Make your Mark - FULL

wow such autism

 

>Twilight Sparkle had no clue what it was.

>You had no clue what it was, but you were stuck with it.

>Wasn't so bad, it was just a little mark.

>You fancied the idea it could be your own "Cutie mark", which wasn't so terrible.

>Except the fact that it was referred too as a "Cutie mark".

>It was a black tattoo of a mysterious eye.

>It was highly curious, just appearing there on the inner part of your forearm.

>You actually almost missed it, but now that you noticed it, you couldn't escape it's glance.

>The eye looked straight into you, but not in a terribly disturbing way, you could live with it.

>Twilight had found it contained magical potential, but she still had no way to tell where it came from.

>You sat in Twilight's library, although you currently lived with her you were planning to move in with Rarity in just a few days.

>You wondered if the dressmaker would have a problem with your mark.

>"Hey, can you try something for me?" Twilight came trotting down the left hand staircase.

"Sure, what is it?" you stood from your chair, she was flipping through the pages of an old book

>She looked at the other end of the room

>"Pick up that vase," she pointed with her hoof at a simple little blue vase, a daisy sat there in the noon sun, looking content with it's simple existence.

>You begin walking to the other end of the room, with no idea why she would want that vase.

>"No!"

>You halt and spin around.

"What's the matter?"

>"Grab the vase, without touching it."

"Okay, no. I don't have a horn, no magic."

>"Just try it."

>Your brow furrows for the briefest second, thinking it's a ridiculous idea, but then again she had said something about magical potential.

"What do I do though? Do I have to say something?"

>"No, just want it to be in your hand."

>You didn't understand, but you sure did want that vase in your hand.

>The air around it shimmered a hazy, translucent black.

>It hovered slightly there for a second, then began slowly and unevenly moving toward you.

>In a few seconds it was in your hand.

"That was fucking awesome."

>Twilight didn't look impressed, "You'll have to try more simple spells before I can let you leave."

"I have places to be," you look down at your watch. "I'm already late."

>She opens her mouth to object, but shuts it quickly and starts again.

>"Fine, go. Come back later though, I need to run more tests."

>You nod and bolt out of the place, you were suppose to have lunch with Rarity.

>15 minutes ago.

>You get to the restaurant nowhere near on time.

>Rarity had taken a table outside, probably to enjoy the nice summer weather.

>She looked utterly stunning, but she was frowning, fiddling with a fork

>Not wanting to waste time walking through the front door you hop over the fence blocking in the outside part patio.

>With a bit of luck and a pinch of skill you land nearly perfectly in the chair across from her.

>It tilted to the side as you land, and you almost fall, but you play it off with a smile.

"Sorry, I'm late."

>"It's fine, darling," she always looked and sounded amazing, funny how that worked.

>A waiter from across the way gives you an unamused look.

>You shrug and smile, waving him over.

>"What had you held up?" she asked, after the waiter had gone off with your orders.

>You roll up the sleeve on your shirt, flipping your arm over.

>Her eyes widen and mouth drops.

>"What is that?"

"Honestly I have no idea. Neither does Twilight, but apparently, I can cast spells now."

>"Really?"

"Yeah, but so far all I know is levitation stuff, and I've only used it once so...," your voices trails off as you concentrate on the notepad in a waiter's hand.

>Black hazy grips his pen and pad as you force them to hover just above him.

>The Earth pony makes a few futile jumps to catch it before looking around at who is screwing with him.

>The couple he's serving try to conceal their smiles to no avail, his eyes lock with yours.

>You look away quickly, dropping the objects on his head.

>Rarity has her head buried in her hoofs, muffled giggles coming from her.

>You were always delighted to make her laugh, at whatever expense.

>She picks her head up, asking if her hair is messy.

>To be completely honest you liked it better when it was a little messy.

"Looks fine. Hey, do you have any plans for new dresses? Late summer stuff is going to be popular soon."

>You talk for quite some time, well past lunch, only leaving upon the request of the manager.

>It was around five o'clock, the sun was still up, and it would be for a few more hours now, but the day was getting a little dark.

>You walked with Rarity around down, just chatting, she leaned up against you a little, you had no complaints, all in all it was a good day.

>Eventually you said your goodbyes, Rarity heading off to her boutique.

>You were just about to head back the library when you saw AppleJack come up the road, heaving two overloaded saddlebags on either side of her.

"Hey, need some help?"

>"Nah I got it," she huffed, there was no way she could carry that back to the farm.

>You put your new found powers to the test, picking up the saddlebags and hovering them just over her.

>She gives you a look of displeasure, then surprise.

>"Howdya do that?"

>You explain to her and the trip back to the farm, all the way she insisted she could take care of herself.

>"Thanks, but I got it from here," she took the bag from you.

>The sun had gone down and it was dark, the stars were just emerging.

>"Hey...," her voice trailed off, "no one is in the barn."

"Well, this late at night? I'd assume their in the house by now."

>"It is late at night isn't it?" she was blushing.

>You weren't an idiot, you had noticed AppleJack's face when Rarity had told her friends a few weeks ago.

>But you also weren't one to have quick sex whilst in a relationship with someone else.

"Yeah, perhaps I should get back to the library, before I get in trouble with Twilight."

>She looked away, sort of disappointed, you'd never figure her, the most honest of the bunch would do something so dishonest.

>"I'll see ya later, sugercube."

>You walk back to the library, maybe you were wrong about AppleJack.

>Maybe she was really just making a comment on the time of day.

>You over analyzed everything when it came to these matters.

>Twilight was already in bed, reading a book on basic spells.

>You gathered an extra set of clothes, and a few other possessions from your room.

>Spike had taken your necklace again, and your old wallet.

"When you see Spike tell him to stop raiding my stuff," you say, just about to walk out the door.

>"Where are you going?" Twilight appeared on the balcony overlooking the lower floor of the library.

"Rarity's place," you stop at the door, the refreshing air of a summers night wafting in from the ajar door.

>"Why?"

"Because I want to spend some more time with her."

>She retreated back into her room, you thought you heard her mumble something.

>You didn't really have to ask to head over to Rarity's house, the door was pretty much always open to you.

>You just hoped her sister was gone, Sweetie Bell wasn't so bad, but she was rather defensive of her sister.

>Rarity opened the door, a bottle of liquor floating just near her.

>And her sister was off at a friend's house.

>It was a fucking awesome night.

 

>"You should give yourself a second to recover. You did really well, in fact, better then I did my first try," Twilight checks something off on her clipboard.

>The park was empty, probably because of the fair going on in the town's square

>Either way it provided an excellent space to practice spells in on this fine summer afternoon.

>The grassy field was littered with destroyed fruits, mostly small things like lemons and apples.

>Rainbow Dash seemed unimpressed at your display of combat magic on the fruit.

"I don't feel tired, I could go again."

>"No, trust me, you need a breather."

>Bullshit, you felt fine.

>And this was so awesome.

"Dash, thrown me that watermelon."

>"Why?" she doesn't wait for an answer though.

>From her elevated position she throws you a melon.

>The gleaming fruit hung in the hair for a second, then exploded in a burst of fruity goodness.

>The chunks drop to the ground with satisfying wet sounds.

>The foreign tingling warmth streaks down your inner forearm again.

>You look at the mark, it's edges were a little red, and when you poke it, the flesh felt a little tender, like a bruise.

>"That was pretty cool."

"How much cooler then the other stuff?"

>Rainbow Dash was about to open her mouth, arching her back in preparation to do an aerial back flip.

>"Don't even," Twilight said, moving to you, "We're done for today, try not to use your magic too much, okay?"

>"Why don't you guys come to the fair with me?"

>Twilight nods a no.

>"I have some studying to catch up on."

"I'll go," you say, walking over to the hovering pegasus.

>The summer fair had many of the things any other Earth fair would.

>Except the pony versions of the rides are a bit smaller.

>Of all things, the Ferris wheel on the other side of town was the biggest attraction.

>As you and Rainbow Dash weave around the excited crowd looking for the rest of your friends your struck with the smell of cooking popcorn, the sight of cotton candy and all the other scents and sights of a child's paradise.

>"Where's Rarity?" Rainbow Dash asks, rising above the crowd to look around.

"She had work last time we talked, making a suit for someone in Canterlot."

>She comes back down next to you.

>"I can't find anyp0ny, want to just go on a few rides without them?"

"Sure, what about the Ferris Wheel?"

>"Will you fit in there?"

"What are you trying to say?"

>As you got closer to the ride you notice it's just a slightly smaller version of one you would find on Earth.

>There's a long line stretching from the ticket collector all the way back into town.

"It'll take days to get through that line," you remark, but you keep walking toward it.

>You and Dash move near the ride, but stay away from the line.

>The ride was small, but still huge.

>The metal monster looms over you, but it wasn't at all intimidating.

>You can see a few ponies in the ride's cabins.

>"Do you think I could fly up there and take a spot?"

"What's so cool about a Ferris wheel if you can fly?"

>"Um, it's-," she starts.

>A loud groan, the sound of metal finally giving in to the odds, interrupts her.

>You look up to see the Ferris Wheel leaning forward, it's great shadow enveloping you and about two dozen other ponies.

>They scatter in a rush, some were frozen in fear.

>Rainbow Dash hits you on the shoulder, yells something you don't pay attention to, then tries to pull you a bit.

>A few unicorns had rushed over, attempting to make use of their magic to halt the fall, it was useless, in just another second it would kill you and the other ponies that remained under it.

>You closed your eyes.

>You really wanted it to stop.

>Placing up your hands as if that could stop it, a great strain came to you, like you had pulled all the muscles in your body.

>So this was the feeling of being crushed?

>After a few seconds there was another loud slam, the sound of metal meeting ground.

>"Ohmygishohmygoshohmygosh..."

>Rainbow Dash was flying circles around you, or at least you thought she was, the world could have just been spinning.

>Pain makes you wince forcibly, your head pounds, and your mark felt like it was on fire.

>You lean over, drops of blood hitting the grass below.

>The cheers of ponies were heard everywhere.

>You bring a hand to your nose, wet poured from it, blood covered your hand when you brought it back.

>Ponies ran up to you, forming a circle around you.

>A few of them thank you, some just yell at the top of their lungs in excitement.

>You simply give them a thumbs up, pushing past them back into town.

>You're pretty sure Rainbow Dash was flying around behind you telling you how cool that was, but your head is spinning, swimming, floating and in a lot of pain.

>After sometime you realize you had no idea what part of town you were in.

"Dash, can you led me to the library? I don't feel so awesome."

>Twilight sits you in that comfortable armchair when you get there.

>"I'm not going to say I told you so," she said, rummaging around her shelves, "but I told you so."

>You get a chance to look at your mark, the skin around it looked red and inflamed, the actual mark looked almost darker, but it could just be the contrast making it appear darker.

>"Twilight, that was so awesome! The big wheel thingy was like falling," Dash demonstrates the fall of the ride with her hoofs, "then anonymous was like wham! It was so cool."

"Yes, that is exactly how it occurred."

>Twilight squints at you.

"Can you tell me why I got a nosebleed after doing that?"

>"It's because you stressed yourself too much, you're lucky it didn't kill you. Here, drink this."

>Twilight hands you a small blue vial, greenish liquid sloshed around in it, it looks like it's pretty thick.

"What is it?"

>"Just drink it, please."

>You pull out the stopper and down the entire bottle in one go.

>It slides down your throat with a vile coldness, but instantly your headache is gone, and so was the red around your mark.

>"We have to tell everyp0ny!" Rainbow dashes out of the library, off to find the rest of the group.

"I want to lie down."

>"Right after I run a few tests," Twilight's horn sparks, you feel a gentle warmth in your chest.

>You can't help yourself, the comfortable chair and relaxing warmth were too much, you fall asleep in Twilight's armchair.

 

>"Ya did what?"

>"Not me," Rainbow Dash points at you, "He did."

>You walk up on Dash and Applejack, who are talking by the side of the road, Dash is hovering a few inches off the ground.

"It was an accident," it was just a stroke of luck that you were able to stop that Ferris Wheel, you claim, joining them.

>"You can't 'accidentally' do something like that," Dash reasons.

"Well enough about me, are we going to get going now?"

>"Going where?" Applejack questions, you and Dash take a step away from her.

"You didn't tell her?"

>"I forgot," she sets down on the ground, "Do you want come with us to meet the others?"

>"What are ya'll doin'?"

"We figured we'll plan that out when we have everyone."

>"All right, I'm not busy."

>The three of you meet the other four around the marketplace, and they're arguing with someone else.

>A cloaked pony was confronting the other four her horn was sparking, Rarity and Twilight were in the lead, Fluttershy cowering in the back and Pinkie Pie cheering something.

>"What's going on?" Rainbow Dash flew in next to the three unicorns.

>"This mare destroyed my new dress," Rarity nodded her head at a small pile of ashes next to her.

>The cloaked unicorn removed the hood obscuring her face, she was a pretty blue mare, with a two toned white and blue mane.

"Who's that?" you ask Applejack.

>"Trixie," she says, squinting in displeasure at the newcomer.

>A strange amulet glowed around her neck.

>"You think burning a dress is Great and Powerful?" Dash remarks.

>She plops out of the sky forcibly, a red haze around her outstretched wings.

>"You and I have some unfinished business. My magic's gotten better since I was here last. And I'm going to prove it! Me and you. A magic duel. Winner stays, loser leaves Ponyville forever!" Trixie says, turning to Twilight.

>"I'll never make a deal like that."

>"Have it your way," Trixie horn bursts another set of sparks, Fluttershy's wings disappear.

>"AHHHHH, AHHHHH!" the former pegasus runs off.

>"Stop. Why are you doing this?"

>Trixie had Pinkie Pie raised in the air at a dangerous height, the drop would be fatal, but the Earth pony couldn't care less.

>Pinkie was giggling, suspended by Trixie's magic, just above the others.

>"Why? Because you humiliated me! After you showed me up with that Ursa Minor, I became a laughingstock! Everywhere I went I was laughed at and ostracized. I even had to take a job on a rock farm just to earn a living! A rock farm!"

>A small square screen provided a visual aid for the story.

>Two colts ran up, one fat and short, the other tall and thin.

>"The great and powerful Trixie!" they shout in unison, moving beside her.

>The unicorn keeps them at a distance with a red, hazy, force field.

>The unicorn notices you for the first time, you had remained back with Applejack.

>The mare seemed to let out a huff, and blushed a bit.

>Trixie turns away, dropping the suspended Pinkie a few feet.

>The Earth pony lets out an excited "Whooo!"

>But thankfully she's caught again before she hits the ground.

>"Fine, let her go, I'll duel you," Twilight says, looking nervous.

>"Excellent," Trixie lifts up a cart in the distance, a pony yells as it descends on him.

>You're about to intervene but Twilight has it, placing the wagon back down, saving the stallion.

>Trixie grunts, and conjures a group of pies.

>She tosses them all at Twilight, who summons a peculiar little sprite.

>The little insect ate all six of the baked goods.

>Twilight banishes the sprite the second a duplicate pops out of the original.

>She looks pretty drained, but Trixie looked quite calm and collected.

>A heap of snow fell from the sky, covering Twilight, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash.

>You see Applejack looks a little nervous, you weren't though, Twilight was a very skilled magician, she would win this simple duel.

>The snow covering them begins to melt away, Twilight and the others are revealed, her horn glowing a warm red.

>Trixie turns to the two colts, her horn practically humming with energy.

>The pair are shot into the air, returning as a foal in diapers and an old stallion.

>Twilight looked shocked.

>"An age spell? But- how could you do an age spell? That's only for the highest level unicorns!"

>"Do you concede?" Trixie's confident grin already knew the answer.

>"You can do it Twilight!" Pinkie shouts.

>She can't, her horn sputters and the two colts are lifted into the air for a brief second, but they come down unchanged.

>"Now you must leave Ponyville, FOREVER!"

"No she's not."

>How hard could a little age spell be?

>You breath deep, mustering your energy, then with  hand gesture the two stallions are enveloped in a hazy black.

>As it releases everyone can see that the two colts have been reverted back to their original age.

>Trixie looks surprised, but it only shows for a second.

>"No matter! My deal was with Twilight, she still must leave Ponyville."

"Than I challenge you to a duel, if I win Twilight stays and you go. If I lose I'll be at your mercy and Twilight leaves."

>She turns, as if to decline.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie refusing a challenge? I expected more of you."

>"Fine! Combat Magic is the game!"

>You look back at Twilight, you knew very little about combat magic, but you were able to pull off that age spell.

"Alright, you strike first."

>Trixie smiled, as if she had already won.

>"First to fall loses."

>A bolt of lightening strikes your chest without warning.

>You stumble, hunching over, but you keep both feet on the ground.

>It felt like your bones had melted into your body, the solidified again, but you recover quickly.

"What do I do?" you turn to Twilight and Rarity, who were standing by nervously.

>"Use a shielding spell," Twilight suggests, as if you know what that is.

>Worth a try.

>You wave a hand in a wiping motion, mostly as an instinct.

>It didn't seem to do anything.

>Your heart sank as that overconfident mare cast another spell, the cord of lightening rushes forward but it never hit.

>You flinch as the blackish translucent wall absorbs her spell.

>Now it was your turn to knock her over.

>You raise a hand, a wispy, dark orb of smoke forms in it.

>You've got no idea what's going on.

>You throw it at Trixie, who's tossed in the air and drops back down, recovering with a spell, all of her hoofs landed perfectly on the ground.

>She struck you with several bolts of jarring electricity.

>Your bones felt hot, and your skin tingled.

"Nyaahghhaa."

>She chuckles lightly.

"You fuckin'-,"

>You let instinct take over, your fist is brought back, and you throw another something.

>Your blue-white orb hits her square in the chest, the unicorn is tossed back.

>She lost, her battered form laying several feet away.

>You walk up to her, she's bruised badly and her nose looks broken, blood flowed from it.

>Another wispy blue orb forms in your hand, something tells you to bring it down on her head.

>You kneel beside her, bringing your hand up, with intent on crushing her smug little skull with your powerful spell.

>Her eyes widen and she tries to move, but she can't.

>"Stop!" Twilight calls, galloping over.

>You weren't going to, the orb dissipates in your palm.

"Are you alright?"

>Trixie moves out of the way, struggling to stand.

>She limps a good distance away before turning back.

>"This is not over," she growls.

"I didn't mean to hurt her like that! I though she'd just topple over or something-,"

>Then pain burst from every part of your body, your head felt like it was being cracked open.

>You move off the road, hunching over in a grassy patch near the bridge out of down, the others come over to you.

>You cough, it feels like you're about to be sick, you keep gagging and eventually you spit up a large amount of blood, you feel more stream from your nose.

>That was never a good sign.

>Your mark burns, looking at it find the flesh around it red and inflamed like before, the actual mark looking even darker.

>"Watch him, don't let him move, I'll be right back," Twilight rushes down the street.

>Your head pounds with an immense fury, like a migraine mated with a hangover, producing the pinnacle of cranial pain.

>You fall to your side softly, rolling over.

>The cloudless noon sky does little to easy your pain, but it was pleasant to look at.

>Unfortunately you had to keep your eyes half shut, lest you cause more pain to yourself.

>"Is he going to be okay?" Pinkie says.

>A huge, smiling, pink face blocks out the sun.

>"Do you want some cake?" she asks, holding out a small pound cake.

>where did she even get that?

>With some effort you manage to get some words out.

>"Pinkie," you say with a groan, closing your eyes completely, "please hush."

>Sorry," she replies with a half whisper that came out squeaky and louder than it should have been.

>"Oh, darling," Rarity comes up next to Pinkie, she looks distressed, "your nice shirt has blood and grass stains."

>You weren't going warrant that with a response.

>"Excuse me. Excuse me, sorry," Twilight takes Pinkie's place over you.

>A little blue vial comes into your field of vision, magically suspended just above your mouth.

>You take it, sitting up as you do.

>Once again you down the vile fluid.

>Immediate relief runs through you.

"This isn't going to come out is it?" you ask, looking down at your badly stained button up shirt.

>Rarity gives the shirt a look of concern.

"Is Fluttershy going to get her wings back?"

>"Yes, after a day or two, it's only a temporary effect," Twilight responds.

>"We should go see how she's doing," Dash says, taking flight.

>Pinkie, Applejack and Twilight start in the direction of the bridge.

>"You coming?" Twilight asks.

"Nah, I need some rest, give her my best though,"

>"Well somep0ny has to take care of you," Rarity says, making an attempt to help you up.

>Twilight nods and continues.

"You sure you don't want to go with them?"

>"I'm sure Fluttershy will be fine, you on the other hand need to get cleaned up. And you could use a new shirt."

>You don't even bother to wipe off the blood on your face, it felt like there was a lot though.

>Rarity cleans you up when you get to her boutique, and uses a clothing change as an excuse to undress you.

>On top of a new set of clothes she had just washed she also provides you with a pleasing dinner.

>Neither of you had noticed the sun set, giving rise to another great night in Equestria.

>Without warning her mood changes, she doesn't look like she's enjoying herself anymore.

>She excuses herself for a moment, taking the bottle of liquor you were sharing with her.

>she trots to the terrace attached to her bedroom, leaving the door open, as if to invite you.

>With caution and a twitch of uncertainty you follow her.

>She doesn't turn when you join her out there.

>"I never thought this would be happening."

>You closed the door behind you, moving to lean over the stone rail.

>You take a sip from your glass, not moving from your position.

>The stone feels cold on your forearms, your wine glass hangs precariously from your hand over the edge.

"What do you mean?"

>You look at her, she's gazing up at the bright stars above, her features spoke of a longing and sadness she would have trouble getting over.

>"I never thought I'd be with, well, somep0ny like you."

>Her eyes and tone make it seem like that wasn't a compliment.

"what are you saying?"

>"I'm - I don't know, I'm just thinking out loud."

>She finally meets your eyes, trying to play it off.

>You think of something, deciding to get it off your chest.

"I'm sorry I'm not royalty. I'm sorry I don't have money or fame. Or even proper dinning etiquette. I'm sorry I'm not well versed in all the formal ways of greeting someone. But I'm not sorry that I'd go out of my way to help you, to make you laugh. I don't regret falling for you, even though you probably deserve someone who could give you everything you want, sorry for that."

>It sounded pretty ridiculous saying it out loud.

>Maybe you could have said it differently, or have just kept your mouth shut.

>But it was going to come out one time or another, the doubt had been nibbling at you from the moment Rarity accepted that first date.

>She didn't respond.

>you hoped you hadn't misinterpreted what she said, but her reputation for wanting to run off with some member of royalty was well known.

>And by god the way she had said that certainly sounded like she wanted someone better.

>"And I apologize for not seeing I already had before me everything I could ever want," she places her forelegs on your chest, coming eye level with you.

>With a peck on the lips she leaves the terrace.

>A wave of relief rolls through you, you decide to stay and finish your drink before joining her.

 

>Nothing happens for many days after Trixie's appearance.

>You keep down on your magic use, still practice and using it when you can.

>It seems like your getting better, less fatigue and headaches after magic use.

>Twilight tells you Trixie was using some sort of artifact to bolster her magical capabilities.

>It worries you, especially seeing as she said she would return.

>You don't speak to Rarity for two days in a row, and you didn't want to make the first move.

>With nothing to do this afternoon you elect to relax with Dash after a long day of work at Applejack's farm.

>You nod a hello to her, she's resting her head on her legs precariously laying on a tree branch.

"What's up?"

>"Well, I guess I am."

>With a laugh you begin climbing the tree, finding a comfortable seat a branch away from her, leaning on the rough trunk of the oak.

"Is this going to break? That would suck."

>She opens one eye, and examines your position.

>"Yeah, you're bucked."

>Dash was probably the easiest to talk too, she was always up for playing a prank, and was always ready to crack a joke, she even checked out mares with you sometimes.

>No counting Rarity, Dash was the pony you went to first for a good time.

>You talked about plans for the weekend, her practice, your problems with Rarity - who you called "The DressMaker" when it was just Dash and you.

>She also briefly tells you about a griffon she used to know, it was rare that Dash talked about her past, and when she did it was just a vague story.

>Until nightfall the two of you chat and laugh, you almost falling several times, but you were having a pretty good time, until Rarity came up on you two.

>"Yeah, she does have a nice flank, I'd bury my face so far-," Dash's face flashed a bright red, "H-hey Rarity!"

"Holy Christ," you whip around violently, almost falling again, "what's up?"

>Dash just said something very compromising for everyone, this may be hard to play off.

>"I was just visiting Fluttershy, her wings finally came back. What are you two talking about?"

>You pray to the gods you don't have to explain what you were talking about, but before you could say something Dash interrupts.

>"I fell into some mare at practice today."

>Rarity nods like she understands and then looks at the ground, that was never a good sign.

>"Well I guess I'll be off."

"Want to do something later?"

>She shrugs and trots off without another word.

>You bury your face in your hands, as if that could reverse what's happened.

>"That was close."

>You sigh in agreement, hopping off the branch to the soft ground below.

"I'm going to head out, catch you later?"

>Dash reverted back to her napping position, that sufficed as a goodbye.

>You made your way back to the library.

>You wondered why Dash had trusted you with her secret, but you'd keep it just the same, you suppose it made some sense, you were both pretty close.

>Tonight was suppose to be your last night there, but you had a feeling that you'd be staying there for quite a while longer.

>After a quick dinner you decided to relax away the rest of the night with a bottle of hard cider on the terrace just outside Twilight's bedroom.

>It felt like you were being watched, and you probably were, but it wasn't Twilight's eyes on your back.

>She had her face buried in a book, two green eyes emerged from the darkness at the other end of the terrace.

>The shadowy figure crept toward you in the dark, he was about your size, except gangly and awkwardly moving.

>He took a seat next to you, finally revealing himself to be Spike

>Apparently he was teenaged now, which was fine by you, because he's one of the few things that could talk to you without looking up.

>Seeing how saddened he looked you briefly ponder whether dragons have an emo phase.

>"Can I?"

>You hand him your other bottle, unscrewing the cap for him.

>He nods a thank you and sinks into his chair, chugging nearly half the bottle in one go.

>While Spike did steal from you often he was pretty cool, he hardly became angry at anything, even when you had told him about your relationship with Rarity, you were surprised he had taken it so well.

>"So, how is she?"

>There was no doubt who he was referring to.  

"she's great, I think, we had a bit of trouble a couple nights though. We haven't spoken in a few days."

>"How is it?"

>You give him a quizzical look, on the outside you looked calm but a little confused; on the inside worry was chipping away at your stomach.

>"How is it when she kisses you? How is it when you hear her laugh, know you made her happy? How is it when she screams your name at night, knowing you caused her to squeal in pleasure?"

>You made no effort to conceal your emotions now, the teenaged dragon starred off into the night sky, unwilling to meet your eyes.

"Why are you-"

>"How is it when you thrust into her and she blushes, begging for more?"

"What the fuck is your problem? Do you have something you want to tell me? Because you're really pissing me off."

>"Oh? You're mad? Funny," his calm demeanor remained, he finished off his bottle of cider. "It should have been me. I should be the one taking her to nice restaurants. It should be me sneaking over to her house when her sisters not there, and we'd share a night of-"

"Yeah well it's not," you stand up, taking the bottle from his hand, "it's me, and your going to have to deal with it. And I swear to the gods if I catch you spying on us again I'm going to break your neck."

>You had your suspicions for weeks, and now they were confirmed.

>So those light green eyes in the dark were Spike's.

>Not only do you distinctly remember those eyes watching you dine with Rarity, but you also recall being watched that one night at her boutique.

>You were about to go inside when you heard a guttural roar.

>Spike jumps up from his chair and tackles you, nearly sending you over the edge.

>With the wind knocked out of you and half your body hanging over the edge you couldn't do much as Spike brought his fist down on your face.

>"IT SHOULD BE ME!"

>He brutalizes you with a few more punches, the pain in your neck and face is disorientating.

>Yet you manage to get your hand over his head, a ball of bluish-white swirling in the palm.

>You hit him on the side of the face, lest he falls forward with the impact.

>The teenage dragon is strong, but not strong enough to resist the impact of your spell, he's cast to the side, crashing into the wall separating Twilight's bedroom.

"Fuck with me again and you'll get worse."

>He was dazed, staggering toward you only to fall back down.

>"I'll bucking kill you."

"No, you won't, you're a fucking pussy bitch, that's why she picked me," you laugh loudly, it's the only thing you can do.

>This wasn't you, you wouldn't say something like that.

>Then it came, strain in your forearm, like a pulled muscle, mixed with the pain of being beaten and the burn of your mark.

>Twilight finally appears, looking at both of you in wordless confusion.

>Spike gets up, pushes past Twilight, who calls after him.

>You can hear the dragon stumble about as he makes for the door.

>You slump down into a chair.

>"What happened?"

>Sudden fear comes over you, he might be headed for Rarity's place.

>Without a word you rush past her, she protests but you hear none of it.

>You rush to the boutique, Spike is waiting outside, he sees you running toward him and reacts rather quickly.

>A stream of green flames burst from his gaping maw, shooting toward you.

>You hop back just in time, but you still feel the heat of the flame lick your skin.

>You see the cobblestone road is scorched black and a few scrolls lay here and there.

>Rarity's door opens, Sweetie Bell is just behind her.

>"What's going on?"

>Spike, in a blind rage, spins around and brings his clawed hand up.

>Before he could hurt anyone you throw him into the air with a smokey orb.

>A second later your temple starts to beat, the pain was beginning to build up.

>Thankfully Rarity had jumped back, seemingly telling Sweetie Bell to stay inside.

>She looks at your face, bruised and bloodied no doubt, and you think understanding comes to her.

>Spike picks himself off the ground, he had fallen a few feet away from the boutique's door.

>"It should be me," he huffs, clutching his side.

>"IT SHOULD BE ME," the dragon runs off, not wanting to risk another fight.

>Some measure of relief comes to you.

>Rarity invites you in to get fixed up.

>She does her best to ease your pain while you explain what happened, and how Spike lashed out.

>She doesn't take it well when you tell her he's been spying on both of you.

>You also note how you had lost your cool, saying things you normally wouldn't.

"...But it's not my fault, I'm not the one who started the fight."

>"It's a bit of a gray area, darling."

"Are you agreeing with him?"

>"No," she looks a bit flustered, "but I understand why he was so angry."

"Well, with someone as attractive as you, I suppose it's to be expected."

>She blushes a little, and Sweetie Bell, who was spying from around a corner, starts gagging.

>Despite the wounds and your pounding head, it was nice to be talking to Rarity again.

 

 

>You had a busy day lined up.

>That included another night out with Rarity.

>You pick her up from the boutique a little early, but she was read regardless, she seems pretty excited about being able to go out again.

>It was comforting knowing it wasn't just you that had a hard time during your little "break".

>"Have you seen Spike?" she asks as you walk to the restaurant  in Ponyville's square.

>You nod a no solemnly, you regret having that fight with him, and it would seem he had ran away, as no one has heard from him and it's been nearly a week now.

>She sighs almost inaudibly, as if she lost an opportunity.

>A flash of anger crosses your face for an instant, but you let it go.

>Very (Ha fuck you) violent thoughts blink across your mind, your forearm seems to heat up.

>Then, just as suddenly (Yeah this too) as it came, your mind was clear again, and your as you check your mark you find it's perfectly fine.

>You could have sworn you felt it burn, as if you were overusing your magic, but there was no redness around the eye.

>You think nothing of it, passing it off when Rarity asks.

>You get to the restaurant, the waiter giving you daggers as he finds you a table, you return with a smile and a nod.

>"So how's the magic practice coming, darling?" she asks after a long pause of silence.

>You adjust your position in the booth, fiddling with the fork on your napkin.

"It's actually going pretty well, I'm able to use it more often without taking breaks," you reply, meeting her eyes finally. "I've pretty much mastered levitation, and Twilight's going to start teaching me teleportation tomorrow. But besides that I'm getting used to using those more aggressive spells."

>She looks away from you when you mention the combat magic.

"what's the matter?"

>She scrunches up her muzzle as if she had a just licked a particularly sour lemon, "I couldn't bear to see you and Spike hurting each other, and I don't like thinking about it."

"Yeah, I didn't like what I had to do, but I had to do it. Just like my scuffle with Trixie, if I hadn't intervened Twilight would have been banished."

>"It doesn't make it anymore right."

"I suppose, but I will not lay down and be beaten because the alternative may get my enemy hurt."

>"You could always reason with them."

"Alright, say I attempted to reason with the infuriated Spike that tackled me, I may not be sitting here right now. The way he was hitting me, he wanted to do some serious damage."

>She refused to answer, remaining silent until the food came.

>The conversation picked up again when the main course came, a splendid salad like spread with delicious dressings and a delectable bread and cheese side.

>She gives you some tips on dinning "properly", tells you about her new summer line, and her plans for the fall.

>"I want to do a whole line on human clothing styles, it'll be all the rage in Canterlot, surely."

"Human and pony clothing is very similar, and I don't know much about fancy human clothing, there's not much to work with."

>"Oh, no," Rarity waves her hood dismissively, "I mean casual wear, I could make a whole fall line based around this "hoodie" thing you had me make."

>You didn't say anything but you nodded approval and kept eating.

>She went on talking, and you listened diligently, asking questions when you didn't understand something.

>It was nice just listening to her speak.

>How she rolled her eyes and made hoof gestures to elaborate things brought a smile to your face, but the night comes to an end and you part ways.

>You leave her at her doorstep, Sweetie Bell giving you a icy stare.

>Sleep doesn't come easy when you retire to your room in Twilight's library.

>And when it does, nightmares of a dark cave filled with unknown horrors haunts you.

>Despite the clammy hands dragging you into the darkness of a nightmare you do wake up to another sunny day.

>You were preparing your own breakfast when Twilight had rushed down the stairs, ramming straight into you, and propping herself on you with her forelegs.

>"Do you know what today is?"

>You nod a no and gently push her off.

>"Celestia is visiting Ponyville today!"

"Okay? That's happened before."

>"But we didn't prepare a reception, she's just going to show up."

"Why didn't you set one up?"

>"Because I was just informed!"

>With Spike gone she must be getting her mail in an alternative way, you imagine Derpy crashing into her bedroom in the early morning spewing letters all over.

>You didn't see the problem, Princess Celestia really didn't mind whether or not there was a reception for her arrival.

>But there was no arguing with Twilight when she was freaking out.

"You know what? I don't care, and neither should you, it's going to alright if you just don't-"

>"BUT SHE'S COMING AND THERE'S NO PARTY!"

>You flinched, partly because of her sudden shouting and partly because you expected Pinkie to burst in through the front door.

>The rest of that morning was spent with Twilight rushing around doing nothing productive.

>Celestia did come, and she brought with her the other five of Twilight's friends.

>Usually you left when Celestia had to tell them something important, but this time the princess had stopped you.

>She claimed this was something you should hear.

>She had you gather round in a ragged semicircle around her.

>"I'll be brief as I must visit the Crystal Empire as soon as possible. Beyond the Froud Valley Chrysalis and her changelings are stirring again, and I think they may be planning something disastrous. I've heard that they've had trouble finding a 'food' source."

"That would make them pretty desperate," Celestia gives you a cold stare, "sorry."

>"Yes, it would, and I think she may try something soon, so be cautious until I can be sure Chrysalis isn't going to try anything. Now, may I speak with you alone?"

>She pointed a hoof at you.

>Rarity, who was leaning on you, removed her warm body from your side and slid away from you a little.

>You stand up quickly, slipping a little as you follow her into the next room, you think you hear Pinkie make a snort of laughter.

>She closes the door behind you.

>Although no one had every said anything about it, you got the feeling Celestia didn't like you very much, and that vibe was really strong right now.

>"I've heard of your magical exploits."

>You hoped she wasn't referring to your fights with Spike and Trixie, who both crawled away badly battered.

"Um, I did what I had too."

>"I'm sure you did. But I don't believe you're strong enough for the trials you're going to face, and I beg to take precaution when the time comes."

"What time?"

>She says nothing, pushing past you.

>You remain in the room for a second, worry making your hand tremble a little.

>"Goodbye my little ponies, I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer."

>By the time you emerge from the drawing room she's gone, and the ponies were talking amongst themselves.

>Twilight reviews who Queen chrysalis is and all she knows about the queens Changelings for you, and your worry increases.

>Not only do you have something terrible coming, it will almost surely have to do with shape shifting insects.

>"I need a drink," Dash said, skulking toward the door.

>"You need a party," Pinkie whips out a kazoo and starts blowing into it, you've never experienced a more irritating noise.

>The lot of them decided to go and get drinks somewhere in town, but you couldn't bring yourself to join, so you stayed at the library.

>It was strange how none of them even asked what Celestia had told you.

>After several hours, some of which you spent sleeping, the night finally came.

>And with the darkness came the pounding of drunken hooves on the door.

>Without rushing you walk to the door, it sounded like all six of them were out there but you really couldn't tell.

>You unlatch the door and Dash flies straight into you, knocking you over.

>"She's gone, I'm sorry."

 

>The five remaining ponies explained how they, in their inebriated state, were defenseless against Trixie's magic and Spike's brute force.

>"-She did say that she only wanted you to follow them, and if we came, they'd kill her."

"No way they'd kill her, Spike wouldn't let her."

>You try to remain calm, but you can't seem to, neither can the half drunk ponies in front of you.

>"That may be so, but they could still hurt her," Twilight reasoned, she looked a little bruised.

"Okay, okay, where are they going?"

>"She said she was taking the train to Ghastly Gorge," Dash answered, she looked terribly shaken.

>"I'm so sorry," Fluttershy said.

>"Yeah, we all are," Pinkie Pie added.

"You shouldn't be apologizing to me. I have to leave right now-"

>You started for the door when Dash put her hoof on your chest.

>"I'm coming with you," she said confidently.

>"So am I," Twilight stood from her chair.

>The other three chimed in their vows to join.

"No, no one is. I've got to do this. Besides, I'm not risking your lives, or Rarity's."

>Rainbow Dash reluctantly lets you by, and you make your way to the train station.

>No trains are leaving, and Trixie wasn't at the station.

>You decide to just follow the tracks, Ghastly Gorge was a short distance from Ponyville, it would be about an hour long walk.

>You had no clue how Trixie and Spike had found each other, or why they were cooperating.

>Most likely their mutual hate for you, perhaps Trixie had convinced Spike he would somehow finally have Rarity for himself.

>But why would she want to lure you out into a remote place like the gorge.

>If she wanted a rematch for the duel you expected her to just show up in town, this something else.

>Celestia's word come back to you, reverberating in your lungs, mixing with the cold night air.

>You were about half way to the gorge, and you sensed you were being followed.

>It was unlikely to be Trixie and her company, and the only other explanation was Twilight and the others had lied and followed you.

>There was no way to find them and tell them to go away, and you weren't even sure if they really were following, you just hoped they stayed back.

>You came up on the gorge, the sun began to rise, and you could make out the shadow of a large figure and two smaller ones.

>They were waiting against a wall of rock that came up to about your shoulders, you had to weave around it and up across a small hill to reach them, due to a large gash that led into the gorge's main cut.

>"Finally you've arrived," Trixie stated with a pout as you approached.

>Spike was standing uneasily behind a blindfolded and gagged Rarity, he looked guilty.

>Trixie pushed her captive forward, toward you, and untied her blindfolds.

>Two, tear filled beautiful blue eyes pleaded with you in place of her voice.

>But trying to save her now would be stupid, too many variables.

"What do you want from me, Trixie?"

>"I want another duel."

>That was complete bullshit.

"Fin-"

>Shocking pain struck you in the chest, you keel over in pain, clutching your side.

>You hear the muttered yells of Rarity.

>You tried to get a strike in but the orb of smokey blue you had thrown was repulsed by Trixie's shield.

>Two more bolts of sizzling electricity came from Trixie's horn, her amulet glowed with malicious power.

>You dodged one swiftly, but were disabled by the other.

>You fell to your knees, your bones tingling and feeling like molten glass.

>Trixie snickered, your vision was hazy but you could see as she forcibly took Rarity from Spike.

"What do you want?" you managed to sputter out.

>"I want you to feel the same pain I felt. I want you to feel hopeless as I take away everything you love."

>Her words were enough, and the fear in Rarity's eyes only helped fuel you.

>You stand, stumbling a bit, Trixie places her hooves on Rarity's neck.

>"Casting magic will not just hurt me," Trixie's eyes burned with rage and her grin revealed a certain calm, insanity.

>You hold back for a second.

>"Don't hurt her," Spike pleas.

>"Shut up you idiot."

>Spike's brow furrows in anger, and his he balls his fists, but does nothing.

>A small ball of smokey ball forms in your right palm.

>It would knock Trixie and Rarity into the air, and you could catch Rarity just before she falls to the ground, or the gorge.

>You cock back your arm, ready to throw, when another or Trixie's attacks hits your arm.

>Your spell hits a rock, smashing it.

>Trixie flinches, startled, and accidentally jerks her forelegs.

>A vile crack echoed through the gorge.

>Trixie's eyes were wide with shock, but in a second her smile returned.

>No worries, Rarity was fine, she's just a little hurt, she'd be fine.

>"No," Spike roars from behind her, but before she could make any moves he was on her.

>Spike pummeled the Unicorn, crushing her horn in a single strike.

>And he kept at it, until only a bloody messy pulp remained of Trixie's face.

>You sink to your knees next to Rarity.

>Her beautiful eyes gaze off into the distance, lifelessly.

>Spike yells at the sky, his voice cracking with emotion, he threatens you pointlessly, claiming it was all your fault.

>And it was, it was all your fault.

>But Rarity was fine, it was just a little injury.

>Maybe Twilight's concoction could fix her.

>Yeah that would work.

>You run your fingers through her silky mane.

>Hoof beats echo in the distance.

>You hear the sound of Rainbow Dash gasp.

>Spike runs off, still threatening you as he does.

>But that didn't matter.

>You had to fix up Rarity quickly, it'll be fine.

>She'll be fine.