A Journey Beyond Sanity

by Darkwing Dust


Chapter Fifteen: Feeling... Not Quite Alright

"Now ya jus' prepare your hind legs like this and… now!" The orange Earth Pony kicked with her rear limbs with force against the poor innocent tree, resulting in various apples falling from the branches above and somehow landing with accurate precision into the baskets strapped to Applejack's sides. Said mare nodded at her work and turned to me with a satisfied smile. "Ya see?"

I nodded casually, "That's nice, you hit the tree so brutally when it hasn't done anything to you." Applejack shook her exasperated head at the accurate observation, walking towards the next apple-filled tree to kick against the bark next.

"Wanna try?"

This time I shook my head. The last thing I wanted right now was getting my own back hooves sore from kicking innocent trees. "I'm good, thanks; I rather get to the point of why you've asked me to visit you here, Applejack."

The Earth Pony proceeded to hit the next bark, catching the apples very expertly it caused me to raise a brow. I was beginning to see more and more why this mare was my brother's favourite pony: Applejack was far more practical and physically hard-working than the others. Not to mention her brutal honesty and lack of tact, she'll say anything that comes to mind without regretting how terrible the truth she spoke was.

Plus she was my ill-tempered brother's favourite colour.

Finally the orange equine looked from the next tree she walked towards to me, and presented a frown towards my direction. "Straight to the point? I can respect that. But what I can't respect is you yellin' at Twilight like that and then not apologizin' to her afterwards!"

Oh surprise surprise.

I sighed tiredly, rubbing my forehead. Figures Applejack would have a say in the whole ordeal.

"What exactly did ya say to her that made her cry like that?"

At the question I raised a brow. "She already told you, no?"

"Well yeah, but not specificall' what you said to her. I thought you two already made up back at that there slumber party, when me and Rarity were staying over."

I shrugged, swallowing the pit of guilt that rose as flashbacks to that night played in my mind. "I just said some things to her I never should have said, that's all."

"So you'll apologize to her?"

"…No."

That firm answer, to my slight amusement, almost had the stunned Earth Pony miss her mark terribly, as she quickly caught the falling apples before frowning at me with a bewildered intensity. "What do ya mean 'no'?"

"I mean no; not unless she apologizes to me in turn."

I reached an epiphany a while back: no matter how much I was filled with sorrow and regret, there was nothing I can do about until Twilight realized she was in the wrong here as much as I. Screw the tension between us, I would rather devour hay than get on my knees and repeatedly say I'm sorry while she just stands there in turn, all forgiving and such.

In any case, it was clear to me now that Applejack was simply wasting my time… though nothing new there. She called me here under the pretence to show me how farmers work, due to her big brother telling one time about seeing a golden Earth Pony punching the trees. But really she wants to know what happened just as Rarity did.

"If that's all you have to say, I'm leaving." I informed, taking advantage of the dropped jaw of the orange equine to make my exit.

That snapped her out of it while I turned, hearing her disbelieving voice while I departed the way I arrived. "Hey! What do ya mean she has to apologize too? Don't turn around when I'm talkin' to ya! Stardust, you turn around right this instant, or so help me-!"

Tch; what was she gonna do? Tie me up cowgirl style and keep my hostage until I explain myself to her? She can certainly try.

"Go to hell." I called over my shoulder, interrupting her pointless whining while walking away, imaging the shocked expression on the usually stoic Earth Pony, and taking some cruel delight out of it.

This wasn't any of their business… and I will respond with as much cold-heartedness as I can to shut their persistent muzzles up.


Welp, this book was as disappointing as I expected it to be.

I sighed, closing the literature detailing the adventures of a pony Indiana Jones-wannabe and returning it to the nearby shelf in my own room. One of many fictional books Twilight was kind enough to provide me with months ago.

Twilight…

Just the name in my head caused me to sigh in self-disdain. Just how long will this awkwardness between us last? The unicorn continued to avoid me as much as possible. The only upside was the recent short greetings before she left the room hurriedly, but that's about it.

It's a start, but it wasn't enough to eliminate this guilt...

...What was I doing here?

No, seriously, why was I still within this library, within this damn town for that matter? It's clear my welcome is past overdue, and I seem to only make nothing but tension rise around the house which belongs to Twilight. Spike's the only one left here who tolerates my presence; yet he's only an infant, so he doesn't know any better. If I wasn't brought to Equestria for no reason by Specter, none of this tension would've happened-

Specter...

I slapped my forehead in frustration. Of course, I should've known it sooner. It was his fault for causing all this; he claimed to be the one responsible for bringing me to this colourful light-hearted world, so naturally he must be blamed for my misgivings and inconveniences on this damn world. None of this would be happening right now, I would be home safe and sound without making anyone's lives around here miserable.

My feet halted from my thoughtful pacing and I gazed straight to the window, revealing the bright and beautiful world outside.

I should just leave. Yes, yes that is what I should do. I'm not welcome here. This task Specter assigned me was doomed to fail at the start. I could never become friends with the likes of them. They are them, and I am me.

Behind me I heard knocking. Must be Spike wanting to check on me. "Come in." I said without turning around.

The sound of the door opened, followed by the familiar dragon voice. "Stardust, you won't believe what just happened today!"

At this shout of excitement and awe I was incited to glance behind me with a raised brow. "Oh? You sound joyful Spike. I take it you had a fun day?"

"Well sorta, today I learnt about Pinkie Sense." Pinkie wha- wait... that rings a bell. A very, very faint bell. Spike must of noticed my puzzled expression so he continued with a tone of explanation. "Pinkie Pie has this ability to sense future events through her body; for example when her tail twitches something falls out of the sky, like when a frog landed on Twilight's face."

I stared at the dragon for a moment, as the information processed slowly in my mind. "So... Pinkie Pie's psychic is what you're saying." Eh, I'll buy it. Logic and Pinkie Pie wasn't the most intelligent thing to mix in thought, so I'll let it slide.

He shrugged. "I guess so. But isn't it just cool?"

I shrugged in turn. "I guess." Having such an ability would be useful. Hey... as a fellow Earth Pony was it some sort of skill I could unlock within me, or was it Pinkie-exclusive? Or was it just one of those things that would never mentioned or utilized again for the rest of the show?

I'm placing bets on the latter.

Spike then waved a dismissive hand. "Ah, you're always unfazed about these kind of awesome things. Is there anything you consider cool?"

I thought for a moment before answering. "A good plot, for starters, and developed three-dimensional characters- what?" I cut myself off in confusion at the expression on the lizard's features. "Why- why are you trying not to laugh? What's so funny?"

Spike had his hand covering his mouth, his features that of high amusement as though he's ready to burst out laughing any moment. Just what was he finding so funny? Was he... Was he laughing at my idea of a good book?

Finally the dragon released a chortle, grabbing his sides for some reason as my laughed at my perplexed frown. "Y-You said the 'p' word..."

'P' word? "You mean... plot?"

At the second time that word was uttered the dragon finally lost it, laughing so hard it caused me to frown deeper in annoyance. "Hahahaha! Do you have any idea what that word means, Stardust?"

"Of course I do." I replied, really baffled as to why Spike was making a hilarity out of it. "It means story, as in what happens in a book or-" Again I cut myself off as something hit me, my frown changing to that of suspicion. "Why... what does it mean in this world?"

Please tell me I didn't just embarrass myself.

Instead of answering normally after recovering, the small lizard walked over towards me, gestured for me to allow him to whisper in my ear, which I obliged rather reluctantly. Curiosity prevailed over caution. Spike let out three words. "A pony's butt." Before losing it again, and I quickly withdrawn my ear before Spike released more hard laughter, this time at himself.

A pony's - oh Jesus. At least I didn't say anything that meant something far worse.

"Well, I suppose it could be worse." I muttered while the dragon proceeded to laugh his arse off like the child he was. I'll allow it; could use some positive energy after these last few days. It's been almost a week now since mine and Twilight's falling out.

I waited patiently for Spike to be done before returning to our previous subject. "Anyway, Spike, this 'Pinkie Sense'?"

The dragon wiped an invisible tear from his eye after recovering from his laughing fits. "Yeah, sorry about that. I just never expected you of all ponies to say such a thing Stardust. You always take me by surprise like that." Well I don't try kiddo. Spike cleared his throat. "Right, Pinkie Sense. When she sensed something falling, a frog landed on Twilight's face. And when her ears flapped, Twilight fell into a ditch."

"And is Twilight alright?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"She's fine." Luckily Spike didn't seem to notice the trace of concern in my tone for his mistress. "Speaking of which, Twilight doesn't seem to believe in Pinkie's Pinkie Sense, calling them all coincidences."

At this I raised an incredulous brow. "Wait a minute... a magical unicorn questions the sixth sense of an Earth Pony?"

"Uh huh." Spike nodded positively.

"...I never knew Twilight can be hypocritical." I voiced my opinion out-loud. I wouldn't care if Twilight attempted to explain any differences either; magic was the answer to both no? Besides, wasn't it my job to inquire about the logic of this world and its power? "She should be asking more important things about Pinkie Pie, anyway."

"Like what?"

Oh where to begin? "Such as, Spike, how does that pony function? What motivates her? How does that mare defy science and reasoning so? You see, Spike, out of all the residents of Equestria, including you, Pinkie Pie stands the most against everything that is logic in reality (And that was saying a lot). She simply is a being of her own existence."

I never usually dwell on it, but Pinkie Pie was such an anomaly to me it's shocking someone like her hasn't gotten herself into danger loads of times. Or perhaps... there was something about that mare; a hidden layer of intelligence one cannot see at first glance.

I wouldn't go so far as to call the pink pony an idiot, far from it. It was in her nature to be loud and obnoxious... and sing alot. Yet despite her... nonsensical actions, the mare manages to be a motivation for her friends and even save the day a few times.

She certainly wasn't the Jar Jar Binks of this world.

No no, that equivalent belonged to another pony...

"I agree that sometimes Pinkie Pie makes no sense." Boy wasn't that the understatement of the century my reptilian friend? "But her predica- predic..."

"Predictions, Spike."

"Yeah, that; they all came true today. But Twilight didn't believe in a single one."

"Well that's her problem." I shrugged again before adopting a contemplative expression. "You know for a magical unicorn you'd think she'd be more open to these kind of things."

Spike then chuckled. "Yeah, sometimes Twilight can be a bit narrow-minded about stuff." Hmm, I can concur there. The lizard then glanced to the side. "Hey, I'm gonna go look for her now, I think I heard her and Pinkie Pie earlier downstairs, you know in that laboratory basement of hers. I'll be back later!" I waved to the departing dragon as he exited the room, no doubt desiring to learn more about that Pinkie Sense.

Ahh yes, that lab. In a basement too, how cliche! The one thing I dread the most should the truth behind me become revealed to these ponies, was to be strapped down and experimented on by the studious unicorn. Of course Twilight would have to try before I allow myself to become a guinea pig.

But the fact there was technology inside this library just plain baffled me. It's as if the world couldn't even decide its main era setting. Was it medieval times? Modern times? Both? Make up your mind Equestria!


Let's see... ah here we are. I let out a small satisfied smile upon grabbing four cookies out of the jar. It was past midday and I was hungry. I may as well savour the taste of these delicious treats while it lasted, as my intentions to leave as soon as possible increased with every dwelling on such.

Yes, I may as well just go when I have the chance. Perhaps during the upcoming night while the other two residents of this tree-house were fast asleep. I wouldn't want to cause unnecessary drama nor misunderstandings.

Where will I go? Well Canterlot or the Everfree Forest appear to be the only available places for me right now, depending on if I desired a safe residence while being watched closely by the monarchy, or if I wanted to be in vast danger by the forest's wildlife, but the upside is I would at least have more space to myself.

I'll make a decision before the sun sets.

I've heard knocking for a second time today, as someone was on the other side of the front door. Now who could that be? Twilight and Spike were out, to my knowledge at least due to the welcoming silence in the house.

Shrugging, not wanting to be impolite to whoever's knocking and quite curious myself, I opened the door with my free hoof, and blinked in surprise at the sight before me.

"...Fluttershy?"

"Hello Stardust." That bright shy smile was an excellent contrast to the wagon behind, bags on both sides of her, and a basket she evidently laird down. All of them filled with frogs... dare I ask? "Um, pardon me if you were busy or anything. I was just... um..."

"...Twilight isn't here right now, if that's what you're asking." I speculated what the yellow pegasus before me wanted.

"Oh, no. I wasn't asking for Twilight." Fluttershy clarified over the constant croaking of the creatures surrounding her and shook her head. "I was, well, going to ask for... you."

That honest statement had me blink which she avoided my gaze. "...Me?" Oh no, don't tell me she wanted to know what happened as well-!

"I-I was wondering if um... you would like to help me with these frogs."

...Well that certainly wasn't the weirdest thing I've heard all day. But regardless, I was admittedly a little intrigued. "Well not that I'm flattered you are asking for my assistance but... help you how exactly my dear?"

At the question Fluttershy looked back at me with those soft blue eyes that would melt any brony's heart. "I'm taking these wonderful frogs to a new home. I was wondering if you would like to help by making sure nothing bad happens."

Ah. I fully grasped the request then. "You want me to play bodyguard, is that it?"

"If... If you want to."

Hm... well I don't really have anything better to do right now. Plus Fluttershy was always a welcoming presence to me, as her peaceful nature might just be the thing I required most right now. Sure, why not? At least then it would give me something, provided I didn't have to touch the slimy hopping things around us.

"Lead the way, mi'lady."

The words made the pegasus' eyes brighten in quiet joy. "Y-You'll help?" I nodded, closing the front door behind me while she smiled brightly. Alright my dear, it wasn't that big a deal, geez.

"After you." I bowed formally while Fluttershy flushed at the polite formality, proceeding to pick up the basket before- hold up now. "Please, allow me Fluttershy." I interjected gently, taking the basket myself and carefully placing it on my back while following the grateful pegasus as she slowly flew towards our unknown destination, quickly devouring the cookies just as we left. Let's just hope these amphibian life forms don't hop around in the thing enough for me to drop them either by accident, or just plain irritation.


"There you go my friends, welcome to your new home from now on." Fluttershy gently told the little croaking frogs as they jumped out of their transportations to spread out among the swamp around us. The pegasus seemed to take great pleasure out of helping out the little things find a new home. For what reason did they need a new area to live in? I don't know, nor will I ask.

I, meanwhile, was making sure I none of my hooves stepped into the filthy liquids around us dared to be called lakes. Of all places I thought we were going, such as a clear pond for example, this wasn't what I expected at all. "Is Shrek around here to welcome us?" I inquired jokingly, looking around the murky environment for anything potentially dangerous-

Huh. For a moment I though I saw something just then, emerging from the dirty lake for a moment before sinking back in.

"'Shrek'?" I heard Fluttershy echo curiously, and I slowly took my eyes off the area where I believed to have seen something to look back at her.

"Just a joke of mine, my dear."

"Oh... okay. Thank you again for coming with me to help these poor creatures."

I continued looking around for anything while responding. "It was my pleasure."

"Really, thank you, I couldn't think of anypony else who would take the role better as my- their bodyguard." I glanced again at the yellow pegasus, who avoided my questioning gaze.

"...I really doubt that, but you're welcome regardless." I chose to say instead of pointing out that slip-up Fluttershy made. Inwardly I felt flattered and puzzled this shy mare would think of me as the perfect guard to watch both her and her pets. Honestly, Big Macintosh would be more suited to protect someone like her, or anyone for that matter.

Now, let's see... perhaps I could take up residence in Canterlot for a limited time, but only until I find a new temporary home. Celestia most likely wouldn't desire me leaving her radar. Speaking of which, what was that royal fool even thinking; requesting her obedient students to take me under her wing like that? I could pin the blame for these arguments on Celestia, but really that would be me going too far. If I'm lucky, perhaps I'll have a spare room prepared exclusively for me in Canterlot if I write to Celestia first-hand about my upcoming arrival... though that would require Spike finding and sending the letter.

I could always live on the streets, too. Never really had a problem with the idea...

"Are you okay?" A nervous meek voice then called out to me, inciting me to break out of my thoughts and look at the concerned Fluttershy once again.

"I'm sorry what?"

"I'm just asking if you're okay, ever since your... fight with Twilight." Ahh, of course. Was that the main reason I've been brought here? The mare must have sensed my suspicion somehow, as she continued. "I was worried, since I haven't seen you for a while, that you might still be upset. So I thought you coming here with me might... cheer you up somehow..."

Oh... So my being a bodyguard was a lie all along. I released a small smirk. "How kind of you." There was no sarcasm there, yet Fluttershy smiled sheepishly anyway. "But I'm fine... thank you for your concern over my well-being, Fluttershy, despite it being unnecessary."

Of course, I was lying to the pegasus. Neither her or anyone else needed to hear any plights of mine. Besides, what could someone like Fluttershy even do for me? Luckily for her and others they won't have to worry themselves about that petty quarrel me and Twilight had any longer soon.

"Oh, it's never unnecessary making sure your friends are okay; I'm sure your fight with Twilight will be forgotten soon." Uh huh, whatever you say my overly shy dear.

Huh, watching these frogs hop around in their new habitat reminds me of... well me. Being taken from your home to another unfamiliar. Though I suppose the difference being they seem rather content with their new environment. I however was not.

I've achieved every fan's dream: going to Equestria. Thinking about it I should be more grateful for being transported to this world filled with everyone's favourite talking ponies. And I would be; had this not come as a surprise. Had I been given a choice in the matter. Had I been more prepared to go like these frogs around me.

Someone else should've been sent here but me. I'm not worthy of being here, interacting with these light-hearted inhabitants who knew more about friendship and all that sentimental stuff better than I ever would.

"Stardust?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you... dislike Twilight?"

Wait... what? That innocent question caused me to look at the pegasus again, this time in confusion. Dislike Twilight? "What... gave you that impression?"

Fluttershy hesitated before providing an honest answer, standing atop a rock helping some of the small life forms. "Oh... um, well... we-we were wondering, me and our friends, whether you didn't like Twilight or not. At least... that's what Twilight thinks..."

Okay, the idea alone of me holding any disdain for the purple mare was absurd enough. But for the unicorn to actually believe that? Complete poppycock. True Twilight can get on my nerves sometimes, we argue occassionally with our respective views on anything from how to resolve a problem to the logic and 'wisdom' of her mentor. But none of that meant I seriously despised her in any way.

I would never dislike Twilight; not in a million years! Truth be told she's the only one around here who's been keeping me sane the most.

I was about to give an answer before another voice interjected, calling out for the blinking yellow mare. "Fluttershy!"

"Fluttershy!" That sounded like Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

Looking around I spotted the ponies a distance away, who apparently haven't noticed the both of us as of yet. But in the end , it was Spike who found the pegasus happily assisting the frogs, embracing her to my amusement. "Fluttershy! You're okay!"

"Of course." I'm as baffled as you are my dear.

"You?" I heard Applejack say, obviously referring to myself. "What in tarnation are you of all ponies doin' out here?"

I snorted loudly. "If you must know I-"

"Stardust?" Oh no... the familiar voice beside a few feet away incited my head to slowly turn to the confused unicorn, who evidently didn't expect my presence here.

"...Hey Twilight." Masterful response Stardust.

"Hey..." Twilight then rubbed the back of her neck nervously, as though I was going to blow up like a ticking bomb any second now. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Fluttershy requested my help." I replied, feeling the returning anxiety and guilt bubbling up like molten lava.

And I was having such a pleasant time too... you know, in a swamp.

"Oh..." Twilight seemed to look down for a moment, before shaking her head and addressing the observing Pinkie Pie. "A-Anyway, sorry Pinkie, I know it's not nice to gloat but, ha ha! I told you there was nothing to worry about and I was right! Pinkie said whatever she was shivering about was a-" A cough. "- doozie and then-" Another cough.

Was that... green smoke surrounding us just now. My attention immediately turned on the growing fog around us, eyes narrowing as danger screamed in my mind.

"- and then how the only doozie around here was how right I am!"

...Oh [BEEP].

"Pinkie's made a lot of predictions today but- whoa!" I didn't give the unicorn the privilege for her I-told-you-so speech, as my instincts had kicked in and I ran over, quickly pulling the unicorn into the murky lake with the rest of us to back up from the monstrosity in front of us. "Stardust, what was that for- Huh?!"

'Huh' indeed my dear. Four orange serpentine heads, long necks reaching out from beneath the filthy water, stared down at us with clear hunger, before roaring in unison as they have found some new dinner.

"I think this is beyond my bodyguard capabilities, Fluttershy." I said quietly and warily as the multiple scaly heads leered down at us.

"Is that a hydra?!" I heard the pink Earth Pony reply with as much shock as I was in.

"Who cares?! Run!" Don't need to tell me twice Applejack! I obliged happily and in a panic from the beast with the others.

A hydra. Of all things we were now facing a hydra! True not as terrifying in appearance as the eight-headed abomination from Hercules, but I imagine was just as deadly. But all things, why now? And why a bloody hydra?! On the bright side, I suppose four heads were better than eight, but that's about it.

Hopefully with our speed we'll be able to out-run the damn mythical beast and make it out of this swamp in no time-

"Pinkie Pie! Run!" Twilight's scared voice had me look over my shoulder to find that-

Oh God dammit!

The sight of the usually energetic and carefree Earth Pony, cowering and paralyzed in full fear at the hungry hydra while one of its reptilian heads reeled back, preparing to devour the mare in one bite.

...Not if I can help it.

That guilt and fear I felt earlier morphed into something more powerful: stupidity and anger. As I swiftly turned around in a full one-hundred and eighty spin, heading straight back to the terrified Pinkie Pie, running past the surprised Twilight. One of the hydra's many heads then struck, opening its maw widely while I leaped upwards over the Earth Pony with my clenched hoof reeling back.

Superman strength, go!

Bullseye!

The head fell back in surprise, skidding across the murky water as the other three serpentine faces roared in clear pain.

Yeah, hurts doesn't it?

I then landed in front of Pinkie Pie, speaking over my shoulder to the I imagined shocked mare with no room for arguments. "Get out of here, now. I'll join you all soon."

"Don't be absurd, Stardust!" I heard a certain purple unicorn speak, ridiculing my reckless plan. "You can't be thinking of engaging that hydra, can you?" Said mythical creature glared in irritation at the prey before it, a second head leaning back to strike where the first, who was recovering from its stupor, failed.

"Fluttershy wanted a bodyguard, she's got one." I've faced an ursaminor and a dragon in physical combat. I should be able to withstand against a four-headed hydra, as its whole body was now emerging from the dirt lake intimidatingly. "Get out of here Twilight, Pinkie. Now!"

"I refuse to-"

No I was not having any of this. "FOR GOD'S SAKE TWILIGHT!" My rising anger then turned on the blinking and frightened unicorn, forgetting about the danger behind me for a brief moment. "FOR ONCE, JUST THIS ONCE, GET RID OF THAT DAMN STUBBORNNESS AND PROTECT OUR FRIENDS! MY LIFE MEANS NOTHING NEXT TO YOURS, WHOSE SAFETY ALONG WITH YOUR FRIENDS IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT! NOW GET OUT OF HERE!"

There was a pause, even the hydra behind us seemed to have halted in its advances for a moment as though to watch the scene. What can I say? I leave many stunned by my dramatic flair. I should be an actor... if I survive this. Which I will, seeing as how this world doesn't allow its residents to die so brutally.

Twilight finally responded with a small yet determined voice. "I'm coming back for you." Don't even think about it. Yet despite their reluctance the two mares quickly ran off from me and the beast to rejoin their fleeing friends.

Good, they're safe for now.

I gazed back at the waiting hydra, throwing off my blue cape for emphasis over how ready I am to kick some reptilian [BEEP]. "So then, where were me-? Ugh!" My two front hoofs immediately reached upwards, grabbing the top and lower scaly lips of the creature - clearly this monster has never heard of mouth wash - as its next head lunged at me, and I felt my other two limbs slide backwards within the water as I was already losing the battle, pushing back against the growling creature.

But really what else does one expect when you're facing a reptile in water?

I needed a plan, and fast. I can only stall this monstrosity for so long. Getting up on the hydra's back didn't seem the most appropriate tactic right now- idea!

Carefully raising my right back hoof backwards, I then proceeded to deliver a swift clean - in the metaphor sense - kick across the lizard's face, letting go of the gaping mouth as the creature recoiled again in pain and anger, glaring down at me with hate in its eyes.

Pfft. Please; I'm the embodiment of hatred.

But regardless I felt a shiver down my spine at the eight eyes staring at me with such powerful emotions. This thing must really desire me as its entree.

The next head lunged down, but this time I was prepared. My clenched limb reeled backwards in a different angle this time as I threw myself forwards, this time giving an uppercut up the hydra's chin, working very, very effectively.

I suppose this was where I asked myself once again: what is with this OP strength?! It appears in the face of danger, and then disappears straight afterwards. Was it like an emergency power, granted to me when a hostile threat presents itself?

I couldn't contemplate further - especially in the middle of a battle against a hydra - as I quickly, this time as the fourth head struck, l jumped upwards and leaned my two back hoofs back; this time landing a stomp on the bald reptilian's forehead, jumping off as the creature retreated one of its many faces again. The monster then shook that head to recover from the extensive pain I continue to inconvenience it with.

I just gave a hydra a headache. All arguments are hereby null and void.

I released a small grin as the creature kept leering at me with seething anger. "Oh come now my friend. This is your punishment for attacking those I cherish. Why don't you just bugger off now and be spared any further pain dealt by my hand?"

Its many eyes narrowed further at the suggestion, obviously taking it as a challenge before all four heads smirked simultaneously.

Oh... this should be good.

Then my eyes widened while my entire body tensed up in preparation; four hungry heads lunging downs towards me at once. Clever, but reckless, I can just leaped to one side, deliver a swift kick to one head which would bang into the others-

That idea halted along with the painful groans of the hydra, as a sudden brick wall appeared out of nowhere, separating me from engaging the assaulting four-headed reptile, who own heads crashed into the bricks head-on, leaving a pile in its wake.

What the-? Oh who else? I looked behind as the pink glow disappeared from the mare's horn, as Twilight stared at me in turn with renewed courage in her eyes. "Come on!"

This time I obliged.

An dos the pair of us, Twilight and I, ran from the lunging tall beast, side-stepping and dodging all attacks from the many heads.

And, right there and then, I honestly felt just so alive. I couldn't wipe off the grin from my face as an alien feeling known as cockiness kept me moving, that and the triumph of facing off such a mythical monstrosity and we about to escape it unscratched.

But it wasn't over just yet.

"They're safe then?" I asked admist our continuous dodging, not feeling tired in the least. Whatever adrenaline was within me at that moment was clearly working to maximum efficiency. If this was my final day in Ponyville, then it was one with a bang.

Twilight replied, not sounding quite as thrilled but focused all the same. "Yes; they're on the other side." Other side of what-?

Ahh.

The body of the hydra thankfully wasn't as agile and fast as its lunging heads, giving us enough time to survey the circular rocky structures as the only access to the other side of a mountain. Well, this should be easy. But the slow shaking of the ground from the approaching monster had me unnerved-

"Stardust look out!" And I felt myself being shoved to the side as Twilight and I barely managed to avoid that collision from of the heads, who instead impacted into the only ways across the large gap, destroying them rather effectively. But hearing a groan my attention then focused on the recovering unicorn.

"Are you alright?" I asked quickly, seeing the beast from the corner of my eye shaking its head in pain. The said hydra roared, loudly, finally deciding its had enough of our [BEEP].

"I'm fine... though I don't think that will be the case any longer!" Point my dear, and I nodded in agreement, walking between the frightened mare and the leering abomination.

If by any minimal possibility I WAS going to perish here and now... then may as well be dying defending someone.

"T-Twilight! Stardust!" I then heard Pinkie Pie yell out to us. "You've got to j-jump!" Why was she stuttering like that-? Wait.

Idea!

"We'll never make it- wait, Stardust, what are you doing?! Let go!"

Oh one of us will make it alright. "Catch!" I yelled to the stunned ponies over the gap and recklessly hurled my favourite pony towards them, using every bit of strength I could to throw the protesting and screaming mare across without causing that much damage to her on impact.

I sighed in relief as Applejack caught the unicorn. She was safe. They were safe. And that's all that mattered- hang on... can't Twilight teleport?

...Aw [BEEP].

That was I felt something slither around my body, as the hydra this time decided to play it smart and wrap his tail around me... very tightly I might add. I gasped loudly as pain erupted in my lungs for the abrupt air exertion, the beat lifting me upwards for me to gaze back at the sinister four pairs of eyes, those eyes that seemed to say: I suppose one meal will do for today.

Not likely my friend. Despite the uncomfortable choking, I manged to smirk a little to match their triumphant features. Time to use your instincts Stardust. I opened my mouth wide, and to the beast's shock I sunk my teeth into its scaly tail.

The hydra released me in shock, and I felt my arse land on the unforgiving ground, teeth grit in pain from it alongside my muzzle breathing in and out the welcoming oxygen once again. But I imagine the monster felt similarly hurt, as I heard another enraged roar above me.

"Way to go, Stardust!" The youthful voice that belonged to Spike called out to me in cheering, If I'm going down, I may as well give the ponies and dragon a show.

"Y-You can do it S-Stardust!" Thank you Pinkie Pie.

"What are you waitin' for?! Jump!" In my own time Applejack.

"You don't need to act so reckless for us! Please do as we say and jump!" Do as you say? What when I'm having a blast? My pride kicked in again and I raised a brow at the observing group far from me, about to voice my opinion before Twilight immediately screamed. "Stardust! Behind you!"

What-? Argh!

Not again...

Once more pain erupted around and within me, as I felt my body being thrown across the ground and my back smashing into hard unforgiving bark, and I yelled in expressing how much to bloody hurt right then! Because it did!

"Oh no!" "Stardust!" "Are you alright?!" "Get up!"

I would if I could... but right now I inexplicably felt a sudden form of tiredness creeping in my brain, and my eyes were too blurry but enough to see the hydra's lower body approaching me slowly.

So this was the end huh? The ridiculous beast would devour me while I was unconscious... talk about not dying a warrior's death. Yet despite the displeasure I felt about my upcoming demise, the last thing I saw before me as I entered the world of sleep right in front of me was... four striped hooves?


"...- be okay?"

A familiar voice was the first thing I heard upon my awakening from... God I don't remember what. That's not a good sign...

What the hell happened to me? I felt numb... as in I couldn't feel my entire body. Oh this wasn't good indeed.

"In fine condition he will be." Now that was a voice I've never heard before. "Awakening now, as you can see."

...Must be referring to me.

The female voice loomed closer, indicating that the origin was closer to me now... was it just me or whatever I was lying atop felt rather... stiff? "Come, awaken now my friend. It is not the time to meet your end."

...Was she rhyming? I don't remember any famous pony character who rhymes. But regardless, I slowly obliged, my vision a huge blur for a moment before I blinked rapidly to get rid of it, and right in front of me was... a zebra?

...Oh. Ohhh...

My tired mind immediately processed this and cross-checked the unknown zebra before me within the archives of my mind, finding a match instantly.

She smiled as I stared back at her in confusion, speaking calmly and rather soothingly. "Do not fret, young stallion. I would appreciate your full cooperation."

My hoarse tone replied wryly. "I bet you do... Zecora."

The zebra blinked at me addressing her name without introducing herself. "You are aware of my name? I do not recall meeting a pony less than tame."

No one told me she spoke in rhymes- wait a minute, just what the hell was going on? The striped voodoo zebra didn't await any reply, instead returning to some cauldron nearby while I sat up, flinching at the protesting pain of my back. All I see surrounding the interior was bottles, books and... the masks from Princess And The Frog. "Wait... what's going on? Where am I?"

"You're in Zecora's hut." The familiar and welcoming voice caused me to snap my head to the purple unicorn watching me with clear relief in her tone and on her expression, accompanied by Spike, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Fluttershy.

"You five?" Said group nodded, all of them smiling to see me awake. "W...What happened?"

"Don't you remember?" Twilight asked in slight concern. "The hydra? Getting knocked out? Zecora coming to your rescue?"

The hydra... yes... yes I recall now! Flashes of today's earlier events crossed my mind like a whirlwind, and I slowly processed all the details while the rest watched, Twilight and Spike approaching me the closest.

"Yes... I remember engaging the hydra in combat." I admitted thoughtfully. But I also recall the beast managing to get the jump on me, so how was I-? Twilight's words caused me to look up again."Wait... did you just say Zecora came to my rescue?"

Spike nodded enthusiastically. "You should've seen it Stardust; Zecora here used some kind of magic cloud dust that scared off the creature! It must have been allergic to whatever it was or something."

"I only did what was right." The voodoo zebra commented from the middle of the hut, brewing something in clear concentration. "To put an end to that meaningless fight." 'Meaningless'? I'll have you know-!

"What she meant to say was that the hydra didn't make you its next meal." Twilight intercepted my incoming tirade. Then the unicorn gave a soft smile similar to Fluttershy's. "We're glad you're okay, Stardust. Though your back is bruised from hitting that tree, Zecora said it'll take some time for that to recover."

"Speakin' of which." Applejack took that turn to talk before I could even open my mouth. Ah great, a lecture judging by the tone. "Just what were ya thinkin', takin' on that there hydra like that?! Ya could've jumped as well instead of actin' all noble and throwing Twilight to us-" The flushing purple mare looked away in clear embarrassment at that. "- and then fightin' off the hydra all by yerself!"

I took on a giant bear, a dragon and now a hydra. Boy do I have a lot of stories to share with my sister back home.

As the memories of today's previous events kept returning, I raised an incredulous brow at the mad Earth Pony. "With a gap that wide? I wasn't going to make it with a jump like that."

Twilight added, "He's right Applejack; if we calculate the estimated distance between that rock and the cliff where Stardust and the hydra were on then-"

"Don't give me yer fancy math Twilight! I'd rather this reckless pony at least tried to jump instead of stickin' around to face a hydra like that."

"Need I point out that I fought an ursaminor and a dragon all by myself, and survived?" I questioned logically, indifferent really to the growing annoyed expression on the orange mare's features.

"That was different!"

"...How?"

"Well... Well we were there to back you up!"

"He clearly didn't need any backup earlier." Spike then pointed out, and I could detect admiration in his tone.

Applejack cast a side-glare at the dragon before opening her mouth to speak again, before another, much more quieter voice interjected, "Guys, don't you think we should save for this for another time? I mean Stardust has just woken up."

"Indeed, my dear Fluttershy. We should heal out stallion friend first before we have anyone's temper rise." Zecora concurred, finally completing whatever she was brewing and walking over, passing a wooden cup of pink liquid to my tired hoof. "Drink."

"...Sure this won't poison me?" I asked in slight amusement. Drinking any form of medicine from someone in the voodoo arts would make one, even me, wary. But since this was Zecora I'll oblige, just this once to get rid of that pain on my back. I downed the contents... hm, a rather bland taste but- ugh!

Oh Jesus! That tastes awful!

The magic zebra merely chuckled at my displeasure, turning to Twilight. "Be all right, he shall be. You can return him home, as you will soon see."

Yeah... home... I doubt that.

"That's if I'm coming back..." I muttered- oh. Spike was very near, as I noticed from the corner of my eye his ears perking up at the disgruntled sound, looking at me in confusion.

"What do you mean 'if', Stardust? You are coming back with us right?" Everyone's attention turned to me. Ah great, the center of attention. Just what I love NOT to be.

I sighed. Well, may as well just inform the two, and the two only, of my intention. "Everyone, I wish to speak with Twilight and Spike alone, if that's quite alright."

The four seemed to understand, Fluttershy then replying, "Of course... and I'm glad you're okay, Stardust. But you didn't have to act like a proper bodyguard today; facing that hydra like that."

"What can I say? I like to put on quite a show." I shrugged as the pegasus' smile grew at the joking words.

Applejack was the last to nod though rather reluctantly. "Alright, but don't think you've heard the last of what I have to say sugarcube." She warned before departing outside the hut with the rest... before Twilight then called to Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie!" The Earth Pony glanced at Twilight in question. "I'm sorry for... not believing in your Pinkie Sense. Someone WAS in danger, and all I've done throughout the whole day was express nothing but disbelief at your claims."

That was then, to my bemusement, the pink mare started shaking, stuttering like she did earlier. "S-S you b-believe in my P-P-P-Pinkie S-Sense?"

"I do." Twilight confirmed, as the Earth Pony ceased doing that annoying thing when the unicorn confirmed it. Oh yeah... the whole predictions skill Pinkie Pie apparently has. I still find hard to believe myself that Twilight was even reluctant to believe in something called a sixth sense.

"Hey! It stopped." Then Pinkie Pie gasped loudly. "Hey, that was it! Twilight, you believing was the doozie. Hey guys! Guess what happened?!"

Twilight stared at the doorway the energetic pony exited through for a long moment, before finally shaking her head in exasperated shock. "Unbelievable..." The purple unicorn proceeded to close the door and walk over towards us- huh. Well I what do you know she wasn't avoiding me right now. Go figure. "You seem to be making a habit of this, Stardust."

"Hm?" Excuse me?

"Facing against various beasts and always getting yourself injured as the conclusion."

Ah... well. I shrugged, there was no really denying that. "I guess I'm just really unlucky."

"Hm. I'll say." And then Twilight avoided my gaze once again, as though just remembering our argument a while back. "But... you saved my life today, when you really didn't have to-"

Oh no you don't. "Of course I did." I snapped, unintentionally sounding harsh. "I said earlier your lives were far more important than my own. I did only what I thought was right."

"But your life is just as important to ours!" The purple unicorn then protested, while still not looking at me and clearing her throat. "A-Anyway... thank you... for protecting us... despite me not deserving your protection today."

Not deserving my-? No, it was finally time to address this. I will not allow this opportunity to slip. "Twilight. Twilight look at me." There was hesitation before the unicorn slowly obliged, and I inwardly flinched at the traces of hurt in her violet eyes. "Good... now look; our heated debate back at the town was... childish of me and-"

"No." Excuse me? I blinked in surprise as the expression on her face hardened. "It was my fault; I never realized just how much I was being obnoxious and continued to irritate you so over those last few days with my endless questions. It took me a while to comprehend what I was doing was wrong and impolite of me. So... I'm sorry."

"...I'm sorry too." Well at she realized her mistakes just as much as I did. "For yelling at you like that, for making you think I despised you, when truth be told Twilight; I'm... rather fond of you."

There, I said it. Right to her face; her very, very surprised face.

"R...Really?" Was it just me or was the sides of her features brightening in colour a little?

Regardless I nodded determinedly, choosing to ignore the gutter mind of Spike as he snickered. "Indeed. But I have done nothing but brought misery to you. So that is why I have decided... to leave Ponyville." Their eyes widened. I anticipated that. "So I can trouble you no longer."

"W-Wait a minute!" Of course Spike would be the first to protest. "You're not that bad; not at all! Twilight, tell him!"

The unicorn immediately yielded to her pet's plea. "Spike's right, Stardust. You're not that much trouble to us. If you think I'm going to just say yes just because we argued like that, you're very sorely mistaken; we're still friends, after all."

Those eyes seemed to say: Please, don't even consider leaving us.

I sighed again. "Twilight, Spike, you've both been gracious hosts, but-"

"But nothing." Now what's this? A firm expression on Twilight's face as she spoke. "You're always welcome in our house, whether you believe so or not. Besides, your homeland is very far away, correct?" More distant than you can imagine, my dear. "And just what will the others think when you've suddenly decided to leave? There are a lot of ponies in Ponyville who like you very much, Stardust."

"Then that's their problem-"

But she was having none of it. "Please, just don't go. It's true we argue a lot but, since we're being honest here, I often like our arguments." Come again? She smiled lightly at my baffled expression. "And I think you do too; when you seem to smile whenever we have any heated discussions."

"...Alright I won't deny that." I often enjoyed seeing that fire in Twilight's eyes whenever we discuss anything with raised voices.

"So you'll stay?"

...I hope I don't regret this... again. "I can't promise you I'll continue to be pleasant company. Honestly I'm not quite sure how you put up with me." I admitted quietly.

"You can be a challenge, luckily I like a challenge." Twilight smirked, but I saw the relief and happiness in her eyes while Spike let out an "All right!" while pumping a fist int he air. Then her voice softened. "You're not as bad as you think you are, you know Stardust. Maybe if you just believed in yourself more you'd see that too."

I snorted loudly. Yeah, that'll be the day.

"So, is there anything you need right now, aside from I'm guessing a glass of water?"

That was then another memory hit me, reminding me of something I left behind in the filthy environment. I inwardly groaned at such. Great, well being dramatic often had consequences.

"I could do with a new cape..." I muttered in annoyance while Spike smirked and Twilight giggled.