The next morning DJ awoke, to find himself in the hospital wing of the castle. He groaned as he sat up from the bed, wincing a little from the pain in his back. He blinked his eyes a few times to adjust to the light and found a purple lump on his lap, Twilight. She was sound asleep on him, worried sick about her coltfriend. DJ smiled thankfully at her, just knowing how much she cared about him lessened the pain. He took a look around the rest of the room and saw his other friends all fast asleep in the chairs and on the floor. AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, Flutters, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Berry (human) had stayed the night with him, to make sure he would be alright.

DJ didn't want to wake them from their sleep, but it would be the only way he could get up. He gave Twilight a few gentle shakes. "Twi, Twi? Time to wake up, love," he whispered to her. She groggily started to wake, first taking in her surroundings and then noticed DJ smiling at her. "Good morning, Twi. Have a good sleep?"

"DJ!!" She flung herself on him, giving him a deep kiss.

"Woah!" He said as she pulled away. "If that's the good morning I get now, I can't wait to find out how you top it later!"

Twilight blushed at his remark. "Are you ok, DJ? That was a nasty gash and you lost a fair amount of blood."

"I'll live, I know that. Right now it just feels like I landed on your table again." He rubbed his back tenderly to prove his point. The others were slowly waking as well, due to Twilight's outburst. They all saw the guy beaming at them, trademark smile and all. "'Sup everypony? Have a good night?"

"You're okay!" Berry threw herself at her brother, giving him a big hug. "Thank goodness, you had us worried there BBBFF!"

"Sorry about that. I guess Blue Butt had better aim than I thought." He looked up from his sister to find everypony staring at them with a confused look.

"Uh, sugar cube? Berry here has called you 'BBBFF' several times already. What does that mean?" Berry answered instead.

"Don't you remember Applejack? It means big brother best friend forever!"

"No, I remember, but why is she calling you that DJ?"

"The why is far too personal and not for any of you to ever know. But, she means what she says, technically I am now her older brother. Not a bad gig, if I do say so myself," he said with smug look. They all shook their heads at him. DJ will always be DJ. They looked up to see, however, that he had gotten out of bed and was getting dressed.

"What on Equis do you think you are doing darling?"

"Getting dressed, what does it look like? So I got hurt, big deal. I've hurt myself much worse than this. Thanks for fixing my jacket by the way Rarity. Just doesn't feel right when I'm not wearing it." Twilight looked annoyed.

"DJ, you are not going anywhere until you are completely healed."

"I don't think so, Twi. I don't sit well in hospitals, been in one too many with incompetence. Plus, you ponies have magic so it should be already close to being healed. If it makes you feel better, though, I'll take it really easy today. Scout's honor." He gave a two finger salute to emphasize it. She wasn't sure at first, but relented. Twilight and the others had to get packing for the trip back home, as well as Twilight having to meet with the other princesses about something important. Berry went off to practice flying with Rainbow. She was thrilled about getting lessons from the fastest flyer in Equestria. DJ decided to take a personal tour of the castle, something he had been wanting to do since he came to Canterlot.

DJ was wandering the halls, he had already seen the stain glass windows that told the country's history. He believed he was nearing the barracks as there were very few guards. Then he was called out to. "Hey you there! Stop! Or I will place you under arrest!"

The human turned expecting some newb of a guard, only to find a certain somepony staring him down. No way! "You can't arrest me, good sir! I am a guest at this castle and expect to be treated as such."

The stallion 'hmph'ed at him. "Now that is something I highly doubt. Why in the world would you be a guest here?"

"Why that is quite simply, my good stallion. I am here visiting with my friends from Ponyville. Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. You know, the Elements of Harmony. Or should I say, your sister's friends, Prince Shining Armor?," the human says as he looks upon the shocked face the Prince of the Crystal Empire. "Don't look so surprised Shining. You should really stay in contact with your sister more often if you have no idea who I am. I have been living in her home for the past three months after all."

Shining's glare turned fierce and he began to slowly trot towards the 'unknown creature.' "You have been what?"

Oh he is so pissed. Think, think, think! "Of course, I am a new creature in this world after all. I am here only to be friends and Twilight offered me a place to stay for the moment. The Princesses all agreed to allow me to live there with her. I mean neither you or your friends any harm." DJ was trying his best to defuse this situation before it escalated considerably. Shining Armor only looked at him uncertainly, but could sense the element of truth underneath his words. "By the way, what are you doing here anyway? I figured you would be living in the Crystal Empire by now. What gives?"

"Simple, creature." Ouch! "Something occurred a few days ago that required extra guard. I was asked to return to provide extra protection to the grounds."

"Ah! That makes sense, but it looks like the princesses never informed the guards about what occurred. Shame." DJ began to turn and walk away, when Shining Armor's curiosity got the better of him.

"What are you talking about? You're saying that you know what's going on?"

"I do, but it is not my place to say. I am under no oath, but I feel this is something the Princess will reveal in due time." Then DJ got an idea. This is gonna hurt, but I have to try. "Hey, Shining Armor? Would you be willing to do me a favor?"

"And why would I do that?," he asked, barely masking his growing frustration with this creature.

"It's a simple request. I was wondering if you would mind sparring with me. You see, I am a growing sword user and wish to practice on something that can fight back. Trees, not even Everfree trees, can't do that. What do ya say, Shining? Wanna try to beat me to a pulp in a practice fight?" Shining's  face took on a smug appearance at DJ's inquisition. I think I've screwed myself, but I have to know if any of my training has paid off.

"Alright creature, I'll take you up on that. Follow me and we will see what you can do." He trotted off in the other direction, DJ picking up the pace to close the gap.

"Sweet! By the way, the name's DJ, not creature. And I'm not going to explain what I am. If you are truly curious, then you can talk to your sister. She has plenty of information." Shining laughed a little.

"Well, I suppose that's Twilight for you. It's nice to meet you DJ, but you'll soon see why it won't be a pleasure...for you." DJ gulped audibly at that. Aw pony feathers.

Shining Armor led him to a closed field behind the castle that served as the training ground for the guards. As they entered the ring, Shining grab a nearby wooden sword in his magic, twirling it experimentally. DJ had stopped at one end of the field, and Shining turned to face him from the other end. "Choose your weapon DJ."

"I have mine with me, thanks." With that, he grabbed the model of Anakin's lightsaber and activated it, a 'snap-hiss' ringing out. The blue blade shimmered into existence, humming as it stabilized. Shining gasped in shock at the weapon. "Don't worry, I have it on it's lowest setting, which means that it's basically a glowing version of the sword in your grasp. This is my weapon of choice, the lightsaber. Now, let's begin Shining Armor!" DJ took a fighting stance, similar to a certain black swordsman from his favorite anime. Kirito don't let me down!

Shining looked at him with a weird look, indicating he didn't understand the stance. He then smiled smugly and launched at the human. DJ brought his sword to meet it head on, crackling as the two blades collided.

**********

Berry was bored. She and Rainbow Dash had finished flying lessons early so Berry went to find her mother. My mother. It feels really good to say that! Berry had found her in the throne room speaking with Luna. They noticed her enter and smiled warmly at her. Celestia trotted over and nuzzled her daughter gently. "Good morning, Berry. Twilight informed me of DJ's condition. She should be returning any moment now. Ah, there she is." Just as she said, Twilight entered the room, carrying tea and treats in her magic. After the little snack, the princesses returned to their discussion. After a few seconds, Berry had tuned it out and just stared into space from boredom. She began to think back to what happened after her mother 'exploded' last night at Blue Blood. Though the sounds betrayed otherwise, she had not killed her nephew. He was still family after all, but he would be severely punished for his actions. Celestia wouldn't tell her what she did to him and Berry did NOT want to know. Blue Blood had come out, his coat a paler white than before, his hair the same color, as if he had become a ghost pony. He apologized feverishly and vehemently to her and walked off, creepily slow.

Luna had wanted to punish him as well, but after seeing him like that, she felt the need just fall away. Celestia was angered at first when they told her what had happened to DJ, but quickly realized that he needed their help, not revenge. They found him in the hospital wing, recovering slowly. Berry had asked to stay the night with the rest of his friends, Celestia nodding in agreement.

A sudden sound pulled Berry out of her memories. It had sounded like crashing wood blocks. Then she heard it again, and again. She got up and moved to the window, making sure she was in pony form so any passerby's wouldn't see some weird creature in the throne room. Berry looked out the window and gasped. The others in the room looked over to her, her jaw hanging low.

"What is the mater, Berry. I know that this world is new to you, but surely not enough for that kind of display."

Berry ignored her mother and instead addressed Twilight. "Hey Twilight? I don't think bro was in the scouts."

"What makes you say that, Berry?," asked Twilight with a confused look.

"Because he is out in the court yard sword fighting with your brother!" They all went wide eyes with that and rushed over to the window. What Berry had said was indeed true as they witnessed Shining Armor and DJ going at each other with their swords draw. What baffled them, was not that DJ was going to injure himself more that he had, but that he was actually able to hold off the Captain of the Royal Guard! DJ was matching Shining move for move, neither being able to gain an advantage. Then something strange happened while they were in a stalemate.

**********

DJ didn't know how long they had been at it. Only that they kept fighting. Sometime during the fight, DJ had drawn the other lightsaber in an attempt to turn the tide in his favor. Shining had only rolled out of reach and grabbed another sword in his magic to match the human. He was completely shocked at the creature's skill. Not only was he able to keep with Shining, but was able to press him back a few times. DJ's movements were not very graceful. They were almost...feral. He fought like his life depended on it. The only sign that he was actually in control of his movements was his excited grin that beamed at his opponent through the whole match.

The two sword fighters were giving their all. Shining had never been up against an opponent like DJ. Even though he was taller than Shining, his stance and fighting style gave him a lower center of gravity. Every now and then, DJ would land a hit on the unicorn, leaving a good bruise. That was nothing compared to the punishment he was receiving. Shining was much more precise with his hits, each one enough power to knock another pony away or out cold. DJ never took notice, however, allowing the adrenaline to flow through him, fueling every movement and ignoring the screaming pain. They collided again, the four swords reaching a stalemate. Neither was able to push the other away. Okay, time to end this. Now, Shining it is time for you to learn the human way!

"This is pretty awesome, Shining Armor. I've never pushed my body this hard before. It's exhilarating. But, you cannot win."

"Oh, and why is that?," he replied as he continued to push back.

"Simple, you are easily distracted," DJ answered with an amused grin.

"Ha, that's a laugh."

"Oh yeah. Then I feel it's only best if you know...I am dating your sister!" His grin turned manic.

"W-wha?," Shining faltered and DJ took his chance. He pressed against his opponent's swords as hard as he could. Shining was forced back, but DJ continued to press. DJ struck out one his legs in a kick, taking out one of Shining's in response. Shining fell to the ground, but was pushed violently against it soon after. He looked up to see DJ on top of him, both of his swords pointed against Shining's neck. One arm was pulled back, while the other was closer, holding the sword in a reverse grip for better leverage. He couldn't believe his eyes. He lost! Then the human spoke.

"First rule when fighting humans, Shining. Humans never fight fair. We are predators and take any advantage we can. Got it memorized?" Shining nodded his head slowly and DJ smiled, deactivating his swords and falling onto his back on the ground, a grunt of exhaustion and pain coming forth. "That was AWESOME! Not only did I get to fight the Shining Armor, but I won! Woo!" He looked up into the sky, but the sun was soon blocked by something that was coming towards them, something familiar. "Uh oh," was all he could say in such a state.

Twilight landed between her brother and her coltfriend and she did not look happy. She looked at Shining Armor first and he got the first round of yelling. "Shining! What do you think you are doing?"

"Uh, apparently getting my flank kicked, unfairly might I add, by a creature from another world who claims to have never fought another being in his life." Twilight was not amused.

"No, you were fighting something that is supposed to be taking it easy after nearly dying of blood loss last night." Shining just looked in shock, he couldn't say anything to that, but his pride felt even weaker knowing his opponent had not even been at his fullest during their match. Miss Sparkle then approached DJ, who just laid there, unable to move. He smiled at her, but she glared at him in return. "And you are said something. What were you thinking? You could have opened your wounds and bled out! Do you ever think before you act?"

"All the time," he replied. "I just usually choose the one that seems the most fun." His smile just seemed to brighten. Twilight shook her head, DJ will always be DJ. Shining just watched, his head swiveling between the two opposite him. His eyes widened in revelation.

"Wait, wait. Were you serious?! You two are actually dating?"

"Heh heh. I said it was unfair, Shiny. Not untruthful. There is a difference ya know!"

**********

It was another hour of screaming and explanations all around before everything went back to normal. DJ had his ears being rung constantly from all four alicorns for his stupidity. He just kept smiling through the pain, feeling full of pride. Twilight, meanwhile, was telling Shining a brief explanation of the human, their relationship also coming up. The Guard Captain was not happy, not in the slightest. Still, Twilight managed to convince him to keep DJ's existence a secret, even from their parents. In exchange, she had to promise to tell him and the rest of the family everything over Hearth's Warming. Cool, we get to come back over the holidays. Heh, 'cool', that was bad, even for me.

Berry's story was even harder to keep from Shining, so she transformed right in front of him. Celestia explained who she was briefly, as well as explaining that Berry was now her adoptive daughter. She pulled out a form to prove it. DJ looked on in with a smile. So that's what they were doing that was so important. Nice one! The Crystal Prince was shocked, but when he saw Celestia nuzzle her daughter, his look softened considerably. He agreed to keep it a secret until Princess Celestia decided to announce Berry to the populace. Then another surprise came to everypony after Shining was dismissed. The Princesses had decided on allowing Berry to accompany all of them back to Ponyville and stay for a week with DJ and Twilight, for magic lessons and to understand Equestria better. Berry was beyond happy, to the point she was bouncing off the walls (figuratively and literally!).

They joined the other Elements and the Apples at the train station. The walkway had been cleared to give them proper privacy. As the group of nine ponies and two humans boarded the train, Celestia gave Berry one last hug before they departed. DJ took this time to tell Berry a little more about Ponyville. "Well, sis. Maybe I should tell you that this world is not completely like the TV show."

"Really? What's different?," Berry asked, now curious.

"Well, first is that Twilight has a daughter. Her name is Nyx. Ever heard of a story called Past Sins?"

"Oh yeah! I remember that story, it was good! Don't ask me stupid stuff, DJ. I know everything about the show, I have read many fanfictions, and I can recite every song from the show by heart, plus many fan made songs, too. Don't underestimate me. You should have seen the drawings I did online. I would like to consider myself a great artist!"

"I'm surprised! Didn't know you could get your hands on computers? Or even how they worked?"

"Duh! I hid out in electronics stores all the time, libraries, too. Free internet and all. Though it wasn't so good the first time I hid in one. I ended up eating some microchips by mistake."

DJ looked at her in shock. "Y-you what!? Why the hay would you eat microchips?"

"Hey, I didn't know what they were! It was dark, I was hungry, and they looked like some kind of cracker. Took me a few of them to find out they weren't food," she said holding her stomach and sticking her tounges out. "It sucks, but I often eat stuff that I shouldn't. Mostly because I didn't know what it was and my thought is to always think it was food. Random brain, and all that."

DJ threw his hands up in the air. "THAT's IT! I give up, I admit defeat. I can't beat that much randomness. I hate to say it Berry, but you are more random than Pinkie and I combined! Eating microchips, seriously." He just shook his head, it was too much. "By the way, when we get to Ponyville, expect to see my stalker."

"You have a stalker?"

"Yeah, you probably know her. Her name is Lyra, Lyra Heartstrings." Berry's eyes glistened and her smile widened. Yeah, she knows who that is. "Don't worry about it though. She's a friend, she just happens to be extremely curious. Even after our little 'science' day a few months back, Lyra still follow me around town. I only know this because she isn't really good at hiding. I always catch her in the act."

"Do you ever get mad at her?"

"Only once, but that was because Lyra ended up causing Ditzy to crash into a wall. Other than that, no. I enjoy it, honestly, it's flattering. I am one for the advancement of science and discovery after all. She means no harm."

"Ok. Wait, Ditzy? You mean Derpy is there, too?" Berry looked at her brother expectantly.

"Yeah, but don't call her that."

"Awww! Why not??," she wined.

"Because her name is Ditzy and the other ponies only call her Derpy as an insult. She is a good friend and I don't want you to accidently hurting her feelings."

"Awww. Okay, but I like the name Derpy. It's fun!"

"Just ask her first before you call her that, then. Make sure to tell her why you want to call her that too."

"No problem." With that, their conversation continued as DJ tried to tell her everything he had learned in the past few months. When all was said and done, the train pulled into Ponyville station. The others got off first, then DJ, and finally Berry (pony form with a vest to hide the wings). Berry took in a big breath of air and let it go. Time to see the my favorite town!