An ancient evil awakens bent on blood shed, Spawned by the power of Nightmare Moon, follow a brony living his wildest dream could very well turn into his worst nightmare. Saving the world might take longer than you think but its worth it in the end.
A HIE story that's a competition between Aiet and I
A long dormant evil is awakening in the wonderful land of Equestria ready to rain terror on its inhabitants. But first this evil needs to raise an army, but the creatures it needs have been banished and sent to another dimension.
One brony, a antique truck, a shotgun, and a haunted highway. Nothing could possibly go wrong with this setting. Until something does, and the lone brony finds himself in a equestria totally different from the one he is familiar with. And now he must figure out how he was brought here and why.
Tags subject to change as story progresses. Highly recommended you read Aiets story "Meason dies at the end" as it is the other part of this competition
The lonesome stretch of highway was pitch black anywhere past the headlights of my truck as the engine rattled. The road was old, worn, and in dire need of repair as it caused the suspension to bounce. On either side of the road short brown grass that nearly folded completely with the light wind as it stretched as far as the eye could see providing little to ease a bored mind. And boredom was the thing easily visible on my face as the light from the small camcorder shone from the dash.
"When you see this don't be bitchin at me sayin I should of went flyin with ya instead of drivin down some god forsaken road. I've been planin this trip for three years now it aint my fault all you guys decided to wussy out at the last second." I said as I flipped off the camcorder glancing at it as I drove down the road, looking for the illusive ghost lights that were supposed to travel up and down this stretch of road. As I silently cursed that plane flyin bastard who left me to do this all by myself. I let out a exasperated sigh and ran a hand absentmindedly through my shoulder length brown hair, with my ice blue eyes gazing out my windshield. And I stretched my six ft. one hundred fifty pound frame within the confines of my old ford truck with its one bench seat.
"All right pedo bear, this will mark the end of the third night with no sign of the ghost lights so no I told you so's." I said as I reached over and powered off the camcorder and began to slow down, turn around, and head back to town. My head hung low in defeat, and I was in an all around sour mood after all this planning for nothing. I just completed the turn and began to go to town when, I was blinded by bright lights reflecting off my rear view mirror.
"Turn off your bright's asshole." I yelled as my vision swam and I began to swerve all over the road in a attempt to get the lights out of my eyes. Then finally the lights dimed and I could see once more, granted with multicolored spots but I could see none the less. When my vision truly cleared I shot an angry glance at the asshole behind me only to double take and have my jaw drop to the floor. Their were two lights far enough apart to appear to be headlights, but then they both moved in opposite directions on the road in a serpentine manor. And continued to do so for a long while with my eyes locked on them, and somehow I stayed on the road. Then to add to my confusion a third light appeared between the first two brighter and pulsating. Then all three got brighter and brighter until it was like three suns were following me lighting up everything like it was high noon. And then as quickly as it came the light vanished as they all three shot past my truck, two going along the sides and the third going up and over the truck to join the others in a swirling circle in the middle of the road in front of me.
"What the hell...." I said out loud absentmindedly as the lights stopped circling and formed a pyramid shape and then stopped. A wall of light building the closer I got to it and then all to late I realized their was something on the other side that shouldn't have been. Everything appeared to be indoors and brightly lit, like it was late morning or early afternoon and their appeared to be lots of movement on the other side. I quickly slammed on the brakes knowing I would never be able to stop, but I sure as hell tried none the less.
"Good bye pedo bear, good bye cruel world" where my last thoughts before I was blinded by white, shocked by some unseen force, and deafened by shouts, screams, and curses accompanied by the sound of tires squealing on a hard surface. Everything was silent, save the echo of the motor and what sounded like shuffling feet, I began to strain my ears to try and pick up anything else and I was just about to open my eyes. When a strange sound came out of no where and their was a blinding light even from behind my eye lids. Slowly I inched my eyes open and had to wait for them to adjust to the brightness of my surroundings. I was inside my still running truck that was inside a rather large hall of sorts with a high ceiling and large stained glass windows running all along one wall. Then my eyes fell on the end of the hall where their were stairs leading up to a throne one occupied. I had to do a double take when I saw the thrones occupant, I recognized her long flowing mane and her magenta eyes. But what I saw wasn't right, she was tall, bipedal, anthro, and had tits, very large, very nice tits.
"Now I know someone who would love this she has tits." I thought to myself as I stared up at Celestia Co ruler of Equestria, princess of the sun. Sister to Luna, maiden of the moon and co ruler of equestria, and needless to say this sight confused me. In my bewilderment I missed the other ponies in the room namely the royal guard until Celestia's eyes shifted from me to something to my left and growing wide with shock, making me look over in confusion. To see a guard charging my truck his sword drawn, blue eyes flashing with confidence, until he bounced off my truck and hit the floor with a resounding thud. I looked at said pony with a confused glare only to realize it was one shinning armor... and that he dented my driver side door.
"What the hell was that for, why did you dent my truck?" I yelled throwing the door open and stepping out to examine the dent. Thankfully it was small and could be fixed by pounding on the door near the edge of the dent. With that fixed I got to take a good look at my truck and the havoc I caused upon my entry. The truck no longer looked its age and slightly rusted, now the paint looked new and all the minor missing parts were in place. And then half way down what I now realized was the throne room in canterlot, to where it currently sat were two long skid marks, that began randomly and marked the path I traveled before finally coming to a stop. And then I saw All the ponies in the room save Celestia were visibly on edge with weapons drawn or horns aglow eyeing me warily. Their came a loud groan from the floor behind me as Shining armor was coming back around from his failed attack. When he came fully back and opened his eyes I approached him slowly and reached my hand out to help him up, he took it with reluctance and I pulled him back to his feet and brushed the dust from his back.
"So for future reference you don't run full steam ahead into a solid steel truck understand." I said Chuckling warmly as Shinning Armor stared at me confused his eye twitching randomly, as he stuttered and muttered in gibberish. I smiled and left him to lean against the side of my truck as I walked around to the front of it and bowed to Celestia saying.
"Forgive my intrusion your majesty I don't mean you or your people any harm." Their was a long silence as Celestia stared down at me seeming to see into my very soul, and I did my best not to fidget or inadvertently insult any of those gathered here.
"Very well what brings you to equestria" Celestia said her voice soft and motherly but containing a undertone of authority.
"Well to be honest ma'am im not sure how I got here, one minute im cruising down the road and the next im skidding to a halt here." I said indicating my truck and then the room around me, which I now realized was the throne room in canterlot castle. Its beauty still hard to grasp as I stood within its walls. Celestia seemed to mull over what I said as she looked at me then, glanced in the direction of my truck and then back to me. Then as if she had made up her mind she stood and walked down to stand before me and began to inspect my truck.
"What is this odd thing you arrived in, its like nothing ive ever seen before." She said as she came back around and gently rapped on the hood with her knuckles, producing a soft metallic ring that echoed dully.
"This ma'am is my pride and joy, its basically a carriage that can move itself thanks to what's under here." I said as I taped the hood, hoping she understood. Thankfully when she looked at me she had a look of understanding, not confusion so I had done well enough.
"Could you describe how to you came to be here?" Celestia asked still looking over my truck and giving me a unreadable glance every so often as she went.
"Well their isn't much to tell." I said jumping on the hood and making myself comfortable before continuing. "I was driving down a desolate road searching for what the locals called Ghost lights. I had just turned around and was going back to town when the lights appeared behind me nearly blinding me. Then they started to behave in a odd manor and then a third appeared adding to my confusion. Their light grew in intensity until they all flew ahead of me swirled in a circle for a bit and then made a pyramid, that I came through and here was where I found myself." While I was speaking Celestia had found her way inside the cab and was nosing around through what little I had in their, a bag of clothes, some tools, and of course the shotgun hanging in the gun rack across my back window. It wasn't until I heard the clatter of Celestia nearly falling out of the truck did I realize she had been in their and worse what she was now staring down the barrel of, with her finger dangerously close to the trigger.
"Uhh ma'am you should put that down, I mean you really should put that down." I said as I slid off the hood and quite quickly and calmly made my way to her and removed the gun from her possession.
"What is that thing" Celestia said as I tried to get around her to put the gun where it belongs. Only to have her step in the way and make it clear she wont budge until I answered her. With a heavy sigh and mental note to pay more attention to these nosey ponies I said.
"This ma'am is something I hope I never have to use, and you never need." Finally brushing past the princess I went to put the gun where it belongs only to have it glow a bright orange and float over my head and back out the door.
"Dammit give that back" I yelled as I spun around actually startling Celestia to the point she lost concentration and dropped the gun. And as luck would have it the one in a million chance of the weapon misfiring had to happen now since it fired once it hit the floor. Their was a ear splitting scream and the sound of a few gasps as I dove into the truck for cover and then their was the sound of something hitting the floor and running feet. I turned around to see Celestia in a heap on the floor clutching a arm while multiple guards surrounded her.
"Ar.....are you ok" I stammered out as I got out and leaned forward to try and get a better look at Celestia only to have one of the guards whirl around horn aglow, blasting me square in the chest and sending me flying across the room to slam into the far wall. When I hit the floor everything began to spin and I thought I saw Celestia making her way towards me before all faded to black.
Slowly I began to become aware of my surroundings, first to return was my sense of hearing as I could hear what sounded like wheels rolling on a hard floor. Then I could see lights flashing behind my closed eye lids and then the distorted sounds of voices all around me. Slowly I peeled open my eyes, only to scrunch them shut in agony due to the bright lights. Then when my eyes adjusted I looked to my right to see a grey mane pink coat mare, and then a orange mane purple coat stallion on my right pushing me along on a gurney. But then just on the other side of the stallion was another gurney being pushed by a blond mane, brown coat mare, and a blue mane green coat stallion. I wasn't able to make out who or what was on the gurney as we came to a intersection of the hall with my gurney going right and the other going left, and then all faded to black once again.
I was brought back to consciousness by the feeling of something poking me repeatedly, and the sound of shuffling feet. I opened my eyes to find a familiar purple pony poking me with a pencil and then jotting down something on a note pad she had. The sound of shuffling feet was coming from across the room where Celestia was shuffling awkwardly looking anywhere but at me, with my shotgun leaning against the wall across from her. Twilight continued to poke me annoyingly until Celestia said ever so softly still avoiding eye contact with me.
" Twilight my faithful student I think you should stop poking him seeing as he is awake." Causing twilight to look up at my face and our eyes met for a split second, before she began to blush and step back and kind of hide behind her note pad. Their was a long drawn out silence as neither pony seemed to wish to make eye contact with me and I was rather unsure of what to do in this situation. So with neither pony showing any signs of starting a conversation i sat up In bed, doing my best to ignore the pain all down my back and head and said.
"It might be a little overdue but my name is Travis what may I call you?" Twilight was the first to recover, it was either that or Celestia just didn't want to talk to me for some reason.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said stepping forward her cheeks still faintly red from her blush. "And this is my mentor Princess Celestia." Motioning to Celestia who for the first time since I woke up made eye contact with me and nodded her head before she looked away again.
"Well Miss Sparkle it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, the same goes for you princess." I said as I stretched and shifted on the hospital bed trying to relieve the pain in my back and the stiffness. Both were relieved almost instantaneously when I turned as far to the right as possible and heard a symphony of cracks, pops, and snaps coming from my back. When I turned to face my guests again both had a look of mild disturbance causing me to chuckle warmly earning a confused look from both the ponies. Celestia just opened her mouth to say something when the door opened and a unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tan coat in a doctors uniform walked in going over a clipboard in his hand. When he looked up at me he did a double take and gave Twilight and Celestia a quizzical look before looking back at me again.
"So what's the diagnosis doc will I be ok?" I asked giving the doc a straight face causing him to look back at the princess and Twilight again.
"Well given the fact you were blasted with magic across the throne room and into a solid stone wall you should have broken bones or fractures. But against all odds all you have is some minor bruising so I would say your going to be fine." He said going back over his clipboard and mumbling to himself as I sat their and pondered just how I got out of that one as well.
"Well its time for the million dollar question" I said as I threw back the blanket and sat on the edge of the bed in nothing but a hospital gown. "Where are my cloths?" Both girls blushed profusely before Celestia stepped forward and dropped the duffel bag from my truck beside me saying.
"When you were hit the magic destroyed most of your clothes and I found this in you truck was it?, I hope this helps." I opened the bag to reveal my duster and old west outfit complete with hat and boots inside and I couldn't help thinking to myself.
I knew I packed these for a reason as I told Celestia it would do and they all left to let me change. I changed quickly and picked up my trusty weapon from the floor and looked it over to see if their was any damage. The gun itself wasn't much to look at a simple pump action twelve gauge, and it appeared to be relatively unscathed by the little mishap before with only a few scratches on the stock. Then I pumped the action and ejected the used shell and loaded a new one before looking it one last time. Satisfied that all was in order I threw on my boots and duster, putting the shotgun in the custom holster I commissioned across my back, dropping a black Stetson on my head last to finish the look. Then without a second thought I opened the door and stepped out to find Twilight and Celestia waiting for me just outside.
"So how long was I out?" I asked as I stretched to rid my legs of the tense tired feeling that held them.
"Two days you've been out and here in the canterlot hospital." Celestia said earning a shrug and a grunt in response from me while I stretched. "And since we don't know where you came from or how you got here we cant send you back home." Of course this gave me pause, I would never see my friends or family again but I would live in a land free from crime and overflowing with friendship. Granted I would probably be a little upset for a little while but I could live with this situation. All was silent as I thought over what I was told before I shrugged and said.
"Well since it looks like I'm stuck here where would I be living" Walking as I spoke seeking the nearest exit only to be led the opposite direction by twilight as she spoke.
"Well if the Princess says its ok you could stay with me or my friends in ponyvile, it would be a excellent chance to study how you interact with others." Leave it to Twilight to treat this like a science experiment I thought as we went through the city heading in the direction of the castle, Twilight giving me the basics on equestrian society and her friends as we went. Until we reached a courtyard near the palace gates to find my truck in all its glory just sitting their as Twilight and Celestia finished with their lectures.
"So not that this hasn't been fun and all." I said walking over to my truck to give it a once over. "But can we go to ponyvile its been kind of a long day and I could use some sleep and time to think." Celestia got a sort of knowing look on her face and she nodded yes motioning for us to go with a warm smile before turning and heading back to the castle.
"So is this thing safe?" Twilight said as she clambered into the truck and closed the door.
"Why of course its safe." I said as I turned the key only to have the roar of the motor startle me as it started right away, and a bit louder and deeper than usual.
"ohh yeah" I said a devilish grin spreading across my face as I looked over at Twilight and said. "You may want to put on your seat belt."
"Wait my what... and why?" Twilight said her apprehension clear in her voice as she stared at me with a worried expression. I answered her by reeving up the engine with the same insane smile and yelled.
"Cuss I got the need for speed." As I threw the truck in gear and floored it sending dirt and grass flying as the engine roared and we made our way to ponyvile Twilight screaming the whole way their.
With everything running like it should and the pedal to the metal we made good time to Ponyvile. And just as it appeared on the horizon I slowed and stopped earning a confused glance from Twilight as she began to look around.
"Why have we stopped?" She said looking all around and then at the dash in front of me. "Is there something wrong with your truck?" I chuckled as I leaned over across twilight and opened the glove compartment to retrieve two vital parts of my impromptu plan. The first being a pair of dark sunglasses just like the terminators the other being a cd case, which was quickly thrown open and a untitled disc thrown in the radio as we began to move again.
"no everything's is just fine Twilight." I said as we got closer to town and I put on the glasses, rolled down my window, and hit play on the radio trying to look bad ass before I looked at twilight and said.
"I've always wanted to do this." As we coasted into town the radio turned up loud causing all the ponies to stop and stare as we rolled through town square towards the library. Im sure it must have been quite the sight to see me sitting in the driver seat doing my best to make the terminator proud and Twilight sitting their her head in her hands blushing profusely, waving shyly at the ponies she knew. We pulled up next to the library just as the song ended, and ive never seen anybody, or pony get out of a vehicle that fast. I chuckled as I climbed out after Twilight to see her almost fall, giving me time to walk around to her and offer her a hand as she straitened out her purple shirt and dusted off her pants that had her cutie mark on the pockets, and say.
"Forgive me Twilight I didn't mean to frighten you, its been a long time since that truck has run this good I just couldn't help myself." Twilight took my hand and eyed my truck warily as she went around it and toward the front of the library saying.
"Don't worry about it Travis it will take time to become accustomed to that machine but no harm done." Twilight quickly opened the door and made her way inside with me following close behind, closing the door and taking a good look around. The library was relatively small with book shelves lining all the walls until they reached a single stair case leading upward. Nice place I thought to myself as I began to peruse the selection on the shelves finding everything from "magical theory's for dummies" to "Daring doo" amongst the myriad of well used books. So engrossed was I in my search I failed to notice Twilight trying to gain my attention until the book I was looking over was forcefully removed from my grasp, wrapped in a purple glow and put back in its place. Only then did I notice Twilight was standing halfway down the stairs motioning for me to follow as she turned and went back upstairs. Of course I quickly followed her up to what I assumed was her room considering it had a bed along one wall and table in the middle of the room. I looked around the room and couldn't find Twilight, that is until I heard a knocking sound from behind me, and when I saw what it was I face palmed hard. Right behind me was a sliding glass door leading to the balcony my truck was parked under with Twilight seated at a small table with a pen and note pad motioning for me to have a seat.
"Ok why do I feel like im about to get interrogated?" I said knowing I was more than likely going to have to explain more about myself and home.
"Oh its not a interrogation" Twilight said giggling "I simply want to know more about you and your world before my friends get here." I knew what she meant, for as soon as pinkie showed up there would be no time to talk with her and all her party planning. Of course then their was Rarity who would probably take one look at my outfit and call it a ghastly affront to fashion and insist on fixing if for me.
I had just gotten onto the topic of human history and was giving Twilight a very condensed version doing my best to avoid the war and blood shed as much as possible. Only to have Twilight the ever persistent historian hounding me for every detail, regretting it in many cases. Then there came a heavy rapping sound from underneath us causing Twilight to look over the balcony and sigh closing her notepad and get up saying.
"Prepare yourself" Before she disappeared down stairs, their was silence for a moment before many excited voices could be heard coming up the stairs. Deciding to stand and prepare myself I made my way to the edge of the balcony with my back to the stairs. The voices and clamoring grew louder and louder until the point a boastful voice could be heard saying.
"Well he better not be trouble, and what is that thing sitting outside the library?" Well that could only be one mare I thought to myself as the group made their way up the stairs and all the noise stopped. Their was a minute of silence as the girls grew accustomed to the strange sight before them and then I heard a very soft timid voice say.
"Is it safe, he wont hurt anypony will he?" When I heard this I couldn't help but laugh as I slowly turned around to face the new comers taking my hat off and saying.
"Why yes mam I am safe and I wont hurt anybody unless provoked." I stood their and awaited their reaction and got a good look at all the mane six and sadly the first thing I noticed was they were all well endowed. Rarity was in a elegant white button up shirt tucked into a sleek pair of black dress pants that accentuated her curves nicely with black high heels . Her hair curled and fell across her back, a single curl falling along her face accentuating her blue eyes giving her a high class appearance. With her tail swishing back and forth hypnotically behind her just as curled and maintained as her hair. Beside her stood Applejack in a simple white form fitting t-shirt with some worn blue jeans that showed the definition and power in her legs, with a pair of cowboy boots. Her blond hair kept in place by her trade mark Stetson as she looked at me eyes full of curiosity, her tail held together in a single ponytail by a red hair tie matching her hair. Along side her stood Fluttershy trying to hide behind her flowing pink hair, and looking out at me with one worry filled light blue eye. She wore a simple yellow sundress that made her look like a angel with her cutie mark going around the hem of the dress. One of her hands curling a strand of her tail around her finger nervously. Next was Rainbow Dash in a short white t shirt showing off her flat toned stomach and moderately large bust, in jean shorts and leather jacket with her cutie mark embroidered on the chest of it. Her tail about mid length cut in a tomboyish fashion like her hair. Twilight could be see giggling slightly behind the group for a reason I couldn't fathom. As her straight tail swished back and forth excitedly.
"So Twilight I thought you said you had five friends coming over I only count four?" I asked glancing around confused when the girls started giggling seeming to look behind me at something. Then I heard something move behind me and soft giggle, and against every instinct I had I turned around just in time to see a bouncing blur of pink coming right at me before I was knocked to the floor. well I found Pinkie I thought as I looked up into her glittering blue eyes so full of life, energy, and enthusiasm.
"Ohh are you new, Im Pinkie Pie who are you, I know Everypony in ponyvile and I don't know you, so that must mean your new and that means I need to throw you a welcome to ponyvile party. What's your favorite color, favorite kind of cake, favorite flavor of ice cream..... ohh and what are you?" Pinkie said speaking so fast I had a hard time keeping up but when she finished and took a breath I gently put my hands on her shoulders and said.
"If you would please let me get up ill tell you what you want to know deal?" Pinkie looked at me curiously for a second before shaking her head in a vigorous yes and getting off me allowing me to set up. I eyed Pinkie out of the corner of my eye she was in a simple t shirt and jeans ensemble with her cutie mark on the front of her shirt. Her hair and tail were absurdly poofy and curly almost defying gravity. And she had a full, healthy figure with curves in all the right places making me wonder how she maintained it with all the crazy antics im sure she gets into. until I realized this was Pinkie Pie I was thinking of and plus she worked at a bakery so that would probably explain her insane energy level.
I guess I sat on the floor to long because I was brought back to reality by the sound of footsteps coming closer and having Twilight kneeling in front of me with a worried look and rainbow dash could be heard saying.
"I think you may have broke him Pinkie." When I heard this I chuckled and shook my head to clear my mind.
"No nothing of that sort, I was just surprised is all" I said as I stood and stretched. "And to answer your questions miss Pie my name is Travis, I am new here, my favorite color is blue, I like any kind of cake, chocolate is my favorite flavor of ice cream, and I am a human." Their was a silence as Pinkie seemed to be thinking and then she rushed forward gave me a bone crushing hug and said.
"The party will be at SugarCube Corner at eight hope you like it." And she was off and out the room before I could even blink. I guess I had a odd look on my face, (of course given what just happened it was understandable) because all the girls began laughing uncontrollably leaning on each other for support.
"Ok now that's over with what next Twilight?" I said shaking my head reminding myself that I just had to accept pinkie for what she was. Their was another long bout of laughter followed by each of the ponies introducing themselves to me, and then starting conversations. Rarity quickly lost interest when she found out I knew absolutely nothing about fashion or what the clothes I was wearing was made of. Except the boots and I wasn't about to tell her that they were full quill ostrich skin boots. Fluttershy was still too scared of me to have a conversation, Rainbow Dash thought I was dull and Twilight was too busy observing my interactions with her friends to say anything so that left Applejack. Who was watching me with a curious eye as I sat back down at the outside table.
"So where you from there partner our accents sound pretty much the same?" Applejack said setting herself in the seat across from me.
"Well judging by your clothes I would venture a guess that your a farmer of sorts?" Applejack nodded yes with a proud smile.
"Well that explains it then, I came from a place where agriculture is a major part of the economy." I said matter of factly as I took off my hat and sat it on the table. "As a matter of fact machines similar to the one I have are major parts of agriculture. Seeing as they do most of the hauling and hard work around a farm or plantation." Applejack gave me a quizzical look and looked over the balcony at my truck then back at me and asked.
"What could something like that do it don't look like It could be used for my kind of work?"
I chuckled and shook my head as I looked at my truck as well.
"Well to be honest Applejack the machine I have was designed with mostly ease of transportation in mind, not necessarily hard labor though it has features that make it invaluable in farm work."
"Oh such as?" Applejack quipped looking down at my truck skeptically earning another chuckle from me.
"Well the back is capable of having large quantities stored and tied down for transport." I said pointing to the bed and then moving on. "And its power source provides enough power to move the cargo not only over great distances but quickly as well. Hell that vehicle could move more freight than most any creature alive be it man or pony."
"Ya really think so?" Applejack giving me a challenging stare, one I gladly returned and said.
"Fair Applejack I don't think so I know so, that vehicle could move more, faster than any man or pony using old fashion muscle." The room around us quickly became silent as if I said something horrible and the other girls waited to see what would happen next.
"I bet my brother could move more crates and do it faster than that contraption of yours any day." Applejack said proudly calling me out, earning a hearty laugh from me as I said.
"Girl name the time and place, and my truck and I will leave your brother in the dust." Applejacks eyes narrowed dangerously and all the girls behind me gasped in shock and Applejack said.
"How about at Sweet Apple Acres today, right now my brother versus your contraption." Thrusting her hand forward to seal the deal.
"Deal and if I win I get a crate of your apples." I said smiling smugly as I shook her hand, staring her in the eye completely confident in my ability to win.
"And ill tell ya what I want when I win, be at the farm in thirty minutes or you forfeit." Applejack said as she brushed past me and the girls making her way out and towards the farm on the horizon. There was a long silence after Applejack left before Twilight stepped forward and said.
"You do know that not only is Applejack's brother Big Mac the strongest pony in Ponyvile, but he has been working that farm all his life?"
I slowly turned to face Twilight picking up my hat and putting it back on saying
" And did you know that my truck has the power of approximately three hundred horses?" Twilights mouth dropped wide open and began to stutter in confusion making me laugh.
"And that my dear Twilight is the majesty of mans ingenuity." I said as I headed downstairs heading for my truck the girls following closely behind. And then stopping when I climbed in the truck.
"Well are you coming or are you going to walk?" I said as I started the truck, and the roar of the motor startled everypony save Twilight.
"A..are you sure we will all fit?" Fluttershy squeaked moving closer to be heard over the motor.
"Well two of you can fit in the cab." I said patting the seat beside me. " But the rest of you will have to climb in the bed." The girls all looked first at me and my truck then at Twilight who had a apprehensive look but she climbed in the cab anyway, scooting close so Rarity could squeeze in beside her. With them in I looked over to find Rainbow and Fluttershy weren't standing beside the truck anymore, but were instead lounging around the bed, or clinging to the roll bar in Fluttershy's case. I slipped the truck in gear and with a little help from Twilight and Rarity made my way to Sweet Apple Acres. The scene before me was breath taking, their were apple trees as far as the eye could see all surrounding a large barn and farm house. All set against a beautiful blue sky that never seemed to end and a gentle breeze blowing. As we came closer to the barn two stacks of ten crates could be seen with Applejack leaning on them waiting for us. I quickly backed up to a stack and everyone climbed out and gathered around Applejack.
"Well I was beginin to wonder if you was guna come Travis." Applejack said with a grin earning a chuckle from me as I dropped the tail gate and said.
"What and miss the look on your face when I win this? No I wouldn't miss that for the world Applejack, besides I had to make sure the rest of the girls came along to witness this." I walked up to Applejack and shook her hand and began to look around.
"So where is your brother?" I asked looking around only to stop and have my jaw drop when I glimpsed in the barn. Inside Big Mac could be see throwing hay bales around like they were nothing, before he dusted his hands and came this way. And when he came outside proper I could see every inch of his body was pure muscles that rippled and flowed beneath his red fur. I gulped when he came to stand before me a friendly smile on his face saying.
"you must be the one sis has been tellin me all about."
"I hope its nothing bad" I said holding out my hand, which he quickly took and shook it firmly.
"Nope" was all he said to that as he walked past me with another smile and stood beside Applejack. I stood opposite Big Mac behind my truck as Applejack stood between us and said.
"This competition will be simple, whoever moves all their crates across the line over yonder." Pointing to a banner erected in front of the farm house. "Wins"
"Well that sounds simple enough, when do we begin?" I said cracking my knuckles and stretching a bit in preparation. Applejack smirked and looked between her brother and myself and said.
"Ready, set, go"
And just like that Big Mac grabbed two crates put them on his shoulders and began walking to the finish like it was nothing. My jaw dropped and I had to hustle to try and catch up only to almost break my back trying to lift the first crate. In the end it all came down to the last load, Big Mac was halfway to the finish line when I finally got the last crate into the truck. In a mad rush I ran for the cab and threw the truck in gear and floored it. The engine roared startling all the ponies even Big Mac who stumbled and almost fell. For a insanely long second nothing happened as the tires spun and threw dirt and gravel all over before finally gaining traction and shooting forward like a rocket. Time seemed to slow as I caught up with the now running Big Mac just as he crossed the finish line and undoubtedly winning. Only to leave him coughing in a cloud of dust as I hit the brakes and spun around coming to a stop before a smirking Applejack. With a defeated sigh I killed the motor and climbed out in time for Big Mac to come jogging up his eyes wide and mouth agape.
"Well Applejack a deals a deal your brother won this round what do you want as your prize?" I said doing my best to keep my disappoint out of my voice and off my face. There was a long silence as Applejack thought before her eyes lit up and a mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Well you were true to your word there Travis that vehicle of yours did move more at once and much faster than by hand." Applejack said with my unease and apprehension growing with every word. "And since I won this bet I would like to learn to operate this contraption and use it on the farm from time to time." And there it was the words I hoped she wouldn't say.
"Before I teach you Applejack there are some things you need to know first." I said as I opened the door and climbed back inside motioning Applejack over.
"The first being this is not a toy, this truck could easily kill someone if not taken seriously." As I spoke Applejack got a solemn look and nodded showing she understood "The second thing being after all the runnin ive done with this thing there is probably only enough fuel left to last until the day after tomorrow if used sparingly." I said pointing to the gas gage and watching Applejack to make sure she understood. She leaned in closer to inspect the gauge and her face scrunched up in confusion.
"Travis what does the F and E stand for on this thing?"
"F stand for full and E stands for empty, these tell you how much fuel is left in the tank, as of right now it should be somewhere around the half way mark." I said figuring in my head based on the past.
"But the needle is pointing to Full does that mean its broken?" Applejack said making me double take and glare at the gauge in confusion. I really hope that gauge isn't broken I thought to myself as I slid out of the cab and crawled under the truck to inspect the tanks. When their was no obvious sign of tampering or leaking I crawled back out to find all the ponies gathered around my feet with curious looks on their faces. In a spark of genius I began digging around in the cab until I found a discarded shoe lace, and then picked up a rock off the ground tying one end of the lace around it. After I finished my redneck depth tester I went to the gas tank pulled off the cap and slid the stone in and let it sink until it hit the bottom of the tank. Then I quickly pulled it back out to show almost the whole string dripping and reeking of gasoline. Well the gauge isn't broken I thought as I scratched my head in confusion before I was brought back from my thoughts by Twilight saying.
"Is everything all right Travis?"
"Hm.... oh yes Twilight im sorry, yes everything is fine." I said still racking my brain to completely understand what was going on. Sure working like new in Equestria as if by magic was believable but to have a unlimited fuel source as well?
"Now im not one to look a gift horse in the mouth." I said shaking my head and turning to face Twilight. "But is their any way you could check my truck for enchantments or anything else?" Twilight gave me a puzzled look but nodded yes as her horn lit up with my truck doing the same shortly after. Then the glow disappeared and her horn stopped glowing.
"Well?"
"Their is a strange residual magic surrounding your truck Travis." She said matter of factly. " It could be left over from your trip here and wear of eventually or it could become permanent only time will tell."
"Well then.... I hope its permanent otherwise this thing will be a lawn decoration after a while." I said throwing the string in the bed and climbing in on the passenger side motioning Applejack in on the other side. The rest of the after noon was spent teaching both Applejack and Big Mac how to drive my truck. And come time for the party both could drive around Sweet Apple Acres blindfolded, though I wasn't about to let them try. After a small squabble involving who was going to drive and who was going to ride where. We all climbed in and headed towards town with those of us in the cab idly chatting, and those in the bed lounging around at ease.
In no time at all we made it to Sugar Cube Corner and everyone climbed out and bolted for the door. Leaving a very confused me still sitting in the cab and staring after them as I killed the motor and locked the doors. As I approached Sugar Cube Corner not a sound could be heard from inside nor a single light be seen within. And as soon as I touched the door it swung open of its own accord. Inside was completely black save where the fading afternoon light fell from the open door. I took one tentative step inside just past the door and it swung shut behind me with a resounding thud making me jump and yelp in surprise. When my heart stopped racing and drowning out all other sounds I could faintly hear what sounded like giggling. And I began to peer into the darkness and I could just barely make out the outline of someone when my senses were assaulted on three fronts. I was blinded as the lights were turned on and all the ponies gathered yelled a thunderous.
"Surprise."
Then when my ears had just stopped ringing and my sight began to return their was a loud boom and I was struck by what felt like paper and fell back. And their I remained watching confetti fall until Pinkie Pie came forward pulling me to my feet and began to introduce me to all the ponies that were there. Asking me if I was surprised, which I was beyond surprised.
And with a little time to adjust and a few glasses of Applejacks famous apple cider I was enjoying the party along with everyone else. And it was great almost all of ponyvile was present and the local dj was spinning the tunes, they really weren't my style but it was great non the less. The night was winding down and nearing its end most of the girls were more than a little buzzed save for Twilight, who was sitting at a small window table discussing my home a little more. When two drunk pegasus stallions came stumbling through the crowd towards us making Twilight sigh in annoyance and shake her head. The first of the two was a dark brown color with silver hair and tail, and a dumb bell for a cutie mark. The other was a tan color with brown hair and three basketballs for his cutie mark, and both looked like they were up to no good.
"So this is the thing every pony has been talking about huh?" The brown one said his words slurred as he gazed at me through glazed eyes. Twilight was about to say something until I caught her attention, and motioned for her to keep quite as I ignored the two fools beside us. Needless to say they didn't like being ignored, if their continued insults and threats were any indication but I paid them little head. That is until I was about to ask Twilight something and her eyes went wide and I was almost knocked out of my chair as. I saw a tan fist strike my face and then pull back, a drunken voice could be heard saying.
"Hey freak were talkin to you, you should learn your place and listen." Their was a long silence as if the party around us had actually stopped as I stared at Twilight her face morphing from shock, to outrage. Her horn began to glow and she was about to do something in retaliation until I asked.
"Dear Twilight pray tell, what are Equestria's laws on self defense?" Completely caught off guard by my question Twilight stared at me baffled and her horn stopped glowing. She just opened her mouth to speak when I was struck again, this time actually falling out of my chair. Twilight jumped from her seat and came around only to stop dead at the sight of me. I was on the floor laughing hysterically with blood running down my head and from a split lip.
"Is that truly the best you can do?" I said laughing still and hauling myself to my feet. "Surely you can do better than that boys, come on hit me with your best shot." I motioned them forward with my hands and they gave each other a confused look before shrugging and advancing on me.
"Now just hold on one second their boys I believe their is something you should know." I said holding my hands up making them halt in confusion as a wicked grin spread across my face. "You should know that where I come from people are killed on a daily basis for far less than what you have done to me. So tell me do you want to fight something from such a cruel world?" Their was a loud collective gasp from all the ponies around me and the two stallions looked like they were beginning to rethink their plan. But just to make sure they got the point I shot forward and in their faces making them jump back as I said.
"What im really askin you is if your feeling lucky punks, well are you?" Both of their faces blanched and they turned tail and ran disappearing out the door in a flash. I watched the door for a few second before returning to my seat only to realize the party had indeed stopped, and all the ponies were staring at me with a little fear in their eyes. I let out a tired sigh and heaved myself from my seat and made my way to the door the crowd parting as I went. Just as I reached the door and was about to leave I felt something tugging on my pants leg and when I looked down I saw a little filly that could only be Sweetie bell. Her sister pushing her way to the front of the crowd as I knelt down to Sweeties level.
"I... is it true what you said earlier..... about where you come from?" she said eyes full of fear but calm and polite non the less. I grinned sadly as her sister came forward and grabbed Sweetie by the shoulders holding her close as I stood and said.
"Sadly enough little one it is indeed true. My home is a beautiful and deadly place, and man is a cruel fical creature at times." Their was another pause as the little one thought over what I said and stepped forward brushing off her sisters hands to stand tall before me and said.
"What about you, have you ever killed anypony?"
"were I come from little one their is a saying I am a lover not a fighter, but I will fight for what I love what do you think that means little one?" Sweetiebell's face scrunched in thought and all was silent, during this time I looked around at the other ponies. A few had less fear in their eyes like Twilight, but most of them were still afraid of me.
"It means you haven't killed anypony but you will of necessary right?" Sweetie said looking up at me hopefully.
"Indeed it does little one, indeed it does I hope I never have to take the life of another. But should the need ever arise I will do what is necessary." With that said I waved little Sweetiebell goodbye and went outside only to stop dead as the sound of breaking glass filled the night air. To my horror the Two stallions from before had worked up the nerve to get back at me and were taking it out on my truck. The drivers side window was knocked out and the body was all sorts of dented and damaged. Quickly and quietly I walked forward and grabbed the brown stallion by the back of his head and slammed his face into the side of the cab letting his unconscious body slide to the ground. His friend started to come around as I reached inside the truck grabbed my shotgun and chambered one round and pointed the gun at him. Making him pause in confusion as I quickly pointed upward and pulled the trigger, the sound louder than thunder in the still of night making the stallion jump, turn and run. Only to run face first into the side of the building knocking himself out cold. I ejected the spent shell and chambered a new one before lay the gun back in the truck and began to move the pony at my feet towards his friend. Just as I leaned down and grabbed him by the feet their was a sharp gasp and blinding flash of purple. And when my vision cleared Twilight was on her knees beside the stallion checking to see if he was alive and glaring at me when she found out he was alive. I just huffed and pulled him over and left him by his friend and brushing past Twilight as she yelled.
"What did you do to them, what was that loud boom, why did you do this?"
"I was defending my own you damned fool, their lucky it was me and not any one of the other ninety percent of humanity. Because they would be in a hell of a lot worse shape if not dead." I yelled whirling around and motioning to the damage done to my truck. There was a silence as Twilight looked at my truck then me, and the two unconscious fools shock, and dismay plastered on her face as she said.
"Im sorry Travis I didn't know......."
"That's right you didn't" I yelled cutting her off and climbing in the truck. "you think that I am a monster just because of one thing I said. And yes it was true and your damned lucky im one of the few who arnt that bad." Twilight tried to apologies, but her voice was drowned out by the roar of the motor as I started it and peeled off into the night. Finally stopping on the outskirts of town by a little river to sleep. I quickly killed the motor and lay down in the seat staring at the moon and the starry sky as I drifted off to sleep. And just as I fell asleep I could have swore I saw a figure glide past the moon, heading for ponyvile.
I was peacefully asleep and relaxed as I lay across the seat of my truck. Not a worry in the world as everything seemed to be at peace for now. That is until a thunderous crash sounded outside my truck making it shake violently throwing me into the floor board, as dirt flew up onto the windshield temporarily blocking my view out. I quickly scrambled back into the seat throwing the head lights on as I went, only to stop staring with a mixture of awe and fear at the sight before me. About fifteen feet away from my truck was a rolling mass of dark blue/ black smoke with piercing white eyes gazing at me. As I stared in awe the creature began to move forward slowly, the smoke moved with it breaking at points allowing me a glimpse of what stood beneath it.
My headlights glinted off of dark blue armor covering a feminine figure as it got closer. Then to my horror the headlights began to dim and then blink out randomly, with the creature moving closer completely disappearing when the lights went out only to reappear even closer when they returned. And then the lights went out completely and even its eyes vanished as the lights came back on to reveal empty space where the creature stood. I slowly reached for my gun as a chill crept down my spine and a loud bang sounded right next to me just as I grabbed my gun.
Startled I spun to my left and leveled my gun only to recoil in shock with the creature standing right outside my truck staring at me. Then my entire body lit up a deep blue and I was bodily thrown from my truck only to land on my face and skid to a halt. My momentum making my legs go up in the air and then fall forward effectively flipping me over on my back with a loud grown. Slowly I leaned up clutching my head in pain noticing the creature coming towards me again making me scramble for my gun which lay a few feet away.
"Thou has been found guiltily of assault and attempted assassination of a princess of Equestria, the punishment being death." The creature behind me said her voice thunderous in the stillness of the night. "Hast thou anything to say before we carry out thy sentence?"
I stopped in disbelief just as I reached my gun and turned to look over my shoulder at my attacker. I was being attacked all because Celestia didn't know not to mess with things she knew nothing about.
"Two things actually." I said grabbing my gun and standing facing my attacker. "The first being you should ditch the archaic style of speech it does nothing more than make you sound like a fool. The second being any injury Celestia suffered earlier was because of her own ignorance. I did absolutely nothing to even be remotely classified as assault."
Not much was said as the creature and I stared each other down her horn glowing beneath the smoke as I chambered a round and pointed the gun at her. And with a blinding flash and a deafening bang the battle began, I pumping out rounds at the creature only to have them bounce off her armor or pass harmlessly through the smoke. While her attacks came alarmingly close to finding there marks, a few even grazing me and scorching my clothes and burning the flesh beneath. Then a loud click made me halt in complete fear, my gun was empty and the only other rounds were in my truck. I risked a quick glance towards it, seeing as during this little conflict I had managed to put my assailant between it and me and about a good twenty feet. My opponent must have noticed this as the number of spells she cast ceased entirely. The area where I assume her hands were began to glow and then the smoke began to take shape forming two wicked blades easily as long as my arm with serrated edges. And without warning she surged forwards slicing the air with the swords, my only defense being the empty gun in my hands for a shield.
It quickly became apparent that my assailant was toying with me, I managed to dodge or parry maybe half of her attacks (which was a generous estimate). And the other half that did land were only small grazing cuts meant to anger more than anything. And then they just stopped coming shocking me, making me look around in confusion. Only to see my assailant standing in front of me with the swords idly at her side. Confused I began to lower my gun only to be sent reeling by a staggering strike to my face starting above my right eye and ending just below it. The pain and blood blinding me as I swiped my arm across the cut trying franticly to staunch the flow of blood. Only to be struck again this time knocking me off my feet and straight onto my back as those wicked swords sliced the air coming straight down at me. The world seemed to slow as I watched them in there beautifully deadly arc and held my gun up in a last ditch effort to defend myself. To have my arms almost broken in two by the sheer force of the attack as the swords struck my gun and stopped dead. The two of us stared dumbfounded at our weapons both expecting my defense to fail only to have it do the exact opposite. Trying to capitalize on my opponents confusion I pulled my legs up to my chest and kicked her in the chest staggering her back and allowing me room to stand. As I came up I used my momentum to bring myself into range and smashed the but of my gun right between those glowing eyes, my ears being rewarded by the sound of metal warping and breaking under my gun. Without another thought I tore past her as she coughed and groaned heading for my truck and the box of shells I kept stashed behind the seat. I got to the truck and threw the door open and reached around behind the seat to get the box, only to freeze and shiver as all the warmth left the air. I risked a glance behind me only to have all the color leave my face and almost drop dead at the sight behind me. The creature behind me was now almost twice as tall and seemed to be absorbing all the light around her leaving only darkness as her horn began to glow. I pulled the shells from behind the seat and shoved some in my pocket as I ran back towards town. Only to hear the sound of a projectile screaming towards me and be sent flying as whatever it was impacted right behind me.
When I finally hit the ground the gun was sent flying from my hands on impact and almost everything from my waste down was aflame with agony. My vision swam as I searched for it and saw the creature approaching me once again this time wielding a clamor as long as she was tall. I began to crawl blindly my only goal was to get away from the terror that stalked me only to scream in agony as my ankle snapped beneath a cruel boot. With tear filled eyes I searched around for any sign of hope to find my gun lying literally a few inches away with a single shell right beside it. Blindly I reached for it as the cold nipped at my hands leaching any feeling from them as my fingers curled around the gun and brought it close. My other hand dropping the shell as I tried to load, though my hands were so numb I couldn't tell. As fast as I could manage I spun around pumping the empty action and pulled the trigger with a crazed yell as the sword came screaming down at me. Only to shatter as a blue ball erupted from the barrel of my gun and struck it just barely missing its wielder ripping all the smoke away to reveal the pony beneath.
"Well fuck my life should have seen that when she spoke." I thought to myself as Luna stared down at me at first in surprise then rage as my vision faded to black. I vaguely felt the familiar sensation of magic gripping and moving me before I completely lost consciousness. My rest was short it seemed as I was constantly plagued by arguing voices saying.
"We can not judge him based on the actions of those past sister."
"Yes I know but we must still be careful these humans are master manipulators."
"Maybe this one is different sister if he had any knowledge of the past I doubt he would have been so friendly when he got here."
"Be that as it may we should still watch him we wouldn't want another outbreak, now would we?"
"No we wouldn't we shall keep an eye on him when he awakens, and then through dreams when he returns to ponyvile."
Eventually the voices stopped and I was allowed proper rest and when I came too. I was surprised to see I was in a hospital bed with all the mane six asleep around the room same for Celestia except she was in a chair by the door. My sleep addled mind didn't comprehend why I was in the hospital, though Im sure what ever drugs they had me on didn't help either. That is until I saw who stood by the window in beautiful blue dress staring out at the night sky with her back to me. Slowly she turned away from the window and watched me with a weighted gaze.
'We... I know you are awake human there is no need to try faking it." She said smiling sadly walking over and sitting in a chair right next to me. There was a awkward silence as we simply stared at one another neither of us really knowing how to continue from that point.
"Why?" I said my voice hoarse and breaking making Luna look at me with concern before her gaze fell and a heavy sigh left her.
"I assume you mean why I attacked you?" Luna said with me shaking my head my anger and confusion rendering me speechless.
"Earlier this evening I heard that a creature had arrived in a strange chariot and attacked my sister before kidnapping young Twilight Sparkle and heading for Ponyvile." I shook my head and grit my teeth doing my best to bite back the smart ass remark that began to form on my tongue.
"And pray tell dear Princess from whom did you hear this little fallacy?" I said my eye twitching randomly in irritation. And as I said this Luna let her head drop to try and hide her face but I saw the look of shame on her face. And then mumbled something I couldn't quite understand making me sigh in annoyance.
"What was that princess I didn't hear you?" This time she said it a little louder but I still couldn't still hear her. "One more time Princess." Again Luna let out a sigh as she looked me in the eye with a exasperated sigh as she said.
"I heard this from a maid in the castle and immediately set out to find this 'monster', only to find I was wrong and had almost killed a innocent pony."
"Person princess I am a person not a pony." I said anger dripping from my every word. "So now the question remains where have you been these last three days. The two I laid in the infirmary and yesterday when your sister personally saw me off with young Twilight taking me to Ponyvile." Luna looked at me a flurry of emotions flying across her eyes before they became cold and expressionless as she said.
"I was away on royal business, that is none of your concern."
"Goddamnit Luna I don't give a damn about royal fucking business." I yelled making Luna recoil in surprise and all the other ponies jump awake and stare at me like I was a fool. "You attacked me, and damn near killed me based on shitty gossip you got from the rumor mill and destroyed many of the things I had to remind me of home. Im pretty sure the least you could do is tell me why the hell you weren't around and made aware of the situation,.... you owe me that much."
There was a stunned silence as Luna stared at me slack jawed in surprise and I glaring at her with a look that could kill a basilisk. The rest of ponies in the room were following Luna's look, all save Rarity who was looking at me with a mix of surprise and supreme reproach.
"I was away taking care of beasts that had been plaguing a small town for years before my return." Luna said her eyes glaring back at me matching my glare with one of her own. There was another long silence as Luna and I stared each other down until somebody cleared there throat to get our attention. We both turned to see Rarity glaring at us both like a mother would a disobedient child.
"Now I am not condoning Princess Luna's actions darling but you simply don't talk to a lady like that." She said glaring at me in particular as she spoke. " As for your clothes they can be replaced I would be more than happy to do it for you if you promise to shape up, act like a gentle colt, never speak like that again and apologize to Princess Luna." Rarity and I glared each other down for a long moment before I began to laugh out loud making her face scrunch up in annoyance.
"This is no laughing matter Travis." She said scolding me, making me stop laughing and give her a level look.
"No Rarity your right this isn't, but it doesn't matter the damage had been done and what has been lost cant be replaced." I said as the full implications of my situation finally hit me. "But my behavior isn't about to change, im only like this in extreme situations and given all that's happened to me my anger is more than justified." Rarity's gaze softened for a moment as she looked at me before it hardened again as she spoke.
" I understand you have been under a lot of stress as of late darling, that still doesn't make it all right to talk to a lady like that much less a princess. All this can be fixed with time and little hard work and I will begin on your clothes when I get back to my boutique so everything will fine though your boots will be difficult to recreate with those odd bumps all across the top."
"Don't even bother with the boots Rarity you cant recreate them, and even if you did it wouldn't be the same we can discuss this when I get out of here." I said a tinge of sadness shadowing my voice, with Rarity nodding in understanding before double taking and glaring at me harshly as she said.
"And who are you to say what I cant accomplish, it will be difficult but I can do it mark my words."
"Forget the boots Rarity in fact forget the whole thing you cant recreate them and I don't want you to try all right?" I said in exasperation my already shot nerves being tested.
"I can and I will remake them Travis and they will be better then those raggedy old things you....."
"You cant remake them you damned fool." I screamed in rage startling all the ponies again. "And would you like to know why, its because they were made of ostrich skin, you know animal hide, leather. And any replica you try to create will be pathetic in comparison of those raggedy things. Not because of there look but the value behind them, they were a gift from my great grandfather. Who damn near lost his legs fighting a war that spanned the globe so I would be able to live any life I chose to live." The room fell silent as a single tear fell down my face as I remembered all my family, and the fact I would never see them again. Rarity's mouth hung open as she stared ahead unseeingly and all the ponies looked at me with apprehension and pity.
"Please leave." I said choking back tears as I turned my back to them and buried my face in my pillow and began to cry. The room was dead silent save for the sound of my sobs for the longest time. Until the sound of footsteps could be heard and the bed shifted as someone sat on it.
"Travis im so sorry I cant even begin to imagine how you feel, but we are you here for you" Twilight said as she lay a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I took a deep shuddering breath and thanked god or whatever deity or power there was that at least one of the girls was willing to be nice to me after all this.
"I appreciate that Twilight." I said quietly " But right now if you could all please leave I need some time alone." There was a sigh and the bed shifted followed by the sound of many feet leaving and then the door closing. When they were all gone I finally let it all out crying out my fear and regret for all the things left undone home. I cried for a unknown amount before exhaustion finally consumed me and dragged me to a restless sleep.
After the little fiasco with Luna my legs were left with severe magical burns. leaving me bed ridden for two weeks, while the doctors tried to fix it all with magic. Which they did, well mostly save for the black scars that wound their way up and around my legs. As a result I spent the majority of my stay starring at the wall or ceiling only rousing myself when the doctors came. Twilight did stop by almost every day and would try and hold conversations, but I would do little else than give her short one word responses. And she wasn't the only one, Luna would stop by as well and try to apologies, but I would seldom answer her. And the one time she did rouse a proper response out of me she had a water glass thrown at her as she fled from the room. Later I was visited by a very angry Celestia and we had a "Discussion" about my behavior.
But that is all in the past, and I have to deal with the here and now. Specifically tonight, the night before I was to be released, and the night I had requested to see Luna. As the time dragged on after the nurse left to see if the princess could spare the time to see me. I went over all that has happened since my arrival in this would be paradise. And how in the world it came to this, but it did little more than irritate me. So with a tired sigh my head dropped back into the pillows as I spoke absentmindedly.
"Its amazing what can happen all in less than a week."
"Indeed it is." I heard making me jump in bed and snap my head towards the door. Only to see Luna standing there outlined by the bright lights of the hallway. Her arms were crossed as she gave me a blank stare, gone was all her regal regalia replaced by a simple beep blue dress.
"Would you please come in and close the door I would like to talk to you and the bright light is hurting my eyes." I said moving my hand over my eyes to emphasis my point. And without a word Luna stepped past the door and let is close slowly as she walked across the room to the large window. And the beautiful panoramic view of her lovely night sky, with her back to me she said.
"Why have you called me here, when in the past you have made it perfectly clear you want nothing to do with me?" As she spoke her tone became strained and hurt, only making what I had to say that much more urgent.
"Luna please face me." I said quietly my eyes on the floor too ashamed to meet her eyes. A long second passed with nothing but silence, until the sound of shuffling feet could be heard. Slowly I looked up at Luna, and when my eyes met hers it took all I had not to either cry or run and hug her tight. For her eyes were big and sad with tears slowly falling down her cheeks and staining her dress if they didn't hit the floor. Another long second passed as Luna composed herself and wiped her eyes on her sleeves. When she finally looked at me once more, I took a deep breath and let it out slow as I began.
"Luna I am sorry for all the things I have said and done to you in my anger. You apologiesed and all I did was cuss you. I was stressed and angry and I took it out on you, and for that I am truly sorry." Luna began to brighten up just a little as I said this and even started to smile.
"So does this mean we can be friends?" She said stopping anything else I wanted to say as I stared at her in confusion.
"Say again?"
"Since you don't hate me can we be friends? She said giving me a tired and annoyed look like this was a every day thing.
"Just like that?" I said as Luna tilted her head to the side in confusion. "All I have to do is apologies and you want to be friends, after everything I've done?"
"If your apology is sincere then yes." Luna said matter of factly looking me square in the eye as if she was daring me to challenge her word.
"I would like to be your friend Luna." I said as she began to smile making me sigh as I continued. "But I doubt you would want to be my friend, at least for the time being." Luna's face began to fall as I spoke, but her expression quickly changed to one of contemplation and concern.
"Why do you say that friend?" she said as she sat down in the chair alongside my bed watching me with a curious gaze.
"Because Luna." I said with a exasperated sigh as I let my head drop back to the pillows. "Until I can figure out a way to earn a living here, and deal with this situation. Im more than likely not going to be a very pleasant person to be around. Its just who I am and how I act in situations like this."
I sat in silence waiting for her response as I was once again reminded of how utterly alone I was in this place.
"But isn't that what friends are for?" Luna said surprising me and making me look up at her in confusion. "Friends are supposed to be there to help you through the tough times. Besides this would provide the perfect opportunity to test not only our friendship, but yours and Twilights as well." I sat dumbstruck by Luna's simple but powerful speech. Had I truly been so absorbed in the negative that I missed something so obvious. I looked up to see Luna looking at me with a infectious smile that seemed to put me at ease. Slowly I began to smile back albeit rather sheepishly as I said.
"Wow I cant believe I was so absorbed in the negative that I completely ignored one of the biggest parts of a friendship." Luna smiled even more before she began to giggle, a soft beautiful sound. The rest of the evening we spent discussing various odds and ends until Luna was called away by duties, while I was fighting off sleep. But as Luna got to the door she stopped and looked back at me with a puzzled expression as she said.
"One more thing Travis before I go, Why is your room so dark? There isn't a single light on save the light from my moon why is that?" I chuckled warmly as sleep began to claim me and said with a tired yawn.
"Because its a environment I thought you would be more comfortable in. Besides there are few better places to think than relaxed in the embrace of the night. All is so calm and at rest, one cant help but ponder the deeper things in life during times such as this." Luna looked at me stunned before a faint blush painted her cheeks and she mumbled a soft thank you and disappeared out the door leaving me to the bliss that is slumber.
The following morning I was woke early by the sounds of voices. With a annoyed groan I forced my tired eyes open only to quickly close them and hiss in pain and annoyance as I rolled over. When the bright early morning sun's light shone through the window and into my eyes. When the multi colored dots disappeared I opened my eyes once again and looked around to try and find the source of the voices. Only to see no one in the room but me, I was considering going back to sleep until I heard the voices once again, coming from the other side of the barely open door to my room.
"Are you sure sister that it wasn't just part of his weapon?" The voice of Celestia said from the other side of the door making me frown in confusion.
"I am sure Celestia." Luna said her irritation clear in her tone. "I was there, that was magic. A very unrefined and raw magic, but twas magic nun the less." A long silence passed as I pondered these words in confusion, were they seriously saying I cast magic? Then a third voice spoke up voicing my confusion and disbelief almost down to the dot.
"But Princess how can that be? When I asked him before my friends arrived Travis laughed at the idea of humans doing magic. He said the closest thing to magic humans can do is slight of hand tricks and illusions." Twilight said seeming to read my mind as she spoke.
"Maybe he lied, maybe he couldn't do magic until he got here I just don't know" Celestia said with exasperation heavy in her tone. "But either way the fact remains, he did use magic. And powerful magic at that so we should keep a close eye on him." Another long silence passed once again. Almost as if they knew I was listening and were letting me think on what was said.
"So what do we do now Princess?" Twilight said only for a tense silence to follow her question. "Should I try and teach him, maybe even figure out what he can do?" Another silence in which I could almost fell the stares of disbelief being aimed at Twilight as if I were the their target.
"We will discuss that at a later date." Celestia said her voice strained. "As for now we should go in and wake our guest he has a long day ahead of him." With that I could hear feet coming closer to the door. So I quickly rolled back over and feigned sleep as all three came through the door and into my room. Shortly after the three ponies "woke me up" and forced me to sign all these ridiculous papers Twilight leaving shortly after I began. The first mountain and a half's worth was all legal crap with the princesses making me a citizen of equestria. And then the acting ambassador should more humans appear, which I thought was pointless but Luna insisted it was necessary. The rest were just medical info the docs would need should I ever be in need of there services again. finally after hours of signing paper I was released with a rag tag ensemble of clothes the doctors scraped together. So with my new status and clothes I made my way for the exit, stopping just outside the door and taking a deep breath of the fresh air. Only to jump when a soft giggle sounded behind me and to my left with a familiar voice saying.
"Oh come now the hospital cant be that bad."
I put on a smile as I turned to face Twilight, this mornings conversation still fresh in my mind as she came over to where I was standing a broad smile on her face.
"If it always has that much paper work then yes it is." I said rotating my wrist trying to get rid of the writers cramp there, making Twilight giggle knowingly.
"So tell me what will you do now, will you come back to ponyvile?" She said her eyes big and glittering with hope making me chuckle as I ruffled her hair and said.
"All in due time dear Twilight all in due time, until then I think its time I go and reclaim my truck. And maybe anything else that survived my scuffle with Princess Luna." Twilights expression fell slightly and she nodded solemnly falling into step beside me as I made my way to the train station. She was even so kind as to pay for my ticket when I realized I had no money to speak of.
The ride back to ponyville was a odd one to say the least all the ponies would stare at me mouths agape when they thought I wasn't looking. The most comical part being when a young colt broke free from his mothers grasp and approached me, and immediately began to question me.
"What's wrong with you sir where is all your fur, and why is your face all funny looking?" the child said genuine curiosity rigging in his voice as he looked up at me wide eyed. For a long second the boy and I simply stared at one another, until his mother rushed forward and tried to pull him away and showering me with apologies.
"No mam its quite all right he meant nothing by it." I said chuckling as I looked down at the little colt before me. "And to answer you little one, there is nothing wrong with me. I have no fur and my face always looked like this, now would you like to know why?" I said leaning forward and whispering to the boy, looking up and winking at his mother to show her everything was all right. The little colts eyes grew wide and he shook his head excitedly leaning in as well hoping to hear my secret.
" I am a friend of the Princesses." I whispered earning a surprised gasp from the colt as I continued. "And they invited me here from my home to help them watch over this wonderful land of there's." Again the little colt gasped before his face scrunched up in thought and looked at me puzzled and said.
"But why would they need help, the princesses are super strong, smart and amazing?" The colts question earned a chuckle from me and Twilight as I smiled down at him.
"That's what I told them!" I said laughing to myself. "But they insisted I come, if for no other reason than to visit and maybe make new friends." I smiled down at the little colt, and as he pondered my words I glanced around at the faces around me. Those that had heard our little discussion looked at me with a mixture of surprise and awe. While the rest were just smiling at me and the boy, seeing our discussion as cute or something like that. Then with a few good byes and well wishes the mother drug her little colt back to where they were sitting. With the colt glancing over at me from time to time and smiling at me when he thought I wasn't looking or wouldn't see him.
Not long after the train pulled into Ponyville where, Twilight excused herself saying she had some things she needed to take care of leaving me to find my way around town. After about two hours of mindless wondering I found myself on a familiar path leading outside of town and towards the forest. And about half way there was a small little cottage surrounded by simple animal pens, with everything from chickens to various woodland animals wondering about. With a sad sigh I continued on my way trying to think of a way to say im sorry to all the girls. Completely missing the pony watching me with a curious gaze from one of the houses many windows.
A short while later I found the clearing I had parked in, and my jaw dropped open as I stared at the burned, cratered remains. Where once was a beautiful field of green with random flowers. Now it was all burnt and dead with small patches of color here and there mostly around my truck. And then I got a good look at my truck, the entire panel on the outside of the bed was scorched and black. The door was still ajar with the panel on the inside almost completely burned. And barely hanging on by a corner. Then something odd caught my eye, as I made my way closer I noticed loose wires hanging out from under the dash. A few even wrapped together at the end as if someone, or something had tried to hot wire my truck but failed miserably. I quickly scanned the area around in case the culprit was still around and sighed in relief when I didn't see anyone. Making a mental note of this I began chasseing the wires and eventually got them reattached. And Then with bated breath I put the key in the ignition and turned it, only to sigh in relief as the motor roared to life. With that out of the way I began to clean up the cab, picking up all the loose shotgun shells and look for the gun itself. Thankfully I didn't have to look long for by some miracle or divine power I found the gun just on the underside of the truck. The tall grass concealing the once shinning barrel perfectly leaving only parts of the stock visible. Once all was in order and back in its proper place, I climbed back into the cab and turned the truck around and headed back to ponyvile with many things weighing on my mind.
I idled through town ignoring the stares as I navigated towards Twilights library, parking in the same place as before. I Killed the motor just as Twilight came outside with a few books in hand, and a bright smile that stretched on for a mile. I met Twilight half way quirking a eyebrow at her as I glanced between her and the books in her hand questioningly.
"I suppose you want to know what these are for don't you?" Twilight said to which I just nodded yes making her giggle and thrust the books into my hands. While she pranced around like a proud little school girl. "I am going to teach you how to use magic isn't that amazing you can be my 'Faithful Student'. " Twilight continued to bounce around in a child like manner until she noticed me giving her a dead pan stare.
"I already told you Twilight I cant do magic. whatever happened when I was in that scuffle with Luna was more than likely a result of a random anomaly. A once in a life time phenomenon never to happen again." I said making Twilight scowl at me and cross her arms as we stared each other down.
"I discussed this with Princess Luna extensively." Twilight said looking at me like a teacher would a disobedient student. "And she said there was no anomaly or anything of that sort. As a matter of fact she said you gave off a wild magical energy just before you fired your weapon at her." When she finished her tirade Twilight and I stared each other down for what felt like hours. Before I caved with a defeated sigh saying.
"Ok Twilight let me guess you want me to read these books, which are obviously about magic?" Twilight nodded yes enthusiastically.
"And don't put them down until you understand everything in them do you understand?" She said giving me the glare that only a women could. So I just shook my head, agreed and followed her back into the library to begin our study session.
A few hours later found Twilight and I seated at her kitchen table, behind a door I completely missed the first time I was here. For the majority of the day we just sat there me reading till my eyes hurt. While Twilight quizzed me on everything she knew about magic regardless of whether it was in the books or not. Our only interruption was when Spike came in looking for a snack and flipped out thinking I was a monster. Thankfully we managed to convince him I wasn't a monster before he scorched most of my clothes off. But it left me pretty much shirtless and nearly pulling my hair out from the overload of information Twilight kept trying to pound into my head. Finally relief came in the form of a letter from princess Luna via dragon mail, which thankfully distracted Twilight from our 'studies' as she rushed around the library. With a huge sigh of relief I lay my head on my arms across the table and closed my eyes only intending to rest for a moment. Only to be brought back by the sound of arguing voices. With a angry groan I got up from the table and sleepily shuffled towards the door and the voices. When I reached the door I shoved it as hard as I could open, forgetting in my sleep induced stupor that it was a swinging door. I only had enough time to see all the girls seated in chairs and a couch before the door swung back closed with a vengeance. Smacking me in the face and making me scream in rage and pain as I shoved it open again, moving past it before it closed again clutching my now bleeding nose.
"You see Twilight that's why he cant come with us he is a complete idiot." Rainbow said glaring at me reproachfully only for her glare to wither beneath the weight of my own.
"Why don't you try dealing with the shit I have these last couple of weeks and see how you do." I growled only to sigh in frustration.
"Im sorry rainbow dash, I do deserve being called an idiot after that stunt don't I?" I said motioning to the door behind me with my free hand and chuckling. Hoping to lighten the mood only to see it failed miserably with the way all the girls save Twilight just stared at me.
"You know what fine, yall figure out whatever the hell is going on here. Im going to go find something to stop this with. And when I get back I've got something I need to say to all of you." I said motioning to my nose and then turning on my heel and going back to the kitchen. A few minutes later I came back from the kitchen with part of a napkin sticking out of my nose. Which made the girls explode into fits of laughter as I stared at them, not amused. When the laughter finally died down I walked over to where they were seated looking them each in the eye before I began.
"Now I owe you all an apology, but I owe the biggest apology to you rarity." I said my tone tired and worn as I spoke. " For you were the one I yelled at most even when you were trying to help." Rarity stared at me with a measured gaze, searching for any signs of a lie, but found none.
"I accept you apology darling." she said with a sigh. "But you just don't talk to a lady like myself like that, much less Princess Luna herself.
"I guess that's the best im guna get right now." I said as I looked back at all the other girls." Now for the rest of you, I am truly sorry you had to see me like that. And im sorry I acted like that, I would like to ask you all to just bear with me. I don't normally act like that, hell id like to think im a good person. And I would like the chance to show you all that and maybe become friends." A tense silence passes as all the girls glanced at each other seeming to carry out entire conversations with just those glances.
"Its going to take a lot more than a apology to convince us your a good pony." Rainbow said still kinda glaring at me while she spoke.
"But an apology is a step in the right direction aint it sugarcube?" Applejack said elbowing Rainbow Dash in the ribs and glaring at her until she agreed. That only ones left were Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, both of which had been silent this entire time glancing between there friends and myself.
"Well girls what do ya say?" I said breaking the silence and startling Fluttershy a little. And just as she opened her mouth like she was going to say something. Fluttershy was interrupted by a supersonic happiness missile flying past her and slamming into me making me skid across the floor a couple of feet.
"you don't have to apologies to me silly." pinkie said smiling down at me. "I already knew you were a good pony, ever since the first time I met you." Pinkie and I stared at one another as I tried to understand how it was I ended up half way across the room with pinkie on my lap. Then I remembered once again this is pinkie im thinking of she could do just about anything.
"Thanks Pinkie that means a lot." I said as I reached up and patted her shoulder. " But could you please move and let me get up?"
"Of course you silly filly." She said jumping to her feet as she grabbed my hand and yanked me up with her.
"There you go." Pinkie said giggling and returned to her seat as I swayed to and fro slightly. After a few seconds the vertigo faded away, and I could move without the fear of falling over. Then when the world stopped spinning I turned back to Fluttershy with a hopeful expression. But with the way she was looking at me with fear and unease I could tell it would take a lot more to convince her.
"How about I ask you again another time miss Fluttershy?" I said doing my best to hide my shame and disappointment behind a smile. Then I walked to a nearby wall and sank to the floor, my eyes closed doing my best to think of how to make it up to these girls. But my thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice that was almost inaudible say.
"um Travis are you ok?"
I cracked open an eye and looked at the girls, whom were all watching me with varying levels of concern in there eyes. With a tired chuckle I yawned and got back to my feet and said.
"I am fine Miss Fluttershy just thinking. Speaking of which what were yall talking about when I came earlier, something about me going with you somewhere?"
"Ohh that's why I was running all about earlier today." Twilight said as she pulled what looked like a crumpled up letter from her pants pocket and handed it to me. "Its the letter from Princess Luna I got earlier today, it would be easier if you just read it." I looked back down at the letter and read.
Dearest Twilight
It has come to my attention that many strange anomaly's have been reported over the Everfree Forest. I would like you and the rest of the Elements of Harmony to investigate this tonight. And I also advise you take Travis with you, the Everfree Forest is a dangerous place. And he has shown he is more than capable of defending himself.
Sincerely
Princess Luna
"Well let it never be said Luna beats around the bush." I said as I handed the letter back to Twilight. Only to have my eyes darken as I looked in the direction of the forest and remembered what I found out there today. Something, or someone had tried to hotwire my truck. And only people, only humans know how to do that which means...
"Im not the only one." I whispered finishing my thought out loud without even meaning to.
"Not the only one, what do you mean Travis?" Twilight said snapping me out of my brooding as she stood and tried to rest a hand on my shoulder. Only to stop as I held out a hand, signaling her to stop as I continued to stare off as if I could see the forest. A heavy silence stretched on, finally broken by Rarity clearing her throat impatiently.
"All right girls im coming along on you little field trip, whether you like it or not." I said, my tone stern and unrelenting as I looked each girl in the eye to make sure they understood. "And to answer your question Twilight I have reason to believe I am no longer the only human in Equestria." All the girls gasped in shock of this revelation, and then promptly began to bagger me with questions all at once.
"That's enough!." I shouted over their chaotic questions, effectively quieting them so I could continue. "Now with this in mind there are some rules I need to set up. First up is, you are to stay with me at all times and never wonder off by yourselves." Rainbow dash grumbled something about stupid rules and was glaring at me. Until I looked her square in the eyes with a glare of my own showing her I was completely serious.
"Second up is." I said looking around the room for any more interruptions only to find none. " Should we find another human you are not to approach him or her unless I have already done so, and say its safe understood?" All the girls stared at me like dear in the headlights until Twilight nodded yes.
"Very good now you girls do what you need to." I said over my shoulder as I made my way to the door. "I've got to get a few things from my truck so meet me outside when your ready to go." Without waiting for a response I left the library and made my way to my truck, picking up my gun and stuffing extra shells in my pockets. Next I rummaged around in the fading light until my hand found what I was looking for on the floor. Turning the Flashlight on I checked both functions to make sure it worked before stuffing it in another pocket. With a sigh I got back out the cab and sat on the hood and watched as Celestia's sun set and was replaced by Luna's moon.
"Its a truly amazing sight isn't, I never tire of it." Twilight said beside making jump and almost fall off the truck as her and the girls got a good laugh.
"Hahaha now that you all ready lets go." I said as I slid off the hood and shouldered my gun as I bowed and held an arm across my gut.
"ladies first."
"There may be hope for you yet my dear." Rarity said while she flicked my nose with her tail as her and the girls walked past me towards the forest. And as we got closer to said forest the girls would walk closer to one another, and then closer to me once we were within its borders.
"Oh come now girls this is the horrible Everfree Forest?" I said laughing seeing nothing out of the ordinary just a normal forest. That is until a Chimera strolled past us without a second glance. At this sight I shot a glance back towards the girls who all gave me the 'I told you so' look as we continued down the moonlit path. Aside from the odd creatures that called this forest home there was no difference from the forests at home. I was completely at ease and was even trying to hold a conversation with Twilight until an all to familiar sound tore through the silence. Scaring poor Fluttershy out of her mind make her jump and latch onto the nearest object with a grip that would put a grizzly to shame. Which I happened to be the nearest thing, so we had to stop and coax Fluttershy off of me. And we would have got done quicker had not more gun shots rang out.
With Fluttershy off we made good time towards the gun shots, even being able to hear a screaming voice and the howls of wolfs as we got closer. And then we rounded a corner in the forest and standing before us was the ruins of the castle of the pony sisters. Even in its dilapidated shape the castle was something to behold and held an air of power and intimidation around it. But we didn't have time to stop and admire the architecture, because the shots were becoming more frequent and the voice desperate. So we all sprinted down halls and corridors and over fallen pillars. until we came to a large pair of double doors, from which the voice could be heard as well as many wolfs howling. And just as we were about to go through the door a bone chilling scream sounded from the other side, followed shortly after by the triumphant howls of countless wolfs. I glanced back to the girls and motioned for them to stay put as I gently eased open the door. Only to reveal a large hall with countless stained glass windows depicting events of a time long since forgotten. As my eyes scanned the room for trouble, my gaze halted halfway down the hall and sent a chill down my spine. Half way down the hall there was a large crimson pool with a leather bound tome sitting in the middle of it all. It was lit up by the moons light coming from the broken window right across from it. And as I got closer I could see more crimson leading over to, and up and out the window. All around and inside the pool were spent shell casings that looked like they belonged to a rifle. I had just picked one up when the sound of footsteps behind me startled me. Making me whirl around and get a bead on whatever was moving around, only to sigh in annoyance when I saw it was Twilight and the girls. As I took a breath to calm my racing nerves I smelt a heavy metallic smell and could feel the blood leave my face. Both from my ignorance and the enormous amount of blood on the floor behind me. Fluttershy noticed it next when she tried to step around Rainbow Dash and saw it all gasping in alarm as Twilight said.
"I... is t... tha... that....."
"Blood? Yes it is but that's not what's important." I said as I turned around and grabbed the tome and got a good look at its cover. It was just a simple tome until you saw the deep blue circle in its center. With a black alicorn inside a lone teal eye gazing back at you with its predatory gaze.
"Does this crest mean anything to you Twilight?" I said tossing the still dripping book over my shoulder at Twilight. Who let out a startled yelp and let the book fall to the floor with a wet slap. With a tired sigh I scanned the room once more focusing on the shadows at the end of the hall. And then where all was once black two bright yellow eyes stared back at me with a cold gaze.
"Girls we need to leave." I said in a hushed tone keeping my focus on the eyes, doing my best to remain calm even as more and more appeared closer to the ground.
"Girls listen to me you need to back away real....." I began but didn't even get hallway through before a chorus of screams sounded and they girls could be heard running back out the door. With a exasperated sigh I turned to find I was now surrounded on all sided by wolfs, and then what look like wolfs that were made out of wood. Then the ones in front of me burst forth from the shadows charging me at a full sprint. With a yelp of panic I fumbled with my gun and brought it to bear and pumped out round after round. Killing normal and wooden wolf alike only for those still alive to continue forward undaunted and then either jump over me, or go around me and disappear out the door. As they all disappeared out the door haunting laughter echoed from the other end of the room where a single pawed foot was emerging from the shadows. And then the rest until a jet black female werewolf with a leather rap around her chest, waist, and legs was smirking at me from across the room. After she got a good look at me she began to take a step forward only to stop and chuckle. As I chambered a fresh round and pointed the gun at her.
"Ohh a fighter arnt we?" She said her voice melodic and hypnotic like the sirens of old. "I will have to keep my eyes on you from now on wont I?" And just as she stopped speaking her eyes flashed and she was engulfed in shadows, only for them and her to disappear completely. For a long minute I didn't move or hardly breath, as I waited to be sure she was truly gone before I moved. But then a chorus of screams and cries forced me into motion. So with all the speed I could muster I spun around and sprinted out the door, picking up the discarded tome as I went. Completely missing the werewolf reappearing right where I was sitting a huge smirk on her face as I flew out the door.
For what felt like hours I ran down corridors and hallways, until I finally found the girls in a side room. Rarity was holding a unconscious and bleeding Fluttershy on the floor. Pinkie was pressed onto the wall as much as was possible. While Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack did there best to fight off the encroaching beasts. But then all became still as a massive white wolf approached the girls, the other wolfs making way for it. But it didn't reach the girls, since I leveled my gun and pulled the trigger. I was to far away to do any serious damage, but the sheer volume of the gun going of in such a confined space could. Many wolfs howled in agony and fled out any door they could find. But there were still at least fifty in the room, including the white one. Which was now advancing on me slowly, sizing me up for a fight. Then with a explosion of speed it surged forward not even giving me time to aim as I pulled the trigger and it slammed into me. Sending me skidding across the floor in one direction and my gun in the other, with the wolf on top of me. It reached and made to bite me a few times when we finally came to a stop. But never found its mark before the life left its eyes and it fell limp and lifeless. Then a long mournful howl echoed throughout the room before hundreds of feet could be heard running at me. I only had time to get the now dead alpha off me before the first few hit me. And then more and more and more pilled on top of me until all I could see was fur, claws and teeth. And my entire world was drowned out by howls and pain as they ripped into my body. And then where once was solid body's and teeth was now open air as streaks of purple, white, and Blue flew overhead. With what little strength I could muster I raised my head to see Twilight, Rarity and Luna all marching towards me blasting away at any wolf that got near me. But they missed the one behind them, that were slowly closing in on there unsuspecting prey. I tried to yell and warm the girls but nothing but blood and gurgles came out. And the closer they got, the more desperate I became, until I screamed in rage and pain as I slashed my arm in front of me as if to cut the wolfs. Only to have a small wall of flame spring to life between them and my defenders. And then the pain and blood loss was to much and everything faded to black, the dying cry's of wolfs being the last thing I heard.
One week has passed since that night and my release from the hospital three days later. And I have spent most of my spare time tinkering with my truck. Or helping out where I could whether it be at the library, or sweet apple acres. As a result I haven't really had a real discussion with any of the girls since that night. They would always try to start a conversation but I would quickly shoot it down, saying I was to busy to chat or just wanting to relax after a hard days work. But in reality my mind was abuzz and weighed down by what I saw on that mysterious tome, and what all it could mean.
And then to add to the confusion of it all, when I got up the nerve to investigate what was inside that bloody tome this morning. I went to look for it, only to find it gone and a small letter in its place with Luna's seal on it and addressed to me personally. After reading it I placed the letter back where I found it and went to tinker once again with my truck, the contents of the letter only adding to my confusion.
A few hours later Twilight came outside looking for me, and drawn to the sound of music coming from my truck. As she got closer the song began, its lyrics giving her pause, that and the second voice that could be heard singing along coming from under the hood .
No one knows what its like to be the bad man to be the sad man behind blue eyes.
Twilight eased ever closer to the truck glancing under the hood to see me, tool in hand, lost in the song as it played.
and no one knows what its like to be hated to be fated to telling only lies.
So engrossed was I in the song, and all the memories that it brought back. That I completely missed Twilight standing there staring at me. While I sang with all my heart to the song so many family and friends said fit me so well.
but my dreams they arnt as empty as my conscience seems to be i have hours only lonely my love is vengeance that's never free.
As Twilight stood there listening, tears began to well up in her eyes, only for her to jump when she felt something brush her leg. Only for her to look down to find Spike standing next to her, staring up at me as I continued the song completely unaware of my audience.
no one know what its like to feel these felling's like I do and I blame you no one bites back as hard on their anger none of my pain, woe can show through
Pretty soon I abandoned any pretense of trying to work on the truck, instead beating my hand on whatever I could to the beat of the song. Just letting whatever came flow out, as a few tears began to well up in my eyes.
but my dreams they arnt as empty as my conscience seems to be i have hours only lonely my love is vengeance that's never free.
discover l.i.m.p say it
no one knows what its like to be mistreated to be defeated behind blue eyes
no one knows how to say that there sorry and don't worry im not telling lies
By this time tears were flowing freely down Twilights and Spikes faces as they watched me, while I kept my eyes closed focused on everything I was feeling and remembering.
but my dreams they are just empty as my conscience seems to be i have hours only lonely my love is vengeance that's never free
no one knows what its like to be the bad man to be the sad man behind blue eyes.
As the song came to its end. I took a deep shuddering breath, and marshaled my thoughts. Then I leaned back and began to open my eyes, only to have them spring open in shock. As I was hug tackled from my left nearly knocking me off my feet, while the sound of sobbing filled my ears. Shocked and confused I looked down to find Twilights face buried in my chest as she cried, Spike doing the same with my side. I stood there shocked as they both continued to sob, too confused to actually make sense of this situation. After a few more minutes the waterworks dried up, and both Twilight and Spike look up at me with tear stained faces.
"Now what's all this about?" I said as I wiped a tear from Twilights cheek and poped Spike on his chin making him look up at me with a grin. " Why are you two crying, surely it cant be from me singing?"
"Do you really feel that way Travis?" Twilight said as tears threatened to flow once more from her eyes. With a tired smile I wiped the tears from her eyes with a gentle hand and said.
"I often do yes, but its all right as long as I have you Twilight, and all your amazing friends to talk to."
Twilights began to blush as she looked at me with surprise, then she looked down at the ground and whispered so quietly.
"Do you really mean that?"
"Of course I do Twilight." I said as I lifted her face to look me in the eye. "You and your friends have been so kind to me through all of this. You most of all Twilight, you were the kindest even when I was being an ass. And then to top it all off your letting me stay in your home."
Twilight smiled at me and began to fiddle with her hands as her blush intensified as she said.
"I was only doing what any good friend would do."
Hearing this made me chuckle as I ruffled her mane, much to her distaste, as she batted my hands away playfully. Giggling like a little girl as she turned and flicked my nose with her tail. Breaking into a run to beat me to the door as I gave chase laughing all the way. Just as Twilight opened the door with her magic I struck, pouring on the speed catching her quickly and lifting her off her feet. My momentum carrying us through the door and onto a nearby couch, a laughing giggling mess. For a few minutes we stayed like that laughing and content as we were. Until Twilight decided to try and throw me off of her. Only for me to fall flat onto her, face first into her chest. For a long second everything was silent, while I sat there too stunned to move. Until I quickly pulled my face back and placed a hand on either side of Twilights head, Only to see her blushing like mad and her eyes as wide as saucers.
"Twilight im so..." I began only to be interrupted mid sentence by the sound of the door flying open and another voice saying.
"Hey Twilight have you seen...... Well well what have we here, is the egg head finally getting some?" Rainbow Dash said before she broke into hysterical laughter. As I tried my best to jump off Twilight and explain, only to fall backwards over the couch and slam my head on the ground. Making my vision swim, and the voices of the girls sluggish and distorted. While I simply stared at the ceiling and waited for the room to stop spinning.
When everything quite spinning I rolled over and got on my knees and peeked over the couch. To see Rainbow Dash and Twilight having a hushed argument in the kitchen while spike was glaring at me. I kept glancing back and forth between the arguing mares and Spike, until Spike walked over to me and got right in my face and said.
"Now you listen here buster, don't you be trying anything funny with Twilight, or you will have me to answer to."
I simply stared at Spike like an idiot until realization dawned on me and my face began to burn, while I whispered to spike.
"Hey I aint guna do nothin like that Spike. Twilight is my friend and what happened a minute ago was a complete accident. Wait how do you know about that you were outside?"
"I came in with Rainbow Dash, and good thing I did too. So I could stop you from getting into any funny business with my sister." Spike said glaring at me with a look that could kill. Which was pretty impressive for him, considering he's a baby dragon and all.
"Well I can assure you that I had no intention to do any such thing Spike, scouts honor." I said as I held up my hand like I was taking a solemn oath. Spike stared at me for a moment before he simply nodded and strolled past me and into the kitchen where Twilight and Rainbow Dash had finally quite their argument, though Twilights face was still fairly red.
I cleared my throat nervously as I stood getting the girls attention, only to look away and blush like hell when Twilights eyes met mine.
"im sorry Twilight, I didn't mean for that to happen." I said staring down at the floor nervously. "Now if you will excuse me I have something I need to take care of."
With that said I spun around on my heals and disappeared out the door without a backwards glance, going where ever my feet would take me. Meanwhile Twilight stood staring at the door I just left through her mouth hanging open while she tried to figure out where it all went so wrong.
"Geese what's his problem?" Rainbow said with a frown on her face as she stared at the door with a confused frown.
"Ohh what did I do wrong, did I upset him? Did he think I was flirting with him?" Twilight said her voice dripping with worry her mind in overdrive trying to think. Until her eyes shrank to the size of pin pricks and she gasped in fear. "What if he doesn't want to be friends with me any more, did I just scare him away. Ohh what do I do my books didn't say anything about this."
"Whoa hey Twilight calm down everything will be fine." Rainbow said as she ducked under the maelstrom of books flying through the air. As Twilight scanned their titles looking for something, only to stop when Rainbow Dash jumped into her line of sight getting smacked in the back of her head for her troubles.
"Oww geese Twi calm down all right everything will be just fine." Rainbow Dash said leaning down to pick up the book that hit her. Only to stop and stare her mouth agape as she stared at the title.
"Flirting and romance for dummies, a step by step guide to dating." She read out loud and looked up to see Twilights entire face a new shade of crimson. While the book disappeared out of Rainbow Dashes' hand, and reappeared in Twilights. Where it was promptly clutched to her chest defensively.
"I don't know what to do." Twilight sobbed as she sank to the floor and cried, until she was quickly pulled into a hug by both Rainbow Dash and Spike. Spike held her whispering assurances to Twilight, while Rainbow Dash still tried to console her friend. But she couldn't help but feel this was her fault.
Meanwhile I trudged on staring at the ground as I walked, too absorbed in my inner turmoil to pay attention to where I was going. That is until I ran into somebody knocking us both off our feet, making my head spin for the second time that day. A tired and frustrated groan sounded from whoever I hit making me sigh and say.
"im so sorry I wasn't even paying attention to where I was going."
"That's quite all right darling no harm done." Rarity said making me look up surprised, not expecting to run into her. And then my face went pale when I saw her fine black and white dress shirt covered in dirt along with her pants.
"Ohh god Rarity I am so sorry." I said jumping to my feet and offering her a hand to pull her up, one she happily accepted. And began to dust herself off after she stood, only to have her eye and a ear twitch wildly for a second. When she realized exactly how dirty her clothes were.
"Rarity im so sorry I didn't mean to, honest." I said trying to avoid the drama, and eventual melt down that would follow the fashionesta's soiled clothes. Only for me to do a double take and nearly fall of my feet when she said albeit, with a rather forced smile.
"Don't worry about it darling, no harm done. Now come with me so we can discuss what has you so downtrodden, its the least you can do after all." Of course she didn't give me much choice, just grabbing my arm and dragging me to her boutique. Only releasing her death grip on my arm when were safely inside the boutique and she had locked the door.
"So tell me darling what has you so depressed, and don't try and tell me its nothing." Rarity said over her shoulder as she went to the back. Reappearing moments later in a new set of clothes along with two steaming cups. One she quickly gave to me as she made herself comfortable on a couch. I glanced down at the cup and its honey colored contents, and then looked to Rarity questioningly.
"Ohh its only tea darling now quite stalling and tell your dear friend Rarity what's bothering you." She said patting the spot beside her with her free hand, while she took a sip of tea. With a tired sigh a took the seat beside Rarity and began to tell her about my day. rather reluctantly at first, but once I got started it just all came out like a broken dam.
"Well that certainly is a brain teaser isn't it?" Rarity said thoughtfully. "I believe the best course of action would be to spend some time to collect your thought's and then go talk to Twilight."
I was just about to get up and thank Rarity, until a disgusted look crossed her face and she groaned saying.
"But before we do anything we must get you cleaned up and in some new clothes, those things are absolutely atrocious." Rarity said pulling me to my feet and leading me up the stairs, and then promptly shoving me in a bathroom with a towel in hand before she closed the door. With a yet another sigh I resigned myself to my fate and pulled my shirt over my head, only to nearly jump out of my skin because of what I saw in the mirror. Where there should have been my reflection I saw my father. That is until I realized it was truly me, it had been so long since I shaved or looked in a mirror. I didn't even realize my beard had gotten so long, with thick black hair covering from my upper lip down, even going down onto my throat. As I stared at my reflection a few tears welled up in my eyes, as I remembered all the things my father and I went through together, the and the bad. But my trip down memory lane was a short one, since I was broken from my thoughts by a light knocking on the door before it was gently eased open. Allowing Rarity enough room to peek her head in and look at me.
"Is everything alright darling, is something wrong." She said coming fully in the room to wipe the tears from my face when she saw them.
"Travis, darling tell me what's wrong why are you crying." She said, almost begging making me chuckle softly as I wiped my eyes.
"There is nothing wrong Rarity I promise." I said taking Rarity's hand in my own smiling. "I was simply surprised to see how much I look like my father is all."
"How much you look like your father?" Rarity said slowly getting a nod yes from me.
"Yea, just add a good number of years worth of stress and daily life and I would look just like him..... Oh how much I miss him, and everyone else back home." I said reaching into my back pocket and pulling out my wallet as tears threaten to flow again. After I wiped my eyes once more I opened my wallet and pulled out a picture of me and my family naming them in the order they appeared in the picture.
"Starting from the left is my mom, the man next to her is my step dad, im standing next to him..."
"With your father standing next to you." Rarity finished for me smiling up at me. "You have a beautiful family Travis."
"Thanks Rarity." I said as I turned back towards the mirror running my hand through my beard absentmindedly.
"Yell if you need anything darling ill be in my room down the hall if you need me." Rarity said as she began to back out of the room.
"Wait Rarity actually you wouldn't happen to have a razor I could barrow would you?" I said sheepishly, getting a smile from Rarity as she came back into the room and sat me down on the edge of the tub and said.
"As a matter of fact I don't darling. But I do know a spell that could be of use here so why don't you relax and let me give it a shot."
I watched Rarity carefully as she began to examine my face, like one would a piece of art. Before her horn began to glow and a random breeze blew by. Caressing my chin, making me shiver from the odd sensation.
With a satisfied smile Rarity stood back and motioned for me to look at the mirror. Which I quickly did, only to chuckle when I realized she trimmed it back down to the way it was when I got here. which would be short to the point where it looked like I just had a five o clock shadow.
"I thought this look fit you most, it shows your age, while still presenting a hint of maturity." Rarity said as she left leaving me to take care of business. Which I did bathing fully, though the lavender and vanilla soaps were a little girly for my taste. They cut through any muck that may have been on my skin, leaving it smooth and clean once more. I quickly dried off and rapped a towel around my waste, poking my head out the door saying.
"Rarity im finished you wouldn't happen to have a change of clothes for me would you?"
"Indeed I would darling." I heard behind me, making me jump and yelp in surprise .Turning to see Rarity staring at me with a smile and even a faint sign of a blush on her cheeks as she handed me some clothes. Before she scampered off to her room and I put on the clothes she made for me, my only compliant being the shirt was a little big.
"So what do you think?" Rarity said as I stepped out the bathroom.
"I love them Rarity, they are almost exactly like the clothes that Luna burned up." I said, while Rarity beamed with pride. But her face fell a little as I continued. "My only compliant is the shirt is a little big." Pulling the shirt away from me to reveal a good inch of extra fabric.
"Well you have lost a little weight since I made these." Rarity said looking me up and down.
"This is true, but thank you so much and I cant even begin to think of ways to repay you." I said smiling only to have it waved off as I was walked to the door.
"Think nothing of it darling think of it as a gift." Rarity said as she held the door open for me and motioned me through.
"Still I owe you one Rarity." I said as I walked out and smile back at her as she waved and closed the door.
'Damn it feels good to be in my clothes again." I thought as I began to walk again with no destination in mind, though this time with my head up and smiling. As I walked I became lost in my thoughts, letting my feet take me where ever they will. When I dragged myself from my thoughts I found myself on the path leading to Fluttershys cottage. The thought of her brought a smile to my face, but it quickly turned to a frown when I realized I hadn't seen Fluttershy all week. And all the animals, even the cottage looked unkempt. Not ruined or anything but defiantly not as neat as Fluttershy kept it. Figuring a hello was long over due, and I should see how she was doing I walked up to the door.
"Hey Fluttershy are you home?" I called as I gently knocked on the door. Only to have it ease open by itself and revealed the inside of the house to be in the same condition as the outside. There was a thin layer of dust visible on everything in the room, and what sounded like quite sobbing coming from upstairs.
"Fluttershy im coming in." I hollered as I walked in and towards the stairs, the sobbing never stopping once. It only got louder as I walked up the stairs. Heading towards a closed door that sounded like its where the sobbing was coming from.
"Flutteryshy can I come in? is everything alright?" I asked as I gently tapped on the door, hearing a squeak of surprise come from the other side of the door. Along with the sound of things rustling around, before the door was cracked open enough for Fluttershy to look at me with a blood shot eye.
"Oh hello Travis how can I help you?" She said sniffling and wiping tears and ruined makeup from under the eye I could see.
"Fluttershy can I come in please, I want to know what has you so upset?" I said as I leaned forward and gently grabbed her hand. "Please let me help you Fluttershy that's what friends are for." For a long moment we simply stared at one another before Fluttershy nodded yes and opened the door all the way. And the sight that greeted my eyes stopped me in my tracks, Fluttershy was standing at the foot of her bed wringing her hands nervously. Her cheeks were stained from hours of crying and her ruined make up, on the bed behind her lay a beautiful black dress. For a long moment I looked between Fluttershy and the dress confused, until she began to cry again and started to fall. Without thinking I shot forward and grabbed her mid fall, and gently eased her down to a kneeling position.
"Why did he have to go? He was so kind and gentle for his size and he was so sweet to me." Fluttershy said between sobs into my shoulder. "But at least now he is free to be with his family. I knew he wouldn't leave me without a reason." Shortly after that Fluttershy dissolved into a incoherent mass of sobs and crys. While I sat there and let her cry on my shoulder until she was finished. A good couple of hours later found me tucking a exhausted Fluttershy into bed as the sun set. I looked back to make sure she was all right one last time before I left closing both doors securely. Ringing out my shirt as I walked and the sun sank below the horizon letting the moon take its place in the sky. Putting my shirt back on I began to jog towards a large hill overlooking Ponyvile, I had an appointment with a princess and it wouldn't look good if I was late. And then later on after that I needed to talk to Twilight.
"One problem at a time" I chided myself with a laugh as I came to the hill and lay down to admire the stars and waite for my guest arrive.
All was calm on the hill as I watched the sunset and moon rise in all there splendor. As the final rays of the sun left the sky, all the stars came out. Painting the sky and the world in there soft peaceful light alongside the moon. And it wasn't long after the moon rose I heard a soft pop and the soft sound of footsteps behind me.
"You know when I was young I was always fascinated by the night sky." I said not even having to look to know it was Luna who stood behind me. " I even wanted to be a astronomer I had the telescope, and even a book of the constellations."
Nothing was said for a long moment, the silence only being broken by the sound of the gentle breeze passing us by. And then once more the sound of footsteps could be heard as Luna walked up beside me and followed my example, stretching and relaxing as she lay on the cool grass.
"So you enjoy my nights?" Luna asked gazing up at the sky with a faint blush on her face. Her face was so cute, pair that with how soft almost wistful her voice was I couldn't help by chuckle.
"Indeed I do so long as the moon and stars bath the world in there soft glow." I said with a huge smile, but it quickly faded when I remembered the true purpose of this meeting. So with a heavy sigh I sat up, Luna doing the same, crossing her legs and resting her hands on her knees.
"I assume you wish to get to the point of this meeting don't you?" Luna asked with a even tone, while I shook my head yes. "Very well I have two purposes for having you meet me here tonight. One is pleasant enough while the other is more professional and less pleasant."
"Well lets get the bad news out of the way first then." I said making Luna nod solemnly as her horn began to glow. And then the tome I found in the castle ruins appeared in the grass between us.
"I must know where you found this, have you read any of it and was there anything suspicious about the circumstances in which you found this tome?" Luna said coldly as she simply stared at me and waited for me to respond. Figuring it would be easier to just get it over with I took a deep steadying breath, and began.
"I found that tome in a pool of blood in your old castle surrounded by shell casings from a human weapon." I said quietly still haunted by the poor souls screams. "I haven't read any of it, and right after I found it countless wolves poured from the shadows running right past me and chased after the girls. Then a jet black werewolf stepped from the shadows, her voice haunting and hypnotizing as she said she would have to keep an eye on me." I shivered as I recalled the way her voice sent chills down my spine "And the rest you already know, but its safe to say I am no longer the only human in equestria."
A long silence followed my statement as I stared down at the tome intently trying to guess what kind of information could be contained within its pages. My wondering thoughts quickly became filled with concern as minutes ticked on by without Luna saying a word. When I finally look up from the tome, Luna's eyes were wide with so many emotions racing behind them it was hard to tell why. Her body was stiff and straight, to the point it made my back ache just thinking about it.
"Princess are you ok?" I asked my voice laced with concern as I snapped my fingers in front of her face. Finally drawing Luna out of her trance like state after a bit of obnoxious snapping.
"Princess are you all right?" I said again getting a confused look from Luna before realization seemed to dawn on her and she nodded yes.
"Yes forgive me Travis but what you have told me requires great thought, and consideration." She said lapsing back into her trance like state. And this time snapping my fingers wasn't enough to rouse her, I eventually had to resort to tapping her knee to get her back to earth.
"You said there was two reasons you had me meet you here princess." I said with a chuckle when she jumped at the contact,
"Huh what was that Travis?"
"you said there was two reasons for this meeting princess." I said chuckling to myself. "We have discussed one of those reasons now we need discuss the second. That is if you can keep your head out of the stars for the time being." Luna chuckled quietly at my horrible attempt at a joke and smiled.
"Forgive me, as I said before what you have said warrants much thought and consideration." Luna said as she stood and stretched. "But enough of that, the second reason I wished to meet with you here is to give you your first months salary as equestria's ambassador to humanity." With that said Luna's horn glowed once more, this time a rather large bag appeared in front of me with distinct sound of coins hitting coins. I simply stared at the basketball size bag of coins in bewilderment until a soft chuckle snapped me out of my surprise.
"What's so funny princess?" I said still glancing at the bag of coins half expecting them to disappear when I wasn't looking.
"Your expression is what's so funny." Luna said trying and failing to hide her smirk and giggles behind her hand. I continued to glance between the bag and Luna until I reached out for it.
"I must say im surprised Luna." I said as I drug the back towards me. "I honestly wasn't expecting to be paid to literally do nothing."
"Truly you wouldn't think I would leave one of my friends without a job if I could help it?" Luna said, her hand over her chest in mock hurt. " And you wont be paid to do nothing, you yourself said you are no longer the only human in equestria."
I couldn't help but notice a little fear and something else race behind Luna's eyes as she said the last part.
"Be that as it may princess." I said watching her more closely as I continued. "But we still don't know what is bringing people to equestria and why." And my concentration paid off as I said the last part a look crossed Luna's face. One of someone who knew a secret but had decided not to tell.
"Only time will tell dear friend." Luna said her face a unreadable mask. "But for now I must bid you farewell I am needed at night court." And with that Luna took to the sky heading towards canterlot.
"Now why didn't she just teleport I wonder?" I thought to myself as I collected my bag of bits and made my way back to the library. Smiling as a lone tear fell down my face when I saw a familiar flower blooming all across the hill around me. The library was dark when I finally made my way to it, save for the dim flicker of a candle in the window closest to the door. With a tired sigh I walked to the door and gently eased it open only to have the sight that greeted me make me stop in my tracks. Lying on the couch with tear stained cheeks was Twilight clutching a book to her chest like it was a priceless heirloom. Choking back a sob when I realized how much distress I had caused her. I gently lay the bag of bits on the floor and pulled the boots Rarity had made for me off my feet. And tiptoed over to Twilight gently lifting her into my arms. Earning a pleased sound from Twilight as she snuggled up to my chest while I carried her up to her room. After laying her on the bed I slowly removed the book from her hands and quickly replaced it with a pillow.
"Goodnight Twilight sweet dreams." I said softly as I pulled the door closed and made my way back downstairs. Only to stop dead when I absentmindedly glanced at the tittle of the book in my hands. "Now why would she need a book on flirting and relationships? Could it be just maybe she..... no that's absurd" I thought to myself, quickly shaking my head to rid myself of these thoughts as I lay the book on a table. Before I took my usual spot on the couch and let the wonders of sleep claim me once more.
The following morning Twilight was gently awoken by the delicious scent of breakfast floating into her room. With a groan she rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. Only to bolt upright in bed with wide eyes, realizing she wasn't downstairs for some reason. And then to only compound her confusion spike was still curled up in his bed across from hers.
"If spike is still asleep then who is cooking breakfast?" She thought as she slid out of bed and made her way downstairs. Meanwhile I stood on the kitchen over a fairly up to date stove cooking chocolate chip pancakes and hash browns, wearing a apron that said "Don't forget to kiss the cook". I was completely unaware Twilight was awake much less in the kitchen until I heard a startled gasp and the sound of someone rushing forward. I turned around startled holding the spatula up like a club only to realize it was Twilight who stood behind me. With a blush stained face as she clutched the once open book that lay on the table to her chest refusing to meet my eye.
"Well good morning Twilight did you sleep well?" I said quirking a eyebrow at her as I turned back to the stove to finish the last of breakfast. And nothing was said as I finished breakfast and set everything on the table motioning for Twilight to have a seat as I said.
"So are you going to tell me who the lucky stallion is?" Chuckling to myself when Twilights head snapped up to stare at me with eyes as big as saucers.
"H.. How did you know?" Twilight stammered out making me laugh while I made my plate, motioning for her to do the same.
"I know you are the kind of person... or pony I should say who likes to learn all she can about whatever she can." I said matter of factly with a mischievous smirk, enjoying the cute look on Twilights face. "But the notes you have written in the margins kind of gave you away."
A long silence followed my statement as I began to eat and Twilight just continued to stare at the table in front her, as if it were the most interesting thing on the planet. That is until she whispered so softly it made Fluttershys timid voice sound like a shout in comparison.
"Im sorry Twilight could you repeat that I couldn't hear you." I said smiling as I leaned forward to hear what she would say.
"What do you think?" She said completely catching me off guard making me stare at her in confusion for a minute.
"Im sorry Twilight what do you mean what do I think of what?" I said giving her my undivided attention, watching her shift uncomfortably in her seat.
"I mean what do you think of what you read in this book?" She said setting the book down as if she expected me to take if for some reason.
"Well I don't really have anything to say about it." I stated awkwardly not even expecting this line of conversation. "To be honest I didn't get that far into your notes before I stared breakfast. The only odd thing I saw was you refer to the stallion in question as if he was a different species. Which I doubt it is too taboo for a unicorn to date a earth pony or a pegasus so I don't see a problem. For a long second Twilight stared at me with her mouth hanging open if I just told her the sun orbited the planet.
"I don't like a stallion Travis I like....." Twilight began only to be interrupted by the sound of something crashing through the door and then the wall in the library. Startled I jumped in my seat and cracking my knee on the table while Twilight went to investigate. When the pain finally subsided enough so I could walk I made way to follow Twilight. Coming through the kitchen in time to see Twilight help Rainbowdash back to her feet.
"Twilight have you seen Travis I've been looking all over....." Rainbow said clutching her head in her hands only for me to interrupt her saying.
"Now why were you looking for me Rainbowdash? Sure I was out late but I had a few things to take care of and needed to clear my head."
Rainbow looked over and glared at me as I spoke making me quirk an eyebrow in confusion the longer she glared at me. Then she stomped over to me angrily.
"Do you have any idea how long I have been looking for you?" She said punctuating everything she said by poking me in the chest. "And do you have any idea how much you worried Twilight she was afraid you wouldn't want to be her friend anymore after that stunt you pulled yesterday. And she has something to tell you don't you Twilight?"
Twilight shrank back a little realizing she was now the center of attention as Rainbow and I watched her expectantly. But it quickly became obvious Twilight wasn't going to say anything. since she was just twiddling her thumbs and wouldn't look either me or Rainbow in the eye.
"That's it." Rainbow yelled in annoyance. "If you wont tell him Twilight I will."
Twilights eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks when she heard this before her horn glowed and so did Rainbows mouth showing Rainbow wasn't going to say a thing. And things quickly dissolved into a one sided argument, it being one sided because Rainbows mouth was still magically sealed. A fact I would have found utterly hilarious if I wasn't so confused by the sight before me. After a good ten minutes of this I sighed in annoyance and made my way to the door saying over my shoulder.
"Ive got to go to Rarity's she has some clothes for me so you two figure out what the hells going on here and ill be back."
And without a backward glance I made my way to my truck and then to Rarity's where a reconstructed wardrobe based on the clothes I arrived in was waiting for me. When I arrived at Rarity's my annoyance must have been quite easy to spot since Rarity began to question me on it. Eventually getting me to tell her about my confusing morning, making her get a knowing smile on her face while she just chuckled and said I would find out soon enough. But after all that and getting my new clothes loaded I was informed the girls were having a picnic and I was invited. Without anything better to do I told Rarity I would love to join them just as soon as I got changed into some cleaner clothes, a sentiment she agreed with whole heartedly. When I got back to the library I discovered a note for me saying Twilight and Rainbow had went to there picnic and I could come if I wanted too. With a smile I threw on Rarity rendition of my southern wear complete with hat and custom duster. When I was content all was as it should be I went back outside and headed for sweet apple acres completely missing the panicking spike as he came running out the library clutching a scroll in his claw.
The picnic wasn't anything special just a little get together but was pleasant enough. Save Twilight kept glancing at me nervously looking as if she wanted to say something. But she never did get the chance for just as she made to start conversation. The sound of heavy panting and running feet could be heard. The source quickly being revealed to be Spike as he came running up to the group a scroll clutched in his claw. The same one he gave Twilight before falling over and gasping for breath as she read the letter out loud.
"Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and.... gasp.... my brother?"
"Ohh this is going to be so much fun." I thought as a wicked grin spread across my face. Content to let Twilight do her little song and dance before we all dispersed to make ready for the train ride later that day, or the drive as it were in my case.
After a few hours of last minute preparations and packing, Twilight and the girls were loading there luggage onto the train. While I sat back with Spike lost in thought after having to carry Rarity's luggage. All of which she said was necessary for her work on the princesses dress. But I was under the impression she just over packed. As per the norm if the story's I've heard from her sister and Rainbow are to be believed. When everything was loaded the girls all turned and looked at me expectantly. Twilight sighing and walking over to me when it was obvious I hadn't noticed them watching me.
"Travis where is your luggage?"She said snapping her fingers in my face and putting her hands on her hips.
"You know you make the angry librarian thing look sexy Twilight." I said after a few seconds my mind still lost in thought, until I realized what I said. My hand flying up to cover my mouth seconds after the words left it. My face burning red with embarrassment, my mind going into over drive trying to find where that came from. And as I thought and sifted through the experiences I've had here I began to realize. Other than working with Applejack I've spent the most time with Twilight out of all the girls. Whether it was simply enjoying each others company as we read a good book. Or helping around the library or with her experiments to learn more about humanity. And as time drug on I've caught myself watching Twilight simply in awe of her magical prowess, or her love for her friends. Then there was how beautiful she was, and factor in the simple fact I've always had a thing for nerdy girls. That would lead to the thought that was voiced when Twilight asked me something when I wasn't paying attention. This of course led to our current predicament. With Twilight standing next to me her face a bright shade of pink beneath her coat, my face a similar color. While all the other girls faces showed varying levels of surprise and knowing smirks. All save Rainbow Dash who was on her back laughing hysterically teasing Twilight and I between boughts of laughter.
"I'm sorry Twilight what did you say?" I asked when I had finally regained my composure, though my face was still red.
It took Twilight a minute to register through her shock that I had spoken. But she shook her head as if to clear it and looked anywhere but at me and spoke, her condition no better than mine.
"I asked you where is your luggage your coming to the wedding too you know." She said glancing shyly at me every few seconds, while my face scrunched up in confusion.
" I was invited to the wedding?" I said confused earning a annoyed sigh from Twilight while her horn charged up a spell. And then released it with a pop to reveal the scroll spike had given her earlier that day. Taking it in her hand she began to read from it going over everyone's assigned tasks.
"And lastly please inform Travis he is requested at the castle as added security for this special occasion." Twilight read aloud releasing the scroll when she finished letting it disappear just as it appeared.
"I'm guessing you weren't paying attention and missed that part." Twilight chastised rolling her eyes at my sheepish smile.
"Can you find your way to Canterlot from here?" She asked earning a dead pan stare in reply as I said.
"Ohh I don't know Twilight its only the city and castle resting on the mountains looming in the distance. And the only place in all the world I've been aside from Ponyvile so I think I can find my way there."
She either didn't notice my sarcastic tone or chose to ignore it nodding her head in acceptance just as the trail whistle blew, signaling its immediate departure. After everyone boarded the train Twilight looked out the window at me with a look I couldn't read. That is until Rarity leaned over her seat to whisper something in Twilight's ear. Twilight's face becoming a shade of crimson I didn't even know existed, earning a good natured laugh from Rarity as they pulled out of view. Leaving me on the platform wondering why I was invited as additional security if at all for that matter, and what I was going to do about the conversation I just had. With all this running through my mind I made my way back to the library and began to pack light, it was supposed to be an over night stay. When I was sure I had everything I needed I made my way outside and loaded down the truck. And went on my marry way to Cantlerot waving goodbye to the few ponies id gotten to know on my way out of town. As I made it to the outskirts of town I began to wonder if the princesses were keeping something from me. But those kinds of thoughts could wait I had business in Canterlot. Finding a competent glass maker being at the top of that list.
"So I might as well kill two birds with one stone on this trip." I thought as I put the peddle to the floor and roared towards canterlot.
After a couple of near misses with passing ponies and about six feet of air off a random ditch, I made it to canterlot with time to spare. So with a sigh I began my search idling up and down the streets. The ponies giving my truck plenty of room to maneuver, as if they were afraid it would eat them. And after I got over laughing at there expressions I returned my attention to the stores lining the streets. Only to spend multiple hours asking around and just coasting down the street until I saw a little store that caught my eye. It was small and unassuming in design, but it was what was etched on the sign over the door that caught my eye. It read 'Hard Hats contracting and construction,with a relieved sigh I pulled up and went inside.
The inside of the store was just as unassuming as the outside, save for the many pictures of buildings that lined the walls. There were pictures of small family homes, and mansions all the way up to grand theaters and they all had one thing in common. In each and every picture among the buildings owners stood a tall well built stallion with orange fur and a blonde mane. And atop his head sat a simple hard hat with the name on the sign painted onto its front. Behind me the door finally swung closed with the tinkle of a little bell fastened to the door.
"Ill be up in a minute." A gruff but warm voice said from a doorway behind the counter. And true to his word the Stallion from the pictures appeared in the door way, though he paused in surprise when his eyes fell on me.
"How can I help you?" He said uncertainly as he leaned on the counter and eyed me cautiously. His gaze flickering every so often towards the street behind me and then something beneath the counter, A weapon for self defense hidden there no doubt.
"I am in need of your services actually." I said with a chuckle facing the stallion proper. "You see I find myself in this wonderful land of yours and no place to call my own. And if the pictures on the walls are anything to go by, you are the pony I should talk to."
"That would be a fair assumption." The stallion said still eyeing me from across the counter but with less suspicion. "So my name is Hard Hat as it says on the sign outside, what is your name?"
"So it does sir." I said stepping forward and offering my hand for a shake, a offer he accepted as I spoke. "And my name is Travis and as i'm sure you've guessed I need you to build me something I can call home."
"Alright what kind of home are you looking for?" Hard Hat asked motioning towards the pictures on all the walls. Here I took a moment to imagine the home I wanted only to shake my head with a grin as I said.
"Just something about mid size with a few extra rooms for guests, nothing to fancy. Ill leave the rest up too you, though i'm sure the location will give you pause."
"Ohh?" Hard Hat said with a raised eyebrow. "And just where would you like this house of yours built?"
"About a stones throw from the Everfree forest if you know what I mean?" I said with a chuckle as Hard Hats eyes grew wide in surprise and his mouth began to move as if to speak, only for me to beat him to the punch.
"Now I don't want it right at the edge of the forest that would be absurd. I just simply want it close enough that I could get to the forest in a pinch. But still close enough to Ponyvile it wont be a problem to get to town."
A few seconds passed while Hard hat simply stared at me his mouth still working but nothing really coming out. Until he finally shook himself from his little daze and eyed me with suspicion.
"And why would you want a house so close to that forsaken place?" He asked me earning a chuckle from me in reply.
"I have my reasons." I stated simply as he frowned at me. "The reason why is not important, the fact of the matter is i'm willing to pay you to do this now what do you say?"
"It will cost you extra due to the close proximity to such a dangerous place." Hard Hat said making my eyes narrow in annoyance as he spoke. A fact that seemed to amuse him slightly if the small on his smirk was any indication. "And I usually ask a little more than any other pony in town, but its worth it I guarantee it.
"Will this due?" I asked pulling a overly stuffed pouch from my pocket full of coins. The way Hard Hats eyes bugged out of his head when the bag hit the counter was answer enough.
"Ill take that as a yes so ill be on my way, you can get a hold of me through Twilight Sparkle in Ponyvile." I said as I turned around with a smirk and made my way out the door without giving Hard Hat a chance to respond. Only to stop dead just outside, flabbergasted by the sight of a sizable crowd gathered around my truck. While someone could be heard yelling at the center of the crowd.
"All right, all right break it up there is nothing to see her move along." I yelled waving my hands in a shooing motion while I made my way to the truck. The crowd parting and giving me dirty looks but otherwise remaining where they were.
"I said scram people if you have any questions you should talk to me or the princesses now beat it." I yelled again these snobby ponies already wearing on my nerves.
"And just who are you to tell us what to do?" A high pitched but defiantly masculine voice said behind me.
"Well i'm the owner of this vehicle for starters and I am expected at the castle." I said sarcastically turning around. Only to groan in annoyance when I realized to who I was talking.
"Well that cant be right." A posh unicorn mare said looking between me and the royal asshole who was seated on my hood. "Blueblood says this contraption is of his design what claim do you have to it?" The mare stared at me expectantly whilst Blueblood glared at me like I had just stolen his favorite toy. And the more he stared the more it annoyed me, until a evil grin began to spread across my face.
"Why I am the only one here who knows how to operate this contraption my dear. And do you know what that says about your pompous friend here?" I said motioning to Blueblood who sat up and stared at me with a look that could kill. But it didn't faze me considering the fact he looked like a spoiled brat.
"It means unless he can operate this thing then he is a worthless lying sack of shit. And I can tell you right now there aint but six ponies in all the world. Who have the faintest clue on how to run my truck, and this noble ass wipe sure as shit aint one of them."
The whole crowd gasped at my statement and Blueblood looked like he was going to pop a hernia with the way he was staring at me and clenching his jaws. A long second passed with Blue blood just starring at me, while I just smiled.
"Now you see here you disgusting little..."
"Now now there is no need to get pissy." I said matter o f factly to Blue with a shit eating grin on my face. "To prove me wrong all you have to do is operate this thing and ill be the fool not you."
"Fine I will." Blueblood said hopping down off the hood and turning to face the truck. Making a show of stretching to bye himself some time i'm sure. Then finally he stood up straight and his horn began to glow along with my truck. And nothing happened, the sweat could be seen cascading down Blues face as he concentrated. Only to lift the truck off the ground about an inch and then drop it gasping for breath.
"There it is mine now apologies." Blue said turning to face me out of breath and face red from exertion. Only to frown and glare at me as I fell to the ground laughing hysterically.
"I said operate it not move it you tard." I said when I finally regained my composure and pushed Blueblood out of my way. "This is how you operate my truck you lying sack of shit."
I quickly climbed into the cab of the truck and slammed the door to drown out Blueblood's indignant cries and insults. Focusing instead on how many pegs he was going to be knocked down as the motor roared to life. And I didn't just stop there, I made sure to get my point across. I sat there and romped on it for a few seconds before I held the pedal to the floor. Making all the ponies cover there ears and some run away in fear.
"Next time when your caught in a lie fess up to it and you wont look like an ass." I yelled at Blueblood as I threw the truck in gear and tore down the road. Leaving him coughing in a cloud of dust. While the other ponies shook there heads and mumbled to each other before heading there own ways.
A little while later I came to a screeching halt outside a store with a gleaming window painted on the sign with "Canterlot glass" painted in bold gold letters at the bottom. And after another few hours of haggling, and letting the mare who ran the shop take measurements of the remaining window and the actual glass. I left with my coin purse lighter than before and thoroughly assured by the mare. That she would have the glass ready for my by the time I was ready to return to Ponyvile tomorrow. So with all that taken care of I climbed into my truck and made my way to the castle. I arrived shortly there after and parked my truck just inside the gates and stepped out making sure the gun was secure on my back. When I was satisfied all was as it should be I made my way to the castle. Wondering aimlessly until I stumbled upon Celestia as she came around a corner and nearly ran me over.
"Ohh forgive me Travis I didn't see you there I was lost in thought." Celestia said flattening the wrinkles I made on impact, while I heaved myself from the floor where I fell.
"No its quite allright, it happens to the best of us." I said rubbing my sore ass. No matter what universe you live in, ass hitting stone hurts like hell. "But now that I have your attention I have a few questions to ask you." I said getting Celestia's complete attention.
"And what would you like to know Travis?" Celestia asked her gaze hardening for a split second, before it returned to normal.
"Why am I here princess what possible security purpose could I possibly serve that the royal guard would not be better suited for?" I said doing my best to gauge her reaction, though her face nor her eyes would betray what she was thinking.
"You have shown a innate skill for surviving against impossible odds. A valuable trait to have should this threat against Canterlot prove to be true." Celestia said her voice sincere and no sign of deceit in her eyes. But that didn't help rid me of the feeling she was keeping something from me.
"Its a miracle I survived both those situations Princess and you know that. But if that is your reason then I shall do my best to help where I can." I said putting on a fake smile Celestia donning a smile of her own.
"I am very glad to hear that Travis we can use whatever help is available at the moment. Now if you will excuse me I have many important duty's to take care of before tomorrows ceremony."
And just like that she brushed past me and disappeared down the hall behind me. Leaving me to stew over what was said while I wondered throughout the castle aimlessly for hours. lost in thought trying to figure out what the princess could possibly be keeping from me. Only to heave a heavy sigh and push the thoughts into the farthest reaches of my mind. Accidentally letting loose the pained thoughts I had caged there, only serving to sour my mood further. My aimless wondering was finally interrupted by the sensation of a cool breeze blowing. Making me stop and look up to see Luna's beautiful night sky over head.
"Ohh I could stare at that sky for hours." I said with a sigh as I sat down to do just that. The peaceful quite broken only by the gentle sound of wings beating the air behind me. When I turned to see who it was I smiled, though it quickly died in light of my thoughts.
"What are you doing out this late Travis?" Luna said coming to stand beside me, looking down at me puzzled.
"Just needed to clear my head Princess nothing more." I said tiredly as I pulled my knees up and rested my chin on them. My arms wrapped around my legs as if to fight off the cold, while tears threatened to flow.
"Ohh and what could be occupying your mind that you need rid yourself of it?" Luna asked as she sat down beside me, patiently awaiting my reply.
"Its nothing Luna." I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper and shaking. "Just wishing id done things differently at home." A long silence passed between us neither of us knowing what to say. I lost in my memories and regrets. While Luna seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes having that far off look one gets when thinking.
"There is no way you could have known that the last time you saw your family would truly be the last." Luna said sagely her eyes staring off into the distance and unfocused.
"That is true Luna but I can only imagine how devastated my family is." I said trying to hold back the tears and thoughts I've kept locked away every since I arrived here. "My mother would probably blame herself saying she didn't do something right. My father would run himself into the ground looking for me, his own pains be damned. And the rest of the family would do the same until they finally accepted the fact I was gone."
As I spoke tears began to well up in my eyes, until they finally began to roll down my face slowly. Until they just began to pour when the fact I was all alone finally struck home, with no work or curious unicorn to help hold it back. Then came the heaving sobs when all the faces I would never see again crossed my minds eye. And suddenly where was once the caress of the cool night. I was surrounded by warmth and darkness, while two strong arms pulled me close. And then Luna's voice rang out softly, humming at first and then growing slowly into a song.
Everything outside my feathered shelter seemed to melt away while Luna sang, holding me close. Helping to ease my troubled mind and lifting a weight off my shoulders I hadn't even know was there until is was gone. And like all good things the song drew to a close. And I leaned back and wiped any tears that remained on my sleeve. Looking up to give Luna my thanks, only to be silenced by her warm smile as she pulled me into another hug.
"Thank you Luna I needed that." I said sniffling a little and wiping my face on my sleeve.
"Think nothing of it besides that's what friends are for." She said chuckling pulling me up to my feet as she stood. And then lead me inside the castle. " Now enough of these pained thoughts let us eat, sister and the others are in the dinning hall waiting for us."
The two of us walked in comfortable silence, content with life in that moment in time. As we got closer to our destination, the hall became filled with wonderful smells of cooking food. My stomach rumbling loudly announcing to all who could hear, my approval of the wonderful smells. Luna just laughed pushing open a large door with her magic and walking in. While I followed behind her only to stop when I saw the inside of the dinning hall.
The roof was high up with a beautiful painting stretching the length of the room. Showing many ponies lounging in a green field or playing games or eating at a picnic. Then where the painting met the wall the paint was textured all the way to floor. Making it look like the walls were covered in tall trees, beautiful blooming flowers, and stunning rock formations. Everything matching with the painting almost like one huge work of art. Then my eyes fell on the huge dark wood table that dominated the floor. Celestia and all the girls save Twilight already seated and talking. Even Shinning Armor the groom to be was seated there. His smile turning to a frown for a second when he saw me. But then my eyes fell on his 'bride to be'.
And I could see her plain as day, her smooth black skin glistening almost like metal. Her entrancing emerald eyes glaring at me, first in shock until her face became unreadable. There next to Shinning Armor sat Chrysalis in all her dark spender. Her beauty easily on par with the princesses, her almost see through light green dress leaving nothing to the imagination.
"Are you alright Travis?" Luna said as she stepped in front of me blocking my view of Chrysalis. Making me realize I was standing there with my mouth agape and starring.
"I'm sorry Luna." I said rubbing the back of my head sheepishly. "I was just surprised is all, as far as I knew you and your sister were the only alicorns in equestria."
"Be that as it may Travis." Celestia said suddenly appearing next to her sister with a concerned look on her face. "You look so pail like you've seen a ghost or monster. Does the thought of another alicorn trouble you?"
"No its not that." I said moving around both the alicorns to look once more at Chrysalis. " There is just some thing about her that screams predator."
when those last two words left my mouth there was a collective gasp from the tables occupants, save Chrysalis. And Shinning armor slammed his fist on the table and stood fixing me with a burning glare.
"How dare you say that about my Cadence, she is not a predator of any kind." He yelled his anger fueled by his obvious dislike of me. It would seem being beat by a inanimate object had put a huge dent in Shiny s pride.
"Sit down there is no need for this." I growled fixing Shinning with a glare of my own. hoping I looked more intimidating than I felt. And thankfully Shinning took the hint and sat grumbling under his breath.
"Now it would seem I owe you a apology for my unintended insult." I said getting a huff in reply from Shinning. "I did not mean any insult. To be honest that would be a complement where I come from. A predatory women is often respected at my home. Being of strong will and not willing to take any shit off anyone. And they often make for great lovers and furious fighters." All of this I pulled out of mid air, doing my best to avoid any more hard feelings between the captain and I.
"But predatory is the word that best describes the body language of your bride to be." I said matter of factually both Shineings and Chrysalis's eyes narrowing at me threateningly. "For example take the way she sits in comparison to you or the others."
Here all the pony's looked at Chrysalis trying to see what I was talking about. Making Chrysalis shrink back slightly into her seat a scowl on her face.
" I don't see anything wrong with the way she is sitting." Shinning spat glaring at me with malice.
"But there is nothing wrong with the way she sits." I said mockingly. "It just shows a different side of her. For example she is leaning forward slightly with the chair scooted back enough to allow for easy movement in or out. While everyone else is completely relaxed and scooted all they way up to the table."
Once more all eyes were on Chrysalis making her glare at me. Knowing she couldn't subtlety fix the differences I've pointed out.
"Now this doesn't necessarily mean anything." I said nonchalantly, smirking at Chrysalis. "Considering the stress of planning a wedding its completely acceptable for her to be a little off."
While I spoke, I moved to the only empty seat that was available. Which just so happened to be right next to Chrysalis. And for a long second everyone was silent, everyone at the table starring at me wide eyed. While the Princesses were still standing by the door I came in. Glancing between themselves, then at me, then at Chrysalis almost as if they were trying to decide something.
"A fair assessment I suppose." Celestia said still unsure of what to make of what just happened. "But enough of that let us eat so we may finish any last minute preparations and be off to sleep."
And almost as if on cue, the instant Celestia and Luna were both seated. Waiters flooded the room from doors hidden on the walls. Placing drinks and menus in front of everyone, and then retreating a short distance to let us decide on something to eat. Everyone quickly picked there meals with smiles on there faces. I on the other hand was a little less enthusiastic about another bland salad. And was slowly leafing through the menu when something caught my eye on the last page.
"You serve steak?!?!?" I yelled looking at the menu and the princesses, eyes wide like I just won the lottery.
"Why yes we do. We regularly have foreign guests in the castle who's diet varies from our own." Celestia said her eyes narrowed slightly with a curious look on her face.
"I want the biggest steak you got and a house salad please." I said resolutely dropping my menu on the table. Almost drooling in anticipation of the hopefully heavenly meal I was about to partake in.
There was a moment of silence while the girls and Shinning looked at me with looks of shock and disgust. While the Princesses seemed to be less concerned even uncaring. After a few minutes the waiters returned with our orders. And when my steak was sat in front of me all the girls gagged. Poor Fluttershy swooned and then fainted, everyone to absorbed in there own disgust to notice.
With a heavy sigh I picked up my fork and knife and began to cut into my steak. And as I did juice and grease rolled off, and a slight bit of pink was revealed in the center.
"Past the teeth, between the gums, look out stomach here it comes." I said with a smile and took the first bite, it almost melting in mouth. But my enjoyment was short lived, all the girls looked like they were going to be sick. Rarity's cheeks puffing out as she ran from the table and out a nearby door. The sounds of retching could be heard, essentially ruining my appetite immediately. So with a sigh and regretful look I sat down my silver ware and pushed the plate aside and waited for Rarity to return.
And the wait was rather long, it would seem she had a lot on her stomach. But finally she returned to her seat her face a little green and she wouldn't look at me. And the rest of the girls were doing the same thing, even Pinkie wouldn't meet my gaze.
I began to rub my forehead and groaned rather loudly a rather irritating headache starting to form. Only to stiffen up when I felt a hand on my back rubbing up and down reassuringly. And when I looked I expected to find Luna behind me, but instead I found Chrysalis giving me a knowing smile.
"I guess I owe you girls an apology." I said my gaze returning to the girls watching them all fighting to hold down the contents of there stomachs. Still unable to meet my gaze, until Rarity finally composed herself and looked me in the eyes.
"How can you eat that?" She spat her face scrunched up in disgust. "The whole time you've been in ponyvile, I've only ever seen you eat salads. Why didn't you ever tell us you were a carnivore?"
"I am a omnivore just like every other human being Rarity." I said unable to meet her glare for some reason. " A omnivore needs both meat and vegetables to survive. Unless you supplement beans in for our meat, but I wouldn't recommend that.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity said spite dripping off her every word. " First you tell us ponies are killed on a regular basis where you come from. And then you get into that scuffle with those two stallions who were drunk. And then to make everything worse you eat meat, and definitely seem to enjoy it. How do we know you are not just some reached heathen, or predator. You can dress up and act like a pony, but that doesn't change what you are."
"And prey tell great and wise Rarity what am I?" I growled, doing my best to hold back my temper. Occupying myself by twirling my fork between my fingers like one would with a pen or pencil.
"You are a primitive, barbaric beast. No better than the monsters that prowl in the Everfree." She said, my temper rising with each word. "How long until you turn on us, and we become....."
"ENOUGH!!!!!" I yelled jumping to my feet sending the chair skidding across the floor. While My arm shot out launching the fork that was clutched in my fist at Rarity. It striking with a resounding thwack just next to her head. Blue flames dancing across its surface slowly, burning the chair. My anger clouded mind not even registering the fact the fork had left my hand, much less the fact it was on fire.
The entire room growing deathly silent in shock from my outburst. Rarity quickly abandoning her seat glaring at me.
"And what does that make you Rarity, you and all your friends are bigoted, lying, hypocrites." I said my head hung low, my hands locked on the table. The wood beneath my hands turning black beneath my white knuckle grip, smoke spiraling into the air.
"You preach about love and tolerance and treat me nice until you find something about me you don't like. Then you attack me like a monster that has cornered a wounded animal."
"I never told you." I Continued now glaring at the girls who were all quaking in there seats. "Because I was hoping to avoid this very thing, but I screwed it up hoping you wouldn't do something stupid. Now if me being born needing meat to survive makes me unworthy to live in your society that's fine. I wouldn't want to be part of a society that promotes bigoted bitches like you any way."Rarity recoiled as if slapped tears actually threatening to spill from her eyes. Her lips began to quiver and then she made as if to speak but I cut her off.
"There will be nothing more said, and your tears will not phase me. I've done nothing but try and be kind to you, and even put myself in danger for you. But if this is the kind of thanks I get then no more." I said glaring down Rarity only for her to devolve into sobs making me growl in frustration.
"Princess if you would be so kind as to have someone escort me to my room. I will remain there for the remainder of the night. And if you still think you need my help after that I will remain." I said turning swiftly on my heel and exiting out the same door I came in, waiting patiently until the door swung closed. As soon as the door closed I threw back my head and screamed my anger and frustration to the heavens. The howls slowly fading to tears of anger as I stood in the hall shaking. Only pulling in my wild emotions when I heard the door behind me open.
"Follow me human we have much to discuss." Chrysalis said brushing past me and continuing down the hall, not even bothering to check if I was following her.
And so I followed the dark enigma before me, I had nothing better to do any way. And as we walked nothing was said leaving me to my thoughts, which were occupied by the creature before me. Her confidant long stride making her body sway to and fro in almost hypnotic way as we went down the hall. So much so I nearly ran into her when she abruptly come to a stop in front of a door. Chrysalis swung it open and continued forward into the room. While I stood just outside the door not entirely sure whether or not I should follow. But it would seem the decision was not my own since Chrysalis reappeared in the door way, a wicked grin on her face. lighting her horn and I was drug into the room the door slamming closed behind us, the sound of the lock clicking into place. I was quickly dumped on the large bed that dominated most of the room. The lights flickering out while Chrysalis chuckled darkly. I sighed not really in the mood to deal with this sort of thing.
"Is there something I can help you with princess?" I said doing my best to listen and find her in the dark. " I don't think your fiance will be happy if he found you in a dark room with me."
"Drop the charade Human." Chrysalis said her voice seeming to come from everywhere in the darkness that filled the room. "I know you can see through my disguises. What I don't understand is why you didn't tell the princesses when you saw me?"
I kept silent for a moment and waited for Chrysalis to make her next move. Stretching my sense of hearing as far I could to pick up anything. Only to come up with nothing once more as the sound of Chrysalis clicking her tongue in impatience rang out in the darkness.
"To be honest you intrigue me, your a creature the likes of which I've never seen." I said, a snort ringing out in the silence in answer.
"Another thing I don't understand about you. Is you don't seem to be afraid of me your either really brave, or really stupid." Chrysalis said her voice drifting to me from somewhere in the darkness. But sounding closer than before maybe right next to me.
"Why would I be afraid of you, should I be?" I asked the darkness. Barely catching the irritated hiss that pierced the silence. Before I was blinded by the lights coming back on, and my hands where yanked up above my head. When my vision cleared I found Chrysalis straddling my hips and holding my hands above me with her magic. A snarl curling her lips up to reveal two sharp fangs glistening in the candle light.
"You should be afraid of me." She snarled leaning closer to my face until her muzzle touched my nose.
"Why?" I asked making Chrysalis recoil in shock until her snarl returned with a vengeance. "You know monsters arnt born they are made. Some are made by choices and events far out of their control, while some are made of their own volition. So why don't you tell me which are you? Where you made by another's choices or choices of your own?"
My question seem to genuinely surprise and confuse Chrysalis. Since her snarl disappeared and the magic that held my hands vanished, giving me the opportunity I needed. With one quick motion I rolled and pined Chrysalis in a similar position, making her squeal in surprise.
"If you wish to talk to me there is no need for these power games." I said simply rolling off of Chrysalis. Letting my feet rest over the edge of the bed with my back to her.
"I am forced to play enough games with the ponies already. I don't need any more heaped on my plate." I said my head hung low, my body tensing in anger as I thought about what just transpired at dinner.
"You know I expected things to go south when I ordered that steak." I said to no one in particular, just voicing my thoughts. "But I didn't expect it to be that bad. To be honest I half expected Fluttershy to rip me a new one not Rarity. Of course had Twilight been there she might have been able to prevent things from getting that bad. She's real good at looking at new things scientifically and helping everyone understand."
As soon as I mentioned Twilight Chrysalis began to chuckle behind me.
"Its funny you should mention Twilight." Chrysalis said, the bed shifting beneath me signaling she was on the move. " She couldn't see through my disguise like you can, but she sensed something was off and made herself a nuisance..."
"And you removed her from the equation sending her to the same place as the real Cadence no doubt." I said interrupting Chrysalis, the movement on the bed going still when I spoke.
"How do you know that?" Chrysalis hissed materializing from green flames right in front of me. She continued to glare at me trying to intimidate me, accomplishing nothing more than annoying me.
"A lucky guess my lady nothing more." I growled my temper spiking while I spoke. "Now was there something you wanted to discuss or may I go to sleep?"
"No I merely wanted to see what I should do with you. You may go to sleep I have more important things to attend to." Chrysalis said a wicked smile forming on her lips.
"Should you wish to speak further my door will be open to you." I said, smirking when I saw Chrysalis stop and stiffen in surprise. "I am having a home built in Ponyvile, after you fail here maybe you can swing by. And we can finish our little chat and maybe learn something from each other."
"And what makes you think my plans will fail here." Chrysalis growled, turning to glare at me. The first look shes given me that actually scared me, but I brushed it off as I stood and walked leisurely towards her.
"Have you never read the fairy tales my lady." I said spinning her around and gently easing her out the door. "The villain never wins."
And with that I gently closed the door and returned to the bed, kicking off my boots and duster. Falling onto the bed with a relieved sigh as the bliss of sleep over took me.
Sleep did not come easily to me that night, thanks to my anger wound mind and body. But when it did finally claim me I found myself once more in the dinning hall. The scene playing over and over as I searched for something I missed in the short conversation between Rarity and I. Only serving to increase my anger but at myself rather that at Rarity, her reaction was to be expected. Where as mine was understandable all the same but the things I said were inexcusable and hateful. And the scene continued to play on repeat as if to torture myself with my fuck ups. But then around the twentieth time the scene replayed itself I noticed a dark figure standing by the wall directly behind Rarity. A figure I knew for a fact wasn't there in the dinning hall. My brow scrunched in confusion, but understanding dawned on me when a pair of solid white eyes blinked into existence on the shadow.
"So tell me Luna." I said the scene around me dissolving leaving only Luna and myself in a endless white room. "What is it you hoped to find in my memories. What could you possibly gain from this little show that you couldn't learn by simply asking me?
Luna's face was one of shock and surprise, until she hid everything behind a calm mask and said.
"How did you do that, not many ponies have such control over their dreams."
"We are in my head Luna it makes sense that I could control what happens here. You still haven't answered my question."I said.
"I wanted to see things from you perspective Travis. I wanted to understand your anger as you felt it."
"And did you learn anything useful? I said a slight frown appearing on Luna's features.
"No I just felt endless pain and rage buried deep in your soul when you lashed out at Rarity." She said frowning her eyes full of concern. " Why is that Travis you are much to young to be so full of pain?"
I sighed heavily and began to rub my eyes while Luna began to move closer pulling me into a tight embrace.
"That is a story for another time, and something I had hopped to keep at bay." I said stepping back and giving Luna a tired smile. "For now all I ask is that you keep this between us for now. Right now all I need is a friend to listen, and a shoulder to cry on if need be."
Luna kept her puzzled frown but nodded in agreement, earning a warm smile from me in return. Then she smiled and began to fade from view. Leaving me to my thoughts for what ever remained of the night,
Morning came all to quickly, with the suns rays somehow finding there way past the curtains and into my eyes. Forcing me to roll over and grumble blinking rapidly to try and rid myself of the damned spots in my vision. Almost missing the door closing behind someone their black body a blur behind the spots. When my vision finally cleared I found quite the surprise waiting for me halfway across the room. For what to my wondering eye should appear, but a changeling in a maids outfit doing her best to hide a rope behind her back.
"You know a blind man could see the rope behind you back." I said groaning as I sat up in the bed. "Never mind the fact I can see through whatever disguise your currently wearing changeling."
Said changeling stopped her eyes wide with shock while her hands fell to her sides as she stared at me dumbfounded. For a long second nothing happened as we simply stared at one another. That is until the changeling seemed to find her wit, and she began to creep towards me a wicked grin on her face.
"Are you seriously going to do this? " I said reaching for my gun, which had somehow found its way to the floor in the night. And the out of habit pumped the action chambering a round and setting it across my lap, laughing at the changelings expression.
"It would seem a shotgun being pumped is a inter dimensional cause for alarm." I said chuckling to myself, all the mirth leaving my tone as I continued to speak. "Now you have two options before you changeling. First you can step aside and there will no be bad blood between us. Or you can try and continue whatever convoluted mission your queen has sent you on, resulting in one of us getting hurt. So tell me what will it be?"
Another long second passed while the changeling looked between the rope coiled in her hands and me. Meanwhile I did my best to make myself look as intimidating as possible. But it didn't seem to work if the devilish smirk that crept its way onto the changelings face was any indication.
"I think ill take my chances." She said while she began to advance on me once again. I simply did my best to sit still and guess what her plan of attack would be. My best bet would be she would try and use the rope first and then her magic if that didn't work. But I was quickly proven wrong when her horn began to glow and a beam of green energy was shot at me. It was pure instinct that saved me as my fight or flight kicked in, flight obviously winning out as I barely dodged the beam of magic. Said beam striking the spot where I was but a moment ago, wrapping the entire bed in bands of green electricity. A growl of frustration escaped my lips as I glanced at the electrified bed.
"It would seem we are to do things the hard way." I said dodging yet another bolt of magic, putting myself dangerously close to the changeling and her rope. "So be it."
As those last words were said, I shot forward at the changeling my fist drawing back while her horn began to glow once more. And all to late I realized it wouldn't get to her in time, and I wouldn't be able to dodge this one even if I wanted to. And the changeling seemed to see this as well since a triumphant smirk spread across her lips. And her magic shot out and struck me square in the chest, immediately bathing my body in arcs of electric pain. But to both the changelings shock and my own it didn't stop me, it didn't even slow me down. Just as I had intended I got within range and delivered a punishing punch straight to the changelings jaw. Easily knocking her off her feet and into a nearby wall, only to slump to the floor unconscious.
"Well that was much easier than I expected." I said my body trembling from the adrenaline rush. With a sigh I picked the changeling up and placed her on the bed carefully, picking up my gun before making my way out the door.
"I have a wedding to crash I cant miss out on that." I said as I made my way down the deserted hall whistling a cheery tune.
After a couple of minutes of wondering down oddly empty halls, I finally found the hall in which the wedding was to be held. And it would seem I found it just in time too. Celestia could be heard saying "Should anypony have a reason these two should not be wed speak now or forever hold your peace" on the other side of the door. With a devilish grin I kicked the door open, pumped a round out of my shotgun and yelled at the top of my lungs.
"I object."
The reactions of the ponies around me were priceless. Every pony either dove,jumped or outright ran in shock, only looking behind them when they found some form of 'cover'. Where as the rest of the congregation just stared at me dumbly their mouths hanging open. My smile died rather quickly though when I looked towards the alter and caught sight of the 'happy couple'. Chrysalis stood out like a sore thumb. Her black chitinous body and pale blue mane and tail contrasting horribly with the white of 'her' dress. Where as Shining was completely oblivious to everything around him, a dopey smile on his face while his eyes faintly glowed green.
"Travis what is the meaning of this?" Celestia said stepping forward and glaring at me. Her only answer was my dark hollow laughter echoing through out the hall.
"Why Celestia im the wrong person to ask." I said my tone just as dark as my laugh with a insane grin on my face. "Why not ask that thing pretending to be you niece?"
"Thing?" Celestia mouthed in confusion looking between Chrysalis and I in confusion while Chrysalis glared at me.
"Ohh for Christs sake Celestia." I screamed in exasperation. "Its not that hard to figure out, I see it as plain as day behind you. That's not Cadence, that's......."
"Stop!!!" Someone yelled behind me as the sound of the doors being thrown open echoed once more through out the hall. Surprised I spun around mid rant, any thoughts of rebuttal dying when I saw who it was who shouted. There in the door way all haggard and worn stood the real Cadence, Twilight standing just behind her.
"That monster is not real, its not me. That monster is a changeling." Cadence continued, seeming to completely miss the fact I was pretty much right in front of her. Only to stop as bone chilling laughter filled the room.
"Well isn't this quite the turn of events." Chrysalis said her body disappearing in green flames, only serving to burn the dress off. Though the collective gasp of terror that filled the room reminded me, not everyone could see through her disguise like I apparently could.
"Not only does the beaten princess of love think she can beat me. But so does the only human to step foot in Equestria in over a thousand years. You two fools couldn't even hope to face me and survive much less win."
"They may not be able to but I can." Celestia said her horn glowing as she took to the air. "And now that you have so foolishly revealed yourself I can put a end to your charade."
And with a explosive boom and blinding light, Celestia's and Chrysalis's magic collided. And at first it seemed Celestia would come out the victor. But to no surprise to me, Chrysalis pushed on her magic pushing Celestia's magic all the way back to her. Where a massive explosion of magic and light filled the room fading to reveal a defeated Celestia lying unconscious at Chrysalis feet.
"Now that is out of the way what to do with the rest of you?" Chrysalis said chuckling darkly. The only response was the terrified screams of all the gathered ponies. While the magic barrier outside finally fell letting the swarm in. Twilight and the girls swarmed to Celestia's side. Words were spoken and all the girls nodded in agreement and made for the door. Brushing past me with mixed expressions on their faces. That is until they all screamed in unison and flew back in the direction they came wrapped in a green aura.
"And just where do you think your going?" Chrysalis said her horn and eyes flashing green while all the girls fell limp. "Put these fools with the rest."
With that said six changelings materialized out of the shadows and took the girls. And drug them into the air, the changelings horns began to glow green and all the girls were wrapped in cocoons hanging from the ceiling alongside Celestia.
"Now what to do with you?" Chrysalis said chuckling as she calmly walked towards me. The congregation that gathered to watch this supposed joyous event having long since fled the scene.
"Should I keep you alive as a slave to toil away the rest of yours days doing whatever strikes my fancy?" She continued a confidant smirk on her face. "Or maybe you could become my consort or even my king and rule along beside me. You would be the most powerful man in all of equestria."
"Not to mention the only man so far." I mumbled darkly, silently rooting for Cadence who had made herself scare. Only to reappear now when it was only we three in the room. Doing her best to make her way to her brainwashed husband to be. But it would seem my eyes flickered one too many time over Chrysalis's shoulder. Making her turn around and quickly grip Cadence in her magical grip.
"While your efforts are applaud-able princess they are in vain..." Chrysalis began a sneer on her face only to stop mid sentence and stand stone still her eyes wide in shock.
"You know I read in a book somewhere that a unicorns horn is extremely sensitive, to point of almost being a erogenous zone." I said my hand wrapped around Chrysalis's horn gripping it firmly. "I wonder if the same could be said for you my little succubus?"
Chrysalis's back became almost painfully straight and a small moan escaped her lips when I squeezed her horn and stroked it slightly, as if to answer my own question. I kept this up watching as the field that contained Cadence began to waiver and weaken, while sparks began to fly from Chrysalis's horn. And then finally after I was beginning to feel uncomfortable and begin to have second thoughts. The field around Cadence faded away, a wicked grin spreading across my face while she made a mad dash for her lover.
"You know Chrysie I don't know whats more insulting." I growled into her ear menacingly, while my grip tightened on her horn. And I used it for leverage to pull her head to a painful angle. "The fact you thought I would turn my back on these ponies because of one little misunderstanding, which may I remind you pails in comparison to the squabble Luna and I had. But not only that you thought the promise of power and wealth would be enough to sway me into enslaving an entire country."
Chrysalis's only response was a pained whimper as tears streamed down her cheeks. I brought my other hand under her chin and forced her to look at me. Her eyes swimming in pain and tears. I shook my head reproachfully smiling sadistically, savagely cracking her skull with my own right between her eyes. Making my world swim in pain and nausea, but I was reworded with the sweet sound of something hitting the floor with a groan. With a groan of my own I began to stumble drunkenly towards Cadence and the alter, dropping my gun somewhere between point a and point b. I finally reached the two ponies just as my vision cleared in time to see Cadence look at me fearfully. And then all the color left her face, a painfully loud shriek from behind being all the answer I needed. I spun around only to see a raging Chrysalis her horn glowing and hands held up, while the air above her crackled with arcane fire. And then with another shriek she sent the rolling wall of flames flying at me, my arms shooting up to cover my face in a futile attempt to provide some protection. I could hear Cadence gasp behind me and began to plead with Shinning to wake up and save her.
But everything after that was drowned out by a loud boom, as if something had smacked head on into a wall. And then after a few seconds of feeling slightly warm, as if I were just a little to close to a camp fire. I cracked an eyebrow to see a wall of blue flames roaring in front of me. Chrysalis's own flames could be seen slamming against the wall like the ocean would do to a cliff. And as if that wasn't surprise enough, the same flames that stood between me and utter destruction were dancing lightly across my hands.
"H...ho... how did you do that?" I hear behind me snapping me out of my revere. I glanced back to see Cadence starring at me in awe.
"I don't know." I groaned a sudden wave of exhaustion hitting me, and growing worse by the second. "But you better wake him up fast I don't think I can hold this for much longer." And as if too prove my point the blue flames began to slowly recede from the walls allowing flickers of green flame past. The seconds ticked by with the flames that protected us getting smaller and small, and shinning still showed no sign of waking. But finally when the blue flames had all but vanished Shinning groaned behind me and the glow in his eyes vanished. There was a exclamation of pure joy as Cadence pounced on her lover hugging him tightly as she nuzzled him.
"Sorry to ruin the moment." I said watching the two over my shoulder. " But could you please do something, anything at this point would be helpful."
And as if to prove my point the flames protecting us flickered out while I fell to my knees utterly exhausted. My vision swam once more a glowing black figure approaching me, no doubt it was Chrysalis coming to finish me off. But just when she reached me and I could almost make out here scowling face. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and my world was flooded with pink.
When it all finally faded I found myself on my back unsure of how I got there. Time seeming to move at a glaciers pace, as a single shadow fell over me many more could be seen behind the first.
Smiling like a loon to myself, I thought about how I had conjured those blue flames much less held them that long. The last coherent thought that crossed my mind made me chuckle weekly and mumble before every thing faded to black.
"And then everything changed when the fire nation attacked."
Cold, that was all I felt as I drifted in complete darkness, unsure of whether I was asleep or something far worse. The answer I sought came to me in the form of a soft melodic whispering in the darkness.
"Travis.... wake up Travis."
The effect was almost instantaneous as the void around me began to brighten and I could feel myself begin to awaken. Garbled voices greeted my ears as I slowly forced my eyes open. Only to see everything in brightly colored blurs, but with time everything began to come into focus showing all the girls standing at the foot of the bed I was in. While a very drowsy looking Luna was hauling herself from a chair to my right a tired grin on her face when she noticed me looking at her. Celestia stood behind her sister a unreadable mask on her face as she looked down at me.
"Did anyone bother to catch the plate number of the truck that hit me." I groaned as I sat up in the bed, and the blanket that covered me fell showing the damage my little stunt had done to the clothes Rarity made me.
"Nothing hit you Travis, you are suffering from magical fatigue." Celestia said matter of factly, prompting me to stop my impromptu self inspection and shoot her a annoyed glare.
"It means I feel like shit Celestia." I grumbled as I forced my aching arms to heed my command and peel away the burnt and ruined remains of my clothes. A pained gasp and pitiful whimper being the only sounds to remind me I wasn't alone as I threw the remains of my shirt and coat into a corner.
"Well, what now I'm going to assume that since we are all standing here with a lack of black bug things all went well after I passed out?" I stated as I glanced around. All the girls were glaring at me save Twilight and Luna, even Celestia had a glare poorly hidden behind her emotionless mask.
"Would anyone care to explain the glares I'm getting, and I would highly suggest you knock it off." I growled meeting every pair of glaring eyes with a glare of my own.
"There is something you are not telling us Travis." Twilight began quietly looking anywhere but at me.
"Come again Twilight, I don't think I heard you right could you please repeat that?" I said as I glanced around once more, only for my gaze to come rest on Celestia.
"There is something you haven't told us that is what she is saying Travis." Celestia said her expressionless mask cracking slightly to show an angry snear. "You claim you are unable to use magic but have used it twice since you arrived here. And when you first met the changeling Chrysalis you saw right through her disguise and didn't inform us immediately. Which would lead me to believe you are in league with the Changelings, or harbor ill intent for Equestria or one of us in this room."
A heavy silence filled the room with Celestia and I exchanging glares while Twilight and Luna had stunned expressions on their faces and the rest of the girls looked at me with a mix of fear and anger.
"How was I supposed to know the swiss cheese bug pony I met wasn't one Mi Amore Cadenza, in case it has escaped you're infinite wisdom Celestia I have never met the alicorn in question until yesterday at the wedding." I stated oblivious to the fact the candles around the room began to burn brighter ever slightly. " And how would you know if I saw through her disguise, if she was even wearing one?"
"The fact you barged into the wedding ranting how she wasn't really my niece is one reason." Celestia growled her mask breaking a little more as her expression began to darken . " And then add in the fact that when she removed her disguise you were not shocked in the slightest."
"I learned she had hostile intentions when she had one of her minions try and restrain me in my room." I seethed as I could feel my temper and patience slipping away bit by bit as we continued our little argument. "And being a person of decent character I decided to do the right thing and attempt to aid you ponies stop a disaster before it could happen. And what do I get for my good deed, I learn the hard way I can indeed do magic and exhaust myself to the point of passing out in aiding the true Cadence. And when I wake up I am interrogated and my intentions and character are questioned, maybe I should just save you poor pitiful ponies the headache and simply pack my things and leave."
"NO!!!!!" Luna and Twilight shouted together Startling me and Celestia out of our stare down long enough to look at them with bewildered expressions.
"What we simply do not wish to see a friend leave." Luna said bashfully a blush staining her cheeks. I stared at her bewildered for a moment until a loud snort reminded me I was in the middle of a argument.
"Do you have something you would like to say Celestia?" I Growled my anger returning full force while the candles burned white hot in their holders.
"While you leaving would not have been my first suggestion, the option was surely being considered." Celestia stated earning a few nods of approval from the mares at the foot of the bed.
"And let me guess Princess." I growled spitting out the title as if it were bile. "One of the other options was to lock me away with no justification and only further the rift in the relationship between man and pony."
As I spoke the candles all around the room began to burn a ominous red color casting the whole room in a eerie glow, while unsettling shadows could be seen passing across my face as I glared at Celestia.
" If you continue to show signs of being unstable and unable to control yourself I will be forced to take extreme measures. I would rather have you hate me and lock you away like a rabid beast, instead of you moving freely and being a menace to my ponies and wreck unknown havoc across the land." Celestia stated coldly as she openly glared at me and motioned to the candles around the room, while all the ponies in the room stared at her with varying levels of shock on their faces.
"I am a HUMAN Princess not a beast." I growled as the sheets clenched tightly in my fists began to smolder. "As for training I can name two perfectly qualified ponies standing here now who could train me."
"And neither of them would take you into their tutelage." Celestia said as she took a menacing step forward.
"Sister that is enough." Luna said as she stepped between Celestia and I, only to be brushed aside by her sister as I spoke.
"And what authority do you have to make that decision for them Celestia." I stated my voice cold and flat as I spoke shocking Celestia for a moment. "And for that matter how do you even know who I am talking about for all you know I could be referring to Rarity and Rainbow dash."
"Attempting to train a beast such as yourself would be a complete waste of time. " Rarity stated with a nod of approval from Rainbow dash.
A tense silence hung over the room while I stared off into the distance and took long deep breaths doing my best to reign in my temper. While the light from the candles around fluctuated in time with my breath, fluctuating less and less with each passing second until they didn't fluctuate at all and returned to their normal color.
"Step one I have control Celestia." I stated my voice devoid of emotion as I continued to stare off into space, only for my eyes to regain focus and lock on Luna. "Step two Princess Luna would you please instruct me in magic so I will have better control over it?"
I could see Celestia Stiffen and openly glare at me after I spoke, while Twilight looked downtrodden and upset. A few seconds passed while Luna's mouth moved like a fish out of water and I awaited her response. And just when she seemed to find her voice Celestia stepped between us with her arms crossed as she stared down at me.
"She refuses." Celestia said, only to visibly bristle as I leaned to the side to look at her sister and say.
"Your answer Luna?"
"She refuses, she will not teach you." Celestia growled as she leaned forward and blocked out my view of anything but her.
"I thought princesses were supposed to be schooled in modesty and etiquette Celestia?" I said as I stared at her chest which was almost falling out the top of her dress.
"We are, why do you ask?" Celestia growled as she leaned forward further to where her face was finally in view.
"Because if I didn't know any better I would say you were trying to give me a show. What with the way you breasts are almost a hairs breath from falling completely out of you dress." I stated plainly continuing to stare into the valley of Celestia's cleavage. Only for a annoyed grunt to come from Celestia as she straitened up and crossed her arms below her breasts. Putting her in the same position as before except I couldn't see as much this time.
"You truly are a filthy creature arnt you." Rarity stated her voice dripping with barely contained contempt as she glared at me, while I simply smiled at her as if I was being praised.
"Ohh why thank you Rarity its so kind of you to notice." I stated sarcastically earning a disgusted snort and upturned nose from the fashionista.
"My earlier question still stands Luna." I said looking to her for a answer, only for her sister to step in once again.
"And she refuses I will not allow her to waste her valuable time on one such as you, why not ask Twilight to train you if you must." Celestia said her earlier sense of calm returning for a moment. While Twilight seemed to brighten up and even tried to say something before I shut her down when I said.
"No thanks if I wanted to have my training controlled by you Celestia I would have asked you directly. And that is to much to ask of Twilight anyway, she is already providing me with a place to stay for the time being." I stated coldly having to stop myself from cringing at the depressed look that crossed Twilight's face as she sank into a nearby chair.
"I will take you as my apprentice Travis." Luna stated stepping around her sister and reaching a hand to me to seal the deal.
"You will do no such thing" Celestia screeched as she stepped between Luna and I once again, which quickly deteriorated into the two arguing. With the temperature dropping to the point we were all shivering and could see our breath .
"THAT IS ENOUGH." Someone yelled in the royal canterlot voice, snapping Celestia and Luna out of their argument as the temperature began to return to normal. While the two turned to the bed across from mine, one I didn't notice before was occupied by Cadence and Shinning Armor. A tense silence filled the room as the battered and worn princess of love glared at all of us in turn. Her glare only softening when she stole a glance at her husband who was groaning in his sleep.
"Now I don't know what possessed all of you to act like foals." Cadence growled her glare unmet by all in the room. "But I will not lie here and listen to you torment this poor soul, especially when he saved Shiny and I from that horrible creature."
"Be that as it may Cadence there are still things he must answer for." Celestia said, her once angry and dark expression now loving and motherly as she looked to her niece.
"And what has he done that would warrant such treatment from you of all ponies auntie?" Cadence countered as she quirked an eyebrow at her aunt.
"I can answer that." I stated simply my gaze transfixed on the sheets that were once bunched up in my hands.
"You will say no more you are still......"
"Let him speak Celestia." Cadence demanded stopping her aunt mid sentence.
"Please continue."
"The things I stand accused of are so simple its insulting." I stated my eyes still on the burnt spots of the sheets.
"I stand accused of harboring secrets from the princesses. While its true I figured Chrysalis wasn't really Cadence, I thought that if i could see her for what she was then surely so could the princesses. I stand accused of being a monster hellbent on eating ponies simply because I require protein in the form of meat in my diet. This accusation coming from the same ponies I called friends not even three days ago. I stand accused of being unstable and out of control thanks to my understandably short temper after past events." I chuckled darkly after I took a breath and paused for a moment.
"All these accusations are flung against me without rhyme or reason. The only time I have acted with violence during my stay here is in defense of myself, my property, or someone else. Never once have I given you reason to believe I harbor ill intent for any of you, its almost like one pony hates me simply for being human. And they are doing everything in their power to convince everyone else I am a monster."
"Is that all, did I miss any girls?" I asked finally ripping my gaze from the sheets to stare at the girls at the end of the bed. Only to earn gasps of horror and a few hasty steps in retreat as an answer. Curious I began to look for a mirror finding one on a table right next to the bed. What I saw in the mirror surprised me. Gone was almost all the color in my skin leaving me looking like I was standing on deaths door, while my eyes were completely lifeless and devoid of emotion. Seeming to be grey rather than their usual lively blue color, in a word I looked like shit, depressed and barely alive shit.
Everything remained quite for so long after I spoke It almost seemed as if I were alone in the room. Until the sound of a mattress squeaking drew my attention away from my reflection and towards Cadence. Who had stood and made her way to my bedside and was staring into my eyes. For what felt like hours she simply stared into my eyes, while I just sat there to drained to do anything even if I wanted to. Then Cadence just stood and returned to her husbands side, her horn glowing as Shining Armor did as well and began to float.
"He speaks the truth Auntie, now we will all leave and let him rest." Cadence said as she began to make her way for the door her husband floating behind her still asleep. Only to stop at the door and hold it open and wait for everyone else left before she slipped through herself and said.
"Sleep well Travis, tomarrow will definitely be interesting."
And with that the door closed leaving me alone with my thoughts. It didnt take long for the exhaustion to force me to lay back down and begin to drift off to sleep. And as I lay there I could have sworn I saw something move in the shadows across the room. While a dark chuckle filled the room, just as my eyes closed and sleep claimed me
A overwhelming sense of terror filled me as I ran blindly into darkness fleeing from some unknown terror, while malicious laughter echoed all around me. My bare feet pounded on cold stone as I ran, The barely visible silhouettes of the walls around me passed by in a blur as I fled. Then suddenly the hall turned sharply to the left, forcing me to take the turn at a full sprint hoping for the best. But as luck would have it my foot slipped and sent me crashing into the wall groaning in pain, while my vision faded in and out as I tried to regain what little bearings I had. But before I could recover a terrible chill crept over me while every hair on my body stood on end. And in the silence soft footsteps could be heard, followed by the clack of claws on stone. Then the darkness before me began to warp and swirl like smoke and something could be seen moving within. Paralyzed I could only sit and watch as the she wolf from the ruins stepped through the shadows, a malicious smirk on her face and a gleam in her yellow eyes.
"Is the chase over so soon, what a shame." She purred as she watched me, her eyes moving up and down my body as if she were appraising me.
"Good it seems you have lost most of the fat on your body and replaced it with muscle. It simply wouldn't do for you to be out of shape and unable to be of use." She said her voice sweet and loving with a dark and malicious under tone. "Ohh and your eyes so beautiful, a light blue like glaciers ice. But illuminated by a fierce fire burning bright in you're soul, such a tantalizing sight."
For a moment we remained in silence, my mouth sealed shut by fear of the dark creature above me. While she simply gazed down at me licking her lips on occasion. A almost tangible hunger or desire to have what she gazed upon filled her eyes and sent violent shivers down my body. Then a small wave of light came flying down the hall and then vanished, a almost disappointed look crossing the she wolfs face.
"It would seem the princess has finally sensed my presence here." She stated absentmindedly as she glanced over her shoulder leisurely. "Ohh and it seems my presence has given her cause for distress, how sweet that she remembers me."
When she turned to look at me once again, gone was any pretense of kindness or care. Replaced by a vicious smile as she licked her lips once more. And in a instant she covered what little space separated us and held me aloft by my throat with one arm, while I struggled to break her grip.
"Until next time little one I look forward to toying with you again soon." She said with a smirk before she disappeared in a cloud of black smoke, leaving me to fall for what felt like hours until I could just barely see a light rushing up to greet me.
My return to the waking world was rather sudden and unpleasant for all involved, which thankfully only included Luna and I. When I woke my entire body jumped as if I was stabbed in the back with a cattle prod, which led to me bouncing off the bed and onto a rather surprised Luna. Who only took a couple of seconds to shake off the shock and return us both to a upright position. Which meant she was holding me by my shoulders gently shaking me while trying to say something I couldn't quite understand.
"Ok, Luna calm down." I said grabbing onto her shoulders to calm her just as much myself. Both of us taking a moment to collect our breath and scattered thoughts.
"What happened Travis what did she want?" Luna asked her demeanor calm and serious, with obvious hints of concern here and there.
"Who Luna? What did who want? You're the only one here?" I asked my mind still bound by the fog of sleep.
"Venatrix, the she wolf, the werewolf, the one from your dreams what did she want?" She said her tone concerned, while she shook me by my shoulders as if she were trying to wake me up.
"She didn't say what she wanted, she just commented on my physique and promised to toy with me again when she sensed your presence." I said as I shivered and glanced around the room, unable to shake the feeling I was being watched. My gaze finally returning to Luna after a quick sweep of the room. Only to find her gaze distant and unfocused as if she was lost in thought once again. We both sat there on the floor in silence for a good ten minutes before Luna seemed to return to herself and her eyes became focused once more.
"I came here this evening to see if you were willing to begin your training, but in light of what just transpired we don't have a choice." Luna said her eyes scanning the room as she stood and then sat on the bed, patting the space next to her. It took longer than I care to admit for me to realize what she wanted. Getting a annoyed huff and role of her eyes from Luna while her horn lit up and I began to float. Only to have Luna drop me onto the bed beside her and she began to hum softly.
"Uhh Luna I thought we were supposed to be training?" I asked completely confused by what's going on. Earning a heavy sigh from Luna as she stopped humming and stared at me for a moment.
"We are training Travis now relax." She said using her magic to pull the covers up to my chin and she began to hum again.
"We are training by putting me to sleep?" I said earning a exasperated sigh from Luna as a response.
"I am going to gauge your mental strength, your ability to stave off invaders from you mind. But it would be so much easier if you were asleep. So yes going to sleep is part of your training." Luna said while she shot me a mild glare. "Are there any more questions?"
Luna took my silence as a no and began to hum again. The tune soft and sweet and it wasn't long before I found sleep once more. And for the remainder of the night we trained in my mind. Going over things such as meditation, mental exercises, and how to ward off invaders. The last part coming to me the easiest, with me imagining myself behind various walls and defenses from back home. Though my mental strength needed work, especially considering all the things I put between Luna and I posed no great challenge for Luna to surmount.
"All right Travis one last time for tonight, and put everything you have into it." Luna said completely unfazed by the events of the evening while I was so exhausted, that if this were anything more than a dream I wouldn't be able to stand. A low growl was the only response Luna got as she turned and walked away from me, coming to a stop and facing me when a fair distance was between us. A angry scowl covered my face while I tried to think of a way to keep Luna from succeeding once again. And then almost as if fueled by my frustration the world around us began to stretch and mold to a new shape. The white plane became a dark shade of red as stone walls began to take shape around us. And the environment took on a much darker oppressive atmosphere with the screams of the damned filling the halls. The area around Luna formed a circular stone room with jagged metal bars making up the door. while the floor was littered with skeletons of many different creatures, some old some new. And then a hallway formed between us that began to stretch until Luna was almost impossible to see across the vast distance. Then periodically down the hall torches burst into life revealing countless dark doorways, leading only to shadows.
Luna took a moment to look around at her new surroundings, a small shiver running down her spine. Then she turned her gaze back to me and spoke her voice easily reaching me across the distance that separated us.
"This is new and rather dark Travis but is this the best you can do with your mind?"
And as if to prove her point, Luna took a step forward and the metal bars shattered and vanished in a flash of white light as she stepped past them. Only to come to a stop as the sound of heavy doors opening filled the hall and figures began to appear in the darkness of the hallways that met ours. And out of the darkness stepped every daedra, dremora, daedric prince and lesser daedra from all planes of oblivion.
"You would do well not to underestimate me princess." I said as I disappeared from her field of view and reappeared in a large room on the other end of the hall. "Now enjoy your stay in Oblivion." And as soon as my voice finished echoing in the hall, all the Daedra charged Luna. Brandishing weapons, magic, and claws and teeth. Hell bent on beating the princess back into her cell and keeping her there. And for a while it seemed as if it would work as the overwhelming numbers began to push Luna back into her cell. But in the blink of an eye she was gone and all the Daedra lie dead down the hall. While Luna was nowhere in sight but the sounds of battle and dying Daedra still filled the halls. And then for a moment a eerie silence filled the halls. Only to be broken when the large doors that separated me from Luna began to shake in place with the force of thunderous impacts that struck them from the other side.
In a panic I began to search my surroundings for some means of escape or a means to delay the inevitable, but found none. Refusing to accept defeat I threw my head back and screamed my rage fueled defiance for all to hear. While the torches that filled the room began to snuff out being replaced by green floating orbs. And the room itself underwent changes as the walls began to bow and holes began to appear on their surfaces. And from within these holes thousands of eyes began to glow the same color as the orbs that barely lit the room, and began to slowly crawl forward and take up position all around the room. Focusing solely on the warped metal doors that still shook from the assault on the other side. And then with one final earth shaking impact the doors blew off their hinges inward. The light that followed barely even scratching the surface of the darkness that now surrounded me, and a terrifying screech filled the darkness and the monsters I summoned charged the door and the figure silhouetted against the light. And just when victory seemed to be in my grasp a bright flash of pale light light up the hive as they charged and the room we were in. And then all was drowned out as a massive wave of sound and light blew me off my feet and destroying anything I managed to create. Stunned and confused I peeled my eyes open only to hiss and force them shut after I was blinded by a intense white light. Then a shadow fell over me, making me open my eyes expecting to see Luna, but only seeing a shadowy figure before a fist encased in light struck me across my face.
When I finally returned to reality the sun was just beginning its ascent into the sky. Still dazed from the events of the night before I looked around the room almost missing Luna sitting in a chair across the room from me a pensive look on her face. For a few tense moments I sat there in silence watching Luna as she continued to stare off into space. Until finally without a word or so much as a backwards glance Luna stood from her chair and left the room, leaving me to puzzle these events in silence. And I did for what felt like hours, simply lying in bed wondering what could have happened to worry Luna so much. But when my solitude grew tiresome as it always does I stood and made my way for the door, forgetting my lack of any clothing on my upper body until I was already out the door. But that didn't matter so much as navigating the maze the was the castle's many corridors. But finally after what seemed like hours of mindless wandering, I turned the corner and saw Luna entering a room on the left side of the hallway that was flanked on either side by guards. My curiosity from this morning beating out the common sense part of my brain that said to ask later. I strutted down the corridor and made as if to knock on the still slightly ajar door. Only for the sound of someone clearing their throat beside me made me stop look the guard standing next to me.
"What business have you with Princess Celestia?" the guard said a glare hidden poorly behind his helmet.
"None I wish to speak with Luna and I saw her just enter here so I was going to knock and ask her permission to enter. What does any of this have to do with Celestia?" I said earning a annoyed huff from the mare who stood guard apposite me, while the guard I was speaking to just rolled his eyes at me and said.
"The large symbols of the sun on the door for one thing." the guard said haughtily, as he motioned towards the door
"Uh-Hu sure i'm sure I would have seen large suns......" I began only to stop and almost slap myself silly when I saw the two large suns painted on the door just above my eye level. "Ohh whatever I can wait I really don't want to deal with Celestia right now." I said as I turned and was about to move on only to stop when I heard a voice drift from behind the door.
"I have much I wish to discuss with you sister, But first I just came from trying to train Travis and while I was working with him I saw deeper into his mind and I saw something I think you should hear."
The few seconds it took for that information to sink in seemed to stretch on forever as the implications of what was just said came to me. But when it all finally sank in it only took a split second to make a decision as I spun around on my heel and kicked the door the rest of the way open a sickening crack echoing as my foot hit the massive wooden door..
"You saw what?!" I roared as the sisters jumped from the sound of the large door hitting the wall, while my foot came down and I fell over in an undignified heap. Spewing obscenities in such a rapid fire manner that even Pinkie Pie would have had a hard time understanding me, while the guards tried to restrain me and remove me from the room. For a few agonizing minutes I continued to spout obscenities as I tried to right myself only to fall once again when any pressure was applied to my foot. While somehow simultaneously managing to stave off the guards attempts to bind me. But thankfully at least one of the princesses had some common sense in their heads. Which was shown as Luna floated a chair over and placed me in it, while she dismissed the guards and closed the door and returned to her sisters side.
"You have no right to barge into our privacy or conversations Travis......."
"Bullshit!" I yelled stopping Celestia mid sentence while I fixed them both with a smoldering glare. "I have every fucking right to barge into this conversation. Especially since one of you betrayed my trust and did something that any fuck with half a brain would tell you is plain fucking WRONG!!!!!" Luna recoiled as if struck while her sister matched my glare with one of her own and stepped forward placing herself between her sister and I.
"And what grounds do you have to make such a accusation?" Celestia said her voice even but carrying a undertone of anger while her main whipped about as if it were fire, instead of the gentle movement of being caught in a breeze.
"I heard it straight from the horses mouth!!!" I roared my anger and indignation getting the better of me as I stood to face Celestia nearly faltering but catching myself at the last second. Which set off a screaming contest between Celestia and I. While Luna was motionless for a moment her expression downcast, like that of a guilty child. Until she spoke one word and nearly blew her sister and I off our feet.
"Enough!!!" She yelled the force of the royal canterlot voice threatening to steal what little balance I had from me. Which shut both me and Celestia up as we gave Luna our undivided attention.
"This is the very reason I feared to discuss this with you Travis!!!!" Luna yelled her voice no longer in the royal canterlot range but still loud enough to hurt our ears.
"When I defeated you in your dreams the blow to the head was meant to wake you. But instead I found myself temporarily trapt in your subconscious. The blow landing you in a deep dreamless sleep rather that returning us to the waking world. And I saw many things I did not intend to in my quest to escape your mind. I saw how much you valued your privacy and the sanctity of your mind. I saw memories, I saw the few you hold close to you." Luna said her voice stern but it softened as she spoke. Her face taking on a more sad, or compassionate expression when she stopped speaking.
"I also saw some of the reasons for your anger at the world...... and the anger at yourself."
As soon as the words left Luna's mouth, my back stiffened while my fists and jaw clenched painfully so. While I waged an internal war on how to proceed. The rational part of me kept saying she was only trying to help, and out of all the ponies she would be the only one. Who could even think of claiming she understood. But that voice was quickly losing to the voice that screamed rage and retribution. She invaded my mind and looked at all I was laid bare before her it screamed.
"I saw your mistrust of my sister, and I know you heard our conversation about you knowing magic." Luna continued softly a sad almost motherly smile on her face as she began to take slow steps forward.
"what reason has he to not trust me?" Celestia demanded haughtily crippling my self control and feeding my temper, throwing the chances of me listening to any anything more straight out the window. While Luna froze mid stride and chanced a smoldering glare at her sister out of the corner of her eye.
"Sister now is not the time." Luna stated earning a snort from her sister who folded her arms across her chest and faced her sister proper.
"I hardly see why not." Celestia stated plainly earning a annoyed sigh from her sister.
"And there we have our answer." I growled sarcastically as I twisted my neck, trying to release the tension building rapidly throughout my body. Gaining the attention of the two princesses.
"Tell me Celestia what is it you have against me, and don't lie to me. I may be a fraction of your age and have all the experience of a infant by comparison. But I am not stupid I see the strain and disdain in your eyes when you are forced to be around me." I growled opting to tackle the problem at the source rather than dance around it like a fool.
"I don't know what you expect me to say Travis, my reasons are my own. And seem to be obvious to everypony but you." Celestia said her eyes narrowing as if she was challenging me to question her.
"If your referring to your erroneous assumption that I hold ill will for your people or your country. You would be lying and proving yourself a coward." I said looking Celestia in the eye the whole time watching as my words had the intended affect.
"What did you just say?" Celestia spluttered her mane returning to its fire like state from before.
"I told you not to lie to me Celestia." I stated simply, ignoring Celestia's question while I shifted all my weight off my right foot a relieved sigh escaping me as the pain from my ankle subsided.
"Tell me Celestia is it simply because i'm not a pony?" I said returning to the conversation and seeming to surprise Celestia, as she seemed to real back as if the mere thought offended her. "Surely that is the answer Celestia since I have given you no other reason to hate me as much as you do."
"I...I don't hate you Travis." Celestia stuttered seeming to be still reeling from my accusation.
"Bullshit." I stated simply my voice carrying a tone of finality while my temper began to weaken and my better judgment began to return to me. "You hate something about me Celestia, I just don't know what yet. One would have to hate the person they are constantly casting as a monster or terror." A heavy silence filled the room while the remains of my rage and indignation left me, leaving behind the void that always haunts me when I know I have erred. Turning my once unwavering glare to a emotionless stare aimed at the floor.
"I have said my piece and you know where I stand lets do our best to avoid such confrontations in the future shall we." I said my voice hollow with no trace of the aggression that once filled it. And then with slow halting jerks that could be called steps I turned around and hobbled to the door. Not a word was said until I reached the door and put pressure on my ankle by mistake and fell to the ground with a undignified scream of pain. Only then did one of the princesses decide to speak.
"Let me help you Travis." Luna said only to brushed off as I tried to stand once more.
"I don't need your help." I growled pushing Luna's hand aside as I forced myself to my feet. Only to fall and repeat this process a few times before Celestia decided to intervene.
"Good grief Travis stop acting like a foal and let my sister help you." Celestia said her horn lighting up and the door before me swung open, narrowly missing my face as it passed. A annoyed grunt was my only response as I forced myself to my feet once more and tried to take a feeble step forward. Somehow forgetting the obliterated state of my right ankle as I stepped forward with my right foot and another sicking crack sounded. Followed by a blood curdling scream as what ever didn't shatter behind the force of me kicking the door snapped, and flooded my senses with the searing agony I had somehow kept at bay until now. Soon my eyes were flooded with tears as I began to sob uncontrollably where I fell just outside the door. Leaving quite the sad sight as I lay on the floor clutching my ankle, sobbing like a child. But to my surprise, at one point while I was blinded by my tears and overwhelming pain, I was lifted off the ground and was moving down the hall. Confused and not all there due to pain I began to wiggle and twist and turn to try and figure out how I was moving. Only to stiffen up and my temper to flair as I heard someone speak directly behind me.
"Stop your squirming Travis you are making it quite difficult to see where I am going." Luna said, telling me she was the one who aided me and was now carrying me down the hall. Now any sane person would have took this time to lick their wounds and count themselves lucky, getting any help at all. But not I, what was left of my pride and rapidly returning temper would have none of it.
"Put me down." I sobbed weakly, just barely loud enough for Luna to hear me as she stopped to try and figure out what I said.
"What was that Travis?" She said her voice hard but caring.
"I said RELEASE ME!!!!!!" I roared as I began to flail around like a mad man possessed. Only to get just what I wanted as Luna dropped me in surprise, and I cracked my head on the stone floor. For a long few seconds my vision swam from the pain and the blow to the head to the point everything I saw was just a blur of colors. But with time the pain began to subside and my vision began to return to me. I spent a good bit of time simply lying on the floor, rebuilding my resolve and preparing myself for what was to come.
When enough time had passed I took a deep breath and forced myself to my feet, nearly falling once again. Just barely catching myself on the wall as I began to fall. When I was certain I could continue I began to hop down the corridor leaning heavily on the wall as I went. The sound of rapidly approaching footsteps drew me from my concentration making me growl in frustration.
"I don't need your help, I don't want your help, and I refuse to accept your help so go do something productive and leave me the hell alone." I growled not even bothering to look to see who it was behind me. The silence that fallowed, broken only by a exasperated sigh and retreating foot steps telling me enough. After a moment to make sure I was alone I began to hop/ hobble my way forward only one thing on my mind.
"Where the hell is the infirmary in this god forsaken place." I growled to myself as I went, completely oblivious to everything around me.