A/N: First part of a two part story. Hope you enjoy.

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Chapter 6: Appearance of the Puppet Master part 1

We came of the stage with the price. We got compliments from the other competitors. When we were outside the contestant area we saw the sic waiting. With Spike on my back we went to them, Rainbow Dash didn't want to wait and High Hooved me. ''Awesome song guys. Made it yourself?'' Meanwhile we arrived at the rest and they looked like they also wanted to hear. ''Well, it's a song from where I came from but I changed the Lyrics.'' Spike jumped from my back and onto Twilight who began to speak. ''Well, you did great and won. But what will you do with the prices? The thousand Bits can be shared but the card is for two pony's. Will you guys go together?'' Spike shook his head. ''No Twilight, we already made the deal. I didn't need the money or the Ticket. We decided to share the money among us eight. And the Ticket would be for Blade so he could meet the princess for the first time.'' I nodded. ''And it was Spike who suggested it so it was a fair deal.''

''Hey Blade.'' Blade looked around to see a blushing Applejack, followed by a creepy smiling Rarity. ''Congratz on winning, you did great.'' And with that she hugged me tight. I let out a tight gasp, damn she was strong. ''Thank you. For cheering us on. We were nervous so seeing your faces really helped.'' Applejack's ears lowered a bit. Then with more confidence she spoke up again. ''Also I wanted to tell you something.'' She looked nervous and to be honest I had no clue what was about to happen. Only that Rarity smile began to really creep me out. ''I said to myself that I would tell you when you won and you did so…'' She breathed in. I'm beginning to look like Pinkie she thought and just looked me straight in the eyes. ''I wanted to say I like you.'' The other five gasped. She said it! But I looked kinda sheepish. ''Why? Didn't you like me first?'' I asked and complete silence followed. The six and Spike looked at me with disbelief. How could somepony that stupid? Applejack now began to blush and look angry at the same time. ''No I mean I really like you.'' I cocked my head. What was it she meant? She couldn't really love me right? I'm a frigging human that fell in this world. Like hell somebody would like me, me! The best I was called was a brother-like-figure.

The others Facehoofed themselves. Applejack was just mad now. She just put up with it and closed in. For at least ten seconds our lips touched, And I could just stare. The others couldn't believe the boldness of Applejack. When we separated they just looked at me. ''Uhm..I..Uhm..You…'' I couldn't think straight. Applejack, an Earth pony from Equestria, loved me, A human from earth that transformed in the Pegasus now standing here. ''Now you understand?'' She asked, and I nodded. ''Now my question is, how do you feel about me?'' She almost ordered. But I had my answer ready, even though I didn't want to think about it I knew it was true. The kiss broke my human rational mind and made me see the truth. I also loved Applejack. I took a deep breath. ''Applejack, I also Love you.''

''Yeeha!'' She yelled and jumped. I gave her a hug and we then kissed again. The other ponies whistling and cheering for us. I couldn't be happier now. I had a Girlfriend, or here it would be a Fillyfriend. And awesome friends. This place became better with the second.

Suddenly a dark shadow appeared with a familiar voice. ''Hey Blade, remember me?'' Everypony retreated a few steps but I stood firm. ''Hey Shadow dude… wait, weren't you in my head?'' The shadow nodded. ''Ok good, so I'm not going crazy here.'' The surrounding Ponies began to look suspicious. ''Blade, who is that?'' Applejack asked. ''I don't really know but he has been in my head ever since I came here.'' The shadow laughed, I looked up and frowned. ''Oh Blade I'm not the same one as in your head, even though I use his appearance.'' I didn't understand, what did he meant? But suddenly the shadow reformed to a precise reflection of me. I heard gasps behind me. ''A changeling! Run!'' And within seconds the square was empty. My replica talked with my voice. ''Aww, so only Blade wants to play with me?'' He laughed evilly. ''Just like I was the Manticore huh Blade, or the judge?'' My eyes widened. A set up? ''You didn't really think you were that good? You are just a stupid human who went a wrong turn.'' He walked around me. He let it sound like I was part of this conspiracy. ''Oh we had such fun huh Blade? And just as you wished.'' He smiled. ''What wish?'' I heard behind me, it was Rainbow Dash. My reflection laughed evilly. ''About true friendship and love and more bullcrap.'' He changed into one of the judges. ''I looked at your feelings, passed them to ponies and now your wish came true.'' I grabbed my ears with my hooves. ''No that isn't true! I did this on my own power.'' The fake shook his head. ''Nope I was really the Manticore.''

He changed in the Giant Manticore I defeated a month ago but he talked instead of attacked. ''I must admit that the power you possess is greater than imagined. But thanks to the feelings you locked up I feel stronger than before.'' He fed on my feelings for Applejack. And with that thought I was knocked into a wall. The Manticore attacked me. ''Your speed is amazing and your skill rough. But you won't defeat me with that.'' And he rushed at me with his tail pointed at my face. ''Die!''

On the last moment before the tail hit Blade something hit the Changeling. It was Applejack that bucked him into next week. ''Don't you dare touch him.'' She said and I smiled. She was amazing I thought. The Manticore changed into a Dragon and spit fire towards Applejack and the others. The flame was black and hot. There was no evading and they were hit. I released myself from the wall and tried to stand. I felt some blood flowing but didn't pay attention to it. The main six were down and the Changeling laughed. When I saw movement in their bodies I sighed from relief. They were still alive. ''So you're still alive Blade?'' The changeling Dragon growled and he took a step close;r.

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A/N: Official Romance activated. But don't worry, it will continue further than the next part. I promise. Please review.
Blade