MLP - The Gathering of Magic

Ch 22 - Back to the Daily Grind

PLAY: Departure - Hunter X Hunter Opening

(The music slowly starts to build as the sun starts rising over the lands of Equestria.)

Stepping firmly on the ground,

(In a grassy land, A male bends as he stretches.)

You are awakening,

(The camera moves as it reveals Alan looking up at the sky with a bright smile on his face.)

With the smile of an angel,

(Alan pulls his book out as it opens with different symbols flying out.)

Take me away!

(Camera moves back as different monsters were summoned as they ran or flew away. The title "MLP: The Gathering of Magic" Appears we the elements of harmony flashed in appearance with the book at the top center.)

You are not alone, even in solitude,

(Rainbow Dash flies through the skies with a rainbow streak until landing at the library with the other mane six as they cheered and waved with the six elements of harmony floating above them while glowing.)

There is definitely a reason as to why we are born.

(The camera moves as Luna, Celestia, Cadence and Shining come to scene as they smiled. The sun comes to the left and the moon comes to the right with a crystal heart floating down from the center.)

You can smile again! Bathing in the sun!

(Scootaloo is seen skating on a skateboard until skidding to the CMC clubhouse with AB crafting something and Sweetie belle singing a song before they face the camera and throw a fist up with their CMC logo appearing above them.)

You can fly away!

(Alan and the mane six are seen running through the grassy fields as the sun started setting.)

The world is awaiting your brilliance!

(The scene is next with five beings in cloaks that held smiles until moving to a dark void with the camera passing a shadow being that smirked before red eyes opened up, radiating with dark energy.)

Stepping firmly on the ground,

(Twilight fires a magical beam as Rainbow flies over and does a sonic Rainboom and vanishes in the sky.)

You are awakening,

(Applejack kicks a tree with apples falling while Rarity uses her magic and levitates different varieties of crystals and gems.)

With the smile of an angel,

(Pinkie fires her party cannon with confetti flying while Fluttershy holds a few woolen animals with a smile.)

Take me away! (You can smile!)

(Celestia and Luna radiate the sun and moon's light with gold and blue aura flowing until they faced the camera with a smile.)

It is never too late for a new "Beginning"!

(The scene changes with Alan kneeling, and bruised while holding his arm. The seven cloaked beings stood by his side with different colored aura flowing around them. Alan glares up at his opponent in shadows as it smirks and motions a hand at him and his allies.)

No matter what happens, keep getting back up!

(Alan rises as his book floats in front of him and opens, blasting energy around and explodes. The scene turns to Alan opening his eyes and smiles bright before throwing a fist into the air as his friends around him cheer. The title appears over with the elements and the book until the screen fades into darkness.)

Morning stirred me from my slumber. I gave my eyes a quick rub and stood up from the guest bed. It was nice that Derpy let Rainbow and I crash at her place for the night. Now that I'm Dinky's other guardian I think I'll be spending more time here. Skittles stirred next before her hand reached out and pulled me back on the bed with her. "Mmph...Skuffls." I muffled out in her bust.

"It's too early…" She moaned while clinging to me. I wiggled in her grasp a bit longer, but sighed in defeat and just laid there in her chest.

"Skittles, I need to take a shower." I spoke.

"Ten more minutes…" She grumbled before pinning me under her body. I rolled my eyes and pushed myself up with her on my lap. "Alan…" The pegasus groaned as her eyes opened.

"Come on, don't give me that." I teased with a small grin. "How about this, you can shower with me. Just you and me." The mare blinked before nodding with a chuckle. We both stripped off our clothes and entered the shower. I turned the shower head on as much needed relieving hot water hit our bodies. Sighing in relief, I took some shampoo and started rubbing my head. "Ahhhh...man it feels good to be back…" I definitely needed this shower.

Then I started feeling a pair of hands rubbing my back. My own stopped in place on my head as I chuckled. "What are you up to, Skittles?"

"What? Not grateful I'm helping you get cleaned?" She teased with a small grin.

I turned around with a small grin. "You do know that means I'm going to help you too, right?" The mare giggled, a sound I missed from her as she nodded. I pushed her against the wall and kissed her lips while my soapy hands started kneading her scalp and mane. RD moaned in my mouth as her arms wrapped around my neck. I pulled slightly from the french kiss as I breathed in her mouth. "I missed you, Rainbow…" I whispered.

Her eyes sparkled a bit as she gave a cocky smirk. "I know you did."

"You know...we have a few minutes to spare...you up for a small round?" I cooed as one hand slid down to her flank and squeezed it.

The pegasus moaned. "Mmm, sure. Sounds like fun.~"

Once we finished our fun and got dressed, the two of us made our way downstairs. Derpy was already mixing batter in a bowl in the kitchen. She still pajama pants with a white T-shirt and was humming along to the radio next to her. "Morning Derpy." I smiled.

The grey pegasus turned to us and smiled. "Good morning Alan, Rainbow Dash."

"Heya, Derp." Skittles greeted. "What's in the bowl?"

"Making some muffins." She answered with a bubbly smile.

My eyes light up. "Ooo, sounds delicious."

"They'll be ready in a few minutes. Go on and take a seat." She spoke sweetly while pouring some of the batter in muffin pans.

When she closed the oven, we heard hoofsteps followed by a cute mumble. "Morning, Momma."

All of us turned as we saw the little filly herself holding her teddy bear while rubbing one eye. "Good morning, Dinky" I smiled and pulled her on my lap.

Dinky blinked until a smile covered her face. "Morning, Daddy." She nuzzled against my torso. I chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"Morning, my little muffin." Derpy cooed. Her daughter turned her attention and smiled with a cute little yawn. "I hope you're hungry."

"Yes, Momma." The filly replied with a small and tired smile. It was nice to have her back. At least now I fixed my mistake for her and Derpy. The oven dinged before the gray pegasus pulled out the piping hot muffins. "Yeah, Blueberry!"

Her mother giggled and placed the tray of baked goods on the counter. The scent of the muffins with the mix of blueberries wafted into my nostrils. "Whoa...you should've been a baker." I replied with a moan.

"It's a small thing I like to do in my free time," Derpy blushed in embarrassment. "Besides, I still have my job as a mail mare."

"As long as you have fun with it." I smiled. "I know I would buy your muffins." Her blush only darkened while Dink giggled in my lap. She brought over the tray of food and placed it on the table before sitting next to me. I reached out and grabbed one for myself and took a bite. The baked goods were moist, soft and soooooo sweet. "Mmmm...Derpy you have to show me how you bake these." I said with astonishment.

She only giggled. "Sorry, it's an old family recipe. Not even Pinkie Pie has it."

"Think you could share it with me?" I asked while trying to give her puppy eyes. She thought it over for a moment.

"Well…maybe I will in the future. It's a big 'maybe' though." She giggled and gave me a wink.

I sighed playfully. "Well, it wasn't a 'no' so I'll take it." The rest of us polished the muffins off before Derpy got Dinky's bag and gave it to her.

"Ready to go back to school, honey?" She asked in her motherly tone.

The filly smiled. "Yes, Momma."

I smiled at the two before I realized something. "The CMC…" My smile shrank as I glanced at the two. "Derpy, I need to go see the CMC before their class begins. Think we'll hang out sometime soon?"

The mail mare nodded. "I would like that." I gave her a smile and a peck on the cheek before leaving her house. I noticed Skittles was following me before she hugged my arm.

"What? Can't keep your hands off me, Dashie?" I teased.

She gave me a grin. "Can you blame me?" Her head dipped as she continued. "Plus we were serious about making sure one of us was with you at all times."

"You all know I won't leave ever again, but I understand." I replied before stroking her mane. "Besides, I like having you girls by my side. I really missed you girls...so much." My cyan pegasus friend gave me a smile before pecking my cheek. "You know RD, I like this sweet side of you. Makes you look cute."

She dipped her head with an embarrassed chuckle. "I keep telling you, 'I am not cute'."

"You say that, but that smile and blush says otherwise." I mentioned as I pulled her closer. Skittles sighed before resting her head on my shoulder. We took our stroll in Ponyville for a moment longer until we reached AJ's farm and carried on to the CMC clubhouse. As I predicted, they haven't left for school yet and were chatting away. "Welp...hope I don't startle them." I breathed and opened the door. "Hellooooo?" The chatting immediately went silent. "Um...girls, it's m-GAH!" I was immediately tackled by a yellow, white and orange blur and gripped tightly by the three teens. The sudden embrace threw off my balance as I fell on my back inside the club house.
"WE KNEW YOU WERE ALIVE!" AB sobbed in my chest.

"WE WERE SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU!" Sweetie Belle cried while nuzzling into the left side of my neck.

"DON'T EVER LEAVE US AGAIN!" Scootaloo walied while she clung to me like I would vanish from existence forever.

Seeing how much they missed me made a few tears swell in my eyes. My arms gently wrapped around the trio as I whispered. "I'm sorry." They only responded by nuzzling closer to me like they never wanted to let go of me.

Behind me Skittles gave a small chuckle. "You sure you don't have a crush on him, Scoots? You're clutching him awfully tightly." An eye from the pegasus looked at her idol. A small blush formed, but she ignored her question as she nuzzled against my side closer. Every time I tried to sit up, the CMC shifted and held me down.

I could only sigh softly with a small smile. "I've missed you three. I never wanted to leave, but I wanted to protect you. It didn't occur to me how much I hurt you all when I left. But...I always thought of you…" More tears fell from my eyes. "You girls are three rays of smiles and happiness." The mares gave me smiles while their cheeks each tinted pink. Minutes passed before they finally helped me to my feet. "I'm staying, girls. I promise, I'll never leave ever again. That I vow to my heart." I promised before kissing each of their heads. All three of the girls earned darker blushes as they avoided eye contact.

RD chuckled again before she looked at her watch. "Shouldn't you three squirts be in school now?"

The CMC's eyes widened to dinner plates and their jaws dropped. "Oh no!" They cried out.

I rolled my eyes and headed for the door. "Grab your stuff, girls, I'll get you there." As soon as I said that, they moved in a blur, grabbed their bags and clung to me. "Alright, watch this." I grinned before my book opened next to me. I skimmed through the pages until I found the perfect ride. Four silver orbs were sucked into the page with a flash of purple light. On the ground in front of the tree house sat a shiny car. It was gold in color with two, thin and slanted wheels in front and one thick wheel in back. A panel in the center slid open with a hiss as it revealed four seats inside the cockpit. Around the wheels was a wispy veil of blue energy that crackled and glowed.

"Everypony hop in." I smiled. They were gawking at my vehicle before they rushed to it and bounced into their seats. As we buckled in I turned to RD. "Alright if I bring them to school or do you want to follow?"

"We promised to watch over you, so…" RD gave me a grin before she flew near me and landed on my lap and coiled her arms around my neck. "Guess you have another passenger." My cheeks flushed as I buckled her in with the cockpit sliding shut. As I revved the engine up, it gave off soft purrs like a kitten and we drove off. It zipped down the road from the orchard as every bump jostled us in our seats.

Hitting another bump, RD pushed against me as her chest smothered my face. "Uh, Skittles, could you move a bit?" I asked with my cheeks darkening.

"Oh quit complaining and keep your eyes on the road." She replied.

"Hard to when your breasts are covering my face." I mentioned as her bust bounced a bit from the small bumps. Her cheeks flushed before she pulled back and cleared her throat. "Much better, thanks." I smiled, focusing back on the road and not her breasts. We left Sweet Apple Acres and sped through the streets of Ponyville. We passed a few ponies who jumped out of the way and gawked in surprise.

"Heheh, their faces are priceless." Scoots giggled while examining the surprised looks that passed us.

"Can't really blame them." I chuckled. In the distance I saw the school building growing in size as we made our approach. "Next stop, the Ponyville schoolhouse. Please make sure to collect all your belongings and stay seated until the car has come to a complete stop." I announced. Seconds before we arrived, I jerked the wheel hard to the left as we drifted sideways to a stop at the front doors. The cockpit hissed open and I grinned. "Thank you for choosing Alan express travel."

"That….was….AWESOME!" Scoots squealed as we all hopped out. "I want one of these awesome vehicles!"

I chuckled and returned the car to my book. "Maybe when you're older. Saaaaay...forty?" The pegasus gave me a small pout with puffed out cheeks. "Come on, no need for that look." I chuckled and pinched her cheek. "How about later you, me, and Skittles can have a race?"

Just the mention of it made her face do a 180. "Alright!" She cried happily. As we walked up the stairs we saw a little filly stick her head out of the door.

"Daddy?" Dinky spoke out softly.

The three teens were gawking. "Is that…Dinky?" Applebloom stuttered.

"Yeah…" I chuckled sheepishly as I passed them and kneeled down. "I see your mother dropped you off safe and sound." The filly smiled before wrapping her arms around my neck. My lips curled a smile and I hugged her back.

"But...but how?" Scoots spoke. "She...you were...you know…"

"It's a long story," I spoke and turned to them. "But to put it short, I was able to learn new spells while I was away, and I learned to revive anyone from the dead."

The three stared at me in surprise and awe before Applebloom spoke. "But...why did she call ya her pa?"

"Well...to be blunt, after reviving her, Celestia ordered me to serve as her special guardian and protect her with my life." I explained while ruffling Dinky's mane.

AB nodded as Dinky pulled back. "Um, Daddy, I have a little, itsy bitsy problem." She mumbled cutely.

"What is it, sweetie?" I asked with a small but warm smile.

"I forgot to bring something for show and tell...could I bring you?" She asked with glittering puppy eyes. Daw god! Not with the glitters in the puppy look!

"Okay yes yes yes, I can be your show and tell!" I quickly spoke in my defeat. Dinky squealed happily as she hugged me again.

The front doors opened as a new mare stepped out. Her fur was magenta red with a light pink mane that was striped with a slightly darker streak. Her eyes were a light emerald green while she wore a white teacher uniform shirt and matching skirt. She even wore stockings on her legs with high heeled shoes. "Girls, class is about to start." The mare noticed me and blinked. "Oh, and who might you be?"

I chuckled slightly while rubbing my head. "My name is Alan, ma'am. I'm sure you might have heard that I lived around here for a while, right?"

She remained silent before giving a small gasp. "Oh, so you're THAT Alan." She glanced at AB, Sweetie, and Scoots. "Those three would always talk about you. They really look up to you. It's good to see you're safe and sound. As for little Dinky here, her mother and Celestia already filled me in."

My cheeks burned a bit. "Yeah...I'm happy I made things right and gave Derpy and Dinky their lives back."

"Judging from the way she's hanging on your arm I would say Dinky agrees." The mare giggled.

Dinky giggled as well. "Miss Cheerilee, Daddy is gonna be my show and tell today."

Miss Cheerilee smiled warmly. "That sounds fine, little one." The other three took their seats as Dinky dragged me into the class with her. The other students gawked and gasped at me as I sat next to Dinky's desk.

"Alright class," The teacher announced as she wrote on the board. "I'm sure you all know what today is. Show and Tell. I hope you all brought something very exciting to show to the whole class." The students nodded as they began shuffling through their bags. It was nice to be here. It did bring a few nice memories back from my younger days when I did show and tell in my school. "Why don't we have Dinky go first?" The grey filly smiled before she hopped out of her seat and dragged me behind her.

"Everypony, this is my new daddy!" She chirped while hugging my leg. I gave a chuckle as I ruffled her mane and gazed around the room. The other students were staring with bewildered looks, but they weren't because of me...they were looking at Dinky.

Guess they still need to adjust to the fact that she was alive, so I decided to break the silence. "So, do any of you have questions for me or Dinky?" I asked. A mare with pink fur rose her hand. "You in the back."

"So first you kill her, then revive her and now she follows you around like a puppy." Spoke a familiar voice.

A small twitch of anger hit me from her rude comment before I cleared my throat. "No, Princess Celestia informed me I am now her special guardian."

The filly rolled her eyes. "Yeah 'special' all right. You used your magic on her and now she's your obedient slave." The anger rose again as I bit my tongue to keep myself from shouting at her.

"Hey, leave him alone, Diamond Tiara!" AB snapped at the filly. "Ya don't know anything that Alan can do, or wut he's goin through!"

"I know he's the one that wrecked our town." She pointed out smugly.

"That was an accident!" Scoots seethed. "Alan would never intentionally hurt us or destroy our home!"

Diamond grinned. "Yeah and it was caused by his weak grasp of magic. Must be hard for him to live with knowing that his stupidity got her killed in the first place." My fists were clenched as I felt my nails digging into my skin. As furious as I was, she was right about what I did. I was weak and couldn't control that monster.

"Leave him alone!" Dinky finally spoke with a glare. "Daddy would never hurt me or anypony! We all make mistakes, and I know he will never do it again!" The room went silent as her words echoed around. I was generally surprised she stood up for me, even after what I did. I couldn't help but smile slightly and pat her head gently. She giggled and glanced up at me. "I love my Daddy. He makes me and Momma happy and that's all I want."

"Oh gag me." Diamond Tiara spat.

"That's enough, Diamond Tiara." Cheerilee finally spoke with a firm tone. "You keep this up and you will be in detention." The pink filly grumbled and slumped in her chair.

On the other side, a colt raised his hand. He had white fur with brown spots. "Um...mister Alan, what can you do?" He asked.

"Well, I can use magic like Diamond Tiara said, but I mainly summon creatures or equipment with this book." I explained as I pulled out my magic book. I pointed to a few pages as a few spawned from purple light. Ornithopter being one of them buzzed and beeped as it floated from filly to filly.

They grew awed to my book before another hand rose with a filly with white fur and a red puffy mane. "Can anyone use your book?"

I shook my head. "Unfortunately it would seem that the book only opens for me. Even if someone managed to pry it open it's written in a language that only I can read."

"He's right on that." AB spoke. "I saw the inside myself. It was al nothin but scribbles and notes."

"Like you can read anything else." Huffed DT. The filly only glared at the pink pony girl while cheerilee only sighed with a hand over her eyes.

I leaned in towards the teacher and whispered. "With your permission could I attempt to knock her down a peg? I promise she won't be harmed."

She looked at me for a moment. "...just...try not to harm her please."

Nodding, I held out my hand as my book summoned a new artifact in my hand. It was a pentagon shaped prism the size of a baseball. The skeletal beams were silver and bronze in color as they held a dark blue marble at its core. With ease I poured a little mana into the device and stared at Diamond.

"What? Am I supposed to be s-scared o-o-of t-t-t-..." Her voice became quiet as she shivered with frost forming over her fur. Her eyes grew heavy before she leaned forward and began snoring on her desk.

"Whoa...what did you do?" Sweetie Belle asked in awe.

"This little gizmo is referred to as an icy manipulator. Basically it's used to shut something down or lull a creature to sleep by washing its cold aura over them." I explained.

AB leaned in and started poking Diamond's head, but had no reaction as she snored. "Yep, she's knocked out cold." The other students laughed at the joke while Diamond mumbled in her sleep.

"Mister Alan." The teacher spoke as I turned to her. "I appreciate you not bringing harm to her."

"While I'm not fond of her bullying, she doesn't deserve heavy punishments, filly or not." I shrugged with a smile.

A minute passed by before Diamond gave a snort and stirred as the ice melted away. "Wha-what did I miss?" She grumbled.

"Oh nothing that was not important to you." Scoots grinned with her arms crossed. DT glared at the orange filly before her eyes moved back to me. I only gave a small chuckled in my mouth and a quiet high five to Dinky next to me.

"Alright, thank you Dinky and Alan for sharing." The teacher smiled. Dinky giggled with a nod before taking me back to her seat as we both sat down.

Dinky sat at her desk with a smile as each other student went up to present their own item for show and tell. Skittles, who had been watching the whole thing, gave a soft chuckle and leaned towards me. "Thanks for doing that to DT."

I gave her a small nod. "She's a bully, and I hate bullies. I should know, I've been through it a lot." A few memories of my horrible times in middle school and high school came to me as I sighed a bit.

Rainbow smirked and placed a hand on my knee. "I'm sure the others would love to help replace those memories.~"

My face burned with a blush. "Dash, not while we're here." I whispered to her.

"It's just an idea." She chuckled. I could only sigh, this teasing thing will never get old for the girls. I can tell that much.

Dinky I guess decided I wasn't paying enough attention to her and leaned on me with her head on the side of my waist "Daddy, do you like momma?" She asked.

It got my attention as I looked down at her. My lips curled as I ruffled her mane gently. "Of course I like your mother, Dinky. She's very sweet and cute."

The little pony giggled and nuzzled me. "Mommy likes you too." My heart could only melt at her sweet and innocent personality. Like dear god, she's too adorable for her own good. Soon enough a few hours passed before the final bell of the school rang. The colts and fillies packed up and ran out the doors with laughter. RD and myself walked out with Dinky and the CMC.

Dinky had clung to my leg and wouldn't let go till I agreed to let her ride on my shoulders. "So Dinky," Scoots spoke up this time from the silence. "Did you ever think of what cutie mark you might get?"

"Nope," she giggled.

Sweetie Belle perked up with a bright smile. "Hey, since Dinky has yet to find her cutie mark, why not have her part of CMC?"

"Sounds great." I smiled before turning my head to look at Dinky. "What do ya say, kiddo?" The little purple pony giggled with her bright and innocent smile before she wrapped her legs and arms around my neck. "I'll take that as a yes." I laughed. I faced the teen mares as a new idea came to mind. "Hey, girls?"

"Yes, Alan?" The three chirped at me.

"Could I ask you three a favor?" The three nodded eagerly in their reply to help. "Dinky is still young and I want her to have protection even if I'm not right there. Can I ask you three to be her honorary big sisters?"

The three perked up and whispered to each other before facing me with bright toothy smiles. "Of course, Alan!" They replied in unison.

"I have sisters now?" Dinky asked.

I chuckled before setting her down in front of the three. "That's right, kiddo." Dinky looked at the CMC teens before she brightened with a smile and tackled the three to the ground. The three elder mares giggled as they hugged her back.

"That's actually kinda sweet." Rainbow smiled next to me. I nodded as I held her waist while we watched the four bond in their sisterhood. I was happy that Dinky was making new friends. It made me glad that her future was growing ever brighter. A buzz was heard before RD pulled her phone out and answered it. "Hello?...hey, Twi...yeah, he's with me…." She groaned while rubbing her eyes. "Oh no….*Sigh* Yeah, we'll be there in a moment…" The pegasus hung up and placed her phone in her pocket.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

The rainbow maned mare sighed. "Well, if by wrong you mean a certain brother came to visit Twi and heard her coltfriend is back when he left her out of the bloom." It took me a second to think before my face paled.

"...Shining Armor?" I asked with a gulp.

"Shining Armor." RD nodded.

I groaned and stared at the dirt. "Shit...her dad said I'd be in trouble if I ever made her cry. Guess I'll be getting what I deserve."

"So what are you gonna do?" Skittles questioned.

I guess I have to face him. It was my fault this happened and I can't run forever. Even if I did, Shining would only get more enraged. "...I have to face Shining and take my punishment." I sighed in defeat. My book opened and flashed as a new artifact burst from its pages. Around my torso was a suit of plate mail armor crafted from what looked like darksteel. "Oh that's terrific, even my book thinks it'll be life or death for me." I groaned.

RD sighed. "Hope you know what you're doing."

"As do I…" I grumbled before turning to the girls. "Girls, take Dinky to the clubhouse. I'll see you all later. I have some...issues to take care of at Twi's library."

"We'll keep her safe, Al." AB grinned as they all ran off. With the girls gone, the two of us walked to the library. The entire walk there, I attempted to compose myself in preparation for the biggest beating of my life. We reached Twi's front door before I gulped and knocked.

When the door opened, I sighed in relief that it was Cadence that answered and not Shining. Thank god for the good juju. She had a surprised look when she saw me, but it turned into a small glare. "...Hey, Cadence…" I spoke softly.

She arched a brow. "That's 'Princess' to you." Aw man, I even lost my privilege to call her by just her first name...man, I have a lot to make up for.

"Sorry, your highness…." I spoke solemnly while rubbing my arm.

The alicorn nodded before calling into the house. "Twi, you have a visitor!" As RD and I entered the library, Twilight came down the stairs to greet us. I took a step towards her, but I was blasted in the face by a beam of magic.

The sneak attack forced me to fall back on my butt while clutching my face in pain. Looking through my good eye, I saw Shining descend the stairs, and as I predicted, he was infuriated. "You made her cry." He snarled.

"Shining, don't." Twi pleaded while getting in front of him.

"Twi, no." I spoke and stood up. She turned to me as I rubbed my face. "He has every right to pulverize me. I broke a promise to your father, and I need to face my punishment like a man. Don't interfere, this is my choice." She tried to protest until I shook my head. Finally, the lavender alicorn sighed and backed away from us. I closed my eyes and spoke. "Alright, don't hold back. Do what you have to." A fist soon slammed into my jaw. A hand snagged my collar and pulled me forward where another fist slammed deep into my gut. It was the only part of my torso the armor wasn't covering so his fist landed a firm hit to my soft innards.

I coughed out saliva as Shining slammed me into the ground and began pounding his hoof against the sides of my waist and my face. I glanced at Twi who was watching with a horrified expression. Shining picked me up by my collar again before blasting me with another beam of magic into my face and I was sent flying. I cried out in pain upon slamming into the wall which was now cracked by the impact. The shock wave caused a large bookcase nearby to tip and collapse on top of me. To add insult to injury, the heavy weight continued to press down on me I could feel several bones snap. I was grateful my book gave me this armor, or I would have been most likely dead. Twilight cried out as she made a mad dash towards me.

She kneeled, used her magic to push the bookcase off me and carefully pulled me up in her arms. "Alan..." I grunted through the pain in response.

"I think he's had enough, Shining." I heard Cadence as I weakly glanced at the two. To my relief Shining gave a nod and calmly exhaled a few breaths. I tried to turn over until it became clear that all my non metal limbs had indeed been snapped. Looking down showed they were bent at odd angles.

"D...Dammit…." I hissed and clenched my teeth to keep myself from screaming in pain.

My marefriend cradled my head as she whimpered. "How are you not dead from all that?"

"A...Armor." I weakly replied before I coughed harshly. It was very painful when a few drops of blood seeped from my lips. "Ah...fuck...I think...I punctured my lung…"

Twi attempted to heal me as her brother came closer. He looked curiously at the platemail suit I had. "How did the armor save you?"

I bit my lip as my normal arm's bones snapped back in place. "It, aaaaaggggghhhh, grants the wearer immortality." He glanced around the armor while Twi gently applied pressure to where my lung was as I cried slightly. "AH! Ow!"

"I'm sorry." She cringed. "But I need to figure out where you're hurt. I'm still trying to get used to my new magic as an alicorn."

"That's fine...just try to be…." My words came to a halt as I faced her. "Could you run that last bit by me again?"

"Um...I'm still learning how to use my alicorn magic…" She replied once more.

"Aren't you a unicorn?" I asked. She shook her head before a pair of lavender wings sprouted from her back. My eyes widened in awe. "Whoa…"

"Yeah...you missed a lot when you left us...even when I was promoted to an alicorn." My marefriend sighed.

My head dipped while a leg was snapped in place. "I'm sorry...I...honestly thought I was doing what would be best for you and the others." Twilight only kissed my head gently while stroking my hair. I placed my good hand on hers where it was on my shoulder before glancing at Shining and Cadence. "And I'm sorry to you both. I see now that I only hurt them...even the mare close to you both." I looked down. "I'm not expecting forgiveness from you two...but I just want to let you both know that I understand that I fucked up, and that I deserve your anger…"

Cadence remained quiet before she sighed. "You did what did out of your love for her and the others. While you did break her heart, I respect what you tried to do, keep the ones you cared for safe. You have my forgiveness."

I was surprised Cadence forgave me. But, I guess it's not at all surprising. She is the princess of love after all, and love teaches forgiveness. As I glanced at Shining who was thinking, Twilight spoke to him. "Shining…?"

Her brother gave her a soft smile as his hand wrapped his wife's waist. "To be honest, I have to agree with what she just said. I'm still aggravated that he made you cry, but hearing how he felt and knowing he never intended to hurt you makes it not as bad...mostly." I guess I'll take that as his way of saying he forgives me. He glanced at me before giving me a small glare. "But listen, you try anything like that again to my little sis, I won't go as easy on you like I just did."

I gulped. "Welp, I'm never taking this armor off ever again." The three couldn't help but giggle and chuckle by my choice of words. "But really...I won't let this happen again." I promised.

"Good to hear." Cadence smiled as she kneeled next to Twi. "Let's get him fixed up." The lavender mare nodded as the two ignited their horns together. Their magic fused as it flowed in my body and they began healing my wounds, properly snapping my body back in place. Minutes later my body was restored to its prior condition.

I sat up and sighed while rubbing my side. "Thanks, girls…" I smiled slightly.

"Don't mention it, sweetie." Twi cooed as she hugged my side. I smiled before leaning in her hug and rested my head on her shoulder.

"Awww, you two look adorable." Cadence giggled. We both blushed by her teasing tone, but ignored her as we only focused on our warm embracement together.

"Well, glad that's done with." We heard Skittles breath. I chuckled in agreement as the hug broke.

"So are you and Cadence gonna stay for the night before heading back home?" Twilight asked her brother.

"We wanted to make sure you were all set. We didn't know you girls had found him." Shining replied.

"If you want us to stay the night we'd be happy to." Cadence smiled. The lavender alicorn smiled and hugged her brother and sister in law.

RD chuckled. "Welp, since the day has come and gone, I should get back home. Looks like it's your turn to watch Alan, Twi."

The lavender alicorn smiled to her friend. "Thanks, Rainbow. Tell Scootaloo I said hello." Giving us a finger salute and wink, the cyan mare opened the door and sailed into the sky with a rainbow trail to leave behind. Now that it was just the four of us, Twi stood up and dusted herself off. "Guess we should have dinner and turn in for the night."

"I agree." I nodded. "I think I had enough for one day." We helped Twilight in the kitchen with dinner before sitting down to enjoy it. Spike had come down as well and was helping himself to a bowl of gemstones. I was generally surprised he can eat jewels. Never would have guessed dragons in this world actually feed on them. After the food was gone, we cleared the table as I stretched. "I'll see you upstairs, Twi." My marefriend nodded with a smile.

"Alan," Shining spoke. "I hope you don't mind, but how about you stay down with me in the living room? I want to have a chat with you about a few things. Besides, we haven't been able to catch up in a while." I nodded and made my way to the living room. As I was making myself comfortable on the couch for the night, Cadence and Twi went upstairs, probably to shower for the night.

"Night, Twilight." I spoke to her.

"Night, Alan." She smiled and blew a kiss to me. I chuckled before they went into her room as Shining and me chatted a bit and were catching up with a little guy time.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Seems Alan is getting back into the swing of normal life. With any luck, he'll be able to truly protect what he holds dear. Please leave a review so I can see how you enjoyed the story. If you have an idea for something for me to add or think I should change something, feel free to let me know either in a PM or in a review. Till next time.