Mister Crowley (Experimental)

Mr. Crowley

By: Die Philosophen

- Note: General work is fictionalized, though certain elements may or may not be fiction. -

• Also, certain locations may not be consistent with canon. -

• Additionally, I understand there's stereotypes in the genre, and by the time I was told of them, I already planned the chapter out before, and some very unintentional ones were added. -

- Three Days Later -

Following the next few days, Julius was cleared from the hospital after the doctors prescribed him a strange medication. They learned of his medical condition where his body refuses to digest vitamins, and gave him a familiar pill bottle filled with fifty pills itself. When questioning, the doctors stated that his medical condition wasn't unfamiliar, but it was an rare occurrence within Ponyville, and his current medicine was primitive itself. And when asked the costs, the doctor stated that medical care was universally free, shocking him even further as the Mane Six assisted him. He spent the past three day reading books that Twilight brought him, surprising the pony when he recited many sentences from the books after her translation spell worked its effects, though had difficulties in full comprehension, which was the primitive translation between 'Pony English' and 'Written Pony', the titles Julius gave the differences in spoken and written language of the Ponies.

Overall, he's adapted well enough from the view of books, and warmed his best around the ponies, though his comfort zone wasn't the greatest as he continued to stutter and attempt to make himself shrink enough to where he couldn't be noticed. However the latter didn't help as his height difference between the ponies was noticeable, even Big Macintosh only came up to his ribs at nearly five feet, the others coming down to his waist, and foals to his kneecaps. He felt too high for his own good, and did his best to avoid causing any issues, though he had to lower himself enough to enter doorways and so. But overall, he felt both an accomplishment in the basic adjustments, and the fear of this new land. He didn't know anything about it, and would have to go through an extensive study session.

Celestia had assisted him, in an unnatural kindness, by establishing his name under the 'Artisan Welfare' system, granting him enough money to buy himself a studio home, foodstuffs, supplies, and enough for luxuries. When asked by Twilight why he was shocked, he responded that there wasn't even such a thing known as a 'Artisan Welfare' system, his own countries welfare system itself would never even think of such an addition, and the economics here were almost completely different than what he had known. Soon after, the seven scoured out the studio-home real estates in the municipality building, eventually coming to a conclusion that Julius chose a furnished home near the town limits, settled between Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy's Cottage, and Ponyville itself. This was, to Julius' idea, to give him a layout of between the three locations, and to help him with landmarking. This home was situated in a off-road location, surrounded by small woodland that was 'tamed.' And overall, it seemed to be perfect to Julius, and approved by some of the ponies, Rarity voicing her displeasure because it was 'most likely a run-down old shack.' Taking her up to this challenge, Julius and the Mane Six placed bets that the home was either nice, or a shack.

And by chance, Julius' push cart was brought with them, fully intact to Julius' amazement yet again, and hauled by Big Macintosh out of politeness, the Earth pony refusing to take 'no' for an answer, stating that he was too sick to handle the cart on his own. Accepting, they passed around Ponyville, Twilight stating that Isaac needs to have as little stress as possible, gaining a smile from him.

- -

The pathway was serene, and the once congested smell of burning gasoline was replaced by almost pure oxygen. He now wore a white suit made from silk, complete with a black dress shirt, black and crimson red pinstriped tie, and complete with a Type IIIa Body Armor, raising a few eyebrows from the Mane Six. “It's a force of habit...” He simply stated. However, what 'clashed' with his entire suit, to Rarity's disgust, was his polished 'formal' boots, with black leather and white laces. He felt himself improved, as for the past few days he's adjusted to walking independently, and other basic functions. Overall, Julius felt himself proud for such a quick recovery, and soon his interest in Equestria took over as they continued on, having the Mane Six explain to him about Ponyville.

“Righ' over there, sugarcube, there's Sweet Apple Acres.” Applejack said, pointing her hoof in the direction of the now visible farm and its expansive orchards. Julius could barely detail out, but he could see typical structures of a farm, including what appeared to be a giant silo.

When pointing it out, Big Macintosh interrupted with a simple, “Silo, stores all of our harvests we got nothin' to do with over the winter.”

Nodding in response, Julius looked around at their surroundings and took in the scenery, the lush greens weren't exactly rare in his hometown, but he'd never see them in this pattern, his eyes directing towards various wildlife that went about their own days. His vision returning towards the road, up ahead should be the divergent towards his home, and the bet reaching its climax as they found the pathway, complete with a mailbox at the edge, which apparently was already registered by the looks of it. Filled to the brim with letters, along side multiple packages. Retrieving the letters, Julius raised his eyebrow before sliding them into his suit jacket, “Someone get the boxes, please?”

Applejack took up the request, placing the boxes with his push cart, ensuring they'd be held firmly between the various boxes, alongside multiple hanging bags, ranging from a overpacked duffel bag, along side a satchel, to multiple other various storage bags. “Right then, now that somehow I've been late on picking up my own mail in just a few days, lets end this bet here and now.” Agreeing with him, they began a short trek that lasted only a few minutes before they came across the home. However, despite any of their projected idea of what it looked, it wasn't even close to what they believed it'd even look like.

Crowley's Studio - CAD Design

The house itself was similar to a rectangle, built from brick and mortar that's seen better days, the rooftop was shingled but appeared to have been rotting in certain places. Though the house was unkempt, there was a small garden fenced off, and a sliding glass door that seemed to be kept in pristine condition. Overall, the house was forty-four feet, ten inches by twenty-five feet, and large enough for him to at least feel comfortable.

Julius simply smiled at the home and followed the stone pathway, the mixed feelings of the other ponies, “Big Mac, you can unhitch near that sliding door. Everypony else, if you wanna stay around and help, I'm more than welcome...”

It seemed nopony wanted to leave at this point in time, all of them pitching in to help Julius when he dug out a letter addressed to him from the municipality, he found the key to his home. Upon unlocking its double doors and entering the house, he was struck with a rather peculiar site. The house was fully furnished, though there was a significant amount of space between. To his direct left was a coat hanger, and further over was a makeshift living room, complete with a three-seating couch, a recliner, and a regular lounge chair, near it were two bookshelves and a cabinet. And from his viewpoint, he could see a small hearth next to a entertainment center. But what caught his eye was a television set, or at least what he believed was a television set.

“A-A-Am I se-seeing som-something...or is that an a-a-actual te-television set?” He asked, Twilight nodding as she helped Fluttershy carry in a bulky cardboard box with a solid black tape over it. Julius shrugged, the only other notable thing was a mahogany table, with a office chair, that could fit certain items of his. Aswell there was granite-topped kitchen, complete with a sink, oven range, and a dishwasher. Finding it at least appealing, Julius made himself useful and helped the ponies carry in the boxes, totaling up to towards almost thirty boxes on itself, Julius setting down his duffel bag and satchel finally before slipping out his clipboard and slowly checked over the boxes. “All's in o-o-order. An-Anyyhow, t-t-t-t-thanks fo-for your h-help, eve-everypony, come b-b-back a-a-around l-l-later on i-if you want, I'd enjoy a bit of p-p-privacy.”

After farewells and the ponies departed, Julius took up to himself and began unpacking slowly, followed by organizing whatever he could. It felt good to finally be alone, though, he couldn't help but feel a slight twinge. Confused, Julius only shook it off, returning himself to organizing his items by their color-coding, and setting them where his obsessive desire to have them in quick-to-find and neatly placed locations.

- -

Unpacking was the easiest part of the day, however, the organization and compulsive need to recheck every last one of his times was the more difficult part of the afternoon. His clothes were neatly organized by their article and stored away, totaling all sixteen of his spare suits, and some casual clothing he rarely wore. Hygienic items within the bathroom, which had apparently escaped his vision easily by its folding doors. His satchel hung on the coat rack with his duffel bag, his medicine were safely placed out of reach from anypony, and his reading glasses for those times his vision worsened. The desk was the most laden, however, as he had most of the electronics from the spare apartment, consisting of a Kindle Fire, his favored way of reading while on the go. Both his very first iPod Touch, the ancient thing barely working since he received it ten years ago. His iPhone Third Generation, aswell useless since there was a significant lack of cellphone towers or satellites in Equestria. Though his laptops still work, with his faithful MacBook Air still operating since he took possession of it from his pawnshop, aswell with three other laptops running on the Windows OS.

The technology he had were ancient, last generation, obsolete. He could recall by twenty-fifteen that with the establishment of portable electronics came swift innovation. Laptops and smartphones soon had the capacity to be miniature computers, and home computers were almost reaching supercomputer speeds. He found such advancements amazing, however, it was thanks to the recession beginning in early twenty-oh-nine that made such marvels of the modern world difficult to buy with inflated prices and the significant lack of work. He still had Windows Seven on his laptops, the arrival of Windows Eleven in just a few weeks meant that he'll be struck in the dark without any kind of support. His MacBook Air, as far as recalled, was seriously outdated.

Along side his various portable was his personal goal, a homemade supercomputer that he couldn't finish in time. The monstrosity was sealed tight in the corner between his desk and drafting table, fearing that it'd cause even more problems then what he even had with himself. As far as he cared, it'll never see the day of light again. It seemed so strange now, he never went a day without using any electronics, considering his once shut-in tendencies were broken already when he arrived here. He especially hoped with these new technologies would never see the light of day either, and ensured that no mistakes would happen. He had a fingerprint scanner for the laptops, and his supercomputer, and he intentionally forgot what his own password was in favor of the scanner.

Along with various miscellaneous objects, he placed some of his treasured items on top of the desks storage cubes. Pictures of his family, his sisters, a jewelry box filled with his various rings and jewels he found significant reason to keep. Though, he still had one ring on his hand to his realization, where his arm was incredibly numbed he could see it lying there. The pure titanium-gold-heliotrope band holding up a diamond engraved with his family crest. That was incredibly expensive, but it was worth to remember the month he spent with his blood brother, Nicholas. He'd never forget him, though it stung him to realize that he'd still be alone without them, but kept himself steeled. Nicholas wasn't his biological brother, but they both had permanent scarring on their left ring fingers to represent an everlasting friendship, and bonding their families together. Clearing his face of tears, Julius noted another jewelry box, which was filled with Valknut pendants, symbols of the Norse mythology that was attested to be either Odin's symbol, or the heart of Hrungnir. He kept these before he left religion, as a symbol of friendship now. He gave only three away in his life, two for his sisters and one for Nicholas.

Returning the box to his original position after taking out one of the pendants, Julius swiftly tied it around his neck and slid it under his ballistics vest and slid off his suit jacket. Folding it into his chair, Julius then hid the laptops within the desk, the longest drawer at the top, simply stacking two-by-two. After ensuring they wouldn't be stolen or found, Julius silently cursed to himself and realized one last thing. He quickly did a scan of the room, and then found what he was looking for. Taking grasp of a scabbard, Julius stared at the roughened metal curve that held one of his families ancient blades, slowly dressing his hand along the thirty-inch casing before grasping the oil black cloth grip and slowly drew out the sword.

The saber drew smoothly, its edges hissing against the metal edge of the scabbard and glinted its metal blade through the visible sunlight. The overall length of this formal sword was thirty-five inches, weighing exactly one and a half kilogram, including the aesthetics from generations in the past. Julius could see the engravings from just centuries ago, rings of gold and jewels embedded into the blade, his own engraving near the very tip, signaling the blade will soon be complete, and a new one was to takes it place. His engravings were the Mane Sixes Cutie Marks from when he enjoyed watching the show long ago, and the last engraving was the Cutie Mark Crusaders crest. Even with its only use to his family as an expensive heirloom, Julius tested this blade personally, and found that even with its forging in the seventeenth century, it was very durable. Since then, he's polished and kept this ancestral reminder close at hand since he was granted the right to hold it when he turned twenty-five.

Subconsciously strapping the scabbard to his suits belt, and returning the gem-encrusted saber to it, Julius stared at himself in the mirror and simply nodded. He'll wear it no matter where he goes, no matter what the customs are, he won't depart with this blade. Leaving his suit jacket behind, Julius boldly stepped into the sunlight and began his search for training equipment, he'd like to test his heirloom once more, and see his full potential.

• -

“Et vaig a ensenyar a trair a mi, merda!” Celestia stared again as she watched what she could describe was a demon beating something small and defenseless, the screams of pain and sounds of the beating desensitized her as she watched on. Her eyes danced at the scene before changing towards another one of the humans memories.

“Escolteu amb molta atenció, ves a la merda sense valor per a un nen. Si vostè o aquesta puta tonta sortir del meu ranxo, jo personalment et trobarà i et matarà.” The same demon spoke towards the battered and twitching teenager she was all to familiar with. The man disappeared through the doorway before silence overtook the empty ranch. A vague imprint of what she suspected was a human female quietly whispered into his ears.

“Run...just run....find your la tia i l'oncle in the town, then get away from here...just don't return. I'll be fine, el meu fill perfecte, just go.”

Celestia awoke again, staring towards the ceiling of her opulent bedroom and blinked slowly, she kept diving into these memories, and the deeper she went, the darker each became. She saw the boy slashed, some by a long, curved sword, others by food utensils. It was like she entered some kind of twisted movie that somepony got a kick out of. She needed to do something about this, and stop another restless night of insomnia. Lifting herself from the bed, Celestia stretched and popped her joints before slowly dragging herself to the bathroom to prepare for the evening meeting.

• -

“So what do you think Julius would say once we give him this?” Rainbow Dash asked the others, holding up the scale-like wallet in her hoof. She found this little thing in Spikes hands just hours ago, the infantile drake claiming he found it on the ground a while ago. Further investigation broke his lie and he admitted to taking it from the cart when the others were introducing themselves to Julius and left the room before they noticed him. After being chastised by the others, he was forced to come along and apologize to the human, though they softened on the dragon soon after.

“I don't know Rainbow, but I want to know where he found that luxurious outfit.” Rarity said dreamily, seeing that very same suit again in mind and imagining what sort of clothing sets she could make out of them. The warm colors had gone well with the whites and the tie completed it to her imagination.

“There anythin' you talk about other than a ponies duds, sugarcube?” Applejack asked irritatingly to the fashionista, eliciting a glare from the unicorn before they were stopped by Twilight moving between the two and nervously laughed.

“Maybe he'll cheer up with this!” Pinkie Pie excitedly pointed to her saddle bag, almost bursting with what anypony could guess were packaged sweets and various other items. This elicited a smile from Fluttershy, who spoke up from the back of the others, walking in tune with their seventh companion. A pegasus pony with bluish-gray coat, smoothed but erratic light yellow hair, and gradient yellow-lime to amber eyes that point into their own willful directions. She seemed to not pay attention to the general conversation and watch the woods in appreciation.

However, their conversation was cut short when they heard what could've been a troubling scream, and the dull sound of something being torn down. Rushing to the home, the ponies in turn stopped and stared in awe as the scene enveloped before them. Standing around the yard were a series of heavy-looking but rather old items, ranging from old barrels to what the ponies would consider junk. At the far side, they could see the solid black ballistics vest of Julius raising something into the air, and with a booming yell, brought it down into a barrel. The receiving end of the barrel splintered as a deep cut from the blade drove into it. Julius sticking his boot against the barrel and drew it out before letting out another scream and rapidly tore into the side of the barrel before an ovular piece slid off into the ground. Julius proceeded to check over his blade and resheathed it into the scabbard and took notice of the awestruck ponies.

“O-Oh...He-Hello...” Julius managed out as he moved his hand away from the hilt of the saber, the ponies staring in awe as Rainbow Dashes turned into a wide grin and quickly shot up to him and quickly spoke up.

“Julius, that was AWESOME!” The excited pony shouted into his face before looking towards the barrel and back to him, “That thing you used is so...cool!” She managed out as she quickly reenacted Julius' hack-and-slash technique with her own sound effects. Julius nervously smiling towards her as she was abruptly stopped by a equally nervous Twilight before Dash realized what they were coming here for besides watching him tear apart the various junk with a lethal weapon. Digging out the wallet from her saddlebag, Twilight forcing Spike before him, the drake staring up in awe and shame at him as he thankfully took his wallet from the rainbow-maned pegasus before looking down at Spike, uncomfortable but curious as to why the strange creature was standing before him.

Taking note, Twilight quickly spoke up, “Julius, this is my personal assistant, Spike, he's a baby dragon.” Julius blankly stared then rubbed his eyes before looking down at the dragon that barely went up to his shins. “Spike, don't you have something to say?” Twilight asked sweetly, masking a bit of anger from her voice that gave Spike fear.

Quickly, Spike muttered out his apology while Julius watched him, his eyes narrowing and speaking up icily towards him, “I-I can f-f-f-f-forgive, b-but r-r-remember t-that I-I'll only b-b-be l-lenient for n-now...” And stuck his hand out for Spike to accept, the dragon gladly taking his scaled hand into his. After shaking hands, Rainbow Dash quickly began begging Julius to show them his blade. Though reluctant, the pegasus pony wouldn't take no for an answer and eventually gave in. After clearing the area, Julius adjusted the items and took stance.

Drawing his blade swiftly, Julius grasped the hilt with his hands and took aim, the ponies and dragon watching on in both excitement, awe, and nervousness as he swiftly brought the blade down into a small block of wood. In just seconds the blade cleanly tore it in half, the blocks falling from its stand as Julius then swung the blade at the next target, an old decaying signpost that long lost the post that it once held. A dull thunk registered the blade hit, but it embedded itself into the post. Slowly drawing it back out, Julius wiped the blade with his hand and took aim again, this time with Rainbow Dash cheering him on.

“Come on, Julius, you can break that signpost in a snap!” She called out as Julius let out another vicious call and struck true. The post tore in half, Julius proceeding to swing his blade down into what remained of its trunk and slowly dragged it out.

- Several Hours Later -

The spectacle continued on well into the evening, Julius showing them various techniques and the power of the blade by cutting into many objects. However, Julius had easily worked himself over and voluntarily decided to end the show before he collapsed from exhaustion, much to Rainbow Dashes disappointment. Inviting them inside, the ponies each decided to at least keep their newfound friend company on his first night in Ponyville that wasn't a hospital. Though without a dining table, they decided a less formal approach by sitting down and watching television while Julius took use of the apparently stocked refrigerator and cupboards to make a rather simplified meal. Though what he realized that there were a lack of meats or poultry for that manner, wasn't a big deal, but it did affect him morale when he realized that he couldn't eat the delicious mouth-watering cow beef known as the all-mighty steak.

Once or twice Fluttershy attempted to assist Julius, only for him to politely refuse through stuttering, claiming that his own morals dictated for his generosity to extend towards ponies who apparently were staying over for the night. Though uncomfortable at the idea, he didn't want to be very vocal of it, knowing that something might go awry and he would cause an issue amongst the ponies. Soon enough they were all relaxing, either lying on the couch, floor, or the only armchair while leaving the recliner alone at Julius' request, stating it was his bed. Though questioning his motives for such a bed, the ponies in return were respectful of his idea.

When Julius brought their foods over, the ponies were both surprised and amazed at his spread. It was a group meal consisting of two kinds of potato chips, grape punch, grilled cheese sandwiches, and a variety of side dishes. “I-I l-l-lived o-on m-my own, s-so I w-w-went to c-cullinary c-c-c-classes an-and t-t-taught mys-self to c-cook.” His methods were questionable on how swiftly he made this spread in just twenty minute tops. Taking his seat at the recliner, the ponies all began to enjoy feasting on the snacks. But it soon struck Twilight on something that bothered her, she hasn't even introduced their friend Derpy.

“Oh my gosh...I'm so sorry for this, I know it's rude, but I never introduced Derpy.” The mailmare shot up at her name and did her best with her double vision to see Twilight before introducing herself to Julius.

“Hello! My names Derpy Hooves, six time winner of the Best Mailpony Award, and Ponyville's most dedicated mailmare of all time!” She hook Julius' hand with her hoof, and attempted to say something but lost her train of thought and became confused quickly. She proceeded to ponder on what she was to say, forgetting even watching the show the others were watching and seemed to talk to herself, Julius simply smiling when his memories of said pony from watching the show reminded him of her antics.

Time slowly passed by and then it dawned onto the ponies that they were missing certain things, most notably Twilight stating they should have some things for later on if they stay up late. Derpy shooting up and yelling that she forgot about her 'precious little muffins' and barged out the door, stating she'll be back with them later on. The ponies each disappeared quickly, soon leaving it down to Julius himself as the others would similarly promise that they'd be back shortly. Julius paid no mind to this, though he felt a twinge of loneliness and sighed, slipping out his Kindle Fire, kept safely hidden within his suit vest. Powering the electronic on, Julius swiped his finger across and put in his pin.

Settling back, he began reading the latest magazine of an old computer gaming magazine publisher and read through it like a blitzkrieg before swiftly returning it into his vest when the double doors slid open. Looking over, he nodded to Derpy, however he noticed the presence of two other ponies and moved slightly to see what he could only state must've been foals. One of them was an carbon copy of Derpy, Pegasus and all. The other however was different, with a light purple coat, two-tone yellow hair, and golden eyes, plus adding the fact she was a unicorn raised a few question in Julius' mind. “We're here, Julius!” Derpy said happily as the two ponies reluctantly entered the home and gave him a hello.

Derpy smiled and slowly nudged them ahead, “Come on, my little muffins, Mister Crowley won't bite.” Still reluctant, the two foals took their seat together on the armchair, looking at Julius.

“H-H-Hello...” Julius gave them the best friendly voice he could give, similar to when he did his best to comfort his sisters when it called. The two foals seemed to relax slightly until he handed them what he suspected was the remote and nodded, “G-Go a-a-ahead...” He said, then directing his hand towards the various remaining foodstuffs, “M-M-made th-them for e-e-everypony....” Taking him up to the offer, the two had decided what they wanted to eat, and to his surprise they both enjoyed it.

While the silent foals enjoyed the food, Julius took a stand and returned to the kitchen while Derpy seemed to be cooking something of her own. “Oh, I'm sorry Julius, I should've asked....” She began only to be stopped by a smiling Julius and waving her off simply.

“I-I-It's okay...j-just m-m-make sure t-t-there's n-no mess...” He quietly said before opening his refrigerator and retrieving a glass bottle filled to the brim with an apparent soft drink. “S-S-So wh-what're t-t-there n-names?” He said again more softly then before and directing his finger towards the two.

“The pale one is Dinky, and the one that looks like me is Dizzy. They're...my younger sisters, and my loved ones...” Derpy said quietly with pride, Julius smiling back towards her before setting his glass down on his counter and stated quietly, “I..n-n-need to d-d-d-do something, b-be r-r-r-right b-back...” Without a question, Julius disappeared into the bathroom, leaving the folding doors locked before he went to work.

- -

One by one the Mane Six returned with their saddlebags filled with various things, Pinkie leaving her original gift for Julius in a separate saddlebag on the tub of stuff between the tables. While they settled in for the sleepover, and questioning Derpy where Julius was, she simply pointed towards the bathroom. Settling in with Dinky and Dizzy, the ponies brought with them each a gift for Julius, celebrating his arrival to Ponyville instead of a party, much to Pinkie's distaste, they aswell brought various overnight provisions like a sleeping bag, and other miscellaneous items. Spreading out their sleeping bags, and Fluttershy politely leaving a pillow and blanket on the recliner for Julius.

Soon enough Julius returned from the bathroom, and surprised the ponies with his sudden change. His once wild hair was now tamed, trimmed down and slicked back behind his ears and reaching down to his neck, and the once snow white dye was removed and presented with dirty blond hair. His suit folded neatly into his arm and replaced with grey sweatpants and a solid black tanktop, which exposed the gauze wrapping under his body. “W-W-Welcome back...” He quietly stated as the ponies smiled back, Julius storing his suit in a laundry basket and took his seat at the recliner.

Soon enough the ponies returned to watching the various shows and commenting on them, these ranged wildly from movies to historical shows, culinary to gardening, the variety was expansive to Julius' thoughts, and there was a significant lack of advertisements, to which he could approve of. Dinky and Dizzy quickly stopping when it came to a particular show, an animated series on the Wonderbolts, much to the enjoyment of Rainbow Dash and the irritation to Rarity. Julius' interest raised here as the show went on for most of the half-hour while the twins enjoyed the show along with Rainbow Dash, Rarity's snarky comments on the show brushed off simply.

As the show came to an end, the three began debating the rating for this episode and came up with an eight out of ten. When asking Julius about what his opinion was on the show, he replied that he didn't know anything about the show, or for the matter what the Wonderbolts were. Upon the realization that he didn't know, the three chastised him before starting on the members and what they do, from amazing acrobatics to demonstrations of their skills, telling off all eleven of their names with a notable addendum that Rainbow Dash would become a Wonderbolt, Julius soaking in the information as they continued on until he could calm them down. “I-I-I'm s-sure t-t-that y-you could t-t-tell me a-a-all a-a-about t-t-them s-s-soon...b-but p-p-p-please c-calm d-d-down..”

Complying at his request, the three calmed down before it became apparent the twins warmed up to Julius and began a series of questions about him. “What's your actual name?” Dinky asked innocently, Julius humming for a second before speaking slowly.

“J-J-Julius G-Gordon C-C-Crowley, b-but I-I a-a-also g-go by D-Demirci a-after m-m-my a-ancestors...” He softly said, pointing at his saber, which was lying by his side, propped up by a stand. “C-C-Culture i-in my h-homel-land h-had a f-f-first name, t-t-then t-two l-last n-n-names...” he explained before Dizzy asked the next question, her voice pitch almost the same as her sisters which surprised Julius a bit when he realized it.

“Are there different kinds of people, like Pegasus or Unicorns?” Dinky looked at her sister then back to Julius with another innocent smile, Julius smiling before leaning forward to take one of the last grilled cheese and proceeded to explain.

“S-Sort of....w-we g-g-go by w-where we l-l-live. I-I-I'm H-H-Hispanic a-and T-T-Turkish. M-M-Means I-I h-h-have t-t-two k-kinds o-o-of p-people. H-Hispanic b-b-because I-I'm p-p-primarily f-f-from my h-h-homeland o-of S-Spain. T-T-Turkish f-from m-m-m-my a-ancestry....” The twins looked at each other then to Julius as he ate the sandwich quickly before they attempted to learn how to say the rather complicated words. Julius let out a small laugh and proceeded to teach them how to pronounce it. Although they still needed to practice, they got the basics down in a good few minutes before Derpy came over.

“Alright, my little muffins, that's enough bothering Mister Crowley, it's almost bedtime and there's still school in the morning.” She stated, the two foals voicing their disapproval but accepted it, allowing their elder sister to help them get a bed going while the others slipped into their sleeping bags and prepared for sleep. Julius watched them slowly before staring at the ceiling until he could hear just snoring a half-hour later and slowly stood up, creeping from the group after grasping his szabla he simply strapped it to his belt and slid himself over to the desk and took his seat. Carefully checking over the group, he slid out his Kindle and began reading.

- -

However, as the clock on his Kindle ticked it was midnight in his home, the moon was rising over the home and the last light within his home was doused out. However, Julius felt that someone was watching, and slowly set the electronic down and turned towards the sliding door, seeing nothing before something caught his vision and drew the blade swiftly. His woke only Rainbow Dash up, who looked around before noticing Julius' blade was drawn, but she could tell that he wasn't at all happy. “J-Julius?” She mumbled out as the human looked towards her and put his finger against his lips and pointed towards the window.

Looking over, she couldn't momentarily see anything, then it became clear what she was looking at. It was some kind of creature from the Everfree, and matched the description of what Applejack was saying she saw in the western fields. What either couldn't see was that this creature was staring back at them....without any eyes. Julius gritted his teeth as it slowly circled the home before the rest of them were awaken by sounds of rattling bones and then a ear-piercing scream before the house shook and Julius released a series of curses in the languages he knew. “What the hay was that?!” Applejack quickly shouted as they were roused by the creature calling.

“It's some kind of abomination!” Julius shouted, the rare moment that he could manage to push his stuttering away. Twilight quickly took note of the creature before rousing Spike from his deep slumber with a violent shaking.

“Spike, quick!” The dragon roused from his sleep just as the creature rammed itself into the house again, Julius releasing another series of curses and aimed his blade towards the sliding door as the creature became even more obvious that it was in fact some kind of abomination. “Spike, send this letter to the Princess, quick!” As the dragon inhaled and sent the letter, Julius gripped the hilt of his saber and quickly nodded his head towards the bathroom.

“H-hide th-there...” He directed, most of them complying in exception to Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash who stood their ground as the creature began rattling again. “F-Fine...s-s-stand your g-g-ground....” Julius whispered quietly as the creature continued rattling its bones in intimidation. The others took deep breaths, knowing very well they were scared as this creature reared itself and prepared to charge, before it suddenly began to crumble. Julius watched as his stance strengthened, then he noticed a brightly colored pony slipped from where it was. “W-What...” He simply stated before two more ponies joined them.

“Are you KIDDING ME?!” Twilight suddenly shouted, unlatching the door and slamming it open as the rest followed in suit. Julius relaxed his stance as the 'creature' was becoming more obvious. It was a cleverly made costume, to Julius' notice before his gaze turned to the ponies as Twilight began to tell them off. “Why did you do this?! Huh?!” She shouted, as it became evident she didn't enjoy what this scene was.

Sheepishly one of the ponies, a bulky stallion with a solid orange coat and blue mane, spoke up. “We...wanted a joke on that thing?” He said pointing his hoof towards Julius before Twilight's eyebrows furrowed even further.

“A joke? You call THAT a joke?!” She shouted, pointing at the costume as Julius surveyed the damage done to his home, noticing that the decaying mortar was chipping and a spiderweb of cracks spread out across it. “You are so...so...STUPID, you could've hurt somepony, especially the two foals inside!” However, as she opened her mouth to speak again, Julius put his hand in front of her face and looked at the three stallions.

“G-Get the f-f-fuck off m-my property.” He said menacingly, pointing the tip of his blade at the stallions, who quickly complied and started running. Julius resheathed the saber and took deep breaths. “S-Sorry, T-T-Twilight...I-I'm....I-I dunno....” He stated, Twilight put off at the fact he just threatened three stallions, and concerned as he shook. “T-T-They....I-I-I just w-w-wanted t-to p-p-p-protect....” He stopped when he felt a hoof pat him on the shoulder, Twilight realizing that he was just being protective of them.

“It's okay, Julius, I understand.” Soon enough Applejack and Rainbow Dash joined Twilight in a short-lived hug as Julius quickly felt uncomfortable, haven't dealt with such affection from ponies he met in a short amount of time.

“O-Okay...l-l-lets g-get everyp-pony back t-t-to bed...” He started, the three complying while Rainbow Dash congratulated Julius on sticking up for himself, and having the guts to teach them a lesson not to mess with you. Julius took it as a compliment before returning inside, and dead bolting the sliding glass door.

Later that night, Julius was already fast asleep, his energy drained enough. However, with that nights events passing by, the sleeping arrangements were obviously affixed with Derpy asleep with her sisters, and the Mane Six were all huddled around the coffee table, leaving the couch for Julius to sleep on. The last to sleep was Twilight, and even then, the memory of the night were burned into her mind.

- Epilogue -

The following morning, Celestia arrived with a squadron of her Royal Guards, desperately apologizing to Twilight as she blacked out before the letter arrived. Upon accounting the events from each pony, omitting Julius' threat and utilizing his now hidden saber, the guards were dispatched to arrest the troublemakers. After her short visit came an end, Dinky and Dizzy gave Julius their best attempt at a hug and thanked him for 'being a hero' for them, and allowing them to stay. The Mane Six each left afterwards until Rainbow Dash was last, and made Julius do a promise he would show her more of his techniques with his sword. When silence came over his home, Julius was content that he made a mark today. But he couldn't help but feel his eye twitch violently at times, and he felt something in his mind burn before he faintly began hearing voices in his head.

Shaking this off, Julius decided that he needed another nap, believing he was just hallucinating at the moment. Leaving the day and following night alone as he slept on.