Love's Hand
The sound of a crowing rooster tethered me to reality, shattering my previous dreamscape to pieces. With a groan, I pressed the dismiss button on my alarm and swung my legs out of bed. I peeled my crusty eyelids up, revealing a set of steely green irises. They looked to my nearby alarm clock to read the time.
“7:30… HOLY SHIT I’M LATE!” I yelled, my tired body aching in protest from its sudden movement across the room.
“John!” I heard my mother groan from her own room.
“Sorrymomcan’ttalkI’mlate!” I exclaimed, sprinting out of the door with a toothbrush hanging from my mouth and my pants halfway up my legs. I started my car about the same time I buttoned my pants, the toothbrush falling into my console as my spit flew from the window.
“JOHN!” Her tone sounded urgent, but at this point I was biting my tongue about being late. I’m sure she would understand when I returned home later that day.
“Loveyoumombye!” I shouted out of it and peeled out from my driveway. Now, some of the perks of being 18 and no longer in school include a car, not very high expectations, and the very bad habit of cigarettes. I thought about this as I lit one up, taking a long drag. I blew a stream of smoke from my window, feeling the nicotine take effect.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a terrible habit, but I could quit anytime. I don’t just say that either, because I’ve quit twice before. Unfortunately, my sleep habits are poor as dirt and my ex’s keep me up all night with drama bullshit. I was overly stressed, overly worked, and overly done with all the highschool bullshit. Regardlessly, I’m sure you can see why I started again. I was also taking advantage of me being old enough to make my own decisions.
As I flicked the cigarette butt out of the window, I noticed a small flash in the woods. Curiosity getting the better of me, I pulled over and hopped out. The feeling of yet another fifty pushups echoed through my muscles. I ignored it, of course, because my curiosity being satisfied was more important than me being slightly late to combat practice. I made my way over to the woods, a soft green glow emanating from them. I frowned, my inner paranoia soaring as I walked back to my car.
I quickly grabbed my gun and bowie knife from the side door of my car. I can thank my father for the Glock, knife, and extreme paranoia I have, due to him trying to get me ready for my time in the service. I quickly checked the magazine counted ten rounds. With the knife wielded in my left hand so the back of the blade rested against my forearm, and my Glock held at the ready in my right hand, I crept towards the eerie woods. Honestly, I had no idea why I did what I did. Maybe it was my overactive imagination, or maybe my insatiable sense of adventure, but either way I wouldn’t change anything. I began to hear a soft pulsing coming from the lighted area. I furrowed my brow and peaked around the corner, widening my eyes at the floating ball of green energy that sat in the middle of the clearing.
Something was strange, something besides the floating ball of energy. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, though. Seeing no present threat, I sheathed and holstered my weapons to observe the mass more intensely. I tried to peer deeper into the green sphere which constantly moved and shifted, eventually stepping closer to the awe-inducing orb. Unconsciously, I felt my hand reach out, slowly stretching to touch the glowing ball. Upon making contact, the bone chillingly cold energy snaked across my skin, leaving a tingling sensation.
“Whoa…” Suddenly, as if my words had triggered some sort of chain reaction, the energy stopped, pulsed, then bolted through my entire body. Just as my whole being dropped from under me, I remembered that strange thing.
It didn’t use to be a clearing
~~~
“Ugh…” I groaned, sitting up and rubbing my throbbing skull. I shivered, still feeling the cold sensation of that strange energy coursing through my veins. I cracked open my eyes and found that I was still in the woods, although they seemed a little darker than before. In a small panic, I checked my phone for the time, which revealed 4:27. And no service.
My father was going to murder me when I got to the combat area.
“Boy!” I mimicked aloud, “Drop and give me… fifty?” I trailed off at the light red eyes in a nearby bush. I frowned deeply, unholstering my gun in caution.
“Hello?” I called at it, seeing it shift in the bushes. Slowly, the thing stepped out. It was a small green poof of fur. It was maybe a foot tall, with bright red iris’s and small paws. Its most interesting detail would be its mouth, or rather, distinct lack of one. That is, until I decided to freak out over how cute it was.
“Awww!” I squeed, and poked it.
It unhinged its motherfuckin’ jaw and its fur turned a deep red. The damn thing then decided to grow three feet taller and roar, spewing saliva all over me from in between some sharp as shit looking teeth. It raised its jaw and glared at me.
“How do you spell ‘nope’?” I asked cheerfully. The creature cocked an eyebrow at me, presumably cursing me. “Answer: with four bullets!” I yelled and jumped back, tapping my Glocks trigger four times in quick succession. The creature had been mid-roar when the careening lead ripped through it. I sighed, wondering what in the hell that thing was, then brushed myself off.
“Alright, I just got attacked by some strange creature and probably scared the shit out of everyone near this place. Great. I’m so arrested.” I groaned, my feet stepping over that things corpse. As I wandered the woods, I got the eerie feeling that I was being watched. My Glock still unholstered, I silently crept through the forest. About ten minutes later, I had an epiphany.
It took five minutes to walk through that patch of woods I was in.
At about that same time, the bushes next to me rustled, and something growled. I noped the hell outta there as fast as I could, running in a dead sprint as well as a straight line. Trees and branches and greenery whipped at my body, growls and howls signalling a chase. I grunted and jumped over a log, holstering my weapon for increased speed. Eventually, I saw a bright light between some trees and lowered my head, aiming right at it. As I burst into the light, my adrenaline ridden body acted for me and pulled my Glock back out. With a jump, I spun around to see a wooden wolf almost biting my neck. I swiftly put the barrel under it’s jaw and pulled the trigger.
One.
The shot plastered brains all over the wolf behind it, as well as injuring it. The wooden wolf fell to pieces on top of me. I didn’t have time to ponder as I stood up, dodging the next strike and unsheathing my knife. I crouched low as ten more wolves began to circle me. Finally, one pounced and the rest followed suit. I spun and rounded housed one, shattering its skull with my steel-toed boots at the price of a gash on my back.
Two.
I yelped in pain and spun, planting my knife in one's head and firing a potshot off. I, unfortunately, missed.
Three.
My shoulder suffered a bite, but I put a bullet in the things skull and ducked under anothers flying attempt to get my neck.
Four.
I stuck my knife in the airborne ones ribcage and momentum did the rest.
Five.
My Glocks bullet found purchase with yet another wooden wolf, but I sacrificed a leg muscle to do it.
Six.
The leg gash was a deep one, severing muscle to the point where I couldn’t stand. on the fall, I took another down with my trusty Glock
Seven.
I screamed as white hot pain laced my chest. A wolf decided to plant it’s claws there, and got a few choice words from my knife.
Eight.
The remaining two circled around me, growling. I chuckled a little, coughing up some blood. The last one I killed must have gotten a lung with those claws.
“Come on then! You want dinner, you better work for it!” I yelled, spitting blood at them The one behind me charged, and with one shaky, lucky shot, my bullet ripped through it.
Nine.
I took aim at the last one with my Glock, as it jumped, I depressed the trigger.
It clicked.
A spike of fear shot through me, before acceptance.
“Kudos.” I uttered before it sank its teeth into my neck. Pain arced through me, the black numbness overtaking me. My entire body convulsed and I blacked out, the last thing finding my ears was a beautiful voice.
~ ~ ~
The rays of the sun caressed my eyelids, easing my aching body to the world of the living.
“How are you alive?” I mused to myself, my sore throat grating against itself. I pried my eyes open, grimacing at the attack on them from the sunlight. I was in a small bedroom and it was obviously make-shifted into a hospital room. Maybe I got lucky and a doctor found me. I tried to sit up, but found myself hurting way too much to do anything besides check my injuries. I saw my chest and leg bandaged, and could feel the stitches in all of my wounds that required them.
“I-It’s good t-to see you awake.” A familiar, soft voice sounded from a shaded part of the room.
“I take it I have you to thank for saving me?” I asked gently, sensing her nervousness.
“I-I just patched you up. I-It’s no big deal.” I could feel her blush, even though I couldn’t see it. My eyes caught sight of her legs, clearly laced in black stockings. What really caught my attention, where her feet. Or, rather, the distinct lack thereof. Seriously, she had hooves. And they were stuffed into circular shoes.
Where the ever loving hell am I?
“Don’t be modest,” I said, taking an air of caution, “Don’t get me wrong, because this may sound really bad, but… Um… Where are your feet?”
“Oh, silly me. I forgot, you aren’t a pony.” She shuffled forward, revealing an extremely busty young woman.
With yellow fur and pink hair. Dressed in a button up and short skirt.
I landed in a weeaboo fantasy. I need a smoke. Her hair was hanging over her right eye, and she was attempting to hide behind it fully.
“Yeahhh, no. I’m not a pony. I’m a human.” I said, dropping my guard some. This pony couldn’t hurt a fly.
What about a wooden wolf?
...Touche.
“What’s a human?” She asked her curiosity getting the better of her fear. Her aqua eyes glimmered with said curiosity, making her look rather cute.
“You don’t..? Oh god, where am I?” I muttered, my eyes going back to the ceiling.
“Equestria… Specifically, the outskirts of Ponyville.” She said, her voice drooping slightly.
We’re in a place that doesn’t exist. Fantastic.
“Where are you from?” She asked
“Not here. Another world, probably. My luck.” I groaned
“Another world?” She queried
“Yeah… I was driving to school, and there was some green light coming from the woods and… and I touched it…” Thoughts of my mother breaking down about her son disappearing wormed their way into my skull. My father a tear ridden mess at the loss of his last son. My friends, all quaking with anger and sorrow at my disappearance. It was too much for me. I burst into tears, crying my eyes out. The yellow woman jumped to my side immediately, wrapping an arm around me and a… wing over me. I felt so alone, the only human wherever the hell I was, and here this pony was, her arms around me and her wings draped over me, trying to comfort my sorrow. Hell, she didn’t even know me.
“Shhh… It’s okay, John. I’ve got you. I… I can’t imagine how you feel, but I can give you some comfort.” She cooed softly, stroking my hair with her gentle hands. “You’re not completely alone.”
“H-How do you kn-know my n-name?” I asked between sobs.
“You talk a lot in your sleep.” She giggled adorably, “Now listen here,” She continued with an airy voice. Her tone kept up with its comfort it was just as if her voice was barely there and all of it was breathed gently. “I am going to need you to be strong for me, okay? I have to go into town and get some groceries. There is also one of my friends in town who I know can help you.” She slowly withdrew from me.
“Wait… How is your Government here?” I asked, my paranoia striking again.
“We have two Princesses who watch over us and keep us all safe.” She said sweetly.
Diarchy, then. They’ll kill or experiment on me if they get the chance.
“Can you trust this friend?” I asked carefully. She smiled and nodded with a large bounce.
Jiggle.
Shut the hell up! A light red dusted my cheeks, but I didn’t think she took notice.
“Oh yes, she’s one of my best friends, and personal protege to the Princess!”
“... I’m sorry, darlin’, but… Perhaps it’d be best to keep me hidden for the time being.” She froze at me calling her darlin’.
Damn you Jim Raynor!
“I-I-I-I’m n-n-not s-so s-s-sure…” She stuttered out, her red blush a stark contrast against her buttery coat.
Keep up the pressure, she’ll cave.
“I’m a strange creature who just fell out of an obviously dangerous forest, killing a total of eleven weird beasts. If anyone knows I’m here, I’ll have to explain why. I’ll either be labeled crazy or a threat. Maybe both.” I said reasonably.
“I… The P-Princess wouldn’t…” She was scared. I relented, my face contorting to one of concern.
“Hey…” I said softly, getting her to look up at me with conflicted eyes. “What’s your name?”
“F-Fluttershy…” She shuffled her hooves.
Appropriate.
“Alright, Fluttershy.” I continued gently, waving her to come closer. She shuffled forward, her hands intertwined and arms straight down.
Because booooobs
I smiled and moved a hand to her shoulders, looking deeply into her eyes. Now, some people have told me that I’m one hell of a charmer. I try to be modest, most of the time, and not use my gift, but this was an emergency.
Bullshit, you just want to charm the cute girl
Shhhhhhhhh.
“I’m,” I relaxed slightly, my face falling, “Scared, honestly… I’m alone, save for my amazing caretaker,” She blushed adorably, “And it… It needs to stay that way. At least until I can get back on my feet.” I say with a soft gaze.
“I… O-Okay. I can deal with that.” She smiled lightly. I returned it with warmth.
“Thank you, Fluttershy.”
“It’s no problem. Now, I do need to pick up some things from the market, and you need your rest. She turned to leave, her hourglass figure and swaying hips did catch my eyes. As the door shut, my eyes soon followed, on last thought echoing through my mind
She may be an alien, but she was rather gorgeous.
~ ~ ~
My eyes fluttered open to the familiar sight of my alarm clock.
“Ugh, what did I eat last night?” I groaned, getting out of bed and shuffling to my bathroom. I was stopped in the hallway by a choked sob emanating from my mothers room. With an arched brow, I changed my course and opened the door to her room. She sat on her bed, looking through an old photo album of mine. Puffy, red eyes met mine and fear shot down my spine.
“Why did you leave..?” She asked quietly, dropping a photo of me. I tried to open my mouth and explain, but choked up. “You were the only thing that kept me going… The last thing I looked for in my day… And you just left!” She finished with a scream, throwing the book at me. I caught it, but stumbled back into my stepdad, who was shaking his head in disappointment.
“What are you doing back here, boy?” He spat, “I thought I told you, once you leave, never come back.” He said with a set jaw, glaring down at me. I crawled away from him until my back hit the bedstand. This flipped the book open to a picture with my dad, my late brother, and me. Slowly, my brother and I began to fade, my father crying heavily and reaching for us.
“Why?! I already lost one son, I can’t lose the other!” He cried. A light burst through the roof, making me yell out and cover my eyes. The ground slowly began to disintegrate from under me. I threw my arms up and barely caught the edge of the red hole, evil laughing echoing from below it.
“Help!” I cried, my fingers slipping. My stepdad only shook his head as my mom and dad cried.
“You left us, now we’ll leave you.” He spat. My fingers finally slipped and I began to scream in freefall. I tumbled down the tunnel, my throat becoming sore from the constant screeching. Eventually, after what felt like hours, the ground closed in on me. I suddenly awoke in the makeshift hospital room, breathing heavily in the darkness and clad in cold sweat.
“It.. It was just a dream…” I said to myself, attempting to calm down. I felt a feathery wing drape itself over my back, and instantly looked to my right. Fluttershy was there, her comforting eyes staring with concern.
"Are you alright?” She asked gently, touching my hand with hers. I didn’t know why, but I felt safe with this alien beauty. I wanted to nod yes, but the previous process of ignoring the otherworldly consequences of my actions made all of my sorrow slam into me at once. With a ragged shake of my head, tears began to leak from my tired eyes.
“Hey…” She softly cooed, scooting closer and pulling me into her arms. I just went with it, the strength leaving my body as she stroked my back with a wing. “Shhh… It’s going to be alright. I’m here, you’re not alone.” I shuddered and buried my face into her neck, crying harder than I ever had in my life. Sobs racked my body as Fluttershy continued to comfort me. I don’t know how long I spent in her arms, but I eventually passed out.
1 Month Later
Stairs. My worst enemy was upon me. Well, my worst enemy when I was either drunk, high, or crippled. On the bright side, I had my coach beside me, doing her best to encourage me down the stairs. Fluttershy and I had grown closer over the past month, but kept decent boundaries. She also regaled me with tales of her and her friends adventures, saving the world from the terrors of Nightmare Moon and Discord. Even though I knew I had a bit of a crush on her, I withheld due to respect for her in her own home. She had cared for me and my injuries, healing me physically. Of course, I can’t leave out the emotional and mental comfort she provided for me, but I knew the time was coming.
“Fluttershy?” I questioned as we sat at the breakfast table.
“Yes, John?” She said in her adorable voice.
“I… Remember when you told me of the mare who could help me?” I asked. She froze, then physically drooped.
“...Yes.”
“I… I need to meet her and sort this out.” It was silent, save for the sound of her animals scurrying about.
“Okay.” She finally replied, getting up and leaving without another word. I sat there, my mind racing in a billions ways how I fucked up, then a million ways to fix it. I finally settled on a heartfelt breakfast apology. I grabbed the eggs and some cheese from the fridge, placing the skillet on an eye to heat it up. I lightly melted some butter in a skillet, then cracked the eggs into it with a sprinkle of pepper and cheese. I slapped some of that “hay bacon” stuff that these ponies seemed to love into another skillet. When the eggs reached perfection, I removed them from the skillet and sat the table up for three, popping some toast in the toaster. As I removed the last piece of bacon from its resting place on the skillet, the toast popped up and I put the three dishes in the middle of the table for everyone’s choosing. I heard talking echo from outside of the cottage, so I hastily poured three glasses of orange juice and sat down in my seat. The door opened and an intelligent voice cut the air.
“So, why did you want me to come here before such a storm again?” The obvious female asked.
Fluttershy didn’t tell her?
“Um… Twilight?” She said.
“Yes?”
“D-Don’t be mad, b-but there may have been an alien that came out of the Everfree in my kitchen making breakfast.” She got quieter and quieter with every word.
“...What.”
“Please don’t make me say it again…” Fluttershy whimpered. Slowly, hooves shuffled to the door, and I put on my best winning smile. A purple face crept around the corner, her eyes taking note of me. When she determined that I would not hurt her, she walked into the room, still cautious of course, and took a seat opposite of me, Fluttershy following suit. The next five minutes were filled with the most awkward, grueling silence I had ever endured.
“So… Food’s getting cold, guys.” I shifted as Twilight jumped a little.
“It talks!” She exclaimed.
“Yeahhh.” I nodded with a roll of my eyes.
“He’s right, Twilight, the food he cooked for us is getting cold… It’d be a shame to waste it.” Fluttershy smiled thankfully, causing my heart to swell.
“Y-Yeah… Sorry, I was just a little shocked is all.” She shook her head, grasping a fork and taking a bite of eggs. Her eyes widened and she dug in at a much faster pace, frantically devouring the eggs, much to my mirth. Fluttershy cocked an eyebrow, the picked up a fork and hesitantly took a bite of the eggs. Her eyes opened wider.
“Oh my…” She dived into her food as well. I laughed heartily and began to eat my own food, sans the hay bacon. I had to admit, I really outdid myself. Perhaps it was my culinary skills mixed with the fresh ingredients of a non-polluted world, but the food here was amazing. When we had finished, they both leaned back and downed the orange juice. Twilight’s belch dwarfed Fluttershy’s, but the opposite was true for their blushes.
“Excuse me.” Twilight said, pounding a hand to her chest.
“E-Excuse me…” Fluttershy said and sunk farther in her chair.
“Niiiice.” I said and put my fist out to Twilight. She looked at it questioningly, then reached her own balled fist out, bumping knuckles. I drew back, winning smile never leaving my face.
“Where did you learn to cook like that?” She asked.
“I took a few classed growing up, and my mom taught me a couple of things, but mostly just experimentation.” I said with a smile. Her lips tugged a smile as well, then it vanished.
“Which begs the questions, who and what are you?” She asked, I sighed, shifting in my seat.
“I knew this was coming. I’m a human, and my name is John Bilik.”
“Alright, how did you get here?” Twilight asked.
“I had gotten up late that morning, and dashed out of the house.” I said, slightly darkening my tone, “Didn’t even hug my mother goodbye before speeding off… I… I came upon some woods with an eerie glow coming from them, and decided to investigate. I found a green sphere and touched it. And it… it…” I was choked by sobs. Fluttershy was next to me in an instant, her winged embrace providing some modecome of comfort.
“It’s… It’s okay, but I have to know what happened next.” Twilight hesitated at how quickly Fluttershy was by my side. I nodded shakily, sniffling as I continued.
“It just… Stole me away from all I’d ever known, dropping me into some deadly forest to fend for myself. I… Ran into this thing. It was maybe a foot tall, at first, and green. But when I poked it, it transformed into this four foot horror. Anyways, I was forced to kill the thing-”
“You took on a Grenit by yourself?!” Twilight asked, astonished, “Well, it would explain your injuries… Speaking of which, let me take care of those for you.” She smiled and light enveloped her horn. A warm tingling sensation spread over me, and I suddenly felt much better. I stood up and placed all my weight on my leg, sighing in relief.
“Thank you very much. But actually, the… Grenit?” She nodded, “The Grenit didn’t touch me. I was attacked by a pack of..?”
“Timberwolves.” Fluttershy answered, getting a blink from me.
“...Right, well, I got attacked by a pack of eleven Timberwolves,” Twilight’s jaw dropped, “And I managed to get ten of them, though not without injury.” I gestured to myself. “The last one almost got me, but, as I was blacking out, Fluttershy saved my life.” I smiled towards her.
“Right… Fluttershy, can I talk to you for a moment?” Twilight glanced at me, “Alone.” I frowned.
A threat, then.
“Um… Okay?” They both walked to the next room, closing the door. Immediately, I crept to the door and pressed my ear to it, hearing muffled voices.
“-isn’t that dangerous, Twilight!” Fluttershy defended.
“Fluttershy, he killed a Grenit and ten Timberwolves as soon as he got here, and survived!” Twilight accused.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“In this case, yes! He’s not a guard, and he can’t be trusted.”
"He’s lived in this house… For a month, recovering,” Fluttershy was clearly restraining anger, “If he wanted to kill or hurt me, he had plenty of chances.”
“To kill ones doctor? I’m sorry, Fluttershy, but we can’t trust him. I’ll contact the Princess tonight, and I’m sure she’ll be here in the morning.” She paused and the doorknob rattled. “Say your goodbyes, Fluttershy.” I booked it to the window and turned around halfway through the opening, seeing the two mares wide eyes.
“I’m sorry.” I whispered, tearing my gaze away from her as I finished my leap through the window. I squeezed the tears from my eyes, running as fast as I could from the cottage.
“Wait!” I ignored Fluttershy’s call, bounding into the forest, but whipping around the first tree and sitting behind it. I watched Twilight put a hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, but the Pegasus shrugged the touch off as if it were vile. She mouthed something I couldn’t hear, causing Twilight to say what appeared to be a ‘what?’. Instead of speaking again, the gentle mare just pointed towards the path leading to her cottage. The rain came in at a trickle, then slowly turned into a downpour, Fluttershy still pointing towards the path as Twilight stared. She finally seemed to get the message, and trudged back with her head hung low. I honestly wished I could hold Fluttershy, but instead I was forced to watch the mare I’d perhaps come to love break down. She cupped her hands to her face, falling on her knees and sobbing quietly. I almost stepped out of the woods to go comfort her, but couldn’t find the strength or words. I just followed my heads words, gritting my teeth and bolting deeper into the woods.
2 Months Later
Two months. It’s been two months in this hellhole of a forest, surviving by the skin of my teeth. Two months since I was forced from my new home. Two months since I had seen Fluttershy. I’d been watch her cottage from time to time, generally when she normally left her abode, but hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the mare. The guard patrols hadn’t made it any easier, but I had eventually made them call off the search by faking my own death. When the news reached Fluttershy… Well…
I could hear her wail of anguish inside my cave a mile into the Everfree.
That was a week ago. I was biding my time for the perfect moment to go back to her, after the guard had cleared out. I walked the safest path, my longer hair and beard being stroked by the wind.
That’s when I heard voices.
“-ain’t no more weird creature, Scoots!” A southern voice said defiantly. I quickly hid in a bush, my skills having been sharpened by my time in these deadly woods.
“Yeah, and even if there was, why would we want to find it? I mean, Princess Celestia came to deal with it.” A squeaky voice agreed.
“Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, you both saw how Ms. Fluttershy talked about him. We can’t just let her suffer!” A more tomboyish voice said with passion.
“Ah… Ah know, but we’re in the middle of the Everfree Forest, the most dangerous forest in Equestria!” The southern one tried to combat, but it was obviously a losing battle.
“Applebloom, we’ve been through here a hundred times before. What’s the worst that could happen?” The trio of… Children? Kids were out here looking for me, and they’d already come closer than a battalion of guards. It was honestly a little sad. The three kids, one a yellow mare with a red mane and bow, a white unicorn with a lilac and white mane, and an orange pegasus with a purple mane entered the clearing before me and froze in their tracks.
Their ears swiveled to an isolated point whence growling was emitting. They huddled together, squealing as a Timberwolf pounced from the bushes beside me. I did a quick barrel roll and intercepted the beast, knocking it over and tumbling through the dirt with it. It sprung up and looked at me, realizing something and dropping back to the ground with an evil growl. With a spike of fear, I realized that I knew this wolf. It was the same one whose back I’d killed upon arriving.
“I guess fate has permitted us to finish this, huh?” I chuckled a little. The wolf just growled again and pounced. It rocketed past me and tackled the orange kid, biting her arm. She screeched in pain as I bounded over to the wolf.
“NO! Your fight is with me!” I yelled and grabbed the jaws prying it off of the now passed out pegasus. I swung the wolf away, but not before it could kick the pale yellow mare and knock her clean out. I threw it to the side, but it sprung up quickly and dashed around me, clawing the white unicorn deeply across her chest. She squealed before passing out herself.
“Now,” It turned to me, “Just you and I, ape.” The wolf growled.
“You can talk? The I’ll have you know… Those were children. And you’ll pay for their unnecessary pain.” I narrowed my eyes.
“So be it. Either you meet your ancestors, or I meet my packmates.” The wolf lunged for me. This time, he meant it. I caught his jaw out of muscle memory and redirected it into the dirt with my weight, pressing it farther in with a few punches. The wolf threw his back claws out, farther shredding my clothes and cutting my body shallowly. I cried out in pain and he turned the tables, jumping on top of me and going for my throat. I threw my arm up with reflex and it caught his teeth, crying out and pressing the advantage. I threw it off of me and got back on top of it. I brung my fist down on the wolfs face, cracking the wood around its jaw as well as inciting a yelp. I punched until the wolf’s head turned into a pile of sticks and kept on, even as the tears streamed down my face and the skin around my knuckles was torn apart.
“Damn it…” I cursed, then got up and walked over to the kids. All of them were still unconscious, making it hell to pick them up. With the orange one draped over my back, I put the white one in my left arm and the yellow one in my right and began my arduous journey through the forest. My heavy breath mixed with the already humid air, sweat and blood churning unpleasantly across my body and leaving behind a sticky feeling.
“Come on, John. You’ve been through worse in training…” I groaned and hefted the girls through the woods, my vision blurring as I reached the light at the end of the forest. I began to hear voices as I approached the exit, but they were faint. Or maybe it was just me.
“Okay girls, the Crusaders aren’t back yet and we have to go get them.” A murmur of agreements sounded around Twilight’s voice.
“I can not imagine what Sweetie was thinking when she ran off like that!” A snooty voice said.
“Ah rightly agree. Applebloom’s hide’s gonna be as red as Big Mac’s when I get ahold a her.” A southern voice replied with anger. I was almost to the edge of the woods, when my vision began to swim.
Gotta… Make it…
My ears were ringing, and my feet stumbling for purchase. I finally broke through the bank of woodland and immediately fell to my knees.
“H-H… H…” I struggled, hearing faint gasps. A flash of purple alleviate at least 150 pounds from my body. “Help… Them…” I sighed and my dizziness overtook me, my body collapsing into a heap. I remembered one last thing before drifting from consciousness.
Fluttershy was by my side in an instant.
~ ~ ~
I groaned, trying, and failing, to sit up. I laid myself back down gently, the sound of a KEG machine beeping regularly reaching my ears. I curiously cracked an eyelid open and saw myself in an actual hospital room.
So not Fluttershy’s.
“Does it hurt, John?” A voice asked from beside me. I turned my head to see a large, white, winged Unicorn.
“...Yes.” I admitted.
“Good.” She nodded resolutely. “Can you tell me what caused the wounds?”
“A Timberwolf.” She chuckled lightly. I closed my mouth. When it reopened, I said,
“Who are you?” My voice was more hoarse than I remembered.
“The reason I wish to know is not for your own good.” She ignored my question, “It’s for the good of my ponies.”
“You’re…” It hit me, my eyes widening. Then they drooped, along with the rest of my body. “I… see.” I sighed, “I know your student told you of me, and I accept my fate. I know how Diarchies work, but if you dare hurt Fluttershy for taking care of me, you won't live to see the next sunrise.” I said, leveling my gaze.
“You do not seem to be in a position to make such threats.”
“It doesn’t matter if I’m at deaths door, if you hurt her, I will end you.” She sat there for a moment, shocked, but then a gentle smile came over her face. She released a sigh, tension visibly leaving with it.
“I’m so glad to hear that.” She opened her eyes, which looked much more relaxed.
“Glad to hear a death threat?” I asked with confusion, inciting a chuckle.
“Goodness, no. I am just pleased to hear that you’d never harm one of my subjects.”
“Unless I am protecting myself or others, I do not harm other peo- ponies.” I corrected. She continued to smile.
“What caused the wounds on the children?”
“The same Timberwolf who’d attacked me when I first arrived, and survived. He thought he could get a snack, but I stopped him.” I said, “Unfortunately, not before they could get hurt. Are they alright?” I asked. She nodded to a colorful rectangle on the bedside table. I looked to it and saw cartoonish versions of the three children cheering. The words “Thank you for saving us, Mister Alien!” were scrawled across it, warming my heart.
“Their injuries were minor.” She said as I smiled at each of their names scrawled above the respective drawings, “The wolf only incapacitated them. They’re bandaged up, but otherwise fine.” She leaned in and smiled even deeper, “I can’t thank you enough for saving them. And I’m sure Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy feel the same way, if not more strongly. They are the elder sisters of Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, respectively.” I nodded, then frowned,
“I get that the older sisters would be grateful, but why Fluttershy?”
“Oh yes, you were unconscious when it happened. It was rather heartfelt, actually. When Scootaloo awoke, she clung to a very nervous Fluttershy. We all asked with concern why she wouldn’t leave poor Fluttershy’s side, then she said something I’ll never forget. She said, ‘Because she looks so much like mommy.’.” The tall mare let out a wistful sigh, “The next part of the story was told to me by Rainbow Dash. Apparently, Fluttershy was victim to a horrid crime 11 years ago. Being a 14 year-old girl, she was much too young and ill-equipped to take care of a child in those times. She dropped her foal off at an orphanage and has been keeping a distant watch since then. You see, Scootaloo was an orphan. She was abandoned by her mother at an Orphanage ten years ago.” My eyes widened as they made the connection. “Though, when Scootaloo said she looked like her mother, Fluttershy couldn’t hold back the truth any longer. She broke down and confessed everything. All the while, Scootaloo continued to cling to her.” The amazonian mare finished.
“Whoa…”
“Yes. I believe Fluttershy has a few things to say to you, but before I go, I’ve been looking into the anomalous magic that brought you here. Unfortunately,” She sighed, “I have been unable to find a way to get you home.”
“That’s… Alright, I suppose. I’ve made peace with being here..?”
“Celestia.”
“Right. I’ve come to terms with this, Celestia.”
“That is good to hear,” She smiled and turned to leave, “And John?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you, for saving my little ponies.”
“And thank you, for proving me wrong about you.” I returned her smile, causing her to lightly chuckle.
“You are very welcome.” She walked out, leaving me to contemplate what I was going to say to Fluttershy. I didn’t get very much time to contemplate, for the buttery Pegasus strode in mere seconds after Celestia left. She came up to the bed, and I opened my mouth the speak. No words came out, but that didn’t stop Fluttershy from kissing me with unrivaled passion. Then she pulled away.
“Wha-?” I was cut off by an extremely hard slap to the face.
“Ow-!” Another deep kiss.
Malfunction!
She pulled away and took a deep breath, then sighed.
“I’m sorry… I just… John, I love you.” She left a dramatic pause, “I didn’t realize it until I lost you, and I… I can’t thank you enough for bringing Scootaloo home to me, and then I… I slapped…” Her eyes widened and she began to hyperventilate.
“Fluttershy…” I said softly, resting a hand on her shoulder. She looked into my eyes for a solid minute while calming down. Before she could say anything else, she found herself in my arms.
“I’m sorry I let my paranoia get the better of me, and…” I pulled back a little, “I love you too, darlin’.” and pressed my lips to hers. She melted into me, myself wrapping my arms around her soft body. We stayed like that for awhile, enjoying one anothers embrace, but it couldn’t last. A knock echoed through the room, and Celestia stepped back in. Fluttershy ended up in the seat next to me by the time she saw a golden plated hoof.
“The media and the more paranoid citizens were in an uproar.” Celestia shook her head, “They were demanding I execute or imprison you for the losses of the guard trying to find you in the forest, John. I had to do something, and I’m terribly sorry I didn’t ask first.” A spike of fear jammed itself into my spine.
“What did you do?” I asked, already calculating ways for Fluttershy and I to escape. Of course, she’d bring Scootaloo, so I had to readjust the distribution of weight for air risis-”
“John Bilik,” She said after a deep breath, “ I hereby sentence you to remedial reformation under the careful gaze of the Element of Kindness.” She finished warmly. I sagged in relief.
“Th-Thank you, Celestia.” I smiled gratefully. She nodded once more, and left.
“It looks like we’ll be spending a lot more time together.” I chuckled, getting a giggle from Fluttershy.
“Yes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Celestia poked her head back in.
“I may have forgotten to mention, but any expenses you may have will be taken out of the castle treasury.” She retracted, and Fluttershy let out a breath I had no idea she’d been holding.
“I don’t like taking money… But to support you and Scootaloo… I have to.” She said. I put a hand on her shoulder.
“After this whole thing settles down and I earn some public trust, I promise I’ll find a job and do whatever it takes to support you both.” I smiled and hugged her deeply.
“Thank you, John.” She hugged back.
“It’s definitely my pleasure, gorgeous.” I said, getting a blush to creep into her face.
~~~
I was released from the hospital in the following few days, and Fluttershy, along with the rest of her friends, escorted me to her cottage.
“Make yourselves at home, I’ll go make some tea.” Fluttershy excused herself from the room.
“So,” The orange mare, whom I’d come to know as Applejack, started, “Ah jus’ want ta thank ya fer savin’ mah lil’ sis. Yer welcome at Sweet Apple Acres anytime.” She smiled, her southern drawl reminding me of home.
“Thank ya kindly.” I slipped back into my own accent for a moment.
“That sounded too natural to be patronizin’.” She let out a hearty laugh, “Just do right by Fluttershy, and y’all’ll do right by me.” She nodded and sat back.
“I really can’t thank you enough for bringing my Sweetie Belle home. If you ever need a new attire, have Fluttershy get me and I’ll take your measurements.”
“Why not now?” I asked.
“I simply don’t have the materials, darling.” She waved her hand nonchalantly.
“Hey, man.” The rainbow-haired flyer spoke out. “Hurt her, and I’ll hurt you, capiche?” She crossed her arms. I nodded.
“I couldn’t hurt her if I wanted to.” I said with a smile.
“Good.” She sat down. Pinkie Pie simply handed me a tan cupcake, the black icing strongly resembling my hair, and sat back down, with a wide smile, she gestured to the note attached to it. I furrowed my brow and opened the letter, reading it and going pale.
“...Understood.”
“Yay! I’m sure we’ll be the best of friends!” The Pink Demon bounced. I just shakily swallowed. That not was not appropriate for the human eye. I made a mental note to burn it later.
“Pinkie… What did that letter say?” Applejack asked.
“Just a bit of friendly advice!” She giggled. Fluttershy came back with the tea, saving Pinkie from further questioning. The tea was rather tasty, and we all had small talk. If I couldn’t see the ponies around me, I’d assume they were human, except for Pinkie. That mare terrified me. Eventually, they all began to file out. Twilight made an obvious attempt to linger. I don’t blame her, I mean, she did a pretty shitty thing. I don’t really hold any sort of grudge, she was only doing what she thought was best. Sure, she went about it the wrong way, but it’s all about the endgame.
“John, Fluttershy?” She said solemnly.
“Yes?” I crossed my arms.
“I’m… Sorry. I should have at least given you a chance to prove yourself.” I let a steely, unwavering pause draw out her misery until I was content. I slowly smiled.
“It’s alright, Twilight. As long as you learned to be a little more trusting of other sapiants, I accept your apology.” I said, then looked to Fluttershy.
“...Apology accepted.” She hesitated. Twilight lit up and hugged us both.
“Thank you.” She said and left. I let out a wistful sigh and put an arm around Fluttershy.
“Well, darlin’, Celestia told me herself that there is no way home.”
“Oh! I’m so sorry, John...’ She said and pulled herself into me.
“I don’t mind anymore,” I looked down at her and smiled, “In fact, I actually prefer this.” I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers, melting into a loving embrace with my gorgeous mare.
~~~
The nightmares never truly stopped. After the first few months, they lessened, but never stopped. At first, every time I closed my eyes I’d see my mother weeping, or maybe my father with a smoking barrel in his cold hand. It was tourcher, ripping me apart from the inside. Fluttershy was always there for me, though. Perhaps that is the reason they lessened. Not even the famous Princess of the Night, Luna, could cure my emotional distraught-induced dreams.
Of course, Flutters and I stayed strong for each other, but months of bottled emotion wasn’t good for the soul. I needed release from my demons. I needed closure, so I went to Twilight, the Element of Magic. Now that the Tree of Harmony business had concluded, the purple Alicorn was stronger than ever. He personal power, already enhanced by her Alicorn form, and the Harmonic energies coursing through her veins made her capable of basically rewriting reality. I’d seen her do it. I didn’t want to leave this world, I’d grown to love it. I couldn’t leave Fluttershy, either. For her too, I’d grown to love. Perhaps I could get the Alicorn of Magic to send me back temporarily? That was my only hope. My hand drew up and hesitated directly over the door of Twilight’s Crystal Palace. I inhaled deeply, and let off three sharp knocks. Some random stallion answered the door.
“Yes, how may I assis-” He stopped abruptly at my appearance.
“I…” I shook my head and took on a more formal tone. “I seek an audience with Princess Twilight Sparkle. Inform her that John said it was urgent.” I spoke in an authoritative tone.
“Um… Uh… O-Okay. Right away, sir.” The stallion regained his formal, stotic butler mannerisms after a moment. He hurried away, and I stepped in the palace, admiring the architecture to get my mind off of why I was there. A sudden feeling of nausea accompanied a purple flash, then I was deposited on a floor of crystal. My heart raced, pumping blood and adrenaline through my body.
No… My tears found a small crack in my eyelids, which were clenched shut. No… No! it happened again, god damn it! I slammed my hand down on the hard floor and let out a loud sob.
“J-John?” A worried, yet very familiar, voice called. My eyes snapped wide and I looked up at a concerned purple Alicorn. Seeing that I was still in Equestria, and had likely never left, I chuckled. The chuckle morphed into a laugh, then that laugh mutated into an uproar. I heaved and wheezed and clutched my pained sides, my eyes not leaving their newly maniac state.
“John!” Twilight’s voice pierced my ears, but I couldn’t stop laughing no matter how much I tried. Slowly, the laughter crawled to an end, and I was reduced to a quivering ball in the center of the throne room. “John…” The Princess ventured, “Are you okay?” I took a deep, shaky breath and stood.
“I’m… Fine. I thought I had been stolen from my home. Again… What just happened, anyway?” I shook my head to clear it.
“I… Oh, Celestia! John, I’m so sorry, it was just a short range teleport and you said it was urgent and-” I held up a silencing hand and wiped a tear away.
“It’s… Alright. This is urgent.” My eyes darted to her various guards. One of which was currently glaring at me. “And personal.” Twilight must have noticed my discomfort, because she dismissed her guards with a wave of her hand and a few words.
“But mi’lady!” The glaring one tried to oppose, but was silenced by her soft gaze.
“It’s alright, Flash. He can be trusted.” She smiled. He grumbled out an okay and strode out, but not without one last glare towards me. I would hazard a guess that he didn’t like me.
“I… Need your help.” I hesitated.
“What with?” She asked. I took a deep breath before speaking.
“I’ve been having nightmares. About my old life and family. I just need closure.” I choked back another sob.
“You want to leave?” She asked with asstonishment.
“Not permanently, but… long enough to say goodbye.” I clarified. The silence was thick.
“You may be in luck, John. There was a recent breakthrough in Anomalic Magic, and I have the data.” She cut it and my hopelessness in two. “But,” She continued, “Not even Celestia could cast the anomaly. I was hoping to tell you later, when I had figured out more.” That did not deter me in the slightest.
“But you’re the literal Element of Magic! You far surpass Celestia since your transformation. I know you can do it.” She blushed and rubbed the nape of her neck.
“Ah… Well…” She sighed, “Okay, I’ll give it a shot. But I can’t promise anything.” She said, magic swirling up her horn. Nothing happened at first, then I felt something intrusive in my mind. I furrowed my brow, looking at Twilight’s waning horn.
“What was that?” The feeling had went as quick as it came, leaving me slightly confused.
“Just a quick memory revealing spell, I needed to know where to open the anomaly.” She explained, “Unfortunately, you’ll only have a short amount of time. When you feel the tug, you’ll have ten seconds left.”
“Hopefully, I don’t need long.” I said. Her horn lit up once more, only this time much brighter. A rift about my height ripped itself into reality.
“Go! I can’t hold the rift for long!” She exclaimed. I pounced through it and rolled into my mothers bed. I looked over to the clock seeing it read:
“7:30…”
“HOLY SHIT I’M LATE!” I heard myself say. it was slightly disturbing, but I’ve dealt with worse.
“John!” My mother groaned, shifting to look at me.
“Don’t freak out.” I warned, seeing her confused look, “I’m from the future, and I need to tell you that I don’t have much time. You probably won't see me after this. It pains me to say, but know that I’m happy and will write you every day.” A strange tugging sensation felt its way around my body and I gripped my mother in a tight hug, which she quickly returned. “I’m sorry, mom…”
“Why..?”
“Because my curiosity got the better of me, and magical anomalies. I… I love you, mom.” A tear ran down my cheek.
“I love you too, son.” With a flash, I appeared back in the crystalline throne room, clutching at thin air. I sagged and smiled softly.
“Twilight… How often can you do that?” I asked quietly.
“I… I don’t think I could ever create one of that magnitude again. But maybe a smaller one… Though there would have to be a fail-safe attached to the object so whatever you send can be sent back.”
“Why?”
“It’s laden with magic. Extended periods of time in an atmosphere with none would have… Explosive effects.” She explained.
“I see… I’ll meet you here tomorrow with a letter to send. Can you have it figured out by then?” I asked.
“I’ll do my best.” Twilight smiled. She was taken aback at my sudden embrace.
“Thank you so much, Twilight. This means a lot to me. I forgive you for everything.” I smiled. She returned it when I backed off.
“Thank you, John.” With that, I strode from the room with a skip in my step, knowing the nightmares could no longer breech my wall of closure.