I dozed peacefully before I shot awake, my alertness skyrocketing. Heart pounding in my chest. Everything was dark. I let out a groan, stroking my face and slipping out of bed. As I got out of bed however, I fell... almost as if there were a massive gaping hole in the floor.

My screams were drowned out in an echoing fashion as I fell into a deep abyss. I half figured when I hit the ground I'd be dead, but instead I landed in a humongous mound of fluffy snow. I leapt up, snow fuming up with me as I let out a yelp. “GEEZE THAT'S FUCKING COLD!” I jittered around, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers.

I hopped around but froze stiff as a voice hissed through the air. “Cold... cold like death... the death you brought me.” I spun on my heals, only to find myself face to face with Freeze. 'Geeze... never thought the dead would actually haunt me,' I thought to myself.

“Guh!” I gulped, blinking as she smirked.

“How's that eye?” she taunted and I knew immediately she was going to fight. “Maybe I should've taken them both!” she screamed, lunging forwards, front hooves extended as she piled into me. I instantly, and rather naturally, swatted at her hooves but only managed to smack away the left hoof.

As her right hoof drove into my face, it felt as if she were merging with me in a way. Immediately my face began to freeze up, ice accumulating like burns on my skin. I drove my knee into her gut, then drove a kick into her that sent her tumbling away. I winced in pain, withering on the ground as I clenched my face. It was like touching an frozen lake. I couldn't feel the left side of my face.

I staggered to my feet, rage boiling up. “Alright... let's do this!” I growled, charging forwards and taking a heavy swing at her. However, just as my fist collided with her, she simply dissipated into the gusty snowy winds.

I staggered, having put my weight into the punch and expected to hit mass. I was taken by surprise and stopped, trying to settle myself and use my inept senses. However, before I could pick up anything, I was slammed to the ground by a powerful mass of snow, which quickly liquidized into icy water.

I stumbled to my feet, gagging and struggling to move as the snow turned into waist high water. “I never got to show you my control over all the states of water!” came a voice just as the water around me was drawn back from the still dark shoreline... or what I suppose was the shoreline.

“Oh... well... pfft... that's not so bad...” I trailed myself off, thinking about something. “Shoreline... water draw back...” My eyes went wide as a shiver went down my back. “Fuck,” I whispered and looked up ahead. A massive surge of water came hurtling at me, but it didn't look like a regular tidal wave of any sort. The wave almost looked artistic, with the wave creating the shape of a horse... Freeze.

It was all I could to but stiffen myself and take a deep breath. Bracing myself, I brought my arms up in front of my body. The wave pummeled me and it felt like I was struck by a freight train.

It immediately knocked the wind out of me, water quickly filling my lungs. I was dragged through the current but even under water, it felt as though something powerful was still striking me.

Just as quickly as the water had struck me, it was turned to snow. I found myself cascaded under snow, lord only knows how deep. I began sifting my way out of the fluff. “Why not... just fucking... freeze me to death in ice!” I roared to myself as I finally tunneled my way out of the snow.

I found myself in a plane of snow, drifts spreading across the arctic desert. I dropped to my knees, my body spent and exhausted... a freezing chill making me shiver. “But what would be the fun in that?” cackled a voice just as I was plowed to the ground and dragged along through the snow.

I groaned and managed to roll backwards and onto my feet. I tensed my body. “Alright... you wanna play rough... let's bleed!” I snarled and rushed forwards blindly. She gave off no scent, as if part of the snow itself. I couldn't even see or hear in the blizzard conditions.

As I charged, a knee was slammed into my gut. I found my mark and swung with my left, piling a punch into a body which I couldn't see. I was fighting blind, this much I knew. I brought myself into a boxer-esque stance but was kicked in the back by a pair of hooves that sent me face first into the snow.

I pushed myself back up but no sooner had I reached my feet, a hoof battered me square in the face, kicking me to my back. It was so cold that my blood thickened as it left my nose, not streaming freely like it usually would.

I rolled to my back, trying furiously to just get my footing, but she wouldn't let up. I was driven into the ground by what felt like the weight of a wrecking ball... compacted into the size of a hoof. My spine screamed in pain as I gagged, blood spewing from my mouth.

She laughed. “You beat me the first time by pure luck, and luck alone. This time it shall end differe-”

She let out a scream as her body was viciously yanked from atop her perch. I weakly looked over to her and watched as she was trying to pull herself up, a hole punched in her hip that was ever noticeable, oozing out blood.

As she was getting her balance, a second thunderous boom echoed out. A spurt of blood erupted from her shoulder as she was pulled to the ground yet again, followed by another agonizing scream.

As she staggered this time, she found it ever difficult to find her footing... err, hoofing... whatever. She yelled out. “What is this... dark magic?!” she howled and I heard a chuckle.

There was a shaking in the ground and the snow was blown away in powerful gusts of warm wind. It felt like a minor earthquake. As the snow was blown away, I was struck in awe by a lone figure walking towards us. His whole figure was just dark and unrecognizable. A powerful red aura of energy surrounded him along with red electricity. A white skull shone through the darkness like a beacon, along with a glowing hand cannon.

He brought the pistol up, the inscriptions 'Belladonna' and 'Thy lord shall set thee free' glowing brilliantly in the darkness. He took another step forwards and his facial features became ever prominent, mostly the deep facial scares.

“No... no dark magic for you,” he said, pistol raised and aimed at her. He squeezed the trigger and a blinding flash erupted out the barrel. Freeze's front leg was blown off, followed quickly by another agonizing scream.

Derreck knelt over and tossed me over his shoulder. “You're regenesis doesn't work against a weapon like her,” Derreck commented as he walked over and stepped on her stumped limb, emitting another scream from her. “He's mine, and nothing will ever take him from me,” Derreck said coldly as he lined the barrel up with her head.

“Now... do us all a favor and... stay on ice.”

-

I was startled as I awoke on what felt like cold concrete. I struggled to find my footing but ended up just sprawling around on the floor, squirming like a fool. It was cold... so cold. Suddenly my hand brushed against warm fabric. I pulled myself into it. It was warm. I couldn't tell what it was but it was warm.

I just crawled on top of the fabric and did my best to try and stay warm...

I awoke with a throbbing headache, my nose congested. I let out a groan that was added to by someone's chuckle. I looked over to see Lassie leaning her front half off my bed, paws dangling while her tail wagged to and fro. “What... what are you doing on the bed?” I muttered, my voice a little cracky and weak.

“You invaded my bed last night and kept shivering. Your teeth chattered like a fricken... I dunno. Anyway, you're too heavy to carry so I wrapped you up in my blankets and took your bed.” I realized at this point my feet were cold and tried my best to tuck them under the dog sized blanket, which didn't work so well.

She smirked. “Have pleasant dreams?” she asked but I shook my head.

“Freeze,” I whispered and she furrowed a brow.

“Yeah... you were talking in your sleep. Didn't sound pleasant,” she noted and I just nodded, huddling up into a fetal position. “Hey... if you promise not to snore, I'll let you sleep on the bed,” she joked and I just mouthed annoyed words to myself.

“I see that!” she laughed and I just grunted as I stood up out of the dog bed and quickly hopped into my own bed, snuggling up under the sheets. I noticed little things tickling me. I looked down and noticed that my bed was littered with dog hair.

“Shedding much?” I asked and she just snuggled up under the blankets. “HEY WHAT ARE YOU?!-” But I was cut off as she pressed her paw to my mouth.

“Shush you. Man's best friend. Pretend I'm like a stuffed animal that produces profuse body heat,” she said, rubbing her body into mine. I realized her body was very warm and snuggled her tight. “Eh! Not so tight, you'll suffocate me,” she wheezed and I let off a bit. “Damn you're cold,” she muttered and I nodded.

“I think I have a cold,” I replied and she snickered.

“Figures. Knowing you, you'll be over it by breakfast,” she joked... or maybe she was being serious but in a joking tone. I reached over the side of the bed and grabbed my old pair of pants then used them like a tissue to blow my nose. Lassie looked at me with a thrilled look. “That's so epic!” she commented and I rose a brow. “What? Using clothing like toiletries. Totally wicked... just uhh... don't let Twilight know or she'd blow a vein.”

I laid for a long while, eyes closed but fully aware of my surroundings. Sounds registered in my head as I lay, mostly Lassie mumbling tunes to herself, some of them songs from my world that she'd heard from my CDs, others... maybe from this world.

Finally, I felt good enough to get up and get to the morning's chores, whatever they might be. I stood up and scratched the back of my head, yawning with a rather loud report. I clucked my tongue and sighed, letting out a much softer yawn before sifting through my laundry.

Most of it was dirty. Near the bottom of my laundry I found something I had been trying to hide a while back. A pair of black trousers, along with a black shirt with a white cross in the middle.

I stuff the shirt away but kept the pants. I took note I was low on clean clothes. “Laundry day it is,” I mumbled. I found a pair of socks... they kind of stank but would be concealed by my boots anyway.

Going shirtless, I went upstairs for some breakfast which, by the smell of things, was already being cooked. “Morning,” I greeted Spike. Before I could react, a pair of hooves wrapped around my waist from behind. I turned slightly to see Twilight hugging me.

“Morning,” she greeted with a warm and cozy tone. I slipped around, knelt down and nuzzled into her.

“Mornin' mum,” I stated and she sighed, somewhat depressingly. “Something... wrong?” I asked but she just shook her head.

“Nnn... n-no... nothing. I-it's nothing,” she replied, almost unsure of her own words. I just shrugged it off and brought her in a bit closer. “Oh, I almost forgot. My birthday is in a few days, this week actually. Wednesday,” she told me and I went wide-eyed.

“Oh geeze! Really?” I gasped, having no idea whatsoever. She nodded. “What do you want? For a present I mean?” I asked and she just smiled with a timid shrug before nestling her nose into mine.

“Just don't be in the hospital,” she giggled and I managed a chuckle. “Oh, my parents are coming down, along with my brother and Cadence. Princess Celestia said she'd be here as well,” she mentioned. There was a brief pause before Spike came over, dressed in an apron.

“Uhh... hey Evan. Want some eggs and toast?” he asked and I gave him a bright smile.

“Sure bud. Over-easy?” I asked and his face went a little sad.

“Uhh... no. Scrambled. Sorry... BUT I CAN MAKE YOU SOME!” He said quickly but I just gave him a pat.

“Bud, it's good to me either way. You're pretty good at cooking.” He looked up at me with a smile.

“Y-you... you think so?” he asked hesitantly and I nodded with a thumbs up. “Oh, great!I'll get you a plate!” he exclaimed happily and Lassie spoke up from my side.

“Hey! Don't forget about me!” she chimed and Spike gave a nod. Twilight looked to her.

“Lassie... I don't think I've seen ever seen you eat actual dog food,” to which Lassie gave her a stare.

“Dude... that stuff... has no taste. The labels say it's got all these natural flavors but it just tastes like bran, through and through,” she commented blandly and I just chuckled.

“I can back her up on that,” I said and they all looked to me. “What?” I asked dully.

Twilight spoke. “Uhm... how do you know what dog food tastes like?” she asked and I let out a deep exhale.

“I was... sad, a long time ago. Really sad. I'm not much of a suicidal person so... I sat around and ate dog food. Didn't eat too much since it has high levels of fiber but... it tastes pretty bland and, like Lassie said, tastes like bran.” Twilight just blinked, looking at me with disbelief.

“You were... sad, so you... ate dog food?” she repeated my words in a question and I nodded. “Just because you were sad?” she asked and I nodded.

“Really sad, we'll leave it at that. Spike's cooking is much better so I won't mind if Lassie doesn't want dog food,” I pitched in. Lassie snickered.

“Ever try it with milk?” she asked as a joke and I took a moment to answer.

“Uhh... yes,” I stated, a little embarrassed. They all looked at me and I went a little shy. Not timidly just... I didn't want to talk about it kind of shy.

Spike broke the awkward silence. “Breakfast is ready,” he chimed. We all took our seats and went to eat before Lassie interupted us.

“Woah, hold your horses... tee-hee... horses,” she laughed and we all looked at her. She scoffed. “Oh come on... guys it's Sunday. We're all together for the first time in... grace?” she asked. I took a moment and figured she was right. I outreached my arms to Lassie and Spike, whom sat on each side of me. We all joined hands/hooves and Lassie looked to Spike. “Bow your head, it's how to say grace,” she gave him a smiling wink.

As we all bowed our heads, Lassie said grace. It was still strange really... my dog talking. “Dear lord, our savior, we thank you for bringing us together on this faithful and peaceful day. Thank you for the food you have broughten us, and thank you for our family which is united, amen.”

I took my hands away, whispering 'amen' under my breath. Twilight looked to me. “Sorry if I... well, I've never been very religious, being a mare of science but... religion?” she asked and I just shrugged.

“Meh. I have an off and on relationship with god. Sometimes I say to myself 'Well... something had to have created everything. How could it just-” I cut myself off as I snapped. “Just appear'. But other times I used to ask myself, 'What kind of god would create a species in his own image if he knew full well that they'd be so destructive?' You wouldn't know but... my old world was full of death, famine, destruction... I always asked myself what kind of god would just... sit back and watch it all happen, while preaching that he's the ultimate savior.” I sat back and shrugged. “Doesn't matter in the end really. I just kind of let it flow, day by day.”

She nodded. “I see.” We all began to eat and I looked to Spike.

“Good eatin' man. Ten banger all day long,” I appraised his cooking and he smiled. Lassie chipped in.

“Yeah. Better than dog food any day.” I nodded.

“I'll second that,” I added in. We sat in silence for the most part, sometimes breaking the silence to chit-chat but for the most part... we just enjoyed the company. As breakfast came to an end, there was a knock at the door.

Lassie called out. “It's open!” she yelled out so the guest could hear. The door opened and there stood Sweetie Belle. “Hey, don't be a stranger, come in, come in.” With that greeting, Sweetie Belle trotted over into the kitchen.

Rubbing her hoof timidly into the ground, she blushed a little. “Uhm... hi. Uh, Spike... if you weren't busy... I was wondering if you wanted to play today?” she asked and he sighed.

“Uh... sorry, I have some chores-” I cut him short.

“Nah. I'll do your chores kid. Go out and play,” I said cheerily and he looked to me with a shocked, and happy, expression.

“R-really?” both he and Sweetie Belle asked in unison. I nodded. “Thanks!” He nearly leapt out of his seat and both he and Sweetie Belle rushed off without so much as another syllable.

I just chuckled. “Welcome,” I laughed, turning back to finish the little bits of food I had left. Twilight smiled.

“That was nice of you,” she chimed and I just rolled my eye.

“Nice of him to offer me breakfast. Listen, I'll be back shortly to do chores. I just need to do some laundry.” She nodded as I finished off my breakfast. Grabbing the dirty plates, I placed them in the sink and gave her a peck on the cheek.

“Don't worry, I'll wash them as soon as I get back,” I told her and she smiled.

“Don't worry about it. I have some studying to do so they'll be here when you get back,” she said and I just laughed lightly. “What?” she asked curiously and I just smiled while raising my hands in a 'dunno' sort of way.

“Just funny is all. Sounded kind of like a coy answer. Love yah,” I gave her a kiss to the tip of her nose, grabbed a garbage bag and went down to my room. I stuffed all the laundry into the extra large bag and went back upstairs.

Tossing the bag over my shoulders, I slipped on my work boots... my only footwear actually. Twilight stopped me just before I left. “Aren't you... going to put on a shirt?” she asked but I just shook my head.

“Nah. It's warm out... and besides, ponies around here don't wear clothes anyway. I don't think they'll notice.” She bit her lip and nodded hesitantly but I gave her an assuring kiss.

“Don't worry. I'll be fine, just the laundromat then I'll be back in a jiffy.” With that I was off. I tossed the bag of laundry into the back box of Cadence before promptly hopping into the driver seat. Just as I started the truck, Derreck hopped into the passenger seat, a pile of folded up laundry in his lap.

“Guh! Jesus F. Christ!” I gasped and Derreck just rolled his eye.

“What? Don't love me no more?” he asked but I shook my head.

“No... I mean, yes I still like you but god dammit... do you have to sneak up on me like that?” He just rolled his good eye and pointed forwards.

“Come on, I got stuff to do,” he said. I slipped the truck into drive and made off towards the laundromat. As we drove, Derreck rubbed the dashboard. “Drives smooth,” he commented and I nodded.

“Yeah. Flim and Flam really spiffed her up,” I mentioned and he nodded.

“Drives better than a Lada,” he commented and I looked to him but he never answered. Finally we reached the laundromat. I stepped out, leaving Cadence running as I grabbed my bag of clothes and went inside, Derreck close behind.

I emptied my laundry into the washing machine before realizing something. “Damn... I left my wallet in the truck-” Derreck cut me off as he grabbed some laundry detergent that was lying nearby, poured a vast quantity into the machine... probably too much, closed the lid and slammed his fist into the coin slot. Pressing the start button, the machine hummed to life.

I suddenly felt light headed... unable to keep my balance. I couldn't think straight. I couldn't even stand. I began to stumble and immediately Derreck was at my side, supporting my weight as he sat me down. “You feeling okay?” he asked but I didn't give an answer. For a moment, everything was just... nothing. I couldn't even comprehend what was happening. I could see everything that was happening at that very moment but nothing kept in my memory.

After a while... or maybe it was a brief moment, I finally came to. “Ugh... oh man... what happened?” I asked but Derreck just shook his head as he stood back up.

“Nothing, don't worry about it.” He took a deep inhale through his nose and helped me to my feet. “Come back in an hour and stuff them in a dryer,” he told me, then turned to leave.

“Wait! Where are you going?!” I asked and he just looked at me for a long while, not answering or giving any gesture whatsoever.

“Well... right now I don't know. Tell you the truth... lately that's what I've been contemplating... where am I going? I figure... maybe I'll walk this earth,” he said and I cocked an eyebrow.

“Walk this earth?” I asked and he nodded. “To where?” I asked and he just shrugged.

“To someplace where I belong,” he said and with that he walked out the laundromat door. Just before the door shut, he held it open, a vast beam of sunlight illuminating him and basking around him. “Don't forget to put the laundry in the dryer.”

And with that the door shut. I let out a sigh, stroking my hand over my eye patch. Sometimes I wish I still had the use of that eye but alas, a small sacrifice. It also made me look like a badass when I looked at myself in the mirror. I stood up and stretched out. I needed to get back to the library and finish up the chores there.

Walking back outside, the rumble of Cadence was ever presence. Through pure chance, I heard somepony whistle. I stopped, it was barely audible under Cadence's chugging. I listened and there it was again, a whistle, this time louder.

I turned and looked to where I presumed it was coming from. A back alley between the laundromat and another building. Another whistle. I shook my head, figuring I was probably hearing things. As I went to leave a can bounced and cluttered past my feet. It had been directed from the alley. I turned and licked my lips. What's the worst that could happen?

I slowly walked towards the alley but saw nopony... no one for that matter, in the alley. I was going to leave but something in the back of my head said to investigate. I slowly stepped into the alley. There was nothing besides the odd trash bag, some fluttering garbage and two dumpsters. “Geeze... like the projects of Ponyville... never knew there were slums in this place.”

I walked a little further but stopped as the sound of a heavy hoof step sounded out, almost as if they were wearing some kind of solid footwear. I spun to face the snoop, only to find somepony I never really wanted to see again. My lips curled back. “Two timing fucking bitch!” I growled and her eyes shot open.

“Woah! What the hay is your problem?!” Daring gasped, hobbling along in a full leg cast. I stormed my way over to her.

“I'd break your fucking leg, but looks like someone took that joy from me!” I snarled and she stepped back.

“Hey! What's your problem?! Are you on drugs or something?” she said defensively, and slightly hesitantly. Probably realizing now that she had no real way of escaping if I decided to just grind her into the ground.

“My problem?” I asked with wide eyes, as if shocked. “My problems... are fucking... what the fuck is your problem?!” I asked in a deeply aggrivated tone and she just looked at me with repute.

“For Celestia's sake! What is your problem? Did you take a course in being a rude jackass?” she asked, and I just furrowed my brow.

“Don't think so, maybe I should've taken the scamming bitch class like you. Did they teach you how to act innocent as well, or was that a different class? Maybe they gave you a discount huh? Two for one or something?” I insulted her and she left her mouth agape.

“What the buck is your problem?! I... what are you so pissy about?” She yelled back. I went wide eyed.

“Oh... maybe just some two timing bitch, fools me into thinking she's actually sorry when in reality she's just using me so she can climb to the summit of some goddess forsaken rock, get some artifact, then nearly die so that I have to gravely injure myself saving her life then she turns around, gives the artifact to the museum and keeps the fucking money for herself!” I roared in her face, blowing back her mane.

She just blinked. “You are the stupidest, most... UGH! YOU'RE SUCH A STALLION! SO STUPID IT BAFFLES ME!” She yelled and I rolled my eyes.

“You're such a conniving bitch it baffles me that you actually wonder why others want you dead!” I yelled back and she just stuffed her hoof in my mouth.

“SHUT UP! JUST... Ugh!...” she groaned and rolled her eyes then waved her busted leg a little. “When we arrived at the hospital I was out cold. Next thing I knew, I was in a private hospital room provided by the museum. I had no idea they just took the journal and didn't compensate you,” she told me and I started to break down a bit then tensed up.

“Let me guess... you're gonna say you're sorry but you need me to help you with some other dangerous task,” I scoffed and she let out and irritated groan.

“NO! Goddess you are such a dick!” she screamed. I just blinked.

“Well you're a two-timin-” she cut me off with a hoof in my mouth.

“NO! I'm not asking you to do anything...” she let out a depressed sigh. “When I woke up I found out they hadn't paid you at all. All they had done was create a cover up story. Needless to say I was a little steamed, since you had saved my life and all,” she told me. At first I was still on guard. She had played me twice, and this was strike three.

“Anyway... I came back to give you your salary. It's not a hundred and fifty thousand like we agreed, but we also didn't retrieve The Dragon's Horn like we originally planned... good thing too. I read the journal and I'm guessing you destroyed the horn?” she asked and I nodded.

“Tossed it down a deep cavern. Don't think anypony will miss it,” I replied, still a little on edge.

“Good. Only bad news would've come from that. Nopony had any idea what it was. Just an artifact. Anyway... no, I'm not here to ask you to accompany me on another quest... goddess, I'm still recovering from my fractured bones. I have no idea how you just... I heard the reports, busted ribs, broken arm, pneumonia... how the hell you're even alive baffles me but... thank you. I know you really didn't like me... I know you don't like me now but... thank you, for saving my life... twice,” she thanked me and... I don't know what it was about her voice. It sounded sincere and genuine.

“I... uhh...” I couldn't piece together the words. She tossed me a small pouch of bits.

“That's thirty seven thousand, five hundred bits,” she said and I looked to her.

“F-for... for what?” I asked, still dumbfounded.

“Well... the journal net worth to the museum was fifty large. You said you wanted half of my pay on top of your own so... three quarters of the value is thirty seven thousand, five hundred bits.” I nearly dropped to my knees. She wasn't...

“I... I'm so sorry,” I gasped and she rose a brow.

“For?...”

I dropped down before her, bringing myself eye to eye. “I... I had no idea you were... I thought...” I trailed off, trying to find an apology. She just smirked.

“Don't think, you're not good at it,” she teased with a smile. “Just kidding... maybe next time think before you speak and act,” she offered and I bit my lip. "Sound familiar?" she asked and I didn't say anything. “It's something you taught me... the first time we met. Maybe now I can offer you the same advice,” she said and lifted my chin. “And... like you, I'll forgive you, if you can find it in your heart to forgive me,” she offered and I nodded.

“Yeah... yeah of course... you don't even need to apologize. Daring I-” she cut me off, putting a hoof to my mouth.

“Don't go soft on me,” she laughed and I nodded, then looked down to the bag.

“I... I don't need this... I mean, half of your pay. I was just being an ass.” I opened the bag and tried rooting through it but Daring just put a hoof over it.

“Nah, keep it. I barely spent a bit on this trip. Your friends were the ones who had all the expenditures,” she replied and I nodded. “So keep it. I don't really need the money,” she said but I shook my head.

“I'd feel like an ass if I kept it,” I said but she held her hoof firmly against my hand.

“Keep it. Seriously,” she said but I shook my head.

“Please. I can't. I know I said... oh to hell with it, I was a complete jerk and you didn't deserve it-” she cut me off.

“I did a litte-” I cut her off.

“No! No really you didn't. I mean yeah... you portrayed the events of what happened the first time to be a little... one sided but... I was an ass to you the whole way up the mountain, meanwhile you were just trying to apologize... please, I don't care what you say about money, just take your full half,” I said and she just rolled her eyes. “I don't care what you do with it. Hell, give it to charity, whatever... we both contributed evenly...” I trailed off, thinking back to how Flim and Flam contributed the most... but then again they're the ones reaping the rewards.

She sighed and smirked. “Stubborn bastard... alright,” she agreed with a smile. I gave her back twelve thousand, five hundred bits, leaving me with twenty five... half the original payout. She smiled then facehoofed. “Geeze, I almost forgot!” she announced then reached into her saddlebags.

She pulled out a hardcover book. The title read: Daring Do and The Horned Mountain. I blinked as she offered the book. “First printed copy of this issue, nearly three weeks before release,” she said and I just blinked. “It's not much but... well, I figured it might mean something.”

I shrugged. “Well... I don't read much but-” she cut me off.

“Okay, I won't spoil it, but don't get mad when you think I portrayed you as the bad guy again. He's got more back story, I swear,” she said and I just blinked. “That is, if you read it,” she commented and I just shrugged.

“Maybe... I don't read these much,” I replied and she smiled.

“It's okay. Anyway...” she trailed of with a groan as she stretched out. “I don't know how you did it, but I'm still sore and busted up so I'll be relaxing and laying low for a while. See yah later alligator,” she gave her farewell and I waved her goodbye.

“In a while crocodile.” She stopped and looked back to me with a crossed look.

“Would yah put on a shirt already,” she laughed just before slipping on a wig and pair of glasses. I watched her leave the alley, but as I left myself, she was nowhere to be seen. I looked at the bag of bits, and the first print of the newest issue...

“Thanks Daring... you're not all bad.” I smiled to myself as I walked over and got back in my truck. I looked at the cash. I still owed Flim and Flam twenty... or maybe they'd let it slide considering they're some kind of huge name brand now... or maybe they aren't. I don't really know.

I set the two items aside and drove home. Figures... climb a mountain now I'm a celebrity... I didn't even want to be a celebrity... “Maybe Daring planned this and it's her way of getting at me,” I snickered to myself.

I arrived home and parked the truck. I pondered what I'd do with the story. If it was just an exaggerated version of our climb to the summit... I didn't really want to read it. “I'll do something with it later... maybe sell it to a pawn shop,” I muttered to myself. I know it was supposed to mean something but I didn't really want a book, just her forgiveness.

I left the book and money in the truck then proceeded back inside to start cleaning... or arranging books. Whatever Twilight had in mind. As I came back inside, I saw Lassie cleaning the kitchen and Twilight reading something. She looked up to me. “Oh, hey Evan. Would you mind re-arranging the bookshelves? I have them in alphabetical order but I think separating them into fiction and non-fiction categories and then putting each book series into chronological order might work better,” she told me and I rose a brow.

“The what?” I asked. I understood fiction vs non-fiction but...

“Seperate them into two groups, fiction and non-fiction, then put each book or novel series into chronological order... you know like... if there were five books in a series, putting them in proper order,” she told me.

“Okay... so how do you want me to arrange the books in each category?” I asked and she thought to herself.

“Just alphabetical order,” she replied and I just blinked.

“Didn't you say it was in alphabetical order right now?” I asked but she shook her head.

“No. Everything is in alphabetical order. I think this new way might work better,” she replied. I just nodded. “Thanks. I have to go read... something. I'll be upstairs if you need me. Just... uhm... knock first, okay?” and with that she was off.

I scratched the back of my head then shrugged before turning around and realizing for the first time ever just how many books the library actually had. “Oh... sweet Celestia...”

Hours later...

I let out a sigh, stretching out my back as I finally finished the task. I had asked Lassie to help but she ended up scampering off out a window.

I let out a sigh and flopped down on the couch. Just as I relaxed, a knock echoed at the door. “It's open,” I called out and a mare walked through the door. She was a unicorn, light blue fur with sapphire blue eyes.

Her mane was pretty unusual... well it was unique, like just about every mane in Equestria. It was a two-tone color, half was a light gray, the other half blue. She stepped up to the librarian booth and looked at me. “Uhm... is Twilight Sparkle here?” she asked and I blinked, thinking to myself.

“Uhh... she's busy in her studies. Sorry,” I replied and she sighed.

“Well... do you think you can help me?” she asked and I just shrugged.

“Ah dunno... maybe, what do you need?” I asked.

“Well, I'm here to return this book, and take out another,” she said, levitating out a dentistry book. I walked over and took the book. She looked to me. “Uhm.. are you going to check me in that I returned it?” she asked and I nearly slapped myself in the forehead.

“Oh... oh yeah, yeah of course... uhm... what's your name?” I asked.

“Minuette,” she replied and I just blinked, having no idea what to do now.

“Uhm... okay... I'm sorry, I have no idea what I'm doing,” I apologized. She just snickered and her horn lit up. A sign-in book hovered out from atop the booth and set itself down. She flipped it open with her magic, scrolled through it and finally stopped on a certain page and checked herself off.

She gave back the sign-in book and looked to me. “I'd like to borrow the book: Gingivitis and Periodontist... please,” she replied and I just blinked in uncertainty.

“Uhm... is that a fiction or non-fiction story?” I asked and her jaw nearly dropped.

“W-what? You're not serious are you?” she asked but I nodded.

“Y-yeah... ah-ha... I'm not a...” I trailed off and spotted a pair of reading glasses. I picked them up and slipped them on.

“Now! I am Librarian-Man. Never fear, for I... oh never mind.” I thought about it for a moment. “Isn't gingivitis like... a mouth disease?” I asked and she nodded. “So I guess it's like... a non-fiction book you're looking for right?” I asked and she nodded. I looked at the current book. It was called 'Dental fillings and cap repair'.

I went to the non-fiction category and put it in the dentistry section. I had no idea what the chronological order was so I just guessed. Going through the dentistry section, I pulled out the book she had requested.

I came back and gave it to her. She stifled a laugh. “Do you want me to sign this book out?” she asked and I bit my lip.

“If you wouldn't mind... I have no idea what I'm doing,” I said. She pulled out the sign-in book again and scribbled something down before handing it back.

“You should try the Iron Pony competition... it might be more your thing, Librarian Man,” she laughed. I scratched my head and began putting things together, like some kinda detective.

“So... are you like... a dentist?” I asked and her face lit up as she squealed.

“YES!” She exclaimed then her face slightly faded, just a little. “Well... yeah...” she trailed off and her happy expression lessened. “Kinda...” her smile went away. “No... not really,” she said in a depressed tone, but then lit up again. “BUT I'M REALLY GOOD, I SWEAR!” She chimed and I just blinked.

“Uhm... well, I guess-” but she cut me off.

“My cutie mark doesn't actually have anything to do with what I'm good at! I was meant to be a dentist, I know it!” she told me excitedly. “I can show you!” Her magic enveloped my head and yanked me forwards. My mouth was pried open and she looked inside with a little mouth mirror thing.

“YUCK! You have plaque all along the back side of you teeth! And the space between your teeth is filled with gunk... WOAH!” She gasped then pulled back and pulled out a small magnifying glass. “You have wicked long canines!” she exclaimed. “I guess you eat meat huh?” she asked.

“Ugnh ughn... aught a-y ore,” I grumbled, not able to pronounce words due to my mouth being pried open. She let go of her grasp and let me speak. “Not any more. I'm a herbivore,” I replied but she shook her head.

“No, no, no, no. Herbivores are different. They don't have canine teeth. Canines are meant to shred into things like meat, cut it up... you mean you're a vegetarian,” she implied and I just nodded.

“Woah! Cool! But you need to brush the back of your teeth a wee bit more, and floss way more often.” She pried open my mouth again and looked inside with a little light thingy. “Ooh... you have slight under-bite but it's of no real concern and not really noticeable.” She placed a little pallet thing in my mouth that nearly made me gag. “Bite down, hard as you can,” she ordered.

I bit down hard but before I could open, she pried my mouth open again. “Your bottom teeth are pretty crooked and need realigning but your bite strength would ruin braces... I suppose if it doesn't bother you, you could live with it. But I'd suggest an orthodontist,” she implied. I yanked my head back.

“Enough!” I yelled and her horn went out, all her utensils dropping.

Her face went solemn and she immediately began staggering back, a little scared. “Oh... oh I'm so sorry. I... I just got a little carried away is all. I get a little excited and... I'll just leave,” she apologized and went to leave.

“Hey wait!” I called out and she stopped dead in her tracks. “It's not that I'm mad or anything... hell, you seem like you'd make a helluva dentist-” she cut me off, zipping back over and getting right up to my face.

“You really think so?! Really-really think so?!” she gasped in excitement but I slowly pushed her back down to all fours.

“Yeah. Just uhh... I don't really like ponies randomly jamming their stuff in my mouth...” I trailed off and realized it sounded a little on the... awkward side. “And I'm not sure others would like it either. Maybe ask first err... I dunno, make an establishment. Put a sign out-front your house. 'Dentist', yah know?” I offered my opinion and she brightened up.

“If I did, would you be my first patient?” she asked and I just nodded blankly. “Cool, tomorrow morning sound good?” she asked and I hadn't even answered before she scooped up all her things then zoomed out the door.

“Yeah... fine,” I groaned and just flopped back down on the couch. I heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs and looked up to see Twilight.

“That was very kind of you Evan,” she appraised me but I just shrugged. She came over to the couch side and just smiled. “She's really nice but tries a little to hard. You've really made her happy, and you should be proud of yourself,” she said and I just rolled my eye.

“Yeah well... whatever,” I replied and just sighed. She took a seat, slipping herself under my legs and resting her body against mine.

“You're turning into a bit of a role model,” she commented but I just chuckled.

“No I'm not. Ponies shouldn't follow my lead. I'm... I' not a really good role model,” I replied but she just smirked.

“Well why not? You've become quite the gentleman but are still very masculine. You help ponies with things and it makes them happy. Others would probably want to be like you That's a role model,” she replied and I just sighed.

“It's usually for the wrong reasons,” I replied and she just sighed.

“Well... I just-” I cut her off.

“I've been told this before... tch... role model...” I replied and she looked to me.

“Who told you that you're a role model?” she asked and I just shrugged.

“Some girl back in high school... except she more so said something like I was a hero... or something... teacher didn't approve,” I replied and she cocked an eyebrow...

Grade ten...

I walked the hallways, blank faced and camouflage clothing as always. I carried around a heavy gym bag as my backpack, military ammunition containers as my pencil cases rattled around inside. A pair of dark tint sunglasses covered my eyes. My hair was cut short, nearly bald. Heavy steel toed boots clunked along on the tiled floor.

As I turned the corner, the sound of someone being pushed into a locker echoed, followed by someone yelling rude things to another. I looked and saw a larger guy pinning a smaller kid into a locker, shouting into his face. They both looked like a pair of dorks but regardless, the larger guy looked like he had some friends with him.

I dropped my gym bag, the ammunition containers clunking as the bag hit the floor. I walced up, grabbed the opressor by the hide of his shirt and threw him into the lockers across the hallway, a loud clanging echoing in the hallways.

In an instant I was on the scumbag, left forearm across his throat and right fist ready to pummel him. He gagged and looked at me angrily, then went pale faced. “Jesus... what the fuck man, my beef ain't with you bro,” he said, pretending like he was my good buddy from forever ago.

“Yeah? Well what's you beef with him?” I asked and he just bit his lip.

“Just shit man. It doesn't concern you,” he replied and I just gritted my teeth, curling back my lips.

“Well now it does concern me... now I suggest you fuck off before I knock your teeth into the back of your fucking skull,” I snarled and he just gulped. I let him go, ready to brawl, but instead, he and his friends fucked off with their tails between their legs. “Fuck...” I muttered under my breath.

The kid who had been... bullied I guess would be the term, came up to my side. “Hey thanks ma-” I cut him off.

“Kid, don't mention it, seriously.” I walked away, picking up my bag and heading to class.

Present time...

Twilight blinked. “Well... it doesn't seem like the most ethical way to stop bullying but-” I cut her short.

“Nah... I wasn't really looking to stop the bullying as much as I was looking to get into a fight,” I said and she went wide eyed. “See, I didn't go around looking to start a fight with any random person, but if I got a justifiable reason to fight, I'd take it in a heartbeat,” I replied and she just lay there, unable to speak.

"So anyway, it turned out this guy's girlfriend was in my history class, so the next day she was appraising me and telling others I was a hero and stuff... but since I had technically been aggressive, the teacher didn't like it and was all like 'Oh, you should've informed a teacher, you shouldn't have gotten involved'. I never got along with that teacher,” I told my mother who still lay there silently.

“Anyway, the girlfriend kept telling the others how cool it was that I 'saved' her boyfriend and I tried telling them it wasn't all that great but... well, she wouldn't take no as an answer... and a few of the other students thought it was pretty awesome,” I said and Twilight just blinked before speaking.

“Well... I suppose a more peaceful option would've been a better idea,” she replied and I just snickered

“See now you sound like my teacher. I'd always take the justifiable route, never the darker path but I was never really good with words and people feared me back then due to my larger size and fearsome appearance...”

Summer of 2011...

I sat on the playground equipment with a good childhood friend of mine, just conversing and hanging out. He talked about random stuff, and I talked about random stuff... just useless gibber-jabber about old times.

Suddenly we both heard some yelling. I looked over and saw a group of kids surround a geeky looking kid. One kid stepped up and began pushing him around, while the others kept him inside. “What, you wanna talk to my girl? Think that's okay?!” he said aggressively.

I yelled out. “Hey knock it off before I come down there and kick all your little asses.” They looked up and one spat at the ground, having not really seen me due to the playground equipment I sat behind.

I hopped over the railing, falling a few feet and landing in a crouched position. I walked up and stood them all in the face, standing a good foot and a half taller than any of them. “I said... fuck off, before I fuck all of you up,” I said slowly, and rather sternly. They all blinked then quickly scurried off.

The kid let out a relieved sigh. “Thanks man... I really owe-” I cut him short.

“Don't worry about it... it was nothing,” I said then walked back to where my friend sat, laughing his ass off.

“Ah-ha-ha! That was awesome. You were all like: I'll fuck all of you up and they were just like...” he gave a pale face. I just snickered.

“Yeah... damn, I wanted to fight them...”

Present time...

Twilight just blinked, even further puzzled. “I thought you said you were a really nice person once someone got to know you,” she said and I nodded.

“I was. Just... well, don't be a dick to others. I mean, you don't have to be a meanie just because you feel strong. And if you are... you kinda deserve what I dish out... of course... sometimes it wasn't always what it seemed...”

Grade eleven...

I was even larger now, having been through football and Rugby both grade nine and ten, now starting my third year as a school athlete. Along with small time bodybuilding, it only left a few people in school who would go a round with me... but they we were pretty friendly towards each other so it didn't leave many who would go at me without second thought.

I stood in the hallway with a few of my friends, conversing and what not. As we stood around, I heard someone shouting rude things to someone else.

“Why don't you say something huh? Huh? How's this?!” I looked over my shoulder to see what looked like a dude pushing a small niner around, not real hard but still in a mean demeanor.

I looked to my small group of friends. “Hey guys, give me a sec,” I said and walced over.

“HEY!” I roared out and the guy stopped. “Why don't you pick on someone who'll fight back?!” I yelled as I walked closer. The guy was speechless. As I got up close, I realized it was a chick with her hair cut short like a guy, and no makeup or lipstick.

She was speechless and stepped back. “Yeah... don't like it when someone fights back huh? Now make like a banana and fuck off!” I snarled and she did just that...

Present time...

I chuckled. “Of course... it was only later that I found out it was some play being put on in the hallways for awareness about bullying and such. Day of silence or something. Bunch of people wore wrist bands and didn't talk. Funny thing was I was hanging out with some other friends later and that lesbian chick was there and she was all like 'Ugh, I was doing my play and some asshole came up and said to fight someone who'll fight back. He was such an asshole!” I snickered.

Twilight sighed. “Evan... it was good that you were doing... kind of doing the right thing but... it seems like a lot of it was more or less violently oriented and... well...” she just trailed off and I smiled.

“Yeah well... all throughout my childhood, through highschool, I never once masturbated... never really saw the point. Of course, I never had sex either so with all the sports and weight lifting, it led to a pretty bad hormone imbalance, bad acne on my back and a pretty volatile nature... but always for the better...”

Early 2012...

There was snow on the ground... Canada eh. I walked into the dollarstore to grab some Christmas chocolates and stuff, seeing as how Christmas was over and places were pretty much giving away the holiday treats.

I grabbed some trays of Ferrero Rocher and proceeded to the checkout. As I made my way to the check out, some kids entered the store, about four of them, and began pushing another guy around. “Hey man, what gives?! You think you can bang my fucking ex?!” one said. I rolled my eyes.

'Always about the girls... don't see the point really,' I thought to myself as I stepped in. “Hey punk... beat it!” I snarled but they just scoffed at me. I went to say something else but an employee stepped in.

“Excuse me, you must leave, or I'll call the police.” With that threat, the kids just spat at the floor and left. However, they stayed in the small lobby entrance and waited, holding some hockey sticks like a bunch of real punk asses.

I paid for my chocolate but set them aside then went into the lobby. “You kids fuck off right now!” I growled and they just snickered at me while one cocked back his hockey stick, as if to swing. I looked him right in the eyes.

“Buddy... don't make me laugh. I've been struck in the back of the head by a Louisville Slugger before and I was still standing. Now... I'm wearing steel toe boots see... one powerhouse kick to the side of your head and your fucking dead... wanna play?” I asked, pulling a bluff about the bat. I'd been smucked by hockey sticks before, doesn't hurt as much as a two by four.

The kids pondered the thought for a moment then fucked off, saying something about how I was lucky they lost interest... yeah... I was real lucky alright... lucky I didn't have to spend the night in the slammer for fucking up a bunch of punks...

Present time...

“Evan... that sounds like... well, it kinda sounds like you just solved things with violence. Didn't you ever once try to solve things with just words?” she asked but I shook my head.

“No... not really. But I solved a problem with my reputation once...”

Grade twelve...

I was with some old public school friends. They were geeks. Liked card games and Japanese animé and stuff... kinda weird, liking that sort of thing at this age but they were good kids. I didn't mind them.

I didn't have my camouflage gear on today. It was in the wash so nobody really noticed me.

They talked about characters from Poke-a-mans... or Digi-mans... whatever. Some fellow grade twelves came by and pushed through our group, the ringleader laughing at us. “Fucking faggots!” he insulted and my friends just dipped their heads timidly.

I stopped and spun on my heals. “YOU CALLING ME A FUCKING FAGGOT!” I roared, my voice echoing down the hallways. They all stopped and turned, expecting it was just one of my geek friends.

The leader of the group swallowed hard as he realized who he was speaking to. “Holy shit Burdy! Man I didn't mean it! I swear you're not a faggot! I love you man!” he pleaded and I just smiled.

“Good...” I said, getting a little creepy. “Cause I love you too... a lot,” I said in a very weird voice. He nodded and they all walked off in a hurry. My geek friends were shocked...

Present time...

“It's funny. Whenever I saw those after that it's all they talked about, almost like no one had ever stood up for them before. They'd always just be like 'Burdy, remember that time you were like: You calling me a faggot!” I just snickered and Twilight sighed.

“Evan...” she trailed off with a sigh. “I'm glad you're different now. I mean... I don't ever want you to not stand up for somepony but... if you could, maybe do it in a... not so aggressive way,” she said, nestling into me .

Thinking about back then, for whatever reason I recalled reading Mack Bolan. Then I remembered mom and I hadn't finished Mackenzie Bolack, or at least the issue we were reading. That was back in like... May, or the ending of April.

“Wanna read?” I asked and she looked to me. “Well... we did start reading Mackenzie Bolack all those months ago and never finished...” I trailed off and she smiled. Her horn lit up and a book came hovering down. It still had the bookmark in it and she opened it up before handing it to me.

“Nah, you read,” I said and she rose a brow. “It's your turn remember?” I reminded her. She just laughed.

“As if you remember that... oh, actually, speaking of remembering things. You have mail from Celestia,” she gave me a letter sealed by a ribbon. The front had golden print that read 'To: Mr Burdick'

I looked to Twilight. “From Celestia?” I asked and she nodded. I opened it up. Inside were two golden tickets and a letter.

The letter read 'Dear Mr. Burdick, I do so hope you are well after your escapade. I am to understand that you have made a quite remarkable recovery and would request that you and a close friend attend The Grand Galloping Gala. Sincerely yours; Princess Celestia'.

I blinked. “The what?” I asked and Twilight looked over the letter.

“Oh... yes that's right. The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up. If Celestia has sent you a private invitation, you should probably go,” she said and I blinked.

“What is it?” I asked and she just rolled her eyes.

“It's a fancy get together for all the rich and famous ponies to celebrate the founding of Equestria. It's on the fourth of July,” she said and I snickered. “What?” she asked but I just waved my hand.

“Nothing... nothing... fourth of July,” I said and she gave me a confused look. “Human thing,” I said and she just rolled her eyes. “Rich and famous... meh, doesn't sound like my kinda party... I don't even really like-” I was cut off as a blur of pink rushed into the room.

“Did somepony say...” Pinkie trailed off and took in a deep wheeze of air. “PARTY!” She screamed, streamers and confetti coming out of nowhere. She pulled a cannon out of nowhere which blew out even more confetti

I blinked then looked at the letter. “Yeah... uhh... The Grand Galloping Gala...” I trailed off and her hair nearly deflated. All the streamers and confetti seemed to die and fluttered solemnly to the ground.

“Oh,” she said in the most plainest of voices I had ever heard come from her as she literally just walked out in an unimpressed way. I blinked unsurely.

“Wha...” I trailed off and Twilight sighed.

“It's nothing really. Don't worry about it. But you should go. Celestia probably invited you because you're famous in the eyes of the media. Climbing Mount Tia was quite the venture. Others probably want to meet you,” she stated and I just sighed. She nudged me. “Oh come on, you might like it,” she offered and I looked to her.

“In that case, you wanna come along? I'm supposed to bring someone close.” To this, her eyes darted around.

“Uhm... I'd uhh... love to but... uhm... I have... stuff to do that day,” she said.

“Stuff?” I asked and she nodded.

“Yeah... s-stuff... things,” she said and I blinked.

“You sure?” I asked.

“No... I mean yes... things,” she said. “I've got... stuff... stuff to do... things,” she said hesitatnly. I just nodded.

“Okay,” I replied and she shook her head then levitated up the book. I nestled my cheek into hers as she began reading...

Author's Notes:

Yeah... truth be told I was kind of a dick to other dicks in high school... and that one girl in my history class thought I was awesome cause I saved her boyfriend... dunno.... and as Twilight/Grimes said "Stuff... things"

Have a good one eh.