Chapters Another day another beating
There is no way...that a place for me exists in this world, or anywhere else. My final actions to save it has proven that as I find myself leaving this world the same way I came in.
Descending.
Descending into the icy murky waters that was breaking my reducing to ashes body apart, watching my glowing engraved veins slowly fade as my heart rate began to slow and my vision began to blur.
I've reached my limit, I can't go any further as I was left in this miserable state to die. All I could do was helplessly sink deeper and deeper as I watched the black sun regain its original luminance that was currently melting the ice. All that nearly drove everything into its first ice age. I put this world's and its inhabitant’s health over my own desire.
Desire I almost lost myself in to find...somewhere I belong.
A paradise.
They say that in this world that every being eventually finds their own paradise, and live the rest of their days in happiness if their heart is pure and in the right place.
However, there was no such thing as a paradise for me. I desperately searched for it, but no matter how far I looked or walked, it was always the same. It just goes on and on continuing to elude me. My paradise that didn't exist...it didn't exist and I knew this...so why, why am I so driven to find it? Why do I have to keep lying to myself thinking that it’s actually waiting for me out there somewhere?
Maybe it's because of my final moment to live I was having these thoughts. It's sad really, but at the same time laughable.
As my heart neared its final beat, I can clearly see my life flashing before my eyes. To that fateful day that had started it all, I remember it like it was yesterday.
Three years ago on Earth.
Have you ever woken up in the morning remembering the things that have happened in your life, wondering where it is your existence is going from here? Lying in that spot thinking about both future and past. How today was going to go was no mystery to me, with my luck it would either go the same or worse, and I was mostly hoping for same than worse. Slowly getting out of bed to a gray morning, I got up stretching my limbs, putting on my old clothes on and brushing my teeth, preparing for breakfast, however as I descended from upstairs of my room I saw my dad at the kitchen table with one hand on his head and the other on a beer. Figures, even after drinking nearly six fosters last night he still managed to wake up early on the morning just to get his hands on a beer...what a perfect way to start the morning with.
I cautiously entered the kitchen as not to provoke his hangover, slowly opening the fridge door and grabbed a V.8. and head to school as quickly as possible to avoid dealing with sorry excuse for a father's crap. But before I made my way out I was stopped in my tracks, my dad's grip around my bicep is what kept me in place from advancing. I looked back to see what why he stopped me, and as I figured I saw an expression of anger.
"Leo...what time is it?" He spoke in an angry tone as he gritted his teeth, his grip tightening around my arm.
"I-It's six...why?" I asked while his eyes were locked with mine, slowly getting up from his seat, his expression getting angrier as he began to loom over me.
"I was supposed to be at work an hour ago, but I can't seem to find my keys. Where are they?" He spoke in a deadly tone.
"W-what?" My studder seemed to have provoked him as he back handed me as hard as he could nocking backwards.
He then furiously stomped towards me as I tried to crawl away, he turned me on my back and grabbed me by the shirt, picking me and slammed me up against the wall dropping my drink.
"WHERE THE HELL ARE MY KEYS!!!" He roared at me while spit was getting on my face smelling his vulgar beer breath.
"I-I d-don’t know where...” He then pulled me back from the wall and slammed me even harder against it feeling it crumple behind me as air escaped my lungs.
"You better start telling me what I want to hear or else I'm gonna kick your ass!!!" All I could do was cough from the slam as he shouted at me, he again pulled me from the wall but only this time he threw me on the coffee table in the living room. The legs breaking as I landed above it, I got a bad gash on my right cheek and started to bleed, I could feel it.
I could also feel something under my hand, I slowly opened my eyes and lift my hand and see my dad's keys. They were under the couch where he passed out after drinking his sixth beer where the cans where surrounding the couch. I could hear him make his way towards me, ready to unleash his unrelenting wrath. I quickly turned on my back and put my hand up holding the keys showing them that I found them, as my last chance to get my father to cease his beat down on me.
"Look! See, they were under the couch where you slept last night!" I said as I was still trembling at my father's drunken rage with his fist raised.
He swiped the keys from my hands. He stood there for a moment staring at his keys in his hand and then glancing back at me. He walked into the hall way to the bathroom door, after a few moments he returned with a towel in his hand and threw it at me.
"Clean yourself up." He said in a disgusted tone, with a look of pure contempt.
He exited the house as though nothing had happened heading for work, leaving me alone. I just sat there in the middle of the living room staring blankly into space rubbing the gash with my towel putting pressure on it. After stopping the bleeding I crawled towards the wall where I had been slammed grabbing my V.8. that I had dropped.
I slowly getting back on my feet with my hand against the wall, I just stood there staring down at the floor after what happened just now I couldn't help but contemplate everything in my life. I have been dealing with this as a small child ever since my mother had died; she was driving home from work late at night after having to work over time, some guy with a gun stopped her car and dragged my her out into the road and then shot her on the head. The weird thing was when the police arrived was that the car was still there and everything in it, and my mother's belongings were still on her. Knowing that made me shake in anger as the event forced me on my knees to despair and cry, why would someone kill a person just for the sake of killing? It didn't make any sense, it just made me disgusted at how we the 'human beings' did these things to each other.
It filled me with sadness but mostly with anger, not knowing what the man looked like. The thought of not tracking him down and sending him to justice was more than enough to make my mind spiral as all this was happening to me as a child. I was there at the funeral when they put my mother into the earth. I was the only one there, my old man didn't even bother to show up as he was at Las Vegas with his friends while all this was happening. He was informed but he just didn't care to make the trip back to Colorado after his 'winning streak' until he lost everything, idiot.
Pulling myself from that memory I looked down at my hand holding the V.8. staring at my own reflection. I just gazed as these thoughts were running through my head, 'why did I have to lose my mother as a child, and was I going to be dealing with this for the rest of my life?' The thought was enough to make me burst into tears against the wall and grit my teeth at this sufferment I had dealt with all my life. I'm eighteen and still nothing has changed, it was as if there was no future for me just the present, the same cruel unfair present. It made me doubt that this future thing didn't really exist for me. I stared at the crater on the wall where I was pinned absentmindedly as I let my contemplation of life control my emotions and subconsciously punch right through it releasing a fragment of my purged rage.
"Damn it..." I whispered to myself.
Grabbing my back pack and my throwing knife I headed out to school, it was one of those days where the morning is grey and quiet making it more depressing. I took my usual route where I didn't have to deal with people saying 'hi' or 'what happened to your face?!' It was irritating until I found my own course to take. It was in the woods where it was quiet and peaceful and away from human contact which I loathed. I wasn't a very sociable person when I first came into the U.S. from Mexico, especially since the passing of my beloved mother.
Here in the woods I felt at peace, my mind and soul were at calm state where my anger and depression and maybe a hint of madness were washed away with the beautiful scenery. But I always brought my knife in case an animal tried to attack me as a precaution. While I was walking and enjoying everything around me sipping my V.8. I noticed a strange figure far up ahead standing there, I couldn’t get a clear look at it as my vision started to blur abruptly but the figure was feminine. Probably someone taking the same path I was, maybe it was nothing to be worried about.
I kept my pace walking further down the path, but as I did my body felt hefty, like some kind a force was pushing down on me forcing me to stop in my tracks. What's happening? Why did it feel like I'm carrying two hundred pounds? I was starting to sweat like crazy getting on one knee trying to stay conscious as the whole world spun. The world's spiraling whirl halted sharply as the sounds of a feminine voice echoed through the woods.
"You're just too violent..."
I couldn't make out what it said but I could feel her nearing. Her voice was becoming much more clearer.
"You're just too violent..."
Did I hear that right, did it say I was violent? I started to hear footsteps coming closer to where I was kneeling, the sounds of twigs and dead leaves crunching beneath her feet. For the life of me I just stayed still, I couldn’t move. It was as if was paralyzed, I froze in fear as a soft hand touched my shoulder, it felt slender and soft, yet firm. I then heard a hum in front of me, all of a sudden her hand was put under my chin as she tilted my head up wards in a slow delicate manner and that is when I saw her.
A woman in a black cloak with pale white skin and golden eyes smiling at me with kindness and care, she was so beautiful. But I felt a disturbing vibe from her as my body was begging me to run from this woman. I don't know why but I could feel she was dangerous, she slowly caressed my chin, her soft touch traveled my cheek caressing it tenderly and lovingly. She kept her smile in silent for a moment until finally she said something that nearly stopped my heart.
"You're just too violent..."
She then stood up and walked away down the path I was heading until her form was no more, after she had gotten far enough from my sight my body was able to move again. Gasping loudly for breath, I quickly pulled out my throwing knife and stood up to turn to where the woman had went. She was gone just like that, it was as if she vanished into the woods.
I noticed something from where she once stood. I saw a weird yet beautiful flower; its petals where big and crimson and there where smaller petals behind the big ones. I don't know why but I knew it had something to do with her, so I neared it with caution still with my knife out just in case the woman in black came back to do her voodoo. Close enough to the flower I slowly reached out to touch the strange plant's crimson petals, at contact I felt something strange on my thumb and finger started to tingle and quickly spread all over my arm to my chest.
I quickly pulled my hand away as I staggered back landing on my backside, there was something wrong with flower, something ominous about it that made my heart want to break out of my chest and head for the hills. "God damn it, what the hell was that all about?" I whispered as I shook my head to regain my composure, I put my knife back in my sheath and glanced to where the flower still stood. I don't know why but the sensation that I had felt from the flower vanished, however I could still feel remnants of it in my chest, it felt odd and disturbing.
Lost in thought I quickly realized that I was supposed to be heading to school. I put my knife in my back pack before heading out, quickly I sprinted down the road to my destination that I was not looking forward to. With the teachers kissing the ass of their football jockeys letting them do whatever they want to the individuals that fit don't in (namely me) just because they were good at a foolish sport that involved smearing into other guys, if you ask me it sounded gay. I hope that at least I have a better day at school.
Sitting at lunch after a boring long class of world history eating into my cheeseburger and hash brown I notice everyone praising one of the football players at a different table. He was the second best in his team but he seemed okay with it. Before I could continue eating my lunch I suddenly had milk spilled all over my head, quickly getting up off my seat I noticed who the culprit was. It was John a.k.a the star quarter back of the football team.
"Oops, sorry Leo, I was just walking by and noticed you didn't have any milk so I decided to give you mine, how is it?" John said with a real smugness in his face while everyone in the cafeteria burst into laughter at John's 'prank', even the lunch lady was laughing.
I stood there with milk all over me traveling down my grey shirt (least it didn't get my jacket). Hearing all the laughter around me was causing me to feel shame and hatred. I started to have that same tingling feeling from the forest, I could feel it in my chest, then all of a sudden, my heart felt like it was on fire.My hands started to shake not in fear but in anger, I thought I was seeing red when this was happening. A violent feeling came over me when I looked up at John still keeping his smug face on proud of what he did.
"John..." I said in a low angry tone.
"Yes princess-URGH!!!" With that I popped John right in damn throat with everything I had causing him to stagger back.
I quickly took my chance and kicked him in the chest while he was trying stay balanced, he fell over nocking his head on the table. The entire students, even the lunch lady stood with shocked looks, some with horror. Never have they looked at me like that before, it scared me causing me to snap out of what I was in and realized what I had just done.
"W-what happen...?” I was cut off with a blow on the right side of my skull causing me to stagger backwards but still stay on my feet. I quickly tilted my head up to see who bopped me only to see a fist make contact with my eye, before I knew it I was on the ground crowded by the football team kicking me while I was down. I wasn't getting up, all I could do was lay there and take it.
I then heard a voice shout causing the jocks to stop their merciless beat down and focus on the source of the shout.
"What the hell is going on here and why are you all beating on this student!?" I recognized that voice; it was my art teacher Mr. Grey, the one who taught me better myself as an artist.
"This dip shit here punched John in the throat!!!" One of the jocks shouted back.
"Not before he splashed milk all over him for no reason!" Someone in the crowd shouted in my defense.
"Leonardo! Johnathan! And all of you in the principal’s office now!!!" Mr. Grey shouted while he pointed at the door.
After a long painful hour of telling our sides of the story the principal gave the football team a slap on the wrist and had them do some trash pickup in the hallways. As for me I got the axe as in I got expelled for how I handled the situation. With that I cleared out my locker and crammed everything in my back pack, I had to pull my knife out and put it under my sweater as I headed out of this school in order for everything to fit. But mostly I didn't want my Doritos to me crushed.
"Well this sucks, when I go back home my old man is going to give me the beating of a life time...or worse, he might actually kill me this time.” I muttered to myself as I headed back home through the path I had taken to come here.
While walking I couldn't help but be troubled at what had happened back there, I never felt such a thing take over and get the better of me. It was that same feeling as I felt from the flower, and I quickly realized that it had something to do with that insidious plant. I quickly started to sprint to find the plant. After arriving in the spot where I had made contact with the flower and that weird woman, the plant was suddenly gone from where it was, as though it was plucked from the earth.
"Where the hell is it?" I said to myself before a giggle that echoed throughout the forest caught my attention off the path.
I walked off the path and followed the giggling, I pulled out my knife ready if that woman suddenly came out again. Walking further and further into the woods I suddenly come across a hidden path at that point the giggling stopped and everything was dead silent. The woods quiet with the grey skies were enough to send shivers down my spine. I followed the path ignoring the fear building up inside of me, after minutes of walking the path led me to a large lake. It had a dock with a small row boat and a small shack on the other side. That's not what caught my attention tough, what did was the lady in black but to my shock she was standing on water.
"Hey you!" I shouted at the woman, she didn't even flinch, she just kept staring down at her own reflection.
Irritated I made my way to the dock to get closer, I sat my bag down and readied my throwing knife in case she tried her weird voodoo. Before I could call out to her, someone shouted my name drawing my attention, turning around I see that I've been followed by John and his butt buddies.
"You know Leo..." He said with a raspy voice, I guess I really let him have it. "...out of all the places to be today, you chose a really bad spot to be spotted by us."
Like a pack of wolves they were headed for my direction surrounding me without a way out from the dock. It struck me odd that they didn't notice the lady standing on water behind me. I turned back to the lake only to see she was no longer there. That lady was really starting getting to me.
"You shouldn’t have done that Leo, you should have just sat there and taken it like the bitch you are." John stepped forward from his pack of jocks with a really pissed off death glare.
I couldn't help but push my luck."Have you ever thought that maybe I would get tired of your shit and oh, I don’t know...pop you in the throat?" With that his lackeys started to follow him to the docks ready to give me a real beating.
I stepped back nearly to the edge until I felt my back pack behind my heel and dropped it in the lake.
"No! My I-pod and cigarettes where in there!!!" I tried to reach trying to reclaim my bag with my school books. But I didn’t really care for that much, I just wanted my I-pod and cigarettes.
Before I could turn around my arm was caught by one of Johns lackeys, quickly he twisted it and made me drop my knife in to the lake. My other arm was also caught, restrained by the other strong lackey. They quickly turned me around to face their leader. He had a real smile that was that of the devil seeing a defenseless soul like this as he approached.
"Well Leo, you’re shit outta luck." He took his jacket off, handing it to one of his friends. "You know I've been neglecting my work out..." he put his fist into his palm. "...but I think you can help get back in shape." He popped his knuckles as he spat on the ground.
My eyes shot open in fear as what was to come. "Oh shi-!" John landed a blow on my gut nocking the air out of my lungs, I wanted to kneel, but the two who had me restrained held me up for John to continue his 'work out'.
"How dare you make a fool out of me!"Another blow with more force. "You humiliated me out there! In front of the whole school, in my own hometown!!!" Each punch became harder, and harder until he stopped focusing on my abdomen and started work on my ribs then face. I could hear his buddies laugh as he mercilessly tenderized me with everything he had that I could have sworn he broke four of my ribs and my face. He continued with my jaw, my nose and eyes. John was unleashing every ounce of strength he had to punish me for my defiance. My face ached as I started to bleed from my cheeks, my nose, and I might have coughed up a little blood from the previous punches. He was so strong. "You don't try and disrespect the strong you little wet-back!" He punched me across the face sending blood flying across the grass. "You submit and roll over like the good little beaner you and your people are so you could avoid-!" One punch to the chest. "THIS-!" Another in the ribs. "TYPE-!" Finally... "OF OUTCOME!!!" He roared assaulted me with a barrage of punches. Every punch made me see a white flash while having the scent of pennies fill my nose, my head hung back as my eyes were rolled up from almost passing out, I couldn't help but whimper from the all blows. Finally out of breath, John was panting as he put his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. I was relived when he finally stopped, thinking that this beating was finally over.
My hopes were shattered though when I heard his voice.
"Oh, don't think it's over yet Leo." He said as he panted snapping his fingers and quickly one of his friend’s brought him a fist size rock. "This is for you." He said while wiggling the rock in his hand.
"John wait, hold it, don’t you think he's had enough?" One of my restrainers said.
"Yea man, you proved your point for him not to fuck with you. Don't you think this is a bit extreme?" John glared at both of his lackeys, cowering at their alpha male they both released their grip on me and just walked right past him with their tails between their legs.
I stood trying not to kneel or fall from the severe punches John gave, my legs shaking as I tried to stay on my two feet. I didn't want to keep my head down anymore. I was tired of being weak, I wont give this bastard the satisfaction ever again to insult me or my people! I looked up at John, smirking at him as he just stood there. The look on his face told me that he knew I was mocking him. He grit his teeth while his hand was clenching hard on the rock, shaking with anger.
"This is more than just proving a point! This is about me fixing my reputation back from this wet-back who humiliated me in public, I WONT LET THAT GO WITH JUST A BEATING!!!" With that said he grabbed my throat, his fingers digging into my throat as he pushed me back with my feet halfway over the edge.
Grabbing his fore arm I tried to pry him off, little did that do as he slowly raised his hand wielding rock. He gave me a smirk before he could land the final blow.
"See you soon Leo..." With one final look of his face he swung the rock right into my fore head with his tremendous strength causing me to come into a daze, bleed and fall into the lake.
Everything went so slow, it wasn't even funny. Seeing the look in John's face when busted me with a rock was the last thing I saw before I fell into the lake.
After one big splash, I quickly started to sink like a rock, trying to resist from being pulled in by the dark depths of this cold lake, but it was futile. I was too badly beaten and that rock to my head really caused my major head trauma that my vision blurred.
"No...Not like this, I can't die like this. My life has been so miserable...it can't just end like this."
With what strength I had left I reached my arms out trying to grasp the surface, it was hopeless, this is where I will meet my demise. I gave in, and surrendered what little dreams I had left to be crushed by this cruel reality.
Slowly I shut my eyes and let the cold wet comfort of the bottom of the lake to take me into its bitter dark embrace, releasing my last air bubble for it to reach the surface to let one remnant of my existence known by the world of the living I had given in. I turned my body facing down descending into the darkness.
Suddenly, an illuminating glow from the lake caught my attention, causing me to open my eyes. I saw it glow brighter as I sink deeper. Was it the light to the afterlife? At that thought I had started heading for the light with what little strength I had left. If I was going to die I wanted to get it over with, I want to cross over to the next life from this one for a better existence.
As I near the light, I find myself completely surrounded by it feeling the warm glow, and by surprise I was yanked in like some force was pulling me up at top speed almost as if gravity shut off and I was now being pulled into the skies. Bracing myself I was completely out of air, seeing as there is no way to go but up I let myself be carried away to reach the surface of heaven.
Only to stick my head out coughing violently and desperately gasping for air.
Kicking my legs to keep my head above the water I made my way to shore clinging onto the grass for my dear life as not to let myself be swallowed by the lake again. Resting while breathing heavily trying to regain my composure, I soon realize that I am back to the surface and it was bright out.
"What the...I could have sworn I was just sinking. How the hell did I end up back here, and why is it so sunny?" I glance to my left and find my back bag and knife. "And how the hell did those get out of the lake?"
Slowly getting up I reached for my knife and put it back in my sheath for just in case John and his friends where still around. I then notice that I am completely surrounded by apple trees where the pine trees once stood.
"What the hell..." I said as I observed my environment. I walk to my bag pack wet from the lake I open it hoping to myself that my smokes were at least still intact. Pulling them out I see the box is still dry along with my I-pod and books.
"Oh, thank goodness..." I said before kissing my pack, placing a cig in my mouth trying to get a light but my lighter refused to give me fire. A cigarette will take my mind of this aching pain. But there was no flame "No..." I tried desperately getting a small speck a fire" No, no, no, no!!!" I cursed and tossed my lighter into the lake.
"Can't even have a single smoke even after all that..." I grabbed my bag and headed down the dirt path nearby that might lead home. "...might as well be in hell."
Walking for the past hour was both exhausting and irritating, I really needed to smoke bad. I then notice a clearing up ahead, quickly I ran as fast as I could knowing that I would get out of this damn apple tree forest.
When I exited I noticed a big red barn up ahead with some colored horses, colored horses? I notice a big red one hauling a wagon of apples and a lime green one that looked wrinkle sitting in rocking chair like a human and a yellow little filly with a red mane and bow talking to two other fillies. I was left with my jaw dropped at what I was beholding dropping my unlit cigarette from my mouth.
"What...the fu-" I was cut off my southern accent voice right behind me.
"What in tarnation!?"
I turn my head to see it was an orange mare with a cowboy hat blonde mane, she looked at me in fear with her apple green eyes as I returned the expression pointing at her stuttering.
"Y-y-yo-you're a t-talking-" She quickly turned around to position herself and kicked me with everything she had. Her kick was so strong that I was off my feet fleeing back impacting on a tree hitting my head nocking me out cold.
I think it was an hour or two that has passed since I have lost my consciousness, after that I managed to wake from my forced nap. Opening my eyes letting the strong sun rays in I see that I am bound to a tree unable to move, looking around observing my environment I see that I was closer to the red barn. Suddenly I feel a prod on my leg causing me to flinch. I quickly swing my head to where the prod came from and see it was none other than that mare who bucked me.
"You!" I yelled she then jumped back and let out a large yelp. "What's your problem, why did you do that?!" I struggled from the ropes that held me to the tree let out huge grunts.
"What in Equestria are you?" She stomped her hoof demanding I answer her.
"What?" I tilted my head in confusion at her question.
"What are ya?" She repeated only a little irritated.
"You...don't know what I am?" She shook her head. “I’m a human. You know; tall bipedal creatures that rule Earth"
"What in Sam’s hill is Earth?" That question caused me to freeze for a moment, quickly remembering what happened back at the lake I realize that I must be in the next life. With talking horses?
"Um, Earth...A planet ruled completely by humans." She then gave a surprised look.
"A whole planet ruled by just humans?" She put her hoof on her chin pulling on her imaginary beard. "That can't be right, are ya saying ya'll from another world?"
"I don't know, I guess, I just emerged from a lake east from here" The mare looked at me for a while eyeing my entire being, studying me until her eyes stopped at my knife in my sheath.
"What's that?" She inched forward.
"What's what?" I looked down at my knife. "Oh, that's just my blade." She then looked up at me with panicked eyes.
"W-what are you doing on my land with a weapon?!" She pointed at as though I had just been accused of drugs. "You must have come here to assassinate me!!!" This caused me to cock my head back, only to head the tree again.
"Ouch...what, why would I try to assassinate you!? I don't even know who you are!!!" She then stepped forward and tilted her hat backwards.
"My name is Applejack and I am one of the elements of harmony and one of Princess Celestia's little ponies!" She stood proudly as she introduced herself, I couldn't help but just rolled my eyes at this.
"What the hell are you talking about? Elements of harmony? Princess Celestia? I don't even know what any of that is!"
"The elements of harmony are six ponies including myself who bring peace throughout the entire country of Equestria! As for Princess Celestia she is the ruler of the proud and peaceful land!"
"Oh wow, that so interesting!"
"Really?" She gave smile.
"No." I gave her a deadpan look.
She then just stomped right over with a look that said 'I'm going to kill you'.
"A-a-ah-I was just kidding that is all very interesting, I just wanted see if you knew I was kidding!" I gave a big forceful smile, at that she just yelped and jumped back. "What, do I have something on my teeth?" I licked my teeth to see if there was a piece of meat left from lunch's burger.
"Y-y-you’re an omnivore!?" She shouted, causing me cock my head.
"What kind of dumb question is that? Of course I'm an omnivore, see?!" I flashed my fangs this earned me a bigger yelp as Applejack moved back further.
"Stop that!" She shouted. "It's creepy!"
"Look, I've had about enough of this foolishness! You untie me right now, return my belongings and I'll leave this apple paradise nightmare and never come back!"
Applejack then charged me, she stood on her hind legs placing her fore hooves on my chest and stared me down with all the anger and rage in her eyes snorting loudly.
"How dare you!!!" She popped me in the nose with her right hoof on my face. "This is a wonderful place that my family has built with their bare hooves, and you dare insult it!?" She popped me with her other hoof across my cheek.
"Ow! Stop that you’re hurting me even more before I came here!!!" I struggled hopelessly through my bounds; I could feel my arms being even more bruised. How does a pony tie a knot with no fingers?
"Ugh, where's Apple bloom with the others?" Applejack said in thought, impatiently kicking her hoof on the ground.
"Applejack!" Yelled a small filly as she approached from a dirt road and following her were six other ponies, except two where unicorns, two were Pegasus and just one of them was a normal pony.
"What in tarnation took you so long?!" Applejack scolded the small filly.
"I'm sorry Applejack; it took longer than usual to round up every pony!"
One of the five emerged from the group, it was a lavender unicorn with a dark purple mane and a pin streak with a star on her flank. It looked like she was the one in charged with a straight face her eyes locked on mine.
"Who and what are you?" She said in a firm tone.
I groaned loudly as she asked, this was getting rather irritating. I had to think of something to get them to untie me so I could leave.
"My name is Leo, and I am a human." I said with a forced smile.
"Why are you here on my friend’s land?"
"I don't know, I just emerged from a lake that I thought I had died in my world and found myself here!"
She just stood there staring at me examining me humming to herself. She then turned her head over to my back pack on the ground and back at me.
"What's in there?"
"My stuff; I-pod, cigarettes, books" At that she quickly turned her head to my bag again and back at me.
"Books, You mean you brought books from your world?!" She levitated my bag unzipping it, pulling out my world history and science books along with my note books.
"Yes, I did and you can have them if you untie me, and I swear to whatever deity watches over us I will not harm anyone or anypony as you say.” She just ignored me and trotted off with my books as tough she had forgotten why she was here in the first place. “Hey come back, don’t ignore me!!!” I shouted as I struggled through my bounds.
“Oh no please don’t struggle, you’ll bruise yourself even more!” The yellow Pegasus said as she hovered to me trying to calm me. She then starts inspecting my face, her soft expression turns to one of horror. "What happened to you!?" she gently put her hoof upon my damaged face.
"Jeez Applejack, I know you're known for being tough, but this is kind of going over board." The rainbow Pegasus spoke.
"What, I didn't do this!" she pointed at me.
"Actually you kind of did, you popped me on the nose and across my cheek." I said giving her a deadpan expression.
"You were already roughen up before ya'll even got here!!!" She shouted.
"Yea but thanks to you now I'm even worse!"
"Well you shouldn't have insulted my home!" She shot back.
"Well you shouldn't have bucked me into a tree!!!"
We just stared at each other for what felt like hours, shooting lighting at each other in silent until Applejack spoke up.
"Touché"..." She turned her back and head towards the lavender mare who's eyes where bored into my books.
"I'll go and get my medical kit to see to your bruises" The yellow Pegasus quickly flew off at an incredible speed.
That just left three who had their eyes on me, the unicorn in white with a purple mane eyeing me nervously, a pink pony who just stared at me, and finally the rainbow Pegasus. All I could do was be bound to the tree I was in and just hope this all goes well. And I really need to remember to get Applejack back for bucking me and punching me in the face.
"So what brings you here to our world mister Leo?" The white unicorn said.
"I for the last time don't know, I thought I was drowning in a lake and next thing I know I find myself here!" Frustrated with the same questions I gritted my teeth hung my head wondering when this nonsense was going to end.
"Holy moly, you're an omnivore!?" Shouted the rainbow Pegasus. I just rolled my eyes at the same question that Applejack had asked.
"No, I just have canines because it looks good on me." I said in the most sarcastic tone ever.
"Hey!" She shouted as she zipped over to me hovering in front of me mere inches from my face. "Are you getting fresh with me monkey?!" She yelled.
My eye twitched at what I had just heard come out of this mare's mouth, did she just call me a monkey? I couldn't help but grin angrily as I chuckled darkly trying really hard not to burst in anger. The white unicorn reeled back in fear as she watched her friend pushing her luck.
"R-Rainbow dash...maybe you should cease-"
"Monkey? MONKEY?!" I yelled. "Why don't you untie me from this tree, and say that again you little half pint rainbow horse! I dare you! I double dare you! I double dog dare you! I triple double dog dare you!!!" I shouted as I struggled to break free.
Her eyes went wide as her irises shrunk, she just hovered there in mid-air comprehending if what I had just said was true. Her friend was even worse as she was on her flank, her mouth moving trying to form words "D-did you just call me a...whorse?" She asked trying to find her voice.
I tilted my head in confusion, did I just hit a nerve by calling her a horse? Well...in that case..."Is a matter of fact I did, are you going to cry about it rainbow HORSE?" I smirked as I raised my eyebrow.
She was trembling in anger as she gritted her teeth as she looked at me with blood shot eyes. "You...You...YOU!!!" She made an attempt to charge me, but was suddenly enveloped by a blue aura and stopped in her tracks.
"Rainbow Dash, stop!" She yelled
"Let me go Rarity!!! I'm goin to teach this monkey some manners!!!" She stretched out her hooves in an attempt to reach me. Boy, these ponies just might be as violent as humans, or maybe it's just a bad first impression.
Author's Note
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Float like a Fluttershy and sting like an Applejack.
It's been a while now being tied to this tree by these talking ponies, at least the yellow one was nice enough to tend to my bruises that were placed on me. But that still doesn't change the fact that I'm in a different world now. So maybe I didn't die, maybe I just got transported here. But if I was, then what brought me here?
That's was not relevant at the moment, right now I had to think of a way to free myself from my bounds. I could trick one of these ponies, but I have to figure out who is the most gullible.
The lavender one known as Twilight Sparkle was out of the question, she seemed like the brains so I'll have to scratch her.
The white one known as Rarity seemed pretty ignorant, but she probably knows better. Besides, she wouldn't come near me because of my 'dreadful clothings'. "Screw you too..."
The one named Rainbow Dash was obviously street smart and seemed cautious about me so she was a no go either, plus that little argument we had didn’t help either.
The pink one known as Pinkie Pie seemed very gullible, but she left in a pink flash back to town to plan a party for me. Quite odd.
That Applejack one was definitely a no because she and I did not meet well and she is still giving me the stink eye.
Which left little Fluttershy, she seemed too kind for her own good, and extremely gullible but she seemed very cautious and timid. I'll have to be very, very gentle with her if I want to be released from my bounds.
"Excuse me...Fluttershy?" I said in a soft tone gaining her attention as she turned her head towards me.
"Mmm? What is it Leo? Is something wrong?" She asked concernedly as she approached me.
"Fluttershy, I'm in pain." I let out in a groaning tone "My face still hurts from all the bruises, the stitches itch, and the ropes are so tight I can hardly breathe." I made sure to keep my voice low so I did not attract the other four that were checking out my books, my I-pod...and MY CIGS!?!
"Oh you poor thing, is there anything I can do to help?" She said as she hovered in front of me with the expression of a worried mother, Something that I really missed.
"Well there is one thing..." She tilted her head at my response. “You could untie me so I could at least get a good breather." I smiled, she then cocked back in midair letting out a small gasp.
"I...I can't, that would be wrong! My friends will be so mad at me if I did that!" At that point I had to swallow my pride and make myself look pitiful as possible. I began to make myself tear as I focused on the pain from my bruises and gashes on my face as I started to sob silently to not gain the attention of the others . "Oh no, please don't cry Leo!" She pleaded holding my cheeks with her hooves in an effort to comfort me.
"I…It's just that I am in so much pain, your cowgirl friend attacked me because she's never seen something like me before, and tied me to this tree while I was still bruised. It feels like nobody or pony in your terms wants me to be their friend..." A lot of tears came out as I focused more on the pain, I glanced up at Fluttershy who seemed like she was ready to cry too.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that..." She then embraced me with a hug, which caused me to stop my 'crying' and just stand there in shock. I haven’t felt this in a long time, being hugged by someone else was something that just gave me warmth that had made me forget about all my troubles. It was sincere and caring and it almost made me feel bad to take advantage of her kindness, but as a human in a dire situation, I had no choice.
She pulled back and stared me down with her aqua eyes. “I’ll let you go, but first you must pinkie promise that you won't harm anypony." She said in a very firm and serious tone and I didn't know how I was going to pinkie promise her while being tied to this tree, until she told me what to do. “Now repeat after me...'I promise I won’t hurt anypony, CROSS MY HEART, HOPE TO FLY AND STICK A CUPCAKE IN MY EYE" She did little gestures at each word she spoke, I just tilted my head in confusion but shrugged it off and decided to humor her.
"I promise I won’t hurt anypony, cross my heart, hope to fly and stick a cupcake in my eye." I repeated, she smiled and trotted behind the tree and started to loosen my ropes until I was completely freed from my bounds.
Letting out a small grunt as my feet made contact, I had caught the attention of Applejack who then called out to her friend Twilight who quickly reacted before I could sprint away. I was pinned to the tree with a magenta aura. Her horn was glowing the same color, was she using magic? But magic doesn’t exist, then again neither do talking horses.
"Using Flutteryshy's Kindness to get yourself free!? Not only are you a war like species but you're also snakes!" She yelled putting more force on me which was starting to hurt.
"Twilight, stop you’re hurting him!" She pleaded to her friend, Twilight just ignored Fluttershy, her eyes boring into my soul.
"Yea, you’re hurting me--wait, what makes you think we're a war like species?" I asked, curious where she got that idea.
"I finished the entire book while translating it to Equestrian!"
"Wait, you read the first entire text book while translating it in a short amount of time? Wow, that's actually pretty impressive, you must be really smart if you can read that fast while translating it" This compliment had caused her to be taken back at my comment, she blushed and turn her head away from me.
Suddenly I could feel the aura loosen around me, I must have caused her to lose focus. I don't know if it would work but if I pulled hard enough I might be able to break from her hold and run the opposite direction fast. Maybe I could get out of her reach from her magic, screw it, I'm going for it.
I yanked myself as hard as I could and from the tree and broke free from Twilight's weird magic force. I slouched a little when I landed in front of the mares then slowly got up and as I stood higher towering over them I could see them shrink back in fear. Hell even the rainbow one was sweating bullets.
I turned and as quickly as possible sprinted towards the other direction that lead into a forest, I might be able to lose them in there if I run faster. Then I heard Applejack yell out some name and then I heard the sounds of loud hoof steps. I glanced backwards to see a monster size red stallion make his way to me quickly gaining speed with determination in his eyes.
"Oh crap!" With fear as my fuel, I picked up the pace.
I yelled as he started to near closer, and closer, and I began to quickly lose breath and coughed violently. Wheezing loudly and slowing down I tried my best with every fiber in my being to keep myself from slowing down.
"Huff-huff! I gotta quit smoking!" That reminds me I felt like I left something back there.
I had to come up with a plan to quickly lose this stallion, I noticed an apple tree up ahead which gave me an idea. If I can't lose this stallion then I'll just have to lay him out. I picked up some dirt from the ground while running keeping my pace and turned around and chucked some it on the stallion’s eyes.
He came to a complete halt and started cursing with his fore hoof over his eyes trying to rub off the dirt giving me enough time to gain some ground. When I reached the tree I turn to see the stallion has just wiped of the last speck shaking his head, he then spotted me standing far ahead waiting for him.
I could hear his loud snort from where I was standing and quickly as he resumed his goal to stomp me to a pulp. He seemed too angry to think as to why I stopped and decided to wait for him. Getting closer, and closer building speed his eyes locked on mine, I got into a ready to jump stance having to time this just right seeing as I only got one shot to fool the beast like this again.
Just six feet away before I jumped I gave him a large smirk and winked at him before I leaped to the side. While in mid-air everything went slow once again, I could see the expression of confusion and then shock when he realized he was charging into a tree, and just like that he knocked it over along with himself over the trunk.
Breathing heavily while still on the ground trying to regain my composure, I still could not believe that this stallion just knocked over a big apple tree. I just thought he would hit the tree and stop right there, but instead he took the tree down with him. I could tell he was seeing stars letting out a groan, and then lost consciousness. I was pretty proud that I out smarted this horse but I still feel pretty bad for letting him have it like that. I slowly approached the horse with caution to see if he was still alive. I slowly prodded his side and quickly winced back, he was not moving at all and that started to worry me. I gently lied my ear to his side to see if I could get a heart beat, luckily I felt it. Before I could get a moment to catch my breath, I was spooked and jumped back at his loud groan that had caused me to almost crap bricks.
'Well at least he's still alive...' I said in thought.
"BIG MAC!!!"
I swung my head back to see my captors, the orange one in particular was ahead of her friends, and I could see the same expression on her face that this red stallion had when he was chasing me down. An alarm in my head went off saying 'DANGER, DANGER’. The other thing was that I felt like I was going to crap even more bricks, no, scratch that...a cinder block
With that I quickly turned and started sprinting like if the border patrol was on my tail even though my lungs were begging me to stop I decided to ignore it since my life may be on the line. Jeez, who knew cute little adorable ponies could be so hostile.
"FEET DON'T FAIL ME NOW!!!" I yelled as I started to run for my life.
I began to sweat like crazy due to my sweater combined with the hot sun, I decided to discard it and chucked it aside.
'Oh thank goodness, I thought I was gonna get heat stroke!' And my long hair wasn't helping either, I felt like a male lion running through the hot African sun.
Luckily, I finally made it to the dark forest, it may have looked ominous but at least it could provide me with shade and cover from these ponies. And there is no way they will be able to reach me through the spaces I can go through with my body.
I took one last glance back only to spot Rainbow dash bolting towards my direction with amazing speed that seemed impossible. But then again, so is magic and Pegasus. I turned and jumped into the darkness of the cool forest.
Finally coming to a stop from running for my life, I decided to reward my lungs with sweet, sweet air, and relax my muscles sitting on a pretty soft fallen tree trunk for a moment of respite for my body, and mind.
"Oh my sweet god, I haven’t been here five hours and I'm being chased down by the locals of this pony inhabited world that want to beat the shit out of me." It seems I can't get a break even in another world, I guess I'm just cursed to be whatever deity’s play thing to suffer for his or hers amusement. At that thought I scrunched my face, and looked up and stuck my middle finger up at the sky with much contempt.
"I bet you're enjoying this aren't you sick demented bastard! You like watching me suffer don't you, first you took my mom, and made me go through a horrible life, and then have it taken by some psychotic jock! Well you know what!?" I stood up from my comfortable spot. "YOU CAN GO AND FUC-” I was interrupted by a loud twig snapping making me jump and leap to the nearest bush.
"Crap, what could that be?" I muttered to myself.
It was two of the four have that chased me, it was Fluttershy and Applejack trotting together in this dark forest with maybe lurking dangerous creatures. But that was the least of my worries seeing Applejack with that same murderous look on her face turning every stone she came across to find me.
"Wait till I get my hooves on that no good dirty human! I'm gonna give him the bucking of a life time!" That sounded so wrong on both levels...
"Applejack, I don't think he threw your brother into a tree. I'm sure he's not capable of that kind strength." Fluttershy said while pulling out small twigs caught in her hair. "Besides, he pinkie promised he wouldn’t hurt anypony."
"Would you like to tell Big Mac that? Oh wait, you can't because he's out cold with his skull nearly cracked! I swear Fluttershy, sometimes I think you’re too kind for your own good." While Applejack was too busy yelling she hadn't noticed where she was trotting until she accidentally stepped into a hole. "Gah, oh horse apples!" She tugged her fore hoof but she couldn’t seem to pull it out. "I'm stuck!" She began to panic as she kept on pulling to free her hoof but to no avail.
"Applejack, stop making so much noise! In case you’ve forgotten where in the ever free forest! Home of the most terrifying of creatures known to Ponyville!" She said as she tried to calm her friend down.
Well, seems like that crazy Applejack is stuck, and Fluttershy is too busy helping her friend out of the hole. This was a perfect opportunity to run for it, but before I could leave I started smelling some awful odor that started to fill the air. It almost made me hurl my lunch, what kind of creature would give off a scent that bad.
Suddenly a loud growl startled me along with the two mares, I don't know what it was but it sounded big and hungry. A big creature that stood on all fours emerged from the darkness, it seemed to be made out of wood and strongly resembled a wolf.
"Oh no, a Timberwolf! Fluttershy, Help me out of this hole!!!" She squirmed as Fluttershy approached her back side and started pulling her tail. "Ow! Pull harder Fluttershy! Hurry!!!"
The creature slowly approached while flashing its wooden sharp fangs at the two letting out its menacing growl. Fluttershy stood there frozen stiff, paralyzed by fear while Applejack tried desperately to pull herself out. "Oh, Celestia Please no!" she cried.
'Oh god, calm down Leo, calm down. You don't know them and they don't know you. You should just let nature take its course, leave well enough alone. It’s the rule you lived by that kept you alive almost all the time." I saw Fluttershy whimper as she started to tear, knowing her kindness she wouldn’t leave her friend behind to this beast. Plus she was kind to me so I guess that counted for something which was giving me second thoughts about just running off.
I started to shake like some nervous wreck as I watched this thing near closer to Fluttershy, and Applejack, conflicted with myself whether or not I should save these two. I couldn’t stand it, my body wanted me to run, but I just can't leave two defenseless mares to this thing.
Time was running out as the Timberwolf was picking up his speed approaching the two ponies with hunger in his eyes. I had to out of good conscious come to a decision, one that I was probably going to pay for big time.
I leaped out of the bush and tackled the beast as it let out a yelp, stumbling into the ground while it struggled to rise on its feet as I tried to keep it pinned but it swung its upper body up sending me flying back and landing on my hindquarters letting out a small grunt.
I slowly got up as the Timberwolf did so tried to recover, dusting myself off my hand found itself on the blade. I had just realized that I had my throwing knife on me the whole time.
I quickly pulled out my knife, but not before the Timberwolf pounced which caused me to stagger backwards. Before the beast could pounce again I threw my knife, and it landed right on the wolf's right foreleg. Letting out a large yelp it started staggering back in pain. I grabbed two fist sized rocks and charged at the Timberwolf letting out a battle cry and started swinging. I swung with all the strength I could summon from this body, landing blow after blow on the Timberwolf's skull.
I felt my strength starting to fade as I started to lose my breath, with one last effort to kill the beast while it was dazed I opened my arms as wide as I could and swung them together at the same time with much force impacting the beast's wooden skull. At first he seemed like he was down for the count, then suddenly he lunged and clamped down on my left forearm causing me to drop my rocks.
I could not help but let out a large scream of pain as I tried to pry the Timberwolf off, but to no avail as it had no intention of letting go. I could felt the sharp wooden teeth covered in disgusting green salvia crushing my fore arm as I tried harder to pry it off. I quickly grabbed one of the rocks I had dropped in hopes getting this beast to release me, but before I could swing I had heard bushes behind me rustle and my heart skipped a beat as I heard a large growl.
"Oh no..."
Without warning another one leaped into the fight on my back and clamped down on my right shoulder aggressively pulling to get a large chunk of meat as it kicked clawing my back side. With me being attacked on both sides, front and back I was brought to my knees at the mercy of these ravenous beasts as I fell the two pull each side apart in an effort to tear me to pieces.
Never, and I mean never have I ever felt such pain in my life, I was probably going to die here. It would seem I can't get a break, not in my world, not in this world, and not in any world. That settled it, I was cursed to suffer eternity and no matter where I end up. I'll always be god's little play thing.
'No...Please, not again...I don't want to die. P-please...you've tortured me so long, and you still continue to toy with my mortality.' My vision started to fade to black as all I could see where the trees and small beams of sun, there was only one thought that came into my mind before I lost sight. 'Mamá...' I whispered as a tear ran down my cheek, my vision finally going pitch black.
"So...so sad....and so angry." I heard a masculine voice echo through the darkness.
"Wuh...What?" I weakly spoke barely opening my eyes as the same tingling feeling returned to my chest, only it felt warm and not in a good way.
"For so long you have been a victim...a prey to life's predatory nature...you refused to fight for the longest time because of the death of your mother, and there was no one there to give you strength...to give you comfort...you were left alone. You have always been on your own, with no friends, or other half. Your emotions have been getting the better of you making you regress into a childlike state. Sadness, anger and madness is what you give off, bottling up those emotions slowly killing yourself when all this time you could have just unleashed..." He whispered the last part
"W-what the hell are you talking about? Who are you?"
"Let it out...let it all out. Release what you have caged for so long, and you will see that you will gain not only your self-esteem, but power. Raw power that will leave your enemies on their knees begging for your forgiveness...Unleash Leo, let the burning fire of your unrelenting rage be known...UNLEASH!" He yelled.
"N-No...then I'll just be like my dad, and I don't want that...there has to be another way..." I pleaded.
"There is no other way you cowardly fool! If you don't unleash you will die! UNLEASH, UNLEASH, UNLEASH!!!"
Suddenly the feeling became stronger, it felt like a fire was burning in my chest and my vision of darkness soon became a vision of red.
"I...I..."
"NOW!!!"
With that I regained my vision, and my strength returned stronger than before, and not only that, I felt the emotion of rage take hold of me as I let out a large roar that shook the trees. I quickly reached out for the Timberwolf who had me by the shoulder and grabbed its snout and with little effort crushed it as it finally backed off yelping in pain.
As for the other one, I also grabbed its snout forcing its jaw to open to release me, but I did not release it. No, I grabbed both its jaw and snout and with great force I pulled out the jaw as the Timberwolf as let out a painful wail that echoed across the trees, trying to free itself from my iron grip. I decided to silence it by swinging the jaw of the Timberwolf's teeth facing down piercing its wooden skull.
The green glow in its eyes dimmed until they went black, and with that it had stopped struggling and went limp, I tossed the body aside watching it shatter to pieces on the forest floor. I turned my head to the other Timberwolf who had just recovered, it turned its gaze to its fallen pack mate and then to me. Letting out a very large growl before it charged at me with anger in its eyes, ready to avenge its fallen pack mate.
But its rage was nothing compared to mine that has been bottled up for the longest time. It made a huge lunge towards me with claws and fangs pointed at my direction ready to finish me.
No fear was felt as I clenched my hand into a fist to the point of my bones being popped, I gritted my teeth and focused my rage into my right limb. Releasing my rage with one move I swung with great force shattering the Timberwolf's skull into pieces in mid-air followed by its entire body. Twigs flying past me and bumping into me, hearing the last clattering noise of its twigs fall onto the forest ground, and with that the fight had ended.
Standing there for a few seconds, I slowly pulled myself out of the grip of rage clearing my mind breathing heavily. I turned to the left to see both Applejack and Fluttershy staring at me in shock mixed with horror. I was confused, why were they giving me such reactions, I saved them didn't I? So there was nothing wrong right?
At least I thought until I looked down at myself and saw my fore arm bleeding and my shoulder's blood reaching my torso along with my back. I glance back at the two scared mares, I gave them one final look before my consciousness had faded completely.
"Oh..." And like a tree I fell face first to the ground tasting dirt mixed with my own blood.
After for what seemed like forever, Twilight and the other two had found their friends. A crying Flutter shy and a trapped Applejack.
"Girls, thank goodness you’re ok!" Twilight said as she approached her friends.
"Twilight, get me out of this hole!" Applejack yelled as she tugged on her stuck fore hoof.
Twilight’s horn glowed and the purple aura surrounded the hole causing it to widen and release Applejack.
"Oh thank Celestia, I thought I would never get out of that hole." Applejack shook her fore hoof.
Twilight then observed the scene in front of her as she saw the shattered remains of the Timberwolves, she gasped her eyes growing wide and took a few clops back.
"What in the tartarus happened here!?" Fluttershy quickly ran to her side with tears still running down her eyes, matting her fur.
"Oh Twilight...It was awful! While Applejack was stuck, a Timber wolf came out of the dark and was about to attack until Leo jumped out and stopped him along with its other pack mate!"
"What, where is he!?" Fluttershy left Twilight's side and ran the Leo's motionless body, she looked down at him tears falling from her mussel onto his damaged body.
"Holy cow, what happened to him!?" Rainbow dash yelled as she hovered above him.
"That Leo feller took on two Timberwolves with his bare hooves, well that and..." She looked at one of the fallen Timberwolves who had a knife stuck on his fore leg. Or what was left of it anyway.
Twilight used her magic to yank out the knife and place it in her saddle bags along with Leo's books. She turned her head back to Leo with her hoof on her chin.
"What should we do now Twilight? We can't just leave him for the Manticores, plus he saved our friends." Rarity said as she approached Leo trying to avoid the puddles of blood next to Twilight.
Twilight just stood there in thought, shutting her eyes humming, consulting with herself on what should be done. Could she trust this inter-dimensional being from another world? He did save her friends, but he took out two Timberwolves leaving Twilight a little nervous as to what he was capable of. Plus, she could feel some kind of vibe coming from him...a violent one. After a few long minutes she took a deep breath and finally came to a decision.
"Common girls, let’s get him to the hospital before he gives out on us.” Her horn glowed as it surrounded Leo’s body.
It was cold, dark and I found myself lying down unable to regain my motor skills. All I could feel was loneliness in this dark void, until light came into place and I find myself being held close to some one's chest. My body has reverted into an infant state, as the light finally came I see the one who was holding me was my mother. She stared at me lovingly as she held me close to her, the sight of my mother was enough to make me burst into tears and cry.
My mother cooed as she rocked me trying to calm me down, and it worked. She put her finger on my cheek trying to give me a tickle and I just couldn’t help but giggle. Everything suddenly went cold as ice and was again engulfed in darkness. The worst part was that my mother had completely vanished and I was then returned to my teen state falling into the darkness.
I was screaming as tears left my eyes terrified what was going to happen to me, after a few moments I landed hard on the black as night floor. I was left breathless, but soon recovered as I slowly got up moaning in pain. I looked around, but saw only black. I called out to my mother who vanished on me, wondering where she had gone, but that was when I started to hear a mocking laugh surround me.
The sound of it made me have that tingly feeling inside again while burning my very being as my anger was starting to rise at a very rapid rate. I couldn’t see who was laughing, all I could do was clench my hands on my head trying not to let the laughs get to me. The more I tried to block them out the louder they got. I had enough, and roared at the darkness as my right arm caught on fire giving me a bit of illuminating light.
"What's so funny?!" The laughter grew as though more had joined to mock me."WHAT'S SO FUNNY!?!?" My body was then engulfed in flames as I roared in frustration at who was mocking me at my time of anguish.
Suddenly a pair of giant red eyes appeared in front of me with a menacing glare while a purple streak was leaving them. I heard a loud chuckle, but I didn't cower as I was too enraged to be bothered by fear, standing there in silence gritting my teeth.
Then it spoke to me.
"You are..."
My eyes went blood shot at the answer that was given to me, I charged with my fists raised screaming, set on tearing this thing apart.
When my fist made contact with the entity, everything suddenly was set ablaze as I was sent back flying, screaming in defeat.
Before I hit the ground I was pulled back into reality, shooting up while screaming, I couldn't see much however as most of my face was covered in some sort of cloth. My left eye though was not covered, but could barely see through. My shirt was taken off, and my upper body and my arms were completely covered in a gauss, I was also in a bed but as I tried to get off I saw that I was once again restrained.
"Wha-Where am I?! Who tied me up?!" I shouted as I heard clopping coming to the room I was in.
I white mare with a pink mane and blue eyes with a cross with four hearts on her flank walked in and started trembling at the mere sight of me. Before I could ask what was going on she shouted someone's name as another pony trotted in, but this one was stallion with brown fur, and a white coat.
He quickly came to my side and placed his hooves on my chest pushing me down. I grunted as I tried to struggle but I was to hurt to make any real attempt of escape, all I could do was lay there panting heavily.
"Calm down, its okay. You're safe, there is nothing to be afraid of." He tried to calm me down as I tried to control my breathing.
"Who...who are you? Where am I?" I said a bit panicked as I was trembling in fear.
"Relax, you're at the hospital, after you passed out Twilight Sparkle had brought you here along with her friends." He said as he took his hooves off me. "You were very injured, and in all my years of working in this hospital never, and I mean never had to treat something like this in Ponyville, or in Equestria for that matter."
All I could do was stare at him as I tried to remember the fight I had barely survived from two wood wolves, and soon realized that I had completely forgotten about Applejack, and Fluttershy.
"Wh-where are the other two mares!? Ar-are they..." The doctor hushed me as he tried to calm me down.
"They're all right, a little traumatized but alright." I leaned back and sighed in relief for a moment until I realized how stupid I was for saving them. What was I thinking? I almost died for two mares in a different world that I don't even know.I was snapped out of my thoughts from the doctor's voice “That was a good thing you did back there." He said.
I tilted my head in confusion at what the doctor had said. What exactly did I do? "What are you talking about doc?" I asked
"You risked your life to save two ponies, and they are not even your species." He was quite happy about it, I Could'nt help but sigh irritably as I closed my eyes processing the things that had happened in this world.
I came here through a lake, got bucked into a tree by a cowmare, laid out a big stallion using a tree (the irony), ran into a dangerous forest, fought two big wood like wolves, almost died then heard a scary voice that gave me a "confident" boost, and finally ended up here in this battered up state.
I have a feeling I won’t be on my ass like back home wallowing in my self-pity, no instead I'll be here in this weird after life getting bucked by adorable ponies and attacked by monsters.
Seeing as this might be the afterlife, I am still pretty much suffering, just not mentally or emotionally. Nope only physically like with my dad, and to me that kind of is sort of an improvement since I was in a world ruled by cute huggable ponies. Who were also unicorns and pegesai.
Laying there in my thoughts I was soon interrupted by the doctor's throat clearing as he tried to catch my attention.
"Excuse me if you don't mind me asking but...what are you, and who are you?" I just rolled my eyes, and sighed again at the same damn question that has been asked of me since I got here.
"My name is Leo...and I am a Human." I said flatly as I closed my eyes, returning to the garden of my mind as a question came bugging me since I came here. 'What am I gonna do in this world?' Just then another important question crawled its way into my mind.
"If this is the afterlife, then why am I the only human here?' A good question indeed, maybe I'm not dead.
At Twilight's Sparkle's home the mane six were gathered as Twilight was going over the second text book that Leo brought. The other five were mumbling on about the creature known as Leo on what plans he had in this world.
"I still don’t think we should trust that creature. He's from another world, what if he's planning an invasion?" Rainbow dash said as she stared nervously out the window where the hospital was. Her fore hooves on the frame of the window as her ears were flickering nervously.
"I highly doubt it Rainbow dash, if he was planning something like that he wouldn’t have risked his own wellbeing to save me and Fluttershy." Applejack glanced as Fluttershy who was pacing back and forth wondering if Leo was ok. Rainbow dash couldn't help but huff, and rolled her eyes at her friend's meaningless concern for the foreign creature.
"Fluttershy, would you stop that! You're getting all worked up over an alien you don't even know who could possibly be out to enslave all pony kind!" Rainbow dash grunted irritably returning her attention back to the window.
Fluttershy glanced towards Rainbow dash with a very angry look plastered on her face.
"How could I not get worked up!? He sacrificed himself to save both me, and Applejack, and she bucked him into a tree, and sicked her brother on him, and he still risked his life to save the both of us!" She shouted at Rainbow dash while pointing to Applejack who was staring at the floor shamefully with her hat tipped forward. "So excuse me if I'm all worked up!"
"Will you girls please keep it down? I'm trying to go over this book and I'm halfway done!" Twilight shouted as she flipped the pages translating them.
"Twilight dear, what will you hope to find in those books that could prove useful?" Rarity asked.
"Reading these books is very relevant Rarity, so far it has taught me a lot about the human species, and all of their incredible accomplishments, but..." She turned to the book and stared in silence. Catching the attention of her friends as she just stood there.
Rarity approached her friend slowly with a worried look. Twilight was just standing there in complete silence was making her a bit nervous.
"Twilight?"
"His species...they're...so violent." She shut the book and turned to her friends. "Earlier today while Leo was lying there unconscious I felt a vibe from him, a disturbing one and I just couldn’t stop thinking about it." She trotted towards her bookshelf and magically pulled out a black book with a red insignia of an alicorn. "Not only that, but I felt magic, very violent magic. It was weak like a foal's, but at the same time it was like a wild fire was inside him, and I could feel it." She opened her book to a specific page in the chapter.
"Come to think of it, when he was near death he suddenly let out an Ursa like roar and started wailing on them two Timberwolves like if they were nothing while wounded." Applejack approached her friend having a look at the book Twilight was reading.
"That's the thing, whatever magic he was subcounsiouly using seems to have altered him making him stronger and more resistant to pain." She stopped at a page with a picture of fire surrounded by a pony figure. "And from what you told me it would seem that he triggered it by using rage." She started going through the page she was on.
Everypony gasped at what they heard, trying to comprehend what Twilight said. Did she say rage?
"Yes, it might be true Pinkie, but I don't think that he's aware he has that ability." She shut the book and placed it back on the shelf. "Magic powered by rage only serves one purpose girls and that's destruction." She turned to them.
"S-so are we gonna try to keep him from finding out?" Asked Rainbow dash.
"Yes obviously, what I read from the books about humans is that they are a violent war like species that mostly kill each other for their own gains, and Leo could be just like that. So we can't let him wander around Ponyville or Equestria, we need to keep tabs on him, make sure he doesn’t hurt anypony." She quickly turned and levitated a quill and paper to her desk as she moved the text book.
"What are you doing Twilight?" Rarity tilted her head.
"I'm writing a letter to Princess Celestia to tell her about Leo and see if she can advise us on what we should do about him" She said as she furiously wrote down every word on her mind.
Suddenly a creak was heard from the stairs, the six turned their heads to see that it was Spike sneaking off with a tub of ice-cream.
Spike finally noticed he was caught when he turned his head only to show a mouth full of vanilla ice cream. He let out a huge gulp and chuckled nervously at Twilight's glare, suddenly he dropped the bucket and fell screaming as he landed at the bottom of the stairs.
"AAAHHHHHH, BRAIN FREEZE!!!" He yelled as he gripped his head wailing in pain.
Twilight just rolled her eyes and sat Spike straight up, dusting him off and casting a spell that made his headache go away.
"Stop fooling around Spike. I need you here while I write a letter to the princess." She said as continued with her letter.
"A letter, what for? We don't have anything to report on friendship." Spike asked as he walked to Twilight.
"This isn't about a friendship report Spike, its about an alien that came recently." Rainbow dash carelessly spoke up which earned a glare from her friends. She smiled sheepfully and chuckled nervously when she realized that the whole situations was meant to be kept under wraps. "Uh....whoops...sorry."
"What!? An alien!? No way, where is it!?" Spike jumped excitedly only to be stopped by Twilight’s magic and set down gently.
"He's in the hospital." She said while rolling up her scroll and putting a seal on it. "I need you to send this letter Spike, it's about Leo."
Spike tilted his head and looked at her curiously.
"Leo?" Spike asked.
"That's his name."
"Aw, no fair I always wanted to name an alien and you know it!" Spiked pouted as he crossed his arms.
"I didn't name him, he already had that name!" Twilight sighed and handed the scroll to Spike. “Look, just send this to Celestia so she can give us instructions on what to do with him!"
Spike took the scroll, and just shrugged and burnt it into ashes with his green flame as it went out the open window carried by the wind towards Canterlot.
"So now what?" Pinkie pie asked.
"Now we wait..." Twilight made her way to her couch and sat pulling a book from her shelf to read. Rainbow dash trotted to her friend and placed her hoof on her back.
"OR...we can go to the hospital and check how Leo is, if he's still alive..." This earned a large gasp from Fluttershy which earned another glare from her friends. "Whoops...did it again."
"Well when you put it like that I guess we should check if he's okay, and hopefully he still bound to his bed. Common girls lets go check on him" She stood up and trotted to the door along with her friends. "Spike stay here and watch over the library." Spike just pouted and stomped his foot on the floor.
"But I want to go see the Alien!" He whined like a foal that did not get his toy.
"Sorry Spike but I need you here for now. Next time I'll take you, I promise" She trotted and shut the door and started making her way with her friends to the hospital.
'Besides, he might not be safe to be around just yet, who knows what kind of chaos he could be causing at the hospital.' Twilight was worried at the thought and soon began to pick up the pace towards the hospital, wondering what kind of chaos Leo could be causing.
"Sir, will you please stop doing that!" The mare known as Nurse read heart was getting rather irritated with me as I was messing with the bed remote for the past hour.
"I'm sorry, but I'm bored in case you haven't noticed, and you guys haven’t invented T.V. which means I'm stuck here against my will trying to make my own fun." I said as I rapidly pressed the button with my restrained hand. "But I might stop if you bring me something to eat." I smiled behind my gauss which I was pretty sure she could see.
She let out a huff and trotted out of my room leaving me alone in wait of my meal, and a way for me to come up with a plan to escape from my bounds. 'Okay Leo think, think, you only have a few minutes to find something in this room to free yourself with. Now let’s see...'
I observed my environment to see what could be used to free myself with. There was book on the night stand with a lamp and...That was it. 'Common Leo, You're a human, you can be resourceful.'
I inched my bed as much as I could to the night stand and desperately reached with my bound hand. It was hopeless, I just couldn’t reach with my hand restrained, my muscles tensed as I started to hear hoof steps coming to my door.
'What, already?! But she just left like a freaking second ago!’
I panicked an inched my bed back to the spot I was before the nurse came back letting out huge painful grunts as I could feel some of my wound re-opening. Right when she was about to enter to the room I made it back to the spot I was in at the last second trying to control my breathing, Nurse Red heart just walked in with a tray of food on a cart as I quickly put myself back into my comfortable position.
"Here is your lunch sir..." She had a rather unpleased tone on her face as she trotted to my side and placed the tray full of carrots, cucumbers and lettuce with some gel on the side on my lap.
She just stared at me expectantly waiting for me to eat my lunch, I just stared back at her blankly and at my food hoping this mare would figure out that she would have to feed me.
"Well? What are you waiting for?" She asked as I raised my eye brow.
"I'm waiting to be fed." I said, she then gave me a mad look and shouted a bit.
"What are you talking about?! I brought you your lunch, can't you eat it yourself?" I huffed and rolled my eyes at how ignorant this mare was. I guess I was going to have to explain it to her.
"You seem to not get what I'm trying to say, so I'll try to make this very simple for you...I am restrained and I need you to feed me. FEED...ME. You understand?" She took a few steps back and shook her head.
"Uh-uh, I'm not going to feed you! You could try to bite my hoof off!"
"If I wanted to do that, I would have done it already!"
"Then what are you waiting for!?" She asked.
"I'm waiting to be fed!" She stepped back a bit, I might have frightened her a bit. "Look...I'm sorry I just had a bad day as you can see, and I'm a little short tempered at the moment. So if you please, PLEASE, feed me my lunch so you don't have to deal with me anymore."
She stood there with a sympathetic face and after a second she trots up to me and picks up my fork from my tray picking up some carrots and cucumbers and gestures me to open my mouth.
I do so as she slowly placed the vegies in my mouth, but I could see her sweat bullets as she was nervous. The whole time she stared right at me teeth as tough she was sticking her head into a lion’s mouth. I bite down and she quickly pulls the fork out of my mouth ad runs out of the room.
"I just can't do it!!!" She shouted as she ran off dropping the fork on my right restrained hand.
"How convenient..." I had a grin on my face as I grabbed the fork and started to undo the buckle on my restraint but had little luck.
"Grr! Common you stupid buckle, undo!" I mumbled as I kept my pathetic attempt to free myself with a fork.
"Hijo de tu puta madre, déjame ir!" I then suddenly heard hoof steps coming to my room once again. "Dammit, it's probably useless nurse again!"
I hastily tried to free myself but the restraint was too strong for the fork to rip through, at that my fork slipped out of my hand and feel to the floor clattering loudly. I cursed at how stupid I was for panicking again, then at the corner of my eye I see none other than the lavender mare standing at the door way.
"Seems like you dropped your fork." She picked up my fork with her magic and placed it back on my tray.
"Gee...Thank you so much."
"You're welcome" She said in a happy tone. "Hope you don't mind if we came to check up on you." Behind her were the rest of her friends entering the room.
"Hey Leo, how ya doing?" Pinkie pie shouted as she quickly zipped to my side in a flash that kinda almost made me jump out of my bed.
"Whoa!" I cocked back. “You’re fast."
"Not as fast as me!" Rainbow dash appeared next to me in faster than I could blink causing me to nearly jump.
"Jeez! Will you stop doing that! I'm gonna get a heart attack!" I breathed heavily as I tried not to spit out my heart.
"Sorry sheesh..." She folded her hooves as she was hovering next to me.
"My apologies Leo, my two friends here get very excited when they meet something that is not from this world, which is never." Twilight spoke as she trotted to my side.
"Is that why I am restraint here on this bed, because I am an alien?" She seemed to be taken back as her ears folded.
"No that's not what I-"
"Is this how you also treat different beings that saved your friends from two ravenous Timberwolves at the expense of their own health?"
I could see the guilt in her eyes as I kept chewing her out.
"N-n-no! We only did it as a contingency!"
"What contingency exactly?" My voice grew deeper and a tad bit angry.
"I-I-It was because...you kind of lost it back there, and we didn't know if you were still in the zone so we didn't want to risk you lashing out at somepony."
I just sat there quiet staring at her in suspicion, she hesitated for a second. Was she hiding something, what exactly happened back there? I know I fought two Timberwolves but I can't remember the exact details on the fight.
"I-is everything okay?" She asked.
"I'm fine, I'm just...Peachy..." I lied back trying to remember that event, what happened back there? Why couldn't I remember it?
"What?" I said in a annoyed tone.
"Um...thank you." She whispered.
"What are you thanking me for?"
"For saving me and Fluttershy silly." Applejack said as she gently jabbed her friend.
"Um, yes, what she said." She smiled trying not to seemed shy.
I just stared at them both for a while as they had smiles on their faces. All I could do was scoff and turned my head to the wall.
"I didn’t do it for you cowgirl, I did it for her." I pointed at Fluttershy while all eyes went to her. "If she hadn't decided not leaving you I would have just taken her and left you for the wolves."
This earned a large gasp from everypony in the room, but Applejack. It looked like I had just driven a knife to her heart.
"W-Why would you say such a thing!?" The white unicorn known as Rarity shouted in her high pitched voice.
"Why wouldn’t I, She attacked me, tied me to a tree while I was injured, accused me of being some kind of assassin and with a cherry on the top she made that big red stallion attack me."
"Well you make a point but-" The white unicorn tried to defend, but I cut her off.
"But nothing, do you really expect me to forgive a pony who I saved and in return got mauled half to death."
That did it, Applejack quickly stormed out of my room in a flash as Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow dash and Pinkie pie went after her. Leaving just me and Twilight.
"What is wrong with you!?" She stomped her hoof on the floor cracking it a little giving me a very scary death glare.
"What's wrong with me!? What's wrong with you! I save two of your friends and you repay me by binding me once again but only this time to a bed!"
"I told you it was a contingency!" She shot back.
"I don't care what you call it! To me it's still cruel, and unfair! I don't appreciate it! It's seems very ungrateful, I don't expect to be rewarded okay! I just wanted someone or pony as you say to treat me with just a little dignity instead of being tied like an animal!" I yelled nearly turning red as I was breathing heavily at the barrage of words I threw at her.
She just stood there and stared with disgusted look on her face for a moment until a tear left her eye which caught me off guard. She turned, and trotted towards the door, but then stopped and gazed at me one last time.
"She helped you know..." I tilted my head in confusion. "I only carried you half way while she carried you the rest of the way when my magic depleted. How does that sound for ungrateful?" She slammed the door as hard as she could as she left.
I just sat there staring at the wall blankly, I couldn't help but feel like a total jerk at what I said. Damn it I let my emotions get the better of me and said some things I shouldn’t have. What was wrong with me? Ever since my day started after touching that damn plant I've been getting rather pissed so easily, and it was because of that lady! I don't know how but I know she has something to do with me being aggressive.
'I know you're in this world you bitch, and when I find you, I am going to put you through a world of hurt!' I raised my fist while shaking it.
Author's Note
Feel like I had writters block the whole time I wrote this.
In the hall ways of the hospital were the mane six trying to comfort one of their friends who was feeling a bit distraught after hearing dagger piercing words from the human who laid in his bed.
"Common Applejack, you shouldn’t believe what that stupid alien said back there. He was just trying to get to you." Rainbow dash said as she patted her friend’s back.
"I...I know but I just couldn’t help but feel like it was true. What he said, I attacked him and all he did was just stand there and stutter and I bucked him into a tree while he was injured." Applejack just looked at the tile floor in shame regretting what she did.
"But it wasn't your fault Applejack, he's a creature nopony has ever seen. Anypony might have reacted the way you did if they saw an alien." Pinkie pie chimed in trying to comfort her friend, and it seems her words have reached her as she smiled a bit.
"Really?" Applejack looked up to her with hopeful eyes.
"Yea, I mean look at him! That bronze colored skin, those dirt colored eyes and that black as night fur patch on his head! I know he sorta resembles an ape, but like an intelligent one, what pony wouldn’t have screamed and run or turned and bucked him into a tree!"
"I agree dear and to top it all off, he was wearing such ghastly, dreadful clothing. No doubt he is a savage!" Rarity stomped her hoof on the floor as she raised her voice. "I mean did you see those colors and fabric!? Ugh!" She shuddered. "What kind of species would have the mind to walk around in those garments!? Who I tell you, who!"
"Stop it!"
Fluttershy shouted catching her friends off guard who looked startled only to see their calm friend once again mad which scared their them as they were not used to seeing her like this. Not after the work shop session with iron will the Minotaur she had went through.
"Sheesh Fluttershy, you mind keeping it down? We're at a hospital you know." Twilight patted her friend's back which startled her a bit.
"Twilight?!" Fluttershy yelped oblivious to the presence of her friend behind her until now.
"Fluttershy, if you don't mind me asking, why do you get so worked up when somepony bad mouths him?"
"He saved my life, and when I looked into those eyes of his, I could tell he was scared. Being in a world he is completely foreign to must be terrifying. Remember when we crossed dimensions? That was the scariest thing that ever happened to us." She shut her eyes trying not to remember the fear she felt of that memory.
"Was it scary because you thought some kind of creature might come out and eat you?" Rainbow dash asked as she approached her friend.
"No, it was because I thought I would never get back home. To my house, my angel, my animals...to Equestria." The hall way went silent as they all thought about what Leo might be going through.
Did Leo Lash out of frustration at Applejack because he thought he might never get back to his world and see his friends and family again? If that is true then they don't know Leo as well as they think they do right now.
"I-I had completely forgotten about that. It filled me with fear to think I might not see Sweety bell again..." Her expression saddened as she faced the floor.
"I got scared when I might never go back to sugar cube corner to see mister carrot cake and his wife and their adorable foals. And my little gummy." Pinkie couldn’t help but sit down a feel remorse.
"Maybe we shouldn’t have judged him so harshly, we didn't even apologize for all the trouble we have caused him." Said Twilight. "We should go back and ask for his forgiveness."
The six nodded in agreement with Twilight as they followed her back to Leo's room. When they reach the room all they see is an empty bed with a bit of blood on it, Twilight's jaw dropped at the sight.
"What!? How did he-" Twilight was cut off by the nurse who had panic in her eyes.
"Miss Twilght, the creature has escaped!" She shouted panting while quaking in fear.
"But how!? He was completely restrained!" Rainbow dash shouted at the nurse.
"Maybe he used this fork here!" Pinkie pie was bouncing on Leo's bed with fork in her hoof.
Twilight trotted over and inspected the bed's restraints, she sees one out of the four has been graved a bit. She takes the fork from Pinkie pie with her magic and places it on the lines on the restraint and sees that it matches.
"Oh horse apples, not only was he crafty by using Fluttershy's kindness to escape the first time, now he used a fork? A FORK TO ESCAPE!?" Twilight shouted as she bended the fork into a knot and threw it out the window. "I should have known he would have been resourceful with those appendages on his upper legs!"
"OW!" Shouted a voice from outside.
Pinkie quickly zipped over to the window as she stuck her head out and waved. "Sorry miste- Oh, hey Leo!" Shouted Pinkie Pie.
The other five perked up and trotted towards the window to see Leo rubbing his head where the fork had hit him.
"Why don’t you watch what you're throwi-" Leo looked up and spotted the rest of the mane six in shock and then horror. "You got to be fucking me right up my-"
"STOP WHERE YOU ARE!!!" Twilight shouted while pointing at Leo.
"Stop this!" Leo shouted back as he gave Twilight the finger and limped away.
Twilight quickly acted by used her magic to teleport in front of Leo blocking his way out, she positioned herself with her horn lit ready to attack. He staggered back a bit and he quickly turned around only to see the other five surrounding him. He turned back to Twilight with his one eye giving her the hint he is glaring at her with much contempt looking like a very angry mummy.
"I hate you..." He whispered.
"Give it up you're surrounded and you’re still too hurt to resist!" Twilight pointed out as Leo glanced back to see she was right. He was still too hurt to fight, but it's not like he would hurt ponies, they are too cute. Leo was a smart boy, he knew when he was beat and surrendered with dignity.
"You'll never take me alive!" Or not...
"No, stop please!" Fluttershy stood between them.
Leo and Twilight turned to Fluttershy who was pleading them to stop. "Leo, please we're sorry, we shouldn’t have had you tied to your bed after you saved us. It was wrong of us and we're sorry, please...please come back inside so you can heal." She looked at Leo with puppy dog eyes that made him lower his fists and clam down.
Leo hummed and glanced at Twilight who still had her horn lit ready for just in case he would try something, he turned back to Fluttershy and sighed deeply. He knew it was futile resisting two unicorns, two pegasi and two regular ponies.
"I'll go under one condition."
"What's that?" Fluttershy asked.
"Before I go inside I do not want to be held in restraints, and I most certainly don't want to talk to that unicorn over there either..." He pointed at Twilight and glared.
"Hey!" She shouted.
"Anything else you need, maybe something to eat?" Fluttershy asked.
Leo's stomach growled loudly, he had completely forgotten to eat the veggies that the nurse left for him. He chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head.
"Um, could you perhaps get me something to eat, I haven’t eaten at all since I came here."
"Oh, I can get ya something to eat! Some apple-pie would do ya nicely!" Appajack was waving her hoof rapidly trying to get Leo's attention.
Leo rolled his eyes at how persistent this mare was trying to make right for what she's done to him. He decided to humor her just so she can stop feeling guilty.
"Sure, if you can get me a very nourishable meal that will return my strength, I will be very grateful to you and all past incidents will be forgiven and forgotten." Appajack nodded and headed back to her farm as quickly her hooves could take her. He's gotta admit when she wants to make it up for something she did wrong she's really devoted and spares no effort.
"Come on, let's take you inside so your wounds can heal." Fluttershy wrapped her wing around Leo's hand as she escorted him inside.
I had stayed in bed as Fluttershy requested of me, while enjoying a very tasty apple pie Applejack had brought for me. I was burying my face in the delicious pastry and that sight lifted her spirits.
"S-so do you like it?" She asked, I lifted my head for breath and responded to Applejack.
"Can't talk now, eating" I said flatly as I went back to shoving my face to the pie making growling noises.
"Oh, uh, ok! I'll just let ya finish up that pie there and you can tell me what you think." She backed slowly away a little hurt at my terse response and nervous at my growling as I mutilated that pie with my mouth.
"Um...Leo"
I still kept digging into the delicious pie, I wonder what recipe is used to make this.
"Leo?"
I kept devouring the pie with my ravenous hunger while blocking out Fluttershy trying to get my attention, but this pie is so damn good. It had cinnamon that makes my tongue tingle and-
"LEO!!!"
"Yea?" I lifted my head and turned to Fluttershy who was giving an unusual look.
"What?" I asked curiously.
"You um...have some pie on your face." She gestures her hoof across her face.
I slowly put my hand on my cheek and wipe of a bit of pie off, I ask her if that was it and she just shook her head. I repeated the same thing at different spots on my face and she still shook her head that was until Pinkie Pie jumped on my bed almost literally making me jump off.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it!" Pinkie Pie then started slobbering all over my face like an excited dog.
"Hey-ACK, Stop it! What are you-mmph!" She then starts lapping up the little crusts and little pieces of gooey apple from my lips.
"Pinkie pie!!!" Shouted Fluttershy.
"What?" She looked to her friend who was blushing like crazy.
She glanced back at me breathing heavily and shaking a bit. Pinkie realized at what she had done and started turning red.
"O-oh Leo, I'm so sorry! I just wanted to help clean you out and..."
"Guhh..." I let out breathing heavily at what just happened but then I started smelling something sweet that took my mind of what just happened. "Is...Is that...is that cotton candy I smell?" I started taking in the aroma that was filling my nose.
"Oh, that must be my conditioner you smell from the shower I took this morning, you like it?" Pinkie pie hopped excitedly.
I just sat there staring at her for a while, is there really a shampoo that makes you smell like cotton candy? I decided to find out for sure if she was telling the truth, so I did something weird, I pulled Pinkie pie into an embrace as she yelped in fright.
I took in a deep sniff if her mane and it was true, she really did smell like cotton candy like she said. I have got to get me some of that conditioner if it smells this nice, I then notice Fluttershy and Applejack staring at me at what I am doing to their friend.
I quickly push her away and chuckle nervously at what I had done, what was I thinking? Did I just creep out a poor innocent little pony with my weird actions? No wonder I'm single...
"Aw, why'd you stop? Your skin felt nice!" She rushes to me and gives me a big hug, I gotta admit that shampoo not only makes her mane smell good but it also makes her coat soft and smooth against my skin.
"Alright girl, time to go!" Pinkie pie was lassoed and yanked from me by her cowmare friend.
"Aw, I wasn't finished!" Pinkie whined as she was pulled out of my room by her friend along with her other friends waiting outside.
I just sat there in awkward in silence at what just happened, while Fluttershy was kicking the tile floor averting her gaze. Her mane was covering her face but I could tell she was blushing like crazy.
"Well...that was..." I cleared my throat before I continued. "...My fault, I let my curiosity get the better of me."
"Oh...that's okay, eveypony likes the scent of her conditioner. It's understandable what you did." She looked up to me and smiled.
"So uh...How long do I have to stay in the hospital before I can leave?"
"The doctor said about three more days, after that your strength and health will return and you'll be good as new." I pouted when I heard I have to stay three more days. I can't stand it here, it has that old people smell and it was making me anxious to be in a building with a bunch of ponies who were ready to panic because of my presence here. I heard on of them yell across the room saying why didn't they just take me to a vet?
But enough about that, the only thing that made it bearable was Fluttershy visiting me in this mundane hospital. We talked about stuff like her animals and her devotion to them.
It's been two days being stuck here and tomorrow was gonna be the day I was released. Flutterhsy had visited me again today, I wanted to know more about her but she insisted we talk about myself, she asked about what my world was like and how I got here.
I told her about the event that nearly caused me my demise in the lake, she heard about what the jocks did to me, I decided to keep the death of my mom and my abuse father out of this conversation. I liked her but not enough to burden her with my whole life story. Having to tell her about that day though caused me to feel an unbearable weight of melancholy and Fluttershy noticed this. She put her hoof on my hand in an effort to comfort me, I turn to her and see a warm smile that made the grief leave out the core of my being.
"I'm so sorry about what happened to you Leo, you didn't deserve that kind of treatment from the other humans just because you decided to be yourself." I smiled back and held her hoof, it’s been a long time since I had some one comfort me like this.
She stood on her hind legs and reached out to hug me, I was more than happy to return the gesture. That moment was short lived though when the doctor came in and told Fluttershy that visiting hours were over.
She left but not before promising me she would wait outside the hospital for when I was released and with that she was led out by the doctor and I was left alone with my thoughts.
'Shit, where am I gonna stay?'
It bothered me to think that I was going to have to sleep outside a side walk or an alley way, I had no idea if they were going to house me. I doubt none of them would volunteer to house an alien ape from another world in their house, but hey, they don't look much like ponies back on earth.
They're much more adorable with big anime eyes, the rainbow colors and their unique tattoos, oh and their language known as Equis is coincidentally familiar to English.
I just shook my head to clear my thoughts and notice that the skies are turning orange, it’s getting late, and I better get some rest for tomorrow. But before I did, I pointed up with my right hand and made circular motions.
"Tomorrow I-am-out of hereeee!" I raised my voice.
"Hey, shut up!" A patient called from the other side of the hall way.
"Sorry!" I pulled the sheets on my form and relaxed to be taken by the embrace of sleep.
At the Library Twilight has taken some notes from Flutterhsy about what Leo had told her about him and his world. It would seem that the world Leo lives in today is a bit more advance than from what she has read from Leo's text books.
"Interesting, could that explain this contraption here he had with him?" She pulled Leo's I-pod near an examined it. "But it doesn’t look like it can do anything." She looked at the black screen closely only to see her reflection form the dark screen. She let out an irritable groan and tossed it back on her desk. "Why does his technology have to be so complex?! I've been spending days trying to figure out what this thing does, but all its accomplished is try my patience!"
Suddenly there was a large burp and an illuminating green glow from Twilight's room that startled both of them.
"Spike, what happened?!" Twilight shouted, as spike descended down the stairs from her room.
"Nothing, just a letter from Princess Celestia I think it’s about the alien." Spike was lifted off the ground holding on to the letter. "Whoa, Twilight!" Spike fell on the oak wood floor as he lost his grip and landed with a loud thud.
She quickly took of the seal and opened it with haste, she has not been this excited since she got her new addition of daring do book. Plus it took quite a while for Celestia to respond to her letter which was kind of odd to her.
She quickly took of the seal and opened it with haste to read as to what the princess had sent.
Dear Twilight sparkle, I am sorry about the delayed response to your letter. After hearing the news about an inter-dimensional being that appeared in sweet apple acres, I was consulting with my sister on how to deal this situation.
You write to me that he is an intelligent being that speaks the exact same language as ours and that he is an omnivore type creature, you also add that his species his a very violent type but with much great advancements. You also wrote that you could feel malevolent magic emanating from him, like a wild fire you say.
You say that this hue-man defeated two timber wolves in an attempt to protect your friends. But your letter tells me that his magic was triggered by rage, if what you say is true, then you must keep surveillance on him.
As my most trusted protégé, I ask that you must house him so you may watch over him. I need you to keep him out of trouble, just until I come back from iron helm from my diplomatic meeting with the minotaur king. When I return I will send you a letter so you may ready him for when I arrive at canterlot.
In the mean time you should get to know this Leo better, find out what he likes and what are his interests and most of all teach him the lessons of magic and friendship. And who knows, maybe when he has learned what friendship is all about he may show you a new form of friendship.
Good luck my trusted student. Sincerely Celestia
Twilight rolled up the scroll and placed it on her desk as she sighed.
"What is it Twilight?" Her fancy friend asked.
"Princess Celestia has written to me insisting that I should house him until she returns from Iron helm, she wants me to keep a close eye on him and teach him the magic of friendship." She trotted over to the door as Spike followed.
"Sweet, that means he'll be around so he can tell stories about space travels and cook some marshmallows in an open fire and talk about your diary-"
"Spike!" Twilight shouted.
"We better hurry and get to the hospital before it’s too late, we don't want to keep him waiting." Fluttershy flew out the door but was hovering outside waiting for her friends.
"Are you excited Spike?" Twilight asked as her assistant was shaking in excitement.
"Oh you know it, I finally get to make contact with the alien!" Spike leaped and landed on Twilight, staggering a bit and startled.
"On ward!" He yelled.
"Spike!!!" She yelled as she swung her head facing Spike.
"Sorry!" He smiled sheep fully.
Twilight noticed that Rarity was walking the opposite direction from where her friends were going.
"Rarity, aren't you coming?" Twilight asked.
"Heavens no! I don't want come near a filthy ape from a different world! He could have lice and you know that the last thing I want is lice on my beautiful fur and mane." She held her nose up high as she trotted back to her home. "Besides, I have an order to fill."
"Well, I guess that leaves us-" She turned her head to face her friends only to see that they already left without her. She groaned and hung her head as she trotted towards the hospital. "Celestia give me strength..." She muttered.
It was finally time as the day of my departure came, the day for me to get out of this hospital and away from the useless nurse.
"Are you ready? The doctor asked while holding sharp scissors with his magic.
"Yea." I said flatly.
He then proceeded very carefully to cut my gausses that were covering my body. He started with my chest very so slowly and carefully cutting the gauss as not to pierce my flesh with the sharp scissors. Cutting my chest gauss all the way gently falling off my body and landing on the floor I quickly reach my back and start scratching like there's no tomorrow.
"Ooohhaaahhh, Oh my god that feels soooo goooood!" I quickened the pace feeling the amazing sensation of scratching an itch that bothered me for the past three days. The doctor called to me informing me that he hasn't finished with the arm gauss and the face gauss.
I just waved him off telling him that I can remove the gausses myself. I reached for my fore arm and rip the gauss off and threw it at the nurse who was walking by the door. I then reached my face gauss with both hands and ripped it off with much gusto. I let out a large sigh of relief as I removed it and aimed it for the bin which made it. 'Two points...'
I turn my head to the doctor who just stood there staring at my body, it kind of made me uncomfortable as he leaned in closer. But I dismissed my suspicions as he was only staring at the scars that were engraved on my body and boy did I looked messed up.
The doctor shakes his head and apologized for staring, I told him it was okay as we walked down the hallway passing a few other patients with broken hooves or sprained wings and...Was that stallion covered in jelly? Weird...
We finally made it to the exit but before I could leave the doctor halted me and told me that there would be someone picking me up.
"What, who would want to pick me up?" I asked with a perplexed expression.
"Her name is Twilight Sparkle." He said as he trotted away.
'Hmm...Twilight Sparkle, why does that name sound familiar, and why am I getting the heebie jeevies.' I thought as I put my hand on my chin.
"Leo!" A voice called out to me, I slowly turn around and lo and behold it's that unicorn that I detest so much along with that very kind Fluttershy and a...dragon?
"Oh no, please tell me you’re not Twilight." I said in a very bitter tone.
"Sorry Leo, its Twilight here who has come to take you home with her. I wish I could take you but instead Princess Celsestia has asked Twilight to take on the duty."
"Princess Celestia? You mean the one who supposably rules your country?"
"Yep, the one who watches over us, along with her sister Luna." The little draconian added as he inspected my form as he walked around my humming. "You're not what I was expecting..."
"What were you expecting?" I asked.
"I thought you'd be taller."
"Oh yea, like you're the one to talk 'fun size'. You know I'd like to beat you down to size, but looks like somebody already beat me to it." I teased.
"Hey, don't make jokes about my height! '" He shouted.
"Whatever." I waved him off.
"Are you ready to come with us Leo?" Twilight asked.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I said in a depressing tone and walked right past her.
"Oh wait!" Fluttershy yelled trying to catch my attention.
"Yea?" I lazily turned my head to the yellow mare.
"I was wondering if I could..." She hid behind her mane and averted my gaze. "...give you a tour around Ponyville"
"What?" I stepped closer trying to make out what the shy mare said. "I didn't hear you."
"She asked if she could give you a tour around Ponyville" The little scaled dragon said as he leaned on Twilight.
Twilight shook her head as she trotted to Fluttershy and patted her back.
"I don't think we have time for a tour around Ponyville, I was told by Princess Celestia to bring you home immediately after you recove-"
"I would love a tour around your town!" No, not really, I just decided to cut her off and make it a bit more difficult for her for giving me a hard time.
"What? No we need to get you back to my house before anypony sees you!" Twilight tried to make excuses to keep me from wandering around, but dammit I laid on my ass for three days! I think it's time I got a little exercise and walk around a bit.
"Sorry Twilight but I've been in bed way to long and I need to walk around a bit." I walked to Fluttershy gesturing her to show around her town while the little drake followed. I could hear Twilight groan in irritation as we walked away, I guess she hates it when she doesn't get her way.
'Sorry Twilight, this isn't Burger King for you, you don't get to have it your way, I get to have it my way!'
So far the indigenous ponies of this town were pretty frightened by my appearance, and they would have screamed and run if Fluttershy wasn't by my side letting the locals know that I am safe to be around.
A few feet be behind us was Twilight hanging her head in defeat as she followed us, I could see irritation written all over her face which was driving me to explore more of her town. I couldn't help but giggle a little.
"Hmm?" Fluttershy turned her head to me. "What's so funny Leo?" She asked.
"Oh nothing, nothing, I just like your town so much that I can't help but squee a little bit."
"I sounded more like a giggle." Spike said as he was licking his ice cream.
"Well my Squees sound like giggles okay?"
"Are we almost done? In case you haven't noticed it’s getting late." She pointed at the sun setting behind the mountains. "We should head back." Twilight suggested.
Before I could speak, Fluttershy suggested we go to one more spot we missed. We followed her up a hill, well actually more like climbed a hill in my case. It took me twenty minutes to finally reach the top, when I made it I plummeted down on the soft yet itchy grass to catch my breath.
"Over here Leo." Fluttershy gestured me to come over to her, she was sitting on a bench under a a tree.
I walked over and sat down and let out a big sigh of relief catching my breath.
"So, what's the big deal about this spot?" I asked.
"Look." She pointed with her hoof the distance I could see Ponyville simply beautiful with the orange skies and the Sun setting.This world may look cartoonish but the scenery was truly something, I just felt like I was in a dream, one that I was hoping not to wake up from.
Unfortunately I was, due to the Interruption of the lavender mare.
"Leo I've been meaning to ask you something when you got out of the hospital." she said as she trotted to me. "What exactly are these?" she levitated my pack of cigarettes to me, I held my jaw open as I now realized that that’s what I forgot when I ran to the forest.
"My smokes!!!" I yelled as I swiped from her magic aura, I quickly grabbed one and placed it in my mouth and start checking my pockets only to remember I threw my lighter in the lake. I slump down on the floor and groan in agony.
"What's wrong Leo?" She asked.
"What's wrong, what’s wrong is that I don’t have a source of fire to light my cigarette!"
"Oh, maybe Spike can help." Fluttershy suggested.
I turn to the dragon and realized that he can breathe fire. 'Leo your are and idiot getting all worked up when there is a living lighter right in front of you...' I scolded myself.
"Spike come over here." I gestured him with a finger.
"Yea what is it?" He asked as he walked over to me.
"Be a pal and give me a small fire." I said nicely with a smile.
"Um...okay?" He then inhaled a little and exhaled to let a tiny green flame emanate from the dragon's nose.
I carefully put my cigarette on the tiny green flame and started to exhale to get my cig to light up and it did. Success!
"Oh yes..." I took another drag of my cigarette and let the smoke come out of my mouth and nose. "...OH YES!" I've been waiting three days in a damn hospital and this is the only thing to lift my spirits. I then started to hear coughing from my companions.
"What is that!?" Twilight shouted, I turned to the mare and smirked.
"Back in my world it is called a cigarette, but I call it 'hakuna matata' once I smoke this, my worries and troubles are engulfed in the sweet, sweet smokes of tobacco I could ever wrap my lips around." I got close to Twilight's face and stopped only a few inches away, I then took a longer drag and held it in a few seconds, then exhaled all the smoke in to Twilight's face who started covering her eyes and coughed even more. "Yep...engulf my troubles in smoke." I smirked.
"Agh! I'll wait for you at the bottom of the hill! Come on spike!"
She then disappeared in a purple flash along with the dragon, I was now left alone with the yellow Pegasus. Or so I thought until I turned my head to see that she was now flying away as fast as she could. I guess she doesn’t like the smell of burning tobacco, oh well, her loss.
I then take a seat on the bench that was under the tree on top of this hill, I relaxed and cooed as I smoked my cigarette and started at the scenery, I then started to process what I've been through now, and realize that I'll be staying here for a while until I meet this Celestia.
Here I am in a different world ruled by ponies and lurking with monsters where magic exists away from the human world where people treat me like garbage and I get beaten daily. Here they treat me like an alien, but at least give me a chance. Plus this could be a great start of a new beginning for me.
I stared into the sun for a few more seconds until it was covered by the mountains and it had gotten completely dark. My cigarette was about to go out until I pulled another one out and used the lit one to light the other. I exhaled once again and felt sleep starting to get a hold of me, but not before one last thought popped up in my head about this world.
"I guess it's an improvement..." I tilted my head back and slowly closed my eyes to go to dream land once again to deal with the freaky nightmares that had awaited me in the garden of my mind.
Author's Note
I half assed the cover...
Most people would say that humans dream because they seek to be in the solace and confines of their subconscious minds which are their dreams and dreams are where the never is found when they wish to escape their cruel reality. For me however there was no escape. I was trapped in misery in both my reality and my subconscious as I once again find myself having a sickening nightmare where this hideous monster is chasing on intent to kill me.
I have been running for what seems like hours through darkness as the only light source we have is the small fog reaching my ankles giving me illuminating light, unfortunately I lost my footing and tripped. Panicked I try to recover from my fall, but unfortunately I find myself stuck on the ground, as though it has become human fly paper.
My fear rose as the creature approached me its mouth dripping as it raised its arm ready to go in for the kill as it approached me. I readied myself for the painful death that this creature was about to bestow upon me as its form loomed over me and its disgusting yellow claws hanging over its head. I closed my eyes and whimpered. Suddenly, I heard a sickening noise of flesh being stabbed, however, it wasn't mine, it was the monster's flesh that had been stabbed...by his own hand.
He then yanked the piece of flesh and threw it aside; I stared at the dead piece of flesh in horror as I heard the sickening noise again. He started to mutilate himself as bits of flesh stated flying around, chunk by chunk the creature tore off its flesh; blood getting everywhere even on me.
It had one final piece to go; its face.
I could see most of the body now as what the skin hid under was something human to my shock, it slowly reached for its facial skins as it gripped and tugged hard ripping the entire thing off throwing it aside. I stared in pure horror of not what he just did, but what was under the flesh. I looked and shook my head in denial as I looked upon the face of the human who was hiding under the skin. I tear as I tried to back away, but the floor was still restraining me. All I could do was stare as the grip of fear took hold of me staring at who this person was...
...it was me.
He stared at me with fear in his slit eyes as he slowly raised his hand and pointed at me and spoke in a most monstrous voice that could wither plant life.
"MONSTER!"
He shouted and at that very point I felt a burning pain in my chest as fire shot out. I screamed in agony as I tried to cover the erupting hole in my chest but all that did was burn my hands to a crisp causing me to scream even more as they reduced to ashes and where blown away by the gust of wind.
I looked up at the pitch black sky praying for this pain to end, but all I got were the same red eyes that starred at me in mock, my breathing stared to quicken as they leered at mine.
"You can't stop it..." it spoke.
Right before I could bark at the voice I felt another tremendous pain in my chest. I look and see a black crystal clogging up the hole of my erupting chest. With nowhere for the heat to escape it built in inside of my body sending painful shocks all around as the pressure started to build up. I reached for the crystal in an attempt to remove it, but it was futile.
The laughter from my previous dream emitted throughout the darkness as kept trying to remove the stone.
"Shut up, stop laughing at me!!!" I yelled.
The pressure inside me started to build even more as bits of my body started to reduce to ash, it was hopeless to remove the crystal without hands to grip it as I no longer possessed them. The flaming pain was moving up to my throat as I started to cough violently to the point where I felt like I was gargling scolding hot water.
My body couldn't take much more as veins of fire were being engraved all over my body as I let out my last scream.
"GAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"
My body finally gave out in a big burst as pieces flew everywhere; making contact with the ground then the whole world of darkness took light in a violent out of control raging fire destroying everything and nothing. I could hear screams of pain, the screams of fear, what got me most was that I felt that these screams were directed at me.
I did this; I caused them this pain...NO!
Make it stop!!!
I shot up violently as I gasped for air sweating to the point where I seemed like I urinated in the bed I was on, in a room that seemed to be carved by the inside? My two roommates still asleep as the moon's illuminating light shone upon them.
'Wait, how did I get here? Thought I was on a bench on a hill? Guh! It doesn't matter!' I shook my head to get these useless thoughts out.
"God damn it..." I whispered as I got out of bed, even without a shirt I still felt too hot. "Where the hell is the bathroom?"
I quietly exited the room and started down the dark hallway checking each door for the bathroom; sadly all I found was a study and a closet filled with nothing. After a couple of minutes I finally stumbled upon the ladies room, I quickly entered and with haste I turned on the sink and splashed ice cold water all over my face to cool myself down. Maybe even calm my nerves, I looked up to try to see my reflection but all I was met with was darkness.
"Dammit, where's the light switch?" I muttered.
Conveniently candles above the mirror started to take light as the room slowly revealed itself to me, what got my attention was the small bathtub, I couldn’t believe how small it was. Then again, I do live in a pony populated world so I shouldn't really surprise me that they're like this.
*grumble*
My stomach growled in an unhealthy manner that was enough to make me cross my legs and lean on the counter for support as I almost lost balance.
"Oh crap!" I clenched my teeth.
I slouched a little as I held on to my stomach and made my way to the toilet feeling my gut and throat burn while attempting to quickly open the toilet lid. I quickly expelled the contents that where in my stomach. Most of that was the disgusting hospital food I had consumed from that damn nurse red heart, I bet she poisoned it.
"Ouuggh!" I up chucked even more causing me to make loud noises.
"Hello, is somepony in there?” I heard a voice coming from the hallway; it was the dragon, what was his name? Spike! I better let him know it's just me before he assumes it's an intruder.
"I-it’s just me Spike...OUGH!" I threw up even more before I could finish my sentence; my gut, throat, and chest feel like they're burning. Almost if I had eaten hot coal and I was paying for it.
"Leo? Are you alright? You don't sound so good." Spike's voice was nearing my location as the sound of footsteps grew closer. I reached and pulled the lever of the toilet, flushing all of the expelled contents that left from my gut. Spike was now at the door staring at me thinking whether he should approach me or stay where he is. "Dude...you look terrible." He said as he got a towel from the towel hanger, put it in the sink and poured cold water on it and wrapped it on my fore head.
"Thanks." I said gratefully as I slowly got up trying not to falter. Sadly, I did, well almost did. Lucky for me Spike caught me before I fell face first. The kind dragon helped me back to my bed. He's a pretty good kid dragon, acts pretty mature for his age despite his size. I was gently placed in bed with his help trying not to wake the purple unicorn.
"Need a glass of water?" He held a glass of water to me, when did he get that?
"Thanks Spike." I took the water and downed half of it letting out a satisfied gasp. "I really needed that." I placed the cup on the night stand and lying back on my soaked bed.
"No prob..." He averted his gaze to the floor and kicked a little as though he wanted to tell me something.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Yea I'm fine...it's just that..." he sat on the side of my bed still his gaze averted.
"What's wrong?" I asked a bit concerned.
"You...you were talking in your sleep." He turned to face me, staring me down with his green dragon eyes that illuminated from the moon's glow. "Who was laughing at you?" He asked.
I cocked back a bit; one of my nightmares woke up Spike. Worse is that he heard what was going on in my discorded mind through my own mouth. I can't let him know, I can't let any of them know. It would give me a worse image with the locals if they knew what kind of things went on in my mind.
"I-it's nothing Spike, it was just...just a nightmare." Damn it, these dreams are just too much to handle for me. I think I feel my sanity slipping a little.
Spike crossed his arms and glared, he knew I was obviously hiding something. He made his way to my bed and sat on the edge, his glare never leaving my being. "Hmm, I can tell you're lying Leo."
"What? But how-"
"Let's just say I picked up a trick from a certain orange pony." His glare turned into a smile, his eyes never leaving mine. He knew damn well he got me.
"Fine..."I huffed. “...you got me" We sat there in silence for a few minutes, not being able to say anything really. Spike decided to break the silence.
"Leo." He put his hand on my shoulder in an effort to comfort me. "You know you can tell me what's on your mind. I might be able to help." He said.
I scoffed loudly, rolling my eyes as though he thought he could fix the problem overnight. Plus I don't think he would be able to handle what goes on in my mind. Last thing I need is to be held responsible for a dragon having nightmares as well. Still, I had to think of something to get him off my case.
"I...I only tell close friends about my dreams Spike; it's personal and sacred to me so I can't just tell anyone. Besides, they're too...disturbing so I would appreciate it if you respect my wishes if you want your attempts of being my friend successful." I laid back a bit. “I will tell you this though, I’ve been having them ever since I came to this world.”
He just sat there quiet, I may not be able to see him but I know he's staring at me. I heard a deep sigh coming from the dragon as he got up and went back to his basket. I turned around and saw that he was still staring at me.
"Alright Leo, I understand. But when we become closer would mind telling me then? Not because I wanna satisfy a curiosity, I just really don't like seeing somepony suffer in silence. Trust me I know...when you have six mares treat you like a foal rather than a grownup it really gets to you. Really, it does." He pulled his blanket over him and adjusted himself on his basket shutting both of his eyes.
I raised my eye brow at what Spike had just said; did he just share with me some personal information about his relationship with those six mares?
"Spike, why are you sharing personal info about you and your friends?" I asked, without opening his eyes he turned his back to me on his basket and yawned loudly.
"I don't know, I guess it's because I trust you." I cocked back a bit at that statement. "Not because of the whole instant friendship thing mind you. It's because I know how you feel, being surrounded by ponies left and right. Not being able to tell them anything because of what they might think of you because you’re the only one of your kind amongst them.”
"Don't fool yourself on that last thought Spike. Being around your own kind can be just as bad or worse than where you were off before." I said to him as I Laid back on my bed. He didn't answer, he just stayed silent. Guess I won that round.
I adjusted myself in my bed laying my head back on my pillow and starring at the moon thinking about what lies for me in this new life of mine. Hopefully, it won't be as bad yesterday. Before I went to sleep, there was one loose end I needed to tie.
"Spike?"
"Hm?" He grunted, opening one eye.
"Sorry I made fun of your size yesterday." I apologized.
"No worries, let's just start fresh tomorrow, kay?" He shut his eye, returning back to his sleep.
"Kay." I closed my eyes, ready for the 'sweet bliss' of sleep to take me.
Morning had come, the rays of the sun upon my face, the birds happily singing, and the sweet smell of waffles with a mix of syrup. I haven't smelled this in a long time, hell, I've never even had waffles before in my life. I've seen my dad eat them at a diner, but he never let me partake in the morning breakfast, he always said and I quote; "When you start acting like a man, then I'll feed you like one!" and left me alone with my orange juice.
"..."
I hate him so much. On the bright side I'll never have to see that train wreck of a father ever again. My thoughts were disturbed as the scent became stronger; I sat up from my bed, turned to the door and saw Spike with a tray of waffles covered with syrup, orange juice, and a banana.
"Good morning Leo, did you sleep well?" Spike asked as he walked over, but I couldn't answer. I was too busy starring at the meal before me, the scent was amazing, enough to drive me wild with food lust. Spike saw this and quickly snapped his fingers.
"Wuh-what?" I snapped out of my trance shaking off the weird little daydream I was having. I looked at Spike who had his eyebrow raised. “OH, sorry Spike. I...I was just staring at this scrumptious meal set before me." I reached over to the tray, placing it on my lap, and started to cut my waffles in to four separate pieces.
"Jeez dude, you act like you never had waffles before." he said as he started to wipe his hands on his pink apron. Wait...pink apron? Before I rewarded my hungry mouth, I eyed Spike's apron, putting my fork down and just stared at him. "What?" He asked. "Is there something on my apron?" He asked, looking for anything that might have caught my attention. What does he think? The whole apron caught my attention and those frills with hearts weren’t helping either.
I just kept staring, Spike was aware of that pink monstrosity he was wearing? I couldn't help but just be in shock, I closed my eyes and shook my head, pinching the bridge of my nose, sighing deeply at what I was about to tell the young drake.
"Spike...I know this is out of the blue but...what in the hell are you wearing?" I asked him. He blinked staring at me confused until he finally gazed at his apron. "Yeah, that."
"What this? This is my apron; you know I wear it to not get dirty?" He said in a most obvious tone, as though I didn't know what an apron was for.
"Spike, I know what an apron is used for, what surprises me is that you are aware that you are wearing the most girlish thing in this room." I gestured at the apron with my hand trying to get Spike to open his eyes. Spike's eyes widened as he started to stutter, trying to form a sentence until he finally regained his composure.
"I-it's not girly! This was a gift from Rarity!" He said nearly yelling.
"Rarity, you mean that stuck up white unicorn with the annoying British accent!?" This is not right. Why would Spike wear something like that made from her?
"Hey don't call her stuck up!" He yelled stomping his foot on the ground. "She's one of the kindest, generous ponies I have ever met! So you would do well to watch your mouth!" I was taken back of how Spike had spoken to me, I could see a fire behind his eyes as he spoke every word in her defense, a fire that meant...oh no.
"No, Spike! Please tell me you don't have a thing for her, no!" I shouted, not just because he had a crush on her, but it was because she was a pony and he was a dragon.
"What!?" He shouted. "How did you know that?!"
"Oh come on Spike, it is so obvious! Every word you spoke was that to defend her honor and no, not friend's honor, crush's honor." I raised my eyebrow. He just glanced to his right trying to figure out what to say, after a while he took a deep breath and locked eyes with me.
"Okay fine, I like her, so what?" He glared at me.
"You do realize she is a different species right?"
"Hey, this isn't like your world okay?! Here in Equis every being has the right to date a different species." Wait, what?
"How'd you know about my world?" I asked.
"Fluttershy told Twilight, and Twilight told me." He crossed his arms. Fluttershy has been telling Twilight about my world behind my back? That traitor! I'll deal with her later but back to the matter at hand. "Look dude, we're cool, and all but don't insult Rarity. Please, I'm telling you this as a friend.” Wow, I could see he was serious, he really likes her. Crap, I now feel a little bad. Still, dragon could raise his standards a little more because I swear, that British whiny accent was enough alone to feel like I was listening to forks assaulting a chalk board. Plus, she didn't exactly make a good first impression.
"I'm sorry Spike..." I said. "...it's just that she was also mean to me too, you know? She looks at me as though I was disease written." I started to chew on a waffle piece slowly, remembering the things she, and her friend's said.
Spike couldn’t argue there, he membered about yesterday when they went to the hospital. Except Rarity, she had declined because she thought I was infested with lice, or something. At least that's what Spike told me. All I could do was sigh as I downed my orange juice to wash down the waffles I had eaten.
"I'm sorry too dude, just give her another chance, and you'll see she'll grow on you. They all will." He took my tray, and headed towards the door.
"Fine Spike, but if one of them blows it again, that's it! It's over. No more chances, got it?" I said as I started to peel my banana.
"That’s understandable." He walked out making his way down stairs. "Oh and by the way." Spike stopped at the door. "Twilight said she wanted you down stairs in her basement, something about getting better notes on you or something."
What, notes? Why does she want notes on me? Damn egghead unicorn probably wants to study me first hand. Whatever, she better not restrain me again with her magic though or anything like that. If she does, so help me this time I'll beat the crap out of her this time. Neta...(for sure…)
Twilight POV:
It's strange, the human known as Leo has been having nightmares ever since he came to our world according to what he said to Spike last night. I was awoken by Leo from his nightmares, but I made myself look like I was asleep to listen in on him more. Could his incubuses have been what caused his sudden magic burst?
I remember him telling Fluttershy that the world he came from was void of any magic, yet I could sense it emanating from his very being, it was extremely weak, like a newborn foal when I first approached him in Applejack's orchard. However, after the fight with the Timberwolves, his magic suddenly increased tenfold. Not only that, but it became turbulent, like a Pegasus weather storm gone horribly wrong. It was so raw, so hateful; I could feel his every rage wanting to lash out at anything that came near him. Luckily his body couldn't take anymore and depleted him completely knocking him out reverting back to the same weak magic level.
Just what kind of life did he live before arriving here in Equestria? What caused him so much pain for him to resort using rage to defend himself? Who or what hurt him to drill in this type of hate? What made him so angry? So many questions, so little answers...
Fluttershy told me about how he fell into a lake from his world before coming to ours, but before that she told me about how this group of humans that surrounded him, and harmed him. He left the specific details out of their conversations, but if those shiners were caused by the same humans before Applejack laid hoofs on him, my guess is that it wasn't a very pretty sight. I have to scan his magic readings and find out more, if my theory is correct, then humans must have magic inside them too, but dormant like Leo's. There probably isn't a magical atmosphere in his world to bolster magic like ours which is why his magic is so weak. That's just a theory though, but if it’s true then that means his world must have had magical atmosphere like ours. If so then, what happened to it?
Twilight sighed as she trotted up to her machine, prepping it for Leo's arrival in her basement. "If only there were more humans...then I could be able to analyze and compare them to each other, and see if my theory is true." She muttered.
"Sorry to disappoint you brain trust, but I guess you'll just have to settle for me." Twilight jumped in surprise as she heard a new voice in her basement lab. She turned to see that it was Leo on her stair case. "I take it you wanted me for something Twilight?"
I made my way down to meet the purple unicorn; she seemed to be tinkering with some kind of machine with wires and a bunch of colorful lights. It reminded me of an old school cartoon machine made by a scientist to travel in space. Anyway, I was standing tapping my foot impatiently, waiting for this horse to answer my question.
Hold on, why is there a metal rectangular flat plat from right next to the machine? It also seems to be measured to like 5,6...exactly my height. Wait a minute, hold the phone...oh hell no.
"Twilight...you had better not have called down here to have me lay on that metal bed just so you can strap wires on me attached to that weird machine of yours." I said in a low growl.
She grinned sheep fully as she tried to avert her gaze from mine, unbelievable! I had only got out of the hospital yesterday, and already she wants to perform this kind of bullshit analysis? The audacity!
"Leo, I know this may seem too sudden, especially since you just got out of the hospital yesterday. This is important though, I need the schematics from you; your vitals, your harmonics, your magi--"
"No!" I shouted, stopping her before she could finish, flinching slightly. Damn it, I am a being that feels physically and emotionally. Not a god damn science experiment to be taken apart! "Twilight, I know you are eager to learn about me as a species, but it's too early in the morning for this crap, alright? So now if you'll excuse me, I'm going upstairs to help Spike clean the dishes and then I'm heading out to see the rest of the town, maybe go to Fluttershy's." I turned back her as I made my way to the steps, I can't believe this. I consider giving this mare a second chance, and she has the nerve to ask this much from me. I still feel sore from the fight even though it was days ago.
'No! I need those schematics! If not, I might not know how to approach the situation if or when he loses control again and to see if my theory is true! I really don't want to do this but desperate times call for desperate measures!' She shook her head as her horn stared to glow.
I suddenly halted before I could put my foot on the first step. 'My body! Why isn't it moving?! Why am I glowing magenta!?' That’s when it suddenly hit me, it's the same thing that happened when I was freed from my ropes. "Twilight, what the hell are you doing!?" I shouted as I was pulled from the ground and turned around facing her.
"I'm sorry Leo, really I am. But I need to do this, it's too important." She said as she set me on the table, I tried to pry myself off, but I couldn’t move an inch of my body. I could actually feel my heart racing with fear, I was so scared. I was helpless once again by the magic of this unicorn she manipulated just like the first day when I came here.
My head was then lifted up for a moment as I felt something hard and cold being placed on and set back down. Then there where wires with suckers on each end as two were placed on my chest, on my fore head, abdomen, arms, and then finally she pulled my pants off to place the remaining wires on my lower body. Thankfully she didn’t put any on my member, I tried to struggle but I just couldn’t budge. I have to find a way out of this! I remembered Spike being upstairs, maybe if I call out to him he can stop Twilight!
"SPIKE, HELP, HELP!!!" I shouted as loud as I could. Before I could yell out again my mouth was clamped shut. "MMPPHH!!!MMMPPHHHMMM!!!" Was all that could barely come out, as I tried to open my mouth.
"Alright Leo, you've left me no choice." Twilight trotted to my side, her horn began to glow a different color. I was terrifried, what was she going to do to me!? She stopped right next to the table as she lowered her horn nearing my forehead.
Before her horn made contact I heard the door fly open as I heard a familiar voice above the stairs.
"Leo, Twilight? Is everything alright!? I heard screaming." The voice of Spike was descending down the stairs. He froze in place as he saw what was transpiring before him, his face went from concerned to shock. "Twilight, what the hay are you doing?!" Spike shouted as he ran down the stairs taking his apron off, and throwing it aside. Before he could come any closer, he was enveloped in Twilight's magic, and then quickly levitated up to the basement door. "TWILIIIIIGGGHHT!!!!" Was the last thing I heard as the door slammed shut and locks where put in place?!
"MMMPPHHH!!!" I tried to yell out, only to remember that my mouth was forced shut. Twilight then redirected her attention back to me as she once again lowered her horn. "MMM-MMM!!! MMM-MMM!!!" I desperately shook my head as much as I could, hope that Twilight would listen to my pleading gesture.
She ignored.
"Don't worry Leo; this will keep you calm throughout the process." She said as her horn finally made contact with my forehead, I saw a soft white flash before me. Suddenly my eyes began to get heavy, and my breathing slowed. "There, is that better?" She said with a smile, all I could do was stare at her with heavy eyes as her magic left my body. She went to her machine flipping the switch as the sound of vrooming indicated the machine was starting up. My vision faded to black as I surrendered to forced sleep caused by this mare.
"F-Fuck y-you...Twilight..." I barley croaked, as everything went dead silent.
Darkness...once again I was enveloped in darkness, alone as it naturally happens. For the first time since I came here in the confines of my mind, my dreams were not terrifying, they were strange. They were just random visions of things of my life back in my world and other stuff.
I saw fire everywhere suddenly taking the shape of ashes as it stretched out endlessly in this world of darkness. I was pulled out, and then put in a room with only grey walls, my body reverting into a toddler's state, probably four years old. I was just sitting on the cold tile floor in front of a door, waiting for something. I didn't know what for though.
The knob turned as the door slowly creaked open revealing nothing but darkness, but I knew there was something standing on there watching me. From the dark, I saw a foot reveal itself, a leg, torso, chest...and finally, face.
I was shocked to see it was my none other than a memory that had died long ago.
It was my mother.
She held her arms out waiting for her son to come and embrace her with her loving smile I have not seen for a long time.
I quickly jumped to my feet ready to rush over to her, but halted as I came to a realization. I stood there staring at the tile floor. This isn't real, none of this is...this is just a dream. The moment I run to her something weird will happen like my previous dream in the hospital with her. I shook my head and turned to face away.
"No! You’re not real, you’re not my mother!" I crossed my arms shut my eyes tight, waiting to be pulled out. What broke my thoughts was her voice...her voice...I haven’t heard it in nearly fourteen years. It's been so long I nearly forgotten.
"Mi Hijo..." She said softly. "...don't you want to come and give your mother a hug?" Her voice...it was caused me to grow a lump on my throat; my chest was hurting as tears were welling in my eyes.
"Sh-shut up!" I choked out, rubbing away the tears. "My-my mother died a long time ago!" I turned around to face the imposter. "You're nothing more but a lingering memory; a desire of wanting my mother back!" I shouted as I stomped my foot on the ground, angry with the imposter toying with my emotions, angry that my mind would play cruel tricks on me.
She reeled back, shocked. Suddenly tears streamed down her face as she started to sob right before my eyes. I felt like someone just launched a harpoon in my heart.
"Mi tesoro how could you say that to your mother?" She whiped her tears away, sobbing loudly. "I took you in when your parents abandoned you...and you show spite to repay your gratitude?"
"W-w-what..." My lump grew bigger at what I just heard, tears now freely falling from my cheek to my chin until they fell on the tile floor, echoing loudly. Did she just say my parents abandoned me? The hell does she mean by that, she can't actually mean...no..."N-no! It can't be true, I-you...you conceived me!!! You--" I stepped back until I fell on my hind; she just shook her head, looking at me with eyes of sadness, shame and regret.
"Leo...I'm sorry to tell you this, especially since it’s too late but…I'm not your mother."
"Explain!" I shouted.
She took a deep breath to prepare herself to elaborate what she was babbling on about. "B-back in Mexico...in Oaxaca, I found you when I finished my shift from work; I heard a cry and followed it to an empty box in the middle of a street when it was raining heavily. I opened it and saw a month old infant, wrapped in a dirty cloth. No clothes, no diaper, no food, just a child with a dirty cloth in a box." She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "When I picked you up, I saw two people getting on a truck, quickly driving off north. I knew then and there that those were your parents..." She faced away from me as she continued. "...they...obviously saw you as a liability and abandoned you to head to the North Country."
Every word that came out of her mouth was enough to cause my chest to tighten making it harder for me to breathe. I-I was abandoned...in a box...in the rain. My parents left me to get in to the U.S.? I-it can't be true! The thought of it forced me to kneel clutching my head tightly shaking. I wanted to throw up. It's not true! I...it can't true!
"Mentirosa!!!" I shouted getting back on my feet. "You're lying; you're just a bad thought in my head trying to destroy me!!!" I shouted, directing my rising anger at her. How dare this fake accuse me of being abandoned, spitting out lies like this! It can't be true, it just can't! I don't think I would be able to handle it if it were true.
"Is that right?" She asked crossing her arms.
"YES!!!" I shouted, clenching my fists barring my teeth at her.
"Then tell me something 'Son', why is it that I can feel that you know this to be true no matter how hard you deny it." She caught me off guard; I couldn’t help but flinch back. "I may not be your actual mother but I know when you're lying and I am in your head. I can feel the denial emanating from the walls of your mind; deep down you know this to be true."
Was it true? Here I am trying to deny it, but deep down...I feel it to be true. 'I-I'm not hers...?' The thought of it forced me to my knees tearing more than before. The woman that had raised me as her own, the only one in my cruel world to show me kindness, and compassion...was nothing more than my "adoptive" mother. My heart...I can feel it tearing...it hurts so much.
More than my daily beatings with my false father, more than the pain John and his jocks have caused me, more than anything the world had threw at me in all my life. This...this beats all of them by a land slide.
"All these years...you...lied to me...and after all that has happened, you choose to tell me at this point far too late?" I looked up at her as more tears streamed from both our faces. "I was nothing more but an abandoned stray, left by his real parents to be taken in by false ones?" I squeaked out the last part. She nodded, her gaze never leaving mine.
"SO THEN WHY THE HELL DID YOU CALL YOURSELF MY MOTHER, HUH?!" I shouted. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW I FEEL RIGHT NOW!?! THIS PAIN, IT HURT WHEN YOU DIED, BUT THIS...THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST THING I HAVE EVER UNDERGONE IN MY INTIRE-MISERABLE-EXSISTANCE!!!" I punched the tile floor hard leaving a small hole, my fist bleeding. I should scream in pain but it just couldn't match up to what I was feeling. All the emotions that coursed right through me, I felt like I was slipping away. I wish I really did, this torment would then end.
"Why..." I whispered. "Tell me why would you have the audacity to keep referring yourself as my mother after what I had just heard?" Why would she...is she as bad as my 'father' was, maybe even worse.
"It’s because...I love you." She said. "I raised you as my own, fed you, changed you, bathed you, and bonded with you." Her stare went to the floor. "That saying that people use...that blood is thicker...is wrong to no ends." I looked up at her, what does she mean by that? "What is truly thicker my son, blood or an unbreakable bond that has been developed over the years through kindness, compassion and love." She slowly lifted her gaze to meet mine once again. "I may not be your mother by blood but the bond we made has proven that I am your true mother Leo!"
Is that true, was an unbreakable bond thicker than blood? She could be right; my real mother abandoned me, while this one did everything she could to ensure my happiness until the day she had passed on. I couldn't help but feel terrible at how I had spoken to her, I scolded her, and yet she still refers to me as her son. I could only stare at her as my lips started to tremble violently; quickly I got on my feet, and ran to her reaching my arms out to hug her.
"I'm sorry..." She turned, and stepped back into the darkness. "...but I could only linger this long in your subconscious...until I finally felt I could pass on in peace by telling you the truth about your past and holding you as an infant once more in one of your previous dreams." She started to glow white as she floated away, looking back smiling sadly. "Goodbye...mi hijo, I know you can manage without me. You did survive your father after all."
"PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME AGAIN, PLEASE!!!" My surroundings started to revert to black while the density of the floor was changing to the point of ceasing to exist. I was so close to reaching out to her, but it was too little too late, the floor was gone; there was nothing left for me to stand on. I started to descend into the darkness away from my passing mother trying to desperately reach out to her, but this time she was gone...forever.
"MOTHEEEEEEEEERRRRR!!!!" I shouted as I feel into the endless black abyss.
'Incredible, his readings are off the charts! I can believe how much magic he is emanating from his emotions alone. I've never seen any being in Equestria do anything like this! Oh, I can't wait to tell Princess Celestia about this she'll--'
Twilight stopped her train of thought as something caught her eye. She saw as Leo was streaming tears in his subconscious state. She grew more worried when the machine started to sound an alarm as it started to quake violently.
"Leo?" Twilight got on her hind legs while setting her fore hooves on the platform. That...was her biggest mistake.
By surprise she was knocked back hard against the wall by Leo's arm. She groaned in pain trying to shake off the headache. She quickly her regained her focus, quickly she attempted to trap him in her magic, but it did nothing as he freely squirmed more in place.
"What, why isn't my magic working?!" At that point Leo wailed out a long large scream, not an angry one, but a sad one.
Leo's eyes shot open as the machine blew up, smoke filling the basement as he was now covered in soot. He jumped off the platform and quickly made his way towards the sealed exit.
"Wait!!!" She called out to him, he stopped and quickly reached for the device on his head and threw it towards Twilight as she narrowly dodged it. She could see a sad anger on his face as tears stained his skin.
"SHUT UP!!!" He shouted causing her to cower.
Leo proceeded towards the exit and with both arms raised; he swung down knocking the door down with his newfound strength. On the other side was a terrified Spike on his back starring at Leo a few inches above the fallen door. His eyes filled with fear as he leered down at him.
He made his way towards the final exit knocking the front door down, startling the residents of ponyville trotting by. They all just stood there like deer in front of headlights for a moment, until one mare screamed followed by the rest of the town running in panic.
In the tree Spike just laid there watching Leo go mad as he ran off. Quickly Twilight emerged from the basement with a black eye. Spike couldn’t help but feel angry as he saw her, what had she done to him?
"Spike, thank Celestia! Where--" Before she could finish, Spike ran out the door, hoping to that he could calm down Leo. "Spike wait, come back!!!" She shouted.
"And then what happened?!" One of the Pegasus said as he sat on a cloud with three other Pegasus while a certain rainbow mare told a farfetched story.
"And then I told him what 'what you say to me?!' and then...WHAM!!!" She shouted as she swung at the air. "I knocked his towering form over like a great tree reaching it's last days!" She stood proudly while flexing her fore hooves. "He may be bigger, he may be from a different world! But he just wasn't awesome enough to take down Rainbow Dash!" She kissed her small biceps.
Before the Pegasus could begin their barrage of questions, a shriek of terror pierced through the atmosphere like a hot knife through butter.
The four looked over at Ponyville from their cloud as they saw ponies screaming, and running in all directions, as a tall bronze bipedal ape ran amok through town.
"Holy Luna!" A black stallion with a sky blue mane shouted. "It's the ape from yesterday!!!" He pointed a hoof down at him.
"What in blazes is it doing running ramped?! I thought Twilight had taken it to her home to restrain it!" Another stallion yelled as he watched him flip a cart over. "Somepony needs to stop it!"
"Rainbow Dash!" The grey mare with golden unfocused eyes shouted. "Rainbow Dash can stop it! Hay, if she was able to send it to the hospital, then she could be able to do it again to make sure it stays down!"
They all looked to her as she nearly lost her balance from the sudden attention. They were expecting her to live up to her false story to stop the rampaging human.
"I...I, uhh..." She fidgeted nervously, as she avoided their gaze.
"Common, Rainbow Dash! It's tearing apart the food market!" One of the stallions shouted.
She flinched as she turned back only to see Leo kick over a cart full of carrots, blindly stomping on them furiously. She had no choice; Rainbow Dash was a mare who would rather put her rep first than her wellbeing. She sighed deeply and took to the air as high up as she could go.
She had an idea, thinking that if she could build up enough momentum from the decent, she could deliver a powerful enough kick to knock him out, reaching a high enough altitude for her next move preparing herself to launch.
"Man, I gotta keep my mouth shut once in a while. I'm starting to become like that boasting loud mouth Trixie."
She bolted herself towards Leo at amazing speeds leaving a rainbow streak behind, her eyes locked on him with her right hind leg stuck out to ready to inflict Leo with a necessary amount of pain to knock him out cold. Rainbow Dash thought that this method it could be easier for her rather than to go up to him, go hand to hoof.
Red, why was everything red? The feeling of being pumped by anger was so much for me that I lost sight at what was going on before me. Why was I attacking everything like an animal blinded by rage?
I ran past screaming ponies as I made my way to a food cart nocking it over a blindly stomping on the produce. I don't know why I was taking my anger out on vegetables as I started to crush them. Then it hit me, I remembered why I was angry. The truth of my origins, seeing my mother one last time only to have her taken away from me once again, like some kind of cruel joke.
The thought of it only made me sadder than angry as I slowly ceased my mindless assault on the carrots. My vision returning normally, I got on both knees as tears streamed down until finally I broke into an uncontrollable sob mumbling incoherently.
"Why god, why did you have to make my mom come only to tell me of a past I was better not knowing about and then just leave all me alone again!? Why god, WHY!? Do you think this is funny!?" I shouted at the sky, quickly I went back to sobbing facing the dirt ground as my tears freely fell on the dirt road.
"LEO!!!"
A voice called out to me to me, breaking me away from my self-pity of the situation I was in. I turned my head to see a small purple figure running towards me. I couldn't see since tears were still in my eyes, I blinked them out to see who it was. It was Spike.
"Spike...?"
He ran to me, placing his hand on my shoulders as he looked me in the eye and pleaded. "Leo stop, I know you’re mad but taking it out on the town isn't going to fix whit whatever Twilight had done to you!"
All I could do was stare at him, the way his face had suddenly changed from fear to concern told me that he was shocked my expression went from sad anger, to a neutral look showing no signs of caring about anything anymore. I stood up from my place and just stared down the dirt road for a few minutes noticing the terrified ponies hiding behind the wreckage I have caused, I've done it again haven’t I?
"It’s...its fine Spike. I'm not mad anymore...there's no point in it really." I slowly walked over to the cart and flipped back on its wheels. "I'll just...clean up the mess I’ve made." I could barely notice it but, I could tell Spike staring at me understandingly. "Do you mind if you take me to Fluttershy's house after I’m done? I don't think I'll be staying with you guys anymo--"
A sharp pain on my right cut me off as I was lifted off the ground floating to my right. At least that's it was like for me cause everything suddenly slowed down only for a few seconds, I could barely see Spike's shocked look until things went back to normal. The strong force sent me crashing through the cart that I flipped on its wheels, going through splinters and dirt as my face collided with the ground nocking me out cold.
AGAIN!
Spike's gaze was morphed to shock as he saw a rainbow mare collide her hind hoof to Leo's right side of his skull. He could only catch a glimpse at Leo's sudden shock as he was sent crashing through the carrot cart and land roughly on the dirt. His face down on the dirt as his body moved through the ground for a moment until finally coming to a complete stop. His legs were dangling over his head for a moment until they fell back with a loud thud.
His attention turned to the air heard a loud whoop, tearing his gaze from the human. Rainbow Dash was doing a loop in the air as she cheered airborne at her victory.
"Whoo!!! Did you all see that!? I took him out with one blow! Nopony can beat the awsomeness of Rainbow Dash! I told you I could...could..." She stopped in midair as she noticed Spike looking at her in both shock and disgust at what Rainbow Dash has done.
"What?" She tilted her head in confusion at the young drake.
Author's Note
In the streets of ponyville a crowd gathered around the young drake scolding the rainbow mare for her impulsive actions against the fallen ape that has decided to take up residency with Twilight Sparkle who has agitated him by restraining him against his will in an attempt to find out more about his enigmatic body. By doing this Leo was forced to learn a sad truth from his mother which she meant to tell to her son too little too late, the tragic departure that she was forced to take left Leo in a state of utter lament that led into a saddened rage. Angry and in denial, he took to the streets of ponyville, taking his rage out on intimate objects that made the weak minded equine community scatter in fear from a human's fury.
The assault on produce and carts ceased from an impulsive act on a rainbow mare's part to save face when she was forced to act to prevent a trio of pegasus from finding out her far fetched story. So she took flight and descended at intense speeds to incapacitate the raging ape. Little did she know Spike the dragon had calmed his spirits leaving him sad, and calm rather than sad and angry. Unfortunately, Rainbow dash had made a mistake by sending Leo crashing through the carrot cart from an intense blow to the right side of his skull. So here we are; Spike scolding Rainbow Dash for her assault on Leo as half the town gathers around in a circle, spectating the scene before them.
Let's see what happens next.
"Rainbow Dash, what the heck where you thinking?!" Spike's fists were clenched tight getting right in Rainbow Dash's space, making the mare uncomfortable as she stares at the dragon's cat eye slits.
"Woah...calm down Spike. I was only stopping Leo from hurting anypony!" She tried to defend herself by making a reasonable excuse, but the dragon was having none of it.
"Hurting anypony?! All he did was flip over a cart and stomp a few carrots!" Spike gestured at the produce that was now nearly pulp on the dirt.
"That doesn’t mean he gets go and wreck Carrot Top's merchandise just because he was having a big freak out over whatever happened!"
"You have no idea what happened! I have no I idea what happened! But all I know is when I went to the basement to see what was wrong when I heard yelling, I saw-" Before Spike could continue, a groan broke his train of thought. Spike and Rainbow Dash turned their gazes towards Leo who was stirring in the remnants of Carrot Top's cart.
Both surprised and relived, Spike quickly rushed over to Leo, placing a hand on his back to help him sit up and the other waving it across his field of vision.
"Leo, are you okay?! How many claws am I holding up!?" Spike asked fearfully, all Leo could do was stare crossed eyed at the many appendages his mind was making him see.
"S-spike? What happened? Why does my head hurt as though my dad decked me really hard?" He slowly placed a hand on his stricken head only to wince and hiss at the sharp feeling going through his skull. "Ow! What the hell, that hurt!" He shut his eyes tightly, clenching his teeth as tears formed in the corners of his eyes.
"No, don’t touch that spot! You've been hit really hard in the head, you're just lucky you didn’t get brain damage! I least I think you didn’t..." Spike said having qualms of what kind of damage the Rainbow Dash inflicted on him.
"Hit hard in the head by what...?" Spike didn't say anything, he just sat there in silence has he narrowed his eyes turning in the direction where Rainbow Dash stood. Frozen by Spike's icy stare, feeling the wave of dread increase tenfold as his gaze was followed by Leo's with almost the same type of spite. Only his was practically burning right through the fear stricken mare. "You...did this to me?" Leo said in a silent deadly tone that dripped with venom, his right hand clenched in to a fist shaking uncontrollably and the other digging through the ground as dirt made its way in Leo's nails.
Rainbow Dash backed up as his words entered her ears, making their way into her equine mind, telling her that she might very well end up like Carrot Top's cart, or worse. She might end up like the Timberwolves that fell to the rage of the human who was now slowly but dangerously getting on his feet as he brushed Spike off of him, his eyes never leaving hers.
"W-wait a minute! I only did it because-"
"You admit doing this to me?" His tone sounded both shocked and appalled, but with a hint of a terrible punishment to follow. "You struck my skull with enough of an impact to send me flying through a cart that could have very well killed me, you?" His face showed no emotion behind any of the words directed at Rainbow Dash, who was shaking in her hooves as her eyes darted to his right hand that held dirt, squeezing it tightly around his hand with enough force to be heard by her sensitive ears.
The populace of the town stood around the commotion keeping their distance, observing the bronze ape make his way towards Rainbow Dash. All too scared to come to her aid due to their none-violent ways. That and because their equine instincts were telling them that this ape could pose a threat to their existence. Spike felt inclined to help Rainbow Dash, but at the same time he felt that Leo should even the score with her; in a way that would involve a lot of scolding and hopefully no physical violence.
Closer and closer Leo the human was closing distance between them; he was only a few inches from his target. Before he could advance any further though, a loud apposing shout behind the crowd stopped him in his tracks drawing his attention. Taking advantage, Rainbow Dash quickly slipped away from the human and into the skies. The one that had drawn the attention of the human was none other than Twilight Sparkle, with a look of fear and regret on her face. Leo's breathing now became heavy and shallow as his eyes narrowed at the mere sight of the unicorn who had restrained him and opening up an old wound of his.
"You..." He hissed, clenching his right hand to the point of the bones popping.
At that moment, Twilight sensed that same vibe from before in the Everfree forest. She could practically feel the heat emanating from his very being. Twilight being a very gifted unicorn mare with magic honed to the point of her zenith could feel the magical aura from any living being that most unicorns couldn’t. This talent of hers warned her at a possibly impending threat from the human as she felt his magical aura become more turbulent, he slowly made his way towards the unicorn mare, his anger increasing by each step he took. Closer and closer Leo approached until finally he stopped a few inches right in front of her. There was a deadly silence as the crowd; including Spike watched the scene of the human towering over Twilight who was just too scared to look up to avoid the angry gaze of the human being.
"Look at me." He said in a calm tone.
Twilight could practically feel his hot breath on her as a cold as death like chill ran down her spine, her muscles tensed keeping her in place, too afraid to make any sudden movements. The poor unicorn mare fearing for her life, she did not know why she was so afraid of him. She had dealt with many foes that posed a threat to the pony civilians of Equestria and she has never batted an eye at any of them. Perhaps it was this foreign magic this human housed inside of him. What kind of living creature carries this kind of unholy burden inside?
"I-I...No!" She shrieked as she shook her head, tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes.
"LOOK AT ME!" He shouted, making the spectators of the scene jump in their skins. Twilight shot her gaze up at the sudden shout as she looked upon the brown eyes of Leo. She wished she hadn't, the pure rage behind those eyes made a lump grown in her throat, her tears falling from her eyes as she began to sob a bit. This moment was by far the most terrifying of her life.
"L-Leo, please don’t hurt me! I...I just wanted the schematics of your mental and emotional readings to see if you could be housing hazardous magi-AHH!" The sudden tight grip on her horn silenced her effectively before she could continue to explain herself, being a unicorn meant that her horn was sensitive to both pleasure and pain. Right now Twilight's body and mind was in agonizing pain, she felt as though a thousand burning red hot needles pierced her.
"I don't want to hear your excuses Twilight!" Leo held on to her horn to keep her gaze at his. He knelt down to her level until their noses barely touched. "Back in my world I have gone through horrible things, things I thought I would never make it through at a very young age that have left me traumatized and more! Like sneaking into a country that wants nothing more than to kick you out by any means…" His grip tightened around her horn electing a small sob from the mare. "…or being surrounded by bunch douche bags at your school that shun you and a false father to beat you mercilessly on a daily basis!"
"L-Leo, please stop! You’re hurting me-"
"But what you just did back there to me Twilight beat them all by a land slide." Tears began to form in Leo's eyes, his stare never leaving her just to show how much she hurt him. "Worst was that I was about to hurt your rainbow friend for something you caused!" Leo pushed Twilight back with great force sending her landing on her back.
She looked upon Leo as she sighed in relief that he didn't harm her, but still timid as Leo stood up straight, looking down at her with pure and utter disgust. He turned his back to her and made his way to Spike as the crowd quickly made way for the tall ape.
"Spike..." Leo said as he walked up to Spike in a lifeless tone.
"Yea Leo?" Spike asked Leo as he gazed up at him seeing the tears on his cheeks dried
"Please take me to Fluttershy's. Get me far away from Twilight as much as possible before I really end up hurting her."
Without hesitation, Spike quickly took Leo's hand and made his way through the crowd. It was for the best he got him as far as possible before somepony really got hurt.
The populace of the town stood in place until the human was finally out of sight, finally being able to breathe easy as they finally dispersed while Carrot Top was angrily scolding Rainbow Dash for the destruction of her cart.
Twilight on the other hand lied on the middle of the road as she did, she couldn’t get her bearings. It left her in a state of regret, leaving her to contemplate on what she had done.
Leo and Spike walked down the dirt road in silence as they both made their way to Fluttershy's cottage from the 'adoring' crowd.
Spike couldn’t help but subtly glance up at Leo to check how he was holding up from the whole ordeal. He wondered what kind of experiment Twilight had forced down on Leo; he still could not believe that Twilight would do such a thing. He knew that she would become overly enthusiastic when it came to learning something new, but this is just new. She crossed the line and experimented on another living being without his consent. Twilight must have had a good reason for what she had done; he'll have to ask her when he gets back.
"Hey Leo...how are you doing? I hope you're alright" Spike asked.
"I'll live, though I won't be able to shake off the trauma anytime soon." Leo said in a neutral tone, his eyes never looking down on Spike.
It was murder to watch Leo like this, being so calm about it on the outside yet clearly distraught inside. He could only hope Leo would open up to him, hopefully enough for him to help Leo.
"Leo, what exactly did Twilight do to you?" Spike asked as he jumped over a puddle.
Leo's look darkened at the mention of Twilight's name, a feel of melancholy washed over him as he remembered what his "mother" said to him.
I'm not your mother... It echoed in his mind.
"I really rather not talk about what your friend did to me back there...I'll only get angry again." His tone remained neutral, a little too neutral for the state of mind he was in.
Silence was all that filled the trek to Fluttershy's cottage as their destination was finally reached. A joyful hum was heard from across the bridge as Fluttershy stood amongst her flowers, watering just the right amount as a few birds flew around her, singing along with her joyful tune.
Both Leo and Spiked stopped on the middle of the bridge as they saw her enjoying her morning watering her beloved plants. Leo had a look upon his face that Spike could not help but notice; a look of desire, and envy. He watched her as she happily ascended and hovered above her plants to water the more fragile ones, the morning sun shone gloriously behind her as more birds came to sing along the yellow mare. They were all oblivious to their presence.
A sad feeling came upon Leo after envy; he always wanted to wake up like that in the morning. Happy enough to at least just hum a joyful tune like her.
Sadly it wasn't in the cards.
"Let's go Spike." He barely whispered as he turned around and began to walk the opposite direction.
"What, why?" Spike asked as he followed, completely confused.
"Look at her Spike, she's so happy right now." Leo sniffed as he wiped a tear forming in his right eye. "I don't want to burden her with what happened this morning." He continued down the dirt path.
Spike halted as he watched his companion continue back to town with his head hanging with a heart full of lament. Spike hated seeing him like this, down on the dumps, not being able to get a break. He sighed and shook his head as he followed him.
In the library’s basement Twilight stood amongst the shattered remained of her machine wires hung out and circuits were loose as soot covered most of the area of the explosion. By some miracle the results that the machined provided in paper were unscathed. She began to look them over as best as she could, though still a little shaken from her "near death experience" with Leo. She could remember his gaze, just the thought of it burned right through her; she shuddered as she tried to shake off the thought.
"O-okay Leo..." She spoke in a shaky voice." Let's see what you have for me."
She began to look them over in a more composed manner, her look was of curiosity, but as she looked further her brow furrowed as she was in the middle of the page.
She trotted up the stairs as she placed the data on her desk and pulled out her feather pen, ink parchment and a blank piece of paper. She quickly dabbed the tip as she began to write furiously. After a few short seconds, she rolled it up, tied the seal around it and began to call out for Spike.
"Spike, Spike! Get down here I need you to send a let-" She stopped in mid-sentence as she membered that the young drake escorted Leo to Fluttershy's cottage; she also remembered he was mad at her for what she did.
"I'll have to go to Fluttershy's." She dashed for the door, but quickly skidded to a halt remembering who else would be there. "Buck, Leo's going to be there too." She stood in place considering her options until a knock was heard from outside the door frame that broke her out of her focus and nearly jumped out of her coat.
"AH!" She shrieked.
"Twilight easy it's me!" Rainbow dash said letting herself in. "Geez, you act like somepony’s out to get you." He scratched behind her head as Twilight tried to compose herself by breathing again.
"S-sorry Dash, I'm just edgy since this morning..."
"You're telling me, I was too afraid to leave the sky until Leo finally left." She looked at Twilight concerned. "What got over him anyway?" She asked.
"I'll explain later, right now I have to get to Fluttershy's. Spike's over there and I need to send and urgent message to Canterlot." She levitated her satchel and placed both her message and data in.
"Why? What's so important that it couldn’t wait till Princess Celestia comes back from her diplomatic meeting?"
Twilight sighed as she tried to find the right words to explain the situation to Rainbow Dash, and by right words it was small words.
"Okay, remember about that thing I felt in the Everfree when we found Leo in a bloody mess?"
"Yea...what about it?" She said nervously.
"Well I have the data confirming my theory about his magical levels his anatomy produces from just being here. And I really, really need to get this sent right away." She said overdramatically walking past Rainbow Dash.
"Darn it, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash shouted before taking off from the tree into the sky to Fluttershy's cottage.
Fluttershy joyfully skipped to her chicken coop after she finally finished with her plants, though at one moment she couldn’t help but feel like she was being watched. Her suspicions were put to rest as nothing was around but her and her birds.
Still though, the thought still bugged her.
Before she could proceed, a purple flash startled her and froze in place with her with her hooves sticking in the air with her wings sticking out to th sides. For a very brief moment one could say her heart stopped with the look she had on her face.
"Fluttershy? Fluttershy are you alright!?" Twilight shrieked as she ran over to her friend who was trying to remember how to breathe.
"I...I'm fine." She squeaked breathlessly as she rolled to her side and tried to find her bearings. "Why did you teleport here instead of taking the path?" She asked curiously.
"I'm so sorry I just had to intercept Spike as fast as I could so I could have him send a letter to Canterlot, so I teleported here were Rainbow Dash said he would be" She helped her friend on her hooves.
"Why would Spike be coming here?" She asked, finally breathing normally.
"Rainbow Dash said that Spike would be taking Leo here."
"Why would Leo want to come here?" She wondered, her wings finally retracting back into place.
Before Twilight could answer, a shout from above caught their attention. It was none other than Rainbow Dash descending crudely on Fluttershy's lawn.
"Twilight! I spotted Leo and Spike heading back to Ponyville while I was making my way here!" She said while breathing heavily from her flight here. "I should really lay off the sweets from Sugar cube corner." She muttered.
"Why didn't you stop them!?"
Rainbow Dash nervously looked away as she circled a hoof on Fluttershy's grass. "I uh...thought it would be a better idea if the three of us meet up with them. You know, I thought maybe if he saw Fluttershy he might calm down a little, right?" She lied; she was completely terrified of the thought of Leo tearing her a new one.
"Excuse me." Fluttershy spoke. "But what are you talking about? And what's wrong with Leo, why would he need to see me to calm down?" She asked with a hint of worry.
"I'll explain on the way" Twilight said as she went ahead of her friends. "Right now we need to get to Spike, I have something really important to report!" She quickly took off as both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash followed.
"So what exactly happened?" Fluttershy asked taking place next to Twilight.
Twilight averted her gaze with a troubled look upon her as she continued on, the same with Rainbow Dash.
"Well...you see this morning I--"
"Why exactly are you going back to the library?" Spike asked as both him and Leo made their way back to town, the locals still wary of him quickly avoiding his path that they were making back to Twilight's home.
"I want my jacket back, so I'm going to go and get it." Leo said bluntly continuing to make his way with no signs of slowing down, his gaze staying on course.
"But Twilight might be there." Spike was worried what Leo would do if he saw her again, he trembled at the thought of Leo breaking her if Twilight agitated him.
"She's considered to be smart right?" Leo asked.
"Yea why?" Spike wondered were Leo was going with this.
"Then I'm guessing she'll be smart enough to stay out of my way if she knows what's good for her." Leo popped his neck; he then reached for his pocket searching for his pack of cigarettes, quickly pulling one out as his other hand reached for his other pocket. Only to be reminded he did no longer possess his lighter. "Shit, Spike give me a light. I really need to smoke so I can ignore this headache digging into my skull."
A little hesitant but Spike obliged to Leo's request for his fire. Spike could still not believe any creature besides his dragon species would breathe in such a hazardous smoke into their lungs, especially if it's to take the mind off pain like a blow to the head.
Leo stopped in his tracks for a moment to breath in his 'healthy' dose of tobacco, he exhaled the smoke sighing loudly clearly a bit at ease has his head ache alleviated, but only a little.
"Hey Leo I wanted to ask you something."
"Eh?" Leo glanced down at Spike.
"What exactly were you talking about when you said about going through horrible experiences, like the one you were saying about trying to survive in a country that wanted nothing more than to kick you out? Why is that, if you don't mind my asking." Spike wondered.
"You wanna know bout my human life back on earth?" Leo asked curiously as Spike nodded.
"I'm not sure I really want to talk about that Spike...it was a pretty traumatic time for me at a young age."
"Common Leo, I wanna help you. I can't do that if you don't let me in, please tell me." Spike looked up to Leo.
Leo wasn't comfortable telling a part of his past Spike shouldn’t know, in fact, Spike was being very nosey. But his curiosity was out of good intention though, but still, the subject for Leo was very touchy. But for now he would humor the dragon.
"Fine, you see Spike..."
Fourteen years ago.
In the Arizona dessert the boy known as Leo hid behind the tall grass with his mother's hand over his form. She kept him hidden along with her husband as they spectated the U.S. border patrol ruthlessly overpowering a helpless immigrant who was struggling to get the oppressive boot of his throat by one of the guards.
"Hey Allen, take a look how this beaner squirms when I press my foot down his throat!" A tall caucasian man said as he smiled widely enjoying the game he was playing. He had broad arms like Leo's 'father'. The difference however was that he had a United States Marine Corp tattoo that Leo noticed as he dared to peak at the scene before him.
"Fucking wet-backs man, they just don't know when they're not welcomed. Hey, maybe we could make an example of this one Kyle?" The African-American guard suggested as he made his way from the van the confined seven immigrants.
"Are you suggesting that I--" The guard known as Allen nodded, confirming his suspicions. His smile widening wickedly, his gaze leered upon the man below him as he reached for his holster, pulling out his gun. "Open the van doors; I want those animals to see what'll happen to them if they try to come over American soil again.
The guard known as Allen made his way to the van opening the gate doors, demanding the Mexicans to turn their attention towards the guard who was pointing his barrel down at his victim. The wife in the van screamed as she watched her husband about to be executed in front of her and her children, they too shrieked seeing their father in the state he was in. She begged the guardsmen to stop but her words fell deaf to their ears.
He clicked his pistol, his gaze went to them, and he stood there staring at them menacingly. Leo was petrified as his body felt as though it was frozen in place, his tears streamed down his cheeks sobbing as quietly as he could.
"Mama, I'm scared!" He whispered to her.
"Shhh, stay calm hijo. Just face down, close your eyes and cover your ears. It'll be over soon." She tried to comfort her son as best she could as she too was in the same sate as her adoptive son. Her husband on the other hand was just growing inpatient, waiting for the guards to just get it over with so they could move on.
The loud gunshot echoed through the dessert night as everything felt deathly silent for a moment, until the widow along with her children cried for the loss of their family member.
"Let this be a reminder for those of you who consider crossing the border again!" The guardsman said as he made his way closing the van along with Allen who was congratulating him for actually going through with what he did. He just brushed it off and told him it was just like killing the al Qaeda troops, the guardsmen got into their vehicles and left to corpse of the man who risked everything just for a better life for him and his family, all of it in vain.
Leo's mother gave him the okay to lift his head as they began continue their journey further North in the cold desert night.
"I hope you got a long look Leo." His father said as they both exchanged gazes. "Because that is what the world is all about when it comes down to it." He spoke in a bitter tone, drinking begrudgingly to ease particularly his journey.
Leo's gaze went to the sandy ground as he began to contemplate what his father told him. Was it true? Was this really how the world was and always would be. due to Leo's childlike mind, he just shook off what his father had told him and continued to believe that somewhere in life it would get better. It just had to get better, because in this country, opportunity existed and with Leo's childlike innocence he would remain ignorant for the true lessons life was going to teach him.
Leo was about to get an ugly reality check from the world, one that would force him out of his childhood and unnatural pace.
"Oh my gosh dude! Did that really happen to you at that age?! Like seriously?!" Spike was stunned, unable to believe what Leo had told him.
"As a heart attack." He said making his way to Twilight's home looking for his jacket that lay upon her desk with his I-pod. "Shit, I actually forgot I had this." Leo said while putting on his jacket over his bare upper body, quickly zipping it up. He then reached for his I-pod and quickly placed it on his pocket, leaving the library before Twilight came back.
"Whew...got there and left before your friend came back." Leo continued on, rubbing the huge bump that was causing him pain. "Hey Spike, do you think you can take me to a bench somewhere in town? I really need to sit down; all of this walking is making my head ache."
Spike noticed Leo was becoming a little wobbly throughout their walk, perhaps it's for the best if he took him to the park bench. There Leo could rest himself, the morning he has gone through has been wild and emotional for him.
Before they could continue, Leo cursed loudly to himself, the locals steering clear from him from his sour mood. Leo had forgotten his backpack at the library; he really did not want to back. Spike on the other hand didn't mind if he went to go and retrieve his belongings for him, he insisted while Leo go to the park bench and take a load off.
The young drake quickly made his way back while Leo sluggishly made his way to the park, he remembers from yesterday where it was from Fluttershy giving him the tour around town. The thought of the yellow mare made Leo’s heart sink a bit as he thought about what she would think of him when she heard the news about his "fit". Leo's thoughts where interrupted by a mint green mare that had bumped into him who was clearly not watching where she was going.
"Oops I'm sorry mister, I wasn’t looking where I was going!" She apologized to him before she had time to regain her senses and look upon the bronze ape that stood before her. "O-oh my..."
"Shit, I'M sorry! I kind of wasn't really paying attention myself, I was lost in thought actually." Leo said while rubbing his stomach were her horn had jabbed him, he tried really hard to mask his discomfort from the tip grazing his skin.
The mare noticed this and once again apologized for her obliviousness. The human was smiled sheep fully at her panic while scratching the back of his head.
"I'm fine, really you don't have to worry yourself over me."
She couldn't help but gaze at his form, from his head all the way down to his feet. Leo coughed loudly a bit to get the attention of the mare that was at a loss for words. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I just couldn't help but stare. "I've never seen anything like you before. At least not this close before when you're behind a crowd in the center of town"
"Well, that's because I'm not from here." Leo chuckled at the mare's childlike curiosity. She was quite adorable too. "Wait, you saw that this morning?"
She nodded, All Leo could do was sigh and covered a part of his face to hide his shame. He was so embarrassed at his behavior, he couldn't look her in the eyes. "I'm so sorry you had to see that..." he averted his gaze to the ground.
"Oh! Don't be sorry, I knew you were in a bad state so I understand. You didn't mean to go on a rampage, actually to be honest, I wanted to get to know you when you left the hospital." She rubbed her forehoof. Leo was quite a bit shocked that she wanted to get to know him unlike his first meeting with the mane six."I was going to meet you today, but...well you know." There was an awkward silence for a minute, until she decided to break the tension. "I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Lyra Heartstrings." She gave a genuine smile to Leo. One that made him comfortable enough to introduce himself.
"I'm Leonardo Zarate of earth. It's nice to meet you too." he extended his hand, Lyra stood for a moment staring at the limb with small appendages before her. The only thing that came to mind was to mimic his actions as she too stretched her limb outward in his palm. Leo's fingers gently wrapped around her hoof which she recoiled a bit,but calmed as he slowly shook her fore hoof until Leo released his grip.
"Wow, that was weird. In a good way, I've never felt anything like that before."
"Yeah, it's called a handshake back on earth."
"Wow really, I'd like to hear more about earth if you wouldn't mind telling me." She smiled at him with the curiosity to learn more about his world and himself. "Why don't you come over to my house and we can talk more. I really enjoy getting to know you, we could have some sandwiches and lemonade."
Was Lyra Heartstrings serious, she wanted to get to know him at her place? Leo was a bit skeptical but he really needed to kick back from this morning's kick to the head that nearly killed him.
"I'm not sure Lyra, after meeting Twilight I'm a bit uneasy."
"Let me guess, Twilight was too forward with one of her experiments that you became a test subject too?" Lyra expression deadpanned as the memory of her being one of the unlucky subjects of Twilight's 'important' tests. " Kinda went through the same thing in magical kindergarten. Something about a weird anomaly or something."
It seems Leo's opinion of Twilight has lowered to the point where it has reached to the gum under his shoe. It would look like Leo wasn't her first victim to her experiments, but hopefully after scaring her out of her fur, she would think twice before repeating the same actions towards any living creature.
"As much as I'd like to Lyra, I just can't shake off what Twilight had--" Leo's sentence was interrupted as two hooves were upon his biceps as his hands reflectively held her shoulders in place to keep her from tumbling over. There was a look on her face that Leo couldn’t ignore, a look of sympathy for him. It kind of reminded him of the look his mother gave him when he came home from school, beaten to a pulp by John.
"Leo please, don't let one science wacko leave you with a sour impression of this world and its inhabitants. I don't want to study you, I just want to get to know Leonardo Zarate. Maybe even, befriend him."
Lyra was all to genuine with her words and the kindness she had offered him. She understood him, what it was like to be different. Should he really open up to her? It's been so long since he had someone to speak to about how he felt. Besides Spike though. Perhaps, giving this place a second chance couldn’t do much harm than it already has, it was time to discard the doubtful side and be a bit more open to this new world.
"Alright Lyra, I accept your invitation for lemonade and sandwiches." Leo said as he set Lyra down on her front hooves as she shrieked excitingly.
"Great, let's get going. My house is this way!" She gestured with her hoof before she trotted happily next to Leo. He wasn't sure why but Leo had a great feeling about her.
As Leo and Lyra made their way, they were both completely oblivious to the spying presence of the town smart ass, who watched them converse from a far in a bush that for some reason was irritating her fur.
"This is not good!" She muttered to herself. "I think I might have very well lost Leo to Lyra! Oh, this is bad, I hope Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy come back with Spike quickly! This is just to important to leave at the hooves of Lyra." She jumped out the bush while shaking off the twigs and leafs that much irritated her. "I'll have to keep an eye on them, but gotta keep my distance." She quickly took off in her 'mission' as she made sure to stick to the shadows.
Author's Note
On the road that led to Fluttershy's home from Ponyville Twilight was having a tough time explaining herself to Fluttershy of what she had done along with Rainbow Dash after she had finished explaining this morning's incident.
Fluttershy had never felt so shocked in her entire life, what her friends did almost made her want to yell if she didn’t feel like she wanted to throw up first. Her anger died down though after Twilight had reminded her they needed to find Leo and Spike before their 'guest could get into any more trouble.
"Alright girls, you'll go and check at the library if Leo and Spike are there, while I check around the center of town!" Before Twilight could head off, Fluttershy called out to her with a serious glare embedded on her face.
"You had better not do anything to upset him." Her tone was one of seriousness, it made Rainbow Dash feel a bit uncomfortable standing next to her. While a single small bullet of sweat went down Twilight's forehead, her legs becoming a bit stiff.
"Alright Fluttershy, I'll approach him gently." She quickly turned her gaze back on the dirt path and dashed as fast as her legs can carry her. She could only pray to her teacher that Leo would'nt get into any more trouble. "Please don't attack anypony, it's bad enough that you could be a threat! Especially if you're with Spike, oh Spike! He's just a baby drake who doesn’t know what's good for him if he thinks he can handle Leo? Oh, Celestia!" She thought internally as she focused her magic into her horn and teleported into town.
At the library.
Both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew as fast as their wings could take them in hopes to find Leo and Spike, preferably not in any trouble.
"I still can't belive you did that Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy said angrly, her eyes never leaving the path that led to their destiantion.
"Fluttershy I already told why I did it! He went bezerk and I had to take him down!" She defended looking over to her friend who wasn't even giving her a glance.
"I still won't have any of it! You should have at least tried to reason with him before doing something so...so...so awful!" She yelled out the last part ascending as quickly as possible near the library's fallen door followed by Rainbow Dash. This wasn't usual for Fluttershy to be mad for this long, it was so odd for her to not revert to her timid self like she usually does.
What exactly does she see in that human?
Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but feel somber over the incident, she also felt irresponsible for doing something so rash just to save her reputation. It brought up a flash back in her memory bank about the lengths she went through just to keep her love of reading a secret. It was so idiotic that she could help but face hoof behind Fluttershy for having repeat such a feat.
"I really need to stop going over board to save my reputation..." She muttered as lowly as she could.
As they both entered the library, they saw Spike carrying Leo's back pack with his gaze on the wooden floor making his way towards the exit, unaware of the pegesai's presence, until his head bumped into Fluttershy's furry chest which nearly knocked him over.
"Fluttershy? What are you doing here? Are you looking for Twilight?" Spike asked placing the cumbersome bag aside before dusting his hands. He noticed Rainbow Dash behind her and couldn’t help but feel his anger rise, but closed his eyes and started to take deep breaths to not lash out at her again. Even so she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable watching him put himself on the kibosh.
"Actually Spike we were looking for you and Leo. Twilight had told me what she had done this morning and why she did it." She said as she looked over the room only to find no trace of Leo anywehere. "Where's Leo?" She ran past Spike and into the kitchen hoping to find Leo. Where is he?!" She shouted like a worried mother searching for her child in a theme park.
"He's not here." He said snapping her attention soley to him. "He went to the park bench to take a load of pain off his head." He turned to give Rainbow Dash a glare. At this point she was starting to get annoyed with his hostile attitude towards her.
"Then we've got to hurry before he gets into any more trouble!" She made a run for the exit where she nearly knocked Rainbow Dash off balance, that was until Spike also ran past her as he dragged the back pack in tow, and swung it up for it to hang on his back which had hit Rainbow Dash across her mussel that sent her tumbling on the wooden floor rubbing her assaulted little snout. She glared at Spike running off in the distance with Fluttershy, did he do that on purpose?
While the trio at the library headed off to go in search of Leo at the park bench, Twilight had been frantically searching for him in the center of town. She started at the spot where Leo had been taken down by Rainbow Dash. The only thing she found was Bon-Bon with a trash cart she pulled as Carrot Top put the remains of her cart to be taken. She had been muttering as soon as she finished, all she could make out was Rainbow Dash's name.
She was thinking about asking the where about of Leo but it was highly unlikely she would know where the human that destroyed her cart would actually be. Quickly she took off to head to the lower part of the market that was near the park; maybe he might have gone there to escape the crowd. As Twilight trotted down the dirt road he halted in her tracks after rounding a corner of what she saw next. Quick on her hoofs she jumped towards the nearest bush before she was spotted, her eyes popped out on the bush cartoony. Furthering observing what was before her.
It was Lyra Heartstrings and Leo in the middle of the road. Her hooves were on his arms to support her from falling over. And Leo was helping her stay balanced; the look on their faces said everything as she slowly inched closer to eavesdrop on the conversation. It was something about coming over for sandwiches and lemonade.
"Leo please, don't let one science wacko leave you with a sour impression of this world and its inhabitants..." Lyra spoke in her most genuine tone, though Twilight could help but frown at the rude comment that she knew was directed at her. "...I don't want to study you, I just want to get to know Leonardo Zarate, Maybe even befriend him." Twilight's eyes widened looking over to Leo, it looks like he was conflicted but the way his eyebrows were unfurrowing and his eyes went from darting to the side to locking with Lyra's which meant...
"Oh Celestia please no! Please say no!" She whispered.
"You know what..." Leo said. "...I'd love to join you for sandwiches and lemonade." He said with a smile as Leo began to place back down.
Twilight cursed under her breath while face hooving hard that it actually hurt her to the point where she had to clench her eyes shut in pain. Cracking her left eye open she looked over only to see that they were already on their way.
Filled with panic she stuck her head out of her hiding place startling few who were walking by. "This is not good!" She muttered to herself. "I think I might have very well lost Leo to Lyra! Oh this is bad, I hope Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy come back with Spike quickly!" She jumped out of her bush while shaking off the leaves and twigs that much irritated her. "I'll have to follow them, but I got to keep my distance." She quickly took off on her 'mission' as she made sure to stick to the shadows.
And by sticking to the shadows she just teleported to her house and jumped into Lyra's bush near her front door. "All I have to do is wait here until they both come." She muttered as she tried to get comfortable in in Lyra's thorny bush. "Ouch this hurts!"
"You know Lyra, I haven’t felt this comfortable around anyone since I came here besides you." Leo said in an almost content tone, Lyra so far has done nothing but lift his spirits all morning. It was quite nice to around someon- somepony who didn't quake at the mere sight of him. It made him feel less like a freak than he usually does.
"Oh thank you Leo, that's so sweet of you. I haven't meet anypony as interesting as you so far. I can't wait till you meet my roommate" She said keeping her pace as her house was now in sight.
"You have a roommate?" He asked curiously facing down on her.
"Yeah, her name is Bon-bon. She's a sweet, kind mare, I think she'll be happy to get to know you once I let her know how charming you are." She gave him a smile.
Leo couldn’t help but blush at the compliment, he was charming? No one has ever told him that before, hearing that actually gave him a boost in confidence. Though, it serves nothing since there aren't any female humans here. But still though, it made him feel really good nonetheless. As they both approached her home which was only one floor, Lyra's horn began to glow and the lock on the door clicked after a few seconds. The enveloped the doorknob with her magic and pushed it open while wiping her hooves on the carpet mat on the entrance.
"Come in." she gestured with a motion of her head. Leo repeated Lyra's actions of wiping his feet before entering her humble abode.
It was nice; the entire living room was wooden with a nice carpet in the center. A three seat sofa that faced towards a big window that showed the back yard, there were three chairs with a small table at the center. The back yard was quite big and it had a nice big tree that was shading the grass around it with its long branches and big leaves. "I'll head to the kitchen and get the sandwiches and lemonade ready, make yourself at home." She trotted to the kitchen which was to the right of the entrance to prepare the snacks she so eagerly wanted to share with her new friend.
"Wow, Twilight and her friends could learn a thing or two about making a good first impression from Lyra." Leo said watching Lyra enter the kitchen.
He began to make his way towards the living room, observing his surrounding more clearly. It's no surprise that Lyra had such nice furniture, and her couch looked soft enough to sleep in. "Damn, that looks comfy..." He proceeded to the back door making his way out to be greeted by her back yard, there was no doubt she took good care of her grass. Best of all, it was mostly quiet, except for the birds that chirped as they flew by, and the leaves that flapped as a gentle gust of wind blew the branches.
He extended his arms up wards a she clenched his hands to fists, stretching for all it was worth until popping noises were heard all over his upper body. "Hijo de la chingada, that feels so much better!" He said dropping his arms while making his way to Lyra's chairs which had cushions on each of them.
He sat down taking a load off, finally relaxing from this morning's catastrophe. Leo raised an eye brow as he gazed up the sky, the clouds slowly and soothingly sailed by without so much as a care in the world. "Why do I feel as though I've forgotten something..." Leo wondered as the clouds came to a halt. Three Pegasus that were supposedly pushing their own cloud emerged, then flew away to who knows where.
"Either I'm tripping from the strike on my head or those Pegasus just pushed those clouds." Leo said out loud.
"Yeah, they usually work this time of day." Lyra's voice caught Leo off guard which nearly made him jump of his seat. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I thought you heard me open the door behind you." Though her apology was sincere, she couldn’t help but chuckle as she placed a tray full of diagonally cut sandwiches on the table along with pink lemonade with ice that clinked in its clear glass as it was set down. "Hope you like b.l.t.'s Leo, I know I do." She sat over the other chair across from Leo as she levitated her slice of sandwich and lemonade.
"Actually I never had a b.l.t Lyra. I normally just ate chorizo, which I'm not complaining about by the way." He looked over the plate full of sandwiches, white grain, tomato, lettuce, and a piece that looked like bacon. The texture was weird and the color was a bit of a yellow brown. He picked up his slice, brought it up to his nose and sniffed at it. Leo could only smell a hint of what supposedly was bacon; the rest was just tomato and salad with white cheese. "Is this actual bacon? I thought you were a herbivore." He asked looking over to his friend who was done with her slice. Her cheeks were bloated with her chunks of sandwich; she took one big gulp of her snack letting out a happy sigh after.
"To answer your question Leo it's not real bacon, because it's not made of meat like how griffons usually prepare it." She levitated her ice cold lemonade taking a sip to wash down the sandwich she consumed. "It's actually made of hay, we produce it to the point where any species can consume it, be it carnivore..." Her gaze then went to Leo." ...or omnivore which are the best of both worlds." She smiled which took Leo off guard, she knew he was omnivorous and she didn't panic like AppleJack.
"You knew I eat meat?" Leo gazed at her wide eyed as she nodded. "Aren't you afraid of me then?"
Lyra just looked at Leo for a moment while her mind tried to process the question, afterwards her gaze went up to sky, sighing heavily. She stayed silent for a moment which worried Leo if he might have said something offensive either towards her or her species. It was quiet for a solid thrity seconds until Lyra decided to break the silence.
"Leo...I know our species is stereotyped to panic when a meat eating being like yourself finds its way to town...though Gilda was an acceptation." She locked her eyes with Leo which made him gulp loudly, there was no spite behind them but her stare still went right through him. "...but not all of us are fear stricken little foals." She said in a serious tone. “Some of us are willing to give new things a try without freaking out at first. Like I said before Leo, don't let one science wacko leave you with a sour impression of our world. We're not all the little white lambs that stay to the flock to be led by a shepherd known as fear. Some of us are daring black sheep that choose to take risks and expand our experience beyond the fence that confines us to learn new things." She levitated another slice which she began to munch on, Leo however just stayed frozen in place with wide eyes as he processed what Lyra just said.
"My god Lyra that was, deep and in a way poetic. I feel like such a jerk for judging your species for what an individual group did to me. I feel like those prejudice assholes that judged people of different ethnicity just because they were from another country! How could I have let myself sink as low as them?" He slouched forward as he ran his finger through his hair, mentally scolding himself for his crude judgments. His time at that school might have been infectious towards him. He exhaled through his nose, bringing his head up, turning to face his new friend. "Lyra, I'm so sorry for making a terrible assumption about your species. Can you forgive me?"
Lyra tilted her head to her side while she stared for at Leo, it made him nervous, he began to think the worst until she smiled and shoved a slice of sandwich in Leo's mouth through her magic. "Oh Leo, you don't need to apologize to me. I understand why you would think that of us." She looked over her tree as Le began to munch on his morsel, the hay bacon was quite crunchy. "Since that little incident with Twilight I won't hold your judgment against you." She levitated another slice as she brought the delicious snack to her muzzle.
Leo's gaze followed Lyra's to the tree, both watching the leaves continue their flapping from the gentle wind blowing by. Almost everything was silent but the dancing of the leaves along with the birds melody like chirping in the air. It wasn't television, but the scenery was enough to make Leo relax even more as he slouched in his seat, sighing as he reached for his lemonade, drinking the cold refreshment to wash down the delicious morsel his dear friend gave him.
"Lyra..."
"Mm?" She turned facing Leo with her usual smile.
"Thank you."
Above Lyra's roof near the back yard Twilight crouched as much as she could as she watched over Leo and Lyra. They were getting along swimmingly without so much as any bump unlike her encounter with her and her friends. What made her so special that Leo wouldn’t even makes a crack about her? Maybe it was their introduction with him, thinking back on it they all could have made a better impression with him rather than accuse him of outlandish things, having him bucked (no sex joke intended), and tied up. But to Twilight that was not important, what happened had happened and there's no changing that. Twilight couldn't help but also notice he was conversing with her about his species willingly, about how his species was the only sapient being on earth. then after about Twilight and her friends.
"You know Lyra, Twilight and her friends could take a page from you on how to make a good first impression." Leo said between bites on his sandwich.
"Oh Leo you're too kind, you're making me blush." She said as she turned her gaze away to avoid Leo from having to see red hew spots on her cheeks staining her fur. “You’d make a female from your world very happy with the words you express without feigning them."
Twilight had to admit, she's never heard words like those from any stallion, she leaned her head in closer to make sure she was hearing more clearly. Her head was above both of them barely a few feet above them.
Leo shook his head at the last statement as his gaze went to the skies. "Not likely Lyra, human females from my world, namely in America prefer the strong jerks over the wet-back like me." Leo said as his gaze went to the grass remembering the times when he would try his best to catch the attention of a girl without having to resort to acting like a baby dick football playing human.
His thoughts were then interrupted by with a soft hoof being placed on his hand as he revert his attention back to the mare next to him.
"Well then, I guess that's their loss. Believe me when I say that you'll find somepony out there for you. Or better yet, she might find you."
"Well Lyra, while you may be right if I was still in my world." Leo said as a small smile made it's way onto his face. Lyra quickly caught on what she had just said before she brought her hoof up to her mouth.
"O-oh Leo, I'm so sorry! I didn’t mean to bring up the fact that you're not in your world anymore. Please forgive me. What I had just said was inconsiderate. Please don't hate me--"
Before she could finish with her heart felt apology, Leo raised his hand with only his middle finger and index finger out halting her sentence.
"Lyra..." Leo said with his gaze still in the sky, his voice calm."...I know you may think I'm miserable as hell right now because I've been forced into this world by unknown circumstances away from my kind." He paused for a moment as both Lyra and Twilight eagerly waited for him to continue. "But to be honest, the real hell was being back on earth with my own kind...my kind that by a daily basis kills itself over trivial things like religion, oil, ethnicity and which way of life is superior." That was a lot to take in from Leo about his species that it made Lyra feel pity towards Leo, Twilight however wasn’t surprised as much as you would think, she did after all read the text book about human history. "Despite the bad start I had when I came into this world, it's an improvement compared what earth had to offer for me. Basically what I'm trying to say is I'm content here Lyra, even though I'm the only human here." Leo reached out for the last sandwich slice and began to devour the snack.
"But Leo, as you told me you're species are the only sapeint beings in your world. So isn’t it taboo if you dated outside your kind?" Lyra then gasped as a horrible thought came across her. "What if you never find love because you're the only one of your kind here?!" Though Leo's gaze was still locked high, he could see her eyes glistening in his peripheral vision.
"It’s fine Lyra, I'll live. Besides...it's just love. I think I can live without it." Leo said with no qualms in his voice what’s so ever. He reached for his empty glass and the tray as he got on his feet. "Let's go back inside and wash the dishes." He smiled to her before he went back inside.
Lyra just stayed on her chair, too shocked to speak as she found her words caught in her throat. Trying really hard to wrap her mind around what he had just said, living without love? That is the most insane thing she has ever heard in her years of living, after a minute she finally regained her composure as her frown deepened even more as he pity for Leo reached the skies beyond known as space. Her ears dropped and shook her head as she got of her patio seat.
"Leo...you poor human...I feel really bad for you. You've must have had a miserable life to have such a sad outlook on things like that." She trotted back inside before closing the back door.
While Lyra went to help Leo, Twilight was still on her roof, still unable to believe what Leo said. To live without love? If her sister in Law were here right now she would go out of her own way to help him find love. However, that's not the case right now, what was most important was getting her human back from Lyra's hooves.
"Think Twilight, think. How exactly can I get Leo back?" He rubbed her chin in thought until an idea popped in her head. “I got it! Maybe I can get Fluttershy to convince Leo to come back! Maybe not with me, but she could be the one to house him." She jumped off the roof while using her magic to soften the fall. "I have to go find Fluttershy." She quickly bolted ahead to find her animal loving friend, and egotistical rainbow narcissist, hopefully they found Spike.
Author's Note
Before all you begin ranting about "earth is evil", let me elaborate. This fic does not officially depict that earth is a unbearable place, however it is in the human's perspective due to his miserable life experiences. In other words, that's the way he sees his home world and nothing more.
Also, stop the ranting comments about "the earth isn't evil" on the chapter. This is me saying pretty please.
Deep thoughts of the past.
Deep thoughts of the past.
Twilight had been running as fast as her legs could carry her to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, hopefully they both had found Spike. She needed him to send the letter to Princess Celestia as soon as possible even if she is all the way in Ironhelm.
While she was making her way past the park she noticed both Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Spike standing near the park bench searching for Leo. She skidded to a sharp halt, and quickly made her way to the trio, a lucky coincidence that they saved her the trouble of looking for Spike.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you, where have you been Spike! Can't you see that I needed you, why did you run off like that..."
At this point Twilight's words had fallen deaf to Spike's ear holes. He couldn't really stand her at the moment right now, after everything that happened and witnessed first hand. The sound of her voice just irritated the young dragon, as usual she would always babble on about how she needed to do this for that, Spike was not in the mood for that whatsoever, not after what she did.
Spike had once again pulled Leo's back pack over his shoulder, making his way past Twilight completely ignoring her. Shock was what struck her when Spike walked past her, deciding not to even acknowledge the importance of Twilight's conversation.
"Spike are you even listening!? Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you--"
"Shut it." Spike said halting Twilight's scolding, the words that he uttered alone were enough to make Twilight's words die in her throat. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash couldn't believe Spike had just said that, to her 'big sister'. They were just as shocked as Twilight, but not as hurt.
What possessed him to say such a thing?
"S-Spike..." She uttered out, with hurt clear in her voice. Though Spike felt a pang of guilt go through him, he decided not to let it get to him as there was still a matter at hand.
"Where is Leo?" He asked with a neutral tone.
"H-he's with Lyra, but I don't think-" before she could finish, Spike had already started making way to Lyra's house.
"Spike? " Twilight called out to him but he had ignored her as he kept on walking, not even turning back.
Both pegasus had taken place with Twilight, trying to snap her out as she had kept staring into the distance absentmindedly where Spike once was in the distance.
"Twilight?" Fluttershy gently placed her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. At that moment, Twilight snapped back to reality, her eyes upon her friends. "Twilight, I know Spike shouldn't have said that, but he really does care for Leo in case you haven't noticed."
Fluttershy's words were almost too absurd to belive as Twilight's eyes widened slightly.
"But why?!" She said looking back into the distance. "Why would he even care for a foreign species like Leo? What is it about him that had made Spike act this way after barely even knowing him a few days? I just don't understand it? Why?" The enigma Twilight was trying to decipher of Leo's effect on Spike was enough to make her sigh in frustration as she pawed the ground.
Rainbow Dash was currently trying to solve the puzzle herself, but not because his effect on Spike.
It was his affects on Fluttershy.
She had noticed Fluttershy acting differently ever since their encounter with the other world foreigner. She had become defensive of him when they bad mouthed him back at the library. She also remembered when she was first to volunteer to house him.
Ever since he came Fluttershy had not been her usual self, the affection she showed for him was somewhat firm. What reason would she have to display this, Leo was by no means an animal as far as they all knew, so it couldn't be her animal caring nature to act this way. Her social nature was definitely off the table, she's never showed this kind of caring nature to others of sentient life in a short amount of time. How odd, there could be a few theories as to why she's like this, perhaps it was because Leo was thrown into this world by destiny's will, in the same spot he had started; alone. Or was it because he saved her and Applejack from dying a horrible death from the wrath of the timberwolves, Leo taking the place of being ruthlessly mauled. Sacrificing his own well being in order to become their shield, spearing them intense pain.
Which one was it exactly?
Too lost in the 'intellectual' recess of their minds, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight had snapped out of it as they find Fluttershy missing from her place beside them.
"Horse feathers, how long have we been standing here?!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Too long..." Twilight said while rubbing her temples, tightly clenching her eyes as the stress was begrudgingly leaving her. "Rainbow Dash, have you noticed something different about Spike and Fluttershy lately? Behavior wise." She asked her friend who was still had the thought lingering in her head as she stared into the distance.
"Yea, I've noticed it, but if you're gonna ask me why then all I can tell you is that your guess is as good as mine..." She sulked finally giving up on figuring out the problem. "...I just don't get it, why?"
"Maybe we should go and find out." What Twilight had said made Rainbow Dash do a double take. Twilight did not only poke the bear and then nearly get hurt in the process, but know she was willing to go and see said bear at the risk he might actually snap her horn off this time.
Having to watch Leo grasp her horn with his minotaur like appendages was terrifying. Rainbow Dash really wanted to help Twilight, but that Leo...his will to keep his anger somewhat purged. The intensity of those eyes felt like the fires of tarturus ready to break loose.
"Twilight, I know you're interested in learning stuff and all..." She waved her hoof carelessly as she spoke. "...but are bucking nuts!?" She shouted as her wing reflectivity took her air borne.
"Rainbow Dash, language!"
"I'm just saying, I mean common! After what happened this morning I'm surprised you're not still sobbing on the ground in the middle of town." She spoke without realizing what she said, oblivious to Twilight's glare.
"I don't have time for this." Twilight had ignored her friend's unintentional insult as she took off after Fluttershy and Spike.
And so there was Rainbow Dash, alone in the park, contemplating her options as little foals ran past her playing, on one hoof there was going with her friends to regain Leo's trust. The other was going back to her personal cloud and try forget this morning.
Help Leo in the slight risk of getting her face pulverized, or relax in the safety of the skies.
It only took a short moment before she came to a consensus. One that contradicted in her role of being the element of loyalty.
"Buck this, I'm chilling in my cloud. Maybe get a bottle of apple cider."
With that said she bolted to the general direction where Applebloom was in the town market selling their apple product merchandise.
After Rainbow Dash has taken off a brown little colt by the name of Button Mash watching the rainbow streak slowly dissappear along with the mare, also contemplating a question in his mind of what Rainbow Dash said.
Seconds pass and the young foal quickly took off where his mother was, chatting with her friends in a conversation of eligible stallions to herd with.
"Mom." The young foal called out to his mother who had her undivided attention.
"Yes Button?" She said with a smile followed by her friends.
"What does buck mean?" He asked.
Back at Lyra's house Leo stood in the kitchen, washing the dishes from the small remnants of crumbs and cheese.
Too focused on what Leo was doing, he was oblivious to Lyra's present near the entrance frame, watching Leo from afar.
A smile on his face.
It made Lyra sad, watching Leo so content with what he had said. Well, not content, it was more like accepted of what Leo couldn't change.
A heavy heart in Lyra's being felt overwhelming. She couldn't just stand there any longer watching him wear a smile on his face he learned to fake over time as she slowly approached him, it was so convincing that Leo actually believed the fraudulent mask was truly him showing his emotions.
Earth was by no means a spiraling pool of despair.
Though however, there are those chosen by life's servants which was destiny. One of life's little sisters determining the fate of majority of man. And the minority which Leo was, she was good and evil.
Cruel and kind.
After Lyra reached Leo, who was still oblivious that she was right next to him, she titled her gaze to look up at his dirt colored eye that could be seen from where she stood. Still wearing his "smile, as he was almost finished with both glasses as he rinsed off the soap.
She really wanted to help him but she just couldn't find the right words, only one thing was she able to speak.
"L-Leo..."
"Hm?" He turned his gaze from the dishes to Lyra, who had a saddened look on her face which perplexed Leo that it made his mask falter to genuine concern. "Lyra, what's wrong?" He asked.
"I-I just wanted to-"
Her thought was inturuppted as the sound of locks being shifted and a door being creaked open as hoofs were hastily being let in.
"Goddess, that was awful! Here I thought I was going to have a day off and then that awful ape had to come to the market and ruin it for me!" The voice neared to the entrance of the kitchen which made both hearts race. "Lyra are you in there?" The voice said drawing ever nearer until it reached the entrance. "You would not believe the morning I've ha-" a yellowish mare by the name of Bon Bon had stopped in her tracks along with her sentence as her gaze went from her friend, to the bronze ape next to her. "L-L-Lyra, what is that thing doing in our house?!" She shouted while pointing her hoof at Leo. "Y-you get out of our house now!"
Leo had recoiled back at the end of her sentence, the pointing didn't help either as his good mood dissipated.
"Bon Bon, calm down he isn't here to hurt anypony. I invited him over to chat-"
"You invited him over?! After what he did this morning?! Lyra, do you know what that thing is capable of? You saw what it did in the market, and what he almost did to Twilight's horn! He's dangerous, and he could hurt you! He might just even snap off your horn and do goddess knows what to it!"
The things that Bon Bon said about Leo was frustrating to listen. How could she say such hurtful things to this gentle yet tormented soul? Leo has shown nothing but charming nature since this morning, everything that everypony said about him was nothing but an exaggerated accusation.
Ready to jump to his defense, Lyra was ready to unleash an unrelenting force of scolding words. But before she could do something so hasty she had felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. She turned her gaze up to Leo to see a look in his eyes that told her, don't'.
He knew what she was ready to do. She was going to ruin her long time friendship over a newfound one from today.
"Lyra, it's alright." He said in a gentle tone, once again wearing his fake smile, only smaller.
"But Leo-"
"It's fine." His gaze then went to Bon Bon who still stood in her place, an irritated look etched on her face. "Don't need to be impatient 'yegua'. I'm leaving."
He straightened his jacket ,made his way towards the exit of the kitchen, then to the door as it was heard open, then shut from where Lyra stood.
All she could do in that moment was stare at the wooden floor. Saddened that Leo was kicked out, yet mad that her roommate drove him out in the most vulgar manner.
As Leo shut the door that he gently leaned on, he stood there for a moment sighing deeply. Things were going so well until that mare walked in, but that is how it always went for him.
When things are looking up, they take a one eighty turn and smack Leo across his face. It's been like that for a long time which was why Leo was so calm about the situation. He had grown used to it and accepted it, though he never liked it.
"How irritating..." He muttered silently as he raised himself from the door and made his walk down the path that for some reason, ponies suddenly avoided. "...just once I'd like things to stay bright."
Just then, a flashback had appeared in Leo's mind. He remembered a time when he met this nice eighteen year old girl when Leo was still a toddler after shortly crossing the border. He and his parents ran into another group of immigrants that were most likely on the same journey as they were. Though the groups united there was still trouble that Leo's false father caused by one of his drunken outbursts shortly afternoon as they made camp hidden from the immigration force hunting them down.
Irritated Leo was of that man, he ran as fast as his little legs could take him into the woods, tearing heavily until he found himself in a clearing full of dead leaves and twigs. His legs faltered as he knelt in the clearing, sobbing quietly to himself. All his life had to deal with that man, and it was too much for him to handle over the years as his rage built up. Keeping to himself as he did not want to burden his mother any more than she needed to be.
So he just knelt in place, continuing to let his emotions seep out without any one to comfort him. That was until...
*crunch~!*
Leo let out a silent gasp from the noise that inturuppted his flash back, bringing him back to reality. He lifted his foot to see what he had stepped on.
"My cigarette bud? But that doesnt even...oh crap, did I zone out?" He muttered as he took in his surroundings.
He was at that hill that overlooked the town where the tree was, only the bench was missing.
"What happened to the bench?" Leo looked over his environment only to see that it was nowhere to be found. "Shit...shit, shit. Where am I gonna..." Leo looked back over the tree which was surrounded by the comfy looking grass. "I guess that looks comfy." Leo walked over the tree, sitting down as he leaned against the bark.
Leo sat there overseeing the town as a joyless expression came to his face, remembering that flashback.
"Idoya..."
Back in ponyville, Fluttershy and Spike finally reached Lyra's house, both hoping Lyra didn't do anything to agitate Leo.
"Spike I'm a little worried, you think Lyra would..."
"No, she wouldn't Fluttershy. She's not like Twilight." Spike knocked trice on the door shortly after it opened and Lyra emerged, her eyes red and her cheeks soaked.
"Oh, hey guys. What are you doing here?" She sniffled.
"Lyra what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Lyra wiped her tears away, desperately trying to regain her composure.
"I'm sorry it's just that, I had a new friend over. Things were going great until Bon Bon ruined everything." She finished her sentence with much gloom.
"Leo didn't..." Spike began to fear the worst.
"No, no he didn't. He just left as calmly as he could without having to escalate the situation." Her gaze went down as she remembered the things they've talked about, some good. But the bad kept gnawing the back of her mind. "Wait, you haven't seen him?"
"No, we haven't seen him. We thought he'd be here." Fluttershy's hopeful expression saddened in disappointment to see Leo was no longer where Twilight said he was. "Think, where do you think he could have gone?" She asked.
Lyra placed a hoof on her chin as she began to wonder where he could have wondered off.
"If I remember correctly, Leo was sad when he left the house. You know when I'm sad I go to my secret place where I feel most comfortable having my worries mount away. I know he's been here only a short while, but where do you think he could have gone to feel comfortable?" She asked as she looked back at the duo.
Both Spike and Fluttershy stood there for a moment, remembering the times when Leo didn't show detest for this world. Just then a light bulb lit up above their heads after they came to a conclusion where he might have gone.
"We think we know where he might have gone." Spike said as he once again threw Leo's bag over his shoulder.
"Fucking damn it, why did I have to remember that memory..."Leo said sitting sulkingly alone, wrapping his arms around his knees as he buried his face where his arms held his knees in place. "Why did I have to remember you."
That memory that decided once again make itself known. Another traumatic memory that Leo purged away hoping he would never remember.
Before he could let it sink any deeper, the sounds of heavy breathing took the place of silence, followed by footsteps coming up the hill.
"Who's that?" Leo turned his gaze where the noise was coming from. Only to see the emerging forms of both Fluttershy and Spike.
"Leo, there you are!" Fluttershy cried out as she threw herself over him. By reflex Leo opened his arms and caught Fluttershy, who was now hugging him tightly. Her nose buried on his shoulder as she began to cry.
"Fluttershy what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Leo patted Fluttershy's back gently.
"Why do you think dude, she's been worried sick after what Twilight said she'd done." Spike said as he set Leo's bag down and joined both Leo and Fluttershy. "You dummy."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you guys. I just had to leave before I caused anymore damage."
Both Spike and Fluttershy pulled away from the embrace, seeing Leo return to his cheerless mood return. He was deep in thought of another haunting memory.
"Leo what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked, but he did not respond. He remained silent, staring off into the distance. His lack of response made her worries grow, she tried again. But still no response, it was up to Spike now to help Leo open up
"Leo please tell us what's wrong. We wanna help you, and you know you can trust us. Don't you remember what you said this morning?" He still remained silent, but he lightly nodded, letting him know that he did remember what he had said. "Then please tell us what's wrong? What's got you like this?" He waited for Leo's response after a moment, he answered.
"Another memory..." He muttered silently without looking.
Spike knew where this was going, and so did Fluttershy. They both cast a glance at each other and nodded in a silent agreement. Fluttershy came closer and placed a hoof on Leo's thigh.
"Please tell us what it is Leo, we want to help. We've listened before, and we still want to listen. To let you know we're here to help. "
There was no point in arguing, Leo knew they weren't going to leave until he told them about the memory. He sighed deeply as he reached inside his jacket pocket, pulled out his cigarette box. Grabbing a cigarette, at the sight of that Spike knew it was his cue to come over to give Leo a light. He knew now that he only smoked that stuff when stressed, or depressed. And right now Leo was in a state of depression. His only treatment for this was hazardous smoke as he closed his eyes while inhaling, steeling himself for what he was about to tell.
"Hmph...I guess there wouldn't be any point in not telling you, seeing as how you might not take no for an answer." He pulled the cigarette from his mouth as he stared off into the distance again.
*crunch~! *
It was that eighteen year old girl from the other group, her name was Idoya. She was standing there in the clearing where Leo was, a gap three feet between them both.
Her hazel eyes looked deep into Leo's with much concern for him. Her brown hair faintly shimmering in the gray skies. It went along well with her jean jacket and skirt with yoga pants underneath them.
"Are...you alright?" She asked Leo while gently making her way to him.
Leo just narrowed his eyes at Idoya while wiping his soaked cheek with his sleeves.
"I - I'm fine...just leave me alone..." He said in a bitter tone clearly wanting this girl to leave his sight, alone with his thoughts.
Typical, boys at Leo's age pretend to be tough as best they can but deep down the yearn for the comfort from another being.
Idoya shook her head as she kept her pace towards Leo. After reaching the boy, she knelt down behind him. She spread her legs and scooted closer to him until her thighs were besides him, to lost in his own little world to know she was right there. She stretched her arms out, reaching for the young boy until she wrapped her arms around him which made him jump.
"Let me go..." He spoke in a hoarse voice as he struggled.
"No." She spoke without hesitation, but still kindness apparent in her voice.
"Just let me go." He continued to struggle, but he was too weak to break from her comforting embrace. "Please let me go..." He sounded like he was ready to cry again.
"No, you need someone to help you right now. And I want to help...please?" She pleaded as she pulled him to her chest, his head resting on her ample bosom.
At that point Leo began to cry once again, his tears reaching his quivering mouth, tasting nothing but the salty bitterness of his tears.
Idoya gave him a comforting squeeze, trying her best to brighten his spirit, sadly it was only a little . After a moment he began to stop his crying, in place of that were just small hiccups.
"Why, why does everything have to be so-"
Idoya hushed him before he could finish, gently rocking him in place.
"Don't speak..." She pulled her arm back as noises were heard of things being shuffled in a bag. After a moment, her arm was brought back to his sight, only with two small rectangular shaped treats in front of him that had the colors of the Mexican flag. "One's for you and the other is for me." She brought the treat closer. Leo shakingly took one of the treats from her shortly after beginning to unwrap it, soon the scent of coconut filled the air. "Go on, eat it" She coaxed him.
Leo placed the treat in his mouth, chewed, and began savoring the wonderful taste.
"Thank you." He said with chunks in his mouth.
"You know you're not supposed to talk with your mouth full." She teased.
He swallowed his treat earnings a loud gulp which made her giggle. "Sorry..."
"It's fine, I was only teasing you."
After finishing their coconut treats, they sat in silence together hearing nothing. Not even nature's sounds, it was too quiet.
"Hey, what's your name?" The girl asked.
"My name is Leo...Leonardo Zarate."
"Mine is Idoya Soto."
"That's a pretty name." He said in a somewhat mellow tone, seemingly forgotten his troubles. "Hey, why are you helping me?"
There was another silence as she shifted in place.
"You just remind me of my little brother, he's still back in Mexico. Seeing you brake down like that, my big sister instincts just kicked in." She hugged him tighter, remembering what it was like when she held her brother close.
"I see..." Leo buried his face in her bosom.
She smiled down at him, he reminded her a lot of her little brother as she placed her chin above his head. They both shut their eyes, ready to fall asleep. That was until a gunshot was heard back at camp that startled them awake.
"What was that!?" Leo shot up along with Idoya.
"I don't know, but that sounded like it came from camp." She looked worryingly over said direction. "I think we need to check it out."
Before they could ran back to the campground, they heard the word that made Leo and Idoya's kind run for the hills.
It made them freeze in place as it rang in the air.
"LA MIGRA!!!"
"Oh no." Leo whispered, a death like chill running through his veins. "Idoya, what should we--"
"Run."
"But my mom's still--"
"RUN!!!
She grabbed Leo's arm and pulled him away from the sound of screams, gunshots and the sounds of footsteps and barking dogs nearing the clearing.
"Faster!" She pulled harder as she began to speed up.
Leo ran as best he could to catch up with Idoya, his breathing quickening.
As they kept running, the sounds of screams and gunshots faded distantly. They stopped near a small ledge next to a fallen hallowed out tree trunk. Both leaned against it trying to catch respite.
"What are we going to do?! Our families are still at the camp." Leo stood up straight and began to anxiously pace back and forward. "What if they got my mom!" He said, forgotten that he should be worried about his father too.
"Leo calm down." She stood over Leo, trying to figure out a way to calm him.
"I can't calm down, my mom is still at the camp. The border patrol could kill her just like they killed that man--"
A loud noise accompanied by a sharp intense pain was brought to the scene as Leo fell forward on the tree trunk, rolling it over until it fell over the edge along with him as Idoya screamed. Watching the left side above Leo's chest bleeding as he came to an abrupt stop with the log.
"LEO!!!" Idoya screamed.
Leo was sobbing as he laid in place, his mind processing the horrific feeling of lead go right through him.
It was a bullet.
He shakingly placed his right hand on the warm moisture where pain was. He brought his hand to his face as he stared at his own blood.
"I - I'm bleeding." He choked out as his hand fell with a thud.
Idoya simply watched in horror at the sight of a young boy that had been shot right before her. She knew immediately where that bullet came from, and acted quickly.
"Leo." She whispered "Crawl onto the tree trunk, quickly! And no matter what you hear, don't come out!"
Leo was in too much pain to ask why, he followed Idoya's orders as he crawled into the trunk. Laying still as his tears kept streaming down his face. "It hurts." He whispered.
Loud voices were heard outside the bark that caught his attention, especially when she heard Idoya's.
"Let me go you stupid gringo!" She struggled to pry the patrol gaurd's hand from her arm.
"I will, I will. Just tell me where that little brat ran off to and I'll let you go." The voice sounded smug, yet familiar to Leo's ears. He remembered, it was the marine. The one that killed that man in front of his family.
"He ran off as fast as he could, and even if I did tell you, you still wouldn't let me go!" She kept trying to pry the man's grip from her arm, but seeing as he was a former military dog he would not let go.
"How right you are, but seeing as I shot him he won't be going far. Who knows, maybe he'll bleed out and nature will take its course. If the bleeding won't finish him the coyotes will saving me the trouble. Either way..." He casted a dark smile at Idoya who just stood there, staring at him dead in the eye with a haunted look in her eyes.
"You're a monster." She uttered angrily.
"You have no idea." His smile shifted from dark to a lustful hungering look as his eyes roamed her figure. "You got tight body on you 'mexicana'." He said with a cheeky smile.
With that said Idoya spat at the gaurd's face, flinching back from the wet impact. Angry with her actions he smacked her across her face as hard as he could knocking her back.
"Not smart little girl." He approached her as he reached for his belt unbuckling before he reached for his zipper. "Oh, I'm going to have fun ripping you." He pulled out his hardened member from the confines of his pants.
"No..." He approached her menacingly. "NO!" She tried to crawl away but was pulled back in place as she felt his big hands reached for the back of her skirt revealing her panties.
"Oh yeah." He reached for her panties and ripped them off forcefully revealing her hindquarters.
"NO, LET ME GO! LET ME GO!!!" She shouted as loud as she could, squirming in place, begging to cry. "STOP IT PLEASE!!!" She pleaded.
"Yeah bitch, squirm for me! Fucking squirm!"
In the hollowed tree trunk, Leo could hear the horrific scene just right outside his bark sanctuary. He wanted to help her, he really did. But he was just too weak from losing blood. All he could do was lay there as his body ignored his orders to move, he tried to scream out but his voice just came out silently hoarse.
"Stooooop..." He silently shouted, but it could not be heard by anyone but himself. All that could be heard was Idoya's cries as her chastity was forcefully robbed by this coward. Before he passed out, he uttered out one final thing. "I swear...no matter what..." He shut his eyes and clenched his teeth as hard as he could. "...I will kill you!"
Spike and Fluttershy just stood there with different reactions towards the memory. Fluttershy's was that of sadness as her eyes began to get glassy.
Spike stood there, the expression of shock on his face as he could not move. His breath caught in his throat.
Leo just sat there with a dead look in his eyes, his gaze still off in the distance.
"After he was done with her, he killed her and left her to rot." He huffed out the smoke from his lungs as he retracted the cigarette from his mouth to his hand. "She was nice as my mom to help me out of the goodness of her heart. Her voice, her smile, and her kindness are what's keeping me from forgetting her. But the sad thing about that is her screams haunt me..." He clenched his cigarette in his hand feeling the intense heat burn his flesh, Leo did not show it but he was angry as a pack of wild dogs."And the sadder thing is that I won't be able to keep my word."
"And what's that?" Spike asked, waiting for Leo to respond.
Leo had stood from his place, his gaze was still at the distance. Things were silent until he finally decided to answer, but not before dropping the cigarette from his hand.
"I won't be able to kill him."
Author's Note
Silent shock struck the two to freeze in place. Leo's deadly phrase had had left the both Spike and Fluttershy blinded by shock. Leo's follow up respond was leaving in silence without another word being said. His next destination obviously to Fluttershy's home. The tension had left the walk silent. No words were exchanged beyond that point, Fluttershy and Spike had no proper respond for Leo. In way, the simple phrase left them petrified, the bitter lingering scent of cigarettes on his form did not help. It made them a anxious to be around the space of a creature that wanted to rid the life of the marine and the ones who helped in that raid.
They started to have a small amount of doubt that Leo might not be the friendly human they think is. However, being the only two that were willing to listen when Leo opened up, they understood his contempt. They soon came down the path that led to Twilight's home back in ponyville. Spike had to inevitably depart, despite everything, he could not just avoid his sister, they lived in the same house after all. But before he had left, he had something to say to his friend.
"Leo, I know things have been hard for you back on earth." He said pausing, taking a deep breath before he continued. "But you don't need to worry about that anymore in Equestria. Ponies here are accepting, and won't hurt you because you're foreign."
Leo's expression deadpanned with both his eyebrows raised. It didn't take long before he realized what he had said, remembering how the mane six had made their "great impression". The event of his arrival contradicted his statement of comfort, he was hurt because he was foreign. In all honesty it was almost the same when he arrived in the U.S. However, Leo had decided to discard his grudge towards the five that harmed him. The reason for that was because he empathized with the ponies of how he would react if he saw a creature he never seen on his land. The reaction might have been the same, he thought.
"It's alright Spike." He shook his head. "I won't hold it against your friends. "His lips curled into a small smile. "Not even Rainbow Dash."
"Even Twilight?" He asked with a somewhat mildly shocked look.
The moment Twilight's name was spoken, his smile reverted back into a dead frown. His eyes showing his mood had went to brooding. It was that moment Spike had realized his mistake, and mentally scolded himself for bringing up the name of the mare that had ruined his day.
"I'm sorry Spike, but no." He shook his head. "It's not the fact that Twilight had strapped me down, and hooked me up to a machine against my will." He closed his eyes, exhaling softly. "It's that she opened up an old wound that lead to a truth I was better off not knowing."
Leo went his way to Fluttershy's home, with his head hanging, his hands in his pockets. Both Fluttershy and Spike were perplexed at Leo's last statement. What exactly did he mean by that.
No matter, they already pushed Leo to reveal one of his many horrifying aspects of his life. It was best not prod deeper into the scars of time.
"Well, I'll see you later." Spike waved goodbye as he made his way back to the library. Before he could continue, Fluttershy called out, her hoof stretched out to him.
"Spike, I know you're upset with Twilight. I know I am...but..." She paused. "...but before you scold her Spike, find out what she wanted from Leo. What she would get out of doing something like that to him, I know Twilight explained this morning why she did it. But I feel though like she wasn't completely honest, or at least she cut some parts of the truth out."
Spike nodded in agreement before he finally made his way home. Fluttershy stood in the middle of the dirt path, thinking to herself how she could cheer Leo up. Nothing came along as she pawed the ground in frustration, sighing in a somewhat cute tone that was supposed to be a sign of irritation.
"I guess I'll have to make it up as I go along." She thought internally as she finally followed Leo, who was long gone.
After Spike had departed, Leo and Fluttershy were left alone in each others company. Silent as ever, Fluttershy kept her pace in silence, her mind was racing with many thoughts that probed the back of her mind. His past, his life, his out look on his enemies with pure contempt as he spoke of them. A demonic fire in his eyes with the sure attempt to make them die if given the chance, captive of his contained purged rage and hatred which burned passionately like the flames in hell. A puppet pulling his own strings in a way, but still a puppet nonetheless.
As soon as they reached the bridge that led to Fluttershy's cottage, she picked up her speed to the door, reaching out with her wing, opening the entrance for Leo as he approached.
"Um, after you." She mustered up a smile as best as she could as Leo walked past her.
"Thanks." He spoke lifelessly, the same apparent mood in his eyes.
She slowly shut the door behind them as she followed behind, watching Leo make his way to her green couch landing on it and tossing his backpack aside, lacking vigor. His position slouched backwards as he let out a grunt, his head on the sofa as he stared at the ceiling aridly.
It was sad watching Leo in a lifeless state, perhaps pestering him to reveal a painful part of his past was not a well thought out plan to help him. Still though, if Leo was to be saved from once again living his life in a mental isolation, then he would have to open up for his own good. But for now, it was enough, and it was decided to leave well enough alone, and prepare dinner for her guest.
"I'll go and get dinner started, you make yourself at home."
"Sure..." He let out lifelessly.
At that point she had decided to let Leo be, and get started. Maybe after they both sit down to a nice steamed veggie meal, the whole conversation could be forgotten.
Spike had made his way down the dirt road which led home, as he stridden many thoughts had lingered in his mind; how would he approach Twilight? What in earth's name was she doing to Leo when he was strapped?
Flashbacks had crept into his mind, remembering the look of fear in his eyes as laid helplessly to what experiment Twilight had preformed on him. Whatever it could have been, it must have been nightmarish to catch a glimpse of Leo's rage that Twilight spoke of when he fought the Timberwolves.
Without knowing, Spike had absentmindedly walked barely a foot past the door frame entrance. His attention snapped out of his thoughts as his sister stood in the middle of the library, were she began to reconstruct the door to the basement Leo knocked down, splinter by splinter.
It wasn't long before she became aware of his presence, a sullen look in her eyes as her gaze wandered to Spike. The feeling was mutual as he too gazed sullenly, he knew that she was about to scold him for his lack of obedience and acknowledgement. Normally he would relent at his sister's unpleased mood.
Today however was an exception however.
"Well?" She started with her sullen look, her eyebrow raised.
"Well what?" Spike spat out venomously.
"Aren't you going to apologize for your behavior today?!"
"Coming from the one who took a strong approach to take somepony down their basement and perform experiments without their consent?" He snarled.
She cocked her head back at his response, her temper began to rise. Spike had never spoken to her like that before, what's gotten into him?" Don't you dare take that tone with me Spike!" She slammed her hoof on the wooden floor, displaying how serous she was being. "I did what I had to, to find out what we were dealing with."
"By strapping him to a metal table, against his will?! What kind of crazy idea did you think was warranted to do something like that?!"
"It was the only way to get the analysis I was looking for!" She stepped forward.
"Analysis for what?!" He threw his arms up, completely outraged, but more annoyed that she kept being vague. "What kind of crazy nonsense are you talking about! Why are you obsessing over him--"
"BECAUSE HE'S DANGEROUS SPIKE!!!" She shouted, her horn glowing reflexively has the books came flying out of their shelves. Her emotions finally getting the better of her.
The atmosphere fell silent in the library, except for Twilight's heavy breathing, her body began to seep her bodily fluids from her magic burst. Spike stood in place, stunned at her actions, she has never reacted that way before, not unless she was sure she was right about something. Her obsession over "pinkie's sense" was proof of that. Spike sighed in defeat and decided it would be best to humor her insane assumption of Leo being dangerous. Big mac, and the Timberwolves were proof of that, but those two had valid reasons on why Leo had to use force.
"Alright Twilight, I'll humor you." He leaned back against the counter. "Why is he so dangerous?"
She fixed her posture as her horn glowed along with her satchel. What was pulled out of the satchel was a rolled up piece of paper, it was the lab analysis from before when Leo's readings spiked. Spike tilted his head in confusion as the piece was levitated to him, he wasn't sure what exactly was in it that would justify her action. Slowly he opened up the analysis results to its full extent. At first his expression perplexed as he began to read, he wasn't sure what he saw was true so he just let out a scoff as he shook his head. In his peripheral vision, he could see Twilight slightly agitated. He continued on as the reading began to wave normally, which at that point it began to make sense, however as he continued on he noticed, he noticed something that was external. The readings showed that they Spiked beyond the charts, not only that but too soon, which was even more strange. As he continued, he saw that the readings began leave the charts even more, which not only signified that the being in place was aggressive, he would blindly attack inanimate objects in his path.
"It does explain why he attacked Carrot Top's cart..."
When Spike began to near to end of the results, he noticed the lines were back in place, but in a more vertically scribbled pattern. What was most out of place was the page itself, it took a shade of grey that you would see from the skies in a gloomy day. It made Spike nervous, he knew what the patterns meant, soon as he reached the edge, what took place at the end of the paper was that the final section was black.
"Twilight..." He set the analysis paper aside. "...do you realize how insane this is?" He spoke with a hint of how obviously the paper work had to be mistaken.
Twilight's mood had shifted back to unpleasantly aggravated at his un-indented rude response. "How is it insane?! The proof you asked for is right there on paper!" She pointed.
"But this goes against the laws of nature and magic!" He exclaimed loudly. "How can a being have 0.06 magical life force inside them? That's amount is barely enough to sustain a dying weed plant, let alone a new born foal." He gestured at the analysis he laid aside. "Then all of a sudden it has the quantity of a manticore! How do you expect me not to call this nonsense!" He raised his voice hoping to get his point through Twilight's stubborn belief.
"Think about it Spike! Remember the talk I had with the others a few days ago! He comes from a world completely void of magic, which means his body is not dependent on magic the same way as ours. That explains the beginning of the analysis!" She levitated the scroll parchment between her and Spike. "It also explains the strange anomaly like effect of his body, which shows right here in my charts!" She wobbled the scroll piece left and right to push her point forward, hoping Spike would relent. "The reason for that could be that his entire body is still trying to adjust to our magical atmosphere, it explains that magical burst in the ever free!" She let out ecstatically of her discovery. "It explains how his strength increased ten fold!" She took a moment to recompose herself before she got to excited as she exhaled. "However, his body still hasn't adjusted to our planet's atmosphere, which is why after Leo used all that energy to defeat the Timberwolves, it dissolved completely, leaving nothing left in him. It explains why his motor skills went on complete shut down, leaving him with no energy to even stand!" She thought back to where Leo lied face first on the blood tainted dirt, how his lungs could barley squeeze air in and out. Barley having the strength to sustain Leo by small narrow breaths from the verge of death. "He's unique Spike. Beyond any scientific history research for anomalies in our world. He could very well be the answer to discovering new types of magic!" Twilight became very giddy of what doors Leo's anatomy could open for science and magic all around. Spike thought wasn't pleased at all. She was still forgetting the fact of the morning's incident.
"Even if what you're saying is true, he's still not the dangerous being you make him out to be." He turned his back to Twilight. His arms crossed, his closed eyes. She was interested in him in a way that just made Leo seem like a being with no rights whatsoever. "I doubt Leo would be willing to even be your test subject for your 'scientific find'." Spike shot Twilight a gaze over his shoulder. "Your straight forwardness is more than proof of that."
Twilight eyes narrowed at his response to her entire statement. But he was right, after what she pulled with Leo, there would be no chance he would let her near him. Lest she would wish to have her horn snapped like a tooth pick, she didn't know for sure, but that was what she felt when his grip was around her horn.
"Fine, you're right. I guess my eager mood got the better of me and I acted without thinking how he would feel." She sighed in defeat as she sat on her haunches, relenting to Spike's defense over Leo which shocked him. Spike had never won an argument with Twilight ever. The dragon's spirit's leaped with joy of his victory, but his exterior remained the same, he had to make sure how serious her actions were. "Could you do me a favor though?"
Spike perked as she levitated the scroll parchment over to him. It also seemed to have another piece of paper against it."Could you please send this to Celestia? I want her to know what we're harboring and what she'd want us to do."
Spike hummed internally as he contemplated Twilight's request. Should he send the scroll parchment to Princess Celestia all the way over to Iron helm. What would she have the mane six do once she read the analysis. Would she have them take drastic measures to use the elements of harmony on him. If so, he would be entombed to a stone prison like the god of chaos. He wasn't sure she would have them do quite that, but when it came to the security to her ponies, she would stop at nothing to protect them. But this is Celestia, she would not take such measures until she had them to go through Equestrian process to determine if they were a threat to national security. So after reflecting the two outcomes, Spike had come to a consensus as he reached for the paper work.
"Gods, please let me make the right decision..." Spike inhaled deeply, followed by a strong exhale as fire shot out of the dragon's mouth and into the papers, burning them to dust to be only carried by the wind from the door Leo knocked down, to their destination in Iron helm. He couldn't help to feel qualm of his decision to oblige to Twilight's request, another feeling that came in was betrayal. What would Leo say if he found out? "Please forgive me Leo."
In Fluttershy's dining room, she and Leo sat in silence, not much was said as she kept her gaze on her plate, she had felt anxious sitting to the probably emotionally disturbed human. She began to wonder of he would ever come out of his mental despair she and Spike put him through. What a terrible idea that was to help Leo, she couldn't help but scold herself for their bold action, but before she could continue her mental berate, she had heard a hum of content from Leo. She gazed up and saw that he was enjoying his meal she served him. It made her heart flutter that he was enjoying her meal.
"Um, how do my steamed vegetables taste?" She asked as she fidgeted her hind hooves under the table waiting for Leo to respond as he swallowed his morsel.
"It's not bad actually. What kind of spices did you put in this?" He asked, his mood showing that he had completely forgotten what he was upset about. It was apparent to Fluttershy to keep him in ignorance from his past, so she kept the conversation going.
"Oh, um, I just used salt and pepper." She smiled.
"Huh...funny how to standard spices can make something good." He shoved another fork full of vegetables in his mouth as he chewed contently. "I gotta say, I never thought I'd be eating like one of those nice white family homes like this." He said, oblivious to his statement.
Fluttershy tilted her head at said statement, white folk? What did that mean. "White family?" She asked curiously.
From Fluttershy's repeat of Leo's sentence fragment, Leo had realize the mistake he had made and began to cough with his mouth still full, slightly choking. He pounded his chest roughly, forcing the semi chewed meal down with a loud exhale. He recovered quickly to out his excuse from his statement.
"Oh...uh! You know, I meant folk! Folks, as in all of us humans as one. Not different races you know!" He chuckled nervously. Fluttershy was completely dumbfounded by his odd behavior. She began to wonder what she has said wrong to turn Leo into a nervous wreck all of a sudden. However, it was much better to cope with than his brooding mood over his scarred past. She figured it would be best to keep him in his current state of babbling, seeing as he now had forgotten the wrenching talk on the hill.
She continued with her meal as Leo kept on his torrent of sorry excuses, giving a slight nod to let Leo she was paying attention. Her consumption of her meal still on.
With a little more grace.
After dinner was over Leo had decided to have a moment of respite on Fluttershy's couch, he needed to let the meal settle in his stomach before he could head to the bathroom. But before he could get comfortable, Fluttershy had decided to finally point out Leo's body odor. Leo's eyes shot wide open in shock as he came to a realization, he hadn't showered since he came to this world. The smell of his stench soon became apparent as his face scrunched up in disgust. Soon after, he was guided to the guest room, followed by Leo having to strip in front of Fluttershy, oblivious to her presence or how uncomfortable she would be. Her face was red as she left the room, closing the door slightly until it was only open by a creak. She waited outside until Leo's arm stuck out with his clothing.
"Here you go Fluttershy." Leo called out from behind the door, her feathery appendage taking the dirty garments from him.
"I'll go wash these and leave them on your bed when I'm done." She said as she made her way down stairs.
"Thank you Fluttershy." Leo closed the door behind him, sighing deeply as he made his way to the shower. "Fuck Leo, how could you forget your own hygiene." He thought as he entered the bathroom.
It was a little bigger than Twilight's; it had a bath tub on the left far side of the room, and a entire shower section on the right far corner with a curtain that was yellow with pink flowers. Right next to Leo's right side of the entrance was the sink and a mirror. He decided not to waste anymore time and headed inside the shower.
"Alright, time to wash this 'mierda' off of me." He reached and turned the knob. Hissing was what came before warm water started impacting his dirty stench written body. A pleasant sensation coming over his form. "Oh fuck me hard, that feels amazing!" He leaned his hands forward against the wall, his arms keeping him balanced as his he hung his head, loosened from the good feeling of warm water washing over his back. He sighed in content as he let the water work it's purifying magic. Well almost.
He reached for the barred soap to his left and began to rub the slippery soap over his legs, back, rear, feet, arms and armpits. He had one spot left to go. His torso. He rubbed the soap on his abdomen, the bubbly soap barely hiding what lied beneath. His stare had wandered to what couldn't be ignored on his body.
His scars, but the scars in general are what not caught his attention.
One stood out from the others, it was small, but it has left it's mark physically and emotionally. It had caused him to remember the talk a few moments ago. It was the bullet wound the marine had gifted him with as a child. That day the world forced him out of his childhood innocence, revealing how cruel it truly was, no matter how far he ran. He placed his clenched fist over the scar, closing his eyes as he shuddered from the touch. It's been almost a decade and its impact is still as fresh in his mind and heart as he was reminded of his short lived friend. His eyes snapped open with malice, reminded of his contempt of one of the aspects he hated in life, the most that caused him this pain.
It was the united states of America.
The country that had made game of his kind to be hunted down and exterminated once they crossed their borders in a land that used to belong to Leo's people and others. His emotion of hatred taking the reins once again, Leo clenched his upper teeth on his bottom lip, applying enough pressure that it began to bleed down and trickle from his chin, and circle the drain below him.
"By a bunch of European assholes..."He muttered angrily, his hand against the wall balled into a fist. "Of all the suffering I went through...I have never been reduced so low and humiliated in my entire life!" His breathing became heavy and slightly rapid, his anger once again seeping spiritually from his being. "One day america, you are going to get yours." His eyes clenched shut, his left eye brow twitching in madness." You are going to reap what you've sown one hundred fold!" He hissed.
knock knock
The sudden disturbance of knocking had nearly caused Leo to lose his balance, almost slipping fro the soapy water. Startled by the unexpected interruption he was forced away from his contempt towards one of his negative aspects of his life. Drawing his breath calmly as he recomposed himself from the sudden startle.
"W-who is it?"
"It's me Leo, I just wanted to let you know that your clothes are clean and are on the bed when you're done. Also, feel free to use the spare toothbrush I have on the sink counter."
"Okay, thanks Fluttershy. I'll be right out." He shut the valve, halting the water's gentle assault on his body.
Stepping out from the shower, he reached for the towel hearing Fluttershy's hooves steps faint from the bathroom door. He stepped in front of the sink counter, drying himself with the surprisingly soft garment on his skin. While he continued to dry himself, he noticed his reflection before him that stared back. It couldn't be helped, he had gazed upon his body through the mirror and saw the scars of experience and time had left upon him. Noticing these marks over his body had began weigh his spirits; like an anchor to a row boat. Each one represented its own form of shame as past confrontations reminded him of his defeats through out time. He relented his thoughts on the past and sighed in defeat. "Who am I kidding, it's just wishful thinking..." He reached for the tooth brush Fluttershy gave him permission to use, squeezing a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, and began to wipe out the cavities that were beginning to invade his teeth from the lack of his dental hygiene, since his arrival.
"Another thing I forgot."
His expression morphed into a boring one as he stretched the rim of his lips wide, watching his teeth in the cleansing process. He spat, rinsed, and bared his teeth into the mirror as the tiny gaps from his teeth began to seep very little blood from his gums.
"I guess they're clean."
He rinsed his toothbrush and stepped out with the towel around his waist, slouching from fatigue the day had caused him, with a said of needle sharp pain stabbing his back. "Shit, my back hurts." He muttered, leaning his upper form backwards, his arm tenderly massaging his aching back."God, I'm being stabbed!" He groaned as he stumbled forward over the bed, laying face first. His groans loudly resonated through the sheets. It became clear that he was being overly dramatic. He sighed what little oxygen could be seeped through the sheets, followed by him turning over his back,staring up at the ceiling.
Taking notice of the room's lamp light in the center of the ceiling he saw little flying glowing specks, buzzing inside, watching as some flew in, and some flew out, straight into the open window, above Leo's bed. A gentle cool breeze invading his slightly moist form.
"Heh...is that what passes as efficient electricity for room lighting in this world?" He chuckled, spreading his arms as he began to close his eyes. Under his right arm, he noticed something different, it wasn't the bed sheet. He lazily turned his gaze over to his right, in place was his boxers, and his pants. His jacket was over on the drawers as his glanced pushed past his lower garments, folded very neatly for his connivance, next to his backpack. His cigarette pack was placed neatly over his garments. "That was very nice of her."
He sighed, pulling himself up, slouching on his new, more comfortable bed. He reached and put on his undergarments.
"Don't' have any pajamas to sleep in, guess my boxers will have to do. His gaze went to the ceiling once more, his sight on the light above him as the sound of small wings barely resonated through the room. He raised an eyebrow as he began to contemplate its function settings.
"Hmm, I wonder..."
He clapped his hand trice, waiting for a reaction from the fireflies. Soon enough they all emerged from the tiny hole and out into the window as the room dimmed its lighting, until it was enveloped by darkness. Leaving only the majestic glow of the moon to touch everything.
"God, today was shit." He placed his hands on the back of his head, his gaze still at the ceiling. He began to reflect on today's toll on him. "That was the third time I was driven over the edge..." He frowned as he began to recreate the dreaded feeling of being possessed by his rage. The thought made him shudder as he pictured himself in third person, all he could see in his mental image was himself, running wild like a rabid animal, attacking anything that moved. Luckily, the only was who was mildly hurt and emotionally hurt was himself. And the accursed Twilight. "This morning seemed like it was the start of a new beginning, then that dumb bitch ruins it for me." He growled.
Leo lied in place as his thoughts were invaded by Twilight's image. His temper was in dangerous rising level from her alone, taking immediate action, he stepped from his bed, over the drawer and grabbed his pack of cigarettes and returned back to his previous location. Lying on his back, his hand fishing out a stick from his pack, quickly placing it in his mouth. His motions froze in place as he remembered two important things; one Fluttershy obviously does not like the smell of cigarettes and two, he does not have his lighter.
"Shit!" he silently whispered, his hands hitting the mattress like a pouty child. "How am I supposed to cover my bad mojo in clouds if I don't have my fucking lighter anymore!" He sighed irritably, crossing his arms, letting his defeat sink in.
A soft yellow glow that touched Leo's form had caught his eye, the sound of a single buzz out side the window. Exhaling annoyingly, Leo raised from his bed and out the window to deal with the little nuisance. His form sat on the window frame, spotting the insignificant life form buzzing before him. "You caught me at a bad time..." He raised his hand, ready to swat the insect from midair. "...It's nothing personal." He spoke with his cigarette in his mouth.
The insect quickly took action as he flew over to Leo, near his face. Leo's eyes widened, his head recoiled slightly back as the insect came closer to Leo's cigarette tip. The firefly turned his rear and pressed on the tip of his cigarette with his rear.
What the fuck? Leo said internally as he watched the firefly preform his odd act.
Soon enough, the tip of the cigarette began to cloud as a familiar air type substance was making his way through the stick and into his mouth. His eyes widened, caught on of what the firefly was doing. Wasting no time, he huffed the cigarette trying to give light to the tip. As the temperature rose, the firefly knew that was his time to remove himself from the burning tip.
Leo huffed, taking in the tobacco smoke into his body. Stopping a moment to hold in its contents to work its magic to his lungs, he exhaled loudly as the smoke emerged from his mouth and into the cold night air.
"I feel so much better..." He said. His eye taking notice small speck of light that was the firefly that was distancing himself from Leo, and into it's laminating brethren. The swarm flowed through the air majestically up into the night sky, their luminance presence added a much more serene beauty to the night sky's. Leo watched with fascination to how much this world's beauty presented itself to him. He huffed and puffed his cigarette, his sigh mellow as he wondered what could make this even better.
An idea popped in his head as he sunk back from the window to retrieve his I-pod from his jacket, then resumed emerging back on the window as he sat on its frame. He powered his I-pod on, and began to browse through his saved music files to fit the perfect scenery before him. A small moment of searching and he found the perfect song for the moment. He tapped the song and it began to play the beautiful music.
The music began to beat softly in his eardrums as he relaxed and took in the beautiful night sky scenery once more, he inhaled his dose of tobacco as his head bobbed to the beat. He sighed, "Always without fear...right." His gaze still transfixed in the beauty.
"You know..." He thought to himself, puffing a cloud into the air. "It's the little good things in life...that keep this mind from falling into complete ruin." He chuckled with his cigarette in his mouth, his eyes closed as he shook his head at what he just said. "'Puta madre...I'm starting to sound poetic." He muttered, his cigarette stick was ready to burn out as the song coincidently was too about to draw to a close. "Well..." He pulled his cigarette from his mouth and held it up the heavens. "...this last puff is to my new beginning." He inhaled powerfully, extracting what little tobacco was left to be burned to ash, and its smoky substance to be consumed by Leo's abused lungs. He flicked his cigarette bud outside, little stray ambers following the bud into its rough decent. With that he sighed and rolled up his headphones and went back inside to enjoy a much needed time for respite.
It's been almost an hour and a half since Fluttershy whished Leo a good night sleep, the crickets chirped and the wind blew smoothly over her house, accompanied by a small howl.
Everything seemed to be in the right place for a restful night. So why couldn't she sleep? Perhaps, it was because her mind kept lingering on Leo. She couldn't help but think his mood was still rancid due to a reminiscence of the shadowed past during his innocence. She didn't blame him, what she had just heard was so appalling that it almost made her faint, but not before she swallowed her vomit of how disgusted she was. How could a country be owned by a majority of humans who prejudice others from another country looking for a better existence.
Equestria didn't really have any border walls to keep other equines or creatures from a new and better existence. She still remembered the name of Leo's friend he had meet across the border. They were so young, trying to give each other comfort, to make it through together. Only to be reminded of earth life's cruel laws, she was torn away from him, having to hear her screams in the back of his mind was more haunting than any angry spirit's possession of a house.
The silent had continued for only a few moments until a faint thump was heard down the hall, where Leo's bedroom was. She jerked up slightly, wondering what it was she had heard. She pondered whether or not to go investigate the noise at the risk of disturbing Leo's slumber. A small moment passes and she decides to take a risk, sliding her legs from the covers, and gently placing a hoof on the floor, followed by her others. She quietly trudged through the dark halls of her home, being delicate as possible not to disturb the sleep of the other residents in her house; her animals.
After what had felt like forever, she had finally made it to her destination. Slowly she pushed the door open, and with that the silence was broken like a wine glass on a tile floor. She shushed the door from its intruding noise, the creaking halted sharply, but the door kept on opening how it should. In silence.
She ever so lightly pressed on across the room where Leo lied in rest, his appearance known but his body a little vague due to the darkness of the clouds outside shadowing his form. She approached closely, finally making it to Leo, she inspects him but not to close. She still can't make him out through the darkness. The clouds start to thin out until they fade completely, his form finally visible to her eye and what she sees before her drops her heart. A troubled look on his face, the remnants of his tears matting his eyes all the way down to his cheeks, his eyes squeezed shut, and his body jerking slightly with every small sob chocked out.
Fluttershy felt her throat had grown a lump from watching the human before her, the one who had brought down two Timberwolves single handedly, reduce into a crying mumbling mess of a man...let alone a boy. Doing what she thought would be the best course of action, she gently laid her hoof over his head. Stroking him softly for what ever little comfort she could give him, it had only reduced a quarter of the sorrow, the sudden halt of his jerking was evident of that. What began to worsen was his tears seeping out even more, and his slightly incoherent mumblings of apologies.
"I...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry....I tried to save you...I really did, but...I-I wasn't-" His sobbing became louder, his jerking much stronger than before. "I wasn't strong enough...I wasn't strong enough to save you. And I'm still not strong enough...I couldn't save my mother..." His facial muscles tightened along with his grip on the bed sheets, the streams leaving their ducts into a moistened spot of the bed. "I'm weak...I couldn't even save myself from John..." He uttered.
Fluttershy watched in a frozen state, the words had left her shocked beyond belief. He was blaming himself for the bad things that had happened, mostly of the loss of his dear friend; Idoya. He blames himself for the loss of her chastity and her life, he blames himself for believing he was to fault because he wasn't strong enough to save her and his mother. The sad reality though was that there was nothing he could do for them, Fluttershy thought. Life had grounded him up in an early age, still at his most weakened state in his childhood, it was as if though the world weaved a cruel fate for the young stray.
To Fluttershy that just was not true, his actions from a few days ago were what contradicted himself of his self berating statements. He proved just how strong and brave he was when he fought two Timberwolves alone and won. He sacrificed his body to protect her and Applejack instead of running like the coward he thought he was. Perhaps it was why he didn't run away.
He didn't do it for himself, or to save face. He did not know it, but deep down he did it because he wanted to compensate for his miserable defeats back on earth for the ones he could not save. That was why he did it, that was why all his reasoning and logic thinking were swept aside like bothersome dust on a table. He wasn't physically strong, so his final resort to save at least two lives were to offer up his body as collateral for the lack of strength of his being.
In the end, the final payment would be death.
It wasn't right to Fluttershy, it just wasn't. He didn't have to do what he had done because he was weak, he didn't have to keep punishing himself for his failures. Life had done that since his beginning, alone, adding one more tormenter would not compensate in any way at all. It would only make everything much more plagued by a woeful swarm to rain down on him. Fluttershy could not just stand idly by as Leo slowly killed himself.
Inhaling, then sighing deeply, Fluttershy lightly brushed Leo's blanket from his form. His grip defeatedly released the fabric coating his body, revealing only his midsection. She gently climbed on as not to stir Leo from his sleep, taking place next to him. She pulled the covers over themselves, once again coating Leo with Fluttershy besides him. Careful with her movements, she placed her head on his chest, her fur rubbing against his skin had sent a small shiver over her body from feeling something so foreign. Gently she nuzzled her head over him, his sorrowful movements gently coming to a crawl until they came to a complete halt. The faint and gentle sound of breathing from Leo had given her reassurance of his mental and emotional well being. In time, she began to drift off, her eyes heavy as slumber began to take her.
That was until two limbs attached with appendages had rubbed her fur the opposite way, under her wings causing her to yelp. Her heart raced as her body tensed, she feared she had awakened Leo and he would be mad at her for what she was doing. She dared to peek up only to see Leo was still in dreamland. She felt his arms gently applying pressure, he moved her up slightly until her head was below his chin, nuzzling it caringly.
His subconscious actions had left her perplexed, but she had come to the conclusion that he was only finding something to nuzzle, a common reflex during sleep. She sighed in relief, slightly moving her head facing the wall and her ear against his chest, she calmed her heart beat as much as she could until it returned to its natural rate. There was something off however, something that wasn't hers, she listened closely, her ear began to pick up a secondary heart beat shortly followed by hers. It was Leo's heart, she could feel him live where she was, the sound of the two resonating beats grew calming and relaxing as she sleepily rubbed her head against his chest, yawing. Her eyelids once again weighed until they were shut completely. Her presence completely unknown to the oblivious boy.
The two laid together, a night of welcoming peace and respite eagerly waited them both.
In Ironhelm, both the goddesses of Equestria stood outside their royal guest bedroom on the balcony that over watched a small section of the kingdom, with its small soft glow. The night was silent as their gaze were transfixed beyond the distance of the city, and into the moon. A troubled look upon both their faces as they replay what they've both have read after the diplomatic dinner with the minotaur king and senator. It was by luck that the letter had appeared afterwards.
Both had processed the letter over and over again, along with its schematics that reinforced her analysis. The facts could not be ignored, something was back in their homeland that was foreign to their planet's soil. Something they were not sure to be wary about or not, the schematics they've reviewed had left them troubled. Princess Celestia the most since she felt like she had encountered this before, but the memory eluded her.
"Sister," Luna spoke, her tone calm but serious." Do you think this foreign being Twilight examined could be a possible threat?" She turned to her sister who was still staring off into the distance.
She sighed calmly before she spoke her mind. "I'm not sure Luna." Celestia's gaze met her sisters, a worrisome look in her eyes. "I'm not sure why he's here in the first place, and in our country of all others on this planet." She pondered the odds.
"Do you believe it is an old enemy in a different form?" She asked. "By the results and notes we have read, this 'Leo' draws his strength from rage and hatred...negative emotions. In order to defeat his enemies, alike that of our old foes we have encountered and defeated." She began to remember a certain foe who had also drew his power from negative emotions.
"You don't mean King Sombra do you--" Before she could finish the rest of her sentence, the night goddess had placed her hoof upon her sister's mussel, halting her sentence. Her head lowered as her brows shuttered from a memory she really did not want to think about.
"Don't, sister!" She uttered shakingly, her breaths short and sharp. "Do not speak of that name in my presence...please." She pleaded, the memory of her conciseness becoming consumed by her resentment and envy that had created a new being that had tarnished her name, the final architect that had sent her over the edge was none other than King Sombra. "That name, it reminds me of what I became..." She shuddered once more as she leaned to her sister for comfort.
Celestia was shocked of her sister's sudden emotions. Luna had never acted this vulnerable before, not even around her. Perhaps it was because they never spoke of King Sombra after his defeat. How could she be so inconsiderate, she thought. She should have known that the subject would be sensitive.
"Lulu..."She rubbed her sister back to comfort her. "I'm so sorry." She nuzzled her caringly. "I didn't know, and I didn't mean to remind you of that moment." She hugged her sister tightly with her enormous wings. "Please forgive me."
"It's fine sister." she sniffled. "It was just my moment of weakness." She brushed off as though it was nothing, recomposing herself as she cleared her throat. "But back to the matter at hoof. "She looked over the table near the balcony railing, the contents on top are what drew both sister's attention. "We have a more pressing matter to deal with right now."
Celestia nodded in agreement, there were more important matters to deal with. "You are right Luna, right now we both must find out if this 'Leo' is friend, or foe." Celestia's mood had hardened of the possibility if the foreigner being a threat. "If he is an enemy to our nation and to our beloved ponies..." She stomped her platted hoof, her look was of serious determination. "We will use the elements of harmony."
Luna gazed of into the distance once more, her thoughts of meeting this visitor invaded her mind. "Understood." She uttered coldly before both sisters retreated back inside and into their beds. Resting for the long journey home, back to Equestria.
Author's Note
The morning had begun to repeat its daily routine, ascending steadily as the moon drew closer to a close.
The sun's luminance touched the land, awakening the residents of ponyville. Ponies had begun to rise from their slumbers, and to their hooves as they readied themselves for their daily routines.
Speaking of which, we return at the edge of ponyville in Fluttershy's cottage, where Leo lied peacefully in his comfy bed. He had a content smile on his face, his breathing soft as he nuzzled a foreign object in his sleep. He began to stir as the smell of hay bacon and pancakes had snuck its way into his nose. His eyes began to slowly crack open, the dark blurriness had slowly left Leo's sight as he stretched his legs, letting out a deep yawn. He clicked his mouth a few times as his gaze followed down to what he was holding tightly on his chest.
It was one of the pillows from his bed, he stared at curiously for a moment, he hummed thoughtfully as he replayed the night before his sleep.
He remembered listening to music and taking his dose of cigarettes. After that, it was sleep, but there was a feeling he couldn't shake off as he pondered his slumber. He could have sworn he felt something crawl onto him, and latched tightly to it for comfort.
It was soft, gentle, and had a nice smell of strawberries. It felt so real that he just had to hold onto it tightly so it wouldn't leave him. He could've sworn it was another living being trying to ease him. But before him on his chest was just a pillow, a plain old pillow filled with feathers. His stare was upon it, his heart trying to search for that comfort he had felt during last night.
But nothing.
He didn't feel anything from the soft cushion. His grip tightened, soon followed by his hand throwing the pillow aside across the room, hitting the wall and landing on the floor with a pomf.
He glanced at the assaulted pillow, a motionless look upon his eyes, his stare nearly going right through it.
"Just a dream." He whispered.
Leo begrudgingly rose from his bed, taking a deep sigh as he made his way down stairs to the kitchen where the smell of breakfast was originating.
Leo peeked over the entrance, his hand over the frame as he saw none other than Fluttershy, readying breakfast. She continued on with her preparations until she had finally noticed Leo watching her.
"Oh, good morning Leo. Did you sleep well last night?" She asked with genuine curiosity, a soft smile on her face.
"Yeah..." Leo scratched his chest, the thought from before still lingering in his mind. "I think I did...how about you?"
"Oh I slept just fine, in fact, the best I have in years." She smiled. "You should get dressed Leo." She said as a small blush made its way to her cheeks, her glance shying away from him.
His mind processed her motions until he finally realized he was only in his boxers. His eyes widened as his hands had sped to cover his crotch section in habit.
"Oh crap, I'm sorry Fluttershy!" Leo's feet blurred in speed, his footsteps sounding loudly and rapidly through the house as he made his way upstairs to his room to retrieve his attire.
Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle at Leo's shyness as she continued to stir the haybacon. Goodness, he was almost as shy as her when it comes to nudity.
With different species who are prone to wearing clothing.
Her thoughts drifted as she began to reflect her actions of last night. The memory played slowly as her gaze wandered absentmindedly. She slept with Leo last night. She snuck in and lied on him in an attempt to give him comfort. Her blush reddened, she remembered how she nuzzled on his chest, enjoying the exotic feel of his skin against her coat. Why did she do something so bold, it wasn't like her.
She didn't know it, but Leo had brought out a new side of her. A little more bold, and assertive with her friends when they scorned him. She wondered how odd it was her mood changed whenever she was around him, or thought of him.
It's quite intriguing how certain sentient beings made others nature change obliviously. Fluttershy shook the thought away, dismissing it as nothing more but a phase. She emptied out both pans on her two good plates, setting them on the table. She walked over to her seat where her tea steamed in place, gently taking her seat as she delicately reached for her cup and began to take small sips, waiting for her guest to return from covering his shameful nudity
Leo had just about finished sticking his arm through his right jacket sleeve, he brushed his hair back from the neck of his jacket, and shook his head as his hair waved from side to side.
He turned to his bed and saw the chaotic mess he had left behind. Being Fluttershy's guest, Leo had felt himself obligated to at least make his bed before starting his day. He began with tossing the blanket aside and went around to retrieve his pillow against the wall. After he placed said pillow against the bed post, he began with placing his blanket on his bed and smoothed out the wrinkles.
His movement halted as he felt something get caught in his fingers.
His eyes shifted as he brought his arm up only to see a pink hair strand caught between his fingers.
"What the..." he inspected the strand before him, his thoughts wandered to the one being who had pink hair in this house. "But this is..."
His mind had immediately projected an image of Fluttershy.
Her strand of hair was on his bed, but why was it there in the first place? He remembered something last night. That feeling, of warm, soft protection that embraced him.
Could it have been from...
"No..." Leo shook the thought away. "It couldn't have been her." He thought rubbing his forehead down to his chin. "It probably got there when she laid my clothes out." He chuckled as he made his way out. He felt embarrassed to have such a thought cross his mind with a smirk on his face. "Stupid." He scolded himself as he made his way down stairs to join his host for breakfast, and hopefully, truly make a new start for his new home. Though he had wondered how he would get back home, but every time he did, the thought faded as he remembered an important fact.
What does he have left on earth worth going back to?
Nothing came to mind, the only thing he had was his adoptive mother. But she was gone now.
It was time to move on. It was now time to start his new life in Equestria.
As soon as Leo and Fluttershy had finished their breakfast, they headed out to start their day.
Fluttershy however, had plans for the both of them. She mentioned during their walk about fixing Leo's image to the public. Despite his rampage that frightened the locals, Fluttershy was sure she could convince them that Leo was good if they let him explain himself.
"Which is why we're going to the town hall, to speak with Mayor Mare to allow you do a public speaking." She smiled. "So you can apologize for what happened, even though it was Twilight who caused it." Her gaze wandered to down the path. A look Leo noticed in her eyes, she was troubled, and frustrated.
If Leo had to ponder a guess, her frustration was most likely coming from what Twilight had done. Her furrowed eyebrows were a dead giveaway, with a side of a frownie face.
"Looks like she's mad at her friend..." Leo held his chin for a moment, till his quizzical look was was replaced by a devious smirk. "So, she's mad at Twilight, huh..." he chuckled out loud, not realizing he had caught Fluttershy's attention.
"What are you laughing at Leo?"
Leo's hand shot up to cover his smile before she noticed. "Oh, nothing! I was just remembering something funny. " Leo said, continuing his way to the town, trying his best to return his facial expression back to what it was. But the thought of Fluttershy scolding Twilight for her forceful study on him was just too good. It made him feel a small glee to know one of Twilight's friends was mad at her. And that was all he needed to feel like today was going to go like an otter in a lake.
Swimmingly.
After finally reaching the town hall, Leo and Fluttershy let themselves in with little resistance from the ponies who worked there, which by the way ran out the moment they saw Leo. Soon after, they both had let themselves in to the mayor mare's office. Who are the moment was too busy to notice Leo and Fluttershy had entered her office, reading over the paperwork she needed to go through.
"Almond crisp, you're finally here." She spoke nonchalantly, her gaze still on her paperwork. "I was wondering when you were coming back." Her voice shifted to a disapproving tone. "You can't tell me it took that long to bring an espresso." Her gaze had finally tilted upward as she spoke. As her eyes met Fluttershy's, her gaze wandered to the tall figure that stood before her, her eyes went wide as she aggressively recoiled backwards with her hoofs tucked into her chest.
"W-what...what are you doing here?!" She shouted, her gaze going back to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, I know your forte is to tame wild animals and bring the good in them. But this thing is too far gone! It wreaked havoc upon the town market!" She yelled with a racing mind as she began to sweat were she sat.
The words Leo heard bounced off him as he could only reply with one word. "Rude." Leo said as he casually made his way to the guest seat and sat down followed by Fluttershy.
"Miss Mayor, Leo here may be a lot of things but he's certainly not a wild animal." Her hoof hit the desk with a soft clop. The mayor began to calm her nerves a little, but her guard remained on alert.
"Th-then what is he doing in my office?" Her reply came out with a hint of impatience as she was not too keen in having a foreign species in her office.
Fluttershy had straightened herself out, clearing her throat before she could speak. "I just would like to say before we start, I'd like to explain that Leo's 'rampage' wasn't triggered by animal instinct, because he's not animal." Fluttershy's expression was serious, her eyes never leaving the mayor's. Her shy nature once again tucked away. "I really don't want to tell on a friend, but I feel like this is well deserved. Twilight performed some experiential actions on Leo to discover more about his species. Leo refused, and Twilight went against him anyway without his approval. Spike told me that whatever she did to Leo had triggered something to throw Leo in a frenzy." She continued as Leo sat silently by her, her memory of his adoptive mother running through his mind has clutches his pants on his thighs. "So you see mayor, it was Twilight who caused it."
The mayor did not say anything, she just sat there silently as she moved closer to her desk. Her thoughts on the incident that transpired yesterday were now seen in a different light.
"I see." She looked over to Leo, who was just facing down, his hands still clutched tightly on his pants. "So you're telling me that he was just provoked by one of Twilight's crazy experiments?" Fluttershy nodded, the mayor hummed thoughtfully, her gaze drifting to the wall, then back to Fluttershy. "Then why bring him to my office after all of that?" She asked.
"I brought him here because he wanted to do a public apology. He didn't mean to attack the town market and ruin Carrot Top's stand. He was just in distress and didn't know what to do. So I'm asking you Mayor Mare, would you allow him to so a public speaking, with me by his side so I can vouch for him?" She asked, her emotions softened.
The mayor had recoiled back slightly from Fluttershy's request. A public apology? Should Mayor Mare let the human who had terrorized the ponies of her beloved town do a public apology.
The scale in her mind had tipped to denying the forward request. Yesterday's incident was enough to enforce her reasons.
But her thoughts had dared to wonder if turning him down would be the right thing to do.
In all honesty, it would not be fair to the human who is trying to apologize for his misdeeds. Unlike the griffin that Rainbow Dash had invited who showed no remorse for her behavior.
But the ape that sat across her desk was not the griffin. Judging by his averted expression on his face, he wanted to make things right.
Her thoughts had inevitably reached its verdict as she sighed and scooted closer.
"Fluttershy." She broke the silence. "I understand your request comes from the goodness of your heart, but to let your Leo do a public apology shortly after terrorizing the market section of town would be a hasty decision to allow." Leo's gaze remained averted from Mayor Mare's eyes and clenched the fabric of his pants as Fluttershy's look followed Leo's mood.
"However," both Leo and Fluttershy's gaze were lifted. "It would be heartless as mayor to turn away a creature that wishes to apologize for the way he had acted. I will allow your Leo to do his public apology, but not now." She rolled her seat towards the filing cabinet behind her, rummaging her hooves through the assorted papers. "The ponies of this town need their time to recuperate." She slid the paperwork to Fluttershy as she scooted closer to her desk. "These papers will help you with what you are requesting, just turn in the forms the day after and I will schedule a date for your Leo to do his public speaking."
Fluttershy smiled as she took the forms and thanked Mayor mare for her kindness and understanding.
"Thank me if the public speaking goes without a hiccup, I am putting my reputation and job on the line for you." She said calmly but with a hint of seriousness. "Do not make me regret this decision."
"I promise Mayor mare, you won't." Fluttershy exclaimed happily, greatful for the mayor's understanding.
After Leo too gave thanks, they had decided to take their leave and on to their next objective for the day.
Mayor mare watched the two depart from the building as their image shrank off into the distance. She sighed as she reached for her desk drawer for her alcohol relief as her mind kept pondering the outcomes of public speaking.
"What are the consequences for the actions I have just done." She shuddered the thought as she down an entire mouthful of her 'prance's spirit' wine. "Please let my mercy not be in vain." She uttered under her breath.
As both Leo and Fluttershy had continued their walk Leo was oblivious to where Fluttershy was talking him as he realized that they had begun leave town, and not back the way they came.
"Um, hey Fluttershy I noticed we're not going back to your house? Are we running another errand or something?" Leo asked as he subtly scratched his nethers.
"Well, I wanted to go and see if Bic Mack was doing fine after he ran into tree back at the orchard. I hope you don't mind that." As glanced to her left she noticed Leo wasn't right beside her till she turned her head and saw Leo was a few feet behind her.
His eyes opened a little wider than they should be, his skinned shimmered from the nervous sweat Leo's body secreted.
"Leo what's wrong?" Fluttershy walked over to Leo.
"Oh like you don't know. You left out the part where I made that happen." Leo pointed out as he sank behind the trees.
"But I'm sure Big Mac has let the incident go since Applejack might have cleared things up." She pawed the ground slightly. "At least half I think..." She muttered.
"Yeah, well that's one half too little Fluttershy and besides, this week alone has been one big disaster. We're doing damage control right now, so last thing I want is have a big red behemoth starting what he can't finish." Leo stated. "Although, the reason I beat him was because I threw sand in his eyes and made him run into a tree, but we're not in the school ground so anything goes." Leo thought.
Flurttershy sighed from Leo's Alright reluctance. She knew she wasn't going to be able to get Leo took come, he did have a point though. Over the past few days when Leo has tried today make a better impression of himself, there was always something around the corner that set everything down hill.
"Alright Leo, I understand. I won't make you do anything you don't want to, but at least promise me you'll stay out of trouble."
"Consider my promise kept Fluttershy." Leo said as he leaned and slid down against the tree. "I'll stay behind this tree under the shade. I'll wait here for you till.you get back." Leo assured.
Fluttershy was not sure today just leave him there so close together the path behind a tree but it would have told do. She had reluctantly left to her friend's orchard to discuss the important matter.
So was Leo left alone with his thoughts as he signed relaxingly as he placed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes.
The only things that caught Leo's attention without his sense of sight were the noise of nature. It was all nearly enough to drift him off today sleep. That was until he felt something in his bare chest. It was too light for discomfort but it irritated Leo's flesh very slightly.
He opened one of his eyes only to lock eyes with the bug eyed grasshopper staring right at him. His antennas moving slightly as the rest remained motionless, his look transfixed to Leo. He couldn't but chuckle slightly at the funny look he gave him, after a moment Leo realized the insect was not going anywhere. The bug had overstayed its welcome and it was time for it too be gone.
"Fuck off grasshopper." Leo waved a hand over the insect, shooing it away as it took its leap of fate into the ocean of grass blades where it had belonged.
Leo resumed with his relaxation, dismissing the past and any future inturuptions.
That was until he heard the branches above him snap and crack as the leaves descending on him.
"Pero que chingados?" Leo muttered he tilted his head upwards as three small objects fell from the tree, all accompanied by loud yet small yelps. "Ah crap." Leo uttered.
The walk to Applejack's home was fairly long as it took longer than expected due to her thoughts drifting over her attempts to drag Leo's image from the mud.
She had wondered if her attempts were futile. She understood that her species was weak minded to some degree when encountering something from beyond the abyss.
Fluttershy may be over cautious, but she had what most of her kind didn't. That was understanding. At first glance the unknown may have an ominous vibe, but that's because it is just misunderstood.
And that's what he was, misunderstood. Her mission now was to show Leo in a better light to her kind.
She finally had arrived to the apple family's orchard after she passed the gate opening, but there was no one there. Perhaps her friend might be off in the orchard bucking apples. She flapped her wings and quickly took off above the orchard to scout for her friend.
A small moment of searching she found Applejack with her brother Big Mac. It was a good thing he was so big and red, it made them easier to spot.
Fluttershy descended with her trademark elegant gracefulness to the ground.
"Hi Big Mac, hi Applejack." Fluttershy greeted as she trotted to her apple bucking friend who had been startled by her sudden appearance.
"Jumping willikers Fluttershy! Ya scared me half to death." Applejack exclaimed as she retracted her hooves from the tree she was busy with. "How are ya by the way?"
"Oh, I'm just fine. How's your brother?"
Applejack gave Fluttershy a quizzical look as she motioned her friend to her brother who was standing right behind her.
"Why don't ya ask him yourself?"
Fluttershy turned to see Applejack's brother with a gauss wrapped around his head, his neutral look etched on his face.
"Oh, how's your head Big Mac?" She asked, a little nervous though as she wondered in the back of her mind however mad he was.
"It's fine ah suppose." A long awkward silence followed, both not sure what to say, so Applejack had decided to intervene.
"So! Uh, how you been doing Fluttershy? Taking good care of Leo ah hope?"
"Oh yes, very. We decided to go out this morning to do some damage control as he said. I'm trying to clean his reputation as best as possible, things haven't been easy for him since he came." He mind wandered to her guest.
"Yeah ah hear ya." She felt a pang of guilt as she remembered her assault on Leo. "So what kind of damage control are ya trying to do anyway?"
"Just having some paperwork filled out for a public speaking. I figured if Leo did a heartfelt apology, ponies in town wouldn't be so quick to shun him."
Applejack understood what she was aiming for, but she couldn't help but wonder if her attempts would be successful.
"Ah do understand what you're trying to accomplish, but do ya really think it'll work?"
Fluttershy had also wondered that too, though she was true to try and accomplish her goal, she was worried her attempts would fail.
"I'm not sure Applejack, but I have to try. We're his only friends, I can't just turn my back on him, I just can't." Her gaze sank downward.
Applejack could see the heartache in Fluttershy. She really did care for him, Applejack didn't necessarily feel the same way, but her good nature told her to stand by her friend.
"Don't ya worry a bit Fluttershy, ah know how much this critter means to you then I'll be right behind ya." She placed an assuring hoof on her. "Ah swear it."
Fluttershy smiled brightly from Applejack's supportive words. With her by her side she knew she could accomplish her mission.
"Thank you Applejack! I'm so glad I have you to help me. Oh! Which brings me back to the reason on why I came in the first place."
"And what's that?"
Fluttershy turned her gaze away as she began to paw the ground. "I know it's sudden but..." her nerves were overwhelming her as she tried to build up her courage. "...would it be alright if Leo worked here in the orchard?"
Applejack cocked her head back as though she was swatted on her face. She did a double take, her eyes open wide, her mind having trouble processing the request.
"Pardon?" She asked.
"Wait, wait, wait, so the reason you three tailed me and Fluttershy this whole morning was to capture me because you thought I was a monster?"
Leo asked the free young fillies that were sitting in front of him. Their little crudely hoof made net next to the trio, ripped to pieces.
"Well yeah, I mean you did terrorized the market, threatened Rainbow Dash and scared Twilight half to death." The young filly known as Applebloom said as she leaned closer to Leo, her fascination getting the better of her.
"So we thought if we caught you we'd get our cutie marks for monster trapping." The other little filly known as Sweety Bell said as she too leaned close to inspect the bronze ape. She was very intrigued by his hair. Yes it was plain black and a little messy but she just wanted to touch it.
"You're either very brave or just plain stupid to attempt to catch a monster with such a crude method." Leo stated with a dead pan look.
"Hey! That wasn't a nice thing to say!" The young orange filly known as Scootalo shouted as she got in a defensive stance.
"I wasn't trying to be nice, I was being honest."
"Ah am gonna have to stop ya right there mister." Applebloom stood as she paced back and forth while speaking. "But honesty isn't what ya just displayed." She spoke like a teacher giving a lecture to her dimwitted students. "Honest is when ya tell the truth by being nice about it. Take it from me, the sister of the element of honesty." Her stance changed of a proud one as though she herself had accomplished the feat herself.
Leo's thoughts from her "statement".
"What a crock..." he thought. "So basically what you're saying is that you have to sugar coat things when you're telling the truth?"
Applebloom was taken back from Leo's feedback, she wasn't expecting that at all. She thought she'd get a different reaction.
"Well, no, ah mean-- that's not what ah meant!" She began to get defensive.
"Not what you meant? What did you mean then." Leo was amused how the little filly was reacting.
"What ah meant was-- you--" She tripped on her own words.
"Okay, someone's getting angry." Leo stood as he dusted himself off.
"Where are you going?" Scootaloo asked.
"I'm going to go to a spot where there aren't any annoying fillies ruining my silence." Leo looked over a random direction. "Oh look, there's one now." He said as he walked over to the other side of the dirt road and relaxed behind the tree sitting there.
The trio all felt the same pang of annoyance as they furrowed their eyebrows and puffing their cheeks.
"Hey! That wasn't very nice!" Applebloom shouted.
"Good deduction..." Leo said not caring.
"We meant it!" Scootaloo yelled as she jumped from the grass to the dirt road. "Don't you know who we are!?"
"Annoying?"
"No! We're the Cutie mark crusaders!" She shouted their trademark group name.
Leo's eyes snapped open from the last three words that left Sweety bell's mouth. He pulled peeked behind the tree he sat on with a most irritated yet shocked look.
"Que?"
"She said we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders." Applebloom repeated in Sweety Bell's place.
Leo's 'thought processor' had begun to catch smoke as his left eye twitched irritably. His mind could only process short crude word which began to depart his word hole.
"That...has...got...to...be...The most...stup--"
"Sweety Bell! There you are, you worried me sick!" Rarity, who had made her sudden appearance, catching the four unawares. "Who are you talking to behind that tree!" She turned only to eyes with the ape behind the tree.
"Que onda?" Leo said dryly.
"What are you doing here near the orchard!?" She shrieked, her trademark panicky thinking began to kick in. "Did you stalk my Sweety Bell and her friends here to pounce them unaware?!"
"No."Leo spoke in the same dry tone.
"You did! You must have why else would you be behind a tree while my sister and her friends are out in the open!"
Leo's annoyance had begun to spike as his brow twitched irritably again from her accusations.
"Que no!" Leo snapped. "I don't want anything to do with you or your 'pinche' sister or her friends! So why don't you do me a favor and leave my radius of scent because I can smell your cheap perfume from behind this tree!"
Rarity reeled her head back in pure shock as though she snaked across her mussel.
"H-how...how dare you! I'll have you know that the perfumes I purchase are shipped from Prance from a highly respectable--"
"I'm sorry could you get back to me after my nap? Afterwards you and I can continue our conversation never."
Leo left Rarity's line of sight as he leaned back on his tree, making snoring sounds.
"Wah! I! You! Well I never! You have to be the most appalling ape I have had the displeasure of meeting! Really, I've meet one Fluttershy's chimpanzees who were more civilized than your dark brown plot!"She shrieked, her annoyance of the human getting to her causing her to act un-lady like in font of her sister and her friends. If she had stopped to notice, they were all giggling uncontrollably. "And they're certainly much more attractive than you and keep a better hygiene!" She stomped.
Both last phrases about his physical appearance and hygiene made Leo’s eyes snap open with shock and anger.
He stood from his tree and got right up in Rarity's face with a vicious glare.
"You know what white bread! Why don't you blow me! At least afterwards your mane would match your coat!" Leo yelled, his breathing heavy, his eyes locked on Rarity's who just recoiled back from Leo's retort. "'Me vale mierda' whether you think I'm attractive or not! Besides, what stallion would find your tacky ass attractive, eh!?! If they had a decent sense of smell like I do, they'd turn the other way!"
Leo's barrage of words had struck her like an arrow to a target practice board. Her eyes darted left and right to try and think of a retort. Her ears shot upward with an idea that would counter Leo.
"Well, if you'd follow me around ponyville, you'd see how many stallions gawk at my glorious body, and if you don't believe me there is one thing would speak for my claim." Her expression become smug as though she was certain to win.
"Tss, and what's that?" He said crossing his arms.
"My little assistant/servant...Spike." She uttered.
The words Spike struck Leo's core like a needle, his eyes shot open. The pure shock would allow him to utter only one word.
"What?" He said coldly. His gaze slowly falling to her like a menacing bird of prey leering down a helpless mouse who doesn't know when to stop.
"So you see Mr. Lea." She mispronounced his named purposely. "I'm one attractive mare."
Leo's jaw clenched beneath, the flesh bulging as his eye began to twitch like before. His mind throbbing in anger, the danger of a verbal assault ready to fire upon Rarity. He stopped himself however as he glanced behind her, Leo's look had gone from anger to a mischievous smug grin.
To Rarity's shock, Leo ran past her as he let out a wail of sobs. He gaze followed him running to Fluttershy who was accompanied by Applejack.
"Leo what's wrong? Why are you crying?" She asked, completely confused to the situation.
"Fluttershy! Rarity was being mean to me! She called me ugly and insulted my hygiene!" Leo said as tears left his eyes, his sobs coming out choked"
Fluttershy's gaze locked to Rarity's in an ice cold stare to the point where it was nearly elevating to 'the stare'. Rarity was once again in shock, more than before though. Her mind was trying to process the appalling action the human took in an attempt to tarnish he image in front of her friends.
She shook her head out of her shock, finally regaining her senses.
"Now wait just one minute!" She yelled. "I did not such thing, I was merely looking for my sister and found her and her friends in the midst of that ape! Surely you can't believe he didn't have anything sinister planned." She mistakenly stated.
"You see Fluttershy, she's accusing me of trying to hurt those fillies!" Leo choked out sobbing, really selling his 'merchandise' like diamonds and pearls.
"Oooh, you filthy impudent ape! How dare you make me look like the bad--!!!"
"STOP IT!!!"
Fluttershy shouted, causing everyone around her to jump, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders who had just scampered away from the intense conversation.
Rarity's neck was arched back a bit from the sudden outburst. The shock still sinking in, slowly, like an rock in tar.
"F - Fluttershy...you can't possibly be taking this ape's side!" Her voice cracked, her hurt very apperant. "He's obviously lying to you!"
"No Rarity, he isn't! Last time in Twilight's house you insulted the garments he wore without taking the consideration of his condition!" She fumed. "So excuse me if choose not to buy into your claims!"
She stated finally, stomping her hoof to assert herself.
Leo did feel guilty about taking advantage of Fluttershy's trusting nature. But he didn't feel at all bad about making Rarity look bad. After what she said about Spike, he knew she had coming.
So now it was time for the cherry on the icing.
"Oh Fluttershy, thanks so much!" Leo said as he feel to his knees, turning Fluttershy around to embrace her in a hug. "I'm so glad you trust me enough to believe me over your friend. I might just cry again, but in joy!"
Fluttershy was more than happy to return the hug he had given her as his face was buried in her shoulder.
Rarity could not believe it, the ape that won her friend's favor, currently hugging her had be played right into Leo's trap he just made up. She was furious, beneath her leer.
As she stared she noticed Leo lift his head upward, gazing at Rarity, his mouth might have been covered with Fluttershy's thick mane but she knew he had a smug smile beneath, his half lidded eyes were more than a dead giveaway. What really made her fume was the action he took next.
He gave her a wink.
We continue where we left of as we find Leo, Fluttershy and Rarity in the apple orchard. Rarity giving Leo the most severe glare ever as he himself smiled mentally from turning Fluttershy against her, just like with Twilight.
‘That’s what you get for using Spike like that you whitewashed bitch.’ Leo said mentally.
“Fluttershy, darling, please!” Rarity pleaded.
“No, Rarity. Until you stop acting this way with Leo we’re just going to have to spend some time apart from each other.” Fluttershy stated, her assertive side once again surfacing. Rarity reeled back in small fear, remembering how she was when Iron Will taught her to be assertive. The best course of action for her for now was to leave and come back to her later.
Without the interruption of a bronze ape.
“Alright Fluttershy, I’ll leave for now till I learn to regain my proper attitude as a mare.” She said as she turned and began to walk off. Her eyes closed and her head tilted up in her usual ‘refined’ manner. “Good day Fluttershy…ape.” She gave Leo a small acknowledgement.
“Puta…” Leo muttered under his breath as her crossed his arms, shaking his head before turning to face Fluttershy. “So Fluttershy, what exactly did you come here for that was so important huh?” He asked as he scratched the right of his cheek with his left hand.
Fluttershy snapped out of her assertive trance facing Leo. Who had pocketed his hands as he raised his brows as he waited for her answer.
“Oh I came here because…” She stopped as her shynature was now taking hold of her once again, unable to answer him as she was afraid on how he might react. “…I came here because I wanted to ask Applejack to see if she would give you a job in her orchard.” She now felt a pressure of fear build up inside of her as she was bracing herself on how Leo might react as she shut her eyes tightly. Though nothing came as she opened her left eye seeing no mood of discomfort.
“How come?” He simply asked.
Fluttershy was caught off guard from his casual and calm nature before she shook her head to snap out of it. “I just wanted to help you start off your new life here in Equestria. I know it’s very sudden but I really want to help fix your image here by showing everypony here you’re not bad. That’s why we had that talk with Mayor Mare.” She explained.
“And this?”
“This is to show everypony that you can be a working member of our town. I’m sure when they see that they’ll think ‘look at Leo he’s helping the apples with the orchard and stuff’. Once they see that they’ll see your no harm to them of any kind.” She stated happily as though her plans for cleaning his image were full proof. For Leo’s sake they had better be, otherwise his life here will just be like back on earth, except instead of being ridiculed for being a wet-back immigrant, he’ll be ridiculed for being a human.
Life is good…
“Alright Fluttershy, I can see clearly that you’re going out of your way to help me and I appreciate it I do. Just hope that it all won’t be in vain.” Leo said a bit doubtingly. “Oh I’m sure it will Leo I must! This is where you’ll begin your new life with a clean slate despite the past few incidents.” She admitted shamefully for her friends.
“Don’t worry about FLuttershy, besides, you’re the only one here giving me a chance. The least I could do is take the kind gesture rather than reject it, that’d be like spitting at your face.” He worded poorly as he felt he could have said that better.
“By the way I just got something from the mail that I forgot to mention it was for you.” She said.
“Wow, not even a registered citizen and already getting mail, who’s it from? Hopefully not this places immigration department.” He joked as he let out a bit of a chuckle. Such humor from someone who got shot near the U.S. border and joke about it.
“No!” She shouted. “It’s from Pinky Pie.”
The pink one?” He asked the stupidest question ever.
“Yes, she actually likes you despite her being quiet throughout everything which is unlike her, she usually throws everypony a party right off the bat but you know since you came here we’ve could have made a better introduction.” She looked away once again in shame, despite doing nothing wrong at all.
“Huh…well I guess I could go to this party to ease my mood a little more, okay then Fluttershy, when is this fiesta eh?”
“Um, today?”
“Que?”
“Well she was eager to meet you and a few days off meeting somepony new and not throwing them a party afterwards is way beyond her time limit. After all, she is a party mare that specializes in throwing parties.”
“Fair enough…I guess we’ll go and check. Would be a dick move to just let her wait on her own. Hell, she probably has a sweet set up for a guy like me.” He smiled, excited for the party she had waiting for him. It just might be nice, a celebration specifically for him. He’s never had one before on earth, so it might be a little new for him.
As both Leo and Fluttershy arrived at sugar cube corner Leo had followed behind Fluttershy as she took lead, she could tell he was nervous about all of this. Though to be fair, he didn’t have a decent welcome, so he was most likely on guard.
“Don’t worry Leo, she’s a nice mare. She’ll be happy to meet you personally.” She reassured him as she used her hoof to push open the door as she walked in as it was dark. Leo followed suit as his shoulder were high, walking in a forced stiff manner. The look of anxiety on his face clear as crystal.
Before she could reassure him once more, the lights went on as confetti flew with loud squeaky noises blew across the room. Leo shrieked in fright of all the confusion before the pink mare herself jumped out.
“Welcome to your party Leo!!!” She shouted with a party hat on her head, she quickly zipped over to Leo and placed one on his head as his entire body froze in a stiff motion. “Leo? Hellooooooo!” She carried out as she bonked his head a few times for a response.
Fluttershy cleared her throat as it snapped Leo out of his frozen state of “fear”. Shaking his head a few times as he locked eyes with the mare. “Oh, Pinky Pie…right?”
“Yeup! Yeup! Yeup!” She said as she now was smiling much wider, happy to have the new comer know her name. “Welcome to your ‘welcome to ponyville/thank you for saving our friends’ party!!!” She said as she used her insane speed to go over the kitchen and bring out a brown frosted cake. A small cake figure of Leo defeating a timber wolf as the icing served as mud that both figures were standing on. “I captured the moment the way Fluttershy and Applejack described it.” She said as she held her hoof out to gesture the entire cake.
“Wow Pinkie that’s…um…that’s…that really captures my good side?” Leo complemented in a blunt lie.
“Wow really! I knew you would like it I just knew!!!” She pulled out a knife which made Leo reel back in fright, she then went over to the cake, cut out a slice and brought it over to him. “Have some chocolate cake! It’s chocolaty!!!” She handed him the plate as Leo nervously accepted. “Would you like some milk?” She asked, he nodded. She did her signature speed zip in pink trail before returning back with a cold glass of milk that the tip of her mane held out.
He took the milk before she went over to get another slice for Fluttershy, hers was accompanied by a cold glass of milk, Pinky did the same for herself before returning. “Alright let’s party!!!” She said as another burst of confetti flew with multiple loud squeaks, then going completely silent. The three of them were the only ones in the room.
Pinkie had just realized this as her happy expression began to drop as she looked around the room. “I...I don’t understand…where is everypony, I sent invites all over they should be here…not even Twilight and the others.” She said as her eyes began to water, her hooves dropping on the floor as cake smeared the floor and milk spilt over.
“Pinky!” Fluttershy hurried over to her friend as she dropped her milk and cake too, wrapping a comforting wing around her.
‘Woah…talk about a three sixty mood change over something so trivial. Must be bi polar by trigger.’ Leo said in thought as he placed his cake and milk on the floor neatly as he walked over, kneeling next to them.
She looked up at Leo with tears as her eyes were basically puppy dog. “I’m sorry Leo, Fluttershy said you were good so I decided to throw a party in your name to show everypony that it was true. But…but…no one came!” She cried out as she buried her mussel in Fluttershy’s chest. Fluttershy patted her back in comfort. “I’m sorry Leo, I let you down!” She cried harder into her chest.
Leo could only stare with the most perplexed look you could imagine. He shook his head as he cleared his throat. Preparing to say something comforting, though he had never had to deal with this before. So he would just use what his mother used on him when he was sad. “Hey look, Pinkie, I know you think you failed but you didn’t. Yea sure the town didn’t come to celebrate my uh…arrival/rescue, but that doesn’t really matter at all. I mean the effort counts, and it’s nice to know someone here doesn’t look at me like a monster.” He said as he began to pet her mane in comfort as. ‘God I hope I’m doing this comfort thing right.’ He said in thought as his hand roamed to her ear and begun to scratch it. Pinkie’s tears stopped as she perked up, her left right hear shooting up. She was caught by surprise before she mindlessly leaned into his hand, the smile that was usually on her face returning. She hummed in content as Leo looked over to Fluttershy for advice, she only gestured him to continue before Pinky Pie decided on her own it was enough as she moved her head away from his hand.
“Thanks Leo…I needed that.” She removed herself from Fluttershy’s embrace as she was now in front of Leo “It’s weird, I threw this party to make you feel welcomed and better, but I guess it turned out to be the other way around huh?” She said as she sniffled wiping the tears off her matted fur.
“I’d call it funny, and besides, I hate parties of large groups. I like it better this way, people- I mean ponies who are being earnest with me rather than pretending to be my friend at all.” He said as he went over to pick his milk and chocolate cake from the floor before returning to Pinky, once again, he set the milk down but kept his hands on the plate. “Let’s just the three of us have fun.” He said as he broke a piece of cake off and offered it to Pinky. She looked in surprise for a moment before she leaned in, picking piece from his fingers delicately before chewing and swallowing.
“You know Leo despite what the others said about you, I don’t care.” She leaned into his chest and begun to nuzzle, Leo stiffed at the intimate touch before calming down and giving her a pet
“Hey wait, what did the others say about me?”
“Nothing, let’s just party.” She said as her chipper mood returned, she was willing to give him the best welcome party ever, even if it was just the three of them.
Though Leo was content he made the mare happy he was never a fan of cake, except maybe “trez leche cake" back in home country. He though the American type cake was too sugary and frosty, and needed milk for it. But for Pinkie’s sake, he was willing to choke the cake down as he broke off a piece and ate.
‘Ugh…this must be what diabetes taste like, no wonder Americans are so fat…’ Leo thought as he sipped his milk to wash down the overly sweet taste.
After an hour and a half of so called partying with games and eating sweets, Leo and Fluttershy took their leave as they went on now with stomachs full of sweets. If it hadn’t been for the milk Leo had consumed the pastry would have taken a bigger toll on him than it already has.
“Oh jeez, think I’m gonna get a Buddha belly.” Leo said as he slapped his slightly extending gut, the milk inside making the sound resonate more.
“Pinky does go over board when it comes to parties, still can’t believe you packed that whole cake away.” She said as she was amazed how much the ape ate.
‘God hate cake, nastiest shit on earth without milk…’ Leo thought as he felt he was regurgitating a few times. “So what else is on the agenda today.” He asked as he was curious what other plans the yellow mare had in store for him.
“Well, there were was somepony else I wanted you to meet.”
“Oh? And who is this pony?” Leo asked as he crossed his arms.
“Well, not so much a pony as she is a zebra.” Fluttershy began mumbling bit as she felt a bit nervous about introducing them.
“So wait, she's a zebra?”
“Yes…” She said in a whisper as she looked away.
“Why are you saying that like it’s something to be ashamed about?” He raised a brow as he began to wonder why this zebra made her act this way.
“Well I just don’t want you to flip out when you see her. My friends and I did the same thing and we couldn’t help but feel ashamed of how we acted. I just don’t want you to do the same.”
“Let me get this straight, you think I’m going to be spiciest because she is a zebra?” He asked.
Fluttershy could only nod as she stared at the ground in shame. The memories playing in her head as they made her feel worse and worse. Leo could only stare for a moment as he stared with a baffled look before tilting his head to the left and staring at the audience reading this fic. He shook his head to snap out of it as he knelt down and patted her on the back.
“Hey it’s okay, it’s fine. As long as you learned your lesson and apologized everything is okay.” He assured with a smile, the reassuring brought her mood back up as she smiled as well, being very appreciative of how the ape was doing his best to ease her. “So where is this zebra anyway?” He asked as he stood up once again, his eyes scouting for the zebra.
“Oh! She should be right over there by the herbs and ingredients stand.” Fluttershy pointed as she walked over to said stand, Leo following behind.
“How do you know she’s coming?” He pocketed his hand.
“She comes here every two weeks when she runs out of certain ingredients and by the looks of the sun above us and the shadows of the buildings…” She said as she inspected the sun and the shadows. “…she should be here now.”
Leo could only stare perplexed as he looked over where she was staring, not for a while until a few ponies who were about to take a corner to their left stopped in their tracks as they reeled back in shock and quickly made a beeline for a different route. He could only be more lost as he saw a zebra mare come from the corner, she had a mohawk like most zebras would, aqua eyes and a rings piercing both ears. Leo help but stare at how different yet how similar she looked to the ponies inhabiting the town. Her mussel was cured in a manner, another thing he took notice to. He couldn’t help but also notice how similar the treatment she got from the ponies. “Huh…just like me.” Leo whispered.
Fluttershy nudged him to come closer as she took the lead, Leo doing a double take before he followed. As the zebra was bagging for what she had paid for in the stand, her eye couldn’t help but notice a familiar color approaching her. A smile forming on her lips as she saw it was Fluttershy. Before she could greet her though her sight caught the ape too as her eyes winded not in fear but in curiosity. “Good afternoon my dear friend Fluttershy, who is this this that accompanies your side?” She asked as she walked over to them.
“Good to see you again Zecora, I wanted to introduce you to a new friend that recently came here. He’s a foreigner just like you, long way from his home.” She gestured at Leo as both equines where now facing him. “This is Leo, Leonardo Zarate.” She said.
“Hi there Zecora it’s nice to meet you. I wasn’t expecting to see a zebra in place like this.” He said with a feigned smile as he extended his hand, the zebra not hesitant to shake his hand as she quickly understood his greeting.
“I could say the same as you too carry a foreign name.” She admitted as she was quite interested in this ape, the feeling of fingers around her hoof was quite intriguing.
“So how do the locals treat you if you don’t mind my asking I’m curious because…well I haven’t left a good impression with these…” He leaned in to Zecora’s ear as she too leaned in, not afraid of him whatsoever. “…pussies.” He whispered as he stood straight again.
Zecora’s expression was quizzical, taken back by what exactly he meant. She pondered for a moment as to what he means throughout the conversation. She decided to add the scenario to his situation of a foreign species, she perked in realization as she came to know the short sighted and fearful nature of this town.
“Fear not ape; I too was feared like a beast that escaped its cage. They are not accepting at first but through effort they will grow to admire you.” She explained, remembering how she gained the town’s approval by curing the elements of harmony’s prison joke.
Leo could only groan internally as he knew that ship had sailed, along with the second chances…despite Fluttershy’s optimism that he can still be redeemed.
“If I’m being honest and I am…personally I think that ship sailed as soon as I threatened Twilight, nearly breaking her horn.” Leo said as he scratched the back of his head, saying it as though it was just a bad brush.
“I see…” Zecora asked she gazed into his eyes, the zebra mare looking for what the residents feared, yet she saw nothing. There was something however she felt, something small yet with the potential to bloom gradually, though there was a double edge feeling to it. Leo cleared his throat to snap the zebra’s about of her investigating. “Apologies ap-I mean…Leo. As a medicine member of my clan with a few shaman perks, I can sense you mean no harm.” She said, the words from Zecora eased the yellow mare, but…
“However…” Her hopes dashed in the wind, like a dandelion from a small, gentle breeze. One little thing was all it took. “…I sense another force within you Leo, a force, burdening you for most of your life, something powerful and untapped, yet you fear to embrace it as part of your being because you fear you will hurt somepony you admire.” Zecora said in her mystical native phraseing.
Fluttershy watched in silence as she knew what she meant by that. She saw it…that thing Leo became as soon as his anger became master of his body. A beast like being before her and her friend that tore apart the timberwolves that tried to harm them. Leo’s expression went from mellow, to stoic as he masked his emotion of anxiety. All it took was one glance and feel for the zebra to read him like a blueprint.
Rather than to yell, or deny this he had decided to give a small admittance that he had a slight issue with his passion. “Yes, you’re absolutely right. I’ll admit his have been bottling up my anger…” He lifted his hand to stare at his palm, a slight trembling as a flash of the fight in the everfree flashed before him as he shook his head. “But Fluttershy is helping me now, I’ve been anger free all day.” He said with a feigned smile. Zecora raised her brow as she was still skeptic about the control of his nature. Rather than to prod like a nosy white unicorn she had decided to drop the subject. She understood and respected the personal boundaries of others.
“Very well Leo the ape, I will no longer dig deep, for I do not wish to awake what you have kept asleep. I bid you farewell, hopefully we meet again for I must continue my shopping as well.” She said before taking her leave amongst the crowd of ponies. Leo stared intently at her as he felt a bit off his ‘game’ from what she had told him. Not to awake what he’s kept asleep, but ever since he had arrived in this word and the encounter with the flower maiden, the chains binding that have binded his passion had begun to twain. The feeling that of a beast that no longer wished to slumber but instead extend its claws, bare it fangs and ravage all that moves. His fist shook as he was deathly afraid of this thought.
He then felt a soft hoof upon his fist as he saw Flutttershy, she wore a smile of comfort, wordlessly telling him it will all be okay. He smiled as he sighed through his nose, staring off into space.
How he wished he could believe her.
The day was three quarts to its end as the sun began to glow soft orange behind the mountain hills that oversaw all of ponyville.
After going back to the orchard while Big Mac was gone, speaking with Applejack of the arrangements of his scheduling and the rate of his pay, which was four hundred bits a week, which was reasonable for the only apple selling business in the town. Both Leo and Fluttershy had trekked gently down the cobblestone part of the town, back to the cottage. Leo walked in a straight posture as he held his hands behind his back, his eyes closed as though he was in though.
“Everything alright Leo?” She asked as she looked up to see how to human male was doing.
“I’m fine Fluttershy, I’m content really, despite half the day started with accusations from your tacky, smelly friend.” Leo said as he mildly insulted her sense of style and her sense of perfume. Fluttershy snorted as she held in a chuckle, trying to keep composed as not to laugh at one of her dearest friends.
“Well be that as it may, she’s still nice once you get to know her. You’ll see if you spend time with her you’ll grow to like her.” She assured, trying to save Rarity’s reputation.
Leo let a small, sharp exhale through his nose as he smiled, shaking his head. “That’s if I don’t die from the lack of oxygen around her.” He mumbled silently, Fluttershy noticed his lips move, most likely insulting her friend about her perfume. Even though he had a point on that she had decided not to push the goof nature of her friend on Leo anymore. She would guess that he would have to accept her at his own pace.
The walk ended as they found themselves back home, Leo being a gentleman he opened the door for the sweet mare, feigning a crude impression of a gentlemen which made her giggle. Oh how she loved it when he joked around with her, it felt nice and warm, metaphorically.
They both then had a delicious dinner of vegetable stew, the stew giving him a sense if comfort as he remembered how his mother cooked a nutritious meal for him. Giving him a warm feeling of his from the stew going down in his chest and heart.
After dinner and cleaning the dishes together, both went upstairs, wishing each other a goodnight sleep, showering before turning in. The sense of sleeping after a shower was invigorating.
Though Fluttershy had turned in, Leo stayed up a little longer to pop another smoke with the help of his friendly neighborhood firefly. He stared at the ceiling, sighing as his chest rose and feel, the stench of burnt tobacco filling the air.
“Was she right?” Leo whispered as the same firefly from before accompanied Leo, taking his place on top of the headboard. The human lingering on the thought of Zecora’s words. “Not to awaken what is asleep.” It echoed in the space of his mind as he drew many pictures mentally, how he wished they were more pleasant. But the more he thought about it, the more it bothered him. Grunting in irritation he buried his head under the pillow, a weak way to keep the bad thought at bay. Eventually he fell asleep with a clouded mind. The firefly watched the human sleep, as it knew Leo was not going to be having a sweet dream tonight.
There was a sense of tension in the air, the atmosphere unwelcoming as though it crawled under the muscles, keeping you in place of what seemed to be fear. Though she was no stranger to it, Luna felt this unnerving sense of malice. She looked about in the world almost shrouded in darkness, the ground soft and grey to almost replicate ash…maybe it was from the soles of her metal hoof shoe.
There was a loud crash, as loud as the shields bashing in a war between two armies. But this only sounded like one.
She heard a pained grunt as she followed the noise, turning her head she was met with two bipolar beings. The one that stood out was an ape, he had black leather jacket, blue jeans, and black boots. Hi skin bronze as his hair was jet black. What really stood out from him was his red arm, on the side of the shoulder three spikes curving up. The armor on his arm looked as though it was melded into his skin, scars of past written on his body, besides the right arm standing out she noticed a glowing gem, the glow and the gem itself red in color. The stone seemed to be sunken into his chest forcefully as there were crude healed marks around it, the skin pulsating around the gem as though the body demanded more power from this stone that seemed and felt familiar to Luna. Something that felt was unraveling her nerves to the brink. She looked upon this ape deeply as he had a look of lividness upon him expression accompanied by his glowing silver eyes. He looks that had pure rage in the intention to kill.
She looked over to the other bipedal being before him as just who it was he was trying to end. Her throat muscles clenched as her breath was caught, her eyes wide, her irises small as her fur stood high. The being wore silvered sharp armored metal, a king cape with a white fuss around it, the red velvety texture center of it. The piece responsible for Luna’s stage of fright was the head, its aspects a dark, shadow, wavy mane, dark grey fur, two sharp canines, malevolent red eyes, with green, a purple streak leaving them, the red horn in place, accompanied by a silver crown. All these led to one monster she truly feared.
King Sombra.
Though his head was equine, his body was human like to legs, arms and torso.
The scene before her was frozen as the red armed ape was at a punching position, charging Sombra. The king himself stood highly in a prideful posture, his arms crossed as he wielded no weapon. The scene then played in motion as she nearly jumped out of her skin. The ape roaring as his fist held out, aimed at the king. Sombra only smiled as soft, mocking smile as a dark tentacle emerged from the shadow of his arm, coiling around it such as the other that emerged closer to his center, it too coiled around but in his torso, the third sticking out, as it punched Leo abdomen. The ape was immobilized as his eyes shot up in pain as he grunted, a look of shock as he couldn’t believe how easily he stopped his attack.
King Sombra trekked towards the ape, each step having a pressure like feeling to the night goddess as though she was about to faint but maintained her consciousness as she continued to watch.
The king stopped a meter away as he raised his hand slowly, the pressure feeling becoming worse as she also feared for the life of this ape’s life. He spoke in a smooth yet deep and powerful voice.
“Fall.” He uttered.
A powerful explosion like push came the ape’s way as the armor on his arm shattered and tore from the flesh it melded to. His look was incredibly distraught as he was sent flying in defeat.
Luna shook her head as she galloped forth to save this being, the more she ran the farther they got. He was close to falling to the ground as he still stuck his arm out, still red but it was coated in blood. Tears falling from his raged eyes.
“No! hold on! Hold on!! HOLD ON!!!” She cried out as she took to the air and bolted with her powerful wings towards them, only to be farther away as she held her hoof out to them she wished hard as for him to not parish as she sensed his pain. Tears leaving her ducts as he landed on the ground back first, the loud thud echoing in the dreamland almost painful to hear as much as it was to watch. She ceased her flapping as she landed on her equine knees in defeat, her tearful stare still upon him as he still had his arm out. He grunted one last time as his hand twitched before falling in defeat.
The king watched triumphantly as he stood over the ape. Conquered.
There was nothing she could do for him.
“No!” Luna shouted as she shot up from her sleep, the mare with an open mouth as she breath rapidly, sweat dripping down her cot as it shimmered reflectively from her moon. She scanned the room which was her own private cart on the train as it bumped softly. She looked out her wide window, seeing nothing but passing county landscape and huge grandfather mountains that the natives of Ironhlem called. She composed her breathing as she sighed, throwing the blanket off of her she stepped out of bed as she went to her near night stand, levitating a fancy glass of water she had set for herself before going to bed. She drank deeply as the cool liquid quenched her dry throat, her throat bulging from the drinking.
She sighed in content as she placed the now empty glass back on her nightstand, she rubbed her hoof over her mane as she threw on her bathrobe, gyrating her neck a bit as to free her mane from under the fabric.
“What was it.” She mumbled as she rubbed her hoof clock wise on her forehead to alleviate the stress the dream had caused her. It was bad enough to bring up the subject of King Sombra at the king minotaur’s castle, but to see the image in her sacred dream realm? That ape also, he looked exactly like how the note Twilight had described. Was it him?
Was that the human she went on about?
Judging by his appearance and actions, it had to be. The face of an animal fueled by rage and hatred, the intent to kill no matter the cost. There was no doubt about it, it was him. There was something that bothered her though.
Why was he so determined to do away with Sombra? What did this interdimensional ape want with him? She could only shake her head as she couldn’t turn up any answers. Was it his dream? What are the chances that she would intercept it out of millions of dreams? She must be getting close to her country. That could be the only explanation. Perhaps when she goes back to sleep, she can make direct contact with this visitor. She looked out her window, staring at the stars as the image of the human seared itself in her mind.
“Odd…you are angry and aggressive yet…like me I feel like you are misunderstood by those around you. I can sense it.” She said as she pressed her hoof against the glass of her window, staring at her reflection and the landscape, her thoughts on how to approach this beast once they meet.
Author's Note
Sorry for the late update, IRL has been a bitch mistress to me last year, I'll try to post on a monthly basis, and get to work on the picture for this chapter.
Pinkie, Applejack, Leo and the Worm.
Another day has arrived in the land of ponies, the town shopping district slowly coming alive as vendors readied their stands for their business. At the moment our familiar pink pony; Pinkie Pie hopped over to her work place as she sung. She had just come back after spending the night with Rainbow Dash after an overnight of baking rainbow cupcakes for Rainbow Dash's potluck with the wonderbolts.
"I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready!~"
Nearing to her work place/home there behind the store's display window was a mare by the name Lemon Pop who had recently been employed by the cakes. She moved from Manehattan to escape the crowded, fast paced life. Nevertheless she was still a bitter mare, likely employed by the cakes out of kindness, regardless of her bitterness she was well at baking and cleaning which is how she landed her job. She watched Pinkie Pie bitterly as she was placing today's pastries up front.
"Oh it's Pinkie Pie, what could she possibly be so happy...er than usual." She hardened her gaze as she turned to see the calendar pinned against the wall. Her eyes shot up as she gasped dramatically. "Oh no! It's the first of the fourth month!" She tripped over her self as she made for the kitchen where Ms. Cake was.
"Ms. Cake! I'm leaving early today, I've caught something!" She said.
Ms.Cake was busy preparing a new batter on the counter before turning her attention.
"But Lemon Pop , you just came in thirty minutes ago, what exactly did you catch?" She asked.
"The case of the calendar!" She said. At that moment Ms.Cake realized what she meant by that.
"Oh I see. That time of the year when Pinkie Pie celibrates her favorite holiday." Ms.Cake closer her eyes and nodded.
"Yes! So please! Please let me head home." Lemon Pop pleaded desperately.
"Oh fine. I guess Pinkie Pie and I will have to manage the store by ourselves. AND I'll have too tell that young stallion that you eye when he drops by buying sweets that you won't be working today." She shook her head disappointingly as she went back to her baking.
"Wait! You mean..." Lemon Pop started.
"Gentle Hoof? Yes. I'll have to tell him that you won't be here today. You may have not heard but I hear him talking to his friends about you when he comes in your days off. A cute mare I think he said." She tapped her good on her chin as she was trying to remember. Lemon Pop was about to ask for more information until a ring at the front of the shop was heard. "Goodness me, that must be him right now. I'll have to give him his pick up order and tell him you're taking the day off." She said.
"W- wait!" She said. "M-maybe I can deal with Pinkie Pie for today...I mean after all there's work to be done and it'd be rude to disappoint Gentle Hoof." She said with a blush now on her yellow cheeks.
"Well...if you feel like you can power through the day then I have no right to stop you." She won't over to the counter to grab a bag full of honyed rolls. "Here take this to him and look your best." She smiled as she gave her a supportive par on the shoulder.
Lemon Pop sighed deeply as she prepared herself to see her crush. She straightened herself out as she went over to the front desk. Her eyes closed as she walked over with as much confidence as she could muster.
"H-hello there Gentle Hoof." She said trying to sound calm as possible. "I take it you've come for your honyed rolls?" She asked him.
"Hey Lemon Pop!" A cheerful voice that wa all to fimiliar to Lemon as it felt like nails on a chalk board.
"Oh...hello Pinkie..." Lemon Pop hissed before clearing her throat. "Have you by any chance seen Gentle Hoof coming to the shop?" She asked.
"Oh yeah he was just here but ya just missed him." She pursed her lips tightly as she tried to contain her laughter. "But he did give me a message to tell you."
"What! What! What'd he say!!!" Lemon Pop grabbed Pinkie Pie by her shoulders. Her snout barely touching the tip as she wanted Pinkie to spill the beans.
Pinkie Pie finally composed herself, she brought her muzzle to Lemon Pop's ear and whispered. "He told me to tell you...April fools." Pinkie withrawed herself from her as Lemon Pop stood there with a blank expression. Pinkie Pie and Ms.Cake expecting a laugh but no response for a moment, until she took her apron off and handed it to Ms.Cake.
"Welp! It's been nice working with you Ms.Cake, thanks for everything!" She stated "happily" as she made her way for the door, waving goodbye.
"Lemon Pop wait!" Pinkie yelled.
"Just send my last paycheck to the P.O. box Ms.Cake." Lemon Pop said in her bitter tone.
Pinkie Pie panicked from her joke backfiring on her coworker. She leaped over to Lemon Pop, landing on her barrel as she grabbed her by her hind hooves. "Lemon Pop wait! I'm sorry don't go! It was just a joke I swear! Please don't leave! No more jokes on you I promise!" Pinkie pleaded
"You do...?" Lemon Pop squinted her left eye at Pinkie, not sure weather or not she could trust her word.
"Sure! there are lots of willing participants, right Ms.Cake?" Ms. Cake nodded as she sat down, the sound of an embarrassing poot resonated from her hindquarters as she jumped with a blush n her face. She discovered that there was a whoopee cushion. Pinkie Pie bursted out laughing obnoxiously.
"Well...as long is its not me..." Lemon Pop reached for her apron and headed back up front to tends to the awaiting customers.
While the customers were off eating their sweets and drinking their coffee an elderly mare was looking through the utensils slots for a for her sponge cake, though she was too elderly to control her shaking body she looked over to Pinkie Pie who had finished serving a table. "Excuse me, could you help me reach a fork please?" The elder mare said in her aged voice.
Pinkie smiled widely as she zipped over to the utensils slots, she reached for a spoon and handed it to the elder mare.
The elder mare stared confused, her gaze turning back to Pinkie. "Oh, uh, this is a spoon." She pointed out
"April fools!!!" Pinkie yelled and laughed obnoxiously which by then the elder mare too began to laugh before walking off to, making due with the spoon. Lemon Pop walked by but stopped as she casted a bitter glance at Pinkie. Pinkie quickly stopped as she knew that Lemon Pop did not approve and hopped away. She could only sigh as she shook her head, knowing that her long day was just beginning.
Another customer had entered Sugar Cube, he was a stallion approaching the counter, by then Pinkie emerged with her trademark smile. "Hello! Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner! How may I help you!?" She yelled enthusiastically.
The stallion had a dull look on his face as his eyes scanned the menu board. "Let's see...I'll have a...".
"Hey look over there!" Pinkie Pie shouted, the stallion turned his head to see what she was pointing at, he turned his head back, a little annoyed he was deceived. He was then shocked to find a baby toothless alligator with an apron on, on a stool where Pinkie Pie used to be. "I didn't see any--hey." He pointed his hoof at Gummy. "Where that mare go?" He asked.
Pinkie then jumped from behind the counter and yelled. "April fools!!!" She then once again began to laugh obnoxiously. "Hey that was pretty good." He said as he joined in the laughter. Lemon Pop showed a moment later, her shock to find Pinkie in HER station.
"What are you doing behind the register!" She yelled angrily, Pinkie yelped as she picked Gummy up and zipped away from the angry mare.
Pinkie Pie was now cleaning a spill of fruit punch near the entrance way, she was approached by a tall gruff unicorn stallion with a slight beard on his face, his right hoof holding a glass of iced tea. "Excuse me, could I get a couple ice cubes in here please?" He asked.
"Sure! I'll be right back!" She took the stallions glass and zipped away, and only a second later came back with his request. "Here you go sir, a couple of ice cubes!"
"Thanks." He said as he took his glass and began drinking, right after he heard Pinkie giggling.
"Huh?" He turned to Pinkie only to find her unusually still with a straight face. He stared for a moment before disregarding it and went back to drinking his iced tea which by then the giggling was once again heard. He turned to Pinkie but she was still as still as a statue. He shrugged it off once more before drinking his iced tea again only this time finishing it. He gasped deeply from the refreshing taste as he clicked his tongue.
Pinkie Pie laughed loudly as she held her barrel, lying on the ground. "April fools!!!" She pointed her hoof at the stallion. He stared in shock before dropping his glass and grabbing Pinkie by the Apron.
"What did you do to my drink?!" He shouted as he was scared she might have poisoned it.
"I..I..." She said with a pained grin as she was tearing a bit.
"You WHAT!?" He yelled.
"You asked for a couple of ice cubes in your drink and I only put in one!" She laughed even harder, the stallion dropped her as he stared blankly for only a brief moment before he began to laugh. "I guess that is pretty funny." He laughed as he walked off leaving Pinkie Pie to laugh louder than usual for Lemon Pop to hear from the baking room as she was washing dishes. He brow twitched as she grit her teeth, letting a deep growl release from her tightened teeth.
"Celestia damn it!!! I had it! Make her stop! Send anything to make her stop!!!" Lemon Pop bashed her head on the sink counter. As though her wish was heard the ringing from the store bell's door rang and that was when Pinkie's laugh was put to a halt. Lemon raised her head puzzled, wondering what could have stopped her laughter. She went through the door and peeked over it only to see the infamous ape the had caused a ruckus and scare in Ponyville a few days ago, and he was accompanied by the purple dragon that belonged to Twilight. But what shocked Lemon the most was that Pinkie jumped in the arms of the "dangerous" bipedal being. Like she knew it wouldn't harm her, was she friends with this creature?
"Leo, you came to visit me during work!!!" She wrapped her hooves around his neck and nuzzled him which Leo tried to subtly push away from the invasion of his bubble.
"Y-yeah...Pinkie can you let go please, your customers are watching." He lilted his head as said customers as they were all staring at the two.
"Whoopsie! Forgot the town doesn't like ya! But don't worry! They'll all grow on you!" She said with her bright cheery smile.
'Naïve like Fluttershy.' Leo subtly shook his head. "Anyway Spike and I came here because he says you've been holding cheese for him that came from this country called Griffinstone. So...true story?" Leo said placing his hand son his hips.
"Yeup! Griffinstone is a country full of Griffins!" She said.
"Ah geez I never would have thought of that." He rolled his eyes.
"Yeup, they got lots of things we don't like they eat red meat, yeugk!" Pinkie said shaking her head as she stuck her tongue out. Leo perked at the last part.
"Did you say red meat." Leo gulped as his throat bobbed.
"Yeup! That red flesh that belonged to some poor animal when cooked it turns brown and less smelly but still kinda gross to look at when the juices are dripping...hey, are you okay Leo?" Pinkie asked as Leo seemed to have a dazed look on his face, a trail of drool leaving his lips. Pinkie tapped his chin spanning Leo out of his trance, relaxing he drooled a bit as he quickly wiped it away with an embarrassed look on his face.
"Oh yea! Fine just thinking bout something I used to eat on earth." He said smiling sheepfully.
"Lemme guess was it red meat?" Lemon pop said as she leaned against the counter with her brow quirked leaning on her hoof.
Leo turned to Lemon Pop with his smile gone, his eyes locked to her unwavering ones, she was unfazed by the foreign creature staring at her.
"Who's your friend?" Leo said nudging Pinkie.
"That's Lemon Pop! She works with us! She real good with ponies very socially skilled." Pinkie hopped behind the counter with Lemon Pop, wrapping her in a hug which by from the looks of it Lemon Pip did not seemed pleased.
"Okay enough with the hugging Pinkie Pie..." Lemon Pop pushed her away then Pinkie began to whine. "So I take you're here for something?" She asked Leo.
"Uh, no just saying hi--"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know what you're here for..." She Reached onto the display case of muffins and pulled out the banana nut muffin handing over to Leo. "There now you can take your leave." She said.
Leo could only stare at the muffing blankly, his mind paused for a moment. It wasn't the muffin itself, it was the Flavor.
"You joking right now?" He simply said.
"I don't joke." She crossed her arms showing how serous she was with he signature neutral expression.
Pinkie Pie could only glance between the two, she began to worry Leo might yell at Lemon Pop due to the insensitive gesture she committed. Pinkie Pie was about to jump in but a sudden earthshaking quake stopped her as it began to get stronger and stronger. The situation escalated when the floor boarding burst upwards as what seemed to be a giant pink work with serrated teeth sharp teeth punched through the ceiling, the length of this beast was long as it seemed the rest of its body would never seem to leave until finally the end emerged and it was now gone. The shop was now in ruins as the floor boards were shredded and the ceiling was coming down bit by bit. Leo was in a huddled position trying to cover himself from the debris.
"Pinkie! you okay!?" Leo yelled out as he coughed up from the dust kicked up as the room was too dusty to see through.
"Leo! Help! Lemon Pop is out cold and I can't get her to wake up!!!" She yelled from the behind the counter waving her hoof. Her cheery look gone now was replaced by fear.
Leo wasted little time as he got back up on his feet, he jumped over the counter to see Lemon Pop was out cold a bit of blood on her forehead. Leo grunted anxiously, sliding his arms under her barrel he carried her up and quickly made to the exit with Pinkie Pie before the roof finally gave in and caved in. The front structure of Sugar Cube corner was now in ruins.
"Oh no Ms.Cake and her foals are still inside!!!" Pinkie yelled.
Leo could only irritably sigh as he rolled his eyes at this. "Spike keep her safe."
"Wait! You trust me to do something important?" Spike asked as though he couldn't actually believe it. Being put in charge of something important as guard Pinkie and her friend from any danger. He actually believed in him.
"Spike can you?" He said.
Spike shook his head to snap himself out of his small trance, his focus back to Leo. "Uh yeah! yeah! I can do it for sure!" He said.
Leo nodded before he bolted back into the remains of the structure. "Why the hell am I doing this? This isn't like me..." He was right it wasn't like him. Back in his world he knew he was a weak omega male and shook his knees at a confrontation from another. So why was he acting somewhat bold and taking a bit of charge. It was this world, something about it changed him.
Maybe for the better.
On the second level of the barely stable room of Pumpkin and Pound Ms.Cake was now ragged and her apron torn. She had carried her two crying foals on her back as she was struggling making it to the door as the room was tilted and continued to tilt to the point of collapse. Ms.Cake's knees gave in from her injuries from the impact. Her two foals cried more as though they sensed their demise was nearing Ms.Cake reaching her hoof out to the door feebly, closing her eyes as though accepting her fate.
That was until some force grabbed her hoof and pulled her out of the room before it finally gave in and collapsed.
Coughing was heard as the unknown force carried her and her foals separately. She felt the roughness of the movement as she felt she was going downstairs. Loud grunting was heard as it felt as though a floor board from upstairs hit the force that tried to help her.
Though through the harshness of it all she felt she was finally outside as the air was clear and she could finally breathe the lack of kicked up dust apparent.
She heard Pinkie's cry as she was set down along with her foals. She felt Pinkie's present beside her through an embrace as she forced her eyes, them darting to the devastation caused to her home and livelihood.
"Oh my goodness! The shop! Our home! What has happened?!" She cried out as she could find her composure to stand from what was before her.
"I'm not sure either, can't say I've seen anything like it." She turned to see Leo chiming in the conversation. Her eyes widened as she reeled back a bit from his appearance but calmed down as she scanned his body. His arms and hands look like what she might have felt when she was grasped under her barrel. The ape saved her? Why though? Wasn't he supposed to be a dangerous creature? But wait, he was Pinkie's friend, and Pinkie would never befriend a dangerous creature, not after the Gilda experience. Did he save her because Pinkie would have wanted him to or was it of his own accord.
"Hey." Leo said knocking Ms.Cake out of her thoughts. Her eyes landing on his now.
"W-what?"
"I asked if you're okay." Leo said as he took a knee to be on her level. The sight of the human coming closer to her made her feel imposed and as bit intimidated despite her knowing there was no ill intent behind those eyes. Yet unlike her mind her conscious her instincts told her otherwise. She just wasn't sure despite him saving her and her foals.
Ms.Cake hadn't realized she was staring too long that Leo just sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Right..." Leo simply said as he stood back up and walked away.
"N-no wait--"
"Leo! Leo I know what it was that attacked Sugar Cube corner! Pinkie Pie said as she was now in his path, hopping obnoxiously and uncomfortably close.
"I'm not that far away Pinkie you don't have to be so close to me." He said as he stepped back a bit.
'Oh goody this ought to be good...' Lemon Pop thought, she had seemed to recover from the slight concussion on her head as she watched half amusedly.
Pinkie Pie took a deep inhale, her chest expanding a bit too much for a normal physical being.
"It was--!!!"
Transcendence to Ponyville town hall where the citizens who were struck by this event gathered and Pinkie Pie on the stage.
"A MARELASKAN-BULL-WORM!!!" She shouted.
There was a panicked mutter in the crowd, Leo was leaning against the behind the crowed near the entrance a band aid on his cheek from the cuts from the woodened shrapnel. Next to him were Spike, Pinkie pie and Lemon Pop.
"What the hell is a Marelaskan bull worm? Also Marelaskan? Really? This world has equine names for their states that slightly differ from here." He muttered while starching his chin as he watched the townsponies complain of the damage that has been done to them.
"He ate my wheel barrel!" One stallion shouted.
"He ate my children's Homework!" A mother shouted as the young clots smiled widely and winked simultaneously.
"Do I need to say it?" A overweight stallion glumly said as he had his entire hindquarters bandaged up.
The commotion within the crowd had stirred even more as tempers began to rise.
"I know, I know what we could all do?!" A stallion by the name Filthy Rich stood out, all eyes on him. "Let all buy some protective material from my emporium!"
At that moment the crowd booed as they threw a random assortment of junk at Filthy.
"I have an idea!" A grey pegaus mare yelled out with unfocused eyes. "We should take Ponyville and push somewhere else!" Rather than the same treatment Filthy got the crowd of equine immediately quiets down and stares.
Lemon Pop decided it was time to put her input. "That Idea might just be crazy enough...TO GET US ALL KILLED!!!" She yelled, which was followed by the crowd going back to their fretting.
"What's wrong with my idea!" The grey mare yelled.
"We should pay to have somepony go hunt it!" A random stallion said.
"There ain't no pony crazy enough to go after an Marelaskan Bull worm!" Filthy yelled.
The arguing was cut off by what sounded like nails on a chalk board screech. The townponies turned their head to see a scruffy griffin with a cracked beak and a scar on his left eye that was blind, his feathers pale grew and his claw that scratched the window was metal with much sharpness to hook a fish. He turned his slated gaze upon the crowd. The ponies nervous as there was what seemed to be a silenced pause until finally he spoke.
"Do you know where the bathroom is?" He said with an anxious look, beads of sweat dripping down his feathers.
The crowd's nervousness was now replaced with irritation as filthy pointed the direction. "It's uh...right over there."
"Thanks!" He said as he bolted for the restroom.
The town was having enough of these clueless individuals speaking up, almost ready to give up till a creaking rocking chair caught their attention. Tuning their gaze they saw Applejack. Her hat was tilted down covering her face as she had her upper hooves crossed and her hind hooves on a table. "I'll catch your worm for ya, that is, if'n you're willing to pay." the tilted her hat up.
"Nooo!!! You'll never get a bit outta me!!!" Filthy yeled as he pulled out a random sack of bits and shield it it with his body. "Never! I rather that worm come in here right now and eat you all alive!!!" He yelled as out as foam dripped from his mouth, his breathing deep. The crowd, even Applejack looks at him strangely as he calms down. "Uh...sorry."
"Applejack laughs good naturedly as she walks up to him. " Aw shucks, I don't want yer bits . I was just playing up the drama of the moment is all." Flithy laughed nervously which gradually turns into crying.
Leo notices that Applejack was missing her tail. "Hey what happened to her tail?"
"Nope! I'm taking that critter down for nothin cause this is personal! Look my tail's gone!" She presented her hindquarters to the crowd in which they all gasped.
"Seriously did you all just notice that?" Leo held his hands up as he was being ignored.
"The varmint must have taken when my back was turned the coward! Nope I'm a gonna take back what's mine!"
The crowd cheered, both Leo and Pinkie looked alarmed from what Applejack just said.
"But Applejack, you don't understand!!! We're talking about a MARELASKAN-BULL-WORM!!!" She yelled dramatically.
"Well, I don't know nothing about Marelaskan but if its what I think it is then that'll just save me rope!" She said as she went for the door. "Now I'm gonna go kick me some worm tail! Yee-haw!!!" By then she was gone, both Leo and Pinkie followed suit but not before Leo instructed Spike to safe guard the town, which he was more than happy to do.
"Go get em Applejack we got the utmost confidence in you!" Filthy said as he turned to the grey mare. "Now what was that idea of yours?"
While Applejack was following the large trail left by the worm out of town she was continually pursued by both Leo and Pinkie.
"Applejack! Applejack wait!" Pinkie yelled.
"Ah Pinkie, Leo. You two coming to watch?" She asked.
"Applejack don't go!!!" She pleaded.
"Um, why not?"
"You haven't seen it! It's BIG! SCARY! AND PINK!!!" She held threw hooves up.
"So is your mane but that ain't nothing to be afraid of."
"That almost sounded like a burn..." Leo muttered.
"But Applejack! You'll get massacred!!!" Pinkie then collapsed in cubes.
"Sorry Pinkie but I gotta get my tail back. I can't take that laying down. Even if it'll grow back this is about the principal!" She stomped her hoof on the ground.
Leo raised his brow with a bemused look. "I kinda get it." He nodded. He then felt a kick from Pinkie by to his chin with a glare. Aow!" Leo nursed his chin as he glared back at Pinkie.
"Okay but...what if the worm didn't have your tail?" Both Leo and Applejack looked at her.
"If the worm don't got my tail then who does?" She asked.
"Um...I do..." She said unconvincingly.
"You do? Where?" She said.
"Um...in my mane?" She pointed at said mane.
"Well, why didn't you say so, give it here!" Applejack said enthusiastically as she held her hoof out.
"For the element of honesty you really can't smell bullshit." She muttered under his breath again as he rubbed his finger under his nose.
Pinkie hesitantly reached her mane and presented Applejack a string and a paper clip.
"Pinkie, that's a paper clip and a piece of string." She was not amused thinking that Pinkie was playing a joke on her.
"No it's not. It's your tail." She said looking Applejack in the eye.
"Pinkie!" Applejack was now beginning to get annoyed.
"How would you know its always right behind you!!!" Pinkie yelled, tears in the corners of her eyes.
Applejack held her chin in thought for a moment. "Well ya got me there."
"Oh don't go! Don't go, don't go!" Pinkie leaped grabbing applejack's hooves.
She jerked her hooves away from Pinkie. "Pinkie! What is the matter with you?! I'm gonna give that rascal what-for an there ain't nothing you can say to stop me!"
"Oh yea?! What if I said...'blargen fedibble no-hip'!" She blurted out.
"Was that French?" Leo asked Pinkie.
Applejack stopped in her tracks. "Well I gotta admit that slowing me down." Pinkie beamed. "But I'm still going for him!" Applejack continued on, her intent strong as her kick.
Pinkie zipped next to Applejack, her playful mind trying to think of a good excuse to turn back. "You know tails are overated, let's just forget it and go home!"
"Good excuse Pinkie..." Leo said as he walked next to Applejack.
Applejack ignores both of them as she walks faster. Pinkie zips past Applejack and pulls out a coned ice-cream. I've got Ice creeeeaaam~!" Pinkie said in a sing song voice. Applejack walks past her without giving a second glance. "...with nuts." She said, her voice dropping.
Pinkie Zips past her again but this time she is wearing a crudely cut and drawn stallion mask with a stetson hat. "Applejack this is your pappy! And ah forbid yew ti go aftur that wurm! Ya'll come back young lady!" Pinkie waved her hoof.
"You ain't my pa!" Applejack yelled as she walked past Pinkie, this time her glare lingering over her shoulder. Pinkie throws off the mask as she jumps in front of her, standing on her hind hooves as she was now wearing boxing gloves.
"Applejack, if you wanna get to that worm, you gotta go through me!"
Applejack literally walked through her, pushing through her body as though she walked past swinging doors.
"Good job Balboa...are going to take a Jackie Chan approach now?" Leo said as he was now smoking a cigarette, the lunacy of Pinkie stressing him out.
Pinkie ignored Leo as she grabbed on to Applejack's hooves crying. "Applejack no! If you find him, you'll get eaten!"
"Ain't no dumb bull worm gonna make a meal outta me! I'm too apple tough!" She said as she continued walking, feeling she was dragging Pinkie or so she thought seeing Pinkie's back hooves stretched out a few feet long. Pinkie shaking her head crying out.
"Not tough enough!!! Not tough enough!!!" She cried.
"Pinkie is right Jack." Leo said making his way to the orange mare. "I saw this thing, and even I have second thought on this monster of a 'gusano'." Leo said puffing out a thick smoke as he held out his cigarette hand. "Look see I'm shaking." Leo showed Applejack his trembling hands.
"Pinkie, Leo! Quit yer worrying 'sides, who's the strongest mare in Ponyville!" She said as she sent over a large tree and kicked it over with her powerful back legs effortlessly.
Pinkie sniffed, pointing her hoof. "You are."
"And who put the Hiya! In bucking objects?" She kicked her back hoof out in a swing.
"You did?" Leo said.
"AND!" Applejack said looking intently at Pinkie. "Who saved yer pink backside multiple times that it has now become a regular basis?"
Pinkie turned around showing printed in equestrian writing "Property of Applejack ."
"You do." She sated meekly.
"Wait, so she owns your ass literally?" Leo said astonished that was printed there. He could almost read it as Fluttershy was teaching him to read and write in her language after work from the orchard.
"Right, cause I'm the best there is and ain't nothing too big or too ornery for me to catch!" She stated proudly.
"Okay..." Pinkie said finally giving in.
"Say it." She said.
"There isn't anything too big---"
"Ah! ain't NOTHING!!!" She said correcting her.
"AIN'T nothing too big or to ornery for you to catch." She repeated. "But--"
"No!" Applejack cut her off she continued on
"But!" Applejack cut her off again as Pinkie still followed. This went on the whole trip as Leo could only shake his head as he sued the burning cigarette bud of his to light another stick. "Ugh...I'll be finished with these within the week at this rate." Leo said inhaling as he followed as well.
As they reached the end of the trail with Applejack still cutting Pinkie off She held her hoof out for her and Leo to stop. She picked something off the ground and sniffed it. "Worm sign..." She said.
Leo could only stare oddly as she peeked over her shoulder to see her holding a tiny sight that said "WORM".
"What?" Leo whispered as he did a double take.
"He's in that cave." Applejack pointed as both Pinkie and Leo turned their gaze to see the odd looking cave. Both their eyes widened as they ran and hid behind a large boulder.
"Applejack wai--" Leo said but just like Pinkie he was cut off.
"Not now Leo!"
"But Applejack that's---"
"I said not now! Now if you two will excuse me, I ain't coming out till I make Leo an nice helping of worm stew!" She said going in the cave. Leo could only gag as he shook his head.
"The hell...just cause I eat meat doesn't mean I'll eat worm."
They both hear Applejack's voice. "Ah-ha! There you are you darn varmint!" Sounds of crashing and kicking. "Applejack peeks her head out. "I'm winnin' guys!" She goes back in as she gives the worm a thrashing.
"But Applejack that's not the--" The fighting noises become louder as she peeks her head out again.
"This shouldn't take much longer!" She resumes fighting.
"Applejack that's not--!" Leo was about to say until a loud crash was heard.
"Almost done!" The fighting continues.
"Applejack...!" Pinkie says very uneasily.
Applejack then emerges from the cave ridding the long serpentine creature. She proceeds to tussle with it as the worm is now tied in as knot.
"Applejack...?" Leo said as he was in the same state as Pinkie.
"Woo wee that critter sure put up a heck of a fight but I'm an Apple and as you can see no worm is a match for me. I even got my tail back." She says as she shows both Leo and Pinkie her tail tied with a tiny rope to the remainder of her tail.
"That's not the worm." Pinkie says.
"Pardon?" Applejack raised her brow.
"She said that's not the worm. That's its tongue." Leo pointed out.
Applejack look at the 'cave' entrance only to see that the cave was in fact the mouth of said worm, two giant black beastly eyes blinking with a squishiness sound.
Applejack stares for a moment before speaking. "Oooohhhh...this is the tongue...and the whole thing here is the...worm..." She said as her hooved trailed from the tongue to the giant worm.
Leo and Pinkie watched as applejack just stood silently before screaming out, her fear apparent. "RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIVES!!!" The worm roared loudly as Applejack jumped of just in the nick of time before the tongue retracted in and the worm angrily bit down. All three bolted as they were now being chased by the giant beast. The trio ran over a hill breathing loudly as the worm just literally went right through it, hot on their trail as they ran into the forest.
"So Applejack what's the plan?" Pinkie said while she kept her running pace.
"Run faster!!!" She yelled.
"I could have thought of that..." Leo said with a deadpan look in his face. This is when Pinkie realizes something.
"Hey wait a minute! He is too big for you isn't he!?" Pinkie said.
"Not now!"
"Say it!"
"No!"
"Dammit Applejack say it or I'll trip you!!!" Leo shouted as he kicked his foot an few inches in front of Applejack's trail.
"NO!!!" She shouted as she was scared from his threat, she looked over her shoulder as the beast bared hit's sharp, dirty teeth.
"Alright!!! Pinkie you were right and I was wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong! Happy?!" She looked over to Pinkie who smiled smugly.
"I knew it." She said.
She was then reminded she was being chased as the worm almost took a bite out of her as all three screamed loudly double timing their efforts in escape.
Running through the forest they spot a familiar stallion with a gauss on his plot, working on fixing his wagon wheel. They run past him in a hurry, he shakes off what they're doing until the beast charges past him kicking up dust. The dust clears as the stallion was now missing a piece of his plot.
"Not again!" He wails.
Out of the forest the three are now sweating and running on reserves as they see they're surrounded by taller trees on both sides of the path.
"Uh, Applejack?"
"What Pinkie!?"
"What do we do now?" She asked as the worm burst front he forest knocking over many trees, some even flying. The worm was gaining ground as it was just a few feet away from its potential meal. Applejack had to think quick, her eyes shot up as she thought of something.
"Pinkie! You still got that paper clip and string?"
"Sure do!" She pulled out said object as she makes a crude necklace, the paper clip twisted in three letters. "Look, 'A' for Applejack, 'P' for Pinkie Pie and 'L' for Leonardo, that way they can identify our bodies." She said smiling.
"What the fuck Pinkie, really?!" Leo shouted angrily.
"No, how bout the letter 'S' for save our skins!" She took the necklace and swing it around with one hoof as it wraps around one of the tall tree's branches. she pulls up hard as she grabs and amazingly swing both Leo and Pinkie over the worm onto it's back.
Leo stumbles back as he breathes heavily. "You're freaking nuts Jack." Leo said panting deeply.
"So what now?" "Pinkie asks.
"Now we enjoy the ride." Applejack says gesturing the trail in front of the worm that led into a giant deep trench. The worm realizes said trench as it plows over, its eyes wide in horror. Much how like Pinkie, Applejack and Leo scream's are as they run to the opposite end of the worm. Barely making it they jump off the worm as it plunges into the deep abyss.
Once again the trio huffs and puffs from near exhaustion as they glance at each other, realizing what they done.
"Yay! We got rid of the worm!" Pinkie jumped as confetti burst from her over all three of them.
"Yee haw we beat that sucker and saved the town!" Applejack swung her hoof.
"Yea let's go home already!" Leo said with feigned excitement as he dusted himself from the ordeal and began to walk away.
Both Pinkie and Applejack could only stare at him confused as they just shrugged off his brooding mood. Too overjoyed to question it at all, following the ape to home.
Deep in the floor of the abyss, there was a violent blue glow that came from a recent crack. From said crack a slender red arm emerged followed by the rest, revealing a counter like creature, looking weak, and meek. Breathing heavily it had cackled menacingly . Its shadow casted on the wall of the trench from the glow.
"At last! Free from Tartarus's grip I will bestow the terror the surface world so rightly deserves after my long imprisonment---what is that?"
The centaur creature casted its gaze up as it heard something large descending upon him, at that point it is too little too late.
"Blast..." Was all he could let out as he was meet with the same worm that had fallen from the cliff and onto him, the centaur creature more than likely sent back thought the crack with the amount of mass and force from the beast.
"Ouuuuuch." The worm said as he was not to keen on the descent.
The story continues as we find a old stallion seeming to be entering his twilight years, rusty orange in coat and dull grey mane, he seemed to be carrying a pack full of clothes and a few belongings. This particular stallion used to be in the guard of the lower branch that dealt with minor incidents. His cutie mark a bronze sword crossed with a spear, he seemed he could hold his own though in a fight. Now retried heading to town to go see his family after a few years in service.
What is the importance of this low rate guard stallion heading for Ponyville? It's not him per-say, it is what follows the equine. In the forest that he had entered, following a path that lead to said town was something in the trees. He kept to the shadows as it watched intently with its burning yellow eyes. It's talons dug deep into the branch it was on, it had small assortment of armor on it's body. The two wrist braces that housed a deadly blade with sharp jagged edges on top, It licked its short sharp black beak as its white feathers stood along with its slightly grey pelt area. It crouched more as it readies itself to attack.
The gruff stallion ear turns to the noise in the trees, knowing something might be lurking in the woods he had his bronze, tattered sword well hidden in his pack. Leafs rustle as the unknown assailant makes its pounce, having only a split moment to undo the strap holding his back and reaching his sword. The stallion held his sword in his mouth tightly as he tightened his muscles in his guard stance. His defenses as he breathed through his mouth, his guard up high seeing what he was up against.
A griffin, an snow owl type griffin.
It's back was turned, it's movements halted as though it was petrified like a victim from a cockatrice. This made the stallion nervous, along with the armor it had on, it wasn't covered completely but it was still enough to be formidable.
It turned it's head 180 degrees to the stallion. The stallion began to drop a cold sweat at what he saw. Its eyes, large yellow void eyes staring at his soul, no fear, no caution in those eyes, just him in that yellow abyss.
The stallion stabbed his sword on the ground to try and communicate with this creature.
"Griffon! I have no need to fight you! Our species has a truce, so be gone from my sight lest you feel the stroke of my blade!" He warned as he picked his blade up again.
The griffon did not respond though, it only tuned it's body the same direction its head was facing. That disturbed the stallion even more as the griffon's gaze never left him. His heart pounding with fear, he had never seen this from a griffon but his instincts knew exactly what its intentions were.
Prey.
That's what the griffon saw through its eyes and the stallion knew this, it wanted to eat him. He clenched his sword tightly between his teeth as he locked his muscles yet again.
The griffin crouched for a moment before launching itself at the stallion. Quick to counter he had a short window to evade a deadly blade coming from the griffon's gauntlet. There was a spark within contact as the stallion put distance between him and the griffin. The griffin had its body lowered to the ground, pacing around the stallion in its saber cat body. The stallion on guard.
'Blast! What am I going to do?!' He thought as the griffin seemed he was coming in for another attack. Little time to for a plan the griffin leaps once again, talons and blades at the stallion. The stallion blocks his body with the aged sword, it keeping the sharp, newer blades and hook like talons at bay. The griffon let a low, soft growl as it pushed the stallion back with it's strength. The stallion's eyes widened as he his pushed until he is pinned against a tree. Keeping his mouth shut to hold the sword. The griffin's left arm retracts as it swings its sharp blade at the sword, it finally giving in as it broke with a snap. The stallion looks in horror as the griffin sinks its talons into his pelt, piercing through the flesh, passing the rib cage as the lungs were now punctured. The stallion dropped his sword as he screamed in agonizing pain, the wail echoing in the forest as birds flew from the trees.
The griffin yanked the stallion off the tree and threw him with great force, skidding through the ground the stallion could only cough blood as it tried to stand. The saber owl menacingly traded to his quarry with grace yet demonically as though its body housed much omnipotence.
The griffin placed a firm grip on the stallion's back neck as it pushed him back to the ground. Pinned again as the stallion could only choke on his blood, no words for help escaping to blood clogged esophagus.
The saber owl eyed the back of the stallion's neck deeply as his neck arched back and shot forwards as its hook like beak priced the stallion's neck. It dug deeper as the beak was now under the spine, knowing this the saber owl pulled as hard as he could. The stallion's eyes wide in horror as this process happened as his consciousness finally faded.
He was dead.
The saber owl took the entire spine with head in his talons as it let out a loud, long screech that was mixed with a roar, holding the spine and head over his the blood dripped into it's white feathers as it opened it's maw to partake in the blood if its fallen prey. Lapping up the aged 'wine'.
There was a loud echo heard s it grew louder and louder coming from the path the stallion was going. Accompanied by a loud, ear-piercing ring as the griffin flinched back at the assault of just one repeated word.
"TESTING, TESTING, TESTING, TESTING, TESTING, TESTING--!!!"
It tuned its gaze to the direction the stallion was heading, it took a few sniffs before it growled. The Saber owl now had its eyes on Ponyville. The feral yet coordinated griffin having found a new hunting ground to sate its appetite for red meat of any kind. However, there was another predator in the area. One that was passive to an extent but fierce when need be, and the griffin knew this from the scent.
In guard station centered in Ponyville Ms.Cheerilee had taken her students fillies on a field trip to see what the common village guard goes through on a daily basis. Perhaps some might aspire to be a guard themselves when they reach full maturity, this she thought would be best for those of physical talent and serve their great country.
"Now fillies remember be on your best behavior, we are here to learn about the guard ponies that protect us all so we could sleep well at night comfortably." She said as she wanted her students to show respect for the working guard class.
"So when are we gonna go inside the guard post?" Diamond Tiara said impatiently with her unamused look as she didn't show any care for the working class of any kind.
Cheerilee furrowed her brow, she was always like this to any other of lower class. Actually anypony who was different, though Silver Spoon was an exception, everything else did not matter.
Eventually a guard with regular steel armor with the trademark sun insignia center of his helmet and chest
Three fillies however with an innocent outlook were ecstatic about their field trip.
"Boy oh boy I'm so excited to see what these guards do!" Applebloom said excitingly.
"Yeah, bet they have to fight off some major beasts!" Scootaloo said as she threw punches at the empty air.
"You think they could take down gorillas?" Sweetie Bell held her hoof in thought.
"What? Why?" Scootaloo asked, Applebloom looked perplexed.
"Just wondering, you just in case Fluttershy's new pet goes wild." Sweetie Bell suggested.
"Hold on there!" Applebloom shouted unintentionally. "He ain't wild! Not really...he helps out in the orchard a lot! Heck he saves us work by climbing trees for the apples up high we can't buck. It saves apples and bad smells from the ones he couldn't get." She defended Leo, despite Big Mac almost running him down when he first came to work. Lucky for him Leo climbed up a tree where Big Mac couldn't get to him while Applejack tried t calm him down and explain the situation.
"Doubt it, Rarity says he a smelly best that will attack at will." Sweetie Bell said not being phased by Applebloom's defense to Leo.
To this Applebloom became a bit angry "Your sister is too overdramatic! She cries even for the smallest stain on her coat!"
Sweetie Belle got angry as well as she countered. "Your sister is too trusting if you ask me! Sure she can spot a liar with a second glance but she sure can't see a dangerous animal!" She stomped her hoof assertively.
Scootaloo could only watch as her two friends began to argue back and forth, though she could step in they would most likely tell her to stay out of this in unison, rather than to continue following the class while these two argued she wandered into a different room as her class proceeded without her. She scanned the room the racks holding shields, swords, and spears, desks with paper work and a bit of gear and a radio console.
None of this caught her interest till her eyes wandered to a wall full of megaphones, too many to count. She hummed in interest as she reached for a megaphone, she brought it to her mussel as she squeezed the trigger. "Testing." It sounded off loudly, she grabbed another megaphone and put it in front of the other, she repeated the same action only it was twice as loud. "TESTING!" She flinched back as she scanned the room for anyone who might have heard that. She examined the megaphones then back to the wall, she repeated this for a moment till a an idea had dawned on her.
She had set up all megaphones in a row, all set on as they where set on the desk that where aligned from the center to the room to the open window. She trotted over to the first megaphone, she chuckled mischievously as she rubbed her hooves together. A stray fly buzzing by the row of megaphones as they shook from the buzz of it's wings.
Scootaloo smiled as she licked her lips. She inhaled lightly before saying her intended words.
"TESTING, TESTING, TESTING!!!" She was shot back against a shelf as the megaphones destabilized as they exploded. The room shot up into a mess as desks flew, the radio console exploded, shrapnel flying everywhere. The other rooms of the guard post suffering the same fate as the guards and class screamed and covered their ears. To this Scootaloo looked outside as she saw the hell she had unleashed on her beloved town.
"Uh oh." She said.
The town feel into the sonic chaos as windows shattered, ponies screaming as they covered their ears. The windows to a pet shop shattering as parrots placed at the front window repeating the one word that threw the town in disarray.
Back in Twilight's tree house in her basement, Twilight had her mane tied to a bun as she wore small rectangular glasses, holding a clipboard and pen with her magical grip she examined a creature to what it would be called in Leo's world "pulpo" or in English an octopus. It stared back from its tank at her with its eyes as its bronze, yellow skin, Twilight wrote on her clipboard but something caught her attention as she tilted her head up to the door entrance. She flinched back as she the noise assaulted her ears, losing her focus, dropping her pen and clipboard. Loud cracking was heard as she turned her head to her tank as it gave out to the noise, water and glass spilling as the octopus laid limp staring back at her. Nothing happened till the creature leaped from the ruined tank and wrapped its tentacles around her face. Twilight flailed as she lost her footing as fell over as she tripped on her clipped board.
At Berry Punch's home Berry had just finished washing her dishes as she sighed in accomplishment. She walked over to her fridge, opened there was green bottles with rich maroon wine inside. She licked her lips as she reached for a bottle, grabbing a bottle. She noticed an echoing screech, turning her head to the window the bottles burst from the screech along with the window. The white walls of the fridge covered with wine, Berry Punch looked in shock as even the bottle in her hooves shattered as her leg hind leg was covered in wine. She looked in horror as the fridge was now like a horror scene where the bodies were kept, but rather than blood it was her precious, aged wine. She held her head as she wailed in a high pitched tone.
Her fix gone before her eyes.
Finally at Fluttershy's home, Leo sat at the dining table he filled out a few documents for citizenship he hummed as he wrote in equestrian thanks to Fluttershy paying for a tutor.
Fluttershy sat beside Leo as she helped him finished the large amount of paper work, in wells around the documents along with his written speech.
"Damn, that took forever but at least this is done." Leo said as he sipped his glass of apple soda, Applejack gave him a crate's worth for his help.
Fluttershy smiled softly as she wiped a ink smudge on Leo's cheek. "I'm glad Leo, with this paper work and speech the town will surely come to accept you, the worm incident helped."
He rolled his eyes at this, smiling. "I helped run if that's what you're implying."
"Pinkie said you all led it to a deep trench."
"By pure luck, we just ran for our lives as fast as we could. All the credit went to those two while I was ignored, not that I mind really." He shrugged as he patted a bit of dust from his jacket.
Fluttershy averted his gaze as she fell down about what he said, she didn't like how subservient he was to the cons of his life. Though she understands he was always like this due to his life she wasn't accepting of it. If he didn't really mind then why bother with the speech?
Both Leo and Fluttershy perked as they turned their heads to an echoing screech coming towards them. Like the others of ponyville, they both flinched as the windows shattered. Covering their ears, Leo could only watch in horror as the in wells along with his soda shatter all over his documents and speech. The feeling that came over Leo overwhelmed him as he clenched his teeth, standing from his seat as he let out a frustrating roar.
All of that effort and hard work now gone in the darkness of the ink that splattered over the papers.
Back at the school in the empty classroom an upset Miss Cheerilee along with the Chief guard in charge of the outpost, he was a muscular steel coated stallion with a shimmering orange mane that connected with to his scruffy beard, his name was Dawned Valor. His green eyes glared at Scootaloo as his wrinkles tightened, clearly he was in his mid years, wearing a what looked like an old set of gold armor as it lost its shimmer a long time ago.
"Do you have any idea the damage you have caused?! What were you thinking Scootaloo!!!" Dawned Valor yelled, stomping his hoof, making her flinch.
"Dawn, please don't yell at her she didn't know what she was doing she was just doing it out of sheer curiosity." Cheerilee defended, though she was not apposed that Scootaloo be disciplined. Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom watched from the hallway door, barely peaking through as not to be spotted. They wanted to know why she did this and what would happen to her.
"Regardless she has to be punished, and since her parents aren't here, it falls to me to drop the hammer on her." He loomed over, Scootaloo shrunk back, tears streaming down her cheeks. She doesn't know whys she did it herself but most likely it was to tune out her friends fighting, though even if she said that, it's still not excusable. Cheerilee was worried as well, she did agree she should be punished.
Though before the verdict could be reached a young stallion guard ran through the hallway entrance into the classroom, scaring both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell as they jumped from the path of the young guard.
"Dawn! Dawn!" He yelled, his breathing rapid, his mane messy and his eyes with fear.
"What Trot March what are you screaming about!? You act like somepony died!" The older stallion said as he shot up from his seat, not pleased he was interrupted.
"Dawn its...! It's Bronze Sword!"
Dawn had flinched back from the name. Bronze Sword was an old friend of his, to hear his name and see Trot's look of fear could only mean bad news.
"What happened?" He said.
The day was at early dusk as there was yellow tape around the scene. Blood stained the ground floor almost everywhere, flies buzzing into the remnants of the fallen stallion. The entire coat of said stallion pinned with against a tree, splayed out completely as blood dripped from the underside. The most sickening part was the skinned corpse was hanging from the center of the canopy by its legs, the head along with the spine was missing.
As the post guards were preserving the crime scene, Dawn cold only watch the sickening sight with stricken eyes, his old friend killed brutally and his body hung like a cow at a slaughter house.
His heart pounded as he clenched his teeth, his eyes streaming tears as he stomped his hoof. His friend dead and gone, a stallion who had now left a mare a widow and his adult spawn with his grand foals alone. The family suffering from the devastating news more.
"When will she be here?" Dawn asked as he tried to maintain his stoic composure, this shook Trot to see his chief this way, struck with sadness, anger and fear.
"She should be here soon sir." Trot removed his steel helmet as he looked over the entire scene. "Have you ever seen anything like this sir?" He asked looking over to Dawn.
"In all my years in the service I have seen many things, horrible things." His voice shook with every word, wiping his tears away. "But none of them match up to this sight." He nearly regurgitated as he caught a glimpse of his fallen friend's entrails against a tree.
A voice broke them out of their fear, turning their head they saw none other than Twilight Sparkle. She trotted over them hesitantly as she saw the entire gore before her.
"Oh goddess, what happened here?" Twilight said as she walked carefully walked around the dirt that was stained with blood. She covered her nose as she came up to the two guards.
"We're hoping you can tell us Miss Sparkle. From what our guards have gathered, they say it was either a manitcore or a Timber wolf but..." Trot paused as he pursed his lips.
"But what?" Twilight asked not sure what she was missing.
"Well look around you Twilight, the scene, everything from Bronze's body as been separate by order, from skin, blood, to entrails and look at the body." He motioned to Bronze's hanging corpse, still dripping blood, flies buzzing around the corpse.
Twilight started to see it now, how could dense beasts make this? In fact why was there this much left, if it where any from the category listed, there would be almost nothing left of him.
"We know it's not your forte but we thought your expansive knowledge could narrow down the list and pint us in the right direction." Dawn said as he faced Twilight, his stoic look had returned.
She wasn't sure what she could tell them, she did have a variety of detailed knowledge she wasn't sure what to tell them, though there was something off about the attack.
"The attack was barely in the outskirts of town."
The outskirts...where Fluttershy's cottage was to the north as this attack happened north east. She put this scene together with what Fluttershy was housing and the first encounter of what she was housing did to two Timber wolves by itself.
She didn't want to believe it because of the strong effort he had put into mending things with the town, taking a job helping the Apple family thought despite not making an effort mending things with her and Rarity.
But what else could have done this with intelligence, and judging from the pictures taken from the guards this thing had opposable thumbs, from the pricings on the body. Worse there where lacerations that seemed to be caused by a knife, which Leo had when he fought to save Fluttershy and AppleJack. She had her gaze lowered, her eyes darting which Dawn took note of he cleared his throat snapping Twilight out.
"Twilight, do you know what caused this?" He said, his tone now very serous as he eyes her like he was interrogating a criminal.
Twilight perked as she licked her dry lips, she had to think of a proper way to word her next words, she remembered that Bronze's body had pierces with opposable thumbs , it couldn't have been Leo despite the connection.
"Well if I had to guess it was some kind of different predator not from the Everfree."
"So what are you saying that a predator from a different region came all the way here to hunt?" Trot said clearly not pleased with the explanation.
"Hold on Trot, let's hear her out." Dawn checked Trot as he grumbled.
"Well usually when there is a large number of herbivores there are predators that would notice this, but our post has kept all the creatures from the Everfree in check ever since the incident. So the only explanation is that a different predator from a different direction came to this area probably cause of Leo." She hummed in thought, both Trot and Dawn perked as they leaned closer at the mention of Leo's name. Twilight seemingly now oblivious to try and not out the heat on Leo "When a predator comes around a bountiful potential prey that can fend for itself, others may be coaxed by the first predator's braveness to reside and hunt in the same area."
"So you're saying this might have been caused by the arrival of another predator. Like Leo?" He simply asked.
"Yes like Le--!" She covered her mouth, barely just realizing what she had just done. "No wait! Ignore that I was just mumbling and---" She had fallen to deaf ears as he turned his back and ordered half the guards to follow him and Trot to take care of the other half to wrap things up and bag the remains in separate body bags which they have never used.
He shouted the orders as the unit of guards readied their swords and spears as followed their chief in formation. Twilight's heart sank as she realized what they were going to do she panicked before trying to teleport to Fluttershy's cottage, but due to her lack of concentration she couldn't pull it off. She huffed irritably as she cried out to Dawn to stop, trying to stop what she had caused.
"Achoo!" Leo sneezed as he rubbed his nose.
"You alright?" Spike asked.
"Yeah just a sneeze." He said rubbing his nose. "I don't know how I let you talk me into this Spike." Leo said grumbling holding a shovel over his shoulder.
"Common dude Rarity asked me to grab some gems for her new dress design and I need help covering ground on finding them." Spike said walking beside Leo leading to a new location of gems where supposedly there where no diamond dogs. The only reason Leo agreed on this was to have a private, eye opening talk about his crush and her manipulative nature. This was the best time alone to give him this talk, he needs to hear this. After living with them for quite some time he had seen how ragged she runs Spike, and Leo hated her for it. He tightened his grip on the shovel as he narrowed his eyes. This morning was a disaster for him since his work went up in ink, rather than to lament about it he accepted Spike's offer with ulterior motives.
'You're gonna listen to this talk one way or the other Spike' Leo said in thought, wiping the ink marks on his face as best as he could. They finally arrived to the area, it was flat with a few boulders around, the area was undug and there where no holes which means no diamond dogs.
"Well here we are Leo!" Spike said a bit ecstatic as he was ready to please Rarity by mining a large amount of gems. "You take that side and I'll take this side!" Spike ran to the right of the flatten valley as stabbed his shovel into the ground and began digging. He could tell him now, but maybe it was better if he tired himself out, that way he wouldn't have the strength to argue. Leo nodded as he went to his side and began to dig, putting very little effort into his work for the sake of the mare.
Oblivious an empty fake boulder had tilted up just a bit as a three sets of eyes peeked, the voices where high pitched and raspy as they spoke.
"What is this? These are not the mare! These are monkey and lizard!" One of them silently shouted.
"It looks like she sent monkey and izard to do her work her." A smaller raspier voice spoke.
"Which means they already know the locations of jewels." A deeper raspy voice said as the sound of scratching could be heard.
"What should we do know?" the smallest of the voices asked.
"We gather the rest of our pack and wait under boulders till they have finally found all of jewels then after that we ambush and take their findings." The main voice said letting out a small internal cackle.
"What about the monkey and lizard?" The deeper one asked.
"What about them?" The main voice said taking no interest.
"Yeah..." The small one said. "...can we eat them?" He asked as he panted licking his lips.
The main voice hummed in though as he sized up both of them, they would bring a considerable amount of meat to he table. He too licked his lips as he panted. "Alright we may, gather the pack and tell them to bring our weapons, they may not look like much but I can feel they are not weak." He eyed them both as his instincts warned him of both creatures, the dragon seemed like he cold hold his own, but the monkey's presence sent a small chill, making his fur stand on his back. The howled out boulder closed as they went back to their lair.
The dogs too fell oblivious as another set of eyes watched both groups, it watched from the trees as the dogs vanished under the boulder. It let a small hiss in excitement, it quickly leaned back into the darkness as Leo perked his head up and turned to the noise. Like and alerted guard dog of an intruder, the eyes stared into Leo's as Leo stared back into the shadowed tress.
"Leo? Leo what's wrong, why'd you stop digging?" He asked as he went over to him, looking at what he was staring into. "What are you looking at?" He asked looking at Leo. He narrowed his eyes before speaking.
"There's something in those trees..." He softly said. Spike was now beginning to get creeped out as his gaze went back to what he was looking at. All he saw were trees and nothing more.
"Leo there's nothing there, you sure you saw something?" He said as he got worried for his companion, he always knew when he acted this way there was something bad trialing them.
He did not answer as he just stared, moments have passed as the wind blew a cold gust of air, the skies beginning to cloud as the sight of blue was now gone and dull silver was in place. The sound of leaves resonating from the wind's push to the north. Leo closed his eyes, turning his back and grabbing his shovel to continue his work. "Never mind, it's nothing." Leo simply said as he begun to dig again, this time effort was put into it.
Spike could only glance at Leo and what he was looking at, the braches moved as the winds blew, he noticed something off as on of the braches moved a bit harder than the others as it shook. Like something jumped off of it and back into the woods. Spike flinched back as he looked back at Leo who didn't take notice.
He gulped as he tried to brush it off, going back to his side of the area and resuming his dig for gems, eventually his thoughts drift back to Rarity and how pleased she would be for his generous act. Discarding the thought of what had been watching them both with a certain interest.
Fluttershy had been humming her usual tune as she was in her yard, feeding her chickens. But her surface of cheer was feigned, she was upset Leo had stormed off with Spike to help Rarity; who he hates, to occupy is mind. He promised her he wouldn't be mad anymore but seeing Leo contain himself like that was almost as terrifying as it was letting it go. It was like trying not to cut the wrong wire on a bomb, problem is that all the wires are red. Just like Leo's hot Mexican/Aztec blood.
Lost in her thoughts her ears perked as she heard what sounded like hoofsteps, she turned to her house only to hear mumbled yells and her door being smashed open. Flinching from the sounds of her house being rummaged through her back door then swung open as she screamed meekly from seeing the guard captain and his group. They approached Fluttershy with little hesitation as Dawn led the group an angry look in hid eyed as he spoke.
"Where is he?" He demanded and answer.
"Who?" Fluttershy asked.
"The monster! Monkey! Human! Where is it! He's wanted for being a suspect in a recent murderer !" Dawn didn't even bother holding back, the fear of anger in hate in his eyes for Leo deep as the roots of a tree.
Fluttershy stood still as she was frozen from shock and fear, her mouth unable to move, what did this guard captain want? With Leo? From the look in his eyes it was nothing good, and the guards behind him they seemed just as tense.
"W-why?" She managed to force a single word.
"That THING is suspected of killing an innocent civilian and dismembering him! Hand over the beast now otherwise you will be taken in for harboring and not cooperating." He closed the gap as he got uncomfortably close to her, she was now pressed against her chicken's coop as her fowls peeked through watching and scared.
"B-but he's not a murderer!" She managed to muster a bit of courage to yell. Her anger taken the reigns as she pushed him back and got in an assertive stance. "I'm so sick and tired of ponies accusing him of such things! He saved Ms.Cake and her foals from death as he helped drive the bull worm away!" There was a look in her eyes as the guards stepped back from her, there was a strong pressure from just staring at her eyes to make these trained guard ponies meek.
Was it her legendary stare?
Dawn shook his head to try and snap out of the trance, regaining his composure, he knew about this, but he never seen it. Not even his mental military training was enough to hold from her infamous stare.
"We were given an expert's opinion that narrow it down to him." He said as he wiped the sweat from his head, dealing with the after effects of her stare.
"Who, what kind of a feather brain gave that conclusion?!" She demanded an answer.
A voice called out from the front, they all turned their attention, it was Twilight seeming like she ran a marathon, she panted deeply, relieved she finally caught up to the guards. To this Fluttershy's eyes widened in deep shock as her chest began to feel compressed and heavy, her legs trembling. Though it shouldn't have come as a shock, she still couldn't help but have this overflow of emotions inside her.
Twilight had made her way to her, finally catching her breath. "Fluttershy, let me explain--" She didn't even finish as her face was met with FLuttershy's hoof from a loud smack. The guards and even the captain filched at the sight. Some shocked as the element of kindness struck the element of friendship.
Twilight was in shock at this, as she found herself cheeks matted and wet, she was crying, she lifted her face to Fluttershy who was also tearing just as bad as her.
"How could you..." She whispered as the sound of betrayal was strong in her meek words.
"Fluttershy I--" She couldn't finish as Fluttershy interrupted her.
"WHY DO YOU HATE HIM SO MUCH TWILIGHT!!!" At that point all hell broke loose inside her. "WHY JUST WHY! HE HASN'T DONE ANYTHING BAD TO YOU UNWARRATED, HE'S BEEN TRYING SO HARD CAN'T YOU SEE THAT, HE GOT A JOB, HE'S WRITTING AN APOLOGY TO THE PUBLIC AND SAVED MS.CAKE AND PONYVILLE FROM THE WORM SO WHY?! WHY DO YOU KEEP FINDING NEW EXCUSES TO MAKE HIM SUFFER HE'S ALREADY BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH AND YOU STILL WON'T LEAVE HIM BE! DOES YOUR DESIRE FOR KNOWLDGE OUTWEIGH YOUR LOGIC AND COMPASSION!!! JUST STOP OKAY! I DON'T CARE HOW BAD YOU THINK YOU NEED TO KNOW ALL OF THIS, BUT JUST STOP AND LEAVE HIM ALOOOOONE!"
She cried harder and breathed heavily as her eyes stared right into Twilight's soul, that look, she's seen that look before. It was the look Leo had when he threatened to snap her horn, those eyes full of rage and hurt, she saw Leo in those eyes and tears. She didn't know why, why she wanted to know more about him, there was something inside her that drove her to know. But still...her logic was gone, and she saw this but even so, she still wants...HAS to know about him for the sake of her fellow ponies and country to protect after reading Leo's text book. But Fluttershy was right, what could she do to stop her unstoppable curiosity. The guard's and captain having no words for them as they stood staring in more shock then they were before.
A call from the front yard came as the other half of the guard arrived, and with the look on Trot's face there was news.
"What is it Trot?" Dawn asked.
"Sir we have reports from one of the ponies we questioned that the ape traveling along side Twilight's dragon! They were seen traveling with shovels to the rocky are south, east from here." He explained.
"South, east? But there's a lot of diamond dog activity there! Why would they go there at all?!" Dawn sounded baffled as he wanted to know the logic of why they would got here. The are was a danger zone.
Fluttershy's heart dropped at this, where Spike went Leo went. Rarity...she sent them to the..."No..." She said. "NO!!!" She screamed as she took off from the ground to the air. About to bolt.
"Stop her!" Dawn yelled.
Fluttershy was then caught in a pull from two unicorn guard ponies telepathy as she was pinned, forced to the ground. "What are you doing!? Let me go!!!" She shouted as she tried to break free, her wings unable to move.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy but you must stay here. Your sympathy for that ape outweighs your logic, we can't have you getting in the way of that." Dawn said as he tugged his band on his hoof that held his shield. Ready for action.
Her eyes wide as she started pleading with the captian. "No please don't do it! He's not the one you want! It's something else! Stop it!"
Her pleas fell dead to his ears as he shook his head. "How could you put a creature before the safety of your own kind?' He asked in thought as turned to his group of guards. "Alright listen up! We have a dangerous creature of an unknown caliber! This thing took out two timberwolves and Bronze Sword." He said the last part grimly as he closed his eyes, his anger for Leo rising by the second, his guards fidgeting and scared at what their captain told them. Some of them from how he alone took two high level monsters down on his own while the others pale white as they remembered the gruesome scene with Bronze Sword, thinking they're next. "We must bring justice to our fallen veteran! Avenge him and for his family!" He turned as he readied himself. "Now move out my guards! We do this to protect and serve the nation and her citizens! Forward!" He yelled as he ran taking lead, his guards behind him as the left Fluttershy pinned by two guards and Twilight.
Twilight's stomach turned, she felt sick from all this. Couldn't believe how the slip of the tongue caused all this as she saw Fluttershy screaming and pleading. The guards were gone as she gave up, dropping her head as it was now hurried in the grass. Her fears of the guards hurting Leo.
Or worse.
Back at the flat terrain Leo and spike had dig up a significant amount of gems after forty five minutes of hard work.
Leo sweated and painted as he reached for his pocket and pulled out his box of ciggartes, pulling a stick out before Spike walked over to him and lot it up. Leo stabbed his shovel on the fort as he leaned on it, inhaling the clouds into his lungs as Spike sat across from him on a boulder.
Spike had almost forgotten the strange behavior from before with Leo, but he still acted off. Every time Spike turned to face Leo he saw he was watching him before Leo quickly went back to work as though he wasn't looking. Spike knew this behavior, Leo wanted to tell him something. It was hard to ignore it, most likely what Leo wanted to talk about with Spike was not good. Still it might be best to get it out of the way.
"Leo."
"Mmm?"
"Is there something you wanted to talk about?" Spike asked looking over him.
"What makes you say that?" Leo said putting little effort in being nonchalant as he flicked a few ashes aside.
"You've been staring at me for quite sometime and I've lived around ponies who have kept their thoughts in but wanted to say something for quite sometime. So I'll ask again. Is there something you want to talk about?" He crossed his arms.
Leo stared casually, before closing his eyes, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he flicked the cigarette bud aside. "Alright then, I want to talk about you." He locked gazes with him
"Me?" He seemed confused.
"Yes, you and that 'yegua'; Rarity."
Spike tensed a bit at this, his body stiffed. He knew this was going to be that talk when Leo stayed at Twilight's for the first day. He pursed his lips as he sighed lightly and calmed his nerves. Deciding not to say anything but just listen.
"Spike I've seen the way you come to her at her beck an call, I've seen how she uses your feelings for her to manipulate and run you ragged doing heavy work that even I have done as a child for little compensation."
"Is this what you wanted to talk about? You know how I feel about her and you know how I feel when you talk about her." Spike said beginning to get a little angry. His temper rising. He did not like anyone bad mouthing Rarity, not even Leo. "Look I appreciate the "advice" you're trying to give but it's not needed. I know she doesn't see me as much now but if I dedicate myself to her then she'll see how much I really love her."
"So let me get this straight, you're content with being her little tool box as she uses you for petty errands, then hope that one of these unlikely days she'll come around and give you a chance?" Leo asked, wanting to hear from the dragon himself if this is in fact was what he really wanted.
Spike clicked his tongue as he clenched his fists, not liking this of him to try and drive him from his crush. He turned his head facing him, his green eyes digging to Leo's. "Just what is your problem with her!? Why do you hate her so much?!"
"Because she's a fucking user Spike! Yeah she might be the element of generosity but judging from what I've heard it's to ponies she doesn't know to have an appeal on her image, but when it comes to a naïve dragon she takes full advantage of that! Spike why won't you listen to me, I'm trying to help you here!"
"Your help isn't needed okay!? How and what I feel towards somepony is none of your bucking business Leo!" Leo flinched back at the swearing from the young dragon. "So why don't you shut the buck up and LEEEEAVE!!!!" Spike shouted, his breathing deep as his eyes glowed with much anger, a moment later he snapped out of his anger and gasped as he stepped back. 'I...I just yelled at Leo and told him to leave. W-what happened...?" Spike began to feel warm moisture on his cheeks, placing his hand on he saw that he was crying now. 'I...I'm crying? Why...? Is it because...I just told my friend off? Not just a friend...someone I could actually relate to...I just...shoved him away.' Spike tilted his head up to Leo, he wasn't angry, just shocked shocked that he had a blank expression.
Though that's what Spike saw he was terrified to see how he would react, Spike dared not to look away from him. Like him and a wild animal. Any sudden movements would trigger him he thought.
Not even a second Leo charged Spike, that was when he felt his heart skip a beat. Leo thrust his hand forward to Spike, sending him flying back. Spike grunted painfully as he tumbled back until he stopped. His eyes wide as he gasped for air the wind knocked out of him. He forced himself up despite the blow, lifting his head expecting to see Leo coming for him.
His eyes went wider as he saw something worse.
Leo was on the ground motionless as a pool of blood surrounded him. A spear in the left side of his stomach, and at the end of the spear was an armored diamond dog. Scrawny yet muscular with dreadlocks, how did he miss him? His yellow eyes on Leo with a toothy grin, his tan fur matted a bit with his blood.
"Leo...?" Spike whispered, reaching his hand out only to be stomped by a big dog foot. Turning his gaze up he saw it was another diamond dog, it was bigger and bulkier, a malevolent look in his purple eyes. A pair of hands grabbed on to Spikes neck from another dog, his appearance in between scrawny and bulky. He pinned Spike against a boulder as the other dog tied a rope around him in place.
"Look at this..." The dog with the dreadlocks came with a bag of jewels, the one Leo and him worked hard to dig. More dogs emerged from the fake boulders as they gathered around Spike. "We thank you little one, this is a very significant amount the two of you have found compared to our entire pack." He pressed his claw above his brow, underneath his scales. Blood beginning to drip down his eyes to his cheek. "Though despite the significant amount of gems you have found...we want more..." He yanked one of his scales off roughly, Spike screamed in pain, the feeling of it was as if he had his ear ripped off. The supposed leader picked his teeth with his scale as the pack laughed. "We are very hungry..." He said as he traced his claw down his underbelly.
This was it, Leo was dead and so was he because of this errand he asked Leo to help him run. That's when the thought slinked in, it was his fault Leo was dead. He wanted to be more efficient with his work so he brought Leo and now he was gone as the pool of blood spread more and more. He was right...he was her tool box. putting her over himself and his friend. Spike began to cry as he clenched his teeth, sobbing in front of the pack leader.
"Leo...I'm so sorry. Please forgive me..."
"It is okay young one." The pack leader said as he pulled out his rusty dagger. "I will do you a kindness and send you to your ape companion." The dagger got closer and closer as it was placed on his throat, the steel beginning to cut. Spike stared into the silver sky as he saw his life flash, Leo was right, the flash just showed how much he was her servant, not just her, everypony they all used him as their errand servant. Leo tried to show him that and it cost him just to save him. 'A waste of space...' Spike thought as he closed his eyes accepting his fate.
A sickening sound of flesh assaulted was sound, but it was not his. He gazed down as saw a look of horror and shock in the alpha's eyes. Blood on him and on Spike, there was a hole in the dog's chest a hand sticking out with his still beating heart. Spike stared in horror as so did the dogs. The leader let out a guttural breath before the hand pulled out with his heart, he fell limp before everyone. All eyes on the dead body, they turned to see the beast that had killed him. His entire front half soaked with blood. His blood.
It was Leo.
His hair wet, stained and drooping down covering his eyes. His hand on the beating heart as they dog's stared in horror. Spike saw something as he looked upon Leo, red with his own blood as the spear was gone, the hole bleeding. He then had a flash of a vision, he saw a burning fire behind him, his from different. His eyes glowing silver, his sweater now a black leather jacket, his body completely toned and perfect, yet marked with many scars. His arm armored and red with three spikes curved up, he saw something that caught his eye the most, a red gem shaped like a flam sunk into his chest as though it was apart of him. The thing that caught his attention from that was someone behind him. He stepped away from Leo revealing himself. Spike's was caught in a frozen state, as the flames around turned green, as the second figure revealed himself. It was another human with whit skin color, black armor pads on his arms chest and his chins, he held what seemed to be a white pole, at the top of it was a green flame shaped like a blade. The second, "human" with a purple shirt and black pants, his hair almost like a Mohawk, the color matching the eyes as they were both green like Spike's.
The flame died as the world was enveloped in darkness, all he could see was Leo's glowing silver eyes along with the glowing green eyes of Spike's counterpart.
He came back to reality , shaking his head from the vision. He wished he hadn't, at that moment he saw Leo standing over a pile of dead diamond dogs, his person now all red as he breath like an animal. Spike saw it, the thing that Twilight and the town folk feared, the thing that was rumored to taking out two Timberwolves. Though it was a victory, Spike did not see pride or glory from Leo, just a beast blind with untamed rage. Attacking that which attacked him.
He turned looking over to Spike. Spike froze as his sights where now on him. What scared him was that he couldn't see his eyes with his hair covering them. Was he going to kill him?
"Spike..."
Spike reeled a bit as he said his name, he was conscious in there.
"Leo? Leo is that you?" He forced his feared words out.
"Spike..." Leo called out again.
"HALT!!!" A voice shouted, both seeing it was the captain of the guard outpost with his troops. All stopped in place as they saw the massacre of bodies that led to the red human staring back at them with Twilight's dragon tied to the boulder and hurt, bleeding from his brow and neck a bit. Dawn, felt his hatred rise as he shouted his order to surround the human, spears and shields at the ready all around him.
Dawn, stepping into the circle of guards as he pulled his sword out pointed at Leo. He stared him down, the hate and rage Dawn felt for this creature that "killed" his friend. his magical grip tightened as he growled. "Disgusting creature! This is reckoning for Bronze!!!"
Leo only response was. "Who?"
Dawn's eyes shot up with livid hate as he roared charging at Leo with a vengeance.
"No stop it!!!" Spike yelled.
There then was a sickening sound of flesh being lacerated in the air, the grounds filled with the scent of death and blood.
Much has happened through the day, a filly Pegasus causing havoc with only a few megaphones, a murder in the outskirts of ponyville, and a pursuit on Leo from the guard post stationed at ponyville. We start where we have left off folks. Dawn charged Leo with sword in magical grip with intent to kill pushed by blind hatred and contempt for the human that has tried hard to make his place in this new world. But like always, some sort of higher force refuses to give Leo that right to an adequate existence.
Yet despite being like a beaten mule he continues to trudge on with a heavy burden to carry. The world representing the farmer the beats the mule no matter how hard it tried while pull on more load. That is the story of Leo's life, he is like said mule with deep scars, but yet still continues on forward.
Why, why must the mule continue forward knowing it will never be on equal footing with a stallion. Perhaps it is because they share the same nature. The human and mule are stubborn, both refusing to exist with the bad cards in hand they were dealt with. They trudge forward in hopes of a better existence. It is like some philosophers say; if one refuses to accept the purpose of their existence, the path to pave a new one will be arduous and painful. The intended results likely not waiting in the end.
But Leo didn't care, he stood in place waiting for Dawn to strike him, his hooves stomping the ground as he had his blade over his head. He wanted to show the stallion veteran he was not the monster they say he was, even if it meant being hacked after taking a spear to his hip.
Though he hoped he'd catch on to his intent and stop.
As if is payers were answered the stallion stopped in place as the sound of flesh was pierced. The guards, Dawn and Leo turned their head to a guard far end of the circle with his back facing the forest. They where all shocked to see a metal spear sticking out of his chest. The guard coughing blood as he was hoisted up by something from behind that used the spear. The guard coughed and screamed through this as he was in the air, the one behind him was the snow saber griffon, his talons around the spear as he flung the pony guard to the side hitting a boulder with a clank and then thud as he hit the ground. The guards and Leo stood staring in shock at what had just happened, the griffon turned its insidious stare from the fallen guard to its next quarry. They all reeled back at the sight of its demonic yellow eyes.
A growl traveling from the bottom of its throat out to its beak shifting it what sounded a shriek roar. The griffon charged with fast speed, its wings pressed in to be more aerodynamic. One of the guards flinched as he screamed and swung his spear down, but the griffon possessed such amazing agility it maneuvered around the spear and to the guard. His reaction time was too late as the griffon's hook like claws swung at his neck. His throat burst open as blood spilled on the ground, the guard's eyes wide with terror as he choked. Coughing up blood as he pleaded for help from his team.
Another member rushing to his aid would be another victim as this guard mare attempted to save her friend. The captain yelling at her to stop but fallen on deaf ears. She was then pounced on by the griffon as she was slammed on to a halt, she gasped in surprise as she tried to reach for her dagger the griffon though had pierced its wrist blade under the kinks of her armor on the back of her neck. The blade pieced her spine, the mare gasped as a shocked expression was etched on her face, the griffon dropping her dead before her comrades.
"What the Tartarus is that griffon think he's doing?! Why is he attacking us!?" Trot yelled his sword and shield at the ready.
"Doesn't matter! Right now I think we found our true culprit!" He charged at the griffon. "Get off her you monster!!!" He yelled as he swung at the griffon only to dodge as it leaped into the air with deadly grace over the captain . Its next target Trot March. Dawn's eyes winded as he saw his friend's impending doom. "Trot!!! Raise your shield!!!" He yelled at the stunned young stallion who was frozen in fear, the cons of his instincts taking over as he stood still like a deer in front of headlights. His body not moving a single inch. "No Trot!!!" The griffon closing in on its next kill, the glowing yellow moons of its leer staring into his soul as the griffon opened its claws descending on him like an owl on a rabbit.
"Celestia help me!!!" He shouted a prayer.
His shouted prayer was heard, but not by the goddess of the sun. Instead a so called red demon ape had obliged him as he threw his throwing knife at the griffon. Said avian was too intent on Trot that the blade priced its shoulder, it screeched loudly in pain as it landed a few feet away from its prey. It hissed as it reached for the knife and yanked it out, throwing the knife on the ground. It hissed in pain as it glared angrily at Leo, but could only see a fist as it connected with the griffons beak. The griffon sent back tumbling before regaining its balance.
It hissed challengingly at Leo as the human still charged the creature. An intent to do away with this killer beast that claimed more lives.
Trot could only stare in shock from fear as he fell on his hind, his life held together by a single string and he could do nothing to stop it. His brush with death leaving the poor stallion tranced. "Trot! Trot answer me!!!" The captain ordered but no response. Dawn ordered three of the six remaining guards to take Trot to safety while the other three help him deal with the griffon.
The guards reluctantly obeyed, not comfortable leaving him with a killer griffon and a potential threat, but they did not want to lose another member. So they obliged and took Trot to safety.
"You three on me, we're taking this thing down!" He said as he tightened his muscles glared at the griffon fighting Leo.
"Which one sir?!" One of the guards foolishly asked.
"The griffon damn it!" He yelled at his subordinate, not having the tolerance to deal with stupid questions. "Spread out around the fight, we're all going to find an opening for that fast bastard! That ape will create one and who ever see's it take it! Intent to kill understand!?" He said.
The guards reeled back at the thought "kill"? They never even harmed a parisprite let alone kill anything. Dawn noticed this, grabbing one of his subordinates by the collar of their armor and pulling him close to a very angry stare. "Do you want that thing to kill more of our ponies?!" He yelled at the guard's face who could only stare in shock as he timidly shook his head. The others doing the same as his glare fell upon them. "Then get to your positions now!!!" He yelled as the guards did exactly what they were told, fearing the anger of their captain.
Dawn turned his gaze to the fight, Leo was beginning to lose ground as the griffon dodged Leo's swings and struck each time he left himself open. The two on almost equal footing, though Leo was losing blood from the spear that had hit him before.
'Don't think after I do away with that griffon you'll be off the hook ape! You still have a lot to answer for this...' He said in thought, referring to the corpses of diamond dogs Leo had left.
'What am I doing?' Leo thought as his body seemed to was moving on its own. Almost, it's as if though his body was being manipulated by his anger for the griffon. It was happening again. He had no control. 'I don't remember anything after being hit on my hip by something.' The griffon side swiped Leo with much force, the swing sending him skidding back as his left arm was now clawed deep from the swipe. 'Why am I covered in so much blood?' The griffon charged him, aiming for his throat, Leo reacting quickly he moved and grabbed hold of the griffon's arm and threw him against a boulder. The griffon shrieking in pain impacting the boulder before it hit the dirt.
The beast struggling to regain its footing as it turned its gaze to Leo who was slowly approaching the griffon, the griffon stared into what seemed to be Leo's eyes.
An ominous force rivaling his gaze.
The griffon's eyes shifted to the four guards behind Leo blocking his escape route. The pierce from Leo's knife leaving the griffin bleeding more and more from so much movement. It clenched it beak in anger, knowing it was outnumbered and in its condition out matched. The griffin feeling a strong desire to kill this ape that forced him into this. In anger its fur and feathers stood as its hiss formed into a screetch as its wings opened widely shadowing and startling the group. With one powerful flap it took off into the air heading to the forest for cover.
"No you bastard! You won't get away!" Dawn yelled as his horn discharged a few energy projectiles at the avian killer.
One stray hit its mark on the griffon's left back thigh. It screeched in pain as it landed roughly on a tree branch. Though it still managed to scamper into the trees for cover.
Dawn roared, frustrated he stabbed his sword into the ground. The captain wondered how many more innocent he was going to lose to this thing that escaped him this thing that came.
Came because of another foreign beast. That's when his bloodshot eyes turned to Leo. Dawn's anger reignited as he trembled with hatred.
Leo stepped back, his glare was making him uncomfortable. He wasn't sure what he did to deserve such a look from this pony. He had never even met him. So why was he staring like this was all his fault? Not knowing what else to do Leo made the foolish decision to speak
"Hey listen-"
Leo didn't get to finish as Dawn charged his horn and dispelled a swift discharge. His eyes widened in shock as the projectile hit Leo face on.
The energy dispersed like water in the air, not causing any actual harm but its effects apparent.
'Woah! 'Que chingados?!' Leo thought as his mind went numb along with his body, collapsing on the floor. Losing consciousness to the sleep spell casted on him.
"Leo!!!" Spike shouted as he struggled through his ropes. "Why did you do that!? He saved your lives!" He shouted angrily, still struggling.
Dawn gave him a brief sideway glance before ordering his subordinates to cut Spike down.
Dawn staring at the limp form of Leo. 'This thing. This thing that attracted that griffin is responsible according to Twilight. Still though, it stood hoof to hoof with that monster. I can probably salvage this situation. Though he still needs to be in custody just to be safe.' Dawn sighed as he hoisted Leo on his back. He was not looking forward to telling the families of the deceased the news. Wives now widows and a daughter gone from her parents.
This was not going to end well.
An hour has pasded since the event as the scene takes place in the hospital. Guards stationed at the door of the room Leo was in three more guards in the room guarding Leo as he was unconscious. He was crudely bandaged up as his arms and legs were restrained. Even though he was bound to the bed the guards were still anxious, not comfortable with the report of this creature taking a horde of diamond dogs by himself.
But that's what perplexed them, he barely defeated two Timberwolves yet he make sport of that horde of mangey mutts.
What they did not know about his biology was something yet to be discovered on why he has gotten stronger and less fearful.
And more aggressive.
Aside from that Dawn was dealing with stress as he was keeping angry mob of ponies at bay. The media not helping the situation.
"Mr.Dawn what has happened to the members of your guard that have not returned?"
"Why are there two beasts threatening our beloved town?"
"Will the murderers still continue? Are we safe?"
The barrage of questions did not help as the threats from the civilian ponies became intense. Especially from the wife of Bronze Sword.
"Come out you beast! My husband is dead because of you!" The widow mare shouted as she tried to get through the wall of guards.
"Mam please stop! I'm sorry your husband died! Heck he was my friend! But this is not the beast that killed your husband!" Dawn tried to reason with the enraged mare but was met with a crying face.
"You said so yourself Dawn! Twilight told you that thing came because of him! He is a monster that attracted another!"
"She's right, from what you told us Twilight said that the griffon was attracted to the presence of another predator." A reporter asked, trying to contradict Dawn's earlier statements.
"I said may! MAY! Twilight wasn't sure herself but that was all I could go off of! Look this may sound crazy but we need him!"
That silenced the crowd, threats and questions came to a halt as the horde stared in wide eyed shocked.
"Hear me out! This rogue griffon that claimed many lives, killed a few of my subordinates. It was quick and agile, knew every move we made, it had Trot! But he was saved by that ape, not only that but he stood hoof to hoof with that griffon and drove it off." Dawn sighed as he rubbed his forehead, feeling the weight of his age and this job taking its toll. "Look, I'm not vouching for that thing, but it took an entire horde of diamond dogs alone. We want this thing on our side, better yet they both just might die during the fight. Doesn't that sound beneficial either way?" Dawn said, although he did not like the idea, he had to appease the public to calm them.
Everything seemed like it was finally going his way. There was a voice however that yelled in protest.
The crowd gazed up and saw Fluttershy descending at high speed, her landing strong as it shook the ground making the mob stagger. They come to eye contact with a very angry look in her eye. Her mane a mess, her fur ruffled and dirty with dirt and leaves. No doubt she flew here in a hurry after hearing what had happed to Leo.
"Fluttershy?" Dawn really shouldn't have been surprised she was here in this state, but seeing it in person still made him uncomfortable. It was almost like the presence of an angry mother coming to the aid for he spawn with ill intent for the ones that harmed him. Dawn shut his eyes as he shook his head from this feeling he was feeling from her, an imposing one.
She squared up as she stood before the crowd, her eyes covered by her mane. The mob feeling the same sense that Dawn felt. With every step she took the whole crowd stepped back.
No one in the crowd daring to say a word. Her head slowly tilting upwards as her eyes came to light by the glow of the sun.
The crowd withdrew even as they all came into eye contact with her. There was that rumored stare of hers that usually worked on animals. Now it had THEM deterred, the anger the families felt and the curiosity the press had was now doused by the waves of fear they felt from those two eyes alone.
"No." She said softly yet the seething anger could be felt, the frustration she had to put up with seeing misfortune and ridicule fall before her dear friend Leo. She had enough since this morning and since Leo's speech was doused in ink due to another misfortune it was up to her to set the town right about their misconceptions. "I won't let you use him like that, I've had enough of form this community. Why do you ponies all hate him, he's done nothing wrong towards any of you and you all act like you're the victims like he hurt you directly." Her anger faded slowly as her expression soften as tears threatened to leave her eyes. "Why won't you give him a chance? If you all bothered to look at all he's been trying to make an effort to be a productive part of the community, he has a job, he as papers...was about to have papers." Her gaze drifted, remembering how crushed Leo was to lose all that hard work.
"You're wrong!" The mare and wife of the fallen Bronze Sword yelled as she stepped out of the crowd. The widow mare daring to challenge her. "If you hadn't taken that thing in! My Bonze Sword would still be here with our child!" She shouted angrily as tears fell from her chin, though Fluttershy could out her in her place with her stare she just didn't know exactly what to say about her warranted hate for Leo.
The crowd had regained its nerve to roar in approval, this drew Fluttershy back, her influence gone as she was now the one losing her nerves.
Through the shouting and screaming, there was a yell of protest from an unexpected pony.
"ARE YOU ALL IDIOTS!?" The crowd turned and saw Lemon Pop, she strode over by Fluttershy's side no fear on her of the crowd, just her trade mark bitterness, staring down at the crowd. "Did you morons already forget what that monkey had done?" She asked, the crowd feel silent as looks were exchanged, not knowing what she could be talking about. She sighed irritably, shaking her head. "Okay since you all live under a damn rock I'll explain to you." She cleared her throat before speaking, Fluttershy staring, not knowing who this mare was at all, Leo never mentioned he had other friend's aside from the one's he's told her about. "When he first came to this world and there were some misunderstandings he saved Applejack; his employer who also tied him up and assaulted him with a few slaps on his cheek that was cut. And behind me he saved this mare who houses him after Twilight did some things that Leo did not like and set him wild WHICH was not his fault by the way, and as for THIS one I was there and saw it. When The Marelaskan bull worm attacked sugercube corner he saved me, Pinkie and Ms. Cake and her foals. But the way he saved them might open your eyes, you see after he carried me out he went back inside the collapsing building, knowing he too would perish yet he went regardless of his life. Before the shop came down Leo had carried Ms.Cake and her foals out to safety with minimal scratches and such." She finished as he swallowed trying to moisten her throat from the explanations.
Fluttershy still could not believe it, this mare basically recapped all the events that happened in Leo's presence and what he had done to save those in need. But how exactly did she know about the two incidents, unless....Pinkie shot her loud mouth she didn't realize she had said it. Still though she was shocked that this mare Lemon Pop had stood up for him.
Perhaps she was just returning the favor.
The crowd fell silent again, they had indeed heard about these acts of selflessness but never acknowledged them. They were just too focused on the cons of Leo.
"So to mister DAWN." Lemon Pop said loudly as she turned her bitter yet ominous gaze at the captain, who had glanced away a brief moment from her stare, it almost matching Fluttershy's but with more malice. "To use a member of our community as such for this rogue griffon is considered an act of killing and sacrifice. Tell me captain Dawn of the ponyville outpost is this the example you want to set for us? Is this what you want to reduce our species to? Primitive and outdated actions for the safety of our town that cost blood?" She was almost nose to nose with him, the crowd and the guards staring intently as Lemon Pop squared up to Dawn.
Dawn was blank now as his mind, he did not know what to say or how to counter it, he already explained it was for the grater good of this town but now that Lemon Pop had had stated the cost of blood for their safety was something they could not live with, especially since she had brought Leo's image into light, though it was dim still lightened.
What could he do now, he did not have the horsepower or weapons anymore. The Post's radio was dead so help could not be contacted right away and he had already sent on of his pegasus subordinates to bring help. But with the distance from here to Canterlot was to great and most likely when aid arrives it will have already be too late. He saw how quick that thing made short work of his trained guards. These civilians will be like lambs without a shepherd to be picked off one by one.
None would escape and that ape was their only chance of survival.
"I'll do it." A voice from behind startled all of them.
Leo stood as he was wearing his ripped and bloodied clothes, the tears showing where the gausses where applied as he leaned against the entrance for support. The griffin's tears applied to his lacerations healing slowly though. He had his hand placed on his hip where the spear was thrusted.
Fluttershy gasped in shock from his barely healed state, she rushed over to him as she stood by his side for support as he leaned on her.
"Leo no, you should go back and heal--"
"No Fluttershy." Leo interrupted her, managing to stand on his on two feet. He grunted as he made his way to the crowd. The guards were hesitant of letting him through but Dawn signaled them to stand down. Hearing Leo approve of his idea assured him that he wanted to appeal to the crowd by informing them openly. The wall of guards dispersed, Leo straightening his face as he tried to develop his composure. Though keeping a neutral face wouldn't help if your clothes are covered in dry blood of the dogs you killed with your bare hands.
Even Leo doesn't know why or how it happened. But ever since the fight to save Fluttershy and Applejack he felt like something Leo had repressed that lay dormant back in his world had awakened. And that voice from before who was it.
Leo stood tall before the crowd, some scared, some curious on what he had to say. Leo exhaled a small breath through his nostrils, readying himself. It was now or never to make his move.
"I know what you're thinking, why the sheriff of this small town of yours would let a potential threat like me give me the right to speak. Well the answer is simple..." Leo paused briefly for some sort of effect. "...he knows that I am going to agree with his plan to fight this thing again." The crowd then began to mumble, surprised that he would accept what they would have considered a suicide attempt. He saw the impact he had made to the crowd, this was good, but not complete. He turned to the mother mare of Bronze Sword, she stared with a gaze of contempt but yet fear nearly doused her hate. Leo could only sigh, as he gently made his way to her.
He had to make this right.
He knelt to her level as they now met eye to eye. "Listen...I'm sorry this happened, to your husband but...but you need to understand that no matter what Twilight said I'm not bad, I'm not a monster. Yeah, I know I killed before but that was with reason." Leo's face hardened as he stared into her eyes. Those predatory eyes making her nerves rattle like the back end of a rattle snake. "But I didn't kill your husband, it was that thing that did this but regardless of what I say you still won't believe me so I'll make you this promise." The mare was now confused, what exactly would she promise her that would be an attempt to ease her mind.
Unless.
"I'll do all I can to end this thing." The populace around them mimicked the mare mother's shocked expression, even Fluttershy was at a loss for words. The work to try and clean his image that he wasn't a violent driven killer seemed to go up in flames for her as Leo stated a promise like that and in front of the entire town. "I know you're against killing and I know this isn't helping my image...but this thing killed your husband and left you alone with your kid, that goes for the others that died fighting against that freak." Leo closed his eyes as he once again stood tall as he stared at the entire crowd. "This is me displaying my good intentions to save you all. I won't lie I'm scared like all of you, scared to get hurt, scared to die." The crowd may have not have noticed but Fluttershy saw Leo's fist shake, not with anger but with fear. She wanted to scream her protests, maybe even smack some sense into him. She knew though that even if she had done that, Leo would not have it. She wished his words were fake but they were serious, she didn't want him to go this far to prove his worth to her species. She hated his selflessness, it made her feel like all her efforts to reassure him he was worth something was just feigned progress.
"I'm going back inside to heal my wounds now, they should be better by tomorrow according to the doctor. By then I'll get ready and get help tracking this thing down." Leo said nothing else as he turned his back to the crowd as he went back inside, disappearing behind the doors. The crowd mumbled again, conversing about everything Leo had announced. Some content, some wondering if he was serous, some talking about the end results and the possible casualties if Leo failed.
Fluttershy couldn't stand to hear this as she ran inside, not finding Leo in the lobby she took off as she flew up to the second floor were Leo might've gone. She saw him with his back turned as he "walked" back to his room down the hall. Watching him in this state and making those outrageous promises made her go off once again for the second time today.
"LEO!!!" She shouted, her scream echoing the hall.
He stopped as soon as the shout was heard but did not turn. He still had his back facing her.
"What do you think you're doing!?" She demanded her answer. There was silent between the two before Leo spoke.
"Isn't it obvious Shy? I'm going to kill that thing." He said in a neutral tone, but I'm more of a noncaring manner.
This just made her more angry as she trembled. Her anger threatening to burst no matter how much she suppressed.
"So you're just throwing away your life just like that?!" She yelled.
By this time patients and nurses were sticking their heads out to observe the commotion.
Leo didn't answer right away. His eyes were shut as he didn't know what to say.
He didn't have a legitimate answer.
"You don't have faith in me Fluttershy?" He turned his head giving her a glance. The emotion in his eyes masked.
She just gritted her teeth at how he was acting. Like this was just a game to him, like his life didn't matter in the slightest.
Well it matters to her. It hurt her that he was doing this and he could see it.
"She's right Leo."
A voice next to Fluttershy caught her off guard, though not scaring her.
It was Lyra.
She stood by Fluttershy's side, making her stand against Leo's decision. Her facial features though are of a much tamed sadness. Still though just as hurt as Fluttershy.
"Leo please..." Her lament strong in her voice. "...don't do this. Me...and Fluttershy don't want you to go through with this and get seriously hurt...or...die." Her voice cracked at the end. Though she tried to stay strong, she didn't have it in her to maintain said strength. "Please, I know you still feel like back on earth but you have ponies who care about you, friends...loved ones. I just...I...gngh!" She began to break as a choked sob escaped her, hitting her lip to hold. But she just couldn't. She began to cry, shutting her eyes tight.
"Leo these are the reasons you can't do this!" She began to silently sob, her chest area in pain like Fluttershy's. She didn't want him to vanish from this existence by the claws of that griffon.
Leo has been feeling torn from what she was putting them through. Regardless he had to do this, not for his self image or appeal to the species like how he lied in front of that mob but to save the ones he cared about.
It took a lot of contemplating after he had awoken from the angry mob outside demanding justice. He wondered, would he let Fluttershy, Spike and Lyra die. Would he stand in the sidelines as they died for him.
Like Idoya did.
Wether it was is fault or not that thing came, he would not just stand by as they were slaughtered. He was not going to stand aside. Not this time.
It was his time now to make a stand against fate's intended plans. He was going to fight it this time to his last breath. The thought of him not doing anything like back on earth burned the fires in his heart as the ones he loved perish.
It was his turn now to make that sacrifice. No matter how much he feared his mortality.
"Fluttershy, Lyra..." Leo finally spoke grabbing their full attention. The spectators from the other rooms listening closely.
"You both know as well as I do that I have been fighting since the beginning." He turned his body a bit as his face was now completely visible to them. A solemn earnestness look in his eyes. "And I'm still fighting."
Fluttershy gasped as Lyra's eyes widened.
"In fact I'm fighting right now."
This struck them even more.
"And from the looks of it that won't change anytime soon. I accept it."
Lyra was in deep shock, so much she fell on her hind, her stare now blank.
Fluttershy was worse, her eyes wide as saucers as she was frozen stuff in place. Not a hair on her moved. Overwhelmed with so many emotions all at onced drawed her blank. The spectators watched as they looked over to Leo.
His expression did not change a bit till he closed his eyes and sighed. This was going to get worse before it got better. Regardless of how it made them feel, he had to go through this.
But before he could turn and walk away a loud shout was heard from the yellow mare.
She wasn't done yet.
"LEO IF YOU GO THROUGH WITH THIS AND LEAVE THEN DON'T BOTHER COMING BACK AT ALL!!!!" The patients gasped, Lyra stunned by what she had just said and she was not done. "THERE'S NO ROOM IN MY HOME AND HEART FOR THOSE THAT ARE COMMITTING SUICIDE. SO IF YOU WALK YOU AREN'T WELCOMED IN MY HOUSE ANYMORE!!!" She heaved and panted, her anger deep as she stared at Leo, not breaking her gaze from his.
The halls are silent now, not a word was exchanged. Leo stared with the same look before sighing, turning his back on her.
"Then this is goodbye." He was walking further and further away from the two mares. To them it seemed like darkness was all around him except for where he was walking which seemed like a light at the end of the tunnel. Until he finally faded.
Lyra could only stare as Fluttershy had broken down. Her forehead pressed against the cold tile floor, her hair slpayed all over as she sobbed.
Lyra was just as hurt by this, but she didn't take the luxury of sobbing, instead she had decided to comfort her, reaching over to her as she brought her up and held her tight to comfort her. Fluttershy burying her head in Lyra's shoulder.
"I still don't understand it Lyra." Fluttershy said between sobs. "I just don't understand why he has to do this."
It didn't strike Fluttershy's mind despite knowing, Lyra knew at this moment why.
"I know it's hard to come to terms with it but he feels obligated to protect us. He cares about us enough to fight us. I don't like it but it's what it is."
Fluttershy buried her face deeper as she held her tighter. Sobbing more and more. Though it wasn't right to ask so soon Lyra had to know.
"Fluttershy, you didn't mean any of it did you? Turning Leo away if he goes through with this?"
The was no response, Fluttershy not being herself to answer that. She still felt the heated emotion inside her at that moment. Though not when she thought about Leo coming back she wasn't sure she had the strength to do such a thing.
Lyra could take a hint, she knew she wasn't going to answer.
"It's alright Fluttershy, you don't have to answer now." She said giving her back a comforting rub.
'Leo...please come back.' She sighed as she continued to comfort the yellow mare, the patients watching the commotion ushered back into their rooms.
Leo was laying on his bed as he stared at the ceiling, everything that happened all coming down on him, all at once. He felt overloaded as he sighed, his actions had consequences.
The friendship between Fluttershy and Lyra was proof of that.
He sighed gloomy sigh as he reached for his phone and ear buds. Selecting a song of a fitting title, he placed the buds in his ears as he listened. Drifting into an uncomfortable sleep for what tomorrow had had waiting for him.
Weeks have passed since the encounter with the rogue griffon that had made the outskirts of Ponyville its hunting ground. Leo had been in a comatose state for a week and stayed hospitalized for a few more weeks. It was the day of Leo's discharge from the hospital, being wheeled out by Fluttershy in a wheel chair after numerous dosages of phoenix's tears into his stream, the wounds were too great to heal so the effects of the medicine were slow acting, especially from a foreign body such as Leo's which was adjusting to this world, but slowly.
"I'm glad that you're back at optimal health, honestly I'm overjoyed. It was unfortunate that the hospital's phoenix's tears weren't' powerful enough to heal you faster." Fluttershy said as she was wheeling Leo out, her heart content that her tenant/friend was well enough to be his normal self, though he had been acting more shy around her, more shy and nervous when she got close. 'Poor Leo must've hit his head when he fell from that fall...' She thought that might have been the case. she watched Leo grumbling from the hospital bill as he read over the expenses.
"Damn this is gonna cost me an arm and a leg, I'll be thirty by the time I pay this crap off!" Leo growled as his brow twitched in irritation. Not pleased that the town's Hospital would charge him this much after risking his life to save them.
"Don't be mad Leo, the doctor said it would be detrimental to your health if you stressed yourself out. We wouldn't want that now would we?" She said in a honeyed voice as she placed her delicate hand on his head, brushing her slender fingers through his black hair as she tried to ease him. At this Leo's body slightly jerked up from this, his eyes wide as plates. He had never had a girl touch him the way she did, especially a white one with no ill intentions towards him. the girls back on earth wouldn't even be near him due to a rumor spread by John that he was a dirty Mexican that took little care of his hygiene. So this felt new to Leo and to his surprise he liked it. He liked how she brushed her fingers across his scalp, it reminded him of his mother, how she would comfort and calm him with her gentle motherly touch. Leo relaxed in his seat as he hummed in content from her soothing action.
Fluttershy smiled warmly. Her aqua blue eyes sparkled at how much he trusted her unlike most of her friends. She was then reminded of how he risked his life now for the third time to save others from danger. The first with her and Applejack in the Everfree from a timberwolf attack, the second was with a Diamond dog attack to save Spike and the guards of Ponyville from the griffin, then finally the third time a few weeks ago. That would make it four then come to think about it. It hurt her how much he fought for them and in exchange he received very little in return from her community.
That was about to change however, for when they get home Fluttershy had planned something very special for him. For now she would just enjoy the time with him as she wheeled him out of the hospital, the nurses and a few other patients giving their thanks to the young human that had saved their town from a possibly high threat. A new thing for Leo, the sense of appreciation. Though what was not new was nurse Red heart giving a brief glance before turning way with disinterest, her view of him not changed not even after defeating the griffon threat.
'Fuck you too then...' Leo thought as he watched her walk away, his eyes stuck to her thighs and hind as it swayed along with her pink tail. Something that seemed to hypnotize his mind. That was when he felt Fluttershy's fingers grip tightly on his hair as she forced his head to face forward. "Ow! Fluttershy what the hel--!"
"It's not polite to stare." She said in her calm and kind voice, though feigned with a smile. At that Leo had realized she reacted the same way any other woman would back on earth if they were caught starring. Leo blushed at this as he looked down in embarrassment and in shame, facing the cobblestone streets as she wheeled him home.
Finally making it back to Fluttershy's cottage after some grateful civilians had intercepted them as to thank Leo for his act of selflessness. Eager handshakes, some flowers from the local mare women that ran the flower shop. Some kids eager to meet him and ask how the fight between him and the griffon was.
All of this was nice despite some of the town's folk still having their suspicions it was nice to see them show appreciation for his act to save them, no matter how much they feared him before.
"Wow Leo, looks like you're popular." Fluttershy said as she wheeled him up the front entrance of her cottage, she then reached over Leo's head to reach for the door knob.
"Yeah I gotta say it's a new feel--!" Leo stopped as he felt something on his head. Two somethings actually, Fluttershy was leaning over his head. Her breasts pressed on him as they gave way to his head, like the feeling of jello to him. 'Oh! Oh god! They're big!!!' Leo yelled in his mind as they pressed down on him more as she leaned more to get a better grip. Leo squeezed his eyes shut as he felt something that scared him to death, worse if Fluttershy saw. 'No, no, no! Stay down damn it please!' He grit his teeth as he placed the flowers he received from before.
"Stupid thing,...there we go!" Fluttershy cheered as she managed to turn the knob as she removed her ample bosom from his head. Leo breath a sigh of relief, clam and relaxed from Fluttershy not noticing he was pitching a tent.
'Oh thank the feathered serpent god...' Leo sighed.
As she wheeled him in he had notice that the room was dark, too dark, the curtains were shut and the lights were off.
"Uh Fluttershy, why are the lights off?" Leo was beginning to grow suspicious, even more when Fluttershy closed the door behind him, enveloping them both in utter pitch black darkness. Leo's heart sank as he began to sweat profusely, not a fan of the darkness and the lack of silence. "Fluttershy?" He called out nervously.
The lights had suddenly switched on as a oud yell of "surprise" boomed from the house as a group of familiar mares and a few other townspeople had joined as they haled a banner that was written in congratulations and gratitude. Beside the them were the mares or in this case equine beauties that were the elements of harmony (including a reluctant Rarity that gave a half effort cheer, wearing what seemed to be a white buttoned long sleeve shirt with a black skirt that bleary ended above her ankles. She seemed to be also endowed, not as much as Fluttershy but just enough for Leo t give a brief glance). There was beside her was Pinkie pie, wearing her usual smile along with a pink shirt that barely covered her lower abdomen. She wore blue jean shorts that seemed to be rolled up enough to see how ample the sweets she had consumed made her thighs. she bounced happily at the sight of her two friends, her breasts giving into the motions of her actions. Leo had been blushing this entire time as his heart pounded like a drum at the sight of her melon sized bosom. Leo had to do something, anything.
He turned his gaze to Applejack, hoping that she was not dressed in a fashion that would tempt Leo's heart to go into overdrive, or worse, pitching a tent.
What a mistake that was.
Looking over to Applejack Leo saw a golden haired, white skinned with a few freckles beauty that was his employer. She wore a buttoned checkered shirt that seem a bit too long at the nether regions that she had to tie the bottom to a knot that seemed to barely contain her endowed pare in place, they also had a few feckless above them. her torso was so fit so perfectly formed and toned through her hard labor. (It was almost hard for Leo to believe a blonde white looking girl could work as hard as she did.) She like Pinkie Pie had also wore shorts, only they seemed to be shorter and torn at the edges as they seemed to used to be long jeans now short jean shorts accompanied by her long brown leather boots. To complete her was her stetson hat above her golden mane that was tied to a long ponytail. She gave Leo a friendly smile as she stared him down with her emerald eyes that could color a grass field.
Leo could almost feel his heart beat skip as he forced his gaze to slowly turn to the person next to her, which was Rainbow Dash. She was wearing what she had back at the hospital, only she lacked her torn jean vest and just wore a black tight shirt to show her B-cups. Not very big but not very small for Leo not to give a short stare before turning his head before he was caught watching.
Sadly the last girl to stand near the table of a giant vanilla cake and apple cider was who Leo dreaded to see.
Twilight.
To Leo she looked like something out of an anime show of the smart and physically endowed girl. She wore a white buttoned long sleeve shirt, above it was a lavender vest, her chest size was quite impressive, almost as Applejacks and Fluttershy's, he could actually see a light purple frilly bra that Leo tried not to stare. She wore a short purple skirt that reminded him much of those animes where the female student body wore short skimpy skirts in school. to accompany them she wore long black thigh high socks that hugged her legs firmly with a set of shimmering black high heeled shoes, Her hair looked exactly what reminded Leo of an anime girl. Long, straight, cut flat on both ends. Her lavender eyes never changed even in this new form at how she stared at Leo.
That look that reminded him why he detested her so much, almost forgetting as he nearly lost himself in the sculpt of her body.
Leo was about ready to throw her a snarky remark as to why she was here, but was interrupted by a large weight that had made itself on his lap.
"Leo, buddy, old pal, my homie! It's so good to see you awake and alive!" Pinkie had enveloped Leo in a firm hug that nearly made him grunt in pain. But for the sake of Pinkie's feelings he bit his inner cheek and restrained himself.
"Pinkie! Nice to see...that...you're...still the same as ever." Leo said with a forced grin as he was beginning to sweat from her weight. His body was still in a minor state of healing so it was not ready to burden the sugar glutton mare.
Applejack noticed his discomfort and how he was trying to mask it for Pinkie's sake. Applejack made her way to them as she nonchalantly pulled Pinkie off of him. "Hey Pinks, why do ya cut the cake for our 'homie', I'm sure he's mighty hungry since all he's had was hospital food. Bring an Apple soda while yer at it girl." She said giving her a pat on the pack with a smile.
"Okie dokie A.J.!" Pinkie said as she skipped over to the table, Fluttershy helping cut the cake as Rainbow Dash placed a glass bottle of ice cold apple soda on her forehead as she sighed.
'Come to think of it is kinda hot...' Leo said in thought before as he watched Rainbow Dash, his eyes shot up as he saw the drops trickling down her forehead to her chin and to her chest. 'Uh!' He turned his glance down before he would begin staring at her chest.
Feeling the sudden pat on his shoulder he turned his gaze upwards only to lock his eyes with Applejack. He was almost in a trance from how her eyes radiated such beauty. Seeing one cute girl after another was almost mentally exhausting for him but he had to force his usual front to act like he always does. "W-what's up boss?" Leo asked with a cracked smile, keeping his eyes locked right into hers before they wandered in the wrong area.
"How ya been holding up since the discharge at the hospital?" She asked as she placed a friendly arm around his shoulder closing the gap between them. Leo forced his gaze to stay on her eyes as he felt her chest press against his arm, it seemed by each passing moment he was obliviously teased by his friends.
'God damn it!' Leo yelled in thought. "Fine just fine, though I'm gonna have to ask you a favor though." He said with a shy grin.
"What'd that be partner?" She asked as she took a seat on the armrest of his wheelchair, her thighs close to him causing a hard blush on his cheeks.
"I-I got a large debt from the hospital now due to this incident. And since that event you mentioned about apple cider is nearing I was wondering if you'd let me work overtime at the orchard after my body heals.
Applejack was taken back. She quirked a brow as she noticed a piece of paper under the bouquet of flowers he was given, she narrowed her eyes as she swiftly took it from him before he could react. She looked over the expenses and treatments he had gone through, she wasn't surprised. The scene around him was torn nearly asunder by both of them due to slices or punches. Honestly she still couldn't' believe he would do something so stupid as to fight a griffon alone but then again she could relate when she tried taking that marelaskan bull worm. She felt a tinge of remorse as she felt like she could have helped him like he had helped her. Her eyes fell on the total of the bill, her eyes shot wide as her breath was caught, her hand trembling. One hundred and ninety five thousand bits!? How could Leo have raked up such a debt in only one incident. Her eyes wandered over the parchment until she saw what had caused such a thing.The griffon's tears. About sixty five bottles had to be used on his body to try and close the lacerations and heal the traumas. Applejack remembered about Twilight's analysis on Leo. She remembered that Leo was foreign and how his body was trying to adjust to her planet's magical atmosphere. How his body was having trouble with it, which explained the large amount of griffon tears used on him.
'But still...'
Applejack thought as she clenched the paper in her hand. 'They still charged him that much after what he done to save the town? They could have at least given him a discount!' She yelled in her head as she closed her eyes, her brows furrowed as she wore a expression of clear annoyance.
She snapped out of her anger as she remembered Leo was still waiting for an answer. She looked over to him as he seemed a bit nervous.
"If you can't I get it's no worry Applejack, they said I can do payments by month so it's not a big deal-"
"No!" She shouted as Leo reeled back, she realized her mistake before it went into the wrong direction. "I mean 'no' it's not a problem! It's okay actually! We could use the extra hand, since the heat is rising due to spring coming. And with your help we'll get more apples to make more cider to feed the town, we might make a small fortune!" She saidquickly as she laughed nervously, knowing that her friends and the other guests giving her the same look Leo was giving her. "Eh heh, oh look its Pinkie!" Applejack said as she walked over to said Pinkie as she took a slice of cake from her and the apple cider she brought.
"Hey! I was gonna give those to Leo!" She pouted as she stomped her foot.
"Here ya go buddy ya deserve these!" She said as she thrust the plate of cake at Leo with the medical bill under it. "There now you just enjoy yerself why I get me some of Pinkie's delicious cake! Here Pinkie come with me!" She said while laughing nervously.
"Aw, but I wanna talk to Leo!!!" She said as she struggled from Applejack's grip on her wrist as her feet skidded on the floor board, but the cowgirl proved to be too strong for her. It was no competition, with Applejack eating a daily diet of apples and apple based food she had a superior strength next to Pinkie and her diet of sweets.
Leo was left almost speechless at that. First she was mad then she was lying so hard she couldn't fake her way through a second grade play. His gaze fell to the bill under his cake plate as he remembered his problem. 'Guess I'll just have to pay bit by bit. No pun intended' He cracked a small smile at his bad joke and how he was glad no one heard it.
He looked over to the people mingling, talking about nothing that had to do with the party and the purpose of it. He felt the corners of his cheeks tugged as he slightly shook his head. He yet again felt another hand on his shoulder, sighing inwardly he decided to look and prepare, hoping that it wasn't another pretty female. To contrast what he had hoped he saw a lady with tanned skin and a office uniform. She wore a white buttoned shirt underneath a brown vest that was underneath a grey office blazer. She wore what seemed to be a green bow tie around her neck. Beneath her torso she also had a dress skirt that ended halfway down her thighs. 'What is it with women and their short skirt dresses?' Leo though as she focused on her features. She was mature yes, yet she showed signs of youth on her blue colored eyes that contrasted well with her skin color. She gave a friendly smile, one Leo felt like he could let his guard down with.
"Oh miss Mayor!? You gave me a scare just now." Leo smiled nervously as she forced a laugh.
"Don't fear my ape friend I mean no harm of any kind to you. I wanted to see how you were feeling that's all." She spoke in a tone that told him her words were genuine, feeling he could let is guard down but not completely. "I take it the doctors at the hospital did their jobs now that you seem well enough to eat." She said as she gestured at the cake Pinkie had given him. He hadn't noticed before but the cake was of white frosting and vanilla, the cake gel was red, the scent had reminded him was of strawberry. He then looked over the apple soda the trickled of beads of water. Leo gulped at this, the soda had reminded him of a soda brand he used to drink a lot in Mexico. 'Manzana lift?' He thought, he tried to remember the name of the drink. His thoughts then drifted to his home country, he missed it. It wasn't perfect, but it was home and it's feeling in his heart were strong however the memories seemed to be smudged by bad ones of when he was back on earth. How he and his family came into the north country to live a better life. And yet they're were hunted like dogs just because him and his people tried to work jobs U.S. citizens couldn't and didn't want to do. "Yet they bitch about us taking their jobs, jobs they don't want." Leo clenched his grip around the glass bottle of soda in contempt. How he hated how ungrateful they were with how much sweat and effort they put to grow and harvest the food they ate. Then waste it like nothing when they're not eating said grown food and other extremely tough jobs only he and his people were willing to do and yet still no gratitude. Not even courteous enough to grant them papers for all they have done, his eyes shifted into his palm a bit. So many scratches at a very young age to work and yet still that accursed paper was still out of reach back in his world.
But here was a different story.
He didn't notice until now but he saw in his peripheral vision something a few inches from his face. He tilted his head only to see a rolled parchment that the mayor was holding in her tan fingers. Sealed in a red ribbon the shimmered against the light.
He stared in confusion before locking eyes with the mayor, she still wore her smile, but it behind it he felt a different feeling from it. Was it gratitude? At that he wondered what importance this paper could have been for her to deliver it herself.
"What is this? It's not a bill towards property destruction is it? Cause I swear I was far enough away from the town." Worry started to swell in him as his pains started to ache, though the wounds have healed in a manner the scars were still in place of his body like stone that was carved on.
"Far from it my friendly ape. This..." She slightly shook her hand that was holding the paper to emphasise her point. "...is your just reward for your effort in trying to become a model citizen, but most especially this is for your selfless act of sacrifice when you decided to confront the griffon on your own. I was wrong about you ap--...Leo. Despite the worry in the hearts of my citizens I now fully realize that you are of no threat to our existence but to those that would try and commit such and act. Leonardo Zarate, this is your ticket to be a citizen of not only this beloved town, but to our country. Won't you accept my gift to you for your continued selfless acts." She asked him.
Leo could only stare in shock as he stood still to the point one might question if he had locked eyes with medusa. The suddenness of this and just when he was thinking of said citizenship from the other country that was beyond his reach, but this, this was before him and in his reach. By some sort of force his hand reached out to the paper Miss Mayor had.
He proceeded to remove the seal gently and slowly unfurled the paper and there it was in ink neatly written in this world's native language. He read the details of the document, to the bottom his name was written in Equis. There it was, something of the category he and his family tried to reach so hard for most of his life to attain in their worn hands.
Legal documentation of citizenship.
Leo felt and ache in his chest and a hard lump in his throat that felt like it was growing like a painful tumor. His eyes felt like they were swelling as his vision became blurred, warm tears trickling down his cheeks down to his chin. The tears of his past efforts dripping on his citizen document. The tears slightly making the dried ink run.
Miss Mayor looked at Leo with concern, she knelt down to his level and placed her hand to have him face her. Before she could ask him what was wrong she saw something behind those brown eyes.
She saw pain, struggle, deprivation mixed in happiness swirling in his pool of emotions. She didn't have to ask what was wrong now, she now knew he had went through hell to get such a document in hand. She knew he was crying both tears of joy and sadness.
Joy because of what he wanted most was now his to keep.
Sad however because of those who were not with him he cared about were not here to share this with.
"Mama...Idoya..." He whispered.
He hunched over as he held the paper tightly in a grip, his teeth clenched tight as his body jerked in quiet sobs to keep the people of the party from noticing. Though two had noticed this.
Lyra had been mingling for quite a while as she tried to make it over to Leo but was always halted by a friend to talk. She didn't want to be rude so she humored their talk and hoped it would end as soon as possible but the conversation dragged on and on as she felt bored. She then noticed Leo's sudden change in posture, his body jerking, her ears picking up quiet sobs. She had wondered what Miss mayor had given him to bring him to such a state, that paper was what caused it. She had to know what it was now. She excused herself as she walked around her friend to walk over to Leo.
Fluttershy had been trying to go back to Leo but was halted in place as Applejack held a firm hand on her shoulder. Telling her she needs to give him his space. Reluctantly obligingly she sighed and partook in a slice of Pinkie's cake and a few bottle of Apple soda. She noticed in the corner of her eye that Miss Mayor. She smiled as Miss Mayor had discuss with her that she'd be giving the citizen documentation to Leo for what he has done. She was excited to see how happy Leo would be to have what he worked so hard to get. As soon as he read over it his reaction took her off guard. He didn't shoot his hands up and yelled in joy, it was the complete opposite as she saw tears fall from his eyes and hunched himself over. She then noticed a familiar action Leo was doing. She saw him jerk like he does in his sleep since she let him stay in her abode. He was crying. With no hesitation she moved Applejack's hand from her shoulder with some unusual amount of strength that it made her wince from it. She saw her walk over to Leo in a quick pace, she stared quizzically as to what had gotten into her until she looked over to Leo. Her eyes shot wide at what she saw and what Fluttershy might do to the mayor.
"Oh no." She said as she jerked herself away from her friends tried catching up to Fluttershy in a less subtle manner to try and stop her.
As Fluttershy marched over to Leo she stopped in place as her eyes locked in to another coming his way. She saw those golden eyes belonged to Lyra. Her expression mirrored hers as they both tried making their way to him. It seemed like the world had vanished into darkness save for them Applejack, Miss Mayor and Leo.
Lyra had felt a strong imposing force from FLuttershy, it felt like it was almost pushing her back. She grunted as she kept her heels in place, firmly standing. She was facing her infamous gaze known as "The stare" that made even the strongest falter in their place.
She would do no such thing though, she was going to make her way to Leo no matter what. He needed her and she was going to be there for him.
As both were closing the gap between them with each step, the sparks in their eyes flying with intensity.
They "battle" stopped however as they hear Leo whisper two things that doused the fire in both of them.
"Mama...Idoya..."
Their gazes tore from each other as they had just remembered who was between their sparks.
Both of them knew the names of who he was referring to. Their hearts skipped a beat as they saw him in a somber state.
Both once again exchanged glances as they remembered that Leo was both of their friends. Both gave knowing gazes as they mentally debated who should be by his side. They turned to Leo from the sudden action he made as he embraced Miss Mayor in a hug, catching her by surprise and both of them, including the earth mare woman.
"Thank you so much...thank you." He said through choked sobs. She could only stare in wide eyes shock for a moment before she wrapped her arms around him in comfort as she rubbed gently on his back.
"You are welcome." She said smiling as she noticed the three women almost surrounding them. She stared in in confusion as her eyes darted to all three of them. But Lyra and Fluttershy caught themselves in shock and embarrassment before silently retracting themselves back to their group of friends with red cheeks adorned on their faces.
Miss Mayor saw Fluttershy walk past her friend as she turned her gaze to Applejack. She could only place her fingers behind her head as she scratched, smiling sheepishly, shrugging as she didn't really know what that was all about and followed her pink haired friend.
Miss Mayor stared in confusion as she sighed and shook her head, leaving her chin to rest on his shoulder.
'You certainly do attract attention to yourself Leo, I do hope you're ready to burden it' She said in thought as her mind drifted to his future, she felt like more of these incidents would happen to him, each harder than the last. She could only hope for his best as she continued to comfort him.
Leo was and odd one, despite him being a man he still had the soul of a child. It almost made her feel like a mother comforting her child.
in the far reaches of the mainland country near the royal docks of imports and fleets was a bar that housed foreign creatures such as yaks men, minotaur men, both equaling in muscles and horns, the griffons with sharp looks and toned bodies yet slender for agile purposes. Male soldiers of the Equestrian army just coming in for a drink after their work day. All drank, talked and gambled, each group to their devices. Though one stood out from the rest. This one was a she and a earth mare type. She had long black flat hair, with a straw kasa hat over her head. Her skin was pale white in contrast to her midnight head hair and tail shimmering. Over her skin was a black kimono with gold linings on it, the edges of her kimono where that of red petals crimson as though they were painted in blood. She wore woodened sandals on her feet that dangled on the stool she sat on. She wore white bandages over her bosom to try and restrain her ampleness as her torso was bare and the top of her kimono hung back. On her side she carried a katana that was in its scabbard that was as black as her hair and sported what seemed to be a long serpentine gold dragon across the surface. The cord grey as it was wrapped around her waist and tied into the knob. The guard golden, the braids black as the scabbard and in the diamond patterns were red, the top of her cap golden.
She sat in silence, taking occasional sips of her rice wine, taming the fires within herself that burned. The barkeep who was a tanned, muscled old earth type stallion looked over to the foreigner who was obviously too far from home.
"It isn't my place to ask but what is a young woman such as yourself doing so far away from Japony, and why the sword?" The Barkeep asked, his eyes roamed over her torso, saw a few scars here and there. 'No doubt she's been in fights, she's a warrior.' The barkeep thought as he politely waited for her to respond. She didn't tilt her head up, but he could see her lips moved under her kasa hat.
"I am here because a friend of mine came to travel in search of his love." She said as the barkeep could have sworn her words dripped venom. "I was hesitant so I didn't join him but came soon after a rumor I heard from my friend the fishermen of my country."
"And what rumor was that?" He asked. He may not have seen it but he could tell her eyebrows furrowed in anger.
"He said that he heard a rumor from a passing Equestrian export ship on the docs of a bronze ape not of this world." Her words became sharper and sharper, the barkeep felt like his nerves were being cut by each word she uttered, sweating profusely. "Said that this sentient thing killed my friend who was that of the griffon kingdom." He had just noticed her grip her handle in trembling anger.
The barkeep stared in silence as the two sitting beside her scooted a little from her nervously. He took a slight step back as his back was against the wall of stacked up glass liquor bottles.
"Y-you're here for the a-ape?" He stuttered out as he was close to losing his nerve.
Her head slowly tilted upwards as to meet his gaze, her red eyes almost as sharp as her sword. The barkeep leaned against the wall more as few bottles dropped on the floor board and shattering. This caught the attention of a few patrons. The royal army troops reaching for their swords, the yak men their axes the minotaur their hammers, the griffon men their variety of wrist blades and curved swords. All eyes on the Japony mare who was set to go off.
"The name, what does it go by?" She asked as her words cut through the air.
The barkeep willed himself to answer not daring to try her patience.
"Its name is Leonardo Zarate, though it prefers Leo."
With that said she unsheathed her sword and made a quick stroke that was too fast for the eye and that seemed to have circled around the room accompanied by a gust of wind that smelled of alcohol. By the time everyone blinked they saw her stand from her seat, sword in hand as it dripped red across the steel. Not of blood but of wine, her head facing the ground.
She quickly tilted her head to level and at that moment it seemed like everything was responding to her. The glass bottles behind the barkeep giving way to the clean cuts as the top and contents fell shattering and staining the floor. Followed suit was the sound of wood and metal clanking. The Warhammers and axes cut from their wooden handles as the swords and leather were also cleanly cut. The swords from their handles while wrist blades cut from their leather grip gauntlet. All weapons falling to the ground. All stared in fear and shock as to what this single female Japonese mare did with one stroke. She walked into the center of the bar as all backed away from her, backs pressed to walls.
She stared upwards as her sword followed suit, pointing at the ceiling as the wine trickled down her blade. "Leonardo Zarate. Satsujin-han!!!" She yelled, her eyes harboring rage and hatred for the human. "I swear by this blade Makaze...! I will kill you for taking the life of my dear friend Winter Siivet!" A tear formed in her right eye as it trickled down her soft white cheek. Her hand on her chest, placing her slender fingers that were wrapped in white bandages to her fore arms. Feeling the shattered emotion for Winter Siivet she could not reach to him.
Then she painfully uttered.
"And my unspoken love for him."
The sun was bright as usual, the strong lighted descended upon the town of Ponyville with its celestial waves, in the orchard Leo was feeling it despite having skin to protect him he was feeling a bit fatigued from the extended hard labor of picking apples that would not be nocked down by Applejacks powerful kick. He couldn't help but steal a few glances when she kicked, her hips, her torso twisting with the force of her kick as her breasts bounced from the action. He always managed to snap out of his trance before her little sister caught him, or worse.
The muscular beefcake known as Big Mac.
He was scary before as a stallion but he was even more imposing to be around with such a huge and toned build. He seemed like he could crush a skull between his biceps and fore arms if he really wanted to so Leo made sure to watch himself.
After countless hours of climbing and picking apples Leo was beat. His body shone a shimmery bronze underneath his clothes as he lay slumped against a tree alone on his break. He stared at the tree canopy with beams of light only barely able to break through. He began to wonder about the previous subject. Why did everything change like this? From cute miniature equines to humans which all seemed to take great care of their physical health.
It made him feel different, he was a bit more distant despite the town's gratitude towards his gesture. But even so with his previous human contact being less than pleasant Leo seemed to be unintentionally acting aloof. Though not towards Fluttershy and Lyra.
Fluttershy.
The thought crept into his mind.
Leo couldn't, he just couldn't' see her the same way as he did before.
Yes she was still the same in heart and spirit.
But her body made him feel uneasy. Uneasy because of the thoughts he was having about her. He leaned his head back against the bark of the tree as the thoughts manifested in his mind.
Perverted thoughts.
He began to picture her in the nude, not only that but her white body covered in shimmering massage oil on a table with a gesturing finger.
Before his mind would make involuntary ascend to a certain part of his body he felt a cold wet hard surface on his forehead.
Leo jerked in surprise as he turned his head to see what had disturbed him from his daydream.
It was none other than the blonde girl before him with her usual smile, and in her hand stretched out to him was a cold bottle of apple cider. "Applejack! Oh shit don't' scare me like that!" Leo said with a deep breath and a shy smile.
"Sorry sugarcube, couldn't let ya dose off yet. Not when we're almost done." She handed him the beverage in hand as she sat beside him, too close for comfort. Leo tried scooting away but was halted as she wrapped her strong arm around his neck. Leo grunted as he felt more uncomfortable than he did before, what with the side of breast pressed against his arm. More so as he felt his secondary head beginning to rise. He quickly placed his cold cider soda between his legs against his crotch. Something to hide and deter the rise of his member. "Something wrong?" The blonde woman gave him a glance, noticing how he seemed to be fidgeting in place.
"Y-yeah I'm fine thanks." He said though a shy smile, one where she could clearly see was masking his lies.
"Ya know you can tell me if something is buggin ya." She pated his shoulder for comfort. He could only glance away as he seemed to doubtful to tell her anything.
"I guess...you could say I've been different since my fight with that griffon." He stared off into the distance into the trees ahead. They reminded him how he was vulnerable to that griffons stealth attacks. Yet it happened again.
He somehow became stronger than he was before, not only that but his entire arm burst in flames. How did he even do that, worse was that he killed the griffon. He took a life, and after that his life was different now that the small equines he knew took on an a human form. One that tempted his desires. But despite all that he remembered why at those times his rage triggered ten fold. It was when he saved Fluttershy.
He cared about her she was the only one that offered kindness and compassion. Even when she was a pony he still risked his life to save her. Something about her dying scared and angered him. It made his heart hurt and his stomach turn. He did it because he cared, he did it because...he might like her.
The grip on his glass bottle of cider tightened as he thought about it more. Even before when she was an actual equine he felt something for her. Something he was cared to admit to himself making him doubtful because she was a different species.
And yet now that she was in a human appearance his emotions grew. He didn't know how to feel and that created an inner storm of conflicting emotions inside him. Which is why he seemed distant from her since then, doubt driving a wedge between him and her.
"I'm not sure, I...I just...I don't know hoe to feel Applejack. Things feel different since that day. Like things had changed." More than she'll know. "I...I just feel like I'm pushing myself away from everyone, especially Flutershy and that...I..." Leo pursed his lips and closed his eyes. Tears threatening to break free.
Leo was about to continue to stutter on until he felt the arm that was around him pull him in close for an embrace, his face pressed against her bosom, his cheeks flushed red.
"What are yo--"
"Shhh, it's okay hun you don't have to say it. Ah know." She said rubbing her hand on his back for comfort.
Leo darted his tear soaked eyes in nervousness from her slight embrace. Her arm around him held strong in place as he subtly tried to pull free but to no avail.
"Applejack...please..." Leo said in a shy voice. Leo eventually stopped struggling and fell limp into her arms. She could fell how fragile he was now, despite him defeating a psychotic griffin type alone. Applejack now knew why Twilight was so fascinated by him. He's such a huge contrast to his nature, kind and gentle, yet brave, vicious even terrifying when provoked. But she was not afraid of him, she knew he's never raise a hand at any of them, save for Twilight, maybe Rarity. But the one she had noticed who he cherished, maybe even adore was Fluttershy. And with she knew Leo would be tamed as long as she was there.
Because she is the only one that truly knows his heart.
In the cottage Fluttershy was in her kitchen making a nice hot meal for herself and her tenant. She was preparing a soy meat loaf, she knew how much Leo missed red meat so she went out of her way to travel to the next town over and see if they sold any soy meat products. A bit pricey but worth it for him.
She waited as she leaned on her table staring at the oven and for the timer. Her thoughts then drifted to Leo, how he had almost died for the sake of proving himself to her species, but mostly after hearing the conversational exchange between him and the griffin type. How he reacted when it mentioned how it would kill her.
How angry...how...passionate he was when he thought harm would come to her.
Her hand was brought to her bosom as she felt her heart beat fast, feeling it flutter from seeing his animalistic rage of anything happening to her.
Her cheeks flushed red as her thoughts then drifted elsewhere, to her little secret.
Every night when she's sure Leo was asleep she'd sneak in to his bed, lay beside him and embrace him, to help him mount his fear and doubts away.
Her hand always caressing his bullet wound on his shoulder. She always traced her smooth hand across his bronze flesh, somehow it made her feel dizzy. She blushed harder in embarrassment as she remembered that one night she was in her light green tank top and her pink panties.
Her thigh draped over his made her feel so naughty.
Before her thoughts could go somewhere erotic she jolted out of her day dreaming from the alarm going off, her heart nearly jumping out of her chest.
"Oh! Oh my goodness!" She yelped in surprise as she reached for her oven mitts, opening the hatch as she pulled her soy meat loaf out. Placing it on the table the loaf had a few chopped red potatoes ringed around it with broccoli. She had her plates ready along with a pitcher of pink lemonade. On the side she prepared garlic mashed potatoes with gravy.
Everything was in place and ready for both of them. She noticed the clock was about to reach dinner time. Before she could relax she heard her front door click and open, her wings twitched a bit from the surprise. She quickly threw off her apron and sat on her seat, trying to keep her stature composed and relaxed, despite her chest rising and falling.
"Hey Fluttershy I'm hom-" Leo said as he was waling in the kitchen but stopped and stared. Not at the food splayed out on the table, but at Fluttershy's endowed pair in a smooth vertical motion.
"Leo! Welcome home, I made dinner! I checked at the next town over for a substitute ingredient for meat, I'm not sure if it's something like you had back on earth but I'm sure it'll be close enough." She said with a large smile. It seemed like she was trying to hard.
Leo stood for a moment staring at her before regaining his senses. "Uh Fluttershy, you made all this for me?" Leo asked as he tried staring at her eyes.
"Of course, I mean, you've done so much and I thought I could treat you tonight to some comfort food." She hoped she was on the mark, though meatloaf was not a dish from his nationality he decided to throw her a bone.
"Oh yeah, I had this all the time!" Leo lied smiling as he took his seat across from her.
Fluttershy cut a piece for her and him with a few red potatoes and a bit of gravy and last a glass of lemonade. Both ate quietly, and exchanged subtle glances when the other wasn't looking.
Why were the two suddenly shy? Well, FLuttershy's reason was because of her recent daydreams of both of them in the same bed, while Leo's...his was a more double trouble type of issue.
Eventually they turned to small talk, dinner passed by at a snail's pace as Fluttershy was trying hard to make the situation feel less awkward.
"Ah, that was good Fluttershy, not sure if I could eat another bite." Leo said rising from his seat about to pick up his plate.
"Oh you don't have to wash your plate Leo. I'll do it." She stood from her seat also with her plate in hand.
"Flutershy are you sure I mean I could at least wash my own plate, after all you made dinner."
"Yes but you've had a long day of work, and I don't mind, besides look how dirty you are, you need to wash that filth." She said smiling as she walked over to him taking his plate from his hand, she jolted a bit as her fingers touched his.
"Well, alright then and thanks again, I really appreciate the thought of you making me comfort food. Makes me feel good." Leo said smiling. Turning his back and heading upstairs.
She smiled back before turning herself around, heading and leaning against the sink as she slumped a bit. "How could I be so shy, I should have tried talking to him more. Ugh..." She sighed irritably as she placed her hand on her forehead. She sighed again and straightened herself out. "Okay tomorrow I'll try and be more sociable to him, it is going to be the weekend after all.
Leo sighed in relaxed relief as he exited the shower, towel around his waist and and over his neck, that past few days passed with ease, no problems of any kind after he won half of the town's acceptance. Going over to the drawer for a pair of clean boxers the mirror caught Leo's eye half way. He noticed he looked different aside from the scars his body looked different.
More toned, his body showing signs of muscle tone on his arms, chest and abdomen.
"Woah! How the hell did that happen? Huh...guess a green diet and a heavy labor job makes toned bodies." He said as he checked his body out, the scars though painful added a nice touch to them, almost...manly? He couldn't help but smile a bit, though his self admiration was cut short as he heard a knock on the door.
"Leo are you decent?" Fluttershy's voice came through the door.
"Ah! uh! Just a minute!" Leo said as he reached into the drawer for his undergarment, swiftly putting them on. "Okay you can come in."
The door opened as Fluttershy came through the threshold, she wore her pink tank top and where her green bottom pajamas would be she was just wearing yellow panties, her thighs showing their smooth plumpness. Leo quickly averted his eyes to the side of the room.
"Ah so...what's up?" He asked, his eyes meeting hers do his head still turned away from her.
"Well...tomorrow is the weekend and there's a fest tomorrow for the town's founding and I was wondering if you wanted to go together."
Leo's heart skipped a beat as his face grew red. "Together you mean--"
"Because I know you've been working so hard I thought it'd be nice if I treated you." She smiled, her gaze lowered as a blush grew on her, she fidgeted in place.
"O-oh! Uh yeah I mean if you don't mind." He chuckled nervously, feeling more embarrassed of what he thought she was asking him. Embarrassment mixed with disappointment.
Her face lit up as she smiled. "Oh that's great Leo I have a few things planned we can do together tomorrow, though I wont tell you cause I want it to be a surprise." She winked at him raising her index finger.
Everything she kept doing made his heart race.
"Oh okay, I look forward to it." He tried giving her a soft smile, keeping his eyes on hers as not to stare down south.
Both gave their good nights as Fluttershy left his room, soon entering her's she closed the door behind her, later leaning against it. Her thought were swimming as she contemplated on their day tomorrow. Time with Leo just both of them, why was she feeling so flustered, so flushed. He hasn't looked the same ever since the fight with the griffon. He doesn't look as timid and his body has certainly toned quite a bit. She began to wonder if she should check on him tonight to see if he needed any comfort. 'That's right comfort...' She thought as her hand rested on the door's surface, clenching her fingers in place. Eventually she sighed and shook her head. "No I can't, It's wrong that I do something like that as he sleep. Besides, he seems more self reliant." She drew herself away from her door, waling over to her bed and getting underneath her covers, lying face down as she stared at her night stand in the dark of her room. "I...I can't be feeling like this, I shouldn't. Should I?" She pondered her thoughts over and over again until her eyes became droopy and her mind numb which eventually drifted her into a sound slumber.
The night sailed gently as the dim moon light loomed over Fluttershy. Breathing softly as the air escaped her lips. She was then awakened by the sound of her door clicking and creaking open. 'Huh? Who's there?' She thought as she did not moved but tried seeing who it was bu turning her eye as best she could.
A dark figure stood at her door way, staring at her from the door, her hear raced in fear as she stared at a possible intruder. The figure entered her domain and closed the door behind him. His foot steps silent but his presence loud. The figure climbed on her bed as he felt his weight in her mattress.
She let out a silent whimper as her eyes began to water, she could try calling out to Leo but would he reach her in time?
She then felt this figure pull the blanket off her gently. She hugged her pillow tight as the intruder would soon be revealed by the moon light on her.
He straddled her, his identity now known.
Her eyes shot wide open at the sight.
It was Leo!
And he wasn't wearing his boxers, he was full on naked on top her. She hugged her pillow more as her wings began to involuntary rise.
'L-Leo what're you doing?' She said in thought as though if he could hear her.
Leo just stared at her rump, he then proceeded as he slipped his fingers under the waist band and pulled them off leaving her exposed. She silently gasped as she bit her pillow to repress any noise.
She stared at what he was about to do next, feeling a fleshy pole between her legs, her eyes wide as she bit her pillow hard, her face red as Applajcks apples.
She felt her walls reluctantly give way to the intruder inside her as she tried her best not to scream.
Feeling his pelvis contact with her butt, jiggling a bit she felt him retract then thrust into her again, this cycle was repeated as her wings were now erect and there was much drool on her pillow.
"I know you're awake Fluttershy." Leo said. Her eyes shot wide open as her wings flapped in place, causing a gust of wind to sway a few objects in the living room.
"L-Leo...! Wh-why are you--" Before she could finish she felt Leo's hand around her neck, bringer her up to him as her back was against his chest. She gasped as Leo pumped into her faster, her moans came choked out, staring at the ceiling with ecstasy. She then felt Leo thrust his face into her neck with her hair in between. He took a big smell at her as Fluttershy moaned louder at how lewd his actions were.
He released her neck and both of his hands reached for her tank top, ripping it apart as he breasts splayed out freely, her pink nipples erect.
"Ah Leo! I! I! I had no idea you--"
"Yes you did! I see the way you look at me and the way you act around me. You fucking wanted this!" He said growling as he groped her breasts earning a louder moan, leaning against him more as he tweaked her sensitive nipples.
"Ah Clelestia! Yes! Yes I wanted this for quite sometime! I...uh! ah! Just didn't think you wanted to be with someone outside your species!" She yelled through ecstasy moans as her hand caressed his black hair.
"Well then..." He stopped thrusting as he grabbed her chin and turned her to face him. He piercing brown eyes meeting her wide aqua colored orbs. "...let's explore that together."
Not letting her reply he thrust his mouth to hers, she muffled in surprise before pressing back into the amorous kiss, closing her eyes as she gave herself in to him and into the night.
Luna's ethereal form loomed over Fluttershy as he hugged her pillow with a smile on her face, a bit of drool trailing down her mouth.
"So, Fluttershy carries romantic affection for this ape more than she knew." She said her arms crossed as she examined her, she swiped her hand in the air as she transcended to Leo. Watching him laying in bed splayed out as he snored, his hand over his head.
"I fail to see why she finds him...attractive." She said ignoring his new body features. "But I do see why Twilight finds him interesting, especially as she reported him getting stronger. And that's after every near death fight." She hummed in thought as her hair blew in the none existent wind.
"Prepare yourself ape, as we have arrived back to our homeland and we shall see if either Flutterhy's claim of you is correct, or if Twilight's statements hold true." She said to him as her form slowly vanished from the air.
Author's Note
The town was lively as the festival to celebrate the birth of the town was bringing everyone high in their spirits. Applejack selling her a lot of her apple products, selling at high demands for her apple fritters and pies. Leo insisted on helping for the extra money for his high medical debt but she insisted that she spend the day with Fluttershy like he promised her.
She saw...no she felt her being drawn to Leo. Her wings fluttering when they made contact, her subtle blushes and how she fidgets her hands whilst looking away. But what really gave it away was how her tail flickered as she was subtly trying not to lean against Leo.
Applejack smiled at the thought of the two becoming an item. It would be quite fitting seeing as how she saved her many times. She understood why she was being drawn to him.
Applejack felt her face heat up as she remembered how he saved her too when they first met.
She knows that she and her brother are stronger than him, but never has she met someones taking on a pack of Timber wolves with their bare fists and unrelenting passion alone. Despite him putting down a pack alone she still knew she and her brother were still stronger than him.
That was until a few days ago in Twilight's home...
"Applejack it's right there for you to see! Look at that!" Twilight gestured to the dead griffin type man with combed in hair with a scorched hole in his chest on the table. His face a peaceful death sleep.
Applejack and Rarity stood by the autopsy table, rarity nearly vomiting in her mouth.
Rainbow Dash staring with a stoic face but unsettled deep in her core.
Even with the proof before Applejack, she still couldn't believe Leo did this with his bare hands. Not only that but now his magical pulse is finally synchronizing to their atmosphere and did this burning assault puncturing this death blow in the griffin's now crisped heart.
Even the huge melted hole into the earth of Leo's blood in a jar was enough to make her blood run cold. She didn't know his blood could do that. At least not before. He wasn't even able to use fire as a weapon.
But then what Twilight mentioned, her being a gifted unicorn with higher senses.
Each fight.
Each near death.
Each burst of anger made him stronger and stronger. She could almost see her fear in her eyes.
Then the questioned directed at her as Twilight gave her a serious look.
"What're you going to do when he gets even stronger then? I know you like him but is he's left unchecked what are we gonna do when?"
"If it's all the same to you dear I rather we use the elements on him. He far too dangerous to leave alone, the more he fights the stronger he becomes. He must be set in stone. "
"Rarity you're being way too hasty! He saved the town from a murderer! And you say we should pay back by turning on him!?" Applejack clenched her fists, her green eyes shot up in anger.
"Applejack listen to reason! He just can't be left to roam free! He could hurt innocent and I do not want my dear sister being harmed by this thing!"
"Rainbow Dash what do ya think? You were there when he risked his tail to save ours from this griffin, you saw first hand what he was willing to do for all of us!"
"Well I..."
"You saw first hand what he capable of!"
"I mean..."
"He saved Fluttershy!"
"He killed a hoard of diamond dogs!"
This point Rainbow Dash reached her patience's limit.
"SHADDUP!!!" Shew shouted as her wings shot open knocking a few tools and jars on the floor. Her body rose and fell to the pace of her breathing as she stared at the tree angry.
"I don't feel like saying what should happen to this guy for what he can do or what he's done! I just know that he saved us okay? Therefor he's good in my book."
"Are you vouching for him Rainbow Dash?" Twilight questioned.
Rainbow Dash visibly flinched at the question. If she said yes then she'd be taking sides. But if she said yes then He'd be marking Leo's image as bad. She didn't want to do that to someone that nearly died to save everyone to show he was good.
She was put on the spot, and she didn't want to do the wrong thing. She clenched the collar of her black tank top and closed her eyes pondering.
"Yeah, I am." She opened her eyes, her rose rimmed eyes serious. "He might be dangerous but he's good inside...I've seen it. He almost died to save Fluttershy. That's good enough for me."
Twilight's stare was un-amused. She sighed in defeat as she walked past her.
"Alright, you two win, but know that I've already informed Princess Celestia. So the terms of his fate are up to her and her sister. Remember that when your decision becomes void by her."
"When? You sound so sure that she'll judge him negatively." Applejack crossed her arms.
"I'm just stating the facts. Come on Rarity let's leave." Twilight beckoned as rarity followed suit.
Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood in the room with the dead body in silence. Both exchanged glances, not a word said as their words could affect the life of Leo. They did what they thought was right in their hearts, they could only hope that the princess could see reason despite Leo's misleading surface.
She still wonders what will happen when the sisters arrive and what they will do to their new friend. Maybe now that he has citizen ship they will show some form of mercy to him. She could only hope.
Leo has more than proven himself to this town. He has proven himself to her. He was truly selfless when it come down to the situation. She was then snapped out of her deep thoughts as she saw a customer trying to get her attention, she shook her head as she turned her attention to the person in front of her and saw it was Lyra Heart Strings.
"Oh! sorry sugar, I was kinda lost in thought." She smiled embarrassingly, her cheeks flush.
"That's okay, how is your stand doing Applejack?" Lyra asked, her smile soft.
"Great, I've been making record sales for my apple pies this year! I'll have more bits than I even know what to do with!"
"Oh! Are you going to put that in your savings?" She asked.
"Actually..." Applejack looked to her left and right before leaning in, prompting Lyra to lean in which she did. "...between you and me I'm splitting a bit on the side from my profits and adding it to a secret savings for Leo's huge hospital depth."
Lyra almost flinched at what she had said. She heard about how the hospital had the nerve to charge Leo that insane amount of money after saving everyone from being butchered.
It couldn't be helped though. She sighed and nodded. "I'm happy t hear you say that. Not for the sake of paying his dept mind you. But to know there are others who truly care for him." She smiled.
This reminded Applejack of something.
"So uh, what was that all about at the party?" She asked leaning towards her nonchalantly.
"What was what?" She asked confused.
"I say that stare down you had with Fluttershy. There were more sparks flying than the summer festival fire works." She chuckled.
Lyra was taken back at this as she lowered her gaze and her cheeks flushed red.
"It's not what you think Applejack I just wanted to see if he was okay, I did see him crying." She defended but the element of harmony wasn't buying it.
"I'd believe ya, but may I ask why you were heading in whilst giving your own gaze to Fluttershy's infamous stare? I ain't never seen anyone stand up to her gaze before. It even sent the biggest of dragons buckling their knees." She tipped her hat upward waiting for what lie Lyra would come up with next to defend her false case.
She had nothing to say as she grew even redder and redder at how she was being exposed not just to Applejack, but to herself. She was starting to realize how Leo was making her feel. She brought her balled fists to her chest, and on contact she could feel her heart beating like Vinyl's bass equipment. Her gold eyes softened as she remembered when he held his hand in comfort when she invited him for lemonade and sandwiches. She remembered how rough his hands felt against her smooth skin. How her fingers interlocked with his.
She shook her head, forcing herself out of her day dream, she noticed how Applejack was smiling smugly at her.
"I-! Uh-! Have to go!!!" She stammered before running off down the cobble stone street to find Bon-bon.
Applejack held her smile shaking her as she grabbed and apple from behind her stand, polishing it against her chest. "Leo you're unique nature is snaring the hearts of a few people you know in this small town." She brought the apple to her face taking in it's rich scent. "Might have even caught mine." She grinned before taking a big wet bite into the fruit, the juices squirting all over her face as her eyes shot open in surprise. "Whoops got carried away." She said as the juices tricked down her face on to her chest. Catching the surprise of a few stallion men staring absent minded.
In Fluttershy's living room Spike the young teen dragon stared mindlessly into space with a bored look. He heard footsteps from the stairs and saw Leo wearing putting on his grey sweater. "Hey Leo." Spike said. "Do me a solid and get me a cold lemonade from the fridge."
Leo stopped and stared at Spike fro a moment before nodding. "Okaaay...but you owe me a solid."
"Yeah bro that's how solids work." Spike waved his hand with little care as Leo went into he kitchen.
Leo and Spike were now sitting at the kitchen table both reading comics Spike had brought.
"Spike do me a solid and turn this page." Leo asked.
"Do me a solid and dry my hands."
Spike asked after he exited the bathroom, his hands soeaked and wet.
Now on the porch, both sitting on porch chairs with pillows.
"Do me a solid and fluff this pillow." Leo asked.
"Do me a solid and sharpen my pencil." Spike asked as he was doodling on his sketch book.
"Fold these socks." Leo asked as they were now in his room.
"CHEESE these nachos." Spike said as they were both now at the town's convenience store. The store clerk watched disgruntled as he saw the two chuckling like idiots as they put way to much cheese on the nachos.
Both were now at the park strolling together with a box full of seeping cheese dripping on the ground.
They then notice Pinkie Pie call out to them
"Yohoo! Leo! Spike!"
She was accompanied by Lemon Pop; her human form was that of a white skinned, yellowed eyed, brown haired woman with what seemed to be a subtle bitter look on her face as she gave the two boys a careless glance, she then noticed the dripping box of gooey cheese, cringing at the sight.
"You two maybe want some chips with that cheese." She asked, both Leo and Spike stared at the box, it was leaking with and excessive amount of cheese in spike's hands.
"Oh yeah I guess we overdid it with the cheese HUAH!!!" Spike grunted as she chucked the box full of cheese into a defenseless tree, making a huge splashy tooting sound on impact. Cheese splattered against the bark and the grass surrounding it.
Pinkie, Spike and Leo all chuckled like idiots. Lemon Pop shook her head as she thought whom was going to clean up this mess.
Author's Note
Writer's block from recent situations
Fluttershy examined herself one last time before she decided she was ready to go. She exhaled deeply as she was hoping she would look decent enough for her outing with Leo.
Her green lace tank top exposing her belly, her pink skirt thigh high like that of a Japanese manga school girl, her snadles straps with pink flowers on said straps.
"You can do this Fluttershy" She said before breathing deeply and made her way down from her room, grabbing her purse from the coffee table and opening the door.
She stopped though as she felt a furry grip on her ankle.
She saw Angel not wanting her to go through with this. Fluttershy sighed as she was disappointed at how Angel has not yet grown to like Leo.
She kneeling down and gave him a gentle pat.
"Angel you have to stop this. I know you still don't like him but he's done so much for this town." She stood up and closed her eyes. "For me." She whispered before turning and exiting her home. Angel watched her close the door behind her, his ear dropping as his arms crossed in a disapproval.
"Oh man that's awesome!" Leo said as he bit into a grilled hayburger. "I can't taste the difference!" He swallowed and drank a bottle of apple soda.
"Yeah, I never get tired of these things." Spike said as he crumpled up the wrapper and tossed it in a garbage basket.
Pinkie Pie sneaked behind Leo as she grabbed his shoulders. "If you think that's good. You should try one of AppleJack's Festival pies! They're ssooooooo good!" She said.
"Ah! Pinkie! Easy there, I'm still kinda sore from the you know what." Leo whispered the last part.
"Oh right! Sorry. But really you gotta try her pies they're awesome!" She said as she grabbed his hand and pulled him away."
"Ay! Pinkie easy!" Leo said as he was dragged by the flamboyant girl.
"Hey wait for me!" Spike said as he followed the two.
In the boutique Rarity had finished her final order before sighing and picking up her purse. "Sweety Belle are you ready to go?" she called out to her sister.
"I'm coming Rarity!" She said before coming down the steps in her attire of black pants and a frilly purple top.
"Come along Sweety Belle I do not want to be late."
"The festival won't end for a while so I think we have plenty of time." She said.
"Oh that's not it dear sister."She said smiling."
"Huh? Then what is it?"
"Oh it's a surprise." She said with what seemed to be half feigned excitement.
Sweety Belle could only shrug as she shook of what her sister meant, they both headed out the door before something sparking around Rarity's neck caught her attention. Her eyes widened as she saw the giant ruby embedded in gold around her neck. She soon realized what she meant and did not like where this was going to go.
Applejack sighed as she wiped sweat from her forehead, cooling herself off with her stetson hat. "Oooh, nelly! Hot as the dickens here."
He was shirtless with jeans on, his body built like and athlete. The women of the town stared as his sister sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Big Mac can't you wear a darn shirt?" She asked.
"Nope." He simply said as he went back to get another basket of apples for the stand.
She sighed and shook her head. "That Big Mac." She drank her soda again until the sight of Pinkie Spike and Leo was in her sights. She smiled as they walked over to her. "Howdy yall!" She said.
"Hey A.J. Can Leo try one of your famous pies? I told him all about it and he couldn't help but come!"
"Actually you dragged me here." Leo mumbled as he looked over to AppleJack.
She smiled at him and from what she was wearing he had to look away.
"Hey boss, how's the stand doing?"
"Great, this year I used grandma's secret recipe sells have been boosting that I had to ask Big Mac to bring more apple from the orchard." She stated proudly.
"Nice! Pretty soon you'll be living the high life."
She shook her head at that. "Sorry but living rich ain't my family's way. We much rather work than lounge around with expensive items and pretend we're better than anyone else.
Leo nodded. "Very humble AppleJack, that's what I always liked about you."
She couldn't help but blush at that. "Really? Aw thanks sugar cube."
Leo quirked is brow at her sudden change of mood, his attention was then brought to Big mac eyeing him as he set another basket of apples down. His eyes narrowed.
'Holy crap! He's built like a tank!' He thought.
His attention was caught once more as Rarity called out to them along with her sister.
'Oh balls I rather deal with the tank than the snobby bitch.' He groaned internally before Applejack tried to sweeten his mood with a slice of pie he took in his hands. 'What does she want anyways.'
"Spike are you ready?" She asked.
"Yup I'm definitely ready!" He said.
"What? Ready for what?" Leo asked.
"You didn't tell him?" Pinkie asked in confusion.
"Tell me what?" Leo asked.
"Oh right! I forgot to tell Leo during his time in his coma."
"Common what is it already" Leo was starting to get impatient.
Spike walked over to Rarity, taking her hand in his as they were both now facing him.
"We're going out on a date! Isn't it amazing?" Spike said with joy.
At that moment Leo's body numb as the world slowed down before him. The sinking feeling in his gut nearly taking a toll on him.
"What...?" Was all he could utter.
Pinkie, Spike and Applejack knew that look he had. That sudden shock crushing over him like before. Applejack wasn't sure what to do about this. Spike was like his little brother and he was dating the second person Leo hated most in the group.
Someone then called out to Leo snapping him out of his trance.
He turned and he was overcome with a new feeling. His eyes widened, his heart skipped a beat, time slwing even more as he saw Fluttershy heading towards them like in one o those romantic comedy movies. Her glistened in the sun as it flowed through the air majestically. Her movement graceful as he breast bounced lightly.
"Leo! I'm here now!" She said as she stopped before him.
His breaths were paused as his yes were on hers. Her smile mounting his negative emotions from earlier. Her looks was like that of the girl next door.
And she was talking to him.
"Leo?" She asked.
Leo shook his head and snapped out of it once again. "Oh uh! yeah I'm ready to go." He turned around to see Spike and Rarity now gone.
'Dammit Spike no!' He then sighed as he faced Applejack. "Boss can you wrap this for me? I'll come back to pick it up after."
A little hurt he didn't try her famous pie, especially with the secret recipe, she kept her front on as she nodded taking the plate from his hand and wrapping it in tin foil. "You go have fun with Fluttershy sugar cube. Heaven knows you deserve a good time." she winked at him.
"Thanks A.J. you're the best." Leo leaned over the stand counter and gave her a hug. Her scent was that of natural apples that smelled so ripe and good, she hugged back, giving him a rub and a pat on the back. They both let go as Leo made his way to Fluttershy. "Shall we?" Leo asked.
She smiled and made a bold move as she wrapped her arms around his. "Let's" She said.
Leo's body and heart were almost like a deer at headlights. He steeled himself as he placed his free hand on hers and said with the upmost confidence. "Let's have a good time." He said as they both walked off together, almost like a couple. At this point they might as well be.
Applejack watched the two head out as she leaned on the counter, her hand supporting her chin. Letting out a sigh with a frown etched on her face.
Pinkie poked her getting her attention. She saw her with her hands interlocked and pursed her lips making a kissey sound.
"Hey Applejack." She said with a bad impression of Leo. "Let's buck some apple together~ Mwah mwah!" She teased.
Applejack only smiled as she punched her arm lightly. "Shut up." She said playfully. Though she couldn't help but feel a chance slip away from her.
Both Leo and Fluttershy had been enjoying their time together with the many treats and games the festival had to offer. Leo tried his luck at the 'Test your strength hammer game.' Winning the game at third best he received at cute little monkey plush doll with a banana in his hand. He offered it to Fluttershy as she took it with vigor and joy. Wrapping her arms around his neck as he spun her gently around. Townsfolk subtly staring at the two.
They then made their way to a giant bulky man with a horned helmet and a long gruff braided beard. His stand was that of frozen delicacies from Yakistan. "Welcome young ones, I have a special offer to day. Half off for couples." He said.
Both paused as they wanted to correct him, though what they have been doing was really couple like. Fluttershy held her monkey plush doll to her chest tightly. Her other hand free.
Leo stared for a moment before gently taking her free hand in his. She lightly jolted from the contact, she looked at him and he looked back. Blushing heavily she gripped his hand and leaned into him.
"Yeah." Leo said smiling. "We'll take the special."
Fluttershy closed her eyes and snuggled against him a bit. Loving how everything just came together.
They both now sat in at a table together having their 'Avalanche of love special sundae'. They both hardly held back from each other anymore as Fluttershy scooped up a piece of minty vanilla ice cream with a slice of banana and brought it up to Leo's mouth. Leo accepting as he hummed at how good it was. He returned the favor by scooping up the strawberry parts with the cherry. She smiled as she gladly accepted and clamped down with her lips gently and pulled back slowly.
The Yak man looking over the two, smiling gently. "What a nice couple." He said.
They were both now at the lake of the town sitting on a bench as they leaned against each other. She held his arm tight along with her plush. She gazed at Leo as he gazed back. Is attention was then removed from her as he looked over his right. He broke from her embrace, Fluttershy catching herself before falling, looking to see what caught his attention.
She saw him scoop up a small featherless baby bird that fell from its nest. Keeping his hand cupped he looked up and saw the nest, climbing with only one hand he made it to the branch the nest was one. Placing the baby bird gently back with its siblings with no harm.
Seeing all this made her blush grow and her heart thump more. He was so kind and gentle like she always knew he was.
He then made his way back to her, sitting on the bench with her once again. "Sorry about that Shy, I heard it cry and had to help it."
She didn't answer, she just hugged him and buried her face in his chest.
"Woah!" Leo said. "Fluttershy..."
"I always knew your were kind and gentle." She whispered.
Leo paused in place before wrapping his arms around her. "You were the first to give me a chance Fluttershy, you have no idea how grateful I am for that." He said as he took in her pink lemonade scent from her hair.
She then gazed up at him as he did her.
Their eyes were locked as though in a dreamlike trance. She felt his hot breath on her as he felt her soft skin on his rough hands. The feeling coming over both of them to much to bare at this point. Fluttershy had waited for this moment for such a long time. Her desires finally coming to fruition. As well as Leo's, never having felt this before of another having genuine interest on him like this. Especially so beautiful and kind. Their faces came closer, her bright aqua eyes in contact with his coffee brown eyes, their lips were inches away. Ready to make their relation official.
But then they stopped as once again a voice called out.
"Hey!" Shouted a female tomboyish voice that sounded like Rainbow Dash's. Both looked over their shoulders and saw a girl with short white hair with very light purple streaks. Her eyes yellow, her body toned as she had a little bit of muscle going on. She wore a brown leather tank top with the edges lined with feathers. Almost the same with her brown tight leather pants with boots on. Her hands guarded with leather vambraces also with feathers as said hands were on her hips as she flicked her lion tail, her wings also flicking. "Are you the monkey called Leo?!" She demanded.
Leo was confused as to who this was and how she knew him, he felt Fluttershy shrink in her seat as she remembered how she treated her the first time they met. Leo furrowed his brows as he looked back at the griffin girl.
"And you are...?" He asked.
"Gilda, that's my name." She pressed her thumb on her chest. "I been looking for your sorry ass!"
"Why? Do I owe you money or something?" He asked.
"You know what you did!" She shouted. "Word is you killed one of my kind! A good guy too!" She said.
Leo was lost for a moment till he realized what she meant. Leo swore under his breath as he stood from the bench, away from Fluttershy in case things went south, he didn't want her to get hurt.
"Leo!" She said about to get up.
"Fluttershy stay back, I just wanna talk to to her." He said calmly. "Look, if you heard about that rumor then you know why I did it."
"Yeah because you're some crazy ape everyone talks about! Taking out Timber wolves and Diamond dogs." She spat on the ground. "You don't look tough to me!" She punched her open palm and popped her knuckles.
"Wait! I don't wanna fight!" Leo held his hand up.
"Then get ready for a world of hurt!" Her wings swung open as she took off the ground bolting towards Leo. To slow to react, he received a hard kick in his stomach. Taking him off the ground as she literally kicked him to the other side of the lake. Leo landing on a bench shattering under the impact.
"Leo!" Fluttershy called out as she flew over to the other side in her vain attempt to save him.
Leo groaned as he tried to get up, only to have his face gripped by Gilda's hand as she dragged him, flying at high speeds, pining his head to the ground with force dragging him along the dirt.
On top of the city hall's tip of the tower was the woman from Japony. She stood with elegance as the wind blew past her, her hair dancing along with the top of her kimono. She wore her straw hat as she played a somber tune with her flute. She looked over at everything Leo has done with the pink haired girl. From their merriment to the attack from the griffon girl.
She stopped as she put her flute away, gripping the hilt of her katana.
"No Satsujin-han..."She said as she drew her sword, it shimmered in the sun. Thirsty for blood . "...you will not take this life today." She said as she jumped from where she was. Building to building over to the fight. Her heart ready and her will strong as she would end this ape's life for her friend's murder. "This day...YOU WILL DIE!!!"
Rainbow Dash was up high relaxing on her favorite cloud above Ponyville, drinking her favorite drink she waited in line for so long for, she could never get to it before the apple family ran out. But this time she was prudent for once and set her alarm for early morning and had her belly filled with what she had saved up to buy more than one bottle. She belched a bit as she had her arms behind her back and her legs crossed.
"Ahh...I love this time of year." Great food, drinks and games. I'm really lucky I was born here in this awesome country."
Her moment of calm however was overshadowed, her ears shot up, she heard a loud crash coming from below.
She peeked over her cloud and her eyes widened, she saw that over by the lake Gilda was clobbering Leo as she flew dragging Leo along thew dirt and pinning his head in the soil, repeating this with utter brutality.
"What the buck!? Why's Gilda clobbering Leo?" It then dawned on her on why and relaxed a bit. "Oh, that's why." She saw that Gilda was not relenting, She felt like she needed to jump and help him. But after how she made her feel when he broke out of Twilight's basement she reconsidered.
"Hmph, serves you right."
Before she could relax again she heard Fluttershy's voice cry out to Leo. she quickly turned around and saw she was approaching the tussle. If she was going to do what Rainbow thought she was going to do then there's no question that Gilda would hurt her.
Her wings shot up and she bolted it towards her. She had to stop her.
"Dammit Fluttershy he's not worth it!" She shouted.
"Ugh! Ah! Gah!" Was all Leo could let out as Gilda bashed his head against the dirt, making a small crater with his head.
"You piece of trash! Killing my kind like those weak everfree monsters for your sick thrill! I'm gonna hit it you till I can it you anymore!!!" She picked up her pace and force in bashing his head. Leo gritting his teeth trying his hardest not to lose consciousness.
"Stop it!"
Gilda heard a shout from behind as she looked over her shoulder. Her irises shrunk as she spotted one of the people she loathed.
"You..." She released her grip on Leo's head, landing with a thud.
She stood to her full height and faced her.
"Leave him alone." Fluttershy sternly demanded her fist and knees shaking just a bit from anger and fear.
"Why don't you make me then?" She placed her hands on her hips. Prompting her to approach.
Fluttershy didn't move, but neither did she falter from fear as she stood her ground. "I don't want to fight Gilda but I will if it means you stop." Her stare dug deep but Gilda showed no intent of complying with her commands.
She smirked. "What are you gonna use on me? The power of friendship?" She mocked as as she kicked a tuft a dirt at her, it hitting her shin.
Fluttershy narrowed her eyes as she reached for her necklace with her insignia. She held it tight as it glowed within her grip. Gilda's confidence was hit as she saw this. She never remembered using this before on her. What was it.
With a brighter flash Gilda was blinded for the moment, after she saw Fluttershy with a weapon in hand. A Bow made of gold like branches coiling around the green glass and the string silver.
"What the heck is that supposed to be?!" She yelled angrily.
Fluttershy then pulled the string as green glowing leaves formed coming together to fora glowing arrow.
"This." she simply said as she let go and the arrow bolted towards Gilda.
With Gilda's griffin reflexes she blocked it with her left forearm, the arrow disintegrated like water on contact. Gilda's smile came back as she laughed.
"Oh wow think I felt an itch there." She pointed on were the arrow hit and scratched mockingly.
"Actually you won't feel anything." Fluttershy said.
This took Gilda off guard as she did not know what she meant. Until her arm felt tingly and lost feeling, and before she knew her limb went limp.
She panicked at this as she couldn't mover her arm. "W-what did you do!?" She shouted.
Fluttershy didn't respond, she just stared coldly at her.
Gilda growled as she gave a powerful flap of her wing and charged or was about to until she felt a force connect with her jaw. She was sent flying as she hit a tree, then landing hard on the dirt ground. She tried lifting her head up to see who it was, but her blurry vision could only see the rainbow on someone.
"Dash..." She whispered as a tear left her eye.
Rainbow Dash panted as sweat trickled down her body. Her black tank top soaked from the combine sweat. She looked over to a shocked Fluttershy and smiled.
"See that? That was yours truly." She said with a bigger smile.
Fluttershy ran to her direction, Rainbow dash still smiling and rolling her eyes as she held her arms out expecting a hug.
But she din't get it. Fluttershy just zipped past her watching kneel next to Leo as she placed his head on her lap.
"Oh." Rainbow's smile faded at this seeing how she was completely ignored.
"Leo! Leo are you alright!?" Fluttershy shouted like a worried mother.
"Ugh...Yea, just a bump on the head." He joked as he lifted himself up with her help.
"Leo are you sure you should be standing?" She asked.
"Yea I can stand, just need some ice." He said as he rubbed his head. He saw Rainbow Dash with her arms crossed barely giving him a glance.
"Hey..." Leo said.
"What?"
"Thanks." He simply said.
Rainbow's eyes widened a pink hue formed on her cheeks. "Shut up! It's not like I wanted to save you! I did it for her." She pointed at Fluttershy as she laughed at her reaction.
"Thanks anyway. I really do appreciate it." He said as Fluttershy helped him over to her.
"Whatever." She said not looking at them.
Leo shook it head and smiled at her. His eyes widened however as he felt a chill up his spine. Shoving Fluttershy off onto the ground, Dash saw this and yelled.
"What the buck do you think you--!!" She felt Leo's foot on her chest as she got knocked down as well.
Looking up at Leo with anger she felt a gush of wind push suddenly, seeing Leo scream in pain as he was pushed forward. Blood spurting from his back.
He put force on his stance as not to fall on Rainbow Dash. She stared at his face with shock as sh saw him gritting his teeth eyes in pain as he kept himself from falling.
He forced himself to turn around to meet the attacker.
And he saw her.
Her long black flat hair, with a straw kasa hat over her head flowing with the wind around her. Her skin was pale white in contrast to her midnight hair color and tail. Over her skin the black kimono with gold linings on it, the edges of her kimono where that of red petals crimson as though they were painted in blood. She wore woodened sandals on her feet. She wore white bandages over her bosom, her torso was bare and the top of her kimono hung back. She held her blade in hand as wind twirled around he blade like snakes.
Her red eyes like daggers staring down at him.
"Who are you?!" He shouted, trying to mask the pain from the strike on his back, Dash saw this in horror as blood trickled down.
She tilted her head up to better make eye contact.
"I am Kazeyoru! Second born of the Wind clan and wielder of Makaze!" She pointed her katana at him. Introduce yourself satsujin-sha!" She demanded.
As Leo try to keep his composure he couldn't help but wonder if she came out of an anime.
"It's Leo...Leonardo Zararte!"
Kazeyoru could only narrow her eyes as she looked over his shoulder. 'So...his ancestor follows him. That is how he must've have beaten Windtyde. And from the looks so if it is very identical to Mexicolt...no....Azcolt warrior culture with that Jaguar helmet and pelt his ancestor wears. Fierce warriors of the agile stealth beast that fight like ninjas and samurai combined. I must be prudent or I may meet the same fate.'
"Ape! I have come to avenge my friend Windtyde and save that griffon you are trying to dispatch!" She yelled. "By my hand you shall fall!" She then bolted at him her kaza hat flying off. her long ponytail wiping on the wind.
Leo eyes widened in shock as she saw her holding her blade at and angle to cut in in half. And instinct took over him though, new yet familiar and ancient.
His body jumped over the blade as his back arched over her sword. Barely hitting him as he felt the wind of the weapon. Her eyes connected to his at that moment as her swing sent said wind over to the trees, cutting a dozen of them cleanly as they all fell.
Leo landed on his feet barley composing himself as Kazeyoru spun around to face him again.
They stared each other down both not willing to submit.
'How is that possible! My Makaze should have been too fast for him to see, yet he dodged it with ease! No doubt he IS channeling his ancestors.' She gripped her blade hard as she bit her lip. Her red eyes darted to her right as she swung beyond speed of the hands of a pegasus. Two glowing arrows shattered as she saw the perpetrator. Fluttershy with her hair disheveled and panting with her bow in hand. Kazeyoru pointed her blade at Fluttershy.
"Stay your hand insect! Less you like to be on the receiving end of Makaze!"
Fluttershy flapped her wings, picking herself up and creating distance between them.
"I won't let you hurt him!" She yelled.
"Then you will die!" She readied her blade.
"No!" Leo shouted.
Kazeyoru looked over to Leo, his face full of worry. An idea hatched in her mind and smiled before looking over to Fluttershy.
"Taste my cold hard steel!" She yelled as she was about to make a swing at Fluttershy.
As she predicted Leo was charging her at full speed, to fast to stop.
"Die." She said as she swung her blade at Leo's direction.
Leo's eyes widened in shock, but like before something guided him. He sidestepped over the wind slash cutting through the ground and continued his charge but his right arm glowing an orange red as the sleeves burned his entire arm now a glowing fire.
Kazeyoru was shocked by this as she jumped back and used her blade as a shield. Both jumped over Rainbow Dash as Leo thrust his fist. The fiery knuckles clashing with the wind written blade. Both elements clashing with such violence it pushed Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash back feeling the hot winds.
Rainbow got up and ran towards Fluttershy. "We gotta go and get the others! We two of us can't take her alone!"
"No! We can help Leo together if we give him support!"
"Look at that!" Dash pointed as Leo's fists and Kazeyoru's blade clashed. "He can handle this! Now let's go!" She grabbed her arm but Fluttershy pulled away.
"No I'm staying here!"
Rainbow Dash sighed as she shook her head. "I'll apologize later." She said. Fluttershy looked at her confused before feeling Rainbow's fist on her abdomen. Her pupils faded as she lost consciousness and he bow disappearing. Rainbow held her in her arms as her wings flapped and she took off wit her. Before leaving she looked over her shoulder. "Don't you dare die on her you hear me!?" She shouted.
At the festival Spike was with Rarity both on with their date as they seemed to be having a good time. Or at least Spike was.
"This has been so great hasn't it Rarity?" Spike asked looking up at her.
"Mmm, yes quite." She simply said as she licked her ice cream no showing much interest.
He saw that she was wearing his giant ruby on her. And couldn't help but feel glee.
"I'm glad you finally gave me a chance Rarity." He said.
At that Rarity furrowed her brows at bit and nodded looking off to the side. "Yes well I just saw how much of a gentleman you were." She forced a smile.
Before Spike could continue Rainbow Dash landed before them with and unconscious Fluttershy.
"Oh heavens! What has happened to Fluttershy Rainbow Dash?! What did that filthy ape do to her!?" Rarity shrieked.
"Rarity it wasn't him! some bitch from Japony came in and wanted to kill him! I think it's about that griffin guy."
"Oh damn it all! I knew he was nothing but trouble! Where is he?"
"Fighting her as we speak, we got to get the others now!" She said.
"Why? Why not let the Japonese woman deal with him." Rarity said.
Spike couldn't help but reel back at that.
Rainbow dash gritted her teeth as she go in her face. "Rarity if you don't help I swear I'm gonna trash your dresses at your store right now!!!" She yelled.
Rarity was taken aback at his and was too shocked to move. she composed herself finally before putting Fluttershy's arm over her shoulders.
"Fine then..." She said bitterly.
"Good, now help me get the others." Rainbow dash said as they headed off, completely forgetting Spike was there as usual.
Spike looked over his shoulder and saw that the fight was not to far away. He turned heel and ran over to him.
"Leo, Your'e were the only one who believed in me! I'm coming!" He said.
Leo was sent skidding back as his back hit a tree. He then dodged a swing from Kazeyoru's sword that assaulted the bark. He swung his leg back hard, making contact as it sent Kazeyoru flying back but flipped backwards and caught herself landing.
Both panted as blood and sweat trickled from them from the inflicted damages they caused each other.
Leo's shirt was almost gone as Kazeyoru's band aids were blood stained and torn.
"Damn you ape you will fall!" She yelled as she held her blade in front of her with both hands, the wind around her body bursting up into the air.
'Jeez she's really just like out of an anime! She's even got the Ki thing going on around her.' His body throbbed in pain but did not show it.'How am I gonna beat her now? She's charging up and I'm using most of my strength to stand!' His panting began to slow and he sighed. 'Well hell..."ya me chinge".' He thought.
Then a feeling came over him again as he felt an old yet familiar power surging through him. His chest burning as his arms burned brighter and hotter. Fire then erupted around him just like Kazeyoru's wind, with both their hairs being pulled up by the force. His eyes glowing a red orange. Suddenly he a grip on his shoulder, he looked over and his eyes shot up as he saw a jaguar warrior.
His body built like the perfect masculine warrior he was, his brown eyes showing a long life lived of warrior experience. Speaking in Leo's original native tongue of the people;Nahuatl.
"'Don't ever give up young cub.'" His voice boomed in his ears with no uncertainty and no fear just decisiveness before he disappeared before him. Leo was shocked but calmed, letting this settle in.
In his heart he felt sure and true now as he faced Kazeyoru. Her face too filled with determination .
"Do you really think the ancient power of your ancestors can compare to my noble lineage satsujin-sha!" She shouted and got into a ready stance to charge.
Leo then held his hands open and wide as he flexed his fingers and pressed into his palms, the way it looked to her was like Shina's (China) tiger style. But his was of the jaguar as he got into his stance of his ancestor's martial arts.
Yaomachtia
"That's a question you should find out yourself Kazeyoru." He said with a tone of voice of a warrior like many before Kazeyoru has fought. Only this one was not boastful. She gritted her teeth and yelled.
"Then I'll question you with my sword!"
She bolted right towards him as Leo's leg muscles tensed,bending his knees and doing the same.
Kazeyoru then shouted her family's secret technique. "Sundan sa reta harikēn!!!" (Shredding hurricane) The winds around her blade now glowed and moved with such violent force that it could very well as tare the entire everfree down.
Leo winds his fist against the side of his ribs, his palm clenched so hard her felt it burn from the grip. And he shouted with what came to mind and heart. "Estalló puño colmillos!!!" (Burst fanged fist)
Kazeyoru's wind around her blade formed a ethereal wind dragon as Leo's fist formed a fiery etheral jaguar.
Blade and fist, jaguar and dragon clashed as the power and force of the two exploded into a hot winded shock wave that tore the earth and trees. The elements shooting up as the sky was not even spared, tearing through the clouds.
Running towards the fight Spike saw the incredible feat before him. He couldn't believe Leo was doing all of this. He put more force into is legs and ran faster to help before it was too late.
After finally making it to the scene he saw smoke clearing from the erupting force. He the Japonese woman with her sword at a swung stance like she swiped something wind lingering on it barely like snakes hanging on for dear life and Leo with his fist outward and shirt gone. A flame lingering on his arm as it was slowly dying out as well.
It was so quiet Spike could only stare. Kazeyoru fell to her knees as she used her sword to support herself but just barely, She looked over her shoulder and saw Leo collapsed as well, his body was riddled now with deep scars that would follow him to the grave.
Kazeyoru stood up trembling from what little she had left. Before she could walk she coughed up blood as she covered her mouth. She looked over to the side of her torso and saw it. A large black burn mark, bigger than any scar she will ever have on her body.
'Blast it! I know I used my winds to help me avoid direct contact and just be grazed." She reached in her breast for a vial of phoenix tear. 'But this graze...has left me within an inch of my life!' She grunted before drinking the vial. 'A direct hit...could've have killed me. And yet my stroke was on the mark, meant to cut off his arm.' She looked at him trying to stand. 'And it's still attached! His flesh felt like tempered steel in direct contact with my blade as if though his skin has adapted to bladed weapons.' She limped over to him dragging her blade. 'Why hasn't my body healed yet?! The phoenix tear should've worked!' She grunted in pain trying her best to stay awake. 'His magic...it's so different from this world's. So raw and untamed yet concentrated...' She was now in distance oh him as she raised her blade over her head, ready to swing down.
"You are a true warrior in your own right Zarate...but...you will be damned with the sins you have committed!" Kazeyoru yelled.
Spike watched in horror as he froze, time slowing before him as she swung her blade. His eyes met Leo's, they were calling out to him. Not like the other's that always tell him to run away. This just cemented how Leo had true faith in him.
"Help me." Are what his eyes said to him.
His young dragon heart beat in his chest as his hair and eyes glowed, his heart leading his actions on what needed to be done. He inhaled deeply and exhaled a green fireball heading towards the two.
Kazeyoru saw this and her eyes widened, she could dodge it or slice it yes. But she chose not to. She saw that the fire ball was intentionally aimed at Leo.
She only stepped back a bit as Leo saw this emerald fire ball head towards him.
It made contact and engulfed him in a large hell flame.
Kazeyoru had to cover her eyes before seeing before her that there was nothing left of Leo. She saw him become eviscerated like nothing. She gripped the hilt of her blade as she stared angrily at Spike.
"Insolent child! You have foiled my attempt of retribution for my friend with your damned chivalry!!!" She yelled as she held her blade in her attack stance.
Spike coming back to earth was now scared as he backed away only to trip and fall back.
"Prepare yourself!" Kazeyoru was about to swing. But stopped, feeling something not quite right. She looked around but sensed nothing. It soon dawned on her as she looked up. Her ruby red eyes widening in shock at what she saw.
Leo falling from the sky with smoke lingering on his body, his fist in place again ready for a punch.
Kazeyoru tried to get her sword in the correct way to swing up but it was too late.
She felt his fist connect to her cheek, her eyes stuck in pure shock as her head impacted on the ground. Leo's feet landing on both sides of her body, narrowly missing her as he stood over her. His form looming over her, showing he had conquered her as she stared at him in a fiery contempt.
"D-damn you! Zarate!" She spat out.
He said nothing though. He just stood over her as she stared into his eyes, and then it dawned on her. He was unconscious on his feet.
The nerve, not only he refused to yield but he refuses to fall. She felt a sense of respect for him mixed with her contempt.
She relaxed her head to her side. Only to see her blade inches away. She could still win.
As she tries reaching for her katana she notices Leo keel over to her. Her eyes widened and she screams. "No! Noooooooo!!!"
And he was upon her.
His limp body pressed against hers, pinning her down unintentionally but effectively. She grunted loudly as she felt his chest press against her bosom, his cheek pressed again hers as she was forced to face her side. She tried to move. But the pain of it all has left her incapacitated. She growled as she tried so hard moving his face off of hers but to no avail.
She gritted her teeth as she closed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"D...dammit all..." She whimpered.
Elsewhere Rainbow dash was tailing Fluttershy as where the mane six were tailing the both of them. Mostly Applejack keeping up with the two.
"Fluttershy slow down! We gotta stick together!"
"I ain't never seen her like this! She's pretty crossed with you." Applejack said.
"What was I supposed to do!? We couldn't take that Japonese bitch on our own so we went to get you for help!"
"And leaving Leo alone..."
Rainbow dashed scoffed as she turned away, both now about to approach to sight, ready to fight as the two gripped their necklaces tight to summon their weapons.
Little did they know that Lyra heard their conversation and tailed them far behind unseen.
They heard Fluttershy gasp as she stood frozen in place not moving an inch.
Rainbow dash and Applejack approached beside her wondering what has her so spooked.
Then they saw it.
Leo laying over the Japonese woman, his shirt gone making it look like he was forcing himself on her.
They Spike kneeling beside the both of the as he tried to flip him off her.
"Guys you're here! Help me!" Spike yelled as the rest approached.
The mane six all stared in shock as did Lyra after her arrival.
"What are you guys staring at?! Common!" He yelled.
"Why...why that savage beast! How dare he force himself upon her hapless form!" Rarity said.
"What?!" Spike shouted.
"Oh Leo..." Applejack tilted her hat forward as she didn't want to look at him.
"You sick sonova...!!!" Rainbow dash said as she clenched her fist around her necklace.
Pinkie only had her eyes covered.
"Well, looks like this settles my suspicions." Twilight said as she began to write in her notepad.
Lyra, well she was mirroring Fluttershy's reaction.
"Goodness, all of you are so quick to jump to what conclusions you have thought up in your heads it's almost surprising." They all turned their attention to see the sun goddess herself along with her sister.
Princess Celestia was a tall light skinned woman, ivory angel wings and horn with a dress to match. Her hair and tail flowed in the none existent wind. Her dress exposing her shoulders and her giant breasts she beard on her goddess thick body.
Then there was Luna. Standing beside her sister with somewhat of a similar dress, only a more moon based themed, two crescent moons facing each other on part of her dress covering her chest. Not as big as her sister's but ample nonetheless. Her midnight wings matching her horn. Her blue eyes showing a more expressionless nature.
"Well I must say that was quite the spectacle to behold." Princess Luna said as she brushed her hair over her ear.
"Wait...you saw this...all of it?" Spike asked in disbelief.
"We wanted to see for ourselves what this creature was capable of." Luna stated.
"Goodness your reports were spot on...mostly spot on Twilight."
"Princess I--"
"We will discuss your...forwardness with Leo later. But for now..." Celestia knelt down to Leo reaching under him.
"Princess!" Fluttershy said.
"There's no need to worry." She scooped him up with ease and held her close to her giant soft half exposed bosom, his head against in her breast like a pillow. "I will see to it he recovers." She then looked over to Luna. "Sister."
"Of course." Luna said before carrying Kazeyoru with her sword in the same manner, her horn glowing as she enveloped Gilda in her magical grip.
Rainbow Dash became worried.
"What're you gonna do with Gilda." She asked worriedly.
"The same as this foreigner, they will be detained until this Leo awakens, after that he will pass judgment to the both of them." She said.
"But not before we pass judgment on him." Said Celestia.
"Fluttershy's heart sank as she was now scared as hell.
"Princess wait--!" She was cut off.
"He will be with us in Canterlot." Was all Celesita said as her giant angel wings opened and took off into the air with majesty. Her sister followed suit just as she did.
"No please!" Fluttershy shouted as she went after them. Her friends calling out to her.
Before she could reach them they were enveloped in a light now gone before her eyes. Fluttershy flew in place and stared into space, her eyes wide as tears streamed down her cheeks, lips quivering like a child.
She then descend to the ground on her knees as as fell forward, her wings droopy as she held her hands to her face, crying.
Author's Note
Hunter's trail part 4 (Decisive battle)
It was next day in the morning, the day that would change everything for ponyville and Leo. The huge crowd of ponies gathered to the forest's entrance as the guards held a line around Leo, ten feet in diameter.
The cold morning nipped Leo's nose as he stood at the entrance, staring at the dark opening. His throwing knife on his waist held by his belt. Though he looked calm, he was scared, his hands trembled as his body felt numb from all of this. He was actually going to do it, he was going to fight a freaking griffon. His reasons are already known a to why he would do this.
Despite his friends being against his decision, even when Spike tried to stop him at the hospital it was no use. He had to, for him, Lyra...and Fluttershy despite that she might hate him now.
She'll understand eventually, he thought.
In the crowd a few familiar ponies watched as Leo was beginning to enter the woods. Rarity and Rainbow Dash watched as they were basically baffled.
"Is he serious? He's actually going to try and fight that thing? I thought he hated all of us?" She scratched her head, lost as she couldn't find a logical explanation.
"If I had to ponder a guess I'd say he was trying to fulfill his need to fight, he is a barbaric beast that fought two timberwolves and an entire horde of diamond dogs." Rarity grit her teeth, upset that she had lost the bag of jewels she sent Spike to get. "I say let him, hmph!"
Rainbow Dash looked over to Rarity then Leo. Rainbow Dash knew that wasn't true, she'll never say it but she kept a close eye on him ever since he decided to live with her to see if he tried any funny business. But she didn't see it, In fact she saw the opposite, she saw how hard he tried to make things right.
Trying to submit citizenship, getting a job like everyone else. She knew why he was doing it. And she was conflicted as to stop him or not. But she still remembered that day when Leo was so livid she thought he was going to kill her.
In the end she couldn't bring herself to do it.
She saw him stop and turn, his gaze facing someone at the crowd, his look seemed almost apologetic. She followed his gaze and saw Fluttershy behind a cluster of ponies. Fluttershy could only turn away from him as she walked away, her mane covering her eyes.
Shocked, Rainbow Dash followed, exiting the crowd she saw Fluttershy running away.
"Wait!" Rainbow Dash yelled, Fluttershy jerked up as she stopped in her tracks. Her gaze fell as she just couldn't look at her friend.
"Fluttershy...come one..." She said as she walked infront intent of her, Fluttershy lowering her gaze more as she turned her head from her to the side. "Fluttershy? Are you...mad?"
She didn't answer, this was starting to worry her as she nudged her with her muzzle.
Still no response.
"Fluttershy."
"I couldn't stop him..." She whispered.
"What?"
"I couldn't stop him." She repeated loud enough for her to hear.
"Come on Fluttershy I'm sure he'll be okay I mean, he capable right? " She said feigning a smile to assure her.
Fluttershy raised her head a little. Her mane falling to to her side her distraught eyes gazing into hers as her fur on her cheeks was matted and wet.
"I mean common, what trouble could a griffon be to him if he took out a horde of diamond dogs?"
At that Fluttershy lowered her gaze once again. She heard rumors about the graphic butchering of a few victims. Though Leo has won his share of fights she always thought he got lucky.
Could this be where his rough fortune finally runs out?
The woods seemed to get denser and denser the more Leo walked. It has been more than an hour since he left. The fear was still shrouding his mind and heart as he clenched his eyes and try to shake it off.
But he could still remember when he fought the griffon. His body acting on its own as it attacked the griffon, he had never been that strong, that agile or athletic. How? Why?
Perhaps it was this world, ever since he came there was a change in him. He was not timid, scared or weak.
He was harsh, violent and rash when the situation forced him to that.
The way he fought all those creatures and he won. That was him, the person he always wanted to be and yet...it brought more trouble. Staring at his hand Leo recalled the times he had gone beserk. It started ever since that voice in his head told him to "unleash" over and over again when he was near death.
And within a split second, that was all it took to release years and years of repressed rage and hatred.
It was so strong and overwhelming, the feeling of fire surging through his whole body made him unrelenting.
It was so hard to accept that it was him. That was who he was deep down. His face scrunched as he clenched his fist tightly.
He could actually feel it growing again. The bones in his hands popped as the sensation became stronger, looking over to a tree beside him he grunted as he thrusted his clenched fist into the tree. The bark gave way as his fist reached the center of the tree.
Leo's eyes snapped wide at what he had done. A smile actually coming to his face, it really was him, he was strong, despite the downside of the cause of his strength he did admire the perk of punching through thick, strong trees.
After his satisfaction Leo yanked his arm as he tried to free himself from the tree. But it was still in. He was now stuck in place.
"What!?" Leo was now beginning to panic as he pulled, still his fist was inside, confined by the wood around. The tree was having its revenge on him.
He placed both his feet on the tree as he tried pushing away, still nothing. "Shit!" Leo yelled as he pushed his feet against the tree harder. He grunted loudly as he pushed, as he struggled he felt something light fall upon his chest, he opened his eyes to see what it was.
A feather a whitish grey feather. Leo gazed up slowly as he began to notice a light breathing in the branches. He also heard a few cracks the more he looked up. Coming to a stop he noticed small branch barely hiding in the shadows giving way to something on it. By then two large glowing yellow orbs came to view, staring into Leo.
His eyes widened as he panicked and yelled, the sudden shock caused him to finally jerk away from the tree.
He stumbled, falling back until his back hit another tree. He grunted as he looked at the griffon again. Barely anytime to react Leo moved to his right as the griffon threw a few blades where Leo's head was supposed to be. Instead it pinned his hood against the bark as Leo tore himself away.
Recovering Leo reached for his knife, getting ready to fight. But the griffon was now gone. Into the canopy for cover, treading lightly. This thing had experience hunting and it knew what it was doing.
"Fuck, 'no mames' where is he?!" Leo hissed as he scanned the canopy irratically. He was beyond scared straight, this thing could strike at any side and anytime, and Leo was short on time.
As Leo was busy looking for the deadly avian he felt a sudden sharp pain in the back of his knee.
Leo grunted loudly as he knelt, holding his assaulted area. The griffin struck from his level, it was on the ground the entire time.
That moment when Leo was trying to nurse his injury he caught the griffon in his eye. Far left, charging at him with great speed, its wrist blade out. Leo looked in horror as he saw where it was aiming his throat.
Barely having a moment Leo knelt back as fast as he could, the griffon darting past him as the blade barely grazed his throat.
The sharp tip peeling only a small layer of skin but as his neck was lightly bleeding now.
Leo panted in shock as he panted for air, terrified how that was almost his throat.
The griffin was now gone as it vanished once again.
This whole time, this whole time while he was walking deep in thought it was tracking him this from the beginning like it knew where exactly he was going to go. Could it be...
...that it was watching him this whole time, even when he was at the hospital?
This thing really was experienced.
Leo had to do something and do it quick, otherwise he won't be able to dodge the next strike.
He knew he wouldn't.
"Okay fine..." Leo muttered as he knelt down, waiting for the griffon to strike. He held his breath as he waited, listening to the dense woods. No birds, bugs, no animal made a sound.
Leo scanned for his surroundings very carefully, he had no idea what to do really. But this was the only thing he could think of.
Far back to his right the griffon watched as it was on a branch, watching Leo. He noticed how panicked he was and how he was trying to regain his composure. Now was his chance to sever his spine while his back was turned.
The griffin leaped into the ground, its grace amazing and deadly. It swiftly charged Leo silently, its wings pressed against its back. Its wrist blade now out ready to deliver the killing blow.
Before it swung Leo leaped to his side, but while in air he threw a handful of dirt into the griffon's eyes as it left itself open due to its swing.
The griffin was blinded as it tumbled over, losing its balance as its grace was now replaced with a clumsy landing. The griffon growled as it tried to rub the dirt off in vain.
And while doing this the griffon felt a sharp thrust in its right side of its rib cage. The griffon forced an eye open as it saw Leo thrusting his knife into it.
"I've got you!!!" Leo shouted as he pushed harder, not letting his blade rise from the griffon's fleshy, meaty confines.
The griffon let out a low growl until it had morphed into a roar of an angered tiger. The griffon reached its talons around Leo's throat, the claws sinking at the back of his neck. Leo gasped as he tried to pry to talons but to no avail as its strength dwarfed Leo's.
With a mighty swing it threw Leo into a tree, his back arched to said tree as he screamed in pain, or he would have if his breath wasn't knocked out of his lungs. His body sliding down the bark as he hit the ground floor.
Both were in the same state now, Leo and the griffon forcing air in and out, Leo from the impact and the griffon from the stab wound.
The two trembled as they struggled to stand. Their eyes never leaving each other. The two were finally standing but barely, Leo felt a warm trickle as he rubbed the back of his neck, looking at his palm he noticed he was now bleeding from the claws when the griffon grabbed hold of him. He the noticed the griffon doing the same as it stared at its bloody talons after pulling the knife out.
They both stared each other down, sweat dripping from both of their forms from exhaustion . Leo wiped a few beads from his chin as he regained his pace of breath.
"I...I might win not this one--ngh!" Leo hissed as held his torso, he felt one of his ribs broken. The adrenaline must have caused a delayed effect. He could have sworn he had just seen the griffon smile at that.
It looks like it was pleased as it evened the score.
A rib for a rib.
The captain of the Ponyville guard stood and watched long after everyone had left to their homes to secure them. Dawn had been staring for what seemed like hours as he couldn't help but think.
Did he do the right choice? Sending that ape to fight that thing alone when he and his subordinates could have helped.
But then a thought came, was this ape really worth risking their lives for after losing a few good soldiers?
He was conflicted, even if it was for the good if the town, it still felt wrong.
A hoof was placed on his shoulder, turning his head he saw that it was Trot March. A look in his eyes, he knew why he was bothered.
"Dawn..." Trot started.
"I already know what you're going to say..." He brushed him off, walking away.
"Just tell me something...do you think we did the right thing? I mean he did save us."
Dawn stopped, looking over his shoulder at Trot. "He saved YOU, besides...you really think I wanted to send him alone?" His voice having a hint of anger. "I know I should hate him because he might have caused Bronze Sword's death. Still, I feel this sense of disgust for myself for even conceiving the idea. Now another life will be extinguished because of me..." His wrinkles on his forehead and the corner of his eyes showed as he scrunched his face. He really did mean what he said. "Get to your post and patrol the the town. We aren't sure if our simian friend will win so stay ready." He ordered as he walked off.
Trot could only watch Dawn walk away in silence. Sighing, he too felt gult for the same reasons.
But unlike Leo, Trot did not embrace death like he has after taking on the task. He was not ready to die like he was.
In the Ponyville library Twilight was in her cozy basement, she examined the new samples she attained from Leo. One she thought she wouldn't be able to get.
His blood.
After Leo was discharged from the hospital she managed to gain half a pint from the extraction of infected blood.
She then took the sample to her lab and purified it to the best of her ability. She tested very small droplets on everything she thought of. She even mixed it with her own, and what an impact it had.
The readings showed a large spike of power but highly unstable after a few seconds. The petri dish exploded as it left a large hole on her desk. What a discovery! Twilight had to write the reactions down, as she reached for her note book next to Leo's blood jar she noticed something odd when her hoof was near the surface.
It had felt warm, hot actually like a glass of tea.
She looked closer and saw it was beginning to bubble the temperature rising. Barely brushing her flesh against the glass surface she winced at how hot it got.
She stared wide eyed at the strange phenomenon.
Could it be because it was reacting to Leo?
"He must have found the griffon...or maybe it found him..." She bit her, wondering how he was squaring up against the beast.
"Guh!" Leo skidded back as he held His knife tight. His clothes torn as his flesh was cut bad. The griffon managing to land a few decent blows.
Said griffon lunged at Leo as it swung its wrist blade, Leo barely managed to parry as he nocked its arm to the right, the griffon's body talking him completely as swooped him off his feet.
The griffon hooked its claws into Leo's shoulders as it took him in the air, its grip tight.
Leo screamed in pain as he tried to feebly free himself.
The griffin the slammed Leo into the hard dirt ground, skidding Leo across the forest floor before coming to a stop.
"Aaaaaahhhhh!!!! Aaahhhaaa!!!" Leo wailed in pain, struggling to break free. It was no use, the griffon kept him in place as it watched Leo squirm. A manical gaze cast down upon him as it savored the screams.
It was going to drag this out before ending it. Leo continued to scream as blood seeped from his mouth. The rib fragment clearly piercing his lung.
"Rrrrggghh! Ffffff--! Aaahhh!" Leo was beginning to feel is consciousness slip away, the loss of blood clearly the cause of it.
He snapped out a bit as the griffon began to speak. "You are a strange one." It said in a voice that seemed distorted, possed like almost. Leo weakly locking his gaze into the griffon's eyes. "Despite your strength you allowed yourself to be weakened by your attachments to those weak equines." It's grip squeezed tighter into his shoulders, Leo was now a whimpering mess, the pain too excruciating to bare.
"Why are you doing this?! I don't understand you!" Leo forced out as he reached for the forearms of the griffon, still attempting to pry him off.
The griffin could only stare mockingly at him, almost baffled by his question. A smile tugging the corners of his beak as it chuckled. The sound of it making Leo's heart pound.
"You ask such a silly question ape. I am a predator and they are prey, I only follow the natural order of life. You should too judging by the type of creature you are." That was when its smile faded to a glare, its stare boring into Leo's own eyes. "Yet you defy your nature, holding yourself back intentionally. I see the beast within you bound to your weaknesses for those equines that ridicule you for what you can do. I especially see the strong attachment you hold for the yellow mare."
At that Leo's breath was caught in his chest, his eyes wide in horror.
Its smile returned from his reaction to the mention of Fluttershy.
"When I finish with you I will begin my hunt on the entire village." He leaned in closer to Leo, its beak and his nose just bearly touching. "Starting with that yellow mare you care so much about."
At that threat the all to familiar sense of burning anger flowed through Leo's body. The the burning streams originating from his core. Leo clenched his teeth tightly as he gripped on to the griffon very firmly. It saw what he was doing, what was happening, Leo's sudden strength beginning to actually hurt it.
It then felt something else.
It was in Leo's blood. It felt hot, burning even like scalding to the griffon. It was now beginning to panic as it actually felt its flesh burn off, its claws dissolving in his blood.
It screeched in pain as it tried to jerk itself away, but Leo's grip would not allow it. It began to feel his entire body emit a powerful heat. The griffon shocked as it stated into Leo's eyes. His eyes were glowing silver as Leo stares with an angry glare. Leo the roared loudly as he slid his feet under the griffon's barrel, giving a strong push with all of his might the griffin was sent flying, as it landed in its back, the air nocked out of it as it curled into a fetal position, trembling from the pain of its talons, the flesh melted into the bone as the sight of it brought horror, disgust and finally anger. Its breathing heavy and rough as its pace grew.
Slowly it brought itself to stand, even on its hind, burnt legs. It stared Leo down, it's rough breathing morphed to a screeching roar. The force shaking everything around, leaves raining down the forest floor.
Its wings swiftly spread open and wide, they took one strong flap as the griffon propelled towards Leo at great speed. The only useful weapon left it possessed was its wrist blade, aimed straight for Leo.
"Ah!" Twilight shreiked as the jar of Leo's blood had melted. The blood burned right through her desk as it was now burning though the floor of her basement. Behind was now a hole and from the sound of it, it was still melting deeper into the earth.
Twilight watched in shock, couldn't able to believe what she had saw. But there it was, his blood was almost like a potent acidic substance. The conclusion was clear to her now.
It was reacting to his emotion. And from the looks of it Leo must be fighting with all he has.
"Princess Celestia is not gonna belive this." She muttered as she went to the other side of the basement room, rummaging through a pile of boxes for a camera.
The fight entesified as there were lacerations and punch marks in the trees. The forest loud with the battle of the two so called beasts.
Both delivered significant blows to each other. Leo delivering a punch to the griffon's barrel, the griffon a swing with his blade at Leo's chest. The went on and on, both were tiring out, even for the saber cat griffon he was losing stamina.
The fight halted now as both were struggling to stay standing. Leo leaned against a tree as he held the large cut in his chest. Putting pressure to keep it from bleeding.
'Damn it, I'm running on fumes now! I've lost a lot of blood and I'm out of breath...' He looked over to the griffon, it too looked like it was in a similar state but from the appearance of it it seemed to be recovering faster. 'I'm done for if I don't think of something soon, I won't last much longer.' Leo clenched his fist in the tree, irritated he was at a disadvantage. What did he expect? He was a human barely getting aquanted with his newfound abilities against an experienced griffon that hunted things like him for a living.
Too short on time for a plan, the griffon was all ready now.
The avian bolting towards Leo at half speed but still too fast for him in his condition.
The curtain was about to close for Leo as he couldn't move fast enough. It would be his end.
WOULD!
Suddenly in a split second there was a yellow blur that shot out from the bushes. Too focused on Leo the griffon failed to notice as a hoof connected against its cheek, nocking him to the side as it was now momentarily dazed.
Fixing his eyes on the intruder Leo saw that it was none other than Fluttershy, her mane a mess as she panted. No doubt she came as fast as her wings could take her.
He stared in shock as she turned her head to face him, their eyes locked. Staring at each other with different expressions, Fluttershy relived that Leo was alright. Leo shocked that she was actually here and that she saved him from the griffon.
"Fluttershy what're you doing here? Why are you here?! I thought you said you wanted nothing to do with me." Leo said still holding what Fluttershy said. She winced at that from the way he sounded, like he didn't want to see her.
"Leo I--"
"It doesn't matter, you have to leave now! " He yelled, flinching back even more from his words.
"Leo please you have to hear me out! I just...I just wanted to apologize." She said.
"Apologize?"
"I shouldn't have said those awful things to you back at the hospital. I didn't mean it. I just thought you might reconsider your choice if you thought our friendship was on the line. I just wanted to say...I'm sorry." She said in a small voice.
Leo was taken back at that, she tried to use their friendship to try and stop him. He wasn't sure how to feel about that, he was conflicted. One half was that he was angry at her for trying to use such a tactic. On the other he was slightly touched that she went that far to stop him. He stared at her with a bit of judgement.
She shrunk a bit from that, she knew it was underhanded but her emotions took hold of her.
Just like Leo.
His judgemental stare faded as he sighed. A look of understanding in his eyes. He would have done something similar if it was his mother.
"Fluttershy I-"
There was a hiss from the bushes where Fluttershy had sent the griffon tumbling. Leo gasped silently as he knew what was about to happen.
Summoning the last of his strength Leo charged Fluttershy. With what little he had left as he shoved her away from the clutches of the griffon. She tumbled back as the griffon successfully tackled Leo, thrusting its worn but still deadly blade into Leo.
He wailed in pain as the griffon had its melted talons on Leo's shoulders once again. Leo struggled to free himself but like before it was no use. The blade of the wrist gauntlet snapped as it was jabbed into Leo's left arm.
There was no prying himself from the griffon's grip this time despite how melted its talons were, they were still effective.
"You let your weakness for that mare leave you wide open! You ignored your nature and went on your petty sentiment to save her life." Its grip tightend harder on Leo's shoulders as it leaned in close menacingly. "Now it will cost you yours..."
The griffin launched itself up through the canopy with Leo still in its grasp. Fluttershy watched in horror as they both vanished.
"Leo!" She took flight through the canopy, breaking through she saw the griffon was now high in the sky.
Both Leo and the griffon were now in the smooth ocean of clouds. The high altitude leaving Leo light headed as his struggling became more and more weak.
The griffon stopped ascending as they stayed in place in the sea of clouds. The griffon planning on letting Leo plummet to his death. But not before one thing.
"You have forfeit your life ape. You could've won if you hadn't had saved that mare. You have strength yet refuse to use it to live a mundane life." Its grip loosening as Leo tried to stay conscious. "You dug your own grave, do you want to know why you failed to save yourself aside from your attachment to that mare?" There was a pause. Leo could barely register anything it was saying. So light headed from the fight and the flight he was hanging by a thread. But still he was able to hear the griffon loud and clear.
"It is because you're weak."
"Weak."
"Weak."
"Weak."
The word echoed in his mind as he saw a familiar face as he hallucinated.
His adoptive father.
After crossing the border and witnessing a death of a father Leo expelled his stomach contents. His adoptive father could only watch in disgust at how frail his "son" was.
"You know why you lost your nerve?" He said as he stared down at him as though he was trash. "It's because you are weak."
The word echoed in Leo's mind again and again. It was true, he was weak, from a child to an eighteen year old he was still weak.
Rather than the thought deterring him like usual had it triggered him.
The burning sensation returned to his body, hotter than ever reflecting the rising flood of rage ready to erupt from Leo's spirit. It spread so fast so strong that he grabbed into the griffon's hind leg before being dropped to his death.
The griffon looked in fear as Leo's glowing silver eyes burned into the griffon's soul.
The eyes of a predator.
Suddenly Leo's right arm burst into flames, burning bright and his sleeve. The griffon was beyond shocked and terrified at the human's newfound strength. Leo unleashed an inhuman like roar as he thrust his fist, punching right through the chest of the avian with a sickening crunch. Leo's burning grip on the griffon's heart, his flaming fingers destroying its core with one firm clench of his fist. The heart burst inside of it.
The griffon screeched in shock and pain as the loud wail echoed through the skies.
Fluttershy stopped before entering the clouds, the sound of despair on the griffon's part halting her in place.
"Leo?"
The griffon's wings stopped flapping as it fell along with Leo through the clouds . The flames in his arm dissipated as he plummeted with the griffon into and through the bed of clouds.
Fluttershy caught sight of them as they burst through the clouds, free falling.
She gasped in shock as she bolted through the skies to save Leo. She was too late as he was now beneath her, getting closer and closer to the ground.
"No!" She yelled as she descended towards Leo. She was a few feet away from him, she could clearly see his eyes rolled up in the back of his head. "I...almost!" She was closing the distance as her hoof was now barely an inch from his fingers.
The distance between them and the ground was now closing as well. It was too close.
She wasn't going to make it and she was still not planning on pulling up.
She was not going to let him go.
Her foolish decision was halted as she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her and forced her to pull up.
Shocked and confused, Fluttershy turned her head to see it was Rainbow Dash that stopped her.
"Rainbow Dash what are you doing!? Let me go!!!" She squirmed and struggled to break free.
"Are you freaking nuts! You'll die! You're lucky I came otherwise you'd be dead!"
Fluttershy didn't listen as she continued to struggle, her gaze on Leo as she watched him crash through the canopy.
"LEEOOO!!!" She shouted.
Leo had crashed through the canopy, his body sustaining more and more damage. Beneath Leo was a large pond, it was shallow yet it seemed deep. He could only watch the world through a blur as he descended.
Before falling into the pond time seemed to somehow stop for him as he made out a familiar shape through the blur.
Those eyes, he could actually see them despite the blur.
It was the woman in black.
Like before she was standing on the watery surface, a violet staff in her hands as she still wore her black robes.
She wore that same smile as she watched him plummet a few inches infront of her. She leaned in slightly, whispering something to him.
"You're just too violent."
That was all he could hear as he fell into the lake with a loud splash. In the murky waters Leo did not seem to slow, no even in the pond it still felt like he was falling at rapid pace. Everything around him seemed like falling through time and space. After a while what seemed like falling it now felt like he was ascending at full speed like before.
Leo clinging on to his consciousness with the small reserve of strength he had left. Finally he felt himself burst through the watery confines into the air, feeling himself once again falling. This time though he landed on hard, dirty ground.
Even after having the air knocked out of him he still managed to keep himself conscious.
Leo panted heavily, forcing much needed air into his lungs. His vision blurred to dark, only a narrow sight of light.
"I...I guess this is really it...isn't it?" He coughed a bit as he tried to laugh. He was slipping away and he couldn't move his body.
Before losing his grip with life he heard cracking and breaking of branches. He then heard something land on the ground. He then heard a voice.
"Leo!!!"
It was Fluttershy's voice, her sweet magnificent voice. It was what stopped Leo from giving in to the clutches of death.
"F-Fluttershy...?" He croaked out in happiness, a weak smile forming.
"Oh Leo!" He heard her run to him. Leo couldn't see but he could make out the noise she was right beside him. He was so ready to feel her caring embrace, her soft furr on him.
What he felt was not what he expected though.
He felt hands on him, skin, arms and fingers! He felt himself pulled close into a chest, an ample chest which carried large soft globes. He felt his head resting on an arm and against what seemed to be a breast as she felt soft, delicate fingers brush the strands of hair from his sight.
"Fluttershy...?"
"Leo..." Her voice seemed cracked and broken, as if trying to contain herself from crying.
That was enough, all of Leo's senses seemed to have gone as he lost sight and finally lost consciousness.
The thin thread he was hanging into snapped.
There was darkness, just dark. Time seemed to have passed briefly to Leo as he regained consciousness.
But still, all there was to him darkness, he could feel his legs and arms stiff and hunged up. A light beeping sound beside him at a steady pace, a heart rate monitor. And his arms and legs were most likely in casts hung by straps.
He felt his whole head wrapped up in medical wrapping tape. He even felt it covering his eyes.
Leo grunted in irritation, not pleased in the slightest to find himself in the same state he was in before on his first day in this world. He was in the hospital again.
"No me chinges..." Leo muttered through the medical tape.
He then felt something stir beside his bed. Leo grunted curiously as he turned his head as best he could. He heard a feminine grunt followed by a yawn. There was definetly someone there.
He then heard a gasp, recognizing the vocals he realised who it was.
"Fluttershy?" He said muffling.
"Leo?" That was her voice, her sweet beautiful voice he was glad to hear. "Leo you're alright!" She yelled excitingly, feeling two arms wrapped around him.
There it was again. That human like feel from Fluttershy. Was it for real, or was his brains still on the fritz. He grunted loudly in pain from her embrace.
Fluttershy realized this and withdrew from him.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay don't worry...what happened" Leo asked, curious to know what happened after the fight.
There was a pause, Fluttershy was trying to find the right words.
"You fell and hit the ground, I don't know how you survived but it was a miracle you did." Fluttershy sniffed, he could tell She was crying. "For some weird reason you were wet even though you missed the pond. It doesn't matter though, I'm just glad you're alive." Her voice sounded happy through what Leo could tell, overjoyed even.
But something didn't make any sense, he could have sworn he hit the pond.
He then remembered something.
The woman in black, she did this. Again.
What exactly was she playing at? What was her motive? Why was she doing this? Why him? Why?
Those are questions he might never get the answers to, he might never find out.
But there is one thing he will have answered right now.
"Fluttershy?"
"Yes Leo?"
"Could you remove the medical tape from my eyes. I wanna see you."
There was no response for a moment, for some reason Fluttershy seemed hesitant, perhaps it was because she didn't want to hurt him.
"Please?" He asked.
After another moment she obliged him, he felt fingers on him, the same ones he felt before.
As the medical tape was finally removed from his sight he saw light. His vision still blurred as his eyes tried to adjust. He could make out Fluttershy's blurry form infront of him.
Aside from her pink hair. His vision became clearer as he finally could see Fluttershy though it was not the Fluttershy he knew.
Right next to him was a girl.
A girl?!
And it was Fluttershy!?
How? How could that be? This was not the small lovable, cute mare.
This was a beautiful girl with big yellow wings.
She wore a green sweater that exposed her shoulders, underneath was a pink tank top. Her skin white as her cheeks were hued pink. And she had a pair on her chest. They looked to be sporting 'D' cups.
Leo's eyes widen, his chest pounding rapidly as the heart rate monitor beeped faster.
"Leo what's wrong?" She asked worridly as she got closer, her delicate hands holding both sides of his cheeks.
As if things couldn't get any stranger the door to the room opened wide. Leo darted his eyes to the entrance as he saw what he couldn't believe.
Rainbow Dash?
And she was just as human looking.
Leo saw she wore light blue short shorts. She had a black shirt hugging her entire torso tightly, it was underneath a jean jacket with no sleeves.
Her skin white, her breasts seemed to be smaller, likely a "B" cup. Her mane was the same rainbow color, or hair? She too has her wings behind her back and...
...her tail?!
"Fluttershy it's me again, look I know you don't wanna hear it but you have to come home and eat something. And shower especially, you've been here for weeks and the others are worried. I can't tell if it's you that stinks or Leo--" She paused breifly catching sight that Leo was now awake. "Buck me up the plot, you're awake?!" She said in shock.
She was then shoved aside by someone behind her. Now there was a teenager half Rainbow Dash's size.
He had emerald green hair that was in a small mohawk fashion the color matched his eyes. His skin also white as he was wearing a lime green muscle shirt under a loose purple jacket that seemed slightly big for him as he wore loose, baggy black shorts. A purple tail with a spade and green under scales.
"Rainbow Dash! What's going on? Move!" He yelled as he shoved right past her. His eyes wide as saucers as he looked upon Leo. Just like Rainbow Dash, he was just as surprised. "Leo..."
"Holy shit, Spike?" Leo couldn't believe that was the small dragon he had befriended. Now in the shape of a teenage boy.
"Leo!" Spike yelled as he ran to his bed, standing beside Fluttershy. "I can't believe it! You're awake!" Spike shouted overjoyed as he embraced Leo in a hug which he hissed in pain at.
Fluttershy placed her hand between them as she lightly pushed Spike back. Spike smiled nervously as he scratched the back of his head. "I'm sorry it's just..." He looked over to Leo, tears in the corners of his eyes as he smiled, wiping his eyes. "I'm just glad you're okay."
All of this seemed to be too much, what happened why did everyone change? Why do they look like this? Almost human?
The entire idea didn't have time to sink in as a voice was heard at the door.
It was that nurse Red Heart. She was just as human as the others with her nurse outfit. A short dress that went up her thighs with her white shirt and clipboard under her arm. Leo couldn't stop staring at how her horn was sticking out of her head, that was the only thing that had the same color as her fur from before. He also couldn't help but stare at her white thigh high socks. What kind of medical professional wares such a skimpy outfit to work.
'She is easy on the eyes though.' Leo thought with a smile under the tape wrap.
"Excuse me but if you don't mind, there are people trying to sleep." She said in a scolding manner, glaring.
Said smile dropped into a frown, Leo taking notice how she was still the same. 'Still a bitch though...'
The trio of visitors apologised for their volume as nurse Red Heart left the room to attend the other patient's needs. Leo then felt a hand on his left cheek, seeing that it was Fluttershy. She stared at him with kindness and affection, stared back and he couldn't help but feel this warm sensation inside him. It felt like the one when he was with his mother. But Fluttershy wasn't his mother, no she was a beautiful, endowed girl with the prettiest smile he had ever seen. She was almost human to him.
That settled it for Leo, he wasn't in the adorable pony Equestria world anymore, he was somewhere...different.
Author's Note
