//------------------------------// // Chapter 23: Let's start a riot // Story: Hatred of the Anti-Brony // by Angrywritingskills //------------------------------// Even the air felt wrong. It was as if the world was holding its breath and slowly suffocating. I’m suffocating too. It was a mistake to come out here because it is apparent that these people want blood. All these people are much scarier up close. Wait, no they aren’t people. They’re ponies. Hold on, I’m not scared on ponies. I can take them. I can take them! Jess and I walked down the front steps. She isn’t fazed by this at all. She’s so brave with her soldier face on. Me, I’m kind of shaking and personally wouldn’t mind if she told me to go back inside. There is really danger here.But she and I just kept marching into the crowd. We reached the outskirts and she turned to me. She had this look of boredom which I didn’t expect. Shouldn’t she be a little bit pumped? We’re in the middle of a riot and she just doesn’t care. That’s when it hit me. She’s crazy. Absolutely insane! Holy shit I’m a pussy compared to her! “Jim.” She said loudly so I could hear over the shouts of the crowd. “Go have some fun before I end this thing. I’ll be right back. Be careful. Don’t talk to anyone.” With that she disappeared into the crowd. Odd how she did it though. It was like she melded with the ponies. One second she was there and the next she was gone. I’m on my own now. Just me and a sea of ponies. At least there are some humans but what are they doing here? They’re so out of place when compared to the ponies. It was like they were mountains in the middle of a flat even plain. Some chanted with the ponies and some held signs in the air. I need to know why they would be here. So I approached one. He was this big dude holding a sign. When I say big I mean chubby but he was tall. He also looked kind of young. Probably not even out of college. The sign he was holding read “Equestria for Equestrians”. What the fuck those that mean? Now that I looked at other signs they say things that I don’t understand. “Don’t feed the parasprites or these losers”, “Confound these humans, they’re driven us to stagnation”, “Welcome to the herd, now leave”. What is this? I can tell that they’re altered brony memes, which it in itself makes me sick, but what I don’t know is what they mean. My best guess is these ponies are protesting against the shelter. But what has the shelter ever done to them? My only option is to ask this fat guy. I hope I won’t regret this. “Um excuse me.” I said approaching him. “Can you tell me what’s going on here?” He rotated his massive self to look at me. Jesus Christ does this guy need to shave! It’s not in fully and is not really gunna go far. It’s especially bad around the neck. At least I tried to keep my facial hair in check. This guy probably has his own razor unlike I who had to use the same one I ran away from home with. Seriously I used the same razor for five years before joining the anarchists. “This is a protest!” He shouted even though there was no need to shout. “We are sick and tired of these humans coming into our country and just squatting around and getting free everything. I work hard for a living and the fact that these guys get by as well as me is not fair. These humans need to leave!” I don’t really know what to say. He just blasted me with knowledge. This kid sounds so passionate for something so stupid. I bet he doesn’t even know what he’s saying. How could he? He clearly eats well unlike some of us. “You realize you’re human too right?” I asked hoping he wouldn’t say something to make me question his state of mind. “Yeah but I’m not like them.” He said reaching into his pocket. “I came here legally and I’m contributing to this developing nation.” From out of his pocket he showed me what appeared to be a citizenship card. Guess this guy is legit. Kind of makes me feel out of place since I am an alien in this country. “The people in there are a bunch of parasites.” He continued. “Just feeding off of our nation. They need to be thrown out! These ponies gave us so much and these fucking humans are so ungrateful.” By the time he was done, the guy was flustered. I could tell he was mad and I was too. All this anger and hate yet it is being directed by lies and misconceptions. That isn’t how it should be. People should hate based on the truth. This guy needs to be enlightened. He doesn’t know what it’s like to be a human in Equestria because clearly he isn’t human. “Hey buddy.” I stated. “Obviously you have no idea what’s going on. I mean you’re pretty young so it’s likely you’re caught up in all this and just doing this to stay with the trend. But how do I put this? You’re fucking stupid!” “Stupid!” He spat. “It’s not stupid to want to end the mistreatment of the ponies’ hospitality. Do you even know what you’re talking about?” “Do you even know what you’re fucking talking about?” I shouted at him poking a finger into his flabby man-breast. “That building is privately owned. It was bought from the city by someone. That means money was given to Equestria by a human. But it doesn’t stop there. Nothing is provided by the precious Equestria government. Everything has to be bought privately. There are no donations. Ponies give shit to people in need. This is the only shelter in Equestria I know of! Everyone in there came here legally. And we would get a job but look around. There are no jobs! Fact is ponies are taking them. After all, why hire a human with our reputation? When there is a ‘pure’ and ‘do nothing wrong’ pony? The ponies are the bad ones not those humans. You’re a fucking idiot is you believe otherwise!” There was this familiar feeling that I must have felt a million times before. It was the same one I felt ripping my high school buddy’s face off; it was the same feeling I felt looking through the scope of that rife; it was the same feeling I felt bashing that pony with a brick. It is the feeling of hatred. Although I’m not sure if it’s good or bad I know I can use it. If I feel like this then I can do anything. No matter what may be logical, with hatred I can do anything. And I can sense it in this crowd. They hate me and I hate them back. The only difference is my hate is justified while theirs is false. My hate comes from years of experience; years of getting looks of disappointment, shame, and regret from my parents, classmates, teachers, people just on the street, and especially ponies. All those times I would be sitting next to my car because it was too hot to sit inside and someone would give me this look of apathy as they pass by me. All those time I can remember and fuel this hatred towards my cause. But these ponies don’t have those experiences meaning they don’t get the privilege to hate. The man looked at me. His face seemed to harden as he took a few steps closer to me. “You don’t look familiar.” He said in a low tone. “How do you know about this? I haven’t seen you at the meetings.” Meetings!” I shrieked now very angry. “I don’t go to meetings. I fucking live in there!” I pointed at the shelter. “That’s my home you’re protesting!” “I knew it!” The man exclaimed triumphantly. “I knew you didn’t look familiar.” I watched him then start to point and scream at me. “Hey every pony!” He yelled as loud as he could. “This human here is one of them!” He continued to yell like an idiot. I crossed my arms and just glared at him. This guy can’t be serious. If he keeps doing what he’s doing then people are gunna know how stupid he is. But the guy just kept continuing. I really don’t know what he thinks this will accomplish. All he is doing is making an ass of himself, standing there screaming like some deranged animal. I’m about to just give up and walk away when an acute pain hits my lower back. It knocks me over but I caught myself so my face didn’t hit the concrete. With my hands on the street I looked around to find that the crowd was circling around me. Standing directly over me is the screaming man with a sneer on his face. That’s when I realize his intentions. He had put me under the spotlight with all that yelling. These ponies are gunna tear me to shreds. I imagine this is how a lynch mob would act. I look behind me to see that it was a pony that had knocked me down. Yeah, a pony of all things. That really angers me because I’ve been beaten by a pony once but I’ll be damned if it happens again. But before I can retaliate, a foot slammed me in my chest and I flip onto my back. The hit knocked the wind of out me so I wasn’t ready for the pony that then jumped on top of me. “Big mean human.” It snarled. Then it punched me. “Think you can push around the little guy.” Then it punched me again. I don’t know if it’s the punches or my own imagination but for some reason the pony on top of me looks exactly like Rainbow Dash. Wait it is Rainbow Dash! No it’s a colt with a deeper shade of blue. Still this is like Rainbow Dash. It seems so long ago when I had stolen that car and was then beaten mercilessly by that bitch. I guess history repeats itself. But there is no reason that I should let myself lie here and take this. All my logic in my head tells me that I should do something. Something feels right about bashing this little fuckers head in. It might be frowned upon because I’m about to get very violent but I don’t really care. The pony pulled back for another punch and I saw my chance. With my right I grabbed his face and pushed him back. It was easy to push him off of me. As soon as he got off I scooped him up with both hands. In a feat of stupendous awe to everyone around me as well as myself, I held the pony over my head. Then I slammed it down to the ground like it was a rag doll. The blue pony hit the ground and seemed to just lie there. I took this as a chance to really do some damage. But before I could I was taken down by another blow to my back. I watched the blue pony get up as I fell down. That’s when a darkening presence surrounded me. I was totally at the mercy of the crowd now. There was nothing I could do since there were so many of them. A hail of fists and feet descended on top of me. It was like a shower of rocks was pelting me. Worse was the noise. I had turtled up so they were mostly hitting my back but the noise was the most frightening. They were chanting ‘die human’ over and over again. And the volume of it was so loud that I was beginning to lose my hearing. It getting harder to take it and I knew that at any moment I would be done for. They are going to kill me. But as the intensity picked it suddenly died out. The pain stopped and I dared to look up at what had ended the rain. “Hey what’s going on here?” A human male walked over to the crowd that was gathered around me. He briefly looked at me. He wore a blue outfit that was decorated with pins that had sayings that were the same found on some of the signs. “That human attacked me.” The blue pony said pointing at me. I looked at him and then at the human. He was obviously the leader. I could tell because everyone was looking at him waiting for his judgment. “Let him go. He’s not important enough.” With that the man walked away. The blue pony gave me another look and walked off with the rest of the crowd. In a few seconds the rioting crowd had calmed and disappeared entirely. I was alone in the parking lot still down on the ground. I heard footsteps and looked to see Jess kind of running towards me. “There you are Jim.” She said kneeling next to me. “Oh my goodness. Did they hurt you?” She helped me off the ground and began to try and dust me off. I was in pain but I figure it’ll go away. Nothing feels broken I’m just a bit sore. Thank God those ponies can’t punch. “What? No, I’m fine.” I said in an effort to make her not worry. It didn’t work. “Jim you don’t have to act tough with me.” Jess stated. “I was really worried something bad was gunna happen and… oh my God you’re bleeding.” “Huh?” “Hold still.” She grabbed my chin and began jerking my head around. I squirmed my head away. She was right I was bleeding. Blood was dripping from my upper lip. Guess I’m just a delicate flower. “I can’t believe it.” She murmured. “They hit you.” “It’s not that big of a deal you know.” I said to try and cheer her up. “I’m barely bleeding.” “Jim when I found you; you were on the ground covering in dust.” Jess said. “If I hadn’t talked to their leader I don’t know what they might have done to you.” “I guess. Thank you by the way.” I put a finger to my bleeding lip and then took it away. There was a good amount of blood on it. “Do you think they’ll come back?” I asked. “They always do Jim.” Jess sighed. Good, let them come. I want a piece of them again. This time I know what to expect so next time I’ll be prepared. Just imagining the revenge I’ll reap on them makes the pain easier to take. We were about to head in when the sound of running footsteps echoed across the pavement. We turned around to see a man dressed in a gray suit running towards us. He was a chubby fucker with combed back blonde hair. He carried a brown suitcase with him. When he got to us it took him a while to regain his composure. He was sweating from the jog. “Hi there Casey.” Jess greeted him in a friendly manner. “Hi Jess.” He breathed heavily still but managed a smile. “Was I too late?” Jesus Christ, this guy’s got a southern accent! I am very familiar with this accent. Couldn’t escape it in the mid west. Everybody down there would look at me strangely for not talking like them. It kind of made me uneasy at the time. “Too late for what?” Jess asked. “Too late to salvage what I can.” Casey said. “Is there any evidence left?” “Evidence of what?” Jess asked further. Casey looked around. “You know, of what went down here. It’s really hard to find concrete evidence of things like these.” “How could there be? There are plenty of witnesses.” Jess nodded to the shelter. “Sure but they have no credibility.” Casey shrugged. “Not their fault but I can’t bring the homeless to a professional court. It’s just unprofessional.” His head turned to me and suddenly his face brightened. He pointed at me but words didn’t follow. “Hey you.” He finally ran up to me. “How’d you bust your lip?” I didn’t respond. “Come on tell me this is important.” He took a step towards me and suddenly I got scared. I really don’t want anyone touching me after that little incident. “Ay, fuck off me!” I yelled. “No I’m trying to help.” He insisted. “Get the fuck back or I’ll put you on the ground.” I taunted. He back off after that. “God damn it Jim.” Jess smacked the back of my head. “Believe it or not he’s actually trying to help.” I rubbed my head. Now I feel kind of bad. I have no idea where that outburst came from. Guess I’m under stress. “Name’s Casey Waterman.” He stated. “I’m a lawyer.” “Whatever.” I growled. Jess didn’t seem to like that so she elbowed my side. “Be nice Jim.” She said as I held the place she hit. “He’s just trying to help.” “Okay then.” I muttered. “And what do you say to him?” Jess asked. I looked at Mr. Waterman. “I’m sorry.” “It’s fine son.” Casey said. “I know it’s hard to think when dealing with addiction.” “I’m not dealing with addiction.” I grunted. Casey looked very surprised and glanced at Jess who was shaking her head. “Anyways mind if I take a picture of your bloody lip?” Casey took out his phone. “I guess.” I said as he snapped a picture. “But why?” “Hey you never told me your name.” Casey said putting away his phone. “It’s Jim.” I answered. “Well Jim.” Casey continued. “Do you know when you’re being taken advantage of?” “Um.” My mind raced with multiple memories. Zayn, Lewis my ‘best friend’, and Frank that arms dealer. Yeah they took advantage of me. “How could I?” “Jim what if I told you that we humans are being taken advantage of everyday?” Casey asked. “Every day we humans are being taken advantage of by the laws that have been implemented by the Equestrian government. I am trying to correct that as a lawyer is meant to.” My eyes lit up as I grinned. “So you’re saying that ponies are taking advantage of us?” “What?” Casey stopped. “N-no that’s not what I’m saying.” “You’re saying the Equestrian government, which are ponies.” “No the Equestrian government is not just ponies. You do realize we set them up with their new system? And about half the senate is humans.” Casey shook his head. “I forgot you’re a nutcase.” “Let’s go inside.” Jess interjected. “That reminds me.” Casey brightened up. “Are Rodney and Derek around?” “You mean you’re drug dealers?” Jess said accusatorily. “I prefer business associates.” Casey smiled. “They should have told you the protesters were coming.” “Excuse me!” Jess exclaimed. “They didn’t tell me shit. I’m gunna kill them!” “I told them earlier today they were coming.” Casey sighed. “I don’t mean to interrupt by who were they?” I asked. Casey took out his phone again. “They’re the PAHI. Ponies against human influence.” Casey showed me the screen of his phone. “They want humans out of Equestria. Especially if they aren’t doing anything. That’s why they are targeting the shelter.” Casey put his phone away. “It is their belief that humans are essentially evil and need the guidance of ponies to become better people.” “Is that why they were trying to kill me?” I asked. As soon as I did I immediately wanted to take it back. Jess snapped her head to me and grabbed my shirt to pull me close. “You told me you didn’t get hurt!” She shouted. “I though that maybe they hit you once but… take off your shirt.” I looked at her strangely. “Huh?” I grunted dumfounded at the sudden command. “You heard me.” She hissed and then began tearing at the bottom of my shirt. We struggled around for a bit. Me being difficult made the simple action of removing a t-shirt very frustrating. As soon as she got it off my head she spun me around. That was when I heard her gasp. Casey also took a look at my back and I heard him snap another photo. Now I was very curious. “Jess?” I said kind of worried. “What’s wrong?” She didn’t respond and only held a hand over her mouth. After a while she look away. “You may want to see for yourself son.” Casey brought the phone in front of my face. The image I saw shocked me. Didn’t scare me but I was surprised. My entire back was covered in bruises. Starting from below my neck, there were big misshapen blue, black, and a couple brown marks all down my back. It looked absolutely disgusting. I didn’t know they hit me that hard because I honestly didn’t care too much about the pain. But this opens my eyes to the extent of their damage. I thought it was just my pride that was hurt but now I know it was so much more. Casey took my shirt back from Jess and handed it to me. “I think it’s time to go inside.” He said as I put my shirt on. I agreed with him. “Jess?” Casey turned to Jess but she was still in shock I guess. Poor girl must feel bad that she let someone under her protection get a little hurt. Well she shouldn’t because she saved my life. I’ll let her know that when I get the time. We silently headed inside which is great because I don’t feel safe out here. The blows I received still hurt a bit and my lip was still bleeding. All I want to do is forget this whole thing. It has been embarrassing to say the least. At least with Rainbow Dash I was beaten in private. This one was like how it was school where I was humiliated publically in front of everyone. Back in those days everyone wanted a piece of the kid straight out of therapy. Now ponies want a piece of the man straight out of the shelter. I didn’t stand a chance against either of them. I walked into the shelter behind Casey and Jess and as soon as I entered there was a loud cheer. I almost had a heart attack because the noise reminded me of the crowd I was just in. But instead this was a friendly noise. Every single person in the building had their fists in the air and was clapping for me. I made my way through it all while receiving pats on my back the whole way. What had I done to earn this appraisal? Last time I checked I’m just nobody that does nothing for anyone. Eventually I had made my way to where my group of pals was. They were still all sitting there at our table. “There he is!” Jones grinned smacking my back hard. It hurt because he hit me right on one of my bruises but that’s okay. I can take it. “You did good bud.” Rodney smiled. “That shit was wild!” Derek grabbed my hand and shook it furiously. “I am so proud of you!” Drake said finally as he gave me a crushing hug. When he had let go and I regained some of my breath back from that hug, I asked them. “What did I do?” “Are you kidding me?” Erik stepped forward. “You’re the bravest human ever! Nobody is brave enough to fight back against a pony.” “Huh?” I gasped. “Oh you’re so brave.” Drake ran his finger on my arm. “People that usually harm ponies like that are trialed and sent away. But you just did it in front of everyone.” “What!” I exclaimed. “That slam though.” Derek laughed. “You knocked the fuck out of him.” “No I got my ass kicked.” I corrected. “Well duh.” Jones said. “You were up against a hundred guys. There was no way you were going to win.” “Yeah and look at ya.” Rodney dusted my shoulder off. “The only thing you got is a bloody lip. That ain’t that bad.” “I guess.” Then I remembered. “But what about getting trial and going to jail?” “Oh you know the drill.” Drake was still playing around with my arm. “Human even considers doing something wrong and they send him as far away from Equestria as possible. But you, you just broke that rule and there is nothing they can do about it.” “How?” I looked at each of them. “Oh come on Jim.” Erik put his hand on my shoulder. “You really think that people will side with ponies here? Naw you would be the hero for what you did.” “I would be the hero?” I murmured very quietly. Me a hero? No that will never happen. For starters I have murderous thoughts and plan to do very devious things. I’ve killed and I haven’t felt a bit of remorse for the victims. A hero has to do things that benefit people like save them from a fire or stop them from jumping off a bridge. They aren’t supposed to act like monsters that use bricks to murder. But there is a paradox here. I may have done some bad stuff but I just benefited these people so doesn’t that make me a hero? I’ll consider this later. “Am I interrupting something?” Casey suddenly stepped into our little conversation. “Ay Case what’s up?” Derek shook the lawyer’s hand. “We set to go for tonight?” “Hold on there.” Casey held up his hands. “Do we really have to get to business so soon?” “What’s going on man?” Rodney greeted Casey. “Hi Mr. Waterman.” Jones nodded. “Ah the marine.” Casey nodded back. “And the serial killer.” “Hiiiiii.” Drake wiggled his fingers at him. Geez does everyone know what Drake does in his spare time? “Oh and Jim.” Casey acknowledged me. “You received quite a welcome coming in here.” “Yeah let’s talk business now.” Derek kind of pushed Casey away. Rodney followed behind. “You’re a hero.” Drake put his head on my shoulder. There’s that word again. “Uh Drake, mind getting off of me?” He did and I leaned forward. “So did anyone else notice how there were humans in that crowd? Because that is really bugging me.” “Well of course there are humans.” Erik answered. “Equestria has a notable human population in the cities.” “Yeah but they were protesting against us.” I emphasized the point. “How could they betray their own kind?” “They’re cowards.” Drake stated. “No it’s more than that.” Erik corrected him. “It goes deep into our history with Equestria. It goes back to the bronies I guess.” “Bronies!” I gleamed and stood up. “They’re the worst people in the world. It makes sense now. The people out there are bronies! Fucking cock sucking garbage!” “I take it you were an Anti-Brony?” Erik inquired seemingly assumed by my outburst. “Pfft.” I sat back down. “I haven’t heard that word in a long time. Only people that used that word were bronies themselves.” “I was technically one of them.” Erik leaned backwards in his seat. “Europe had a notable brony following. Almost as much as you Americans. I went to Galacon back in the day. All I can say is Autism.” “Autism?” I laughed remembering that little insult that was thrown at bronies back in the day. Of course there was also that mural of the mane six that had written over it ‘highest form of autism –anon’. Whoever did that is was a hero. “Yeah there was a couple awkward moments that year.” Erik said rubbing the back of his head. “Point is from that moment on I began to distance myself from them. Eventually I grew just a tinge bit intolerant but nothing that bad. Hate ponies though.” “Ha. Why?” I asked. “They’re just an inconvenience to me.” Erik explained. “Remember actually getting some in my college class. Biggest punch of try-hards I’ve ever met.” “You went to college!” I said astonished. “Of course. Got a bachelor’s and everything.” “Then why the fuck, are you homeless!” Erik grinned at me. “It’s because I’m not wanted. My profession became very unpopular after ponies arrived.” “What was it?” I asked. “Eh military stuff.” Erik answered. “You know training and learning strategies. I was going to be an officer but then.” “Then they disbanded armies.” I continued. “I know how you feel. A buddy and I were gunna be marines.” Jones upon hearing our conversation smirked. “You’re a little scrawny to be a marine.” I looked at him. “I could totally have done it.” He just grinned and looked away. We continued in idle chatter for a while until it got dark out. By that time the place had quieted down. Everyone was at peace for the most part despite the fact that they were in danger only hours ago. Apparently it was a routine thing that happens every month or so. Basically every month the people here are in trouble of losing their home. I would like to change that eventually. I’m relieved that I had made it out alive today. Today I had met a new friend and discovered new things in the life of Equestria. I’ve discovered that Equestria is a land of false opportunity and false security. It may seem like it is a place for humans to fix themselves but it’s really just a tourist trap. Humans come here just to find out it is just as bad as any other place. The only difference is ponies won’t lynch you on Earth. And it may seem like it’s safe and secure but this place runs rampant with crime and corruption. This is a place that discarded humans come to have their dreams crushed all over again. Equestria is a place of hate. But that is okay because I can hate them right back.