About a week passed and nothing of note really happened, I hung around with either Twilight, Spike or Diamond and went out a lot more aimlessly wondering. I didn’t see Vinyl at all but I wasn’t really looking for her. Rainbow Dash was missing for a day or so but eventually we started talking again and I hung out with her probably the most. After a few days we went to collect my scabbard, it was fairly dull, just enough to hold the sword, including a belt made of thick cloth. I tried it on and walked around a day wearing it and practiced putting the sword away and pulling it out. Nobody really noticed but I still made sure to do it away from other people anyway, that actually lead to one of mine and Dash’s talks, it was pretty good. We kept going to some park slightly out of town and sitting next to each other either on a bench or on the grass. The weather continued to be stupidly hot but never questioned it. Twilight told me one day that Rainbow was actually skipping work to hang with me but I didn’t care that much, if it stayed hot I was happy. I saw Diamond with a couple other ponies those days, and he seemed happy. He seemed to be getting pretty close to some teal unicorn but so far nothing had come from it.
My life was great until I woke up one day with Twilight and Diamond standing over my bed, Twilight was hovering a scroll above her head with a worried look.

“Mornin’.” I said, groaning slightly. I wasn’t hungover, just hadn’t slept well.

“A DRAGON IS ATTACKING PONYVILLE!” Twilight shouted, I jumped out of bed and rushed to the window without even thinking, sure enough the entire sky was covered in black smoke. I ran over to get my sword and scabbard and started getting dressed.

“Where? What’s the plan?” I asked, panicked. Diamond raised a hoof slowly.

“Princess Celestia sent orders to Twilight, and it is not as bad as Twilight declared.” He said, looking at the panicked pony. “A dragon has fallen asleep in a nearby mountain and the Princess has asked if we were to, get rid of it.”

“And she thinks a single guard and me can kill a fucking dragon?” I asked, in my panic I had put my top on backwards and started putting it on properly. My plan wasn’t to fight this thing, it was to book it and start a new life in the pony equivalent of Mexico

“No not kill. She wants us to try and convince the dragon to leave the cave.” I put the sword down on my bed and took a deep breath out.

“Oh thank fuck. Who is going?” I asked, slumping onto the bed. Diamond looked to Twilight who was re-reading the scroll.

“You two, Spike and all of our friends. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.” She said after a moment.

“Bitchin’.” I said, grabbing the sword again.

“This isn’t an excuse to talk to Rainbow Dash like you have been.” Twilight muttered.

“Hey I’ve been hanging out with quite a lot of people this week. Including you. Rainbow Dash is just a good friend.” I replied.

“Yeah sure.” Was all she said.

“Whatever.” I muttered and walked out of my room, Diamond followed.

“Not a morning person Aron?” He asked.

“No, I’ll say sorry later, after we deal with this dragon. So tell me, what are our orders?” I asked, looking over the armour and spear Diamond was wearing. He paused for a moment at that.

“We are just meant to convince it to leave, but violence is allowed if needed, Equestria may be allies with the dragons but there are, agreements, in place if dragons become a threat to Ponykind, likewise with ponies in dragon lands.”

“Not that you guys could really be a threat. Unless it was a strong mage.” I muttered, Diamond nodded.

“I doubt we will be able to take it down with an untrained swordsman and a single spear guard.”

“Well this is enchanted, and I’m sure we can call for backup if needed.”

“Yes we can, Celestia is watching through my eyes so if things get hairy we have an evacuation plan as well as a battalion of guards ready.”

“Tell her I said hi then.” I said, I was going to make a joke but with Sunbutt watching I held back. I ate some oatmeal and drank some water and waited for Twilight. She eventually walked back in with Spike and smiled.

“The others should be here in a bit. Have you eaten?” She asked. I nodded.

“Yeah just had a quick bite.”

“You should eat more, it might be a long trip.” That I hadn’t thought about.

“Good shout, what’s the plan for climbing this mountain? I’ve got no experience so could take a long while.” Or I could die, but I figured if I were to die climbing a mountain to get to a dragon nobody would remember me anyway so didn’t worry much. If I died during the dragon fight that would be a bit better. I started biting into a raw carrot and wondered where I could store more food, then remembered my backpack.

“It’s a fairly easy climb apparently, I’ve seen ponies climbing it before and there is path leading to the top.” Twilight replied, I nodded and ran into my room and grabbed my backpack. There was still some clothes in it so I just emptied them onto the bed and ran back into the main room, before stuffing some apples and other fruits into the back. There was a knock at the door and Diamond went over to open it, Rarity and Applejack walked in. They were both silent except for a few hellos from them.

“Hello Diamond dear. How arrreee you?” She asked, the same flirtatious voice she had used before. Now, I’m sadistic and had been counting on Rarity flirting with Diamond, he seemed interested when we first arrived but he’d been with that teal chick for a while. So I wanted to see if that was going anywhere, and what better way than seeing if Diamond will flirt back.

“Hello Rarity, I am fine.” He said, usual monotone, he looked at me. Oh you bastard.

“Howdy Aron, Twi.” Applejack said, smiling, fuck you Spike.

“Sup AJ.” I replied, sticking my hand out, she bumped it.

“Reckon I’m fine thanks, well besides this whole dragon business.” She answered. I tapped my sword belt and nodded. Applejack looked pretty concerned for a second but said nothing. The next to arrive was Pinkie Pie, there wasn’t much ceremony with her except for a couple hellos. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash turned up last, Rainbow looked visibly pissed off and Fluttershy looked about ready to piss herself.

“Sup Dash.” I muttered, she had taken a while so I had sat down and started eating again, Spike had asked a bit more about Earth but nothing big, just about some of the food we had. Most foods ponies already had except for most if not all meat dishes and they rarely did anything with fish. I was no chef back home so all I really knew was what they entailed, and sometimes not even that. I mentioned rock candy and we had a conversation about sweets compared to Earth and Equestria. Pinkie joined in during that part.

“Hey Aron.” She said, clearly pained, she put a hoof out though so I bumped it. “Fluttershy was, reluctant to go, I had to practically drag her here.” She explained, I smiled and stood up. Rainbow moved forward and I noticed she was holding onto Fluttershy’s tail, Rainbow let the poor mare go who immediately feel to the ground and whimpered. Twilight and Rarity both went over to check on her. After a short pause Rainbow looked at me, blushed and hugged me. We’d been doing that for a while now, just random hugs. I didn’t think much of it, just figured it’s because she’s a cuddly pony or whatever. I rarely complained, though this was the first she had hesitated. I heard a collection of ‘awwhs’ from Pinkie Pie and Applejack but did the stupid thing and didn’t think on it. She let go pretty quickly and smiled slightly.

“Hey A-” She said before Twilight started talking.

“Alright, now we are all here, shall we go?” She asked, there was a collection of affirmatives and we left, Diamond was next to Twilight talking about possible ways to talk the dragon down, the biggest idea seemed to be the fact Celestia was watching and ready to step in. Though Twilight seemed to want to try and talk it down without using one of the biggest rulers of the known world as a trump card. Which I agreed with personally.

“So Sugarcube, Rainbow hugged ya?” Applejack asked from next to me, the mentioned cyan Pegasus was flying ahead much faster than the rest of us, whenever we hung out she seemed to do that but she seemed to prefer speed than being lazy so I never brought it up with her.

“Yeah Applejack, she’s been doing that a couple times recently.” I muttered.

“Hey I ain’t judging I think it’s mighty cute.” Her accent was so fucking stereotypical I never knew what to think when she spoke.

“Is someone jealous she don’t get human hugs?” I replied, smiling. Applejack blushed slightly.

“Now you know that weren’t what I was implyin’.”

“Yeah but it’s funny making you ponies flustered. It’s adorable, if you wanted a hug you could just ask.” I was very tempted to hug her to see what would happen but I didn’t have a death wish. Well, against Applejack anyway. I clearly had some kind of death wish if I was marching off to face a fucking dragon.

“Darn it Aron. I ain’t adorable.”

“It’s adorable you think that.” And with that Applejack walked off, an unsure look on her face, Pinkie was the next one to bug me.

“Can I have a hug?” She asked. I laughed at that a little.

“Sure, if you promise PinkFest will be a thing.” I replied quickly.

“Silly Aron, I’m already talking to ponies about it for next year.” She said, I immediately stopped, turned to face her and leant down with my arms out, she immediately took the hug and giggled. It only lasted a couple seconds before I let it go, though she gave much better hugs than Dash and damn did Pinkie smell like cotton candy. We sped up a bit to catch up with the rest and she skipped off to go talk to someone else. Diamond took a step in next to me.

“We’ve been in Ponyville for nearly two weeks now.” Diamond declared. Damn was it really that short of a time? I kept thinking, and feeling, like I had been here for years now. I really didn’t miss Earth all that much.

“We have, I feel so welcome in Equestria. When I first got here I expected it would take years for me to be used to this place. But I feel like I’ve always been here.” Diamond nodded at that.

“Well do you think you could survive without me for a few days?” He asked. I crossed my arms.

“What do you mean?”

“Well I do have ponies in the guard I know and I did not expect to be situated in Ponyville so I do not have many personal supplies. I have spoken with Lyra and she says she would be happy to accompany me to Canterlot. I would only be gone a few days.”

“Dude do whatever, I ain’t your superior officer or anything like that and for fucks sake never feel like you are tied to me. I mean, if you are I need a talk with Celestia, but still. Do whatever you need to do. Though do you think Toyar will have finished those grenades yet?”

“Alright good. I do not think he will be finished, I can make it a point of going to see him if you wish?”

“Nah don’t bother, I’ll leave it a couple weeks. I don’t wanna make him feel rushed or whatever.” Diamond nodded.

“I will probably go tomorrow then, well before asking Lyra.”

“Speaking of, what’s going on with you two? I’ve seen you together quite a lot.” He paused before answering and looked around a bit, we were coming up to the mountain now and I could the cobbled pathway that Twilight had mentioned earlier, the mountain got a bit steep but it was certainly climbable.

“I’ve seen you and Rainbow Dash around a lot. And you hug each other.” It was then I started thinking about what that implies but I’ve been wrong about things like this before and fucked up many a friendship because of me being a cunt so didn’t think much on it.

“Just answer the question Diamond.” I grunted.

“So salty.” I smiled at that. Good boy. “She is nice but I am unsure as to if this will go anywhere. I see her as a friend more than anything.” He paused again, just as I was about to reply he continued. “I am a guard above all else, I have been trained to hide emotion as much as I can, and it seems to have manifested in everyday life. Which is another reason I wish to return to Canterlot. I will talk to Shining Armor about how he deals with down time.”

“You’ve fought for far too long my friend. Seen too much, let Lyra in dude. If you can.” I replied, he looked at me and actually looked kinda, distressed.

“I will try. You are far wiser than you let on.” I laughed a bit at that and punched his shoulder lightly.

“Yeah people have told me that before.”

“What happened?” He asked, a question I didn’t see coming.

“What do you mean?” I asked back, carefully.

“You know far too much about the military life to just ‘hear things’ and you definitely know about emotional suppression and a lot of post military life. Plus you keep mentioned how you’ve worked with them, illegally but still.” I wasn’t sure how to react to that, any happiness I had instantly faded and whatever joke or quip I had planned died. It took me nearly a full minute of silence and him staring at me for me to think up a reply.

“My past, wasn’t exactly full of rainbows and sunshine. I’ve seen some shit and had to do some things that no civilian, hell, no military man should see or do. Most of my childhood was hell and my later life wasn’t exactly joyous either, there is a reason why I don’t miss Earth. Though now isn’t the time to talk about it.” I’m sure Diamond wanted more but it would have to wait until there was just the two of us and plenty of alcohol. He didn’t say anything else and we continued up the mountain in silence. Well, us two, everyone else were having conversations of their own. Applejack, Diamond nor Rainbow spoke to me the entire trip. Nothing much happened until we reached a rather flat area on the mountain, signs were placed all over the place about this being a major avalanche site. I immediately saw what was coming.

“Twilight.” I said, voice fairly low, she stopped and looked at me. “What spells do you know which will get us across here without triggering an avalanche?” I asked.

“None that I know of, we will just have to be quiet.” She whispered back. I gave her a glare.

“There are eight of us here, one of us will trip on a rock or a leaf will fall and someone will shout-” Which was as far as I got in my explanation of how situations like this normally go down, it was as far as I got because a very Fluttershy sounding like Pony cried out.

“AVALANCHE!” Immediately rocks began to shift, only ahead of us though, I took a few steps back as did Diamond, Rainbow Dash flew into the air above where the rocks were shaking. It took less than a second for the rocks to start falling and less than that more for me to notice Rarity had gone full retard and ran forward instead of back.

“Fall back!” I shouted and sprinted after Rarity, my plan was to tackle her and keep her away from any falling rocks, the other ponies were at a safe distance away and Diamond was there in case they weren’t. It was just me running towards Rarity who had stopped in her tracks as a boulder fell in front of her, but another was rolling and she was standing completely still. Everything in my body was telling me this was a dumb idea but still I ran. I dived towards the marshmallow pony just as the second rock feel and only when I landed, on top of a very terrified unicorn did I see how close to the edge I was. Rarity and I managed to share a look before the floor below us collapsed and we fell. I thought that was it, I was counting on both of us to die then, to fall onto the rocky ground below and never wake up. Instead, I acted far quicker than I thought possible for anyone, let alone me. I grabbed a piece of rock and swung round and grabbed Rarity’s outstretched hoof. She was screaming and flaying around and I could already feel my grip loosening.

“Rarity!” I shouted, a rock flew straight past me and I had to swing to avoid it, I felt a rip of flesh in my hand and cried out, still holding on somehow. “I’m going to throw you up okay?” I shouted, I didn’t dare look down to see a reaction and prepared myself. This would almost certainly kill me. As soon as I swung to throw her I would lose my grip. Over the rock slide and Rarity screaming I could hear how fast my heart was beating. My hand was very quickly losing grip now and I swung. Closing my eyes I threw Rarity up, it was beyond awkward and as I thought I lost my grip instantly. I saw Rarity grab onto a rock and begin to climb up before I feel.
For about a second before I felt someone grip my hand, looking up I saw Rainbow Dash flying above me and Diamond standing on the rock face with a hand out. Rainbow was clearly not strong enough to hold me and lost a lot of ground catching me. She was clearly straining but I put my good hand to grip onto Diamond. Dash got me inches away before I felt myself become much lighter, a purple aurora covered my upper half and I was flown up onto solid ground again with a mixture of Diamond, Dash and Twilight’s help. As soon as I touched down I collapsed again, looking over my hand I saw a large rip, blood pouring out and grit and other stones stuck in the flesh. I couldn’t hold back the screams after that and burst out crying. No more rocks fell though thankfully. It took Fluttershy less than a second of me screaming to run forward with a bottle of water and some bandages. She poured the water over my wound and washed as much blood out of my hand, most of the rocks going with it. She then bandaged my hand and I slowly lost the pain. I noticed Twilight’s horn glowing and figured she was healing me. I stopped screaming pretty quickly and just waited.

“That was too damn close.” I muttered after a minute or so had passed. I was standing up with Diamond and Rainbow Dash standing near me. The others facing me. A couple nods came from that and a wave of pain shot through my arm. A couple of my fingers were bleeding and my entire right hand was pretty fucked up. “Now.” I began, looking to Rarity. “The fuck was that.” I muttered, she looked down.

“I thought I could make it to the other side, as soon as I heard the rocks. I panicked.” She said, I nodded.

“Alright. It’s over now, we are safe. Ish.” I said, looking around, a couple signs had been knocked over and some rubble was covering the ground but most of the big rocks either went over or stopped fairly quickly. “Let’s just move on, we can talk about this later.” Again, more nods. I didn’t get far before Dash flew up and hugged me.

“You alright?” She asked.

“No, even with the bandages and Twilight’s healing my hand is fucked. I would need stitches back home but I figure Twilight can heal it. Right?” I asked, louder to the lavender pony. She turned and nodded.

“I can’t do it all at once with the rocks still in your hand but we can sort that out when we return home. You may have a scar but I can’t be sure.” I nodded.

“Well thank you. So there Dashie, I’m in pain now but will get better.” I said.

“I thought you would’ve been tougher than that. A little cut screwed you over that much.” She joked, I just raised by hand, and the bandage was more blood than cloth already. Stung like a bitch too.

“Dash I threw Rarity onto a rock to save her. I tackled her down in the middle of an avalanche.” I replied. Rarity was walking next to me now, Diamond had taken the rear somewhere.

“And I thank you for saving me, truly I may not be here were it not for your bravery. Thank you Aron.” She said. I smiled.

“Don’t worry about it Rarity.”

“Oh no no no no! I can’t just not worry, you saved my life. I must find a way to repay you!” She declared, I laughed slightly and felt a stab of pain again.

“Well unless you can give me some sort of pain killer…” I said, she just shook her head. “Then tell me when you think of something.” She smiled and nodded.

“I wouldn’t want my favourite human to die on me.” Dash suddenly declared, I turned and saw her blushing slightly.

“I am pretty great aren’t I?” She punched me gently at that and I just stuck my tongue out at her. We continued down the path and ascended a couple more times before reaching another fairly flat area. Twilight stopped us all close to a huge cave entrance which I could only guess was our destination.

“Alright everypony, this is it.” She declared. Thanks Twilight. “Alright, Rainbow Dash you clear the clouds.” She added, the named mare nodded and flew up into the black smoke layer. “Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Diamond, can you be ready in case the dragon tries to attack.” Four nods. Though I figured only Diamond was really needed on defence since he had the power to spawn a shit ton of support. “What do you need to do to bring in the guards?” She asked.

“I just have to ask, Celestia is still watching I presume so will jump in on her own if required.” Twilight nodded.

“Are you going to be okay?” She asked me. I nodded. “Good because you’re coming in there with me and Fluttershy and try and talk him out.” I froze up. I figured I’d have to do something but damn. Not that. There was fucking smoke everywhere so this cunt had to be pretty damn big. I took a deep breath and nodded.

“Alright whatevs. I’ve already almost died today, let’s get this over with.” I grunted.

“That’s the spirit.” Twilight replied. We walked into the cave and I immediate saw how big the fucker was, like the size of a plane. I wanted to run out but held my ground. I started twitching my hand over my sword. Though being right handed I would be fucked having to use the sword. Though I doubt I could even draw it with my good hand before getting incinerated by a huge fuck off dragon. I very loudly gulped and continued with Twilight.

“So what is the best way to wake up a dragon?” She asked, I looked around and noticed a distinct lack of Fluttershy.

“Fuck sake Fluttershy.” I muttered, Twilight turned to leave and I grabbed her tail. “Leave her, the longer we take here the longer the clean-up will take.” Twilight looked out of the cave and then nodded. She turned and we both started walking towards the dragon. It snored and a large black cloud appeared from its nose. I just nodded and gripped my sword awkwardly.

“Hello, Mr Dragon?” Twilight said, unsure of herself. I wasn’t overly impressed by that but had nothing better so just stood passively thinking of what to say. The dragon didn’t even react. She repeated herself longer and it stirred. I instantly drew my sword and stepped back.

“Maybe we should just get Celestia.” I muttered. The dragon moved again and then stopped. Sniffing the air. I took another step back and Twilight moved next to me. The dragon sniffed again.

“Not a pony.” It muttered, quietly, it had a stupidly deep voice, no accent. My left arm was shaking a bit and I felt ready to sprint out of the cave. The dragon’s eyes opened faster than I expected and I very nearly booked it. Nearly. “A wounded mortal creature, one I have never seen wonders into my cave? Interesting.” The dragon muttered again, sniffing out some more black smoke, I held the cough in, Twilight didn’t.

“Hi. I’m. I’m.” I paused and gulped. Lowering the sword. “I’m Aron. I’m a human, not of this world.”

“Aron. How are you here if you are not from this world?” The dragon asked. He didn’t even look at the sword, eyes both focused on me.

“The le- leader of the ponies, Princess Celestia summoned me.” I explained.

“To defeat me?” The dragon asked, then started making a noise that sounded like a deep laugh.

“N-no. No. I have wild magic latched onto me, and am now a resident in Equus. I was just asked to try and convince you to leave.”

“And why, Aron.” The way he said my name was fucking terrifying. “Should I leave, flee a land of weak, tiny ponies when I have a perfect treasure and a perfect cave to hibernate?” I didn’t really have anything for that, for a second.

“Because there is an alliance between Ponykind and Dragonkind, which you are breaching.” I muttered. He laughed again.

“I never signed that treaty. Why should I honour it?”

“For that reason dragon, honour. The Princess is standing by, as well as her best soldiers, and are ready if you do not comply.” The dragon slammed his claw down in a fist and I saw how much gold the fucker had around him, not Smaug levels but a lot.

“You dare threaten me!” He boomed, rising. I lifted my sword and I heard Twilight’s horn start to glow.

“No sir, just informing you. I wish this not turn to bloodshed, surely there are better caves. Better treasures out in the world.” I said rather quickly, the dragon seemed to actually calm at that. Then his eyes looked at my sword.

“You talk of better treasure and yet here you are. A species not seen before, holding an ancient relic. Why, human, should I not just take you?” I gulped again and changed my stance.

“Because. Oh dragon, I was given this sword for a reason. This is meant to defeat gods.”

“Now that was a treat.” The dragon said. Fuck it, I was dead anyway at this point. I swung the sword about a bit that must’ve looked cooler in my head.

“It was.” I said, looking the dragon in the eyes. There was a very long silence before the dragon nodded.

“Very well human, I know that blade and do not wise to feel its sting. You may be wounded but if what you say is true. I shall leave. I suggest keeping that sword close.” The dragon said, stretching its wings out and shooting out of the cave, I was knocked straight on my ass as was Twilight. She ran over pretty quickly.

“That could have gone better.” I muttered.

“You can say that again, but it worked.” She replied. I nodded and stood, then looked at the bounty before us. I heard confused voices behind me and turned to see everyone, even a very scared looking Fluttershy walk into the cave. Rarity squealed when she saw the jewels and gold. I even noticed a couple swords and helmets that might have actually fit me lying around.

“So you did it?” Diamond asked, I nodded.

“Aron is not a good diplomate though.” Twilight said, I shrugged.

“Again, that could have gone far better.” I muttered.

“What did happen?” Diamond asked. I quickly told him what was said. “Aron, you could’ve very nearly died.”

“It’s why I got cocky, I figured I was dead anyway.”

“That is a very morbid way of thinking.” I just shrugged and walked toward the treasure. “Celestia you can take some, you deserve it.” He muttered, I shrugged again and started searching for what looked like the coins that I had seen ponies use. I found a bag full of them eventually and put it in my bag. It felt heavy as soon as I put it back on and started searching for more loot, the others were as well. Even Diamond grabbed some gold jewellery and put it in his bag. I found a cool looking necklace with a cyan gem on it in the shape of a cloud. I grabbed it and stood up from where I was.

“Hey RD!” I called, fucking everyone turned to look at me, and Rainbow flew over. I extended my hand with the necklace in and showed her. Her eyes lit up.

“It’s beautiful. What you gonna do with it?” She asked. I smiled.

“Give it to you obviously.” I said unclasping it and putting it around her neck, it was hella awkward and I kept getting caught on her hair but she didn’t fucking help and neither did the others so I just continued, her now wearing some necklace and me pissed off about having to put a necklace on a horse without bleeding on said horse Dash blushed and hugged me.

“Thank you.” She said, voice stupidly quiet. She let go of the hug and I continued to search through the loot. I eventually came across a golden bag, I picked it up and noticed how light it was, even though it felt like metal, I could bend the bag pretty well. Like cloth. There was a strange glow to the bag and I put it in my backpack for later inspection. Then just gathered a load of gems, all variously sizes and a gold bar. My backpack was stupidly heavy at that point but I was happy with my loot. Another minute passed and everyone seemed happy with their loot. Dash was still wearing her necklace and the others had various jewellery around their body for better carrying.

“I guess Celestia is going to claim the rest?” I asked Diamond, he was silent for a moment and nodded. “Bitchin’.” I added. “Alright let’s get the fuck out of here.” I declared and started to walk out, the others followed me out.
So it was that day I became the first human to not only meet a dragon, but also the first to piss one off and survive. That day was a good day.

Getting back nothing of note really happened, a couple of our group seemed upset we had just left Fluttershy outside the cave whilst they set everything up but none really brought it up once Twilight and I explained we were under time constraints. Rainbow had done pretty well clearing the smoke layer but eventually the rest just disappeared on its own. We all went back to the library and after a small debriefing most left, except those who lived in the library, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Twilight undid my bandages and let Fluttershy clean the wound again, she kept saying really motherly sayings and making quiet, calming noises as she sorted me out. It sent Dash into hysterics and I just gave her the bird and tried to not wish for death too much. Most if not all of the rocks came out and Twilight pulled the rest out with magic, cutting my hand a bit more and making me yelp out a couple times. She then got to my favourite part of wounds. The ‘this is going to sting bit’.

“Can’t you just heal me with magic?” I asked, looking at the flannel Fluttershy was holding, I was still sitting down with my hand out but was ready to run if need be. Diamond and Spike were behind me, and Dash was floating in front of me still wearing her necklace with a huge grin on her face.

“Not until I know the wound is clean.” Twilight replied. I tensed up a lot at that.

“How bad will it sting?” I asked.

“Oh don’t be such a baby.” Twilight declared, I thought some very dark stuff at that. But finally just accepted my fate and nodded. Fluttershy then started dabbing the cloth on me, very slowly. I pulled back.

“MOTHERFUCKER.” I cried making the yellow pony jump. I felt my arm tug forward again and saw Twilight manipulating it. She grabbed the cloth from Fluttershy and started dabbing it, I didn’t cry out again but I did try and pull away, about thirty seconds passed and I didn’t need to. I felt my hand stop hurting and looked down to see it had completely healed. Twilight threw my hand at me and I feel back a bit, only to lean forward again and look over my hand. “That’s amazing.” I muttered. I looked up to Twilight. “Thanks.” She smiled at that.

“No problem Aron, least I could do.” She said.

“And sorry for being a dick this morning, I am not a morning person.” I muttered, she nodded.

“It’s okay.” She said. I leaned back in my chair and watched Dash fly for a second, she blushed when she noticed me staring.

“Anyone got plans for the rest of the day?” I asked after a pause.

“I am going to go find Lyra.” Diamond declared, he was looking down at a miniature golden harp which I believe was Lyra’s cutie mark. So he was going to pull a me, but romantic.

“A’right, see ya tonight.” I replied and watched the guard leave the library.

“What about you two?” I asked, looking between Twilight and Dash, Spike wondered to where Diamond had been standing.

“I have a report to write for the Princess.” Twilight said.

“Dear she was watching the whole thing.” Apparently. “I doubt she will need a report.” Twilight shrugged.

“She asked for one in her message to me. I guess she wanted to see if I would learn anything about friendship.”

“Alright whatevs, I’m no ruler. Did you learn anything?”

“Besides you are a big baby and to never let you try and talk your way out of anything ever again?” She asked back.

“Oh har har.” I muttered. “I doubt she’ll accept that.”

“Me neither weirdly enough. I’ll talk about your brave sacrifice.” She replied, putting far too much emphasis on that second bit. I rolled my eyes and she giggled slightly.

“Yeah you do that. I guess you’ll want Spike?” I asked, I could see the hope in his eyes that I would bail him out of this one but I had to help around the library as much as he did, more so sometimes.

“Yes, come on Spike.” She said, standing up and walking off, Spike gave me one last hopeful glance and I just directed my eyes towards Dash and he slumped down.

“So.” I said when they had both fucked off. “Guess it’s another day with Aron and Dashie.” I added. Said pony had flown down and was sitting next to me.

“I should leave you alone in boredom for asking me last.” She muttered.

“You wouldn’t do that to me would you?” I asked, she laughed a bit.

“Nah you’re too much of a wimp to leave alone.”

“You’re gonna ride on that for a while aren’t you?”

“Obviously.” I laughed and watched her pull the chair closer so she could lean her head on my shoulder.

“Whatevs, I’ll just have to find something to tease you with.” I muttered, she laughed again, a laugh I was beginning to really enjoy hearing.

“Good luck.” She muttered and I watched her eyes close and a smile form. That moment didn’t last long when Twilight started saying something to Spike upstairs and Dash sat back normally. “Hey wanna watch me practice for the Wonderbolts?” She asked. I smiled and nodded. We left the library and went off towards a bit of open ground where Pinkie and Dash had dug that hole. She had shown off some stunts before which I had thought were pretty cool. She’d also mentioned the Wonderbolts before, which were basically just the pony equivalent of sports car racers or athletic runners or something akin to that. I grabbed a jumped before we left and set it up as a make shift blanket and watched as Dash flew around doing all kinds of tricks and stunts. It was pretty cool, even did a barrel roll when I shouted it out.

“She’s pretty good.” I heard a voice from behind me, I jumped slightly, not expecting another person to be around and turned to see Vinyl already sitting down next to me.

“Yeah, I wish I could do half the shit she can.”

“Well you aren’t a Pegasus.” She replied. I laughed a bit.

“True that. What you been up to? Haven’t seen ya around since then.” I asked.

“This and that, hey Aron about the party…” She began.

“What about it?”

“Well, ponies have been saying. Things.”

“Vinyl spit it out.”

“Did we make out on stage?” I paused for a second and nodded.

“Yeah, it was kinda hot. You declared me yours and we made out for god knows how long.”

“Oh Celestia. I’m sorry Aron.” She muttered. Actually sounding pretty sad, I noticed she still had her glasses on but didn’t bring it up.

“Hey don’t worry, we were both drunk, at a party and as I said, it was kinda hot.” She giggled again as Dash did some cool loop that ended up making the shape of two rings that crossed over each other. I looked back at Vinyl.

“Yeah but I’ve heard you say you aren’t attracted to us.” She muttered. “And if rumours are true, you aren’t looking for anyone.” She added, looking up at the sky.

“Yeah but alcohol is a bitch. Also, what rumours?” I asked. She laughed again and stood up.

“Don’t worry, anyway if we’re cool. I’ll see ya around.” Vinyl said and wondered off. Rainbows flew down and landed on my jumper next to me shortly after that.

“What’d Vinyl want?” She asked causally.

“Talk about the party, she thought I was pissed we kissed.” I replied. “No biggie.”

“Yeah sure.” She said, unconvincingly. I just shrugged.

“Apparently rumours are being spread about me as well.” I added after a pause, Dash snuggled closer to me at one point but I barely felt it.

“Rumours?” She asked, sounding stupidly calm, tired almost.

“Yeah, Vinyl didn’t say what and I don’t really care, as long as they stay rumours and don’t affect me.” I said. I looked down at rainbow and saw her eyes closing a little and just leant back onto the ground, she shifted slightly and put her head on my chest, facing me. She looked about ready to fall asleep. “Don’t you dare fall asleep on me.” Says the man who deliberately leant down so she could sleep. “I’ll leave you out here so you fall asleep in public and look really lonely.” I added. She smiled and shut her eyes.

“No you won’t.” She muttered. And that was it. She fucking fell asleep on me. I ended up falling asleep as well. I wasn’t tired but I was comfy so just. Slept.

It was only the sound of a camera snap that woke me up. I opened my eyes to see the minty form of Lyra staring down at me, camera covering her eyes but a huge smile on her face. I don’t think I’d ever described Lyra, she had mint and white hair in a style alike Dash’s and a long, smooth tail with the same colours. Her cutie mark was a harp. Or Lyre I suppose. A fairly average size horn was protruding from her head and she was much smaller than Diamond.

“Sup Lyra, where’s Diamond?” I asked.

“Here.” He said from behind me, I still had a sleeping Dash on me so didn’t bother moving to see him. He was holding back laughter which was a first for him. Though Lyra seemed to be doing him well, even if he wasn’t taking it very far.

“May I ask why you thought taking a picture whilst I napped was a good idea?” I asked. Lyra giggled.

“Because you two make such a cute couple!” She declared. That hit me quite a lot and I very almost stood up but held back from disturbing Dash, I think they both counted on that and started laughing. Diamond stopping far before Lyra.

“Hey now we ain’t no couple, just good friends.” I said.

“Yeah sure, and I’m bright purple.” Lyra replied. I just glared at her and she took another picture.

“Diamond help me out here.” I pleaded.

“You have been acting like a couple for quite a while now.” He muttered.

“Oh fuck you Diamond.” I muttered, he laughed a little at that. “Aren’t y’all going to Canterlot yet?”

“We are not going until tomorrow morning Aron.” Diamond said.

“Piss. Means you’re going to bully me whilst I’m down doesn’t it.” Lyra laughed again, raising a hoof to cover her mouth.

“Obviously.” She said.

“I will get up and so help me.”

“Aron you aren’t going to get up until Rainbow Dash wakes up.” Diamond said, I heard him move and was suddenly looking up at Lyra and Diamond.

“I will fucking-. Nah you’re right. I ain’t going anywhere.”

“Aww that’s adorable.” Lyra squealed.

“Was there something else you wanted? Or is this it?” I asked, they looked at each other and both smiled.

“This is it. We were enjoying a nice walk in each other’s company, but then agreed torturing you was a greater cause.” Lyra said.

“You are a horrible influence on her Diamond.” He just nodded. “What can I do to stop you from being cunts?” I asked.

“Yes because you are the embodiment of purity when talking about influences.” Diamond muttered.

“We’re not going anywhere until you admit you and Dash are a cute couple.” Lyra said. I laughed slightly at that.

“I’ll think about it if Diamond says it.” They looked at each other again. “I just couldn’t imagine Diamond ever saying ‘cute’.”

“I see Rainbow Dash is still wearing that necklace you gave her.” Diamond muttered.

“I see you need to eat a bag of dicks.”

“Why are you so against admitting it?” Lyra asked.

“Because we aren’t no couple. Why are y’all pushing it?”

“Because you’re such an easy target.” Diamond muttered. Then asked: “Do you want to make a bet Aron?”

“If you next words out of your mouth are anything about my relationship with Rainbow Dash I will come into your room tonight and see if Lyra here is actually into mares.” I said with pure deadpan.

“Never mind.” He grunted.

“Awwh come on Diamond, stand up for yourself. You always talk about your chats with Aron but now I’m here you seem to be holding back.” Seeing a chance to change the conversation I jumped in.

“He is actually far worse than he normally is. I’m holding back because I don’t wanna swear.”

“How come?” Diamond asked. I looked at Lyra and then Dash.

“There are women present.” I muttered.

“Fucking bullshit Aron.” He said. I smiled.

“Yeah, Diamond explained swearing to me before. It doesn’t seem all that bad.” I shrugged, or at least tried to.

“It’s a human thing I guess, I never understood why it was so bad personally, just gotta try and keep some merits. Obviously I don’t feel too bad if I’m spreading it around and using them like I would at home.”

“How long does it take to learn?” Lyra asked.

“Meh you’d have to ask Diamond. It took me years to hear the ones I know and even I don’t know them all, don’t count it as a second language though. Just put them in the conversation. Like I do. Diamond is still learning the grammar but he’s getting there.”

“He said you use them as filler but you haven’t used many so far.” She said.

“Yeah PinkFest kinda destroyed my anxiety and a big reason for me to use the, I still fucking use them though. Like then, it wasn’t really needed for me to say ‘fucking’ but I did.” She nodded.

“Alright, I will have to get Diamond here to teach me.” She said, smiling.

“Eh that’s your choice. Though you’re being taught by a Novice.”

“Well then you teach me!” She declared. I smiled.

“Hey that’s not what I said, have fun with swears. They really put a point across sometimes.” She nodded.

“Well as fun as it was, we don’t want to be interrupting anymore of you date. Have fun.” Lyra said, turning around and walking off, Diamond went to follow but I coughed, stopping him.

“You need to date that girl Diamond.” I said, he smiled for a second and looked towards where she went.

“Noted.” Was all he said before he went off as well. I shut my eyes and went back to sleep.

I was woken up a few hours or so later by Dash moving around, I slowly opened my eyes and saw the sun was beginning to set, and figured I’d been out with Dash for about four or five hours again. She was looking at me with a cute smile.

“Hey beautiful, nice sleep?” I asked without really thinking, a blush immediately formed and she looked beyond taken aback. She started stuttering a reply.

“Y-you think I’m beautiful?” She asked. I smiled. Fuck it if everyone else thinks we are I might as well push, see where it goes, if she outright rejects me I can go into a depression and start missing Earth again.

“Yeah, well I dunno about pony standards but I look at you guys as people mostly, and you have a lot of traits that would make you beautiful there.” She blushed even harder and slowly stood up, I followed suite and we were awkwardly silent for a bit.

“Nopony has ever said that to me before.” She muttered, I just put a hand on her should and smiled a bit more.

“Well they’ve been missing out then.” So fucking cheesy the moon smells it.

“Th-thanks Aron.” She said, we shared a silence for a second before she was about to say something else. “Hey do you maybe wanna go-” She began, before being interrupted by one Twilight Sparkle.

“There you two are! Come on Aron, it’s nearly dinner time!” Twilight called. I nodded and waved at the lavender mare, Spike was missing but so was Diamond so didn’t really care.

“Alright Twi!” I called back. “I’ll see you tomorrow maybe?” I said. Rainbow was still obviously flustered but nodded, rubbing one of her legs, her wings were drooped a little too, as were her ears.