Devil's Due

by All American


Chapter 5: A New Day

Author’s Note:
“But I don’t want to write right now!”

<Disgruntled ‘Wayofthepen’ pumps his shotgun>

“Fine, you win!”

-

It wasn’t a particularly relaxing night’s sleep but it would have to do. I opened my eyes to be greeted with the sun beaming on my face and the lovely smell of decaying trash filling my nose. I looked around my surroundings to see how nasty the alleyway truly was. Trash was spread all over the ground near the dumpsters and flies had begun to gather around the open lids. I gave a little grunt as I climbed to my feet and brushed off some dust that had accumulated on me.

I felt as though the sun was filling me with energy as I basked in its glory. After gathering the strength, I began to walk slowly toward the exit of the alleyway. My leg wasn’t in the best of condition, but I could walk at the very least. As I neared the exit of the alleyway, I pressed my back against the wall and slowly leaned my head around it, tightly grasping my gun in my left hand. The roads that lay ahead were completely bare of life. I don’t know what time it is but it must be relatively early for not a soul to be out.

I holstered my handgun and casually walked around the corner. I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going but anywhere had to be better that that damn alleyway. I slowly moved to the center of the street and walked along what I guess was the main street of the town. There were many carts and stands nearby as I walked around the square. The carts were adorned with many products of various uses of everything from food to clothing as I passed by. I knew I had not eaten in almost 48 hours at this point and its effect on my body was evident. I walked up to one of the carts and saw that it was loaded with apples and various apple products. I wanted to find the owner and ask them why they just left their livelihood out in the open for anyone to steal but I didn’t want to jinx the blessing.

I placed my left hand on the wooden cart and reached into my back pocket and retrieved my wallet. It wasn’t anything special but it did the job. I flipped it open with one hand and retrieved a $5 and placed it on the counter with a rock from the ground on top of it to hold the bill in place. With that done and my mind cleared, I grabbed three apples and shoved two in my pockets. With an apple in hand, I pushed away from the cart and began to wander around the town aimlessly while taking a bite from the apple ever so often. The apple was probably one of the best I’d ever had but considering all I consumed of a regular basis was booze and beef jerky, I didn’t really have anything to compare it to.

I watched as the sun slowly rose overhead and I began to wonder if I should seek shelter or at the very least get the hell out of the town. Considering how the townspeopl- ponies, acted to my presence when I was being chased, I figured the same would happen here. I took another bite from the apple and noticed that I had finished it.

“Meh, it’s biodegradable.” I said to myself as I tossed it to the ground.

With some new-found strength from the apple, I pushed onwards towards the outskirts of the town and found a bench nearby. I waddled toward it and slowly lowered myself onto it. I was now sitting on the outskirts of the town in plain sight but I didn’t care. I swear by my gun that I was probably the most hardcore creature in this town. I figured that the ponies themselves weren’t much of a threat and their guards were a total joke. Plus it kind of helped that I’m the only one with a gun. I pulled my handgun from its holster and placed it in my lap for easy access just in case.

-

I have been sitting in the same spot for almost twenty minutes before any sign of activity arose. I grabbed an apple from my pocket and took a large bit from it, savoring the flavor. I swear this if I could taste Spring, this is what it would taste like.

I sat on the bench for another ten minutes before I saw a familiar orange pony walking toward the town. I raised my left hand and gave a small wave as I took another bite from the apple. As she got closer, I noticed that she had a look of anger on her face. This was going to be good.

“Mornin’ sunshine,” I said before taking a bite of the apple and continuing “hope I didn’t wake you last night.”

She slowly approached me before noticing the gun in my lap. As soon as she saw it, she backed away a few steps and spoke.

“Might ah ask where you got that?” she said in an annoyed tone while pointing toward the apple.

I finished the apple and tossed the core aside “From a cart in town. Left a few dollars so it didn’t feel like stealing.”

“Mmmhmm,” she hummed in an angry tone “What’s a ‘dollar’?”

“Currency from where I come from. Courtesy of the U.S. mint.”

“Yah realize those are my apples right?” She said pointing toward the core on the ground.

I tossed my hands up and laughed “You caught me, officer! Take me away.” I lowered my hands and adjusted myself on the bench “What was I supposed to do? Eat trash? I left you what I had.”

I watched her as she brought a hoof to her head and did what I thought was the pony equivalent of a facepalm “Jus’ ask next time. Ah need to get to mah stand before anypony else steals mah property.”

“Whatever you say captain.” I said before diverting my gaze to the sun.

Applejack turned away from me and began to walk away before a realization came over me “What the hell am I supposed to do when the town wakes up and sees me? I don’t want a riot on my hands.”

Applejack stopped in her tracks and turned to me “Ah think Twilight might be able to help with that.”

Great.”

I grabbed my 1911 from my lap and placed it back into my holster before climbing to my feet and walked over to Applejack’s side “Show me the way.”

Applejack gave me a little nod and began to walk back toward the center of town.

-

We had been walking for a few minutes in silence before a large eh… tree house came into view. The tree stood at maybe 35ft tall and had various windows and objects protruding from the trunk itself.

“That’s Twilight’s place. Go talk with ‘er, I’ve got work to do.”

With that being said, Applejack trotted into the distance, obviously still ticked about the ‘apple’ incident. Luckily she didn’t notice the last one still in my pocket. I walked up to the door, which could not have been taller than 5ft and knocked on the door three times. I waited for a moment before beating on the door again but louder this time. I could hear a stirring in the house before the door opened to reveal Twilight rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“Do you know how early it is?” She said obviously not realizing who she was talking to.

“If I had a watch, I would.”

It took a moment but sure enough, her eyes flew wide once she realized it was me “Come in and sit down!” She said in a panicked voice.

I ducked and entered the door only to see a massive collection of books line the walls around me. The room was probably large for a pony but to me it felt like I was a giant. The room was laid out in a circle about 35ft in diameter and had a few tables strewn about it. I looked for a couch but could find nothing. With that in mind, I just picked a spot near one of the walls and sat down.

“Nice place. Not exactly humble but it has a certain… charm to it.” I sarcastically remarked.

“Now is not the time for jokes! Did anypony see you?” she said while continuing to panic.

“Anypony? Never mind.” I said trying to rub down the pain that still emanated in my leg. “Just Applejack. She was the one that led me here.”

“Good. I don’t want a panic on my hooves.” She said taking a seat next to me.

I scooted away a few inches and placed my head against the wall. This was so much to take in all at once, but I had already come off weak once and I didn’t want that to happen again.

I took a deep breath and said “So, what’s our game plan?”

She gave me a quizzical look and said “First, you need to clean up. You smell like you’ve been sleeping in garbage.”

“I did essentially.”

“What?!”

I gave a forced laugh and tried to explain my night prior. I told her about my leg locking up, signaling with my gun, Dash helping me, sleeping in the alleyway, and the whole apple thievery.

“Hell of a night don’t you think?”

“I can’t believe she let you sleep in an alley with the trash!”

“I’ve stayed in worst places. Ever slept in a drug den because you were kicked out of your apartment? Not a good time. I didn’t feel clean for weeks after staying there. Not to mention the fear of being caught in a police raid or getting killed by a druggy needing his next fix. Never kept my gun closer to me than that night.”

“Why didn’t you ask for help?”

“I don’t like to rely on others. People are unreliable.”

“I meant last night!”

“How could I know that you wouldn’t call the guards on me? How do I know that you still won’t?” I said while motioning toward my gun in its holster.

She seemed to get the hint as she scooted away from me with a look of apprehension on her face.

“I won’t be violent unless someone gives me a reason to be violent. Don’t give me a reason to be violent and we won’t have a problem.”

“You can’t outrun Celestia forever.” She said as if trying to poke a hole in my logic.

“Who said I was going to run? I have history with her and I will not stop until I get answers.” I said with determination in my heart “I will bring that city to its knees if I have to.”

I immediately regretted my words as Twilight backed another few inches away. Twilight gave me a once over and locked her eyes with mine.

“How do you intend on doing that?”

“I have my ways.” I shot back “You ponies are about as threatening to me as a lost puppy. I’ve dealt with worse.”

Twilight suddenly broke eye contact with me and looked at the butt of my handgun as if she was studying it.

“Could I see your weapon? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” she asked with curiosity booming in her voice.

“No.” I retorted flatly.

“Why?”

“I’ve heard this story before. I let you see it, but I’ll never get it back. I could show you it later.” I said in an angry tone “Now, you mentioned something about getting cleaned up?”

Twilight pointed a hoof toward a door in the corner and said “Over there. Give me your clothes and I’ll wash them I suppose.”

“Thank you kindly. I’ll leave them outside the door.” I said as I climbed to my feet.

I never really realized how tall I was until now. As Twilight stood up, she only came up to about my stomach. I definitely had the size advantage. I watched as Twilight trotted off into another section of the house before I made my way toward the door, avoiding a few low-hanging support beams along the way. I grabbed the metal handle and opened the door revealing a small bathroom complete with a sink, toilet (A small one mind you), and a four and a half foot tall walk in shower. I closed the door and locked it behind me. I didn’t want any intrusions.

I first removed my holster and set it into the sink along with my hat, belt, shoes, wallet, and pocket knife. With all of my essentials out, I removed my clothes and set them just outside the door in a pile. I didn’t know how she was going to wash them, but I honestly didn’t care. I was just grateful for the gesture.

I locked the door once more and walked over to the sink. I grabbed my handgun from its holster and through about my ammo situation. With my math, I had spent about a mag and a half, so that left me with roughly nine and a half mags and at seven rounds a piece, that comes out to roughly 65 rounds. I sighed in relief and flicked off the safety. I didn’t want to be caught off guard.

I set the handgun on top of all my items in the sink and walked up to the shower. I place my right hand on my bad knee and gently lowered myself onto my knees and crawled into the shower.

-

After climbing out of the shower, I cut off the water and walked up to the sink. Just above the sink sat a large mirror. I peered into the mirror and thought that Celestia might appear in it like she always had. I stared at it for a moment before coming to terms with the fact that it wasn’t going to happen. I peered into the mirror and inspected all my recent wounds from my escape. Most of the wounds were superficial but I had a new scar on my right cheek to accompany the one on the left. It wasn’t deep but it was definitely noticeable. After giving myself a clean bill of health, I heard a knock at the door.

“Your stuff is on the floor for you.”

“Thanks.”

‘Damn, that was quick.’ I thought as I opened the door. I snaked a hand outside and grabbed my belongings. I pulled my clothes in, which now smell like berries. I shook my head and got dressed.

-

With everything on, I walked over to the sink and grabbed my holster and slung it over my shoulders. I snapped the buckle in place and adjusted it accordingly. I turned my attention to the mirror and gave myself a once over. I still wore my black Smith & Wesson t-shirt with a part of blues jeans. I bent down and tied up my boots before finally giving myself the mental go-ahead and walked toward the door. I pushed the door open and walked into the ‘book room’ again.

Twilight was nowhere to be seen as I wandered around the room, reading the titles of the books. The books all talked about something educational whether it is the history of ‘Equestria’ or magical spells. MAGIC?! Are you kidding me?! Fuck! I knew I the odds were against me but now they could light me on fire too!

I backed away from the shelf and sat down on the floor. It was too quiet in here. I immediately stood back up and walked over to the window. I saw that the town had finally come to life and that the town square was alive with activity. I knew that now, unless I wanted to attract attention, I was stuck in this house. Shit! I turned around and closed my eyes. ‘Not good! Definitely not good!’ my mind berated me for blocking myself in Twilights home.

I opened my eyes and noticed that there was a presence at my feet. I looked down to notice a small, eh… lizard. He had purple scales and a pale belly with a set of round green spines leading all the way down his back to his tail.

“Don’t suppose you talk too?” I said, giving off a small chuckle.

“Of course I do.” It replied.

“Why does everything talk in this damn place?!” I said bringing my hands to my face.

I let my hands slide off and to my sides in exasperation before kneeling before the ‘lizard’ “My name is Ryan. You are?”

I watched as he put on a façade of courage and walked up to me, “My name is Spike and I’m Twilight’s number one assistant.”

“So you’re a book jockey?”

“No I’m not! I’m way more important than that!”

Whoever this kid (I assumed since he was small and had a high pitched voice) was, he was very headstrong.

“Sure you are. Can you tell me where Twilight is?”

“I can, but first, what are you?”

“Human.”

“Never heard of ‘em.”

“I’m one-of-a kind here.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means tell me where Twilight is or I’ll punt you like a football right out the window.”

I watched as he gave a little shudder before me and swallowed nervously.

“She left to round up her friends. She said she’ll be back within the hour.”

I lightly slugged him in the arm “Was that so hard?”

He didn’t give me an answer before he took off and went into another room.

I pressed my back against the wall and slid down onto my ass like I had done so many times before. I had some time to kill, so I figured I might as well get some rest.

-

I woke to the door flying open and my hand immediately pulling out my handgun. I was suddenly tackled and press up against the wall. I brought the handgun to the attacker’s gut.

“I thought we were past this.”

I took a deep breath and lowered my gun. It was just Dash. I pushed her off of me and climbed to my feet. I brushed myself off and looked down at Dash.

“Check it out! You made the front page!” Dash exclaimed while shoving a newspaper into my stomach.

I grabbed the paper and flicked it open with my free hand. The headline read “Unknown creature escapes! Bipedal, brown mane, scarred face, and is extremely violent! Approach with caution!”

Fucking. Wonderful.” I muttered tossing the paper aside “How am I supposed to remain incognito now?”

I looked toward the door and found that Twilight was walking in accompanied by Applejack and a white unicorn with a purple mane that looked like it was meticulously cared for.

“I’m sure you know all about me now don’t you?” I said with my eyes locked on the white unicorn “Who are you?”

“Darling, please show some class.” She began “I’m Rarity.”

Great, high class. I hate high class.

“I can’t hide anymore. I have to contact Celestia before I end up on the business end of a pike.”

“Oh, don’t be such a little filly. You’ll be fine!” Dash said.

“Time to take down a letter. Anyone got a pen and paper?” I asked.

“I got’cha.” Spike called out from the other room.

With all due haste, Spike ran into the room and immediately pull up a chair. He took a deep breath and readied himself.

“Dear Celestia,” I began “I’m at a Miss ‘Twilight Sparkle’s’ house. Pull off you mirror trick. I’ll be waiting. No guards! You’ll only be endangering their lives. Thanks, Ryan Laney.”