Waking up from a rather pleasant sleep, I put on some more presentable clothes, (those being a pair of black jeans and a purple shirt) grabbed Chastiefol, and headed down stairs. I figured I didn't really need to carry my dagger with me. Still need to come up with a name for that. Once downstairs, I grabbed an apple and a sandwich and sat down at the counter. I have quite the bit to do today. I think I'll head to Sugar Cube Corner first though.

I finished my quick breakfast and went off to grab me a nice hot cuppa jo. Walking outside, I noticed there wasn't anyone around. Odd considering its not too early in the morning, meh, no skin off my nose. Just means less weird looks. I got there rather quickly but when I turned the corner to the road I sensed a large sum of energy being generated within it. Like, a whole towns worth. My first guess was that there was a ghoul attack, but I'm pretty shore I would have heard it. So I have to assume they are throwing some kind of party for my victory yesterday. And so, I turned back around, and ran home. It's too early in the morning for this shit.

Reaching home, I walked in and sat down on the single sofa. There wasn't much I could really do at the moment until they give up on the party. Unless I paid the princesses a visit but I'm sure they're rather busy in the mornings. Alright then, its name thinking time!

After about 5 minutes I came to a name that I thought fit rather well, Shadowfall. It didn't really mean anything in particular, I just thought it sounded kick ass. On to more important matters, I got up and began making my self some coffee soon as I'm avoiding Sugar Cube Corner like the plague. Once finished I sat back down and began just thinking. Not of anything in particular, just going over all the information I had received as of late. I didn't get much from that ghoul mind but I did manage to find their ranking system.

The ghouls army consists of five factions: ruber, lūteus, viridis, caeruleus and āter. Thankfully, I already knew that these were the Latin terms for: red, yellow, green, blue, black. The easiest way to tell apart members of the respected factions would be the colour of their kagune. However, each faction specialises in different jobs and skills.

The ruber faction, they believe that pure strength is the only way forwards and will do just about anything for power. They focus on building up there body strength in order to appeal to their leader, Ouroboros. Their proffered fighting style is CQC and they don't have many ukaku users in their ranks. Overall, a complete power house known for taking down opponents with there overwhelming pride and power.

The lūteus faction, they are made up of many older ghouls that have seen war before. (Side note, ghouls live for thousands of years). They completely trust each other and are known for their joint attacks. That explains a lot. The members are rather traditional and focus on older fighting styles and techniques. They stray away from new styles of combat because they have a strong belief in the people of old and think that what ever they did must be the right way forward. Leader is unknown to me as only the higher ups know their name or who they are.

The viridis faction, they're completely ahead of time in terms of technology and specialise in support items and drugs to bolster up kagune. In terms of fighting ability they are pretty lacking but that is easily compensated by their intelligence. They are run by a scientist called Iris. From the information I've found, you would be hard pressed to find anyone close to her level of Iq. They won't be much of a problem by themselves but if they start feeling generous and handing out their products to someone like the ruber clans then we're gonna have ourselves quite the kerfuffle.

Caeruleus, best described as the honourable ones. Lūteus has honour, but if the older techniques did permit eye poking, you can bet your ass that they would be all over it. On the contrary, caeruleus are true warriors. Warriors that would not dare dream of a sneak attack, or a swift kick to the bollocks. I don't care who's side you're on, that's commendable. They do not focus on a specific style and believe that one should pick their own path, making them very divers in there arsenal. They're going to be trouble if the time ever comes.

The āter faction, otherwise known as the biggest pain in my ass! Nothing is known about them other then the fact that they are assassins. They take jobs from the other factions and from the Queens personal warriors. There's three of them in total. Sadly however, the moment any information about the Queen entered my mind I got a face full of face!

That was all the information I could get before I was forced out. Not a bad amount of info, and it will help me with quite a few things, but I still need more so I can get a better read on what we're dealing with. I wouldn't be surprised if they had an F to SSS ranking as well. That was all for another time though.

After two hours or so of contemplating, I assumed they had given up on the party and got up from my chair. Heading out the door, once again, I could now see people out and about which was a good sign. However, the moment I stepped outside all eyes were on me. They probably thought I just didn't know about the surprise, and I'd rather keep it that way. I got to Raritys boutique in good time and entered the through the door, triggering the bell. Instead of Raritys voice I heard someone else call from upstairs.

"I'll be with you in a sec!" The voice sounded like it belonged to a small boy rather than a man, and seeing him come down the stairs confirmed my theory. He had spikey green hair and was wearing black jeans and a purple shirt. In fact, they were exactly the same as mine just smaller. We locked eyes for a moment and then both looked at each others attire.

"Nice outfit."
"Nice outfit."

We said this at the exact same time and then quickly locked eyes with each other again. That's when I realised that it was the boy from yesterday. The one that came running after the incident. We both gave a small laugh, and then he began again. "How can I help you today sir?"

Ugh, "Phoenix is fine." That's getting old.

"Ok Phoenix, what can I do for you?"

"I'm in need of a weapon satchel for a small dagger." Clenching my fist, it appeared in my right hand. "For this."

Looking up from the dagger to the boy, I saw that he was absolutely astonished. Jease these people are easily exited. "You really don't use magic do you?"

I simply relied with, "Nope." I'm praying for the day when people aren't as shocked about that and don't ask me a million questions. "Anyway, should I have you leave a message for Rarity or....." I trailed off.

"You want leather right?" I nodded. He put his hand on his chin and looked up to think until saying, "Lucky for you leather is my specialty. I'm sure Rare's won't be too annoyed if I take this order." Woah woah woah, isn't that like child labour or something! I thought this place was supposed to be friendship and happiness!

"Well if you think you can then sure." Handing him the dagger, I spoke. "No particular style, black, durable."

He lit up at my acceptance to have him make it. "You got it! Come back tonight, it should be done by then!" These guys sure do work quickly.

"Will do." I turned to leave before remembering something, "I never caught your name?" When I had turned around he was already gone. I then suddenly heard him shout from upstairs.

"The names Spike." Spike huh. Pretty cool name I guess. With that last bit of information, I took my leave.

I was already a good distance from the boutique when I realised I forgot to ask where Rarity was. Ah well, I'm sure I'll run into her at some point. I decided the next thing to do would be relaying my info over to Thunderlane. Like he said, any info on the 'fangs' would be useful. I began looking around on the spot to see if I could find him. Considering I can see from earth from the fucking moon, I decided to just levitate upwards to get a birds eye view of the town. By the time I got a up a good one hundred meters or so the whole town was staring at me with amazed expressions plastered on their faces. Ignoring them, I began scanning the area for the Lieutenant. Finding him, he was patrolling the Everfree border right by sweet apple acres. I flew down towards him. When he noticed me in the corner of his eye he turned around to look at my descending form.

He smiled at me and spoke, "What can't you do?"

I mumbled under my breath, "That's a good question." Finally landing, I approached him and put my hand out. He returned the gesture but made it quick as he knew of my plight.

He then spoke, "So, I am assuming this is to do with the information you have on the ghouls?"

"Correct."

Looking at his watch for a sec and then back up to me, he said, "My shift ends in half an hour, we can talk and walk and defend, or if you want I can drop by yours when I'm done."

Smiling, I spoke, "Walking and talking will be fine."

We spent the next half an hour relaying all the info we had on the ghouls/fangs to each other. I didn't learn anything knew other than that Thunderlane and Blossomforth themselves have been dealing with the ghouls for the past two years. Pretty impressive if you ask me. I told him all about the different kagune and the different factions, I skipped out on the Tokyo Ghoul law though. By the time we were done he had been caught up on everything I knew about the ghouls, meaning there was no time for small talk. Once we were done we said our goodbyes and I was now headed home.

It was now nearing lunchtime but I wasn't that hungry, so instead I decided I'd kill some time by helping around the town. There's always someone in need of an extra hand. I then began wondering around until I walked by a rather lively park with kids running manically left right and centre. I made my way closer to the park and stopped to watch the children enjoy their youths. After about a minute or so, a small boy accidently tripped and landed at my feet. I say small but he was rather tall for his age. He had Long dark blue hair, maybe even navy blue, with a few bight orange streaks going through it. He was wearing a casual blue shirt that was slightly lighter than his hair. On the front was what looked to be a target you would find in medieval times, except it was blue and orange. He was also wearing blue denim jeans that were ripped at the knees. When he lifted his head up the ground I saw that he head had orange eyes that matched his hair and shirt.

I crouched down in front of him and held out my hand for him to get up. He took it and did so. After brushing himself off a bit and parting his hair he looked up at me and spoke. "Thanks mister, sorry about that."

I've always been a fan of kids, their innocence is bliss. With a smile I spoke, "No need to apologise, and please, call me Phoenix."

He beamed at me, glad that I wasn't angry, and spoke, "Ok Phoenix! My names flying snipe!" He gave a silly solute. What was interesting was that when he made a solute, he parted his hair far enough to reveal his ears, or should I say feathers. They were white and rather pointy, almost like an animal of sorts. When he caught me looking at them he instantly lowered his hand and looked down at the floor ashamed."

Please tell me racism isn't a thing in this world. "What wrong there buddy?"

He looked slightly surprised at that, and then lifted his head up to look at me again. "You mean, you're not weirded out?" He said slowly.

Putting on an even bigger smile, I responded with, "You must be a griffon right? Why would that weird me out?"

He looked down ashamed ,again, and spoke. "Well we're carnivores, everyone's afraid of me." He looked defeated at that. I then lifted his head up by his chin and then rapped an arm around his shoulder in a secretive gesture. I then looked at him and pulled back my cheek to reveal my canines. Upon seeing them, he jumped away and looked at me completely bewildered. "You mean your a....!"

I quickly covered his mouth and looked around to make sure no one heard. Getting closer to his ear, I said, "I'm an omnivore. But that's between you and me." Come to think of it, I haven't eaten any meat since I got here. Best keep my canines to my self then. Does everyone hear just have two sets of molars then? That's pretty wack. Letting go of him and stepping back, I said, "Don't let others beet you down, judge people by there actions not what they are."

He was now looking at me with pure amazement in his eyes. "Mister Phoenix. Can I hug you." Ah. How do I say no to that. With a forced smile, and every atom of my being preparing it self, I opened my arms out and he ran into them. After he pulled away from the hug he said thanks once again and then went back to playing. That was when I realised there was two groups in the park. To the left were a group of three griffons playing by themselves (Flying Snipe being one of them), and to my right was a large group of about 15 kids all playing 'it'. Another thing to read up on, racism. That reminded me, I still have books to read.

I made my way home without and disturbances, still hadn't ran into the main six, and made my self a quick salad. Grabbing the salad, I headed up stairs to eat and read.

After about four or so hours of reading I had finished two of the overly thick books. Apparently I can read fast now too. I now had a good idea on this worlds currency, and also a basic understanding of magic. Calling it a day, I put the books back on my bedside table and went downstairs. Deciding to find Rarity, I walked over to the door. However, as I went to open it I heard a knock from the other side. Opening the door revealed the main six along with spike. Before I could greet them or even get a word in, Pinkie marched into my house and began hanging up decorations. Rainbow followed shortly behind her and began laying food on my counter along with applejack. I then turned to Rarity and opened my mouth before I was cut off by Twilight who was standing to my left.

With a sigh, she began. "You missed the surprise party this morning, we know you avoided it." All the girls plus spike slightly frowned at that which made me feel bad. "And so Pinkie is setting up another one in your house." Oh now I fell like a dick. I stepped aside to let them in and quietly said, "I'm sorry." The least I could do was let them throw another party for me.

Rarity smiled slightly and spoke, "Don't worry about it Darling, I have already told the girls about your thing with large groups."

"I am grateful" I said with a small bow of the head. They all smiled at me and then walked into the living room. By the time we were in, the decorations were already up. I then realised there was someone here I was still yet to formally greet. Tapping the pink haired woman on the shoulder, she slightly jumped and then turned around to look at me. She was hiding behind her bangs which looked absolutely adorable.

In a very quite and fragile tone, she spoke. "Oh..um...yes?"

Smiling at her as to not appear as threatening, I spoke. "I don't believe we have officially met, I'm Phoenix." I then put out my hand. She returned the gesture. I then raised her hand to my mouth and gave it a small peck which made her blush and the rest of the girls giggle.

"I-It is nice to m-meet you Phoenix. I am um...Fluttershy."

"It is nice to meet you too Fluttershy." Letting go of her hand, I spoke to everyone that was in the room. "I am truly sorry for avoiding the party, I am not one for big gatherings. Especially with people I don't know."

Applejack responded first. "Don' worry 'bout it none!" All the girls nodded in agreement.

Rainbow dash then blurted out, "Enough of the sappy talk, it's time to paaarteeeey!" Pinkie then appeared behind a mixing desk and was DJ-ing for us. The middle of the room had now somehow become a disco floor with a disco ball at the top. Twilight was dancing/talking with Pinkie by the mixing desk whilst Rarity and Fluttershy were sat on the long sofa by the door. Rainbow and Applejack were having an arm wrestle on my counter and spike was in the corner of the kitchen eating what seemed to be......gems. That's when it hit me, he must be the dragon from the show. I wander if he has any unique features like Snipe?

I began to make my way upstairs to get changed. When I was walking to the stairs Twilight gave me a worried look. Probably thought I was ditching. I turned to her and spoke. "Just getting changed." After hearing that she smiled at me and went back to dancing. I put Chastiefol in its pillow for and left it in the corner of my room. I then slipped on a new pair of jeans and a green shirt. I had been wearing my other set yesterday and they were a bit mucky after getting a hug from Snipe considering he had just fallen to the ground moments before greeting me. Once that was done I made my way down stairs to have some fun.

Once at the bottom, I turned to my left to look at RD and AJ in the middle of an arm-wrestle. Walking over to them, I sat down next to Applejack and said, "When you're done mind if I have a try?" When I said that they both let go of each other and looked at me.

"Sure!"
"Sure!"

"Nice. You're on." My western friend moved up a seat so I could be opposite RD and I took her spot. She put her arm out and then gave me a challenging look. Returning both the gestures, I felt AJ put her hand over ours. With a short countdown, we were off. However, I did not feel any force.

Confused, I looked up to Rainbow and spoke. "You know she finished the countdown right? You can start."

"Ha ha very funny! Now quite using magic you cheat!" I then realised that she was indeed trying her hardest to move me, even by an inch. I then also realised that I have godly strength.

By this point, Twilight and Pinkie were now next to us and watching intently. Then Twilight spoke, "Rainbow, I hate to break it to you, but he's not using magic." Rainbow then got a shocked look on her face and then pulled her hand away from mine.

"You mean he's just that strong!"

Replying with a smug grin, "Yup." I then looked around at the surrounding people, "Who's next?" They all rapidly shook their heads with worried expressions on. I chuckled at that which made everyone else join in to.

We spent the rest of the night just pissing about and talking about this and that. It was nice. I got to spend some time with Spike which was neat. We began talking about random stuff, that eventually lead to this.

"You know, I met a kid earlier a lot like you, I think you'd be good friends."

Spike looked kind of surprised at that, "Really? Was he a dragon or something?"

"No actually, he was a griffon by the name of Flying Snipe." At the mention of that name, the whole room went silent, even the music somehow stopped.

With a concerned tone, Rarity spoke. "Darling, did you say.....Flying Snipe?"

"Err yeah." I looked amongst their bewildered expressions. "Am I missing something here?"

Rainbow dash ignored the question and asked her own. "Did he try and eat ya!?"

Oh don't tell me.... "What do you mean? He's like, what, thirteen or so?"

Twilight responded with, "But he's a griffon!" ......these people really are afraid of griffons.

Turning to Pinkie, because she'd do just about anything I asked, I said, "Hey Pinkie, could you open your mouth and say aaah for a sec?" I began to walk over to her as I said this.

She saluted me and said, "But of course Lord Phoenix." I rolled my eyes at her antics. She then did as I said. Now in front of her, I looked in her mouth to find no canines, just another pair of molars on both rows. I then stepped back and said thank you.

Turning to look at Twilight, I spoke in a rather pissed tone. "Has Snipe ever done anything to harm you?"

She looked a bit confused at my question. "Well no but..."

I cut her off and spoke again, "Has he ever done anything to spite you?" I was walking closer to her as I spoke.

Now seeing seeing where this was going, she answered. "Well, no..."

Cutting her off a second time, "Has he been the source or reason for any of your of your friends negative emotions?" I was now only two feet away from her.

She seemed defeated. And she was supposed to be the princess of friendship. "No"

I sighed and spoke in a not pissed but disappointed tone, "I'm not angry with you," she finally looked me in the eyes after those words, "I'm just very disappointed in you." Turning to the rest of the group, "All of you." They all looked down at that. "Do not judge a person by their heritage, but by their actions."

They all simultaneously said, "Sorry, we won't do it again."

I put my hands on my hips and put on a more playful tone. "And as punishment, tomorrow we're all going to go visit Snipe, and your gonna become friends." They all looked rather scared by my statement but realised there was no backing out of it. This world really does need fixing if racism is a thing. "Anyway, we don't need to stay on that topic," I swerved on one foot and looked towards Pinkie. "Hit it Pinkie!" She beamed at me and then suddenly appeared behind the mixing board, because she's Pinkie, and put the music back on.

Everyone's smiles were now back on their faces, and we partied the rest of the night away. So much so that I woke up the next morning on the single sofa in the corner of the room...with spike curled up on my lap. The events of last night soon came back to me. It was about two o'clock in the morning when we realised we'd better get some shut eye. However, everyone was too tired to move anywhere. So I used my air bending, whilst sat down at my seat, to move the girls onto the sofas. I then realised spike didn't have anywhere to sleep so fuck it, my lap it is then. He was cool with it and I think we both mutually didn't give a shit about what the others said. And so, I now sit here with spike curled up in my lap.

Looking to my right I saw three of the girls sleeping on the sofa next to the door. Or should I say, two. Fluttershy was laying on the side closest to the door, Rarity was next to her, and on the other end a very flustered RD. She was sat looking straight ahead to a wall, red as a tomato, with her eyes bloodshot from tiredness. She slowly turned her head to look at me and didn't say anything. The reason why she was so flustered was because I certain fashionista was sleeping on her shoulder.

I see what's happening here. Although Rainbow was the last one I expected to see it from. In a hushed voice, and with a large smirk, I spoke. "I get what's going on now."

In a shout/whisper, she whipped back at me with, "You shut up!"

Still with the same smirk. "I'm rooting for ya!" She lightly smiled at that and I gave her a thumbs up. We spent the next ten minutes sitting in silence and waiting for the others to wake up. Weirdly they all woke up at the same time, which meant a massive wave of yawns and stretches.

Applejack was the first to speak, in a very tired voice that is. "Mornin' y'all." I replied first and everyone else soon followed. AJ soon saw that Rainbow wasn't looking to great and questioned her. "You okay there RD, you look like you've seen a ghost?" Rainbow dash just slowly nodded whilst laughing slightly to herself like a crazy person.

Rarity then spoke. "I am terribly sorry about falling onto your shoulder. I have a tendency to move about in my sleep sometimes." Rainbow dash just slowly shook her head this time, still laughing to herself.

Before Rarity could question Rainbow Dashes odd behaviour, we heard a knock on the door. "I'll get it." I said, as I approached the door. Opening it revealed two very familiar princesses; both with pouts on there faces. "Ah, it is lovely to see you two today. How may I help?" They both just hmphed at me whilst sticking there nose up in the air and walked past me into the house.

Then Luna said, "Where was our invite?"

Celestia then spoke, "We love parties!"

"Ahhhh." Well this is a kerfuffle. "All I have to say, is that at was their fault." I was pointing at the rest of the group as I finished.

Soon after I heard a chorus of "What!"

Celestia then spoke up. "It is quite alright, Twilight had already invited us but we were rather busy. We were actually just here to discuss some things with you Phoenix."

I smiled at that. "What a coinkidink, I needed to discuss somethings with you." My odd language made everyone giggle. "I then turned to my other guests. "Stay or leave, I don't really mind, but just don't go in my room."

They all responded with "Got it!" and pulled a playful salute.

Turning to the Princesses, I spoke once again, "Shall we?" I then put out both my arms for them to hold onto like an escort. They both giggled at my attitude today and latched onto my arms. Having a stunning woman on each arm is always a plus.

With a quick flash and a pop, we were no longer in my house.

Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. This one took longer because I had a butt load of homework. As always, any criticism is appreciated, good or bad.

Thanks for reading!