//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Big, Red, and Friendly? // Story: Lives Change // by AJ Asui //------------------------------// Bulk woke up long before Thesis because of his workout habits or at least he thought so. He stood there for a second thinking of what he should do with one of the creatures that attacked Canterlot. Although he knew he couldn't leave her to die. "Don't worry little Thesis I'll protect you" he whispered. However Thesis was awake enough to hear him and smiled. She heard him say something under his breath but couldn't make out what it was. With that Bulk left the room leaving Thesis to think about what he said and why. Does he mean it? Even if he does why? I know I can't take him in a fight but I have the feeling I'm not a prisoner either. Should I stay? I guess he's all that I have left. I didn't even tell him that I didn't do it of my own free will. The queen made me. The hive mind was shattered so she was helpless with her broken wing. But she recalled last night Bulk was really sad... why? "What is wrong with you Bulk?" she said aloud. "I don't know how but I'm going to get through that thick exterior. Your just a big softie at heart." Thesis was glad that the pain had subsided enough to move because she couldn't be stuck in bed all the time. She opened the door which led to a short hallway with two doors on each side. She walked past them into what looked like the living room, it had a couch, a chair, and a small coffee table. Something she noticed was that they were made heavy duty must be for Bulk's size. She walked around for a while without finding Bulk. "Bulk are you here?" She asked nervously. But there was no response she ventured into the kitchen to get a sandwich then returned to her room. Why am I waiting? Why don't I run? What's wrong with Bulk? Where is he?She got lost with thoughts like these until Bulk returned from his workout. Bulk walked into her room and was surprised to find her still there. "Hello" she greeted simply. " Wondering why I stayed? Truth is I don't know you could easily break me or turn me in but you haven't. So until my wing heals you are stuck with me" "Is that good or bad?" he nearly shouted, still pumped from the gym. "Which do you think Bulk?" she replied smiling. Bulk didn't respond for a while but eventually spoke up. "Oh well we all die sometimes!" he smiled and walked out of the room. "Awww.. c'mon Bulk it won't be so bad" she smiled menacingly. "You'll protect me remember" That sentence made Bulk freeze in place his emotion a mix of feelings. "I don't know what your talking about!" "Awww... your blushing Bulk" but then she felt it again, Bulk's sadness. "I'm sorry Bulk I didn't mean to upset you. You lost someone precious to you didn't you?" "No it's something else. But that's not important! Look pretty we're having a guest today! Yeaaaahhh!!" "Huh?" was all she could manage. She was scared Bulk told her that the stallion coming over was able to beat him in a one-on-one hoof fight. Also he can pull entire buildings with ease, this truly scared her. "Why?!" He responded quite calmly "Just think about it like this if we, or more importantly you, get discovered we would need help to fight off the guards to get you to safety. He's one of the strongest, if not the strongest, ponies I know. Also he's friendly and quiet." This helped her some but she got nervous when she heard him knocking. "Could you get that? I'm busy!" he called from the kitchen. "Okay" she changed into her disguise, a deep blue unicorn with a curly red mane. She nervously opened the door and was greeted by a big, red earth pony with a short blond mane and a large work harness around his neck. "Hi, c-come in" Bulk walked in from the kitchen "Mac! yeah! welcome!" "Eeyup" was his only reply. He didn't look visually as big as Bulk but for some reason she trusted Bulk's word on the subject "Yeah!" then he calmly added "This is Thesis the changeling" he motioned to her. Her eyes widened when he said changeling but Big Mac simply nodded. "That's it? No freaking out? No attacking me? What's wrong with you ponies?" she asked dumbfounded. This made Bulk laugh "Your not exactly super scary, and there's two of us! so don't worry. Remember I'll protect you!" She blushed lightly before dropping her disguise which finally got a response, Big Mac flinched, but only slightly. "Whoa! That's mighty surprisin'" "Well at least I got a reaction that time. You like?" She began laughing hysterically. "Sorry I thought it was funny." "Heh heh ah' reckon no harm no foul right Bulk?" he said smiling. "Yeah! foods done!" for a big guy Bulk can move when the food timer goes off. He ran faster than the Element of Loyalty could fly. "Oh yeah! Who wants carrot soup?!" "Hey Big Mac right?" Thesis asked unsure "eeyup" he replied simply "Why aren't you afraid of me? I'm different." "That's why because yer different just like me an' Bulk" he replied in a matter-of-fact way. "That's exactly what he said do you like meet and rehearse what your gonna say?" she asked half annoyed, half interested. "Nope" Big Mac replied moving over towards the kitchen followed by Thesis. "Do you have some kind of hive mind?" Big Mac raised an eyebrow. "Guess not but you two would really defend a creature like me, a monster?" She could tell at that moment that the word monster did not bode well with either of them. Mac looked at Bulk who was deathly silent just staring at the table."Bulk? A-are you O-OK?" Bulk looked up for a second "Monster? You know nothing about monsters, but you are far from one I'll tell you that."