You know I'm glad that I decided to work out because oh my fucking god this suck so much.

I'm not quite sure how long we've been traveling but it had to be at least half an hour or more. Not bad by itself but when you're holding a pony, which granted wasn't that heavy but when you're holding her with one arm and scratching her ear with the other...

I CAN'T FEEL MY ARMS!!!

My mind was quieted by the rumbling sound of the dragon snoring. The vibration alone shook the ground that I nearly lost my balance. It didn't help that the sound also frightened Fluttershy enough that she shot inside of my cloak. "Whoa!" I said as the other girls let out a gasp. I felt the pony attached to me begin to tremble as my feet steady.

"What was that!" Rainbow Dash asked from her spot above us.

"That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores," Twilight informed us with a knowing smirk.

And of course, me being me, I couldn't help but comment, "Is that what that was?" I said as I pulled at my cloak to adjust it at a more comfortable spot. "I thought it let one rip," I sniffed, "smells like it too." There wasn't but, eh, it adds comedic value.

There was a snort from above me and I looked up to see Rainbow Dash with a hoof over her mouth. That quickly changed when she noticed me looking at her. A scowl replaced it and she spun her head around.

Right, still mad at me.

Pinkie Pie had no such problems and began to giggle as she hopped around before she stoped by me. "Your funny," she said.

I reached down and gave her head an affectionate rub, "Eh, I try."

There was a huff of indignation from Rarity before Fluttershy's head popped out of my cloak and I was treated with a flash of a memory from Aliens. "I-its so high," she mumbled.

"Well," Rainbow said in a sarcastic tone, "it is a mountain."

"They do tend to be high," I commented which earned another giggle from Pinkie.

"I'm gonna fly up and check it out," Rainbow Dash said as she zipped up, but she was stopped by Applejack grabbing her tail with her teeth.

"Hold on now," the cow pony said, "I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all."

Rainbow let out an irritated snort before she crossed her front hooves and said, "Oh, all right."

With that done we continued towards the top of the mountain. I felt Fluttershy shuffling around and I looked down to see her eyes on me. "Yes," I said.

"How can you be so calm," the shy pony asked, "dragons are so big and scary."

A chuckle escaped my lips as I human hand freed itself, "Don't let my outward demeanor fool you," I told her as I slowed down so that we were in the very back of the pack. "I'm scared BEEP-less."

"Then why are you here?" Fluttershy asked, "you could have stayed behind where it was safe."

"I could," I conceded as I looked at my human hand that had Harmony wrapped around, "but if there is something that I could do to help then I need to be here with you." For a moment I watched as the sun glinted off the shiny surface in the back of my mind a building of a song began. The pull of guitar, the beat of the bass, the thump of the drums, from it I could feel it.

Power.

I clenched my hand shut, "If something were to happen to you girls, I don't think I could ever forgive myself for staying behind and doing nothing." I turned my head and looked at Fluttershy with the softest smile that I could muster, "It's okay to be scared and the fact that you still come speaks volumes of who you are."

Fluttershy's head perked up, "I am? Really?" she said with a small smile before it turned into confusion and shame. "How did you know that I was afraid of dragons?"

"Eh, call it a hunch," I said with a shrug.

And my god-like memory of everything pony-show related.

With an ever-growing smile, I brought the pony closer to me, "But to and answer your first question. Yes, you are very brave, probably the bravest of us all."

Fluttershy let a hum of content and rub her head into my chest. This lead to my cloak molding itself around her. When she did this I gave me a visual that I didn't register until now.

"Huh check it out," I said out loud, "Fluttershy made me pregnant."

The very air still and everyone froze except Twilight who stumbled and landed face-first into the dirt. Applejack and Rarity snapped their head around so fast I thought they might have broken their necks. Of course, it wasn't as fast as Twilight who had spun around once she was back on her hooves. Rainbow's jaw had fallen with enough force that it brought her to the ground. Pinkie seemed to be the only one that didn't seem all fazed as she began to collapse to the ground in a fit of laughter.

Fluttershy...

Poor Fluttershy, I felt her go completely stiff before she slides down and leaves the confines of my cloak. When she hit the ground she was completely pale and frozen.

I looked to the other ponies around me and with a nervous chuckle said, "You know that was a joke right."

"So human males don't get pregnant?" Twilight asked with a quill and parchment in the air.

When the hell? Was that a tone of disappointment?!?!

"No," I said monotoned.

Twilight's face scrunched up in confusion as she put away the quill and paper. With a frustrated groan, she turned back around and began walking. The other members of our party followed quickly after. I looked down at Fluttershy who was slowly being prodded by Pinkie back into the real world. With a raised eyebrow I asked, "You alright down there?"

The yellow pony only let a squeak before she got to her feet and hurried away.

"I hope I didn't go too far," I muttered to myself.

"Don't worry Seanny," Pinkie said as she bounced around me, "She just worried that she took advantage of you."

"I see," I said as I walked towards the group. "And don't call me that!"

Now that was over and everything was calm mind began to drift. Particularly to the topic that has pestered my mind since the Ursa.

My magic.

Questions still plague my mind. Questions that I have no idea how to answer them. It was like an itch that I couldn't scratch because it was just out of my reach. It was the most annoying fucking feeling. EVER. I HATE IT!

You know if I need help with my magic I could ask the pony who's cutie mark literally means magic. If anyone knows how it works it will be her. But how to ask her without her knowing that I have it. Why not just flat out tell her about your recently discovered abilities.

Well, I don't want her to get sidetracked from the current objective.

And you want to troll her by surprising at some random time.

No! Why would I do that? It serves no purpose and completely stupid...

...ok I do want to. I can't help myself. The look on their face is going to be epic. Espeaclly's Twilight's, ah it's going to be delicious.

Glee swirled in me as I flicked my arm out my stick became unraveled. A solid thunk followed it's landing and a steady tempo repeated with my footsteps. After the incident with the Ursa, I couldn't hide it from the others and obviously, questions of its origins came up with Twilight and the others. Celestia was able to quell those questions with a healthy dose of bullshit. At least I'm assuming that is what happened because no one has asked me about it, although Twilight has been eyeballing them. In a contained fetish sort of way.

I hope that it doesn't lead to any...unforeseen complications.

Pft, who the fuck I'm kidding? The way things are around here it is only a matter of time. Oh well, that's tomorrow Sean's problem, for now, I need to get some answers.

Since I was free from Fluttershy I quietly and quickly made my way to the front of the pack where Twilight led. Once I was within earshot I said nothing.

Go on, ask her.

I will, I just don't want to distract her at the wrong time.

She's not doing anything.

You don't know that! She could be planning our next move.

Oh my god just FUCKING ASK HER!!

Fine...you don't need to yell, asshole

"Um, Twilight," I said softly when I didn't get an answer I raised my hand to poke her gently. Before I did though I tried one more time, "Twilight."

Twilight's ear flicked in my direction and her head followed, "Yes?" she said.

"I've been wondering something recently," I said as my stick thunk on the ground created a tempo that began to pull my attention away from what I was trying to do. In irritation, I pulled back my stick and continued my inquiry. "How does your magic work, like how do you activate it and stuff."

She looked with a raised eyebrow, "Why do you want to know?" she asked.

"I was just curious," I told her, "We don't have magic back home except in movies and books. Since I'm here in this magical land I want to have a bit of an understanding you know."

"Really?"

A little of my inner child slipped through and gave a little squee, "That and I'm such a huge nerd of fantasy and sci-fi and this is like a dream come true for me," I gushed, "I mean actual magic! Not that fake mumbo jumbo that con artist use or the sleight of hand garbage that entertainers use, but actual magic!"

Twilight giggled and then it became my turn to look at her with a strange expression. "This is the first time I've seen you like this," she explained, "I like it."

"I too find it charming," Rarity said as she came up to join us, "There does seem to be a stallion underneath that moody exterior of yours after all."

I felt as though that was supposed to be an underhand jab disguised as a compliment, but I really couldn't tell how. So I just settled with a monotone glare with a raised eyebrow. This only too seemed to make Rarity and Twilight giggle more.

"To answer your question," Twilight began once she was done with her fit, "The most common and basic of magic that a unicorn use is based on the caster's intent with the spell, which is followed by an incantation spoken within their mind or a complex equation of mathematics depending on the complexity of the spell. This is then mixed with their inner magic to create the spell was well sustain it."

That would explain while it took a while for Twilight to learn and master basic teleportation. Perhaps that would also explain the whole transmorphing spell... I think?

"But a unicorn must be careful not to be influenced by their emotions as it can cause extreme foul or destructive results," Twilight emphasized this by turning on her magic and it fizzed and sparked before it stabilized. Her horn glowed a light magenta color as a roll of parchment flew out of her bag. "This is why we take great care of everypony's emotional health. Because if somepony were to become lost in their emotions particularly negative ones such as anger then it could lead to them to hurt themselves or somepony else."

Twilight finished her lecture with the unfurled of her parchment which turned out to be a map. She must have taken my pensive look for one of confusion, "In other words, our emotions can influence our magic. Which is why we try to avoid emotions like anger."

Hmm, I'm getting Jedi Order vibes. The prequel ones. The ones that thought that anything that could lead to the dark side should be avoided at all costs. Anyone who thought differently should be treated as Sith or cast out. While I like the Jedi, I did have problems with their school of thought, but neither did I fully agree with the Sith as well. I preferred to be down the middle. My thought is that the Force is both a tool and a living entity and that no certain force power was inherently good or evil. What matters most is how that power is used. What is the intent when one taps into the force? Is it to protect others, or is it to exert dominance over those who can't stand up for themselves.

I guess you could call me a Grey Jedi with tendencies to lean Light side.

"But it normal to be angry," I told the unicorn my mind still in the middle of my thoughts.

"True, but we don't allow it to guide our actions." Twilight's response blindsided me. I looked to the unicorn as she read the map in front of her unable to see my shocked look. The wise response threw me off and I slowed down enough that the other members of the Mane Six walked past me, or in Rainbow Dash's case flew.

These girls...

A small smile pulled at my lips.

There's more to you than meets the eye, isn't there.

There was a light tap on my pony hand and I looked down to see Rarity eyes on me, "Now, what's a movie?" she asked me.

I was silent for a moment as I looked at the alabaster pony next to me. My gaze drifted to the other members of our party. For a brief moment, I wondered what it would be like to be apart of their group. To watch them grow and mature. Not separated by a computer screen but actually with them. To be able to truly know them on a personal level.

You don't have to wonder...

But home...

Home is where the heart is. Right now where is your heart?

But when I go back to my world it will hurt so much.

If you focus on the negative, then yes it will. But if you create pleasant memories and always keep them in your heart then the pain you will feel will only be temporary. Then again do you have to leave...

I turned back to Rarity who had a perfect manicure eyebrow raised. With a smile, I said, "Well back home..." I began to explain what movies are. Applejack and Fluttershy moved closer to me as I went on to explain the magic of human ingenuity and imagination. Even Rainbow Dash had an ear twitched into my direction but did her best to uninterested.

"BEEP. My. Life," I said in between deep breaths before I stood on my feet, no, hooves and patted my clothes to remove the dirt that I had collected from the avalanche that we just managed to dodge. Everything was going fine up to that point, that is until Fluttershy's fear caused a few delays. Nothing too much, but enough for us to get off schedule. I offered to carry Fluttershy again but after my joke, the pegasus was wary of riding on me. Then we came to an apparent avalanche zone.

Something spook Fluttershy enough to scream and caused an avalanche of dirt and rocks. Thankfully no one was hurt, dirty but not hurt.

"Everypony okay?" Applejack called out as she got up and helped Twilight to her hooves.

"Thanks to you I am," Twilight said as she gave a thankful nuzzle.

"I going to have to change my pants but," I said quietly before saying out loud, "I'm good."

I looked to my side to Fluttershy poke her head out from under a pile of dirt, before I looked over to see Rarity and Pinkie. the former covered in dirt while that latter jumping in joy. Rarity let out a gag before she shook her body removing the dirt from her body and somehow transfer the dirt to PInkie.

"Whoo-hoo!," the party pony screamed, "Let's do it again!"

"No," I said quickly, my teeth clenched, "Not again!"

Pinkie let out an aww and stopped jumping. Rarity meanwhile reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a pink and white scarf. "This is why a mare always packs extra accessories," she said as she wrapped her neck with the scarf. Her perfectly done eyebrow raised as if she just realized something.

"Oh please tell me I brought the tiara that goes with this," she said and I couldn't help but not look at her incredulously.

"Seriously," I said, "We're climbing up a mountain at almost a perfect 75-degree angle about to face a dragon and you're worried about a tiara..."

"A mare must always look her best," Rarity defended and I bit the inside of my mouth in order not snap back.

"He has a point," Rainbow Dash said as she flew over. I paused and looked at her in amazement, surprised that she agreed with me on something. "We have bigger problems to worry about," she pointed to the giant pile of dirt and rocks that now covered the path that we needed to take.

With a sigh, Fluttershy mumbled, "Sorry."

"Eh, don't worry shorty," I said rubbing her head, "I need the exercise anyway."

"Yea, no big deal sugar cube," Applejack said at a much better attempt to comfort the pony.

"Yeah," Twilight said building on that, "we'll just have to climb over," only to lose it just as quickly with a sigh.

"Better get started then," I mumbled as I took the lead and began to climb.

Climbing the mountain of dirt reminded me of my first Iowa winter when I had to walk through a foot of snow to get to class. The long painful careful steps I had to take to walk without slipping. Thankfully I was able to get a car before the next year's winter and...I...was...

"BEEP!" I cried out suddenly.

"What is it!" Twilight asked worriedly as she turned her head around to meet mine. She had walked ahead of me as soon as she was able to.

"I have about five payments of my car left," I whimpered, "my perfect record..."

"Huh?" came the response.

With a wave of my hand and my face flushed, I said, "Don't worry let just get going."

Now that I was out of my mind and the embarrassment swept to the side I began to notice the other members of our party and their current situation. I couldn't help but raised an eyebrow at everyone's gasps for breaths as they strained themselves to climb the mound of dirt.

I don't get it? They shouldn't be this tired, well at least I'm not. A bit sore yes, but not tired. Is this from my workout routine?

...

Sweet.

Reinvougated I pushed past everyone to reach the top of the debris.

I looked down and saw the sharp angle that we had to take to get to the bottom. As I began to contemplate on how I was going to get down safely the blaring sound of brass instruments began to play in my mind.

High, high hopes

Huh?

Had to have high, high hopes for a living.

What is this feeling?

Shooting for the stars I couldn't make a killing.

Almost without even thinking I jumped down and began to slide down the dirt hill. As the song continued to play I snowboarded down the hill with control and style that I knew I didn't have, but the song, this power. I couldn't help but let out a whoop of joy as I let go of myself. When the end of the hill came I jumped and spun in the air before I landed on the ground.

As the song began to die I turn to look at the top of the hill to see the others began to make their way down. The wind picked up and my cloak began to billow around me. I brought up my arm with the stick and stared at it with wonder.

Is this how my magic works? Is it from music?

I couldn't help but smile as I remember the feeling when the music took over. Closing my eyes I tried to refocus on that feeling again. That feeling content, no that wasn't it. It, it was the feeling of being connected with the world. Once I grasped that feeling, I let it take over me.

A wind chime began to ascend and flutes twirled as the wind danced around me.

"Sean," Twilight snapped me out of my rever. Slowly I turned to look at her confused face, "Is everything alright?"

My lips pulled up and I turned away from her, "Yea, I'm good," I told her.

Better than good.

"Welp lets get going this dragon isn't going to take care of itself," I rallied the others just as Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy slide down the hill and on to a heap. "Good, we're all here let's go!"

"My Apologies," Rarity said as Rainbow Dash began to help her up.

"It not your fault," Skittles glaring right at Fluttershy who whimpered.

LIke actually whimpered, like a kicked dog.

I felt heat rushed to my face and teeth clenched. Rainbow Dash gave up trying to help Rarity and flew over to Twilight who began to lead us again with the map in front of her. Once I was sure that everyone was fine and on their feet, I followed the rainbow reject.

"Still think it was a good idea to bring Fluttershy along?" Rainbow Dash said snidely.

"At least she trying," I snapped at her in a low voice as to not alert the others.

Rainbow's head snapped me as she leveled a glare at me, "What was that!?"

Not backing down for a second I matched her glare and pushed as much anger I had for her at her. "Try to walk a mile in her shoes and understand what she is going through," I sneered, "Perhaps if you acted like a friend and talk to her instead of treating her like a burden to be dump like yesterday's garbage."

"Maybe we shouldn't do this here right now," Twilight squeaked out in a tiny voice.

"No way!" Rainbow Dash said as she flew into my face, "This thing got a problem with me." She poked me in the chest, "You got a pair of teats on you if you think you're a better friend of Fluttershy than I am!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity gasped out, "Watch your language!"

"I've known her lot longer than you have!" Rainbow exclaimed as she poked me in the chest.

"And yet you've done nothing but whined and moaned about how she is slowing you down," I growled at as my hood slipped off and the Mane Six recoiled back at my glare.

Rainbow was the first to recover as she flew back into my face and poked me in the chest. "You better watch it-"

A magenta glow pulled her back down and someone pulled the back of my cloak causing me to stumble back. I turned around to see that Applejack had the tail of my cloak in her mouth with a glare at me that doused my anger like cold water. While the glare had a bit of hardness that was tempered by a scolding, behind it was a flicker of fear.

Quickly I pulled my hood up as I fought the burning of tears welling in my eyes.

They're still scared of me...

And Rainbow Dash is still mad at me along with her hatred of me.

My aggressiveness just now did nothing to quell those fears. Why?! After all this time I thought I had a better handle of my emotions. How could I fly off the handle like that? This is why I can't make friends. This is why I don't bother trying to get closer to anyone. I always do something stupid and mess things up.

Twilight's scolding was muffled to me. How could I hear anything when the abyss in my heart is screaming out loud.

Slowly, I raised my head making a point, not to met anyone in the eyes, and looked up to see that we were at the entrance of the cave. The cave had dug directly into the core of the cave and the entrance was wide enough for a Mac truck to fit. The length reached to the point of the mountain which was tall as an oak tree at its pinnacle of growth. Coming out of the mouth was a tall pillar of smoke billowing out.

So that is why Twilight was scolding us.

Well shit.

It's odd feeling numb and yet cold with fear. It's hard to imagine let alone experience it, and yet I had to. This feeling would wash over me each time Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity took turns going into that cave to wake the dragon.

As predictable Fluttershy couldn't pull the courage to face the dragon, despite my encouraging words earlier, and left. Well, they must have not have been that encouraging after all. Who the fuck was I trying to kid? Trying to give out advice like I'm some damn wise wizard. Especially since I'm standing here scared shitless.

Thankfully we haven't earned the dragon's ire, despite some people's attempt to steal.

"Seriously what where you thinking!?" I growled at Rarity who, thank god almighty, had the decency to look guilty. "We're trying to convince the dragon to leave! Kinda hard to do that when you're jacking his BEEP!" I then rounded on Pinkie placing my hands on her cheek and lightly smooshing them together gently. "And you need to be more careful not every creature is going to handle your level of fun," I told her delicately. The last thing I need right now is for her to a mental breakdown.

I ain't going down that shit creek at all.

"Then what's your plan, huh?" Rainbow Dash sneered at me.

Besides I'm already in one right now.

I bit the inside of my cheek so that I won't say anything...regrettable. Especially since I don't have a plan. I was hoping that Fluttershy would get a little boost. Just enough to end this sooner rather than later, and without the risk of bloodshed. The memory of Nightmare Moon flashed in my mind.

"Whatever, we've tried everything," Rainbow grumbled out loud, "Its time to stop wasting time!" She reared back in the sky, "I"m going in!"

"NO! WAIT RAINBOW!" I yelled as I leaped at her and snag her tail. I pulled her back, "If you attack him we're done for!'

"I don't have to listen to you!" she yelled at me before kicking my hand the sudden pain caused me to let go and she used that to zoom right into the cave.

With a growl, I shook my hand before I pulled my hood back and shuffled my cloak to free my arms up. "BEEP it, she going to get herself and us killed!" I growled as I pulled my pony arm and tried to active the band. It might be uncomfortable but its better than nothing.

That is what I got. Nothing. Fuck.

Fine, I'll do it myself.

Okay, magic if your going to show yourself now is the time.

"GET OUT!" Rainbow's voice echoed from the cave followed by a resounding smack.

There was nothing else for a while, no other sounds nothing. As each second ticked by the heat of my body left me. A vision of the worst outcome flashed into my mind.

No!

That's when I heard it again, the music. This time it was the metal cover Holding Out for a Hero by Jonathan Young.

Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods

My legs tensed up and I leaned forward.

Where's the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds

Like a shot of the gun and ran into the cave with no fear only the need to save, the need to protect, to FIGHT! The music drowned out the cries of the girls as they tried to stop me, but I had to save Rainbow.

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed
Late at night toss and turn and dream of what I need

My cloak flap from the air rushed past me as I charged into the abyss. I was ready to fight this dragon if he was going to hurt Rainbow. Sure she's an ass but damn it I'm not going to let her die here!

The was a roar from the dragon and the force of his breath caused me to pause in my charge. The roar lasted for a moment before it was overcome by the raspy scream of Rainbow Dash. In my vision, there was a light blue speck flying towards me. instinctively I got ready to catch the sailing Rainbow Dash. The force of the pegasus caused me to stumble onto the ground.

I looked to my arm and what I saw chilled my bones. Rainbow Dash was bleeding from her side. The cut ran down the side and the blood ran slow. "Rainbow Dash!" I cried out as I coddled the wounded pony. The ground began to shake as heavy footsteps echoed.

"Jeez stop yelling," Rainbow grumbled as she stirred from my grasp, "I'm right here."

Thank fucking christ!

"Thank god you're fine," I gasped as I stood up with the pony in my arm. The stirring began to go and I looked down to see Rainbow looking at me with a red tint on her cheeks.

"I can walk on my own, Och!" she cried as she became aware of her wounds. "Huh, that's new."

The rumble of the dragon reminded me of the here and now. "Get back to the others," I told her as I set her down seeing as her wounds were not as bad as I thought they were. At least I hope they weren't.

"Wait you're not thinking about facing that dragon on your own, are you?!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Yes," I said as I turned towards the direction of the rumble.

"But that dragon is huge! You won't be able to fight that on your own," Rainbow said as she got in front of me. "Besides your a stallion!"

"Doesn't matter," I said as I gently pushed her to the side, "it has to be done."

"I'm not leaving you behind!" the pegasus declared determined.

Let out an exasperated sigh I turned to her and told her, "I'm not asking you too," I pointed to the exit of the cave, "get to the others and tell Twilight to get ready to collapse the cave entrance. If this dragon doesn't listen to reason then we'll drop the whole damn mountain on top of it. Besides your hurt."

"One," Rainbow Dash said as she looked me like I was nuts, "You're crazy. Two, this cut is nothing. I've had worse." She then puffed up her chest.

I couldn't help but smirk, "It's good that I'm crazy then," I said no understanding where this confidence was coming from, "because if not then this will never work. "

"Yea," Rainbow said with a deadpan glare, "I'm not leaving you!"

She then took her spot next to me and I couldn't help but raised an eyebrow, "I thought you hated me?" I asked.

"I don't hate you, I just don't trust you," she snorted, "but you did run in here to help me," her face then began to glow red as she spun to look at me, "not that I needed it, so I guess your alright for a hairless monkey!" she yelled at me.

I let out an amused snort, "You're not too bad either Skittles."

Before Rainbow could snap at me about her nickname the dragon had arrived.

To be honest I nearly shat myself. I was even so scared that my inner speech changed.

The dragon easily reached the roof of the cave and I'm that was with him on all four legs and his neck somewhat lowered. So there is no telling how high this fucker could get. Clear defined muscle was hidden crimson scales even the soft underbelly rippled with muscle.

Here goes nothing.

I took a step forward and yelled, "YO!" The dragon paused and looked at me with a pair of sickly yellow eyes. He didn't make a move to either eat me or stomp on me so its a good start. There was a glint of curiosity in his eyes but his body showed the cage rage beneath it. "Good, I got your attention," I said my voice becoming rushed and a little higher pitch.

"Listen I get it you're pissed and you have every right," I told the dragon in hopes that diplomacy will still work, "I mean here you are enjoying your nap and you got these nuisances to keep coming in..." Rainbow yelled out a distraught neigh to which I just reached over and closed her mouth with my hand, "...and disturbing you or even outright trying to steal from you." I pulled my hand away from RD hoping she got the memo. "Hell, I'll be pissed," I said with a shrug, "but hey at least you don't live with them," I told him with a playful smirk to which Rainbow let out a displeased snort.

So much for getting on her good side.

I took a step forward to which the dragon let out a growl so I paused, "Look," I said with my arms out wide, "you don't want us to be here anymore than we want to be here, so let's try to reach a deal ok." The dragon looked at me with a sneer as one would give for someone that was beneath them.

Fine, let's play hardball.

"I rather not involve Celestia in this matter," I said leveling a glare at the dragon who stood over me, unflinching, "so how about this. We'll let you leave unmolested if you will just take your nap somewhere else."

"Sean, look out!" Rainbow yelled out.

I looked at the pegasus as she pointed something in front of me. Quickly, I turned around to see that the dragon had brought up a claw poised to flick me.

How did I miss that!

"BEEP," I cursed as the dragon released the finger and it slammed in the chest.

A gasp of pain blew out of my lungs as I flew through the cave.

This is getting ridicules!

The wind roar through the air that almost drowned out the screams of panic and shock of the girls as I flew out of the cave and began to descend the mountain.

Damn it! I got to stop my fall!

The dragon's roar silence everything even the sound of the wind.

I have to save them I must protect them!

The opening cord of Hero by Skillet blasted in my mind. Suddenly, my fall stopped. Shocked, I looked around to see that I hand landed on a bright white magical circle and that it was slowly spinning. Slowly I got to my hooves and look around. the song was playing in my mind still, but most importantly the power I felt before had come back in full force.

So the music fuels the magic in me, but more than that, my desire to protect them lights the spark that ignites the flame. It's starting to make sense now.

An ear-shattering screech cracked through the air

Intorpersctive later, save them now.

I looked down at the stick around my arm to see it glowing.

Okay so how do I get back up? How does this magic work?

Suddenly I was transported to a dusty field. Details of the area around me were blurred out and the only clear thing was right in front of me. There was a line of unicorns their bodies tight in attention. A single unicorn walked in front of them. Its' square jaw an angler features gave it a masculine look. His black fur clean and shiny. the same shine reflected in its orange eyes.

"Listen up you worthless maggots," his gruff voice barked, "You've been selected to be in this squad because you've shown some aptitude for advance magic." he continued his speech as he stared at each unicorn dressing them down with his eyes.

"This magic is unlike the basic magic that every unicorn uses intent, incantation, magic, and equation. This magic uses intent, magic, and emotion." The unicorn general stopped in front of me, "But be warned using emotion to craft the magic can cause powerful effects both good and bad," he finished looking at me dead in the eye.

I then found myself back on my circle near the mountain.

What the fuck was that?

Rarity's scream snapped back to the present.

Right, later.

Okay, intent, emotion, magic. Got two of those, now for the third.

Push, fly!

The magic circle began to spin faster and changed from white to yellow before I bounced away from the circle towards the edge of the mountain top. Surprised by the sudden change my body flailed around. This, fortunately, allowed me to grab the edge of the cliff when I landed.

With a heave, I pulled my self back up, "Ow," I groan as I pulled myself up to my feet. The scene before me launched me into action.

The dragon was stalking towards Rarity, ignoring everyone's potshots of magic beams, apples, cupcakes.

....?

Yeah, fuck that.

With the song blasting back in my mind I ran towards the dragon.

I got to protect Rarity!

With this thought running through my mind fueling my actions.

The sound of shifting metal and I glance over to see a silvery gauntlet forming over my fist. A circle then formed on my forearm about the size of my chest. A plan of attack began to form in my mind.

"Get away from you...you brute!" Rarity screamed.

The song reached its peak and I leaped into the air with a loud battle cry. The dragon and Rarity turned to see me. I brought the shield arm and punched the dragon's snout. Following through the punch I spun around with the stick of Harmony unraveled and slammed it on the dragon, coming back around I finished the attack with another punch with the shield. As I landed a bounced back a few steps and when I stop I had my shield up and stick/sword outward ready to retaliate.

"Keep your filthy claws off of her," I growled at the dragon, "Next time make sure the knight is down before going after the queen."

The dragon snorted before he reared his head back while taken a deep breath.

Fuck me.

"BEEP me," I muttered just before the dragon snorted a ball of soot at me.

"Oh, BEEP!" I exclaimed as I brought up my shield. The force of the impact pushed me to one foot and I stumbled back.

I steadied myself just in time to block the tail swing. A grunt of pain later I was flung into the mountain wall. I let out a cry of pain before I collapsed on the ground. With a groan of pain, I tried to get up but I was dazed from the impact. I tried a second time but the moving world made it difficult.

When I recovered I felt a presence above me and I notice that there was a shadow cast above me.

Well shit.

Whelp if I'm going to die I'm going to at least look death in the eyes.

With a defiant snarl, I looked up right into a wall of pink fur. A moment of confusion was quickly shattered by the pink thing growling.

"Pinkie?" I muttered in confusion as the party pony stood over me protectively.

"Ya stay back now ya hear," Applejack's southern drawl said from my right. I looked over to see the farm pony ready to pounce. Her lips were pulled back as a growled rumbled and her fur began to stand up.

What the hell?

"Time for a snack," a deep voice rumbled. Everything drained from my face.

No...

"How dare you!" a soft yet firm voice spoke up. "HOW DARE YOU!" the same voice but louder screamed.

Uh...why do I feel like this is an of 'shit moment'. Not like 'oh shit something bad about to happen' but an 'oh shit you about to get fuck up moment'.

Whatever was happening it must have comfort Pinke enough for her to move from above me to my side. Her head went under my arm before Applejack did the same on the other side.

"Thank you," I told them as I slowly stood up on my feet. "I think I"m fine now," I told them as I looked up to see Fluttershy in the dragon's face.

"Listen here, mister!" she said landed on the dragon's snout. Fluttershy then began to trot with purpose down the length of the snout and stop right in front of his eyes. I could make a note about how ridiculous it looks that a pony that bearly comes up to my stomach is scolding a dragon that is at least as tall as the town hall, but I'm still a bit twitchy with how close Fluttershy is to the dragon. A dragon that could easily flick her off and eat her. "Doesn't mean you get to be a bully!" Fluttershy continued to scold.

"You may have huge teeth and sharp scales, and snore smoke, and breathe fire," my fear and worry began to transform into pride as Fluttershy overcame her fear, "but you do not I repeat you do not hurt my friends!!!"

Fluttershy then gave the dragon her newly christening 'Stare'.

"You got that?" she growled.

Holy shit. That seemed a bit more aggressive than I remembered. There was almost a bloodlust undertone in that.

I bit my lower lip.

Fluttershy...

Don't lose who you are, please.

The dragon slunk back and whimpered, "Well," Fluttershy pressed with a raised eyebrow.

Go Sassyshy!

"But that rainbow one kicked me," the dragon whined with its deep voice before he pointed at me, "And that weird monkey thing hit me."

"Oi! I tried to talk to you first you BEEP-" I yelled out before Pinkie jumped up and covered my face with her body. With frantic hands, I tried to pull the face-hugger from my face.

"And I am very sorry about that," Fluttershy apologized.

I'm not!

"But you're bigger than they are, and you should know better," Fluttershy lightly chided, "You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can become a health hazard to other creatures."

I managed to push Pinkie far enough to get some air, but before I could tell the damn menace to let go she snapped back into place.

Fucking SHIT!

"But I--" I heard the dragon interject.

I violently shook my head while pushing trying to PInkie off of me.

"Don't you 'but I' me mister," Fluttershy snapped

I hear the snort and giggle of Rarity and Rainbow dash

Why aren't you chuckle fucks helping me!!!

"Now, what do you have to say for yourself?" I heard Fluttershy say

HELP, ME! BITCH!

"I said, what do you have to say for yourself?" she said again with a little more force.

Finally, in a final grasp of hope, I dug my fingers in Pinkie's soft underbelly and tickled her. This seemed to be her kryptonite as PInkie's grip loosen as she let go to laugh before she rolled down off of me and landed on the ground. After a few gasps of fresh air, I turned a glare on her which had as much effect as a wet noddle.

The dragon started crying much to my displeasure. I wanted to say something but I bit my tongue and let Fluttershy work her magic. I was, however, still ready to jump in if necessary. With my eyes closed my eyes and brought the song back up. The rush of power came back but it was muted, ready for me to pull at it.

"There, there no. need to cry," Fluttershy comforted the overgrown lizard.

Goddamn right you have no reason need to cry! If anyone, I should be crying. Motherfucker! You flicked me off the edge and smacked me into the side of the mountain. That shit hurt!

...wait. I should be in pain. Like incredible pain. I'm a bit tender true, but that's it.

Sweet.

I looked up to see Fluttershy give the dragon a comforting pat before she flew down. "You're not a bad dragon," she said, "you just made a bad decision. Now, go pack your things you just need to find a new place to sleep, that's all."

My legs became weak and lurched down slightly. Pinkie was at my side instantly and I grabbed her quickly to steady myself.
I guess there is a cost to this magic of mine, but that's okay. It can be trained, expanded, and I plan to do exactly that. I'm going to make this power my bitch and use it to protect everypony.

A smile formed on my face as I watched the girls run up to Fluttershy and congratulated her. While they did so the dragon flew into the air and away from the mountain.

To protect them, and help them grow.

With a groan, I slowly sat down. Pinkie moved around so that my back was resting on her. I looped my arm around and patted her head in thanks. She let out a giggle.

There was a soft whooshing sound and I looked up to see Fluttershy's worried face. "Are you okay?" she said airly, "That big scary dragon didn't hurt you did he?" The pegasus flew around me and gently poked and gave my body a once over.

A small smile appeared on my face and I petted the top of her head. "I'm okay, just tired." I told her, "I'm proud of you."

"You are?" Fluttershy said with her head cocked.

"Yes," I said as I reached up and cupped her face. She nuzzled my hand and hummed in content as I continued, "you faced your fears to stand up to protect your friends, that takes a great deal of courage."

"You gave me that courage," she said.

That one statement plowed through me like a bolt of lightning. Tear burned and threaten to fall.

I gave her the courage?

To hide the mist I rested my head on Fluttershy, "I'll be there whenever you need me, you never will have to face anything by yourself."

"We will always be there," Twilight emphasized and both Fluttershy and I looked up to see Twilight and the rest of our gang look at us with determination.

I felt something in my heart. It was a new feeling that I have never felt. What is this? The word was on the tip of my tongue what is it...?

"Come on mares," Twilight called out to us, "Its time for us to head back home." The unicorn led everypony away except Aj and Pinkie who stayed behind to help me.

Ah...this, this is the feeling...

"You don't have to face everything alone either," PInkie said as she helped me to my hooves.

"Tha' right sugarcube," Aj said as she placed herself in front of me so when I lost my balance I was able to use her to steady myself, "We always help ya' whenever ya' need it."

"Yeppers," Pinkie said as she bounced in front of me, "Just call us and will be there ten seconds flat."

"Same," I cracked my voice almost bursting with emotion.

...I was connected. Like I finally found the puzzle where I fitted.

Like I found my place. Where I belong.

"Now come on let's go home," I said as I walked forward. The stick of Harmony wrapped around my arm and I began to walk towards my home. A giant weight had lifted off my shoulders and nothing could ever hold me down.

Author's Notes:

I hope you guys are safe and taken care of with this Corona Virus flying around.