Indoraptor felt like he could stare at the smile on Blackjack's face for hours as they walked through Ponyville. It had only been a few days since the welcoming breakfast had made her happier than she'd been in what seemed like years. As they walked through town, ponies could tell by her confident and upbeat attitude that she was far more alive than the first time Indoraptor had been with her. It was also apparent by the perfectly content smile on the hybrid dinosaur that he had managed to truly perk up the young mare, and he didn't want it any other way.

"So what's your plan for today, Indoraptor?"

"We're gonna pay Twilight a visit so I can get something squared away at last."

"What would that be?"

"That night when me and my sisters saved you from those rogue raptors, they drove me into a crystal that pierced my body and should've killed me. Instead, I was able to pick myself up, pulled that thing out of my chest, and I saw the hole close up and heal itself."

"But how did you do it? If you were impaled, it should've killed you," said Blackjack.

"That's the thing I'd like to know, Blackjack. The impalement should've killed me, but it didn't. I'd really like to know how it was possible, and the best way to find out is to ask the smartest pony in town. Twilight's a real genius when it comes to figuring this stuff out. It's how she helped me realize that I can use venom as an attack."

"Venom?"

"A unique attack I can use, but you won't see it in action unless we're in a life-threatening situation. Trust me Blackjack, it's the only time you might get to see it used. The last time I used it, it killed a cragadile in less than a minute."

"Ok, I'll take your word for it," Blackjack said as they drew closer to the library.

Needless to say, Blackjack was quite perplexed that a princess lived in a tree for a home.

"She lives inside a tree?"

"It's shaped like a tree, but the inside is her home and also the town library for anypony that wants to get any reading done."

"Huh. That sounds a little far fetched to me."

"Just see for yourself and believe me, it's a lot more impressive than you think," Indoraptor said as he knocked on the door.

The sound of hoofsteps could be heard coming down the steps from inside, and the pair stepped back as the door opened and Twilight was once again, slightly nervous seeing Indoraptor at her place again.

"Indoraptor, and Blackjack. I surprised to see you here after that huge breakfast."

"Actually Twilight, Indoraptor said he had something that needed to be squared away with you," said Blackjack.

"O-oh? What would that be?" Twilight started to blush, thinking that the others had told him about her little crush.

"It's better if you see it for yourself, Twilight," said Indoraptor.

"Ok, but I still don't know what you're talking about."

"Blast me."

Twilight shook her head baffled, the blush replaced with a perplexed expression.

"Excuse me? You want me to blast you?"

"It's the best way you'll see what I'm talking about. Trust me, it won't hurt in the least."

Twilight was still nervous about the hybrid's request, and Blackjack was just as confused on why he needed to be hit to show what he was talking about.

"Ok Indoraptor, I still think this is crazy but I trust you."

She lined herself up apart from Indoraptor and started igniting her horn. Indoraptor pointed at the dead center of his chest as the spot for Twilight to aim her attack, and after a moment of hesitation the alicorn fired her blast. From Blackjack's perspective it seemed like the attack was traveling in slow motion as it went towards the hybrid dinosaur. Indoraptor braced himself as the attack collided with his chest, the force of the impact caused him to take a step back from it.

"Indoraptor are you sure you're doing alright," Blackjack asked as she watched him take the blast without dodging or doing anything to avoid it.

"I'm fine..Blackjack," Indoraptor said against the strain of the attack.

"You may be, but I'm not. You take too much of this and it'll blast through your skin," Twilight said as she continued to fire the magic blast at him.

"It's alright Twilight. Just a little more and you'll see what I'm..ugh...talking about."

As Indoraptor continued to take the punishment, Blackjack and Twilight were getting more wracked with concern. They could see the blast pushing harder against Indoraptor's scales and feared that it would cut through to his heart at any minute. Indoraptor felt himself sliding back from the constant force of the blast, and it finally pushed hard enough against his skin to make him cough up a small amount of blood. That was all the girls needed to see to stop the attack and they rushed over to him.

"Why did you take so much of that?" Twilight asked.

"Were you deliberately trying to kill yourself?" Blackjack added.

"Look...at...my chest," Indoraptor said while catching his breath.

Blackjack and Twilight expected to see a bleeding wound, but all they saw was an indent of where the magic had been concentrated. There was no blood, no marks, just a big dent on the center of his chest. Then their eyes were bugging out as they watched the dent push back out, like something inside the dinosaur's skin was forcing it out like the dent on a plastic bottle. The dent continued to push out until Indoraptor's chest was good as new, like he hadn't been hit to begin with.

"H=how did you do that? There's not a single trace of the attack left," Twilight said while fascinated at the sight.

"It's something I discovered while hunting with the bat ponies that were looking after me. A manticore tried to bite me and his teeth didn't even draw blood on my skin. They just left dents, much like your magic and then those dents pushed themselves back into place."

"Wow. Add that to the list of incredible things your body can do," said Twilight.

"That's why I was hoping you could help me figure out how my body is doing this, Twilight."

"Does this mean I get to do more tests, like I did with your venom?"

Indoraptor enjoyed how eager Twilight got when it came to studying something that peaked her interest. When he nodded his head in response to her question, she was giddy as a filly at getting to perform more tests. In order for her to do them, she needed a sample to work with. So the hybrid dinosaur traced his claw carefully around two scales on his shoulder and plucked them off, with the little spots healing immediately.

Twilight levitated the scales in her magic and held them in front of her face to examine them.

"This is gonna require very intensive examining. It might take longer than your venom sample did."

"Is there anything in your library we could read while you're doing these tests?" Blackjack asked.

"Oh most certainly! What kind of books would you like to have?"

Indoraptor thought for a moment, and then a very fascinating subject popped into his head.

"Are there any books you have on ancient artifacts?"

"Ah, one of my favorite subjects. I have a massive variety that I'm sure you'll get a kick out of reading."

Twilight pulled up a desk and ten different books on ancient artifacts for Indoraptor and Blackjack to pick from. Blackjack wasn't really much of a reader, she had trouble paying attention in any of her classes back in her time. Indoraptor skimmed through some of the books and his eyes stopped on one with a particular necklace. He grabbed the book and he and Blackjack followed Twilight down to her underground lab.

Blackjack was truly amazed at how one alicorn managed to house so much equipment and technology in one place.

"Now I get what you meant when you said this place was more impressive than I thought. I don't get how you manage to have all of this, Twilight," said Blackjack.

"That's one of my secrets, Blackjack. I have plenty of resources down here and they help when it comes to advanced studying like this," Twilight said excitedly as she put Indoraptor's scales under a microscope and began her experiments.

Twilight began performing all sorts of tests and experiments on the scales while Indoraptor and Blackjack spent their time reading the book he had picked out. Indoraptor was drawn into the book with all the knowledge about the numerous artifacts that Equestria seemed to have. Blackjack on the other hoof, wasn't as interested and got bored from reading very quickly. She diverted her attention to wandering around the lab, looking at Twilight working on the experiments, and wondering what a fine flank she had for an alicorn. She shook that little thought out of her mind when her eyes fell back on Indoraptor.

She couldn't understand why he invested so much of his time and energy in trying to cheer her up. She'd been through hell and lost half her body in the process. She wasn't supposed to be receiving such kindness, generosity and hospitality from creatures that were supposed to be killers. Yet as she looked at his eyes scanning over the pages, she couldn't help but admire his dedication.

He'd defended her in battle and took her into his home when he could've just left her to die. Concerned for her happiness he'd asked his family and their friends to put together a special breakfast just for her. No one she'd ever met before had devoted so much effort into making her happy, or looked out for her so much. She started to inch her body closer to him without taking his eyes off the pages. But as she got closer, she saw a small patch of scales fall off from his neck and the patch healed slower than the spot he had willingly torn off.

Blackjack was about to speak up and tell Indoraptor about his scales when Twilight called them over.

"So Twilight, what have your tests found on this new discovery?"

"Your body continues to astound me, Indoraptor," said Twilight.

"Oooh, have you and this lean scaly hybrid had a fantastic time in bed, Princess?" Blackjack teased.

Instantly Twilight's face turned the brightest shade of red, like a ripe bell pepper. Steam was pouring out of her ears and her wings had flared open. Indoraptor couldn't figure out why Twilight was having such an extreme reaction to a simple question. But that was because he didn't fully comprehend what Blackjack had said, and his parents hadn't given him 'the talk.'

"Blackjack! Where in the wide world of Equestria did you learn that kind of language and get an idea like that in your head?" Twilight said as she conjured a fan to cool down her face.

"What? I've had my fair share of 'fun times' with stallions and mares. Haven't you?"

Twilight stared at the cyber-mare with a shocked beyond all reason look on her cooled down face.

"I-I-I don't even know how to respond to that. What kind of home did you live in to get such....dirty thoughts?"

"One that I wouldn't wish on anypony, and one that you would do your damnedest to get rid of," Blackjack said.

"Ok, I'll take your word for it. And to answer that rather explicit question, no. Indoraptor and I haven't had any moments. After what he's been through, he doesn't need any unnecessary ponies hanging around him for their own pleasure. Besides, I don't think I'd ever be good enough for someone like him."

Indoraptor say how upset Twilight was getting from talking about herself like that. He didn't realize that she looked down on herself in such a manner, or that she had some potential feelings for him. Indoraptor got down on all fours, pressed his nose into Twilight's neck and purred softly. Twilight was touched by how he could care so much about others, despite what he'd been through. She nuzzled against his snout as he spoke softly to her.

"Don't think like that, Twilight. You're a very kind princess, and one that I'm glad to have supporting me since my ordeal started. You're anything but unnecessary, so don't you ever think like that again, alright?"

"Mhmm. Thank you Indoraptor," Twilight said as she wiped away a tear with her wing.

"Now how about we see just what it is you found out about my scales," Indoraptor said, hoping he could take Twilight's mind off the suggestive topic.

"Right. Well it seems that your scales are being held together and protected by a special material called keratin."

"Keratin? What's that?" Blackjack asked.

"Keratin is a protein found throughout all living things. It actually makes up the fibers and materials that create manes, hooves, horns and even scales and claws. In your case Indoraptor, this keratin is able to protect your body from damage and stress."

"Is that why when I got attacked by that manticore and his teeth only left dents and didn't draw blood, it was because of the keratin?"

"Precisely. Take a look at it underneath the microscope."

Indoraptor peered into the microscope and found the cells within his scale sample being held together by tons of keratin filaments. Thin blue strands that spread throughout and around each cell, acting like a barrier of protection.

"So I have this kind of barrier living within my body, and it can protect me from any kind of attacks?" Indoraptor said as he pulled away to give Blackjack a chance to look.

"Nearly. This stuff is tougher than most materials I've seen. It couldn't be dissolved in any temperature of water, and it can take a lot of punishment. I tried separating those two scales and the filaments were able to pull them back together. In the long run, this keratin could be one of the strongest materials ever found. It would allow your body to absorb impacts that normally would draw blood, and it's self-assembling properties could allow you to survive even fatal wounds."

"That explains why after that rogue pack of raptors tried to impale me, my body healed itself and didn't bleed out. But you said nearly all attacks, Twilight. What could overcome something this strong?"

"Well very extreme ones like the power of four alicorns being thrown at you, being hit by powerful magic attacks from all sides. Even highly concentrated attacks with enough raw power can overwhelm the keratin and tear it apart. The impalement you survived is proof that this newfound shield does have its limits."

"That's very good information to know, Twilight. At least now I have a good understanding of what this shield can take, and how strong it truly is."

"Just don't go around looking for trouble. We don't need to hear about you trying to take on a hydra or some dragons to see how tough this keratin is," Twilight cautioned.

"I won't. I know better than that, and I know what's too much for me to handle." The hybrid dinosaur said in return.

"Well, how about that. You learn something new every day huh," said Blackjack.

"Indeed. Thanks again for helping me learn more about myself Twilight. And don't dwell on those thoughts too much, ok?"

"I won't, Indoraptor. You've cheered me up plenty already, and I won't dwell on them."

"Good."

Indoraptor leaned down and licked Twilight's cheek. Blackjack saw the blush returning on the alicorn's face and gave the princess a teasing wink.

"Because you're already a pretty mare on your own."

Indoraptor grabbed the book he had borrowed and made his way back up the steps towards the library. Blackjack waited until the door had closed before she walked towards the stunned Twilight.

"You know. If you happen to tell him how you feel, and he's ok with it, I wouldn't mind joining the two of you for some blissful fun. He's the most caring soul I've ever met, and he deserves to be around mares that do care about him. Think about it, Twilight. I bet you'd love to have that powerful feeling of him being inside you."

Blackjack walked up the steps herself, leaving Twilight to process what she'd just heard. She put a hoof to her chest as tears of relief finally broke free and streamed down her cheeks. Indoraptor had just told her she was pretty, he liked her the way she was. He had once again shown comfort and support to her even when was being down on herself. She was a little unsure about Blackjack's proposal of joining her and him for what she called 'blissful fun.' But all that mattered at the moment was that there was now some reignited hope in her heart that there might be a chance for her to be with Indoraptor after all.

---

As the week progressed and Blackjack grew more accustomed to life with the dinosaurs, the family's crazy situations seemed to be getting back to normal. Indominus hadn't received any complaints from Neighsay for once, mainly because the unicorn had nothing to use against him. Things at school had calmed down for Viper, Precious and Screwball since Blackjack had set their bullies straight with injuries they had brought upon themselves. Indoraptor didn't have to worry about looking after his sister anymore because of Blackjack's help. Tyrannosaurus had even convinced Applebloom and Sweetie Belle to give up trying to convince Scootaloo that Rumble wasn't the one for her.

For the first time since he had been made king, Indominus hadn't gotten any notices to go to Canterlot on account of Neighsay having something to complain about. Since Blackjack put Platinum and Emerald in their place, there had been no incidents, no attacks on the students and nothing to use against the dinosaurs. Indominus could finally go about his day without having to stress about his kids getting in trouble, or some sort of assault going on. Whenever he passed by the school and saw his daughter peacefully hanging with her friends, the bullies were keeping to themselves far away from them. It warmed him to see how much better things had gotten for Viper since Blackjack had been brought into the family.

The freedom from Neighsay's criticisms had even given him more time to go out and hunt with Rexy and Indoraptor. The hybrid dinosaur had noticed how much his son had improved while they were hunting packs of manticores. Before, he had seemed so down and trying hard to hide the inner pain he was feeling about his condition. But ever since he brought Blackjack into the castle, Indoraptor looked more alive than he'd ever seemed. Indominus watched him speed ahead of him and Rexy in their chase as he took off on all fours and ran down a manticore til he brought it to the ground with savage force.

He hadn't realized it at first, but when he compared their conditions, Indominus saw that Blackjack was unintentionally giving Indoraptor a reason to keep pushing forward, and not let the condition be the only thing on his mind. He would have to find some time to pull her aside and let her know how much of an impact she was having on his son's life.

---

As for Viper, things finally seemed to be reaching a level of normalcy that she could handle. Platinum hadn't tried anymore attempts at provoking her, ever since Blackjack set him straight with her cold talk. Emerald still detested the group and how they didn't get punished, when the truth was that they had done nothing wrong. Viper was paying attention in class more easily and Cheerilee could tell the immense difference in their attitudes when no bullying or provoking had gone on for the entire week. Things seemed to be looking up for the hybrid filly, and the peace she had been wanting since all the drama started seemed so close.

On the last day of their detention, the group was cleaning the desks while Cheerilee supervised them. She still couldn't understand why Cozy Glow was staying with them when she hadn't done anything physical to Platinum or Emerald. She guessed that the filly must've been really devoted to her friends to willingly join them in detention. Seeing their positive attitudes got Cheerilee curious enough to ask the young hybrid how things were going, especially with having a new house guest.

"Viper?"

"Hm?" The hybrid looked up from the desk she was cleaning.

"If you don't mind me asking, have things improved at home much?"

"It's been pretty good actually. Ever since Blackjack came along, it's like somepony brought a light into our lives that's taken away all the drama we've had."

"Has she really changed things around that much?"

"It's thanks to her hardcore attitude that Platinum and Emerald have finally backed off," said Screwball while she had three sponges cleaning a desk, while doing figure eights with every sweep.

"We owe her for getting them off our backs," Precious added.

"I've noticed that they've been keeping to themselves a lot and it's the longest time that I haven't heard any roars or thunderclaps going on during lunch." Cheerilee said which cause Viper and Screwball to blush embarrassingly at.

"Indoraptor's been trying to make her feel more welcome since her first day in town didn't go so well. He asked everypony to help him put together a big breakfast buffet just for her. When she found out and hugged him for what he'd done, that was the happiest I'd ever seen him." Viper said.

"Really? I thought he was still down about that condition of his," said Cozy Glow.

"You should've seen him, he looked about ready to shed a waterfall just from getting to hold her in his arms," said Precious.

"Sounds like Blackjack has played a big part in not just your life, but your family as well, Viper." Cheerilee said.

"She sure has. She's almost like another big sister to me, and despite seeming all tough, she does have a caring side that she only shows around us."

"Do you think I could meet this pony in person?"

"She's hanging around Scootaloo and the Crusaders today and they're showing her what their job is like. They said they'd drop by before going out to do their own thing later."

"But promise you won't say anything negative about her appearance," said Precious.

"She's rather sensitive about what others say about her," Screwball added.

"You don't have to worry girls. I've met your fathers and I've never been repulsed by their appearances. I can't judge anypony on their looks, especially after the kindness your father and his brother showed this school years ago."

The rest of their detention went by rather slowly, but Cheerilee didn't make the girls clean anything else or do anymore tasks. She made the last few hours easy since they'd been so good at keeping their promises, so she let them relax however they wanted until detention was over. Screwball conjured up hammocks for them to unwind in, even for Cheerilee and the ponies just let the time fly by. When detention was over, their moms were waiting outside and so were the Crusaders, Rexy, Indoraptor and Blackjack.

The girls ran out and hugged their moms while Cozy Glow stood off to the side.

"Did you have a good day, honey?" Rainbow asked while ruffling her daughter's mane.

"Sure did, mom! For once, everything feels normal and calm at last."

"That sounds a whole lot better than finding out about those ponies giving you more grief," Scootaloo said as she too ruffled her little sister's mane.

"It's still rather strange that I don't have to watch over you, sis. I've been doing it for so long that this feels kind of..unnatural," said Indoraptor.

"Well I wouldn't have it any other way, brother. And it's all thanks to the pony you brought home."

"Aw Viper, you don't need to say that. I didn't do anything special," Blackjack said while rubbing her foreleg nervously.

"Now don't be modest, Blackjack. You're always welcome in Equestria, and whether you believe it or not, you have friends on your side," Rarity added.

"You're the first pony that hasn't tried to do something horrible to the dinosaurs, or called them those horrid names Neighsay has been using," said Fluttershy.

"In fact, my teacher wanted to meet you after all that she's heard."

Viper motioned for Blackjack to follow her as Cheerilee walked out of the schoolhouse. When the teacher saw Blackjack, she didn't have an immediate reaction like everypony else. Instead, her eyes only widened slightly, like she was more amazed at Blackjack's appearance than horrified by it.

"Whoa. I've never seen anypony as unique as you before."

"You mean, you don't find any of this...horrifying or repulsive?"

"My dear pony. I met two dinosaurs a couple years ago that I thought were going to hurt every student I had. Instead, they defended Scootaloo, stopped two bullies from ruling the school and actually got them to change their ways. I've learned to never judge anypony by their appearances after that."

"Well, that's comforting to hear," Blackjack said as she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Miss Cheerilee, this is Blackjack. She's the pony that Indoraptor rescued from the Everfree Forest and has had such an impact on our lives," Viper said.

Blackjack blushed slightly from the compliment as she extended her right metal forehoof. She was amazed at how Cheerilee casually shook the metal hoof without showing the least bit of negativity.

"I have to thank you for looking after these girls, miss Blackjack. They've had it really rough ever since those two decided to pick on them."

"Oh I didn't do anything special. All I did was tell them how things could've been a lot worse and that they should work on their attitudes. It felt so exhausting listening to them repeating themselves with the same material over and over again."

Blackjack did good to leave out the part about both ponies limping back with bruised bodies and damaged egos.

"Regardless, you looked out for them and defended them in a manner that wasn't too excessive, and for that you have my thanks. Please do enjoy your stay with Viper's family, they're all very welcoming once you get to know them."

"Oh I already know how welcoming they can be, and it's very nice to be so accepted by them."

Miss Cheerilee bid Blackjack a fond farewell and the families went on their way. Before they split up, Viper suggested having a sleepover to celebrate being done with their two weeks of detention. Precious and Screwball were on board with the idea, and their moms were ok with it too. Scootaloo thought it would do Viper some good to be out of the castle for a night since she had been cooped up for so long, and it would be her first sleepover. Rarity volunteered to have the girls at her boutique, because Viper still wasn't comfortable being around Discord's chaos for too much time. They agreed, but Rarity made the hybrids promise that they would keep it quiet or else they would be dealing with a very cranky mare.

Viper swore she would keep it quiet when it got late, considering being stealthy and silent was a trait she had picked up from her family in hunting, it was a lot simpler than it sounded. Cozy Glow was about to fly off when Viper asked her to join them for the sleepover.

"But why would you want me around?"

"Because you've been staying by us through practically everything," said Viper.

"She's not wrong, Cozy Glow. You didn't have to stick around for those weeks of detention, that was our fault not yours," said Precious.

"I know, but it just seemed like something that friends would do."

"That's right, and a good form of loyalty too," said Rainbow.

"I'll admit, it's been nice to have somepony being part of our group that managed to turn Platinum's followers against him with words alone," said Screwball.

"So join us, Cozy Glow. The more the merrier," said Viper.

Cozy Glow couldn't turn down such a kind invitation and Rarity didn't mind bringing one more filly along. She said her parents would be alright with it and Rainbow and Fluttershy talked it over with Rarity. They agreed that they would drop their daughters off after dinner. Once everything was decided, the girls went off to get ready for their first sleepover.

---

Rexy split off from the group and followed the Crusaders. He understood that Scootaloo needed to have her freedom to choose who she wanted to be with, as long as Rumble didn't take things too far. But Rexy knew that if Rumble did try to do that, Scootaloo would set him straight with some nasty bruises and terrible scars as a reminder of what happens when you push too hard. That didn't mean however, that he couldn't tag along with her and see what they really did.

He convinced Applebloom and Sweetie Belle to join Scootaloo and Rumble's gang on one of their hangouts with him. The dinosaur wanted to see just what went down between them whenever they went off on their own. Tyrannosaurus did trust Scootaloo, but part of his brain told him that Rumble might try to do something to her once he was out of sight. Rexy tensed when he saw Rumble and his group of colts coming out from behind some houses. The dinosaur couldn't deny that there was still some part of him that wanted to devour the colt alive for the way he kissed Scootaloo in front of him.

"Scootaloo. I see that you've brought company with you," Rumble said as he instantly noticed Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and the massive dinosaur looming over them.

"Yep. We've decided to join her fer today, just to see what kinda fun ya'll have when ya hang out," said Applebloom.

"I may have hyped up our hangouts a little too much," Scootaloo said sheepishly.

"You don't mind if we tag along, do you boys?" Sweetie Belle batted her eyes at the colts behind Rumble, and Rexy could see their eyes starting to bug out.

"Are you kidding? The boys have been dying for you girls to join us. They've been feeling left out with nopony to keep them company."

"Makes me wonder if that's the reason they've been feeling left out," Rexy thought to himself.

"That's mighty good ta hear," Applebloom said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"But Scootaloo I have to address the elephant in the street. Not to sound rude or anything, but how is your dinosaur going to be tagging along with his size?"

"Oh don't worry about me, Rumble."

Rexy shrank his size down until he was the size of his raptor sisters. Rumble was astounded to see the once giant dinosaur now at a reasonable size to where he could hang out with them now.

"I have my ways of getting around my own size."

"Well, now that that's settled. Shall we get going?"

"Of course Scootaloo," Rumble said with a slight hint of his teeth grinding together.

Rexy smiled to himself after picking up on the slight irritation from the cocky colt, and he followed his gang and the Crusaders off to where Scootaloo and Rumble spent their time.

Rexy was rather surprised to find that Rumble had led them to an area where colts were practicing flying and performing aerial tricks. The location was one of the Wonderbolts performing arenas because there were stands located around where the colts were practicing with a few spectators watching. Tyrannosaurus could see why Scootaloo would be content being around such an area with Rumble, she got to hang out with others and do something other than hunting manticores. He never even considered that she wanted to do more than just hunt, and it stung him that he hadn't put her thoughts ahead of his own.

"Afternoon everypony," Rumble said to the colts.

"Hey Rumble! Good to see ya around, and with your girl too," said one of the colts.

"Can I help it if she loves having a good time practicing with us," Rumble said as he laid a wing over Scootaloo's back. The gesture caused her to blush from the touch.

Applebloom heard a low and angry growl coming from Rexy at those words and that gesture.

"Easy Rexy. You can't lose it or Scootaloo will defend him again."

"I'm trying to remember that, Applebloom. But just seeing him lay his wing on her like that, he thinks she's already chosen him." Rexy whispered between clenched teeth.

"Oh come on Rumble, we've only been hanging out for a couple of weeks. There's nothing serious going on between us."

Hearing that sparked a small beacon of hope in Rexy's heart.

"Sure I have liked those kind gestures you've made, but you're not at that level yet."

"Oh just give it time my peach, and you'll warm up to me."

Rumble gave Scootaloo a kiss on the cheek and a gust of smoke came out of Rexy's nostrils. He knew Rumble was doing this on purpose, just to get a reaction from her. The Crusaders wouldn't be able to hold him back if that colt did one more gesture to get her swooning over him.

"Wait. Is that Tyrannosaurus Rex? One of the Guardians of Equestria?" One of the colts pointed out.

Hearing that snapped Rexy out of his angry thoughts, and helped him realize that there were other ponies around, not just Rumble and his gang.

"You convinced one of the Guardians to come along, Rumble?"

"Actually, I decided to tag along with them. Scootaloo didn't have any objections to me being around and I've been curious as to what she does in her free time," Rexy said calmly.

The dinosaur walked forward and the other Crusaders joined him, getting some distance between them and Rumble's cronies. The other stallions were stopping their practices as they took notice of Tyrannosaurus's presence.

"We've heard about all that you and your fellow dinosaurs have done for Equestria."

"Scootaloo's told us plenty of amazing things about you."

"Oh really? Glad to hear that the buzz is good." Rexy said as he glanced over at Scootaloo.

"What has she said about him," Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo pulled away from Rumble and stood by Rexy.

"Only the good things, girls. Like how he and Indominus protected me from my excuses for parents, all the attention and care he gave me during my family's honeymoon, and some of our best moments like fighting Soarin together."

"Oh. That is really good press." Applebloom replied, relieved that Scootaloo hadn't turned her back on the dinosaur that helped look after her.

The frustration that had been building in Rexy's mind was evaporating out of his thoughts. Knowing that Scootaloo had been sharing his most impressive highlights to the colts she'd been around, meant she still held him in deep regards.

"That's nice and all, Scootaloo, but we're not here to talk about Tyrannosaurus Rex's achievements. We're here to flex our wings and show our stuff in flight. Right boys?"

"Too right, Rumble," said his goons as they went back to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle's sides. The Crusaders groaned from having the clueless colts next to them again.

"Come on boys, let's show the dinosaur how we do things in the sky."

The colts made their way back towards the performance area while Rumble hung back and waited til the Crusaders were out of earshot before he spoke to Rexy.

"Watch and learn, dinosaur. I'll show you how a real flyer performs in the skies. You'll be wishing you could join me and Scootaloo in the skies."

"Keep telling yourself that, colt. I've had more practice than you think, and by the time this hangout is over, you'll be wishing you could be like me."

"Rumble! Tyrannosaurus! Are you two gonna join us or not?"

"Coming Scootaloo!" Rexy said as he walked away from Rumble with a smug smile on his face.

"Oh, no way that some dinosaur is gonna make me jealous. Let's see what you can do in your old age, Guardian," Rumble muttered under his breath as he flew over to the others.

The colts were already airborne and showing off their would-be skills as flyers. Tyrannosaurus and the girls were anything but impressed, because Rainbow and Indominus's performances and battles made these colts look like weak flyers. Scootaloo however, was flying with them and looking like she was having a total blast getting to fly amongst other pegasi. It was starting to become clear to Rexy why Scootaloo was enjoying being among Rumble and these colts: they gave her the kind of free-spirited fun Rainbow hadn't been able to give her since the birth of her kids.

Seeing her flying so close to Rumble was like how close she'd been to him when they were hunting in the Everfree Forest. But T-Rex could see that the colt was trying to sway Scootaloo to his way of thinking, and attempting to charm her with his skills in flight. Though Rumble had overlooked one key detail: Tyrannosaurus had wings of his own, and was ten times the flyer the colt would ever be. He had to show Scootaloo how much she still meant to him, but to do it without endangering anymore lives, he would have to play the stubborn colt's game.

He kept his eyes trained on Scootaloo and Rumble amongst the colts in the sky, waiting for them to be done with their tricks. When they touched down after their aerial ballet, they walked over to Rexy and the Crusaders.

"So what do you think of our performance, Crusaders?"

"Honestly Rumble, Ah've seen better flights from the dinosaurs when they were fighting the Wonderbolts," Applebloom said bored.

Sweetie Belle yawned in boredom at their little show.

"Blue and her squad could do better than that. Or better yet, Rexy could do a better show than that."

"Don't be ridiculous girls, this dinosaur doesn't even have wings." Rumble said.

"Oh no? Then what do you call these?"

Tyrannosaurus grew back to his original height and unfurled his massive wings. The numerous colts all gawked at the immense sight and their mouths fell open.

"Whoa."

"Now those are what I call wings." One colt said in astonishment.

"How in the world did you get those?" Rumble asked in shock, trying to process seeing the tyrant lizard with wings.

"A gift from Princess Luna at our first Grand Galloping Gala. I told you I've had far more practice in flying than you know, Rumble. Now I hope you don't mind if I get a chance to show my prowess?"

"No, not at all." Rumble said with his teeth grit in agitation.

"One of the Guardians putting on a show for us? This I gotta see," said another colt.

"Rexy you don't need to do this," said Scootaloo. "You don't have to put on a show for us, I've already seen what you can do."

"Yeah listen to her, dinosaur. You don't need to go and wreck everything with your flying."

"On the contrary Rumble, I do."

T-Rex took a few steps away from the colts, flapped his wings once and exploded off the ground. The dinosaur zoomed into the sky and attempted to perform some of Indominus's flight moves from his Wonderbolt performances. He threw his body all over the sky as he tried his best to do the Icaranian Sun Salutation, and preventing himself from slamming into the ground. The colts applauded at how well Tyrannosaurus was doing despite only using his wings for combat, and Rumble was growing agitated at the dinosaur's impressive performance. But while everypony was loving the dinosaur's show, Scootaloo saw that something wasn't right with him.

She could make out details on Rexy's face that none of the others could see. The dinosaur looked like he was straining to maintain the effort of pulling off all the maneuvers of the salutation. With every dive he was getting dangerously close to hitting the ground, he had to flap his wings harder to keep himself in flight. Sweat was starting to stream down his face as he passed over the crowds. Rumble took notice of Scootaloo's concerned expression, and looked more closely at Tyrannosaurus. He too noticed the widening turns and subtle hints of Rexy getting worn out and tried to play off it.

"He's doing pretty good up there Scootaloo, but I think you might wanna stop him before he hurts himself."

"You mean you can see it too?"

"His moves are starting to slow down and his maneuvers are getting sloppy Scootaloo. He's too heavy and old to perform flights like this."

"No, no you're wrong Rumble. Rexy has used his wings in more intense moments than this." Scootaloo said trying to brush off Rumble's comments.

"I'm just saying, it would be a real shame for him to get tired too soon and end up careening into the ground."

Scootaloo was greeted with an instant flashback of Rainbow's first Wonderbolt performance and how her teammates had almost gotten her killed had the dinosaurs not stepped in. She had to give Tyrannosaurus some inspiration to help him finish the salutation before he ran out of stamina. She flew away from Rumble and over to her friends.

"Girls, I'm gonna join T-Rex in this little show."

"But why? He's doing fine out there." Applebloom said.

"He's slowing down and I've got to help him finish this."

"Go for it, girl." Sweetie Belle said as encouragement before Scootaloo bolted into the sky.

Tyrannosaurus was panting hard and struggling to finish the salutation. He could feel his wings getting heavier with each beat as he went into circling turns and knew he wasn't going to keep up the effort for long. But as he flew past the crowds again, he found Scootaloo flying in pace with him and at her giant size.

"Scootaloo...what are you doing here?"

"You're the one who's trying to replicate Rainbow Dash, and I'm gonna give you a little push to help you finish this."

"What...would that be?" Rexy said as panted.

"This."

Scootaloo gave a kiss on T-Rex's cheek and the dinosaur could swear he heard Sweetie Belle and Applebloom awwing from the ground below. He found the same tender eyes that he'd seen back at the Grand Galloping Gala staring back at him.

"Thank you Scootaloo."

"You're welcome, now let's do this."

Adrenaline surged through Tyrannosaurus's body as he and Scootaloo split away with giant simultaneous wing flaps that sounded like a huge thunderclap. They turned around and began crossing over each other at high speeds. From the ground it looked like they were going to hit each other, only for one of them to maneuver just the right way to avoid the impact and roll over the other's body. After four passes, they zoomed back once again with their bodies glowing red. Right before they passed, Scootaloo and Rexy roared in perfect sync and huge bursts of red energy engulfed them both.

They zoom climbed into the sky in their guardian states at speeds that seemed nearly three times as fast as before. The dinosaur and pegasus continued to climb until they leveled their wings out and rolled onto their backs. They dove for the ground, zigzagging and crossing over each other's bodies as the tiny dots below them started getting bigger. Then, when it seemed like they were going to slam headfirst into the ground, Scootaloo and Tyrannosaurus pulled up sharply from the dive, looped back around and touched down in front of the colts and Crusaders. T-Rex was breathing heavily from the exertion, but he could see a comforting smile from Scootaloo and she laid a wing over one of his arms.

The colts erupted into tremendous applause and Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were cheering wildly as the pair transformed back to normal.

"So Rumble...what'd you think of that?" Rexy asked after catching some of his breath.

The colt had no words to say amongst the applause of his pals. He was sure Scootaloo would've sided with him, but she did indeed hold Tyrannosaurus deep in her heart with great love.

"You're phenomenal Tyrannosaurus."

"Where'd you learn how to fly like that?"

"I just tried to model my flight after some of the best flyers I've ever known. My brother and his superb Wonderbolt wife, Rainbow Dash."

"I think that's about all you can handle Rexy. Think we could head home for tonight?"

"Of course Scootaloo." Rexy said as he nuzzled her neck.

Scootaloo returned to her normal size as Rexy lead the way back towards Ponyville with the Crusaders and the colts following him. They were so in awe of his performance that they wanted to learn more from him on how he'd done the amazing flight. Scootaloo bid Rumble a simple goodbye as she followed the dinosaur back into town, leaving the colt bitterly upset.

"This isn't over, lizard. You think one measly flight is enough to keep her interested? You'll see that Scootaloo wants a stallion that can give her the love she wants, and it won't be you."

---

Over in his home in Canterlot, Neighsay was being grilled for info about how he knew about everything that had been happening to the dinosaurs.

"I already told you, Celestia. I don't know how I've been finding out about the incidents those animals have gotten themselves into."

"Don't you lie to us, Neighsay. The fact that you knew about what had happened to them means somepony had to tell you," Luna said.

"There's no way you couldn't have known about each case the dinosaurs have been involved in, without inside help," said Celestia.

"I swear I don't know. All I know is that somepony has anonymously been sending me hints about those incidents. There's no name, no address, no identity to who sent them."

Neighsay pulled out a letter from his table drawer and showed it to the Princesses. It talked subtly about how the dinosaurs had attacked those mares that had hurt Indoraptor, but it didn't mention what had been done to the hybrid at that time.

"With no address and no way to know who it's from, we can't get any leads from this," said Celestia.

"It's a start, sister. Let's be glad we have something to work with at least," said Luna.

She turned her attention to Neighsay who tried to look so innocent on the matter.

"If you do get anymore of these letters Neighsay, you will inform us first, BEFORE you decide to jump the gun and harass the dinosaurs...again!"

"I assure you your highnesses, should these letters keep showing up you'll be the first ones to know."

"I should expect you to Neighsay! You're still on thin ice for what you said about Indoraptor. Try to keep your hateful comments to yourself next time," Celestia said as she and Luna left the chancellor alone.

Once he was sure they were gone, Neighsay's calm demeanor changed into the same bitter hatred he had always shown towards the dinosaurs.

"Blasted Princesses. Last thing I need is for them taking away my ammunition against those animals. If it weren't for my little pen pal, I wouldn't have gotten all these juicy details to use against them to begin with. Those animals will slip up again and when they do, I'll have them locked away in the deepest part of Tartarus. And no pleading from the so-called 'Princess of Friendship' is going to help them out of it."

"My, my. That's quite the vendetta you have against them."

Neighsay spun around sharply at the dark voice that came from nowhere. He didn't see anything in the room except himself.

"Where are you? I demand you show yourself to me at once!"

"Very well, if you insist."

Dark fog started spilling into the room and Neighsay ignited his horn to keep the room from going completely dark. Neighsay watched the fog pooling together in one spot and started forming the outline of someone. He could feel his heart racing faster every second as the fog finally came together and features appeared on the black shape in front of him. Then the red eyes opened and stared at him with purple mist coming from them. Neighsay nearly dropped to his knees at the sight of the pony before him.

"Chancellor Neighsay, I presume?"

"K-King Sombra!? B-but you're supposed to be dead! Celestia told me how you were destroyed by the Crystal Heart moons ago."

"Dead? I've never felt more alive. I've been spending the last month catching up on everything that's happened in my absence, including these dinosaurs taking the title of King."

"You despise them too?"

"Those creatures don't deserve a title of that magnitude. I was king long before any of those animals were even born, and I will take back my crown and it will be rewarded with their deaths!"

"Then it seems we have a common enemy. I could help you in taking them down, Sombra."

"That's actually why I came here, Neighsay. I was hoping to recruit you into the army I'm assembling to prepare for the assault that will wipe out the dinosaurs for good. My curiosity was peaked when I heard that you've been getting inside information from somepony else."

"Yes I have. I couldn't let the Princesses know about my pen pal, or they'd eventually track her down."

"Pen pal? There's somepony out there who's gotten close enough to get all these details and then sends them to you so that you can cause more havoc for the dinosaurs? That my friend, is inspiring," Sombra said in delight.

"Indeed. We've never met before, but I've gotten enough letters from her to know that she wants these animals gone just as badly as I do."

"Any chance you could tell me when her next letter will be coming in?"

The answer came in the form of a knock on Neighsay's front door. He levitated the door open with his magic, expecting to see somepony on the other side, but there wasn't a soul in sight. Instead, there was a single letter on his doorstep with his name on it. He recognized the writing and brought the envelope inside.

"You're in luck King Sombra. It would seem that my pen pal has some juicy info for the both of us." Neighsay said as he levitated the letter over to Sombra.

"Splendid. Let's see what's been dug up about those animals."

Sombra opened the envelope with a dark tendril and opened the letter for him and Neighsay to read.

"Dear Chancellor Neighsay,

I thought you'd be delighted to know that Indominus's daughter, Viper, will be out of the castle for the night. She and her friends are holding a sleepover at the home of the Element of Generosity. She will be far from her family's protection and vulnerable for the first time since her birth. If you know anypony that you can get a hold of tonight and arrange for them to have an accident befall that home, it would bring pure chaos to Equestria. The King would lose an heir to his throne and go on a murderous rampage, probably killing thousands along the way. The Element of Generosity would be dead, and the Princesses would have no way to stop him and his kind, other than to kill them. You pull this off and you'll get your wish of freeing Equestria of those nightmarish monsters at last. I look forward to reading about them in the obituaries.

Love, your pen pal"

Sombra laughed triumphantly after he finished reading the letter. Neighsay was overjoyed at the chance to get this mission started.

"A sleepover? Away from her father's protective strength, and the chance to take away one of the Elements in the process?"

"This is too good an opportunity to pass up."

"I second that, Neighsay. Your pen pal has brought us valuable information and best of all, I can work with it tonight. We'll have to find someway of contacting her so she can be part of our collective."

"The more great minds we have, the better our chances will be," said Neighsay. "But tell me, Sombra. Just who do you have in mind that could take out the offspring of Indominus Rex and the Element of Loyalty in one night?"

"I have a couple of vicious warriors that are chomping at the bit for some action. And if I set this up just right, it could draw in a certain animal that they've been dying to have a rematch with."

"Interesting. What can I do to help you prepare for this attack?"

Sombra created a dark pendant out of his magic and levitated it around Neighsay's neck. He then brought up another dark portal and turned back at Neighsay.

"That pendant will allow you to signal me at any moment. Use that when you have located this Rarity's home, so I can spawn my warriors at the right location. Then, all you have to do is sit back....and wait for the inferno to light up the sky."

Sombra stepped through the portal and all the dark fog he had brought with him disappeared. With the light returned to the room, Neighsay walked to a window and looked out at the sun that was sinking closer to the mountains.

"It won't be long, Indominus. Tonight you lose your daughter, and then your reign as king will be extinguished with your kind."

Next Chapter: Acceptance pt 2 Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 48 Minutes