The Hunter's Heart

by Silentpegasus

First published 5th of January, 2013

Cross Hair, a grey unicorn stallion is badly injured by a timberwolf encounter. He wakes up days later to find that he is being cared for by a yellow pegasus mare. What will happen when this hunter falls prey to his emotions?

Cross Hair, a grey unicorn stallion is badly injured in a Timber wolf encounter. He wakes up days later to find that he is being cared for by a yellow pegasus mare. What will happen when this hunter falls prey to his emotions? What is the secret he is keeping from his hostess and her friends and why does a certain purple dragon not trust him?

Fluttershy X O.C.

Chapter 1: Lone Wolf

Cross Hair, a grey unicorn stallion was running faster than he’s ever run before in his life. As he cut through the strange forest he looked back to see if the Timber wolves were still after him, he ducked into a nearby cave to catch his breath.

Okay, note to self; do not try to take down a Timber wolf pack. Cross set his saddle bags down and trotted over to a small puddle and began to look himself over, his right eye was covered by an eye patch with a cross hair symbol on it. He wore the eye patch ever since ‘the accident’, it happened when he was a colt. He dipped his brown river hat in the puddle and flopped it back onto his head allowing the cold water to drip down over his head and onto his face, he let out a moan of relief as the water trickled off his head and on to his back, washing of the dirt and grime that had collected on him. He shook his grey coat dry and checked to see if the coast was clear, he put his saddle bags onto his back and continued onward. He came to a thicket, he pulled out his serrated knife and began to carve his way through, as he got to the other side he came to a clearing.

Thank Celestia, a clearing in this crazy forest, better call Ace and- he was cut off by the sounds of several growls coming from the thicket, he looked around to see bright yellow eyes glaring at him. He got to his hooves and started to observe his surroundings, he noticed that the grass had been trampled flat and that it was riddled with bones of small animals strewn around the place. He closed his eyes and started to chuckle to himself. Of coarse.....It’s their bucking den. the wolves began to walk in a circular formation, until a larger wolf stepped forward and stared at the stallion with blood lust in his eyes.

Cross stared right back at the wolf. “So..you’re the Alpha huh?” the beat started to growl at the other wolves, they soon backed off and returned to the thicket. Cross stared back at the large beast with a cocky smile he then had a thought. Wow, this is like that scene from ‘The Black’ with Liam Neighson. the wolf was beginning to become annoyed with his prey, the wolf took a few steps closer to the stallion. Cross could smell the beast’s breath and see the drool dripping from the wolfs mouth. Cross opened his bag and withdrew his serrated blade and put it in his mouth, he glared back at the beast, it’s eyes locked on to the stallion. Well no-pony lives forever. ALLONS-Y!

Cross charged at the wolf with the knife in his mouth, the wolf did the same. Cross could feel the beast’s claws digging into him and tearing his coat. Cross started stab the beast with his knife, the wolf let out a cry of agony, it dropped the stallion and circled around for another attack. Cross was ready this time he let out a blast from his horn that connected with the wolf’s head. It let out a cry of pain, it then swiped the stallion across his face. Cross brought his hooves to his face in pain, he looked over at the Timber wolf that started to charge again. Cross stood still and aimed for the wolf’s head again. The blast connected with the wolfs head and fell to the ground. Cross limped over to the wolf’s body and saw that it was just unconscious. He threw his hat back on top of his head and started to bleed profusely. He made his way back into the forest, he was breathing heavily, his vision was starting to blur. He could feel his hooves starting to give under his weight. He fell to the ground and could feel darkness starting to take him. “I....guess....this.......is it.” as he closed his eye, he swore he heard the sound of hoof-steps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross’s eye snapped open to find that he was staring at a wooden roof, he sat up to see that he was laying in a very comfortable bed, the room had a very rustic and homely feel to it. Cross put a hoof on his face and felt that his eye-patch was still there, as he tried to get up he felt a harsh pain coarse through his body. He looked down to see that his mid section was covered in bandages, he also felt some on his face. The door suddenly opened to reveal a yellow pegasus with a flowing pink mane and cyan eyes, she gave a quick squeal of surprise when she saw the stallion sitting up, she quickly hurried over to his side.

“Oh thank goodness you’re awake! I was so worried!” she said in a concerned tone. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine......all things considering.” he said as he looked down at the bandages. “I don’t mean to be rude miss, but who are you and where am I?” the yellow mare shrank back and avoided eye contact.

“I’m Fluttershy.” she said in a barely audible volume.

“Fluttershy? Did I hear that right?” the mare nodded. “Well, that answers one question, but what happened?”

“I found you a few days ago in the Everfree Forest, when I saw your condition I couldn’t leave you like that. So I brought you to my home and patched you up. You’re not mad are you?” she said in a timid voice.

“Of coarse I’m not mad why would I......Wait a how many days have I been here?”

“Counting today? Six.”

“WHAT!” he screamed. Fluttershy cringed back in fear at the stallions’ yelling. “Sorry about that Fluttershy, didn’t mean to shout.”

“No I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-”

“What do you have to be sorry for? You saved my life, I would’ve become somethings lunch if it wasn’t for you.” he said with a smile.

“Oh, it’s really nothing. But what were you doing out there anyway?”

“I was just passing through, until I accidentally stumbled into a Timber Wolf den.” he said with a guilty smile.

“What!” she said as she lifted a hoof over her mouth.

“And then the Alpha male challenged me, I won.”

“Where is the Alpha now?” she asked in a concerned voice.

“Don’t know, I knocked it out before I passed out. It’s probably still out there walking around.” he said as he tired to get up again, another wave of pain washed over him again. The yellow mare then rushed to his side.

“Please stay in bed, you still haven’t recovered your strength yet.” she said with pleading eyes. Cross looked at the mare and gave a heavy sigh.

“Alright fine. I will and don’t worry, I’ll pay you back for this. I promise.”

“Oh you don’t have to do that, kindness is it’s own reward.” she said with a smile. Cross’s stomach let out a loud grumble.

“Heh-heh, sorry. I guess I haven’t eaten in a few days.”

“That’s alright it’s around dinner time anyway, I’ll be right back with some soup.” she said as she trotted out of the room with a smile on her face. Cross laid back in the bed and stared up at the ceiling.

Wow, am I lucky she found me.

No kidding, plus she’s cute.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves now, we don’t want to take advantage of her hospitality.

True, but what about when you’re better?

Let’s just focus on recovering right now and then I’ll worry about her love life Deal?

Deal.

The door opened again to show Fluttershy balancing two bowls of soup on her back, she trotted over to him and he took it from her with a smile on his face. As Fluttershy turned around to get herself a chair she tripped, sending her and the bowl of soup flying. Before she could hit the ground she felt herself being held by a magical aura, she looked over to see Cross’s horn glowing, she felt herself being stood back up on her hooves and the bowl of soup being place on her back, with the piping hot liquid still in the bowl.

“Th-thank you.” she said with a grin.

“No problem, it’d stink if my hostess got burned.” he then saw a small white rabbit glaring at him with daggers in his eyes. Fluttershy noticed the small rabbit and hurried over to it.

“Angel be nice. He’s our guest.” as the bunny trotted away he made the ‘I’m watching you’ sign with his paws. “Angel can be a bit fussy, but he’s really sweet once you get to know him.” the two continued to eat until Cross realized something, Fluttershy’e eyes shrank at his action. “What you don’t like the soup? That’s okay I can just-”

“No it’s not the soup, the soup is amazing. I just feel bad.”

“Why?”

“Here you are giving me food, shelter, healing me and I haven’t even told you my name.”

“Oh that’s alright you don’t-” she was cut off by him raising a hoof.

“No, it’s common courtesy to give your name before asking for some-pony else’s. I’m Cross Hair, but you can call me Cross.” he said with a smile.

“Nice to meet you Cross I-” she was cut off by letting out a low pitched yawn.

Okay, now that may have just been the cutest sound I’ve ever heard.

“You okay Fluttershy?”

“Yeah I’m just tired, I haven’t slept recently.”

“How long is ‘recently?’” he asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Ummm.........three days.” she said in a timid voice.

“What! Fluttershy that’s not healthy, you need your rest.”

“But what if you-”

“Fluttershy you need to sleep, I’ll be fine. Why don’t you got to your bed and take a nice long-” Fluttershy’s suddenly adverted her gaze, something clicked in the back of Cross’s mind. “This is your bed, isn’t it?” the yellow mare nodded and Cross face hoofed. “So you’ve been sleeping on the floor?”

“No, I have a couch downstairs, it’s really comfortable. Don’t worry I sleep on it when I’m to tired to come up here or have a guest.” she gave him a reassuring smile, Cross looked at her feeling guilty.

“Well okay...but as soon as I’m mobile I’ll take the couch. Deal?”

“Deal, let me just put these in the sink, I’ll check your heart beat and then I’ll go to sleep.”

“Okay, her you go.” he levitated the empty soup bowl over to her, as she exited the room she gave him a quick smile, as soon as she was gone Cross put his hooves over his eyes.

Ugh this mare is killing me with kindness! She’s healing me, feeding me and letting me sleep in her own bed for Faust’s sake!

Well at least she’s nice.

True a little TOO nice, what’s her angle?

Maybe she knows about the-

No, no-pony knows about that. he stopped thinking when he heard hoof steps outside the door. Fluttershy walked in with a smile on her face, as she drew closer a blush appeared on her face.

“Umm....I need to invade your personal space for a minute.” she said as he blush brightened.

“It’s fine, go ahead.” Fluttershy put her right ear to the stallions muscular chest and started to listen, Cross was praying that she wouldn’t look up at his blush.

“Hmm....you’ve got a pretty strong heart beat.”

“Thanks, I-” he was cut off when he saw that the yellow mare had fallen asleep on his chest. He moved over and levitated the mare onto the bed, making sure not to wake her up. The yellow pegasus then let out a soft snore. Okay I take back what I said earlier. THAT is the cutest sound I’ve ever heard. He levitated over the spare blanket’s in the corner of the room and drew them over the mare. Soon the familiar bliss that is sleep took him.

Author's Notes:

Yes, the Allons-y is a Dr. Who Referance.

Chapter 2: Ponyville

Cross woke up to a pale of cold water being dumped on him, he shot up to see the white rabbit staring at him with an angry look on his face. The excess water hit Fluttershy as well, causing her to fall out of the bed. As Cross looked over at the bunny his face became cross.

“Hey, What was that for?!” he barked the rabbit proceeded to scream at him and point with his paw, the rabbit hopped off the bed and left the room. Cross got to his hooves and a small amount of pain hit him, he powered through and helped Fluttershy to her hooves.

“Sorry about that, Angel is a tad overprotective of me.” she said as Cross helped her up.

“It’s fine, I’ve woken up to worse things.”

“Still he shouldn’t have done that, I’ll talk to him later and get him to apologize.”

“Wait you can do that?”

“Yes it’s my special talent. I take care of the animals around Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?” he said as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Oh that’s the name of town I live by, I actually need to go and get some supplies and-”

“Well let’s go then!” he said with a smile.

“Wh-what but you’re injured and-”

“I’m fine. I’m mobile now, plus the pain isn’t as bad as it seems.” he said as he gave a small jump, as he landed he gave quick wince in pain. “See.....totally fine.”

“I don’t know I-”

“C’mon Fluttershy I’ve been out cold for six days, I gotta stretch my legs.” he said as he cracked his neck.

“Well....okay. Let me just get my things.” something clicked in the back of Cross’s mind.

“Hey Fluttershy, there was a bag and a hat with me before I passed out. Did you grab it by any chance?”

“Oh yes I got them, they’re down stairs in the living room.” the two ponies trotted down stairs, Cross noticed that the house was filled with small creatures. Cross looked around to see the small creatures glaring at him in wonder. Fluttershy then walked over to an old dark brown stetson hat and a pair of saddle bags .“Here they are, I just kept them here for safe keeping.” Cross threw the hat on his head along with the saddle bags on his back, his horn began to glow and his hat and bag blinked for a second.

“Thank you, shall we go?” he said as he looked back at the mare, she smiled and trotted out of the door with Cross close behind. The two ponies trotted along the dirt path and continued to talk, once in a while he’d catch the mare staring at him.

“What’s up?”

“Oh...it’s nothing.”

“C’mon Fluttershy what’s on your mind? We might as well talk to pass the time.”

“Okay...I was wondering what you do for a living...but you don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.” she said in a timid voice.

“Oh, that all? I’m a hunter.” Fluttershy’s eyes shrank at the statement.

“Y-you hunt?” Cross’s eye’s shrank at her reaction.

“I’m so sorry, I should have clarified. I ‘hunt down’ lost animals.” he said as he looked back at the mare.

“Oh! You find lost animals?” she said with a sigh of relief.

“Yes, some-pony who has lost a pet tells me and I go and find it, among other things.”

“Other things?”

“Sometimes the police give me a job to track down an escaped convict or find a missing pony.” he said as he looked back at the mare with a grin. “There’s an official job title for what I am but Hunter has a nice ring to it.”

“Oh my, it sounds like a rewarding job.” she said as she smiled at him.

“It is, I like helping ponies.” he said in a cheery tone. “You?”

“I mostly treat injured pet’s and animals.”

“What kind of animals?”

“All kinds, bunnies, birds, butterflies manticores and-”

“Did you just say manticore’s?” he said in surprise.

“Oh yes, they may seem scary but they’re really sweet once you earn their trust.”

“Well....if you say so I-” his eyes shrank, he grabbed Fluttershy and they both ducked to the ground as a cyan blur passed over their heads. Cross looked down to see a surprised and blushing Fluttershy looking at him. He got to his hooves and made his way over to the crater to see a cyan pegasus mare with a rainbow colored mane and tail.

“Ugh...my head!” she said as she got to her hooves and looked up at the stallion. “Oh hey what’s up?”

“Well you nearly turned my friend and I into a pancake!” he said in an annoyed tone.

“Oh sorry I didn’t mean to.......oh Hey Fluttershy!” she said as the yellow mare trotted up next to the grey unicorn.

“Oh hello Rainbow Dash, how are you today?” she said with a smile.

“I’m fine shy, who’s he?” she said as she looked at the stallion.

“Oh this is Cross Hair.”

“Friend of yours?” he asked.

“Yes, Rainbow is my oldest friend.”

“Oh, nice to meet you. You can call me Cross by the way.” he said as he outstretched a hoof, Rainbow shook the hoof with a smile on her face.

“So your the stallion Fluttershy’s talked so much about.” she said with a sly grin, Fluttershy’s face turned red as her friend said that. Cross looked back at her and gave a slight grin.

“Well I’m not surprised. I mean she’s been taking care of me for six days now, I’d feel a little offended if she didn’t mention me.” Fluttershy shrank back from the two.

“Oh....sorry.” she said in a timid voice.

“I’m just kidding.” he said with a laugh.

“So Cross, what do you do?”

“I’m a hunter, now before you freak out let me explain.” Cross then began to explain what he had just told Fluttershy, as he did the three ponies continued to trot along the path.

“Oh, so you find animals and bring them back to their owners?”

“Sometimes, what do you do?”

“I’m the weather manager and future Wonderbolt!” she said with a cocky smile.

“That’s cool.” Fluttershy rejoined the conversation.

“So how do you catch the animals?”

“Sometimes I stun them with a spell, get them in a trap or just out run and capture them.” Rainbow’s ears perked up at the statement.

“So you can run fast?”

“I’m not one to brag but....yes.”

“Wanna race?” she said with a smile on her face.

“Maybe some other time Rainbow, I’m still getting over my injuries.”

“You mean your eye?” Cross then frowned at the mare.

“No. My eye is a preexisting condition. I’m talking about the wounds I have on my side.” he said as he pointed to the bandaged spot’s.

“Oh.....sorry. What happened?”

“Got attacked by Timber Wolves and left for dead, until Fluttershy found me and patched me up.” he said as he looked at the yellow mare with a warm smile.

“I-it was nothing. I was just being a nice pony.”

“No a nice pony would have left me there and brought back a medic. You carried me to your house and healed me yourself, You went the extra mile and I’m grateful for that.” he said as he put a hoof on the mare’s shoulder. Fluttershy began to blush brightly at the stallion’s motion. “So what did you need to get in town again?”

“J-just some supplies and-” the trio was surprised bay a pink earth pony with a bouncy pink mane popping up in front of them.

“I’veneberseenyoubeforeI’mPinkiepiebutevery-ponycallsmePinkie,wellalomostevery-ponyiguessonlymyfriendsdobutevery-ponyismyfriendso-

“PINKIE PIE!” Rainbow yelled stopping the mares constant waterfall of words.

“Oops, sorry Dashie you know how I get when I meet some-pony new!” she said as she looked at the confused grey stallion.

“Hello, I’m Cross Hair, but you can call me Cross.”

“Hi I’m Pinkie Pie but you can call me Pinkie, all my friends do. Do you want to be friends?” she said with an excited look on her face.

“Sure why not, I take it you’re Fluttershy and Rainbow’s friend?”

“Yup we’re super best friends!” she said as she put a hoof over the two pegasi’s shoulders. “Wait you know him Fluttershy!?

“Yes......we met seven days ago.” she said in a timid voice.

“WHAT! THEN WHY DIDN’T I MEET HIM TILL TODAY!?” she yelled in surprise, she then felt a tap on her shoulder.

“I’ve been bedridden for the past week, Fluttershy was taking care of me till I get my strength back.” Pinkie’s eyes grew wide at the realization.

“Oh! You’re THAT stallion.” she said rolling her eyes. “When Fluttershy first told us she was taking care of some-pony I wanted to throw you a party, but she said that you weren’t feeling well, since your better now want to have a party?” she asked with an even bigger smile on her face, Fluttershy’s face had turned bright red again.

“Um....sure.” he said with a nervous grin.

“YAY! I’d better start planning!” the pink mare then zoomed away from the group. Cross stood there stunned and looked at the two pegasi.

“Is she always like that?”

“Oh yeah. That’s just Pinkie being Pinkie, you’ll get used to her.” Rainbow said with a smile.

“Was she serious about throwing me a party?”

“Yeah it’s kind of Pinkie’s thing. She throws parties for all the new ponies she meet’s.”

“Not sure how to handle that.”

“Why?” Fluttershy asked.

“Never been to a party before.” he said as he avoided eye contact. Rainbow’s jaw dropped.

“What! Why?”

“Never invited to one and never threw one.”

“Oh....sorry to hear that.” Fluttershy said as she put a hoof on his shoulder.

“WHAT! REALLY!?” Cross gave a slight nod. “Then tonight is going to be the best PARTY EVER!” she said as she gave him a slight punch on the side.

“RAINBOW! I’m..........wait it doesn’t hurt.” he took the bandages off to reveal that his wounds were fully healed. “Look at that, it’s healed. I guess your better than you give yourself credit for Fluttershy.” he said grinning back at the blushing mare.

“Well since your up for it.....WANNA RACE!?” Rainbow said with a grin.

“You’r on!....But let’s even the playing field!” a beam hit Rainbow and a tight rope formed around her wings.

“What the-”

“Just to ensure there’s no cheating, you can’t use your wings and I won’t use my magic. On my honor.” he said as he raised his right hoof. Dash let out a low grumble.

“Fine, how about from here to Sweet Apple Acres!”

“Um...don’t know where that is.” he said in a blank tone.

“It’s a straight shot through town. It’s pretty big, you cant miss it and don’t worry just follow me.” she said in a cocky attitude.

“Oh we’ll see about that!” the two drew a start line and took their positions. Rainbow noticed that he still had his hat and bag on him.

“Maybe you should take that stuff off, you might loose it.’

“Nah, I enchanted them so that the only way these come off is if I take them off. Try and take my hat off.” the cyan mare shrugged and attempted to take the hat off of the stallions head. She ended up picking the stallion off the ground by his stetson. “See? They’ll be fine.” he said as she let him down and the two took their positions again.

“3........2.1-”

“GO!” Cross yelled as he took the lead, with Rainbow close behind and gaining ground, the two ponies were neck and neck when they entered the small town. Cross began to weave in and out to avoid the ponies. He eyed an incoming cart and quickly vaulted over it. Rainbow took advantage and sped ahead of the stallion with a cocky look on her face. Cross increased his speed , catching up to the cyan mare. He pulled up along side her and grinned, soon the farm came into view. “Well it’s been fun Dash but, time to finish this.” he shot forward surprising the mare. Rainbow doubled her pace she was just behind the grey stallion as they entered the farms’ dirt road. Rainbow was now side by side with the stallion. As he gave one last burst of energy he rocketed past the mare and stopped after he got in front of the barn, he looked back to see a surprised and worn out cyan mare.

“Where.......did you learn.........to run......like that?”

“You’re talking to a stallion who’s had to out run a pack of timber wolves.” he said with a smile, his horn glowed and the restraint’s around Rainbow’s wing evaporated. Suddenly an orange blur knocked him to the ground. Cross looked up to see an orange earth pony mare with a blond mane and tail, she had an angry look on her face.

“Gotcha hat thief!” she said as she tried to rip the brown stetson off the stallion’s head.

“Get off me!” he said as his horn glowed and a cage formed around the mare.

“What in tarnation!” she yelled in a southern accent.

“Why did you just attack me?!” he said as he glared at the mare.

“You stole mah hat!”

“I did not! This is my hat, has been mine for years!” Rainbow then trotted over to the orange mare.

“He’s telling the truth AJ. He had it when we got here.” Cross looked between the two with a confused look.

“I take it she’s a friend of yours Rainbow?” he said as he eyed the mare.

“Yeah.” Cross let out a sigh and dissolved the cage holding the mare, who glared at him with anger in her eyes.

“Look miss, I-” they were cut off by a large stallion holding a brown hat in his jaw.

“Found this under your bed sis.” he said as he gave her the hat. The mare quickly put it on her head and smiled. She turned back to Cross with an embarrassed look on her face.

“Ah’m might sorry about that misunderstanding. I’m Applejack.” she said as she put out her hoof. Cross shook it and let out a sigh.

“Cross Hair, but Cross is fine.” he said keeping the blank look on his face.

“How do yah know RD?”

“We met just this morning.” he said as he looked over at the cyan mare.

“This is the stallion that staying with Fluttershy.” she said as she put a hoof over the stallion’s shoulder.

“Oh your that stallion!”

“Okay, how does ever-pony know me?” he said as a familiar yellow mare landed next to him. “I mean she didn’t even know who I was until yesterday evening, not that I’m complaining. I’m just finding it a little weird.”

“S-sorry.” Fluttershy said in a sad tone.

“It’s fine, it’s just that I’m in a new town and I’m still getting used to things around here.” he said in an apologetic tone. Fluttershy gave a weak smile, suddenly his stomach let out a loud growl. “Heh-heh. Sorry I skipped breakfast this morning.” Fluttershy’s stomach made the same noise ten second’s later, she squeaked and began to blush. Daaaaawwwwwww. She's cute when she's blushing. Snap out of it! he thought to himself.

“Well why don’t ya’ll come inside and eat. We got plenty of food to go around.” she said with a smile.

“I don’t want to pester you for-”

“Pleas ah insist. Plus ah still feel bad about accusing you like that.” she said with a guilty smile.

“Okay. Lead the way.” he said with a sigh.

Chapter 3: Ace

The Ponies sat down and began to eat at the table, Cross sat next to Fluttershy and began to tell them about the places he’s been and the jobs he’s done.

“So you’ve been all over Equestria?” Rainbow asked.

“Not all over, but the farthest I’ve gone is Saddle Arabia. Nice place, the ponies there love tourists.” he began to shake his head to the to the right in frustration.

“Yah okay Cross?” AJ asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Yeah, I still have some water in my ear from this morning’s wake up call.”

“Beg yer pardon?”

“Angel splashed a pale of water on him this morning.” Fluttershy said in a small tone.

“Seriously Shy, that bunny needs an attitude adjustment.” Rainbow said with a stern look on her face.

“Relax Dash, with the way he found me I’m not surprised he did what he did.” Cross said as he raised a hoof.

“Why’s that?” Cross bit his lower lip and looked over at Fluttershy who had a confused look on her face.

“Do you remember what happened last night Fluttershy?”

“Last night? Well I gave you the soup, we talked for awhile and then I went to bed, right?”

“You’re about 50% right, only that while you were checking my heart beat you fell asleep.” Fluttershy’s face turned crimson.

“So she slept on the floor?” AJ asked.

“No......she was using my chest as a pillow. I moved over and we....shared the bed.” he said as he blushed. Fluttershy hid behind her hooves. A long silence fell over the room. “Um.....can I use the restroom AJ?”

“S-sure. Upstairs, third door on yer left.” she said as he got to his hooves. As soon as he was out of range Rainbow flew over and gave her feathered friend a nudge.

“Nice, did you have fun?” she said with a sly grin.

“RAINBOW!” AJ yelled.

“What? I’m curious and so are you!”

“Ah’ll admit, it perks my interest but that’s Fluttershy’s story to tell and if she don’t want to tell it, then that’s her decision.” she said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder.

“So...do you....like him?” Rainbow asked in an innocent voice. Fluttershy’s blush answered her question. “You do, don’t you!”

“Rainbow that’s enough! Fluttershy doesn’t need your instigating and-” she was cut off by the sound of hoof steps coming from the stair case. Cross rejoined the group with a weak smile on his face, Fluttershy trotted over to him with tears in her eyes.

“I’m...I’m sorry! I was just so tired and...” Cross pulled her into a hug.

“It’s okay Fluttershy, I’ve woken up to worse things laying next to me than you. Plus if any one should apologize it should be me for embarrassing you in front of your friends.” he said as he broke the hug.

“R-really?” she said as she wiped her tears away.

“Yeah, one time Ace used me as a pillow and I swear he might have-”

“Who’s Ace?” Rainbow interjected.

“Ace is my pet-” he suddenly face hoofed. “Ugh! I totally forgot about him, he’s gonna kill me!” he said as he levitated his hat and bags on himself and ran out the door with the mares hot on his hooves.

“Why don’t you call him here?” Cross stopped and looked back at the orange mare.

“I don’t think that’s wise.”

“Why?”

“Whenever some-pony see’s him they freak out.”

“I won’t.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Same here, call the little guy.” AJ said.

“Yeah, how bad can he be?” Rainbow said as she raised a hoof. Cross looked at the three mares and let out a heavy sigh.

“Alright, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” he said as he lifted a wooden whistle out of his saddle bag. He blew a loud note and put it away. The three mares stood there with a confused look on their faces, Cross lowered himself to the ground and put his ear in the dirt.

“What are you doing?” Rainbow asked.

“Shhh!.....Here he comes!” he said as he got to his hooves and pointed into the orchard. Soon a massive white wolf and bright red eyes came running up to them, it jumped on cross and pinned him to the ground Rainbow and Applejack were about to jump in when Fluttershy stopped them. The mares heard laughter coming from the stallion. “Easy boy...Sorry you were out there for so long, those timber wolves did a number on me.” the wolf then noticed the three mares staring at him and began to growl. “Hey! Be nice, they’re friends.” he said as he got to his hooves.

“Cross, what the hay is that thing? It’s huge!” AJ said staring at the beast.

“This is a Dire Wolf, and he’s only six feet tall.” he said as he petted the beast’s white fur.

“I’ve never seen an animal like this before.” Fluttershy said in amazement.

“Not surprising, he’s one of the last ones left.” Fluttershy let out a gasp and stepped towards the creature, it let out a growl as she did. “Ace, be nice. This mare saved me and I would appreciate it if you would co-operate.” the beast let out a huff and a low bark. Cross turned to the ponies with a smile on his face. “He said he’s sorry for startling you. You can pet him if you want.” Fluttershy happily trotted over and started rubbing the beast’s head with her hoof.

“You understand what he’s saying?” AJ said in astonishment.

“When you spend your life traveling you tend to learn a few things.” he said with a smile. Ace let out a sound of pleasure as Fluttershy started to scratch behind his ears.

“Where did you get him?” Fluttershy asked.

“I found him while I was up north, he was almost frozen in the snow. I guess he was the Omega, but I nursed him back to health and he’s been my companion ever since.” Rainbow then put her hoof on the beast and began to pet it.

“What’s the omega?” AJ asked.

“For every pack of wolves theres an Alpha; the leader and an Omega; the outcast. I guess the other wolves thought he was weak so they abandoned him.” the wolf let out a low pitched whining noise and put his ears back. “Sorry, he’s a bit sensitive about that topic.”

“He can understand us?”

“More or less. Don’t be shy AJ c’mon over and give him a pet.”

“Ummm....”

“Relax he doesn’t bite.”

“Really?” she said as she cocked an eyebrow.

“Just don’t get him angry and you’ll be fine.” the orange mare gave a deep sigh and walked over to the wolf. She outstretched a hoof and began to pet it’s head, the large wolf proceeded to lick the orange mare on the face. Applejack wiped the slobber off her face and looked at Cross who was chuckling. “See he likes you.....or the way you taste, I’m paraphrasing.” he said with a laugh.

“Not helping!” she yelled, Ace let out a bark that sounded like a laugh.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.” Applejack shook her head, soon three fillies trotted up the road and joined the group.

“Applejack we need......Whoa!” the yellow filly said as she saw Ace. “What is that thing?”

“It’s a wolf sugar cube.” she said still wiping the slobber off her face.

“Cool!” the orange pegasus said “Can we pet him?” Applejack shot a nervous look at Cross.

“It’s alright, Ace loves kids.” the three fillies rushed forward and petted the large animal.

“Did you three need something?” AJ asked.

“Oh right we came here to get help!”

“With what?”

“Opal is in a well and we came here to-” the white unicorn began to say.

“Where’s the cat?” Cross interjected.

“In the middle of town we-” Cross galloped down the road and into the small town with Rainbow and the others in hot pursuit. He saw the ponies looking at him as he weaved in and out of the crowds. He saw a white unicorn mare with a neatly combed purple mane crying by a well. “What’s wrong Miss?” he asked.

“M-My cat is...in the well and I-” Cross took off his hat and bags and dove into the well. The other ponies soon came to her side. “Oh Fluttershy I’m so glad you’re here my little Opal has fallen in and I don’t know what to do!” she said as she started to sob.

“Did you see a grey unicorn come by here?” AJ asked.

“Yes, he just jumped down the well and-” she was cut off by sounds of grunting and hoof steps coming from the well. The ponies looked over to see Cross walking up the wall with a wet white ball of fur clinging to his back. As he reached the top the ponies helped him out, Cross handed the cat over to the white unicorn who began to cry tears of joy. “Oh Opal, I’m so glad you’re okay!” she then turned to the grey stallion and wrapped him in a bone crushing hug. “Thank you sir! How can I ever repay you?”

“Can’t........breathe!” he spat out.

“Sorry.” she said as she broke the hug. Fluttershy then rushed over to Cross along with Ace. Rarity looked at the wolf and jumped back. “AH! A WOLF! RUN!” she was stopped by Applejack grabbing her tail between her teeth.

“Easy there Rarity, this wolf is Cross’s pet. Don’t worry about him.”

“Who’s Cross?”

“The stallion you just put in a death grip.” Rainbow said as she pointed to the grey stallion. Cross put his hat and bags back onto his body. Rarity then trotted over to him.

“Thank you mister.......”

“My name’s Cross Hair, but you can call me Cross and it’s my pleasure to help you miss...”

“Rarity.”

“Your welcome Ms. Rarity.” he said as he tipped his hat to her.

“Oh please darling, Rarity is just fine.” she said with a smile. Rainbow then trotted up to Cross with a grin.

“Wow dude, diving into a well head first, that takes some guts!”

“You know him Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked as she lifted and eyebrow.

“Yeah I met him this morning, he’s the stallion that’s been staying with Fluttershy.”

“Oh, I see. Well thank you again.” she said with a smile. Soon a lavender mare with a purple mane came trotting up to them.

“What’s ever-pony doing out here?” she asked with a confused look on her face, she then noticed Cross and Ace, her jaw dropped in amazement. “Is that a Dire Wolf!?” she said as she trotted over to them.

“Yes, I’m surprised you know what Ace is Miss....”

“Oh right where are my manners, my name is Twilight Sparkle.”

“I’m Cross Hair, but you can call me Cross and this is Ace.” he said as he looked back at the white wolf.

“Nice to meet you, I was wondering if-”

“Hey Twilight sorry I’m late.” a small purple dragon came running up beside the mare.

Oh no! The large wolf started to bark at the small purple lizard and began to bare his teeth. “Ace! Calm down!” Cross said as he held the large wolf back, the ponies jumped back from the wolf in surprise. Ace escaped from the stallions grip and charged at the dragon. Cross’s horn began to glow and a large cage materialized around the beast. Cross let out a sigh of relief and looked back at the frightened mare’s and dragon. “Sorry about that.” he said as he eyed the silent wolf.

“What just happened!? Ah thought you said he was friendly!” AJ asked.

“He is. Just not around dragons.”

“Why?”

“He’s a Dire Wolf. His kind and the dragons have been fighting for centuries.” he said as he and the copies trotted over to the ponies.

“What’s a Dire Wolf?” the dragon asked.

“Really? You must be pony hatched, considering you don’t know your kind’s oldest foe.” he said as he looked at the dragon.

“Hey, It’s not my fault I’ve never heard of a Dire Wolf before.” he said pointing a claw at the stallion.

“Well that’s not entirely accurate.”

“What?” Twilight said in confusion.

“Dragon’s are the reason why Ace is almost the last of his kind.” the ponies looked in shock at the information. “I’m not blaming you personally.....Sorry what’s your name?”

“It’s Spike.” he said in a grumble.

“I’m not blaming you personally Spike, but the dragon’s are responsible for nearly exterminating the Dire Wolf race.” he trotted over and put a hoof on the dragons’ shoulder. “It was a long time ago, but Ace still feels the rooted hatred. He’s gotten better but long term prejudices take time to get over.” Spike approached the cage and looked at the wolf who began to growl. “Easy! He’s friendly, he’s not gonna hurt you.” the wolf let out a huff and stared at the dragon. “Hey, remember the ‘accident’? I didn’t abandon you and you didn’t abandon me!” the wolf looked at the stallion in surprise and then back at the dragon who was shaking in fear. “Agreed?” the wolf let out a bark. “Okay, I’m gonna open the cage now.” he undid the lock and the wolf trotted out and sniffed the dragon, he then licked spike and started to pant. Cross breathed a sigh of relief as the mares trotted over to him.

“What just happened?” Twilight asked.

“Everything is fine now, Ace doesn’t see Spike as a threat and has no reason to fight you.” the dragon breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well that’s a relief and.....wait how do you know that he doesn’t see me as a threat?”

“Let’s put it this way Spike, if he did then you’d be in his stomach right now.” Spike let out a gulp and glared at the wolf who proceeded to lay down in a shady spot. Twilight then trotted up next to him with a worried look on her face.

“Would he really do that?”

“Yeah, if Spike tried to attack him. Heck Ace has killed dozens of manticores and-”

“Wait he’s killed animals?” AJ said in surprise.

“Yeah, he’s a wolf. They’re carnivorous, but he’s grown to like plant’s and fruit.” he looked over at fluttershy who had a frightened look on her face. “But he’s only done so in self defense.”

“So....has he ever eaten a pony?”

“NO! He’d never do that! He may be a carnivore but he’s no murderer and if he tried, I’d stop him.” he said as he looked at the mare.

“What about.......small animals?” Fluttershy asked in her usual timid voice.

“What like rabbit’s and the other pet’s you have?” the mare nodded. “No, he only goes for big stuff like manticores and cockatrice. There isn’t much meat on small animals so he ignores them.” Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief, Cross trotted over to the mare and put a hoof on her shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about Fluttershy I won’t let him attack your animals, friends and especially not you.” he said with a grin. Fluttershy began to blush profusely at the statement.

“Well now that we’er all on the same page I suggest we go and celebrate!” Rarity said with a smile.

“My thought’s exactly!” Pinkie Pie said as she popped her head out of the well. Twilight looked over at the mare in surprise.

“Pinkie! What are you doing down there?”

“Playing with Gummy.” she said as a small green and toothless alligator crawled over her shoulder.

“But.....forget it.” Twilight said in defeat. The group then trotted over to Sugar Cube Corner, Cross entered to find all the light’s off and heard the sounds of breathing.

“SURPRISE!” Cross looked around to see ponies of all different colors with smiles on their faces. He looked back at the mares and rolled his eyes.

“Nice didn’t see it coming.” he lied.

“Alright so let’s party!” Pinkie said as the music began, Cross was introduced to the entire town, including the three fillies he saw earlier at Applejacks farm. They were good kids, Ace startled quite a few ponies at first but they eventually warmed up to him. Spike was still catching the occasional glance from the wolf. Cross told them stories about jobs he’s done and the animals he’s come in contact with.

“You caught an Ursa Major!” Twilight yelled.

“Yeah and it wasn’t easy, those thing’s are a pain in the flank to trap. I ended up using myself as bait.” he said as he took a drink from his glass.

“So what types of spells do you use?” Twilight asked.

“Mostly stunning spells, levitation, duplication and transformation.”

“Transformation?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. Cross put a hoof on her head and yanked out a single hair from her mane. “Hey! That hurt.” Cross then put the strand of hair in his mouth and swallowed it, the ponies looked at him in disgust. “Why did you just-” Twilight was cut off by Cross transforming into the lavender mare. Twilight was completely dumbstruck, she was looking at an exact replica of herself.

“Nifty isn’t it.” It even sounded like her. Cross then morphed back into his original form and started to grin. “Unfortunately it doesn’t last very long.”

“Where did you learn that!?”

“That spell is 100% original. Took me years to perfect it.”

“Is that all you can do?” Rainbow asked in an unimpressed tone. Cross picked up a tooth pick with his hoof and looked over to another table.

“See that flower pot on the other table?” Rainbow and the other mares nodded. “See the top of the sunflower?”

“Yeah what about-” Cross threw the toothpick through the crowd piercing the sunflower head and sticking it to the wall. The mares looked at the stallion who held a smug grin on his face.

“Looks like I still got it.” he leaned back and took in the expressions that the mare’s had on their faces.

“How did you do that?”

“Years of practice, I’m a certified marks-pony.” he said with a grin.

“What’s a marks-pony?” AJ asked.

“Marks-pony’s are trained to handle extremely powerful magic with precision. Like what I did with that toothpick, I can focus and compress my magic so the spell can reach long distance .”

“How far away are we talking here?” Rainbow asked.

“Don’t know, I’ll show you guys tomorrow.” he said with a smile. “Well I’m beat, I’m gonna head back and don’t worry I’ll be fine on the couch Fluttershy. Nice meeting you all.” he said with a smile, the grey stallion then exited the bakery with his companion. Rainbow then looked back to her friends with a smile.

“Well looks like we might have some fresh meat this year.” Rainbow said

“You aren’t suggesting we put him in the contest are you?” Rarity asked.

“Why not? Every other stallion does it and it’ll be one more target to go for.”

“Oh.....I don’t know, he just got here and he may not want to do it.” Fluttershy said in a timid voice.

“Why? He’ll love it! Plus this could be your year Shy.” Dash gave the mare a quick wink, which caused the yellow mare to blush.

“Why would this year be any different from the last......Oh, you have a crush on Cross don’t you?” Pinkie said with a smile. Fluttershy’s blush brightened.

“Well duh, they already slept together.” Rainbow said as the mares looked at Fluttershy who’s face had turned crimson and started to hide behind her mane and hooves, a soft sob could be heard from behind the pink mane. Applejack then stepped in.

“Rainbow That’s enough! Ah talked to Cross about it and all they did was sleep. He was just being polite and allowing Fluttershy to get some rest on her bed.” Applejack then moved next to her friend and wrapped her in a hug. “Y’all should be ashamed of yourselves making our friend here feel so dang uncomfortable.” she said as she glared at the other mares with a look that could stun a manticore. “You okay Shy?”

“......” she adverted her gaze. Rainbow and the others looked down in shame.

“Sorry, Fluttershy. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Pinkie said.

“As am I darling.” Rarity said in a sad tone.

“Same here.” Twilight said as s

“Yeah, sorry shy. I just got carried away.” Rainbow said in a sad tone.

“It’s alright.” she said as she wiped the tears away. “Thanks girls.....I think it’s time I went home, I still have to feel Angel and the animals.” she said as she got to her hooves.

“Ah best get Applebloom.” she said as she got to her hooves.

“I better get Sweetie Belle before she tries any of her night time crusading.” the two mares trotted over to the three filly’s and collected their sisters. As the mare’s left Twilight looked back at her dragon assistant who was deep in thought.

“What’s up Spike?”

“Something about that guy just rubs me the wrong way.” Twilight rolled here eyes.

“Don’t tell me your buying to the whole Dire Wolf vs. Dragons thing.”

“No, it’s not that. Just something about him sends a shiver down my spine. I can’t really explain it.” he let out a yawn and rubbed his eyes. “I’ll worry about it tomorrow.” Twilight rolled her eyes and continued towards the library.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back across town Applejack had caught up with her friend with a sleeping Applebloom resting on her back.

“You okay hun?”

“Yeah I’m fine.”

“Sorry about the others you know how they get when ‘it’ comes around.”

“I know. Thanks Applejack.” she said with a smile.

“Hey what are friends for?” the two continued their walk through the quiet street’s until they got to Fluttershy’s cottage. “So, do you like him?” she asked. Fluttershy bit her lower lip and gave a slight nod. “Well ah’m happy for you and don’t worry about the others.” she said with a smile. “But ah’d advise you to tell him before ‘it’ happens. We both know how the mares in this town get during the competition.” Fluttershy gave a nod and said goodbye to her orange friend and made her way inside. When she got there she saw the grey stallion and wolf sound asleep on the couch. Fluttershy made her way upstairs and crawled into bed, as she tried to fall asleep she felt lonely.

Oh Fluttershy why are you thinking that. He probably already has a mare friend.

But what if he doesn’t?

I don’t know, what will the others think?

Who cares what they think? Look at the positives.

He’s kind, good with animals, and hunky oh stop thinking that!

Why? It’s not a crime to like some-pony.

Oh...I don’t know.

Well if you don’t get a move on then some-pony else will ask him out. You don’t want that don’t you?

Alright, I’ll ask him.....eventually. With that final thought Fluttershy drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 4: Preparations

Cross woke up in the early hours of the morning to find Ace sleeping on the floor beside him, he got to his hooves and stretched his back. The wolf opened it’s eyes and yawned.

“Sleep well boy?” the wolf gave a bark of happiness. “Sure as hell beats a cave any day.” Cross looked outside to see that Celestia’s sun was beginning to rise, he let out a sigh. Cross pulled out a small leather bound journal and pen.

Location: Ponyville.

I was attacked by Timberwolves eight day’s ago, I was found by a yellow pegasus mare name Fluttershy, she lives on the outskirts of a small town named Ponyville. The inhabitant's are very friendly and welcoming. it has a...relaxing feel to it. I’m currently staying with Fluttershy, she’s a very kind mare and has a very calming nature around her. Ace even liked her at first glance which is extremely rare. She has a way with animals that just amazes me, it will require further observation and- his train of thought was thwarted by something lightly tapping him on the shoulder. He jumped in surprise and slammed the book closed. He turned around to see a frightened Fluttershy.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s alright, no harm done. A good scare is good for a pony once in a while.” he said as he hid the journal behind his back.

“Oh....Well did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, I see why you like that thing, it’s so comfortable.” he said with a smile.

“Oh good. You’re my guest after all and I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable, if you want the bed tonight then-” she was cut off by the stallion putting a hoof to her lips causing the mare to blush brightly.

“Fluttershy relax the couch is fine. I don’t want to force you out of your own bed.” he said as he removed his hoof from her lips. Fluttershy turned her head so he wouldn’t see her blush. “How about I make us breakfast?”

“Oh you don’t have to do that.”

“I insist, plus I need the practice.” he said as he trotted into the kitchen. “You like eggs?” the mare nodded. Cross levitated two eggs and two slices of bread with a hole cut through the center. He set them both in the pan and ignited the burners on the oven after three minutes Cross trotted over to the table and set the egg down in front of her. Fluttershy took a bite out of the egg and smiled in delight.

“What’s it called?”

“Egg in a hole, I learned how to cook it when I was in Detrot. Do you like it?” he said with a smile.

“It’s delicious.” she said with a smile on her face. Cross smiled at the mare and the two ate in silence. He looked over to see the white bunny glaring at him with an icy stare. The rabbit then felt a warm cloud of air on the back of his neck, he turned around to see Ace staring at him. The bunny screamed and ran towards Fluttershy and his in her mane.

“Ace No! He’s a fr-.....acquaintance. You can’t eat him or any other small animals in or around here. Got it?” the wolf let out a whine and walked over and sat in the sun pouring through the window. “Sorry about that Fluttershy.” he said in a sad tone.

“It’s alright.Angel, say hello to Ace.” the bunny looked at her in confusion and began to squeak at her. “Oh my, he seems upset and-” the rabbit then grabbed the plate and hurled it at the stallion, Cross managed to duck in time to avoid the projectile. “ANGEL!” she yelled. Cross looked at the rabbit who was now frozen on the spot, his glance then shifted to Fluttershy who’s eyes looked like they bored a hole through the small rabbit. “That was very rude! Now apologize!” she ordered. Cross was amazed how the timid and shy pegasus was able to command the rambunctious bunny. Angel shivered over to the stallion and looked up at him with a sad look.

“It’s okay, Ace didn’t mean to startle you.” he said as he patted the rabbit on the head. The rabbit then hopped off the table and began to clean up the broken shards of the plate with a brush and dust pan. Fluttershy then rushed over to him.

“Are you okay? I’m so sorry Angel did that.” she said as she put her hoof on his shoulder.

“I’m fine. I’ve had closer calls.” he then glanced over at the rabbit who had just finished cleaning. “What did you do to him?”

“Oh.....I can use something called the ‘stare’, but I can’t really control it. It just happens.”

“That’s very interesting.”

“Really?”

“Yes! In all of my traveling I have never met some-pony who can use the ‘the stare’. You’re very special Fluttershy.” he said with a smile. Fluttershy’s face turned beat red and she felt her heart rate increase at the stallions’ words. “So what’s on the to do list for today?”

“Well, today Rarity and I are going to the spa for our weekly visit, you don’t have to come along if you don’t want to.” she said as she glanced at the calendar.

“I’ll pass on the Spa and just settle for a hot shower. I’ll go around Ponyville and familiarize myself around town.” he said as he started to trot up the stairs.

“Are you sure? I can always cancel and-”

“It’s fine Fluttershy, go and enjoy yourself. I’ll be fine, I’ll busy myself around town, I’m sure theres something I can do.” he said with a smile. Fluttershy bit her lip and turned to leave her cottage. As the door shut Cross made his way upstairs into the bathroom, he removed his eye patch and looked into the mirror, he gave a heavy sigh and he touched the scar going up and down the eyelid. He turned the shower on and let the hot water was over his body. “Oh sweet Celestia that feels good.” he said as washed away the three months of grime and dirt he’s accumulated.

Fluttershy had just walked past her property line when she realized she forgot her bit bag, she doubled back towards her house as she entered she noticed that Ace was still napping in his spot, she trotted upstairs and retrieved her bag from her room. As she made her way through the cottage she noticed that the bathroom door was cracked open.

Oh Fluttershy don’t be a snoop.

What’s the harm in peeking?

It’s an invasion of privacy.

Big deal he’s staying in your house. With that thought Fluttershy poked her head in enough to see his shadow against the curtain, she then glanced in the mirror and saw that she could see him in the reflection. As the warm water washed over his muscular body she started to blush profusely and her wings were standing at attention. As she continued to watch she saw his scar on is eye and backed away from the door quietly with her face still red and wings still up. As she trotted outside she saw that her white unicorn friend was trotting up the path way.

“Morning Fluttershy are you ready to-...Are you alright dear?” she said as she noticed her friends appearance.

“Yes.....can we go, please?” she said as she hurried past her friend, who had a confused look on her face. Rarity pushed the thought aside and caught up to her pegasus friend. Back inside Cross just stepped out of the shower and began to dry off. He reapplied his eyepatch and walked over to his hat and bag that were resting on the couch. He searched through his bag and withdrew a large knife, the blade was jet black and curved, he eyed the weapon and noticed that the blade was dull.

This thing’s pretty banged up....Maybe AJ has a sharpening stone I could use. With that thought he packed up the knife, threw his hat and bags on and walked over to the sleeping wolf. “C’mon boy we’re going to the farm.” the wolf yawned and got to it’s paws. The two made their way out of the cottage and headed off towards the farm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Across town Rarity and Fluttershy are sitting in the mud bath in silence. Fluttershy’s blush had vanished but the shame still remained. Rarity took notice of her friends actions and offered her some encouraging words.

“Fluttershy what’s the matter? You haven’t said a word since we left your house.”

“........”

“Let me just apologize for my behavior last night, it was most unbecoming of me.” she said in a sad tone.

“It’s not that.” Fluttershy responded avoiding eye contact with the mare.

“Well what is it darling?”

“I-I did something bad.”

“What did you do?”

“I looked at Cross while he was in the shower.”

“Pardon?”

“I looked at Cross while he was in the shower.”

“What was that dear?” she said as eh moved her head closer.

“I looked at Cross while he was in the shower!” she blurted out with a blush on her face. She quickly covered her face with her hooves, Rarity put a hoof on the mare’s shoulder.

“There there, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Did he see you?”

“N-no. I don’t think so.” Rarity had a sly smirk on her face.

“Well then I see no problem.”

“Oh, but I just feel so guilty.” she said with tears forming in her eyes. Rarity wrapped her friend in a hug.

“I know you do.”

“I-I just couldn’t help myself. I-”

“Shhh. It’s okay, all the mares get like this around this time. Myself included.”

“R-really?”

“Yes. So tell me did he look good?” she said as she back ed away from the pegasus.

“I saw something odd.” she said as she looked back at her friend.

“What do you mean ‘odd’.”

“His right eye has a massive scar on it, almost like it was slashed by a claw.” she said as she pointed to her right eye.

“Well he is a hunter so he’s bound to have some injuries.” Rarity said with a straight face.

“I know but that scar just felt.....wrong somehow.”

“Well aside from that little flaw, did you like what you saw?” Fluttershy replayed the image in her head over and over trying to find the right words to describe it. She stopped when she felt her wings pop up and began to blush brightly. She looked back at Rarity who was staring at her in surprise. “I think that answers my question.” she said with a smile. Fluttershy hid behind her mane and hooves once again. Rarity put her hoof on her friends shoulder. “Sorry dear. It’s been a rough week for me. May I offer one bit of advice?” Fluttershy looked at her friend and nodded. “Tell him soon before ‘it’ comes around. Since he’s a stallion he’ll be obligated to participate.”

“Oh I don’t know..”

“Or you could always enter the competition and hope for the best.” Fluttershy looked at the mare with a worried look.

“But I’ve never entered before and if-”

“I know Fluttershy but that’s the risk you take in this competition. Celestia I knows that I’m not happy with some of the previous turn outs.” she said as she let out a sigh. “I’m not trying to influence your decision, I’m just stating the facts.”

“I don’t know.”

“The competition is tomorrow you don’t have a lot of time to make up your mind, the mares here are going to go after him like cat’s after a mouse.” Fluttershy rolled the idea around in her head.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Good idea.” she said with a smile. The two mares continued their spa visit in silence.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Sweet Apple Acres came into view Cross and Ace were greeted by the three small fillies that they met yesterday.

“Howdy Cross.” Applebloom said with a smile.

“Hey girls, is Applejack around?”

“Yeah she’s in the barn with mah brother, why?”

“I was wondering if you guys had a sharpening stone. I need to fix a few things.” he said as he looked at his bag.

“Hmm.....ah think we do but a don’t know where. You’d gave to ask Big Mac or Applejack.” Cross had begun to deadpan at the fillies statement.

“Good idea.” he said as he rotted past the small fillies an made his way up the dirt path. The fillies followed close behind him and Ace with smiles on their faces.

“C’mon Mac just one more set!” a mare’s voice said in a commanding tone. Cross looked into the barn to see the red stallion doing push ups with three hay bales balanced on his back. Applejack looked over her shoulder to see cross glaring at the two. “Howdy Cross what brings you here?”

“I was wondering if you had a sharpening stone I could use, but now I’m more interested in what you two are doing.” he said as he glanced at the tired red stallion.

“We’re training.” Big Mac said as he got to his hooves and left the barn.

“For what?” Applejack looked at him in confusion.

“Right sorry, ah forgot yer new around here. Well Heart’s and Hooves day is tomorrow.”

“It is?” Applejack looked at him in surprise.

“Yeah how could you not know that?” Cross dead panned again.

“Well, I’ve been in a forest for three months and then I was knocked out for six days after a timber wolf attack.”

“Oh.......right sorry. Well it is. Here in Ponyville we make it a contest.”

“Care to elaborate?” Applejack gave a heavy sigh.

“Okay. Every year on Hearts and Hooves day, instead of every-pony being too dang embarrassed to ask each other out, we make it a game, kinda like......Capture the Flag.”

“I’m not following.” he said with a confused look on his face.

“Ugh! All the stallions have a blue ribbon and all the mares have a pink ribbon attached to them. They go around and rip em off of each other that they want to be with and who ever rips your flag off is yer date for the rest of the day.” Cross scratched his head for a moment.

“Okay, let me get this straight. The ponies here play a game of hide and go seek with flags attached to them, and who ever rips their flag off is their date for the rest of Hearts and Hooves day. Correct?”

“Exactly.”

“Do the mare’s always play as the seekers?”

“It’s a free-for-all but, the mares usually end up hunting the stallions down.” she said as she rolled her eyes.

“Do you have to play? I mean say you already have a colt or mare friend.”

“No, it’s all voluntary. No pony’s forcing any-pony to play and you don’t have to be in a relationship to not want to play. Take Fluttershy for example, she’s never entered the competition. Y’know, because she’s so shy.”

“True. Where do I sign up?” Applejack looked at him in surprise.

“You want to play?”

“Sure why not, I love a good game. Are there any restrictions?”

“You’d have to check with Twilight, she’s memorized the rules.”

“Why do I believe that?” he said in a blank tone. Applejack let out a chuckle.

“So you needed a sharpening stone?”

“Oh yeah! I need to sharpen something.” he said as he withdrew the sheathed knife. Applejack led him over to the sharpening wheel and he put his knife to the grind stone. As soon as he did sparks started to fly from the blade, after he was done he threw it at the wooden wall, it was firmly stuck into the wood. Cross trotted over and withdrew it from the wooden board. “Just like new, thanks AJ.” Applejack eyed the odd knife.

“Ah’ve never seen a knife like that before.”

“Not surprising, this comes from the dragon kingdom.” he said as he looked at the blade. Applejack’s jaw hit the floor.

“THE DRAGON KINGDOM! How did you get that!?” she said in shock.

“It was a gift. Plus I get along great with the dragons.” he said as he eyed the blade.

“How?”

“I respect them and they respect me. I still have friends over there.”

“That are dragons?”

“Yeah, I done some business with them in the past.”

“What kind of business?”

“I found a few things that belonged to them.”

“Ah thought you found lost animals?” she said as she raised an eyebrow.

“I do, but I also get hired to find other things as well.”

“Like what?”

“Well...I mentioned that the police would hire me to find a kidnapped pony or runaway criminal. I’d also find items of certain.....value.” he said as he put the knife back into it’s sheath and the two trotted out of the barn. They were interrupted by Rainbow landing in front of them. “Hey Rainbow what’s up.”

“Well I was just practicing an awesome new trick, when I heard something about a game. What is it? Can I play?” she said with a wide smile.

“Ah was telling him about the ‘competition’ and he want’s to compete this year.” AJ said in a cheery tone. Rainbow looked at him with a devious smile.

“Really now?”

“Yeah sounds like fun.” he said with a smile.

“Oh it will be. For who though is still up for debate.” she said with a sly grin.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow looked over to the orange mare.

“You didn’t tell him did you?” Cross was in confusion.

“Didn’t tell me what?”

“During the competition every single mare, us included are in heat, so we play hardball and are extremely persistent.” Cross looked at them with a raised eyebrow.

“That all?”

“What do you mean that’s all?!” Rainbow yelled.

“If I can take on a manticore, then I’m fairly certain I can handle a few mares in heat.” he said with a cocky smile. “You two are competing?”

“Yeah!” Rainbow said in a cocky tone.

“Ah’m still debating whether or not to join in.” Rainbow rolled her eyes at her friends statement.

“Oh come on AJ, we both know that you’re gonna sign up.”

“So you know all the rules Dash?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Any restrictions on using magic?”

“Not really, as long you don’t hurt any-pony then you’re fine.”

“Easy enough. Where do I sign up?”

“Twilight has the roster in the library. I was just about to head over there myself.” Rainbow said with a smile.

“Alright let’s go then.” he then whistled in a high pitched tone and Ace came rocketing forward with the three fillies holding on to him. “C’mon boy we’re going to the library and I want you to behave around Spike.” the wolf let out a grunt at the name. “Calm down he’s a baby dragon, harmless.” he said as the three fillies got off of the wolves back and looked at their flanks with a disappointed look on their faces.

“Drat! I thought we’d get out ‘wolf riding Cutie Mark’s’ for sure.” the orange pegasus said.

“What were you three trying to do?” Cross said with a raised eyebrow.

“We were trying to become Cutie Mark Crusader Wolf Riders.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

“Cutie Mark what?” the three fillies lined up side by side.

“WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! We’re on a crusade to find out who we are and discover our special talents.” the three said in unison.

“Uh-huh. Well let me give you this piece of advice-”

“Let me guess, be patient and it’ll happen eventually.” Applebloom said with a sigh.

“Actually I was going to say keep doing what you’re doing. Try as many random things as possible, something will happen eventually.” he said with a smile.

“But we’ve done everything from cupcake making to zip lining! Nothing seems to work.” Scootaloo said in an annoyed tone.

“How did you three-....You know what, I don’t want to know how you three tried that. Just don’t give up and you’ll get them eventually.” he said as he smiled at them.

“Well how did you get your Cutie Mark?” Sweetie Belle asked. Cross’s mind raced as he remembered the event’s that led to his Cutie Mark.

“Hmm...can’t remember. I’ll tell you if I do though.” he said as he began to trot past the fillies with Rainbow and Ace by his side. The fillies waved goodbye and ran off into the orchard. Rainbow looked at the stallion in surprise.

“You really don’t remember how you got your Cutie Mark?”

“No, I do. I just didn’t want to tell them.”

“Why?

“I’m not exactly proud of it.” he said in a low tone.

“What happened?”

“You promise not to tell any pony?”

“Yeah.”

“Especially not Fluttershy!” he said in a pleading tone

“Okay.” Cross gave a deep sigh and faced the mare.

“I got my Cutie Mark by.....killing an animal.” he said in a sad tone Rainbow looked at him in horror.

“YOU WHAT!?” she said in horror.

“Rainbow please just listen. When I was young I was attacked by a dog with rabies, I saw a shard of metal nearby, I threw it and....it hit it in the head, killing it. At first I thought it was blind luck, but later on I started to throw some rocks at some tin cans and I hit them all. Eventually I got so good I could do it without looking.” he avoided eye contact with the mare. “You must hate me now. It’s okay, I’ve always regretted that part of my life.”

“Well...you were defending yourself right?”

“Yeah, I would have died if I didn't.” he looked at the mare who still held the uneasy look on her face, Cross put a hoof on her shoulder. “I’ve had a rough life Rainbow, It was a do or die situation. I’ve been in so many of them I’ve lost count.” he removed his hoof from the mares shoulder. “Please don’t tell Fluttershy, it’ll break her heart.” he finished as they got to the library. Cross opened the door to see Twilight sitting at her desk wearing a pair of thick rimmed glasses.

“Oh hey guys what’s up?”

“I’m here to sign up for the competition.” he said with a smile.

“Really? Okay then, heres the entry form and rules.” she said as she levitated the packet of papers over to him. “You can fill them out over there.” she said as she pointed to a chair with a coffee table in front of it.

“Thanks.” As Cross trotted over to the table Twilight noticed Rainbow’s saddened look.

“What’s wrong Rainbow? You seem a little down.”

“I-it’s nothing. Can you pass me one of those forms?”

“Sure.” she said in a suspicious tone. The library door opened to reveal a white unicorn and yellow pegasus mare.

“Morning Twilight, I need a form for the competition.”

“Sure, you can go over near Cross and fill them out.” Fluttershy’s ears perked up at the stallions name, she looked over to see the stallion filling out the paper work.

“He’s competing?” Fluttershy asked in her usual timid voice.

“Yeah, AJ told me about it while I was at the farm this morning.” he said as he trotted over and handed the paperwork to Twilight.

“What were you doing over there?” Spike asked as he descended the staircase.

“I needed to sharpen this knife.” he said as he pulled the blade from it’s sheath. The mares looked at the weapon with surprise.

“Awesome!” Dash yelled. Spike then looked at the blade and scoffed at it.

“Doesn’t look so sharp.” Spike said with a scowl.

“I don’t know Spike that thing looks like it can do some damage.” Twilight said as she gave it a second glance. Spike took the dagger in his claw and started to look over the knife.

“Please I’m sure it cant even cut-” Spike’s claw slipped and the blade lightly grazed his scales. Blood started to seep from the wound. “OUCH!” Twilight rushed over and put a bandage on the cut.

“SPIKE I TOLD YOU THAT IT WAS SHARP!” she yelled.

“I didn’t think it could go through my scales, you saw how I was Rarity’s pin cushion.” Cross trotted over and sheathed the knife.

“That’s because this was made in the dragon kingdom.” he said in a flat tone. Spike and the others looked at him in surprise, Fluttershy cowered back at the mention of it.

“D-dragon k-kingdom?”

“Yes.”

“When did you go there?” Twilight asked in

“Two years ago.”

“Why?”

“I did some business with them.”

“B-but they’re so....scary.” Fluttershy said as she began to shiver.

Awwe, she’s even cute when she’s scared.

“Well.....yes. But once you earn their respect they can be quite accommodating.”

“And just HOW do you earn a dragons respect?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, most dragons we’ve met, other than our Spikey-wikey here, have been completely revolting, selfish and brutish.” Rarity said as she glared at the stallion.

“Trust me it ain’t easy. I almost died getting it, good thing they respect bravery.”

“More like stupidity.” Twilight interjected.

“The two are closely related, I’m sure Rainbow knows what I’m talking about.” he said with a smug grin.

“Yeah.......Hey wait a minute!” Cross and the others let out a chuckle at the delayed reaction.

“Oh calm down. But in all seriousness I was incredibly injured and almost died had it not been for them.” he said with a smile.

“Is that how you got the scar on your eye?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes it-......Wait, how did you know I had a scar on my right eye?” he said as he glared at the mare, her face quickly turned red at the flashback from this morning. The white mare’s eyes lit up as she thought of an excuse.

“Fluttershy took your eyepatch off while you were unconscious to check for infection, she was just telling me about it this morning at the spa.” Rarity said as she put on her best poker face and gave her friend a wink.

“Well that would explain it......IF it weren’t impossible!” the two mares looked at him in surprise. “The only way this eyepatch can be taken off is if I take it off, just like my hat and bag.” Fluttershy felt her heart rate increase as the stallion looked at her with a narrowed look. “And if my memory serves the only time I took it off was-.........” he stopped himself and looked at the mare who started to blush profusely. “Just after breakfast this morning.” he lied. Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other in confusion. “I looked at it in the bathroom mirror to make sure it wasn’t damaged.” he then trotted over to Fluttershy who had her head held low, Cross saw tear drops starting to appear on the floor. “Fluttershy, I like you and you’ve done a lot for me. But I don’t like being spied on.” he put his hoof to her chin and started to lift it so their eyes met. “If you’re curious about something then just ask.” Fluttershy was now blushing brighter than ever.

“H-how did it happen?”

“I was-” he was cut off by Pinkie Pie bursting through the library doors wit a worried look on her face.

“OH THANK GOODNESS FLUTTERSHY YOU’RE HERE! WE’VE GOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM!”

“What’s the problem Pinks?” Rainbow asked, then group then heard screams of panic and pandemonium, the group rushed outside to see ponies running in fear. The group heard an earth shattering roar and Pinkie

“THAT’S THE PROBLEM!” Pinkie pointed up and the whole group looked in horror at a massive dragon hovering just on the outskirts of Ponyville.

Chapter 5: Plans

Cross was looking up at a dragon hovering just outside of the town, as he galloped forward he noticed that Ace was beginning to growl at the dragon. Cross quickly conjured a cage around the wolf, who began to bark and whine as he galloped away. A cyan blur rushed in front of him and blocked his path.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Going to go see what that dragon wants.”

“Are you insane that thing will eat you alive!”

“I won’t know unless I try now will I?” he tried to side step the mare but she blocked him again. “Rainbow, move.”

“No! I’m not gonna let you get yourself killed!” she said as the other mares circled around him. He looked at the mares who showed no signs of moving.

“Fine. Then I do this the hard way.” the stallion suddenly vanished and the mares began to look at one another.

“What!? Where’d he go?” AJ asked.

“Right here.” a voice said, the five mares then felt something grab their back legs and tails. They looked down to see a grey hoof pulling them into the dirt. They could feel themselves being buried feet first. The dirt stopped filling as it reached their necks, making their heads stick out of the ground. They looked up to see six grey stallions looking down at them, suddenly five disappeared in a cloud of smoke. “Sorry ladies but I have to go talk to a dragon and I can’t run the risk of you guys getting hurt.” Fluttershy looked at her friends in surprise and noticed that she was the only one still above ground. Twilight’s horn began to glow and tried to teleport herself outside the hole but nothing seemed to happen. “Nice try Twi, but I lined your pits with a magic absorption mineral. It makes magic useless. Fluttershy, would you kindly keep Ace occupied while I go deal with this dragon.” he said as he began to trot away from the five buried ponies. Fluttershy complied and trotted over to the caged wolf.

Cross made his way through town with some ponies giving him worried looks. Cross materialized a pair of binoculars and looked up at the dragon and smiled. “HEY LIZARD BREATH DOWN HERE NOW!” he bellowed. The large dragon swooped down and landed in front of the grey stallion. As he drew closer the dragon’s form began to become clear. The dragons blue scales began to shine in the sunlight, it’s emerald greeneyes focused on the small stallion who raised his eyebrow at the massive dragon who blew a cloud of smoke in the stallions face. Cross wiped the ash off his face and gave a small cough.

“You’ve gotten bigger.” the dragon said as a large group of ponies began to draw closer.

“Look at you! What are those dragons feeding you? Maybe you should go on a diet.” Cross said with a smirk. The dragon breathed flames around the stallion causing the other ponies to cringe in fear, as the flames subsided Cross brushed the ash off of his hat and looked up at the blue dragon with a raised eyebrow. “You finished?” the dragon drew closer so that they were eye to eye. Cross looked back at the frightened ponies who were cowering in their homes, he looked back at the dragon and the two began to laugh, the ponies looked at them in confusion. “Oh man I think we really had them going!” he said as he fell to the ground in laughter. The large dragon began to pound his fist on the ground trying to control his laughter. “It’s great to see you again Stone.” he said as he stopped laughing.

“Like wise.”

“So what brings you here?”

“I was in the neighbor hood and I picked up your scent, figured I’d drop in and say hello.”

“Well no offense but I think you may have given a few ponies a heart attack.” he said as he got to his hooves.”

“Sorry.”

“Want to meet some of my friends?” the dragon shrugged and began to walk towards the town. “Um...how about I bring them out here? You might cause even more of a panic then you already have.” the dragon nodded and laid down in a sunny spot. Cross made his way back into town where he trapped the five mares.

“Hey do you guys hear that?” Twilight said as she heard hoof steps coming closer. Cross moved in front of the mares who had angry looks on their faces. “Let us out!”

“Fine, but promise me you guys wont freak out, the dragon is a friend of mine and I would appreciate it if you guys would behave in front of him. Understand?” the ponies looked at one another with questioning looks.

“Alright.” Twilight said reluctantly. Cross’s horn began to glow and the five ponies felt themselves being lifted out of the dirt. As they got to their hooves they brushed themselves off and looked at the grey stallion with an angry look.

“Okay then, follow me and I’ll introduce you to Stone.” he said as he trotted back to the dragon with the five mares following him. He stopped in front of the blue dragon who opened his eyes and looked at the group of ponies. “Ladies, this is Stone. Stone, this is Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity and Flut-...oh right she’s keeping Ace busy.” the dragon nodded at the ponies who looked scared out of their mind. “Relax, Stone here doesn’t eat ponies.”

“Not much meat on them, mostly bones.” the dragon said as he stood up. The ponies cringed back at this statement.

“Not helping Stone.”

“Sorry.” Applejack then stepped forward.

“So....why are you here?”

“Good question, I didn’t think you just dropped by to say hi.” Cross said as he turned back to the dragon.

“Well yes. I did want to say hi but I’m also here to pay you for he job you did, you’re a tough pony to track down.” he said as he withdrew two large box and dropped them in front of the stallion. Cross opened the first to reveal a massive pile of gems; ruby’s, emeralds and sapphires spilled out of the box. The ponies jaws dropped and Rarity’s mouth began to water. Cross breathed a heavy sigh and looked at the dragon.

“Thank you, but 75% of this needs to go to address I gave you.” the dragon let out a huff and Rarity’s jaw dropped.

“I still don’t see why you care about that place so much.”

“Call it nostalgia.” he then eyed the second box. “What’s with the second box? The payment was one crate of jewels.” he said as he turned back to the dragon.

“That one is a gift from....a friend.” the dragon said with a smile. Cross opened the crate and his eyes boggled.

“Is this-”

“Yes.” Cross pulled out a small box that had a small glowing sphere of it. “He wanted you to have it.” Cross took the sphere out and looked at it, he put it back in the small box and levitated it to the ground.

“Thank you.” he said as he tipped his hat to the dragon. He then materialized a duffle bag and began to fill it with the jewels, after it was filled to the brim he resealed the box and picked it up with his magic. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle the delivery to the house.” the dragon nodded and stretched his wings. “I’ll see you around Stone.” he said as he shook the dragons claw. The blue dragon took flight and flew off away from the town. Cross looked back at the ponies who had a look of total confusion on their faces. “What?”

“Don’t ‘what’ us! What the hay was that all about?!” Rainbow yelled.

“That? Business transaction.” he said in a flat tone.

“What could you have possibly done to get all those jewels?” Rarity said with her tongue hanging out of her mouth.

“I was hired to find something and I did. I just left without collecting my payment.” he said as he looked at the large crate.

“What’s that thing?” Twilight pointed to the small chest resting on his back.

“This is.....it used to belong to a friend of mine.” he said in a low tone, soon a group of ponies swarmed around him, and began cheering for him and patting him on the back. Cross gave a nervous smile and tried to get through the crowd. “It was nothing I just-” the ponies then picked him up and started to carry him around. Cross hoped off of the crowd and galloped towards Ace and Fluttershy, his horn began to glow and the cage vanished, the wolf looked at him and huffed. “Sorry boy, I had to do some business with a client.” he said as he petted the wolf on the head, he then turned towards Fluttershy. “He was behaving alright for you?”

“Y-yes. He was fine.” she said with a smile. “I-is the d-dragon gone?”

“Yes, he’s gone.” the group then trotted up next to him, he looked at Fluttershy and Rarity with a blank expression. “We’ll talk about the eye patch later.” Fluttershy adverted her eyes from the stallion to hide her blush as she remembered that she peeked on him in the shower. “I need a place to stash these jewels, unless you guys want em?” he said as he levitated the box to the ground. Rarities eyes boggled.

“Why are you just giving those jewels away?” Rarity asked.

“I have no real use for them plus I have plenty.” he threw the bag containing his cut of the profit’s in front of her. “Take em if you want em.”

“What about all of those?” Twilight asked as she pointed to the crate.

“These are going....some place else.”

“Oh darling, I couldn’t take your hard earned jewels.” she said in a surprised tone.

“Well alright then...if you change your mind just ask.” he said as he turned away from the group and made the box vanish. He continued to trot away when he was stopped by a yellow hoof.

“W-will the d-dragon come back?”

“No, at least not for a while.” Fluttershy looked at him in astonishment. Cross drew closer to the mare, she blushed as the attractive stallion came closer to her.

“Relax Fluttershy, he’ll only comeback if he has a message for me.” Fluttershy dropped her head and avoided eye contact. Cross lifted her head up by her chin so their eyes met. Fluttershy’s face was bright red and she was trying her best to keep her wings down.

“But he’s so.....scary.” she said with a squeak.

Dawww

“I’ll give him that. But I don’t think he’ll be coming back anytime soon, besides if he tried anything I’d put him in his place.”

“You’d fight a dragon?” Rainbow said in surprise.

“Yeah. I wouldn’t let him hurt any of you guys and it wouldn’t be the the first time I’ve had to deal with dragons.” he said wit a smile.

“Really? How so?” Rarity asked in astonishment.

“Well you see-” he was cut off by a loud growl coming from Ace’s body. “Dear Luna Ace was that your stomach?” the wold barked in agreement. “Sorry ladies but that story will have to wait, I need to get Ace some food.”

“Ah have some dog food if he want’s some.” Applejack said.

“Thanks for the offer AJ but Ace has a strict diet.”

“What diet?”

“Manticore.” he said in a flat tone. The ponies looked at the wolf in surprise. “What? He’s a growing boy.”

“He’s still growing!?” Twilight yelled.

“Yeah Ace is only like.....two.” the ponies mouths dropped at the information.

“He’s two and he’s six feet tall! How big is he going to get?”

“Some dire wolves grow to be about ten...... twelve feet tall.” he said as he patted the wolf on the head. Twilight felt her eye twitch at the thought of a twelve foot dire wolf walking around Ponyville. “I’ll see you girls later.” Cross mounted the beats back and levitated the bag over his shoulder. “Allons-y!” he yelled as he and the wolf ran off towards the forest. Twilight looked at her friends with shock and surprise on her face.

“Did he say twelve feet tall?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah... he did.” Twilight said in a nervous tone.

“That could become a problem.” Rainbow said with an uneasy look. A cream colored earth pony mare with a vibrant red mane and tail leading a pack of mares then trotted up to Twilight.

“Hey Twilight is he entered in the competition tomorrow?” she asked.

“Yeah, he filled out the paper work this morning.” the group of mares then giggled in excitement. The mob then depleted and the ponies went about their usual day. Fluttershy looked at Rarity with a sad look in her eye. The white mare then motioned her head towards Twilight. Fluttershy took a deep breath and trotted over to her lavender friend.

“Um.....Twilight.”

“Yes?”

“I was wondering if......”

“What’s up Fluttershy?”

“I wanted to......enter.....the competition.” she said in a nervous tone. Twilight and the others looked at her in surprise.

“S-sure Fluttershy, let’s just get back to the library and I’ll get the forms.” she said as she led the group of mares back to the center of town.

“Why the sudden change of heart shy?” Rainbow asked.

“Well I....um.”

“Well she’s never competed and she just wanted to try it this year.” Rarity interjected.

“Yeah...just curiosity, ah’m entering myself.” Applejack said as she winked at the white mare. Rainbow looked at the two mares with a raised eyebrow, She flew in front of her yellow friend and looked at her with a blank look on her face.

“Fluttershy, be honest with me. Do you like him? I Pinkie Promise that I won’t make fun of you.” she said with a smile. Fluttershy bit her lip and looked at her friends.

“Yes.”

“Good for you, he seems like a really nice stallion.” Twilight said as she entered the library.

“Unfortunately every mare in Ponyville saw that stunt with the dragon. You all saw how Rose and the others reacted.” Rarity said as she looked at the mares.

“Exactly, those mare’s are gonna go after him like a swarm of parasprites.” AJ said as Twilight handed her friend the form. Fluttershy looked down to the floor in disappointment. Rainbow then had an idea she pulled the other four mares into a huddle.

“Why don’t we play goal keeper on this one?”

“What?”

“I’m saying we make sure that Fluttershy get’s Cross’s tag.”

“How are we going to do that?” AJ asked.

“I....don’t know yet.” Rainbow said in a defeated tone the mares then looked at Twilight who began to scratch her chin.

“I think I have an idea, it’s crazy but it might just work.” the mares moved their heads closer to the mares idea. “Here’s the plan...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deep in the Everfree Forest Cross and Ace made their way into a clearing next to a deep crystal blue pool of water. Cross got off of the beast’s back and set his bags against a nearby tree, Ace had a manticore corpse by his mouth and began to eat the beast. Cross trotted over to the water and dunked his head into the water.

“Sweet Celestia that feels good.” he trotted over to Ace who began to work on the manticore’s ribs. Cross leaned against a tree and pulled out the small box Stone had given him, he opened the box and pulled out the glowing sphere. Ace perked up at the sight of the small sphere and sniffed it, the wolf let out a low whine. Cross patted the wolf on the head. “I know boy. If he sent us this, it only means one thing.” he looked at the wolf with a smile, Cross got to his hooves and walked into the sunlight. “Watch my back while I sleep this thing off.” the wolf barked and looked at the stallion. Cross took a deep breath and began to funnel his magic into the sphere, he started to let out a cry of pain as it began to evaporate and envelope his body in a field of magical aura. Cross felt himself being lifted off of the ground by the power. The light soon faded and Cross flopped on the ground with his coat smoking. He opened his eyes to see Ace staring at him with a concerned look in his eye “Okay.....Ow.” he said as he got to his hooves.

He staggered over to the tree and sat down. “How should I play tomorrow?” he said as he looked at the wolf who continued eating his meal. “So almost every mare plays the game, every mare except the one I want to go on a date with.” the wolf let out a bark that sounded like a laugh. “What? She’s cute. Sue me.” the wolf shrugged and continued eating. Cross’s eyes grew wide at a realization. “But....If I could remove the competition and no-pony get’s my flag then I win. Ugh! But those mares are crazy and I never know when-” he stopped at a thought. “Oh I am brilliant!” the wolf perked up at the stallions outburst, he looked over to see him withdrawing a spell book. Cross flipped through the pages and stopped as he reached his prize. “Excellent.” he got to his hooves and put the book back in his bag. “Ace time to throw a party.” the wolf had finished his meal and the two began to walk out of the forest.

The duo trotted into Ponyville as discretely as possible, Cross turned back to his large companion. “Ace why don’t you head back to the cottage, no offense but you draw a lot of attention.” the wolf nodded and headed back towards the small cottage. Cross made his way over to Sugar Cube Corner and poked his head inside to see Pinkie at the register. A smile crept on his face, Cross trotted over to a booth and looked over at the pink mare. “Hey Pinkie, over here!” he said as he waved the mare over to the booth. She smiled and trotted over to her grey friend.

“Hey! What’s up?”

“Quick question, do you throw a party the night before the competition?” the mare’s eyes boggled.

“NO! BUT THAT IS SUCH A GOOD IDEA! I’D BETTER START PLANNING AND INVITING PONIES!” she said as she ran out of the booth and started going over to ponies. Cross grinned and got to his hooves and walked out of the bakery. As he made his way to the library he caught several glances from the mares who were eyeing him with lustful intent. He quickly made his way inside and was greeted by the lavender mare.

“Hey Cross, what’s up?”

“Is there a map of Ponyville I could borrow?”

“Sure there’s one on the brochure right there. Take it, we’ve got tons.” she said with a smile.

“Thanks.” he said as he put one in his bag.

“Why do you need that?”

“Just in case I get lost.” he said with a chuckle. He then noticed Spike descending the staircase.

“Oh...hey Cross what’s up?” he said in a nervous tone.

“Relax Spike, Ace is back at Fluttershy’s house.” the dragon let out a sigh of relief and sat on the couch.

“So how do you do business with dragons when your pet hate’s them?” he said in a flat tone.

“Well when I handle the business aspect I go alone and that’s usually the only time I actually have a conversation with them.” he said as he started to look at the map.

“Has he ever..killed a dragon?”

“No, he’s fought them but never killed them.”

“Why not?” Cross let out a sigh at the question.

“Well he isn’t full grown yet so he can’t really kill them.”

“That makes sense.”

“Don’t get me wrong he can do some damage but he isn’t strong enough....yet.”

“So he couldn’t kill me?”

“You? He could probably take you out with one swipe of his claw. I’m talking about massive dragons that burn down villages and eat ponies for an afternoon snack.” Twilight gulped at the thought. Cross got to his hooves and made his way towards the door. “Thanks for the map Twilight, see you later.” as soon as he left Spike hurried over to Twilight with a cross look on his face.

“See I told you that something was up with him.” the dragon said with a frown on his face.

“Spike calm down, so he doesn’t think you’re a threat.” she said as she rolled her eyes.

“I don’t know, I still say there’s something weird about him.” Spike said as he walked back upstairs. Twilight dismissed the thought and continued reading.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross made his way through Ponyville with the map in front of him, he withdrew a quill and began to mark certain buildings. He decided to get out of the busy town and head over to Sweet Apple Acres for some peace and quiet. Cross balanced himself on one of the fence posts and began to meditate. He began to shift himself upside down so that he was balancing on his horn, once he gained his balance he put his front hooves together and closed his eyes and began to meditate. Cross began to sift through his memories, the accident, when he found Ace and-

“Um excuse me.” Cross opened his eyes to see a massive red stallion staring at him. He hopped off the fence and landed on his hooves.

“You’re....Big Mac right?”

“Eeyup.”

“What’s up?”

“Ah heard that you entered the contest.”

“Yeah. Did you?”

“Eeyup.”

This guy has quite the vocabulary.

“So you’ve competed before right?” the red stallion nodded. “So which mare’s should I look out for?” the large stallion thought for a moment.

“Well...that rainbow one is very fast in the air and on the ground. Mah sister has enough strength and endurance to outlast nearly any-pony. Miss Rarity ain’t exactly athletic but she’s crafty, the pink one is all over the place ah can’t really describe her that well and Twilight is very smart and good with magic.”

“What about Fluttershy?”

“Ah never seen her compete, all I know is she can talk to animals and is very shy.”

“Good to know, what about the rest of the town?”

“They’re pretty much average.”

“Thanks for the info.....you have any-pony you’ve got your eye on?” the stallion looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Sorry...just trying to make conversation.” the stallion gave a heavy sigh.

“None of yer business.”

“Fair enough. Need a hoof with something?”

“Well AJ and I need to finish up the south orchard, but ah haven’t seen her since this morning.”

“I’ll give you a hoof if you want the help.”

“Thank you kindly, follow me.” he said as he trotted down the path. Cross followed close behind the stallion towards the pack of trees. “Okay so have you ever bucked apples before?”

“No.”

“It’s real simple, just kick the center of the trunk and the apples will fall off.” the red stallion stopped in front of the tree and kicked it. Cross saw the bark crush at the stallions strength and the red apples came falling down.

“Impressive, mind if I try?” the red stallion nodded and Cross took his position in front of a tree. He raised his back hooves and kicked, he felt the tree start to give. Cross looked behind him to see that he had uprooted the tree and that it was now laying on his side. “Um.....sorry about that. Guess I don’t know my own strength.” Mac looked in disbelief at the spectacle of the smaller pony’s strength.

“I-it’s okay, ah’ve done that myself.” the two continued to work until the days end, Cross heard galloping hoof steps coming down the path. He looked over to see a familiar orange mare trotting up to them.

“Sorry ah’m late Big Mac ah was.....What happened to that tree!?” she yelled as she saw the uprooted plant.

“That’s my bad AJ. It was my first time apple bucking and I kinda...used too much force.” Cross said with a weak grin.

“Really?” she said with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m stronger than I look AJ.” he said as he glared at the mare.

“Ah meant nothing by it, ah actually could use your help.”

“With what?”

“Mah sister and her two friends are still out and about. It’s getting dark soon and I’d like to find them.”

“So you want me to look for em?”

“Yes.”

“Sure just give me a second.” he brought his his to his lips and let out a loud whistle. Soon Ace came barreling up the dirt road and stopped in front of the two ponies. “Ace here is an expert in tracking, you have something that he can get a scent off of?”

“Yeah hang on a second.” the orange mare rushed inside and grabbed her crusader cape. The wolf sniffed it and then began to stick his nose in the air, he let out a bark as he got the scent.

“Okay he’s got something.” he said as he climbed on the beast’s back, he outstretched a hoof down to the mare who looked at him in surprise. “Are you getting on or not?”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Oh don’t be a baby.” he said as he grabbed the mare’s hoof and pulled her onto the beast. Applejack’s teeth were chattering as she sat on the beast’s back. “You’d better hang on.”

“To wha-” she was cut off by Ace lunging forward, instinctively Applejack wrapped her hooves around the stallion’s body and clung for dear life. The wolf ran through town causing some ponies to jump back in surprise. AJ felt the beast slowing down, she looked at the grey stallion with daggers in her eyes. “Don’t EVER do that again!” she said in a threatening tone.

“Oh come on, you loved it.” he said with a laugh.

“Why you conceited-”

“Hate to interrupt AJ, but it looks like we’ve got a problem.” the mare saw what he meant as they stopped on the edge of the Everfree Forest. The mare gave a gulp as Ace made his way inside the dark forest with the two ponies still on his back.

“Maybe they went to Zecora’s.”

“Who?”

“She’s this zebra that lives in the forest, she makes potions and what not.”

“She knows Applebloom?”

“Yeah, she’s great with kids.” she said as they continued to walk through the woods. Applejack had one nagging question on her mind. “Hey Cross can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Where did you learn all of this tracking stuff?”

“I mostly taught myself.”

“So yer parent’s didn’t teach you anything?” he scoffed at the question.

“Them? No. I figured things out on my own.”

“You don’t get along with them do you?” she asked.

“Not even remotely.” he said in a harsh tone. “For all I know they think I’m dead and that’s fine by me.”

“Why do you hate em so much?”

“I never really had a foal-hood. They kept me inside, away from every-pony else. My father paid for lesson’s in self defense and fighting. I never really fit in with the other kids, when ever I tried to play a game with them they’d shun me like I had the plague or something. Eventually I got tired of it and decided to run away. Haven’t looked back since.” he felt the mares grip tighten around him and her head rest against his back.

“Sorry to hear that sugar cube, ah didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s fine it happened a long time ago and-” he was cut off by Ace letting out a bark. Cross dismounted and looked on the ground to see a dark red bow. “This Applebloom’s?”

“Yeah, she should be close-” she was interrupted by three fillies jumping out of a bush with fear in their eyes.

“Applejack! Help!” the white unicorn said. “We were trying to get our berry picking cutie marks when-” the filly was cut off by a loud growl coming from the bush. Cross levitated the ponies onto Ace’s back.

“Ace, get these ponies out of here now!” he ordered the beat let out a whine. “No excuses!” the wolf turned around, Applejack looked back at the stallion with worry in her eyes.

“No way no how am ah leaving-” Cross slapped the wolf on the back and took off back towards the town with the ponies hanging on to him. The stallion then looked back to see a timber wolf with a knife wound in the side of it.

“You again?” the beast’s eyes narrowed as it remembered the stallion. “Okay then. Round two.” he said as his horn began to glow.

Chapter 6: Doubt

Applejack and the fillies felt them selves coming to a stop as they cleared the edge of the forest, they looked back to see nothing but trees. Applejack helped the fillies off the wolf and began to turn around when Twilight and the others came rushing up to them.

“There you guys are! We’ve spent the last two hours trying to find you.” Twilight said as she looked at the group. “Wait, where’s Cross?”

“He stayed behind to keep the timber wolf busy while we escaped.” Applejack said reluctantly.

“You just left him there!” Fluttershy yelled.

“No ah wanted to stay and help but he made Ace take us back.”

“We have to go help and-” Rainbow was cut off by some rustling in the bushes. Cross stepped out with a messed up mane and a few scratches on his body.

“I don’t think a rescue is necessary.” he said with a grin. Fluttershy quickly rushed over to him and wrapped him in a hug. “Ah! Easy Fluttershy, kinda bleeding here.” Fluttershy let go and started to blush. Applejack then went over and slapped him in the face.

“Don’t ever do that again, you hear!”

“Calm down I’m fine.” he said as he brushed himself off. Twilight then noticed that the scratch marks on his body were beginning to heal.

“Y-you’re healing.” Cross then looked at the shrinking wounds.

“I’ve always been a fast healer.” he said as he walked past the group of mares. “C’mon didn’t Pinkie invite you guys to a party?”

“Y-yeah but you’re-”

“I’m fine, relax.” he said as he walked past the mares. “Besides didn’t Pinkie tell you about the party?” the pink mare then shot up.

“RIGHT THE PARTY! C’mon we’d better hurry.” she said as she galloped back towards the town.

“Um....I think I’m just going to head home.” Fluttershy said in a timid tone.

“You sure?” Cross asked.

“Yes..I need to feed Angel and the other animals anyway.” she said with a weak smile.

“Well okay if you’re sure.....I’ll be back later than.” he said as the mare trotted home. The ponies then trotted into town with Pinkie leading the way. Twilight, AJ and Rainbow kept eyeing the grey stallion.

“What?” he asked as he looked back at the mares.

“How did you take on a timber wolf and barely get a scratch?” Rainbow asked.

“Well one, I wasn’t tired this time and two, I’ve had experience with them before.” he said in a flat tone.

“Yeah but still-”

“I’m tougher than I look Rainbow.” he said in a flat tone.

“I know you’re tough it’s just that-”

“You’re creeped out how I can take on a timber wolf bare-hoofed and come out without a scratch?” Rainbow was about to protest but just gave a nod. “Thought so. Look girls I don’t blame you, sometimes I’m scared of what I can do.” he said in a low tone. “Trust me I’ve done things that will haunt me forever. I know how to handle myself and I’ve been perfectly fine on my own.”

“How long have you been on your own?” Twilight asked.

“Since I was around eight.” he said in a flat tone. The ponies looked at each other in astonishment.

“That long? All on your own?”

“Well not all the time I’ve made a few friends in my travels and client’s I still keep in touch with.”

“Like who?”

“Umm......what was his name.......Soarin? Yeah that’s it!” Rainbow’s jaw dropped.

“YOU KNOW SOARIN!” she said as she flew in front of the stallion.

“Yeah.”

“How did you meet him?”

“I was hired to find his pet dog, we ended up hitting it off and I met the rest of the team.”

“What was it like?” Rainbow asked in anticipation.

“We went to a few bars.....the rest is a blur after that.” he said as he scratched his chin. “Sorry, but those guys know how to party.” With that final thought the ponies entered the bakery that was filled with almost every mare and stallion in Ponyville. The mare’s suddenly fell silent as Cross entered the room, he was catching mixed glances of lust and jealousy from the crowd. He and the five mares sat down at a booth, and began to relax. Cross was approached by at least five mares with sheepish grins, he looked back at his friends with an aggravated tone. “Ugh! These mares are killing me!”

“Well considering what you did with that dragon today, it’s kind of expected.” Twilight said as she shrugged.

“All I did was talk to him. I didn’t fight him.”

“Still it’s pretty impressive how you handled that situation.”

“I really don’t see the big deal, Fluttershy talks to animals all the time.”

“But not a dragon! No-pony has ever gotten that close to one without getting roasted.” Rainbow interjected.

“Fine, but the whole thing is just a pain in my flank.” he said as he sipped his drink.

“So Cross...do you have your eyes on any pony for the competition tomorrow?” Rarity asked.

“What like a mare I’d want to go out with?”

“Yes.” she said as she bit her lip.

“Well I was considering Fluttershy but-”

“Really!?” Applejack yelled in excitement.

“Yeah I’d figured it would be the best way to start paying her back-”

“Hold on, what do you mean start paying her back?” the orange mare asked.

“Um, she saved my life. The least I can do is take her out for a nice dinner.” he said as he raised an eyebrow.

“Oh....right.” she said as the other ponies let out a sigh of relief. Cross looked at the group with a suspicious look on his face.

“Plus all I have to do is keep my tag until the end of day right?”

“Um....yeah but how are you going to dodge almost every mare in Ponyville for the whole contest?” Twilight asked.

“Oh trust me Twilight, I have my ways.” he said with a smug smile. The mares looked at him in confusion. “But c’mon this is a party, let’s not worry about the competition until it get’s here, it starts at 8:00am tomorrow right?” Twilight nodded. “So I’ll worry about it then.” he said as he walked out of the bakery and headed for home. Twilight turned back to her friends with a worried look on her face.

“Okay how is he going to handle almost every-mare gunning for him?”

“I guess we’ll find out.” Twilight said in an uneasy tone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outside in the street’s of Ponyville Cross and Ace made their way back to Fluttershy’s cabin he stopped on all of the places he marked on the map he got earlier that day from Twilight. He arrived back at the rustic cottage of the yellow mare. His horn began to glow and ten copies of himself materialized in front of him.

“Alright boys you know what to do.” the stallions smirked and then dispersed back into town. Cross trotted inside and laid down on the couch. Cross pulled out an alarm clock and set it for 6:00am, he leaned back,and tipped his hat over his head and drifted off to sleep.

Upstairs Fluttershy was struggling to find sleep as he heat cycle started, she shifted in her covers and tried to push Cross out of her mind unsuccessfully.

Oh....This is worse than last year! Why?

Because there’s a hunk of a stallion sleeping in your house go get him!

No..I couldn’t.

Why not? I bet he’d love it and so would you.

Oh..I don’t know.

You won’t know unless you try! Would you prefer it if another mare got him tomorrow?

Well.....no.

Then get down stairs and tell him how you feel! with that final thought Fluttershy got to her hooves and crept out of her room. Her face became bright red as she approached the sleeping stallion, her breathing became heavy and lust filled she gently took his hat off so that she could achieve her goal. One kiss.....that’s all I need one kiss and....I’ll tell him how I feel tomorrow. She began to lean her head in, she could see his well built chest rising and falling, her blush brightened. Her lips were inches away from his. I can’t do it. she thought as she began to trot away from the stallion, she accidentally stepped on Ace’s tail who let out a sudden bark in pain. The yelp made Cross jump to his hooves in surprise.

“What? What?” he said as he looked at the surprised pony. “Fluttershy? What are you doing down here?”

“Um......I was....Never mind....I accidentally stepped on Ace’s tail. Goodnight.” she said as she rocketed back up to her room.

“Okay? well...Good night.” he said as he got back onto the couch. As soon as she was out of ear shot the wolf let out a small bark. Back upstairs Fluttershy had locked her door and started to cry on her bed. Her pillow became wet with tears.

I can’t believe I almost did that! I’m such a fool.

You’re not a fool you’re just.....nervous.

No, I’m an idiot for trying....I- she was cut off by a knock at the door.

“Fluttershy? You okay in there?” Cross asked as he put an ear against the wooded door.

“Y-yes. I’m fine.”

“Well.....if you’re sure....See you tomorrow.” he said in an uneasy tone. The yellow mare listened for his hoof steps to fade, her eyes proceeded to water.

Calm down Fluttershy, keep yourself together.

How?..He’ll never see me as anything more than the pony who saved him. I probably shouldn’t even go tomorrow.

No! You have to go, Twilight and the others will be there to help you out tomorrow.

I don’t know.......okay fine I’ll do it for them.

Good and who knows, you might get lucky and get his tag!

Doubtful. she thought to herself as she drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the Everfree Forest the zebra Zecora had ventured out of her hut in search of some medicinal ingredients. She had almost everything in order until she came to a clearing, she let out a gasp at the sight of a carcass ripped to shreds and almost un recognizable. She guessed from the remains that it was from a timber wolf, judging by the pieces of fur. Blood was smeared along the trees and grass, it looked as though the creature was slashed with a pair of claws. Zecora examined the area and found a clump of white fur, she tucked the sample into her bag and trotted back to her hut.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the short chapter, getting back into the swing of school.

Chapter 7: Competition

Cross woke up to the sound of the alarm clock going off. He quickly silenced the mechanism and got to his hooves, he quickly stretched and let out a yawn. He looked over at the wolf who did the same, he quietly trotted outside to see ten exhausted grey copies of himself sleeping in a tree. He gave the tree a small kick and the ten stallions awoke and lined up side by side.

“You guy’s finish them?”

“It’s gonna be an interesting game. Trust me.” one of the copies said with a smile.

“Course I trust you, you’re me!” he said with a laugh.

“You sure you can handle the last hours? We did A LOT!” another copy said.

“Like what?” the group of stallions then whispered what they had done in extreme detail. Cross looked back at the group with his mouth agate. “Oh you guys are good!”

“Duh, I’m the best after all.”

“Quite right my friend, now it’s my turn.” Cross said as the stallions evaporated. Cross felt himself become very tired and almost collapsed on the ground. “Right forgot about that side effect.” he said as he made his way back inside and threw his hat on his head. He trotted over to Ace who was ready to go, the grey stallion put a hoof on the wolfs head and smiled. “Sorry boy, but I gotta do this alone.” the wolf let out a small whine. “What? There aren’t that many female dire wolfs walking around.” he said as he looked at the wolf. Cross trotted out of the door and made his way through the sleeping town. He made his way to Sugar Cube Corner, as he walked in he was greeted by the proprietors, Mr. & Mrs. Cake.

“Morning Cross, what can I get for you?” Mrs. Cake asked in her usually cheery tone.

“Anything that will keep me alert for the rest of the day.” he said as he took a seat at the counter.

“Well considering how the mare’s in this town were acting last night I can see why you’d need something like that.”

“Yeah looks like I’m suddenly the town favorite.....I guess I’ll have an egg and some some black coffee.”

“Coming right up.” she said as she trotted back into the kitchen. As he looked over he saw a familiar pink mare trotting over to him. “Morning Pinkie.” he said with a smile.

“Hey! Ready for today?”

“As I’ll ever be, you?”

“Yup!”

“How about the others?”

“Oh yeah they’re excited. Especially Twilight!” Cross looked at her in surprise.

“Really? She doesn’t seem the romantic type.”

“Well she reads a lot of romance novels.”

“Does she have her eye on some-pony?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Who?”

“Sorry can’t say. I Pinkie Promised.” she said with a smile.

“What’s that?” he said as his food arrived.

“If you make a Pinkie Promise then you can’t ever break it!” she said in a serious tone.

“Noted.” he said as he ate his meal. They were soon joined by Rainbow Dash and the others. “Morning guys.” he said with a smile, he then noticed Fluttershy being unusually quiet and distant, Cross pushed the thought out of his mind and continued eating.

“Sup?” Rainbow said with a yawn.

“What’re you doing here so early?” Applejack asked.

“I like the morning, always have. Plus I wanted to get a good feel for the town before the competition starts.” he said as he sipped his coffee.

“So you’re ready for the competition?” Twilight asked.

“As I’ll ever be.”

“Well...okay then, good luck.” Twilight said as she went to the rest room. The other ponies started to talk and gossip to one another, Cross noticed that Fluttershy wasn’t chiming in and was looking away as he made eye contact with her. He looked at Rainbow and pulled her aside.

“Hey Dash, I think something’s wrong with Fluttershy.” he whispered.

“What makes you say that?”

“Well I think I heard her crying last night when she went to bed, she said she was fine but I’m not buying it.” he said as he looked at the cyan mare. He then noticed a few mares staring at him. “I’d better go before some mare’s here decide to start the competition early, keep an eye on Fluttershy. I know something’s up with her.” he trotted up to the Cake’s and paid for his meal and trotted out of the door. Rainbow looked at her yellow friend who had a massive blush on her face.

“Okay Fluttershy what’s wrong?”

“N-nothing....” she said in a hushed tone.

“C’mon Fluttershy we’re your best friends, you can tell us anything.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Last night I....tried to kiss Cross."

“Louder.”

“I tried to kiss Cross.”

“Louder!”

“I tried to kiss Cross.”

“For the love of Celestia! LOUDER!” Rainbow yelled.

“I tried to kiss Cross!” she said as she brightly blushed. The other ponies looked back at her in surprise. “My heat cycle started last night and I....I...” she then his behind her mane. The other mares put a hoof to their mouths in surprise.

“So....how was it?” Rarity asked.

“I couldn’t do it...I chickened out and accidentally stepped on Ace’s tail when I started to walk away, Cross woke up when Ace barked.” she said in embarrassment. The white unicorn then put a hoof on her shoulder.

“It’s okay darling.”

“I should probably go home and-”

“No! You’re not going home, you’re gonna get Cross’s flag and the two of you are gonna have the best Hearts and Hooves day ever!” Rainbow said as she looked at her friend with a frown.

“B-bit what if I don’t-”

“We’ll make sure you get his flag, don’t worry.” Twilight said in a determined tone.

“But what if my tag-”

“Relax Shy, I got your back.” Rainbow said with a wink. Fluttershy looked over at her friends who gave a reassuring nod and smile.

“Thanks girls but how are you going to make that happen?” she said as she smiled at the mares.

“Don’t worry about it we have a plan.” Twilight said in a confident tone. Fluttershy gave her friends and uneasy glance and gave a heavy sigh.

“O-okay.” she breathed out. The other ponies got to their hooves and trotted out the door and into the center of town where a large group of ponies have gathered, they trotted over and retrieved their tags that had their Cutie Marks embroidered on the fabric. The six mare’s joined the group and waited for the mayor to begin the competition.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross was waiting with the other stallions that were directly across from the pack of mares, his tag was attached on his back and bore his Cutie Mark. He made his way to the front of the pack next to Big Mac, a grey pegasus stallion named Thunderlane and three other pegasi that looked like they had more brawn than brains. Cross looked over at the pack of mares who were all eyeing him with lustful intent he even saw some lick their lips and occasionally mouth the word ‘mine’ at him. Cross rolled his eyes and had a cocky smile spread across his face. The red stallion took notice of this and raised an eyebrow.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?”

“Oh trust me my friend, this is gonna be interesting.”

“How can you be so confident?” Thunderlane asked as he was shaking in fear, Cross looked at the grey stallion with a raised eyebrow.

“Thunderlane you need to relax, they can smell fear and that’s what the mares look for, how they select their targets.” he said as he glanced back at the pack of mares.

“How do you know?”

“I’ve seen that look on hundreds of faces, don’t look at them in fear. Match their stare, no send a stare back to them.” he whispered to the stallions. The pegasus took a gulp and took his advise. He stared back at the mares, brimming with false confidence and he put on the best poker face he had. The mares glared at the group of stallions who all shared the same look, the mares looked at them in confusion. The mayor took the stage that was in between the two groups, she trotted onto the stage and withdrew a mega phone.

“Fillies and Gentle-colts! Welcome to the Hearts and Hooves day competition!” the ponies started to clap and cheer. “Since we have a newcomer this year, I shall go over the rules. One, you cannot collect more than one tag. Two, use of magic and wings are allowed so long as it is used in a non lethal way. Three, the competition lasts until 3:00pm. Four, your tags are magically locked to who ever tears them off. Five, you are not winning the ponies service, you are winning their company. Their choices are still to be honored and respected, any-pony who tries to force anything onto another will be immediately disqualified from this competition for life and will face criminal charges. Six, the last stallion or mare with their tag still on will have their choice of their date of his or her choosing, even if the pony’s tag has already been removed and if she/he agrees to it.” she took a breath and looked at the grey stallion. “Now let’s have our guest of honor say a few words.” she motioned for the stallion to come next to her. Cross made his way through the crowd and made his way onto the stage.

“I’m very grateful that you all have welcomed me with open hooves and I’m happy to be competing in this competition.” he said with a smile, the ponies started to clap. “I know that some of you will be going after my tag, I’m going to let you all know now that I won’t make it easy on you.” he said with a smile. “I’m looking for a nice challenging game.” his horn began to glow as he talked. “With that said.......LET THE GAMES BEGIN!” as the words left his lips a massive cloud of smoke enveloped him and the other stallions. When the smoke cleared every stallion had run off in the opposite direction and Cross was no where to be seen. The mares had a massive look of surprise on their faces. They quickly dispersed and began to search for the stallions. Twilight and the others made their way inside the library.

“Okay girls remember, Fluttershy has to be the one to remove Cross’s tag. If one of us see’s him we’ll let the others know.” the mares nodded in agreement. “Rainbow you take care of the skies.”

“You got it!”

“Applejack, you monitor the North end of town, Rarity you take South and Pinkie will handle East. I’ll stay here and keep the stallions away from Fluttershy.”

“Got it.” Applejack said as she gave a salute.

“Sounds easy enough.” Rarity said as she flipped her mane.

“This is going to be so much fun!” the pink mare said as she jumped. The ponies then left to go find the grey stallion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, Ace had become very bored and exited the small living room and began to explore outside. It wasn’t long until he heard three fillies trotting down the road. Applebloom saw the large wolf and galloped over to him.

“Hey Ace!” the wold let out a bark and began to wag his tail as the three trotted over and began to pet him. “Cross at the competition?” the dog nodded his head at the question.

“Hey we should take him for a walk!” Scootaloo suggested.

“Yeah we could be.....CUTIE MARK CRUSADER WOLF WALKERS!” Sweetie Belle said in excitement.

“Great idea! C’mon boy.” Ace let out a yawn as he got to his paws, the three fillies started to walk around the outskirts of town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross was hiding in the park inside a bush. He poked his head out and saw that the mares were trying their best to try and catch him. He exited the shrubbery and crept his way to the edge of town.

“OVER THERE!” he spun around to see five mares charging at him. Cross started to gallop down the road, slowly the mob of mares started to increase. He made his way into an alley and ran straight at the wall, his horn began to glow. As he reached the red bricked surface he jumped and he ran up the wall, surprising the mares. As he reached the roof top he looked back and tipped his hat to the mares, he noticed that some of the pegasi had taken flight and started to fly after him.

“Oh great.” he breathed out. His horn began to glow and ten copies of himself materialized, The ponies looked in confusion as the grey stallions darted off in separate directions. The mares chased after him the real Cross made his way back onto the street, he hid inside a trash can to hide from a certain white unicorn mare. He then moved behind a nearby building and entered a window. As he slipped inside he couldn’t help but notice the fragrance affluent in the air. Hmm......why does it smell so good in here? It’s almost smells like......uh oh. The light’s switched on to reveal two earth pony mares, one blue and one pink staring at him with lustful eyes. “Well...buck me.” he breathed out.

“We’ll see how the date goes darling.” the blue one said as she nearly pounced on him, Cross side stepped and avoided the mare’s charge, he looked over to see the pink mare attempting the same attack. Cross managed to avoid the mare’s advance, he vaulted over the two ponies and ran out the door. He only got twenty feet away from the shop until another group of mares saw him. Oh crap...here we go again. He proceeded to run towards the park entrance, his eyes darted from side to side as he felt the mare's gaining on him. C’mon, it should be just about....there! he said as he withdrew his knife and cut a rope as he ran. The mares were gaining on him, they felt themselves being wrapped in a tight rope and being held by a strong tree branch. The bundle of mares began to swing in frustration as they tried to break free.

“What the buck?” one of the mares said in surprise.

“I said it wasn’t going to be easy.” Cross said as he looked up at the mares. “Ladies I bid you good day.” he tipped his hat to them and galloped deeper into the park.

Chapter 8: Secrets

Fluttershy and Twilight were making their way through town, keeping an eye out for Cross and any other stallion that tried to steal their tags. Rainbow had reported nothing, Rarity told them about how he trapped the group of mare’s in a net trap.

“Wow, I didn’t think he’d lay traps.” Twilight exclaimed.

“He’s playing hard ball.” Rainbow said with a smile. “Makes things a bit more interesting if you ask me. Nice to see a stallion that doesn’t have his tail in between his legs.” she said with a grin. The ponies then heard a loud knock at the door, Applejack got to her hooves and opened the door to reveal a grey pegasus mare with a flowing blond mane.

“Howdy there Ditzy.”

“Hey, I have a letter for Fluttershy, I heard that she might be here.” she said as she retrieved a white envelope. “I think it’s from a secret admirer.” she said with a smile. Applejack gave the mare two bit’s and trotted back inside, she handed Fluttershy the envelope. Fluttershy opened the letter and read the message, a bright blush had appeared on her face and she began to giggle.

“What’s up?” Twilight asked as she picked up the letter and read it aloud.

Fluttershy,

I have had feelings for you since we met, but I didn’t know how to tell you. Meet me by the clearing with the waterfall in the Everfree forest, come alone.

I’ll be waiting there until 3:00pm.

~Cross Hair.

Twilight’s jaw dropped as she finished reading the letter, she looked at the other mare’s who shared the same looks of shock. Fluttershy was happily giggling and blushing. Rainbow came over and high hoofed her friend.

“See Fluttershy, everything’s working out! And don’t worry, I’ll escort you to the Everfree forest.”

“Thanks.” she said with a smile.

“Well get going darling. It’s very un-lady like to keep a stallion waiting.” Rarity said giving her fried a reassuring pat on the back. Fluttershy looked back at her friends one last time who gave her a reassuring nod. Fluttershy and Rainbow took flight and made their way to the forest.

“Good luck.” the ponies said as they waved goodbye to their friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross was being chased by another pack of mares, he jumped over a patch of dirt and looked behind him with a smile. The mare’s collected weight broke the small amount of twigs and leaves his clones had made to cover the pit they dug the previous night. He took a moment to marvel at ‘his’ work, but soon another pack of mare’s converged on him. He looked up to see a familiar pegasus stallion rocketing toward him.

“Hey Thunderlane! Down here!” he said as he was running, the dark stallion descended to his level and out stretched a hoof to the grey unicorn. Cross grabbed hold of it and the two stallions ascended into the sky. “Set me down on a cloud.”

“But, you’ll fall through.” the pegasus said in concern.

“No I won’t, cloud walking spell.” he said as his horn glowed. The stallion shrugged and the two rested on the cloud. “Thanks man....these mare’s are crazy!”

“I know....thanks by the way.”

“For what?”

“For trapping Rose in that net thing, I got her tag.” he said as he showed the unicorn the pink tag with a rose Cutie Mark stitched on it.

“Nice.” he said as he bumped hooves with the pegasus. “How’s Big Mac holding up?”

“Still hiding.”

“Figures...what are you going to do with Rose?”

“Take her out to a nice dinner.......maybe a movie....then who knows.” he said with a smug grin. “What about you?”

“Just trying to stay alive right now.”

“I mean which mare are you going after?” Cross let out a heavy sigh.

“If she’s still got her tag then.....Fluttershy.”

“Really? She’s playing this year?”

“Apparently.’

“That’s cool. She’s cute in an innocent kind of way.” Thunderlane said as he rolled his eyes. The two continued to talk and relax on the cloud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in town, one of Cross’s clones was hiding close to the library, he hoisted himself in through the window and snuck down the stairs only to be caught by Applejacks rope. “Gah!” he said as he was pulled down onto the ground floor, he looked up to see four mare’s with surprised looks on their faces. “Hey...ladies hows the hunt coming along?”

“Are you the real one?” Twilight asked.

“Nope. Clone number seven at your service.” he said with a smile. Twilight’s jaw hit the floor.

“SEVEN!? how many of you are there?”

“We started out with ten, but I have no idea how many of us are left.”

“Why in the hay did you create copies of yourself?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Hello! Divide and conquer.....Plus I just love to screw around with you guys, you enjoy the traps I set?” he said in a laugh.

“Ha, ha. Very funny.” Applejack said in a sarcastic tone. “But it makes no sense, with you copying yourself ah mean.”.

“No it makes perfect sense!” Twilight said with a smile, the other three mares looked back at her in shock. “Don’t you see? He made the clones to keep the other mare’s off his back so he could go see Fluttershy in the Everfree forest!”

“OH!” the three mares said in unison.

“What are you talking about?” Cross said in confusion. Twilight levitated the letter in front of the clone. “I didn’t write this, it isn’t ‘my’ hoof writing.” the ponies looked back at the clone in confusion.

“Well if you didn’t, then who did?” Twilight said in confusion. The grey stallion untied the rope and began to think.

“I don’t know, but I don’t like it.” he then turned towards the orange mare. “AJ I need you to do me a favor.”

“What?”

“Buck me in the head as hard as you can.” the mares looked at him in confusion. “Look, once a clone’s physical form is compromised then they get sent back to the source.”

“The source?” AJ said in confusion.

“The REAL Cross. Anything that I have learned Cross learns, so he’ll know what to do.” he said as he closed his eyes bracing himself for the pain. “Don’t hold back.”

“Well alright.”

“Good. Find Rainbow and get to the forest fast, I have no idea where the original Cross is so it could take him a while before he gets there.” he said as he braced himself. Applejack turned around and aimed for the stallion’s forehead.

“Hold still.” she said as her hooves connected with the clone, who disappeared in a cloud of smoke. “C’mon, ya’ll Fluttershy needs us!” Applejack said as the mares rocketed out of the library and galloped towards the dark forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on top of the cloud Thunderlane and Cross were joking around and laughing as Cross finished his joke.

“So the patient wakes up, his entire skeleton was missing and the doctor was never heard from again!” Thunderlane was rolling on his back in laughter. “Anyway.....that’s how I lost my medical license.” Thunderlane fell silent. “I’m kidding! Geez, you gotta chill man.” he said as he slapped him on the back. “You gotta.....” Cross stopped talking and closed his eyes.

“You okay?” Thunderlane asked as he looked at the stallion.

“No.....Somethings wrong.....I.....I need to get to the Everfree forest!”

“Why?”

“Fluttershy’s in danger......I just know!” Thunderlane nodded and hopped off the cloud and began to push it towards the dark forest, as the pegasus pushed the cloud towards the forest his horn started to glow.

One of the clones was cornered by a pack of mare’s in an alleyway. He could see the lust in their eyes and he heard it in their voices. The clone suddenly froze and looked back at the mares. “Sorry ladies it’s been fun but, I must depart.” he said as he took his hat off and placed it on his chest. The mare’s looked in confusion as the clone vanished with a puff of smoke. Across town six other puffs of smoke had appeared and soon vanished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The CMC were showing Ace off to their friends at the school yard, Ace liked kids but he was quickly becoming aggravated at the grey and pink earth ponies that were berating the three fillies.

“No way, this over grown flea bag is your friend!” the pink filly said.

“Is so!” Scootaloo said gritting her teeth.

“But what is that thing?” a small green colt asked.

“He’s some kind of wolf.....ah for get what kind though.” Applebloom said as she scratched her mane Ace rolled his eyes and laid down in the dirt, he then sat up and started to sniff the air. He picked up an unfamiliar scent and started to growl. Applebloom looked over to see a familiar zebra. “Howdy Zecora!”

“What have we here? Applebloom my dear.” she said as she trotted over to the children and noticed the large wolf staring at her. “Is the universe pulling my hoof? Is that in fact a Dire Wolf?”

“Yeah, isn’t he cool? He belongs to a friend of ours.” Sweetie Belle said. Ace began to growl at the mare. “It’s okay Ace, Zecora is our friend.” the large wolf looked at the small filly and then sniffed Zecora who had a look of fear drawn across her face.

“Be wary of this wolf, something very odd is ahoof.” she said as she stepped away from the large beast.

“What makes you say that Zecora? Ace looks scary but he’d never hurt a pony.” Scootaloo said.

“Yesterday, I discovered a carcass and found some odd proof, the fur of a white Dire Wolf.” she said as she withdrew the fur from her bag.

“ Ace was in the Everfree yesterday, he saved us from a timber wolf attack and carried us on his back.” Applebloom said.

“Didn’t Cross stay behind to so we could get away?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah and he came back out without a scratch.” Scootaloo added. Zecora looked at the fillies in surprise. Ace’s eyes shrank and he took off towards Ponyville, leaving the children and the zebra at the school yard. Ace made his way through the small town, as he got to the entrance of the Everfree he noticed five familiar mares just on the outside of the forest. As he caught up to them he barked and got their attention, the mares looked behind them in surprise.

“Ace?” the cyan one said in surprise. Ace proceeded to bark loudly at them. “Sorry boy, we can’t play now. Fluttershy’s in danger.” He continued to bark at the confused mares.

“What is it boy? Is a colt trapped in a well?” Pinkie asked. Ace was getting annoyed and he had had enough of the miscommunication. He decided to break a promise.

“Will you dumb ponies just shut up and listen to me!” the group of ponies looked at him with their mouth’s agate.

“D-did he j-just-”

“Yes, the wolf in front of you all just talked. We can discuss this later, I have Cross’s and.....whatever her names scent, so just follow me.” the wolf said as he walked past the stunned mares and into the dark forest. The ponies set the shock aside and followed the wolf into the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One hour earlier

Fluttershy had just arrived outside of the Everfree forest. She looked into the dark forest and cringed a little. She started to turn around when she imagined Cross waiting there for her with that smile he always had. She took a deep breath and ventured into the forest. She trotted along the path trying to keep cool and stayed alert. She suddenly heard rustling in the bushes behind her, she squeaked in fear as a small mouse came scurrying out of the bush. Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief and continued on.

C’mon Fluttershy you can do this.

Maybe I should head back.

No! We’ve made it this far and coincidentally Cross came to you! He likes you!

True.

Good so get in there and go get your stallion! Fluttershy continued along the path until she heard the sound of cascading water. She saw the clearing and gazed upon a beautiful waterfall. Her heart beat began to rise as she imagined Cross waiting for her there, she entered the clearing and started to look around the extravagant display. Fluttershy stepped up to the crystal clear pool and waited for Cross to arrive.

“I hope he get’s here soon.” she said as she looked at her reflection. Her eyes shrank as she saw two more reflections appear in the water. She turned around to see three pegasus stallions looking at her with a malicious grin. Her mind clicked as she remembered the stallions, the same ones that had tormented her in flight school. The mare tried to get away from them but she was soon surrounded.

“Well if it isn’t our old pal Fluttershy.” the brown pegasus said with a laugh. Fluttershy was quivering in fear. “What? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your old pal Dumbbell? What about Hoops and End Zone?” he said as he looked at the grey and orange pegasus stallion. Fluttershy started to back away, but was stopped by a tree.

“W-what do you want?” she said as her body began to shake in fear.

“Well, being the nice guys that we are we just couldn’t let a mare like you be alone on Hearts and Hooves day. So we figured that we’d have a nice romantic moment with you.” End zone said as he eyed the mare. Fluttershy’s eyes shrank at the statement, she looked for an escape route but her face collided with a brown hoof. Fluttershy grasped her face in pain and began to cry. “Oh if you’re crying now then just wait till later.” he said as he licked his lips. Fluttershy tried to scream but her mouth was covered by an orange hoof, Fluttershy’s mind slowly began to shut down and began to pray for a miracle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross ordered Thunderlane to stop the cloud above a clearing in the forest. He materialized a pair of binoculars and surveyed the area. He spotted a familiar yellow mare and three pegasus stallions.

“Hey Thunderlane, who’re those three?” he asked as he handed the binoculars to the black stallion. Thunderlane looked down where the unicorn had directed.

“Uh-oh. That’s Hoops, End Zone and Dumbbell. Those three tormented Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash back in flight school, trust me they’re bad news.” he said as the binoculars vanished. Cross thought for a moment and came up with an idea.

“Thunderlane, get me right above them.”

“Why? What are you-”

“Just do it!” he barked. Thunderlane complied and moved the cloud right above the stallions. “Perfect. Now go findRainbow Dash and the others. Tell them what’s happening and lead them back here!” Thunderlane looked at him in confusion, his eyes shrank as he put the pieces together. “ALLONS-Y!”Cross yelled as he dove off the cloud and was rocketing towards the ground, Cross looked back up to see Thunderlane flying back towards town. Cross focused his magic and let loose a barrage of magical spells.

The stallions started to converge on Fluttershy, but were blocked by a volley of spells. They looked up to see a grey stallion falling towards them, Cross’s horn glowed agin and he slowed his descent, he landed in between the mare who looked at him in surprise. He hurried over to the mare side and helped her get to her hooves.

“Fluttershy! Are you okay?” she slowly nodded her head, Cross looked behind him just in time for his face to collide with a grey hoof. He managed to regain his balance and he eyed the stallions who looked at him in confusion.

“Who the buck are you?”

“It’s common courtesy to give your name before asking for some-pony else’s.” he said with a smirk. That angered the stallions and they charged towards him, Cross’s horn glowed but the magic soon fizzled out. He felt the barrage of hooves hit him and he was sent flying back against a nearby tree.

“Cross!” Fluttershy yelled as she began to cry. Cross got to his hooves and spat out some blood.

“Fluttershy.....get out of here.” he said as he began to pant. “Head back the way you came, you’ll probably meet up with Rainbow or Thunderlane.” he said as he looked at the mare. “I can hold these guys here a little longer.”

“But-”

“NO BUTS JUST GO!” he barked. Fluttershy tried to escape but was cut off by one of the stallions who hit her with an uppercut, knocking her out. Cross’s lunged at the stallion and his front hoof connected with the stallion’s jaw, sending him soaring back into the other two pegasi. Cross quickly rushed to Fluttershy’s side and addressed the wound.

They are going to pay!

How? You can barely stand.

I know....who’d thought that making twenty copies in twenty four hours could leave a stallion so drained.

You knew damn well what would happen, now you have next to zero power.

I know I- he was cut off as he dodged another blow from the grey stallion. Cross kicked him back and glared at the pegasi with Fluttershy laying behind him, still unconscious. He looked back at her and gave a smile, he then turned and face d the three stallions.

“Okay fellas....Who’s first?” he said as he got in a defensive position.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thunderlane was flying over the Everfree forest as fast as his wings could carry him. He looked down to see a familiar rainbow maned pony along with five other mares, he rocketed towards them hovered just above the group.

“HEY UP HERE!” he yelled. Rainbow saw him and flew up to his level.

“What’s up Thunderlane? We’re kinda busy right now we think that Fluttershy-”

“I know, and she is! Hoops, End Zone and Dumbbell cornered her in a clearing up ahead. Cross jumped in to save her, he’s probably still there now and he needs help!” the mares looked at him in shock.

“Where?” Twilight asked with concern in her voice.

“A few miles ahead, we’d better get there quick!” Thunderlane said as he and Rainbow flew ahead of the group, prying they would make it there in time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross was being beaten left and right as he tried to get out of the triangle of pain. He saw an opening and he leaped away from the group, he stood there panting and bleeding. His vision was beginning to blur and his legs started to feel like jello. He looked over at Fluttershy who started to stir and wake up. He felt his face making contact with another hoof. Fluttershy awoke to see Cross taking massive amounts of damage at the hooves of her attackers, Fluttershy had had enough, she rose and engaged her stare freezing the brown stallion as he tried to bring his hoof down on the grey unicorn.

“What?” he said as he locked eyes with Fluttershy, who had a look that could kill a manticore. Fluttershy was not backing down, Cross looked at her in amazement, his eyes shrank as he saw the orange stallion come up behind her and force her to the ground. Free from the mares stare he picked Cross up by his mane and threw him into a nearby tree, causing it to fall on top of the stallion.

“Y’know what. You’re going to watch as we tear your colt friend apart....bit by bit.” the orange stallion whispered to Fluttershy who began to cry. Her face was still in the dirt as the tears began to flow. She managed to raise her head just enough to see the fallen tree beginning to shift. The grey pegasus stallion trotted over to the pile ready to start beating on the grey unicorn. Surprise took him when something grabbed hold of his face, the object gripped tighter and threw him into the waterfall. The other ponies looked in surprise as they saw a massive grey mass rise from the fallen trees.

“What the buck?” Hoops said as he saw the tree’s being pushed aside to reveal Cross without his hat and eye patch. The pegasi glared into the spliced blue eye that was formerly covered by the eye patch. Cross stepped into the light to reveal that his front right hoof had turned into an appendage with five razor sharp claws protruding from it, his grey coat had shifted into shiny grey scales, growing out of his back was a set of wings that were similar to that of a dragon’s only proportioned to his size. Cross’s teeth had turned razor sharp and he began to growl at the pegasi, who cringed back in fear.

Dumbbell charged at him, Cross raised the claw and brought it down on the stallions face sending him straight into the ground. End Zone had recovered and was flying towards him. Cross opened his mouth and black flames erupted from the unicorn’s mouth, singeing the pegasus’s wings and making him cry out in pain. The grey pegasus dropped to the ground and curled up into a ball. Hoops had let go of Fluttershy and started to fly away from the stallion. Cross had taken flight and appeared directly in front of the fleeing pegasus and brought his left hoof down on the orange stallions head. Hoops fell to the ground creating a crater where he landed, Hoops was crawling out of the crater as he felt something grip his wings. He looked back to see the grey unicorn looking at him with an icy stare, Cross had wrapped his hooves around the pegasus’s wings, he placed a hoof on his back and began to pull on the feathered appendages. Hoops began to scream in pain, Cross heard a loud snap coming from the wings, Cross let go of the orange pegasus who dropped to the ground. Cross looked back at Dumbbell and End Zone who regained consciousness and looked back at the stallion in fear.

“Leave....NOW!” he ordered. The stallions did as he said and the three limped away with haste back onto the path only to be stopped by Thunderlane and Rainbow Dash, who stared at them in rage.

“P-please don’t hurt us!” Hoops pleaded with them. The rest of the group soon caught up to them and looked at the pegasi in confusion. The ponies then noticed the grey figure standing in the clearing.

“Cross, thank goodness you’re-” Twilight then noticed the stallion’s physical appearance. She let out an audible gasp as he looked back at her with tears in his eyes. His gaze then shifted to the yellow mare who started to approach him, shaking with fear. His wings began to receded back into his body, his right hoof took it’s original form and his teeth became less sharp. He adverted his gaze and began to trot away from the group, he was stopped by the yellow mare who wrapped her hooves around him and began to cry.

“Thank you.” she said through the tears. Cross felt the mare’s soft lips being pressed against his, he could feel his cheeks blush as the mare broke the embrace. He saw that her face was bright red as well. Cross looked over to the group who had looks of shock and surprise strewn across their faces. As he stepped forward he felt a massive pain rip through his body, he began to cough up blood as he fell to the ground. He felt the darkness start to take hold of him, the last thing he heard were cried of worry and fast approaching hoof-steps.

Chapter 9: Answers

Cross opened his eyes to see a familiar wooden ceiling above his head. As he sat up he felt something tugging on his arm, he looked down to see a sleeping Fluttershy with her head on his chest. Cross smiled and noticed that Ace had gotten to his paws and walked over to the sleeping ponies. Cross put his hoof on the beasts head and began to scratch behind his ears.

“Deja vu.”

“I guess.” Ace replied. Cross then made ‘shut up’ motion with his hooves. “Oh calm down Fluttershy and the rest of the ponies already know I can talk.”

“Great.” he said in a sarcastic tone. “What else did I miss? Last thing that I remember was that I was fighting those pegasi.....Then the others arrived.....Fluttershy-” his face turned bright red and the wolf began to snicker. “Laugh it up. But that’s all I remember.”

“You changed and the others saw you change back.”

“Crap....How long was I out this time?”

“Only a day.”

“That I can deal-” he was cut off by Fluttershy letting out a yawn and opened her eyes.

“Hmm?.....Oh you’re awake thank goodness!” she said as she got out of bed with a blush on her face. “I...I hope you don’t mind..I was really tired from yesterday and-” she was cut off by Cross pressing his lips against his. Fluttershy’s face turned crimson and her wings extended outward. Cross broke the kiss and smiled back at the blushing mare.

“Apology accepted.” he said with a grin, which soon left his face. “You.....you saw me yesterday didn’t you?”

“Y-yes. What happened?” she said as she backed away from the bed. Cross let out a sigh and looked at Ace.

“Gather every-pony who was there and tell them to meet me at the library, I’ll explain everything there.” he said as he got to his hooves. The wolf nodded and departed from the room leaving the two ponies alone in the room. Cross trotted over to his things and he threw on his hat and eyepatch. He and Fluttershy trotted out of the cottage to be greeted by a nervous looking Rainbow Dash. “Hey Rainbow.” he said with a weak smile.

“H-hey Cross.....I just saw Ace and-”

“We’re headed to the library now.” Fluttershy added.

“C-cool. Mind if I walk with you?” she asked.

“Sure.” the three ponies walked in silence he was catching looks from both pegasi. The silence was so thick he could cut it with a knife, they were soon joined by Applejack who had the same look of worry on her face. Ace came running up to the group with his tail wagging. “You tell the others?” the wolf nodded his head and began to walk with the ponies. “This is totally out of the blue but how did the contest go?”

“Well, you lost.” AJ said as she looked at the stallion.

“What? I still had my-” he noticed that his tag was ripped off. Fluttershy tapped him on his shoulder and held up the piece of fabric with a sheepish grin. Cross smiled at the mare. “Well it looks like I owe you a date Fluttershy.”

“That can wait till later let’s just get you well again.” she said with a warm smile. “Hey can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“That letter that was addressed to me was a fake right?”

“Of corse. I’d never ask you to go into the Everfree forest for me, it was a ploy by those plot hole pegasi.” he said in a stern voice.

“I know. But was theta letter a complete lie?” Cross suddenly understood what she meant.

“Well...not every bit of it was a lie. The only honest part of it is-” he then noticed that the other ponies were listening in on their conversation. “A little privacy please!” he said as Ace moved in between him and the group of mares. “Thanks boy. Now where was I?....oh right. The only part of that letter that wasn’t a lie was that I do...in fact....care about you.” he said with a weak smile. “But now that you’ve seen......what I can do. I’d understand if you wouldn’t be interested in-” he was cur off by the mare kissing him on the lips. He looked back at her in surprise as she broke the kiss. “So you’re not scared of me?”

“Well...yes I am. But I know that you would never do anything to hurt me and I’m sure you have a good explanation for....what ever you did back there.” she said with a small blush. The group had made it into town, most of the ponies hadn’t seen him yesterday so they did their usual greetings. Cross and the others stopped outside the library, Rainbow and Applejack trotted inside along with the white wolf. Cross took a deep breath and entered the tree, he entered to see Twilight and the others waiting for him on the couch. He gave them a weak smile in which they returned.

“Okay, every-pony sitting comfortably?” he asked as Fluttershy took her seat. “Good. So I’m assuming you all have questions and I will do my best to answer them.” he said as he let out a sigh. “So who’s first?” Pinkie raised her hoof high in the air. “Yes Pinkie?”

“Are you and Fluttershy together?” both ponies blushed at the question.

“Y-yeah.” he said as Fluttershy began to giggle.

“Oh good, the suspense was killing me! The author can be really vague sometimes.” the ponies looked at her in confusion.

“I’m not even going to try and make sense of that. Next question.” Rainbow raised her hoof. “Yes Dash?”

“Okay first things first, WHAT THE BUCK IS UP WITH THAT EYE!” she yelled.

“Right that. Guess I can’t hide it any more.” he removed his hat and eye patch to reveal the bright blue spliced eye. “This is a dragon eye.” he said as he pointed to it. The ponies looked at him in shock.

“How did you get that!?” AJ exclaimed.

“You know what they say; An eye for an eye.”

“So...you killed a dragon?”

“Yes I did. But I had a good reason!”

“What reason is that!” Spike interjected.

“I was hired too.”

“B-but you said you’d find lost animals and criminals!” AJ said.

“Yes, and sometimes I was hired to find them and make sure they don’t come back.” the ponies looked at him in shock. Cross sat in a chair across from the ponies. “Trust me. I’ll regret that for the rest of my life.”

“S-so you’re a bounty hunter!” the orange mare yelled.

“In a sense, yes.” he said in a sad tone.

“So....what exactly happened?” Rarity asked.

“It was a simple job, find a fugitive that was fleeing from the dragon kingdom. Bring hima back dead or alive. I tried to reason with him and he tried to kill me, so I killed him. I was badly wounded and lost my right eye. The dragon king replaced it, they called it.....compensation.”

“But how can you even see with that thing! A dragon has a completely different anatomy than a pony!” Twilight said in confusion. Cross got to his hooves and parted the fur on his chest to reveal a massive scar.

“The dragon did more than cut out my eye, he pierced my heart with one of his claws. I was half dead when the dragon kings soldiers caught up with me, they brought me back and patched me up with a new heart.....The heart of a dragon.” the ponies looked at him in shock.

“So...you’re half dragon, half pony?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes. I’m a hybrid.” he said in a sad tone. Twilight trotted closer to the stallion and lowered her head to his chest.

“May I?” the stallion nodded and Twilight put her ear to his chest, she heart two loud beat’s that resembled a loud drum. Her head shot backwards at the noise. “Are you able to use dragon magic?” Cross trotted over to her fire place and breathed black flames into it.

“Yes...and I can fly.” his back began to bulge and two webbed wings sprouted from his body. Their jaws dropped at the wings. Rainbow flew over and inspected the wings.

“That.....is......so.......AWESOME!” the stallion looked at her in surprise.

“You’re not creeped out?”

“A little....but it looks so cool!” she said in excitement.

“But....what happened yesterday?” Rarity asked.

“I can control my dragon magic, but not for very long and it taxes my energy heavily. I was already worn out for creating so many clones.” the ponies remembered all of the traps his clones had set. “When I saw that Fluttershy was in danger I had no choice.” he said as his right hoof turned into a claw. He looked at himself in the mirror and lowered his head. “Honestly, it scares me how much power I have....But that doesn’t mean it isn’t useful.” he said with a cheery tone.

“How could that thing be useful?” Applejack said as she eyed the claw. Cross trotted over to her and started to scratch her back. The orange mare let out a sigh of comfort. “Oh that feels good.”

“See, perfect back scratcher.” he said with a laugh.

“But you’ve still killed for the Dragon Kingdom!” Twilight yelled. Cross stopped scratching Applejack's back and looked at the lavender mare with a blank stare on his face.

“Hey, you’re kingdom isn’t innocent either! I’ve taken down criminals on a government level for Celestia herself!” Twilight was taken back by this statement. “That shocked are you? I thought you knew. With Celestia being your personal teacher and all.”

“How do you know that?”

“She told me....and I knew from the hair sample.”

“What?”

“Remember when I transformed into you?” the pony nodded. “Well when I did that, I didn’t only take on your form, I got your memories. So everything that you know I know.” Twilight’s face turned to horror. “Relax, I’m not interested in your personal life and I can’t perform the vast amount of spells you’re able to cast.” he said in a calm tone. Twilight was beside herself with the information that everything about her, her secrets her studies could be seen by this stallion. “I can tell you’re freaked out by this....I only use that little trick for gathering intel on a target I’m hunting..or If I want to pull a prank on some-pony.” he said with a smile.”

“JUST SHUT UP!” she said as tears formed in her eyes. “YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE...A MONSTER! JUST A MONSTER!” she yelled. Cross looked at her with a blank stare. Fluttershy was about to protest but Cross raised a hoof to her.

“I know. I’ve done horrible things in my life and I’m trying to set things right, It’s a long shot but can’t hurt to try.”

“What good things could you have possibly done?” Twilight said still sobbing.

“Remember when Celestia’s forces tracked the Changeling Queen to the shifting desert?” the ponies nodded. “I led them there.” The ponies looked at him in surprise. “A friend of mine died in the attack, so I offered my skills. I asked to be kept off the record.” he said as his claw morphed back into a hoof. He trotted over to Twilight and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Twilight despite what you think about me I’d never hurt you or one of your friends. I may be a killer but I have my own rules that I always follow, I’d never hurt an innocent pony or living thing.” he said as he removed his hoof.

“I’m sorry...It’s just the thought of some-pony else knowing everything that I know just creeps me out.” she said in a sad tone.

“I’de be surprised if you weren’t freaked out by that.” he said with a smile.

“But you said Ace hate’s dragons! How can he stand to be with you?” Rarity asked.

“Well Cross did save my life, so I can look past that.” Ace said as he walked over to the group.

“Oh yeah that’s another thing how can he talk? Could he talk the whole time?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah he speaks Equestrian, he just doesn’t to aggravate me. “ Cross said with a smile.

“All dire wolves can talk. Why do you thing we were such a threat to the dragons? We were intelligent and organized.” Ace added.

“How come you didn’t tell us that?”

“Well your reactions spoke for themselves..Plus I just like to mess with ponies.” he said with a grin.

“Not funny.”

“It is from my point of view.” Ace added with a laugh.

“Yeah I would appreciate it if you guys would keep all of this info in the down low.” Cross said as he looked at the ponies.

“Why?”

“Do I need to say it? Ace is one of the last Dire Wolves and I’m a dragon/pony hybrid. We’d be captured and experimented on in a lab somewhere.” he said in a flat tone.

“Well who else knows that you’re a hybrid?” Dash asked.

“Other than you guys? No one and I would like to keep it that way.” he said as his wings receded into his back.

“You’re secret’s safe with us we won’t-” Rainbow was cut off by a green flash of light. The ponies looked at the purple dragon who had just breathed out green flames.

“Spike....did you just send the princess a letter?” Twilight said.

“Yes! This guy is dangerous and should be locked away-” he was cut off by the large wolf pinning him to the ground and began to growl. Cross pulled his friend off the dragon and held him back. The wolf began to shout and curse at him.

“YOU LITTLE PURPLE SHIT! I SHOULD HAVE EATEN YOU WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!” he yelled at the scared purple dragon.

“Ace stop! He’s not worth it.” Cross said as his horn glowed and materialized a cage around the white wolf. “Right now we need to focus on getting out of-” he was cut off by a bright light appearing in the room. When the ponies opened their eyes they saw the sun goddess standing before them with a cold stare in her eyes.

Chapter 10: Negotiations

The ponies looked at the princess with worried looks in their eyes, Celestia then trotted towards the grey stallion. Fluttershy quickly rushed in front of the alicorn in a hope to some how change her mind, Twilight held her friend back and watched as her mentor trotted in front of the grey stallion.

“Princess Celestia. A pleasure to see you again.” he said with a bow.

“Like wise.” the alicorn then lowered her head.

“How can I help you milady?”

“Well Spike said that there was killer in the library so I came as soon as I could. I just didn’t know that it was you. I apologize if I startled you.” she said in a calm voice.

“Totally understandable.” the Princess then noticed the massive white wolf in a cage.

“What is that?” she said as she pointed to the caged wolf.

“That is Ace. My companion and friend.” the princess trotted closer to the wolf and scanned him with her horn.

“He’s....a Dire Wolf!”

“Yes, one of the last.” he said in a defeated tone. The princess remembered their current status.

“Ah...yes I remember now.” she then eyed the stallion. “You...seem different from when we last met.”

“H-how do you mean?” he said in a nervous tone.

“Just...some thing odd.” before he could react the princess scanned him. Her eyes shrank as she finished the scan. “What is in your chest?” she said in surprise.

“Well....you see....oh screw it. It’s a dragon heart.” he said in a low tone. Celestia looked at him in surprise. “I was hurt while I was in the dragon kingdom and Karathax gave me a heart to keep me alive, same deal with my eye.” Celestia then noticed the bright blue eye.

“I see...and how long have you had this?”

“A couple of years.”

“So even when you tracked down the changelings-”

“Yup. This helped me see their tracks and allowed me to lead Captain armor to their hive.” he said in a stern voice. The princess raised an eyebrow at this information.

“Well....I see. I would like you to-”

“If you plan to cut me open, then I will not hesitate to defend myself.” he said as he got in a defensive position.

“I was going to say I would like you and your friends to come to Canterlot with me so we can discuss this further in privacy.” she said in a calm tone.

“Oh... forgive me for being on the safe side. I hate politics, no offense.”

“None taken and I can see why you’d be concerned.” Fluttershy then stepped to his side.

“S-So Cross isn’t in any trouble?”

“No. I just want to talk to him.” she said with a smile. The ponies breathed a sigh of relief.

“Sure princess, just give me a moment. I need to have little chat with some one really quick.” he said with a warm smile. The princess complied and waited for them outside. As soon as the white alicorn left Cross casted an icy glare at the purple dragon who tried to run up the stairs, Cross collapsed the cage and the wolf pinned the dragon to the floor. Cross walked over to him with a cold look in his eye. “Let’s get one thing straight here Spike. If you ever try and pull some bull shit like this again, I will not hesitate to let Ace use you as a chew toy. Do I make myself clear?” the tiny dragon’s eyes were shrunken to the size on pin points. The dragon nodded slowly, still shaking in fear as he stared into the wolf’s red eyes. “Good. C’mon Ace we have a meeting to go to.” he said as the wolf got off of the dragon still holding the hatred in his eyes. The ponies looked at them in shock as he trotted past them. Twilight stopped him before he could join the princess.

“You’re not serious are you? Letting Ace eat him I mean.”

“That remains to be seen.” he said in a flat tone. Twilight looked at him in shock. Cross quickly left the library and stopped as he exited the building. “Well buck me.” the ponies soon trotted up next to him and saw that fifty royal guards standing in a line facing the library led by a familiar white unicorn stallion with a blue mane. “Predictable as clockwork.” he said in a harsh tone.

“We just want to get a skill assessment. I want to see what you are capable of.” Celestia said.

“Fair enough, but how are we going to do that?” Celestia turned to Shinning armor and nodded.

“Surround that stallion.” the captain barked. The guards then surrounded the stallion with spears drawn. Cross began to laugh hysterically at the action. Princess Celestia, Shining Armor and the other ponies looked at him in confusion. “What’s so funny?”

“The fact that you went to so much trouble just to give me a test. You’ve got how many guards here?”

“Fifty, some of the best in the entire guard.”

“Very nice.....there’s only one problem.”

“What?”

“You should’ve brought more.” he said as he closed his eyes. Shinning’s eyes burned at the statement.

“Attack.” he ordered. On cue every single guard lunged at the unicorn with spears drawn. Cross’s eyes snapped open, every-pony could feel a strange sensation coming from the stallion, the feeling sent a shiver down Celestia’s spine. The guards had stopped moving and began to collapse one by one until only Shinning, Celestia and the pack of mare’s behind him were left standing. Cross looked at the guard captain who had the look of pure fear in his eyes. Shining could feel the sweat starting to form on his brow and back as he glared at the grey stallion.

“What just happened?” Twilight said in shock.

“That was a stare technique I picked up.” Cross said with a cocky smile. Fluttershy looked at him in surprise.

“Y-you can use the stare?”

“Yes, and Captain.” the white stallion looked at the unicorn speechless. “A word of advise, the next time you try and pull something like this be sure to bring an army with you.” he finished. As he began to turn around the guard captain charged at him with his horn glowing. Cross’s hoof changed to a claw and grabbed the stallion by the throat and slammed him into the ground. Shining tried to break free from his grip but found it impossible. Cross looked down at the stallion with disappointment in his eyes. “Really? Attacking an opponent when his back is turned. Not very honorable if I do say so myself. “ he said as he released the grip on the stallion and helped him to his hooves. Shinning took the stallions hoof and stood up. Shinning looked at the fallen guards that laid around him. “Don’t worry they’re just knocked out. They’ll be fine in a few minutes.” the white stallion breathed a sigh of relief. Cross trotted past the stallion until he stopped in front of Celestia, who had a smile on her face.

“Good to see that you haven’t lost your touch.” she said as she nodded her head.

“You could have just asked.”

“I know, but I needed to be sure......By the way, is that eye-”

“Yes.....it’s ‘his’”

“I see. Do you keep in contact with him?”

“One of his messengers arrived here the other day. To pay me for the job I did.” he said as he summoned the massive crate filled with gems. “Why?”

“I am meeting with him soon. I would like if you are there to help..... ease the tension.”

“You know I hate politics.” he said in a grumble.

“I know. But it’s just a formality and I’m sure Karathax would be eager to see you as well.” Cross smiled at the thought.

“I’ll be there your majesty. Could I ask you for a favor?”

“What is it?” Cross withdrew a piece of paper and handed it to the princess.

“I need you to transport this crate to the address I gave you. If it’s not too much trouble.” he said in a humble tone. The sun goddess smiled at him.

“It will be sent out at once, take care Cross Hair. I will send Twilight a message when the meeting will be.” she said as the guard ponies got to their hooves. “Guards, we depart for Canterlot.” she said as her pegasi drawn carriage arrived she levitated the crate onto the chariot along side her. The guards quickly dispersed and left the quiet town. Cross looked back at the mare’s who looked like they had just seen Discord.

“What?” he said as he raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t ‘what’ us! What the buck was that all about!?” Rainbow yelled.

“What? We talked.”

“You knocked out her royal guard and nearly pulverized my brother!” Twilight interjected.

“You’re brother?” he closed his eyes for a moment. “Oh...Shinning’s your big brother.” he said in a sudden realization. “Sorry...I wouldn’t have been so rough had I known earlier.”

“I thought you said you had my memories.”

“I also said your personal life is of no interest to me.” he said as he looked at the mares. “Oh before I forget, Celestia will be sending me a message via Spike. I would greatly appreciate it if you would notify me when it get’s here.”

“What’s the message about?”

“The message will let me know when Celestia is meeting with the dragon king. I’ll be attending as a mediator.”

“You’re a what now?” Applejack asked.

“I’ll be there in case negotiations go sour.”

“What about us?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know, I’m going since I’m sort of.......in between the two races.” he scratched his chin for a moment. “I guess you guys could go. I mean you guys are the Element’s of Harmony after all.” he said in a cheery tone.

“What did you do to knock all of those stallions out?” Twilight asked as the group trotted back into the library.

“It’s and advanced stare technique, like the one Fluttershy has but a lot stronger.” he said as he got inside the tree.

“Where did you learn something like that?”

“It’s not something that can be taught, I just know.” he said in a low tone. He turned to Fluttershy who was looking at him in surprise. “Sorry about all this.” he said as he approached the mare.

“I-it’s fine.” she said in a timid voice.

“What happens now?” Rainbow asked.

“Well I still owe Fluttershy a date.” he said as he put an arm around the mare. The yellow pegasus blushed instantly. “So I’ll be busy for the rest of the day, that alright by you Fluttershy?” he said as he looked at the mare.

“Y-yes.” she said with a blush.

“Okay then. Shall we?” he said as he held the door open for her. The two ponies exited the library with smiled on their faces leaving the other ponies with shocked looks on their faces. Twilight turned to her friends with a worried look on her face.

“Who else here is creeped out?” she asked. The other ponies nodded in agreement. “We’d better watch him....closely.”

“Lighten up Twi. So he’s a little.....unusual, that doesn’t mean he’s dangerous.”

“Are you kidding!?” Rarity said in surprise. “You saw what he did to those guards.” she said in a worried tone.

“So he’s tough. Big deal, if he’d wanted to hurt us then he would have already.” Rainbow said.

“Your friend holds reasonable concern.” Ace said as he laid down on the floor. The ponies looked at him in confusion. “Didn’t any of you notice how he was acting?”

“He was acting like....he was itching for a fight.” Twilight commented.

“Correct. The more he uses the dragon magic inside of him, the more he becomes like a dragon.” he said in a low tone.

“What are you talking about?”

“Cross didn’t just obtain a dragon’s eye and heart, he has a dragon soul within him as well.” the ponies looked at the wolf in surprise.

“What do you mean a dragon soul? How could he have one?” Spike asked. The wolf glared at the dragon with cold eyes.

“For being a dragon you really don’t know that much about your kind. When a dragon dies or is killed, their soul can either go to the other side or it can be given as a gift.” the ponies looked at him in confusion. “When a dragon gives another being it’s soul it’s power is transferred to the individual easily increasing said individuals power ten fold or more. However, the dragon’s mind and personality remain within the soul. It’s thought’s, it’s memories and it’s overall ‘self’ is still present even after death.” the group looked at the wolf in shock.

“How do you know all of this?” Twilight asked.

“Dire Wolves have a way of stealing souls from our prey, dragons are of no exception.” he breathed out. “it’s why we were such a threat to them, due to the fact that we share that ability. Cross however has been able to control himself and not steal any souls, he’ll receive them from time to time if the individual wishes it as a last request. You saw one the other day, when the dragon came and handed him that glowing sphere. That was no trinket it was a dragon soul.”

“So if the soul still holds the creatures mind then-”

“Exactly, he has many voices echoing inside of his head. All of that power is a real burden to him. He’s always careful not to use too much power, he’s scared of himself and the power he has. Should he ever use 100% of it.....he could pose a threat to Celestia herself and she knows it.” the ponies looked at the white wolf in shock. “I’m not saying that he should be locked up, I’m saying it’s best not to piss him off. Cross has had that power for may years now, and he has never had any intention of unlocking it’s true potential.” he said as he closed his eyes. Twilight and the others looked at one another, the thought of a stallion with that much magic going on a rampage scared them to death.

“So.....I’m gonna tail Cross for a while okay?” Rainbow said as she zoomed out the door. Twilight started to levitate many spell books in front of her.

“Um..what re you doing Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“I think of Cross as a friend, but it’s a good idea to have a back up plan incase he goes nuts.” she said as she began to skim the books.

“Understandable, but there is one thing you should think about before you do anything drastic.” Ace breathed out.

“What?”

“If the dragon king and Princess Celestia trust him with that much power then shouldn’t you?” he said as he closed his eyes and fell asleep on the floor. Twilight looked at her friends who scratched their manes.

“He’s got a good point Twi.” Applejack said. Twilight hung her head low in defeat. Applejack put a hoof on her friends shoulder and gave her a smile. “Ah know you’re freaked out by all of this. Ah am too, but ah know that Cross would never do anything to hurt us.”

“I-I know.” she said in a defeated tone. “I just hope I’m not wrong about this.” she said as she closed the book.

Chapter 11: Date Night

Cross and Fluttershy trotted through Ponyville. The yellow mare had a bright blush on her face, as she looked at the unicorn.

“So what do you want to do?” he asked.

“Um....what ever you want to do I suppose.”

“Fluttershy, this is your date and I want to make it memorable.” he said with a smile. Fluttershy thought for a moment.

“Um...I need to feed the animals right now, but...maybe we could go out later tonight?” she said in a timid tone.

“Well...okay. If that’s what you want. I’ll come back around 7:00pm.”

“Can’t wait.” she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and trotted back down the road. Cross smiled and trotted back into town towards Carousel Boutique. He approached the perfume engulfed shop and breathed a heavy sigh before he entered the posh establishment.

“Hello? Rarity are you in here?” he called out.

“Just a minute.” she chimed. Cross sat down on the couch and waited for her to come out. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique how can I-.....Oh...Cross.” the stallion smiled at the mare. “H-how can I help you?” she said in a nervous tone.

“You okay Rarity?”

“Right as rain.” she said with a fake grin.

“Well if you’re sure.”

“Of course darling. Now how can I help you?”

“I have a date tonight with Fluttershy and I don’t have anything nice to wear. I was wondering if you had any-”

“Say no more darling. I shall make you something post haste.”

“You don’t have to do that, I could just borrow something and-”

“No. I insist.” she said with a smile. Cross shrugged and followed the mare upstairs into her sewing room. “Just stand over there and I’ll be with you in a moment. Do you have any color preferences?”

“I’m not much of a fashion pony, you pick.” he said with a grin. Rarity nodded and started to cut the fabric, her nerves were getting the better of her. She missed a stitch and silently cursed herself, she undid the stitch and tried again. Cross noticed that her concentration was wavering and the needle was floating with a slight twitch. “Rarity what’s wrong?” he said in a stagnant tone.

“N-nothing darling why would you-” she was cut off by him looking at her with an icy stare.

“Rarity don’t lie to me. I know somethings bothering you, what is-” he noticed the mare’s eyes starting to shake. “You’re scared of me aren’t you?” Rarity tried to talk but no words left her lips. She let out a heavy sigh.

“Yes...I’m sorry dear it’s-”

“No, no. I’d be surprised if you weren’t.” he said as he raised a hoof.

“I’m sorry dear. It’s just that....when I saw you the other night...It was like something out of a nightmare. Then this morning with the royal guard and Twilight’s brother.”

“I understand, believe me Rarity I’ve done bad things in my life. So many bad things that doubt I’ll ever be able to be forgiven.”

“What are you talking about dear?” Cross sat on the floor and refused to make eye contact with the mare.

“I’m not gonna lie. I’ve taken lives, worse is I got clever. I’ve manipulated others into taking their own. Sometimes I think I’ve lived too long.” he said in a sad tone. Rarity looked at him in surprise. “I know I can never make up for it, but I’m trying too. That has to count for something.” Rarity trotted over and put a hoof on the stallions shoulder.

“I know that you would never do anything to hurt my friends or I. But I’m still concerned especially since I know that you have multiple souls in you.” Cross looked up at the mare in surprise.

“Ace?”

“Yes, he told us.”

“Figured, another thing I’m not proud of. I want to at least try and make Fluttershy happy, I owe her that much.” he said as he let out a sad sigh.

“I think that’s very kind of you.” she said with a smile.

“Thanks, I’m really nervous about tonight.”

“Oh come now I’m sure a stallion like you has gone on hundreds of dates.”

“No, it’s been quite a while since my last one.”

“How long are we talking dear?” she said as she raised an eyebrow.

“Three years.” Rarity’s jaw hit the floor.

“WHAT?”

“Yeah I’ve always been kind of.....apprehensive about dates.”

“But you’ve stood up to dragons!”

“I’d take that over getting shot down by a mare any day.” he said in a low tone. “Ugh! What am I going to do?”

“Relax darling I will help you!” she said in a reassuring voice.

“No, I couldn’t ask you to-”

“I’m not suggesting I’m telling you that I'll help. I want Fluttershy’s first date to go smoothly.” she said as she continued to sew.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” he said as he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Think nothing of it darling. Now here’s what we’ll do.” she said as she began to whisper to the grey stallion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back across town Fluttershy was feeding her animals she was daydreaming about her date with Cross that night.

Oh tonight is going to be so wonderful.

See. I told you things would work out.

I guess you were right.

Yeah, now all you have to do is have a good time.

OH NO! What if I mess something up? What if he never wants to see me again! her mind began to race as she continued to doubt herself. She started to sweat with worry as she tried to feed her animal friends. She was then interrupted by a pegasus landing next to her.

“Hey Fluttershy I was-”

“GAH!” she yelled in surprise. She looked around to see Rainbow Dash staring at her in surprise.

“Easy Flutters. It’s only me.”

“Oh..hi Rainbow Dash.”

“You okay you seem kind of jumpy, more than usual I mean.”

“Oh...I’m just nervous about tonight. Cross is taking me out on a date.” she said with a blush.

“Yeah so I’ve heard.”

“I’m just really, really worried that I’m gonna screw something up and he won’t want to talk to me again. Then I’ll be alone for-” she was cut off by the cyan mare placing a hoof on her friends mouth.

“Slow down there girl. You just need some help and I’m gonna give it to you.” she said with a smile.

“Oh I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“Hey you need help and I won’t leave you like this.” she said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder. Fluttershy bit her lower lip at the idea.

“Well...alright. Only if you want to....I mean.”

“Sure! No way am I going to let my best friends first date end in disaster.” she said with a cocky smile. “So where are you two love birds going?”

“I don’t know he’s picking me up at seven for the date.”

“Okay, so that gives us plenty of time.” she said with a mischievous grin.

“Time for what?” she asked nervously.

“Oh you’ll see.” she said as she pulled her inside her house.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight made her way into Carousel Boutique, she was greeted by the familiar odors of Rarity’s perfume. She heard sounds of rustling and movement upstairs. Twilight trotted up the stairs and entered the work room to see Cross in a very flashy get up with a less than pleased look on his face.

“Hello Twilight.” Rarity chimed.

“Hey Rarity, what’s up?”

“Just helping Cross get ready for his date with Fluttershy tonight.” she said as she continued to look through the fabric.

“How’s that going?”

“Don’t ask.” the grey unicorn spat out. Twilight let out a small giggle at his apparel and mane style “Rarity, please. I told you nothing too flashy.”

“Sorry dear, but your coat color doesn’t seem to go with much.” she said as she continued to rifle through her supplies.

“Why don’t you just go with basic black?”

“Well....that could work but-”

“Let’s just keep it simple.” he said as he removed the garments.

“Hm! Fine!” she said as she retrieved the black fabric. Cross looked over at Twilight who was remanning silent and adverting her gaze.

“Look Twi I know you’re still freaked out by me.”

“I know, it’s just that.....you have so much power and that scares me.”

“Look at you, I’ve never met a unicorn who knows as much magic as you do plus you’re the wielder of the Element of Magic. You could do some real damage if you wanted to.” he said in a stern tone.

“I would never do anything like that!”

“Neither would I.” Twilight wanted to protest but found no argument.

“How this?” Rarity asked as she held up a jet black suit with a standard white tie.

“Excellent! But it’s missing something.” he levitated the normal tie away and replaced it with a black bow tie.

“A bow tie, really?” she said with a raised eyebrow.

“Bow ties are cool.” he said with a smug grin. Rarity rolled her eyes and gave him a smile.

“Well now that that’s out of the way, where are you going to take Fluttershy?” Cross’s eyes shrank at the thought.

“No idea.” he said in a low tone.

“Typical....So what are you going to do?”

“Oh I’ll think of something. Know any good restaurants nearby?”

“Theres the ‘Jade Petal’ Very refine, and very expensive.” Rarity said with a smile.

“How much for a private booth?”

“Easily one hundred bits.” she added.

“Sounds good to me, I’ll go make reservations.” he said as he removed the suit. Cross summoned a bright sapphire and levitated it over to Rarity. “This should cover the suit.” Rarity’s eyes boggled at the gem.

“Oh darling I simply couldn’t-”

“I insist.” he said as he dropped it in her hooves. “I’ll see you guys later, I’ve got a dinner to plan.” he said as he walked out the door with the suit hanging off his back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I don’t know Rainbow, it seems a bit.....much.” she said as she looked at herself in the mirror.

“Relax Shy, I’m sure he’ll love it.” Dash said with a smile.

“Well...okay.”

“Now that we have the looks department handled it’s time to talk about what to do after the dinner.” she said with a sly grin.

“After dinner?”

“Oh....you know.” she said as she gave her a nudge and waggled her eyebrows.

“What are you-....Oh.” she said as her face turned crimson. “Rainbow, I’ve never......you know. ‘Been’ with anypony before.” she said with a blush on her face.

“Yeah I figured. I’m not trying to convince you to do anything, in fact I’m trying to warn you incase he tries anything.” she said with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t think Cross would ever do something like that.” she said in a soft tone. “He so sweet and kind.”

“Yeah, but we still don’t know anything about him.”

“I know that he cares about me and that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.” she said in a defensive tone. “He wouldn’t have defended me the other night if he didn’t care.”

“I know shy, I’m just looking out for you.” she said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder.

“Thanks. I’m still pretty nervous about-” a hard knock on the door cut the yellow pegasus off. Rainbow looked out the peep hole to see the grey stallion in a suit.

“It’s Cross!” she said. Fluttershy’s face turned bright red and hid behind the couch. Rainbow rushed over to her friend and dragged out from behind the furniture. “I’ll keep Cross busy until you're ready.” the yellow mare nodded and hurried upstairs. Rainbow opened the door and smiled at the grey unicorn. “Hi Cross.”

“Hey Rainbow....where’s Fluttershy?”

“She’s finishing up her hair.” she said as he trotted inside.

“That’s cool, we still have some time.” He and the pegasus sat down on the couch and started to chat.

“So where are you guys going?”

“I got a private table at The Jade Petal.” Rainbow’s jaw dropped.

“What! That place is super exclusive, I heard you need to wait six months for a spot to open up. How did you get a table?”

“I have my ways.” he said with a smirk. Rainbow looked over at him to see that he had donned his eyepatch.

“Why are you still wearing that thing?” she said as she pointed at his right eye.

“Just because you guys are cool with my dragon eye doesn’t mean that the rest of the town will accept it.” he let out a breath.

“Well at least it looks cool.”

“This thing isn’t a fashion statement, it serves another purpose.” Rainbow looked at him with a confused look on her face.

“What purpose?”

“It acts as a seal to keep most of my strength suppressed.” he said as he pointed to the patch.

“Suppressed?”

“You’ve seen what happens when I take it off right?” the mare nodded at the memory. “It represses that power and keeps the multiple souls in check.”

“So if it came off then-”

“Lets just say that it would be very bad. Which is why the only way it can come off is if I take it off.” he said with a smile. “And I don’t plan on ding that anytime soon.”

“What about yesterday?”

“That was an emergency, I exhausted all of my normal strength by making all of those clones. I didn’t want to do it, but I had to in order to save Fluttershy.” he glanced at the mare who nodded nervously. “I understand that you’re probably scared of me and that’s-”

“I’m not scared of you I’m just.....worried about Fluttershy.”

“I promise you I’d never hurt you or any of your friends.” he said with a smile. He looked up the stairs and his jaw hit the floor at the sight. Fluttershy had her hair done up with some flowers holding it in place. Her dress was light blue with a leaf green trim that was held by a pink broach in the shape of a butterfly. She descended the stair case and blushed as she looked at the stallion.

“You look...amazing.” he said as he blinked to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.

“R-really? It’s not to much?”

“No it looks perfect.” he said as he trotted next to her.

“Th-thanks, you look good too.” she said with a blush. Cross trotted over to the door and held it open. Fluttershy looked back at her friend who gave her a reassuring smile and wink. Fluttershy stepped out of the door and nodded at the stallion who offered his hoof to her.

“Shall we?” Fluttershy nodded and the two made their way to the restaurant.

“So where are we going?” she asked.

“The Jade Petal.” she looked at him in surprise.

“Th-The Jade Petal! But that place is really fancy, how did you get a table there?”

“I have my ways.” he said with a smile. The two continued to walk down the street in silence. Meanwhile Rainbow shot through the sky over to the library, She opened the door to see Twilight sitting at her desk, reading.

“Hey Rainbow what’s up?”

“Fluttershy just left with Cross for their date.”

“Well, I hope they have a good time.”

“Oh don’t worry I’ll make sure of that.” she said with a devilish grin. Twilight looked at her friend with an eyebrow raised.

“Rainbow...what are you planing?”

“Nothing.” she said in an innocent sounding voice, she said as she walked by her friend laughing to herself. She then noticed the white wolf napping in front the book case. “How long has he been here?”

“Since this morning, I was going to ask him to leave but...you know what they say; ‘Let sleeping dogs lie.’” she said with a worried look on her face. “All he’s done is sleep so I can’t really complain.” Rainbow trotted over to the wolf and patted him on the head. Ace’s eyes opened to see they cyan mare looking down at him.

“Yes?” he said as he let out a yawn.

“Dude it’s been like eight hours since you fell asleep.”

“And?”

“I enjoy naps as much as the next pony, but not in a library.”

“Twilight didn’t seem to mind.” he said as he looked at the lavender mare.

“That’s because she was scared to wake you up.” the wolf got to his paws and stretched.

“I guess you’re right, I’m getting hungry anyway.” the ponies looked back at him in fear. “Relax, I only eat manticore and timber wolves.” he said as he walked past the cyan mare. He reached the door and opened it with his mouth and ran out into the night’s cold embrace. Twilight looked at Rainbow who began to walk towards the door.

“Where are you going Rainbow?”

“Nowhere.” she said with a smug grin.

“You’re going to go spy on Cross and Fluttershy aren’t you?”

“Maybe.” she said with a sheepish grin.

“Wait up I’m coming too.” Dash looked at her friend in surprise. “I just want to give Fluttershy moral support.”

“Fine by me. Come on!” she said as she galloped out the door with the lavender mare in hot pursuit. As they crossed the town square they ran into Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie.

“Just where are you two going?” the farmer asked.

“We’re gonna go watch Cross and Flutters, should be quite a show.” Rainbow said with a sly grin.

“What are you talking about darling?” Rarity said with a raised eyebrow.

“Only one way to find out!” she said as she rocketed towards the restaurant. The other mares hurried after their pegasus friend hoping that she hadn’t done anything to sabotage their friends date.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Here we are.” Cross said with a smile. Fluttershy’s eyes went wide at the establishment. Ponies were held behind by a red velvet rope with a large stallion standing in front of it. Cross walked past the crowd and approached the stallion. “Hello there should be a private booth under under the name Cross.” the stallion looked at the clip board and nodded. He unclipped the red velvet rope and let the two ponies pass. Cross walked inside the restaurant with the yellow mare by his side, Cross trotted up to the waitress and smiled. “Hello ma’am I have a reservation for two, a private booth in the garden.” The mare looked at the list and led them to a private table lit by candle light and was surrounded by foliage and overlooked a crystal blue lake.

“Shall I get you a glass of water sir?”

“Thank you.” he said with a smile.

“That would be wonderful.” Fluttershy said as the mare trotted away from the table.

“I thought the scenery would be a nice treat.” he said with a smile.

“Oh it’s just breath taking.” she said with a smile. “But how could you have afforded this?”

“I took a few gems from that crate remember?” Fluttershy nodded.

“Can I ask something?”

“Of course.”

“You told Princess Celestia to drop that crate of jewels somewhere, where did you send them to?” let out a heavy sigh.

“My family’s estate. I pay for it’s upkeep and renovations every now and again.” he said as their water arrived.

“Do your parent’s live there?”

“No, no pony lives there anymore.” he said in a low tone.

“So where do they live?”

“They’re dead.” Fluttershy reeled back at the statement and hid behind her mane.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have-”

“It’s fine. You didn’t know and it happened a long time ago.” he said with a reassuring grin. Fluttershy still looked sorry for asking the question.

“What about your parents?”

“My dad is a doctor and my mother is a banker for Cloudsdale.” the waitress returned and took their orders. The two continued to talk and share stories as the night progressed. Rainbow and the others hit atop a tree and watched them from a distance.

“Oh how romantic.” Rarity cooed.

“Ah’ll give him one thing, that stallion sure knows how to pick a nice place.” Applejack commented.

“Yeah, can you believe this joint?” Pinkie said as she looked at the scenery.

“How can he possibly afford this?” Twilight asked.

“You saw how many jewels he had, the guy is probably loaded.” Rainbow added.

“I know it’s just that something feels....weird.” Twilight said as she scratched her chin.

“Whatever, I want to see if Fluttershy’s actually going to do it.” Rainbow said as she giggled to herself.

“If she’s going to do what?” Applejack asked in a suspicious sounding voice. Rainbow ignored the question and continued to watch the couple.

Cross was shaking in his hooves as he tried to think of something to talk about. Fluttershy wasn’t fairing any better, she thanked Celestia as their food arrived and the two began to eat. Cross’s mind was so jumbled that he lost his concentration and a little bit of food landed on his horn.

Nice one idiot! What are you six? Now she probably thinks that I’ma messy eater!

“Um...Cross, you’ve got a little food on your horn.” Fluttershy said with a small giggle.

C’mon it’s now or never! she told herself.

“Sorry about that I-” he was cut off as Fluttershy trotted over to him and cleaned his horn with a lick her tongue. Cross’s eyes shrank at the motion and his mind turned blanked out. A sudden bolt of magic shot out from his horn and into the sky creating a firework display. He looked back at Fluttershy who had a confused look on her face.

DID SHE JUST DO THAT!?

I didn’t think that she was ‘that kind’ of mare!

Sheesh, just when you think you know somepony.

“Cross are you okay?” she said in a timid voice.

“Y-yeah...Who taught you how to do that?”

“Rainbow Dash told me that most unicorns like it, she didn’t say why though.” the yellow mare said as she put a hoof to her chin.

AGH! THAT EXPLAINS IT! DAMN YOU RAINBOW!he heard two muffled laughs come from across the landscape. His horn started to glow, a small shadow started to move on the ground and moved towards the noise.

Rainbow was dying of laughter as her Pinkie tried to muffle her friends cries. Twilight and Rarity had looks of shock and disgust on their faces while Applejack was stunned in confusion.

“What just happened?” the farmer asked.

“HE CASTED!” Rainbow blurted out through the laughter.

“RAINBOW! THAT WAS FAR FROM FUNNY!” Twilight yelled.

“Quite! I’m sure that you had something to do with that little.....display.” Rarity said as her eyes narrowed.

“I didn’t think that she’d actually do it!” she said through the laughter.

“But you were hoping for it!”

“So what? I was trying to make sure they had a good time.”

“OH REALLY?” the ponies looked around to see that a massive and cramped cage had formed around them. Rainbow looked in horror as her eyes fell upon an infuriated grey unicorn stallion.

“Um congratulations I guess.”

“For what?”

“Taking my place as fastest pony in equestria!” she bellowed out in laughter. The other ponies looked back at her in disgust.

“You think this is funny?” Cross’s eyes started to glow and his mane ignited to a dark green flame. Rainbow’s grin was soon replaced by pure fear.

“Look....I’m sorry okay.”

“Oh you’re not sorry...Not yet.” he said as he shifted back to his normal form. “You know who else is here tonight?” the ponies shook their heads in wonder. “Soarin and Spitfire from the Wonderbolts. I think I’ll go have a small chat with them.” he said as he turned into the cyan mare.

“What are you going to do?”

“It’s not what I’m going to do, it’s what I WILL do if you ever try anything like this again!” the ponies looked back at him in confusion. “I will go inside and spill every single secret you have to them, you’re ‘special Wonderbolt poster’, the ‘intimate’ books you read, EVERYTHING!” Rainbow was close to tears at the threat. Cross shifted back into his usual grey coat.

“P-please don’t.” she pleaded.

“I won’t, THIS time. That goes for the rest of you as well, I expected this from Rainbow but not from all of you!”

“She just dragged us along!” Twilight explained. “We didn’t even know she told Fluttershy to do that!”

“Why are you so dang angry? All she did is lick your horn.” Applejack said still trying to understand Fluttershy’s action.

“You don’t know do you?’ Cross said as he looked at the orange mare.

“Just stop talking AJ, I’ll tell you once we get back to the library.” Twilight said as she let out a sigh.

“Heres a warning.” the grey stallion looked at Twilight. “Two words; Magic Kindergarten.” Twilight’s eyes shrank at the memory, he then turned to the white unicorn. “Diary page 256.” Rarity’s mind searched for the entry and let out an audible gasp as she remembered. Cross looked at the farmer next. “Two years ago at the Canterlot rodeo you went to the Rusty Horseshoe bar.” AJ’s cheeks turned bright red at the memory. “Pinkie, all I’m gonna say is reverse party cannon.” the pink mare’s hair turned straight and looked back at the stallion in fear. “Are we clear?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Promise not to do anything like this again?”

“We Pinkie Promise.” the mares said in unison.

“Good.” his horn started to glow and he released the mares. “Oh and by the way, while I was talking with you five, Cross and Fluttershy went someplace else away from you guys.” the ponies looked back at the table to see that the couple had left the establishment. The grey clone then turned into a cloud of smoke leaving the mares dumbfounded. They all gave each other nervous looks as they walked back through town.

“Would somepony please tell me what just happened!” Applejack exclaimed. Twilight rolled her eyes and started to whisper to the mare. Applejacks eyes shrank and she hit Rainbow over the head. “What is wrong with you!? Taking advantage of poor Fluttershy like that!”

“She doesn’t even know what she did.”

“Exactly! How do you think she’s going to feel when she finds out?” Rainbow hung her head in shame.

Back across Ponyville Cross and Fluttershy were walking back to the cottage in silence. Cross suddenly shivered as he felt the clone’s information go into his brain

“Cross..are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah..Listen Fluttershy about what you did at dinner was Rainbow’s fault.”

“What?” Cross let out a sigh and explained what Fluttershy did. Her cheeks turned bright red and tears formed in her eyes. “I’m so sorry I-I din’t know!” Cross gave her a hug.

“It’s okay, I know you didn’t. It’s not your fault, Rainbow was just trying to help you even if her methods were....unorthodox.”

“Y-you’re not mad?” she said as she broke the hug.

“No. It was a huge misunderstanding and I would never pressure you into doing anything like that.” he said as he wiped her tears away. She smiled back at him and gave him a small kiss on the lips. Fluttershy and the stallion trotted inside the small cottage. “Well goodnight.” he said as he sat down on the couch. Fluttershy looked at him nervously with a slight blush on her face.

“Um...do you want to....never mind.”

“What?”

“I was wondering if you wanted to sleep with me.”

“Um....only if you want too, I don’t want to pressure you or anything.” he said in a nervous tone. Fluttershy nodded and the two ponies trotted up to the small room. They removed their clothing and laid down under the covers. Fluttershy rested her head against his chest as Cross wrapped his hooves around her. The yellow mare let out a small yawn and closed her eyes.

She is so cute!

You lucky stallion.

He gave Fluttershy a kiss on her forehead who smiled and nuzzled his chest. Cross felt the warm embrace of the mare as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 12: Monster

Cross woke up to the smell of pancakes and fresh coffee. Cross got to his hooves, threw his hat on and made his way downstairs. He trotted into the kitchen and saw the yellow mare flipping the pancakes onto a plate.

“Morning.” he said with a smile.

“Good morning.” she said as she trotted over and gave him a kiss. “I made some pancakes, if you want them that is.” she said in a timid tone.

“Sure they look great.” he said as he sat down next to the yellow mare. They smiled and began to eat their breakfast in silence. “Hmm.”

“What?”

“Just thinking, I haven’t seen Ace since yesterday morning.” he said as he scratched his chin.

“You think he’s okay?”

“Yeah I’m sure he’s fine. Ace has spent weeks on his own and he always manages to find me.” he said with a smile.

“He must be smart then.”

“Yeah, he’s-” their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Cross and Fluttershy got to their hooves and trotted over to the door, Rainbow was standing there with a sad look on her face along with Twilight and Rarity giving her a stern look.

*Ahem* Rarity coughed as she nudged her cyan friend.

“I’m really, really sorry I tricked you Shy. I shouldn’t have done that to you.” she said with tears in her eyes.

“It’s okay-”

“No it’s not okay! I tricked you for no good reason and almost ruined your first date! I guess I was just jealous because...I’ve never been on a REAL date and seeing you be on one before me just got under my skin.” the ponies looked at her in surprise. “Every time I’ve been with a stallion they only wanted be for my looks and nothing else. I understand if you think I’m the worst friend ever, I just wanted to say I’m sorry and I’ll never do anything like that again.” she said as she began to cry. Fluttershy trotted forward and hugged the mare. Rainbow’s eyes shrank at the motion.

“It’s okay Rainbow Dash.” she said with a smile.

“R-really?”

“Yes, what are friends for?” she said with a warm smile.

“Thanks Shy, you’re the best.” she said as she returned the hug. Rainbow looked back at the grey stallion who smiled at her. “I’m so sorry Cross I just-” he raised a hoof.

“It’s okay. We all make mistakes.” he said with a warm voice. “Sorry for threatening you last night, I was just angry.”

“It’s fine. I probably deserved it.”

“Still I shouldn’t have done that.” he said in a low tone.

“Thank you.” Rainbow said with a smile.

“Forget it, is there anything else?”

“Actually...I need a hoof with something. If you’re not too busy that is.” Rarity chimed in.

“What is it?”

“Well the jewel you paid me with gave me a brilliant idea for an outfit, but I ran out of sapphires.”

“Sorry, I’m out of those as well.” he said as he scratched his mane.

“I thought that might be the case, I need you and Ace to come with me for some jewel hunting.”

“Fine by me. I just need to find-” he looked over to see Ace running towards them at a break neck pace. “Oh hey Ace, Rarity needs us to-”

“Good let’s go!” he yelled.

“What’s your problem?” Cross looked over to see a familiar orange mare running towards them with a rope clenched in her jaw. Ace grabbed the two ponies and threw them on his back. “Ace what are you doing?” the wolf quickly took off with the two ponies hanging on the wolfs back. Applejack approached the group out of breath and had an angry look on her face.

“Hey....do...y’all know.....where...that flea bag.....ran off to?”

“They went jewel hunting. Why?” Twilight said.

“Forget it....They gotta com back eventually.” she said as she started to walk back to the farm.

“What was that about?” Fluttershy asked.

“No idea.” Twilight answered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ace HEEL!” Cross yelled as the wolf came to a stop. He got off and looked back at Rarity who was scared out of her mind. “Now what’s got you so scared?”

“I did something bad.”

“What did you eat this time?”

“I didn’t eat anything.”

“Then what did you do?” Ace let out a series of barks. “Ah-huh.....Okay.....YOU DID WHAT?” the wolf looked at him with a sheepish smile. “Oh my Luna! No wonder AJ was pissed!” he yelled.

“What did he say?” Rarity asked still on the creatures back.

“Nothing....Where do we need to go?” he said as he got back on the wolf.

“A few miles East of here.” she said as she pointed with her hoof.

“Okay, hang on!” Rarity wrapped her hooves around him as the wolf took off in the other direction. The seemingly endless amount of trees seemed to end, to reveal a barren plain, riddled with dead trees and tumble weeds.

“Here we are.” Rarity chimed. The wolf stopped and let the ponies off his back, Rarity adjusted her mane and began to trot ahead of the two.

“So where are we going?”

“Well before we get our hooves dirty I have some...associates that live out here that might be able to accommodate us.” she said as she came to a field riddled with holes. Rarity withdrew a small whistle and blew a sour note. Soon three grey and battered dogs rose from the surface. The one sporting a red vest looked like the leader of the small brigade. “What happened to you three?” she asked.

“Attacked....lost all our gems....can’t get them back.” the middle one said as he laid down in front of her.

“What happened?” Ace asked. The dogs looked up at him in shock.

“A Dire Wolf?! Yes! You can help us!” the larger one said in relief.

“How?”

“A dragon came and stole all our gems! We want them back!”

“What’s in it for us?” Cross said.

“What do you want?”

“Sapphires, lot’s of them.” Rarity said.

“Fine take all the Sapphires you want AFTER you give us back what’s rightfully ours!”

“Deal. Where’s the dragon?” the dogs pointed to a cave that was around two miles away from them. Cross, Ace and Rarity made their way towards the dark cave. Cross looked behind him to see the dogs following him. “Why are you three coming?”

“We want to make sure you ponies don’t try and take our gems.”

“Suit yourselves, just don’t blame me if you get turned to ash.” Cross said with a shrug. The group had arrived in front of the cave. “Let me go try and talk to it first.” Cross made his way into the dark cave, it was massive, his eyes soon fell upon a massive pile of gems. On top of the shinning pile was not a massive dragon but three teenage dragons, napping. One was bright red and had a large yellow spine. Another was brown and looked quite fat, while the purple one was as skinny asa toothpick. Three dragons? Should’ve seen this coming. He slowly approached the beasts and threw a few rocks at the three sleeping monsters, they started to stir and rise from their slumber. “Hello. Sorry for waking you up.” he said with a smile. The three dragons smirked and surrounded the pony.

“Well look at what we have here! A little pony that’s gotten lost.” the red one said with a laugh.

“No, I’m not lost. I was just wondering if you could kindly return the gems you stole from the diamond dogs.” the dragons reeled back in laughter at the offer. “I’m willing to work something out.”

“Heres our offer!” the ring leader grabbed Cross by the tail and threw him back outside the cave entrance, his back hit a rock which started to crumble from the force. Rarity and Ace rushed to his side.

“Are you alright dear?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“What was that about?” she asked.

“It means peace talks have broken down, now we do things our way.” the wolf howled. The grey stallion then turned towards the dogs. “You didn’t say there were three dragons.”

“So what? We need those jewels back!” the large on barked.

“I expect triple to what we agreed upon then.”

“Out of the question!”

“Fine. Then YOU can go get your jewels back.” he said as he began to walk away.

“Wait!” Cross stopped and looked back at the dogs. “Fine, triple the pay.” the dog said.

“Deal.” the wolf and the pony walked back in front of the cave and looked inside. Ace let out a growl as he caught the dragon’s scent. “Don’t kill them if you can help it.” he said in a calm tone. Ace let out a scoff and made his way inside as Cross leaned up against the side of the cave.

“Is he going to be alright?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah he’ll be fine.” the group then heard the three dragons roar and Ace howl. “Maybe I should watch his back.” Cross said as he hurried into the cave. He looked to see that the three dragons had surrounded the wolf. The grey stallion lunged forward and pulled the dragon back away from the other two. Ace took the opportunity to go on the offensive and tackled one of the dragons, Ace’s teeth sank into the dragon’s scales and began to chew on the beast. The dragon let out a cry of pain as the wolfs teeth sank into his muscle. Cross was thrown off the ring leaders back and was sent crashing into the wolf, knocking him off the dragon. The two got off the ground and faced their attackers, who were staring at them with malice in their eyes.

“You two are gonna die!” the leader yelled. Cross looked at Ace who gave him a slight nod.

“I’m giving you three one last chance. Give up the gems and we’ll let you go.” he said as he put a hoof on his eyepatch.

“You’ll let us go? Oh I’m so scared!” the purple dragon said in a mocking tone.

“Then what happens next is your own doing. Ace! Sick em!” he said as he removed the eyepatch. Rarity look in shock as she saw the grey stallion’s coat turn to scales and became more dragon like. “ Here I come!” he said as he launched forward and clawed one of the beasts. Ace had launched forward and tackled the purple lizard. The brown dragon breathed a massive red flame at the stallion, Cross returned fire with jet black flames shooting out of his mouth. The two inferno’s met and a power struggle was happening in between the two. Cross horn began to glow and the black flames started to engulf the red blaze. The brown dragon felt the force knock him on his back. Cross looked over to see that Ace had pinned the purple dragon to the floor of the cave.

“CROSS!” The grey stallion looked over to see that the red dragon was holding a claw to the mares throat.

“Looks like I’ve got the upper hand.” he smirked.

“Don’t hurt her!” he yelled.

“I don’t think you’re in any position to be making demands.” he said as he increased pressure on the mares neck, Rarity let out a small squeal of pain. Ace walked up next to him with the purple dragons neck between his jaws.

“How about a trade, your two lackeys for one pony and what you stole from the dogs.”

“Pfft! Like I care about those two.” the two dragons looked at each other in surprise. “Do me a favor and kill them for me, that means I get all the treasure.” Cross let out a heavy sigh and materialized his knife.

“Rarity, don’t move.” he said as he put the knife in his hoof.

“What are you-” Cross threw the knife at the dragons head. The ring leader dodged it just in time to see Cross right claw dig into his chest. The dragon cried out in pain as Cross ripped his claw out of the hole holding the dragons beating heart. The light started to fade form the red dragons eyes, he fell onto his back; lifeless. Rarity looked at the bloodied grey stallion in horror as he crushed the organ in his claw.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Y-you killed it!”

“If I didn’t then he was going to kill you.” he heard sounds of struggling coming from inside the cave. He looked back to see the two teenage dragons looking at him in fear. “I ask again, do we have a deal?”

“T-take what you want! Just don’t hurt us!” the brown dragon pleaded.

“Deal. Sorry about your friend.”

“No problem, he was probably going to kill us anyway.” the purple one said in annoyance.

“You two can leave.”

“Thank you.” they said as they took flight and flew away from the stallion. Cross shifted back to normal and looked at the shocked white mare. Rarity was still adjusting to what she had just witnessed, Ace walked over to them and inspected the red dragons corpse. Cross looked over at the wolf and gave him a nod. Ace sank his teeth into the dragons neck as the body glowed bright red and turned into a small red sphere. Ace opened his jaws and swallowed the glowing ball, his eyes shrank and let out a triumphant howl. The grey stallion walked over to the diamond dogs who were cowering behind a rock.

“C’mon you three, let’s get your treasure.” he said as he put his eyepatch and hat back on his head. The leader blew a whistle and five armored dogs came running up to them with hauling carts, the dogs began to pile the jewels inside with glee. Cross had gotten his own cart and started to collect the sapphires. As he hauled a pile into the cart he saw something that caught his eye, he reached down and pulled out a long straight sword, the blade was white as the snow with black lettering strewn across the blade. “I think I’ll keep this one.” he said as he sheathed it and threw it over his back. As he continued to pile the jewels into the cart he noticed that Rarity was still shaking from the ordeal, Cross walked over to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “You okay Rarity?” the mare had snapped out of the trance and looked at the stallion.

“Y-yes dear. Forgive me I’m still getting over the shock.”

“It’s fine. Think we have enough?” he said as he looked back at the overflowing cart.

“Oh yes darling, that’s plenty.” she said with a nervous smile.

“Okay then.” the wolf walked over to him panting heavily. “You okay to walk?” he asked as the wolf looked at him.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine.” Cross hitched himself up to the cart and began to walk back towards Ponyville with the wolf and the mare walking beside him. Rarity kept looking at the stallion with a nervous look strewn across her face.

“Thank you dear and not just for the jewels.”

“No problem, what are friends for?” he said with a smile. The group walked back into Ponyville in silence, Rarity continued to stare at the stallion with an uneasy look in her eye. As they approached the boutique they saw the others racing towards them.

“Hey guys how did the- WHAT HAPPENED?” Twilight said as she saw the blood on Aces mouth and fur.

“Oh..we ran into some dragon trouble, don’t worry we took care of it.” Cross said as he gave them a weak smile.

“How did you ‘take care of it?’ You two look like hell.” Rainbow said.

“How do you think?” Ace said as he liked the blood off his lips. The ponies cringed back in disgust.

“You killed it?” Twilight yelled.

“He gave me no choice.” Cross said in a low tone. “He was gonna kill Rarity, I had to do something.” he said as he unhitched himself from the cart. He then saw the orange mare look at him with a stern expression on her face. “We didn’t want to kill it but-”

“Ah ain’t mad about that. Ah’m mad about what yer mutt did!” she yelled.

“Oh...right.” he said as his eyes shrank at what the wolf had told him earlier.

“What’d he do?” Dash asked.

“Let’s just say that thanks to Ace they’re going to be a few more Dire Wolves kicking around.” he said as he stared at the wolf.

“I’m not following.”

“Winona is having puppies!” AJ blurted out.

“WHAT?” the mares yelled as they stared at the wolf.

“Nice one Ace, real nice.” Cross said in a sarcastic. The wolf shrugged and gave them a sheepish smile.

“How do you know?” Twilight asked.

“Her stomach was starting to bulge I suspected it but, I took her to Fluttershy for a check up just to be sure.” she said as she looked at the yellow mare.

“I-it’s true.” she said in a timid voice.

“Since there ain’t many dogs around here, Ah can guess who the father is.” she said as she shot a dirty look at the wolf.

“Sorry.” the wolf said with a nervous grin. Applejack started to trot forward with a rope in her mouth.

“Easy there AJ.”

“SHUT UP! It’s yer dang mutt’s fault that Winona is puppies!”

“Hey do you think that only ponies go through heat cycles?” the wolf interjected. “If anything she came on to me!”

“Why you-”

“Let’s figure this out later.” Twilight interjected. “What happened out there?” she said as she looked back at Cross.

“Oh right. Rarity, Ace and I went out jewel hunting so we went to go see the diamond dogs to see if they had any sapphires. Turns out they were robbed by these three teenage dragons that were holding out in a cave a few miles away.” he said as he took a breath. “I tried to reason with them to return the jewels, I even said I would trade something for them. They tried to kill me, so Ace and I took them down a notch.”

“By killing them?” Twilight said in shock.

“I didn’t want to, but they forced my hoof. I just wanted to beat them up and take what they stole, things got complicated the ring leader was holding his claw against Rarity’s neck.” the ponies let out a gasp and looked at the white mare. “I reacted and I killed him before he could hurt her.”

“What about the other two?” Dash asked.

“I let them go, they didn’t want to fight me after that and they gave up their jewels.”

“So how did you kill em?” AJ asked. Cross’s eyes shrank at the question.

“I don’t see how that’s important.”

“But if you could kill a dragon then we could learn-”

“I used my claw to kill him. I doubt that you guys or anypony else for that matter could do it.” he said in a stern tone.

“HOW DID YOU KILL HIM?” Rainbow hollered.

“FINE! I ripped the heart from his chest and crushed it in my claw!” he bellowed. The mares looked back at him in shock, Twilight looked over at Rarity who nodded her head at the answer. Cross looked down at the ground in shame.

“The important thing is that everypony is all right. Cross was only trying to defend me.” Rarity in interjected. “He risked his life to save me and I’m forever grateful to him.” she said as she put a hoof on his shoulder. "His methods were....unorthodox but he did what he could.”

“Thanks Rarity.” he said with a weak smile.

“Did you...take it’s soul?” Twilight asked.

“No, Ace did.” he said as he looked at the wolf. He then saw a small purple dot racing towards them with a letter in his claw. Spike ran up to Twilight trying to catch his breath.

“Twilight.....I have.....a message......from.....the Princess.” he said as he handed it to her. Twilight unraveled the parchment and looked at it in confusion.

“It’s for Cross.” she said as she levitated the message over to the stallion. Cross’s eyes started to skim the letter and he let out an annoyed sigh.

“Oh great.” he said as he trotted past the mares.

“What?” Twilight asked as she and the other mares caught up to him. Cross held up the letter and began to recite it.

Dear Cross Hair

I’m sorry to say this but the Dragon King is having issues concerning the meeting. He does not wish to hold it on Equestrian soil for fear of a possible assassination attempt. I would like you to talk to him and negotiate a place where we can meet. Ask Twilight for her direct line to me, I’m currently conversing with him via portal. I know this is a tall order but the situation quickly get out of hoof..or claw as the case may be.

~Princess Celestia.

The ponies followed Twilight into the library and waited while Twilight got out an old mirror and placed it in front of the stallion.

“What is this thing?” Rarity asked.

“It’s a portal mirror. I use it to talk to Celestia when the matters are too important to be sent by letter, or if I want to chat with my brother.” she said with a sheepish grin.

“Okay, so how does this work?” Cross asked. Twilight tapped the mirror with her horn and the flat shiny surface began to ripple. Soon the image of the sun goddess was seen standing in front of a large crystal. “Hello? Princess can you hear me?” the image suddenly turned around and smiled.

“Ah good you got my message. So you know of our situation then?”

“Yeah, where is he?” Celestia then moved the crystal so it was facing the mirror. Cross only saw the creatures outline. “How are you sir?” he asked with a smile.

“I’m well. It’s good to see you again Cross it’s been far to lo-.....Who are those ponies?” he said as he looked at the mares.

“Oh that is my faithful student and her five friends.”

“I wish for this conversation to be private.”

“Right. Hey Twilight is there a place where I can have some privacy?” Twilight nodded and teleported him and the mirror into the guest room. “Okay we’re alone. So what’s wrong?”

“I don not wish to attend a peaceful meeting in a place where I’m expecting a knife in the back!” the shadow said in a harsh tone.

“I assure you that no harm will come to you.”

“One can always make promises Celestia, but to actually follow through with them is a feat of it’s own.”

“I would NEVER go back on my word. Further more-”

“Enough! Both of you, we’re here to discuss a meeting place. It’s quite obvious that you don’t wish to travel to Equestria.” he said as he looked at the shadow. “Princess Celestia does not wish to leave her kingdom as well, for similar reasons.”

“So what should we do?” Celestia asked.

“I suggest we make a compromise, a spot that is secure and neutral to both of you.” he began to scratch his mane as he thought of a a place. “I can only think of one logical location.” he said as he let out a sigh.

“What’s the place?”

“The Crimson Estate.” Celestia and the shadow looked at him in surprise. “Think about it. It’s secure and can easily accommodate you and your guests.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with going back there?” the shadow asked.

“It’s been a few years and I want to make sure the investment’s I’ve made haven’t gone to waste.” he said as he let out a sigh.

“That place still has an odd aura about it. It feels unnatural.” Celestia chimed in.

“True. But it’s seems to be the only logical choice, neither of you want to leave your kingdoms and the Griffins won’t accommodate you.” Celestia and the shadow exchanged glances and nodded. “So we are agreed?”

“I will be there.”

“As will I.”

“Excellent, I will depart immediately and prepare for your arrival....Oh, before I forget.” he said as he looked at the white Alicorn. “Twilight and the others seemed interested in coming along for the meeting. I told them they’d have to clear it with you first.”

“Who are these ponies?” the shadow asked.

“My personal student and her five friends are the Element Users.”

“How can I be sure that they won’t-”

“I can vouch for their credibility sir. They saved my life and I have become close friends with them.” Cross interjected.

“Any friend of yours is a friend of mine, they have my permission to be present at the meeting.” he said in a calm tone.

“Perfect. When will the meeting be held?”

“The end of the week.”

“That should give me just enough time to get the place ready, I’ll bring the mares with me so they can help out and adjust to the estate.” he said with a smile.

“Very good. I look forward to seeing both of you there.” Celestia said with a warm smile.

“We will have to compare notches my friend, it has been far too long since we did last.” the shadow said in a confident voice.

“Oh you can count on it.” he said with a smile. “I will see you two later.” the images began to fade and the mirror returned to normal. Cross opened the door to have the six mares fall onto the floor. “You heard?”

“Yes.” Twilight said with a sheepish grin.

“Good, then start packing.” he said with a smile.

“Why?” AJ asked as she got to her hooves.

“You six will accompany me to the meeting as honored guests. We leave tomorrow morning.”

“Where are we going?” Rainbow asked.

“The only place that no pony ever goes.”

“Which is where?” Twilight asked.

“Meet me in front of Fluttershy’s cottage tomorrow at eight o’clock sharp.” he said as he walked to the library exit.

“How much can we bring?” Rarity asked.

“What ever you can carry, but keep it light. Be sure to bring a nice dress with you as well, we will be meeting with royalty after all.” as he reached for the exit the door was wrapped in a magical purple aura.

“Just hold on a second!” Twilight yelled. “What is going on?”

“You, your friends, Princess Celestia and I are going to meet with the dragon king at my family’s estate.” the ponies looked back at him in surprise. “It’s a nice place, but it needs work and quick cleaning, which is where we come in.”

“We’re the maids!” Rainbow yelled.

“No, I’m asking you guys to help me clean up my house a bit before the meeting starts. It shouldn’t be too bad, I’ve paid for it’s upkeep for the past few years.”

“Is that where all those gems went to?” Twilight asked.

“Correct."

“Can I come?” Spike asked.

“I don’t see why not. We are meeting with the dragon king after all and you are a dragon.”

“I’ll pass on going.” Ace said.

“Good idea, last thing we need is a diplomatic incident.” Applejack the approached the wolf.

“You stay away from Winona!”

“I think we’re long past that stage in the relationship Aunt AJ.” the wolf said with a smug grin on his face.

“WHY YOU MANEGY-” she was about to attack the wolf when Dross grabbed her and held her back.

“Easy Applejack, he didn’t mean it!”

“Let me at em! I’m gonna skin him and use em as a rug!” she said as the grey stallion pulled her away from the wolf.

“Rainbow, a little help please.” he said as he was struggling to restrain the farmer. Rainbow flew to his side and held the mare in place. “Thank you, now where was I?.....Oh yes. Be in front of Fluttershy’s cottage at eight o’clock sharp with bags and a nice dress.”

“Wait. Can I ask you something?” Twilight said.

“Sure.”

“You got my hair sample the first night you were here right?”

“The first night I was conscious, yes. When I showed you that trick.”

“I guess my question is, where did you get the others hair samples.”

“C’mon Twi, I’ve been hanging out with you guys for almost two weeks. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to get a sample off of you and your friends. The only one here that I don’t have one of is Fluttershy.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to get to know her on my own, without that little trick I have.” he said with a smile.

“That still didn’t give you the right to learn all of our secrets!”

“Did you have the right to spy on me last night?” he said in a cold tone. Twilight tried to speak up but found no argument. Cross let out a defeated sigh. “You’re right. I didn’t have the right...So I’m going to correct that mistake.” his horn glowed and as small ball of light emerged from his horn.

“What’s that?” Applejack asked.

“This is all the private information I know about you guys. If you want me to I’ll destroy it and no-pony will ever hear anything personal about you from me.” Twilight looked at him in amazement.

“Y-you’d do that?”

“Sometimes a friendship is more important than information.” he said with a smile. Cross took the orb in his hoof and smashed it on the ground, the sphere crackled and dissolved on the wooden floor. “There, what ever info was in it is gone now.”

“So you don’t remember what was in there?” Rarity asked.

“Nope.”

“What’s on page 256 of my diary?”

“You have a diary?” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“What’s Magic Kindergarten?” Twilight asked.

“You guys are saying things that are making no sense to me.” he said as he looked at the mare’s in confusion. “Just be on time tomorrow otherwise you’ll get left behind.” he said as he moved towards the door. “I’ll see you back at the cottage Fluttershy.” he said with a warm smile. The ponies watched their friend leave the library, Ace got to his paws and looked at the ponies.

“Listen, do me a favor while he’s over with Celestia and all of you.”

“What?”

“Don’t let him take that eyepatch off again.”

“Why?”

“He’s becoming more and more feral, like an animal. You saw him today.” he said as he looked at Rarity, the white mare cringed back at the memory. “If he continues to use that power then the Cross we all know will cease to exist.”

“What are you talking about?” Fluttershy asked.

“Every time Cross uses that power his mind is taxed heavily, his personality and morals will begin to shift.” he let out a sigh and walked past the mares and ran out into the cold dark night. The ponies gave each other an un easy look as they sat in the library.

“Okay...who here is really creeped out?” all but one mare raised her hoof. Rainbow looked over at Fluttershy who remained silent.

“C’mon Shy. You have to admit he’s a little creepy.”

“But he-”

“He killed a dragon!”

“Only because he was trying to save Rarity. He was defending her and-”

“Stop trying to hide behind that! He’s dangerous to us and to you!” Twilight exclaimed. Fluttershy instantly shrank back and tears started to well in her eyes.

“Y-you’re right. I-I didn’t want to believe it but....he is dangerous!” she said as she slumped to the floor in a fit of sobs. “Ever since I saw him the other night I’ve been scared of what might happen if he’d ever lose control." the lavender mare trotted over and put a hoof on her friends shoulder.

“We weren’t trying to scare you. We’re just looking out for you, I’d want you to do the same thing for me if I were in your shoes.”

“S-so what should I do?” she said as she fought through the tears.

“We keep watching him and see if he’s REALLY dangerous and we’ll play it from there.” Twilight said with a reassuring smile. Fluttershy nodded and smiled at her friends. The mares returned the gesture and hurried back to their homes. As Fluttershy opened the door she saw that the grey stallion had taken refuge on the couch and was letting out a soft snore. She trotted over to him and outstretched her hoof towards him, something in the back of the yellow mares mind held her back from waking the stallion. She quickly withdrew her hoof and trotted upstairs with tears in her eyes. As the door shut Cross opened his eyes and looked at the wolf who had a blank expression on his face.

“She really is scared of me isn’t she?”

“Can you blame her? Just imagine how that mare felt today seeing you tear that dragons heart out while she was no more than five feet away form you.” Ace said as he laid his head down on his paws.

“Sometimes I forget what I am sometimes.”

“What’s that?”

“A monster.” with that final statement he pulled his hat down over his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 13: The Crimson Estate

Cross and Fluttershy were waiting outside the rustic cottage in silence, Fluttershy couldn’t take her eyes off the stallion while he refused to make eye contact. A cyan pegasus suddenly landed in front of them with two duffel bags on her back, she trotted over to her yellow friend and the two started to chat. Soon the farmer, party animal, the librarian and her dragon assistant arrive in front of the cottage with their things. The ponies waited patiently for the seventh member of their party to show up. They looked over to see the white unicorn mare with at least a dozen bags in a cart.

“Sorry I’m late darlings.” she said with a smile.

“You must be joking.” Cross said in a flat tone.

“What just a few essentials for the trip and-”

“Those aren’t essentials, that is overindulgence and I’m not teleporting all of that to the mansion.” he said in a stern tone.

“Teleporting?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’ll open a portal that will take us to my estate.” he said as he levitated a book and skimmed that pages. “Here we go. I suggest that you all stand back.” his horn flared and a massive door appeared in front of the stallion. “Theres the door.” he turned back to the ponies and let out a sigh. “If you wish to travel with Celestia for the meeting then I won’t hold it against you. You don’t have to come with me.” the mares looked back at him in surprise.

“What are you talking about? We don’t mind-”

“I can easily manage the cleaning detail on my own.” he said holding the same poker face.

“We don’t mind. I’m interested in seeing this estate of yours.” Twilight said the mares her eyes fell upon a swirling vortex of light. “Last chance to back out and I’m not taking all of those bags with me.” he said as he looked at Rarity who levitated two bags onto her back and made the cart of suitcases vanish. “Good, wait here for a second.” he entered the portal leaving the small group in confusion. Twilight leaned her head closer and started to inspect the portal, the grey stallions head suddenly popped out of the portal causing the lavender mare to jump back in surprise. “All right, the portal ends where I wanted it to. Come along.” he said as his head vanished back into the portal. The group exchanged glances and trotted into the portal. Their eyes fell upon a massive a large dirty road leading up to a massive mansion. Cross looked back at the mares with a smug grin on his face.

“How, what? HUH?” Rainbow said in surprise.

“Quite the vocabulary you have there Dashie.” he said with a smile. “ I probably should have asked this sooner, are you guys okay around kids?” he asked with a weak grin.

“Yes, why?” Twilight asked.

“Well, you see-” he was cut off as he was tackled by two foals. The mares looked at the stallion in surprise. Cross was letting out a massive laugh as the ponies gave him a massive group hug.

“CROSS YOU’RE BACK!” the fillies squeaked in delight.

“Yeah, I figured that I pop in and say hi.” he said as he got to his hooves.

“YAY!”they cheered. The colt’s then noticed the pack of confused mares.

“Who’re they?”

“They’re close friends of mine and they’re here for a meeting with Princess Celestia tonight.” the foals moths dropped at the name. “I expect you all to be on your best behavior.”

“Okay!” they said.

“Good. After I help my friends unpack we’ll play. How does that sound?” the foals smiles grew wide at the offer, they turned around and trotted back towards the mansion. Cross looked back to see six very confused mares staring at him.

“Why didn’t y’all tell us you were a father?” AJ asked.

“Father? OH! Those kids aren’t mine.” he said with a chuckle.

“Then why-”

“Let me explain. When my father died he left me the estate and all of it’s staff. I said that they could leave but they refused. I wanted to do something good with what my family left me, so I turned my manor into an orphanage.” he said with a smile.

“That’s very sweet of you.” Rarity said with a warm smile.

“Yeah, I’ve always had a soft spot for kids.” the grey stallion said as he began to walk towards the mansion. Fluttershy let out a deep sigh.

How could I have thought he was dangerous? He runs an orphanage.

Oh...I don’t know.

Look, he’s a good stallion. So what if he’s unusual.

B-but-

No, no but’s! Stop doubting him and this relationship.

The others will-

Who cares what they think! What matters is how YOU feel and think about him.

I....I love him.

Good. Now all you have to do is-. Fluttershy’s thoughts ceased as she looked up at the massive mansion. The corners of the estate had gargoyles on the edges with open mouths. The main door was massive and looked like it was made out of hardened Iron. The outer walls were jet black and seemed to shine in the sunlight. A butler suddenly appeared before the group and shook Cross’s hoof. The butler was a white unicorn stallion with deep green eyes and had a book and quill as a Cutie Mark.

“Master Cross. A pleasure to see you again sir.” he said in a very refined voice.

“Jeeves! What have I told you about formalities?”

“Sorry sir.” Cross raised and eyebrow at the stallion. “I mean, sorry Cross.”

“Much better.” he said with a smile. “How are things? Did you get my jewel shipment?”

“Yes, it arrived a few days ago.”

“Good.”

“Is it true? That you’re meeting with Celestia?”

“Yes, and the dragon King.” Cross looked at the stallion and gave him a faint nod.

“I see. I’ll begin preparations.” he said as he trotted back inside the castle. The group of ponies followed him into the mansion. The rug was deep red with black strips going on a diagonal axis. The walls were pitch black and several works of art were hanging from it. Rarity could barely control herself as her eyes boggled at the sight. Soon several ponies in maid uniforms came up to Cross and welcomed him back. Jeeves reappeared in front of the group with a smile on his face. “If you’d follow me I’ll show you to your rooms.” the ponies smiled and followed the posh stallion through the massive castle. Twilight marveled at the architecture and suit’s of armor that were on the corridors. The armor looked similar to a Canterlot knight’s armor only that instead of a gold plating it was deep red with black trim. “Ah, here we are.” he said as he stopped in a hallway.

“Thanks Jeeves. We can mange from here.” Cross said with a nod. The butler smiled and trotted back down the hall. “I’ll let you guys decide the room arrangements, there are seven rooms so one for each of you.” he said as he walked towards his room Fluttershy let out a heavy sigh and caught up to the grey stallion. As Cross put his hoof on the door handle he heard the yellow mare trot up behind him.

“Um...could I.....stay with you?” she asked in her usual timid voice. The stallion was shocked at the mares question, considering what happened the previous night.

“S-Sure. Only if you want to though.” he said in a nervous tone.

“Thank you.” she said with a warm smile. Cross looked at the mare with a raised eyebrow as she walked into his room. Cross followed her inside and saw Fluttershy’s shocked face as she looked at the stallions’ room. The massive Queen sized bed was decorated with red velvet sheets and pillows, the rug was jet black and stretched from one end to the room to the other. The fire place was big enough to fit a twenty-six inch log inside. Cross trotted over to the mare and lightly tapped her shoulder, Fluttershy snapped out of the shock and gave him a weak smile. Cross gave her a slight nod and threw his bag on the bed, and made his way towards the balcony. Cross looked out to see the foals playing in the courtyard, he couldn’t help nut smile at the sight. Fluttershy trotted up next to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah. It’s just surprising knowing that I’ve been gone for a while.”

“I can see that.” she paused and prayed for courage. “Cross I-”

“You’re scared of me aren’t you?” he said in a flat tone.

“How did-”

“I saw your face last night before you went upstairs.” he said as he hung his head low. “I get it. You’re scared of me, I’m scared of me sometimes.” he said as he morphed his hoof into a claw and back again. “I....I understand if you don’t want to be with me and-” he was cut off by the mare pressing her lips against his. Cross eyes shrank and his brain searched for a reason for the mares behavior. She broke the kiss and looked back at him with a smile.

“I don’t care about that. You’re the sweetest stallion I’ve ever met and I know that you’d never do anything to hurt me or my friends.” she said with a warm smile on her face. “I admit I was scared of you but I realize that it’s a part of you and...I love that about you.” Cross couldn’t believe his ears at the mares words.

“Y-you love me?” the yellow mare nodded with tears in her eyes. Cross quickly wrapped the mare in his hooves and smiled at her. “I love you too.” he then heard a collective ‘awwe’ sound coming from the door. Cross shot his head up to see the other five mares heads poking through the door way. Fluttershy’s face turned crimson as she faced her friends, who trotted into the room with smiles on their faces. Cross frowned at the mares in annoyance. “Great, I’m being spied on in my own house.”

“Sorry, we were-” the white mare began to say.

“Curious?” he finished. “Relax you weren’t the only ones.” he said as he shot a spell underneath the bed. He heard a few faint yelps of surprise come from underneath the bed, he trotted over and lifted the sheets to see two foals giggling at the adults. “What have I told you about snooping?”

“Don’t get caught.” the small blue Pegasus colt answered with a laugh.

“What have I told you about snooping on me?”

“To not do it.” the yellow Unicorn filly said with a sheepish grin.

“Good.”

“Is she your mare friend?” the colt asked as he pointed to the blushing Fluttershy.

“Yes, yes she is.” he said with a smile. “Now run along, I’ll be down in a few minutes. I just need to check something real quick.” he said as he patted the two foals on the head. The two nodded and ran out of the room. “Kids, what can you do?” he said as he shrugged.

“That’s another thing. Where did they all come from?” Rainbow asked.

“The foals? Most of them used to live in the small town that was a few miles away.” he let out a depressing sigh. “Until one day. Most of the parents worked in the mines and factories that manufactured hardened steel and metal. One day the factory went critical and exploded, those that survived moved away and wanted to forget this place. Quite a few ponies got out but for the families that didn’t......I couldn’t leave the kids, they’d die without me.” he said as he hung his head in shame. The mares looked at him in sadness.

“Why not send them to another orphanage?”

“They’d already lost their families, I wasn’t going to make them leave what friends they had left.”

“Why did YOU have to do it?” Rarity asked.

“It was may fault that they were in the situation to begin with.” the mares looked at him insurprise.

“What?”

“I had just taken over the estate from my father when this incident occurred. I tried to do what I could for the families but they didn’t want my help, they said that my family had already done enough. I pleaded with them to take the children but they wouldn’t have it.” Fluttershy wrapped her colt friend in a hug and rested her head against his shoulder.

“So that’s why you took all those jobs, to pay for this place.” Twilight said.

“Yeah. It was all for them and I’m begging you not to tell them what I’ve done, it would just break their hearts if they knew.” he said as tears formed in his eyes.

“We won’t say a word. Do they know about-”

“The dragon thing? Yeah, they find it ‘cool.’” he said as he made quotation marks with his hooves. The group let out a small chuckle and moved towards the door.

“You coming?” Fluttershy asked as she looked back at the stallion.

“Yeah. I just need a moment to take in being back. I’ll meet you down stairs in a few minutes.” he said as he smiled at the mare. Fluttershy nodded and closed the door behind her. Cross’s face grew more serious as the door closed. His horn began to flare and he created a copy of himself. “Something doesn’t feel right, you know what to do.”

“Yes.”

“Good and remember no one and nothing can see you.” the clone gave a nod as his horn glowed and turned invisible. “Meet me back here when you’re done and give me an update, if you can’t do that then disintegrate and then I’ll take over.”

“Got it.” a voice said as the door opened. Cross trotted out of his room to catch up with his mare friend and the pack of mares.

“Where do we go?” Rarity asked.

“Follow me, I’ll show you with what I need help with.” he said as he took the lead. The group walked through what seemed like endless rows of hallways and corridors until they came to a massive pair of double doors. “Okay Twilight, this is where your expertise comes in.” he opened the door to reveal a massive library. Twilights eyes lit up at the seemingly endless rows of books presented before her. “We have a librarian but the kids always like to rearrange the books.”

“THIS IS AMAZING!” she yelled.

“Shhh! You’re a librarian.” he said with a smirk.

“Still, this place is amazing!” she said as she squealed in delight. The group made their way into the massive room. Cross approached the desk and gave the bell a ring, soon an elderly grey mare came from the back room with a smile on her face.

“Ah! I heard you were back!” she said with a smile.

“Good to see you too Quill. This is my friend Twilight and her assistant Spike, I asked them to give you a hoof with some organizing.”

“Thank Celestia! Those little ruffians never put their books back in their proper place.” she said as she let out a sigh.

“Bring her back down when your done okay.” he said with a wave. Quill smiled warmly at the stallion and gave him a reassuring nod as he and the other mares left the room. Cross led the other mares back to the main floor and into the kitchen. “Pinkie, AJ I need you two to handle the food for the Princess’s. I’m assuming that Luna is coming so be sure to make a lot and if it’s too much to ask could you set some aside for the kids?” he said with a sheepish grin.

“Sure!” Pinkie said with a smile.

“No problem.” the orange mare said with a smile. “What about the dragon King?”

“My chefs are handling that chore.” he said with a smile. The two mares then started to pull out pots and pans as the rest of them left the kitchen and trotted out into the hall way. “Rarity I want you to make sure make sure that all of the Maid’s and butlers uniforms are up to date and presentable.” he said as he opened the another set of doors. Rarities eyes boggled at the rows of fabric that were lined the walls and racks filled with royal garments.

“I...I..” she then collapsed on the large couch in the middle of the room.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” he said as he trotted over to the closet. He opened the doors to reveal more than twenty regal waitress and butler uniforms.

“These are simply divine!” she said with a smile. “I’ll need to take their measurements.”

“No need. One size fits all.” he said as he looked at Rainbow with an evil smirk and raised a butler uniform.

“What are you-” she didn’t finish as Cross wrapped the mare in the outfit. The clothes began to shrink and tightly fit around the mares form. Cross exploded in laughter as Rainbow stared at him with rage in her eyes. “GET THIS OFF ME NOW!” she said as she raised a hoof at the stallion.

“Relax, it comes off like any other piece of clothing I just needed to show Rarity the enchantment.” he said through the laughs.

“Why use me?”

“Rarity couldn’t see it if I put it on her and I couldn’t waste this opportunity!”

“You are so dead!” she said as she pulled the uniform off and growled at the stallion.

“Relax, it was all in good fun. You okay here Rarity?”

“Oh yes darling.” she said as she levitated the uniforms onto the ironing board.

“Good, I’ll see you later.” he said as he and the other two mares left the room. Rainbow glared at the stallion with daggers in her eyes. “Oh calm down. At least I didn’t use the maid outfit.”

“Yeah I bet you’re saving that one for Fluttershy here.” she said with a devilish grin. Cross’s and Fluttershy’s faces turned crimson at the thought. “Why you dirty little stallion.” she said with a smirk.

“Dash!” he yelled.

“Relax I’m just teasing. What do you need me to do?”

“Keep the skies clear and keep a lookout for anything that looks like Celestia or a dragon.” he said in a flat tone. Rainbow gave him a quick salute and flew out of a nearby window, leaving Cross and Fluttershy alone in the hallway.

“So....um what do you need me to do?” she asked in a timid voice.

“I’ll need your help with the kids, they can become quite a hoofful.” he said with a smile. The two made their way back to the main hall. As they trotted down the hallway the yellow mare let out a small squeak as she saw the suits of armor on the edge of the corridor. Daww, she so adorable when she’s scared. “Don’t worry about those things, they’re antiques.” she gave him a weak smile and continued walking. Fluttershy bit her lip at a thought and lowered her eye sight. “What’s wrong Flutters?”

“I was wondering if..Never mind.”

“What? Name it.”

“I was wondering if you could.....No I shouldn’t ask that.”

“Fluttershy you can ask me anything.” he said as he looked at her with a smile.

“I don’t want you to change.” she said with tears in her eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I-I don’t want you to go into that dragon form again.” she said as the tears came rolling out. “Every time I see it I worry about you. You may not see it but, it’s changing you and I...I don’t want to see that happen.” she said as she slumped to the floor. Cross wrapped her in a hug and gently rocked her.

“Shhh, shhh. It’s okay, I understand your concern and I don’t want to change either.” he said as she stopped sniffling. “and if it means that much to you. Then I won’t.” he withdrew his small knife, still wrapped in its sheath and set it in front of the yellow mare.

“What’s this? Your knife?”

“That isn’t just any ordinary knife, it’s also a key.”

“A key?”

“That allows me to unlock the dragon magic inside of me. I’m giving it to you.”

“I couldn’t-” she was cut off by the grey stallion putting his hoof on her lips.

“I insist. The last thing I want is for you to be scared of me and I want you to have it.” he said with a warm smile. Fluttershy smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the lips, Cross returned the gesture and smiled at the mare. Fluttershy looked back at him with a warm smile on her face as Cross levitated the knife and belt onto the mare. The two continued to make their way to the mane hall where eight foals had gathered. Seeing the stallion the group quickly galloped over to him and trapped him in a group hug. “Hey how is everypony?”

“We’re great!” they said in unison. Cross began to tell the children stories about his adventures since he left them last. “You really fought a dragon?” one of the colts said in amazement.

“Yep.” one of the fillies then noticed Fluttershy smiling at him.

“Who’s that?”

“This is my mare friend Fluttershy.” he said with a smile.

“H-hello.” she said in a timid voice. Most of the fillies made a collective ‘awwe’ sound while most of the colts made the gaging gesture with their hooves. Cross continued to entertain the children with his stories and magic, while Fluttershy talked about the animals she cared for back home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deep below the halls of the manor a grey stallion crept in the shadows of the old cobble stone halls. He poked his head around a corner to see a mare and a stallion talking with one another. Cross listened closer to their conversation.

“UGH! I can’t believe he came back! It had to be now of all times!” the mare said in annoyance.

“This is really going to screw up our plans, should we tell them to wait and-” the stallion said in a worried tone.

“NO! We’ve spent months planning this and it couldn’t be more perfect because ‘she’ will be away. We may never get a chance like this again!”

“If we’re found out then-”

“We knew the risks when we signed on for this mission. Now just throw on a fake smile and just imagine the pay off when all of this is over.” the mare spat out. “UGH, I’m suffocating in this thing. I need to breath.”

“Fine let’s just make it quick before somepony knows we’re gone.” the grey stallion poked his head out to see a vibrant flash of green light and saw that the two ponies had changed from their usual colors to jet black and a swamp green. Their eyes became spliced and light blue.

“Oh that feels so much better.” she said as she cracked her neck. “I’m just gonna grab a quick bite.” she said as she trotted deeper into the hallway. The grey stallion turned invisible and crept by the watchful Changeling. the clone looked in horror to see that the changeling had cocooned almost the entire staff at the manor. “All right, let’s get back up there.” she said as she resumed her disguise. The other Changeling did the same and followed his companion back upstairs. The grey stallion came pout from his hiding place and examined the ponies. He looked at the cocooned ponies and saw that they were breathing and were still alive.

Changelings? Here? What are they planning? If they hurt the foals then Celestia help them!..THE FOALS! the stallion quickly looked around the collection of pods and let out a heavy sigh. Good, they didn’t take the children. The stallion began to kick and bash the pods open and lay the ponies next to one another. Soon Jeeves awoke and got to his hooves.

“SIR! Thank goodness you’re back! Changelings have-”

“I noticed.” he said as he pointed to the other staff members. The old butler hung his head in defeat.

“I’m so sorry sir, I should have-”

“You did everything you could. I shouldn’t have left for as long as I did.”

“What are we going to do?”

“Celestia and the dragon King will be arriving soon. Can you find your way out of here?” he asked as the other members of the staff began to stir.

“I could do it blindfolded.” he aid as he put his monocle on his left eye.

“Good. As for the rest of you I want you to get and keep the foals safe, they are priority number one! Do I make myself clear?”

“Sir! Yes, sir!” the ponies answered. As Cross began to trot away Jeeves put a hoof on the stallions shoulder.

“For what it’s worth sir, it’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise. Remember to secure the foals before dinner tonight, use escape route X if you have to.” the ponies nodded. “Right then. Allons-y!” the clone said as he evaporated into a puff of smoke. The ponies looked at one another and hurried down the hallway.

Chapter 14: Dinner Plans

Back upstairs Cross was in the restroom when he felt the information from his clone reach his brain. His eyes shrank and let out a huff of anger at the fact that there were at least a dozen Changelings in his home. He swallowed his anger threw on a fake smile as he walked out of the restroom to see ‘Jeeves’. “Anything I can get you sir?”

“No thank you, I’m holding off till dinner with the Princess.” he said as he smothered his rage.

“Very well sir.” he said with a small nod and continued along his way. Cross gritted his teeth as he made his way into the kitchen to check up on Applejack and Pinkie.

“How are things going in here?”

“Great! We’re almost done!” Pinkie said as she was dotting the last bits of cake with icing.

“Good. The Princess should be arriving soon.” he said as he threw on a fake grin. “Listen, there may be some trouble tonight and if that happens I want all of you to leave it to me okay.” the mares looked back at him in surprise.

“What kind of trouble?”

“Let’s just say that things can get out of hoof very quickly around here. Now I want you both to Pinkie Promise me that should something happen you and the others will leave it to me.” the mares looked at one another and went through the gestures as they said the chant. “Thank you.” he said as he made his way to the library, he opened the door to see several books flying around and being stacked neatly beside one a another. Cross noticed a a purple horn sticking out of a pile of books, he trotted over to the mare who was fully engrossed in her current book. “Hey Twi, enjoying the job?”

“Oh yes! These books are amazing, I’d love to get copies if that’s alright-”

“You can read them anytime you want. I just came over to say that-” he was cut off by a cyan blur racing up to him.

“THE PRINCESS’S CHARIOT IS ALMOST HERE!” she yelled. Twilight shot up at the news and ran out of the door with Rainbow close behind. Cross shrugged and hurried after the mares. His horn flared and he caught the two in a magical grip. “Hey what gives?”

“Before the meeting starts I want you two to promise me that if something happens you won’t get involved. Pinkie and AJ already Pinkie promised me that they wouldn’t and I’d like the same from you two.” he said as he released the grip.

“Expecting trouble?”

“Possibly, meetings like these can get out of control very quickly and since you guys don’t know the King you can’t calm him down as well as I can.” the mares shrugged and promise the stallion. “Thank you.” he said as he sped off towards the front gate to greet the white Alicorn. Cross opened the door to see the sun goddess standing before him with a warm smile on her face. “Great to see you Celestia!” he said with a smile.

“You as well.”

“Is Luna with you?”

“No, she remained in Canterlot while I’m here.”

“That’s fine, we’ll just have some food left over then.”

“Has Karathax arrived yet?” she asked.

“Not yet but-” he was cut off by a massive black dragon landing in front of the ponies. His dark scales flickered in the light, his body had many scars strewn across it. The dragons left eye was bright blue while his right one had a massive scar over it. “Karathax! Good to see you.” he said with a smile. The dragon let out a laugh as he saw the stallion.

“It’s good to see you again my friend.” Karathax said with a grin on his face. “You as well Celestia.” he said as he noticed the white Alicorn who nodded at him. Cross saw that a familiar yellow mare was staring at them with fear in her eyes. Cross trotted over to her and gently led her out to meet the dragon.

“Karathax, this is my mare friend Fluttershy.” he said as Fluttershy was visibly shaking in fright.

“It’s nice to meet you miss. Any friend of Cross is a friend of mine.” he said as he outstretched a claw to her. Fluttershy suddenly ducked behind Cross and poked her head out from behind his back.

“Sorry about that, she’s shy by nature and has a distinct fear of massive dragons.” he said with a weak smile.

“Oh, well we can’t have that now can we. Just give me a second.” The dragons body began to glow and shine causing the ponies to advert their eyes. As the light vanished they saw that the massive dragon had shrunk to the size of the white Alicorn. “Better?”

“A-a little.” She said in her usual timid voice.

“Splendid, I forgot you could do that.” The grey stallion said as he looked at the dark dragon.

“I don’t usually use this form, it’s small.” he said as he cracked his neck.

“Good thing too, I didn’t have time to resize the house for your stay. I’ve been busy with the kids.” he said as he walked them inside.

“I’ll never understand why you turned this place into an orphanage.”

“This place has seen enough horrors for a life time.”

“I suppose your right.” he said with a sigh. “I suppose the world is better of without the Crimson-” the grey stallion shot him a cold stare.

“Don’t mention that.”

“I understand.” the grey stallion looked over to see Twilight and the other five mares walking down the hall way.

“Ah, perfect timing! Karathax allow me to introduce Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie.” the mares looked at the dark figure with a raised eyebrow. “Ladies, allow me to introduce King Karathax.”

“Greetings.” He said with a bow. “It’s an honor to finally meet the Elements of Harmony.”

“N-nice to meet you.” Twilight said in a nervous tone.

“No need to be nervous Twilight, Karathax is very welcoming.” Celestia said with a warm smile.

“I was just expecting him to be bigger.”

“That I can do.” The dragon said as he was about to snap his fingers.

“No! Remember the lat time you did that in my house?”

“Right, sorry.” the dragon said with a weak smile. The grey stallion felt a small shudder go through his body.

Looks like Jeeves has made it out. Time to discuss the plan.

“Are you all right?” Karathax asked as he looked at the grey stallion.

“Yes, listen theres something I need to take care of real quick. I’ll see you all at dinner.” he said as he started to walk away from the group.

“Need some help?” Twilight asked.

“No thank you, I can handle it.” He said as he galloped into the dark hallway. The ponies looked in confusion as he vanished from their sight.

“What’s with him?” Rarity asked.

“Don’t know, he’s been acting mighty strange since we got here.” Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

“That’s understandable. He’s been through a lot and being here is bringing back a lot of memories.” The dragon said in a low tone.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s nothing, ancient history.” Celestia said in a flat tone. The mares looked at the tall figures in confusion. “I will go settle in.”

“As will I.” Karathax said as he started to walk in the opposite direction. The mares looked at one another in confusion as the Princess and the King went to their respected rooms.

“Something strange is going on here.” Rainbow said as she looked at her friends.

“Ah know what ya mean sugar cube, ah feel like ah’m being watched or something.” Applejack said as she looked around the hallway.

“I’ve got that feeling too when I was in the library. It felt...wrong. This whole place feels wrong.” Twilight said as she felt a shiver down her spine.

“Yeah when Applejack and I were baking my Pinkie sense was going crazy.” Pinkie said as her back right knee twitched.

“What does twitchy back knee mean?” Rarity asked.

“I think it means that we’re not alone in here.” she said as she looked down the dark hallway. Rarity and Fluttershy were shaking in their hooves.

“Maybe the Princess knows something about this.” Rainbow asked.

“Good idea.” Rarity said as the mares altered their course to find the Princess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The grey stallion stopped in front of a massive black iron door. Cross put his hoof on the door and gave it a hard push, the large door creaked open to reveal a large circular study with suits of armor standing around the room. He knocked three times on the desk and a trap door opened in the center of the floor. He looked over to see the elderly butler pop out of the passage.

“Good to see you sir.”

“Red Dawn.” he said as he positioned himself in a defensive stance.

“Black Eclipse.”

“Had to make sure.” Cross said as he relaxed his stance.

“Completely reasonable. Given the circumstances.”

“Yeah, how long were you down there?”

“Two weeks.” he said as he took a seat. “I’m sorry sir, I should have seen it coming.”

“It’s fine. Did you get the foals out?”

“Yes, they’re asleep and going to the safe house off the estate along with the rest of the staff.”

“Good. Why didn’t you go with them?”

“And miss out on the fun that’s to be had? Not on my life.” he said with a smile.

“You’re a good friend Jeeves. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“Neither do I. What’s the plan sir?”

“Pest control.”

“Ah. You’ll make your move at dinner?”

“Yeah.” Cross trotted over to a portrait of a jet black stallion with vibrant blue hair standing tall. “Do you think I’ll ever become him?”

“No and I thank Celestia every night for that. This place can offer something more than pain.”

“I can still hear him whispering to me.” he said as he sat down.

“Listen to me, you are NOT your father. If anything, you’re the complete opposite of him.” the white stallion said as he put a hoof on his shoulder.

“He’s right.” the stallions looked up to see Princess Celestia standing in the door way. “I should have known you’d be in here.”

“Hello Princess.” he said as he kept his head lowered.

“What’s wrong?”

“The usual.” The white Alicorn walked beside him and let out a sigh. “It was right out there wasn’t it?” he said as he looked out to the balcony.

“Yes, hard to believe that it’s been eleven years.”

“I know what you mean. I guess when you do the unthinkable, it changes you.”

“I know the feeling.” she said in a sympathetic tone. “When I trapped Luna one thousand years ago it tore my heart out. I still haven’t gotten over the guilt, but what you did was beyond that.”

“I had no choice. They had to be stopped.”

“I’m not blaming you, I’m impressed that you’ve managed to stay the same hyperactive and cocky colt that I met all those years ago.” she said with a warm smile. “Do Twilight and the others know?”

“No. How could I tell them that of all things?”

“You can’t bear this all on your own.”

“It’s my duty as the last Crimson Knight. My burden to bear until the day I die.” he said in a defeated tone.

“I understand and I respect your decision, but when will you let go of the past and start living for you?”

“You know that answer Celestia.”

“Yes, and I wish I were wrong.” she said as she turned to leave. “I’ll see you at dinner.” the two stallions gave her a nod as she closed the doors behind her.

“Who’s this Fluttershy she mentioned?” Jeeves asked as he rubbed his monocle with a glass cloth.

“My mare friend. She’s the sweetest and kindest mare I’ve ever met.”

“I see, it’s good to see that you’ve finally found somepony.” he said with a smile.

“Yeah, she’s great. Enough about that you’d better get in position.”

“Right sir.” he said as he began to trot away.

“Jeeves.”

“Sir?”

“These things infiltrated our home and took our friends hostage. Show no mercy.” he said in a cold tone.

“I wasn’t planning on it.” the white stallion said as he smiled and his eyes spliced like a cat.

“Good. Time for a dinner party.” Cross said as he made his way out of the study and back towards his room. As he waked along the hallway he looked at the portraits of his predecessors and let out a heavy sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Celestia made her way to the dinning room she was stopped by a familiar lavender mare who was wearing her blue Gala dress. “Hello Twilight, that dress is lovely.”

“Thank you Princess.” she said with a smile. The two continued to walk Twilight noticed the Princess’s stunning dress. “You look great as well.”

“Thank you.”

“Princess, can I ask you something?”

“Of course Twilight.” she said with a warm smile.

“You’ve known Cross for a while right?” the Alicorn nodded at the question. “What’s with this house? It feels strange.” Celestia bit her lip at the question. “You know something don’t you?”

“I’m sorry Twilight but it’s not my place to say, Cross’s past is....complicated.” she said in a sad tone.

“I’m sorry Princess, I’m just worried about Fluttershy. Cross has so much power and I’m worried that he might lose control.”

“Trust me Twilight, Cross would never let that happen.”

“But, what if he does?” she asked in a worried tone.

“I’m going to be honest with you Twilight, if that ever comes to past I doubt that anyone could stop him, not even Luna or I could stand alone against him and hope to win.” she said in a flat tone. She looked down at her pupil who had a look of pure fear strewn across her face. “That will never come to pass.” she said with a reassuring smile.

“I hope you’re right Princess.” Twilight said as she looked ahead.

So do I Twilight, so do I. The Princess thought as the two made their way to the dinning hall in silence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Cross made his way back to his room his mind began to wander. I guess there’s no escape for me. No matter how far I go it’s the shit at home that hits you the hardest. Cross pushed the thought aside as he entered his room and threw on a black suit with dark red trim. Cross looked over to see Fluttershy come out of the bathroom wearing the dress she wore on their first date.

“H-how do I look?”

“Great as always.” he said as he gave her a peck on the cheek. As she combed her mane she looked over at Cross who was staring out the window. “It’s starting to rain.” he said as a clap of thunder echoed through the dark skies.

“Cross?”

“Yes?”

“Is there something wrong?”

“Being back here is bringing back unpleasant memories.” Fluttershy trotted over to him and put a hoof on hi shoulder.

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not yet, I’ll tell you after dinner.” he said as he made his way towards the door. Fluttershy looked at him with nervousness in her eyes as she joined him. The two made their way down the hall to see the ponies and the dragon approach from the opposite direction. “Glad to see that you didn’t get lost.”

“Not for lack of trying, this place is like a maze.” Karathax said as he looked at the stallion.

“Sorry this house can play tricks on you sometimes.” he said with a weak smile. “Let’s eat.” he said as he opened the door to reveal two massive tables filled with food and gemstones. The circular room was lined with suits of armor.

“Why are there two tables?” Celestia asked.

“I though I should invite my staff to join us, it’s been so long since I’ve eaten with them. With your permission of course.”

“I don’t see why not.” Cross smirked at the answer.

“Excellent, this is one dinner they won’t want to miss.” he said as he walked inside with his guests following him.

Chapter 15: The Crimson Knights Reborn

Back in Ponyville the white Dire Wolf made his way through the Everfree Forest in search of lunch. He sniffed the damp air around him and picked up a familiar scent. He walked towards the strange hut and peered through the window to see the potion maker hard at work. He paid no attention and continued to track his meal through the forest. He lowered his body as his prey came into view, He could see the manticores ears tilt in his direction and hear the beats heartbeat quicken as he slowly crawled through the brush. He waited until his red eyes locked with the creatures pupils. The wolf looked to his left to see another manticore breathing in his face. Clever girl. He thought as he engaged the creatures. He slashed the one next to him with his back paws as he lunged at the male with his jaws open. The manticore let out a cry of pain as the wolfs teeth sank deep into the manticores skin. Ace looked back to see that the scratched manticore was charging at him with it’s tail held high.

Ace leapt at the manticore and scratched it’s chest, the beast let out a cry of pain as the manticore hurried over to it’s mate. Ace stood before the pair with a smile creeping across his bloodied lips. The manticores looked at the white wolf in fear. Ace walked slowly towards the pair as he heard a few small growls come from behind him, he turned around to see three baby manticores growling at him and striking a defensive pose. Ace’s eyes looked towards the adult manticores and his brain made the connections. He looked back at the cubs who hurried over to their damaged parents. The three small creatures stood in front of their parents eager to protect them, Ace’s eyes shrank at the action. Memories of his own abandonment came rushing back to him. The white Dire Wolf began to back away from the group and slowly made his way back towards the small town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross sat at the end of the table with Fluttershy by his side. The ponies had began to eat and converse while Celestia and Karathax kept silent. Cross looked over to the opposite table to see his ‘staff’ eating in peace.

“Cross?” Cross looked up to see Celestia staring at him.

“Yes?”

“You seem off for some reason is something bothering you?”

“No not really I’m just curious about the meeting.”

“Excellent point. Let’s get down to business.” Karathax said as he stood up. “Changelings have been scuttling through my land for the past few weeks, the reason is unknown.” The ponies looked at him in shock.

“Yes, I’ve noticed that Changeling activity has increased. I’ve been getting reports from some towns along the border.” Celestia said in astern tone.

“Yet you do nothing!”

“There isn’t much we can do yet, we don’t know where they are stationed.” Celestia said as she took a sip from her glass. “We must remain vigilant in the coming months, I fear another attack coming soon.” the ponies looked at one another in fear Fluttershy squeezed Cross’s hoof at the memory of the wedding. ‘Jeeves’ trotted up to the grey stallion with a glass of water.

“You mask your presence well. Flawless timing, unshakable confidence and strict resolve.” Everypony looked at him in confusion. “I applaud your efforts, however now is not the day to spy on me.” The white stallions chest was suddenly impaled by a lance being held by the real butler. The ponies cried out in horror as the stallions’ white fur faded to reveal a black exoskeleton and bright spliced eyes.

“When...did you know?” the Changeling spat out.

“I did a little digging and I found your makeshift nest.” He said as he looked over at the opposite table. Cross’s horn glowed and sent out a pulse, destroying the Changelings disguises. “Jeeves, deal with them.”

“At once sir.” The white stallion said as he adjusted him monocle. The horde of Changeling began to laugh at the elderly stallion. The ponies got to their hooves ready for a fight but were stopped by Celestia raising a hoof.

“What’s this? They send one dog to fight against twenty of us?” One of the creatures spat out.

“You know what they say old dogs, new tricks.” The white stallion eyes glowed red and spliced. His horn flared and a row of lances sprang up from the ground impaling five changelings. “I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. My name is Jeeves White. Formerly known as ‘The White Lance of Impalement.’ Ex bounty hunter and butler to the Crimson Knight organization. I answer the door, I take out the trash and I take care of pesky little bugs like your selves.” The changelings cringed back as another lance went through three more of them. “Since I am a gentlemen, allow me to offer you one piece of advice.” Everyones eyes were focused on the butler. “Run.” They looked back in fear as the white stallion slowly closed in on the group of Changelings. One of them flew to the window only to be burned by a bright blue flame coming from the dragons’ mouth. Cross tapped his hoof on the table and a wall sprang up from the floor separating the group of Changeling from the main dinning table. The ponies looked at the grey stallion who wore a flat expression. Cross walked over to the wounded Changeling and held him against the wall.

“You have one chance to save your self. Tell me your plans. What are you doing here?”

“Go buck yourself.” the Changeling spat out. Cross began to press on the wound as the Changeling let out a cry of pain.

“I’ll ask again, what are your intentions?”

“Fine. We were sent to take over this mansion and everyone in it.”

“And?”

“When you come back we ambush and capture you.”

“For what purpose?” The changeling remained silent, Cross applied more pressure to the injury causing more of the green fluid to spill out onto the floor.

“I don’t know! She just ordered us to keep you here while the invasion is in effect.” The ponies exchanged worried looks at the words. The Changeling began to laugh hysterically at their reaction.

“What’s so humorous? I could use a good laugh.”

“The thing is, our mission was a full success!” He yelled as his own green blood filled his mouth. “Nothing you can do now you’re all screwed! Especially you KIN SLAYER!” Cross raised his right hoof and crushed the Changelings head with a solid punch. He looked back at his guest’s who had looks of horror and worry strewn across their faces.

“Celestia you’d better-” the grey stallion was cut off by a letter appearing in front of the Princess. Her eyes shrank as she red the message.

“What is it?” Celestia showed him the letter.

Code Black.

“What does that mean?” Rarity asked.

“Canterlot is under attack.” Celestia said as she frowned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ace made his way out of the forest to be greeted by three small fillies running up to him.

“ACE! HELP!” Applebloom yelled.

“What’s wrong?”

“That!” Ace looked up to see nearly two thousand Changelings flying over head. His eyes shrank and saw that three were coming straight towards them, he jumped in front of the fillies and started to bear his teeth. He raised a paw and smashed one of the Changelings to the ground. He looked ahead and crushed another Changeling in his jaws. His attention turned to the final Changeling who had stopped in its tracks. Ace barked at the insect, who quickly fled in fear of the large wolf. Ace looked behind him to see the small fillies shaking in fear.

“Do you have a safe place to hide?” He asked as the fillies looked at him.

“Y-yeah, our club house.” Scootaloo answered.

“Where?”

“It’s just outside Sweet Apple Acres we can pick up Mac and Granny Smith on the way!” Applebloom said as she and the other two fillies climbed on the beast’s back.

“Good, hold on!” The large wolf ran at a break neck pace towards the apple farm. He saw ponies running in the streets and diving for cover. Ace began to concentrate and quickened his pace until he was just a white bur rocketing towards their destination.
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Cross lowered the wall that separated the butler, to reveal green stained walls and a pile of large insect bodies. “Sorry about the mess sir.”

“We’ve got bigger problems. Make sure that there aren’t any more of these things flying around.” The white stallion nodded and vanished in a flash of light.

“I must return to Canterlot!” Celestia said as she got to her hooves.

“I think I can help you with that Princess.” Cross said as he got to his hooves. “Follow me.” The ponies got up and started to follow the grey stallion.

“STOP!” Twilight bellowed. “What is going on here and how did you know that they were Changelings? Who and What are the Crimson Knights? What are you?” She yelled as tears started to pour down her face. Cross let out a sigh and looked back at the mares.

“The Crimson Knights were a secret society that my family once belonged to, I’m the only one left.” The ponies looked at him in confusion. “My family was notorious for using unnatural magic.” Twilight gulped as she put the pieces together in her mind. “My father being the madman he was finally went off the deep end and killed almost everypony that worked in the nearby town and absorbed their souls.” He said in a low tone.

“But, you said that it was an accident.” AJ said.

“It was no accident.” The Princess said as tears formed in her eyes. “The Crimson Knights were destroyed and Cross turned this place into an orphanage when he assumed control of the mansion.”

“How do you know all this Princess?” Twilight asked.

“I was there when his father fell.” She said as they continued to walk down the dark hallway. Cross held his head in shame, refusing to show his tear filled eyes. Fluttershy put a hoof on his shoulder trying to offer him comfort. He kept walking until he was approached by the white stallion.

“What’s the news?”

“You all had better come with me.” He said as he galloped towards the study. Cross walked onto the outcropping to see at least three hundred Changelings flying towards the mansion. The ponies looked in horror at the massive army.

“What’s going on?” Rainbow asked in a nervous tone.

“The Changelings just signed their own death sentence.” As he walked towards the circle he was stopped by the yellow mare with tears in her eyes.

“Please, please tell me what’s happening.” she said as she started to bawl uncontrollably, Cross let out a heavy sigh and looked at the group of mares.

“I’m going to open a portal and all of you, including Celestia are going to return to Canterlot.”

“You’re coming with us right?” Twilight asked.

“I will join you later after I exterminate these pests.”

“You can’t beat them! They have an army!” Twilight yelled.

“They’re not the only ones with an army.” Cross said as he removed the rug to reveal a symbol carved in the stone. Cross levitated a small knife and slashed himself across his arm. He let the blood trickle down his leg and enter the symbol. As the red liquid made contact, the symbol began to glow along with Cross’s eyes and body. “CRIMSON KNIGHTS! OUR CASTLE IS UNDER ATTACK I ORDER YOU TO TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST OUR ENEMIES!” He bellowed. The ponies looked in amazement as the suits of armor standing around the room began to move and walk towards the grey stallion. The suits of armor galloped towards the balcony and jumped onto the main courtyard. Cross exited the circle and stepped onto the balcony with the ponies close behind. Through the storm they saw hundreds of suits of armor line up in rows standing at attention.

“WHAT ARE YOUR ORDERS MY LORD?” The suits bellowed. Cross looked back at the mares who had the look of utter confusion and shock. Cross looked down to the massive rows and gave a final breath.

“LEAVE NO CHANGELING ALIVE! TAKE NO PRISONERS AND FEAR NO PAIN!” The group looked at him in shock and awe as he barked the orders. “THESE CREATURES INVADED OUR HOME AND TOOK OUR FRIENDS HOSTAGE. WIPE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM OUT OF EXISTENCE!” He finished, the suits bowed to him.

“YES SIR! FOR THE GLORY OF THE CRIMSON KNIGHTS WE OBEY!” The knights turned and started to march towards the horde of insects. The ponies watched in amazement as some suits began to fly and shoot volleys of magic at the approaching army. Cross looked back at the group of mares who had dumbfounded looks on their faces.

“So, the Crimson Knights have risen again.” Celestia said as she walked up to him.

“No, that’s just the mansion’s defense force.”

“WHAT IS GOING ON?” Twilight yelled. “How can you raise an army? What was that scene at dinner and what is with this crazy old house?”

“This isn’t just some old house. It has magic of it’s own, like those suits of armor. The Commander of the house has the power to summon them to the battle field in times of war. As to the whole Changeling incident at dinner, that was sort of spur of the moment deal.”

“You didn’t seem surprised that they were Changelings.” Rarity said as she eyed the stallion.

“I wasn’t, I found out hours ago.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Celestia barked.

“I could have taken them out without breaking a sweat, but then I would’ve learned nothing.”

“What in the hay are you talking about?” Applejack commented.

“I wanted to see if they were after you, Celestia, Karathax or me. That wasn’t the case, they wanted to keep us here while they invade Canterlot.” He suddenly grasped his head as a small jolt of pain shot through his brain.

“Are you okay?”

“Ace is contacting me,”

“How? He’s in Ponyville.” Twilight said in confusion.

“I have telepathic link with him, we only use it in an emergency.” The ponies looked at him in confusion as he closed his eyes. “OH NO!”

“What?”

“Ponyville is under attack.” The ponies cringed back in fear. “Only a few stragglers, the majority is headed towards Canterlot.”

“What about Applebloom?’ AJ asked.

“Ace has the CMC, your brother and a few others with him at their club house, but they can’t hide forever.”

“We need to get back home!” Twilight yelled.

“Exactly!” Cross said as he trotted over to the circle again, his horn flared and two portals opened up. “Celestia, this portal will get you just inside the Canterlot walls.” He said as he pointed to the portal on the left. “Twilight, this one will teleport you just outside of Fluttershy’s cottage. I suggest you get a move on.” He said as he walked towards the door.

“What about you?”

“I will stay behind and hold them off.” Fluttershy galloped over to him and wrapped her hooves around him. She looked up with tear filled eyes.

“Please, please come with us.”

“I can’t my place is here. I have to defend it.” he said in a reluctant tone.

“Please don’t leave me. I love you!” she begged, Cross embraced her in a hug.

“I love you too and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Fluttershy felt a blunt object hit the back of her head. Cross caught her in his hooves and levitated her over to Twilight. “Take her and go!”

“But-”

“There’s no time to argue GO!” he said as he heard the door being forced open. He turned around and shot two beams of magic knocking the Changelings out of sight. “I can’t hold them back forever! GO!” the mares nodded and went through the portal. Celestia glanced over at Karathax who was standing on the balcony.

“Are you staying?”

“Yes, I can never run away from a battle. It’s been some time since I’ve stretched my wings.” he said with a malicious grin spread across his face.

“Very well, keep an eye on Cross if he-”

“He won’t. He’s not his father remember that.” the Alicorn nodded and made her way towards the portal. Cross looked at her and gave her a nod.

“Good luck Cross.”

“You too Princess and tell Fluttershy I’m sorry.”

“You can tell her yourself when we see you again.” she said with a warm smile. Cross nodded as she entered the portal and vanished from sight. Cross turned to the butler and the dragon and gave them a nod. The three walked onto the balcony to see the battle raging below.

Chapter 16: Invasion

Twilight and the others found themselves outside Fluttershy’s cottage. Tears formed in their eyes as they saw houses on fire, ash falling from the sky like snow and ponies running in the streets. Fluttershy’s eyes snapped open to find herself on Applejacks back.

“Cross!” She yelled out. She stumbled as she got to her hooves, her orange friend caught her as a large shadow appeared before them. They relaxed as Ace stopped in front of them.

“Ace! Where are the others?” Rainbow asked.

“We had to run to Sweet Apple Acres. They’re in the cider cellar, I was looking for more survivors when I caught your scent. Where’s Cross?” The mares looked down in shame.

“He stayed behind.” Rainbow said in a low tone.

“I see.” He raised his snout and his eyes shrank at a familiar smell. The ponies looked at one another as he approached the sobbing yellow mare. Fluttershy reached inside her dress, to her surprise she pulled out the dagger Cross had given her. “He gave that to you?”

“Y-yes. He said it was some sort of key and-”

“Hold on, he’s contacting me.”

Ace, are the others there?

“Yes, they’re pissed but all right.”

I expected as much.

“Why did you give your dagger to her you’ll need it if-”

No, I won’t. Protect them! You hear me Protect them!

“With my life.”

Good and Ace, one more thing.

“What?”

Collar restrictions are at level zero, you’ll need it. The wolf was stunned at the information. See you on the other side. The link was severed and the wolf looked back at the mares. Suddenly black lines began to form over the wolfs fur. The lines began to expand as did the wolfs size. The ponies looked in horror as the white six foot wolf grew into a jet black eight foot monster. The wolf looked to it’s left and let out a massive howl that cut through the smoke to reveal four Changelings staring in fear at the creature. Ace leapt forward and crushed two of the creatures with his paws. The third attempted to attack the mares but was stopped by a beam of purple aura. Ace cornered the last one and crushed it between his teeth. He looked back at the frightened mares who were taking long breaths.

“We need to find more survivors!” He yelled.

“I’ll see if I can see anything from the sky.” Rainbow said as she ripped off her clothes and took flight.

“Ah want to see if mah sister is okay.” Applejack said.

“As do I.” Rarity said.

"Same here!" Pinkie added.

“Fine, you three climb on and bring her too.” He said as he pointed his snout at the petrified Fluttershy. Rarity levitated the mare onto the wolfs back.

“I’ll get the elements.” Twilight said as she and Spike vanished from sight. Applejack, Pinkie and Rarity climbed on the wolfs back and held onto the wolfs fur.

“Hang on!” Ace said as he rocketed towards the farm.
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Cross had leapt down from the balcony and began fighting his way through the horde of Changelings, while Jeeves remained inside and cleared out the few that had made their way inside the mansion. The stallion looked up to see that Karathax had returned to his original size and began burning everything in sight. The stallions right hoof had become a claw and began slashing his way through the insects. He had cleared the first twenty easy, the second was causing him some irritation. He opened his mouth and shot massive black flames burned a line through the Changeling ranks. He turned around to see a Changeling about to impale him with his horn, the insect was then killed by Karathax’s spiked tail.

“That’s eighteen for me!”

“I’m on twenty-nine.” Cross said as he crushed another’s back under his hooves. The dragon shrank his size and stood back to back to the grey stallion and smiled.

“Remember the last time we did this?”

“Yeah, I lost my eye.” He said with a laugh.

“So did I. Ready?”

“Ready.” The grey stallion sprouted his wings and the two erupted a vortex of black and blue flames that engulfed the enemies surrounding them. The ground became scorsched and the insects began to dry out and turn to ash. As Cross closed his mouth and his wings retracted the dragon returned to full size and smashed five of the insects with his right hand. Cross withdrew the blade he had taken from the teenage dragons and carved his way through the mass of insects.
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Inside the mansion The White Lance had impaled three Changelings to the ceiling and focused on the three surrounding him. His horn flared and five lances launched from the stallions magical aura. Three of them impaled one of the creatures while the other two hit their targets.

“I’m getting too old for this.” He said as he caught his breath. He continued down the hallway to find fifteen Changelings filling the halls. The creatures stood aside and the floors began to tremble, Jeeves looked in horror as a mutated manticore was held by chains. The beast’s eyes were light green and was twice as large as a normal manticore. The creature had three scorpion tails that had three massive barbs sticking out of each of them. “By Celestia.” The beast swung it’s arms at the stallion who avoided the blow and threw two lances at the manticores stomach. The lances hit their target but the beast kept coming. The white stallion looked behind him to see that three Changelings had gone on the offensive, he quickly dodged them and planted his hooves on the ground in front of the beast. “Okay, my turn.”
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As the mares got inside the cellar of Sweet Apple Acres Applejack and Rarity wrapped their sisters in a teary hug, while Ace remained on watch. Fluttershy sat in the corner looking at the dagger Cross had given her. She held it close and began to cry. The room became illuminated as Twilight teleported inside the shelter wearing her crown. “Here are the elements, hurry!” She levitated the elements over to the mares who eagerly put them around their necks. Ace tilted his ears towards the cyan mare who landed in front of the barn.

“Rainbow over-” Twilight was cut off as Ace ripped the Pegasus’s head off to reveal the Changelings' green blood and jet black body.

“Hey! Up here!” Dash said as she landed in front of the wolf. The Wolf sniffed her and gave her a nod.

“Oh good. Here’s your element.” Twilight said as she levitated the necklace over to her.

“Thanks Twi, looks like most of the Changeling have moved towards Canterlot.”

“Then that’s where we’re going too.” She said as she levitated a book in front of her.

“How?”

“Celestia gave me this spell in case of an emergency. I’d say this qualifies.” She looked at the frightened ponies huddling together in the cellar. “Every-pony stay here and don’t open the door for any-pony, not even us!” The ponies nodded as Big Mac stepped towards the lavender mare.

“Y’all be careful now Twi.” He said with tears in his eyes.

“I will.” She said as she gave him a small kiss. Applejacks eye twitched at the motion while Rainbow threw on a smug grin.

“You didn’t know that Mac got Twilight’s tag? Priceless!” She yelled in a fit of laughter. Mac turned to his sister with fear present in his eyes.

“Sorry sis we-” He was cut off by the orange mare raising a hoof.

“We’ll talk about this later mister!” She said as she glared at the red stallion.

“Looking forward to it.” He said as he gave his sister a hug. Twilight turned to Ace with a sad look in her eye.

“Sorry Ace, Teleporting six mares is tricky but an eight foot wolf is too much.”

“It’s fine. I move faster on my own anyway. I’ll see you in canterlot.” He said as he turned and ran towards the town at an unnatural speed. Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a tear filled hug, she soon joined her friends as Twilight’s horn began to flare and the six mares vanished in a flash of light.
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Celestia stepped through the portal to see the main hall in ruins. She took to the skies to see Luna and Shining armor commanding what was left of the guards. She flew down to her younger sister and the guard captain.

“Sister!” Luna said as she trotted up to her sister. “They attacked so quickly and-”

“It’s all right I should have foreseen this.” She walked over to the guard captain who gave her a salute. “How many wounded?”

“We’ve got ten dead and at least thirty wounded. I’ve called support from the Crystal Empire but they won’t make it in time.” He said as he fired another spell at another group of Changelings.

“I see.”

“Looks like we’re on our own.”

“Not just yet Captain, look.” She said as she pointed a hoof at the six mares appearing before them.

“Twiley!” Shining said as he hugged his sister. Twilight shot out a bolt colliding with a Changelings head knocking it out.

“The reunion will have to wait I’m afraid.” Celestia said as she approached the mares.

“What do you need us to do Princess?” Rainbow asked.

“Stay safe until-” She was cut off as a massive green bolt struck between the group. The ponies looked up to see to see an all too familiar dark silhouette and a wicked voice laughing in delight.
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Jeeves was dodging left and right from the manticores swipes and tails. The stallion jumped out of the way of another swipe from the beast. He was getting tired quickly and the manticore didn’t seem to be losing any energy. Jeeves rounded a corner and sat down next to a wounded Changeling trying to catch his breath. “That thing’s got some serious stamina.”

“Well, he had a big snack before we came here.” The Changeling said as he coughed up blood.

“Really? What are you feeding him? Wolves?” He asked in an annoyed tone

“No, foals.” The butlers eyes bore a hole through dying insect.

“What?”

“We found a group of ponies just on the outskirts of the estate, a few foals and a few adults.” Jeeves was shaking with rage as he imagined the monster consuming his friends. “He seemed to like them, good they’re were plenty to go around.” The insect said with a laugh. The white stallion summoned a lance and rammed the weapon through the insects brain. He let out a sigh and shed a small tear for the deceased staff.

If Cross hears about this he’ll go ballistic. The stallion looked to his right to see the massive beast glaring at him from the dark hallway. Jeeves gave a final sigh and turned to face the monster. “HAVE AT YOU!” The beast leaped at the stallion who quickly dodged the swipes, he felt his left hoof give out. He looked up to see the creatures three tails converge on him. He closed his eyes and let out a final sigh. Sorry sir, I guess this is the end. The stallion let out a cry of pain as the beasts three tails stabbed him through his chest. Jeeves could feel his strength failing as the poison coursed through his system. The beast started to retract it’s tails when he felt a tug on the appendages. It looked back in shock to see the white stallion holding the tails. “NO! YOU AND EVERY DAMN CHANGELING DIE RIGHT NOW!” The stallions eyes began to glow and the ground began to shake.

Cross stopped fighting as he felt tremors flow through the ground. No. Jeeves you fool! The ground underneath the Changeling horde turned into a sea of lances, there was no where to run as every inset was impaled in an instant. Cross stood at the center of the sea of lances. Karathax watched in amazement as lances sprang from the ground and quickly stabbed the fleeing Changelings. Cross raced back into the mansion to find broken suits of armor and dead Changelings filling the halls. He rushed towards a massive corpse that looked like a manticore being impaled by ten lances.Cross looked to the side to see the white butler half dead.

“I’m sorry sir.” He said as he looked up at the grey stallion.

“Stop talking, save your strength.” He said as he rushed to his side.

“I won’t need it. Can you do one thing for me sir? A last request.” The grey stallion nodded with tears in his eyes. “Don’t be afraid of your power.” Cross’s eyes shrank at the stallions words.

“What if I can’t control it?”

“You can, you’re not your father.” He coughed up more blood as he talked. “You’re going to need this.” The white stallion said as he pointed to his chest. “Remember I’m....always.......with.......you.” The stallion’s head went limp and closed his eyes with a smile on his face. The last thing that went through the butler’s mind was a memory of a small grey unicorn colt laughing and grinning at him.

Cross cried out in agony and held his friends body in his hooves. A small white ball rose from the stallions chest, Cross put the white stallions hooves on his chest and put a lance between his hooves. Cross let the small white ball sink into his chest, the grey stallion was lifted off the ground as the air around him crackled with power. He wiped the tears from his eyes and turned back to see Karathax in his smaller size staring at him with a sad look on his face.

“He died like a true knight. He will be remembered.” He said as he walked over to the stallion. Cross began to walk through the ruins of his home until he reached the balcony. He looked out at the endless sea of lances and let out a single tear.

“Karathax, I need a favor.”

“Anything.” The dragon said as he returned to his full size.

“I can’t use that portal spell, I’ve used too much magic. Can you give me a lift to Canterlot?”

“Of course, what do you plan to do?” He asked as the stallion climbed onto his back.

“What do you think?” He said in a stern tone. The dragon took flight and made it’s way towards Canterlot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight’s eyes snapped open to find herself trapped in a green cocoon. She began to thrash violently until she felt a sharp pain strike her back. She looked around to see other pods shaking violently as well. Soon she heard a snap and had a falling sensation, her pod cracked as he pod cracked open she saw the dark figure of the Changeling Queen.

“Ah you’re finally awake Twilight.” She said as she levitated the mare in front of her. “Just in time too, I’m about to be crowned Queen of Equestria and it would be such a shame if you and your friends missed my coronation. We were almost in laws once.” She mocked. Twilight’s eyes burned as she looked at the massive insect. Twilight raised her hoof to feel that her element was gone. “Looking for these?” She said as she levitated the six pieces of jewelry into a locked chest. Chrysalis shot Twilight back against a green sticky substance that was connected to the far wall. The Queen lifted five other mares and repeated the action.

“You better hope I don’t get free!” Rainbow yelled as she struggled in the substance.

“I’m so scared, yet you amuse me. Perhaps I’ll keep you as a pet. My other one could use the company, although he isn’t in the mood for playing right now.” The Queen pointed with her hoof to the large black wolf that was bleeding and whimpering heavily in the corner. “The stupid dog tried to rescue you, how sweet.” She mocked.

“Shut up! What did you do with the Princess?”

“Oh yes that reminds me, my coronation.” She said as she moved to the side to reveal a battered Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, their wings were pointed in other directions and their horns were broken in half. Chrysalis’ horn glowed and a large jagged blade was raised over the Princess’s necks. “Who says a girl can’t have it-” Her eyes shrank and the sword vanished and she started to cringe back in fear at an unknown force. “NO! NOT HIM NOT AGAIN!” She yelled as a dark object smashed through the roof. "OF ALL THE WRETCHED BEINGS THAT WALK THIS WORLD IT HAD TO BE YOU DIDN'T IT?" The ponies looked in surprise at a battered and bloodied grey stallion with a blue dragon eye.

“CHRYSALIS!” He bellowed. “YOU DIE HERE!” He yelled as his horn flared.

Chapter 17: Unleashed

Cross looked at the Changeling Queen with rage burning in his eyes. Fluttershy started to cry seeing him so beaten and worn out. Chrysalis stared at the stallion in fear, she noticed that he was wounded on his right side and his eyes were half lidded. She smirked at his appearance and began to laugh.

“My, my. How the mighty have fallen.” She said with a laugh.

“I am going to enjoy killing you.” He said as he withdrew his sword.

“Oh, this brings back memories. When you FLOODE MY HIVE!” She yelled as she shot a blast of green magic at the stallion. Cross blocked the blast with his blade, only to have it melt in his hooves. He return fired with a few spells of his own.

“I gave you a choice and you refused!” He bellowed. “What do you want from me?”

“WHY? Why did you spare me?” She asked in anger. The mares looked at the stallion in shock.

“I suppose I was feeling merciful that day.” He said as he created a dome shield around him. Chrysalis growled at him and began to chip away at the shield. Cross’ magic began to flicker and fade as the Queen continued to smash her magic against the dome. Cross could feel his wounds bleed and his muscles ache. His vision began to blur. Chrysalis sent out one final blast and shattered the stallions shield sending him flying against the wall. Cross coughed up blood and struggled t get to his hooves. Fluttershy let out a cry as he tried to get up. Chrysalis looked over at the yellow mare and smirked.

“Oh, I see. You have feelings for this thing don’t you?” She said as she levitated the stallion in front of the group. She levitated the knife that she had taken from Fluttershy and pointed it at the stallion. The ponies began to shout in anger as the Queen sent the knife forward, Cross closed his eyes and braced for the impact. In stead of feeling the cold blade he felt soft fur hit his side. He opened his eyes to see the large black wolf standing in front of him with the blade sticking through his stomach.

“Ace?” Cross looked at the wolf and let a tear escape. The Queen scoffed and twisted the knife inside of the wolf. Ace let out a cry of pain and was thrown against the far wall. “NO!” He yelled through the tears. The large wolfs’ vision began to blur, and an old memory came creeping back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deep in the snow a small two foot white wolf cub was slowly making his way through a snow bank, he looked over the small hill to see nothing but snow. The small wolf’s tears turned to ice in the cold wind. The wolf found a nearby cave and wrapped it’s tail around its shivering body. He then felt a strong heat source coming from inside the cave. He slowly made his way inside and leaned against a warm rock. He let out a satisfied sigh at the temperature and slowly drifted off to sleep. His eyes snapped open when he felt the rock begging to move. He quickly got to his paws and saw that the surface had moved to reveal a massive red eye. The tiny wolf looked up in horror to see that the surface was bright green dragon. He had heard stories about the massive beats from other pack but never seen one in person.

The dragons eyes looked around the room to see a small white dot running towards the exit. The dragon breathed a gigantic fire ball as the wolf found the exit of the cave and forced him out into the cold again. The dragon looked out to see the white wolfs’ coat covered in ash. The small wolf looked in fear and closed his eyes waiting for the searing heat.

“HEY! What’s going on here?” The wolf and the dragon looked in the distance to see a cloaked figure fast approaching them. The hooded figure stepped in between the two and glared at the large dragon, who let out a massive roar. The figure removed his cloak to reveal that he was a grey unicorn stallion. “Scram!” Cross bellowed The dragon breathed flames around the stallion. The small cub covered it’s face in fear while the stallion didn’t move muscle as he looked at the dragon. The stallion reached for his own face and removed a bloodied bandage off of his face. The dragon suddenly reeled back in fear at the stallion and ran back inside the cave.

Cross looked down at the wolf and smiled at him, the wolf backed away from the pony with fear in his eyes. The stallion crouched down to the wolfs eye level and examined him. The wolf saw that the stallions right eye had a fresh scar over it which was bright blue and the pupil was spliced.

“You okay little guy?” The wolf didn’t move from his spot. “Are you alone?” The wolf gave a small nod. “So am I.” He said in a low tone. He noticed that the wolfs back paw was slightly burned. His horn flared and the wolf felt a small sensation around his damaged paw. “Better?” The small wolf nodded. As the stranger began to walk away from the small wolf he grabbed the strangers cloak between her teeth and lightly tugged. “What?” He said as he looked at the small wolf who looked down in sadness. “You...want to come with me?” The small wolfs’ tail began to wag at the words, a cold gust of wind ruffled the wolfs fur. The grey stallion withdrew a small scarf and wrapped it around the wolf who let out a satisfied bark. “Well, if you’re gonna stay with me then you’re gonna need a name.” The wolf tilted his head in confusion as he let out a series of loud barks. Cross looked behind him to see a massive wall of flames. The stallion grabbed the small wolf and jumped out of the way of the flames. The stallion turned and breathed out a wall of massive flames to match the dragons’.

As the Stallion was loosing ground the dragon felt a sharp pain, it looked back to see the small wolf biting it’s tail. The stallion let out a massive burst of magic from his horn that sent the dragon flying back into it’s cave. The grey stallion hurried over to the wolf who was hiding behind a rock. “Thanks, I’d have been toast if you hadn’t helped.” The small wolf smiled at the stallion when they heard a loud roar coming from inside the cave. “Uh-oh, let’s get out of here.” He said as he picked up the small wolf with his magic and ran away from the cave. After a few hours they found the edge of the seemingly never ending frozen wasteland and took cover underneath a tree. “Glad that’s over.” He said as he wiped his brow. He noticed that the small wolf was shivering in place. Cross collected some wood and breathed a few flames to get the fire going. Cross laid against a tree and let out a sigh, the small wolf walked up to him and rested his head in the stallions leg. “You really saved me back there little guy, I guess I could use an ace in the hole in case things get out of hoof....Hm..Ace. That sound good to you?” He asked as the wolf let out a satisfied bark. “Ace it is then!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time slowed down as the stallion saw the massive wolfs eyes close. Cross felt tears pouring down his face as he cried out in agony and glared back at the Changeling Queen who began to laugh at his state. Cross felt a burning hatred inside of him, his eyes began to glow and his mane and tail became a raging inferno. The ponies watched in shock as he charged at the Queen who easily dodged his attack and restrained him.

“Oh, did I kill your pet?” Cross tried to break free but felt his strength being sucked away. “This day has been just perfect! I conquered Equestria, rendered the elements useless and I’m about to remove a massive thorn in my side.” She said as she levitated the knife against Cross’s neck. “No....better idea.” She turned back to the yellow mare and levitated her over in front of the stallion. She wrapped the knife in the mares trembling hoofs with the same substance that stuck her to the wall. “I’m not going to kill you, she is.” Celestia looked up in shock at what she heard. The ponies eye shrank as Fluttershy felt her limbs stiffen and her hoof was outstretched with the knife facing the grey stallion. She tried to break free but the Queens magic was too strong.

Fluttershy cried out in agony as the blade entered the stallions chest cavity. Cross felt the blade pierce his heart, he tried to scream but the blood was preventing his cries from escaping his mouth. Chrysalis grabbed Fluttershy’s hoof and rammed the knife deeper into the stallions body. The Queen removed the glue that was holding Fluttershy’s hoof to the knife and threw the stallion against the wall. The ponies looked with tears flowing down their faces as the grey stallion laid on the floor motionless. The Queen started to laugh at her work, her Changeling army had spread through Canterlot and were starting to destroy it, building by building. As the Queen marveled in her victory she didn’t notice the grey stallions body beginning to glow.

“What the-” Twilight said as Everypony on the room felt a malevolent force come from the stallion. In a flash of light the stallions body vanished and turned into a jet black mass. Chrysalis fled the scene and took flight above the castle. A navy blue beam shot from the mass that disintegrated the nearby Changeling guards, while the other beam crystalized the goop that was keeping the mares at bay, the ponies quickly broke free from their restraint and looked in horror as the faces of Nightmare Moon and King Sombra took form. The small ball exploded to reveal thousands of souls starting to pour out of the tiny ball. The ponies were shining blue with a black tint to their outline. As more of the figures came pouring out a grey stallion as tall as Celestia with dragon wings and donning jet black armor with a blood red trim and cape stepped out. The ghosts’s looked at the stallion and bowed to him.

“Orders?” They asked in unison.

“Search and destroy! Leave no Changeling left standing, I want the streets of Canterlot painted green with the insects.” The stallion said in a merciless voice. The phantoms moved quickly as they funneled out into the city, killing every Changeling they came across. Cross took to the skies to see the Queen with a look of pure fear on her face.

Twilight hurried over to her mentor and helped her to her hooves. “Are you all right Princess?” She asked in a nervous tone.

“I’ll be fine.” She said as she looked down at the ponies. Her gaze then shifted to her former adversaries. “Where did he find you two?”

“When he was in that forest.” Nightmare Moon retorted.

“In the Empire.” The dark unicorn spat out.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked

“Cross has unleashed his trump card.”

“His what?” Rainbow asked.

“That is his family’s secret. Cross is able to absorb the souls of the fallen and add their strength to his. Eleven years ago his father tried to achieve immortality by consuming dozens of pony souls at once. Cross was forced to stop him.”

“So Cross-”

“Yes, he was forced to kill his father.” She said in a flat tone. The ponies let out a gasp. “When he absorbed his fathers soul the ones that his father had already taken remained within him.” Celestia bit her lip at the information.

“Should we worry about them?” AJ asked as they looked at the dark Alicorn.

“No, they are under Cross’s control like puppets on strings.” Celestia said coldly.

“What happens now?”

“We hope that by the time this is over he is still the same Cross we all know.” Celestia said as she helped Luna to her hooves.

“What happens if he isn’t?” Rarity asked. Celestia’s horn glowed and the box containing the element shot open, she levitated them over to the mares who let out a gasp.

“I sill have more questions.” Twilight said as she looked at her mentor.

“Perhaps I can be of assistance.” The mares turned around to see a familiar white stallion with a monocle on his right eye.

Chapter 18: Family Reunion

High above Canterlot Chrysalis watched in horror as her Changeling forces were being stabbed, impaled and slaughtered right in front of her. She looked down to see a large grey mass rocketing towards her. She attempted to flee but found her exit blocked by the grey hybrid. She let out a cry of pain as Cross’s claw connected with her face, sending her down into the ground bellow. She quickly shook off the attack and took flight. As she rose above the building she saw the familiar emblems of the Scarlet Knights.

“Your own army, your own subjects! You monster!” Cross remained silent and flew towards the Queen with his glowing horn pointed right at her head. The Queen began to dodged volley after volley of spells that escaped the stallions horn. Cross’s eyes remained stagnant and unfeeling as he opened his mouth and created a wall of black flames that engulfed the Queen. She screamed in agony as her wings began to burn. The Queen felt her self falling down towards the ground.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The mares looked in shock as they saw the apparition of the white stallion butler appear before them.

“Jeeves are you-” Celestia asked.

“Dead? Yes, during the assault on the mansion.” He said as he cleaned his monocle with a handkerchief. “It appears that he had to use his unholy gift.”

“What is that?” Twilight asked.

“When the Lord of the Crimson Knights die their soul, their powers and their minds are transferred to the next generation.” The ponies looked at him in surprise. “Cross has the collective strength, power and memories of all those who came before him. It’s a way of reincarnating the ideas and morals of the Crimson Knights.”

“Which are?”

“To protect this world from those that seek to harm it.”

“But Cross’s father-”

“His father was a madman who to achieve the impossible and Cross was forced to uphold the Crimson Knight code.”

“Is he that strong?” Celestia asked.

“Come now Celestia you’ve met his ancestors. All those stories you’ve herd about them, they aren’t stories their true. Those spirits are the same knights that fought along side you one thousand years ago when Sombra rose to power and the same knights that fought against Nightmare moon.” The ponies looked at him in surprise. “You should know how strong they are.”

“Why did he collect their souls?” She asked as she looked at Moon and Sombra who watched them with blank expressions on their faces.

“We kept them as insurance should you get out of hoof.” The sun goddess looked at him in surprise. “Power corrupts the individual and who has more power than you? We prayed it never came nor will come to that, but we will not hesitate to eliminate those who threaten this world.” The ponies looked at the ghost with shock present in their eyes.

“Could he really beat the Princess?” AJ asked.

“We’re talking about a stallion who’s absorbed the souls of ponies who have laid waste to entire armies and nations. Three hundred years ago his ancestor took on the Griffin Kings royal army all on her own, the same family that has stood as this worlds watchful guardian. Staying in the shadows and never accepting praise.” He said in a stern tone. “When Cross was seventeen he bested the Dragon King and most of his guard, even when the King scratched out his eye that stallion persevered and came out on top.”

“So that’s how he got that eye.” Rainbow said.

“Yes, as a reward for besting him in combat.”

“Why doesn’t he hang up the mantle and settle down?” Twilight asked.

“The world needs the Crimson Knights, to watch over it. That is their curse and the reason for which they exist.” Fluttershy was close to tears.

“Jeeves is correct.” The ponies looked around to see a jet black unicorn stallion ghost walk before them. “That has and always will be how the Crimson Knights live, alone and ready to die for the sake of the world.” He said as he walked forward.

“Who are you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Allow me to introduce, ‘The Black Death.’ Iron Shield. Cross’s father.” The ponies eyes narrowed on the stallion as he walked towards them.

“I see the inevitable has happened, what was it this time?” He asked as he looked at the butler.

“Changelings.”

“Figured.” He said as he let out a sigh. “She’ll never learn.” The yellow mare trotted up to him with rage in her eyes and tried to smack the stallion but hit nothing but mist. “Please don’t do that, it distorts my image.”

“This is all your fault! If Cross didn’t have to kill you then he wouldn’t be in this mess!” She yelled.

“I know and for what ever it’s worth, I’m sorry. I never wanted this for him, I tried to help him.” He said in a low tone.

“By killing dozens of innocent ponies?” Celestia barked.

“Did you ever think there was a reason? I tried to gain immortality so this burden would not fall to my son.” The ponies looked at him in shock. “You think I wanted to kill those ponies? NO! I did it for him in the hope that he could have a normal life, the life no Crimson Knight has had in over a thousand years! I wanted to see him be happy, grow old with somepony he cared for and have children of his own.” The mares retracted from the enraged stallion. “In the end I’m glad he stopped me. I went too far and went against everything the Crimson knights stood for.”

The doors burst open to see a giant black mass crash into the far wall. The large object slid on the ground leaving a massive green bloodstain in its wake. They looked in shock as they saw a large grey stallion with dragon wings and claws walk towards the battered Queen.

“Please mercy.” She begged. Cross grabber the Changelings face and began to squeeze.

“Never again.” He said as his pressure increased. Green blood was being squeezed out of the Queens head as the stallion increased his grip. Fluttershy watched in horror as she witnessed the large figure close in on the large insect. Fluttershy galloped over to him with tears in her eyes. The other five mares rushed to stop here but were held back by Celestia’s magic.

“STOP!” She yelled as she hugged the large stallion. Cross looked back at her with his dragon eye and saw tears flow down her cheeks. “Please, please stop.” Cross released his grip and turned around to face the mare who held her ground. Cross raised his right claw and wiped the tears away from her face.

“Let’s dry those tears.” He said as the mare wrapped him in a hug and cried. The other mares let out a sigh and lowered their elements. Cross’s dragon features disappeared while he retained his size. The injured Queen looked over and tried to limp away, she was stopped by the apparitions of Nightmare Moon and Sombra. “Now about you.” Cross said as he walked over to the Queen.

“Oh please, you wouldn’t dare hurt a former knight!” She yelled. The ponies looked at her in shock.

“You were exiled two hundred years ago and therefore hold no connection to me.” He said as he raised his hoof. The doors swung open to reveal a battered guard fall through opening. Celestia hurried over to him and helped him to his hooves.

“Your majesty.....news......from......the front.”

“Rest easy, what’s wrong?”

“Reinforcements, they’re closing in on the castle.” He said as he collapsed. Cross hurried over to the window to see the ghostly apparitions slowly being overrun by the massive hordes. Cross yelled out in frustration, he galloped over to Chrysalis and slammed his hoof on her throat.

“Call them off!”

“Never!” She yelled as the stallion slammed her head against the floor. The dark Queen slipped into unconsciousness. Cross turned to the two ghostly villains. “Moon, Sombra I need you two to buy me some time, this spell is gonna take a while.”

“Like we have a choice.” The dark Alicorn spat out as she and the dark unicorn trotted outside to face the horde.

“Jeeves make sure no changeling gets in here.” He said as the butler gave a nod.

“Sir may I ask something?” The grey stallion nodded. “Are you planning on summoning ‘her’ here?”

“Precisely.” The black unicorn glared at him.

“Are you insane? She’ll kill us all!” He yelled.

“Your one to talk about insanity.” He spat out in a cold tone.

“She is-”

“What we need to get out of this mess in one piece.” He said as his horn flared.

“I don’t approve of this!” He yelled. Cross stopped walking and looked back at the dark stallion with rage in his eyes.

“YOU DON’T APPROVE? I didn’t approve when you decided to go on a killing spree, but we all know how that turned out!” He said as a small cloud of smoke erupted from his mouth.

“I did it for-”

“Don’t give me that crap! You only cared about yourself that’s all you ever cared about! I saw that a long time ago.”

“Listen I-”

“NO, YOU LISTEN! I’ve been through hell and back thanks to you. Just imagine how mom would react if she saw you right now.” The black stallions harsh expression crumbled. “I finally understand why mom killed herself, so that she never had to see what you were becoming!” Cross yelled as tears began to form in his eyes. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to end a war.” He said as he wiped the tears from his face. Cross let out a deep sigh and his horn began to glow bright enough to rival the sun. The ponies felt a massive surge of power radiate from the stallion. Chrysalis felt the pulse and cringed back in horror, her Changeling army began to scream in pure fear as the light filled the room. Celestia opened her eyes to see a tall white Alicorn with dark red a hair and wearing golden armor. The Alicorn looked over at the mares and smiled. Celestia began to cry as the stranger wrapped her in a hug.

“M-Mother?” Celestia said as she could barely control the sobs.

“Oh, Tia. It’s been so long.” She said as a river of tears escaped her eyes.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the short chapter everypony. Hope you liked it.

Chapter 19: Goodbye My Friends

The two large alicorns held each other in a teary embrace. The red haired goddess’s horn glowed and Celestia’s horn was restored to it’s former glory, Luna who’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced the large Alicorn. “I’ve missed you two so much!” The large being said with tears running down her face.

“How are you here? What is going on?” Celestia asked.

“At the time of my death I split my soul up.”

“Into the Elements of Harmony. I remember.” Celestia said as she cried.

“Yes, but before that I entrusted a bit of my soul to the Crimson Knights.” She said as she broke the hug.

“Why?”

“The Crimson Knights are all that remain of my personal guard. You probably don’t remember him Tia, but I fell in love with my guard captain. Crimson Blade.” The ponies looked at one another in shock. “We were both so young and I was so lonely. In order to keep him alive I implanted a piece of my soul within him. He had a family of his own and I couldn’t be happier for him, he gave me the two things I cherished the most.” She said as she looked at the two Alicorns who began to cry again. “Crimson knew the world needed some-pony to look after it after I had gone. He began experimenting with soul transfer spells.” The White Queen glanced over at the grey stallion who gave her a nod. “Unfortunately, Crimson’s wife found out about our love and retaliated with violence, we tried to assure her that it was in the past, she didn’t believe us and took Celestia and Luna from me. Crimson tracked her down and was forced to deal with her.” She said in a low tone.

“He-he killed his own wife for us?” Luna said in tears.

“No, he didn’t kill her, she had already absorbed a bit of Alicorn magic from you two. She was never able to fully heal her injuries.”

“What?”

“She lost all connection to her former self.” She said as she walked over to the crying dark Queen.

“IT WASN’T FAIR YOU STOLE HIM FROM ME!” Chrysalis yelled with tears in her eyes. The ponies looked in shock at the whimpering Queen. “DAMN YOU TO HELL FAUST!” She yelled as she tried to shrink away. The Changeling was stopped by the grey stallion.

“I hate to interrupt this touching family reunion but what are we going to do?” The dark ghostly unicorn asked.

“Valid point, why did you summon me Cross?” Faust asked as she looked at the grey stallion.

“I need you to use your shield.” He said in a stern tone. The white Queen looked at him in astonishment.

“Has it gotten that bad?” Cross pointed to the window and let out a sigh. Faust let out a gasp at the sight of the Changeling horde fighting the royal guard and ghostly apparitions.

“I’m out of options. I’m sorry my Queen. I failed you.”

“You know what will happen if you use that spell don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“I see. Is there anything I can do for you?” She asked in a low tone. Cross whispered something to the mare who gave him a smile. “So it shall be.” Her horn flared and several beams shot out and connected with the butler, the large black wolf. Suddenly multiple forms began to appear in front of them. The ponies noticed that the Jeeves was no longer an apparition and the large dog began to move. The small forms revealed themselves to be the orphans with confused looks on their faces. Cross smiled at them and let out a single tear.

“Thank you.” He trotted over to the group of mares who looked at him with confusion and shock spread across their faces. He stopped in front of Fluttershy who had tears running down her face. “I’m so sorry Shy, but this is goodbye.”

“No. Please no.” She said as she hugged him.

“Do me a favor, look after Ace. That idiot can't take care of himself.”

“Sir please.” Jeeves interjected.

“Jeeves, look over the little ones. They need you.” He said as he looked at the foals.

“Yes sir!” He said as he began to cry. Cross locked his lips with the yellow mare and let a single tear roll down his cheek. He gave The Alicorn Queen a nod and trotted over to the battered Changeling.

“I’ll kill you!” She yelled.

“This is the end, for us both.” His right hoof morphed into a claw, Chrysalis closed her eyes waiting for the pain. She felt warm liquid splash against her face. She looked in shock to see that the stallion had drove the claw into himself. Cross let out a cry of pain as he funneled his magic into his claw. The mares watched in horror as he pulled out a small white ball from his chest. “You wanted power? TAKE IT!” He shoved the white ball into the changelings chest.

The Changeling Queens surface began to glow as a bright white light showed through the cracks. The grey stallion’s eyes began to glow along with the Queens. Their bodies began to crack as the light showered through. Faust’s horn glowed and a massive shield enveloped every stallion and mare in Canterlot. A massive white beam rocketed through the ceiling of the grand hall and created a hole in the sky. The ponies watched in wonder as the bright star exploded and spread into the atmosphere. Down below the changeling horde began to burst into white flames. The streets of Canterlot became ignited with a beautiful white flame, the royal guards looked in surprise as the changelings were turned into ash and their fallen comrades were beginning to breath again. The flames stopped and quickly started to shoot back towards the castle and fuel into the grey stallion.

A blinding light filled the room, as the ponies looked the once Dark Queen had been turned to stone. Cross staggered back from the statue that slowly began to crumble. Cross had returned to his normal size and his dragon features had vanished. Cross looked back at the group of mares and smiled. “Goodbye.” He said as his body slowly turned to stone, his face still smiling with the memories he made with his friends.

Author's Notes:

SO SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER!

Chapter 20: Rebirth.

Faust lowered the shield and shed a tear as Fluttershy galloped forward and wrapped her hooves around the statue and began to weep. The mares and foals started to do the same as they approached their fallen friend. Twilight looked up at the Queen with tear filled eyes.

“What did he do?”

“It’s called the Inferno. He split his soul in half and fused it with the Queen's. He had a direct link with the changeling horde through their hive mind. He destroyed his own soul and every changeling connected with him. Cross Hair has just exterminated the Changeling race.” The Queen looked at the lavender mare with tear stained eyes. “The spell was to act as a fail safe incase a race could no longer be reasoned with. The price is the sacrifice of the users soul.”

“Is there nothing you can do?”Jeeves asked.

“No.” She said in a saddened tone. Fluttershy went before the Queen with tears in her eyes.

“Please. Bring him back.” The Alicorn looked at Fluttershy with a saddened look in her eyes. She felt a small pulse come from the mare.

“You and your friends are the elements are you not?” The mares nodded in agreement. “There may be a way.”

“How?” Rainbow yelled. The Queens horn glowed and scanned the statue.

“We must act fast his soul still lives.” The mares looked at her in confusion. “It’s weak and growing weaker still. If you use the elements we could rebuild his soul.” Celestia’s horn glowed and levitated the elements over to the mares. “We need a bed rock to build off of.” The dark unicorn ghost stepped forward and kneeled before the Queen.

“I beg of you your highness, use me to bring my son back.” He pleaded. The ponies looked at him in shock. “It’s the least I can do for my son.” He said as he still hung his head. The Queen looked at him with a raised eyebrow and let out a sigh.

“As you wish.” He horn flared and a a beam of light connected the statue and the dark unicorn. The image began to fade and slowly turned to a pile of dust. “Elements now!” She ordered Twilight and her friends activated the elements and a bright Rainbow beam connected with the statue.

A small explosion occurred that sent the mares flying against the wall. The dark unicorn disappeared and the statue remained the same. Faust lowered her head in sadness. “I’m sorry.” Fluttershy ran towards the statue and wrapped her hooves around the stone.

“Please, I love you. Don’t go!” She said through the tears. Fluttershy looked at the stallion and saw a massive crack appear on the statues chest. She stepped back and watched as the whole statue began to shake and crack with beams of light pooling through. The mares adverted their eyes and saw the souls beginning to pool back into the statue. After the lights had faded the ponies looked with tears in their eyes as they saw the grey stallion stretch his back.

“Oh....hello.” He said as he looked at the group of sobbing mares. Fluttershy quickly galloped up to him and hugged him with tears flowing down her face.

“Don’t you EVER do that again!” She yelled through the tears. Cross embraced the mare and smiled.

“I don’t plan to.” He said as he kissed the mare. He was suddenly tackled by the group of foals who trapped him in an unbreakable hug. He looked each one of them over and smiled. The mares trotted over to their friend and smiled at the grey stallion. As he got to his hooves he made his way over to the three Alicorns who looked at him in surprise. “Let me guess, soul transfer?”

“Correct. Your father volunteered.” Faust said with a warm smile. “In the end he really did care for you.” Cross gave a heavy sigh and bowed his head. The ponies looked in surprise as they saw the goddess beginning to fade. “It looks like my time is up.” She said with a warm smile. The two alicorns rushed over to their mother and wrapped her in a tear filled hug.

“P-please don’t leave us a second time!” Luna said as she sobbed into the mares chest.

“Oh my dear Luna, I won’t say goodbye.”

“W-why?”

“We will see each other again. That I promise you.” She said as she smiled at the blue Princess. “Remember to always trust yourself and to look after your big sister.” The blue mare nodded. “And Tia.”

“Yes, mom?” She said as she tried to control herself.

“Look after Luna and try to lay off the cake.” She said with a warm smile. The white Alicorn blushed and hugged the goddess. They saw the image of her flicker and beginning to vanish. “Remember I’m always with you.” She said as her soul vanished and retreated back into the grey stallion who felt a shiver through his spine as the soul entered his body.

“Jeeves. A word.” He said as he motioned with his head.

“Yes, sir?”

“If this little incident has taught us anything it’s that we have a huge security breach at the mansion and our enemies know where we are.”

“What should we do about it sir?”

“Simple, relocation. I happen to know a small town that is very accommodating.” He said as the mares looked at him with a smile on their face.

“Sounds delightful.”

“Yes, and the foals will be happy because there’s an organization there that can help them get their Cutie Marks.” He said as the foals grinned at him. He trotted over to the Princess’s and bowed before them. “Milady, I hope it’s not too much to ask to set aside some property for my estate in Ponyville.”

“Consider it done. Do you have anywhere specific?” She asked in a sweet tone.

“Maybe near the Everfree forest?”

“Done.” She said as the yellow mare smiled at him. He trotted over to the wolf and patted him on the head. The mares, foals and the butler walked up next to him. “All of you hold still.” The ponies complied and felt a magical aura appear around them. They closed their eyes and vanished from the castle. When they opened their eyes they were back in front of Fluttershy’s cottage. Cross took a step forward and felt his legs give out from exhaustion. Fluttershy caught him and looked at the butler with a worried look on her face.

“Calm down, he’s just exhausted. A good nights rest and he’ll be right as rain.” He said with a smile. “In the mean time I have to handle moving preparations.” He said as he withdrew a spell book. Jeeves flipped to a random page and a massive seal formed on the ground. The ponies watched in amazement as the manor they were in the day before appeared before them. “There we are, home sweet home.”

Cross opened his eyes to see a familiar wooden roof over his head and a sleeping yellow mare next to him. Okay, I’ve got to stop waking up like this......minus the whole knocking out part. He smiled and gently stroked the mare’s mane causing her to stir. She let out a small yawn and looked at the stallion.

“Morning.” She said with a smile.

“Okay seriously, this is the third time you’ve dragged my sorry flank up here. I must be losing my touch.” He said in a playful tone.

“I don’t know about that.” Fluttershy pressed her lips against the unicorn’s. The stallion returned the gesture causing the mare to let out a small moan of pleasure.

“I stand corrected. Looks like I still got it.” He said with a grin. “I think it’s about time I get up and-” As he tried to rise from the cozy bed Fluttershy put a gently hoof on his chest and forced him down on the bed. Cross looked at the mare who had a bright blush on her face. “Or I could stay here.” The mare smiled and leaned in for another kiss. Cross saw out of the corner of his eye to see a group of foals with their mouths agate. Cross raised a hoof and made the ‘move along’ gesture with his hoof. His horn flared and the door was closed and would not open again for several hours.

Author's Notes:

So sorry this took so long. I will be writing an epilouge.

Epilogue

Seven years later.

Cross Hair was walking with Fluttershy through town with a small Pegasus colt and a unicorn filly trotting beside them. The young colt was grey with a light red mane while the filly was bright yellow and had a long brown mane that hung over her face. Beside them was a three foot tall brown wolf cub. The foals walked along side the wolf who was panting as the sun hit it's dark hazelnut coat. The two were soon joined by Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“Hey you two. What’s up?” The farmer asked.

“Not much, just taking these two to the park.” Cross said with a smile. "How are the other pups doing?"

"They getting bigger by the day." Applejack said with a smile. "Last time ah checked Ace and Winowna were napping in the barn."

"That's good to hear." Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Can Iron fly yet?” Rainbow asked as she looked at the shy colt.

“He can hover for a few seconds and Lilly can levitate a book.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Hey I held it up for over a minute!” The filly stammered.

“Lilly, don’t talk to your mother that way.” Cross said as he looked at the yellow filly.

“Sorry daddy.” Lilly said as she lowered her head.

“It’s okay. After we’re done at the park we’ll stop by the library and get some books from Aunt Twilight. Alright?”

“YAY!” Lilly said as she hopped up and down.

“Well she’s got your spunk. Looks like she is learning from you.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Learn? You don’t teach that AJ. That’s just genetic.” Cross said with smile.

“Wish I could be that brave.” The colt said as he hung his head low. Fluttershy put a wing on his shoulder and smiled. The group arrived at the park and set down the picnic blanket on the crisp green grass. Cross watched as his children played and his beautiful wife smile at them. Cross let out a sigh and put a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder and watched as his family enjoyed the afternoon.

For the first time in a long time Cross felt at peace, he’d finally found a home.

Author's Notes:

Alright Finally done! Hope you all enjoyed my longest fic to date! I'd like to thank all those who gave their support.