Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x ?

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Story Start

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Putting on the last of his clothes Naruto sat in the chair where one of the nurses proceeded to push him out in a wheelchair. They arrived to the lobby where Rarity and Twilight were waiting. Since Celestia had seen to his release papers already he could leave.

"How are you feeling, darling?" Rarity asked.

"I feel one hundred percent healthy!" It was odd, he thought he would feel different considering what happened, but he felt the same as before.

"Do you feel any possible side effects or no weird sensations?" Twilight asked. While Magical corruption was rare in none unicorns, especially Earth Ponies it wasn't unheard of.

"Well the others are probably back by now. They went to get something for us to eat for breakfast."

Naruto's growling stomach indicated that breakfast was definitely a good idea.

Naruto didn't even remember falling asleep on the train. When he woke up the next thing he knew he was in Ponyville. He then caught snippets of a conversation.

"…elcome him back…"

"..on way…"

"…everypony in…"

"…we understand Rarity…"

Next thing he knew he was left with Applejack, who grasped his hand. "Come on Sugar you'll see the others later." She said, leading him forward with a tug.

"What are you mares up to?" He questioned, his tone accusatory but playful.

"Y'all see later."

Half an hour later and they arrived at Sugarcube corner. He was pulled into the house where he was greeted by Big Mac and Granny Smith.

"At this rate Erypony is wondering who should we start a bet who ends up in the hospital more. You or Rainbow Dash?' Mac joked, greeting Naruto with a hefty and heavy pat on the shoulder.

"Definitely Rainbow, she searches for trouble, trouble just finds me. " It was good to see Big Mac was in good health again. Just a few days ago he was cleared with a clean bill of health meaning he could fully help with the winter preparations.

"Heard from Applejack what happened. New ya would pull through boy. Have that apple spirit. Too stubborn ta die."

"Knew AJ would never forgive me if I did."

A grin formed on Applejack's face as she playfully punched his shoulder. "Darn right. Nearly scared the life out of me when ah heard about it."

"Takes a lot more than a little fire cracker to take me out."

Oh gosh darn it, where's Applebloom gone to? I told 'er to stay put so we could welcome you back properly."

"Jus' a sec, Ah'm comin'!" answered a small voice from upstairs. "I was jus' getting' cleaned up!" A second later Naruto heard footsteps coming down the stairs and a little filly rounded the corner. He was nearly bowled over by the tackle hug. "I knew ya be okay, but what happened? AJ wouldn't give us any details."

Naruto playfully ruffled her hair causing the filly to cry out. "I wish I could tell you Bloom, but this its classified information. The princess and our government are looking to find the criminal responsible."

"So they know who hurt you?" she asked as Naruto nodded.

Applejack eyes hardened. She knew what she'd like to do if she got her hands on the one responsible.

"And we're going to catch the criminal and make sure no one else gets hurt because of their actions." He made sure to be vague on the details.

"Okay, now Applebloom, ya can see Naruto later. Now ya'll run along and get ready for school." Applejack said, shooing the filly out the door. "Awww! But-"

"No buts. Now get!" As Applebloom left the room grabbed Naruto's hand.

"Sorry to run out on ya, but ah promised that we wouldn't take too long cause some other little ones also want to see Naruto." She explained to her family.

"Well now ya come by again real soon. Don't be a stranger." Granny said goodbye while Big Mac added a yup.

"I'll be back soon." He promised as Applejack led him out of the door.

"Naruto!" Twin cries of joy caught his attention as he was bombarded by Dinky and Sweetie Belle right outside of Sugarcube Corner.

"There's my sweet girls." He said, crouching over and brought them into a hug. Standing not too far away was Ditzy, Rarity, and Amethyst.

Like Applebloom they had also been curious about what happened, but he could tell them only so much.

To his surprise Amethyst approached him. "I'm sorry." That was the last thing he expected. "When mom came home last night, so distraught, so pained I realized how much you meant to her. I just…I just don't want to see her hurt again. Please. Be good to her."

A smile graced Naruto's face. "Don't worry I will."

"I have to go, sorry Naruto. I got to get the young ones to school." Ditzy interjected. Despite twin whines of disappointment the fillies were ushered away as they said their good byes.

"Sorry partner this is where our journey ends. Ah'll leave you in Rarity's hands." She said.

They were definitely up to something. If it was just a party they wouldn't be going through the theatrics. They had to have known he was expecting a Pinkie Pie party.

"Later Applejack." She said, before grabbing onto Naruto's arm and leading him away from Sugarcube corner.

"I'm pretty sure you're the ring leader in all this Rare. What are you mares up to?"

One thing was sure; Rarity knew how to act as she looked abashed at his accusation as they carried down the street. "Why I have no idea what you are talking about? As a lady I am offended you think I could be up to something underhanded."

Naruto rolled his eyes, she could pretend all she wanted he knew whatever it was he was probably going to enjoy it, but he couldn't help but to try and sate his curiosity. He was pulled into the direction to the Golden Oaks Library where Twilight, Spike, and surprisingly Rainbow Dash were waiting.

A hearty greeting by Dash which consisted of grabbing his face and smushing it into her chest had caught him off guard considering the last time they had teased each other. The greeting was cut short as the three mares went into the other room leaving him with Spike. Somehow their discussion turned into one about durability feats which not wanting to be one upped meant Naruto had to of course go into a discussion regarding his past. It made sense to get this talk with Spike out of the way if Naruto and Twilight were possibly going to become more involved in the future. It was a relationship of employer-assistant to those on the outside, but if one payed closer attention one could see the brotherly-sisterly bond the two had.

"Now you're just making stuff up."

Naruto shrugged in response to Spike's disbelief. To be fair he could tank a city destroying size attack. Hell he handled much bigger or, he used to be able to. Then again he could always test that out in a few days, see if Twilight was up for some experimentation.

The room had grown quiet as the two sat there at the table.

Things got awkwardly quickly. "So…I hear…I mean everyone talks about it. How you're really popular with mares."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. Great, what damn rumor was being spread now?

"Well I mean you have to be. You have Rarity after all." Surprisingly there was little bitterness in his voice. Even though Naruto never brought it up, he knew it was no coincidence he hadn't seen or heard much of Spike after Rarity had that talk with him. Maybe even before than Spike had sensed something was there subconsciously, but didn't want to admit it to himself. Hell, it seemed like everyone else in town somehow knew about it before he and Rarity did, he wouldn't be surprised.

"It's more like we have each other." Naruto felt a bit uneasy. "Look Spike, I'm sorry if you were hurt when you found out. Its never easy, realizing your crush will never return your feelings, but that just pave the way for something just as amazing if not better. As much as I loved Sakura, I realized I mistook it as romantic love when it was a deep platonic, no familial love. I was an orphan, I didn't have anyone to raise me and teach me these things. It only made since I would stumble a few times on the way. As sorry as I am someone had to be hurt, I will never apologize for loving Rarity. I would be a real scumbag if I made light of what we have and of her feelings if I did."

"I understand…" Spike replied with a somber nod. It still hurt a bit, but the apology really helped. That bit of closure would be vital in being able to fully move on. He felt he could be around the two of them again. "Actually…this isn't about Rarity. Well sort of…but not really her. I need your advice."

"Well, why don't you start from the beginning?"

In the evening, Spike arrived at Rarity's house. The fashionista greeted him and let him in. "Sweetie is in her room. Thank you so much for agreeing to stay here with her Spike. I won't be long I am just going to visit Fluttershy and I'll be back within the hour. If I'm not there is left overs in the fridge. I promise not to be too long, bye."

"Uugh, right, bye." Spike replied, trying to ignore how awkward it felt. Since the confession time had made the sadness mostly ebb away, but there was still some there.

"Hiya, Spike!" she welcomed her guest. "I'm glad you could make it!" she said happily. Her warm smile was rather infectious and comforting.

"Yeah," he said uncertainly. "I did agree to this after all." He couldn't believe he agreed to this. Curse Sweetie Belle and her adorable doe like eyes.

"With your help I'll be done in no time." Sweetie Belle said as she lead Spike over to her work table or at least what she called her work table. Idolizing her sister as much as she did it only made sense Sweetie Belle would emulate her. Right down to a pair of red frames that lacked lenses.

Spike looked in awe at the picture that was on the table. The two ponies in it looked familiar; they definitely had to be the sister's parents. "Did you sketch this?"

"Yeah, I just love drawing." Her tail shifted happily. "I wanted to make something nice to give my mama and papa. All we have to do is carefully shade them in with the color pencils carefully."

Spike had to admit for her age Sweetie Belle was a rather skilled artist. The details were finely done, the lines were neat and she obviously put a lot of time into this. He was rather surprised that her cutie mark wasn't art related. It was a real shame.

He looked at Sweetie Belle. Both of them were really talented, creative in things they were passionate about. She didn't have her beautiful mane but her hair was cute after all. Her coat obviously wasn't brushed as often as Rarity's but was white and clean as well. The longer he stared at the filly the prettier she looked. His mind tried to fool him. Sweetie Belle was becoming a substitute for Rarity.

"Nah, I'm not gonna fall in love with Sweetie Belle. She's nice and all but she's not Rarity, right?" he thought. 'Not like I can have Rarity.'

"Um, excuse me, Spike. Need to visit the little fillies' room." Sweetie giggled and left rhe room.

"I'm not gonna start thinking about Sweetie. I'm not going to notice how pretty she was. Or after how she cheered me up after the thing Rarity. Or how her smile had made him feel so warm."

A few minutes had passed.

"Oh, no!" Spike knew the inevitable had happened. He felt something for Sweetie. He was aware of that because now he couldn't stop thinking about the filly.

Sweetie Belle returned to the room. "Sorry it took so long, Spike."

"No problem, none at all!" Spike exclaimed excitedly.

His excitement confused Sweetie Belle. "Okaaay." 'Boys can be so weird.'

They resumed the shading of Sweetie's image. After a while Spike said: "You know, Sweetie. I, I was thinking that, maybe, we could, hang out more some time?" he closed his eyes and covered his face with his claws. 'Uugh I am so lame. Not cool at all.'

"Sure. You can always come to play with me anytime," she replied with an innocent happy grin.

"Ooh that it was quite the kerfuffle." At the very least Sweetie Bell was closer to his age. "If you want my honest advice, the best thing to do is to avoid trying to date her for now. You want to be her friend first Spike and get to know her. Her likes, her dislikes, and all the little things in between. You need to build a strong foundation and have her get used to you. If there is no strong foundation to build things on you'll only be doomed to fail."

Spike nodded. "Thanks man."

Just in time as the mares returned. "Sorry Naruto, but there's some papers I really need to get from Town Hall. A lot of them and I feel really bad for asking you this…"

"Say no more." Naruto replied. "Happy to help." He said as Twilight's uncertain expression turned into one with relief.

"Thanks." A small smile graced her lips. "I could use all the hands I can get." She said as they left the library. Naruto couldn't help but wonder what Twilight could have been doing that require her to get so many documents. As they were about to enter the building he had a thought. Couldn't Twilight have just teleported them to her home?

A large "SURPRISE!" being rung out from all directions. The room was filled with the citizens of the town. Party items everyone and even a table with food. That was when he saw the sign. "WELCOME BACK HOME AFTER YOUR RECOVERY PARTY NARUTO!"

A chuckle escaped his lips. "Oh Pinkie."

The pink ball of energy jumped into his arms. "Hiya Nar?

Did ya like your surprise? Did ya? Did ya did ya did ya? Because you sure looked surprised!"

"Okay, you girls got me. I can't believe I didn't consider the misdirection." For a moment he had considered there was going to be a small gathering at Sugarcube Corner or maybe something at the Boutique or even his house which was why he was being dragged anywhere. This was the last place he expected.

"Well don't just stand there you big lug. Go enjoy yourself." Rainbow insisted as he and Pinkie broke apart.

He had to admit it felt good. Joking around with Lyra. Doing poses with Bulk. Talking about plants with the party trio. Trying Bon Bon's new candy recipe.

Spending time with the people he had come to know as his friends. His family. This community who had taken him in and made him one of their own. Were there misgivings. Sure? No place was perfect, but at that moment Naruto felt something he had been missing since he arrived here. Something he thought he could only feel within the confines of Rarity's shop, but now he knew better.

Whether it be in Ponyville or Canterlot. As long as he was surrounded by his friends and loved ones…he was at Home.

And with that he enjoyed himself. Eating one of Pinkie's lava cakes and downing it by Berry's special product. And with that conversation after conversation was had along with either words or gifts.

Octavia, Vinyl's roommate and longtime friend had given Naruto tickets to a performance she would be having in a few months. Apparently she and her crew were well known each that she was going to be performing at the Gala. A secret that they would be keeping between them.

One by one he conversed with ponies he hadn't associated with.

Sprinkle Medly. Marry Way. Showers. Rainbow Shines. Raindrop. Cherry Fizzy. Goldengrape. Noteworthy. Lucky Clover.

After the latest conversation Naruto turned to the snack table to find Rarity standing there.

"Why hello there beautiful are you friends with the guest of honor?" He asked, doing his best Canterlotian impression.

Rarity giggled. "Why my good sir indeed we have a very charming history together."

Naruto put a kibosh on the accent. "So Rare, what did you need?"

Rarity's expression turned serious. "When the party is overcome find me. There is something important we need to talk about and I feel we need to talk about it, but it can wait until after your party."

Naruto was a bit concerned, but decided to relax. If it was an emergency Rarity wouldn't have put it off for later. The music began to pick up. She turned and walked towards the crowd with Naruto in tow.

It grew late as the party finally petered out. 'Sweetie is having a sleep over at Sweet Apples Acres.' Rarity had explained when he noticed Sweetie's absence.

As they made their way up the steps leading to the front door, Naruto playfully grabbed Rarity from behind and kissed her on her cheek, making the proper mare blush slightly from his sudden show of affection.

Rarity made her way up the stairs, swaying her hips back and forth as she gave her fiancé an enticing view of her backside. By the time they reached her room she half turned her head with half-lidded eyes towards Naruto before speaking in a gentle tone.

"I'm going to go and wash up Naruto. I'll be out in just a bit, darling," the elegant mare cooed as she made her way over to the bathroom before entering and closing the door behind her.

An hour had passed and Naruto was lying on the back, his eyes glued to the ceiling. "Sorry that took so long."

When he sat up he sharply inhaled. Rarity was wearing a white mesh and lace v neck sheer lingerie gown. The long dress had a slit in the side that came up to just below her knee showing off her right leg nicely. Under it she wore a pair of black lacy bra and G-string.

"Rarity?"

Rarity began to speak. "When Twilight showed up on my door step in the middle of the night and told me something happened to you it was one of the worst moments of my life. When I thought you were going to…die…it felt like my heart was going to die as well. I felt so lost, I just couldn't picture my life without you. You've always been there. You've been everything I needed and the thought of you not being there hurt me in ways I never thought I could feel. And it made me realize just how much I just want to be with you. Thank you, for respecting me so much in wanting to be with me in the way you knew I would have preferred, but I realize that none of that matters now. Life is too short to fret over those details. My mate. My love. The stallion that is to be my husband. I am yours and only yours. Let me show you what that means and let me give you everything." With that she said onto his lap as she pressed her lips against his. Tonight would be theirs and nothing else in the world mattered.

Next chapter is the chapter the moment you've all been waiting for since chapter Six. XD. For those who don't care about Clop feel free to skip the next chapter. I got to go work again today, so I might only get the clop chapter out tonight and tomorrow is when we continue with the plot.

I might have found another additional artist, lets hope this one is speedier then the others.