//------------------------------//
// Act 21: Painless 
// Story: The Eight-Six Duo 
// by Fujimi200SX 
//------------------------------//

6:17AM, Ponyville.

Itsuki dozed in the backseat of his Levin, snugly tucked as far into said seat as he get himself. Outside, a Cerulean-coated pony with Rainbow Hair looked in with a smirk.

Knock Knock Knock

Itsuki stirred, but didn't wake.

Knock Knock Knock

"Mmmm..." Itsuki mumbled.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Itsuki groaned as he opened his eyes. "Whaaat?"

His eyes met that of Rainbow Dash's. He yawned.

Click

"You seriously left your car unlocked all night?" Dash asked as she opened a door.

Itsuki groaned. "I was tired, alright? I stayed up until like one in the morning. I could barely drive."

He yawned as he snuck between the seats, nearly losing his balance as he got out of the car. "So uh..." Another yawn. "What do you want?"

Dash stretched her wings. "I-eeee just wanted to show you something. A little thing for us to have fun together in."

"Oh? What's that?" Itsuki asked, also stretching. 

Dash unfurled her wings. "Follow me."

Itsuki unfurled his wings and the two took off, flying in the direction of the giant floating city known as Cloudsdale. Within five minutes, they were under it, heading for a small village beneath the city. It consisted of mostly small houses with garages galore. Only a few actual businesses were situated.

"What's this place?" Itsuki asked.

"It doesn't actually have a name, but most ponies call it Fieldsdale. Long story short, it allows Pegasi to actually own cars."

Itsuki looked up at Cloudsdale. "Makes sense. I doubt anyone could actually go up there with their car. They would just fall through."

"Ehhh, some cars can be up there. Usually Pegasi-Built ones."

Itsuki blinked. "Say what now?"

"I said some pegasi-built cars can go on clouds. I haven't driven one on a cloud myself, but going off of my old Cloudsdale Karting Days, it's probably like driving on snow."

"...Huh. Now I want to try it."

"Have fun getting a car up there."

"Shush."

Soon, the two landed in front of a small house. More specifically, a two car garage behind the house. When Itsuki asked why they were there, Dash only smirked and grabbed a handle on the bottom of the garage door. With a mighty pull, the door opened.

Itsuki's eyes widened. "Ohhhhohohkay Rainbow. What the heck is this?"

In the garage was a big, burly, beast of Equestrian Muscle. It was White in color, with a set of four headlights situated on either side of its chrome grille. Black stripes with red outlines ran across the sides and onto a spoiler on the trunk. Two similar but very wide twin stripes ran tastefully up the length of the hood, with two intake scoops on said hood. On the grille sat three letters.


G S X


"Rainbow Dash, holy crap. What is this."

"THIS... is an Apollo White Buick GSX 455. Equipped with the Stage 1 Performance Package,"

Itsuki had the dumbest smile on his face. "I have never heard of that but the way you said it makes it sound awesome... it LOOKS awesome!"

"Wait till you hear the sound." Dash opened the right door and got in. Itsuki just smiled as he walked over to the left side, opening the door. He took a moment to admire the wood-finish interior, and Rainbow Dash, before getting in.

It was at that moment that he realized he had just sat in the driver's seat.

"Wait... oh." Itsuki facehoofed. "You guys drive on the right side. I should probably-"

"Ohhh no you don't!" Dash yelled, reaching over and grabbing the belt buckle with a wing, bringing it over him. "YOU'RE gonna be drivin'."

Itsuki stared at her, dumbstruck. He looked forward, eyeing the key that had appeared in the ignition. A key that was currently being turned by Dash. The electricals came on, and the muffled sound of the fuel pump was heard.

"So..." Itsuki chuckled. "Is this yours?"

"Nope," Dash replied with a sly tone. "It's my dad's."

krrrunkarunkarunka-grrrrROOOOOOooooooooooogromgromgromgromgromgromgrom

"Ohhhhohohohhhhhh... Now THAT is an engine..."

grrrOOOoowllllroOOOOwllllllll

"Wait... Where's the rev gauge?"

Dash nervously chuckled. "Look outside. On the hood."

Itsuki looked on the hood, eyes widening when he saw what he had assumed was just an intake scoop. He revved the engine again, seeing a needle go up and down.

The tachometer was, for whatever reason, outside, on the hood.

"WHY."

Dash laughed. "I don't know! But hey, at least you can see how high you're revving easier."

"Hmph... Oh wow. Wait- 5000RPM?! Why does this thing rev so low?"

"Itsuki, we're in a thirty-something-year-old muscle car with a thirty-something-year-old 455 V8. Er, 7.5 Liter V8. What the heck do you expect from it?"

"SEVEN POINT FIVE LITERS?"

"Yeah. It's pretty big, isn't it?"

"How much power does it make?"

"Ohh... a little over four hundred. With 520 foot-pounds of torque."

"Hoh!" Itsuki revved the engine a few times. "Without a turbo?"

"Yep. All-natural."

"Damn... We never got giant engines like these back in Japan. I think the biggest we got was three liters, and that was from the Supra. The new Toyota Century has a Five Liter V12, but that's a full-on luxury car."

"Waitwaitwait hold on, a TOYOTA CENTURY has a V12?"

"Yep! 1GZ-FE!"

"Dang. I'll need to look that up. Anyways, you're driving. Let's go."

Itsuki looked forward, taking in a breath. "Ok."

He put the clutch in, then shifted into first gear, pressing on the throttle. However, he pressed the throttle and let off the clutch too fast, causing the Buick to jolt forward out of the garage.

"Dangit!" Itsuki yelped as the garage door closed behind them.

"It's fine! As long as you don't crash, we're good."

Itsuki brought the car around the house and onto the road. He tentatively accelerated down the road, listening to the V8 rumble. The speedometer slowly went up, though Itsuki seemed annoyed.

Why does this thing only go up to 120? he wondered.

He accelerated more and more, watching the speedometer increase, unaware of how fast they were going.

"Itsuki what are you doing?!" Dash yelled as the speedometer went up 60.

"Trying to get to a good- wait what this isn't sixty!"

"The speedometer is in MILES PER HOUR! Not kilometers!"

"OH! THAT'S WHY! Sorry!"

They were soon cruising at a brisk pace down a rural road. Itsuki, having gotten used to using Miles Per Hour, piped up.

"So where'd your dad get this thing?"

"Oh, a couple decades ago. Before I was even born," Dash explained. "My dad apparently got during some fuel crisis for SUPER cheap, knowing how rare it was. Oh by the way, less then two hundred of these were built in this color."

"So don't crash?" Itsuki suggested.

"Took the words right outta my mouth." Dash grunted as she stretched. "Eeeeyup. This car is a rare one. Which means it's a fun one."

"Heh. Yeah. Sounds good and holy CRAP the acceleration is amazing. My problem with it is how heavy it feels. And this STEERING! Holy crap how shaky can a steering wheel be?"

"It's from nearly forty years ago! Cars were just like this back then. Just be lucky it has power steering."

"Hm. So, did your dad say we could drive his car?"

Dash tittered. "Ehhh... yes and no. I didn't ask if I could drive it this morning, but he did say to look after it. I doubt he'd mind me driving around in it a little."

"Ohhh so we're taking it for a Joyride?"

"Not Joyride! It's my dads. I just went to his room, grabbed the keys, and... and..." Dash sighed. "Ok, yes, we're taking it for a little Joyride. Nothing crazy, just having some fun."

"So, we're NOT gonna be running from the cops?"

"HA! No! I hope not! There's a side of me that wants to see how well this baby would do against the cops, but uhhh... yeah."

Itsuki smirked. "Hm. Hey, maybe I should meet your parents. Are they in town?"

"They'll be back sometime around noon actually. Except, I dunno if you wanna meet em'..."

"Why?"

"They can be a little... 'oversupportive' of me. Is all. It's pretty embarrassing."

"Oh I don't think that's bad. What's a couple hours with them?"

Dash sighed. "I dunno..."

grooOOOOOOOOMMrrr- chunk- GROOOOOO-

The two yelped at the hard acceleration, Itsuki especially. He let of the gas and laughed.

"Ok, tha-hat acceleration is freaking AWESOME!"

Dash returned the laugh. "Yeah! It really is, isn't it?"

"WAY more than my Eight-Six! Man, I'm gonna HAVE to ask Celestia for some money so I can upgrade it. Holy CRAP it's just... wow."

Pretty soon, they came to a stop at a stop sign near Ponyville. Another car came up next to them. A red SN95 II Mustang GT. Though it was a muscle car, it sure didn't look like one. It looked like a typical sports car.

"Helloooo..." Itsuki trailed, eyeing the Mustang as it's window rolled down. He rolled his down, which was hard considering he had hooves and it was a manual window.

"You guys up for a race?" the stallion in the Mustang asked. "To the next stop sign?"

"Uhh..." Itsuki glanced at Dash, who gave an approving nod. He looked back. "Yeah, sure. Why not?"

"Alright! I'll start. Ready?"

Itsuki would have responded had Dash not pushed his right leg, the leg on the accelerator, down a little to rev the engine.

The other pony laughed. "I'll ta-hake that as a yes! Alright! Here we go!"

Itsuki bit his lip, ready to shift.

"THREE! TWO! ONE! GO!"

Itsuki, momentarily shocked by the fast countdown, watched the Mustang accelerate ahead. He quickly put the accelerator to the floor, causing the GSX to launch from it's spot, spinning the tires. Itsuki yelped as he let off the accelerator to resume grip, then pressed on the accelerator as hard as he could.

Despite the Mustang's quick start, the GSX powered ahead, unleashing its 420HP and 510 ft-lb's of torque into the tarmac.

"HOLY CRAP!" Itsuki yelled as he shifted gears, reaching 60 in just under six seconds.

Before anypony knew it, they had reached the next stop sign, prompting Itsuki to hit the brakes and stop just a little past it. Soon, the Mustang came up beside, it's driver practically howling in laughter.

"Now THAT is some classic Equestrian Muscle!"

Itsuki and Dash returned the laugh. "Yeah! It's freaking amazing!" the former stated.

"It sure is! How much power does it make?"

"Over 400," Dash said. "With over 500 foot pounds of torque."

"Daaang. Nice. Well, good luck with that. Get a supercharger and you'll be pushing 600 easily. Anyways, see you later!"

"Bye!"

The Mustang took a left turn, it's V8 quietly rumbling as it accelerated away. Itsuki smiled as he accelerated.

"Ok. This thing is way faster than my 86. I need to upgrade my 86's engine and I need to do it NOW. Once the sun comes up, I'm gonna take a nap, then ask Celestia for... you know. Wait- whaaat the heck hello forest."

Trees began surrounding them on either side of the road, with said road becoming extremely bumpy.

"Welcome to Whitetail Woods. I think," Dash said.

"Whitetail Woods huh? Cool name."

"Mm. Oh hello. I wonder who- oh wait, HA! I know who this is."

Itsuki stared at a white 1960s SUV pulling an animal trailer ahead.

"Who?"

Dash pointed at the SUV. "Pull up beside it. It's Fluttershy."

Itsuki was very surprised as he switched lanes and pulled up alongside the SUV. At the wheel was the mare herself, along with a few animals sitting in the seats. The SUV was really a Sixth Generation GMC Suburban. Nothing fancy. A 4WD model with a 305CUI V6 Engine.

Dash waved.

Itsuki waved.

Fluttershy waved back.

"Hey, speed up. I've got an idea," Dash said.

Itsuki obliged, slowly speeding up and pulling back into the correct lane.

"No, like, REALLY speed up. Let's get some distance on her."

Itsuki pressed harder on the throttle, going faster and faster.

"STOP!"

They slowed down, and with instruction from Rainbow Dash, pulled off to the side of the road and stopped next to some bushes, turning the lights off.

"And now, we wait," Dash said.

"What are we doing?"

"When Fluttershy is about to pass us, stick in first and NAIL the throttle, okay?"

Itsuki chuckled. "Ohhh. Okay."

"This is gonna be fun."






Video above starts playing.

The sun hung low over the mountains of Japan, signifying sunset. In a highschool locker room, several boys ranging from sophomores to seniors sat around chatting.

Takumi Fujiwara, a sophomore, was checking his locker when he overheard a conversation between a senior named Miki and his buddies.

"No way!" a senior exclaimed. "With Natsuki Mogi?"

"Aw man, that is one fine piece of tail," another said. "Everybody I know wants to hit that."

Miki, typical Japanese teen with long hair, smiled. "Like I was sayin', she does whatever I tell her to. And like a good dog, I think it's time to break her in."

Takumi remained emotionless.

"Wait, what do you mean break her in?" the second senior asked.

"What do you think he means, huh?" the first senior chuckled.

"Chicks are the same all over, my brother's," Miki sneered. "They all act like they don't want it, but believe me, they do. The other day I called her up to the roof and I got her to uhh..."

BANG!

A large metallic rattle shot through the locker room, putting all eyes on Takumi who had slammed his locker shut, angrily staring at Miki.

"If you don't shut your mouths right now, I'll do it for you," he growled.

Miki and his two buddies stared dumbfounded for a second. Suddenly, they scowled.

"And just who the HELL are you?" the first senior asked.

"This beanpole doesn't know who he's mouthing off to!" the second one stated.

"Dude, Takumi, shut up," Itsuki Takeuchi whispered next to Takumi, grabbing his arm.

Takumi effortlessly forced it off, continuing his death stare. "I've had enough of listening to you assholes!"

Miki jumped up. "You'll regret that!" he yelled, running at Takumi.

Miki through out a punch, but Takumi easily dodged and retaliated with a hard punch of his own. Miki stumbled back.

"I'LL-, KILL YOU!" Takumi yelled, laying into Miki with the force of the sun and moon. Try as the other students might, they were unable to get Takumi off of Miki.

By the time they were able to pry him off, Takumi's fist was dripping with blood. Miki was out on the floor, sprawled out with Takumi standing over him.

Takumi stared at his fist, seeing the blood dripping. Suddenly, it morphed into a hoof. A white, heavily bloodstained hoof. Not Miki's Blood. His own.

"Takumi?"

Takumi snapped out of his daze at the sound of Cadance's muffled voice. He took in a deep breath as he stared at the part of his leg he had cut into. He had gotten a full inch into it. One. Full. Inch. Yet he still didn't feel a single bit of pain.

"Takumi? Are you in there?" Cadance asked. "It's me, Cadance."

Takumi sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I'm here."

"Celestia wants to see you. Believe it or no-"

Her words fizzled from Takumi's mind as he stared at the blood leaking out of his foreleg.

"I'll be out in a second," he said.

"Okay. I'll wait."

Takumi did not reply as he stared at the laceration he had made. He then looked at the knife he had used to do it. By now, it was covered in blood. Stainless Steel could only go so far.

I can't feel pain... Even with a whole new body, I can't feel pain... Takumi felt his heart flutter as he held the knife out. He aimed the business end towards him. By now, enough blood had dripped off that it was no longer dripping. He slightly pushed it away.

It shot into him.

The knife went straight into his chest, piercing through everything in its wake. A few centimeters punctured his heart, spilling out more blood than ever before. The knife turned, tearing skin and flesh apart. Blood poured from the wound, coating his once-pristine coat in crimson. He could almost feel his life slipping away from him as he pressed the knife deeper and deeper in.

"You said you'd only be a few seconds."

Takumi just about screamed when Cadance spoke. He quickly looked towards the door to make sure she wasn't there. She wasn't, thankfully.

His eyes darted back to the knife. He winced as he quickly set it down on the table where he got it from. He proceeded to look down at where he had stabbed himself. There was no wound. No signs of him doing so. He looked at his arm. The laceration was still there, only trace amounts of blood leaving it.

"I uh... I'm coming," he said.

Before getting up, Takumi saw that some blood had dripped onto his rear starboard leg and even onto his lower torso. He shook his head as he got up, walking over and unlocking the door. Opening it revealed Cadance.

"Hey."

Cadance nodded. "Hello. Are you alright?"

Takumi winced. "Just... take me to wherever we're going."

Cadance sighed, saying nothing as she and Takumi silently walked through the halls. She idly glanced back at the stallion, seeing his neutral face again. Her eyes glanced at his cutie mark, scrutinizing the symbol that lay there.

Then, she noticed the crimson on his rear starboard leg. For a split second, she thought it was blood. That was until she went to look at Takumi's face again. Her eyes caught the cut in his leg.

"Takumi?" she asked, stopping. Takumi did the same.

"What?"

"Takumi what..." Cadance noticed how freaking deep the wound was. "TAKUMI WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU-" She stopped, performing a quick breathing exercise. "What did you do to your leg?"

Takumi looked down at his leg, wincing. "I cut it..."

"No duh. Takumi- what did you DO!?"

"I cut it. With a knife."

Cadance was dumbstruck. "And- what, you can't feel it? Do you have any idea-"

"NO! I CAN'T FEEL IT!"

Cadance jumped back from Takumi as that form of his broke out. It was only for a second, but she still saw the details.

"What do you mean... you can't feel it?" she quietly asked.

Takumi sighed. "I just can't."

"You can't feel... pain?"

Takumi shook his head. "Never have."

Cadance's heart sank. Slowly but surely, she stepped towards Takumi, eyes locked. She sat down, and suddenly pulled Takumi into a hug. A tightly knit hug that forced him to sit.

Takumi, not exactly prepared for the hug, just sat there, not hugging back. Not like he could. Cadance had inadvertently pinned his upper arms to his sides. He didn't exactly want the hug, but he tolerated it. It was only a hug.

Though he had to admit, Cadance was pretty soft. And warm... like a blanket...

After a moment, Cadance let off and gently grabbed Takumi's cut leg, staring at the cut. The way Cadance's hoof somehow magnetically grabbed his leg felt... weird.

"You... really can't feel this?" she asked.

Takumi shook his head. "No. I can't."

"Did you do this?"

"Yeah. I did that. I guess I got a little carried away with trying to feel pain. I wanted to convince myself that I could feel pain, "

"You... really can't... oh sweet Celestia..."

Takumi sighed as he pulled his hoof away. "Let's just go. Where's Celestia?"

Cadance slowly got up. "I'll..." She took in a breath. "I'll show you."

Though reluctant to do so, Cadance led Takumi through the halls of Canterlot Castle. Takumi and anypony they passed noticed the Princess's downcast posture. Almost nopony seemed to notice his cut leg or the blood.

Meanwhile, the royal sisters were waiting for Takumi and Cadance. Luna seemed concerned.

"Are you absolutely certain you can do this?" Luna asked. "From what you have told me thus far, you have not performed medical work in centuries."

Celestia nodded in reply. "Correct. However, I was the top doctor for several decades. I may be rusty, but I should easily grasp it."

Luna sighed. "Of course, of course. I truly hope you know what you are doing."

"I do. All I must do is find why his horn was the way it was. Simple as that."

"No need. I've already found out," a new voice called.

The sisters glanced over to find Cadance and Takumi approaching.

"Ah. Hello Cadance, Takumi," Celestia happily greeted as the two stopped. "What do you mean you already found out?"

Cadance glanced at Takumi, who stood idly by. She took in a deep breath as she looked back at Celestia.

"Takumi has C I P A."

One could feel every emotion in the hall ram themselves out the window. The only ones that remained were that of shock, disbelief, and sorrow. At least, for the princesses. Takumi was still mostly neutral.

Takumi and Luna locked eyes.

"Takumi..." the latter began. "Please tell us it is not true..."

"Is there a cure?" Takumi asked.

Celestia shook her head. "No."

Takumi winced. Dammit. Even in a world of magic, they can't cure it.

Luna stepped forward till she was inches from Takumi. "You truly suffer from C I P A?"

Takumi glanced down at his starboard foreleg before holding it up. He nodded.

Both Luna and Celestia gasped at the laceration. A totally bloodstained hoof, most of the blood situated around the incision Takumi had made on himself. Most of the blood by this time had clotted, but that didn't make the sight any less gruesome.

The fact that Takumi didn't feel any of it made it astronomically worse.

Luna sat and wrapped her forehooves around Takumi. "Why is it you never told us this?" she asked.

Takumi sighed. This was the second hug in ten minutes. "I only remembered it after I saw what my horn was doing. It's something you get used to."

"How long have you had it?" Celestia asked.

Takumi pulled himself away from Luna. "As long as I can remember."

"And why did you do... this to yourself?" Luna asked, stepping back.

"Because I wanted to see if I could feel pain, that's all. I'm not stupid. I cut in a spot that wouldn't matter."

"Would not matter?! Takumi, you nearly cut to the bone!"

Takumi sighed. "And I can't feel any of it."

Celestia took in a deep breath. "Okay... Okay. It seems I will be doing much more work than I expected."

Takumi looked at Celestia. "Huh?"

"Celestia is-, er, was going to figure out why you didn't feel your horn overheating," Cadance explained. "Didn't I tell you?"

Takumi shook his head. "No. I must have missed that. This is news to me."

Celestia sighed. "Well, that is what is happening. I hope you don't mind."

"Mm-mm."

"Takumi?" Luna asked, suddenly locking eyes with him.

"What?"

"Please do not hurt yourself like this... without at the very least telling me. Or any of us."

"I didn't mean to cut so deep, you know. I got carried away."

Luna sighed, looking away. "Still...." She took in a breath. "Sister? Are you sure you do not want me with you two? In light of this, I feel I should be here."

"We will be fine," Celestia replied. "Luna, he is in my care. Please, go eat something with Cadance."

A saddened Luna looked back at Takumi. Without a word, she stepped forward. Before leaving, however, she nuzzled Takumi. Takumi and Celestia watched Luna and Cadance walk away.

Takumi felt the heat rushing to his cheeks.

"Well, Takumi, allow me to lead you to where I will be mending you," Celestia said.

Takumi just nodded and followed her into what seemed like a freshly cleaned doctors office.

It certainly was different from any doctor's office he'd ever seen.

Warm, tasteful art lined the walls. Freshly-Watered plants were in the corners and on the counters, and the small amount of furniture was extremely luxurious. Though there were doctors supplies neatly arranged where needed, there was no sign of a surgeon table or whatever one is meant to sit on. Though, the closet in the corner labeled "EXTRA SUPPLIES" was probably a good indicator of where it was.

"This is different."

"Well, I like to make sure my little ponies feel safe," Celestia replied as she sat on a couch. "Atmosphere is a large part of how well Medical Practice goes."

"Hm."

"The art in this room is a few centuries old, believe it or not. Hoof-Painted by me to provide a better atmosphere. I hope you like it."

"By you?"

Celestia glanced at him. "Did I stutter?"

Takumi smirked. "Hm. Whatever you say, Dr. Atmosphere."

Celestia chuckled. "Yes, I suppose one could call me that. If only that name wasn't tied to somepony who ran a..." She cleared her throat. "Now please, sit down."

Takumi obliged, sitting down on the couch, next to the princess, who actually got off the couch and front of him, on the floor.

"This will only take a few moments," Celestia reassured. Takumi nodded.

Celestia gently raised his damaged hoof. "I apologize if I'm a little rusty."

Takumi watched as Celestia's magic went to work on his cut. She first removed the blood from the wound and the rest of his body, bunching all the cells into a small ball and putting it into a medical bag. He noticed a lack of any feeling whatsoever in his leg.

She then went to work repairing the laceration. It was quite simple. Takumi had thankfully used a very refined knife, so the damage was minimal. Most of it was simply reconnecting the proper bits together.

It was quite mesmerizing.

"Takumi, when did this come up? Your lack of pain?"

Takumi shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I've always had it. I was hoping that, with me being in a different body and everything, that I'd feel it again."

Celestia nodded. "Well, I must say, you are incredibly lucky. While I do not know much about the Human Species, foals with this condition are very unlikely to survive to adulthood."

"Hm. I guess the same goes for me. Er, humans." God I hate saying that word.

She shuddered. "To think even after half a century since this disease's inception, there is no cure for this. Every time I hear of one of my little ponies dying because of this..."

"You know, there was a show that used that phrase."

Celestia glanced at him. "Excuse me?"

"There was this old show back in my world named My Little Pony. I didn't watch many episodes since they barely aired in Japan, but from what I remember it was just your typical 80s kids show. Just thought that was interesting."

Celestia smiled as she continued her work with ease. "That is interesting, that one of my favorite phrases happens to be the same as a TV Show from your world. Did it happen to have any correlation with our world?"

Takumi shook his head. "Not that I remember except for the ponies. I think I remember there being humans too, but... I dunno."

"Hm."

Celestia continued weaving her magic. Each millimeter of flesh was put exactly where they belonged, as were the strands of fur.

If she's able to do this, I wonder what else she could do, Takumi wondered.

"Takumi?"

"Hm?"

"Out of curiosity... have you ever raced a white and yellow Porsche 911? Particularly the older Carrera RS?"

Takumi shook his head. "No. I haven't raced any Porsche. I don't think I've ever even seen a Porsche."

"...Hm."

"Why?"

"Just curious, is all."

Celestia continued. Within moments, as she said, Takumi's foreleg was mended. Takumi gave it a nice twist and turn.

"Is it just me or does my whole arm feel better than before? Er, leg?"

"Well, I did have to give you extra blood."

Takumi looked at Celestia, then his arm, then shrugged. "Hm."

"Now, back to your disorder..."

Takumi stood up. "What about it?"

Celestia sighed. "I'm thinking of what could happen now that we have an Alicorn with C I P A."

"Well I'm-" Takumi winced. "...immortal... so..."

"Takumi, do you really believe that you are immortal?"

"Yeah. I do. Why wouldn't I?"

"And why is that?"

Takumi walked over to a sink and began washing his hooves. "Because you're a thousand years old. It doesn't make sense to me that nobody has at least tried to kill you."

"So you don't believe we are immortal? You only think we cannot die to age?"

"I think we..." Takumi sighed. "No. I think we're immortal."

There was a pause.

"What do you think?" he asked as he washed his face.

Celestia tilted her head. "What do I think?"

"Can we die?"

Celestia only stared. Takumi stared back, not allowing her to get out of this. He had to know.

Finally, Celestia sighed. "I don't. There are a few things me and my sister have been through in the far past that should have killed us. Even with our natural Alicorn resistances. Yet we're still here."

Takumi stood still, taking in her answer. He took in a deep breath as he shut off the sink.

"Immortality does not mean we don't feel pain. This is why you are an interesting case. You can't feel pain, even if you wanted to."

Takumi took in another breath. "I need to stop asking these things. I'm just... I'm just hurting myself."

Celestia nodded. "I agree."

"I'm still not even sure if I'm stuck here forever. I could be going back home in a week for all I know."

Celestia stood up. "Would you like to change the subject?"

Takumi sighed. "Sure. At this point I just... yeah."

Celestia walked to the door and beckoned for him to follow. "Let's get breakfast."

"Yeah... Yeah, that sounds good."





Princess Luna and Princess Cadance sat at a table, both eating tuna sandwiches.

"Can I ask you something?" Cadance asked.

Luna nodded.

"Why have you spent so much time with Takumi?"

"Because I would like to protect him."

Cadance frowned. "There's a difference between wanting to protect somepony and outright wanting to be with somepony."

"How so?"

Cadance sighed. "Can we go to my room? I have a personal question to ask."

Luna nodded as her horn lit up. They were instantaneously in Cadance's room, sitting at a different table. Their food had made it with them. Luna stared at Cadance, waiting for the question as she took a bite.

"What is your relationship with Takumi?" Cadance asked.

Luna swallowed before speaking. "Elaborate."

"I mean..." Cadance sighed. "I'm just gonna say it. How much do you two love each other?"

"We treat each other as good friends."

"Luna, please. I really want to know. I won't tell anypony."

"Except for my sister and Twilight?"

Cadance winced.

Luna frowned. "I know what you are trying to do. I understand how important a close relationship involving one of us is."

"This is different. Far different from, say, my relationship with my husband. It's a special kind of relationship. A permanent one. Neither of you will die, which means the relationship could never end. You would never part."

"If a relationship like that happens, you mean."

Cadance nodded.

Luna sighed. "Well, if you truly wish to know... I do not know if I want to be with him. He wants to go back to his world, and I do not want to impede him in his strife to do so. And the permanent relationship..."

"..."

"I want to make him feel safe," Luna stated. "Feel as normal as possible. To think he belongs here."

"Considering you've wanted that for yourself since your return, I can see why you'd want to do that for him."

"You mean to say you have not noticed the fact that he, a normal teenager, is an Alicorn?"

"Yes! I've noticed! It has to be insane for him. Being put into this world against his will."

"And he wants to go home. I want to help him. I really do. But there are zero interuniversal travel spells, which means the best I can do is be with him. Be an emotional shoulder."

Cadance stared.

Luna stared.

Cadance sighed. "Luna, if you need any help with your relationship, anything at all, ask me."

Luna said nothing.

"I'm not saying you two are in a love relationship. But... please?"

"..."

Luna scowled, got up, and made her way towards the door.

"I do not need yours, or anypony else's help in a relationship," she growled.





"Takumi?"

"..."

"Takumi!"

Takumi snapped out of his daze and looked up at Celestia. "What?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"My condition. Me just... not being able to feel any pain."

Celestia gave an understanding nod before continuing to eat. Takumi did the same. They were currently in the medical room Celestia had treated him in. Celestia had brought in a table and chair. Takumi sat on the chair, while she sat across from him on the floor.

"So," Celestia began as she stirred a cup of tea. "It seems you have struck quite the chord with my sister."

Takumi glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

"My sister has never spent so much time with anypony before. There must be something about you she likes."

Takumi swallowed his food. "Ok. and?"

"It's just that she has never once been this into somepony before in her entire. Even I don't know what she likes in a stallion. So her wanting to spend this much time with you means there is something about you she loves."

"..."

"Any idea what that may be?"

"No." Racing... Takumi thought. She likes me because of how good I am at racing...

"I'm not accusing you of anything, Takumi. I'm only speaking from what I've observed."

Takumi sighed.

"But I have to ask. If you don't want to answer, that's okay. Do you love my sister?"

Takumi stared at his food, shaking his head. "I don't want to."


Voice of S30Z - Wangan Midnight OST starts playing.

Ok, Celestia thought. That is not the answer I was expecting. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want to love her."

"Why don't you want to love her?"

"Because..."

"..."

"This world is amazing. I can't say it isn't. But I still want to go home."

"And if you can't?"

"If I start loving Luna for whatever reason, that's just another reason for me to not go home. In fact, I don't want to love anybody."

"Why?"

"Because of something that happened a while back. But I don't want to love her. If I started to love someone here, I won't want to go home. And... yeah.."

"..."

Neither spoke as they continued eating. Soon, they finished. Celestia was the first to speak.

"How do you know you will ever go home?"

"Are you saying I'm not going home?" Takumi growled.

"Takumi, wait, I'm sorry. If that is something you don't want me to speak of, tell me."

Takumi sighed. "Why am I even trying..."

"Trying what?"

"Trying... Try- I DON'T KNOW! Okay! I don't know! Too many things are happening at once! I can barely think straight! This is just... ugh..."

Takumi stared at his now-empty plate, immobile.

Why did I have to hallucinate me stabbing myself in the heart? he wondered. Why couldn't I have just actually done it? At least I would have... have... what would I have done? No. What I should have done was jump out the window and 

His thought process was interrupted by a warm, soft, feathery wing caressing his hair.

"It's okay..." Celestia cooed.

Takumi sighed. "I just don't know what to say."

"Perhaps you should go somewhere. A place where you can relax and take in the sights."

"Like where?"

Celestia smiled. "Cadance suggested that she could take you to the Crystal Empire when she leaves later today. She says it will be a great way to clear your head. I have to agree."

Takumi looked up at Celestia, but quickly looked down because of how uncomfortable it felt. Just how big she was compared to him.

"Where's that? Crystal Empire?"

"Northwest of here. A few hours drive."

"..."

"Is there something wrong with looking at me?"

"Sorry, it's just how big you are. It doesn't feel natural."

Celestia smiled as she lifted her wing off of Takumi.

"I mean... it wouldn't hurt to go, I guess. Except... hm..."

"What?"

"It's just that I'm meeting with Spitfire at noon. Sure I could go afterward, but there's something I've wanted to talk to Itsuki about. Something personal."

Celestia nodded as she sat down opposite the table. "Spitfire, you say? From the Wonderbolts?"

"Yeah."

"Why are you meeting with her?"

"We met yesterday. She wanted to meet again today."

"Hm. Well, Cadance is leaving at four, so I am sure you'll have plenty of time to chat with Spitfire."

"But... again, Itsuki."

Celestia sighed. "Well, you have a car. You could always go to the Empire some other time. Though I would recommend soon. Just to clear your head."

"Yeah, yeah..."

They were once again silent. That tended to happen a lot. But this time it was an eerie silence. No outside sounds crept in, nothing even moved. It was as if they were in a vacuum. Absolute silence.

After a few seconds, Celestia remembered something she was meant to tell Takumi.

"So Takumi, myself and-"

"Why do you keep saying my name?"

Celestia was surprised by the interruption, but could understand the question. "It's a habit I have developed. If you don't want me to say it, please, say so."

"Hm."

"Anyways, myself, my sister, and Cadance have talked about what to do with you and Itsuki."

"..."

"We have decided that we should teach you two. About our world and about being princes."

The teen looked up at her, silently taking in the information.

"Myself and Luna shall teach you, while Cadance will teach Itsuki. Originally it was meant to be both Cadance and Twilight, but we had forgotten about the fact that the two live nowhere near each other. Twilight was sure to remind us of that. So, it is only Cadance."

Takumi continued to stare. His brow ever so slightly furrowed.

"Is something the matter?"

"..." Takumi continued his stare as he shook his head. "No."

"No?"

"No. I've already told you that I don't want to be a prince. I don't want anyone... teaching me or whatever."

Celestia was very surprised. "Takumi-"

"I don't want anyone teaching me. I'm alright with getting to know a few things here and there about the world, but no. I'm not being a prince."

Celestia waited, just in case Takumi said anything else.

"Teach Itsuki all you like. I'm sure he'll be all for it." He growled the word 'Itsuki' like he was saying the name of a sworn enemy. "Maybe a few years down the line I'll give it a go. But right now? No."

He stood up. "I'm gonna go take a drive, alright? I need to tell Itsuki something."

Celestia watched as Takumi stormed out of the room. She sighed. What is wrong with him?

Music Ends





Takumi walked towards the doors leading outside to where his 86 was parked, barely acknowledging the pony walking through the same doors. Said pony seemed very occupied with making sure her mane was nice and tidy. Too occupied to notice him. Though Takumi stepped out of the way, the mare caught his rear left hoof and fell right onto the carpet.

He stopped and looked back as the mare scrambled to stand up. It was only now that he decided to take in what she looked like. She was taller, about the height of Cadance or Luna, and had a coat similar to Celestia's. She also had a pink mane. Her Cutie Mark was... he honestly didn't know. It looked like three crowns. Two purple ones above a yellow one.

"You alright?" he asked.

The mare looked back at him, revealing a pare of violet eyes. "What was that for?!" she asked, holding up a mirror. "Oh I hope this didn't ruin my mane too-"

"Takumi! Wait!" a voice called from down the hall. "Before you- wait, Fleur?"

Takumi and the mare looked down the hall to see Luna running towards them.

"AH! Luna! You are RIGHT THERE! Crap!" the mare yelped.

Luna actually skidded to a stop. "Ok, first, Takumi, where are you going?"

"To meet Spitfire," Takumi replied.

"Why? You cannot go! What if you get hurt and you do not realize it?"

"Luna, I've been doing fine so far. Don't worry about me."

"I-..." Luna took in a breath, then let it out. "Sorry, Fleur, you have caught me at a bad time."

"Uh... likewise? I think?" the mare replied. "This pony here tripped me!"

"You were looking at your mirror," Luna replied. "It is not Takumi's fault."

The mare's eyes widened as she looked between Takumi and Luna. "Wait I'm sorry, do you two know each other?"

Takumi sighed, knowing he had just missed an opportunity to get the heck outta there.

Luna cleared her throat. "Fleur, this is Takumi Fujiwara. Takumi, this is Fluer. Fleur De Lis."

Fleur looked at Takumi, surprised. "Oh. Well uh.. hello Takumi."

"Hello."

"Now, Fleur? What exactly are you doing here?" Luna asked.

Fleur looked at Luna. "It's the 20th. We were supposed to meet today, remember?"

Luna stared for a split second before the memory clicked. "Oh! We were meant to meet today?"

"Yeah. It's been nearly a month since we've been able to meet. Well, outside of noble meetings at least."

Luna nodded. "That it has. Well, much has happened since our last proper meeting. Particularly, Takumi."

"What about him?"

"Look at him. Do you notice anything odd about him?"

Fleur looked at Takumi.

Takumi looked at Fleur.

"Mm... I... don't know." Fleur said.

Takumi sighed as he unfurled his wings. This caused Fleur to short circuit.

"He... He... You're... Y-You're an Alicorn!"

Takumi nodded.

"And your a stallion?!"

Another nod.

Fleur looked at Luna, pointing at Takumi. "Explain please!"

"You do that. I'm leaving," Takumi half-growled as he turned to exit. "See you later."

Fleur looked at the door, then locked eyes with Luna, who chuckled.

"Takumi... he's a record you don't gotta flip."





Takumi walked down the steps towards his 86. Immediately, two things about the Parking Lot caught his eye. The first was that Luna's R33 GT-R was missing. The second was a rather peculiar light pink sports car nestled next to Cadance's Miura. Probably for a good reason. The two cars' styles were similar despite their different intents.

While the Miura was a luxury supercar built for top speed, the other car was clearly for the track. A fully stripped-down interior, racing bucket seats, combined with the FR layout, the car was likely a monster. Whatever it was.

Isn't that a Ferrari? That early 60s one? Takumi wondered as he stopped next to his 86. Looks nice, I guess.

click

thunk

krrrr-chunka-chunka-chunka-vroooOOOOoooommmmmmmmmm

The 4A-GE started with ease. After it warmed up a little, Takumi reversed and drove out of the lot.

After nearly a thirty-minute drive, Takumi pulled into a gas station near Ponyville. He got out and began silently filling up the tank. A few other cars were parked at the other pumps, with a few ponies standing and talking. Though Takumi could care less about the cars, he couldn't help but listen in on their conversation.

"Can you believe it?" one pony asked. "A Buick GSX got caught in a huge Police Chase earlier this morning."

"Yeah! The skills of that thing were insane!" another chimed in. "When that GSX hit the mountain pass, the speed it took through the corners was actually insane. Ponies say that Classic Equestrian Muscle can never corner well, but that GSX definitely showed that up!"

A third one chuckled. "Obviously any sports car even remotely tuned for cornering, or hell even a modern muscle car, could dust the thing with the right skill. But still, the fact the GSX was as fast as it was through the corners is insane."

Buick GSX? What's that? Takumi wondered.

"Did anypony get a plate?" one asked. "Maybe a glimpse of the driver?"

"Mm-mm. Nothing. I mean, it's a Buick GSX, a white one, so it couldn't have gone far. Just goes to show how lacking Ponyville County is in their pursuit cars."

"Ponyville is just waiting for a street racing explosion. Las Pegasus has a lot of racers, sure, but they at least have fast police cars. Ponyville is stuck with old Crown Vic's and Grand Marshall's."

"Don't forget the Roamer's and D-Series trucks."

"What roamers? Are those pegasi or something?"

"The SUV you idiot."

"Oh. But seriously, this chase might've been the ignition. We might start seeing a lot of street racers around here soon."

Takumi sighed as he got back in the 86, turning on the engine. The three ponies were quick to notice the aggressiveness of the 4A-GE Silvertop.

"Damn. I wonder what he has," Takumi faintly heard as he put the 86 in gear and pulled out of the gas station.

A police chase, huh? I think I've only ever seen one or two police cars around here. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen a police car in my life. At least not many.

Three cars suddenly raced by. An R32 Skyline, some old muscle car, and he assumed was a Chevrolet Corvette. Maybe an 80s model. The Corvette was in front.

I wonder how Akio is doing. I wonder if he stayed in Tokyo when he heard about me going missing. I mean, it's that or he just kept going out to the Wangan-sen every night.

His eyes narrowed.

The Wangan-sen... damn... I'm never gonna be able to go on that now, am I? Dammit. There's another reason I want to go home. Another reason why I want to leave this place...

Soon, he came to a slow stop next to Itsuki's Levin parked in front of Twilight's Castle. He killed the engine, got out, and made his way to the front doors. He knocked.

He waited.

After a moment, he knocked again. This time harder.

He waited.

After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal Spike.

"Oh. Hey Takumi!" the dragon greeted. "What's up?"

Takumi remained neutral. "I need to talk to Itsuki."

"Oh. Alright." Spike stepped aside to let Takumi in. "You might need to wait though. He and Rainbow Dash are talking with the others. Something about them scaring the crap out of Fluttershy or something. I dunno."

Takumi didn't reply. He just followed Spike through the castle, staring straight ahead.

"I mean, how could you not appreciate THAT?" a tomboyish voice asked from beyond the doors.

"Because I don't think getting scared or having my car spun into a ditch is very funny," a small, clearly annoyed voice replied as Spike opened the door, reentering the room.

Takumi entered the room and closed the door behind him, watching the scene at the table unfold. All of Twilight's friends, or "The Element Bearers" as Luna said they were, were there. Itsuki was sitting next to Rainbow Dash on the floor.

"I do!" Pinkie interjected, bouncing into the air. "Your heart gets all racey, your hooves get all TIIIN-GULLYYY, your mouth gets all scraggily..." Pinkie snapped a suddenly-dry maw upwards. "Actually I don't like that part. But the rest is GREAT!"

Takumi grimaced. Is it just me or was her heart literally beating out of her chest?

"That does not look right," Itsuki said.

Ok. So that actually happened. How? Takumi asked.

"See? EVERYpony likes a good prank!" Dash stated. "They're just jokes!"

"Now Rainbow Dash," Rarity began. "I don't think Fluttershy would have called us all here to talk about this if she thought it was funny. Everypony has things they like and things they don't."

"And scarin' Fluttershy is just lazy." Apple Jack added.

"Lazy?" Dash and Itsuki asked in unison.

"A prank isn't very good if you're the only pony laughing," Twilight calmly stated.

"But what if it's really really really really REALLLY funny?" Pinkie asked.

"And I can do funny." Dash cooly replied.

"I know you can. Ohp- 'scuse me Itsuki." Twilight said as she narrowly avoided hitting Itsuki. "I guess the trick is making sure your idea of funny matches the pony you're pranking."

Rainbow Dash snickered.

Twilight went to sit on her chair. "That way-"

THPPTPHTPHPHHPH

Rainbow Dash could barely hold herself in as Twilight levitated a whoopee cushion out from under her.

"HA! Hahahaaa..." Itsuki burst out laughing. "Ah-HA! HAhahahaha..."

Rainbow Dash erupted with laughter. Both she and Itsuki laughed for a good while, Pinkie joining in a little later. Twilight just glared.

"Good one Rainbow!" Pinkie said she and Rainbow bumped hooves. "You have to admit. That was FUNNY!"

Twilight was unamused. "Not really," she deadpanned, throwing the cushion away.

"Yeah," AJ agreed. "A whoopee cushion is like a joke shortcut."

"Oh come on you guys!" Itsuki exclaimed. "It may be a shortcut but it's a freaking classic."

"Yeah!" Dash agreed.

Takumi couldn't help but smirk.

"Honestly Rainbow Dash," Rarity began, putting her hoof on the table. "If you are not willing to put forth the effort required to pull a prank that everypony can enjoy, you may as well not pull one at all."

Rainbow Dash looked around at them, staring daggers.

"Fine!" she finally yelled. "If you ponies want effort, then that's what you'll get!"

Everypony watched Dash as she flew up and out of the castle via a window.

"I'm not sure she understood what we meant..." Twilight slowly said. She sighed. "Well, girls, you should probably keep your eyes peeled for the next couple of days."

"Keep your Peepers Peepered People," Itsuki joked.

That, Twilight laughed at. Even Takumi snickered.

"Great. Now, girls, if you'll excuse me- OH! Takumi! I didn't see you there!"

All eyes were suddenly on Takumi.

"Oh hey Takumi!" Itsuki greeted. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you about something."

Itsuki rolled his eyes. "You always want to talk to me about something." He got up and walked over.

Takumi was quick to notice Twilight getting up. "No, this is personal. Between me and Itsuki. DO NOT follow us."

"Sheesh Takumi, why do you have to be so rude about it?" Itsuki asked. "Excee-uuuse me ladies."

Everypony rolled their eyes. Takumi scoffed as he and Itsuki walked out of the room and back through the castle.

"So what is it you wanna talk about?"

"Well first, I've been thinking about you upgrading your 86..."

"And giving it a boatload of power?"

Takumi glanced at him, arching a brow. "Huh?"

"Specifically as much power as a Buick GSX? OH! By the way, don't tell anyone, but me and Rainbow Dash took her dad's Buick GSX out earlier and raced some people in it."

Takumi stopped. "You did what?"

"Took Rainbow Dash's dad's car out for a drive. A Buick GSX. White."

Takumi stared, brow furrowing. "So you ran from the police?"

"Uhh..." Itsuki looked around. "Kinda? Look- don't tell anyone, okay? And it wasn't my fault! I swear!"

Takumi was staring daggers into the red Alicorn. He couldn't believe it. Less than a week in and his best friend was running from the cops.

"So what was it you wanted to talk about?" Itsuki asked.

Takumi growled. "You know what? Nevermind." He turned around and began walking away. "You're a real pain in the ass, you know that?"

Itsuki's jaw dropped as Takumi forced his way out the front door. He heard the clattering of hooves behind him.

"What was that about?" asked Twilight.

Itsuki looked at Twilight, then back at where Takumi had disappeared. "I... I think Takumi hates me..."