Author's Notes:

Warning Cloppy goodness Ahead!
Consider yourself warned and advised.
(I've been waiting to write this part foooooorever)

Rainbow Dash froze in her tracks, skidding to a screeching halt as her sprint towards the headmistresses office came to an abrupt end! She'd finally been released from her binds after Sunset Shimmer explained that Daybreak had been taken to the headmistress for using dark magic. She had (of course) immediately demanded to be allowed to go and speak in his defense, she'd seen what happened firsthand. That hadn't been Daybreak, it had been...something else. Although Sunset was less than convinced, and Twilight was openly against it, they both agreed to let her go eventually...if she swore to behave, and not barge in during Daybreaks talk with the headmistress. She was supposed to wait and knock patiently, then be told to enter. She of course, had no intention of doing so, but she'd agreed anyways, if only to be let out. Then took off out of the room before anyone could stop her! She hadn't Pinkie promised, so she didn't really care.

But now, hearing Daybreak utter those words over the loudspeaker, she didn't believe what she heard. There was no way he'd said what he'd said...and yet it made an unnerving sort of sense. All that talk about how he'd been treated as a child and Celestia exiling him, suddenly fir perfectly. It didn't make it any less cruel or wrong...but at least now she understood why. More determined than ever to reach him, she took off sprinting again!

With nearly everyone who was transiting between classes now frozen in the halls to listen to Daybreak speak, Rainbow was having a much harder time navigating than she normally would have. Add to that, those few students who tried to stop and ask what had happened to shred and burn her clothes the way they were, or the ones who just tried to get in her way to make off hand, flirty comments about it, and it was nearly impossible to make any ground. What was worse, was the loud speaker was still going, so the crowds wouldn't be thinning anytime soon.

Daybreaks speech didn't end with his admission, he was still talking. She had resist the impulse to plug her ears as she ran, not wanting to hear anymore

"I've fallen for the son of the our most dangerous enemy...For Discords son...What would my friends think...what would Twilight think?"

As much as she wanted to, she could not block out the loud speaker, and his words continued to invade her brain.

"I know to those of you who haven't heard the rumors (which is probably most of you), this is quite a shock. However, that's why I am telling you all this, where everyone can hear me. I want to live here, I want to learn what it means to have the power of friendship behind me...and I know I can't do that if no one knows who I really am. So I am telling you this myself, rather than let someone go and gossip about me, spreading rumors just because they can't move past the past. I am talking to you on that one Twilight! I am not my father, and I don't wanna be him. I don't wanna be my mother either, I want to be me. Here. In this school. With people who can accept me for who I am, not who my parents are. So...I hope there are some out there willing to give me a chance. I'm willing to try and change if you're willing to have me. Thank you. That's all." The loud speaker clicked off a moment later.

"Daybreak...why...? This isn't like you. You wouldn't take a risk like this...would you? I guess I can't say I'd know...I couldn't even see who you really were."

She couldn't wrap her mind around it. She may not have known him that well, but she still knew him better than anyone. he'd said so himself. Yet, still he'd hid this from her. It made a bit of sense to hide it, especially considering she was one of six people who were the cause of Discords second defeat. But still...

"I thought he trusted me more...or maybe I just hoped he did..."

Pushing aside her own thoughts of self doubt, she noticed that the other students had begun to react to Daybreaks message. Running as fast as she was, it was hard to gauge many emotions as she sprinted by...but the few she did catch didn't seem too pleased. Several of them actually looked angry, very angry. As she rounded another corner, she nearly ran head first into Rarity, skidding to a halt inches from their heads colliding. As she caught her breath, she noticed that Rarity looked to be as distraught as she was. Her hair was a curly and frizzled mess. It was almost enough to make Rainbow ask, but she didn't have the time. She mumbled a quick apology, and was about to take off again...before a dark blue orb of energy tugged her by the collar, turning her back to face her friend. She was in a rush, and didn't like being grabbed that way...so her reaction was less than pleasant.

"What!?" She practically yelled in her face.

Rarity actually jumped back in surprise, the narrow eyed look of anger and shock on Rainbows face truly frightening her.

"Goodness Rainbow Dash! What's wrong?"

"I'm..."

She stopped mid sentence, her brain catching up to her.

"I can't tell her...I can't tell any of them...they can't know we're friends. There's no way they'll just let it go. Gilda...Lightning Dust...that was nothing compared to being friends with our worst enemies son...let alone...crushing on him...I gotta get away...I gotta talk to him about this..."

"Rainbow Dash? Hello? Darling are you feeling alright...you're looking very pale all of the sudden."

Rainbow shook her head, forgetting who was with her for a moment. She quickly spat out the first thing that came to mind.

"Oh! Ummm...Sorry Rarity, I didn't realize it was you...I'm on my way too...umm...Soccer! Yeah! I'm late for an...eeeeemergency soccer meeting...and I uhhh gotta go...now! See ya!"

She turned to leave again.

"Wait Rainbow Dash!"

"Ugggggh what now!?"

She turned, restraining her frustration as best she could. Rarity, painfully slow, reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a long silver chain, with a miniature sun attached to the end. Rainbow's brain did a momentary reset as the necklace was held out in front of her. Rarity smiled, dropping it into her outstretched palm.

"All fixed. I would say it was easy, but I think it's charmed or something. Every time I tried using magic to mend it...it started jumping around, and wouldn't hold still long enough for me to fix it...So I ended up having to fix the chain by hand. Sorry, that's why it took so long dear. I hope your friend isn't upset."

Rainbows hand clutched around necklace "Right...my eeerm...friend...thanks."

"Thank Celestia I didn't tell her his name!"

"Well..." She turned to depart for a third time "Like I said, I gotta Dash...so see ya."

"Rainbow Dash?"

She grimaced, struggling not to grit her teeth in frustration "Yeah?"

"That boy...Daybreak, the one who just admitted to being Discords son....isn't he the one you raced with...and ended up blowing up the track field with?"

"Guess there's no hiding that part...still...that doesn't prove anything."

"Umm...yeah, guess it was...What of it?"

Rarity glanced up at the loudspeaker, then back to Rainbow Dash. "I'll spare you from Twilights interrogation, cause let's face it. We both know she's gonna question all of us, now that everyone knows. So tell me...did you guys talk much? What was he like? Was it obvious?...I guess not...but still"

She tensed up "Well..."

"This is awkward...she doesn't know half of what we've done..."

"...I wouldn't know...we didn't really talk that much...if that's all...I gotta go Rarity. Late remember?"

This time she turned and took off before anything else could be said, leaving Rarity to wave away the dust she kicked up in her face while she ran off! Rarity coughed and sputtered in annoyance .

"Well...I never...that girl is so tactless sometimes."

Daybreak collapsed back into his chair, beads of sweat dripping down his cheeks and nose as the microphone clattered across the floor, now silent. He looked up, his body once again under his control for the moment, staring at the Headmistress with a weakened gaze.

"Why...?" His words came out tired, like he'd just finished running a marathon. "Why would you make me do that? Do you have any idea what'll happen now? Now I've no chance of blending in here!"

Despite his voice starting to rise, Headmistress Shicvala showed no sign of fear or even notice that his energy spiked dangerously for a moment, again. She merely stared at him over her desk, a small smirk sitting on her lips.

"And why should you wish to blend in? When you could walk among us as who you are?"

He managed a mocking chuckle. "You know nothing if you think I'll be accepted because a corny speech like that!"

Her smirk only grew "Fortunately, it is you who know nothing in this situation, child. You do not understand why Ponyville is different from anywhere else in Equestria. Did you know that dark magic isn't even illegal here?"

That actually caught his attention, his eyes grew large. "W-what? That's a national law. My mother-"

"Your mother set the law yes. But your aunt, Princess Luna rebuked it, and had it done away with upon her return. Instead, it is now a city by city decision. Although most places still deem it illegal, Ponyville was founded on the idea of love and tolerance for all. The Mayor here never supported that law, and was more than pleased when it was left up to her to decide the laws for her own town. It is now very legal. Not often practiced, yes, but no one is jailed for it. There are multiple students here who have tried or experimented with it. Most can't control or grasp it, and some become corrupted by its influence. We have solutions for all these problems. Princess Twilight has been very adamant on this subject and agrees we should all be free to decide for our selves. Having used the power multiple times throughout her life, she has offered her help."

He felt a pinch of guilt strike his subconscious "So...she ended up using it anyways...despite what I did..."

The Headmistress possibly from reading his thoughts, or just knowing of his guilt, smiled at him. "She has not been corrupted by it. She has little to no control over it, but the few times it comes out, she is able to resist it's influence with ease. I've watched her. I believe that is your doing, your old magic inside her from your childhood has given her a kind of protection from it's corruption. You have nothing to feel guilty about."

He looked away, half disgusted. "Stay out of my thoughts..." A sudden realization then struck him "Wait a second! You said you could have me expelled...you threatened me for using dark magic!" He pointed at her angrily.

She merely giggled "I lied. I wanted to see how you'd react."

He gritted his teeth "I've already had enough of being manipulated by you, and I've only known you for thirty minutes!"

She shrugged "Every one fights their own way. Mine is just a little more refined and less violent. Manipulation can be helpful as well as hurtful. But of course, you know this don't you...Skittles...?That's a cute pet name by the way."

He stood from his chair, anger boiling up to a peak inside him. "STAY OUT OF MY HEAD IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU! MY PEROSNAL THOUGHTS AREN'T YOURS TO PLAY WITH!"

She leaned back in her chair, the tip of her hat resting just under the golden crown on her wall. Her smirk grew sinister

"Are you threatening me Child of Chaos?"

Seemingly free from her influence for the moment, Daybreaks arms ignited a fiery green! Emerald flames formed along the edges of his aura and licked at the walls around him.

"Maybe I am! What about it!? No one get's to manipulate me, no one! I make my own choices, you don't get to make them for me! Got it?!"

Her smirk still holding, Shicvala stood from her chair, and gently pushed aside the tiki's atop her desk. Her body began to lightly fizzle with grey aura. Her head began to glow a darker shade of grey, as a small, side-ways, eye shaped blob of grey energy appeared in the center of her forehead. She reached up and removed her black witch hat by its tip, and placed it atop her compute monitor.

"Perhaps I should show you why they call me 'Shiva'? Why the Dragons fear my name! Why they tell their young, the tales of 'The Destroyer' to keep them in line. We'll see if your powers can even hold a candle to mine!"

They both moved simultaneously, and the room erupted into blinding light!

Rainbow turned another corner, the headmistresses office had finally come into view...after she had muscled her way past, what felt like, half the school. As she finally let out a sigh of relief at there being little to no students between her and the golden phoenix, she heard a familiar laugh creep up behind her.

"Going to see your bastard friend? Planning on saving him again?"

She didn't even have to turn around to know who was behind her. The three idiots that had attacked Daybreak, and constantly made her life difficult no matter how may times she kicked their asses.

"Go away Diamond pups, I don't have time for you right now!"

The smallest of the three, and the only one with any decent color on his skin, other than grey, stepped forward and pointed at her angrily. "It's Diamond Dogs! Our group is the Diamond Dogs! And, you don't get to call us that. Only members can call us that. Unless your finally reconsidering joining us and going through our initiation." He licked his lips as he eyed her charred and shredded clothes.

She physically shivered in disgust. She held up two fingers and turned to face them. "First, I have no interest in joining a gang who just steals from people weaker than them and bullies everyone for fun. And second, I'd sooner have sex with my guitar than any of you, let alone all three of you. So your initiation can kiss my pale blue ass. Along with the rest of you. Or maybe you'd prefer to kiss the floor? That is what you always seem to do whenever we meet after all. Have you told your whores back at your hideout about your intimate relationship with the tiling? I'm sure they deserve to know. I'm sure they have to question why your faces are always so smashed whenever you come home? Or maybe that just looks normal to them? I can't really tell the difference to be honest."

They biggest of the three clenched his fists, while the smallest one bared his magically pointed teeth. The middle one pointed at her and yelled, unnecessarily loud "Get her!".

She sighed to herself, shaking her head with disappointment "Every day..."

It ended so quickly, it wasn't even fun for her. She was in a rush and didn't feel like toying with these idiots today. As the biggest one rushed her, she front flipped over his head, and delivered two magically charged punches to his kidneys. He dropped faster than the titanic, and she moved onto his friends with lightning fast speed and grace. Not missing a single step, she twirled away from the big one as he went down, and brought her knee forward into the smallest ones face before he could bring up his hands. Then spun on her left foot and extended the leg she had just used to knee the short one, planting a firm kick into the middle ones ribs and sending him skidding backwards into the lockers behind him, propelled by the force of her magic. She brought her leg back down and bowed.

"Ten. Seconds. Flat."

Without another word, she turned, taking off sprinting towards the golden phoenix door. Upon reaching the statue, it spread its golden wings out wide. It's wing span easily blocking her access to the doorway behind it.

"Let me pass! I need to see the Headmistress."

The golden birds head looked down at her. Its voice came out deep, but majestic sounding, almost song-like.

"Headmistress Shicvala is currently engaged in a...heated...discussion with our newest student, and has requested I allow none to interrupt it.

Annoyed, and not really in the mood to argue Rainbow stomped her foot angrily "This is important! It's about the one she's with, Daybreak, I need to speak to him. Right now!"

The phoenix did not budge against her words...but it did sound rather uncomfortable when it spoke "I cannot allow you passage...the headmistress has...forbidden it...until their...discussion...has ended...I cannot let you in..." The head of the statue suddenly leaned forward, and whispered in a much deeper voice "Trust me...You don't wanna go in their right now...it's for your own good..."

Rainbow cocked her head "Why? What's going on?"

Now his discomfort became more than noticeable, his wings shifted slightly, as though he were wrestling with something in his mind. "As I said...their discussion is...heated.."

"Heated has two meanings Goldilocks, which do you mean? Are they yelling or something?"

He leaned his head down once again "The room is partially on fire my dear...take my advice...come back later."

At hearing this, all other thoughts emptied from Rainbows mind. Taking a quick glance, under his head, she saw his right wing was lifted just enough for her to dive under. She moved before the head could fully retract, catching the statue off guard, and made a running dive under its wing, rolling in a summersault and coming up sprinting through the archway.

"Weird...isn't the door normally right here?"

She stared down an long hallway, filled with paintings and portraits. Without hesitation, she took off running, hoping the door was simply at the end of the corridor. She looked back as she ran, and saw the back of the statue seemingly beginning to melt. For a moment, she feared she had somehow broken it...until a miniature version of the golden statue shot forth from the liquefied backside, and flew down the hall after her, screeching in a much louder and more obnoxious voice than before, and bearing elongated talons. "Stop right there criminal scum! Nobody may enter the headmistresses chamber without my permission! Halt! Cease! Desist!"

"Yikes!" Rainbow turned and resumed her sprint, hoping she could out run the loud, golden bird before its screeching annoyed her to death.

The two sorcerers stumbled back, both nearly crumpling over in exhaustion. Several new cuts and burns marks adorned Daybreaks shirt and shorts now, but somehow the fabric still managed to hold together after the exchange. He steadied himself on the arm of his chair, bending over and taking in deep breaths as he struggled to stay standing. Shicvala was hardly any better off, although the only physical evidence of their battle on her, seemed to be a large gash across the right side of her shoulder. The entire right arm of her cloak was also missing as well, seemingly blown off right below the shoulder, but he arm itself showed no signs of damage. Her stripped skin was now visible to the world, and Daybreak could see, she was indeed, of the Zebra peoples. She was bent over too, and gasping for breath...but certainly seemed to be taking it better than him.

"What...I did...is only going to help you child" She panted, struggling to finish her sentences without stopping for more breaths. "You...can't expect people to...except you...if they don't know who you are..."

Daybreak moved behind his chair, stabilizing himself by resting his arms on its back and leaning over it. "You think it's that simple? Tell everyone the truth and...they'll just let go of all their...hate? I'm not Princess Luna, I can't change what I am...I can't...be someone different.. I'm always gonna be...Discords son. No matter where I run to...that's what I'll be seen as...the Traitor Prince. The Prince of Chaos, Child of Chaos, the Dark Sun...I've heard them all...it'll never stop..."

The Headmistress finally submitted to her exhaustion and seated herself back in her chair, once again donning her black hat atop her head. Daybreak opted to remain standing, choosing to stare at the floor as a sick feeling welled up in the pit of his stomach. Shicvala managed to half chuckle in between her raspy breaths

"It...will stop...you just need to...give it a chance. Try letting go...of your own hatred child...except some love into your life...you've...already taken the...first...steps..."

"What do you...mean by...that?" He was practically hanging over his chair as he struggled to stay upright.

She smiled at him "You'll see"

Before he could question her again, the door behind him suddenly flew open with a enormous Bang!

"Daybreak!" he heard a familiar voice yell before he felt his chest being embraced from behind, and the little breathe he had being squeezed out of him.

Warmth spread throughout his body at the surprise hug, he looked up, a slightly shy expression on his face...to find that the headmistress had already regained her composure, and was smiling at him coyly. He almost gave in to a blush, but managed to hold it off as he was released from his death hug. Even though he already knew who it was, as she was the only one who would dare hug him, it was good to see Rainbow Dash come around to his front once she released him. She had a concerned and conflicted look in her eyes. It only then struck him

"Oh no...she would've heard it too...now I'll be alone again...all...alone...again."

He didn't wanna keep meeting her eyes, but he made himself continue looking. Her stare never changed, concerned and conflict remained...but she didn't look away from him either

"And she hugged me too...does that mean she doesn't care? Maybe it was just an instinct...maybe she does still wanna be friends, she's supposed to be the Element of Loyalty after all...but now that she knows...she could never feel something for the son of Discord..."

He wanted to get mad again. Wanted to throw all his anger at the Headmistress again...but he found he had no anger to summon. He just felt empty...and hollow. He simply couldn't get mad. He jumped slightly, as he felt Rainbow Dash slip one of his right arm around her neck, and steady him so he could walk. She opened her mouth to speak...but was cut off by a loud screech as the miniature golden phoenix that had been chasing her, suddenly burst into the room. It flew one small lap around the room, then came to rest atop Shicvala's desk. With a very annoyed sounding voice, it began squawking apologies to her.

"Headmistress, I'm sorry, I tried to stop her. But when I caught her in the Infinite Hallway spell, she merely responded with (pardon my language) 'fuck the police' then after wrestling me off, she began tilting every portrait she passed down the hallway. I had to stop the spell and let her in if there was any hope of ever fixing them all...she wouldn't stop!"

A mischievous smirk bleed across Rainbow as the headmistress gave a light giggle "It's quite alright...go back to your larger body and continue guarding the door, I can handle the rest from here."

The golden bird sighed with relief "And...the portraits?"

"I'll handle it."

With a metallic sounding salute of its wing, the bird flew out of the room to rejoin his other half. Once he was gone, and the door shut behind him, Shicvala motioned to Rainbow Dash. "Miss Dash, If you could escort our young mister Daybreak home, that would be greatly appreciated. Not to your room I think. His house may be preferred tonight. It may be better if we give our school a day to let this news settle. You are both excused from your classes for the remainder of the day. But I expect you both back tomorrow. You are excused"

Rainbow Dash looked surprised at such a dismissal. Her shock easily apparent as her jaw hung loosely from her face

"H-headmistress...Wha-"

"Yes Miss Dash?"

Rainbow looked around the room. Nothing seemed to be damaged...but there were several spots along the walls where specks of green and black flames still burned. They were causing the tapestry no harm, but it was still apparent something had happened in here.

"What happened in here Headmistress...why is Daybreak like this...what happened to him during our duel!? And...why are you giving me the day off as well!? I've known you for years now...tell me what's going on! Is he...is he really...?"

"Rainbow..."

She looked to her left, his head was barely being held up by his own power...but he still managed a sad look. It was so full of emotions she hadn't seen him use. Fear was plastered all over his eyes as he nodded slowly

"I am...I am Discords son."

Rainbow crushed her eyes closed. That had sealed it. There was no denying it now, he'd said it aloud. She'd fallen for Discords son.

"Miss Dash?"

Opening her eyes, she looked up to the headmistress, and saw her smiling "You have nothing to be ashamed of. Do you here me Miss Dash?"

Rainbow could tell, just by the way she narrowed her eyes, what she was referring to.

"I hate when she does that..."

Rainbow managed a half smile, and nodded slowly. Returning her attention to Daybreak, slumped on her shoulder.

"He'll be alright. He's just reached his limit for today. Two duels in one day can't have been easy"

Her coy expression easily answered Rainbows question of what had occurred. Though the fact that Daybreak had managed to survive the duel without being hospitalized was impressive enough. Anyone who ever challenged the Headmistress always ended up in the infirmary. After experiencing her first duel just a few hours earlier, she now understood why. They were intense.

"And Daybreak pulled off two in one day? One with the Headmistress...and he's just a little banged up...How powerful is he? Does this mean he was just holding back when he fought me?"

"Miss Dash...You may go you know. I'm sure you're eager to spend some time alone with him"

She winked at them and both felt their faces heat up, but neither noticed the others blush. Rainbow sensed they were being dismissed yet again, and decided to leave things the way they were. No punishment for Daybreak and she got the day off with him...that left plenty of time for her to ask him...

They had barely exited the office and made it through the golden phoenix, who shot Rainbow a nasty look...when Daybreak suddenly decided he could walk on his own, and pulled his arm out of her grip. He stumbled forward several feet, nearly collapsing again...but managed to stabilize in time. He placed his right hand on the wall to steady his footing and shuffled forward, barely seeming to notice when Rainbow caught up to him. He kept his head down as they walked, refusing to speak even when she asked if he was alright. It wasn't until they made it outside the building, that he finally forced to acknowledge her.

With nothing to lean on outside the door, he tripped down the stairs and went for the ground face first. Rainbow reached out and caught him by the tears on his shirt, pulling him back over to her. He practically fell into her arms, his legs wobbling under his own weight. She felt a surge of annoyance well up in her as she struggled to place his arm back around her neck.

"You don't have to do everything by yourself dummy. I'm here to help you ya know."

"Yeah...for how much longer?" His voice sounded distant, like he was far away, rather than right next to her.

"What did you say?! What's that supposed to mean?"

His voice came out stale and emotionless, still sounding far off "Once we get to my house...you're just gonna ditch me...It's not like I can ever go back to that school now. We're lucky we didn't see anyone on our way out...I'd probably be dead if we had."

"Ok! No! You are not doing this now!"

Once they passed through the front gate, and the magical lock click shut behind them, she quickly turned, grasping him by the scruff of his neck and slammed him against the concrete wall next to the gate. She shook him once to get his attention

"Listen here you! I don't know what happened to you in that office, but don't you dare come out here and start drowning in self pity! Have you already forgotten who I am? Well have you!?"

When he did not answer, she gave him another forceful shake. His head slowly raised, his weak gaze met her fiery eyes.

"I know who you are..."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously "Oh do you? Tell me then. Who am I?"

"You're Rainbow Dash..."

"What else!"

His eyes darted around for a moment, as though hoping to find the answer written on her face. After a moment, he sighed

"I...I don't know..."

It was then that his vision became speckled in bright lights, and his face suddenly stung...alot. His head turned upon impact...and when he brought it back to face her...her hand was raised.

"Did you just...slap me?"

Her gaze seemed to burn straight through him "Yeah I did. Maybe it will knock some sense back into you. Now tell me. Who I am?"

His voice almost cracked "I...I don't know"

This time, he actually saw her strike him. His face once erupted into a burning pain, and he felt himself being lifted off the ground by the burnt collar of his shirt. Blinking away the stars, he felt a surge of anger pulsate through him as he looked down at her.

"Who am I Daybreak!?"

"Put me down Rainbow Dash." His voice held some intimidation behind it, and was certainly deeper now. At least that had changed.

"Not until you say it."

"I said, put, me, down. Now!"

His gaze narrowed and met her own, she glared at him right back. "Make me."

"Fine."

His arms moved, too quick for her to anticipate. He brought his palms up and over her arms then smacked them down in the folds of her elbows, double karate chop style. Her arms buckled under his strikes, releasing him from her grip. He dropped and swept his right leg under her own, swiping her feet out from under her and sending her down to the concrete. He straddled her waist and pinned both her hands above her head under his elbow, then placed his free palm above her face, allowing it to glow a menacing shade of green.

"The fuck is a matter with you Rainbow!?"

Out of nowhere, she jabbed her neck upwards, head butting him in the nose! He leaned back in pain, and she quickly used that moment to throw him off her! She clambered to her feet and grasped him by the neck, slamming him back against the wall once more!

"I'm your friend you fucking idiot! That's who I am!"

She struck him across the face one last time, not as particularly hard as before, just enough to get his attention.

"I'm your friend, and I'll never just 'ditch' you somewhere. Even if you didn't come back to school I wouldn't do that. But you are coming back to school, and if you're not there tomorrow I swear by Celestia I'll march straight over to your house and drag your ass back here! Got it buster?"

He grimaced, mumbling under his breath

"What was that?"

"I said you're a fool! You think I can just walk back in there after that little speech? I didn't wanna say those things, Shicvala tricked me into eating some spiked cookies! She can make me do whatever she wants now. She made me say those things, and now I can never go back!"

Rainbow blinked in surprise "Well...that explains alot...she gave him the cookies too huh? Odd...I never realized she could control people with them, she certainly never tried to control me with them. Maybe she used a different batch on him cause he's Discords son and not just a trouble maker with rainbow hair?"

She shook her head "It doesn't matter. You said it. It's done with. But you can't honestly think running away is gonna change anything?"

He laughed, he actually laughed at her "Not change anything? How about not getting me killed? Is that not changing something?"

She blinked "You really think they'd kill you dude?"

He snorted at her "Six thousand students, almost all of which were affected by my father negatively. You don't think they'd want revenge? You don't think that they might act on that need, if Discords son was right there within reach. I don't know about you Dash, but fighting six thousand people at once...I'll pass thanks."

Her eyes narrowed mockingly "What's wrong... ya scared?"

He was hardly amused "You bet your blue ass I am! I'm the strongest sorcerer in the world! But as I've just been painfully reminded twice in the past two hours, strength doesn't mean victory. I can't fight six thousand angry, vengeful, magicians who want my head on a platter. Nearly everyone at this school seems gifted in some form of special magic, I'll be damned if I'm fighting that. I'd rather just take what's left of my pride and be on my way."

Understanding what he was truly saying, she released him back to the ground. He steadied himself on the wall, his short burst of adrenaline gone now, along with his strength.

"So that's it...you're gonna leave school? Leave me?"

He cringed, a small twitch finding his weak gaze "Dash...It's not like I want to..."

"Then don't! Stay here! Stay with me! You don't have to run away!"

He lowered his gaze to the ground "Dashie...I wouldn't last a day...maybe two...if I was clever and did alot of hiding..."

She moved to hit him again, but this time he pushed himself off the wall, catching her hand, but falling forward towards her. She yelped in surprise but still managed to catch and steady him. She draped his arm over her shoulder, for the third time today, and started helping him shuffle slowly towards the Everfree Forest.

"You may not last on your own. But what if me and my friends protect you?"

That earned her a sincere laugh from him "Dash...that's rich! Twilight Sparkle and her friends protecting me, the son of Discord, from a bunch of kids...I could make a sitcom out of something so pathetic."

She grunted a chuckle "Pathetic is better than dead, or alone..."

He shook his head slowly, she caught it out of the corner of her eye as they shuffled ever closer towards the entrance of the woods

"Dash, Twilight Sparkle, probably hates me more than any other person in the known universe. The day her or her friends protect me from anything, I'm sure I'll see a pig grow wings and fly."

"I'm protecting you aren't I?"

They had reached the entrance to the Everfree, Daybreak did not answer Rainbows question, but merely stared down at his feet while they walked into the dark wood. He knew where she was leading him...towards one of the portals that warped straight into Ponyville. Had they waited until after hours, it would have taken them to the outskirts, and saved him another twenty minutes of walking. But he wasn't complaining. He knew this would probably be the last time he made this walk. He was glad he could draw it out...with Rainbow.

The light from the outside had completely faded from view as they had delved deeper into the forest. Now the only light was from the many luminescent plants growing throughout the forest. Daybreak even spotted a patch of poison joke growing off to the side, away from the path that had been carved to the portal.

Without any warning, Rainbow suddenly veered away from the path, and began leading him off to the right through shrubs and other wild plants. The trees and brush became thicker, and the many plants growing seemed to be more suspended in the air rather than on the ground. It created an artificial, but very bright, neon blue light in the darkness of the forest. It was beautiful to see...but he was still confused as to where they were going.

"Rainbow...The path is back that way."

"Shhh, quiet, we are almost there."

"Almost where?"

"I said shhhh!"

"Ok"

After a few more minutes of walking, they came to a large opening in the forest. Daybreaks eyes shot open! In front of them, was an enormous tree, full of luminescent vines and branches. It's top seemed to span over the entire clearing, effectively still blocking out any sunlight from breaking through, and allowing the neon colors to shine and dance brightly in the dark. The tree itself was enormous, it's roots stretched out along the ground and had formed into other, smaller trees throughout the Everfree. The bark looked like brown armor planting rather than wood. Daybreak was in awe...

"Is this...the Tree of Harmony?"

Rainbow giggled "No no...that's much deeper, this is just a little hidden spot I like to come, sometimes to nap. No one else has found it so far so it's the perfect place to just get away from it all. The tree here was one of the first in Everfree and helped sprout all these other trees. It's got magical properties too...the fruit it makes from its glowing vines can cure any poison, or at least, any that I've borrowed from Twilight so far."

He gave her a skeptical look "Borrowed?"

She blushed "What?..........Ok I stole them...but I brought them back later...she didn't notice...and I only used a little, honest."

He chuckled "It's really pretty Rainbow...but why did you bring me here if this is your spot? Now it's not as special..."

She smiled and brought them closer to the bark, letting him go so he could lean against the trunk of the tree. "No...now it's even more special."

A large blush spread across his cheeks. He gently leaned back, so he was resting his waist against the trunk while he stood. This was much more comfy and he barely had to place any weight on his legs. Rainbow slowly inched closer to him as he got comfortable.

"You know...this tree has other magical properties too."

"Yeah? Like what?"

A small blush of her own formed across her cyan cheeks to match his "Well, none of the animals, even the predators, will do any harm while around it. Timberwolves, Cockatrice, heck, even the Manticore that lives in here would likely become as friendly as a house cat around it."

"Impressive"

"And...there's one more I know about..." her blush was now becoming visible, even in the blue light of the forest. Daybreak didn't notice until she was practically right on top of him. She pressed her chest against his, forcing him to lean back and use the tree for full support. She brought her nose up to his and gently rubbed hers across it, letting out a giggle that did not fit her personality at all...but was nevertheless cute.

He blinked in surprise "Did you just nose nuzzle me?"

"Kiss me."

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!"

"W-what did you say"

She leaned forward, he could taste her breath, she was so close "I said kiss me...please Daybreak, kiss me"

"Is she...begging me? That's not like her at all....what's going on here!?"

He did not move, and she came no closer...not that she could have gotten much closer anyways, but she didn't force her lips on him, which was something at least. He felt his throat seize and his breathe catch in his nose. All his senses seemed to go on stand-by while she pressed her body against his. He shut his eyes, unable to look at her while she was so close, and so vulnerable.

"D-Dashie...I can't....I mean...how can you? I'm Discords son...What will your friends think?"

He tensed as two cold hands found their way through the tears in his shirt, and began tracing along his abbs. It tickled slightly, but only made her all the harder to resist. Her voice came out softer than he could ever remember hearing from her, it was full of passion.

"I don't care...I don't care if you're the son of Discord, King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis...I don't care if you turn out to be my fucking brother...I just wanna be with you. I won't tell anyone, I won't tell my friends. Just please..."

"W-why do you sound so desperate...where is this coming from!?"

He felt a sudden, and huge, wave of warmth nearing his chest. Opening his eyes he was shocked to see her palms facing upwards, and a little light glowing in the center of them. Pulsating with red magic, and emanating waves of energy that filled the whole area with warmth...was a sparkling crimson lightning bolt. It glimmered like a jewel in her outstretched palms, mesmerizing to behold up close. Rainbows Elements of Loyalty.

"Wow...it feels so...warm...so different from the feeling I got from Twilight...it makes me feel...almost sleepy...and happy..."

Suddenly he felt the warmth being pressed into his open hands. Startled, he looked down to find the red jewel hovering in his palms. He looked up, confused as to what had happened, Rainbows face was still mere inches from his own, a warmer than summer smile crossing her blushing cheeks.

"It's yours."

"Mine...what...she can't mean..."

"Rainbow...you mean...this...what?"

She nuzzled his nose again "I'm giving you my Element of Harmony, keep it safe for me ok?"

"D-Dashie...I..."

Slowly, she took his hands in hers, and began to press them against his chest. He watched in fascination as the little jewel began to phase into his body. It stopped for a moment, about halfway, as his own dark aura tried to reject the energy...but then it continued on and disappeared inside of him. For the first time in his life, he was speechless, he could think of nothing at all to say.

"Now...You've got my heart...and my soul inside of you. I'd say that more than balances out all that darkness....right?"

At that moment, something inside of him seemed to change...to break. A warm, almost painful feeling spread up from his gut...and to his cheeks. Within seconds...hot, painful tears, were falling down his cheeks...and he couldn't do anything to hide them. With Rainbow so close she could them clear as day. She watched him for a moment, attempting not to cry like a child...then after a few seconds...he just gave in.

With just a simple tug from his hands on her shirt, she quickly leaned her head forward...and embraced his lips with her own. Her entire world seemed to freeze in time as she felt her lips connect with his. Millions of words she wanted to just let spill out of her in pure emotion raced through her mind, but she didn't dare utter them for having to pull away. She pressed harder and harder against his lips until she was practically attacking his mouth with hers. But despite her aggression, he didn't seem to mind, he even kissed back roughly a few times, like she did.

She felt his hot tears slide across her own cheeks as well as his. They really did burn like sulfur, but she didn't even consider pulling away. She just wanted to do this for as long as she could. Maybe until she needed food or water to keep living, or maybe until...just until it didn't feel so...magical...anymore. She reached up her hands and caressed his cheeks, wiping away his hot tears while allowing them to run along her hands, instead of burning more tear tracks down his nose. With her other hand, she gently traced her fingers along his abbs, finding every tear in his shirt and shoving her hand inside it to touch at his chest. Eventually, when his tears did not cease, she pulled back, wiped them away and tilted her head.

"Why are you crying Daybreak. I didn't even know you could cry so much?"

He wanted to hide his face, but with hers so close it would have been impossible. He practically hiccupped out the words, and she didn't believe what she heard.

"I...I don't deserve this...I don't deserve you Rainbow..."

The urge to strike him suddenly resurfaced within her, but she resisted and instead kissed him again. "How can you say that? You haven't done anything wrong."

"You're wrong..." it looked as though he were choking on his words "I've hurt so many people without much care during my life. I've always cursed my parents, and everyone who tortured me as a child. I've done nothing but hate my whole life...how can I deserve you...let alone your Element."

As though it was her remedy for his sadness, she kissed him once more, taking his face into her hands. "I'm not usually good at this mushy stuff dude...but something about you. It brings out another side of me. Even if you don't see it, I do. I see you as someone whose had all the wrong things happen to him. You could've become an evil tyrant, like so many other, but you persisted along and kept to your own path. Yeah, you have stepped on others at some point to get where you are, you think I haven't done that too? You should see some of my old friends. There was a gryphon who was a total bitch and...never mind, the point is, I realized who they all really were and made myself better for it. Now I'm here with all my friends...and you, because of the choices I've made. I wouldn't change a thing. Not even the bad parts, cause they all brought me to right here, where I am now and who I am now. You can do the same thing you know."

He grunted, fresh tears forming in his eyes, she quickly wiped them away before they could fall "You don't understand Dashie. You're an Element of Harmony. People will always love you no matter where you go. Even if some don't, you're always gonna have at least a few people who love you in every corner of the world. Me? It's the opposite. I'm hated for my fathers mistakes, and no matter how much good I ever do, I can't change that."

"Yes you can."

He locked his tear stained eyes with hers "Your optimism is never ending...how?"

She giggled "You should meet my friend Pinkie Pie, she's the Element of Laughter. You haven't seen optimism until you've spent time with her. Assuming you survive that is."

"If only..."

Another kiss found his nose, of all places, and he shivered from its wetness "You can dude. You can. Stay with me. Stay here, at this school with me. I'll make sure no one fucks with my guy"

He almost chuckled through his tears "Your guy? You're insane to want me Dashie...I'll never understand you."

She gave his forehead a small boop with her fingers, coyly smiling at him "I should hope not. Then I wouldn't be half as exciting."

His tears had begun to flow less now, bringing her a warm smile, and filling her with enough courage to ask a question that had been burning within her for awhile.

"Hey dude...since I'm being honest with my feelings here...I gotta ask you something. Do you believe in love at first sight?"

His eyes seemed to narrow, catching her slightly off guard, she felt the rainbow necklace around her neck, and the sun in her pocket give a firm vibration when he spoke. "Dashie...I don't even believe in love."

His statement had been so blunt, it didn't even hurt...but only left her with another burning question.

"Then why let me kiss you, why let me be your first kiss...and why let me keep doing it?"

The blush seemed to return to his face instantaneously, he stuttered on his words "You...y-you're different...you've made me question...alot of my beliefs".

She smiled, her usual confidence returning to her speech "Oh am I? Well then, I guess it's my new goal to make those questions turn to answers. "

He raised an eyebrow in confusion "What?"

She brought her lips next to his ear, gently nibbling it with her teeth, she softly whispered wit as much seduction in her voice as she could manage "I'm gonna make you fall in love with me"

His eyes narrowed yet again

"Dashie, I'm not some stereotypical bad boy whose gonna change cause of a pretty girl...it'll take alot more than your sex appeal, attractive as you are, to make me believe in lo~"

She came back around to his face, and kissed him roughly for a moment, silencing his words before they escaped him, then gently nibbled on his lips. Out of instinct, or passion, he parted his lips allowing her access. She took her chance, practically shooting her tongue into his mouth, tracking down his own and attacking it with licks. She forced his tongue to wrestle with her own and wrapped around it every which way she could. it was like a dance, where she was the lead and he followed, shyly. She wanted him to be more aggressive back, but for now she was more than content with him just allowing her this. After several moments of licking around his tongue, and him occasionally fighting back, she felt him finally start to get into it.

He gently pushed himself into a more solid standing position, with his free hand pressed against the bark, he started to push himself upwards. Now instead of her towering on top of him, he stood up and she had to look up to keep their lip connected. He used his height to his advantage, slowly starting to push her tongue back into her own mouth and wrestling it for dominance.

"...He likes it...Oh Celestia it couldn't be better...well if could be if...Ahh! Oh Gooooosh~"

She let out a small yelp against his tongue, as an unexpected wave of pleasure slowly coursed through her nethers. She felt her burnt and torn jean shorts hit the ground at her feet. Her black, skin tight, athletic underwear, suddenly moved down just enough to reveal her butt and wet lips to the world. She felt two fingers gently rub across her swollen love button, she couldn't hold back the moan that escaped her. She practically squeaked in protest

"Daybreak! Wha~Ahhh!" Her eyes widened in surprise as his finger parted her lips, and a third began to tease the inside of her walls. She pulled her head back, breaking the kiss, but not enough to disconnect him from her lower lips, she looked him dead in the eyes. A bright blush was spread across his face, but he had on the warmest smile she'd ever seen him wear. His eyes were lowered in a seductive look she didn't even know he had.

"Dashie...is this what you wanted? You brought me out here to try and seduce me didn't you?"

Her blush grew even more radiant than before, she squeaked in a high pitched voice that was all too cute to resist.

"Ahh~ no...honest I just wanted to give you...you're first kiss...I don't want you to leave Daybreak...please...I didn't think you'd...ah aha ah!"

His third finger had retracted from her insides, and his other two began to expertly tease and pinch at her clit, gently moving against it just enough for the sensation to only linger for a moment. She became like putty in his hands, and felt her knees buckling beneath his fingers. She was practically leaning on him for support now, her hands desperately clinging to his shirt to hold herself up. His fingers teased and pinched her clit in just the right ways, he felt her moan against his chest. With some of his strength back, he stopped leaning on the tree for support and instead used his other hand to roughly grasp her cyan bottom and mercilessly squeeze it. Her squeaks turned into moans as his fingers tormented her clit and his hand toyed with her ass.

"D-Daybreak...how are you so good at this...? I thought you were a virgin?"

He smiled seductively down at her, clinging to his chest for support. "I am, but being alone, all the time, gives me plenty of time for lots of reading. I bet I can have you gushing in seconds" He whispered his last words in her ear, and she felt a spark of her attitude swell within her.

"H-hey...I'm not that easy stud...y-you can't just toy with me like this!"

He smirked at her evilly "Oh really? I think I can."

His fingers seemed to jump into overdrive, pinching and rubbing her clit much faster and more aggressively than before. Her lips felt like they were on fire! She wanted to beg for the release she could feel looming on the horizon. She buried her face in his chest and moaned as loud as she could! Her orgasm arrived seconds later, and just as she came, he shoved his two fingers inside her lips, feeling her walls clench around him as she squirted her love juices down his hand. Her legs buckled and she fell forward. He was unprepared for her failing limbs and they both tumbled back into the grass. She didn't bother to move off him, and he didn't try to remove his hands either. She felt so...blissful...and at peace, she never wanted to move again. Then...she felt his hands start moving again inside her, playing with her clit again.

She nearly jumped forward in surprise as more waves of pleasure shook her body into action. She looked down at his smiling face and whimpered "Ahh...Daybreak I already...came...you can stop...ah!"

He chuckled, pulling her into a another kiss, then quickly nipping at her nose "Yeah I could. But you still feel so wet down here. You obviously want more."

She squirmed as his fingers played with her love button "I'm wet from ahh...my orgasm you dolt...ahh come on...have a little mercy..." She almost giggled as she lay there on his chest, powerless before his fingers. She reconnected their lips and refused to allow him to break the kiss again. She restarted their tongues wrestle for dominance and submitted to his fingers exploration of her swollen clit. His other hand continued to play with her butt, but now instead of squeezing her, he was just caressing her cheeks. It was a little odd, and weird...but it didn't necessarily feel bad. It felt kinda nice, like a small massage, so she let him continue.

Her second orgasm came much quicker than her first, she squealed and shivered as she felt her body rock with pleasure. Her juices had to have soaked his hand by now. But once again, he did not cease playing with her. This time he not only sped up his teasing of her clit, but he forced her onto her back, then started planting loving kisses down her cheek, to her neck and down to her exposed tummy. He tickled her tummy with his tongue, even as she begged to continue their kissing. He caused her to squeak and squeal for mercy while he expertly toyed with her clit and tickle tortured her belly. Her third and final orgasm came harder, and faster than all the others. She cried out extremely loud, it was lucky they were so deep within the forest or someone would have definitely heard her.

She arched her back and midsection upwards as she came, then collapsed back into the grass. When he finally removed his fingers and inspected his hand, he saw it was indeed soaked with her juices. A simple spell cleaned him off, then he noticed her eyes lazily fluttering, struggling to stay aloft. He chuckled aloud as she desperately battled her tired body. Turning to look at him, she managed a coy smile

"H-hey Daybreak...Who am I?"

He smiled, a sincere, warm smile, then placed his arm underneath her head for her to rest on, rather than in the dirt, and his other arm around her body. He pulled her close to snuggle in his chest. He could feel his own arousal fading, but he didn't mind, this hadn't been for him, it had been for her.

"You're my little Dashie?"

"Damn...straight...I am...hehehe...zzzzz"

Glancing back at her, he saw her lips flutter as she started to snore quietly. He couldn't resist a chuckle.

"Wow...she's out cold...and already snoring...that's so cute"

His brain swam with a recollection of what he'd just done as he stared at his rainbow haired friend.

"I vowed I 'd never fall for a girl...I'd never be intimate with anyone...and I'd never let emotions cloud my judgment...But now...as I lay here next to this rainbow haired, overactive, athletic beauty...I'm beginning to realize I just did all three in an hours time."

As he leaned back to snuggle with the fading Rainbow Dash, he felt something stir inside him. Like a brief pain was trying to take hold in his mind, but it faded almost immediately when an even greater feeling of warmth spread throughout his body. Rainbow, already asleep in his arms, didn't notice as her Element slowly rose from within Daybreaks chest. It still shone bright, but was now encompassed in his own green aura, along with it's red. The magical jewel didn't seem to be damaged in any way, but for a moment it filled his vision with bright light...then it was gone. He felt it sink back into his chest before he opened his eyes. When he did finally open them...he felt something crunchy within his palm. Opening it, he found a smashed and wet cookie. He stared down at it, his brain taking several seconds to process what had just happened.

"Did...did Dashie's Element just take this outta me? Why? I thought these things only worked against dark magic...then again if it's sitting inside me, it might work against everything. This is so weird."

A yawn forced it's way from his lips, and he suddenly realized how tired he was. the whole morning and afternoons events had left him exhausted. He quickly tossed away the wet and crumpled cookie, then, after brief stretch, resumed his snuggle with Rainbow Dash. Laying there, his cheek pressed against hers...for the first time in his life...he felt...content. He planted a small kiss on Rainbows lip and allowed his exhaustion to overwhelm him.

Somewhere, deeper within the forest of the Everfree, a mans eyes slowly opened. He sat cross legged upon his wooden floor, tan robes sprawled out every which way across his feet. His grey eyebrows rose up his fine skin as he formed a sinister smile.

"I win Celestia."

With shrill cackle of satisfaction, he reached his stiff hands up his shortened grey beard, and gently stroked it with a look of wild bemusement. His top hat slightly inclined itself towards the ground for a moment as he laughed, but then centered itself once it got too close to the edge of his head. Candles swam around the room, bathing the handsome man in an eerie orange glow, and bringing out the shine in his sharpened teeth.

"Now then...one down...five to go."

A small, golden notebook, adorned with a rainbow of jewels and twin serpent heads intertwining on its cover, revealed itself from within his robes, and came to float in front of him. A small quill followed shortly behind it. Without any encouragement, the regal looking book flipped to a page within itself, and the quill slowly placed a small check next to one of five names written in its centermost page. The name began to glow a bright green as small flames began to trace along the letters of the name, embedding them in the book. The quill retired itself back to the mans pocket as the book puffed out the fiery green letters into the air, in smoke form.