“Come on!” Malice said with a massive groan. “Just skip this crap! This is way too sappy and I frankly just don’t care to hear about something that we’ve actually lived through.”

“You are on thin ice, Malice!” Twilight threatened, letting her horn glow lightly.

“Dude, this isn’t for us,” DJ said, hoping to defuse this situation before Malice said something completely stupid. “This for those that don’t know about our sister’s origins. Now stop complaining or else.”

“Or else what?” Malice asked suspiciously with a raised eyebrow.

“Trixie?” DJ said turning to the stage mare, who put on a devious smile.

Malice noticed as well and gulped loudly. Out of all of the family, Trixie was the one he did not want to mess with (Twilight was fine as long as she wasn’t angry). “I’ll be good,” he said shrinking into his seat.

“Coward,” Trixie said with a smile. The kid’s laughed at their uncle, under their breath of course. Spike, Twilight, and DJ were content with just smirking. With that out of the way, they continued the story.

“I have made my decision.” Those words echoed deep within my mind. I imagined situation after situation on what her ‘decision’ was. Some were amazingly good, while others would end my life in the most gruesome ways possible. I took to looking at everyone in the room, ‘everyone’ because there was a human amongst the ponies. Luna’s muzzle held a stoic expression that held no emotion, so I looked instead to Princess Twilight, but her face also betrayed no emotion. DJ seemed to notice me looking that way, though, as he smiled comfortingly at me. I decided to just remain quiet in my provided seat and await what Princess Celestia had in store for me.

"Berry, we have chosen to give you full citizenship here in Equestria," Celestia spoke to me with a warm smile. I felt my face contort into the largest smile ever, but something about the solar princess told me she had more to say, so I held back my celebrations, for the moment. Celestia continued, “I also have a proposition for you." Now, she had my curiosity. I guess my face showed as such as she started to explain. I know that you have had a troubled past, especially with your, ehem, sins.” ‘Sins’? What did she mean by… NO! How could she know?!

I interrupted her speech with my question. “Wait, what? How do you know about that?! I haven't told anybody that except...” It clicked in my head. Only Pinkie and DJ knew about what I had done and only one of them had been to see the princesses after I told them. I looked over at DJ, I couldn’t see his eyes because of those damned sunglasses, but at the moment I couldn’t have cared less. “YOU!!” I screamed at my ‘brother’; he betrayed me! “I told you that in confidence! You weren’t supposed to tell anybody! Especially not the princesses!”

He tried to tell me something, “Now, Berry just hear us out—“, but I wouldn’t give him the chance.

“NO! You betrayed me! Now it’s going to happen again!” I could feel the tears building up in the corner of my eyes, but my anger kept me going. "They're going to send me away, JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELESE!!" The tears began to fall, I could feel them streaking down my face. I could just barely see him lean down and whisper something to Princess Twilight, whose eyes grew in bewilderment, but I didn’t really pay it any mind. I just kept going. "You're all just like them. I make one mistake and everyone hates me for it. I just wanted to keep her safe! I didn't want to kill him." My crying just kept getting worse and worse, to the point where I was sure I was just saying whatever came to my mind as the tears fell at an increasing rate. "I just want a home. Is THAT SO MUCH TO ASK FOR?!  Can't I be happy for once? I made it my job to give others happiness, don't I get some in return? NO!! Everyone just sends me away, never wanting to see me again. Well FINE!! I'll just go then, maybe I’ll hide out in the EVERFREE until something comes along and finishes me!"

Okay, that may have been a little too much, by I felt my heart being torn apart. I was in a place where dreams come true and I put my trust in my new friends, but they just cast it aside without any consideration for my wellbeing. Or so I thought. As soon as I had said I would just go let myself get killed in a deadly forest, Princess Celestia screamed as she lunged at me and pulled me in for a tight embrace using her wings. “NO! Please don't go Berry! I wasn't going to send you away! I never want you to leave!"

Wait, what? What did she mean that she never wanted me to leave? Was she really saying that she… no! No freaking way she was saying that! But …her embrace it felt so, so warm. So comforting, as if all my problems and fears were far, far away. It felt… right. After that little brain-numbing questionnaire, I tried to talk, but my voice was choked by my sobs. “P-Princess? A-are you s-saying w-what I think you are s-saying?”

Princess Celestia removed her head from its perch on my shoulder and looked me right in the eyes. Her eyes were so loving, filled with kindness and caring. “Yes, Berry. If you are willing to let me, I would very much want to adopt you. I would love to have you as a daughter. Will you let me Berry? Will you let me adopt you?" Those words struck deeper than anything ever had. She knew that I had killed another, but she still wanted me around, she even wanted me to be hers. I couldn’t convey such happiness through words then, and I still can’t to this day. With tears of joy beginning to flow into my eyes, I nodded my head, wanting nothing more than to have such a wonderful mother. Celestia pulled me back into the hug and spoke with her own happy tears flowing down her muzzle. "Oh thank you Berry! I promise that you will always have a home here with me!" We just stayed like this, enjoying each other’s presence.

After a few moments, Celestia spoke again, but it was not what I was expecting in the slightest. "This is so great Berry, we will be together for a long time. I just know it. And I know it will be even longer when the 'ponification' spell is completed." Wait, what ‘ponification’ spell? She-she wanted me to be a pony? But-but what about that real me? Was I not good enough for her!?

"'Ponification' spell. You're going to force me to be a pony?" I asked wearily, hoping that what I heard was wrong, but Celestia only nodded. Only looking back now, do I realize that it was quite a hesitant nod, as if she were unsure. But I was too hurt to really notice at the time. "NO!! I don't wanna be a pony! I like being a human, that's who I am!" Celestia stepped back at my sudden outburst. “Am I only worth your time as a pony? You don't like me the way I am? You really are no different than those families on Earth! You don't want me, you want me to be something you want. Well, I want to be me! And that's never gonna change! Good-bye!"

I fled from the throne room, running as fast as I could. It was pretty hard running with tear-blurred eyes, but I managed to get to my guest room without completely running into something. I locked the door and flung myself on to the bed, crying my eyes out. I was so close, so close to finally having a home, but fate just had to go and screw me out of happiness once again. I don’t know how long I cried, but it felt like hours. My sobbing was interrupted later by a knocking on my door.

“Berry? You in there?" It was DJ’s voice, probably here to drag me back to Celestia. Well, I wasn’t going for it.

"Go away DJ! I want to be alone!" I shouted at him through the door. It was locked, what did I care? Well, it wasn’t enough to stop my brother as suddenly my bedroom door was blasted off its hinges and fell to the floor. I looked at him in complete shock. “H-how did you do that?” I asked him.

"I’ll tell you some other time, but right now we need to talk.” I wasn’t really in the mood to talk, but he just sat on the edge of my bed and kept talking. “I know that you are pissed at me for telling the princesses your secret, but they needed to know. They needed to have all of the variables before making their final decision and I already knew it was going to be in your favor. I never imagined so much so, however. But, about the spell?"

I let out a sigh. I really couldn’t be mad at him; he was just looking out for me after all. "I am not mad at you anymore DJ, well as mad,” I admitted. “Seriously, though, how could she expect me to give up my life just like that? Simply become a pony and give up who I am? I don't think I want that, DJ."

"Do you wanna know why Celestia wants you to become a pony?" he said out the blue. I raised my head to look directly into his eyes. Why are those eyes so powerful? Those hazel green eyes that showed compassion and understanding all at once. I shook my head to answer his question. "It's because she cares about you." Huh? “"I had Twilight explain to her one of our races greatest weaknesses compared to ponies: our life expectancy. You see Berry, ponies here live for several hundred years and we humans only live for an average of eighty. You know what Celestia did when she found out about that?"

So, there is one of mankind’s greatest flaws. Humans on Earth have a life expectancy of only eighty years. Some can live longer with medical treatment, but it was rare for most humans to live past one hundred. And that’s a great change, considering that humans used to have a life expectancy of only thirty-five to forty years on a hundred years ago. Or at least that’s what DJ told me (he’s a history buff, so you know). Now, I was really curious as to what this had to do with me becoming a pony, so I shook my head to answer him again.

“She cried, Berry.” My eyes widened, I just know it. Celestia cried because she knew I was going to die in a few decades? I knew that it must be hard for an immortal to watch her beloved subjects die while she continued living, but did I really mean so much to her? “She cried and cried and cried. For nearly an hour she cried on her bed knowing that even if you said yes to the adoption, you would only be with her for a few short decades. She was supposed to ask you whether or not you were wanted to become a pony, though, not flat out say it. She only wants to be with you as long as possible. Do you understand?"

You know what? I did, I did understand and it made me feel horrible. She didn’t want me to be a pony because she didn’t care about who I was, no Celestia just wanted me around for as long as possible. I felt hot tears flowing down my face again, because I went and bucked up! It wasn’t fate that screwed me this time, no it was my own recklessness. I felt a hand grip my shoulder and my head was pulled into DJ’s chest.

“Be strong Berry. Celestia wants this with all her heart and I know you do to. I told her to think of something new and I know she will come through where both of you can truly be happy. Why don't we go set things straight?" I was scared. Scared of how she would react because of my outburst, because of my yelling. But, DJ was right, I needed this. No, I needed her; I needed my mother. Without a word, we stood up and DJ walked me back to the throne room.

Once we entered, I immediately saw Princess Luna and Princess Twilight. I looked around, hoping to see Princess Celestia, but when I found her, I almost gasped in shock. She was right on her throne, but her head was hung low and I could see tears falling from her eyes to the floor. It hurt, deep in my heart it hurt to see her like this. “Princess?” I spoke quietly, hoping that she heard me. Her head jumped up and she saw me. But I also saw her. Celestia’s eyes were red and bloodshot with tears, but when she saw me, they changed to one’s filled with hope.

“Berry,” she said simply and then rushed me once again. DJ had ducked away just in time before I was pulled into another massive hug from the alicorn. "Oh, Berry, please forgive me. I didn't want to anger you, please forgive me." Hearing her pleading was shocking, to say the least.

"I-I forgive you,” I said to her in a whisper. In her embrace, I knew it to be true that this was where I belonged. Right here with her. “DJ explained why you wanted to do it. To be honest, I am not completely against the idea. I just wanted a choice in the matter, I guess. Do you still want to adopt me?" I was mentally slapping myself for asking that because I feared the answer.

Celestia pulled away for a moment, making me tense with fear that she would take it all back. Only, she just looked me in the eyes again and nodded her head. "Yes, Berry. I still want you to be with me."

I couldn’t help myself, I just flung myself into her embrace. She said ‘yes’! She said ‘yes’! This was the greatest moment of my life! "Thank you! Thank you so much...Mom!" It felt so good to say that! I could overhear Celestia’s new tears beginning to fall after I said that. She was just as happy as I was and that made everything okay.

After a few moments, we reluctantly broke our hug. I looked around the throne room again, but noticed that it distinctly lacked two other alicorn princesses and one human. “Hey, where’d everybody go?”

Celes… Mom looked around as well, but kept smiling. “It seems that they left to give us some time together, my little one.” I think she was worried that I wouldn’t like being called that as she had an embarrassed look and wasn’t looking at me. I kinda liked it, honestly.

“I guess that makes sense,” I replied, not even bothering mentioning my new nickname. I hoped that she would get the hint, and I think she did as there was a smile once again gracing her face.

“Since we have this alone time, however, perhaps I should give you your present,” mom said to me.

I looked at her questioningly. “What present?”

Mom had trotted back over to her throne and pulled a small box out from behind it. “I had my best magical scientists create what is in here.” She walked back over to me and opened the chest, presenting its contents to me. Inside was a gold necklace, but what really stood out was the fire ruby that glistened as the center piece. It was breathtakingly beautiful. “This was intended to be your first step into becoming a pony, but since you wish to be able to keep your human form, this should work just fine. For you see, my daughter, this necklace will allow you to change into a pony.”

My eyes bugged. This piece of jewelry would turn me into a pony, but that seemed a little too good to be true. “What’s the catch?” I asked as I inspected the trinket.

“The catch was that you can turn back into a human. Not much one now, is it? The only other side effects is that it will change you a little. Once you use it for the first time, you will no longer be completely human. Your life-span will also increase, with the only thing an unknown is what kind of pony you will become. You could be an earth pony, a unicorn, or a pegasus. Your own capabilities will determine which race suits you the best. Also, taking off the necklace locks you into whichever form you are in at the time. However, if you take it off while in human form, you will not lose any of your benefits, since even then you will still be part pony.”

Okay, that sounds… AWESOME! And I could end up being any pony race? Just icing on the cake! “Okay mom! Let’s get started! I’m ready!” I announced with a smile.

Mom smiled back at me and grabbed the necklace in her magic. “Alright then Berry. Here you are.” She gently lowered it over my head and it came to a rest around my neck, glistening in the moonlight that shone through the stain glass windows. Luna had lowered the sun and raised the moon since we were busy. I stood there, waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever did.

I looked in confusion at the thing and tapped the ruby in frustration. “Um, I think it’s broken,” I said.

Celestia chuckled at me. “No, silly. You must say a key phrase that will activate the process. Think of a word and imagine your transformation. Same goes for returning to human, just in reverse.”

“Okay, if you say so.” I began to visualize my form as a pony, not hard being that I was quite the artist back home and ponies were a constant inspiration. Then I dove through my vocabulary, deciding on the words that I would use. And I found them. “Conform!” I said out loud. I felt the magic taking affect, the ruby glowed a beautiful red and I was wrapped in light. After a few moments, I opened my eyes to see that I was much lower to the ground, but not by much (I was short, remember). I looked up at my mother, expecting her to be happy, but instead she was gaping at me with an unreadable expression. In a nutshell, I was worried. “Mom? What’s wrong? Did something go wrong?”

She shook herself out the stupor and looked at me again. “No, my little one. It’s just that, well, I wasn’t expecting this.” She gestured to me. I started to look at my new form. I had a pure white coat, similar to my mother’s, and my hair was pink with a couple of light blue streaks in it. Though I lacked a cutie mark, that wasn’t really all that surprising since humans don’t get them, so I still needed to earn mine. What surprised me is that my glasses still fit on me. Oh, did I not mention that I wear glasses? Heh heh, oops. I kinda get scatterbrained sometimes. No matter. Focusing back to my new form, I noticed that there was something sticking out just above my field of vision. I trained my eyes up and saw that I had a horn.

“Awesome! I’m a unicorn!” I said excited. Makes sense since I performed magic earlier that day.

“Um, not exactly,” mom said. I stopped my celebration and looked confused at my mother. I took another look at myself. Coat, check. Mane and tail, check. Horn, check. Wings, check. Hooves… wait, did what was that last one. I looked at my sides carefully and saw them plain as day. A pair of wings were attached to me. So I had wings and a horn.

“Holy jalapenos! I’m an alicorn! Suh-weet!!” I shouted in glee. “Mom, mom! Look, look! I turned into an alicorn! How great is that!?”

She smiled at my excitement. “Yes it is, little one.” I saw that more tears were building in her eyes.

“Mom? Is something wrong?”

She shook her head and the tears started again. “No, no. Everything is perfect, Berry.” She pulled me in close, wrapping me in her wings. “Now I never have to worry about losing you. You’ll always be with me. So no, nothing is wrong at all.” Just seeing her happy made me smile brightly, but then an evil thought came to my mind.

“Oh brother is so gonna flip!”

Celestia let go of me and looked at me weird. “’Brother’? What brother?”

“Why, the only other human on Equis of course! Didn’t he tell you? He and I decided to become brother and sister. I think he’s crazy enough for the job.”

“So, DJ is your brother now, hmm? Well, that certainly is an unexpected development, but not an unwelcome one. Perhaps we should go find him and tell him the good news?”

I smiled at her and nodded. “Oh yeah, let’s do it!” Okay, troll mother is best mother, don’t deny it.

“By the way Berry,” she said as we walked out of the throne room. “Did you decide on a way to change back to human?”

“Uh huh.” I looked down to the charm around my neck and recited my word. “Revert!” With another burst of light, I once again became a part of the human race.

“Very nice, but would you mind returning to pony form? It will be easier for when you are in public. When you are alone, with any of us princesses, or your friends you are welcome to return to human form. That doesn’t upset you, does it?”

“Of course not! It’s perfectly reasonable. You don’t need to be so cautious around me, mom. I said that you are forgiven. I should be the one to apologize for yelling at you without giving time for a proper explanation. You caught me off guard and I’m sorry I snapped at you.” I whispered ‘conform’ and returned to a four legged walking. Strange how I was already use to it.

I felt her wing drape over my side, and she pulled me so that we were walking side-by-side. “You are forgiven, my daughter. I got a little carried away as well, but I am glad that you gave me this chance to be your mother. I just want do right by you.”

I lowered my head under hers and nuzzled my new mother lovingly. “You already are mom, you already are.” I pulled away after a moment so we could walk better. After a few minutes of searching, we found DJ and Twilight sitting very close to each other under the full moon. It was sweet site, but mom had to go spoil it.

"So this is where my faithful student and her human went off to," she said causing the two lovebirds to jump in surprise. When they took a look at us, they didn’t quite seem to get it.

"Hey, Cellie. Who's your friend?" DJ asked. This caused the two of us to start giggling. “Did I miss something?"

"You sure did BBBFF!" I announced to them. Took a few moments for things to process between the couple.

"BERRY?!" they shouted in unison. Wow, they’re good at that.

"The one and only! Ooh, ooh check this out. Revert!" I was once again a human, looking at the shocked couple with pride. Isn't awesome? Mom's top magicians came up with this necklace here.” I help up my fire ruby necklace so that they could see it before I continued. “Using key words I can switch between pony and human forms. And the best part? I get all the benefits of being a pony with it. Even if the necklace comes off, everything still works, but I can't switch forms. Some spell right? And who knew I would become an alicorn? Fate sure is fickle, huh?" They were so stunned speechless that they could only nod their heads in agreement. And since I had to comply with mother’s wishes, "Check it out! Conform!" I once again became an alicorn.

I know I don't have a cutie mark, but that just means that I have to discover it on my own! This is so cool!" I was still cheering inside at this and I don’t think that it will stop anytime soon.

DJ finally woke up and smiled at me brightly. "Yeah it is, Berry. Just wait ‘till the others see ya. They are so gonna freak!"

I just knew that he would share my enthusiasm. “Yeah they are! But, I am famished. Wanna raid the kitchen BBBFF?" I had only just noticed that I hadn’t eaten since lunch and it was past dinner. I needed food!

"You bet, but we do it my way. MEEP MEEP!" Like the famous character he was imitating, my brother took off running with a cloud of dust following. Man that is the way to travel!

I reverted and did the same, “MEEP MEEP!” My own speed was incredible and I caught up to him in no time, leaving behind Twilight and Celestia. After about ten seconds we found our way to the kitchen and got to work making something to eat. DJ was rifling through the cupboards, while I searched the pantry. As we rifled through everything, a pony entered the kitchen without us noticing, until he screeched. We both took our heads out our search areas to see the sight of a familiar stallion. His white coat and blue mane and tail with a royal-ish cutie mark, it was easy to tell that this was Prince Blueblood, who I just realized at that moment was now my cousin. Great (not really).

“Get out! Get out! Filthy beasts, out of my castle at once!” He just kept shouting and shouting as he approached me, since I was nearer. I was losing patience with this brat, so I told him.

“You know, it’s very rude to shout at people you don’t know. Didn’t anypony teach you manners?” Oh that got him mad. He looked like he was ready to start fuming. And then the insults started and, boy, does he have a colorful vocabulary. Some of those I didn’t even know were possible to be used in such a manner. The more you know. But then he had to go and do what he did. Since I was paying so little attention to his whining, I never noticed that he was right in front of me. And then he slapped me. Hard! “Aah!!” I yelled in pain. I staggered away from him. Next thing I know, DJ is right by my side and he used that power of his again to force Blue Blood back.

“How dare you lay a hoof on her, you damn dirty horse!” he roared. With Blue Blood still angry as all Tartarus, he charged at DJ with his horn ready to pierce him, but my brother side stepped him, though he staggered a little as the stallion charged past. Didn’t know why at the time. Then DJ twisted his body and brought foot to Blue Bloods gut, sending him flying back to his earlier position. DJ poised himself in front me and bared his teeth at the stallion, protecting me with himself. Thankfully, he didn’t have to do anymore as Twilight and Celestia burst into the room at that moment.

"What is going on in here?" she asked no one in particular.

"Auntie!" spoke Blue Blood. "I was trying to stop these beasts from stealing food! I believe these are the creatures that were spotted outside the castle the other day and I was trying to apprehend them, but that large one there," he said indicating DJ, "attacked me. They must be punished. They must be removed from the caste at once! No, that will not do. Those monsters are far too different, we should just put them down so they do not have to suffer." One word: jerk!

Oh ho ho!" he spoke with a low, deep voice that sent chills up my spine. That was not the voice that I knew and it was quite frightening. "I feel sorry for you Blue Blood. You sealed your fate. Now Celestia's mad! But, I doubt nowhere near as mad as she should be." He turned his face to Celestia, a questioning look on her face. "Know why I kicked this low life? It's simply really. He struck Berry across the face after calling many insults that shouldn't be said in pleasant company."

Now, I know I have seen Celestia mad during the wedding episode, but this was something else entirely. But my focus was more on the pain on my face, then on my mother’s reactions. "I always knew he was a jerk from the show, but that freaking hurt!" I took that moment to release my cheek, revealing a bright red hoof print on it. Boy did it sting! That’s when I really took a close look at my mother and she looked livid. To use an old earth term: you was pissed! Then I noticed that Twilight was next to us.

"DJ we need to get out of here! Princess Celestia's magic levels are reaching critical!" she said with a worry plainly present in both her voice and on her face. I didn’t know what that meant, but DJ obviously did as he picked us up while shouting.

"AW NAH! I AIN'T DEALING WITH THAT!" Then my brother ‘meep’ed again and we were off. We rushed by some guards who had come to check out the situation and DJ yelled at them as we passed. "RUN MAN, RUN! CELESTIA'S GONNA RAGE SHIFT! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Wait, mom was gonna what? Now I get it! Oh… RUN BROTHER RUN!!! As we ran, we could hear my mother go bat-manure crazy on my cousin.

"BLLLLLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEE BLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!!!!"

Even after the shouting, DJ didn’t stop, but then there was a road block. Princess Luna was walking out of one the rooms and was in our immediate path. DJ tried to warn her, “LUNA! LOOK OUT! GANGWAY!!", but my aunt only looked instead of moving. Long story short, he crashed into each other. Next thing I know, I have Princess Twilight on my back, I’m on my aunt, and my brother is underneath all of us at the bottom of large pile.

"What is the meaning of this DJ?" Luna looked mad.

"Trying to escape before Celestia rage shifted on Blue Blood!" he answered with panic still present in his voice.

Luna looked a little shocked. “"Why would Celestia rage shift on our nephew?"

"He struck your niece across the face and then said we both should be put down," he replied matter-of-factly. Luna's face contorted in rage.

"I, too, will have words with him." Now that I would pay to see!

"Yeah, before you do that, can you do me a favor? Can all of you get off of me?!" I guess he couldn’t take the weight. I later found out that DJ seems to be cursed with always taking a lot pain to his back. It amazes me that it has yet to break after everything that has happened. Oh brother, why are you so unlucky?

“I have been asking myself that for a long time, kid. Long time,” DJ said while nodding.

“And the only answer that comes to mind is that existence just hates us,” Malice quipped.

“It can’t be that bad,” Trixie waved off.

“Wanna bet?” the pair asked in unison. Twilight put her hoof on Trixie’s shoulder and just shook her head. She has been down that path one too many times. Back to the book.

As we piled off each other, we saw something that made us three alicorns gasp. Once Luna stood up, we discovered that DJ’s back was entirely coated in blood and was still bleeding. Twilight almost paled. "DJ!! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?" Twilight said hysterically. I couldn’t blame her, that gash looked nasty.

DJ looked over his shoulder at his back. "Oh! So that's why it hurt! You see, that jerk of a unicorn tried to run me through with his horn, I was able to get out the way, but I guess he nicked me. No biggie!"

"How can you say that? That's a lot of blood DJ!" Twilight countered.

"Simple Twi! Because I am feeling very light headed," he said as he fell forward, unconscious as he hit the marble floor. No biggie my flank! Twilight took action first and encased my brother in a levitation spell and we took off with Luna leading us to the infirmary. Along the way, we found my mother still fuming and smoking, but she turned to fear when she saw us approaching with a bleeding DJ. Mom asked us what happened and when we told her, she nearly rage shifted again, but we were able to calm her down by reminding her that our attention needed to be on getting DJ to the doctor. Instead of running, mom powered up her horn and teleported us immediately inside the medical wing of the castle. With her urging, the doctors got to work cleaning and repairing DJ’s back. Turns out it wasn’t all that bad, just a slight amount of blood loss, but nothing too serious.

As we waited for DJ to be allowed visitors, all of our other friends joined us in the infirmary. Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith. Of course they were all worried sick about DJ, but we kept them calm by telling them that he was gonna be okay. The doctors could take care of it. After an hour of painful waiting, a doctor came to tell us that we could go see him. One by one we filed into the hospital room. DJ lay on the bed, still out cold, with a few wires sticking out of him and into an IV. Twilight was the first over to him and grasp tightly to his hand. She really cares for him that much is still true to this day. I took one of the provided chairs in the room, as I was just way too exhausted after everything that had happened. With all of my adrenaline run out, I just felt sleepy. I passed into a dreamless sleep not too long later, knowing that when I awoke, my brother would be better and I could be with my mother.

The next morning, I was awoken to the sound of somepony shouting in glee. As I slowly regained consciousness, I tried to remember where I was, but then the events of the previous night tool hold and I looked up. I saw my big brother smiling at me as well as everypony else that had fallen asleep around me. Twilight was still on the bed, hugging his neck with a big red blush on her face. DJ then spoke up, beaming at us with his ‘trademarked’ smile, "'Sup everypony? Have a good night?"

Despite my usual shyness, I flung myself at his chest. I was just happy that he was alright. "You're okay! Thank goodness, you had us worried there BBBFF!"

"Sorry about that. I guess Blue Butt had better aim than I thought," he said with a laugh. As I got back on my feet, I overheard Applejack talking to DJ.

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

I felt it more appropriate for me to answer that, so I did. "Don't you remember Applejack? It means big brother best friend forever!"

"No, I remember, but why is she calling you that DJ?" She didn’t even look at me when I spoke! Applejack, you are now on my list!

"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 a smug look. I’m kind of glad he didn’t tell any of them the exact reason; it was pretty personal. I was also feeling pretty happy that he was enjoying being my big brother; I was having fun with it too. And then Rarity spoke up, taking me out of my thoughts.

"What on Equis do you think you are doing darling?" I looked up and over to my brother, who was putting on his clothes, as if he was… leaving. Oh no! He was not just walking this off; I ain’t losing my new brother to his own idiocy.

"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." Moron! Twilight didn’t give me a chance to say anything, though.

"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. Was he even in the scouts? My guess was: not a chance! Unfortunately, there was nothing any of us could do to stop him. Once DJ puts his mind to something, he’s as stubborn as mule. No offense.

“None taken,” came the voice of the town mule. DJ, Malice, and everypony else looked up and stared off into space.

“How does he do that?” asked Spike.

“Some things will always remain a mystery, especially here in Equestria,” DJ replied. They just shook off the stupor and resumed.

Well, we all went our separate ways in the castle. DJ went exploring, Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack went for Breakfast, Princess Twilight went to join Luna and mom, and Rainbow and I went for a fly. Oh ho! Rainbow Dash as a flight instructor is one of the best things ever! She was so cocky and cool, so much better than any of those worthless teachers I had at school. With her help, I was able to get the basics for flying down fairly fast and soon enough I was flying right beside her. Didn’t help with the crash landing, though. Has anypony ever mentioned how disgusting dirt tastes, because it is nasty! Even royal dirt. Well, with that fresh in my mind, I went to join my mother and the other princesses.

I found them in the throne room of course and they were happy to let me sit in. However, I got bored really fast. I knew that they were talking about me, but it sounded so political that I just kinda zoned out and was just staring off into space for who knows how long. I instead started to think back on when I ran into Blue Blood on my way here. Oh wow! I am glad that mom didn’t kill him because of me, but I’m pretty sure he was scarred for life! I could swear that his coat was a much paler color than it had been the previous night. When he saw me, he was in his knees begging for an apology that I gave cautiously. Not because I didn’t forgive, no it was because the situation was beyond awkward for me. After that I watched him get up and walk off, almost like a zombie. Boy that was creepy!

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard a crashing sound coming from the open window. I waved it off at first, but then it happened again and again. My curiosity got the better of me, so I went over to the window and looked out. Nothing was in my direct line of sight, so I looked down and saw what must have been the guard’s training area. I was fairly large, with a track, weights, and the whole works. What shook my world was that I saw my brother, DJ, down there and he was fighting with a very familiar stallion. I guess the surprise of seeing my brother fighting while he was injured showed on my face because I heard my mother call out to me.

"What is the mater, Berry? I know that this world is new to you, but surely not enough for that kind of display." Guess it wasn’t very becoming for a mare to be staring out a window with her mouth agape. But, my mother was not the one I spoke to, instead I called to Princess Twilight.

"Hey Twilight? I don't think bro was in the scouts." First thing that came to my mind.

"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!" Next thing I know, there are three alicorns beside me staring wide-eyed at the fight happening below. What was amazing, not the fact that they were fighting, no it was who was winning. One would expect it to be Shining Armor, being former captain of the royal guard and prince of the Crystal Empire, but no! It was DJ who had the upper hand! Oh wow! His fighting is unlike anything you have ever seen. Shining would later tell me that it was fighting a wild animal that had been taught swordsmanship by a master! There was some grace in those strikes, but it was more like watching an animal documentary. Their swords clashed one more time and they held their positions, trying to push the other back. All of a sudden, Shining lost his stance and DJ pushed forward. He swung his sword and sent Shining back a few steps and then threw out his left leg, kicking out Shining’s legs from underneath him. DJ moved forward and put his foot on Shining’s chest, holding both of his sword, one held normally and the other in a reverse grip, pointed at Shining’s neck. Holy, wow! My big brother just beat the best sword fighter in the entire guard! While injured! What. The. Buck!

It took me a moment to then realize that Twilight had taken flight and was heading down to the two boys who were now both lying on the ground. We could hear Twilight’s yelling from all the way up there. Not the exact words, but I almost swore that she was using the Royal Canterlot Voice. A few minutes later, Twilight, Shining Armor, and DJ entered into the throne room and mom explained the whole situation to Shining. He talked a little with Twilight and her ‘coltfriend’ for a few minutes then made his exit. With that out of the way, another piece of new was shared with me. I was going to be sent to Ponyville for the next week to get used to Equestrian society. I was about to say something, I forget what, but I shut up when mom also showed me a piece of paper. My eyes bugged at seeing it. An adoption form, one that was completely filled out and sported my name as the one being adopted, both human and pony. I felt the tears rushing to my eyes again and mom pulled me into a tight hold. She was my mother, now and forever.

Later that day, I had to say farewell to her as it was time to head back to Ponyville. I was the last one on the train because mom was really didn’t want to send me off so soon, but the others needed to go back home to their own lives. The train ride was fun and informational as DJ explained all the differences between this world and the TV show. Like Twilight having a daughter; she was such a cutie!

Now I would love to tell you all that happened in Ponyville, but to be honest it’s the craziest manure ever and none of you would ever believe me. So let’s just cut to the main highlights. I met everypony in town and made some friends, such as Ditzy Hooves and Lyra Heartstrings. I learned that I was also a part of the Apple family, since DJ had been adopted into their family roughly two months prior. I also became a Cutie Mark Crusader (only those who have been in Ponyville would know about them and should now fear me, mwahaha!) and I earned my cutie mark while mastering my magic. That was the greatest moment of my visit. Where I learned that my magic was unique as it was based on computer technology from my origin world. I’m pretty sure it was because I ate those microchips way back when. Don’t ask. I’ll get more into my magic later, so just be patient with me because I really didn’t get it until later myself. For those interested, my cutie mark is that of a strawberry (makes sense right?) that looked now as if half of it were being pixilated. And that’s when I changed my name permanently and I took on the name I now have. I am Pixel Berry, daughter of Princess Celestia. Yep, that’s me alright!

After a week filled with magic, music, and other assorted craziness, I was ready to return to my mother. At the train station, I said farewell to all my new friends and family. They were really disappointed that I couldn’t stay for longer and so was I, but I didn’t want to keep Celestia waiting. DJ was the last one to say good-bye, but he said something that rang deep within me: a lesson that I still keep with me.

“Well, sis, this is where we part for now. But I will not say goodbye." Everypony glared at him, but then he clarified. "Instead I will say, See ya later, sis! Goodbyes are meant for when you never plan on seeing them again, so why would I say that. Heh, heh. See ya around sis. Don't be a stranger and will make sure to drop by for Hearth's Warming next month!” He pulled me in for a hug and I returned it with earnest. He may be a moron, but his lessons are some of the greatest you will ever hear.

"See ya around big brother. See ya at Hearth's Warming!"

As the train pulled away, I saw Pinkie chasing after it. “Pixel Berry! Don’t forget about me!”

“I could never forget you, teacher!! We will see each other again, Pinkie! Just don’t you forget me!” I waved my farewells and returned to my cabin and took a nap. As I returned to my dreams, I could only think of how great that dreams really can come true.

Next Chapter: 4 - The Beginnings of a New Life Estimated time remaining: 11 Minutes