.         “So can I count on you two?"         They both nodded, Brave got up to leave first. “Let’s go we, don’t have much time.”  Brave handed a large bag of bits to Fluttershy. ”You get the essentials.” They made their way out of the room together.  This kind of feels like a secret mission. Brave thought to himself.  Then decided that sounded kind of retarded and dismissed the idea.  They made their way down the stairs.  Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash left immediately to eager to get started. Now it was time to Brave to get ready.         Brave made his way back to the kitchen to find Twilight doing the dishes with a sour expression on her face. Saying she was a little mad right now would have been an understatement.  Here comes the hard part. “Hi Twilight.” she gave no answer but still continued to the dishes, Brave walked closer to Twilight and whispered in her ear. “Hi Twily.”  This sent a visible shiver down her spine using her pet name given to her from her brother.           She immediately turned her face shot with crimson. “What?”         Brave smiled as he took the rag from her hand. “You’re coming with me.” Her face was twisted in such a way that it begged to ask a question, but Brave never gave her a chance he was already pushing her out the library door.           “Where are we going?” She insisted on an answer but got none in return.  Ahead of them was the spa, when Brave finally stopped pushing her.  “What are we doing here?”  She never got her answer Brave gave her one hard, final shove into the spa doors.         “I will have someone get you, don’t leave the spa no matter what.” Brave shouted.         “Ahhh, Welcome Miss Twilight we have been expecting you.” A young pegasus pony answered as she ‘walked’ in.           Now that was done, with he ran in the direction of the Carousel Boutique.         :9 hours later:         Twilight left the Spa.  She had a new euphoric smile on her face; she had been given the Celestia Royal Treatment.  Ever muscle in her body was now relaxed, free from all the stresses of the world. She smelled of caramel apple roses, a new spa blend they cooked up for their advertisement.  Her mane had been steamed with hot stones and now had a small waves in her mane and tail.   She saw Big Mac with a black bow tie he was hooked up to an Apple Carriage.  “Get in.” Big mac Shouted over to Twilight, ponies from all around were starring at this odd scene.  Twilight walked to the carriage she made for last year’s gala.  When she got in, she found there was a simple light purple dress with a note attached to it.                   Put on –Rarity         Twilight was more confused than ever, but if somehow Rarity got sucked up into all of this… her mind trailed off as one of millions of ideas popped into her head. In the end however, she put on the dress and decided to enjoy the ride.  It was about forty five or so minutes before the carriage stopped.  Big Mac opened the door as she walked out, he blushed at the sight of her, although no pony could tell through his red coat.  The dress complemented her well.  They were at the Apple Farm, but she couldn’t tell where, she was on the bottom of a hill as Big Mac let her out.           “Go just up the hill, don't keep him waiting forever.” Big Mac said, as he stood back by the carriage.  She followed her orders, as curiosity was getting the best of her.  When she did she found Brave looking off into the sunset, he was wearing a black bow tie similar to the on Big mac.  His mane had been combed and his tail brushed till it had a fine gloss.  There was a candlelit dinner the candles though we're down to nubs.         “She here, everypony get in position.” she heard rustling from the bushes  and Brave turned around and Smiled “You made it” Twilight smiled. “You look absolutely beautiful.” Twilight heart started to pound as she finally came to the realization ‘This was a date. Almost as if on cue bird in the tree next to her started to tweet a romantic melody. It was soft and happy tune that fit the mood perfectly.           Brave pulled out Twilight’s chair and gestured for her to sit, she did.  Rainbow Dash walked over wearing a server’s shirt “You two Rainbow Dash?” Rainbow gave her a small wink.         “What can I get for you two?” Brave leaned over.         “C’mon Rainbow just get it.” She sighed and went back behind the bush.           “Just trying to get into character.” she mumbled underneath her breath.         “Why are you doing all of this?” Twilight tried to pry an answer out of Brave, but he remained silent.         “Here you two go.” Rainbow Dash set down two plates of alfredo noodles, with a side of dandelions covered in oregano, Twilight's eyes lit up.           “How did you know what my favorite dish was?”           “Lucky guess.” He said simply.  Brave was giving Spike a mental high five for the inside tip.         They sat there and enjoying their meal when Rainbow Dash came with two glasses of red wine and a bottle. “You two behave now.” Rainbow Dash set down the glasses and gave Twilight a wink, then flew back behind the bushes.  They sat there making small talk as they downed glass after glass of the wine.  Brave slowly working up the nerve to the big moment he was mentally preparing for all day.         “Twilight.” Brave said softly as the evening sun started to fall below the horizon.  Twilight’s heart skipped a beat from the way he changed his tone. “I hoped you’d you had a great day today.”         That’s not what you wanted to say SAY IT! Brave scolded himself.         “Today was magical Brave, thank you.” Twilight leaned over the table a little ways her eyes were soft in the flickering candle light.         “I wanted to tell you something Twilight...” Brave began to tense up.         “I wanted to tell you that” He could feel his heart pounding in his ears, at any minute it felt like it would leap from his chest.           Twilight's eyes shot wide open as she looked at him.  “Brave your cutie mark!?”         “My what?”         He looked back at his flank, and it was there it was, a heart with two little hearts around it. He looked at it in disbelief.  He tried to rub it off, it felt like it wasn’t there but it was it was a real cutie mark.           Twilight eyes lit up, “Is love your special talent?”         Brave really did want a cutie mark, once in awhile he thought of what his special talent was but could never really think of anything that would be considered a talent.  This has got to be the gayest looking cutie mark.         “I don’t know, maybe it is...” Brave said with a soft chuckle, hoping his true feelings for the insidious mark would not be revealed.         Brave coughed, and finally worked up the nerve, after shaking away the jitters that had been building in his nerves. “Twilight I think I –“         “I love you Brave.” Twilight spoke, her words were soft like velvet and they pierced as deep as a dagger. Brave did the last thing any pony would think to do in this situation.  He started to laugh, and laugh he did to the point of tears built up in the sides of his eyes. Twilight did not share his new found joke, and was hurt; she was almost in tears herself. “What’s so funny!”         “Twilight for some pony so smart you, can be so dumb.” Twilight was about to say something but was interrupted with a pair of lips now pressed firmly against them.  This is what he imagined her lips were, soft as silk.  She tasted like a fine wine they had just drank although, oddly smelled of caramel apples and not books. They sat there until Twilight pulled away breathing heavy.  She got off her chair and made her way across the table and hugged Brave. She repeated the same three words over and over again in his ear.  It truly was magical.  Until…         “That was awesome.” said Rainbow Dash as she and Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack came out from behind the bushes.           “I been waiting here forever." Came a voice from under the table. Pinkie Pie bounced out from under the table, even Brave was shocked at this.         “When did you?—“ Brave would never know.         Twilight's face was a dark crimson as all her friends hooted and whistled about her first kiss.  Pinkie Pie whispered into Twilight's ear “So what does he taste like?” She looked over at Brave who had a large smirk on his face and she leaned back.         “Chocolate milk.” They giggled and laughed as Pinkie Pie took out a large basket of sweets and him and the girls ate and laugh as they told Twilight of his epic plan.         “Oh, and so get this. He told Fluttershy to set you up with the best plan at the spa.  He has been here waiting for you for about 4 hours.  He thought you got mad and left the spa.”         “How was I supposed to know how long a spa trip was?”         “Well you could have asked?”         “Typical stallion think they know EVERYTHING.” This caused all of them to break into hysterics that Brave didn’t find funny, but he smiled anyway. It was getting late as the girls made their way home.  Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash decided to spend the night over at Rainbow's house.           Big Mac gave Brave and Twilight a nod as he dropped them off in front of the Library.  Brave opened the door for his marefriend, she smiled. “Such a gentle colt.” She let out a small cute giggle.  They walked up stairs, Twilight was leaning hard against Brave not wanting to leave his side.  He kissed her goodnight in front of her room and he nuzzled the side of her head giving her just a little bit more TLC. He turned for toward his room.           He saw something strange on the ground outside the door of his room.  It was a purple cap with a propeller. "When did Spike get that?"  He took one step forward before he felt Twilight's hoof on his shoulder.  He turned to her; her eyes were soft and seductive. Her aroma changed completely in the matter of five seconds.  He couldn’t tell what it was but it made her more alluring than before.         Twilight leaned over and whispered into Brave's ear. “Come into my room, I want to share more than my first kiss with you.” Brave’s heart exploded. All sense of reason went out the window.  His mind went blank and he followed her into her room and shut the door.                 :One room over:         “Tell me again Spike.” Screwball moaned as she took the dragon member into her marehood.         “I love you Screwball.” Spike moaned and buck until both their body’s gave way to the ecstasy, sharing each other’s essence.         Oh joy to what tomorrow brings.