Issue 15-A Stranger Comes To Town[Part 2]
Deep below in the secret halls of Wonder Castle lied a vast chamber that glimmered brightly despite its underground location. It wasn’t due to how well-lit it was, but how well its contents reflected the light source. For as far as the eye could see from a distance that must have reached over a larger field were troves and hills of treasure of all sorts! From chunks and coins of gold, to precious gemstones of all sizes were the major ingredient that composed these massive piles. And even then, there was still a plethora of all sorts of loot one could see in the mixtures. From armor, weapons, and important baubles of past civilizations, to what seemed more modern and timeless goods likes silks and whatever could lie in locked chests this place had it all!
And all of it was but a pale comparison to the one that stood proudly upon its tallest pile!
For while this chamber had such amazing contents, never had it hosted such a prevalent figure! It was a day that would go on in history! For the realm of Equestria would find that there was a new ruler amongst its ranks of royalty!
One who was the epitome of beauty, coolness, and all-around awesomeness!
One who would stand higher than even those overblown and overestimated pony princesses!
One who every species from the tall and the small would look at and say to themselves, ‘Oh! If only I could be half as cool or as pretty, then I could be happy, instead of sad that I'm not!’
And now that she stood proudly on this huge hill of shinies, she would begin her reign as ruler of this vast and glorious expanse-
“And it will be one of peace and pros-sper-ity! Starting now, it is now manda…manda…um, expected!- that everyone gives me first dibs to all the cookies, and at every meal time get rid of all the veggies especially that nasty broc-”
“Norah!” Bo’s voice echoed to her younger sibling and interrupting her fantastical rant. “What did I tells you about properly handling oneself arounds big loots?”
The pup ceased her dynamic declarations from the top of the pile of treasures at her Big Sis’ barking tone. Norah sighed as she lowered her tiara adorned head and wrapped her recently pilfered velvet cape around her with a huff. Sure, she may look like a princess, but even she had to follow the barks of her older sibling. Darn sibling code! “Never let those greedy thoughts go bumpings arounds in your head…”
“That’s right, and I woulds thinks you woulds remember it especially considering all the loot we were used to seeing backs with the Golden Nailed.” Bo nodded with her paws crossed. In those days, they saw plenty of treasure acquired by the pack. Especially gold considering Zolotaya’s way of ‘acquiring’ it!
“But Big Sis!” Norah pouted as she looked down at her sister with an eyebrow raised over her bullseye birthmark. “You're wearing more gold, silks, and shinies than I am!”
“…My point still stands!” Bo pointed while trying to lessen the glimmer of embarrassment radiating from her. Said paw that was pointing was adorned with all sorts of rings and bracelets of gold and fine gemstones. Yet that amount paled in comparison to the rest of the jewelry that was decorating her person. Her already heavy bosom alone was noticeably weighed down by the numerous necklaces and chokers she just HAD to try on to properly appraise! And what would be better to test it than some silks that must have come from Saddle Arabia. Although they looked a bit out of place on her with her overalls, she noticed the swords-doggie giving her shy glances when he wasn’t considering different blades he came across to see if they were any better than the three he carried. Seems there was another female Diamond Dog that was falling for the trap of being decorated like royalty. Regaining her senses, she stood by her words of admonishment. “Besides, it's a dragon’s hoard! And you better knows to never steal from a dragon!”
“It's all right. -Crunch!- I don't mind.” Said a voice full of substance being chowed down.
Tsavorite seemed to have mastered the art of talking with her mouth full. That or her companions had gotten used to understanding her since they arrived in the chamber. After a quick assurance that they could take their share so long as it was reasonable, she pretty much dove into her piles of gems and began sating a hunger that had been lingering in her since she originally left with Mysterio for Clutter Coulee. Sure, she was chomping them in a calm and collected manner, but considering that she hadn't stopped except when speaking more substantial words was clear evidence of her appetite.
“Trixie is surprised you are so generous.” The unicorn mare commented as she appraised another piece of jewelry to a growing collection that was brightening up her magician’s outfit. In truth, she really was especially considering how her apparent rival had no qualms with even her acquiring some accessories for herself. Accessories that might even help her further acquire a certain sorcerer’s attentions away from the dragoness. Which brought her mind back to her point! “Trixie would think you'd be especially greedy considering they are not just your source of food and pride, but Mysterio’s wealth!”
The green dragoness merely shrugged as she tossed a sizable sapphire into her maw and broke it down. “-Crunch!- Well, it is his to do as he wishes. -Gulp!- I merely eat my fill knowing that it’s because of him that I have it at all.”
Norah tilted her head as she voiced a question that had been in her head for some time. “That makes me want to ask, Tsavy. Why are yous so serious and stuff abouts Boss Mysterio?”
“Norah!” Bo chided. It wasn’t her place to ask a female, especially a dragoness, why she acted towards a male…even if it was Mysterio.
“What? It's true! Miss Tsavy is always acting like that around him, and even asks for the punishments when she's in troubles instead of hiding the evidence behind the shed and blaming Trixie-”
“What?!” Now that was news to the Border Collie-Mixed Diamond Dog!
“Trixie told you it wasn't her!” The unicorn fumed. Many times, she got blamed for the pup’s mishaps and now she haphazardly admitted it. It was even more annoying as said pup took no notice as they continued their line of questioning.
“So why is a dragoness so…” She rolled her enlarged paw around as she tried to come up with a good word for it. Her vocabulary was only so advanced at her young age after all. “I don't know, fiery?”
“You want to know?” Tsavorite asked as she stroked the horn on her nose in contemplation for how to answer. Her other hand was no longer reaching for nearby gems to gorge herself on. She ceased her eating, which was clear sign that she was taking this most seriously! When an answer came to her, she felt it would be best to build up to itso it could be fully understood. So she started off with the question. “What are dragons considered to Diamond Dogs and Ponies?”
“They are the biggest and strongest beasts in the world!” Norah answered with her arms eagerly spread as she answered. “They can breathes cool elements to attack, get mountains of shinies, and live pretty much forevers!”
Tsavorite nodded as it was an acceptable answer, and one she could she Bo and the other Diamond Dog agree with. Her gaze then turned to Trixie, who despite making a career out of it, seemed to be hesitant as it suddenly was her on the spot.
“W-well…Trixie knows they are creatures who are powerful as already stated, but that they are a species whose culture is mostly unknown to us ponies. Admittedly, we…haven’t had the best history with them—mostly because we were considered a food source, as well as other things for a time—BUT! They are creatures that certainly earned their reputation of power, wealth, and reputation for being dangerous foes if they choose to attack.”
Trixie nervously ran her hat trough her hands as she finished speaking. Sure, Tsavorite was a rival of hers, but even she didn’t want to bring up past grudges between their species into this debacle of theirs. In many ways, it would be crossing a line in her opinion.
Tsavorite seemed to take it in good stride, for she nodded her head in agreement to both of their points.
“You're not wrong. From birth, we dragons are taught that we are the mightiest beings this world has to offer. We are raised on the mentality that as such, we hold an even greater responsibility: For it is the strongest that govern the weak, and it is us that decides the fate of the rest. The ponies can claim governance to the seasons, weather, magic, and time of day. However, in the end, that is only because we allowed them to prosper for it is our world to do with as we please! Its landscapes are shaped by our will. The mountains are high because they support the skyline from which we reign and the deepest canyons are excavated so we may bathe in this worlds heart! Our bodies are reflections of the planet’s terrain; grand, elegant, and powerful! Our breath is the elements of this realm’s staple forces. Its treasures are ours to hoard and enjoy for We ARE Nature Incarnate!!” She gave out a vehement roar as she finished her proclamation. Seeing the startled reactions of her audience, such as Bo drawing Norah into a close embrace or the swords-doggie brandishing a drawn blade in defense, she immediately settled herself down and sheepishly turned her head and muttered. “At least that's what we're taught…”
“So how is it that somedragon like you can serves Boss Mysterio then?” Norah asked as she left her sister's grasp and eagerly came closer to hear the dragoness’ story finding it more amazing than frightening.
“When you're at the top of the proverbial mountain, young Norah, you have a long way to fall. And I had fallen to the bottom of a very tall mountain.” Tsavorite spoke in the most solemn of tones as she recalled a past she wished she could forget. “It was only through sheer luck I ended up here at the steps of this castle, disoriented, starved, and dying. The worse state for a being like me to be in. For everything would take advantage of my weakened state, if only for the pleasure and prestige of saying they were the one to end a dragon of all things.”
Her audience could feel her sorrow radiate with every word. Even Trixie, her rival felt empathy at imagining such a thing to the dragoness. Yet they all perked up as Tsavorite’s tone changed as she spoke of the next part.
“But he showed up, and even seeing me as a dragoness at their weakest he took me in and tried to save my life even when I too gave up on myself.” Her words were filled with a glimmer of hope, and more substantially, laced with adoration. Dare it be noted, the green dragoness was starting to get watery eyes as she admitted to them, “And it was there I made my realization.”
“What was it?” Trixie was the one to ask, feeling the only one who could dare interrupt the female’s speech.
“That he was stronger than me!” She spoke with a confident smile as she recalled the exact moment her master earned her devotion. “For only the strongest could do what he did and say when I was ready to give it all up for the last time!”
And she told them exactly what it was that occurred when she was at her lowest. Not only was it enough to convince them of her loyalty to the sorcerer, but it also showed them that no matter what was said, Mysterio was worth that praise that he had earned from her.
But that's a tale for another time.
[}0{]
As Tsavorite was speaking words of praise towards her master, said master was appraising a town he had been long hesitant to travel to. Had Mysterio been there in that treasure chamber with the rest, perhaps his spirits might have been lifted from the somber mood they had been dumped down in as he walked through the town. The good news is that his walk was unhindered like he originally feared it would be by some form of authority figures or scared townsfolk.
There was no angry mob to be sure. Instead, there was nearly nothing there.
Oh, there were buildings that looked homely and clear places for business. He saw a few stands that sold food goods and other things like a newspaper stand he was currently perusing for useful information. He even saw a library based in a tree that he wished he could visit, but its problem was like the rest of the place:
Not one pony citizen was present or out in the open the moment that Zebra walked into their town!
Zecora told him to wait, but he followed, hidden at first by his tech until he decided it was unnecessary, and he could now see why she was hesitant. Initially he feared he would see her mistreated like a ‘woman of color’ she sounded like from his kind. He hoped not, but seeing this town so barren with only the occasional peek of a citizen sneaking a glance in a shutter crack or door slightly ajar…? Maybe she wasn’t met with violence, but this certainly wasn’t a great alternative!
He didn’t know how to feel. Angry for what was clearly some form of discrimination towards someone he considered…well a friend…or perhaps sorrow at realizing that these people—albeit sentient bipedal ponies—were acting out of fear and not hate.
Although, the one feeling that stood out the most to balance both these sensations was annoyance, considering everywhere he walked, whether it was a shop or a stand, was closed despite it not even being close to sundown yet. Even the one newspaper stand he stood in front of with its convenient ‘Out to lunch!’-sign felt like a mockery to him.
“So much for small town hospitality.” His words bit out from his helmet’s speakers. He folded up the newspaper, finding it to be dull as he expected, but still what he needed. As he was about to take it, his eyes however caught the sight of something more to his tastes. Something he'd never imagined would be in a land of magical ponies and dragons!
The cover depicted what looked like a tall bipedal violet furred mare in a purple spandex outfit posed like a model for a shampoo ad. However, her long green mane seemed to have a dastardly mind of its own as it stretched and tied up six female superhero dressed mares in her curls like an octopus. Despite their furious and worried expressions, she maintained a look of crazed poise as if this was all a joke to her. It was impressive artwork worthy of a poster, but even that wasn't as eye catching to Ethan as the details the title presented.
“‘Power Ponies’ …by Marevel Comics!?” He swiped it off the rack and started flipping through the pages. After seeing that yes, it was in fact a comic book, he looked about the racks, hoping to find more. Finding only a few, he took them and the newspaper, and left a few gold coins on the counter with a muttered, “Keep the change...you animal.”
He put the reading material away, hoping it would be worth the trip into town he and Zecora made—Oh, who was he kidding? It was a bust with no real supplies to show for it! He had enough of this charade and deciding that his venture into pony territory had enough disappointments for one day, he walked to Zecora, hoping she had better luck.
It didn't look that way when he came across her on her knees, digging for something in the dirt.
“Zecora…what are you doing?” He just had to ask. He didn't know if this was a pony thing, a Zebra thing, or just her, but she was clearly not digging in dirt for fun. Her words spoken in a language his ears picked up as Swahili was a big enough clue.
“When I feel my heart grows hard to the pain, I ask for a blessing from a spirit of rain.” She answered simply as she continued her strides into the dirt.
Mysterio would have asked more, but he felt a spike of awareness hit his senses that took precedent!
It came from a nearby building with a most uncanny resemblance to cake. And not in the sense that it that it had a sugary paint job. It looked like he could rip off a piece of the wall and bite into it to enjoy some chocolatey goodness. It was certainly tone of the most eye-catching of the builds, next to the one he saw that looked like a Merry-go-round! The sign dubbed it ‘Sugarcube Corner’, but that wasn't what was the most interesting thing about it. No, instead it was the fact that out of all these places of business, it was the only one that still had a sign marked ‘Open’.
“You want anything, Zecora?” He asked as he began heading towards it. “Because I'm buying.”
[}0{]
“Wait! Why is he coming here?” Dash asked as she saw the sorcerer walking toward Sugarcube Corner. The other mares followed until they eyed the door. There was the sign that should have said it was closed. It did. Only the side that said ‘Closed’ was facing them!
“Pinkie?” Rarity asked with a nervous raised eyebrow. “Did you remember to change the sign like we suggested if Twilight came by and we let her in?”
“Well...I hung the sign so we would all know we were closed, but…I guess it says we're open the other way!” Pinkie shrugged as she didn’t quite get what the problem was.
“Pinkie!!” They harshly whispered at her. Seeing the mares found themselves that trouble was coming their way, and knowing a bit more about the one who might be bringing it, Spike was the one who took charge of the situation.
“Never mind that! Quick, in here!” He led them into the kitchen. Unfortunately Mrs. Cake—who was cleaning the previous mess Spike knocked over--found herself being pushed in as well to the near stampede of mares looking to hide in it. Her husband, Mr. Cake could only watch as this strange figure was walking closer to his store.
“No way! I say it’s time we get back at that fishbowl headed-!” Dash started to rant, but found herself being dragged into following the rest by Applejack.
“Any other day I might be agreeing with ya about bashing his head in, Dash! But I ain’t letting you start up somethin’ here with my sister possibly getting caught in the thick of it!” The orange farm mare said as she carried said Apple Bloom like a bussel of apples in one arm, while Rainbow was given the same treatment in another. Before she could protest, the blue Pegasus was given a numerous amount of shushing as the could all hear the echoing sound of footsteps stepping into the shop.
[}0{]
Mysterio walked in with all the class of a smooth desperado, expecting a myriad of faces to be looking at him the moment he passed through the threshold. Instead he only caught the briefest of glimpses of some back doors closing as a lone lanky stallion was left alone wiping the counter over a display case.
“W-well, what can I do for you…sir?” The stallion asked shakily as he leaned his counter top. He was appropriately yellow with a carrot colored mane of hair under a server hat, and looked every part of a sweets vendor. His name tag listed him as Carrot Cake, which Mysterio tried not to snort at. Leave it to a guy working at a confectionery having a name like that!
“…You have anything to drink on your menu?” He spoke out in a deep echoed voice as he stood in front of the stallion. Despite being a head taller, Carrot felt small in the presence of him. Oh, if only he was quicker to hide with the others! At least he hoped his dear sweet Cup would be safe among their hiding place. Hopefully, he could at least serve this stranger well enough to avoid getting on his bad side.
“W-well, we got milkshakes, root beer floats, different flavored milk-” Carrot started listing before the mysterious individual interrupted.
“Do you have lemonade?” He brusquely asked.
“Um…sure.” He walked to a pitcher behind him that served drinks. He was about to grab a cup, but felt he needed to ask, “You, err... want it…to go?”
Mysterio seemed flummoxed by the question before answering. “Yes, and I'll take two of your largest ones if you please.”
Carrot nodded as he took out what appeared to be two large traveling mugs. He was tempted to point out the extra charge, but considering who he felt he was dealing with, he was sure he and his wife could forgive the slight detail. “S-so, what brings…a fellow like you here, Mr…?”
“Mysterio.” The now named person introduced with a nod. “Just Mysterio if you please. And you could say I came here to…run a few errands. I’m sure you can understand.”
“Sure.” Carrot nodded, although he really didn’t. or rather, he didn’t want to consider what these ‘errands’ could be based on the hubbub Pinkie and her friends seem to make when seeing him in town. From what he could overhear, it didn’t sound too good.
Mysterio leaned against the counter nonchalantly as he waited for his drinks. “Pardon me for pointing it out, but your town seems rather…quiet. Not much going on around here.”
Carrot tried not to falter in his task of filling the drinks. “W-well, sometimes…that's just how it goes! Can't be lively all the time in a small town like this, you know?”
“True. Must be pretty dull around here without much going on.” Mysterio seemed to accept as he calmly tapped a finger in waiting. Carrot tried not to look too hard, especially noticing the disturbing fact he had an extra figure on each hand, but his strange head was even more unnerving. It was like a large eye gazing all about yet focused entirely on him. It didn't help that his tone of voice sounded like it was insinuating something more especially when he said, “Fortunately a gentle…stallion, like yourself has a loving wife to go home to.”
A series of gasping sounded from the kitchen with a cherry maned mare being the loudest.
Carrot nearly dropped the mugs at that. “How'd you-?”
He pointed to one of the pictures behind his shoulder. In it, there was his sweet Cup Cake and himself dressed for marriage and about to cut into their wedding cake. It was a proud moment, not just because he finally gotten married with the mare he loved most, but because even with the pressures of the wedding, he himself made that cake for her!
“Doesn't take a sorcerer of my skill to see that you got someone important to you.” He said as he was now fiddling with a pack of cards set in some game of solitaire; something he swore wasn't there on the counter a minute ago. “It would be truly terrible if anything bad happened around here, right?”
Carrot was trying not to panic, holding both mugs in front of him as if they were his only safeguard. “Uhhhh….ummmm…”
“Fortunately, good sir, you're the type who sees that business is just business and thus you keep your door open for customers and not just decide to change that…because say...a certain striped mare trotted into town.” Mysterio said with an oddly chipper tone that wasn't helped by his echoing vocals. “So, because of that, I think you're entitled to something.”
He swiped the cards off the counter, but left one that stood out from all the rest. It was a tarot looking thing with the words ‘THE MYSTERIO’ emblazoned on the bottom.
“I don't just give this out on a whim. But if you ever feel you need a favor, just consider giving me a call and... I’ll see what I can do for you. Good day, Carrot. Tell the Missus I hope she's well!” He turned with a flurry of his cloak and in but a second, he was gone!
Carrot looked towards his hands, and seeing that they no longer held mugs of lemonade but stacks of gold coins, finally felt he had too much today. And therefore he fainted in a pile of money marked with eyes and umbrellas!
“CARROT!” Cup finally had enough and rushed to her husband’s side, resting his head in her lap. The other mares and Spike however took off, seeing the pair of trouble makers leaving town and hoping to intercept them.
And in the chaos of that motion, no one noticed the young filly sneaking off on her own.
[}0{]
It wasn’t until they were near that field of Poison Joke that Mysterio heard Zecora speak. Sure, she held the travel mug of lemonade carefully in her hand, but did not take so much as a sip from it. Her mind seemed to be busy considering what to say on the matter, and now had finally settled on the words to address her fellow traveler with.
“I know you don’t care about what I think, but was what you did really worth these two drinks?” She asked as she gave a bitte
r glance his way. “Not once did I dare to even step near their doors, or while leaving payment take anything from their stores. Yet you have done more than both these things. Do you not care for the trouble it brings?”
“Zecora, I’ve seen trouble. I’ve caused it, and have received it plenty since coming here. If more is on its way because I decided to break the oppressive status quo, then it better be prepared to face the retaliation of the great-!”
“MYSTERIO!!” a collection of angry voices shouted behind him.
‘Oh, speak of the devil!’ he thought as he heard the voices of the last girls –besides a couple of ex’s—he ever wanted to meet again! Trying to maintain calm despite that aura of danger that was brushing his senses, he turned around, standing imposingly with his arms crossed, and asked them, “Can I help you?”
There, standing in different degrees of anger and disappointed expressions were the six mares he met after the debacle with the Red Drake. Some like the orange mare and blue Pegasus looked ready to physically punish him. The white and purple unicorns looked positively worried about seeing him. The pink one seemed to shake, but from excitement or fear he couldn’t really tell with her forced goofy grin. There was a new face amongst them, that being a young purple drake with green spikes. Already he stood out, but interestedly he stood defiant next to the two unicorns in a protective stance. Where it not for the fact he was obviously younger than them and only met a bit above their waist height, he would have been further impressed by his determination.
Yet the one face that seemed to stick out the most to him came from the yellow Pegasus. Out of all of them, she was the one he didn’t want to see the most. Not because she appeared to be the strongest, or the bravest. It was because even know he could feel a sense of kindness in her stare. Only now, it was painful because of how forlorn she seemed to emote to him with her sad disposition. It was the expression one got when someone you knew could see the sins crawling on your back. It was enough to draw him away from this emanating presence of danger, and instead lose his focus to the renewed sentiment of guilt he tried to forget when remembering how he tried to mind wipe them because of a foreboding hunch.
“Sure! You can stand still as I bash your head in!” Dash yelled as she readied her hands and got into a sprinter’s stance. This brought back Mysterio’s attention as he quickly tried to think up ways to avoid an upcoming attack.
“Wait, Dash! You can’t-!” Twilight tried to warn the blue rainbow maned Pegasus, only to have it go unheeded. In a blur, the cocky athlete rushed into a flying uppercut at the sorcerer.
Mysterio was no physicist. But even he knew that an object moving at such velocity would not only hurt, but possibly be enough to literally knock his block off! So, the moment an alert asked if he wanted to use an ‘Anti-decapitation technique’ he immediately whispered yes and hoped for the best.
-CLANG!-
-Thud!-
-Clunk!-
The resonant sound of something like a bell rang through the forest before the deep echoes of two somethings sounded off one after the other!
It was soon followed by a horrified scream of Pinkie who felt terrified at seeing a rounded sphere land not that far from her!
“W-what?” Dash only could stammer as she starred at her fist in horror at what she had done.
“Oh my…” Rarity barely had time to say before fainting into the arms of Spike. Any other time he might have been relishing the fact, but now he was struggling to hold her up as he himself was trying to pass out at the thought of seeing the now headless Mysterio on the floor. The other were dealing with similar feelings of shock. They expected any number of things to occur, from him teleporting away, to just ducking down. Not in a thousand years would they expect Rainbow Dash to hit him, let alone truncate him with a fatal blow!!
“You killed him!!” Fluttershy started to tear up. She never wanted this! It was what she feared most would happen! And now one of her friends would have blood on her hands forever!
“Probably for the best, Shy.” Applejack said as she went to comfort the poor Pegasus. Sure, she was disturbed a bit at what happened, but at least her sister wasn’t here to witness it, too! “Besides, it was quick, which was prob’ly more than that villainous sorcerer deserved.”
This was the wrong thing to say, as Zecora broke out of the spell that had frozen her in shock, and now had set her temper ablaze. It even started to be reflected in the sky above them as the clouds started to darken with an upcoming storm-front.
“How can you all possibly be so daring! To partake in death and be that uncaring!” She starred at the group so furiously that they could swear her eyes were beginning to glow. “I don’t care anymore about what led to your strife!! For even it can’t be that callous to disregard his life!!”
“I don’t know, Zecora. I think I deserved that one.”
Everyone stopped to stare at the round orb on the ground. Rarity got up in shock at hearing that voice, and Zecora cooled her anger into surprise. Even the developing storm ceased in surprise at the voice emitting from it!
“Of course, I think we should all try to keep our minds calm in all this. No reason for all of us to lose our heads here, right?”
“-Snrrk!-” The pink mare tried not to laugh, but she broke into a series of guffaws, much to the annoyance of her friends finding humor in the situation.
“Pinkie!”
“What? He’s a talking head! It’s a funny joke!” she shrugged.
“So glad someone is finding this amusing.” The head began to roll back around the mares. It was a bit unnerving to see how efficiently it moved until it reached its destination of Mysterio’s ‘’headless corpse’. Once there it rolled over him until it sunk back into place between his shoulders. From that point, the sorcerer just got up as if he had done nothing more than sporadically take a nap in the forest.
“Now, judging by how ready you were to murder me, I’m going to assume Miss Fluttershy caught you all up to speed.” He noted aloud. This caused many them to become shamefaced and lower their heads. Even the hot headed pegasus didn’t look as eager to fight.
However, it seemed the orange colored farmer looking mare wasn’t willing to back down. In fact, she seemed to be even angry at the fact he was able to get up from that strike. Already she was flexing into a punching stance as it appeared that she wanted a try at taking him out. “Oh cut the lyin’! We y’all know you’re nothing but a lying trickster using your dirty spell works on helpless ponies to do your bidding!”
“Helpless? Your friend just struck with a blow that would have killed a weaker man, and you’re currently showing quite the amount of muscle with how you’re readying that punch.” He pointed out. Both points were true. Especially the second, for he could tell that while she didn’t have the blue mare’s speed, she obviously made it up in might. “Besides, I seem to recall you were paid for your services to my servant. She says hi, by the way.”
Only Pinky seemed to perk up at that as she let out a friendly wave. The rest didn’t find that the least bit amusing.
“That’s still no excuse for the use of mind magic!” Rarity countered as she had gotten over. Pinkie stopped her happy greeting as was reminded what else Mysterio did to someone close to her.
“Yeah! Or what you did to Carrot. Cake! Even after he gave you lemonade!” Pinkie agreed as she stated her piece of mind. “I mean I didn’t want to think you were such a meanie considering that you took away that dragoness’ chance at having a party, but to threaten him with his wife, Cup-”
“Threaten!?” Mysterio angrily interrupted. Whatever argument that was in development was thrown aside by his angry tirade finally bubbling to the surface. “Threaten the one Stallion who would actually serve someone willing to pay him despite their treatment from his neighbors? Threaten the one who was willing to at least talk to me instead of hiding in their homes like a couple of monsters were on the loose? Threaten someone I could tell was but a moment from fainting but was still willing to endure knowing that what he held dear was dependable on him?”
He stopped with a few huffs as he saw that his words were reaching out to them. However, they all found his anger to be something to fear as they back away from him. Even Zecora, as upset as she was at him, found herself taking a step back at his furry. Seeing that this was the result of expressing his feelings, he recomposed himself and tried to finish in a calm, yet somewhat simmering conclusion.
“No, I didn’t threaten Carrot Cake, nor his wife. But I can definitely assure that I will threaten those that think they are better than them if ever asked!”
“Mysterio.”
In a very short amount of time she had been lashed with so many different emotions: fear, sorrow, guilt, and disbelief to name a few. Her heart felt conflicted on several levels at seeing this person encounter her and her friends again. Even now she felt confused as to what to say, and having all eyes turn to her wasn’t helping her confidence.
Still she voiced her question. “A-are we still that scary to you?”
For what felt long a frozen moment of time, the woods were silent. No one spoke a word. It was just six mares, and a young drake standing in a field of strange flowers as two strangers watched without so much as a word. Yet even the silence was broken as the one stranger with a spherical head had this to finally say.
“…You tell me. I'm not the one about to lynch a female just for wandering into your town, or was willing to kill me without so much as an introduction, now am I?” He said as a green mist seemed to seep into the place where he and Zecora stood. As it enshrouded them, he had this last thing to say. “Maybe it was better had we never met.”
And then they were gone as the mist dissipated away.
Fluttershy turned and began her walk home, not even noticing her friends stares at her depressed state.
“Fluttershy! Are you ok, darling?” Rarity asked.
The yellow Pegasus stopped her pace, but didn’t look towards the mares behind her. But even with her back turned towards them, they could feel her tear drops glisten down her cheeks as she spoke to them.
“He said his friend was mistreated by us ponies…because she wasn't as colorful.” She recalled what he said, but it was only when they stood next to each other she realized who he was speaking of. And even though she herself didn’t do anything extreme like other ponies, she wasn’t free of being a participant in her exclusion. “It should have been more obvious that it was Zecora he was talking about. She scares me and yet makes me sad in a similar way to him.”
And admitting it aloud was the final straw to get her to fly the rest of the way home with a speed that would have impressed Rainbow Dash, weren’t she and the others so focused on her words. In fact, they were so focused that none of them noticed the odd splotches that seemed to faintly glimmer on their skin. It was a similar shade to the flowers that were nearby. Nor did they notice the little figure that was watching from when Mysterio yelled, only to sneak after the two supposed trouble makers.
[}0{]
The two strangers walked until they found themselves on a road. The zebra of the pair was leading the two in silence. Mysstero was waiting for her to let out the emotions she was no doubt keeping tightly enclosed involving his ‘head game’. It was when Zecora noticed they were as far away from that group of frustrated mares saw it as the time to take out some frustrations of her own on her traveling companion.
“How dare you make it appear that you died!” Zecora angrily chastised him as they stood on a road. There was a near wetness in her eyes, but a definite fury as she smacked him repeatedly on his chest and stared directly into his dome. “Did you want to see how deeply I cried?”
“No!” He held her hands to stop her, but spoke gently and solemnly. “No, I didn’t want to do it as something mean. Yet, don’t you see why I didn’t?”
“Not once did you try to perform an attack. Even though you could have easily struck back.” She concluded after composing herself and clearing her eyes. “You tested them to see what they’d do. And how’d they react to learning the past sins of you.”
“And that was just six mares and a young drake. I’m sure the rest of the ponies would probably be just as welcoming to someone like me.” Mysterio sighed. Trying to get his mind off of the thought, he noticed the path they were taking was different than the one to the castle. For one thing, he would recall seeing these type of trees, especially so many planted in organized rows. “So where are we going now?”
“Whenever I go into town, but find nothing to bring back,” she looked pointedly at the destination she led them to. It was a big red barn on the edge of a wide expanse of apple trees. “I go seek supplies from the one named ‘Big Mac’.”
“Big Mac…?” He asked aloud, as if that would bring him from the ether.
“Eeyup.” A deep drawl answered. Turning to the fence, Mysterio found himself looking at an Earth Pony stallion. With a long shaggy yellow mane, and red fur he might have pulled of the presence of a simple farmer type. However, with the way his body was packed into a mere set of overalls, it could be seen that he let his form do most of the talking for him! He guessed he matched Runo in height, and possibly musculature. Heck, he was willing to consider him the pony version of Piotr/Colossus without the metal coat. All he was doing was leaning there, and he already looked like an action hero.
“Big Mac, the stallion of the hour. I need your help for my day is sour!” Zecora approached him and explained her situation. “The ponies of the town once again left us in the dust. Not once did they find us able to trust.”
Mysterio wasn’t really paying attention to the rest of the words Zecora was saying. No insult meant to her of course, but his focus was on the stallion. That red horse-like being had been staring him down like a sheriff starring at a black hatted desperado. Yet it wasn’t just some angled look of mistrust. It didn’t help that something about him seemed…familiar.
“I know it’s not often I come by to stay. But just seeing you still makes my day.”
‘Wait what?’ Mysterio looked now to see the stallion was not as focused on him, but the zebra woman leaning into him. She was like a tall, strong bodied woman, but next to Big Mac she seemed more a shorter love-struck maiden.
‘Is she…flirting?’ He thought as he saw how close she was getting to the stallion. Not just her gestures, but her inflections. Dare he say it, but this was clearly the acts of a woman in a well rooted relationship.
“…And so we come to you with nowhere else to go.” Zecora finally reached the end of her explanation. Now bringing attention to her traveling companion she gestured towards him and said, “So may I introduce to you-”
“Mysterio.” The red stallion said, getting up. No longer did he seem to be as calm around Zecora. In fact, with the slow but purposeful strides he was taking towards them—more specifically him—he felt another fight was about to brew.
“Wait a moment! Haven’t we met before?” He asked trying to start a more diplomatic approach with possibly the strongest looking stallion he ever saw. And one he recognized as the bringer of the carts for Tsavorite’s treasure.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded as he reached into his overall’s main chest pocket and pulled out a familiar bag that jingled before putting it back.
“I thought you looked familiar…” he was trying to figure out why he seemed angry albeit subtle in his display. He was predominately stone-faced. Yet he hadn’t felt this level of anger at him since seeing the expression of-
It then occurred to them the similarities of those two. Both of them were the earth pony type. Both having body shaped by lots of physical work. Both having an obvious farm background.
“...Let me guess. That orange mare in the hat is your sister?”
“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.
Mysterio huffed, but lowered whatever defenses he had prepared for what was coming. “Then all I asked is that you don’t aim bellow the belt. I know the code, and I know what I did goes against it, so I know you’re entitled to one.”
Big Mac nodded solemnly as he spoke one curt, “Eeyup!”
-POW!!-
-Crinkle!!-
-Shoom!!-
And it was with that a great impact, followed by a shattering sound of glass echoed through the orchard until a loud thud resounded as a tree was impacted by a fast-moving object. Said object being a sorcerer who was previously a few meters from it!
“Big Mac, what the Buck!? That sounded like thunder struck!” Zecora shouted at the red stallion. “Whatever did he do to evoke, an attack from you so unprovoked!?”
Said Stallion looked surprised at seeing her concern, but before he could so much as answer, a voice called out to them.
“N-n-nothing I…didn’t deserve…” said a pained voice that sounded like it came from a much younger male.
The two equines were surprised at the figure slowly approaching them. Despite the damage to his armor—which was immense!—he tried to maintain a sense of dignity as he looked them in the eyes. Albeit, one of them was swollen shut. Yet that was the thing that stood out the most!
Up until this point, Zecora never saw Mysterio unmasked. But now that she had, it changed her whole outlook on him.
He had no fur anywhere besides a light amount on top of his head and above his eyes. His skin was a pale tannish hue. His eyes—or rather eye—seemed to hint at a glimmer of green despite being mostly brown. Yet the thing that stood out the most was his age. Mysterio had a voice of an adult who was grown into his role with wisdom and experience. Yet he looked not much older than a colt that had begun their journey into adult. Why Big Mac himself considered his face to put him around the age of his own sister, Applejack, if not a bit younger!
“So tell me, Mac…do you feel better?” He asked as he stood plainly before them, holding the shattered remains of his helmet under his arm like a knight coming from a siege.
“…Nope.” Big Mac plainly responded. Maybe it was seeing If anything he felt worse.
He broke into laughter, albeit it greatly painful from the gasps he gave out.
“Well, then I can’t help you there. I can only be your punching bag, not your doctor!” He laughed some more, only with a more definite sputter. Suddenly he began to falter forward, but Mac was there to catch him before he fell unconscious.
The stallion remained quiet. For he had a lot to consider, especially with this unmasked being he held carefully. He walked to the barn, with Zecora following his stride. Even her face was held in silent contemplation. No doubt the same thing caused him to react as similarly as him now.
Finally, as they were reaching his barn and placing the injured…whatever he was on some hay, he found the need to ask Zecora the question, “Did you know…?”
“I ask that you accept my plea! I swear this was not known to me!” She practically shouted. Already she was doing what first aid she could perform with what poultices she kept on her. Seeing Big Mac express his understanding with a calm hand to her shoulder, she leaned into him seeking comfort for the shock of their discovery. “I expected him to be like an older colt, not some other being that is barely an adult!”
“Eeyup.” Macintosh agreed. He expected to give some evil long-lived magic user a good whooping should they ever meet again. Not just for his sister, but for what their kind had done to the Apple Family. But seeing that it was some pale skinned creature who probably not old enough to understand much of life here left his mind muddled. It also caused certain thoughts to come back to him.
‘So he’s not like her…’ Macintosh thought as he recalled another terrible sorcerer. One that had a similar level of fur in their features, but a more wicked ability. One that even now he would never forgive. But as he held Zecora a bit closer, he honestly wished he could forget.
As for Zecora, she was currently noticing how Mysterio’s wounds slowly, but surely were beginning to disappear.
[}0{]
Ethan wasn’t surprised to find himself in that green room again once his eyes closed. At this point, he was certain it was a fact of life. The sun rose up, the moon had phases, and Mysterio would be sent to this green room whenever he was unconscious. He had accepted it. Yet he still found himself surprised this time. Unlike other times, he was the only one at the table for once. The mysterious headless was not anywhere to be seen.
“Hello!” He called out again as he wandered around the library like setting. Yet he found nothing or no one. With a sigh, he placed his hands in his pockets, as he tried to figure out what to do. It was through doing that he discovered something in his left. “What’s this?”
He found an envelope addressed to him. Without much choice to the alternative, he opened it and read the letter inside. It said:
Dear Ethan,
Sorry I couldn’t make it today. Something came up. Yes. Surprisingly I do still have other things to do besides playing mentor to you. Quite a lot in fact! But that’s neither here, nor there, but somewhere else entirely!
Rest assured that if you are reading this, then your body is recovering from whatever trauma that has been inflicted upon it. My power is doing what it will to ensure it. The same for your costume. So no worries on the what, but definitely do not question the why and how. I’d explain further, but even on paper that knowledge could provide a danger to you if it leaked into your memory. Keep in mind this is a realm of YOUR MIND that you think you’re standing in. Emphasis on the word, ‘think’.
Which also reminds me!
Do not open that door with the latches! You’ll know it when you see it, so don’t ask me to describe it, because again…dangerous thinking there! Just remember to ignore it. Especially when you hear the knocking!
Take head. We will certainly meet again. You have a habit of coming here after all.
Sincerely,
The Quidam
P. S.
Remember, It Comes At Night!
-Thoom!- -Thoom!-
A resounding series of knocks sounded off in the distance. Ethan of course, just had to follow the sound past the bookshelves and down a few hallways. He tried not to pay too much attention to how he was getting there because occasionally he would realize that he was technically doing something impossible. Like walking on a ceiling, or suddenly walking past a mirror which was previously an adjacent threshold. Were it not a dream, he would think he was going mad, or at least high on something.
-Thoom!- -Thoom!-
Finally, he found the door. Ominously it stood at the end of a long hallway, covered in latches and chains to the point of being considered cartoonish. It was a blue door, but not just any blue. It was the same blue that matched The Quidam’s bowler hat! Before he could so much as take a step into the hallway, he heard a voice come from behind him.
“Time to wake up, Ethan!”
[}0{]
Wake up he did. Ethan woke up to still dressed up as Mysterio. However, his armor was intact! Waking up he came to find himself looking at a familiar HUD screen from a helmet he recalled being shattered by the force of Big Mac’s punch. Speaking of which, the stallion was nowhere to be found.
Taking inventory of his surroundings, he saw he was lying down on a mat in some sort of hut. Looking at the choice of décor with some African tribal looking masks, he concluded that he must be in Zecora’s home. Said Zebra walked into the room with a tray of drinks, with one holding a straw.
“At last you are awake!” She said as she handed him the drink. “Here is an elixir to take.”
“Thanks.” He said as the port on his helmet opened for the straw. Taking a sip, he found the concoction to take like fizzy soda and cough medicine. Still, medicine was medicine. “I’m guessing we are in your home…?”
“Take it easy as you just begun to arise.” Zecora took his cup and quickly added what looked like tea leaves to it. Mixing them before handing it back, she also added, “Macintosh says tomorrow to expect your supplies.”
Well now that was good news!
“Well that’s surprising, but I appreciate it. Tell him I said thank you when you see him again.” Seeing Zecora nod, he gently sat himself up. “I’m guessing he brought me here.”
“The two of us found it best, that you lie down here and get some rest. We searched but could find no broken bone. As for your armor, it healed on its own.” Zecora sounded impressed by that, albeit there was a hint of curiosity in her tone.
“Well, it’s made of a very special magic. At least that’s what the person who originally crafted hinted at. Still, I don’t think I’m going to be getting into any fights soon. Especially with Big Mac.” Looking around, Mysterio found no sign of the stallion anywhere. “Speaking of which, where is he?”
“He left for home some time back. He deeply regrets his attack.” Zecora looked especially solemn with this statement. No doubt as an effect of all they had been through today. “He did say that you would understand, why you felt such a blow from his hand.”
“Believe me, he still on the good side of my list. He at least was kind enough not to leave me nearly dead in a ditch. If anything, I’m sorry to see that his sister is not so welcoming.” He said as he got ready to sip through the straw again. This time guzzling more liquid as he felt his annoyance return as he recollected that part of the day.
“Don’t be, for I too worry about the day she finally gets wise.” Zecora wearily sighed, before developing a smirk. “She’d realize me and her brother share the friendship of the thighs!”
-SPPPPPPSSSHHHH!!-
The inside of Mysterio’s helmet could was a wet watery mess in the light. Perhaps taking a drink while wearing the helmet wasn’t such a good idea after all.
“-Cough-That was –cough- something I didn’t –cough- need to hear!” He choked out as he took it off to catch his breath. As he set it aside, he found the zebra woman closely inspecting his face like a physician.
“Sorry, for my usage of that particular trick. But your helm needed removal to ensure you’re not sick.” She held his head gently as she found no signs of injury. Even his eye which was swollen looked clear and unblemished. If anything, he looked healthy as far as whatever he was.
‘Right, it would probably try to prevent her from removing it.’ He thought as he tried to remain still. It was tricky though considering how close into his personal space she was getting. So he tried to lesson her focus a bit without telling her to shove off or something rude. “So, you and Big Mac…? Are you…courting?”
That stopped her inspection. Slowly she shuddered, until she broke into a soft pitter of laughter.
“We are, albeit in secret, and have had wonderful dates.” She had a bit of a bashful expression now, one that he had never seen on the tough and wise being. Yet it was gone too soon as she let out a sad huff as she admitted, “Although, my dear Macintosh is wishing I’d agree for us to be Mates.”
That threw him off. Granted he knew very little of these two, and had not much of a stand point, but from that news it sounded they might be at that peak of their relationship. So why the sad face? “Well, what’s the issue? You seem to really enjoy his company. He seems honest about his feelings. I mean, I’ve only known him for less than a day, yet I can tell he truly cares for you, Zecora.”
Zecora shook her head as she stood up and gestured towards herself. She wasn’t wearing her cloak, but her more tribal looking apparel. Thus she had her stripes plain to see as if they were a prisoner’s uniform. At least it seemed that way as she actually got slightly watery eyes as she proclaimed,
“Look at me, Mysterio, and what do you see? Do you see a mare that would be accepted in the Apple’s family tree?” She then looked furious, and yet saddened as she raised her voice. “Even if I agreed with all my heart, I fear the town’s prejudices would tear us apart. Why, think of what would happen if they started glare, at that stallion who regularly bucks the enchantress mare!”
“I see.” He did! Ethan really did. He was there in the square, watching how she was ostracized like a monster. He saw how she walked amongst the stores, only to find no one willing to help her. It was horrific to see, but hearing this friend of his finding it further into her life was beyond terrible! Even though he knew she had a stallion who loved her and willing to stand by her, he felt bad knowing she refused to put what good she had going for her at risk. It was a concept he knew all too well on a personal level, but there was nothing he felt he could do now. “I wish I could help you, but it seems I can barely help myself these days.”
That was all he could say on the matter. Zecora knew it was true on multiple angles. Still, she found some solace in knowing that at least there was someone who she could relate to on the issue.
“It helps realizing how my feelings are not mine alone. Still, it is time that you should go home.” Zecora said with an honest smile forming on her face. “I appreciate you sticking up for my strife. Too few do that these days of my life.”
“I hear that!” In his helm Mysterio grinned back. He pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to her. “So, how about the two of us promise to not be strangers to each other as our own personal rebellion against the world?”
Zecora looked upon the card, marked with Mysterio’s personal Arcana. Before she could attempt any reply, there was a bright spectacle of light, and the sorcerer was gone!
All she could do was shake her head at seeing the magic user leave in such a way. “I wonder if this will be your trend? To make a person suspicious of you into a friend.”
But she stopped suddenly as her eyes caught a glimmer of something on the mat. At first, she thought it was dust, possibly left over from Mysterio’s scuffle. Except it was leaving splotches on the places where he lied. Blue splotches! She carefully took some to her fingers and sniffed. Immediately recognizing it, she took a potion off her shelf and started rubbing it on herself!
“Oh dear! This I fear!” She muttered hurriedly as she started to recount ingredients she knew she would need for what was coming. “I must start getting the cure in gear! For friend Mysterio’s day is about to turn queer!”
Oh, things were about to take a turn once he arrived at his home!
[}0{]
Back in Castle Wonder, Mysterio found himself standing in the foyer. Looking at the pillar he appeared near, he gazed at the crack. Hidden there was one of his ‘Mysterio Arcana’ cards. Seeing it there and seeing that he was now here next to it excited him!
‘It worked!’ he cheered inwardly. He was back in his lair! The Quidam explained when making the totems that they weren’t just tools of communication, but also other things such as travel. With that, he now had certain benefits available to him. One such benefit was that he could now travel to wherever he placed his totems. Thus, he now had the beginnings of a ‘warp network’ in the works ready to exploit.
“Master, you’ve returned!” Tsavorite’s voice echoed as his attention was drawn on the cast of figures excited to see him. Apparently, he came in a puff of smoke due to the blue wisps he saw lingering and the few individuals still coughing. That and he had interrupted some sort of meeting in the foyer with his entrance. The surprised reactions of Bo and the swordsdoggie—with one having a metallic encased paw ready to punch and the other a sword drawn to his shoulder ready to strike—were enough to convey that he was not expected to show up in such a manner. Fortunately, they held back when they realized their benefactor was the unexpected stranger in their midst. Thankfully there weren’t any manticores nearby for whatever reason! No idea what a room full of those would do if startled.
“Indeed I have.” He greeted cordially as they all greeted him in their own manner. The two dogs looked particularly apologetic, but he gave a nod of understanding to indicate he took no insult. Not like it was the first time today.
“How was your trip?” Trixie asked with a hint of worry.
“It was…eventful.” He concluded. He didn’t want to go into details, but instead decided to tell them the positives of his trip. “I’ve arranged supplies to come our way on the morrow. While this is good, I’m afraid it means we’ll have to settle on someone cooking us food using the supplies we came with again. Sorry if that means you’ll be cooking for us again, Bo. I shall lend a hand if you need it, though.”
Bo seemed to perk up a bit as if about to accept his offer, but then decided against it. “It’s fine. I don’t minds. Besides, I’ve gots the helps I needs.”
The swords-doggie nodded as he followed the lead of the female Diamond Dog heading towards the caravan. Norah soon followed their strides.
“Yeah, I can helps, too! No problems!” The pup yipped as she added. “After all, it’s not like we can’t do it!”
‘Well that was nice.’ He thought as he saw them go out. Granted, it probably had to do with them nearly attacking him on sight here, but still that was very nice. He had to make sure they were paid well for their services. Speaking of payment. “By the way, Trixie. I notice you have some new trinkets with you since I last saw. I’m guessing Tsavorite shared some of her treasures with you?”
“Um…yes, amongst other things.” She had a bashful glimmer to her face as she took Mysterio’s compliment at the jewelry and accessories she placed on her person. All of a sudden, she found a reason to hurry out of the room. “Trixie should go help them with dinner! That way it’s not all…meaty this time!”
Now Mysterio knew something was up! Seeing even Trixie leave as well to help, he couldn’t help but to ask his draconic subordinate, “Did something happen while I was gone?”
Tsavorite looked a bit sheepish, but answered him, “I told them how we met. It seems they took my words to heart and caught a gleam of the person you are, Master.”
That was vague, and yet could be taken the wrong way at worst.
“And what person is that, Tsavorite?” He asked as he walked towards the stairwell. His dragoness friend following his strides. “What image did you impart to them?”
She preened at this inquiry. It was like being asked to describe your favorite person for a class. Maybe it was, because she sounded so heartfelt as she said, “That you are strong and just. Yet even more than that, you are one who would truly put himself before any of us and thus deserve to be placed above us. And it’s with that I hope they reach the same realization that I have.”
“What realization?”
“Everything in this world belongs to you.” The dragoness said with all the cheerful seriousness as a person decreeing their hero was the best one.
‘…What!?’ His mind went blank at that sentence. He had to have heard it wrong. With a hand tightening on the remains of a handrail. “Could you repeat that?”
“You saved the life of someone who most would leave to die if out of pride or kill just for the prestige that came from their corpse. A being that is considered to most to be the embodiment of all that this world should offer. It is a testament of your will and where you stand. Thus, you have proven to stand even higher than few can already tread.” She took a knee and placed a solemn hand over her heart as she finished. “Therefore, there can only be one truth that could be said: Everything in this world belongs to you!”
…Honestly, he had no idea where to even begin with that he was so mind boggled. It was with a scrambled thought process that the first thing to come out of his mouth was, “…Even you?”
‘Especially me.’ Tsavorite wanted to say, but instead spoke. “As I said once before, my life is to do with as you would choose.”
Ok, he really should have stopped this right now. But the outright shock going through his head, mixed in with all the stressed experiences of today alone caused an extremely inappropriate reaction to come from him: laughter.
“So…haha!...everything in this world is mine?” he stuttered out as he let out guffaw after guffaw! “Oh how I wish it were true!!”
Tsavorite didn’t get the joke that her master found so hilarious. Nevertheless, she stayed attentive as his words sunk into a more distressed and grief-stricken tone.
“Why if this world was truly mine, then think about the changes I would have to implement for it! I would make it a place where all this sense of exclusivity and oppressiveness would no longer permeate the air wherever I walked. A place where everyone could feel welcome no matter what they were or what they believed in compared to their fortunate fellows. No more treating those different like plague carriers and monsters! No more struggles for the so called forsaken races, which by the way seem to only be that way because of the privileged one! A world where it can truly be a magical and colorful place to live instead of some sick ironic joke coating its surface!!” He seethed as he caught his breath. Such a ramble was only enhanced by how his speakers made it sound so vicious. Yet, maybe that is how he felt considering what he had seen today. Seeing that he left his familiar confident kneeling at the stairs and he himself was entering a hallway, he settled his speech with, “Such a wonderful thought. Maybe I’ll dream about it.”
He had enough ‘excitement’ for today. That and grogginess was starting to take hold on him. He didn’t even care if he missed dinner. He just wanted to get to bed and pretend this day was over! Perhaps tomorrow would be better? Hopefully it would be! So, with a way, he bid his servant, “Goodnight Tsavorite!”
The dragoness watched carefully her master make his way through the hall. No doubt to retire for the evening. However, he left her with quite a lot to consider. Especially his wishes!
“So…you do wish to make this world your own to change this world for the better?” She whispered to herself as she hardened her decision to follow such inspiring ambition. “Then your wish will be granted!”
She stood up and hurried to her associates to tell them the discovery the castle lord gave her. They just had to know! Yet, if only she wasn’t so enthralled with the news she had to give, she might have taken notice of the scales she unknowingly shed.
Scales that were blotched with bluish spots!
[}0{]
'What a shitty way to end a shitty day!' Ethan thought as he tried to set himself into the old master bedroom he claimed as his own. Say what you will of pony royalty, but they had stuff that despite smelling musty, was still comfortable to lay in even after all this time. Yet even lying on his back, he found himself in that odd state of being to tired to be active, and too awake to be tired. He didn't even want to check out those new comics he got considering the background as to how he 'acquired' them related to his shitty day. Thus, he was just lying there outside of his armor in a simple shirt and boxers, counting the stars painted in the ceiling’s sky motif. He was on 137 when he heard what sounded like a pop come from where his armor was placed aside.
Glancing over to it he saw a small box land on the floor next to his carefully placed adornments, having materialized from seemingly nowhere. At first he was alarmed, but a smile found his face as he recognized the familiar 'The Apple' branding on the side. Getting out of bed to pick up the small cardboard cube he quickly unfolded a note taped to the top.
~Hey Gumball! Hope you're still alive!
My Trixie here on this side found a few spares of these in her stuff and after hearing the plight of the one on your side, she wanted me to send one to Norah. I guess she's trying to help make things a little easier for her by instilling a bit more affection between the two, even if just by indirect proxy... or maybe just wants more people to love her no matter the dimension, I can never really tell with her. She also had me put another one in for your Trixie (I don't think I need to explain why with their egos) as well as something “For repairs or replacement”, it’ll make more sense when you see it- just be careful with the minimization charm she put on it; it can really hurt if it’s pointed the wrong way when it wears off… trust me…
The last thing was insisted upon by, well... if you ever get to know her you’ll understand.
Try not to die out there!
- Maze
(oh and don't worry, this is all written in English so they shouldn't be able to understand any of it)~
Shaking his head Ethan opened the box with a smirk and found what looked like a pair of stuffed Trixie dolls, complete with hats and capes and one bearing a small tag: 'Stay classy Norah! From: Maze'. They were not only remarkably soft but also seemed rather well made; they wouldn't be falling apart anytime soon. Next to that was a roll of fabric with the same color and design of the magician mare’s hat and cape, shining light on the 'For Repairs' note. Trixie's hat and cape did seem to get beat up a lot. Finally, under those he spotted a small pink pastry box with ‘FOR EVERYPONY! -P’ in eccentric handwriting on its lid. He cracked it open to take a peak and was immediately hit with the smell of frosting… as well as a handful of confetti that exploded out with the sound of a party horn. After shaking off the shock and colorful paper he could now see half a dozen colorfully decorated cupcakes within, somehow untouched by said confetti thankfully.
“Well, I not everything strange coming my way is bad after all.” Ethan said, as he placed the stuff carefully into the ‘apple’ box as best as he could. Looks like he would be heading to the meal after all, if just to share these goodies with his…friends. Yes! They were his friends! So he shouldn’t keep them waiting! He hurried to throw some basic clothes instead of his Mysterio outfit. It was just a dinner amongst friends so no need to be overtly dressed this time.
“And it looks like I was able to procure some dessert! Thanks Maize. Well, here’s hoping this will be the start of a calmer and less crazy day come morning.” He commented as he took a bite of his cupcake to test it. “Huh? Peanut butter and chocolate? Not bad!”
Little did he know that he would be eating those words after he and his friends ate those cupcakes. For come morning each would find themselves facing a change for the strange!
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
[}0{]
Omake: The Decree of the Master
Ethan had been doing whatever he could to save this…well creature was too cruel a term…and woman didn’t fit either…Female! He’ll go with that! But today seemed especially bad. For a while she seemed coherent enough to at least eat was food he could crush well enough for her to swallow and drink what liquid he could procure in a cup. Now he was using all his CPR certification to save her due to her having seemed to stop breathing!
‘And to think, getting certified for a role that they didn't call me back on ending up saving some flying lizard woman! That or I'm reliving the trauma of that incident in GraphiCon I swore to never speak of!’ He mentally chattered as he pounded harder onto her chest with his fists. He tried not to worry if he was hitting too hard considering it felt like her scales could take the blows of a sledgehammer, let alone his human hands. If anything, he was more worried about not being strong enough! Well that, and the fact he was going to have to try another method to get her to restart breathing!
“I swear to whatever god you may or may not believe in, you'd better not die after this! I didn't risk you possibly ripping my face off just to have you give up now!” He shouted as he opened her maw and started to add in air with his own lips. He’d worry about contaminants and possible faux pas later! Right now he was just trying to get her to stay with him in this strange world of wolfish trees and scorpion-lions.
Finally, after a few huffs, he heard the slow, soft, yet steady pattern of breathing from her once more. Making sure it she was in steady enough condition to be left to her own devices, he sat down in a chair next to the bed and let out a sigh of relief followed by an ironic laugh.
“I don’t know if you are even capable of understanding me. I don’t even know why I’m so desperate to save you.” He shook his head as he decided to leave the room with one last look to the dragon-woman’s resting form. “But I’d like to think it’s because if the opportunity arose…if I was so willing to risk my life to save yours…then maybe…you’d be willing to do the same.”
And he left it at that. He had his daily tasks to get to, with one of them being to gather some more rations for their dinner that night.
If he would have waited a few moments more, he would have noticed the tears that started to stream down the resting eyes of the one who decided to give her life to the one who showed they were in fact the strongest of the two of them.
Also LikedSimilarAuthor
- Fresnor · 112k words · 371 29 · 9.2k views
- WezzaHD · 36k words · 374 38 · 13k views
- Mega NewWays97 · 10k words · 301 56 · 10k views
- Northern Desert · 47k words · 429 31 · 12k views
- Brony Parasite · 45k words · 441 63 · 14k views
- Theyellowninja13 · 57k words · 240 35 · 7.4k views
- Brony Parasite · 21k words · 180 30 · 4k views
- Mega NewWays97 · 2.4k words · 164 30 · 4.7k views
Stats
Page generated in 0.166 seconds
Total duration
742 users online
806,105 hits today, 2,724,632 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
An update!~ yay! Hope to see another soon.
I absolutely loved this chapter. Seeing Mysterio following Zecora and be kind enough to get lemonade for her while being courteous to Carrot Cake was very sweet. Likewise, Tsavorite's loyalty to Mysterio and the way she told her partners about why she's his underling was heartwarming, though I laughed when the girls were dolling themselves up with jewels and how Tsavorite is glorifying Mysterio. His confrontation with the Main 6 was very well-written as he confronts them about their ostracizing attitude towards Zecora and scares them with one of his magic tricks. Zecora being sweet on Big Mac was funny as was Mysterio casually accepting a punch from Big Mac due to the Bro Code. Mysterio and Zecora cementing their friendship was a nice finishing touch, but I'll be waiting for the next chapter to see Poison Joke shenanigans. Thanks for the amazing chapter. It was well worth the wait.
Glad to see a new chapter of this story, so looking forward to the hilarious situations and effects those flowers will have on Mysterio, his friends and acquaintances in the next chapter.
Keep up the good work.
if
8337332
Thanks so much for the great commentary! Especially as the parts you noted are the parts I worked so hard on! Glad you loved them. Will certainly see how the next chapter plays out!
8337355
Oh believe me! It's going to get really weird when you see what happens! Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
8337929
Thanks! Correction made! Now just need to watch out for more!
8338124
I did enjoy it, I will be ready and waiting for many laughs and insane fits of giggles the next chapter will cause.
You are just WAY to good at this!
Always happy to see a update for one of my favorite stories.
8338124
No problem and do you have any ideas for flim and flam when they show up they are smart but underused in most fics and I have a headcanon (
) that they only use crap inventions (not the cider squeezy the tonic) because the common ponies look up to their princesses so much that they dismiss most inventions as trinkets and try to stick to the ways the princesses do things inadvertently casing technological stagnation.
Yay chapter!
You a fan of Overlord, by any chance?
i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_original/1484975389778231982.jpg
Getting a similar vibe towards the end of the chapter, and I mean that in a good way.
Characters...
Prince Blueblood could make an interesting Kingpin, or maybe Filthy Rich or King Charlatan. Flim and Flam could be the Terrible Tinkerers. Squirk could be Doctor Octopus (or is that too literal?). Wind Rider (or the Raptorians) could be Vulture. The Flores could be creatures similar to Venom and Carnage. Iron Will as Rhino. Instead of the Lizard, there's a pony who accidentally turns themself into a feral dragon? Arabus or Lavan could be something like Sandman... Plenty of possibilities.
Ooh! Prince Rutherford as the Hulk!
8339176
Well thanks! That's a great compliment! Any other questions?
8339199
Glad you enjoyed reading it!
8339445
Hmmm...well there's an idea! Granted I am still debating on how to introduce them, but perhaps it might be something like how Darth Vulcan had a 'casting call'! I'm sure Ethan can appreciate a couple of 'Mad Tinkerers' answering his call for more workers! ;-)
And wait! Darth Vulcan is gone from Fimfic?! O.O!
8339472
Is that a trick question? I mean it's a great and surprisingly inspirational series for writers of fantasy.
I mean I gave a big clue that everyone who owns the novels would know, albeit rephrased:
2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpCwP5v6E2I/U92Lme03J4I/AAAAAAAABmw/XrUmacV-SCM/s1600/Overlord_v01_0000rs.jpg
(Hint: A certain subordinate's conclusion ;-) )
As for characters...
Oh what I have planned for Blueblood might make you hate him, or pity him!
Filthy strikes me more like a Silvermane though-oops! I mean minus the immortality, perhaps?
King Charlatan making an appearance does sound interesting...the same as Squirk...although will try to think more on how...
Flim and Flam would make great mad tinkering henchmen.
Might make an original Vulture, in the same manner as Zolotaya relates to Kraven, who still has yet to appear! He's coming! Just wait until you see him!
Iguess the Flores could be like venom, but I already have plans for symbiotes! ;-)
Iron will as Rhino? That's one that I have to think about, but might leave out. I'm tempted to just have a rhino appear in this.
Now that's an idea that might be interesting to explore! But who would be forced to such a transformation?
I also have a planned play on sandman! I think you're going to like the references he makes outside Marvel when he shows up!
Actually that last one isn't bad, although I have been debating if it's him or another character that ends up like a certain 'colossal' X-man!
Feel free to keep these suggestions coming! I enjoy the creativity they are inspiring in me! Thank you!
The way Tsavorite spoke about Mysterio and the conversation the two had reminds me of an anime I recently watched called Overlord. I do look forward to the poison joke shenanigans but I hope you don't go with the whole Ethan becoming a woman cliche, you'd be surprised how constant that happens.
8340535
Yeah, admittedly I am a fan. However, when starting out, I took more inspiration from stories like Darth Vulcan and Malidius before ever seeing the anime. By that, I mean the idea being that he's a displaced whose costume and tech earns him more praise than scorn, albeit a great deal of both. I certainly didn't want to rip off anything. I still hope I don't appear to have done so.
Also,
I didn't actually see Overlord until after the Clutter Coulee arc, believe it or not! ;-) But I own the first three novels and am enjoying the series so far. Hopefully Season 2 of the anime is just as good!
And of course I won't turn Ethan into a woman! That's nothing like I've got planned. In fact, I'm sure Ethan might consider it preferable because at least then he wouldn't have so much pain to endure mentally and possibly physically. ;-)
You, my friend, are the only one I've seen on all fimfiction able to make me feel the emotions of the character, you truely are the master of dramatics and that I hope that you get out of more of your ruts with this story and make more chapters for this work of art. Now good bye my friend and good luck with your story making
It would seem that Fluttershy has a couple of things to think about now.
8340106
Yeah, something about the admins hounding him about "The Rise of Darth Vulcan" and he had enough of it and moved.
That was an interesting choice to have Macintosh and Zecora be a couple. Hope that pans narratively out well.
As for suggestions, considering what you did with Big Mac and showing how vulnerable Ethan is to physical harm as opposed to being able to wiggle his way out of more complicated foes, that perhaps some elements form The Hulk comics might be in order. Certainly with things like centaurs being able to absorb and steal magic, then something like that might otherwise be mirrored by something like Zzzax either mystically through magic or even physical like using Pegasai to hit "Zzzax" with lightning bolts from clouds. Further from there a "Leader" might be set up, having great mental prowess (granted from some unstable source of power, of which Equestria has in spades outside of radiation already) and then wanting to leech off of Mysterio believing him to have a vast mystical powers for him to take or just how he's able to control others with his "magic" that magic-proof barriers cannot stop.
Your take on the Displaced genre is an excellent one, with plenty of character development to boot.
From the handling of social issues, to the results of aggressive behavior agains a potential ally (I think Celly will chew out her student and friends for screwing things up with their idiocy), down to what drives another being to actually be willing to try its best at fulfilling the main characters' wishes.
In short, it is quite a tale, and I hope to see more releases from your hand.
Faving, tracking and a thumbs up for a story that is quite well written and full of essence.
Okay, I have a few ideas for the Poison Joke effects for Mysterio's group, and possibly spike. Hopefully they are agreeable with you.
Bo - Seeing as she's always working with her main paws, just reverse it. I mean, You could say, she'll look like she didn't skip leg day.
Norah - She's proud of her explosives, things that require you to be slow, careful, patient. Someone's gonna have too much sugar when the morning comes. Basically, Flash is small diamond dog?
Sword Doggy - His swordsmanship is his claim to everything, Butterfingers anyone?
Tsavorite - The sense's are a wonderful thing, especially taste, that's specifically controlled by the taste buds on the tongue. Think it's time she enjoyed the flavors of other things. Change her taste buds around a bit.
Trixie - She always refers to herself in third person, making her self seem like some sort of epic character. Guess she should just start self Narrating her life eh?
Spike - hmm, he's kinda difficult to figure out, I mean, what do we know, he's a nerd when it comes to comic book's, loves rarity, Make it so he can't read comic's or he can't be around rarity without suffering allergies? At the very least you could always just do the old color inversion of his scales, complete opposite of the colors of what he is now?
A few of the rogues gallery from spider man that may fit might be, Vulture(I can totally see a Griffin be Vulture), Rhino, Chameleon, Doctor Otto Ocktavious (Doc Ock), Electro, Kingpin possibly, and these last ones I'm curious if you would be able to fit either of them in, Venom Symbiote and Carnage Symbiote? Not sure if those two would be able to fit in there, but, meh, couldn't hurt to ask.
Looking forward to seeing this story when it updates in the future.
Good job keep it updated also where dem new chappies at
I must say, I just found this story and had to binge it. Your characters truly feel alive and are developing as well. The world you have made is simply astounding and I can't wait to see what else is out there. The story has me deeply enthralled that I had a sleepless night just reading this epic tale. I feel for your characters, I root for the 'hero', I love the story, and I just can't wait for more. I deeply thank you for this wonderful tale you have written. I eagerly await more from you. Keep up the great work.
.........FFFFFUUUUUCCCCC- Enjoy the story get let with a dead end for now....REEEEEEEEE! ANYWAYS hope to see more soon for I’m reaping enjoying this story!
would u kindly update pls or i die pls?
How did the comics ruin Mysterio?
8341291
Agreed, I started tearing up a bit when Mysterio was punched by Big Mac. The description the author wrote after he was punched showed me that he’s just a kid really makes me pity for our hero. My emotions got the better of me, wanting to plead to the author on not letting Mysterio be hit like that again, over some stupid brotherly code. But then I remember that he needs to be shown that he isn’t a Gary Stu and has his faults.
Stupid question that will never happen but when all of Mysterio’s hope is against him, will he be saved by his arch nemesis? Seems pretty dumb I know, but eventually I kinda see this stupid scene where his arch nemesis saves him from his doom ( after doing all sorts of his tricks) and it makes me see some sort of hype to it. I guess since you seem to put Some of Spider-Man’s rouges gallery. Why not put the webhead himself into this concoction of cameos. Is Ethan a fan of spider man? Like the hero himself? Obviously he has to play his character, but will he break out of character and maybe talk to the arachnid. Guh, I’m sorry if this is cringe worthy, I’m just curious. This stuff I feel like should be ask after the story was completed.
“Of course, I think we should all try to keep our minds calm in all this. No reason for all of us to lose our heads here, right?”
lol
Who’s ready for the next spider man(far from home)
Any chance of this story coming back before Far From Home comes out?
Such good writing and characterization, I hope it continues at some point.
So, when's another update on this one?
Been a while since I checked up on this story, Looking forward to the day this story updates, till then, I shall continue to await patently for the day this story updates.
Just watched Spider-Man far from home and I needed to read this again.
This is a really great Displaced Fanfic, I really hope this story continues.
9783697
You aren't the only one, Still waiting for the author to finish up what they have going in RL and hopefully give us another chapter.
still waiting, still patient, still looking forward to when a new chapter might come out.
Plz update
I can’t wait for the next updates it been I think two years since I read this
Update soon, it's a good story.
10201599
Last updated in 2017, Pretty sure this story is dead :(
10383184
:0
POKE.
It appears to have been over 3 years since the last update.
Every now and again, I like to come back and read this story since it was the main catalyst that got me hooked into the idea of the Displaced. I don't think it was the first Displaced story I read, but it was definitely the one that left the biggest impact on me when I first came to FimFic. I really enjoyed the idea of taking such an obscure character and giving him his own world to play in, allowing us to explore how this character could work outside of the Big Apple. A small part of me will always hope that this story will return, but the author has been offline for over a year and I see no hints of this story continuing under them. I hope that the author is doing well in their life, and that they may return some day.
As of now, we have no idea what happened to the author, and I can only hope that they're happy wherever they are.
Excelsior!
I wonder how the author feels about Far From Home...
(because I know some people complain that MCU spider-man "is not really Spider-man" and that Homecoming "was not a real Spider-Man movie..." to that I reply Would you rather See the same Origin Story rehashed for the third time... with yet another Uncle Ben getting killed....That's what I really liked about MCU Spider-Man... they realized that pretty much everyone knows the basic origin story of Spider-Man so they didn't make us sit through it again)
💖 Just Finished Reading This Great Story (And Loving Every Sentence!)
💔 Kinda Sad It Seemingly Won't Be Continued (And The Possibility of A Mysterio Vs. Mysterio Fight Never Came To Be)
🌟 But All The Same It Was A Fun Ride (Followed And Favorited, Just In Case)
Quiadam came back! They've been off of Fimfic for years now, and they were last on in late June! Don't know if they visited before then, but there's hope!