"So Dante what can ya tell me about you? All I know is that you aren't like any of us." You chuckled as you walked down the streets of Ponyville. Echo wore a blue plaided skirt with some fishnet stockings her shirt was a long sleeve that was cropped from her chest revealing quite a bit of cleavage. She had a cape on covering her wings from view not wanting to reveal her leathery wings.

"Well I'm human, human's are a bit out of the ordinary as far as I'm concerned we're pretty bland." You chuckled and stopped getting a good look at the mare in question who was currently by your side.

"What?" She asked

"What about you? You look like any other Pegasus, but I can clearly see you have bat wings instead of normal feathered ones."

"Huh you noticed? Well I'm not like any other Pegasi my dad was a normal Pegasus my mom on the other hand was a unicorn. Don't ask how I became a bat pony trust me it's a confusing cycle in anatomy. I also have two sister if you could believe it both of them earth ponies, both parents could either fly or do magic yet they get stuck as earth ponies and me a bat pony."

"What are your sisters names?" You asked curious on her two sisters.

"Dream Catcher is the oldest out of me and Petal Dancer. Dream Catcher is pretty calm and collective she runs a herbal tea shop near Trottingham square she says that they'd get rid of bad dreams and bad luck giving the drinker of the tea luck and happiness I call it a load of croc, but that tea tasted awesome especially if she added Petal Dancer's Blue Lilies to the drink. My dad use to be in the royal guard until he retired years ago he told me that he always loved returning home to have my sisters tea and flowers along with me singing next to him he always told me that he loved when we were around." Echo let out a small sigh as you saw a small tear roll down her cheek before she quickly wiped it off.

"Seems like you miss them." You gave a small chuckle as you looked at the bag she was currently holding.

"So what's with the bag?" You asked

"What do ya mean? Didn't I say we were going tagging."

"Yeah ya did, but not here trust me Ponyville is a small town a little confusing to get around, but small nonetheless. Why don't we go somewhere a little more bigger and clean." You said with a smile

"Alright I'm game where exactly could two delinquents go and tag?" She asked

"Canterlot." Eris then appeared right next you as if she heard the entire conversation between you and Echo.

"Eris can you quickly teleport us to Canterlot we're going to have a little fun while we're there." Eris nodded as she touched your shoulder along with Echo's you felt a warm feeling go through you as Echo smile not really caring it looked as if she did this a couple times before.

Canterlot...

You landed softly in the park of Canterlot it was late extremely late yet you didn't feel all that tired which was particularly odd as you did stay up all day just trying to figure out life in general.

"So where do you wanna go first?" She asked taking out two cans of sprayable paint and holstering it to her hips.

"Sexy. Anyway I think we should go somewhere low maybe an alley get our presences known by the guards." You said with a chuckle

"Well we don't wanna get arrested what's our escape plan? If shit hits the fan that is." Echo seemed almost like a perfect match for you her beauty was one thing but the way she carried herself was amazing someone who isn't too clingy yet has a cool demeanor. She's definitely someone you want on your side.

"We teleport out. I have this gauntlet that let's me make portal through solid objects and we go somewhere random and don't worry it won't get us inside someone's house or anything just to another wall." She seemed a little suspicious about your idea but in the end winded up going along with the plan.

"So how exactly do you know magic don't see a horn on you."

"Have you ever seen a standard soldiers equipment? And have you seen a bulky looking glove on them before?"

"Yeah I have once when I was a little filly, but that was years ago."

"Well Eris gave me a similar looking gauntlet but instead of it being bulky as all hell, it's slimmer and fits perfectly when out running or messing around in general."

"Ah so custom made nice. What else can that thing do besides be our escape plan?" She asked

"Hell if I should know I'm still new to the whole magic thing."

"So have you ever used it before?" She asked as you and Echo both entered a dark alley. She took a out a stencil of rabbit and another of top hat.

"Yeah when I was little and bored I played with a friend she said I was good at tracking her down."

"Really? How did you manage finding someone through a black hole." She seemed more and more interested in the gauntlet then before, you had to give her credit she did seem pretty cute asking questions. Her ears always perked up and twitched slightly when she asked a question or received an answer.

"I wouldn't enter the hole the idea of tracking her down is finding small trickles of dark ink splattered on a wall. Finding those means I was getting close the larger then ink splotches the higher the chance I'm closer. The small ink splotch was the size of a finger print the biggest was the size of a bucket splash."

"Awesome alright anything else we wanna add."

"Let's add some crazy eyes,a stopwatch,and a suit jacket." Echo nodded as she added the finishing touches.

A few minutes later...

"And done! How's it look?" She asked as she lowered her bandana from her muzzle, you examined the artwork and smiled

"Looks good you got a knack for this kind of art." Echo giggled and added her initials.

"So what's next on our spray tag adventure." You smiled and looked up towards the many buildings covering the area.

"Why don't we do something big something ponies will notice."

"Alright I'm game for anything whatcha got in mind?"

"My black diamond. Simple,clean,and noticeable."

"But how are you going to get up there as far as I'm concerned I'm the only one who can get up with ease."

"Don't worry about me look just get up on the roof I'll see what I can do." She nodded and flew off to the building that had a large white wall. You looked around the alley way and placed down a black hole on the ground. You looked up and tossed another hole on top of a building.

"Man I hope this works otherwise I'm going to end up dead. Fuck it you only live once." You looked towards the swirling mass and slowly fell into the pool of inky dark mass.

It felt almost like water the inky residue slowly started to surround your body, the water like substance felt alive somehow and absorbed you through the cement floor. You opened your eyes to see yourself staring into Echo's eyes aside from other things.

"Ya know you should wear pants or something I could see your panties." You said with chuckle as she gave you a hand.

"Easy there big guy lets try to finish this tagging up then we could talk about what you really want from me." She smiled and took out a stencil of a normal diamond shape and sprayed all over not leaving a single space of the stencil blank. She then reached into bag and grabbed the same looking shape instead only having lines going from up and down and a few lines going horizontal she used white paint instead, making it look almost life like.

"Amazing." You said in awe as you examined the now still wet art.

"Yup there's nothing I can't do." She said happily as she put her hands to her hips

"So I guess we're done for tonight?" You asked

"Yeah you're a pretty cool guy Dante though you didn't do shit in terms of tagging you're good company I'll give you a 4 out of 5."

"Gee thanks Echo that really makes me feel wanted. What happened to the other point then?"

"Maybe if you worked on your tagging I'll give you another point." She said giggling as you called upon Eris once more asking for a drop off at Ponyville.

A few minutes later...

"Pretty good first meeting wouldn't you say Echo." She smiled and nodded.

"I'll see ya tomorrow night." You and Echo walked separate ways once you reached Ponyville, from what you gathered from this mare she was mysterious and yet beautiful. She cared for family and didn't really back down as she spoke about her family almost as if she was proud of who they were and what they stood for, you admired that kind of feeling and couldn't wait until tomorrow night to see her yet again, but for now you needed sleep it was 3:00 am and Twilight would kill you if she knew you were out this late.

For one of your oldest friends she could act like a true little sister scolding you for doing things differently, but it was something you had to live with.

A few hours later...

You had woken up around ten in the morning, you weren't really tired at that point, but at the same time didn't feel too keen on going out that day. It was a cloudy day and there were times in life where cloudy days were the best days, but the cloud didn't seem like ones you seen in storms it looked more like smog.

You rose from bed and stretched as Lola climbed on to your shoulder her tired demeanor must've meant she just woken up.

You still had the clothes from yesterday, but ultimately felt too lazy to take them off and change.

You walked out your room and walked towards the lobby of the library to see Trixie waiting for you she seemed a little relieved that you were up and about. Then again most of Ponyville dislikes Trixie for what happened yesterday so coming to you was to be expect.

"Hey Trix what's up?" You asked ending with a yawn

"Oh hello Dante seems like you've been sleeping for most of the day."

"Yeah I kinda stayed up yesterday." You simply stated as you walked over to the kitchen to get yourself an energy drink, you would've gotten coffee, but Twilight had forgotten to get grounded coffee beans so you were stuck with sugary drink. Then again you could've gone to SugarCube Corner which was probably a better choice.

"Doing what exactly?" She asked curious for what you've done during your time out last night.

"Oh just seeing a friend that's all." You were about to open the can, but decided against it you quickly exited the kitchen and approached Trixie grabbing her hand as you walked with her towards the front door.

"W-where are we going?"

"Let's go get some breakfast ya know me and you, we never actually had any time to talk as friends, so why don't we start here?" She sighed and nodded as Lola had climbed on to your head guiding you towards your destination.

Canterlot...

"Princess, W-who is that pony? She's huge!" Raiden asked in whisper, while hiding behind her tail. After showering Raiden's appearance drastically changed no longer was his coat filled to the brim with dirt. Silver messy mane with a tail to match his tail from a distance almost looks like a patch of fog making him look majestic, his fur is blue, the kind of blue that Luna had years ago. His feathers are a darker shade of blue and some silver feathers too, in moonlight they shine and almost look like his wings were made of stars.

"That's Princess Celestia my older sister." Luna said with a smile

"She's scary."

"She's actually a nice pony." She said with a giggle

Celestia approached Luna happily greeting her young sister.

"Hello Luna I heard that you brought a young guest to our beloved castle I'm sorry I couldn't see him."

"He's actually right next to me please reveal yourself Raiden." Luna stepped aside to let Celestia see a still very dirty Pegasus colt hiding behind his hands.

"Ah!" Raiden shouted as he hid behind Luna before showing his face.

"H…h…hi princess." He said shyly

"You remind me of a young colt I raised shy, but handsome." Celestia said with a giggle

"Th…thanks? Ah…you…you have really…" He began to stutter a little still not comfortable around Celestia. "B…big wings."

"You don't have to be so nervous I'm like any other pony." She stated

"A…really, b…big pony."  He start to show himself a bit more revealing to Celestia his bandages and when she spotted at them she was more than surprised.

"Luna what happened to him?" Celestia asked

"Well from the several cuts on his arm and side he was cut with an extremely sharp blade. Other than that I'm not sure."

"Bad ponies always tried to hurt me, they've been doing it since I could remember." Raiden look down at the ground

"I see well you can stay here for the time being, my guards will make sure you aren't hurt by anyone."

"Wha…what? but…but I…why?" He asked confused by her generosity.

"Because you have no where else to go and it's better that you stay here and become familiar with the castle's surroundings."

"You mean as in…live here? As my home? A real one?" He asked

"Of course we wouldn't just heal you and throw you out. As long as you follow the rules you may stay here." She said with smiled

Celestia then received a rather urgent letter from Twilight, removing the ribbon she began to read about the situation in Ponyville.

"What it's wrong princess did something happen?" Raiden ask as he and Luna approach Celestia

"A dragon is causing a little trouble in Ponyville and I sent my student a letter to investigate and find a way to get rid of it."

"A d...dragon? Isn't that a bit dangerous to handle alone?"

"She isn't going alone she's bringing her friends in order to help with the situation."

Ponyville...

"Seems like you and Fluttershy have been getting along, that's nice I've been meaning to ask how's uh the whole living here now?" You asked

"I'm still getting use to it, but it's a little hard with ponies give me glares everywhere I go." You sighed as you knew that would happen.

"Dante really you shouldn't worry about me. Sure, it's slightly upsetting, but I can go through it like you said I'm strong and shouldn't think negatively." You smiled and nodded, but you had no choice but to worry she isn't one to take criticism lightly.

"Heh I guess I shouldn't you're a grown mare now, but I have no choice but to worry I haven't seen you in years so that's my job as a friend worry about others then myself."

"Well thank you I...thank you." You smiled and grabbed her hand as she blushed, but smiled. Your relationship with Trixie was an extremely mixed bag, just yesterday she yelled at you for not sending her a single letter, but now you're acting like best of friends with her. It was weird how things could change in just a matter of minutes though, she might've hated you for being who you are it you might as well not live here.

"I heard that Fluttershy has a slight crush on you can't really disagree with her you have your talents."

"Wait? How did you know about that?" You asked confused by how she knew about your crazy relationship with Fluttershy

"She told me after I told her somethings about yourself seems like she's growing extremely fond of you who wouldn't? You try your best helping others and finding ways on cheering others up. Remember the whole Azure Sparks incident?" She asked

It was five years ago when the birthday turned into a huge clusterfuck you managed to scrape together what little things in order to make that birthday a great birthday to one of your long time friends, plus with her being a noble's daughter you wanted to make a great first impression, but it ultimately turned into her best birthday ever.

"Don't remind me that had the makings of me being taught to use my perception to make things better by just looking for different items."

"I have no idea what you just said."

"Neither do I, neither do I." You smiled and laid your head on the table as you tapped on the table trying to forget about what you had just said to Trixie.

"Dante!" You looked up to see the ever perky Pinkie happily bounce towards you.

"Hey there Pinks what's up?" You asked

"Twilight needs you at the library she said to get you and that she has something important to tell you." Pinkie stated happily her bright smile piercing your eyes as she happily played with her curly mane.

"I'll be there in a few." Pinkie nodded and happily bounced away

"How do you deal with her?" Trixie asked in a hushed whisper

"Tolerate the perky and you shall be rewarded, that award includes hugs,kisses on the cheek,and sweets from a bakery." You informed

"Kisses on the cheek? Pinkie gives you kisses on the cheek?" She asked

"Only on Sundays other days are hugs and sweets."

"O-Kay then I won't ask what else she does." You smiled and nodded

"I'll see ya later." You rose from your seat and walked back towards the library whatever Twilight wanted it had to be important aside from the whole smog you've seen in town.

Library...

"You what?!" The five mares shouted as Fluttershy blushed and looked away.

"You have a crush on Dante? Why?" Rainbow asked

"It's complicated and he does a lot for me." Fluttershy informed more than embarrassed that she revealed her crush.

"So you like him cuz he has quality's you love." Fluttershy nodded and played with her fingers trying to get away from the awkwardness

"Well that's completely different then I expected but we'll help you Fluttershy anything to keep you happy." Twilight stated a smile appearing as she hugged her.

"Really? You girls will help me?" They all happily nodded knowing Shy deserves at least some happiness

"Of course darling if we get this right we might finally have someone to keep you happy." Rarity stated

"Don't ya worry about a thing Shy we'll do our best." Rainbow said with an assuring smile

"We'll get him to like ya before the gala starts." Pinkie was extremely excited for the day it might be a slight challenge to get you to like someone but all five girls knew it was possible.

Dante...

You approached the library wondering what Twilight needed that it was so important to interrupt your meeting with Trixie.

"Alright Twi what's this about?" You asked walking into the library.

"Dante good you're here I just got a letter from Celestia telling me and the girls that there's a dragon in the mountains causing the smog that you're seeing in town so she asked me and the girls to clear it up."

"O-Kay and this concerns me how?" You asked a little confused by what it meant for you.

"Just thought you should know plus I need your help with something in the kitchen." You sighed and walked with Twilight into the kitchen.

"Okay the real reason I brought you in here is that Fluttershy just told us she has a crush on you." You nodded understanding thus far.

"And Fluttershy is having some confidence issue with us convincing a dragon to leave the area and I want you to give her some words of encouragement."

"So you want me to say a few things to her so you can get this on the way?"

"Yeah." You rolled your eyes and exited the kitchen and walked over to Fluttershy who seemed extremely shy for some odd reason most likely due to your kiss that had happened only a few weeks ago.

"Hey Flutters I know you're afraid of that dragon and you don't want to really go and I could understand that I'd be really afraid if I'd have to go, but you don't have to be afraid your friends are there to support you and I'll be down here in Ponyville rooting for you too." She had a slight smile and hugged you.

"Future wife." Eris whispered

Fuck off.

"Thank you Dante."

Canterlot...

"You can't really expect six mares could take care of a dragon, he'll eat them alive, we need to do something." Raiden stated as he walked alongside Luna.

"Do not worry about them they're all strong and capable of many things young Raiden." Luna stated with a smile

"Not a dragon definitely not a fully grown and grumpy dragon, you know if you're not going to do a thing I'll go myself." Raiden ran away from them and before a guard could reach him, he takes his sword and runs down the hallway.

Luna teleported in front of him and encasing him in a magical bubble unable to burst unless she lets go.

"If you're going to act like rude boy, you're going to be treated like one." Luna said scolding the young Pegasus colt.

"let me go…you can't do this, those mares are going to die." He hits the bubble trying to break it open but to no avail.

"Do not doubt the element bearers as they are strong you need to learn respect young boy." Raiden continued to hit the bubble for a good while until he gives.

"Damn! This isn't getting me anywhere!, I really…really don't want to use this, please princess just let me go."

"If you promise to not to go crazy and run then I will release you." Luna simply stated

"Fine." He dropped the sword and crossed his arms upset that he couldn't do a thing, as he dropped on the ground the guard takes his sword back slightly annoyed by the boy.

As everything is settled Blueblood turned the corner and letted out a girlish scream.

"You! guards! guards! kill that…that thing this instant." A few of the guards nodded and approached Raiden with their weapons aimed at him as he started to back away.

"Stop!" Luna shouted quickly covering Raiden

The guards stopped and nodded following Luna's orders.

"Auntie! What are you doing?! Get away from him!, quickly, before he infects you, he's a thief AND a outcast, and now somehow get in here to steal from us! We need to punish him at once!" Blueblood warned

"He didn't do a thing, I invited this young colt to stay in the castle."

"Auntie do you even KNOW what…THAT thing is? That thing… got himself in a life of crime and corruption! He's been terrorizing Canterlot over 2 years, he is the corrupt shadow!"

"I had NOTHING to do with that nickname!" Raiden argued

"See?! He admitted it, he just confessed, now step away from him auntie!"

"And what I was suppose to do? let them kill me?! My parents sold me for a bag of rice, to horrible ponies that torture me! I didn't have a choice, I needed to escape!" Raiden said at the verge of tears from remembering that horrible memory

"Lies!…nothing but lies, auntie you don't honestly believe what he is saying do you?"

"Everyone deserves a second chance. You acted like this way with Dante and I will not have you acting this way with Raiden." Luna defended

"Don't mention that peasant here, he and that…thing are more than different at least Dante wasn't a monster." Raiden hide in shame for the remark

"And as he just clearly confessed he has no parents, he's a criminal and a thief and as such he belongs in Equestria's dungeons auntie the law is clear, and there's nothing you can do."

"Dante may differ, but they have the same background no parents when they first arrived to the castle, tired, hungry, and hurt. Dante stole from the treasury at a young age Raiden had to steal to survive they may differ, but Dante and Raiden are one in the same." Luna informed

"Sorry princess, but the prince is right, Dante was under the care of princess Celestia, he doesn't have anyone, he was and still is by law a criminal and as such must be punish." One of the guards approach and try to take Raiden away

"And Raiden is under my guardianship, he'll be staying here until further notice and do not reverse my orders. If anyone dares remove Raiden from the castle you'll be gone from the guard do I make myself clear."

"You're taking care of me?" Raiden asked

"You're what?!" Blueblood shouted in complete horror.

"Yes princess!" The guards salute and went away.

"A…auntie…you…you're not…you're not seriously thinking on…no! Auntie please don't say that you are going to…"

"Come along Raiden, we have much to do about your appearance." Luna said taking Raiden's hand walking away from Blueblood.

"Auntie you can't…a…adopt him?…HIM?! The monster of canterlot?…you…you…auntie!" Blueblood turned to Celestia

"Auntie you need to stop them, this is nonsense! You see that right?" He asked

"From what I'm seeing is that we have another child lost in the world ready to learn from royal company just like Dante the future co-ruler of Equestria alongside you dear nephew. You do know that if me or Luna leave Dante will rule with you by his side." Celestia informed

"What?! You want him?…to…what? But auntie!…he…he's evil!"

"This discussion is over Blueblood, Luna has made her decision as have I."

"But this is not fair! its not fair! no fair! no fair!" Celestia leave Blueblood to his little rant and join Raiden and Luna

"Thanks for…well protect me back there princess." Raiden look at Luna with a big smile some of his tears still on his face

"Like I said before I will protect you no matter what. I made a promise and I intend on keeping it."

"Thanks…princesses, just so you both know I wasn't lying I really was hurt, I had proof look." He stop and turn around before pulling up his shirt so they both see wipes scars all over his back

"The ponies that keep me captive usually hit me with a wipe at random times until I manage to escape, at night some of those scars still hurt a lot, almost like I just got them."

"It's hard to forget what they've done to you, but you mustn't remember what they did. Try to forget, it maybe difficult, but in the end you'll have a wonderful life."

"I…I will try, oh and princess, what did mean I'm under your guardianship? what does that mean?" He asked

"You'll be staying here going to school have a normal life under my care." She informed

"Under your care? What does that mean?"

"Call me mother."

"M…mother? really?! Y…you?!…you want to be my…my mommy?" Raiden asked in the brink of tears.

"Of course that's if you'll have me." Raiden ran over to Luna and happily hugged her as she hugged back. Next Chapter: Past #3 Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 13 Minutes