A man was struck by a bolt of lightning, sending him into a world of ponies as a blue hedgehog.
Henry,a young man who was struck by lightning during freak storm. It sent him hurtling into a world of ponies as a blue hedgehog with superspeed. Soon however he would discover that this world would only be one of countless others.
I was sitting back at my desk, doing homework. I was not fond of the dark clouds rising over our little farmhouse. I saw my little sister wandering around outside near the big tree, I dropped my pen and bolted out of my room. Bursting out of the house I ran toward my sister, I grimaced as a bolt of lightning struck near the tree. I ran over to her as she cowered near the tree, I shouted “Emily! We need to go! Now!”
Emily ran over to me, tears in her eyes “Henry, I’m scared!”
I grabbed her arm and pulled her along “I’ll get you to safety!” I pulled her towards the farmhouse, bolts of lightning were striking all around me. This was not natural, I shouted at her as I pushed her towards the house “GET INSIDE! NOW!” Before I could follow, I screamed as felt my body burning.
I suddenly felt myself tossed forward at incredible speed, reality blurring around me. I groaned as I regained my bearings, I felt shorter. I looked at my arms, they were blue with oversized white gloves covering my hands. I also was wearing a pair of red shoes with white stripes. My name was Henry but another name popped into my mind, Sonic. Hmm, was that to be my new name.
I saw a small town, I ran towards it. I moved so fast that I barely avoided crashing into someone, they were a strange looking orange mare. She frowned “Where are ya going, moving so fast like that.”
I was taken aback by their speech. I then bowed “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to move that fast. You can call me Henry or Sonic.”
She looked at me “You’re rather polite aren’t ya. Ah’m Applejack, it’s nice to meet ya. Do ya have a place to stay ‘cause ya don’t see to be from ‘round here.”
I nodded “I’m not. That would be helpful.”
Applejack smiled “Follow me, Ah’ll show you around on the way.” I followed Applejack, she pointed a hoof to a building that looked like it was made of sweets “This is Sugarcube Corner, if ya looking for a place to have a load off this is the place. Mah friend Pinkie Pie works here, she is very eccentric but ya’ll always have fun with her ‘round. Ah guarantee it.”
We continued on, I frowned as I saw a building that looked like a carousel. I frowned “Who lives there?”
Applejack frowned “That’s Rarity's place, she is the local dressmaker. Generous to the core, she gives away a lot of dresses to those who need them for special events but can’t afford them. She can be a bit of drama queen and her occupation isn’t really too important here. We don’t talk much, Ah tried to be that type of pony once. It didn’t suit me.”
I nodded “That’s fair.” We walked through the centre of town, I frowned “Is there somewhere I could practice my speed. If I can’t learn how fast I can move, I might hurt someone.”
Applejack frowned “Well there is the local pond or if you are really fast the Everfree Forest. Most of it is full of monsters, so chances are you won’t bump into anypony in there.”
I smiled “I think I’ll do that, thanks Applejack.”
Applejack nodded with a smile “No problem.” We walked towards a huge farm, apple trees were covering most of the hillside. A small farmhouse was visible, a large barn nearby. Applejack smiled “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.”
I grinned “This reminds me of home, I lived on a farm before I came here. I’m glad to be somewhere familiar.”
Applejack nudged me “Well then let’s get ya settled in. Maybe tomorrow ya can help me with some of the farm work.” I nodded in agreement, the two of us headed towards the farmhouse. When we entered, a small pale yellow pony was sitting at the table with two other small ponies. One was orange and had wings, the other was white and had a horn.
I turned to Applejack, she smiled “That’s mah sister Apple Bloom, the two beside are her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.” She then turned to them “Ah met him in town, he had nowhere to stay so Ah asked if he wished to stay with us and he agreed. Treat him with respect, he is a guest.”
An elderly pale green mare approached, she eyed me carefully before nodding “He can stay with us. I can see it in his eyes, he is a dependable sort.”
I bowed “Thank you ma’am.” Soon Applejack took me upstairs to the guest room, it had a small bed and a bedside table. It was all I really needed.
Applejack smiled “Ah have work to do so, just remember that ya need to get up early if ya wish to help on the farm.” I nodded with a smile, I went to the nearest bathroom. I looked in the mirror, I looked like a blue cartoon hedgehog, I groaned. Today was just weird, still I’m alive and considering I got hit by lightning during that freak storm, that is a plus.
I shook my head of those thoughts, I headed for the forest. I arrived at the edge and burst into a run, I tried to turn at the incredible speeds, I was barely avoiding crashing into a mountain. I turned around to realise that I had moved far past the forest. I decided to rush back, actually managed to stop before entering the forest. I decided to run between the mountain and the forest, as I practised stopping I started to realise that my mind was speeding up. The landscape that passed around me started to get slower and slower.
This made turning easier as I could see what around me, by the time the sun went down I was able to stop and turn easily. I supposed controlling such speed can be done quickly, I rushed back to Sweet Apple Acres, stopping at the part of the forest in which I entered. Applejack frowned “Where were ya?”
I rubbed the back of my head “I was practising my speed, running between the other side of the Everfree Forest and a bunch of mountains near a barren plain. I lost count of how many times I ran that distance.”
Applejack blinked “Ya ran to the Macintosh Mountains multiple times in one day without even the slightest sign of exhaustion. How?!”
I frowned “I’m not sure Applejack, to be honest I was struck by a bolt of lightning and ended up somewhere nearby before I ran to your position. I bumped into you by chance,I know as much as you do.”
Applejack shook her head “Ah have no reason to doubt ya, come in and get something to eat.” I nodded, I was not going to get anywhere by worrying about these things.
I woke up, I looked out the window. The sun was not even up, I yawned and pushed myself off my bed. I opened the window and leapt out, jogging towards the forest. I didn't want to move too fast, this was just a warm up. I jogged around the Everfree Forest a few times to warm up, didn’t want to sprain a muscle at such speed.
I frowned as I saw the Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo heading into the Everfree Forest. I ran over to them “Where do you think you are going? I’m sure you have been told that this forest is dangerous, and to would be more when it is dark?”
Scootaloo grinned “We were going to see if we get our Cutie Marks in Manticore taming!”
I glared at her “You should not be so foolish as to leap into danger without the slightest thought. Do you even know if that is even possible?”
Sweetie Belle chirped “Fluttershy told me about how she befriended one during the Nightmare Moon incident. I thought we could try, if the most timid mare in town could do it so could we.”
I raised an eyebrow “I have not met Fluttershy yet, so that doesn’t mean much. Regardless, you sister warned me of the danger and the only reason I got out fine is because I’m fast. I can get from one side to the other in less than second.”
Apple Bloom deadpanned “I don’t believe ya!” I rushed off heading to the north, grabbing a piece of snow and running back. I turned in into a snowball and ran back, I threw the snowball at her face. Apple Bloom shook her head as the other two fillies blinked “Where did you get that snowball?”
I smirked “From the Frozen North, now let’s get you three back to Sweet Apple Acres.” I grabbed the three fillies, rushing them back to the farm.
Applejack blinked as I carried the three fillies inside “Why are ya carrying mah sister and her friends inside at this hour?”
I frowned “They were attempting to enter the forest in the dark, I’d assumed an already dangerous place would be more dangerous in the dark. So I brought them back here before they got hurt.”
Applejack glared at them “Go to your room and don’t leave until breakfast. After breakfast you two will stay here until you need to go to school. Apple Bloom you’re grounded. As for the Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, Ah’ll leave that to ya families.”
Applejack turned back to the kitchen, she was flipping pancakes on a pan. I grinned as she placed the pancakes on the table, she frowned “Ah’m sorry that there is no meat but ponies don’t eat that kind of food. Ah might be able to figure something out for ya if all goes well.”
I smiled “No problem Applejack, you have invited into your home and given me a place to stay. That’s more than enough.” She smiled at me.
After we all ate breakfast, Applejack and I headed out to the orchards alongside a large quiet light crimson stallion. Applejack smiled “Ah forgot to introduce ya to mah big brother. Henry, this is Big Mac.”
I smiled “Nice to meet you.”
He nodded “Same.”
Quiet type huh, that was good to know. Applejack pointed to the orchards up ahead “Ah’ll harvest the trees and Big Mac pulls the cart back to the barn. Can ya handle placing empty baskets under the trees and putting the full ones on the cart?”
I smiled “I can do that.”
Applejack smiled “The baskets are in the barn.” She then pointed a hoof at one of the baskets “That’s were they are to be placed.” I nodded running to the barn, picking up the baskets. I darted around the orchard placing the baskets at rapid speed.
I returned to Applejack after completing my task “I’m done.”
Applejack blinked, she was still standing in the same spot that she was when I left “How fast are ya?” She then shook her head “That’s all for now, I suggest you go into town and meet some ponies.
Pinkie wanted to meet ya but ya were too quick for her.”
I smiled “I will, see you tonight Applejack.” I headed into town, I ducked as a pink pony leapt at me. I ducked before turning to her “You’re Pinkie Pie right. Why did you want to see me?”
Pinkie Pie bounced around me “Because I wanted to throw you a party! I throw everypony I meet a party, although your not a pony! Still that won’t stop me from throwing you a party! It will have cakes and streamers and candy and chocolate and pinatas and...!”
I shook my head “I’m sorry Pinkie but that’s not my scene. I have never really had any interest in parties, the only birthday party I had was cancelled because I didn’t show up. I was 13 when it happened, my family were strict on the farm work but my mother wanted me to make some friends. By that point I didn’t care about making friends, farmwork was my life. I got up at dawn, milked cows and then let them out to graze. Fed the horses and pigs, then I had to tend the fields. After that was done I went off to school.”
Pinkie Pie teared up “Does that mean you never had fun?”
I chuckled “I enjoyed farmwork, that was my fun. I found joy in work.” I then frowned “Having said that making friends was never really something that I did. I socialised with others only out of obligation, the bullies hated me and everyone else ignored me. I cared little for any of it.”
Pinkie Pie blinked “Wait, Applejack is your friend isn’t she? Your enjoy her company!”
I shrugged “I suppose, I won’t deny a friendship if it walks up to me but I have no interest in seeking friends. She has my respect for being a fellow hard worker. Now with that out of the way, I should head back.”
Pinkie Pie grabbed me by the legs “Please let me throw you a party?’
I peeled her off my feet “The answer is no. I don’t like others throwing parties for me specifically.” I placed her on the ground, I turned and walked away heading back to the farm. I could the loud sound of sobbing behind me.
On the way back, a purple unicorn mare with a tricoloured mane storm over to me. I frowned “Who are you?”
She scowled at me “I’m Twilight Sparkle and you made my friend Pinkie Pie cry! She just wants to make everypony smile, why couldn’t you just attend a party thrown for you.”
I grimaced “I hate being at the centre of attention, in a party about me I have to be. I have been to others’ parties where I sat in a corner and talked to no-one. They forgot I was there until it was time to leave.” I took a deep breath “If you ponies can’t handle that, then I’ll have to find somewhere that can.”
Twilight frowned “What about Applejack, she’s your friend?”
I crossed my arms “Twilight, I don’t need friends. My relationship with Applejack is the closest I’ve had to a friendship. I can function on my own, my only ties was to my family but I have no idea if I can even get back to them. I have no need for ties in this world.”
Twilight looked at me in shock “But friendship is the source of all magic.”
I shrugged “My power is not from magic, it comes from something else. I have no access to magic so that doesn’t mean anything to me. I come from a different world with different values, if I am to stay here you and everypony here has to accept that.”
At that moment Applejack over to us, the look on her face was conflicted. She took a deep breath “Henry, Ah understand what ya are saying. Ya not like us and that’s okay, Ah’ll explain it to Pinkie. She is not good at understanding things like this, she’s like a foal in that way. Most ponies find that quality endearing but ya are more of a loner. She has never had to deal with someone like that before, the closest was Gilda but she was far more aggressive then ya are. For now let’s get some food in ya, we can talk later.”
Twilight nervously rubbed the back of her head “Maybe we can discuss your world a little more tomorrow?”
I smiled “Sure, I’ll be over after I am done with farmwork.”
Twilight smiled “See you then.” After that, Applejack and I returned to Sweet Apple Acres.
I headed into town after finishing my chores for the day. The ponies looked at me strangely, I ignored the looks. I guess Applejack hadn't gotten around to explaining everything, that wasn't a problem. I saw the Boutique from yesterday, might as well say hi. I knocked on the door. A white unicorn mare with a purple mane opened the door. I bowed my head “You must be Rarity, I go by Henry or Sonic. I was just saying hi, I may come back for some clothes at a later date.”
Rarity smiled “Why don’t you come in now, I have some time.” I bowed before entering, I frowned as several tape measures flew around me. I grimaced as they began taking my measurements, she frowned at my shoes “They aren’t exactly pretty.”
I frowned “Maybe not but anything frilly will be torn to shreds at the speeds I can move. I could make hundreds of runs between the other side of the Everfree Forest and the mountains to the south, there was a barren plain on the other side.”
Rarity blinked “You could run to the mountain near the badlands multiple times during a second!” She took a deep breath “Even if you are exaggerating, you are moving at incredible speeds. Far faster than the fastest of Pegasi. Anything you wear would be torn to shreds, unless made something incredibly, without losing flexibility.” She smiled at me “You are a unique challenge, this is going to take me some time.”
I frowned “I’m sorry if I wasting your time.”
Rarity brushed it off “Nonsense, I love a challenge. Just give me some time to find the right materials. Once I do, I’ll contact you to get the designs right. Such materials won’t exactly be commonplace, so I’d like to get it right the first time.”
I bowed “Well then I'll take my leave, thank you Rarity for you time.”
Rarity responded “You are welcome, it is always a pleasure to help a friend.”
I chuckled slightly “You are all so eager to make friends, you make it seem so easy. Still, I’m glad that you consider me a friend.” I left with a slight smile on my face. I wondered who else I was going to meet today. I leapt backwards as I saw a sky blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane gunning for me. I growled “What was that for!”
She growled “I heard you made Pinkie Pie cry! I’m going to make you pay for that!”
I gritted my teeth “Is the fact that I didn’t want a party such a big deal!”
The sky blue mare shouted “You don’t like parties! You must be some foul monster! I, Rainbow Dash, will defeat you!” I groaned as Rainbow rushed me, as I started to move it felt like time slowed down around me. Rainbow was moving at a snail’s pace, I could see everyone of her muscles starting to contort. She was getting angrier.
It was only by the fact that Applejack galloped over, getting in the way that stopped Rainbow’s assault. Applejack glared at Rainbow “Why are you attacking Henry for? This better not be about that thing with Pinkie?”
Rainbow growled “How can anypony not like parties!”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “He isn’t a pony though, where he comes from things are different.”
I nodded “Yes, I lived for work. Besides I was not one for making friends, I didn’t not actively seek our companionship. Humans tolerate each other and making friends is something you have to put effort into, I just didn’t care about doing that.”
Rainbow looked between me and Applejack, she rubbed the back of her head “Sorry, I got a little carried away. Pinkie is the heart of this town and someone upsetting her, set me off.”
I groaned “Just don’t do again.” I wandered away from everyone, I needed some time alone. I strolled into the Everfree Forest, if I was attacked I could always run. The forest was actual rather nice, the cool breeze, the smell of flowers and the sounds of animals. I frowned as I saw two Manticores guarding their cub from Timberwolves.
I rushed over smashing the wolves and darting away, I slowed down as I went further into the forest. I heard something move, I turned only to see a pair of blue eyes staring at me. I looked around, more and more appearing. Suddenly the creatures that the eyes belonged to leapt of the shadows, their black bodies were hard to see at a distance but I was fast enough to dodge their attacks.
I rushed at them kicking and punching each of them, even as more poured out of the darkness. I got sick of the creatures and bolted past them at full speed, I easily left the forest’s boundaries. I was stopped as I tripped over something, I winced as I crashed into the ground at speed. I pushed myself off the ground, I groaned running back to find what I tripped over. It was a strange looking white thing that I couldn’t recognise.
It almost looked like two white boomerangs, connected together by a white bar. I picked it up, a that I couldn’t recognise voice spoke“My name is Diego. The warrior of white. I fight for freedom and to protect the innocent. If you seek aid in a time of need, call upon me. If you oppress others for your own gain, beware the barrel of my gun. When you seek the light of a star, call upon me. I am Super Voltron.”
I grimaced, this was something certainly strange. It was bad enough that I had to deal with those strange bugpony things but then I crashed into this device that started talking to me. I frowned, running back to Ponyville. Applejack smiled “I’m glad your back.”
I shrugged “I just needed some time to think. Also do you know of any strange bug things that live in the Everfree Forest?”
She shook her head “No, I’ll ask Twilight about it later. In the meantime, come back to the farm. Have some lunch, I’ll introduce to Fluttershy sometime after all you have interacted with my close friends.”
I raised an eyebrow “Rarity’s a close friend?”
Applejack laughed “We may not have much in common but she is a hard worker in her own way. I won’t fault her for having different world view to me.” I nodded, ready to head back to my new home.
It was early in the morning, the sun starting to peak over the horizon. I frowned as I saw massive portals opening in the skies, thousand of ships poured out of the massive portals. Out of each ship, robot animals poured out of the ships some descending into town. I ran into town at full speed, the robots were attacking the town.
Some of the robots looked like ponies, others like other creatures similar to me. I rushed through smashing the robots apart in the town, I followed the robots trail. I spun into a ball, slamming into the robots, using them to bounce my way onto the ship. I raced along the ship, punching robots apart.
A voice echoed from the ship, it sounded familiar “Ah another version of my archenemy, Sonic. I am Dr Eggman. Your world and it’s inhabitant will be mine.! Metal Sonics, deploy to get rid of this interloper!”
I frowned as hundred of robots that looked like me, emerged from the ship. They rushed toward me, I dodged their attacks with ease. I then broke them to pieces with rapid punches and kicks small gem of various colours falling out of them. I saw the figure’s face turn up on a monitor, he was a roundish man wearing lot’s of red. He growled “You the most infuriating hedgehog I have ever met!”
I frowned as more Metal Sonics emerged, he then shouted “Activate the Super Mode. Deploy the Metal Overlords!” The Metal Sonics glowed gold, they stayed at a distance throwing razor sharp yellow energy attacks. I focused my power, I took to the skies smashing them apart with punches and kicks.” More of these small coloured gems dropped to the ground.
Eggman threw a tantrum “I’ll destroy you pesky hedgehog!” Huge metal dragon like creatures flew around. I was easily able to dodge their attacks and break them apart, large green gems fell out of the sky. The rest turned Golden as well, did all of his machines have super states.
These creatures were tougher, far tougher. It took several attacks to break just one, when I did another large green gem fell out. I grimaced as I fought the hellish machines. I kicked one into another only for a mountain of ice-cream to fall on them. A serpentine figure with crossed arms glared at the machines, he nodded to me. I grabbed one of the Metal Overlords by the tail using it as a club.
Soon we had cleared out the robot, we then smashed the ships into pieces. The figure held out hand “I’m Discord, Lord of Chaos. Henry, this Dr Eggman seeks to consume all life and turn them into his servants. He has already inflicted untold damage on countless realities. I am asking you for sake of all life, to stop him once and for all!”
I nodded “This place will not be safe until he is defeated. I will not hesitate.”
We arrived back in Ponyville only to see a white winged pony with a horn and a dark blue pony similar to the other arrive in a carriage. Discord nodded “Princess Luna, Princess Celestia. I wish we could talk under better circumstances.”
Luna hissed at him “So is this your doing, snake!”
Discord’s eyes narrowed “I am many things Luna, but do not insinuate that I am a genocidal maniac. I was released by the Spirit of Harmony, for once we both agree on something. The safety of our world depended on my intervention.”
It was not long before Applejack and her friends alongside me, Discord and the Princesses were cramped into the Library. Luna frowned “What do we about this threat!”
I frowned “I have to follow them, Discord told me about his intentions and given that his army had several pony machines. I am inclined to agree, I am the only one who can stop him. He will return with a bigger army.”
Discord nodded “I can conceal our reality once you leave.”
I closed my eyes focusing power into the ground, a huge blue HS mark formed underneath the building. This will allow me to return here. Twilight blinked “How did you even do that?”
I grimaced “I am not sure to be honest, I don’t where my power comes from. What I do know is that I am needed out there.”
Applejack smiled “Ah’ve only know ya for a few days but ya have been a great help.”
I smiled “Thanks, AJ for everything. Farewell my friends, I will return.” I waved as I exited the building. I then burst into a run, hitting my top speed.
I soon found myself on a world, the sky was dark the barest hint of light shining through. I saw two robots coming down the path, I was prepared to break them. I pulled into the bush by an orange foal with an oversized stetson on her head and three apples one her flank. It was a little version of Applejack,. Little Applejack whispered “Ya are crazy, what are ya doing! If his robots see ya, nopony will ever find ya again.”
I whispered “Why are you here then.”
Little Applejack pointed to her Saddlebags “Ah was stealing supplies for the Resistance. If ya want to meet our leader, follow me.” I followed the little filly, we snuck into a swamp. She knocked on a wooden door “Eggman stinks!” The door opened, letting us in. We entered small underground facility, the ponies were armed with guns strapped to their sides or resting in holsters.
A light yellowish mare glares at me “Who are ya and why are ya in the company of mah daughter!”
I cross my arms “I intend to bring Eggman down with everything I’ve got. I was about to start when your daughter pulled me out of the way.”
The mare frowned “Ah’m Pear Butter, ya are pretty bold trying to defeat Eggman’s Army alone. We are about to move again, Eggman has been getting too...” As explosion rocked through the compound, robots began pouring in from a whole in the ceiling. I took to the air, grabbing one of the Silver Sonic’s and slamming it into one of the Metal Sonic’s both exploding.
I ripped apart a Mecha Sonic in two, dashing upwards. I slam into the Metal Overlord, ripping it head off. I then spin through the robot, destroying it with ease. I landed as they destroyed the Badniks running around. I crossed my arms “Let’s find a new base and start preparing to actually win this war.”
Pear Butter nodded “I agreed!” We left trying to find a new place for a hidden base.
It had been a few days since we had left, the base. We found a cave and used some of the tools we had with us to create enough space for us to hide out of sight. Pear Butter approached me “Sonic, Ah need ya to collect some materials. We need to arm up and build up our technology.”
I nodded “Yes, I will collect what I can.”
Pear Butter put a hoof on my shoulder “Ah must thank ya, we have been running low on hope. Ya have lit fire under many here, that there may be a chance of victory.”
I gave her a thumbs up “I’ll be back soon.” I snuck out of the cave, slowly. After I made enough distance, I then sped away. I arrived at a huge factory with a big Eggman logo on it. I snuck up to the building, I pushed open a door. I poked my head in, there was no sign of any robots. I saw a camera on the wall looking away from the door, I grabbed a rock breaking the camera with it.
The interior was full of large conveyor belts and bits of scrap all over the dirty brown factory. I grabbed the rock and snuck around, there was no sound of robots. I broke several more cameras with the rock. I heard the sound of robots, I poked my head around the corner. I threw my rock at one of the cameras. The robots reacted to it breaking, I snuck out of sight and then when they turned their back I broke them apart.
It was two giant robot hornets and two giant robot beetles, easy to scrap. They were pushing a cart, it was full of high tech weapons and loads of computer parts. I pulled the cart out of the doorway, I entered in. I feel like this Eggman is too careless with his shipments, likely hasn’t faced true opposition in a while other than me.
I grinned, guess it’s time for his wake up call. It took me a bit longer to get the cart back, I had to steady it every now then and make sure I didn’t lose the cart. I looked around me as I ran, the ground was dead and piles of toxic waste was everywhere. I even saw a factory in the distance pumping toxic sludge into the oceans.
That idiot, life can’t survive without water. I managed to to get the cart back to the base, Pear Butter looked over the cart “This is high end equipment and material, used for building his strongest robots.” She looked at me “Where did you get this?”
I dusted myself off “I snuck into one of his factories, took out the guards and escaped. No-one has ever tried so it was lightly guarded. I doubt it will be so easy next time, if we wish to beat Eggman we need to take over his factories. Use them to make us better weapons and armaments, Eggman has been taking over other universes. This world is not his only base, we need to ready to face him.”
Pear Butter nodded turning to the crowd “Ah know this may seem reckless but we have been playing it safe! We have made no progress and our number are growing thin, to the point we have to send foals out to do what we should be doing! Today we take the first step to taking back our world!” The crowd roared, rushing in and grabbing the new weapons, preparing to face the enemy.
Pear Butter gestured me to follow her, we went into her private room. I took a seat next to her, there was a photo of herself, Big Mac, Applejack and another stallion in a worn out wooden frame. Applejack's father if I had to guess. Pear Butter frowned “Ah believe what ya said because you wouldn’t have Applejack’s name otherwise. Besides, before Eggman came there was no such thing as talking hedgehogs.” She then picked up the picture frame “That is my husband Bright Mac, he was the leader before me. He was strong, tougher than me. We had hope back then but after his death, then Big Mac followed his father to the grave as well. That alongside our dwindling numbers and resources caused hope to die in all of us.”
I nodded “It’s good that I’m here then. It is time for the Eggman’s reign of terror to end, not just in this world or even in this universe but all of them.”
Pear Butter nodded “Well let's start with the overtaking of his bases. Let’s do good tomorrow.” I gave her a thumbs up as I left. I headed to my cave room I laid against the wall, slowly descending into slumber.
I woke up early, joining Pear Butter in the briefing room. Pear Butter looked at me “Yare up early.”
I shrugged “I have lived on a farm for most of my life, it’s part of the job.”
Pear Butter nodded “Ah was a farmer before all of this, sadly now there is no farming to be done.”
I frowned “There will be again, after all an army marches on it’s stomach. Once we win here, we will need food to supply all of our new recruits. I doubt you are the only group trying to survive.”
Before we could discuss any more, everyone else joined us. They all had their weapons ready, we moved out. We had to strike hard and fast, we rushed out of our little outpost. Even young Applejack was carrying one of the smaller weapons. We marched towards the nearby factory, I frowned as I saw that there were Badniks everywhere “It seems that my intrusion was noted, enough to fortify the position against raiders.”
I went in first, starting the attack. Smashing apart the tiny bots with ease, Badniks were very easy to break.” I frowned as a Metal Overlord in it’s Super Mode emerged. I leapt at it, smashing it with a single strike. It seemed I had grown stronger. I signaled for the resistance to attack, before I could reengage I felt a pulse of sorrow. Something was crying out for help, it was coming from below.
I turned to see that the resistance was handling the Badniks handily, evidently the defense was based on the Super Overlord. I found a part of the wall that was slightly out of place I smashed through it. A white lit up stairway led downward, I headed down. I frowned as I saw a robotic Eggman, surrounded by Super Metal Sonics.
The emotional pulse echoed again from what seemed to be a cell, the Super Metal Sonics turned to the cell charging energy. I rushed forward, smashing the SMSs. I then destroyed the robotic Eggman with a punch. In the cell was a creature that was certainly strange. Hundreds of tentacles made up it’s body, teeth jutted out of the creature in random places. Eyes scattered across its body, each one filed with sorrow.
I looked at the console, there was big button that said do not press. I pressed it, the cell bars lowering into the floor. The creature came out, a cheery female voice came out of it’s mouths “My name is Carnith Soththog. Although you can call me Camie.”
I held out a hand “Well let’s get you out of this dingy dungeon Camie.”
Camie took my hand nervously with a tentacle “Your not scared of me, most are horrified at being in my presence.”
I shrugged “I care little for appearances, actions speak louder than words.” I guided her out of the dungeons, up the stairs. Once I guided her out, the ponies turned to me and then pointed their guns at Camie. I raised my hand “She was a prisoner of Eggman, she is not the enemy.”
Pear Butter frowned “You do realise she is a monster right?”
I raised an eyebrow “What defines a monster? Hmm, because you are defining her by her appearance. Just because someone thinks you looks scary or frightening doesn’t make them a monster.” I then shook my head “Right now, we need to establish a defensive perimeter and make this place livable for everyone.”
Pear Butter sighed “Fine but that creature is your responsibility.”
Pear Butter left to direct everyone around, Camie smiled nervously “Thank you for defending me. I was expecting that kind of reception so it is nothing new.”
I smiled “No need to worry about that, anyway my name is Henry or Sonic. You can use either.” We headed for a corner of the facility, I frowned “How did Eggman capture you anyway?”
Camie grimaced “I was wander between universes, looking for anything I find interesting. I liked this world, it was pretty and peaceful. At least until Eggman took over. I fought hard but I wasn’t strong enough. Ever since then I have been locked up in that cell and experimented on. They haven't got anything out of me but they keep doing it anyway.”
I gave her a hug “Don’t worry about it. We’ll fix this world together.” This is nice, I wonder if this is what friendship is supposed to be like. We sat there for a while, just watching the ponies go about their business.
It had been several hours since we took over the factory.Camie and I were heading to where the temporary lodging was. I frowned as the ponies stared at us, Camie rubbed her tentacles nervously. I smiled “Relax Camie, I won’t let them do anything.” I gave the staring ponies a glare, they turned away.
Camie smiled “Thanks, it’s good to have you on my side.”
Pear Butter came over to us, she eyed Camie for a moment before nodding at me “I’ll show to your temporary lodging.” We followed her to a larger tent than the others, we entered the tent that was constructed. It had three beds crudely wielded together with three well-worn mattresses, a small bucket for a toilet and nothing really else. She frowned “It’s not much but it’s all we can cobble together.”
I shrugged “It’s probably much better than a cave. It will be fine.” Pear Butter nodded, leaving us. She probably had a lot of work to do, now that hope was finally here for them.
I walked over to the bed and laid down, I waved at Camie “Come over here and lay down.” She slithered over, joining me. I frowned “What was your family like?”
Camie sighed “My family didn’t like my need to interact with worlds. We were supposed to be indifferent, my family cared little for anything even me. I became an outcast among my kind. I was too cheery.”
I shrugged “I was an outcast because I didn’t care for anything really, just doing what I had too. Still it’s good to have company.” I sighed “You have been very lonely haven’t you, if you ever need to talk about anything come to me.”
She smiled “Thanks. It's good to talk about things with someone, I have had bad luck with making friends because of my appearance.”
I smiled “We all need someone, I just never realised it.” I turned to Camie “What are you plans after this?”
Camie frowned “I’m going with you, I don’t have anywhere else to go right now.” She then pulled out a chess board out of thin air, she placed it down. Once we started playing she won the first few games quickly “You haven’t played Chess much have you?”
I chuckled “Well no, I don’t have any hobbies. I was all work and no play.”I started to pick it up though, learning how the pieces moved with each loss. “Hmm, so that’s what that does.”
Camie smiled “Now your starting to get it!” As we played, the game more even. Still I was a long way from beating Camie at Chess “You’re getting better.”
I shrugged “Maybe but I am a long way from beating you.”
Camie let out a soft giggle “I have been playing chess for a long time. Universes have come and gone in the time I have been alive. I have mastered many talents, under many guises and learned so many things.” She then looked away forlornly “Yet anyone who saw my true form screamed in terror,attacked me or experimented on me. You are the first who accept me for me, as I am.”
I pushed the chessboard out of the way, I wrapped my arms as far as I could hugging her. As she started to cry, I realised something about her. In spite of her years and experience, she was like a teenage girl trying to find a place to belong. I held her until she cried herself to sleep, I was not going anywhere so I laid down and soon slumber overtook me. I groaned as I felt the presence of the sun, I felt something warm laying against me. I opened my eyes and saw Camie laying on me, I just laid there. This wasn’t so bad.
I laid back down, I was interrupted by the sound of plasma. I felt Camie leap off me as a plasma blast passed over my head blowing a hole in the tent. I jumped off the bed, as Camie was clinging to the roof. Pear Butter was holding one of the weapons I had supplied, several ponies carrying weapons behind her. All of them aimed at Camie, I shouted “What is the meaning of this!”
Pear Butter pointed to Camie “She was smothering ya!”
I growled “She was sleeping! I let her fall asleep on me, I just dozed off as well since I couldn’t move! It’s as if you are looking for any excuse to treat like she’s a monsters because she is not! Tell me this, if she was another pony would you treat her like this!”
Pear Butter frowned “No but she is not a pony. She is something that doesn’t belong here!”
My eyes narrowed “I’m not a pony either, does that make someone that you hate!” Pear Butter looked between us, she had no answer. I gestured to Camie, she nervously joined me. I pulled her close, the two of us leaving the tent. I asked as we left, heading towards the factory “Are you alright?’
Camie shook her head “I wasn’t expected to get attacked for getting close to you.” She then looked at me with concern “Am I causing you trouble? I mean, these are your allies right.”
I shrugged “I have only know them for a few days and most of it has been helping them with their problems. We share a common enemy, you on the other hand are a friend. We just chill out and chat, we could play some more chess if you would like?”
Camie’s eyes lit up as she pulled out the chessboard, we took a seat nearby. I moved my pawn“What other games do you like playing?”
Camie moved a pawn of her own “I like playing Chinese Checkers, Monopoly. I also like Crosswords, Rubik Cubes, Nonograms, Sudoku.”
I moved my king side knight, rook side “You like puzzles I see.”
Camie smiled as she moved another pawn “Yes, I like things that use my brain. Still it’s hard to find others who share my interest.”
I smiled “Maybe we could try some of those once we are done with this game.”
After I lost the chess game, she pulled out a Sudoku Book. She placed it on the table, I stared at the first puzzle. She piped up before I wrote something “There is a five in that column already, the five can’t go there.”
I nodded “So you can only have one of each number in a row or column.”
Camie smiled “Same with the boxes, each one has 1 to 9. It requires some real thought in order to complete the puzzle.” I smiled, she was so full of energy when she was not being hounded. I wanted to see her like this more often. We spent most of the day playing Sudoku, it was something I wouldn’t mind doing on my own.
I was standing next to Henry, the first person treated me like just another person. Henry smiled “Come with me.” I followed him, there was a small unpolluted pond with ducks. I sat down next to the bench he sat down on “Even with Eggman's pollution, some places remain untouched. There is beauty everywhere, if you just look for it.”
I smiled holding out one of my tentacles, the duck looked at it before paddling away. I turned to Henry “Maybe you’re right.” I laid back on the bench, the bench cracked collapsing under my weight.
Henry frowned “That bench must be pretty flimsy, you laid on me and my bed. It didn’t break.”
I winced “I mean, I weigh almost a ton. Just look at me, I giant mass of flesh and bone.”
I felt myself being lifted off the ground, I looked at Henry who was carrying me in his arms. He smiled “Let’s go for a run.” The world seemed to pass by so slowly, is this what he experiences as he runs. I felt slightly heated, I have never had a male carry me like this before. They all screamed in terror, I have pretended to be a human a few times but they didn’t love the real me so we drifted apart.
I rubbed my tentacles together “Um, Henry. I would like to go on a date with you, you are the first person to look at me in my true form without disdain. I would like to have date with someone who accepts the true me, even if it goes nowhere. I will cherish the memory.”
Henry shrugged “I don’t see why not, I have never been on a date before. Besides, you’re nice and smart. I enjoy hanging around you.”
I smiled “Thanks, that’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me.” I then looked around “Where are we going?”
We stopped, Henry looked around for a bit before smiling “I have an idea but we need to stop back at the base first.” Henry turned around darting back to the base in seconds, he let me down for a moment. He placed a hand on the ground, a huge blue S symbol formed under him.
I frowned as he picked me up again “What is that?”
He shrugged “It’s a marker, telling me how to return to this universe. Now then, I’m taking you to the one which I came here from.” Before I could say a word, he rushed off at speeds that I thought were impossible. Then we stopped just as suddenly, we were standing on a HS symbol similar to the S one he made before.
The sound of screams filled the air, he lowered to the ground “Relax. Camie is a friend of mine. She means no harm, I promise you.”
Several ponies pointed at me “How can she not mean harm, she has so many mouths! All filled with razor sharp teeth! How can you be friends with that!”
Before Henry could reply, an orange earth pony wearing a stetson approached. She glared at them “Ya are doing the same thing we used to do to Zecora. Ah thought we learned not to judge others by their appearance. Besides Henry vouches for her, he is a hardworking individual. Ah trust his judgement.”
Henry smiled “This is Applejack. She’s a friend of mine.”
Applejack poked at me and looked over me “Henry, ya certainly have made an interesting friend.”
I smiled “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Applejack nodded at me holding out a hoof, I formed an arm to shake her hoof “Thank you for accepting me.”
Henry nodded “I have spent much of my time with her after I rescued her from Eggman's lab, she’s smart, kind and I enjoy her company.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “Do ya feel something for her? You speak about her fondly after only knowing her for a short time.”
I frowned “Applejack, we are currently figuring that out. I know I don’t look very nice but we are going to try.”
Applejack shrugged “Ah have no problem with that.” She then smiled “While ya go and set up ya date, how about Ah get to know Camie a bit more?”
I nodded with a smile to Henry, Henry smiled “I’ll see you at the farm.” He then bolted off towards the city on the mountain.
Applejack shook her head with a smile “He’ll back, soon. Come on, Camie.” Applejack and I walked through the town, I was receiving quite a few uncertain looks. Applejack nudged me with a hoof “Relax, ignore them. They just need some time to get used to ya.”
I smiled “Thank you, so what do you do around here for fun?”
Applejack put a hoof to her chin “Well when Ah’m not working Ah’m usually spending time with one of my friends. Ah don’t have that much time because of work but Ah do have a picnic with the girls about once a week.”
I rubbed the back of my head with a tentacle “I wish I could make friends like that but they usually run away from me. Not that I blame them, who wants to hang around with an ugly tentacle monster.”
Applejack chuckled “Henry seems to like ya. He has a good head on his shoulders, that’s for sure. Not the most social type but give him his space and he can be a good friend.”
I smiled “Yeah, smart too. I like puzzles and games that requires a lot of thought in order to secure a victory. He is quite good at those.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow “Has he even won against ya?”
I frowned “No but he does better than most his age have. I have been around for billions of years, the fact he does as well as he does shows quite a bit of skill.”
Applejack frowned “Isn’t the age gap between the two of ya an issue?”
I shrugged “He and I are about the same age relative to our species. Besides I doubt the two of us are biologically compatible anyway.” We arrived at the farm, the apple trees that covered the surrounding hills was something I had not seen for a long time. I smiled “I haven't seen a farm this large in a long time.”
Applejack chuckled “Wait until you try the food.”
I scratched my back “I could stay for a bite I suppose.”
Applejack smiled as she guided me into the her home. Applejack smiled “We have a new guest, she wants to try our food.” An older green pony trotted down the stairs slowly, she eyed me for a moment and grinned “Applejack I will need ya help in the kitchen.”
Soon there was a massive pile of food on the table, as the ponies looked at me. I took my first bite and, well I couldn’t help myself. I was laying down on the floor, unable to move.