Chapter 14: For My First Trick . . .

Twilight was finishing her note cards for the speech to give at Applejack's Award ceremony. Even though she had not known her for very long, she filled out two hundred note cards. She was stacking them with her magic when a puff of smoke appeared behind her. She screamed and launched all the cards into the air. "Spike! How many times have I told you to not scare me when I am working!" she screamed at the cloud of smoke as it dissipated, revealing me.

"Twilight, I am surprised you jumped to blaming Spike, your number one assistant. He knows when not to bother you." I said.

"Blaze, when did you get back and how did you enter!" Twilight asked in a panic state.

"Calm down, Twilight. I just got back and I teleported here."

"I would have recognized if you were teleported by the Princess."

"Princess Celestia did not teleport me here, I did. You should have recognized the puff of smoke was me."

"When did you learn how to teleport? How could you teleport all the way from Canterlot? Only the Princesses are able to do that."

"I shall answer them in order. Number one, I taught myself that two nights ago. Number two, I did not know if I could until I tried. Number three, now you know somepony else that can do it."

"Seeing you are in explaining mode, mind telling me how you were able to get your bag?"

"How about I show you instead." Doing the hand signs, I said as I place my hands on the ground, "Ninja Art, Summoning Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke appeared and then revealed my back pack. Twilight's eye shined with glee of these new skills. "I am so happy you made it back in time for the award ceremony. Pinkie Pie is currently decorating City Hall. I have sent Spike to remind Applejack to come at 3pm."

"Then I shall go and help out with the decorations. See you there."

"Bye Blaze."

I headed to city hall to help the ponies with decorating. I saw Pinkie was directing ponies on what to do so I went up to her and said, "What are your orders, General Pinkie!"

Pinkie laughed, and then said in order style, "Blaze! I want you to go and hang the banner flags in front of the building!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" I said and pulled the banner from the box and started to hang with precision at Dash speed. This continued on until all decorations have been put up. She then started laughing once the others left and it was only her and me. "I take it you enjoyed the acting around while we decorated, Pinkie."

"Oh boy did I ever! I can't wait for you to help me again with decorating for a party again."

"Anytime Pinkie. Just let me know when and I will send one of me to help out."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie said as she goes and hops to some place.

That didn't take long. What can I do to pass the time till the ceremony? My stomach starts to growl. Guess that answers that question. I head over to a cafe and take a seat outside at an empty table. A waitress comes over and hands me a menu and said, "Good afternoon sir, may I start you off with something to drink? Maybe an order of hay fries? We make the best."

"No thank you for the hay fries. My body can't really digest some of what you ponies eat. I will take a glass of water." I said.

"OH MY! YOU'RE HIM! THE HUMAN!" She screamed in a happy voice.

I look up from the menu to look at the waitress that is giggling with joy. Oh no, Lyra Heartstrings, if I haven't been chased enough today. Better play ignorant of knowing her. "Umm, excuse me miss, your reaction is not what I expected from a pony seeing me. Most run away while others charge at me thinking I am a threat."

"I saw you at the welcome ceremony. That was an amazing trick you did. None of the ponies nor I could tell who was the real Princess."

"Thank you, miss. I am glad there are some ponies that are not afraid of me."

"Please, stop with the miss, makes me sound old. My name is Lyra Heartstrings. You may call me Lyra. I'll be back to take the rest of your order."

She goes and heads back inside to get me my drink. She seems nice. I hope she doesn't bug me every day asking me questions about my species. I see her coming out with a glass of water being held by her magic. "Thank you Lyra. I think I am ready to place my order."

"Ok, so what are we having today?"

"I will just have a fresh garden salad with dressing."

"Very good, I will bring that out very shortly."

She returns back inside to place the order. As I was waiting, I looked around to see what was going on in town. I see ponies walking around, merchants selling their products, Pegasus flying and moving clouds around and making some disappear, and see little fillies playing in the nearby park. Everything is so peaceful and everypony is friendly to one another. Well, it will take time for them to get used to me. I could see some ponies were whispering to each other as they look at me. A few guards nearby were keeping an eye on me as I have yet gained their trust from their view.

"Here is your salad Swift Blaze!"

I quickly turn around and see Lyra was there with my salad. "Thank you. It looks delicious. May I have a fork?" I asked.

"But of course! I forgot you don't eat like us ponies. Be right back." She goes inside and comes back quickly with the fork. "Here you are."

"Thanks, Lyra." I took the fork from her magical hold and began to eat. Lyra was giggling to herself, probably from me saying her name.

"Um, Swift Blaze, would you mind if I ask you a few questions?" Lyra said with puppy dog eyes.

Here we go. I thought as I rolled my eyes. "You can call me Blaze and won't your boss be mad you are not attending to the other customers?" I said in-between bites.

"I said I was taking my lunch break. So, may I?"

"Ok, but realize I say I will not answer that question, please don't ask why."

A big smile formed on her face. "Oh goody! Is it true that humans eat meat?"

"Yes I do, but I won't eat any ponies, griffins, or dragons, any other talking creature, and creatures Fluttershy take care of."

"How exactly are you able to use each of those fingers?"

"I am not a biologist from my world so I don't have the exact answer to that. Next question."

"Can you tell me about what your world is like?"

"No because it is something I promised myself I will not share." Lyra started to do a pouty face hoping me to give in and tell her. Ugh, you ponies get to me too easily some time. "Listen, if you really want to know, come to my place next week when you have a couple hours and I will tell you about my planet. I am going to warn you now, it is nothing like what you ponies have here."

"Ok! Wait, I thought you didn't have a house yet, only a piece of land. It takes several weeks to get a house built."

"I have my ways. If you want to see how I am going to do it, then come to the hill just outside of town at noon tomorrow." I finished my lunch as I told her that. "Thanks for the meal, how much do I owe?"

"5 bits."

"Here is 10 bits and keep the change. Thank you for not being afraid to talk to me. See ya tomorrow." I performed the teleport jutsu and disappeared from where I was sitting. I reappeared back in the library, almost scaring Spike.

"What the? Where did you come from Blaze?" Spike asked.

"Just got done having lunch at a cafe."

"I did not hear you come in from the door. Ok, what is the new jutsu?"

"Teleportation"

"Oh cool! That is very handy for when you need to get somewhere quickly and don't want to be exhausted when you arrive. Twilight has taken me on a couple teleports and sometimes it singes my spikes. Are you able to take others with you? What is the furthest you have traveled in one move?"

"Whoa, easy there Spike. I can see Twilight's curiosity has rubbed off onto you. For your questions, I have yet to try taking others with me. More than likely, they will need to hold onto me in order for them to come. The furthest I have traveled from is from the castle to here."

"What? Even Twilight can't go that far. I only know the Princesses are the only one who can pull it off. This is so amazing! What next, cool move are you going to learn?"

"I have something planned for tomorrow. I will practice it tonight during my meditation. It is getting close to the ceremony. Shall we head over?"

"Oh! Can we use your teleport to get there?"

"I don't see why not." I yell upstairs, "Twilight! Time for the ceremony for Applejack! You want to go with us?"

"Be right there! Need to get a box for my note cards." Twilight yells down. She comes down later with a small box in her magic hold. "I am ready!"

"One more thing before we leave." I picked Spike and placed him on Twilight's back.

"What are you doing Blaze?" Twilight asked.

"One sec. Spike can you get a hold of my clothing?" He does so with a huge smile showing up on his face. "Ok, now we are ready."

"Blaze this is a little awkward to be walking there." Twilight said.

"Who said we were going to walk there?" Her eye's opening wide realizing what is going on. As she was about to protest, I said, "Ninja Style! Teleportation Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke surrounded all of us. When it dissipated, we were inside City Hall. Spike and Twilight were looking each other over to see if anything was missing.

"My note cards! They still at the library! Now I have to go back and get them." Twilight said in a panic state.

"Wait a sec Twi. Ninja Art! Summoning Jutsu!" I clapped my hands together horizontal and after a quick puff of smoke, the box that contained her note cards was revealed in my hand.

She quickly grabs it and opens it up to make sure every card is still there. "You are lucky none are missing, Blaze. Warn me next time you want to teleport. I could have done it myself and my cards would have come with me." Twilight said.

"Sorry Twilight. I did not have time to go into a full explanation of what I was going to do or we would arrive late. I had to test if I could take others with my jutsu. Turns out I can, but only by contact. I knew if your cards were going to be left behind, I could use my summoning jutsu to bring them here."

"Well, I can see why you did it. It was kind of nice to experience your jutsu, very safe and silent. Everypony would recognize when teleport magic is used."

"Glad you enjoyed the ride. What about you Spike?"

"That was amazing! You are really getting the hang of this jutsu! I even did not get my spikes singed this time." Spike said.

"Don't expect me to use it every time I am with you. This was a test and needed to make sure we did not arrive late. You two go on and find a place to watch the ceremony. Need to check with Mayor Mare if she got something for me from the Princess."

"Ok Blaze. We will see you soon." Twilight said as she headed outside. Spike was still riding on her back.

I make my way to the mayor's office and knock on the door. "You may enter" I heard from the other side of the door. I opened the door and made my way in. The mayor was going over some paperwork on her desk. She looked to see who came in.

"Oh, Swift Blaze, what can I do for you?" Mayor Mare asked.

"I have a question and a small request for you if are available to hear it."

"It will have to be quick as the award ceremony will be starting soon. What is it you wish to know?"

"First, I was wondering if Princess Celestia has sent you the approval for my citizenship in Equestria."

"I am afraid I have yet to receive any letter from the Princess today."

"Ok, I guess it is too soon as I just filled out the forms this morning. About the request, I know it takes time to get the permits, plans, and contract to build a house. Would it be possible to send a couple ponies with plumbing and electrical wiring to that hill Princess Celestia gave me tomorrow at noon?"

"There is nothing on the hill. It is an odd request, but I will see what I can do. Do you have bits to pay them for the rush job you wish them to do?"

"Yes, I do have bits. The Princess also gave them to me to help until I get a job."

"That was very generous of Princess Celestia to give you land and money. She must have taken a real liking to you. Might I inquire why you want them when you have no house?"

"Oh that is because I plan to build that myself. You will understand when you come tomorrow and see what I am talking about."

"I look forward to whatever you plan on doing. Now let's get to the ceremony."

We left her office and made our way to the stage that was set up outside. Twilight was on stage stacking her note cards in her magic. I watched as Twilight tries to give her speech, but kept getting interrupted by her friends. Soon Mayor Mare insisted to wrap things up. Twilight just launched all the note cards into the air and walks off furiously. Knew she wasn't going to get a word out. Mayor Mare walks up to the podium and does her speech. When she calls out for Applejack, the entire crowd cheered for her. I looked for her to walk up, but couldn't see here anywhere. Oh great, don't tell me she went stubborn again. I got her those two ponies to help her out. Need to improvise till I can think of something. I quickly made my way to the stage.

"Hi everypony! I know I am not Applejack, but she informed me she was going to be running late so ask me to do some magic tricks for you."

The ponies were whispering to themselves figuring out what I was doing there. I saw my friends were doing the same. I think I know what will make them happy.

"For those who did not see me at my welcome party to Ponyville, I am going to do some repeat abilities. First, I will show you my pony form so you can recognize me as that." I did the shadow transform and changed into my pony version. Several ponies were shocked as this while some others were cheering. Glad some ponies are warming up to me.

"Now then, I said in my introduction I raced a certain blue Pegasus. I know I don't have wings, but my abilities allow me to fly another way." I began to hover off the stage and then did some aerial maneuvers Rainbow Dash taught me. "Hey Rainbow, would you care to help with the next trick?" I cried out.

"Sure thing Blaze!" Rainbow replied. She flies from the crowd to me above the crowd. "So what is this next trick you want to perform?"

"Mirror movements."

Her eyes opened wide with a big smile forming on her face. I will have to time this correctly so it will look cool. I released my pony form and as I was in the puff of smoke, I did the transform jutsu into Rainbow Dash. All the ponies were cheering loudly at the sight of us. I mirrored all the flight maneuvers she was doing and then we came back together.

"How should we finish this?" Rainbow asked.

"Double Sonic Rainboom?"

The face of pure joy was on her face as she suddenly darts up into the sky. I quickly follow and caught up with her. Once we were high enough, we went straight down as fast we could. We gave each other plenty of space for the sonic cones to form and not to interfere with each other. We were 50 feet from the ground when we broke the barrier. The rainbow Shockwave was more beautiful as there were two now in the sky. All the ponies cheered for us as we landed on the stage. I changed back to my original form. Rainbow Dash was enjoying the cheers and attention as she walked off stage.

I looked around to see if Applejack has shown up and there was no sign of her. She must have her hoofs full dealing with those ponies. Time to relieve her. "For my next to final trick, how about I bring the pony of the hour onto the stage. Ninja Art! Summoning Jutsu!" I placed my hands on the stage. A puff of smoke appeared and then revealed Applejack.

"What in tarnation is going on? I was just on my farm and now I am here." Applejack said in a confused state.

"Applejack welcome to your award ceremony for being the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. The citizens of Ponyville and I wish to award you the Pony of Ponyville Award." I said as I placed the trophy next to her.

All the ponies started to cheer for Applejack and chanted her name. Applejack started to blush and walked to the podium to give her thank you speech. "Thank you kindly for giving me this award. Sorry for running late, new employees at the farm were being a handful."

"Applejack before you finish your speech, I would like to do my last trick so you can have the entire stage." She nodded and walked to the edge of the stage. "Now for my final trick, seeing I made somepony appear, I will make myself disappear off the stage. See you ponies later. Sim Sim Sala Bim!" I teleported and disappeared off the stage and appeared behind city hall. The ponyfolk were cheering loudly.

I am glad they are warming up to me. Hopefully soon, none will be afraid of me. Applejack said those soldiers were giving her a hard time. Think I need to get them straight if they don't want to be sent to the dungeon. I make a clone of me he teleported to the farm. I transformed to my pony form to blend into the crowd.

Applejack just finished thanking everypony and the ponyfolk were cheering again. Mayor Mare walked onto the stage. "Hold on folks, we have a surprise award to give out." She said. All the ponies and I were wondering what the award is and who it is for. "Now then, it is not really an award per say, but is an achievement he rightfully deserves. Would Swift Blaze come to the stage if he is still here."

"I'm here." I shouted as I made my way through the crowd. The ponies continue to whisper as I got on the stage.

"I know you are wondering what kind of achievement he has earned as he has only been in Equestria for a week. This afternoon, I received a letter from Princess Celestia declaring that Swift Blaze is now a citizen of Equestria. So I hereby give you this certificate of citizenship in Equestria." All the ponies started to cheer once more.

I was starting to shed a tear of joy with a big smile on my face. I turned to the crowd and said, "Thank you Mayor Mare and thank you ponyfolk for accepting me as a citizen now."

The crowd dissipated and Twilight and the gang came up to me to congratulate me. "Congrats there Blaze. I knew you were going to get it." Twilight said.

"I knew you were going to have no issue in getting it darling." Rarity said.

"That was so awesome how you allowed me to help with your jutsu demonstration! Oh, and congrats on becoming a citizen. I think you are 20% cooler now." Rainbow Dash said.

"It was lovely of the Princess to get you included in the ceremony." Fluttershy said.

"OhnowIhavetothrowyouBecoming ACitizenParty! Youareonepopularponytogettoh avesomany parties." Pinkie Pie said at hyper speed.

Applejack came along side me and then hoof slapped me in the back of the head. "OW! What was that for?" I asked Applejack.

"That was for using that jutsu on me and scaring me half to death." She then gave me a kiss on the cheek. "And that was for making sure I got to my award ceremony."

The other ponies and I were shocked at what Applejack did. "It was nothing Applejack. I knew you deserved that award and had a feeling those new employees' of yours was giving a little trouble." I said.

"Oh Shoot! They are all alone in the apple orchards. I need to get back there right away."

"It's ok Applejack, I have it taken care of. I sent my clone to keep an eye on them. If you are really concerned, then let's all go and see if they have been behaving. I'm sure the girls and I would like to help with the applebucking for the rest of the day." They all nodded in agreement.

"I appreciate it, partner. Let's get going as they were complaining up a storm about how sore they were. Even you Blaze did not complain." The group started the trip to Sweet Apple Acres, wondering what the guards and my clone were doing.

- Meanwhile -

(This is the Blaze that teleported to Sweet Apple Acres.)

I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres in their orchards. I looked around to find a spot where trees have been bucked and the ones that haven't. I saw the south field was all done and the east was a quarter done. I made my way over there, but I changed to my pony form. These guards are in for a rude awakening if they are not working. As I approached, I was hearing the guards were complaining up a storm. I snuck closer as I listened.

"This sucks Silver. Why did you convince me to do that to those ponies? Now we have to do this or go to the dungeon for 5 years." One guard said.

"If I did not suggest it, you would have, Crimson. Just be happy we get to become guard again after this and at the level we were at. You know we would have not been able to get a job after the time in the dungeon for being known the first guards to have been kicked out of the Royal Guard." The other guard said.

"I know, I just wonder where Applejack went. She went to get some more buckets for us and she has not shown up yet."

"Let's continue knocking the apples out of the trees. This would be a lot easier if we had our magic. I can see why the unicorns hate these rings when we put it on them."

"I think the reason we have them on our horns is because we abused our magic by doing what we did." Crimson said as he bucked another tree. Several apples fell down and onto his head. "Son of a bitch! I am going to have a melon head size bruise when we get done with this."

"Quit your complaining. I have been hit by those apples too. How does the apple family handle this all by themselves? They must be super ponies."

Man, I have never heard a pony or human complain so much before. These must come from rich families that pampered them as they were colts. How in Equestria did they ever make it through basic training. Time to make my presence known. I come from behind a nearby buck tree and said, "Why I am hearing talking and not enough sounds of trees being bucked?"

"Who in Equestria are you and where did you come from." Silver asked.

"Names Speedy and I have been working in the barn packing up the apples. I came here to relieve Applejack as she had a prior engagement to get to." I said.

"Well Applejack went to get more buckets as we were close to filling these up." Crimson said.

"Then how come you did not deliver them yourself to the barn when they were filled?"

"That was not part of the job description." Silver said.

"Oh really? I believe your job here is to help Applejack here on the farm for two years, not just to buck the trees. Now pick up those buckets and bring them to the farm. We don't have all day." They moaned as they each took a bucket. I picked up two and placed them on my back. "Let's go Greenies."

We began the walk back to the bard. I was in the lead and the guards were having a hard time keeping up. This should strengthen their muscles by the end of this. We got to the barn and dropped off the full buckets and picked up the empty ones to return with.

"Applejack did not tell me your names this morning. Mind sharing them, or would you prefer I keep calling you Greenies." I said on the way back.

"My name is Silver Weight and he is Crimson Bristle." Silver said.

"Hello Silver and Crimson. Mind sharing me some things about you and why you joined the Royal Guard?"

"Well, Silver and I grew up together as we lived next together. Went to the same schools and enjoyed doing the same things. One thing is we were picked on in magic school as our magic was not as powerful as others. We decided to join the Royal Guard to get respect from the other ponies." Crimson said.

"Our families pulled some strings so we did not have to go through the basic training and went to being Royal Guards. It was an easy job as we just had to guard the Princess and the country. Nothing ever happens as everything is peaceful. Just break up a few fights at bars and an occasional thief." Silver said.

"Sorry to hear about what happen when you were younger, but I sorry to say your reason to join the Royal Guard is a stupid one." I said.

"What do you know? You are only an Earth pony and work on a farm. Yes you do grow the food other ponies eat so you get respect that way, but respect to a Royal Guard is higher." Crimson said.

"You don't get respect based upon the position you have, you must earn it like any other pony. It was wrong for your parents to allow you to skip the basic training to be a Royal Guard. Then probably you would have not done what you did."

"What do you know about being in the Royal Guard and what their basic training is like?" Silver asked.

"It is true I don't know exactly the Royal Guard do in their training, but I do know what military put recruits go through. They put them through the basic training to toughen up their spirit and know how to endure pain. They get stronger through it and prove how loyal they are by not quitting. They are taught combat techniques and the courage to put their lives ahead of their country if it will save it. By skipping these lessons, if you ever experienced battle and your magic was not working, you would probably run away and leave your other guards to defend."

"How dare you talk to us like that! If our magic was not blocked we would be teaching you a lesson!" Crimson yelled.

"But your magic is blocked and proves you rely on your magic too much. I proper guard would have started fighting me with their hoofs."

"How is it you know so much about the military when you are just a farm pony?" Silver asked.

"Oh, I only have been working on the farm for a few days to help out. I am not related to the apple family in any way. In fact, I am not even an Earth pony."

Both got confused looks on their faces. "What are you talking about? I can still detect illusion magic and don't see any on you." Crimson said.

"I shall prove it." I turned to face them, then released the shadow transform jutsu. Their faces went to full fear as they realize who I am. "Hello boys."

They drop their empty baskets and got into a pegging position. "Oh Celestia, please don't send us to the dungeon. We did not mean to back talk you. We promise we are working as best we can. We are just not use to this lifestyle. We promise to continue to work without complaint." Silver said with Crimson nodding in agreement.

"Oh I heard some of the conversation you had before I revealed my pony form. I don't mind the complaining about how I tricked you to do this, but you will have to earn my respect for you by not disobeying Applejack when she gives you a task. You are to go above and beyond what she asks you to do. If you see something needs to be done around the farm and you know how, take care of it. Her brother is still recovering from an injury so I don't want her to try to do too much by herself. I know she can easily do more than you to put together. But consider this part of the basic training you seem to have missed. Following orders of your boss without goofing off. Basic training has it far worse and with you rich boys, you would have not lasted a day."

"How is it you know so much of the training? You are not even from Equestria." Crimson said.

"That is because back in my world, what your Royal Guard skill and training they go through is the level of police force of mine. Protect the citizens in the town and take care of local disturbances. The military on my world are on a whole other level. I did not go through it myself, but I had friends and family that did and they shared their stories with me."

"Why did you compare the Royal Guard to police on your world?" Silver asked.

"Let me answer by asking you a question, when was the last major battle where armies took part in and creatures died on both sides?"

"That would probably be the Griffin Wars which were several centuries ago. Well before our time."

"That is why I did the comparison. The Royal Guard is great at what they do, but they are not ready for a full on battle with another nation or major enemy. In my world there are battles of different nations every week. My nation going against terrorist from two other nations where they would even set traps for anypony to set off and suicide bombers to kill innocent victims."

"I am sorry to hear your world was such a dangerous place. How were you able to handle hearing about the deaths of people you may have known?" Crimson asked.

"I am sorry, but that is a story for another time. Let's get back to work." They both nodded and picked up their baskets as we were close to where they last left bucking the trees. As they buck the trees and gather the apples, Applejack and the gang with the other Blaze came into view of the farm.

(Switch to Blaze POV in group)

Applejack was leading us to where she last left the guards and was going at a quick pace about it. "Relax Applejack, they are not going anywhere and my clone will make sure they are still working." I said.

"I know, it's just that I didn't tell them I left. I do like having some extra hoofs to help around the farm, I just think these two never worked hard a day in their life. I think they're from rich folks in Canterlot by their attitude. Not royalty, but definite upper class."

"I just can't understand why Princess Celestia agreed with your decision for punishment. It is unheard-of to treat ponies like this. Mind sharing with us as what they did Blaze?" Rarity asked.

"I am sorry, but Princess Celestia has ordered me to not to share for the safety of you and for them. All I can say is they did not touch or harm any pony." I could see in their eyes confusion and wonder of what they could have done. "Before you try Twilight and Rarity, remember I have barriers in my mind to block intruders."

We finally reached where Applejack left them and saw they are still working hard with my clone helping out. My clone looks to me and gives me a nod, then disappears. I reviewed the memories and understand what happened now to some meaning to why they did it. Applejack turns to me and asked, "So, did they behave while I was gone?"

"They did Applejack. You are doing a fine job teaching them work ethic and they will appreciate it in the end. Shall we go and help out till sunset?"

They all nodded and we split into groups to help with the apple bucking. We made quick work on the eastern fields before sunset. All the ponies were exhausted from the work. I could see Silver and Crimson about to collapse at where they are standing. They need this training if they can barely handle doing this amount of this work.

"I think we should get Silver and Crimson to bed before they collapse out here." I suggested. Those two nodded they wanted sleep. Applejack led them to the barn where she had them sleep the night prior.

"Now that the south and east fields have been harvested, I feel better with the working arrangement. Where shall we go for dinner?" Applejack asked.

"Where ever we decide on to go for dinner, I am buying and I will not take no for an answer. You all have taken me into your homes and provided food for me. It is the least I can do to repay." I said.

They accepted this and we headed into town to get dinner.