//------------------------------//
// Chapter 45 - Read it and Weep! 
// Story: My Little Pony: Ren's Adventures In Equestria 
// by MaxTV1234 
//------------------------------//

"What the heck?!" What in the crap is happening?! I looked up to the sky see multiple meteors showering down across the desert as me and the gang quickly rode our bikes through the highway in hopes of escaping through the place. Luckily, the meteors didn't hit us and the gang were still alive. We soon arrived back to the hideout, or our gang's usual meet-up as they called us over. 

"Come on ya lazy varmints! Get in there and hide ya!" A large man that was a little bigger than me yelled, and he was quite...husky like me. That was my old man, the current leader of the Yamaki Gang. I always looked up to him and always admired him as I continued to walk to his footsteps. Rumors has it that he rode a motorcycle at the age of five, do I believe that? Yes, yes I do. Soon, he and the others immediately ran straight into the place while the meteors crashed into the ground. The gang managed to get inside of the hideout, but some...didn't make it out. I continued to run ahead while dodging the upcoming meteors, but I was almost out of breath. Wasn't a good runner since my...you know what? Never mind! Right now I need to-

CRASH!

What the heck?! I looked over to my right to see something crashing into the ground. I sorta felt curious as I walked over to this one. For some reason...this one....it felt so different...My gut was telling me something odd was up with it. Everything around here, the sounds, everything, was all too quiet now. I looked over at the crater, and saw a meteorite that was shining some sort of color. Orange, maybe. What the heck is this dang thing? Whatever, let's get this thing. I hope I'll take it as a memento. Besides, it'll make a cool thing for my treasury and for us to remember those we just lost now. 

As soon as I reached it, I grabbed it until it began shining brightly as something flow out of him and into my body.

"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I yelled as this weird energy substance began getting inside of my body! What the hell is happening to me?! Why can't I move?! What's happening?!




"GAAAH!" What the heck was that?! I was out of my couch-like bed as my face was nearly covered by the blanket. Heck, I even took off my coat and such, barely in my undies. "Oh...it's just some stupid dream."

I stretched my back before getting up, picking up my clothes off the ground, even my biker's coat on as I exited out of the room, fully dressed. Man, this garage looks pretty awesome, but I'm gonna need to fix it up if I want to ride one of these babies. Surprised that Equestria don't have bikes like mine. Then again, those ponies are just plain stupid.

"Well...you're up early." And just when I thought I could've gotten a good day than this. A familiar wannabe was seen walking out of his room with a smirk. "Surprise to see me again?"

I let out a growl and ignored him before I headed inside of the elevator with this bastard with me. Ever since we discovered his true identity last week, he somehow disappeared without any of us looking for it. Now he decided to show his stupid face straight at us like it's nothing. I had to resist the urge from beating this bastard into the hole of the ground with my fist.

“You know, I’m surprise a big brute like you hasn’t tried killing me yet.” I glared towards at the sneaky little bastard as he glanced at me with a smirk. “Guess the heir to the Yamaki Biker gang isn’t as strong as I thought.”

“The fudge did you say?!” I yelled angrily, grabbing him by the necktie. “You really asking for it, are ya?!”

“If ya gonna punch me, then don’t. You think hurting me is gonna solve anything? Sorry, but that’s not true.” Rantaro shrugged as the elevator arrived to our destination, the living room. I let go of the bastard and decided to leave it out for now. I’ll beat this idiot later…when I feel like to or if he taunts about my weight again.

“Oh hey Jack! Rantaro!” I looked over to see Ren waving at us with a smile. “Good morning.”

“Hey.” I said firmly before heading over to the small dining room where he and that little girl, Carrie, were busy eating some eggs and pancakes some OJ. Even their pets were busy eating some on their own food in their small bowls

“Ah, good morning.” We turned to see Mason and Kaede walking in, each carrying two plates filled with food on their hands. “I see you are awake. Good morning Jack.”

“Sup.” I smiled while Rantaro let out a snicker and said “And I suppose you guys are trying to forget about me?”

“…Right. Good morning Rantaro…” Mason said, sternly glaring at him. 

“Now that’s more better. Really appreciate it. Including the apron.” Huh? As Rantaro patted him on the head, Mason continued to glare at him before I noticed the white apron he was wearing. 

“You were wearing an apron?” I questioned.

“Yeah, just for cooking.” Mason stated.

“I’m surprised to see him again.” Kaede said, looking over at Rantaro.

“What? Surprised?” Rantaro shrugged before receiving his meal and taking a sip from his glass of orange juice. “Hmm…not bad for a bodyguard.”

“Hmph!” Mason glanced away, not bothering with him.

“For a broker, he sure knows how to be cocky and confident all the time with that smirk.” Kaede said aloud.

“That’s just how I roll.” Rantaro stated before grabbing his plate and began walking off.

“Hey! Where the heck do ya think you’re going?” I demanded.

“I’m gonna be eating outside. Not bothering with eating with you lot.” He smirked before saying “Besides, not that I don’t like ya or whatnot. I don’t trust a fat biker like you.”

“Why you!” Before I could pounce at him, Ren immediately got up and stopped me. 

“Wait Jack! It’s not worth it! Fighting each other isn’t gonna solve anything!” Ren yelled. “You all need to chill out and relax!”

I looked at him for a while before letting out a huff before muttering “Fine…”

I sat down, leaving my feet on the table as Rantaro glanced at us before taking his leave. I didn’t even want to punch him. He was just being a piece of crap anyway.

“Yep, I stand corrected.” Kaede sighed before placing the food down on the table. “Though, I never thought we be friends with a broker.”

“Is being a broker that bad?” Kodiak asked curiously.

“If you buy and sell things off the black market, you can consider that.” Mason sighed.

“Come on guys, just because he looks suspicious and is a broker, doesn’t mean we can’t trust him.” Ren stated with a weak grin. 

“Easy for you to say.” I rolled my eyes. “That bastard is as good as gone.”

“Is he really that bad, big brother?” Carrie asked her brother with a curious look. Mason nodded and explained “True, I’ve heard rumors about him. They call him the ‘Shadow Broker’ because he always slips away from police and knows how to make shady deals.”

“That explains a lot.” Ren said, sweat-dropping little. “But remember, he tricked the Flim Flam brothers by inflating their ego so much that they would go on the brink to turbo max their SSCS 6000.”

“SSCS 6000? The heck is that?” I questioned with furrow brows. Ren rubbed his head bashfully before letting out a nervous chuckle and replied “It stands for Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.”

“Well that surely makes the name shorter.” Kaede chuckled. 

“Yeah. Good thing those meanies won’t be coming here for a while.” Carrie smiled. 

“But you know…they call it that last ‘6000’ right?” Kodi questioned. “So if that’s supposed to be 6000? Then what ever happened to 1 through 5999?”

We all looked at each other, realizing that the mutt had a point. And now we had more frigging reasons why we shouldn’t trust them.

“That’s a good point, pal…” Ren rubbed his chin in thought. “I don’t know honestly. I haven’t really thought of that.”

“And it’s best if we don’t or else we might get a headache just thinking about them again.” Mason sighed. 

“Ain’t that the frigging truth?” I agreed before eating the whole thing off the plate. “Alright, I’m done…” 

Soon, I let out a burp, which made the gang, except Mason, laugh at that. 

“Really?” Mason asked, raising a brow.

“What you expect? I love eating. It’s one of the three best things I do everyday.” I shrugged.

“What are the three best things you do then?” Kodi asked curiously. I let out a tooth-eating grin and replied “Eat, sleep, and ride my bike all day.”

Everyone gave me deadpanned and blank looks, hearing that answer of mine.

“Riiiight…” Kaede muttered dryly.

“Whatever…it’s my thing, not you guys.” I scoffed before noticing that the little blue nerd wasn’t here. “Where’s the book worm at?”

“He’s with Twilight helping out with research purposes at the Golden Oaks Library.” Ren explained before noticing my confused look. “It’s a library in Ponyville.”

“I knew what it was!” I exclaimed. “Just thinking about him and the purple chick. So they’re like liberians or something?”

“You mean librarians?” Kaede corrected me. 

“Shaddup and give me the answer already!”

“Well yeah! Jamie and Twilight are quite smart like big brother and are quite knowledgeable on each subject and are studying on each other’s world.” Carrie explained.

“It is quite true.” Mason nodded with a soft smirk before frowning. “But I worried about him. He overworks himself too hard. You have noticed those baggy eyes of his, right?”

“Yeah, the dude looked like he hadn’t in days.” I stated, crossing my arms.

“That’s because he always does night reading too much. We tried convincing him many times, but no matter what, he won’t listen.” Kaede sighed. “I swear, he’s as stubborn than you, Mason, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack combined.”

“I’m not that stubborn.” Mason said with a sigh.

“Same here! What the heck?!” I exclaimed.

“Heh heh, sorry…” She rubbed her head with a nervous smile.

“Whatever…” I soon got my feet off the table and immediately began walking off. “Welp…I’m gonna go and find something to do. Tell me when we can look for something we can get out of here.”

“We told you before Jack, until we hear something from Princess Celestia, we’re gonna be staying here for a while.” Kaede reminded me, causing me to growl.

“Well I hope this ‘princess’ chick can get the job done! No frigging way am I gonna waste my time being here!” I scoffed before taking my leave until…

“Jack wait.” I glanced over to see Ren walking up to me with a soft smile and said “Listen, I know you’re confused and upset, but you need to chill out and enjoy your time here. Trust me, you get used to it and I’m talking about experience.”

I looked at him for a while before letting out a ‘Hmph!’ sound before leaving the place, slamming the door shut.

“Well…didn’t see that coming.” I overheard the mutt said, feeling surprised by that.

“I did.” Like you knows better! Stupid black haired idiot! And just when I called him my friend! Ugh, I’m stuck here in this…weird colorful dump filled with talking ponies that said can do magic! I’ve been waiting for two whole weeks and I’ve been getting impatient! I need to get back home to my gang, my parents, everything! I have a frigging life, dang it! Can this day get any worse?!

"WHOOOOAAAA!" 

"What the fu-"

CRASH!

All of a sudden, I blacked out after getting tackled by something behind, straight at my arm as I was blasted down on the ground real hard, creating a long crater of the crash site. I don't know what just happened, but I do have one thing to say....

"Owwww...." 




....

"Is he gonna be okay?"

"Oh man, I never thought they would both get hurt like this."

"Don't worry, I'm...sure they'll be alright."

"Jack's a tough guy, so he'll be fine."

"I-I hope so big brother!"

"Y-yeah. I sure hope he doesn't get t-too angry once he finds out where he's at."

"What do you expect from him? Fatso here is like an angry bull."

"Rantaro! Don't say that out loud! If Jake overhears you in his sleep, I can imagine what he might do to you."

"I'll be fine. Keep your nose out of my business, purple pony."

"Umm...my name is Twilight Sparkle."

"And I'm a shady broker that you guys are so afraid and can't trust. We can't have everything now, can we?"

"Ugh..." I muttered, slowly waking up as I saw many blurs in front of me before revealing to be familiar people and ponies. "What the heck? Where the fudge am I?"

"Hey Jack..." I looked over to see Ren smiling at me sheepishly. "How you feeling dude?"

"Like crap..." I answered before trying to get up, only for me not be able to do so. "What the?"

"Yeah...we imagined that you wouldn't like this." What the heck is even talking about? Why can't I...what the heck?! One look at myself and saw that I was on a hospital bed, wearing a night gown and having my left arm in a cast while my right leg was also in the air while in the air. I even felt some bandages around my face.

"What the heck?!" I yelled loudly, nearly causing them to cover their eyes.

"That was our reaction when we saw you and Dashy like that." Kodi said, sweat-dropping a bit while having that cat on his back as she tilted her head in confusion.

"Dashy?...Wait, you mean skittles?" I asked with slightly widened eyes.

"Still calling her by that?" Twilight questioned.

"Hmph! I can call whoever I want when I meet them." I scoffed, turning my head away, only to make me wince in pain.

"You better not move a muscle!" Applejack said with a stern and serious tone. "The more you move around, the more pain you're gonna get!"

"Not my fault that this happened!" I retorted, gritting my teeth.

"Well it is if ya weren't paying attention!" Applejack argued back.

"Well excuse me for not paying attention, ya farmer chick."

"Farmer chick?! Do I look like a baby chick to ya?!"

"Depends on who I'm looking at."

"Ooh..." Kodi winced at those words while Ren, Fluttershy, and Pinkie covered their mouths in shock with the pink pony muttering "Ooh...burn!"

"She got roasted, that's what." Rantaro said bluntly.

Applejack narrowed his eyes, almost having the urge to beat me down until Twilight and Jamie stepped in as the purple chick said "Applejack! Jack's in the hospital! I think now's not the time to teach him a lesson!"

"T-Twilight's right! W-we should reconsider of this. P-please..." Jamie begged. "I-I'm sure Jack didn't mean it."

"I did. No need for defending me." I rolled my eyes, upsetting Applejack even more. 

"A-Applejack! Please don't hurt J-Jack! I don't think adding more bruises to someone like who's in the hospital is a bad idea!" Jamie pleaded. Applejack looked at him and Twilight, who nodded with Jamie's statement, before letting out a sigh and said "Fine...only because you two said so."

"Thank you." Jamie smiled.

"Yeah, that's a relief." Twilight sighed in relief.

"More like luck..." Rantaro smirked, causing me to leer at the damn idiot. That idiot is lucky that I'm in these casts or else I'll knock him upside the head.

"So mind you idiots tell me what happened or what?" I questioned impatiently.

"Ooh! Ooh! I'll go! I'll go!" Pinkie offered, causing me to grumble as I said "I don't care! Just tell me!"

"Well Rainbow Dash was practicing her aerial tricks!" She popped right next to me, nearly getting me a heart attack. "And me, Twilight, and Rarity were watching her go through it until she went too far and accidentally crashed into you." 

"And you ended up here." Kaede added with a meek and nervous smile. "Guess you just came at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Yeah, but don't worry. I'm sure the doctor will give ya the good news." Ren assured.

"Great...so I'm stuck in a hospital. That's fan-frigging-tastic." I growled.

"Well at least enjoy while it lasts." Rarity assured with a soft grin. "Staying at the hospital isn't necessarily a bad thing."

"Easy for you to say, ya frigging loon." I rolled my eyes, ignoring the eye twitching she was giving me.

"Rarity, please take a deep breath and try to forget about it. It works for me sometimes." Mason suggested, putting his hand on her back. She did what he said as she took a deep breath and sighed calmly before saying "Why thank you for the suggestion, Mason."

Mason nodded with a smile as we heard the door opened, revealing the doctor.

"Ooh Doctor Horse!" Twilight called. "Thank goodness you're here."

"Doctor Horse?" Carrie asked curiously before snickering a bit.

"I don't know if I should laugh or feel concerned for that name." Kaede whispered to Jamie and Ren, which they both nodded in agreement.

"I never been late on seeing my patients." Doctor Horse stated before muttering "Except for my lunch breaks, that is..."

"Oh Doctor! Is our friend Jack gonna be okay?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Don't worry. Me and the rest of the good nurses and doctors took good care of him." The doc examined me on my casts and said "He was lucky for us to have our healing magic to work on him. His arm and leg should be healed by a few days."

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock, causing everyone to look at me with shock. "Doc, I think these dumb injuries I have should take longer than just a few days!"

"While that is true..." Jamie muttered loudly, gaining everyone's attention unintentional. "But this is a different world we are in where logic doesn't make sense. Magic exists apparently and using their powers, they managed to create a great way to make critical injuries such as that heal faster. It's quite a miracle there..."

"Indeed it is Jamie!" Pinkie smiled, surprising him again.

"Not again!" Jamie squealed, burying his face with his notebook. "Why?!"

"Don't be bother Jamie. You were just explaining about the healthcare of our world...unintentional, that's all." Twilight assured, patting him on the back.

"Yeah! Besides, I didn't even knew that." Ren added with a smile. "I mean, we've been here for a few times, but never learn much about how the hospital here in Equestria works."

"O-oh...Even after a while, you guys aren't bother by my lectures and such?" Jamie questioned nervously.

"Not all of us, but it's quite nice for someone like you to know so much about Equestria besides Twilight." Mason smiled. "I say you're quite unique in your own way, Jamie."

"T-thank you..." Jamie shyly said. Whatever, I still think of him as a book nerd.

"Well either way, that's good news at least." Kaede sighed in relief.

"Yeah! That means Jack won't be staying here that long!" Carrie giggled.

"But you know, being here reminds me of meeting Kaede in the hospital once she passed out from seeing talking ponies." Kodi chuckled, causing the red haired girl to blush in embarrassment.

"H-hey! I told you guys that I got over that! It's not every day you see talking ponies with wings, horns, and such!" Kaede retorted.

"True..." Ren snickered. "But still, it was kinda surprising really."

What the heck are they even talking about? This red haired chick waking up here on the hospital bed due to seeing talking ponies? Hmph! That sounds like more like a wimp move to me. I can even bet that the blue haired nerd felt surprised by it as well. Ha, pathetic.

"Ugh..." Huh? Now who said that? I looked over to my right to see Skittles on the hospital bed, only to have her right wing covered in a bandage. Wait, how the heck did I not noticed this. "What the?"

"Oh! Rainbow Dash! You're awake!" Fluttershy said in joy. "Thank goodness!"

"Yeah! Good thing you survived Dash! We all were worried about you." Ren added with a worried and concerned look. Uh hello? What about me?! I gotten hurt from the impact as well thanks to Skittles here!

"It's quite a miracle that you didn't die from the impact." Mason said with a small smile.

"Indeed!" Rarity agreed. "I can't imagine what might happen if you weren't so lucky to cushion the impact."

"The heck's that supposed to mean?!" I exclaimed angrily, causing everypony to turn to me, including Skittles , who widened her eyes in shock upon seeing me.

"W-what the?! Jack?! What the hay are you doing here?!" Skittles demanded, wincing a bit from her injured wing.

"I gotten slammed in the face by your stupid tricks! Thank you very much!" I exclaimed angrily, causing her to sheepishly smile.

"Heh heh...oops." Oops?! That's all you gotta say, you whiny timey little-

"Calm down you two." Doc said with a stern look. "Now's not the time for arguing. You two need your rest."

"But Doctor Horse?" Jamie called with a worried look. "Is Rainbow Dash gonna be alright?"

Hey! What about me?!

"Jamie raises a good question. How is she, doctor?" Twilight inquired. 

Seriously?! You just move on to Skittles?! What the heck?! Hmph! Some friends they turned out to be!

"She's going to be fine, along with her friend, Jack Yamaki, was it?" Doc asked, looking over two X-Ray pictures that shows my body and Dash's , which I snorted. "While seeing a human's body is quite different and hard to examine, but it was quite good to use our healing magic on him. So luckily, these two have friends like you who got them over here in a jiffy."

"Well that's good to hear." Mason sighed.

"Yeah! That's a relief." Carrie smiled happily.

"Huh..." Skittles muttered before crossing her hooves and asked "How long do I need to lie here? I've got things I need to do!"

"Like what?" Kodi questioned with a raised brow.

"You know! The normal things everyday! Practicing aerial tricks, head over and manage at the weather office, and such!" She replied.

"Well I'm sorry to say, but all depends on both of your recovery, but I'd say a few days minimum." Doc stated sternly, much to her shock. She grabbed both Fluttershy and Ren as she exclaimed "You guys have gotta get me out of here! I'm gonna climb the walls!"

Skittles fell flat on her head, feeling anguish that she has to stay here.

"Calm down, you'll be fine Dash. Don't worry, it's just a few days after all." Ren assured with a soft grin.

"Ren is right. You just need to relax." Fluttershy nodded in agreement. Skittles sighed before blowing a bit of her hair.

"Fine..."

"Ooh, wait!" Pinkie shouted. "She said that if she remained here long enough, she'll climb the walls! Just like a spider!" She turned to the Doc and asked "Did the crash somehow give both Dashy and Jacky super-duper spider powers?"

"Nnnno..." Doc replied, pushing her away slightly. "Nor did it give these two amazing healing powers.they need to stay in bed for a few days."

"And really Pinkie? Spider powers?" Mason questioned, dryly.

"I have to agree, that's illogical possible." Jamie pointed out.

"Yeah! Besides, that's not how you become a spider." Ren added. "And who do you think they are? Spider-man and Spider-mare?"

"It's not! Then how?" Pinkie asked excitedly, popping right in front of Ren, nearly causing him to yelp. He rubbed his head bashfully before he replied "Well in order for to have spider powers, you have to be bitten by a radioactive spider. But I don't think they exist here at all, that's just fiction after all."

"And don't get any ideas about that, Pinkie." Twilight gave her a stern glare, causing her to pout.

“And besides, seeing these two with powers will be the day I would give up on being a broker.” Rantaro said with a blank look on his face. 

“Shaddup!” I yelled, trying my best to lift myself up from the bed until the doctor stopped me.

“That is enough Mr. Yamaki!” Doc stated with a stern look. “I do not want you to hurt yourself more than you already are!”

“…Fine!” I scoffed, looking away from him. 

“Good answer, my boy.” Doc smiled. “Now I want you two to behave yourself and please don’t get yourselves more hurt. You two are only gonna be for, like I said, a few days. Otherwise, you could end staying here longer than we imagined.”

Who does he think I am? A little kid?

“Few days? Might as well be a few months, or a few years!” Oh will you shut up? It’s not that bad. Although, I can’t help but agree with her on that. It’s gonna be just frigging boring being here.

“It’s not so bad, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy assured with a soft grin. “Being in the hospital isn’t all that bad.”

“Yeah, when I gotten myself a splinter, my mom took me here and the doctor help removed it from my finger, and gave me a lollipop.” Ren grinned. Yeah, except this isn’t a children’s hospital! You damn idiot!

“Although, hospital bills are quite expensive…” Jamie pointed out.

“I’m sure we can pay for it if we combined all of our bits together.” Mason assured. 

“That could be a good idea.” Kaede smiled. 

“I could share it with you…” Rantaro formed his casual smirk at them and said “If you all give me five hundred boners.”

“B-but we don’t have that kind of money.” Jamie stated, feeling surprised by that before groaning “And besides, even if we did…my father will forbid giving me half of his allowance to someone like you, Rantaro.” Rantaro gave him a deadpanned look, causing Jamie to wince upon realizing what he said. “N-not that I’m doubting because y-you’re a criminal! S-sorry!”

“Criminal? Nah, I don’t mind that crap.” Rantaro picked his ear a bit before smirking at them. “I get used to it. But I prefer to be called a ‘businessman’.”

“Well, can’t argue with logic like that.” Ren pointed out. “I mean, he buys and sells things for a living.”

“Yet he acts like he’s better than us.” Rarity scoffed.

“I don’t. I just have high confidence in myself.” Rantaro snickered, with that raccoon of his, Gizmo, coming out of his hat and nodding in agreement.

“Wow, he must be really close with Gizmo, huh?” Kodi said aloud.

“Yeah, they’re like best friends or something.” Ren shrugged.

“Well of course. We’ve been friends for over a long time.” Rantaro shrugged.

“Really?” Twilight asked incredulously.

“I could tell ya all a story or two about my somewhat…” Rantaro let out a snicker and a smirk. “Wicked past.”

“Are you lying to us?” Applejack asked with a raised brow.

“Wow, you’re not trusting me with that kind of talk. Heh, guess you guys don’t have great trusting issues with new people, do ya?” Rantaro questioned, which made them feel worried about that.

“It’s that we don’t trust you…” Fluttershy shook her head. “It’s just that…umm…”

“You’re a two-timing bastard of a broker.” I growled, causing everypony to turn over and glared at me. “What?! I’m telling the truth! After all, I’ve heard talk about from a couple of my pals that they lost a game of poker from this cheating con-man!”

“Really?” Kaede asked in surprise before turning to Rantaro and asked “So you play poker?”

“I’m also a gambler, alright? What? Is that troubling you all?” He questioned.

“It’s not that it troubles us, but-”

“Ugh, you’re wasting my time with this such talk. I rather go and mind my own business.” Rantaro took his phone and began taking his leave.

“What is up with that item in his hand?” Rarity questioned with a raised brow.

“It’s called a phone and it can people from afar. Something from our world.” Ren explained.

“Only question is why have a phone while we can’t find them.” Mason thought aloud, crossing his arms in thought.

“Who cares about him?” Skittles exclaimed. “What am I supposed to do in a place for a few days?!”

“Don’t know, don’t care.” I scoffed before realizing that a familiar pet of mine wasn’t with me. “W-wait! Where’s Jo Jo?!”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy has him. Big brother found him your coat pockets and was quite lucky to survive the hit.” Carrie explained as the yellow pegasus came over and showed me that he was kept safe, snuggling in her mane.

“Oh…” I sighed in relief before saying “T-thanks i guess…”

“Anytime. But you should Mason for founding him while you two were unconscious.” Fluttershy smiled as I turned to Mason, who nodded and said “I couldn’t let your own pet die. I was worried for the both of you. Like they always say, never leave a man or animal behind.”

“W-well…thanks, dude.” I said, grinning at him. I let out a yawn and said “Well, I’m tired out. Now what?”

“Oh, so now you care?” I gave Skittles a death glare, which made glare back at me. 

“Relax Rainbow Dash.” Applejack assured. “I bet the chow in here is hoof-licking good.”

“And the hospital gowns, they…” The purple maned chick’s horn glowed as it emanated a purple glow, also getting onto the curtains. “Match the curtains!”

“Really? That’s all you got?” I asked irritably. “Even someone average can figure that out!”

Ren and Kaede sweat-dropped before rubbing their heads bashfully with sheepish smiles while Rarity scowled.

“Jack, please calm down.” Mason said sternly.

“Y-yes, arguing isn’t gonna solve anything. You and Rainbow Dash will do f-fine.” Jamie made a weak grin.

“Yeah! You two are gonna be roommates!” Pinkie bursted with excitement as we both looked at each other and scoffed. Like I would waste my time being friends with someone like her. 

“I don’t think they share the same ideas with you, Pinkie.” Kodi pointed out, noticing our distance glances.

“I’m sure they’re gonna get along soon, Kodiak.” Ren assured before we something moving past the door as we looked over, revealing to be a nurse pushing a cart full of…

“Books?” I questioned while Jamie smiled brightly upon them. 

“Wow! Look at that! I guess you two can enjoy your time reading some of these books.” I gave him a deadpanned look, seeing that I wasn’t interested into reading books. I rather read magazines with…umm…it’s best not to say it aloud.

“He’s right. Wait right here.” Twilight walked out of the room for a moment until she came back with two books in her hands. “Here, one for each of you.”

She floated the book to our laps, which made me grew irritated to read a book.

“Keep it. Not interested. I rather go to sleep.” I scoffed, glancing away from them before pushing the book away from me while Jamie felt shocked by that.

“W-what?” Jamie muttered.

“And what the hay is this?” Rainbow inquired in an irritable tone as she picked it up and read the title of the book. “’Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone’.”

“This is the first story in the series. I own all of them!” Twilight squealed in excitement, adding more irritation to me.

“Y-yes, I enjoyed reading them. I just finished reading them all in a month.” Jamie added, smiling over to see that chick talk about reading and junk.

“Doesn’t sound exciting to me.” I stated bluntly.

“For once, I agree with chubby here.” What did Skittles just called me?! “Thanks, but no thanks. I so don’t read. I’m a world class athlete. Reading’s for eggheads like you, Twilight and Jamie.”

Twilight gave her an irritated glare while Jamie glared at us like his personality completely changed.

“What?!” Jamie hissed.

“Heh. No, offense, but I am not reading. It’s undeniably, unquestionably, uncool.” Rainbow scoffed, not afraid of Jamie’s angry look. 

“Yeah, it doesn’t sound like fun for me. I rather stuffed my face with food.” I rolled my eyes, completely agreeing with Skittles. Everybody, except Jamie, started to laugh at us, much to our irritation.

“Are they serious? Who doesn’t like to read a bang-up tale from time to time?” Applejack chuckled.

“Why, a good book is almost as magnificent as silk pajamas on a Sunday morning, heh!” Rarity smiled.

“I know right? I enjoy reading too.” Kaede smiled. “I once read a romance book that made my heart felt so warm, it move me to tears!”

“Yeah! I even read mangas all the time, and I don’t find it a problem.” Ren grinned.

“I sometimes read books when I’m off-duty as a guard and read story books for Carrie when she goes to bed.” Mason added, causing Carrie to giggle.

“I never read a book before, but I like to read one, one day.” Kodi said, feeling more interested about it.

“And I don’t minding reading at all. I think it’s lovely.” Fluttershy agreed.

“See? Reading is for everypony, Rainbow Dash and Jack.” Twilight smiled.

“Yeah! I love reading, and my head isn’t even close to the shape of an egg!” Pinkie exclaimed, getting weird looks from us as she continued to blabber nonsense. “It’s more of the shape of an apple, or maybe an orange, but a big orange! More like a grapefruit really…”

“Who gives a crap?” I scoffed, slowing getting angry while everybody was surprised to hear. “Is reading gonna lead us back home? Possibly get me back to my home with my gang?”

“No silly! How can a book do that?” Pinkie laughed while the others looked at each other in concern.

“Umm…Jack?” Kaede asked.

“You frigging damn idiots…who gives a crap about being in a hospital? Who gives a crap about reading?! I don’t give a crap about anything!” Jack exclaimed.

“Jeez! Even after two weeks, he hasn’t calmed down?!” Kodi asked in shock.

“Look! I don’t give a crap about reading! I just want to get out of here!” I demanded until I was faced with an angry Jamie.

“You shut your mouth! How dare you disrespect books, you! Books are the source of knowledge and are great for reading, giving you hopes and dreams and imagination and yet you want to disrespect books?!” I flinched upon seeing the glare he was making at me. Damn, where did this guy come from? Since when did he have the guts to tell me that.

“Ha ha!” Skittles laughed. “Serves you right!”

“And don’t make me begin with you, Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow widened her eyes in fear upon seeing Jamie’s angry look. “I told you a few times to learn and respect books! But here you are, talking about reading being boring! How else are you gonna learn if you don’t like books!”

…What the hell was all that?! Everyone one of us were kept their mouths shut upon seeing his outrage expression.

“Wow…” Kodi muttered. 

“H-hey, take it easy Jamie.” Ren said, placing his hand on his shoulder. “You didn’t have to yell at them like that. Mason, I can handle, but seeing you like that…that was pretty shocking.”

Jamie dropped his angry glare and blushed in embarrassment of what just happened.

“I-I am so sorry! I-I didn’t mean to make things awkward!” Jamie exclaimed.

“No no no, it’s okay Jamie.” Twilight assured with a smile. “Just wow, I never knew you had it in you to say that. Then again, I do see you have an outburst since we first met each other. Though, I’m glad you’re defending books, but I think you went too far.”

“Way too far.” Kaede commented. 

“R-right…sorry for my outburst.” He apologized. “I told you, I don’t like people disrespecting stuff like that.”

“We know.” Twilight assured before turning to me and Skittles. “And I hope you two won’t hear a stern talk from him.

”S-Shut up!“ I scoffed before turning my head away. ”I’m just going to sleep.“

I shut my eyes, trying my best to go to sleep, possibly have a dream about something to eat. Ugh, I’m still hungry and I just had breakfast.

”Ugh…this human is so uncouth with his behavior.“ I heard that loon commenting about me, not that I care.

”Leave him be, Rarity. He’s just angry.“ Mason stated. ”Right now, I think its best if we took our leave. Just give them privacy and let them rest up for the rest of the day.“

“I guess you’re right.” Ren agreed. “Well guess we gotta go.”

“Oh wait! I’ll just leave this for them to eat.” I heard something being put down as I opened one eye and glanced over to see a paper plate filled with a sandwich rested on it. I glanced over to see that it was that red haired girl placed it there, Kaede, I think. “Just in case they get grouchy.”

“Hey!” Skittles yelled, highly offended by that. I formed a smirk at that rainbow horse, seeing how she felt when Kaede called her out like that. Oh wait...she called me out too!

"Well, anyway. Good luck you two." Ren bid us farewell while I tried my best to go to sleep, wanting time to already passed to escape this boredom. "We'll come back later and try to hang out and have some fun."

"Yeah! We'll be back you two!" I glanced over at the mutt, who smiled happily at the two of us.

"And don't worry Jack, I'll take care of Jo Jo while you rest up. Bye." Fluttershy added before they all took their leave until Twilight and Jamie peeked out of the door as the latter added "And I-I'm still sorry for my outburst you guys. But I really hope you enjoy reading books."

"Jamie's right. Besides, I think you'd like Daring, Rainbow Dash. She's a lot like you. Adventurous, fierce, and undeniably, unquestionably, unstoppable." Twilight smirked before they both closed the door, leaving us alone. Ugh, reading...who ever came up with that crap, screw them. I rather go to sleep for my sake! Oh well...at least I can some peace for god's sake.

"Pfft! Whatever!" She rolled her eyes in annoyance before turning to me and said "Now let's get something straight Jack! You better not do anything that could make me get off this bed, despite my injured wing, and knock you upside the head."

"Really? Same goes for me." I rolled my eyes before turning my head, not wanting to be in this conversation with her anymore. "Welp, I'm going to sleep. Night Skittles!"

"And stop calling me Skittles!" She exclaimed in anger.

"Really? I don't give two craps about that." I scoffed, trying my best to go to sleep. Oh well, it doesn't matter. I'm a heavy sleeper, so I bet I'm gonna be fine-

BOUNCE! BOUNCE! BOUNCE!

What the hell? I opened my eyes and glance over to see her bouncing a squeaky red ball onto the wall over and over again, much to my annoyance.

"Would you stop that?" I asked in a grouchy tone. "I'm trying to get some sleep here! And where the hell did you get that ball?!"

"Uhh...underneath my bed?" Skittles raised a brow with a shrug.

"Well keep it down!" I yelled before falling back on my pillow. Ugh, if my arm and leg wasn't hurt right now, I can pinned this chick real hard and see who's the boss here. Suddenly, I didn't hear the ball bounce again. Looks like she stopped doing that. Well that's a relief.

"Lunchtime!" Huh? I opened my eyes again to see a pink chubby nurse pony coming in pushing two sets of tray of food in a cart and handed one to each of us. I looked over the food on my stomach, which was some mashed up vegetables, a glass of apple juice, and a gelatin. Ugh, I forgot how much hospital food makes me feel about this damn place. Oh well, better late than never, I suppose. I grabbed the tray and stuffed my face with much food, which went noticed by a surprised Rainbow Dash. 

"What?" I asked, my mouth still stuffed with food.

"...Seriously, you eat like a bear." She commented bluntly. I gave her a smug look and replied "Well that's because I'm a fast eater. I won some many eating contests in my days."

"That explains so much..." And what the heck does that supposed to mean? She decided to ignore me and eat her, feeling bored. After she managed to eat her veggies and drank her juice, she finished eating up her gelatin, only from the cup which became stuck on her muzzle. She tried pulling it out, but it had no affect, which caused me to grin.

"What?" She asked irritably.

"Nothing. You're just cute when doing that." I laughed, causing her to grit her teeth.

"I. Am. Not. Cute." Rainbow stated through gritted teeth.

"Yeah sure, say what you will Skittles." I scoffed with a chuckle before forming a teasing grin. "And I gotta say, I can't believe that someone hot-headed as you gotten the boot with your wing getting broken."

Skittles blushed in embarrassment and said "S-shut up! It was just practiced! Besides, what's say to you? You gotten in the hurt, you big lump of fat!"

I narrowed my eyes at her and growled angrily. "I. Am. Not. Fat!"

"Oh really? Then why are as fat as a panda? Or maybe a grizzly bear? Because you're acting like one, right now." Rainbow snorted, causing me to glare angrily at her.

"Shaddup! At least I ain't some hot-headed rainbow colored horse that tried to get as many cider in her damn hands!" I scoffed, causing her to glare back at me.

"Well at least I'm not some fat, short-tempered, dumb biker that loves to punch people out of anger and such!" 

"What you say?!"

"You heard what I say!"

"Why don't you put your mane where your mouth is, Skittles!"

"Why not you shut your chubby muzzle, fatty!"

"Don't call me fatty! I'm husky!"

"Alright, how about stupid?!"

"No! You're stupid!"

"Buck you!"

"Screw you!"

"Buck! You!"

"Screw! You!"

We both growled at each other angrily until we heard the door burst opened, revealing the doc from before.

"What is going on in here? I can hear all this shouting coming from my office!" Doc shouted with a stern look.

"He/She started it!" We both shouted, pointing at each other. 

"Ugh..." He rubbed his head in annoyance before saying "Look, you two need to stop arguing with each other. You're making my patients feel uncomfortable with each other, so please stop yelling."

"B-but-"

"No buts! I demand it or else I'll extend both of your stays here!" Grrr!...this cheeky bastard of a doctor!

"....Fine..." I muttered.

"Whatever...wasn't my fault." Wanna bet Skittles?

"Good answer. Now excuse me, I have go and check up on the other patients." With that, he closed the door while we glared at each other.

"Ugh...thanks a lot fat biscuit." Rainbow scoffed.

"Shaddup!" I growled before turning my head around as I said "Look, I'm just gonna go to sleep. Night Skittles!"

I heard her snorting in a huff of me still calling her that as she muttered "Fine...night."

Hmph! I don't even know why I even bother staying in the hospital with her. All I just want is peace and quiet, that's all.



The Next Day
"As Daring Do trekked through the tropical jungle, the wet heat sapped her energy and slowed her every step." 

Ugh...what now? I opened my eyes and turn to something that I thought I would see her do. She was reading...a book. 

"If only she could escape this oppressive atmosphere and fly up into the cool blue sky. But her crash landing in the jungle had injured her wing and she was grounded for a few days. Few days...it might as well be a few months, or a few years!" Skittles  widened her eyes in surprise of hearing and I think I know why. That was the exact same line she said yesterday. Heh heh, looks like she's enjoying herself.

"Huh. I'm right there with you sister." She grinned, not noticing I was awake and I hid a big grin on my face as she continued reading her little book.

"The mosquitoes buzzed loudly. The macaws cried from the high trees. Yet all of these distracting noises were not enough to cover the sound of the predators following her every step." She said, smiling happily with joy on reading that book. "Safely landing on the other side, Daring finally allowed herself a moment to breathe. She turned around to find herself face to face with the long lost temple that she had sough tirelessly for over sixty days and nights!"

Alright, guess it's time for to speak up from all this.

"So...enjoying the book?" Skittles frozed in fear before slowly turning around with widened eyes straight towards me as I made a teasing grin at him.

"....How long were you awake?" She asked slowly.

"Enough to hear all that crap." I said before barking up a laugh. "But man, you sure are enjoying that thing and after you said reading was for eggheads!"

"S-shut up, alright?!" Skittles exclaimed, feeling embarrassed of that. "Look, I hate to admit it to myself, even to you, and would really hate to admit it to my friends, but...I love this story! I, I....I love reading!" She slowly widened her eyes before realizing something. "I'm an egghead."

I started laughing again at her embarrassment before saying "You sure are Skittles!"

"This is not funny! I love reading fatty! Don't you get it?!" She glared daggers at me before forming a worried look. "The others will soon find out that I'm an egghead and would laugh at me."

"Oh please, they laughed at you yesterday for telling them that reading was for 'eggheads' and gotten the blue haired nerd angry over something minor such as that." I scoffed, grinning at her.

"But you don't get it! I called anypony who reads books an 'egghead', so if anypony found out about it, then I'll be the laughing stock for liking books!" She cried out.

I stopped grinning before snorting "Oh please, one little book ain't gonna be the end of the world."

"But it is for me!" Skittles retorted, causing me to use my right arm to face-palm myself.

"Look, I was watching and hearing you from everything you just said and I wasn't bug one bit about it." I stated. 

"Yet you were laughing at me for that." Skittles scoffed.

"Okay, there was that. But then again, you don't have to be afraid of admitting your own faults and what you like." I said with a serious look before snorting "Besides, they won't mind. That blue haired nerd likes to read books and they don't mind that, even the purple unicorn chick likes reading books. If you keep hiding yourself without telling them the truth, then you'll start to feel guilty about that."

"W-well..." Skittles felt unsure of it, causing me to sigh as I said "How about this? I'll keep your little secret from them and won't tell them unless you tell them yourself."

"R-really?" She asked in surprise and joy. "You really do that for somepony like me?"

"When a man makes a promise, he keeps it. That's what my old man tells me whenever I need his advice." I shrugged before letting out a yawn. "Well, I'm still pooped out. Wake me up when we get out of this damn hospital."

Before I could close my eyes, I heard her say something.

"Thank you Jack..." Did...she just thank me? Well, that's a hell of surprise. Hmph! Finally getting some respect from her at least. But then again, I could tease her more and eavesdropped on her reading that book of hers. I rather read magazines with beautiful babes in it. 

"The smell of decay and danger hit Daring Do as she peered into the dimly-lit entrance of the ancient temple." And here we go again. Oh ho! This is gonna be fun!

"Hi Rainbow Dash! Jack!" What the heck?! I lifted my head up the moment Skittles immediately hid her book behind her pillow as we looked over to see Ren, Fluttershy, Twilight, Kodi, and Jamie walking in.

"Uh, heh, guys..." Rainbow chuckled nervously at them.

"Now what is it? What do ya want?" I asked in a grouchy tone.

"W-we came by to check up on ya guys. We did made a promise, right?" Jamie reminded us. Oh right, they did say something like that yesterday. "So how were you guys?"  

"Fine." We both said quickly before realizing that we said it at the same time.

"Heh heh, sounds to me you guys were probably having a good time." Ren chuckled, causing me to scoff at him. Like he knows what happened yesterday.

"So anyway, we thought we'd come and cheer you guys up." Fluttershy smiled.

"We brought your favorite board game, Rainbow Dash." Twilight stated as she pointed to Jamie holding onto it.

"I never understood the rules of the games, but I just wanna not be left out." Jamie added.

"Well I can gladly play it with them. It's like that Battleship game back home." Ren shrugged with a grin.

"Really? You know how to play?" Kodi asked curiously.

"Well no, but board games such as this are a gamer's second favorite game of all times. I played any type of board games with some of my friends back home, so even if its different, I know how to play." Ren explained.

"Ooh..." Kodi nodded, fully understanding it.

"Well I-I never played one before." Jamie sighed, glancing away sadly.

"Don't worry Jamie, we can teach ya." Ren assured.

"He's right. Me, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash played this game many times, so we know this by the rules." Fluttershy chuckled.

"O-oh...thank you." Man, that guy is such a nerd and a coward.

"Count me out. I rather get some sleep." I scoffed.

"Are you sure Jack? We don't wanna make you feel left out out of it." Ren said in worried.

"I say what I say, now shaddup." Ugh, can't this guy here get some peace at least. 

"Well alright, come on Rainbow Dash. Let's play. We know how much you like to win!" Fluttershy giggled as Jamie settled the board game down on her bed while Skittles did her best to hide it underneath her blanket without letting them know. 

"You go first, Rainbow Dash." Twilight offered. 

"No no, you go first." Skittles offered, confusing them a bit. 

"Since when did Rainbow Dash ever allowed someone to go first?" I heard the mutt whispered to Ren.

"Since never." Ren shrugged, unable to figure out why.

"Umm...Alright, uh..." Twilight looks down on her side of the board and said "Cloud three."

"Aw, shucks, you...rained on my cumulus, heh." Rainbow picked up one of the pieces with a nervous grin before saying "Go again!"

"Um....let's try sky five?" Ren suggested.

"Whoa, you found my seagull!" Skittles picked up a piece that almost looks like a seagull before throwing it into the box. 

"Uh...Cloud two?" Fluttershy guessed, feeling confused by Skittles behavior.

"You zapped my weather pony!" Skittles shouted, picking up one of her pieces and throwing it into the box. "Uh-huh, you stung my bumblebee. Oh, my thunderbolt! Aw, and that's my last cloud. You found it. Guess you guys win, I lose."

She picked up the board and immediately stuffed it back in the box, confusing and bewildering the gang.

"But Rainbow Dash, you didn't even get a turn." Jamie pointed out.

"You win some, you lose some." Rainbow shrugged, which caused them to raise brows.

"But Dash, you never like losing." Kodi pointed out.

"Yeah. Since when do you ever feel satisfied from a lost?" Ren agreed.

"I'm afraid they have a point, Rainbow." Jamie added. "I don't think I ever hear someone like you to say that."

"And I don't think you've ever lost a game of-" Before the purple unicorn chick could finish, Skittles let out a yawn and said "Thanks for coming!"

"But yesterday you were desperate for things to do!" Jamie pointed out.

"Do?" Skittles asked defensively before handing the game back to Jamie. "Who said anything about Daring Do? I told you I'm not interested in reading." She yawned again before turning off the lights. "It's nap for us! Right Jack?"

I glanced over to her, seeing the begged look she was giving me. Well I made a promise to her, so I see why not.

"Yeah...Besides, I'm starving." I said before noticing the sandwich Kaede left for us to enjoy. Guess I forgot about all that. I grabbed the sandwich and stuffed one into my mouth, enjoying myself with it. Heh, guess I'll give that girl credit. She knows how to make some good sandwiches.

"Glad we could...cheer you both up?" Fluttershy replied, feeling weirded out by Skittles' behavior. Twilight, Ren, Kodi, and Jamie looked at each other in concern and suspicion, wondering why she's acting so weird. Twilight furrowed her brows and looked at Skittles, who tried her best to pretend that she's asleep, but when the purple chick moved in closer, she managed to fool her by making loud snoring noises.

"Alright then..." Twilight responded as the gang began to take their leave.

"We'll see you guys later, I guess." Ren sighed before closing the door and taking their leave. The moment they left, Skittles sighed in relief before turning to me with a smile and said "Thanks for the save, Jack."

"Whatever, like I said, I made a promise to keep your secret until you tell the others your little secret." I said, looking away before swallowing my food and patting my gut. "Ahh...feels so good eating something besides hospital food."

"Dang, you really like eating food." She commented, blinking in surprise.

"What you expect? Eating satisfies me." I grinned. "Now excuse me, I rather get some sleep." I used my right hand to scratch my butt a little, before covering myself in a blanket and went to sleep. Hopefully, I can rest up to avoid another boring day.

"Well still, thanks for backing me up." I let out a snort, not bothering to answer her before blacking out. Ugh, hopefully that I can get some sleep.....



....What is this?

I was back in my family's restaurant, or the gang's hideout where we always hung out and enjoy ourselves. Normally, we chat, have a drink off, or have some competition, but this was different.

"Have you heard about the boss's son? Apparently he's immune to the sickness." One of the bikers whispered while I sat down on the table, drinking some cider and ignoring what they were saying.

"Yeah! He was called in by some of those FBI agents and was explained about some offer, but he refused to do whatever they told him to accept."

"You kidding? It's all over in the news. Apparently, someone leaked the info about that to the world, saying a way that nine others were gonna be the only hope for our world, including him."

"Can you believe it? The heir to the Yamaki Gang refusing an offer like that? I mean, what's up with that?"

"Maybe he's too scared to even admit it?"

"Better not say that aloud, you know how he is with the name calling."

...I want to forget this memory. Ugh, I'm just sick of it. I don't know why I bother wanting to hear this. Me? Accept some craze offer about going along somewhere safe with those 8 others who are immune to it. No thanks! I'm not scared!...I...I'm...just...I can't leave behind the gang...Why did this happen?



"Hello, Rainbow Dash! Jacky!" W-what the?! I immediately woke up and looked over to see Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, Kaede, Mason, and Carrie coming in. Oh great, now what do they want?

"How's our patients doing today?" Rarity asked curiously.

"What you think, ya loon?" I scoffed, causing her to grumble a bit.

"I guess you still have the same attitude. Heh heh..." Kaede rubbed her cheek in embarrassment.

"Ah Jack, good to see ya awake." Mason smiled. "We just thought coming over for a little visit. By the way, Jo Jo is feeling fine in Fluttershy's care, just to let you know."

"That's great to hear." I snorted, wanting to go back to sleep. Soon, I noticed Skittles was sweating nervously, probably to hide the book away from them.

"Ugh, we need to get some fresh air in here." Applejack said, noticing Skittles' sweat. "You're looking sweatier than a pig wrangler on a summer's day."

"What does that mean, big brother?" Carrie asked curiously, who only shrugged in response.

"Uh, well, guys, thanks for visiting, but-" Before Skittles herself could finish, another nurse with a yellow coat and blue mane and tail came in, pushing a cart with our food in it.

"Okay, now, dinner time for Rainbow Dash and Jack Yamaki." The nurse stated before pushing it between our beds and taking her leave.

"Dinner time? Has the day already been passed already?" I said aloud.

"You haven't noticed?" Kaede asked curiously. 

"No, that's why I asked." I growled, causing her to back away a little with a nervous smile and a sweat-drop.

"W-well, yeah. It's 7:00 P.M. We just came for a quick visit to see you two and wondered if you two were feeling better." Actually, now that you mention it...

"Well my arm and leg are starting to feel better, actually." I said, wriggling them a bit. Sure, it still sore a bit, but at least they're healing faster than I expected.

"Whoa! Really?" Carrie asked in amazement. "The doctors weren't kidding when they say that their medicine and healing magic can make the wounds disappear in a short while."

"Yeah." Mason nodded in agreement.

"Well anyway, we gotta eat! Right Jack?" Oh great, now Skittles need my help once more, huh? Ugh, fine.

"...Yeah." I scoffed before using my right arm to grab my tray and began scarfing it down, surprising most of them. "What? I'm hungry! So sue me!"

"Right..." Rarity looked away with a disgusted look before turning to Skittles and said "Well now, don't mind us, Rainbow Dash."

Wow. Really. You just gonna pretend I don't exist? That's fine by me then.

"Yeah, just go ahead and eat up." Applejack added.

"Yeah, go on. We won't disturb ya." Kaede smiled while the others looked on, watching and waiting for her to eat up.

"Really?" I asked aloud. "Don't you think that's too creepy to watch someone to eat?"

"Jack is right. I rather eat alone." Skittles offered with a weak grin.

"Oh we won't bother you." Kaede assured.

"Yeah! What's creepy is someone watching you in your sleep." Pinkie giggled, causing some of us to raise brows at her. What in the world in this chick talking about? Skittles let out a gulp before eating up all her food in a gulp and started eating her food like a baby, making the others feel uncomfortable and disgusted by this.

"Uh, on second thought..." Rarity pushed Pinkie away while the others began leaving. 

"Uh, we'll see you tomorrow, Rainbow Dash and Jacky, aheh..." Pinkie said with a nervous grin as Skittles waved goodbye to them, still having some food on her mouth. Before they could leave, Mason came over and asked "What's up with Rainbow Dash? She's...acting weird. Well weirder than before."

"Sorry, can't say." I shrugged before covering myself with a blanket. "Night."

"You really like sleeping a lot, do ya? It's not a good cause of your health, you know." Mason pointed out.

"Yeah, well your face isn't a good cause of your health." I snorted, ignoring the blank look he was giving me, including Skittles herself.

"...Sadly, that wasn't even a good insult."

"Shut it Skittles!" I growled.

"Whatever, well see ya I guess." With that, Mason walked out of the room. Once the coast was clear, she spat out her food onto the ground and took out her book.

"You know, you can say it to them. They won't mind, not that they even care." I rolled my eyes while Skittles snorted and said "Like I said, I can't! They'll just-"

"Look! I don't give a damn! Now you need to stop cowering like a fool and tell them the truth! If you don't, then I'll tell them myself!" I exclaimed, causing her to glare daggers at me.

"You. Wouldn't. Dare." She said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, I would." I replied, glaring at her before turning my head away while covering myself with the blanket and said "Now excuse me, I rather go to sleep."

"...Fine. Do what you want." She said, but I felt as though I hurt her feelings. Hmph! Well it's her fault that she won't admit it. Though...maybe I went too harsh on her. Nah, why should I care?



W-what the hell? What's happening?! I see something statistical happening as I saw some vision of myself, having a machine on my head with my eyes closed like I was focusing. What's going on? Why is this happening?

"In all honesty, I don't give a crap what happens to me. Even if we forget, we'll fight for everyone. We'll fight...for our hope."

What? What am I saying? For everyone's hope? Who am I even referring to? Why can't...I...re...mem...ber....




"Ugh!" I said, sweating nervously before looking over around my surroundings. I don't get it. What the hell happened? Why did I say all that? I don't understand any of this at all. Ugh, what's up with these dreams?

"Mr. Yamaki?" Huh? Oh hey, it's him. I saw the doctor entering our room with a curious look on his face. "Is everything alright? I heard a sound coming in here."

"N-nothing doc. I'm fine." I scoffed, not interested to tell him what I witnessed.

"I see. Oh well, it doesn't matter because I have some good news for you and Rainbow Dash." I raised a brow at him, wondering what's this 'good news' he's got for us. "Rainbow Dash?"

I glanced over and saw she was still reading that book underneath the covers with a lantern in there. Wait a minute, where the hell did she even get that? 

"Rainbow Dash!" The doc called, gaining her attention as she immediately looked out of her blanket and saw us. 

"O-oh! Good evening-"

"Morning." What? Already?! Huh, time really do fly when you sleep. Then again, this is me we're talking here.

"...Morning. Doc." Skittles chuckled sheepishly.

"Have you been up all night?" The doc questioned with a raised brow, looking at the lantern on her bed before she took it away from him.

"Uh, of course not." She opened it, releasing the fireflies out of them. How did she even get those fireflies in the hospital? Seriously, what more stuff does this hospital even have?

"Well I'll be quick with the both of ya. Congratulations, Rainbow Dash and Jack Yamaki, we're checking you both out of the hospital." I gawked upon hearing that. Is he frigging serious?!

"Are you frigging serious?!" I exclaimed in shock.

"What? Later today?" Skittles  asked, biting on her hoof in fear.

"No. Right now!" Doc grinned.

"Right now?!" She gasped. "Right now right now?"

"Right now right now." 

"Well that's a relief." I sighed as the nurses raced over and immediately handed me my clothes after taking off my casts off and I was surprised to see my left arm and right leg are feeling so much better than usual. I decided to take off my night gown and put back my regular clothes before noticing the others were watching me. "Hey! Can't a man like me have his privacy?!"

"O-oh! Sorry Mr. Yamaki!" Doc chuckled nervously before he covered my side of the room with the curtains as I began taking off my night gown and putting back my regular biker clothes. Ahh, feels good...

Hm? What the? What the hell is happening back there? It sounds like somebody's putting up a fight. As soon as I came out of the curtains, I saw one of the nurses pushing a struggling Skittles on a wheelchair.

"W-wait! But I don't feel better!" She argued, glancing back at her bed with a frightened and worried look.

"Now take it easy you two. Remember to stay off that wing for a week." The doc stated, ignoring Skittles struggle. "And same goes to you Mr. Yamaki. Try not to sprain your arm and leg for a week as well."

"Yeah yeah whatever." I let out a yawn before walking out of the place before exiting out of the place with the nurse pushing Skittles outside, leaving the wheelchair with her out there. Hmph! Guess they just don't care about property.

I stretched my back a little with a tooth-eating grin on my face. "Ah ha ha ha! Feeling good as new!"

"Not for me!" Skittles exclaimed in misery,. "How will I ever find out what happens to Daring Do?!"

"What do ya mean? Didn't ya finished the book?" I questioned.

"No!" She buried her face through her hooves before explaining "I was so close to the end! I was at the part where she's get herself into a tomb, her body immobilized, with snakes, spiders, booby traps! Ugh! Why must it end?!"

"Tch! Whatever. You can just go the library and pick a book there." I scoffed, causing her to wail more.

"No! I can't! If Twilight and Jamie finds out that I love reading books then they'll find out that I'm an egghead!" She exclaimed, causing me to growl angrily before yelling "Well if you stop wailing like a goddamn baby, then maybe you can go and tell them!"

"I won't!" She snorted, not wanting to do it.

"Stop being such a coward and tell them yourself! You can't always hide this from them!"

"Well sorry, but I can't! I need to find out what happens or else-" She stopped herself before forming a smirk.

"Oh god, what now?" I questioned.

"Just you wait Jack Yamaki. I got a plan to get it." Skittles rubbed her hooves together with a mischievous smirk on her face.

"Well do what you want. I'm gonna go and get some rest. See ya." I scoffed before taking my leave. "See ya later, I suppose. And good luck on whatever you're planning."

"Yeah yeah, see ya I guess." Skittles chuckled in a devilish way before entering back into the hospital. I shrugged before walking back to that home-ship place. I'm gonna go and eat some grub to rest up at least....Actually, first...

"Aah!" Huh? I turned around to see Skittles getting kicked out of the hospital by one of the nurses. "Jerks!"

"So...plan failed, eh?" I asked with a smirk. She glared at me angrily before muttering "S-shut up Jack!"

"Look, just ask those two nerds back at their library and get the damn book from them?" I suggested.

"No! If they do, then that means they'll find out that I'm an egghead!" She exclaimed in anger and worried. I let out a sigh before saying "Look, just because you're gonna tell them something that you now like isn't gonna be disappointing. You just gotta man up and just spill the beans to them. I don't give a damn if they mock me, they'll soon accept me and learn to admire it. They'll learn to admire you. Besides, they laughed at you because you dislike books, they'll be proud of ya if you learn to read books."

"...I-I don't know." Skittles muttered, unsure about that.

"Look, just take my advice. I'll be on my way." With that, I began to take my leave and head out to mind my own business, heading over to my destination and it's not the home-ship.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?!" Skittles demanded.

"Minding my own business, that's all." I replied before taking my leave. Hopefully, Skittles won't do anything too crazy and stupid like I would do....Ah, who am I kidding? She is gonna do something too crazy and stupid. I always do crazy and stupid things since I was a young boy.



I can't believe I'm going here in this place, but this is for Rainbow's sake. I knocked on the door, only for a small purple dragon to answer it.

"Oh hey, you're that Jack guy, right?" Spike asked with a smile.

"Yeah, that's me. Where's that blue haired nerd and the purple chick friend of yours? I need to tell them something." I said with a serious look before entering the place.

"Well yeah. They're just finishing up with some research, that's all." Spike answered with a raised brow of confusion. "Why do you meet them?"

"I just wanna tell them something, that's all." I replied, not eager to share it with him. "So where the hell are they?"

"Huh? W-what's up with all this ruckus?" Looks like my question was answered. I turned over to see Twilight and Jamie coming out of the kitchen with books in their hands until they noticed me. "O-oh! Jack!" Jamie felt surprised to me as he continued "Y-you're out  of the hospital already? Looks like the doctor's healing magic really did help in a short while."

"Felt like an entire day pass, alright?" I scoffed before crossing my arms. "Anyway, I just wanna see ya two in need."

"You...want us to see us?" Twilight questioned. "Why?"

"Just for Skittles' sake before she might do something more crazy than I would do." 

I heard a chortle before turning to Spike, who was trying his best not to laugh. "S-Skittles? Are you talking about Rainbow Dash?"

"Who do ya expect with rainbow colored mane?" I asked with a growl before turning to the nerds and asked "Now listen, there's something I need to tell ya guys about Skittles."

"What about Rainbow Dash? Is there something wrong with her?" Jamie asked in worried. "O-oh! Is she still in the hospital?"

"Nah, she's out of there. Look, I just wanna tell ya about about her little secret while we stayed in the hospital." I grinned. "See..."

I stopped myself, realizing that I couldn't say anything else. I don't know why, but I felt hesitation. I didn't know why until I remember Skittles' promise with her. I made a promise and like my old man said, never break a promise. I made a direct promise to her and I can't let her down.

"N-Nevermind..." I sighed, confusing them a bit.

"What? Didn't you just say that there was a secret she had during both of your stay at the hospital? Twilight questioned. 

"Yeah, what made you change your mind?" Jamie asked in concern.

"I said none of your damn business!" I yelled angrily, frightening him.

"S-Sorry!" He squealed in fear.

"Look, I change my mind. Look, I'm gone. Sorry for wasting your time or whatnot." I rolled my eyes before taking my leave.

"Umm...bye, I guess?" Twilight waved goodbye before I slammed the door closed as I began to leave. What's the point now? I made a promise to Skittles and I can't break it. Ugh, and here I was, so ready to tell them the truth and look what happened. Great, guess I'll just keep her secret until she's ready to tell them the truth. Whatever, I'm just gonna go over and find my pet Guinea Pig, Jo Jo.



Later
KNOCK-KNOCK!

Well it was quite easy to find her home since I've been before. I was in front of Fluttershy's cottage, which was outside of town. As soon as I knocked on the door, a familiar orange haired boy answered the door.

"Oh hey Jack! You're back already?" Ren asked with a slight smile. 

"Yeah yeah, I get it. You're surprised to see me, but right now, I came here to see that girlfriend of yours to get back Jo Jo." I demanded.

"Well Fluttershy's around the back with Kodiak. You can over there and see for yourself." Ren explained.

"Thanks..." I sighed before asking "So what exactly are you doing here? What? Sleeping with your girlfriend?"

"No!" Ren exclaimed, feeling embarrassed by that. "O-Of course not! I was here for some lessons about love, that's all!"

"Lessons about...love?" What in the world is this dope talking about now?

"Yeah, you see, at first, I never understood about how to get a girlfriend or any of the signs on knowing if a girl likes you." Ren explained. "But ever since before you, Rantaro, and Jamie came, Fluttershy and I shared our kiss and it made me realize that she developed feelings on me because of my personality and encouragement, so she and I decided to start our relationship while she teaches me about romance."

...No comment about this. How dimwitted is this kid? Ugh, whatever. Not even interested.

"Whatever. I'm out." I scoffed before heading over to the back, encountering some small critters.

"Umm...see ya Jack! I'll catch ya later back at the home-ship." Whatever, I have not time with him. Soon, I arrived to the backyard before becoming surprised to see how wide it was and seeing how looked almost like a sanctuary. Jesus, just how did she managed to make all this?

"Oh, hello there Jack." Huh? I turned around to see Fluttershy walking over with a smile on her face while the mutt that Ren always like to hang out was with her as well. "I wasn't expecting to see you coming out of the hospital so soon already. Is Rainbow Dash out of there too?"

"Yeah, same time as me." I shrugged in a nonchalant way before saying "Look, I came here for Jo Jo. Have you seen him?"

"Oh, he's over by with the small critters. I was planning on feeding him some food." Fluttershy smiled.

"Yeah yeah, whatever." I scoffed harshly before asking "Just hurry up. I'll wait."

"O-Okay!" She nodded before flying over to this small sanctuary she said that she kept him there. 

"So how it's going? Is Rainbow feeling alright? She sure acted weird, huh?" Kodi kept asking me questions, which started to annoy me.

"Look, stop asking me dumb questions, alright mutt?" I demanded, letting out a huff. "But yeah, Skittles is alright."

"Wow, you really like calling her that, do ya?" Kodi blinked in surprise as I stated "Well of course. I'll call her or anyone else whatever I feel like." 

"Well alright. But you know, you don't have to be so grouchy." I glared at the husky, who looked at me with a worried look. "I mean, you can't be rude to my friends whenever you feel so angry. I hear it from some of the others and I thought I should let you know."

Really? From the others? Why do I have the feeling the complaining mostly came from a certain purple haired loon? 

"Whatever, that just show how tough I am." I rolled my eyes before crossing my arms in a huff while glancing towards me with a confused look.

"Huh? Shows how tough you are? Do you really think so that could make you tough? I don't think even Jamie would approve of that." Kodi sighed, causing me to raise a brow at him.

"What? The blue haired nerd?" I asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah, he always dream about getting strong one day, and I know he will. So does my pal, Ren. He believes that he'll become the strongest guy, not physical like muscles and fat, but by spirit. That way, he can be able to stand up to himself and help defending us from bad guys." Kodi explained, which made feel interested in hear that. So that's what the brat wants huh? Just to be strong? Hmm...I wonder if I can help him by that. "Oh but don't worry, Ren suggested that Mason should help him whenever he needs it to make him strong."

What? That red scared wearing guy? Well he is quite strong, I'll admit. He even once blocked my own punch when I was too angry to even control myself.

"I see..." I said before began thinking about wanting to help out the scrawny nerd. Hmm, maybe I can help him.

"I'm back!" Well look who finally showed up. Fluttershy flew back in with Jo Jo in her hooves. "And I brought back Jo Jo with me, just like I promised."

"Thanks." I said as Jo Jo became excited to see me again before jumping into my hands and climbing inside my coat, tickling me a bit before climbing up to my shoulder and nuzzled my cheek. "Heh, good to see ya too bud and I'm glad to see you weren't in the hospital with me for a few days. Must've been lucky."

"Same way. He must've been either inside somewhere in your body to not get cushion by the impact or jump out of the way from your shirt when he noticed the moment Rainbow Dash was about to crash to you." Fluttershy suggested.

"Ugh...don't remind me." I sighed, not eager to remember that. I just want to bury it into the depths of my brain. "Anyway, I came what I wanted for. Tell Ren I said goodbye."

"Oh...okay." Fluttershy softly smiled before I took my leave.

"Yeah! We'll see ya later!" Kodi added before I began to head over back home to the home-ship. It's getting boring now and I want something to eat. I heard Jo Jo letting out a yawn, meaning that he has his stomach full and want to get some sleep. Whatever, I'm just tired as well. 



"Hey! I'm back!" I called, entering back into the home-ship and encountering Mason and his little sister of his.

"Oh hi Jack!" Carrie waved hello to me, her mouth stuffed with some toast and eggs.

"Carrie, remember it's rude to eat with food in your mouth." Mason said in a soft but stern tone of voice. 

Carrie let out a gulp and finished up her food before saying "Yes big brother! Sorry!"

"Thank you." He smiled before turning to me and said "Hey Jack, I see you came out of the hospital, eh?"  

"Well of course. I just came over from the library and from that yellow Pegasus' cottage to grab Jo Jo." I replied, crossing my arms.

"Huh? Why were you in the library?" Carrie asked curiously.

"I was there to just ask the blue haired nerd and that purple pony just a simple question before I changed my mind." I snorted before feeling my stomach rumbling. "By the way, I'm getting hungry. When can we eat?"

"I'm already done cooking breakfast since Ren, Kaede, and Jamie left." Mason answered.  "Rantaro took his just a little while later. Don't know where the heck did he go, but I wouldn't mind since he can't leave town due to being in this world."

"Whatever..." I scoffed. Still stuck on some colorful world with magical talking ponies. Why the hell are we even in here in the first place? I want to remember, but I just can't remember. And all those dreams I had...are they related to my memories because I clearly don't remember them. Ugh, who cares? I rather just get some sleep and think about it as some dream. Actually, speaking of which...

"Hey, can I ask a question?" I asked curiously.

"Hmm...I'm afraid that you can ask me later. Right now, I have to take Carrie to school." Mason said.

"Oh, so the little girl goes to school, eh?" I asked curiously.

"You didn't know that?" Mason asked incredulous. "Don't you even noticed her gone from last week, Monday through Friday?" 

"I don't bother looking over some stuff like that. I rather eat, sleep, and find something that doesn't bore me." I scoffed. "Besides, all I did back at the hospital was eat their grubby food and just slept a lot."

"For a biker, you sure don't though a lot of stuff, huh?." Carrie looked at me with an innocent look while I gave her a blank stare.

"...No one asked ya, alright? Besides, those things always help keep my body grow stronger." I scoffed.

"No...no it does not." Mason said dryly before saying "Look, I gotta go and take my sister. I'll see ya later."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." I sighed before taking my leave and said "I'm just gonna have some breakfast."

"Knock yourself out, but please don't empty the fridge when we come back, please?" Mason said with a stern look before he and Carrie took their leave. Hmph! Who does he think he is. What? I don't eat all the food out of the fridge. Since frigging when? Oh, who cares? I'm hungry anyway.

I walked over to the counter and grabbed my breakfast, which consist of eggs, toast, pancakes, and orange juice. Great, no bacon or anything? I understand we're living in a world where no one here eats meat, but come on! Maybe that casino arcade can whip me up some bacon? Then again, maybe not. If one of those pony friends of theirs came into the home-ship and saw me eating meat, I can't imagine how they react. That yellow Pegasus accepted us easily due to being such a coward and too much of a nice girl, but the others aren't be easy to greet. Oh whatever, I don't care. What matters is just relaxing and eating this breakfast.

I sat down on the dining table before scarfing down the food in front of me and drinking the OJ juice in a second as I let out a loud burp of satisfaction. Feels good...

Soon, I settled the plate and glass cup into the sink the moment I saw Mason entering back into the home-ship.

"Ah, so you're back, eh?" I questioned with a slightly surprised look.

"Well, the school was ten minutes away, so of course I would come back that fast." Mason replied. "But anyway, guess it's just the two of us here today, huh?"

"Shouldn't you go and work on that damn farm of that Apple farmer pony?" I questioned.

"She said that I can have the day-off today, so there's nothing much." He sighed before softly smiling at me. "But overall, I guess I can meditate and relax for a moment."

"Sure, whatever floats your boat." I rolled my eyes, not appreciating his ways on relaxing. If I ever had a job and took the day off, I would do something awesome or sleep the whole day or so. 

"Oh, by the way, what was it you wanted to ask me?" 

"Huh?" I asked in a confused manner.

"You said that you wanted to ask me something, right? So what is it?" He reminded me, which I soon realized what he meant.

"Oh right. Anyway, I was wondering about the blue haired nerd..."

"You mean Jamie?" Mason questioned, which I nodded as he asked "What about him?"

"Well I learn from that talking mutt, Kodi, that he wants to be strong." I said, surprising Mason a bit. "Is that true? It makes sense after seeing him flinch many times."

Mason let out a heavy sigh before saying "Yes, it is true. Jamie lacks self-confidence in himself because of the times of his treatment from his father and others from time to time."

"From his own dad?" I asked, feeling surprised and irritated about that. So even his old man picked on him as well?

"Why yes. After all, he had no time raising his own children due to work businesses with the company." Mason nodded before continuing "But Jamie was bullied multiple times, developing fear of trusting others on whoever he meets and wishes to be strong, both physically and emotionally."

"I see, that explains a lot." I snorted, which confused Mason. "He keeps acting like a coward and can't fight back. But after seeing him get too angry over me and Skittles not wanting to read, I can see how he would react like that."

"Me too. I saw him get angry like that once before we all first met him." Mason crossed his arms in thought before saying "But even so, I still worry for him. I can't imagine what else could happened to him. It could lead him to possibly commit suicide or worse. I just...want to help him."

"Does he even know that?"

"No...I know about that, but he never asked about that. Sure I gave him a good talk about wanting to be strong and come to me whenever he feels to, but I bet he's still wondering thinking about it for a while." Mason shrugged. 

"I see." I stretched my left arm a bit, not wanting to strain it before saying "Well I can help toughen him up."

"What?" He questioned in confusion.

"Yeah! I'll toughen the nerd up. If he wants to get stronger, then I'm his guy!" I smirked, which caused Mason to raise a brow.

"You? Helping Jamie out?" Mason wondered before scoffing "I somehow highly doubt that."

"And what exactly does that supposed to mean?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Sure, you may be strong, but I still sense that you're still immature." He pointed out, causing me to growl angrily at him.

"So?! Who gives a damn?! I can totally train him!" I exclaimed angrily.

"It's best if I help him out with his problems." Are you kidding me?! No way I'm gonna let that happen!"

"No! It should be me! I can toughen the brat up than you can!"

"Really? You want to bet?" He raised a brow while the two of us glared at each other until we heard the door opened, revealing a familiar orange haired boy and his talking dog.

"Hey guys, what's up?" He asked with a smile before noticing us glaring at each other. "Umm...is everything alright?"

"Ah, Ren, Kodiak, sorry if you have to see us arguing again." Mason said with an apologetic look. 

"Don't mind us, we're fine." Kodi assured before asking "So why are you guys fighting now?"

"To show which one of us can toughen up the nerd." I answered. 

"Nerd?" Ren questioned before realizing who I'm referring to. "Do you mean Jamie?"

"Exactly. I want to help him overcome his damn problems, but this guy here..." I pointed over to Mason with an angry and serious look on my face and said "But this guy thinks that I don't got the guts to help him out at all."

"Yes, that's what I mean. You're too immature, irresponsible, and despite your determination, you get too hot-headed and have a short fused." Mason stated, causing me to turn to him with a scowl.

"Oh? You really like insulting me, do ya brat?" I asked.

"I'm just stating the facts. I can tell when someone acts like this, you know. I've seen many people like you who gets too angry easily." Mason said, narrowing his eyes a bit before I got closer to his face with a smirk and said "Well alright then. Then why not we have a contest? Who ever wins it gets to train Jamie."

"Alright, it's a deal." Mason smirked. "So how should we do this?"

"Well we're gonna have an endurance contest. Someplace that has a sauna or something to prove how we can handle the heat." I suggested with a grin.

"Alright, deal then. I know the perfect place for that and the money for it." Mason smirked back at me.

"This is getting out of paw, Ren." Kodi whispered to his owner, who nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it's best if we get out of here." Ren suggested as he and the mutt were about to leave until we stopped him.

"Hold it kid!" I called, causing Ren and Kodi to stop as I continued "We need a referee to watch over our little contest!"

"What? You mean me?" Ren asked in surprise.

"Well you aren't doing anything besides reading your mangas and such, so I see why not." Mason smiled before crossing his arms and said "Well Ren? What do you say?"

"I-I don't know you guys, don't you two think you're going way too far-"

"Who cares?! Let's get going now!" I demanded before grabbing the boy and lifting him up by the shoulders, much to his surprise.

"H-hey! Wait! Stop!" Ren begged before we exited out of the home-ship together, with the dog following after us with a sigh as he muttered "Oh boy, this can't be good..."

Ha, time for the bodyguard to see how strong I am in endurance competition! I'm a biker and us bikers are quite strong to face challenges such as these! Though, I wonder what kind of place he knows that owns a sauna?



Later
"This is it?" I asked curiously.

"The staff says so." Mason nodded as we were looking through the doorway that lead to the sauna. We were in some sort of spa place. I wasn't a fan of this kind of stuff, but hey, at least we can do our endurance contest here at least. 

"So are you guys gonna do your endurance contest by going through the sauna?" Ren asked curiously.

"Hell yeah we are! We're gonna fight through the heat and prove that once and for all that I'm more stronger than him!" I exclaimed.

"Well, I have endured heatwaves such as this, so this shouldn't be a problem." Mason smiled. "You ready?"

"It...Is...on!" I formed a cocky grin before we took off our clothes and wrapped our bodies with towels while Ren and Kodi felt worried about this.

"Hey you guys, I'm all for fun, but this sounds too dangerous." Ren said in concern. "I mean, you did come out of the hospital, right Jack?"

"I told ya that I'm fine now!" I exclaimed before muttering "As long as I don't sprain my arm and leg too hard."

"What?" He asked, not hearing what I said.

"Nothing." I scoffed before turning to Mason, who was wearing nothing but a white towel wrapped around his torso. "So, you ready?"

"Hold up." Mason replied before bending down to his clothes and allowed two little critters coming out, which I realized that they were squirrels. So what? He has pet squirrels? Just what is this dude? Mother nature or something crappy as that? 

"Here Ren, please watch over them." Mason handed the black and white squirrels to him, which he accepted. Speaking of which...

"Yeah, take mine as well." I said, allowing him to watch over Jo Jo as he sniffed at Ren's hands for a bit before crawling over to him.

"Okay. Just be careful, you two." Ren said, allowing the two small critters on top of his head.

"Yeah! We don't want you guys to get too steamy in there." Kodi added.

"Do not worry, I'll be fine." Mason assured before turning to me with a serious and confident look on his face. "So...are we ready?"

"I was ready since I already picked out this competition. Let's go now." I stated before we headed into the sauna and sat down before Mason turned the temperature up to go and endure this together. Ooh, it feels so hot in here that I can almost taste my sweat.

"Ugh...feeling the heat, Jack?" Mason taunted.

"In your frigging dreams, Mason!" I growled, clenching my fists and gritting my teeth in enduring this much heat. "I can do this!"

"Sure, say what you want!" Mason growled as we continued through the endurance competition. It felt like hours being here because we remained inside of the thing with struggling looks on our faces. What with Mason having a meditation pose with his legs crossed while I tried my best to hold it in.

"H-hey, Jack." Mason spoke up, feeling exhausted.

"What, idiot?" I asked, feeling exhausted as well.

"You know, you can just give up because I'm winning this thing."

"Why don't you shut the hell up and keep on focusing? I'm winning this damn thing, no matter what! Then you'll see who's the best!"

"Umm...hey guys?" We looked over through the sauna door window and saw Ren with a curious yet worried look. "You two should probably get out now. I know you two wanna prove that you're the strongest in this endurance contest, but don't you think you've done enough?"

"SHUT UP!" We both shouted in unison, causing the boy to take a step back from that. 

"Alright, fine, keep going then...I won't stop ya..." We heard him sigh as we continued on this competition. Okay, this is it! It's time for us to finish it! All the way to the max! 

One Hour Later
"Well, I'm almost dead. Should've thought this through."

"And this is what I get for playing stupid."  Yeah, you think? It was a whole hour and we found out that we were fully exhausted and too hot to move our bods as the staff saw this and attempted to cool us down in a nice cold bath, which was filled with ice cubes.

"Well I thought I never see you two do something like that." We glanced over at Ren and Kodiak, who were still holding onto our pets as they shook their heads in amusement. "But I'm glad you two didn't get any serious injuries."

"Yeah, but at least now its over." Mason sighed in relief before turning over to me and said "But you know, you're quite good in endurance, Jack Yamaki."

"Same to ya, Mason Hunter." I made a tooth-eating grin, causing the two boys to snicker at us.

"I agree with that." Mason nodded.

"So you guys are gonna be okay?" Kodi asked in worried. "I mean, with you taking all the heat, I say you two were pretty impressive."

"Well of course! Bikers like us are always tough to endure stuff like that." I chuckled. 

"Seems so." Mason smiled before stretching his arms. "Well, looks like we're finally cooled off. Wanna head home?"

"Sure. Next time, let's have another competition, Mason." I laughed before we exited out of the ice tub and stretched our backs a little.

"I await for it." Mason nodded before we began putting our clothes back on.

"Speaking of which, you two ended up in a tie." Ren pointed out. "So who's gonna train Jamie?"

Me and Mason looked at each other before laughing loudly, probably echoing all over the place before I replied "I say leave it to us."

"Yeah, I think that we can train him together as a team. We're both strong." Mason agreed as we finally managed to put on our clothes back on and gotten ready to leave this place as soon as Ren handed us back our pets, much to our joy. "Now come on, let's leave."

"I'll go and pay the clerks. Luckily, I have enough bits to pay for them." Ren smiled before we began to take our leave, placing some bits down on the counter for the clerk to handle it before we headed outside, seeing how it's past noon already as the sun was nearly closing in. 

"Man, already?" Kodi wondered. "Man, looks like we almost wasted the entire day."

"Well it was worth it, boy." Ren smiled, scratching him underneath his chin as he began wagging his tail excitedly. "At least we got to enjoy watching Mason and Jack endured through all that heat through the sauna. I think some of the stuff were watching you both go through it."

We blushed in embarrassment upon knowing that fact as I scoffed and looked away and Mason covering his mouth with his scarf, trying to hide his blush. Well, I don't know if that's embarrassing or great to have some admirers watching us have our endure competition.

"Get back here you slipper thief!" Huh? What the? We looked over to our left to see something racing out of there in a blur, but I knew where that blur since I felt it before.

"Skittles?" I said aloud. What's going on now? We saw several ponies that I identified as staff from the hospital and one of them looks like they were a patient or something.

"What in the world?" Mason questioned.

"Hey guys, what's happening?" Kodi asked in confusion.

"Only one way to find out! Come on!" Ren raced ahead towards them, which we did the same as we raced over towards where they were. The Golden Oaks Library as we saw a dangling Skittles hanging on top of the tree branches.

"Rainbow Dash, what in the world is going on? Why are you stealing slippers?" The doctor demanded. Soon, we started to hear barking before we turned around, only to widened our eyes to see that the one doing the barking was one of the patients.

"Hey, get back to the hospital!" A security guard pony demanded, which he did and ran back to the hospital.

"...Somebody should send that pony to an asylum." I commented loudly, which the gang couldn't help but nodded in agreement.

"What's all the ruckus?" We turned around to see Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Jamie, as well as Rantaro coming in with confused and irritated looks on their faces.

"Yeah, we could hear it all the way from the Carousel Boutique." Kaede added.

"Oh, I'd say it's more of a fracas than a ruckus." Pinkie stated.

"Who cares? What's going on here?" Mason demanded, glaring at Skittles.

"That's what I wanna know too." We turned over to see Twilight and Jamie poking their heads out of the windows and looking over at the dangling Skittles. "What's going on, Rainbow Dash?"

"And...why are you holding onto that Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone novel?" Jamie questioned with a raised brow.

Skittles felt hesitate to answer to that before glancing over to me as I crossed my arms and nodded. She let out a sigh, realizing that she can't hide it anymore.

"I'm an egghead..." She answered, confusing the others.

"Pardon?" Rarity asked, not following what she meant.

"She means that she loves reading books." I spoke up, trying to get it to their little heads.

"Rainbow Dash?...Reading?" Mason raised a brow before crossing his arms in a huff with a deadpan look on his face. "I find that hard to believe."

"Yeah, me too." Kodi nodded in agreement. "I mean, since when did she ever love reading?"

"Well that novel she's reading is one thing." Ren pointed out.

"It's all true." Skittles sighed before turning back to Jamie and Twilight. "See, I was trying to get back into the hospital to finish the last chapter of-"

"Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone!" Twilight finished Skittles' sentenced, seeing the novel in her hooves.

"You got me..." She sighed, lowering her head in an angry but shameful way.

"Wow, I knew the book was good, but I didn't know it could drive someone to petty thievery!" Jamie exclaimed in shock.

"Good? Try awesomely amazing!" Skittles smirked. "That book is undeniably, unquestionably, un-put-down-able! But then I had to put it down; I was sent home before I could finish it."

"Well, we're glad that's all this is about." Twilight replied with a soft smile.

"There's no reason to around causing a ruckus-"

"Fracas!" Pinkie Pie corrected, interrupting Kaede, sticking her tongue out and closing her eyes afterwards. 

"Uhh...causing a fracas..." Kaede said, correcting her previous statement. "Just because you like to read."

"Indeed. We're all glad that you're enjoying the book." Mason smiled. "As well as reading."

Looks like the hospital staff learned about this, they left in an angry way.

"Do ya feel better yet, Skittles?" I asked, causing her to give me a look. "No one cares what you said about what you called them."

"It was eggheads." Kodi stated.

"Right...Anyway, like I said before, everybody will soon admire your skills. No need and go stealing something." I said with crossed arms.

Skittles sighed before smiling at me and said "You're right..." She looked over to Twilight and Jamie and asked "Twilight! Jamie! I need to borrow that book right now!"

Jamie and Twilight chuckled before the latter said "Of course Rainbow Dash, come on in."

"Well everypony! Let's get us back to sleep then!" Applejack said, which everyone nodded.

"Great, just wasted ten minutes of my time listening to some stupid reason to steal some book from a hospital?" Rantaro questioned before sighing "Oh well, I have no interest in listening and staying here."

With that, he took his leave while everyone else headed back to their homes, leaving me, Mason, Ren, Kodiak, Twilight, Skittles, and Jamie behind. As Twilight, Jamie, and Skittles were about to head in, I stopped Jamie as I called "Hey Jamie!"

"Huh?" Jamie halted before turning to me and asked "Y-yes?"

"Can we talk for a sec?"

"Umm...yes?" Jamie nodded before turning to Twilight and Skittles. "You guys can go ahead with me. I'll stay and talk with my...friends."

"Alright. See ya Jamie." Twilight smiled before she and Skittles headed inside to get that book.

"So...what is it? Is there a problem?" Jamie asked in confusion.

Me and Mason looked at each other for a moment before nodded as we turned back to the blue haired nerd before I said "Me and Mason had a little talk and I learned that you want to be strong, do ya?"

"O-oh!" Jamie gasped, feeling nervous about that. "W-well...umm..."

"It's okay Jamie, just tell them like you told me back in Canterlot." Ren assured with a soft grin. "Just tell them and everything will be alright."

"....A-Alright." Jamie put his hand to his chest and said "I-it's true, I want to change. I'm just...sometimes sick of not standing up to myself. I...I want to be strong. That way...I don't always have to coward from other."

"...Well today's your lucky day!" I put my hand onto his shoulder, with a little force on it. "Me and Mason decided after a little contest that we'll train ya together."

"Yes. We'll help you with your problems." Mason smiled, causing Jamie to look at us in surprise before smiling in relief.

"T-thank you all! I really appreciate it! Thank you all!" Jamie cried out, feeling excited that we accepted his offer. "I promise that I'll repay you back!"

"Nah, I'm good." I scoffed before saying "Now, tomorrow! We'll start our training tomorrow!"

"Yes. We'll start with some jogging. Fifty laps around the park." Mason suggested, shocking Jamie.

"F-fifty laps?!" Jamie gaped at that. 

"Yep! Relax, Ren is gonna be with ya." I made a tooth-eating grin, while Ren became shocked on hearing that.

"Wait wait wait, you're dragging me into this?!" Ren exclaimed in shock.

"Yeah! Now stop your whining and get ready for some training!" I shouted.

"Uhh...can I accompany?" Kodi offered, raising his paw.

I turned to Mason and asked "Should we?"

"I see why not." Mason shrugged. "Just be prepared to our training tomorrow morning."

"W-well...I have some studying up and-"

"Who cares about all that crap? No need for studying tonight." I said, crossing my arms.

"W-wait! But I need to study up! It's a hobby of mine to read up some books late at night!" Jamie exclaimed in worried.

"Well too bad. You need some rest. You look like crap, by the way." I pointed out with a smirk while Jamie gave me a blank look.

"Indeed. You need your rest or else you'll get a fever." Mason added.

"...A-Alright." Jamie sighed.

"I still can't believe I'm being a part of this." Ren sighed before smiling a bit. "Although, I guess a workout can't be that bad."

"But they said that we're gonna do fifty laps around the park." Kodi reminded him, which caused Ren to feel bummed out about that.

"Oh...right...I forgot." Ren sighed.

"Woo-hoo!" We turned to see Skittles herself bursting right out of the door with a happy smile on her face and held another book in her arms. "I did it! I got it!"

"Oh, so you already checked out the book?" Jamie asked with a smile.

"You betcha! It's gonna be great! Now I can see the final chapter of Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire!" Skittles grinned.

"I see...well anyway, I should go and get Carrie from school. I'll catch ya all later." Mason took his leave, going over to that school to pick up his little sister.

"I'm impressed Rainbow Dash, maybe you'll finally enjoy reading." I grinned, causing everyone to feel surprise to what I said. "What? What I say?"

"Y-you said my name instead of calling me 'Skittles'." She pointed out, causing me to realize my error before I scoffed and looked away from her. 

"S-so?"

"...Thanks Jack." Rainbow smiled. "And it's okay. You can call me Skittles whenever you want, fatty." 

"Hey!" I yelled, feeling offended on what she called me before I realized what she was pulling. I soon formed a smirk on my face and said "Ooh, clever little pony, eh?"

"You know me." Rainbow chuckled. "So what were you guys talking about?"

"Oh, well..." Ren and I looked at each other, wondering if we should tell her or not. But by the looks of seeing that scared look the nerd was having, I say it's best not to tell her. "It's a secret. Sorry Skittles."

"Really?!" Skittles asked in disbelief. "Well can you tell me at least?"

"But Dash, it wouldn't be a secret if we told ya." Kodi chuckled.

"He's got a point." Ren nodded in agreement.

"And when a man makes a promise, he keeps it." I added with a tooth-eating grin. "And I'm sorry that I can't tell ya Skittles."

"Oh fine. I got no time with ya fatty. I gotta go and read this book." Skittles said, showing me the novel before giving me a sly smirk and said "And I think you should enjoy reading too. It might help ya increase your brain power with imagination."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I demanded angrily.

"You know what I mean." Rainbow chuckled. 

"Well at first, you didn't like books at all! So don't give me excuse about that crap!"

"Well at least I'm enjoying reading than you! I'm now a huge fan of Daring Do!"

"Only for three days!"

"Yeah! I'm a great fan and I can't wait to read all her books!"

"If you haven't even read the books! Then that makes you just a fan!"

"Shut up!"

"Why don't you shut it Skittles?!"

"Same goes for you, fatty!"

As me and Dash continued arguing, I haven't noticed Ren, Jamie, and Kodi sweat-dropping at the scene.

"S-should we stop this?" Jamie questioned.

"Even if we did, they'll still fight with each other. You know how these two are." Ren pointed out.

"Yeah...let's go." Kodi suggested, which the two did as Jamie headed back inside of the library and the dog and Ren headed out. Don't mind us! This arguing is gonna take longer than we expected! Because I'm almost eager to teach Skittles a lesson about respect!
To Be Continued