Intro+Day 1

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So long story short, I’m damaged goods. My own mother admits to dropping me as a baby and that’s probably why I am as fucked up as I am. My ability to tell what is right and wrong is practically non existent. Well, that’s not entirely true, I just don’t care unless it might affect me negatively. The only thing keeping me from being some psychopathic killer is the fact I'm too lazy to hide dead bodies and cover up evidence. Well, that and common sense paired with the fear of being ass raped repeatedly in prison because I’m just too damn sexy.

But that’s beside the point here.

All in all, I grew up living a normal life. Parents loved me and never beat me unless I was really out of line. Even then it was just a simple spanking or being grounded. But for some reason my emotions were how to say, numbed out, well the ones like sadness and guilt. I could clearly feel happiness and pleasure, all the "negative" emotions seemed to elude me. Music and psychedelic drugs (I found out during my high school days) were about the only things that would stir emotions like sadness and regret about what I’ve done.

School was a whole other story as I was a bully magnet. I never went out of my way to find people, but I seem to give off this aura that makes people want to hurt me. When I was younger I was like most kids, I cried when they hit me because it hurt. But one day for some reason it stopped hurting. Fear of pain was no longer a factor for me. Somehow I ended up being a masochist. It's some kind of an odd quirk that some head doctor told me I had during my teen years after my mother took me in to see what was up with me. He also said I showed signs of being a Schizoid or having a borderline personality disorder. I called Bullshit and we never saw him again.

Anyway I started to enjoy the fights, and they made me feel alive when compared to the rest of my boring life, I suppose it was the adrenaline rush. Over my time in high school the jocks got it in their head that if they beat me in a fight it made them tough or something. So my school days were never boring.

With my lack of friends it was easy for them to catch me alone. I also had a nasty habit of listening to my iPod while walking, so people commonly got the drop on me, But I couldn’t help it. Music is my life you know? Even when my iPod wasn’t on I had a tune going through in my head. I would commonly quote song lyrics when speaking to people if it fit the situation. Without it I feel like I would go crazy...well worse than what I am now. I always felt that music amplified what little emotion I had, along with making me feel alive without having to fight some idiot, however, fighting with my iPod playing was a different rush entirely.

Well they aren’t always idiots, sometimes they know how to perform a basic ambush, and I guess I really pissed one of them off this time around. Seeing as how I’m currently lying in an alley with my head bleeding profusely.

One of my headphones had fallen out of my ear as I could hear someone laughing nearby while my music was still hearable. Lucky for me one of my favorite songs (Disturbed - Warrior ) was playing and the pleasant sting on my head kept me awake. I rose to my feet and smiled at him. “Hey Bro, what’s up?”

“What the fuck?! I just hit you on the head with a metal bat and you smile at me?!” I recognized him now, he was some muscle head on the football team. I one hit Ko’d his ass yesterday in front of his girlfriend, the bandage on his broken nose was proof.

“Yeah it’s a good thing you don’t play baseball, yer swing didn’t even hurt.” He was visibly pissed off now as he came running at me bat at the ready.

I would of easily dodged him, but it seems the blood lose from my head was worse than I thought as my vision quickly blacked out for a split second and my knees buckled, and for the 1st time in years, I felt pain again.

My mouth stung like I’ve never known before as his bat connected with my chin. I recalled the old doc telling me that I probably wouldn’t feel pain unless I was on the verge of death or I found no 'pleasure' in what was happening. The next thing I know I’m falling backwards...except I can see the ground coming closer. An odd sensation really as the only thought going through my head was, “w-t-f Bro? That’s not right.”

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What happened next was even crazier. Instead of hitting the pavement and dying like I thought would happen. I instead fell though the pavement and into a waiting room. With other people that looked equally as fucked up as I did, some far worse with limbs missing. Oddly enough I still had all my junk. My backpack with my school supplies and even my iPod with a full battery. Looks like I won't be without music in my afterlife. Also I realized I could see my ass when I looked down, and walking with your head facing the wrong way totally sucks.

Lucky for me the pain disappeared and was replaced with all the too familiar pleasure. I guess being dead reactivated my Masochist side. With some effort I was able to spin my head back around as a bunch of sickening cracks and pops could be heard. The other dead people just looked at me with a look of disgust and shock.

“Didn’t that hurt at all?!” asked one gentleman with a large pipe extending from his gut.

“Na, it actually felt really good. I kinda wanna do it again. Besides, whatever doesn’t kill you leaves a scar.” I smirk and he looks at me with disbelief and says

“That’s not fair, every time this stupid pipe comes in contact with something it hurts like the dickens. Stupid gas line explosion...” I shrug and sit down on a nearby chair waiting for something to happen. Most likely the grim reaper or some such nonsense.

It felt like days passed in that stupid waiting room. I spent my time cleaning myself up, you know, cleaning the blood off my face and head. Oddly they had a bathroom I could use. I tried to get the blood out of my shirt. It didn’t work too well as some brown staining was left behind, but it looked ok I guess.

A green lady (literally green) would come out and call someone’s name and they would walk with her past the door and not be seen again. Then my name came after I thought I was going to die again of boredom.

“Merry Sue, your next.” Why my mother decided to give me such a girly name with my dads last name, will forever be a mystery to me, seeing as how I'm dead now.

I got up and followed the green zombie looking lady in the back and into a room that looked like a standard office. The dude sitting at the desk had a dirty suit on and his hair...or more accurately his scalp was a mess, almost like someone took a weed whacker to the top of his head.

“Ah welcome Merry take a seat, let me just look over your file here and then we can decide where to send you.”

“Send me? What the fudge sickle cake are you talking about?”

He paused for a moment to read my file “Well Mr. Sue people of your standing are, how do I say this...Forbidden from heaven and useless in hell.”

“Whhaaaaaat?” I gave him a look of extreme confusion

“Well Mr. Sue, the reason why you're forbidden from heaven and useless in hell are for the same reason...because you’re a sadomasochist. Seeing as how your love of inflicting pain upon others is frowned upon by the guys upstairs, and the fact that you like pain pretty much defeats the purpose of hell. There’s really no place for you.”

“Well Shiitake mushrooms on a big stick... Am I really considered a Sadist? I mean I did enjoy kicking peoples asses... maybe a little too much I guess. So what now? Do I just hang around as a ghost unable to do anything?”

The balding dude puts a hand to his chin...which was missing 3 fingers apparently.

“Oh hell it doesn’t really matter to me, being stuck in a limbo would just make me go crazy. Nothing to do ya see? Now there must be SOMETHING I can do.” Merry looked at him with a throw the dog a bone look.

“Well I do know about one thing that you can do, But you will indeed have to work. Follow me”

With that they both got up and proceeded into the adjacent room filled with odd looking devices of all shapes and sizes with tons of glass looking tubes. All of them had either blue or red writing upon them. “What’s this place?”

“This place my dear boy, is where you will receive your equipment that will help you. Now take your shirt off and lift your arms for me.”

Merry shrugged and did as he was told. Then the suited man grabbed two of the tubes, one with red writing and one with blue writing on its surface. And Proceeded to forcefully and rather roughly embed them into Merry’s sides just below the armpit. Red on his right and blue on his left.

With a shudder of pleasure and a goofy look on Merry’s face he turned to look at his suited buddy. “What were those things for?”

The man cleared his throat and spoke “Those are enchanted collection vials, they give you regeneration and also act as translators, so you can understand any language. The red one will absorb all negative actions and deeds and the blue one will absorb all positive actions and deeds. When they fill up it will automatically be sent back to us and replaced with an empty one. Also as a side note, If they break due to some crazy amount of force, the glass will shatter inside of your body, possibly a painful experience, but the enchantment will make them form back together in a few days, but they will lose any of the deeds they absorbed, and basically reset’s back to zero.”

“Wait, so you're basically telling me, if it breaks, even though it's about to be full, I would have to start ALL OVER AGAIN?”

“Precisely, so don’t go around blocking attacks with the area under your armpits. Now as to why you are doing this? It's simple really, the big wigs like to consume the deeds as a sort of power source and food, so you’re going to be basically working for them.”

“Sounds like I just got a job as some kind of chief, that’s good news, and I tend to catch attacks with my face rather than my armpits anyway.” Merry thought for a moment “So will I be getting promoted or stuff like that? Also, where are you going to send me exactly? Back to my home town or something?”

The man in the suit scoffs then lets out a light chuckle “No, that would be stupid. Besides, you already fucked up on earth. I’m going to send you to a place that should make it easy for you, Besides making a true friend will give that blue tube a decent chunk, and making an enemy will do the same for the red one.” The balding man then looked at Merry and winked “Promotion no, Boons yes, they will be based on the deeds you send back more of, though you can be neutral and send back an even amount to both sides...”

Ignoring his last remark and wink Merry looks at him and says “I don’t know if your file has any detailed info, but I’m not the kind of person that makes friends easily...With my Unique personality anyway. And what do you mean earth? There’s more planets or something?”

“Hmm, more like alternate realities, we handle all sorts of universes around here, yours isn't the only one with those deemed worthy enough to enjoy everlasting paradise or torment you know.”

“Hmm, sounds like fun, I get to mess with some kind of aliens huh? Well lead on Sir.”

They walked back to the office where they promptly stopped in front of a door with the words “Equine Universe” written on it.

“Hey this door wasn’t here before... Also what's an Equine? Is it some kind of alien?”

“You're right, I had it sent here for you to use. Now one last thing Merry.”

“Yeah? Also you didn't answer me what an Equine was...”

The man in the suit chuckles a bit then says “You’ll find out soon enough, just... Try not to die again ok? If you do, you’ll be sent back here, and thats just a big headache for me, so much paper work N' red tape. Even with your new modified body and high rate of regeneration, a significant head wound will kill you again.” Ending his sentence with a serious face he opens the door. Leading into the dark underside of a bed?

"Well sucks to be you, so I guess I’ll keep from pissing off too many people...or aliens..” Merry thought what he meant by 'modified body', when did that happen? He then waves as he walks through the door only to sort of fall back into the room. Apparently the gravity was different, so he grabbed the left side of the door frame and pulled himself into what looked like to be the underside of a bed. Once he climbed completely out the door promptly shut behind him with a decently loud bang.

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“What was that?!” said a young girly voice with a southern accent

‘Well shit’ thought Merry, 'that door had to lead into some little girl's room, and by the sound of her accent she lives in the southern states, looks like I'ma get killed with a shotgun already. I thought this was supposed to be another planet... Guess I better do something...Something fun at least before I get shot.'

Merry crawls out from under the bed and stands at the foot of the bed and makes a bow. Oddly enough, even though it was dark, He can see clearly in black and white. Inside the bed he can see two big eyes looking at him with fear. 'So aliens do have big eyes'

“My dear girl, do not frighten yourself, for I am the Knightly Merry Sue, and I would do no harm to such a lovely young lass as yourself.” Keeping his head low and hand against his chest he just waited for a reply.

“APPLEJACK! BIG MAC! THARS SOME STRANGE PONY IN MAH ROOM!” yells the young lass at the top of her little lungs.

‘Well that could of gone better I'm sure, and did she say pony?’ Just then he heard doors slam open and what sounded like...a horse? Running down the hall to the room. Then the door flung open with a force so great it knocked it off its top hinge. What Merry saw when the light came on was a surprise. I mean really, horses? Small horses anyway, but small horses were ponies right? A small yellow horse/pony in the bed and a Big red one with a smaller but still big Orange horse/pony in the doorway, with a cowboy hat on...Jesus.

The two horse/ponies in the doorway were confused for a moment for the pony in front of them was no pony at all, it was some strange 2 legged animal that somehow snuck into their younger sister’s room. The big red horse rushed up to the 2 legged animal and pinned him to the ground.

'Time for some fun' thought Merry.

“Yall Ok Apple Bloom? Did this Animal do anything to ya?” Apple Bloom just shook her head and said

“No the animal didn’t hurt me, just scared me ah guess, it was talkin bout being a knight or something.”

“Talking? This thing can talk?” they looked over to the animal who had a look of...satisfaction on its face?

Merry just looked back up to Big Mac and said with a seductive tone “I’m not usually into letting guys get on top of me, but I can make an exception for you big boy.” Merry then winked at Big Mac who then jumped off Merry with a look of shock, disgust and a blush? on his face. Hard to tell with him being red to begin with.

“Well, now that you’re no longer on top of me, I suppose I should introduce myself.” Merry bowed again and said “ My name is Merry Sue, and I have journeyed across time and space from far away lands in hopes of completing my quest of salvation from my doomed fate of being stuck within a limbo.” Merry then looked up to see looks of confusion upon the faces of the alien horse ponies.

The orange horse pony spoke up “Ah don’t care what kind-a quest you were doing, that doesn’t give ya the right to sneak into some poor filly’s room in the middle of the night.”

“Ah yes, I do apologize greatly.” Merry turned to face Apple Bloom and then proceed to drop down onto his knees and face plant into the ground with a loud thud with his arms extending outwards palms down. “My dearest Apple Bloom, Please forgive my foolishness. I failed to realize the door I came from was under your bed. Could you see it within your benevolent heart of gold to forgive this Knight who has failed to even give you privacy?”

All three of the horse ponies stared at him with looks of disbelief, then Apple Bloom spoke up “Door under mah bed?” she jumped out from under her sheets and looked under her bed. “I don’t see a door down here Merry...” she turned around to look at Merry who was still face down.

“Ah yes, it was a one way door and it cannot be opened from this side.”

“Ya mean, you’re stuck here Merry?” questioned Apple Bloom with a hint of sadness in her voice.

“Dearest Apple Bloom, do not be sad for one such as me. I am not worthy enough to receive your sympathy. As I am sure I am not even worthy enough for your forgiveness.”

Apple Bloom walked over to Merry much to Applejack’s and Big Macs displeasure. “Ah forgive ya Merry. Ya didn’t hurt me and it seems like you don’t mean any harm.”

The orange pony interjected “I can tell most of what ya said was hogwash, except about the part of traveling across time and space and ending up under Apple Blooms bed...As crazy as that sounds. It's sounds true, but you sure aren’t any knight.

Merry rose up into a seated position and smiled. “How could you tell I was lying about anything my Dearest Apple?”

“Call me Applejack and its simple I’m the element of Honesty, and I can smell a lie from a mile away ya Varment.”

“Well then, you’re no fun, but I still do not mean any of you harm. And how is it that a horse can talk anyway?” element of honesty? For real?

The two older one’s snort “We are Ponies not ‘horses’ you 2 legged animal.” The word horses were spat out as if they were greatly offended.

“Whoa, sorry about that, I didn’t mean nothing by it, it's just the creatures you look like back home have similarities to you, well not as colorful and cute, but anyway you just look like em is all.”

Apple Bloom looked at Merry quizzically for a moment then asked “How come you aren’t talking like some kind of knight anymore?”

Merry smiled at Apple Bloom “So you enjoy my company when I speak in a manner of refinement Apple Bloom?”

Apple Bloom just giggled and said “Yeah, it makes ya sound like a cool knight from a story.”

“Well then, Let me pledge my services to you for a day to make up for a most rude awakening my dear Apple Bloom.” Merry smiled and thought to himself, ‘getting those good deeds should be easy like this.’

“Oh oh! Can ah keep him Applejack!?!” Apple Bloom gave the orange one the classic puppy dog eyes.

“Ah don’t know, I still don’t trust him. But he seems harmless enough. Also he’s not some kind of animal Apple Bloom, he knows how ta speak. You can't just keep him as a pet.”

Both Merry and Apple Bloom go "awww" at the same time. Everyone turns to look at Merry who just has a smile on his face. “I wouldn’t mind being a pet. You could get me a collar and I could sleep at the foot of your bed and...”

Applejack cuts him off and says, “I don’t feel comfortable keeping a strange talking animal as a pet...Also we already have Winona, and what in tarnation are you anyway?”

“Ah yes, I suppose a strange alien knight such as myself should let you know, that I am called a Ningen dearest Applejack.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow “Do ya always talk like that?”

“Like what my dear? With manner and grace?” Merry tilts his head to the side with a smile still plastered on his face.

“Yeah, like that, it doesn’t seem right, and your smile seems fake as well.”

Merry chuckles to himself a bit then drops the smile and the mannerisms in his voice “You got me there hot stuff. But I’m serious about helping Apple Bloom for the day, seems only right as I’m supposed to be doing ‘good’ deeds.” Merry dropped his head, then propped it back up with a smile “Or bad deed’s, ether way I earn my keep, now I’m sure we all have a big day ahead of us, we should all get back to sleep.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow “Well alright then, but you sure aren’t sleeping in here, you can go sleep in the barn outside.”

“Sounds good to me, sleeping in a pile of hay sounds like a fun experience.”

With that Applejack led Merry to the barn while Apple Bloom and Big Mac went back to sleep.

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After a short walk of silence they reached the barn and Applejack turned to face the ningen with an unsure look upon her face.

“Ahm only tolerating you simply because you don’t seem to mean us any harm, but at the slightest hint of your betrayal, Ahm gonna buck you into next Tuesday, do ah make myself clear?”

“Crystal clear babe, but uhh” Merry got a sultry look on his face “does buck imply something of the sexual nature?” Merry ignored her blush and look of disgust and continued to move his eyebrows up and down while sticking his tongue out in a lewd manner.

“It means no such thing ya Varment, and I thought you were into Big Mac?”

“Oh my dearest Applejack, I’m not picky, as long as its warm and of age I am good to go.”

Applejack gave him a look of confused disgust, because she knew, he really wasn’t lying about his sexual preference. So she clopped him in the gut knocking the wind out of him, but the look on his face wasn’t one of pain, no he kept smiling and his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he let out a moan.

“Hit me baby, one more time.” Merry said after catching his breath again.

“What the hay?! Ah think Id rather not, ya strange alien Varmint.” Applejack walked away with a confused look and mumbled something about how it should of hurt.

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Merry was left alone inside the barn, it wasn’t dreadfully cold , but it wasn’t warm ether, but he figured he would be ok after he got some hay on top himself. So he walked over to a nearby pile and buried himself in it. And closed his eyes to let sleep take him...Except he wasn’t tired.

Guess I’ll just think about my situation then, maybe I’ll be able to bore myself to sleep then. So let's see here...

I died because of some stupid blood loss and a broken neck, then I fall into some strange waiting room, I guess the grim reaper hired some help or something. Then the dude who I never got the name of tells me I’m forbidden from heaven and useless in hell. Just because of my lifestyle ...

Fuck those guys, This alien planet seems cool enough and I can have as much fun as I want here, So what if the planet is full of talking colorful ponies and I’m basically some kind of undead, even though I feel alive, hmm... How alive am I exactly?

Odd how I have my sense’s still, I can feel the warmth on my face with my hand.

Heartbeat? Check

Wait...

A pulse? Maybe I'm more alive than I thought, I wonder if I have to eat and junk. What about that regeneration he said I had?

Merry looked around the Black and white barn and located a sharp object, a Pitchfork to be exact. He stood it upright and slammed his palm into one of the spikes, it easily went through his hand and with a shudder of pleasure, he looked at his hand and noticed the blood trail going down the side of the pitchfork. Merry pulled his hand up and watched as the hole slowly but surely stopped bleeding, and scab up in about 3 minutes.

“Oh dang, this regeneration is pretty damn fast, I didn’t even have to stop the bleeding.” He looked at his hand some more then decided to lay back down in the hay with his hands behind his head.

‘Hmm, My healing makes me feel like Wolverine from the god dang X-men. And maybe I'm not sleepy because I’m an undead? I guess that would make sense, well fudge cake, that means the nights are going to be boring as fuck for me then if I can't sleep.’

I wonder if I still need to breathe... Merry began to hold his breath, his current record was 12 seconds.

While Merry held his breath he gently mused over his situation in his head.

I wonder what happened to the guy that killed me...let alone my family...

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A knock on the barn door caused him to stir and open the door. Much to his shock he spent the night holding his breath and thinking while the sun had come up. It was little Apple Bloom with a smile plastered on her face and Applejack behind her.

“Jeez what time is it?” Merry was wondering how long he had been contemplating about his certain situation.

“Its about 5:40 in the morning, the Sun’s starting to rise.” Beamed Apple Bloom.

“Now Apple Bloom Ah want ya to take him to see Twilight, she must know something and can let the Princesses know we have an alien in our town now. I’ll come by later after I get some chores done around the house to help out Big Mac right quick.”

“OK Applejack, come on Merry let’s go see Twilight! And we can get mah friends while we’re at it! Ahm sure they would love to see an alien!” Apple Bloom began to skip ahead without waiting for Merry.

Merry laughed out loud for a bit then shouted “Do not leave your Knight behind dearest Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom slowed down a bit and turned her head with a big smile on her “Thank you for waiting my dear, Now lead on! Our Adventure awaits us!” And with that they both moved at a brisk pace toward the town. Unbeknownst to the unsuspecting town, a different type of a colorful character was on his way.

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Merry had placed one headphone into his ear and began listening to his iPod and started singing out loud the song that just happen to play, Alien ant Farm - Smooth Criminal.

“Annie are you ok are you ok are you ok Annie!
Annie are you ok are you ok are you ok Annie!
Annie are you ok are you ok are you ok Annie!
Annie are you ok are you ok are you ok Annie
Annie are you ok will you tell us, That you’re ok,
There's a sign at the window
that he Struck you a Crescendo Annie!”

Apple Bloom just looked up at Merry with a confused look on her face “what ya doing singing a strange song like that? And what's that thing in your ear?”

“Oh this? It's my iPod dearest Apple Bloom, here hold still for a sec and let me put one of the ear buds down so you can hear it.” Merry bent down and put the other ear bud into Blooms left ear and her eyes went wide at the music with the last line she heard being the lines he had just sung out loud before the song ended.

“Is that some of your alien music? And how can something so small make such cool sounding music?”

Merry just chuckled to himself and said “Its Magic my Dearest Bloom.”

“Magic?! I didn’t know magic could do that! Maybe twilight can do something with it, seeing as how she’s the most talented with magic in Ponyville.”

‘Wait, Magic is real here? Oh crap’ Merry thought for a second then decided to just go with it. “Oh you guys have magic as well? Well Ours is more of a mechanical type of magic that use’s electricity.”

“What’s elec-tri-city?” Merry face palmed and realized they must be some kind of crazy primitive race.

“Its uhh, you know what a thunderbolt is right? Lighting?”

“Oh yeah those big bright things that set trees on fire during a bad storm?“

“Yeah those, that’s Electricity, and it powers all of our mechanical magic. Speaking of, How do you guys have light and stuff when its dark out?”

“Oh that’s easy, we just use gems filled with magic to give off light and you can even set em up with a switch like in mah room. We gotta get em filled every few years, but it gets the job done and its rather cheap. Cheaper than burning a oil lamp anyhow”

“Interesting...so where are we going exactly?”

“To the towns Library to see Twilight, ah just hope the town won't freak out seeing you, hopefully with me next to ya they won't freak out so much.”

“A whole town freak out because of a 2 legged alien? Per-Pos-Ter-Ous!”

“Why did ya say it like that?” Apple bloom gave him a confused look.

“Hmm, because I felt like it I suppose, besides its fun to miss pronounce words anyway.”

With a smile Bloom continued down the road and said, “ I suppose’s it is.”

Merry gave Bloom a smile “Now you're getting it.”

They walked down the road a bit more until they came to the town. The looks all the ponies were giving Merry were a combination of confusion and fear, but seeing as Bloom was walking next to him they figured it couldn’t be all that bad anyway. They stopped in front of a huge tree with a door and windows in it.

“Hey don’t tell me, this is the library?”

Bloom shook her head up and down, “Yup this here is the towns Library and Twilights the smartest Pony in town.”

“Hmm, smartest huh? Alright Bloom lets have some fun then, don’t question what I say when we get inside k?” Merry looked at Bloom with a smile and she just nodded while smiling back.

“Hehe, alright good, just follow my lead and go with the flow alright?”

“Alright then” with a smile Bloom pushed the door open and shouted “Twilight sorry for coming by so early in the morning. Its me Apple Bloom and my sis told me to bring this new guy to see you!”

Some shuffling could be heard from upstairs and down came a purple unicorn who stopped at the bottom of the stairs to stare at the odd creature behind Apple Bloom. The odd creature on two legs smiled and waved at her.

“Hewo purple poni. How is you?” Twilights left eye seemed to twitch, because of the bad grammar and pronunciation or because the strange animal was speaking to her, Merry couldn’t decide. She stood speechless for a good minute before Merry decided to speak again.

“Bloom, I dun tink dis purple poni is as smert as you said she wuz.” Twilights face went into a scowl

“No Merry I think she’s just confused, maybe you should explain.”

“I am NOT stupid you 2 legged animal.” Twilight snorted

Merry grinned at Twilight “Oh so da purple Poni can sprecken ze? In dat case let me introductory me self.” Merry bowed low and said “ Me name is Merry Sue and I am za ningen alien from across timez and spaces.” Merry got back up from his bow and finished with “And Miss Bloom here has chosen to accompany me for the day while showing me around.”

Twilight just looked at him with a look of ‘W-t-f’ then said “why was your last sentence not all...messed up?”

“Hmm, cause I didn’t wanna mess It up you silly N' cute purple pony”

“What what?! But you, huh?”

Apple Bloom started laughing at Twilight's confusion “It looks like the jigs up Merry.”

“So it may seem Miss Bloom. Now that I have met this Twilight, what do we do next?” Merry looked to Bloom with a smile on his face.

“Well Twilight was suppose ta inspect you or something I guess, and let the princess’s know about you being a ningen knight from space.”

Twilight scoffed and with a look of annoyance on her face she trotted up to Merry and gave him a quick once over. While she was excited that a new creature that seemed intelligent had showed up at her house. She was still a little peeved at how the 1st impression started off. Still curiosity got the better of her as she carefully looked over the strange two legged creature called Merry.

Merry kept his eyes on Twilight the whole time and noticed her look at his butt for a bit longer than needed.

“You see something you like back there babe?” Merry looked at her as she got a blush on her cheeks

“I-I-I was just wondering h-how you stand without a t-tail is all.” Twilight stammered with the blush still evident on her face.

“Sure ya were hot stuff, just give me a call when your bed seems cold.” Merry winked at her and she blushed even harder.

“Ah thought ya liked Big Mac Merry?” Bloom looked up at Merry with a look of confusion.

“Ah, sorry about that Bloom, I was joking with him, besides I think he’s more into pretty ladies or uh, Mares than me.” by this moment Twilights blush disappeared and she had a confused look on her face.

“So are you just joking with me as well?” Twilight had a look of hurt on her face

‘What the hell? Did this mare take my joking flirt seriously? Holy shit these ponies are easy to mess with. Well I’d hate to make her cry, don’t want my red tube filling up too fast now.’

“I apologize Ms. Twilight if I have offended you, No I’m not joking with you, you are quite lovely. Your beautifully lavender eyes were the 1st thing to captivate me when you came down the stairs, and I'm sorry for the way I introduced myself, how about I make it up to you tomorrow when my services for Ms Bloom have expired?” Merry thought to himself for a moment ‘wait a second, wouldn’t continuing the lie that I'm interested in her be worse in the long run? ...shit’

Twilight was taken aback along with Apple Bloom. Did this strange alien just hit on her? And then proceeded to ask her out on a date? Twilight began to blush at the thought of a date, even if it was some alien.

“Um, yeah sure, tomorrow. I’ll be here.” Twilight looked away then quickly stuttered “I-I-I have to check something!” she quickly galloped upstairs.

“Well, that was most odd wasn’t Bloom?” Merry looked down at the young yellow filly

“Well, ya did compliment her eyes then ask her out to a date tomorrow...”

“Oh... A date?! I meant more like a casual hang out like what me and you are going to do... Oh well, could be fun I guess. Only problem is I don’t have any money...” Merry thought for a moment only to hear the door open behind them with Applejack behind them. She glared daggers at Merry but smiled at her little sister.

“Did Twilight have anything to say about you?” Applejack looked at Merry with an impatient look on her face.

Merry just Smiled at Applejack and said “I got myself a date tomorrow, got any suggestions?”

“Whhaat?!” Applejacks jaw dropped.

“Yeah Sis! He said Twilight had beautiful eyes then asked her on a date for tomorrow, then she ran upstairs for something...” Applejack had a distasteful look on her face then started to walk up the stairs.

“Ahma go find out what’s going on exactly.”

As Applejack got to the top of the stairs she opened the door to twilights room and out walked a purple lizard saying “I don’t think he's gonna care what or if you wear anything Twi.”

Merry was shocked and had a look of excitement on his face. ‘A Dragon?! No fucking way! A baby one at that. This I need to see up close.’ Merry left Blooms side and walked up to the dragon who had a look of fear on his face at first then curiosity as this tall Bipedal animal approached him.

“Hey, you wouldn’t happen to be a young dragon would you?”

“You know, I almost thought you were gonna come up and ask me if I was some kind of strange lizard.”

“Are you kidding me? What fool would mistake a young dragon for a giant lizard? They must of been Simi retarded or something.” Spike chuckled at the comment

“Ya know, you’re a pretty cool dude, what are you doing here anyway?”

“Oh nothing much, some pony named Applejack wanted me to get checked out by the Hot purple pony that seems to live here as well.”

“Hey dude, that’s my sister you're talking about.” Spike began to gag a bit at the thought of his sis being considered hot.

“Really? I never would of guessed, how did that happen exactly?” A unicorn with a dragon as a brother?

“Oh she sorta found me as an egg when she was just a filly and raised me ever since.”

“Hmm, sounds more like she would be your mom, but oh well.”

Spike looks at him for a moment “you wouldn’t be the strange alien that asked Twi out would you?”

“As a matter a fact I am, why?” Merry raised an eyebrow

“Well, nothing really, she just had me send a letter to Princess Celestia that she got a date, and with an alien of all things. Though seeing you, I can guesstimate you really are an alien of some kind.”

Merry chucked “Well more accurately I'm called a ningen, but yeah, that’s about the gist of it.”

Spike shrugged and started to walk away “Well, just don’t screw up big time, she’ll probably talk your ear off with questions though. I’m sure she’s sexually frustrated seeing as how she doesn’t get out much...”

How the young dragon even knew what being sexually frustrated was made Merry wonder. 'Fuck it he’s a magical talking purple dragon, he does what he wants.' Merry shrugged it off and walked back to stand next to Bloom. If there was one thing Merry was good at, it was going with the flow and not questioning how things were.

“What did ya two talk about?” questioned Bloom

“Oh, just about my date tomorrow, so he gave me some pointers.” Merry mused it over in his head for a bit, 'A sexually frustrated Unicorn... How fun.'

Applejack and Twilight both started to come down the stairs Applejack leading the front.

“Ahma tellin ya Twi, he’s a no good liar.”

“Even if he is, I’m still taking him up on his offer, I need to get out every once in a while.” Twilight and Applejack had reached the bottom of the stairs and they both looked at Merry who just had a stupid grin on his face.

“My world is filled with liars, But I only lie to people I don’t like, and since you’re not people...I guess it doesn’t quite apply.”

Applejack just glared at him “If ya hurt Twi, Ahma have ta break yer back.”

“Well if you must break it, I suggest using the back of a chair.” Merry just grinned at Applejack “But I don’t plan to hurt Twi, Just make her...Feel good.”

Twilight Blushed again with Applejack while Bloom had a look of Confusion. Applejack then snorted and looked at Bloom “It's almost time for you to go to school, you should hurry along.”

“Aww, I guess I’ll see you later Merry, I have to get to school...” Bloom was sure she would get to skip school today. She began to walk out the door when Merry spoke

“Nonsense I’ll go to school with you, I said I would assist you today, and that means in all places. Of course I won't help you cheat on things though...that would be bad and take away from the learning experience.” Merry began to follow Bloom out the door as she cheered.

“Don’t worry Twilight, I shall be back tomorrow to pick you up.” Merry winked then turned to follow Bloom out the door.

~~~~~

“Are ya really gonna go on a date with that no good varment Twi?”

“Why yes I am, It will be my 1st date as a matter of fact, not just with a male, but an alien ningen male at that.” Twilight held her head up “and besides maybe I could learn something from him”

Applejack facehoofed “Just watch out he told me he doesn’t care as long as, and I quote, ‘I’m not picky, as long as its warm and of age I am good to go.’”

Twilight thought about it for a moment then smiled “This should be easy then.”

~~~~

Merry followed Bloom around until a small white unicorn next to a small orange winged pony came up to them.

“When did you get a pet monkey Apple bloom?” questioned the orange winged pony that had a fuchsia mane. Merry just laughed out loud at her comment causing both of the small ponies to look at him.

“Oh hey Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, he’s not mah pet monkey or anythang. He's my knight for the day, on account’a he woke me up in the middle a the night.”

The white unicorn made a squee noise at the word knight. While the orange one just looked at him.

“I don’t see any armor...”

Merry just laughed again “Scootaloo was it? Not all knights wear armor where I come from.”

Sweetie Belle just circled around Merry looking him up and down. “You should visit my sis, I bet she could make you something more knightly and dreamy.”

Dreamy? These ponies are crazy. “Well I could use some more clothes to wear, I’ll have to take you up upon that offer at a later date.”

“Well girls we should hurry on over to school don’t you think?” eagerly spoke Bloom.

“Wait, your monkey knight is coming with us to school today?” Scootaloo looked at Bloom then back to Merry. “COOL!”

Merry looked at the three fillies in front of him and smiled “So Bloom, I’m guessing these two are your friends then?”

“Yup! And together, We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders! YAY!” Merry cringed a little as the loud noise left a pleasant tingle in his eardrums.

“Well alright then, you three lead the way then.” Merry followed the 3 ponies as they quickly traveled to the school.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quite a simple school, it had the classic school house look he saw in an old history book. A few trees here and there with a sizeable playground. Really it was quite a nice school, and Merry wondered where the older ponies went to school, or if they only had a K-6 system here. All 4 of them walked into the front door as they seemed to be early. Good thing too, he wanted to speak with the teacher 1st, hopefully he could just sit in the back of the classroom instead of having to wait outside.

“Ms. Cheerilee!” Bloom had run up to the dark pink pony...or was she magenta? God I'm bad with colors. Anyway, Bloom had run up to her, so she could introduce Merry.

“This here is my ningen Knight of the day Merry. He can sit with me in class today right?!” Bloom had put on the puppy dog eyes again.

Ms. Cheerilee looked at Merry then back to Bloom, unsure of what was going on exactly. Merry walked up to her and got on one knee and spoke “I have sworn to serve Ms. Bloom here for the day as an apology for my most rude behavior yesterday. I humbly request that you allow me to sit in the back of the classroom. I promise to not interrupt your benevolent and enlightened lessons.”

Ms. Cheerilee was a little shocked, but quickly shrugged it off “Well ok then, I think I have a spare chair around here. Let me get it for you.” the pony then left to a nearby closet and brought out a chair and placed it in the back.

“Thank you kindly Madam.” Merry proceeded to sit in the chair while Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo all went to their respective desks satisfied with the turn of events.

The next few hours were mind numbingly boring, school always was. Thank god for lunch breaks as the class was dismissed for the hour. Ms Cheerilee called out to Apple Bloom asking her to take out the trash. But Merry, being under Bloom’s service for the day opted to take it in her stead.

Seeing as how he wasn’t hungry for some reason he took his time to take out the trash while looking around at the scenery. It was odd really, they had houses and such, But no streets or hard pavement. The only pavement seemed to be inside some buildings or some small roads, but nothing big enough to drive upon. They were more like sidewalks that went around the town. Then it hit him, duh, How would a pony drive a car. “Oh well, best head back and see what Blooms up to now.”

Merry walked up to the playground where all the other fillies and colts were. Spotting Bloom was easy enough with her big red bow. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were sitting next to her on a bench with two more small ponies sitting across from them. A gray pony next to a pink pony...was that pink one wearing a tiara? Seriously these confound ponies were colorful and crazy. As Merry got closer he could hear two of them laughing, but it didn’t sound like Bloom or one her close friends. The laughing sounded like that of a bully, the kind of laugh used after an insult.

Merry quickened his pace and stood behind the two ponies that were clearly laughing as Bloom and her two friends had tears forming in their eyes. “You three are just going to be blank flanks forever, you should just rename your group to the cutie mark failures!”

Merry just felt a pang in his heart when he saw the tears in Blooms eyes. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he was pissed that these two unknown fillies were making his little Bloom and her two friends cry. So he spoke up “Forgive me Ms. Bloom, I have returned and yet it seems I missed some of the trash, please excuse me yet again.” He picked up the fillies, one in each arm.

“Hey what are you doing!?” Merry just smiled as they both struggled in his arms.

“Why, I’ve never seen trash talk before.” He just gave them a big toothy grin.

“We aren’t trash! Put us down!” by this point every pony in the school yard stopped to look at the ningen with the two struggling and yelling fillies.

Merry just glared at them then spoke in a deep voice with the smile up “As far as I’m concerned anything that makes Ms. Bloom and her friends cry, is trash.” Merry rushed over to the large trash bin on the other side of the school and tossed them both inside and closed the lid. He heard the two fillies shout and scream at how they were now covered in some gook. He felt a second pang in his heart.

Merry walked back over to the bench and got on one knee in front of Apple Bloom and her friends. “Ms. Bloom, Ms. Belle, and Ms. Scootaloo I apologize for not being here sooner to prevent such a travesty from occurring.”

Merry hung his head and then he finally recognized the second pang in his heart, it was sadness mixed with shame. They were children, and he always thought that children should live happy lives away from pain and the stress that being an adult brings. Merry could care less about grown ups, but young children always struck a chord in his heart, something about their innocence made his feelings stir. Even though they were bullies he still felt bad about throwing them in the trash can, just a little bit, they were bullies being mean to Bloom and her friends after all.

Bloom and the other two had wiped the tears out of their eyes as Bloom spoke up “Don’t worry about it Merry, thanks for getting rid of them, but throwing them in the trash can was pretty funny.” as Bloom began to giggle so did Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah! The way you stuck up for us was so cool! Then you threw them in the trash like that! You were all like Zoom! Whoosh! You’re the Trash!” Scootaloo was making sound effects with her mouth as she was acting out the scene again.

Ms. Cheerilee had walked out of the school room to shout that lunch time was over, and it was time to come inside, so they all went back inside to their seats and Ms. Cheerilee noticed that Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara were missing.

“Has anypony seen Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?”

Merry spoke up “Ah yeah I know where they went give me a second, I’ll go get them.” Merry ran out the door and over to the trash bin. He opened the lid and looked down inside as the ponies were too small to get out by themselves.

“Are you two ready to be nice ponies instead of mean trash now?”

They both looked up at Merry and had tears in their eyes, clearly having time to think in a smelly trash bin about their actions “yes, we’re sorry Mr. We won't do it again” they both looked down as a tear went down their faces.

'Shiiit, crying children and its my fault, now I feel bad.' “Well that’s good to hear, here let me help you out and get you cleaned up.”

Merry lifted them out and opened his backpack, bringing out a towel and a large water bottle along with some moist Towelettes. Hey they made good disinfecting wipes for cuts when you’re on the go, not to mention the burning sting they gave felt quite good.

Merry proceeded to wipe the gook off of them and making sure they at least looked clean, couldn’t really do anything about the smell, but the Towelettes got rid of most of it. “There, that’s the best I can do, let's get you back to the class now.”

They followed him back to the classroom and they went to their seats heads hung low, at least until Ms. Cheerilee asked them where they were.

“We uh...” Silver spoon and Diamond Tiara couldn’t think of anything, they couldn’t tell the entire class they were stuck in a trash bin.

“They were being mean to Ms. Bloom and her friends so I had them picking up trash as a punishment.”

Ms Cheerilee was shocked to hear that he had punished them “Merry, I would like it if you would leave punishments to me, as I am the teacher. But seeing as how they were already punished it seems everything has been settled,” Cheerilee looked over the two fillies then looked back to Merry, she has never seen them so humbled before “did you two already apologize?”

The two fillies turned to look at Apple Bloom and her friends “We are sorry, we won't do it again.”

Satisfied with the turn of events Ms. Cheerilee continued with her lessons until school was over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now its 3 PM and school kids were let out. All the fillies and colts cheered to leave after another boring day at school.

Merry followed the CMC outside until they all stopped under a nearby tree to discuss what to do for the rest of the day.

“What's the plan today girls? Today we got a helping hand to help us find our Cutie marks!” Merry began to wonder what a cutie mark was, he did notice a lot of the ponies had painted some kind of symbol on their backsides.

“Wait, you mean those symbols on everyone’s flank isn’t just some painted on picture?” Merry was wondering what was so great about getting what looked like a tramp stamp.

“It’s a cutie mark! A cutie mark appears when a pony figures out what his or her special talent is!”

“So wait, that pink pony wearing the tiara that also had a picture of a tiara for a ‘cutie mark’...Your telling me her special talent is to just wear a tiara on her head? That’s foolish” Merry shook his head in disappointment, these ponies and their crazy talents.

“Well, ah never thought about it before...A'hm sure it means more than that. But that doesn’t change the fact we wanna know what our special talent is!” Hopefully these marks are based upon what they are actually good at and enjoy doing. Not just some crazy lottery system that they are born with...some marks could be quite sad.

“Well then Ms. Bloom and friends, lead the way!” the CMC's got a huge grin on their face’s as they all looked at each other and began to whisper back and forth.

“With a knight it should be safe right?” Sweetie Belle says with a bit of a worry

“Yeah he can protect us if things go bad.” Scootaloo states matter of factly.

“Yeah then lets go look for some rare exotic bugs then!” Apple bloom whispers loudly with excitement

All three of the fillies take a deep breath then shout“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER RARE BUG HUNTERS ARE A GO!” and then began to run off.

Merry just scratched his head “Bug hunters huh? Sounds easy enough, guess I better catch up to em.” So he started running after the little fillies who were giggling the whole way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They arrived at the edge of a dark looking forest with a nearby cottage that had a bunch of bird houses and other little animal homes surrounding it. Odd how cozy it looked with that little bridge going over a small creek and that short winding pathway that lead to the door.

“Who lives in that house?”

“Oh Fluttershy lives in that house, she’s really good with animals and this part of the forest should be safer as it's so close to her house.” Safer? What did Scootaloo mean safer, what the hell lives in this forest?

“Soo, by safer you mean what exactly?” Merry tilted his head in thought.

“Safe in a sense that timber wolves don’t come by this section of the forest very much.” The orange filly said with a matter of fact tone. Probably the most annoying tone for a child.

“Well alright then lead the way. I’m not here to question you girls, just help.” Merry said with a smile. 'How dangerous can it be?'

They traveled past the cozy looking cottage and slowly walked into the forest. “Remember girls, we're bug hunting so we have to be quiet so we don’t scare em away into hiding...” Sweetie Belle just looked at Scootaloo with one eyebrow raised.

“What makes you the expert bug hunter?”

Merry just lightly chuckled “Shes kinda right you know, most rare bugs is rare because they run when they hear talking...” Merry just looked to his left and right to act like someone was watching.

Sweetie Belle just clenched her mouth closed to keep from scaring any more rare bugs away. They spent about 40 minutes wandering through the forest and all the while Merry was breaking branches as they went along.

“Merry, why do ya keep breaking branches like that?” Bloom had tilted her head with a confused look

“Oh, my sense of direction is really quite horrible, so I'm just leaving a trail to follow back is all. Besides, when you get lost in a forest for a day while on a camping trip, you tend to pick things up.” Merry chuckled a bit from his hard earned learning experience.

They all seemed to agree with that statement as even they got lost from time to time. Then a putrid smell rose to Merry’s nose “Hey girls, I think we should turn back its starting to smell rancid around here, and that’s never a good sign...” Merry stuck his arms out in front of the fillies and started to back up when he saw yellow eyes in the bushes ahead of them.

“G-Girls, I-I-I think we wandered in t-too deep” The unicorn fillies voice was trembling and stuttering as she spoke.

“Aye we have, stay behind me girl’s, let's back away slowly for now...” Merry and the three fillies began to slowly walk back as the glowing yellow eyes came out of the bush followed by what appeared to be a wolf made of wood and various tree parts.

Merry stopped walking for a bit and looked at it, ‘what the fuck? It's made of wood? Wouldn't that make it, an ACTUAL Timber wolf? Or is it just, covered in bark as a type of camo?'

The timber wolf opened its mouth to bark and Merry could see that it even had wooden teeth. “I think I can handle just one little wolf, don’t you think girls?”

“Apple Bloom shook her head, they can't be killed! Mah sis fought them before! They travel in packs and just fall apart and come back together when attacked! We have to run!” Bloom was visibly scared along with the other two fillies.

‘Le sigh...Guess I should get these kids out of here.’ Merry picked up the 3 fillies in his arms and began to run following his trail of broken branches as the Timber wolf howled and began to give chase.

After running with the fillies in hand for about 3 minutes the timber wolf was catching up. And Scootaloo who was looking over Merry's shoulder started yelling to look out. She was a little too late as the timber wolf lunged and bit down on Merry’s right leg. A sudden rush of pleasure was sent up his body causing him to shudder and increase his pace with the timber wolf being dragged behind falling apart as it bounced along the ground.

“Your leg is Bleeding!” shouted Sweetie.

Merry looked at his leg then smiled at the 3 fillies in his arms keeping his pace “I ain't got time to bleed!”

“At least put us down now! The wolf stopped chasing us! We can walk by ourselves now and you’re hurt!” All three fillies were looking up at him with eyes that were full of sadness and regret. “Aren’t you tired from running with all three of us?”

'Great' thought Merry, 'now the kids feel bad I got hurt. And thinking of it now, I’m not tired for some reason, another perk to being undead I guess?' “It is a Knights duty to ensure the safety of innocents and children, do not fret over me getting hurt doing my job.”

The rancid smell was suddenly back and before he could spin around a timber wolf jumped out of the bushes to bite down onto Merry’s left arm. Merry however didn’t scream or yell, the fillies just stood shocked and wide eyed at the sudden turn of events.

“Well would you look at that, it would seem the pack has caught up with us,” Merry turned to look at the 3 fillies and completely ignored the wolf biting his left arm. “Follow the trail of broken branches girls I will join you shortly at the cozy cottage.”

The three fillies just shook their heads and ran off following the trail of branches “Were gonna go get Fluttershy to help!”

“Take your time girls” Merry shouted back at them with a smile.

“Well with the girls gone I guess I can get down to business.” Merry dug through his pocket to pull out his iPod and picked out the song Disturbed - Indestructible and put both headphones into his ears with the Timber wolf still snarling on his left arm. Good thing he was right handed.

“Ya know, if I didn’t have my stupid regeneration, I would totally be worried right now, but it seems I only have to worry about head wounds. As it stands now...” Merry took a deep breath and shouted “I’M AN INDESTRUCTIBLE MASTER OF WAAAAARRR!!!”

The timber wolf suddenly opened its glowing yellow eyes as Merry shouted into its face, With his headphones in he couldn’t hear the timber wolf begin to whimper as he slammed the wolf gripping his arm into the ground ripping the flesh from his arm off as the wolf was smashed into the ground falling apart.

“I wonder if you fuckers can burn” Merry got a huge smile on his face as he saw the flesh of his forearm begin to grow back slowly. He then opened up his backpack and brought out his favorite jet lighter and lit it up.

The wolf started to reform and two more sets of eyes began to glow from the nearby bushes as the rancid smell increased in intensity. He walked over to the reforming wolf and stepped on one of the larger branches and set the dried bark on fire with his lighter. Then let it go and float back to the reforming timber wolf.

When the Timber wolf finally pulled itself back together it realized its front left leg was on fire and it was rapidly spreading to the rest of its body. As it ran around in a circle the flames began to spread even more until it fell over in a heap no longer moving. Merry just smiled a wicked toothy grin.

“Good to know you fuckers can burn, Bawhahaha!” While Merry stood there laughing as the other two timber wolves jumped at him. The 1st one bit his right knee while the other had lunged higher and grabbed Merry by the throat.

Merry smiled as blood trickled out of his mouth. He brought the lighter up and set the wolf biting his throat on fire, then slammed his right knee into the ground smashing the timber wolf’s head along with his kneecap.

The timber wolf on his throat refused to let go as it burned to death. The flames licked Merry’s face in a pleasurable pattern as his body was rapidly healing the burns.

'The feeling of being healed and destroyed at the same time is such a unique pleasure...I could get used to this self destructive way of fighting.'

The wolf around his neck fell limp to the floor on top of the other timber wolf before it could reform, effectively burning up with the other one.

“Well now that’s over with time to head back I guess...” Merry realized his knee cap was still rather very well shattered. Making his right leg, effectively useless. “Guess bones take some extra time to heal?” So Merry fell down to a sitting pose to set, well hopefully, set it in the right place and let it start healing.

“It's so hard to tell how fucked up something is when it always feels good.” Merry sighed a bit and realized his knee cap had started reforming, but for some reason it wasn’t finishing.

“Well shit, Can knee caps even heal normally?” Merry figured he should start heading out even with his knee cap still messed up, he could always hop on one leg anyway.

Merry had spent about 3 minutes hopping along the path seeing as how when he placed weight on his right leg, it would give out and bend in...Not the right direction or place as he fell. He obviously broke more than just his knee cap when he slammed down on that timber wolf’s face.

‘Well shit, all those cracking noise’s weren't just that wolf's head. How much strength did I gain being undead? I’ve never broken my leg just slamming it as hard as I could into the ground on something... And suddenly, I’m extremely hungry.’

~~~~~

“G-g-girls what do you mean your k-k-knight Merry is fighting t-t-timber wolves!?” Fluttershy was wondering why the 3 fillies were so panicked when they knocked on her door. She was now currently sorry she even opened the door. And who was Merry?

The 3 fillies had tears in their eye’s “Please Fluttershy he stayed behind so we could get away! We have to go back for him, he was already hurt when we left to get help!”

As soon as Fluttershy heard this pony knight Merry was hurt protecting the girls she lost her fear and rushed into the house and came back in less than 10 seconds with a 1st Aid box in her mouth. “Eead the the aay girls!”

And with that they rushed back toward the Everfree Forest following the trail of broken branches back hoping Merry was still ok.

~~~~~

“God damn I’m so hungry...and the flesh on my arm and leg didn’t fully heal as well, I wonder how my neck looks. Well, probably not that good. Seeing as how my entire body feels all tingly. I'm certain I'm still riddled with wounds, so much for my super healing, I guess it has a limit.” As Merry continued to one leg hop from tree to tree he could hear some shouting.

“This way Fluttershy! Merry broke branches ta make a path for us ta follow!” Ah, good old Ms. Bloom came back, with help it seems. Guess I’ll just sit down here.

Merry slid down against a tree and started to relax, suddenly feeling tired.

“He's over here,” shouted Sweetie Belle “And he looks horrible!” The three fillies ran up to Merry and began to nuzzle against him while Fluttershy flew up and saw Merry, shocked to find out he wasn’t a pony, but still glad he was still alive.

“Oh don’t worry strange knight, I’ll make you better in no time.” She opened the 1st aid box and began to take out the gauze along with bandages and wrapped it around all the blooded areas after disinfecting them, his neck, and arm. She moved to start on his leg before Merry stopped her.

“Hang on a sec, I think something is really wrong with my right leg, when I tried to stand on it, it sort of bent the wrong way” Merry just smiled at her shocked expression. Fluttershy visibly gulped and went to inspect his right leg, the rips in the cloth made it easy to see his leg and pulling it back a little his leg was exposed.

Fluttershy loudly gasped at his leg as tear's started to roll down her face, the 3 fillies turned to look at his leg and even they began to cry.

“This looks really bad...” Fluttershy whispered. Merry looked down at his leg and realized it was really bad. The bone was poking through several areas of his thigh and his kneecap was pretty much, not a cap, and his leg was so swollen it looked like a friggin Balloon.

“It's all our fault! If we never came out here to go stupid Bug hunting you wouldn’t of gotten so hurt saving us!” The 3 fillies were crying on Merry’s chest and lap.

'Dammit, crying children, my one weakness.' “Hey, No more tears, I’ll be fine. Besides...It's just a non-fatal wound, some bed rest and I’ll be fine I’m sure. Also, as long as you three are ok, so am I.” Merry had a big smile on his face as he petted the three fillies “Besides, it's not any of your faults I got hurt, No one planned for the wolves to attack. It's like I always say ‘Shiitake happens.’”

The three fillies started to calm down a bit. “What’s a Shiitake?” Merry just laughed.

“Don’t worry about it right now, 1st lets get out of here.”

“But you can't walk with your leg like that!” shouted Fluttershy

“Who said anything about walking? I'm going to hop myself out of here, let's go” Merry stood up on his one leg and began to hop from tree to tree like he did before.

“How can you even stand to move around with so many wounds?” Fluttershy just had a look of utter shock on her face “Doesn’t it hurt to even move?”

Merry just smiled back at her “Of course it hurts, but it would pain me more if we got attacked again because of me just sitting around. And I’m a little too big to hop on top of you and ride.”

Merry chuckled to himself for a bit while Fluttershy just blushed at the idea. ‘Oh god, don’t tell me she thought that was sexual’

After much pleasurable hopping they reached the edge of the forest and Merry had to start doing some kind of balanced hopping to the Cozy cottage. At least until Fluttershy decided to let him lean on her for some support and rest.

'Seriously, why am tired and hungry now? When before it never bothered me? Was it because of the damage I took?'

After they got inside Fluttershy lead Merry upstairs to the bed and told him to strip down so she could take proper care of his wounds. Fluttershy told the three fillies to wait downstairs while she worked.

Merry just shrugged at the idea of stripping naked in front of a pony, and proceeded to do so, his pants being the hardest to do so as the bones sticking out kept getting caught in the cloth, sending a disturbing good feeling though his body, so much so his soldier began to stand at attention.

‘Well that’s no good, I’ll just leave my underwear on then, no point in taking them off anyway I guess. Besides I'm pretty sure its rude to have a boner when you’re this fucked up looking...or maybe it's just a sign I'm still healthy? Wait, how does an undead even get a boner? Fuck I'm some crazy kinda undead.’ Merry shrugged the thought away as he laid in the super comfy bed.

“Now this is probably going to hurt a lot, I'm going to have to reset the bones in your thigh so they can start healing properly, I brought you this to bite down on” She hoofed Merry a small piece of wood wrapped in cloth. Merry smiled at her, wondering what she would think if she knew he was going to enjoy it a little too much.

Merry placed the cloth covered stick in his mouth and bit down...it reminded him of a gag ball, shit.

Fluttershy began to gently push the bones back into place, Merry was surprised she was so gentle. There was very little pleasure at all, much to Merry’s dissatisfaction. By the time she was done Merry’s hard on was completely gone.

Then things got better as Fluttershy grabbed what looked like a large pair of thin tweezers. “I’m sorry I’m not a unicorn so I can't numb the pain for you, but bear with it while I make sure they are in place...um, if you don’t mind...”

“Not at all, do what you must.” Merry put the wood back into his mouth as Fluttershy held the big tweezers in one hoof (how I have no idea, but it must be magic). She gently put the tweezers into the holes and gently gripped the bones and lined them up best she could trying to cause as little pain as possible...

For the love of, this gentle attitude is boring “Hey, no need to be so gentle, just make sure it's done right so it heals quickly.” Fluttershy just looked at Merry then looked back to his leg.

“O-ok....” With that she became a little rougher as she started pushing the muscles out of the way to place the bones in their place as quickly as possible. ‘Awww yeah, that’s the stuff’

After a few minutes she began to wrap up his leg in some bandages to cover the holes from the bones popping out, then placed his leg in a splint to keep it in place.

“There, all done. I’m going to get you some food. And umm...” Fluttershy began to blush while looking at Merry's boxers “we should wait till you're all better before...um...we um” She then rushed out of the room

Merry face palmed ‘I guess she did see my boner after all. Confound these ponies.’ Merry began to unwrap his arm to check and see if any of it has healed anymore since he last saw it.

Nope, still looks like some shitty chief practiced his filleting technique on my arm. At least the muscle was back, just the skin was missing, leaving his muscle exposed. His neck had healed from the bite wounds, only some scabs remained.

As Merry began to re-wrap his arm Fluttershy followed by the three fillies came up to the room with a tray filled with soup, bread, and a glass of milk.

“Ahh, just in time, I’m so hungry right now it's stupid.” Merry started to dig into the soup and bread, dipping the bread into the soup to make it more flavorful. The three fillies and Fluttershy just watched as Merry gulped down all the food and finish the glass of milk in one go.

“Ahh that was good, but I'm still hungry, think you can get me something with more protein?”

“Umm, sure, but like what?”

“Oh you know, nuts, cheese, milk, eggs, meat, stuff like that.” Fluttershy wasn’t as shocked to hear he eats meat as the three fillies were.

“You eat meat?” Bloom asked

“Yup, I do, it’s what helps keep me strong, but the other foods should do just fine.” Bloom shook her head and went downstairs with Fluttershy to get more food.

It just hit Merry again, Ponies don't eat meat, why would they have any? God damn I’m such an idiot. Speaking of, I wonder how they feel about meat eaters... He looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo and smiled “you know I wouldn’t eat you guys right?”

The 2 fillies looked at each other and laughed “ Of course we know that, you saved us silly. And besides if you wanted to eat us, I’m sure that would of happened long ago.” Scootaloo said again, with that matter of fact tone.

Merry took the bandage off his arm again and realized the skin was starting to grow back. ‘Well would ya look at that, do I only get hungry when my body needs more materials to get the regeneration in working order? Only more food will tell.' Fluttershy came back upstairs with Bloom who also had a tray on her back.

“Ok we got you a bunch of nuts, milk, and cheese. I don’t carry any meat...don’t be mad....” Fluttershy started to hide behind her mane.

'So cute! Where did that thought come from?' “Don’t worry about it, I just realized ponies don’t eat meat, so not having any doesn’t surprise me.” Merry began to eat, or more like inhale the food and drink again. He suddenly felt full as he took the last bite of cheese, and only sleepy.

Merry yawned, “Alright, you three girls head home, I'm going to take a nap now. I’m sure I’ll be better when I wake up.” Merry looked at the clock and realized it was 5P.M. “Sorry I had to cut the day of knight service short Bloom, hope you can forgive me.”

Bloom shook her head, “Don’t fret about it, I forgive ya, just get better ok?” With that Merry waved Bloom and her friends off so he could take a nap.

~~~~

The three fillies just looked at Fluttershy “Will he git any better after his nap?”

“I don’t think so girls, you saw his leg, that’s going to take a lot of time to heal...but he will be fine.” Fluttershy just looked up at her bedroom door and thought about the strange Knight in her bed... She blushed.

Night 1

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Fluttershy was downstairs taking care of her animals and keeping her house tidy while Merry was upstairs sleeping. She had seen some kind of a huge picture on his back, and she wasn't quite sure what it was exactly. She would have to ask him when he woke up later. He has already been soundly asleep for the past 2 hours, and Fluttershy began to wonder if she was going to sleep on the couch. Or if he may just let her slip in next to him...

Cutting Fluttershy’s fantasy short Merry walks down the stairs in his torn and no longer stained clothes. “Hey did you wash my clothes while I was napping?”

Fluttershy just looked dumbfounded, he shouldn’t of been able to walk after only 2 hours of sleep. “Uh yes, I did...you should be resting, what about your leg?”

Merry just stomped his right foot on the ground “Good as new, I’m a fast healer” Merry just gave her a big grin.

“B-b-but that’s impossible! Your thigh bone was broken into several pieces!” She had her hooves up to her mouth as she flew over to inspect Merry’s leg. She gently prodded his leg in several areas and could only see the scars on his leg where the bone had popped out from.

“Yeah, it seems the impossible is possible for me, I just have a bunch of sexy scars now.” Merry just watched as she continued to prod his leg and look at all the scars along his neck, leg and arm.

After a few minutes she sighed “Well that’s good...” Fluttershy was a bit disappointed that he would probably be leaving now “um, I guess you’re going to leave now?”

Merry thought for a moment “Yeah, I’ve been under your care long enough, what time is it anyway?”

“It is 7PM, and It's starting to get dark out...” maybe he would stay the night, and now that he’s all better...

“Is that so? Well Thank you kindly Fluttershy,” Merry bowed to her with his left hand on his chest “Thanks for the food and care, perhaps we shall meet again.”

As Merry started to walk toward the door Fluttershy spoke up “You could stay the night...andsleepinmybedwithme ...”

Merry couldn’t hear the last part, but responded “Nonsense I have overstayed my welcome I’m sure. I’ll be fine, so don’t worry about me anymore.”

As Merry walked out the door he closed it behind him while Fluttershy just mumbled to herself about having to be more assertive when it came to stallions that would protect fillies they didn't even know.

After all, a strong and protecting father is what Fluttershy wants. It's a shame all the stallions she knew would always run away scared at the 1st sign of danger.

It's a shame Big Mac seemed to be just as shy as her, and he was last seen hanging out with Ms. Cheerilee recently.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Well now, that was an interesting learning experience for my new body.” Merry sighed “Now where can I hang out until morning?’ Merry walked back to the town and began to wander around. Seeing as how he wasn’t following a bunch of fillies around he could get a good look at the town.

‘Hmm, I never noticed it before...But all the signs have pictures in place of letters. Am I going to have to learn to write a new language?’

'Eh, fuck it.'

'I’ll learn it if I need to learn it. Besides, it's easy to tell what’s what...Like that store over there looks like it sells feathers and couches? Or maybe it means the couches are as soft as feathers, or filled with them?’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Merry walked around trying to decipher what all the picture signs meant, and why a house would be made of gingerbread, he found himself in a little area with a fountain and some benches around it.

“What do you say ass of mine? Shall we have a seat?” Merry turned around to look at his ass

“Yes, yes we should.” Merry nodded in agreement and sat down on the nearest bench.

'Well for the sake of keeping boredom at bay, I guess I should go over what’s happened so far today.

1st I die and get sent to some office and the dude in the suit gives me a job to collect deeds for the higher ups. And in return I get boons of some kind. Not only that I have a regenerating undead body, that has limits apparently.

Le sigh.

These ponies and their giant eyes remind me of some Anime, huh... Something about those eyes makes me feel at peace. Why are they so big? Forgot the fact they can talk, I can cope with that. The eyes are so big and alluring it's what confounds me.

Oh yeah, I have a date tomorrow don’t I? What the fuck am I going to do about that?

Le sigh

Guess we can just go do something that doesn’t require money. But what exactly? Well, I guess I could just ask her...or we could just hang out in the park and talk...Shit, I was always bad at planning dates, I'm much more of a spontaneous planner...I’ll just do that then...Make shit up as I go, I’m good at that.

Wait a second... Naa she wouldn’t let it get that far after just one shitty date...But still she’s a pony, and I'm like 99.9% sure my human size is nothing near what a pony has...well Fuck. My odds of satisfying a pony just flew out the damn window...but then again I do have hands.

Guh, what the hell am I thinking about? It’s a damn pony when did I become a furry? Hmmm, so let's see, on one hand I become a serious horse lover...and on the other hand I rename it Rightina...or Leftina. Son of a cock mangling monkey, I’ll just worry about this shit later if it actually comes too. No point in wracking my brain over something that probably won't happen.

Now what else did I learn...oh yeah, breathing is really only needed so I can talk. And I’m only hungry when my body needs more materials so that it can regenerate. Now sleeping...for some reason I was tired after my little scuffle with the timber wolves.

That are made of wood oddly.

Anyway, maybe I only need to sleep so bones can heal? Or when I take severe damage. I’ll have to find some time to test that out. Also,I wonder if I can just eat normally even if I’m not hungry so that my regeneration can last longer?

As for the fact why I have a heartbeat. Maybe it's just so the building blocks can travel around easier? Through my blood stream maybe?

But why am I warm blooded still? I thought I was supposed to be cold like zombies and other undead are supposed to be. Is it because of some weird magic?

Am I really even undead? Or just some freak of nature now? Guuhh this is too complicated, it's making my brain hurt.

I need to stop thinking about all this complicated stuff...where’s my iPod’ Merry looks through his pockets and finds his iPod and puts his headphones in. ‘Time for some relaxation’ Merry zooms through the pages and selects Ed Alleyne Johnson, Because some epic violin music is always a great pick when it's dark out and you’re trying to pass the time.

Merry decided to lay down on the bench and watch the night sky. Merry watched as stars began to appear in the night sky. It was odd really, usually they come in from different spots, not appear in a wave. Merry shrugs it off as another crazy thing and closed his eyes to relax to the instrumental music.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A blank mind tends to wander, as Merry imagined himself performing the music in front of an audience. Only to get way into it and thrust his hand out knocking his iPod to the floor.

“Shit!” Merry scrambles to grab it but to no avail as the iPod smacks the ground, and for some reason the song changed. “Shitty iPod, good thing I have a case for it...wonder why the song changed...” The sound of a piano fills Merry’s ears ‘I know this song... (Mad World- Gary Jules)” Merry shrugged and decided to listen to it anyway, it was a soothing song as well.

Merry felt a tear roll down his cheek ‘Fucking Gary Jules, why do you have to sound so sad.’

Merry looked at his hands and down at the ground ‘My life is a rich full fucking waster, I couldn’t even find a job until after I died and I was pretty much forced into it. I wasted my life doing so many useless things, and I was such an asshole. My ex-girlfriend considers me a monster...' Merry sighs and looks up to the sky 'I wonder what my parents are doing now that I'm dead, Is my body still in that alley? I really wish I knew what happened.' Merry shook his head

Enough of this

Merry turns his iPod off and stands up wiping the tears from his eyes. ‘Enough with my shitty past, time to focus on the now... Right'

Merry takes a deep breath “I do what I want! Fuck what others think about me!”

And with that thought in his head, Merry got up off the bench and went back to walking around the town. Somehow he ended up at the school house. It looked kind of creepy, not sure why, maybe it was the weather vane on top creaking in the light breeze. ‘So let's see, if I remember correctly’ Merry points down the road ‘that direction is the apple farm, and the direction I came from being the town...So what’s down this road?’

Merry walks down the thin road and it eventually leads him into a park that’s connected to another road that leads him back to the fountain. ‘How boring, I was kinda hoping for an adventure down that road...might as well check out that park then’ So Merry walks back toward the park.

'I still wonder why everything looks black and white when it's dark out. Kind of reminds me of a black n’ white picture really. It's as clear as day, but black and white...kinda like dark vision. A perk to being undead? Best not question it as it might disappear.'

Merry walked over to a park bench in front of some bushes and trees on the outskirts of the park. 'I wonder how they do all this metal crafting with hooves. Well Bloom did say they have magic around here, I guess that would explain An awful LOT of the stuff around here. It's odd really, they are advanced in some areas, and in other’s its like from the stone age. But if they had magic to fill the technological gap then that can explain the inconsistencies I guess.'

While Merry thought about the craziness of this world. He thought he heard someone quietly crying nearby. The crying caused Merry to look up at the stars, then turn around.

‘Ok, so it's dark out, I can hear crying coming from some bushes in a park. Should I just walk away or investigate? Let me think...hmm, what else am I going to do until the sun comes up?’ Merry puts his fist to his chin to think

‘Crap, I have nothing better to do.’

Merry sighed and walked over to the bushes where the muffled crying was coming from. Between two bushes he saw a box on its side with a couple blankets inside. ‘A homeless pony? What the hell?’

“Hello? Is everything ok?” ‘please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.’ Merry heard some shuffling and saw a familiar face poke through the blankets.

Scootaloo wiped her face dry with a hoof “Merry is that you?” She was squinting in the dark to see who it was, after all Merry should still be at Fluttershy’s recovering.

‘SHIT! Why was she crying? wait, WHY IS SHE IN A BOX!? Damn my weakness for children’

“Ah you got me, yes it's me, And what are you doing all the way out here anyway?” Merry pondered it for a moment, 'after all, she couldn’t really be homeless or anything right? RIGHT?!'

“I’m uhh, just camping out, that’s all.” Scootaloo takes a deep breath to try and calm down.

“Mhmm, alright then, you’re camping in a park all by yourself then?” Sounds like a total lie, but I’ll go along with it for now.

“Yup, nothing out of the ordinary here.” Scootaloo brought out a lantern and shook it a few times to get some bugs inside of it to light up.

“A firefly lantern? That’s pretty cool. So anyway, I came out this way because I heard some crying, what’s with that hmm?” Merry just tilted his head as his eyes adjusted to the light.

“Crying? I wasn’t crying...” Scootaloo looked away “and what are you doing walking around? I thought your leg was all busted up...”

Merry just chuckled “Heh, turns out I’m a super fast healer. Though I think Fluttershy is pretty good at setting bones.”

Merry sighed “Look I’m gonna be straight with you, I know you were crying, and that this whole camping thing is just a cover, you don’t need to tell me everything, but I can't stand to see a kid cry.” Merry walked over to the box and sat down in front of it “now are you gonna tell me what’s wrong?”

“It’s all my fault...” Scootaloo just hung her head down

“Hmm? What’s all your fault?” Merry raised an eyebrow

“It's all my fault you got hurt! It was my idea to go bug hunting in the Everfree Forest!” She now had tears visibly forming in her eyes as she spoke “All because of me you almost died and...”

Merry moved over and picked her up in his arms “Now now, none of that now, I told you three before, It is NOT your fault. Even if it was your idea. It’s not like you called the wolves over or anything, and you know what Scoots?”

She just nuzzled into Merry’s chest and looked up with her tear stained face “What?”

“I would do it all again, just for you guys. Why? Because I had fun with you, and I would of hated to see you get hurt. Besides, look how fast I healed up anyway.” Merry set her down and posed a bit to flex, making her giggle a bit.

“Good good, now that you’re in a better mood, how about some music?” Scoots just looked at him

“But I don’t have anything to make music.” Merry just grinned at her.

“Don’t you worry about that Scoots, I got us covered.” Merry pulled out his iPod and separated the headphones as far as they could go. “Now scoot over Scoots, I'm going to hang out in your box with you.”

Merry crawled into the box, but it was far too small for him, his bottom half hung outside the box while his upper half was laying down inside the box, Lucky it was wide enough to accommodate his shoulders with some space left for Scoots to be inside as well. She promptly laid down next to Merry’s head.

“I don’t think my box or blanket is big enough Merry...” Scoots started dragging the blankets all around in an attempt to cover herself and as much of Merry as possible.

“Hehe, Don’t worry about keeping me warm Scoots, I’m a big boy, I’m not worried about the cold. Just keep yourself as warm as possible.” Merry started to tuck the blanket around Scoots in order to keep her warm.

“Now for the music, hold still for a sec,” Merry placed one of the earbuds in one of her ears and the other in his own. Then he turned the volume down a bit and played DragonForce - The Flame of Youth.

Scoots dropped her mouth at the sound coming from the iPod. “Such a little thing can make music?!” Merry just chuckled

“Yeah it can, at least from where I’m from anyway. The band is called DragonForce and this song is about how the young can never be kept down for long. At lest that’s what I think it's about.”

“What do you mean Merry?”

Merry just looked over to Scoots “The song is called The Flame of Youth, and it's about pushing yourself back up no matter what hardships you face, because you’re still young. Defending the flame of your youth as you fight through life, and it has a kick ass Beat.”

Scootaloo just laid there listening to the music with her eyes closed until the song came to an end and Merry paused his iPod. “I’m not quite sure I get it, but it sounds awesome and awe inspiring.”

Merry just smiled at Scoots “Good, at least you got the 1st half, now get to sleep. I’ll hang out with you tonight...” Scoot’s stomach grumbles loudly, and she gets a blush on her face while she smiles sheepishly. “...did you forget to bring food for your camping trip?”

“Uhh yeah, I kinda forgot to pack some food in my excitement...” Merry just pat’s Scoots on the head and opens up his backpack.

“Let me see what I got in here for you...” Merry rummages through his backpack and pulls out two beat up looking Granola bars. “...hmm, I don’t remember packing two of these, well they should be good anyway. Not like these things go bad.” Merry opened the 1st one labeled peanut butter and realized it was no longer in bar form.

“What’s that supposed to be?” Scoots just looks at the crumbled mess inside the package.

“Well, it's supposed to be a Peanut butter granola bar, but as you can see its no longer a bar as it got smashed at some point. It's still edible though, here have some.” Merry laid the opened up package down in front of her. Scoots sniffed it then took a small bite then smiled.

“This is good!” She wolfed down the granola mess in a few seconds, so Merry decided to open the second one and place it down in front of her as well.

Scoots just looks at it then back to Merry “Aren’t you hungry too?”

“Nope, I'm not hungry, besides you’re still growing, you should eat all you can.” Merry just smiled at her while she ate the other granola bar.

“That should hold you off, it's time for you to get to sleep now Scoots. I’ll sleep here as well to keep you company.” Scoots just shook her head up and down and curled up into a ball under the blanket.

‘I wonder how long until she goes to sleep...’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry put his iPod on super low volume and put both earbuds in and just laid there looking at the top of the box for hours while sifting through his music play lists, at least until his iPod battery died...

‘FFFFFUUUUUUUU’

‘Wait they have magic here, maybe that purple pony can do something about this when I go to see her. She's supposed to be smart after all.’

Merry slowly got up and out of the box hoping not to disturb Scoots while she slept. ‘Well since my iPod is dead, I guess the first order of business is to find some breakfast, and I know just where to go.’

Merry made his way out of the bushes and walked down toward Sweet Apple Acres. On his way he noticed the horizon became an orange red color. ‘Sunrise is coming, I wonder when Scoots will wake up...’ He made it to the farm right when the sun stopped being orange and became yellow.

‘Now to just pick some apples and head back to Scoots.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Varmints, varmints stealing apples...Zzzz” Applejack tosses and turns in her sleep “Varmints!” Applejack sits upright in bed with a cold sweat.

“My Farmer sense is a tingling, and it tells me somethings a stealing mah apples!”

Applejack throws her hat on and rushes out the door to her field.

~~~~~~~~~

‘This should be enough apples for Scoots, better head back now.’ Merry begins to walk away with his arms full of apples when he hears shouting.

“Get back here ya apple thieving Varmint!” Merry stood his ground, surely this could have an interesting end.

By the time Applejack caught up with the apple thieving varmint she realized who it was. It was Merry and his arms were full of apples.

‘Time for some fun’ Merry smiled

“Hey Applejack! Did ya come out here to help me eat some of these tasty apples?” Merry just had a stupidly huge grin on his face.

“Give back those apples Merry! Those belong to the apple family!” Applejack snorts while some visible steam comes out. “Yall can't just go around stealing apples from us!”

“What? No free apples for friends? Such a cruel attitude Ms. Applejack.” Merry shakes his head in disappointment.

“A dishonest thief like yall ain't no friend of mine!” Applejack began scraping her front left hoof in the dirt like she was ready to charge.

“You wound me Ms. Applejack! Were all your sweet words in front of the barn just pillow talk?”

“WHAT SWEET WORDS?!” Now Applejack is pissed and confused

“So I really was nothing but another notch on your hat? I guess this is farewell fare Applejack.” Merry spun around and began to walk away.

“Huh? Wait, STOP! GIVE BACK THE APPLES YOU PIG BUCKING VARMINT!” Applejack started charging Merry.

“NEVER, I DO WHAT I WANT!!!!! Ok just one.” Merry threw one of the apples at Applejack knocking her hat off making Applejack stop charging to pick up her hat.

Merry took his chance to run through the trees and through a bunch of bush's back toward the park while Applejack was busy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Whew, I think I lost her. Now to get back to Scoots before she wakes up.’

Merry stumbled out of the shrubbery and into the park. He finally made his way back to the spot where Scoots was ‘camping’ and noticed she was frantically looking around the box and the nearby bushes.

'I hope she’s not looking for me...’

“Heya Scoots, what chu looking fur?” Scoots spun around and saw Merry, getting a big grin on her face.

“You’re back!” Scoots ran up to Merry and noticed all the apples he was carrying. “Where did you go, and why do you have apples?”

“Oh I just went to see Applejack. She likes to share you know, make sure you thank her for breakfast next time you see her.” Merry smiled at Scoots and placed the apples in front of the box.

“Aren’t you gonna have some?” Scoots looked up to Merry tilting her head a bit.

“No thanks, I ate while I was getting you some I’m full, thanks though. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go meet Twilight.”

“Alright then, thanks for breakfast Merry! I’ll be sure to find Applejack later and thank her as well!” Scoots waved Merry off as he walked away toward the library.

Day 2

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Applejack had spent a decent part of her morning looking for Merry until she decided to just wait for him when he went to go pick up Twilight for their ‘date’. So she told Big Mac where she was headed and would probably be back later.

“So let me get this straight Applejack. You’re telling me Merry snuck onto your farm at dawn, and stole some apples. Then when you confronted him as he was leaving, he assaulted you by throwing an apple at you, knocking off your hat and causing you lose track of him?” Twilight was having a hard time grasping the fact Merry stole some apples and caused a bit of a ruckus so early in the morning.

“That’s right Twi, and I know for a fact he’s a coming by here later so Ah'ma stay right here until he does. No one steals from the Apple Family and gets away with it.” Applejack snorted some visible steam with a scowl on her face.

“Well I’m sure Merry had a perfectly good reason for it. I mean he didn’t seem like a thief when we meet him. At least he didn’t look like one to me.” Twilight had tilted her head up in thought.

Applejack scoffed “Of course you wouldn’t Twi, you were so busy checking him out you couldn’t see past his shell. I’m telling ya, he’s lying about everything he does.”

Twilight blushed “I was not just checking him out. It was for Science!”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry was walking through the town with his hands on his head while looking up at the cloudless sky. ‘I really need to get a house or something, carrying my backpack around everywhere is pretty annoying. I wonder if I have to build my own house or if I can just buy one.’

“Ahh man, I really wish I had my iPod, walking without music is soo booreing.” Merry began to hum a random tune as he walked along and made random noises like “beep boop bee boop.”

By the time he reached the Library he got a feeling in his gut that he was in trouble. “Why do I feel like I’m about to enter the principals office?” Merry slowly pushed the door open and said “Hello?”

“Ah Merry! Glad you could come by so early. Maybe you can help clear up this mess with Applejack! She said you stole some apples from her farm, is that true?” Twilight had moved up to the door and was standing in front of Merry with Applejack behind her who was fuming.

“Steal? I don’t remember stealing any apples, ” Merry tilted his head up in thought “are you talking about that group of apple trees I found?”

Applejack moved forward “That GROUP of apple trees were on Apple Family property and are a part of our Apple Tree Orchard. Stealing from that field is like stealing money from us, and stealing money from us is like stealing food from our mouths.” Applejack snorted again.

“Surely such a big farm can't be harmed that much from only 6 apples going missing could it?” Merry looked at Applejack with an eyebrow raised “surely you are over reacting.”

“The 6 apples ya took cost a total of 3 bits. We now have a confirmed loss of 3 bits on top of all the apples we lose because not every apple is perfect and we can't sell an imperfect product. At most we get 1 bushel of apples per tree. A bushel of apples sells for 63 bits. However,the apples from each bushel must be sorted for quality control. After sorting 100 bushels, only about half of them will be passable on a good day.” Applejack took a deep breath “Not just that, you aren’t the only one that steals apples from our farm, the critters in the nearby fields also come onto our farm and eat our apples and into our profits. The money we make selling apples barely keeps us afloat, it’s the reason why we make and sell apple cider in the fall to keep us up while the trees don’t produce any fruit. If you keep eating apples from my farm without paying it’s a total lose of 180 bits per month. Assuming you only eat 6 a day.” Applejack just finished staring Merry down.

‘Great, now I feel like a pile of shit.’

Le sigh

“Now I can see your pain, I’m sorry Applejack, I won't steal from your farm anymore.”

Twilight just looked at Applejack “I didn’t know you could do math so well in your head Applejack.”

“Ah have to know how ta do some simple math, Mah livelihood depends on it. And apology accepted Merry, Ah’ll have ya pay me for them later since I know you don’t have any money. Being new to our planet and all.” Just then Apple Bloom followed by Scootaloo came through the door.

“Ah told ya Mah sis went to see Twilight Scoots.” Apple Bloom just lets herself in along with Scootaloo.

“What are you two doing here?” Twilight questioned.

‘Oh, this should be interesting, I thought for sure I wouldn’t be around to see the look on Applejacks face.'

“I just came by looking for Applejack, so I could thank her for breakfast this morning!” Scootaloo just smiled at Applejack who had a look of confusion on her face.

Apple Bloom spoke up next “It was so nice of ya to provide breakfast for Scootaloo and Merry Applejack! But that’s my sis for ya, Always willing to help those in need.”

“What in tarnation are you girls talking about?”

“Merry said he went to Sweet Apple Acres to get us breakfast and you were kind enough to give him a few apples. Since I forgot to pack breakfast for my uh, camping trip. Anyway we have to go get Sweetie Belle now for some Crusading” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom ran out the door without giving Applejack or Twilight a chance to put two and two together.

Applejack just watched them leave then turned to Merry “what did she mean ‘thanks for breakfast’ Merry?”

Merry just shrugged his shoulders “I have no idea.”

“Yall know you can't lie to me. Did ya really steal apples so Scootaloo could eat something for breakfast after her so called camping trip?”

“Maybe I didn’t maybe I did, what does it matter? I still stole them. I’ll pay for them so don’t worry about it.” Merry sighed “I just need to find a job that will pay me some money is all.”

Twilight sighed “We can handle that when it comes to, but for now lets get started Merry. I made plans for the perfect date.”

“Uhh, perfect date?” ‘Looks like I won't have to think of anything'

“Yes, it's all right here in this book I have called, The 10 Commandments of Dating. Now if you will excuse us Applejack, we have some business to attend to today.”

Applejack just sighed “Fine, Ah'ma gonna ask around town to see if’n anypony needs a helping hoof or something.”

“Thanks Applejack, but I’m not gonna forgive you for calling me a pig bucking varmint, and I can’t believe we're not even friends after all the sweet things you did to me in the barn on my first night here, That hurts my feelings.”

“Applejack! Did you really call him that, and what sweet things?!” Twilight had given Applejack a glare.

“He’s lying Twi! Well, about the sweet things. I did call him a pig bucking varmint this morning...” Applejack looks away then back to Merry “But Ah certainly did nothing sweet with ya on yer 1st night here.”

“I’ll take your word for it Applejack, because I know you’re a terrible liar. Let's go Merry, I have a big day planned for us.” Twilight walked past Merry brushing her tail against his chest as she went toward the door, levitating a wicker basket behind her.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you around Applejack.” Merry waved bye to Applejack as she just shook her head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight led Merry to the park and he followed her out into a meadow where she set down the picnic basket she had brought along.

“Now, I had spike pack us a Picnic basket, so we could have brunch at the park as we got to know each other better.” She then used her magic to bring out a red and white checkered blanket for them to sit on. Followed by two plates and a sandwich.

“Gee, you really did plan this out well didn’t you?” Merry had just watched her do everything with a slack jaw, unsure of what to make of everything floating around with a purple aura around it. “So I’m gonna take a wild guess and say the purple aura is your magic?”

“Yes, it’s a levitation spell, rather basic for all unicorns. Do you have magic where you come from?” Twilight began to levitate one of the plates to Merry. Merry grabs the plate with the sandwich and sets it down

“Sadly no, we don’t have magic in my home world. We have technology and its quite advanced compared to your own. Take for instance my iPod...” Merry pulls out his iPod and his headphones. “This small device can carry 16gigabytes of music, or videos.”

Twilight looked at the small device in his hand with a look of wonder “How big is a gigabyte? The super computer I have in the basement of the Library has a memory of 128 megabytes. Though it isn’t used much since I stopped researching Pinkie Pie...” She levitated her sandwich up to take a bite.

Merry raised an eyebrow “Really? That’s what is considered a super computer around here? Well, a Gigabyte is 1024 megabytes to be exact.” Twilight's mouth drops and she set the sandwich back on the plate.

“W-W-What?! This little thing in your hands has 128 times more storage than my super computer?!” Merry just watched as she looked wide eyed at his iPod.

“Probably just as much computing power as well. Also, this thing plays music and can record video, it’s the 6th generation model after all. The only problem is this thing runs on a battery, and the battery died on me last night.” Merry picked up his sandwich and took a bite. ‘What the hell? Is this a flower?’

“Hmm, what is the power source? You said you don’t have magic where you came from, so it couldn’t be a gem filled with magic.” Twilight began to ponder to herself silently

“Its electricity, and from what I’ve seen, you guys don’t use any. So I’m kinda at a loss for what to do. It's useless without power.” Merry just sighed and set the flower sandwich down.

“Well I do know a spell that might work.” Twilight gave him an unsure sure kind of smile

"What do you mean might work?” Merry just crossed his arms

“Well I can cast a low power electricity spell, and it will charge it or fry it.” Twilight gave Merry a sheepish smile.

“Hehe so its half n' half. Might as well give it a try, after all, even if it does get fried it’s the same as being unable to charge it. Go ahead, give it a spin. Just make the spell low powered. It normally charges at a rate of 5 volts/500 milliamps.”

“Oh ok, I think I can manage that. Hopefully my knowledge of electrical currents will help a lot.” Twilights horn begins to glow as a purple aura enveloped the iPod. A few seconds later the iPod comes back to life and lights up.

“Oh nice, it has like maybe 2% battery power now.” Merry just raised his eyebrow at it then to Twilight.

“Here, I know another spell that will maintain it.” Twilights horn began to glow again as the purple aura enveloped the iPod once again.

“Maintain it?” Merry just watched as the purple aura faded from her horn and the iPod.

“Yes, it should be able to stay on now for a few days. Now that I did something for you, how about you tell me about you now?” Twilight took a deep breath and sighed as she went to take another bite of her sandwich.

“That doesn’t seem like a fair trade but alright, now where do I start?” Merry thought for a bit “might as well start with the basics. My name is Merry Sue and I’m a simple High school senior, age 18, blood type O positive, born the year of the Dragon. Master of useless talents and knowledge of useless fact. Oh yeah I have a huge dragon tattoo on my back.”

“What do you mean useless talents? A talent can't be useless, also a fact.” Twilight was confused, how could any knowledge or talent possibly be useless?

“Well how about the fact that rubber bands last longer when refrigerated, or that almonds are members of the peach family.” Twilight just looked at him unamused. “And as for talents, the only thing I can show you right now is a handstand.”

Twilight just looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “That is not the kind of stuff I wanted to know. I want to know more about you, as a ningen. It would seem you’re the 1st ningen to ever travel here. According to that reply letter I got from Princess Celestia...” Twilight seemed to trail the end of her sentence off quietly.

“So basically you want to know about ningens in general?”

“Yes please.” Twilight just smiled as she set her sandwich aside, then brought out a notepad with a quill.

“Well, In all honesty I’m one of the people that has no faith left in my race, Most of the ningen race as I see it is a bunch of sheep that blindly follow what another one says simply because he sounds right, or the fact they are too lazy to figure it out themselves. Not only that, but we are a race built upon repeated violence and war brought on by different skin colors and beliefs. Honestly I think my race gets bored of peace and just decides to cause trouble. Or maybe it's just in our blood to cause problems.” Merry leaned forward and rested his head on his hands.

“What do you mean? How can ningens make such amazing things like your iPod if it's based around violence. That couldn’t of been for violence, right?” Twilight looked a bit worried, are ningens a race of warriors like griffins?

“Sadly computer technology like this started with a war, you see in World war 1 or 2 , I can't remember I’m really bad at this kind of stuff, but basically we made a super computer to translate the hidden German messages. Most of the civilian tech is hammy downs from war tech that became outdated. War fuels the world so to speak. But you really shouldn’t take my word for it. I never actually looked any of it up, I just know what other people told me and that I’ve read at some point in time.”

“So the ningen race is based upon war and violence?” Twilight had stopped taking notes and just looked down.

“Most of the time yes, But we do have good people. Even if most of them are fools trying to support others the wrong way.” Merry was just looking off into the distance.

“How can you support someone the wrong way?”

“Simple really, a lot of our charities go to villages that are suffering and dying out or something bad is happening to them. So we send food, aid, and money. But we aren’t fixing the problem, we are simply delaying the inevitable. If we really wanted to help them, we would also teach them and figure out what the problem is. But most ningens are too lazy to leave their home, so they just send stuff, mostly just money is sent. But there are some people that are teaching them, Of course they won't do it for free. Nothing is free in my world, or any most likely.”

“That’s extremely sad....” Twilight looked like she was about to cry.

‘Uh oh, better bring up the mood’ “But luckily we have good people. Some people are famous in history for their selfless acts of helping others. We have people that help those for nothing, others for the sake of helping others. And we have day to day heroes like fire fighters and such.”

“So you have heroes that are real?” Twilight seemed to brighten up at the word heroes.

“Yeah, not heroes with super powers. But just normal people that do heroic things like saving people from a burning building, or helping innocent’s out of a hostage situation, things like that.” Merry looked up the sky “I’ve always wanted to be a hero of some kind. But I never really got around to figuring out how to go about it, ha-ha” Merry just scratched his head. “But you know how things are, someone always rise’s to the occasion. My life choices didn’t help ether, my chaotic free spirit cause’s me to make stupid decisions without much thought behind the consequences.”

Twilight was furiously scribbling down notes “What do you mean chaotic free spirit?”

Merry thought for a minute “Well, I tend to take the path that seems the most fun at the time, like this morning, I could of told Applejack I was just gonna get some apples for Scootaloo, but instead I decided to mess with her, and she was pretty mad at me because of it. That’s pretty much my main problem. I take the path that looks like the most fun.”

Twilight continued to scribble down some notes, then look up to Merry “So you like causing trouble then?” She set the notepad aside and brought up her sandwich again.

“Well not trouble, just having fun. Although, I tend to get in trouble because of my fun... Hehe” Merry picked up the sandwich and took another bite. It was like eating a salad, but between two slices of bread, and without salad dressing.

Twilight took another bite and after she finished chewing she spoke “What did you mean by year of the dragon? I’ve never heard of something like that before, is it similar to the great dragon migration we have? Oh yeah, and what’s a tattoo?”

“Heh, Year of the dragon is just part of the Chinese Zodiac, it’s a 12 year cycle and every year is a different animal. I can't remember any of the others except my own, and I’m a dragon. As for a tattoo...” Merry began to take his shirt off

“W-what are you...” Twilight began to blush but still curious as well

Merry finished taking his shirt off and spun around so Twilight could see his back, “A tattoo is basically a picture permanently printed onto a ningens skin.” Twilight got up and gently walked over to get a closer look at his dragon tattoo, It took up most of his back, and it was breathing a green mist onto the left side of his back. The claws had been drawn to the point it looked like it was grabbing onto the skin of his back causing him to bleed.

“That’s fascinating, how is such detail achieved, and how is it done?” Twilight began to run her hoof over parts of it to see if it stuck out at all.

“As for detail I have no idea, I’m no artist, but I’m assuming the tattoo artist just uses many different shades of ink and layers it more in some areas. I wasn’t really paying attention to what he was doing while it was being done...” Merry put his shirt back on “As for how it's done, you basically dip a needle in some ink and repeatedly stab it into the skin, thousands of times, causing the ink to get trapped and staining the color of the skin.”

“Stabbed with a needle thousands of times?! Doesn’t that hurt?” Twilight was shocked such a beautiful design could of been the product of pain.

“Yeah it hurts, but over time the pain pretty much numbs out and you just feel the pressure.” ‘Or so I’ve been told’ “I was able to get this entire thing done in about a week, only cost me about a grand, but I went all out for it. I had been saving my money for years.”

“A grand?! As in a thousand bits?!”

“Uh yeah, are bits the form of currency around here? I remember Applejack talking about bits before, I had no idea what she was talking about, but I went along with it anyway.”

“Yes, bits are the form of currency in our world, gems also suffice but their prices vary greatly. Size doesn’t always mean better when it comes to gems. And as for bits...” Twilight pulls out a coin pouch from god knows where, and levitates out a bit “this is a bit. It's really just a gold coin.”

“Wait, gold? As in PURE gold?” Merry grabs the coin from the levitation and feels its weight in his hand. ‘A fucking solid gold coin? How could 3 solid gold coins be worth 6 apples? It must be made of lead and just painted gold...’

“Yes its pure gold, gold is abundant here. Its rather worthless, even though we still use it in jewelry due to many ponies liking the way it looks.”

Merry’s eye twitched a little “Last I checked, gold in my world was about 1,500 dollars an ounce. So basically 6 of Applejacks apples would cost me 4,500 in my world. That’s ridiculous.”

“Is gold really that valuable on your world?” Twilight's eyes opened wide in amazement

“Yeah it is, but we don’t use it as a form of currency we only use it in jewelry and ningens by nature are rather greedy, causing its price to skyrocket at times.” Merry hands the bit back to Twilight as he wondered if it would be possible to jump between worlds with a pocket full of bits and become a millionaire.

Merry cleared his throat “Anyway, tell me about yourself a bit, while I look through your basket for more food.” Merry crawled across the blanket over to the basket and lifted the top to search inside.

“Well, my full name is Twilight Sparkle, and I am one of the elements of harmony, the element of Magic to be exact. And I am Princess Celestia's top student.”

“What's the element of magic exactly? Do all ponies have something like that? Applejack told me she was the element of honesty.”

“No, not all ponies, just me and my 5 friends. Applejack is the element of honesty, Rarity is the element of generosity, Fluttershy is the element of kindness, Pinkie is the element of laughter, Rainbow Dash is the element of Loyalty, and as you know I am the element of Magic. Together we form the Elements of Harmony and we stop great evils like Nightmare moon and Discord from destroying our world.”

“Whoah whoah wait a minute, you mean you and your friends are a group of super heroes?” ‘And the name Fluttershy rings a bell, wasn't that the name of the pony in the cozy cottage yesterday?’

“No we're not super heroes or anything, without the elements were just a group of normal ponies like everypony else” Twilight was blushing at the thought of being a super hero, and it reminded her of the time she pretended to be the Mysterious Mare Do Well.

“Ah, so you're like the green lantern then, you have an item that gives you great magical powers, that's cool.” Merry nodded his head in thought as he pulled out another salad sandwich and slipped it into his bag. Sadly the basket only contained the salad sandwiches and some hay.

Twilight coughed into her hoof “Well then, now that I think we’re done here, let's head over to Sugar Cube Corner for the next phase.”

‘Next phase? What does that book even have written in it?’ “Alright, need some help packing this stuff up?” Merry got up off the blanket and stood to the side ready to start folding the blanket.

“Oh don’t worry about that I got it.” Twilights horn began to glow again and everything floated back into the basket and then in a bright flash it poofed away.

“Well that's neat, what did you do with it?”

“I just sent it back to the Library for Spike to clean up” Twilight just smiled at Merry and began to trot away.

‘That poor dragon, is he just some slave? Mental note, find the truth behind why Spike is serving a pony.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a short trot and walk they were back in the town. Merry had decided since he couldn’t exactly hold her hoof while she trotted, he had decided to simply set his hand on her back as he walked next to her. She was startled at first then blushed when she realized what Merry was doing, but didn’t say anything. When they reached the building that looked like a gingerbread house Merry just looked at it with a tilted head.

“Ponies actually live in this? I thought it was just decoration or something.”

“I admit, it is a bit odd, but it’s a great for advertising they’re a sweets store.” Twilight just giggles. As she leads him inside.

It looked fairly normal for a store, some tables with a counter, not as cookie like as he figured everything would be, seemed like a normal building on the inside. Behind the counter stood a pink pony with a huge grin on her face.

“Oh my gosh! Twilight who’s this!?” the pink pony suddenly used some kind of super speed and stops on a dime in front of the two still smiling as wide as ever.

“Hello Pinkie, This is Merry Sue the ningen from uhh, across time and space?” Twilight just craned her head to the side looking at Merry.

“Yeah that’s right, across time and space.” Merry just nodded his head “So this is the element of laughter?”

Pinkie just giggles “Yeah! How did you know that?! And isn’t ningen just Japanese for human? Why would you call yourself a ningen instead of just saying human? Is it because you're on a secret mission? Huh huh huh are ya are ya?!” Pinkie was jumping up and down in place as she spoke. “Oh and why is your hand on Twilight’s back? Oh oh oh! Don’t tell me! You just became such good friends that you decided to...” Pinkie was stopped by Twilight placing a hoof in her mouth.

“You have to give us time to answer your questions Pinkie, and what did you mean ningen is Japanese for human?” Twilight just looks at Merry with a questioning glare.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that, it's not like I lied to you. Ningen is indeed Japanese for human. I just decided to say ningen because it sounded cooler I thought. But what I wanna know is, how did she know what Japanese was?”

Twilight just shook her head “That’s just Pinkie for you, she’s just random like that, she seems to know a lot and nothing at the same time, she’s a real mystery.”

Merry thought about it for a moment, ‘well I haven’t really questioned anything else in this world, why start now.’ “Hmm, well what are we getting here?”

“Well the book suggests getting something at a café that we share...” Pinkie immediately bounded into the kitchen and zipped back out to a nearby table carrying what looked like a large strawberry Milkshake with two straws.

“One lover’s shake is ready to go! And it's on the house today! To celebrate the new alien and Twilights 1st date!” She then zipped back behind the counter and just peeked over the countertop to see what was going to happen next. God only knows how big her grin is behind that countertop.

“Well she’s certainly generous, giving us a free drink and all.” Merry non-chilantly sat down at the table and motioned for Twilight to sit across from him. Which she did with a blush on her face.

Twilight began to drink out of the straw on her side and Merry did the same “This is pretty good, it's really sweet.” Twilight stopped for a moment and looked over to Pinkie.

“Pinkie, this doesn’t taste like the normal strawberry milkshake, what’s different about this one?” Twilight continued to drink trying to figure out what the odd taste was, it wasn’t bad, but it was different.

Pinkie just giggled “It's got the secret lovers ingredient, couples usually order it around dinner time, not lunch. You’re so bold Twilight!”

Merry immediately stopped drinking. ‘Order at night? Whhaat the fuucck!’

“What exactly is this secret and how long does it last?” Merry just looked at her hoping it's not what he thinks it is.

“Oh it only lasts about 2 hours or so, buts that's aaalll you neeeed” Pinkie just grinned and went back to ‘hiding’ behind the counter staring at them both.

‘Well fuck, some kind of aphrodisiac then?’

Twilight began to drink it more greedily now “Drink more Merry before I finish it all!” Twilight just grinned at him.

‘Oooh fuuck, confound ponies, those totally big eyes fooled me into thinking they didn’t know much about any of this stuff. Might as well indulge, but I still might have a....small problem.' Merry just continued to drink with Twilight who’s face was becoming redder as she drank more, but Merry himself didn’t feel anything.

By the time they finished Merry realized it wasn’t 2 straws, but just a single one that split into two ends. Twilight was sitting with her chin resting on her hoof staring at Merry with a slight smile on her face.

‘Oh shit, I think this affected her pretty hard, those are bedroom eyes if I’m not mistaken...’

“Hey Merry, lets cut the date early and head back to the library.”

“Uhh, ok sure, whatever you want babe.”

“Thanks Pinkie, I’ll pay you back later” Twilight just waved bye to Pinkie who was giggling furiously. All the while she kept her pace in front of Merry swishing her tail so much it was giving a clear view of her backside.

‘I have a feeling things are about to get interesting...or really bad’ Merry just followed Twilight back to the library and when he tried to catch up and walk next to her, she would speed up again. Merry eventually decided she knew what she was doing and wanted him to look, and stopped trying to catch up with her.

By the time they reached the Library Merry was feeling flushed and like he couldn’t sit still. He had to keep moving, doing something. Then it hit him, he was fucking horny.

“Hey Twilight hope you don’t mind, I’ma take a quick shower.” Twilight simply nodded

“Yeah sure, the bathroom is connected to my room.” Twilight led him upstairs then unexpectedly shouted.

“SPIKE!” Spike jumped out of his basket in her room and stood at attention “I left some bits on the counter, go do something for two hours”

“Uhh, okay sure Twilight.” Spike started to leave the room then turned around when Twilight wasn’t looking and gave Merry a thumbs up.

‘God dammit... It's looking like I have to do this now... Fuck it! Beats renaming one of my hands I guess .’

“Merry walked into the bathroom and stripped down to get into the shower. A cold shower would hopefully calm him down enough, so he doesn’t just go and rape poor Twilight. The aphrodisiac was causing him to heat up so much by the time the cold water rolled off his head and hit his back it was already warm. He finished after about 10 minutes soaping himself up and cleaning any grime away. And walked out of the bathroom and into her bedroom wearing just a towel.

“Hope you don’t mind I used your...” Merry stopped talking when he saw Twilight laid out on the bed wearing knee high socks. ‘Why does she look more attractive wearing socks? What is this sorcery?’

“Hey Merry, Spike is out of the house, so we have it all to ourselves now” Twilight got a sultry look in her eyes “I put on the socks Rarity gave me for such an occasion...”

‘Wat, are socks their version of lingerie?’

“Now let's get started Merry, sit next to me, I’ll lead.” Merry just shrugged and sat down next to Twilight with his towel still on. Twilight brought one of his hands up and placed it upon her horn “Now start caressing me with those digits of yours, then its your turn”

‘So it's not just some bone? That's kinda odd. Here goes nothing!’ Merry began to gently stoke her horn, and he noticed her shake and her face get even more flushed ‘Is this like a horn job or something? Hehe, this is funny. I wonder...’ Merry bent down a bit and licked her horn as well, causing her to make a loud moan

“Keep going! Don’t stop!” Merry just raised an eyebrow, ‘Fuck it, time to go all out I guess.’ So he enveloped her horn into his mouth and began to encircle his tongue around her horn. After a bit he began to hear a hum and feel a glow in his mouth so he got off in time to see a small ball forming at the tip of her horn and shoot off into the air and explode into a small firework like fashion.

‘Heh, fireworks? What is that? A magic gazism? That is too funny.’ Twilight just lay there panting for a few minutes until she got back to her sense’s and laid upright.

“That was amazing, I didn’t think you would use your mouth, normally its just a massage on the forehead and horn...Anyway, it's your turn now” Merry thought for a moment ‘Well fuck, I went too hard?’

Twilight undid Merry’s towel and looked at his member “Umm, are you not excited?”

Merry froze ‘Oh fuck’ He looked down and realized he was indeed excited ‘FUUCK! Kinda figured I wouldn’t be big enough’

“Umm, that’s as big as it gets for my race...” Merry scratched his head with a sheepish smile on his face

“But its smaller then a colt's...” Twilight continued to stare in disappointment

‘WAT...FUCK!’

“I think Spikes is bigger...” Merry just curled his lips together as his eyes got wider

‘FUUCCK!’

Merry just pushed Twilight off and walked to the bathroom and put his clothes back on. After he was fully dressed he walked back out to the bedroom and looked at Twilight.

“I won't apologize, and that’s just the way it is. Even if I’m small as shit, Don’t try to criticize” Before Twilight could respond he jumped out the open window and began to sprint away after he landed.

Twilight looked out in confusion and whispered to herself “I know a spell to make it bigger...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry ran as fast as he could out of town and toward the Everfree forest, looking for solitude. By the time he reached the edge of the forest he just sat down at the closest tree and slumped down resting his head on his knees.

‘I fucking knew I wouldn’t be big enough, but smaller than a colt? God dammit, I knew I wasn’t big to begin with but...Fucking shit...’ Merry looked at his left hand “guess your name is now Leftina.”

Le sigh

‘Might as well make use of the fact my iPod works now I guess.’ Merry pulled out his iPod and turned it on. ‘Lets see...what to listen too...’ (Ozzy Osbourne - Goodbye to Romance), this song seems to fit the situation.

Le sigh

Merry leaned back against the tree and put his hands behind his head. His face was still flush from the aphrodisiac, but the shame brought to his manhood killed his entire sex drive.

‘Heh, well at least I learned that a unicorn's horn can also be used as a sexual thing.’ Merry chuckled to himself for a bit at the thought of hornjobs for 5 bits. 'But shit, I did kinda just abandon her, but then again she did say it was smaller than a child's...what a female canine.’

‘But the big question now is, What to do?’

Merry just sat there and decided he would calm down then go look around. Maybe find Applejack and figure out if she found someone who needed a helping hoof, or hand.

As Merry watched the sky he realized none of the clouds above the town moved, but the ones above the forest seem to move like normal. Was there only wind above the forest and not the town? How odd.

After about sitting around for 30 minutes or so he started to notice a rainbow streak go from cloud to cloud. After watching it dart back and forth a few times he noticed it was also moving around the clouds above the town or making some disappear. It started to get closer during its cloud hopping and he realized it was a cyan pony. It appeared to be looking for something, then it began to dart down into Merry’s direction.

‘Wonder what this is about?’ by the time Merry stood up the cyan pony with a rainbow mane landed in front of him

“Are you that Alien named Merry? Twilight came to me hoping I could find you as fast as possible.” the rainbow pony looked Merry up and down “She was right, you are hard to miss”

‘Hrmm, Twilights looking for me? What could she possibly want with me?’ “What does Twilight want with me? And why would you dye your hair like that?”

The rainbow haired pony scoffed “My name is Rainbow Dash and this hair color is natural.”

‘I shoulda guessed as much, heh’

“And as for what Twilight wanted, I have no idea, but she looked upset.” Rainbow Dash began to glare “what did you do?”

“What did I do?! It's more like what she did to me.” Merry crossed his arms and put on a pout face.

“What exactly happened?” Rainbow got out of her defensive stance and cocked her head to the side.

Merry thought it over for a bit, to word it without letting the whole truth out. “How would you feel if something you were proud of, and what made you special, turned out to be nothing. Even a child could outshine you? That's kinda what she did to me, So I deemed to necessary to jump out the window and run away in shame...” Merry sighed “I guess running away was pretty dumb though.”

“Oh yeah, I can see that, If my speed I’m so proud of turned out to be something a child could do I'd be depressed as well...I didn’t know Twilight was so mean, What did she insult?”

‘Boom nutshot, How the fuck am I gonna answer that? Fuck it, might as well get a decent reaction.’

“She insulted my manhood.” Merry just sat down with his legs crossed as he watched Rainbow Dashes face contort in confusion, then into a look of shock, then in place of giggling she oddly looked kind of sad.

“Well, you’ll have to forgive my friend Twilight, she was kind of a shut-in when she first came to Ponyville. So she still makes foalish social decisions that can cause problems. Besides, I’m sure she was just over reacting, I’ve seen her porn collection before, the only stallions she can compare it to are oversized porn actors.”

Merry just raised an eyebrow ‘These ponies are anything but innocent, did they just evolve to look innocent?’ “Define oversized for you ponies.” Merry looked at her, even though these ponies seemed to look like a Shetland pony with a shorter body, He still feared the worst.

“About 18 inches, average is around 12 though.” Merry sighed

“Hey tell me something Rainbow Dash” Rainbow just looked at him

“What would you do if the stallion you were with happened to be around 5?” Merry thought to himself for a second ‘Was this Rainbow Dash a feminine male? Or just a tomboy. Normally girls don’t like talking about sex with a stranger...’

“Hey I’m not a Colt coddler!” Dash paused for a moment “Wait, you mean 5 inches? I don’t think that’s even possible...But I wouldn’t be with him, I’m not a unicorn I can't change his size to my taste... And even then it doesn’t change too much” Dash thought for a moment again “Holy crap, are you telling me...”

“I’ll have you know I’m around average from where I come from.” Merry just looked at his left hand ‘Looks like it's just you and me my sweet.’

Merry got up from his sitting position and took a deep breath “Lead on Rainbow! Take me to see Twilight, Might as well clean up the mess I made.”

Rainbow Dash just nodded her head and took the lead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So Rainbow Dash, tell me a bit about yourself, Twilight mentioned you as one of her friends and the element of loyalty, but not much else. I didn’t even know who you were until you told me.” Merry just walked along her side but behind a bit so he could still follow.

“Well lets see, I work for the weather center of Ponyville and set up how all the weather looks. I have a natural rainbow mane, Just like my dad's.” Rainbow dash just sighed a little “Kinda wish I didn’t have rainbow hair, everyone think’s I’m a lesbian, and its not true, I just haven’t found a stallion that can keep up with me is all. Let alone as awesome as me.”

‘Lesbian? A girl then, glad I could figure it out without asking directly. Hmm, I haven’t met a single male pony sense Apple Blooms brother, besides the maybe 5 or 6 I’ve seen while walking through town.’

“Heh, that's a shame, I’d love to have hair that grew as a rainbow like yours. Did you know in my culture and among many others, the rainbow was considered something that only the Gods could obtain, not only that some gods traveled along the rainbow. Heh, some believe it was a rainbow bridge that led you into heaven after a hard fought battle.” Merry just chuckled and sighed “You have obtained a hair color by birth that would of gotten you respect and fame in some cultures. Maybe even power as some would see you as a god or part god.”

“Really?” Rainbow began to blush a little at the thought of so much positive attention about her hair.

“Yeah really, although most of those beliefs are old. So don’t expect me to bow down to you or nothing. Ha-ha-ha” Merry just laughed out loud while Rainbow Dash just looked away

“I never expected you to anyway.”

“Hey, Rainbow Dash, I'ma call you Niji. Is that cool with you?”

“Why would you call me Niji? How did you get that from Rainbow Dash?”

“Heh, Niji is Japanese for Rainbow, I happen to like Japanese, I learned a bit of it from watching so many Anime's, it became kind of a hobby.”

“Hmm, well sure, it will take some time getting used to, As long as it doesn’t become a pet name.”

“HA! If I wanted to give you a pet name, I would call you Dashie, or Skittles. I’m just saying your 1st name in a different language, nothing fancy.”

They continued to walk in silence until they reached the Library. Niji walked up to the door a bit embarrassed after all the things Merry said about her and sort of renaming her. Upon entering she moved over the side and Merry walked in only to see 5 more ponies, and one he hasn’t seen before. A white unicorn with a purple mane, she was a total high maintenance type, her over styled mane was a dead give away.

‘Did Twilight get all of her friends to go look for me or something? And why the hell is everyone here?’

“Rainbow! You found him and brought him back!” Twilight still was flush red in her cheeks, apparently she still had about half an hour until the aphrodisiac wore off. Pinkie just giggled a bit

“Gee Twi, what did you do to him to make him run away? Was it something really kinky?” Twilight just looked away while the others gasped a bit except for Merry and Pinkie.

Merry shook his head “It wasn’t Twi’s fault I ran away like a fool. Let's just forget this whole thing happened and move on shall we?”

“Yes! Let's forget, Now Merry I think you left something upstairs, If you’ll just follow me...” Twilight began to go up the stairs, swishing her tail like before.

“No offense Twilight, But I think my sex drive pretty much died about 50 minutes ago. I’m sure its gonna stay dead for a loong time.” Merry just sighed and scratched his head “anyway did you find someplace for me to work Applejack?”

Applejack was just confused about the whole situation but spoke up after a bit “Uhh, sorry Merry, couldn’t find anyone that needed help for anything. You’ll have to make money some other way.”

Merry was stumped, how could he find a job? Maybe he could just hold up a sign asking for work, but then he would have to learn how to write this new language, it seems his translator only applied to spoken languages. “Hey girls, do regular or Pegasus ponies have something similar to a hornjob, like the one I gave you Twilight?”

All the ponies in the room gasped, besides Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, who simply giggled, before full out laughing.

“Why on earth would you wish to know something like that?!” the white unicorn finally spoke up in a shocked voice that sounded similar in tone to his own knight voice he used with Apple Bloom, regal and elegant.

“Well, I figured I could have one of you write me a sign that says, 5 bits for the special service. Or something like that.”

Pinkie was now full on laughing hysterically while Rainbow just began to laugh with her, the others soon joined in the with giggles except for the white unicorn and Fluttershy.

Rainbow spoke up after her laughing fit was over “Pegasus ponies have really sensitive wings and when touched it tends to cause arousal. But it's nothing close to a hornjob, there’s no climax 90% of the time. And Earth ponies really just have sexual stamina.”

“Interesting... So it would seem my only business clients would be unicorns, not very viable then.” Le sigh...

“You could work at my house caring for the animals...you know, if you don’t mind...” Fluttershy spoke just barely above a whisper

“Hm? What was that Fluttershy? Couldn’t quite hear you.” Merry started to move closer to her

Fluttershy just eeped a little then spoke up again “I said, you could work at my cottage tending to the animals, oh you know, if you don’t mind that is... I’m sure you're busy but I can pay you for your time...” Fluttershy just took a deep breath, sighed and looked Merry in the eyes “Someone brave and strong like you can help keep my lovely animals safe from the dangers of the Everfree forest.”

All the ponies just looked over to Merry to see what she was talking about. “What does she mean strong and brave? What happened?”

Merry just sighed “You know how I was hanging out with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo yesterday? I had no idea crazy wooden wolves lived in the Everfree forest when they had me follow them to go exotic bug hunting.”

“What?!” Merry just looked over at the white unicorn

“Before you get all crazy on me, let me finish ok? So anyway, we spent about 40 minutes looking around the forest and I was breaking branches to make a trail to follow back, it worked. Anyway we smelled something rancid...”

“Timber Wolf breath...” Merry just looked at Applejack then continued

“Yes, at the time I saw yellow eyes in the bush in front of us so we started to back away and when it started to come after us I picked the 3 of them up and ran as fast as I could following the trail I had made. I was too slow however as one of the wolves caught up to me and bit my left leg, But I kept running until it fell apart, funny right? It just fell apart...”

“You kept running with it attached to your leg?! That’s so Awesome!” Merry glanced at Rainbow, or Niji and just smiled.

“Yeah It was pretty cool I guess, Anyway, they wanted me to stop carrying them saying they could run just fine. So I set them down and before I knew it another wolf had jumped out and grabbed my left arm, I told them to follow the trail and get help while I distracted the wolves. And they did, After I fought off the wolves Fluttershy here found me all beaten up with the 3 fillies and she nursed me back to health.”

“But but, that was Yesterday! How are you perfectly fine now?!” exclaimed Twilight

“I’m just a fast healer it seems, heh the look on Fluttershys face was priceless as well.”

“Indeed, I was shocked as well to see that his broken leg had healed after he ate and took a nap.” The ponies just looked at Merry with new found wonder.

“That would certainly explain the sad mood Apple Bloom came home with yesterday.” Applejack just looked to the ground

“Aye it would explain Sweetie Belles as well. The poor Dear.” the white unicorn just pouted her lip and looked down as well.

“So, White unicorn, I’ma guess you’re Sweetie Belles...mother maybe?” The white unicorn just gasped

“Do I look that old?! Heavens no, I’m her older sister, My name is Rarity, not white unicorn, thank you very much.

Merry thought for a moment then looked over to Niji, maybe she was part of Scootaloo’s family? “Hey Niji, Is Scootaloo your little sis or something?”

“What? The squirt? No she’s not, I’m not her mom ether, but she’s my number 1 fan. Hmm, I’ve never met her parents before actually. Even though I’ve given her a few flying lessons...”

‘Fuck is she really homeless? I can't stand for that.’

“Niji? Why did Merry call you Niji Rainbow?” all the ponies looked back and forth between Merry and Rainbow.

Merry shrugged “Niji is shorter and easier to say, it just means Rainbow in Japanese. Nothing fancy, also I’ll take you up on that offer Fluttershy, Id love to work with animals and you.”

“Now let's go to your cottage I'm sure there's plenty you have to show me.” Merry just waved to Twilight “No hard feelings Twi, just how things gotta be, were too different...”

Twilight just looked at him and said “I’ll be sure to give you 5 bits next time, it's totally worth it.”

“BAW-HA-HA!” The ponies just gasped while Merry and Pinkie laughed out loud. “Oh man, I honestly didn’t expect that. Well alright then, sounds good to me. Let's go Fluttershy, there’s some things Id like to ask you as well.”

Before they could walk out the door Rainbow Dash stopped him “Wait, how come you didn’t tell anyone about beating some timber wolves and saving those three fillies earlier?” Rainbow just looked at him with a serious face.

Merry just chuckled “Because no one ever asked. And that's not the kind of person I am, if the girls decided to tell you then so be it, as far as I was concerned it was gonna be a secret. But I’m an open book, if you ask me something and I know the answer, I will tell you.”

Rainbow just looked at him, The thought of not telling people about your achievements seemed silly, how were people supposed to know how great you are? “But then, no one would know of your great deed, and how you saved them?”

“I don’t do what I want because I want fame or people...ponies to recognize me, I do what I want because I feel its right at the time, or if it needs to be done. Like when those 3 little girls were in need of help, I was the only one that could help them, So I did. Now if you will excuse us Niji, Fluttershy has some things she needs to show me before I start tomorrow.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Along the way to Fluttershys Cottage she was extremely quiet the whole time. So Merry decided to end the silence.

“Hey Fluttershy, can I ask you a question?”

“Um, sure...”

“Do young Pegasi need to eat anything special, so they can fly? Or do they just eat the same as other ponies?”

“Well um, during the growing phase a Pegasi needs a bit more protein to help develop the wing muscles. But other than that it's fairly normal.”

“So what would you suggest for a young Pegasi then?”

“Um...well I guess a decent amount of Alfalfa with meals would work great for the needed protein, but we can also digest eggs and things like bread, and dairy products, so that is also an option then...”

“Hmm, cool thanks Fluttershy, figured you or Niji would know best.” Fluttershy just looked at him wondering why he wanted to know about that.

“Um, if you don’t mind, can I ask why you wanted to know what a young Pegasi eats? If that’s ok with you, you don’t need to tell me...” Merry just chuckled, he has never known anyone to act so timid before.

“Heh, well just getting some needed info in case I decide to adopt someday or something I guess.”

“Oh...” and that’s all Fluttershy could say was Oh as she continued her pace. She would have to make him hers. She’s positive Twilight was just being mean about his size problem. It looked like she was on something at the time with her face so flush and talking loosely. It didn’t look that small when she saw him in her boxers. After all he couldn’t of been excited while in so much pain right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After they made it back to her cottage Fluttershy had spent the next few hours explaining the various needs of all her animals, All 67 of them. Not including the vast amounts more that would come from the nearby forests and fields that would come by for checkups, she even explained a bear that would stop by for some chiropractic work and a massage.

‘God damn, it’s a wonder she hasn’t asked for help before, how does she handle them all? The oddest thing is that she seems to speak to them and they understand her, and she understands them. It's quite fascinating. I guess speaking with animals would make her job really easy.’

“Sounds good Fluttershy, It will take me a bit of time to remember everything, but it's starting to get late. I’m thinking I should head out now, I’ll be by early in the morning to help you feed the animals breakfast. Oh by the way, you don’t mind if I grab something to eat from your fridge do you?”

“Oh not at all Merry, help your self.” Fluttershy just gently smiled

“Thanks, Not only do you offer me a job, you let me eat your food, you are much too kind.” Fluttershy just blushed

“Oh, well it is my element after all...” all the while through Fluttershy’s mind she kept thinking ‘You’re going to love me.’

Merry grabbed some bread and made himself an alfalfa sandwich and also grabbed the other sandwich he had placed inside her fridge earlier. The one he snaked from the picnic with Twilight, and placed both inside his bag.

“Alright this will do, Thank you very much Fluttershy, I’ll see you in the morning.” Merry walked out the front door again not hearing Fluttershy ask him to stay the night again.

“One day Merry, one day...” Fluttershy just watched him walk off into the sunset toward the park.

Night 2

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‘Now, how should I start my night...With some Infected Mushroom of course.’ Merry puts on his favorite song 1st and puts in his earbuds. With an added bounce to his step and head bobbing Merry went along his way to the park where he last saw Scootaloo’s camp site.

‘This beat gets me hyped, I love it’ Merry takes a deep breath to sing along to the English lyrics.

“Wake me up before I change again,
Remind me the story that I won’t get insane. Tell me why it’s always the same,
Explain me the reason why I’m so much in pain”

Without caring if anyone was around to see him, Merry got into the beat and began to dance around while still moving forward. A free style dance if you will, doing his best to keep up with the beat of the music only he could hear. Flipping forward into handstands and doing some messed up break dance moves in the dirt. He was terrible at dancing, but he loved to move none the less.

By the time the song finished he had reached the park and gained a few spectators to his wacky movements. Merry just waved at em and put his iPod away. ‘I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough.’

He sat in the bench he did last night waiting for everyone to leave the park, after about 10 minutes he was the only one still in the park. So he went to the bushes in the back and saw the box again, but this time Scootaloo wasn’t in it.

‘Good, I guess she does have a home, I wonder why the blankets are still here though...’ Merry decided to place his backpack down inside the box. He placed both sandwiches on top of it still wrapped in their little handkerchief cloth, and decided to go for a walk.

Merry ended up at the edge of the Everfree forest again, not too far from the spot he ran too around noon that day. Merry just took a deep breath and stood in front of a nearby tree on the edge of the forest.

“Fucking shit” Merry flung his right fist forward and smacked the tree. “My dick isn’t small!” He took his left hand and punched the tree again. “Fucking pony DICKS!” He brought his right fist into the tree again “How can I compete with shit as big as my ARM!” Merry slammed his left fist into the tree followed by his right several more times until he no longer felt anything in his hands. When he pulled them away his knuckles and fingers were a bloody mess and probably fractured.

Le sigh

Merry just slumped down against the tree he had just finished hitting and placed his hands on the grass to try and keep his torn clothes from getting any more blood and stains on them.

“Am I destined to be forever alone in this new world? Well, not entirely, but if I do take a pony wife, there’s no way in hell I’ll ever be able to satisfy her. Heh, and I’m sure a male pony would tear me apart. Fucking average being a foot long ha-ha-ha...” Merry sighed and looked at his hands, the flesh healed over quite nicely, but his knuckles still tingled when he touched them. “Need more calcium for the bones I guess, I can handle that later. Better head back I guess, maybe a sandwich will give me enough to fully heal up.”

Merry got up and put his hands into his pockets and brought out his iPod. Time for something with feeling, (Kumiko - Lilium)

With the slow piano beat and Kumiko’s beautiful singing voice, Merry calmed down considerably. It seemed that stupid translation he was gifted allowed him to understand her even though she was singing in Latin. Before when he heard her sing, it would simply move him. She was able to convey enough feeling behind her singing voice to bring a tear to his eye. But now that he understood what she was singing about. He realized she was singing about how the lord judges everyone, and so she begs the lord for mercy and when he gives it, it shows how kind and benevolent he is. Whether she sings for her self or a lost lover is unknown. But it gets the point across.

By the time the song was over Merry had reached his way back to the park and started heading over to the box. In the distance he could hear some rustling in the area ahead of him.

‘So she’s camping out again? Or she’s really homeless...’ Merry broke through the bushes and was meet with an orange ball barreling into his chest. “Oof ”

“I knew you would come back! I was worried cause I didn’t see you all day, but then I saw your backpack when I got back and I was so excited! Where were you?” Scootaloo had a big grin on her face, she was even wagging her tail kind of like a dog.

“Heh, I just dropped my stuff off, then I went for a quick walk to relax my mind a bit is all. Did you get the sandwiches I left?”

“Sandwiches?” Scootaloo crained her head back to look back into the box.

“Heh yeah, I got you an Alfalfa one at Fluttershys today. Figured you would be camping out again and forget food in your rush.” Merry just got up and walked over to the box and brought out both sandwiches. He handed the Alfalfa one to Scootaloo and split his in half then took a few bites of one side. Scootaloo took a few bites from the sandwich and began to tear up.

“What’s wrong? Did I make it wrong or something? I’m sorry I didn’t know what you would like.” Merry just scratched his head in confusion.

“Its not that...” She wiped the tears from her eye’s “You brought me food again, even though you don’t know me. No adult has ever paid attention to me, the flightless Pegasus. Besides Rainbow Dash a few times, but I’m too ashamed to let her know I’m always camping out in the cold starving.”

‘Holy fuck, I was hoping I was wrong about her being homeless.’

Scootaloo began to sniffle a bit more “I used to live in an orphanage in Cloudsdale, But no one wants to adopt a flightless Pegasus. So I ran away one day, hoping to find parents on the ground. But I’ve had no such luck, After I came to Ponyville, I met Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo was crying now “They, They were my 1st real friends, so I didn’t want to leave. I couldn’t leave! Even if I couldn’t find parents, I-I have my friends at least, Right...right?” Scootaloo had put her sandwich down and was full on bawling now.

‘I swear to god, if I could cough blood from shock and sadness, I would right now’ Merry just moved over and picked her up in his arms and hugged her tightly. “Hey now, don’t cry, I’m here for you now. I’ll do my best, but I’m a big screw up in my own right, But I’ll try my best ok? So finish your sandwich. I’m not gonna leave you.” Scootaloo calmed down a bit and looked at Merry with her big eyes.

“You promise you wont leave?” Merry just looked her into the eyes and kissed her forehead

‘Damn my weakness for sad children.’ “I promise Scootaloo, I wont leave you.” She nuzzled into his neck and Merry patted her mane. “Now finish the sandwich I got you and lets get to sleep.”

She nodded her head and went back to eating slowly “Its good.”

“Hehe, glad you like it.” Merry finished the first half of his sandwich and watched Scootaloo finish hers.

“You still hungry Scoots?” Merry just looked at her with a smile.

“Yeah a little bit, do you have more?” Scootaloo went over to Merry’s backpack.

“Yeah here, have the other half of mine.” Merry extended his hand out with the other half of his sandwich and Scootaloo just gave him a look of confusion.

“But, that’s yours...” Merry just shook his head.

“Don’t worry about me and just eat to your hearts content. You’re still growing, I’m already old so I don’t need as much food as you do.” Scootaloo slowly walked up and looked at Merry again.

“Are you sure Merry?” Merry just nodded his head, so she took the half sandwich and ate it happily.

“Excellant, now lets go to sleep yeah?”

“Mmm, can we listen to your iPod some more?" Scootaloo looked at him with her big eyes all wide and pleading

“Hehe, Sure Scoots, what do you feel like listening to?” Scoots thought for a moment then spoke

“How about Some more of that Dragon band or something like it?” Merry thought for a moment then smiled

“How about this one then?” Merry Brought out his iPod and put on one of the best songs of all time, Go Go Power Rangers! Redux.

Scootaloos face lit up at the beat and guitar “Wow! ...Who are the Power rangers?” Merry just chuckled to himself

“The Power rangers are some of the earths mightiest warriors. Composed of both boys and girls each having a different color. They go around fighting back evil monsters and when the battle got hard, They Morph into their Zords. A Zord is a giant fighting robot, they climb into it to beat giant monsters. Not only that they are highly trained to fight and each have a unique weapon.” Scootaloo just Smiled and nodded now knowing who the Power Rangers were now.

“Go Go Power Rangers!” Merry chuckled as Scootaloo sang along to the chorus. When the song ended Merry paused his iPod.

“Alright Scoots time for sleep now.” Merry grabbed her blanket and tucked it in around her. When he figured she was nice and warm he wrapped an arm around the bundled filly and draped his other arm over her.

“There, you should be all nice and warm. So get some sleep now ok?” He was now effectively cuddled up with Scoots now, she kind of reminded him of his stuffed bunny he had at home. That he outgrew of course.

“Good night Merry” Scoots closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Merry just laid there with Scoots all cuddled up under his arms. He figured he might as well try the whole sleeping thing again. Not really wanting to think about Scootaloos entire situation. Honestly things that required a lot of thought made his head hurt, Merry was more of a physical person. His brain was probably the flabbiest muscle of them all. So Merry closed his eyes in an attempt to fall asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Twilight, you need to stop freaking out. So what if you found out Merry is mini compared to a pony, He’s an alien after all. Did you expect some super sized alien or something?” Spike just watched as Twilight paced back and forth.

“You don’t understand Spike! The look on his face and the way he jumped out the window! I think I really hurt him, and I never said I was sorry. Worst of all during my drug induced heat I said such careless things. What if he doesn’t even want to be my friend?” Twilight was pacing around so much a fine grove began to form in the wooden floor.

“Twilight you just need to calm down and get some sleep. From what Rainbow Dash told me, He didn’t seem all that bothered by it, more depressed.” Spike just watched as Twilight stopped pacing.

“He was Depressed!? What if he tries to kill him self because of me!” Spike just groaned

“I’m pretty sure he wont kill him self Twi, your worrying is running you ragged.” Spike began to walk up the stairs “I’m going to bed, wake me if he really does end up killing himself.” Spike just yawned and closed the door behind him.

“Ooh, what do I do what do I do?!” Twilight Stopped pacing again and went to the front door “I’ll just go look for him! He was going to Fluttershy’s last, maybe he’s still with her!” Twilight raced out the door slamming it behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Cant...sleep...again....fuck.’

Le sigh

Merry just laid there motionless so he wouldn’t wake Scoots up. ‘So, it turns out I was right. Scoots is homeless, and she ran away from an orphanage in Cloudsdale, in search of parents.' Merry sighed and watched Scootaloo sleep

'Because a flightless Pegasi is unwanted...That’s some fucked up shit. What is Cloudsdale anyway? Just some City far away? How far did this little Filly travel before she ended up here? Questions to be answered at a later date I suppose.’

Merry’s thoughts were cut short as he heard someone galloping by.

‘I wonder who that was. Late night Jogger maybe? What an odd hour to jog. I had my earbuds in yesterday, so I wouldn’t be able to hear anyone jog by.’ Merry just sighed and stared at the top of the box some more. Then looked over to Scoots.

‘I’ll take care of you Scoots, us rejects gotta stick together. Except I’m probably a bigger reject then you. No kid should of had to go through what you did.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight had galloped all the way to Fluttershy’s Cottage, taking the shortcut through the park. By the time she reached the little house she was panting and out of breath, but she went up to the door and knocked, only to hear a loud gasp.

“Fluttershy! Its me Twilight I know its late, but I just wanna ask you something.” after about a minute the door cracked open and out peaked Fluttershy.

“Oh, hello Twilight can I help you?” Fluttershy had opened the door all the way and was looking left and right.

“Yes, is Merry here? And if he’s not do you know where he went?” Twilight seemed to be extremely agitated and it frighted Fluttershy a bit.

“Oh, um he left about 2 hours ago...he was walking toward the park...I’m sorry I don’t know where he is. Don’t be mad at me” Fluttershy hid behind her mane distraught from Twilights unkempt mane and out of tune voice. It reminded her of the whole want it need it spell problem.

“The park? Thanks I’ll try there first!” Twilight just sped off again leaving Fluttershy confused and a bit worried about Merry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘I wonder what I can do to get a house around here? Would I ever be able to buy a house working with just Fluttershy? She’s kind and all, but she doesn’t seem to be loaded enough to pay be a big salary. I wonder if I really will have to give out hornjobs at 5 bits a pop? Hehe. I feel like some Korean whore...horse... whore’s...horse...No wonder they got mad, is horse the pony version of a whore? I’ll have to find out later.’

Merry suddenly heard the galloping again, only this time it stopped and was accompanied with a familiar voice, it was faint, but it sounded like Twilight was calling his name. ‘What could she possibly want at this hour? Has she come with 5 bits? Hehe’

“Merry? Please answer me, I have something I want to tell you.” Twilight sounded really upset.

Le sigh ‘Scoots better not wake up from this’ Merry carefully and slowly brought out his arms from around Scoots and as quietly as possible got up and out of the box. He made his way to the park where he saw Twilight with her horn aglow.

“I guess he's not here anymore...” Twilight dropped her head and began to walk back toward the town.

“Hey babe, what cha doing up so late?” Twilight just brought her head up and looked at Merry who just had a grin on his face.

“I’m so glad you’re ok! When Spike said you were depressed I thought you might of gone to kill yourself because of my careless acts today. But now that I know you're Ok, I feel a little better.” Merry just looked at her.

“How...what? Why would I commit suicide? Do I looked that weak?” Merry just cocked an eyebrow “So what did you want to say exactly?”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for being so rude and insulting you like that. Spike was right, what was I thinking you’re not a pony, we would just have to find a way around it. I guess I just wasn’t thinking too clearly.” Twilight had a look like she was about to cry.

“If you’re really sorry, lets go back to the library and you can get me something to eat yeah? Need something for breakfast, cant keep getting apples from Applejack, she’s mean.” Twilight just looked at Merry and nodded her head.

“Heh, Good, now wait here a sec, I need to grab my backpack real quick.” Merry walked back to the box with Scoots and saw she was still asleep, hopefully she would stay asleep until he got back this time.

“Alright lets head out Twilight.” Twilight just nodded and walked next to Merry silently back to the library.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they reached the library Twilight just turned to look at Merry “I’m really really sorry and I hope we can still be friends, so please don’t hate me forever!” Merry just cocked an eyebrow and smiled.

“I cant hate you, even if you were quite mean. But you are sorry, so I forgive you, we can be friends.” Merry got down on one knee and hugged her. Twilight was a bit shocked but hugged him back shortly after. After a bit Merry broke the hug, and on the way back up, he moved in and licked her horn along its length. Twilight just shuddered and blushed.

“That one was on the house, to show you that I do indeed forgive you. Now lets see what’s in your fridge yeah?” Twilight just blushed and lead Merry inside. When they got to the kitchen Spike was rummaging through the fridge.

“Spike! I thought you went to sleep.” Spike just spun around with a mouth full of hay fries.

“I see you found Merry, And I'm just having a late night snack, after you slammed the door I was having trouble falling asleep.” Spike went back to going through the fridge and pulled out a rather large blue gem. Merry questioned why he would keep a blue gem inside the fridge, that is until he took a bite out of it.

“So do all dragons in this world eat gems?” Twilight and Spike just looked at Merry

“Dragons don’t eat gems where you come from?” Merry just shook his head.

“Well only Gem Dragons, but I’m not entirely sure. I do know the evil dragon's ate people and would destroy villages, its kinda the reason my race set out on Crusades to slay all dragons. Not all are evil though, Makes me sad that dragons are no longer around now.” ‘Heh, no reason to let them think dragons are just a myth on my world.'

“Humans killed dragons?” Merry just nodded his head

“Yes, the mightiest of our warriors would be able to single-handedly slay an adult dragon. But those days are long lost in time, I’m one of the people that would of loved to be around when dragons still lived. Heh, Check this out Spike.” Merry took off his shirt to reveal his dragon tattoo.

Spike just awed at it. “What kind of dragon is that supposed to be?”

“It’s a Copper Dragon. They were considered good dragons even if they were tricksters, it was all in good fun I’m sure. Hey Spike, tell me, what kind of things can you breathe?” Merry was curious as to what he could breathe exactly, The only knowledge he had on dragons were that of myth, legend, folklore and games.

Spike just huffed, “Just a small green flame, I can use it to send letters to Princess Celestia, but that’s about it, I cant get it much better, let alone keep up a stream yet.”

‘Hmm, from what I know, A purple dragon doesn’t breath fire, its breathe weapon should be more of an energy blast, that’s probably why its green. He’s seen other dragons breathe fire, so he thinks that what he should be doing, and his body is converting the energy into a flame, but having it mail letters? That’s new. As for him eating gems, he looks nothing like a gem dragon, Maybe he’s some kind of a mixed breed?’

“Hey Spike do something for me yeah? I wanna test something.” Spike just finished his gem and looked at Merry

“Alright sure. What did ya want?”

“Just breathe yer green flame onto my hand, don’t worry about hurting me.” Spike was confused a bit then got a worried look on his face so he faced Twilight who was also worried.

“Umm, I don’t think that's wise Merry.”

“Hey, don’t worry about me I heal fast, I just wanna check something.” Twilight nodded to Spike, so Spike took a deep breath and blew some of the green flame into Merry’s hand. The green flame danced around on his hand for a bit while Merry just took a deep breath. While examining his hand and the damage it was taking, Merry noted it was nothing like what a fire should be doing, It also didn’t feel the same as when his face was being burned by the flames coming off the timber wolf. It felt more like an electrical shock.

“Hm I see, Alright Spike. Now I want you to do the same thing again, but this time, don’t breath fire, just Breath what ever comes out naturally.” Spike just cocked an eye

“What do you mean?” Spike was still shocked his hand had finished healing in front of him like that after being burned.

“I mean like, where ever you were getting the fire from, don’t think of it as fire, just think of it as...Energy, and then breath it out onto my hand again.” Spike just shrugged more impressed that his hand could heal so fast.

Spike took another deep breath, but this time a large amount of green mist flew out of his mouth and washed over Merry’s hand. The mist Swirled around his hand and began to strip the flesh away showing the bone. Merry yelped in actual pain and shook his hand to try and get the green mist off, causing Twilight and Spike to panic. After most of the flesh from his hand was stripped off into nothing the mist dissipated and Merry’s regeneration began to take place again.

Spike and Twilight watched as the flesh began to grow back starting from his wrist and work its way up.

“Well holy monkey balls, that was interesting.” Merry just sighed as he watched his flesh regrow.

“Oh my Celestia! Are you ok!? I didn’t know it would do that!” Spike had run over to look at Merry’s hand

“Heh, yeah I’m fine, just surprised is all, But my suspicion is confirmed, It would seem you’re a mix of a Purple dragon, black dragon, and some type of Gem dragon. At lest from what I know.”

“What do you mean? I thought dragons just had different colors, but were pretty much the same like ponies.” Twilight decided to chime in, seeing as how ponies knew little next to nothing about dragons. She saw this as an opportunity to see what he knew.

“Well, let me put it this way. A Purple dragon uses energy as a breath weapon, and it can be manipulated to what ever is needed, but to a lesser extent as opposed to just pure energy. The energy can also be shaped into a weapon with enough practice. But the mist you breathed was like an acid, and only black dragon’s can use acid as a breath weapon, however since you could also breath fire, I’m gonna assume its still energy based with acidic properties. Now as for why I think your some type of gem dragon as well, its because you eat gems, and only Gem Dragons eat gems because the are pretty much made of them. Dragons normally eat meat of prey animals.”

Twilight just looked at Merry in confusion. “I thought you said dragons are no longer in your world, why do you know so much?” Merry just chuckled

“Because I love dragons, I was born year of the dragon, and I became a little obsessed with them is all. I did all I could to learn about them in my spare time. I had a lot of time on my hands...Anyway, I'm kinda hungry now, Lets find something to eat shall we?” Twilight and Spike just looked at Merry unsure of what to make of the situation.

“1st, explain what your hand did, and then 2ed what exactly is the year of the dragon?”

“My hand? It got melted and then it started to regenerate, you guys cant regenerate like that?” Twilight just looked at him with squinted eyes.

“No not without powerful healing spells. We cant regenerate like that naturally.”

“Well in my defense, I get really hungry when I use it excessively, and if my body runs out of fuel, or building blocks, the regeneration stops. So its not all powerful, and even though its untested, a severe head blow would kill me.” Merry looks at his hand and notices that it hasn’t fully regenerated yet.

“There see, I got hungry and now it stopped, my hand is still damaged, workable, but it feels odd.” Merry stretched his fingers and moved his hand around a bit testing it.

“As for the year of the dragon, its just some human thing, apparently everything I do is on a grand scale and I'm generous with money, causing me to be broke most of the time, but it never lasts long. Just a bunch of stuff that’s only about half true for me really, cant remember it all.” Merry was walking to the kitchen as he spoke.

“Now lets see what you got in here.” Merry began to go through the fridge ignoring the look from Spike.

“I told you he would be fine Twilight, but that regeneration of his is a bit odd.” Spike softly spoke.

“I know it is Spike, I wonder if its common for his race, he did tell me they were quite violent. Maybe its an evolution trait.” Twilight whispered back to Spike. Then she went into the kitchen to check on Merry if he needed any help.

“Did you find anything to eat Merry? I'm not sure what you would like, but we have some eggs and vegetables.” Twilight watch as Merry turned around with two carrots in his mouth and a handful of eggs.

“Yeah this should work, where can I find a pan to cook these eggs?” Twilight opened a cabinet with her magic and levitated a pan out and onto the stove top.

“Thanks a bunch babe.” Merry began to cook the eggs and finished the carrots. He decided to cook them quickly and just eat them sunny side up. Merry also rinsed out the shells and ate those as well, he figured he needed the calcium. “Do you have any bread I can make toast with?”

“Yes, here let me do that for you.” Twilight brought out some bread and began to toast it. In the Toaster, that wasn’t powered with electricity. Speaking of, the stove looked like an electric stove, Gems are really versatile.

After everything was cooked Merry just took the pan off the stove and ate the eggs out of the pan, taking the toast and using it to sweep up the yolk and juices in the pan. Merry’s hand was fully healed by the time he finished the food, and he moved it around to test it.

“Yup all better now, Hope you don’t mind, but I'm gonna come by in the morning for breakfast before I head over to Fluttershy's for work.”

Twilight got a smile on her face. “Of course! I'm just glad you don’t hate me after what I did.” Twilight looked down at her hooves “I’m glad you still want to be my friend...”

“Hey don’t worry about it, I bounce back easy. Also, I kinda figured my size would of been a problem to begin with. Anyway I’m off, Ill be back later.” Merry waved to Twilight and Spike as he left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey Twilight, I think Merry may be able to help figure out who I am and where I came from. He seems to have an extensive knowledge of dragons, I didn’t even know dragons could breath things other then fire. I have an energy based acid breath, but I guess that explains the green fire. When I heard dragons are supposed to breath fire, I did my best until I was able to make fire.” Spike had an excited look on his face while Twilight just looked worried

“He probably can, but honestly Spike I would prefer the fire, did you see what it did to Merry’s hand?” Spike just looked down to ground having lost his newly gained excitement.

“Well he did say it was ok, and it was just a test, its not like I meant to hurt him Twi!” Spike held his hands out and waved them in the air as he spoke.

“I know I know, just be more careful from now on with your new found 'breath weapon', as Merry calls it.” Twilight squinted her eyes and looked at him.

“Jeez, I know that Twi, its not like I plan to do anything bad.” Spike just kicks at the ground

“Good! Now lets get back to bed shall we? We are having a guest over in the morning for breakfast.” Twilight trotted up the stairs followed by Spike.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry was walking back to the park with his hands in his pockets kicking rocks along the way.

“Damn, I forgot to ask her how I can go about getting a house. Well I can always ask her during breakfast.”

Merry’s vision and brain suddenly did an inverted loop causing him to snap at attention and get a bad feeling in the back of his head. Like something was a miss. The 1st thought that came to his head was about Scootaloo, But she should still be sleeping right? Hopefully she was a heavy sleeper, and didn’t notice he was gone...But she did notice he was gone last time.

Merry began to sprint back to the park, and in a few minutes he made his way back to the box. The blankets were empty.

‘Fuck fuck! Where did she go?! Why is she such a light sleeper?!’ Merry began to run around looking for Scootaloo, fearing the worst. He eventually ran out of the planted area and out into the park. He scanned the area and saw some dome thing with holes in it. The play equipment was all empty but maybe she was inside that dome thing. ‘She has to be right?’

She wasn’t in it. Merry got desperate and shouted “Scoots! Where are you?!” Suddenly Merry heard the sound of little hooves coming from the direction of the fountain. He turned and saw Scootaloo carrying her little firefly lantern, and she was soaking wet.

“Scoots! What happened? Where did you go, and why are you wet?” Scootaloo just put down the lantern when she got close enough and looked at Merry with sad eyes.

“When I woke up you were gone, And I saw your backpack was gone. I thought maybe you went to the fountain to get a drink, but when I didn’t see you anywhere I got up on the fountain, but fell inside.” Scootaloo looked so sad sitting there all wet. “I-I- I thought that you...”

Merry scooped her up in his arms and held her close even though she was soaking wet. “Hey I told you, I’m here to stay. Also were gonna go to Twilight’s in the morning for breakfast, that’s why I left. I went to see if it was ok with her. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you 1st." Merry just rubbed his cheek against her wet face. "Now, lets go get you dried off, so you don’t catch cold.” Merry carried her back to the little box and took off his shirt which he used to dry her off.

“But now your shirts all wet, you cant put it on now...” Merry just chuckled

“Don’t worry about it Scoots. Now come here, I’m not gonna leave again.” Merry laid his naked upper half into the box and motioned for Scoots to get in as well. He pulled Scoots in close and covered her and his upper half in the blanket, then brought out his iPod.

“I’m sorry Scoots I didn’t mean to leave like that all unnoticed. Wont happen again ok?”Scootaloo just nodded her head and looked at the iPod

“Were gonna listen to music?” Scoots just looked at him with a yawn.

“Heh, yeah but its just gonna be something to help us sleep.” Merry flipped through the list and picked out (Relaxing Violin music) He put the music on ultra low and gave one ear bud to Scoots and one for himself. He then fixed up the blanket and bit and pulled Scoots in close to help her from catching cold after becoming soaking wet in the middle of the night.

“Mmm this is nice.” Scoots cuddled up in Merry’s arm and closed her eyes. “Night again Merry.”

“Night Scoots.” Merry just sighed as she fell asleep in his arm with her head on his chest.

‘Scoots is so lucky she’s still just a kid and I have a weakness for children.’ Merry just laid there as motionless as possible, when the song ended he turned off the iPod. He then spent the rest of the night counting how many different specs, little fibers, and lines the top of the box had. It was incredibly boring, but when the sun started coming up he gently woke up Scoots by petting her mane.

“Hey sleepy head, lets go to Twilights and get some of that breakfast yeah?”

Scootaloo just blinked repeatedly and rubbed her eyes a bit. With a yawn Scoots just looked to Merry “Alright, but isn’t it really early?”

“Hmm I suppose it is, heh. Well finish waking up and lets head out ok?” Scoots just nodded her head and began to stretch out. After a few minutes she claimed to be ready to go. So they headed on over to Twilights place of residence for some food.

Day 3

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Twilight and Spike woke up to a knock upon their door. “Who could it be this early in the morning?”

Twilight groggily went down the stairs to her front door and opened it slowly “Hello?” She was greeted by a smile from Merry and surprisingly Scootaloo.

“Hey Twilight, we are here for some breakfast.” Merry just kept his grin on, and Scootaloo stood next to him with a sleepy smile on.

“Oh, I thought it was only you coming Merry...” Twilight looked at Scootaloo then back to Merry “Why is Scootaloo with you anyway?”

“Because I’m watching over Scoots for awhile. No big deal, is Scoots being here gonna be a problem?” Merry raised an eyebrow at Twilight

Twilight had hoped for a nice breakfast with Merry to try and set things right, with Scootaloo there it made it a bit awkward. And why was Merry watching her anyway? Where are her parents?

“Umm no its fine I guess, we just don’t have much food if were gonna be serving four...”

“That’s fine, I don’t eat much anyway, lets go get started shall we?” Merry had walked in followed by Scoots who had a bit of a confused look on her face. Merry sat down on a nearby couch in the living room and motioned for Scoots to sit next to him. “We're just gonna wait here, so call us when its done yeah?”

“Oh uh alright then, I’m just gonna go get Spike.” Twilight walked up the stairs.

“Hey Merry, why didn’t Twilight know I was coming as well? I thought you said you told her we were coming?” Scoots looked over at Merry as she sat on the couch totally confused.

“Well uh, I told her to give me breakfast if she was sorry, and decided to use that to bring you along and get you some as well. So don’t worry about it, I’ll take any blame if things go bad, But I’m sure they wont. Twilight wouldn’t be so cruel as to just kick you out.” Merry just relaxed back into the couch with his hands behind his head and felt his hair. ‘I need a fucking shower, my hair feels like string.’

Scoots figured that answer was good enough, and it wouldn’t be the 1st time she had to go with out breakfast if she had to leave anyway.

Twilight came down the stairs with Spike in tow. “Alright breakfast for 4 coming up Twi, don’t worry, I’ll figure something out.” Spike just yawned as Merry and Scootaloo waved to him as he walked into the kitchen followed by Twilight.

After sitting on the couch for a good 10 minutes Twilight called out to them to come and get some breakfast. They went into the kitchen and saw 4 plates laid out with 1 egg, 1 piece of toast a small pile of hay and some orange slices on each one. Except for Spikes plate as it had some green gems upon it in place of hay. Scootaloo grabbed up a spot on the table and Merry sat next to her followed by Twilight taking the spot between Merry and Spike.

“So Merry mind explaining why Scootaloo is here with us?” Merry just looked over to Scoots who had a look of fear in her eyes at being found out. ‘Looks like I need to make something up.’

“Yesterday while I was walking around town I ran into Scoots and her parents. Scoots here didn’t want to leave with them on a business trip because then the Cutie mark crusaders would be broken up, So I opted to watch over her here until they got back. Like I said, not a big deal.” Merry slowly began to nibble at his food. Taking small bites here and there.

Scootaloo was more then satisfied by this answer, It made it sound like she did have parents, and that Merry was now her guardian while they were out of town. So she began to greedily eat the food in front of her. “Yeah, they didn’t say when they would be back, so it will probably be awhile.”

“And there ya have it Twilight, No big deal.” Merry continued to slowly eat, not feeling all that hungry, while Scootaloo and the others pretty much finished.

“Hey Spike, I’m still a little hungry, can I get seconds?” Scootaloo just smiled at Spike

“Sorry Scootaloo, Twilight has to go shopping later today for more food, that was everything left in the fridge.” Spike scratched his head.

“Oh...that’s ok then.” Merry just looked over to Scootaloo and then pushed his plate over to her.

“Here you can eat the rest of mine, I need to get going to Fluttershy's anyway.” With that Merry got up and waved bye to them. Scootaloo happily ate the rest of Merry’s food and then jumped down from the table.

“Thanks for breakfast Twilight and Spike. I’ll see you later today with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, we wanna check out a book for later.” Twilight just raised an eyebrow as Scoots went to the door.

“You’re welcome Scoots, I’ll do my best to help you later when you come by.” Scoots just hopped out the door and then closed it behind her.

“So it seems Merry is watching Scootaloo now huh?” Spike just looked at Twilight.

“It would seem that way Spike, speaking of, have we ever meet her parents before?” Twilight looked up in thought.

“Don’t think so Twi, but then again we only know about Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom because you’re friends with their older sisters.”

“Very true spike, Very true.”

“Hey you know what Twi?” Twilight looked over to Spike

“What?”

“You forgot to tell him Princess Celestia got him a house to stay in while he's here in Ponyville.” Twilight just facehoofed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry walked on toward Fluttershy's house with his iPod on listening to some Godsmack. When he thought to himself. 'I really need a shower and some new clothes. Along with a freaking haircut, I feel like some kind of emo kid with this long hair.' By the time Merry reached Fluttershys house she was already outside feeding some fish in a pond.

“Hey, Fluttershy! Am I late already?” Merry just walked up to her as she continued to throw some food into the pond.

“Umm, just a little bit, but its ok, I can feed the fish just fine.” Fluttershy kicks the ground a bit and then looks at Merry. “You can come help me feed the rabbits now, then we can move on to the chicken’s and the other animals that eat in the morning.”

Fluttershy and Merry spent about an hour feeding the various animals breakfast and making sure none of them were sick or injured. Merry realized Fluttershy pretty much ran a Vet out of her house as well. She cared for various animals that lived in nearby areas and the Everfree forest as well. Many of the animals were only there as temporary stays until they got better. Hell even their families came and were taken care of, an entire family of mice lived there because one of them got injured...all 16 of them stayed. Not that big of a deal since mice don’t eat a lot, but jeez she might be too kind.

“Alright Merry that takes care of the morning round, now we have free time until lunch, unless an emergency comes up.” Fluttershy smiled at Merry who began to scratch his head.

“Nothing to do ehh? When is lunch exactly?” Merry just looked up into the sky

“Lunch is in about 2 hours Merry, umm if you don’t mind, you wanna just talk to pass the time?” Fluttershy began to look at the ground and hide behind her mane.

“Yeah sure, no problem, what did you wanna talk about?” Merry just put his hand on his chin in thought

“Oh just about you really...I mean if its ok that is.”

“Oh its fine I don’t mind telling you about myself, now where to begin? Well I’m 18 years old fresh out of high school, I guess I could be classified as an Otaku, but not in the common sense, I took the Otaku lifestyle and applied it to my own, so I’m not a total nerd. Actually I guess I’m more of a muscle head, I don’t like thinking things through, I kinda just do what ever feels right, you know?” Fluttershy just shook her head

“I’ve never done anything because I felt like doing it, I just do what needs to be done.”

“That’s a good trait to have, I wish that trait of mine would come out more often. I end up doing so many things that get me into trouble, its pretty stupid.” Merry paused for a moment “but I guess that’s what makes me, me right?”

“Oh yes of course, if you cant be yourself, then who can you be? But um...what’s an otaku?” Merry just chuckled to himself a bit

“An Otaku is basically a person that loves um...” Merry thought for a moment, ‘do they even have TV?’ “You guys have cartoons? Its like a show you watch...”

“Well yes we have shows and plays of the like at times. But those are mostly in Canterlot.” Merry just looked at Fluttershy ‘ok, so they don’t have TV apparently, how odd...alright then’

“Alright well a cartoon is basically a show that a bunch of people watch for entertainment once a week because its free. An Otaku is a person who is so involved with a show that he or she dresses like the characters, supports the show entirely or like me, does their best to imitate the characters in the show. At lest that’s what I think an Otaku is, Others just kinda labeled me as that.”

“Oh, that’s nice. So you said you were 18? How old is that for your race?”

“Being 18 means I get treated like an adult, without all the cool things that being an adult gives you. Like being able to drink alcohol legally. I still do it though when I get the chance.” Merry looked at Fluttershy who was in a bit of thought.

“I wonder if we could go drinking with Applejack later today...I mean if that’s ok with you. She makes some of the best hard cider. I’m not much of a drinker though...”

‘They have Alcohol here?! Ohh fuck yeah. Glad they have enough tech and know how to make mans greatest invention.’

“Don’t you worry about that Fluttershy, I’ll drink enough for the both of us.” Merry just laughed a hearty laugh, one he hasn’t done in such a long time. He would finally be able to drink again and let out his pent up stress and restlessness that had built up over the last three days.

Fluttershy just smiled knowing that Merry seemed actually happy for a change. When she had met up with Twilight the day before because Merry had gone missing Pinkie had made a comment that he only looked happy on the outside. After all Pinkie, being the element of laughter, knows when someone is truly happy or not.

Merry had decided to tell Fluttershy about a few of his drunk adventures, that usually involved him being alone and wandering around the street causing trouble. After some of the stories lunch time had rolled around, so they set up to feed all the various animals again except the fish who only ate breakfast apparently. After about another hour of feeding them Fluttershy had declared the day of work over and it would be ok to go do other things for the rest of the day.

“I’ll go get today’s pay Merry, I wont need you everyday, so I’ll just pay daily.” Fluttershy goes into her cottage and returns with 3 gold coins.

“Here...I hope its enough bits...” Merry took the gold coins

“Not a problem, The fact you’re paying me at all for such little work is awesome.” Merry pocketed the bits and waved his hand in the air as he walked away. He then suddenly stopped and turned around “Oh yeah, when were we gonna go out drinking?”

“Um, I can ask all the girls, but we can probably work something out for tonight, it is Friday after all.”

“Excellent! Now 2 more questions. One, Who do I go to about getting a house? And two, where can I go to get new clothes.” Fluttershy smiled at the thought of Merry deciding to get a house and stay.

“To get a house you would need to speak to the mayor of Ponyville or her secretary, they can arrange that for you. And as for new clothes, I guess you could try Rarity, she would be able to custom make something for you.”

‘Hm, I guess I should go about figuring out how to get a house and how much money I would need to put down, then go get some clothes or see about it before drinking tonight.’

“Alright well thanks again, If you’ll excuse me I have some errands to run now.” Merry turned around and walked in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Granny Smith was rocking back N’ forth in her rocking chair on the porch when she saw Merry coming down the path headed her way. She continued to rock back N’ forth until Merry stood in front of her.

“Hello, is Applejack around?”

“Well yes she is sunny, but shes’a working the orchard right now tending to our trees. Anything I can do fer ya?” She continued to rock back N’ forth looking at Merry with interest.

“Well I just wanted to give her something is all, I suppose I could just drop it off...” Granny Smith cut him off mid sentence

“Nonesense boy-o! Just pull up a seat, Applejack will be coming by with Big Mac any minute now with a cart full a apples, I’ve got the timing down to a T. So sit and relax with me, lets talk.”

“Well uh sure why not. My names Merry, what’s your name?”

“Names Granny Smith. It’s a pleasure to meet ya Mary.” ‘Close enough I guess.’

“So are Applejack’s parents working in the field as well? Or did they go...” Merry stopped talking as he noticed Granny Smiths expression change. Her happy demeanor disappeared, and her eyes seemed to watch something far away.

“No, they were taken from us in an accident awhile back.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know, you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want too.”

“No, its quite alright sunny, its not you’re fault, and it helps to talk about it, it helps me remember them. You know, Apple Bloom stopped asking when mom and dad were gonna be back from the business trip about 2 years ago. She was so young when it happened.”

Merry was silent, he didn’t know what to do and felt uncomfortable. Granny smith was pouring on the sadness and topping it with regret in her voice.

“You know Mary, I always wondered if it would of been different if I left instead of them. It was my duty to leave anyway, but I had a cold so they opted to go in my stead. No mother should have to bury her child.” Granny Smith just sighed heavily

“Hey its not your fault some freak accident happened and they died. You can’t blame your self for that.”

“I guess you’re right Mary, I’m old now there’s nothing I can do about it, and the kids grew up just fine and strong even without parents.” Granny smiths eyes narrowed as she turned to look at Merry “I don’t want to have to bury one of my grandchildren, I’d do anything to make sure nothing bad happens to them.”

Merry was about to say something when he heard shouting “Hey! What are yall doing bothering Granny Smith!” Granny Smith got her Happy demeanor back and waved to Applejack

“Well Hello there deary! Mary and I were just chatting it up like the young fillies we are.” Merry face palmed while Applejack laughed.

“Well alright then, but what are you here for anyway?”

“Just came by to drop off the 3 bits I owe you is all. Also,Fluttershy was gonna try and set up a time for us to drink some of your famous hard cider tonight.” Applejack stopped laughing

“Sometimes Ah think that mare can be too kind. Ah’m only gonna bring a barrel because Fluttershy hardly drinks and Ah can’t turn her down when she wants too.”

‘A barrel? Is that like a Keg?’ “Alright cool, Thanks a lot Applejack.” Merry waved to Granny smith. “It was a pleasure talking to you as well Granny Smith. We should chat again sometime.” With that Merry walked on toward town in an attempt to find the town’s City Hall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mayor Mare was working on... well nothing actually. There was so little to be done this time of the year she had sent her secretary home early. So Mayor Mare was just spinning around in her chair waiting for the time to pass until there was a knock on her door.

“A visitor? I wonder what’s going on.” Mayor Mare went over to her door and saw Merry, who looked odd wearing dirty clothes and smelling of random animals.

“I’m sorry sir, but this is City hall, If you’re looking for a shelter there’s one on the east side of town.” Merry just laughed

“No no, this is the right place I'm looking for. I know my current attire doesn’t say much but... well actually I am homeless. I’m here to figure out how I would go about getting a house of my own.” Mayor Mare was shocked, Not only was this ragged looking creature asking her for a place to live, but he expected he had to buy it. After staring for a bit, Mayor Mares mind clicked on.

“You mean ever sense you got here, You’ve been sleeping outside?!”

“Well yes actually, I never had a house, and I didn’t want to impose upon anyone, so I simply slept outside in the park.”

“Oh no no no! Heavens no! You should of said something before! I got a letter from Princess Celestia telling me to have a house ready for you and set up if you ever decided to stay for a long period of time. Didn’t Twilight tell you?”

‘I bet she forgot on purpose. But this sure as hell fixes all my problems with where to shower and getting a house for Scoots as well.’

“No, I guess it just slipped her mind. Mind showing me where my house is?” Mayor Mare smiled, she finally had something to do.

“I would be delighted! Follow me, I’ll grab your house warming gift sent from Princess Celestia and Luna.” Mayor Mare placed a basket upon her back and led Merry outside where he followed her around the town.

“You know I was shocked when I got a letter from the Princess telling me to ready a house for an alien. But now that you’re here its so exciting! Oh and do forgive me for thinking you were, um, a less fortunate.” Merry just laughed

“Oh don’t worry about it, I know how I look, and I probably smell just as bad honestly. Cant wait to go take a shower.” Mayor Mare chuckled a bit.

“Oh yes, we have set everything up at your new home, everything was paid for by the princesses in full. After all we cant have our only space alien being homeless can we? That’s just bad manners after all.” Merry stopped to look at a grey Pegasus with a bubbles Cutie mark playing with a filly that had the same hair color. Mayor Mare noticed him stop and turned to look who he was looking at.

“Oh that is Miss Ditzy with her filly Dinky. They are your neighbors on the left side actually and they live with Golden Harvest. The neighbors on your right side are Lyra and Bon Bon who also live together.”

‘I wonder if I will have to make nice with the new neighbors. I’m not really good at that. Actually, I wonder if they would be down to drink with us. We could just drink in my new house as a celebration I guess.’

After a few more minutes of walking they arrived at the house, it looked like a standard two story house, that looks pretty much the same as the other surrounding houses. “Looks good, but I’m gonna have to add something to the front door so I can tell it apart from the others, Heh.”

Mayor Mare opened the front door, she literally just opened the door, no key or anything. ‘Do they not believe in locks or something?’ When he got inside he saw a deadbolt and some other locks that would keep the door from being opened from the outside. ‘Well, if I get locked out I’m fucked aren’t I?’

Merry walked around the living room and into the kitchen and checked the fridge, empty of course. But there was everything he could think of, pots and pans, all the furniture and everything else was completely set up. Even upstairs was fully furnished, the only thing missing was clothes and some other things that would be of a more personal nature.

“Wow this house is sure set up nicely, do you know how much the princesses spent exactly?”

“Well the rough estimates we sent them for the bill ran about 10,000 bits.” Merry mulled the number over in his head for a bit.

‘I would of had to work for Fluttershy for like 13 years everyday to make that much, holy crap.’

“I’ll have to remember to thank them later next time I see them. Well lets see what they gave me in the basket shall we?”

Merry put the basket onto a table in the living room and moved over the little cover and saw a bag with a note on it.

The note read:

Dear ningen named Merry,

My faithful Student Twilight Sparkle has told me of your date with her. Because it sounds like you are going to stay awhile I decided to have arrangements set for you to live comfortably while you stay within our realm. As for the bag, It contains 1,000 bits, that should help get you started in buying what ever food you need along with other items of a more personal nature. Also a real stallion doesn’t let his date pay for things. On a side note my Little Sister Luna would like to meet an alien so we are coming down to Ponyville in two days time around noon. I hope we can find some time away from the Griffin royalty who have been following us around all day. They are quite snobbish and persistent with wanting to negotiate some more land from us.

-See you soon

Princess Celestia and Luna.

P.S. Be gentle with my Student

“Um, When did this basket get here?” Merry looked over to the Mayor who was also shocked as Merry had read the Letter aloud.

“They sent this yesterday, So I’m guessing they will be here tomorrow.” Merry face palmed

“Cant believe Twilight forgot to tell me about all of this, heh, I wonder how surprised she will be tomorrow, I might just ‘forget’ to tell her about this letter. Ha-Ha”

“Well you don’t need to tell Miss Sparkle, but I for certain am going to spruce up the town a bit. Seems I have something to do tomorrow morning. I’ll see you around Merry the alien, I have some things to attend too now.” She then walked out the door. And quickly began to trot back toward City Hall.

“Well first things first, time for a shower.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry got out of the shower with his hair still damp and he looked over to his clothes. That were all dirty, torn and ragged looking. They really made him look like some Hobo from outer space.

“Guess I need to go find some cloths, I really don’t wanna wear these dirty ass clothes though, I guess I just walk around with the pants. My white shirt is now brown. At least blue jeans still pass as clean even when dirty.” Merry threw the bottom half of his cloths on and went out the door.

After asking for directions to Rarities and getting odd stares from the mares and stallions Merry decided it was because of the tattoo on his back. They must of thought it was his Cutie Mark or something. It wasn’t until he almost got to the Carousal Boutique, as they called it, that he saw Sweetie Belle who had a bunch of stuff in tow with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom following her.

“Hey girls! What chu doing?”

“Merry! You really are all Better!”

“See, I told you girls he was fine.”

“Yeah you were right Scootaloo.”

All three of the Crusaders had big smiles on their faces, as it occurred to Merry that he never got back to the other crusaders about his condition.

“Anyway girls, I just thought of a project for you. You wanna have a go at it?” The three little Fillies just looked at each other then smiled up at Merry.

“YEAH! What do you need help with?” With 3 expectant looks they just kept beaming their huge smiles at Merry who just laughed.

“Glad to see you’re enthusiastic. I want you girls to go to my new house and spruce it up a bit for me. Make it stand out, It looks so much like the others Im afraid I’ll confuse it and walk into the wrong house. It’s the house between Ditzy’s and Lyra’s.”

“You got a house already?!” all three of them said in unison.

“Yeah, pretty odd really, but you know how it goes. New alien, princess decides to give you a house, pretty standard I guess. Hehe” Merry just looked back at them after chuckling “The only thing I ask is that you paint this on my door, and fill the fridge up with food for me.” Merry handed them a piece of paper with the numbers 115 written on it and handed them a small bag filled with bits. Scootaloo opened the bag and gasped.

“There must be at lest 100 bits in here!”

“Really? I meant to put more, oh well, there’s more in my house on the table if you run out while sprucing it up...just try not to spend it all.” Merry watched as the 3 fillies bounced their way down the street with their stuff still in tow.

‘I sure hope I know what I’m doing. But at least this should save me some time from shopping right?’ Merry shook his head and walked into Rarities home and place of work.

“Sweetie Belle what did you forget this time?” Rarity spun around and noticed the shirtless Merry at the door instead of her little sister and gasped “Oh my, I’m sorry I thought you were Sweetie Belle and her friends. Is there something I can help you with?”

“Yes actually, I would like to commission some clothes if at all possible, a set actually. Nothing fancy just similar to what I had when you first saw me, but less torn and with different colors.” Rarity just looked at Merry with a discerning eye

“As you can see, my shirt was how you say...useless, and my pants are getting there. I will need a new set of clothes if you don’t mind. I don’t mind walking around naked, but Id rather have something to wear.”

“Well after hearing about your, little problem, I can see why you wish to remain covered. But fear not, I shall whip up something quick for you.”

“Thats a little straight forward don’t you think?”

“Oh dear, I am the element of Generosity not kindness.” Rarity chuckled and gave Merry a sultry look before turning around and bringing over a measuring tape. “Now hold still for a second dear while I take what I need.”

Merry just stood there while Rarity basically took control, she lifted his arms and took measurements of his arms and legs, then paused to look at his tattoo.

“What’s with this dragon on your back darling? Is it supposed to be your Cutie mark?”

“Ah, well I guess you could call it that, Its just something I strive to be like, The Copper Dragon. A fun lover of jokes and intellect, sadly I’m not that smart. But anyway, about my clothes”

“Of yes of course darling, I should have something ready for you by tomorrow in the morning.”

“Excellent, I’ll pay you of course, and it doesn’t need to be anything fancy. Just simple and plain for everyday wear that’s easy to clean.” Rarity put her hoof to her chin in thought.

“I think I can manage that no problem. Leave it to me!” Merry clapped his hands together

“Good, also theres gonna be a small party at my new house, I’ll be happy if you could show up. Sweetie Belle and her friends know where it is so you can bring her along if you have too. I’m sure she will keep Scootaloo company.”

“And why would Sweetie Belle know where you live?” Rarity had raised her eyebrow with a look of concern.

“Oh I just have the Cutie Mark Crusaders sprucing up my house is all. Hopefully it wont be too much trouble on my end.” Rarity just shook her head

“I suggest you hurry home before something bad happens. I’ll be just fine here, Maybe I’ll show up.” Merry just nodded his head and got worried for a bit.

‘Maybe that the feeling in my gut is my new house being destroyed’ Merry walked outside and made a B line straight back to his house. When he arrived he could clearly tell what house was his. It was painted several colors, and the numbers 115 were painted in white on the front door.

‘At lest they got that right, and there’s no way in hell I’m going to confuse this for someone else’s house now.’ Merry walked up to the front door and opened it. Inside it was a mess, food and cakes of all kinds were everywhere and party streamers had been set up with a big banner saying welcome to Ponyville and your new home.

‘Holy shit balls, I was gone for like an hour at most. How did they get all of this?’ Out of nowhere a pink pony zooms down the stairs and stops infront of Merry.

“Hey! After the CMC told me about your new house I decided to help them throw a party for you. I already helped them paint and buy all the food, cakes, cookies, and anything else you could possibly need!” Pinkie then got close and nudged Merry in the side “I got you something I think you’ll like, its under your bed in a brown box.” Merry just raised an eyebrow at her

“Uh, thanks?” Pinkie just smiled

“Noo Problem Amigo, I will go get everyone else now. I’ll make sure Applejack brings an extra Barrel.” Merry just watched as Pinkie quickly went out the door.

‘How odd, now I wonder where the fillies went’ Merry went up the stairs and went from room to room until he found the 3 of them playing in a room with some toys that weren’t there before.

“Hey how you 3 doing?” The 3 of them just smiled a bit sheepishly

“Oh hey we hope you don’t mind, but we used some of the money to buy us some things...”

“You know! As uh, payment for helping you.” Merry just laughed

“No no not at all, as long as you didn’t spend everything Its fine.” Merry takes the bag back that he gave them and sees there’s 1 bit left inside.

‘Well they didn’t spend everything, just most of it’ Merry just looked to the 3 girls and smiled.

“Thanks again, you guys are welcome to come over anytime. Also there’s going to be a party later, mind coming with me to invite the neighbors?” The 3 fillies looked to each other then shouted

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER PARTY INVITES GO!” They then pulled several cards that looked to be hoof written and drawn. They presented them to Merry, who couldn’t read them for shit.

“Will these work Merry?” Merry just looked at them and shrugged.

“Yeah it should be fine, lets go.” Merry walked down the stairs and out the front door followed by the 3 little fillies who were happy to be a part of something. They went next door to Lyra and Bon Bon’s house 1st and knocked upon the door. A turquoise pony opened the door and looked Merry up and down and was fixated on his hands.

“Is there something I can help you with?”

“Well, I'm your new neighbor so I decided to invite you to a party I’m having tonight at my place. I’m sure it will be fun. Oh, have an invitation.” Merry handed her one of the invitations and she read it, then looked up to Merry who smiled at her. She blushed a bit.

‘What does that invitation even say...’ Scootaloo spoke up from behind Merry followed by Sweetie Belle and Bloom.

“Yeah its gonna be loads of fun!” Merry smiled

“Merry is loads of fun as well!” Merry got a bigger smile

“And he’s a looker!” Merry’s smile got smaller as he now felt awkward. “Just look at his muscles!” Sweetie Belle was squeaking as she spoke.

“Um yeaah...” the turquoise pony just looked Merry up and down again.

“I’ll show up, and I’ll bring Bon Bon with me, could be fun.” Merry sighed in victory

“Alright then I’ll see you later at my new house.” Merry walked with the 3 fillies down the street to the other side to invite his other neighbor Ditzy and Golden.

‘What on earth are these three up to, and what did the invitation say to make her blush? Scootaloo and the girls wrote them right?’

“Hey girls, who gave you the idea for those invitations?”

“Pinkie Pie did!” Merry rolled his eye’s

‘Oh man’ “and what does the card say exactly?”

“You cant read it Merry?”

“Sadly no, we speak the same. But our written languages are different.”

“Why did ya agree if’n ya couldn’t read it?”

“Figured what ever was written on it was fine.”

“Well it is fine so don’t worry about it!”The 3 of them just smiled at Merry as they continued to walk towards Ditzy’s house. When they got to the front of the house they could see a small grey filly with blonde hair playing in the front yard.

“Hey little one, is your mom home?”

“Yeah! She's inside let me go get her!” The little filly raced inside the house and began shouting. After a bit she came back outside with the one Mayor Mare had told him goes by the name Ditzy. “Told you mommy! The alien is here with 3 other fillies!”

“Well hello there! What can I help you with?” Ditzy had a big smile on her face.

“Oh not much, I just wanted to invite you to a party at my house tonight.”

“A party? Oh I don’t know if I can find a foal sitter by then...”

“Hey don’t worry about it, Scootaloo here is gonna be there as well, they can play together upstairs, and you’re free to check on her anytime. I’m not planning to let things get out of control.” Merry handed Ditzy the invitation. “Bring Golden Harvest as well, its to welcome me as being new around here.”

Ditzy didn't bother to read the invitation and just smiled “Well I’ll be happy to show up then! Do you wanna go to a Party tonight Dinky?” Dinky just smiled and shouted

“Yeah!” Merry just laughed

“Good good, I’ll see you later on then. I guess I need to go get my house ready for guests.”

“But Pinkie Pie got everything all set up! Remember?”

“Oh yeah, then what do I do?” Merry said, Scootaloo spoke up

“How about we go get some more toys! Your house really didn’t have anything fun to play with last we checked...” Merry shook his head in agreement, “I guess you’re right, can't let you and Dinky get bored can we?” Merry waved bye to Ditzy and Dinky as they went back to his house next door to grab his sack of bits.

“Where did you get all that money Merry?”

“The Princess gave it to me as a house warming gift. Nice isn’t she?” Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all shook their heads in agreement.

“Now just lead me to the toy store and lets get started shall we?” Scootaloo and her two friends were skipping ahead of Merry to lead the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘I’m pretty sure I’ve been here before, are they taking me around in circles?’ after a bit they come up to what Merry assumed was a toy shop because it had a wooden train on top of it with some other fillies and colts running around outside.

“Hooray we found it girls!” The 3 fillies began to skip circles around Merry.

‘They were lost!' “Alright girls, lets get inside and get some things for you to play with upstairs while the adults mingle.”

Scootaloo had rushed forward followed by Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Merry just laughed at their enthusiasm and followed them inside. Boy oh boy, it was a toy store alright. Huge displays of model homes and giant things, literally things, Merry couldn’t figure out what they could possibly be. Must of been a pony thing. After roaming around the store for a bit a pony with an apron on approached him.

“Can I help you sir?” Merry just put his hand to his chin in thought.

“Well, I hope so, you see I’m having a party at my home soon and I was just looking for something to entertain some fillies and possibly colts while us adults mingle a bit.” The stallion wearing the apron thought for a second then his face brightened up.

“I think I have the perfect choice, follow me” The Apron wearing pony lead the way two isles over and picked up a board game with a bunch of fillies and colts on the front playing something with a ball and a mat.

“This is one of our best sellers for entertaining groups of young ones. I’m sure it will work perfectly.” Merry grabbed it up with his free hand and looked at it.

“Ya don’t say... Well thanks a bunch. Hey why don’t you come as well, the more the merrier right?” Merry handed him one of the invitations, and he read it.

“A singles party eh? I could use a Marefriend. Names Red Rocket by the way. I’ve got a talent for rockets, The red ones go higher in my opinion.” Merry had to stifle back a laugh which wasn’t hard now he knew what those invitations said.

‘SINGLES PARTY?! That explains a lot of things with that turquoise ponies reaction. What is that pink one planning.'

“Sweet, bring some guys friends if you have any, so far it looked like I was going to be the only boy.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised, the male to female ratio in this town is like 1-8.” Red sighed “1-8 and I still don’t have a blasted marefriend, I gotta stallion up already” Merry held the sack of bits and the game in the same hand and patted Red on the back.

“Don’t worry bro, I’ll be your wing man if you show up.”

“Wing man? But I cant fly and I don’t think you can either.” Merry just laughed

“Not what I meant bro. I meant I’ll back you up and make you look good when you go to talk to some of the mares.”

“Ooh you mean a Chariot pony, I got ya. Sure I’ll show up, bring some of my single guy friends as well.”

“Excellant, I’ll see you around. Now I gotta find 3 fillies I came here with.” Merry shook his hoof and went along his way to look for them. Which wasn’t hard when he saw Scootaloo with a toy sword in her mouth slashing the air chasing Sweetie Belle who had a toy shield strapped to her hoof.

“FOR PRINCESS CELESTIA!” Sweetie Belle was blocking the attacks from Scootaloo when she shouted back

“FOR PRINCESS LUNA!” Apple Bloom came down from the top of a shelf fully clad in armor and a spear in her hoof shouting back

“FOR PRINCESS CADENCE!” She landed between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and spun her spear in the air knocking them both back tumbling into stacked toys, both stacks fell apart and made a huge mess.

“I think its time you girls stopped destroying the store before they kick us out.” The girls zipped in front of Merry beaming with smiles and said in unison

“We all want the Knights armor and weapons sets!” Merry shrugged.

“Alright then show me where you got them, and I’ll get a few extra sets in case you decide to build an army or something.” Merry just laughed as he followed them back to the isle full of toy weapons, armor and various other items that would make it easy to play out a full scale play war.

“Why don’t you girls grab a cart or something while I wait here yeah?”

“OK!” The 3 fillies raced off to the front of the store and quickly came back with a cart.

Merry filled the cart to the brim with various sets of armor, weapons of all kinds and shields, they even had working bows, how the ponies held them was beyond Merry. They went to the front of the store and the cashier looked a little shocked, she has never seen someone buy so much as once before. She began to ring them up and bag them all, one at a time...rather slowly.

“So what made you guys want to play Knights?”

“Because you’re one silly, you were so cool when you fought off those timber wolves for us, we wanted to be the Cutie Mark Crusader Knights!” Merry just felt a pang in his heart at how cute they sounded. And wanting to be a knight like him, even though he wasn’t actually a knight?

“Well alright then, But being a knight isn’t easy. You have to train and be strong as well as brave in the face of danger. Not only that, but you must uphold your moral's and personal beliefs.” Merry just softly smiled at them “But have fun while you’re still young.”

“Your total is 756 bits Sir.” Merry coughed up some blood at the huge sum of money and handed her his sack of bits. When he got it back it was pretty much empty.

“Never buying you guys toys again. Ha-ha. “ Merry looked at all the stuff he got and shrugged “I’m going to use your cart to help me take all this stuff home with me, I’ll bring it back alright?” The Cashier just shook her head in agreement

“Oh don’t worry about it, you’re our best customer so far to date.” Merry just grumbled to him self a bit as he walked out the door with his huge amount of toy armaments.

“Alright you girls head on home, you’re more then welcome to come by and play with the new stuff when your sisters come over as well.”

The CMC just shook their heads in excitement and raced off. But Merry noticed that Scootaloo was heading over toward the park. So he quickly dropped the stuff off at his house and made a B-line to the park.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry made his way to the park and toward the box that Scootaloo had been sleeping in. He saw her inside resting in the blankets.

“And what are you doing out here Scoots? I thought I told you to go home.”

“But, this is my home...”

“Nonsense, I thought you were living with me, remember? Now come on, get your stuff lets go.” Scootaloos face brightened up as she rushed forward and hugged Merry’s leg. She grabbed her scooter and blankets and other random things she had laying around. Merry grabbed as much as he could in his arms and lead the way back to their new home. When they got to the house Merry opened the door and walked inside in front of Scoot’s and said

“Welcome Home Scoot’s, You can stay as long as you want. Now go up stairs and pick out a room.”

“I finally have a home!” Scootaloo began to tear up “I have a real home.” She shook her head and wiped the tears away. “I’m gonna go find my room!” She raced up stairs and went left toward the master bedroom.

‘Oh no she doesn’t that rooms the only one with a bed big enough for me!’ Merry went up the stairs as well and opened the door to the master bed room but it was empty. He scratched his head and opened the room across from his and saw Scoots laying on the bed.

“Hey, get cleaned up now. We do have guests coming over, and its going to be dark soon.”

“Ook Merry.” She jumped off the bed and headed toward the bathroom while Merry went downstairs to put all the toys he had bought upstairs into one of the other rooms.

‘I probably didn’t need to buy this board game. After all I bought enough toy armaments to make a mock army.’ Merry sighed as he laid back in his new chair in his new living room. He looked outside his window and noticed it was starting to get dark. ‘Only a matter of time now before people start arriving, and I’m poor again.’

Merry laid back into his chair as he heard Scootaloo running around up stairs opening and closing doors. ‘Heh, she’s probably looking for all those toys we just got.’ Just then he heard a knock on his door.

“I wonder who’s the 1st to arrive...”

Night 3

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“Hey Merry! Just thought I’d drop by early to give you Dinky, so she and your daughter Scootaloo could get to know each other while I left to get Golden Harvest.” Merry raised an eyebrow at the word daughter but shrugged it off.

“Yeah no problem, Scoots is upstairs playing I hope.”

“Great! I’ll be right back! I’ll see you soon my little muffin.” Ditzy kissed her on the cheek and flew off. Merry just looked down at Dinky who was smiling up at him, she was a bit smaller than Scootaloo, so probably a year younger or so.

“Well let's go find Scootaloo shall we?”

“Yeah!” She slipped inside and began to skip around Merry as he slowly walked up the stairs.

“Hey Scoots! Dinky is here!” Merry opened up the door leading to the room that had all the knight equipment and saw Scootaloo fully suited up with a greatsword on her back.

“Awesome! Now we can play Knights together! Lets get you set up!” Merry just watched as Dinky ran over to Scoots and wowed at her armor set up.

“You kids have fun I’m gonna head back downstairs and wait for others to join us.” Scootaloo and Dinky didn’t even notice he left as he went back down stairs.

‘I sure hope things don’t end badly upstairs later on tonight.’ The moment Merry’s ass hit the soft chair another knock came upon his door. 'Damnit...’ Merry grumbled as he got up and went to the door again. Before he could open it Sweete Belle and Apple Bloom pushed the door open and ran inside.

“We told you this was the right house!” They began to run circles around Merry

“Oh hey girls, Scootaloo is upstairs with Dinky already. Make your selves at home.” The 2 fillies stopped circling him and went up the stairs.

“I take it ya had the Cutie mark crusaders paint up your house a bit?” Merry just chuckled

“Yeah I had to make it look different, is it that obvious?” The girls just chuckled then Pinkie spoke up.

“No, I saw them painting your house different colors and decided to help them, that’s when they told me it was your new house!”

‘Well that explains a few things on my end.’ The 6 ponies walked in followed by Big Mac who had 2 big barrels on his back. He dropped one off in the middle of the living room and the other in the kitchen.

“Is that the Lovely Apple cider I heard so much about?” Merry walked over to the barrel in the middle of the room and rubbed his hands together.

“Yuup” Big Mac had slapped in a spout in one end and flipped the barrel onto its side and placed it in some kind of stand to hold it in place on the table.

“Awesome! I’m gonna go get the cups” Merry ran to the kitchen and grabbed all the cups he could carry and put them on the table next to the barrel. He immediately filled his cup and downed it in one sitting.

“Whoa, we suggest you take it a bit slower Merry, this is some potent stuff.”

“How potent exactly?” Merry just raised an eyebrow at Applejack

“Its about 6% give or take a few. Strongest stuff next to our Applejack Daniels.”

“I’ve had stronger in my world.” Merry just filled another glass and downed it just as quickly, it tasted like a soda, Merry doubted it had any alcohol content at all. After he filled a 3rd glass a knock on the door was heard again. “I’ll get that girls, help your selves now.” Merry walked to the door as he sipped from his cup.

“Oh hey Ditzy, This is Golden Harvest I assume?” Merry had opened the door and saw Ditzy with a yellow pony that had orange curly hair.

“Yup! How’s Dinky doing?”

“Oh she’s fine, she’s upstairs playing with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom now.”

“Oh how wonderful! I’m going to go check on them. Also to let Dinky know I’m here now as well.”

“Not a problem we’ll all be downstairs waiting for you. Help your self to some of the Cider Golden.” Just as Merry was going to close the door he saw that same Turquoise pony coming up to his door with another pony that had a two tone colored mane.

“Hey Ladies, How are you doing?” Merry waved at them and waited for them to reach the door.

“Oh were quite alright.” The pony with the two tone mane held up her hoof. So Merry shook it.

“Hey, Names Merry your new neighbor, what’s your name?”

“Name’s Bon Bon. Pleasure to meet you Merry.” ‘So this is Bon Bon, that would make the other one Lyra’ Merry looked over and saw Lyra hold out her hoof as well. So Merry went to shake it as well. She then brought her other hoof and pulled Merry’s hand in closer and stare at it for a bit then let go. ‘That was odd, but ok.'

“Well head on inside and help your selves to what ever you want.” Lyra and Bon Bon walked into the house and before he could close the door it he saw Red Rocket from the toy store walk up toward his house followed by 2 other Stallions. ‘I guess I should just leave the damn door open, jeez.’ Merry waited by the front door again and waved as they got closer.

“Hey guys, How’s it going? Come on inside, all the girls are here already. Hard cider is on the table, hopefully there’s enough cups. Help yourselves guys, mingle and wish each other luck.” All 3 stallions grinned at each other as they went inside. Merry was finally able to close the door. And he could start talking with others and being Red’s ‘Chariot pony’ as he called it.

Merry walked over to the mane 6 who were talking amongst themselves.

“What are you girls up too? This is a singles party apparently, so why don’t you mingle with some of the guys?”

“There’s only 5 guys here, including you, and Big Mac is Applejack’s brother and Golden Harvest's cousin.” Twilight stated

“That attitude is probably why you’re till single Twilight, But worry not! Drink to your hearts content and mingle like you’ve never mingled before!” Merry turned to look at Fluttershy “And Fluttershy! I’m sure a little drink will help you get some assertiveness so you can push your way into some stallions heart.”

‘Hmm, I think I may be more intoxicated then I thought, better get some more’

“Now, if you’ll excuse me ladies, I need some moore drink.” Merry went back over the barrel and filled his glass again followed by the mane 6. Merry turned around and smiled at them

“We can have fun and loosen up. Just watch us.” The mane 6 each grabbed a glass and took turns filling them up and drinking them, Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy took a bit longer to finish their glasses unlike Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie who downed it just as fast as he did.

“Awesome! Now you’re going to start having fun.” Merry downed his glass again and went to refill it when he heard another knock on the door. Merry turned to look at the door. “I wonder who that is, excuse me, I’ll be back.” Merry raced toward his door, wondering if he had broken some noise law, even though there was no music.

Merry opened the door and saw 2 more fillies he had never seen before with 3 colts followed by 5 more adults, 4 of them were male with 1 being female. “Hello can I help you?”

“Um yeah, You see apparently our kids were given these invitation’s from 3 fillies at the toy store today, and being single parents we decided to show up, Apparently we could bring our kids as well, so we did.” Merry’s jaw dropped

‘What the fuck?! They gave out more?!’ “Bawhahaha! Awesome! This should even out the numbers then! Come in come in! The other little ones are upstairs playing with all the new toys I bought today for this occasion. There’s hard Cider and cups in the living room, make your selves at home.” Merry thought for a moment “speaking of the kids, someone should go check on them and bring them something to snack on. Hey you little guys wanna go to the kitchen with me and pick out a bunch of snacks?”

The little colts and 2 fillies looked at each other and looked to their parents, the parents said in unison “go ahead” The little ones cheered and followed Merry into the kitchen. All the older ponies stared at Merry as he leads them into the kitchen.

I opened the fridge and looked inside, it was full of all sorts of things.

“Lets see here...How do you guys feel about a Vegetable Stir fry?”

“What’s a Vegetable Stir fry?”

“Heh, it’s a bunch of cooked Veggie’s with some salt and spices, its pretty good.”

“Hmm, ok I’ll try it.”

“Me too!”

“Me three!”

“Me four!”

“Me five!”

“Ha-ha! Alright then, I’ll take you guys upstairs then and I’ll cook it and bring it up to you guys. How’s that sound?”

“Yeah! Sounds good!”

“Alright then follow me” Merry lead them all upstairs and opened the door to the room and saw the chaos of Battle going on. Merry had walked in and saw that 4 separate forts had been made in the corners of the room with each one claiming to be the rightful ruler. All four were fully clad in armor and each held a different weapon.

“ALL HAIL PRINCESS SCOOTALOO!” She stood at the top of a pile of Books holding the greatsword in her hoofs above her head.

“NO! HAIL PRINCESS SWEETIE BELLE!” Sweetie Belle had made a Fort out of some furniture and a blanket. She had a Halberd at her side.

“YALL NEED TO HAIL PRINCESS APPLE BLOOM!” Apple Bloom had stacked a bunch of chairs and tables together to make walls, and she stood on one of the tables with a War-hammer at her side.

“THE MUFFIN PRINCESS IS THE RIGHTFUL RULER!” Dinky had made the biggest fort of them all with pillows. She had a huge battle axe in her hoofs.

“Sorry to interrupt you guys, but I brought 5 more to play with you, Also I’ll be bringing up some food, So try and make piece by the time I get back ok?”

The 4 fillies had jumped out from their forts and ran up to Merry. “Awesome! Now we can play even bigger battles! Come over here you guys and get suited up with us!” The 5 new fillies and colts just had big smiles on their faces and rushed over to the pile of toy armaments and began to suit up.

“Alright, I’ll be back in a bit with food.” Merry closed the door and went back downstairs. He mingled a bit and talked to Red, Apparently he thought Pinkie Pie looked cute. “Go talk to her a bit then bro, I’m gonna go make something for the kids to eat real quick, when I feed em I’ll be back to back you up if you need it.”

“I don’t know dude, I think she’s out of my league.” Merry just looked at him.

“If there’s one thing I figured out about Pinkie, its that she’s into party’s and having fun, just show her a good time. You work in a toy store, she’s bound to like that about you. I really know nothing else about her though, I’ve only meet her like twice.” Red gulped

“Well alright then, wish me Luck” Merry just chuckled and slapped him on the ass

“You wont need it you Stud.” Red shook his head and went over to her with his cup balanced on his back.

‘Now to go make the food.’ Merry went into the kitchen after filling up his glass again and brought out a bunch of the veggie’s and some oil along with a huge pan. He quickly chopped up an onion and some garlic and put them in the pan with some oil and a generous helping of salt. He stirred them for a bit and put the fire on low as he chopped up the other veggies. Stirring on occasion to keep the onions and garlic from burning. After he finished chopping up all the veggies he turned the fire to full and began to stir more constantly. After a few more minutes he added the thicker harder veggies like the carrots, celery and hay. After frying them up for a bit and some through mixing he added the softer veggies such as bell pepper’s and green onions along with some egg plant.

By this time he had a group of ponies watching him cook. He only noticed them because he had placed his drink behind him and had to turn around to grab it.

“Oh hey guys, what’s going on?” Merry just continued to stir the mix and keep it from burning as he sipped from his cup.

“Well we heard you cooking up something, and it does smell quite good. What is it?”

“Yeah what ya making Merry? Is it for us?” Merry just scoffed.

“Na! Its for the little ones, they need food I’m sure, they seem to be working up quite a sweat playing upstairs. If you guys are hungry help your selves to what ever you can find. You can cook if you want too, or maybe someone should just order out.” Merry had added the mushrooms and spinach as he spoke to them and continued to mix it around. After a few more minutes he turned the fire off and sampled one of the carrots.

“Hmm, needs more...spice.” Merry grabbed what looked like Paprika and tasted it. He then grabbed a few more spice jars and tasted each one, picking out 3 of them and added it to the sir fry, then mixed it around. He then added some more salt and mixed again, then tasted it.

“Perfect! Now I just need to find a plate big enough for all of them...” Merry went through all his cupboards and found a huge serving platter. “This should work.” Merry turned around and saw several of the mane 6 taking nibbles of the food he had just made.

“Hey! That’s not for you guys!” Merry rushed back over and pushed em away.

“But ish soo good!” Stated Rainbow Dash

“Yeah!” hic “I didn’t knows you cud cook!” Twilight was giving Merry another sultry look

“I like a stallion that can cook...” Fluttershy was biting her lip while looking at Merry. She didn’t sound as drunk as Twilight and Rainbow Dash, but she’s had enough to loosen up.

“I’m just gonna take this upstairs, why don’t you girls order take out or something. I’ll be right back.” Merry dumped his Stir fry onto the platter and went upstairs before they could grab anymore. He got to the door and opened it up, he saw all the little ponies fully clad up in armor and weapons shaking hooves in the middle of the room.

“It would seem our peace offering has arrived.”

“Indeed it has, let this temporary truce continue until our bellies are full”

“Yes! Lets dig in Fellow Knights!” They all ran up to Merry and were bouncing around.

“Calm down guys jeez. Excuse me for a second.” Merry went over to one of the forts and took out a table and put the platter on top of it. “Alright enjoy your selves guys, you can just put the platter outside the door when you’re done. I'm gonna head back downstairs for the party.” All the fillies and colts said in unison

“Thank you Merry!” Merry just smiled and closed the door behind him as he went back downstairs. When he got downstairs all the other ponies were watching him except Pinkie and Red who were still talking. ‘Huh, looks like he didn’t need my help after all. Good for him’

“We want some of that Stir fry you made for the kids ya bastard!” Applejack had just shouted at the top of her lungs, it would appear she gets mildly violent when drunk. Merry just shook his head

“Fine fine, STALLIONS! FRONT AND CENTER!” All the males in the room looked to him and walked up to him.

“You are going to help me Cook these lovely and single mares a stir fry Dinner. Are you with me?” They all looked to each other and remembered the looks the mares had given him while he was cooking. They all shook their heads viciously in agreement.

“Than it shall be so! Ladies feel free to drink and mingle without us as we cook you Dinner.” All the mares whooped in unison as the stallions walked into the kitchen with Merry.

‘I’m gonna have to go buy more friggin food in the morning.’ Merry rinsed out the pan he used to cook the food for the young ones and brought out another equally large pan and placed them both side by side on the stove. He repeated the same steps he did for the Stir fry he made before, but also guided the others on how it was made, constantly mixing and tasting. Merry had them doing all the prep work, and things went by rather quickly, and of course drinking to keep the buzz going. Because nothing beats cooking while intoxicated. After about 20 minutes of cooking Merry brought out a bunch of plates and filled them all up as evenly as possible.

“Now gentlemen, lets head out and feed those mares.” Merry walked out of the kitchen with a plate in each hand while the stallions had 2 plates balanced on their back while the unicorns carried 4 plates each with their ‘mind powers’.

“Dig in everyone! Food is courtesy of the Stallions!” Everyone distributed the food amongst themselves and some of the stallions went up to their preferred mare and handed them food.

‘All in all this party of mine seems to be going well, but the lack of music kinda bums be out’ Merry went up to Red and Pinkie Pie and waved to get their attention.

“Hey would it be possible to get some music Pinkie? You are the party expert after all.” Pinkie just smiled and brought out a record player from nowhere and cranked it up, and it began to play some kind of dance music. Quite shocking really Merry never expected a music player from the 50s would be able to play electronic sounds.

“Excellent, thanks Pinkie, I’ll leave you two alone again, I think Fluttershy wants to talk to me, she’s been eyeing me a lot.” Merry waved by to them and walked over to Fluttershy who began to look around her as Merry approached.

“Hey Fluttershy, How’s it going?” Fluttershy gulped and quickly took another big drink from her cup.

“Oh you know, just playing it cool, and scopeing the scene.” Merry just laughed

“You have your eye on someone you want me ta introduce you to?” Fluttershy shook her head

“Actualy, I was wondering If you just wanted to talk... maybe we could just go up to your room for some privacy...” Merry raised an eyebrow at her

‘Oh dammit not this again, I’m not nearly drunk enough to wanna relive that trauma’

“Well uh...” Merry was Cut off by some shouting and stampeding coming from upstairs. All the kids came down the stairs in a stampede each shouting after one another.

“ALL BOW TO ME! PRINCESS SCOOTALOO!”

“YEAH! FOLLOW PRINCESS SCOOTALOO!” It would seem one of the colts was following around Scootaloo.

“DON’T FOLLOW PRINCESS SCOOTALOO!”

“YEAH! THE MUFFIN PRINCESS SHALL RULE!” Another Colt was paired with Dinky

“NONSENSE! I PRINCESS SWEETIE BELLE AM THE RIGHTFUL RULER!”

“SWEETIE BELLE IS MOST NOBLE IN HER CAUSES!” the two fillies had sided with Sweetie Belle.

“YALL ARE WRONG! PRINCESS APPLE BLOOM IS THE TRUE PRINCESS”

“PRINCESS APPLE BLOOMS STRENGTH WILL BEAT YOU ALL!” The last Colt was standing side by side with Apple Bloom.

All the colts and fillies were fully armored up and had weapons similar to the ones they were following. Red walked up to them and eyed them all for a bit.

“Merry were you the one that bought all the knight armor and toys today?” Merry just chuckled.

‘I wonder how sloshed everyone is...’ “Now girls, We all know that Princess Scootaloo is best Princess hands or uh, hooves down.” Just then Merry heard a loud snort come from 3 different Mares. ‘Perfect'

“I beg your pardon Merry, But Sweetie Belle would make the best princess hooves down.” Rarity was pushed to the side as Applejack came forward

“Now yall are talking crazy, Apple Bloom would make the best darn princess any of yall would ever be combined hooves down.” Just then Ditzy flew into the air and shouted as loud as possible

“THE MUFFIN PRINCESS SHALL RULE! THIS CALLS FOR WAR!”

‘Oh goodie, things are about to get interesting’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a hasty 20 minutes everyone had moved the furniture into forts and walls and split up into different sides supporting a different princess. Some even went upstairs to gather more armaments, The armor was too small but the adults armed themselves with various weapons.

Merry stood in one corner with Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Fluttershy. A colt named Strike had teamed up with us as well as his dad named Three Strikes.

On another corner Rarity was with Sweetie Belle, Pinkie Pie, Red and 1 of his friends along with the 2 other filles and their parents. Who will be known as Red’s friend A, filly 1 and filly 2. Followed by Parent 1 and Parent 2.

Applejack had taken the far left corner by the door with Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Red’s friend B, and the colt with his mother who had been following around Apple Bloom. Golden harvest had sided with Applejack because they were cousins apparently.

Ditzy had taken the far right corner with princess Dinky, Bon Bon, Lyra, and the remaining colt with his dad.

“Alright Princess Scootaloo, what are your orders?” Scootaloo stood behind the couch with Merry and the others in thought.

“I say we send out our best Champions, and winner will be the new princess.”

“Sounds good, who will convey the message?” Strike stepped forward

“I’ll do it, I’ll let the other kingdoms know of our plan to settle this war once and for all.” Everyone nodded in agreement at this young knights bravery, we saluted him as he walked out from behind the cover, using my dirty white t-shirt as a white flag.

Everyone had come out to look at what Strike had to say, He stood in the middle of the room and shouted.

“Princess Scootaloo has decided we should have a Contest! Send out your Strongest champion! And the princesses champion that wins will be declared princess for all!” Ditzy, Applejack and Rarity all nodded in agreement then shouted in unison

“LET THE GAMES BEGIN!”

Applejack sent Big Mac to the center of the room while Rarity sent out Red. Ditzy sent Bon Bon and Merry was voted to fight on Scootaloos behalf.

“Really? You want me to fight?” Merry just looked at them in disbelief

“Yeah! I know 1st hand you can fight! Well I didn’t actually see you fight, but I know you can!” Merry sighed

“Alright, hand me a sword.” Scootaloo smiled and took the greatsword off her back and hoofed it to Merry

“Here! It’s the best sword in the kingdom!” Merry smiled at Scootaloo

“Thank you Princess, I shan't let you down.” Merry walked out to the middle of room with the others. And the stare down began. One of the fillies from Raritys team came out and decided to tell us the rules of the fight.

“Now, the rules are simple, you fight until there’s one left standing, if someone gives up, they can no longer be attacked. If you get hit in a limb 3 times, it falls off and it must be put up like this.” She lifted her back left leg and stood on 3 legs. “You may continue to fight , but you can no longer use that limb should you wish to continue. Also 5 head or neck strikes will count as death and you will be forced to forfeit the game!” The little Filly took a few steps back and then shouted “Let the Games Begin!” she then ran off back to her corner of the room to watch the fight.

“I reckon we should gang up on the alien first, seeing as how he’s probably the biggest threat.” Big Mac seemed to be rallying everyone against Merry!

“Lies Big Mac! You're obviously the strongest here! We should take you out 1st!” Merry had lunged forward at Big Mac and took a wack at his front right leg.

“Two more and your leg is useless!” Big Mac retaliated by bringing down the toy hammer on top of Merry’s head, Followed by Red and Bon Bon who each took a hit of Merrys Leg’s.

“Sorry Merry, but a temporary truce has been made, we all heard how you fought off timber wolves." Red just stood there with a grin on his face next to Bon Bon

‘Crap! All alone against the world, Time to get serious’ Merry retreated quickly and ran to the barrel, he took a few chugs of some cups that were already filled. He then pounded his chest with both fists and shouted

“Bring it on!” Merry Stood in what’s called the horse stance and held the toy blade against his right forearm with his upper body twisted so his left hand was held in front of him.

“Get him!” Shouted Bon Bon who began to charge while she was followed by Red and Big Mac.

Bon Bon came in first and slashed with her battle axe but Merry ducked to her left and slashed both of her left legs as he ran past her. Red came in next with his Halberd and slashed at Merry’s face. Merry parried the halberd away and ducked to Red’s right side and slashed both of his right legs. Next was Big Mac who stopped charging and waited for Merry to make the 1st move. So Merry began to slowly circle around Big Mac who stood his ground. When Merry got around to his left side he lunged at Big Mac.

Big Mac is surprisingly nimble on his hooves. As Merry lunged Big Mac spun around and blocked his attack with the hilt of his war hammer then hoofed Merry in the chest knocking him back. While Merry was on the ground Red and Bon Bon ran up and each hit Merry on the legs twice. Effectively ‘cutting’ them off.

‘Shit, now I’m legless?’ The little filly from before ran up to Merry and looked him over. Merry reached into his pocket and pulled out his iPod.

“Do you forfeit the match? I don’t think you can still fight without legs.” Merry laughed and patted the filly on the head.

“Do me a favor and get me a cup of cider yeah?” The little Filly shook her head in agreement while Merry flipped through his iPod and put on the song Elena Siegman - 115. “SCOOTALOO! TOSS ME A DAGGER!”

Scootaloo began to rummage through the stuff while the filly brought back a cup of cider. Merry took the cup from her and drank it down. “Sorry, but I’m just getting started” Merry caught the dagger Scootaloo tossed him and then put in his ear buds.

Merry began to slowly drag him self toward Big Mac using his hands with the dagger in his mouth. Big Mac began to laugh at Merry.

“What can ya do like that?” When Big Mac closed his eyes to laugh again Merry increased his pace to an ungodly speed for something not using its legs and grabbed onto Big Mac’s Tail and used it to pull himself up on to his back. Big Mac began to panic and started bucking tryin to get Merry off but he slung his left arm around Big Macs necks and used his right to bring out the dagger. Merry began to slash at Big Macs neck and head with the dagger shouting “Hi-yah!” the whole time until Big Mac finally bucked him off and flung Merry into a wall.

The little filly ran out again and declared “Big Mac is out of the game after taking 4 head wounds and 6 neck wounds.” She then ran over to Merry to check on the damage. When she got there Merry had pushed some of the not so new anymore furniture out of his way and shouted

“Bring me more Cider!” He then preceded to drag his way toward the middle of the room and said. “I can still fight!” Both Red and Bon Bon dropped their weapons.

“I cant fight this crazy alien, he beat Big Mac without legs.” Bon Bon walked away back to her corner and Red looked at Merry

“You’re one crazy dude man.” Red held out his hoof to Merry, So Merry stood up again and fist/hoof bumped him.

Merry raised his hands into the air and shouted “ALL HAIL PRINCESS SCOOTALOO!”

“NEVER!” Shouts Ditzy and Dinky.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Battles continued until late into the night and many of the ponies feel asleep from exhaustion or excessive alcohol consumption. Mostly the adults passed out due to drinking while the young ones just fell to sleep when they got tired. In the end the only one left standing was Merry. Being unable to sleep all he could do was watch helplessly as all the ponies fell asleep one by one. After the last pony fell asleep Merry decided to put them all to bed. He looked through all his closets to find every last pillow and blanket he could he muster.

In the end it wasn’t enough for all of them, so he decided to bunch them up together in the blankets as couples. Red with Pinkie, Applejack with Big Mac for shits N’ giggles, Twilight with Strikes dad, Rarity with Reds friend A. You know, just stuck em with the other ponies they hung around with the most. Merry had folded up 2 of the blankets to make the ground soft in one area then he gently placed all the fillies and colts together on top of it then covered them with the other blanket.

Merry had decided to lay Fluttershy together with Niji for shit’s N’ giggles as well. Of course he placed them with their hooves around each other just like he had done with Applejack and Big Mac. Merry decided to bring Scootaloo upstairs and into her new room, He couldn’t figure out how to take her armor off so he left it on her just like the other fillies and colts downstairs.

Merry had gone downstairs and began to clean up while he waited for his buzz to disappear and the sun to rise. He colleted the left over cider and placed it into a pitcher and placed it inside his nearly empty fridge.

‘Now what to make for breakfast...’ Merry spent the rest of the night rummageing through his kitchen for anything left over. There wasnt much, he found bread, eggs, flour, and some other random assortment of foods. Lucky he still had some Potato’s. Cant have a good breakfast without some potato’s.

Day 4

View Online

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had just finished with the rising of the sun and setting of the moon and were returning inside for some breakfast. After all they had to get ready to leave for Ponyville with two guests.

“Dear sister, are those Griffins really going to follow us into Ponyville at noon?”

“Well they wouldn’t of wanted to go to such a ‘dirty’ town if you hadn’t said anything about the new alien resident Dear Lulu.” Luna held her head low

“I’m sorry sister, I let it slip in my excitement. I mean, an Alien! How cool is that?!”

“Yes, it is quite exciting. He seemed to have shown our Twilight some attention, did I already tell you he asked her out to a date?” Luna rolled her eyes

“Yes you did, like 12 times already.” Celestia just laughed

“Yes well, I just hope things go smoothly, I wouldn’t want our griffin guests to get angry, they are close enough to wanting to start a war with us over some silly land. I mean really, I already have ponies living there, What do they want me to do? Kick them all out?” Celestia just shook her head “sometimes I wish I didn’t have to be a ruler, things can get so complicated.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘I swear the sun rises really fast around here.’ Merry had just finished prepping the rest of the food in his house to feed everyone breakfast and hopefully alleviate any hangovers, Merry only had a slight headache. Even though he drank so much of that cider, must of been because it wasn’t any stronger then a beer. He decided to run down to Fluttershy's and feed her animals breakfast while she slept. When Merry got back home he went upstairs to put some of the toy armaments away when he saw Scootaloo open her door.

“Hey sleepy head, how are you?” Merry looked over to Scootaloo who was rubbing her eyes.

“Dad?” Merry flinched a bit at being called dad at the tender age of 18. But shrugged it off

“Why don’t you come downstairs in a bit, I'm making us breakfast.” Scootaloo finished rubbing her eyes and saw Merry, she blushed a bit after realizing what she just said

“O-ok, I’ll be down in a bit” She ran back into her room and shut the door behind her.

‘Heh, did she think she was still dreaming or something?’ Merry finished putting away the toys and went back downstairs and began to cook up breakfast. It was just potatoes mixed with hay, some left over spinach, some random other veggie’s and eggs to hold it all together. Scoots had come into the kitchen sniffing the air.

“Hey Scoots, wanna help?” Scootaloo shook her head vigorously

“Yeah! What can I do!” Merry just chuckled

“I’m gonna put you in charge of making all the toast for everyone sleeping out there. Alright? Make sure you butter them up a bit.” Scootaloo grabbed the loaf of bread and began to toast them all. Than she began to stack the finished ones onto a plate.

After cooking for about 20 minutes some of the ponies in the living room began to stir, namely the young ones. They were waking from the smell coming from the kitchen, as they were slowly making there way into it to watch Merry and Scoots.

“Morning guys, you hungry?” Some of the colts and fillies just shook their heads while others replied with a yes.

“Well alright then, Go wake up all those lazy adults and lets start digging in.” All the kids including Scootaloo ran out into the living room with all the sleeping ponies and yelled

“TIME TO WAKE UP! MERRY MADE US BREAKFAST!” they were meet with mixed responses of ‘5 minutes’, and groans of pain. But he heard a distinct shout coming from a mare and the sound of a large stallion shuffling around trying to get away and stand up.

“What do ya think yall are doing Big Mac?! Were family for pony sake!” Merry laughed as loud as he could from the kitchen and Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Merry” She stomped her way into the kitchen and glared at Merry.

“What cha need baby girl? Can't you see I'm busy making food for everyone?” Merry just continued to finish cooking without even turning to face her.

“You know what you did! I cant believe we got so sloshed we didn’t notice you putting us together.” Merry just shook his head

“Why Applejack! What ever you do with your brother behind closed doors is none of my business. But just remember there are many little kids around, I suggest you tone it down a bit.” Applejack just Huffed and sat down at the table.

“I expect an extra helping for what ya did so early in the morning... Again.” Merry just smiled

“Consider it done, I’ll give you my share.” Merry had washed the plates in the middle of the night and was now using his clean plates to serve all the hung over and hungry ponies. He gave them all a glass of water as there was really nothing else to drink in the house.

“Hey Scoots, lets go shopping after you eat breakfast, were all out of food.” Pinkie had bounded up to Merry’s side

“What?! Already?! But I filled up your fridge with enough food to last you weeks!’

“Yeah well, I used all our food feeding everyone at the party last night, so I need to go shopping.” Merry chuckled to himself a bit. “You guys ate me outta house, but its fine. Apparently Princess Celestia is my founder or something, Maybe she’ll give me more if I ask.” Twilight had stopped eating for a minute.

“What do you mean, Princess Celestia is your founder? Is that how you were able to get all those toy’s?” Merry just looked at her.

“Perhaps, it is. Perhaps it isn’t.” Merry just chuckled to himself as he began to walk out of the kitchen. “I’m off to go clean up. Oh yeah Rarity, did you finish any of my new cloths?” Rarity slowly nodded her head while holding it with a hoof.

“Yes darling, we can go to my shop in a bit and you can pick up the 1st 2 sets I was able to complete. They are quite simple and plain if I do say so my self.” Merry just nodded his head

“Not a problem, that’s just what I wanted.” Merry had gone upstairs to the bathroom and washed his face, then he came downstairs and watched everyone finish eating. The kids finished rather quickly while the hung over adults took their sweet time eating, some were making funny faces. When Scootaloo had finished eating she leaned back and burped.

“Hey Scoots, you wanna go shopping now?” She shook her head in agreement. “Good, cause you’ll need to show me where it is. Ha-ha.”

“I’ll show you were it is darling, after all its past my shop anyway.” Merry nodded his head at Rarity.

“Alright then two birds with one stone. Alright we’ll be back later, you guys feel free to wean your selves into better health.” Merry walked out the front door with his nearly empty sack of bits followed by Scootaloo, Rarity and Sweetie Belle.

“Might wanna take the lead Rarity, I have no idea where I’m going right now, Ha-Ha!” Merry slowed down to let Rarity take the lead and just walked side by side with Scootaloo. It’s the weekend so there’s no school, he could hang out with Scoots all day long.

When they got to Rarity’s shop they all walked in while Sweetie Belle went up to her room.

“Wait out here darling I’ll go get your new clothes.”

“Alright thanks.” as Rarity went to the back Merry looked down to Scoots. “Finally going to get some new clothes, maybe I wont look so ragged now.” Scootaloo just giggled

“Yeah, maybe you wont.” Merry just chuckled back to her as they waited for Rarity to come back. While they waited Sweetie Belle had come back down the stairs, still wearing the armor. He noticed that none of the fillies or colts took off their armor, they really liked them for some reason. Sweetie Belle ran up to Merry

“Hey can we all keep our armor and weapons with us? Please please!” Merry just sighed.

“Fine, fine, just don’t break em, I don’t think I can afford to buy so much again. And remember to keep it clean and neat.” Sweetie Belle cheered

“Yay!” She bounded around Merry and Scoots.

“Now we can be Real Crusaders with our armor!”

“Hey Merry can I go play instead of Shop with you? Please please?!” Merry just looked at Scoots

‘There goes us hanging out all day.’

“Alright go ahead, I’ll just go shopping alone then, no biggie.” Merry just waved them off as they ran outside with their toy armor on.

‘Kids...’ Merry saw Rarity walk back out from the back levitating out 2 sets of cloths, all the colors matched, one was blue the other was grey.

“Here they are Merry, simple and plain while resembling your current attire, just as you requested.”

“Awesome, how much do I owe you?” Merry opened up his sack of dwindling bits and looked over to Rarity.

“Well, this isn’t my finest work, so I suppose 10 bits would suffice.” Merry looked at her.

“Really? 10 bits? Applejack wanted 3 bits for 6 apples, and you’re charging me only 10 bits for custom made cloths?”

“Really darling, I’m generous, those 10 bits cover the cost of the material I went through trying to perfect your clothing.”

“I see, well then...” Merry took out 10 bits from his bag and placed them onto the counter. “I hope this covers it then, now if you don’t mind, I need to go shopping for lunch.” Merry waved Rarity off and placed his cloths into the sack with his bits. He noticed Rarity cringe when he did so. But ignored her and headed to the door.

“The Market is on your right when you leave darling, do take care not to get ripped off.” Merry nodded and walked out the door closing it behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry arrived to an area bustling with actively, even so early in the morning. Stalls everywhere with many ponies trying to sell their wares.

‘It would appear they don’t have a super market around here. I guess everything is still bargained for here.’ Merry walked around until he found several stalls selling various fruits and vegetables. Merry had a sudden thought ‘How do I know if I’m being ripped off or not? I don’t shop here everyday. Fuck’

Merry walked up to a counter with Tomatoes on it. And saw a sign with 3 tomatoes and under it was a picture of 3 bits...’Seems legit’

“6 of your finest tomatoes my good Mare.” Merry placed 6 bits upon the counter and she smiled at him.

“Pleasure doing business with ya.” as Merry placed the tomatoes in his sack another pony came in from behind him and she sounded shocked at the price of the tomatoes.

“Last week it was only 1 bit for 3 tomatoes!” Merry turned around and looked at the mare behind the counter who was beginning to sweat.

‘Odd, I thought animals with fur couldn’t sweat.’

“Well uhh, things change you know, Pests got into my crop’s and I’m trying to make up for my losses.”

“I refuse to pay 1 bit per tomato. Make it 2 bits for 3 and you have a deal.” The mare behind the counter thought for a moment, then agreed.

‘Is that how shit’s done around here? God damn’ Merry walked away not really wanting to confront the mare about her business habits. He stopped at several other stalls and tried his hand at bargaining prices, Merry wasn’t very good. He ended up paying twice as much for some cherries. By the time he finished shopping he was down 90 bits, minus the 10 for his new cloths. Merry had less than 50 bits to his name now. And the price of food was quite costly, he would need a second job besides from Fluttershy's if he ever hoped to keep Scootaloo well fed, not to mention the amount of food he ate when he took severe damage. Merry looked to the sky, it was nearing noon time, The princesses were supposed to come by for a visit if he remembered correctly.

‘How interesting, I get to meet royalty, I hope they’re cool. But Twilight seemed to look up to her, she cant be all bad. Better get home and change into my new clothes before they show up.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Come Ezreal the princesses are waiting for us.” The griffin with red N’ white wings was waiting for his brother to finish up in the bathroom.

“Curse these pony bathroom’s, have they no common courtesy to rework these for griffins? And I still don’t see why we have to go to such a dirty town filled with commoners just to see an alien, why don’t they just bring him to us in a cage?” Ezreal just sighed as he checked his blue wings for ruffles.

“Brother we have diplomatic immunity here, I’m sure we can get away with a little fun at some commoners expense while we go to see the alien.” Ezreal looked over to his brother and chuckled

“You are quite right Zed, picking on commoner filth was always our favorite past time. Being royalty we are naturally above others.” Both of the griffin brothers laughed to themselves as they made their way to the landing platform to board the chariot with the princesses.

“Besides, Maybe this alien can bring us some fun as well.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Sister there must be something to can do to convince them to stay” Celestia looked down to Luna

“I already tried dear sister, I told them they wouldn’t be missing much. But they insisted that they come with us.” Luna sighed

“Alright sister, I just hope things don’t turn bad. I have a funny feeling.”

“Yes I know. Not to mention Ezreal keep's flirting with you as well. I think he may be trying to coerce some land from us by having you fall in love with him or something.” Luna shivered in place

“Don’t remind me sister, he is quite revolting in his habits and mannerisms.” Celestia just sighed

“Yes I know, but please bear with it until they leave in another week.” Luna just sighed as a guard opened the door to the platform and in walked the two griffin brothers Zed and Ezreal.

“Hello princesses we have arrived so we can leave at any time.” Ezreal just winked at Luna who looked away.

“Come gentlemen, we must be on our way if we are to make schedule”

“Yes, we wouldn’t want to be in Ponyville for longer then we have to.” Zed shivered in place. While luna rolled her eyes.

“Yes, heaven forbid that we stay in a commoners town for long.” Ezreal nodded as he seemed to agree with Luna’s sarcastic statement.

“Yes, I'm glad you agree with us Dear.” Luna rolled her eyes again and got into the chariot with her sister followed by the two griffins.

As they traveled to Ponyville, Ezreal put one of his wings around Luna, who said nothing and just stood still not wanting to offend him by shoving him away. Celestia looked down at her sister and cringed at the sight, knowing she was not enjoying her self. After flying around what seemed like forever they finally reached Ponyville.

“Its always good to get some air while traveling. Now where is this alien at?” Zed looked over to Celestia

“The mayor of this town gave me the location of the house she gave him, the Guards will escort us near it and we shall walk the rest of the distance.” Ezreal took his wing off Lung who sighed in relief.

“We have to walk? I thought you made arrangements so we wouldn’t.” Celestia sighed

“I only made arrangements for us to get here, the town isn’t that big, so please bear with it while we travel to the aliens home.” The griffin brothers looked at each other and sighed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile Merry was decideing what color to wear and weather or not to match his pants with his shirt or mix the colors for some Varity. He knew for sure he was going to wear the blue pants, but wasn’t sure if wearing the matching shirt was the best course of action, after all he didn’t want to look like a smurf when meeting the princesses. He had to at lest look decent for them right?

“Merry! I’m back for a bit!”

‘Ah good Scootaloo is home maybe she can help me decide what to wear. All the other ponies downstairs are still slightly hung over and are trying to sleep the rest of it off.’

“I’m upstairs Scoots!” Scootaloo ran up the stairs and opened the door to Merry’s room.

“Tell me Scoots, blue or grey?” Scootaloo looked at him with her armor on

“Hmm, I think the grey pants with a blue shirt would look nice, Anyway, I just came for Dinky, were gonna make her a CMC with us! After all the fun we had together it only seems right. Oh yeah, Fluttershy said something about having to get home to feed her animals. So she left still a bit woozy looking.”

“Hmm, grey pants with blue shirt?” Merry paused for a second ”Oh, well I hope Fluttershy gets home ok, I guess I should tell her that I feed her animals this morning already...Naa she’ll figure it out when she gets home” Now Merry didnt even know what pants to put on.

‘Guess I’ll just go with Scootaloos suggestion... heh look at me, being dressed by a kid.’

“Alright Merry, I’m off now! Im gonna get Dinky and head on out with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.” Merry nodded his head while looking at the pants.

“Alright then, I’ll see you later Scoots, stay safe.” Merry eyed the blue pants and the grey pants. “Grey it is then.” Merry took off his messed up jeans and put his new grey pants on, they felt kind of like sweat pants. Not the best feeling, it made him feel like some kind of fat kid that couldn’t find pants that would fit him properly and had to go with sweat pants.

When Merry put his new pants on he heard what sounded like a lion roar. ‘What the Fuck was that?!’ In a panic he threw on his shoes and left without putting on his new shirt. When he ran downstairs he saw everyone in the living room get up and look out the windows. They were all looking to the left side, so Merry opened his front door and looked outside and saw Fluttershy standing in front of a Griffin with red and blue wings. Fluttershy seemed to be shivering place with the griffin glaring down at her.

“How dare you bump into me you commoner! You need to learn your place!” Zed raised a claw into the air but before he could strike Celestia intervened.

“I think you made your point clear Zed, there is no need for violence.” Zed lowered his claw and Celestia sighed along with Luna.

“You're right princess, there’s no need for me to dirty my claws on some commoner filth, now begone with you.” Fluttershy eeps and quickly moved out of his way and into the shadow of a nearby building and proceeded to cry her eyes out.

‘Strike one.’ Merry clinched his fist and could hear Rainbow Dash behind him trying to get outside to beat the crap out of those griffins, but Twilight stopped her saying that they were Royal griffins. And any violence against them would break the treaty between Equestria and the Griffin Kingdoms. Rainbow Dash just snorted visible steam and settled for going over to Fluttershy to try and comfort her.

As the group that just assaulted Fluttershy began to move forward again Scootaloo and her friends jumped in front of their path wearing their armor still.

“Hey you big Bully go apologize to Fluttershy!” Little Scoots held her chest up and puffed up trying to put on a brave face.

‘That’s my Scoots, defending the weak like a knight should.’ She was meet with laughter from the griffins while the two big ponies that had wings and horns just got a worried look on their faces.

“Brother! Look at this filthy commoner foal pretending to be a knight!” Scootaloo lost her brave face and slumped down a bit.

‘Strike two’ Merry clinched his other fist. Scootaloo’s friends attempted to back her up when they saw her loose some courage

“Hey! Stop being such a big Bully and just say you’re sorry!”

“Yeah! Its rude!” Dinky just nodded in agreement with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

More laughter erupted from the griffins as they pointed and laughed at the CMC’s.

“Oh my, I haven’t had such a good laugh in a while, Now why don’t you leave us. Go on, fly home you little orange pegasus, fly to your mother of common blood.” Scootaloo looked down at the ground

“I-I cant...” The griffin’s laughed again.

‘Strike three.’ Merry began to move forward and Twilight went up to him

“What are you doing?!” Twilight got in front of Merry

“Something that I should of done a long time ago.” Merry continued his walk toward the griffins and set his iPod on placing one ear bud into his left ear as he walked.

Elena Siegman - Abracadavre

“How rich! But then again, what else would I expect of such commoner filth. Cant even fly, and now that you mention it, your wings are a tad small. I bet your own mother and father abandoned you because your wings were so small.” Scootaloo looked down to the ground tears filling up her eyes. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Dinky just looked at Scootaloo

‘Strike Mutha fucking 5, 6 and 7.’ Merry quickened his pace

“Tell him he’s wrong Scoots!”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo just looked to her friends with tear filled eyes

“But he’s right, I have no parents, I, I cant fly...I” Scootaloo plopped down onto the floor tear’s filling up her eyes while Bloom, Sweetie, and Dinky also began to cry.

“Completely useless. Its no wonder your parents abandoned you.” The griffin’s began to laugh all over again.

‘These motherfuckers wanna die don’t they?’ Celestia and Luna had just about enough, they opened their mouths to speak, but before they could Merry got in front of Scootaloo and kneeled down picking her up in his arms.

“Hey there Scoots, don’t cry. Pappa’s here” Merry held Scootaloo tightly in his arms and rocked her back and forth.

“Ew who’s this freak? If that’s her dad no wonder she cant fly.” Merry spun his head around and gave the griffins a deathly glare.

“Shut your filthy fucking mouths, I’ll deal with you two overgrown shit for brains in a second.” Merry turned his head back to Scoots after he saw the shocked look on the faces of the griffins and both princesses. Even Scootaloo and the others had turned to look at Merry who went back to smiling.

“Hey no more crying ok? Cheer up for me yeah? I’ll deal with those big meanie mean heads for you. You just move back a bit with your friends in case things get ugly.” Scootaloo wiped the tears away from her eyes and looked up to Merry.

“Would you really be my dad?” Merry just chuckles a bit and smiles at her.

“Yeah I would, when you called me dad this morning, I guess it just kinda stuck.” Merry’s smile disappeared as he turned back around to face the griffins and the princesses.

“I suggest all four of you Royal pains in the ass Beg Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Dinky for forgiveness.” Both princesses looked at each other in confusion, while the griffins just raised an eyebrow.

“But what did we do?” Princess Luna just looked over to Merry with a confused look. While Merry just returned a glare

“Nothing, You did nothing while these pieces of shit assaulted not only Fluttershy, but young children.” Luna and Celestia both looked to each as they knew what he said was true, they took far to long to intervene what was happening right in front of them. Both of the griffins laughed again.

“Oh please you stupid common ape, we have diplomatic Immunity, we can pretty much do what ever we want. Now if you’ll excuse us, we want to go see the alien that’s supposed to be living in this town.” Merry got a smile on his face as he tilted his head up so he had to move his eyes down to look at the griffins.

‘Abuse of political power is now added onto the list’

“Well you found me, I’m that alien that traveled from another planet. I’m still waiting for you to beg for forgiveness from those 5.” The griffins scoffed while the princesses changed their looks immediately. Instead of confusion they now had a look of wonder.

“Oh please, we don’t need to apologize to such commoner trash, right Ezreal?” Zed looked over to his brother for confirmation.

“Quite right Zed, we are above these commoners.” Merry just sighed and began to walk up to the griffins.

“You know...” Merry began to talk as he walked up to them

“What are you doing?” Zed stood his ground as Merry got closer

“I’m from a different planet...” Merry stopped just in front of Zed

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Merry clinched his right fist tightly

“It means, I DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YOUR RULES AND LAWS!” Merry spun around slamming the back of his right fist into the side of Zed’s skull knocking him to the ground.

“Brother!” Ezreal jumped over to Zed’s side and tried to help him up. But was stopped when Merry fireman kicked him in the side knocking him over as well.

“Hold still for a minute Ezreal, I’ll get to you next.” Ezreal just laid there in shock at what was happening. The alien was attacking them!

“Now if you think a young filly being unable to fly is funny, lets see how funny it is when it's an adult royal griffin that cant fly!” Zed looked at Merry with a look of utter shock on his face.

“You wouldnt da- AAHH” Merry had grabbed Zed’s right wing and forcefully brought it up, then stomped on the large bone that connected it to his body. A loud snap was heard among Zed’s scream.

“Oh hush you, I have just be-GUN!” Zeds eyes went wide as Merry twisted his left wing around several times and began to rip out his feathers. After a minute of pure agony Zed’s wing looked like a huge buffalo wing, except it was limp, broken and covered in blood. The Princesses and all the nearby Ponies just stood in shock and horror, unable to look away from what was happening in front of them. Merry turned to look over at Ezreal who just laid there in the dirt where he was kicked.

“Hey there little Ezreal, It looks like its your turn now, Don’t cha think?” Merry just gave him a crazy smile that was far to big to be considered anything else.

“Help! Someone Help!” Ezreal looked around then turned to face the Princesses. “Please you have to help us! Stop him!” Luna and Celestia broke out of their stupor long enough to shout back a response.

“Alien! You will stop this instant or you shall be arrested!” Merry stopped walking over to Ezreal for a second then turned to look at the princess.

“These shackles you offer me come with certain opportunities.” Merry gave the princesses a glare and smiled at them

“W-what do you mean?” stuttered Luna.

“On one hand, I stop and this sack of shit gets away unharmed. On the other hand, I beat the shit out of him and you arrest me.” Merry got back his crazy smile and turned back to face Ezreal who cringed. “Sorry but, I’LL TAKE THE SHACKLES!” Merry sprinted at Ezreal.

Ezreal decided to defend himself and stuck out a claw with all his digits in the form of a cone. Merry impaled himself onto the griffins claw. The claw stuck out of Merry’s back a few inches away from his spine. All the ponies screamed while the princesses looked in horror.

“Ha! I got you now you filthy alien!” Ezreal smiled triumphantly until he saw the look on Merry’s face hadn’t changed at all, in fact Merry was still smiling at him.

“Death is Magic say Abracadavre” Merry flung out both of his hands and jammed his thumbs into Ezreal’s eyes. After a few minutes of yelling Ezreal’s eyes made an audible pop sound. The griffin began to shake Merry in a frenzied panic because of his lost eyes. After a moment Merry flew off his arm and was flung into a house. Leaving a blood splatter as he slid down the wall.

All of the ponies stood speechless at what had just transpired. Merry was impaled by the griffin, but instead of crying out in agony he attacked the griffins eyes, making him blind, then Merry was flung into a wall. Scootaloo and all the young ponies ran over to where Merry fell while all the adults still stood speechless.

“Dad! Dad you cant die yet!” Scootaloo who had just finished crying had began all over again as Merry laid there not moving.

‘Guess I shouldn’t of ran into his claw like that. Guess that’s what I get for not thinking ahead again huh? Hm, what’s this on my face?’ Merry opened his eyes to see Scoots crying over his face with many of the other young ponies close by who also had tears in their eyes. Merry slowly brought up his hand and held it against Scoots face.

“Hey, no more crying alright? Besides a real man cant die until his job in life is over.” Merry slowly got up clutching his stomach, the wound had started to heal over, but there was still a rather big hole.

‘Speaking of, I guess my job in my old life was over before it even started’ Scootaloo tried to push him back down.

“No! Stay still, You’re really hurt this time." Scootaloo began to franticly look around as she saw Merry continue to bleed. "I know! I’ll get Fluttershy! She can make you better again just like last time!” Before Merry could stop her she rushed off in Fluttershys direction.

“Sister what has just transpired here?” Celestia just looked around her then to her sister Luna.

“It would appear that the Royal griffin brothers that decided to escort us to see the ‘dangerous alien’ all perished saving our lives. Didn’t you see it too sister?” Luna had a look of shock upon her face, then mulled it over in thought for a bit.

“Yes sister, that is what I saw as well. After all Ezreal and I were getting along quite nicely if I do remember, so he fought to save me from the dangerous alien.” Just then they saw Scootaloo running out from the bushes that Merry had fallen into.

“FLUTTERSHY! MERRY NEEDS YOUR HELP! HE’S STILL ALIVE!” Princess Celestia and Luna both watched in shock at what the little filly was yelling. How could he still be alive after being impaled like that? Suddenly they heard her scream and turned to look. Zed was holding the little filly by her tail.

“You! This is all your stupid dads fault! And since he’s not around, I’ll just punish you in his place!” Scootaloo just swung in place and screamed the 1st thing that came to her head

“DAD HELP!” Merry Stood up from the bushes

‘A mans job is never over’

“I HAVE RETURNED!” Screamed Merry.

“Ha! Perfect! Now watch as I cut your little fillies face open!” As Zed was about to swipe at Scootaloo’s face a dark blue aura stopped his claw in the air long enough for Merry to catch up to him. He grabbed Scootaloo from his claw and sprinted towards the princesses where he placed Scootaloo in front of them.

“Now maybe you princesses can apologize to Scootaloo properly while I handle the assholes you brought into our peaceful town.” Merry spat out some blood at Celestia’s hoof. “And for the record, Scootaloo would make a better princess than you two.” Ignoreing his last comment Luna spoke up

“But what about your wound?!” Merry just looked at the hole in his stomach that was slowly closing, yet still bleeding heavily.

“Don’t you worry about me none, Just make sure those assholes don’t get anyone else.” Merry just smirked “besides, its just a flesh wound.” Luna got a look of confusion on her face at Merry’s last statement. Then stopped him before he could leave

“Wait! Tell me, Why did you attack them when no on else dared?” Merry just laughed

“Where I come from, its usually common courtesy that when someone is cruel to a child, all the adults who are of right mind, jump in and beat the living shit out of the bastard, but it seems that rule doesn’t apply here. From all the looks the ponies were giving, it would appear you're all cowards. Hell even Twilight told me to stop, But that shit wont fly with me. Royalty or not.” Merry spat out some more blood. “Tell me, if your only child was being assaulted, wouldn’t you want everyone that was nearby to help you?” Luna just looked at him then nodded

“That’s what I thought, and that’s why I jumped in like that. Not only were they cruel to my little Scoots, they were just as cruel to the other children nearby.” Merry got up and began to walk over to Zed. Luna and Celestia noticed the dragon on his back spewing a green liquid, part of its tail and leg were missing as there was just a bloody hole now.

“Zed! Good buddy old pal, It seems you woke up from your nap, Care to play some more?” Zed cringed at the word play

“Where is my Brother Ezreal?!” Merry just looked around then shrugged.

“No idea, after I popped his eyes with my thumbs, I guess he got lost. Bawhahaha!” Zed’s face grew into a scowl

“I’ll gut you alive you freak!” Zed dashed forward rather quickly for a griffin with only one wing and swiped at Merry’s gut leaving a claw mark that began to bleed.

“Not Deep enough!” Merry finished closing the gap and spun around onto Zed’s back and got him into a choke hold. Before Zed could pass out Merry is knocked off his back by the blinded Ezreal. Merry held his arm from the huge gash that had opened up from Ezreal’s claw.

“Stupid Alien, I don’t need my eyes to find you, your putrid stench is enough!” Merry just stood up straight and continued to let his arm bleed.

‘This isn't good, I'm getting hungry, my regeneration will stop soon and then I’ll be at their mercy, Fucking griffins are over powered.’ Just when Merry thought he was doomed Ditzy flew in from above and landed in front of Merry.

“I really don’t know what’s going on, But I wont let you hurt my friend Merry anymore!”Ditzy was joined by Rainbow Dash and Twilight.

“Yeah! We also wont just sit by and idly watch anymore!” Slowly all the other ponies stood in front of Merry, 1st it was just the ponies from the party, then it was other ponies who Merry hasn’t even seen before. Zed just laughed.

“And pray tell, do a bunch of commoner ponies such as your selves, even think they can do? We have diplomatic Immunity remember?” Ezreal began to laugh after what he heard Zed say. Then Merry spoke up from the back.

“If I remember correctly, Diplomatic Immunity just keeps the laws from affecting you, it does nothing if someone wants the beat the living shit out of you though, hehe, Ha-Ha!” Zed and Ezreal gulped.

“Nonsense! The princesses wouldn’t let anything more happen to us!” as Zed finished his sentance Princess Celestia and Luna walked up to the front of the crowd with thier horns glowing.

“From what I remember, We came into town to see the new alien, and it attacked us. But you two lost you’re lives valiantly defending us and the townspeople.” Celestia gave a devilish smile along with Luna.

“You wouldn’t dare! If my...” Ezreal was cut off as he was hit with both a yellow beam and a dark blue one along with Zed. They both fell over to the ground unable to move.

“I think that paralyzing spell will hold long enough for us to figure out what to do with them.” Merry walked back out to the front. And stood next to the princesses then looked at them.

“I still expect you two ta say you're sorry for jumping in so late. You caused quite a bit of problems with your hesitation.” Both Princesses and all the ponies looked at Merry mouths agape.

“Such Gall from one so injured! And none of this would have happened if you didn’t attack them.” Merry just clinched his fist’s

“I only did what I should of done. No one should be allowed to treat kids like that. As for what to do with them, I have an idea, mind bringing them along princesses? We should talk.” The Princesses just nodded in agreement and levitated the two griffins up over thier heads. Merry walked over to Scoots and kneeled down.

“Dad your hurt! You should lay down!” Merry just chuckled and hugged her tightly.

“Don’t worry about me Scoots, I’m sure your hungry, its after lunch time after all. Go home for a bit and get something to eat, I already bought more food. Feed your friends while you’re at it. Oh, see if Fluttershy or Niji will make you something ok? And one last thing...” Merry kissed Scoots on the forehead “I love you, I’ll be home by dinner time ok?” Scootaloo just nodded her head then paused

“Whos Niji?” Merry just chuckled

“Niji is the nickname I gave Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo just nodded and walked over to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Merry turned around to look at the princesses.

“Lets get going, we got a bit of a walk ahead of us now.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry had ended up on the outskirts of town near the Everfree forest with Princess Luna and Celestia. Everyone was silent along the way

“May we ask what we are doing all the way out here Sir Merry?” Luna was curious as to what they would be doing so close to the Everfree.

“Simple my dear Princesses, since you deemed it worthy that they should die by my hand, I decided to make your report to the griffin kingdom a little more accurate.” Merry just rubbed his hands together. During the walk over Merry’s regeneration had all but finished repairing the damage. He was no longer bleeding as heavily, most of his muscle tissue was back as well. Princess Luna and Celestia just looked at each other then back to Merry.

“What exactly are you talking about?” Merry just smiled at them, He knew the griffins could hear every word he said.

“Lets just say, I always wondered what Griffin meat tasted like.”Merry laughed as the Princesses just cringed.

“Surely you don’t plan to eat them alive?”

“Oh nonsense! I’ll kill them quickly then cook them up, that’s why I came out here, the little ponies are far to innocent to see this.” Merry noticed the looks in their faces be less shocked, but still a little disturbed.

‘Glad they cant see a lie like that Applejack.’ “Now unless you also want to find out what Griffin meat tastes like, I suggest you head back into town and make sure everyone is ok, and repair damage that might have been done, I’ll be back in town around dinner time or so.” Merry pointed over to the tree on the edge of the forest ”just dump them over there and I’ll get to them soon.” The Princesses complied by dumping them by the tree and leaving back toward the town.

Merry just rubbed his hands together as he walked into the forest to gather what he needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scootaloo just sat at the table with Rainbow Dash and the other mane 6 except for Fluttershy who was in the kitchen of Merry’s house making them a late Lunch. Fluttershy was humming to her self as she made lunch for everyone.

‘Merry is so manly! The way he fought those griffins for my honor! And he even adopted Scootaloo! I didn’t even know she was in such a sad state.’ Fluttershy was floating around in the kitchen as she continued to make food while fantasizing. ‘And the way he jumped up when Scootaloo called for help, even though he was mortally injured like that!' Fluttershy swooned some more 'Oh I feel like a housewife making lunch for her family now.’ Fluttershy had lost grip of a plate and it fell into the ground breaking apart.

“What’s going on in there Fluttershy?! You need some help or something?!” Rainbow Dash called out from the other room.

“N-No, I’m fine, it just slipped out of my hoof is all.” Fluttershy began to clean up the mess she made.

“Sheesh, some crazy day huh? Still it was pretty awesome of Merry to come out like that. I wanted to punch him in the face too.” Rainbow Dash just looked over to Twilight who nodded in agreement

“Yes, I agree it was quite the sight. Even though he was a bit vulgar about it.” Scootaloo had jumped in the conversation as well.

“Yeah! The best part was when that stupid griffin was all like ‘what is that supposed to mean?’ then my dad was all like, ‘it means I DON’T GIVE A BUCK ABOUT RULES AND LAWS!’, Then WAAM! Right in the kisser!” Scootaloo sighed as Rainbow Dash just laughed “I have the best dad EVER!” Rarity moved over to Scootaloo

“You shouldn’t use such language dear, it is unbecoming of a lady, although I do admit that at times of extreme anger it is ok to let a few slip from time to time, Just don’t use them in excess.”

“I wonder what that Merry is doing now with the Princesses.” Applejack sighed in defeat over weather to hate Merry or just tolerate him, He seemed to have a lot of bad points, but the few goods points were the kind she her self favored the most, like family. She would of jumped in if Merry hadn’t, after all Apple Bloom was with Scootaloo after all.

Just then the doors opened and in walked both Princesses. All the ponies in the room immediately bowed to them.

“Rise my loyal subjects, this is the house Merry correct?” All the ponies nodded

“Yeah! This is my dads house!” The Princesses smiled at her.

“Very well than, we shall wait here for his return with you. We still have much to discuss.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry had gathered a bunch of rocks in a circle large enough to fit both griffins at once. And a small quantity of sticks. He didn’t know how long the spell would last, considering he knew nothing of magic. So he decided to do something to prevent them from running while he gathered more wood.

“Well, it would seem I’m going to have to start a bit early gentleman, or do you prefer gentlebirds? Or something?” Merry just laughed as he walked over to his rock circle, and grabbed the biggest rock he could lift over his head and walked over to Zed.

“You know, I would say its nothing personal, but it really is personal. I mean not only did you verbally attack my little Scoots, you even tried to cut her beautiful face. Even though I know nothing of pony beauty, Im just assuming. Anyway...” Merry lifted the rock over his head and brought it down on the thigh bone of his back right leg “I know you cant move, but this is going to get boring rather quickly if I cant even hear you scream.”

Merry picked the rock back up and looked at Zeds leg, it was crushed flat pretty much, not much broken skin either. He looked at Zeds face and could see tears forming in his eyes.

“Perfect, you can feel pain, I’m going to enjoy my self much more knowing that little fact.” Merry moved on to his front right leg and smashed it with his rock as well. Then moved on to Ezreal.

“Without both of your right legs you wont be able to stand, and your broken wing prevents flight. Now my little Ezreal, its your turn” Merry preceded to mame Ezreal as well so he couldn’t escape. After Merry had deemed them unable to escape he left back into the forest to get some more wood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the middle of the town some of the ponies began to smell the air.

“Hm, smells like some Ponies gonna have a BBQ. I sure could go for some grilled corn.” Golden Harvest licked her lips at the thought of some grilled corn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zed had watched in horror as Merry skewered Ezreal alive and then split his stomach open over the floor. Merry then yanked his guts out before placing him over the fire. Ezreal had spent his last few minutes alive burning. All Zed could do is cry at the sight before him. Because Merry had pinned his eye lids open with some twigs and angled him just right so he was forced to watch everything happen.

“So Zed, it turns out I’m a cruel heartless monster when I want to be. But then again, I’ve always known that. I do my best to keep it caged, but if I’m pissed, I just let him out, like I did today.” Merry just grinned at Zed. “I must confess I feel like a Monster, and I love it. Look at the wound you gave me. It is pretty much gone already. Hehe Ha-Ha-Ha!” Merry just laughed as he turned Ezreal to prevent him from burning too much.

After about 20 minutes of cooking Merry removed the cooked Griffin from the fire and began to eat.

“Mm, tastes like Medium rare. Honestly I expected more chicken, but this tastes like a steak with a bunch of flavor.” Merry moved on to one of the wings and peeled a piece off. “Hm, this part, actually tastes more like Duck.” Merry shook his head. “Well I guess it’s a good thing you don’t taste like Chicken, then I might of had to hunt griffins for a living.” Merry looked back to Zed and realized the twigs were still holding his eyes open preventing him from blinking.

“You..monster...” Merry looked at Zed in shock, then in joy.

“Awesome! The spell is wearing off! Now we can have some real fun!” Zeds pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks at the word fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Merry finished cooking the last griffin he felt a sudden pain emanate from his armpits, then suddenly disappear.

“What the hell was that?” Suddenly a white and red fairy appeared in front of him. They hovered in front of him for bit then began to speak, taking turns saying each line

“Because you’ve sent so much back...”

“Of both Evil and Good...”

“You have been awarded...”

“A neutral boon!” Merry raised an eyebrow as they finished together.

“Was taking turn’s telling me that really necessary?” The two fairy’s looked to each other then nodded and answered at the same time.

“Yes! The Boon they decided to gift you with is the power to Absorb anything!” The fairies stood back to back with one hand in the air pointing upward.

“Huh?” The red fairy flew over to Merry and poked at his left palm while the white one flew to his right hand. Merry looked at his hand’s and noticed a small hole in the center of his palms.

“What do you mean, Absorb?” Merry just watched as the fairies flew around him in circles as they took turns naming each one off.

“Pain”

“Joy”

“Injury”

“Constitution”

“Sickness”

“Health”

“Life”

“Even death!”

“Wait wait, you mean I can absorb death and like, bring them back to life?” The fairies stopped flying around and looked at Merry and nodded.

“But it comes at a cost!”

“Yes a Cost!” Merry sighed

“And what’s the cost exactly?”

“You experience what you took in full. So absorbing death isn’t advised!” Merry just nodded

“Well alright then, Anything else?” The fairies looked at each other then shrugged.

“Keep up the good work Merry Sue!” The fairies flew behind Merry and disappeared before he could even turn around to face them again

‘Well, that’s interesting, I completely forgot about that whole Deeds thing I was doing. But absorption power? What the fuck am I now? Some kind of Mystic towel? Jeez, I’ll probably have to wear gloves to cover the holes in my palms, I wonder how it works exactly...’ Merry placed his right palm onto a nearby tree. ‘Lets see, what should I absorb from the tree... how about water?’ Merry began to think about taking water from the tree, and shortly after he felt something flow into his palm and through his arm. He noticed the tree’s leaves began to whither while all the other trees were still bright and leafy green. It looked as if the tree wasn’t watered for months and was slowly drying up.

Merry pulled his hand away before he sucked the tree dry, and he suddenly had to pee very badly, and decided to piss on the tree he just took its water from. It was the longest piss he had ever taken by far.

Night 4

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Merry just leaned back against a tree next to a pile of bones and a roaring fire. Some timber wolves had decided to join Merry in his feast and would take what he tossed in their direction.

“Now that they are done and gone, guess I should head back to my house.” Merry stood up and flipped through his iPod play lists. ‘Time for something a little festive...’ Making Chrismas - Rise Against. Merry put his earbuds in and listened to the music, singing along to it as he walked back toward town.

‘I wonder what everyone’s opinion about me now is after my little escapade with those griffins...’ Merry stopped walking and stood at the edge of town. He took a deep breath and sighed ‘As long as Scoots doesn’t hate me, I don’t care what the others think.’ Merry put on a smile and traveled into the town. All the ponies stopped and stared at Merry as he passed. Many of them began to follow him back to his house silently following him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Princess Celestia and Luna were just sitting in the living room across from the mane 6. Scootaloo had placed her self between both princesses with a big smile on her face.

“So what are we gonna talk about when my dad gets back princesses!?” Luna just looked down at Scoots

“Well we are going to figure out why he did what he did exactly.” Celestia spoke up

“Indeed, while what he did we somewhat agree with, his method was completely unorthodox and has now caused quite a big mess for us to clean up.” Scootaloo just looked down a bit at the couch.

“You know when Merry was watching over me a few days ago. He admitted he was nothing but a big screw up, and that he does stuff without thinking, So you cant blame him entirely.” Scootaloo continued to look at the floor while Fluttershy stepped forward

“Yes, I noticed it as well, He even told me outright, He just does what he feels is right at the moment.” Twilight steped up next to Fluttershy

“Yes, He also told me the human race was prone to violence, so that might explain his actions as well. You cant deny his races natural tendency’s.” Princess Luna and Celestia tilted their heads up in thought

“So what you’re telling me, is that Merry is some Violent brute of an alien, that could cut loose and kill at the drop of a hat?” Celestia began to frown at the thought.

“NO! My Dad would never just kill for no reason! He’s a Knight!” Scootaloo stood up and puffed up her chest “He’s a Knight that saved me and my friends from some Timber wolves! Not only that he stuck up for us when we were being bullied! He’s also really nice. You remember all that money you gave him so he could buy stuff for himself?” Princess Celestia and Luna nodded

“Yes, we sent him 1,000 bits, that should of covered anything he would of needed for at lest 2 months.”

“Yeah well, he spent all of it on toys for me and all our new friends! That’s how we all got these toy armor sets, and not just that! He even let me, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom paint his house, why I don’t know, but he believed me and my friends could do it.”

“Well that certainly explains why the house looks as it does...” Scootaloo sat back down and looked up to Luna and Celestia.

“He’s also really kind, even before he had money or a place to live. He found me sleeping in the park and he took care of me. He made sure I had food and kept me company at night. He would even give me his food if what I had wasn’t enough...” Just then Merry flung the door open and shouted

“Scoots! Don’t tell them all of that, now everyone’s going to think of some kind of softie...” Scootaloo looked over to the door and smiled

“Dad!” She ran up to Merry and leaped into his open arms.

“Hey Kiddo, told you I’d be back by dinner time. Did these mares treat you well while I was away?” Merry just patted her mane and set her back down on the ground.

“Yeah! They were all nice, and Fluttershy made us all lunch.” Merry nodded his head.

“Well alright then now lets see what these Princesses wanted to talk about.” Merry walked over to the middle of the room and took a seat in his beat up chair while Scootaloo sat in the chair with him in his lap. Merry placed his hands onto the hand rests and looked at the princesses, then looked over to the window and noticed he had some onlookers.

“Now Princesses, I know what I did was out of the ordinary and unorthodox, However I would like to plead temporary insanity due to my rage boiling over.” The princesses just looked at each other back to Merry.

“Temporary insanity?”

“Yes, After I saw them being so mean to Scoots, I snapped and could no longer control my actions. For that I apologize, However the statement I made earlier that day still stands.”

“And what statement would that be?”

“That Scootaloo Sue is best Princess.” Both princesses raised their eyebrows along with the main 6. Twilight was the 1st to Speak up

“What what?! And what made you decide to give her your last name?” Merry just laughed

“I did so because she’s my little girl now, and no one can say otherwise.” Everyone just sat in their seats dumbfounded. Even Scootaloo at hearing Sue after her name. Celestia cleared her throat

“I think we are getting off track, We need to figure out what to do about the griffin kingdoms now missing 2 royal’s.” Merry just scoffed

“Good riddance I say. Just blame it on me, make some story up about how they decided to travel with you to investigate a new alien that landed near here, and I just became hostile. Its pretty truthful anyway.” Celestia just tilted her head up in thought.

“That may work, none of the other country’s know of your existence yet, But they may still send some type of small squad in order to hunt you down in revenge.”

“Then just add in after I attacked them I fled into the Everfree forest or something, send their forces away, and give them a description that’s not like me.” Celestia and Luna sat in thought for a moment then smiled.

“Yes, that should work. Now on to other business...” Luna got up from her seat and walked over to Merry. She then walked around him and poked his face, then she rubbed her hoof in his hair.

“What are you doing?” Merry just pushed her hoof away and looked at her.

“What I’ve always wanted to do to an alien! I control the night sky you see, but I never thought there would be life out there on the other planets that I had seen off in the distance.” Merry just brought his head back and squinted his eyes at her.

“I call shinanigans, how can you control something that big?”

“Oh, I don’t quite ‘control’ it, I simply persuade it. You see it’s a very delicate process that requires extreme amounts of power and a delicate hoof. My sister controls the sun as it may. Hence our names. Celestia and Luna.” Merry just stared at them with a look of confusion. He looked down to Scoots and after a second he said

“Are the princesses of your land insane? Or is it just common among royalty to think they can control things of such astronomical size?” Scootaloo just giggled along with the rest of the mane 6 and the princesses.

“No Merry, they do indeed control the sun and the moon, They are alicorns and their magical powers could possibly be considered god like.” Twilight had moved forward and tried to explain things to Merry. Who in turn began to grunt and moan at such crazy facts.

“I Still call bullshit! Pic’s or it didn’t happen.” Merry sat in his chair with his arms crossed.

“Still question us? Fine then, its about time anyway, so watch as we show our power. Come sister.” Luna lead the way outside followed by Celestia who only sighed in defeat.

Merry was beginning to question all he knew about space and the solar system as he followed them outside. Merry’s jaw dropped and his mind went blank as he saw their horns glow. Then the sun began to fall while the moon rose up into the night sky. After the sun disappeared the moon was in the suns place in the sky. Stars began to appear starting around the moon and out until the night sky was complete. When it was done Luna just sighed then turned to face Merry with a triumphant smile.

“Do you still question us now?” Luna just had a big grin on her face while Celestia just shook her head with a smile.

“Huh wha, bu, who...” Merry began to grunt and moan again. After a bit he calmed down and spoke “So why do you let griffin’s push you around? Why not just take over with your stupid amounts of power?” Celestia and Luna dropped their heads.

“It is because we cannot upset the Balance of power, and we are not warlike, We would rather have peace and live in harmony with the other races. We alicorns were born for the soul purpose of protecting the lesser races and the world. We also hope to teach them of peace and not war. We only have our power in order to protect and save those that require it.” Celestia sighed as Luna took over

“Yes, In the past some Alicorns have become corrupted by the power they held and attempted overthrow the balance of our world...” Merry held up his hand

“Hey, I didn’t ask for a history lesson, My brain cant handle all that info in one sitting. And going mad with power isn’t uncommon, in fact, among my race its something that is repeated over and over again. It’s a shame really. Anyway, lets get inside and get some grub before bed.” Merry walked back inside followed by Scootaloo and the others.

“So what did you want for Dinner Scoots?” Scootaloo looked at the ground with her tongue sticking out in thought.

“How about some more of that Stir fry you made yesterday?”

“Really? You don’t want something else?” ‘All those premade things I got will probably never get eaten at this rate.’

“Nope! That stir fry is good! No ones ever made anything like that before!” 'Probably because the prep work and everything is really complex if you don’t have hands or magic.' Merry just shrugged.

“Alright everyone, Princess Scoots has spoken. Have a seat at the table while I cook it up. Hope you don’t mind, but Im gonna add a slight twist to it. Found some noodles today.” The princesses just looked at each other with confused looks while Scoots just looked up to them with a huge smile on her face.

“Don’t worry princesses, I’m sure you’ll like it too, Merry is a great cook!” Scootaloo ran into the kitchen to sit at the table and watch Merry cook. Merry had brought out everything he needed and put his earbuds in. (SuperTramp - The Logical Song). He had a pot filled with water and set the fire on as he finished prepping the veggie’s and then began to cook it all together. All the while he was singing along to the song.

Merry finished his Stir fry the way he had before, but when it was done he added the cooked noodles to add some volume to the meal. He then placed a plate in front of everyone and along with some silver ware and then placed the huge pan filled with the food in the middle of the table. He filled up Scootaloo’s plate and then his own. Leaving the others to fend for them selves.

“You know, its called manners to serve the Princess of the kingdom before your self.” Merry stopped eating and looked at Scoots, then back to Celestia.

“But I did.” He pointed at Scootaloo who was eating the food on her plate. Celestia and Luna just gave Merry a dumbfounded look along with the mane 6.

“Why do you keep saying that Scootaloo is a Princess?” Merry stopped eating and looked them in the eyes.

“To me a Princess is someone that stands up for her people, and doesn’t tolerate injustice. Today I saw Scoots stand up to those griffin’s for Fluttershy, while you two were about to just let it go. That’s why Scootaloo is and will forever be my little princess. Any more silly questions, or are you going to get something to eat?” Luna and Celestia just sighed and levitated some of the food to their plates followed by the mane 6. The princesses faces lit up at the 1st bite and their sour attitude faded.

“This is good, How did you, come across such a dish?” Said Luna through mouthfuls of the stir fry. Merry just shrugged

“Well, I was home alone one day, and the only thing left in the fridge was a bunch of old veggie’s that would of gone bad if I didn’t make them into something. I eventually made this after I combined a few cooking methods from different cultures around my world.” Celestia paused for a moment

“You made this up, using left overs from your old home, while mixing different cooking styles?”

“Yeah pretty much, a mix and match of different things brought together into perfection. The only thing I know is the onion and garlic can never be changed out for something else. They are the base of this dish... The oil is interchangeable with other things similar and same with the veggie’s.” Merry finished his plate for once and sat back. “Now I know you’re not here to just eat, so ask your questions and I shall answer them for you if I can.” Celestia just stopped eating and looked up to Merry.

“My 1st question is, can I have this recipe? The cooks in the castle must learn it.” Merry just face palmed

“Yeah sure, next question goes to Luna.” Luna looked up with a mouth full of food. She chewed for a bit then swallowed.

“How did you recover from such a grave wound? Such a thing should have killed you, yet you quite literally walked it off, and now there is but a scar upon your abdomen.” Merry just smiled.

“Gather round children and I shall tell you a grand tale about my life and how I came to be...”

“That’s not what I asked...”

“Hush child. Now it all started when I was walking home from school. Out of no where I was killed by a bad guy with a bat, rather rude if you ask me...Anyway I ended up in the nether world waiting office. It was there that my body was modified into that of the living dead that gave me my unnatural healing powers. Not just that, but I was tasked with the job of collecting good and evil deeds for my demon and deity overloads.” Celestia and Luna just paused for a moment.

“Pic’s or it didn’t happen.” Luna just crossed her hooves. The mane 6 who had been mostly silent up to this point looked to Applejack who was wide eyed at what Merry had just said.

“He’s a tellin the truth Princesses, that's the 1st time Merry’s a said something around me that was a complete truth.” All the ponies were dead silent until Scootaloo spoke up

“So, my dads a zombie?”

“Well, I”m not 100% zombie. Actually I don’t know what I am truthfully. I can see in the dark, I regenerate all non fatal wounds almost instantly, and fatal ones seem to take a bit longer. I was told a severe head wound would kill me, but I have yet to test that. I only need to eat to keep my regeneration going, and as for pain well, I don’t feel much of it. I guess I’m sort of a freak. I’m not REALLY an alien, just some thing from across the veil.” Merry had dropped his head a bit at just telling them all what he really was. Scootaloo hopped out of her chair and just stood there looking at Merry.

‘I really am a monster aren’t I?’ Merry sighed as he couldn’t keep eye contact with Scoots. Merry fell out of his chair as Scootaloo jumped up at him and embraced Merry in her little hooves.

“I don’t care if you’re an alien, freak, monster, or whatever. You’re still my one and only dad.” Merry just smiled as a tear formed in his eye.

“And that’s why you’re my princess Scoots.” Merry just hugged her tighter and kissed her on the forehead. “Now its getting late, you should get to bed Scoots.” Scootaloo just shook her head

“I don’t wanna go to bed.” Merry just sighed and pulled out his iPod.

“How about I set you up with my iPod, and you can go sleep in my room tonight?” Scootaloo thought for a moment and then nodded.

“Ok, you have a deal.” Merry just smiled and set his iPod to play the Ozzy Osborne track list and started it on Walk on Water.

“Just take it out of your ears when you’re done with it. I’ll be upstairs when the guests have satisfied their thirst for my knowledge.” Scootaloo nodded her head up and down as Merry put in the earbuds for her. She went upstairs with the iPod on her back bobbing her head. Merry just chuckled

“She’s so cute, anyway, what else did you guys wanna know?” Rainbow Dash spoke next

“I wanna know why you decided to take care of a kid. When I 1st meet you, you seemed like the kinda guy that ran from responsibility, and taking care of Scoots is nothing but responsibility, what gives?” Merry just laughed.

“What can I say? I told Twilight I had a bit of random nature, and when I saw Scoots fending for her self and scared about what her friends and YOU most of all would think of her, if they found out she was homeless and had no parents. You know why she never came forward before? She told me that she didn’t want to be embarrassed or shunned in front of her Idol, you, Rainbow Dash.” Merry just sighed “ But its not your fault, she’s just a kid that was overwhelmed by the worlds hard truths.” Rainbow Dash backed down into her chair and just looked at the floor.

“I didn’t know the squirt had it so hard...” Rainbow Dash just thought for a moment then looked up to Merry. “I’m gonna personally teach her how to fly now.” Everyone in the room just smiled

“Good, because I cant fly, so there’s no way I was gonna be able to teach her. Ha-ha. Now next question...”

“What do you plan to do now?” Celestia had finally asked a real question.

“What do I plan to do? Well in all honestly, if I can just live as normal a life as possible until Scoots grows up. I’ll just be fine. My only worry is that the Griffins find out the truth and come back for revenge or something. But hopefully you cover it up well enough so my past doesnt come to haunt me...” Merry thought for a moment “...yeah, I’ll live my life for Scoots, my little princess...Heh. You know its funny because she’s not even my real daughter, let alone the same race, but I love her anyway. I don’t know what it is about her, But I couldn’t get her out of my head that 1st night I found her.” Merry just smiled while he looked at the floor. “Hey tell me something, She will be able to fly right? From what I figured out, she cant fly all that well because of the way she grew up. She had trouble finding food, so her wings couldn’t grow properly. Now that she’s being taken care of, she will get to fly right?” Celestia just smiled and nodded to Merry.

“Yes, she’s still young and she will learn to fly, in a few months she should be caught up with the other Pegasus of her age.” Merry just sighed in relief.

“That’s good, I’m glad its nothing that will be permanent.” Merry leaned back in his chair “So, you girls have any more questions? Or will I be able to rest now?” Twilight spoke up next

“Before you had told me you had no faith left in your race. Why is that exactly? And why are you so protective of Scoots” Merry just sighed.

“Well, when I was younger I had a friend, My one and only real friend. He was my next door neighbor and I was 6 at the time it all happened. Being a little kid, I had no idea why the police and a bunch of people were outside the house that day. Asking my parents and me if we had seen anyone strange around the house. I had no idea someone came by and kidnaped my best friend Kyle.” Merry took another deep breath and sighed “It wasn’t until I was 13 I asked my parents what had happened to him. I only remembered because I saw an old Photo with both of us in it smiling... That’s when my parents told me exactly what had happened to my first real friend.” Pinkies mane had deflated and she looked at Merry

“Did they find him?” Merry just chuckled and gave her a light smile.

“Yeah, they found him a week later...” Pinkie’s mane returned back to its original state, at lest until Merry finished his sentence “...in the woods inside a plastic bag.” All the ponies had gone wide eyed “It turns the out sick bastard that kidnaped him was a pedofile that like to rape little kids until they died. It was at that moment I lost faith in my race. Then it got worse, I investigated some of it my self. I found out they caught the guy, but he was able to get away scot free. Why? Because some Stupid Cop fumbled the evidence and they couldn’t find him Guilty. Can You Fucking Believe that Shit?!” All the ponies just sat there. Unsure of what to say.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much why I have no faith left in my race. Having people like that, then having stupid people working the justice system and letting sick people like that get away scot free. Its also why I’m overprotective of any kids I see. No child should ever have to go through stuff like my friend Kyle did. Its part of the reason why I snapped when I saw those griffins picking on Scoots like that.” Merry just sighed and leaned back into the chair.

“I try to not remember stuff like that, Anyway, do you have any more questions for me?”

The mane 6 all looked to each other and the princesses exchanged glances. “No, I think we know enough for now Merry. We shall take our leave.” All the ponies stood up and walked to the door. The mane 6 took turns speaking to Merry before they left.

“You’re still awesome in my Book.”

“Even though you are bit rough around the edges, your heart is made of gold.”

“Yall can come by the farm anytime you want if’n you need help.”

“We can throw a Party later! I still don’t know when your birthday is, So I’ll find out next time!”

“I can um, come by and make lunch or dinner for you and Scootaloo, you know, if you want me too.”

“Just know that we will always be your friends Merry, No matter what you are.” Merry just looked down to the ground and crossed his arms.

“Thanks you guy’s, I’ll remember that. Oh yeah, Before you leave, could I get some more bits Celestia?” Celestia just chuckled before looking at Merry.

“Yes, fine, just don’t go spending it all in one afternoon again, and I’m not going to help you anymore after this, So find a job.” Merry just laughed, "Yes of course." Merry waved to the rest of the ponies as they left.

When everyone left Merry sighed and went back in to the house to clean up. He washed all the dishes and cleaned up everything making the house neat and tidy. Merry went upstairs and saw Scootaloo asleep in his bed with the earbuds still playing music.

‘Heh, she fell asleep to Ozzy Osborne.” Merry went up to Scoots and took the earbuds out and turned the iPod off. After placed it on the night stand he got ready for bed, brushed his teeth and all that jazz. He had been feeling tired, apparently the damage from today was enough to make him want to sleep. After he got in his sleep wear, the blue pants and blue shirt, He slipped into the bed next to Scoots and cuddled up next to her.

For the 1st time in 4 days Merry had a real nights sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Sister, did you see in Merry’s mind what I saw?” Luna had looked up to Celestia with a worried look.

“I’m not sure what you saw exactly, But I saw a torrent of mixed emotions. His mind is quite chaotic and his decisions are based soully upon his mood at that moment.”

“Not only that Tia, but he reminds me of myself before becoming Nightmare Moon.” Celestia looked down at Luna

“What do you mean?”

“I mean he’s on the edge. All he needs is another big push to completely snap. I just hope that never comes.” Luna looked ahead of them on the chariot “Sister, we must prevent the griffins from finding him at any cost. I feel the outcome could end drastically.” Celestia put a hoof up.

“Worry not Lulu, that was my plan from the beginning. And even if he does snap, he doesn’t have the power of a god like you, so I’m sure it wouldn’t be that bad.” Luna just sighed

“I hope you’re right sister.”

A peaceful month later

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A month has passed since we last saw Merry and his adopted daughter Scootaloo. Things have been going quite well for them. Scootaloo had been getting private lessons from her idol Rainbow Dash, Merry got another job at the local blacksmith. The pay was much better then what Fluttershy had offered him, but he still feeds the animals in the early morning purely out of habit, and the fact he really doesn’t need to sleep anyway. He would even join Rarity and Spike when they went out for gems to make some extra cash on the side. Merry had saved up a large sum of bits. Because he was never sure when he would need bits. Merry had decided to wait in front of the school that day to pick up Scoots.

“I’ll see you tomorrow class!” Ms. Cheerilee had just dismissed the class and waved goodbye to everyone. Scootaloo was hopping out the door, half flying and half walking. Ever sense her wings started to get a bit bigger she was able to fly short distances.

“Hey dad! You came to pick me up again?!” Merry just laughed as Scootaloo fluttered up into his arms.

“Yes, yes I’m here to pick you up and you know what?” Merry just hugged her then set her down

“What dad?” Scootaloo flew upward to be face to face with Merry

“I just remembered I never asked when your birthday was!” Scootaloo facehoofed

“Jeez, you really are a dunce sometimes aren’t you?”

“Yes, yes I am, but in my defense you never told me.”

“Well you never asked.” Merry was about to argue back but stopped.

“Indeed I never did ask. You got me there, But I’m asking you now.” Merry just tapped his foot.

“Its in two months on the 15th! And you know what I want?” Merry raised an eyebrow

“You already know what you want huh? And what would that be?”

“I want a real Greatsword! And maybe a real armor set.” Merry tilted his head.

“That sounds kind of dangerous...” Scootaloo interrupted him mid sentence

“But just think about it! If I wore real armor and a real Greatsword while flying, I’ll get stronger faster!” Merry just sighed.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Scootaloo just cheered

“Alright! And can it be made of Mithral?” Merry raised both eyebrows at her.

“You guys have Mithral?” Scootaloo just nodded her head vigorously.

“Yeah! Mithral is what all the Pegasus ponies wear when they go into combat, It helps them be Agile fighters and allows them to travel longer distances without getting tired as fast.” Merry just raised an eyebrow at her

“You seem to know an awful lot about this stuff.” Without missing a beat Scootaloo continues

“Well yeah, if I’m gonna be a real crusader knight I need to know this kinda stuff. Like how Earth ponies are outfitted with Adamantine and unicorns wear ether adamantine or mithral. I even read that somepony found a way to mix both of those metals to create some kind of super metal. But it can only be crafted with magic.” Merry just looked at Scoots with new found respect

‘She’s taking being a knight serious... Awesome.’ “Alright, I’ll see what I can do Scoots. I have 2 months to figure this out it seems.” Merry just smiled down to Scoots “Now you wanna walk with me to work? Or you just gonna go off with your friends again?” Scootaloo looked down to the ground then back up to Merry with a smile.

“I’m gonna go play with my friends before I go to see Rainbow Dash for another flying lesson!” Merry just laughed

“I thought as much. Alright then, I’ll see you at the house later today.” Merry just waved Scootaloo off as he walked to Hammers shop. A blacksmith named Smith Hammer. What an odd world this was. He had picked up a few tricks of the trade from Hammer, But they mostly just worked on tools and farm equipment. Along with the occasional horse shoe that needed some re-forging to get rid of any rust. Merry arrived at Hammers shop after a 20 minute walk and walked inside.

“Hey Hammer, I’m back for some work.”

“I thought you went to go get your kid?”

“Yeah I did, but she had other plans, So I’m back from lunch a bit early.”

“Well alright then, The Apple family dropped their plow off while you were gone. The blade needs to be reworked to make it easier to pull through the ground.” Merry just nodded and headed over to the plow and looked it over.

“How do they manage to crack this blade all the time? You’d think they were using it to till a concrete path instead of dirt.” Merry just sighed and he went over to the counter to grab some tools to take the blade off.

“I know that look, what’s on your mind lad?” Merry just sighed again as he walked back over to the plow and began to get the blade off.

“Its Scoots, her birthday is coming up and she wants a real Greatsword and armor set made of mithral. And I have no idea where to get that stuff.” Hammer just laughed

“You work for a blacksmith and you don’t know where you can find a real greatsword and armor? However the mithral bit does complicate things.”

“What do you mean?” Hammer just sighed

“Well, not only is Mithral delicate to work with, its also expensive, it averages around 500 bits a pound. And my rough guesstimate for you would be at lest in the 4,500 bits range to get all the metal you would need.” Merry just sighed

‘There goes all my saving and next months pay.’ “Guess its my luck she’s not a fully grown Pegasus yet huh?” Hammer just laughed again

“True that, I remember working on some of the 1st mithral armor sets for her majesty the princess.”

“Wait, You actually made that kind of armor?”

“That I did laddie, but that’s all in the past now, I’m just a humble blacksmith that fixes household items and farm tools now.” Hammer just sighed “A full set of armor for one of them would cost a total of 7,500 bits. But since yer girls still just a lass, I think I can make do with only 9 pounds of mithral.” Merry got a huge smile on his face

“Truely?! You could make her the armor set and weapon for me?!”

“Aye, I’ll need you to pay for the materials though laddie, and I’ll even teach you how to forge the mithral, Never know when it could come in handy, and besides I gotta teach you more then just how to sharpen a kitchen knife.”

“Thanks Hammer, you’re a real life saver, You know that?”

“Now don’t go thanking me yet Laddie, You still have ta gather a large sum of money to pay for it.” Merry just smiled

“I should have all the money soon, I’m gonna help Rarity gather more gems this weekend. She has a huge project coming up and needs all the gems she can get. I usually get a cut when were done.”

“Well it sounds like you have everything covered then, I’ll look into ordering some for you.”

“Thanks a lot Hammer, you’re a true friend.” Hammer just rubbed his head with a hoof

“Now don’t go getting soft on me laddie, lets get back to work here.” Merry just saluted and got to work on the plow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A week an a half later the mithral they ordered was about to arrive at the shop. Merry was waiting outside the shop waiting for the mail pony to arrive with the package. An hour before lunch Ditzy showed up at the front door carrying a small wooden crate.

“Well hey Merry! I’ve got this package here for your boss Smith Hammer.”

“Just on time, I’ll take that from you darling, Tell Dinky I said hello.”

“Can do Merry” Ditzy waved goodbye to Merry as she flew back into the air to the Mail cart. Merry brought the wooden crate inside and set it down on the floor near the forge.

“Hey Hammer, I think the mithral is finaly here.”

“Well about blasted time, Now I can show you how a real blacksmith works.” Merry just used a crowbar to rip the top of the crate open. Inside was 24 lumps of silvery ore of different sizes. Merry picked up a few of them.

“Wow they’re so light, it feels like it may be hollow.” Hammer just laughed

“That’s the magic of mithral for you, Strong as steel but light as a feather. It’s the reason why its so costly, you can imagination the need of it for all the races that can fly. Now on to Blacksmith talk, How do you think mithral is worked?” Merry just paused for a moment

“Um, carefuly?”

“Nope, you work it as you would steel, but the flame just needs to be a bit hotter as opposed to steel, it’s a trick I learned after working with it so much.” Merry just nodded

“Alright when can we start?”

“As soon as I teach you how to work steel into a decent blade, then we can move up to the mithral, no point in working on it and failing. You’ll need some practice anyway.” Merry just nodded as Hammer placed the crate with the mithal into the corner and brought out some steel rods. He placed them into the fire and let them sit in the hot coals.

“Now we wait for the steel to become red hot, this takes a few minutes, after words we take it...you know what just copy what I do, if you have any questions, just ask.” Merry nodded

“Good, I always learned better with hands on experience.” Merry just stood next to Hammer tongs at the ready. They both even had on protective goggles, Shaded an extremely dark color so almost no light could get through. They helped when you stared into hot coals all day.

After a few minutes the steel rods began to glow a hot red and orange color. Hammer used the tongs to grab one end of the steel rod and brought it over to the anvil. He placed it atop the anvil and began to hammer away, flattening out the metal. Merry did the same with the other steel rod. Carefully mimicking Hammers movements. One strike on the steel, another strike on the anvil, Then back to the steel. After about 20 swings the Steel rod was placed back into the fire to keep it hot and moldable.

“Hey hammer, why do you alternate between striking the steel and the anvil?”

“Just something I picked up over the years, it helps keep the hammer cool, so you don’t end up deforming the hammer or cause it to heat up so much it sticks to what you're hammering.”

“Well that makes sense.” Merry continued to copy Smith Hammer as they shaped the blade’s of the sword. Working 6 inches of it at a time. After about 2 hours of this repeated process Hammer takes out the rough shape of the sword and places it upon the anvil and just lets it sit there.

“What are we doing now?”

“Now we are at a process called Annealing, the shape is complete, so now we let the steel cool slowly to keep the metal soft enough to be sharpened and engraved. The cooling will take about a day, so we can move on to making the armor now.”

“Alright, I don’t know Scootaloo’s size though...”

“Nonsense we're gonna just going to make a general armor, we can get her size later. Now...” Hammer brought out a large sheet of metal and began to heat it in the forge. “Just watch me this time around, I don’t have a second table vice for you to use anyway.” After the metal sat in the flames for about a minute Hammer brought it out and set on top of the steel table in the vice. He used a pair of tongs and a hammer to shape the metal into the front half of the breast plate. After he got its basic shape done he took it out of the vice and laid it on the table. He grabbed another pair of tongs and began to turn the edges of the metal inward. When he was finished he set it aside to let it cool.

“Now, grab another piece of sheet metal and do what I did.” Merry nodded and grabbed another sheet of metal and placed it in the fire. After about a minute he took it out with the tongs and placed it into the vice on the table and attempted to shape the metal into a breastplate as well. It was a lot harder then Hammer made it look. Merry was struggling to bend the metal and not burn himself. He eventually had to toss it back into the fire to make it malleable again so he could finish.

“Alright I think I got it.” Merry placed his next to Hammers and sighed “mine looks like shit compared to yours.” Hammer just laughed.

“And that’s why were using steel 1st. You’ll get better don’t worry, I’ve been doing this for over 30 years now, I’m versed in all the steps.” Merry just looked over to him

“So why did you stop?” Hammer just sighed

“I didn’t want to stop, I had to. I was getting old and I couldn’t keep up with everything they needed. So I passed on what I knew and retired to this little town.” Merry just stood silently for a bit.

“What do you mean old? I thought you were in your 30s.” Hammer just laughed

“Thanks for the compliment, but I’m pushing 50 right now.” He just sighed “I may be old, but I’m still just as good as ever. Now that the basics have been set up. Come back tomorrow when everything has cooled, and I’ll show you how to sharpen the blades and we can finish molding the armor.”

“Sounds good Chief, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Merry took off his goggles along with his apron and hung them up on a coat rack by the door as he left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Merry got home he found the Crusaders playing another mock war in his living room. Scootaloo had made it a habit of flying every chance she got. The others had taken to using the bows to try and take her down. She was actually getting really good at aerial combat it would seem. The high protein diet Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash suggested really helped her in flying. Merry stood in the door way watching them play. Dinky had teamed up with Sweetie Belle while Apple Bloom teamed up with Scootaloo. After watching for a bit Merry had figured out that the kingdom was split because there were only 2 cookies left, and the winners got them. Seeing no end to the battle soon Merry walked to the plate that sat in the middle of the room and shoved both cookies into his mouth.

“DAD WHY?!” All the young ponies stopped what they were doing and just watched as Merry ate the cookies with the biggest grin on his face possible.

“Oh I’m sorry, were you guys saving those? I wasn’t really paying attention.” Merry just licked his fingers as if they were covered in something tasty after handling the cookies. “Anyway, I think its time you girls went home, if you didn’t notice it’s getting dark outside, its almost dinner time if I’m not mistaken.” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom groaned.

“Do we have ta go home?” Merry just nodded then put his hand to his chin

“Well, if you get permission you can stay the night I guess. Just try and get back before its dark. Or just get dropped off.” All the fillies just looked at each other then shouted in unison

“SLEEP OVER!” Merry just laughed out loud and slapped his knee.

“Alright hurry on now, We’ll be waiting.” The 4 fillies just cheered and 3 of them ran to the door to their respective homes to no doubt ask and be brought back for the sleep over. After they left Merry turned to Scootaloo who was taking off her armor.

“So how was your day Scoots?” Scootaloo just looked up to Merry with a huge grin on her face.

“It was great! Niji taught me an exercise I can do to help strengthen my wings even when I’m not flying. Watch!” She extended her wings out fully, and began to wave them around similar to how she would if she was flying. But much slower. “I just do the standard motion, but I keep the muscles flexed as I move them. Niji told me its what she did when she was younger.”

“Huh, that’s pretty cool, I bet she’s teaching you all the best moves. Seeing as how’s she’s the fastest flyer in Equestria.” Scootaloo just nodded in agreement.

“Don’t I know it, Hey I’ve been wondering...”

“Hm? What’s that Scoots?”

“Well I was just wondering how you convinced her to teach me how to fly everyday? Before she would do it maybe once a month or nap through the usual time, How did you convince her to do it Every day? Its like a dream come true.” Merry thought for a moment and got a smirk on his face.

“Lets just say your dad can be very persuasive with his magic hands.” Merry just put up both hands and began to wiggle his fingers around. Causing Scootaloo to gasp.

“You didn’t!” Merry just sighed

“Your right maybe I didn’t.” Scootaloo just got a confused look

“But then maybe I did, you never know. Maybe you should just ask her yourself?” Scootaloo just shook her head.

“I could never ask her something that!”

“And why not?”

“Well come on, its odd to just go up to my idol and be all like, hey is it true you, The most awesome pony in Equestria, is sleeping with my dad?” Merry just laughed out loud again at the statement.

“I suppose it does sound a bit odd. But wouldn’t you like to know? Cause you ain’t gonna find out from me.” Scootaloo just pouted for a bit, contemplating how she would try and work it out. A knock on the door interrupted them both. Merry went over to the door and opened it. It was Dinky and Ditzy. They had a bunch of stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets with them.

“Hey Merry! I just came by to drop off Dinky with all her stuff.” Ditzy flew in and set all the stuff she had on the sofa. Then then flew back over to Ditzy and kissed her on the forehead.

“I’ll see you later my little muffin. Have fun and be good for Merry.”

“Yes mom” Dinky squealed in excitement as she ran over to Scootaloo “This is gonna be my 1st sleep over!” Ditzy just smiled as went over to Merry.

“Now we haven’t had dinner yet, so I’m hoping you could feed her. And she needs Mr. Bunny to help her sleep. She should have him and...” Merry just put a hand up.

“Don’t worry Ditzy, I’ll treat her as if she was my own, you have my word on that.” Ditzy just sighed in relief

“Thanks Merry, I know you will. I’ve seen how you are with Scoots, I expect nothing else but kindness from you.” Ditzy flew up and kissed Merry on the cheek “take good care of my little filly Merry.” Merry just smiled and waved bye to Ditzy as she went out the door. When he turned around he saw Scoots and Dinky just watching him with big grins. They then looked at each other

“Does this mean were gonna be sisters now?”

“I don’t know, I wouldn’t mind having Merry as my dad. And an older sister would be cool as well” Merry just closed his eyes and tilted his head to the point that his ear was resting on his shoulder.

“And just what are you girls talking about? Nothing is gonna happen. Not unless she starts it first anyway.” Dinky just giggled with Scootaloo. Merry shook his head and sighed as he walked into the kitchen.

“I’m sure you girls are hungry, so what did you want me to make for you?” The 2 fillies looked to each other then nodded.

“We want some of your stir fry!”

“Really? Again? Aren’t you tired of it yet?” They shook their heads.

“You always use different vegetables, so its never exactly the same, and the spices are also never the same.” Merry just sighed

“That’s because it’s the only thing you ask me for, so I have to mix it up, otherwise I’d get bored of cooking it. I’m gonna stop asking you what you want and just make something else next time.”

‘I guess it’s a good thing I drastically reduced the amount of oil and even changed the type of oil I use for this dish. Cant give these kids too much Cholesterol in their diets.’

Merry got to work in the kitchen setting up for the Stir fry. Before he could start cooking another knock came upon the door.

“Scoots can you get that for me?!” Merry shouted out. He heard Scoots run up to the door and shout back

“Ok I got it!” followed by “Oh Hey Rarity and Sweetie Belle!” Merry shouted back at them from the kitchen.

“Hey come on in, I just starting to make dinner!” Rarity walked into the kitchen so she wouldnt have to shout as well.

“Oh thanks for the offer dear, but I only came to drop Sweetie off and get back to my shop, as you know I have a big order I’m still finishing up. You watching over her tonight will really let me concentrate on my work.” Merry just spun around and raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah sure no problem, don’t worry about it. I’m always happy to help.” Rarity just batted her eyelashes and stood on her hind legs to kiss Merry on the cheek. Merry was a bit confused at first but shrugged it off.

“You’re such a dear Merry, I brought a few of Sweetie Belles things along, the bags are in the living room.” Merry just nodded

‘Bags?’ “Alright well, you can lay em anywhere. I’ll sort through the stuff when I finish cooking here.” Rarity just brushed her tail against Merry as she turned around to leave, and Merry just shook his head. After the front door closed he heard Sweetie Belle sqee behind him.

“Are you gonna be my brother in law?” After her question she gasped “That would make Scootaloo and me sisters!” Dinky huffed and spoke up

“Hey! He’s gonna be my dad and Scootaloo’s gonna be my sister!” Merry groaned and shook his head

“Hey hey, calm down, none of that’s gonna happen. Were all just good friends.” Scootaloo just looked at Merry with her eyes squinting

“Good friends that involve your magic hands?” Merry just face palmed.

“I never should of told you that.” The 3 fillies just gasped like they discovered some huge secret. The conversation was interrupted by another knock on the door. Merry looked up and sighed in relief

“I’ll get it...” Merry went over to the door and opened it up. “Oh hey Applejack, I’m guessing you’re hear to drop off Apple Bloom?” Applejack just chuckled

“Yup, she came home a sprinting like I’ve never seen before and the 1st thing out of her mouth was that you were having a sleep over that she had to get ready for.” Merry just laughed and face palmed.

“So I’m guessing she didn’t really ask and kinda just forced it upon you that she was going?”

“Yeah, pretty much, Ah just came ta make sure it was ok with you and to make sure she made it by safe and sound.”

“Yeah its fine with me, I was just about to make dinner. Yer welcome to join us if you want.” Applejack mulled it over in thought for a bit then smiled

“Yeah sure, Ah cant pass up your cooking, if there’s one thing Ah learned about you. It’s that you’re a damn good cook.” Applejack walked inside followed by Apple Bloom who had a pillow on her back and a stuffed yellow bear in her mouth. Merry just had a smug grin on his face. For some reason all the ponies that have had his cooking loved it. He had no idea why, But he noticed the only thing they really cooked around here was hay, which is rather tasteless. He had tried it a few days before, it wasn’t his thing.

“Well I hope your ready for something new, its just something from my world that I’m surprised you haven’t done before.” Merry went into the kitchen while the others stayed out in the living room, and talked about things. Merry wasn’t sure because they were keeping their voices low. But it didn’t matter, he had some french fry’s to make. He had filled a pan with a layer of oil deep enough to submerge the slices of potatoes. After cooking for 5 minutes Applejack came into the kitchen.

“Need any help Merry?” Merry paused for a moment in thought.

“No I think I got everything under control here.” He continued to cook as Applejack rubbed up against him.

“You sure about that sugercube?” Merry just raised an eyebrow

“Yeah I’m sure about that. I’m a perfectly capable adult of cooking dinner for some fillies and a mare.” Merry patted Applejack on her back and she raised her hind quarters in response.

‘What is she a cat?’ Merry turned to see Scootaloo gasp along with the other 3 fillies.

“You do have magic hands!” Apple Bloom stepped forward in front of Scoots

“Ah knew my was sis was acting funny today. She’s in her heat cycle again.” Merry just looked at Apple Bloom with a dumbfounded look with his hand still on Applejack’s backside. She kept moving her backside into his hand. After a moment Merry’s brain finished restarting after hearing what she said and promptly moved his hand away.

“Come on Sugercube, after dinner we can go upstairs to talk while the kids play down here.” Merry just face palmed.

‘Nope, nope, nope, not happening, this cant be real. Everything was going so smoothly. I did notice they are acting kinda like how Twilight did after that strawberry shake. But this, this is stupid, I guess they are still animals after all.’ Merry gently pushed Applejack away

“Yeah, I’ll think about it, but for now let me finish making dinner.” Merry ushered everyone out of the kitchen so he could finish cooking in peace. After another 10 minutes he had finished what he wanted. The stir fry, filled with Alfalfa and the french fried tatoes as a side. A little crude, but they were crispy so they had the desired effect. “Alright foods done. Come and get it girls.”

They all walked into the kitchen and sat at the table that Merry had set up with plates and silverware. Merry sat next to Scootaloo and Applejack pushed aside Apple Bloom so she could sit next to Merry.

“Hey! What was that for sis?”

“Oh sorry Bloom, didn’t see you sitting next to Merry...”

“But you just pushed her out of the way to sit next to me...”

“Hmm, I don’t remember such a thing.” Applejack’s lips had tightly pressed together as she looked side to side. Merry just face palmed again. “Just, let it go Bloom, I’m sure she didnt mean it.”

“Yeah I know what you mean, she gets like this. Every other month...” Merry just shook his head as he filled up the plates for the kids and Applejack, then himself.

“Anyway, tell me what you guys think of the french fried taters, I noticed ponies never thought of frying up some potatoes, pretty odd to me.” Scootaloo was the 1st to try it and she got a smile on her face.

“This is delicious! It's waaaay better then hay fries.” Scootaloo began to eat the rest of the fries on her plate followed by the other 3 fillies and Applejack.

“I told you I like a stallion that can cook right?” Mery just raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah you told me before a few times when we’ve gone out drinking. And I’ve told you before, I’m not a stallion I’m a man. Biig difference, in more ways then one.” Merry just ate his food along with the fillies while Applejack was more just playing with her food as she watched Merry eat. Apple Bloom suddenly looked up and spoke

“Hey Scoots, if my sis and yer dad get hitched, wouldn’t that make us sisters?” Merry coughed a bit, Dinky looked up with her mouth full of food and swallowed hard.

“No way! He’s gonna get with my mom and be my dad while Scootaloo is gonna be my sis!” Merry just face palmed again for like, the 6th time that night.

“Nuh uh! He’s gonna be my brother in law when he and Rarity get married!”

‘Alright, I’ve had enough of this.’ “Girls, I’m not going to hook up with anyone, alright?” all the girls moaned.

“Why not?!” said the three fillies

“Yeah what’s wrong with me, huh Merry?” Applejack got a pouty look on her face

“Its not you, its me. I don’t think I could choose between all of you fine mares, so I’d rather stay single.” Applejack just sighed and smiled.

“If that’s all it is, its not a big deal. I’ll have you know a stallion having a few wives isn’t unheard of around here. Sense the male to female ratio is 1-8. My cousin Braeburn in Appleloosa has 2 wives already.” Merry just rubbed his forehead with his left hand in frustration.

‘God dammit. These ponies, these confound ponies. Why must they taunt me so?’ “Look tonight’s no good Applejack, just some other time alright? I’m not in the mood with all the girls here anyway.” Applejack just huffed

“Fine then, I’ll be on my way then. Take care of my sis.” Applejack began to walk to the door, but stopped to turn around and look at Merry. “Twilight told me about your magic hand’s, I’ve been hankering to try em out for myself.” Merry just saluted and closed the door behind her when she left. The 4 fillies just stared at Merry.

“I knew it! The Magic hands are real!” Merry ignored Scootaloo’s comment and just carried on like nothing happened.

“Well, now that the crazy mare has left the building, you 4 can get started on what ever it is little girls do at slumber party’s. I on the other hand will go clean up from dinner.” Merry walked into the kitchen and began to clean up the plates of food when he heard them start to talk about all being sisters. Then about what colts in school were cute. Apparently a colt named Featherweight and Rumble were the top 2. Sweetie Belle mentioned Snail’s as a 3rd runner up, but apparently his slow personalty left much to be desired, as the other girls simply called him a trophy Stallion. After he finished cleaning up he walked back out into the living room and saw them all laying around on some blankets in a circle in the middle of the room, at some point they moved all the furniture out of the way to make room for their little camp.

“Alright girl’s, I’m going over to Twilight’s house for a bit, I’ll be back soon.”

“Why do you go to Twilight’s house at lest once a week at night dad?”

“Uhhh...” ‘Shit! Gotta to think fast...'

“Is she the real reason why ya turned down my sis?” ‘Huh?’ Merry just stood there with his mouth hung open

“No! Nonsense, I just go to visit her once a week so she can keep my iPod still going. I cant keep it charged any other way.” ‘Well that’s only half the reason but that should do it.’

“It takes you an hour to make a 10 minute round trip? I’ve seen her do that spell dad, it only takes like a minute.” Merry just gasped in shock

“Why are you trying to burn me out? I like to walk around in the cool night air, jeez. Anyway I’ll be back soon alright? Just don’t blow up the house while I’m gone.” Scootaloo just glared at Merry then smiled.

“Jeez dad, were not that reckless. Also keep your magic hand’s to your self. Only Niji should get them.” Merry rubbed his temples again.

“I never shoulda told them and you I had magic hands. This is getting outta hand.” Merry just sighed “I’m off, I’ll be back soon, I wont take a nice walk around in the cool night air this time.” Merry just walked out the door as the 4 fillies had big smiles on their faces and somehow a golden halo was above their heads. As soon as Merry closed the door he heard them shout

“Operation Sister’s is a go!” Merry ignored it and kept walking toward the town Library.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“TWILIGHT!!!” Shouted Spike as he ran up the stairs to Twilights study.

“What is it Spike? Im very busy right now.” Twilight didn’t even bother to turn around and kept reading her book.

“This letter just came from Celestia and its wrapped in the urgent red ribbon.” Twilight spun around

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” Spike just face clawed and handed her the letter which she opened immediately.

My faithful student Twilight Sparkle,

It has come to my attention that a large number of Bounty Hunters from across the globe have come in search of an alien. Upon further investigation I learned that after my report to the griffin kingdoms about the demise of their royalty, they set to work on getting the best of the best to hunt him down. After a few failed attempts of locating him in the direction I sent them in. They raised the bounty upon the aliens head to over 1 million bits. And to 5 million if captured alive. Every bounty hunter got wind of this outrageous sum of money and headed to Equestria. I fear the worst and would suggest that Merry take into hiding for the time being. I’m not sure how long my description of him will be able to fool them. If they are smart they will realize Merry is a one of a kind creature and the most likely culprit that fits the description of alien.

Take care

Princess Celestia

P.S. Luna has sent a small scrying stone. If trouble should arise just crush it and we will be alerted and arrive as soon as possible.

Twilight set the letter down and just sat there unsure of what to do.

“Twilight what did the letter say?” Twilight just looked down at Spike and the little stone taped to the bottom of the letter.

“Nothing you need to worry about Spike, But I need to go see Merry for a bit.” Spike just raised an eyebrow

“Well alright, and for the record, you’re really loud Twi.” Twilight just got a blush on her face as a knock came upon the door.

“Well speak of the devil, I bet its Merry again, he usually comes over shortly after dinner.” Spike went downstairs to answer the door and Twilight decided to follow him. When they got downstairs Spike opened the door with Twilight behind him

“Hey Spike and Twilight, how’s it going?” Spike just shrugged

“Oh you know the usual, I’ll just hang out downstairs and make something to eat, maybe read that book you wrote for me all about dragons.” Merry just smiled

“Glad you enjoy it, I wrote down everything I knew about dragons from my world. You guys seem to be similar in workings.” Twilight just cleared her throat.

“Lets head upstairs Merry, I want to talk to you about something.” Merry raised an eyebrow

“Jeez Twi, can’t I speak to Merry for a bit before you drag him up to your room?” Twilight just huffed while Merry laughed. “Well whatever, just try N’ keep it down this time.” Spike walked into the kitchen as Merry tilted his head up in thought.

“Ya know, I always wondered if he could, and now I know.” Twilgitht just faced hoofed with a blush on her face

“Just come upstairs, I have to show you something important.” Merry just shrugged and went upstairs after Twilight up to her study instead of her room.

“Well this is new...”

“Hush, I got a letter from Princess Celestia, I think you should read it.” Twilight hoofed Merry the letter.

‘I guess it’s a good thing I decided to take the time to learn this new language, made my life a bit easier that’s for sure.’ Merry lifted up the letter and began to read it. He lost his smile as he detached the small rock from the letter and looked at it.

“Bounty hunters huh?” Merry sighed “I was hoping it wouldn’t come to something like this, but what can you do. Hopefully this peace can last until I finish Scootaloo’s present for her birthday in 2 months. But I might be asking a bit much.” Twilight just stood upright and placed a hoof on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, We’ll do our best to keep you a secret. Hopefuly news of you being here hasnt spread around much. And if something does happen, Crush that rock and bring the princesses ASAP! You understand?” Twilight just sighed “I don’t know what I’d do if you got hurt worse then you did with those griffins.” Merry just patted her head.

“I know, but I told you before, I’m only here for Scootaloo's sake now. Once shes old enough I’m going to move on, I kind of want to explore this new world, and I no longer hold thoughts of settling down...after that incident with Fluttershy.” Twilight just sighed with a giggle.

“Yes, but now we know of your magic hands.” Merry just rubbed his temple again

“Yes, I’ve been told that a few times tonight. Apparently Applejack’s in heat or something.” Twilight tilted her head up in thought.

“Ah yes, its about that time again, she’s the calmest of us next to Rarity and I.” Merry just sighed

“Yes, the Cutie mark crusaders are already talking about being sisters after I marry their sisters, even Dinky is in on it.” Twilight just exhaled a breath with a hmm.

“I didnt know the CMC’s knew about polygamy.”

“They didn’t, Applejack mentioned it while we were all eating dinner.” Twilight gasped

“Oh my, she sounds worse then useal. I wonder why that is.” Merry just shrugged

“I have no idea, but its pretty annoying. Anyway, you think you can recast that spell on my iPod before I go again?”

“Yeah sure, I even got a new spell. It should stay charged for about a year and a half now. I found out how to combine the ever last spell, ever long spell, and the maintain spell. Increasing its effectiveness by over 9000 percent!”

“Sounds impressive, I didnt know you could combine spells.” Twilight just grinned at Merry.

“Magic is my specialty, Combining spells is no biggie.” Merry just brought out his iPod and placed it on the desk.

“Heh, sounds awesome if you can do stuff like that, well alright lets see you at work then.” Twilights horn began to glow, but instead of a single layer of purple, 3 layers of purple appeared on her horn, and after about a minute, the glows died down on her horn and the iPod. Twilight took a deep breath and exhaled.

“There, that should, do it.” Merry picked up his iPod and turned it on. He smiled and looked to Twilight.

“Nice, your new spell brought it to a full battery. That’s something new. Hm, I wonder if the battery will drain as the year goes by?” Twilight tilted her head up in thought

“Its possible, this is the 1st time I’ve actually used that spell. And it seems like it was a success already.” Merry just bite his lip and looked at Twilight

“You used an untested spell? Well nothing bad happened so I guess its fine.” Merry just sighed as he put his iPod back into his pocket. “Well I’m off, thanks for the warning and the magic rock. I’ll be sure to use it if things get crazy.” Twilight just watched him go down the stairs and sighed. Merry saw Spike downstairs reading the book he had written out for him, with the help of Twilight.

“Hey, you guys done already?” Merry just laughed

“Yeah all done, she super charged my iPod and told me about the letter Princess Celestia sent me. Apparently a bunch of bounty hunters are looking for me now.” Spike just gasped

“Is that what the letter had in it? Twilight wouldn’t tell me.”

“Huh, maybe I shouldn’t of told you then...” Merry shrugged “Oh well. At least you’re in the loop now.” Spike groaned

“About time if you ask me, she leaves me out of everything, I may be young but I’m still a dragon. I can defend my self.”

“Well, I guess she just worries about you a bit much. She seems like the over protective kind of sister to me. Anyway, I’ll be off I'm watching the CMC at my house while they have a sleep over.” Merry paused for a moment “hey you wanna sleep over as well?” Spike just raised an eyebrow

“I’d love to hang out at a girls slumber party, but being the only guy there that’s around their age, It just doesn’t seem right.” Merry just shrugged

“Alright then your loss kiddo.” Spike just huffed and continued to read his book as Merry went out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah still don’t get it. Why doesn’t Merry want to be with somemare? Doesn’t he want a very special somepony?” All the fillies sat in a close circle in the middle of the room, in the center was a plate filled with Carrots and Celery. Next to the plate was a bowl filled with what Merry had dubbed his Homemade Granola mix.

“I don’t know, my dad’s weird like that.” Scootaloo paused for a moment and sighed “Sometimes I feel like he doesn’t sleep at all. I’ll go to bed with the house looking like a mess, and when I wake up its sparkling clean and he’s making breakfast. One time I woke in the middle of the night and I saw him making me lunch for school. But he does sleep sometimes...Or nap I guess.”

“Well maybe he just sleeps when you don’t know it? I know my sister Rarity stays up late to finish things, maybe Merry just does it more often?” Scootaloo just sighed

“You know, for awhile I wondered what having a mom would be like, But Merry seems to fill the role of a mother and father, he does everything for me. I just wanna find some way to help him you know?” Merry had walked in and closed the door behind him announcing his presence.

“I’m back! And I didn’t walk around the town this time.” Merry looked at the food they had in front of them “I see you made your selves at home, that’s good. I’m gonna go relax upstairs, if you need something come get me alright?” Scootaloo and the other’s just nodded with a smile as Merry went upstairs.

Merry walked to his room and closed the door. He brought out the box Pinkie had given him as a house warming gift. Inside was something Merry didn't expect. Somehow she had gotten a picture of all of them together in the library smiling. The caption below the picture was ‘Best friends forever’. And of course it had coupons for free cakes and other baked goods from Sugercube corner. Merry had expected some kind of porno mag, but he was glad she didn’t think of him as a full on pervert.

Merry laid in the bed with the picture in his hands and set his iPod on to play some MGMT - Electric Feel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry spent the next 2 weeks working closely with Hammer to try and get the whole forging thing down. They eventually ran out of steel and had to melt down the already made swords and armor into more raw material to practice with. Merry was astonished that Hammer had the materials needed to smelt down the steel into more raw materials. Hammer simply explained that with the help of gems and unique coal he could melt things down on his own, but on a much smaller scale.

Merry learned that a lot of movies were full of bullshit. Re-forging a broken blade is as easy as one, two, three. Magic or the skill of an Elf smith is not needed. Hammer showed him that you simply needed to flay the broken ends of the metal a bit so they overlap, then just heat both ends till they were a red hot and pound them together. This same process could also be used to add length to a blade.

Hammer had spent all his time teaching Merry how to make Scootaloo’s armor and weapon. Hammer was impressed that Merry seemed to be a quick learner. The only thing’s he needed now was a bit more practice and he would make a capable smith.

“Alright Merry, I think youve practiced enough with Steel, I think its time we moved on to the mithral.”

“You think I’m ready? I don’t feel like I have it down yet.”

“Nonsense, you are already produceing fine blades and armor. With some more practice you will surpass me, you learn fast and you even showed me something new. I never thought of makeing a blade bigger by breaking it and adding more steel to it. And your idea of mixing metals together without actualy mixing them was brillant.”

“Well when Scoots told me about how some pony combined Mithral and adamantine together with magic, I wondered how I could do it without magic. And I just sorta figured it out.”

“Yes well I saw you put it into practice just using steel and I say its brilliant. No one has ever thought to use clay to make a hole through the casting of a blade that you could later pour a different molten metal into and essentially ‘layer’ it.” Merry just laughed

“Its not that smart, I was just trying to figure out a way to get a blade with a mithral core and yet retain the strength of adamantine, it would make a fine weapon for a Pegasus wouldn’t it? The lightness of mithral yet the cutting edge of adamantine...”

“You really do care for her don’t you Merry? Already planning for her future as a crusader knight.” Merry sighed

“What can I say, it started off as just a nice gesture, but now...Now its something more, I think of her as my little girl man. What can I do? But support and love her the way she deserves. Even if she gives up on wanting to be a knight, I’ll find more ways to support what she wants.” Hammer just sighed

“Aye I know that feeling, My little girl works in Cloudsdale right now at the weather factory. Heh, she wanted to be a guard pony so she could wear the armor and weapons I made, but I talked her out of it.” Merry and Hammer just laughed

“Well let me go get the mithral ore, we have to melt it down and prep it, it should take a few days until we can start to work on shaping it. So that gives you time to go figure out the size of her chest and where we need to make room for her wings as well.”

“Well how do I go about that?” Hammer thought for a moment.

“Just bring her by the shop and we can get that all figured out no problem.” Merry just sighed.

“Well I guess the surprise part was already gone when she told me what she wanted eh?” Merry just laughed with hammer again. “I’ll see if I can bring her by tomorrow, it’s the weekend after all.” Hammer nodded

“Good, well lets get to work shall we? There’s a few things I have to point out that make mithral slightly different than plain Steel, but its worked the same for the most part.”

Merry and Hammer worked late into the night smelting the ore into mithral rods and sheets.

The Pain of Loss

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Three days have come and gone since Merry and Hammer began smelting all the ore. Due to a mix up they apparently had an extra 6 pounds of mithral. Merry and Hammer didn’t complain though, it just meant they got a good deal.

“Alright considering Scootaloos size, we can get away with using 2.5 pounds of mithral to make her sword and we can make her a full armor set with 3.5 pounds, Helmet included. I didn’t think she was so small.” Hammer shrugged “No biggie, we can save the left over metal to reforge the armor and sword when she grows out of it.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Let’s get started after I pick her up from school.”

“Sure no problem, I’ll just work on something else until you get back.” Merry hung up his apron and goggles and went out toward the school. Along the way he put his ear buds in and played The Vapors - Turning Japanese. With a spring in his step and a song to hum too he went along his way toward the school.

‘I cant wait to see Scootaloo in her mithral armor when its done, She’s going to look so cute! Haha!’ When Merry turned the corner he saw two creatures that were new to him, a Zebra and a Minotaur. They were asking that flower girl Rose something. The 1st thing he noticed was that they had what looked like leather armor on. The Zebra had a small repeater crossbow strapped to his front right hoof and the Minotaur had a Greataxe made of a black metal.

‘Are those bounty hunters? I best take the long way around to avoid them.’ With his earbuds in Merry couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he’s sure it was about him. And hopefully the towns ponies knew not to tell those with weapons where to find who they were looking for. Merry spun around and began to walk the long way around to the school.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“For the last time little pony, Do you know anything about the alien that killed two griffins that were here about 2 months ago?”

“I know nothing of such an alien, and besides if those horrid griffins died then good riddance I say, they were downright dreadful.” The Minotaur grumbled and turned to walk away. As they left the Zebra bucked Rose’s cart over.

“I don’t think that was needed Stripes.” The Zebra just huffed

“That horse knows who were talking about, I could feel it. This whole towns probably in on it. Keep your eyes peeled Duke.” The Minotaur just shrugged

“Whatever man, just don’t go around killing random’s like last time, we don’t need the local guard chasing us around again.” Stripes just laughed

“Its not my fault he looked at me like that, not to mention my trigger finger was itchy and I had to scratch it.” Duke just sighed

“I really regret teaming up with you sometimes, but your tracking sense is uncanny. I can usually wrestle the info I need but if they run there’s no way I could find em.”

“Heh true that, I cant get anyone to talk for shit, but once I find the target, they never get away.” Stripes just laughed as Duke rubbed his temple.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry arrived at the school just as Ms. Cheerilee was letting everyone out. For once Scootaloo didn’t fly out the door above everyone, she was hovering next to Featherweight and they were the last two out of the school. She looked up long enough to see Merry and she tried to ignore him as he walked up to them.

“So anyway Featherweight, what are you doing later today?”

“Hm, nothing big. I was just gonna head out with my mom to go shopping, but that should be over quick.” Scootaloo started to shuffle her hooves

“Well, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with me later today...” Featherweight stuck his tongue out in thought.

“Yeah sure, My mom doesn’t need me to help her anyway.”

“Ok! Lets meet up at Sugercube corner in 20 minutes!” Scootaloo ran off to Merry’s side “come on dad lets go quick!” Merry just laughed as he walked behind Scootaloo back to the house.

“So Scoots, ya need any money for your date?”

“Its not a date! Jeez, but yeah if you could loan me a few bits, I’d appreciate it.” Merry just chuckled

“Well alright then. When we get to the house I’ll loan you some money.” Merry stopped walking when he saw that Zebra from before watching all the ponies pass by.

“Hey, Scoots I’ll meet you at the house in a sec, I just remembered something.”

“Well alright dad... just be quick I don’t wanna be late.” Merry nodded to Scootaloo as he turned the nearest corner to be out of sight and ran the long way back to his house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stripe was standing in the middle of the road watching all the ponies pass by him. He was waiting for Duke to finish questioning the owner of the quills and sofas shop. While he was watching ponies leave, he noticed a lot more foals then usual. When he saw an orange Pegasus pony quickly flutter by, Duke walked back out of the store.

“Any luck Duke?” The Minotaur shook his head

“Na same story as the others. But this time he said he saw the alien. Said it walked on two legs like me, but I couldn’t get anything else outta him.”

“Two legs? That’s a big step mate, You know how many creatures walk on 2 legs in this continent?” Duke put his hands to his chin, then shrugged

“The only ones I know of are young dragons, Minotaur’s, diamond dogs and the odd ape. But around here, its only diamond dogs. We just have to look for something on two legs that isn't a diamond dog, or you.” Duke rubbed his chin.

“You’re pretty smart, but you have been a hunter of exotic animals and creatures before, so I guess you knowing that stuff makes sense.” Stripes just grinned at the complement.

“Hey Duke, why don’t you try questioning some of the colts and fillies? I guess they just got outta school or something.” Duke just grinned

“Good idea, Kids are easily really talkative. Here hold Betsy, don’t wanna scare em away now...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry had made his way back to his house without incident. When he opened the door he was hit in the chest by Scootaloo.

“Where have you been! I’ve been here ages!” Merry just chuckled

“Sorry Scoots, took a bit longer then I thought, let me get you the bits hang on a sec.” Merry ran upstairs to his room and took out a box from his closest and opened it up. He grabbed the magic pebble he got from the princesses along with a handful of bits and ran back downstairs.

“Here, this should be enough right?” Scootaloo just cheered

“This is more then enough! Thanks dad you’re the greatest. I’ll see you later!”

“Alright Scoot’s. Tell me how your date went when I get back from work.” Scootaloo yelled back

“Its not a date!” She slammed the door behind her as she left and Merry just laughed.

‘Oh man, I really wanna just stay home...But I need to get back to work. I’ll just have to take the back roads again...Cant let them see me, hopefully someone will just give them a false trail and they leave town.’ Merry looked to his left and right when he opened his door and sneaked around to the back streets of the houses as he made his way back to Smith Hammer’s shop.

After a long walk full of sneaking and hiding he made his way back to Hammer’s shop.

“What took you so long boy?” Hammer was tapping his hoof impatiently

“Oh uh, Scoots had a date apparently, so I was giving her some pointers and a couple bits just in case.” Hammer just sighed

“Kids sure grow up fast these days, and I’m shocked you didn’t protest some boy dating your little girl.” Merry just chuckled as he rubbed his head.

“Well uh, it seems she asked him out, but I don’t think he even knows it’s a date. Also she refuses to call it a date and that its just a simple hang out.” Merry sighed “So whateve’s, hopefully it doesn’t go far, she’s still young.” Hammer just laughed

“Well alright boy, Anyway lets get started, We gotta start shaping this mithral to look like a sword.” Merry just nodded and threw on his gear to get started on Scootaloo’s birthday present.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two hours passed and Merry just finished the shape of the blade. He set it to cool upon the avail for the next 24 hours. Hammer just nodded at Merry.

“Looks like a fine greatsword already. We probably wont need to sharpen it, but we can engrave it when it cools.” Merry just smiled

“Thanks, I know just what to engrave it with as well.” Hammer just laughed back at Merry.

“Heh, That’s good. I’m glad I don’t have to teach you what to write, on what most likely will become a family heirloom in later years.” Merry just laughed out loud

“If she makes it to be a happy adult. My life will be complete.”

“And what if she just makes it to be an adult?” Hammer had raised an eyebrow at Merry

“Then I’ll keep working until she’s happy.” Merry and Hammer smile at each other.

“You really are a nice guy, shame you cant find your self a nice mare that will take you for who you are.” Merry sighed.

“You don’t know the half of it my good pony. Anyway, I’m off. I’ll be back tomorrow.” Hammer just sighed as Merry left the building.

As Merry walked out he put his earbuds in and played Mindless Self Indulgence- Shut me up as he walked home. He hoped he wouldn’t see those two from earlier in the day. He made his rounds around town and he thought himself lucky he didn’t see them anywhere. Merry walked to his house using the main roads because he didn’t see anyone out of the ordinary.

‘Good, it looks like they left or someone sent them on a false trail. I just hope I don’t see them anymore... Let alone any bounty hunter’s, I need to finish Scoots’ present then I can go into hiding or something, I’m sure Scoots will understand if I have to go into hiding for awhile.’ Merry sighed ‘its not like I’ll be hiding very far, I’ll prob just make a shack in one of the nearby forests and live outside of the town or something...yeah that sounds good.’

While Merry was musing over what to do and how to hide from prying eyes, he noticed his front door was open. Merry’s heart immediately sank and he ran for the door. It was dark inside as all the curtains were pulled down.

“Scoot’s? Are you here? Answer me!” Merry didn’t see anything out of the ordinary in the living room and walked inside. When he passed the door something bucked him extremely hard in the back and sent him flying into the table in the living room. The table was smashed to bits and Merry just groaned, more about the table being destroyed and not getting injured.

“Hey Duke, that stupid kid with the glasses was right. A 2 legged alien does live here.” Merry got up and looked at them, it was the Zebra and Minotaur he saw walking around the town.

‘Shit they found me, maybe I can talk my way out of this.’ “What are you guys talking about? Who’s an alien? I’m just a mutant Minotaur.” The large Minotaur walked up to Merry and looked him up and down, he then smelled him.

“There is nothing about you that even resembles a Minotaur, and by the way you look, I’d say you are an alien.”

‘Maybe I should crush that magic pebble now... na, I’ll crush it if they capture me or something.’ Merry just sighed.

“Hey, if we take him alive, we get 5 million bits right?” The Zebra and Minotaur just grinned.

“I think you’ll find me a hard target to take alive, I’m not as weak as I was when I fought those griffins...” ‘Its really not a bluff, my regeneration also applies to my muscles after a workout, I can literally train, eat and train and end up being stronger then ever after just 1 day. Not to mention working as a blacksmith has me moving heavy bits of metal around all day.’

“Sounds like I’ll have to switch to my neurotoxin bolts. Don’t worry, they shouldn’t kill you...Unless I hit you with too many.” The Zebra just laughed as he pulled out some green tipped bolt’s and loaded them into his mini crossbow. He loaded all 5 of the bolts he had in his hoof and pointed the crossbow at Merry. “Now hold still, I don’t wanna travel all the way back home for more of these baby’s.” Merry responded by picking up part of the shattered table in an attempt to use it as a shield.

“Grr, Hey Duke go kick his ass, I’ll back you up. I don’t wanna waste my bucking bolts by hitting that piece of shit wood...” The Minotaur walked up front with his Greataxe at the ready.

“Not a problem little buddy, I’d love to split that 5 million bits, but half a mill ant bad either.”

“Damn right it’s not. Half a million bits will set both of us up for life. Now just be a good alien and let us take you in...” Merry picked up a table leg and held it up while still using the other broken piece as a shield.

“You sure we cant just talk this out?” Merry was met with the flat of the Minotaur’s greataxe and slammed into a wall. “Guess not...” A bolt flew at Merry’s face but he quickly brought the piece of wood up and blocked it. Just as Duke came charging at Merry the front door opened and in walked Scootaloo.

“Dad I’m home! Why’s it so dark in here?” Everyone watched as Scootaloo flew over to the window and opened the blinds. She turned around to see the broken table and Merry against the wall with the Minotaur and Zebra just staring at her.

“Scoot’s get the hell outta here fast!” Scootaloo started to make a B line for the front door

“I don’t think so kid...” Stripes aimed his crossbow at Scootaloo, but before he could fire a chair leg flew over and hit him in the face. His bolt missed her by a long shot and hit a wall.

“Leave her alone you sack of shit!” Merry brought the magic pebble out from his pocket and stomped on it. Stripes then ran in front of the door and bucked Scootaloo into a wall. Then slammed the door shut and turned some of the locks while rubbing his face.

“Sorry kid, nothing personal, but I cant let you out so you can get help. So be a good kid and just lay their for a bit.” Scootaloo groaned and coughed, but remained motionless otherwise.

“Jeez Stripes, last time you bucked a kid like that he died. There’s no reason to kill her, were just here for this alien.” Merry had gotten up and ran toward Scootaloo.

“Hey Scoots, dad’s here now. So don’t worry, I’ll fix you right up...” Merry placed his hands on Scootaloo. ‘Take the pain and injury...come on...’

*thunk, thunk, thunk* Merry was hit in the back with the remaining 3 bolts.

“There, that should keep him from moving for a the next 2 day’s at lest. Hopefully it doesn’t stop his heart though...” Stripes loaded some regular bolts into his crossbow as Merry fell over. As he fell Scootaloo got up and looked her self over.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore?” She looked at Merry who had blood dribbling from his mouth and 3 bolts sticking out from his back.

‘Holy shit, she had like 5 broken ribs and a punctured lung...it even feels like my stomach was torn open. Those fucking fairy’s were right, I feel everything in full effect. My masochist side does nothing for the pain.’

“Hey scoots, I see you’re doing better, now go hide quick...Help...is...on...the...way...” Scootaloo just looked at Merry with tears in her eyes

“I cant just leave you like this!” Merry just slowly moved his hand up and pushed her toward the stairs

“Just Go...” the Zebra Stripes Whistled

“I don’t know what happened, but she must be made of something fierce if she can move after that kick I gave her. And you talking and still moving after 3 of those bolts? You must be some kinda monster.” Stripes walked up next to Merry and just looked at Scootaloo.

“Hey Stripes, lets just tie him up and get the Tartarus outta here. There’s no reason to kill the kid.” Stripes just laughed

“You don’t get it Duke, that kick was supposed to kill her, I had every intention of it. The fact she’s moving around kinda pisses me off. I feel like I’m losing my touch.”

“Celestia dammit Stripes, just hurry the buck up then and lets go. We’ve been in this town long enough.” Scootaloo had a look of fear on her face as she bolted upstairs and Merry began to grunt and shake.

“Leave...her..alone!” ‘Shit shit shit! My body wont move the way I want it too’ Stripes just laughed

“Still trying to move? Like I said, it should be 2 days before you can do anything major. Just wait here a moment, I shouldn’t be long...” as Stripes went up the stairs Duke just sat on the couch and watched Merry struggle.

Merry’s body was in maximum overdrive repairing all the damage he absorbed from Scootaloo while fighting off the neurotoxin. Merry’s body just laid there literally broken in the light of the window. Merry’s eyes filled with tears as he realized how powerless he was in this situation. His only hope fell to the fact the princesses would arrive in time to save his little girl Scoots.

Just as Merry thought hope was lost a shadow came in from the window Scoots had opened and looking in was Twilight.

“I see him! He’s on the floor!” The front door handle was jiggled a few times then he heard Princess Luna’s voice.

“The door is locked! Quickly break it down!” The door began to bend inward as the ponies outside tried to break it down.

“SHIT! HURRY IT UP WE HAVE COMPANY STRIPES!” Duke ran up to the door and placed his large body in front of the door to try and keep it from breaking in. He proved to be semi successful.

“Found you!” Yelled stripes followed by a shrill cry. “Wont take but a moment more.” Merry began to drag himself across the floor to the stairs

“Mother...fucker...” By the time Merry reached the stairs he was crawling. The farther he got the more he could feel his body again, his regeneration was rapidly destroying the toxin from the bolts. Duke was too distracted trying to keep the others from bursting in too stop Merry.

“Ha-ha! How you survived after my 1st kick I’ll never know!” Merry witnessed Scootaloo fly out of her room into the hallway and smash into a table. Merry’s eyes got wide as he saw her with 2 bolts in her side.

“SCOOTS!” Merry ran up to Scoot’s again and picked her up. He cradled her in his arms as he spoke softly “Hey hey, stay with me, I’ll fix you up again, I’ll fix you as many times as I need too, So just hang on...” Merry had pulled out the bolts and began to absorb her injuries and pain once again.

“You?! How the buck did you get up here?! And why are you moving?! Don’t tell me those bolts didn’t work!” Merry ignored him as he was concentrating on healing Scoots. She opened her eyes again and saw Merry.

“Why, huh?” Merry just smiled but his teeth were layered in blood.

“Hey Scoots, I made you all better again. Now lets get you out of here. Help is outside.” Merry stood with Scootaloo in his arms and began to walk down the stairs.

“Don’t Ignore me!” Stripes launched another 3 bolts into Merry’s back. But he kept his pace as he went down the stairs. The Zebra just gritted his teeth and loaded 5 more bolts into his crossbow and launched them at Merry’s back again. All 5 hit their mark and Merry continued to ignore him and kept walking to the door.

“I’m not moving you pathetic alien. You look like you could die at any moment. So drop dead already so we can leave through a back door and escape to become rich.” Duke stood his ground in front of the door as the ponies outside continued to try and break it down. Just then they heard a frustrated shout from Luna.

“ENOUGH OF THIS!” The door was blasted down with a huge purple bolt and it sent Duke flying, Merry had ducked out of the way with Scootaloo still in his arms.

‘Finally I can get Scoot’s out of here, the princesses can handle these sons a bitches, and everything will be just...’ Merry’s train of thought was interrupted by another barrage of bolts, only 4 hit him this time, but they came from his right side. Merry felt something warm run down his right forearm. He looked down to see a bolt embedded into Scootaloo’s skull.

“Ah...Don’t worry, I can fix this...” Merry tried to use to his absorption powers again, but nothing was happening. “Oh duh, I have to take this out 1st...” Merry pulled the bolt out and tried again...But still nothing happened...” Merry just stood there dumbfounded.

“Merry! We came as quick as...” Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and several guards had stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Merry holding Scootaloo in his arms. Merry just looked at them with tears in his eye’s

“Hey, you can fix her right? Use your magic or something? Come on Twilight, You said it your self, You’re the best at Magic right?!” Twilight just shook her head

“Merry she’s...” Merry cut off Twilight before she could finish her sentence.

“Come on Twilight! There’s no time to Fool around! She’s going to die!” Twilight just got tears in her eyes and looked down to the ground. Merry started to hyperventilate then he turned to Celestia and Luna.

“Hey, You two were supposed to be gods right?! Come on, fix her! I’ll do anything!” Princess Celestia and Luna just looked to the ground as well. Merry was breathing heavily through clenched teeth “Please! I didn’t mean to say she was a better Princess then you two! So please Fix her!” Merry feel to his knees and held Scootaloo’s body close to his face and the tears poured down from his eye’s.

“Please, bring her back...please... My power isn’t fixing her anymore...” Another wave of bolts flew in and hit Scootaloo’s dead body.

“Stop Ignoring me!” Merry blinked and realized more bolts had hit Scootaloo.

“Why...? WHY?! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FIX HER, IF YOU KEEP ATTACKING HER?!” Merry Placed Scootaloo down and sprinted at the Zebra as he tried to reload his crossbow. Merry drop kicked the Zebra in his face and swept out his front legs after hitting the ground. Merry then grabbed the Zebra by his mane and repeatedly smashed his face into the floor until several of his teeth had fallen out and he went limp. Merry stood up with all the bolts still sticking out of his back and blood dribbling from his mouth. He slowly walked back over to Scootaloo’s body.

“Hey Scoots, lets get you out of here now, I took out the jerk with the crossbow that was being mean to you.” Merry slowly picked up Scootaloo “oh hey, lets get these out shall we? Can’t heal you with them in you still.” Merry pulled out the bolts that were in Scootaloo’s body. “That’s my brave little girl, doesn’t even complain that it hurts. But I know it does, so hang on I’ll fix you up just like last time.” Merry held her in close and tried to use his power again.

“Why, Why isn’t it working like last time?!” Princess Luna and Celestia just watched in tears as Twilight had laid down on the floor crying as well. Princess Luna looked up to see the Minotaur trying to sneak out a window.

“Oh no you don’t!” She blinked the tears away and grabbed the Minotaur with her telekinesis and slammed him around the room a few times until he stopped moving and threw him next to the Zebra. Merry had ignored the whole thing and was just hyperventilating over Scootaloo’s body as tears streamed down his face onto hers.

“Why wont she wake up? Was it something I did? Come on Scoots, this isn’t funny. I... I’m sorry. Just wake up” Merry just kept kneeling over her body with his palms on her chest.

“Sister, we have to do something, Merry’s mind has broken. If we don’t do anything, he could stay in a complete state of shock for the rest of his life...” Celestia nodded and walked up to Merry.

“Merry...” Merry just looked up to Celestia and smiled

“Hey Princess, Scootaloo is just napping right now, I’m trying to wake her up. But she’s being stubborn...” Merry kept shaking her body

“Merry! You need to come to terms with it, She has died.” Merry lost his smile as he looked back to Celestia.

“You’re lying, she’s just sleeping, she’s too young to die... I promised her I would keep her safe. If she’s dead then I broke my promise and that makes me a liar...” Merry got a huge frown on his face. “ I never lie to kids.” Merry broke down into tears on her body

Luna walked over and placed a hoof on his shoulder. She began to take out the bolts from his back with her telekinesis. “Its Ok Merry, I know this is a terrible thing to happen, but you must be strong.” Merry just looked up at her with his beat red eyes

“But I’m not strong at all! What kind of Shitty father lets his only child die in his arms as he’s taking her to safety?!” Merry continued to cry and hyperventilate through clenched teeth. Celestia, Luna and Twilight all gathered around him in a hug.

“Heh heh, you are a shitty dad, letting your poor kid suffer the way you did.” Merry looked over to the Zebra on the floor with his bloodied face and missing teeth. “Yeah, if I knew I had to kill the stupid kid to get your attention, I would of done it a lot slower.” Luna got a look of rage on her face

“Shut your mouth you Cur! Before I...” Luna stopped when she saw Merry stand up and walk over to the Zebra named Stripes. Merry Grabbed him by the mane and lifted his head up to look him in the eye.

“Heh ,What are you gonna do? I already know I’m going to jail now.” Merry just grinned at him with tears in his eyes still.

“You said I was a monster? You’re about to see the real deal now.” The Zebra just laughed

“What can you possib...” Merry opened his mouth and ripped a chunk of the Zebras face off, chewed and swallowed. “AHRG! WHAT THE BUCK?!” Merry forced his hand into the Zebras mouth and grabbed his tongue.

“I’m sick of hearing you speak...” Merry ripped Stripes tongue out of his mouth and proceeded to eat it raw as well. The Princesses and Twilight stood in horror at what was happening.

“Sister! We have to stop him! His sadness and guilt turned into rage and malice!” Celestia just nodded and went with Luna to Merry’s side.

“Merry you must stop. Let the law deal with these vile criminals.” Merry just turned to face Celestia with part of the zebras tongue hanging from his mouth.

“What criminal? All I see is food.” Celestia gagged and Luna just made her horn glow.

“Merry, I’m going to put you to sleep. You need to let your mind heal.” Luna hit Merry with a bolt and he fell over limp. “Sister I’m going to enter Merry’s mind. Tie up these criminals and keep the zebra from bleeding out. He needs to pay for his crimes.” Luna’s horn glowed again and she placed her horn onto Merry’s forehead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna entered a pure white landscape. The only things she could see were two figures standing in the distance. One was in the fetal position while the other was in a cage. She approached both of them and coming closer she realized they were both Merry. The one in the cage had spikes erupting from his shoulders and had claws in place of hands. But his face was the same. The one on the floor in the fetal position had small orange wings on his back that looked a lot like Scootaloo’s.

“Merry! What is happening? Why are there two of you?” Luna walked up to the one who was on the floor and tried to get his attention.

“No point in speaking to him he’s given up. He let me out before, but now that you put him to sleep I was locked up again.” Luna turned to look at the Merry who was in the cage.

“And who are you supposed to be?” He just grinned at her revealing a row of sharp teeth.

“You can just call me Sue, and I am the animal and monster that lives within Merry. You remember those griffins? I was the one he let out when he deemed them unworthy of life. And he let me out again when that Zebra called him a shitty dad.” Luna just looked at him behind the bars

“So you are his dark side then? A manifestation of his rage and malice?” Sue laughed out loud

“You got that right princess, and when Merry wakes up again, I’ll have full control. The pansy with the orange wings over there gave up on life when our little girl died. But unlike him, I don’t want to give up, I wanna kill and eat those fuckers that hurt and killed Scoots. Although, I wont necessarily do it in that order. And then when I’m done with them, I’ll move on and kill the griffin family that sent them here in the 1st place!” Sue just laughed as Luna’s face went pale.

“I wont let that happen, I’m going to bring him back!” Luna horn began to glow and images from Merry’s past began to surface and show all around. They were images of Scootaloo and Merry having fun together, going shopping, eating dinner. Just things they did throughout the 2 months they were together.

“Look Merry! You have to remember all the good times you had with her! She wouldn’t want you to be sad and depressed, She would want you to live!” Merry uncurled out from his fetal position and watched the images of him and Scoots smiling and playing together. He slowly sat up and watched all the happy memories. After a moment Luna sighed and began to relax. It seemed to be working, Merry was getting his old self back. Suddenly a scream was heard in the distance. Everyone turned to look at the memory. It was an image of Scootaloo being held by the griffin Zed.

“That shouldn’t of shown up, I only summoned happy memories!” Luna’s horn began to glow again but she stopped when she heard Merry scream at the image.

“SUE, YOU NEED TO STOP HIM!” When Merry finished yelling another image of Scootaloo laying on the floor after being bucked by Stripes showed up. Merry began to hyperventilate and his small orange wings began to flap rapidly.

“I need to get out there! SHE NEEDS HELP!” Merry began to slam his head into the floor and Sue was bending the bar’s of his cage. “WAKE UP WAKE UP!” Luna began to retreat as the white room turned red and black and cracks began to form in the landscape.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna awoke in the middle of the room next to Merry. She shook her head and turned to look at Celestia and Twilight, the rest of the mane 6 had arrived and were crying. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were watching the 2 bounty hunters as they had been tied up.

“Luna, what happened?” Luna shook her head

“I wasn’t...” Merry jumped up onto his feet and looked around the room

“Where’s Scoot’s? Is she ok!?” Merry scanned the room and saw Fluttershy stroking Scootaloo’s mane. Merry’s heart sank as he walked over to them. When he saw her body laying there broken and full of holes he fell to his hands and knees and began to cough uncontrollable. After his coughing fit a huge splatter of blood flew out onto the ground. “She really is dead...” Merry wiped the blood from his mouth and stood up.

“Don’t worry Merry were all here for you...” Merry just began to laugh

“In a moment, you will see my other side.” Merry turned to face the bounty hunters that were tied up and walked over to them. The Zebra was patched up while the Minotaur had a black eye. Merry walked past Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and the several guards and just looked Duke in the eyes.

“I’m Innocent I never hurt her or anyone, it was all this crazy Zebra.” Merry just shook his head

“Who is innocent? No one is innocent. Your corruption is like a cancer growing inside. And you owe the world an apology.” Merry raised both of his hands into the air and was about to bring them down on top of Dukes head, But Duke lunged his head forward smacking Merry under his right armpit, a distinct shattering of glass was heard followed by Merry shouting.

‘What is this pain?!’ Merry stepped back and fell to his hands and knees again as a dark goop enveloped him. ‘I feel...Power, hehe’

“What did ya do to him ya damnable minotaur?!” Applejack was about to charge the minotaur when the black goop dissipated and showed Merry again. Except it wasn’t Merry. He had spikes along his back and shoulders, in place of hands he had claws, and he had fangs instead of his normal teeth. Luna gasped at the sight and whispered

“Sue...” Sue stood up and flexed his claws and looked himself over

“Interesting...” Sue got a wicked grin and walked back up to Duke. “Lets remove these nasty horns shall we?” Duke just got wide eyed as Merry brought his claws up

“What are you...” Merry grabbed both horns in his claws and yanked them out, causing Duke to yell in agony.

“Merry Stop! You don’t need to kill them!” Merry just threw the minotaurs horns behind him and smiled with tears still in his eyes.

“Kill? Who said anything about killing them? I want them to suffer 1st.” Merry’s wounds all disappeared as he grabbed Dukes face and bit a chunk off like he did with Stripes. The Minotaur had it easier as Sue’s sharp teeth made more of a slice instead of ripping. Duke screamed none the less and struggled to get away.

“Ha Ha! Look at this fuck head squirm!” As Merry laughed at Dukes pain some of the guards walked up behind him.

“Sir Merry, you need to stop.” Merry turned around and looked the guards in the face.

“But I don’t...” Merry fell to the ground and was covered in the black goop again, only to have it leave a second later with him returning to normal. All of his injuries had disappeared. Just the holes in his cloths remained. Merry stood up rubbing his head.

“That was... fun.” Merry looked around at all he shocked looks of the ponies around him.

“What was that merry, you turned into some kind of monster.” Merry just smiled again and lifted his left arm.

“Not quite sure, but I’m wondering what happens when I break this one.” Merry slammed his right fist into the bottom part of his armpit. The distinct sound of glass shattering was heard again as Merry fell to the ground shouting in pain. This time he was enveloped in a blueish white glow. When the glow ended he had orange wings that looks like Scootaloo’s.

All the ponies in the room gasped at Merry’s transformation, and Luna again whispered under her breath “Merry...”

“I feel... I feel an overflowing energy..." Merry went up to the Zebra and placed his hand upon him. All of Stripes injury’s were healed instantly as his body glowed with the blueish light.

“Ah, that feels much better, thanks for healing me you idiot, Hehe.” Stripes stopped laughing when he heard Merry laugh back.

“I always wondered, If it's possible to heal someone to death?” Merry increased the flow of energy and Stripes began to yell in agony as his body began to rapidly expand until he was nothing but a huge mass of flesh.

“It doesn’t look like I can kill you, But I’m sure I just made your life a living hell! Baw-ha-ha-ha!” As Merry was laughing he fell to the ground again and was enveloped in the blueish glow. After about a second he returned back to his original form.

Luna ran up to Merry and looked him over, he seemed to be passed out, but when she nudged him he got up and looked at her.

“Luna...” He looked around the room. All he saw were ponies with looks of shock and sadness.

“I need to go. I have to finish something...” Twilight walked in front of Merry and tried to speak

“Merry I...”

“Not now Twilight, I have to go finish Scootaloo’s present. I need to finish it so she can be buried with it...” Merry turned to face Celestia and Luna. “Please, take care of this mess, I have work to do...” Merry grabbed the Zebras repeater crossbow and the Minotaur’s Greataxe. The Minotaur began to struggle when he took the Greataxe

“Hey! Give Betsy back!” Merry turned and looked at the hornless Minotaur and kicked him in the teeth.

“Trash need's to act like trash and shut the fuck up.” Merry started to walk to the front door and turned to face Celestia, Luna, and the mane 6. “I’m going to be busy over the next few day’s. Please take of things here for me.”

Merry made his way toward Hammer’s shop with the Greataxe and Repeater Crossbow in hand.

The boy named Merry Sue

by InsaneJustin

Intro+Day 1

Night 1

Day 2

Night 2

Day 3

Night 3

Day 4

Night 4

A peaceful month later

The Pain of Loss

epilogue